Essex Free Press - January 12, 2023

Continued Essex Council notes from December 19

PAGE 3

County of Essex Council Notes for Wednesday, December 21

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$76,600 Trillium grant funds improvements at Maedel Community Centre

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From 2023 and beyond: Looking ahead to the future of Canada Soccer PAGE 15

New Year, still the same 73’s: Essex continues to rack up wins and sit atop the Stobbs Division PAGE 23

Town of Essex celebrates New Year with free skate and swim sessions

by Garrett Fodor

As the ball was preparing to drop and calendars were flipping to 2023, the Town of Essex invited residents to celebrate the start of a new year by taking advantage of free events that took place at some of its recreational facilities.

As a part of annual New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day traditions, the Town of Essex invited local families to come together and enjoy some of the recreational activities the Town has to offer at no cost.

On New Year’s Eve, both the Essex Centre Sports Complex and the Harrow Arena were opened for free skates, with the latter also happening alongside the annual Harrow Chamber of Commerce’s New Year’s Eve Bash. In downtown Harrow, the New Year’s Eve Bash featured ball hockey, entertainment, and a ball-drop suited towards families.

On New Year’s Day, residents were invited to take a quick dip in the Essex Aquatic Centre for a free public swim.

“It is one of those commitments that Council after Council has bought into, because they know the value and the benefit that it has for the members of the community,” Jake Morassut, Director of Community Services

for the Town of Essex, said. “Opening the facilities for a couple hours is one of those times where you can just get a different demographic of people who don’t necessarily have the ability because of their lifestyles.”

He added, “We are encouraging a more active lifestyle for not only our constituents, but also all the community. Events like these, in partnership with other recreational managers and directors, are helping to make Windsor-Essex a better and more active spot, and over the last couple of years, we have seen the benefits of physical activity and how important it is to us.”

The Town of Essex has offered the annual tradition of the free holiday public skates and swimming over New Year’s for over

Proudly serving the community of Essex and surrounding areas.

Morassut noted. Each year, the attendance at all three events, including the Harrow Chamber of Commerce New Year’s Eve Bash, has grown, something he and the Town are happy to see.

“I can honestly say like, especially growing up, I was at the rink, doing public skating as much as I could,” Morassut recounted. “I know that there’s a lot of difficulties, especially with hockey players or people’s schedules. People have busy lives, so it’s not always possible for people to get out there on the weekends.”

These free events create unique opportunities, because it’s a holiday where a lot of people have time off.

“It gives a little bit more of an opportunity for those

people who may not be able to make our regular times throughout the year and it does not cost them anything aside from their time,” he said.

Morassut thanked the community for their continued support of the annual event as well as the Town Council and staff members for helping to put on the event.

Looking ahead, Morassut noted that beginning on January 9, the Town of Essex will roll out the public feedback process of creating a “Community Services Master Plan.” This will invite the public to respond to the survey and provide feedback and framework for how the Community Services Department, including

parks and recreation, will change over the next decade.

He noted Town staff are open to any and all feedback and suggestions. The survey can be found on the Town of Essex’s website, www.essex.ca, and will be available until January 30. He also invites anyone looking to host any sort of special event to contact the Town.

by Sylene Argent

Continued from Monday, December 19, 2022

Property Services Policy adopted Council adopted Infrastructure Services Policy #52, “Property Servicing Policy,” and further authorized and directed Administration to begin utilizing it.

The Schedule A of the Miscellaneous Fees and Charges By-Law was also amended to include charges and deposits.

Rob Mackie, Manager of Environmental Services, explained the “Property Servicing Policy” provides a formal process for property owners in the Town of Essex to perform property servicing works from municipallyowned transmission lines to private property. It also sets out the procedures to become a contractor licensed to work within the Town’s rights-of-way.

The current practice has not been amended since it was established in 2004. In addition, the Town’s flat-rate fees did not cover today’s construction costs.

The policy was meant to discontinue the current service practiced and create a streamlined approach for private property owners to perform site-servicing works, Mackie explained.

In addition, private property owners will be able to contact authorized contractors directly to obtain pricing and enter a private agreement.

The policy will not apply to servicing of properties that are part of a Plan of Subdivision or Site Plan Control process.

Council approves purchase of two new vehicles, expresses concern with additional costs Council awarded the Request for Tenders for two vehicles, and additional funding needed above what was approved in the 2022 Budget needed to acquire the vehicles.

The first was for a pick-up truck for the Water Department from Ken Knapp Ford Essex in the amount of $67,592.66, excluding trade-in value. Additional funding of $22,592.66, above the approved 2022 Capital Budget of $50,000, was also approved.

A pick-up truck for the Community Services Department from Blue Mountain Chrysler in the amount of $72,795.03, including trade in value, was also approved. In addition to another $23,795.03 above the approved 2022 Capital Budget of $58,500. Of the additional funds required, $5,088.00 will come from the General Parks and Rec Reserve and $18,707.03 will come from the Town’s Asset Management Reserve.

Deputy Mayor Rob Shepley commented that the increases for both vehicles were huge. He expressed concern with seeing prices of equipment continue to increase.

Director of Corporate Services/Treasurer, Kate Giurissevich, explained staff members begin to formulate numbers for the budget months ahead of the budget discussions that took place around a year ago, which explains the difference. They are hopeful this is the end of large anomalies and that this will not be a regular occurrence in the future.

Councillors Kim Verbeek and Katie McGuire-Blais questioned if the Town could shop around and not go so far over budget in purchasing the vehicles, or if the current vehicles were in good enough shape to hold off on the new purchases for another year or two.

Jake Morassut, Director of Community Services, explained staff does its due diligence to try and find suitable options, including looking at used vehicles. If a vehicle breaks down, it could hinder staff from being able to perform duties, and finding a replacement can be a lengthy process.

For the pick-up truck Community Services needs to replace, the computer board is failing, which is expensive

to replace itself. It has become a danger for staff to use and is now off-the-road.

Vehicle replacement is typically on a ten-year lifecycle.

Director of Infrastructure, Kevin Girard, added staff assess each vehicle from a depreciation and maintenance standpoint, and evaluates the best time to replace vehicles.

CAO Doug Sweet noted staff does not intend to keep going back to Council for additional funding for equipment and projects. There have been internal conversations about project costing. Because it is a municipality, some contractors believe the money will be found to fund projects or equipment. So, some projects may not take place moving forward.

Council passes user fees, water/wastewater charges with increases

Council adopted three user fee/charge schedules that became effective January 1, 2023:

• By-Law Number 1812, respecting the maintenance, management, regulation, and control of any cemetery owned by The Corporation of the Town of Essex. Annually, the rates are updated to reflect the change in the Consumer Price Index. It has been updated to reflect the year-to-date average of the year-over-year change in the Consumer Price Index of 6.9% as at September 2022.

• By-Law Number 2040, being a by-law to establish a schedule of miscellaneous fees and charges has been revised to reflect the year-over-year change of 6.9% for all fees, except for lottery licences, which are provincially regulated.

• By-Law Number 1850, being a by-law for the imposition of Development Charges. The change in the Construction Price Statistics reported for the third quarter of 2022 reflects a 15.6% increase.

User fees, Director of Corporate Services/Treasurer, Kate Giurissevich, explained are attributed to users for specific services that only they benefit from.

Council also approved By-Law Number 2209, to establish Water and Wastewater Rates and Charges, and its accompanying schedules.

Water rates include an increase in annual water charges: 1.3% for Wards 1 and 2 and 1.6% for Wards 3 and 4 for consumption, and a 2% increase for the base charge for all Wards.

The annual sanitary sewer charges will also include an increase of 2% for Ward 1, 2.5% for Ward 3, and 2.5% for Ward 4 for consumption. The base charge also increased by 2% for Wards 1, 3 and 4. Sanitary sewer charges are not applicable to Ward 2 as this service is provided by Amherstburg for that area.

Each of the fee/charges scheduled in the By-Laws were up for final reading, because they were based on previous studies conducted and adopted by previous Councils.

Colchester Guardian berthing fees waived for four-years

Council approved waiving the Colchester Harbour berthing fee for the Colchester Guardian Rescue vessel for four-years, from 2023 to 2026.

The cost of doing so is around $1,519 per year. It will be funded from the Community Partnership Grant.

Jake Morassut, Director of Community Services, said Council has waived this fee for a few years now.

In the Report to Council, it notes the Colchester Guardian Rescue Incorporated is a non-profit organization that provides a marine rescue service dedicated to saving lives and safe boating activities.

Deputy Mayor Rob Shepley voiced support for the motion as he said the Colchester Guardian provides fantastic support to the community.

INSIDE ESSEX

• Council passes user fees, water/wastewater charges with increaseses

• Additional funding for basketball nets approved for Maedel Community Centre

• 2023/24 TNR, Spay/Neuter Voucher Programs approved

• Members of Essex’s boards and committees for the 2022-2026 term confirmed & MORE...

Councillor Brad Allard also voiced support. He said the vessel’s crew has received awards over the years for the rescue service provided.

Additional funding for basketball nets approved for Maedel Community Centre

Council approved the additional funding of $19,971.48 for the basketball net winch at the Maedel Community Centre.

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Howling at the Moon

••• Comment by Sylene Argent •••

Giving a thumbs up for the County treating all Council votes as recorded votes

I have to commend the County of Essex for taking a step towards remaining transparent.

At its December 21 meeting, County Council voted to amend the Procedural By-Law to treat all votes as recorded votes when using electronic voting software. That will exclude procedural votes, like when moving into a closed meeting or adjournment, which makes sense.

When the County first used the electronic voting method during its Budget Deliberations earlier in December, I had noticed the electronic software was only tabulating the votes and not who was voting each way.

It was something on my radar to see how things would proceed, because I am naturally someone who is a little sensitive to matters that may interrupt transparency or accountability, which corresponds well to my role here at the paper.

I was put off with that electronic vote tabulation method originally, for the same reason mentioned when County Council was discussing the

issue. When using the traditional method of voting that entails raising a hand, it is noticeable to see who is voting which way. It is especially noticeable now that Council meetings for the County and lower-tier municipalities are livestreamed and available to watch at any time online, and not just viewable to those who show up to watch a meeting in-person.

It is important for constituents to be able to see how their representatives are voting, as well as for fellow Council members around the decisionmaking table.

No one said being a Councillor was easy. In fact, it is an especially tough position today. Some individuals on social media are ready to attack someone they do not like at any given opportunity, instead of engaging in a meaningful dialogue and providing concerns or suggestions in a way that could make a difference on the decision to be made.

Being a representative at that local decision-making table sometimes means having to make extremely

difficult decisions, ones that will make some people happy and others upset. Though we know not everyone can be pleased with every decision made, the best practice I have observed in my many years of covering Council matters is to always do what is best for the Town for not only today, but down the road as well, and be able to explain the reasoning.

Former Essex Deputy Mayor Steve Bjorkman said it best last November, when he commented, “You have to believe in what side of the line you are on and have a way to defend it. If you can’t do that, then you need to continue to look into it until you can.”

Not everyone will agree on what is best for the Town, however, and that is why Council can request a recorded vote, to put on record who voted which way, as a step towards transparency and accountability.

By Peggy Brekveld, President, Ontario Federation of Agriculture

The start of a new year is often a time for resolution and goal setting. Whether that goal is to walk more steps each day, grow a better tomato, or win first place at the 4-H club show, each one requires us to look at what we want to achieve and find ways to get there.

As we start 2023, the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) is doing that too – as we’re reflecting on the year that was and some of our achievements, we’re also looking to the year ahead and what we’ll be focusing on.

For me personally, the most important accomplishment for OFA over the past year has been the development and launch of the Farmer Wellness Initiative. Research has shown that farmers suffer from stress and mental health issues more than average Canadians, and we now have support available specific to the agriculture sector.

This includes a free bilingual helpline counselling service 24/7/365 by professional counsellors with agricultural backgrounds and training, available at 1-866-267-6255, thanks to a partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association – Ontario Division and financial support from the provincial and federal governments.

In 2022, OFA was also very active in raising the profile of farmland preservation in Ontario. The newest census numbers paint a stark picture of the speed at which we’re losing prime farmland in Ontario – 319 acres a day – to development and urbanization.

That statistic has been quoted hundreds of times this past year, and combined with our Home Grown campaign, has helped raise awareness of how important farming is to our province in terms of our communities, our economy, and the food that we eat.

Unfortunately, despite the best efforts of many people and organizations, including the OFA, the provincial government has decided to proceed with its plan to rezone thousands of acres of prime farmland in the Greenbelt to build new houses.

We will, however, continue to advocate for the protection of farmland and the importance of maintaining our ability to grow food, fuel, and fibre here at home. At the same time, we recognize the importance of addressing Ontario’s housing

crisis, and we will continue to work with government to propose workable alternative solutions to that issue.

We will also continue to focus on addressing the labour needs of agriculture and rural Ontario and attracting people to an industry that has room to grow. Together, we can help create a more sustainable workforce by prioritizing skill development and training and promoting jobs in the sector. At the same time, Ontario needs continued investments in critical infrastructure like energy, broadband internet, roads, bridges, schools, and healthcare for rural communities so they can attract and keep new businesses and residents.

As the federal and provincial governments roll out the next agricultural policy framework this year, the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, OFA will be looking to see how Ontario agriculture can continue to build on the environmental sustainability gains we’ve already made and help farmers more widely adopt the best management practices that have helped us achieve those gains.

It’s a reality that the start of 2023 is very different from the start of 2022. Costs for fertilizer, packaging, fuel, energy, and more have all risen as our economy grapples with inflation levels we haven’t seen in years. Interest rates are up, and I believe all farmers are feeling the pinch. OFA will continue to support the industry as we have in past economic tough times.

We are looking forward to connecting again with you, our members. Winter is meeting season in Ontario, which means we’ll be attending many annual general meetings in our own sector, and also attending conferences and events hosted by other organizations, such as the Rural Ontario Municipal Association and the Good Roads Association. Each of these will present an opportunity to make new friends and engage with politicians and other stakeholders in more informal settings about the issues that matter to farmers and rural Ontario.

So, as we start into 2023, I’d like to raise a glass and offer you our best wishes as you aim for your goals – and OFA will continue to work hard to help you reach them. To Farms and Food Forever.

OFA viewpoint Farmland preservation, strong rural communities top OFA priority list for 2023

Originally, $11,500 was set aside for the project in the 2022 Budget to replace the pulleys. The entire net systems are now being replaced, bringing the total project cost to $31,471.48.

Of the additional funding, $544.30 will come from the Town’s Asset Management Reserve and $19,427.18 will come from the Ontario Trillium Grant the Town recently received for the facility. This reallocated some funds from the grant back into the facility as the window replacement project associated with the grant came in under budget.

The Report to Council notes the Town of Essex is replacing its assets at the Maedel Community Centre gym as the current basketball net winches are no longer working or meet current standards.

Three quotes to complete the project were received. Upon review, Jack Watson Sports Inc. was the lowest tender price at $31,471.48.

By-Law allowing Town to investigate video surveillance complaints, issue fine provisionally adopted

Council provisionally passed By-Law Number 2210, to prohibit and regulate fortification and protective elements.

When the final passing of By-Law Number 2210 takes place, the existing Fortification By-Law Number 476, will be repealed and replaced to enhance the ability to regulate video surveillance camera usage.

The new By-Law would allow the Town’s By-Law Enforcement Department to receive and investigate video surveillance complaints.

Robert Auger, Director of Legislative Services/Clerk, explained this subject came up at a regular meeting two-years ago when a delegate expressed concerns with personal security cameras.

Council, at that time, asked Administration to come back with a report on the development of a potential bylaw meant to protect the rights of residents with respect

to surveillance cameras installed on private property.

Video surveillance is addressed somewhat in the Town’s current fortification By-Law, created in 2003. It states no person shall apply excessive protective elements to land – including visual surveillance equipment viewing or listening beyond the perimeter of the land upon which the devices have been installed – so as to restrict, obstruct, or impede law enforcement or emergency services from accessing or existing any land.

In the existing By-Law, complaints about video surveillance can only be accepted by By-Law Enforcement, if the cameras are being used with the intent to restrict lawful access of law enforcement or emergency services, Auger said.

If the Town receives a complaint from a neighbouring property directing cameras onto private property, technically their complaint is currently outside the current parameters of the existing By-Law, Auger explained. The resident complaining would likely be informed it is a civil matter or possibly a criminal matter.

The Report to Council recommends amendments to the current By-Law to assist with enforcement on an ongoing basis. As such, Administration recommended amending the definition of “Excessive Protective Elements” by removing the requirement to establish intent of preventing law enforcement and emergency services in the exercise of their duties.

In addition, it would apply to any devices permitting the viewing or listening beyond the perimeter of land.

This would allow By-Law Enforcement the ability to take complaints about cameras possibly capturing activity on adjacent private property. The revised ByLaw will not affect any stationary device on the front wall of a property or any cameras that are recording activity solely within that land or within the public right-of-way, exempting doorbell cameras.

Pet Of The Week: Annabell

Annabell wasn’t too sure of things when she first arrived here. She was used to a quiet senior home. She was overwhelmed by the smells, sounds, and general shelter surroundings. But she’s made such quick progress that it shouldn’t take long for her to settle into a new home. And when we say settle, we mean it won’t take her long to claim your home as hers. And don’t even think about your heart...she’ll claim that as soon as you meet her! Annabell’s adoption fee is waived in hopes of finding her a forever home!

The Windsor-Essex County Humane Society shelter is at 1375 Provincial Rd., Windsor. Ph: 519-966-5751. To start the adoption process online, please go to: windsorhumane.org/adoptable-animals

In addition, Administration recommended a minimum set fine of $500 to the Provincial Offences Act for Contraventions and permitting the Chief Building Official the ability to grant exemptions to the By-Law in certain scenarios.

Possible enforcement issues include Town By-Law Enforcement Officers not being able to lawfully enter a home without consent, which may require a search warrant for those purposes. Violations could also revert back after inspection. If satisfactory evidence is collected, By-Law Enforcement could proceed with a more serious charge. If it is believed a potential violation is criminalrelated, it can be referred to law enforcement.

Deputy Mayor Rob Shepley voiced concerns with the proposed By-Law. He said cameras have been useful tools in aiding with break and enters of neighbouring properties or car accidents. He believes it should remain a civil matter.

Councillor Joe Garon said if security cameras on private property are used the way they are supposed to be, they are meaningful and helpful. The previous Term of Council wanted to improve on the current By-Law in being respectful to people’s privacy and ensure there is a By-Law that was defendable.

“There is a difference between protecting your house and going outside of that and maybe inappropriately

aiming it at someone else’s privacy,” he said. By-Law requiring reduction of interior greenhouse light emission provisionally adopted Council gave two readings and provisionally adopted By-Law 2211, to require the abatement of interior greenhouse light emissions.

Robert Auger, Director of Legislative Services/ Clerk, explained this matter came up midway through the last Term of Council, which directed Administration to review and report on the implementation of a ByLaw prohibiting and regulating lights and odours from greenhouses.

The Town of Essex has not yet experienced a mass influx of greenhouse development, but it is an area expected to grow as it has in neighbouring communities.

Last March, it was recommended to the previous Term of Council that this By-Law focus on the light nuisance, Auger explained. Odour is currently regulated by Federal cannabis regulations and the Town already regulates odour emitted from agricultural operations.

A resolution passed last March was that the ByLaw follow best practice recommendations from the greenhouse industry in regards to light emissions.

The proposed greenhouse light recommendations in the By-Law before Council have two key components: the owner/occupant of a greenhouse that utilizes lights as part of its operations shall ensure barriers – commonly curtains – are installed in good practice and cover the entirety of sidewalls and end-walls from sunset to sunrise; and that the barriers cover a minimum of 90 percent of the ceiling of the greenhouse from sunset to sunrise.

In addition, the barriers will need to be permanently installed and maintained. They can be permanently affixed or part of a system to permit them being extended and retracted manually.

Auger said the proposed recommendations were provided to the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, food, and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA), and feedback has been favourable. Feedback included that consideration should be considered for ventilation, as heat and humidity cannot escape the greenhouse when ceiling light abatement curtains are used. It recommended 10 percent gaping of light abatement at certain times.

He said it is believed there are no greenhouses currently in operation in Essex that utilize lights. If they do proceed with using lights for their production, they would need to conform to the policy. In addition, any future greenhouses would be subject to Site Plan Control, where operators would be advised of the regulations to ensure they are followed.

Assuming the proposed By-Law receives its third and final reading in the near future, the Town of Essex would apply to the Ministry of the Attorney General for set fines. The maximum fine under the proposed By-Law is $1000. The Town could apply for a Court Injunction to prohibit any continuing violations.

2023/24 TNR, Spay/ Neuter Voucher Programs approved

Council passed a spay and neuter voucher

program for feral cats for 2023 and 2024, up to a maximum of 175 vouchers each year, with a value of $75 each for a total cost of $13,125.

It also approved a spay and neuter voucher program for dogs and cats of low-income families for 2023 and 2024, up to a maximum of 10 vouchers each year with a value of $75 each, for a total cost of $750.

A Trap, Neuter, and Release (TNR) program was also passed for 2023 and 2024, for a total cost of $9,750 each year.

In addition, any unused funding from the prior year’s spay and neuter voucher programs and the Trap Neuter and Release (TNR) program will be transferred to reserve to offset the cost of the TNR programs in future years.

Members of Essex’s boards and committees for the 2022-2026 term confirmed

Council received Legal and Legislative Services’ Report regarding the 2022-2026 Striking Committee, and confirmed the Striking Committee’s recommended committee and board appointments.

In addition, Council gave all three readings to and passed By-Law Number 2215, to establish and appoint Town of Essex Boards and Committees for the 20222026 Term of Council.

Mayor Sherry Bondy said the members of the Striking Committee – which decides on which applicants would be appointed to a Town-based board or committee – tried to appoint Councillors to the committees or boards they applied for.

She is excited to see new faces on the Town’s committees and boards and what they will accomplish over the next few years.

There are still vacancies on some of the Town of Essex’s Committees. Residents who may be interested in getting involved are urged to contact the Town to learn more.

Council supports Mayor Bondy for a position with ROMA Zone 1

Council supported Essex Mayor Sherry Bondy, who will apply for a position as the Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) Zone 1 rep on the Board of Directors, 2023-2027.

County of Essex Council Notes for Wednesday, December 21

by Sylene Argent

Electronic voting to be treated as Recorded Vote for transparency

At the December 7 regular meeting, the County of Essex began using electronic voting.

Mary Birch, Director of Legislative and Community Services/Clerk, said it was brought to the attention of County staff members that the results of a vote were only displaying the number of Council members in favour and opposed to motions, and not detailing who was voting each way.

Birch noted there was a desire to see the way all members voted on matters, as that is noticeable when voting the traditional way of raising hands.

The voting module through the County’s software has been successfully deployed, however, it has been set up in a way that the Procedural By-Law does not perform a “Recorded Vote,” unless it has been explicitly requested to do so, the Report to Council notes.

That would not be feasible for every motion that would be made, Birch noted.

Members of Council can request a recorded vote when wanting to note how each member votes on a matter on the Meeting Minutes.

“The concern is that it could be perceived as a lack of transparency, when moving from the expected ‘show of hands’ vote to the current electronic method and ‘vote result display,’ as the public will not be able to see how members are voting,” the Report to Council continues.

Staff proposed to amend the Procedural By-Law to treat all votes as recorded votes when using electronic voting software, with the exception of procedural votes, which includes moving into a closed meeting or adjournment.

Kingsville Deputy Mayor Kim DeYong thanked Administration for bringing this forward.

“It is important for the transparency to the public and also around this table,” she said.

Discussion on sustainable energy solutions and economic development deferred

County Council received a presentation regarding electricity resource options from Sarah Simmons, Director of Utilities and Innovation, and Travis Lusney, Director of Power Systems, of Power Advisory LLC.

It deferred approving recommendations made in the report until further information is provided.

Simmons explained Power Advisory LLC was hired by the City of Windsor to prepare a report in response to concerns raised over the summer regarding the ability to connect new customers and economic development activity with respect to the ability and speed to which new manufacturing and industrial growth can be connected to the City of Windsor.

As part of the report, the broader electricity sector in the province was looked at in respect to reliability of supply, and then on the needs of the region, Simmons added. Possible available options were then reviewed to meet emerging electricity needs. Recommendations were then provided to the City.

Though the report was prepared for the City of Windsor, and was presented to its Council in September, many of the recommendations are applicable to other municipalities across the province, Simmons said.

Across Ontario, demand for electricity is increasing, due to economic development, new residential load, economic growth, and electrification of the economy –particularly with respect to electric vehicles and industrial electrification, she said.

At the same time, there is a decommissioning of some of the nuclear generation fleet and the expiring of existing generation contracts.

“After years of surplus across Ontario, we are now seeing an unprecedented need to get new generation capacity online in Ontario,” Simmons said, adding there is an immediate need to

move forward with investments in electricity supply and other electricity infrastructure.

Supply needs in the region are also increasing, slightly faster than the rest of the province, she said. It is a focus area for the Independent System Operators (ISO) to ensure resources are developed.

There are five large transmission projects underway in the region, the first of which is the Lakeshore to Chatham project, Simmons explained. There will be a number of large transmission projects planned for the next decade.

The first of the projects will come online in the 2025/26 time period, but local supply will still be needed, even when the projects come through.

Lusney said the development of power system plans and transmission lines can take up to a decade and requires a coordinated effort, which are constantly adjusted.

As transmission development is critical, but cannot be developed fast enough to meet needs, there is a need to rely on local resources. Solutions could include looking at imports, importance of existing gas-fired generation in the region, opportunities for battery storage and firm

SATURDAY, JANUARY 14, 2023 AT 10 AM

HONEYCOMB, WON’T YOU BEE MY BABY

Using a portable glass shop, you will cut hexagon shapes for the honeycomb background and combine it with a fused glass honey bee that will be provided. This is a great introduction to the copper foil method of stained glass. Fee is $85+HST

SATURDAY, JANUARY 21, 2023 AT 10 AM

COFFEE, TEA OR………WINE?

Whatever your preference, we will create a fused glass wall hanging depicting your favourite beverage. Using compatible glass, frit, stringers and enamel paints, your creativity will be let loose. Fee is $80+HST

SATURDAY, JANUARY

MOSAIC FAIRY DOOR

28, 2023

AT 10 AM

This workshop will teach all the basic skills to create direct method mosaic designs. This adorable fairy door will be a fun and surprising piece of art. Fee is $80+HST

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2023 AT 10 AM

I LOVE THIS HEART

This glass fusing workshop will result in a beautiful gift for yourself or your favourite person. Using compatible glass, frit, stringers and some pre-fused design elements, your fused heart will be loved by everyone. Fee is $80+HST

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2023 AT 10 AM

AIR PLANT HOLDER

This stained glass workshop will show the copper foil technique in 3 dimensional design. Fee is $80+HST

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2023 AT 10 AM

FRIT HAPPENS

Using nothing but ground up glass and a bit of creativity, you will create an amazing framed piece of wall art. Fee is $80+HST

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2023

STAINED GLASS SPINNERS

We will use the copper foil method to create this fun, 3 dimensional stained glass spinner. Let the breeze move it and the sun show off its colours. Fee is $80+HST

up capacity from some of the existing wind farms with battery storage, and looking at the importance of demand response and energy efficiency.

“All of these together, in our view, are all important tools for meeting new load growth. It is important to understand no single resource type will provide all the electricity supply attributes, including environmental attributes,” Simmons said.

She said there are critical roles municipalities play. ISOs prioritize through the RFP process resources that have Council-support

resolutions. In addition, municipalities, through the Planning Act, play an important role as facilities move forward with development with the approval processes.

It was Power Advisory LLC’s advice to the City of Windsor to prepare for Council delegations to ensure a point of contact for generators to engage. In addition, she urged engagement with local suppliers as they consider developing opportunities in the region.

Strategic advice includes streamlining ISO procurement process,

enabling local distributors and Hydro One to provide alternate options for programs that could allow for customers to connect, and look at needs of customers and supporting them through economic investment and endevours.

“There is enough capacity to support economic development in the Windsor-Essex area, but there is continual need to make sure there is a coordinated approach.

It is really important for municipalities to stay engaged in these processes, because the supply situation is, quite

frankly, tightening over the next few years and municipalities will have a lot of interest and opportunity to be engaged in these processes and sort of help guide where new electricity resources are developed within their jurisdictions.”

Essex Mayor Sherry Bondy spoke of power flickers experienced in her area for over a decade and the need to ensure growth.

“We need to make sure we are balancing all of this growth with renewal projects, particularly with transmission lines going from say Leamington to

Amherstburg. I know that ... in the middle [of the County], we have a lot of flickers,” she said. She also spoke about how that issue has been raised in Essex and in other municipalities. She said it might not be a bad idea for County Council to meet with Hydro One to discuss what it is doing in terms of renewal projects.

County Council was asked to endorse a series of recommendations attached to the report.

Lakeshore Mayor Tracey Bailey and Deputy Mayor Kirk Walstedt voiced concerns about the recommendations, which caused the discussion to be deferred until more information can be provided.

Walstedt had concerns the recommendations included that the City of Windsor should participate in regional planning processes and leverage municipal lands and properties, as that is a very wide-open and general statement.

After the meeting, Walstedt explained Lakeshore is concerned with a planned Hydro One transmission line coming from Chatham going over employment and commercial lands in Comber, and is concerned with how that will affect growth in that area. They do not want to stop the plan, but would like it rerouted north of the 401. Those discussions are ongoing between Lakeshore and Hydro One.

Bailey was also worried with the recommendations, as she had concern Lakeshore was being asked to trade Comber’s needs for the City of Windsor’s. She believed it was important

for the County to “boldly say that is what we are being asked to do.”

She said Lakeshore is willing to play its role regarding economic development and growth for the region, but it needs to be recognized that land assembly discussions or consultation have not taken place as of yet.

They believed the matter needed more study and County Council needed to talk about it further.

County Council endorses Health Unit’s recommendation for Healthy Smiles program County Council endorsed the WindsorEssex County Health Unit’s (WECHU) resolution that recommends the Province of Ontario include billing options for translation and interpretation services in the “Healthy Smiles Ontario Fee Guide,” and that while there is a variety of modalities of interpretation, it is remote interpretation services, accessible 24/7 from a phone, mobile device, or computer, that should be considered as a useful and affordable option.

Council approves Striking Committee’s recommendations to County Committees County Council approved the recommendations the Striking Committee made in appointing members of the public and County Council to County committees, boards, and agencies.

This will be for the 2022-2206 Term of Council.

Members of the Essex County Striking Committee met on December 15 to decide who would sit on each committee.

Essex Mayor Sherry Bondy will sit on the Essex County Accessibility Advisory Committee (ECAAC) and the Essex County Library Board (ECLB).

Essex Deputy Mayor Rob Shepley will sit on the Essex-Windsor Solid Waste Authority (EWSWA) and the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU).

Council Notes for Wednesday, December 21...

By-Law for revised Emergency Management program adopted County Council approved the composition of the Essex County Emergency Management Program Management Committee, received the updated 2022 Hazard Identification Risk Assessment/HIRA for the County of Essex, and authorized the Emergency Measures Coordinator to submit the Annual Emergency Management Program Statement of Completion for 2022.

It also moved to enact By-Law 2022-35 to adopt a Revised Emergency Management Program for the County of Essex.

EMS Chief Bruce Krauter said this report is a legislative requirement.

Emergency Management Coordination, Krauter said, is to manage and coordinate a large and complex emergency in developing Comprehensive Emergency Management Programs, Risk Management Plans, and Business Continuity Plans.

Responsibilities include the prevention and mitigation

of preparedness and planning, response, and recovery, awareness, education, and annual training and exercises. 60-month leasing agreement for 40 Stryker Power Load Lifting Devices authorized

Essex County Council authorized the Warden and Clerk to execute a 60-month Equipment Leasing Agreement and purchase option for 40 Stryker Power Load Lifting Devices between the County of Essex and Stryker Canada ULC.

Essex-Windsor EMS began using powerlifting devices in 2014. They assist lifting patients and stretchers into and out of ambulances. The current devices are now reaching end-of-life expectancy.

EMS uses powerlifters and stretchers to reduce strain and injury to paramedics and patients. Since inception of the power load devices, a reduction in repetitive strain and back injuries to paramedics has been noticed, Krauter said.

Stryker is the only one who produces a power stretcher and lifter that work in tandem, Krauter noted.

Starting in 2023, EMS has to start replacing its 40 powerlifters. Krauter said that will be done in a systematic and staggered approach, so it is not a huge financial implication in one year.

He said it would be best if eight devices could be replaced per year over the next five-years.

The total price is $31,121 per device to purchase. Over the five-year term, it is estimated the cost to purchase all devices will be $1.3M.

The Stryker five-year lease option quotes the devices at $26,456, with zero financing. Each year the cost of the least would be $211,651, or $1.058M over five-years.

The leased option secures the budgeted amount, Krauter noted. Over the life of a five-year term, an anticipated savings of $290,000 in leasing the devices can be realized.

It is expected the devices have a ten-year life cycle. At the end of the five-year lease, Krauter said EMS can purchase all 40 devices for $10.

Woodslee St. John the Evangelist Knights of Columbus provides $2000 to Essex Area Food Bank

by Sylene Argent

2022 was a busy year of fundraising for the Woodslee St. John the Evangelist Knights of Columbus (4555), and its members were eager to forward those proceeds back into the community heading into the holiday season.

On Tuesday, December 20, members of the Woodslee St. John the Evangelist K of C were able to present Essex Area Food Bank Coordinator, Gerry

Belanger, with a $2000 donation to help keep its shelves stocked for area families and individuals facing economic hardships.

Steve Chevalier, Treasurer for the K of C, said members were able to earn $25,000, volunteering at Bingo at Power Play Gaming Centre. Thanks to the dedication of its members, this was a great year of fundraising, earning around $5000 more than it typically would. The efforts were especially

welcome after fundraising opportunities slowed the previous few years, due to the pandemic.

The funds they raise go back into the community, through supporting area organizations that provide services community members in need can access. One of the beneficiaries was the Essex Area Food Bank, which received $2000, twice as much as the K of C would normally donate. The increase was due to

the Woodslee St. John the Evangelist Knights of Columbus wanting to have a positive impact on food insecurity and homelessness.

The Community Support Centre of Essex County also received $2000 to support its array of programs, which was also double what it received in the past.

In addition, the Woodslee St. John the Evangelist Knights of Columbus also provided $1000 donations to Hospice, Hiatus House, Second Chance Ministry, Street Help, and Southwestern Ontario Gleaners this year.

An array of $500 donations were also made.

Chevalier said members of the Woodslee St. John the Evangelist Knights of Columbus enjoy raising funds to support local causes.

He added the group

Photo submitted. Members of the Woodslee St. John the Evangelist Knights of Columbus (4555) presented representatives of the Essex Area Food Bank with a $2000 donation ahead of the Christmas season.

seems to be doing well in its fundraising efforts and may be able to make more community contributions in the spring.

The group is looking

forward to being able to continue making a positive impact on the community.

Valente holiday mission supports local causes

Submitted to EFP Valente Development Corporation set out on a Mission to fill five Valente Army Gladiator Jeeps with food and toys at its five current developments in Essex County – including at the Essex Town Centre subdivision – and urged the community to help out at a collection event on

Tuesday, December 13. With the help of tradespersons and crew members on the job sites, and the residents of the communities in which Valente is developing, the Gladiators were overflowing with donations after the event.

Peter Valente of Valente Development Corporation

pledged $20,000 to this mission to purchase gift cards in addition to the food/toys donated. Trades and industry partners were also asked for pledges, and their support was overwhelming.

Thanks to the support, Valente’s mission raised $42,000, which supported various local causes ahead

of the holiday season, including Santa’s Cause for Kids through Essex Fire & Rescue Service, Sparky’s Toy Drives Tecumseh/ Lakeshore and LaSalle, Community Support Centre Essex County’s Food Bank and Meals on Wheels Lakeshore/Tecumseh, the Essex Area Food Bank, the Kingsville Community Food Bank, and St. Andrews Community Food Bank in LaSalle.

In addition to the

toy and food donations, Valente was able to donate $11,000 in Devonshire Mall Gift Cards to the local toy drives and $20,000 in grocery gift cards from Foodland and FreshCo to the five community food banks. In addition, a $1000 Williams Food Equipment gift card was presented to the Community Support Centre of Essex County’s Meals on Wheels Program.

The remaining $10,000 of the pledge money will be

distributed to the Windsor Youth Centre in the New Year.

This initiative would not have been possible without the support of our trades, industry partners, team members, and the wonderful communities we are a part of.

Thank you to those who donated for helping others have a very Merry Christmas.

Welcome to Essex Chiropractic Rehab & Massage

Over the past 11 years Dr. Mark Belisle has been practicing in the beautiful town of Essex. Located at 316 Talbot Street North, Essex Chiropractic, Rehabilitation & Massage is a team of two Chiropractors, a Registered Physiotherapist as well as, two Registered Massage Therapists. The multidisciplinary clinic offers various treatment options from a team of health professionals, who work together to ensure their patients healing is top priority.

Walking into the clinic, you will be greeted by Office Manager Laurie-Jo, who will help schedule appointments and directly bill your extended healthcare plan. Essex Chiropractic, Rehabilitation and Massage’s health professionals are Chiropractors Dr. Mark Belisle and Dr. Danielle Desmarais, Registered Physiotherapist Kim Newman and Registered Massage Therapists Laurene Johnston & Madison Chambers. The team treats patients from infancy onwards with

acute injuries, chronic aches and pains as well as, maintenance based treatments.

The Clinic offers many treatment options, including cold laser, manual adjustments, acupuncture, spinal decompression therapy, cupping soft tissue therapy as well as hot bamboo massages. They are also the only clinic locally which offers PEMF/Magnawave treatments. The practitioners are trained in fitting patients for braces, compression stockings as well as custom orthotics.

As a way to help those of the community with the cost associated with medical equipment, the Clinic has developed an equipment lending program. The program provides individuals with rehabilitation equipment for temporary use, free of charge.

Essex Chiropractic, Rehabilitation and Massage is always accepting new patients and looks forward to helping more patients reach their optimal health.

by Sylene Argent

Thanks to a $76,600 Ontario Trillium Foundation grant through the Community Building Fund – Capital Stream, the Town of Essex will be able to install new basketball nets, a retractable room divider, and new windows at the Maedel Community Centre.

Representatives from the Ontario Trillium Foundation and the Town of Essex met with MPP Anthony Leardi on Wednesday, December 21 at the facility to announce the funding.

“The Maedel Community Centre is a special place for our residents here in Essex Centre, serving as a community hub for events, celebrations, and recreational programming,” Essex

Mayor Sherry Bondy said, noting the Town of Essex is excited to offer an even better experience to residents through the upcoming upgrades.

“These new amenities will provide more opportunities for our user groups and provide better functionality for utilizing the space. Without the help of the Ontario Trillium Foundation, these upgrades would not be possible,” she added.

The upgrades are planned to be completed by March.

Leardi said he was happy to hear of the improvements planned for the facility, and pleased the Ontario Trillium Foundation provided a grant to make

Essex MPP Anthony Leardi, Cindy Crump, a volunteer for the Ontario Trillium Foundation, Essex Mayor Sherry Bondy, and Director of Community Services, Jake Morassut, celebrate a $76,600 Ontario Trillium Foundation grant the Town of Essex received that will provide improvements to the Maedel Community Centre.

Trillium grant funds improvements at Maedel

that happen.

Cindy Crump, a volunteer for the Ontario Trillium Foundation, said the upgrades will continue to ensure the Maedel Community Centre is a space all people can enjoy.

The Maedel Community Centre was once the former Holy Name Catholic Elementary School, Essex’s Director of Community Services, Jake Morassut, explained.

The Town of Essex purchased the facility prior to amalgamation, and later sold half of the facility, which became a medical centre. In April of 2020, the Town of Essex rebranded the facility as it had three recreational hubs in Essex Centre with similar names.

After garnering public feedback, the facility was named in honor of Edward Charles Maedel, who purchased a

struggling soft drink company on Talbot Street in Essex in 1908. He renamed it “Maedel Beverages.” In 1935, he received the first Pepsi Cola franchise in all of Ontario, and the second franchise in all of Canada. He later built a new shop at the corner of Talbot Street and Brien Avenue. In 1989, the Maedel family sold the business to a company from Toronto.

Essex Fire extinguishes blaze in Harrow that caused $1.1M in damages

by Sylene Argent

Photos submitted by Essex Fire & Rescue

In the afternoon of Wednesday, December 21, Essex Fire & Rescue responded to a call for assistance and extinguished a fire at a business on Centre Street West in Harrow.

Essex Fire Chief Rick Arnel stated on social media 25 crew members of Essex Fire & Rescue responded to the call from Stations 3 (Harrow) and 2 (McGregor).

The damage to the building is estimated to be $1.1M. The cause of the fire is undetermined.

In addition to being a local business leader, Maedel helped to establish Boy Scouts in Essex, volunteered with youth sports and activities, provided leadership within the Essex Rotary Club, served as a firefighter, and helped support the construction of a bandshell.

Leardi spoke on how the facility keeps the spirit of community Edward Charles Maedel had alive

by keeping residents connected.

At the December 19 meeting, Essex Council approved the additional funding of $19,971.48 for the basketball net winch at the Maedel Community Centre.

Originally, $11,500 was set aside for the project in the 2022 Budget to replace the pulleys. The entire net systems are now being replaced, bringing the total project cost to

$31,471.48.

Of the additional funding, $544.30 will come from the Town’s Asset Management Reserve and $19,427.18 will come from the Ontario Trillium Grant. This reallocated some funds from the grant back into the facility as the window replacement project associated with the grant came in under budget.

by Garrett Fodor

With the door closed on the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the 2022 calendar, eyes on Canada Soccer are now shifting to 2023 and beyond, hoping to continue building on the momentum established.

For Canada Soccer, 2022 was a year of firsts and new heights for this country in international

soccer. The Women’s National Team heads into the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup as the reigning Olympic gold medalists.

The Men’s program appeared in its first World Cup in 36-years, scoring its first ever goal in the World Cup in the process.

Rounding out the year, FIFA announced it had been awarded a joint

hosting duty with the United States and Mexico for 2026, providing it a secured spot in that World Cup in the process; the first back-to-back appearance in the program’s history.

“This process did not start a year or two years ago. I think Canada Soccer Association did a fantastic job a few years

game. Photo taken by Bob Frid, Canada Soccer.

FARMING

WANTED

Farm Land to Rent Cash or Share Crop Call Jeff Siefker (cell) 519-796-1240 or (home) 519-776-9501. 1-t

WANTED - Sharecrop land - Ryan Olson at 519-982-4826. 46 -4t

SERVICES

MARTY’S SMALL ENGINE REPAIRS - Tune-ups, repairs, & service on snowblowers, riding lawn mowers, chainsaws, & more! 519-733-0986, (c) 519-965-5918. 1-tf

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Claims against the Estate of SHIRLEY CHRISTINE DICKER late of the Town of Essex, in the County of Essex and Province of Ontario, who died on December 26, 2022 , must be in my hands by March 17th 2023, after which date the estate will be distributed.

WILLIAM K. KENDRICK, Barrister & Solicitor, 903-500 Ouellette Avenue, Windsor, Ontario, N9A 1B3, Solicitor for the Estate Trustees.

SERVICES

KENNETH YARDWORKS - Fall CleanUp. leaves, Trees, bushes, trimmed or removed. Sod, mulch, eavestrough cleaning and repairs, power washing. Loads to the dump. Fully licensed & insured. Free estimates. Call Kenneth: 519-982-0362. 1-tfn

JOHN’S WOODWORKING - Repairs and refinishing of wood furniture. We are located in Essex serving Windsor/Essex area. Call/text 519-818-4480 or jjarps@ hotmail.com 49-tfn

FOR SALE

GMC TRUCK PARTS FOR SALE - 1973 - 1987 Red seat $200. 1988-2000 Red, Blue, & tan seats $150. 1967 - 1972 Tailgates $200. 1973-1987 & 19882000 Tailgates $150. 5 Bolt aluminum wheels and tires $400. Call: 519-5670177. 01-1t*

FOR SALE

MACHINERY FOR SALE - 13 prong Glenco Soil Saver, Tile Trench Cover Close. Call: 519-995-4450. 46-5t*

MACHINERY FOR SALE - Woods Ditch Chopper. Call: 519-995-4450. 01-7t

FOR SALE - Two acoustic guitars - Ibanez Performance guitar, hardcase, mic stand, small amp, strap & tuner. Yamaha with gig bag, tuner, and strap. New condition.

LOOKING FOR: Dog Kennel 6’H, 10’x10’ square. Deal. Call: 519-984-5715. 1-1t*

REAL ESTATE

Buying or selling a farm? Do you know the right questions and answers? Farm Experienced Realtor Carl Idzinski, Keller Williams Lifestyles Realty - Brokerage. 519-817-8891. 1-tt*

LOT FOR SALE - Corner of Graham & County Rd 8. 215 x 214. Gas, water, on treed lot. Call: 519-982-4826 or 519995-4450. 46-5t*

REAL ESTATE

2 BEDROOM HOUSE FOR SALE - On large lot. Large shed on County Rd. 31. South County Rd. 8, 2744. Call: 519-982-4826 or 519-995-4450. 1-7t*

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED: ORCHARD PARK CO-OP is looking for a Part-time, Experienced Maintenance Worker for routine maintenance work of the property Units, including drywall and painting. Certification as Plumber/Electrician is an asset, but not necessary. Please forward resume to: opoffice@bellnet.ca or drop off at 33 Maidstone Ave E in the apartment building.

HELP WANTED: Tilray Inc. is looking for Greenhouse Production Associates to join their team. Duties include daily crop maintenance, harvesting, crop rotation, inventory counts, and cleaning of greenhouse. No public transportation available. Located in Leamington, ON. Compensation starts at $15.50/hour. Full time hours - Monday through Friday with occasional Saturdays. Please apply at careers@tilray.com or mail resume to P.O. Box 20009 269 Erie St. S. Leamington, ON N8H 3C4.

HELP WANTED

HIRING! LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE and LANDSCAPE LABOURERS, $18/hour. Experience necessary. Fax your resume to (519) 723-2336 or email to quinlaninc@ kelcom.igs.net 1-1tf

HELP WANTED: Greenhouse and Packing line Labour. General greenhouse labour, duties include pruning, picking, planting and cleaning of greenhouse. Packing line labour, duties include inspecting, weighing and packing produce on assembly line. Lifting, bending and standing is required. Must be able to work all shifts. Rural area. No public transportation available. No specific education required. Experience is an asset. Rate of pay- $15.50. To apply please email: Lindsay@policellafarms. com Or Mail to Domric International, PO Box 218, Ruthven ON N0P 2G0.

WANTED

CASH PAID for antiques, costume jewellery, furniture, gold, sterling, coins, tools, complete estates. We take it all! Free appraisals. Call 519-727-8894. 1-tfn

PERSONAL

Regular Meetings of the Council of the Town of Essex are held in the Town of Essex Council Chambers at 33 Talbot Street South, Essex, Ontario, N8M 1A8, commencing at 6:00 PM. The following are the dates of the regular meetings for 2023:

Monday, Januar y 16 Monday, Februar y 6 Tuesday, Februar y 21 Monday, March 6 Monday, March 20 Monday, April 3 Monday, April 17 Monday, May 1 Monday, May 15 Monday, June 5 Monday, June 19

Tuesday, July 4 Monday, July 17 Tuesday, August 14 Tuesday, September 5 Monday, September 18 Monday, October 2 Monday, October 16 Monday, November 6 Monday, November 20 Monday, December 4 Monday, December 18

These meetings will be available for members of the public to attend in person or attend electronically However please note there is limited space for in person attendees and delegates Members of the public or delegates who wish to attend the meeting in person are required to pre -register by contacting the Clerk’s Office at 519-776-7336 ext. 1144 or clerks@ essex.ca. Requests for I n-person attendees will be accommodated on a “first come first ser ve basis” subject to availability.

The livestream for this meeting will be at the following YouTube address: https://www.youtube com/EssexOntario

The stream will be made live approximately 10 minutes before the star t of the meeting and accordingly the meeting will not appear on the YouTube account page until then.

Anyone interested in appearing at a future meeting of Council as a formal delegation should visit the Town’s website at www.essex.ca to obtain a Delegation Request Form and/or contac t the Clerk ’s O ce (clerks@essex.ca or 519-776-7336) to obtain fur ther information.

Rober t Auger

Director, Legal and Legislative Ser vices/Clerk , O ffice of the CAO

The Corporation of the Town of Essex 33 Talbot Street South Essex, Ontario, N8M 1A8

Email: rauger@essex.ca

CASH PAID for scrap cars and trucks. Free removal. Please phone: 519-776-1361 or 519-791-5046.

FIREARMS WANTED FOR OUR 2023 AUCTION PROGRAM

Rifles, Shotguns, Handguns, Antiques, Militaria, Collections, Estates, Single Items for Auction or Possible Purchase

CONTACT: SWITZER’S AUCTION Toll-Free 1-800-694-2609 Email Us @ sales@switzersauction.com Visit Us @ www.switzersauction.com

PRAYER TO the Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit, You who makes me see everything and who shows me the way to reach my ideals. You who gives me the Divine Gift to forgive & forget all that is done to me, and you who are in all the instances of my life with me. I, in this short dialogue, want to thank you for everything, and confirm once more that I never want to be separated from you, no matter how great the material desires may be. I want to be with you and my loved ones in your perpetual glory. A person may pray this prayer three consecutive days without asking for their wish. It will be granted no matter how difficult it may be, and promise to publish this dialogue, as soon as your favor has been granted. B.F.

PERSONAL

NOVENA TO ST. JUDE

Most holy Apostle, St. Jude, faithful servant and friend of Jesus, the Church honours and invokes you universally, as the patron of difficult cases, of things almost despaired of, Pray for me, I am so helpless and alone. Intercede with God for me that He brings visible and speedy help where help is almost despaired of. Come to my assistance in this great need that I may receive the consolation and help of Heaven in all my necessities, tribulations, and sufferings, particularly - (make your request here) - and that I may praise God with you and all the saints forever. I promise, O Blessed St. Jude, to be ever mindful of this great favour granted me by God and to always honor you as my special and powerful patron, and to gratefully encourage devotion to you.

Amen - J.B.

ago, when I kind of started getting into the picture, to create a structure to create something that will give players a foundation,” described Leamington native, Mauro Eustaqio.

He is a former Canadian national team player and international soccer player, who now serves as an Assistant Coach with York United FC in the Canadian Premier League (CPL).

Eustaqio, is the older brother to Porto FC midfielder and Canadian national team player, Stephen Eustaqio, who grew up playing in Leamington before leaving to pursue soccer in Portugal.

“In the last five-years, [Canada Soccer has] created the CPL and now

we are seeing a women’s league that gives players the opportunity right after college, or even before they go to college, to be involved in a professional environment,” he said.

“Back in my day, it was tough, I think there were maybe four or five players playing in North America and in Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, and everybody else was in Europe,” Eustaqio continued. “There wasn’t really an area for you to develop. You were 15 or 16 and then either you went to Europe or you stopped playing. Now, there is a lot of work to do – 100 percent – but now we’ve created a structure.”

That means, “Now we can, in a sense, start

getting creative. We can start seeing players get exposed. We can see players get minutes in their hometown or home country, developing players to potentially star for the country internationally or play for clubs across the globe.”

While the CPL is still in its infancy, Eustaqio noted the league is already paying dividends. It is not only providing Canadians an opportunity to receive minutes and hone their craft, but at developing, pushing players to the MLS. It is also developing competition and players for the national team, with a pair of players making the World Cup roster, who previously played in the league.

“The numbers show that soccer is the most played sport among youth in Canada,” Eustaquio described. “So, if you have the mass numbers, why not invest in it and give these kids the right opportunity for them to succeed in their dreams, and their dreams might not be to become pros, their dreams might be to be just involved in the sport forever, just playing recreationally when they are 45-years-old with their mates on a Sunday afternoon.”

As the game and grassroots systems continue to grow and develop, Eustaqio noted

he is fortunate to have been able to remain in the game after his playing career, and hopes to see more players making the jump into coaching and academies down the road.

With the World Cup coming to Canada and North America, Eustaquio hopes seeing this generation of players and their recent successes, bring with them the continued development and infrastructure needed to continue to push and develop as they look to catch up to others in the sport.

“Looking at our

grassroots system we have in Ontario, I think there is a lot of work to do,” Stephen Ademolu said, a Windsor native and a former Canadian Men’s national team member and professional player, whose career spanned over 10-years. Ademolu now coaches and trains players in Windsor, working with Ciociaro Soccer Club.

“There is progress being made and we are starting to make a change, but I think we need to go back to the basics when we are looking at a grassroots level. Far too often, the children I encounter do not have the fundamental skills, they do not look comfortable with the ball, and they don’t respect it.”

Ademolu said that he believes sometimes the development is rushed and the grassroots coaches sometimes are not properly guided or instructed. Watching from the sidelines previously, he noted he has seen coaches running drills they may have seen online or drills that are not going to help build their foundation and technical skills of the game.

“I think the biggest thing is realizing what you are good at, but also what you are not good at, so you can continue

working,” Eustaquio added on his coaching and development philosophy.

“Professional soccer in Canada is still growing at the moment. I think it is super important that players continue to study or try to study at night as well. I am a big believer in that just because the game is not as advanced as people would like it to be.”

He added, “I think as coaches, we need to embrace the challenge, realizing that we are not there yet, but we have to embrace the challenge that we want to get there.

There is a physicality component that naturally the Canadian player has. There is an athletic and technical aspect that naturally the Canadian player has. Tactically, we’re quite behind still, compared to Europe in this case. I had that problem growing up in Canada.

“So, I think the players have what they need. The rest is on the coaches to educate themselves and to make sure that we’re passing on what is needed for players when they do get the opportunity to become professionals that they do well and they’re not only pros for only a couple seasons.”

Photo taken by Beau Chevalier, Canada Soccer.

FromThe Heart

IN LOVING MEMORY IN LOVING MEMORY

In memory of BILL GAY

who passed away on January 14, 2021

In memory of Bill, do something nice for someone today. Always in our hearts, Marlene and family.

OBITUARIES

In Loving Memory of a Dear Father Burton

Brinacombe

who passed away on December 25th, 1978. Your memory is my keepsake.

- Always remembered by son, Tom

In

Loving Memory of Edna

who passed away on December 28th, 2000

~ Sadly missed by Tom Brinacombe

BIRTHDAY ANNOUNCEMENT

Our Beloved Mom and Grandmother is turning 100 on January 15, 2023. What a fascinating, full life she has led, so far!

Leaving her homeland behind (Germany), to join the ‘love of her life,’ her husband, Eric Meyer, she took a courageous leap-of-faith to cross the turbulent Atlantic Ocean in the Spring of 1952, with her young daughter, Jutta.

Moving to a new country and learning a new language was daunting. In order to ‘fit’ in, Mom became a proud volunteer with the Red Cross. This experience led to a number of other volunteering opportunities with the “Save the Children” organization, visiting the residents with the Welcome Wagon at the Essex Nursing Home (now Iler Lodge), and enjoying 11-years helping young students read at her grandchildren’s school, Gosfield North Public School.

Mom was a constant presence at the Essex Figure Skating Club, to cheer on her younger daughter, Liz and to assist in the Club’s many shows and activities.

Mom loved playing piano; because of WW2 her dreams of becoming a professional concert pianist were dashed. Once she was well established in her new home, she began to play again for her own and her family’s enjoyment. She even participated in a number of piano recitals.

She often tells us that the best years of her life are living in her own home here in Canada.

Mom, your courage, love, and joy for life are an inspiration to us all. Wishing you much happiness and good health for years to come.

All our love always, Jutta, Liz, Tom, Jeff, Wayne, Katie, Al

HYLAND, Walter Garnet- 89 years passed away December 29, 2022 at WRH Met Campus with his family by his side. Beloved husband of Muriel (nee McLean) for 67 years. Loving father of Joanne Clifford (John), Susan Bourque (Roger), Brian Hyland (Rina). Cherished grandfather of Jim Kosloski (Kristen), the late Jason Kosloski, Rebecca Grenon (Charles), William Hyland (Shelby), Virginia Hyland, and Matthew Hyland, and great-grandfather of Riley, Benjamin, Sophia, Lucas, Isaac, and Madison. Son of the late Garnet and Gertrude Hyland. Dear brother of the late Bertha Nelson (late Murray), late Morley Hyland (late Sylvia), late Doris Colenutt (late Frank), Edna Nicholas (late Eugene), Jean Hyland, Wayne Hyland (late Ann), and late Marie Hyland and brother in law of Ann Fulton (late Jim). He will be missed by many nieces and nephews. Walter graduated with an Associate Diploma from Ontario Agricultural College at 18 years of age. He was a dedicated lifelong dairy farmer, actively volunteering on many committees, including Essex County Dairy Producers, Western Ontario Breeders and Essex County Animal Breeders. Walter was proud to farm with his father and brother, and then later his son Brian. He loved the land, taking great pride in growing corn, soybeans, wheat and alfalfa, among other crops, so much so that he also served on the Essex County Land Stewardship Committee. Walter was genuinely interested in helping his fellow farmers to succeed and prosper and kept informed about the current practices in agriculture. Walter was a man of strong faith, being involved in both Essex United and BethelMaidstone United Churches. “When a man grows old and comes to a moment where he is asked to sum up his days, he should be able to feel pride in the life he has lived. The daily life of a farmer is relatively simple: rising early for morning chores, maintaining machinery, tending to crops in the field, and on occasion standing proud over his land, head bowed, thanking God for a good harvest.” A special thank you to the doctors and nurses who showed kindness and compassion during his health care journey. Visitation was held at the Reid Funeral Home, 87 Maidstone Avenue East, Essex (519-776-4233) on Thursday, January 5, 2023. Funeral service to celebrate Walter’s life s was held on Friday, January 6, 2023 at Bethel-Maidstone United Church, 933 Talbot Road, Maidstone at 10:30 a.m. Interment Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations made to M.S. Society or BethelMaidstone United Church would be appreciated. Share words of comfort at www.reidfuneralhome.ca

OBITUARIES

REEB, James Douglas - The family of Rev. Jim Reeb of Wetaskiwin, Alberta, is deeply saddened to announce his passing on Dec. 22, 2022 at Wetaskiwin Hospital and Care Centre at the age of 79. Born Dec. 12, 1943 to Lloyd and Florence Reeb (nee Fairbairn) of Maidstone, Ontario, Jim grew up alongside Pike Creek with a great appreciation for his family, the outdoors and the value of hard work.

Nicknamed “The Blonde Brain” in the 1961 Essex High School Yearbook, Jim worked as a milkman and at Ford Motor Co. to pay his way through University of Windsor. He graduated in 1965, the same year he married the love of his life, Donna (nee Stratford), who stole his heart the summer after high school when they attended Gesstwood United Church Camp. Together, Jim and Donna lovingly raised four children: Scott (Leanne), Troy (Maureen), Kendra and Kristen; in a life journey that took them across the country, making many friends and memories along the way.

Always active in the church, Jim was working for the federal government when he was called to serve God, graduating from Queen’s Theological College, Kingston, in 1979 and being ordained into the United Church of Canada. Supported by Donna and her musical gifts in the choir, Jim’s ministry spanned many years in Underwood (Bruce County) and Leamington, Ontario, as well as Westlock and Wetaskiwin, Alberta, where he retired in 2005.

A passionate advocate for the less fortunate, for mental health-care, and for our veterans, Jim served in many community roles, including as Padre of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 86 Wetaskiwin. He loved Canadian history, the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, the works of Stephen Leacock and W.O. Mitchell, and researching the family tree. More than anything else, he loved Donna, and they could be seen most days, winter or summer, walking handin-hand at By-the-Lake Park.

Rev. Reeb is survived by his wife and children, brothers Robert (Connie) and William (Victoria), brother-in-law William (Erna), grandchildren James, Rene, Ben, Marcus, Audrey, Samuel, Chloee, Ethan, and Emma, plus many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, January 4 at First United Church, Wetaskiwin, with Rev. Ruth Lumax officiating, with interment following the service. The family would like to thank the staff at Centennial Centre for Mental Health, Ponoka, for their care and support. Donations to First United Church and the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada would be appreciated. Baker Funeral Chapel, Wetaskiwin, Alberta (780) 352-2501 or (888) 752-2501

Condolences: www.womboldfuneralhomes.com

GOODBURN, Beverly J. - passed away at 87 years, peacefully with family by her side on Monday, January 2, 2023 at Erie Shores Healthcare. Beloved wife of the late John (1998).

Loving mother of Becky Decaire (Mike) and Jan Goodburn (Sarah).

Adored Grammy of Taylor Teskey (Samantha), Tashlyn Teskey (Jayden), Justine Goodburn (Darion), Austin Goodburn and Great Grammy of Audrey, Poppy-Rose and Ollie-Blossom. Predeceased by her parents, John and Florence Welsh. Dearest sister of late Doug Welsh (late Freda), Peg Tremblay (late Patrick), Shirley Quinlan (Elmer), Betty Anger (Gary), late Jim Welsh (Georgeanne), Tom Welsh (Mary), late Mary Welsh and late Barbie Welsh. Dear sister-in-law of late Frances McNaughton (late Robert), late Bill Goodburn (late Betty). She will also be remembered by her many nieces and nephews. We extend our gratitude to Natalie Simon for her friendship during our Mom’s stay at Iler. Bev and John enjoyed years of square dancing. Beverly was a gifted quilter and avid gardener. Her favourite time was spent with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Special thanks to the staff on Margaret Brown at Iler Lodge in Essex for their incredible and loving care. Visitation was held at Reid Funeral Home, 87 Maidstone Ave. E., Essex (519-776-4233) on Thursday, January 5, 2023. A private family funeral service took place on Friday. In lieu of flowers, donations made to Hogs for Hospice would be appreciated. Family and friends may share their memories and condolences online at www.reidfuneralhome.ca.

OBITUARIES

Essex Southpoint U13 Hockey News

Submitted to EFP

The Essex Southpoint U13 Hockey Team faced off for a pair of Bluewater Hockey League games this past weekend.

RIVAIT, Sheila (nee Vollans) - February 10,1948 - January 4, 2023 - It is with saddened hearts that we share the passing of Sheila Rivait, on January 4,2023. Loving wife of Rick Rivait, whom she celebrated 55 years of marriage. Dear sister-in-law of, Victor Rivait (Lorraine), Nancy Browne ( late Richard) and Jo-Anne Heyrman (Gary). Dear Step sister of the late Stella Chauvin (late Ed), Late John Kuzniak (Joan), late Virginia Kuzniak, Norman Kuzniak (Bernadette), Ted Kuzniak (Carol). Treasured Aunt of many nieces & nephews. Predeceased by her Mother Dorothy Vollans & Step Dad John Kuzniak. Member of the Royal Canadian Legion. Sheila will be missed by all who loved her. Cremation has taken place, internment to be held at a later date. Interment at Victoria/ Greenlawn Cemetery in Oldcastle Ontario.Condolences can be sent at: www.arbormemorial.ca/en/victoriagreenlawn/obituaries.

QUINN, DAVID JAMES - September 18, 1955 - January 2, 2023 - passed away at 67 years of age on January 2, 2023 at Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak MI. Loving husband of June (McNaughton). Proud father of David (Melissa), Dawn (Emily), and Holly. Grandfather to six wonderful grandchildren. Brother to Sherry, Pat, Mary, Mike, and Dianne. Brother-in-law to Betty Lou Frith (Jim), Adele Middleton (Bill), Lynn Moroz (Mark), late Joann McPherson (Scott and Barb). He will be remembered by many neices and nephews, and missed by his two dogs. At Dave’s request there will be no visitation or service. Cremation has taken place.

HERGOTT, Mary - passed away peacefully on December 26, 2022 at Riverside Place, WIndsor at the age of 91. Mary is predeceased by her parents, George and Roseann Hergott. Dear sister of the late Robert (2017) and is survived by her dear sister-in-law Yvonne. Mary was proud aunt to: Michael (Eva), Larry, James (Carol), Jeffrey, Lisa Beuglet (Kevin). Great aunt to Kyle, Heather (Eric), Hilarry (Nick), Matthew (Kristina), Brendan (Jamie), Kade, Karson, Lexi and Kent in Heaven. She is also a G.G. Aunt to five. Mary was a dedicated and long term employee of Hiram Walker’s Distillery in Windsor, and was happily retired for many years. Her zest for life, kind ways and optimistic demeanor was evident to everyone who met her. Mamie as the kids called her, took great pride in her yard and flowers, and loved every animal who crossed her path. She was a devoted parishioner of St. Mary’s Parish Church in Maidstone, and in later years Our Lady of Guadalupe in Riverside. In keeping with Mary’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A private family service was held on Monday, January 2, 2023 with interment at St. Mary’s Parish Cemetery in Maidstone. Family and friends may share their memories online at www.reidfuneralhome.ca

On Friday night, ESP hosted the Windsor Jr. Spitfires in Leamington. After a slow start to the game, the floodgates opened and the team skated away with an 8-0 win. JoJo McLeod paced his squad by scoring a hattrick in the victory. Kayden Cook, Jonathan Recker, Derek Dunn, Max Pyne, and Lucas O’Neil each added one to the scoreboard. Trent Chevalier stood tall between the pipes to earn the shutout.

On Saturday, ESP hit the road to face-off against the Erie North Shore Storm. In a very entertaining game, Essex Southpoint came out flying and controlled the bulk of the play and were eventually rewarded for their hard work.

Just two-minutes in, JoJo McLeod grabbed the puck, made a nice toedrag around the defence, and snapped his shot under the bar, in the net. Later, with four minutes

left in the first, Brayden Foster skated the puck in and around the net, where Nash Feurth one-timed it home, to go up by a pair.

There was no scoring, despite ESP’s strong play until 3:28 left to play. Derek Dunn took the puck behind the net and fed Ben Liebrock in front, who snapped his shot over the goalie’s shoulder. On the same shift, Liebrock grabbed a loose puck just outside the blue line and skated

The Woodslee Friendship Club News

in, pulling the tender with him, and slid the puck in to seal the 4-0 victory.

Kevin Ondic stopped

everything fired his way, to earn the shutout and the win for his team.

submitted to EFP

The Woodslee Friendship Club welcomes its new executive for 2023, 2024. President - Joanne McMurren, Vice President - Judie Teschke, Secretary - Claire Renaud, This active club began in June of 1983, and will celebrate their 40th anniversary in 2023. Currently, members play cards at the Woodslee United Church on Mondays at 1pm for Euchre, and on Wednesdays at 1pm for Pepper. We welcome new players. Come out for a fun afternoon of cards. For more information, call Joanne: 519-975-2409.

Another tournament championship for the Essex Southpoint U13 Hockey team at the 62nd Annual Riverside Christmas Tournament over the holidays.

Salvation Army Essex Church submitted by Carolyn Barnett

We invite you to worship with us Sunday, January 15 at 10:30a.m. Major Jim Hann’s sermon is titled “Miraculous in Absentia,” as he focuses on the book of John.

SA Connections on Tuesday, January 17 will feature Khrista Boon (DSM, VON) who will discuss ‘Fall Prevention.’ Join us between 10am and 1pm for fun, fellowship, and lunch. Bible Study follows from 1-2, and is open to everyone.

Please take a few moments to call, visit, or send a card to our shut-ins.The long winter days are lonely for some, and hearing from you would be most welcome.

St. Paul’s Anglican Church submitted by Sandra Lypps

Happy New Year! Join us for Sunday service each week

at 11am, you never know what Rev Chris might have in store.

If you are cleaning out closets, please keep our Clothes Cupboard in mind. We are always accepting gently-used clothing to give to those in need.

Our pasta dinner will be back the first Friday in February, our volunteers are taking a well deserved break.

For information about what is happening at St Paul’s, visit our website: www.stpaulstrinity.org) or social media. Messages are checked regularly at the church office, at 519-776-7711

.

Central Essex County Catholic Family of Parishes Essex, Maidstone, McGregor, and Woodslee

Happy New Year! Thank you to all our volunteers for their time and efforts in making our Christmas Masses special!

Thrive for teenagers takes place on January 15th at 7pm. Rooted for Grades 6 - 8 takes place on January 25th at 7pm. Quest for Grades 3 - 5 takes place on January 18th at 7pm. All programs are at Holy Name of Jesus Parish Hall.

The boxes of 2023 offertory envelopes for both regular and pre-authorized donors can be picked up at the back of your church.

K of C Euchre night is on January 16th at 7pm at Holy Name of Jesus church.

The K of C Fish Fry is on January 27 from 4:30-7:00pm at Holy Name of Jesus parish hall.

The CWL and K of C Dues for 2023 are due. Please drop them off in the collection basket.

For up to date news please visit centralessexcatholic. dol or our social media page.

Essex Christian Reformed Church

submitted by Beverley Van Huizen

Welcome to Essex CRC either in-person or online!

We are open and invite you to join us each Sunday at 10am. Or you may join us online each Sunday morning beginning at 10am. Do plan to stay afterward for a time of fellowship with coffee and goodies. Nursery supervision will be provided. Visit us at www.essexcrc.ca for a link to our social media.

Come be part of the community, our Take-a-book Leave-a-book library is now in front of Essex CRC church.

GEMS and Cadets meet on Monday evenings from 6:30 - 8:00 pm. This is a great club for girls and boys from Grade 1-8 where we participate in bible studies, crafts and games. All are welcome to attend.

Essex United Church

Ian Phillips will lead our service this Sunday, January 15th. Please join us at 10:30am. Thank you to Rev. Russell

Rogers who led our service this past Sunday.

The Beavers, Cubs, and Scouts meet every week at our church on Wednesday evenings.

The Essex Food Bank is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 to 11:45. Their phone number is 519-776-4070.

Paquette News

Winter is back and Church of the Redeemer wants to help keep you warm. Join us this Sunday, January 15th for a Soup for the Soul lunch. Admission is a donation and take-out is available.

St. Stephen’s still has individual meat pies for sale. Join the group on January 23rd, 24th, or 25th as we make more meat pies. Lots of fun and fellowship.

If you enjoy euchre, mark Friday, January 27th on your calendar. The game starts at 7:00p.m. at St. Stephen’s on Howard Ave.

Trinity Anglican Church

Happy New Year to all. Thank you to all who celebrated Christmas services with us; the weather didn’t dampen our spirits.

We are putting together “Purses of Love.” The purses will be filled with items and given to Street Help who will distribute them among the homeless. We are collecting mini note pads, pens, combs/brushes, sanitary products, hand lotion, chapstick, etc.

Our Warming Hearts tree was full. Thank you to those that brought in items to help to keep folks warm.

Sunday morning services at 9:30 am with Rev.’d Hilton Gomes. All are welcome.

Essex County Orchid Society

Join us on January 15th at 1:30pm at St Stephen’s Anglican Church Hall, 5280 Howard Ave; Oldcastle. Speaker topic: “Orchid Growing Tips, Hints and Secrets”

Refreshments served. New members and visitors always welcome.

Bethel-Maidstone United

Our service begins at 10am Sunday mornings, and all are invited to hear Rev. Paul Rodey’s message. We enjoy coffee hour in the hall after the service. All are welcome.

The Executive Committee will meet after the service in the Heritage Room on January 15. The UCW will hold their next meeting on Monday, January 16 at 1pm in the hall. All ladies of the congregation are invited to attend.

On Sunday, January 29 there will be a soup and sandwich lunch and games day after the service, so please join us for lunch followed by a time for fun and games. If you have a favourite game, please bring it along.

The secretary can be reached on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9am - 1pm at: (519) 723-2284 and our email is bethelmaidstone@gmail.com. We are located at 933 Talbot Road, Maidstone, near the corner of Manning Road and Talbot. www.bethelmaidstone.com

Here’s a charming story: “My name is Aurel Bellmore from South Woodslee, Ontario. My first car was a 1956 Chevy Bel Air 2-door hardtop, grey and black interior, 265 V-8, 2-speed automatic, dual exhausts. The left tail light was hinged with the gas cap behind it.

“When I was 15 in February 1965 (I turned 16 in May) I worked at Essex County Canners Ltd., North Ridge, Ontario. The Merritt family from Cottam did the electrical work at the plant. The father’s name was Eursel and he had two boys, Larry and Jim. Larry had this ’56 Chevy for sale.

“My dad and I went to look at the car. While my dad, Aurel Sr., was negotiating with Jim to lower the price, Eursel came out on the back porch and yelled to Jim: “The guy from Harrow is on the phone and he wants the car!” So I said: “Tell him it’s sold!” To this day I’m not sure if someone was on the phone but I got the car for $400.00.

“Eleven months later, I traded it to the late Ray Desjardins of Essex for a 1959 Chevy Impala 2-door hardtop. It had a little white cat in the back window with red eyes. The eyes lit up when you hit the brakes, but that’s another story.”

billtsherk@sympatico.ca

Essex County Festive Ride numbers released

submitted to EFP

The 2022 Festive “Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere” (RIDE) campaign has wrapped up for another year, with a significant number of drivers in West Region now facing criminal charges.

Here’s a snapshot of this year’s campaign results, with last year’s numbers in parentheses across all West Region:

• Impaired driving charges: 278 (280)

• Warn-range suspensions: 49 (55)

• Number of RIDE checkpoints: 1904 (1243)

Here are the numbers for Essex County.

• Over the duration of the

campaign, OPP officers worked 24/7, conducting 153 RIDE events across Essex County issuing 29 impaired driving charges.

• Over and above the charges, officers issued 5 Warn Range suspensions to drivers whose roadside breath test registered a Blood Alcohol Concentration of between .05 and .08.

The Ontario Provincial

Police (OPP) remains committed to ensuring Ontario roads are safe from drug-impaired and alcohol-impaired drivers.

The OPP Festive RIDE Campaign ran from November 16, 2022, to January 3, 2023.

Aurel Bellmore’s

by Garrett Fodor

It may be a new year, but it is the same Essex 73’s team, and it is picking up where it left off in 2022.

Despite getting bit by the injury bug, the Essex 73’s is continuing to roll through the Stobbs Division. It ended 2022

with a familiar face back to the lineup, as defenseman Adam Dunn returned after playing for the club a year prior.

On Tuesday, the 73’s played its first game of 2023, hosting the eighth place Wallaceburg Thunderhawks. Despite a difference of over 40

points, the teams were evenly matched through the first period, tied 1-1.

In the second period, the 73’s began to pull away from its opposition, which struggled to keep up with the team’s speed and quick passing. Just twominutes into the middle frame, they restored the

lead. From there, the proverbial floodgates opened, scoring four more goals in the period, carrying a 6-1 lead after 40-minutes.

Essex added two more goals in the third period, toppling the Thunderhawks 8-1, outshooting Wallaceburg 58-24.

Next on the docket was a trip to Dresden on Friday to face the Jr. Kings. Much like the game Tuesday night, the 73’s were quick to take control of the puck and the game. Players fired shot-after-shot at Ty Golden, and appeared quicker and faster than their opponent. Essex scored two goals on 14 shots, to take a 2-0 lead into the intermission.

Holding a 2-0 lead, the 73’s continued with an offensive barrage at the Jr. Kings. Within the first six-minutes of play, the 73’s added three more goals to their lead. The

Jr. Kings responded with a pair of goals to make it a 5-2, but it would be short lived with the 73’s closing out the period with a pair of goals of its own.

The 73’s carried a 7-2 lead after 40-minutes, while handily outshooting the Jr. Kings, 35-14.

Essex added a goal in the third period to seal an 8-2 victory. Leading the way on the night was Liam Hall with two goals before a fight took him out of the remainder of the game.

Closing out the week, the 73’s traveled to Blenheim on Sunday to face the surging Blades. Through 20-minutes, the teams were separated by just one goal, courtesy of 73’s forward, Curtis Jackson. But had it not been for Jake Vancoillie in net for the Blades, it could have been a different period, with the 73’s outshooting the Blades 19-6, despite there

being no penalties in the period.

In the middle frame, the 73’s offense continued to hum and test Vancoillie and the Blades, while Adrian McBride did not see many high-danger scoring chances.

Conor Dembinski scored four-minutes into the period to double the 73’s lead. From there, Luke Sherk made it a 3-0 lead for the visiting 73’s.

Closing out the frame, Issac Legood secured a 4-0 73’s lead. Through 40-minutes, the 73’s outshot the Blades 31-14.

The teams skated to a scoreless third period, and Essex prevailed 4-0, outshooting the Blades 44-25.

Adrian McBride earned the shutout.

Around the league, the 73’s sit in first, carrying an eight-point lead on second place Lakeshore.

Leamington Flyers continue to push towards the top

by Garrett Fodor

The Leamington Flyers is starting the New Year positioned towards the top of the standings.

Kicking off 2023, the Flyers played host to the LaSalle Vipers on January 5, which was the team’s first action since December 17.

With 930 fans in attendance, the Flyers fell behind early in the first period, but quickly responded when Trevor

LaRue tied the game again. The score held until the second period.

Coming out of the intermission, the Flyers scored just 92-seconds in, providing Leamington with its first lead of the game. The Vipers responded in the frame, setting up an exciting third period.

There, the Flyers jumped out to an early lead again, but in the final minutes, Spencer Lecot tied the game.

20-minutes, only held a 1-0 lead, despite a 13-8 lead in shots.

In the second period, they eventually brokethrough, and in bunches.

The Flyers scored six goals in the period, three coming from the stick of Billy Van Sumeren and two from Connor MacPherson. The Rockets did get on the board, but were down 7-1 after 40-minutes of play.

Looking ahead to the future of Canada Soccer with former national team players...

While they progressed through the game and ranks across different countries, both careers were about resiliency, discipline, and drive, as each noted they may not have been the most skilled players growing up, but they continued to work at their craft and refused to quit. As both joined the coaching and instructing ranks, they are hoping to see further developments made to the Canadian Soccer and Ontario Soccer grassroots development systems, sharing their story and career path in the process.

Looking towards the Men’s program and their recent World Cup appearance and the upcoming appearance in 2026, both noted that it is one thing to make it there this time, but now the program has to continue to develop

and work to remain there.

Continued from Page 17

While both never had the opportunity to watch Canada at the World Cup growing up, they hope seeing this team and group and their resiliency to get to this level as underdogs inspires children from across the country and locally, with Eustaquio playing a role in the squad.

Looking ahead, Eustaquio is excited to return to the CPL with York United FC for another season, as they look to build off the season they had last year with the youngest squad in the league.

While locally, Ademolu will host a soccer camp with Ciociaro Soccer Club, beginning January 13.

Both teams headed into overtime, earning a point.

In overtime, the teams exchanged a flurry of chances, but the Vipers capitalized on a tired Flyers group, taking the puck 200ft the other way, and sealing a 4-3 Vipers’ win.

Closing out the week, the Flyers hit the road on Saturday, traveling to Strathroy. It would be the Flyers early and often, coming out of the gate soaring. They tested the Rockets frequently in the first period, but after

In the third period, Van Sumeren added another tally to make it four goals and five points on the night, with the Rockets also adding a goal late. The Flyers sealed an 8-2 win.

The win and a loss to both St Marys and London means the Flyers are just three points behind London for first place, with a game in hand. It sits three points above the Lincolns with a game in hand. The Flyers travel to London on Wednesday, before returning home to host Chatham on Thursday.