River Town Times November 30, 2022

Santa Claus comes to town!

By Ron Giofu

Thousands attended the Amherstburg Santa Claus Parade last Saturday night and organizers are pleased with how things went.

The parade was presented by the Windsor Parade Corporation, with executive director Maggie Durocher stating they were pleased overall with how things went. While there are issues they are already working to improve for next year, the parade drew large amounts of people throughout the route.

“The crowd was amazing,” said Durocher. “Amherstburg is a great audience.”

Durocher said retired CTV anchor Jim Crichton joined the team as a colour commentator with Joe McParland also providing commentary throughout the parade. She said there were great equine entries, as well as dogs, bands and community entries joining the floats offered by the parade corporation.

Prue outlines priorities during inaugural meeting of town council

By Ron Giofu

The new Amherstburg town council is officially on the job.

While the term actually began Nov. 15, the 2022-26 town council was publicly administered their oaths of office Monday night at the inaugural meeting at the McGregor Columbian Club Hall.

After the Royal Canadian Legion Br. 157 colour guard led the new council to the front of the room, each member was indi vidually invited up to be sworn in by CAO Valerie Critchley, who also noted she was acting

as the clerk. Deputy Mayor Chris Gibb was followed by Councillor Molly Allaire, Councillor Peter Courtney, Councillor Linden Crain, Councillor Don McArthur and Councillor Diane Pouget before Mayor Michael Prue was sworn in and presented the chain of office by Critchley.

Prue, who had previously served four years as a councillor following a lengthy municipal and provincial political career in the Toronto area, started his inau gural address by thanking wife Shirley, his campaign team and the people who voted for him.

Prue added his wife has been with him through 17 elections. He added his thanks to the people who didn’t vote for him as well as they took part in the democratic process.

The new Amherstburg mayor also outlined some of the priori ties he hopes to tackle over the next four years.

“In knocking on 9,500 doors, you learn a lot,” said Prue. “The number one issue is they don’t want a tax increase. They want us to spend money wisely and to see revenue continue to come in.” Continued on Page 4

The inaugural meeting of the new Amherstburg town council was held Monday night at the Columbian Club Hall in McGregor. Those who will be serving on town council during the 2022-26 term will be (standing, from left): Councillor Molly Allaire, Councillor Peter Courtney, Councillor Linden Crain, Councillor Don McArthur and Councillor Diane Pouget. Seated in the front are Mayor Michael Prue and Deputy Mayor Chris Gibb.

RTT PHOTO BY RON GIOFU

to the crowd at the conclusion of the Amherstburg Santa Claus Parade last Saturday night.

The Greater Essex County District School Board recently elected its chair and vice chair for the 2022-23 school year. During the meeting, Walkerville student Evan MacLean performed on the violin for trustees and administration in attendance. Amherstburg/LaSalle trustee Ron LeClair was acclaimed chair of the operations and finance committee. Photo from the GECDSB website

By Ron Giofu

The chair and vice-chair for the 2022-23 year have been chosen by the Greater Essex County District School Board (GECDSB).

Gale Simko-Hatfield is the new chair of the GECDSB, with Simko-Hatfield representing Windsor Wards 5, 6, 7 and 8. She was acclaimed to the position as was vice-chair Cathy Cooke, with Cooke also a trustee for Windsor Wards 5, 6, 7 and 8.

“I don’t take the opportunity to be the chair lightly,” said Hatfield. “It is reassuring to know my experience and dedication are valued and I fulfill the responsibili ties of chair to the best of my ability.”

Four trustees from last term – Jessica Sartori, Aimee Omstead, Alan Halberstadt and Alicia Higgison –have moved on and were thanked by Simko-Hatfield for their service.

“Their contributions to supporting public education are greatly appreciated,” she said.

Memories of Yesterday...

Photos courtesy of the Marsh Historical Collection 80 Richmond Street Amherstburg 519-736-9191

• www.marshcollection.org

Simko-Hatfield welcomed trustees Kim McKinley (Windsor Wards 1, 2 and 9) and Connie Buckler (Te cumseh/Lakeshore) back to the board after time away while first-time trustees Christie Nelson (Windsor Wards 3, 4 and 10) and Nancy Armstrong (Leaming ton and Pelee Island) join the board.

Returning trustees include Simko-Hatfield, Cooke, Ron LeClair (Amherstburg and LaSalle), Sarah Cip kar (Windsor Wards 3, 4 and 10), Julia Burgess (Essex and Kingsville) and Linda Qin (Windsor Wards 1, 2 and 9). Student trustees are Ayah Khanafer and Paige Hawkins, the latter being a student at North Star High School in Amherstburg.

“A new four-year term is exciting and potentially in timidating as we find our way,” said Simko-Hatfield. “Students are at the centre of everything we do.”

Simko-Hatfield said a priority is to maintain inperson learning as students were impacted during the COVID-19 pandemic, adding “the best learning is in the classroom.” She said in a collective bargaining year, they hope for fair agreements with every one involved. Eliminat ing racism was identified as another priority of the board, she added.

Protecting and main taining a quality public education system was also pointed out, with Simko-Hatfield also praising teachers and all educators.

the last two years, with her stating “I’m looking for ward to working with (Simko-Hatfield) as vice-chair.” Like Simko-Hatfield, Cooke was acclaimed to her po sition.

LeClair nominated both Simko-Hatfield and Cooke to their respective positions. About Simko-Hatfield, LeClair said because it is the first year of a new term, he believed Simko-Hatfield’s experience made her a good choice for the role. He recalled his first year on the board and said he learned a lot from her.

“Her experience is a valuable asset that shouldn’t be overlooked especially considering the challenges we’ll be facing in the coming year,” he said.

Simko-Hatfield had previously served nine times in the chair’s position, LeClair noted, and she is “a strong advocate for public education.”

Of Cooke, LeClair recalled his year as GECDSB board chair, noting it was “a tumultuous year” and he called on her for advice during that term.

LeClair also was acclaimed to a position, as he will chair the public board’s operations and finance com mittee. He did not speak to his own position. The vice chair of that committee will be Christie Nelson.

Buckler was acclaimed as chair of the education committee with McKinley acclaimed as vice chair.

A group of local soldiers who served in World War I. Seated left to right: Martin Gibbs and Wallace Meloche (both of Anderdon Township).

Cooke returns to the same role she has had for

The board’s audit committee will consist of LeClair, Hatfield and Cipkar. The Special Education Advisory Committee will include McKinley and Armstrong with Qin as an alternated. Burgess will be the Ontario Pub lic School Boards Association (OPSBA) representative and voting delegate with Cipkar being the alternate to both positions. The Supervised Alternative Learning Committee will include Nelson and Armstrong with McKinley as alternate while the Greater Essex County Parent Involvement Committee saw Qin appointed to it with McKinley as the alternate.

Greater Essex County District School Board elects its chair, vice chair for 2022-23

North Star High School honours top academic students from the previous school year

By Ron Giofu

Despite being in a new school this year, the “Top Dogs” and “Mightiest Warriors” were honoured for their aca demic achievements last week.

North Star High School presented its first-ever academic awards last Wednesday evening with the celebra tion being a nod to the two former schools that were combined. The hon our roll students from the 2021-22 academic year, when the students at tended General Amherst High School and Western Secondary School, were recognized with 205 of the 285 students honoured in attendance.

Students who had an grade average of 80 per cent or higher last year made the honour roll and were invited to the ceremony. Students with an average of 90 per cent or higher were named to the Principal’s Roll of Academic Excellence.

“Top Dogs,” which were students with the highest average in Grade 9, 10 or 11 last year at General Amherst High School, included Jad Ali (Grade 9), Ad disyn Walker (Grade 10) and Shahd Altahhan (Grade 11). Mightiest War riors, the top students in their grades and/or program from last year at West ern, included Aidan Ozard (MAPS Gr. 9), Colton Vale (MAPS Gr. 10), Jacob Sammut (MAPS Gr. 11), Alyssia DiGiovanni (MAPS Gr. 12) and Audrey Buxbaum (STEPS).

Erin Kelly, director of education with the Great er Essex County District School Board (GECDSB), called the evening “a cel ebration of academic ex cellence” and while many see education as a means to an end, it can be more than that as well. Having a good education can lead to improved perspectives and the ability to chal lenge ideas going for ward.

Tina Sharman, chairper son of the parent advisory council, said it was a time for students to not only to be congratulated on their achievements but to also remain humble going for ward. She paid tribute to teachers and support staff for their role in the educa

tion of the students and also thanked parents as well. Sharman also encour aged other parents to get involved and become part of North Star High School’s parent advisory council.

North Star principal Melissa De Bruyne indicated they practiced pa tience in order to get where they are, as it was the first function of any sort held in the new high school’s gymnasium. She also called it a celebration of stu dent achievement regardless of what pathway they were on.

“I’m very proud of the pathways we offer,” said DeBruyne.

The academic awards was “the start of a new tradition here,” she added.

Chere Tulett, head of guidance at North Star High School, said she was “very, very proud” of the students and their accomplishments.

“We haven’t had this moment in two years,” Tulett explained. “(The stu dents) worked very hard.”

North Star vice principal Sara Fior vento-Balsdon told the students as sembled in the gymnasium “you are each part of what makes our school so special.” Fiorvento-Balsdon thanked staff, parents and guardians for their work in “fostering confident learn ers which will make a difference” in the community.

North Star High School held its academic banquet last Wednesday night to honour students who made the honour roll last year at General Amherst High School and Western Secondary School. It was the first event held in North Star’s new gymnasium. RTT Photo by Ron Giofu

Among the “Top Dog” and “Mightiest Warrior” Award winners at last week’s North Star High School academic banquet were (from left): Lucas Chao, Audrey Buxbaum, Shahd Altahhan, Addisyn Walker, Colton Vale, Jad Ali and Eric Moore. Not pictured are Gracie Belisle, Aidan Ozard, Jacob Sammut and Alyssia DiGiovanni. RTT Photo by Ron Giofu

New town council publicly sworn in, Prue delivers inaugural address

Noting administration is preparing a 2023 budget that council will deliberate on in January, Prue added “absolute confidence” the town can deliver a budget with little to no tax increase. He also noted the previous council managed to pay down the town’s debt and wanted the new council to continue.

Parks and recreational amenities were also something Prue said needs to be addressed, adding that user groups have to be involved. He also said he would like to see users help to bring such amenities back, noting groups seeking bike trails and additional indoor sports have already started step ping up.

People don’t want any more talk about parkland sales, he stated, and parks are important in all areas of Amherstburg.

“We will not forget Co-An Park and we will not forget Malden,” said Prue.

A boat launch at Ranta Park was another priority and Prue believed that was an issue council members could agree on.

Developing the former Duffy’s prop erty was another priority but Prue said the town has been held up by provin cial regulations that have to be satisfied before any work can proceed there. Once the town gets the go ahead, Prue called for developing the site as rapidly as possible.

“The public needs to walk on the grass at that park,” he said. “It need not be fenced off any longer.”

Prue also addressed having a

prosperous town, noting the town is “blessed with industrial land” including 600 acres of land at Amherstburg Land Holdings and in the Smith Industrial Park area. If those lands start to develop, it can lead not only to tax revenue but having people stay in Amherstburg to work instead of having to travel elsewhere.

A need to protect heritage was also identified, including Prue wishing to see a heritage district finally established after years of waiting. He also was eager

to see urban design guidelines finalized. He pointed out a new heritage planner came on board as of Oct. 31.

Maintaining and upgrading roads, both rural and urban, was also encour aged as Prue said he heard about roads a lot while walking along them during the campaign.

“People will tell you ‘look at these lousy roads’,” said Prue. “We walked all of the streets. They are in pretty sad shape.”

Prue added he looks forward to a

parking and traffic study that is on the way for the downtown area as well.

Seniors will “not be forgotten,” he said, referencing a plan to return the Fort Malden Golden Age Club to the former ACS building on Victoria St. S. He also said Amherstburg needs “to be at the forefront” as it relates to the environment, including additional solar panels, more EV charging stations and thousands more trees planted.

Provincial mandates were another issue, with Prue pointing out the province’s Bill 23 as an example. He said while it is a positive the bill will encourage additional housing, he awaits further reports from administra tion on the impact it could have on the town in relation to a decline in develop ment fees.

“I want to ask developers – please build affordable housing,” Prue continued. “We need it.”

A united council that builds consensus was something Prue also wants to strive for, noting he would rather not see a lot of 4-3 votes but to get members on the same page. He said “I’m proud of this team” and also praised town employees.

“The staff does an excellent job,” the mayor said.

Prue added he plans to speak on most issues and is calling for making it easier to make public deputations, including having meeting agendas out a week before the meeting. He noted four members of council have experience while three are new but all bring their own skillsets to their positions.

New pedestrian crosswalk at Simcoe St. and Victoria St. S. now fully operational

Special to the RTT

The new pedestrian crosswalk near North Star High School is now in service.

The Town of Amherstburg is informing the community that the pedestrian crossover at the corner of Simcoe St. and Victoria St. South became fully operational as of 5 p.m. this past Monday (Nov. 28).

The pedestrian crossover is a signal ization system to assist residents and students crossing Simcoe St. by push button activation.

Drivers must stop when a pedestrian triggers and activates the lights on the system, which indicates it is safe for

the pedestrian to cross.

This is new to the Town of Amherstburg, the town stated in a media release, but is not new to the region. It is important that those driving are aware of their obligation to stop when the lights are activated.

The new pedestrian crosswalk at the corner of Simcoe St. and Victoria St. S. is now operational.

It is intended to give people safe passage through that intersection as they cross. It is near North Star High School.

•

•

•

•

ON N9V 1E9

Jim Heyens

Ron Giofu

Laura D’Alessandro

Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Valerie Critchley swore in Mayor Michael Prue (above left), Deputy Mayor Chris Gibb and the five town councillors during a public inauguration ceremony Monday

Essex County council makes history in election of new warden

By Ron Giofu

Essex County council has elected its warden for the 2022-26 council term and made history in the process.

The 14 members of county council selected Leamington Mayor Hilda MacDonald as their new leader, as she won a two-person race for the county’s top political job, a job that has been in existence for almost 170 years. She becomes the first woman to become the county warden.

MacDonald ran against Tecumseh Mayor Gary McNamara for the job, with McNamara seeking re-election to the position he held from 2018-22.

“Wow, this is huge,” said MacDonald, as she assumed the chair during last Wednesday night’s inaugural meeting. “It’s a momentous occasion for me personally but when you think of all of the people who have come before us, it’s really moving.

MacDonald added “the time is right” for such a historic occasion.

“Look at the diversity around this table,” she said. “The population of this region has shown that they are ready for diversity. They are ready to have themselves represented at this table. It’s no longer just one demographic. Skin colour, gender, age, all of those things are represented at this table. I’m proud to be elected by you, my fellow colleagues.”

MacDonald pointed out she didn’t write a speech beforehand, as she “didn’t want to jinx it.” Both she and McNamara declared their intention to seek the position of warden at the Nov. 4 warden’s banquet. MacDonald thanked McNamara for his support since MacDonald joined Essex County council eight years ago.

“You were someone I could go to for advice and instruction,” MacDonald told McNamara. “You supported me at the AMO (Association of Municipalities of Ontario) level and I will be forever grateful.”

The new warden shared her vision of how she wants to lead the county for the next four years.

“Going forward, as we are such a diverse group, I’m looking to lead with the idea we get to know each other better,” said MacDonald. “We get to know each other's communities better, that we engage more so than we have in the past. That we work together to make this county a better place based on our own experiences and knowledge of our own communities. We need to talk about what we’re doing in our own communities, share that, and use that as guidance going forward in the county.”

Being strategic is another priority MacDonald identified.

“We learned that during the pandemic,” she said. “That’s when we learned to work together as a team, to me, like never before. We learned we have to have those relationships with other organizations within the region to be stronger and to be better and that for me is what we need to do going forward.”

MacDonald said she was “thrilled” to be elected by her colleagues as warden and that “you would think

enough of me to put me in this spot.”

“Let’s get the job going and enjoy the next four years,” said MacDonald. “Let’s be productive, let’s work as a team. Let’s be engaged like never before.”

According to the County of Essex’s website, MacDonald was first elected as a councillor in Leamington and served two terms in that position. She moved up to deputy mayor in 2014 and was elected as mayor in 2018 and 2022.

Tecumseh Deputy Mayor Joe Bachetti was elected as deputy warden, as he ran against LaSalle Mayor Crystal Meloche for the position.

“I am very humbled to be elected as the deputy warden for the next term,” Bachetti said, as he thanked his family and Tecumseh council colleagues. He also thanked McNamara for his work on county council.

Bachetti reiterated statements he made at the warden’s banquet, that “I feel now is the time to seize the energy this new council brings, with the sense of collaboration and possibility.” He also touted the “diverse county council” and he encouraged county council members to get involved with committees and be “the voice for the county.”

“As deputy warden, I will commit to working collaboratively with Warden MacDonald, administration and the rest of county council members,” he said.

The striking committee that will help determine county committee assignments include MacDonald, Bachetti, Kingsville Mayor Dennis Rogers, LaSalle Deputy Mayor Mike Akpata and Leamington Deputy Mayor Larry Verbeke.

Other members of county council this term include Amherstburg Mayor Michael Prue, Amherstburg Deputy Mayor Chris Gibb, Essex Mayor Sherry Bondy, Essex Deputy Mayor Rob Shepley, Kingsville Deputy Mayor Kimberly DeYong, Lakeshore Mayor Tracey Bailey, and Lakeshore Deputy Mayor Kirk Walstedt.

County council members were officially sworn in by the Honourable Mr. Justice George King.

Marnie Pouget, chief of staff for Essex MP Chris Lewis, brought greetings on Lewis’ behalf. Lewis’ message congratulated all members of county council, including the new warden and deputy warden.

“He looks forward to meeting with many of you in your new roles in the upcoming months as we work together for the people that we serve,” said Pouget.

Essex MPP Anthony Leardi noted he brought greetings not only on his own behalf, but also for Windsor-Tecumseh MPP Andrew Dowie and Chatham-Kent-Leamington MPP Trevor Jones. Leardi pointed out that every municipality in Essex County has an MPP that is also part of the government.

“In Toronto, I commonly refer to you as ‘my people’ and I feel that way,” said Leardi.

Leardi said the three area MPPs look forward to working with county council and they thought it was “very important” to have representation at the inaugural meeting.

“We think the County of Essex is very, very important,” he said. “I encourage you to contact and reach out to all of us. I look forward to all of you. I’ve had my office specifically make an effort to reach out to all of your town halls.”

Among the other dignitaries and officials that were introduced was Jean Paul Gagnier, the warden in 1973.

Essex County council was officially sworn in for the 2022-26 term last Wednesday night. Top row (from left): Kingsville Deputy Mayor Kimberly DeYong, Amherstburg Deputy Mayor Chris Gibb, Amherstburg Mayor Michael Prue, Kingsville Mayor Dennis Rogers, Lakeshore Deputy Mayor Kirk Walstedt, Leamington Deputy Mayor Larry Verbeke. Front row (from left): Essex Deputy Mayor Rob Shepley, LaSalle Deputy Mayor Mike Akpata, Essex Mayor Sherry Bondy, Warden and Leamington Mayor Hilda MacDonald, Deputy Warden and Tecumseh Deputy Mayor Joe Bachetti, LaSalle Mayor Crystal Meloche, Tecumseh Mayor Gary McNamara and Lakeshore Mayor Tracey Bailey. County of Essex photo

Performers returning to Amherstburg after two-year absence for fundraising concert

By Ron Giofu

A fundraising concert is planned for Christ An glican Church featuring two musicians who have performed in Amherstburg before.

Tia McGraff and Tommy Parham will be the guest musicians that the church is bringing in for their Dec. 4 show, which is to raise money for the People’s World Relief and Development Fund (PWRDF) Indigenous Language Reclamation Program. McGraff said the charity was chosen by Christ Anglican Church, but she and Parham are eager performers.

“We’re excited and happy to be involved with that,” said McGraff. “It’s the church’s charity. It’s the benefit that Tommy and I are happy to come down to play.”

McGraff pointed out Parham is part Native American and is honoured to be able to be part of the show.

“This means a lot to us,” she said. “We are hon oured to be part of truth and reconciliation events and raising money for the cause.”

The concert was to have been held Nov. 20 but McGraff and Parham were snowed in at their home in Port Rowan, Ontario that weekend.

“Luckily they were willing to change the date for us,” said McGraff. “That’s nice because we can add in a few Christmas songs as well.”

The concert starts at 3 p.m. and McGraff esti mated it will last roughly 70-90 minutes. She said they were at Christ Anglican Church in 2019 and loved the show, noting the church has great acous tics and is a beautiful venue.

“With COVID, we haven’t been back since,” she said.

McGraff and Parham have made a new EP in conjunction with producer Kevin Fisher entitled “With Love.”

“We’re trying to spread the word of love and hope,” said McGraff. “We’re excited about coming to Amherstburg.”

McGraff said the music could be termed as “positive folk” and hopes the people will enjoy it.

In addition to resuming their concerts, McGraff added she has also written a children’s book called “Jake the Road Dawg” and she hopes to get out and promote that as well. Trips to Niagara Falls and Essex are planned for that.

Tickets for the Dec. 4 concert are $20 per adult plus $10 per family. They can be purchased by call ing 519-870-0930.

“It’ll be great to see each other again after such a long time,” said McGraff. She added they stayed in LaSalle last time they were in the area and en joyed their visit to Amherstburg.

Christmas at the Museum coming up Dec. 7

By Evon Jr. Brockett

The Amherstburg Freedom Museum is hosting their annual “Christmas At The Museum” event Dec. 7.

This event will be hosted inside the Nazrey African Methodist Episcopal Church which is on the campus of the Amherstburg Freedom Museum. The event will start at 7 p.m. with tickets be ing priced at $30. At this event, there will be musical performances from the Jim Walls Trio, refreshments, prizes, and a silent auction. There will be a variety of items being sold at the silent auction including Christmas-related items like treats, ornaments, and Christmas décor as well as non-Christmas related items like books, collectables, watches, etc. Alongside the silent auction happening, you will be hearing the beautiful music being played by the Jim Walls Trio.

The Jim Walls Trio will be playing Christmas music with a Christ mas medley and a jazz feel to it.

This event is open to all ages and families across Amherstburg. This event is a fundraiser for the Amherstburg Freedom Museum in which all the money being raised at this event will be going back into the museum. Tickets for this event can be purchased online at CAM2022.givesmart.com or can be purchased by coming into the museum.

In addition to that, this event is planned by the staff of the Am herstburg Freedom Museum and the fundraising committee.

According to Amherstburg Freedom Museum curator MaryKatherine Whelan: “It’s one of my favourite events! The church can only hold about 100 people, at our last in person event we sold out. I’d like to encourage people to make sure to get your tickets soon.” On top of that, this event will help get people into the holiday spirit as inside the church will be decorated and the atmosphere with the Jim Walls Trio playing Christmas songs will set the tone. When asked if the museum plans to host more events like this in the fu ture Whelan responds with “Yes. This has been an annual event we’ve held for a long time. It’s a tradition and we’re lucky to be doing it in person and not virtually this year. It’s fun for everyone to gather with Christmas spirit for the holidays.”

Christ Church is bringing back Tommy Parham and Tia McGraff for an afternoon benefit concert Dec. 4. Proceeds will benefit the PWRDF Indigenous Language Reclamation Program. Submitted photo

Local band finding success including release of first album

By Ron Giofu

A local band has just released their first album and the four band members are happy with how they’ve been re ceived thus far.

Two Years Apart – comprised of James D’Aloisio, Mitch D’Aloisio, Ryan Mick le and Chase Santavy – released their self-titled album “Two Years Apart” in late October. Santavy said they started working on the album last August.

“We’ve been trying to navigate the process, COVID, and the limitations with the studio,” said Santavy. “I really feel we poured our heart and soul into it.”

The album was recorded and pro duced with the support of Jacob Mc Intyre of Southpoint Records, who had previously recorded some of the band’s singles. The CD is one of the first major professional projects as a band.

“It was a cool project,” said Mickle. “We’re proud of it,” said James.

Mitch added the album is available on all major streaming platforms and they are hoping to launch videos on YouTube in the near future. Santavy added they are working with a videographer, who even offered to get Two Years Apart a show in Los Angeles.

“We’ve been working a lot,” said Mitch.

Two Years Apart is performing in shows locally, including one Friday night at the Meteor club in Windsor, but are also working to get shows in London and Toronto. The band, which was first formed in 2018, is working to

make as many contacts as they can and were working to line up a show in To ronto but that was shelved due to the pandemic.

Santavy said they are happy to be re gaining momentum, and playing such gigs as at Cosmos, located within Cae sars Windsor, as well as other clubs has helped them as musicians. They believe they have a diverse selection of music, and it is reflected on the new album.

“I think with the album, you will have something you can turn on and find something you like,” said Santavy.

Two Years Apart has met a lot of other bands in the area and when they go to shows to listen to others, they have tak en inspiration from them and try to find ways they can be better themselves.

Santavy said they are trying to grow and not be stagnant.

“It’s hard not to go to a show and ana lyze everything,” said Mitch.

Mickle stated more songs are in the works and the band rehearses at least once per week.

“We’re always working on new songs,” said Mickle. “We’re all super creative.”

An added wrinkle to their band prac tices is that James lives in Toronto so while the other three members of the band rehearse locally, James picks up what they’ve done off of Google Drive and works on his portion.

“We have good chemistry,” said San tavy. “It feels good to write music we all believe in.”

Mitch said it was good to actually hold a hard copy of their new CD with

Mickle adding “it feels amazing.”

“It feels great to have something we can leave behind,” said Santavy. “We discussed as being a business card of sorts. It feels cool to be able to hand it out at shows.”

Two Years Apart has upcoming shows at the Lion’s Head Tavern in Windsor Nov. 26 and at Shooter’s Roadhouse in Amherstburg Dec. 17. The band mem bers are grateful for the support they’ve received thus far.

“We’re definitely looking forward to what the future has in store for us,” said

Santavy. “We believe in us and it’s cool other people do too. It’s been a very ful filling experience to see there is a crowd and group of people who like us.”

In addition to McIntyre, the band also thanks Karl Vanier, who has let them practice at his home. It allowed them to develop as a band to where they went from participating in open mic nights to building a reputation in the local music industry.

“We wouldn’t exist where we are today without Karl and Jacob,” said Santavy.

The local band “Two Years Apart” has released its new CD, which is also available on most streaming services. Top row (from left): Ryan Mickle and Chase Santavy. Bottom row (from left): James D’Aloisio, Mitch D’Aloisio. Submitted photo

Thousands attend annual Santa Claus Parade

“It’s a regrouping process trying to get bands back in,” she said.

Some Canadian bands have folded or are not yet back parading after the COVID-19 pandemic, she explained, and there are American bands who are unavailable because the parade is the same weekend as U.S. Thanksgiving. One American band was part of Saturday night’s parade.

“I thought the community members that put floats together did a great job,” she said. “I was happy with our floats. Our warehouse manager did a great job.”

Durocher was very pleased with the addi tion of the “Fan Zone,” with the Amherstburg version of the “Fan Zone” being hosted at Rob & Tina’s No Frills. She said they drew great crowds and the volunteers that helped did a good job.

“We’re excited by that,” she said. “It did what we wanted it to do which is bring people into town early.”

Work is underway to make them bigger and better next year, she added, and thanked Caffeine & Co. for stepping

up to help with food and refreshments. The idea was that there would be “a return on investment” for sponsors by bringing people in early. Durocher added they are grateful to all sponsors, including Amherstburg GM, Dan Gemus Real Estate, No Frills, WFCU and Blimey’s and the Town of Amherstburg, adding the town was “very helpful” and Joe Meloche Ford was as well.

“A big shout out to (Windsor police) Sgt. Jim Hladki,” she said. “It’s not an easy route to monitor at all.”

Although happy with how things turned out overall, there is room for improvement. Durocher acknowledged there were gaps in the parade and said the introduction of inflatable characters and other new elements slowed the parade at points.

“Hopefully people understand,” she said. “We’re aware of it and we apologize.”

Future Santa Claus Parades being orga nized by the Windsor Parade Corporation include Dec. 3 in Windsor and Dec. 10 in Essex.

For more information, please visit www.windsorparade.org.

Louis Robidoux waves to the crowd along the parade route Saturday night.

Gerald Lemire poses with Santa Claus.

Santa Claus heads down Dalhousie St. Kobbler Jay performs

The Amherstburg Admirals Jr. C hockey club meets the fans along Richmond St.

The Anderdon Public School Band (above) and the River Rouge High School Band (below) were just two of the bands that participated in the Amherstburg Santa Claus Parade last Saturday night.

Sarah Parks Horsemanship part of the Santa Claus Parade.

RTT PHOTOS BY RON GIOFU For additional photos, please view our Facebook album!

The Rotary Club of Amherstburg float heads down Richmond St.

Pepe’s Pumpkins were participants

Aaron Zakal enjoys himself during the parade

U of W helps Essex County adults with disabilities stay active

The beaming smiles say it all.

People supported by Community Living Essex County radiate joy as they frequent the University of Windsor’s Toldo Lancer Centre. Under the supervision of human kinetics students working with them one-on-one, these men and women with intellectual and developmental disabilities do cardio, weights, and sports— walking the track, working out in the gym, and shooting some hoops, playing badminton, or kicking around a soccer ball.

“They are so excited to come here. I cannot begin to express how much excitement there is,” said Cynthia Castellucci, a support worker to three men who use the centre. “This is good for them on so many levels.”

The program that brings Community Living Essex County to the Toldo Lancer Centre is offered by UWindsor’s Adaptive Physical Exercise Research Group, or APEX for short. Led by the Faculty of Human Kinetics professors Chad Sutherland and Sean Horton, the APEX program has been offered up to three times a year for as many as 12 weeks at a time.

Participants get much-needed exercise and social inter action— especially important after being on lockdown during the pandemic. Families of people in the program say their loved ones now want to exercise outside of APEX, can be more comfortable in new social situations, and no longer need certain medications thanks to the increased physical activity.

But the participants aren’t the only ones benefitting, said APEX co-ordinator Mikala Jones, a Master’s student conducting research on the program. Jones has discov ered student volunteers in the program have learned to look at the world through a more inclusive lens.

“I’m studying how being involved in APEX has changed their attitudes about working with people with disabilities,” Jones said.

“I’ve had students tell me they’ve changed their career plans because of this program.”

Jones said, in her own case, she started university intent on becoming a physiotherapist. Thanks to APEX, she now wants to work with people with disabilities.

“This is the highlight of my week,” she said. “I love working with them.”

APEX began in 2010 with a telephone inquiry. Sutherland, who normally specializes in high perfor mance sport, answered a message about what types of exercise would be good for adults with autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome and other intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The next thing he knew, he was developing a program and inviting people supported by Community Living Essex County to campus to take part.

“It began as offering a community service that wasn’t currently available, but it’s grown to be so much more

than that,” Sutherland said.

Dr. Horton said the program has had a far-reaching effect.

“We now have more than 200 former student volun teers out in the community, with the experience and training to act as advocates for people with an intellec tual disability,” he said.

Horton and Sutherland have built research into the program. Over the past decade, they have tested partici pants to assess their fitness levels before, during, and after completing the program, and have interviewed family members to gauge the impact of APEX.

They’ve developed an adaptive exercise manual avail able for download at no cost. It has been downloaded all across Canada and in more than a dozen countries. And they’ve produced a catalogue of videos showing how to properly perform exercises.

Both the manual and videos feature participants from Community Living Essex County in the demonstrations.

Horton and Sutherland apply for grants to keep APEX and its research going.

Current funding comes from Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment Foundation and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada. In the past, they’ve received grants from the Ontario Trillium Foundation and the Southern Network of Specialized Care.

Because the fitness program is tailored, participants can be in wheelchairs and have varying fitness levels and abilities.

Sutherland said one of the “critical aspects” of the program is that university students and members of the public using the Toldo Lancer Centre work out alongside the program’s participants.

“It is a truly inclusive environment.”

—Sarah Sacheli University of Windsor

Amherstburg Community Foundation searching for new members for board of directors

By Ron Giofu

The Amherstburg Community Foundation (ACF) is seeking new board members, including a new presi dent, after two members have joined town council.

The current board is shrinking from ten to eight members after the resignations of Chris Gibb and Linden Crain, Gibb being the president and Crain a director. Gibb is now the town’s deputy mayor while Crain is a councillor.

Gibb said the ACF board of directors met Nov. 17 where both he and Crain offered their resignations.

“We just can’t do both,” said Gibb. “We had a discus sion about the future of the foundation and what we had to do to keep the momentum going.”

The outgoing ACF president stated the foundation has been able to help a number of organizations over the last few years, listing an Amherstburg Public Library refresh, a speaker series and mentoring program at the Amherstburg Freedom Museum, helping cover

the cost of police clearances for Society of St. Vincent de Paul volunteers, repairs to the Gibson Gallery and a new accessibility ramp that will be installed at the Park House Museum as some of the examples.

“The list goes on and on,” said Gibb. “We want to keep the momentum going.”

The board of directors is now putting out the call for Amherstburg residents interested in joining and to “continue the momentum of helping the people who help Amherstburg.”

“You don’t have to have any special qualifications,” he added.

Gibb said the ACF board is a good group of people to work with and new board members have to be comfortable working with them as well as being willing to fundraise for projects.

“A big part of what the foundation does is to raise funds to add topspin to assist what other community groups are doing,” said Gibb. “If you are not comfort able picking up the phone and talking to people, it

Community Calendar

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3

CHRISTMAS MARKET - Presented by Safe Families Windsor-Essex. Held at Encounter Church, 125 Alma St. Numerous vendors to be on hand, everyone welcome. Runs from 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. $2 adults, kids 12-and-under free. Raffle, bake sale and more. To be a vendor or sponsor, call 226-340-9949 or e-mail windsor@safefamilies.ca.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4

FUNDRAISING CONCERT - Tia McGraff & Tommy Parham to perform at Christ Church, 317 Ramsay St. in Amherstburg, starting at 3 p.m. Concert rescheduled from Nov. 20. Raffles, 50/50 draw. Tickets $20 adult plus $10 per family. Please phone 519-870-0930 for tickets. All proceeds to support Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund’s Indigenous Language Reclamation Program.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7

CHRISTMAS AT THE MUSEUM - Presented by the Amherstburg Freedom Museum, inside the Nazrey AME Church, 277 King St. Featuring the Jim Walls Trio. Music, refreshments, silent auction. Tickets $30, available at CAM2022.givesmart.com. Event starts at 7 p.m. For info, call 519-736-5433 or visit www.amherstburgfreedom.org.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18

CHRISTMAS TURKEY DINNER - The 26th annual McGregor Community Christmas Turkey Dinner is either eat-in or take-out. Sponsored by the Knights of Columbus #2844, served by the Squirettes of Mary Circle #1001. No charge, donations accepted. For info or assistance in placing your order, call Rose Renaud at 519-919-5318.

ONGOING

LOLA’S PAJAMA FAIRY PROJECT - Donations of new pajamas can be dropped off at the Libro Centre for Sparky’s Toy Drive. A donation box also available at Re/Max Preferred Realty (80 Sandwich St. S. in Amherstburg). Pajamas will go to children and adults in need this holiday season.

STUFF A STOCKING FOR SENIORS - Presented by Amherstburg Community Services in conjunction with the Amherstburg Minor Hockey Association. Drop-off bins located in the lobby of the Libro Centre (3295 Meloche Road) or the Amherstburg Community Hub (320 Richmond St.) from Nov. 12-20. Suggested items include individual hot chocolates, word search books, individual soup packages, individually wrapped mints and candies, small packages of tissues and fruit cups. For info, call 519736-5471.

might not be for you.”

While the ACF board is now reduced to eight, they can actually grow to as many as 15 members. Gibb said the ACF’s bylaws allows for growth up to that number.

If anyone is interested in applying to be on the board of directors or would like more information, they can visit www.amherstburgfoundation.org or e-mail admin@amherstburgfoundation.org. Gibb said there is no hard deadline to apply but “I wouldn’t wait” as they are looking to fill the positions as quickly as possible.

Other members of the ACF board of directors include vice president Richard Peddie, treasurer David Beneteau, administrative director Lori Wightman and directors Dan Gemus, Jen Desjardins-Grondin, Steve Mayo, Nathalie MacDonald and Toni Ronayne.

“If we get some good expressions of interest, we might fill up fast,” said Gibb. “We’re looking for new ideas and fresh perspectives.”

FREE COMMUNITY MEAL - Lighthouse Church, in conjunction with Feeding Windsor, invites the public to join them Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. for a free meal. Everyone welcome. Come meet others in the community and enjoy some good food. No registration required. Bring a friend! Lighthouse Church is located at 266 King St., (entrance off Gore St.).

GOLDEN AGE CLUB - Fort Malden Golden Age Club, Amherstburg’s only friendship club, provides fun activities Monday to Friday at 1 p.m. at the Libro Centre. Monday and Friday we play Pepper, Tuesday is Euchre, Wednesday is bridge, Thursday is cribbage. We also provide line dancing Thursday mornings. However, bingo and line dancing are closed for July and August. Hope to see you there. www.goldenagecentre.ca.

MISSION HOURS - The Amherstburg Food and Fellowship Mission, 298 Victoria St. S., is open from 10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. with lunch served between 12:00-1:00 p.m. Mission’s food bank will be open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10:00 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. and 1:00-3:00 p.m. For info, call 519-736-9140 or visit www.aburgmission.ca. Stop by for food, fellowship and a warm welcome.

ACS FOOD BANK - Curbside pickup at Amherstburg Community Hub (320 Richmond St.). Runs Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-12 noon. Call 519-736-5471 for assistance.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED - Community service volunteer hours are available for high school students. Outside jobs at Bryerswood Youth Camp. Please contact info@bryerswood.com. Thank you.

RIVER CANARD K OF C EVENTS - Join the River Canard K of C for bingo. Barbecues the first Friday of every month, take-out only. For information, call 519-734-8575.

BOTTLE DONATIONS - The AMA Sportsmen Association continues to accept donations of empty beer and wine bottles. People who wish to donate their empties can drop them off at the rear of the club, located at 468 Lowes Side Road in Amherstburg. For information, visit www. amasportsmen.com or call 519-736-5706.

MISSION NEEDS DONATIONS - The Amherstburg Food and Fellowship Mission, located at 298 Victoria St. S., is in need of items. Among the items being requested are bleach, Lysol wipes, face masks, canned tuna, canned peas, canned cut green beans, canned peas & carrots, ketchup, egg noodles, sugar, powdered juice, canned fruit, honey, macaroni & cheese, Sidekicks, ranch dressing, kidney beans, peanut butter, jam, cookies and baggies. Monetary donations always welcome. For info or to donate, visit www.aburgmission.ca or call 519-736-9140.

FOUNDERS CLUB - Bryerswood Youth Camp Optimist Club seeking donors to join the “Founders Club” to help them purchase the camp on Texas Road. Donors with gifts of $5,000 and over become “Founders Club” members and have one square of camp property sponsored in their name. Multiples of squares are available for sponsorship. Tax receipts provided. For information, visit www.bryerswoodyouthcamp.com, call 519-996-7364 or e-mail info@bryerswood.com.

The University of Windsor and Community Living Essex County have teamed up to launch the APEX program, an exercise program for people with intellectual disabilities. People from Amherstburg have been part of the program. Special to the RTT

WECDSB acclaims new chair and vice chair for the 2022-23 school year

Special to the RTT

The Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board has selected its trustees for the 2022-23 and the board has opted to keep the same leadership again this year. Trustee Fulvio Valentinis will remain as the Chair of the WECDSB for another year while Trustee Mary DiMenna will become the new Vice-Chair. Both were acclaimed to their respective positions at the Catholic board’s annual organiza tional meeting held last Tuesday night.

“I’m humbled and grateful that my fellow trustees have placed their trust in me,” said Valentinis, a former Windsor City Councillor who was first elected to the WECDSB in Wards 1 and 10 in 2014 and is now serving his third term as Trustee. “We’re beginning this term in an enviable position. Enrollment is up, which means our staffing is increasing and our student achievement is very strong. Those are all great news stories, however we do have a number of chal lenges ahead in the coming year and I’ll be looking forward to working with my fellow trustees and our board’s administration on dealing with those issues so that our students may continue to succeed.”

Elections for the position of Chair and Vice-Chair are held on an annual ba sis, the board reports, and trustees cast their votes for these positions at the WECDSB’s yearly organizational meeting.

Mary DiMenna - who has represented Catholic ratepayers, parents and stu dents in Essex, Kingsville and Leamington since 2003 - replaces Trustee Lisa Soulliere as Vice-Chair of the Board. A retired WECDSB elementary teacher who spent 33 years in the classroom, she was Vice-Chair from 2009-17, and has been active on a number of Board committees including the Audit Committee, Special Education Advisory Committee, Discipline Committee and Employee Wellness Committee.

“I’ll be looking for ward to working with

Theresa Marie Bezaire (nee Beneteau)

November 13, 1927 – November 24, 2022

Passed away peacefully at the age of 95. Theresa is now reunited with her beloved husband of 49 years, Ernest (1995). Loving mother of Gerry (Susan), Elaine Smith, Joanne (Pat predeceased) Higgins, Danny (Linda), and Jamie (Joan). Cherished Mimi of 13 grandchildren: Allison, Jeff, Peter (predeceased), Jeremy, Nicole, Melanie, Luke, Heidi, Brandon, Jessie, Jordan, Corey, Cameron, and 12 great-grandchildren: Lauren, Henri, Madeleine, Charlie, Ashton, Jake, Natalie, Mikaela, Megan, Hailee, Dexter, and Mallory.

She is predeceased by her parents Hercule and Eva Beneteau and her 9 siblings: Bill, Marie, Anna, Lucia, Remi, Jean, Mark, Isabelle, and Jeannette.

Our mom was a very special, loving mother who cherished her family. She loved unconditionally. She was a fun and present Mimi, always ready to listen and help. Her many interests and ideas showed her passion for life. She shared a passion for music, playing guitar at church and Richmond Terrace Nursing Home to bring joy to the elderly. Her love and genuine interest in people caused them to be drawn to her and she had many friends. Her faith was magnetic! Her sense of compassion was expressed through her prayers. She was a 70 year member of the CWL. Theresa was an amazing lady who will be missed by all who knew her.

In kindness, memorial donations made to the Hope of St. Joseph Shelter would be appreciated.

Visiting will take place at the James H Sutton Funeral Home, 401 Sandwich St. S., Amherstburg (519-736-2134) on Wednesday, November 30 from 2-5 and 7-9 p.m. with parish prayers at 8 p.m. Her Funeral will be celebrated on Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022 leaving the funeral home at 10:30 a.m. and traveling in procession to St. John the Baptist Church for Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. Interment to follow at St. John the Baptist Cemetery.

You may share your condolences or make a memorial donation online at www.jhsuttonfuneral.ca

Chair Valentinis, my fellow trustees and our board’s administration in making sure that we deliver on our strategic goals and continue to provide the level of excellence in Catholic education that our students, families and communities have come to expect,” DiMenna said.

Souilliere represents Lakeshore on the Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board.

In addition to electing the chair and vice chair for the coming year, the Wind sor-Essex Catholic District School Board welcomed two new trustees - Joe Iaco no, who replaces Tony Polifroni in Wards 2 & 9, and Jason Lazarus who replaces Fred Alexander in Wards 5 & 8. Both were elected in the recent municipal elec tion. Alexander and Polifroni both chose to not seek re-election.

Amherstburg and La Salle are represented by trustee Frank DiTomas so, who was acclaimed to another four-year term on the WECDSB.

Donato Menna

Donato Menna, born March 15th, 1935, and passed away peacefully on November 20th, 2022 in his 87th year with family at his side.

Predeceased and reunited with his parents, Agostino and Marietta Menna. Beloved husband of 69 years of Maria Menna. Cherished dad of Antonette (Antonio) Cappucci, Anna (Giuseppe) Morello, and Agostino (Lise Bellefleur). Loving “Tatone” of Lorenze Morello, Stephen (Stefanie) Morello, Deanna (Agostino) Di matteo, Tina Cappucci, Michael (Elena) Cappucci, Eric (Deandra) Menna. Great bis-nonno of Kaiana, Tyson, Mason, Deborah, Sara, Damon, Valerio, Valentina, Dario and Emilia. Predeceased by brother-in-law Rosario (late Maria) Menna, and sisterin-law Lucia (late Bartolemeo) D’Alimonte. Survived by brother, Emidio (late Angelina) Menna, sister, Antonietta (Carmen) Donatucci, brother Nicola (Maria) Menna, sister-in-law Assunta (Benito) Parete, sister-in-law Pasqua (Santino) Parete, Cousins and good friends Rocco and Anna Menna, his ‘partner in crime’ Frank Simone and many, many nieces and nephews.

A special thank you to Staff of Richmond Terrace and the Nurses and Doctors at Windsor Regional Hospital (Ouellette campus) for all their care, compassion and support with our dad.

Dad was hardworking, caring and lived a simple life. He took much pride in his gardening skills. Loved hunting, making and sharing his home-made wine with family and friends. He was always there for his kids and grandkids. He was quiet yet inquisitive and enjoyed talking to people. His visits and kindness from his long-time friends brought him much happiness. We will miss him greatly.

Visitation has taken place at JAMES H. SUTTON FUNERAL HOME (519-736-2134), 401 Sandwich St. S., Amherstburg on Thursday, November 24, 2022 from 3 p.m. - 8 p.m. with prayers at 4:30 p.m. Funeral Service celebration was held on Friday, November 25, 2022, from the funeral home at 10:30 a.m., to St. John the Baptist Church for Funeral Mass at 11a.m. Entombment to follow at Heavenly Rest Cemetery.

If you so desire, memorial donations may be made to St. John the Baptist or a charity of your choice. Share a memory or sign the book of condolence at www.jhsuttonfuneral.ca

In a year full of so much love, happiness and wonderful new memories, your presence was felt in every moment, but your smile and laughter were so deeply missed. In big life events and everyday simplicity there isn’t a moment we don’t wish you there. We long for Sunday church mornings, summer afternoons by the pool, road trips with no real destination, for holidays, for birthdays, for more time. Today, on your 5th birthday in Heaven, we will continue to share our favourite memories that seem to become even sweeter and more cherished with each passing year. The act of celebrating your heavenly birthday has become one of our favourite family traditions and we have been able pass on your legacy to the new people in our lives and give them an opportunity to love you too. Continue to watch over us, make us laugh, dry our tears and give us hope in all things.

Happy Heavenly Birthday!

Forever loved, Forever missed, Laura, Keira & Luca xox

The Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board held its first meeting of the new term last week and named its chair and vice chair. Fulvio Valentinis will return as chair while Mary DiMenna will be the vice chair. Top row (from left): Bernie Mastromattei, Joe Iacono, Jason Lazarus, Kim Bouchard, Frank DiTo masso, Father Larry Brunet. Bottom row (from left): Lisa Soulliere, Fulvio Valentinis, Mary DiMenna, Mary Heath. Photo from the WECDSB Facebook page

North Star Wolves football team hands out awards at year-end dinner

By Ron Giofu

The North Star Wolves celebrated their first season at their new school with an awards dinner last Saturday afternoon.

The Wolves concluded the 2022 season with a 1-6 record but count this past season as a building block towards future success. The team had the bulk of its roster in the first full year of playing football at the high school level and pulled off a win against Massey in their sixth game of the year.

Players were joined by their families and friends during the chicken and pasta dinner at Shooter’s Roadhouse, which was followed by the ten award presentations.

“This is how we build a program like this, by inviting families in,” said defensive co-ordinator Joel Charron. “This is awesome. This is what I envisioned.”

Charron added as part of Saturday afternoon’s event that “today is about us, about our team and about our accomplishments.” He pointed out the win in the Massey game, stating “we didn’t go winless and we dominated that game.”

Pointing out it was the inaugural season as North Star Wolves, Charron said players stepped up and worked hard. It was their first football season in Amherstburg since the General Amherst Bulldogs competed in the 2019 WECSSAA season.

“We got better every single game,” said Charron. “We’re taking our licks right now but we’re going to be giving them in the future.”

The Wolf Warrior Award, given to the player who was best determined to have the traits necessary to be a football player, went to Steven Craner. The Coaches Award, presented to the player to be a great teammate and student, was awarded to Odette Felso.

The Most Dedicated Award was presented to Mikayla Rioux. Willy Metcalf was awarded the Most

Improved Player Award.

The Offensive Lineman of the Year was awarded to Zak Macumber while Alex Greason was the winner of the Defensive Lineman of the Year Award.

The Grade 9 of the Year Award went to Ashton Fevreau. The Offensive Most Valuable Player (MVP) went to Kaydin Cacilhas while Kyle Jones was named as the Defensive MVP.

The Dave Scott MVP Award, named for the longtime General Amherst teacher and coach, was

presented to Lucas Morencie. Morencie was also the first captain in Wolves’ history.

North Star head coach John Rudak was out of the country and couldn’t make the awards dinner, but sent a message encouraging all players and thanking them for their efforts. He said the coaches worked at developing their team and people building skills.

“You are part of North Star football,” Rudak’s message stated, read aloud by Charron. “You will get better if you dedicate yourself to football.”

North Star athletes make it to volleyball, basketball all-star teams

By Ron Giofu

A trio of athletes from North Star High School have made the all-star teams of their respective sports.

Rhys Sharman was named as a WECSSAA second team all-star in senior boys volleyball. In senior girls basketball, Lily Mulder was named as a first-team all-star and league most valuable player.

Mulder’s teammate Mya Foreman was named as a second team all-star.

“To make the (all-star) team is pretty exciting,” said Sharman. “I’m glad to have had the opportunity.”

Sharman credited his fellow Wolves for their efforts throughout the WECSSAA senior boys volleyball season.

“This wouldn’t have happened without my teammates,” said Sharman.

North Star advanced to the quarterfinals this season but was eliminated by the Leamington Lions.

Sharman said he founded out through his coach Nikki Maxey that he was named as a second team all-star.

“That was pretty cool,” he said.

Stating he likes volleyball because it is a fast paced sport, Sharman added there is little time to think about mistakes and you adapt quickly to the game

in front of you.

Mulder said she was “very excited” when she got the news of her first team and MVP selection. She said she looks forward to playing in the all-star game alongside her teammate Foreman.

Noting she was happy to return to the basketball court after missing two years because of the COVID-19 pandemic,

Mulder added she is thankful to win league MVP.

“I didn’t even know it was coming,” said Mulder.

Mulder added she was told of her award by Wolves senior girls basketball coach Dom Silvaggio.

“It feels amazing. I feel very honoured to be playing with some of the best girls in WindsorEssex for all-stars,” added Foreman. “It’s going to be a fun game.”

The WECSSAA all-star game was held last Monday night at Tecumseh Vista Academy.

Foreman added she was surprised to receive the award.

The senior girls basketball team advanced to the WECSSAA “AA” final but lost to Kingsville.

The North Star Wolves football team held an awards dinner at Shooter’s Roadhouse Saturday afternoon. Among the honourees were (front row, from left): Willy Metcalfe (Most Improved), Austin Fevreau (Grade 9 of the Year), Steven Craner (Wolf Warrior), Makayla Rioux (Most Dedicated). Back row (from left): Lucas Morencie (Dave Scott MVP), Kaydin Cacilhas (Offensive MVP), Alex Greason (Defensive Lineman of the Year), Kyle Jones (Defensive MVP), Zack Macumber (Offensive Lineman of the Year), Odett Felso (Coaches Award).

RTT Photo by Ron Giofu

Rhys Sharman (left) and Lily Mulder (right) were named WECSSAA all-stars in their respective sports. Sharman was a second team boys volleyball all-star and Mulder received a first team senior girls basketball all-star and was also named league MVP. Mya Foreman (not pictured) was a WECSSAA second team girls basketball all-star.

RTT Photo by Ron Giofu

MOUSE CONTROL

LOOKING FOR A WARM

PLACE to spend the winter? Don’t let it be your house. Call Deline’s Pest Control 519-736-2448.

STORAGE WANTED

WANTED - GARAGE FOR sports car storage December to March, 519736-9415.

WANTED TO BUY

LOOKING TO BUY Older Gibson or Fender guitar. Call or text 519-567-4446.

ESTATE SALE

114 BOARDWALK AVE., 10:00 a.m., Saturday, December 3rd.

PRAYER

NOVENA TO ST. JUDEMay the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified loved and preserved throughout the world now and forever. O Sacred Heart of Jesus, pray for us. Worker of Miracles, pray for us. St Jude, Helper of the Hopeless, pray for us. Say this prayer 9 times a day. By the 8th day your prayer will be answered. It has never been known to fail, never. Publications must be promised. St. Jude for Thanks prayer answered. S.F.

LOST LOST IN DOWNTOWN

AMHERSTBURG - BUICK

KEY FOB. Please call 519791-2183.

APT FOR RENT

CASA BLANCA & BELLA Vista 365-369 Dalhousie. Large, clean, quiet with security entrance. Laundry, patio or balcony, stainless steel appliances, parking. Centrally located to all amenities. Starting at $1395 utilities included. Call to view 519-995-1565.

RENOVATIONS & REPAIRS

WITH OVER 30 YEARS of renovation and construction experience I can ensure your project is completed professionally, correctly and with pride. Locally owned & operated. Steve 519-300-0961.

HELP WANTED

LOOKING FOR AN EXPERIENCED CLEANING LADY. Every 2 weeks, 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom. Call Barbara at (519) 980-3107 or (519) 800-7361.

HELP WANTED

JOE MELOCHE FORDShuttle Driver and Auto Detailer 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm Monday - Friday. Apply to Lisa @ 519-736-5461.

In Loving Memory of Francis L. smith

August 29, 1932 - December 2, 2021

Those we love don’t go away, They walk beside us everyday. Unseen, unheard but always near, Still loved, still missed, forever dear.

Missing You Dad Lorie, Dave, Bob, Tammy and Families

HELP WANTED

Top Left: Matthew Conte (Father), Tony Conte (Grandfather)

Far Right:

Local resident making and selling jewellery as way of recuperating from surgeries

By Ron Giofu

An Amherstburg resident has created everything from earrings and rings to other pieces of costume jewellery as a way of recuperating from numerous surgeries.

Johanna Johnson is the owner/operator of Angelheart Designs and is opening her home studio/gallery for the first time. Much of her work is created from a highquality stainless steel, she stated, noting she also refurbishes costume jewellery and redesigns inherited pieces into “something more suited to your taste while retaining the sentimental value.”

“I will remake it into something they like that suits them,” said Johnson.

There are also religious items that Johnson can create.

Johnson said she was going to open a few years ago but refocused her effort on her grandson, who was ill and needed assistance. Then, the COVID-19 pandemic hit which delayed her opening even further.

“I make most of my stuff custom-made,” she said. “It’s stainless steel. It’s not harmed by anything. It looks like the real thing.”

What makes Johnson’s creations even more unique is the fact she creates them while nursing soreness and pain from surgeries. Johnson said she has had 37 opera tions with more to come.

“I’m not a slacker. I push through the pain a lot and I keep trying to be produc tive,” said Johnson.

While recovering from shoulder surgeries, she would spend nights in a chair in her home studio creating pieces of jewellery. Many are in the $35 range, Johnson pointed out, but much of the costs depend on what the actual piece of costume jewellery is.

“There are nights I can’t sleep so I’ll quietly work,” she said. “All of this helps me to keep functioning.”

Johnson also writes poetry and paints and is looking for ways to blend her poetry and artwork together. She also partners with local businesses to sell her jewellery, including the Hairbusters salon in LaSalle.

“I have over 1,000 pairs of earrings,” said Johnson.

Johnson said she opens her home studio/gallery by appointment only. For more information on Angelheart Designs or to book an appointment, call Johnson at 519919-1478. If she doesn’t pick up the phone, she asks that people send a text message to that number and she said she will return it when she is able.

APS helps ACS

Amherstburg

Public School is doing a three-week canned food drive for the food bank at Amherstburg Community Services (ACS).

Classes are challenging each other to see who can bring in the most donations.

Vice principal Vanessa DakinMarin (right) is pictured with ACS executive director Kathy DiBartolomeo. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Kicks & Giggles

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20

This week no one can help you but yourself, Aries. You have to figure out a way to get to the bottom of a problem on your own. But then the reward will be twice as sweet.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21

There are a few obstacles in your path this week, Taurus. But nothing you can’t get around. If you have a few people help you out, your work will be even easier to manage.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21

Gemini, when a current plan of attack isn’t working out quite right, you may have to approach it from a different direction. A new angle can bring with it a new perspective.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22

You may need to push yourself a little further this week to make up for lost time, Cancer. Hunker down and get things done. There’s rest to have on the other side of the effort.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23

Turning a blind eye to a certain situation will not make it go away, Leo. It will only postpone the inevitable, which is getting it handled. Don’t procrastinate any longer.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22

Others may not want to hear the truth, but you’re still going to offer it up, Virgo. Forge ahead even if you may lose some friends in the process.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23 Think twice before you act this week, Libra. It’s easy to take the path ahead right now, but there may be some other way to go that could prove more rewarding in the long run.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22

Scorpio, you are looking for a change but you don’t know what that should be just yet. You may have to try on a few different shoes before you find the right fit.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21

Sagittarius birthday season is in full swing right now, so you are in a festive mood. That will continue right into the holidays, when you may be the life of the party.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20 Capricorn, you can change if you want to. It just requires a little effort right now to figure out the path you want to take. Brainstorm a few ideas and you can find a goal.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18

Keeping secrets will only work for so long. Aquarius. Sooner or later the truth will be revealed and you will need to come clean. Take the high road from the start.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20

After a few bumps, you find your groove, Pisces. Supervisors will recognize your efforts and perhaps give you the notice you deserve.

FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS

NOVEMBER 27 - Bill Nye, Scientist (67)

NOVEMBER 28 - Karen Gillan, Actress (35)

NOVEMBER 29 - Russell Wilson, Athlete (34)

NOVEMBER 30 - Ben Stiller, Actor (57)

DECEMBER 1 - Robert Irwin, Reality Star (19)

DECEMBER 2 - Britney Spears, Singer (41)

DECEMBER 3 - Ozzy Osbourne, Singer (74)

WORD SCRAMBLE

Rearrange the letters to spell something pertaining to adaption.

Johanna Johnson sits with some of her costume jewellery she has created. She has had multiple surgeries but creating costume jewellery has kept her going through it. RTT Photo by Ron Giofu

Admirals lose two straight games over the past week

By Ron Giofu

The Amherstburg Admirals dropped a pair of games over the past week as they had difficulty finding the back of the net in the two games.

The Admirals scored only one goal in the two games, which was a first period goal by Owen Papulkas last Wednesday night in a 5-1 loss in Wheatley. The Ad mirals were outshot 49-28 that night.

On Sunday night, the Admirals re turned home to the Libro Centre but had no better results, losing 5-0 to the visiting Mooretown Flags. The Flags outshot Amherstburg 40-24 in that game.

The Admirals were down 1-0 af ter only 58 seconds in Sunday night’s game, and trailed 3-0 after one period. Starting goalie Massimo Agostini was pulled in favour of Josh Courtney af ter the fourth goal early in the second period but it didn’t provide a spark for the Admirals, as they were unable to re verse their fortunes.

“The first period was definitely not our ideal start,” said assistant coach Cody Schneider.

Schneider added they played better in the second period. He questioned whether they were ready to play Sun day night and if they were in the right mindset to hit the ice. While there was little sound coming out of their dressing room, Schneider said it’s “just like any other loss” as “we don’t play the game to lose.”

The loss is the Admirals’ second straight, and fourth in the last five games. Amherstburg is now 8-12-0 on the 2022-23 PJHL Stobbs Division sea son, good for 16 points. They are in sixth place in the division after Sunday night’s game.

“When you’re in a dry spell, you feel it a little more each time,” said Schnei der.

The Admirals were in Essex to play the first place 73’s Tuesday night, in a game that took place after this issue of the River Town Times went to press. Schneider said they approached the game in the same manner as any other as they want to “just play Admirals’ hockey.” The 73’s entered the game with 16 wins and only one loss on the season, but Schneider said “everyone

puts on their equipment the same way” and they were going into Essex not wor rying about Essex’s record.

The game in Wheatley was “a very sloppy game” and while there were some positives in that game, “at the end of the day a loss is a loss. It’s a game you wish you could get back.”

After the Essex game, the Admirals have a bit of a break in the schedule as they do not play again until the week end of Dec. 10-11, when Blenheim and Essex come to the Libro Centre in Am herstburg for back-to-back games, both at 7 p.m. There is no game this coming Sunday (Dec. 3).

Seasons Amherstburg raises money, cuts hair to help in fight against cancer

laugh, following the haircut. “It’s nice.”

According to her father Jeremy, Abi gaille spent the winter and spring of 2022 experiencing worsening head aches, lethargy and unexplained bouts of nausea. He said this was accredited to viral infections, fatigue, school trou bles etc.

“At the end of April, Abby went for an eye exam,” Jeremy explained. “Her doctor noticed swelling of her optic nerves. The next day she was seen by an ophthalmologist who confirmed the swollen optic nerves. That night she was admitted to the hospital here in Windsor for an MRI. The MRI in Wind sor confirmed a small mass in the left ventricle of her brain. She was sent via medical transport to LHSC Children’s Hospital for further testing.”

“Unfortunately, Abby began regress ing the next day,” said Jeremy.

After two weeks of declining health, she was brought to the ER at LHSC where she was admitted for excessive hydrocephalus. An emergency surgery to install a VP shunt to provide a means for her CSF to drain into her abdominal cavity was conducted and that restored her “ability to walk and be a little girl.”

Jeremy added shortly after Abby was able to taper off the steroids she was taking, initial pathology from her tumor revealed that it was a midline diffuse glioma but it showed some characteristics under the microscope that caused concern so it was sent for secondary pathology in Toronto.

By Ron Giofu

A local retirement home has done its part to help raise money, but also hair, to people battling cancer.

Residents and staff at Seasons Am herstburg raised $1,500 for “Abigaille’s Army,” a fundraising effort to as sist Abigaille D’Alimonte of LaSalle. D’Alimonte is an eight-year-old girl battling a form of cancer known as Dif fuse Midline Glioma.

Two staff members from Seasons Amherstburg – fun manager Jenn Lau zon and Ciji Bannister from the mem ory care division – cut their hair and donated it to Wigs for Kids.

Lauzon stated she was looking for a cause that Seasons Amherstburg could donate to and came across “Abigaille’s Army” on Facebook. She said once she found that cause, it was the right one to donate to.

Seasons Amherstburg hosted a raffle with 18 prizes and a bake sale and, as of last Friday, they raised $1,500 for D’Alimonte. Donations were also col lected as Bannister and Lauzon were having their hair cut.

“Our home is big on fundraising,”

said Lauzon. “This was a good way to end the year with a bang.”

Lauzon said having her hair cut for charity was something she always wanted to do and Bannister agreed to do it with her.

“I wanted to donate my hair my en tire life and I finally did,” she stated.

Lauzon said she hadn’t cut her hair in the three-and-a-half years leading up to last Wednesday afternoon’s fund raiser. She said when salons were open ing and closing during the COVID-19 pandemic, she didn’t go to a salon for a haircut and kept her hair long until deciding to cut it for the fundraiser.

“It does feel lighter,” she said, imme diately after the haircut.

Bannister said she felt “absolutely amazing” to be able to help out and she enjoyed the fact it was to help a little girl. She said Lauzon brought up the idea and did her own research as well and Bannister concluded “sure, let’s do it.”

Aside from “little trims” along the way, Bannister added she hadn’t had a haircut for approximately seven years.

“I keep touching it,” she said, with a

Jeremy said LHSC confirmed the mass was significantly larger than Windsor had anticipated and extended beyond the left ventricle to the area in and around the hypothalamus.

“Abby was put on steroids to try to relieve some of the intercranial pres sure and we were released to come home after roughly a week to await surgery,” he stated.

Abigaille was brought back to LHSC May 19 to undergo her first brain sur gery, her father stated, adding her neurosurgeon preformed a partial re section to remove what she could and clear passageways to help CSF drain and reduce her hydrocephalus.

“While recovering in PCCU Abby had a seizure that set her back. After being reintubated and rushed for an emergency CT, it was confirmed there was a pocket of air in the scull from the surgery and not a brain bleed. Some additional time on the ventilator and Abby was transferred out of critical care to recover on the general pediat rics floor,” said Jeremy.

After showing major improvement, D’Alimonte was released after six days in post op and attended her dance re cital the following Saturday.

Secondary pathology confirmed that her tumor has mutations, with Jeremy stating mutations mean that although the tumor is behaving as a grade 1 tu mor it is to be treated as grade 4. His daughter began oral chemo twice daily with the intent to follow scans every three months to monitor the tumor.

“Her last scan in October revealed the tumor had not grown,” he said.

“Hopefully it continues to behave as a grade 1 tumor for a long time but there is a pocket around her shunt. Abby is being rescanned Dec. 9 to see if her shunt needs to be changed.”

Jeremy added: “Abigaille has re ceived an incredible amount of sup port for which we are truly thankful. People helping care for her younger brother and our family pets while we are in hospital, our employers allowing us the freedom to be with her, a num ber of people acting in her name and significant financial support. While there are no current fundraisers active, she has had great success with dona tions via Go fund me, through a raffle and BBQ with Abigaille’s Army (start ed and managed by her dance family at Cathy’s Dance Studio), support from her school, Childcan, LaSalle Fire De partment, Make-A-Wish, and several private fundraisers.”

Amherstburg’s Owen Papulkas (12) gets a third period scoring chance on Mooretown goalie John Chartrand Sunday night. Mooretown beat the Admirals 5-0. Amherstburg’s Kyle Bleau (18) is also pictured. RTT Photo by Ron Giofu

As part of a fundraiser at Seasons Amherstburg last Wednesday afternoon, fun manager Jenn Lauzon (left) and Ciji Bannister from the memory care department (right) had their hair cut for Wigs for Kids. Stylist Kary Triolet is in the middle. They also raised $1,500 for Abigaille’s Army.

RTT Photo by Ron Giofu