Wednesday, September 6, 2006 · Page 27 Official plan, Lucier Estates reorganization focus of public meetings The Town of Essex is hoping that four separate official plans can be replaced by one document that directs municipal growth and development until 2021. Two open house sessions are scheduled next week as follows: · Monday, Sept. 11, 3 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 8 p.m., Harrow and Colchester South Community Centre, 243 McAffee Street, Harrow · Tuesday, Sept. 12, 3 to 5 p.m. and 6 to 7 p.m., Essex Municipal Building, 33 Talbot Street South, Essex Policy initiatives contained in the official plan include the establishment of an agri-tourism designation and policies to support winery development south of County Road 50, east of the Colchester hamlet; policies related to wind farms; and the introduction of community improvement policies that provide incentives to development and upgrading of unique areas within the municipality. The new official plan also updates policies to make them consistent with the new provincial policy statement and the County of Essex official plan. A separate public meeting will be held at the Town Hall on Tuesday, Sept. 12 at 5 p.m. to consider a proposed Plan of Condominium in McGregor. The public notice states that the owners of Lucier Estates are proposing a reorganization that involves changing the tenure from leasehold to condominium ownership. Under this management structure, residents would own their individual sites and the common elements, such as parks, community centre, convenience stores and postal kiosk, would be collectively owned. No physical changes to Lucier Estates would take place, as development is not part of the proposal. MAIDSTONE CROSS St. Mary's Golf Tournament Committee thanks all those who worked, supported and participated in the 3rd annual tournament. A special thanks to the sponsors from Fran and Theresa. Over $4,000 was raised from this event. Parishioners and friends of Sr. Adelaide McAuliffe C.S.J. are invited to attend a memorial mass on Saturday, Sept. 9 at 2 p.m. at St. Mary's Church. Fr. Quinlan, Fr. Boutette and Fr. Mousseau will concelebrate the mass in her honour. Sr. Adelaide was born and raised in Maidstone and kept in close touch with friends and family throughout her 60-plus years as a Sister of St. Joseph. Following mass there will be a reception in the parish hall. Everyone is welcome to join Pinky's Pie Bakers at St. Mary's Hall on Tuesday mornings after the 8:30 a.m. mass. They will be making tourtiere and fruit pies for their sale in November. You can call and special order your pies ahead. Come out and enjoy the camaraderie. Birthday greetings to Zachary Andary who became a teenager on Sept. 1. Best wishes to his dad, John, who will celebrate on Sept. 16. Happy birthday to Pat Quinlan on Sept. 8. BAKERVILLE GESTO Sunday, Promotion Sept. 10 with "As For Me and My House", followed by a hotdog barbecue. Plan to bring friends for this special service to kick off the fall season. Bring salads and desserts to share, as well as lawn chairs. Since we are eating outdoors, dress casually. Amplify Christ Concert featuring Starfield and Manic Drive at 6 p.m. this Friday, Sept. 8 at Essex arena fairgrounds. Starfield is the No. 1 Christian band in Ontario. Advance tickets available at Souled-Out Christian Books. Proceeds will benefit Teen Challenge Farms. ESSEX COZY CORNERS RUTHVEN OLINDA MAIDSTONE CROSS BAKERVILLE Back to school safety tips BY FREE PRESS STAFF As students head back for another school year, Essex Police Service Const. Gary amberta is reminding parnts to take the necessary recautions to ensure their ids have a safe year. Bus Safety School bus transportation is safe, but accidents can till happen, Gamberta says. e suggests that parents go ver the following safety ips with their children: Have a safe place to wait or the bus away from raffic and the street. Stay away from the bus ntil it comes to a complete top and the driver signals he student to enter. When being dropped off, xit the bus and walk 10 iant steps away from the us. Keep a safe distance etween you and the bus. lso remember that the bus river can see you best when you are back away from the bus. Use the handrail to enter and exit the bus. Stay away from the bus until the driver gives his or her signal that it's okay to approach. Be aware of the street traffic around you. Explain to children that drivers are required to follow certain rules of the road concerning school buses. However, not all do. Protect yourself and watch out. Walking to and from school Because of minimal supervision, young pedestrians face a wide variety of decision making situations and dangers while walking to and from school. Remember to obey all traffic signals and crossing guards. Never cross the street against a light, even if you don't see any traffic coming. Walk your bike through all intersections. Walk with a buddy. Wear reflective material. It makes you more visible to street traffic. Riding in a car to school The Essex Police Service reminds parents that most traffic collisions occur close to the home. Seat belts are the best form of protection passengers have in the event of a crash. They can lower your risk of injury by 45 percent. You are four times more likely to be seriously injured or killed if you are ejected from a vehicle involved in a collision. Everyone needs to be buckled up properly. That means older kids in seat belts, younger kids in booster seats and little kids in safety seats, Gamberta said. Home safety while going back to school Essex Police Service would like to remind all parents and care givers to lock up the house when taking the kids to the bus or school. Before you walk or load the kids up for the bus stop or school, lock your doors and windows. Those few minutes that you are away from your home can be the perfect morning stop for a burglar. It may seem overly cautious to lock windows and doors when leaving for such a short period, but the time spent doing this can stop a burglar. Officers ask parents when they are on their way to and from school with their children to keep watch on what is going on in their neighbourhood. Look for strangers who seem to be lurking on the sidewalk, with no real purpose. Watch for cars driving slowly through the neighbourhoods. They ask parents to notify police of their suspicions. child's name on anything that may be readily visible. This may allow an abductor to get on a "first name basis" with your child. Officers suggest parents walk the route to and from school with their child, pointing out safe places they can go if being followed or need help. They also recommend talking to children about what to do if a stranger approaches them. Teach children that it's OK to say "No" and to trust their instincts. Parents should also remind children to never give the impression that a stranger may enter their home if they are home alone or if a stranger calls. Teaching children to dial 91-1 is a good idea, Gambera said. GESTO MAIDSTONE CROSS BAKERVILLE ESSEX WOODSLEE BROOKER COZY CORNERS GESTO RUTHVEN OLINDA Educate your children and take precautions Police are reminding parents to be aware of putting a Norma Gemmell spent last week with Kathy and Peter Baker at Durham. Norma was glad to get away and spend time with her daughter, Kathy. Erin Jones of London spent the holiday weekend with her parents, Steve and Kim, and sister, Robyn. Our deepest sympathy to Robert and Mary Brennan on the passing of Robert's father last week. The funeral was held in Bothwell last Tuesday. Music committee meeting this Thursday at 8:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 10 at 9:00 a.m. Lonnie Jones will be conducting the services. Rev. Lilian will be away. Joint Board meeting at 7 p.m. on Sept. 17 at BethelMaidstone. Bible Study begins Sept. 19 from 7 to 8:15 p.m. at Gesto. On Sept. 21 at 1:30 Gesto UCW will be hold a work meeting. Gesto U.C. will be celebrating their Anniversary Service Sept. 24 with special music by the Romanian Baptist Church band and the Mel-o-diva singers. A luncheon will follow. Gesto Turkey Fall Super on Sept. 28 starting at 4:30 p.m. Takeouts are available. Linked and Online! Check us out at www.bmguc.ca. We cal also be contacted via email at bmg.uc@sympatico.ca or by phone at 723-2284. Feel free to email the secretary with any comments, suggestions, events or announcements. COTTAM PAQUETTE Elford W.I. Elford W.I. will meet Thurs., Sept. 14 for lunch and meeting to follow. Motto: Never is work without reward, or reward without work. Roll Call: Things you prefer doing. Program: Work on tartan. Lunch: Heritage Village 12:00. 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