Essex Free Press - May 7th, 2020

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A LOOK INSIDE Town of Essex launches loan program for shoreline protection PAGE 2 _______________ Essex Town Council notes Monday, May 4, 2020 PAGE 3 _______________ Food hub launched in Lakeshore PAGE 9 _______________ Fresh Breath releases new COVID-19 inspired duet PAGE 13 _______________ “Be a Donor’ Flag raised in recognition of ‘Kaidyn Blair Organ Donation Awareness Day’ PAGE 19 _______________

Vol. 140

Thursday, May 7, 2020

Issue No. 18

Harrow United collects 823lbs of food for Downtown Mission

by Sylene Argent Last Friday, volunteers with Harrow United Church hosted a community-wide food drive from the Church’s parking lot to collect essential non-perishable items for the Downtown Mission.

Because of the tremendous support from the community, 823lbs of

food was collected.

Pastor Darrow Woods said members of the Church’s congregation typically donate food items during Sunday services for the Harrow Chapter of the St. Vincent de Paul. With the current disruption in Sunday masses, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, members of the Church

“It makes me feel good about how humans are helping [each other] and humanity in this weird time.”

- Pastor Darrow Woods Harrow United Church

decided to figure out a creative way to help out those in need.

Volunteers, with masks on, received food and cheque donations last

Friday morning, over a two-hour duration. Those making the donations were able to stay in their cars, and simply pop open their trunks to transfer the goods.

“People have been coming through. They just want to help,” Woods said from the Church parking lot last Friday.

“It makes me feel good about how humans are helping [each other] and humanity in this weird time.”

Woods noted Harrow United contacted the Harrow St. Vincent de Paul Food Bank, and was told the local food distribution service was not in need of food donations at this time, but is accepting gift cards for the families and individuals it looks after. That is why these donations will head to the Downtown Mission.

This food drive follows a previous event hosted around Easter, where Harrow United was able to collect over 500lbs of

Continued on Page 2

2 I Community Essex Free Press

I Thursday, May 7, 2020

Town of Essex launches loan program for shoreline protection submitted to EFP Shoreline property owners within the Town of Essex have another tool to protect their homes and land from flooding with the launch of the new Shoreline Assistance Loan Program.

The program is the first of its kind in the region and is designed to replace the provincial loan program which provided loans to shoreline property owners until it was discontinued in 2010.

The program will provide property owners with loans, in partnership with a local financial institution, to repair or

construct protective works to prevent damage from erosion and flooding.

“Protecting your property from high water and erosion can be quite expensive, and this program is designed to ease the burden and allow property owners to take action when it’s needed most,” said Mayor Larry Snively. “It will allow property owners to undertake the work of protecting their properties while benefitting from competitive interest rates that would not be possible without this program.”

Under the program, eligible property

owners will have the balance of their loans transferred onto their property tax account in the form of a local improvement charge. Property owners will pay back the loan with monthly payments; up to a ten year term.

“Since the announcement of the program in 2019, we have had significant interest from shoreline property owners,” said Jeffrey Morrison, Director of Corporate Services. “While municipalities are limited in their capacity to stop flooding, this program provides property owners an additional

tool to stop shoreline damage while limiting the financial risk to the Town.”

Funding amounts are capped at either $250,000 or 30 per cent of the Current Assessed Value of the property.

The Town has also partnered with the Essex Region Conservation Authority, which will consult property owners to determine their best options for shoreline protection.

Property owners interested in applying or learning more about the program can contact shoreline@essex.ca or by visiting www.essex.ca/shoreline.

Scholarship Fund established in memory of Constable John Atkinson in honour of his service submitted to EFP The Constable John Atkinson Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in memory of Constable John Atkinson

to honour his service and the ultimate sacrifice he made while protecting the citizens of Windsor and Essex County. In 2006, Shelley Atkinson

created the Constable John Atkinson Fund at the WindsorEssex Community Foundation (WECF) in order to keep John’s memory alive.

A decade later, Shelley designated the fund to aid students pursuing a career in Law Enforcement.

In 2018, the Constable John Atkinson Memorial Fund awarded its first scholarship.

This year, the Fund will be awarding two scholarships to two prospective students each for $1,125. Helping the next generation of law enforcers reach their potential is John’s legacy.

The WECF, originally founded in 1983 as Heritage Windsor, is a perpetual community trust for philanthropic purposes. It exists to manage donors’ legacy funds and make grants to support local community programs. Through grant making activities, the foundation is able to establish partnerships to

assist a broad range of community organizations.

The WECF holds different scholarship funds awarding over $16,000 this year. The applications are now open. Funds include: 1. Constable John Atkinson Memorial Scholarship Fund; 2. Father Matt Sheedy Scholarship Fund; 3. Gale & Irene (Knister) Taylor Scholarship Fund; 4. Harding Electric/ Morris and Ruth Harding Memorial Endowment Fund; 5. Hitchcock Family

Foundation Fund; 6.

Hocktoberfest Scholarship Fund; 7. Kolody Scholarship Fund 8. Martha Reavley Community & Leadership Award 9. Michael G. Solcz Endowment Fund 10.

Rotary Club of Windsor (1918) Centennial Scholarship Fund 11.

Shawn Boxe Memorial Scholarship Fund For further details, please visit www.wecf.ca

Harrow United collects 823lbs of food for Downtown Mission...

Continued from Front Page

food.

“We are helping people who are not nearly as well off as us,” Woods said of the food drive, which “aligns with what our Church does all the time.”

He said the Church collects thousands of pounds of food for food banks every year. “People are so generous.”

Woods also spoke of a member of the Harrow United Church congregation, who has been making masks for those who need them during the COVID-19 pandemic.

She was providing the mask in

exchange for donations.

He said this crafter was able to raise $100 in doing this, which she donated.

These acts of kindness are, “Ways to keep spirits up,” Woods said, adding he and many members of the congregation are also staying connecting with those on a call list to ensure everyone keeps connected during this uncertain time.

As Church services in person have been suspended because of the COVID-19 pandemic, those wishing to watch a service can do so via harrowunited.org.

Thursday, May 7, 2020

I

News I 3

Essex Free Press

by Sylene Argent Essex Fun Fest cancelled due to Coronavirus Essex Council received Community Service’s report “2020 Essex Fun Fest Update” and approved the Essex Fun Fest Committee’s recommendation to cancel this year’s fourday event, which was scheduled to take place from July 2-5, at the Essex Centre Sports Complex grounds.

The cancellation of this longstanding festival was due to the health threat caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

There is a Provincial Order under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act that requires all outdoor recreation facilities to be closed, and this current order has been extended to May 6. It is anticipated that this order will be extended beyond this date, the Report to Council notes.

Members of the Essex Fun Fest Committee met on April 22 by video conferencing to discuss the situation, and unanimously voted to cancel the 2020 Essex Fun Fest. Festival planning would need to be completed in the very near future. There were concerns with social distancing and other issues associated with the virus.

Mayor Larry Snively said, “That’s a sad day for us, I can say that.”

No other Councillors commented on the issue.

COVID-19 Update in regards to Town operations Essex’s CAO Chris Nepszy provided Council with a COVID-19 update as it pertains to the operations of the Town of Essex.

Nepszy first spoke of the Province’s first stage in re-opening, which happened Monday. The

- Monday, May 4, 2020 biggest impact for Essex, he said, is that the Town can start preparing for the marina to be opened.

It is not known when it can be officially opened, but when the Province gives the go-ahead, Essex will be ready, he said.

Deputy CAO/Director of Community Services, Doug Sweet, said to open the harbour, there will be two-phases. The first is to open the ramp, so boats can just come one at a time. Staffing will be needed for the opening of the slips. The Union has been met with to discuss how that can be tackled.

There has been no impact as it pertains to essential infrastructure construction projects that were on the go already, Nepszy continued.

The Town is continuing to create facility separations, and is eyeing the Shaheen Room at the Essex Centre Sports Complex to reposition staff if offices need to be deepcleaned.

As far as staffing, the Town has accepted voluntary layoffs, which allowed for the redeploying of other staff members. This has allowed business for the Town to continue.

Councillor Sherry Bondy wondered if there have been any discussions on hosting a virtual version of the summer concert series, Tune Up the Parks.

The Arts, Culture, and Tourism (ACT) organizes this series.

Sweet said the Community Services Department has been working at setting up an online ACT Committee meeting to discuss, not only online opportunities, but how to proceed if social distancing restrictions are removed.

Bondy also spoke of the discrepancies

in internet usage availabilities and service. Though not much can be done now, she said the Town should take an aggressive approach on creating an internet strategy to ensure all pockets of the municipality are covered with reliable internet.

Mayor Larry Snively said the Town has been working on the internet issue for quite some time and has met with companies.

Councillor Chris Vander Doelen said he too would like to have a discussion about internet.

He said he would like the discussions to be more open.

Council received Nepszy’s verbal report.

Community Safety and Well-Being Plan When receiving correspondences, Councillor Kim Verbeek wanted to speak about the letter sent from the Solicitor General regarding amendments made to the Police Services Act (PSA) that came into effect on January 1,

which mandates every municipality in Ontario to prepare and adopt a Community Safety and Well-Being (CSWB) plan.

Verbeek, who sits on the Essex Police Services Board, said Essex is going to submit a joint-document with neighbouring municipalities.

She said municipalities throughout the province are in different places on their plans, but wondered where Essex was at in the process.

Deputy CAO/Director of Community Services, Doug Sweet, said Essex has partnered with the County of Essex and Windsor to submit a group plan. Windsor is leading the plan as it has the staff and resources.

They had two meetings before the COVID-19 emergency. He said once the pandemic is over, the process will resume.

Essex to send letter in support for Canadian Wines Excise Exemption Essex Council received correspondence Continued on Page 6

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4 I Opinion Essex Free Press

Editorial &Opinion

I Thursday, May 7, 2020

Howling at the Moon ••• Comment by Sylene Argent ••• The recent loss of community papers in neighbouring communities

Serving Essex and the surrounding communities since 1896.

Published Thursdays as an independent weekly newspaper, owned and operated by The Essex Voice Limited.

A London Publishing Corporation Publication LIMITED OFFICE HOURS: Limited staff working from the office.

Email or Call with submission inquiries.

OUR STAFF Sandy Kennedy / Andrew Beaudoin - Office Jessica Azar - Graphic Design / Social Media / Production Lana Warwick - Graphic Design Greg Belchuk - Advertising Sales Manager Sylene Argent - Editor/News Reporter Shelley Beaudoin - Graphic Design / Production

CIRCULATION The Essex Free Press is an audited publication with controlled circulation of 10,000.

DELIVERY Delivery concerns can be addressed by contacting our office during regular office hours at 519-776-4268

ARCHIVES The Essex Free Press has been digitized from 1895 to 1968 and is fully searchable at http://ink.ourontario.ca.

OPINION & COMMENT The opinions expressed on these pages are those of their original authors and do not necessarily represent the opinion of the Essex Free Press, its Editor or Publisher.

LETTER POLICY The Essex Free Press welcomes letters to the editor on topics of interest to our readers. Letters should be typed or neatly handwritten and present the issues as clearly as possible in 300 words or less. We reserve the right to edit for length, grammar, and legal considerations. All letters must contain the name, address, and daytime phone number of the writer for verification purposes. Anonymous letters will not be considered for publication. If you have a legitimate concern and cannot sign your name to a letter, please contact the editor to discuss alternative means of handling the issue.

ADVERTISING Advertising is accepted on the condition that, in the event of an error, the portion of the ad occupied by the error, will not be charged for, but the balance will be paid at the usual rate. It is the responsibility of the advertiser to check an ad on first publication, and the publisher accepts no responsibility for errors in multiple insertions. The Essex Free Press reserves the right to reject or edit any advertisement likely to offend community standards.

Display Advertising Deadline: Friday at 2:00 pm

COPYRIGHT The entire contents of The Essex Free Press and its website, including but not limited to layout composition, artwork, news copy, editorial copy and photographs, are protected by copyright. No portion there of is to be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without the specific permission of the publisher.

The Essex Free Press

Office: 16 Centre St. Essex, Ontario Mail to: P.O. Box 115 Essex, Ontario N8M 2Y1

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Last week, we learned part of the Postmedia layoffs and closures included the permanent closures of five local community newspapers.

This week, the Kingsville Reporter, Lakeshore News, Tecumseh Shoreline, LaSalle Post, and Tilbury Times will publish their last editions.

Over the years, I have gotten to know many of the reporters who work at these neighbouring newspapers, and it is sad to not only know these communities will lose their local source of information, but those who will now lose their jobs as a result of the cuts.

It is tough to take in that news as we here at the Essex Free Press understand the hardships and challenges that come with running a community newspaper.

The Essex Free Press operates in a time where we contend with social media as we publish reliable and responsible content each week, supported by advertising revenue alone.

How does a community

Opinion

newspaper survive in a time when everything is going digital? While we have embraced a strong online presence to compliment our printed product, supporting the advertisers that support this paper is very important. We appreciate those advertisers along with our dedicated readers, who respect what we do, through their continued support.

I have always said a newspaper in the nucleolus of a community; it is a nexus – if you will – where thoughts, ideas, and happenings are shared with others. It provides information on news and allows for the exchange of thoughts and opinions. It records a unique part of our history for future generations to reflect upon.

Because of that, I take our right, as Canadians, for the freedom of expression and freedom of the press, very seriously.

I do fear for the future of journalism, from the local to international scale. My fear is that at all levels, revenue will continue to drop for news departments. With

this, the size of news teams will continue to decrease, which will scare away or push away some who would have great potential with the lack of a stable career ahead. With that, there will be less experienced reporters and time to dig into complex issues for those who remain.

I hope we can all take a moment to think about a world/community/ country without news coverage, about a world/community/country without the ability to investigate issues or hold decision-makers accountable for those decisions.

I wish those who worked for the local five closing Postmedia publications all the best, and hope they find new meaningful employment in the very near future. I would also like to thank them for their dedication to their communities.

COVID-19 numbers still escalating in a “devastating” way in Ontario’s long-term care homes: Health Coalition calls a Day of Action to press Ford government for more concrete measures to stop the spread and stabilize the sector

submitted by the Ontario Health Coalition As the Ontario Health Coalition is completing the gargantuan task of updating its tracking of the spread of COVID-19 in healthcare settings that now encompasses thousands of staff, patients, and residents, it is reporting that the infectious disease continues its devastation through long-term care and retirement homes. The Coalition called for an online Day of Action to press the provincial government for more concrete measures.

The Day of Action held a Day of Action on Friday, May 1. This virtual rally had viewers post their picture with a sign calling on the Ford government to undertake concrete measures to #FixLTCFord. Key asks of the Ford government are: immediately improved access to PPE; permanently improved wages & working conditions; 4-hour minimum care standard; better infection control; no more for-profit long-term care.Information about the event can be found on the Ontario Health Coalition Facebook page or visit their website at: www.ontariohealthcoalition. ca.

The Coalition reported on the situation on the ground in long-term care and retirement homes from dozens of phone calls, correspondence and emails received every day from residents and families. In addition, the Coalition held an emergency weekly meeting of its long-term care committee today, including family councils, resident

advocacy groups, unions, health professionals, nurses and seniors’ organizations. The Coalition is hearing from all corners of Ontario. While measures that have been announced by the provincial government are welcome and sincerely appreciated, still there remains a dangerous disconnect between what the Premier has said he is going to do and the actual policy measures undertaken by his government, reported coalition spokesperson Natalie Mehra. There is a further disconnect between the directives and what is actually happening. The Coalition has outlined its findings here: Overall, there have been measures undertaken and there have been improvements. In calling for concrete improvements, the Coalition does not want to take away from what has been done, particularly: improved testing; improved access to PPE; the very significant $4-hour wage increase; some measures to help increase staffing on a temporary and sporadic basis; improved isolation in some homes; safer requirements regarding admissions and readmissions. Still, there are significant problems and concrete measures remain to be done that would help to stop the spread and stabilize the long-term care, and the Coalition called for real commitments from the Ford government on these concrete issues.

Continues on Page 5

Thursday, May 7, 2020 I

Opinion

Opinion I 5

Essex Free Press

COVID-19 numbers still escalating in a “devastating” way in Ontario’s long-term care homes: Health Coalition calls a Day of Action to press Ford government for more concrete measures to stop the spread and stabilize the sector Continued from Page 4

Long-term care staffing shortages are critical: • Homes are desperately short staffed. The staffing crisis that emerged, particularly among PSWs but also for nurses and other staff, in the last two years has become much worse. Homes do not have enough staff to operate safely.

• The provincial government has left the coordination of redeployment of hospital “swat teams” to voluntary arrangements between hospitals and long-term care homes. The redeployments are chaotic, without clear management on site, without access to computers and med carts on site, without proper briefings prior to deployment, without clear assignment of tasks. Some homes are getting voluntary deployments of staff, some are not. Some have had one but not others, etc.

• Staff members have been required to choose one workplace and have given up other part-time work and income to do so. The provincial government gave a temporary wage top up of $4 per hour for long-term care staff, but has left it to providers as to whether they replace lost hours or not. Some homes have replaced all hours and some have not.

• There has been no concrete permanent policy to improve wages and conditions for the workforce in order to stabilize it and redress the exploitative conditions that many long-term care staff have been working under. This sector needs concrete lasting policy that will improve the wages, benefits, and workload issues if Ontario is to find a path out of this crisis.

• There is total consensus that residents, families and staff alike need a regulated, enforced minimum care standard of an average of 4-hours of care per day in order to protect residents and staff from inadequate care, high rates of violence, and injury. The Coalition is calling for a commitment from the Ford government that they will

implement this minimum care standard to stabilize the sector going forward.

Testing is incomplete and very slow: • Despite repeated commitments and announcements by the Premier followed, slowly, by correspondence directing testing of all residents and staff in long-term care and retirement homes (mid-last week), still longterm care homes, even those with outbreaks, have not had all residents and staff tested. The situation is worse in retirement homes.

Access to PPE has improved in long-term care, but not other community care, and still there are operators not in compliance: • There has been an improvement in access to PPE for long-term care staff, but it is not complete.

• Staff are reporting that this week they have been required to wear garbage bags instead of proper PPE. • Unions are reporting that some home managements are still not compliant with provincial directives regarding proper access to PPE for staff.

• The provincial government has not used its legislated powers to revoke licenses of the homes with the most egregious practices and to appoint management to take over the homes. Both the powers and the precedent exist for these and there has been no explanation as to why the Ford government will not use these powers.

• Access to PPE and/or compliance with provincial directives is worse in retirement homes, community care, and other congregate care and support settings.

Outbreaks are continuing to spread quickly in these settings.

No commitment to stop for-profit privatization of long-term care • The evidence of poorer outcomes and lower care levels in for-profit versus non-profit and public longterm care is abundant and has been for decades.

• Almost all of the largest outbreaks in long-term care are happening in for-profit long-term care homes.

• The for-profit long-term care industry has led the charge campaigning for deregulation, fewer and lesser inspections, less enforcement, expansion of funding into profit-taking funding envelopes rather than improving care. For-profit long-term care chains, which dominate ownership of Ontario’s long-term care sector, have paid tens of millions of dollars in dividends to shareholders each year as the staffing crisis was emerging in longterm care and as direct hands-on care hours were going down.

• The Coalition is calling for a commitment from the Ford government that the new capacity in long-term care will be built in the public interest, not for profit-taking interests, under the ownership and control of public and non-profit long-term care homes.

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6 I News Essex Free Press

Essex Town Council notes - Monday, May 4... from the Town of Amherstburg that its Council, at its meeting on March 23, passed a resolution that directed its administration to send correspondence in support of Grey County’s resolution regarding 100 percent Canadian Wines Excise Exemptions.

Amherstburg appealed the Federal Government to ensure the exemption remains in place.

Councillor Kim Verbeek said she wanted Essex Council to also write a letter of support to show appreciation and support to local wineries.

Council passed Verbeek’s motion to receive and support Amherstburg’s correspondence and write its own letter in support to the Federal Government.

Modifying/closing roadways for Highway #3 expansion Essex Council received correspondence from the Ministry of Transportation, which requested Council pass a bylaw to close South Talbot Road, at County Road 8, and modify access on Victoria Avenue/North Malden Road at Highway #3, to allow for through traffic only via a grade separation.

The above mentioned closure/modification was the approved recommended plan in the 2017 TESR Addendum, the letter to Essex Council notes.

Kevin Girard, Director of Infrastructure, said the MTO needs a commitment from Essex that it will close the roads when they need to be as part of the expansion project.

In addition to the two intersections mentioned in

the correspondence, Girard said Pinkerton Sideroad will be realigned at County Road 8. It will be extended to the south to do so.

Girard said the MTO is looking for a resolution from Council to commit to the road closures, then after the two-month notice period, it wants a bylaw adopted.

Councillor Chris Vander Doelen asked if it is known when the project would start. Girard said he has had a few meetings with the MTO to date.

As far as timelines, he said, the MTO is pushing to get project underway. It is looking to have utility conflicts and preloading the earth for the overpass started in the fall.

Deputy Mayor Richard Meloche said he frustrated.

He was supporting the idea there would at least be an onramp from North Malden, going towards Kingsville.

He said North Malden in one of the key routes from Colchester North and McGregor into Essex, with the heaviest traffic counts of roads going in that direction. He pointed out that these closures will have those residents drive halfway through the Town, cross-over, then come back out of the Town to get onto # 3 to get back on the thoroughfare to head towards Kingsville or Leamington.

Meloche said this is the one thing he has been opposed to. He is not opposed to the widening of Highway # 3, and if this what has to be done to make it happen, he said the Town doesn’t want to be the reason to hold the project up.

Someday, Meloche suspects, there will be a lane for North Malden to connect to Highway # 3.

He said he was told there was not enough room to merge between Victoria and North Malden to Arner Townline. In his opinion, the MTO just does not want to do this.

Councillor Joe Garon said he knows it is a little late in the game to make any changes. He wishes there could still be an access there. He knows Hanlan Avenue will be extended. He wondered if the Town was to oppose the bylaw would the whole project be held up?

He also added that the Talbot Street/Maidstone Avenue intersection is backed up as it is. So, more traffic will be added to that intersection. He does support the resolution, though.

CAO Chris Nepszy said not passing the resolution would hold up the process. Council, in the past, has bought into the idea.

Mayor Larry Snively said he understands the frustrations, but the Town has been waiting for the expansion for years.

Councillor Steve Bjorkman said the closing of the Victoria Avenue/ Highway # 3 intersection will benefit the future sports fields, which will offer a controlled access that will be 50km/hr. He added that it will also be great for active transportation

I Thursday, May 7, 2020

Continued from Page 3

and extends the town.

Council passed the resolution.

NoM: re: online input survey At the April 20 meeting, Councillor Sherry Bondy put forward a Notice of Motion that the Town of Essex do an online satisfaction survey, similar to the one recently completed by the Town of Tecumseh.

This survey would look at the quality of life, core services, and to see if the Town is going in the right direction. The issue was discussed on Monday evening.

In the past, a similar survey has held in Harrow.

She does not think 2020 is the year for it, but thought it should be budgeted for 2021, and it can be debated at budget time. She said this is the first step to see if Council has an appetite for conducting such a survey.

She does not think this should replace a survey on policing. At first, she saw benefits of putting the two surveys together, but she does not want to jeopardize a survey Council has already given permission for administration to move forward with.

Councillor Chris Vander Doelen said he is in favour of getting political opinion, but he is opposed to doing an online survey, which he said can be more misleading than illuminating. This system can be manipulated by a small segment of individuals.

Council passed Bondy’s motion to have a satisfaction survey, and that the dollars be debated in the 2021 budget.

NoM on Shoreline protection of public property: Councillor Sherry Bondy presented a Notice of Motion to be discussed at the May 19 meeting for consideration.

The Notice of Motion includes that the item listed as shoreline protection of pubic property from the Mayor’s list of roundtable items to discuss potential liability, budget considerations, shoreline protection of public property policies, timelines, and fallen trees policies during time of historic high water levels be discussed.

Thursday, May 7, 2020 I

Ad Feature I 7

Essex Free Press

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8 I Activity Page Essex Free Press

I Thursday, May 7, 2020

Exercise The Mind!

With a few puzzles and activities for readers of all ages!

Celebrate Gardening Season & Mother’s Day with colour!

See Activity Solutions on Page 15

Thursday, May 7, 2020 I

News I 9

Essex Free Press

Food hub launched in Lakeshore

- Community Support Centre excited to extend food pantry program by Sylene Argent With the Community Support Centre of Essex County noticing a 54-percent increase in recipient usage of its Food Pantry service since the COVID-19 pandemic began, its staff and volunteers launched a county-based drivethrough food hub at its 962 Old Tecumseh Road location last Wednesday.

This was the third food hub launched through the Unemployment Help Centre, and the first one established in the county, Tracey Bailey said, who is the CEO of the Community Support Centre of Essex County.

She noted that at the Community Support Centre of Essex County’s Food Pantry, typically clients would simply shop for the items they need.

With the COVID-19 pandemic introducing social distancing requirements, the drivethrough idea came about, which allows program workers to pop food into the trunk of those who need it. The names of those who are stopping

by to utilize their service are taken and recorded on sight.

Bailey gave recognition to the Goodfellows of Belle River/Rochester, which was part of a recent large donation to the Community Support Centre of Essex County.

Area businessman Mike Dunn initially donated $10,000 to this cause.

When he did that, he also challenged others in the community to do the same, noting he would match a $20,000 donation.

Soon after, the Goodfellows of Belle River/Rochester came in with a $20,000 donation, which Dunn matched, for a total donation of $50,000.

Rick Anderson, President of the Goodfellows of Belle River/Rochester, said the club raised the funds through its annual banquet and newspaper campaign over the course of several years. The funds were set aside for an emergency, and the club consensus was that

the current pandemic, and the additional stress on food distribution outlets due to increases in usage, meet the requirements to use the emergency funds.

The funds were forwarded to the Community Support Centre to help it keep up with the increase in demand for food during the pandemic.

This donation she said, funded the creation of 300 food boxes that those in need Continued on Page 13

10 I Special Feature Essex Free Press

I Thursday, May 7, 2020

How to build a more energy-efficient home this summer

(NC) With weather forecasts calling for a warmer than normal summer and physical distancing encouraging us to spend more time at home, we could all benefit from boosting our home’s energy efficiency to save on hydro bills.

Here are some big and small changes that could help: Start with a solid foundation. If you’re adding an extension to you home, a pool to your backyard or even planning a custom-built dream home, choose sustainable materials

that promote energy conservation.

Instead of traditional woodframing, consider insulated concrete forms from Nudura. The ecofriendly alternative features thermal mass walls that can reduce heating and cooling costs by up to 60 per cent a year.

Work on your windows. Did you know that about 15 to 20 per cent of your home’s surface is windows? This means any issues with them can have a major impact on your energy consumption. Take time

to caulk any gaps or air leaks, and consider upgrading to energyefficient windows.

Double-paned windows boost your insulation and help ensure your cooled, air conditioned air doesn’t escape.

Switch to outdoor energy sources. Take advantage of the gorgeous weather to spend more time outside.

Instead of cooking meals in your energy-intensive oven that also heats up your home, break out the barbecue and enjoy dinner al fresco. You can also ease up on the

clothes dryer by setting up a line and some pins in the backyard and use the

wind and sun for drying power.

Install a smart weather station.

Technology can help you make sure you’re consuming energy wisely.

A smart thermostat is a great idea, but a smart weather station can work with it and other devices to go a step beyond, programming them around current and predicted weather patterns. For example, it can ensure your scheduled sprinkler won’t go off in the middle of a downpour.

Be mindful of your refrigerator. If you aren’t

careful, a lot of energy can be used by your fridge. First, make sure the one in your kitchen (and basement) is a newer model, as older ones can cost hundreds more a year to power.

Then, clear it out so the shelves and drawers aren’t overcrowded, which makes the fridge work harder to pump cool air throughout. Finally, if you let leftovers cool on the counter before putting them inside, your fridge will use less energy.

Find more information at nudura.com.

Source: newscanada.com

Downsizing your home can upgrade your life

(NC) We are often told that “bigger is better” when it comes to our buying choices. We’re encouraged to supersize our takeout meals, go after a higher paycheque and purchase the biggest TV we possibly can. But downsizing shouldn’t be looked at as a negative, especially when it comes to your home.

Although it takes a shift in thinking to get away from the “big is best” mindset, finding a home that’s the right size for you can really pay off.

Less stress, more free time.

Having fewer rooms and smaller spaces means less time cleaning and maintaining your home. A house that requires minimal upkeep can be a boost to your daily

life. If you’re looking for a closeknit neighbourhood with amenities and social activities, a land lease community could be a great fit. If you’re completely done with yardwork and home maintenance, a condo could be the answer. If gardening is your passion, look for a smaller home with ample yard space. There are enough right-sized home options available for Continued on Page 11

Thursday, May 7, 2020

I

Special Feature I 11

Essex Free Press

How home design trends are evolving for physical distancing

(NC) COVID-19 has brought changes to everything, and home design is no exception.

Experts are expecting to see lasting impacts on everything from the materials we use to the

rooms we prioritize.

Check out these and other noteworthy trends: Houses over

Downsizing your home can upgrade your life...

Continued from Page 10

everyone to find their happy place.

More money for your pocket.

The math is simple. Lowering your mortgage payments, or not having a mortgage at all, equals having more money to spend on other things. It also costs a lot less to heat or cool a smaller home. You can also expect your property taxes, home insurance and maintenance expenses to be reduced when downsizing. Having extra funds in your bank account each month means you can use your money to do things you love and break the cycle of feeling house poor.

Smaller home, happier planet.

Living in a smaller house is better for the environment. It reduces energy consumption, especially if the house uses high-efficiency windows,

thermostats and other eco-friendly technology. You’ll also lower your consumption in a right-sized home. If there’s no space to put things, you’re less likely to buy extra furniture, clothing and other consumer goods. Finding a house in a walkable community with amenities and activities close by also keeps you out of your car and reduces your carbon footprint.

Overall, having a smaller home to pay for and maintain can be a major upgrade to your lifestyle. With the variety of home ownership options available, there are many opportunities to find a home that fulfills you personally and financially.

Find out more at parkbridge.com.

Source: newscanada.com

apartments.

Many people who live in condos or apartments do so to be closer to the action – work, entertainment and shops – and never planned on spending much time at home. But the pandemic has changed that, and more people are going to want a home that offers plenty of room and outdoor space in case they need to self-isolate again.

Self-sufficiency: A hard lesson we’ve learned is that things and services we thought we could count on aren’t necessarily a sure thing, so items that increase self-reliance will

become very popular.

Expect to see more homes with sources of energy like solar panels, sources of heat like fireplaces and stoves and even urban and indoor gardens that allow you to grow your own produce.

Outdoor living.

Between playgrounds closing and parks becoming overcrowded, many of us are turning to our balconies, patios and backyards for fresh air and nature. This means we’re going to be investing more in our outdoor spaces, with functional kitchens, soothing water features, cozy firepits and highquality outdoor furniture to create a much-needed escape.

Healthier spaces.

Thanks to spending more time indoors and reprioritizing our health, we’ll turn to design to help ensure our homes are safe and healthy for our families. We’ll see a rise in products like water filtration systems as well as materials that improve indoor air quality. For new homes and additions, alternatives to wood-framing like insulated concrete forms from Nudura, which offer

improved ventilation for healthier indoor air quality and an environment that’s less susceptible to mould, will be key.

Home office space.

Business experts are suggesting many companies will see that working from home is not only possible but offers tangible benefits, like saving money on office space rent. With working from home on the rise, creating a home office space that inspires productivity will be a major project many of us tackle. Luxury home office furniture that feels chic and blends into your décor as well as ergonomic chairs and desks will see a major boost.

Custom and quality.

With the hit to the economy, people are going to be buying less, but what they do buy will be better quality, while at the same time making an effort to support Canadian businesses. When it comes to design, trends will shift to locally made furniture, custom-built homes and pieces and materials that stand the test of time.

Find more information at nudura.com.

Source: newscanada.com

12 I Classifieds / News Essex Free Press

Phone 519.776.4268

Fax: 519.776.4014

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

SERVICES _____________________

SERVICES _____________________

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

4-tfn

KENNETH YARDWORKS  Spring Clean Up. Sod, mulch, eavestrough cleaning and repairs, power washing. Trees & bushes trimmed or removed. Loads to the dump. Fully licensed & insured. Free estimates. Call Kenneth: 519-982-0362.

SERVICES _____________________ INCOME TAX – Confidential preparation of Personal, Farm, and Senior Returns.

Free pick-up and delivery in Essex County.

CONTACT FREE FILING AVAILABLE. Over 35 years’ experience. Call Tim Mousseau 519-975-2414 or toll free 1-855-97504-12t 2414. _____________________

Sell It! Find it! Rent It! Buy It! In The Classifieds 519-776-4268 _______________________________________________

11-tfn

_____________________ INCOME TAX PREPARATION: Good rates on personal, rental, and business returns.

E-file or paper file. Call Jeannette Grass (519) 776-7090.

5-12*

HELP WANTED

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Voice Of Inspiration “When things do not go your way, remember that every challenge — every adversity — contains within it the seeds of opportunity and growth.” ~ Roy T. Bennett

Word Ads - 25 words or less ........................ $6.00 + HST Extra words .................................................... 20¢/word Display Classifieds ....................................... Call for rates

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PLACING A CLASSIFIED AD: Classified ads can be submitted in person, by phone or fax or email from Mon. to Thurs. 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Fri. 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. All classified and personal ads require payment, prior to print. We accept Visa | MasterCard | Debit | Cash | Cheque.

CLASSIFIED DEADLINE IS TUESDAY BY 10:00 AM

STORAGE

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1 acre outdoor, fenced-in storage. Call: 519-776-4875 for details.

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_____________________ HIRING! GENERAL LABOURERS WANTED  Please fax your resume to 519-723-2336.

1-tf _____________________ HELP WANTED: Aphria 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 $14.00/hour.

Full time hours Monday through Friday.

Please apply at careers@aphria.com or mail resume to P.O. Box 20009 269 Erie 9-t St. S. Leamington, ON N8H 3C4. _____________________

_____________________

WANTED

_____________________ CASH PAID for scrap cars and trucks. Free removal. Please phone: 519-776-1361 46-t or 519-791-5046.

PASS TIME IN LINE.

READ THE NEWSPAPER.

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.

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776-4268

Town Of Tecumseh - April 28, 2020 Regular Meeting of Council highlights submitted to EFP COVID-19 Financial Impact: Council received a report on the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Town. It was the first update to Council on the ongoing situation and additional updates will be provided as measures continue. The report outlines the impact to the 2020 budget which will be experienced in three ways: lost revenue, non-budgeted expenditures incurred and expenditure containment.

• Lost revenue includes: rentals; recreation programs; building permits; transit fares; interest and, penalties. Some of these revenues may be at risk dependent on the extent and duration of social distancing measures in place.

• Non-budget expenditures includes: increased cleaning and sanitizing; additional by-law enforcement; costs to facilitate work from home arrangements; and, employee self-isolation. Other factors that are difficult to calculate include additional hours to complete tasks due to safety protocols like one person per Town vehicle, training and travel times for redeployment and time and resources invested in planning and response. Total non-budgeted expenditures to date is approximately $30,000.

• Expenditure containment: there have been some opportunities for cost containment through hiring freezes and program/ event cancellation however this is limited as a significant portion of the tax levy supports costs for essential services. Savings in these areas include student positions, savings from professional development and seminar cancellations, gasoline and utilities.

Further reporting will provide updates

on the Town’s capital works projects, personnel and programs in late May. Arena/Rink Repairs: Council approved awarding the approximately $43,000 contract to replace the Rink B Brine Line to Buildweller Contractors ($17,000) and CIMCO Refrigeration ($16,000). Buildweller will conduct the concrete work for the line repair and CIMCO will conduct the mechanical welding work on the line. The work will be completed during the arena closure for COVID-19. Leaks in the brine line were discovered in March when the ice surface was removed.

CIP Grant: Council approved $10,000 for parking area improvements for the property located at 12133-12137 Tecumseh Road (corner of Tecumseh Road and St. Anne Street), currently occupied by the Job Shoppe staffing agency and other small general/professional office uses.

Annual West Nile Virus Mosquito Larvicide Program: Council directed that correspondence be drafted supporting a permit application to the Ontario Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) authorizing the application of larvicide in water bodies in Town such as catch basins and ditches found to contain mosquito species known to transmit the West Nile Virus. Since 2003, the Windsor Essex County Health Unit (WECHU) has conducted a surveillance program for the West Nile Virus in Essex County. As the virus has been found in Essex County, the WECHU has determined that larviciding in mosquito breeding sites is prudent for this year. They have contracted Pesalto Environmental Health Services to conduct this work. The permit application to the MECP

is the first step to conduct this work and when the permit is received, further information on timeline and materials to be applied will be shared with regional municipalities.

Road Needs Study: Council adopted the Town of Tecumseh Road Needs Study 2019 and authorized Administration to utilize the recommendations in the report for completion of the Public Works and Environmental Services Capital Works Plan.

The Road Needs Study was completed by Dillon Consulting and StreetScan Canada ULC who undertook a detailed assessment and inventory of the Town’s road system by means of utilizing new automated road scanning technology. The study identifies needed improvements for roads which are deficient or expected to become deficient within five years. Total length of roads in Town is 180 km and approximately 82% of the Town’s Roads are in Fairly Good to Excellent Condition.

Service Line Warranties of Canada: Council approved a 1-year renewal of the agreement with Service Line Warranties of Canada (SLWC) which was executed in 2016. SLWC advised the Town that they will continue their marketing campaign this year with letters to go out to residents who have not purchased a warranty from SLWC. 327 property owners have purchased a warranty from SLWC to date.

SLWC provides residents the opportunity for a low cost warranty program that will help repair, replace, or restore water and sewer lines from the home to the property line, which is often perceived as the municipality’s responsibility.

Additional Waste Collection: Council

approved a motion to allow for an additional two bags of garbage per household per week throughout the Town during the next month to May 28, 2020. The motion was brought forward to assist residents who have seen an increase in their household waste either as a result of spring cleaning or being home more. The Town will allow two additional bags placed next to hard sided containers (where required), be tied, be less than 27 kg (50 lbs), and not contain sharp objects/batteries/or other hazardous waste. Renovation materials are not collectable and will not be picked up.

Residents conducting home renovations with waste are encouraged to either hold onto the materials until the transfer station reopens or take the materials to the indoor landfill on Deziel Drive in Windsor. WDS reserves the right to reject waste for operator safety or unacceptable materials and will leave these at the curb. Bulk items like furniture or mattresses will continue to be collected however white goods like washing machines must still be registered for pick-up. Residents are encouraged to refer to their Collection Calendar page 2 for full details on the regular waste program.

Electronic Meetings: Council approved a motion directing Administration to amend By-Law 2020-13 to allow Boards and Committees to meet electronically during a declared Emergency. The Town’s Board and Committee meetings were cancelled as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The next Regular Meeting of Council is Tuesday, May 12, 2020. The live stream will be available on our website at www. tecumseh.ca.

Thursday, May 7, 2020 I

Community / News I 13

Essex Free Press

Fresh Breath releases new COVID-19 inspired duet

by Sylene Argent Husband and wife duo, Katie and Josh Pascoe, from the local band “Fresh Breath,” have recently released a new song called, “Tomorrow Today.”

Josh explained

the song was written during the COVID-19 pandemic, “And inspired by the frontline workers who are choosing courage over fear. They are the ones fighting for our tomorrow today.”

The song features

Katie as the main vocalist and on the flute. Josh plays the keyboard and adds in the harmonies.

The video for the song, Josh added, features his mother, Ann Pascoe, as an American Sign Language

Food hub launched in Lakeshore... can take home through the new drive-though food hub.

“It is pretty powerful to see organizations come together in crisis to make things happen.

It is just mind-blowing.

The leadership through this crisis has been incredible,” Bailey said, adding gratitude to the Goodefellows for the donation.

The drive-through food hub at the Old Tecumseh Road location is open on Mondays and Wednesdays, from 11am to 2 pm. It will continue to operate as needed, Bailey noted. Clients can utilize this service every two weeks.

Bailey said plans are in place to provide these clients with a gift card as well, so that they can go to local grocery stores to buy perishable items as needed.

Mike Turnbull of the Unemployment Help Centre said another food hub was implemented in Leamington, at the Salvation Army Oak Street location, last Friday. He said the

Continued from Page 9

Unemployment Help Centre’s Windsor location has noticed a 58 percent increase in usage since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Turnbull said the community input through the pandemic has been fantastic. “I can’t get over how generous this community is, especially in a time of great need.”

He noted the WFCU Centre has been the facility where many of the food boxes given out are package, and gave recognition to the redeployed City of Windsor workers for their efforts.

The Community Support Centre of Essex County offers a myriad of services, including the Community Food Pantry, Meals on Wheels, transportation services, foot care, home supports, congregate dining, youth services, adult day programs, outreach counselling, and social programs.

The services formerly available through Essex Community Services was transferred to the

Community Support Centre of Essex County on December 1 of 2019.

Around a year ago, this local organization obtained the facility on Old Tecumseh Road to accommodate its expanding services.

Log onto www. communitysupportcentre. ca or call 519-728-1435 to learn more or inquire about services.

interpreter. This addition was inspired by the daily briefings Canadians have been watching since the beginning of the pandemic.

The local musicians were excited to see the views the video for “Tomorrow Today” has received all ready.

The “Tomorrow Today” video can be viewed from the band’s Facebook page.

“We’re just trying to inspire and raise hope and spirits of as many people as possible,” Josh said.

Before the pandemic started, this spring was to be one of “Fresh Breath’s” busiest tour

times, Josh said. The duo was supposed to be on all-Ontario tour, followed by a tour in BC in July. Because of the pandemic, those dates are pending.

The “Tomorrow Today” video was recorded and expedited to come out before the other singles the duo was planning to release this spring. The additional singles are still scheduled to be released on May 15, June 12, and July 10th.

Tour dates can be confirmed at www. freshbreathband.com.

“This year, we both quit our jobs and started performing fulltime,” Josh said. We’ve been

playing over a decade. It has been a rough go with everything cancelled, but we just stay on top.”

READ US ONLINE & IN PRINT contact@essexfreepress.com issuu.com/essexfreepress

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14 I Personals Essex Free Press

FromThe Heart

I Thursday, May 7, 2020

To place a personal notice, 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.

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BIRTHDAY ANNOUNCEMENT

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IN LOVING MEMORY

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OBITUARIES

ESPING: Dorothy (nee Roadhouse) passed peacefully on Sunday, April 26, 2020 at WRH at 93 years of age. Beloved wife of the late Carl (1997). Loving mother of the late Carlene (1997), Jeff Esping (Penny), and Laurie Flood (Edward).

Adored Grandma and Great-Grandma of Ryan Flood (Samantha) and her son Carter, Mark Esping (Beth) and their children, Madison and Andrew, Shawn Flood (Stephanie) and their daughters, Alice and Amelia, Justin Flood (Michelle) and their sons, Brennan, Cullen and Charlie, Nathan Flood, Erin Rocheleau (Tim) and their daughters, Nora and Stella. Predeceased by her parents, Lillian and Percy Roadhouse. Dearest sister of the late Florence Mactier (late Mac) and her late infant brother Raymond. Also predeceased by all of her in-laws, Eileen Laframboise (Fred) and Bob Lemmon (Arlene). She will also be remembered and missed by her special niece Cathy Cull (Fred) and many additional nieces and nephews. Dorothy was a life long member of St. Stephen’s Anglican Church and the family would like to extend their gratitude to her St. Stephen’s family for all of their prayers and support. Also special thanks to the staff at Richmond Terrace for all their TLC. Due to global conditions, a private family graveside service took place at St. Stephen’s Cemetery. There will be a celebration of Dorothy’s life at a later date. If desired, memorial donations may be made to St. Stephen’s Anglican Church by contacting Reid Funeral Home & Reception Centre, 87 Maidstone Ave. E., Essex (519-776-4233). Family and friends are invited to share their memories online at www.reidfuneralhome.ca

Voice Of Inspiration _________________________________________________________

“When you love your work, you will be exceptionally diligent in what you do and you will excel in delivering both quality and quantity.”

CARD OF THANKS

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~

Dr Prem Jagyasi

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OBITUARIES

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OBITUARIES

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2 LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU BETTER!

QUEEN’S AUTO SUPPLY

37 Main St East, Kingsville • 519-733-6554 ORDER ONLINE AT… queensauto.ca

377 Talbot St North, Essex • 519-776-9885 ORDER ONLINE AT… autobarn.ca

MAHON, Bernadette (nee Malenfant) - It is with extreme sadness we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother at the Erie Shores Healthcare in Leamington on May 4, 2020 at 92 years of age. Loving wife of the late Harold (1994). Dear mother of Patrick Mahon (Cathie), Paul Mahon (Cathy), Gerry Mahon (Caroline), Thomas Mahon and the late Ronald (1974).

Treasured grandmother of Erin (Matt), Gillian, Noel, Skye, Nicole (Terry), Chris, Kayla (Andrew), and Conor (Ravyn). Great-grandmother of Harper, Tiegan, Brayden, Haylie, and Abigail. Sister of Betty Kotow (late Andy) and Evelyn Pillon (Howard).

Predeceased by Joe Malenfant (Cecile), Paul (late Norma), Frank (late Leta), Catherine (late Raymond), Alfred (late Lucille) and Vince (late Joan). Sisterin-law of the late Jeannette (Sylvio), Francis (Edna), Charlie, Ed (Maxine), and Mary Theresa (Henry). Also, survived by many nieces and nephews. Bernadette long time parishioner of the Holy Name of Jesus Parish. She was a faithful and active member of the CWL for 59 years and a dedicated volunteer with the Knights of Columbus. Bernadette will be remembered privately at the Kennedy Funeral Home Ltd. (519-776-7378) 128 Talbot St. N, Essex. Interment St. Mary’s Cemetery, Maidstone. Donations may be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society by contacting Kennedy Funeral Home. You may send your condolences online at www.kennedyfh.com.

TAYLOR: Albert “Bert” - passed away peacefully at 91 years of age, on Saturday, May 2, 2020 at Country Village Health Care Centre.

Beloved husband of Betty (nee Cameron) for more than 65 years. Loving Dad of Laurie Taylor (Steve Perrault), Toni Taylor-Baltzer (Ben), and James Taylor. Proud Grandpa of Justin White, Michael White, Evan Baltzer and Great-Grandpa of Travis and Colton White. Dearest brother of Florence Marentette, Lois Stenger, and predeceased by his siblings, Glen Taylor and Anne Taylor. Bert bred and raised springer spaniels and retired from General Motors. Due to global conditions, a private family gathering has taken place. A celebration of Bert’s life will take place at a later date. If desired, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society by contacting Reid Funeral Home & Reception Centre, 87 Maidstone Ave. E., Essex (519-776-4233). Family and friends are invited to share their memories online at www.reidfuneralhome.ca.

Thursday, May 7, 2020 I

Community Hub I 15

Essex Free Press

sponsorship by:

Fresh food. Friendly neighbours 191 Talbot St. S., Essex

519-776-4255 Salvation Army Essex Church submitted by Carolyn Barnett

All Salvation Army public services across Canada have been cancelled until further notice as well as the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program.

Our Food Bank will operate by appointment only. Please call Vicki at: 519-776-4628 to make arrangements.

Please keep in your prayers, all who are affected, in anyway by COVID-19.

Woodslee United Church submitted by Sue Holman

Regular Church Service as been cancelled. Are you missing going to Church?

If so, please go to our website: Woodsleepatoralcharge.ca. Click on ‘Sermon’ and hear Rev. Carl’s spiritual message. Also click on ‘Bulletins’ and have prayers and hymns to sing.

We would like to thank Rev. Carl, Marsha and Michael for sending out the special email, ‘Manse Musings’ each week. We love the special messages and recipes in it. If you are not receiving it, call the office at: 519-975-2252 with your email address.

We are sorry but all events for May and June will not be held.

Please stay safe and know that God loves you.

Bethel-Maidstone United At this time, all church services and activities will be suspended until further notice.

You can find us on the web at www. bethelmaidstone.com. Our email address is bmuc@xplornet.ca and the office number is (519) 723-2284. Our address is 933 Talbot Road, Maidstone (just off

Manning Road at Cosy Corners).

Holy Name of Jesus Church Congratulations to Fr. Dave on his 44th Anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood.

Thank you to all of our front line workers who are protecting and keeping us safe. If anyone needs help, please call the church at: 519-776-8483.

The CWL is collecting face masks for volunteers and family members at the Hospice in Leamington. Please drop off in the bin outside by the office For up-to-date news, check out our website at www.hnj.dol.ca.

If you would like a weekly bulletin you can pick one up from the mailbox outside the parish office.

The St. Vincent de Paul Society is collecting non-perishable goods and toiletries. The demand is high to help the needy in our community. Please drop off at the bin outside our parish office.

Please remember to drop off your Foodland grocery tapes, cancelled stamps, and leftover eyeglasses at the designated file drawers at the Info table.

Please stay healthy and stay safe.

Paquette News submitted by Amy Hartley

We have unfortunately made the decision to temporarily suspend public Worship Services until further notice.

Maidstone Cross submitted by Wendy Cunningham

Congratulations to Fr. Vince on his 35th Anniversary of his ordination to the Priesthood.

Our sympathy and prayers go to the Jobin family on the passing of Madeline

Activity Answers below

Answers CRYPTO FUN: A. mother B. gift C. honour D. flowers GUESS WHO? Stevie Wonder WORD SCRAMBLE: Lunch

from Page 8

and to the Esping family on the passing of Dorothy.

Thank you to all of our front line workers who are keeping us safe.

All Masses remain cancelled and the Church is closed until further notice. You can read messages from Fr. Vince from St. Mary’s website at: stmarysstjohn.dol.ca.

If you need help please call the Church.

Please keep in your prayers all of the people who are sick, shut-in, and in Hospice care. Please stay healthy and safe!

As Mother’s Day approaches, we want to offer a special way to connect to the special women in our lives whoever they may be and wherever they may be. So, we will be offering a LiveStream of Songs

for Moms on May 9th beginning at 7pm with secure donations accepted.

Please visit our website at: www. stpaulstrinity.org or our Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/stpaulsessex.

Make Mother’s Day special

Harrow United Church submitted by Larry Anderson

We warmly welcome you to Harrow United Church! Please note that due to concerns over the current virus, there will not be any Sunday services until further notice. Please visit our website for updated messages.

Our Minister, Rev. Darrow Woods, along with our HUC faith community, sincerely welcome you to join us!

Please find information about Harrow United Church on our website at www. harrowunited.org.

Essex Christian Reformed Church submitted by Beverley Van Huizen

Churches are a place where people gather. During this time, we are following what the government is asking all of us to do and cancel church services and activities for the next few weeks.

We do encourage all to keep in contact with each other through telephone calls or texting.

If you would like to live-stream a worship service, see: www. chathamgrace.com The service will begin at 10:00am. During these uncertain times let us keep calm and focus our eyes looking to our Risen Lord!

Visit Essex CRC online to listen to a past sermon or two. www.essexcrc.ca.

Essex United Church Because of concerns from the COVID-19 Virus, our Weekly Sunday Services, as well as all activities, have been cancelled at Essex United.

The Essex Area Food Bank is still open on Tuesdays and Thursdays, open 8:30 11:45am.

St. Paul’s Anglican Church At the instruction of the Bishop of Huron, all public services and gatherings at the church have been suspended until further notice, please call 519-776 -7711 for more details or follow our Facebook page (facebook.com/stpaulsessex), for updates and worship resources.

You can also reach us at 519-776-7711 or by email at office@stpaulstrinity.org.

Stay safe and we hope to see you soon.

Each and every day a new woman becomes a mother for the first time or all over again. Being a mother changes a person’s life in dramatic ways.

Mother’s Day is a great time of year to honour mothers and attempt to give back just a portion of the tireless love and devotion moms offer their children. Some children provide large gestures, while others feel it’s the little things that can help a mom to feel appreciated. For those needing a little inspiration on treating their mothers in special ways, consider these ideas.

• Make mom a breakfast in bed with her favourite morning treats.

• Enjoy a movie at home with mom.

Let her pick the flick and share her favorite film with you.

• Agree to not bicker for the entire day, especially if you are prone to getting into arguments with siblings.

• Put together a collage of photos from moments you have shared with mom or your family.

• Cook a meal together and learn about everyone’s favorite recipes or the family history.

• Give her a locket with your photo inside and have a duplicate you can wear containing her photo.

• Customize a coffee mug, tote bag or a blanket with a meaningful sentiment or photo.

• Treat mom to a day off from her chores. Tackle all of the jobs she normally does for the family.

• Bake a delicious dessert that mom will absolutely devour.

• Pamper mom with a gift card for her favorite nail salon or massage therapy location.

• Prepare a jar of mom’s favourite candies wrapped in pieces of paper that have loving sentiments written on them.

• Compile a playlist of songs and artists mom prefers and download them to her phone.

• Begin a charm bracelet tradition by purchasing a charm bracelet and a new charm each year that represents a meaningful memory you both shared.

• Write a new email each day with an inspirational quote or special words of love for mom.

• Tackle a task that she may not want to do herself, such as washing the exterior of her car and vacuuming the interior.

Mother’s Day gift ideas should come from the heart and can show mothers near and far how much they are appreciated and loved.

Source: Metro Creative

16 I Business Directory Essex Free Press

I Thursday, May 7, 2020

REAL ESTATE

PLUMBING • GAS FITTING

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Thursday, May 7, 2020 I

News / Business Directory I 17

Essex Free Press

Province ratifies deal with ETFO submitted to EFP Last week, the majority of members of the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) voted in favour of accepting central bargaining agreements reached with the Government of Ontario, the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA), and the Council of Trustees’ Associations (CTA). The agreement will extend into 2022.

Towards the end of March, it was announced ETFO and the Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA) reached tentative agreements with the Province.

“Our goal was to defend public education and the working and learning conditions that have made Ontario’s education system one of the best in the world,” ETFO President, Sam

Hammond, said in a news release issued through the union’s website, www.etfo. ca. “While these negotiations were prolonged and difficult, our educators – with the support from parents and other community members – stood firm in the face of planned government cuts to education.”

Through Newsroom Ontario, Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education, congratulated ETFO, OPSBA and the CTA for the ratification of the 2019-22 central agreements.

“Like our deals with the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), the Education Workers’ Alliance of Ontario (EWAO), and the Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA), our primary objective was to reach good deals with teachers’ and

education workers’ unions, that will advance the priorities of students and parents,” he said.

Lecce added, “Teachers and education workers play a critical role in promoting positive learning environments for students in all corners of our province - they provide a safe and stimulating educational environment that promotes growth and learning.”

According to ETFO and the Province, central agreements include: • A Supports for Students Fund that preserves 100 percent of special education and priority funding negotiated in 2017. According to Newsroom Ontario, the Provincial Government will invest around $89.1 million over twoyears in government priorities, including addressing special education supports,

mental health and well-being initiatives, and STEM education.

• The kindergarten model, with its teacher/designated early childhood educator (DECE) team, is preserved for the life of the agreement.

• Proposed government funding cuts of $150 million to public elementary spending were withdrawn.

• Elementary class size language in local collective agreements is preserved.

• Professional development/learning funds for education workers are increased.

•According to Newsroom Ontario, under the agreement, ETFO education workers and teachers will receive a one percent increase to wages and salaries per year for three years.

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HICKS, MACPHERSON, IATONNA & DRIEDGER LLP. Chartered Professional Accountants Tyler Hicks Heather MacPherson Lindsay Iatonna Tim Driedger Ashley Meyer P.O. Box 189, 49 Erie St. N., Leamington, Ontario N8H 3W2 Phone 519-326-2681 • Fax 519-326-8044 • www.hmid.ca

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18 I Opinion / Feature Essex Free Press

I Thursday, May 7, 2020

3 tips to lessen your anxiety

1940 Oldsmobile on V-E Day

1940 Oldsmobile on V-E Day in Toronto. York University/Toronto Telegram Photo Collection.

“We’re nobody special, we’re just everybody,” exclaimed the happy group on this convertible making its way down York Street in Toronto. It was V-E Day, May 8, 1945. The war in Europe was over. This year we celebrate the seventy-fifth anniversary of V-E Day on Friday, May 8, 2020.

Note the absence of a front license plate on the car in the photo. No front plates were issued to Ontario motorists from 1943 to 1947 because of wartime metal shortage. The 1944 “plate” was a sticker on the windshield.

The car is a 1940 Oldsmobile convertible coupe in the 60 Series. The more expensive 90 Series had no running boards because it had a wider body. The engine carrying these people along was a flathead six with 230 cubic inches and 95 horsepower. The convertible top was power-operated for the first time in Oldsmobile history, and it was vacuum-powered, which meant the engine had to be running to put the top up or down.

The car carries the name of Ransom Eli Olds, an inventor from Lansing, Michigan, who began experimenting with automobiles in the late 1890s. His Olds Motor Works produced the Curved-Dash Olds of 1901, the first car to sell in volume. It was steered with a tiller and the engine was under the floor.

In 1904, following a disagreement with the other directors of the company, Mr. Olds left and began building other cars in competition with the company he had started. But he couldn’t call them Oldsmobiles because that name no longer belonged to him.

He named his new cars REO after his initials and these cars sold well right into the 1930s. REO trucks were also popular back then.

The last Oldsmobile was built April 29, 2004 when GM decided it was more profitable to trim back to just three makes: Chevrolet, Buick, and Cadillac.

The only Oldsmobiles you can buy now are old Oldsmobiles, and some of them look brand new because they have been restored to showroom condition. Maybe our feature car is still around!

I’m always looking for stories.

Email billtsherk@sympatico.ca.

(NC) Now more than ever, it’s important for Canadians to have access to effective tools and tactics for alleviating stress. We’re here to help manage anxiety with these three simple tips: 1. Stay connected to what you love. A change in routine can be stressful for anyone, but don’t forget to keep in touch with your favourite people and things. Make use of virtual hangouts and try a group chat or video game. Love nature? You can still enjoy long, solitary walks in the woods or a nearby lake or pond. Or try bringing the outdoors in with some new plants and greenery.

2. Keep those hands busy. It’s all too easy for your time to be spent hanging around with nothing to do at home, but it doesn’t have to be. This is your time, so use it to enjoy yourself. Read a book, play a game, do a puzzle, whatever keeps your hands busy and mind bright. You’ve also got some extra time built in without a long commute, so take advantage of it.

3. Unwind with great music. Whether you’re enjoying a new scenic route around your neighbourhood or cracking open that book you’ve been meaning to read for ages, you can elevate the experience with music. SiriusXM lets you seamlessly transition from your smart speakers at home to your smartphone or car app, so you don’t miss a beat. Let ad-free music soothe your stresses and personalized playlists let you bop along to the music you love every step of the way.

Start listening at sirusxm.ca.

Thursday, May 7, 2020 I

Community I 19

Essex Free Press

“Be a Donor’ Flag raised in recognition of ‘Kaidyn Blair Organ Donation Awareness Day’

by Sylene Argent Even with all the recent disruptions because of the COVID-19 outbreak, the Town of Essex made sure the annual ‘Kaidyn Blair Organ Donation Awareness Day’ was recognized by hoisting the ‘Be a Donor’ flag in front of the Essex Municipal Building last week.

The official ‘Kaidyn Blair Organ Donation Awareness Day’ is officially April 27, as this date is Blair’s transplant anniversary. He received a lifesaving liver donation just a few days after his first birthday. He was born with Biliary Atresia.

This April, Blair turned 18-years old. “I started speaking and becoming more of an advocate for this cause at a young age, so it’s really always been on the top of my mind and trying to figure out for ways to get people signed up.” He

Kaidyn Blair - 2018 File photo

admitted that it does feel a bit weird to think that he started speaking in high schools and now his high school career has ended.

Blair has been accepted into sports management program at St. Clair

College.

The Town of Essex made the designation in Blair’s honour several years ago as a way to recognize the efforts the local teen has put into raising awareness about the Organ Donation Registry. Because of his advocacy work, through hosting walkathons and registration blitz events with the help of friends and family members over the years, he has significantly increased the number of area residents on the registry.

Essex, according to beadonor.ca, is ranked as the 42nd community in Ontario with 4,979 registered donors, which is 51 percent of health card holders.

This percentage used to be 18 percent, before Blair began campaigning several years ago.

“Seeing that the Town [of Essex] is still putting the ‘Be a Donor flag’ up means a lot to myself and

also my parents, because after all these years of hard work, it’s finally paying off and more people are getting the message,” Blair said.

Continuing to advocate for organ donation is important to Blair because he said, “There are still lots of people [on the Organ

Donation Registry] looking for that hero to come in and save their life, like someone did mine.”

According to beadonor.ca, as of March 31, 2020, there were nearly 1600 individuals on the wait list for a lifesaving organ. Since 2003, 19,325 have

received a lifesaving organ.

Those wishing to register can log onto www. beadonor.ca/campaign/ kaidyns-dream. Log onto beadonor.ca for more information or to sign up to become an organ donor. An organ donor can save up to eight lives.

20 I Ad Feature Essex Free Press

I Thursday, May 7, 2020