Essex Free Press - June 15, 2023

Rubber Duck Derby raises funds for Project Hope, Colchester Guardian, Feeding Windsor Essex

by Sylene Argent

Excitement was building as the Colchester Guardian rescue vessel released up to 1500 rubber ducks off the shore of Colchester Beach as part of the Rotary Club of Harrow’s annual Rubber Duck Derby on Saturday.

The little rubber duckies were released after the Youth Fishing Derby wrapped up and as anglers began to make their way back to shore as competitors in the annual Greg Horoky Colchester Walleye Derby.

Corrie Bramhall, a member of the Rotary Club of Harrow and Chairperson for the Rubber Duck Derby, was excited to see the interest in this year’s installment, which she believed was one of the best years for the event in the fiveyears it has been held.

For the event, the members of the Colchester Guardian crew head out away from the shore in the rescue vessel and release the duckies, to see who will win the race and the cash prize. Youths on the beach then enjoy collecting

all of the ducks as they make it to shore.

Up to 1500 rubber duckies are launched in the event, depending on how many were sold in this unique fundraiser.

Bramhall said the event proceeds were going to benefit Project Hope, the Colchester Guardian rescue vessel, Feeding

Windsor Essex, and nutrition programs at Harrow Public School and St. Anthony Catholic Elementary School.

The event began five-years ago to support Essex Fire & Rescue, which was in need of specific training equipment at the time.

“Every year since, we have been fortunate to have a lot of

support from businesses, sponsors, and from the community,” Bramhall added.

“It’s a lot of fun,” she said of the event. “You never know where the ducks are going to end up.”

Bramhall thanked all the sponsors, who made the fundraiser possible.

County hosts postponed Official Plan review public meeting

by Sylene Argent

The County of Essex hosted its new Official Plan (2022-2052) – One Land, One Climate, One Future, Together –public meeting last Wednesday. This meeting was originally postponed from April 5, after around 300 individuals showed up to the County Council Chambers, many of whom seemed to have concerns with the 15-Minute City concept.

At the April 5 meeting, County Warden and Mayor of Leamington Hilda MacDonald said the County had received a number of inquiries on whether or not the Official Plan is about

the concept of 15-Minute Cities, and she noted it was not.

When the updated Official Plan is officially adopted, it will set out a long-term vision on how land and resources in Essex County will be managed for the next 30-years.

“During that time, it is projected the County’s population will grow by 70,000 residents,” MacDonald said. “This will have a huge impact on our economy, on our land use, and our services. With that, we want to ensure we have an Official Plan in place to guide that tremendous growth in positive ways, so Essex County

will continue to be a great place to live, work, and play.”

It will guide and provide direction to landowners, business owners, developers/ homebuilders, and the community at large on matters such as to the location and extent of urban settlement areas; population, employment, and housing projections; agricultural land and natural heritage protection and enhancement; how people and property are protected from flooding and other hazards; and other policy matters and implementation tools as required to responsibly address Planning Act and

Provincial Policy Statement requirements.

With last Thursday’s meeting taking place virtually, there were 10 delegations on the agenda, who wanted to speak to a variety of issues.

MacDonald explained the purpose of the meeting was to hear from residents of Essex County regarding what they wanted to see in the new Official Plan. Staff and Council, in addition to Mary-Lou Tanner, President of NPG Planning Solutions, were on hand to hear the delegations, and were collecting comments during the meeting, not providing

responses or solutions. The delegations provided feedback or voiced concerns on a number of issues, including the need for a change of goals and policies within the Official Plan to create a balanced and vibrant community for Oldcastle and the need for land designated for residential growth; the idea of developing a green net to connect natural areas with substantial corridors to create viable habitat; and the desire for natural land preservation and concerns with the lack of monitoring and data collection regarding the stated goals of the

Monday, June 5, 2023

INSIDE ESSEX COUNCIL NOTES...

• $160,000 approved for McGregor Sanitary Environmental Assessment •

• Council approves Gateway Sign Policy •

• NoM: Supporting Essex Centre businesses during streetscape •

by Sylene Argent

Jackson Street will not be turned into a one-way Council received the report “Jackson Street (Colchester) Improvement – Council Feedback & Administration Recommendations.”

Last month, Council directed Town staff to bring back further information regarding a recommended change to Jackson Street in Colchester, meant to improve parking. This would give Council time to provide Administration with feedback. The idea was to change the southbound way from County Road 50 to Sullivan Street to a one-way road, with the intention of using the second lane for onstreet parking for up to 23 spaces.

Other recommendations included making this area a Community Safety Zone and setting the speed limit on the proposed one-way road to 40km/hr.

Feedback from residents has also been collected since that May 15 meeting.

The recommendation came from a traffic study RC Spencer Associates Inc. prepared.

David McBeth, Manager of Capital Works and Asset Management, noted that based on the feedback provided, there was no support for the proposal to change Jackson Street into a one-way street to create designated onstreet parking.

“Most of the feedback from Council was to suggest parking solutions outside of the Jackson Street proposal with many different options proposed,” he notes in the Report to Council.

“Therefore, Administration is recommending that Jackson Street remains in its current orientation and should Council determine that parking is still an issue, Council can request

Administration to provide options during the 2024 budget process to address parking capacity issues within Colchester Harbour and Jackson Park area.”

Director of Infrastructure Services, Kevin Girard, noted that though there was no appetite from Council to change Jackson Street to a one-way, there is desire to find additional parking to accommodate the park and the beach.

Councillor Rodney Hamond noted there were funds left over from the cost of hiring the consultant and wondered if they could be used to have them investigate paid parking spaces for premium parking and under-used park space.

CAO Doug Sweet

responded that until there is a plan, it is hard to allocate cost.

Ancillary dwelling to accommodate farm help requested for 793 County Road 50 East

Essex Council hosted a special meeting on Monday, June 5 to hear of an application that requested Bylaw 2251, to Amend Bylaw 1037, be adopted to allow for a new ancillary dwelling to accommodate housing farm help. Doug and Leslie Balsillie were the applicants for 793 County Road 50 East.

It would contain four rooms, for four workers, with shared facilities and common areas. The location of the accommodation is on the second floor of the new addition.

Manager of Planning Services, Rita Jabbour, explained the 16.45acre property is zoned agricultural in the Official Plan and is zoned Agricultural 1.2. It contains one single-detached dwelling, a greenhouse, storage/cooler facility, and an equipment outbuilding. There is also a road-side fruit and vegetable stand. In the current zoning regulations, only one main single-detached dwelling is permitted per lot in the A1.1 zoning district, and only one second dwelling unit accessory to the main dwelling is permitted. Ancillary dwellings used for farm labour accommodations require a site-specific zoning amendment and is subject

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Howling at the Moon

••• Comment by Sylene Argent ••• Doing it for yourself

Whatever one may want to do in life, it has to be done for oneself.

In this world, we can easily get distracted from taking the time from doing the things we love, or even need to do for ourselves. And, there may be a time when we need to make a concerted effort to get back on track before our own fuel tank gets too low.

One thing I have learned in life, so far, is if you have the desire to do something, you have to do it for yourself.

One of the hardest things many of us may face daily is putting as much time and care into fulfilling our own needs as we do for the ones we love or for getting things done for the job. Eventually, we can become dissociated with what it is we, ourselves, really need.

There is a lot of pressure in society to be or act a certain way, and if there is a desire to transform yourself for what is thought to be that 2.0 version of ourselves, I think we need to be honest about why we want to implement those changes.

So called set standards may seem

appealing, but they can take away from the uniqueness we all bring to the table. We all want to stand out in someway, however, many are chasing this desire to conform to some cookie-cutter standard of what is perceived to be ideal.

That is quite the contradiction.

We all have to be honest with ourselves, though, as to what we can do to improve ourselves. Perhaps that is trying to become more patient, healthier, or even happier.

I think one of the more detrimental ways we can think is “I will be happy when…” or “I will feel comfortable when” then insert whatever ambition we may have.

The truth is, that really makes us miss out on the now. Sometimes the journey to making an improvement is more profound than actually achieving that goal. Perhaps on that journey, we really get the opportunity to learn what it is we really want to be or do and excitedly get to shift course.

Whatever goal we may have, I think it is important to be honest

with ourselves as to whether or not it is something achievable or necessary. We also need to ensure it is something we want to do out of care for ourselves not because there is some kind of invisible pressure to be a certain way.

Ultimately, if one does not love oneself in the moment, we will either keep moving that goal-post so we never achieve what we feel is that standard we want to achieve, or we will have a very difficult time making progress. And we can focus on that perceived failure more than on the things we are actually doing well.

Self love can be difficult for some of us, and it is not only okay to care for ourselves just as adamantly as we care for the ones we love or for the work we produce in our jobs, it is necessary.

If we aren’t looking after our own self, then who will?

By Tracey Arts, Director, Ontario Federation of Agriculture

We’re nearing the end of another school year and for Ontario students who are graduating from high school this year, a brand-new chapter awaits them in the fall. Whether they’re going directly into the workforce, pursuing a trade, or starting college or university, they’re all making decisions about their futures.

As farmers, encouraging the next generation to choose a career in the agriculture industry is important. Canadian farmers are getting older – the average age is 56 – but our sector has long dealt with an ongoing struggle to attract enough workers to fill the various positions available throughout the industry.

Research has estimated the job shortage in agriculture to grow to 123,000 people by 2030 as the sector both continues to grow and older workers retire, whether from the farm or other positions in the industry.

Pursuing a career in agriculture offers a wide range of fascinating and fulfilling opportunities. The job offerings are broad, from traditional on-farm careers working with livestock or growing crops to research, equipment maintenance, quality control, food safety, construction, transportation, processing, product development, marketing, sales and beyond. And there are emerging fields, too, that play increasingly important roles on the modern farm, like robotics, automation and artificial intelligence, to name just a few.

At the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA), we believe strongly in supporting young people who wish to work in the agriculture sector.

We have a province-wide bursary program that provides three winners with $2,000 to support their postsecondary education in agriculture. Applicants are judged

based on demonstrated leadership skills, involvement in the community, and varied accomplishments in both school and the agriculture industry.

Last year, the program was expanded to also provide support to someone completing an apprenticeship and an individual completing a post-graduate or leadership development program. This was a terrific enhancement –agriculture, for example, needs skilled tradespeople as much or more than any other sector of the economy.

As our industry evolves, barns get bigger and automation and technology become more widely used, the need for skilled tradespeople with an understanding of the unique needs of the agriculture industry will only continue to grow.

What I personally like about the program expansion is that it now also supports continuing education and personal growth opportunities for those of us in the industry who are a little further in our careers and are looking for new ways to learn and grow. For example, I just recently graduated from the Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program, which is an executive-style development program for leaders – and potential leaders – in the Ontario agriculture sector.

Many of the OFA’s county and regional federations also offer substantial scholarships and bursaries that can help ease the financial burden of pursuing higher education. Post-secondary education of any kind is expensive, so we’re pleased to be able to help offset those costs by providing financial assistance for things like tuition, textbooks, and other educational expenses.

From my perspective, it’s a win-win. I farm with my family in Oxford County and the local federations in my

OFA viewpoint Funding supports young people choosing careers in farming, food production

Goodfellows present additional $5k to four local food banks

community. “That makes a huge difference. We appreciate your efforts.”

The additional funding is going to the local food banks when donations tend to wane as the school year gets ready to end, and as the need to provide lunch items for families with youths rises as students enjoy the summer months at home.

face economic hardships.

“Without you, we just could not feed them,” Jones said.

The Essex Area Food Bank operates through the dedicated efforts of around 25 volunteers.

by Sylene Argent

Due to the generosity of the community, and commitment of the volunteers, members of the Essex Region

Goodfellows were able to present an additional $5,000 to each the Essex Area Food Bank, the Essex Salvation Army, and the McGregor and

Continued from Page 4

region are among those who are supporting the next generation with bursaries and scholarships. If we can encourage young people to pursue a fulfilling career in agriculture, no matter what direction they take, that’s positive for our sector.

And it’s not just OFA or the local federations that support young people with scholarships and bursaries.

A wide range of provincial and national businesses, organizations, and industry stakeholders as well as agricultural and commodity groups offer funding opportunities. The deadlines vary, but OFA has compiled a detailed list of available awards on its website that students can consult for more information.

It’s an opportunity not to be missed for students, whether they’re returning to school in the fall, starting into post-secondary education for the first time, or contemplating returning to the classroom for a continuing education opportunity.

Harrow Chapters of the St. Vincent de Paul last Wednesday evening at Essex Fire Station # 2.

Chairperson of the Essex Region Goodfellows, Richard Meloche, was pleased to make the additional donation to the four local food banks, along with fellow members of the Essex Region Goodfellows and firefighters with Essex Fire & Rescue.

The additional donation was made after a successful newspaper campaign and corporate appeal last November, where members of

the Essex Region

Goodfellows were able to present $15,000 to each of the four local food banks.

This accomplishment, Meloche said, is due in part to having the support of local firefighters, who brave the colder weather to help collect donations through the newspaper campaign at key intersections throughout the municipality.

“The firefighters are the key to its success,” he said, adding their presence as part of the annual fundraiser builds confidence in the annual campaign as respected members of the

Lonnie Jones, a Director with the Essex Area Food Bank, explained these donations are critical in allowing the food distribution service to continue to put food on the tables of local families and individuals as they

Meloche added that the Essex Region Goodfellows was able to build up a bit of a reserve, due to the success of the 2022 campaign. This will allow the group to provide area families who have been displaced due to a fire with gift cards, which allows them to purchase necessities.

Pet Of The Week: Sully

Sully is a super sweet, young guy, and came from America, but he is SO ready to be a Canadian boy! He is a very sweet and affectionate boy, and loves having fun. He enjoys playing, going for walks, and spending quality time with his humans! Sully does like other dogs, but isn’t great at sharing his valuables very much. He is asking for a home with no other dogs, so he doesn’t boss one around too much. He is good with all people, and has a great personality! If you’re interested in a handsome boy like Sully, please fill out an application!

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

County hosts Official Plan review public meeting...

past plan.

Other delegates spoke on concerns regarding buildings with height being built in appropriate areas; the current housing supply and affordability crisis in part due to lack of good coordination between all levels of government to plan housing, and the need to prioritize more mediumdensity housing; and agriculture protection and sustainability.

The County of Essex first implemented its Official Plan in 2001. By Provincial mandate, it needs to be reviewed every five-years. It sets out the long-term goals and objectives to guide the County of Essex –in cooperation with the seven local municipalities. The document is meant to provide guidance and direction. The County’s current Official Plan came into effect in April of 2014, and since this time there have been several changes to the planning framework at the Provincial level that need to be addressed.

Phase 1 of the County’s Official Plan review process prepared the new 30-year County and local population, household, and employment forecasts. It notes from 2021 to 2051, the County is anticipated to accommodate a

for

Continued from Page 2

population increase of approximately 69,000 to 116,000 persons and will require between 29,700 and 42,900 additional homes. During this time frame, the County is also anticipated to provide for an increase of 36,000 to 52,000 jobs.

County Administration was authorized to retain the services of NPG Planning Solutions to assist County Council with phases 2 and 3 of the County’s new Official Plan.

Phase 2 will include additional technical studies to address key issues, challenges, and opportunities identified during Phase 1. This additional technical work will include a comprehensive analysis of future urban land requirements Countywide. Phase 3 will prepare and draft the new Official Plan and circulate it to local municipalities and partners.

MacDonald noted last week’s meeting was just one of several opportunities for members of the public to provide input on the new Official Plan. Feedback is also being collected by email and through the mail.

Information is available on www.countyofessex. ca/officialplanreview

to Site Plan Control.

She explained ancillary buildings have to be located on the lot and in such a way to prevent the creation of a severable residence in the future.

The Planning Department is of the opinion that it does meet the requirement for the by-law amendment as the size and the nature of the operation requires the onsite accommodation, Jabbour added.

During the regular Council meeting later that evening, Council passed the recom mendations.

Request for two residential dwelling units on the ground floor for 14 Wilson Avenue

During a special Council meeting held prior to the regular meeting, Council also heard of an application from Claude and Jospeh Dube for 14 Wilson Avenue, requesting permission for two residential dwelling units on the ground floor.

In addition, there was a request for an exemption from the parking requirement from the amenity space – the landscaped open space or recreational area – requirement for the two ground floor residential units.

The ground floor would also have a commercial unit and a commercial/storage unit.

Manager of Planning, Rita Jabbour, explained this was in regards to a 371.61 square-meter commercial land, which is designated Central Commercial in Essex Centre and is zoned Commercial District C2.2 -general commercial uses.

In the current Zoning regulations, in a Combined Use Building, all dwelling units have to be located above the ground floor. In addition, 1.25 parking spaces are required for each dwelling and 15-percent of those parking spaces are to be reserved for visitor parking. The regulations also require an amenity space for each residential apartment unit within a mixed-use building.

It was noted one of the units will be accessible, being on the ground floor. Mayor Sherry Bondy had concerns with the lack of accessible parking spaces with the accessible apartment.

During the regular Council meeting later that evening, Council passed the recommendation.

Subdivision Development Agreement for 80 Maidstone Avenue West passed Council adopted Bylaw Number 2249 to enter into a Subdivision Development Agreement for the residential development located at 80 Maidstone Avenue West in the Essex Centre between 1552843 Ontario Limited and the

Continued from Page 3

Corporation of the Town of Essex.

The Report to Council notes On April 26, the Manager of Planning Services for the County of Essex issued a letter of draft plan approval for the lands located at 80 Maidstone Avenue West in the Essex Centre.

The approval applies to the draft plan of subdivision dated February 21, 2023 for the development of five blocks for twenty-two (22) townhouse residential units, 10 blocks for 20 semi-detached residential units, two blocks for greenspace, and three blocks for stormwater management facilities.

Lori Chadwick, Director of Development Services, said there were around 40 conditions of approval the County issued. She added other conditions need to be met prior to shovel hitting the ground.

As a condition of draft plan approval, the owner is required to enter into a subdivision agreement where the applicant agrees to satisfy all requirements. Following execution of Bylaw 2249, the agreement will be registered on title of the lands. The owner will have three- years from the date of draft plan approval to satisfy all conditions imposed by the County of Essex.

Owner, Walter Branco, explained he is willing to sign the agreement as it is, however, he is waiting for clarification on Bill 23 in regards to development charges and park fees.

Up to $980k approved for Essex’s share of County’s hot asphalt tender

Council approved spending up to $980,883.97 to the County of Essex for the Town of Essex’s share of the County’s Hot Mix Asphalt Tender, plus applicable escalation and administrative costs.

Director of Infrastructure, Kevin Girard, explained Essex partnered with the County through exploring economies of scale through its hot mix asphalt road works.

He said by doing so, the Town saved around 33 percent on the overall tender.

He is hoping this partnership can continue.

The three Town of Essex paving projects were in close proximity to proposed County of Essex paving projects, so the County agreed to tender the projects, the Report to Council notes.

These projects are North Talbot Road, from County Road 11 to Walker Sideroad (CIREAM project); Wright

Continued on Page 7

Story Book Early Learning Centre

Continued Essex Council notes for

Road, from County Road 50 to the southern limit (mill and pave project); and Arthur Street South, from County Road 20 to Murdoch Street (mill and pave project).

GIP Paving was the low bidder for the Coldin-Place Recycling with Expanded Asphalt Mix (CIREAM) works and Mill-Am Corporation was the low bidder for the milling and paving works.

Authority to complete sanitary and stormwater alterations passed Council delegated authority to the Director of Infrastructure Services to complete sanitary and stormwater alterations in the Town of Essex, including the approval and imposition of terms and conditions for works to be undertaken.

Council also direct edAdministration to adopt the fees and charges proposed, effective June 5, 2023, and to amend by-law 2040 (fees and charges) during its annual revision in 2024 to include the proposed fees.

Administration will bring Council proposed changes to By-Law

Number 1924, being a bylaw to delegate the duties and powers of the Council of the Town of Essex.

Director of Infrastructure, Kevin Girard, explained since the 1970s, anytime an expansion occurs for stormwater or sanitary sewers, an Environment Compliance Approval (ECA) is required, which

sets the approval for operating and maintenance of this infrastructure for the Town for Town-owned infrastructure.

Now, the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation, and Parks (MECP) has delegated this authority to municipalities, called the Consolidated Linear Infrastructure Environmental Compliance Approval (CLI ECA), he explained.

The CLI ECA replaces all former ECAs and allows the Town to approve any low-risk infrastructure expansions.

This will have some impact on the Town, including additional studies, implication for application fees and costrecovery of services provided by the Town, potential staffing impacts, and additional operational impacts as part of additional studies required, Girard said.

No additional studies will be undertaken without authorization from Council, but they could be noticed in the 2024 Budget or sooner, he added. The Town can collect a fee to help recover the cost of staff time or additional studies.

The Town is not adequately staffed to undertake studies. There will be a request for a new position in the future, he said.

$160,000 approved for McGregor Sanitary Environmental Assessment

Council approved the expenditure of $160,000

toward the cost of the McGregor Sanitary Environmental Assessment from the Development Charges Reserve.

This is half the cost, with Amherstburg contributing the other half.

Although these lands are within the Town of Essex, municipal water and sanitary servicing is owned and maintained by the Town of Amherstburg, which includes the McGregor Lagoons, which are located Southwest of the Essex Secondary Settlement Area, the Report to Council notes.

It notes development interest in McGregor has increased, which has led to the allocation/use of the treatment capacity within the McGregor Lagoons.

The EA process is a planning tool used to identify the possible adverse effects of proposed infrastructure projects on the environment, and is a decision-making framework that enables the evaluation of alternative solutions to the problem.

As the McGregor rep, Councillor Kim Verbeek is grateful to have this project move forward. Since she was elected last term, she has been made aware of the need for this.

Business Retention and Expansion Action Plan presented

Council received information regarding the Town of Essex’s new

Business Retention and Expansion (BR&E) Action Plan.

In October of 2022, the Town issued a survey to better understand the plans and needs of local businesses and how business owners view the community as a place to do business, the Report to Council notes, adding, Deloitte LLP was retained to undertake that work.

The information from the survey was used to develop a draft Action

Plan, which focuses on the top priorities identified by local businesses and was presented to Council in February 2023.

The Final BR&E Action Plan identifies a variety of focus areas, including workforce support, BR&E response, housing and commercial space, targeted small business support, and associated action items.

Council approved $55,000 for this project in 2022. The cost of Deloitte’s services came in under

budget at $16,556. The remaining budget will be used for Business Retention and Expansion projects, it adds.

Councillor Katie McGuire-Blais asked about the four key factors, including secondary programming, unskilled labour, adequate housing, and affordable commercial leases and asked how Town staff could tackle these issues.

Nelson Silveira,

Continued on Page 15

LaSalle offers a taste of summer during Strawberry Festival

Bisson credits the Town of LaSalle employees for helping to ensure everything ran smoothly, as well as the volunteers who helped throughout the lead up to and at the event.

“It’s great to see so many people coming to LaSalle for the festival,” Bisson said. “We always hope families make a day of it, enjoying what else LaSalle has to offer besides the festival in hopes that one day they enjoy the other amenities here and maybe even move to our town.”

by Garrett Fodor

From sweet treats to amazing feats and entertainment performances alike, it was all on display at LaSalle’s annual Strawberry Festival.

Offering the sweet taste of summer, LaSalle brought the festival season into full bloom as the town hosted its annual “Strawberry Festival” over the weekend. For the town, this year marked 35-years of the tradition.

“We have been very fortunate this weekend and we could not have picked better weather,” Scott Bisson, Manager of Culture and Recreation for the Town of LaSalle, said. “This is really a community event. Walking around, you see so many families meeting up with friends and everyone just smiling and laughing together. After the last few years

through the pandemic, I feel like we needed it.”

The weekend festival kicked off Thursday night with the opening ceremonies, followed by toonie ride night, with each ride costing just two dollars. The festival featured more than 12 amusement rides and games, as well as exhibitions and vendors hosted across the Vollmer Centre and surrounding area.

Bisson noted there was something for everyone this weekend, from country and rock and roll music to iFlip trampoline shows and even a performance from Windsor’s very own Autumn Kings on Saturday night. If the entertainment was not for you, then Bisson said there was always the theme of the festival – strawberries

which were paired with ice cream and sold by the

container.

In total, Bisson estimated the festival goes through 300 flats of strawberries provided by Raymont’s Berries in

Cottam.

Throughout the first two full days of the festival, Bisson said the turnout had been great, getting similar numbers to last year, where

around 33,000 people came to the event grounds.

Putting that into scale, he noted, the population of LaSalle is around 33,000.

With a turnout like that,

Bisson thanked everyone who came out and enjoyed the festival and he hopes to see the festival continue to flourish for years to come.

McGregor Music Fest features some of the best talent as fundraiser for local cancer centre

by Sylene Argent

The 32nd annual McGregor Music Fest was in tune on Sunday at Co-An Park, as a long list of high-calibre, local entertainers took to the stage to perform.

Mark Guilbeault and Debra Vivier show off their 1955 Handyman Wagon during the McGregor Music Festival on Sunday. Guilbeault dedicated nine-years to rebuilding what was once a rust bucket into an eye-catching automobile the couple now enjoys showing off.

With the rain no deterrent to having a bit of fun for the 780 individuals who promptly and proudly attended the 12-hour music festival, they not only had the opportunity to enjoy live music, but also got to peruse the car show that featured 30 unique and custom vehicles, had a chance to win door prizes, participate in a toonie draw, and compete in the ever-popular pig auction.

specifically go towards supporting its Patient Assistance program and in purchasing robes for those undergoing radiation,

Continued on Page 11

McGregor Music Fest features some of the best talent as fundraiser for local cancer centre...

against cancer, those who organize it “have fun,” LeClair said. She said the event “is like a family reunion. It is nice to see everyone.”

Without the many sponsors and the 120 volunteers, putting on the McGregor Music Festival

Continued from Page 10

would not be possible, LeClair said.

That volunteer list includes the eight local bands – C2C Entertainment, Back 2 Back, The All Nighters, Exit 31, Looking Back, Brand X, Bad Moustache, and Wellness Band – all

of which donated their services for free to support the event and the quest to raise funds for the WECCCF.

“We couldn’t put on this event without the bands,” she said.

Event Chairperson, Sue LeClair, explained.

Last year’s installment raised around $78,000, and it is hoped this year’s event was also able to raise an incredible amount of money.

Though it will take some time to calculate all the event was able to raise, LeClair noted the pig auction itself raised an impressive $1934.

LeClair and her crew of volunteers continue

Voice Of Inspiration

“To love means loving the unlovable. To forgive means pardoning the unpardonable. Faith means believing the unbelievable. Hope means hoping when everything seems hopeless.”

~ G.K.

to organize and host this annual event because, “We know everyone has been hit by cancer. We need the best equipment possible in Windsor.”

Though the event is a fundraiser in the fight

Chesterton

Annual Walleye Derby makes a splash in Colchester

by Sylene Argent

Over 200 anglers and fishermen launched from

the Colchester Harbour on early Saturday morning, all with a goal of earning

the top spot during this year’s installment of the Greg Horoky Colchester

Walleye Fishing Derby. With perfect weather, fairly calm waters, and plenty of enthusiasm, the Rotary Club of Harrow ensured the muchanticipated fishing derby offered something for the whole family to enjoy.

Ray Fischer, Past President of the Rotary Club of Harrow, noted a small group of dedicated individuals work hard each year to organize the annual event, then to officially help launch the boats out onto Lake Erie as the sun begins to rise on tournament day.

They even offered the participants the chance to purchase breakfast sandwiches before they set out to find the perfect spot to fish.

The popular fishing derby, he said, offered

close to $10,000 in prizes, with first place bringing in an over 32-inch Walleye. The top anglers received a cash prize. In addition, door prizes were available

Continued on Page 13

Annual Walleye Derby makes a splash in Colchester...

Continued from Page 12

on how to reel in the biggest fish.

In addition to the traditional Walleye Derby and youth fishing derby, the Kinsmen entertainment tent with live music from the Dolson Road Band and a perch dinner were also available on Saturday. The Rotary Club of Harrow expanded the festivities for this year’s installment to include a bouncy castle and face painting for the youths, and a large vendors’ market and corn hole tournament inside Jackson Park.

and what could be improved for next year. The event would not be possible without the support of sponsors and the efforts of the planning committee.

to win.

“It’s pretty spectacular,” Fischer said.

The turnout of competitors, Fischer said, was phenomenal. He added that most of the fishing derby tickets that were available for purchase at various locations throughout the community were sold out.

As a way to get youth and youngsters interested in enjoying nature, alongside the fishing derby, the Rotary Club of Harrow offered a Youth Fishing Derby from the Colchester Harbour dock.

Fischer was pleased to see around 200 youths cast a line for the event that offered prizes for the biggest fish caught.

The youth turnout was so good that the participating children were still lined up to grab their free hot dog, pop, and bag of chips well after the last line was reeled in, Fischer added. Awards were available for the youths to aim towards earning in this fun competition.

The dock was loaded with focused competitors in the youth derby, and even the adults seemed to enjoy themselves as they helped their children learn the tricks

Though the annual event is a fundraiser, which will support Feeding Windsor Essex, the Colchester Guardian, and Project Hope, it is organized each year to simply bring the community together.

Fischer suspects over $15,000 will be raised through the event.

Organizers and volunteers will come together after the festivities and go over what went well

30th Annual Fun on Wheels car show takes over CTMHV

by Garrett Fodor

From restored classics to modern mods, and from polished chrome to rust patina, there was a wild selection of cars on display at the Canadian Transportation Museum & Heritage Village (CTMHV) during its 30th annual “Fun on Wheels” car show on Sunday.

Nearly 300 classic and new twists on modern automobiles lined the grounds and historic backdrop of the CTMHV for the annual car show for attendees to see and for judges to admire. United by a love and passion of all things automotive, attendees and participants were able to look, admire, and socialize amongst one another as they bonded over the cars they saw. That is something the event organizers believe is a truly special part about these meets.

“Any time we are able to get people out to our grounds is great, and any time we are able to bring in families

and generations – young and old – is incredible. We don’t want younger kids to lose interest in classic and modified cars,” Les McDonald, Chairperson of the Board of Directors for the CTMHV, said. “To so many, we are Essex County’s best kept secret and we want to change that and showcase what we have to offer and the incredible history we have assembled.”

McDonald noted that last year, CTMHV offered an additional prize to the pair of cars that won their car show contests. Aside from the accolades and the trophy, the cars also got to be featured on the shirts for the 2023 event, as well as both winners being proudly displayed at the centre of the show.

Outside of the cars on display, there was also an automotive swap meet, providing opportunities for those to find parts they were missing and decor for their home or garage.

McDonald, as well as Events

St. Clair Estate Wines Have your wine your way!

We are honoured to have been chosen as the business of the month. We have lived in the Windsor-Essex area for all of our lives and we feel privileged to serve all of our family, friends, and customers from the Windsor-Essex County and ChathamKent areas.

We are excited to announce we are celebrating our one-year anniversary as the new owners of St. Clair Estate Wines. Everyone is treated like family, and we are proud to offer warm and friendly service in our store. We are delighted to provide our customers the best value and experience, as well as over 70+ wines and bottling options.

We strive to find the best wine that suits your tastes and needs, from personal enjoyment on your deck, to a get together, or for that special day you are celebrating. We offer Wedding Packages, Bridal Specials – even Wine Wedding Favours, and wine supplies.

Whatever you are looking for, we work hard to meet your needs. If we don’t have something in the store, we do our best to obtain it through our many resources.

Thank you to Essex and the surrounding area for welcoming us and allowing us to be a part of your wine-making experience.

– Michelle & Garett Richards

Coordinator, Donna Shilson, noted the importance of having the support of a team behind them. In total, they estimate over 25 people volunteered Sunday or leading up to the event to ensure the grounds were maintained and ready. The car show serves as a fundraiser for the non-profit organization, which uses the funds raised from entrance fees for general operation and upkeep of the museum.

As the summer months roll in, they

noted they are excited to begin to have more activities available throughout the grounds. McDonald said each Thursday, they host a classic car drive-in. Shilson is excited to announce the next automotive and motorcycle swap meet will be held July 8 and 9. Details can be found on its website, www.ctmhv.com.

Both McDonald and Shilson are thankful for the team of volunteers who helped with the event as well as the public for continuing to support it.

Continued Essex Council notes - June 5...

Economic Development Officer, said the plan has short and long-term goals. Some of the actions may not be exactly relatable and the Town needs to see what is going to be the best actions that will benefit the businesses directly.

McGuire-Blais hoped the plan would be more user-friendly for everyday businesses.

Deputy Mayor Rob Shepley said the biggest thing is finding ways to bring people into the Town.

Council approves Gateway Sign Policy Council adopted the Gateway Signage Policy and allocated $5,000 from the Council Contingency Fund to be designated for the installation of gateway signage approved through the Gateway Signage Policy.

The Report to Council noted the Gateway Signage Policy establishes consistent procedures for the display of gateway signs, which includes responsibilities of administration, criteria for permitted signage, signage not permitted, and the funding model for gateway signs owned and operated by the Town of Essex.

It adds that in 2022, there were requests for gateway signage to be added for different reasons, and it was determined that a policy was needed to provide clear expectations to staff on what is and what is not permitted.

NoM: Supporting Essex Centre businesses during streetscape

At the May 15 meeting, Essex Mayor Sherry Bondy put forward a Notice of Motion that Council direct Administration to review options to promote the businesses in Ward 1 during the Essex Streetscape and Victoria Avenue Project construction.

This was discussed during this meeting.

In speaking to the motion, Economic Development Officer, Nelson Silveira,

explained what Administration has been doing to support and promote businesses. He noted through the My Main Street Program up until February, five businesses located within the Streetscape area earned a $10,000 grant through that program. The Town also promoted a variety of different programs available through that program.

In addition, the Digital Main Street Program was promoted to businesses, the Town website offers grant funding information, and the Town partnered with Community Futures about programs they offer. He said staff have also listened to business owners regarding project concerns.

Marc Tortola, Manager of Strategic Communications, said staff wanted to ensure the branding of the Streetscape project aligned with the Town of Essex branding, and has the tagline of “excitement is building,” to build anticipation.

Signs were created to note businesses were open during the Streetscape project. He also spoke of print and social media campaigns.

Bondy said it is great to highlight what the Town was doing and wanted to engage with Council to see if anything else should be done to support the business area.

Councillor Katie McGuire-Blais asked that the supports for businesses be listed on the website, that ads outline where municipal parking is available to aid visitors, and additional signage to municipal parking be installed.

Councillor Joe Garon wondered if something can be done to urge residents to shop and support businesses in a direct-tohome campaign.

Administration will come up with costs associated with some of the suggestions made and provide that information to Council at the future meeting, in addition

to where the funds could come from. NoM: review level of service for Town owned but not assumed beach roads

At the May 15 meeting, Councillor Brad Allard brought forward a Notice of Motion, which was discussed at this meeting. He asked that in recognizing that Essex’s beach roads are growing with development and improvements, Administration be directed to review and report on the current level of service for Town owned but not assumed beach roads and, if appropriate, provide low-cost options for raising the level of service of the roads with 2023 Council Contingency Funds and future budgets.

He said this is a good opportunity to take road millings from the asphalt and put them on the sideroads down to the beach to upgrade their level of service.

Deputy Mayor Rob Shepley said there are roads all over the municipality that need work. He wanted a report from Administration to come forward before making a decision on this.

Director of Infrastructure Services, Kein Girard, said there used to be a Beach

Roads Committee prior to 2008 that looked at what it would take to assume the roads. Ultimately, it was decided any improvements beyond what existed would have to go through the local improvement act, meaning neighbours would have to petition the municipality to upgrade the road, with the costs borne by the residents requesting the improvements. Then, the municipality would own it and maintain it. It is the most fair and equitable process, he said.

Council directed Administration to prepare a report to provide that information.

Notices of Motion to be presented at the June 19 Council meeting:

• Councillor Jason Matyi will ask Council to direct Administration to make Jackson Street, south of County Road 50, a Community Safety Zone.

• Councillor Matyi will ask Council to direct Administration to have a comprehensive safety audit of Colchester Beach and waterfront by Lifesaving Society, and further develop a safety plan based on the findings from the consultant. This Notice of Motion was presented at the previous Council meeting, but was postponed.

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

Please

FARMING

WANTED

Farm Land to Rent Cash or Share Crop

Call Jeff Siefker (cell) 519-796-1240 or (home) 519-776-9501. 1-tfn

SERVICES

KENNETH YARDWORKS - Spring 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

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

Travel SpecialS

St Jacobs, Aug 12, wine tasting, lunch and shopping, $139.00 CAD pp, Kitchen Party Leftovers, Petrolia, Sep 5, lunch and show, $169.00 CAD pp, Stratford, Rent, Sep 28, lunch & MAIN FLOOR SEAT, $169.00 CAD pp, Niagara Fall Tour, Oct 25-26, many inclusions, $335.00 CAD pp dbl, New York & Washington, Apr 29-May 3, 2023, call for brochure, many inclusions, $1699.00 CAD pp dbl, all tours are listed on the Southland Travel website www. southlandtravel.ca under travel specials.

Please contact Paula Rigg from Southland Travel at 519-776-9366 or 519-890-9513 or email paularigg27@ gmail.com Tico#50015786

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. 1-tfn

FOR SALE

FOR SALE - Used free-standing gas fireplace, 40,000 B.T.U.S. $200.00 Call or Text: 519-991-5578. 22-1T*

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

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. 1-tt*

YARD SALE

MULTIPLE FAMILY YARD SALE - Records, costume jewellery, knicknacs, kitchen items, men’s items, etc. June 17th 9am? Rain Date: June 18. 530 County Rd. 34 West, Essex, On . 21-1t*

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO PASS A ZONING BY-LAW AMENDMENT

APPLICATION: ZONING AMENDMENT APPLICATION ZBA-2023-12 (Section 34) of The Planning Act R.S.O. 1990, c.P. 13)

APPLICANT(S): Town of Kingsville

LOCATION OF PROPERTY: Town Wide

PURPOSE OF APPLICATION:

The Town of Kingsville has identified a number of Town parks and Town-owned lands that were found to be incorrectly zoned in the Zoning By-law as Residential, Commercial, and/or Industrial.

The Town’s parks and open spaces, as well as ERCA-owned lands, within the municipality require proper zoning to ensure they are held for their intended use, now and into the future.

Administration are proposing the introduction of a new environmental zone called ‘Environmental Reserve District’ (ERD). The purpose of this zone will be to protect and hold lands with environmental features not currently intended for recreational or park use and that do not fall within the current Wetland (WE) or Natural Environment (NE) zoning. ERD-zoned lands may be used in the future as parkland or kept as environmental/ natural heritage lands to the ecological benefit of the community.

It is proposed that appropriate Town or Conservation Authority lands in various locations across Kingsville are to be rezoned as either Parkland (PG), Recreation (RG), Public Utilities and Services (MG), Wetland (WE), and/or Environmental Reserve District (ERD).

A PUBLIC MEETING OF COUNCIL will be held on:

WHEN: July 10, 2023

WHERE: Virtual Meeting on Zoom, or Town of Kingsville, Town Hall, Council Chambers 2021 Division Road North, Kingsville, ON N9Y 2Y9

TIME: 6:00 p.m.

The Town of Kingsville and Council encourage your input, either in support of or in opposition to the above-noted application. Additional information and material about the proposed by-law will be available on the ‘News’ section of the Town website, www.kingsville.ca

Your comments on these matters are important. If you have comments on this application, they may be forwarded by phone (519-733-2305), email (planning@kingsville.ca), or mailed to the attention of: Town of Kingsville, Planning Services, 2021 Division Road North, Kingsville, ON N9Y 2Y9. Comments and opinions submitted on these matters, including your name and address, may become part of public record, be viewed by the general public, and be published in a Planning report, Council agenda, and minutes of the meeting.

For more information about this matter, including mapping and details on the subject properties, as well as information about appeal rights, contact planning@kingsville.ca

Country on Tap connects artist with the community

share their singing and, in some cases, guitar playing talent at the Essex Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion (Branch 201).

The “Country on Tap” event allowed local country singers the opportunity to showcase their talent at an event that not only entertained, but raised funds to support local artists on their journey to success or even stardom.

Janice Hunter, a local country music performer, explained the event supports new, up-and-coming artists from the area, whether that be competing at the international stage – like earning a chance to perform at the North American Country Music Association‘s international competition in Tennessee – or recording their own music.

“The goal is to introduce the community to local talent,” Hunter said of the event, adding she was pleased with the turnout and the enthusiasm those in the audience brought with them.

This group held a similar event preCOVID and they were pleased to offer it again this past weekend.

“We just love Essex,” Hunter said, noting many of the performers recorded their music videos in the area. In addition, some of the performers recently released new music they were excited to share.

“We are having fun, that is the main part,” she added.

Hunter was one of Saturday evening’s performers, and has recorded her own album called, “Living on the Edge.”

by Sylene Argent

Over 150 people enjoyed attending “Country on Tap” on Saturday evening, as nine local artists took to the stage to

As a team, after the event, they will decide how the money raised during the event will be distributed in supporting local artists to get on the international scene.

Other artists involved in the “Country on Tap” concert included 19-year-old Hayley Ducet of Tilbury, Granville Boutilier of Wallaceburg who won the 2019 Male International Entertainer for 50 and over and International Male Vocalist of the Year at the North American Country Music Association‘s international competition, Bernard Grass who has sang and performed with some of the best talent around Ontario, and Chris Mabb of Mitchell who recorded his album “Voodoo

Dawn” with a Nashville producer. In addition, the concert featured Laurie Ellen Goetz who began singing at threeyears-old, Don McLean – also known as Chicken Man – who is known for his tune “High Five,” and Dan Knight who is known for his work that is eclectic, yet direct and personal.

FromThe Heart

BIRTHDAY ANNOUNCEMENT IN LOVING MEMORY

OBITUARIES

IN LOVING MEMORY

In Loving Memory of

Brad

Miehls

November 6, 1970

– June 20, 2022

We think about you always, We talk about you still.

You have never been forgotten, And you never will. We hold you close within our hearts, And there you will remain.

To walk and guide us through our lives, Until we meet again.

~ We love and miss you Brad. ~

Love, Vanessa, Paige, Rylie, Justin, Mom, Dad, Pam, Eric, Isabella, Conor, Bernie, & Diane

IN LOVING MEMORY

In Loving Memory of Gary Garrod

June 16th, 2018

Jody Farough

Larry Garrod

June 17th, 2022

June 18th, 2019

Your battles are now over. No more pain, no more suffering. We still don’t understand why this had to happen to you. But, you are now our angels, so spread your wings wide and wrap them around us whenever we are missing you!

Rest Easy!

~ Love, Doug, Les, Cheryl, and our families

OBITUARIES

JOBIN, Lawrence “Butch”Passed away peacefully at home on June 6, 2023, at 76 years of age. Beloved husband of 52 years to Judy (nee Sexton). Loving father of Jeremy (Edwina), Jade Stratton (Andy), Jodi Popov (Adam), Jeffrey (Kim) and the late John Patrick (1970). Cherished Papa of Callum & Ayla Jobin; Kyle & Cole Stratton; Nadia & Max Popov; Josh & Kylie Jobin. Brother of Sheila Joch (Tony), the late Norm (Rose), Rhea Steadman (Jim), Dona McFarlane (Bill), the late Ron (late Madeline), Gay Bowen (Art), Lana Jobin, Terri Colenutt (Rick) and Lynn Myers (Ken). Brother-in-law of Susanne Rau (Larry), Elizabeth Sexton and Joan Staddon (Tom). Butch was a long-time member of St. Mary’s Parish in Maidstone. After retiring from Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens, he went for his morning coffee at Rose’s Kitchen in Essex. He spent many hours grooming his yard, pond, and trail. He enjoyed camping, playing cards, and various games, especially with his family. He loved finding the exact piece or part someone needed among the eclectic collection of odds and ends in his garage. Butch never lost his connection to nature and farm life. The visitation was held at the Kennedy Funeral Home Limited (519-776-7378) 128 Talbot St. N, Essex. The Funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Mary’s Parish in Maidstone. Interment followed at St. Mary’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Vincent de Paul Society or to The Friends of Algonquin Park. You may send your condolences online at www. kennedyfh.com

MCCALLUM , Shirley -It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our wife and mother, Shirley Ann McCallum (nee Mackenzie) on June 6, 2023, at the age of 83 at Bluewater Health Palliative Care. Predeceased by her parents Glen and Violet Mackenzie (nee Rounding). She will be greatly missed by her dear husband of 64 years, Archie McCallum. Shirley is survived by her 5 children, Todd, Mark, Nancy (Dave Gillatly), Paul (Marcia Thomas), and Jennifer, her 10 grandchildren, Alex, Riley, Randa, Kaleb, Mitchell, Mackenzie, Elizabeth, Jason, Ryan, and Owen, and her 4 great grandchildren, Oakley, Bowen, Joe and Ada, and the best sister, Darlene Steinberg (Gary). She was a true lady and a hard worker which she instilled in every single one of her children. She loved her entire family with all her heart. She was everyone’s biggest cheerleader. She loved Sunday dinners, crocheting blankets for her family, puzzles, watching old movies, and music. Shirley loved watching her Toronto Blue Jays and attending her grandchildren’s sports. She was very proud that she went back to school and became a Personal Support Worker. She loved the job and her residents very much. Shirley grew up on the family farm outside of Essex, Ontario. There she learned to love farm life, growing vegetable gardens and crops. She learned how to can her own jams and relish, cooking and baking which she learned from her mother, Violet. Shirley made the best turkey and stuffing dinners, butter tarts, homemade rolls, and lemon and apple pies. Her specialty was devilled eggs and the best spaghetti sauce ever. When in hospital, she was always concerned about every person who came to see her. She needed to talk to them and to make a connection. She wanted to make everyone feel welcome. In 1991, she battled breast cancer, and beat it. Ultimately it returned and took her from us, our beautiful wife, mother and grandma. A private family service was held at McCormack Funeral Home on Wednesday June 7, 2023. Remembrances and condolences may be expressed to the family online in “Shirley’s Guestbook” at mccormackfuneralhomesarnia. com. Donations can be made to St. Josephs Hospice. Sarnia, Ontario.

OBITUARIES

HYLAND, Muriel Agnes (nee McLean) 90 years passed away June 7, 2023 at WRH Met Campus with her family by her side. Beloved wife of the late Walter (Dec 2022) for 67 years. Loving mother of Joanne Clifford (John), Susan Bourque (Roger), Brian Hyland (Rina). Cherished grandmother of Jim Kosloski (Kristen), the late Jason Kosloski, Rebecca Grenon (Charles), William Hyland (Shelby), Virginia Hyland, and Matthew Hyland and great-grandmother of Riley, Benjamin, Sophia, Lucas, Isaac, and Madison. Daughter of the late Wilburn and Gertrude McLean. Dear sister of Ann Fulton (late Jim). She will be remembered fondly by her cousins Susan Rakay and Penny and Jim Blodgett and her international granddaughter, Helen Li. Daughter-in-law of the late Garnet and Gertrude Hyland. Dear sister-in-law of the late Bertha Nelson (late Murray), late Morley Hyland (late Sylvia), late Doris Colenutt (late Frank), Edna Nicholas (late Eugene), late Jean Hyland, Wayne Hyland (late Ann), and late Marie Hyland. She will be missed by many nieces and nephews.

Muriel was a loving wife, supporting Walter in growing and developing their family dairy and grain farm, enjoying summer evening crop tours with Walter. She also loved the many trips they took near and far. As a mother, she was a Soccer Mom before Soccer Moms were a thing, driving her own kids and their teammates to numerous sports events. She was a cheerleader for her kids at swimming lessons, 4-H, and Church Youth Group, among other activities. Muriel cooked many delicious meals for church functions, family events, and silo-filling days. Muriel was an active member of the U.C.W. for many years. She was a reliable friend to neighbours near and far. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren will remember her for playing cards, swimming, golf cart rides, and Christmases filled with gifts and family. She loved to shop for her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

A special thank you to the doctors and nurses that showed kindness and compassion during her health care journey. Visitation was held at the Reid Funeral Home, 87 Maidstone Avenue East, Essex (519-776-4233) on Sunday, June 11, 2023. Funeral service celebrating Muriel’s life was held Monday, June 12, 2023 at Bethel-Maidstone United Church, 933 Talbot Road, Maidstone. Interment Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations made to M.S. Society or Bethel-Maidstone United Church would be appreciated. Share words of comfort at www.reidfuneralhome.ca

Fresh food. Friendly neighbours

Salvation Army Essex Church

submitted by Carolyn Barnett

Our Food Bank is very much in need of pasta, pasta sauce, and canned soup. If you would like to make a donation, it can be dropped off on Tues., Wed., or Fri. between 9 -2. We are located at 26 Talbot South across from the municipal building. For more info call the church office at 519-776-4628.We appreciate your support in helping those who are in need.

Sunday, June 18th is Father’s Day and we invite you to join us for Family Worship at 10:30a.m. “I Am...the Vine” is the topic of Major JIm Hann’s sermon. Our sanctuary is air conditioned and we have an elevator for those who may need it.

Tuesdays from 10-noon join us at SA Cafe for coffee, tea, and snacks.We have drum fit exercise, jig saw puzzles if you wish, or you can just chat and make new friends. All are welcome to drop in.

Trinity Anglican Church

Rev.’d Hilton Gomes was inducted as Rector of Trinity and our sister churches. It was a beautiful ceremony. Congratulations Hilton.

There will be a change in the Sunday service times for July and August. Sunday service remains at 9:45am for the rest of January. All are welcome to join our friendly congregation. Follow us on social media for up to date news.

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

What’s Going On...

JUNE 17 - COGECO FREE BIKE DAY - Bike safety & education at Maedel Community Centre, 25 Gosfield Twln. W, Essex from 10am - 2pm.

JUNE 17 - ST. PAUL’S VENDORS MARKET - 92 St. Paul’s St., Essex. 10am - 2pm.

JUNE 24 - HARROW ROTARY CLUB & TOWN OF ESSEX’S 1ST SOAP BOX DERBY - from 8am - 4pm on King St., Harrow. Rain date July 25. For info: essex.ca/soapboxderby

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.

JULY 6-9 - ESSEX FUN FEST - 60 Fairview Avenue West, Essex.See full schedule of events and ticket information at: www.essexfunfest.com

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.

greetings in this free space. Email submissions to: contact@essexfreepress.com

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 ser vice 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.

Sunday school is now available during the service.

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. Stephen’s and Church of the Redeemer

June 17th is the Redeemer’s Yard Sale, Strawberry Social, and Bake Sale. There will be a barbeque going so you can have lunch after your shopping!

Homecoming Sunday in on June 18th at St. Stephen’s. The service begins at 11:15a.m. and will be followed with a light lunch. There will be no service at Redeemer.

Central Essex County Catholic Family of Parishes

Essex, Maidstone, McGregor, and Woodslee

Thank you to everyone who donated to our Family of Parishes refugee project, Hope for Maryam. We have reached our goal and now wait for their application to be processed with Immigration.

The Woodslee Squires are having a Car Wash and BBQ on Saturday, June 17, 3:30 - 6:30pm at the church.

There is a Euchre Night on Monday, June 19 at 7pm at Holy Name of Jesus church.

The parish office will be closed on Wednesdays for the months of June, July and August. Mission Groups and CWL are still collecting Foodland grocery tapes and cancelled stamps.

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

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: woodsleepastoralcharge. ca

ROAST BEEF DINNER is on Saturday June 24, 4-7pm. TAKE OUT ONLY. Tickets from church members or contact 519919-5715

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

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!

Our next vendors market will take place on June 17th featuring both indoor and outdoor vendors as well as baked goods and lunch!

Please keep our

Clothing Cupboard in mind if you are cleaning out closets, donations are always welcome!

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.

4H Cloverbud report

The Cloverbud 4-H Club met at Big Creek Performance Horse and Stock Farm near Amherstburg for our second meeting to learn about sheep farming. This was lambing time at the farm and the members learned about feeding, caring and housing for the sheep and lambs. Some ewes have twins or triplets or even quads! If a ewe is unable to feed all her lambs, colostrum is given to them the first day and then they are fed by a milk machine.

Big Creek also has cows and horses and chickens and even a pig. The Cloverbuds enjoyed learning about sheep and the other animals and want to thank the owners of Big Creek for teaching us about sheep farming at their beautiful farm.

Essex United Church

The Essex Food Bank is open Tuesday and Thursday mornings. The phone number is 519-776-4070. Come and join us in our air conditioned sanctuary!

Voice Of Inspiration

“All I have seen teaches me to trust the Creator for all I have not seen.”

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

~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Yard sale helps Maidstone Bicentennial Museum raise funds to help preserve the past

by Sylene Argent

Volunteers with the Maidstone Bicentennial Museum hosted a yard sale last Friday and Saturday, giving area residents a chance to look for unique items and even some antiques to add to their growing collections.

Many of the items available for sale were donated from two estates, and the funds raised over the two-day fundraiser will go to helping the Maidstone & Area Historical Society raise funds to help maintain the museum and all of the artifacts it houses.

Victoria Beaulieu, Curator of the Maidstone Bicentennial Museum,

said the yard sale was a way to raise funds as the Society tries to get ahead, after the COVID pandemic.

With Native Garden tours, a Butterfly Day, a Bee Day, a Pioneer Day, and possibly a Pirate Day planned over the coming months, “This year looks pretty good,” Beaulieu said. “We already have a few garden tours booked. It is nice to see.”

She said volunteers with the Museum are looking forward to

offering programs to help educate youths in a fun way this summer, and urges parents and grandparents to check out what is available and join in on the opportunities to learn about history and nature.

Those interested in learning more can check out the Bicentennial Museum’s website at www.maidstonemuseum. com

1957 Meteor found in a barn

Flyers Hockey Academy partners with A21

In the four years of the current ownership, the Flyers have had six players commit to playing NCAA D1 hockey, two current Flyers players are on the NHL’s Central Scouting rankings and the team just completed their last season in the GOJHL by winning the first Sutherland Cup in franchise history.

Fred Thorn of Owen Sound, Ontario, owns this 1957 Meteor Rideau 500 2-door sedan found three blocks from his house in a small barn where it had been stored for 22 years. Only 648 of this model were produced by Ford in Oakville.

The original owner, Mrs. Speerman, saw the car through the showroom window at Dominion Motors and bought it 66 years ago. She drove it for the next twenty-one years until, now elderly, she stopped driving in 1978.

When Fred Thorn heard about the car, he bought it in 2000 and towed it home. It has 70% original paint and 29,000 original miles. A sticker on the door jamb shows the last oil change in May 1975. The original spare and trunk mat were still in the car. All chrome is original except for the rear bumper. Inside the glove compartment was a 1957 map of Ontario.

Under the hood is a 292 cubic inch V-8 with automatic transmission. Fred has added fender skirts and whitewall tires (the wheel covers are original) and got it ready to put back on the road. Fred says “it drives like a brand new car!”

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

Submitted to EFP

In a continuing effort to provide the best opportunities for young hockey players in southwestern Ontario, the Leamington Flyers have partnered with A21 Academy to oversee their hockey operations.

“This is a truly exciting and unique opportunity for hockey in our area,” Leamington owner Cam Crowder states. “By partnering with a great school like A21 and the Flyers entering our first season in the OJHL, we envision this as a chance for young players to get world class training, development and an opportunity to pursue their hockey goals all in their own backyard.”

Flyers’ general manager, Justin Solcz will expand his role and serve as general manager of A21 Academy.

“Our mission statement is to empower student-athletes to reach their full potential on and off the ice,” Solcz explains. “With the staff we have assembled and the facilities we have access to, we expect this to be a destination for anyone looking to grow as a player, a student and as a person. The teaching staff do an amazing job on the academics side and with our proven player development model we will bring the same expertise to the hockey product.”

Windsor native, Justin Buzzeo will return home after a six-year professional career to serve as Director of Hockey Operations and head coach of the U18 program at A21.

The hockey academy staff includes:

General Manager - Justin Solcz

Assistant General Manager - Matt Dumouchelle

Head of Hockey Operations / U18 Head Coach – Justin Buzzeo

Goaltending Coach – Matt Anthony

Player Development Coach & Mentor

– Thomas Luxik

Player Development Coach & Mentor

– Dale Mitchell

Player Development Coach & Mentor

– Greg Day

Player Development Coach & Mentor

– Kyle Makaric

Strength, Conditioning & Nutrition

Director - Eric Palazzolo

A21 Academy will host an Open House to all current and future players on Wednesday, June 14th, 2023, at 7:30pm at the club’s facility inside the WFCU Centre.

More information can be found on the team’s social media channels, www.leamingtonflyers.com and www. a21academy.com.

Suddenly it’s 1957 again!

Escape Reality VR welcomed into Essex Centre

Photo submitted by the Town of Essex.

On Saturday morning, members of Essex Council and administration hosted a ribbon cutting to welcome Escape Reality VR to Essex Centre. It is located inside the plaza at 316 Talbot Street North.

“This is such an innovative and unique business and we are thrilled to

have you here in Town,”

Essex Councillor Katie McGuire-Blais said. “I know many children and adults alike will be very excited to try out the virtual reality experiences you have to offer.” She said Essex Council is committed to bringing new businesses to the area.

Family superhero day helps kids realize their super power

by Sylene Argent

The Reaching for the Stars Optimist Club of Windsor-Essex County hosted its second annual Family Superhero Day at Bryerswood Youth Camp in Amherstburg on Sunday.

“It is an all inclusive, hands-on fun day,” Tina Poisson said, who is the President of the Reaching for the Stars Optimist Club of Windsor-Essex County.

The event, she said, was a way for youths to discover their super power, which is their family.

Many local organizations – including Pozitive Pathways, Guardians of the Children, Special Olympics, Rising Stars JOI, JOI Teens, and Aligning the Stars Optimist Club – partnered with this Optimist Club to host interactive stations around the 25-acre camp. These activities allowed youths to plant a seed to learn about healthy eating, exercise, participate in story time, make bubbles, enjoy a sensory station, go on a nature scavenger hunt, take part in a teddy bear picnic, enjoy a Nerf battle, and meet and greet with Amherstburg Police Officers and Firefighters.

Though the event was free to families, sanitary products and food donations were collected at the gate in support of the Amherstburg

Poisson noted plans are already in the works to host the event again next year