The Amherstburg Freedom Museum opened its latest exhibit and awarded scholarships to deserving students last Thursday night.
The museum opened “For Friends and Family: Social Organizing in Late-Nineteenth Century Amherstburg,” an exhibit created by university undergraduate student Max Bennett, who was selected for the Local Black History Internship Program which is in its second year. The internship program was created in partnership between the University of Windsor’s History Department and the Amherstburg Freedom Museum, though Bennett is now pursuing his Master’s Degree at the University of Western Ontario. Funding for this year’s internship program was secured by Dr. Gregg French and Dr. Robert Nelson of the University of Windsor’s History Department. Under the supervision
of Dr. Gregg French and Amherstburg Freedom Museum Assistant Curator Dr. Lorene Bridgen-Lennie, Bennett conducted independent research and used the Museum’s Family History Collection, along with sources from the Alvin D. McCurdy Fond (Archives of Ontario) and The Amherstburg Echo, to discuss the organizational work of persons of African descent in nineteenth-century Amherstburg.
Bennett told the audience he has a love of history and wanted to do an exhibit on local families but that became difficult without discussing their social networks.
The exhibit talks about such organizations that once existed, such as the King St. school, Social Literacy Society, the Amherstburg Literacy Association, the Oxford Club, Lincoln Lodge, the Frederic Douglass Self-Improvement Club, and the Buisy Gleaners among others.
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Arson charge laid after fire at commercial building
By Ron Giofu
A late night fire at a commercial building in Amherstburg has resulted in approximately $30,000$50,000 in damage and one arson charge.
The Amherstburg Fire Department gave those estimates early Thursday afternoon after a fire the previous night at the corner of Alma St. and Sandwich St. S. Firefighters responded to the building that houses F45 and were dispatched around 11:41 p.m., said deputy fire chief Ron Meloche.
“We arrived on scene with flames showing,” said Meloche. “We had the fire out shortly.”
All three stations were called out with approximately 35 firefighters on scene.
No firefighters were injured, Meloche pointed out. Meloche told the River Town Times last Thursday the cause was still under investigation. The Windsor Police Service – Amherstburg Detachment was also investigating the blaze to see whether or not there was any possible criminal activity.
“It’s being investigated by Windsor police,” said Meloche. “They attended the scene (Thursday) morning.”
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The Amherstburg Freedom Museum awarded Melvin “Mac” Simpson and Maturine-Romain Awards last Thursday night. From left: Abigail Muwanga, Elijah Scott-Jackson, Deborah Oloyede, museum supporter Guy Logan, board member Cari-Lynn Ristic. Not pictured are aware winners Melia Afonso, Lily Mulder and Michelle Ezeokoronkwo.
A fire at the corner of Sandwich St. S. and Alma St. saw damage to a commercial building and an arson charge laid against a 31-year-old male suspect.
PHOTO BY DOMINIC D’ALESSANDRO JR.
Next term of town council to get raises
By Ron Giofu
The next town council is getting a raise.
The current town council voted to give the group that is elected in 2026 more money, with the council compensation being maintained in the 65th percentile of the defined pay market. Translating that into dollars and cents, it means a raise for the mayor’s position from the current $47,754 per year in base pay to $60,880, or an increase of 27.5 per cent. The deputy mayor position would rise 14.4 per cent, from $31,783 to $36,349 per year while councillor’s base pay would go up 16.7 per cent from $25,229 to $29,455 per year.
The new figures could be adjusted should another review be done in the meantime or if salaries are changed due to cost of living increases, but consultant Marianne Love from ML Consulting indicated the numbers likely wouldn’t vary much if that were to occur.
Town council voted unanimously 6-0 to move ahead with the increase in pay for the next council, with Councillor Peter Courtney not in attendance Monday night.
Love told town council the last compensation review occurred in 2017 where the 65th percentile was established as the base pay rate. The 65th percentile is the dollar rate where 65 per cent of the wage rates in comparator organizations are below this amount and 35 per cent are above.
Currently, base pay rates for all levels of town council are below the 65th percentile, she told elected officials Monday night.
Additional compensation for special meetings is $100 for the first four hours or any portion thereof and $25 for each additional hour up to a maximum of $200 per day. There is a $200 daily per diem for attendance at conferences and workshops and a $75 daily meal allowance. Council members also receive 70 cents per kilometre for the first 5,000 km and receive a laptop. Benefits are provided with full premiums paid by the elected official and there is a $1,500 per year allocation for cell and internet expenses.
Base pay is adjusted annually every Jan. 1 with the same economic adjustment for management/nonunion employees, though Mayor Michael Prue said council waived that increase several times during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Love said a survey was conducted of other municipalities to compare remuneration, including the six other Essex County municipalities and Ontario municipalities such as Bradford West Gwillimbury, Stratford, Lincoln, Innisfil, New Tecumseth, St. Thomas and Woodstock.
“Amherstburg is relatively placed within the comparator group having regard to size indicators,” she said. Love’s report added: “The 65th percentile pay target is reasonable based on the size/scope and pay practice of the comparator group and aligns with the pay target for the employee group. Base pay rates for the mayor, deputy mayor and councillor require an increase to meet the 65th percentile pay target All other elements of remuneration are comparable to the defined comparator group.”
It is also best practice to increase council member base pay annually by the same amount as the employee salary grid, she recommended.
Deputy Mayor Chris Gibb had it clarified that the raises would take place the next term of council and not this one.
“I think if we want to attract good candidates to these roles for the community, I think we need to properly compensate them,” said Gibb.
Current council members accepted the rate of pay when they ran for office, the deputy mayor stated, but “I have no problem pushing this to the next council.” There is another two year to budget for the increases, he said.
Councillor Molly Allaire voted in favour, but admitted she was “shocked” by some of the percentages of the increases. She cited the 27.5 per cent raise in pay for the mayor’s position as an example.
“To me, I feel 27. 5 per cent is quite a bit,” she said.
Allaire said she understands the hard work that goes into the job, but added there is another side to the argument.
“I have the civil service side of me which says we do this because we care about the town,” said Allaire.
Councillor Linden Crain said he supported raising salaries for next term, but not the current term.
“It makes sense,” said Crain. “We’re going to be in line with comparable municipalities.”
Councillor Don McArthur believed it was essential to remove politics from the decision, and if the math and socio-economic conditions are allowed to dictate, it helps make the decision for them. McArthur agreed it should be for the next term of council, adding it could allow the “best and the brightest” to run in addition to others who might not be able to afford to look at running previously.
“As much as possible, you need to allow the best and brightest to run and the 65th percentile gets that done,” he said.
Councillor Diane Pouget said she is not running again, so she had no issue with voting on pay that impacts the next term. Calling it “an incredible amount of work,” Pouget said they don’t just go to two meetings per month, but attend other meetings, functions and have to handle residents’ complaints as well.
“Most of us work our butts off,” said Pouget. “It’s a very time-consuming job and it takes away from our families.”
Prue said this debate was different than the one at Essex County council, where the latter voted for 137 per cent raise and used funds from reserves to pay for it.
The county’s raises took effect this term.
“It was wrong, absolutely wrong, to do it,” said Prue of the county’s decision. “(The town’s vote) is different.”
Prue addressed Allaire’s concerns over the mayor’s raise, saying it amounts to $1,000 per month. He also said it was the first increase since 2017 and the increase is about three per cent per year, matching the rate of inflation.
“I think the next council deserves it,” he said of the increase. “I’m very proud it’s not this council. I am very proud we are not doing what the county did.”
If you see
Romano’s bids farewell after 54 years of service
By Ron Giofu
Traditions and values have been lessons that Claudio and Anna Mancini have passed down to their employees over the years.
That tradition came to a close over the weekend.
The Mancini’s closed their long-time business Romano’s Specialty Meats & Italian Deli last Sunday, bringing to a close 54 years of serving the community.
“My dad started in 1970,” explained Claudio. His father Pantaleone came to Canada from Italy in 1967 and started the business three years later. Pantaleone was 47-years-old when he arrived in Canada and originally worked at Marra’s Bread when he arrived in town.
“He brought some of his trade here,” said Claudio. Joined by his wife Marianna, they ran it until 1983 when Claudio and Anna took over.
“We took it to the next level,” said Anna. Claudio said he started learning about the business as early as 13-years-old.
They leave on a high note, with Claudio stating it is bittersweet to say goodbye.
“It’s been overwhelming but it’s been really good,” he said. “It’s a nice town. It’s our town. It’s our community.”
“All good things come to an end,” added Anna. “We didn’t know we were loved this much. We’re going to miss the people. We’ve been so honoured and privileged that for 54 years that we’ve been part of
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everyone’s family occasions and celebrations.”
Now with children and grandchildren of their own, Claudio and Anna had pictures of them around the Sandwich St. S. store. Their children have professional careers of their own, Claudio noted, and the work it would take to run the store would be substantial.
The pictures were put up along with other memories of the business, with Anna noting and displaying the teams and events they sponsored.
Anna said a lot of people don’t realize how much
Officers held the scene overnight and left roughly 11 a.m., he added.
Windsor police announced Thursday afternoon that a 31-year-old man was arrested in connection with the fire. Police say officers attended the building in the 30 block of Sandwich St. S. where “thick smoke billowing from a commercial building” was discovered.
“Officers found a male lying on the ground
work goes into running Romano’s. She said they want people to think of Anna and Claudio when remembering Romano’s.
“We see the moon in the morning and we see the moon at night,” she said.
Planning for the Christmas season has to start in June as a lot of inventory is shipped in from Italy. Claudio said they have spent the last few years using that to decide whether they want to go for another year or not and this year decided to step back and close the store.
The Mancini’s are not retiring completely, at least not yet, as there are still orders to fulfill.
They also plan to work out of the building, which they still own, and work on such things as their spices and seasonings. The store itself will be locked up.
“We will fulfill all of our obligations with our orders until the final day,” Anna stated, with that final day still undetermined.
Anna noted they have had generations of the same family work in the store.
“I have workers right now that had their parents work for us,” she said with a laugh. “Sometimes I think I’m tough on them but I tell them down the road, you are going to love me. I teach them traditions and values.”
Romano’s employed six full-time staff members and 25-30 overall. Anna said many students went on to successful careers.
Claudio added they are thankful to all their customers, staff and the community as a whole.
near the scene and safely escorted him to a safe location until EMS arrived,” police say. “The Amherstburg Fire Department attended and extinguished the fire.”
According to police, it was determined through investigation the male was allegedly responsible for setting the fire and was attempting to flee the scene.
The suspect was treated for non-life threatening injuries. He was arrested and charged
with arson. No one else was injured.
Fire crews left around 2:17 a.m. There was damage to the mechanical area of the building and the fire breached the outside wall, Meloche stated.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Windsor Police Arson Unit at 519-255-6700, ext. 4330, Windsor & Essex County Crime Stoppers at 519-258-8477 (TIPS) or online at http:// catchcrooks.com.
Anna and Claudio Mancini have retired from running Romano’s Specialty Meats & Italian Deli, with the last day the business was open being last Sunday. The business was started by Claudio’s parents before Claudio and Anna began running it in 1983. Romano’s was open since 1970.
Miracle League embarks on milestone season
By Ron Giofu
The Miracle League of Amherstburg is back for the fall season and there is a special milestone on the horizon.
Players, buddies, parents and coaches hit the Miracle League diamond at the Libro Centre last Saturday. Board president Shawn Dufour said there are nine teams and 168 players this fall, most of them returning from the spring season though there are some new players.
A new registration takes place in the spring and Dufour added “we’ll see what we end up with.”
The season runs through the end of October, when it will be capped with a Halloween party at the AMA Sportsmen’s Club.
In the meantime, plans are underway for the Miracle League of Amherstburg’s 15th anniversary celebration in a few weeks.
“We’ve got a big celebration planned for Sept. 28,” said Dufour. “It’s our 15th anniversary celebration.”
Face painting, a Kona Ice truck and more is planned for that day.
The Miracle League of Amherstburg consistently looks for volunteers, with people able to sign up at www.amherstburgmiracle.com. Those interested can volunteer for one game or for all four games on a Saturday.
“Volunteers are always needed. It’s a great opportunity for high school students to get their volunteer hours,” said Dufour. “We’re always looking for executive members.”
Volunteer opportunities can range from afternoon announcer, music co-ordinator, barbecue crew and more.
“The more the merrier,” Dufour said of the volunteers.
Prue’s role on WPSB, budget timing debated
By Ron Giofu
A request from the Windsor Police Services Board (WPSB) to allow an extension for the submission of an operating budget estimate by one month led to a discussion over the town’s role with the board itself.
“As you are aware, Section 9.3 of our policing contract with the Town of Amherstburg requires that we provide an operating budget estimate to the Town no later than August 31st . However, the 2025 City of Windsor budget issue development stage will conclude on August 30, 2024. The preliminary operating budget estimate will then be before the Windsor Police Service Board at its meeting scheduled for September 19,” the letter dated Aug. 29 from Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens, the WPSB chair, reads. “I am writing to you with a request that the Town of Amherstburg allow an extension for the submission of the operating budget estimate to September 30, 2024.”
Not only was Amherstburg town council cool to the WPSB request, the role of Amherstburg Mayor Michael Prue on the WPSB was debated by council. As it did earlier this term, the issue of Prue’s role and how much he is allowed to be involved became a bone of contention locally.
Prue said former Mayor Aldo DiCarlo was given a vote on the board during the first portion of the contract. Once the contract was renewed and now that the second five-year term of the contract is underway, the current mayor is allowed on as an advisory member but does not have voting rights, per the contract.
“I am allowed to attend the meetings, or at least parts of meetings, and I am removed from meetings when anything to do with Amherstburg comes up,” said Prue. “I am not allowed to be in the room. They consider us a client, not a partner. When this item came up, I was not in the room. This memo came to me the following day asking this be granted.”
The Amherstburg mayor added he was “deeply disappointed” that when openings came up on the WPSB, such as when it went from seven to nine members, another Windsor city council was appointed and Amherstburg was “ignored.”
“They had an opportunity to put somebody from Amherstburg on there but chose not to,”
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
said Prue.
Prue added he still attends meetings, mostly but his role is limited.
“It is becoming increasingly irrelevant for me to be there,” he said. “I just want council to know if somebody else wants to go, you will have voice and no vote and you won’t be able to stay in the meeting room when they discuss Amherstburg. Just so everyone knows, that’s the way it is.”
Councillor Don McArthur said it was “disappointing and disconcerting” to hear what Prue had to say. Regarding the budget extension request, McArthur said Windsor knew the deadline was coming and sent the letter the day before.
“It shows a startling lack of foresight and organization. I’m not inclined to support this,” said McArthur. “We have a contract, they have a deadline. They should meet it.”
Councillor Molly Allaire asked what would happen if the town opposed the extension, believing not much as the letter was a courtesy.
Deputy Mayor Chris Gibb wanted to know if the policing contract spells out the ability to attend meetings. CAO Valerie Critchley said the contract says the mayor has a vote the first term of it, but Windsor city council would consider an Amherstburg representative for subsequent term.
“They did not have to do so,” said Critchley. Critchley said council could direct administration not accept a budget from the city, but predicted that wouldn’t go very far as a one-month delay wouldn’t be considered “egregious.”
Councillor Linden Crain said the delay in the operating budget estimate was “upsetting” and believed the letter could have been sent earlier. “We’re 21 days out from when they’re looking to send it to us. I’m not sure what else we can do but grant the extension. It’s already late,” said Crain.
Gibb said it is “distasteful” to get late notice but agreed with the CAO that it’s not egregious enough “to take it to the next level.” He added if the town enters into a business relationship, “it is incumbent on the Windsor Police Service Board to allow Amherstburg’s representative to be in the room to hear the discussions.”
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Gibson Gallery grateful for the support of Art by the River
The Gibson Gallery and Art by the River Committee would like to thank the many people who helped us to organize and run our annual event.
Art by the River is the original Essex
County arts and crafts festival, an end of summer tradition in our 57th year.
We thank Fort Malden Historic Site for giving us such a picturesque venue to host our event and their staff and
volunteers for assisting us throughout the weekend and the weeks leading up to the event. We have been at this venue since the very beginning and you cannot beat the view.
We would like to thank our sponsors for their generosity year after year, Royal Bank of Canada, Windsor Family Credit Union, TD Canada Trust, Michael Mereszak from BMO Nesbitt Burns, Ron Deneau and Arms Bumanlag from Bob Pedlar, Dow Signs, AM 800, McDonalds, Amico and River Town Times. Your continued generosity makes this major fundraiser possible each year.
We would like to thank all of our volunteers for their continued support through donation of their time. It is your hard work and smiling faces greeting our guests that keep people coming through our gates to support our many artists and artisans. Whether you were greeting our guests, helping in the cash room, helping with our vendors or helping with the grounds, we truly appreciate your hard work.
We would like to thank the many
artists and artisans for choosing to join us each year, it is a pleasure meeting and working with you throughout Art by the River weekend.
We would also like to thank the Amherstburg community and surrounding communities for supporting us each year by coming through our gates and supporting the hard work of all the artists and artisans.
We would like to thank the Town of Amherstburg for their help each year, we appreciate the time you take to promote our event and help us each time we ask. Art by the River, being our major fundraiser each year, is what makes it possible to keep the doors of this former Michigan Central Railroad station open for us to share as an art gallery, heritage building, railway museum and centre for arts and crafts. We thank you for all of your support and invite you to come see an exhibit, visit the museum or take an art class.
The Miracle League of Amherstburg started its fall season last Saturday at their diamond at the Libro Centre. New volunteers are welcome. A 15th anniversary celebration is planned for Sept. 28.
County, city combining to deal with affordable housing crisis
By Fred Groves
A joint Windsor-Essex County plan could ease the on-going concerns of affordable housing in the region.
Recently SHS Consulting was brought on board which circulated a survey to area residents asking them a variety of questions regarding where they live, and what type of housing is available in the area. Deadline for the survey was Monday.
“I believe this is something the city and the county have been working on for a while. We all have to work together to afford the availability in Windsor, Essex County,” said Amherstburg Deputy Mayor Chris Gibb.
Gibb made his comments prior to last Wednesday night’s Essex County council regular meeting before a presentation by Katie Burns-Gallagher who is the executive director of the advocacy group, the
Western Ontario Warden’s Caucus.
Burns-Gallagher said that WOWC which represents 117 municipalities, 1.6 million residents of which 90 per cent live in rural areas, consider housing to be a top priority.
“Housing is at the top of our list,” said Burns-Gallagher.
In August, the county and the city issued a letter to the region’s residents highlighting the urgency of affordable housing.
“Both our councils recognize that there is a housing crisis with far too many people being priced out of the housing and rental market within the WindsorEssex Region,” said the letter.
And while Wednesday’s announcement noted that the survey was underway, there was little discussion from county council members. However, Warden Hilda MacDonald said that the way the region builds housing is going to have to
change to accommodate the population growth.
“If we want to house people, we have to go up instead of out,” said MacDonald, the Mayor of Leamington.
Tecumseh Mayor Gary McNamara said that one way to get more affordable housing is for the provincial and federal governments to turn over some of their owned properties to municipalities.
He said that while construction of housing and infrastructure that goes with it is costly, having the actual land available could help in savings.
The Windsor-Essex Housing Strategy could identify the specific social and affordable housing needs in each of the seven individual municipalities in the county.
“The big opportunity for Amherstburg is that when we act as a region, we can hit above our weight class,” said Gibb.
As part of the strategy, it is anticipated
that a partnership between private and non-profit housing sectors will bring more possibilities as well as community groups coming together. Working with the senior (provincial and federal) levels of government is also a must.
“Individual municipalities are doing everything they can to make it easier to build more homes when we have access to build,” said Gibb.
He added that it is important to adhere to what the planning professionals are recommending.
“They say the best thing to do to help local municipalities is to have as much housing as possible and the more different types of housing there is, the better.”
Gibb also commented that there is a trickle-down effect when it comes to housing and that if someone moves out of a large single-dwelling house, which could translate into 10 people being housed.
AMO delegation by town and County of Essex questioned at county council
By Fred Groves
Essex County could be changing the way in which it presents itself at the annual Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) conference.
At last Wednesday’s meeting, Essex Mayor Sherry Bondy said she will be bringing forth a notice of motion to direct administration to ensure that all members of county council are aware of any possible shared concerns that are being presented at the conference.
At the recent AMO conference, Essex County met with two different ministries – Transportation and Health.
The latter is what Bondy and other members of council were concerned about.
“We are duly elected officials that drive this agenda but we aren’t being given the opportunity,” said Bondy.
Citing information from a year ago, Bondy said that
county council should be more informed on what the county representatives are presenting at the conference with the ability to be part of the presenting delegation.
“It is a long-standing practice in Essex County that the Warden and the CAO and a subject matter expert attend,” said county CAO Sandra Zwiers.
At the conference, Zwiers said the county had the opportunity to bring the issue of lack of after-hours health care facilities to the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care which was represented by parliamentary assistant MPP Anthony Leardi.
There was some confusion at the county meeting as to who was actually meeting with the Ministry of Health.
“It is my recollection that this delegation was initiated by the Town of Amherstburg and we invited the county to participate,” said Amherstburg Deputy Mayor Chris Gibb.
Zwiers said that Amherstburg is the only
The Briar Club
by Kate Quinn
Seasons car show
Seasons Amherstburg held a classic car show last Sunday with residents able to enjoy vehicles from days gone by. Live entertainment was also in front of the Front Road South retirement community. There were roughly 33 cars and two motorcycles on hand for the enjoyment of the residents and those who stopped by.
municipality in the county that does not have an after-hours health facility. However, both Bondy, and Kingsville Deputy Mayor Kim DeYoung disagreed.
“This is no slight to Amherstburg, I would champion anything for any one of us,” said Bondy.
“I don’t want this interpreted as the county putting one municipality over the other,” said Gibb.
LaSalle Mayor Crystal Meloche seemed to side with Bondy stating that she was caught off guard when hearing that Amherstburg’s concerns were being brought forth by the county.
“We support everyone. Anything we can get in the county is fantastic,” said Meloche.
As far as to what the future procedure will be when it comes to presenting at AMO, Zwiers said she will contact ministries and see what their best practices are.
“The smaller the group, the more attention so time is not wasted,” said county warden Hilda MacDonald.
Book Review
Using her research expertise, Kate Quinn delivers another powerful Historical Fiction Mystery. The Briar Club is the tale of eight women who live within the Briarwood Boarding House in Washington, D.C. As each woman is revealed, so is their past, secrets, and their perspectives of each other during their shared weekly dinners. Quinn has written a story of fierce loyalties and friendships, and though The Briar Club is a much slower burn than her other novels, it is worth reading right through to her author’s notes at the end.
Mazie’s Amazing Machines
by Sheryl Haft
This is a picture book with a lot of charm, and a delightful main character who pairs her imagination with her love of engineering. As Mazie delights in building all sorts of fabulous inventions to solve household problems, kids will see how simple machines work. Featuring dynamic illustrations and a fun foldout spread, this is a book that’s sure to inspire budding engineers while celebrating creative out-of-the-box thinking.
Review by Bookseller Darrie-Ann at River Bookshop
Review by Lead Bookseller Meghan at River Bookshop
RTT PHOTOS BY RON GIOFU
Gallery goes “off the wall” with exhibit
By Ron Giofu
A pair of Amherstburg artists have their work currently on exhibit at the Gibson Gallery.
Stephen Gibb and Robert MacLellan are presenting “Off the Wall, On the Wall 2” at the gallery until Sept. 22. Paintings by Gibb and sculptures by MacLellan highlight the exhibit, which saw its opening reception last Sunday afternoon.
“It’s part two,” explained Gibb. “We did one together a couple of years ago.”
The “off the wall” portion of the exhibit title helped explain what people see, with Gibb noting it is the “perfect metaphor” for what is on display.
“(The Gibson Gallery) asked us to do it again,” he said. “We liked it so much the last time so we agreed to do it.”
Gibb said some of his work was new with some returning work, noting he had exhibits in Leamington and New York that he had work entered into as well. MacLellan said his work in the show has all been created within the last two years.
Having a show in their hometown was appealing, Gibb added, and was happy to share it with people locally who may have not seen it.
“I like sharing it in my hometown,”
Gibson Gallery.
said MacLellan. “I like exhibiting with Steve.”
The two work well together, said Gibb, as they create characters that didn’t exist before. MacLellan said they have known each other for many years, going back as far as their high school and university days.
“We did the Mudpuppy Gallery together,” said Gibb. “It was (MacLellan’s) idea.”
The Mudpuppy Gallery was a collaborative effort that used to be located on Dalhousie St.
MacLellan added he sculpts from driftwood, often staring at a piece until he sees what he wants to create from it.
“I let it organically evolve into these unorthodox creatures,” said MacLellan.
Gibb’s work is described by the gallery as “quirky bubblegum surrealism.” and he said he enjoys how people can “take it and run with it.”
“The viewer gets the chance to create their own narrative,” said Gibb. “Everyone is going to see something different.”
The Gibson Gallery is open Thursday-Sunday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
The gallery is located at 140 Richmond St. in Amherstburg.
For more information, call 519-7362826 or visit www.gibsongallery.org.
Festival of Hawks happening this weekend
Special to the RTT
All eyes will be on the skies this September as local birders and nature lovers take in one of North America’s greatest migrations at Holiday Beach Conservation Area.
Tens of thousands of hawks and raptors will be flying overhead on their annual journey to nesting grounds in the south.
Essex Region Conservation (ERCA) together with the Holiday Beach Migration Observatory (HBMO) will host the 2024 Festival of Hawks Sept. 14-15. It’s HBMO’s 50th Anniversary of the great Hawk Count, and experts will conduct raptor and hummingbird banding and adoptions in support of their important species and populations monitoring efforts each year.
On Sept. 14 at 2 p.m., this milestone anniversary will be celebrated with cake at the outdoor classroom! Free educational programs will complement the ongoing banding and live hawk display throughout the event.
Local experts will share information on a wide range of birding and naturerelated topics.
These include HBMO’s Bob Pettit providing expertise on identifying hawks in flight; a peak migration bird hike with birding expert Jeremy Bensette; Pelee Wings offering free optic cleanings and demonstrations; Henry’s camera store offering “Nature Photography tips and choosing the right gear!” with special guest Ted Kloske; taking part in various beginner bird and family butterfly hikes; purchasing delicious lunch options from Scotty’s BBQ and Catering; a “birders breakfast” (purchase coffee, tea, hot
chocolate cold drinks and bagels from ERCA snack shack); Native Trees and Plants (NTP) selling native plants; Just Fishin’ Friends at the Trout Pond to share casting tips with guests and a chance to visit multiple artwork booths featuring a variety of wildlife and nature themed displays.
“Holiday Beach Conservation Area has been identified as one of the 10 best sites in all of North America to experience the raptor migration,” notes Danielle Breault Stuebing, ERCA’s director of communications & outreach. “Whether an expert birder or nature-loving family, there’s something for everyone at the annual Festival of Hawks.”
On the evening of Sept. 14, tickets are available for a special “Owl Prowl” to learn about the owls of Ontario, their adaptations, calls and behaviours. Participants will take a guided walk through the woods, looking and listening for owls.
“When circumstances are just right and we’re able to call in an owl, it’s really an extraordinary experience,” Breault Stuebing adds. Tickets must be prepurchased at https://essexregionconservation.ca/owlprowl.
The Festival runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days. All daytime programs are free with the festival admission fee of $20 per vehicle. The final list of programs is available at https://essexregionconservation. ca/hawkfest.
The best raptor viewing time is from 9 a.m. until noon when the hawks fly low.
The Holiday Beach Conservation Area is located on County Road 50, on Lake Erie near Malden Centre in Amherstburg.
Due to overwhelming response - we are EXTENDING our REALLY BIG SUMMER PROMO!
At over 85% rented, River’s Edge PHASE 2 in Amherstburg is filling quick! Until September 30th, when you rent a unit at River’s Edge PHASE 2, you will not only be entered in a draw to win some AMAZING prizes, but you will also receive a $500 Amazon gift card.*
We are giving away THREE AWESOME DRAW PRIZES to some of our lucky tenants!*
The work of Stephen Gibb (left) and Robert MacLellan is on display during the “Off the Wall, On the Wall 2” exhibit at the
5:00PM:
Award-winning LaSalle event “Last Call Before Fall” makes its return
By Fred Groves
There has been a plethora of events to enjoy in LaSalle over the summer including the annual Strawberry Festival and the monthly night markets.
This past weekend at the Event Centre at LaSalle Landing, the town spared no expense, pulling out all the stops and hosted Last Call Before Fall.
Last year was the inaugural Last Call and it won the Ontario Festival and Events Ontario Best New Event with a budget of $100,000 or less.
“It’s the indoor-outdoor experience and this is a great facility. It’s the attention to detail,’ said LaSalle director of culture and recreation Patti Funaro.
This year there were outdoor fire pits, games, and on Saturday night, blending in with the country western theme, hay bales to lounge on.
Friday night saw 550 people come in to hear Joe Graham and Nico perform along with the talented DJ Rye. The next evening was sold out as 1,000 came to listen to Molly Ferdinand before Buck Twenty hit the stage.
“The feedback is great and it’s nice to have a local act,” said Funaro of Buck Twenty.
While it is just the second year for Last Call Before Fall, the concept was held before and it was called the Craft Beer
Festival which was held at the Vollmer Centre.
“We wanted to reinvent that and we wanted an event for adults that had something for everyone,” said Funaro. There were a lot of food vendors for
lots of great eats on the weekend and wineries, distilleries and craft breweries got to reach out to a new group of customers. One of those was Cooper Rose Distillery who launched its first batch of vodka in April 2023.
Tabetha Koeslag and Melissa Roberts of Cooper Rose were kept busy all night and they brought in an expert – Eric Strong from Mixmaster Bartending and Events Services.
“I was proud of their brand and once I tried the product I made my decision,” said Strong as why he joined forces with them on the weekend.
Heather Brunelle of LaSalle remembers going to the event at the Vollmer Centre.
“We used to come to the beerfest. We were away last year and we wanted to come here,” said Brunelle.
She was joined by Darlene and Randy Thibert and it was Darlene who summed up what a lot of people were feeling, “we like to support local.”
LaSalle is not done with events and the final Night Market, which is usually held at the town hall, will move indoors to the Event Centre Sept. 29.
Community BBQ held to share services with the residents of the town
By RTT Staff
A community barbecue held last week was a chance for the town to gather but also learn about additional programming.
Encounter Church partnered with the Downtown Windsor Community Collaborative (DWCC), City of Windsor and the Windsor Police Substance Supports, Neighbourhood Resources, Community Partnerships (SSNAPP) program to host one of their community food and games events here in Amherstburg at Toddy
Jones Park. Food, games and music were part of last Friday evening’s free family event.
The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU) was another partner and the Salvation Army also brought a display so those who turned could learn about their services.
Nate Hope, community developer with the DWCC helped organize the community barbecue with Encounter Church assistant pastor Kevin Saunders.
Continued on Page 10
Molly Ferdinant performs at Last Call Before Fall (left) while mixmaster Eric Strong, left; along with Tabetha Koeslag and Melissa Roberts from Cooper Rose Distillery were also part of the event (right).
Volunteers from Encounter Church partnered with other agencies at a community barbecue last Friday at Toddy Jones Park.
Amherstburg resident heads to Scotland to curate her own exhibit
“Left at The Wellgate” runs in Dundee, Scotland from Sept.
By Ron Giofu
An Amherstburg resident who researched her great-grandmother and what led her from Scotland to Canada has seen that research result in an exhibit in Scotland. Jamie Lees curated “Left at the Wellgate: The Untold Story of Mary Petrie Smith” and that will run from Sept. 14 to Oct. 14 at the Central Dundee Library in Scotland.
The exhibit delves into Smith’s background, including her leaving her two young sons in their pram outside a pub in The Wellgate before leaving for Canada on Sept. 11, 1911 and the possible motives for doing so.
Lees, who co-owns Amherstburgbased Jank Words and Pictures, said she started doing research into her family over 20 years ago. She discovered the story about her great-grandmother, the depth of which few in Canada knew much about.
“To make it even more crazy, I found out she had two sons,” said Lees. Lees’ research included sending for death certificates of the two sons, one living into his 80s and the other into his 90s, and writing letters to relatives that appeared on the death certificates.
“In 2005, I went to Scotland,” she said, staying with members of her great-grandmother’s family. They gave her more details and Lees ended up going to the area where the two boys were left. Trying to go up a set of stairs proved emotional.
“By the third step, I couldn’t go up. It felt like wind or a blow to the chest,” she said. “I just started crying an uncontrollable cry. I was overwhelmed by feelings of shame and sadness.”
While there were points where Lees questioned whether she should continuing researching into her greatgrandmother, she said she would continually get some sort of sign to forge on, as if her great-grandmother wanted her to tell her side of the story.
Lees said the journey to uncover the truth behind her family’s mystery
“profoundly affected her, leading her from deep sorrow to a sense of peace as she felt her great-grandmother’s spirit guiding her through the process.”
During the lockdown, Lees researched further and it led her to communicating with representatives in The Wellgate. The exhibit proved to be the kind of story they wanted to tell, she said.
Part of the exhibit invites visitors to explore various possibilities of what actually happened in Sept. 1911 and what drove Mary to make the decision she did.
Scotland was experiencing overcrowding and starvation in 1911. Her first husband William Clark was not as motivated as Mary. Research has shown the family moved from a nice home to a small tenement with Mary possibly facing “a precarious family situation” due to it.
Were these reasons for Mary to make that decision?
It remains unclear what the motivation was, but the exhibit could cause more people to reveal further stories on Mary and what happened at the time.
Mary was actually caught by police in Port Glasgow before setting sail for Canada with William stating he didn’t want any wife that would abandon her children, Lees’ research shows. Mary would marry Andrew Lees after arriving in Canada and they travelled extensively for his work.
“It literally is 20 years worth of
14-Oct. 14
research,” she said of her exhibit. “It has been exciting. Research is still ongoing.”
The Clark family in Scotland as well as family in Canada are eager to find out more, Lees added.
Dr. Erin Farley, Project Lead and Library & Information Officer, Central Library, Dundee, Scotland, where the exhibition will take place, notes in a press release “we’ve collaborated with Jamie in Canada from Scotland to create an immersive experience that sheds light on the social and cultural context of early 20th-century Dundee. This exhibition not only honors Mary Petrie Smith’s legacy but also enriches our understanding of the historical landscape in which she lived.”
Mary would return to Scotland, possibly to try and find her boys, years later and risked abandonment and bigamy charges, the latter being because she never actually divorced her first husband William.
Mary would eventually leave Canada for Scotland after Andrew died in 1966. She would die there in 1971.
Lees said she is also writing a play on the topic with it being produced by Show Studios in Walkerville. She also hopes to have it shown in Scotland. Her husband Frank D’Angelo, who also is an owner with Jank, helped considerably with the exhibit, she said.
For more information on the project, visit https://www.jank.ca/leftatthewellgateexhibition or www.leisureandculturedundee.com/event/33287.
Amherstburg resident Jamie Lees is heading to Scotland to curate an exhibit on her greatgrandmonther Mary Petrie Smith (pictured).
IMAGE SUPPLIED BY JAMIE LEES
Kicks & Giggles
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20
Aries, you are quick to spend money lately, and that can prove problematic in the long run. It may be a good idea to sit down with a financial planner and sort out spending and saving habits.
TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21
Taurus, this week you have free rein to follow your intuition and express your emotions to those around you. It’s beneficial to get in touch with how you are feeling and explore things further.
GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21
There is some unfinished business you need to clear up before you can fully focus on the week or even month ahead, Gemini. It may be scary, but you need to put it behind you.
CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22
Cancer, it is time to rally the troops, as many hands will make much faster work of something you need to get done. Ask your friends or family to pitch in as much as possible.
LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23
Leo, you’re finally ready to take a sizeable step toward completing a goal that has been on your list for what seems like an eternity. It will feel so great when it is far behind you.
VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22
Do you have an appetite for adventure this week, Virgo? You may not have to travel too far for all of the thrills and chills you desire. Look around for options close to home.
LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23
You may not be feeling like yourself, Libra. There’s something rumbling beneath the surface that you don’t want to share with others just yet. There’s time to be patient.
SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22
Scorpio, as you move through the week, a certain relationship could begin weighing heavily on you. You’re not sure if you should commit further or move on.
SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21
Sagittarius, you’re not just ready to hit the ground running, you have the stamina to sail through at a rocket’s pace. This renewed sense of urgency can help you achieve great things.
CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20
Capricorn, the week may start off on a good note with plenty of entertaining distractions. Keep the fun going throughout the week.
AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18
Your attention span is limited this week, Aquarius. You may need to work from home or block out as many distractions as possible if you hope to get a single thing finished.
PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20
Make a point of delegating if your to-do list gets a little long over the next few days, Pisces. Your phone will be pinging constantly with alerts, so a little help can go a long way.
FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS
SEPTEMBER 8 - Pink, Singer (45)
SEPTEMBER 9 - Michael Bublé, Singer (49)
SEPTEMBER 10 - Jack Grealish, Athlete (29)
SEPTEMBER 11 - Taraji P. Henson, Actress (54)
SEPTEMBER 12 - Jennifer Hudson, Singer (43)
SEPTEMBER 13 - Tyler Perry, Filmmaker (55)
SEPTEMBER 14 - Andrew Lincoln, Actor (51)
Happy retirement!
Amherstburg Community Services (ACS) bid receptionist Gail Beaudoin a fond farewell last Friday as Beaudoin retired after 16 years with the agency. Beaudoin started as a CareLink driver then became a receptionist. She plans to spend time with grandchildren, doing a bit of travelling and relaxing. She estimates ACS has tripled in size during her time there.
Community BBQ held at Toddy Jones Park
Continued from Page 8
Hope said it was the fifth of five community barbecues with the other four having been presented in Windsor. Locations in the city were Bruce Park, Alton Parker Park, Mitchell Park and in the Glengarry Community Housing area.
“We got Encounter Church to help us in Amherstburg,” said Hope. Hope said they try to hold the barbecues in areas to connect the community. “People can come out, meet these agencies and meet their neighbours,”
said Hope.
Last Friday evening’s barbecue was the first in Essex County, he added, with another reason Amherstburg was chosen was because Windsor police operates in the town.
“It was a lot of work to get it into Amherstburg,” he said of the barbecue.
Celine Damphouse of WECHU said they are a partner and a goal of the event was to increase community safety and well-being. She believed it was a “great opportunity” for people to come out, have fun and hear about different opportunities available to them.
WORD SCRAMBLE
Rearrange the letters to spell something pertaining to yoga.
Admirals set to open the regular season this weekend
By Fred Groves
The Amherstburg Admirals will head into their 2024-25 Provincial Junior Hockey League (Jr. C) season on a bit of a high note.
The visitors came very close to upsetting a veteran-laden Canadiens who are the defending provincial champions, in a game last Friday night.
Up 1-0 late in the third period, the Admirals were edged 2-1 in their only pre-season game. They open their regular season back in Lakeshore Friday night and host the Dresden Kings on Saturday at the Libro Centre.
“It’s not always about wins in the preseason. It’s more about the game plan and how it goes,” said Amherstburg head coach Beau Hunter, who returns for his second season behind the bench.
The Admirals went up quickly on Friday when rookie Rory Sandison scored just 1:56 into the game.
Keeping the visitors ahead all night were goalies Jay Procter and Russell Vaughan who split the time and turned away a combined 49 shots.
“I thought they both played amazingly and kept us in the game. Against teams like Lakeshore that’s what it’s going to
take to win,” noted Hunter.
By the third period it was obvious that the Admirals were tired and could not muster a single recorded shot on the Canadiens. Lakeshore’s Nicolas Rosati and Aedan Sullivan scored 25 seconds apart to give the hosts the win.
Hunter said that many of his players are coming from shorter games and that the longer periods in junior is something that they will have to get ready for.
Pre-season barbecue
The North Star Wolves football team and their parents and guardians got together last Saturday afternoon for a barbecue at Toddy Jones Park in Amherstburg. The students got in some football practice (above), played gamed and enjoyed the barbecue itself. Head coach Joel Charron (right) was one of those helping out at the grill. Helping to organize the barbecue was Lisa Greason and her volunteers with the North Star Wolves Football Booster Club.
“We have a lot of guys who have never played 60 minutes before. To play 60 minutes is a big adjustment.”
Getting ready for the 42-game regular season schedule, Hunter said there was considerable preparation ahead of them this week at practice.
“We have a lot of work to do, defensive zone coverage and making the simple plays,” he said.
Amherstburg will have a lot of new
faces this year including rookie goalies Vaughan and Procter.
On the blueline Jadyn Brown (2-9-11), Maxton Evans (2-5-7), Jake Goudreault (3-11-14) and Declan McGrath (0-1-1) are back. Darby Drouillard (6-8-14) comes over from Wheatley and Jack Bulmer (6-20-26) was with Essex last year. They will be joined by rookies Freddie McCroy and Cooper Bulmer.
Up front, just five returnees in Ryan Dufour (7-9-16), Finnegan Russett (6-1016), Brett Jones (3-8-10), Allan Djordjevic (4-6-10), and Cole Vaillancourt (3-2-5). They will be joined by rookies Brady Drouillard, Logan Price, Cory Leach, Kaden Juodkins, Rory Sandison, Jack Wycisk and Wyatt Goudie.
SLAPSHOTS: The home opener on Saturday will see the puck drop at 7:30 p.m. Youth under 14 get in for free… The night before the Admirals open the season in Lakeshore where the Canadiens will unveil their championship banner… GM Andrew Sykes reports that veteran Connor Demelo will not be returning... Monday night the Admirals announced that they have signed Amherstburg native Drew Booker. The forward played the past three seasons with the Jr. B LaSalle Vipers.
The Amherstburg Admirals (red jerseys) faced off against the Lakeshore Canadiens last Friday night in an exhibition game at the Atlas Tube Centre in Lakeshore. The Canadiens won 2-1.
Community Calendar
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11
ESSEX COUNTY FIELD NATURALISTS CLUB MEETING; Held at Ojibway Centre on Matchett Road in Windsor at 7 p.m. Club is pleased to present the documentary: “A Priority Place.” The Long Point Biosphere Reserve is located on the shores of Lake Erie in Norfolk County. A long-established UNESCO World Biosphere, the region gained the “Priority Place” status in recognition of its unique stretch of Carolinian Forest, habitat for many endangered species, and conservation community with its highly collaborative approach to restoration, road mortality mitigation, invasive species eradication, and nature education. All are welcome. Free to public.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15
ORCHID SOCIETY MEETING; Essex County Orchid Society invites you to join them at 1:30 p.m. at St Stephen’s Anglican Church on Howard Ave., with Toronto speaker, Inge Poot talking about Organic Pest Control. Refreshments served. Membership time, $20 individual or $30 for family. Lots of free parking! We are on FB.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18
MISSION AGM; The Amherstburg Food & Fellowship Mission, 298 Victoria St. S., invites the public to its annual general meeting. Seating is limited, RSVP Jill at aburgmission@ yahoo.com before Sept. 16. Starts at 6:30 p.m.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20
MUSIC OFF THE BACK PORCH; The final “Music off the Back Porch” for 2024 season being held at the Park House Museum, 214 Dalhousie St. Features entertainment by the Compass Rose band & Monique Belanger. Runs from 5:307:30 p.m., weather permitting. Donations welcome. Please bring your own chair.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21
CAR JAM; North Star High School concert band presenting car show, barbecue, mini-market, face painting, bake sale and more. Runs from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at Encounter Church, 125 Alma St. $10 per car, $40 vendor fee. To register a vehicle, call Ray at 519-712-8763 or e-mail rlaliberte21@hotmail.ca. Vendors can register by calling Julie at 226-347-8035 or e-mail jlalibertern@gmail.com.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22
BRYERSWOOD GOLF TOURNAMENT; Third annual charity golf tournament to benefit Bryerswood Youth Camp Optimist Club occurring at Wildwood Golf, 11112 11th Concession Road, in McGregor. Four-person scramble. $135 per golfer. 9 a.m. shotgun start. To register, e-mail Mary Ann Mertens at fundraising@bryerswood.com or call 519-988-6420.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22
SACU EVENT; Held at Vivace Estate Winery, 5141 Concession
5 North, in Amherstburg. Live entertainment, wine tasting and more. Save African Child Uganda (SACU) will announce its list of gifted sponsors and family. Runs from 12-4 p.m. Register at www.sacuspirit.org/vivace-winery.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26
LUNCH & LEARN; Held at Amherstburg Community Services (ACS) from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Following a complimentary light lunch and a brief information session, people will head outdoors for a neighbourhood stroll (1km) with Const. Nick Dupuis of the Windsor Police Service – Amherstburg Detachment. Topic is home safety. Rain or shine. Limited seating, must be registered to attend. Please mention any mobility concerns when reserving your seat. Call 519-736-5471.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 29
SUNDAY SCHOOL; Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 11 Concession 3 North at Alma St., will be offering Sunday School for children ages 4-8 starting at 10:30 a.m. To register or for info, call Heidi at 519-736-4747.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4
CHILI FUNDRAISER; Enjoy “Tim’s Favorite Chili Dinner” at the Amherstburg Food & Fellowship Mission from 5-8 p.m. Comes with coleslaw, rolls, coffee/tea, dessert. Adults $15, children under 12 $8. For tickets, stop by the mission (298 Victoria St. S.) and see Violet or Kim. For info, call 519-7369140. Proceeds help fund the mission’s operations.
ONGOING
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED; The Amherstburg Food & Fellowship Mission needs volunteers to clean, wash dishes and provide maintenance. Cleaners are required Monday-Friday from 2-4 p.m. to mop floors and to clean bathrooms, countertops, tables, carts, etc. Dishwashers are needed Monday-Friday 1-3 p.m. to wash dishes, pots and pans. Maintenance people are needed Monday-Saturday as needed for maintenance of the building. Commitment is one day or more per week, on a regular basis. If interested or for more info, send e-mail to aburgmission@yahoo.com.
SERVICE TIME CHANGE; Christ Anglican Church, 317 Ramsay St., is changing the times of their Sunday service. There is now one service, starting at 11 a.m. All are welcome.
STROLL & ROLL WALKING GROUP; Interested in meeting new people? Moving more? Weekly walking group to meet rain or shine. Free for everyone in the community, open to all abilities. Runs Tuesdays in Navy Yard Park in Amherstburg from 10-11 a.m., July 2-Sept. 24. In Harrow Thursdays from 10-11 a.m. at Harrow Health Centre (1480 Erie St. S.) from July 11Sept. 26. Inclement weather alternatives are Libro Centre in Amherstburg and community room in clinic in Harrow. For info, call Amherstburg Family Health Team at 519-736-7770 ext.
235 or Harrow 519-738-2000 ext. 222.
MEALS ON WHEELS; Offered by Amherstburg Community Services (ACS). Meals on Wheels assists those who are unable to shop for food and cook meals. Also available to those recovering from illness or surgery. Healthy, delicious and affordable meals provided to residents of Amherstburg, Harrow, McGregor and LaSalle. ACS caters to dietary needs, each meal comes with soup, bread, main course and dessert. Cost $8 per meal. Call 519-736-5471 for details.
COLUMBUS COMMUNITY HALL EVENTS; The Columbus Community Hall at 190 Richmond St. still has bingos every Thursday night and fish fries (with chicken as well) on Friday nights. Everyone is welcome to come and enjoy the evening. Sr. Parties start back up in September.
AMHERSTBURG RESIDENTS FORUM; Group welcomes residents seeking solutions to town hall to join them the last Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at the union hall on Pickering across from Walmart.
MIRACLE LEAGUE NEEDS VOLUNTEERS; The Miracle League of Amherstburg needs volunteers for the fall season. People can help at one game or multiple games (up to four) every Saturday, weather permitting. Great for students needing volunteer hours or adults looking to give back. For info or to sign up, visit www.amherstburgmiracle.com.
ROTARY CLUB OF AMHERSTBURG MEETINGS; Rotary meets on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month in the community room at ACS at 6 p.m. New members welcome. For info, e-mail rotaryclubofamherstburg@gmail.com or call Susanne at 519-990-2775.
GOLDEN AGE CLUB; The Golden Age Club, Amherstburg’s friendship club, located at 179 Victoria St. S., offers social activities five days a week, $10 a year to join. There are over 160 members who have fun playing euchre, pepper, bingo, cribbage, mahjong and bridge and line dancing. Club also crochets mats from milk bags for those in need. We also have three special luncheons and a beautiful Christmas party. You pick which activities you want to participate in. Visit www. goldenagecentre.ca to see how to join, participate, and learn how we support our community.
ESSEX COUNTY ORCHID SOCIETY MEETINGS; The Essex County Orchid Society invites you to join them monthly, third Sunday of the month till May at St. Stephen’s Church Hall, 5280 Howard Ave; 1:30 p.m. Refreshments served. New members and visitors welcome. We are on Facebook!
LIGHTHOUSE CHURCH EVENTS; Lighthouse Church, in conjunction with Feeding Windsor, invites the public to come Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. for a free dinner. All welcome. No
registration required. Church is also offering divorce care recovery sessions for 13 weeks, running every Wednesday from 6:30-8 p.m. starting Sept. 18. No charge to attend, $20 to buy the workbook. Lighthouse Church is also showing “The Chosen” every Thursday at 6:30 p.m. Free to attend, everyone welcome. Popcorn will be served. 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 at 320 Richmond St. For details, call 519800-8640.
MISSION HOURS; The Amherstburg Food and Fellowship Mission, 298 Victoria St. S., open from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. with lunch 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. All donations 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. Contact info@bryerswood.com.
BOTTLE DONATIONS; The AMA Sportsmen Association accepts donations of empty beer and wine bottles. People who wish to donate empties can drop them off at the rear of the club, 468 Lowes Side Road in Amherstburg. For info, visit www. amasportsmen.com or call 519-736-5706.
FOUNDERS CLUB; Bryerswood Youth Camp Optimist Club seeking donors to join the “Founders Club” and help fund general operations 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 available. 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!
SEND YOUR COMMUNITY EVENTS TO MAIL@RIVERTOWNTIMES.COM
Issue of Amherstburg’s voting rights on WPSB re-appears
Continued from Page 4
It is a regional partnership, the deputy mayor said, and others at the county level are judging this relationship. Gibb suggested sending a letter allowing Prue to be in the room for “all pertinent information” that is being discussed.
Prue emphasized the town is viewed as a client. He said his problem is not so much that he has to leave the room when
Amherstburg issues are discussed, but that a town representative wasn’t chosen to fill any vacancies that arose. He said another Windsor councillor was chosen.
“We’re left out. That’s the problem,” said Prue. “We’re a client and they don’t want the client in the room.”
Councillor Diane Pouget said there have been other issues, including a lack of Amherstburg representation on local
police cars. Correspondence has since been received that three cars will get Amherstburg references. She added police stats were lumped in with the city and she said she asked for a report.
McArthur said the extension was granted by being late, so he didn’t believe “we should write a letter saying it’s OK.” Critchley said if council voted no to the extension, essentially nothing
would happen.
“We’ll get the estimate and move forward from there,” she said.
A motion to grant the extension for one-time only was defeated. Critchley recommended writing an in-camera report on the matter. Town council passed a motion to that effect.
The RTT will attempt to get a response from Windsor for a future issue.
CLASSIFIEDS
CALL 519-736-4175 OR EMAIL sales@rivertowntimes.com to
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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
THANK YOU
Danny & Jan Ouellette
Would like to send a sincere thank you to everyone who helped us celebrate our 50th anniversary.
IN MEMORIAM
Ventura, Donato (Dan)
Feb. 24, 1927 - Sept. 15, 1991
“ARE YOU SAVED?”
That is the most important question you will face.
Jesus Christ is the answer.
Mt. Beulah Church, 246 King St., Amherstburg (519)736-4110
PEST CONTROL AND WILD ANIMAL CONTROL DELINE’S SERVING AMHERSTBURG since 1988. Call 519-736-2448.
DOG GROOMING
LISA’S DOG WASH; Baths & Haircuts in a stressfree environment. One on one service. All breeds welcome! First groom 1/2 price! Call or TXT Lisa 519965-0781 Open 9am-9pm
LANDSCAPING "Preferred Landscaping" Locally owned company offering lawn care services. Weekly, monthly, or one time cutting, trimming, and yard clean up. Please call Larry for a free quote. 519984-7412.
A big thank you to The Sportsman’s Club.
We were overwhelmed by your generosity and presence. Family, friends are so important.
In loving memory of a dear father, grandfather and great-grandfather who passed away 33 years ago. In our homes he is fondly remembered, Sweet memories cling to his name. Those who loved him in life sincerely, Still love him in death just the same. His memory is as dear today, As in the hour he passed away. Sadly missed and always loved,
Anna, Linda, Vince and families.
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You are the most beautiful thing I keep inside my heart.
Happy 65th Heavenly Birthday, Mom.
Love Laura
Ms. Michelle McDowell and Kristy and Robert Bouchard celebrated the marriage of their children on July 15, 2024 of Jazlyn Kathryn to Jake Robert Bouchard.
Much love and congratulations from grandparents Margo Wigle, Robert and Margaret Bouchard and Carole and Craig McDowell.
New exhibit at Amherstburg Freedom Museum
Continued from Page 1
Skill building, intergenerational activism, youth in action, gender roles in activism and community networks are themes in Bennett’s exhibit.
“This is not a complete history of social organizations in Amherstburg,” Bennett explained. “If I had a year, I couldn’t tell the entire story. It’s a glimpse into that.”
Bennett worked on the exhibit for about three months, two of them researching and writing and another month editing.
“For Friends and Family: Social Organizing in Late-Nineteenth Century Amherstburg” consists of an exhibit which will be on display in the Amherstburg Freedom Museum’s gallery and online network diagrams which demonstrate the interconnectivity between individuals and institutions in multiple organizations, in addition to international and intergenerational links. The museum says Bennett’s exhibit focuses on the lives of Black settlers in Amherstburg in the post-Underground Railroad period and demonstrates the extensive activity occurring in our region in the nineteenth century which created a foundation for 20th century activism.
The Amherstburg Freedom Museum also awarded the Mac Simpson Award and Maturine-Romain Scholarship to students of African descent who commenced postsecondary studies in September 2024. The Mac Simpson Award was created to honour the legacy of Amherstburg Freedom Museum founder, Melvin Mac Simpson. The Maturine-Romain Award is given on behalf of Dr. Bernice McKenzie to honour the lives and memory of Evelina Maturine and Lucie Romain, the grandmothers of Dr. McKenzie.
The Maturine-Romain Award recipients
included Abigail Yewande Muwanga ($1,000), Elijah Scott-Jackson ($500) and Michelle Ezeokoronkwo ($500).
The Mac Simpson Scholarships were presented in honour of Esther Nolan, Florence Logan and Juanita Yearwood this year. Muwango received $1,000 while Deborah Oloyede, Malia Afonso, Lily Mulder and Scott-Jackson each receiving $1,000. Mulder is a North Star High School graduate while Scott-Jackson attended St. Thomas of Villanova Secondary School.
Guy Logan, a long-time museum supporter, encouraged students to be bold, be leaders, collaborate and to “keep the faith.” His grandmother, 101-yearold Florence Logan, said young people should cultivate relationships with older people to learn from them.
“Make a relationship with an older person. They know the answers to the challenges you are going to meet,” she said. “Don’t let anyone change your mind or pull you away from what you made up your mind to be.”
The Amherstburg Freedom Museum is located at 277 King St. For more information, call 519-736-5433 or visit www.amherstburgfreedom.org.
LUNCH
LEARN
Following lunch and a brief Information Session (indoors) we will be heading outside for a neighborhood stroll (1 km), with Constable Dupuis. Rain or Shine (bring your umbrella if needed).
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26TH 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
New hotel opening with aid of CFCD loan
By Ron Giofu
A local business received a loan and representatives from the lending agency and the Town of Amherstburg joined the business owner to mark the occasion.
Hotel STRY is accepting bookings for guests with people able to stay at the Murray St. hotel starting Oct. 1. Before that, the project has to be finished and hotel ownership received a flexible macro loan from the Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC).
Diane Malenfant, general manager with CFDC, called themselves “an unconventional lender” with projects decided by a board of directors. She said they felt the restoration of the building and its conversion into a hotel and commercial outlet fit what they look for.
The CFDC is federally funded and supports economic development in rural areas. The local office looks after Essex County, she said, adding they do not compete against banks.
According to a news release from the town, “this funding ensures a smooth transition to opening for business owner
Lauri Brouyette.” “This financial support demonstrates the incredible potential of our local business community and the valuable role CFDC plays in supporting our entrepreneurs,” said deputy CAO/ director of development services Melissa Osborne.
Hotel owner Lauri Brouyette believed the important message is that programs such as the ones through the CFDC are available to small businesses. She said business owners are often busy and don’t know what is available to them.
Brouyette said no matter how much planning goes into a project, there are often delays and added expenses.
Many people want to be self-employed but Brouyette said there is a lot that goes into it, adding agencies like the CFDC can help. She said they helped fortify the business plans to help the project advance.
In addition to the six hotel rooms on the second floor, there are three commercial outlets on the main floor.
“We designed this to be a commercial space,” said Brouyette. “We want people to gather.”
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Max Bennett (left) goes over his exhibit with museum director Dr. Brenda McCurdy.
Hotel STRY received a macro loan from the Community Futures Development Corporation. Helping to celebrate last week were (from left): economic development communications officer Myrtle Donnipad, CFDC general manager Diane Malenfant, hotel owner Lauri Brouyette, deputy CAO Melissa Osborne and manager of economic development, tourism and culture Jen Ibrahim.
