Essex Free Press - June 1, 2023

to Edward Charles Maedel unveiled

HEIRS

by Sylene Argent

The Town of Essex’s Arts, Culture, and Tourism (ACT) Committee unveiled a mural dedicated to Edward Charles Maedel last Thursday evening.

Essex’s newest piece of outdoor artwork is located on the exterior walls of the recreation centre on Gosfield Townline, which is named after the man who was not only a successful businessman, but community supporter.

Members of the local committee that is dedicated

to enhancing and promoting various arts and culture in the municipality, were onsite for the unveiling.

Councillor Brad Allard, who is the Council rep on the ACT Committee, noted Maedel was someone who demonstrated passion and pride within his

community.

Maedel was a local business leader. He bought a struggling soft drink company on Talbot Street in 1908, which he renamed “Maedel Beverages.” He made soft drinks and sold the product throughout the county. 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.

He was also a communityminded individual. 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

honours Edward Charles Maedel and the

rich history Essex holds.”

Councillor Brad Allard, Arts, Culture, and Tourism Committee

Mural dedicated to Edward Charles Maedel unveiled...

Essex Council, and Maedel’s descendants, including great-grandson, Doug, were onsite to unveil the mural.

Due to his dedication to the community, in April of 2020, Essex Council voted to rename the Essex Community Centre the “Maedel Community Centre, in his honour.

The reason for the name change was to clarify where recreation programs were being held. The Town of Essex has three recreational facilities in Essex Centre, each with similar names, which created confusion.

CAO Doug Sweet, who was the Director of Community Services at the time, suggested the name. A survey was issued to the community to gather public feedback on the idea, with 88 percent of

the survey’s respondents supporting the name change to the “Maedel Community Centre.”

In January of 2021, Maedel’s family put out a call to the community, in search for items relating to “Maedel Beverages,” so that they could be displayed in the facility named in his honour.

When revealing changes made to the Maedel Community Centre in celebration of its renaming last year, Doug Maedel said he was thrilled to see the Essex Community Centre renamed in honour of his family member, who was very much involved in the community.

He noted when his great-grandfather passed in 1974, around 200 vehicles participated in the funeral procession.

Survivor Day a celebration of lives saved

Submitted to EFP

The stories of 25 survivors along with the paramedics, ambulance communication officers, first responders, and the community members who gave them a second chance at life in 2022, were celebrated Friday at the 10th Annual Survivor Day.

The event, which honours the survivors of trauma and out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, is put on by EssexWindsor EMS and the Southwest Ontario Regional Base Hospital Program and was held at the St. Clair Centre for the Arts.

As well as the 25 survivors, those recognized included 68 paramedics, 40 firefighters, 14 ambulance communications officers, 10 members of the public, five students and three police officers. Two cases involved the use of defibrillators that are accessible to the public.

“Survivor Day reminds paramedics, their firstresponder partners, and the public how special it is to be part of saving a life,” said Essex-Windsor EMS Chief Bruce Krauter. “It is a chance for survivors to tell their stories and thank those who helped save them. Paramedics respond to some extremely challenging calls, and not every life can be saved. I am grateful to the Essex-Windsor EMS staff who organize Survivor Day to make it a meaningful and cherished memory for all involved.”

Each year, a story of a survivor is highlighted during the ceremony. This year it was Cherry Tolentino’s story.

Cherry Tolentino’s Survivor Story

Frantic family members were gathered on the porch as the ambulance pulled up. Right away, the paramedics knew that what they had been told was an unknown medical emergency at a downtown Windsor home was something very serious.

Inside, 43-year-old Cherry Tolentino was sprawled on the living room floor. She had collapsed just before midnight on Oct. 21, 2022, as she and her 17-year-old son were pumping up an air mattress.

She had recently been hospitalized for two nights after suffering severe pain in her right calf and being diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis. She was still taking medication to treat the painful condition, which was why she had decided to sleep on an air mattress in the living room and not in the basement with her husband.

Cherry’s breathing was laboured as she pumped air into the large mattress. That is the last thing she remembers before she lost consciousness. Her shocked son immediately yelled for one of his sisters, who are 14 and 23, to call 911.

It was after midnight when paramedics Adrien Bezaire, Nick Chiarappa, Bradley Humber, and Liam Loton received the dispatch call from communications officer, Meghan Coletti.

“We knew even before we got out of the ambulance that something serious was going on,” said Bezaire, who is an advanced care paramedic with additional training in life-saving medical procedures. “When we entered the house, we found her on the living room floor. She was blue, unresponsive with no pulse. And that’s when we got to work. We did all of the resuscitation that we provide in the field on a primary care and advance care paramedic level.”

Then the paramedics rushed Tolentino to the Met campus of Windsor Regional Hospital, where they delivered her to a resuscitation room and hospital staff took over.

Afterward, Bezaire went to speak to Tolentino’s family in another room. It had been so hectic at the house that at one point he had raised his voice to the distraught family members, he said. He wanted to take a few moments to talk to them in a quiet setting before returning to the ambulance. Bezaire said he remembers the scared looks on their faces and thinking to himself:

“I hope she makes it.”

Coincidentally, about a week later, Bezaire and Chiarappa were dispatched to transfer a patient between the two Windsor Regional Hospital campuses. It was Tolentino, still in a grave condition but alive.

The first thing she remembers after her collapse is waking up in the hospital’s intensive care unit and seeing the nurses and her sister, who is also a nurse. Tolentino was told she suffered a cardiac arrest after a blood clot lodged in her lung.

She remained in the hospital for a month. She was sent home with a walker and determinedly set out to learn to walk again with the help of physiotherapists and occupational therapists. Two months after going into cardiac arrest, she was able to cautiously walk on her own. On April 24, she was able to return to her job as a personal support worker at a long-term care home.

Tolentino said her children described the paramedics who helped save her as superheroes who used their powers to restart her heart. She wanted to say thanks, but she wasn’t sure how to contact them. Then she received the letter inviting her to Survivor Day.

“I am very thankful God gave me this second chance at life,” she said. “Also, I want to thank the paramedics who were there for me at a critical time… My kids remember and they are happy that there are people who can save lives.”

&Editorial Opinion

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Howling at the Moon

••• Comment by Sylene Argent •••

So, is that what it is like to talk to me sometimes?

Self-awareness is key as we learn and grow, which is something we should never stop doing.

I am constantly evaluating myself, sometimes to the point when I can start to get on my own nerves. I do, however, think it is important, especially in doing what I do, to keep myself in check.

Ultimately, I think I lead a fairly boring life in the sense of what I do outside of work, and I am okay with that for the most part. I like routine and consistency and can be a little weary of change. I do think I am interesting, though, but I know those topics I like to talk about are not always everyone’s cup of tea. When my Nana was alive, she was my go-to person to talk about all those things ancient, cryptid, and paranormal, and even politics. She would happily listen to me go on and on about linking this with that, and actively engage, even if she disagreed.

Our conversations were not everyone’s flavour of choice, and trust me when I note we could clear a room in record time once a “regular topic” slipped into one of our specialized subjects. I was okay with it, and thought it was funny, actually. I know not everyone wants to talk about that stuff, but watch me light up as I get going.

I knew those things are not topics of interest to others, and that perhaps they would even be considered boring, but I never really knew what it was like to sit on the other side of that conversation, because I can pretty much listen to anyone go one about anything and stay engaged.

That is until fairly recently, when I found myself caught in a conversation that, honestly, made me want to take a nap. The conversation just went into intricate detail about the logistics of something that I just could

not get into and my thought was, firstly, “I am so happy this person is interested in that because I can’t imagine many others are,” then this lightbulb went off and I thought, “Oh, so this is what it is like for people to listen to me go on about the pyramids, aliens, and sasquatch.”

And my heart deflated just a little, because this novel piece of information was not just that people aren’t typically interested in talking about this stuff, but that I was potentially boring to many people, when I think I can hold a pretty interesting conversation. It was a funny “ah, man” moment in coming to that conclusion, and already I am fine with it. We all have our thing, and I will never change. I love my brain.

WECHU - Beach Water Testing to Start June 12, 2023

Submitted to EFP

The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit will start beach water quality testing program at 8 local beaches on June 12th, 2023. The beach water samples will be taken by Public Health Inspectors from Sandpoint Beach, Lakeshore Lakeview Park West Beach, Point Pelee North West Beach, Seacliff Park Beach, Cedar Island Beach, Cedar Beach, Colchester Beach, and Holiday Beach.

Water samples are sent to the public health lab in London, Ontario for E. coli bacteria count analysis. The water sampling results are posted on wechu.org, and are available by calling the beach hotline at 519-258-2146, extension 1490 by following on social media.

Public beaches must post a warning or a closure sign if the beach results show higher than acceptable levels of E. coli bacteria. The public should also avoid swimming after a heavy rainfall as pollution in beach water is often much higher during and right after rainstorms.

Tips to stay safe at the beach:

- Check for the most recent beach results before going into the water.

- Read and obey the signs posted at the beach.

- Don’t go swimming if you can’t see your feet underwater when you’re standing in waist deep water.

- Don’t go swimming if the water is rough, cloudy, or green.

- Don’t swim for at least 48 hours after a heavy rainfall or wind.

- If you think you may have become ill from beach water, consult your health care provider.

Until September, or weather permitting, the Health Unit will collect beach water samples from the local area beaches every Monday and sharing the test results with the community every Wednesday afternoon. For more beach safety information, please visit the Health Unit’s website: wechu.org/

Correction: For the article “Essex requesting Province resolve the gaps in healthcare to reduce ambulance Code Reds/Blacks” that was printed in the May 18 edition of the Essex Free Press, Essex MPP Anthony Leardi provided a statement regarding Essex Mayor Sherry Bondy’s resolution to appeal to the Province of Ontario to acknowledge the challenges faced by the local emergency response system and take decisive action to resolve the gaps in healthcare.

One of the stats Leardi provided required correction. It should read, “This funding was in addition to their Land Ambulance Services Grant of over $23 million and nearly $1.2 million in funding for the Dedicated Offload Nurses Program in 2022/23 which is estimated to have increased ambulance availability by nearly 120,000 hours in the region.”

HEIRS focusing on the future with new Board members, new website

by Sylene Argent

Members of the Harrow Early Immigrant Research Society (HEIRS) are excited to focus on the future in their efforts to preserve the past as a few new individuals have been appointed to its Board of Directors, a new website is under development, new preservation software is in use, and plenty of key speakers are planned for the fall meeting schedule.

All of these initiatives were discussed at the HEIRS AGM last Thursday afternoon, which took place in the community room at the Harrow Arena.

Lorrie Stephenson, President of the Board of Directors, explained the important role HEIRS plays in preserving local history.

Shortly after she moved to the area, she saw S.S. #11 on a school and wondered what that meant. Struck with curiosity, she began a search, which led her to HEIRS to do a little research. She is now at the helm of this local historical group.

Looking ahead, Stephenson is especially excited to use PastPerfect Museum Software, which will aid members in collecting and organizing the information it currently has and will obtain in the future.

She is also excited to have a new Board of Management.

“We were short two members for a while. This is going to be great. We are making progress,” she said.

In addition, HEIRS will welcome two summer students in June, who will assist members in helping to

preserve the past by digitizing documents and carrying out other important tasks.

An exciting new tool members, and people from all over the world, will be able to use includes the new website that is being developed. Media Addict, of Harrow, is creating the new website and attended the meeting to go over what has been done to date and get direction for how to continue moving forward with the project.

The previous website, Stephenson noted, needed a little TLC and it needed to be more user-friendly.

The new website, she said, will be more dimensional. There will be sections available to everyone to look at, and others that will require a membership to HEIRS.

HEIRS will still offer information through its traditional Resource Centre, however, the website will help others from out-of-town, for instance, stay or get connected to the area, whether they are former residents or are completing a family tree and had relatives live there at some point.

Treasurer Bonnie Storey noted 2022 was a remarkable

year in many ways. HEIRS celebrated its 50th anniversary and was the recipient of a federal government grant, recognizing the difficulties museums and libraries were facing coming out of the pandemic.

There was one disappointment last year, when it was discovered $2700 was stolen from HEIRS last summer. The community, however, was instantly supportive when it learned of this news and HEIRS received many donations, many of which were brought to last year’s anniversary party. The bank did refund those funds as well, she said.

This year, members were excited to learn the Town of Essex’s Finance Committee approved its request of $2,500 through the Town’s 2023 Community Partnership Fund program. This request was $1000 more than last year. The additional funds are for upgraded equipment to digitize documents.

Pet Of The Week: Fatima

Fatima is a sweet, affectionate, chatty girl who is looking for the purrfect home. She is three-years of age. If she sound like a good fit, submit an inquiry today!

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

Pictured are some of the members of the HEIRS Board of Directors.

Leamington Fair returns in full force, kicking off festival season in Windsor-Essex

by Garrett Fodor

From screams of adrenaline to sweet confectionery treats and live entertainment, the Leamington Fair welcomed the warm weather and kicked-off the festival season in Windsor-Essex.

Last Thursday to Sunday, the Leamington Fair returned to its fairgrounds, with a full lineup of festival events, as well as an additional Thursday night of activities and night of rides as part of its expanded program.

While also offering the additional night, the fair opted to change things from previous years, offering additional midway rides and choosing an inclusive pricing model, allowing all patrons the opportunity to get on the rides without having to pay additional costs. An additional change from years’ past was the festival taking place one-week earlier, spanning across the last weekend of

May, as opposed to the first weekend in June.

“This weekend is truly great, it is nice to see the community out together, smiling and laughing and just having fun again,” Carrie Smith, Treasurer for the Leamington District Agricultural Society, said. She has been a part of the organization for six-years.

“Last year, we were able to put together a fair within five-weeks, which is an accomplishment. But this year for us, we were able to plan and have a proper lead-up and we feel this year is special and it’s great to be back

in full force,” she said. “The turnout has been great and seeing everyone smiling and laughing is truly rewarding.”

Smith said they were cautiously optimistic heading into the fair, unsure as to what to expect as far as attendance or the weather, but left feeling very pleased with the weather and the turnout throughout the weekend.

This year, Smith noted, featured theme nights for the entertainment, from rock night Friday with KISS tribute band, Destroyer, and a Bon Jovi cover band to country night Saturday and Latin music on Sunday.

Aside from the amusement rides and the carnival games, the fair expanded this year to showcase more of the talents within the community and featured additional

Continued on Page 21

Council welcomes barBURRITO

On April 25, members of Essex Council officially welcomed barBURRITO, which is now offering Mexican cuisine from the Southland Plaza in Essex Centre.

Mayor Sherry Bondy, welcomed the

business to the area, on behalf of Council and the community.

“As a Council, we are always striving to progress the Town forward and pave the way for a bright and vibrant future, and bringing new businesses and investments to our community is essential

to achieving our goal. We are thrilled to welcome businesses like this to Essex,” she said. “We have no doubt that you will succeed with this incredible restaurant space, and we wish you nothing but success for many years to come.”

Ideal: A Boutique Real Estate Brokerage welcomed with ribbon cutting

As a realtor, Winger moved into 52 Talbot Street North in 2017 to get better exposure in the county. Looking to take that next step, she has since obtained her broker license and opened her own Real Estate Brokerage, with an approach of prioritizing clients through individualized service and compassion. The office space was renovated in conjunction with the change.

“Although you are no stranger to the Town of Essex, we are thrilled to see your expansion into real estate brokerage in this beautifully renovated office space,” Bondy said, adding,

“The Town of Essex is

booming. From recordbreaking development to the revitalization of the Harrow and Essex core through the streetscape projects, it is no wonder that so many people are looking to call Essex home.”

Voice Of Inspiration

“Be a little kinder than you have to.”

~ E. Lockhart

On Friday, May 26,

Photo submitted from the Town of Essex.

Photo submitted from the Town of Essex.

members of Essex Council congratulated Stephanie Winger on the opening of

Ideal - A Boutique Real Estate Brokerage in Essex Centre.

Town of Amherstburg hosts Open Air Weekends

and chips, tacos, lobster, and more. Whether you want fine dining or casual, Amherstburg has it all!

Take the time to explore a variety of businesses or dine at an outdoor patio on the street.

Play Amherstburg is on Sunday, June 11th, Sunday, July 16th, and Sunday, August 6, all date from 11am-4pm.

and Sunday at 3pm from the gazebo in King’s Navy Yard Park. Bring your lawn cahir or picnic blanket, relax and enjoy.

• Fort Malden Noon

Gun Demo - Enjoy a fascinating gun demo in the Kings Navy Yard Park at noon on June 3rd, 10th, 17th & 24th, July 22nd & 25th and August 6th, 12th & 19th.

info & photos gathered from the Town of Amherstburg’s website

Open Air Weekends

Find everything you need in Amherstburg’s Open Air streets from craft beer, gourmet popcorn, cotton candy, frozen yogurt, gelato, baked goods to ice cream, satisfy your long awaited craving for delicious drinks and desserts from your favourite Amherstburg eateries.

Shop Amherstburg’s amazing local businesses for clothes, accessories, home decor, jewelry, shoes, candles, classic and new author books and more!

Choose to take advantage of carry-out service at any Amherstburg restaurant and enjoy it outside in the King’s Navy Yard Park in the TakeOut Court located in the square near the fountain. Burgers, pasta, pizzas, fish

Yoga in the Park returns! Sunday mornings we will have FREE outdoor Yoga from 10-11am near the gazebo. No need to sign up…just bring your yoga mat.

Open Air Summer Concert Series

More Live Entertainment than ever and it’s all FREE!

• Music in the Park - Music in the Park will continue this year with live music from local performers every Saturday

• NEW! Live Entertainment from Town Square - Saturdays at 6pm.

Bagpipes in the Burg Parade with the downtown Pipers in the streets of Amherstburg every Friday at 7pm.

Night Market - NEW! The Third Friday of every month (June 16, July

21, and August 18). Find locally made treasures and come visit our awesome vendors on the downtown streets from 5pm to 10pm and live music on the streets from 7pm to 10pm.

Plan Your Visit

There are many ways to enjoy Open Air. Whether you are riding your bike, driving your electric or gas

vehicle or need accessible parking we have got you covered. See here for the parking map. Bring your camera to capture all the fun. For more information about Open Streets, visit: visitamherstburg.ca/ events/amherstburg-openair-weekends/

by Sylene Argent

Members of the Essex & Community Historical Research Society (ECHRS) were pleased to use its annual fundraising sale as a way to not only raise some monetary support so they can continue to preserve and promote Essex’s rich history, but used the event as a way to further connect with local residents about all they do.

Considering construction on the Essex Centre Streetscape is in full swing, ECHRS President, Laurie Kowtiuk, was pleased with the interest in the event from

community members, who were able to peruse tables of gently used – and unique – wares members provided in support of the event. In addition, visitors were able to purchase local history books and DNA kits to help map out one’s ancestry.

The annual event is a fundraiser, so members can continue to upkeep and maintain its Gordon Avenue location, which was formerly the Carnegie Library, in addition to supporting all of the processes they undertake to preserve local history.

One of the goals for ECHRS’s members is

to digitize original land deeds for Essex County that date to around the 1880s. Kowtiuk is hopeful ECHRS can be the space where land deeds from the area can be stored. So far, original land deeds for Maidstone, Rochester, Belle River, and Essex have been digitized. Members are working on the former Townships of Tilbury West and East.

Genealogy continues to be a big draw for new members, Kowtiuk noted, adding she had three individuals come in this month alone, wanting to use ECHRS’s resources to research their own family trees or the land deed history of their homes.

With a profound curiosity in history, ECHRS members with experience using the resources onsite are always happy to help

new members with their own research during its business hours, which includes Tuesdays from 1-7, Thursdays from 1-7, and Saturdays from 9-5.

A new donation recently received includes a framed ad for the former Alex Michael Store, which Kowtiuk said was located where the parkette on Talbot Street is located. The ad is frayed, but still notes this facility sold everything from boots and hats to dry goods and crockery. The ad appears to have been for 1928, and a note attached noted the remains of the ad was found during the demolition of Stallsworth Farm in 1972.

Kowtiuk is excited to add the new donation to the facility that houses many local historically

significant items. For more information about ECHRS, log onto www.echrs.ca

by Sylene Argent

Annually, area residents make a point to head out to Trinity United Church - New California’s annual Indoor Yard & Bake Sale and Outdoor Plant Sale in pursuit of unique items for the home, homemade treats, and greens for the garden.

With a great turnout over this year’s

two-day event, which took place Friday and Saturday, members of the Church’s United Catholic Women’s (UCW) group were pleased to welcome those annual supporters, in addition to those who attended the sale for the first time.

The UCW members host the annual event as a way to raise funds for their

group, which then gets forwarded to support other local causes, such as to help with the Church’s needs, and provide funding to local organizations, like GessTwood Camp & Education Centre, the Downtown Mission, and a school in

Haiti.

“We try to support local. We do a lot of outreach,” event organizer and UCW member, Marg Paré, said. “We are a generous group.”

Continued on Page 11

County of Essex kicks-off AccessAbility

Week to create awareness for barrierfree communities

by Sylene Argent

As a way to inspire others in joining the campaign to create a barrier-free community, the County of Essex hoisted the locally-made accessibility flag on Monday morning, which also recognized the start of AccessAbility Week.

AccessAbility Week is recognized nation-wide,

from May 28 to June 3. This year’s theme is Disability Inclusion: From Possibilities to Practice.

Dennis Sanson, Chairperson of the County of Essex’s Accessibility Advisory Committee, explained he and fellow Committee members have mapped out several ways to create awareness and increase accessibility

locally over their term of service.

Some of those initiatives include exploring the possibility of delivering accessibility training to volunteer organizations and community groups, bringing in guest speakers, and organizing sessions dedicated to highlighting

Continued on Page 12

Trinity United Church annual Yard, Bake, and Plant Sale...

Continued from Page 10

The Indoor Yard & Bake Sale and Outdoor Plant Sale is possible due to the UCW members who not only organize the event, but donate the items offered for sale.

In addition, the UCW members – with help from friends within the community –donate the plants that are offered for sale, as well.

“It is a lot of hard work, but we have a lot of fun,” she said.

Any yard sale items left over after the sale will be collected and delivered to support the thrift store in Leamington, Paré explained.

“It is the gift that keeps on giving,” she said, adding, “We are a small country church with a small congregation that tries to be active in the community.”

It may be a small church, but Trinity United Church-New California has a rich local history. It is currently 147-yearsold, and the congregation will likely plan something to celebrate its 150th anniversary in the coming years.

Proudly, many of the current congregation members spoke of how their parents and grandparents attended this church.

Trinity United Church-New California’s annual Indoor Yard & Bake Sale and Outdoor Plant Sale is one of a few major fundraisers. In the fall, the UCW will host a bazaar ahead of the holiday season. In the meantime, the members will get busy preparing for its pie sale.

submitted photo

County of Essex kicks-off AccessAbility Week to create awareness for barrier-free communities...

Continued from Page 11

spoke of how dedicated the Committee members are, and noted that in keeping with this year’s AccessAbility Week’s theme of Disability Inclusion, the work needs to be put in to achieve a barrier-free community.

“It won’t be easy, but it is most certainly achievable, if we continue to work collaboratively together,” she said.

Government of Canada investment of over $15 million supports tourism recovery in Southwestern Ontario

Submitted to EFP

invisible disabilities.

In addition, members are looking forward to launching the third phase of its “WE Check the Trail program,” which asks greenway and trail users to identify areas that need

attention in becoming more barrier-free,

“This is my first year as a member of the Committee, and I’ve been amazed at just how dedicated my fellow Committee members are to building a barrier-free

community for all,” he said, recognizing those individuals as they gathered around the flagpole.

Kingsville Deputy Mayor Kim DeYong is the County’s liaison on the Committee. She

The County of Essex’s official accessibility flag was created and flown for the first-time last year The Essex County Accessibility Advisory Committee had the regional accessibility flag created with the intent it will be raised during National Accessibility Week in a more cohesive show of support for a more inclusive and accessible Essex County.

It features seven chevrons, one for each of the municipalities of Essex County, symbolizing how they are moving forward in the right direction.

“It acknowledges that we’ve made progress, but still have considerable work left to do,” she said.

The County’s accessibility flag was also hoisted in the seven local municipalities, including in the Town of Essex, where an official event also took place Monday morning.

Sanson noted individuals are welcome to help create awareness for creating accessible communities by wearing red on Wednesday, which was recognized as Red Shirt of Action for accessibility and inclusions Day.

In southwestern Ontario, tourism attractions and destinations like wineries, the lakefront, and national parks play a vital role in the region’s economy and cultural identity, promoting the unique heritage and natural beauty of the region. The Government of Canada understands the importance of the tourism sector and is committed to supporting communities as they build towards a strong future from coast to coast to coast.

During Economic Development Week, we are highlighting the important investments that have been made across Ontario to support the tourism industry. Between 2022 and 2023, the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) delivered nearly $140 million through the Tourism Relief Fund (TRF) to help tourism-oriented businesses and organizations across southern Ontario recover from the impacts of the pandemic and safely welcome back visitors.

As part of this investment, more than $18.4 million was delivered to 180 tourism businesses and organizations in southwestern Ontario, providing memorable experiences for visitors and positioning the region for success.

For example, Caldwell First Nation received a contribution of $500,000 to revitalize its Indigenous-owned marina in Leamington on Lake Erie, 3 kms from Point Pelee National Park. The marina is a hub for sport fishing, community events, canoe excursions into Sturgeon Creek, and adventures onto the adjacent conservation boardwalk. The project supported the expansion of the marina, creating an enhanced fishing and tourism destination for visitors looking to connect with nature and learn about the cultural significance of local flora and fauna.

TRF support also made a difference in the community of Bright, where Udderly Ridiculous, a local goat farm and tourism destination, was able to enhance the visitor experience to the farm with renovations to its facilities, upgrading its heating and cooling systems, and creating new outdoor dining areas.

Also with this Government of Canada support, Southwest Ontario Tourism Corporation (RTO 1) provided non-repayable contributions of up to $100,000 to tourism businesses and organizations in the region.

This included $100,000 for the Essex County Black Historical Research Society to reanimate Windsor’s downtown core through the creation of interactive public art and murals that share the story of Windsor’s AfricanCanadian history. As part of this project, the organization also worked in partnership with Bird Canada and WindsorEats to coordinate a series of scooter and bike tourism arts and culture experiences along the McDougall Street Corridor, to attract visitors with inclusive, equitable and diverse public spaces.

These investments have been crucial in helping local businesses and organizations welcome more visitors and build stronger, more vibrant communities.

180 projects supported to enhance recreational facilities, park,s and trails to attract visitors to region

Maximum effect from minimal effort: 3 easy, eye-catching design updates

“You can also ‘step-up’ your staircase with a confident, colourful paint on the tread or riser to really make a statement.”

Turn old into new

“Give a piece of furniture like a kitchen stool or bed frame a quick refresh and create a completely new focus and feel for your space in a few hours,” says Grech.

“Adding a fresh coat of Advance interior paint to an old piece of furniture can brighten it up, give it a durable finish and breathe new life into a space.”

Introduce an accent wall

(NC) Design projects don’t need to be intimidating. If you feel inspired to refresh your space but lack time for a full renovation, you can still create a bold and artsy statement in one weekend with paint and minimal effort. To help you achieve the latest look, Sharon Grech, Benjamin Moore colour and design expert, shares her top three tips for quick and easy design

ideas to refresh your home.

Highlight interesting elements

In just a couple of days you can create a wow-factor your guests won’t stop talking about – without breaking the bank. Grech recommends accentuating smaller features such as a doorframe, fireplace or bookshelf with a standout contrasting paint hue.

Accent walls make a vibrant statement and are a simple way to give a room a fresh feel. “Be unique and achieve maximum impact by introducing a punchy colour to a neutral room,” Grech suggests. For a more subtle statement, she recommends playing with different shades of an existing room colour for your accent wall.

newscanada.com

How to start a backyard garden

(NC) With the high cost of food, many of us are considering starting a garden this year. Plus, tending to a garden is a great excuse for spending time outside and getting some low-impact exercise. Here are a few things you can do to get started.

Location, location, location

The first step in starting a garden is to figure out where to locate it. You’ll want a spot that

is exposed to the sun for most of the day, is sheltered from the wind and isn’t in a depression where water can pool and damage your plants’ roots.

Soil supplements

In many parts of the province, there’s only a very thin layer of topsoil above sand or rock. If that’s the case in your yard, you’ll need to buy some topsoil. Regardless of your soil conditions, you’ll want to top up with some compost or manure so your plants can thrive.

Wildlife protection

Whether it’s urban raccoons and squirrels or deer and other larger wildlife, animals will gladly help themselves

to your produce if you don’t protect it. In some cases, you might be able to keep them away with scents they find offensive – garden centres sell predator urine for this purpose. You could also use reflective tapes, noise makers or a motionactivated sprinkler.

Choose the right plants

Not all vegetation will thrive in Ontario’s climate, particularly if you live in the northern part of the province. Consult with your local garden centre to find out which plants will work best in your area. You should also be aware that some common garden plants – such as mint –will grow like weeds if

you don’t contain them and trim them back.

Click before you dig

There are several utility services that might have equipment buried under your yard, including natural gas lines, hydro lines, telecoms and sewage. In Ontario, you’re legally obligated to contact an organization called Ontario One Call to request utility “locates” at least five days before you start digging out your garden plot. Learn more about buried utilities and request a locate at ontarioonecall.ca. newscanada.com

(NC) Summer is one of the best times of the year to move. The weather is warmer, the kids are out of school and there are typically more homes on the market.

As exciting as moving can be, it can also be a very stressful process if you don’t have everything in order. Don’t let the process of moving overwhelm you. Apply these useful tips to move like a professional.

Schedule your move Once you’ve confirmed dates, book your moving arrangements. Weekends are especially busy, with time slots often filling up

Stress-free summer moving tips

to move your belongings on a weekday if possible.

Whether you’re renting your own truck or using professional movers, book as soon as you can. If you live in a condo or apartment, remember to reserve an elevator with your property management.

Don’t procrastinate

Give yourself time to pack. Many people often underestimate the amount of items they have. Order moving boxes and packing tape, so you’re not rushed before the big move. Most moving companies will also supply packing materials and may even

you’re doing it on your own, label all boxes and identify which room they’re going to in your new place for a smooth transition. Remember to not pack personal documents or medication until the last moment. Consider packing a small suitcase or bag with essentials to use the night of your move.

Purge and document your belongings

Packing is the perfect opportunity to purge your wardrobe and create an inventory of all your belongings. Always document and estimate the value of your items in case they get lost or damaged during the move. Remember to share those details with your insurer to make sure you have the home or tenant insurance you require to be adequately compensated in the event of a loss.

Insurance companies

downloadable personal inventory form to help you keep track of everything you own. As a reminder, keep this document in a safe and secure place to minimize stress if you need to use it.

Update your address

Finally, don’t forget

to send a change of address notice. You’ll need to notify the various levels of government (federal and municipal tax offices, provincial health and licensing departments, etc.) as well as your bank, insurance company, utilities and any

newspapers or magazines you subscribe to. The postal service also offers mail forwarding options for a small fee.

Find more information and the downloadable inventory document at belairdirect.com.

newscanada.com

Must-have items for summer entertaining in the backyard

Summer entertaining season provides ample opportunities to soak up some sun and have some fun with family and friends. Backyard barbecues and other gettogethers at home are even more fun when hosts ensure they have certain must-have items for summer soirees.

• Fire features: The days when summer hosts only needed a few extra lawn chairs and some burgers and hot dogs on the grill for a backyard barbecue are long gone. Though those items still have a place at backyard barbecues, summer parties have taken a step up. Fire features, whether it’s a standalone fire pit, one built into a patio or a gas-powered fire table, are now wildly popular. Fire features provide a welcome place to relax and converse with guests after the sun goes down. And much to kids’ delight, a fire feature also paves the way for some post-meal s’mores.

• Insulated wine cooler: Coolers are great places to store water, soda, beer, seltzers, and other popular beverages. But what about wine? An insulated wine cooler ensures wine

stays properly cooled but doesn’t get too cold, which can happen when wine is stored in a more traditional cooler filled with ice. Bottles are simply placed in the insulated cooler (much like canned beverages slide easily into can koozies), and the bottle can be kept on the table much like you would for formal dinners indoors. Hosts can go the extra mile by pairing insulated wine tumblers with their wine cooler.

• Games: Summer entertaining season might be all about relaxation, but games can up the fun factor at backyard gatherings. Cornhole is a wildly popular game, and customized cornhole boards can help hosts come across as party professionals. Ladder toss, bocce and wiffle ball are some additional games that can make the festivities more fun. Hosts who don’t have a pool also can invest in an inflatable pool big enough to fit all the kids who will be coming to the party.

• Outdoor storage cabinet: Hosts can save themselves the stress and effort of walking in and out for dinnerware and other table accessories by investing in a sturdy outdoor storage cabinet. As meal time draws near,

hosts will appreciate that all the plates, napkins, utensils, and placemats are already outside. The top of the storage cabinet can double as a small but convenient buffet station for sides that aren’t being cooked over an open flame.

• Projector and screen: A projector and screen can really up the ante on summer entertaining, turning a backyard barbecue into a great place to watch a game or cuddle up after dinner for a movie night under the stars. Projectors and screens won’t bust the budget, but those who have more to spend may want to consider an outdoor television. Outdoor televisions are built to handle the glare of the summer sun, but a retractable awning may be a good safety net for hosts who plan to spend many a weekend afternoon outside watching games or movies with family and friends.

These are just a handful of items that can up the ante on traditional backyard barbecues. Homeowners should know that there’s no limit to the number of items that can make summer entertaining season more special.

metrocreativeconnection.com

Homeowners’ fasciation with a lush, green lawn is something that has developed over time and is still “growing” strong. According to a 2019 survey conducted on behalf of the National Association of Landscape Professionals, 81 percent of all Americans had lawns and 79 percent said a lawn is an important feature when buying or renting a property.

Even though lush lawns are still coveted, due to drought, the financial climate and even invading insect populations, many people are taking inventory of their landscapes and deciding if a lawn is a priority, even going so far as to reinvent their spaces with lawn alternatives. Still, there are ways to keep properties green no matter which route is taken. Here’s a look at some environmentally friendly ways to address a landscape.

Irrigate from below

There are many ways to water landscapes, but homeowners may want to take their cues from the commercial farming industry. Drip irrigation systems utilize a network of valves, pipes and tubing close to the roots of plants or under the soil. Such systems are more efficient than surface irrigation options, helping to save

How to keep your lawn looking green

water and nutrients in the soil. Water early

Scotts Lawn Care suggests watering a lawn in the morning before 10 a.m. when it is cooler and winds tend to be calmer. This ensures water can be absorbed into the soil and grass roots before evaporation occurs. Watering midday may cause the water droplets on the lawn blades to heat up and actually scorch the lawn.

Plant a new grass type

Homeowners can experiment with eco-friendly grass seed blends that mix native grasses and may not require as much water nor ideal growing conditions. Utilize green alternatives

Rather than focusing solely on grass, some homeowners are turning to alternatives like clover and even moss, particularly if their landscapes do not have the most pristine growing conditions. This may reduce the need for chemical fertilizers and herbicides. The result is still a green, inviting yard. Watch the lawn height

Mowing too frequently or at too low a height may compromise the lawn’s ability to thrive. Grass cut to the proper height develops a deep root system to better locate water and nutrients in the soil. That means

homeowners may not have to water as much or as frequently. Taller lawns also shade the soil and the roots, reducing some evaporation.

Compost

Leave the clippings on the lawn to break down and further feed nutrients to the lawn, helping it look greener and thrive. Furthermore, rely on supplementation with compost to reinforce the nutrient profile in the soil. The National Resources Defense Council says composting is the natural process of recycling organic matter, such as leaves and food scraps, into a valuable fertilizer. It doesn’t take much to nurture compost in a yard. Green landscapes are possible with a few tips that help conserve water and maximize natural resources. metrocreativeconnection.com

Air conditioning maintenance tips

be costly, but regular maintenance helps a system to work more efficiently. It also enables homeowners to recognize issues that can lead to expensive repairs if left unchecked.

Here are some air conditioning maintenance tips to keep a system in top condition.

• Change the filters. Dirty, clogged filters can cause a system to work harder to cool down rooms, compromising efficiency. Check the HVAC system’s manufacturer recommendation for how frequently to change the filters. Some may benefit from monthly replacement if the air is running constantly.

the following: clean and inspect coils; adjust and replace fan belts; lubricate motors and bearings; inspect controls and safeties, check refrigerant; and determine if the unit is large enough for the home.

Air conditioning systems need routine maintenance to operate efficiently and at the lowest cost possible.

There is no denying the relief cool air provides when the temperatures outdoors are particularly steamy. In fact, having a place to cool off is a necessity for those who have succumbed to heat exhaustion or have difficulty regulating their body temperatures.

Even though air conditioning can provide relief, some people are reluctant to turn it on because of the drain on electricity and the subsequent high energy bills that come with it. Certainly running the air conditioning can

• Consider the MERV rating. The filter will have a minimum efficiency reporting value, or MERV, according to This Old House. The higher the number, the better the filtration. But a higher MERV rating requires more energy to pull air through the filter. Therefore, choose a balance of filtration and energy cost requirements.

• Maintain the outdoor unit. Clean the AC unit with a soft-bristle brush and vacuum the fins at the start of the season and if the unit becomes dirty from weather, pollen and other elements. Bent condenser or evaporator fins can restrict air flow that would normally pass through the air conditioning system. Gently straighten them to improve air flow.

• Check and repair leaks. Airflow leaks through ductwork and with window AC units can reduce efficiency. Hold an incense stick or another smoldering item to check for leaks. If the smoke blows around, there is leakage. Use foil tape to seal small gaps and duct mastic for large ones. Stuff foam around a window unit and use taping as necessary.

• Supplement with a whole-house fan. The Family Handyman says an atticmounted fan pushes hot air out through the attic vents and draws cooler, outside air through open windows and doors. The wholehouse fan can be used to draw out most of the hot air before turning on the AC, or as a substitute on cooler days when having the AC on may not be crucial.

• Schedule annual maintenance. Homeowners may be able to handle various maintenance tasks, or they may want to have an HVAC technician come out and do

What to know about installing a pool at home

list), the average cost to install an above ground pool in the United States in 2022 was $3,322, while the average inground pool installation in the same year was $55,000. That’s quite a disparity in price, and homeowners should know that the average cost of each project is higher in certain regions and under certain circumstances. Potential ancillary costs, such as excavation and plumbing relocation, will add to the final cost of the project. The erection of fencing around the pool if no fencing currently surrounds the area where the pool will be located also will add to the final cost.

Pool type

pool or above ground might yield a significantly higher return at resale. If an inground pool is likely to increase property value by a substantial amount, it could be well worth the extra upfront costs.

Maintenance

can open and close pools on their own, it’s also possible to hire someone to do it for a relatively small fee each season.

Location

Summer is a season of relaxation when school is not in session, vacation season is in full swing and people everywhere are getting outside and soaking up the summer sun. It’s hard to imagine how that can get any better. But it can for people

thinking of installing a pool in their backyard. Pools definitely have a wow factor that’s hard to replicate. Homeowners considering pool installation can take note of these factors as they try to decide if a pool is right for them.

Cost

The cost to install a pool depends on a host of factors, including which type of pool homeowners are considering and where they live. According to the online home improvement resource Angi (formerly Angie’s

As noted, above ground pools, on average, require a considerably smaller financial investment than inground pools. This is an important consideration, but which option may ultimately prove the better investment is worth researching. Homeowners can speak with a local real estate professional to determine if an inground

Pools are undeniably fun, but they still require maintenance. The experts at Better Homes & Gardens note that vinyl liners in pools last approximately six to 10 years, while painted concrete may require a fresh coat of paint every five years. Plaster finishes may last as long as 15 years, while cementcoated products can last a lifetime. Pools also need periodic cleaning, and chemicals to keep the pool operating safely and cleanly will require an additional, if somewhat minimal, financial investment. Homeowners investing in a new pool should be aware of the maintenance required to keep the pool clean and be willing to do that maintenance. And though homeowners typically

A survey of the land in a yard can reveal how smoothly a pool installation may or may not go. Though it’s possible to install a pool in just about any yard, some spaces might require greater preparation and pre-installation effort than others. Sloped backyards, for example, may require the services of a landscape architect to prepare the space, which can extend the time it takes to complete the project and add the overall cost. These are just some of the factors that merit consideration when mulling a pool installation. A homeowners’ best resource might be a local pool company who can visit a home, provide an estimate and point out any challenges that may arise during the install.

metrocreativeconnection.com

FARMING

WANTED

Farm Land to Rent

Cash or Share Crop

Call Jeff Siefker (cell) 519-796-1240 or (home) 519-776-9501.

SERVICES

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KENNETH YARDWORKS - Spring Clean-

Up. 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

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

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

HELP WANTED

PART-TIME WEBSITE & VIDEO EDITING

- Assistant to the Artist- Work in house

2 days per week in Essex. Monday & Tuesday preferred. Must have basic experience with Word press, video editing, & Microsoft Word. Call Ron 519.776.5767 from 10am-5pm.

10-1t

HELP WANTED

WANTED

PERSONAL

MAIN-WEST

DELIVERY DRIVER & HELPER

Should have a clean record, able to assemble furniture, able to function in all areas, work as a team and on own. Starting wage is $20 an hour. Hours: Monday to Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, possibly later depending on jobs.

Please drop off resume at: 41 Main St. W., Kingsville

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

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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. 1-tfn

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

WANTED: Jack Miner Goosebands wanted. $50.00 - $225.00 Call Ted: 519919-4716. 18-4t*

CASH PAID for scrap cars and trucks. Free removal. Please phone: 519-776-1361 or 519-791-5046. 1-tfn

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.

YARD SALE

YARD SALE - 351 Brien Ave. W., Essex, On. 347 Brien Ave. W., Essex On. Thursday, June 1, Friday, June 2, Saturday, June 3. Lots of stuff.

PRAYER TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN

(NEVER KNOWN TO FAIL) O most beautiful flower of Mt. Carmel, fruitful vine, splendor of heaven, blessed mother of the son of God, immaculate virgin, assist me in my necessity. O star of the sea, help me and show me that you are my Mother. O Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to help in my necessity (Make your request). There are none that can withstand your power. “O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to you.” (Three times). “Holy Mary, I place this prayer in your hands.” (Three times). Say this prayer for three consecutive days and then publish it and it will be granted to you. With grateful thanks. D.D.

SALE OF LAND BY PUBLIC TENDER

THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF KINGSVILLE

Take Notice that tenders are invited for the purchase of the land described below and will be received until 3:00 p.m. local time on June 22, 2023, at the Town of Kingsville Municipal Office, 2021 Division Road North, Kingsville Ontario.

Description of Land:

Roll No. 37 11 080 000 02700 0000; 149 Queen St., Kingsville; PIN 75183-0348 (LT); File No. 21-05; Minimum Tender Amount: $17,987.05

Except as follows, the municipality makes no representation regarding the title to or any other matters relating to the land to be sold. Responsibility for ascertaining these matters rests with the potential purchasers. This sale is governed by the Municipal Act, 2001 and the Municipal Tax Sales Rules made under that Act. A full copy of the tax sale advertisement and further information about this matter is available on line at www.OntarioTaxSales.ca or www.kingsville.ca or you may contact Vicky Sawatzky, Tax Collector, The Corporation of the Town of Kingsville, 2021 Division Road North, Kingsville ON N9Y 2Y9, Phone: 519-733-2305 Ext. 233, Email: vsawatzky@kingsville.ca

Leamington Fair returns in full force...

back and able to offer the fair again and in a more traditional fashion,” Smith commented. “Putting on the fair takes many hands and volunteers, and we could not do it without the support of the Leamington District Agricultural Society, along with the other volunteers and

groups we have throughout the weekend, including the Leamington Air Cadets, the Skating Club, as well as the baseball teams who all helped volunteer.

Continued from Page 6

sleepless nights getting to this point. And once it is over, we get to take a breath and start planning for next year,” she said.

HELP WANTED

exhibition categories, including mudpies for children to enter. One of the focal points and big winners from the weekend exhibitions

was a handmade knitted astronaut blanket, which featured a signature and personalization from Canadian Astronaut, Chris Hadfield.

The fair also held the crowd favorite demolition derby on Saturday, while featuring wrestling Sunday afternoon.

“We are grateful to be

FromThe Heart

Email your photo and content to contact@ essexfreepress.com or drop by our office at 16 Centre St., Essex. Personal notices must be received by Monday at 12:00 noon to appear in the Thursday edition.

BIRTHDAY ANNOUNCEMENT

Hospice proudly announces support from Layla’s Grace Foundation - Helping to provide memorable care to patients and families

Submitted to EFP

The Hospice of Windsor and Essex County is pleased to announce three new initiatives, including an updated children’s playhouse/garden area, the launch of Layla’s Flutter Packs, and a new Butterfly Life Cycle Wellness Program, all made possible with the support of Layla’s Grace Foundation.

Happy Birthday to a beautiful lady.

Ronni Pinkney

June 3, 2023

CARD OF THANKS ~ Thank You ~

On Saturday afternoon, at the corner of Alice & Centre St., I tripped on the curb and fell. A couple in a black mini-van stopped and they came to help and were concerned for me and my injuries. The lady helped me home and made sure I was alright and asked if I had someone who could take care of me. I want to thank my ‘Guardian Angel” for sending me this lady to help me. We are so blessed to have such caring people in our town.

~ Sincerely, T. Gravel

OBITUARIES

CHAMBERS, Elsie May

- 90 years, passed away peacefully at Erie Shores Health Care on May 20, 2023. Beloved wife of the late Donald George Couture (1986) and the late Arthur “Bud” Chambers (2019). Loving mother of Angela Fay Wigle (Guy) and Melanie Dawn Hart (Charlie). Dear step-mother of Terry Bruner and Rod Chambers. Cherished step-grandmother of Ricki-Lynn, Marnie, Aaron, and Michelle. Dear sister of the late Vida McDermott (Bernie), the late Earl Rogers (Carol), Lorna Prohaska (Bert), Franny Gibson (Charlie), Mary Lou Alexander (Bob), Roy Rogers (Sandra). Will be missed by many nieces and nephews. Elsie and Bud enjoyed travelling all over North America in their motorhome. She loved shopping and gardening. She was a great mother and will be deeply missed. A special thank you to Home Instead (Pat), the staff at Royal Oak LTCC and Erie Shores Health Care for their care and compassion. Cremation has taken place. Visiting was held at the Reid Funeral Home, 14 Russell Street, Leamington on Friday, May 26, 2023 from 6 - 8 p.m. Elsie will be buried next to her late husband Donald in Trenton. If desired, memorial donations made to the Alzheimer Society would be appreciated. Share words of comfort at www.reidfuneralhome.ca

and Leamington. Each is packed full of fun, agespecific, activities, games, and puzzles. “Each child has a different capacity to understand what’s happening to their family, but they all have a need for some distraction, some sense of ‘normalcy’ in their lives, and that includes play-time,” said Dawn Marchand, Layla’s Mom.

Participants can be any patient, family member, or bereaved individual involved in Hospice services.

“These initiatives are all inspired by Layla, and we are thrilled to both honour her, and support Hospice patients and families through the work of Layla’s Grace Foundation,” said Dawn Marchand.

impactful ways,” said Nancy Brockenshire, Hospice Executive Director. “We are so appreciative of the support from Layla’s Grace Foundation, and these beautiful tributes to Layla’s memory.”

In 2019 Dawn and Joe Marchand first stepped through the doors of Hospice, when their daughter Layla, at just 12 years old, was admitted with terminal cancer. After Layla passed, Joe and Dawn created Layla’s Grace Foundation in her memory. Since the Fall of 2022, Layla’s Grace Foundation has been working with The Hospice to support meaningful and impactful initiatives in memory of Layla.

The first initiative, Layla’s “Flutter Packs,” was officially launched in December of 2022. These “packs” are gift bags offered to children who are visiting loved ones at the Hospice Residences in Windsor

This past weekend, the second initiative, Layla’s Butterfly Garden, was officially opened at The Hospice, Windsor Campus. The Garden is centred around a children’s playhouse, for children to use while visiting loved ones at Hospice, and includes Adirondack chairs for kids, butterfly-friendly plants, and child-friendly garden décor.

As the third new initiative, Layla’s mom, Dawn, will work with members of the Hospice team to offer a “Butterfly Life Cycle” Wellness Program. This program will occur throughout the summer and consist of educational seminars and interactive activities with regards to the monarch butterfly life cycle.

OBITUARIES

BLACKMAN , Catherine Elaine - September 28, 1956 - May 25, 2023

- It is with a saddened heart that we announce the passing of Catherine Blackman on May 25, 2023. Loving wife of Frank von Flotow. Cherished sister to Sandra. Friend of Dan Bleasby. A special thank you for all of the care and kindness provided to Cat and our family during her stay at Erie Shores Hospice. Arrangements entrusted to Simple Choice Cremation Centre – (Essex 519-2542585). Online condolences may be shared at www.simplechoicecremation.ca.

“Our Hospice offers care to all - including adults and childrenregardless of personal situations. Initiatives like this help us support patients and families in unique, creative, and

Additional information about Hospice programs and services, including the Butterfly Life Cycle Wellness Program, can be found at: www. TheHospice.ca

Additional information about Layla’s Grace Foundation can be found at: www.facebook.com/ laylasgracefoundation.

Voice Of Inspiration

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.”

~ Leo Buscaglia

What’s Going On...

JUNE 8 TO 11- LASALLE STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL - at the Vollmer Complex, 2121 Laurier Parkway. For info: www.lasalle.ca/strawberryfestival

JUNE 10 - ANNUAL GREG HOROKY WALLEYE DERBY & RUBBER DUCK RACE - at Colchester Harbour. 6-7am launch times. For info, visit ColchesterWalleyeDerby.com

JUNE 11 - MCGREGOR MUSIC FESTIVAL - at Co An Park, 11071 Conc. Rd. 11 at 10am. Live entertainment all day, raffles, etc. Proceeds for Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation.

JUNE 24 - HARROW ROTARY CLUB & TOWN OF ESSEX’S 1ST SOAP BOX DERBY - in the streets of Harrow. Mark your calendars.

JUNE 24 - WOODSLEE UNITED CHURCH ROAST BEEF DINNER - 4-7 pm. Take-out only. 2616 Belle River Rd. South Woodslee. Contact 519-919-5715

JUNE 25- LASALLE’S NIGHT MARKET- at LaSalle Civic Centre , 5950 Malden Rd. from 4-8pm. For more information: www.lasalle.ca/markets

JUNE 25- LASALLE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY - ‘Egg to Butterfly’ event. Learn to raise Monarch butterflies. From 10am-2pm at St. Andrews Church, 205 Laurier Dr., LaSalle. HIATUS HOUSE: offers counselling services in Essex County. Women’s Fresh Start group therapy is once a week. For info or to schedule an intake appointment, call the 24-hour Hiatus House helpline at 519-252-7781.

It’s UDDERLY ridiculous that you are turning

Salvation Army Essex Church

submitted by Carolyn Barnett

Join us Sunday, June 4 for Family Worship at 10:30a.m. Major Jim Hann will speak on the “Resurrection and the Life.” Following the service, is our monthly Potluck lunch. Bring your favourite dish!

Our weekly programs are done until September, but we still have a summer community get-together. SA Cafe -Coffee and Conversation, starts Tuesday, June 6th and runs from 10a.m. - noon. There is no set program or lunch. Instead it’s a time to visit and make new friends, perhaps work on a jigsaw puzzle etc.

Our Food Bank is very much in demand, and it doesn’t take long for our shelves to empty. If you would like to help those in need, we would appreciate donations of non-perishable food, such as canned soup, canned fruit, pasta and sauce, cookies, or canned tuna or ham. Donations can be dropped off at 26 Talbot St. across from the municipal building on Tues., Wed, and Fri. between 9 - 2. For more info call the church at 519-776-4628.

Essex United Church

On June 4, we will attend church at Gess†wood Camp. We will not have a service at our church at 10:30am. This should be a fun day! Rev. Lexie Chamberlain will lead our service on June 11th. “The Guys Who Like to Sing” will be participating in that service. We always welcome and enjoy “The Guys” and their fantastic music!

The Essex Food Bank is open Tuesday and Thursday mornings. The phone number is 519-776-4070.

Trinity Anglican Church

Take a book, leave a book. You’re welcome to stop in and sit awhile in the gazebo at Trinity.

The induction of Rev.’d Hilton Gomes will take place on Sunday, June 11 at 3 pm at St. Stephen’s church on Howard Ave. All are welcome to attend. There will be no service at Trinity on June 11.

All are invited and welcome to attend our servies. Sunday services are at 9:45

Essex Christian Reformed Church

submitted by Beverley Van Huizen

We invite you to join us each Sunday at 10am. All safety protocols are in place with hand sanitizing and your choice of mask wearing. Or you may join us online each Sunday morning, beginning at 10am.

You may prefer to join us online each Sunday morning beginning at 10am. Visit us at www.essexcrc.ca for a link to our social media page.

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

Bethel-Maidstone United

Our service begins at 10 am 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.

There will be no June UCW Meeting. A sign-up sheet is posted in the hall for ladies interested in attending our Spring Dinner.

The office will be closed until June 11. The answering machine and emails will be monitored and will have information on how to reach someone.

Sunday school is now available during the service.

All ‘Community Hub’ submissions should be submitted, typed, no later than Mondays at 9am for the week of publication. Submissions are all sent in, read over and slightly edited. We do not include prices, advertising, or personal greetings in this free space. Email submissions to: contact@essexfreepress.com

Our number is (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

St. Paul’s Anglican Church submitted by Sandra Lypps

Join us for Sunday service each week at 11am, as always all are welcome to join us!

For more information about what is happening at St Paul’s, please see our website (www.stpaulsessex.ca) and social media. Messages are checked regularly at the church office, you can reach us there at 519-776-7711.

St. Stephen’s and Church of the Redeemer

Check to be sure June 11th, the Induction of Reverend Hilton Gomes, is on your calendar. The worship service begins at 3p.m. There will be NO morning services that day.

The Redeemer’s Strawberry Social and Yard Sale is on June 18th.

Central Essex County Catholic Family of Parishes

Essex, Maidstone, McGregor, and Woodslee

Thank you to everyone who volunteered and came out to our Pasta dinner and Bingo.

The Essex K of C is having a Fish Fry on Friday, June 9th at 4:30 pm. at Holy Name of Jesus church hall. There is a Euchre Night on Monday, June 19th at 7pm at Holy Name of Jesus church.

Our Family of Parishes refugee project, Hope for Maryam, is close to its goal. Please donate by using envelopes available at each church entrance.

M ission Groups and CWL are still collecting Foodland grocery tapes and cancelled stamps. Please drop off at the designated boxes at the back of your church.

The Essex CWL are collecting unused cellphones and chargers for the homeless. Please drop off at Holy Name of Jesus church.

For up to date news, please visit our website: centralessexcatholic.dol or social media.

4H Dairy Club Report submitted by Mila Jacques

An amazing Dair y meeting once again! For the second meeting, the club visited Loralans Farms where Brian Haggins and Chris Dekline took the time to explain more about selecting a calf for show and how to break a calf.

Members learned that when choosing a calf, they should look at the calf’s age, how previous heifers in their lineage acted and their overall dairy character. A perfect calf is tall and strong with a long head and neck, which helps the calf look more “dairy”. Her leg bones should be flat and she must have a strong loin or problems could take place. The rump should also be slightly lower than her pins, the back part of her hips.

When it comes to

breaking a calf, the most important thing is to build a relationship with your calf so they get used to having someone next to them and they will learn to trust you.

The members learned that using a rope halter in the beginning is a good choice for getting the calf used to having something on their face. The more time spent with the calf, the more they trust you and the better chance you’ll have during a show.

The club members were very happy with what they were taught and all the tips and tricks that were shared. They hope next month’s meeting will be just as helpful.

Woodslee United Church

Join us for Sunday Service and Sunday School at 10:45am. Rev. Carl will lead the Service. Video of the service and bulletins are on our website: woodsleepastoralcharge.ca

ROAST BEEF DINNER is on Saturday June 24, 4-7pm. TAKE OUT ONLY. Tickets from church members or contact 519-919-5715

Join us for coffee and conversation every Thursday at 10am. Join us Mondays at 1pm for Euchre, and Wednesdays at 1pm for Pepper.

Essex Retirees’ Club Report

This week, at Euchre, our winners were first place Doug Heil, second place Rick N, and thirrd place Jody H. At Monday Pepper, we had Richard N with the high score, Evelyn V low score and Angela with the most peppers. On Saturday at Pepper, Terry came in first place, Gary W in second, and Judy K in third. Fred had the most peppers. We have Bingo on Thursdays at 1:30pm it’s open to the public. Euchre on Fridays at 1pm. Anyone 55-yrs and older can come out and join in our activities that we offer. We have something for everyone so stop by and check us out and pick up one of our calendars.

LaSalle kicks-off popular monthly summer Night Market

by Sylene Argent

Sunday evening was one to head out to the LaSalle Civic Centre to enjoy perusing the unique and handmade wares of 75 local vendors, enjoy live entertainment and music, and indulge on delicious food as the first LaSalle Night Market of the season kicked-off on a promising note.

In addition to featuring a winding line consisting of a record-number of vendor tables, the May 28 LaSalle Night Market featured musical performances from the Accousticlassics and dog

agility demonstrations from the Border City Barkers.

Sue Nantais, Corporate Communication and Promotions Officer for the Town of LaSalle, said the Town has been hosting the summer Night Markets for the past five-years, and it is growing in popularity.

She noted LaSalle received a lot of applications to apply to become a vendor from local artisans, crafters, and merchants. The Town will do its best to cycle through them throughout the monthly sessions, so there

Continued on Page 26

LaSalle kicks-off popular monthly

summer Night Market...

Getting a brake job 93 years ago

Lynda Moon of the North Toronto Historical Society sent this photo of two fellows giving a car a brake job at a shop in Toronto on Friday, June 6, 1930. The car is probably a Pontiac or Oakland, both built by GM. It’s a roadster with side curtains and has only one taillight.

On the right side of the taillight is a red metal triangle stamped with three words: FOUR WHEEL BRAKES. Many cars in the 1920s had only two-wheel brakes and this triangle was a warning to drivers with two-wheel brakes not to follow this car too closely.

A small handle behind the top was there to open the rumble seat. You can also see a step plate on top of the right rear fender for entry into the rumble seat, a popular feature in the ‘20s and ‘30s but with no protection from wind and rain.

Another close look and we can see a spare tire mounted in the left front fender. There might also be one in the right front fender. Having two spares was a good idea because the roads in 1930 were littered with horseshoe nails. How times have changed!

I’m always looking for stories. Email billtsherk@sympatico.ca

is always a variety of wares onsite, giving residents plenty of opportunity to want to return.

The LaSalle Night Markets will take place on the last Sunday of the month, 4pm - 8pm, from May to September. The events take place rain or shine, and admission is free.

“There is something for everyone,” Nantais said, noting the Town tries to ensure there is live music and some other form of entertainment onsite. “It is meant to be a community event to get people out, to give vendors

the opportunity to sell their items and crafts, and provide a nice community event for people to enjoy on a Sunday afternoon.”

The LaSalle Night Market is growing all the time. “People are excited to get out and see what is new.”

Nantais said it is nice to see the event take place in LaSalle Centre, which

is great in getting the attention of those walking, cycling, or driving by. “We are trying to encourage people to come out and take in the vibrant atmosphere,” she said.

The next LaSalle Night Market will take place on June 25. For more information, check out the “Things to Do” page at www.lasalle.ca

Voice Of Inspiration

“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.”

~ Aesop

Note two-tone paint job.

Ridout named Essex 73’s new Head Coach

by Garrett Fodor

The Essex 73’s will have a new face leading its team and shaping the players this upcoming season.

When Jamie McDermott announced he was stepping down from the helm as Head Coach of the 73’s recently, the organization was tasked with finding a replacement. The club is looking to get back to the other side of the handshake line and aiming to win its first Stobbs Division title since 2017.

Last Monday, the club announced the search was over and they had found the next Head Coach, Windsor native, Mark Ridout.

Ridout is a familiar name within the WindsorEssex hockey community. He spent four-years playing in the OHL for the Windsor Spitfires, the Mississauga IceDogs, and the Plymouth Whalers. Upon finishing there, he

went on to play at St. Clair college. Upon wrappingup his playing career, he stepped into the coaching ranks. Ridout first began with the Windsor Lancers in 2017, as an Assistant Coach under Kevin Hamlin, leaving at the end of the 2019 season. He then headed to Flint for two seasons, working with Eric Wellwood in the same capacity, before spending the 2021-2022 season with the Leamington Flyers.

This opportunity marks the first-time Ridout will be at the helm as Head Coach for a junior hockey team.

While never playing for the hockey club, he is no stranger to the organization, as his brother had played for and captained the team previously. With his brother playing for the club growing up, Ridout said he was no stranger to Tuesday night games at

the old Essex Memorial Arena.

“If you would have asked me maybe twoweeks ago if I would have been coaching this season, I would have told you ‘no,’” Ridout said. “As a father with four kids in competitive sports and hockey, leaving the area just is not a fit for me and my family. But when Mike [Pailey] called, discussing the role – and learning more about the organization – I quickly [became] excited and thankful to be given this opportunity. I feel it is the best spot for me to be with my family.”

Being 20-minutes away from the rink, Ridout noted this opportunity will allow his oldest son, Zach, as well as his other children, a chance to be around the team. He said it’s incredibly special to him to be able to not only be home with his children,

but also share these experiences with them.

Looking back on his experiences, Ridout said he was fortunate to not only play under several great coaches, but also to work with several great coaches in Kevin Hamlin, Eric Wellwood, and Dale Mitchell. He hopes to utilize what he learned from his previous coaches, as well as what he learned about himself as a person and through his time as a player, to help to create an educational environment, where he can develop a very structured hockey team this upcoming year.

Ridout did not have much time to accustom himself to the club. Within one-week of getting the job, the club held its spring

camp, with potential players looking to make an early impression on Ridout, Pailey, and the 73’s brass.

He said he was excited to get to work, and meet some of the potential returning players, who helped serve as coaches throughout the weekend, as well as some of the potential players who were trying out. As Ridout was coaching his

son previously, he noted this weekend was a chance to meet a lot of the players and members of the organization for the firsttime.

As he looks ahead to next season, Ridout is optimistic and excited about the potential opportunity to bring a championship back to Essex and help this group win.

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New cabins get situated at Bryerswood Youth Camp

existing cabins.

Thanks to generous sponsors and support from the community, the Bryerswood Youth Camp Optimist Club was able to secure four new cabins and have them placed in their new, permanent locations last Thursday morning.

Cathy Robertson, Vice President, and Kathi Poupard, President of the Bryerswood Youth Camp Optimist Club, were excited to be onsite as Moir Crane Service Limited used heavy equipment to lift and lower the new cabins on to elevated platforms.

by Sylene Argent

Since being able to buy the former local Girl Guide camp on Texas Road in Amherstburg in 2021, the Bryerswood Youth Camp Optimist Club has envisioned a place to host camp programs for all youths of Windsor, Essex, and Chatham-Kent.

Part of that strategic vision for the 25-acre campsite, which features a pond and plenty of space to learn, play, and participate in seasonal activities, was to replace the

Getting the cabins was certainly a community effort. Poupard and Robertson explained they received a grant from the Solcz Family Foundation, which sponsored one cabin, the WindsorEssex Community Foundation – in celebration of its 40th anniversary sponsored a cabin, and a private individual sponsored the third.

The fourth cabin was purchased through a private loan, and the Bryerswood Youth Camp Optimist Club is looking to pay that back as soon as possible. In being able to do that, a sponsor is being sought to purchase naming rights for the fourth cabin with a $30,000 donation.

In addition, Poupard and Robertson said they were

grateful to Moir Crane Service Limited, which donated its time to move the cabins into place.

The intention is to have the cabins insulated, so they can be utilized year-round. They fit six youths, via three bunk beds. It is hoped that in the future, they will be able to install heat pumps for winter accommodations, which would require an electrical upgrade.

“We are looking forward to it,” Poupard said. Robertson added Bryerswood is gearing up for a summer full of fun day camps over the coming months.

Those who would like to learn more, or make a donation, can log onto www.bryerswood.com