Wednesday, April 11, 2007 · Page 27 Local agricultural groups to improve media relations BY ANDY COMBER Essex County The Federation of Agriculture has announced plans to expand and improve the flow of information concerning local agriculture issues. The announcement was made during a luncheon meeting with media representatives at Colasanti's Gardens in Tropical Ruthven April 5. "We would like to give you helpful information, story ideas and contact information for the future," said ECFA president Bernard Nelson, speaking of the organization's new media initiatives. Nelson, a Kingsville dairy farmer, said the rural landscape of Essex County has changed significantly over the years, with many of today's rural residents having no relation to farming. "We must gain support of this urban population. They live where we work," said Nelson, speaking of the importance of education on agriculture and providing "more information of what people are doing in their fields." The population of Essex website is expected to be available by June of this year, Nelson said. Essex County's agri-food industry employs about 6,000 people in primary production and sustains another 10,000 indirect jobs, producing crops valued at over $470 million. The region enjoys the greatest diversity of agricultural production than any other part of Ontario. "It is surprising how many different farms we have," said Tony Unholzer, a Woodslee farmer and vicepresident of ECFA, speaking of the diversity found in Essex County agriculture. A $2.1 billion industry, agriculture is second only to the automotive industry in economic importance to this region. In recent years, Unholzer said the county has seen significant changes in agricultural land use, mentioning the fast growth of the local greenhouse and wine industry. Ontario Federation of Agriculture President Geri Kamenz is expected to tour several different agri-food venues in Essex County this week. Bethel-Maidstone United There is a Stewards' meeting on Apr. 15 at 7 p.m. Please plan to attend as the meeting is on the focus on finances and the proposed kitchen renovations. The U.C.W. meeting is on Mon. Apr. 16 at 7 p.m. in the hall. Cathy McCarthy is speaking on basic flower arrangements. All are welcome. The Essex and District Ministerial meeting is on Apr. 18 at noon at BethelMaidstone. Apr. 20 from 6-9 p.m. is the preparation for the garage and bake sale on Sat. Apr. 21 at Bethel-Maidstone from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Gesto U.C. is having a Tea Party on Apr. 13 at 7 p.m. There will be a silent auction, games and a light snack. Donations will be greatly appreciated with all proceeds going towards a new roof for the church. Community social time at B-M is Apr. 23 from 1-3 Bernard Nelson County, including Windsor, grew by 20 per cent over 20 years, with the population recorded at almost 375,000 in 2001. According to the ECFA, however, there are less than 3,000 farm operators, representing less than one per cent of that population. Although many rural residents are no longer working in agriculture, Nelson said many have historical connections to the farming industry, with fathers or grandfathers who farmed for a living. Among the ECFA initiatives are the development of a website and plans to establish detailed contact lists of representatives from the various local agriculture interest groups. The ECFA p.m. Everyone is welcome to come and join in cards, games, socializing and having fun. Ruthven/Olinda are having a Spring Brunch on Apr. 22 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Breakfast and lunch menu included with admission. Bethel-Maidstone is taking a day trip to the Victoria Playhouse in Petrolia on 9 to see June "Nunsensations, the nunsense Las Vegas review". There is a stop at Parks Blueberries for coffee and browsing the gift shop, shopping in Petrolia before the show and dinner at the Countryview Golf Club. For more info or to reserve a seat(s) contact 519-7376614 or 519-839-5475. Please remember all the sick and shutins, those in hospital, rest and nursing homes, those who mourn and especially Cathy Chauvin, Olly Triolet, Gary Coomber and Marcy MacKenzie and any others not well at this time in your thoughts and prayers and a card to let them know you care. - Bev Holland Sun. Apr. 15 service at 9 a.m. followed by brunch. Support Gesto as they build funds for a new roof. Fri. Apr. 13 join Gesto for a Tea Party at 7 p.m. There will be a silent auction, games and a light snack. Donations will be greatly appreciated Thurs. after 7 p.m. or Fri. afternoon. All proceeds to the new church roof for Gesto. Garage Sale and Bake Sale at Bethel-Maidstone on Apr. 21 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Community social time at Bethel-Maidstone on Apr. 23 from 1-3 p.m. Everyone is welcome to join. Join Nunsensations! Bethel-Maidstone United for a motorcoach trip to Petrolia to enjoy the comedy hit Nunsensations, the nunsense Las Vegas review. This trip is scheduled for June 9. Please contact 519737-6614 or 519-839-5475 to sign up or for more information. is now online a searcha nd ble!! A Computerized Job Search Station is available at Essex Community Services. The computer is linked to over 10 job search sites. You can also use our computer to work on or prepare your resume. Staff are available to help you navigate the sites if you are unfamiliar with them, and to give pointers on resume building and editing. Stop in today! FAMILY SERVICE WINDSOR-ESSEX COUNTY is a not-for-profit agency, providing confidential counselling services across a broad spectrum of issues. These include family related issues, separation and divorce, marital or relationship problems, physical or sexual abuse, depression, work related issues, situational reactions or dealing with unresolved past issues. The intervention is flexible geared to the needs of the family, or individual. It may be short term or long term and could be family, marital or individual counselling. There is a staff person from Family Service Windsor-Essex County available at Essex Community Services every Thursday. To book an appointment, call 256-1831. NOVA TRAINING Victim Services of Windsor and Essex County will be offering Nova Training (National Organization for Victim Assistance). Basic training will be held April 20-24 and advanced training will be held April 25-27. This training deals with crisis intervention to groups of traumatized people and community crisis response. For more information please contact Victim Services at 519-723-2711. Registration deadline is April 13, 2007. ESSEX & DISTRICT CHURCHES Bethel Christian Church 119 Talbot St. E., Cottam · 839-4632 Sunday: 10:30 am Bethel-Maidstone United Church Talbot Rd., Maidstone · 723-2284 Sunday: 10:30 am "Come and Worship With Us!" Essex Gospel Tabernacle 335 Talbot St. S., Essex · 776-4667 Sunday: 10:30 am & 6:30 pm St. John's R. C. Church 1688 County Rd. 46, Woodslee 723-4458 · Sat.: 5:00 pm; Sun.: 11:00 am St. Mary's R. C. Church Cty. Rd. 34, Maidstone · 737-6869 Sat.: 7:00 pm; Sun.: 9:00 am Brooker Baptist Church 269 Belle River Rd., R.R. #1, Cottam 839-4953 Sunday: 10:00 am Essex United Church 53 Talbot St. S., Essex · 776-5121 Sunday: 10:30 am St. Paul's Anglican Church 92 St. Paul St., Essex · 776-7711 Sunday: 8:00 am & 11:10 am Church of The Living Word 1697 South Middle Rd., Woodslee 723-2535 · Sunday: 10:30 am Gesto United Church Gesto Rd., Cty. Rd. 12 · 990-8870 or Office: 723-2284 · Sunday: 9:00 am St. Stephen's Anglican Church 5280 Howard Ave., Oldcastle Sunday: 8:15 am & 11:00 am To SEARCH our online archives visit Church of The Redeemer 15545 County Road 8 (formerly Colchester North) Sunday: 9:30 am Grace Baptist Church of Essex 120 Talbot Street North · 776-6222 Sunday: 11:00 am The Salvation Army Essex Citadel 26 Talbot St. S., Essex · 776-4628 Sunday: 11:00 am & 6:30 pm Cottam Baptist Church 161 Talbot St., Cottam · 839-4789 Sunday: 11:00 am & 6:30 pm Holy Name of Jesus R. C. Church 146 Talbot St. S., Essex · 776-8483 Saturday: 5:00 pm Sunday: 8:30 & 11:00 am Trinity Anglican Church 247 Talbot St. W., Cottam 776-7711 · Sunday: 9:30 am "Your first and only reliable source of news and information on Essex and surrounding communities." http://news.ourontario.ca/efp Cottam United Church 137 Talbot St. W., Cty. Rd. 34, Cottam · 839-4266 Sunday: 10:15 am Rock of Help Christian Centre 43 Fox Street, Essex · 776-4158 Sunday: 10:00 am & 6:00 pm Unitarian Universalist Church of Olinda 2953 Olinda Sideroad, Ruthven 326-4352 Sunday: 10:30 am Essex Baptist Church 71 Maidstone Ave. E., Essex 776-8563 - Sunday School 9:45 Sunday: 11:00 am & 6:00 pm 11th. Conc. & Baseline, Maidstone Ministries 735-4717 · Sunday:10-11am. & 6pm; 2548 Cty. Rd. 27, Woodslee Tuesday: 6p.m. 975-1082 · Sunday: 8:00 am & 11:00 am St. Clair Baptist Church Antioch Christian Essex Christian Reformed Church 276 Talbot St. S., Essex · 776-5071 Sunday: 10:00 am & 6:00 pm St. Clement Church 9567 County Road 11, McGregor 726-5127 · Sat.:5:00 pm & Sun.:10:00 am Woodslee United Church 2616 Belle River Rd., Woodslee 975-2252