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Wednesday, May 8, 2024
“Luncheon with the Making Mayors” hosted by CLEC miracles By Ron Giofu Political figures and administrators from around the region came together last week to learn more about the work of Community Living Essex County. Community Living Essex County (CLEC) hosted its 19th annual “Luncheon with the Mayors” last Friday at St. Mary’s Hall in Maidstone. Municipal representatives from around Essex County, including Amherstburg, were represented. CLEC brought in guest speaker Michael Jacques, a 32-year-old man with autism and an intellectual disability, who told his story with the assistance of his father Marcel. Michael, who lives in Fonthill, has written two books despite the fact he is unable to read and write himself. He authored “Can’t Read, Can’t Write, Here’s My Book” using his iPad’s speechto-text function. His second book is targeted at children and is titled “I Belong. Can I Play?”
The first book tells his inspiring story of what he has overcome growing up and the challenges he has overcome. “He lives his life through his lens,” explained Marcel. Sales of “Can’t Read, Can’t Write, Here’s My Book” have topped 21,000 while the “I Belong, Can I Play?” book have exceeded 4,000 sales. Portions of his sales goes to Special Olympics and Community Living Ontario, and donations have surpassed $12,000. Michael makes regular trips to the Ontario Police College where he speaks to aspiring police officers and those employed in the field on how to speak to those with disabilities and handle the situations they might be in. Michael also competes in the Special Olympics, where plays basketball and baseball. He has appeared on TSN and in numerous newspaper and magazine stories.
Continued on Page 9
RTT PHOTO BY RON GIOFU
Michael Jacques (left) was the guest speaker at last Friday’s “Luncheon with the Mayors” event, presented by Community Living Essex County. He was aided by his father Marcel.
Joey “Batista” Taylor takes a mighty swing at a pitch during the opening game of the 2024 Miracle League of Amherstburg spring season. The opening day of the year was last Saturday with four games on the Miracle League diamond at the Libro Centre. They are also seeking additional volunteers. For more on the story, please turn to Page 15.
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