Our West End

Friends, I am very proud to announce that 'Our West End' has been approved for funding from the United Way to develop a parks committee in the Bridgeview neighbourhood, establish a west-end roundtable of community stakeholders to provide guidance and resources, tackle issues such as graffiti and general clean-up, and develop a strategy for the west-end focusing on neighbourhood engagement and empowerment. The funding is for two years. You can see the Windsor Star article regarding our funding announcement here:  Our West End Funding Announcement We have partnered with the Centres for Seniors Windsor right on McEwan and Wyandotte and they have been gracious enough to provide us with office space and resources. We couldn't have asked for a better community partner and wouldn't have been able to receive the funding we got without their help. The funding has allowed us to hire on a few part-time staff to roll out the initiatives mentioned above. In the next few week...

A few updates from west-end residents and agencies: WEST END CRAWLERS The west-end crawlers raised over $300 from their first yard sale. They will be grocery shopping shortly for the local food banks. Job well done!! RESIDENT EMAILS  "Today I am writing to forward a comment from a west end resident, he said when he was walking down Russel street (near Brock school area) by the river, he could not find a public garbage bin, it would be great if city would consider to place some garbage bins in this area. Let's work together to make our west end clean and beautiful! Thank you very much."   Source: West-End Resident "Hi Fabio! I wondered if you could post a casting call from Crosstown Players?  They are looking for talent, and their show date for their 1812 Series play "Sarah Girty's War", is  June 28th .  Not far off, so people should contact James Mays, as soon as possible!  h...

A new restaurant recently opened up on College Ave., just east of Campbell, called Stathis Grill. I am looking forward to checking it out, and you should too! It has replaced the former "Dean's" that was located there. Whenever a business invests and locates in an area, it is a sign of confidence in the neighbourhood. We should all show our appreciation by supporting these investments and businesses in any way that we can. Regards, Fabio

Friends, I received the following email from a fellow west-ender: "Hi Fabio  Could you please post this to the Our West End Blog in support of The Summit Centre for Preschool Children with Autism's bid for new playground Equipment? The winner is chosen by popular vote on Facebook, and we need more votes!!!  They are located at Prince and College Ave, a great gem in the West end!!  Voting by PC instructions below. Vote Daily and Thank you!!!"  If anyone is on Facebook, Please vote daily from a PC Only for the Summit Centre for Preschool Children with Autism.  It would mean a great deal to our family to see this organization win the much needed equipment.  They are completely privately run, relying on donations only, not government funded. They continue to be an amazing support for our family and what they do for the children & families is life changing - they will do AMAZING things with the equipment. Thank you...

Friends, I recently received an email from a west-end resident saying how wonderful it is to see so many people using the pathway and park space at the end of Mill St. Many folks are fishing there and enjoying themselves since the area has been cleaned up. If you are in the area, take a stroll and see for yourself! Fabio Costante

Police Investigate West-End Stabbing Sunday Morning

Friends, I recently purchased a bike at Courtesy Bicycles (www.courtesybicycles.ca) in Olde Sandwich Towne. It's a great place with great service. I am looking forward to riding on beautiful days like today. Hope you're all having a great long weekend and enjoying this beautiful weather. Fabio

FIRST Robotics Competition A few months ago, a group of students from Assumption high school competed in the annual FIRST Robotics Competition held in Toronto. According to its website, www.firstroboticscanada.org , FIRST Robotics is a competition where “high school students team up with the world’s best technology companies to build the most impressive robots you’ve ever seen.”  It goes on to say: Built from scratch in only 6 weeks, these 5-foot tall, 140-pound robots compete in high intensity robo-sports. With bragging rights at stake for schools and the companies that support them, robotics takes on a pro-sports experience. Watch the best of the best in robotics come out to play. The varsity sport for the mind, FRC combines the excitement of sport with the rigors of science and technology. Under strict rules, limited resources, and time limits, teams of 25 students or more are challenged to raise funds, design a team “brand,” hone teamwork skills, and bui...

Friends,  I received the following from the Friends for Atkinson Parks and Pool group:  "Hi fabio we are having our first skateboard competition on June first at  12 noon   at Atkinson  and we sill have hot dogs chips etc. and some home made crafts and some cookies come out and attend hope to see you there. We are also doing swimming registratioon for the working poor kids. If you know of any tell them to bring there income tax receipt and talk to us the cost to the families is $10.00 per child  the cost for the first session is about 86.00 dollars we pay the differrence any money extra we roll back into the swimming program. the senior pass for this year is $45. from  June 23  - labour day 7 days a week and any nights and it covers all pools   June 24  is firer works night there will be a night time swim and barbeque at atkinson. the parking lot will be blocked so people using the pool and park can par...

Friends, The Bridgeview neighbourhood watch has the following updates: 1) If you live around St. John's grade school, please keep your eye out for any activity at night time around the school. Windows have been found open and it has been alleged that some youth were found on the roof of the school. If you see anything, immediately call Windsor Police. 2) The Bridgeview neighbourhood watch group is looking for interested walkers. If you live in the neighbourhood and want to walk once a week or more with the group, please call Wilfred Birch at 519-977-5510. The group is thankful for all of the volunteers and block watchers who are helping make the neighbourhood a much safer place. Regards, Fabio Costante

Friends,  This was sent to me from a fellow west-ender:  March Against Monsanto  On  May 25, 2013 @ 2 pm  we will be holding a PEACEFUL march against Corporate giant Monsanto. Monsanto to those who do not know have a patent on GMO seeds.  It's a company that chemically grows our food, they first started making chemical weapons and now they grow most of the food we eat. Monsanto  has many ties to brands such as Kellogg's, Cheerios, Pepsi and up to 99 more.  We are fighting to have the foods we eat and feed our children Labelled so we can make the choice whether we want to consume these genetically modified foods.  WE HAVE THE RIGHT TO KNOW!!!  We suggest everyone try to read as much information on Monsanto and then join us on the corner of Tecumseh and Huron church (Metro /Fresh co locations). We will not be entering their property.  Millions of people across the world are Marching against Monsa...

Friends,  Please see the following fundraiser held for someone in need. This was sent to me from a local west-ender. Anything you can do to help would be greatly appreciated. 

Friends, Below is the West End Crawlers monthly update. They are doing great things for the west-end. We are lucky to have them. WEST END CRAWLERS APRIL 2013 NEWSLETTER AS I START TO WRITE THIS, IT IS APRIL 20 TH .  IT’S STILL COLD!!  WILL IT EVER WARM UP??!  2013 WILL BE REMEMBERED AS “THE YEAR WE WAITED FOR SPRING”!  LOL APRIL 2013 WAS NOT AS FRUITFUL, FINACIALLY, AS JAN-MAR, UNFORTUNAETLY.  OUR "¢HANGE FOR Change$” CAMPAIGN RAISED JUST OVER  $40.  WE ATTENDED THE CROSSTOWN PLAYERS' PLAY “SARAH GIRTY’S WAR”, ON APRIL 12 TH , AND THOROUGHLY ENJOYED IT!  APPROX. 200 CANNED GOODS WERE COLLECTED IN THE PROCESS FOR AREA FOOD BANKS. ON APRIL 21 ST , WE WERE INVITED BY PASTOR SCOTT DAKIN, TO INTRODUCE WEST END CRAWLERS TO HIS CONGREGATION AT AMBASSADOR BAPTIST CHURCH.  THEY WERE VERY HAPPY TO HEAR WHAT WE’RE DOING AND GRAETFULL FOR THE CANNED GOODS WE’VE PROVIDED.  JUST WANT TO PU...