Essex Free Press - March 9, 2023

73’s clinch first place, host Thunderhawks in first round of playoffs PAGE 23

ERCA taps into expanded Maple Festival

The Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) and surrounding local businesses are tapping into trees, along with local heritage traditions, in celebration of the annual Maple

This past weekend, ERCA kicked off its annual Maple Syrup Festival. Spanning three weekends and running until March 19, the event has grown to feature activities at two sites, including the John R. Park homestead and the Holiday Beach Conservation Area, in addition to nine local businesses showcasing the many uses for maple syrup in and around Essex County.

“We have been hosting a Maple Festival

for over 30-years,” Kris Ives, Curator and Education Coordinator for ERCA, detailed. “We have grown the event now, featuring a second site [at Holiday Beach] offering other activities, along with the new maple trail spanning across so many of our surrounding businesses. It’s truly an opportunity to see maple making, starting with pioneers and early settlers, all the way up to modern day maple making and how many of the processes are the same.” first weekend was “Lumberjack Weekend,” which featured various lumberjack inspired activities and costumes. March 11 and 12 will be the “Taster’s Weekend,” and will give visitors a chance to learn about the grades of maple syrup, uses, and baked goods. Closing out the month, on March 18 and 19, the Maker’s Weekend will

Proudly serving the community of Essex and surrounding areas.

teach the origins of maple making.

Each weekend of the event, attendees will be able to see the process of making maple syrup from the start through to the finish, from taping the trees to collecting the sap and later boiling it to remove the excess water. Attendees are also invited to participate in trying the maple taffy on snow.

Ives noted she is extremely proud of the first weekend, as hundreds of people enjoyed the maple offerings and the festival each day. She is excited to see the event continue to grow, now featuring the maple trail across nine local businesses, showcasing various artisan makers and uses for maple.

“We have tried to show all of the parts of the process from start to finish,” Ives

said. “It’s truly a fun family event with so much going on each week. To cap it off, the taffy making is my favourite part. Pouring the perfectly cooked sugar on the snow. We see so many people, new Canadians, people from different provinces, and even people from Quebec, all enjoying it. We look at our flag, featuring the maple leaf and seeing people put it together and why it’s our national symbol is rewarding.”

Ives invites everyone interested to visit its website essexregionconservation.ca/ maple to learn more about the festival or to pre-order advance tickets. She encourages families to spend a day exploring the festival and the maple trail and all it has to offer.

Monday, March 6, 2023

INSIDE ESSEX COUNCIL NOTES...

• Essex Fire & Rescue responded to 328 incidents in 2022 •

• Colchester Harbour Canteen Lease Agreement approved with Ice Cool Treats •

• Final update provided for My Main Street Accelerator Program •

• Statement of Remuneration and Expenses received • And More...

by Sylene Argent Council provided with ADUSearch overview and demonstration

Sarah Cipkar, Founder and Co-Lead Researcher for ADUSearch, provided an overview and tool demonstration to Essex Council.

The Town of Essex is using the ADUSearch webtool to allow property owners to discover if a detached ADU (Additional Dwelling Unit) – also known as an SDU (Secondary Dwelling Unit) – can be built on their lots, based on zoning bylaws in place for their municipality. The tool provides information on suitability.

ADUSearch’s mission is to help Canadians discover the potential in their own backyards. It was developed in Windsor. So far, it has mapped 30 cities, including Essex, Toronto, Hamilton, Ottawa, and Calgary.

So far, 6000 residential lots have been mapped in Essex. Of which, 3,113 are suitable and 76 are potentially suitable to have an ADU. In addition, 621 are suitable for an internal or attached ADU. There could be more in the rural residential zoning areas, which were not included.

Essex’s Director of Development Services, Lori Chadwick, said the Town has been progressive with these regulations and in working with ADUSearch for around the past year on this project.

The Town also has an ADU manual residents, builders, and contractors can use to help design and look at minimum building code requirements.

CAO provides update on recent ice storm

CAO Doug Sweet provided a high-level update on the February 22 ice storm, including how it was handled by the Town and challenges experienced.

On the day of the ice storm, the Town’s Public Works and Parks and Recreation staff were out salting roads, parking lots, and sidewalks in anticipation of the storm predicted later that evening.

He said most Essex residents lost power that night, between 7pm and 9pm, approximately when the storm began creating safety issues.

Between Wednesday evening and Thursday morning, Public Works received numerous calls regarding tree branches that had fallen that were blocking roads or tangled on hydro lines.

Fire dispatch, he said, was overwhelmed with calls on Wednesday night from the public, and all three stations were dispatched throughout the night in numerous

locations to assist in barricading roads, due to branches or hydro line issues.

The Harrow Water Treatment Plant, around 4pm, was also unable to communicate with the water tower transmitter, due to freezing rain. Staff were immediately dispatched to monitor the system to ensure the system was not compromised, Sweet said. Pressure was restored around 5:30pm.

The Water Division was notified at 7am on Thursday of two watermain breaks. Staff repaired both by 2pm, he said.

With hydro out through most of the municipality on Thursday morning, the only two Essex facilities with power were the Maedel Community Centre and the Essex Centre Sports Complex. The decision was made to close all facilities and use the Essex Centre Sports Complex as a warming centre.

The Town’s phone system was changed to

direct all incoming calls regarding storm damage to go to the call centre. Sweet said the system of contacting the OPP non-emergency line or the Town’s call centre seemed to work well as it allowed Public Works managers to prioritize emergency situations.

By 10am, the Essex Centre Sports Complex also lost power, so it was no longer available as a warming station.

For the first time, the Town used its Emergency Notification System to inform residents what was happening and how issues could be reported. This was sent to 6400 residents, who signed up for the notifications.

Sweet said the Town will continue to encourage residents to sign up for those notifications for future events.

The majority of power, Sweet said, was restored to homes by Thursday evening or Friday morning. Public Works contacted cable suppliers about downed lines, and further blocked

Continued on Page 5

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Howling at the Moon

••• Comment by Sylene Argent ••• The good old memory doesn’t work like it used to

Over the years, I have noticed I seem to not remember things as well as I used to.

I was once that person friends or family members would rely upon to put together details of an interesting happening years after it happened, but it seems my ability to retain even the funnier or more notable moments is getting a bit rusty.

I noticed this going a few years back and I have to wonder if it is getting worse or if people naturally don’t remember as much as I think I should.

For instance, I recently wrote about the amazing experience of seeing one of my favourite bands “The Tea Party” last month, and I could not recall how many times I saw this band live. To be fair, the trouble is, once you’ve seen a band in the same venue more than twice, you start to lose count.

A real head scratcher was when I was going through a drawer where I have some old concert tickets and I found one for Matchbox 20. I thought about it for days, seemingly unwilling to believe I was there, but then I think I remembered the opening act and am starting to remember bits and pieces.

Then, last week, my Facebook page presents to me a memory I posted several years back. It was a picture I shared from a theatre in Detroit expressing how much I enjoyed the Guns N’ Roses concert; this being just Axl of the original band, before the big reunion with the remaining members. To boot, I wrote how it was a similar concert to the one he played the previous December.

So, not only did I not remember seeing this concert, I didn’t remember seeing Axl twice! What

the heck! After some thought, some of the details of that show started to come back to me, but wow. My brain. What is going on?

I have been to a lot of concerts, so maybe it is not so concerning to forget being at a few...I hope. It is funny how the brain works. It can completely forget things we thoroughly enjoyed, until something triggers some sort of a memory recall, then we start to pull those details from files long forgotten. Conversely, isn’t it just a human thing, though, to have memories you wish you could forget, but just can’t shake?

I am sick about the grandparent scam. There are three entities involved here: the scammers, the victim, and the bank. All the advice has been...’talk to your elderly loved one about it.’

That would be fine, except that person, depending on age and cognitive senses, may not remember what you said a week, or a month from now.

Action is needed. I suggest, while talking to them about this, to make a plan with them to secure their savings. You could do Power of Attorney, or possibly set limits on what can be withdrawn from the bank. They could still have access to their chequing account for daily expenses, but the big savings should be locked, dual signature, or whatever means necessary to protect them.

The seniors are losing their life savings! It isn’t that you don’t trust them for everyday expenses, but the stories these scammers tell always have a sense of urgency, that

the matter needs to be taken care of today, and requires them not tell anyone (it’s a secret), or they could be fined for not going through with it, etc.

Banks could ask a few more questions, offer to call a loved one, or such. The bank staff should be made more aware of the stories these seniors come in with. Imagine all the banks, and customers, helping to stop these scammers.

Madonna Beaudette Windsor, Ontario

Essex Council meeting notes - Monday, March 6, 2023...

roads off due to these.

Town staff had to wait for hydro providers to clear lines before they could remove branches from roadways, for safety reasons.

He added that regular debriefing meetings were held over the storm event with staff, the Mayor, and hydro companies, to discuss where the problem areas were and where assistance was needed.

All Town-owned facilities reopened on Friday. Internal meetings were also held on how to address the cleanup and get messaging out to residents.

In regards to the cleanup, Sweet said he contacted EWSWA on Thursday morning to ensure it could take brush, and asked for the criteria. Staff established a cleanup plan for the Town on Friday morning. Options were provided to residents. A contractor was brought on to help Public Works with the cleanup.

On Tuesday, February 28, staff members met for a debriefing, reviewed challenges, and looked at ways to improve.

Some of the challenges included staff. There are only eight Public Works operators. With these types of events, it becomes challenging because they still need to work on winter control, have legislated rest periods, and deal with fallen branches and cleanup.

He said it is fortunate the Town has a team environment and Public Works staff worked with Parks and Recreation in the cleanup. Parks staff was limited, however, when recreation facilities were opened.

Another challenge was fuel and food, with power out. Staff did have a contingency plan if power wasn’t restored in a reasonable manner, which was not needed.

Staff are looking to install a manual bypass for the gas pump at the Public Works yard. Radios will also be looked into for use if cell phones are not working in a future event.

Administration is also looking at creating manual material and contact info for the public for when they have no power or internet, possibly to be added in the collection calendar.

He said after staff has been able to make one round of cleanup across the municipality, administration will reassess and determine if another round of cleanup will occur, or if the landfill drop-off locations will be promoted. The Town will also promote emergency preparedness two to three times a year for residents, so they can become better prepared.

In addition, Community Services is looking at adding generators at the two arena meeting rooms in future budgets to ensure warming or cooling stations if power is lost.

In addition, he said a challenge was the warmer temperatures following the storm, which created a hazard of ice falling from trees and poles. The Town, in the future, will create messaging on holding off on cleanup until it is appropriate to do so.

Administration will bring a summary report to Council on what the storm cost the municipality later in the year. Most of the costs will be associated with the cleanup, staffing, and lost revenue.

“It is important to remember that it will be several weeks until we have recovered from this ice storm.

We are moving in the right direction, but we do ask residents to be patient,” Sweet said.

In addition, Sweet said he was so proud of the support from E.L.K., and how Hydro One received assistance from across the province, with numerous line workers coming to the area to help get the power back on.

He thanked Town staff on their work they have done and continue to do.

Jake Morassut, Director of Community Services, said Essex Fire & Rescue attended over 60 different locations in the 32-hour span. He said Windsor Dispatch received over 1000 calls the evening of the storm and into the next day. He thanked its workers for their efforts as well.

Mayor Sherry Bondy thanked Sweet for his leadership and town staff for their efforts in addition to E.L.K., contractor Entegrus, Essex Powerlines, and Windsor Utilities Commission for their assistance.

“We did learn, but I think we did really well,” Bondy said. “It was an emergency and we will have talks at E.L.K. as well on how we can improve there.”

Essex Fire & Rescue responded to 328 incidents in 2022

Jason Pillon, Deputy Fire Chief, presented Essex Fire & Rescue’s 2022 Annual Report.

“It was a busy year, it was a good year,” Pillon said, noting in 2022, there were 328 incidents reported to Essex Fire & Rescue. That was an increase of around 20 percent from the previous year.

The increase was due to a rise in the number of responses in the Station 3 (Harrow) area, which had an increase of 48 responses from 2021.

Pillon said there was no real one specific call-type that contributed to why that went up. They were spread out throughout all its emergency responses.

In total, there were 38 fire responses, which was around 12 percent of the calls put into Essex Fire. Of

the fire responses, 15 had no loss fires, and 23 had dollar losses. Nine of them were vehicle fires.

Great training was provided to Essex Fire & Rescue’s staff last year, Pillon said. Training was provided to officers, firefighters, and District Chiefs.

Pet Of The Week: Hank

Hank is a great, big, loveable, happy guy! He is sweet and loves everyone; Adults, kids, other dogs! - He just loves life! He does have a protective side and will bark to warn, but then quickly get all wiggly and happy. He also jumps up in excitement and will need someone to continue to train him to greet more gently. He currently has heart worm, but is being treated for it and will need a family to keep him calm to recover. If you have the perfect home for Hank, 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

Kingsville to allow Additional Dwelling Units with requirements

by Sylene Argent

Kingsville Council recently passed a Zoning By-Law and Comprehensive ByLaw amendment, permitting the use of Additional Dwelling Units (ADUs) with a height restriction of six-and-a-half-meters within its municipality.

Administration will prepare and post additional reference materials for residents on the Town’s website, and will report back to Council in one-year in review of the height restriction, which was lowered from eight-feet after discussion during the meeting.

George Robinson, Manager of Planning, explained at its December 12, 2022 meeting, Council directed Administration to prepare Official Plan and Zoning By-Law amendments as required to address legislative and regulatory changes associated with Bill 23, the More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022.

Changes to the Planning Act proposed through Bill 23 are now in effect, the report to Kingsville Council notes, adding the municipality is required to allow up to three units associated with any single detached, semi-detached, or townhouse dwelling.

These units can be arranged in several different ways, including allowing three units in the main building, or allowing two units in the main building, and one unit in a detached accessory building, it adds.

Additional Dwelling Units must comply with health and safety standards, which include the Building Code, Fire Code, and any municipal by-laws.

He said he had been in consultation with other members of administration and members of the community in an effort to adapt Kingsville’s by-laws to accommodate the province’s new requirements in a way that was as compatible as possible with the municipality’s existing regulations.

Previously, ADUs were only permitted in a residential zone on full services. This change allows them in any zone where residential use is the permitted main use or accessory use, including Agriculture (A1) zones. The changes also only require municipal water service. ADUs are allowed on septic, if meeting Building Code requirements, Robinson explained.

ADU lot size was increased to 12 percent to allow for larger single storey dwellings to provide options for accessibility. ADUs in Kingsville cannot exceed 1067 square-feet, must follow setback requirements for the side and rear yard, and meet the height restriction.

Recommended was an eight-meter height restriction to allow a dwelling above a garage, while also restricting the height of an ADU to not exceed the height of the primary residence. Robinson explained this was to avoid having a two-storey ADU behind a one-storey residence.

Council amended the height restriction to six-and-a-half-feet.

Councillor Tony Gaffan first put a motion forward to amend the height restriction to six-feet. His motion failed, with three in favour and four opposed.

Gaffan asked if it wouldn’t make more sense to keep the visual at a one-storey –

Essex Stained Glass Saturday Spring Workshops

on... WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22, 2023

SAT., MARCH 18, 2023 AT 10 AM – HONEYCOMB, WON’T YOU BEE MY BABY

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

Fee is $85+HST

SAT., MARCH 25, 2023 AT 10 AM – SOMETHING’S FISHY

Learn to do a direct method mosaic project that is sure to add some fun decor for your home or backyard. We will teach you how to cut and shape the glass, adhere it to the backing and the application of grout in this day long workshop.

Fee is $70+HST

SAT., APRIL 1, 2023 AT 10 AM – CACTI CRAZINESS

These desert plants require no water or a green thumb to keep them looking great. Fusing glass, paint and glass frit will be used to create beautiful blossoms, thick stems and unusual shapes for these full fused beauties.

Fee is $80+HST

WORKSHOPS

start at 10 am

Time: 6:30 pm until 9:30 pm

regardless of what is there – to conform to the neighbourhood. He believed the height restriction should conform to make it palatable for the community.

Deputy Mayor Kim DeYong said the biggest concern she has heard regards the idea of a neighbour putting in a garage and a unit up above, which diminishes their backyard privacy.

She moved the recommendations presented, with the max height requirement

set at six-and-half-meters. It passed with four in favour and three against.

Councillors Larry Patterson, Sheri Lowrie, and Thomas Neufeld were opposed. Since the changes were announced, Robins said, the Planning Department has been inundated with phone calls and emails from residents who want to build an ADU, which are exempt from Development Charges, but require building permits.

Essex Council meeting notesMonday, March 6, 2023...

Essex Fire went over and above the required training of the Southwest Base Hospital Medical Program, and certified all firefighters in standard first aid and CPR. To his knowledge, Essex Fire is the only fire department in Essex County to have all staff trained for that.

With pandemic restrictions loosening, staff was able to get public education and fire prevention back to normal, and able to get back into schools and at community events, providing fire safety messaging to around 5000 people.

A key highlight was being able to open the new Station 2 last year.

Three proponents attended a mandatory site meeting to operate the Colchester Harbour/ Beach Canteen for the upcoming 2023 season and submitted a proposal.

The Town of Essex had an administrative team of four representatives independently consider the proposals. Ice Cool Treats, represented by Patricia Calcilhas, met all requirements of the scope to operate the canteen, and scored highest amongst the team of evaluators on the proposals submitted, the Report to Council notes.

Ice Cool Treats will pay a monthly rate of $700, plus HST, while operating.

Continued from Page 5

was involved with the business. Shepley was absent from the Council meeting.

Jake Morassut, Director of Community Services, said there is no pressure in any regard. An independent panel of four staff members from the Town evaluated submissions. According to the procurement policy, a conflict of interest was declared. Each staff member evaluated the applications in several different categories, and the ratings were averaged out.

Fee is: $269.+HST

SAT., APRIL 8, 2023 AT 10 AM – MOSAIC FAIRY DOOR

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

SAT. , APRIL 15, 2023 AT 10 AM – FUSED GLASS LANTERN

A beautiful addition to your backyard decor, this metal lantern will light up your creativity. You will be creating a one of a kind accent piece by replacing the existing glass with your own fused glass creations. Fee is $110+HST

SAT., APRIL 22, 2023 AT 10 AM – GARDEN TOTEMS

Beautiful glass in beautiful colours to add a pop of fun to your garden, these totems will be a great spring project. The finished glass size will be 6 x 14. Fee is $80+HST

SAT., APRIL 29, 2023 AT 10 AM – AIR PLANT HOLDER

This stained glass workshop will show the copper foil technique in 3 dimensional design. For anyone that has created this design, we will have a new fun shape to try. Fee is $80+HST

SAT., MAY 6, 2023 – TAKE A STAKE IN YOUR GARDEN

The best flowers last forever. We will be creating a full fused glass garden stake to add colour all season using fusing glass, paint, frit and stringers. Fee is $80+HST

“I can’t say enough about our staff,” Pillon said. “Our firefighters are extremely dedicated. They work very hard. They are very professional. They are the key to the success of this fire department,” Pillon said.

Colchester Harbour Canteen Lease Agreement approved with Ice Cool Treats Council approved entering into a lease agreement, and provisionally passed a By-Law, with Ice Cool Treats for leased space at 78 Sullivan in Colchester for a one-year term, subject to an additional two-years. This will commence May 1, 2023.

The Report to Council notes there have been three different operators since 2012. The most current operator notified Administration they would no longer be operating the Colchester Harbour/Beach Canteen for the upcoming season.

Councillor Rodney Hammond asked if there was potential to leave names off applications if someone on Council or from the town applies, so that does not weigh on the decision. He was not insinuating there was pressure. He noted Deputy Mayor Rob Shepley

Kate Giurissevic, Director of Corporate Services/Treasurer, said it would be hard for a panel to operate without the name of the applicant as background references are investigated. All members of the panel act in complete professional discretion. She said no pressure was felt.

Councillor Jason Matyi asked if there

Continued on Page 15

Introduce yourself to a new craft! We will teach you all the skills needed to create your own stained glass patterns using the copper foil technique. You will create a minimum of three stained glass patterns over the six week session. The use of required tools and supplies are included however there are additional fees for the glass.

County of Essex Council Notes for March 1, 2023

by Sylene Argent

Warden said meeting with MPPs on Bill 23 had “some heated conversation”

Essex County Warden and Leamington Mayor, Hilda MacDonald, explained she and County Deputy Warden and Deputy Mayor of Tecumseh, Joe Bachetti, met recently with area MPPs to discuss a series of matters, including Bill 23, (More Homes Built Faster Act).

At the February 15 meeting, County Council moved to send a letter regarding concerns on Bill 23, ahead of the meeting with the area MPPs. The letter was meant to request the Province of Ontario create a municipal reimbursement fund to compensate the County of Essex, and more importantly its local municipalities, in order that they be made whole as a result of

the impacts of Bill 23 on municipal growth funding revenues and expenditures.

In addition, it was to request the Government of Ontario pause the further implementation of Bill 23, and participate in meaningful engagement with municipalities, and other key stakeholders, to address identified concerns in order to achieve the shared goal of increasing housing supply and improving affordability and sustainability.

On October 25, the Provincial government introduced Bill 23 (More Homes Built Faster Act), meant to increase housing supply across the province to achieve the goal of creating 1.5M homes over the next decade.

Rebecca Belanger, Manager of Planning Services, prepared a Report

to County Council on the matter, which noted Administration believes that some components of the Bill are positive for Essex County and other changes are negative and require mitigation, especially those that impact the County and member municipalities’ ability to fund necessary growth-related infrastructure and support complete communities.

It adds the impacts to the natural environment resulting from proposed changes to Ontario’s Wetland Evaluation System (OWES) scoring methodology, and proposed changing roles of the MNRF and conservation authorities are of significant concern. In addition, the prospect of natural heritage offsetting for the loss of natural heritage destruction is also of concern.

It also notes the financial challenges

created by Bill 23 are significant. Revenue streams, parkland contributions, resources, and the ability to fund growth-related studies are negatively impacted.

At that County Council meeting last month, Bachetti wanted to hold off on sending the letter to have a chance to speak to the MPPs first, where other Councillors believed in a spicier approach.

In recapping the meeting with MPPs, MacDonald noted MPP Anthony Leardi was not at the meeting, however, WindsorTecumseh MPP Andrew Dowie and Chatham-Kent MPP Trevor Jones attended. They are both a part of the PC Party.

“I was spicy,” MacDonald said, adding that was countered by sweetness from Bachetti.

Continued on Page 8

County of Essex Council Notes for March 1, 2023...

“We did start the conversation, saying that we did understand party lines. We did not expect agreement, but we did expect them to listen and to take our asks back to the appropriate Ministries and also to the Premier,” MacDonald said.

“There was some heated conversation. Our expectation is that they did take it up; and time will tell if they did and who listened,” she added. “We are hoping for further conversation. We will see how that rolls out.”

Homelessness Hub “far exceed the anticipated utilization”

The Essex County Homelessness Hub began operating on September 6th, 2022. Between its opening and January 31, 2023, 167 unique individuals attended the Essex County Homelessness Hub to access services with a total of 740 visits.

“These numbers far exceed the anticipated utilization of this program and demonstrate the need of having homelessness services delivered locally in Leamington and accessible to the entire County of Essex,” Community Services Manager, Jeanie Diamond-Francis, said while providing an update on the program to County Council.

For several years, County administration had advocated for homelessness services to be located in the region’s rural municipalities, more specifically in Leamington, where the number of individuals experiencing homelessness continues to grow, Diamond-Francis said.

It was believed the number of individuals experiencing homelessness continues to rise throughout the County. Lack of affordable housing, increasing rates of inflation, and the impacts of COVID-19 are all contributing factors to the difficulties of maintaining safe and affordable housing, she said. In addition, housing and homelessness services were offered inconsistently and at various locations, which made it difficult for individuals without transportation to access services when they needed them.

To respond to these concerns, County Administration requested County Council support the development of an innovative program to address where individuals can receive various types of support, including housing and

basic needs.

On June 1st, 2022, County Council approved funding for a two-year pilot program for the County of Essex to enter into an agreement with Family Services Windsor Essex (FSWE) to deliver homelessness services to Essex County residents. These services were to be provided through the development of a Homelessness Hub located in Leamington with services to be deployable to any parts of the County where needed, Diamond-Francis said.

County Administration and leadership staff at FSWE collaborated to find appropriate space and engaged with the South Essex Community Council (SECC) to lease space out of its existing building, located at 215 Talbot Street.

The cost to deliver the program is $250,000 per year for the two-year period. This pilot program is funded under the Ontario Safe Restart Program, having no impact on the County’s operational budget and tax levy.

Barb Iacono, Housing Manager for Family Services Windsor-Essex, provided an update on the Essex County Homelessness Hub as the overseer of the Homelessness Hub project.

She said, in addition to serving individuals in need at the Hub, there are staff who can be dispatched if a referral is brought forward, and they will provide information to that individual in need and bring them to the Hub.

Services include getting individuals on the “By Names prioritized List,” which gathers names of those regionally who are in need of services. It also helps individuals with central housing applications, search for affordable housing, and connect to income support, in addition to others.

Some of the individuals served, Iacono said, include transient individuals who come from other communities.

Of the 167 individuals served from September through to January, 26 were couch surfing, two were living in shelters, 41 were living outdoors or on the streets, 63 were housed and paying rent (of which 82 percent stated their rent was above 30 percent of their income), 12 were living with family, and the housing status of 23 of the

individuals were unknown as they may not have wanted to have reveled that information, due to lack of trust in the beginning.

Every time an individual attends the site for help, that information is tracked, Iacono said. So far, the biggest service being food support, at 282 provisions of food items distributed, which is 66 percent of the work done for first time individuals. Sandwiches, soup, and fresh fruits and vegetables are offered onsite.

Looking ahead, Iacono said, they are trying to engage more service providers to offer more services onsite, setting up an identification bank to help clients get their personal identification as needed, creating a mail service, and providing bus tickets within the County and to Windsor.

Lakeshore Mayor Tracey Bailey asked if there has been consideration to secure annual funding though the province or federal governments, after the pilot program has been completed and wants to be proactive to ensure sustainable funding.

Diamond- Francis said all homelessness prevention or homelessness funding is allocated through the Consolidated Service Manager, the City of Windsor. Staff has been in contact with the City, noting how successful the program has been. Around the second half of the second year of the program, she suspects staff will try to obtain funding.

“I am pretty sure we will be at a point where it is going to be very difficult to discontinue that program as we continue to gain momentum as we move forward with it,” Diamond-Francis said.

MacDonald said those conversations with the City of Windsor have been taking place before this project got off the ground.

Conversations have also taken place with area MPPs to see what they could do in either allowing the County to handle funding or make the City aware the County needs more money, “and made them aware of the lack

Continued on Page 9

County of Essex Council Notes for March 1, 2023...

of willingness to share the pot of money that comes from the province to the City of Windsor. We will continue that, absolutely. We haven’t been quiet about it and we will keep pounding the table, if that needs to be done.”

County Council received the report. 2023 EWSWA Budget will have a 4.1% increase for fifth year in a row

County Council approved the 2023 Essex-Windsor Solid Waste Authority budget, and a 4.1% increase to the 2022 total municipal assessment of $13,810,740, based on a fixed cost allocation calculated on population and a Total Waste Management Fee of $41.00 per tonne for refuse delivered for disposal.

The total assessment to County of Essex municipalities and to the City of Windsor is to also include the increase in municipal tonnage from 2022 to 2023, being an additional 1,020 tonnes representing $41,820. The overall 2023 assessment to Windsor and the County municipalities will be $14,418,800.

Michelle Bishop, General Manager for the Essex-Windsor Solid Waste Authority requested County Council approve the budget, adding the EWSWA Board approved this budget on February 7.

2018 was the first year of ten for a 4.1 percent increase. This is to obtain a balanced budget in 2027. It is anticipated there will be a reduced increase in 2028.

She spoke of EWSWA’s 15-year forecast, including material estimates that are due for the upcoming changes in the Blue Box program. In 2021, the province released Ontario Regulation 391, which is the Blue Box program transitioned to EPR

or IPR – Extended or Individual Producer Responsibility.

Currently, the Blue Box program in all Ontario municipalities is operated and funded by the municipalities. That funding is also received by 50 percent of the net costs from the producers of the materials put into the marketplace.

The transition to extended producer responsibility transitions the materials’ end life obligations back to the producers that put the packaging of the material in the market. In coming years, the producers will be responsible for the Blue Box program moving forward. Therefore, many of those costs in running the program will come off of the authority’s budget. That is included in the 15-year forecasts.

EWSWA’s Rate Stabilization Reserve is projected to have a balance of around $11M by the end of 2022. That may seem high, Bishop said. This Reserve, however, is intentionally high, due to the volatile nature of operating the Blue Box program. The material collected and sold by EWSWA is a commodity, which is subject to price fluctuation.

EWSWA’s 2023 Budget includes operating expenditures of $35M, nonmunicipal revenue at $16.9M, and revenue from municipalities totalling around $14.4M. This leaves a budget deficit of $3.7M.

In order to balance the 2023 Budget, Bishop said a contribution from the Rate Stabilization Reserve will be required.

Community Safety Zone to be added to County Road 12

County Council amended the ByLaw that regulates traffic and parking on

highways within the Essex County Roads System to designate a Community Safety Zone in the Town of Essex, along County Road 12.

The area covered is in the existing 1.3km stretch posted as a 50 km/hr zone, around Colchester North Public School.

This Community Safety Zone will be in effect 24-hours per day, seven-days per week, from January to December.

Jerry Behl, Manager of Transportation Planning and Development, explained the County received requests from the Town of Essex for a Community Safety Zone or School Zone to be considered in the area around the Hamlet of Gesto. The study area is on County Road 12, known locally as Malden Road, and includes Colchester North Public School.

Staff for the Infrastructure & Planning Department, he said, completed a review of the roadway characteristics, traffic volumes, vehicle speeds, pedestrian volumes, and collision history to determine if a change to the speed to community safety was required.

Currently, there is an 80km/h speed limit, until the Hamlet of Gesto, where it is reduced to 50km/h.

When looking at the data, Behl said the traffic volume was fairly low at around 1000 vehicles per day. Truck volumes are fairly low. The collision history showed nothing unusual, with no pedestrian or cyclist injuries in the past five-years of data.

What was interesting, he said, is that although it is posted at 50km/h, the speed at which drivers were travelling was more like 69km/h.

County staff talked to the Colchester

North Public School Principal, who noted the majority of students take the bus. Some are dropped off by parents. Very few children walk.

After some analysis, Behl said it was believed the problem seems to be drivers not complying with the posted speed. The best way to gain compliance was a Community Safety Zone, which would reinforce the existing speed limit, increase fines, provide for a larger area, and keep the speed limit lower at all times, not just during school hours.

He said that will help children walking and the community at large.

The cost of implementing the recommended measures is under $5,000, and can be managed within the approved Intersection Safety Improvement budget, the Report to Council notes, adding the measures can be implemented within twomonths.

Essex Mayor Sherry Bondy expressed appreciation for the recommendation.

She said Councillor Kim Verbeek and many on Essex Council have been waiting for this for a while.

Essex Deputy Mayor Rob Shepley said that although the Community Safety Zone is a good start, without enforcement it will likely not do a lot to change most of the speeders.

The County did consult with the OPP about this area.

2022 Statement of Councillors’ Remuneration received County Council received the 2022 Statement of Councillors’ Remuneration and the 2022 Schedule of Other

Continued on Page 10

County of Essex Council Notes...

Remuneration for information.

The Report to Council noted that as Warden of County Council in 2022, Tecumseh Mayor Gary McNamara earned $87,891.72. With indemnities and mileage, his total was $101,050.45.

Leamington Mayor Hilda MacDonald became Warden in December. She earned $19,183.71. With

indemnities and mileage, her total was $20,600.99.

Tecumseh Deputy Mayor Joe Bachetti was the next highest at $12,789.27. With indemnities and mileage, his total was $16,073.97.

CWTAS overview

Essex County Council received an update from Jerry Behl, Manager of Transportation Planning and Development, regarding the County Wide

Active Transportation System.

Behl said the goal is to create connected communities with infrastructure that allows people to walk and cycle. This helps to contribute to economic development and tourism.

Once completed as currently proposed, the CWATS network is expected to include over

1,000 kilometers of active transportation routes, linking the County’s seven local municipalities and connecting to existing and planned infrastructure in the County’s neighbouring municipalities, including the City of Windsor and the Municipality of ChathamKent, the Report to County Council notes.

To date, 440km have been built.

The County adopted its first County Wide Active Transportation System Master Plan 11-years ago, and local municipalities signed a charter to encourage more active transportation. The Master Plan was developed to guide the County and local municipalities to develop an active transportation network and supportive active transportation policies and initiatives.

He spoke about three programs, which includes Core Infrastructure, Paved Shoulders, and Municipal Partnership.

In regards to the Core Infrastructure Program, there is an annual budget of around $1.5M, and a costsharing agreement in place with local municipalities.

This year, projects include a functioning design study for a multiuse trail, from Highway 3 to Talbot Road North, in Essex. There will also be design studies for projects in Lakeshore and Amherstburg.

Regarding the Paved

Shoulders Program, the County tries to align work with its road rehabilitation program. The annual budget is $2.8M.

Five projects are planned in 2023, including on County Road 8, from County Road 27 to 450M west of Graham Side Road and on County Road 50, from Wright Road to Dahinda Drive.

The Municipal Partnership Program has a budget of around $100,000. There is a cost share of 50/50 between the County and municipalities. It includes active transportation supportive programs, like bike repair stations, bike racks, and wayfinding signage.

There is also a Monitoring and Evaluation Program that has a budget of $100,000. It includes manual counts between May and August, and automated counters to determine trends on use of trails.

Lakeshore Mayor Tracey Bailey asked if the County has a road due

for rehabilitation, and it resides in a municipality, what is the communication mechanism, so the municipality can ensure it has the resources for future works.

Behl said there could be better communication. This year, there will be focus on having better communication earlier.

Notice of Motion re: feasibility of a tree cutting and site alteration by-law

Kingsville Deputy Mayor Kim DeYong put forward a Notice of Motion to be discussed at a future meeting, that County Administration report back on the feasibility of a tree cutting and site alteration by-law, pertaining to designated, protected natural heritage features and land identified on the natural environment overlay in the Essex County Official Plan.

This comes on the heels of Bill 23 (More Homes Built Faster Act), she said.

4H Poultry Club Report

Submitted by Evalyn Fuerth

What a great start to this year’s poultry club! The first club meeting was held on the 28th of February at the Civic Center in Essex, Ontario.

We started off with introductions of our leaders: Sarah and Susan Morris and Emma Denotter, along with all members whom where present. Then we learned and recited the 4-H pledge. We talked about what chickens and turkeys are available for this year, while learning the importance of each type of poultry. We also learned about the parts of a chickens.

We continued with elections, in which Jaime was chosen as the president, Heather as the vice-president, and Evalyn as both the secretary and press reporter. After finishing our meeting, we socialized over some pizza and got to know one another. Our next meeting is undetermined, but looking forward to learning so much more!

Dos and don’ts of healthy weight loss

Maintaining a healthy weight promotes long-term health. Being overweight or obese are risk factors for various conditions, including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The World Health Organization reports that the worldwide obesity rate has tripled since 1975. In 2016, more than 1.9 billion adults were overweight. Of these, more than 650 million were obese.

Health issues related to obesity are largely preventable. Losing weight in a healthy manner is essential for safe and lasting results. Individuals aspiring to lose weight can follow these guidelines on what to do and what not to do.

DO add lean protein sources to your diet. Healthline indicates the body burns calories when digesting and metabolizing protein,

so a high-protein diet can help to shed up to 80 to 100 calories per day. Protein also helps you to feel full, reducing the propensity to overeat.

DON’T get hung up on numbers early on. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises that even modest weight loss of 5 to 10 percent of your total body weight is bound to produce health benefits, such as improvements in blood sugar levels, cholesterol and blood pressure. Start small and gradually build up.

DO eat at least four servings of vegetables and three servings of fruits daily. Produce contains an abundance of vital nutrients and is often fiber-rich and low in calories, which helps you to feel full.

DON’T overlook the impact of beverages

on weight loss. The calories in sugary beverages, including some all-natural fruit juices, can add up quickly. Stick to water, tea or other unsweetened beverages to help with weight loss.

DO get moving more. The Mayo Clinic notes that while it is possible to lose weight without exercise, getting moving can help burn off the excess calories you can’t cut through diet alone. Exercise boosts metabolism and benefits mood and strengthens muscles and the cardiovascular system as well.

DON’T go shopping while hungry. If you do, you may make impulse buys that compromise healthy eating plans.

DO speak with a doctor if you are vetting diet and exercise plans. A healthcare professional can assist you by indicating if a particular diet or fitness routine is acceptable for your age, goals and current

health status.

DON’T forget to track eating. Most healthy diets involve some sort of caloriecounting, whether they actually require you to document your intake or use a formula to attribute “points” or another measure related to what you eat. Writing or tracking the foods and beverages you consume will provide the most honest assessment of habits that could affect weight loss.

DO include foods you enjoy. Completely restricting access to occasional treats may cause you to resent healthy eating, which can derail weight loss goals. The principle of moderation can apply to healthy weight loss as long as you account for the more calorie-dense foods.

Losing weight in a healthy manner is

How to spot reliable health information

(NC) Sometimes it seems like everyone thinks they’re an expert on health, and many people are quick to offer opinions on health information. How can you be certain you’re finding the best information from reputable sources?

1. Be skeptical

Take everything you read with a grain of salt. Information circulates quickly online, so it can be easy to think that what you’re reading has been fact-checked. However, that isn’t always the case.

Misinformation abounds because people can post opinions and make comments on health matters without credentials or sources cited. To ensure that you’re accessing the most reliable information, the key first step is to recognize that not everything you hear is true, especially if the information is associated with the sale of a product or service.

2. Access official sources

While you might be inundated every day with information from friends, family, social media, websites and more, you can very easily establish a few key reliable sources for news. You can’t go wrong with trusting official government websites. Health Canada is the leading source for reliable healthcare information that all Canadian citizens can access for free. Healthcare non-profits can also offer a wealth of information supported by doctors, experts in the field and individuals with lived experience. The Kidney Foundation of Canada, for example, has many resources about kidney disease, such as their website, webinars and social media feeds.

3. Consult your healthcare provider

If you feel like there’s a lot of conflicting information online or you have specific health concerns that aren’t being taken into account, bring those questions to your primary care physician. Especially if you feel like you may need to make any changes

related to your health, seeing your doctor should be a critical step in any decision-making process.

Following these three key steps will help you find accurate, fact-based healthcare information. Before trying any new diet fads, making changes to your drug and health products, or anything else, remember to be skeptical, check your trusted sources and, if needed, consult your family doctor.

Did you know?

The Alzheimer’s Association® reports that remaining socially active throughout adulthood can possibly delay the onset of dementia. And that’s not the only benefit to remaining socially engaged as an adult, which researchers have linked to reduced rates of disability and mortality. The Alzheimer’s Association® also indicates that social engagement may reduce the risk for depression in older adults. That’s a significant benefit, as the National Council on Aging notes that the risk for depression is elevated among older adults compared to young adults. Retirees can consider a host of ways to remain socially engaged, whether it’s volunteering, participating in clubs or moving to communities tailored to individuals 55 and older. Such communities may facilitate social engagement among residents by establishing or promoting clubs, organizing group sightseeing trips and arranging for other opportunities for inhabitants to get to know their neighbours. metrocreativeconnection.com

Spring activities for families to enjoy together

careful to keep their distance. Adults may be quite protective of their young, so it’s better to watch from the lens of a camera or with binoculars. Always resist the urge to help a baby animal who seems like it was abandoned. The parent may be a short distance away gathering food or trying to avoid drawing attention to the young to deter predators.

Get out on the water

A bright, warm day is an ideal time to enjoy the open water. Spring is a season when many marinas reopen and avid boaters put their vessels back into the water. You also can venture into streams or lakes aboard kayaks or canoes, getting

exercise and seeing the scenery in the process. Bring a fishing pole along and cast it into the water for a few hours of recreation.

Make wind chimes

Enhance the garden or decor around the home by making wind chimes or other percussion items that can create beautiful music when spring breezes blow. Commercially available kits are sold, but wind chimes also can be made from items like bamboo or even strung shells.

These are just a few family-friendly activities to enjoy this spring.

Spring is one of the most popular seasons of the year. After several months of chilly temperatures in many regions, spring provides a welcome reprieve from the cold.

Moderate temperatures makes it much more comfortable and inviting to venture outdoors, particularly for families with children who might not adapt to the cold as well as adults. The following are some family-friendly activities that make the most of spring renewal.

Visit botanic gardens

If there’s a botanical garden nearby, a visit in spring is a great time to soak

in the beauty of nature. That’s because an abundance of flowers bloom during the spring, meaning a garden will be in peak form. Visitors can meander through rows of rose bushes or tour the labyrinth of trimmed hedges. Beautiful, flowering cherry trees, with their delicate pink or white petals, also are sights to behold in spring.

Prepare a home garden

Visiting a garden is one thing, creating one at home is another. In addition to planning a vegetable garden to enjoy tasty pickings throughout summer, you can devote some property to flowers that will attract wildlife. Check with a garden center about which flowers and plants attract butterflies and other beneficial insects. Many garden centers sell butterfly and hummingbird mixes to attract wildlife.

Go animal watching

Flowers are not the only thing on display come the spring. Many animals, including birds, are born this time of year. Baby animals are not only adorable, they can be entertaining to watch grow. Families can spend time viewing the animals that visit their yards or surrounding parks, being

The link between a healthy diet and a healthy heart

Heart disease is a leading cause of death across the globe. According to the World Health Organization, ischaemic heart disease is responsible for 16 percent of the world’s total deaths. The WHO also points out that, between 2000 and 2019, deaths due to ischaemic heart disease rose by more than two million.

Though not all deaths due to heart disease are

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preventable, many are, and researchers have discovered various ways individuals can reduce their risk for heart disease. One way individuals can protect their heart health is to eat a healthy diet. The link between diet and heart health is significant. Recognition of that link can help people concerned about heart disease develop a dietary plan that reduces their risk for this all-toocommon killer.

A healthy diet, weight and heart health

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention note that a healthy diet is balanced and includes a variety of nutritious foods. In fact, one easy way to determine if a plate is healthy is to see how colourful it is. The CDC notes that “eating the rainbow” means a plate is filled with an array of colours, which typically means an individual is eating healthy foods. Such a plate may include dark, leafy greens; bright red tomatoes; colourful fruits like oranges; and even fresh herbs. Such foods tend to be loaded with vitamins, fibers and minerals and low in added sugars, sodium, saturated

fats, trans fats, and cholesterol. That makes it easier for individuals to achieve and maintain a healthy weight, which in turn reduces their risk for heart disease. A recent study from researchers at Johns Hopkins found that obesity itself can lead to heart failure, even in the absence of markers for heart disease like high blood pressure, diabetes and elevated cholesterol that have long been used to determine an individual’s risk for heart disease. So by using a nutritious diet to maintain or achieve a healthy weight, individuals are thus lowering their risk for heart disease, even if they do not presently have any of the established markers indicating that risk has been elevated.

A healthy diet, cholesterol and heart health

Of course, many people already have learned that they are at an elevated risk for heart disease due to certain lifestyle choices, including poor diet. A poor diet can cause a host of health problems, including elevating cholesterol levels. According to the Heart & Vascular Center at Valley View Hospital

in western Colorado, a diet high in saturated fat can lead to heart disease because it can increase cholesterol levels. The Mayo Clinic notes that, when a person has high cholesterol, fatty deposits can develop in the blood vessels. Those deposits eventually grow, making it difficult for sufficient blood to flow through the arteries. The deposits also can break and form clots that can cause heart attack or stroke. Though Harvard Health notes that some people are genetically predisposed to high blood cholesterol, a diet that limits intake of saturated fat can help most people maintain healthy cholesterol levels, thus reducing their risk for heart disease. Foods high in saturated fat include pork, beef, lamb, cream, butter, and cheese. Heart disease claims the lives of millions of people across the globe every year. Diet is an undeniable ally in the fight against heart disease, and individuals who commit to eating right can greatly reduce their risk for heart disease.

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Essex Council meeting notes - Monday, March 6, 2023...

may be opportunities for youths or entrepreneurs in regards to canteens, instead of the metrics favouring existing businesses.

Morassut said it really comes down to the proposals put forward. Ultimately, the Town evaluates the business plan.

CAO Doug Sweet added the Town needs certain requirements from vendors, and that can be difficult for youths to meet.

Final update provided for My Main Street Accelerator Program

Nelson Silveira, Manager of Economic Development, provided a final update on the My Main Street Local Business Accelerator Program.

In December of 2021, the Town of Essex was approved for funding through the My Main Street Local Business Accelerator Program. The Town was one of 65 successful applicants in Ontario that received funding for a dedicated Main Street Ambassador contract position, customized marketing research, data analysis, and non-repayable funding contributions for small businesses in Essex Centre and Harrow downtowns, the Report to Council notes.

The position started last February, and helped businesses apply for funding, identify opportunities and challenges, and provided training. This person also created a Community Market Profile for businesses, which was secondary market research to understand the community’s trade area, demographics, how residents spend their money, etc.

The Town received $57,000 in funding for the position, and $100,000 to distribute to local businesses through 10 grants, all of which were approved to businesses in Essex Centre and Harrow.

Overall, he said it was a successful program.

Statement of Remuneration and Expenses received

Essex Council received the Statement of Remuneration and Expenses for 2022.

Remuneration only for Council members included: $37,449.84 to Richard Meloche as Mayor/Deputy Mayor; $ 23,966.35 to Sherry Bondy as Mayor/Councillor; $20,883.32 to Steve Bjorkman as Deputy Mayor/Councillor; $21,400.16 to Kim Verbeek as a Councillor; $21,387.60 to Joe Garon as a Councillor; $19,666.79 to Chris Vander Doelen as a Councillor; $18,767.79 to Morley Bowman as a Councillor; and $16,985.02 to Jason Mayti as a Councillor, who started in March of 2022.

The chart also outlined new councillors, elected in the fall and former Mayor Larry Snively.

The report also shows dollars earned through certain committee work to Councillors and members from the community.

NoM: letter to support reinstating previous legislation permitting a municipality to apply for and retain surplus proceeds from a tax sale

At the February 6 meeting, Mayor Sherry Bondy put forward a Notice

of Motion for discussion on Monday evening, asking Council to direct Administration to send a letter to all relevant taxation bodies, including the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and the Ministry of Finance, urging them to reinstate previous legislation (Municipal Act s. 388.2) that permitted a Municipality to apply for and retain the surplus proceeds from a tax sale in their jurisdiction.

The rationale, Kate Giurissevich, Director of corporate Services/Treasurer, said is based on the work municipalities have to do in regards to the sale and because the property is physically located within the municipality.

Legislation, she said, has changed, and all proceeds in excess of the cancellation price, which is the overdue taxes for the municipality, are forwarded to the province.

Council passed the motion and will also send the letter to AMO, County Council, the Essex MPP, and all Ontario municipalities.

NoM: Letter to ask MPAC to investigate tax classification of shortterm rental units

At the February 21 meeting, Councillor Rodney Hammond put forward a Notice of Motion for Monday evening, asking Council to direct Administration to send a letter to the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (“MPAC”), the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and any other relevant bodies, to investigate the tax classification of short-term

rental units and consider taxing them as commercial as opposed to residential.

He believes this is something the Town is entitled to. He does not believe it is right rental units in residential areas are charged residential taxes, when they earn an extra income.

Director of Corporate Services/ Treasurer, Kate Giurissevich, said currently MPAC must follow specific regulations for tax classification for these units. It states a rental property is considered residential, until it has seven or more self-contained units. At that point it becomes a commercial designated property. The fact Short Term Rentals conduct commercial businesses means perhaps the parameters of the regulation should be looked at.

In speaking to the Manager of Economic Development, she will bring forward the concept of a Municipal Accommodation Tax at the local treasurers’ group to speak to that.

Councillor Jason Matyi said he likes the idea and wants to hear what MPAC has to say about it.

The motion passed.

NoM: on safety measures for South Talbot/Victoria postponed

At the March 20 meeting, Councillor Joe Garon will ask Council to direct Administration to provide a report on safety measures for the corner of South Talbot Road and Victoria Avenue, which may include lighting and adding a 4-Way Stop. This Notice of Motion has been postponed.

46 TALBOT SHOP - A METAPHYSICAL SUPPLY STORE & MORE!

46 Talbot Shop is a local holistic wellness and gift shop located in Essex, Ontario. It will celebrate its one-year anniversary in town on April 1st. Curated by YQG Crystals and Higher Vibes Creations, the store has items from over 25 local and Canadian businesses within the shop. Whether you’re looking for crystals, home decor, incense, books, clothing, jewellery, gifts etc., shoppers can find something for everyone!

The shop also offers public and private events, workshops, classes, reiki treatments, and psychic medium readings. Both owners, Ash and Cass, are typically present during store hours to answer questions about crystals and reiki, as well as take inquiries for custom apparel and home decor orders. Hours change, seasonally, so check in with us to see when we are open.

You can follow 46 Talbot Shop, YQG Crystals, and Higher Vibes Creations on social media for contests and more up-to-date announcements!

Ash and Cass hope to see you soon!

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 - Fall 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

INCOME TAX PREPARATION: Good rates on personal, rental, and business returns. E-file or paper file. Call Jeannette Grass (519) 890-9111. 8-10t*

HELP WANTED

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

HELP WANTED

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

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

FOR SALE

FOR SALE - Aluminum Martin Houses: 1-4 level hexagon, 24 rooms with mast. 3-2 level rectangular, 16 rooms each. Call for prices: 519-990-5134. 08-2t

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

WANTED

WANTED - Someone to do a chainsaw carving of a tree stump. Call: 519-7376584. 9-1t*

REAL ESTATE

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

REAL ESTATE

HOUSE FOR SALE - OPEN HOUSEMarch 12, 1-4PM . 6040 Malden Rd.

In the village of Maidstone. Just under 3 acres. 4 bedrooms,1 bathroom, large kitchen, living room and laundry room. Detached 3 car garage. Immediate Occupancy. Call (Day) 519-776-5816, (Evening) 519-980-7117. 9-1t

New Youth Council Reps looking forward to getting involved

and is thinking about attending university to obtain a Bachelor of Business Administration and then attending law school.

Smith is a grade nine student, who enjoys science classes and hopes to take history and law as she advances through high school to see how she likes it. She also plans to get on Student Council next year.

Her mom sent her the link about the position when it was posted, and Smith said she was immediately interested in applying after reading the details. She decided to apply and was excited to learn she earned a position.

“I’ve always been interested in politics. I wanted to try it out and get involved,” she said, noting this position gives her that opportunity. “I am excited to get involved in the community in a more direct way.”

She is most interested in being able to speak up for those who cannot advocate for themselves.

“I am looking forward to getting started,” she said.

One of the youth-related issues she said she wants to have discussions about in the future regards bullying and finding solutions to curtail the issue.

by Sylene

Argent

After turning to the community to seek applications from interested local students, Essex Council recently appointed Lauryn Smith and Colin Pyne as the two new volunteer, non-voting Youth Council Representatives.

The two Youth Council Rep positions were implemented several years ago to give two local students a chance to sit at the municipal decisionmaking table during regular Council meetings to provide input on topics of discussion from a younger perspective.

Both Pyne and Smith attend Essex District High School (EDHS).

Pyne is a grade 11 student.

“I have always kind of had an interest in the community and municipal politics,” Pyne said, who has served on Student Council for nine terms and on Parent Council for two terms. “This is something new to build skills and give back to the community.”

He is interested in the ability to make decisions that will have a positive impact.

“It is not always about making decisions that will be popular, but the ones that are right for the time.”

Specifically looking at the rate of current residential development and ensuing green spaces reflect those areas with that growth, and ensuring infrastructure is sustainable with current services with additional growth is important to Pyne.

As a student, he can relate to why fellow youths

enjoy what they do and is looking forward to bringing a perspective that reflects youth interests.

In school, Pyne enjoys business and law classes,

Pyne and Smith are looking forward to attending training for their new positions in the coming weeks with Town of Essex staff. Smith and Pyne plan to be available to other students, so they can bring forward their concerns.

Photo of newly appoint Youth Rep on Essex Council, Colin Pyne, submitted.

Photo of newly appoint Youth Rep on Essex Council, Lauryn Smith, submitted.

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.

Local OPP updateIncrease in fraud reports across Essex County

Person of Interest Identified and Charged

submitted to EFP

From February 28th to March 2nd, 2023, Essex County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has responded to 14 reports of fraud across Essex County. Two of the occurrences resulted in a total financial loss of $15,000. These frauds are also known as the Grandparent or Emergency scam where someone calls the victim posing as or on behalf of a family member who is reported to be in police custody and requires cash for bail.

On Monday, March 6, 2023, a person of interest who was captured on security camera has been identified and arrested.

As a result, Amaryss D’Lynn HALL TODD, 25 years-of-age of Windsor, has been charged with:

Voice Of Inspiration

“...go in the direction your head is pointed in.”

What’s Going On...

MAR 11 & 12, 18 & 19 - MAPLE SYRUP FESTIVAL - John R. Park Homestead & Holiday Beach. For all information: www.essexregionconservation.ca/maple

MAR 15 - KINGSVILLE BLOOD DONOR CLINIC - Grovedale Arts & Culture Centre - 103 Park St., Kingsville. Visit online at: blood.ca or call: 1-888-236-6283.

MAR 19 - ESSEX COUNTY ORCHID SOCIETY MEETING - RESTREPIA WORxKSHOP - St Stephen’s Church Hall, 5280 Howard Ave; Oldcastle. New members always welcome.

MAR. 25 - ROAST BEEF DINNER - Trinity United Church, New California, 1005 Road 2 W., Kingsville, 4-7pm. Take-out only. For info & to order: 519-733-2020. Order by March 21.

MAR. 28 - BELLE RIVER BLOOD DONOR CLINIC - At St Simon & St Jude Parish Hall, 267 Meunier Street. To book an appointment, visit: blood.ca or call: 1-888-236-6283.

APR 12 - ESSEX BLOOD DONOR CLINIC - Essex Centre Sports Complex - 160 Fairview Ave W., Essex. Visit online at: blood.ca or call: 1-888-236-6283.

APRIL 29 - WETRA’S BLUE JEAN BASH - at WETRA: 3323 North Malden Rd., Essex.

5pm - Midnight - Dinner, dancing, entertainment, etc. For all info: www.wetra.ca

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.

Fraud Over $5000 S.380(1)(a) (Four Counts) The OPP are asking anyone who has been contacted in a similar manner to call police at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or leave an anonymous online message at www.catchcrooks. com where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.

Leardi, PA Gallagher Murphy tour Windsor Surgical Centre with Dr. Tayfour

submitted to EFP

On Friday, March 2, Essex MPP Anthony Leardi welcomed Newmarket-Aurora MPP Dawn Gallagher Murphy, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Health, to the riding of Essex.

The tour began with a visit to the Harrow Health Centre (HHC), where PA Gallagher Murphy and MPP Leardi met with Clinical Director, Kim Everett, and Executive Director, Andrew Atkins. The group toured the facility after a meeting to discuss the HHC’s status, programs and issues.

MPP Leardi and PA Gallagher Murphy then visited the Windsor Surgical Centre, where Dr. Fouad Tayfour and his staff took the MPPs on a tour of the facility.

The facility, which opened in October of 2022, is mainly focused on cataracts, and is set to complete around 6,000 cataract procedures this year.

Earlier this year, the Ontario government announced a

Cemeteries Reminder

In accordance with the town by-law, the Town of Essex reminds residents that all wreaths, flowers, etc. are to be removed from Town of Essex cemeteries no later than Saturday, April 1, 2023 to allow for spring and summer maintenance.

We thank you in advance for your co-operation. For questions or information about Town cemeteries, please contact:

Shelley Brown, Acting Clerk Town of Essex

33 Talbot Street South, Essex 519-776-7336, extension 1129 clerks@essex.ca

three-step plan to speed up how quickly people are able to get surgeries and procedures using their health card. Step One of that plan includes tackling the existing backlog for cataract surgeries, which has one of the longest waits for procedures.

New partnerships with community surgical and diagnostic centres, such as the Windsor Surgical Centre, will dramatically increase the number of cataract surgeries, which can be performed while removing pressure from hospitals. Collaborating with Community Surgical and Diagnostic Centres will lead to 14,000 OHIP-insured cataracts surgeries added each year.

“By partnering with community surgical and diagnostic centres like the Windsor Surgical Centre, we’re making it easier and faster for people to connect to convenient care closer to home, including ... the surgeries they need, like cataracts, to maintain a high quality of life,” PA Gallagher Murphy said. “And we have been clear: Ontarians will always access the health care they need with their OHIP card, never their credit card.”

“Dr. Tayfour and his staff are modern day miracle workers,” MPP Leardi said. “I am proud of this progressive and compassionate policy, which will serve thousands of people in the riding of Essex and in the surrounding region, giving them healthcare where and when they need it.”

~ Jung Chang

Photo submitted: PA Gallagher Murphy and MPP Leardi tour the Windsor Surgical Centre with Dr. Tayfour.

Salvation Army Essex Church

submitted by Carolyn Barnett

”Take Up Your Cross and Follow Me “ is the theme of Major JIm Hann’s sermon on Sunday, March 12. Join us for Family Worship at 10:30a.m.

WEAR YOUR GREEN to SA Connections on Tuesday, March 14th. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with us from 10a.m.-1p.m. Bible Study follows from 1 - 2p.m. as we look into the book of 1 John.

On Wednesday, March 15th, Russell Rogers will lead the Lenten service at 12noon at the Salvation Army Community Church. A light lunch will follow, and free will offering will be accepted.

Our Food Bank number is 519-776-4628. If you are considering making a donation of non perishable goods, we are always in need of canned chicken, tuna, ham and fruit. We will gratefully accept your donations Tues., Wed., and Fri. between 9 - 2.

St. Paul’s Anglican Church

submitted by Sandra Lypps

Join us for Sunday service each week at 11am. All are welcome to join us! Thank you to everyone who came out to our most recent pasta dinner and especially to WECAP for performing!

On Friday, March 10th at 7pm join us at St Paul’s for a Piano Concert for International Women’s Day with Sydney Brouillard Coyle, admission by donation.

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

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 .

Trinity Anglican Church

Lent - How are you preparing for Easter? Fasting, reading the holy word? Acts of Kindness? Tell your family and friends what you are doing and why.

Coffee Hour is on Sunday, March 12 after the service.

On Sunday, March 19th at 11am, Colleen Sylvester from Hickey Byrne Law firm will discuss the importance of having an updated will, power of attorney and more. All are welcome to attend.

Sunday services with Rev.’d Hilton Gomes are celebrated at 9:45 am. All are invited to join our growing family.

Essex Christian Reformed Church

submitted by Beverley Van Huizen

You are invite you to join us each Sunday at 10am in person or online, at www.essexcrc.ca. Or you may join us online each Sunday morning beginning at 10am. Nursery supervision provided.

All are welcome to a special Prayer Path for Lent at the church in the front yard. Simply go through the prayer guide at each bench and reflect, take your time with the questions, and look forward to Jesus who went to the cross.

Come be part of the community, our Take-a-book Leave-a-book library is now in front of Essex CRC church. GEMS and Cadets meet on Monday evenings from 6:30 - 8:00pm. This is a great club for girls and boys from Grade 1-8, where we participate in bible studies, crafts

and games. All are welcome to attend.

Bethel-Maidstone United

Our service begins at 10am on Sunday mornings. All are invited to hear Rev. Paul Rodey’s message. Please join us, as we enter the Lenten Season. We enjoy coffee hour in the hall after the service. All are welcome.

Choir practice has begun, and is held at 9am prior to the service to practice an anthem for Easter. All are welcome.

Rev. Paul will be the guest speaker at the noonhour Lenten service at St. Paul’s Anglican Church on Wednesday, March 29. A light lunch will follow all services, free will offering gratefully accepted.

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

Central Essex County Catholic Family of Parishes

Essex, Maidstone, McGregor, and Woodslee

St. Vincent de Paul is having a Lenten food drive at each church. Please donate non-perishable can goods. Please remove all winter decorations from your loved one’s grave at each of our Family of Parishes cemeteries by the end of March.

If you have any unused eye glasses, please drop them off at Holy Name of Jesus church and they will be sent to third world countries.

We are accepting gift cards for coffee in the collection basket for the homeless. Drop them off at Holy Name of Jesus church.

St. Mary’s Lenten Euchre card party results are 1st Diane Dennis, 2nd Bob McGuire, 3rd Jodi Popov, 4th Laura White, and low score, Gloria Markovich. Come out Sundays during Lent to play cards at 7pm, St. Mary’s Hall

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 are on our website: woodsleepastoralcharge.ca

Join us for coffee and conversation every Thursday at 10am. Enjoy Playing Cards? Join us every Monday at 1pm for Euchre, and every Wednesday at 1pm for Pepper.

Essex United Church

Rev. Lexie Chamberlain will lead our worship this coming Sunday, March 12th. Please come and join our 10:30 service with coffee to follow. Rev. Lexie’s message is on our website, essexunitedchurch.ca

The Wednesday Lenten service will be held at the Salvation Army at noon on March 15th. Rev. Russell Rogers will lead this service and it will be followed with a light lunch.

Continued on Page 21

Over35years

Flyers hold commanding 3-0 series lead, looking to close

Continued from Page 19

The Essex Food Bank is open Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Please call 519-776-4070 for more information.

St. Stephen’s and Church of the Redeemer

Join the fun and fellowship at St. Stephen’s and help to make their famous meat pies on March 13th, 14th, and 15th at 9a.m. The individual meat pies can be purchased by calling 519-257-1945.

The final Soup for the Soul Sunday until the fall at Church of the Redeemer will be held Sunday, March 19th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Don’t miss the opportunity to sample several of the fifteen flavours of soup, along with the cornbread, rolls, and many desserts.

Essex Retirees’ Club Report

This week for Pepper we had Kevin Edwards & Cathy Dewhurst with the high scores. Richard Noel & Cathy Dewhurst had the lowest score. Charlie Chevalier & Terry Durance had the most peppers.

Pepper is played on Mondays at 1pm, Wednesdays at 7pm, and Saturdays at 1pm. Come on out to join us or even if you want to learn how to play, come on out on a Saturday.

by Garrett Fodor

Entering into playoffs holding the top seed, the Leamington Flyers have stormed out to a 3-0 series lead in the first round, and are hoping to punch their ticket to the next round early.

For the second consecutive year, the Leamington Flyers finished with the best record in the regular season, earning the Stan Moore Trophy, along with the top seed in the Western Conference. Their reward, a first round

matchup against the Sarnia Legionnaires.

Kicking off the series, the Flyers hosted the Legionnaires Thursday. In front of a crowd of nearly 900 people, the Flyers jumped out to a 2-0 lead by the midway point of the first period. The Flyers peppered Legionnaires’ Goaltender, Tyler Richardson, throughout the game, but he kept them in the game.

The teams exchanged goals, getting to a 4-3 Flyers’ lead in the final two-minutes. Despite a final push, the Flyers held on. Prevailing, they picked up the Game 1 win. Final shot totals were 61-24, in favor of Leamington.

Just 48-hours later, the teams met again, this time in Sarnia for Game 2. The teams skated through a scoreless 20-minutes before the offense began. The Flyers continued to control puck possession and fire everything towards Richardson.

Carrying a 2-0 lead into the second intermission, the Flyers continued to cause havoc in the third period, adding four more goals, including Billy Van Sumeren completing his hattrick.

Closing out the week, the Flyers returned home to host Game 3 in the best-of-seven series.

Picking up right where they left off, the Flyers opened the scoring mid-way through the first period. Sarnia responded, but it stood for just 50-seconds before the Flyers restored its lead and promptly doubled it. The Flyers’ offense continued to hum, limiting the chances of the Legionnaires in the process.

When the horn sounded, the Flyers would prevail 7-2, outshooting the Legionnaires 64-15.

Game 4 is Tuesday, March 7th in Sarnia. If needed, the series shifts to Leamington on Thursday.

Parvaim-Central Masonic Lodge celebrates St. Paddy’s Day

1931 Chrysler in same family 65 years

While Leamington resident Bill Willms was visiting relatives in Kitchener, Ontario, in the summer of 1958, he bought a 1931 Chrysler CM-series six cylinder sedan for $30.00, a whole weeks pay back then.

With five cylinders in the engine and one in the trunk, Bill towed the car home. After some engine work, he began driving it around town with painted-on whitewalls. The photo was taken on the family farm north of town when Bill was working for the H. J. Heinz Company.

His car was the fancy version of the CM series with dual sidemounts and a detachable trunk on a rack at the back. It was one of the first cars to have a grille in front of the radiator.

By October 1995, Bill’s Chrysler was nearly 65 years old when he went to Carmen Paglione at Classic Collision near Leamington for some body work and paint. It was back on the road next spring with dark blue body, black fenders, cream spoke wheels, and pinstriping.

About five years ago, Bill donated the car to his daughter Natalie and her husband, who live in Lakeshore. The car now resides in a climate-controlled building, still in the same family 65 years!

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

READ US ONLINE & IN PRINT

contact@essexfreepress.com issuu.com/essexfreepress

519.776.4268

www.essexfreepress.com

by Sylene Argent

Ahead of the traditional St. Paddy’s Day date, Parvaim-Central No. 395 of the Masonic Lodge teamed up with the Order of the Eastern Star – Erie District 19, to celebrate the upcoming day of recognition with a corned beef dinner on Saturday evening.

The evening included green-themed desserts and did not wrap-up until after the last question in a general knowledge trivia game was called.

Curt Miller, Junior Warden of ParvaimCentral No. 395, noted Saturday’s green flavoured festivity served around 110 individuals, which was a welcomed number of interested participants volunteers were pleased to serve. This was the second fundraiser following the COVID-19 pandemic, with the first taking place around Christmas.

He noted the members of the Order of the Eastern Star prepared the meal and completed most of the cooking for the event, while the members of the Masonic Lodge pitched-in to complete all the other duties.

The idea behind hosting the event was to give community members a chance to get out and enjoy an evening of good food and fun trivia. Both organizations, he said, are dedicated to helping the community.

The two clubs host their meetings at the Laird Avenue location, and work together on fundraisers to help maintain the hall, which recently received a new, updated sign on the exterior of the building. The old sign still labeled the building as the Central Lodge, which changed to the Parvaim-Central Lodge back several years ago, when the Essex group merged with the one from Comber.

At one time, Miller said the Central Lodge had up to 160 members. Today, there are less than 50. There has been, however, a resurgence in interest in the ParvaimCentral Lodge, with members currently working to welcome 10-12 individuals wanting to become new members. Members of the Parvaim-Central Lodge plan to host more outreach events this coming summer, and are looking forward to further connection with the community.

On Friday afternoon, Essex Fire & Rescue firefighters from Stations 1 and 2 attended a structure fire in the 100 block of Talbot Street South in Essex Centre. The cause of the fire is undetermined. The estimated damage was $650,000.

Essex Fire & Rescue noted no one was home at the time of the fire. In addition, there were no injuries. “Fire crews did a terrific job,” it stated.

Bill Willms with his 1931Chrysler nearly 65 years ago

Pictured are a few volunteers with the Order of the Eastern Star, who served a corned beef dinner to around 110 individuals at the Parvaim-Central No. 395 Masonic Lodge on Saturday evening.

Information submitted to EFP Photo submitted by Essex Fire & Rescue.

clinch first place, will host Thunderhawks in first round of playoffs

shots towards the crease, and exchanging some shoves after whistles. The teams remained scoreless, until the second period. Lakeshore opened the scoring when Braydin Metcalfe beat Adrian McBride. Five-minutes later, the 73’s responded as Isaac Legood beat Romano Liburdi short-handed. But it would again be short lived as the Canadiens scored before heading into the intermission.

by Garrett Fodor

With the calendar now flipping to March, the Essex 73’s is now shifting its focus from the regular season to playoffs.

Entering last week, the 73’s had three games remaining on its schedule before the first round of playoffs against the Wallaceburg Thunderhawks.

Last Tuesday, the 73’s hosted its rival, the Lakeshore Canadiens. It was a special night for the 73’s, as they paid tribute to their graduating players, Everett Parent, Curtis Jackson, and Jacob Cruickshank. It also was their first ever “Frank Matthys Alumni Night,” with players and staff from various decades coming before the game, as well as after the game, to socialize and reconnect about the organization and share stories.

On the ice, the rivals showed no lovelost for each other, finishing hits, firing

Coming out for the third period, the 73’s were quick to respond. Austin Guevremont beat Liburdi with a high shot to tie the game. With the rivals being hardly separated, the teams needed overtime to decide the victor. Taking nearly the duration of the seven-minutes, the teams exchanged plenty of quality chances at each end of the ice, but it was the 73’s Connor McCracken who sealed it, when he unloaded a bullet of a shot high by Liburdi to complete the comeback.

Twenty-four hours later, the 73’s hit the road, traveling to Wheatley. The Sharks opened the scoring, taking a bite out of the 73’s, using the home ice to their advantage.

In the second period, holding the 1-0 lead, the Sharks quickly doubled their lead, making it 2-0 before Conor Dembinski got the 73’s on the board.

In the third period, the Sharks continued to push the 73’s, and add two goals in the first three-minutes. Jacob Cruickshank responded for the 73’s. In the closing minutes, however, the Sharks scored again, sealing a 5-2 win, handing Cavan McCabe his first loss of the season. Final

shots were 57-46 in favor of Wheatley.

Closing out the week, the 73’s traveled to Mooretown on Saturday to face the Flags in its last regular season game. The Flags opened the scoring seven-minutes into the game, but the goal would serve as a wake-up call, with the 73’s responding with a pair of goals from Liam Hall closing out the frame.

Coming out of the first intermission, the Flags drew level just 46-seconds in. It would be short-lived, however, with the 73’s offense now clicking into full drive, exploding for three goals in the second period and truly getting under the skin of the Flags. The teams exchanged goals in the third period, including another from Liam Hall, who completed his hattrick. The 73’s prevailed 6-3, outshooting the Flags 48-27.

The 73’s will face the Thunderhawks in the first round of playoffs, with the first game on Tuesday. Full details can be found on its website.

Lakeshore Canadiens Head Coach Anthony Iaquinta poses with longtime 73’s staffer, Ron Prpich.

National Farm Safety Week: Maintenance:

submitted to EFP

Equipment

maintenance can be a thankless chore and, even if done correctly, one that doesn’t pay immediate

the Farm

apparent dividends. Done improperly, or not at all, however, it can be the difference between safe operation and injury or fatality.

National Farm Safety Week is March 14 – 20, and the Canada Safety Council is calling attention to the need for proper and regular farm

equipment maintenance.

“Machine malfunctions can be costly in a few different ways,” said Gareth Jones, President and CEO of the Canada Safety Council. “The financial cost of having broken machines out of operation is well known, of course, but the safety cost to yourself, your family, and your workers makes routine maintenance a vital aspect on any healthy farm.”

Here are a few tips to help keep you safe while maintaining your farm equipment.

First, make sure you’re familiar with the equipment you’ll be working on. If you’re

unsure about how to operate the equipment properly or how to use all the controls and safety features, ask for help or take a training course.

Always turn the equipment off and put it in neutral before performing any maintenance. This will prevent the equipment from accidentally starting up while you’re working on it. Make sure the equipment is blocked or chocked to prevent it from moving while you’re doing your work.

Wear the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when working on farm equipment. This includes safety tools like hard hats, goggles, gloves, and work boots.

Make sure you’re checking equipment regularly for worn or damaged parts, replacing them as needed. Also, make sure you’re cleaning and lubricating equipment as per the manufacturer’s

instructions, to keep it running smoothly and efficiently.

When inspecting for damage, focus specifically on:

• leakages

• corrosion near battery terminals,

• wear and tear on chains, belts and moving parts,

• burnt out or damaged bulbs in headlights and warning lights, and

• tire deflation, and rust or looseness around the wheel bearings.

Finally, always be aware of the safety guidelines provided by the manufacturer. Review the operator’s manual and follow all the safety instructions provided by the manufacturer. By following these tips, you can help keep yourself and others safe while maintaining your farm equipment.

farming!

Stock Photo