Special Olympics return, North Star High School among the participants

By Ron Giofu

The Special Olympics returned last week.

Local high schools within the Greater Essex County District School Board (GECDSB) brought their Special Olympians to Essex District High School last Friday with North Star High School being among the group. Events included a 10m race, a 25m race, beanbag tosses, shot put, softball throw, running long jump, standing long jump, 50m races and 100m races.

Approximately eight public high schools were part of last Friday’s events, which wrapped up with a dance after the athletic competitions were concluded. Elementary school students from the GECDSB competed earlier in the week, also in Essex.

Mikki

“We had 35 athletes that competed,” said Balestrini. “Everyone did really well.”

The student athletes were preparing leading up to the track and field meet, something they haven’t had a chance to do the previous three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Everyone did great,” Balestrini emphasized. “They competed with kids their own ages from various schools. I think they all exceed their expectations.”

Balestrini added while it was nice to be able to compete against students from other public high schools within the region, it was also an opportunity for the student athletes to meet one another and develop friendships.

“They really loved it,” she said of the local Special Olympics meet.

By Ron Giofu

The following are briefs from the May 8 meeting of Amherstburg town council.

New cargo van

Town council has approved a tender for a new cargo van.

The tender comes with a motion to approve a $22,073.60 over-expenditure for the purchase with the total cost not to exceed $62,073.60.

The over-expenditure will be funded from the water and wastewater reserves.

According to a report from manager of roads and fleet Eric Chamberlain, an ad was placed on the town’s website using the bids and tenders system for a 2023/24 three-quarter ton medium height cargo van. Only one tender was received with that coming from Joe Meloche Ford Sales.

“This fleet replacement was budgeted in 2022 and the town had attempted to receive quotes twice last year with no success,” Chamberlain wrote in his report.

Chamberlain added the town will sell the existing cargo van on Gov. Deals, an online government auction site, once the municipality obtains the new vehicle.

True TRUE Festival costs

What was the actual cost of the TRUE Festival in Amherstburg a few months back? Councillor Molly Allaire posed questions regarding costs during the May 8 meeting, stating cheque registry totals show expenditures topped $19,000 rather than the $4,000$5,000 costs she said was quoted several months earlier this year by manager of tourism and culture

Anne Rota.

Director of parks, facilities, recreation and culture

Heidi Baillargeon responded by stating the town received a $70,000 grant, with that helping to cover costs relating to the TRUE Festival and the River Lights Winter Festival.

Playground

Councillor Molly Allaire wanted an update on the playground equipment at Briar Ridge Park and Jack Purdie Park. Director of parks, facilities, recreation and culture Heidi Baillargeon reminded council the parks had suffered vandalism and damage when the temporary ground surface was pulled up, causing the parks to be closed once again. Baillargeon indicated during the meeting the firm hired to place a permanent surface is coming within weeks to make the repairs and re-open the playground equipment.

License bureau questions

Mayor Michael Prue has asked town administration

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Ages 4-14

Ages 4-14 to investigate a concern he heard from an Amherstburg resident. Prue indicated he was contacted with a potential concern with the future of the Service Ontario branch in town.

Prue said he wanted to get clarification on the Service Ontario office’s future and whether what was shared was rumour or fact.

Deb Didone, who owns and operates the Amherstburg outlet, told the River Town Times they are not going anywhere and will be fine as long as people come in to do their business.

Didone added they will be celebrating their eighth anniversary under her ownership June 1 and will start re-opening Saturdays beginning June 3.

New deputy clerks

The Town of Amherstburg has a new deputy clerk. Sarah Sabihuddin was introduced by clerk Kevin Fox at the May 8 meeting. It was Sabihuddin’s first meeting as deputy clerk, though she is not the only one to be hired and approved by town council.

In a bylaw passed later in the meeting, Karly Kennedy joined Sabihuddin as deputy clerk. Sabihuddin was previously with the Windsor Police Services Board.

Award nominee

The Town of Amherstburg has selected its nominee for an Ontario Senior Achievement Award. Councillor Molly Allaire put forth the name of Eleanor Warren, a long-time pillar of the Marsh Historical Collection. Allaire said Warren has a long history of community involvement and believed Warren is a good nominee for the award, with the rest of town council agreeing.

“She has been a part of Amherstburg forever,” said Allaire.

Deputy Mayor Chris Gibb added that he sincerely believed Warren was deserving of the nomination. Gibb’s background includes being a board member with the Marsh Historical Collection.

“If it wasn’t for her, we would have that organization in this town,” said Gibb.