Father Donato, founder of the Hope of St. Joseph Shelters, passed away in 2025 at age 61. Our charity Hope of St. Joseph Shelter Inc. wants to thank the many sponsors, donors, volunteers and interested citizens who supported us in 2025. Our non-denominational charity since 2016, provides safe shelter, food, and education to children and young people. They are homeless not due to their own choice, but due to the economic war over rich minerals in the eastern region of the DR C

The year 2025 has ended and here’s a sample of just some of the things we covered over the past 12 months. For further details on these stories and for even more information on the year gone by, visit www.rivertowntimes.com . JANUARY  •Family and friends of Kathleen “Kay” Bertrand gathered to celebrate her 100th birthday. Bertrand has four children, ten grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. Mayor Michael Prue, Councillor Diane Pouget, Essex

MAY •Approximately 300 people attend a job fair for the newest Mercato Fresh store, which is the fourth store in the Mercato chain. The new store is located at 365 Sandwich St. S.  •The Amherstburg Chamber of Commerce (ACOC) presented its 20th annual Business Excellence Awards. James H. Sutton Funeral Home was recognized for its 120th anniversary, the Amherstburg Freedom Museum for its 50th anniversary and the River Town Times for its 30th anniversary.  The RTT was recognized