Serving Lake Erie’s North Shore Friday March 6, 2015
Tourism Outlook More Promising For 2015
INSIDE Enjoying the winter Almost every day he is out in the local woods and fields enjoying the weather. STORY PAGE 2
Port Bruce Report Catfish Creek Conservation Authority (CCCA) has started activities to hopefully assist in the ice break up this year. STORY PAGE 2
Treasure hunters claim to have found elusive 'Le Griffon' shipwreck in Lake Michigan Beneath the cold waves of Lake Michigan rests an aging shipwreck, its wooden planks encrusted with brownand-gray zebra mussels. STORY PAGE 3
Andrew Hibbert
$4,500 Fine for Careless Hunting Hunters are reminded to know their target and beyond before shooting at wildlife.. STORY PAGE 4
New U.S. Legislation aimed at keeping out the Carp Taylor concluded: “We must protect both the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River basins from destructive invasive species. STORY PAGE 4
LOOK AHEAD Community Events
Page 6
Classifieds & Service Directory Page 7 Business Roladex
Page 4 & 8
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On February 18th and 19th the Southwest Ontario Tourism Corporation (SOTC) held their fourth annual Southwest Tourism Conference at the Best Western Lamplighter Inn & Conference Centre in London. More than 200 tourism professionals were in attendance. The annual conference is a forum for those in the tourism industry to stay up-to-date with current trends, share ideas and network with colleagues. This is one of the only conferences that has programming geared toward the tourism operator while still providing a big picture view of what is happening in the tourism industry.
Canada discussed how we need to be Sharpening Canada’s Competitive Advantage – to Maximizing Tourism Growth in Canada and Jeff Miller, President & CEO, of Travel Portland talked about how Portland Oregon, Embraced its ‘Weird’ Reputation.
Above: The bridge brings tourists from the U.S. To South Western Ontario. Left: A regional tourist attraction the Submarine Ojibwa in Port Burwell. Even our own Kate Burns Gallagher, Business Development Coordinator for Elgin County, wa there to talk about young entrepreneurs building opportunities in tourism. As well as speakers the conference also included Plenary Sessions and Breakout Sessions such as “5 Things You Need to Know about Managing your Reputation Online”. There were also local tours including London’s Grand Theatre, Tobaggan Brewery with lunch for a small additional fee.
The conference included several guest speakers. Jim Hudson, Executive Director, Southwest Ontario Tourism Corp. talked about how The Times They Are A-Changin! Rob Taylor, President & CEO, Tourism Industry Association of
The prevailing theme of the conference seemed to be one of optimism for the coming year. In fact it was suggested that hotels, restaurants and Continued On Page 5
It’s beautiful but extremely dangerous Lake ice on Main Beach in Port Stanley attracts a lot of visitors.
Jim Taylor It’s icily alluringly in this oh so frigid winter. It’s starkly, coldly beautiful. It entices us to come and walk on its too white pristine surface. Skate on its sometimes-glassy face.
And the time a bunch of the village’s hockey rink rats, who didn’t have a rink in those times, were able to have a game of shinny on smooth black ice out beyond the lighthouse. Every time a goal was scored the game was halted while someone skated after the puck skittering away on the glassy surface.
And judging by the crowds of the curious the lure this year is stronger than ever. Ice and snow have filled Lake Erie. Literally. A rare event. It’s hard to resist a trek into this pristine white wilderness. Visit the Port Stanley shore on any given day and you’ll see crowds ... chilly clumps of the curious ... wandering out onto the featureless white desert. Walk to Erie, Pennsylvania anyone? Or maybe Cleveland? As a Port Stanley native I can relate
That was a thousand years ago. Or so.
to that. I recall a day in my youth when a friend and I skated into a headwind on glassy black ice all the way to Port Talbot. Then turned around, opened our jackets like sails, and blew home. Not something I would advise these days, but still a cherished memory. Right Keith?
These days you can’t help but cringe when you see people walk out from the shore. Far out. Many with their children in tow, or gamboling ahead of them. Make that gambling. From a vantage point high on the bluffs you can see patches of open water. Patches that shift and change. Never the same from Continued On Page 4
Page 2 • The Lake Erie Beacon • Friday March 6, 2015
Applications for Parents Reaching Out Grants Now Open Ministry of Education Ontario is helping parents get more involved in their children’s education by supporting local initiatives to encourage learning and well-being. Grant applications for the 2015-16 school year will be accepted until May 19.
Enjoying the winter David Harding shown in the photo above, lives near Port Bruce and loves the winter. He says, “I hate to hear people complain about the cold and snow, just get out and enjoy it”. David is an avid cross county skier who will ski from the Harding Smith Line six miles to Port Bruce then cross country to Sparta another six miles where he visits
PORT BRUCE REPORT Cathy Crane
Ice Mitigation Activities Catfish Creek Conservation Authority (CCCA) has started activities to hopefully assist in the ice break up this year. Ice mitigation activities are now being regularly posted on the CCCA website (www.catfishcreek.ca). The update is listed under “News Releases” on their home page. As of February 25th, the average thickness of the ice is approximately 15 inches. Holes are being drilled to assist in the breakup, with the flow of the creek eroding the lower surface and weakening the ice. The dragline will also be in operation at the pier to break ice. Watch their website for up to date reports.
friends then back home again. Almost every day he is out in the local woods and fields enjoying the weather and the winter wonderland from four to five hours a day. David says he is 75+ years old but winter does not keep him from enjoying life.
Also posted on the CCCA website is information on the watershed conditions, including advisories and warnings. Two very important advisories for people in flood prone areas are the ‘Flood Watch’ and ‘Flood Warning’. A “Flood Watch’ is when flooding is possible along specific waterways or municipalities and those living in flood prone areas should prepare in the event of rising water levels. A ‘Flood Warning’ means flooding is imminent or already occurring in specific areas along the waterway and people should prepare to evacuate. Port Bruce residents and those living along Catfish Creek are fortunate to have the CCCA monitoring ice and water flow conditions.
In the 2014-15 school year, the government funded more than 2,200 projects that helped identify barriers to parent engagement and found local solutions to help more parents get involved in their children’s education. Projects include: •
Promoting parent engagement in their child’s learning in areas like math.
•
Providing outreach to parents from diverse backgrounds.
•
Translating materials into languages used by the school community.
Minister of Education Liz Sandals ronment where business thrives and building a secure savings plan so everyone can afford to retire. QUOTES “When parents are active in their children’s education, student wellbeing and achievement are improved — especially in challenging areas like math. This helps students reach their full potential and better prepares them for a bright future.” — Liz Sandals, Minister of Education
“School councils and Parent Involvement Committees appreciate this grant • Increasing parent engagement in as a way to overcome barriers program isolated communities. to parent engagement in our own com• Making schools and boards more munities and help more parents get inwelcoming for parents. volved. These grants are one of many • Workshops to show parents why en- practical and innovative tools and resources that help foster parent engagegagement is important and how ment in their children’s learning.” — they can become more involved in Amy Mack, Parent Involvement Comtheir children’s success at school. mittee Co-Chair, Limestone District Encouraging parents to get involved School Board in their children’s education is part of QUICK FACTS the government's economic plan for Ontario. The four-part plan is building • Research shows that children do betOntario up by investing in people's talter in school when their parents play ents and skills, building new public inan active role in their education. frastructure like roads and transit, creating a dynamic, supportive enviContinued On Page 7
When CCCA advises of a flood ‘watch’ or ‘warning’ the Township of Malahide is notified and the flood warning system is initiated. Residents may receive more than one contact from the township’s flood Continued On Page 7
The event is organized by the
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The Lake Erie Beacon • Friday March 6, 2015 • Page 3
Treasure hunters claim to have found elusive 'Le Griffon' shipwreck in Lake Michigan Left: Image of the shipwreck thought to be the 1679 French ship Griffon taken by diver Kevin Dykstra.
Laura Geggel Live Science January 2015 Beneath the cold waves of Lake Michigan rests an aging shipwreck, its wooden planks encrusted with brownand-gray zebra mussels, that may be the remnants of a 17th-century ship called the Griffon, two Michigan-based treasure hunters say. Le Griffon was constructed and launched at or near Cayuga Creek on the Niagara River as a seven-cannon, 45-ton barque. La Salle and Father Louis Hennepin set out on Le Griffon's maiden voyage on August 7, 1679 with a crew of 32, sailing across Lake Erie, Lake Huron and Lake Michigan through uncharted waters that only canoes had previously explored. La Salle disembarked and on September 18 sent the ship back toward Niagara. On its return trip from Green Bay, Wisconsin, it vanished with all six crewmembers and a load of furs.
Below: "The Sailing of The Griffon" Wall Panel at the Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society Painted by H. T. Koerner, 1904.
Unsolved Mystery
lish. The Native plan to return it to the state, said Dean Americans told Anderson, the state La Salle the crew Using side scan sonar, the two treas- planned to sail archaeologist for Michigan. ure hunters found the remains of the toward the Straits shipwreck in Lake Michigan. Despite of Mackinac in About 1,500 shipphotos from several underwater dives, stormy weather. wrecks have been it's still unclear whether the wreck is "The [American] found on the bottom the 1679 French ship Griffon that Indians told the of Lake Michigan, French explorer René-Robert Cavelier, captain not to sail Anderson said, and Sieur de La Salle built in 1679, but was out, to wait the it's unclear whether lost in Lake Michigan the same year. storm out, but he this one is the Grifwouldn't listen to fon. "It's very diffiIn 2011, Michigan-based treasure them," Baillod cult to access a wreck hunters Kevin Dykstra and Frederick said. The captain based on photo and Monroe found the shipwreck as they lost control of the film footage," Anderwere searching for a $2 million in gold ship as strong son said. If the state that, according to local legend, fell winds blew it underwater archaefrom a ferry crossing Lake Michigan in away from shore, ologist were to look at the wreck, he the 1800s, they told WZZM, a western southward, toward islands in the diswould look for artifacts that could be Michigan news station. Their sonar tance. "They lost the ship from sight," dated, such as ceramics or glass. recorded a mass below, and Dykstra Baillod said, "and that's the last anydove into the water to take video. "I didn't go down there with the expecta- body has ever seen of the Griffon". tion of seeing a shipwreck — I can tell About 30 adventurers have claimed you that," Dykstra told Live Science. to have found the Griffon, usually by When he and Monroe later reviewed happenstance, Baillod said. "They're looking for something else, they find an the video, they realized it might be the old ship and they've heard of the GrifGriffon. But other experts aren't convinced. Rather, it may be the remnants fon, so they pronounce it the Griffon." Moreover, Baillod said he hasn't heard Little Ones with of a tugboat that was scrapped after "steam engines became more econom- of anyone looking for the Griffon near Broken Hearts ical to operate," said Brendon Baillod, a the Beaver Island archipelago, which is February was heart month. Retailers cram likely the area mentioned in La Salle's Great Lakes historian who has written their shelves with chocolates, paper hearts, cards journal. But the latest finding, made and a variety of stuffed creatures singing “wild scholarly papers on the Griffon. The thing’. (Yes nothing says I love you like commerwreck's discoverers agree that more ev- popular again by Wreck Diving Maganumber a holds issue, latest its in zine cialized rubbish) It’s also a time to think about idence is needed. our own heart health. I’ve talked before about of clues about the ship's past. State archaeologists reviewed the healthy eating, exercise, quitting smoking, blah, "There was no rudder on the boat," footage, and "They've been very diliblah blah. Some people take my advice ‘to Dykstra said. "That was kind of telling heart’ whereas others choose to ignore it. We’re gent to say, 'This is really interesting; all adults and these are the choices we make. these are some neat pictures,'" Dykstra to us that the ship probably weathered But what if heart health wasn’t a choice? What if said. "Can we call this the Griffon? Cer- a storm; otherwise, there would probayou were born with a broken heart? tainly not — not without a lot more in- bly be a rudder on it." They also found could said they that ship the of part a A congenital heart defect (CHD) happens formation — but these are very when the heart or the blood vessels near the compelling." La Salle sailed the Griffon be a mussel-covered Griffon, the mythical beast carved onto the ship's bow. heart don't develop normally before birth. It octhrough the Great Lakes and crossed curs in 1 in 100 births and represents the most a be may what cover mussels Zebra into Lake Michigan in an effort to reach frequent birth defect in newborns. In most ship. the of bow the on Griffon the mouth of the Mississippi River, cases, there is no clear cause why. Sometimes, Baillod said. But the explorer ran out of On a subsequent dive, Dykstra took things like viral infections or drug or alcohol money, so he disembarked with the a magnet with him to help determine abuse during pregnancy, or genetic conditions other expedition leaders, leaving the the metal composition of the ship. Unare the culprit. The defects may be detected expectedly, a nail attached itself to the ship and its crew to pay off his debts during pregnancy, after birth or even once the with a cargo of furs that were loaded in magnet, and the treasure hunters only person has reached adulthood. discovered it later, once they were northern Lake Michigan. The ship was CHD can be managed in a variety of ways deabove water. "When we had it looked last seen by natives in the northern pending on the type of defect. Non-invasive proat, they [the archaeologists] could tell part of the lake. cedures where a small tube (catheter) is that the nail was very old," Dykstra carefully guided to the heart from the groin or La Salle never saw the Griffon again. said. "It was a hand-forged nail, which leg can be used to repair holes in the heart or to La Salle returned to the area in 1682, to helps date it back to that time period, try again to locate the Mississippi's we feel." mouth. But members of the The state of Michigan has rules stipPotawatomi tribe brought pieces of the ulating that artifacts found on state ship to the explorer, including some land, including the land at the bottom moldy beaver furs and a pair of sailor's of the US side of the Great Lakes, are britches, said Baillod, who translated state property. The two men did not La Salle's journal from French to Engbring up the nail on purpose, and they
Baillod said he is "99 percent sure" that the wreck is not that of the Griffon. The figurehead likely isn't the remains of a Griffon, he said, but a "big encrustation of zebra mussels," on burned wood. He noted that the wreck is near the western Michigan coast, not near Beaver Island, the area mentioned in La Salle's journal. But Dykstra and Monroe said they'll wait until they hear the final word. They're not going back to the wreckage for a while, so they don't make the site vulnerable to other treasure seekers. In the meantime, the duo plans to continue their hunt for the gold bullion. "It's a mystery ship that got in our way," Dykstra said, "and now, we're going for the gold".
New Griffon Book A recently published book by Great Lakes authors Cris Kohl and Joan Forsberg of Seawolf Communications, Inc. Cris and Joan spoke in Port Stanley in August of 2013.
HealthTalk Steve Bond, BScPhm, RPh, CDE Pharmacist/Manager
open closed blood vessels. In some instances, more invasive surgery is required and in some cases, a series of operations may be required. In most cases, medications which we commonly use in adults need to be specially made in a form that a child can take (liquid, gummy bear, suppository). Careful dose adjustments are required as the child grows to adulthood and an entire team of doctors, nurses and pharmacists are involved in the care. Previously, less than 20 % of those with CHD made it past their teens but now, thanks to advancements in surgical procedures and medications, more than 95% will reach adulthood. While these statistics are heart-warming, they pose a problem — resources need to be available to follow these adults, and further research is required to develop the best guidelines for these adults. Also twice as many children die from congenital heart defects each year than from all forms of childhood cancer combined, We have come a long way to combat CHD, but there is still more to go. Take care of yourselves and each other. For more information, check out our blog: yurekpharmacy.wordpress.com
Take care of yourself and each other. For more information, check out our blog: yurekpharmacy.wordpress.com 519 Talbot Street, St. Thomas 631-3330 PROFESSIONAL CONSULTATION AVAILABLE CONVENIENT HOURS: Monday to Friday 9 am - 9 pm, Saturday 9 am - 6pm, Sunday 10 am - 4 pm
Page 4 • The Lake Erie Beacon • Friday March 6, 2015
$4,500 Fine for Careless Hunting Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry
Forestry conducted a joint investigation into the shooting.
A Tillsonburg area man has been fined $4,500 for careless hunting.
Justice of the Peace Donald Dudar heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Simcoe, on February 26, 2015.
Richard Helsdon pleaded guilty and was fined $4,500 for discharging a firearm without due care and attention for people or property. He is prohibited from hunting for one year and must successfully complete the Ontario Hunter Education Course before hunting in the province again. His firearm was also forfeited to the Crown. Court heard that on December 3, 2013, Helsdon was hunting in a party engaged in a deer drive in the Carson Side Road area of Norfolk County. He saw a deer running through a field and shot in its direction. The shot missed the deer but hit a member of the hunting party in the leg. Norfolk County Ontario Provincial Police and conservation officers with the Ministry of Natural Resources and
Hunters are reminded to know their target and beyond before shooting at wildlife. A conservation officer must be notified as soon as practicable if an injury requiring treatment by a physician is caused by the discharge of a firearm while hunting or trapping. For further information on hunting regulations, please consult the Hunting Regulations Summary available at ontario.ca/hunting. To report a natural resources violation, call the MNRF TIPS line at 1877-847-7667 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).
It’s beautiful but extremely dangerous
Lake ice on Main Beach in Port Stanley attracts a lot of visitors including many who venture out on the pier.
Continued From Page 1
before. A Port Stanley form of Russian roulette .... with fluid, shifting odds.
day to day. And even though the lake is almost completely covered, twice in the past two weeks large freighters were spotted far offshore slowly, very slowly, plowing a path up the lake, led by ice-breaking tugs.
It’s beautiful, it’s awesome but no one should ignore the fact that it’s extremely dangerous. An offshore wind or subtle rise in temperature the lake returns to, well, a lake. So come to the village, go to the beaches, even walk out on the icy pier. I know I do.
The lure of the ice is irresistible and crowds of the curious seem to ignore But remember sometimes beauty the dangers, wandering further and furcomes with a bite. ther from shore. Sometimes out to where there was open water just a day
New U.S. Legislation aimed at keeping out Carp Marc Gaden Great Lakes Fishery Commission
Canadian Coast Guard frees U.S. freighter from Lake Erie ice The Canadian Press The Canadian Press reported that near the end of February two Canadian Coast Guard icebreakers freed a U.S. freighter stuck in the ice for days on southern Lake Erie. A spokeswoman for the Coast Guard says the S.S. Arthur M. Anderson had been trapped in the ice near Conneaut Harbor, Ohio, about 75 kilometres northeast of Cleveland, since Tuesday. Carol Launderville says two Canadian Coast Guard Ships, the Griffon
ANN ARBOR, MI—The Great Lakes Fishery Commission lauded U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (MI) and Representative Candice Miller (MI) for the introduction of bi-cameral, bipartisan legislation aimed at preventing the migration of invasive species between the Great Lakes and Mississippi River watersheds through canals in the Chicago area. The bill, entitled “Defending Our Great Lakes Act,” is motivated by the relentless movement of Asian carp toward the
The Port Stanley Promotional Brochure In the early spring of this year, 2015, we will again be publishing and distributing the Port Stanley Map Brochure. This tourism brochure is delivered to US/Canada border crossings from Port Huron to Niagara. To Information stands along the 401 from Toronto to Windsor as well as in Hotels and Motels in London, Brantford and Hamilton. The brochure also goes to every other information stand in Southwestern Ontario.
and the Samuel Risley, created a track through the ice north of the Anderson in order to free it. Launderville says that the Griffon has moved on to help escort an oil tanker to Nanticoke, Ontario and the Samuel Risley is now escorting the Anderson to the Detroit area, which could take a day or more depending
If your business would like to be part of this advertising campaign please contact Linda at 519-782-4563 This is the only stand-alone brochure that promotes Port Stanley
Continued On Page 6
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Last year, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers released the “Great Lakes Mississippi River Interbasin Study” (GLMRIS), Continued On Page 6
The Arthur M. Anderson, left, is seen struck in the ice on Lake Erie, near Conneaut Harbor, Ohio, on Thursday. (Canadian Coast Guard Photo)
Bonnie Mudge
Great Lakes region, but it would also address many other species that threaten the Great Lakes and Mississippi River basins. The bill directs the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to work with other authorities to take immediate steps at the Brandon Road Lock and Dam, at Joliet, IL, just outside Chicago — a suitable location for invasive species control — while continuing to drive toward long-term, permanent solutions to the waterway as a vector.
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The Lake Erie Beacon • Friday March 6, 2015 • Page 5
Tourism Outlook More Promising For 2015
sector in SW Ontario •
Continued From Page 1 tourist attractions should be gearing up for a busy season that’s expected to bring more Americans and Canadians to Southwestern Ontario.
It is the largest employer of youth by far (especially important when youth unemployment is twice the overall national average)
Jen Moore, Marketing Manager for SOTC added to what Jim was saying about the lower loonie — there is also a strong possibility for more Canadians to travel within Canada. You may have noticed a bit of a trend in the media with ads promoting savings to “offset the Canadian dollar”.
“It’s upbeat. It’s an industry that’s really in flux, but in a good way,” said Jim Hudson, executive director of the Southwest Ontario Tourism Corp. He went on to say, “I’m very optimistic, ex- Areas to focus on pecting the rate of growth for tourism I asked Jim what areas or promoexpenditures in our region to exceed tions our local tourism operators and the average of the last few years.” marketers should be concentrating on. I asked Jim what signs would indicate He answered with the following. a better year for 2015? He replied, “I ex• Marketing to the U.S. (see below) pect a strong improvement because: • Understanding the “sharing econ• The number of Americans with omy” and how it may impact us posipassports has tripled to 120 million tively or negatively e.g. Airbnb, Uber • The U.S economy is strong (Airbnb is a website for people to rent out lodging and Uber is that somewhat controversial taxi service)
• Outbound tourism from the US to all countries set a record last year • The loonie is lower
•
• Gas prices are lower and we are a “rubber tire market”, meaning that most Ontario tourists come by car.
Managing online marketing and reputations e.g. TripAdvisor, Yelp, etc.
•
Partnering opportunities e.g. with other tourism operators to create packages or itineraries, especially those leading to overnight stays
• I expect the Canadian government to realize its earlier error and get • back into the US market through its funding of the Canadian Tourism Commission; locally we plan to substantially increase our focus on that market as well
Other Thoughts coming out of the conference Many people underestimate the value of tourism •
Tourists spend over $1.75 billion a year in our region
•
Over 18,000 people work in the
Don’t underestimate the value of attractions in our own backyard e.g. Ojibwa submarine in Port Burwell which was named Tourism Innovator of 2014 for all of Canada; our growing winery and craft beer sectors and don’t forget to advertise to tourists who live locally
The Southwest Ontario Tourism Corporation operates as a non-profit organization, working to promote tourism as a vital economic driver. The regional tourism organization has offices from Windsor to Cayuga in Haldimand County.
CCCA Trail Rehab and Promotion Project Karen Vecchio Executive Assistant Joe Preston, MP Elgin families, residents and visitors will soon benefit from Catfish Creek Conservation Authority (CCCA) Rehabilitation and Promotion Project to federal investments to expand and improve snowmobile, all-terrain vehicle, off-road motorcycle and non-motorized recreational trails from coast to coast to coast. Canada has a vast network of recreational trails, which allow Canadians to experience the outdoors and appreciate this country’s natural beauty. Thanks to a partnership between the Government of Canada and the National Trails Coalition, $10 million has been made available between 2014 and 2016 to help expand and rehabilitate Canada’s snowmobile, allterrain vehicle and non-motorized trail system. CCCA will be receiving $14,000 through the Federal National Recreational Trails Program to assist with their project. Between 150 and 200 projects are expected to be supported across Canada. The National Trails Coalition is responsible for selecting
LtoR: Kim Smale (CCCA); Sally Martyn (Chair - CCCA); Henry Tenhor (CCCA Volunteer); MP Joe Preston and approving projects. “Our Government is pleased to support Catfish Creek Conservation Authority Rehabilitation and Promotion Project as part of our efforts to expand and improve recreational and multipurpose trails across the country” stated MP Preston. “By investing in trail infrastructure, our Government is encouraging job creation, linking communities and increasing recreational opportunities for Canadians. Through this commitment, we are continuing to support economic growth from coast to coast to coast while ensuring that Canadian communities remain among the best in the world to live.” Today’s announcement is just one of many examples of supported projects that will positively impact Canadian communities. Projects like Catfish Creek Conservation Authority Rehabilitation and Promotion Project will contribute to ensuring access to Canada’s unique scenery while generating economic growth and creating jobs.
Page 6 • The Lake Erie Beacon • Friday March 6, 2015
North Shore Community Events F E S T I V A L S
PORT STANLEY 2015
Port Stanley Community Policing Requires volunteers. To help protect your village, call 519-782-3934 or Carroll at 519-782-7616, email pscp@rogers.com Port Stanley Library 782-4241 304 Bridge St. Mon, Tues, Thurs, 10 - 8:30 Fri 1 - 5, Sat 9 - 1. Children’s Programs Maker Mondays, 6-6:45pm Calling all makers - Explore the bounds of materials and technology . Please pre-register! Pajama-Rama Mondays, 6:30-7pm. Stories & songs for all ages. No registration required, please drop in! Pre-School Story Time Tuesdays, 10:15am-11am . Songs, stories & crafts for children aged 0-5 with their caregiver. Please pre-register! Games Night Thursdays, 6pm, Come and meet new friends & get your game on! All ages are welcome - please drop in! Exploring the Alphabet Mondays, March 12 & 26, 1111:45am, letter sounds & names through songs, stories & lots of fun activities for ages 2 1/2 to 6 yrs with their caregiver Sign up now! Register through the library. March Break Events, Please pre-register for all events! Monday, March 16, Mr. Potato Head 6-7pm Bring a potato and your imagination....All ages are welcome! Tuesday, March 17, Pirate Party! 11am-12pm Craft, activities & snacks all ages are welcome! Tuesday March 10th Annual bakeoff "Ain't muffin better" Tuesday, March 17, Judging at 11:30am Please bring 1 dozen muffins to share all ages event! Thursday, March 19, Captain Corbin, 11am-12pm Entertainment with Captain Corbin! All ages! Adult Programs Card Making Monday, March 9, 10am12pm Create some handmade cards with Adriana $5 / person please preregister! IttyBittyKnittyCommittee Thursday, March 12 & 26, 7-8 pm Come for an informal meeting learn from others & pick up new tricks and patterns All levels are welcome, please drop in! Scrapbooking Monday, March 23, 10am-12pm Bring your photos for a creative scrapbooking session | $5 / person please preregister! We've got game! PLAYSTATION 4 is here! Come and try: NHL 2015, Just Dance 2015, Lego Movie Videogame, & Minecraft NEW Wii GAMES. Recently added: Cars, Lego Harry Potter, Just Dance Kids 2, Lord of the Rings Special Programs Winter Reading Club. "Once Upon a Winter" Now till March 21. Receive a ballot when you check out books -1/day Weekly draws for adults! Grand Prize for Kids! Quilting in the Library Come on in and try your hand at quilting for a good cause. Everyone is welcome to participate! Thread and needles provided - please bring your own thimble. 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 11 am followed by a time of fellowship. Come join us. We are now wheelchair friendly and barrier free. Port Stanley Youth Group at St. John's Presbyterian Special Evening Service, March 15th,4:30 pm, Followed by Supper, Anyone welcome. Serving Shepherds Pie. Call 519-782-3971. Port Stanley Village Association meets the third Thursday of the month 7- 8:30 pm. All welcome. VON Foot Care Clinic February 26 at The Villa Apts, 289 Frances Street 8 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Call 519-782-4089 for appointment. Sponsored by Port Stanley Lioness Club. The Port Stanley Lioness will be serving PANCAKES and MAPLE SYRUP every Saturday and Sunday in March and the Wednesday of March Break from 9am to 3pm at Palmers Maple Syrup 34308 Lakeline Road Port Stanley. All proceeds go back into the community. The Port Stanley Lioness Great Chilli Cookoff, Friday, March 20 at the Port Stanley Legion. 6 pm. Come on out for a fun night. See you there! 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. Heritage Port will meet March 26th, 1:30 pm at the Port Stanley Festival Theatre. Post Card books Vol. 1 & Vol 2 now available, $90 each, only 1 set remaining. Port Stanley the First 100 Years, $25. Get yours at the Lake Erie Beacon, 204-A Carlow Road, side door, 1-5 pm. Proceeds to Heritage Port. 519 782-4563. 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 519-685-2101 (Marie Geerts). Port Stanley Legion Branch #410 Summer Hours: Mon. & Thurs., 12-7, Tues. & Fri., 12-10, Wed. 11-10. 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.
The Lake Erie Beacon 204 A Carlow Road Port Stanley, Ontario N5L 1C5 Phone: (519) 782-4563
&
E V E N T S
PORT BURWELL/VIENNA 2015 St. Paul’s Port Burwell /Vienna Sunday Services St. Paul's P.B./Vienna United 11:00 am Port Burwell Trinity Anglican 11:30 am Port Burwell Lighthouse Gospel Church 10:45 am Port Burwell Legion Br. 524 Mixed Dart Tournament, Everyone Welcome. Sign up 10:am Start 11:00am. Teams & Doubles. $40:00 per team. 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 519-8744028 for information. Museum Bayham meet the 2nd Wednesday of the month 7pm, Municipal Office in Strafforville. 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. Port Burwell Historical Society meets the 3rd Tuesday of the month, 7 pm at the Marine Museum. Call 519 874-4135. 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. Photographers of the Otter Valley (POV) meet the last Monday of the month, 6:30 pm, Bayham Public Library in Straffordville. All are welcome. Call Bruce at 519 874-1822. Hubbub at the Sub Hub Pub is bubbling back! Join us for improvisation workshops every Thursday 8-9:30pm at the Lighthouse Restaurant. Members free, non-members $2. Have fun, gain confidence, new skills, and friends. www.periscopeplayhouse.ca or marionrogers@prodigy.net.mx
AYLMER 2015 Aylmer 50 + Seniors Welcome you to join them for Euchre or Bridge Every Monday 1 - 3:30 pm upstairs at Aylmer Legion Admission $2.
DEXTER 2015
Dexter United Church Dexter Line. Service of Worship at 9:15 am followed by a time of fellowship.
DUTTON 2015
Dutton & District LIONS famous, full breakfast: Sunday; March 8, 9 am- 1 pm, in LIONS DEN (behind Dutton Dunwich Community Centre) Adults $7. Dutton & District LIONS First Annual “Easter Ham Bingo”: Friday; March 20, 7 pm, in Dutton Dunwich Community Centre. Admission $1 (Door prize); 50/50 draw & 20 games at .25 cents per card, per game.
FINGAL 2015 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.
SHEDDEN 2015 Shedden Library Hours: Tues. 2:30-8:30, Thurs. 2-5, Fri. 10 - 5, Sat. 2 - 5 764-2081. Children’s Programs Preschool Story Time Fridays, 1111:45am. Songs, stories & crafts for children ages 0-5 with their caregiver - please pre-register! Games Day Saturdays, 2:30-4:30 pm Drop in and bring your family to play traditional card & board games as well as Wii! March Break Events Please pre-register for all programs Tuesday, March 17, Pirate Party, 6-7pm Craft, activities & snacks! All ages welcome! FRIDAY 2nd Annual BakeOff "Ain't muffin better"Friday, March 20, Judging at 11:30am Please bring 1 dozen to share all ages! Friday, March 20, Captain Corbin 11am-12pm Enjoy entertainment by Captain Corbin! All ages welcome! Thank you to the Shedden Truck & Tractor Pull for sponsoring this event! Adult Programs & Events Card Making Tuesday, March 3, 6pm Create some handmade cards with Adriana $5 / person please preregister! Special Programs & Events Winter Reading Club 2015 "Once Upon a Winter" Till March 21. Receive a ballot when you check out books (limit 1 ballot per day) Weekly draws for Adults! Grand Prize for Kids! New Wii Games! Recently added to our collection: Disney Princess Enchanted Journey & Disney Pirates of the Caribbean Lego Print, photocopy & fax your resume for free! Sponsored by the Trillium Foundation which is an agency of the Government of Ontario MARCH PICKS See the full list at: http://libraryreads.org/ The love song of Miss Queenie Hennessy : a novel Dead Wake : The Last Crossing of the Lusitania
on the ice conditions. Trinity Anglican Church March 11, 12 pm, Lenten Lunch Concert Series, featuring , WILLIAM LUPTON, Soup, Sandwich, Dessert following Concert, $8.00, 519-631-7000 Trinity Anglican Church March 18th, 12pm, Lenten Lunch Concert Series featuring ROBERT TOWERS, Soup, Sandwich, Dessert following Concert $8.00, 519-631-7000 Knox Presbyterian Church, 55 Hincks Street, Rummage Sale/Boutique, Saturday, March 21, 8:30A.M-11:30A.M. Sunday School serving coffee and cookies - freewill donation. Proceeds to “Keeping A Roof” Y.W.C.A. Program. Central United Church, 135 Wellington St presents The Broadway Singers, Love is in the Air Concert, Apr 18 7:30 p.m. Adults $15 Children $7.50 519-631-3503, 519-614-3249
TYRCONNELL 2015 Backus-Page House Museum, 29424 Lakeview Line, 519-762-3072. Backus-Page House Museum Monthly Clubs! New … 4th Tuesday, Family History Club 7pm THS Members free or $5/person. New … 2nd Wednesday, Textile Arts Club (bring your own project or hand quilt with us) 7pm THS Members free or $5/person
UNION 2015 Union United Church, 6008 Stonechurch Rd., Rev. David Mitchell leads worship with Sunday School at 9:30 a.m. We are welcoming friendly Family of Faith and are barrier free. For info 519-631-0304 and our website: www.unionunitedchurch.ca Union and Sparta Community Centres March 7th, Youth Baseball Registration, 10 a.m. - 12 noon. For more information call Donna - 519-631-9455 for Union teams and Sally 519-775-2292 for Sparta teams.
VIENNA 2015 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.
WEST LORNE 2015 The Treble Makers Women’s Choir Women 14 and up who love to sing! Join us for a 3 month FREE trial! Have you thought it'd be fun- but didn't want to make the commitment? Be a part of our group, learn to sing and read music. Sing with us at our next concert! You’re invited to join us for rehearsals on Wednesdays from 7-9 in the WESES music room, West Lorne. For details about this offer, please contact Jane: 519-768-1717. The Arts & Cookery Bank March 10 – Fest-a-Month: Ireland Dining Experience 519-768-9986, – www.theartsandcookerybank.com The Arts & Cookery Bank March 12 – The Lost Arts Makin’ Homemade Marshmallows 519-768-9986 – www.theartsandcookerybank.com The Arts & Cookery Bank March 16-20-- Culinary Boot Camp 519-768-9986 – www.theartsandcookerybank.com The Arts & Cookery Bank March 16-20-- Shutterbug Boot Camp 519-768-9986 – www.theartsandcookerybank.com The Arts & Cookery Bank March 25 – The Lost Arts— Back to Basics…Gluten Free 519-768-9986 – www.theartsandcookerybank.com
Port Stanley Polar Bear Dip, Saturday, March 28 at Little Beach Registration 10 am, Dip is 1pm. Organized by The Port Stanley Firefighters Association. Contact Darryl Gratton, Firefighters Association 519 932-0390. There will be an evening of entertainment provided by Elvis Impersonator Roy LeBlanc from 8pm-12midnight. Location: Masonic Hall, 42703 Fruit Ridge Line, corner of Fruit Ridge and Sunset Drive. Licensed, Finger foods will be provided. $40/person. Proceeds to Childcan, Supporting Children and Families through Childhood Cancer. To donate please go to http://2015portstanleypolarbeardip.kintera.org/childcan
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SPARTA 2015 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). AA Group Meetings: Tuesdays at 8 pm in the lower hall at the Community Centre.
ST. THOMAS 2015 Abundant Life Fellowship Join us at the Timken Community Centre - Doug Tarry room (2 Third Ave.) at 6 pm on Saturdays for a free meal followed by our celebration service. For more info call 519-633-9207 or go to www.abundantlifestthomas.ca
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
Canadian Coast Guard frees U.S. freighter from Lake Erie ice Continued From Page 4
The Port Stanley Community Food Bank at Christ Anglican Church PLEASE!!! We are servicing more clients this year than ever before! We need you to drop off non-perishable items at Foodland or call 519 782-3122 for pick-up. The food bank is open the third week of the month: Tues. 3:30-6 pm Thurs. 10 - Noon For cheque donations please send to: Port Stanley Foodbank, c/o Christ Church, 283 Colborne St. Port Stanley, On. , N5L 1A9 Ad sponsored by the Lake Erie Beacon
Launderville says none of the ships were in danger. In a side note the U.S. Coast Guard reported that the Arthur M. Anderson was the last ship to be in radio contact with the S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald before it sank in a Lake Superior storm in 1975 killing all 29 onboard.
New U.S. Legislation aimed at keeping out the Carp Continued From Page 4 which outlined options to prevent the movement of species between the two basins through the Chicago Area Waterway System, or “CAWS”. In 2012, the Great Lakes Commission and the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative produced a plan (“Restoring the Natural Divide”), which also contained options for the canal. The Brandon Road Lock and Dam, which is downstream of the current electrical barrier system, is widely seen as an appropriate point to install some of the technologies envisioned in GLMRIS and other reports. “Senator Stabenow’s and Representative Millers’ legislation recognizes that action consistent with GLMRIS and Restoring the Natural Divide can and must occur immediately, while there is still time to prevent an Asian carp invasion,” said Michigan State University professor William Taylor, the Great Lakes Fishery Commission’s U.S. Section Chair. “Consensus is growing that immediate steps at the Brandon Road Lock and Dam is not only possible, it is also essential if the movement of harmful invasive species like the Asian carp and snakehead are to be stopped.” “The Stabenow-Miller legislation is necessary to keep the momentum moving forward in our collective efforts to address invasive species in the CAWS,” Taylor continued. “Most stakeholders agree that an invasive species inhibiting structure at the Brandon Road Lock and Dam can and should be achieved as soon as possible. This legislation seeks the art of the possible by addressing the most immediate opportunities first while not easing up on the pursuit of innovative, permanent, long-term solutions.” Taylor concluded: “We must protect both the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River basins from destructive invasive species. Although Asian carp motivate this bill, the GLMRIS study pointed out that the Great Lakes are potentially the source of at least 22 harmful species that could invade the Mississippi River and the Mississippi River is the potential source of at least 10 species, including three species of Asian carp, that could invade the Great Lakes. The Army Corps must address the CAWS pathway to protect the $7 billion Great Lakes fishery. I commend Senator Stabenow and Congresswoman Miller for their unrelenting work to stanch the tide of invasive species that cost billions of dollars in damage to the U.S. and Canada each year." The Great Lakes Fishery Commission is an international organization established by the United States and Canada through the 1954 Convention on Great Lakes Fisheries. The commission has the responsibility to promote measures that protect and improve the multi-billiondollar Great Lakes fishery.
The Lake Erie Beacon • Friday March 6, 2015 • Page 7
Applications for Parents Reaching Out Grants Now Open Continued From Page 2 •
Since 2006, the government has awarded more than 15,000 Parents Reaching Out grants to school councils and more than 568 regional grants — a total investment of more than $24 million to help increase parent involvement.
•
Recent Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) results show that 72 per cent of Grades 3 and 6 students are mastering reading, writing and math skills. This is up 18 percentage points compared to 2003.
• In 2013, 83 per cent of students graduated from high school, up from 68 per cent in 2004. • The Parents Reaching Out grants support the four key goals of the government’s renewed vision for education in Ontario: achieving excellence, ensuring equity, promoting well-being and enhancing public confidence. See more at: www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/ parents/reaching.html
Port Bruce Report Continued From Page 2
Crane on standby at Port Bruce. warning system. The first may be altering homeowners of the ‘watch’, or possible flooding, and then if necessary a ‘warning’. If you would like to have your name added to the contact list, or change contact numbers, email addresses etc., please contact the Township of Malahide office at (519) 773-5344.
Further Throughout a flood event, the CCCA will continue to monitor weather, ice, and watercourse conditions, and provide technical advice to municipalities to prevent or reduce the effects of flooding. The Conservation Authority is also responsible for the provision of a flood damage assessment once post flood damage has been assessed.
North Shore North Shore Community Classified Serving over 7000 Homes, Apartments, Farms & Businesses HELP WANTED
FLO LITT’S 90TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
Advertising Sales Reps
Please join us to Celebrate Flo Litt's 90th Birthday at: Christ Church Port Stanley March 28th 2015 from 1-3 pm. Best Wishes only.
• For St.Thomas area • For Western Elgin area • Must have own car • Experience preferred but will consider qualifications. Please reply to
519-782-4563 OR andrew@lebeacon.ca
Port Stanley Public School Activities March 2015 350 Carlow Rd., Port Stanley, Ontario, N5L 1B6 Phone: 519-782-3983 Principal: Ms. Sheila Pinder Secretary: Mrs. Debbie Sutherland March Break 16th-20th
SERVICE DIRECTORY For Businesses Located Near You!
Paul F. Lépine LAW OFFICE Working Together To Serve Port Stanley
VEDOVA & CHAMBERLAIN Purchases & Sales of Property Mortgages Wills & Estates Powers of Attorney Family Law
Tel: 519.782.4562 or 226.658.4155 221 Colborne St., Port Stanley N5L 1C2
LOOKING FOR A “FOREVER HOME”!!!
Allergy season is here Luna
Flash
to explore and come to Pat for attention. Who knows Luna and Flash were both surrendered to Animal Aide. what next week will bring? Five year old Luna came to us January 5, 2015 from a situation of neglect. Luna had developed an ulcer on Animal Aide is running a special, The Sophisticated her upper lip. Since she has been treated, her lip has Soulmate Special, for March where any cat 5 years old improved considerably but, will probably never look and over can be adopted for the lower price of $100, "quite right". Luna is a light, orange tabby with faint including Flash and Luna. stripes and white toes. She is playful, friendly and Reminder for those of you suffering withdrawal symplooking for a loving home. Eight year old Flash came toms due to a lack of Garage Sales, Animal Aide can to us January 27, 2015 because of allergies. Flash is a give you some relief Saturday March 7, 2015 starting at brown tabby, declawed, petite boy who has not taken 8am, 60 West Avenue St. Thomas. his abandonment well. It was decided Ad sponsored by that he may be happier at our store, Animal Aide Association Tabby's Treasures and although he has 333 Talbot St. St. Thomas only been there for a week or so, he has made great strides and is starting
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Page 8 • The Lake Erie Beacon • Friday March 6, 2015
SPARTA REPORT Sally Martyn
Learn about Tammy's Spa The Sparta UCW is hosting an information evening on Wednesday,
March 25 at 7:30 pm at the Sparta Church Museum. Tammy will be sharing with the group all the different things one can do at her Spa in Sparta. A light lunch will follow. Everyone is welcome to attend.
you want to work on and have a good time visiting with your fellow stitchers. Call Sally Martyn (519-775-2292) for more information or just show up. If we’re not at the hall we’re at the Church Museum 6073 Quaker Road.
Regular Events at the Community Hall
Beavers Tuesdays 6:30 to 7:30, Cubs Wednesdays 6:30 to 8:00, Scouts Thursdays 6:30 to 8:00. Call Pam Helmer 775-2265 for more information.
Sparta Stitchers meet every Tuesday from 1:00 to 4:00 pm at the hall to quilt, knit, crochet, tat, smock, embroiQigong every Monday from 7:00 till der, etc. Cost is $5.00 per session. Come 8:30. Call Christine at 519-775-2748. learn a new skill or just bring whatever
T H E L AKE ER I E BEAC ON
David G. Marr Income Tax Services Tax Planning and Preparation 346 High Street, Port Stanley, Ontario, N5L 1J8
Tel/Fax: 519-782-3836 Email: dgmtax@rogers.com
President: Pam Helmer (519-775-2265). Vice President: Barb Burns, Secretary: Christine Lundy, Treasurer: Ron Molyneux, Directors at Large: Dr. Robert Burns, Ann Slobod
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Centre City Realty Inc.
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Please come and join us for our regular meetings on the fourth Thursday of March, May, September and November at 7:30 pm.
M U RDO M ACLE AN
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Your Local Elgin Chrysler Dodge Jeep Dealer 275 Wellington Street • St. Thomas • Ontario • N5R 2S6
Marg’s Accounting & Tax Services P.O. Box 175 190 Currie Road, Dutton, Ontario N0L 1J0
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Home Of The 12 Minute Drive Thru Oil Change “New” A/C Service and Safety Checks
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Reaching over 6800 Homes, Apartments Farms & Businesses
Mon.- Fri. 10 am - 6 pm Sat. 10 am - 5 pm Sun. 11 am - 5 pm
Fax #: 519-631-8318
Now on Facebook & issuu.com
519-782-3392
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Port Stanley, The First 100 Years
Don MacKinnon ME Dan Vernackt ME Rob Lukasik ME Steve Todd Kyle Parish
Now Available at the Lake Erie Beacon office A Full colour book by authors Bob Burns and Craig Cole. Book size 8.5” X 11”
$15.00 A Heritage Port publication
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