The Lake Erie Beacon April 15 2016

Serving Lake Erie’s North Shore Friday April 15, 2016

INSIDE

There When You Need Them

Port Stanley Report

Supporting Ontario’s First Responders Act

Port Stanley fireworks display on July 2nd rather than July 1st.

STORY PAGE 2

Walleye and Yellow Perch Harvest Levels for 2016 The Lake Erie Committee’s TAC recommendations are reflective of the status of Lake Erie’s fish populations and take into account the goal of consistent harvest from year to year. .

STORY PAGE 2

The Schooner Porcupine Story “The Schooner Porcupine” is the remarkable story of one of three U.S. Navy gunboats that Daniel Dobbins built in Erie, Pennsylvania .

STORY PAGE 3

Above: Photographs taken over the last several years show First Responder crews at accidents, fires and a boat show.

Craig MacBride Minister’s Office

MPs Kate Young & Karen Vecchio, Visit Port Stanley Harbour To discuss the issues council is currently facing with Port Stanley Harbour.

S TORY PAGE 3

Taylor Made It was easy to see U.S. President Barack Obama’s recent sojourn in Cuba as a first step in reducing a cold war to a, well, chilly, war.

STORY PAGE 5

Sparta Report The Seminary Cemetery is a designated heritage site and has 3 veterans of the War of 1812 buried there.

STORY PAGE 5

TIPS Call Leads to $5,000 Fine for Illegal Shoreline Work Court heard that in March 2015, the ministry’s TIPS line received a complaint of fill being dumped into Rondeau Bay in the Village of Erieau.

STORY PAGE 7

LOOK AHEAD Community Events

Page 6

Classifieds & Service Directory Page 7 Business Roladex

Pages 4 & 8

The Government of Ontario has passed legislation that will create a presumption that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosed in first responders is work-related.

Under the Supporting Ontario’s First Responders Act, the presumption allows for faster access to WSIB benefits, resources and timely treatment.

Once a first responder is diagnosed with PTSD by either a psychiatrist or a psychologist, the claims process to be eligible for WSIB benefits will be expedited, without the need to prove a causal link between PTSD and a workplace event.

The presumption applies to police officers, firefighters, paramedics, certain workers in correctional institutions and secure youth justice facilities, dispatchers of police, firefighter and ambulance services, and emergency

Left: The Port Stanley Fire Station. Local residents are looking forward to a new station being built in the near future.

response teams.

The act also allows the Minister of Labour to request and publish PTSD prevention plans from employers of workers who are covered by the presumption.

This act is part of the province’s strategy to prevent or mitigate the risk of PTSD and provide first responders with faster access to treatment and the information they need to stay healthy.

The Supporting Ontario’s First Re-

sponders Act (Posttraumatic Stress Disorder), 2016 amends the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997 (WSIA) and the Ministry of Labour Act. The act comes into force on Royal Assent.

Amendments to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997 The act amends the WSIA to create a presumption that PTSD diagnosed in first responders is work-related, leading to faster access to WSIB benefits and proper treatment.

The proposed legislation covers: • Police officers (including First Nations constables) Continued On Page 4

Be a Donor Month April is “Be a Donor Month” Trillium Gift of Life Network One donor can save 8 lives and improve the quality of life for up to 90 by donating corneas, skin tissue, bones, bone marrow, heart values, and stem cells.

Gift of Life Network The Trillium Gift of Life Network ( TGLN ) is a non profit agency of the Government of Ontario. TGLN plans, promotes, coordinates and supports organ and tissue donation and transplantation across Ontario. Its mission is to save and enhance lives through the gift of organ and tissue donation and transplantation in Ontario.

Did you know that as of March 15th, 2016, 1679 people are waiting for transplants in Ontario? Every three days someone dies waiting for an organ transplant. Over 1600 Canadians are

Twenty -nine per cent of Ontarians are presently registered. This is up from twenty-six per cent this time last year. So we are slowly gaining. added to the organ wait lists yearly. In 2014, 1,093 organ transplants were done.

Twenty organ transplants were done in January and February of this year in the hospitals of Southwestern Ontario.

Six of those were done in London.

The agency ranked the top communities from September 30, 2015 to December 31, 2015 and, Port Stanley had the third highest increase in new registrations.

Continued On Page 7

Page 2 • The Lake Erie Beacon • Friday April 15, 2016

LETTERS The Statue If Dutton-Dunwich community members are unsure where the statue of Kathleen Wind will be located, (LEB April 1st Edition) I have a spot on my 3000-foot frontage on Lake Erie.

The statue “perched” on my miniature wind turbine will be ideal, being that the wind will be at its back, where the tide regularly ebbs and flows twice in 24 hours.

David Harding RR#1 Sparta

PORT STANLEY REPORT

Walleye and Yellow Perch Harvest Levels for 2016

Andrew Hibbert

The Lake Erie Committee

Port Stanley Fireworks On July 2nd This Year The Business Improvement Association (BIA) membership has voted to have the annual Port Stanley fireworks display on July 2nd rather than July 1st. This way we will not be competing with other displays and we will have more traffic on the long weekend. The BIA is looking for sponsorships for the fireworks. Although they have negotiated a lower price for the display they still need extra dollars for insurance, promo etc. Plus you can have your name written in the sky if you opt to become the main sponsor!

New Fire Station For Port Stanley With rumours of a new Fire Station floating around the village we asked Central Elgin Mayor David Marr about the new station. He replied. “At the April 11th, 2016 Council budget discussions we are committed to a new fire hall but have not decided on location. The Master fire plan only suggests that it should be in the vicinity of Warren Street.”

Published by Kettle Creek Publishing Ltd. 204 A Carlow Road Port Stanley, ON N5L 1C5 Telephone: 519.782.4563

The binational Lake Erie Committee, comprising fishery managers from Michigan, New York, Ohio, Ontario, and Pennsylvania, today recommended to a total allowable catch (TAC) of 4.937 million walleye and 9.208 million pounds of yellow perch for 2016. (Walleye are allocated by number of fish; yellow perch are allocated in pounds.)

These TAC recommendations represent an increase in allowable catch for walleye from 4.114 million fish last year and a decrease in yellow perch from 10.528 million fish.

The Lake Erie Committee’s TAC recommendations are reflective of the status of Lake Erie’s fish populations and take into account the goal of consistent harvest from year to year. The individual provincial and state governments adhere to and implement the TAC recommendations in accordance with their respective regulations and management objectives.

TAC recommendations are produced after extensive lakewide biological assessments, analysis, discussions, and consultations with stakeholders. A central mechanism to discuss walleye and yellow perch management in Lake Erie is called

Publisher/Editor Andrew Hibbert andrew@lebeacon.ca Advertising Linda Hibbert linda@lebeacon.ca

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the Lake Erie Percid Management Advisory Group, or LEPMAG. Through this process, stakeholder input directly informs the development of harvest strategies.

WALLEYE The Lake Erie Committee today recommended a 2016 walleye TAC of 4.937 million fish, a 20% increase from the 2015 TAC of 4.114 million fish. The

TAC recommendation for 2016 reflects a stable adult population and a moderate to strong hatch in 2014. The 2011, 2010, 2007, and the 2003 year classes continue to contribute to the stability of the walleye fishery and allow for the increase in TAC from last year.

Each Lake Erie jurisdiction is responsible for implementing its portion of the TAC. The Province of Ontario and the States of Ohio and Michigan share the TAC based on a formula of walleye habitat within each jurisdiction in the western and central basins of the lake. Under a 2016 TAC of 4.937 million fish, Ohio will be allocated 2.523 million fish, Ontario 2.126 million fish, and Michigan 0.288 million fish. Most of the walleye harvest comes from the western portion of Lake Erie and, as such, jurisdictions in the eastern end of the lake are outside the TAC area. Harvest limits in the eastern basin are established separately by Ontario, Pennsylvania, and New York and remain in accordance with lakewide conditions and objectives.

The walleye TAC recommendations are consistent with the Lake Erie Walleye Management Plan, which sets fishery goals and objectives for walleye. The plan is the result of extensive stakeholder and manager input through LEPMAG. In addition, the Walleye Task Group, comprising scientists and field biologists from all Lake Erie jurisdictions, provides scientific advice to the Lake Erie Committee.

The committee also takes into account recommendations from LEPMAG and is informed by a model, developed in conjunction with stakeholders and Michigan State University.

YELLOW PERCH The Lake Erie Committee remains strongly interested in maintaining stability in harvest while ensuring yellow

perch sustainability. Consistent with that primary objective, the Lake Erie Committee recommended a 2016 TAC of 9.208 million pounds of yellow perch, a decrease from last year’s allocation of 10.528 million pounds. The decrease in the yellow perch TAC reflects declining abundance in the central eastern basins, coupled with increasing abundance in the western basin. Like the walleye TAC recommendation, the proposed yellow perch TAC is the result of deliberations among the jurisdictions and with stakeholders through the LEPMAG process.

The five jurisdictions on the lake share Lake Erie’s yellow perch established under an area-based formula.

Under the 2016 TAC recommendation, Ontario will receive 4.385 million pounds, Ohio 3.876 million pounds, Michigan 0.209 million pounds, New York 0.119 million pounds, and Pennsylvania 0.620 million pounds.

The Lake Erie Committee noted that the lakewide yellow perch fishery is performing at long-term trend levels and, thus, the overall TAC reflects a relatively small decrease. The performance, however, is not uniform throughout the lake. In some areas, called “management units,” the change in yellow perch abundance (and, hence, allowable harvest) is significantly different in 2016 compared to 2015. The Lake Erie Committee has strived to maintain harvest stability while still responding to specific trends in each management unit.

The committee discussed the need to evaluate methods, including population modeling and assessment, for better understanding percid recruitment in the central basin.

THE LAKE ERIE PERCID MANAGEMENT ADVISORY GROUP (LEPMAG) The Lake Erie Percid Management Advisory Group was first convened in 2010 and serves as the primary method to incorporate stakeholder needs and objectives into the Lake Erie yellow perch and walleye decision-making process. LEPMAG consists of senior representatives from all provincial and state jurisdictions on the lake, recreational fishers, commercial fishers, and other interested organizations. Through LEPMAG, fishery managers and stakeContinued On Page 6

The Lake Erie Beacon • Friday April 15, 2016 • Page 3

The Schooner Porcupine Story Andrew Hibbert On April 8th one of our favourite authors and guest speakers, David Frew, presented his latest book “Schooner Porcupine”, At the Port Dover Marine Museum. David is a retired University professor who lives in Erie Pennsylvania. He is an avid sailor on the Great Lakes and his love of history and shipwrecks has brought him, many times, to the Long Point area where he often worked with Dave Stone, who was know as the “Beach Comber of Long Point”.

“The Schooner Porcupine” is the remarkable story of one of three U.S. Navy gunboats that Daniel Dobbins built in Erie, Pennsylvania for Lake Erie’s Naval War of 1812. It is also a newly uncovered narrative about Porcupine’s unlikely young captain, George Senat, who walked from New Orleans to Lake Erie to join America’s new frontier navy.

The 60-ton, two-masted wood schooner Porcupine’s importance to Erie Pennsylvania re-emerged during the summer of 2014 when a series of conversations between several historically minded sailors inspired a dream to recreate the 19th Century schooner.

Come aboard as Dr. David Frew takes us back to the pre-war world of 1813 on Lake Erie, describes the rich history of the Schooner Porcupine, and explains the dream that inspired the creation of a second Erie tall-ship.

The Porcupine saw plenty of action during the Battle of Lake Erie in 1813 – one of the most decisive battles of the War of 1812.

On September 10, 1813, Perry went looking for a fight and engaged the British Navy’s Great Lakes fleet at Put In Bay. Porcupine was one of nine vessels that met the British fleet for a three-hour battle.

When Perry’s flagship Lawrence was damaged beyond hope, he transferred his flag to the Niagara, making the crossing in an open boat under heavy enemy fire.

Outmaneuvering the British, the American’s won the day and captured the British fleet. Porcupine went on to serve in several other campaigns until the Treaty of Ghent was signed in December 1814, ending the war.

In 1816, Porcupine was commissioned by the U. S. government as a survey vessel under the newly formed U. S. Coastal Survey Office – working the border waters between the US and Canada under the command of war hero Stephen Champlin.

In 1819, Porcupine was assigned to the Revenue Cutter Service at Detroit.

Then, in 1825, the vessel was sold by

the government, and five years later renamed Caroline.

Caroline had several owners over the years, including Ferry & Sons of Grand

Haven, Michigan, and was used in their extensive lumber trade until she became unseaworthy.

race through all five Great Lakes making port appearances in cities throughout the US and Canada. Visit www.sailtraining.org/tallships for more information.

The Tall Ships Challenge® Series of international sailing races, cruises, and maritime festivals is organized by Tall Ships America in cooperation with Great Lakes, Atlantic and Pacific Coast port cities in the United States and Canada. These tall ships are crewed by young people and adults engaged in sail training programs under the supervision of captains and professional crewmembers. Maritime festivals in each host port give visitors a chance to board the vessels, meet the crew and trainees, and experience the rich maritime heritage that these ships represent.

During the summer, the fleet travels from port to port as the centerpiece of the host cities’ maritime festivals. Between port events, encouraging international goodwill and understanding.

The once-proud ship was sailed for the last time into Spring Lake and abandoned in the 1843. Soon after, she sank at the foot of 4th Street near the Johnston Brothers Boiler Works.

Parts of the vessel were raised in 1901 by Charles G. Bulthouse of Ferrysburg and pieces of it were sent to Detroit and Put In Bay for the Centennial of the 1813 battle, while other pieces ended up at museums in Grand Rapids, Grand Haven and Lansing.

The Bayfront Maritime Center (BMC) re-created the Gunboat Schooner Porcupine from a donated 40’ fiberglass hull. It will be launched in May to sail as the “School Ship for Presque Isle Bay” and will probably become part of the Tall Ships America fleet.

Tall Ships Challenge® In the summer of 2016, Tall Ships America will once again bring a fleet of up to 20 tall ships to the Great Lakes as part of the Tall Ships Challenge® Great Lakes 2016 series. These tall ships will

HealthTalk World Health Day 2016: Beat Diabetes

Photo Supplied

MPs Kate Young & Karen Vecchio, Visit Port Stanley Harbour Kaylie Kuipers Member’s Assistant Karen Vecchio, Member of Parliament for Elgin-Middlesex-London and Parliamentary Secretary of Transport Kate Young met with Central Elgin Mayor Dave Marr and the Municipality of Central Elgin council to discuss the issues council is currently facing with Port Stanley Harbour.

“This project is near and dear to my heart, and I recognize it is important to work with the new government to complete this divesture project,” Vecchio said. Parliamentary Secretary

Photo L to R: Don Leitch, CAO; Steve Carr, Councillor; Karen Vecchio, MP; Kate Young, MP; Dennis Crevits, Councillor; Dave Marr, Mayor; Lloyd Perrin, Physical Services; Dan McNeil, Councillor Kate Young also recognizes the importance of this local project and was pleased to be briefed by the Municipality of Central Elgin.

The divesture of the harbour was completed in 2010 and the municipality continues to work with all stakeholders as they move forward on their redevelopment.

April 7, 2016 is an important day. Not only is it my daughters 10th birthday (Happy Birthday!), but it is also World Health Day. Held each year, to mark the founding of the World Health Organization (WHO). World Health Day provides an opportunity to draw attention to a subject of major importance to global health. Previous topics have included food safety, blood pressure, and bacterial resistance. This year, the focus is on diabetes, which affects 350 million people worldwide! In 2012 alone, 1.5 million deaths were directly linked to diabetes.

Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs either when the body does not produce enough insulin or cannot use the insulin it produces. This leads to high blood sugars, potentially causing serious damage to many of the body's systems, especially the nerves and blood vessels.

Simple lifestyle adjustments have proven to be effective in preventing or delaying the onset of type 2 diabetes. In fact, a combination of diet and exercise can reduce the incidence of Type 2 diabetes by as much as 58%. To help prevent this disease and its complications, you should: achieve and

Steve Bond,

BScPhm, RPh, CDE Pharmacist/Manager

maintain a healthy body weight; be physically active – at least 30 minutes of regular, moderate-intensity activity on most days; eat a healthy diet of between 3 and 5 servings of fruit and vegetables a day and reduce sugar and saturated fats intake.

Another important factor in the fight against diabetes is diagnosis and screening. It is estimated that if we include prediabetes and undiagnosed diabetes, then 1/3 of Canadians will be affected. If you are over 40, obese or have other risk factors for Diabetes, it is important to be tested. CANRISK is a simple and free questionnaire which you should use to screen if you are at higher risk for diabetes. It is available online and paper copies are available from most healthcare professionals. (including the pharmacy). By screening early, we can implement measures such as diet and exercise to lower the risk and hopefully slow the progression of diabetes. Happy World Health Day. Take Care of Yourselves and Each other.

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Page 4 • The Lake Erie Beacon • Friday April 15, 2016

Supporting Ontario’s First Responders Act Continued From Page 1 • Firefighters (part-time, full-time and volunteer firefighters, fire investigators and firefighters who volunteer or work for Band Councils) • Paramedics, emergency medical attendants, and ambulance services managers whose duties include providing direct support for paramedics dispatched by a communications officer on a request for ambulance services • Emergency response teams • Correctional officers/youth services workers (including operational managers), and certain workers who provide direct health care services in correctional institutions and secure youth justice facilities • Workers involved in the dispatch of police, firefighter and ambulance services Workers covered by the presumptive legislation are entitled to benefits under the WSIA if they are diagnosed with PTSD by a psychiatrist or psychologist.

will not be reconsidered under the presumption.

Workers who were in an occupation covered by the presumption but left within the 24 month period before the legislation comes into force will be able to make a claim under the presumption if they have a PTSD diagnosis that was made within that 24 month timeframe, or if they receive a diagnosis within 24 months after the amendments come into force.

Workers in an occupation covered by the presumption who leave the occupation after the proposed legislation comes into force are able to make a claim under the presumption if they are diagnosed with PTSD within 24 months of leaving. However, if they were to be diagnosed after 24 months of leaving the occupation, they could file a claim for PTSD which would be adjudicated by the WSIB under the existing process.

Amendments to the Ministry of Labour Act The Minister of Labour has the authority to request and publish PTSD prevention plans from employers of workers who are covered by the presumption.

A diagnosis is required that is consistent with post-traumatic stress disorder as described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association. Pending claims and appeals, and new claims made for PTSD within sixmonths of the coming into force date, can be adjudicated in accordance with either a DSM-5 or DSM-IV PTSD diagnosis.

The presumption applies to new claims, as well as pending claims and claims in the process of being appealed. Previously denied claims that have exhausted the appeals process

National Volunteer Week Volunteer Canada

Speevak President and CEO

Volunteers are the roots of strong communities

Volunteers are the roots of strong communities. Just like roots are essential for trees to bloom, volunteers are essential for communities to boom. Thanks to volunteers, our communities grow strong and resilient. Even the tiniest volunteer effort leaves a profound and lasting trace in a community, much like tree rings that appear over time.

National Volunteer Week (NVW) takes place April 10-16, 2016. This year, we’re celebrating the 12.7 million Canadian volunteers who are the roots of strong communities.

Volunteers nourish our lives with their energy, skills and talents.

Through volunteering people also become rooted in their communities, connecting to the people and places where they live. National Volunteer Week is a time to express gratitude for what volunteers and volunteering does for all of us.

We all have a role to play in showing appreciation and letting volunteers know how important they are.

This year, our featured recognition item is plantable seed confetti that is made of biodegradable eco-paper and embedded with wildflower seeds. If you plant it, the paper will compost away and the seeds will sprout roots that continue to grow, much like the remarkable efforts of volunteers.

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In partnership with Investors Group, we have also created an online Campaign Kit that features downloadable tools and resources, to help you plan your NVW campaign.

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Volunteer Canada and Investors Group’s Volunteer Recognition Study indicates that most volunteers prefer a genuine thank you for their efforts.

Sincere words that highlight the impact of a volunteer’s contributions or simple personalized tokens are meaningful and appreciated.

The “Volunteers are the roots of strong communities” campaign will celebrate volunteers across Canada, by offering NVW-branded recognition items made from all natural seed paper that can be planted. Gift packs of seed paper confetti, seed paper journals and seed paper postcards will include space to add a personalized thank you message to a volunteer. Recipients can then plant their recognition item, allowing it to sprout roots that shape new paths and keep growing, much like the incredible efforts of volunteers.

T H E LAKE ER I E B EACON

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National Volunteer Week (NVW), a time to celebrate and thank Canada’s 12.7 million volunteers. This year marks the 13th consecutive year that Volunteer Canada and Investors Group have partnered to deliver the NVW campaign.

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A New History of Port Stanley, The First 100 Years This book by authors Bob Burns and Craig Cole is available at the Village Square Coffee, the LEB Office and other locations in the village.

Book size 8.5” X 11” A Heritage Port Stanley Publication

The Lake Erie Beacon • Friday April 15, 2016 • Page 5

TAYLOR MADE

SPARTA REPORT Sally Martyn

Jim Taylor Speaks Out Cuba Call it socio-economics 101. Not to scare anyone off, but...

It was easy to see U.S. President Barack Obama’s recent sojourn in Cuba as a first step in reducing a cold war to a, well, chilly, war.

Maybe Castro has had enough of banging heads with President Obama and the American Empire. It is, after all, costly and not popular among most Cubans who miss American tourist dollars.

Maybe Cuba is changing. Has seen the light. Dawn’s early light as it were.

Ask a crew of Port Stanley fishermen who love to spend some offseason time hanging with Cuban buddies they would hook up with over a rum or two at one of the island’s many cantinas.

Buy a round - our fishermen are like that - and the next thing you know you’re invited back to a Cuban’s home for more, ah, hospitality.

Did the boys worry about their safety during their island sojourn?

Are you kidding? Fishermen that go prow to wave during one of Erie’s tantrums don’t worry about small things like Castro’s crew. Particularly when there are so many cantinas and the rum, and everything else, is good.... and cheap.

“Hey, buy a round and you’ve got friends for life,” one of the boys said a while back, chuckling at the memory. “In fact, they invited us back to their home for dinner.”

War of 1812 Plaques, Heritage Sign The Seminary Cemetery is a designated heritage site and has 3 veterans of the War of 1812 buried there. There will be a special event unveiling a heritage sign and special plaques on each veteran’s grave. The descendants of these veterans will be in attendance as well as re-enactors in period costumes. Come join the celebration on Saturday, May 7 at 1:30 at the Seminary Cemetery followed by refreshments at the Sparta Church Museum. For more information contact Bob Burns 519-775-2613 or Vanessa Warner at the Village Market.

Museums Open in April & May Both of our museums are open Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 11:00 to 4:30 till Thanksgiving.

The new display at the Church Museum will be “A Woman’s Work is Never Done” and the permanent display of Sparta’s past is at the Forge and Anvil Museum.

PORT BURWELL REPORT

Fidel would have had a fit, but thanks to working class islanders and, of course, our fishermen, it is just the natural order of things. It’s how the world works. Or is supposed to work.

Allan Spicer

Geopolitics? What’s that? Funny what good food and good company, not to mention a little good Cuban rum, can do?

From the Playhouse Newsletter by Grahame Nottman

So it was hard not to be cynical listening to the snarkiness (is that a word?) from both sides during and after Obama’s visit to the island.

After all antagonizing one of the world’s most powerful nations is not in Cuba’s best interest. And petty dictators are, when all is said and done, petty.

At the same time the U.S. should realize they are jeopardizing one of Cuba’s greatest exports. Major League ballplayers.

Thing is dictators don’t like detente. It cuts into their raison raison d'être. Their excuse to, well, dictate.

Dictators rule by fear of the other.

Yet Castro had no defence against Port Stanley fishermen and if a few Portsiders can reach a detente in a local cantina and be invited back to a Cuban home for dinner with a Cuban family ...... well, maybe there’s hope for all of us.

If someone would only listen.

Periscope Playhouse Presents After a long journey, the local Thespians have secured a new home. A host of energetic volunteers are working feverishly to renovate the former Scout Hall, by June 9, at 8 pm. The gala preview of their inaugural presentation, 37 Post Cards, is followed by a Meet and Greet. The play runs three week-ends, June 10-12, 17-19, 22-24, at 8 pm in the evening. Sunday matinees are at 2 pm.

Renovation work continues as rehearsals go on simultaneously.

The Periscope Theatre has arrived!

Besides, now performing in their own house, 15 individuals auditioned for roles in 37 Post Cards. Director Pete Matthews selected the following cast: Son - Avery Sutton, Father - Sanford Sutton, Fiancee - Gillian, Mother - Evelyn Smith, Aunt - Coleen Martin, Nana - Valerie Donnell. Tim Wells will assist Director Matthews. Producers are: Ann Nottman, Laurie Tone, and Leslie Chilcott. Stage Manager is Lori Chilcott. Jim Tone and Bob Smolders handle Sound and Light.

Let’s all get out and fill the seats for each and every performance, the best kind of thank you for all of the people who work so hard to bring cultural enlightenment to Bayham.

Elgin Historical Society Marks its 125th Anniversary Brodie Bott April 27th, 2016, 7:30 pm 450 Sunset Drive Society Past President Pete Sheridan will outline the developments and accomplishments of the Elgin Historical Society through the 125 years since its founding in 1891.

Local historians such as Dr. James Coyne, Frank Hunt, Ella Lewis, and George Thorman and others have left their marks on our community.

Generations have contributed to,

and learned from the Society's lectures and publications. Join us in celebrating this anniversary.

Cake and refreshments after the meeting.

The presentation takes place in the lower level of the Elgin County Building, 450 Sunset Drive, 7:30pm.

For further information call Mike Baker, Elgin County Museum, 519631-1460 ext. 159

Good Turn Week Turns Into A National Movement Scouts Canada With our eyes glued to the screens of our phones we often miss out on the opportunity to connect with others. The potential for good deeds is all around us – just waiting to be discovered.

Local Scouts are challenging the community to look up from their screens, discover someone in need and perform a Good Turn during the 7th annual Scouts Canada Good Turn Week from April 22 - May 1, 2016.

Initiated in 2009 by Scouts Canada, Good Turn Week isn’t just for Scouts; it’s a national movement.

Let’s bring it to our community.

Simply perform a Good Turn and encourage the recipient to pay it forward to help spark a cycle of goodwill across our community.

Last year from coast-to-coast, a homeless youth shelter in Kelowna, BC got a much-needed facelift; a student in Markham, ON gave blood; kids in need in St. John’s, NF received healthy school lunches and snacks – these are just a few of the countless acts of kindness that took place. This year Scouts Canada will launch 34 major community projects, more than double the number in 2015, made possible by a generous donation from RBC Foundation.

Simple and easy to perform, Good Turns can change someone’s day. From effortless tasks that take seconds, to small projects, Good Turn opportunities are there for the taking. They can help make our community friendlier and stronger, not to mention creating healthier, empowered youth and adults at the same time. That’s right, performing an act of kindness is good for the body and mind.

So to discover your bright side

during Good Turn Week, here are some ideas that might get you started down the Good Turn Week road: Tech Wizards: Help organize files or clean up the memory on an older relative’s smartphone or computer.

Outdoorsy Types: Organize a group to pick up litter in a public park or woodlands.

Friendly Neighbours: Volunteer to do yard work or run an errand, or bake treats and hand them out on your street.

Animal Lovers: Walk someone’s dog, or donate old pet toys, beds and accessories to the Humane Society.

Foodies: Make a special meal for your family, or help serve dinner at a homeless shelter.

Workplace Karma: Surprise colleagues with a tasty, homemade snack or lunch.

Reuse and Recycle: Give to a food bank, or donate clothing and blankets to a homeless shelter. For bookworms, donate some of your home library to a school or medical facility.

Surprises: Buy a hot drink for someone who makes a difference in your life, such as a bus driver, police officer or teacher.

Scouts will carry the load this Good Turn Week. Literally. They’ll be portaging non-perishable donations in canoes across major cities. At the local level, they’ll be involved in various projects from handing out umbrellas on a rainy day or meals to the homeless, to building bat boxes, butterfly gardens and accessories for Habitat for Humanity homes.

Find out more or share your Good Turn by submitting it via Scouts.ca/goodturnweek, or on social media by using #GoodTurnWeek and tagging @ScoutsCanada

Page 6 • The Lake Erie Beacon • Friday April 15, 2016

North Shore Community Events F E S T I V A L S

PORT STANLEY 2016

Port Stanley Community Policing Requires volunteers.

To help protect your village, call 519-782-3934 or email pscp@rogers.com Port Stanley Library 782-4241 304 Bridge St. Mon, Tues, Thurs, 10 - 8:30 Fri 1 - 5, Sat 9 - 1.

Special Programs & Events National Canadian Film Day The Grand Seduction, Thursday, April 21, 6:30-8 pm Join us to celebrate a free night of Canadian film as part of Reelfest: Elgin St. Thomas edition, happening April 2024. Visit www.reelfest.ca/films for full details!

Google Cardboard Thursdays, 5:00 -5:30pm. Drop in and learn how a piece of cardboard can change the way you play games. Enter a world of virtual fun!

Technology Help Scheduled appointments on Thursdays 5:30-8:30pm and on Saturdays 9:00am-1:00pm Book now by calling the library or emailing jpalleschi@elgin.ca Children’s Programs Maker Mondays Mondays, 5:30-6:15pm Calling all makers! Come for a hands on maker session as we explore a multitude of mediums! Ages 6-12 please preregister.

Pajamarama Mondays, 6:30-7pm Stories & songs for all ages & their caregiver please preregister.

Preschool Story Time Tuesdays, 10:15am-11:00am. Join us for songs, stories and crafts! For ages 0-5 and their caregiver please preregister Read with Maggie, *NEW DAY & TIME* Saturdays, 1010:30am Sign up for a reading session with our special friend Maggie! For reluctant readers ages 6-12. Please preregister as space is limited Adult Programs & Events Itty Bitty Knitty Committee, Thursday, April 28, 7-8 pm Bring your knitted or crochet project for an informal meeting!

Scrapbooking Monday, April 18, 10 am-12 pm. Bring photos to make a scrapbooking page with Mickey!

Please preregister for photo theme: $5/person Adult Book Club Tuesday, April 19, 7-8 pm. All the light we cannot see : a novel by Anthony Doerr Card Embroidery Thursday, April 28, 1-3 pm. $5 / person please preregister, prepayment is required!

Port Stanley Optimists meet the first and third Wesdnesday of the month, 7 pm at the Port Stanley Library. Everyone welcome. We are looking for new members.

Port Stanley Gardeners, The Port Stanley Volunteer Gardeners will be calling on everyone to place their orders for geraniums shortly. Proceeds go towards buying flowers for our Port Stanley Gardens. If you are not contacted, please call Barb at 519-782-3912 to place an order. Thank you for all your support!

Christ Anglican Church Sunday Morning Service, 9:30 am with Eucharist. We invite all to join in worship with us.

Coffee follows downstairs.

St. John's Presbyterian Church Tom Jeffrey Pastor.

Sunday Worship 10 am followed by Fellowship Hour. The Door is always open, why not join us? Sunday School starts at 10:20 am.

Port Stanley United Church Service of Worship at 10:30 am followed by a time of fellowship. Come join us.

We are now wheelchair friendly and barrier free.

Heritage Port April 28th 1:30 at the Port Stanley Festival Theatre. Get your Port Stanley the First 100 Years Book, $25 at the Lake Erie Beacon, 204-A Carlow Road, side door, 1-5 pm. All proceeds to Heritage Port.

519 782-4563.

Port Stanley Village Association meets the second Thursday of the month 7- 8:30 pm at the Legion. All welcome.

Al-Anon Meeting, Christ Anglican Church 7:30 pm every Friday. If there is an alcohol/drug problem of a family member or friend that is affecting you, the Alanon Family Groups may be able to help you.

Port Stanley & Community 55+ Club Meets every Monday 1:30 -4 pm to play Euchre at the Port Stanley Arena. For info call 519-782-4801 (John Brenders) or 519685-2101 (Marie Geerts).

Port Stanley Legion Branch #410 Winter Hours: Mon. 12-7, Tues., Wed., Thurs., & Fri., 12-10, Sat. & Sun., 12-7. Port Stanley Legion Branch #410 Don’t forget the Legion offers the following: Seniors Bridge, Tues. night, Euchre: Wed. night Legion Darts Tuesday night 8 pm Men’s Darts Saturday Afternoon Meat Draws 3-5 pm Port Stanley Legion Bottle Returns Mon & Thurs- Closed, Tues, Wed., Fri, Sat 12-4 pm.

Port Stanley Legion Ladies MahJongg, Fridays 1:30pm. We are looking for beginners as well. If you like to play MahJongg come on out!

Port Stanley Legion Port Stanley Karaoke, Every 3rd Friday of the month, 7pm - 11pm. Come for the fun.

PORT BURWELL/VIENNA 2016 Port Burwell Trinity Anglican 11:30 am Port Burwell Lighthouse Gospel Church 10:45 am Trinity Anglican Perish Hall 25 Pitt St. Port Burwell Port Burwell Legion Br. 524 Trivia on Monday evenings, start 5pm. In the club room, all welcome.

Order of the Eastern Star Areme Chapter #15, OES meets the first Tuesday of every month, at 7:30 pm at the Vienna Community Centre, Vienna.

Otter Valley Naturalists Monthly Meeting is the second Monday of the month, 7 pm to 9 pm. Please call 519874-4028 for information.

Museum Bayham meet the 2nd Wednesday of the month 7pm, Municipal Office in Straffordville. Call 519 874-4135.

Port Burwell - Bayham Horticultural Society, Meets Every 3rd Monday, 7 pm at the Port Burwell School, Strachan Street. For more Info 519 874-4260.

Oriental Masonic Lodge meets the 4th Tuesday of the month at the Vienna Masonic Hall, 7:30 pm. New Members Welcome! Call 519 874-4135.

The Lake Erie Beacon 204 A Carlow Road Port Stanley, Ontario N5L 1C5 Phone: (519) 782-4563

&

E V E N T S

AYLMER 2016

Aylmer 50 + Seniors Welcome you to join them for Euchre or Bridge Every Monday 1 - 3:30 pm upstairs at Aylmer Legion Admission $2.

DUTTON 2016

Duff Church Largie April 21 - Ham and Scalloped Potato supper beginning at 5 pm at Duff Church Largie, Dutton.

Adults $13, Children 6-12 $5 and under 5 free.

West Elgin Choral Society is pleased to present: "Broadway to Hollywood " -7:30 pm, April 23 at the Upper Town Hall, 199 Currie Rd. Dutton & District LIONS Sunday, April 24, Annual Elimination Draw breakfast; in Dutton Dunwich Community Centre; which includes 2 free servings, to ticket holders and for others: Adults $7 each; with eggs cooked to order; plus, toast, coffee, juice, bacon or sausages, home fries & pan-cakes. Serving 9 AM till noon Dutton & District LIONS Sunday, April 24, 2016 Dutton & District Lions host the Annual Ride & Stride to fight Cancer; in the DEN just behind Community Centre. 1 - 3 pm.

Please; sign a sponsor sheet for one of our participants.

FINGAL 2016

Walleye and Yellow Perch Harvest Levels for 2016 Continued From Page 2 holders work together to identify the harvest policies for Lake Erie percids that meet the needs of all stakeholders while maintaining stability in the percid fishery. Michigan State University’s Quantitative Fisheries Center facilitates the LEPMAG process. Walleye are now being managed under the Walleye Management Plan, which was developed through LEPMAG and formally adopted by the Lake Erie Committee in December, 2015. LEPMAG members are in the process of developing population objectives and harvest strategies for yellow perch in Lake Erie. The objectives and harvest strategies are expected to be completed in the coming years.

Knox Presbyterian Church Worship 10 am. Coffee, cookies, fellowship follows: Sunday school/nursery 10 am.

For info (519) 769-2157. Come and worship with a warm and friendly group of people, we are barrier free.

THE LAKE ERIE COMMITTEE AND TACs

RODNEY 2016

The Lake Erie Committee comprises fishery managers from Michigan, New York, Ohio, Ontario and Pennsylvania. The committee’s work is facilitated by the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, a Canadian and U.S. agency on the Great Lakes. Each year the committee recommends a TAC for walleye and yellow perch. The TAC represents the number or weight of fish recommended to be caught by sport and commercial fishers without putting the fisheries at risk. The individual agencies implement the recommended total allowable catch.

Rodney Legion The first Friday of every month is our Friday Luncheon The second Sunday of the Month is our meat bingo doors open 1:30. Bingo starts at 2 Must be 19 Yrs to play The third Sunday of the month is our Brunch 9 am-12pm Every Saturday meat draw Early bird 4:30pm Regular 5pm.

SHEDDEN 2016

Shedden Library Hours: Tues. 2:30-8:30, Thurs. 2-5, Fri. 10 - 5, Sat. 2 - 5 764-2081.

Children’s Programs & Events Preschool Storytime Fridays, April 22 & 29, 11-11:45am Join us for songs, stories & crafts! For children ages 05 with a caregiver. Please preregister Rosy Rhubarb Fundraising Quilt: 'County Lines' Made by Pat Palmer, Quilted by Al & Heath Houghton Made from Japanese Fabric, measures 78" x 98"Tickets are $2.00 each or 3 for $5.00 Winner will be drawn Rosy Rhubarb Weekend Sunday, June 12 Special Programs & Events Knit & Crochet Group Tuesday, April 19, 7-8 pm Join us for an informal group to sit and share, learn from others and pick up new tricks!

Technology Help *Drop in hours every Tuesday from 6-7 pm *Scheduled appointments on Tuesdays 5-6 pm or 78:30 pm and Saturdays 2-5 pm. Book now by calling or emailing jpalleschi@elgin.ca

SPARTA 2016

Sparta Stitchers Every Tuesday 1- 4 pm, Sparta Community Hall. We quilt, tat, knit, embroider, smock, crotchet, etc. Everyone welcome. Cost is $5. session. Come learn a new skill.

Sally Martyn (519-775-2292).

Qigong will run every Sunday from 1:00 till 2:30 pm. Call Christine for more information 519-775-2748.

Village Collective Wednesday April 20: 7:30 speaker from Graces Café at the Sparta Church Museum

STRAFFORDVILLE 2016

Straffordville Community Center April 30th 9am-1pm is Electronics drop off day

ST. THOMAS 2016

St. Thomas & District Horticultural Society's Meeting Diane Parks of Park Blueberries and Country Store in Bothwell talks about 'Blueberry Culture' on Wednesday, April 27th, 7 p.m. at the Canada Southern Railway Station, 545 Talbot Street. Info: Richard at 519-633-3939..

Central United Church,135 Wellington St. Rock around the Clock with Frankie & the Fairlanes. Saturday, April 23 7 p.m. Tickets $20. Online: centraluc.ca/FundraisingEvents At Church Office or 519-631-3503/519-614-3249

TYRCONNELL 2016

Backus-Page House Museum, 29424 Lakeview Line, 519-762-3072. Backus-Page House Museum Clean Up Day Saturday, April 16, 9am – 4pm

UNION 2016

Union United Church, 6008 Stonechurch Rd., Rev. David Mitchell leads worship with Sunday School at 9:30 a.m.

Everyone welcome and we are barrier free. 519-631-0304 www.unionunitedchurch.ca

VIENNA 2016

Bayham Historical Society meets the 2nd Thursday of the month, 7:30 pm at the Vienna Community Centre. All are welcome. Call Bruce at 519 874-1822.

Photographers of the Otter Valley (POV) meet the last Monday of the month, 6:30 pm, Vienna Community Centre.

All are welcome. Call Bruce for details at 519 550-1822.

Vienna Community Center Bingo every Wed . doors open 5:30 bingo starts at 7:00 guaranteed 1000.00 jackpot Vienna Community Center

WEST LORNE 2016

The Treble Makers Women's Choir, presents "A Feast of Favourites", Saturday, April 30, 7:30 pm at West Lorne United Church, 273 Graham Road, (chair lift available).

The concert will feature the choir’s musical favourites performed over the last nine years, as they prepare to celebrate their 10th anniversary season in September, 2016.

Call 519-768-1717 for information & tickets.

The Lake Erie Beacon is pleased to support your local community events. We will make every effort to post promptly and accurately. If you would like to have your event posted on this page contact us at: See The

519 782-4563 or linda@lebeacon.ca

Lake Erie Beacon on facebook and www.issuu.com

Kanter Marine NOT Moving Andrew Hibbert In our April 1st edition we printed an article that reported that Boat Builder Kanter Marine of St. Thomas was relocating to a new facility in Wallaceburg.

This report was incorrect and we apologise to Kanter Marine for any problems that may arisen from the story. We were sent the story in December of 2015 but because we don’t print in January the article did not appear until our last edition. We had tried to verify the story through phone calls and research on the internet but were not able to get 100% confirmation. We felt the story was important to Port Stanley because Kanter Marine often launches new craft here in the harbour as they did with the small tug boats that turned out to be used for deploying or recovering marker buoys.

Again we apologise to Kanter Marine for the incorrect story.

The Lake Erie Beacon • Friday April 15, 2016 • Page 7

TIPS Call Leads to $5,000 Fine for Illegal Shoreline Work Rondeau Bay in the Village of Erieau.

A conservation officer from the Southern Marine Enforcement Unit, with assistance from the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority, investigated and determined that the work required a work permit. A permit had not been issued for the work, and a stop work order was subsequently issued.

Justice of the Peace Malcolm Rogers heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Chatham, on March 23, 2016.

Village of Erieau on Rondeau Bay

Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry A Chatham man and company have been fined a total of $5,000 for illegal shoreline work.

Ronald Field and Fieldco Properties Ltd. pleaded guilty and were each fined $2,500 under the Public Lands Act for dumping fill into Rondeau Bay on

Crown land without a work permit issued by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry. The altered property has been rehabilitated back to its original condition.

Court heard that in March 2015, the ministry’s TIPS line received a complaint of fill being dumped into

North Shore Community Classified Serving over 7000 Homes, Apartments, Farms & Businesses 60TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY THANK YOU Tom & Lola Groves Would like to thank Family and Friends who attended their 60th Wedding Anniversary Open House in March or sent wonderful emails, calls or cards with congrats and memories.

Each one of you were part of a celebration that brought them surprise visits, wonderful catch-ups, smiles to their faces and warmth to their hearts.

TREBLEMAKERS CHOIR The TrebleMakers Women’s Choir Sharon Little, Chief Treble Maker "Feast of Favourites" Saturday, Apr 30, 7:30 pm West Lorne United Church, Graham Rd, West Lorne Advance tickets: $12 Adults/$5 children $15/$6 at the door Limited seating Contact Jane Anton to reserve tickets 519-768-1717

The ministry reminds the public that a work permit is required before any shore lands are dredged or filled.

For further information on work permit requirements when working around shorelines and waterways, contact your local ministry office or conservation authority.

To report a natural resources violation, call the MNRF TIPS line at 1-877-847-7667 toll-free any time or contact your local ministry office during regular business hours. You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

Be a Doner Month Continued From Page 1 Of the 2,683 health card holders in the community, 1,145 are registered.

That is great.

If you have a donor card in your wallet, throw it out. It is useless. You must be registered in Ontario. You must be 16 years of age to register.

You can register online at “beadonor.ca”, or mail in a consent form. You can also register at any Service Ontario.

Now when you renew your license or health card, you will be asked to register.

Once you register, it is very important that you talk to all your family members and let them know your wishes. If you do not, and someone in your immediate family objects, your wishes might not be carried out.

There is no greater gift that almost all of us are able to give than the lifesaving organs we have within us. When the time comes, would not your heart vote to go on beating, your lungs breathing, your eyes seeing? Please sign up as a registered donor and tell your family and friends. We all have the power to save lives — use it.

Remember — the greatest gift that can be given is the Gift of Life.

Thanks to Lioness Sherry Wismer A-1 Lioness President fort this article.

North Shore SERVICE DIRECTORY

RETIREMENT CELEBRATION After 37 years working at Home Hardware, Port Stanley, Bev Filewood is saying “Good Bye”.

We invite you to stop in and wish Bev a “Happy Retirement”.

Open House Saturday, April 30th, 1-4p.m.

Home Hardware, Bridge Street Port Stanley Cake, coffee....

LOOKING FOR A “FOREVER HOME”!!!

Paul F. Lépine LAW OFFICE

Serving London, Port Stanley and Surrounding Area Family Law – Real Estate – Wills and Estates – Mediation If you have questions or concerns about your files please call...

519-432-4155 Fax 519-432-6861 or Email wendy@paullepine.ca Office consultations by appointment in London and Port Stanley

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Can’t get better than that!

PORT STANLEY PUBLIC SCHOOL 350 Carlow Road, Port Stanley N5L 1B6 Phone: 519-782-3983 Principal: Ms. Sheila Pinder Secretary: Mrs. Debbie Sutherland Friday, Apr 22, 2016 - Community Clean Up Wednesday, Apr 27, 2016 Hot Lunch Day - Quesadilla Meal Day Friday, Apr 29, 2016 - Character Recognition Assembly - PJ (spirit) Day

Gizmo

Jaz

Sacrifice. Everyone who is a parent knows, only too well the meaning of the word. You give up a lot when you have children, some more than others. We were contacted last week by a family who were looking to re-home their 8 (Gizmo) and 9 (Jaz) year old cats. This was not a choice made easily however, their 2 year old son had been ill since birth and on the advice of their doctor, the cats had to leave. Tears were shed, many, many tears. It would be like giving up half of your family.

These boys are absolutely gorgeous. Jaz is a long-haired tabby and white and Gizmo is a long haired grey tabby and white.

Both boys are scared and nervous but, will settle down in the coming days. I understand both are usually sweet natured and affectionate but, it may take some time for their true personalities to shine once more. After all, their world has been turned upside down and they don't understand why.

Animal Aide Association 333 Talbot St. St. Thomas

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Page 8 • The Lake Erie Beacon • Friday April 15, 2016

Elgin - St. Thomas Celebrates National Canadian Film Day Sandra Poczobut

plore the unique stories told by Canadians, to celebrate and raise the profile of Elgin - St. Thomas is excited to cele- the country’s talented film industry, brate National Canadian Film Day with and to introduce Canadians to a diverse Reel Fest, a free four-day film festival body of work made right here at home. running from April 20 - 23, 2016 at various In 2016, the event has grown to include locations across Elgin and St. Thomas. over 170 locations across the country and consists of screenings, discussion Our great country is home to a panels, and events about Canadian film. plethora of high quality films and on April 20, 2016, National Canadian Film Reel Fest will kick off on April 20, Day will pay tribute to the cinematic with an opening night celebration held stories that inspire us. The event, in its at the Masonic Centre of Elgin on Sunthird year, was created as a way to exset Drive. A screening of the film Tora,

starring world renowned Canadian environmentalist David Suzuki will be followed by a discussion of the film. Light appetizers and refreshments will be provided. Tickets for this free event can be picked up at local libraries and at the St. Thomas YWCA.

Hospital, the Elgin County Railway Museum, the Port Stanley Library, the Straffordville Library, the Springfield Library, the St. Thomas Library, Railway City Brewing, the Talbot Teen Centre, the Canadian Mental Health Association, the St. Thomas – Elgin Local ImmiLocations screening films during the gration Partnership, and Foodworks. festival include the Northside NeighA detailed schedule, list of locations, bourhood Hub, the Elgin County Muand films to be screened over the course seum, the St. Thomas – Elgin Public Art of the festival is attached or can be Centre, the St. Thomas – Elgin General found at www.reelfest.ca.

T H E L AKE ER I E BEAC ON

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