River Town Times - August 23, 2023

Local farm sanctuary holds its first open house

By Ron Giofu

A farm sanctuary that describes itself as a place providing “a forever home for unwanted animals” opened its operation up to the public last weekend.

The Runaways Farm held an open house last Saturday afternoon and let members of the community check out what they do, connect with the animals and enjoy the day. The band “Calling Saul” performed and there was representation from the Essex County Steam and Gas Engine Museum explaining what they do.

“This is our very first open house. Even though we’ve been here and have built the sanctuary for a couple of years, this is the first time we have been able to open the doors to the community and let them see what we do here,” said Runaways Farm founder Yvette Blea.

The open house also acted as a fundraiser, Blea added, as with festivals slowly dying down for the 2023

season, there are fewer opportunities to have people raise money for them, so Runaways Farm had one themselves to help them buy hay, straw and food for the cold weather months.

“It’s our unofficial grand opening,” said Blea.

Blea stated they are a sanctuary for animals people do not want. There is a misconception that “mini-pigs,” “micropigs” and “tea cup” pigs can serve as indoor pets, she said, and many people find out they don’t want them or that the pigs cause damage.

“They realize it’s not all it’s cracked up to be,” said Blea.

The pigs are then rehomed as the owners don’t want anything bad to happen to them. She said sanctuaries are “bursting at the seams” with people who want their small, pot-bellied pigs to have a safe home.

“We try to squeeze in as many as we can,” she said.

Continued on Page 15

Old Boblo dock to be subject of letter from town council to MPs

By Ron Giofu

As the former Boblo dock along Front Road South continues to deteriorate, Amherstburg town council is trying once again to get some action on it.

Town council voted to have Mayor Michael Prue send a letter to Essex MP Chris Lewis on the matter, specifically its current condition and assistance with expediting the process in getting it removed.

SUBMITTED

PHOTO

The former Boblo dock along Front Road South is still causing concern for town council and local residents.

Councillor Molly Allaire made the motion, stating the current damaged dock needs to be taken out before winter. Allaire was concerned about it polluting local waterways.

Councillor Peter Courtney said CAO Valerie Critchley has been “pretty persistent” on the matter and hoped Lewis had some “pull” on the matter.

“It’s got to be remedied sooner rather than later,” said Courtney.

Allaire said she spoke with Lewis recently about it.

“I’m trying to do everything I can to get that moved faster,” said Allaire.

Allaire agreed Critchley has been working hard on the matter and that it boils down to funding, with Critchley stating she is working with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans on the issue.

Continued on Page 2

Runaways Farm founder Yvette Blea pets Charlotte the pig during an open house held at the Alma St. farm last Saturday afternoon.

RTT PHOTO BY RON GIOFU

Loading zone signage becomes issue at town council meeting

By Ron Giofu

A sign restricting parking to vehicles loading and unloading near the Navy Yard Park parkette turned into a contentious issue at the most recent regular meeting of town council.

The sign, located at the area at the front of the Rotary clock, is now signed as a 15-minute loading zone, something that Councillor Molly Allaire stated has caught the attention of people in the community. Allaire stated she has heard from residents about the sign.

“We were told this intersection was unsafe and there is nothing like it in Ontario,” said Allaire. “We originally put up a ‘No Parking’ sign for safety and now we’re allowing parking again. Can we just have an answer?”

Councillor Diane Pouget added town council was told there couldn’t be parking within “so many meters of an intersection” and that it was a surprise for members of council when the 15-minute loading/unloading sign went up.

“Many people think ‘we’re just going to unload so we can go to the bank.’ What’s the purpose of that? Either it’s safe or it’s unsafe,” Pouget said.

Manager of licensing and enforcement Bill Tetler said the reason behind the sign is because when restaurants and shops downtown receive shipments, the trucks take up laneways.

“We’re trying to get those trucks in that designated area to make the street safer,” said Tetler.

Allaire questioned what is stopping residents from parking there if a truck is not using the area, but Tetler said it is for loading and unloading. If a vehicle is parked there, Tetler said the question is what are they loading and unloading.

Tetler added if a vehicle parks there and they are not loading or unloading items, they could be subject to a ticket.

Pouget said when the parking spot was removed, it was due to the traffic bylaw which stated there was not to be parking in or close to the intersection of Richmond St. and Dalhousie St. due to safety issues. She asked what the difference was between loading and unloading versus regular parking.

“When these trucks park their vehicle and take up an entire laneway, it makes it unsafe for vehicles trying to go around and utilize that street,” said Tetler. “By having those trucks utilize that area, it should clear up that area,

keep traffic moving and keep it safer for the residents.”

Councillor Peter Courtney said town council was “strongly told” that parking was a safety concern in the area.

“I guess the confusion for me was this was addressed as a straight-up safety thing and not recommended and yet now we’re recommending loading and unloading,” he said. “The safety

concerns, historically everyone has survived downtown with restaurants getting stuff dropped off, and that is usually done non-business hours.”

Courtney questioned how it is “a safer intersection” if delivery trucks are allowed versus normal passenger vehicles. Tetler said by putting the trucks in that spot, it opens up the roadways.

Tetler added he spoke with three different delivery groups recently and asked them to utilize that area.

“All I’m saying it was a safety issue and now it’s not. We were assured it was a really safety issue and now it’s not, kind of,” responded Courtney.

Tetler said the town is trying to make it safer for everyone downtown, adding they hope to have a further report back to council in September on whether or not to completely fill in and/or block off that area. Courtney believed the report was “redundant,” believing it will state administration prefers the area be a 15-minute loading zone.

“(Tetler)’s answered the same questions five times,” interjected Councillor Don McArthur.

Tetler added the report will be about filling in the area and the costs associated with it.

Amherstburg Freedom Museum presenting new exhibits

Special to the RTT

Two local historic sites are teaming up to host an exhibit on the contributions of Black soldiers in times of conflict.

The Amherstburg Freedom Museum states it is pleased to present the exhibit “A Tradition of Service: Black Military Presence In Amherstburg.”

It opened last Friday and runs through Nov. 12. The exhibit will be on display at the Amherstburg Freedom Museum with the museum open Tuesday through Friday from 12 noon until 5 p.m., weekends from 1 to 5 p.m., and at Fort Malden National Historic Site 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily until Sept. 3.

Between Sept. 6-Oct. 9, people can view the exhibit at Fort Malden Wednesday-Friday from 1-5 p.m. and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

Produced in collaboration with Fort Malden National Historic Site, the museum states this exhibition looks at the history of the Black military presence in Amherstburg from 1812 through 1840. The exhibit has been created in two parts and can be viewed across both sites.

The Amherstburg Freedom Museum’s exhibit focuses on the individual stories, contributions, and accomplishments of Black soldiers, while the exhibit at Fort

Malden National Historic Site focuses on the history of conflicts Black soldiers contributed to.

“This is an excellent opportunity for the public to learn about the contributions of Black Canadians throughout our history,” said Mary-Katherine Whelan, museum curator/administrator. “The tradition of military service by Black Canadians goes back long before Confederation. Black soldiers helped to defend Upper Canada against American attacks during the War of

1812, and played important roles during the Battle of Queenston Heights, and the Upper Canada Rebellion of 1837. This collaborative exhibit aims to highlight and examine the contributions of Black soldiers in Amherstburg.”

The museum also announced the opening of “Beyond the Underground: A History of Black Settlement in 19th Century Amherstburg.” That will open Aug. 31 at 6:30 p.m. That evening will be free to attend.

It was created by University of

Windsor Masters’ student Karleigh Kochaniec.

“Beyond the Underground Railroad: A History of Black Settlement in Nineteenth Century Amherstburg” consists of an exhibit which will be on display in the Amherstburg Freedom Museum’s gallery and a digital map that goes into more detail by sharing more sites of activity, but also including more details about those locations. Kochaniec’s exhibit focusses on the lives of Black settlers in Essex County in the post-Underground Railroad period and demonstrates how much progress occurred including the building of churches and schools, and the establishment of businesses.

The Mac Simpson Award and Maturine-Romain Scholarships will also be presented Aug. 31 to students of African descent who are commencing post-secondary studies in Sept. 2023.

The Mac Simpson Award was created to honour the legacy of museum founder, Melvin Mac Simpson. The MaturineRomain Award is given on behalf of Dr. Bernice McKenzie to honour the lives and memory of her grandmothers Evelina Maturine and Lucie Romain.

The museum is located at 277 King St. in Amherstburg while Fort Malden National Historic Site is at 100 Laird Ave.

Town council again seeks action regarding former Boblo dock on Front Road South

Continued from Page 1

“They have commissioned a report which was moved up from when it was originally scheduled, when the dock suffered its most recent damage in the last winter storms,” the CAO said. “The issue is removing it and they will have to put in funding for 2024.”

Critchley added “every little bit helps” and said she has not contacted Lewis because that type of contact would have to come at council’s direction.

“Hopefully the federal government has

contingency funds like every other level of government,” said Courtney. “They should have money for these one-offs for public safety. Hopefully we can address it as a potential navigational hazard which, to me, is an emergency.”

Prue said when correspondence is sent to a member of the Opposition like Lewis, he predicted Lewis will put a question in at Question Period, and ask why the minister “is sitting on this and why he’s causing hazards to members of his community.”

“That may get immediate action or it may get someone really angry on the government side,” Prue speculated. “I’m telling you that’s exactly what’s going to happen by sending it to Chris Lewis.”

Prue suggested the same letter be sent to Windsor-Tecumseh MP Irek Kusmierczyk, a Liberal member of parliament.

“I spent 13 years doing that doing that, not in Ottawa but in Toronto, and that’s exactly what happens,” said Prue, a former NDP MPP. “Send it to both of

them and see who takes advantage of it.”

Councillor Diane Pouget said “this has been going on for years,” dating as far back as 2011. She noted residents complained about the roof of the dock and it was eventually removed. She said the current issue has dated back to January.

“How long does it take to remove a structure that poses a danger to our waterway? I just think this is totally unacceptable and we should be very firm in the two letters that we send,” said Pouget.

A “No Parking” and “15-Minute Loading Zone” sign is seen by the spot in front of the Navy Yard Park parkette last Saturday. Town council had discussed the matter at the Aug. 14 meeting.

“A Tradition of Service: Black Military Presence in Amherstburg” is one of the new exhibits unveiled by the Amherstburg Freedom Museum. It was created in conjunction with Fort Malden National Historic Site of Canada. Special to the RTT

New “Legacy Photo Frame Project” approved for Amherstburg

By Ron Giofu

Amherstburg will be a beneficiary of a 40th anniversary “Legacy Project” from the Windsor-Essex Community Foundation (WECF).

Town council approved a “Legacy Photo Frame” project with WECF, with the photo frame being eight-feet wide by six-feet in height. It would be located south of the tourist information centre at the “north gateway” at 116 Sandwich St. North.

The photo frame would contain wording such as “Hole in the Wall” as it would overlook the portion of the Detroit River dubbed the same. According to a report from director of parks, facilities, recreation and culture Heidi Baillargeon, “the ‘Hole in the Wall’ is a gap that was historically and purposefully left in the creation of the Livingstone Channel dikes to allow for passage to Sugar Island and to the United States. The Amherstburg Echo July 29, 1932, reported that the dam ‘will be left open in order not to interfere with boats that may want to get to Sugar Island.’”

Baillargeon’s report added the gap in the channel was used by rum runners back in the day and is still used by boaters today.

“The photo frame legacy project will not only capture the beautiful views downriver and the gap in the Livingstone Chanel but will also be a great welcoming attraction for visitors, tourists and even residents to celebrate their arrival or love of Amherstburg,” she wrote.

Partners for the project, in addition to the WECF, include Amico and Aleo Associates.

As part of approving the project, town council

authorized matching funds from the capital new reserve fund in the amount of $15,000 as a contingency plan. Baillargeon added there is a “large amount” of in-kind services and professional services offered with WECF kicking in $15,000 of their own.

Councillor Linden Crain called it “a great project” as many people visit that area of town.

“I often see people watching the boats go by in their vehicles and it would be nice for them to get

out and enjoy some public art,” said Crain. Crain asked about the $15,000 from the town, wondering if it would only be used if there were any soil condition or site issues. Baillargeon said that was the intended use.

“I’m perplexed by the amount of money requested as a contingency,” added Councillor Peter Courtney. “I see the diagram. It’s a 12-inch auger hole and cement to hold the post. What are we foreseeing with selecting this location and drilling two holes?”

Courtney wondered if there was a risk of hitting an artifact or an issue like that.

“It’s the waterfront and you never know what you are going to hit on the waterfront,” said Baillargeon. “There’s a contingency. We hope not to have to use it but if we have to, it’s there.”

Courtney asked if there were problems at that location in the past, but Baillargeon said she was not here when current signage at the site went up and didn’t know if there were any issues.

In response to a question from Councillor Don McArthur, Baillargeon said it would be a “selfie frame” so residents and tourists could go there and take a photo along the river.

“I really like the concept,” said McArthur, but questioned whether “hole in the wall” was a “calling card we want to use.”

McArthur acknowledged the significance of the location.

“As long as it says Amherstburg, that is what matters to me,” he said.

Mayor Michael Prue thanked the companies and organizations that stepped forward and helped with the project.

EMS calls in region expected to rise by nearly 10 per cent this year, says chief

By Fred Groves

Windsor-Essex County residents who do not have a family physician are one of the contributing factors for a predicted record high number of calls for the local EMS.

Essex-Windsor EMS Chief Bruce Krauter told Essex County council last Wednesday night that there is a 9.87 per cent increase in calls estimated before the end of 2023, as compared to 2022.

Krauter estimated the EMS will respond to a total of 68,113 calls before the end of the year, that is compared to 61,389 from last year.

Krauter said that development growth in a variety of sectors such as the new Gordie How Bridge could be a factor.

“It will contribute to the increase of calls going into the future,” said Krauter, during last Wednesday night’s county council meeting.

Krauter also pointed out an alarming local statistic that indicates 38 per cent of the residents in the region use an ambulance to get to the hospital as compared to the provincial average of 19 per cent.

“The question there begs why”, asked Krauter.

The chief also did not have an explanation to why so many people seeking primary care use the emergency room which is definitely putting a strain on EMS calls.

LaSalle Mayor Crystal Meloche brought her own data to the county council table on Wednesday.

“Of the 31,000 residents in LaSalle, 10,000 don’t have a family physician,” said Meloche. “It’s the biggest problem we are facing in our region.”

Call volume in LaSalle is expected to drop by about a hundred calls, however, that is not the same situation in Amherstburg.

In his report, Krauter pointed out that Amherstburg had 2,694 calls in 2022 and that number could jump up to 2,940 –an 8.38 percent jump. Essex is expected to be down 7.36 per cent and calls into Chatham-Kent, mostly to Wheatley are predicted to be down 18.92 per cent.

The biggest jump in the region will be the City of Windsor which could have as many as 4,500 more calls once the year is done.

Tecumseh Mayor Gary MacNamara said that the population is aging which puts more strain on health care and that there simply are not enough medical professionals.

Essex Deputy Mayor Rob Shepley wanted to know what the cost sharing was between Windsor and Essex County,

to which Krauter said was about 67 per cent and to change that would require a change to the provincial legislature.

SPECIAL TO THE RTT

A “legacy project” for Amherstburg in the form of a photo frame at the tourist booth along Sandwich St. North will be coming thanks to the Windsor-Essex Community Foundation. A $15,000 contingency fund was approved by town council relating to the project.

Process moving forward regarding regional waste collection

By RTT Staff

Essex County council has initiated the process of uploading the collection and delivery of waste from local municipalities.

A bylaw was passed last Wednesday night regarding a regional waste management initiative after a presentation from county solicitor David Sundin, EssexWindsor Solid Waste Authority (EWSWA) general manager Michelle Bishop and much debate. Sundin stated their report stemmed from a unanimous resolution of county council in June 2022 for county administration to work with EWSWA on a regional solution.

The current county council reaffirmed its commitment to the initiative and five of the seven lower tier municipalities committed in principle to a regional approach, said Sundin. He said Kingsville did not take a formal position while Lakeshore voted against committing to a regional garbage collection approach.

Four of the seven county municipalities must formally endorse the new bylaw with Sundin stating residents would not see any immediate change in service. Existing garbage contracts would be administered while the county develops a transition plan, he said.

“The county will eventually move towards a base level of service that will include weekly organic collection, biweekly garbage, biweekly recycling and a set number of yard waste days,” said Sundin.

The bylaw passed cannot take effect until most of the local municipalities “have satisfied their obligations through formally resolving to consent to the bylaw.”

Bishop said a regional waste collection initiative, “is well established and is best practice in Ontario.” She said there have been questions over details and costing, but added “significant effort will be required” at operational and administrative levels for a transition plan for a regional service.

Any sort of movement going forward will require a detailed transition plan for each municipality as while there are similarities, each municipality in Essex County is also unique, said Bishop. She added the resolution will allow administration to continue having discussions on how develop a plan.

A survey was rolled out after a motion was passed regarding organics collection,

Bishop said, with that being held last year for six weeks.

County CAO/treasurer Sandra Zwiers said it is important to county administration and the EWSWA that there was dialogue with local municipalities. She believes a regional approach “is the right thing to do for our region for many reasons” but acknowledged funding is a sensitive topic for some.

Zwiers said a hybrid funding model is proposed, which could satisfy those who prefer a general levy model versus a user fee-based model.

“We did hear differing opinions on a lot of things and that is what played into the proposal for a hybrid model,” she said.

The county CAO added they realize each municipality is operating under their own waste collection contracts and “some of you are enjoying below-market pricing because you haven’t been to market in a while.” Others are seeing doubling of their contracts.

“A hybrid funding model that we’re proposing maintains the link to usage of the service,” said Zwiers. “The proposal to move this forward would be that all of your existing waste collection contracts would be maintained in their entirety.”

The county would have the current contracts assigned to them and residents would not see service level changed under that contract. A transition plan would take time to implement and the fact there are “staggered” times when the contracts expire is something the county would look to take advantage of it. Zwiers also stated exisiting waste collection contracts would come off of municipal budgets and move up to the county level.

A new department in the county’s budget would be developed it, she added, and costs would be tracked and monitored on a per municipality basis.

Level of service would not change in the transition, Zwiers emphasized, but added “we are behind industry best practices.”

“While we would maintain existing contracts at the point of transfer, the goal would be, as those contracts expire, to move the region to a contract provision that provides for best practices,” said Zwiers, including moving from weekly to bi-weekly garbage collection and incorporating weekly organic collection. Monthly white good collection will also be maintained.

Amherstburg Mayor Michael Prue said the town’s biggest concern was the ability

to keep the existing contract until 2027 “which is a very good one and pay the same amount. That’s good.”

Prue said he has heard suggestions about going this route “a little better,” stating Amherstburg residents have to drive to Windsor or Kingsville to dispose of things such as paint. He suggested a depot in each municipality.

“If you don’t do that, they are going to hide it in the garbage and it’s going to end up in the landfill, and you don’t want that,” said Prue.

Bishop said the landfill on County Road 18 has a public drop-off depot there and Amherstburg residents can go there. She said when Amherstburg residents call the EWSWA, they are referred there.

Prue was in favour of the bylaw but voiced “hesitancy,” noting he lived through regional amalgamation in Toronto.

“One of the things when the provincial government came down and said you’re all going to be one mega-city, one of the things they concentrated on was the municipalities gave up some of their authority to do things like garbage collection, the police, they were contemplating fire,” said Prue.

The Amherstburg mayor said he feared if they go down this road, “I’m very nervous about that and I wanted to express that. Notwithstanding that, I still think this is a good idea. But please be very careful. The more you give from the local municipality to the regional municipality, the more likely they are going to say at some point ‘why do you even exist?’,” said Prue.

Tecumseh Mayor Gary McNamara said said the province can come down and direct municipalties to merge or combine services.

“I think it’s about being efficient and we have to change our method of reducing our carbon footprint. There’s no doubt there’s a climate change issue,” said McNamara.

McNamara said he sees three garbage trucks per week going down the street in his municipality per week and cutting that down makes sense to him. He added there are other opportunities to generate income through the collection of organics and renewable energy.

A “made in Essex County” solution would reduce red tape, duplication, and amount of people that residents would have to call, said McNamara. He said later in the debate lower tier municipalities still have “a kick at the can” at discussing this issue further.

“I really believe this is the right thing to do it and it’s the right time,” said McNamara. “I never want to be in a position where the provincial government comes in and says ‘you shall do it.’”

Kingsville Deputy Mayor Kimberly DeYong said she is for organic solutions in urban areas, but questioned including communities with large rural components and sending trucks down rural roads.

“Are we getting diversion bang for our buck?” she asked.

DeYong said by combining organics with garbage as part of the initiative doesn’t allow them to realize the true cost of organics. She said she’d like to know what those costs are, adding she also wants to see the environmental argument to send a large truck to a small number of homes.

Kingsville Mayor Dennis Rogers

says “he gets the grand scheme of it” but believed “there is a lot of data that isn’t here.” Rogers said he would like more conversations, citing such issues as yard waste days and other questions, that he still would like answers to and feared “tight timing” would impact their decision-making.

“As of now, I can’t just throw it in the air and hope it gets figured out,” said Rogers. “What hurts us to delay it and have some more conversations to get those details down for us to be able to make a decision.”

Zwiers said there will be an opportunity during the RFP process to get pricing on a per unit basis for services, adding the working group encourages municipalities to come forward with situations they may need included.

Essex Mayor Sherry Bondy called it “one of the bigger topics that we’ll have to deal with in this term of council.” Bondy said her council passed a resolution supporting a regional initiative but added “we have a brand new council” and they may not have a full understanding of what is happening right now. She said she was “a little uncomfortable” dealing with the bylaw last Wednesday night, preferring to look at it in September “to allow me to go back to my council and say this is exactly what it means because at the end of the day, they are going to be the ones facing the political accolades or the political bites on their bum.”

Bondy said she agrees in principle where the county wants to go, but wanted more discussion with her council in Essex on the issue. Warden Hilda MacDonald said the issues will still go back to municipal councils.

Amherstburg Deputy Mayor Chris Gibb said amalgamation is still an issue with some in Amherstburg, thus he saw Prue’s earlier point, but he also agreed with McNamara that if municipalities don’t work together and have to go to the province with problems, “they are going to force it upon us.”

“There’s only so much landfill room to use,” said Gibb. “I don’t really see it as an environmental issue. I see it as an economic issue. Once those landfills fill up, then what do we do? If we don’t start now, when are we going to start?”

Gibb said cost was an issue for Amherstburg, adding the current proposal will go “a long way” to helping town council make a a final decision as the current decision was in principle. He added “it’s got to be a big, brave decision” but it’s one that in 25 years it will be one that will look like the right decision.

“I’m not opposed to moving to the next step but I’m still a little gun shy,” Gibb admitted.

MacDonald said she sat on the solid waste taskforce with the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) for two years, and when she brought up they were looking at organic waste collection and were concerned about regional waste collection, “they all started to chuckle.”

“They said ‘we’ve been doing it for 11 years,’” she said. “We’re not needing to re-invent the wheel here. I’m not understanding the hesitancy,” she said. “We need to do this. A new landfill is going to cost us about $120 million. When this one is filled, we’re going to have to find a new place to put garbage. We need to be proactive and do the best that we can.”

Continued on Page 5

County of Essex declares IPV an epidemic

By Fred Groves

Essex County council have joined five of its member municipalities along with the City of Windsor in declaring a regional Intimate Partner Violence Epidemic.

At last Wednesday night’s meeting, Sylvie Guenther, executive director of Hiatus House and Debra Fowler, Neighbours, Friends and Families Co-ordinator made a presentation, outlining the significance of making the declaration.

“Many of you have heard from us already and many of you have already made the declaration,” said Guenther.

When asked how many people in the council chambers knew of someone who had experienced IPV, most of the hands were raised.

Guenther said that 64 per cent of Canadians know someone personally who have been affected.

Amherstburg town council passed the resolution at its Aug. 14 meeting. She also noted that over 40 communities in the province have made the

declaration and asked why it was so important to do so.

“It allows us to be more accountable and raise awareness and promote safety for women who are experiencing violence.”

And while it is women who primarily become abused, Guenther said that there are some men who have also fell victim to IPV.

Guenther coined the term, “femicide,” which she explained is the killing of women just because they are women. Since 2021 there have been four such deaths in the Windsor-Essex region.

“We know violence is increasing and it’s worse when they leave an abusive situation.”

Fowler said that sometimes leaving an abusive relationship is difficult because the women may not speak English, can not access services, are scared of being deported and even have their passport taken away.

“Leaving is very dangerous for them,” said Fowler. She added that is also difficult for them because of the

A spot of tea

lack of affordable housing.

It is the second time in recent months that a request has been made to county council, the first was a written submission and at that time Warden Hilda MacDonald wanted more information.

“I just didn’t want to do a knee-jerk

reaction. I think some of the provinces have had an issue with calling it an epidemic.

Lakeshore Mayor Tracey Bailey made the motion for the county to declare IPV an epidemic, it was seconded by Essex Mayor Sherry Bondy.

Regional waste initiative moves ahead

Continued from Page 4

MacDonald said “we’ve got to decide this and this should not be a problem.” She said administration needs to be trusted that they are going to find the best solutions for all communities in the area.

“I don’t understand the fear. If we were on the leading edge, I totally get it. But we’re not. We’re way behind the people that have already done it and have done it at least a decade before us,” she said.

Tecumseh Deputy Mayor Joe Bachetti agreed Essex County is behind on the issue and by moving ahead with the bylaw lets the county takes the next step.

There is still a chance for concerns to be alleviated, Bachetti stated. Essex Deputy Mayor Rob Shepley said additional concerns can be addressed during the process and supported the motion.

Lakeshore Mayor Tracey Bailey said she is a proponent of regionalizing the service, “I do have marching orders from my council” and voted in opposition.

Prue added he supported the motion “because it is the right thing to do” and said when he was in East York, they went to every other week garbage collection and organic collection with complaints dying down in the first few weeks. He added there is technology that can make organic waste from greenhouses into energy and would like staff to explore that decision.

Prue said he doesn’t regret prior support of the decision to move forward on this process, “nor have I heard anyone in Amherstburg say it was the wrong decision.”

The motion to proceed passed 8-6 with MacDonald, Gibb, Prue, Bondy, Shepley, McNamara, Bachetti and Leamington Deputy Mayor Larry Verbeke in favour.

Opposed were LaSalle Mayor Crystal Meloche, LaSalle Deputy Mayor Michael Akpata, DeYong, Rogers, Lakeshore Deputy Mayor Kirk Walstedt and Bailey.

Memories of Yesterday...

It’s graduation season! Here is a photo of the graduating class at St. Rose High School in 1945. Front row (left to right): Delores Reaume, Sister M. John Berchmans, and Catherine Deslippe. Second row: Antoinette Rosati, Alice Middleditch, Anne McCarron, Germaine Grondin. Third Row: John Montgomery, Mary Sutts, Mary Jane Thrasher, and Tom Kelly. Back Row: Father Chas. Kelly and John Gleason. Absent from the photo were: Alex Callam, Norv Renaud, and Judith Ross.

The Park House Museum has held a series of teas over the summer months, one of them being an Outlander Tea. Helping to serve the tea and food was Mikayla Jackson and Emily Richard. For more information on the Park House Museum and its programming, visit www.parkhousemuseum.com or call 519-736-2511.

RTT PHOTO BY RON GIOFU

Anderdon Child Care makes donation towards family’s fundraiser

By Ron Giofu

A local child care centre is helping with the “Heroes for Histio” fundraiser.

Thanks to the “Senior Snack Shack,” a snack cart led by older students at Anderdon Child Care, a donation of $2,000 was made to the Sept. 16 “Heroes for Histio” fundraiser.

The fundraiser is being organized by the Drouillard family of Amherstburg, with four-year-old Harper Drouillard having had Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH).

The LCH that caused a vertebrae in Harper’s back to get crushed during a minor fall has miraculously disappeared and her cancer is now considered

“non-active.”

Parents Marc and Alyssa Drouillard brought Harper to Anderdon Child Care last Friday morning where they received the donation.

Meagan DiPasquale, one of the teachers at the day care, said Harper started with them in January 2022 before her illness was discovered.

“Harper worked really hard with her doctors for six weeks,” DiPasquale told the group of students and teachers.

Harper is a student that makes a positive impact, DiPasquale added.

“When she comes into the room, she brightens up your day,” she said.

Proceeds generated by the snack cart was a topic of discussion at Anderdon

Child Care, but not for long.

“There was no question about it. We knew it was Harper’s fundraiser that was going to get the proceeds,” said DiPasquale. “All together as a centre, we raised $2,000 for them.”

Alyssa said they were very grateful for the gesture and the family thanked the child care centre for its assistance. She said the family was proud of the children for coming up with the money, noting the “Heroes for Histio” event will carry a super-hero theme.

“You guys are great because you did an amazing thing,” she told the group.

Alyssa added the fundraiser is “coming together really well.” She stated the Amherstburg community

and its businesses are stepping up and helping where they can.

“It’s overwhelming,” she said. The family was notified about one month ago that Anderdon Child Care was planning a fundraiser, but they didn’t know until they stepped onto the stage at Anderdon Public School, where the day care is located, of how much the donation actually was.

“They’ve been such a family for Harper since she started here,”

(Above) Anderdon Child Care made a $2,000 donation to the “Heroes for Histio” fundraiser, being organized by the Drouillard family. From left: Emily Renaud, Mya Bondy, teacher Meagan DiPasquale, Harper, Alyssa and Marc Drouillard, Emilia Francis and teacher Meghan Elias. (Right) Alyssa and Harper Drouillard put a pie in the face of teacher Nicole Walus.

RTT PHOTOS BY RON GIOFU

Range light in Navy Yard Park gets a refresh thanks to a local artist

By Ron Giofu

The range light located in the north end of King’s Navy Yard Park has a new look thanks to a local artist.

Amherstburg resident Dennis White has restored the range light, which is near the water’s edge at the park’s northwest corner. Tourism co-ordinator Sarah Van Grinsven stated it was White’s idea to paint the range light, noting that White would see the light while out walking and wanted to improve it.

White said he was walking his dog in the park over a year ago, he saw the range light and wanted to do something.

“I said ‘that looks kind of ugly’ and I thought it would look good with some of the history of the park,” said White.

White connected with Van Grinsven and the project was stalled due to a lack of funding for several months. The town received a grant through the Southwest Tourism Relief Fund and that enabled the project to finally move

forward, with the materials being the lone cost. Van Grinsven estimated it cost less than $1,200.

There are six panels with five being painted with several eras of the park’s history on them, ranging from the coal docks to waterworks park and more.

The sixth panel is a legend explaining the paintings.

Van Grinsven believed the storytelling aspect was important and that it is another thing for people to view when they come down to King’s Navy Yard Park.

“It adds value to their visit,” said Van Grinsven. “It’s another way to learn about Amherstburg’s history.”

There has been a lot of positive feedback thus far, added White, noting he worked on it as he was available in his studio. He estimated it took him about a day per panel.

White and Van Grinsven consulted with Marsh Historical Collection collections co-ordinator Meg Reiner and Fort Malden National Historic Site of Canada collections specialist John MacLeod on the project.

“Everyone was really helpful,” said White.

Van Grinsven said the range light was originally on the grounds of Fort Malden and was eventually donated to the Town of Amherstburg.

The panels were finished and installed last week, he said. White added he recalled some of the eras depicted on the range light, such as diving into the Detroit River off of a diving platform.

“All of this stuff was on this property at one time or another,” said White.

Draft plan of subdivision endorsed by Amherstburg town council

By Ron Giofu

A draft plan of subdivision has been endorsed by town council but one resident, and others based on her delegation to council, are not overly pleased with the plan.

Lorraine Bortolin appeared before town council to voice concerns with the “Brittany’s Gate” subdivision proposal. She said she lived on Main St. for 34 years but moved to an acre of land on Texas Road two years ago after starting to feel “claustrophobic” surrounded by neighbouring properties.

“The property (on Texas Road) has become a haven for me with the serenity of the woods and the wildlife that form the north end of that property,” she said.

Bortolin received notice from the Town of Amherstburg regarding the proposed 18-lot subdivision.

“Not being fond of this proposal, I immediately prepared a letter which I delivered to all of the affected homes on Texas Road and Front Road (North) noting my concerns regarding this development,” she said.

Bortolin said she has received texts, calls and e-mails from other homeowners supporting her. She added she reached out to a family member in Toronto, who offered his comments. Bortolin met with town planner Sarah French and asked about an environmental assessment study.

“How will this new development affect the wildlife presently living there?” she asked.

Bortolin also asked if a traffic study was done, adding “there is a lot of traffic” on Texas Road already.

“Adding another street into the subdivision will just cause more traffic,” she said.

Backyard flooding issue was another concern raised as was privacy and “loss of peacefulness the area currently offers.” Bortolin said the subdivision “does not seem feasible” and noted there are other areas that are getting built up. She said neighbours live there

because there are no subdivisions abutting their properties.

“We live here to enjoy the openness and peacefulness our properties offer. We understand this community is growing but where it grows should be examined,” she said. “Yes, the property taxes from Brittany’s Gate will be an asset, but it will be at our residents’ cost.”

Bortolin said she and her neighbours ask town council and developer Norbert Bolger to take those factors into consideration.

Town administration recommended council endorse the draft plan of subdivision with manager of planning services Chris Aspila pointing out the County of Essex is the approval authority. The county deemed the application complete and would like the town to endorse it before moving forward.

Director of development services/ deputy CAO Melissa Osborne said the county planner has the authority to approve a subdivision and it would not have to go before Essex County council.

Councillor Diane Pouget asked if a traffic study has been done with French stating a traffic study was not included in the county’s requirement to deem the application complete. French added an environmental study was included.

Pouget also asked about a nearby woodlot.

“The subdivision is not in the wooded area and in the parcel beneath it. The wooded area belongs to a separate landowner and will be maintained as it currently is,” said French.

Osborne said the proposed development requires no Official Plan or zoning bylaw amendments or minor variances. Councillor Don McArthur had wanted confirmation about zoning matters and what the land could be used for.

Mayor Michael Prue noted the street name was stated as “Brittany Crescent” in the report and said the naming does not comply with the town’s street naming policy. He noted there is a list of people killed in times of war, former

mayors and others who have made contributions.

“They’re supposed to be first,” said Prue.

Prue also recalled having to change street names due to confusion from emergency services. He called for the subdivision to carry “Street A” and “Street B” when it goes to the county. Osborne said they will be “Street A” and “Street B” as the move back to the county planner.

“We’ll deal with the street names at a later date,” said Osborne.

“We can have a better look and do it right,” added Prue.

The town’s heritage committee voted 3-2 earlier this month to recommend “Brittany Crescent” as the street name.

Town council approved the recommendation to endorse the draft plan of subdivision.

The range light on the north end of King’s Navy Yard Park was repainted with historical scenes and information, thanks to local artist Dennis White (right). He worked with town tourism co-ordinator Sarah Van Grinsven (left) on the project.

Changes being made to local blood collection

By RTT Staff

Changes are being made to the way Canadian Blood Services (CBS) collects in Windsor-Essex County.

Canadian Blood Services states it is opening a new plasma donor centre in Windsor in fall 2023 with Canadian Blood Services strategic communications specialist Agnese Caruso stating plasma is the straw-coloured liquid in blood that helps other blood components circulate throughout the body. She said plasma donated in Windsor at the new centre will be made into lifesaving medications for patients in Canada — many have no other treatment option.

“There is a global shortage of these medications and plasma needed to make them, as these medications are in demand for a growing number of conditions. That’s why we’re increasing the amount of plasma we collect in Canada. We’ve already opened seven plasma donor centres since 2020 and we have plans to open four more by

spring 2024,” said Caruso.

The blood donor events in Essex County communities wrapped up in late July.

“After careful review of our collection programs for both plasma and blood, we have made the difficult decision to close the Windsor blood donor centre on July 28,” she said. “We will also discontinue mobile blood donor events in the Windsor area (Amherstburg, Belle River, Essex, Kingsville, Leamington, Tilbury and Harrow).”

The last mobile blood donor clinics were held from May 9–July 26, 2023. Canadian Blood Services will continue to hold events for O-negative and rare blood donors in Windsor, she added.

“We are discontinuing mobile events in the Windsor area because we need to increase plasma collection in Canada as quickly as possible. To do this, we need a donor base large enough to support the growing need for plasma donors,” said Caruso. “This change will not impact local patients. Canadian Blood Services operates a national blood system,

which means local health centres and those across the country will continue to receive blood and blood products as they do today.”

Caruso added: “Patients in Canada continue to need blood. You can also help patients in Canada by registering as a stem cell or organ and tissue donor, or by making a financial contribution or volunteering with Canadian Blood Services. For more information on all the ways you can contribute to Canada’s Lifeline, visit blood.ca.”

Amherstburg resident Peter Wiseman said he and his wife Barb question the decision. He said he and his wife gave blood in Harrow in the spring and were surprised with what they heard.

“With a population of 340,000 (2022 stats), it seems counter-productive to us that CBS has decided that our contribution to alleviating the chronic shortage of Canada’s blood supply should be so callously dismissed. By next year, if anyone in Windsor-Essex wants to donate blood, their nearest opportunity to do so will be a 4-4.5 hour round trip

to Chatham,” he said.

According to Wiseman, “if things go as planned, a pheresis (plasma gathering) facility will be left in Windsor with a mobile facility used intermittently to collect only one type of blood.” He believes the decision by CBS is discouraging Windsor-Essex County residents from contributing to this important and altruistic effort.

Wiseman said one in 300 Canadians (Canadian Hemochromatosis Society stats), or 1,100 Windsor-Essex County residents, have hemochromatosis, a condition where they retain too much iron. That can be best alleviated by donating whole blood, not plasma, Wiseman stated.

There are also environmental considerations of donors and volunteers having to travel farther to make blood donations, he added.

”If you feel strongly that CBS is making the wrong decision then contact your local MPP. We found one of the three to be responsive to our concerns,” said Wiseman.

Aesthetic and medical provider cuts the ribbon on business, plans to offer walk-in clinic later this year

By Ron Giofu

An aesthetics and medical provider is aiming to add after-hours medical clinic to her operation.

The ribbon was cut at“The Bloom Society” last Saturday afternoon with owner Aida Morar stating they offer such services as laser treatments, Botox, non-surgical facelifts, chemical peels, women’s rejuvenation among other services. Located at 111 Sandwich St. S., Morar said they plan to add an afterhours walk-in medical clinic as part of their operation.

Morar is a nurse practitioner and will be adding another nurse practitioner in the fall. Mild illnesses, chronic care and medical treatments will be offered from 6-10 p.m. two nights per week, with Morar stating the plan for that is to start in either November or December. They want to add more access to care and primary care in the community. She has been a nurse practitioner since 2020 and has served in trauma and ICU care in the past.

Her existing business has been operating since 2016 but this is the second year of its operation where they are now. She said she wants the public to be able to

experience aesthetics if they choose and she wants to make it more inclusive and affordable. She added her family lives in Amherstburg and they are happy to be here.

“I am thankful to be welcomed here,” she said. Morar added when she started out, she didn’t think she would be as welcomed as she has been.

“It’s intense and it’s been a lot of work,” she said of her business.

Clarification

With regards to the story regarding “Busing concerns raised by parents near bridge construction site,” it should have stated the average distance for students along the impacted area of Concession 5 North is 430m, with 200m being the distance from the nearest intersection for a specific family spoken with by WESTS managment official Chris Arthurs. Arthurs estimated the distance for students to range between 130m-900m with five of the 10-15 total homes in the area having students.

Mayor Michael Prue thanked Morar and her family for investing in the community. Prue noted the need for after-hours medical care and looked forward to the service the walk-in clinic will provide for the community. He was joined by Deputy Mayor Chris Gibb at the ribbon cutting ceremony. For more information about the Bloom Society, call 519-991-6287, e-mail bloomsocietyaida@gmail.com or visit www.bloomsociety.ca.

Free summer concert by the WSO coming to Navy Yard Park this Sunday

The Windsor Symphony Orchestra (WSO) returns to Amherstburg this Sunday afternoon.

The WSO’s brass quintet will be at the gazebo in King’s Navy Yard Park, weather permitting, from 3-4 p.m. Sunday for a performance. The concert is free to attend and members of the public are invited to bring their own lawn chairs, blankets and picnic baskets to attend the performance.

It is the last of the WSO’s free summer concert series. Previous outdoor summer concerts were held in Windsor and Leamington. Sponsors for this Sunday’s concert are Richard and Colleen Peddie and the OLG.

Mayor Michael Prue, joined by Deputy Mayor Chris Gibb, cuts the ribbon along with owners and staff of the Bloom Society last Saturday afternoon. The business is looking to add an after-hours medical walk-in clinic later this year.

Who This Event Is For:

1. If you are over the age of 50 2. If you have experienced Tinnitus

3. If you are diabetic or pre-diabetic

4. If you have high blood pressure

5. If you sometimes have difficulty hearing

6. If you are retired without a driving purpose

7. If you forget more than you used to, or are having more ‘Senior Moments’

If any of the above apply to you, a loved one, or neighbor we look forward to seeing you and them at this Hearing and Brain Education Event

Presented by

Nashlea Brogan, Doctor of Audiology

Clinical Audiologist

Co-Author, Hearing Well Aging Well Speaker: CHHA, AuDExperts, Amptify

Spokesperson, OAPAC

Hearing Loss Advocate

Digital Content Creator

Nationally Recognized Advocate for Hearing Health Education

We invite you to attend this exclusive ticketed event. As spaces are limited, we encourage you to secure your complimentary tickets by contacting us or visiting our website.

Berdusco named as the new captain of the Admirals

By Ron Giofu

An Amherstburg native will captain his hometown Jr. C team this coming hockey season.

Derek Berdusco will wear the “C” for the 2023-24 PJHL Stobbs Division season, after being an assistant captain last year. He said he found out about a month ago he’d be the captain but the Admirals didn’t make the announcement until last week.

“It’s great. I’m really glad to be the captain in my hometown,” said Berdusco. “I’m proud to be playing in front of friends and family. It’s an honour to be the captain in my hometown. It’s probably the best feeling I’ve ever had in hockey. I’m really excited to get the season going.”

An announcement on the Admirals’ website pointed out Berdusco will be one of four overage players entering their final season of junior hockey eligibility. The 21-year-old played 26 games with the Admirals last year and recorded ten assists. Previous stops on his hockey resumé include the Amherstburg Stars, Sun County Panthers, Windsor Jr. Spitfires and the Jr. B LaSalle Vipers.

Berdusco told the River Town Times he has never been a captain before, but served as an assistant captain in a couple of stops.

“I’ve always been a player that leads by example,” said Berdusco. “I’ve always had a voice in the room. I show respect to everyone on the team. Everyone is equal.”

His style of play on defense is something others try to follow, he added, and calls himself a great motivator.

Goals include bringing the best out of everyone, having his teammates want to come to the rink and give their best effort in games and practices, and keep it positive in the room. Team goals also include going as far as they can in the playoffs and “make the best of the season.”

Berdusco said he has gotten to know new general manager Andrew Sykes and they have spoken a lot over the summer.

“We’re excited about what he can bring to the team,”

said Berdusco. “He’s definitely got a lot of good ideas and the guys are excited of what comes from that.”

In the team’s announcement, Sykes said: “We are lucky to have Berdy’s presence not only on the ice, but off of it as well. I’ve known him as a player since his Sun County AAA days and then on a more personal level when we were together with the Vipers. He is someone who is well-liked and well-respected by his peers and someone who leads by the effort he brings to every shift. We look forward to having Derek lead this team and for him to set his example for others to follow.”

Berdusco added he has also met with new head coach Beau Hunter and assistant coach Zach Guilbeault and is excited to see what they bring to the table. They have good hockey sense and knowledge, Berdusco added, and the team is eager to see what drills and plays they bring to the table.

The Admirals also recently signed another defensemen, Travis Knight of Windsor. The 17-year-old played with the Windsor Jr. Spitfires U18 team and was a Bluewater League all-star. He also played for the A21 Academy, the Admirals state, adding he was an AP for the Admirals and played four regular season games last season.

The Admirals will open up training camp Aug. 25, and play the first of two exhibition games Sept. 6 in Essex against the 73’s.

The regular season opens in Lakeshore Sept. 15 with the home opener being the next night against the Walpole Island Wild (formerly the Wallaceburg Thunderhawks) at 7:30 p.m.

Local swimmer takes silver at Ontario 55+ Summer Games

By Ron Giofu

A local swimmer went to Brantford for the recent Ontario 55+ Summer Games and came home with a silver medal.

Karen Kessler competed at the games Aug. 9-11 and was pleased with her performance. She explained there were several options swimmers could choose when signing up and her category included a 50m front crawl, a 50m backstroke, a 100m prediction swim and a 200m prediction swim.

Kessler said a prediction swim is where there is a distance given and the swimmer has to predict how long it will take to swim that distance.

“It’s important that you get close to your predicted time,” she said. “It’s in a 25m pool, which means for a 100m (swim), you are doing four lengths.”

Kessler said she trains at Movati Athletic in Amherstburg but also had to use the pool in Essex as that is the closest 25m pool to Amherstburg. The Ontario 55+ Summer Games swims were at the Wayne Gretzky Centre and that contains numerous pools and ice rinks, though she added the use of a diving pool was challenging due to its

depth.

Kessler said she started swimming at age 50 and has kept doing it for the last 18 years. She said about ten years ago, she asked if she would ever be good enough to compete and the aquatics director at Movati believed she would be. Kessler took swimming courses and “I just kept at it.”

When Movati had to temporarily shut down due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, Kessler said she was aided by friends who let her use their pool during summer months.

However, the bigger challenge related to health, specifically that of her husband Mike. He has vascular dementia and mild Alzheimer’s Disease.

“I’m really happy to be able to do this and have him be a part of it,” she said.

Mike is the first person ever to be elected as a voting member of the Alzheimer Society, she said, and they are open about the illness and are still active.

“We’re trying to do what we can while we can,” she said. “It’s not something to hide from or be afraid of. The earlier the diagnosis, the more you can get ahead of it.”

The Ontario 55+ Summer Games

was “dementia-friendly,” she said, as numerous volunteers helped out and ensured Mike was able to do what he wanted to do. He also took pictures during the event of his wife’s accomplishments.

“No one, to my knowledge, suspected he had dementia,” said Kessler.

Kessler called it “a very friendly sport” and she has met a lot of people through it. Competitors at the Ontario 55+ Summer Games ranged from their 50’s to well into their 80’s and Kessler said competitors didn’t know each other’s ages during the event.

“My goal was to finish and climb out of the pool,” she said with a laugh.

Noting she has always loved the water, she said this was a good experience for her. Kessler added she was the region’s flagbearer for the closing ceremonies of the event.

Kessler added she was worried about her height, as she was afraid taller competitors would have a reach advantage. She stated most swimmers were about her size and that it showed anyone could compete.

“A lot of people don’t think they can do things,” she said. “You don’t know until you try.”

AMHERSTBURG ADMIRALS’ IMAGE Derek Berdusco is the new captain of the Amherstburg Admirals.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Karen Kessler of Amherstburg won the silver medal in her swimming category at the Ontario 55+ Summer Games in Brantford.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 26

AMHERSTBURG FOOD & FELLOWSHIP MISSION

GOLF TOURNAMENT - Held at Coachwood Golf & Country Club, 7525 Howard Ave., in McGregor. Registration at 7:45 a.m., shotgun start at 8:30 a.m., reception and awards at 2 p.m. $150 per golfer ($65 for dinner only). For more information or to be a sponsor, call 519-816-6722, e-mail aburgmission@yahoo.com or visit www.aburgmission.ca.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 26

SAFE FAMILIES CHARITY YARD SALE - Safe Families

Windsor-Essex hosting charity yard sale and BBQ at Lighthouse Church, 226 King St. (corner of Gore St.) in Amherstburg. Runs from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 26 & SUNDAY, AUGUST 27

ART BY THE RIVER - Presented by the Gibson Gallery. Held at Fort Malden National Historic Site of Canada, 100 Laird Ave., in Amherstburg. Runs 10 a.m.-5 p.m. both days, rain or shine. Admission $5, children 12 and under free when accompanied by an adult. No pets, working animals only allowed on site. Proceeds benefit the Gibson Gallery.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 27

SOUTHERN ONTARIO VINTAGE BICYCLE SHOW

- Held at the home of Marc and Cori McGuire, 6871 Concession 6 North in Amherstburg. Buy, sell, trade, display. Runs 8 a.m.-3 p.m. For info, contact mark. mcguire64@gmail.com.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 1

MUSIC OFF THE BACK PORCH - Held behind the Park House Museum, 214 Dalhousie St. in Amherstburg. Featuring Foxy Doe and The Devilles. Begins at 6 p.m. (weather permitting), bring your own lawn chairs. Free

event, donations welcome. Proceeds benefit the Park House Museum.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24

CHRIST CHURCH HOMECOMING DINNER - All are welcome. At McGregor Columbia Club, 9560 Walker Road. Doors open at 3:30 p.m., dinner at 5:30 p.m., cash bar. Music by “Crowbar Hotel” before and after dinner.  Tickets $40. Contact church at 519-736-7636. We appreciate your support of this church fundraiser.

ONGOING

ORAL HISTORY PROJECT - Presented by the Marsh Historical Collection, 80 Richmond St. First round of interviews being conducted this summer. Contact the Marsh Historical Collection for more info, 519-736-9191 or research@marshcollection.org. Help preserve the stories, histories and legacies of Amherstburg!

COLUMBUS COMMUNITY HALL MEALS - Columbus

Community Hall, 190 Richmond St., serving burgers and fries for purchase, Monday 12-2 p.m., bingo on Thursday at 7 p.m. (big jackpot this week), Fish Fry on Friday from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. all throughout the summer. Thanks to all the sponsors of fish fries and great job Miracle League who raised over $900 including the dessert table.

FREE COMMUNITY MEAL - Lighthouse Church, in conjunction with Feeding Windsor, invites the public to come every Thursday at 5:30 p.m. for a free dinner. 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.).

MENTAL HEALTH & COUNSELLING SERVICES

- The Youth Wellness Hub presenting mental health

and counselling services at The House Youth Centre. Runs every Wednesday from 2-6 p.m. Free for people between the ages of 12-25. The House is located within the Amherstburg Community Hub at 320 Richmond St. For details, call 519-800-8640

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

GOLDEN AGE CLUB - The Golden Age Club, Amherstburg’s friendship club, located at the Libro Recreation Centre is offering social activities five days a week. It costs $10 a year to join. There are over 160 members who have a lot of fun playing euchre, pepper, bingo, cribbage, and bridge and doing line dancing. We also have three special luncheons and a beautiful Christmas party each year. You pick which activities you want to participate in. Go to our website www. goldenagecentre.ca.

JUNIOR OPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL - Looking for youth in Grades 4-12 who are interested in giving back to the community and developing leadership skills. Contact Caitlin at 519-995-5289 or secretary@bryerswood.com.

BINGOS - K of C Hall in River Canard at 7 p.m. Dine-in BBQ first Friday of the month, call in advance for tickets –519-734-8575.

ACS FOOD BANK - Curbside pickup at Amherstburg Community Hub (320 Richmond St.). Runs MondayFriday 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.

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, 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, 298 Victoria St. S., needs donations, including 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 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.” Donors help fund general operations fund of the camp. Donors with gifts of $5,000 and over become “Founders Club” members and have one square of camp property sponsored in their name. Multiple squares are available for sponsorship. Tax receipts provided. For info, visit www. bryerswood.com, call 519-996-7364 or e-mail info@ bryerswood.com.

AMHERSTBURG COMMUNITY SERVICES - Located at 320 Richmond St., 519-736-5471. Meals on Wheels, CareLink Accessible Transportation, Food Bank, Senior Support, Keep The Heat, Ontario Energy Support Program & much more. Please call to see how we can help!

Happy 80th Birthday Cecile August

23

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. www.renovisions.ca Steve 519-300-0961.

APT FOR RENT CASA BLANCA & BELLA Vista 365-369 Dalhousie. Large, clean, quiet with security entrance. Laundry, patio or balcony, appliances, parking. Centrally located to all amenities. Starting at $1395 utilities included. Call to view 519-984-1745.

PEST CONTROL AND WILD ANIMAL CONTROL

DELINE’S S ERVING AMHERSTBURG since 1988. Call 519-736-2448.

In

MULTI-FAMILY YARD & ESTATE SALE

LABOUR DAY WEEKEND

SEPTEMBER 2 & 3 - 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Tons of unopened Avon products of all sorts, furniture, housewares, kids’ toys, women’s clothing of various sizes, and much more! 8471 Howard Ave. RR#5, Amherstburg N9V 0C8 (Just North of the Little White Church) Pull in shopping & parking. No Early Birds - Rain Day Sunday, September 3.

We wish to express our sincere thanks to the many friends and relatives who visited the funeral home, gifts of food, sympathy cards, floral tributes and charitable donations. Special thanks to Leamington Raceway and Lakeshore Racing Association for the memorial tribute for Chris. Thanks also to Dr. D. Coates who cared for Chris for the last several years. Thank you to Families First for your help and guidance. We will never forget the kindness that has been shown to us. Thank you.

Kicks & Giggles

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20

It is time to recharge your batteries this week, Aries. It may be challenging to slow down, but that is just what you need to do or you are going to run out of steam on your next project.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21

Early on this week you may start out in a bit of a funk, Taurus. That all will change with some words from a friend that will help your mood bounce in the other direction.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21

Gemini, the side of your brain responsible for pragmatism has been working overtime. You are ready to solve any problems and find answers to most questions.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22

Cooperation from others has been hard to come by lately, Cancer. That could lead to some conflicts along the way. Collectively you will have to find some middle ground.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23

You could be focused on things in the past this week, Leo. This could start you on a trek to track down mementos in a home or to visit an antiques shop to make some purchases.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22

Virgo, there is still a lot to learn, but you have the time right now to pay attention to everyone around you to glean what you can. Never stop gathering information.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23

Even if others make suggestions, use your own judgement regarding how to spend time this week, Libra. You may want to eschew all responsibilities for something fun.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22

Seek new places for any sort of inspiration, Scorpio. You never know what you may uncover unless you visit new places instead of your old haunts. Start exploring this week.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21

Some outside energy has muted your normally boisterous personality, Sagittarius. You may want to skip out on social scenes and spend some time at home in the coming days.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20

Strong opinions rule the day, so convincing others could be especially difficult in the days ahead. Wait some time and they try again, Capricorn.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18

Aquarius, there will be some measure of public speaking or performance in your near future, and it is likely giving you a bit nervous. No one will judge you, so try to lighten up.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20

Pisces, you could encounter more oddballs than normal in your daily routines. From customers making scenes to quirky coworkers, you might need to be patient and open-minded.

FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS

AUGUST 20 - Robert Plant, Singer (75)

AUGUST 21 - Usain Bolt, Athlete (37)

AUGUST 22 - Dua Lipa, Singer (28)

AUGUST 23 - Jeremy Lin, Athlete (35)

AUGUST 24 - Sofia Richie, Model (25)

AUGUST 25 - Blake Lively, Actress (36)

AUGUST 26 - Macaulay Culkin, Actor (43)

WORD SCRAMBLE

Rearrange the letters to spell something pertaining to fishing.

Pickleball tourney involves 40 players

By Ron Giofu

Pickleball players in Amherstburg have wrapped up their indoor season with a tournament.

The Amherstburg Pickleball Association (APA) hosted the Libro Pickleball Tournament recently at the Libro Centre. The summer season for pickleball, played on the Movati ice pad (Pad B), ended as the ice started going back into the arena.

Jennifer Brauss, a co-founder of the Amherstburg Pickleball Association, says a lot of newcomers to the sport are young “from teenagers to working youth in their twenties.”

“Some even took a week off as a vacation to play pickleball!” she stated.

Tim Rousseau, a newly-elected director of the APA, helped organize last Tuesday afternoon’s tournament.

“This is a social event,” said Rousseau. “The biggest thing about pickleball is the social aspect.”

Rousseau said it is the fastest growing sport in North America and said it can be played by youth to seniors.

“Regardless if you have ever played pickleball or any sport, anyone can play pickleball,” said Rousseau.

Pickleball combines three sports –ping pong, badminton and tennis – and he believes that makes pickleball as fun as it is.

“It’s a fun tournament,” said Rousseau. “It’s not a sanctioned event. Most of the players are from Amherstburg.”

The tournament was a wrap-up to the summer season and was played mainly just for fun. It wasn’t intended to be overly competitive.

About 40 players participated in the tournament with the spots being filled within 24 hours. Rousseau said town staff were accommodating but wished the season was longer, adding they await the two tennis courts that are planned for outside of the Libro Centre as that translates into eight pickleball courts. With more courts, Rousseau said they could have sanctioned tournaments in Amherstburg.

“We’re going to do it again,” he said of the tournament. “We are going to do a lot more.”

Runaways Farm holds first open house

Continued on Page 1

The open house also served as an educational event, as Blea added if people keep buying the pigs, the breeders will continue to sell them.

In addition to small pigs, Runaways Farm has goats, sheep, roosters and larger pigs. A large pig named Charlotte was rehomed at Runaways Farm after falling off a truck in Quebec, but the bulk of the rehomed animals come from southern Ontario. That pig, known as “Charlotte,” is “the poster child for Runaways Farm,” she said.

“She’s one of the lucky ones.”

Blea added animals have personalities and form their own relationships, and the open house helped people connect with them and possibly sponsor them as well. She stated they want people to not only meet the animals and see them as individuals.

“Maybe if they see them that way, they will keep them off their plate,” said Blea.

Sponsorships help pay the bills and keep the animals healthy, she stated. Runaways farm is looking for adult volunteers that can commit to a weekly schedule of one visit per week.

“We need that reliability,” said Blea.

Donations of produce and money are also welcome, with Blea adding even the smaller donations matter.

For more information on the Runaways Farm or to donate, visit www.runawaysfarm.com or text 416-898-1876. Their e-mail is runawaysfarm@gmail.com.

Volunteer Ireland Carter feeds the animals at The Runaways Farm last Saturday during

Linda DiPasquale and Nancy Loeffler-Caro were part of a pickleball tournament held at the Libro Centre. The tournament wrapped up the indoor pickleball season.