Kicks & Giggles

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20

Aries, despite your best efforts, you cannot seem to get much work done this week. Your head is in the clouds with matters of the heart. Soon enough your focus will return.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21

This week you may tire from charging into battle and prefer others to do the fighting for you, mighty Taurus. You can use a rest from always putting yourself out there.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21

Adopt a more serious tone this week, Gemini. Your actions may be judged without your knowledge, so lay low. Put the most professional foot forward.

Crossword Puzzle

By Ron Giofu

The future of Malden Centre Park was up for discussion last Friday evening.

A public open house was held at the Libro Centre with members of the public giving their input on what the park should and shouldn’t contain. People discussed lost amenities, from playgrounds to tennis courts, where the town spends its money and voiced concern over what recreational facilities are left for the children of the community.

Jeremy Giesbrecht, vice president of the Amherstburg Minor Baseball Association (AMBA), said he went just to check things out and see what was happening. He said he wanted to listen to what the town officials had to say and build a better relationship with the community.

“It’s an information meeting,” said Giesbrecht. “They just want to hear our opinions.”

Giesbrecht said they want to keep an open mind and they want to make sure there are things for children to do at the County Road 20 park. While AMBA is currently based out of Malden Centre Park, the group wants to ensure they maintain a location in Amherstburg they can call their own.

Gwen Tytgat stated she has roots at the park and noted the Deslippe family donated the land for the park.

“I have played ball at this park since 1983. My husband and I met at this park in 1977. He was playing baseball and I was watching,” she said.

Tytgat said the shelter at the site is smaller than the original and would like to see other components returned. Keeping the baseball diamonds there was another priority.

“I don’t want to see the ball diamonds gone,” she said.

Men’s, women’s children and co-ed leagues were once played out of that park, but most are gone now. Her daughter Becky Tremblay said there were so many baseball players in town when she grew up, there were Malden and Amherstburg leagues.

Tytgat said she would like to see tennis and pickleball back at the park, and remembered when a basketball league operated out of there too.

“It’s kind of sad to see that taken out,” she said. “It’s become a big dog park. People go in the fences and let their dogs loose.”

Tytgat said her family used to hold reunions at the park with over 80 people at many of the gatherings.

“I know the park needed upkeep but Amherstburg forgot about it,” she said. “This was free land. I don’t want to lose parkland because they think they have too many parks. We love our park.”

Director of parks, facilities, recreation and culture Heidi Baillargeon was happy with how the open house went.

“It went fantastic,” she said. “We heard from so many people. A lot of people commented on the tennis courts, pickleball courts and baseball diamonds.”

Regarding the latter, Baillargeon said Malden Centre Park has “great bones, great structure” for baseball. She added she heard “loud and clear” about the need for tennis and pickleball somewhere in Amherstburg.

Baillargeon said they want to gather feedback to see what people want and how they would use it, so administration can prepare a plan. Washrooms and lighting were other amenities were also discussed at the open house, as well as pathways to connect park components.

Another open house ils planned for the fall where concepts will be shared with the community to see if administration “hit the mark” or not. Once a design rounds into form, it will be presented to town council for more discussion.

Baillargeon anticipates the park’s development will be included as part of 2024 budget deliberations, adding there is a five-year capital plan in Amherstburg and needs have to be balanced in other areas as well. She indicated grant money would be pursued for the park should it become available.

Word Scramble

Rearrange the letters to spell something pertaining to the sea.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22

People may respond much better to comforting words and gestures this week, Cancer. Carefully construct your approach to communicating to reach the widest audience.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23

You may soon discover that a person who you consider a friend really is your perfect match, Leo. When you look at this person, the realization may suddenly dawn on you.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22

Virgo, others around you are especially sensitive this week, so even the slightest criticism could be mistaken for an insult. Rather than ruffle feathers, hold your tongue.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23

These next few days you could present an opportunity to break free from everyday life and the mundane, Libra. If you don’t know how to proceed, follow your gut.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22

You don’t always need to be in pursuit of some sort of intellectual betterment, Scorpio. Get outside and take a walk or swim in a lake. Engage in trivial things that bring you joy.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21

Sagittarius, you are capable of producing impressive results if you set your mind on a plan. This is the week to dabble in a new hobby that will bring forth your creativity.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20

Some debates may not come to a swift resolution, Capricorn. You may need to accept that you simply disagree with someone on a particular topic and let things lie.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18

Aquarius, you may have been a little worried about your work or studies lately. This week things will lighten up and you’ll feel much more in control of your situation.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20

This is likely to be a busy week filled with the potential for travel. Bring along a close friend or a loved one for the adventure.

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