River Town Times - February 14, 2024

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Public input sought on Belle Vue proposal

Wednesday, February 14, 2024

“Mean Girls” coming to Villanova

By Ron Giofu The Town of Amherstburg has launched a survey regarding the proposal for Belle Vue and is looking for public feedback.

The Belle Vue Conservancy, the group that has spent several years fundraising for the manor’s preservation, also wants people to provide public feedback to the survey and also wants the property to remain in public hands.

Town council approved last October that a proposal from Amico and the Loop Family advance to the “next steps” with deputy CAO and director of development services Melissa Osborne stating public feedback was part of the motion.

The proposal, should it be developed by Amico and the Loop Family, would see restoration of the 200-year-old manor including six hotel rooms and a spa inside of the historic building itself, a separate 24-unit hotel building, pool, event space/public gallery, restaurant and 52 semi-detached homes in 26 buildings. The property is located at 525 Dalhousie St. Resident input will be part of the report that will go back to town council later this spring, Osborne indicated, and the public input includes what the public wants to see not only with regards to the proposal, but the issue of whether Belle Vue should be owned publicly or privately.

The ownership question was a bone of contention last fall during council’s discussion. There were town council members who asked about a possible lease arrangement with the proponents instead of the town relinquishing ownership.

Questions on the survey involve where in town people live, what services within the proposal would people use, how often people would visit the property to walk around, what types of programming would be held in the event/gallery space, what publicly available events hosted by the town would be of interest, whether the town should make it a priority to retain ownership and, if the town does keep the building, what reasons they should have for doing so.

The Villanova Players are presenting the production of “Mean Girls” this year, with opening night this year being Feb. 23. There will be six shows in all. Rehearsals have been continuing at St. Thomas of Villanova Secondary School as students and staff are preparing for the show. Multiple departments from around the area’s Catholic high school are taking part. For more information on this year’s show, please turn to Page 7.

RTT PHOTOS BY RON GIOFU

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2 – River Town Times – Wednesday, February 14, 2024

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Town council unanimously supports street sign poppy plan

By Ron Giofu

Amherstburg town council has unanimously supported a plan to have poppies placed on street signs.

Town council agreed with a plan to replace existing signs with replacement signs with a poppy on them for streets named for a veteran. According to a report from manager of roads and fleet Eric Chamberlain, there are 36 streets in Amherstburg named for 44 fallen soldiers.

“Based on the mapping, there are 100 street name signs that would need to be revised to include the image of the poppy.

At an average cost of $45 per sign, the cost to replace the signs will be $4,500.

This initiative will be managed through the Public Works operational budget,” Chamberlain wrote. “Administration has reached out to the Royal Canadian Legion – Poppy Trademark to gain approval for this initiative and has received

endorsement from Legion Command.”

Shawn Wilkie, a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Br. 157 executive, said the poppy is a symbol of peace and hope as well as a remembrance of the lives sacrificed for the greater good. He told council putting poppies on street signs will also help residents remember local veterans and educate people on their sacrifices.

Poppies date back to the Napoleonic War and also to World War I. Of that latter, Wilkie said after battles raged in France, the only plant that would grow back was the red poppy.

“Lest We Forget. We will never forget,” said Wilkie. “We will remember them.”

Councillor Diane Pouget thanked the Legion members in attendance for everything they do.

“We really appreciate everything you do,” she said.

Pouget said the poppies on the street name signs will serve as a reminder and to

learn from to make sure what the veterans went through doesn’t happen again. She thanked Deputy Mayor Chris Gibb for taking a lead on the project.

Councillor Peter Courtney also offered thanks, adding he is proud of the town’s history.

“It’s kind of cool,” said Courtney. “It’ll be kind of special pulling up to an intersection and seeing the signs.”

Courtney added “it all ties in fittingly” to the town’s tourism and history promotion goals.

“I fully support this,” added Councillor Molly Allaire. “It’s great we doing this for our veterans.”

Allaire asked how the signs would be changed and at what frequency, with clerk Kevin Fox noting there is money set aside annually to replace signs and it will be done as part of that program.

Gibb said “it’s a long-time coming” and this was a project he wanted to see

happen for several years. He credited other council members for supporting it and staff for working on it to make it a reality.

“I think this is a great initiative,” said Gibb. “It’s well worth the cost.”

Councillor Don McArthur was also supportive of the initiative and offered his thanks as well. By putting poppies on signs, it keeps the local veterans’ memories alive.

Regarding the Legion itself, McArthur told the members “it’s a sense of community you provide.”

Mayor Michael Prue suggested the signs be made larger, citing people aging and having difficulty reading smaller signs. That wasn’t agreed to, but town council did agree with Prue to have a small ceremony when the first signs go up to pay tribute to local veterans.

“It’ll be very meaningful to the people of Amherstburg,” said Prue.

Town council authorizes construction of new structure on Boblo to house fire truck

By Ron Giofu A new municipal structure to primarily house a fire truck on Boblo Island has been approved by town council.

After the matter was deferred during 2024 budget deliberations, council members received a report from fire chief Bruce Montone during Monday evening’s meeting detailing steps that have been taken on the fire protection issue on Boblo since 2017. After debate, council authorized the expenditure of approximately $464,000.

The funds will come out of development charges.

Montone said despite him not being on the job in 2017, the fire department currently supports the plan. He said it is his understand after several conversations with the developer, the land can be had for $1 but a location still has to be determined.

Councillor Don McArthur said “growth pays for growth” and that this solution was identified as far back as 2017. He called the $1 offer for the land “a bargain” and believed the solution to build a new structure would help keep people safe, adding by using development charges it doesn’t impact the tax rate. Councillor Linden Crain also pointed out the building will be funded through development charges.

“I think this is a common sense solution to a complex problem,” said McArthur.

Councillor Diane Pouget voiced concerns, wondering why a figure of $15,000 was quoted in a 2019 report while the current figure is $464,000. Montone said a proposal five years ago was to have a truck in the elements but covered, but Boblo officials stepped up and offered use of the dance hall instead. Issues including the accidental

severing of hydro to the facility as well as “heritage challenges” didn’t allow for use of the dance hall anymore, he noted.

Continued on Page 4

Wednesday, February 14, 2024 – River Town Times – 3

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Elimination of tax breaks means overall county rate lowered County tax increase lowered from 4.95% to 4.81%

By Fred Groves A new Essex County policy will have a positive impact on the 2024 tax rate.

County council unanimously voted to eliminate the rate subsidy that has been provided for excess commercial, excess industrial and vacant industrial properties during their meeting last Wednesday night.

According to county director of financial services/treasurer Melissa Ryan there are 609 properties within the county that have been receiving up to 35 percent decrease in taxes.

Ryan explained that back in November

regional treasurers and tax collectors met with the intention of exploring changes to the 2024 tax policies.

“Several municipalities proposed the removal of the commercial excess and industrial vacant excess discount in 2024,” Ryan said to county council.

Ryan noted that policies for tax assistance for low-income seniors and lower income persons with disabilities will remain the same and there is also the continuance of a rebate for charity organizations.

“I think this is a very good move. I did talk to the Town of Essex staff and it’s something they are happy to see,” said

Essex Mayor Sherry Bondy.

She noted that there is not a lot of vacant commercial property in the county and wondered if there was any appetite to increase taxes on those, to which Ryan said that there was not at this time.

“The days of tax breaks for vacant properties are over. As policy makers it’s our job to know where we’re at and know where we’re headed,” said Kingsville Mayor Dennis Rogers.

He commented that there is substantial growth in the region and this could be an incentive for those with vacant properties to build.

“You’ve got to build or get out of the

way,” said Rogers. “We need homes, we need businesses and we need industry.”

Bondy suggested earlier that penalties for vacant property should be explored to which Rogers agreed.

Eliminating the tax break for commercial and industrial properties in the county means an additional $189,023 in taxes. Rogers wanted to know where that would be applied.

“What we are doing with the tax shift – it’s actually absorbed fully into the current budget year,” said Essex County CAO Sandra Zwiers.

What this means is there will be a slight reduction in the total tax base from 4.95 per cent to 4.81 per cent increase for 2024.

“That is great news,” said Amherstburg Mayor Michael Prue.

École St.-Jean Baptiste hosts “literacy night” for parents

By Ron Giofu A local school teaches students on a regular basis, but took time last week to educate parents as well. École St.-Jean Baptiste hosted “literacy night” last Tuesday and saw over 25 parents come in to find out how they can work with their children and help them along. The French Catholic elementary school geared the evening towards parents of JK-Grade 1 parents.

The night started with a presentation in the school’s gymnasium and then saw parents take part in handson activities to learn techniques to take home to their children.

“We have a new curriculum in place,” said principal Diana Bala.

The staff wanted to teach parents how to work on literacy skills with

their children and taught activities with letters, reading and writing. It was “an information evening” for parents and they also learned activities and songs.

Bala said this was the first time in five years they have held a “literacy night” and hope to make it an annual gathering.

“It gives tools to parents on how to work on literacy skills,” said Bala.

Bala thanked the staff for assisting with literacy night as staff members were stationed around the back of the gym after the presentation and guided parents through the activities and techniques they could take home.

Parents and guardians were also sent home with bags of resource material they could use when helping their children after school and on weekends.

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4 – River Town Times – Wednesday, February 14, 2024

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Approval given for new fire structure to be built on Boblo Island

Continued from Page 2

The truck that was on the island was brought to fire station #1 until the developer offered the current facility. Montone stated Boblo Island management is not obligated to provide a storage building for a truck.

CAO Valerie Critchley added the developer is not saying the town has to vacate the structure, but that the building is “not an ideal place to store an asset” due to its deteriorating condition.

“Because of the money available through development charges, this is a

solution we are looking at,” said Critchley.

Pouget said council has never acted on the solution since 2019, and questioned why a land deal isn’t firmly in place.

“Why agree to it if we don’t have the land?” said Pouget.

Montone said the first step would be to acquire the land, then to put out a tender.

Resident notification was another concern for Pouget, with Montone saying the location will come back to council once an agreement is finalized. Critchley added residents would be notified through council agendas as to when it

would go before council.

Councillor Peter Courtney voted in favour of a municipally-owned structure, but not so much for a fire truck. He said other staff members on the island could use the building, but had questions over fire protection and level of service. He said the idea of volunteer firefighters living on Boblo is a nice idea but “there are costs associated with everything.”

Courtney suggested he has information he would like to share with council but it would have to be done in closed session.

“I’ve got a lot of intel to share but I can’t

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

do it in public session,” said Courtney.

Deputy Mayor Chris Gibb said the town is taking the next step in a plan that was developed in 2017. He said they talk about safety when the ferry goes down and believes this is a step towards addressing that issue. The current structure, he added, is “loosely defined” as a building.

The town also has to protect the truck that is there, said Gibb.

“We can’t just let that piece of equipment sit and rot,” the deputy mayor stated.

“It’s all about perception,” says Amherstburg taxpayer The budget has been passed and just a few minor I’s need to be dotted and T’s crossed.

I find it very interesting how the story is told from a platform of power how decisions have been justified.

Our council has indicated that our past councils of the day took care of wants instead of needs.

Our council has told us that they were not elected on a platform of zero per cent tax increases because that would be foolish and irresponsible, and I would agree with them. Everybody is facing cost of living increases, but we did expect them to at least make an effort to control spending.

Our council has approved a $29,000 pay increase for our CAO. Did they need to do this or did they want to do this? Based on what I see this is totally irresponsible.

Council has told us that upper levels of government have reduced funding and I agree with them. In 2021 the provincial government recognized that municipalities needed help. They told us that they would increase OCI funding for the next five years and they did that. They also told us that over this same period of time they would reduce funding by a minimum of 15 per cent per year. In other words, were giving you more money in 2022 but every year moving forward this amount will be decreasing by at least 15 per cent.

Was it foolish for our council not to plan for this funding change?

Council has told us that the 6.44 per cent change in the mill rate is really not this, it is 5.44 per cent. The reasoning is that if you take the weighted average rate increase of municipal, county and education,

Same old story at town budget meetings

For years Amherstburg residents have ask for responsible spending by the administration and council.

But, as we see again even with delegations at the budget meetings it’s the same old story.

As long as the attitude prevails that “the town has to put the burden on the residents” nothing will change.

Council was elected to represent the residents to ensure that our tax dollars are spend wisely and they do a very poor job.

Is it wise that tourism and culture has a budget of $759,744 and only creates a revenue of $90,000.

That Libro has a budget of $3,286,573 and revenue of $768,313. That the town employs 186 people of which 94 are full-time.

That at least 25 employees are on the sunshine list which costs approximately $3,200,000.

What does other expenses of $5,070,675 in the budget mean? What are these expenses.

Administration has done very little if anything to present any cost saving initiatives to the budget process.

The opposite is true they want to increase staff every year and do less work. Why do we have a deputy CAO if no other town has one, not even Windsor?

Look at the town’s organization chart and you will see that they have a manager and a supervisor for eight employees. You can easily eliminate one of the managers.

Nobody is pushing to work more

efficient with less so the money saved can go the reserve fund etc.

Because the easy answer is “the town has to put the burden on the residents” and what have we done?

We elected people that are “nice people” with little or no experience to challenge the town administration and ask the right questions.

As long as we only hear excuses why the taxes have to go up nothing will change.

I could go on and on what is wrong with the budget and the council/administration attitude.

I can only hope that more people put pressure on council to do their job.

—Holger Kretschmann Amherstburg

the net effect is a lower rate for us. So the county and education were able to control their spending and our council takes credit for it.

I encourage all taxpayers to look at their 2024 final tax bill (July of this year) and note the difference in your total municipal levy, county levy and education levy and compare it to 2023.

It’s all about perception.

—Rodger Hudson Amherstburg

Resident feels insulted by remark from town councillor A reference was made to “people who watch council meetings have nothing better to do.”

That comment was from Peter Courtney at the Feb. 12th council meeting. He’s directly insulted every single person in the gallery and every single person watching from home via Livestream, including me.

You may recall that transparency was promised during the last election - would he prefer council meetings to be totally in-camera?

People who attend or watch from home truly care about our town, and have every right to monitor council meetings.

Civic engagement should be encouraged, not insulted.

As should manners.

—Marcie Graham Amherstburg

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Wednesday, February 14, 2024 – River Town Times – 5

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Students create new mosaic mural at North Star High School

By Ron Giofu The talents of art students at North Star High School is now on display in a lounge area near the school’s main office.

A new mosaic mural was officially unveiled Friday afternoon after being completed by art students in Grade 9 through Grade 12. Art classes taught by Samantha Thomas and Andrea CraigWammes carried out the work with the help of local potter Alice Welsh.

“They did a wonderful job,” said Welsh.

Walsh noted the students had to work with glaze, which is not always easy as the colours can change when painting it. She said she saw an idea for such a mural, then brought it to Thomas.

Thomas and Welsh are connected through their families’ ties to pottery.

Welsh said she has been potting since 1966.

“I think they did a great job,” said Welsh of the students.

Thomas said Welsh had an idea to

Art students and teachers at North Star High School unveiled a new mosaic mural last Friday afternoon and that is now near the school’s main office.

collaborate between Western Secondary School and General Amherst High School to help us transition to North Star. Between the pandemic and the move to the new school, the project was delayed but has now come to fruition.

“We were to come up with a design and split it up into individual tiles to create a mosaic piece all put together in the new building,” said Thomas.

“Sloane Percy, a Western student made the original digital drawing. Tyler

Charron, a former Western Student and current North Star student, improved the drawing and made a painted version that we used to create our mural.”

Thomas said she added a grid and broke it up into 96 different tiles.

“Last year, our art students all painted their portion of the mural onto clay tiles made by Alice Welsh. Alice also help Andrea Craig-Wammes and I mix the colour needed for the glaze (paint for ceramics). We painted them in the art room and then Alice took them all back to her studio to fire in the kiln,” said Thomas. “The collaborative outcome was amazing.”

Charron said her painting took about seven days to complete while the mural was done in roughly one month.

“It’s mind-blowing,” said Charron, in seeing the final product.

Grade 12 student Kari McKeown added she was also pleased with the result.

“It’s pretty rewarding,” she said.

Suspect arrested and firearms seized in joint investigation An investigation by the OPP-led Provincial Weapons Enforcement Unit (PWEU), Windsor Police Service, and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has led to one arrest and the seizure of several firearms, including a 3D-printed handgun.

Earlier this month, the OPP-led PWEU partnered with the Windsor Police’s Drugs and Guns Unit (DIGS) and the CBSA to investigate the importation of firearms into Windsor.

As a result of the joint investigation, police say officers arrested one suspect in the 6600 block of Concession Rd. 6 in Amherstburg last Wednesday at approximately 2:30 p.m.

Police further state that officers subsequently executed a search warrant at a residence in the 1000 block of Martin Lane in LaSalle.

During their search, police say officers located and seized a Glock style 3D-printed loaded handgun, a

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A 25-year-old man is charged with manufacturing firearms, three counts of possession of a restricted firearm without a licence, possession of a loaded regulation firearm, unsafe storage of a firearm “The Canada Border Services Agency is committed to detecting and intercepting prohibited firearms and firearm parts before they enter Canada.

The enforcement action announced today is a great example of how border services officers work together with local law enforcement partners to keep Canadians safe,” said Joshua Newby, Director, Intelligence and Enforcement Operations Division, for the CBSA’s Southern Ontario Region.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Windsor Police Service DIGS Unit at 519-255-6700, ext. 4361.

They can also contact Windsor & Essex County Crime Stoppers anonymously at 519-258-8477 (TIPS) or online at www.catchcrooks.com​

6 – River Town Times – Wednesday, February 14, 2024

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Staffing issues part of ongoing negotiations between CLEC and CUPE going to change until they commit to treating workers fairly,” added Brennan through the release.

The union’s press release also states “workers now regularly bring overnight bags every time they go in, just in case. CLEC is not unique – workers in Port Colborne staged a nearly month-long strike to secure automatic overtime – but instances at the agency have been increasing at alarming rates. Family members of clients have even raised the issue, rightfully concerned that overburdened workers are being asked to do too much with too little.”

Community Living Essex County is the largest nonprofit organization employer in the county.

By Fred Groves A funding crunch and a labour dispute could have an effect on how Community Living Essex County (CLEC) delivers services.

That is also part of ongoing labour negotiations with its union.

According to CLEC director of operations Corey Dalgleish, it might be time for some tough decisions when it comes to assisting the 700 individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families.

“We have to look at services we have and make some tough choices,” said Dalgleish.

He said that the main reason for some possible adjustments is that the Province of Ontario’s Ministry of Children and Community Services is locked in to a zero percent budget increase. That is why CLEC and other developmental services organizations across the province are banding together and urging the government to provide a five percent increase.

“This year’s budget has a zero percent increase. We don’t have any new funds. That is the tough reality we are faced with. We’ve got 50 homes we own or lease that we have to keep the heat on,” said Dalgleish.

In a press release from the CLEC, executive director Karen Bolger said that 83.5 percent of the organizations budget goes towards salaries and benefits. Local fundraising events like the annual Ruthven Apple Festival covers funding shortfalls.

“Our funding hasn’t kept up with our costs,” said Bolger through the release.

CLEC is urging members of the community to contact their local MPP’s and are part of a province-wide initiative aimed at the provincial government called #5tosurvive.

“We are incredibly appreciative for the support we get from the community,” said Dalgleish.

Dalgleish said that community participate and respite programs are in jeopardy and noted that the CLEC homes are staffed 24-hours per day and an active transportation requires 68 vehicles.

“We are at the breaking point. We are screaming from the cliffs.”

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Community Living Essex County and CUPE Local 3137 are in the midst of negotiations with overtime being one of the issues.

Besides a lack of funding increase from the Ministry of Children and Community Services, CLEC is also facing what Dalgleish refers to as a “staff recruitment crisis.”

CUPE 3137 which represents about 600 frontline developmental service workers and administrative workers have been without a contract for almost a year and negotiations continue.

One of the major issues seems to be that part-time hours have increased to 36 hours per week and the fact that workers can get stuck at work.

Starting wage is just over $22 per hour and CLEC continues to recruit for more workers.

In a press release issued by CUPE late last month, Local 3137 President Paul Brennan said that the CLEC is down about 100 workers.

“People can leave and earn more with better hours, working jobs that don’t require the same level of training or responsibility.”

The press release also said that some developmental workers are working over 70 hours per week. There is a push back from the workers over forced overtime.

“Our employer seems to think that new hiring practices or Facebook ads will solve the crisis. But nothing is

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Wednesday, February 14, 2024 – River Town Times – 7

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St. Thomas of Villanova gearing up for production of “Mean Girls”

Dress rehearsals are ongoing for “Mean Girls” at Vllanova, which runs Feb. 23-25 and Feb. 29-March 2.

By Ron Giofu Students and staff at St. Thomas of Villanova Secondary School are preparing for this year’s theatrical production.

The Villanova Players are presenting the show “Mean Girls” this year with performances starting next week. Between 40-50 performers are involved this year, with backstage crews and a number of programs in the Catholic high school collaborating to stage the production.

“This is a huge undertaking with projections and big sets but with a very talented cast,” said director Mary-Jo Grado.

There are eight shows altogether with drama students and staff being assisted by construction, cosmetology, communications technology, dance, and art classes and the lighting and tech club. A pit band will also be part of this year’s show with musical director Ann-Marie Brunet part of it.

“Mean Girls” is a show with meaning, she stated, and the students bring it to life with their talent.

“This has an amazing theme,” said Grado. “There is a very strong message in this which we are thankful to have.”

Giada Lopez and Jenna Ward will alternate playing the role of “Cady” while Ethan Moore is one of the “Aaron” characters. Lopez and Ward are each in their second production at Villanova while Moore is in his first.

“We started the play in October with auditions,” said Lopez, a Grade 12 student.

Rehearsals started with students and staff working three to four days a week, stepping it up even more as the Feb. 23 opening night nears.

“We’ve worked really hard together,” said Ward, a Grade 10 student.

Lopez pointed out the work of multiple school programs into the show, stating the work that has gone into the production is “very extensive.”

“A lot goes into the show,” added Moore, who is also in Grade 12.

Ward added there are different genres of music from pop to rock to grunge and more.

“It’s really fun,” she said.

Like Grado, Lopez also said the show has a good message. Ward added they are making “iconic” characters come to life with Moore adding they enjoy playing these characters.

The play features a mix of students from Grades 9-12, said Lopez.

“I love it,” stated Moore. “I think it’s really fun to get to know these people.”

Ward added they have come together as a unit with Lopez saying the cast and crew have become their own community and they have become friends with one another.

Also assisting with the show are Amy-Lynn D’Alimonte with choreography along with Caydance Cristofaro and Melah Mulder while Mackenzie Beltran and Alexa Caroccia are helping with vocals. Jesse Mulveney and Darryl Martin are helping with construction and production as is retired Villanova teacher

Andy Paling.

“Mean Girls” is based on a book by Tina Fey. The show may not be suitable for children under 12.

In addition to the Feb. 23 performance, other shows will be Feb. 24, Feb. 25, Feb. 29, March 1 and March 2. All are at 7 p.m. except for the Feb. 25 performance, with the latter being at 1 p.m.

Tickets for adults and students are $15, seniors and children 6-12 are $10 and children under six are free. All seats for the Feb. 25 and Feb. 29 show are $10.

St. Thomas of Villanova Secondary School is located at 2800 North Townline. For more information, call 519-734-6444.

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8 – River Town Times – Wednesday, February 14, 2024

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Another radio station now based in Amherstburg

By Ron Giofu

A second Amherstburg-based radio station has now been launched.

CKRT Border City Radio is an Internet radio station and its first official day of streaming was this past Monday. Heading up the operation is Donna Tuckwell and she is employing two people familiar with the Amherstburg radio scene – Paul “P.D.” Desjardins and Spencer Duby.

Desjardins is anchoring the morning show on CKRT from 7-10 a.m. while Duby, a.k.a. “Dr. Duby,” is on the air from 4-6 p.m.

Tuckwell said Internet radio is a new way of listening and noted some automakers are going as far to remove AM radio from vehicles.

“You can actually buy an Internet radio,” she said.

The format and the freedom of being an Internet radio station is appealing to Tuckwell. She said it will have music from the 1970’s, 1980’s and 1990’s, news, traffic and more. Desjardins said it will be soft rock from those decades.

“It’s a good genre,” said Desjardins. “People can listen to it if they’re 18 or 65-years-old.”

Paul “PD” Desjardins (left) and Spencer Duby are part of the newly launched CKRT Internet radio station in Amherstburg.

The new station is marketing itself as a “small-town global station” with a focus on Windsor-Essex County.

They plan on being out broadcasting at local businesses and events.

“We want to be very involved in the community,” said Tuckwell. “We want to tell people what is happening. We’re going to have some pretty cool contests coming up.”

Tuckwell pursued media as a second career and has done freelance reporting for both the River Town

Times and the Harrow News. She has also followed her passion for radio and connected with Desjardins and Duby at CKBG 107.9 FM. Now with her own station, Tuckwell reconnected with Desjardins and Duby and the latter have now joined the new venture at CKRT. Desjardins and Duby say they enjoy working with Tuckwell and that enticed them to join her at CKRT. “I love Donna. She’s a great team player,” said Desjardins. “She’s a great leader. Anything she puts her mind to, she definitely does it.”

Duby said he hopes to work at both stations but added his own praise for Tuckwell.

“When we met Donna, she took us under her wing,” said Duby. “She’s been a mother figure for me and P.D.” Working with podcasters and others in the radio field is something Tuckwell said she is open to.

“It’s going to keep growing,” Desjardins predicted.

“It’s going to be fun. We’re excited for the listeners to watch us grow and grow with us.”

The website is www.ckrtbordercityradio.com.

For more information, contact Tuckwell at 226-7598280 or e-mail ckrtbordercityradio@gmail.com.

Police investigate pair of accidents, one of them fatal The Windsor Police Service is investigating two motor vehicle collisions in Amherstburg that resulted in one fatality.

Officers were called to the intersection of County Road 9 (Howard Ave.) and County Road 20 for a report of two separate collisions at the same locations.

The call came in Feb. 6 at approximately 7:15 a.m.

According to Windsor police, an eastbound pickup truck on County

Road 20 allegedly attempted to turn left onto County Road 9 and struck a westbound SUV. The driver of the westbound vehicle suffered serious injuries and was transported to the hospital, where they later succumbed to their injuries.

Shortly after the first collision, police add that another eastbound truck allegedly failed to see the collision and struck the rear of the first pickup.

There were no other injuries reported as a result of these collisions,

Windsor police add.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Windsor Police Service at 519-945-9645, ext. 223. They can also contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at 519-258-8477 (TIPS) or online at www.catchcrooks.com.

If a person is an affected person in need of support, they are welcome to call Victim Services Windsor Essex County at 519-723-2711 or the Victim Assistance Unit at Windsor Police at 519-255-6700, ext. 4879.

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10 – River Town Times – Wednesday, February 14, 2024

Kicks & Giggles

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Local basketball players take aim at free throw shooting title

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20 Creativity may prove elusive this week, Aries.

You want to get into a crafty project but you simply can’t find traction just yet. Don’t give up too soon.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21 Taurus, a distracted friend or loved one may not be good company over the next few days. Reach out and offer to be a sounding board to help this person re-center their focus.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21 Are you feeling preoccupied, Gemini? You can’t seem to focus on one thing or another and friends will start to notice when you are in their company.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22 Romantic matters are going very well right now, Cancer, even if you may not feel entirely confident. The person who cares for you will not notice your insecurities.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23 The more challenging path may prove the best one to take as your work on a certain task, Leo. Dig in and start figuring a way out to the other side.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22 Virgo, there is so much to do around the house that you may not know where to start. Spring cleaning comes a month or two early. Ask for help if you’re feeling frazzled.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23 You may be in the mood to expand your knowledge on one or more subjects, Libra. Visit the library or a bookstore and pick up something that piques your interest.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22 Scorpio, you may pick up on some vibes when hanging out with others that just don’t fit in with your line of thinking. Give it some time before you cut any ties. You may be misinterpreting.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21 There has been a lot going on in your life, Sagittarius. You may be experiencing some apprehension about the future. Take every concern individually and give it thought.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20 Information coming to you could have you feeling nervous about your financial security, Capricorn. If this is outside your area of expertise, you may want to sit down with a planner.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18 Confusing messages from work may find you reconsidering plans that you already put into motion, Aquarius. Get more information before modifying your plans.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20 Pisces, your mind is all over the place right now, so it could be difficult to focus on mundane things like chores or other activities right now.

However, don’t push them off.

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WORD SCRAMBLE

Participants in the Knights of Columbus Free Throw Championship gather for a group photo (top) while Avryl Levesque (above left) and Elliot Cousineau (top right) take aim at the basket.

By Ron Giofu Youth basketball players from the Amherstburg area got a chance to test their free throw shooting skills against their peers last week.

The Knights of Columbus Free Throw Championship was brought to Amherstburg thanks to K of C Council 2110 with the local competition being held in North Star High School’s gymnasium Friday night.

“It’s for all of the kids in the community ages 9-14,” explained K of C Council 2110 Grand Knight Camillo D’Alimonte. “We’ve been doing this annually for at least ten years.”

Approximately 30 boys and girls from the area took part in the competition.

D’Alimonte said the local Knights of Columbus sponsors a lot of youth sports teams and wanted to do something to give back.

The Knights of Columbus Free Throw Championship allows the youth to get involved and be active, he said.

The event saw youth compete against their own ages with girls on one basket and boys on another.

It was also geared towards giving youth an athletic outlet and showing them the values of sportsmanship and healthy competition.

Top three competitors were: Girls 9-year-old - Teia Jacques (first), Charlotte O’Neil (second), Sawyer

Waters (third) Girls 10-year-old - Maddie Weston (first), Natalie McGuire (second), Gabriella Shreve (third) Girls 11-year-old - Cambria Girard (first), Aurelia Haykal (second), Leah Doherty (third) Girls 12-year-old - Zoey Deschamp (first), Alivia Borre (second), Abby Durham (third) Girls 13-year-old- Avryl Levesque (first), Hailey Scott (second) Boys 9-year-old - Coden Weber (first), Luca Paquette (second), Tavon Johnson (third) Boys 10-year-old - Holden Taylor (first), Easton Gyori (second), David Murray (third) Boys 11-year-old- Connor Bondy (first), Jackson McLean (second), Prynce Luciw (third) Boys 12-year-old - Austin Allen (first), Hudson Melko (second), Kai Robson (third) Boys 13-year-old - Brody LeBlanc (first), Beau McGrath (second) D’Alimonte said all first place winners will be representing Amherstburg in the District Competition being held in Leamington Feb. 24 at UMEI High School, located at 614 Mersea Road, starting at 9:30 a.m.

The district consists of Knights of Columbus councils including Amherstburg, Harrow, Kingsville and Leamington.

The 2024 Amherstburg phone book is coming in March!

Rearrange the letters to spell something pertaining to Valentine’s Day. ANSWERS ON PAGE 14

If you know of a phone number/address that needs to be changed, added or deleted, please let us know!

Call 519-736-4175 or e-mail mail@rivertowntimes.com.

Wednesday, February 14, 2024 – River Town Times – 11

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Admirals give up 15 goals in two games vs. Lakeshore

By Fred Groves Outshot, outscored and outplayed.

That was the result of a pair of games for the Amherstburg Admirals as they were blasted twice in back-to-back games by the Lakeshore Canadiens.

The Admirals lost 7-1 last Friday night in Lakeshore and 24 hours later at the Libro Centre, it was the Canadiens winning again, this time 8-3.

“It’s almost like taking 10 steps back. When you play teams at the top of the league, it’s not always about the score, it’s about competing,” said Admirals coach Beau Hunter after Sunday night’s contest.

The loss drops the Admirals to 8-31-0-0 while the Canadiens improved to 33-4-0-0 and are in a race for the top spot with the Essex 73’s in the eight team West Stobbs Division of the Provincial Junior Hockey League.

The Canadiens came out quick in Saturday’s game as Trevor Larue scored 52 seconds into the game. He would notch a hat trick in the opening period for the winners.

Layne Crispin had a beauty of a goal, a quick shot over the shoulder of Lakeshore goalie Nicholas Bolton.

Amherstburg’s Stefan Jacobs made it close 3-2 after 20 minutes.

“We were not with them in the first. The score was close but they outplayed us all three periods,” said Hunter.

Amherstburg defenceman Jake Goudreault (left) attempts to get past Lakeshore’s Zach Vaillancourt during Saturday night’s game at the Libro Centre.

It was all Lakeshore in the middle frame as they outscored the Admirals 4-0 to take a huge 7-2 lead.

Braeden Armstrong managed to get one back in the third for the hosts.

Joe Costea started in net for the Admirals but after facing 14 shots in the first period and 18 in the second was relieved by Noah Spadotto. Former Admirals netminder Bolton got the win for the Canadiens. Bolton was named

the PJHL West Player of the Month in December.

The night before in Lakeshore, the Canadiens were up 2-0 in the first period and scored five times in the second.

Admirals’ rookie Brett Jones scored in the middle period.

“It’s lack of effort. It’s not that, yes, they are a highly skilled team, but we are doing things that put us behind the eight-ball right away,” said Hunter.

The Admirals head coach said it’s a lack of effort, not winning puck battles and not back-checking.

Amherstburg has three games remaining on the 42-game regular season schedule. They travel to Walpole Island Thursday night and host the Wild at the Libro Centre Saturday night with a puck-drop time of 7:30 p.m. They conclude the regular season with a Feb. 24 home game versus Essex.

Asked what his charges have to do to prepare for the playoffs, Hunter replied, “it’s coming to the rink and being ready to put the work in.”

SLAPSHOTS: Admirals veteran goalie Josh Courtney is expected to return this upcoming week and so is blueliner Jadyn Brown. Rookie Dallas Kelly is probably still a couple of weeks before coming back to the lineup…

Second-year Stefan Jacobs who was called up to play for the LaSalle Junior ‘B’ Vipers last Wednesday leads the Admirals with 33 points. He has played in all 39 games thus far for Amherstburg.

Sr. Wolves advance in WECSSAA “AA” girls volleyball playoffs

By Ron Giofu The North Star Wolves senior girls volleyball team opened its bid for another WECSSAA “AA” championship successfully last week.

The Wolves hosted the Essex Red Raiders in quarterfinal action last Wednesday afternoon and came away with a 25-9, 25-11 and 25-9 victory.

The Wolves are trying to keep the WECSSAA crown in Amherstburg and last week’s victory was the first step.

After taking the first set, the Wolves and Red Raiders went back-and-forth in the second set before North Star was able to pull away. The Wolves took a 15-0 advantage in the third set and went onto the sweep from there.

“It’s the quarterfinals,” said North Star coach Jeff Miller after last Wednesday’s match. “We did what we had to do. Onto the semi-finals next week.”

Miller gave the Red Raiders credit, saying they tried hard and put up a valiant effort, but noted the Wolves are a more experienced unit.

“We could pull away when we

needed to,” said Miller, who coaches the team with Mary Ewer.

“They played great,” Ewer said of North Star’s effort in the quarterfinals.

The Wolves’ lineup is constantly changing, he noted, and players are getting used to new positions.

He saw practice being a good thing as they headed into the semi-final match, which was held yesterday (Tuesday) afternoon at home against the Riverside Stingers.

“We’re hoping for a good week of practice,” he said. “We need some reps and work on some stuff.”

The roles were reversed the previous day in the WECSSAA “AA” junior preliminary round. The two schools met each other but only this time in Essex, with the Red Raiders sweeping North Star in three straight sets. Essex defeated the jr. Wolves in that match by a final score of 25-18, 25-16 and 25-21.

North Star defeated Essex in three straight sets in the WECSSAA “AA” senior girls volleyball playoffs last Wednesday. Abby Beaudoin keeps her eyes on the ball (left photo) while Emily Beauregard runs hard to return another one (right photo).

12 – River Town Times – Wednesday, February 14, 2024

www.rivertowntimes.com

Palette to Palate

Dear Readers, We are excited to present to you our newest section on arts and culture, Palette to Palate! We enthusiastically invite you to join us as we extol the talent and creativity that thrives within our community.

highlight local artists and craftspeople who bring their inventiveness and skill to their chosen medium. We want to delve deeper into the stories of the people behind the crafts that make our town genuinely unique; from art to food to drink to culture.

This monthly section will be a veritable treasure trove of interviews, stories, and photos that

Through our coverage, we hope to promote a sense of community and connection because we

firmly believe that our artists and artisans have the ability to inspire, unify, and uplift. As you discover the narratives of our gifted neighbors, you might even find inspiration to pursue your own creative pursuits along the way.

We are grateful that you are joining us on this artistic journey as we honor our town’s natural beauty, rich diversity, and limitless creative spirit.

JP Bondy

Potter Pink House Pottery

T

here’s a magical place in downtown Amherstburg. It’s not a castle per se, but rather a tidy pink house. You won’t find any fairies or gnomes (although, maybe ceramic ones?), but there is something spellbinding going on, and the magic happens in an unpretentious pottery studio in the backyard.

John Paul Bondy has lived in the Pink House since the early 90’s, and has been practicing pottery since roughly 2016. You may not have stopped to consider that the art of pottery could be seen as magic, but when you behold what local artist JP, as he is known to all, can conjure up out of a mere lump of clay, there can be no doubts left in your mind that there is some legitimate sorcery happening in the shed. As the River Town Times debuts its new monthly Arts and Culture section, JP seemed like an obvious choice as our first artist feature.

Also, we just HAD to know why his house is pink.

does it. For sure it requires some equipment and space, but also a teacher to guide you. JP actually has clay in his blood, as his father, Dick Bondy, was also a potter. Some of you may even still treasure some of Dick’s mugs or piggy banks from back in the 70’s. Unfortunately, he gave away his potter’s wheel when JP was just 10. Seven years ago, this family heirloom made its way back into JP’s life, and that’s when he officially took up the hobby. A hobby which led to a side business.

Along with selling his finished pieces locally, he teaches pottery classes in his studio and at an after school art program for teens. As he put it, his wife Patti is very supportive of his hobby, but she eventually told him “now you need to find a way to pay for all the stuff in the shed.” He is also an active member of the Gibson Gallery; you may have seen him during Open Air Weekends doing his “Pottery on the Street” demos, or at The Gibson Gallery’s big Art by the River event zooming around on a golf cart. As someone who is so ensconced in the local art scene in Amherstburg, (and is also a member of the Windsor Area Potters), we asked him what he thought the future might hold for artists in the area.

We met up with JP on a dreary January day (aren’t they all?) but despite the weather being less than ideal, we forgot all about it as we were welcomed into his warm and cozy backyard stuJP takes pride in how far he’s come as a potter, and dio. JP himself was the quality of his and his students’ finished creations.

“I think there is defcovered in clay and dust, so rather than shake hands we fist bumped. Some initely room for more frequent and diverse art events, people have man-caves or she-sheds in their yard, but someone needs to step up to plan them. And we maybe with a fireplace; but he has a studio with pottery need community buy in. I would love to see a space wheels, boxes of clay, tools, shelves of finished pieces, where we have multiple artists in one location, almost shelves of projects still in-progress, and not a fireplace, like a co-op. They could each have their own small stubut rather a kiln. In fact, it was so toasty that we even dio where they can sell their creations, but people can cracked the windows as we chatted. It’s a comfortable also take lessons. They could try many different things space that JP uses to create his bowls, mugs, vases, and in just one place.” He himself would be interested in other treasures, and he teaches classes here as well. It’s having a set-up on his lawn during local events, and a large enough room for three to four people to move will look into whether it’s permitted. (We absolutely around in, and there’s also a garage door that can open love this idea too, so if anyone is interested in making up during warmer months and bring in some fresh air. it happen, let us know).

Basically, it’s a really neat place to visit.

He believes that the future of the art scene in AmThe art of making pottery has been around for mil- herstburg will only get better. He predicts there will lennia, but it’s one of those things that, while most of be more going on as the town swells with new artists us know what it is, we don’t really know anyone who and interest from residents. But how can we encourage

A Pink House Pottery display constructed by the multi-talented Dick Bondy.

these new artists? We asked if he has any sage advice for those looking to find their place. “Try everything!” he says. He suggests going to classes to find something that you really like, and then work hard to practice your craft. Art can be an ever evolving lifelong journey, but if you’re doing something that you’re passionate about, then you’ll hone your skills and gain confidence. But most importantly though, he advises “don’t overthink it.”

If you were so inclined to treat yourself or a loved one to a pottery lesson this Valentine’s Day, it’s as easy as visiting the Pink House Pottery on facebook or Instagram @amherstburgspinkhousepottery and booking a class. Your initial class is 2-hours, and JP swears that you will end up with at least 2-3 pieces that ‘survive’.

We can’t think of a better way to celebrate the holiday of love, by doing something you love, in a pink house.

OH YES! Why is the house pink? “Because white was boring.” Spoken like a true artist.

By Tammy Joho - Special to the RTT

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Wednesday, February 14, 2024 – River Town Times – 13

www.rivertowntimes.com

Anna Marano & Simon Briggs

Bakers Panetteria

I

f you let your nose guide you towards the scent of freshly baking bread, it will no doubt lead you to downtown Amherstburg. Although it feels like small town France; it’s actually The Panetteria. Here you will be greeted with trays upon trays of beautiful pastries, shelves bulging with warm bread, no doubt a long line of anxious customers, and the smiling faces of the owners, Anna Marano and Simon Briggs. These two are young and passionate and so skilled at what they do, that it may not have occurred to you that they are the owners.

Maybe you’ve tried some of their goodies, or you saw them right here in the Rivertown Times after they won Best New Amherstburg Business of the Year in 2022, but how did these breadheads (as they thoughtfully refer to themselves) end up opening this fabulous European style bakery? Let us jump back in time to Stratford, Ontario circa 2015.

Anna, an Amherstburg native looking for a career change, enrolled in the Stratford Chefs School. There she connected with Simon, who was teaching pastry. Simon already had many years of experience in restaurants and when he moved to Canada from Scotland, he also attended the SCS. After working in bakeries and refining his pastry skills after graduation, he was asked to come back to teach pastry at the SCS, which he did for seven years. This is where they met, over a love of perfectly laminated croissant dough. Not long after, they relocated to Amherstburg, where they started forming their business plan.

We asked about any new products that might be ‘in the oven’, but any and all new product information is tightly guarded. You won’t see anything new until it hits the shelf, at which point, it’s been tested and tasted, and tested again. This dedication to offering their customers the absolute best and freshest products is one of the reasons they sell out almost every day. Support from their regulars has been tremendous over the past two and a half years, and in turn Anna and Simon give back to the community when and however they can.

They’ve donated to various animal and child related causes like Bryerswood Youth Camp and youth soccer, the Amherstburg Food and Fellowship Mission, and Amherstburg Community Services. As Anna puts it, “Food is a basic human right and everyone should be fed. Being philanthropic has always been an element of what we wanted to do.” Simon adds that there are people locally who are hungry, and “a loaf of bread can go a long way.

Anna and Simon are pictured in front of one the murals in the Art Alley surrounding their business.

AM: We do! We stay home and we cook for each other. We alternate courses and set up our table to feel like a bistro. It’s a nice way to cook for your loved one.

And my recommendation is that’s what others should do too! And have bread and butter on the table to start, because it’s never a bad idea.

I know a good bakery.

SB: And get a good quality, salted butter.

If we’re going to use butter to smear on our bread, it’s St. Brigid’s. We’ll travel seven hours to get butter from St. Brigid’s Creamery (in Brussels, ON), that we can’t get locally. But in general, keep it simple, less is more.

Anna and Simon’s love for each other and for their craft is unmistakable. So I asked them for any heartwarming customer stories they could share for this Valentine’s Day. “The first person who comes to mind is Joe,” says Simon. Joe, Many people may not know that they are marWorking hard in the kitchen to bring you the freshest products possible. likely someone everybody just knows when ried, which lends itself nicely to this Valenyou say “Joe”, is a man who will come to the tine’s Day issue. Anna laughs, “It does not work for ev- Q: Favorite item to make and favorite to eat? bakery every so often ‘to get the things his wife loves’. erybody, but it teaches you to communicate effectively AM: I find a lot of joy in making pies and tarts. To eat, Simon says “It’s almost like Joe would walk through a and efficiently. This should be the person you trust the our Multigrain Sourdough, and our cinnamon buns. blizzard to come down here and get these things for most, you can depend on the most, understands you No! Change! Our danishes. his wife. He always has a little note he reads to us.” the most, supports you the most. What better team SB: To make I’d say it’s a toss up between the croissant Anna will load him up with goodies and help him out environment could you ask for?” This is a wise out- or any of the breads, because every day you have to to the car. “It’s really sweet” she says. look considering during the week they start at 3 a.m. use your judgement and baking Spidey skills to get it and on weekends it shifts to 2 a.m., so by the time they just right. And to eat, I eat the financiers (brown butSweet indeed, just like one of their pastries, and I dare ter almond cakes) every open at 9, they’ve already say I may have seen Anna and Simon’s future. weekend. put in almost an entire day of work. It makes sense to Q: Favorite kitchen tool By Tammy Joho - Special to the RTT have someone who underand ingredient? stands this grueling schedAM: Butter; what ule, and can cheer you on would we do without when you start to lose butter? And my stand steam around lunchtime. mixer. I use it all day every day.

Initially, they hoped to SB: I would say kosher open a casual and comfortsalt because without able bistro-like restaurant it you’ve got no flavor. where they could focus on And my digital therhigh quality, beautifully mometer; it’s a very plated food where you versatile piece of equipcould also sip a good glass ment. of wine or cocktail. Eventually, they settled on the bakery concept because Just a sample of some of the many pastry variaties offered daily. Q: Best places you’ve had bread or pastries? they saw a need in the community for a place where you could buy bread and AM + SB: Oooh, The Little Bread Peddler in London pastries fresh every day. Because bread itself has very (sadly, UK, not ON); Torus Doughnuts in Windsor few ingredients, (flour, water, yeast, salt), but involves (she knows what she’s doing); and we love Alan the so much time and science, Simon especially enjoys bread guy at Downie Street Bakehouse in Stratford. using the proper and old school methods to produce He’s also a Windsor boy! his breads. There are so many variables, that it’s taken him years to get some of his recipes just right. But the Q: It’s Valentine’s Day; do you usually do something ‘proof is in the pudding’, and the taste and the quality to celebrate? Do you have suggestions for others that is spot on. involve bread?

14 – River Town Times – Wednesday, February 14, 2024

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Mitchell Winemaker Tanya Sprucewood Shores Estate Winery

T

here’s a saying you hear frequently at Sprucewood Shores, and that’s “you’re family here.”

Whether you’re staff, a club member, or a drop-in wine lover, you really are treated like part of the family. Which is apropos of course, because Sprucewood Shores IS a family business; maybe you’ve seen their family photos hanging in the tasting room?

You have to love a place that proudly displays their family glamor shots. And while winemaking itself is not always glamorous, we should all be thankful that this family decided to pursue their shared love of wine to create the award-winning vintages we enjoy today.

Sprucewood officially planted their first vines in 1991, but its origins go back much further. Gord Mitchell was raised on a farm in the area, and he lived next to a vineyard. A vineyard that he would sneak into and eat the grapes. After being caught, he was told that if wanted to sample those juicy little snacks, he’d have to actually work for them; so he did. Many years later, with this background in farming and a love of architecture, Gord and his wife Hannah wanted to turn this passion into something bigger. Tanya Mitchell, their daughter and Sprucewood’s winemaker, says “he dreamt it up, but if it wasn’t for my mom, they probably wouldn’t have been able to do it. She was the finance person and the driving force behind all the details.”

trees that grow along the shoreline) to an atmospheric level. On site they currently grow Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Baco Noir, and they have recently added Marquette and Petit Pearl. When it comes to white varietals, they source their grapes both locally and from the Niagara region. As the southernmost growing region in the country, vineyards on the Lake Erie north shore have the longest and warmest growing season, as well as diverse types of soil. That means grapes can ripen on the vine longer, building up the ideal acidity and sugar levels. This is key for Cabernet varieties which benefit from this extra vine-time. Each year Sprucewood Shores produces around 15,000 cases of wine. Quick! How’s your mental math? That comes out to about 180,000 bottles of wine a year!

Logistically, that means there is a lot going on in the wine production area, so we asked Tanya what her favorite part of winemaking is. She says “the gratification I get from people enjoying my product, and making a tasty wine,” is probably her absolute favorite part of her job. She also “thrives” on the chaos and “the puzzle pieces. Piecing all the logistics together.” One can only imagine that with the amount of wine she makes, the number of bottles produced, the management of the vines, the shopping around for other grapes, and the equipment maintenance, there are a LOT of puzzle pieces. (Pro tip: they offer tours on weekends (you must reserve in advance) and you can see all these moving parts, while drinking wine)! What about the not so great aspects of the job? “Definitely the physical and mental exhaustion.” It’s obvious this is an extremely physical career, and we can see how hands-on she is.

Tanya Mitchell, winemaker, with her Hawk’s Flight Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon.

Cabernet received prestigious awards last summer. If you’ve tasted them, you know why. And if you haven’t yet, they would be perfect Valentine’s Day wines to pair with chocolate or a fancy steak dinner. If you’re trying to impress a lady perhaps, Tanya suggests the Beach Glass Rosé because it’s so versatile and the bottle is beautiful.

Speaking of beautiful, Sprucewood is undergoing major renovations to their tasting room that is sure to wow visitors when it reopens in April. Over the years wine service has evolved and they wanted better functionality for their staff and guests, since it’s been quite awhile since the space was constructed. What can guests look forward to? “A fresh look, lighter colors, more seating, more modern furniture. We saw that our customers wanted a more interesting and in depth experience, and we wanted to create a nicer atmosphere for people to enjoy their wine in.” Along with this exciting project, Sprucewood also recently completed a permanent patio out front complete with views of Lake Erie, and if you want to get even closer to the beach, they have a seasonal beach hut where you can order wine and snacks.

But certainly the wine industry has been around for centuries, so things should be easier at this Just like every great wine has a special story, the same The Barrel Room, where wine will age anywhere from six months to two years. point in time, right? Un- can be said here. The wine, the family, the atmosphere; fortunately the answer isn’t they are what make Sprucewood Shores Estate Winery In the early days, they sold their grapes to other local so simple. There is always new equipment being devel- such an exceptional place in our community, and now wineries before deciding to create their own label. As oped, or new ingredients to research. Every year, the you know where to find us all summer long.

Tanya tells it, her sister Marlaina wanted to get mar- harvest is different based on the weather that season, ried at the vineyard, so this was the catalyst to “go big”. which means lessons learned in previous years may not We recommend: Lakeside Red, Beach Glass White, Gord gauged the interest of his children in working in be relevant. With climate change, winemakers are run- Cabernet Sauvignon. a family business, and three of the four siblings were ning into scenarios that they’ve never seen before. (Do on board. Construction began in 2002, and in 2004 we all remember the flooding in August and then the By Tammy Joho - Special to the RTT their first wine was produced. It was a short crop that extremely warm fall)? The year, they handpicked everything, and only produced only constant is change. It small batches, which Tanya says was “interesting doing takes a truly skilled and all of that for the first time, but I fell in love with wine- adept winemaker to take making and I decided this is what I wanted to do for the grapes they’re given the business.” It’s a perfect fit for someone who studied and turn them into somechemical engineering and enjoys logistics, produc- thing wonderful. tion processes, and the science behind wine. Her older brother Steve, who majored in mechanical engineer- While the world was in ing, joined a couple of years later, and younger brother chaos during 2020, grapes Jake, who studied graphic design, came along when were having one of their he finished school. There are so many facets of a wine best years yet. This is a business: agriculture, sales, IT, customer service, wine year that many winemakproduction, and equipment maintenance, to name just ers still talk about because a few, that each sibling felt there was a place for them it produced amazing fruit. at Sprucewood.

Both the 2020 Hawk’s Flight Reserve Merlot and The Mitchell Family dream team has since taken the 2020 Hawk’s Flight Sprucewood Shores (so named because of the spruce Reserve Appassimento Sprucewood Shores Estate Winery grows five red grape varietals on site.

Wednesday, February 14, 2024 – River Town Times – 15

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Youth art class held as part of Black History Month

Nora, 5, and Poppy, 4, Miles were part of Dennis K. Smith’s art class that was held as part of Black History Month. It was presented in conjunction with the Amherstburg Freedom Museum.

By RTT Staff A local artist passed down his talents to younger students as part of Black History Month.

Dennis K. Smith welcomed about eight youth students to his studio in his LaSalle home. He has exhibited several times in Amherstburg in such places as the Amherstburg Freedom Museum, which co-ordinated last Saturday afternoon’s event, as well as the Gibson Gallery.

Smith said his recent works have been inspired by the African Kingdom of Benin, adding plaques that were created in the 16th Century were eventually stolen and are now being returned in modern times.

Youth artists were creating their own textured art by gluing objects of their choice onto a small square. Younger students were in a side room painting.

Smith added he regularly teaches a youth class but the students in that are slightly older than the children that attended last Saturday. He is also part of the “Artists of Colour” with that group that is hosting “The Never-Ending Quest for Inclusion”. This exhibit runs Feb. 17-24 at Mackenzie Hall Cultural Centre, 3277 Sandwich St. W, in Windsor.

“The Never-Ending Quest for Inclusion” is the second portion of The Artists of

Colour “Journeys” Project. Smith said this special presentation is a fine artsbased project featuring original paintings that are accompanied with historical information fact-filled panels that lead visitors on their quest to learn more.

Accompanying QR codes will create a seamless way to further engage and increase the learning experience. This informative exhibit will educate visitors on the strength, determination, and fortitude Blacks exemplified to overcome obstacles, achieve inclusion into the fabric of Canadian society, and establish their culture and livelihood. There is no admission charge but donations are welcome.

Exhibit hours are 11 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

The WSO returns to the Nazrey AME Church Feb. 23 for the concert “Korin Thomas-Smith sings Mozart.” Tickets for that are $35 and available through www. windsorsymphony.com.

“A Conversation About Women’s Empowerment and Community Engagement” will be Feb. 17 at 2 p.m. and that discussion is free to attend and held at the museum. People can RSVP fevent on the museum’s Facebook page.

For more information on future events, visit www.riverbookshop.com/events or www.amherstburgfreedom.org/ all-events.

Shoeless Joe

Harrow Ice Festival The Rotary Club of Harrow and the Harrow Chamber of Commerce presented the second annual Ice Festival last Saturday afternoon at the corner of King St. and Victoria St. in Harrow. Road hockey, a scavenger hunt, football toss, pedal tractors and a barbecue helpled provide entertainment for the day.

Members of the Rotary Club of Harrow were busy preparing food (above) while Rich Reinett from Festive Ice Sculptures uses a chainsaw to create a piece of art (right).

RTT PHOTOS BY RON GIOFU

Book Review

by W.P. Kinsella

Patchwork Prince

by Baptiste Paul, Illustrated by Kitt Thomas

You probably have fond memories of the Field of Dreams movie, starring Kevin Costner as a farmer who builds a mystical baseball field in his cornfield that attracts the ghosts of baseball legends—“build it and they will come.” Kind of my mantra when I decided to open River Bookshop. With the Tigers’ Spring Season only weeks away, I thought I would pick up the book that inspired the movie. What a sweet read it is. The long forgotten ball players kidnap author J.D. Salinger, which unfolds into a read that I wish went on forever.

What makes a patchwork prince? A prince must be ready for adventure—ready to pluck the brightest, most beautiful fabrics from the scrap heap, ready to run when danger comes. With the treasures he and his mother collect, she will make him clothes fit for royalty: no flashy jewels, no crown, but a cape that hugs his Black shoulders just right. Wearing his new clothes, chin held high, he will know he is a prince. I absolutely fell in love with this book. “Charming” is an understatement. I recommend this colourful story of gratitude and imagination to everyone, at any age.

Review by: Richard Peddie

Review by: Lead Bookseller Meghan

Wednesday, February 14, 2024 – River Town Times – 16

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Wednesday, February 14, 2024 – River Town Times – 17

Community Calendar

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22 NATIONAL CHILI DAY; Amherstburg Community Services’ “Feast with Friends” luncheon celebrates National Chili Day at the Amherstburg Community Hub, 320 Richmond St. Meal and program costs $9.

Runs from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Call 519-7365471 to reserve your seat.

and spaghetti, ostrich casserole, rabbit cacciatore, ocean perch, crocodile bites, broasted chicken, vegetable medley and broasted potatoes. For tickets or info, visit www.catchcrooks.com.

ONGOING ROTARY CLUB OF AMHERSTBURG MEETINGS; Rotary meets on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month in the community room at ACS at 6 p.m.

New members welcome. For info, e-mail rotaryclubofamherstburg@gmail.com or call Susanne at 519-990-2775.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22 PASTA FUNDRAISER; WOLFHEAD DISTILLERY, 7781 Howard Ave., holding a “Give Back” pasta fundraiser from 4-8 p.m. Bring $20 or a bag of non-perishable food items and receive a pasta dinner.

All donations go to the Amherstburg MEALS ON WHEELS; Offered by Community Services (ACS) food bank. Amherstburg Community Services (ACS).

Reservations required.

Meals on Wheels assists those who are unable to shop for food and cook meals.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23 Also available to those recovering from TIM’S FAMOUS CHILI DINNER; illness or surgery. Healthy, delicious and The Amherstburg Food and Fellowship affordable meals provided to residents Mission invites the community to come and of Amherstburg, Harrow, McGregor and enjoy Tim’s Famous Chili Dinner with the LaSalle residents. ACS caters to dietary fundraiser being held from 5-8 p.m. Enjoy a needs, each meal comes with soup, bread, bowl of chili with coleslaw, rolls, coffee/tea main course and dessert. Cost $7.50 per and dessert. Adults $15, children under 12 meal. Call 519-736-5471 for details. $8. For tickets, stop by the mission and see Violet or Kim, or call 519-736-9140. The GOLDEN AGE CLUB; The Golden Age Amherstburg Food and Fellowship Mission Club, Amherstburg’s friendship club, is located at 298 Victoria St. S. located at 179 Victoria St. S., is offering social activities five days a week, $10 a FRIDAY, MARCH 1 year to join. There are over 160 members WILD GAME DINNER; Held as a who have fun playing euchre, pepper, fundraiser for Crime Stoppers Windsor- bingo, cribbage, and bridge and doing Essex County. Held at Colasanti’s Tropical line dancing. We also have three special Garden, 1550 Road 3 East, in Ruthven. luncheons and a beautiful Christmas party.

Buffet style, cash bar, raffles, silent auction. You pick which activities you want to Tickets $75 each, doors open at 5 p.m. participate in. Visit www.goldenagecentre.

Appetizers include European pickerel ca to see how to join, participate, and learn soup, water buffalo chili and salad/buns. how we support our community.

Dinner features elk stew, venison sausage, kangaroo stir fry, spicy water buffalo curry, ESSEX COUNTY ORCHID SOCIETY bison stroganoff, wild boar meatballs MEETINGS; The Essex County Orchid

Society invites you to join them monthly, third Sunday of the month till May at St. Stephen’s Church Hall, 5280 Howard Ave; 1:30 p.m. Refreshments served. New members and visitors are welcome. We are on Facebook!

www.aburgmission.ca. Stop by for food, fellowship and a warm welcome. All donations welcome.

MISSION HOURS; The Amherstburg Food and Fellowship Mission, 298 Victoria St. S., open from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. with lunch between 12-1 p.m. Mission food bank open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m.-11:45 a.m. and 1-3 p.m. For info, call 519-736-9140 or visit

AMHERSTBURG COMMUNITY SERVICES; Located at 320 Richmond St., 519-736-5471. Meals on Wheels, CareLink Accessible Transportation, Food Bank, Senior Support, Keep The Heat, Ontario Energy Support Program & much more. Please call to see how we can help!

ACS FOOD BANK; Curbside pickup at Amherstburg Community Hub (320 Richmond St.). Runs Monday-Friday 9 COLUMBUS COMMUNITY HALL a.m.-12 noon. Call 519-736-5471 for EVENTS; Columbus Community Hall, 190 assistance.

Richmond St. Senior dance, 3 p.m. and dinner 5 p.m. every second Tuesday of the VOLUNTEERS NEEDED; Community month ($12 donation). Serving burgers service volunteer hours are available and fries for purchase every Monday 12-2 for high school students. Outside jobs at p.m., Bingo on Thursday at 7 p.m., Fish Fry Bryerswood Youth Camp. Please contact on Friday (includes chicken) from 4:30- info@bryerswood.com.

6:30 p.m., eat-in or take out. Everyone welcome.

BOTTLE DONATIONS; The AMA Sportsmen Association continues to accept FREE COMMUNITY MEAL; Lighthouse donations of empty beer and wine bottles.

Church, in conjunction with Feeding People who wish to donate their empties Windsor, invites the public to come can drop them off at the rear of the club, Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. for a free dinner. 468 Lowes Side Road in Amherstburg. For All welcome. Come meet others in the information, visit www.amasportsmen.com community and enjoy some good food. No or call 519-736-5706. registration required. Lighthouse Church is located at 266 King St. (entrance off Gore FOUNDERS CLUB; Bryerswood Youth St.).

Camp Optimist Club seeking donors to join the “Founders Club.” Donors help MENTAL HEALTH & COUNSELLING fund general operations fund of the SERVICES; The Youth Wellness Hub camp. Donors with gifts of $5,000 and presenting mental health and counselling over become “Founders Club” members services at The House Youth Centre. Runs and have one square of camp property every Wednesday from 2-6 p.m. Free for sponsored in their name. Multiple squares people between the ages of 12-25. The available. Tax receipts provided. For info, House is located at 320 Richmond St. For visit www.bryerswood.com, call 519-996details, call 519-800-8640.

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18 – River Town Times – Wednesday, February 14, 2024

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SCRAMBLE ANSWER

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LOVES

AMA Sportsmen's Chicken

Wing Ding IS BACK!!

Saturday, February 17th Serving 4-6 P.M.

5 Full Wings, French Fries and Coleslaw

Passed away suddenly on February 6, 2024 at the age of 60. Loving wife of Dale Curtis Kimball.

Beloved mother of Marlaina (Cole) Benard and Tyler (Nicole) Kimball. Loving grandma of Donovan and Liana. Daughter of the late Donald and Marion (Gorick) Lee. Dear sister of Terry (Donna) Lee, Tim (Catherine) Lee. Also remembered by many extended family and friends.

Tina was a school secretary at several schools and most recently at North Star School in Amherstburg.

Memorial donations may be made to the Harrow United Church. Online condolences and cherished memories may be shared at www.geraldasmith.ca

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RENOVATIONS & REPAIRS

KIMBALL, Tina Marie

WARREN, Donald

Peacefully transitioned on January 29, 2024 with his family by his side at 73 years of age. Beloved husband of Rebecca for 53 years. Loving father of Jason (Cidalia), Joey, and Nick. Don is survived by his siblings, Mark, Paul, Mary Renaud (Gary), and Cathy Temesey (Mitch); and predeceased by sister Ann Thelan (2017) and his brother Kevin (2013).

He will be sadly missed by many nieces, nephews and aunt Vera.

A Celebration of Don’s life will be held at a later date.

Arrangements entrusted to Families First Amherstburg SCRAMBLE ANSWER – 519-969-5841.

Share memories and photos, at www.

FamiliesFirst.ca

LOVES

Wednesday, February 14, 2024 – River Town Times – 19

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Wolves senior boys basketball team qualifies for the playoffs

By Ron Giofu It took until the final game but the North Star Wolves senior boys basketball team made the playoffs.

The Wolves started the week with a 54-48 win on their home court over the Ste. Cecile Stallions last Tuesday night. It was a close contest throughout but the Wolves were able to pull out the victory.

“It was a good game, a good team effort,” said North Star coach Griffin Muzzin.

Muzzin said with leading scorer Andrew Chambers, whom he said averages 30 points per game, in Mexico on a family vacation, the rest of the team rallied.

“It took a team effort,” said Muzzin. “Everyone put in

100 per cent effort.”

Muzzin stated the Wolves need to work on slowing the play down and not be so quick to shoot. Overall, he said he likes where the team is at.

“We’re playing really well,” said Muzzin. “I like where the team is at.”

Ben Buchner scored 20 points while Rhys Sharman had 11 rebounds.

Two days later, North Star faced a situation where they had to travel to Windsor to play Westview Freedom Academy where a win meant they made the playoffs and a loss resulted in the season ending. North Star won the game by a 58-52 final score.

Ashton Adkins scored 21 points. Owen Scott had 11

points. The win at Westview Freedom Academy gave the Wolves a 5-5 record. They started 0-4.

Unfortunately for the senior Wolves, they lost Monday’s playoff game at Assumption 54-49.

The juniors wrapped up the season last Thursday at home with a 79-67 loss to Cardinal Carter. The juniors finished 0-10 but, they were happy with how they played as 67 was a season-high point total. Coach Ben Pelger said “they pulled together and played as a team” and believed in themselves. The team was mostly Grade 9s this year and he looks forward to next year.

Nolan Sleigh had 31 points for the junior Wolves.

“I couldn’t have done it without my teammates,” he said. “It was a good game.”

Belle Vue Conservancy wants “guaranteed public ownership” of property going forward

Continued from Page 1

Part of the upcoming report to town council will also feature a valuation on the land, the viability of the proposal, challenges and risks that lie ahead, what the economic benefits of the proposal could be as well as the survey.

Osborne said the property is important for the community and indicated they want to consider all factors.

“We’re hoping in the May timeframe (to complete the report) but there’s a lot of work to be done,” said Osborne.

Regarding the Belle Vue Conservancy (BVC), Osborne said the objective is to meet with them as the intent is to ensure all donations made and acknowledgements paid for to be recognized.

“We are looking to set up a meeting with the group,” said Osborne.

The survey is at www.talktheburg. ca/bellevue and residents are asked to complete the survey before March 6.

“The resident engagement on the project is very important to council,” said Osborne. “We certainly hope to see a lot of responses from the community.

We want to give it as much time as possible.”

The BVC met last Friday and has issued a statement regarding the proposal and the survey.

“Currently, Belle Vue is owned by the Town of Amherstburg. Under the Amico/Loop proposal, they would take ownership of the manor and property. This would mean no public access, other than what the business would allow. For the past seven years, generous public donations have already been used,” the statement reads. “The Conservancy supports the concept of a business utilizing the property as a hotel, spa etc. with the provision of guaranteed public ownership. Belle Vue Conservancy encourages you, the

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public, to fill out the survey on the Town of Amherstburg page ‘Talk the Burg’ keeping this in mind. You will have to create an account with them to do so.

We hope that you will take the time to review all the information provided before completing the survey.”

If there are questions for the BVC, the statement said they can be reached at info@bellevueconservancy.com.

BVC members Bonnie Deslippe, Robert Honor and Debra Honor told the RTT they are hopeful there will be hard copies of the survey made available.

“A lot of people don’t have access to a computer,” said Debra.

The town has stated people can contact 519-736-0012 or accessibility@ amherstburg.ca if they need assistance to complete the survey.

Robert stated they understand the business component of the proposal but noted public money was put into the

purchase of the site with funds raised by the BVC used to replace the roof.

Maintaining public access is a priority of the BVC, they add, as they would want guarantees the public would still be able to use the property.

“We understand as a business, there are certain areas that won’t be available to the public all the time,” said Robert.

“But there are areas that should be.”

Timing of the repairs of the manor itself is also a concern for the BVC, with Debra fearing “demolition by neglect” if there are any delays.

“Belle Vue has to be done first,” she said.

Vandalism and theft have also been problems at the site.

“We want to make sure people’s voices are heard,” said Deslippe. “We’re hoping the town will do an open house like they’ve done with the Malden Centre Park plan.”

20 – River Town Times – Wednesday, February 14, 2024

www.rivertowntimes.com

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