Essex Free Press - May 14, 2020

www.essexfreepress.com

The Friendliest Pharmacy in Essex County!

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK! Hours: Monday 9am-8pm, Tuesday - Friday 9am-6pm, Saturday & Sunday 9am-1pm

Proudly serving the community of Essex and surrounding areas.

Located inside Essex Medical Centre

186 Talbot St. S., Essex

519-961-9610 @bradysdrugstore A LOOK INSIDE Thousands of students get ready for a virtual prom PAGE 2 _______________ Essex celebrates the legacy of Robert Chittle PAGE 3 _______________ Coronavirus affecting ag-sector locally and across the province PAGE 6 _______________ OPP investigating man impersonating police officer PAGE 17 _______________ 73’s rounding out staff ahead of season PAGE 19 _______________

Vol. 140

Thursday, May 14, 2020

Zazzle visits Holy Name Earth Day challenge winners from Holy Name

Name ‘Hawks’ who filled their entire card. Along with a personal visit, complete with Zazzle’s spirit-filled dance moves, each student received a hummingbird feeder and a

Looking For A Good Home

“ROCCO” See Page 5 for adoption info.

Issue No. 19

Submitted to EFP Recently, Holy Name Catholic Elementary School’s mascot “Zazzle” made special visits to some deserving students as part of an Earth Day challenge.

Students were asked to complete a number of earthfriendly activities and take

photos of them completing each task.

These pictures were then inserted onto a BINGO card.

Students who were able to complete an entire card were promised a visit from a “local celebrity.” Zazzle made good on his promise to visit the Holy

special balloon.

Congratulations goes out to Katy, Deliliah, Nataya, Jayson, Christopher, Nathaniel, Lillian, Gwen, and Ava. Way to go Hawks!

2 I Community Essex Free Press

I Thursday, May 14, 2020

Thousands of students get ready for a virtual prom

Photo courtesy of Student Life Network: “Prom Is On 2020 Virtual Prom.”

Photo courtesy of Mira Gillis: Pictured is a virtual call with many of the student leaders across Canada for the “Prom is On 2020 Virtual Prom.”

by Julianna Bonnett Come May 22, thousands of high school students across Canada will have the opportunity to attend a

virtual prom in celebration of making it to the end of their high school careers.

Every year, the Student Life Network hosts a contest to pay for one school’s prom each year, but this year, due to the Coronavirus global pandemic, many students who signed up for the contest started to shift their interest into having a virtual prom, because their traditional celebrations were cancelled due to current social distancing regulations.

Through the Student Life Network, a nationwide prom committee of students was formed. A local member includes 18-year-old F. J. Brennan Catholic High School student, Mira Gillis.

“I remember hearing the news about our prom being cancelled, it felt like something special wasn’t just taken away from me, but it was taken away from my whole graduating class,” Gillis said of why she got involved.

Gillis said once she found out Student Life Network was going to be hosting a virtual prom, she knew it was something in which she wanted to get her school involved.

“I am happy that I can bring some happiness during this time to my graduating class and I’m happy to see so many people involved in making this happen for Canadian students.”

The Student Life Network has put together a website for students to join #PromIsOn2020. On the website, students can upload Tik Toks, showcasing themselves dancing in their prom attire. For every student who participates in #PromIsOn2020, a donation will be made to the Kids Help Phone, thanks to CIBC. “At first, when this idea came to us, we didn’t think it would get too much range and many people would sign up for it,” Student Life Network’s Senior Content Producer, Laura Dasilva, said. “But I was surprised to see we got hundreds of applications immediately.”

The show will be live streamed on YouTube, with some Canadian role models to make an appearance.

Thursday, May 14, 2020 I

Community I 3

Essex Free Press

Essex celebrates the legacy of Robert Chittle

by Garrett Fodor Essex County and the hockey community are coming together to celebrate the life of one of their own.

On May 8, Robert ‘Bobby’ Chittle passed away at the age of 62, after a battle with cancer. The former goaltender for the Essex 73’s, the Windsor Royals, and the Windsor Spitfires was known to be ahead of his time between the pipes. While on the 73’s, Chittle played with his brother, Don, and his cousin, Len. Teammates often referred to Chittle as the reason the Essex 73’s junior hockey team was able to win two consecutive Schmalz Cups and three league championships from 1976-1978.

Photos courtesy of Reid Funeral Home & Essex 73’s

“We had all kinds of talkative guys on our team, and Bobby was just kind of the rock,” recounts Mark McGuire, a former teammate of Chittle’s and life-long friend. “He was a solid foundation to that team.

And man, when he said something in the room, it was like, you know, okay, Bobby’s talking now. And I think that was because of his, you know, his commitment to excellence, we were able to succeed on the ice and Bobby was able to succeed after it as well.”

During his 20s, Chittle started a construction business, building pole barns. And it is here too that many in the community noticed the sense of pride and craftsmanship that he put into the work, similar

to his style on the ice.

“Chittle barns are known that they don’t blow down, not too many guys have to repair a Chittle barn,” McGuire claimed. “And I think

it’s Bobby’s commitment to, if you’re going to do something and you’re going to put your name on it, you got to do it right.

And I think that rubbed Continued on Page 5

4 I Opinion Essex Free Press

Editorial &Opinion

I Thursday, May 14, 2020

Howling at the Moon ••• Comment by Sylene Argent ••• Finding better ways to prevent gun crime

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.

Recently, Prime Minister Trudeau announced a ban on 1500 models and variants of assault-style firearms in Canada.

Though I do believe in gun control, I am an advocate for rights.

I think we what we expect our law-abiding gun owners to do, for the most part, has been working, keeping in mind there is always room for a little improvement as times change.

What I see is that there are other areas that fall short when it comes to keeping people safe from gun violence. And, I would really urge those who are unfamiliar with statistics and the gun licensing process in Canada to learn more to get a better understanding of the issue and where I am coming from.

A news release on this from the Government notes these banned models represent nine categories of firearms and two types identified by characteristic. Some of their components are also prohibited.

There will be a two-year amnesty period and the Government of

Canada intends to implement a buy-back program to remove these banned firearms and to introduce legislation as early as possible, working with Parliament and through public consultation.

While some applaud the efforts, I fear these individuals may not already be aware of the sophisticated process in which gun owners have to go through to get and keep their licences. There are courses, there are daily continuous screenings through the RCMP, and there are very strict rules gun owners need to follow to keep their guns locked up.

Though, not everyone follows the rules…oh wait…that is the problem! There are over 2 million law-abiding gun owners out there who carefully follow the rules every day to make sure they do not lose their guns or their licence. Putting restrictions on those who follow the rules will do little to nothing to stop criminals from conducting crimes.

Instead of banning guns, a punishment – if you will – on those citizens who own guns as hunters,

collectors, or target shooters, lets instead invest funds into keeping illegal arms out of our country. The CBSA could likely use more funding to organize better efforts into being able to keep illegal weapons out of our country. We also need harsher punishments for those law breakers.

More mental health funding would also be of value to assist those in need.

We also need more funding for youth and educational centres to ensure our young people can find a passion and be able to peruse them, hopefully helping them to prevent finding a life of crime.

Though a gun ban may sound good to some people, let us question just how many legal guns are used in crimes. I think there are just better ways to protect our citizens than restricting those who are already following the law.

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

Phone: 519.776.4268 Fax: 519.776.4014

email: contact@essexfreepress.com

www.essexfreepress.com

Opinion

The Closure of Our Community Newspapers - Community Voices Silenced

by Richard Parkinson Last week, five of our region’s community newspapers closed their doors. The Kingsville Reporter, Lasalle Post, Tecumseh-Shoreline Weekly, Lakeshore News, and Tilbury Times published their final issues.

These were newspapers with lengthy histories in the communities they served. The Kingsville Reporter’s origins dating back to the late 19th century. They told the stories of their communities and were records for posterity.

Now, many future stories will not be recorded, set down on paper, or stored on hard drives. The storytellers have been silenced. Gone.

I had strong feelings about the closures of those newspapers. Sadness, of course. And anger. A large part of me wondered why I should care. They weren’t my community newspapers after all.

Sure, I had worked as a reporter and then editor at two community newspapers, but I had left all that behind me five years ago. I had moved on.

But, as anyone who has ever been a part of the

- by Richard Parkinson

community newspaper business can tell you, it’s a business you never really leave. Like good ink on the fingers, it stays with you.

I first stepped into the newspaper business as a junior reporter back in 1995. The internet was just starting to go mainstream and what we know today as social media was in its infancy – mostly bulletin board services and online chat communities for hobbyists.

There were a dozen community newspapers in Essex County at that time. Each newspaper had a reporter or two and I got to the know them quite well. There was a real camaraderie amongst the reporters, which I can only guess still exists today. There were no hard rivalries. We all worked together, supported one another, as we got the scoop.

These were my colleagues. Some of them became friends. I liked them. It was a great gang. And we loved what we were doing for the most part.

Amalgamation, building projects, elections, graduations, sports victories, festivals, the wins and losses of our minor sports teams, we were there, covering it all. Not Pulitzer prize worthy stuff, but important all the same. Small town stuff. Important to us.

Yes, those were good times. There was still money to

Continues on Page 5

Thursday, May 14, 2020 I

Opinion / Community I 5

Essex Free Press

Opinion

The Closure of Our Community Newspapers - Community Voices Silenced ... Continued from Page 4 - by Richard Parkinson

be made in the community newspaper business enough money to attract the larger corporations, who went about buying out the independents. local The five newspapers that closed their doors this week were independents when I first entered the newspaper biz and were all owned by a larger corporation when I left it.

Some of you might think that the closure of community newspapers and newspapers in general is inevitable. It is the modern age, sweeping forward on golden wings, doing away with the old, making way for the new.

Maybe you are right to think that. The world, after all, has changed drastically in the past thirty years.

All the same…

I think we will grow to regret the loss of our community newspapers.

I think we’ll realize there was more to them than the paper they were printed on.

Who will tell the stories of our minor sports teams when the community newspapers are gone? Who will go and take a picture of grandma on her 100thbirthday, and share her story with the community? Who will be there at the grade eight graduations? Who will be

there for the small-town fundraisers? Who will cover the parades, our festivals?

Online journalists, you say. Maybe. But corporations like the one that shuttered five of our local newspapers will be the ones to fund any online efforts. And if sufficient money isn’t coming in, do you think they will keep flipping the bill for online projects? The actions taken last week say ‘no.’

An online solution – by itself and as it presently packaged - is not fair to the communities or to the journalists. The communities deserve dedicated voices and the journalists deserve more than piece-meal work.

They need full-time jobs, so they can commit themselves to their important task.

We need people dedicated to telling the stories of our students, our minor sports teams, our grandmas and grandpas, our charity organizations and groups, our local heroes, our decision makers, and the list goes on.

We need entities that will not only tell these stories but properly archive them as well.

The archives at the Essex Free Press are full of stories, big and small. It is an effective history of

Jeff Willms*

Tel: 519-974-3200 ext. 2223 Fax: 519-974-3282 willms.financial@sunlife.com www.sunlife.ca/wfs.inc.

MBA, CFP®, CLU, CH.F.C., CHS

Willms Financial Services Inc.* Greenwood Centre 3200 Deziel Drive, Suite 508 Windsor, ON N8W 5K8

our town, dating back to the end of the nineteenth century. And it is a story, thankfully, that is still being told.

To my former colleagues at the Reporter, the Post, the Weekly, the News, and the Times, my heart goes out to all of you. You know what has been done. It’s the end of more than era in your communities.

Be proud though that you were the record keepers and the storytellers, right up to your final deadlines.

The legacy of Robert Chittle...

Continued from Page 3

off on many of us as young teenagers. Many of us looked up to him and he was mature way beyond his years.”

Many recount seeing his big smile and the bigger saves he would make in the Essex Memorial Arena. Former Coach, Dave Prypich, noted Chittle was ahead of his time in his technical style of goaltending, as he was calm and focused on the angles. He is known as one of the best 73’s goaltenders of all-time.

“He was definitely

proud of wearing the uniform and wearing the Chittle name,” Prypich said. “He was an allaround, really good person. If I hadn’t coached him as a hockey player and I just got to know him as a person, I’m sure I’d be talking about him in the same way. [He was], you know, just extremely comfortable to be around.

Even within five minutes

of meeting him, he was truly genuine and outgoing.”

In his later years, Chittle would get out to the rinks, often watching his nephews, Mitch and Tycen, play for the Lakeshore Canadiens.

Friends, family, and the community are invited to share memories and tributes of Chittle at reidfuneralhome.ca.

Pet Of The Week: Rocco Rocco is looking for an older, calm home with lots of love. A predictable environment will help him relax and become the dog he has longed to be. Rocco loves going for walks and is very food motivated. He would prefer to keep away from very small dogs and cats, as his intentions can be confusing. Treat him kind and he will be yours forever!

Only a limited number of animals will be made available at a time. They will be posted on the adoptable animal pages at www.windsorhumane. org. To apply to adopt an available animal, please click the “Interested in this Animal? Click here” link. All applications will be reviewed. For more info, contact us today.

This pet comes with 6 weeks of pre-paid pet health insurance. For more information, visit www.ospcainsurance.ca or call 1-866-600-2445.

Visit the Windsor-Essex County Humane Society shelter to visit at 1375 Provincial Rd., Windsor. Ph: 519-966-5751. The adoption center is open everyday at 11am.

*Mutual funds offered by Sun Life Financial Investment Services (Canada) Inc.

390 Talbot St. N. Essex, Ontario, N8M 2W4

SALES & LEASING PHONE: 519-776-6447

458 TALBOT RD. N., ESSEX, ON www.kenknappford.com 5197765287 www.countrysidechrysler.com

224 Talbot St. N., Essex

519-776-4222 www.countychevroletessex.com

6 I News / Community Essex Free Press

I Thursday, May 14, 2020

Coronavirus affecting ag-sector locally and across the province

by Sylene Argent COVID-19 has poised some challenges for local farmers, who continue to be resilient after overcoming many separate obstacles over the past year.

Locally, as far as grain famers are concerned, Lyle Hall, President of the Essex County Federation of Agriculture (ECFA), said everything is going along okay to date. The inputs are available, so the crops, such as corn and beans, are going into the ground and are being planted. The ground is a little cold, so some farmers are being a bit cautious, he noted.

“The cash crop is okay as far are getting things done. Things are progressing,” Hall said.

There have been cuts across the ag-sector, however, because the demand is not there, Hall noted.

A lot of the food and agriculturally-produced products, Hall said, typically go to restaurants, but the demand is currently lower due to shutdowns or reducing business to just offering takeout. Farmers and producers, he said, are trying to repackage some of those products that were destined for restaurant usage to be distributed for sale to the general population, “But how much can be repackaged? It takes time to do this. It is just a different demand. They are tying to do what they can.”

Hall added, “We’ve got dairy farmers dumping milk, and it is not the right thing to do. But, you can’t turn the cows off, just like you can’t turn the vegetables off in the greenhouse, they’re growing.”

According to the Ontario Federation of Agriculture

(OFA), Dairy farmers received a two-percent cut in their quota and producers will share the cost of dumping excess milk.

“It is going to take time to turn this around. Who knows. It is an adjustment period. Farmers are resilient, we try to adjust,” Hall said.

In a commentary from Keith Currie, President of the OFA, he said, “Farmers across all commodities have been greatly impacted by this crisis and have experienced loss of market access, increased production costs, supply disruptions, processing challenges, and revenue loss.”

In the commentary, he noted labour shortages have impacted the growing season for many Ontario fruit and vegetable growers, Ontario beef farmers are losing around $2 million per week during this crisis, and changing marketplace and changing consumer demands because of COVID-19 has had egg farmers notice a 15 percent reduction in sales. In addition, Ontario beekeepers are losing pollination contracts.

The challenges COVID-19 has brought forward is not the first farmers have faced in the past year.

Heavy rainfall last year caused concerns, which challenged crop yields and caused issues with Vomitoxin in some cornfields that were planted late due to the heavy rains. The high heat and humidity in the field when they were flowering in August is suspected in causing the blight to grow in many fields, Hall noted.

Things are looking good, so far, in avoiding Vomitoxin this year, Hall said. Corn crops seem to be not getting delayed in getting into the ground.

This was followed by the CN strike, which stopped delivery of propane, when farmers were entering the harvesting and drying season for corn, and led to distribution issues.

The second blockade, due to protests against the Wet’suwet’en natural gas pipeline, affected the farmers who use propane from getting this fuel source to keep their barns warm for birds and animals.

“We are here to try to educate the people who are not aware of what farming is,” Hall said of the ECFA, adding agriculture is one of the leading sectors that contributed to the country’s economy.

Harrow’s Elvis tribute artist entertaining international audiences during pandemic

by Sylene Argent Elivs Presley tribute artist James Gibb enjoys keeping the King of Rock ‘n Roll’s music alive, and has has been performing some of the world’s most popular tunes, to international audiences from his home office in Harrow.

On Saturday evening, Gibb stepped up to the microphone, dressed as the King, to perform a variety of tunes through a German Facebook site “Elvis and Friends Across the World.” This was the fourth performance he has done since the pandemic began in mid-March.

The concert series began on his own Facebook page, which he organized as something fun to do that would entertain some Elvis fans.

From there, two different groups reached out to him to see if he would be interested in performing live via their own Facebook pages. One of the pages is based in England and the other in Germany.

“It is so interesting how Facebook makes the

world a lot smaller. When we do these things, people comment from all over the globe and you are in your own house,” Gibb said. He added he relies on seeing comments come in during these online performances to know how the gig is going, without being able

Continued from Page 12

Thursday, May 14, 2020 I

Essex Free Press

Ad Feature I 7

8 I Activity Page Essex Free Press

I Thursday, May 14, 2020

Exercise The Mind!

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

Fun By The Numbers Like puzzles? Then you’ll love sudoku. This mind-bending puzzle will have you hooked from the moment you square off, so sharpen your pencil and put your sudoku savvy to the test!

Here’s How It Works: Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!

WORD FIND - “Under Construction”

See Activity Solutions on Page 15

Thursday, May 14, 2020 I

Community I 9

Essex Free Press

WSO thank frontline workers during Nurses’ Week with Music for the Frontlines

WSO musicians thank frontline workers during Nurse’s Week with a performance outside the patients’ entrance of the Windsor Regional Hospital, Ouellette Campus, on Monday.

submitted to EFP Windsor Symphony Orchestra (WSO) musicians are saluting front line medical workers as part of Nurses’ Week.

This year, the annual celebration is made particularly moving by the universal recognition of nurses’ dedication and courage during this time of crisis.

WSO players proudly joined other local musicians in serenading nurses as they enter and leave the hospitals throughout the week.

WSO musicians performed Monday at the Ouellette Campus, Wednesday at the St. Clair College (Field Hospital), and are scheduled to perform at the MET

Campus on Friday, May 15, at 7:00 p.m.

The serenade by the WSO musicians is just part of a new initiative, “WSO Music for the Frontlines” aimed at providing some relief and respite for frontline medical workers and their patients.

The program is in partnership with the

Windsor Regional Hospital and care facilities across the region. As part of the program, the Windsor Symphony Orchestra will bring musical performances to digital screens for patients and frontline workers fighting the virus.

In addition to recorded performances and messages of hope from the Windsor Symphony Orchestra musicians and staff, WSO musicians are on hand at hospital campuses across the city this week performing and thanking frontline workers during shift changes.

On behalf of the entire Windsor Symphony Orchestra family WSO Music Director Robert Franz said “We thank all of our frontline workers.

Your courage and willingness to do what it takes to keep us all safe

during this pandemic is noticed and appreciated by all of us. Music speaks to the soul when

words seem inadequate.

Please accept our deepest gratitude with this small musical gift.”

10 I Special Feature Essex Free Press

I Thursday, May 14, 2020

Tips to prepare for your Garden refresh – your next big home project must-haves for a successful season

(MS) - The planning process is one of the most exciting parts of a home renovation project, and with social distancing keeping us indoors, now is the time to dream big and get ready.

Whether it’s a basement makeover, a pool addition or even building a new house from scratch, here are some tips to get started: 1. Factor in your lifestyle. Think about your priorities and lifestyle - do you work from home without a proper home office? Do you enjoy cooking

and entertaining? Is your backyard living up to its potential as an extension of your home? Asking these kinds of questions can help you determine the most beneficial focus for your next project.

2. Educate yourself. Take advantage of this extra time you have to learn about materials, processes and new innovations. You can make smarter purchasing decisions by finding out the answers to key questions, such as: Is this material mold-resistant? How long will it last? Is this a passing fad or will it stand the test of time?

3.

Consider sustainability.

Products and materials that reduce your carbon footprint don’t just help the planet -they’re often better for your wallet, too. When doing your research, look for energy-efficient appliances, windows, walls and more to build a greener home that will last longer and save you money in the long run.

Continued on Page 11

(NC) Most of us are finding new ways to get outside and enjoy fresh air at a safe physical distance from others. One of the most popular activities Canadians are starting up again is gardening. Here are the basics to help both experienced green thumbs and beginner gardeners prepare for a successful growing season.

• The tools: Having these five items ready will save you time in the backand-forth to the shed: garden forks, shovels, soil knives, shears, watering can. Invest in a gardening belt to keep these items

handy. Make sure you’ve turned the water on for your hose.

• The outfit: Anything that keeps the ticks and mosquitoes away is essential. Fortunately,

Mark’s WindRiver tickand mosquito-repellent clothing will do just that.

This is the only approved tickand mosquitorepellent clothing and accessories line available in Canada, providing odourless and invisible protection for 70 washes.

• The products: Growing a garden in Canada has its own set of risks, especially with the predictably unpredictable conditions we face across the country. Study your space to see which areas receive direct sunlight, if daily watering is needed, and how much room the garden has to grow. Decide on which fertilizer, soil and compost options work best for your outdoor conditions, read the seed packages carefully, and dig your holes.

Source: newscanada.com

Improve comfort when dining outdoors

Warm weather entices people to enjoy long hours outside basking in the sun or relaxing on balmy evenings. Many of the activities people once reserved for indoors when temperatures were chilly, including dining, are moved outside as the weather warms.

Even though outdoor dining can be quite enjoyable, certain factors need to be considered to ensure that each experience is as pleasurable as possible. This means focusing on comfort whenever meals are taken out-of-doors.

Address insects Insects are equal opportunity invaders. Once they smell sweet or savory food items, they quickly descend for an easy bite. This means extra steps are necessary to dissuade insects from coming by. Invest in citronella candles, which can be placed around the patio to repel flying bugs. Clean up crumbs and spills promptly. Bees and wasps can be lured away with sweet traps placed around the perimeter of the Continued on Page 11

Thursday, May 14, 2020 I

Special Feature I 11

Essex Free Press

Improve comfort when dining outdoors...

Continued from Page 10

property.

Offer shade Too much sun can make outdoor meals less enjoyable. A patio umbrella, pergola or canopy can cut down on glare and make the dining area more comfortable. Check to see that the shade source can be adjusted to guard against the sun as it moves across the sky.

Dress up seating Just because furniture is made for outside doesn’t mean it has to be uncomfortable. Many companies now produce very durable and attractive outdoor furniture. Weather-resistant fabrics mean rain or sunlight will not age items too quickly.

Reusable place settings If you frequently dine outdoors, you may want to dine in style. Instead of disposable paper or plastic place settings, invest in colourful, durable, reusable plastic dishes, glasses and flatware, which will not break if dropped and can hold up to a dishwasher when it is time to clean up.

Create the right ambiance Invest in outdoor lighting, candles and hidden speakers to pipe in music and create ambiance. Install privacy screens and foliage to establish a nice nook for outdoor dining.

Outdoor dining areas can be improved with some easy modifications to existing spaces.

Source: metrocreative.com

Tips to prepare for your next big home project...

Continued from Page 10

4. Disaster-proof your design.

The pandemic has taught us that sometimes the worst can happen. From natural disasters to fires and flooding, we need our homes to offer as much protection as possible. Whether you’re planning an extension to your home, pools and spas for your backyard or a custom-built home, insulated concrete forms from Nudura are a smart investment. An eco-friendly alternative to traditional materials like wood, ICFs are disaster resilient, designed to withstand wind, fire, tornados, and more.

5. Budget for smart splurges and savings. Budgeting is one of the most important parts of the planning process because you want to spend your hardearned money wisely. You’ll want to splurge on items that will boost your property value, like energy-efficient features, creating more living space and a solid foundation. Upcycling and repurposing furniture, DIY-ing simpler projects like painting, and spending more on nicer hardware but less on cabinets are clever ways to save.

Find more information at nudura. com.

Source: metrocreative.com

Stay safe during spring flooding

(NC) With warmer weather ahead comes the potential for flooding, which can be devastating.

The Electrical Safety Authority shares a few tips to help protect you and your family when preparing for and dealing with a flood.

Prior to a flood If you need to evacuate before flooding occurs, be sure to unplug and move electrical appliances and devices to an area above the expected level of flood water. Never use products if they have been

in contact with water.

You can also switch the main breaker on your electrical panel to the “off” position to ensure the power is off when you return home to potentially flood-damaged electrical equipment.

Prevent damage to the outside of your home by unplugging and safely storing extension cords indoors above the expected flood line.

During a flood Do not enter your basement, and call your local electric utility if

the water has reached the level of the electrical outlets, baseboard heaters or furnace or is near the electrical panel. Arrange for them to disconnect the power.

If power is disconnected during a flood and you have a portable generator, never use it indoors. Use it in a dry area outdoors and away from open doors, windows and vents. Do not connect it to electrical appliances or wiring components that have been affected by flood water.

After a flood If you need to make repairs to your home’s electrical system, hire a Licensed Electrical Contractor. They will confirm the system is safe to operate and advise when power can be safely restored to your home.

Learn more at www. esasafe.com/floodsafety.

Source: newscanada.com

12 I Classifieds / Community Essex Free Press

Classifieds _______________________________________________

HELP WANTED

_______________________________________________

CLASSIFIED RATES

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

Phone 519.776.4268

Fax: 519.776.4014

www.essexfreepress.com

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

Email: contact@essexfreepress.com

_____________________

_____________________

_____________________

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

SERVICES _____________________

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. _____________________

1-t

_____________________

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.

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*

STORAGE

_____________________ STORAGE FOR LEASE - in Essex. Approx.

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

02-1t _____________________

HELP WANTED

_____________________ HIRING! LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE and LANDSCAPE LABOURERS, $18/hour, experience necessary, 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.

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

I Thursday, May 14, 2020

_____________________

HELP WANTED

_____________________ HELP WANTED  PT cook needed for Southgate Village in Kingsville. Please forward resume to rebecca_broughton@ srgroup.ca 18-2t _____________________

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.

22-tt _____________________

WANTED

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

46-t

CLASSIFIEDS WORK! Advertise here!

Harrow’s Elvis tribute artist entertaining international audiences during pandemic...

Continued from Page 6

to experience the reaction of a live audience.

Gibb has been an Elvis tribute artist for 14-years, and a fan since he was just 13-years-old. He enjoys being able to carry on the King’s music so it is not forgotten.

“He was very talented, he deserves to be remembered,” Gibb said of his favourite artist.

His first on-stage experience was one he did not plan himself. In 2006, his wife, Lisa, learned there was an Elvis Festival that included a contest in Windsor, and knowing her husband was a big fan, she signed him up. At the time, Gibb was not a singer. She did not tell him about the contest until a month-and-a-half beforehand.

“I did embarrass myself,” Gibb admitted of that first performance, “but I enjoyed it.” Something about that first experience on stage sparked a passion in him to perform, and he signed up for music lessons the following week.

He took weekly singing lessons for

two-years, where he learned helpful breathing and note-hitting techniques.

Since, Gibb has been fortunate to win first place in quite a few Elvis impersonation contests.

In getting into his Elvis persona for his stage performances, Gibb said you can just try to be like the King. “He was the very coolest guy ever,” he said.

Though Gibb enjoys performing the hits most everyone recognizes, he especially enjoys shining a light on the tunes that did not become quite as popular. Elvis, he said, has a huge catalogue of gospel music he enjoys adding into his setlists. “I love it when I have a real audience and they start mouthing back those [less popular] songs.”

Several gigs, planned over the last few, and coming months, have been cancelled due to COVID-19. So, for Gibb, being able to do a handful of online gigs has been a great way to continue performing.

Thursday, May 14, 2020 I

Essex Free Press

Ad Feature I 13

14 I Personals / News Essex Free Press

FromThe Heart _______________________________________________

ANNIVERSARY

_______________________________________________

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. _________________________________________________________

IN LOVING MEMORY

OBITUARIES

_________________________________________________________

In loving memory of

CHITTLE, Robert “Bobby”) - passed peacefully at 62 years of age, on Friday, May 8, 2020 at Windsor Regional Hospital, Metropolitan Campus.

Dearest son of Margaret Chittle and the late Robert Chittle (2018).

Survived by his three brothers, Donny and Kim, Paul and Janice, and Jimmy Chittle. Remembered by his nieces and nephews, Chris, Stephanie, Amy, Mitchell, and Tycen Chittle. He was well known in the community for his love of hockey as a goaltender, for the Essex 73’s, Windsor Royals, and the Windsor Spitfires. In following Bobby’s wishes, a private family graveside service has taken place. If desired, memorial donations may be made to T2B Transition to Betterness 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.

who passed away on May 19, 2009 Memory lane is a lovely lane , Where thoughts are tender and true.

Again and again, we walk that lane, Because it leads to you.

We miss you so much ~ Your Family ~ _________________________________________________________

IN LOVING MEMORY

_________________________________________________________

In loving memory of my family

Norma & Ledson Joyce Dean & Margaret Ferguson Herald & Ruth Ferguson Marshall Newman Looking forward to the day when we will be together again. ~ Forever in my heart ~ - Ruth

_______________________________________________

BIRTHDAY

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

Jack Harrison

_______________________________________________

I Thursday, May 14, 2020

Memorial verses available Voice Of Inspiration “In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer.”

_________________________________________________________

OBITUARIES

_________________________________________________________

BUHLER, Patricia “Patty (nee Fostey) With broken hearts, we announce the passing of our wife, mother, daughter and sister. Patty passed peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family on Friday, May 8, 2020.

Beloved wife of Kevin for 32 years.

Loving mom of Justin (Madison), Brittany Buhler (Dakota), and Chad (Kristen). Dearest daughter of John and the late Lucy Fostey and daughter-in-law of Roger and Hazel Buhler. Adored sister of Steve Fostey (late Janet), Robert Fostey, Ronald Fostey, late Dale Fostey (Gail), Barbara Tymec (Mike), the late Johnny Fostey (Shelley), Dianne Fostey, Mary Jane Buhler (Greg), and Kathy Allison (Don). Dearest sister-in-law of Beverley Doan (Gordon), Sharon Upham (Bert), Brenda Marchand (Charles), Alan Buhler, the late Nancy Market (Doug), the late Jacqueline Copeland (Don), Greg Buhler (MaryJane), and Mark Buhler (Joanne). Patty will also be remembered and missed by her many nieces, nephews and friends. Due to the pandemic, a private family visitation and service will take place. If desired, memorial donations may be made to T2B Transition to Betterness by contacting Reid Funeral Home, 87 Maidstone Ave. E., Essex (519-776-4233). Family and friends are invited to share their memories online at www.reidfuneralhome.ca

~ Albert Camus

Say I Love You With A Personal Greeting!

Let everyone know with your announcement here!

Email your photo and message to:

contact@essexfreepress.com 116 Centre Street, Essex

519-776-4268

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

Residents must pre-register to view or be a delegate for Town committee/board meetings

by Sylene Argent During a special meeting hosted on March 23, Essex Council passed an amendment to the Procedural Bylaw to allow for the electronic participation of Council Meetings, as well as its boards and committees. The intention behind passing this amendment was to give Council, and its board/committee members, and option to safely meet remotely and abide by social distancing requirements during the COVID-19 pandemic.

While Council meetings are easily found to watch as they are livestreamed on YouTube, those interested in watching or being a delegate for one of the Town’s board or committee meetings, will need to contact the Clerk’s office at 519-776-7336, extension 1101, ahead of time in order to receive an electronic meeting invite.

Robert Auger, the Town Clerk, said this is similar to what the process was before the COVID-19 emergency.

The main reason for putting in the request to watch or be a delegate at board and committee meetings is that the Town is limiting livestreams to just the Council Meetings, due to staff resources and the need to try to limit security issues.

Auger noted that, as always done, the committee and board agendas and adopted minutes from those meetings continue to be posted for the public on the Town website www.essex.ca via the “Council Calendar” page.

Get the word out.

Advertise here and get results.

16 Centre St., Essex

www.essexfreepress@on.aibn.com

519.776.4268

Thursday, May 14, 2020 I

Community Hub I 15

Essex Free Press

Harrow United Church submitted by Larry Anderson

191 Talbot St. S., Essex

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.

519-776-4255

Essex Christian Reformed Church

sponsorship by:

Fresh food. Friendly neighbours

submitted by Beverley Van Huizen

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.

Holy Name of Jesus Church 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.

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).

Maidstone Cross submitted by Wendy Cunningham

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!

Activity Answers below from Page 8

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 available to anyone who needs assistance at this time, on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Hours 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.

Thank you to all who took part in our Songs for Moms online event last weekend Please visit our website at: www. stpaulstrinity.org or our Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/stpaulsessex.

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.

Simple ways individuals can help make their communities safer Thriving communities tend to share certain characteristics.

Communities that are inclusive and encourage participation by all residents tend to thrive, as do those where there are opportunities to grow, both professionally and personally. Safety is another common component of thriving communities.

When residents feel safe in their communities, they can feel free to pursue their goals, creating the sense that possibilities are endless.

According to the Pan Pacific Safe Communities Network, a membershipbased, non-government organization that promotes safety in an effort to prevent injuries and violence, safety benefits communities in myriad ways. The PPSCN notes that safe communities see a reduction in the numbers and costs of injuries and violence and a promotion of community-wide health and safety, all the while instilling a sense of community pride.

Communities tend to be at their safest when all members pitch in to do their part. The following are some simple ways individuals can help make their communities safer.

• Make an effort to know your neighbours. According to SafeHome. org, an online resource that aims to assist consumers as they search for sensible security solutions for their homes, knowing one’s neighbours is a great way to recognize when suspicious persons are in the area. This can serve as a safety net against burglaries and kidnappings.

• Install exterior lighting around your home and make sure street lamps are promptly fixed. Exterior lighting on the porch and around the perimeter of your home can make for an effective deterrent to intruders. Burglars look from dark spaces, so they’re more likely to avoid well-lit properties than those under the cloak of darkness. Urge community

SUDOKU - ANSWER

leaders and companies, such as politicians and local energy providers, to promptly replace street lamp bulbs when they burn out. Street lamps make communities safer for children and pedestrians and can serve as deterrents to criminals just like lights around individual properties.

• Reinvigorate neglected areas.

Abandoned parks and run-down public gathering spaces present an image of a community that does not care about itself.

That can make communities seem like easy targets for criminals. Community members can join together via social media groups or more traditional grassroots efforts like door-to-door campaigning to collectively reinvigorate neglected areas within their communities.

Organize park cleanups that culminate with a community barbecue, which can serve to clean up spaces and bring community members together.

• Spread the word. Individuals are essential to building safe communities, but that responsibility is communitywide. Spread the word of your efforts via social media, township meetings, community schools, and churches. Your actions may just inspire others to follow suit.

Building safe communities requires collective efforts on the part of all residents, who can then reap the many rewards of living somewhere safe.

Source: metrocreative.com

16 I Business Directory Essex Free Press

I Thursday, May 14, 2020

REAL ESTATE

PLUMBING • GAS FITTING

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

REAL ESTATE

ROOFING

LOCKSMITHS

FOUNDATION REPAIR

REAL ESTATE

PLUMBING • HVAC

SERVING YOU SINCE 1974

Plumbing • Heating • HVAC Services • 238 Talbot St. W. Leamington

519-326-9018

www.grossiplumbing.ca grossi@grossiplumbing.ca

PLUMBING

COMMERCIAL PRINTING

TRUCKING & EXCAVATING

HEATING & COOLING

FOUNDATION REPAIRS

PLUMBING/HEATING Wayne Warkentin

Don’t you deserve the best price, service and quality?

RVICE WE NOW SEES & ALL MAK HOME F MODELS ONCES APPLIA

Water Proofing Slabjacking Wall Reinforcing Foundation Repairs

Free Estimates, Guaranteed Work

723-2300

www.soullieresolutions.com

Chris Warkentin

PLUMBING • HEATING • AIR CONDITIONING

GEOTHERMAL • REFRIGERATION

PLUMBING SHOWROOM • Residential • Commercial • Installations

FREE ESTIMATES 54 Mill St. E., Kingsville warkentinplumbing.ca

519-733-5832

Thursday, May 14, 2020 I

News / Business Directory I 17

Essex Free Press

OPP investigating man impersonating police officer Composite Drawing Released submitted to EFP (LAKESHORE, ON) - The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Essex County Crime Unit is releasing a composite drawing of a suspect reported to be impersonating a police officer.

On April 23, 2020 at approximately 9:00 p.m., a woman was driving on Naylor Side Road near the intersection of North Talbot Road, when she was pulled over by a vehicle with red and blue

flashing lights. A man approached the driver’s side window wearing clothing resembling the uniform of a police officer.

The suspect asked the driver questions relating to her essential services status.

The suspect is described as a white male, approximately 30-40-years-old, tall and fit, having short brown hair and a scruffy beard.

The vehicle was described as a small,

black and white older model, four-door vehicle similar to a Ford Taurus.

The vehicle had a roof mounted emergency light bar with red and blue alternating lights.

Through extensive investigation, it has been confirmed that this individual was not a police officer and the OPP is asking for assistance in identifying him.

The OPP do not stop motor vehicles to inquire about the employment status of the driver or its

occupants.

The OPP is asking anyone having information regarding this incident or who can assist with the identification of this individual to call 519723-2491 or 1-888-3101122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, 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.

INCOME TAX

WINDOWS & DOORS

LANDSCAPING

LANDSCAPING

CUSTOM KITCHEN CABINETS

INSURANCE

FINANCIAL

ACCOUNTING

ACCOUNTING BAKER TILLY TRILLIUM LLP 203 TALBOT ST. W., LEAMINGTON, ON N8H 1N8

PAT OUELLETTE, CPA, CA T 519.326.2666 C 519.816.9899 E pouellette@bakertilly.ca W www.bakertilly.ca

ACCOUNTING

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

LAWYER

PARTNER

F 519.326.7008

ACCOUNTING

18 I Opinion / Community Essex Free Press

I Thursday, May 14, 2020

St. Paul’s Anglican Church hosts online sing-a-long for moms “Boomerang taillights” on 1956 Meteor

Bob Downey’s 1956 Meteor convertible.

The Meteor was introduced by Ford of Canada for the 1949 model year to give Mercury-Lincoln dealers a car to sell in the low-price field. It was built only in Canada. Bob Downey lived in the west end of Toronto in the 1950s and owned a 1951 Meteor convertible which had seen better days.

But his next Meteor convertible was almost brand new, a 1956 Rideau Sunliner, one of only 479 built at the Ford plant in Oakville, and purchased by Bob only a year later from Evans Motors at Bloor and Islington. This was Bob’s favourite car and he customized it in the style of the day.

The side trim is straight from the factory but everything else has been added: lakes pipes, bubble skirts, a new white top, 2-tone blue and white paint, and those taillights! Can you guess what they are? Answer at end of story.

The grille at the rear of the car may have been inspired by the grille on the 1958 Cadillac. The front of the car has canted quad headlights and twin fender-mounted spotlights!

Bob Downey proudly displayed his awesome custom at one of the Autorama shows held at the Fort York Armory in Toronto from 1959 to the mid-‘60s. As he was leaving the show, he accidentally drove over a spray can of red paint lying on the floor. It squirted red paint all over the side of his car! “That’s it!” he yelled.

“I’m never bringing my car to another show!”

And he never did. For years, he stored his pride and joy at the home of Bill Balzer, who lived north of Oakville. After Bob passed away, Bill acquired the car.

And after Bill passed away, Roy Brown of Halifax heard about the car and bought it.

Roy’s son is also crazy about mid-50s customs and between father and son, Bob Downey’s customized Meteor will always be given the care it deserves.

Still stumped by those taillights? They have been nicknamed “boomerang” taillights and came off the back of a 1958 Edsel station wagon!

I’m always looking for stories.

Email billtsherk@sympatico.ca.

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

16 CENTRE ST., ESSEX

519.776.4268 www.essexfreepress.com

Photo submitted. - Reverend Chris Brouillard-Coyle led a sing-a-long live online, accompanied by her daughter, Sydney.

by Sylene Argent With the Coronavirus pandemic keeping everyone on lockdown, leaders at St. Paul’s/Trinity Anglican Church met online recently to think of a way to replace the cancelled fundraising monthly shopping market for May, with a way the community could recognize matriarchs over the Mother’s Day weekend.

On Saturday evening, Reverend Chris Brouillard-Coyle led a sing-a-long live on the Church’s Facebook page, accompanied by her daughter, Sydney, on piano. The duo compiled a list of songs to pay tribute to moms, and also reached out to the community for suggestions.

“We wanted to honour moms and the women in our lives who make a difference,” Reverend Chris BrouillardCoyle said. Folks requested songs for the women in their lives.”

The duo performed tunes like, “Wind Beneath my Wings” and “Be a Light.”

But not every song was serious in nature.

The mother/daughter performers also got requests from individuals to play silly

songs, “Because family exist in different ways,” Brouillard-Coyle said.

Some of those fun songs requested included, “Poor Little Bug on the Wall,” which one individual requested in honour of fun family time. Another silly song request was “Little Bunny Foo Foo,” which Brouillard-Coyle said one individual requested because she remembers her mother singing that song to calm her down in the car when she was a child.

The variety of tunes played was because, “Songs celebrate ways in which we nurture one another,” BrouillardCoyle commented.

The online event was wrapped up with a prayer for moms and a special performance of the song, “A Bushel and a Peck” for Brouillard-Coyle’s soon to be 100-year-old grandmother, who still sings the song all the time when a number of family members visit.

Brouillard-Coyle said she will get

Continued on Page 20

Thursday, May 14, 2020 I

Sports I 19

Essex Free Press

73’s rounding out staff ahead of season

EFP FIle Photo - Danny Anger poses in the 73’s locker room during his first team meeting ahead of the 20192020 season. Anger now enters his second year behind the bench for the 73’s.

by Garrett Fodor Amid all the uncertainties surrounding hockey due to COVID-19, one thing is for sure, the Essex 73’s hockey organization plan to go back to its winning traditions.

For the first time since 2017, a new face will oversee the Essex 73’s organization. Following

the departure of former General Manager, Steve Caldwell, the club was tasked with hiring someone for the position.

And, for a club enriched in pride and tradition, that meant finding the right hockey-mind and resume.

The candidate chosen was Mike Pailey. He joins the organization after serving as an assistant

Mike Pailey - Photo of courtesy of Essex 73’s

coach and head scout for the University of Windsor for the last four years.

The former goaltender won a Schmalz Cup in 1995 with the Lakeshore Canadiens and he spent three seasons playing for the Leamington Flyers and Windsor Bulldogs.

“I think that it was a very good move the executive made bringing on Mike Pailey,” Head Coach, Danny Anger,

said. Anger will return behind the bench for his second season. “Mike has a ton of knowledge and experience recruiting and has connections in rinks all across Ontario. I think it was a very good move to bring in Mike. He’s a hockey guy. I know him personally and he’s going to be a great fit.”

Pailey was quick to make an impression on the organization and

continue to bring in previous champions.

His first moves were to bring in 73 alumni and Schmalz Cup winners, Nick Nicodemo and Jamie McDermott. Nicodemo will serve as the team’s Trainer, while McDermott will serve as an Assistant Coach.

“Bringing back Danny as our Head Coach is exciting,” Pailey said. “I know we had something to build on there with him. I also thought it was important to bring some other experience to the bench and bringing in Jamie McDermott, he’s definitely going to help us. He obviously has some good credentials in Essex and obviously outside of that in Leamington with Tony Piroski. And outside of that, Nick Nicodemo as our new Trainer.”

Both McDermott and Nicodemo won Schmalz Cups in Essex and later went on to the Leamington Flyers.

Anger notes having more

experience on the bench for the young staff will be crucial. He adds while he was successful, there were teachable moments and these hires will help everyone.

Pailey joins the rest of the 73’s coaching staff as being an Essex native, something he feels is unique and speaks to the rich hockey traditions and pride the area holds.

“As soon as they kind of drop the flag here and let us get on the ice, we are going to be ready to go,” Pailey said, looking ahead to his first season as General Manager. “We’ll be prepared for the start of the season, whenever it is.

Its just about getting the green light from Hockey Canada to get back on the ice. But it’s very exciting to be here and I’m super proud to be part of a great organization.”

20 I Community Essex Free Press

I Thursday, May 14, 2020

Essex filmmaker releases “Fireflies” to create light in a time of darkness - the new video addresses fears and feelings of isolation during pandemic -

Photos submitted by Essex filmmaker Matthew Luppino.

by Sylene Argent With many people feeling isolated and experiencing new fears due to the Coronavirus pandemic, Essex filmmaker, Matthew Luppino, quickly planned, shot, and produced his newest film “Fireflies,” which he hopes will bring light to the lives of those who may feel like they are living in a time of darkness.

The six-minute film “Fireflies” was released last Saturday evening, just in time to coincide with Mental Health Week.

“I just figured it is the perfect film for everyone around the world who is currently feeling the same way,” Luppino said. The short film was shot with his fiancé, Laura Holman, in their backyard in Essex six-days before it was released.

“I think we are all feeling the same things

during an unprecedented time.”

In creating the film, Luppino said, “I was trying to find a positive message.

I was trying to find a way to connect people.”

Fear, he said, is a big theme in the video. Currently, some people may be afraid of the virus and what the new normal may look like. Though there are reasons out there that may create fear, Luppino wanted to share the message of living one’s life and controlling those fears.

“Be a light for everyone around you to be inspired by,” he urged.

The film opens up with Luppino saying, “I always thought of myself as a firefly. That I am this bright light to all the darkness around me. When something bad happens to us, what is it that defines

us?”

He goes on to say, “Even though our world is more disconnected than we have ever been in history, we are still together.

We are all in the darkness fearing the unknown, fearing death and suffering.

Fearing everything we love, mourning those we’ve lost, and missing the people we love. The world, and everything in it, is in complete chaos. But, isn’t that the beauty? All great change is preceded by chaos.

“Sometimes life can be so intimidating, and you can feel so small, even lost in this great, big world. But even on the darkest of nights, there are still stars shining their lights down on us. Everything we want is on the other side of fear.”

The ‘firefly’ idea was something Luppino had tossed around in his head for the past few years. “They light up.

We can make a difference,” he said. He

thought this idea would be suited well for the current pandemic as “the nation and world has never been so dark,” he said. “I think people can relate to it.”

Feedback Luppino has received to date is that “Fireflies” is his best film yet.

“It is hitting home for a lot of people.”

“Fireflies” was released hot of the heals of Luppino’s successful nineminute and 13 second PSA “H.O.P.E.Hold. On. Pain. Ends” – which won four international awards and was released to coincide with World Suicide Prevention Day. For more information about the Canadian Mental Health Association’s Mental Health Week, log onto https:// mentalhealthweek.ca/ “Fireflies,” and Luppino’s other films, can be found on his website www. luppostudios.weebly.com.

St. Paul’s Anglican Church hosts online sing-a-long for moms... a copy of that song being performed, to show her grandmother when the pandemic is over, so she can see how she was honoured.

The online sing-a-long was a way to reach out and engage with people on social media and to provide some fun entertainment during the lockdown.

The sing-a-long was also a fundraiser. “We were bantering about fundraising and thought this was a perfect opportunity to use this time in a different way,” Brouillard-Coyle said of the sing-a-long. Any funds raised will go towards supporting church ministries, like the Clothing Cupboard – which is currently closed due to the pandemic - and the Youth and Family Ministry.

Those who would like to make a donation to St. Paul’s to support its ministries can do so via https:// www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/48582 As families are so stressed right now, BrouillardCoyle is looking at hosting an online game night in near future.

St. Paul’s is still hosting its Fun with Flags program through the Coronavirus emergency, Brouillard-Coyle said. The latest flag put beneath the Canadian flag at the church was for feminism. The flags are changed regularity, she said, adding she anticipates the Pride Flag will be up for June.

Looking ahead, St. Paul’s/Trinity Anglican Church,

Continued on Page 18

in partnership with local gardening enthusiast, Pat Jackson, will find a way to provide container gardens to those in need to ensure they can get fresh food. The container gardens will provide seedlings of tomatoes and beans - simple plants to grow – that will provide fresh food.