Southpoint Sun - April 17, 2024

YOUNG ARCHERS GET SNEAK PEEK AT SPORT

Makes way for Taco Bell

Council okays bylaw amendment for vacant property

By Mark Ribble

The property that was the location of the Tropicana Restaurant at 311 Erie Street South has passed a hurdle with Leamington Council to begin its transition to a Taco Bell.

Council approved a recommended by-law amendment on Tuesday, April 8 that allows for the new one-storey, 2,100 square-foot building that will include a drive-thru operation with entrance and exit on Coronation

Avenue.

The property has been vacant since about 2004 and the site plan has gone through many reviews during the process.

The plan is not without its retractors, however.

Neighbouring residents attended the council meeting and also wrote letters to council about the expected traffic and parking issues that will go along with locating a drive-thru restaurant on that site.

Neighbours were most

concerned about the difficulty that is already present for Coronation residents to turn left onto Erie Street and how that problem will increase with all of the additional traffic.

It’s expected that the restaurant will have a small eating area and will have a 30-seat eating area and about 20 parking spots, instead of the 32 deemed necessary by the existing by-law. The by-law amendment allows for a reduction in

parking spaces to allow for a larger drive-thru lane, where up to 10 cars can be in queue during peak hours.

Councillor Heather Latam spoke to the concern about the reduced landscaping required in the amendment.

“I do worry about if we reduce the landscaped percentage requirement, as we seem to be doing more often, it really reduces some of the ‘pretty’ and the nice air we breathe,” she said. “If

they keep reducing and reducing, what will we become?”

Tracey Pillon-Abbs, the representative planner for the applicant, said that the reduction in landscaping is about 5.6 percent, which is minimal.

Pillon-Abbs also confirmed that the applicant is Taco Bell and that they are very satisfied with the design and looking forward to coming to Leamington.

Two-year-old Denver Durocher gets some help from mom Suzanne at the Archery Windsor booth Saturday afternoon at the Jack Miner Migratory Bird Sanctuary. The Jack Miner Migratory Bird Foundation had a flurry of activity last week as they celebrated National Wildlife Week. More photos on page 3. SUN photo by Deanna Bertrand

Popular author visits Gore Hill Public School

By Mark Ribble

Popular author Christopher Paul Curtis made a stop at Gore Hill Public School on Wednesday, April 10 and spoke to students, grades three through eight, about the importance of reading and writing.

Curtis was brought in by school library teacher, Shirley Kunca, who met Curtis some time ago at a Tim Hortons in Windsor.

“Being a book nerd, I immediately recognized him,” she said. “My mom urged me to introduce myself.”

The two are now friends and Curtis came to the school for an ‘Author Talk’ with the students in the school gymnasium.

Curtis grew up in Flint, Michigan, and spent his first 13 years out of high school working in the Fisher Body Plant #1 in Flint, before deciding on a career writing books. He’s now a full-time writer and lives in Windsor. His first book — published in 1995 — was The Watsons Go To Birming-

ham 1963, which was made into a TV movie in 2013.

He explained to the students the process involved in writing a book and gave them plenty of tips on how to become a writer — which involves “practice, practice, practice.”

Some of his other popular titles include Bud, Not Buddy and Elijah of Buxton — a book that he wrote from memories of spending summers at Rondeau. In total, he has published nine books.

Concierge Level.

Tasha Slater

of reading, writing and using your imagination.

The children had lots of questions afterward, and

a few who already had his books brought copies for him to sign.

Gore

YOUNG GORE HILL AUTHOR

Gore Hill Public School library teacher Shirley Kunca, left, with her friend, author Christopher Paul Curtis. Curtis spoke to grade 3-8 students in the school gymnasium on Wednesday, April 10 about the importance

SUN photo

Author Christopher Paul Curtis with four students, who helped him get the rest of the students singing during his speaking engagement at Gore Hill on Wednesday, April 10. SUN photo

Hill Public School is highlighting its student authors and the first author to be featured is Julian Vlodarchyk from Ms. Joseph’s Grade 1/2 class. Julian is in Grade 2 this year. He has created a Graphic Novel Series called “ROBOT”. He is the author and illustrator of this book series, having written the words and drawn all the pictures. According to Julian, the series is about a robot going into a mess of all different kinds of robots. There are some robots that are good and friendly and other robots are evil and cause trouble. The robots try to work together but sometimes their ‘Robot DNA’ does not match up and they need to be destroyed. Students can check out these books from the Gore Hill Student Author section of the school library. Julian currently has seven graphic novels completed. Photo submitted

National Wildlife Week observed at Jack Miner Sanctuary

By Deanna Bertrand

It was a busy National Wildlife Week at Jack Miner Migratory Bird Sanctuary in Kingsville, April 7-14.

The event wrapped up on the weekend with over 16 artists inside the

Sanctuary and 20 vendors outside, children’s educational demos, ar-

chery lessons, Canadian Raptor Conservancy demonstrations, museum tours, guest speakers and more.

On Wednesday, April 10, birthday treats were served to commemorate what would have been Jack Miner’s 159th birthday.

Miner, known as the father of North American conservation, died in 1944 at the age of 79. The foundation was established in Canada in 1936 and operates solely on grants and private corporate donations.

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Shauna Cowan of the Canadian Raptor Conservancy speaks to the crowd as a Golden Eagle keeps a keen eye on her at Jack Miner Migratory Bird Sanctuary on Saturday, April 13. The demonsatrations by the raptor group were very popular among visitors.

Annie Rivington paints at the Wonderfield “living education” booth. Deanna Bertrand photos

Celestine Christian, 19 months old, shows off some rocks in the afternoon learning centre at Jack Miner Migratory Bird Sanctuary in Kingsville on Saturday.

Local craft brewer develops lemon-dandelion beer to honour his mother

By Mark Ribble

A local craft brewer has dedicated a new beer to the memory of his mother, in hopes of raising aware-

ness for cancer patients and at the same time, participating in a craft beer initiative known as Fine N’ Dandy.

Kieran Buzek, owner of Top Dog Brewing Company, lost his mother Shelley in December 2023, after a lengthy and courageous battle with her disease.

The Fine N’ Dandy story began in 2016 when brewer Jeffery Craig was diagnosed with cancer and he put his love and passion for craft beer to the test by contacting his friends at Craft Heads Brewing Company and Walkerville Brewery, collaborating on a beer featuring dandelions as the main ingredient to help the fight against cancer.

The Fine N’ Dandy project has raised over $23,000 to date and those proceeds go to the Windsor Cancer Foundation and the Canadian Cancer Society.

The project is now in its eighth year and Top Dog is participating for the second time.

Buzek plans on brewing about 1,000 cans of his new Lemon Raddler infused with dandelion root and that beer will be available locally and across Ontario.

Some of the local es-

tablishments carrying the Lemon Raddler are the Leamington Portuguese Club, The Main Grill in Kingsville, Garfield’s in Colchester and Woodcraft in Essex.

The rules for participating in the initiative are simple: Make a great dandelion-based beer.

Buzek says he’s dedicated this beer to his mom and her good friend, Dr. Michelle Prince.

“Michelle and my mom were great friends who shared their cancer journey together for years,” he says. “Neither of them took a day for granted and they fought with every ounce of strength they had in their body.”

Kieran has reached out to other families who have loved ones battling cancer or lost a loved one to the disease and has included several local names on the can label.

This year’s batch is dedicated to Shelley Lynn Buzek, Victoria Johnson, Deborah Ann Carr, Patrick Denome, Pamela Brundritt, Carol Jean Stanton, Bryon Maple

Gero, Michelle Prince, Liz DelCiancio, Judy Banman and Ian Tate.

The initiative runs until April 28 and Buzek is also giving $1 per can sold to the Dr. Michelle Prince Comfort Care Tote Program. The program provides high-quality, custom tote bags to patients starting chemotherapy, and is filled with very useful items to help them

cope and manage side effects.

Brewers participating in the Fine N’ Dandy project besides Top Dog include Chapter Two, Craft Heads, Jake’s, Rose City and Walkerville.

Visit Top Dog Brewing Company’s Facebook page, Instagram page (@topdogbrew) or go to topdogbrew.ca.

Kieran Buzek pouring a glass of his Fine N’ Dandy Lemon Raddler with dandelion root at his brewery in Kingsville. SUN photo

The new Fine N’ Dandy Lemon Raddler can. Photo submitted

A grand re-opening for the Village Resource Centre in Wheatley

By Paul Forman

Meeting the ever-growing need in the community, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on the morning of Saturday, April 13 at Wheatley’s Village Resource Centre at 108 Talbot Road East to celebrate both the centre’s expansion and permanence in location.

Fulmer shared, “We opened to the public in July of 2022 and we found that we needed more office space and we had support groups wanting to meet here.”

“We’ve set up the food pantry space so that clients can pick out their own items in a dignified manner. We give every item a value and give our clients an allowance of sorts to spend as they wish,” said Susan Fulmer, who now sits on the board of directors for the centre.

The way the food pantry runs is unique in that the public is encouraged

Founded by three members of the Fulmer family (Susan, Todd and their daughter Tabitha) in March of 2022, the centre has grown from beyond its food pantry roots and now offers meeting areas for various community groups and rentals for alcohol-free bridal showers, family functions and business meetings.

to come in and shop for grocery items and, because the centre has charitable status, any proceeds are fed back into the operation to feed those in need.

Fulmer said, “Everyone wants to help and they don’t know how and this is an easy, tangible way to help your neighbour by shopping here.”

A small vendor’s market was also on hand at the re-opening and many people were seen inquiring about their wares.

“The vendor’s market is a way for the community to gather on a regular basis and brings in a crowd that helps both them and

us,” said Fulmer.

As for future plans, an upcoming Trillium grant from the provincial government will allow the Village Resource Centre to provide a greater variety of food choices with a new refrigeration system being installed.

The centre is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

APRIL 17TH 6PM - 8PM

Susan Fulmer worked the till Saturday morning and is seen here helping volunteer Cathy Neroda with a purchase she just made to support the centre. Paul Forman photo

On hand for the ribbon cutting were Dave Epp, MP for Chatham-Kent Leamington, Matthew Keech, Program Manager at C-K Employment and Social Services, Susan Fulmer, Founder, Todd Ful mer, Founder, and Chris Pegg, Executive Director of Chatham-Kent Commu nity Foundation.

In vendor’s alley are (from front to back) Holly Omstead-McRae, Lillian Braendle, Tatiana DeParteira and Janet Hebert. Paul Forman photo

opinion ~ expression ~ and other musings

Wouldn’t you like to be a Pepper too?

RIB’S RAMBLINGS

Mark Ribble

We had a conversation in the office last week about soft drinks and some of us older folks started naming off the ‘pop’ of our childhood, which brought back a number of good memories.

While some lamented the lack of foun-

tain-based Pepsi products in this area, others talked about old brands such as Squirt, Wink and Kickapoo Joy Juice.

While many (including myself) believed that Kickapoo Joy Juice was the predecessor to Mountain Dew, in fact they were competitors. Kickapoo hit the market in 1965 and while it tastes a lot like Mountain Dew and fellow competitor Mello Yello, Kickapoo is a brand of its own and still available in the U.S.

And so it seemed that for every flavour each soft drink company came out

Derrick’s 1965 Plymouth Sport Fury

Leamington resident Derrick Tassey saw a newspaper ad in early 1965: “For sale: 1965 Plymouth Sport Fury 2-door hardtop, 413 engine, 4 speed, ps-pb, Girardot Ave. $2800.00.”

“My boss Ken Lowes drove me to Windsor after work to see the car. Out front of a small framed house was parked a stunning black Plymouth. Ken and I knocked on the front door and were greeted by an older lady, who said the car belonged to her son who

was at work at Chrysler. I asked why he was selling it (less than 7,000 miles). She said he needed the money to move to Australia.

THE OLD CAR DETECTIVE

Bill Sherk

“After a short drive I wrote a cheque for the full amount. She handed me the ownership already signed. I drove to Central Chrysler to transfer the warranty into my name: 50,000 miles or 5 years.

“I enjoyed that car but the 413 V-8 was hard on rear tires and late nights

on the town line were hard on the clutch. I changed the clutch at Ware’s Texaco. Lying on my back pulling out that heavy transmission was not a problem. Aah... to be young again...”

Always looking for stories. Email billtsherk@ sympatico.ca

with, their competitor came out with something similar.

It was usually a battle between Coca-Cola and Pepsi, but Canada Dry often got into the fray with their products too, while other companies like Fanta, Royal Crown and of course, Vernors, dotted the soft drink landscape.

In the end, they probably all ended up being owned by two or three companies, but it seemed like 7-Up had a major competitor with Sprite, but we also can’t forget a nice refreshing lemon-lime clear beverage like Teem.

I guess Teem was likely the poorman’s 7-Up, just as the Americans had done with Mr. Pibb, which competed with Dr. Pepper.

Teem had that cool bottle with the criss-cross pattern in it, probably made to compete with Sprite, which had ‘golf ball dimples’ in it.

The colas always had a major battle going on. Beside the two big names, there were colas called Tab, RC (Royal Crown) and other companies like Shasta and Faygo, who made a cola too — particularly in the United states.

Here in Canada, we never saw some of these brands, but let’s take a look at the green citrus flavoured drinks, which include Mountain Dew, Squirt, Wink and even Fresca.

Among the cream soda style drinks,

It’s hard to believe it’s been over 41 years since Huey Lewis and his band The News jumped onto the scene with his first hit “Do You Believe in Love”. I was still working at CHYR radio as the Morning Man and‘Music Director. In fact, I’d only been there for four and a half years so I still had another wonderful 17 and a half years to go before I left CHYR for a career selling insurance.

I always had a soft spot for Huey Lewis because at that point we did sort of look alike. Really. When I was out playing as a DJ for a wedding or party, occasionally people would come up and say, “Hey, did anyone ever tell you that you look like Huey Lewis? And I’d say, “Hey, I am Huey Lewis filling in for Chuck Reynolds DJ Service,” and then we all had a laugh. Someone even put his picture on the bulletin board at work with my name under it.

On one other occasion back in the mid-’80s, while attending a radio seminar in Toronto for the weekend with the Blackburn Radio Group and its programmers from all our stations including CHYR, we were having dinner at a fancy restaurant in the Yorkville

we had Crush, Fanta, Faygo and Tahiti Treat, which was Canada Dry’s attempt to attract the little ones.

Rootbeers were not left out, as every company had a version of rootbeer on their list.

I cannot write yet another column about soft drinks of the day without once again mentioning Chocolate Soldier, which had a brief stint on the pop market here in the late ‘60s. There was something about mixing my love of chocolate with my love of pop that had me trying it out pretty early in its existence.

It didn’t last a long time on the market here, however.

I’ve never been a diet pop fan, but do enjoy a Fresca from time to time.

As time marches on though, I’ve cut back on the amount of pop I was drinking back in the day. There was a time when I’d rather have a pop than a beer. I don’t think that’s the case anymore, but a nice cold Coke hits the spot now and then.

I long for the old days when pop came in glass bottles. It seemed so cold in those bottles.

I prefer cans over the plastic bottles nowawadays.

I’ll leave you with the old Mountain Dew slogan, just for old time’s sake.

“Ya-hoo! Mountain Dew! It’ll Tickle Yore Innards!”

area during the same time that Toronto’s International Film Festival was on. Some of the movie stars eating at the same eatery we were at included Diane Keaton. And lo and behold, guess who walked in right beside our table and our radio group? It was Huey Lewis. One of our guys yelled out, “Hey Chuck, your brother Huey is here.” Of course, that only lasted a couple of more years as he grew older and the resemblance no longer seemed as close.

FLASHBACK RADIO with Chuck Reynolds

I Like” and “Doing It All for My Baby”. The following summer, in 1988, Lewis had his last top 10 hit “Perfect World”, which reached #3 in the weeks of September 10th and 17th.

But getting back to the real Huey Lewis, he had several top 10 hits in the next two and a half years including “Do You Believe in Love”, “Heart and Soul”, I Want a New Drug”, “The Heart of Rock & Roll” and “If This is It” before hitting #1 with “The Power of Love” in the summer of 1987. He followed that up in the fall of 1986 with another #1 song, “Stuck With You.”

In the late fall, Huey reached the top 3 with “Hip to Be Square” before hitting the top spot again with “Jacob’s Ladder” on March 14, 1987. After that, he had another two top 10 hits in the same year with “I Know What

Over the next 20 years, Huey Lewis had nine more songs reach Billboard’s Hot 100 charts, including two duets, “Cruisin’’ with Gwyneth Paltrow and “Working for A Livin” with Garth Brooks.

Sadly, today, at the age of 73, Huey isn’t truly able to enjoy the fruits of his labour as he was diagnosed with Meniere’s disease in 1988. This is an inner ear affliction that leads to hearing loss and vertigo. He lost his hearing over six years ago. Lewis says he can sing but can’t sing to anything because he can’t hear pitch. It’s all distorted. He can’t recognize his own songs. As he put it in a recent interview with Rolling Stone magazine, “A bass part sounds like a hurricane of turntable scratching.”

We’re so sorry Huey, but we’ll always love you.

Derrick Tassey still has the original keys to his 1965 Plymouth Sport Fury.

Leamington Chamber holds its 88th Annual General Meeting

The Leamington District Chamber of Commerce held its 88th Annual General Meeting on Thursday, April 4 at the Portuguese Community Club in Leamington. It was Chamber GM Wendy Parsons’ 10th such AGM and she took the podium to talk about the past year.

“I have great admiration for my board of directors,” she said. “And I thank them for all of their support.”

Parsons announced that the Chamber now has 266 members, 47 of which are new.

Chamber President Chad Robinson then took the podium to speak about how hard the board and staff have worked this past year and the challenges they’ve overcome.

He had special praise for Wendy Parsons and Ursula Tiessen.

“For all you do and continue to do — thank you,” he said.

Robinson also thanked two departing board members in Marion Fantetti and Jessica Dyck, both of whom have decided to retire from the board.

After a tasty lunch, the group went over the passing of last year’s minutes, by-laws and nominations for the new board of directors.

Diane Malenfant was elected new President.

A presentation was made by Enbridge on energy issues affecting Canadians.

Deputy Mayor Larry Verbeke swears in the new board of directors for the Leamington District Chamber of Commerce. From left are Verbeke, Chad Robinson, Sean Sutton, Brandon Stanley, Paul Thompson, Paul Medeiros, Melissa Loeppgy, Char Houle, Carolyn Warkentin, Diane Malenfant, Connor Laino, Randy Sleiman and Tony DeSantis. Aaron Coristine was absent. SUN photo

Leamington couple sees local fundraising efforts at work in Philippines

The Philippines may be well known for its beautiful beaches and kind people, but a recent visit by Mariel and Jim Konrad provides insight into the Cacao Industry, deep in the Southern Province of Mindanao, Philippines. Just north of the Equator and Indonesia lies some of the world’s most sought-after cacao beans, which are the key ingredient for chocolate. Cacao is a fruit grown in a band just above and below the Equator and the cacao industry in the Philippines was identified by MEDA (Mennonite Economic Development Associates) as a potential International Project two years ago.

Locally, MEDA Leamington has been raising funds to support the Philippines Project and past members Mariel and Jim Konrad recently returned from visiting Davao. Jim described it as a life-altering experience.

“After years of working on events locally to raise funds, we were blessed with the opportunity to see those funds at work with the farmers of Davao and the impacts of MEDA at work Internationally,” he said. “The Davao MEDA team have done an incredible job not only with the project but also hosting and educating us on their impact.”

Funds raised locally are amplified by Global Affairs Canada at seven

In Loving Memory of DonalD ClifforD BroDie

September 28, 1936 - April 22, 2002

Don’s smiling way and pleasant face are a pleasure to recall.

Don had a kindly word for each and died beloved by all.

Someday we hope to meet Don, someday we know not when.

To clasp Don’s hand in the better land never to part again.

Sadly missed by wife Jean, daughter Julie, Brenda and grandchildren

In Loving

Kevin Henry Slingerland

April 17, 1968 – July 23, 1996

Kevin, you are always on our minds And forever in our hearts. Especially thinking of you today

On your special day.

Lovingly missed and forever remembered by your loving family, Mom & Dad, Stephen, Laurie, Christopher & Danielle

In Loving Memory of Gene Woodsit & irene Woodsit

With fondest memories, Gene Woodsit - April 21, 2023

It’s still hard to believe it’s been a year.

Irene Woodsit - April 25, 2021

Still missing you three years later.

Loved and cherished always, Marena

times multiple. This partnership allowed MEDA to establish an office in Davao after identifying bottlenecks within the cacao industry.

Senior Development Officer with MEDA, Dean Shoemaker, points out MEDA’s focus on their International Projects.

“MEDA looks to ensure sustainability when entering any of our International Projects,” he says.

“MEDA works with the entire supply chain and that starts with strong supportive relationships with local farmers.”

Mariel Konrad has direct ties to the Philippines and was encouraged by the impact of the project.

“It was beautiful to see empowered women and girls hard at work within

the cacao industry,” she said. “We visited organic farms run by indigenous families in its most natural setting. The mountains, jungle and people truly embraced the impact of this project on their lives, it was a blessing to see it in person.”

The Konrads visited all levels of the cacao industry supply chain and will be sharing their experiences and stories locally with photo and video support.

Cured Craft Brewing Company on Mill St in Leamington will be the venue for one of MEDA Leamington’s next events on Thursday, April 25 at 6:30 p.m.

More information about MEDA and its International Projects is available at www.meda.org

Symphony presenting Superheroes Friday

The concert begins at 7:30 and runs approximately two hours.

Visit windsorsymphony.com for tickets or call the WSO Box Office at 519-973-1238.

The Windsor Symphony Orchestra is back in Leamington on Friday, April 19 at the Nature Fresh Farms Recreation Complex with a show called Superheroes. With the music that brings those Marvel and DC comics to life on the big screen, you’ll hear all of the hit songs, from Black Panther to Wonder Woman, and Thor to Batman. This concert is for all ages. Every kid receives a free comic book and you are encouraged to wear your favourite superhero costume.

Leamington bridge scores

The following are the top-scoring teams in recent Bridge games at the Leamington Half Century Centre. Bridge lessons are available. If interested, call 519-7384939.

April 12: 1st Bob Lee and Henry Hildebrandt, 2nd Roger Cote and Pauline Mikolash, 3rd Case Mulder and Derek Parry.

In Loving Memory

Polly Moauro-Fast

April 18, 2021

of

March 12, 2019 &

John Fast

May the winds of heaven blow softly, And whisper in your ear, How much we love and miss you, And wish that you were here.

Never a day goes by where we don’t think of you.

Forever in Our Hearts

Your Loving Family

Memory of a dear and loving son, brother, brother-in-law and uncle

Philippines Project staff pose after hosting Leamington couple recently. Jim Konrad photo

Local marine rescue unit expands, undergoes name change

By Mark Ribble

The Colchester Guardian Marine Rescue Unit has officially changed its name to Guardian Marine Rescue, a move that was facilitated by the purchase of a second vessel which will operate out of Belle River Marina.

Now with two vessels equipped to help on the waters of Lake Erie, the Detroit River and Lake St. Clair, it was felt a name change was the right thing to do.

“Now that we also operate out of Lakeshore, we felt we needed a name change,” says crew member and spokesperson Tyler Burniston. “We now have the Colchester Guardian operating out of Colchester Harbour and the Lakeshore Alida operating out of Belle River Marina.

The addition of the Alida allows Guardian Marine Rescue to now cover Lake St. Clair and the northern shores of the county.

The non-profit organization is 100 percent run by volunteers, with about 25 volunteers handling crew and non-crew duties.

They specialize in help-

ing anyone in distress on the water, handling about 11 calls in 2023, with about 95 calls in the books since its inception in 2012.

The Guardian vessel is a retired Sarnia police boat that has been retrofitted for marine rescue operations and the Alida is a former pleasure craft that is currently undergoing retrofitting and is expected to be in the water in the next few weeks.

Burniston says that with the recent announcement that Leamington’s fire boat has been grounded, he wants people to know that they are out there.

“It’s good to know there is still a vessel in the water to help people,” he said.

Their calls come through the Canadian Coast Guard’s Joint Rescue Coordination Centre in Trenton, where it is determined if the Coast Guard vessels are able to reach those in distress, or if it is faster to send Guardian Marine.

Their calls range from boats without power to full-on rescues of boaters in peril.

The organization is always looking for volunteers — both crew and

non-crew — and is reliant solely on private and corporate donations. They also hold fundraising dinners once or twice a year to raise funds to cover costs.

The Coast Guard also pays a fee to them, which basically covers the cost of fuel, for any calls that originate with them.

Burniston stresses the importance of boaters to call the Coast Guard, which will then determine if Guardian gets called out or not. Once a call-out is made, a group chat determines how many crew are needed — depending on the call — and who can get to the harbour/marina the quickest.

Many of the crew members are ex-military, exfire or ex-Coast Guard members, so their training is intense and qualified.

The next fundraiser is being held May 3, when they will hold a Pasta and Trivia Night at Shine in Harrow.

For information on fundraising and volunteering, visit their website at guardianmarinerescue.ca or check out their Facebook and Instagram pages.

From left are crew members Holly Lucier, Tyler Burniston, Whitney Emery, SAR Instructor Wayne Spencer, crew members Tim Baxter and Dan Jenner. Photos courtesy of Guardian Marine Rescue

The Alida in the background and the Colchester Guardian in the foreground.

John A. Will

December 21, 1957 – April 11, 2024

John Will passed away Thursday, April 11, 2024.

Predeceased by his loving parents Jake and Wealthie. Survived by his devoted sister, brother-in-law, niece, nephew, aunt and many cousins.

A lifelong resident of Kingsville, John spent countless hours walking his beloved dog, Ella, in Lakeside Park.

Before enjoying retirement, John worked for 36 years at Heinz in Leamington, where friends will fondly remember him as “Farmer.”

His life was enhanced by the closest of friends whom he loved like family. Your visits brought him great joy. Thank you for sharing your lives with him.

A private cremation has taken place. Arrangements entrusted to Reid Funeral Home Leamington (14 Russell Street, 519-326-2631).

Memorial donations can be made to the Windsor Essex Humane Society (windsorhumane.org) or Second Chance Animal Rescue of Windsor-Essex County (scarescue.org).

Online condolences and cherished memories may be shared at www.reidfuneralhome.ca

Dick Grolman

It is with sadness in our hearts, but with gratitude for his long and accomplished life, that we announce the passing of Dick Grolman on Monday, April 15, 2024 at 93 years of age (June 1930 - 2024).

He will be deeply missed by his lifelong partner Tini and three children, Wilfred (Carol), KarenAnn (Paul) and Rodney (Joanne). Another son, Sandy, predeceased him in 1980. He further leaves behind three grandchildren, Cory Pezzack (Maija), Kayley Pezzack (Luke) and Madeline Grolman.

Born in The Netherlands, Dick emigrated to Canada with his wife Tini in 1953 from where they started an eventful life together. He attended University of Guelph studying analytical chemistry and his degree brought him to Leamington (1959) to work in the Heinz laboratory. Dick taught at St. Clair College (WOIT) for 30 years and retired to a full life of travelling, gardening, writing, building, birding and a variety of volunteer positions. Dick was also a long-time member of the United Church wherever he and Tini lived.

In the words of his children, Dick was a: thinker and learner, teacher and guide, achiever and believer, roamer and wanderer, camper and lover of nature, as well as a carer, listener, giver and sharer.

Dick lived life with purpose and positivity and was memorable to most who met him. His bonds of love, respect, generosity and shared wisdom knew no bounds.

“You know something?” Dick would ask.

The inferred answer to his loved ones: “I love you!”

In kindness, donations may be made to the Leamington United Church.

Visitation will be held at Reid Funeral Home, 14 Russell Street, Leamington ON (519-326-2631) on Monday, April 22, 2024 from 10 a.m. until the Celebration of Life at 12 p.m.

Online condolences and cherished memories may be shared with the family at www.reidfuneralhome.ca

ERCA DONATIONS OVER $500K

Proof of obituary to run

The Essex Region Conservation Foundation has announced that more than half of a million dollars was raised for important conservation work in 2023. The Foundation is able to provide grants to the Essex Region Conservation Authority in the amount of $570,601 to undertake important conservation work. Some of the highlights this funding will support include nearly $125,000 toward the historic restoration works at the John R. Park Homestead; more than $125,000 toward tree planting and habitat restoration efforts, and $95,000 to support the development of public access and recreation at the newly acquired Collavino Conservation Area. In the photo above, members of the Essex Region Conservation Foundation presented ERCA with funds for local conservation projects. From left are Councillor Angelo Marignani, ERCA CAO Tim Byrne, ERCA Chair Jim Morrison, Foundation President Claire Wales, Councillor Molly Allaire, Foundation Director Terry Fink.

April 17, 2024

Southpoint Sun

$200 plus $26 HST = $226

Any changes please email sun@southpointsun.ca

Mersea Park renewal project underway soon

Thanks.

At its April 9 meeting, Leamington Council approved the much-anticipated renewal of Mersea Park, a 13-acre greenspace located along Point Pelee Drive adjacent to Lake Erie.

Mersea Park has long been a hub for outdoor activities, offering playgrounds, baseball fields, picnic shelters, and washroom facilities. However, the aging amenities have fallen short of current accessibility standards, prompting the need for comprehensive upgrades to ensure the park meets

the community’s needs today and in the future.

The approved renewal plan includes a series of extensive improvements aimed at revitalizing the park’s infrastructure, enhancing accessibility, and expanding its offerings to serve all members of the community better.

Key features of the project include a new splash pad complete with washrooms, changing rooms and a mechanical room with storage for municipal tools and equipment. As well, the existing playground structures will be

replaced with modern, accessible equipment, ensuring safe and inclusive play for children of all abilities.

An extended asphalt walking path will encircle the park, connecting parking lots, playgrounds, the splash pad, picnic shelters, and all other facilities.

The current parking lot will be expanded to include a new turning radius suitable for the municipality’s LT-Go transit bus, enhancing transit connections to the park. A new parking lot will also be constructed in the southeast corner to better serve

the eastern picnic shelter and baseball diamond.

Replacement of wooden bollards with a concrete barrier curb, drainage enhancements, installation of electrical outlets in picnic shelters and baseball diamonds, and an extension of netting along the eastern side of the park to increase safety.

The Mersea Park renewal project was tendered and awarded to local firm Barrineti Construction Ltd., and the work is expected to begin this spring.

County Classic Chorale to perform May concerts

Leamington-based County Classic Chorale (the Chorale) is celebrating its 41st year of anchoring choral music for Leamington, Kingsville and other communities in Windsor Essex.

Proof of obituary to run

April 17, 2024

admission.

The Chorale will be singing Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms in Hebrew (with subtitles on screens) as part of the concert.

Southpoint Sun $200 plus $26 HST = $226

Under the direction of new Artistic Director Adam Adler, the Chorale will be performing provocative and engaging works from renowned composer Leonard Bernstein and Canada’s own Sarah Quartel at its concerts on May 4 (7 pm) and May 5 (3 pm) at Faith Mennonite Church, 269 Sherk St., Leamington. Free will offering for

Any changes please email sun@southpointsun.ca

Thanks.

Bernstein, whose life was recently featured in the movie Maestro, is popularly known for his score for West Side Story which continues to wow audiences across the world. Quartel, Oxford University Press’ “rising star,” is recognized for her energetic, fresh approach to choral music which attracts singers of all ages.

County Classic Choral is known

for its performance excellence. It is dedicated to promoting the highest standards of choral singing while seeking to bring music to communities across southwest Ontario. Future growth plans include founding a youth choir, providing student and adult scholarships and increasing artistic collaboration with other arts organizations throughout the county.

The group is seeking new members to join its ranks — no formal training required. For more information go to countyclassicchorale.ca or contact countyclassicchorale@gmail.com.

Wheatley Branch 324 Legion News

The Zone A2 Golf Tournament is Saturday, June 1 at Talbot Trail Golf Club in Wheatley. Deadline to sign up is May 4. All paidup Legion members in good standing are eligible to play. Sign up at Talbot Trail golf course. Winners of the April 13 Meat Draws were Pat Playford, Mike Diesbourg, Gerry Soulliere, Carl McCracken, Terry Stevenson, Sherry Cham-

bers (2), June Epplett, Donna Corlett, Muggsy Soulliere and Doug Walker. Hilary Hodgson won the L.A. 50/50 draw.

The next Meat Draw is Saturday, April 20 at Lil Hil’s Coffee Shop. Tickets go on sale at 3 p.m. with draws starting at 3:30.

There were 24 players out for Fun Darts on April 12. Posting six wins were Karin Kingswood, Bonnie Evoy and Glen

Booker. Four wins: Virginia Bartelt, Karl Bartelt and John Balkwill; Laura Smith, Dennis Kiss and Larry Evoy; Sherry Chambers, Dave Leili and Tim Butt. Three wins: JoAnne Smith, Ben Baltzer and Cookie Klooster; Julie Reid, Doug Stevenson and Barry Bartelt; Jean Teylouni, Lynn Scott and Neil Handspiker. One win: Amy Kendall, Gord Crook and Jim McClel-

lan. Lady doublers were Karin, Julie and Lynn. Julie doubled out on Glen, who had to walk the walk of shame.

Anyone interested in playing fun darts is welcome to come on out to Kingsville Legion on Friday nights at 7 pm and organizers will be happy to put you on a team. It is luck of the draw and always makes for a fun night out.

Photo submitted

Public input sought for new Cottam Community Centre

By Paul Forman

Cottam residents had an opportunity to see the two proposed options for their new community centre at a two-hour public session on April 15 at the Ridgeview Park Field House.

Town administration and councillors were on hand to hear feedback and to listen to concerns that

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17

LEAMINGTON HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY WILL MEET at 7:00 pm at St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church, 60 Erie St. N., Leamington. Speaker: Russ Jones. Topic: Establishing gardens with Biodiversity. All are welcome for an evening of horticultural fun and fellowship. More info: Jo-Anne Smith 519-322-8809.

THURSDAY, APRIL 18

ESSEX COUNTY FIELD NATURALISTS CLUB WILL MEET at 7:30 pm at Ojibway Nature Centre, 5200 Matchette Rd., Windsor. Special meeting: Alexander Campbell and Jennifer Dalley of Wings Wildlife Rehabilitation centre, a hands-on learning experience and presentation. All welcome. Free to the public.

THURSDAY, APRIL 18

KINGSVILLE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY WILL MEET from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. at Unico Hall, 37 Beech St., Kingsville. Speaker: Leo Silvestri. Topic: Monarch butterflies. All are welcome.

FRI., APRIL 19 & SAT. APRIL 20

INDOOR YARD SALE / RUMMAGE SALE - Friday, April 19 from 9:00 am - 1:00 pm and Saturday, April 20 from 9:00 am to 12 noon at Leamington United Church, 9 John St. Lots of bargains for everyone!

SATURDAY, APRIL 20

The Ontario Purple Martin Association will meet at 9:00 am at Orchard View Golf Course, 1357 County Rd. 34, Ruthven. The beloved Martins are starting to return, and this is a good meeting to get pointers to attract them and to assist them in their breeding season. More info: Paul 519-738-3476 for further info.

weren’t necessarily addressed in either option.

The two designs, which will create new builds to take the place of the Ridgeview Park Field House and the Cottam Library, were developed after a building facilities review in 2023, followed by an approved budget earlier this year and through consultation with various Cottam user groups over the past several months.

Tim Del Greco, the Town of Kingsville’s Senior Manager of Capital Projects and Engineering, said, “A structural engineer hired by the town deemed that the existing buildings were not worthy of rehabilitation and they should be demolished and reconstructed.”

Architecttura — a Windsor structural engineering firm — generated the two layouts and the town received the suggested designs in early April. Both options appear to be similar, with the biggest differences being with the exterior aesthetics and the exact location for the new build on Fox Street.

Option A would see the new build taking the location of the existing Cottam Library, while Option B would be built just northwest of the library at the existing Ridgeview Park Field House.

Del Greco said, “If we build in the park, the building and storage will be together. If we build by the road, the storage for soccer and baseball will have an independent unit in the park.”

It was indicated that the set budget will be adhered

to regardless of the option chosen and the total footprint for each proposed build would essentially be the same.

“The idea is to make the hall as multi-functional as possible. The library would be smaller than what they have now, but they would have the ability to open up their walls to the adjacent hall and have a bigger space overall,” said Del Greco.

The plan is for the existing buildings to be demolished beginning in October or November of this year, followed by new foundations and enclosure of the shells so that construction on the interiors can take place all win-

ter into the spring of 2025.

Votes from the in-person session will be tabulated, while those that were unable to attend on the evening of the 15th can still provide their input and their preferred option by accessing the online tool HaveYourSay Kingsville.ca by the April 25th deadline.

On a final note, Del Greco stated, “If we get concise feedback we will bring a report to council on a select option and location, hopefully that happens later in May. We will then need council to endorse an option so that we can inform our architect to prepare the final designs.”

Skills in a positive, friendly environment. For more info Email: ErieShoresTM@yahoo.com Facebook: Erie Shores Toastmasters or go to ErieShores.toastmastersclubs.org.

TUESDAY, APRIL 30

REID FUNERAL MONDAY AFTERNOON GOLF LEAGUE MEET & GREET3:30-4:30 pm at Leamington Roma Club. Come sign up for a great season of golf. More info available at erieshoresgolf.com

THURSDAY, MAY 2

ROTARY CLUB OF LEAMINGTON’S WALK, WINE & DINE - 5:30-9:00 pm. Dine at 3 local restaurants, apps and dessert served at The Bank Theatre. Tickets $75 each. Email walkwineanddinerotary@gmail. com for details. Fundraiser for Rotary Club’s project for Migrant Worker Mental Health.

FRIDAY, MAY 3

GUARDIAN MARINE RESCUE - PASTA & TRIVIA FUNDRAISER. Doors open 5:00 pm, 62 King St. East, Harrow. Tickets $50. A portion of each ticket sold will be donated to Guardian Marine Rescue. More info: HLucier@guardianmarinerescue.ca

SATURDAY, MAY 4

WHEATLEY LIBRARY - MAY THE 4TH BE WITH YOU - Visit Wheatley Library to experience the force with a Star Wars craft and activities. If you complete your activity pack, you can sign your own Jedi Knight certificate!

SUNDAY, MAY 5

MUSICAL FUNDRAISER FEATURING THE CONNECTION (Brad & Lynn Bailey), Bob & Bonnie Dawson & more - from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 3 Fox St., Leamington. Free will offering. Proceeds support Mission Possible Cuba Project.

East, for those who enjoy morning coffee/tea and conversation, the first Wednesday of each month. Upcoming dates: April 3 at 10:00 a.m. in church auditorium. All welcome, no RSVP required.

URSA MAJOR’S LITTLE BEAR CAFE COMMUNITY BREAKFAST every Monday (except holidays), 1860 Division Rd. North, Kingsville. Ursa Major Day Support Program’s community breakfast awaits with free coffee, tea, and simple eats — available while supplies last. Open to the whole community. We welcome everyone to join in the good food and fellowship. For more details, visit www.UMLSC. org or email contact@umlsc.org.

ERIE SHORES TOASTMASTERS MEETING in person at 6:30 pm every other Wednesday at the Leamington Library, 1 John St., Leamington. Develop your Communication and Leadership

STRUGGLING WITH MENTAL HEALTH? Reach out to Hope 4 Me Peer to Peer Support Group. Virtual and in-person meetings available. Contact Tracy, Sue or Nancy at hope4mepeer@gmail.com for information about the group.

INDIVIDUALS WHO REQUIRE ASSESSMENTS TO ENTER TREATMENT PROGRAMS FOR ADDICTIONS can contact Ian MacNeil, Social Worker with Hotel Dieu Grace Healthcare, located at 33 Princess St. (1st floor) in Leamington, on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. You can leave a message 24/7 at 519-984-2531. Contact Ian at this number for more information.

WHEATLEY BAPTIST CHURCH - 47 Talbot St. E. Everyone is welcome to come worship with us. Sundays at 10:30 a.m. Bible study Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m. Adult fellowship Wednesdays at 11:00 a.m. For more info call 519-825-7433.

THE KINGSVILLE FRIENDLY CLUB meets every Tuesday to play Cribbage, Euchre & Bridge at 12:45 in the Unico Community Centre at 37 Beech St. in Kingsville, and every Friday to play Bridge, Euchre & Pepper at 12:45. Come early if you want to play a particular game and have your choice of a seat.

IF YOU WANT TO DRINK, THAT’S YOUR BUSINESS If you want to stop, we can help. Call Alcoholics Anonymous: 519-999-1234.

TAI CHI - Kingsville Community Centre, 1860 Division Rd. N. Tuesdays & Thursdays, 10:00 - 11:00 am. Gentle physical exercises and stretches. Each posture flows into the next. Tuesday geared to beginners. No registration required.

Cottam residents Dan and Jessica Ireland dropped by the public session to see the two options proposed for the new Cottam Community Centre. Jessica, a local Rotarian, and Dan, who volunteers with the Cottam Scouts, both liked the proposed increase in meeting spaces and the construction of a kitchen for user group events.

Pictured are the two different architectural visions for the new Cottam Community Centre. Paul Forman photos

$26.5 million investment for Highbury Canco

The Ontario government is providing $125 million in investments in four companies to expand local manufacturing capacity in the automotive and food processing sectors, which will create 153 new jobs in Leamington and Windsor.

In support of these four new investments, Ontario is providing the companies with nearly $12 million in investments through the province’s Regional Development Program (RDP).

Leamington’s Highbury Canco Corp. produces a variety of food products, including pasta sauce, salsa and beans for large brands. With an investment of over $26.5 million, the company will modernize their facility and increase their processing and warehouse capacity. The project is supported by more than $3.1 million in funding through the RDP and will create 20 new jobs.

“We are thankful for the support from the pro-

vincial government which will allow our company to modernize our facility and increase our processing capacity,” said Highbury’s Vice President of Supply Chain, John Krueger. “Initiatives to support local manufacturers like the Regional Development Program help to make investment possible during these difficult economic times.”

Other recipients include:

• DS Actimo Canada, which is investing over

$60 million to build a 107,000 square-foot facility in Windsor. The project is supported by $5 million in funding through the RDP and will create 96 new jobs.

• Kautex Textron, a plastic fuel tank manufacturer in Windsor serving the automotive industry, with an investment of almost $23 million to a new battery skid plate manufacturing facility to produce battery casings for EVs. The project is supported by $1.5 million in funding

Greenhouse lighting trials being conducted

The Center for Horticultural Innovation, a division of South Essex Fabricating (SEF), is looking for the best possible supplemental lighting to integrate into the greenhouse industry. They will be conducting strawberry trials in their experimental greenhouse, testing Sollum’s smart LED solution against traditional LED lighting.

Based in Leamington, the Center for Horticultural Innovation is committed to the study and

development of horticultural practices, technologies and innovations. The facility serves as a hub for research, industry collaboration and knowledge dissemination. Their team of highly experienced and educated individuals strives to conduct research that will bridge the gaps within the industry.

“Dynamic lighting appeals to us because of its flexibility and capability to grow an infinite variety of productions,”

says Matt Korpan, executive director of Research and Development at the Center for Horticultural Innovation. “Sollum Technologies is offering a solution that is not only flexible but addresses many common lighting issues, thanks to dynamic features like spectral compensation and auto-dimming, so we are excited to test it in our R&D greenhouse and see how well it optimizes strawberry yield.”

Abraham Orthodontics expands services

After many years of serving families in Windsor-Essex from Leamington, Abraham Orthodontics has expanded services into Chatham-Kent. A ribbon cutting was celebrated with Mayor Darrin Caniff and the Chatham-Kent Chamber of Commerce.

Dr. Maxwell Abraham is also an award winner for Young Entrepreneur and Young Business In-

dividual for the Chatham-Kent Chamber of Commerce business excellence awards. “We are so honoured this month marked our 8 years in Leamington and almost a full year in Municipality of Chatham-Kent. Our team went above and beyond to deliver the heavy task of transitioning to two locations, growing our team, and still exceeding the experience

families have expected from us since day 1. I am humbled by the recognition of our team and the commitment we make to our communities to improve the lives of the families we serve,” says Dr. Maxwell Abraham.

Dr. Abraham is also director of the board at Erie Shores HealthCare and treasurer of the Ontario Association of Orthodontists.

through the RDP and will create 12 new jobs.

• Integrity Tool & Mold Inc., a global leader in the tool and mold industry that supplies parts to a wide range of industries, including those in the automotive supply chain. With an investment of over $15.6 million, the company will adopt stateof-the-art technology at their new Windsor facility. The project is supported by over $2.3 million in funding through the RDP and will create 25 new

jobs.

The next intake round for RDP applications opened on April 11.

The government launched the RDP for eastern and southwestern Ontario in November 2019.

Through this program, businesses and municipalities can get financial support and guided access to a range of complementary services and supports.

Several local recipients of TWEPI Best of Windsor-Essex Awards

Several local businesses were named winners of the 9th annual Tourism Windsor-Essex Pelee Island (TWEPI) Best of Windsor-Essex Awards at a ceremony on Thursday, April 4.

Voting for the awards took place over three weeks between February 13 and March 3.

This year 8,200 local residents voted to have their say in celebrating the best of the best. The list is then shared with the world to help inspire future travel with 4.4+ million visitors coming to the region each year.

New awards this year included Best Chicken Sandwich, Best Picnic Spot, Best Lunch Spot, Best Parade and more.

Among the local winners are Colasanti’s

Tropical Gardens (Best Family Friendly Attraction), Kingsville Santa Claus Parade (Best Parade), El Diablo Kingsville (Best Diverse Eats), Northridge Dairy Freez (Best Ice Cream Parlour), Oxley Estate Winery (Best Patio), Original Guys Pizza Pies (Best Pizza Pie), The Grove Hotel and Motel (Best Unique Stay), The Grove Brewing Company (Best Bar, Pub or Sports Bar), Pelee Island Winery (Best Winery), Point Pelee National Park (Best Picnic Spot, Best Birding Hub, Best County Photo Op), Kingsville Golf and Country Club (Best Golf Course), Cindy’s Home and Garden (Best Boutique Shop), Kingsville BIA (Best Shopping District), Estate of Health

(Best Spa or Wellness Resort), Pelee Island Winery Pavillion (Best Pelee Island Photo Op).

“The number of votes for the Best of Windsor Essex Awards campaign showcases how important a local audience is to help our tourism and hospitality businesses thrive, but also how devoted their customers are to celebrate their successes,” said Gordon Orr, CEO of TWEPI. “In an industry that generates over $1 billion in economic impact and employs almost 10k jobs, it’s important to engage locals and remind them of great things to see and do in their own backyard, and also share with family and friends when they visit.”

Bet your bottom dollar that Annie Jr. is hitting the CC stage

By Mark Ribble

After about seven months of preparation and rehearsals, the Little Tomato Children’s Theatre will bring Annie Jr. to life this weekend on the Cardinal Carter stage.

The classic story based on the Little Orphan Annie comic strip will come to life featuring actors from the ages of six to 18.

Annie fans will love the musical numbers and the story being told on the stage, with all of the characters they are used to seeing, from Annie to Warbucks to the authoritarian Miss Hannigan.

Throw in all the orphanage staff and the orphans themselves and

you’ve got the recipe for plenty of laughs and tender moments.

No less than 47 children have been hard at work along with several adults making sure that Annie Jr is one you don’t want to miss.

Annie Jr. is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre

International and based on the book by Thomas Meehan.

The play is directed by Ruth Brown with Nola McQueen as music director and Melissa Mack handling the choreography.

The show runs Friday, Saturday and Sunday April 19, 20, 21. Evening

shows are at 7 pm Friday and Saturday with matinees at 2 pm on Saturday and Sunday, all at Cardinal Carter Catholic Secondary School at 120 Ellison Avenue. Email littletomatotix@ gmail.com for ticket information.

The Prom brings humour and heart to Migration Hall

By Paul Forman Cardinal Music

Productions, along with Migration Hall, are presenting a musical promoting inclusivity and empathy that played over the past weekend in Kingsville with three more performances coming up April 19-21.

The Prom, an award-winning musical comedy, was first staged in Windsor in November 2023 and now finds its way into this neck of the woods with virtually the same cast.

Based in conservative, small-town Indiana, the musical centres around a character named Emma who wants to bring her girlfriend to the high school prom and the washed-up Broadway stars who take up her cause in the hope of capturing the limelight once again.

At the helm is longtime director Joe Cardinal, who shared why he chose to bring this show to Kingsville. “I love the show and its positive message that everybody deserves to have love,” he said. “The music is contagious, there’s dance, lots of lead parts for both the young and old. It checks off all the boxes for me.”

Musical direction for the production is in the capable hands of Bayleigh Cardinal, while the dazzling dance steps were put together by choreographer Nina Fasullo. Joe Cardinal said that with the five-month hiatus between show runs, “the hardest part was tuning up the dances and getting the timing right with other people.”

For those that like to

root for the underdog and see love conquer all, performances of The Prom at Migration Hall take place on Friday, April 19 and Saturday, April 20 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, April 21 at 2 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased online at cardinalmusicproductions.com, by phone at 226-340-9839 or at the Migration Hall box office prior to the shows.

The Prom is presented through

special arrangement with Theatrical Rights Worldwide, with music by Matthew Sklar, lyrics by Chad Beguelin, and based on the book by Bob Martin.

The cast of Annie Jr. performs their famous It’s A Hard Knock Life scene in rehearsals on Monday, April 15. SUN photos

Hannah Dick, as Annie, holds and comforts Molly, played by Maeve Burke, during rehearsals on Monday.

Charlotte Salisbury plays the teen Emma Nolan who is bullied because of who she chooses to love. Paul Forman photos

Aaron Bergeron as Barry Glickman and Norma Coleman as Dee Dee Allen sharing a toast as they prepare to make their way from Broadway to Indiana.

Dusting off the memories

Cedar Beach Drug Store, owned by Red Morris, offered drugs, toiletries, china and souvenirs for sale as well as providing a luncheon menu. Speed boat rides were available from the Cedar Beach Drug Store for 50 cents a ride for summer visitors renting a cabin or for cottagers not owning a boat.

A Look at Leamington’s Past courtesy of C. Scott Holland

kingsvillearchives@gmail.com

Looking back ...

From the Leamington Post

April 20, 1944

Funeral services were held here on Saturday afternoon for Leamington’s oldest resident, James Ruddle, who passed away at the home of his son-inlaw, Elmer Keech of Chestnut Street, last Thursday. He was in his 98th year. Born near Rondeau in 1846, the late Mr. Ruddle came to this district with his wife and family about 45 years ago and has lived here ever since. He was one of the few remaining survivors of the Fenian Raids that took place in this area years ago.

The regular monthly meeting of the public school board was held last night at Selkirk School. The resignation of Principal Chester H. Hunter was read and was accepted by the board. The resignation is effective June 20.

Second Lieutenant William M. Maxwell, 23, of Leamington, is one of the few American airmen to be decorated by King George VI of England. When the King pinned the British Distinguished Flying Cross on Maxwell, son of Mrs. Bessie Maxwell of Leamington and now residing in Detroit, the Lieutenant was a pilot officer gunner with Royal Canadian Air Force.

One of the most interesting developments in the history of the search for natural gas in this area is now taking place in the waters of Lake Erie, a few miles east of Wheatley. Forced by the slowly dwindling supply in the wells on land, the drillers have gone into Lake Erie and are now taking gas from the fields that have been located beneath its waters.

Three hundred German prisoners of war will be moved into Western Ontario this spring and summer to engage in farm work. An agreement has been drawn up between the Ontario Department of Agriculture and the Dominion Department of Labour concerning the transfer of these prisoners. A campsite near Chatham has been surveyed by army engineers and the erection of a large building to house the prisoners will be started shortly.

From the Kingsville Reporter April 20, 1944

The Kingsville Lions were privileged Tuesday night when they heard an excellent address by Dr. D.I. Snider, a member of the club, on the topic of venereal diseases. The speaker split his subject into two parts, that of syphilis and gonorrhea. He stated that there has been a continuous epidemic of syphilis for over five centuries and

went on to point out that in the case of both diseases, if medical treatment is given in time, the cures were practically 100 percent.

A wedding of interest took place in Scotland on March 8, when Cpl. Donald McIntosh, son of Mr. and Mrs. John R. McIntosh, formerly of Kingsville, was united in marriage to Mary Gallaway, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Gallaway of Plean, Scotland.

Saturday night, Kingaville and district residents will have an opportunity of seeing one of Canada’s most famous cartoonists in the person of Lou Skuce, who will appear on the four corners of Kingsville at 8:45 pm. He is appearing in connection with Canada’s Sixth Victory Loan Drive which opens next Monday. Lou Skuce and his cartoonograph have entertained hundreds of thousands in all part so Canada, the United States and Great Britain.

Kingsville’s Jack Miner celebrated his 79th birthday with a 400-person ceremonial dinner held in his honour, plus telegrams received from plenty of far-off friends. Here is one: “Last minute attention prevents my joining with you and so many others in a tribute to Jack Miner. Please convey my regards and assure Mr. Miner of my everlasting admiration and gratitude.” — Paul Martin. Here is another: “Owing to sickness in my office, it is impossible for me to attend in person. However, I wish to say there is no one more deserving of the honour they are paying you than your good self.” — Tom Yawkey, owner, Boston Red Sox.

From The Wheatley Journal

April 19, 1956

Essex & Kent Scottish: On Sunday, April 15, Lieut. Larry Ross, Cpl. I. Dibbley, and Ptes. Duane Dibbley, Ted Cobby, Fred Cobby, Don Antal, Don Harris, Don Wigfield, Gene Sheldon, L. Marten, A. Tillotson and Harry Derbyshire travelled to Camp Ipperwash for training. Arriving at camp, the Wheatley platoon was transported to the ranges where they fired the Bren gun first, and then worked as butt party where they learned to work the targets and something of the scoring. They had a lesson on section tactics and then fired the .303 rifle.

In order to take advantage of the good weather for training coming up, the Wheatley platoon will begin training at 1900 hours until further notified.

The next parade will be held on Friday, April 20 at the platoon HQ, Wheatley Legion Hall. Dress for all ranks: kilts.

Submarine cycling - Ditches rose foot after foot following the Thursday evening rainfall and these young lads wasted no time inventing a new game, “submarine cycling”. If nothing else, it’s a quick way to wash a ten-speed bicycle!

Clippings from the Wheatley Journal, May 1989

The boats could be taken through the placid canal or out into the rougher waters of Lake Erie. This photograph of an unidentified family, standing outside the Cedar Beach Drug Store, was taken in the late 1940s or early 1950s.

Clippings from the Wheatley Journal

Photo courtesy of the Kingsville Archives

Leamington’s Past courtesy of the C. Scott Holland Collection

April 1994 - Students at Wheatley Area Public School were eager to use the expanded computer equipment recently supplied by the Home and School Association. Seven new hard drives were up and running shortly after they arrived at the school. Left to right are: Chad Recker, Darren Whittaker, Jenny Harvey and Vanessa Jones.

Street car accident on Main Street East in April 1919. The Quick store can be seen in the background with a horse-drawn carriage and an automobile parked beside it. On the right side of the street is the sidewalk which went along a small public park on the northeast corner of Main Street and Division North.

Albuna - The Albuna General Store as seen around 1920. The building is standing at the corner of the Albuna Townline and the 9th Concession and remained a general store until more recent times.

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CROSSWORD PUZZLE

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20

Aries, this is a great week for transformation. Be careful where you direct your attention, as what you do will have lasting effects. Choose your plans wisely.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21

Use this week’s powerful energy to strip away all of the unnecessary static in your life right now. It is doing more harm than good. Open yourself up to new opportunities, Taurus.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21

Gemini, there is a lot of stuff going on around you, and you need to sort through the noise to determine your priorities. Things will start to become more clear this week.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22

You are in a great position to make some lasting and strong impressions on others, Cancer. Focus on group work, as this will showcase how well you work with others.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23

Leo, you do not know which direction to go in this week, and that is perfectly fine. Try out different options and figure out what fits best. This will require some trial and error.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22

Virgo, you have a tremendous amount of power at your disposal this week. Use all of it wisely and thoughtfully. Others will be strongly affected by your presence.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23

A conflict in your life that you may feel is beyond your control may crop up at the worst time, Libra. Use this as a learning opportunity on how to cope under pressure.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22

Scorpio, you have the power to produce a powerful outcome, even if it seems that forces are working against you. Do not give up; in fact, double down your efforts.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21

Sagittarius, take things with a grain of salt if people seem insensitive to your feelings this week. You don’t know what others have going on in their lives.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20

Nothing can stop you when you put a lot of gusto behind your efforts, Capricorn. Just be mindful of who you might affect if you take things with a little too much ambition.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18

Aquarius, are you getting the sense that something is going on around you that you’re simply not a part of? Maybe your exclusive invitation is just waiting in the wings. Be patient.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20

Pisces, stand up for what you want, even if means that you are taking a different stance than others. You don’t have to please everyone in every endeavor.

FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS

APRIL 14 - Sarah Michelle Gellar, Actress (47)

APRIL 15 Chris Stapleton, Singer (46)

APRIL 16 - Sadie Sink, Actress (22)

APRIL 17 - Victoria Beckham, Singer (50)

APRIL 18 - Kourtney Kardashian, Reality Star (45)

APRIL 19 - Loren Gray, Singer (22)

APRIL 20 Shemar Moore, Actor (54)

WORD SCRAMBLE

Rearrange the letters to spell something pertaining to laughter.

E-mail or call in your classified ad by Friday at 12:00 p.m. 194 Talbot St. E. Unit 2, Leamington

Ph: 519-398-9098 Email: sun@southpointsun.ca We accept

Notice of Study Completion

Notice of Study Completion Heritage Road to Road 2 West, Town of Kingsville Municipal Class Environmental Assessment Study

Heritage Road to Road 2 West, Town of Kingsville Municipal Class Environmental Assessment Study

Notice of Study Completion Heritage Road to Road 2 West, Town of Kingsville Municipal Class Environmental Assessment Study

Kingsville (Town) has completed Class Environmental Assessment long-term transportation needs community. This study involved the Heritage Road to Road 2 West, connecting links, and improvements (see map). The align with the Town of Kingsville Master Plan recommendations, safe and accessible multi-modal network that will accommodate and development within the

The Town of Kingsville (Town) has completed a Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (EA) to meet long-term transportation needs within the community. This study involved the extension of Heritage Road to Road 2 West, two local road connecting links, and intersection improvements (see map). The improvements align with the Town of Kingsville Transportation Master Plan recommendations, to provide a safe and accessible multi-modal transportation network that will accommodate future growth and development within the Town.

The Town of Kingsville (Town) has completed a Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (EA) to meet long-term transportation needs within the community. This study involved the extension of Heritage Road to Road 2 West, two local road connecting links, and intersection improvements (see map). The improvements align with the Town of Kingsville Transportation Master Plan recommendations, to provide a safe and accessible multi-modal transportation network that will accommodate future growth and development within the Town.

The study was completed in accordance with the requirements of Schedule ‘C’ projects as outlined in the Municipal Class EA document (2000, as amended), which is approved under the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act.

completed in accordance with requirements of Schedule ‘C’ projects as Municipal Class EA document amended), which is approved under Environmental Assessment Act.

The study was completed in accordance with the requirements of Schedule ‘C’ projects as outlined in the Municipal Class EA document (2000, as amended), which is approved under the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act.

An Environmental Study Report (ESR) summarizing the study process and recommendations will be made available for public review for 30 calendar days from April 18, 2024 to May 18, 2024 on the Town of Kingsville’s Have Your Say website: https://haveyoursaykingsville.ca/ west-side-collector-road

Environmental Study Report (ESR) the study process and recommendations will be made available for public review for 30 calendar days from April 18, 2024 to on the Town of Kingsville’s Have Your Say website: https://haveyoursaykingsville.ca/ west-side-collector-road

Interested persons may provide comments to the project team by May 18, 2024:

An Environmental Study Report (ESR) summarizing the study process and recommendations will be made available for public review for 30 calendar days from April 18, 2024 to May 18, 2024 on the Town of Kingsville’s Have Your Say website: https://haveyoursaykingsville.ca/west-side-collector-road

Tim Del Greco, P.Eng.

Manager of Engineering

Kane Erickson, CD, P.Eng. Transportation Engineer

Interested persons may provide comments to the project team by May 18, 2024:

Town of Kingsville

Phone: 519-733-2305

Email: tdelgreco@kingsville.ca

Tim Del Greco, P.Eng. Manager of Engineering

Stantec Consulting Ltd.

Phone: 519-859-5719

persons may provide comments to the project team by May 18, 2024: Greco, P.Eng. of Engineering

Town of Kingsville

Phone: 519-733-2305

Kingsville 519-733-2305

Email: kane.erickson@stantec.com

Kane Erickson, CD, P.Eng. Transportation Engineer

Kane Erickson, CD, P.Eng. Transportation Engineer

Stantec Consulting Ltd.

Phone: 519-859-5719

Stantec Consulting Ltd.

Email: tdelgreco@kingsville.ca

tdelgreco@kingsville.ca

In addition, a request may be made to the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) for an order requiring a higher level of study (i.e., requiring an individual/comprehensive EA approval before being able to proceed), or that conditions be imposed (e.g., require further studies), only on the grounds that the requested order may prevent, mitigate, or remedy adverse impacts on constitutionally protected Aboriginal and treaty rights. Requests on other grounds will not be considered. Requests should include the requester contact information and full name for the ministry.

Email: kane.erickson@stantec.com

Phone: 519-859-5719

Email: kane.erickson@stantec.com

In addition, a request may be made to the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) for an order requiring a higher level of study (i.e., requiring an individual/ comprehensive EA approval before being able to proceed), or that conditions be imposed (e.g., require further studies), only on the grounds that the requested order may prevent, mitigate, or remedy adverse impacts on constitutionally protected Aboriginal and treaty rights. Requests on other grounds will not be considered. Requests should include the requester contact information and full name for the ministry.

request may be made to the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks an order requiring a higher level of study (i.e., requiring an individual/comprehensive before being able to proceed), or that conditions be imposed (e.g., require further only on the grounds that the requested order may prevent, mitigate, or remedy adverse constitutionally protected Aboriginal and treaty rights. Requests on other grounds will considered. Requests should include the requester contact information and full name for the was first issued on April 11, 2024

Requests should specify what kind of order is being requested (request for additional conditions or a request for an individual/comprehensive environmental assessment), how an order may prevent, mitigate, or remedy those potential adverse impacts on Aboriginal and treaty rights, and any information in support of the statements in the request. This will ensure that the ministry is able to efficiently begin reviewing the request. The request should be sent in writing or by email to:

Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks

Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks

777 Bay Street, 5th Floor

Toronto, ON M7A 2J3

Minister.mecp@ontario.ca

Director, Environmental Assessment Branch

Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks

125 St. Clair Ave. W, 1st Floor

Toronto, ON M4V 1P5

EABDirector@ontario.ca

Requests should also be copied to the Town of Kingsville by mail or by e-mail. Please visit the ministry’s website for more information on requests for orders under section 16 of the Environmental Assessment Act at: https://www.ontario.ca/page/classenvironmental-assessments-section-16-order.

All personal information included in your request to MECP such as name, address, telephone number and property location is collected under the authority of section 30 of the Environmental Assessment Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. E.18, and will be used to create a record that is available to the public unless you request that your personal information remain confidential.

Information will be collected in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. With the exception of personal information, all comments will become part of the public record.

County’s social media channels: facebook.com/EssexCountyOntario and twitter.com/EssexCountyON

Information and updates about the project can be found at countyofessex.ca/TransportationMasterPlan or by scanning the QR Code.

To submit a comment or question, or if you would like to be added to the Project Contact List to receive future project notices, please contact: Jerry

The life and times of Stewie Tomato and family - Part three

By Judy Kroeker

Editor’s note: This article is a work of fiction based on some actual events that took place in Leamington, written by former resident Judy Kroeker. The story was divided into three parts, and this is the final installment.

PART THREE

After the news of The Big Tomato closing, Whatta and I pondered where we should go. JR took the lead and we quietly rolled out of town to a nearby farm. We moved into a nice warm barn for a while, but eventually, the hay got to JR’s asthma and we left for the field where we saw relatives.

We thought we would just blend in with them but, we certainly didn’t need spray for ripening nor did we look forward to the harvesters coming through. We were too upright to live amongst the country tomatoes.

We tried finding purpose and success in nearby communities, but Whatta noticed they already had their own identities, like fish or roses, and corn for ethanol or grapes for wineries. There were also a couple of small processing plants and factories, but those didn’t have a place for us in their ranks.

At a nearby truck stop, we saw a truck bearing a familiar logo identifying the mushroom plant in Leamington. We knew them to be trustworthy, as they had

been around since 1961 and upheld excellence, innovation and work ethic in their company. So, we hopped aboard.

Once there, since the mushroom farm was organic, we assumed we could just mix right in, maybe even create something new.

There were three problems.

One problem was size difference. We needed a lot more space. Second was that mushrooms were harvested every 28 days growing in a substrata of gypsum, straw and water – a little too irritating for our flesh. But the biggest problem was that we craved the sun, which the mushrooms didn’t. Our rosy, red colour could not come about without it. We couldn’t keep up the growing rate. Their spores did not appreciate our acidity around them.

BarbieQ suggested we try the greenhouses because they offered sun – they were full of cucumbers and flowers soaking it up and she wanted to soak up that sun as well. That space should be suitable for us.

The problem ended up being neither the cucumbers nor the flowers spoke our language and they just thought we were moving in to take over their territory.

If we stayed in here much longer, we would become sun-dried tomatoes – far too wrinkly for our age. But somehow, through those vines, we heard that there

were more greenhouses rising up, and that indeed, peppers, cucumbers and tomatoes were now growing in abundance in those hot houses.

Those tomatoes were not for processing, but for the bacon and lettuce lovers. With me being vegetarian, I wanted to stay away from that bacon.

Somewhere there had to be a safe place for Whatta, JR, BarbieQ and myself. Once again, Whatta reminded me to be patient and wait. The right place would come. We just didn’t know where or when.

I think back on those glory days often. I didn’t realize how good we had it and that we really did take it for granted. I realize that Leamington’s tourism, waterfront, businesses, farmers and agricultural enterprises, students and volunteers were central to Leamington’s spirit of unity and community.

We recently heard that for the town’s 150th anniversary, there was a commitment to refurbish The Big Tomato.

Could it be possible they would welcome us back?

I know that Whatta and BarbieQ yearn to be back with people – the locals and the tourists.

Maybe we just need to better represent the diverse ethnicity of the community by being more inclusive and invite Curly Cuke, Funguy Mushroom, and Bella Pepper to join us.

But if not, I have hope that someday, my kids and grandkids will stop by The Big Tomato.

I’m sure they’d love to go

back to visit their ancestral roots and see the place their parents/grandparents have spoken of so fondly.

The other ‘veggies’ join in, as depicted by Judy Kroeker.

Flyers ousted by Blues in four, finish as West Conference runner-up

by C. Scott Holland

After having moved up from the Junior B ranks to that of the OJHL, the lone dream the Leamington Flyers had was to be competitive enough to make the playoffs.

No one ever suspected that not only would they finish third in the west, but they would make the playoffs and win two series, and compete for the Western Conference title in their inaugural season.

But for the Flyers, playing an older team which was laden with veteran experience was a daunting task and the Blues showed why they are the defending champions.

In Collingwood on Tuesday night, April 9, for the opening 30 minutes it looked as though the Flyers might win one game over the Blues.

But the Blues’ offense overcame the Flyers’ lead and handed them a tough 6-2 loss.

Along the way, the Flyers lost forward Nathan Leek to a match penalty handed out at 15:25 of the second when he was deemed to have made an attempt to injure a Blues’ player.

After a scoreless first period, Collingwood opened the scoring.

Alex Cunningham knotted the game at 1-1 near the six-minute mark. Leek put the Flyers ahead temporarily at 11:03 and it was all downhill from that point.

The Blues tied it 40 seconds later and tabbed two powerplay goals on the five minute infraction handed to Leek.

Up 4-2 in the third, Collingwood slipped two more goals past Flyers’

starter Sebastian Gatto to make it a 6-2 final.

Gatto halted 40 of 46 shots, while Collingwood’s Noah Pak stopped 23 of 25. Thursday, April 11, with 1,299 fans in attendance, the Collingwood Blues soared out to an early lead 2-0 and held on until the final buzzer when they claimed a 4-2 victory and the West Conference title by 4-0 series sweep.

The boisterous Highbury Canco Arena crowd rallied to spur the Flyers to score, but like in previous games of the series, those goals were hard to obtain.

It wasn’t the ending Leamington may have wanted as they did cling to hopes of winning at least one contest against the Blues and battled hard on Thursday night.

After falling behind 2-0, Leamington did cut the lead to 2-1 in the second as Anthony Ciaramitaro drilled the handiwork of Jason Davenport and Chris O’Flaherty during a powerplay at 15:36. However, nearly 90 seconds into the third period, the Blues notched their third as Marcus Lougheed slipped the disc past Gatto while perched on the Flyers’ doorstep.

The Flyers did not surrender easily as they continued to press until at 7:30 Cade Bell and Brayden Degelas hooked passes to Adrian Bosev, whose left point shot eluded Blues’ goalie Noah Pak and made it a 3-2 game.

But it didn’t take long for the Blues to notch another goal via a right side shot by Jack Rimmer at 8:52.

At 12:51, Blues forward Spencer Young was handed a match penalty for an attempt to injure but instead of a full five-minute powerplay,

the Flyers were limited to three minutes as Griffin Grundner took a roughing penalty. The score remained 4-2 even after the Flyers applied some pressure

several times and pulled starter Sebastian Gatto during the final two minutes for an extra attacker. Both teams shook hands at the conclusion and a league official presented Collingwood with a flag for winning the West Conference title. The Blues move into a Buckland Cup berth against either Trenton or Cobourg.

Flyers Adrian Bosev’s shot from just inside the blue line trickled through Noah Pak’s armour to pull Leamington to within one goal midway through the third period on Thursday, April 11. Teammate Brayden Degelas (14) watches as the puck crosses the goal-line. SUN photo by Paul Forman

Stars finish second in league playoffs, fall in shootout to Lakeshore

The Southpoint Stars U22 local league hockey team wrapped up their season on April 7, dropping a hard-fought 2-1 shootout decision to

Lakeshore Blue. The loss positioned them as runners-up in the Tier 2 division.

After a scoreless first period, the Stars got on the board in the second on a beautiful top-shelf goal by Adrian Gualtieri,

but Lakeshore answered back to tie the game about five minutes later.

The third period was a back-and-forth affair with no goals being scored, as Southpoint’s Shelby Wiebe held strong in the net.

After a three-on-three, five-minute overtime period, the game went to a shootout, where Lakeshore was able to get one past Wiebe for the win.

long, the people here will let you choose my adoption fee!

Kingsville Friendly Club

President Bob Bell welcomed 34 members who came out to play cards at the Unico Centre on Tuesday, April 9.

Scores in Bridge: Case Mulder 4100, Bert Patrick 3340, Roy Trowell 3080. Euchre: David Snyder 83, Margaret Fittler 81, Kathy Hedge 75. Most lone hands: Dave Hedge and Sandi Campbell with 4 each. Cribbage: Sue Girardin 844, Nancy Cassels 799, Kenny Bachmeier and Stuart Wheelton 782.

Door prize winners were Willy Fittler, Anne Burrell and Marg Shurra. Snacks were provided by Margaret and Willy Fittler.

There were 52 out to play cards at the Unico Centre on Friday, April 12.

Bridge: Helen Todman 4080, Bert Patrick 3880, Mac Stanley 3130. Euchre: Dave Malley 93, John Gerhardt 91, Ed Fraser 83. Most lone hands: Dave Malley 6. Pepper: Rhoda Earl 280; Dave Hedge 271,

Rose Foldesi 270. Most peppers: three-way tie between Bob Bell, Winnie Moore and Gordon Earl with 6 each.

Door prize winners were Lois Charrette, Carolyn Brown and Sue Girardin. Thanks to Elsie Ring who brought in Tim Bits, which soon disappeared.

Ken Salter has donated 10 pies, baked by Francy Pearman, a Harrow Fall Fair expert, for members to enjoy with ice cream.

The Southpoint Stars U22 team. In front: Goaltender Shelby Wiebe. Front row, left to right: Heidi Heinrichs, Kristen Kretschmann, Bella Fehr, Blair Bailey, Stephanie Wiebe, Britney Wiebe. Back row: Coach Kelsey Babkirk, Coach Abby Gualtieri, Aleviyah McAndrews, Grace Bedard, Ciara Klassen, Abby Bedard, Kira Babkirk, Adrian Gualtieri, Jaydn Coates, Alyssa Lamb, Alexis Lamb, Tarez Raheb, Trainer Eva Fehr. Photo submitted

Local asparagus crops expected soon

Asparagus will soon be here, one of our first harvested field crops. Many people wait all year for local asparagus to appear at roadside stands and food stores.

Did you know that Chatham-Kent is the No. 2 producer of asparagus in all of Ontario?

My thanks go to the Asparagus Farmers of Ontario (www.asparagus.on.ca) for the valuable information they provided for this article. You can also find some great asparagus recipes on their website.

Asparagus is a spring vegetable and a member of the lily family, which includes onions, garlic, leeks, turnips and gladioli.

Asparagus shoots arise from underground “crowns” that are planted about eight inches deep. Under ideal weather conditions, an asparagus shoot, or “spear”, can grow 25 cm (10

Golden Years mini-golf

Holes-in-one were a little hard to come by on April 4 as 55 Golden Years golfers recorded 83 holes during play at Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens.

They were led by Al Munson and Bob Springthorpe with 5 holes each, followed by Bill Edwards and Bill Mayville with 4, and Ron Fick, Linda Lavender, Rosemary Heisler, Tony Hudvagner, Julia Kos, Pam Piccinato and Greg Broome with 3.

Best 18-hole scores were led by Randy Nash (2), Julia Kos, Roger Shires and Debbie Clinton with 37.

inches) in a 24-hour period. If not harvested, the shoots grow into tall fern-like plants with small red seeds. Once the shoot starts to “leaf out,” the stems become woody and inedible. Asparagus is a long-lived crop that can be productive for 15 or more years if given proper care.

Asparagus comes in three colours, which are green, white and purple. Green asparagus has colour because of photosynthesis, the process where plants use sunlight to produce chlorophyll, which gives them their green colour.

White asparagus is actually just green asparagus, but the farmer mounds soil on top of the spears so they never see sunlight and, as a result,

do not perform photosynthesis and therefore have no colour.

Purple asparagus is simply a variety of green asparagus that has a gene that makes it purple, even though it still uses photosynthesis.

Today, the biggest asparagus-producing countries are China, Peru, Germany, Mexico, Thailand and Spain. The United States (mostly California, Washington and Michigan) are seventh and Canada is 16th in world production.

Asparagus has only four calories per spear and is very low in sodium. It is a good source of vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, calcium, magnesium and zinc, and a very good source of dietary

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Kim Cooper

fibre, protein, beta-carotene, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folic acid, iron, phosphorus, potassium, copper, manganese and selenium.

Asparagus is also rich in rutin, a powerful antioxidant.

Asparagus is also a diuretic. It brings about an increase in the excretion of chlorine and phosphate compounds. This dilutes the urine, which helps prevent renal and urinary tract inflammations.

With the spring planting season soon underway, this means farmers are moving large farm machinery on local roads as they move from field to field. Please slow down and be very careful when you see these farm implements.

Also, please be patient. Our farmers are just trying to do their job and not intentionally trying to slow you down.

Just some food for thought.

It looks like asparagus is an amazing food that we need more, so why not buy some delicious and nutritious locally-grown asparagus and try a few new recipes.

C-K tennis, pickleball courts open

Leading the way with 5 aces was Tom Hyatt, followed by Ray Foster, Bill Ward, Linda Lavender and Randy Nash with 4 each. Sinking 3 were Gail Turk, Bill Mayville, Shran Collins, Zena Raymond and Bill Taylor.

The best scores over 18

Leading the pack over 36 holes was Randy Nash with a sizzling 74. First place was Team 3 (Bill Gough, Laurie Hylton, Randy Nash) with 238. Second place was Team 15 (Greg Broome, Jamie Arquette, Bob Springthorpe) scoring 240, and third place was Team 6 (Bill Mayville, Zena Raymond, Andy Orsini) with 243. Fifty-nine golfers sank 88 holes-in-one on April 11 at Colasanti’s.

holes went to Tom Hyatt with 34 and 37.

The top 36-hole score was also recorded by Tom Hyatt with a sizzling 71.

In first place was Team 2 (Tom Hyatt, Jack Bostin, Al Munson, Denise Munson) with 234. Second place was Team Aces (Julia Kos, Dolores Near, Greg Broome, Keith Hopper) with 235. In third place was Team 17 (Debbie Clinton, Bill Edwards, Bill Ward) scoring 237.

Play continues Thursday, April 18 at 10:30 a.m. at Colasanti’s.

The Municipality of Chatham-Kent’s tennis and pickleball courts are now open for the season.

“With ice now being removed at several Chatham-Kent arenas our parks and recreation staff have started preparations for the outdoor season,” said Ian Clark, Manager, Parks, Recreation and Cemeteries. “Members of the public will notice nets have been reinstalled at municipal sport courts.” Courts are available at 12 locations including the Wheatley Area Sports Complex Tennis Courts, 196 Erie St. N., and Memorial Park Ten-

nis Courts and Pickleball Courts, 24 Stewart Street, Tilbury. Courts are also located in Erieau, Blen-

heim, Chatham (2), Dresden (2), Ridgetown, Pain Court, Wallaceburg and Bothwell.