Southpoint Sun February 5, 2014

Windsor Express roll into Leamington

By Bryan Jessop

All aboard!

The latest Leamington Stands Strong initiative was a big hit in Leamington, as the National Basketball League of Canada’s Windsor Express made a stop at the Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex to help support two worthy causes. The Express took on the Leamington Men’s League All Stars in support of the United Way Centraide of Windsor-Essex County and the Canadian Tire Jumpstart program with a charity game held at the Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex Friday, Jan. 31.

Although an estimated 200 fans purchased advanced tickets, the spectator number quickly swelled to about 350 by the time the 7 p.m. contest began. The pull-out bleachers to the side of the complex’s main court were filled to near-capacity while others took a seat on the other side of the playing surface behind the players’ benches.

“We knew that a lot of fans would come in and buy tickets at the last minute,” said LKRC recreation facility coordinator Dave Orshinsky. “I’m happy with how it turned out.”

The Express game was preceded by a WECSSAA Tier II senior boys basketball game between rival Cardinal Carter Catholic Secondary School and Leamington District Secondary School. The introductory match also proved entertaining, as the two teams exchanged several leads before the Lions put the game away with a Jake Wiebe threepointer to end the scoring at 47-45.

For more on the high school game, see page 21.

The Express versus Leamington Men’s League All Star game began after a ceremonial jump ball by mayor John Paterson and included several timeout, between-quarter and halftime contests — many including members of the audience.

The Express played a somewhat reserved game against the All Stars, leading 33-31 after the first 12-minute quarter and 71-60 at the halftime break. The Leamington team played a spirited level of competition, sinking several three-point shots of their own, although they were unable to duplicate the slam-dunking strategy of their professional guests.

The three-point contest including Cardinal Carter, LDSS, Men’s League All Star and Express team members proved popular with the crowd, as did a dunking competition between Express players Stefan Bonneau and George Goode. Spectator response gave the shorter Bonneau the nod as winner of that contest.

The third quarter mixed the teams for two combined squads of Express and Men’s League All Star players while the final 12 minutes featured Express players pitted against one another.

“It was fantastic,” Orshinsky said following the event. “I was very impressed and the crowd had a great time — everyone stuck around for the entire thing. It was more than just a game, it was a show. The Express like to see crowd interaction and that’s what they got tonight.”

Several prizes were handed out to fans throughout the event, sponsored by Leamington’s Domino’s Pizza.

Funds raised for the local United Way and Jumpstart programs were still being tabulated by press deadline.

Leamington mayor John Paterson conducts a ceremonial jump ball between the Windsor Express’s Chris Commons and the Leamington Men’s League All Stars’ Matt Balkwill prior to the charity game’s start at the Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex Friday, Jan. 31. See more photos on page 17. (SUN Photo)

Paterson discusses Leamingtons recent past, future

By Bryan Jessop

During the seventh annual Leamington and District Chamber of Commerce Mayors’ Breakfast, Leamington mayor John Paterson took the time to look back on an active 2013 while offering an optimistic outlook on 2014.

Paterson began by welcoming and thanking guests to the annual breakfast, which included Leamington councillors Hilda MacDonald, Larry Verbeke, Rick Atkin, Chris Chopchick and deputy mayor Charlie Wright. For the last time, Paterson also welcomed Bill Marck as Leamington’s CAO. Marck will retire later this year.

Paterson summarized 2013 in part by mentioning a number of projects completed in Leamington such as a $1 million Erie Street South pumping station and the multi-million dollar reconstruction of the Erie/Oak intersection.

“It was a long-awaited improvement by many of our residents, including myself,” Paterson said of the Erie/Oak project.

Leamington also wrapped up an environmental study for separating future sewers along Bevel Line and Point Pelee Drive to accommodate future residential and commercial development. Paterson noted the near completion of a pol-

lution control plant, a state-of-the-art facility with the ability to serve Leamington for the next several years.

Paterson also mentioned talks with provincial and federal levels of government and their respective ministries regarding issues including the dyke systems in the southeast corner of the municipality. He will also meet with the Ministiry of Municipal Affairs and Housing to address legislation that does not allow Ontario communities to offer incentives for the attraction and retention of new industrial development — barriers not implemented in the United States. While Paterson doesn’t have his sights set on eliminating these restrictions, he does hope to see revisions made to ‘bonusing provisions’ to allow as an example ‘tax holidays’. These five-year tax holidays would be granted to businesses with a workforce of 50 to 100 employees.

“In the 1900s, tax holidays were permitted, which was one of the reasons we were fortunate enough to have the H.J. Heinz company locate in our municipality.”

Paterson went on to explain that with the loosening of business incentive restrictions, it could be easier to attract investors to Leamington to help lessen the impact of the June 2014 Heinz closure.

“Ontario — in fact Canada — has to level the playing field,” Paterson said.

Until Heinz decides on what to do with its Leamington property, the mayor explained that the municipality will focus on supply chains through the assistance of two consultants — one based in Leamington and the other in Michigan — to avoid further job losses.

Although he was unable to offer names, Paterson explained that he and consultants have fielded numerous calls from businesses expressing an interest in setting up facilities in Leamington.

“I’m optimistic that the Heinz announcement could develop into a stronger business arrangement with new companies and/or companies who may use the Heinz facility,” said Paterson, who noted that the Windsor Essex Economic Development Commission and both provincial and federal levels of government are also hearing interest from potential investors following the closure announcement.

Positive developments for Leamington include a study that ranked Leamington first in Windsor-Essex County for infrastructure condition, with 85 per cent of it deemed either ‘good’ or ‘excellent’.

Leamington and surrounding areas are experiencing an extreme winter with large accumulations of snow, issues with drifting, and unseasonably low temperatures. Municipal staff has worked around the clock in an effort to attack the storm events and keep roadways clear and safe. However, we are still experiencing issues with cars (without on-street parking permits) being left on the streets. Cars parked on streets result in snow plow drivers having to maneuver around vehicles which at times, results in snow being deposited in such a fashion that it causes a hardship to your neighbours i.e. difficulty entering/exiting driveways. Further, crews must return to streets to clear areas not cleaned as a result of cars being illegally parked on the street.

Leamington’s municipal election will use internet voting for 2014. This sole method of voting follows Council’s strategic plan to be environmentally friendly and to embrace technology. This cost effective type of voting will also address accessible voters’ issues.

Please note that winter overnight parking regulations are in effect from November 1st to March 31st. There is no on-street parking between 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m.

Applications for On-Street Parking Permits are available at the Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex, 249 Sherk Street, 519-3222346 (8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.) or on the Municipality of Leamington’s website www.leamington.ca. Applications are approved for residents that do not have sufficient off-street parking facilities. The fee for the onstreet parking permit (if approved) is $40.00 plus H.S.T.

For 2013, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business and Financial Post ranked Leamington third in Canada on the list of top entrepreneurial cities with populations from 25,000 to 150,000. Leamington’s ranking in 2012 was 33rd.

The municipality is also undergoing a feasibility study for the creation of a trail along Seacliff Drive/County Road 20 to link Leamington and Kingsville. Another trail is being considered to link northern Leamington to Lakeshore, a study being undertaken along with the Trans Canada Trails organization.

Paterson also described a meeting between himself, mayor Santos and Tecumseh mayor Gary MacNamara with the federal minister of agriculture as a highlight of 2013. With the combined effort, the three Essex County mayors convinced the ministry to consult Canadian processors and ultimately reverse the packaging deregulation decision.

Other issues discussed included the joining of Great Lakes mayors in Ontario, Quebec and the U.S. to combat invasive species, the opening of 700 development lots in Leamington and property taxes — the latter which Paterson described as a “hot topic.” Paterson also mentioned the forthcoming arrival of hospice to Leamington, explaining that details will be made in the not-too-distant future.

Check our website for further information on: •

List of Candidates

Voter Information

“This council has held tax increases each year for the last three years to less than one per cent per year,” Paterson said. “And yet we’ve been able to complete major infrastructure projects, continue all the services that taxpayers demand and ended up with a surplus of $1.5 million.”

To sum up, Paterson expressed optimism regarding the setbacks Leamington experienced in 2013.

“Leamington will reinvent itself and become stronger,” he said. “One statement remains true through all of this — Leamington stands strong.”

Leamington Mayor John Paterson

Leamington Mennonite Home to receive $143,700 grant

By Pat Bailey

Council was hoping to find another way to ease the burden of development fees on a proposed $11.5 million seniors’ condominium complex, but in the end, had to assist the Leamington Mennonite Home with a $143,700 grant.

Councillor Hilda MacDonald was determined to help move the project forward with financial assistance. She said she believes development is especially important considering the current economic uncertainty.

“This is our last chance as a Council to promote growth,” said MacDonald at the Monday night, Feb. 3rd Council meeting. “Some development is better than none,” she added.

MacDonald admitted she didn’t relish the idea of burdening the taxpayer but was told by administration that a grant was the only way to reduce the development charges to the not-for-profit charitable organization.

CAO Bill Marck warned Council that the amount granted by Council will still have to be made up somewhere else and put in the development charge account.

Councillor Rick Atkin admitted providing the reduction as a grant was not his preference. But it was a presentation by Leamington Mennonite Home administrator Linda Tiessen and chair of the board Rob Schmidt that convinced Atkin that he could justify such a grant to local residents.

“The presentation made it easier to support,” said Atkin. He said learning that the home provides subsidies of $266,000 to allow local seniors to have a safe and clean environment to live in, certainly made a difference to him.

Atkin said the additional tax revenue, a few more job opportunities and a promise of additional housing for local seniors convinced him that the municipality had to offer some financial assistance to ensure the project moves forward.

Tiessen and Schmidt were thrilled with the outcome.

“We weren’t asking for a handout or a grant,” said Schmidt. “We were looking for a reduction in development charges.” But he’s not looking a gift horse in the mouth. He said he believes Council handled the request fairly, since the Mennonite Home is a notfor-profit charitable home.

Tiessen said construction on the proposed 40-unit complex will not begin until 100 per cent of the units are sold. She said about 25 per cent have already been sold and she believes Council’s grant will help them provide definitive prices to prospective buyers which will make marketing them a little easier.

Schmidt said they are hoping to have the units presold and construction underway by summer.

The $143,700 grant is estimated to be equivalent to about 50 per cent of the development charges on the project.

Group Hug Apparel presents cheque to Community Living Essex County

In 2009, Andrew Banar and his mother, Karen Pickle, started a t-shirt company, Group Hug Apparel, to raise money for college and to help local families and charities from his sales. The shirts, featuring Andrew’s rock inspired drawings, quickly became a hit and the company grew into a full time business. It has always been important for Andrew to support the community, and over the years he has donated over $20,000 to local charities, including most recently to Community Living Essex County.

Andrew donated $500 to Community Living Essex County in support of the Summer Initiative Program from his Group Hug Apparel sales from the past year. Andrew has had the opportunity to attend this program for many summers and he thought other young teens with disabilities should have this same opportunity as well.

The cheque was presented, in a brief ceremony in the lobby of the offices of Community Living Essex County in Essex.

Andrew has also been rec-

ognized with several awards including the Queens Diamond Jubilee Award, Canadian Down Syndrome Hero Award, Council for Exceptional Children, and many others. For more information on Group Hug Apparel, visit: www. grouphugapparel.com

Saving is important for a secure retirement. But so is having the right mix in your investment portfolio. Markets change and your portfolio can get out of balance, becoming riskier than you want. This is a problem, especially as you approach the time when you will need to withdraw from these savings.

Whatever your age, the advisors at MB Financial Services can help you build and rebalance an investment mix that is right for you. We offer a wide variety of Mutual Funds*, Segregated Funds and Guaranteed Term Deposits through the industries best institutions.

Nancy Wallace-Gero, Executive Director of Community Living Essex County (far left) and Tony DeSantis, Manager, Community Relations and Resource Development (far right) received donation from Andrew Banar, Group Hug Apparel, and Karen Pickle, Andrew’s mom.

Comfort in a crazy world

“There’s a sorrow and pain in everyone’s life, but every now and then there’s a ray of light that melts the loneliness in your heart and brings comfort like hot soup and a soft bed.” – Hubert Selby Jr., Requiem for a Dream

A week or so ago, a routine stop at a restaurant that advertises with me led to another great conversation with the manager. We discussed the fact that something as simple as a menu can bring comfort, especially when there are regular items on it each day that people can count on. I agree that being able to depend on people, places and things brings comfort, especially in this sometimes crazy and unpredictable world!

I have made a list of what brings me comfort and I was comforted when I found I wasn’t alone. Many others tend to favour the same things. “Raindrops on roses” didn’t make the cut but “whiskers on kittens” did if you count it under ‘cuddling with your furry friend(s)’.

The list I found online overwhelmingly seemed to be written by women. Here they are in no certain order: mac and cheese, warm pajamas, clean, crisp sheets, a warm bath, slippers, bowl of soup or stew, good book, music, cuddling with furry pets (no reptiles mentioned) and a warm drink. HMMMM… I questioned and started researching “what do men find comforting?” Surprisingly or not, my search came up to ways in which a woman could comfort a man or what parts of us they like to cuddle up to the most! Really, I love to be needed but I also have to believe men find comfort in many things other than ‘us’. They just don’t find the need to publicize it.

Since the internet did not seem to be helpful here, I turned to the study of the men in my own household for the answers instead. Once again, this list is in no specific order, just what came to mind.

Soft, old beer box t-shirts that have been worn every hockey weekend, on ski trips and at home every chance they can get are a favourite. I believe that smelly hockey gear is right up there for Mark too. I’m sure he prefers it to the scent of my favourite pine and lavender candles, the ones he

blows out after he unloads his damp hockey clothing into the dryer. The sweaty scent that wafts throughout the house doesn’t bother either of the men in our house and in fact, I think they find comfort in its familiarity.

My boys must find comfort in collecting all of their old hockey sticks because they can’t seem to be able to part with one of them. I have heard talk about tables and chairs to be built with them but to date they hold up a corner of our garage.

Power naps, getting lost in the great outdoors, music, fantasy teams, video games and watching funny or actionpacked movies with a furry cat or dog curled at their side are comforting.

So why is it that in the bleak mid-winter when we are surrounded by all the comforts in the world like flushable toilets, food in our refrigerator, warmth and more, we tend to get restless and crave a change that could temporarily risk all of those comforts that we love? Comfort can be found in overcoming challenges. I have to admit that pushing myself to try things outside of my comfort zone helps me to learn a lot about others and myself. Adjusting to an uncomfortable situation has expanded my comfort zone.

I would never have dreamed that I’d be writing a weekly column in the paper. For some reason my friend and subsequently my boss asked me to do this out of the blue. Now five years and many stories later, I can’t imagine not writing. I am thankful I took the challenge!

Home overwhelmingly is a comfort whether you are a man or woman. It’s the place we can be our self and experiment with our creativity. Unlike the short-lived comfort of a new pair of shoes or coat, the comfort of home and the feeling we create within its walls is long lasting. Comfort at its core!

Home is symbolic of the people within in its walls. Where you gather with friends, socialize and serve up comforting foods. What we feel at home is what we crave to have in all parts of our life and keeps us continually striving. Leave the comfort of your walls often, and when spring arrives the colours and your future will be brighter.

Laughing out loud, almost

Let’s face it, we live in an LOL world.

The acronyms that we see on a daily basis have really dumbed down our society and each of us is as guilty as the next.

There was likely a time when I refused to use short forms or slang words like this but it’s become commonplace and I’ve fallen into that group of users.

There is one short form that I never use and that is Xmas. I had a boss, Tony Duncan, years ago who said Xmas doesn’t exist and that people only save themselves five letters by using it. So I’ve never used it since.

Funny how something like that sticks in your mind.

One of the first widely used acronyms many years ago was SNAFU, which I can’t explain in this family newspaper, but it was used years ago.

So many slang words and acronyms have developed with the computer age that we find ourselves using them all the time.

When the old LOL (laugh out loud) first appeared on the scene so many years ago, I at first, refused to use it, thinking it was a fad and would pass.

Well, a dozen years later it’s commonplace in our society, especially with the proliferation of smart phones and texting that goes on now.

I find myself signing off of conversations with TTYL (talk to you later) and not even feeling one bit of shame for it.

Ahhh, that great old internet. It’s brought otherwise smart people to their knees, at least grammatically.

I cringe when I see people misuse the words their, there and they’re, or your and you’re.

I fight the great urge to correct them and just chalk it up

to too much time online.

A pet peeve of mine online is when someone short forms the word ‘know’, with ‘no’. I mean, come on, you’re only saving yourself two letters FCOL (for crying out loud).

My old co-worker, Val Church, always checked the spelling of important articles at the Leamington Post because she was the resident grammar cop. I imagine she still is one of those. Once a grammar cop, always a grammar cop.

I see TV shows and websites now called OMG, an acronym that sprung from online conversations and texting as well. They even have candy called OMG!

The only acronyms I honestly remember as a kid were NHL, NFL and NBA, and of course all of the TV networks. (TV is an acronym itself!)

Now, everything is short-formed. Heck they even refer to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles as TMNT now.

Soon, you’ll be having conversations about your favourite TV show or hockey team and the acronym will just automatically come up in conversation.

For those of you contemplating this, you’ll have to take the time to explain to the older generation just what you’re talking about.

Well, it’s time for me to sit down and catch the new ‘ep’ of HCHBB (Here Comes Honey Boo Boo), so TTFN (ta ta for now).

Maria and Freddy Maklouf of Freddy’s Cocktail Lounge and Restaurant are pictured here preparing for the annual Chilifest to be held on Wednesday, February 26 at the Leamington Portugese Club. Proceeds will go to South Essex Community Council (SECC) Erie Shore Community Transit Accessible Vehicle Replacement Fund for seniors and persons with disabilities. Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door. Advance tickets are available at Century 21, United Communities Credit Union and SECC. Lunch is served from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and includes your choice of approximately 25 chilies, ranging from one to four-peppers hot (with a couple of soups) donated by local businesses. Call 519-326-8629 for more information.

Minimum wage increasing

Minimum wage in Ontario will be increasing from $10.25 to $11 per hour on June 1, 2014. This new rate reflects the rise in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) since the last minimum wage increase in 2010.

Legislation will also be introduced that would tie future minimum wage increases to the CPI. This will ensure the minimum wage keeps up with the cost of living, and that increases are predictable for businesses and families. Under the proposed legislation, increases would be announced by April 1 and come into effect on Oct. 1.

The proposed legislation would act on the recommendations of Ontario’s Minimum Wage Advisory Panel, which included business, labour, youth and anti-poverty representatives.

The Minimum Wage Advisory Panel recommends that the province perform a full review of its minimum wage rates and revision process every 5 years. The panel held 10 public consultations across the province and received more than 400 submissions from organizations, businesses, and individuals.

Trivia Night

Leamington District Minor Baseball Association (LDMBA) will present Trivia Night 15 on Wed. Feb. 26 at 7 p.m. at the Leamington Portuguese Club, 217 Talbot W. Teams of four will compete answering trivia questions. Cash prizes, door prizes, bragging rights and fun for all.

Register your team online at www.leamingtonminorbaseball.com or for more information contact Jeff Lamotte at 519-3221379 or visit Fletcher’s Cleaners in Leamington. Please register your team by Monday, February 24.

Southpoint Sun Staff

Recipe of the Week

Whenever we have an office get-together, Jan (Watson) has to bring her meatloaf. Jim’s a picky eater and he loves it. Meatloaf is one of my favourite meals and Jan’s is in my top 3 all-time favourites. Enjoy. - Sheila

Jan’s Meatloaf

F for 10 minutes.

Cover with following sauce: ½ cup water

6 tbsp. finely chopped onion 1 cup ketchup

3 tbsp. vinegar

2 tbsp. sugar

2 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce

Continue baking for 1-1/2 hours.

I have tried other meatloaf recipes, however, this one has been my family’s favourite for many years. I have never made this sauce because my family liked it covered with my homemade chili sauce. However, this sauce sounds good too and I may try it for a change the next time I make meatloaf. – Jan

Mill Street Public School students engage in the ‘ski race’ in the gymnasium

30. The school originally planned to host the activities outdoors, but with unusually chilly temperatures, were forced to adjust to an indoor itinerary. The carnival was held the day prior to the launch of Quebec’s annual Bonhomme Carnival.

Kayla Mellow pulls into the

race against fellow Mill Street Public School student Marcos Bennett during the school’s Winter Carnival festivities held Thursday, Jan. 30.

Local band wins another battle

By Bryan Jessop

The Leamington-based band Takers & Leavers has ‘taken’ another Battle of the Bands title while ‘leaving’ good impressions on their audiences.

The group finished first in the Jan. 21 Battle of the Bands hosted by St. Clair College, their fourth title since forming about four-and-a-half years ago as Nuclear Sunrise. The members of the band — lead singer and guitarist Alex Dick, brother Dan Dick on drums, Andrew Iles on keyboards and guitar, Shawn Dawson on bass and vocals and Marshall Buttl on rhythm guitar — have been playing music individually since about seven to eight years of age.

Members of the group met as high school students at Leamington District Secondary School and are now each enrolled in courses at University of Windsor or St. Clair College. Their repertoire is a mixture of original material and cover songs based largely on psychedelic classic rock of the 1960s with a few newer tunes from bands such as The Sheepdogs.

Their first Battle of the Bands triumph was earned at an LDSS competition and was followed by competitive victories at the now defunct Blind Dog in Windsor and a 95.1 FM (The Rock)-hosted event held at Club Alouette, also in Windsor. On average, the Leamington group faced six or seven competitors per event.

The band changed its name from Nuclear Sunrise to Takers & Leavers as a result of making lineup changes.

“We were kind of getting sick of the old name and decided we needed a fresh start,” said Alex.

Since forming in 2010, the band has made live performances at a variety of venues from Freddy’s Restaurant and Shoeless Joe’s to the Rhine Danube Club, Leamington Tomato Festivals in 2011 and 2012, The Villain’s Beastro, weddings and most recently, Sam’s Pizzeria on Saturday, Feb. 1 in Windsor. Online, the band has posted their own song ‘Get Up, Get Gone’ as Nuclear Sunrise in addition to covers of The Beatles’ ‘Don’t Let Me Down’ and BTO’s ‘Takin’ Care of Business’.

Takers & Leavers have also created a Facebook page (not to be confused with California’s ‘Takers Leavers’) with updates on the band’s recording progress and upcoming live performances.

Takers & Leavers are currently working on an album of new material from their current Windsor residence, using their own computers and programs to record and produce. Previously, they recorded material with fellow Leamington musician Mike Beggs.

“They do a lot of recording. They’re a pretty dedicated bunch of guys,” said Alex and Dan’s father Dave Dick. Influences of the band — adjusted to its present lineup in the summer of 2013 — include The Beatles and Led Zeppelin. Marshall, 20 and Dan, 18, are the newer members of the group. Andrew, Shawn and Alex are each 21 and formed the band as Grade 11 students.

Takers & Leavers

in the in the in the in the in the

ARIES - Mar 21/Apr 20

Aries, you are inspired to take on the world, but you may want to focus on smaller goals this week. Finishing a long-lingering work project is a viable option.

TAURUS - Apr 21/May 21

Taurus, something does not seem to be falling into place. Take stock of things at home and at work to see if you can crack this nut. A little more investigation many be necessary.

GEMINI - May 22/Jun 21

You may be offered a professional opportunity this week that is too good to pass up, Gemini. Despite this great offer, do your best to stay focused on work for the next several days.

CANCER - Jun 22/Jul 22

Exercise caution and do not jump to any conclusions at work, Cancer. While you may know what your boss expects from you, it is better to wait to hear what he or she has to say.

LEO - Jul 23/Aug 23

Leo, you can envision exciting adventures ahead, and those times will be here before you know it. Channel your enthusiasm so you can get a head start on planning your adventure.

VIRGO - Aug 24/Sept 22

Virgo, you have a desire to be different from everyone else this week. It's good to be original, but don't stray too far off the beaten path or you may find yourself lost.

LIBRA - Sept 23/Oct 23

Libra, a friend may shock you by doing something really outrageous. You do not know what to make of this change in personality, but do your best to take it in stride.

SCORPIO - Oct 24/Nov 22

Scorpio, work figures to put a lot on your plate in the coming week. You can handle everything that comes your way, so long as you keep your cool and continue to work hard.

SAGITTARIUS - Nov 23/Dec 21

You may be tempted to sneak off and play hooky from work, Sagittarius. Just make sure you handle all of your obligations first. Now is not the best time to kick up your heels.

CAPRICORN - Dec 22/Jan 20

Capricorn, you have so much to do now that your mind may be in a complete jumble. Others will come at you with questions, but take a deep breath and answer them one at a time.

AQUARIUS - Jan 21/Feb 18

Change is not the best idea right now, Aquarius. It is much better to stick with the status quo for a little while longer. Then you will have enough stability to make a change.

PISCES - Feb 19/Mar 20

Pisces, you have many new ideas about how to get rich quick, but you will probably want to find more sensible ways to earn a living.

FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS

FEBRUARY 2

Shakira, Singer (37)

FEBRUARY 3

Rebel Wilson, Actress (28)

FEBRUARY 4

Gavin DeGraw, Singer (37)

FEBRUARY 5

Cristiano Ronaldo, Athlete (29)

FEBRUARY 6

Mike Farrell, Actor (75)

FEBRUARY 7

Garth Brooks, Singer (52)

FEBRUARY 8

Kimbo Slice, Athlete (40) ANSWERS ON PAGE 29

Santos reflects on 2013

By Bryan Jessop

Kingsville mayor Nelson Santos made the most of his turn to go first.

The seventh annual Leamington and District Chamber of Commerce Mayors’ Breakfast took place at Colasanti’s Wednesday, Jan. 29, again featuring a look back at the previous year and a glimpse of the one that recently started by the mayors of neighbouring Kingsville and Leamington. After a special visit by Essex County warden and Lakeshore neighbour Tom Bain, Santos took his turn at the podium before a capacity crowd of about 60 guests. Like Leamington mayor John Paterson who followed him, San-

OBITUARY

Maria DiMenna

Maria Incornata DiMenna: It is with sad hearts that we announce the passing of Maria Incornata DiMenna, age 82. Maria was born on April 25, 1931 in Villa Canale, Italy, and immigrated to Leamington, Canada, in 1954.

Beloved wife of 62 years to Felice. Dear and devoted mother to sons Frank (Germaine) and Ron (Sandy). Maria was a loving Nonna to Marie-Lise, Helen and Russell. Survived by one sister, Ersilia, in Argentina. Predeceased by parents Guilietto DiMenna and Emanuela Mastronardi. Also predeceased by siblings Fiorina (1988), Romeo (1997), Antonio (2001), Nicola (2012), and Casilda (2012).

Maria touched the hearts of many people and will be greatly missed by her friends and family including many nieces and nephews. She will remain in our hearts forever. She was a lifelong member of the Roma Club. Visiting was at the Reid Funeral Home & Reception Centre, 14 Russell Street, Leamington (519-326-2631) on Tuesday from 2-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m.

Funeral Mass to celebrate Maria’s life was held at St. Michael’s Church, 21 Elliott Street, Leamington, on Wednesday, February 5, 2014 at 10 a.m. Entombment at Erie Memorial Gardens to follow.

As an expression of sympathy, donations made by cheque to the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated.

Friends may send condolences at www.reidfuneralhome.ca.

tos described his municipality’s achievements and challenges of 2013 while looking ahead to the 11 remaining months ahead for 2014.

Santos described 2013 as “The Year of Battles,” during his speech.

“Collectively, we had to stand up and answer the bell round after round after round to keep our economic engine running,” he said, in part referring to a meeting attended alongside Paterson and Tecumseh mayor Gary MacNamara with the federal Minister of Agriculture pertaining to the proposed deregulation of packaging sizes. “And fight we did. We had the most to lose and the most to gain.”

Santos also commented on a transformer station application for Leamington that has reached the furthest point in the application process since it was first recommended in 1988. Presently, surrounding communities including Leamington rely on Kingsville’s station. In the event that Leamington’s bid for its own is approved, a large portion of Essex County would stand to benefit.

Santos also addressed the Heinz closure slated for June of this year, a setback that many have explained will impact lives both within and beyond Leamington.

“Our region will step up to find a collective and cooperative answer,” Santos declared. “These truly are very challenging and potentially unforgiving times. Only when we come together like this can we truly offer some important insight.”

In more positive developments, Santos spoke of Kingsville’s new logo for 2014, although noting that at the same time rebranding is a process that is never complete.

“Our brand is still in development and if we do this right, there will always be developments in Kingsville.”

One of the newest developments Santos touched base on was the issuing of eight permits granted for greenhouse development in Kingsville, accounting for 80 acres that brought the increased total for the past two years to 345 acres of greenhouse construction. Additionally, Kingsville saw the development of 77 new residential structures bringing the total new dwellings over the last three years to 215.

Arts, parks and culture projects to the tune of about $1 million of investment are also in the works for 2014, as is a Preliminary Public Works Capital program that will include consideration for more than $2 million in expendi-

tures. The Active Transportation program will also see further growth while the downtown business sidewalk replacement project is slated for completion later this year.

More LED street light upgrades and a new public waterfront park, washrooms, a splashbad and playground are also expected for 2014.

Kingsville however boasts the second lowest property taxes in the region, a fact Santos attributes to a careful balance of “belt tightening” and investment that keeps municipal tax hikes at a minimum.

“Kingsville can actually state that they continue to be the most affordable community to live in in Windsor-Essex County,” he stated.

Kingsville mayor Nelson Santos

HIGH QUALITY LICENSED CHILD CARE

Offered at 4 schools in Leamington & Kingsville. Ages 18 months - 12 years

6:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. • Subsidy available. For details call 519-733-8202 www.discoverychildcareschools.com

Calendar Girls by Tim Firth

1967 fire destroyed several popular Leamington businesses

While Leamington’s downtown core has had a number of devastating fires throughout its history, the one that struck it in 1967 was under the worse conditions for the local fire department.

February 15, 1967 started out as a somewhat mild day with temperatures hitting near 40ºF and bringing an evening thunderstorm, an unusual occurrence for the time of year. By the next morning, six Leamington businesses had suffered over $750,000 in damage.

Winds sustained at a minimum 30 mph and gusting up to 40-50 mph would only hamper efforts to halt a downtown fire.

Flames were first spotted around 1 a.m. coming from the roof of Leamington Hardware, situated in the northwest block of Talbot and Erie Streets. As firemen arrived, the fire was fanned by the strong winds and eventually 40 firefighters from Leamington, Wheatley, Kingsville and Tilbury all congregated to stop it.

During the first hour the temperature dropped dramatically from about 30ºF to 15ºF. The fire, which later was determined to be of an unknown cause and originated in Kurt Enns’ Leamington Hardware store, spread to Paterson’s Dry Goods on the corner as well as Wendell Cook’s Cook’s Hardware store plus Clark Knowlton’s Knowlton’s Jewellery shop to the west. Smoke and water damage also affected two other businesses: Leamington Sporting Goods (today Source For Sports) and Jackson’s China and Furniture. In addition

VOICES OF YOUTH IN COMMUNITY IS ACCEPTING DONATIONS. For pickup to to drop off contact Wanda Rodrigues, Youth & Family Resource Network, 519-733-8983 ext. 22 or email wrodrigues@resourcenetwork.ca.

TUESDAYS UNTIL MARCH 4Family Storytime at Leamington Library, 9:30 a.m. Ages 0 - 5 years old & caregiver. Register online or at the library January 3 - February 25.

WEDNESDAYS, UNTIL MARCH 5Family Storytime at Leamington Library at 10:30 am. Ages 0 - 5 years old & caregiver. Register online or at the library January 3February 25.

WEDNESDAYS UNTIL - APRIL 23DivorceCare, a free weekly support group for those who are divorced or separated, Wednesday evenings, Jan. 29 until Apr. 23, 7:30 p.m., Calvary Baptist Church, 475 Bevel Line Rd., Leamington. For more info call 519-326-0876.

FEBRUARY 6 - 27 - Free Evening Prenatal Classes in Leamington, at Windsor-Essex County Health Unit, 215 Talbot St. E., Leamington Feb. 6-27, May 8-29, Aug. 14-Sept. 4, Nov. 6-27. All classes are on Thursday evenings. Each series

runs for 4 weeks. Call for class times and to register 519-3265716 ext. 2100. For more info visit www.wechu.org. E-learning options available.

UNTIL FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7Leamington & District Half Century Centre Yard Sale. Come and check out the Centre’s week long yard sale Feb. 3 to Feb. 7 from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 160 Talbot St. East Leamington.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11 - LAERC meets 6:30 p.m., Knox Presbyterian Church. New members are welcome. For info contact Carolyn Reid 519-326-6676.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17 - Free Family Day Bingo - Bring the family out for our annual Family Day Bingo. Doors open at 8:00 am, Bingo starts at 9:00 am. Limited seating - come early - no saving of seats. Canned goods for the local food bank would be greatly appreciated. Chances Bingo, 14 Mill Street E., Leamington, 519-3222251.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17 - Food & Fellowship Supper, 5:00 - 6:00 p.m., Leamington United Church, 9 John St., for those who are alone or having trouble making ends meet. No charge. All welcome.

to those businesses, the office of Donald Paterson, MPP for Essex South, Tom C. Odette, a lawyer, and Neil Paterson, an investment counsellor, all situated in the upper floors were destroyed. Residents of two apartments above Leamington Sporting Goods escaped unharmed.

Roadblocks were set up so that no traffic would hinder the firefighting efforts at the main intersection and they remained in place for about 24 hours.

The firemen’s efforts were hampered by the wind and harsh cold as well, as they tried to quell the blaze. The sudden drop in temperatures caused fire hoses to freeze, yet the only casualties were some minor cuts and mild cases of frostbite during the six hours when temps were below freezing.

It took a total of 12 hours before the blaze was under control and completely extinguished.

Leamington Fire Chief Murray Cascadden had only been the department’s chief for one and a half months and said,” It’s the worst fire in the community’s history and ranks up there with the great fire of 1883.”

Donald Campbell of the Windsor Ontario Fire Marshall’s office did the initial investigation and then issued a theory that, although unproven, could explain how the fire started. A thunderstorm swept through the region some three hours prior to the first report of flames. It was presumed that a lightning strike hit a hydro transformer and equipment in the alley behind the hardware store, thus starting a small fire which smoldered for a few hours before igniting the businesses.

Final figures estimated the damage at over $750,000 and the Salvation Army stated that they had served the

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19 - The Leamington Horticultural Society will meet 7:30 p.m., at Leamington United Church. Guests are welcome and light refreshments will be served. For more info call Ken Clark 519-325-0769.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19Voices of Youth in Community Meeting in the Heinz Arena meeting room at the Leamington Recreation Complex. Meetings are 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. All youth ages 1424 are welcome to join. For more information contact Wanda 519733-8983 ext. 22 or email wrodrigues@accesscounty.ca.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24 - A free community dinner will be provided at Knox Presbyterian Church, Leamington at 5:00 p.m. for anyone in need of food and fellowship.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5 - Voices of Youth in Community Meeting in the Heinz Arena meeting room at the Leamington Recreation Complex. Meetings are 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. All youth ages 14-24 are welcome to join. For more information contact Wanda 519-733-8983 ext. 22 or email wrodrigues@accesscounty.ca.

(Continued on Page 11)

The aftermath of Leamington’s devastating downtown fire in February of 1967. – Photos submitted by C. Scott Holland

Fire of ‘67

(Continued from Page 10)

40 firemen over 50 gallons of coffee, 380 sandwiches and 30 dozen doughnuts during a 12-hour period.

Paterson’s Dry Goods relocated temporarily to 25 Erie St. N. beside the former Dixie Autoland before rebuilding and staying at the same location for a number of years. T.C. Odette’s law office moved above Al Law’s Mens Wear, while Cook’s Hardware used a warehouse in the alley behind the business and Knowlton’s Jewellery.

Anyone is welcome to join the Leamington and Mersea Historical Society and find out more about Leamington’s history and culture. The next meeting is slated for Sat. Mar. 1, 10:30 a.m., at the Leamington Half Century Centre, 160 Talbot St. E.

Canadians reveal top Olympic Winter Games moments

What were you doing when Canada won hockey gold in Vancouver?

In a survey by Molson Canadian (an official supporter of the Canadian Olympic team), Canadians named Sidney Crosby’s Men’s Hockey Gold winning goal in Vancouver as their favourite Olympic Winter Games victory moment. Tying for second place on the list were Joannie Rochette’s inspiring figure-skating bronze, and Alex Bilodeau winning Canada’s first gold medal as a host nation in Vancouver. A third of Canadians say they will likely cry or get choked up during the medal ceremony if Canada wins a gold medal in Sochi. More than a quarter of us (27%) will likely sing ‘O Canada’ in public.

TOM GIGNAC

Leamington firefighters were called to the scene of a house fire on Parkdale Place Monday, Feb. 3 just after 5 p.m. Although there were no human injuries or fatalities as a result of the blaze, three dogs and a cat located in the house perished. The owner of the home was not present when the fire broke out. The cause of the fire remains undetermined, although it is suspected it originated from the kitchen. The 17 firefighters who arrived at the scene took about 40 minutes to bring the blaze under control and remained at the site until about 9:30 p.m.

Damage is estimated at $125,000. Also that day, Leamington firefighters arrived at Fiore Tower on Erie Street South for what turned out to be a faulty smoke detector.

(SUN Photos)

NHL retirees returning to Heinz Arena

By Bryan Jessop

The return of a popular, fun-filled night will take on a similar format but take on a different name for its 13th installment.

The Legendary Hockey Heroes will be returning to the Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex for what is being dubbed “Leamington Stands Strong Night” on Saturday, Feb. 22, starting at 6 p.m. This year’s charitable event is being organized in honour of Leamington Heinz employees, retirees and their families following the November, 2013 announcement that the local factory will close in June of this year.

In support of Heinz employees and the facility’s 104-year history in Leamington, fans are being encouraged to wear red for this year’s game.

A sum of 1,000 tickets are being given free of charge to Heinz employees at a limit of four per family to this year’s game, which will feature the return of the Hanson Brothers from the 1977 movie Slap Shot. The Hansons last appeared in the 11th annual Oldtimers Hockey Challenge Charity Game, which featured former Boston Bruins stars including Terry O’Riley and Rick Middleton. They also brought their comical antics to the game in 2010 and 2011.

This year, the Hansons will be joined by Maple Leaf and Red Wing alumni including Al Iafrate, Mark Osbourne, Brad May, Rick Vaive, Gary Leeman and Leamington’s own Pat Ribble from the Leafs and Eddie Mio, Petr Klima, John Ogrodnik and Joe Kocer from the Wings. Organizer and OPP community services officer Kevin O’Neil explained that more NHL players will be added to the Legendary Hockey Heroes team as the game date approaches.

“I wouldn’t be surprised to see a couple added at the last minute,” said O’Neil, who first introduced the W.E. Care For Kids fundraiser to Leamington in 2002. O’Neil is going through a string of contacts to arrange for player availability, a process that began in November of last year.

The former NHLers will again be pitted against a team of Essex County OPP officers, including several from the Leamington detachment.

In its first 12 years, the charitable event raised $260,000 for W.E. Care For Kids, a program supporting local sick children and their families. This number includes the approximately $15,000 raised last year. W.E. Care For Kids has supplied Leamington and Windsor hospitals and the John McGivney Centre with pediatric equipment used to treat local children dealing with serious illnesses.

“I firmly believe that if you work hard at it and the money stays local and you put a decent show together, it will be successful,” explained O’Neil. “It’s also important to dedicate this year’s game to Heinz workers. I’m proud to do this for them. It was an easy decision to make.”

For the second year, another donation will be made to Cops For Charity, which funds for the annual five-day Cop Camp for Windsor and Essex County Grade 6 students in August of each year. Every summer, each French, Public and Catholic board school in the county selects one Grade 6 student to attend the leadership camp hosted by Guestwood Camp in Essex.

Cops For Charity also supports other causes throughout Windsor and Essex County. Last year’s donation to the program through the Legendary Hockey Heroes game was $5,000.

O’Neil has received numerous phone calls regarding this year’s Legendary Hockey Heroes game from fans wondering if there will be a game this year. He explained that with the large piles of snow gathering across Leamington, it has been difficult to find places to stick signs promoting the game.

Tickets are selling at $5 per adult and are free to children five and under and seniors aged 65 and up. They can be purchased in advance at Leamington Source For Sports, the Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex, Wal-Mart, Scotiabank, Sports Den, Bowman’s Sports and if available on game day, at the doors of the LKRC.

The Hanson Brothers from the movie Slap Shot argue with referee Ron Hoggarth during a Legendary Hockey Heroes game against a team of Essex County OPP officers. The Hansons will return to Leamington for the 13th annual installment of the game, scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 22. Fans are encouraged to wear red to the game. – Submitted photo

BANK NOTES

10 ERIE STREET SOUTH P.O. BOX 434

LEAMINGTON, ON N8H 3W5 519-326-8805

Sun Parlour Players Community Theatre and Theatre Ensemble

present the Leamington performances of “CALENDAR GIRLS” by Tim

Firth

at the Newly Renovated Bank Theatre 10 Erie Street South, Leamington LAST CHANCE TO SEE CALENDAR GIRLS BEFORE THE AMATEUR RIGHTS EXPIRE!

Evening Performances: $20. Doors open at 7:00 pm, Performance at 7:30 pm

• Thursday February 13, Saturday February 15 & Sunday February 16 / $20

Spend Valentine's with the Calendar Girls on Friday February 14. Enjoy complimentary refreshments at a Meet & Greet with the actors after the evening performance (7:30 pm, doors open at 7:00 pm). $50 includes a $20 charitable donation receipt.

Matinee Performances: $20. Doors open at 1:30 pm, Performance at 2:00 pm

• Saturday February 15 & Sunday February 16

A portion of the proceeds to support Hospice Leamington. Call the TICKET HOTLINE 519-326-8805 or order ONLINE www.banktheatre.com/calendargirls.html

This amateur production of “Calendar Girls” is presented by special arrangement with SAMUEL FRENCH, LTD.

TBT’S OFF SITE MUSIC SERIES

Saturday, March 1st. Performance time 7:30 pm. Doors open at 7:00 pm.

“Acoustic Roots & Blues” featuring Mr. Chill & Greg Cox - Kelly Hoppe, aka Mr. Chill (harmonica, saxophone) and Greg Cox (guitar) have been performing as a roots music duo for a couple of decades now in the Windsor area and throughout Canada. Their live show displays a keen understanding of pre-war blues, old-time jazz, bluegrass, folk and classic country.

The Bank Theatre’s Off Site Music Series continues at Leamington’s Knox Presbyterian Church. Advance tickets are $12 each and available at Guardian Drugs and The Lesson Lounge in Leamington, in Wheatley at The Party & Discount Store and in Kingsville at Rebel Cowboy Music.

WHAT’S ON WHEN AT THE BANK THEATRE

This Prison or: He Came Through the Floor - An original oneact play which explores the delusions of an eccentric prisoner and his surprise encounter with a good Samaritan. Theatre of the Beat returns to TBT with a thought-provoking comedy filled with slapstick madness and tea-time philosophy. March 2014.

The Sociable Plover - Nothing and nobody will stop Roy Tunt from searching for the Sociable Plover. Not the weather and not the mysterious stranger who joins him in the bird hide. A quirky two-person show with humour, tenderness and charm. May 2014.

The Last Five Years - An emotionally powerful and intimate musical about two New Yorkers in their twenties who fall in and out of love over the course of five years. May 2014.

1951 Mercury Coupe a show-stopper!

Sometimes it’s the colour of a car that makes it stand out at a car show, and this is certainly true of the 1951 Mercury coupe owned for the past 20 years by Bernie MacKinnon of Kitchener.

On Saturday, August 10, Catherine and I were walking around at the big Bothwell Car Show hosted by Old Autos newspaper when she spotted Bernie’s Mercury from three rows away and said: “Look at that cream and green car way over there. We have to go and take a look!” It turned out to be a 1951 Mercury coupe. Bernie freshened up the finish about 20 years ago, and these are the same colours that adorned the car when it rolled off the assembly line 62 years ago.

Bernie was born in 1942 and grew up in the Maritimes and Mississauga before moving to Kitchener. Now retired from driving a transport truck, he has time to spend on his hobbies, including vintage cars and playing hockey three times a week. He calls himself a “Renaissance” man because he is interested in everything, including old cars. He has bought and sold some collector cars over the years but his 1951 Mercury is a “keeper.” His 12-year-old grandson Adam is glad Grandpa is keeping it because he looks forward to having it some day.

The car was stored for some 29 years in North Dakota before coming to Ontario and had been liberally treated to a

’50s-style asphalt undercoating which kept the body factory fresh. The interior had suffered some deterioration over the years and has now been completely redone by Bernie’s friend of 50 years, Harold “Butch” Smith of Glace Bay, Nova Scotia. The result is immaculate.

The car has some popular accessories, including an outside sun visor, spotlights, locking gas cap cover, fender skirts, windshield washers, and a radio with a rear seat speaker. The only modification the car has received is a new set of radial wide whitewall tires. Otherwise, the car is completely original, right down to the 255 cubic inch flathead V8 under the hood, which has no trouble keeping up with modern traffic.

The odometer showed about 40,000 miles when Bernie bought the car, and it is now up to around 50,000. He has driven the car twice across Canada for A&W and loves driving it to car shows and cruise nights. In July 2013, he participated in the annual “Cruising on King Street” in Kitchener to the absolute delight of 60,000 spectators. After he parked his car, he was interviewed by Rogers TV. His car is becoming a celebrity!

I’m always looking for more stories. Email billtsherk@ sympatico.ca or write Bill Sherk, 25 John St., P.O. Box 255, Leamington, ON, N8H 3W2. Everyone whose story is published in this column will receive a free autographed copy of my latest book: “Old Car Detective Favourite Stories, 1925 to 1965.”

Meet Kilo, a lovely bulldog mix who was surrendered because her owners had no time for her. She is very sweet and playful and loves to be around people. She likes toys and rawhide and loves sticks. Kilo is fairly well mannered and lots of fun! I'm a fun-loving, happy-all-the-time, kind of dog looking for someone who loves to laugh and play around. Must have some time to spend with me. Hello, my name is Prince Charming.

Until I get familiar with the place, let me stay right by your side - or maybe just a little behind you.

Windsor/Essex County Humane Society 519-966-5751 windsorhumane.org

Bernie MacKinnon’s 1951 Mercury Coupe at Bothwell Car Show, August 10, 2013.

Jose’s reopening at new location

After a short closure, Jose’s Noodle Factory will officially make the equally short trip to its new location with a grand reopening.

The popular restaurant, formerly located at 221 Talbot St. West, will again open its doors to customers at 215 Talbot St. West on Friday, Feb. 7. A complete overhaul and renovations began on the new location in October of last year. The building is owned by Jose’s owners Michelle and Ernie Nesbitt, and Donny Pacheco, who will continue to lease a corner of the lot to Enterprise Rent A Car. The Nesbitts and Mr. Pacheco also own the Jose’s restaurant at 2731 Howard Ave. in Windsor.

Michelle and Ernie took ownership of the Leamington Jose’s about a year after it was opened by a trio of business partners — two from Kitchener and another from Windsor. The duo has owned the local eatery for nearly 20 years and are the original proprietors of the Windsor locale, opened about 18 years ago.

The Nesbitts are now business partners with Donny Pacheco, who started at the Leamington restaurant years ago as a server. He became a manager from there before eventually buying into a percentage of the operation.

“He’s like family to us,” Michelle said of Pacheco. “He’s like an uncle to our son and he’s been a great business partner.”

The new-look, new location Jose’s will feature a more contemporary, upscale appearance and atmosphere. Michelle explained that they hope to retain the same clientele while also attracting new customers.

By Bryan Jessop

“We’ve really appreciated the business we’ve had in Leamington,” she said. “This is a big investment, but it’s one we thought was necessary and we’re happy to do it for our customers.”

The new Jose’s — once an Elias Big Boy restaurant — will include nearly the same seating capacity as its original Leamington home. Although there will be seating for four less customers, there will not be a sectioned-off private dining area, effectively making more full-hours availability to customers. The restaurant’s staff and appearance will remain the same, with between 47 and 50 employees — the same as in Windsor — with about 35 per cent based in the kitchen in prep, cooking or washing while the other 65 per cent are on the main floor at the bar, door or serving.

“With a lot of restaurants, there’s a real division between the kitchen and serving staff,” Michelle noted. “That’s not the case with us. We’re a very tightknit group with no difference in philosophies.”

Nesbitt explained that as Jose’s isn’t a branch of a franchise, they are free to make menu additions and changes at whim, using a great deal of food that is made in-house.

“There’s very little that is already prepared,” she explained.

The idea to relocate and renovate in Leamington came after a facelift was completed at the Windsor restaurant, where the owners wanted more customers to try the establishment’s menu. The old location was officially closed on Saturday, Jan. 25, giving crews about two weeks to transfer equipment and seating to the new locale.

“There have been many smaller renovations over the years,” said Michelle in explaining that some items were updated enough to make the move along with the business itself.

Since becoming the owners of Jose’s in Leamington, the Nesbitts and Mr. Pacheco have stepped forward to support several charitable community causes, events and programs as well as local minor sports teams. These have included the Leamington District Memorial Hospital Foundation’s annual golf tournament, which raised about $450,000 in its 15 years.

“Leamington is a great community,” Michelle said. “It’s been fantastic to us.”

LDMH officially opens Women’s Centre

By Bryan Jessop

Leamington District Memorial Hospital wasted no time in turning a dream into a fully-functional, high-tech reality.

On Thursday, Jan. 30, LDMH and LDMH Foundation representatives officially unveiled the hospital’s new Women’s Centre, a main-floor wing offering leading-edge digital imaging for patients who had previously had to travel to Windsor or Chatham for the same services.

Several diagnostic services are available at the new centre, including ultrasound digital mammography, nuclear medicine, bone densitometry, x-rays, CT scanning and digital node biopsies. The plan to create the Centre began in February of 2012 when the LDMH board of directors approached the Foundation with inquiries regarding the necessary $1.1 million necessary to bring the strategy to the construction phase. From there, the Capital Campaign Committee — led by Judy Butler — was formed with the objective of raising the required funds.

Currently, about 90 per cent of the $1 million-plus target has been fulfilled.

“We know this is a gener-

ous community,” said LDMH Foundation director of development Ross Barnwell. “Every time there’s a given task, I’m blown away by the response.”

Future fundraisers for the Women’s Centre include a gala hosted by The Portuguese Club and a golf tournament slotted for June of this year.

Speakers attending the Centre’s grand opening included Leamington municipal councilor Hilda MacDonald, LDMH senior director of corporate services Rose Costa, Kingsville mayor Nelson Santos, LDMH CEO Terry Shields, Capital Campaign Committee member Sheila McBrayne and Leamington Arts Centre director Chad Riley, who spoke on

behalf of the LAC as a partner of the hospital in the Wellness Through Arts program.

MacDonald spoke on behalf of Leamington mayor John Paterson, who was unable to attend because of prior business commitments.

“To see this facility come to fruition is awesome,” she said. “First, we see a need, then we formulate a plan, then we draw together the groups of people to execute that plan and then in a fairly short amount of time, as Ross said, we see that plan through to fruition. This to me is beyond remarkable.”

“It’s truly amazing how this community, how the people, how the businesses small and large, the hospital Foundation itself allowed it to all add up — and it added up very quickly,” McBrayne added. “We really do thank the entire community and everyone who supported this.”

Digital photography meets digital mamography...

Costa explained that the new Centre will improve patient comfort, privacy and convenience compared to similar services offered at LDMH prior to its actual opening on Monday, Jan. 6 of this year. Complimenting the Centre’s enhanced atmosphere is an idea instigated by LDMH’s Dr. Martha Ledman, who suggested the works of local digital photographers could brighten up the area’s hallways.

From there, LDMH representatives connected with the Leamington Arts Centre to discuss ideas that led to submissions adorning the Women’s Centre walls. The program will continue to develop over the following months along with the South Essex Arts Association. Presently, contributions by Vicki McKay and Eric Naylor are being featured.

“We’re very, very pleased to be here as part of this grand opening of the new Women’s Centre,” said LAC director Chad Riley. “We wanted to allow for a different kind of

healing to happen.”

The actual construction of the Centre included only one small delay in December prior to its early January launch. Costa explained that the Women’s Centre — which is the product of 2,000 sq. ft. of renovated space with 700 sq. ft. to accommodate the dialysis unit — is a crucial component to the hospital. She noted that the number of patients requiring diagnostics offered at the Centre continue to rise, with the number of breast screening patients doubling in the past year. The number of patients requiring biopsies has risen from one or two per month to an average of four or five per month while an estimated 3,000 mammographies and 15,000 ultrasounds are conducted each year.

Despite its name, the Women’s Centre is also available to men requiring some of the same diagnostic services. Several Leamington and surrounding-area patients who had recently travelled to Windsor are now making the shorter trip to LDMH for diagnosis.

Leamington District Memorial Hospital senior director of corporate services Rose Costa comments on the hospital’s new Women’s Centre.

(SUN Photos)

Leamington District Memorial Hospital CEO Terry Shields expresses words of thanks to contributors and volunteers who helped raise funds necessary to build a new Women’s Centre, officially opened Thursday, Jan. 30.

Windsor Express roll into Leamington

a

Quinnel Brown of the Windsor Express does a series of warm-up stretches while 20-month-old fan Quinn Chevalier eyes up a shot prior to the Express’s charity game against the Leamington Men’s League All Stars at the Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex Friday, Jan. 31. About 350 spectators witnessed the first-of-its-kind event in Leamington, a fundraiser for the Windsor-Essex County United Way Centraide and the Canadian Tire Jump Start Program. (SUN Photos)

a

charity

Stephan Bonneau of the Windsor Express completes

backwards dunk during

halftime slam dunk contest between himself and teammate George Good. The contest was part of a

basketball game between the Express and the Leamington Men’s League All Stars.

Members of the Windsor Express, Leamington Men’s League All Stars, fans, coaches and Leamington mayor John Paterson (fifth from left) gather for photos after a charity basketball game between the Express and local All Stars Friday, Jan. 31. About 350 spectators witnessed the first-of-its-kind event in Leamington, a fundraiser for the Windsor-Essex County United Way Centraide and the Canadian Tire Jump Start Program.

Golden Years mini golf

Forty-three players dropped 89 aces on Jan. 30 at Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens.

Leading the ace parade was Cam Keith with 5, followed closely with 4 each by Fran Clifford, Tony Hudwagner, Tom Hyatt, Laurie Hylton, Andy Orsini, Art Sweet, Doug Vickery and Ken Womack. Dropping 3 each were Dorothy Cascadden, Gary Honey, Barry Sweet and Rose Taylor. Notching 2 were Jim Allan, Herb Ascott, Caroline Ascott, Madeline Butler, Cathy Dewhurst, Tom Dewhurst, Lloyd Honey, Gail Johnson, Eva Kah, Al Stockwell, Bill Taylor, John Vlodarchyk, Bill Ward, Eleanor Wilkinson and Gerry Wilkinson. Rounding out the parade with 1 apiece were Barb Arner, Murray Cascadden, Murray Hartford, Bill Mayville, Barb Murphy, Colleen Pearse, Shirley Thiessen, Mary Anne Vickery and Pat Womack.

Team 8 managed 3 consecutive aces on the 10th hole.

Low score for 9 holes was delivered by Tom Hyatt, Cathy Dewhurst and Ken Womack with 16. Shooting 17 were Fran Clifford, Gerry Wilkinson, Bill Ward, Doug Vickery and

Laurie Hylton. Delivering 18 were Gary Honey (2), Herb Ascott, Barry Sweet, Gerry Wilkinson, Doug Vickery, Andy Orsini (2), Art Sweet, Lloyd Honey, Laurie Hylton, Cam Keith, Ken Womack and Eva Kah.

Low score for 18 holes went to Ken Womack with 34, followed by Art Sweet with 35, Bill Ward and Laurie Hylton with 36, and Doug Vickery and Laurie Hylton with 37.

Seventy-three was enough to take low score on 36 holes by Laurie Hylton and Ken Womack. Gerry Wilkinson, Doug Vickery and Art Sweet each sported a 75, while Bill Ward had a 77. Gary Honey, Tom Hyatt, Barry Sweet, Andy Orsini and Murray Cascadden each had 78.

First-place bragging rights with 234 went to Team 6 (Doug Vickery, Gerrit Vriesen, Bill Ward). A 2nd place tie with 242 went to Team 3 (Herb Ascott, Fran Clifford, John Murphy) and Team Queens (Mary Anne Vickery, Cam Keith, Al Stockwell). Third place was nailed down by Team 8 (Art Sweet, Madeline Butler, Lloyd Honey) with 243.

Play continues on Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. at Colasanti’s.

Guest skater at Essex Skating Carnival

S C O T T S O V I E

May 8, 1968 - February 10, 2013

Gone is the face we loved so dear, Silent is the voice we loved to hear. Too far away for sight or speech, But not too far for thought to reach. Sweet to remember him who was here, Who, gone away, is just as dear. Always in our hearts. Love Michele & Family

RETIREMENT

Dr. Paul H. Gignac has retired after 39 years of optometric practice. Drs. Steve Schiefer & Keri Baker have replaced Dr. Gignac at 9 Nelson St. Leamington. Patients’ records have been retained at the office. Telephone: 519-326-6311

OPEN HOUSE

The office will be open on Sunday, February 16, 2014 from 1:30 - 4:30 pm to say farewell to Dr. Gignac and welcome Drs. Schiefer & Baker

Though his smile is gone forever and his hand I cannot touch I still have so many memories of the one I loved so much. His memory is my keepsake with which I’ll never part God has him in his keeping I have him in my

& Brian

Alexia DosSantos performed at the 52nd Skating Carnival held at the Essex Centre Sports Complex on Sunday, February 2. Presented by Skate Essex, the figure skating show featured nearly two dozen performances by both girls and boys from 3 to 16 years of age. Twelve-year-old Alexia is a member of the Leamington Skating Club and has been competing since she was 7.  She will be competing this weekend at a Skate Canada tournament in St. Thomas. Alexia is pictured performing the classic haircutter move during her second of two individual routines as the guest skater for the carnival. (Photo

courtesy of David Sobocan)

Family in motion Day promotes physical activity County Bridge Results

For the sixth year in a row, Windsor-Essex Communities in motion, the health promotion strategy to promote physical activity in Windsor-Essex, has renamed February 17, 2014 as “Family in motion Day”. Family Day is the province-wide holiday celebrated on the third Monday in February.

The winter theme “Grab Your Touques and Play, Eh!” encourages families to play together. Whether it is public skating, swimming, indoor walking, fitness classes or outdoor games, there is something for everyone. All of the events are affordable and there are many that are free for everyone.

Activities taking place at the Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex, 249 Sherk St., include free public skating from 1-3 p.m. (sponsored by FGT Family Church) and free open swim from 3-5 p.m. (sponsored by Play, Live, Be Tobacco Free). The regular program schedule will also continue. Daily admission applies or youth can use the swim/skate/gym pass.

Visit www.swontarioinmotion.ca to find out about activities and events hosted by in motion partners in the community. Check back often, as in motion is always updating the website with new events and activities to keep you and your family healthy and active.

Leamington Half Century Centre, Mon. Jan. 27: 1st Bob Branton and Henry Hildebrandt, 2nd Al Morrison and Derek Parry, 3rd Eileen Edwards and Jack Warmenhoven, 4th Roger Cote and Jim Perkes. Games are played each Monday at 12:45 p.m. Members and new members welcome.

Kingsville Bridge Club, Wed. Jan. 29: 1st Dave Derbyshire and Derek Parry, 2nd Jack Warmenhoven and Bob Branton, 3rd Henry Hildebrandt and Jeanne Manners, 4th Roy Trowell and Shirley Plant. Bridge takes place every Wednesday at the Lions Hall in Kingsville, 7 p.m. For further info call 519-738-4939.

Learn the 5 signs of stroke

WEAKNESS

Sudden loss of strength or sudden numbness in the face, arm or leg, even if temporary

TROUBLE SPEAKING

Sudden difficulty speaking or understanding or sudden confusion, even if temporary.

VISION PROBLEMS

Sudden trouble with vision, even if temporary.

HEADACHE

Sudden severe and unusual headache.

DIZZINESS

Sudden loss of balance, especially with any of the above signs.

Statistics

Decline of cardiovascular disease

Cardiovascular diseases are defined as diseases and injuries of the cardiovascular system: the heart, the blood vessels of the heart and the system of blood vessels (veins and arteries) throughout the body and within the brain. Stroke is the result of a blood flow problem in the brain. It is considered a form of cardiovascular disease. Over the past 40 years the rates of heart disease and stroke have steadily declined. The rate has declined:

25% over the past 10 years

50% over the past 20 years

70% between 1956 and 2012

Cardiovascular disease deaths

• Every 7 minutes in Canada, someone dies from heart disease or stroke.

• Heart disease and stroke are two of the three leading causes of death in Canada. These statistics are based on 2008 data (the latest year available from Statistics Canada).

• In 2008 cardiovascular disease accounted for:

29% of all deaths in Canada (69,648 deaths – or more than 69,500)

28% of all male deaths

29.7% of all female deaths

• In 2008, of all cardiovascular deaths:

54% were due to ischemic heart disease

20% to stroke

23% to heart attack

Boys winners

Knights of Columbus District 21 girls free throw champions, left to right: Alexandra Seagris (Amherstburg), Lexi Dodds (Amherstburg), Brennah Bouliane (Harrow), Miranda Obeid (St. Louis, Leamington), Maria Gutierrez (St-Michel, Leamington), Sabrina Gaspar (Cardinal Carter, Leamington).

Girls Winners

Knights of Columbus District 21 boys free throw champions, left to right: Noah Epp (Gore Hill, Leamington), Matthew Lafleur (Kingsville), Matteo Palumbo (Amherstburg), Alec Symons (St-Michel, Leamington), Joshua Hernandez (Kingsville), Jared Klein (Gore Hill, Leamington).

Leamington hosts District Basketball Free Throw competition

Knights of Columbus District 21 (Leamington, Kingsville, Harrow, Amherstburg) held their Basketball Free Throw Championship on Saturday, February 1 at Cardinal Carter Secondary School in Leamington. Regional competition will be held on March 1.

The following are the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners listed in order in each age group.

9-year-old girls: Alexandra Seagris, Amherstburg; Kyla Wiebe, Mill St., Leamington; Kaley Vance, Harrow.

9-year-old boys: Noah Epp, Gore Hill, Leamington; Justin Woodbridge, Harrow; Jonnie Boutros, St. Louis, Leamington.

10-year-old girls: Lexi Dodds, Amherstburg; Chelsea Brush, Kingsville; Olivia Holland, Harrow. 10-year-old boys: Matthew Lafleur, Kingsville; Leba Zibara, St-Michel, Leamington; Koby Iles, Harrow.

11-year-old girls: Brennah Bouliane, Harrow; Riley Bishop, M.D. Bennie, Leamington; Mikayla Whitfield, Mill St., Leamington. 11-year-old boys: Matteo Palumbo, Amherstburg; Paul Schiller, St-Michel, Leamington; Aaron Diotte, Harrow.

12-year-old girls: Miranda Obeid, St. Louis, Leamington; Chloe Jakob, Gore Hill, Leamington; Cylee Hickey, Kingsville.

12-year-old boys: Alec Symons, St-Michel, Leamington; Luke Soulliere, Kingsville; Dalton Fumer, Gore Hill, Leamington.

13-year-old girls: Maria Gutierrez, St-Michel, Leamington; Susan Fysh, Kingsville; Matilda Dzudovia, Harrow.

13-year-old boys: Joshua Hernandez, Kingsville; Carbel Nohra, St. Louis, Leamington; Curtis Wickham, Gore Hill, Leamington.

14-year-old girls: Sabrina Gaspar, Cardinal Carter, Leamington.

14-year-old boys: Jared Klein, Gore Hill, Leamington.

Wednesday, February 5, 2014 - Page 21

Lions and Cougars meet at LKRC

By Bryan Jessop

A chance to play a WECSSAA game on the Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex court brought out the best of the senior boys basketball teams from Cardinal Carter and Leamington District Secondary School.

The local rivals met for a Tier II regular season tilt at the LKRC as a preview game to the National Basketball League of Canada’s Windsor Express against the Leamington Men’s League All Stars — a charity event for the United Way Centraide of Windsor-Essex County and the Canadian Tire Jumpstart program.

The neutral site was officially a home game for the Lions, who brought a 1-6 record to the court against Cardinal Carter’s 4-3 standing. The lead exchanged hands several times, although it was the underdog Lions who eventually came out on top in a final score of 47-45.

Leamington trailed 45-44 in the dying seconds of the fourth quarter, but a threepoint bucket by Jake Wiebe with about 10 seconds remaining sealed the deal for the Lions.

“I’m just really proud of the effort our boys played with today,” said Lions head coach Chris Mcleod.

“We were up against a really tough opponenet. It was nice to see a big crowd out there — it was exciting to be a part of it.”

The Cougars sunk nine field goals through the contest compared to seven by the Lions. Alex Goncalves led the Cardinal Carter attack with 12 points while Nick Froese was the top point-getter for Leamington, chipping in with 15.

The Cougars led 17-12 at the first buzzer and appeared poised for a one-

point lead into the halftime break before the Lions sunk a two-pointer with less than a second remaining. Leamington clung to a slim 35-34 advantage going into the final quarter.

“Everyone contributed,” explained Mcleod. “We had two down with injuries and we weren’t a big team to begin with. We needed everyone to contribute and everyone did.”

The win makes for two in a row for the Lions, who won 51-41 in Walkerville

prior to the exam break. Leamington lost its first six of the regular season. The Cougars started the 2013-14 at 4-0, but dropped the next four. Cardinal Carter’s next home game will be against Lajeunesse — who also sport a 4-4 record — Tuesday, Feb. 4 with a 7 p.m. start. The Lions will travel to Tecumseh Vista Academy for a 5:30 p.m. road match on the same day. These games will mark the end of the regular season for both the Cougars and Lions.

Gary McInnis - President gmcinnis@peleelighthouse.ca

Ryan Harder - CFP rharder@peleelighthouse.ca

Andy Anthony - Broker aanthony@peleelighthouse.ca

Mustafa Mehry of the Leamington Lions and Bobby Gould of the Cardinal Carter Cougars start a WECSSAA Tier II senior boys basketball game with the jump ball at the Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex Friday, Jan. 31.

Cardinal Carter’s Alex Goncalves looks to maneuver around Leamington’s Ryan Tilson on his way to the Lions’ net during a WECSSAA Tier II senior boys basketball game at the Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex Friday, Jan. 31. The Lions and Cougars game preceded a charity game between the National Basketball League of Canada’s Windsor Express and the Leamington Men’s League All Stars. The Lions sunk a late-three pointer to win 47-45. (SUN Photos)

CILISKA EXCAVATING

Peewee girls win Sarah Backstrom tourney

The Southpoint Stars travelled to Erie Pennsylvania to participate in the 20th Annual Sarah Backstrom Tournament.

The Stars first game was against the Amherst Knights from Amherst, New York. The Stars found themselves down by one goal early on but quickly bounced back, scoring 5 goals to defeat Amherst by a score of 5-1. Scoring for the Stars were Sarah O’Brien (2), Abbey Resendes, Taylor Taouil and Chloe Mastronardi. Earning assists were Paige Stomp, Darigan Chambers, Taylor Taouil, and Chloe Mastronardi. Southpoint was off to a great start.

In game two, the Stars faced the big and strong West Seneca Wings. The Stars continued their successful run by defeating Seneca by a score of 3-0, despite a rough and

RECREATION EVENTS RECREATION EVENTS

3-Month New Year’s Shape-Up Membership Special – $115 + HST

• all recreational swim times

• walking & jogging track

• core fitness and aqua fitness classes

• weight room and cardio equipment rooms

• personal play racquetball and squash

• public skating.

The Complex is here to help you reduce stress and reach your fitness goals!

Learn to play RACQUETBALL with Danny Bateman. Wed. nights 7 - 8 p.m. Co-ed lessons to learn basic rules of racquetball. Racquets can be rented or bring your own.

New! Lifesaving Sport Club - Complex Pool ages 8-12 years Tuesday nights 5:00 - 6:00pm

Teens: Join the Volleyball House League ages 14-16 years on Monday nights!

Rock ‘n Swim - Fri. Feb. 14th - Bring all your Valentines and come enjoy the Complex Pool for a Tropical Fun Outing! 7 - 9 p.m. Music sponsored by Dr. K. Archer Family Dental Care.

Fitness Classes: Boot Camps, Aerobic, Yoga & Pilates, Zumba, Spinning and new Spynga & Bokwa Classes.

Family Day - Mon. Feb. 17th

Daily admissions apply. All regularly scheduled programs still run - Fitness, AquaFitness classes, Swim lessons etc.

- Open Rec. Gym 12 - 5 pm;

- FREE Public Skating sponsored by FGT Family Church from 1-3 pm

- FREE Open Swim sponsored by Play, Live, Be Tobacco Free from 3-5 pm

Outdoor Recreation & Sportsman Expo - at the Complex Feb. 20 & 22.

Everything from casting reels, to spinning wheels! Come meet the professionals all under one roof for your ‘Great Outdoor” needs! Accepting Vendors –email: complex@leamington.ca

Complex Weightroom: whether you’re just beginning a

or if you are an

Commit to

tough game. Scoring for the Stars were Logan Bonner, Darigan Chambers, and Sarah O’Brien. With the help of her defence, Cassidy De Groote earned a valuable shutout by making some crucial saves. These two victories earned the Stars a bye into the semi-final on Sunday and a much deserved Saturday off, where the players and parents enjoyed some team bonding.

On Sunday morning, the Stars were excited to get back on the ice to face the

familiar Amherst Knights in the semi-final. Despite the less than favourable ice/arena conditions, the Stars came out flying. In the first period, Paige Stomp began the scoring, with an assist going to Kylie Murracas. Late in the first, River Tremblay scored an unassisted goal to make it 2-0. Early in the second period, Logan Bonner scored, assisted by Tara Rahm. The Stars earned a spot in the finals with a score of 3-0.

In the final the Stars faced the Gilmour Sabres. Darigan Chambers started the scoring for the Stars, with the assist going to Sarah O’Brien. The Sabres replied with a goal of their own to tie the game up in the first period. The score remained unchanged until the third period but the Sabres could not stop the Stars constant pressure. Once again, Darigan Chambers scored with another helper from Sarah O’Brien. Darigan was not finished, and for her third of the game she tipped in a point shot from Kylie Murracas. Late in the third, Sarah O’Brien capped off the scoring with the Stars fourth goal, with an assist going to Darigan. The final score was 4-1 to make the Southpoint Stars the 2014 Sarah Backstrom Tournament Champions.

With her hattrick, Darigan Chambers was deservingly selected the Southpoint MVP of the finals. Once again, Cassidy De Groote was strong in goal and provided the Stars with reliable goaltending throughout the entire tournament.

The coaches and parents are extremely proud of the Stars, not only for their relentless effort on the ice but for their class and dignity shown off the ice. Every member of the team contributed to this championship. The girls were great ambassadors for Southpoint Minor Hockey. Way to go, Stars! It’s great to be a Star!

The Southpoint Peewee girls emerged as champions in the Sarah Backstrom Tournament Jan. 31-Feb. 2 in Erie Pennsylvania. Front row: Sarah O’Brien, Darigan Chambers, Taylor Taouil, River Tremblay, Abbey Resendes, Kylie Murracas, Tara Wright, Mackenzie Wilson and Cassidy De Groote. Back row: assistant coach John Murracas, trainer Jill Taouil, Cooper Allen, Chloe Mastronardi, Tara Rahm, Paige Stomp, Logan Bonner, Keann Laliberte, head coach Steve Wilson, assistant coach Jeff Chambers.  (Photo submitted)

Season of Champions at Sun Parlour Curling Club

By Gordon Wonnick

This time of year is often referred to as Curling’s Season of Champions and it is truly a good description. As an example, this past weekend there were many hours of television highlighting provincial championships, Canadian ladies championships known as the Tournament of Hearts, soon to be followed by the Olympics and the Canadian men’s championships. If you are a curling fan this is our super bowl.

At Sun Parlour Curling Club the first half has come to a close for all leagues. The last

league to report on is the Friday Night Mixed League and this year the first half winners were Kevin and Janan Alles and Anne and Matt Dick, congratulations.

This past week several Sun Parlour teams travelled to Ridgetown to participate in their Senior Bonspiel. I am pleased to report that Lee Penfold skipped his team to victory in the early draw. Lee was supported by Doug Scott, Jerry Paine and Warren Dunford. In the late draw, Dave McMuren’s SPCC team of John Fantin, Don Chalcraft and Rick Metz were the winners. Nice going, guys.

Atom Minors lose close game

The Gabriele Brand Source Home Furnishings Southpoint Capitals Atom Minor team travelled to Kingsville on Saturday to take on their rivals, the Erie Northshore Storm.

The Storm started the scoring with a strange goal when the Storm forward banked a shot off the back of Jarret Boisvert’s shoulder three minutes into the first period. The Capitals fought back as Gavin Ipolitti fired a pass from Nolan Ford home, and Milana Butera and Ford battled for the puck in the corner just two minutes later. Three minutes later Ford grabbed the puck just inside his blue line and took off up the ice. He got tripped up at centre ice, fed Butera the puck, sending her in on a breakaway that she fired passed the Erie goalie. Tyler Heinz rattled a shot off the post just a minute later, but Erie tied the game with 21 seconds left in the period.

Erie capitalized on a power play early in the second, followed by another quick one to take a 4-2 lead into the third.

Mathew Enns got the Capitals within one as he fired a shot from the red line that fooled the Erie goalie.

The Capitals pulled their goalie in the last minute but couldn’t capitalize, and Erie netted two in open net. The

Capitals played a hard fought game and keep showing signs of improvements.

The Gabriele Brand Source Home Furnishings Atom Minors next see action on Sat. Feb. 8 at 5:10 p.m. in Amherstburg. Good luck team, and keep working hard.

Steve Martineau

T: 519.562.8478

E: mtwinelectric@gmail.com

Don Morgan T: 519.562.8714

ECRA/ESA Licence # 7009417

Greenhouse Systems, Industrial, Marine, Commercial, Residential

Sun Parlour Curling Club’s Wednesday night ladies league first-half winners, left to right: Shirley Dufour, Sherry Wenzler, Bonnie Hyatt and Brenda Ruiter (skip).

First-half winners of the Friday night mixed league at Sun Parlour Curling Club, from left to right: Kevin Alles, Janan Alles, Anne Dick and Matt Dick.

Sharks end season, begin playoffs vs. Flyers — again

By Bryan Jessop

For the second season in a row, the Sharks wrapped up their home-ice regular season and started the playoffs against the Alvinston Flyers.

The Sharks capped things off with an uncommon Thursday night contest, rescheduled from earlier this month. Wheatley jumped out to a 2-0 lead early in the first period, but suffered another comeback from the opposition to lose 4-3.

As per tradition, the game was preceded by honouring graduating-age Sharks in their last season of junior hockey. This season’s grads featured defenseman Brett Babkirk and forward Jon Woelk.

Woelk was quick to make it obvious why he will be missed once the 2014-15 season begins, as he assisted on the opener roughly five minutes into the game. Woelk, with a Flyers’ defenseman in close pursuit, was stopped by netminder Brett Avery during a rush toward the visitors’ net. Woelk however managed to take hold of the rebounding puck and pass it to linemate Scott Florence, who buried it for his 11th goal and 32nd point in 28 games as a Shark.

Eighteen seconds later, Brett Bowman poked the puck over the goal line with a pile up of players in the Alvinston crease. Austin Fontaine and Ryan Zsebok drew assists.

Wheatley dominated the opening 20 minutes, firing 11 shots at Avery while Everett Omstead steered aside five. Omstead filled in for regular starter Connor MacKinnon, who is serving a fighting suspension from a 3-2 loss in Essex two days earlier.

The Sharks’ momentum seemed to fizzle upon taking two minor penalties 20 seconds apart early in the middle frame. The Flyers took advantage of the five on three with a Karsten Berg snap shot into the left side of Omstead’s net. Roughly nine minutes later, Kole Keating tied the score at two-all with a waist-high slap shot, also into the left side of the Sharks’ goal.

Alvinston appeared to take the lead with 3:12 remaining with a wrist shot that soared over the goal line, but officials called off the would-be go-ahead tally. The Flyers officially took the lead less than a minute later when Keating buried a top-left wrist shot during a two-on-one break. Alvinston’s turnaround was made evident on the shot clock, indicating a 16-5 advantage over Wheatley in the second.

Berg added his second of the night while gliding into the slot undetected. The Flyer forward snapped a pass beyond Omstead for the game winner about seven minutes into the third.

The Sharks regrouped from there to again start mounting offensive pressure on the Flyers. Their efforts were rewarded when Woelk struck again with a reversal of the contest’s first goal. Taking a Florence pass from behind the goal line, Woelk blasted the puck into the back of the net a fraction of a second before it was knocked off its moorings.

Wheatley continued buzzing around the opposition’s net from there, pulling Omstead for the extra attacker during a timeout with 44.1 seconds remaining. Despite the effort, the Flyers hung on for the win, outshooting Wheatley 26-23. Special teams were a factor in the outcome, as the Flyers went one for two while the Sharks were held to zero for seven.

“Forty games in, we should know we’ve got to play 60 minutes if we want to win,” said Sharks head coach Ken Galerno. “We’ve lost three in a row now for the first time this season, all by one goal — it’s like playoff hockey has already started. We better find ways to manufacture wins.”

Since the new year, the Sharks have won only two of their final nine games, both against the last-place Wallaceburg Lakers. With their most recent losses to Alvinston, Essex and Amherstburg, the Sharks had to wait through the next two days to find out who would be their quarterfinal playoff opponent. Belle River, Alvinston and Blenheim each had the potential to pass Wheatley in the standings and push the Sharks to as low as fifth from second with games on Friday, Jan. 31 and Saturday, Feb. 1. On Friday, Blenheim beat Amherstburg 6-2 while Belle River defeated Dresden 1-0 in overtime. In Saturday’s game of interest, Alvinston lost 5-3 to Dresden. The Blades leapt over the Sharks for third place, but the Flyers’ unexpected loss to Dresden allowed Wheatley to hold onto fourth.

The 2013-14 Great Lakes Junior ‘C’ regular season ended with seven of the nine teams posting a .513 record or better — second through seventh place were separated by a mere seven points. Although Blenheim, Alvinston, Amherstburg and Mooretown were all potential first-round adversaries for the Sharks heading into the season’s final two days, Wheatley’s coaching staff weren’t crossing their fingers in hopes of any particular match-up.

“With such a log jam in the standings, I’d just as soon play Essex,” Galerno said following Thursday’s loss. “What we actually hope is to just eliminate some bus travel.”

By finishing one point ahead of Alvinston, Wheatley has earned home ice advantage in the opening series. The Sharks’ playoff run began at home Monday, Feb. 3. Results from the game were not available by press deadline.

The remainder of the series, should it go the full seven games, will be played as follows:

• Game 2 — 7:30 p.m. at Wheatley, Wednesday, Feb. 5;

• Game 3 — 7:30 p.m. at Alvinston, Friday, Feb. 7;

• Game 4 — 3:30 p.m. at Alvinston, Saturday, Feb. 8;

• Game 5 — 7:30 p.m. at Wheatley, Monday, Feb. 10;

• Game 6 — 7:30 p.m. at Alvinston, Friday, Feb. 14;

• Game 7 — TBA at Wheatley, Sunday, Feb. 16.

CAT�THE� CHEF’S�TABLE

by

aesars Windsor has launched my very own “Chef Patrick’s Hickory BBQ Sauce”. It is part of the Caesars Windsor Signature Collection, an exclusive line of products available only to select Total Rewards® members. The sauce makes the perfect pairing with BBQ chicken and pork, with its well-balanced smoky flavour and smooth sweetness. The velvet texture makes this sauce the perfect marinade or simple dip.

My inspiration is my love of the open grill and I wanted to create a rich and flavourful sauce that made bringing delicious food to the dinner table easier. I’ve always wanted to make a sauce for others to enjoy at home and develop their own culinary creations. Hopefully this will be the first of many food products we can offer in the Caesars Signature Series. The Hickory BBQ sauce is now

Paddys PulledPerfectly Pork

1. Heat the oil in a heavy bo�om skillet over a medium/high heat. (The pan needs to be large enough to sear the roast.)

2. Carefully place the roast into the pan ensuring that the hot oil does not splash. Adjust the heat to high and brown all sides of the roast very well. Reduce the heat to low.

3. Remove the pork and place it in a slow cooker or roasting pan and season with the salt, pepper, chili powder and coriander.

4. Add the onions and garlic to the skillet and sauté until lightly browned. Add the beer and vinegar to the pan and reduce simmer for 3 minutes.

5. Add the BBQ sauce to the pan and then pour over the roast.

6. Cook in a slow cooker on low, this can take 6-8 hours depending on your slow cooker or in a covered roasting pan in the oven at 275oF for 5-7 hours.

7. Test the roast by inserting a fork. If the fork can be very easily removed and the meat can be pulled apart, it is ready.

8. Remove the roast and let stand for 30 minutes lightly covered in a large pan.

9. Hold the roast with a pair of tongs, pull the pork apart using a fork.

10. Strain the liquid from the cooker and skim off fat. Place the liquid into a saucepan and simmer for 15 minutes or until the liquid starts to thicken. Pour over the pork, stir and serve on a crusty roll.

recipe book,

Executive Chef, Patrick McClary

Caesars Windsor Executive Chef, Patrick McClary

Jon Woelk of the Sharks is congratulated by team director of hockey operations and owner Bruno Carnevale and general manager Kevin Fisher.

Defenseman Brett Babkirk of the Sharks is congratulated by team general manager Kevin Fisher, who presents him with a jersey during a pre-game ceremony.

Pettiness ‘ads’ up Atom girls tie

So did you watch ‘The Big Game’ on Sunday? Oops, I forgot — only advertisements aren’t allowed to use the term ‘Super Bowl’, unless of course they are ads strictly promoting the event itself.

Doing nothing to bolster the world’s image of lawyers, the National Football League’s legal team will sue you into the middle of The World Series if your business runs an ad using the words ‘Super Bowl’. Basically, if you own Crazy Joe’s Pizza and you want to suggest that your customers buy a couple meat lover’s deluxes to munch on while they watch the title match, you have to refer to the occasion as “The Big Game” or something else that isn’t too Super.

For one thing, “The Big Game” is a bit vague. Maybe using a term like “The Tremendous Bowl” or “The Spectacular Bowl” might give customers a better idea of what you’re talking about. Maybe there are some wives out there who’d like to surprise their husbands and their living room full of buddies with a massive pile of snacks to wolf down while watching the Super Bowl. I wonder if some of these wives — at least the ones who don’t really follow football — aren’t sure who’s offering specials for Super Bowl Sunday because the ads simply refer to The Big Game.

Secondly, even if Crazy Joe’s Pizza is making a few bucks on the NFL’s event, he’s at least paying for some exposure that’ll benefit the league and its business partners at the same time.

I’ve been told NASCAR’s army of lawyers is equally protective of its biggest event. If Crazy Joe’s Pizza wants to sell a large, three-topping special with a side of chicken wings and a two-litre bottle of pop for The Daytona 500, he has to refer to it as — you guessed it — “The Big Race.” Again, more specific terminology might do better at getting the message across. Perhaps the “Daytona 499+1 Special” might do the trick.

Yes, the big business aspect of professional sports can really tarnish the “purity of competition” angle. Fortunately, not all pro sports organizations are quite so, well, “super”ficial. Interestingly enough, you need not look beyond the walls of the Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex to find examples of what I’m talking about.

Most recently, the Windsor Express stopped by to take on Leamington’s best recreational basketball players to help support The United Way Centraide of Windsor-Essex County and Canadian Tire’s Jump Start program. It was an entertaining night to say the least, starting with a barnburner of a senior boys high school basketball game. Crosstown rivals Cardinal Carter and Leamington met up for a regular season WECSSAA match where the lead changed hands several times before the Lions — trailing by a point — sunk a three-pointer with about 10 seconds left. Keeping the LDSS underdog factor in mind, Hollywood couldn’t have written a better script. Then came the Express, a member of the professional National Basketball League of Canada. While the Windsor team was probably a bit more considerate to the Men’s League All Stars than they are with the London Lightning, our local group of recreational players put up a hell of a fight. While lacking the slam-dunk prowess of their pro adversaries, the locals were no slouches at bucketing their share of field goals while some put on a pretty impressive display of speed and agility at

the same time.

The bottom line was two great games chipping in to support two great causes.

On Saturday, Feb. 22, another group of pros (albeit retired pros) will take to the ice at Heinz Arena in support of W.E. Care For Kids — yet another outstanding charitable cause. Hockey fans will be tickled to see the return of Doug Gilmour and several other former NHLers who will take on a team of OPP officers in what is being dubbed “Leamington Stands Strong Night.” As the name suggests, the game’s theme will pay tribute to Heinz employees and their families. Although Gilmour played for the Flames and Leafs, I always held him in high regard simply because of his work ethic. He was to the Leafs what Jon Woelk is to the Wheatley Sharks.

The game will also feature the return of ‘The Hanson Brothers’ — two of whom are really brothers, the other who’s surname is actually Hanson. Kinda reminds me of ZZ Top — the only member of THAT trio who doesn’t have a beard is their drummer, Frank Beard. Seriously, I couldn’t make this stuff up. In case you’ve never seen the greatest sports movie of all time, the Hanson brothers were a trio of goons who joined the struggling Charlestown Chiefs minor pro hockey team — presumably in exchange for a used puck bag — in the 1977 film Slap Shot.

At any rate, the love of the game — whatever that game might be — doesn’t always have to be marred by corporate stuffed shirts waving copyright or trademark documentation in the faces of small business owners who are simply trying to stay afloat. If that’s the kind of thing you want to avoid, simply round up a few friends, stuff your faces with a twofor-one deal at Crazy Joe’s and go catch a local game.

Amherstburg

The Southpoint Atom UCCU lacked focus in their first game on the weekend. A few players had to take on different assignments and this led to some confusion, which allowed a fast Essex team to get 21 shots on Courtney Jeffery. Four shots got past her but she managed to stop 4 breakaways. Essex won the game 4-0.

The second game saw the Atoms take on a strong Amherstburg team. The girls played a more controlled game. The defence was back to full strength and in position to stop the hard rushing forwards of Amherstburg. The wingers continued to develop an aggressive style of play in the offensive zone. Kaitlyn Pickard and Maegan Derksen did a good job along the boards getting the puck out of Southpoint’s end and moving it to one of their teammates. Alyssa Lamb scored the lone goal and did a great job back-checking for the Atoms, allowing them to come away with a 1-1 tie.

Saturday, February 15

MELISSA�ETHERIDGE Friday, February 21

GEORGE�LOPEZ Friday, February 28

BLOOD�SWEAT�&�TEARS FEATURING�BO�BICE Friday, March 7

TRAVIS�TRITT�AND� THE�CHARLIE�DANIELS�BAND Friday, March 14

DANNY�BHOY Saturday, March 22

TLC WITH�LIL’�MAMA Friday, March 28

Tickets on sale now!

ARRIVAL��A�TRIBUTE�TO�ABBA Friday, April 4

TRISHA�YEARWOOD Friday, April 11

THE�FAB�FOUR THE�ULTIMATE�TRIBUTE� TO�THE�BEATLES Thursday, April 17

BILL�MAHER Sunday, April 27

ROB�THOMAS Sunday, May 11

Tickets on sale February 8!

JASON�BONHAM’S�LED� ZEPPELIN�EXPERIENCE Friday, May 16

Tickets on sale February 14!

AZIZ�ANSARI Friday, May 23

Tickets on sale February 14!

Flyers undefeated through January

The Leamington Flyers have followed a disappointing December with a joyous January.

By Bryan Jessop

The Flyers hosted London in Greater Ontario Hockey League Action Thursday, Jan. 30, skating to a 3-0 victory to finish the Nationals’ own winning streak at three games. The shutout was the third of the season for veteran netminder Austyn Roudebush and his second in the past three games.

The defensive effort was typical of the Flyers’ 2013-14 campaign thus far — they’ve been the only Western Conference team to surrender less than 100 total goals since Jan. 9. The three-goal output was also impressive considering the recent bout of stinginess from London’s blueline, who allowed only one goal in their previous three games and three through their previous five.

“We played really well. It was one of our best efforts this season,” said Flyers head coach Tony Piroski. “We had 21 guys who played great and good things came of it. It was a real playoff-style game.”

The game’s first period seemed destined to end in a scoreless draw until mid-season addition Alex Friesen sent the puck past Nats’ goalie Jacob Riley with three seconds on the clock. The shorthanded goal — Leamington’s Western Conference-leading 10th of the season — was earned in an unassisted effort.

London outshot the hosts 14-11 through the first 20 minutes, but the Flyers’ forward attack gained momentum from there, leading to a 147 shots advantage in the second and a 9-3 margin in the final frame. Piroski was pleased with his team’s offensive prowess, given London’s ability to defend their own net.

“We missed a couple chances and they’ve got good goaltending,” Piroski noted. “London’s got a lot of experience with 12 last-year players and they know how to play without the puck.”

Leamington did the most damage in the second period, starting with Nathan Opblinger’s 18th of the season, assisted by defenseman Jacob McGhee. Chris Scott padded the Flyers’ lead five minutes later with the contest’s final goal. By drawing the only assist, Opblinger pulled into a tie with Alex Seguin in the team’s points race.

London’s forwards were rendered almost completely ineffective in the final stanza, where they managed only three shots. The Flyers were

zero for five on the power play while the Nats were effectively held to -1.

With the victory, Leamington pulled out of a tie for second place with the Chatham Maroons while still holding a game in hand over their easterly neighbours. The win also brought the Flyers to within a point of first-place LaSalle, who have also played one game more than Leamington.

Although a decision has not yet been finalized on whether or not to strip the Maroons of two points earned against the Flyers and two versus St. Marys for using more than the allowable number of import players during December games, they have been reprimanded with fines and suspensions.

On Friday, Jan. 31, Leamington travelled to St. Thomas to take on the Stars. The Flyers won in a 2-1 shootout final, with their only regulation goal scored by David Dalby late in the first. The Stars tied the game to force overtime with a John Warren power play tally in the final second of the third. In the shootout, Riley Brown denied Alex Seguin and Opblinger while Roudebush stopped shots from Spencer Hutchinson and John Warren. In the third round, Chris Scott scored for the Flyers while Alex Morgan was stopped by Leamington’s veteran netminder for the ninth consecutive win. The Flyers completed the month of January with a perfect 7-0-0 record.

rest of the west

Chatham punished LaSalle 8-1 in a Wednesday, Jan. 29 match at the Vollmer Centre while London blanked Strathroy 5-0.

While the Flyers were shutting out London, the Lambton Shores Predators upset the Sarnia Legionnaires with a 5-4 overtime win.

Sarnia bounced back to beat St. Marys 4-2 the following day before a pair of Saturday games featuring a 4-1 win for St. Thomas over Lambton Shores and a 3-2 shootout nod for St. Marys against Strathroy. Also on Saturday, LaSalle defeated London 4-0.

Upcoming Home Games:

THURS Feb 6 vs st. marys 7:10PM

THURS Feb 13 vs strathroy 7:10PM

Nathan Opblinger scoring his goal.

Photos by Ryan Scott Ryan Scott Photography

Chris Scott gets the puck around the goalie.

Photos by Ryan Scott Ryan Scott Photography

By Carmen Danner

Please submit wine-related questions for publication and I will also share my experiences with local wines. You can reach me at grapeaspirations@ gmail.com and on Twitter at @ gr8grapz.

Planning something special for a Valentine’s Day dinner? So is Jeremy from Leamington: I’d like to serve some creative cocktails and dishes on Valentine’s Day using wine as an ingredient. Any suggestions?

Jeremy, I love creating new drinks and dishes with wine, and the options are only as limited as your imagination.

One of my all-time favourites is icewine martinis… the easiest is equal parts of a local Vidal icewine and a flavoured vodka of your choice – I prefer raspberry. From there, you can also add ½ part of chocolate liqueur (there are lots of options out there) for an added dimension for your senses. Another option is equal parts unflavoured vodka and Vidal icewine with ½ part apple liqueur. Then there’s the “Great Canadian Icewine Martini” – ½ ounce Vidal icewine, ½ ounce unflavoured vodka and 1.5 ounces cranberry juice. These measurements are just guidelines, feel free to play around with the proportions to suit your taste buds.

As for food… I firmly hold that everything is better with wine – well, okay, maybe not breakfast cereal – but when it comes to weekend lunches or any day dinner, the sky’s the limit.

Cheese fondue – Gruyère cheese, Emmental cheese, some sparkling white wine and garlic… magnifique!

Onion soup – not just for onions any more… add anywhere between ½ to one full cup of icewine or Chardonnay for a heightened taste sensation.

Vinaigrette of bacon, apples, raisins, and versus (the product of pressed, unripe grapes – tart with a crisp, flavourful sweetness that is amazing on a salad, cooked chicken or fish, or as a marinade or glaze for any meat, seafood or vegetables… the list is endless).

Coq au vin – traditional and timeless, and not as complicated as one might think… great with Merlot instead of Chardonnay. Yes, red wine in a chicken dish!

Port poached pears – need I say more?

Cherries simmered in red wine with sugar, orange zest and honey… amazing on duck, chicken, pork (or beef) tenderloin – or vanilla ice cream or crêpes.

And my latest find: chocolate caramel cabernet truffles, made with 2 cups of your favourite local cabernet sauvignon – available at almost every local winery... ah, l’amour!

Happy Valentine’s Day everyone. If you want a full recipe for any of the above, just email me.

Bantam Majors fall in first two playdown games

The Southpoint Capitals Major Bantam hockey team, sponsored by Jose Bar and Grill, lost their first two OMHA playdown games to the Amherstburg Stars this past weekend. The Caps lost 7-2 in Amherstburg on Friday. Brett Enns had the first goal with assists going to Zack Dillen and Luc Ribble. Zack Dillen had the other goal with the lone assist going to Luc Ribble.

On Saturday the Caps played at the Wheatley Arena and fell 6-2. Luc Ribble had both goals for the Caps. Assists went to Brett Enns, Zack Dillen and Jessica Jeffrey.

The Caps play game 3 on Wednesday night.

Alumni Association supports first-year players

By Bryan Jessop

The Southpoint Minor Hockey Alumni Association has once again helped ease the financial burden of registration for first-time SMHA players.

On Saturday, Feb. 1, members of the SMHAA met Southpoint Minor Hockey Association representatives and members of Southpoint’s mite system to

offer a donation of $10,000. The funds will be used to reduce the registration fees of first time SMHA players by $200 each. For the 2013-14 season, an even 50 players laced up the skates for the SMHA organization for the first time — most of them playing in the mite system. For these players, the regular registration fee of $390 has been reduced to $190.

and volunteers. They presented the idea of raising funds to reduce registration costs for first-time Southpoint players to the SMHA about two years ago.

“It’s a win-win situation,” said SMHA president Greg Dries. “It’s great that the alumni are still looking out for us after doing their share of the hard work.”

funds raised during the annual Great Amusing Race. Although the 2013 event was cancelled due to a lack of teams signing up for the event, the Association was still able to make a donation thanks to money raised through their annual golf tournament, held Sept. 4 at Erie Shores Golf Club.

The Alumni Association is made up of former SMHA executive/board members

Last year, the Alumni Association’s donation to Southpoint Minor Hockey was made possible through

Each year, the golf tournament rotates in location between Erie Shores and Wheatley’s Talbot Trail Golf Club.

Southpoint Minor Hockey Alumni Association members John Forbes, Ward Hutchins, Ralph Warentin, SMHA president Greg Dries, treasurer Paul Thompson and Brian Turner Sr. of Retco Advertising, along with a selection of SMHA mite players, display a cheque of $10,000 to help offset registration costs of first-time SMHA players. The donation was made by the Alumni Association with funds raised during their annual golf tournament. (Submitted photo)

WORD SEARCH ANSWERS

Swimmers compete at Western Ontario championships

Cody Lavoie (17) and Maddy Lavoie (13) recently competed at the Western Ontario Swim Championships that were held at the new Windsor Aquatic Centre. Over 900 swimmers competed.

Cody’s placings were:

50 back silver,

50 breast gold,

100 back gold,

200 back gold,

100 breast gold,

200 IM gold

400 IM gold.

Also, Cody’s times in both the 50 breast stroke and the 200 IM set club and region records.

Maddy Lavoie also had a stellar meet with:

50 back bronze,

100 back bronze,

50 free silver,

50 breast gold,

100 breast gold,

200 breast gold,

200 IM gold

400 IM gold.

Next up for these two swimmers is the Eastern Canadian Nationals being held Feb. 13-16, also taking place at the Windsor Aquatic Centre.

Lasers post top times at Windsor swim meet

The Leamington Lasers swim team posted some of their best times at the Jan. 26th swim meet hosted by the Windsor-Essex Swim Team (WEST). WEST is one of the Lasers’ top local competitors but the Lasers did not back down. 150 swimmers attended the event with over half representing WEST. The following are the local results.

7 Years & Under

Rylee Gillett (6): 1st 25 free, 3rd 25 fly.

Grace Fox (7): 1st 25 breast, 2nd 25 back, 2nd 25 fly.

Abbey Mazzella (6): 2nd 25 breast.

Zoe Toews (6): 3rd 25 breast.

Lucas Omstead (7): 3rd 25 free, 25 fly.

Lorenzo Flores (7): 3rd 25 breast.

100 Free Relay: 1st Grace Fox, Lorenzo Flores, Zoe Toews, Rylee Gillett.

8-9 Years

Emma Tiessen (9): 2nd 25 fly, 3rd 100 IM.

10-11 Years

Allison Ware (11): 1st 50 breast, 2nd 50 back, 3rd 100 IM.

Hayden Fox (11): 2nd 100 free, 100 IM, 3rd 100 breast.

200 Free Relay: 2nd Allison Ware, Gabriel Berard, Alia Flores, Hayden Fox.

12-13 Years

Scott Plancke (13): 1st 50 fly.

Vladi Jidkov (13): 1st 100 IM, 2nd 100 breast, 50 fly.

200 Free Relay: 2nd Ryann Child, Scott Plancke, Kendra Wright, Vladi Jidkov.

14 Years & Over

Ryann Child (13): 1st 100 free.

Samantha Card (15): 1st 100 IM, 2nd 100 breast, 100 free, 3rd 100 back.

Kendra Bosse (14): 3rd 50 fly.

Sebastian Nunes (16): 1st 100 back, 100 IM.

Vladi Jidkov (13): 1st 100 free, 3rd 100 back.

200 Free Relay: 1st Samantha Card, Cole Tofflemire, Vladi Jidkov, Sebastian Nunes.

Scott Plancke (13) took the 1st place in the 50m butterfly at a time of 32.85 seconds. This time was the fastest posted time in the event for the entire meet. At this time, Scott has achieved a standard wherein he is no longer able to compete in this event for his age group but will now have to compete against 14-17 year old males in this division. He joins teammates Sebastian Nunes, Vladi Jidkov, Ryann Child and Hayden Fox, who have also earned this distinction in varying events. Scott’s time would qualify him regionally as a 16-year-old male and he now holds the team record in this event.

Next up for the Lasers is the Western Ontario Short Course Regional Swim Championships to be held in Windsor where 17 swimmers have met the time standards for their age group. Representing the Lasers at Regionals are Emily Bunda, Samantha Card, Ryann Child, Alia Flores, Brooke Hillman, Kalin Lougheed, Sydney Pickel, Allison Ware, Emme Zanuttini, Gabriel Berard, Stephen Bosse, Matteo Fortuna, Matteo Corlett, Hayden Fox, Vladi Jidkov, Felix Nunes, Sebastian Nunes and Scott Plancke.

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Mental Health Helpline 1-866-531-2600 www.MentalHealthHelpline.ca

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SOUTHPOINT SUN

Sales Position with PJ Trailers Canada Inc.

PJ Trailers Canada Inc. is seeking a highly motivated sales person. Position will include selling trailers to our ON, QC and Maritime dealer network as well as retail sales out of the Leamington location. Successful candidates should have some sales experience, as well as proficient computer skills.

Strong interpersonal and communication skills is a must for this position. PJ Trailers Canada is the Canadian distributor of PJ Trailers. We offer an excellent pay package complete with benefits as well as a defined contribution pension plan.

If you feel you meet the above qualifications please apply in person to;

PJ Trailers 414 Rocky Rd. Leamington, ON (Inside the Lally South Point Ford showroom on Hwy 3)

Ask for Merlin.

If it is not suitable to apply in person you may email your resume to merlinw@pjcanada.com

194 Talbot Street West, Leamington, Ontario N8H 1N9 519-326-2373

NOTICE

Annual Membership of the Leamington District Memorial Hospital Corporation is effective from April 1 in one year to March 31 in the following year.

According to the Leamington District Memorial Hospital By-Law No. 16, a person is eligible to be an Annual Member when he or she pays to the Corporation the annual membership fee of $5.00, provided at the time of the payment of fee, the person must:

(i) Be over the age of eighteen (18) years; and

(ii) Have been a resident of the Catchment Area* for a continuous period of at least (3) months immediately prior thereto: or

(iii) Be employed in the said Catchment Area or counties for a continuous period of three (3) months.

Any person who wishes to join membership in the Leamington District Memorial Hospital Corporation for 2014/2015, please contact Linda Harfmann, 519-326-2373, ext. 4101 for an application. Applications must be received by the Board no later than March 14, 2014 in order to be eligible to vote at this year’s Annual Meeting in June.

1. Full time Maintenance/handy man. Pool knowledge preferable.

2. Line cook with experience.

3. Casual part time Housekeepers.

Must be available to work weekends and Holidays. Bring resume in person to the front desk.

566 Bevel Line Rd, Leamington

PRESTEVE FOODS NEEDS at least 15 permanent fish cutters. Experienced fish cutters are paid by piece work. Willing to train new workers. Initial wage is $10.25 an hour. After completion of 60 work days, salary increases to $13.90 + health benefits until cutter is able to make more through piece work. Position requires to filet fish at fast pace. Application can be dropped off at 20954 Erie Street South, Wheatley, Ontario or send by e-mail to info@prestevefoods.com. ja15-fe12

BUSY RV & MARINE dealer looking for RV Tech and Boat Mechanic. Contact 519-326-1156 or fax resume to 519-326-6567. oc16-tf

PRESTEVE FOODS NEEDS at least 15 permanent fish plant workers. Willing to train new workers. Initial wage is $10.25 an hour. After completion of 60 work days, salary increases to $13.90 + health benefits. Position requires either operating processing machine, lift up to 50 lbs on repetitive basis, packaging. Application can be dropped off at 20954 Erie Street South, Wheatley, Ontario or send by e-mail to info@prestevefoods.com. ja15-fe12

GREENHOUSE WORKERS

- GENERAL labour- Full time, $10.25 per hour. Some lifting required. Weekend work required. Contact by fax: 519-324-9088. East Side Acres, 116 Mersea Rd. 19, Leamington ON, N8H 3V7. fe5-19

Westmoreland Transportation Inc.

Leamington, Ontario

The transportation arm of one of Leamington’s largest grower, importer, exporter and packer of greenhouse vegetables has an immediate opening for:

Transportation Customs Coordinator

Reporting to the Transportation Manager, you will be responsible to ensure all cross border documentation, including e-manifests are complete and accurate …..

Qualifications:

• Complete proformas, ensuring tariffs are updated & current

• Update system to ensure driver & vehicle information is accurate for border crossing

• Coordinate customer appointments

• Review maintenance schedules to ensure equipment is available for servicing

• Knowledge of dispatch would be an asset, but is not required;

• Excellent interpersonal and communications skills;

• Working knowledge of MS Word and Excel.

Please e-mail resume to: jobs@westmorelandsales.com or fax: 519-322-3449. Please no phone calls.

HELP WANTED FOR general farm labour to begin in late March and for strawberry harvest beginning early May. Please email resume to raymontsberries@live.com ja29-fe19

to

Employment Opportunity

Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) The Corporation of the Municipality of Leamington

Our Chief Administrative Officer is retiring. Leamington is seeking an experienced and dynamic corporate leader as our CAO to help us continue to build a prosperous and sustainable future. Reporting to Council, the CAO will lead our senior management team and staff by developing and implementing policies, strategies and objectives. This position is responsible for overseeing all municipal services including Infrastructure, Development and Planning, Fire, Recreation and Culture, Finance, and Legislative Services.

Desired applicant will have a University/college degree in public administration, business or related fields with 10 years of progressive experience at a senior management level in the public or private sector. In addition to a history of demonstrated economic development and negotiations, the candidate should have experience in strategic team based leadership, financial management, continuous improvements, effective communication, exceptional organizational and interpersonal skills. Knowledge of the Municipal Act and other levels of government would be an asset.

Salary Range: $134,216 to $151,607 with a competitive benefit and pension package.

Interested applicants are invited to