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Wednesday, December 22, 2021
Squirettes, McGregor K of C serve 1,000 meals By Ron Giofu
A holiday tradition returned to McGregor and resulted in a lot of people getting fed. The Squirettes of Mary Circle #1001, a youth organization based out of McGregor, and the Knights of Columbus Council #2844 presented the event late Sunday afternoon at the McGregor Columbian Club. The Squirettes served the meal with the McGregor K of C helping to cover the costs that hadn’t already been taken care of by donations. “It’s been great. It’s been very smooth,” said Laura Belanger, chief counsellor for the Squirettes of Mary. “We booked 1,000 meals. That’s our record. In 25 years, this is our biggest (meal).” The previous record was 720 meals, set last year. Belanger said some of the stories they heard when booking meals were heartbreaking. People were served in a drive-thru fashion, with some ordering ten or more dinners for their families. “There has always been a need but this year, but this year I think it’s greater this year,” said Belanger. Belanger added the word is out that the food they serve is “fantastic” and that helps bring people out. She said there were names she didn’t recognize ordering food and orders were coming in from around the region. “There is a lot of local people, too,” she said. “You never can tell.” The Squirettes and K of C also delivered meals in the Amherstburg, McGregor, River Canard and Essex areas. “There are a lot of people who can’t get out of their homes to have a great meal,” said Belanger. “We want to ensure everyone gets a great Christmas dinner.” Getting to 1,000 meals was a goal for the Squirettes of Mary Circle #1001 and it was a community service project for them. Belanger said it has never been a fundraiser, but donations are accepted to try and break even. The youth organization simply wants to make sure everyone gets a Christmas meal.
(Above photo) Steven Hanratty and children Sarah and Noah help load a vehicle with meals with the help of Santa Claus Sunday afternoon. The Squirettes of Mary Circle #1001 and the K of C Council #2844 presented their annual Christmas Turkey meal, with it being held in a drive-thru format this year. Hanratty is from Essex MP Chris Lewis’ office. (Right photo) Ayden Gauvin, Brookelyn Wilder, Isabella Jraige and Kendra MacKinnon help serve meals Sunday afternoon at the Columbian Club hall. The Squirettes of Mary #1001 and McGregor K of C #2844 distributed 1,000 meals Sunday afternoon.
Continued on Page 2
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2 – River Town Times – Wednesday, December 22, 2021
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McGregor couple wins $1 million in Lotto 6/49 draw Special to the RTT
SPECIAL TO THE RTT
Kimberley and Gary Noel of McGregor claimed their $1 million winnings at the OLG office in Toronto recently.
A McGregor couple were big winners in a recent Lotto 6/49 lottery. The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Commission (OLG) states that “Kimberly and Gary Noel of McGregor have that ‘6/49 feeling’ after winning a Guaranteed $1 Million Prize in the November 27, 2021 LOTTO 6/49 draw.” Kim and Gary said they aren’t regular lottery players and only pick up tickets occasionally. “We bought this ticket on a whim the night of the draw,” the married couple shared while at the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto to pick up their winnings. “I received an email from OLG first thing the next morning and saw “Winner - $1 million’. I spit my coffee out and texted Gary to come home right away,” shared Kim in a news release issued by
the OLG. “I thought something was wrong, so I came running,” added Gary. “I was in pure denial! Kim had all these web browsers up trying to confirm the win.” They took their kids out for dinner and told them about the big win. “They’re so excited and happy for us. They kept saying how much we deserve this!” Kim and Gary plan to pay off their mortgage and share their win with family. “We will also plan some home renovations and share with some local organizations who really need a helping hand,” they concluded. OLG is currently booking in-person prize claim appointments at the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto only for those claims that require a face-to-face interview. Customers with prizes over $50,000 are asked to call 1-800-387-0098 to discuss available prize claim options. Prize claims up to $49,999.90 should continue to be submitted by mail. The health and safety of our customers and employees remains our top priority and OLG looks forward to providing future updates on the further availability of in-person prize claims. LOTTO 6/49 players in Ontario have won over $13.5 billion in prizes since 1982, including 1,412 jackpot wins and 394 Guaranteed $1 Million Prize draws. LOTTO 6/49 is $3 per play and draws take place on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The winning ticket was purchased on OLG.ca
Turkey dinners served in drive-thru format
Continued from Page 1
“We’ve been cooking since Friday at 8 a.m.,” Belanger said during Sunday afternoon’s event. “We’ve had to up our game this year. It’s going so smoothly. It’s the best I could have hoped for.” The Christmas Turkey Dinner take-out event is the only event the Squirettes have been able to hold in the last 18 months and recruitment to the organization has been difficult, noted Belanger. About 20 Squirettes were on hand Sunday as well as McGregor K of C members and Belanger was thankful for all the support. “Even though we don’t have programming right now, they are here for this event,” said Belanger. “Evan and I couldn’t do this alone.” Evan Belanger is Laura’s husband and president of the McGregor Columbian Club. “We’re grateful to have so many people in our lives,” she said. Belanger added they are not sure what the format will be next year. Regardless whether or not there are COVID-19 pandemic restrictions next year, she indicated the drive-thru format could once again be a possibility as it allows them to serve more meals. “We have a waiting list,” she said. “I hope one day we will be able to wipe out the waiting list.”
Santa in a globe Santa Claus greeted local children, parents and grandparents recently beside the Gordon House. Santa & Mrs. Claus greeted people and gave “shout outs” to children and their families from within the snow globe on site. It was sponsored by Team Brad Bondy.
RTT PHOTO BY RON GIOFU
Wednesday, December 22, 2021 – River Town Times – 3
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Black Orchid performs during “Christmas at the Museum” last Wednesday night. The Amherstburg Freedom Museum went virtual with the presentation of the event this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Black Kids in Action were among the entertainers at the Amherstburg Freedom Museum’s “Christmas at the Museum” virtual event. It was also a fundraiser for the museum. Screenshot
Amherstburg Freedom Museum goes virtual to present “Christmas at the Museum” By Ron Giofu The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic once again forced the Amherstburg Freedom Museum to present its signature holiday event virtually. The annual event is normally held at the museum but had to be shifted online again this year. It was hosted online by Cari-Lynn Ristic, a board member with the Amherstburg Freedom Museum. “Normally we would be welcoming you into the historic Nazrey AME Church to enjoy the sights and sounds of the season,” said Ristic. “Unfortunately, we are not able to gather in person this year which is why we are bringing the program to you virtually.” Ristic thanked people for joining them online, which she said during the video posted online was for Black history education. Entertainers for the event included Black Orchid and Black Kids in Action. “Events like this give us an opportunity to share our mission and promote the gifts and talents of many Black artists and entertainers in our community,” stated Ristic. “The museum has been in the Essex County area for more than four decades and the mission continues – to inform more people about the story of the African-Canadian journey and about our contributions to the broader community.”
Silent auction items included a “treat tower” with a variety of holiday treats, several gift baskets, and a “holiday refreshment package” with other snacks. Donations to the Amherstburg Freedom Museum are always welcome and appreciated, she indicated. “Your donation, big or small, goes towards the running of the museum and the programs we offer,” said Ristic. Ristic also pointed out the museum encourages and supports education for youth through the Mac Simpson Award, a scholarship that goes along with it. Recent winners also gave thanks for the award, who included Gabriel Monroe Dubois, Isabella Ristic and Isaac Harris. Recent winners of the Maturine-Romain Scholarship also gave thanks and those student winners were Nathan Maxey and Isabella Ristic. This event was free to watch, but the museum asked that people consider donating on its website found at www.amherstburgfreedom.org/donate. “Christmas at the Museum” was sponsored by James H. Sutton Funeral Home with program made possible by Dr. Brock VanDyke of Solid Foundation Chiropractic. Ristic thanked those sponsors as well as their fundraising committee and curator Mary-Katherine Whelan and assistant curator Dr. Lorene Bridgen-Lennie. She also extended the museum’s gratitude to
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time to make this event a successful one. She also thanked the sponsors for their assistance. “The museum is open by appointment only during the holidays, the only time’s we are closed are Dec 25-26 and January 1-2,” said Whelan. “We also have the joint Black History Month Kick-Off coming up Jan. 28, hosted in partnership with the Essex County Black Historical Research Society and Windsor West Indian Association, which we are looking forward to.” The “Christmas at the Museum” event is still available for public viewing at the Amherstburg Freedom Museum’s Facebook site at www.facebook. com/amherstburgfreedom or on their YouTube channel.
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those who viewed the “Christmas at the Museum” event online or to those who participated in the silent auction. “It went well, and the turnout was good for our virtual Christmas at the Museum event. We’ve hit almost 300 views on both YouTube and Facebook,” said Whelan “We had great support for our online auction, I want to thank everyone who donated items to be auctioned off – we had some really great prizes to be won this year.” Whelan said the museum made $1,561 from the event, and they want to thank everyone who came out to watch their virtual event, the performers who took part in the event, those who made donations, those who participated in their online silent auction and volunteered their
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4 – River Town Times – Wednesday, December 22, 2021
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Town now seeking new manager of recreation services By Ron Giofu
Another position has become available at the Town of Amherstburg. The town is now recruiting for the manager of recreation services position, as Rick Daly has become the latest person to depart. The town was notified of Daly’s decision late last week. Daly said he will become athletic facilities services manager at the University of Windsor, a role he said is similar to his job at the town. He will work with organizations and varsity teams and integrate new programming into the facilities as well. Daly indicated he was approached by the University of Windsor and it was an offer he couldn’t refuse. “I had no intention of leaving the Libro Centre,” said Daly. “The opportunity came up, they interviewed me and the rest is history. I was happy with my role at the town and the vision our director (Heidi Baillargeon) has for the department is phenomenal. I wanted to be part of it as long as I could.” In the end, Daly said the university’s offer was
MERRY
better for his family. “It always came back to what was best for my girls,” he said. The decision to leave was still difficult, Daly added, stating it will be tough to say goodbye. He called the staff at the Libro Centre his “surrogate family” and he was thankful to work with and for Baillargeon as well as to work with facilities scheduling clerk Shelley Matlock, program co-ordinator Kristin Saunders and all of the other staff members. His last day with the town is Jan. 15 and he starts his new job Jan. 24. “The most rewarding experience has been the mass vaccination clinic,” he said, as he acted as site manager. “I always wanted to make a difference in the world. I think with the group of people that we had at the clinic, we accomplished that.” Acknowledging there were tears when he made his decision, Daly expected there will be more when he says farewell. “They will be missed,” he said of the staff. “He scored a job with my day employer,” said Mayor Aldo DiCarlo. “He’s going to the University of Windsor.” DiCarlo’s day job is as a physics lab co-ordinator at the university. “The university approached him with a good
offer. There’s benefits at the university that the town doesn’t necessarily have. He got a great offer from the University of Windsor and he felt compelled to take it.” DiCarlo added: “I can’t say it’s not a great place to work. It’s where my day job is.” This is the latest position the town has to recruit for, but DiCarlo said interim CAO Tony Haddad is making progress filling other vacancies. He said he would defer to Haddad for announcements regarding hiring new staff. “Obviously, this has absolutely nothing to with anything that has transpired,” DiCarlo added of Daly’s departure. The mayor acknowledged “the timing is not great” due to the number of positions already needing filling, as well as the fact it is right before Christmas. That could lead to additional delays should any new hire have to give notice to their present employer. He pointed out that, in this case, Daly was not lured away by another municipality. “Unfortunately, it’s a lot of jobs to fill at one time,” said DiCarlo. The town has now entered the double digits in terms of job openings since mid-August, for various reported reasons.
Have a safe and happy holiday season!
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It’s that time of year when things start to wind down and people start getting into the spirit of the holiday season, if they aren’t in the holiday spirit already. For us here at the River Town Times, it’s been a more hectic time than usual but that’s par for the course. I’ve been in this business for over a quarter of a century so these weeks leading up to Christmas are busy and, at times, stressful. That said, we still get times to let our hair down so to speak (not that I have much actual hair, but I digress) and enjoy the holidays. While there have been stress, strain and difficulties in Amherstburg over the past year, there have been good moments too. This is the time of year to try and remind ourselves what is good in our lives and to celebrate Christmas and/or the holidays you observe. It’s been nice to receive Christmas cards and small treats at the office, so thanks to all who have taken the time to think of us. While there have been meetings with a lot of heavy and serious material, there have also been assignments where people give back to the community and show true community spirit. We’ve had our negative issues, but there is some positive ones too. Local investors Richard Peddie and Lauri
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JUST A THOUGHT Ron Giofu
Brouyette recently appeared on TVO on a program – The Agenda with Steve Paikin - promoting “Restoring Rural Ontario” so work being done in Amherstburg is getting provincial attention. Most, if not all, of us will get some time over these next couple of weeks to celebrate the season with each other. I was hoping to cover the Hockey for Hospice tournament over the holidays but COVID-19 public health restrictions have delayed that. That’s too bad, but that’s the world we live in now, so I understand the decision made by organizers. The pandemic has made life difficult for people again this year and we are again being asked to be safe and responsible over the holiday season. I also want to continue to encourage people to shop local. Our businesses and retailers have been through enough during the COVID-19 pandemic and deserve our support. Charities and fundraising organizers often approach our businesses for
help so it’s time to support them as well. Be patient with business owners and employees if they have to enforce capacity limits or other COVID-19 regulations. They didn’t write the rules so they don’t deserve anger and frustration vented on them. While it’s understandable for people to be frustrated at this stage of the pandemic, the rules come from Ottawa and Queen’s Park in an effort to keep people safe. Whether you think the governments are handling the pandemic well or not, local businesses still need our support and not our scorn if re-introduced rules become an inconvenience. At the end of the day, there will be both good and bad days ahead. However, the holidays are here and it’s time to remember that most of us have it well and we need to celebrate that. For those people struggling, we need to keep them in our thoughts and give them a hand if we can. I know I’ve rambled a bit here, but I am trying to get the point across that we deserve a good holiday season, a Merry Christmas and I wish it for all of you. I, as well as everyone associated with the River Town Times, wish you the best and we hope you have a happy and healthy holiday season.
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Wednesday, December 22, 2021 – River Town Times – 5
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Town council votes to spend $27,000 to improve security at hub By Ron Giofu
Town council has voted to spend roughly $27,000 to improve security at the Amherstburg Community Hub. Council agreed with a recommendation from director of community and protective services Heidi Baillargeon to put in cameras and automatic door swipe cards and improve the lighting to improve safety and security at 320 Richmond St. The additional security measures come as the town and the tenants within the hub still deal with the fallout of having the skateboard park on site, something that resulted in numerous complaints about poor behaviour, vandalism and other unlawful activity at the site. Complaints have also ranged from public urination, setting fires, smashing bottles, deflating tires on vehicles, damaging HVAC units on the roof, doors being kicked in and defacing of property. Damage has ranged from a few hundred dollars to into the thousands of dollars, Baillargeon said in her report to town council. Baillargeon reported that a meeting was held in November where tenants expressed “a high degree of concern” for their safety as well as safety of others entering the facility. “There have been documented accounts of youth demonstrating aggressive and bullying tendencies towards staff and patrons attending the Hub. Individuals were found hiding in the bathrooms, following staff around, making derogatory comments and exhibiting harassing behaviours,” Baillargeon stated in her report. “This has escalated to a point where the tenants and their clients no longer feel safe attending work or the facility. Immediate action was necessary to try and help mitigate some of this activity and as a result administration removed the skate park.” Harassing and threatening behaviour has continued to the point where Essex County Nurse PractitionerLed Clinic interim executive director Robert Moroz ad-
dressed town council asking that the security measures be implemented. Moroz said there is a fear that many people won’t return to the building if threatening behaviour continues. He said some patients have been intimidated as they enter the building while there are also concerns over maintaining privacy as some youths have been reported to have looked into windows while the clinic has been open. “As a health care provider, we have very strong laws we have to abide by,” said Moroz. The town and the Windsor Police Service – Amherstburg Detachment have been responsive, he added, but there are still issues being reported. “They can’t have police on site all the time,” said Moroz. The recommendation called for a security guard to be on site for two-months, but some council members questioned the need for that. Councillor Michael Prue said he didn’t want to be setting a precedent, but Baillargeon said the guard would be part of a “blitz” to help “send a message” that the building is being watched. “It’s letting people know we have an eye on the building,” she said. Discussion also centered around the possibility of a staff member working at the hub instead of hiring a security guard. Baillargeon noted staff members are not trained to offer security while interim CAO Tony Haddad added if the town is interested in a full-time concierge at the building, there should be discussions with tenants on how to pay for that. “There’s a lot of variables here,” said Haddad. Council would eventually scrap the idea of a security guard for the building. Deputy Mayor Leo Meloche questioned at what point additional costs are passed along to the tenants and that if more costs are being added, he wondered about renegotiating leases. “Where does it stop?” he asked. “How much more
Town council will be enhancing security measures at the Amherstburg Community Hub. A total of about $27,000 will be spent to upgrade security at the site. RTT Photo by Ron Giofu
do we want taxpayers to pay for versus our tenants.” Baillargeon pointed out there are common areas of the building that have to be looked after as well, including washrooms, while Councillor Don McArthur believed the issue has to be looked at as more than just a commercial venture. “Yes, it is a commercial enterprise, but it is also a compassionate one,” said McArthur. Councillor Patricia Simone asked about the timing of the request. “Why wasn’t this done during the renovation process?” she asked. Councillor Peter Courtney didn’t want “a knee-jerk reaction” and said he was concerned about a security guard and the costs associated with that. “The skateboard park is gone, it sounds like things are calming down,” said Courtney. Moroz responded by saying people are still being threatened with physical violence. Courtney expressed concern about more costs going into the hub. “I had no idea this would snowball into this,” he said.
Anti-fraud booklet to be distributed locally by police By Ron Giofu
The Windsor Police Service – Amherstburg Detachment will be circulating a booklet around town hoping to educate people, including seniors, about fraud. The Windsor Police Service and ElderColledge teamed with a number of community partners on a booklet entitled “Digital Safety for the NonTech Savvy.” It was written by Kevin Cosgrove, a certified IT technician, a civilian security advisor and a technology instructor. The booklet covers such topis as decluttering electronic devices, securing devices, backing up files, junk programs, WiFi security, fraud calls and “scareware,” supposed free programs and offers, romance scams, reducing a person’s digital footprint, social media, disposal of devices, online shopping and banking and more. The booklet will be dropped off around town including seniors apartments and service groups who work with seniors, as well as being available at the detachment for pick-up. For more information, call 519-736-8559.
were called to the intersection of Richmond St. and Fryer St. around 9:30 p.m. Dec. 14. A 74-yearold woman was transported to hospital with non-life threatening injuries, police say. The intersection was closed for several hours as police investigated. Police add the driver, a 57-yearold Windsor man, was co-operative with investigators and was subsequently charged under the Highway Traffic Act with failing to yield to a pedestrian. The Windsor Police Service – Amherstburg Detachment requests anyone with surveillance cameras or dash cameras and caught the matter on video to call 519-736-2252.
Crash A three-vehicle accident on Sandwich St. S. near Fort St. resulted in two drivers being charged. The Windsor Police Service – Amherstburg Detachment state that two
vehicles were stopped for pedestrians at the light in that area when a third vehicle allegedly rear-ended the second vehicle, which in turn, struck the first vehicle at the light. There were no injuries, police say. After investigation, a female driver and a male driver were both charged with following too closely. The accident was Dec. 14 around 1 p.m. Suspicious person Officers from the Windsor Police Service – Amherstburg Detachment were called to the 9500 block of Walker Road in McGregor Dec. 11 for a report of a suspicious person trying vehicle door handles in an attempt to enter the vehicles. The person is described as a male, on foot, wearing all black clothing. Police say they attended the area but were unable to locate the person. Anyone with information, such as surveillance video, or those who may have seen someone, are asked to contact police. —All information courtesy of the Windsor Police Service – Amherstburg Detachment
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6 – River Town Times – Wednesday, December 22, 2021
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Holiday Greetings from Royal Canadian Legion Fort Malden Branch 157!
I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a happy, safe, and healthy, holiday season. While the pandemic has changed our world, it has not changed our devotion to creating a positive atmosphere and succesful future at Branch 157. Throughout all of the challenges we face, our diligent Executive officers, dedicated volunteers, and hard-working staff, are committed to assisting you. We continue to support our veteran programs and community initiatives, in order to further the extremely important work of the Royal Canadian Legion. At this special time of year, I wish to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who worked hard during these unprecedented times to help our Branch, our veterans and their families, the membership, and our community. Your care and compassionate efforts have helped to keep our organization strong and stable throughout this uncertain time, and your unwavering support is unmatched. The Executive and members of Branch 157 send you our best wishes, and we look forward to the promise of a wonderful 2022! Should you have questions, require our assistance, or wish to become a member, please do not hesitate to contact our Branch rclbranch157@cogeco.net Stay safe, and keep well. ~We Will Remember Them~ Yours In Comradeship,
Laurie Cavanaugh, President Fort Malden Branch 157
Volunteers with the AAM Goodfellows form a chain to bring in potatoes. Food baskets were packed at the Columbus Community Hall in Amherstburg Sunday and they were distributed Monday. RTT Photo by Ron Giofu
Goodfellows pack 102 food baskets as part of 2021 campaign By Ron Giofu The AAM Goodfellows’ 2021 food basket campaign has concluded with volunteers packing and distributing food baskets. About 30 masked volunteers spread out across the floor of the Columbus Community Hall Sunday afternoon to pack the baskets with those who registered coming by to pick them up Monday morning. “We’re at 102 baskets,” said AAM Goodfellows president Rick Murray. Murray said they packed and distributed 70 last year but this year’s total has returned to normal levels. He added he was happy with the amount of volunteers that turned out to assist. “It’s enough,” he said. “Everybody is busy and doing something. It’s a good turnout.” Murray added he would have liked to have more youth turn out but the need to be double-vaccinated kept those numbers down as many youth are awaiting their shots for a full vaccination. It’s a labour of love for the Goodfellows, and Murray continued that there is a bit of turnover annually though many volunteers have been there for years. “There’s a couple of new guys,” said Murray. “Every year, we get a couple of new people.” Others may move or pass away so the Goodfellows always welcome new faces. “It’s good that we’re getting fresh blood,” said Murray. “Anytime someone asks me if they can help, I say come on out.” Murray said he started volunteering with the AAM Goodfellows when he was on the Amherstburg Fire Department and has continued ever since. He estimated he has been helping out for about 55 years, adding there are others who can say the same thing. “I just like helping out,” said Murray. The food came from Sobeys with money to purchase them coming from their recent newspaper sales. The newspapers were supplied by the River Town Times and Huron Web printing. Ron Duby was helping out again this year and the 86-year-old Amherstburg resident said he will continue to do so for as long as he can. He said he doesn’t recall exactly when he started but he enjoys giving back to the community. “I just like helping out when they need help at Christmas time,” said Duby. Billy Murray, 14, said he has been assisting for the last few years as well. “It feels pretty good,” he said. “It’s cool. It doesn’t really hurt to give back.”
ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION BR.#157 281 DALHOUSIE ST., AMHERSTBURG
Ron Duby pushes a food basket and has it filled by volunteers at the Columbus Community Hall Sunday afternoon. The AAM Goodfellows packed 102 food baskets. RTT Photo by Ron Giofu
Wednesday, December 22, 2021 – River Town Times – 7
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Brentwood director of development Mark Lennox goes over paperwork with early bird winner Robert Stanescu. The prize was claimed last Thursday morning at Brentwood Recovery Home. RTT Photo by Ron Giofu
Brentwood Recovery Home executive director Elizabeth Dulmage presents the $25,000 early bird prize to winner Robert Stanescu. Tickets are still on sale for the Brentwood Lottery through Dec. 31, with six locations selling them in Amherstburg. People can also buy them online or by phone. RTT Photo by Ron Giofu
Early bird prize claimed, ticket sales continue for Brentwood Lottery By Ron Giofu
The early bird prize has been claimed for the Brentwood Lottery, but tickets are still on sale for the main draw. Robert Stanescu claimed the $25,000 early bird prize last Thursday morning at Brentwood Recovery Home and was thrilled to do so. He said he has been buying Brentwood Lottery tickets for several years and finally won. “It’s a big surprise,” said Stanescu. “When I got the call saying I won, I couldn’t believe it.” Stanescu said he wasn’t sure what he was going to do with the money but figured he would likely pay some bills with it. While happy to win the early bird prize, Stanescu indicated it is also nice to support Brentwood. “Everyone wants to win but it’s a great cause,” said Stanescu. “I am happy to be able to do it.” Stanescu said he bought his winning ticket online, something executive director Elizabeth Dulmage is stating is happening more and more. Brentwood hasn’t been
selling them in the Devonshire Mall in Windsor due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. There are still retail locations and restaurants around Windsor-Essex County and beyond, but Brentwood has been selling a lot of tickets online and by phone. “The vast majority of sales have been online,” she said. Dulmage said the need for proceeds from the Brentwood Lottery are greater due to increased costs and the fact the pandemic has shelved a lot of their other fundraisers. They are roughly 2,500 tickets ahead of their pace of one year ago, when they sold a record of 46,000 tickets. Nearly 40,000 tickets have been sold already in 2021 with tickets being sold through Dec. 31. “We really have the biggest heart in this community,” Dulmage said of Windsor-Essex County. “They step up and help out.” While Brentwood Recovery Home does get funding from the Ministry of Health, they rely heavily on fundraising to pay for their programming. There have been additional mental health and addiction services needed due to the pandemic and they are expecting a surge
when the pandemic subsides. “We know the pandemic has really created a lot of challenges for people,” said Dulmage. Brentwood usually clears about $800,000 from the annual lottery but that gets eaten into quickly, she noted. Both Dulmage and director of development Mark Lennox note they are grateful for the support of the community. Lennox pointed out this year’s lottery has a prize board of over $1 million, the first time that has happened, with the grand prize of a home being valued at $751,450 (or $600,000 cash). “The support of our community has always been phenomenal,” said Lennox. “Once again, we’re looking for that support.” Brentwood Lottery tickets are $50 each or three for $100. People can buy them at www.brentwoodlottery. com or by calling 1-800-561-3044 or 1-519-255-1002. Ticket vendors in Amherstburg include Joe Meloche Ford Sales (who are sponsoring one of the three vehicles that can be won), Speck’s Restaurant, Wigle’s Gourmet Meats, Wigle’s Home Hardware, Lynn’s Variety and Royal Canadian Legion Br. 157.
Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year filled with many blessings. Thank you to all our clients, friends and family for your continued loyalty. “Our Family helping your Family” RE/MAX Preferred Team Brad Bondy
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8 – River Town Times – Wednesday, December 22, 2021
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Acting medical officer of health concerned over health care system, encourages more vaccinations By Ron Giofu
The COVID-19 pandemic and the rise in cases have caused the acting medical officer of health to voice concerns over strains on the health care community and wants to see more people vaccinated. Dr. Shanker Nesathurai addressed the board of health during their virtual meeting last Thursday afternoon. He acknowledged the rising numbers locally of those being infected with the COVID-19 virus. “It’s pretty clear disease activity has increased,” said Dr. Nesathurai. Dr. Nesathurai stated during the meeting that the COVID-19 virus is impacting primarily two areas of the population. Of the 45 deaths in Windsor-Essex County attributed to the virus since August, Dr. Nesathurai said about twothirds were unvaccinated while the remaining one-third had been vaccinated but had “serious medical conditions.” Many of the people dying would have had long lives except for the fact they came down with COVID, he added. “It’s a human tragedy. People who could live longer are dying,” said Dr. Nesathurai. Dr. Nesathurai said with increasing numbers of COVID-19 patients going to hospitals, it leads to capacity issues. “It crowds out the other health services,” said Dr. Nesathurai. Containment is one strategy to deal
with COVID-19, which means staying home if not feeling well and selfisolating if diagnosed. Vaccinations are another way to deal with the virus, he added. “If you get vaccinated, you are less likely to get sick and die of COVID-19,” said Dr. Nesathurai. “If you are healthy and get vaccinated, you are not likely to get sick in any significant way.” The Ontario Ministry of Health is shifting from containment to vaccinations as a strategy, he added. With people still needing first and second doses and now the encouragement for the public to get a third dose as a booster shot, it means “hundreds of thousands of people will need to be vaccinated in short order,” said Dr. Nesathurai. While Windsor-Essex County has a good track record of getting people vaccinated, there is a lot of work ahead to protect people from the virus including the Omicron variant, he indicated. If 6,000 people were vaccinated per day, it would take 50 days to get people up-todate with vaccinations and Dr. Nesathurai said he would like to see additional medical professionals able to administer a vaccine. Dr. Nesathurai said he is concerned about Omicron as even with more mild and moderate symptoms, it could infect more people. “We’re seeing cases go up to a very significant level,” he said. Hospitals becoming saturated and running out of ventilators keeps him up
nights, Dr. Nesathurai continued. “We have good reasons to worry but we have to pull all the levers we can to try and contain this,” he said. “We have a treatment to help people. We have to get it out to them.” Dr. Nesathurai added he is looking at how to manage the virus versus containing it, though noted it will be a thorough discussion for another day on what that looks like. He noted they still have the issue of getting through the next number of weeks with people getting infected. The WindsorEssex County Health Unit (WECHU) Issued a statement Saturday at noon regarding building capacity for third doses. “The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit in collaboration with health system partners is aggressively ramping up community capacity to provide doses of the COVID-19 vaccine in all applicable settings in the City of Windsor and Essex County,” said chief executive officer Nicole Dupuis. Dupuis stated a number of actions are being implemented to ensure doses are available in a timely manner. Those include the increasing of appointment slots at the Devonshire Mall mass vaccination site via increased hours and
staffing; a new mass vaccination site in Leamington and another in west Windsor; dialogue with primary health partners and pharmacies to enhance access through those channels and the addition of “pop up” clinics in high priority areas. “The urgency to boost our community’s immunity has never been higher, and the WECHU is working round the clock with our partners taking an all hands on deck approach to increase op-
portunities to access the vaccine. Please continue to check in at WEVAX.ca for new appointment times, pop-up clinic locations, and participating health care providers over the coming days. Please also note that as a component of the booster strategy those under the age of 30 will receive the Pfizer vaccine with Moderna dedicated for those 30 and older,” said Dupuis. “We want to assure the community that vaccination appointments and opportunities will continue to be a priority. Please be patient as we work together to increase access across our region for vaccination.”
TD Canada Trust makes donation to Amherstburg Food and Fellowship Mission
Staff at the TD Canada Trust bank in Amherstburg adopted a family and also made a donation to the Amherstburg Food and Fellowship Mission. In addition to toys and food that staff donated, the bank gave a $500 cheque to mission president Tim McAllister. From left: financial advisor Tiffany Shepley, branch manager Sarah Seguin, district vice president Eric Griggs and Amherstburg Food and Fellowship Mission president Tim McAllister.
By Ron Giofu A local bank kept with tradition and helped local residents at the same time. TD Canada Trust made its donation to the Amherstburg Food and Fellowship
RTT PHOTO BY RON GIOFU
Mission last Wednesday morning. Over 100 food items and gifts were donated as the Amherstburg branch collected items that were brought in by staff. Branch manager Sarah Seguin also stated the bank itself kicked in a
$500 donation. Seguin explained that Tiffany Shepley, a financial advisor at the local branch, “was great enough to go and collect for the families and the mission.” She added they would have liked to have involved customers this year, but once again could not due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. “We couldn’t ask customers this year but we wanted to make sure families are still helped and we made sure that still happened,” said Seguin. Amherstburg Food and Fellowship Mission president Tim McAllister told the representatives from TD Canada Trust, which also included district vice president Eric Griggs, that “you blessed us, now we’ll bless the community.” McAllister said they are one of many organizations that have had to alter the way they do business due to the pandemic. For the last number of months, the mission has only been able to hand out food at the door as they have been unable to invite people inside due to public health restrictions. While they don’t usually deliver food to individuals, they have made exceptions recently for those self-isolating due to the coronavirus. “We are still able to help people,” said McAllister. “There is still a lot of need.”
The need has actually grown, he added, and that includes local families that need adopting this Christmas season. Over 30 families will be helped with donations of toys and food, with TD Canada Trust being one of the businesses and organizations sponsoring a family. “A lot of people are going through difficult times,” said McAllister. McAllister said he and the rest of the volunteers at the mission are excited and grateful to receive donations. He said those receiving the donations are thankful as well. “They are excited people are so generous to help them out so they can help their kids,” said McAllister. “We live in a town where everyone steps up. Amherstburg is a great place to live. People help one another and always step up to help. I’m joyous and excited when people help us help others.” The mission will be hosting its annual Christmas dinner this year, with people able to pick up a full turkey dinner starting at 12 noon. McAllister said Essex MP Chris Lewis will be on hand this year to help prepare the meals. The Amherstburg Food and Fellowship Mission is located at 298 Victoria St. S. Their phone number is 519-736-9140 and their website is www.aburgmission.ca.
Wednesday, December 22, 2021 – River Town Times – 9
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Community Living Essex County, Enbridge and River Lights hold holiday party forms of support including in-person can safely resume. “It was truly a success,” said Over 75 people supported by Paisley of the online Christmas Community Living Essex County party. “The whole event was spon(CLEC) joined an online Christmas sored by the Town of Amherstburg party last week. and Enbridge.” The party was sponsored by EnIt was their ninth year of doing a bridge as part of their $18,000 con- party, but second year it was done tribution to the River Lights Winter virtually. Prior to that, people supFestival. Sandra Paisley, manager ported could gather at the warmof Community Living supports for ing house in Toddy Jones Park for the agency’s west area of Amherst- pizza and other activities. burg and LaSalle, said while over Participation in virtual supports 30 devices were logged into the started slowly when first offered in party, several had multiple people June 2020 with about eight to ten on the other end enjoying the kara- people per session but have grown oke and activities from their homes. to where some have 60-70 people “It was amazing,” said Paisley. online at once. Community Living “Considering how it was held vir- Essex County has presented uptually, they’ve been able to keep wards of 1,150 online sessions. their friendships going.” Danielle DiPasquale, a support CLEC is offering virtual supports worker with CLEC, told those onthrough the COVID-19 pandemic line last Thursday night that weekto keep people with intellectual dis- ly Friday bingo sessions have been abilities safe and Paisley indicated the most popular session online. those supports will continue into “This experience has been awethe future. She said participation some,” said DiPasquale. in virtual supports has increased Paisley Bartlam, another CLEC since the pandemic began. support worker on the call, added “Even when we get back to nor- some of her favourite online sesmal somewhat, we’re still going to sions involve music, including kahave virtual supports,” said Pais- raoke and musical therapy. ley, noting there will be options for Sarah Van Grinsven, a tourism families to choose from once other co-ordinator with the town, was one of the guests on the call along with Mayor Aldo DiCarlo and Denise Heckbert from Enbridge. “Witnessing how the Community Living program has adjusted successfully in conLisa Speers shows some of the cookie cutters that were given to those supported by Community Living Essex County. Screenshot necting people By Ron Giofu
A group of people supported by Community Living Essex County enjoy a holiday party last Thursday, sponsored by Enbridge. Screenshot
through virtual programming is inspiring,” said Van Grinsven. “Seeing the smiles on everyone’s faces is what matters and what increases everyone’s quality of life.” Van Grinsven said the virtual Christmas party was a fun time for all involved. “Singing and dancing together virtually during ‘Zoom-okie’ was just as fun as in person. Well done Community Living and Thank you Enbridge for sponsoring and making all of it possible,” she said.
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CHRISTMAS Andrew Cyr enjoys the music during a holiday party held for Community Living Essex County, thanks to River Lights and Enbridge. Screenshot
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Louis Robidoux smiles as he enjoys a virtual Christmas party. Screenshot
chris.lewis@parl.gc.ca • chrislewismp.ca • 519-776-4700
10 – River Town Times – Wednesday, December 22, 2021
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Boblo Island residents take part in “giving tree” initiative again this year By Ron Giofu Residents of Boblo Island Resort Community have once again stepped up to help families in need. The residents have helped make the lives of a number of local families better this Christmas season thanks to their sponsorship of them through the Amherstburg Food and Fellowship Mission. It was organized by island residents Peter and Laura Dobrich and their family. “We organized it on behalf of the island,” Laura explained. “We had ten families to sponsor this year.” A large tree behind the Dobrich home was decorated for Christmas, with it being known as the “giving tree.” It is visible from the mainland and is located on the north end of the island. Laura said that friends and neighbours on the island gave money, gift cards and gifts to the families. Mission president Tim McAllister went over the island over the weekend to pick them up, with a small celebration having been held at the Dobrich residence Friday evening with guests streaming in and out throughout the night. The Dobrich family started the “giving tree” event last year. They knew the COVID-19 pandemic was making things tough for local families and they wanted to give back. They reached out to neighbours and the gifts came pouring in, with that being repeated again this year.
(Above) Peter and Laura Dobrich and son Stefan stand next to the “giving tree” in their backyard on Boblo Island. It is the second year the Dobrich family has organized the event, which sees families sponsored with the aid of the Amherstburg Food and Fellowship Mission. (Right) The gifts that were dropped off covered several tables in the Dobrich garage before being picked up by the Mission. RTT Photos by Ron Giofu
“I grew up doing this in my church,” said Laura. “We figured we could expand the idea to our local community for people in need. It’s a gift from the heart. I love helping people.” Residents shopped from lists provided by the mission with the lists containing needs, wants, sizes and wishes of the families they were sponsoring. “The support was amazing,” said Laura, noting the families were all sponsored within 24 hours. “Each family had a list for kids and what they needed.” She credited the close-knit nature of residents there for making that happen. “People are amazing on the island,” she said. “I had people coming and bringing gifts cards and money. Other people donated goodie bags for the adults.”
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Laura added she didn’t know how many residents took part, as there were so many that she lost track. The “giving tree” event is something they plan on making an annual tradition.
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Letters to Santa
Dear Santa Dear Santa... Grade Age
My name is Scott Sutton. I am 17 months old in Edmonton. I am visiting my grandparents in Amherstburg this Christmas. I call them Pepere and Nanny. I am very happy to be here and I am looking forward to Santa Claus visiting me. I can’t wait to take a stroll through the Navy Yard and see all the Christmas lights. This year for Christmas I would like some cuddly clothes and a fun toy. Please remember the children who don’t have a lot and b extra kind to ThisI will is my you.you I hope you and like it. them. bedrawing sure tofor leave a snack some carrots for your reindeer.
My andname I liveis
Your little friend, Scott Sutton P.S. Please leave a present under the tree for Molly the cat. She isn’t use to having kids around her house and would enjoy a special treat.
Wednesday, December 22, 2021 – River Town Times – 11
12 – River Town Times – Wednesday, December 22, 2021
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Letters to Santa
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! Marc Renaud Councillor
Warmest Holiday Wishes Wishing your family happiness, love, health and peace this season.
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Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! From all of us here at Wigle Home Hardware, we want to take a moment to thank you for your support in 2021. Have a safe, and healthy 2022. 35 Renaud St., Amherstburg Phone 519-736-4231
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Letters to Santa
Merry Christmas & All the Best in the New Year! from all of us at...
Season’s Greetings For a safe holiday season and a prosperous 2022! From your Amherstburg Chamber of Commerce. Partnering with local businesses since 1983.
Wednesday, December 22, 2021 – River Town Times – 13
Season’s Greetings & Happy New Year! Pat Simone
Amherstburg Town Councillor
psimone@amherstburg.ca 519-566-1771
14 – River Town Times – Wednesday, December 22, 2021
Letters to Santa
From Our Family to Yours...
Sweet Tidings To You! With Best Wishes to you and yours for a season that’s filled with delights.
2021 has been a difficult year for everyone. We appreciate the support of our loyal customers and staff. May 2022 be a year in which we celebrate good health, prosperity and the comfort of being all together once again.
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Wednesday, December 22, 2021 – River Town Times – 15
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Heads of Amherstburg and Essex County councils pass along holiday greetings By Ron Giofu Both Amherstburg town council and Essex County council held their final regular meetings of 2021 and the heads of both offered best wishes into the holidays. Mayor Aldo DiCarlo offered holiday greetings on behalf of town council at their most recent meeting. “As 2021 winds down, I’d like to recognize all of the efforts made to move our community toward some sense of normalcy,” he said. “Again this year, I would like to recognize and thank all of the front-line workers in health care, policing, fire services, EMS, long term care, personal support workers, and all of the others who continue to keep us as safe and as healthy as possible. A big thank you goes out to all of the incredible people who made the Amherstburg Mass Vaccination Clinic a success, administering over 39,000 vaccines in just four months. I had the opportunity to tour the facility twice and was amazed at the incredibly positive atmosphere created by the people working there.” DiCarlo also extended thanks to “the Town of Amherstburg team” of administration, saff and council members, who made difficult decisions, during yet another very difficult year, putting in endless hours to keep our community moving forward, despite the ongoing state of emergency.” The mayor also encouraged residents to enjoy the holiday season safely. “Take some time to see this year’s River Lights with your family and friends and support our local businesses whenever you can. If you do know someone living alone, please reach out to them,” said
DiCarlo. “This year, we’re not asking you to stay apart as we did last year, although while gathering with friends and family this holiday season, please continue to follow the health guidelines with consideration for vaccination that mitigates transmission and minimizes severe illness. This will help ensure that we are all still together for many celebrations to come. To you and yours, I wish you all a Happy Healthy Holiday and New Year!” Warden Gary McNamara also offered holiday greetings at the final county council meeting of 2021. “It has been a memorable year, overshadowed by a pandemic we would all like to certainly forget,” said McNamara, who is also the mayor of Tecumseh. “We would have all liked to have been looking at COVID-19 in the rear-view mirror by now but sadly, this is not the case. Understandably, many of you feel frustrated. This virus has shown we can’t let our guard down. The latest curveball that was thrown at us is the Omicron variant, which now is spreading rapidly through Ontario and around the globe.” McNamara said COVID-19’s “twists and turns” have taken their toll on mental, physical and financial health of residents. “We are proud of the many, many health care providers, residents, businesses, and organizations that have stepped up to protect the vulnerable and shown care and compassion to all,” the warden stated. “You are the reason COVID has not knocked us out and you are the reason we are still moving forward.” McNamara said while people may not be able to do everything they want during the Christmas season, he said people can
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Both Mayor Aldo DiCarlo and Essex County Warden Gary McNamara gave holiday greetings at the final town and county council meetings of the year. RTT Photo by Ron Giofu
do more than a year ago. “The reason is we have received vaccines,” said McNamara, who also chairs the board of health. “The more people who have received vaccines means the more protection we all have from serious illness and death. The vaccines are certainly not perfect but they are safe and are effective.” McNamara thanked those who have received two doses of the vaccines and are lining up for a third. “A big shout out to five to 11-year-old who are getting their first doses,” he added. McNamara encouraged people who haven’t got their shots to consider getting one, adding the more people that are vaccinated, “the better for all of us.” “Keep those face masks handy and wear them properly when you are out in the public,” he said. “We all know how to smile with our eyes now. We all want to
keep smiling this time of year. Work from home, if you can, stay home when possible so you can go out in public when it matters most to you. Please limit the size of your indoor gatherings and take advantage of video calls when meeting inperson isn’t possible and could put someone vulnerable at risk. If we all take these steps, we can have a joyful holiday season while taking care of our mental and physical health with each other. The County of Essex staff was also thanked for their work during the pandemic, adding they collected 70 boxes and bags of gifts served by the Windsor-Essex Children’s Aid Society. McNamara added his thanks to council for their efforts and said they have been “strong and supportive leaders.” “Let’s make these last few weeks of 2021 as happy and relaxing as possible while having a safe holiday season,” he said.
n w o r g e A Hom Wish Holiday To all of our good friends and customers here in town, we hope happiness, peace and good fortune are in full bloom for you all season!
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16 – River Town Times – Wednesday, December 22, 2021
Mike and Kait Donison brought their children Ben, Emery and Grace to the “Breakfast with Santa” event hosted by the McGregor Columbian Club recently. It was the first time the hall hosted a Breakfast with Santa event. RTT Photo by Ron Giofu
By Ron Giofu
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Alexis, Taylor and Juliet Howard take their turn with Santa Claus at the McGregor Columbian Club’s “Breakfast with Santa” event. There were four sittings for parents, grandparents and children to enjoy. RTT Photo by Ron Giofu
McGregor Columbian Club holds successful “Breakfast with Santa” event
The McGregor Columbian Club hosted a successful “Breakfast with Santa” event, though COVID-19 public health regulations forced some adjustments. The event, held Dec. 12 at the club, was still able to be presented though the public health regulations that were introduced just days earlier caused some changes to the format. Laura Belanger, chief counsellor with the
Squirettes of Mary and a volunteer with the McGregor Columbian Club, said they had good feedback overall to the event. “We tried to make it into smaller groups so people were somewhat distanced,” she said. Approximately 140 children, parents and grandparents visited with Santa Claus, though the event was divided into four sessions. Squirettes helped serve the bacon, eggs, pancakes and other breakfast food. When it was time
to visit with Santa Claus, children were brought up family by family from each table and sat on a bench a short distance from Santa in order to further comply with COVID-19 regulations. “They are so cute,” Belanger said of the children. “They are so excited.” It was the first time the McGregor Columbian Club held a Breakfast with Santa, as visits with Santa Claus were usually rolled into the Squirettes of Mary turkey dinner that is usually held as an indoor event (see related
story on Page 1). “We cancelled it at first but ended up putting it back on,” said Belanger of the “Breakfast with Santa” event. Belanger added they have not decided yet how they are going to approach the events in 2022. She added she did believe this year’s “Breakfast with Santa” brought in some people from outside the McGregor area. “I’ve some new faces come into the hall that I haven’t seen before,” she said. “It’s nice to see.”
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Wednesday, December 22, 2021 – River Town Times – 17
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Admirals win two of last three games heading into break By Ron Giofu and Fred Groves The Integrity Amherstburg Admirals head into the holiday break on a positive note, winning two of their last three Provincial Junior Hockey League games. On Sunday night at the Libro Centre, the host Admirals built a commanding 3-0 lead in the first period before the Mooretown Flags came back, pulling to within a goal after 20 minutes before winning 5-4. The highlight of the game against the Flags, as far as the hosts were concerned, was Colton Candido’s shorthanded goal in the first period. In just his second game back after a shoulder injury, the speedy forward blasted his way down the right side to put Amherstburg up 1-0. It was Candido’s first of the season to go along with seven assists thus far. Frattaroli made it 2-0 before Candido got his second of the night. Captain Reid Steiler with a beauty of a shot from the point in the third rounded out Amherstburg’s scoring. The Admirals defeated the Blenheim Blades 5-2 Saturday night at the Libro Centre thanks to a big third period. The home team was outshot 16-8 in a scoreless first period and 26-15 after two periods with the two teams trading goals 55 seconds apart in the middle frame. Amherstburg’s second period goal came from Brendan Gouin. Amherstburg erupted for four goals in the third period with Brandon Salvati scoring two, Andrew Clark adding one and Gouin putting his second goal into an empty net. “I think we lacked a bit of effort in the first two
Amherstburg’s Owen Papulkas (12) gets a scoring chance on Blenheim goalie Caleb Pinsonneault during Saturday night’s game at the Libro Centre. Papulkas did not score on the play. The Admirals won 5-2. RTT Photo by Ron Giofu
periods,” said Stieler. Stieler said they were reminded by assistant coaches Marc Crevier and Eric Shaw about the shots and that helped fire them up and get their game on track in the third period. Head coach Paul Bortignon missed the game to be with his wife and newborn daughter. Stieler said their energy picked up in the third period. “You could feel it on the bench that we had a lot more energy,” he said. The local Jr. C team won 5-4 last Wednesday night in
Admirals’ forward Liam Kiewitz is denied by Blenheim goalie Caleb Pinsonneault Saturday night. At left is Blenheim’s Ian Campbell. RTT Photo by Ron Giofu
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Wheatley. The game was tied 1-1 after one period and 3-3 after two but Amherstburg outscored Wheatley 2-1 in the third to get the victory. Mitchell Demelo scored a pair for the Admirals in that game with Gouin, Matteo Frattaroli and Joshua Pedersen also scoring for Amherstburg. The game against Mooretown was the last one of the 2021 calendar year. The Admirals’ next game is Jan. 2 at home versus Dresden starting at 7 p.m. They play the following week in Essex Jan.4 and in Lakeshore Jan. 7 before returning home to battle the Sharks again Jan. 9.
Brandon Salvati (18) of Amherstburg goes around Blenheim’s Alex Edwards en route to scoring one of his two third period goals.
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18 – River Town Times – Wednesday, December 22, 2021
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Bulldogs lose to Villanova in WECSSAA boys hockey action By Ron Giofu
The General Amherst Bulldogs go into the Christmas break with a 2-1 record after dropping their most recent effort to an arch-rival. The Bulldogs travelled to the Vollmer Centre in LaSalle last Tuesday afternoon for a game against the Villanova Wildcats. The Wildcats built a 4-1 lead and held on for a 5-3 victory. The Wildcats built a 2-0 lead before Colin Hebert scored on a breakaway with just over ten seconds left in the second period. The Wildcats scored twice more in the third period before Drake McGowan and Hebert scored to tighten the game back up to 4-3. General Amherst coach Glen Holden pulled goalie Layton Windibank for an extra attacker and that allowed Villanova to score an empty net goal just before the curfew buzzer sounded. “We liked the compete level,” said Bulldogs head coach Glen Holden. “We’re seeing lots of improvement as far as some of the systems we’re working on. We can’t fault our effort today. I’m pretty proud of the
Bulldogs forward Tanner Hotchkiss speeds into the Villanova zone last Tuesday. Villanova hung on to beat General Amherst 5-3 in a rivalry game for both teams. RTT Photo by Ron Giofu
General Amherst’s Colin Hebert (18) scores a second period goal against Villanova last Tuesday afternoon at the Vollmer Complex. Hebert would score again in the third period but the Villanova Wildcats won 5-3. RTT Photo by Ron Giofu
way we played.” This was the final game before the Christmas break and Holden said they made it “fairly tough” as to give the players better competition to play against. Adding Villanova to the schedule was an easy decision due to it being a rivalry game. “There are still things we are working on,” he said. Special teams are one of them, as they want more goals on the powerplay and to enhance their penalty killing. “Teams that are successful usually have excellent special teams,” he said. The Bulldogs cannot practice over the Christmas break so they are scheduled to return in January. Hebert thought the Bulldogs had a good game, despite the final score.
A Note of Thanks Beckett’s Variety After serving the Amherstburg and surrounding community for over 70 years Beckett’s Variety will be closing on December 31, 2021 at 10:00 p.m. After careful and extensive thought, I have made the decision to retire. I would like to give special thanks to everyone for their years of patronage and support. I would also like to thank those who have worked for and with me over the last 46 years.
Many Thanks,
Joe Beckett & Family
“I thought we played really well,” he said. “It was a rivalry game. We wanted to come out and get the win.” Hebert was happy with his own two-goal effort, noting he was doing his best to help the team. He said they have to get more scoring opportunities to be successful in the future. “We’ve just got to capitalize,” said Hebert. General Amherst can have a good season and has good players, he added. “I think we can go pretty far this year,” said Hebert. “We’ve got a good team.” The next game for the Bulldogs is Jan. 6 when they host Cardinal Carter. Faceoff for that game is 3:20 p.m. They follow that with road games in Kingsville (Jan. 11) and Belle River (Jan. 12) before returning home Jan. 18 to face L’Essor.
Wednesday, December 22, 2021 – River Town Times – 19
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Lady Gens start 2021-22 WECSSAA basketball season 4-2 By Ron Giofu
The General Amherst Lady Gens have started the 2021-22 WECSSAA senior girls basketball season wit a 4-2 record. The most recent games for the Lady Gens were last week. The Lady Gens won at Tecumseh Vista Academy 37-15 last Tuesday. Layne Sinasac scored 18 points while Lily Sleigh had 12 points. Two days later, the Lady Gens were back on their home court and defeated Leamington 35-24. Lily Mulder had 15 points and Emma Pillon scored 12 points for General Amherst. The previous two games saw them get their first two victories of the season. The Belle River Nobles were in Amherstburg last Thursday but the Lady Gens came out on top 36-27. Emma Pillon led the scoring with 14 points while Lily Mulder had 11 points. Two days earlier, General Amherst hosted L'Essor and defeated them 45-39. Pillon and Mulder were the top two scorers in
that game as well, with 22 and 13 points respectively. The first regular season game of the year was Nov. 30 in Essex and saw the Red Raiders edge the Lady gens 40-30. Pillon had 16 points in that game while Mulder scored eight. The Lady Gens then travelled to Kingsville Dec. 2 and the Cavaliers won 83-32. The Lady Gens won both their exhibition games this year, beating Assumption 65-25 Nov. 23 and Catholic Central 45-25 Nov. 25. General Amherst is playing Tier 2 this year and has combined junior and senior girls into one team at the senior level, with no team at the junior level. Ben Pelger, Greg Scott, Nicole Rusenstrom and Dom Silvaggio, are this year's coaches. There is one game remaining on the Lady Gens' schedule, with that scheduled for Jan. 6 at home versus Cardinal Carter. Spectators and other people deemed non-essential are not permitted in the school.
Hockey for Hospice Tournament postponed due to public health restrictions By RTT Staff The 2021 Hockey for Hospice tournament has been postponed with the hopes of rescheduling it in the future. The announcement was made over the weekend. In a post on the Hockey for Hospice website, it contains a message from the organizaing committee. “Due to the recent news of additional restrictions in our region, our Hockey For Hospice Committee announces the postponement of our 2021 tournament, originally scheduled for December 27/28/29,2021. We are working diligently with the Minor Hockey Associations and our municipalities with the goal of securing a new date. We will share that information as soon as it becomes available. Throughout the planning process the committee had been working directly with each municipality and arena, as well as with the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit to ensure all planning and protocols were aligned with provincial and federal guidelines. Detailed communications regarding next steps have been sent to all registered coaches, to be shared with players and families. We appreciate your understanding and continued support, and look forward to sharing further details soon. – The Hockey For Hospice Committee” The announcement was confirmed in a Tweet put out by the Hospice of Windsor-Essex County. “Due to the recent news of additional restrictions in our region, our Hockey For Hospice Committee is postponing the tournament. We are working with the Minor Hockey Associations and our municipalities to secure a new date and will share details as soon as they are finalized,” the Hospice stated. The 2020 Hockey for Hospice tournament was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2021 tournament was scheduled to use the Libro Centre in Amherstburg, the Vollmer Centre in LaSalle, Central Park Athletics in Windsor, the Atlas Tube Centre in Lakeshore and Tecumseh Arena. Through 2019, the last year the tournament was able to be held, raised $372,322. The overall total raised for the Hospice of Windsor-Essex County in the first 24 years of the tournament is just shy of $3.7 million.
Lily Mulder handles the ball during a recent game versus Belle River. General Amherst is 4-2 heading into the Christmas break. The photo was supplied by General Amherst, as spectators and non-essential people are not allowed in the school. Submitted photo
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20 – River Town Times – Wednesday, December 22, 2021
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Wednesday, December 22, 2021 – River Town Times – 21
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Thomas Richard Adams RemembeRing ouR CuRt April 20, 1991 - December 22, 2020
“When tomorrow starts without me, Don’t think we’re far apart, For every time you think of me, I’m right here in your heart.” We miss you more than words could ever say. We love you infinitely and do our best to honour you every day. Until we meet again. Carly and Oscar... Kathy and Ty... Krista and Sean... Karli and Matt... Karter and Emmett xoxo
In Loving Memory of
Jack Firman
March 8, 1934 – December 26, 2020 Everyday without you has been hard, but on this day especially I can’t help but think how much I wish you were here with us. No matter how old we are, we still need our dads, and wonder how we’ll get by without them. 2021 brought your new baby great-grandson, Nolan Jack, who you were so excited to meet. He’ll know all about you and mom and what great parents/ grandparents you were. Missing you this Christmas, Rhonda, Karen, Kim and Nolan
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PRAYER PRAYER TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN - Never Know to Fail Oh most beautiful flower of Mount Carmel fruitful vine splendor of Heaven Blessed Mother of the Son of God. Immaculate Virgin assist me in my necessity. Oh Star of the Sea help me and show me here you are my Mother. Oh Holy Mother Mary Mother of God Queen of Heaven and Earth I humble beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succor me in my necessityMake your request. There are none that can withstand your power. O Mary conceived without sin prayer for us who have recoursed to you.” Three times. Holy Mary I place this prayer in your hands Three times. Say this prayer for three consecutive days then publish it and it will be granted to you. M.B.
The tough guy quota in Heaven increased today after the death of Thomas Richard Adams at the age of 73. He put forth a courageous battle against cancer, passing away on Tuesday, December 14th, surrounded by his loving family. He leaves behind his loving wife Elaine of 50 years. Cherished father of Tom (Lisa), Michelle Connell (Sean) and Daniel. He will be greatly missed by his grandchildren: Matthew, Samantha and Jocelyn. Dear brother of Larry, Karen Zakal (Gene) and Kathryn Moceri (the late Frank). Predeceased by parents Stan and Teresa. Son-in-law of Helen Bezaire and the late Raymond. Brother-in-law of Mickey (Helen), Gary (Bunny), Jimmy (Debbie), Jane Vigneux (Wayne), Debbie Deslippe (Duane), Raymond (Lori). He will be dearly missed by his many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was an avid pitcher in the county baseball leagues, playing for River Canard. It was playing baseball as an ace pitcher that he met his future sweetheart. Tom married the love of his life on June 5th 1971. This year they had their marriage blessed by the Pope to celebrate their 50th anniversary together. Tom was a professional truck driver for Canadian Machinery for many years. He displayed an incredible work ethic and was devoted to his family. He had a great love of sports especially the Detroit Sports teams and Tom Brady. He remained a brave, iron-willed man, even throughout his final months. The family would especially like to thank all of the ambulance attendants, doctors and nurses who provided loving care at both Hotel Dieu, WRH Met Campus and Families First Funeral Home, for making the arrangements. A special thanks to Justin Lambert, Dr. Bergeron, Anoop, his sisters Kathyrn and Karen and the staff of Windsor Hospice and Paramed. In lieu of flowers, if you so desire, donations to the Terry Fox Foundation or the Hospice of Windsor would be appreciated by the family. As per Tom’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial visitation was held on Friday December 17, 2021 at Families First Funeral Home, 585 Sandwich St. South, Amherstburg (519-969-5841). A funeral service was held on Saturday December 18, 2021 at 11am. Share memories, photos, video condolence or make a donation at www.FamiliesFirst.ca
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Louise Wagner (nee Laframboise) Louise Wagner passed away on December 14, 2021 surrounded by her family at the age of 81. She is now reunited with her beloved husband and best friend Lorne (Dec. 6, 2016) and her daughter Lori Martin (2019). Loving mom of Teena (Fernando) Azevedo, Leesa (Scott), Jeff (Denise) Underwood, Lorne Edward Jr. (Caroline), Sheila Morency (Ray), and Mike Morency. Proud Mimi to Maddie, Crystal, Jamie, Derek, Jeremy, great grandma of Kelly, Melissa, Danica and Gabriel, and step grandma of Ashley. She will also be missed by her extended family and friends. Special thanks to Ernie Martin, Shelly Hunt, Leesa, Teena, Crystal Martin, Lorne and Caroline for all their support. Louise was retired from Richmond Terrace after many years of service. In kindness, memorial donations made to the WRH Cancer Center would be appreciated. Visitation and Funeral Service took place at the James H Sutton Funeral Home, 401 Sandwich St. S., Amherstburg on Monday, December 20, 2021. You may leave your condolences, share memories or leave a memorial donation online at www.jhsuttonfuneral.ca
Captain Richard C. “Dick” Girard, C.D. November 20, 1932 – December 14, 2021
Richard “Dick” Girard passed away at home at the age of 89. Beloved dad of Terry (Cheryl) and Timothy (Donna) and predeceased by their mom Joyce (1992). Proud Pip of Gary (Michelle), Brian, Stephanie (Mathew) Flockhart, and Chad (Kimberly). Loving Pippy to Bryson, Brooklyn, Jayce, Lucas, Kiersten, Colin, and Theodore. Special Pip to Wesley and Preston Weaver. He is predeceased by his wives Evelyn and Joan, as well as his ten siblings: Frank, his twin Robert, James, Marg, Jack, Basil, Mary, Dora, Bernard, and Sis. He is survived by many nieces, nephews and his extended family. Dick was a Korean War Vet, a lifetime member of the RCL Branch 157, and served many positions over his lifetime. He was retired from Chrysler after 30 years of service. Dick will be missed by his Legion Family and his Poker Buddies. Visiting and Legion Service took place at the James H Sutton Funeral Home, 401 Sandwich St. S., Amherstburg on Sunday, December 19, 2021 and his funeral service was held on Monday, December 20, 2021. Interment at St. John the Baptist Cemetery. Special thanks to all the PSWs who have helped with Dick’s care, especially Sarah and Tammy from ParaMed, Alex and Kim from St. Elizabeth. Also thanks to Jason SC Prodan and staff from Amherstburg Home Health. In kindness, memorial donations to the RCL Branch 157 Building Fund would be appreciated. You may leave your condolences online at www.jhsuttonfuneral.ca
22 – River Town Times – Wednesday, December 22, 2021
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St. Clair pauses an extra week for holidays
Keyleigh Johns, an Anderdon Public School student, collected 75 bags of socks, neck warmers, hand warmers and mitts through asking family friends and classmates. With the help of her mother Jen Butler, she donated them to homeless people in Windsor last weekend. RTT Photo by Ron Giofu
Local student collects clothing items to keep homeless warm By Ron Giofu
A local girl is doing what she can to keep the homeless warm at Christmas. Keyleigh Johns, a ten-year-old Amherstburg resident, has made up 75 gift bags that she distributed to the homeless in Windsor last Saturday. She was inspired to do so through a recent visit with her mother Jen Butler and some family friends. “I’m collecting stuff for the homeless. I’m collecting hats, mitts, socks, handwarmers and neck warmers,” Johns explained. “I asked a bunch of people if they could help.” Butler said they often join friends Jeremy and Jasmine Mulder on trips to Windsor to help feed the homeless. They travel to Water World and help them out with food and various personal hygiene items they need but sometimes they don’t have enough to help everyone they would like. The Mulders are with Be The Light Ministries. “(Keyleigh’s) goal was 75 bags for Christmas so she could go on the streets in Windsor and give the bags to everyone in need of one,” said Butler. Johns said she turned to a lot of friends and family for assistance and also went to her principal to see if they could do a drive in her school. She is
a Grade 5 student at Anderdon Public School. Her mother added her coworkers also helped with relatives and friends chipping in where they could, some donating large sets of clothes and gloves. The drive started in mid-November and there were nights where the family put in a lot of work to get ready. “She spent hours one night decorating each bag individually,” said Butler. “I’ve tried to help her keep everything organized.” Johns said collecting the warm clothing has put her in the Christmas spirit and she hopes to do it again next year. She added this is the first time she has tried something like this, and she got good feedback from her friends who wished her well. “It made me really happy,” Johns said of collecting all the goods. “The homeless don’t really get much during the winter season.” Butler added it is a bit of a humbling experience for them to be able to give back as they are. It also teaches her children that giving back is just as good during the holiday season as receiving gifts. “You can have a full heart giving something just as you can receiving something,” said Butler.
REGIONAL — In a recent letter to its students, St. Clair College announced that it has paused in-person gathering on campuses until vaccination boosters and other mitigation methods can bring the Omicron surge under control. “St. Clair College is thankful for your efforts in following the safety protocols that were in place throughout the fall semester,” said the letter. “These efforts have allowed us to successfully complete the semester on campus. We continue to ensure compliance with all public health regulations and protocols. The same amount of preparation and strategy has gone into planning your Winter semester.” The pause will be two weeks in duration. For all returning post-secondary students, that means that classes will be delayed one week and commence on January 17, 2022. However, in-person classes and labs will be delayed until January 24, 2022. To be clear, all post-secondary classes and labs between January 17 to January 23, 2022, will be held online synchronously following the course schedules that have been posted on the students’ SIS. During this period all online classes will be recorded and posted to Blackboard. For those in placement, the college announced that all placements will continue as scheduled unless otherwise communicated. In addition, all faculty will continue to upload their teaching materials to Blackboard and will ensure it is posted for the duration of the semester. For all first year, first semester post-secondary students, your start date will also commence on January 17, 2022. Your program will continue to remain online for the entire semester, with the exception of the first semester courses in the following four (4) programs due to the nature of their delivery: o Electrical Techniques (T947); o English for Academic Purposes (EAP); o Personal Support Worker (H932 and K933); o Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Advanced Diplomas and Degrees (C904). There are no plans to delay March Break and the winter semester is expected to end on April 29, 2022. The St. Clair website will continue to be updated regularly as information becomes available. “We ask all of you to please review the College’s policies to ensure that you continue your efforts in following the health and safety protocols while on campus,” said the letter. “As a reminder, we are advising all staff and students that if you are feeling unwell, to please stay home.” The letter was signed by College President Patti France and Vice President Waseem Habash.
Book Review
You Will Get Through This Night By Daniel Howell Adult Non-fiction
Written for teens, young adults and adults alike, You Will Get Through This Night is the perfect self-help book to help get oneself back on their feet at any point in their mental health journey. Helpful advice written in conjunction with a qualified psychologist is broken down to help readers get through their toughest moments today, tomorrow and in the days after. Each section can be read according to ones’ own current struggles and applied to their life as needed. This book is meant for everyone, whether you’re struggling a little or a lot, everyone needs a reminder to take care of their mental health, and this is the perfect place to start. Submitted by River Bookshop staff
Wednesday, December 22, 2021 – River Town Times – 23
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Skateboard park on the move to the Libro Centre By Ron Giofu
While the skateboard park didn’t work out at the Amherstburg Community Hub on a temporary basis, the town will now try the Libro Centre. Town council agreed to move the skateboard park to the Libro Centre on a permanent basis as part of their most regular meeting. The hub, located at 320 Richmond St., was used as a temporary site from July until November but “unlawful behaviour” such as vandalism, litter, drug use paraphernalia, intimidation to staff and visitors to the hub and other issues caused the ramps to be removed. Also agreed to was a $75,000 expenditure to retain a specialized skateboard park design consultant to prepare and design construction drawings. That money would come from the parks capital reserve fund. The skateboard park would be located right at the intersection of Meloche Road and Simcoe St., in the area where the electronic sign is located. The proposed new fire station would go on the other side of the laneway that comes in off of Simcoe St. The town undertook a survey to determine where a permanent location would be located with 24 people opting for Centennial Park while 21 voted for the Libro Centre. Jack Purdie Park garnered 13 votes. “Administration does not recommend locating the Skate Park at Centennial Park based on all the variables associated with skate park design and due to the close proximity to 320 Richmond and the vulnerable populations using this facility. Recent unlawful conduct by youth in the area was apparent when the Skate Park was temporarily relocated behind the building at 320 Richmond. Locating it across the street in Centennial Park would not be advisable as this activity is sure to continue,” director of community and protective services Heidi Baillargeon said in a report to town council. Locating the park in Jack Purdie Park could create similar issues at the hub, she noted, pointing out it is surrounded by homes.
Councillor Michael Prue noted the highest vote getter in the survey was Centennial Park but Councillor Don McArthur told Baillargeon she was “very clear and very decisive” that the skateboard park belongs at the Libro Centre. Prue indicated he was still interested in using the remaining acres of Centennial Park as a park with trails, trees and more. Baillargeon believed the Libro Centre was the better site for several reasons, citing a move there is supported by the parks master plan as well as the yetto-be endorsed by council Libro Centre secondary plan and the site is in a “prominent and highly visible” location. Other reasons that Baillargeon had included sufficient space to accommodate multiple design features with room for expansion, the close proximity to the proposed new fire hall, existing lighting and a power source, washroom facilities on site, access to water, staff being on site, the proximity to a larger complex “geared to sport excellence” with adequate parking, the site being away from housing and other town assets and that the site has good drainage. Councillor Patricia Simone said she spoke with members of the skateboarding community and believed the Libro Centre “just makes sense.” Councillor Marc Renaud indicated there are concerns over travelling out that far to go skateboarding but recalled similar concerns when the arena itself was built there. Renaud suggested lowering the speed limit in that area. “I think it makes sense to move it out there,” added Renaud. “It gives more uses for the whole facility.” Cost was a factor, as Prue wondered if they commit $75,000, does that mean council has to follow up with more funding for the build out when discussing the 2022 budget in January. Baillargeon described the funding request as “a placeholder” and that some work will be done in-kind with money being saved then geared towards the build out. Deputy Mayor Leo Meloche wondered what overall costs are for a build out, noting if the costs were upwards
Book Review
Meet Viola Desmond By Elizabeth MacLeod Middle Grade Non-fiction
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Skateboard park equipment was removed from the temporary site of the park, which had been behind the Amherstburg Community Hub. The equipment was removed in late November due to “unlawful behaviour” and town council has voted to put the permanent skateboard park at the Libro Centre. Submitted photo
of $500,000 the town might have a different opinion of locating a new skateboard park. Baillargeon estimated a pad alone could be $150,000 with other amenities such as a concrete bowl and pump track costing in the hundreds of thousands. Interim CAO Tony Haddad said he was CAO in Tecumseh when a skateboard park was constructed there and costs were in the $500,000 range. He noted it is built near the town hall and OPP station in Tecumseh and there were few complaints, with both being parentrelated incidents that were caught on camera. Building a full-scale skateboard park for $150,000 to $200,000 “is not realistic,” he said. Councillor Don McArthur told his colleagues that not everything has to be done at once.
“The opportunity is there to expand it over time,” said McArthur. “You have to commit to a location.” Councillor Peter Courtney said he didn’t like what happened at the temporary skateboard site, but wasn’t completely sold on the Libro Centre as the location. Courtney said it is a long way out of town for many kids. “It does give a location for kids to use, if they choose,” Courtney added. “I hope they use it. I really do.” In her report, Baillargeon added: “Proper planning, design and public consultation can be a lengthy process. In order to proceed with the project council must approve the project, its location and funding for design and construction. Should council defer this project at the 2022 budget deliberations the community will be without this amenities for a longer duration of time.”
How was 2021 for your service club, non-profit organization or church? What do you look forward to in 2022?
Let the community know!
Submit your write-ups on how 2021 went for your organization and feel free to include any photos from the year that showcased what you were able to accomplish! If your group is planning anything for 2022 (or hoping to hold events depending on COVID-19 health guidelines), please include that as well! Email your information to Ron Giofu at mail@rivertowntimes.com by Dec. 31, 2021 at 4 p.m.
80 Richmond St., Unit 9 Amherstburg, ON N9V 1E9 NOTICE DESIGNATION OF PROPERTY | ONTARIO HERITAGE ACT In accordance with Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act, notice is hereby given that on December 13, 2021 the Council of the Corporation of the Town of Amherstburg passed the following by-law designating property as being of cultural heritage value or interest:
By-law 2021-079
“St. Anthony School” 247 Brock Street
Any person who objects to this by-law may appeal to the Ontario Land Tribunal, and the Clerk of the Town of Amherstburg, within 30 days after the date of this publication, with a notice of appeal setting out the objection to the bylaw and the reasons in support of the objection. DATED at the Town of Amherstburg this 16th day of December, 2021 Valerie Critchley, Clerk The Corporation of the Town of Amherstburg 271 Sandwich St. South Amherstburg, Ontario N9V 2A5
24 – River Town Times – Wednesday, December 22, 2021
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Happy Holidays! We wish you peace, prosperity and happiness this holiday season and throughout the coming year. Stay Safe.
From the Mayor, Council and Staff of the Town of Amherstburg. Holiday Hours
The Town Municipal Offices are Closed from December 24th to January 3rd inclusive. Visit the Town's website at www.amherstburg.ca for Municipal Information
519-736-0012 • www.amherstburg.ca 271 Sandwich St. South, Amherstburg, Ontario N9V 2A5