Community saying farewell to long-time dedicated volunteers
By Mark Ribble
For Deacon John and Mary Vezina of Leamington, their time here has been some of the most rewarding of their lives.
They raised their children in Leamington, participated in local sports and Cub Scouts and so many more organizations that have benefited from their incredible hearts and people-first personalities.
The couple has now sold their Leamington home and will be moving to the London area to continue their work with a new church community and — in the process — spend more time with their now-grown children. Mary, originally from
River Canard, met John Vezina when they both attended the St. Clair College Horticultural Program, from which they both graduated.
“It was a typical country girl meets city boy type of thing,” laughs Mary.
“The moment our eyes locked, she was hooked,” joked John, displaying that sense of humour that has endeared them to so many people in this community.
John has been a Deacon with the Erie Shores South Catholic Family of Parishes for the past eight years, but their time in this area goes all the way back to their first home near Cedar Beach. After a couple
of years there, they took jobs in the agricultural industry out near Surrey BC, where they stayed until 1996, returning to the area with the purchase of a home in Leamington, after attending a wedding here.
“We had no plan,” said John. “We just knew it was time to move back.”
The couple’s first three children were B.C.-born and their youngest daughter came along once they were back in Leamington.
“Leamington was such a nice place to settle,” says Mary. “We got to know people easily. It’s a very welcoming community.”
SEE COMMUNITY On Page 2
Leamington Lakers 8U players converge on the coaching staff after their OBA title win on Sunday, August 25 at the Kinsmen ball diamonds in Leamington. The Lakers beat Simcoe 7-4 in the final to cap off a tremendous season. A full story is on page 21. SUN photo
MARY AND JOHN VEZINA
COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS WILL BE MISSED -
They still believe that Leamington is a great place to live and although they’ll miss it, they believe their life’s calling is to make a move.
Their faith has allowed them to get involved in the church and the community, and almost everyone involved with volunteerism and charity work will know who Deacon John is.
Mary often works behind the scenes, but is very active in the community as well.
“It was Father Pat Fuerth who asked me one day if I’d ever thought of
becoming a Deacon,” says John. “As much as I wanted to get involved, the timing wasn’t right.”
“Two years later, things were different and he decided to apply,” said Mary.
After four years of study, which included 40 instructional weekends in London, Deacon John Vezina was ordained in November, 2013. It’s been a whirlwind of service ever since and so many area charities and organizations have become familiar with the ‘Deacon John touch’.
Leamington Mayor Hilda MacDonald counts her-
self as one of those people who have been fortunate to be involved with Deacon John and his work.
“Although we already knew each other, it was primarily through the grass roots group that was formed by the faith community to talk about homelessness,” said Mayor MacDonald. “He came and he never looked back.”
MacDonald says that Deacon John has a way of working with people to get donations and knock on the right doors.
“We always knew we could get anything fund-
ed with Deacon John on the committee,” she says. “He’s a really good human and we’re going to miss he and Mary both.”
John and Mary talked about getting a call one night during a particularly cold winter in COVID times where someone had hundreds of loaves of bread to donate to a good cause. He and Mary took the bread into their garage and spent every night distributing it to shelters, food pantries and other places in need. This is only one example of the work they do in this community.
From Page 1
And so, they will be missed by not only the Catholic and faith communities, but all of the community that has benefited from their giving nature.
“We’ve been blessed to be in this community.”
— Deacon John Vezina
“John has been that faithful voice which calls out from the wilderness that we need and can do better as the church and the community. We will miss John and Mary, but understand that the call of family and God cannot be ignored. They will be a blessing to their new community.”
Reverend Ruth Boehm of Faith Mennonite Church also offered her perspective by saying, “John’s a man who focuses on what he can do, not what he can’t do. I’m going to really miss him as a colleague in this community.”
Father Tom Ferrera, pastor at St. Michael’s Parish, says the church community will miss the Vezinas dearly.
“We’ll definitely miss John and Mary. They’ve become great friends and I’m always inspired by how their faith in God has blessed our church and the community where we live,” he said. “I’m amazed how Deacon John has impacted so many lives by his work at the hospital, hospice and working with the community to care for the homeless.”
Salvation Army Leamington has also benefited from John and Mary’s friendship and hard work as they each volunteered their help in the newly built pavilion and prayer gardens there. Volunteer coordinator Veronica Costa, along with Majors Judi and Ron Wickens will all miss the Vezinas and their contributions.
“Deacon John is a community-minded, hardworking man of God,” they said. “He and Mary will be missed.”
“Mary has been involved in our parish with youth ministry and couples preparing for marriage throughout the years,” he added.
Colleague Deacon Deborah Wilson-Safa of St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church, shares those sentiments about the Vezinas.
For the Vezinas, having touched so many organizations in the community, they will miss all they’ve come in contact with.
“It’s going to be hard to leave the parish,” says John. “We’ve been blessed to be in this community.”
“I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to work alongside Deacon John for the betterment of our community,” she said.
And the community is planning a big send-off for the couple on September 7 with a 5 pm Mass and a 6pm BBQ in their honour at the St. Michael’s Parish Hall.
Wheatley Friendship Club
By Bonnie G. Dawson
Linda Wigfield welcomed everyone to the Wheatley & District Friendship Club for an afternoon of Bingo on August 21. Thanks to Donna Moody for providing the lovely refreshments.
The Bingo winners were Pat Matier, Joyce McLean, Bonnie A. Dawson, Marg Franklin, Robert Lapsa, Donna Corlett, Earlene Gould, Helen Clark, Bob Dawson, Barb Siddall, Rose Hatt and Pat Churchill. Thanks to Pauline Sample and Debbie Ottley for helping with the Bingo.
The next Bingo will be on Wednesday, Sept.4 at 1p.m. for $2. Pat Churchill and Pat Matier will provide the refreshments that day. It was decided to increase the number of rounds of Bingo each time so that the playing time goes close to 3 p.m.
The club had Hillmans
(beekeeper) come to remove the bees near the entrance. Another trip will need to be made to finish the removal.
The 50/50 winners were Robert Lapsa and Ruth Snively.
Quilting is on Mondays and Thursdays from 9-3. Tickets are available for the quilt raffle. Check with the quilting ladies.
Euchre is every Tuesday from 1:30-4:00 for $2 and Pepper is every Thursday from 1:00-3:30 for $2.
The Exercise Room, Billiards, Darts and Cornhole are available for $2. Contact info: email wheatleyfriendship@ gmail.com or call 519-8254870.
If members have any questions, concerns or suggestions, please use the Suggestion Box in the hall. It is opened at the executive meetings. They can’t resolve a problem if they don’t know about it.
Pro wrestling returns Saturday
The Noble Champions Group returns to the Nature Fresh Farms Recreation Centre on Saturday, August 31 with a 7 pm show called Bad Temper.
The lineup of wrestlers features former TNA champion Tessa Blanchard, former WWE superstar Raj Dhesi (Jinder Mahal) and crowd favourite Space Monkey.
The new promotion debuted in Leamington with their first show on June 1, under the leadership of Leamington-Windsor based ownership group including Mark Youssef, Junior Youssef, Michael Anthony Joseph and his wife Jennifer Rizk-Joseph.
The doors of the complex open at 6 pm and the body slamming begins at 7 pm. Tickets are now available at ncgwrestling.com.
ITALIAN BROTHERS LEAVE THEIR MARK ON LEAMINGTON
The Esteriore Brothers — Italian musical sensations — left their mark on Leamington on Friday, August 23 at the Roma Club. Playing to a packed house of authentic Italian music fans the foursome wowed the crowd with an ‘”Up Close and Personal” concert. The brothers’ musical roots began with their parents in the early 1970s and grew up immersed in music. Although the four brothers were all born in Switzerland, their Italian heritage runs deep. Their first album came in 2020 and they’ve been skyrocketing to stardom across Europe ever since. As they prepared for their show Friday, the brothers posed for a photo for the Sun. From left are Mimmo, Amedeo, Piero and Gabriele.
SUN photo
Traditional canoe built, launched at Point Pelee
By Paul Forman and Mark Ribble
An estimated two-week build was able to be accomplished in about 10 days as members of Caldwell First Nation, Walpole
First Nation and the Great Lakes Lifeways Institute (GLLI) recently partnered on the construction of an Anishinaabe wiigwaasi-jiimaan (birch bark canoe).
The canoe was made with traditional tools and methods, spearheaded by Kevin Finney of the GLLI. Finney and Director Kaesha Baloch and their team arrived on Tuesday,
August 13 after some travel delays, with a hopeful finish date of August 24.
Baloch said it usually takes 14-15 days to build the canoe, but they were aware of the planned celebration on Saturday, August 24, as the canoe was launched at Point Pelee National Park’s Marsh Boardwalk right on schedule.
The build was held at Madbin Jina inside Point Pelee, giving members an opportunity to learn the techniques required to build such a vessel, where every part of the process is very much rooted in tradition.
The outside of the canoe is covered in birch bark with the supporting pieces being hand-carved in cedar — all sewn together with handmade tree-produced twine.
Carrie-Ann Peters, Caldwell’s Culture and Language Coordinator, indicated that the canoe was finished just hours prior to the boardwalk launch and took 83 hours of work in total.
itual vessel speech before the launch and said the canoe is regarded as a living being and members of the First Nations smeared blood on the canoe, connecting the male and female ends of the canoe and bringing it life.
Carrie-Ann Peters and Dan Dufour of Point Pelee were the first paddlers on the canoe’s maid-
en voyage.
A crowd of 100 witnessed the launch. The canoe will be stored at Point Pelee with the hope of using it in programs with the focus on reconnecting our waterways.
The canoe has been named mno mshkeki bmowjegadek, which translates to ‘it carries good medicine’.
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The canoe was walked two kilometres from its point of origin to its launch point.
The project was deemed a healing project by Director Kevin Finney of the Great Lakes Lifeways Institute and would be a means of bringing traditional ways of life to the present day.
Finney provided a spir-
Builders work on the canoe interior and exterior on Wednesday, August 21.
Members of Caldwell First Nation prepare large sections of birch bark on Wednesday, August 14 at Madbin Jina. SUN photos
Kevin Finney of the Great Lakes Lifeways Institute uses a hand tool to plane down a piece of cedar at Madbin Jina on August 21.
Caldwell First Nation’s Carrie-Ann Peters and Point Pelee’s Dan Dufour had the honour of being the first to take a paddle in mno mshkeki bmowjegadek.
An all-female contingent gently guided the new build into the waters of the marsh. Sun photos by Paul Forman
The canoe making its way to its launch point at the Marsh Boardwalk on August 24.
opinion ~ expression ~ and other musings
I should have been a driving instructor, apparently
I was 16 when I got my ‘beginner’s license’ and began driving my dad’s old 1968 LeSabre. Within a year, I graduated to a full driver’s license and on to the big 1974 LTD with the 400 four-barrel engine (it went fast!).
So I’ve officially been driving for 48 years now. In that time, I’ve had
two speeding tickets — both in the same week in 1983 — a couple of very minor fender benders and one major accident that put me in the hospital overnight.
It was the fall of 1982 and I was driving my two-year-old 1980 Mustang east on the ninth concession near Albuna.
As I approached the intersection with the Albuna townline (Cty. Rd 31), the lady in the Parisienne that was stopped at the sign heading north, decided to pull out in front of me.
I glanced off her and hit the front steps of the store there at a pretty high rate of speed, hitting my head off the mirror and crack-
New 1949 Monarch in Leamington
Manley Watson opened a shoe store on Talbot Street East in Leamington in 1932. Seventeen years later, he purchased this cream-and-blue 1949 Monarch four-door sedan from Eaton Motors, just down the street from his store. Gord Eaton operated that dealership from 1940 to 1954.
The photo was taken at the Watson family home on Erie Street South with Manley and his son Jim, who
operated the store after Dad retired.
THE OLD CAR DETECTIVE
Jim’s son Scott also worked in the store. Watson’s Shoe Store served Leamington for over 60 years, until Jim retired in the 1990s.
Bill Sherk
The Monarch was introduced by Ford of Canada in 1946 and the name reflected the patriotism in Canada that followed the Allied victory in the Second World War. The first Monarchs shared the same body as the Mercury 118 and gave Ford
dealers a car to sell in the medium-priced field. Under the hood was Henry Ford’s flathead V8 engine.
The 1949 Monarch with completely new styling was the Canadian version of the 1949 Mercury, but the Monarch was unique in being built and sold only in Canada.
ing the windshield in the process.
It took months for me to remember that day and in fact, when I woke up in the hospital, I really didn’t know why I was there. My ex-wife (then my fiancée) wasn’t hurt, other than some scratches and bruises.
Now, I’m officially an old-man driver who likely annoys people with my old-man driving habits.
But, I do have my pet peeves when it comes to others.
Those who pull out in front of you and then poke along. They are in such a hurry that they need to get out onto the road, causing you to touch the brakes and then they putt-putt along the roadway, causing even further delay.
Tailgaters are another. If I’m exceeding the speed limit, you have no real reason to tailgate me. If I’m going way under the speed limit, you have every right to display your
Let’s
dissatisfaction with my driving, but please, if you get an opportunity, just pass me.
Mark Ribble
Those who drive diagonally across a parking lot. Look, someone spent thousands of dollars to have lines painted in the parking lots. Those lines not only show you where to park, but also the lanes for driving in the parking lot. None of them are diagonal.
I was t-boned in the Superstore parking lot a few years ago. The lady came across diagonally behind one of the cart corrals and nailed me on the passenger door. Thankfully, I was alone and unhurt.
A passenger could have been seriously hurt. My old Grand-Am was never the same.
Please fully commit to the left-hand turn lane, especially the one near Tim Hortons on Erie South and the one at Burger King. Your rear end sticking out into the straight-
through lane creates all sorts of problems for those of us going straight through.
And speaking of lefthand turn lanes, the one in front of our office doubles as a left-turn lane for people heading west and into our plaza, and people going east and turning into the Superstore parking lot. Those who commit too soon have found themselves in a Talbot Street standoff.
And I can’t write a driving complaint column without talking about the noise and nonsense that goes on at the south end after dark. I do think it’s better this year from my vantage point, but then I don’t live right on Robson Road, so I don’t know that for sure.
Thanks for coming to my TED talk.
talk about George Michael
Back in the mid-1980s, one of the hottest pop duos that came along then was a group called Wham!. Both members were born in England in 1963. They were British through and through and formed around George Michael’s vocals and songwriting, with guitar work handled by Andrew Ridgeley. However, as George’s parents were Greek, his legal name was Georgios Panayiotou.
I remember them very well as our radio station, CHYR, picked up on their first hit single, “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go”, in the fall of 1984. It went #1 by mid-November for three consecutive weeks and remained on Billboard’s Hot 100 for 24 weeks. It was followed in mid-February by their next blockbuster, “Careless Whisper”, which also spent three weeks at the top of Billboard’s Hot 100 and lasted on the charts for 21 weeks.
Wham’s next single, “Everything She Wants”, hit the top of the charts in
the last week of May and the first week of June. After a couple more top three hits, “Freedom” and “I’m Your Man”, Andrew Ridgeley left Wham to pursue race car driving. Eventually, Andrew did go back to a career in music in 1990, although he only had one single called “Shake” which fizzled out at #77.
On the other hand, George Michael had many more hits, including a duet with Aretha Franklin called “I Knew You Were Waiting for Me” that hit the top of the charts for a couple of weeks in the spring of 1987. Indeed, 1987 turned out to be a blockbuster year for George as his next release, “I Want Your Sex”, in the summer of 1987 went #1 for two weeks, while his biggest hit ever, “Faith”, was #1 for the last four weeks of December. 1988 was another incredible year for Michael with three more consecutive #1 hits, including “Father Figure”, “One
More Try” and “Monkey” which all spent multiple weeks at the top. Even in 1990, George’s hit, “Praying for Time”, made it to the top of the charts. His last #1 hit in 1992, “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me”, which features Michael and Elton John together was on the Hot 100 for 20 consecutive weeks. One song which was recorded way back in 1984 managed to get play on hundreds of radio stations in North America every year during the Christmas season. It was called “Last Christmas”. We’ve all heard that special seasonal song many times. Unfortunately, George Michael passed away unexpectedly on December 25, 2016. He was only 53 years old and loved worldwide by millions of fans. The coroner’s report said the cause of death was from cardiomyopathy.
Manley Watson and his son Jim with a new car, a 1949 Monarch.
Here’s a little more agriculture trivia FOOD FOR THOUGHT
This month, let’s discover some interesting facts on farming that might be new to you. As always, if you have any ideas for a column, please let me know.
Canada is the world’s largest producer and exporter of flaxseed, canola, pulses, durum wheat, peas, lentils and mustard seeds.
Pulse crops contain nutrients found in both the vegetable and meat food groups, including significant protein, fibre, folate, iron and other minerals.
Just over half of Canada’s vegetable crop is grown for processing. The
top five crops are sweet corn, green peas, carrots, beans, and tomatoes.
Apples, blueberries, and grapes make up over 80 per cent of Canada’s fruit acreage.
World food demand will increase 70 per cent by the year 2050. In Canada, a total of 26 million hens produce more than 600 million dozen eggs per year, or about 7.2 billion eggs.
Ontario accounts for 40 per cent of Canada’s total egg production.
The average laying hen can lay approximately 320 eggs in one year. In Canada, no chickens are
ever given hormones, regardless of the type of farm they live on.
There are about 283 days (9.5 months) for the gestation period of cows. Eleven top-quality leather basketballs can be made from one cowhide.
50,000 fewer gallons of water are needed to grow an acre of corn today, compared to 20 years ago.
Pigs live in barns specially designed with fans or ‘curtain-sided barns’ that can open if needed to help control humidity and temperatures. To keep the animals disease-free, most barns have strict sanitation standards and
Move to the right for emergency vehicles
An emergency vehicle is driving behind me with their lights on! What do I do?
Drivers are legally required to pull over when they see emergency personnel approaching with their emergency lights activated. This includes pulling over for police officers, firefighters and paramedics who are responding to emergencies.
Failure to do so can result in fines, demerit points on your driver’s license, and even criminal charges if someone is injured or killed as a result of your actions.
There are several reasons why drivers need to pull over when they see emergency personnel approaching with their emergency lights activated:
• Safety of emergency personnel. Every second counts when emergency personnel respond to an emergency. By pulling over and giving them a clear path to the scene, drivers can help ensure they arrive quickly and safely. This is particularly important for firefighters and paramedics who may need to transport critically injured patients to the hospital.
• Safety of other drivers. When emergency personnel are approaching with their emergency lights activated, they often drive at higher speeds and may need to pass through red lights or stop signs. By pulling over, drivers can help ensure that other drivers are not at risk of a collision with emergency vehicles.
• Legal requirements. Failing to pull over for emergency personnel violates Canada’s law. The penalties for this offence can be significant and can impact your ability to drive in the future.
• Common courtesy. Pulling over for emergency personnel is also a matter of common courtesy. These men and women are putting their lives on the line to help others, and it is essential that we do everything we can to support them in their efforts.
Drivers can be charged if they do not slow down or move over when it is safe to do so. Drivers can face the following penalties:
First offence: fines ranging from $400 to $2,000, three demerit points if convicted, and possible suspension of driver’s licence for up to two years.
animal health rules.
Sows are female pigs that usually birth 8-12 piglets in a litter and give birth (farrow) twice a year.
One in eight Canadian jobs is related to agriculture.
Less than two per cent of Canada’s population are farmers, and yet they are able to feed a population of over 30 million and export to foreign markets.
Of the 10,000 items in a typical grocery store, at least 2,500 items use corn in some form during the processing or processing stage.
Green peas have three
times more fibre, 40 per cent more iron, and 25 per cent more vitamin A and C than green beans.
McCain Foods, with headquarters in Florenceville, New Brunswick, produces one out of every three French fries consumed in the entire world.
Only three per cent of the earth’s surface can be used to grow food crops.
One dairy cow drinks the equivalent of a bath-
Kim Cooper
tub of water every day. There are three to four jobs waiting for every graduate of an agriculture school in Ontario. For the University of Guelph Ridgetown Campus Agriculture Diploma program, 95 per cent of the students have a job by the time they graduate.
Kim Cooper has been involved in the agribusiness sector for over 45 years. He can be reached at: kim.e.cooper@gmail.com
Fraudsters impersonating Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC), the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) are warning Canadians about the increasing threat of fraudsters impersonating the CAFC and police services.
Sometimes, fraudsters are claiming to assist the CAFC with an ongoing investigation using their letterhead and logo as part of the fraud, or in other cases they spoof police phone numbers.
The three most common impersonation scams to look out for include:
• Bank Investigator: The fraudster claims to be from the bank, a major credit card provider or businesses such as Amazon. They say there are unauthorized charges on your account or that your account is compromised. At times, they demand that you provide your
credit card information and that you send money for reimbursement fees or as bait money to help catch a bad employee.
• Tech Support: The fraudster claims a virus infected your computer. They state that your computer is sending out viruses or has been hacked and must be serviced. They request access to your computer and may run programs or alter settings. Fraudsters will claim that they have found fraudulent activity on your computer and an investigation is required. Victims are contacted by website pop-ups that demand you call a number urgently or unsolicited telephone calls (they may claim to be a Microsoft or other wellknown computer company employee).
• Recovery Pitch: If you have been a victim of a fraud, you may be targeted again with a promise
to get your money back. Fraudsters will claim to be from a government agency or law enforcement and ask for your help with a “sting” operation to take down scammers who stole your money. In all of these scams, in order to convince the victim that it’s a legitimate investigation, fraudsters may send a fraudulent letter via email which might include the CAFC’s logo. The letter will advise that the CAFC is investigating and that you, the victim, must cooperate in order to “catch” the suspect. Fraudulent contact information (phone number and email address) is provided so that you communicate with them. They may claim that a payment is required to assist with the investigation and will promise to return the funds, but they never will.
Phragmites program supports local projects
The Ontario Phragmites Action program, bolstered by a significant investment from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, is supporting new collaborative projects to help combat invasive Phragmites impacts across the province.
These initiatives, supported by the Invasive Phragmites Control Fund with a total investment of more than $650,000, will increase invasive species action by community groups, Indigenous organizations, and municipalities across Ontario.
Phragmites, also known as the European common reed, is one of the most aggressive invasive plants in Canada. It rapidly spreads and forms dense stands, outcompeting native vegetation, altering habitats, and impacting biodiversity.
Phragmites disrupt wetlands, reduce habitat for wildlife and impede drainage in agricultural lands, leading to significant ecological and economic consequences. Managing and controlling Phragmites is crucial for preserving natural ecosystems and supporting the well-being of communities in Ontario.
In Southwestern Ontario, the Ontario Phragmites Action program is supporting six organizations: Caldwell First Nation, Essex County Field Naturalists Club, Town of LaSalle, Birds Canada, Norfolk County and Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority.
Since 2019, the Invasive Phragmites Control Fund has funded 71 projects across the province that help protect natural spaces from the impacts of Phragmites.
The Leamington 150 Interactive Lego Mosaic
Essex County Library have been dropping in
up for a final reveal on Thursday, September 5 at
week. Here, Librarian Laura MacDonald Wilkinson helps young Hazel Neufeld place a piece on the mosaic. The project is free to the public through the sponsorship of the Greater Essex Elementary Teachers Federation, The Greater Essex County Occasional Teachers Local and EU Enclosures. SUN photo
U15 LIGHTNING FINISH SECOND IN WIND-UP TOURNAMENT
Backpacks for Success program launched
The Windsor-Essex Neighbourhood Ambassadors, in collaboration with United Way, have announced the launch of the 2024 Backpacks for Success campaign.
Running now through September, this initiative aims to provide essential school supplies to 2,000 children in Windsor-Essex County to ensure they have the resources they need for a successful school year.
The U15 Leamington Lightning team had a successful season in the Sun County League. The team won their division, with a league leading perfect 8-0 record. They worked hard to get into the Colasanti Cup Finals and placed second in the tournament. In the wrap-up tournament they again placed second. The team members worked diligently all season in an effort to better themselves and their team play. Standing from left to right: Coach Kristy Rumble, Ben McFadden, Felipe Hernandez-Vasquez, Ethan Bowman, Jonathan Jemsi, Alex Rubino, Marcus Hopkins, Charlie Ketler, Adam Saldanha, Antoine Hemmings, Aarna Sharma, Coach Bob Rumble. Front: Josh Saad, Sumbya Shabani, Melody Mackin-Garant, Sebastian Vazquez-Coxaj, Connor Rumble-Anastacio, Aiden Thompson, Vianca Steel.
Road closures for Mersea Road 6 and Road 7
The Municipality of Leamington has announced partial and temporary road closures for Mersea Road 7 and the Trans Canada Trail in upcoming weeks.
The closures are necessary for the construction of a new natural gas distribution station by Enbridge Gas Inc.
Mersea Road 7 between County Rd. 31 and High-
Lois Ann Bechard (nee Tilden)
91 years, passed away peacefully with family by her side at The Village at St. Clair on Friday, August 23, 2024.
Predeceased by husbands Chris Darel, Ted Wilson, and Clarence Bechard. Loving mother to Paul Darel (Brenda), Cheryl Abbate (Nat), Kathy Vriesen (Rick), Linda Ostrander (Ross), Gary Darel (Karen). Stepdaughters Barbara Phibbs (Ralph) and Mary Wilson (Jim). Dear grandmother to Kirsten (Spencer), Nicole, Elizabeth, Carlie (Dylan), Kaitlynn (Brandon), Matthew (Natalie), Daniel, Taylor, Abby (Hugo), Jared. Step-grandmother to Jennifer Tiessen (late Dean). Beloved great-grandmother to Kierstyn (Ethan), Connor, Max, and Olivia. Great-great grandmother to Xander. Survived by her brother Charles Tilden (Charyn). Predeceased by her parents Charles and Marceline Tilden and her sister Sharon Moore. She will be missed by many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Lois was a lifetime member of St. Michael’s Church and the Catholic Women’s League. She devoted her time to her family, friends, and community.
Visiting will be held at Reid Funeral Home, 14 Russell Street, Leamington (519-326-2631), on Tuesday, August 27 from 2-5 and 7-9. Visiting to continue Wednesday at St. Michael’s Church, 29 Elliott Street, Leamington, from 9:30 until time of the Mass of the Resurrection at 10:30. Burial to follow at Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial donations can be made to St. Michael’s Church or Save a Family Plan.
Words of comfort can be shared at www.reidfuneralhome.ca
way 77 will have a single lane closure September 5-6 and 11-13, and a full road closure September 9-10.
The Trans Canada Trail from Mersea Rd. 6 to Mersea Rd. 7 will experience a
Photo submitted
full closure from now until September 30. Please note that construction schedules depend on weather conditions and may be subject to change.
The back-to-school season is an exciting time for many children as they look forward to the year ahead. Unfortunately, some children and youth will not have access to the supplies and resources necessary for a successful school year. The Backpacks for Success campaign seeks to fill this gap by collecting new essential items such as lined paper, pens, pencils, coloured pencils, erasers, pencil cases, binders, backpacks, and scientific calculators. Providing kids with these supplies increases classroom participation, attendance, self-esteem, and student morale.
Donors can easily support one backpack filled with school supplies for just $30.
Rudi Slik (Rudolf)
Rudi passed away peacefully on August 3, 2024, at Erie Shores Health Care. He was born in Holland January 3, 1947, the youngest of 7 children. Rudi overcame a premature birth that had claimed his elder brother. Rudi has outlived all 5 siblings against all odds. Every challenge to his health was met with determination and the most positive attitude.
Proof of obituary to run
August 28, 2024 Southpoint Sun
$200 plus $26 HST = $226
Any changes please email sun@southpointsun.ca Thanks.
Rudi’s family immigrated to Canada with their six children and settled in Essex County. Rudi’s Dad worked for a wealthy landowner in Holland tending to everything from the gardens to the fields. Rudi came by his horticultural talent naturally. Rudi will be remembered most for all the happy times he shared with his family stories.
Predeceased by his father Cornelis Slik 1974, his mother Geraldine Slik 1993. Sisters Grace 2014, Louise 1998, Kay 2024. Brothers Cornelis 2012 and Jan 2022. Survived by many nieces and nephews and his niece Karen in Leamington. Close and dear friend of George and Agatha and Rose-Marie.
Cremation has taken place. A celebration of his life is planned for the Spring of 2025.
Donations may be made to the charity of your choice by contacting Reid Funeral Home & Cremation Centre, 14 Russell Street, Leamington (519-326-2631). Family and friends are invited to share their words of comfort at www.reidfuneralhome.ca
Donations can be sent to www.weareunited.com/ summerprograms. All donations will stay within the Windsor-Essex community, directly benefiting local families and fostering a sense of unity and support.
“We are incredibly honoured to partner with United Way on this wonderful initiative,” said Christen Abraham, Windsor-Essex Neighbourhood Ambassador Coordinator. “Every child deserves the chance to start the school year with confidence and the necessary tools for success. It’s heartwarming to see our community come together to support our young students. By providing these essential supplies, we are not just giving out backpacks; we are investing in their futures and showing them that their community cares about their success. Together, we can inspire hope and make a lasting difference in the lives of these students.”
“At United Way, we believe that every child deserves a strong start to their education. We are thrilled to collaborate with the Windsor-Essex Neighbourhood Ambassadors to ensure that local students have the tools they need to start the school year on the right path,” says Lorraine Goddard, CEO of United Way Centraide Windsor-Essex Chatham-Kent. “This effort highlights the power of community support and our shared commitment to the success of students. Together, we are paving the way for a brighter future for local children and youth.”
On Track to Success seeking volunteers
Proof of obituary to run
The United Way’s On Track to Success program is a poverty reduction strategy that provides extensive wrap-around supports to youth and their families.
The goal is to see these youth graduate high school and go on to some form of post-secondary education.
August 28, 2024 Southpoint Sun $200 plus $26 HST = $226
One such support is United Way’s after-school tutoring program for youth in grades 9 to 12 at both Leamington District Secondary School and Cardinal Carter Catholic Secondary School.
Any changes please email sun@southpointsun.ca Thanks.
Volunteers are needed to assist with small group and tutoring sessions.
Volunteers are required to:
• assist in core subjects i.e. English, Math and/or Science.
• demonstrate enthusiasm and interest in the subject matter.
• help develop study strategies and learning skills.
• commit to one tutoring session per week (two hours per week) for 10 months.
For more information about the On Track to Success program, contact program director Maia Williamson at 519-259-6180 or mwilliamson@weareunited.com
Music Onthe42 concert brings 70s music to life
By Paul Forman
Concert goers were treated to hits of the 70s as the Music Onthe42 Summer Concert Series kept rolling along with two local acts, Mary Newland & The Blue Bayou Band, along with Sam Sly & The Smoke.
Brought to you by the Bank Theatre and the Municipality of Leamington, the free concerts have been very popular with the area’s live music lovers.
Pauline Sample of Wheatley has attended every show in the series and was excited for the musical offerings on Saturday, August 24.
Sample said, “This is such a beautiful venue and I really like to watch good old rock and roll shows. I’d like to see the amphitheatre used even more in the summer, maybe a play could be put on the stage.”
Sam Sly & The Smoke (Chuck Silver) took the
Sunset stage first and played an eclectic set that included the classic rock music of The Doors and Led Zeppelin, peppered with English new wave pop tunes from the likes of Soft Cell and The Cure. The talented duo shared that they are excited to be putting out their first original album this fall, and added that listeners can expect a bluesy rock vibe from their songs.
Mary Newland and her husband Richard Baker
FULL DENTURE FABRICATION IN LEAMINGTON
took the stage next, along with five other members of The Blue Bayou Band. Newland and Baker are no strangers to playing on a big stage as Newland was previously a backup
singer for the Beach Boys, while Baker has played a role in various capacities for over 100 gold and platinum albums, including playing keyboard for Santana. Mary and the band paid homage to sounds of yesteryear as they brought new life to the music of Linda Ronstadt, The Eagles and Fleetwood Mac.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 29TH
9:00 am – Judging of all hall exhibits: Needle Arts, Baking, Grains, Seeds, Vegetables, Flowers, Fruits, Poultry, Arts & Crafts, Photography
1:00 pm – GATES OPEN to the Public
1:00 pm – ACE midway opens
Buildings open to the Public immediately following the judging and displaying of entries. (Buildings may not open until after 4 pm due to the volume of entries).
4:00 pm - 4H Sheep Club, Achievement Day, Show Ring Open Sheep Show to follow.
5:30 pm - Harrow Fair Official Opening, Stage 6:00 pm - Pie Auction, Stage
7:30 pm - 4-H Poultry Club, Achievement Day, Show Ring
8:00 pm - Timmy Mac Band, Stage
FRIDAY, AUGUST 30TH
SATURDAY, AUGUST 31ST
9:00 am – 10:00 pm – Buildings Open
9:00 am – 4-H Swine Club, Achievement Day, Show Ring
10:00 am - Horse Show, Horse Ring
10:30 am - Teddy Bear Parade, Arena
10:30 am - 4-H Beef Club, Achievement Day, Show Ring
Noon - The Barry O Kid’s Show, Children’s Entertainment, Arena
1:00 pm - Judging Beef Cattle, Show Ring
1:00 pm - ACE midway opens
1:30 pm - Mom or Dad Calling Contest, Arena
3:00 pm - 4-H Swine, Beef, Sheep and Poultry Auction, Show Ring 8:00 pm - Nate Haller, Stage
9:00 am - 10:00 pm - Buildings Open
10:00 am - 4-H Dairy Club, Achievement Day, Show Ring
11:00 am - ACE midway opens
11:30 am - Parade - To see the parade route, check out the MAP 1:00 pm - Judging Dairy Cattle, Show Ring
2:00
pm - Bossy Bingo - 4-H Dairy Club, Show Ring
8:00 pm - Tim And The Glory Boys, Stage
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 1ST
9:30 am - Church Service, Stage 10:30 am - Buildings Open
12 Noon - ACE midway opens
12 Noon -
Kristin Swayze - DD
Chuck Silver and Sam Sly as Sam Sly & The Smoke.
Mary Newland belts out a song, with her husband Richard Baker, in the background.
SUN photos by Paul Forman
Blessing of the Animals service is Sept. 7
Bring your furry, scaly, finned and feathered friends to the garden at Ruthven United Church (1907 Queen Street, Ruthven) for the Blessing of Animals on Saturday, September 7 at 2 p.m. Animals will receive a special pet blessing from Reverend Olav Kitchen. All pets are welcome, as are all humans, of all denominations and backgrounds.
Concierge Level.
Tasha Slater
Pets are members of our families and they should always be treated with respect and love. The gathering will also welcome and provide a blessing for virtual pets, pictures of pets, and those who have crossed over Rainbow Bridge.
Certificates of each blessing will be provided free of charge. There will be a photographer on hand to take visitors’ portrait photos which will be posted, with permission, on the Ruthven United Church Facebook site.
Guests are encouraged to bring pet food and supply donations for area animal shelters and rescues. Animals must be on leashes or in carriers.
Kingsville Friendly Club
President Bob Bell welcomed 34 out to play cards at the Unico Centre on Tuesday, August 20, welcoming Shirley Renaud.
Scores in 2 Bridge - Bob Bell 4250; Alta Van Vliet 3690; Roy Trowell 3380. Scores in 6 + 2 Euchre - Dave Snider and Dave Patterson tied with 85;
Liz Taillieu 81; Anne Burrell 78. Most Lone Hands was Dave Patterson with 4.
President Bob Bell welcomed 41 out to play cards at the Unico Centre on Friday, August 23.
Scores in 2 BridgeBert Patrick 3100; Altia Van Vliet 2840; Carolyn Brown 2580. Scores in 5 +
1 Euchre - John Gerhardt 107; Bob Bell 81; Dawn Tizzard 75. Most Lone Hands was John Gerhardt with 7. Scores in 3 Pepper - Sue Girardin 251; Moe Hansen and Rhoda Earl with 250; Barbara Boston 245. Most Peppers was Sue Girardin with 9.
Erie Shores men’s golf report
Members of the Erie Shores senior men’s golf league enjoyed a great day on August 19.
DONATIONS FOR FOOD BANKS ARE ACCEPTED AT ANY EVENT THE S’AINTS ROCK SEACLIFF
SATURDAY, AUGUST 31 • 7:30 PM
Presented by St. Clair College in partnership with LiUNA!625 and the Municipality of Leamington and music produced by The Bank Theatre. Free. All Ages.
Book by Ken Cameron. Based on the music and lyrics of Fred Eaglesmith. Additional music and arrangements by David Archibald. Directed by Todd R. Pepper. Audition info available at BANKTHEATRE.COM
MILL ST. MARKET
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13
5:00 - 10:00 pm. Presented by the LAC, sponsored by the Municipality of Leamington and Uptown Leamington BIA. Music produced by The Bank Theatre.
LAC - Headliner - ALL NIGHTERS BAND 7:30 pm
Support - Clinton Anderson 5:00 pm
SHOTTEN - Headliner - SABOR LATINO BAND 7:30 pm
Support - Molly Ferdinand 5:00 pm
LEAMINGTON 150 EVENTS
All Original Acoustic Performance by Leamington’s own JODY RAFFOUL
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 • 7:00 PM
Presented by Leamington 150/Music Onthe42. Free Concert - All ages - SUNSET® Amphitheatre Seacliff Park. Opener - Andrew Taves.
EUCHRE TOURNAMENT
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14
All ages. At Half Century Club.
PEPPER TOURNAMENT
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5
All ages. At Half Century Club - $150 in prizes each day! FREE Entry. Limited space. Must register at playcards150@gmail.com Brought to you by Half Century Club in Leamington, in partnership with Municipality of Leamington and the Leamington 150 Committee!
Book by Norm Foster. Directed by Dean Valentino. Audition info available at BANKTHEATRE.COM
Don’t forget to bring your lawn chair or a blanket to sit on – this is an outdoor service. In case of rain, the event will be held in the church hall.
The draw winners Ron Tremblay and Cam Perrault. The closest to the hole on #3 was Norm Beatie and on #16 Stefan Kowal.
The longest putt on
#7 was made by Gary Alderson and #17 Dan Wood.
The three low-net winners were John Mills 63, John Campbell 65 and Bryce Phillips 68.
The first-place team at 126 was Dan McQueen, John Campbell, Bill Rutgers and Cecil Mendel. In second at 131 were Bryce Phillips, Brian Collins, Dave Binder and Rick Metz. Third place at 131 by retrogression went to Richard Reive, Heinz Kosempel, John Tofflemire and Wray Pollock. In fourth, also at
131, were Jerry Malott, Jamie Arquette, Ken Steingart and Brent Metz. The low rounds of the day were by John Mills 79 and Jerry Mallard 80. Ken Segedin had a bird on the first hole, Richard Leslie on #1 and # 10, Ron Tiessen #2, John Mills #2, #3 and #4, Dan Wood and Norm Beattie #3, John Campbell #4 and #10, Ken Luxford #5, Kevin Shaften #6 and #12, Dave Binder and Bob Sutherland #9, Joe Joussef #12 and Brent Metz #13.
UFCW EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION DAY
The UFCW Local 175 and 633 annual Employee Appreciation BBQ took place at Cavendish and Milo Fais plants in Wheatley on Thursday, August 22. According to UFCW organizer Helene Caine, the annual event has been taking place for about 25 years and this year raised $2636. President of the Local 175 and 633, Kelly Tosato, was on hand and said all proceeds go to their charity of choice, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada. Donations from the employers and area businesses provided every member with a chance to win a prize. Secretary-Treasurer for Local 175 and 633, Jim McLean, made the trip to Wheatley and said he couldn’t be happier to come to town to talk to members and take part in the fundraising BBQ. In the left photo are John Beaton and Carlos Simas, preparing the food for their members, while in the photo on the right, are John Beaton (union rep), Helene Caine (UFCW office), Carlos Simas (chief union steward), Jim McLean (Union secretary-treasurer). and Kelly Tosato (Local 175 and 633 President) SUN photos
for advertising will be Thursday, August 29th at 4:30 p.m. for the September 4th issue
TWO CREEKS CONCERTS WRAP UP WITH MUDMEN
The Two Creeks Summer Concert Series will wrap up its season with Mudmen on Sunday, September 1 at 6 p.m. Always entertaining and definitely unique, the
are a blast of Celtic energy. Admission is free, but the hat is passed. Food and drinks are available. Bring lawn chairs or a blanket. Two Creeks is located on Kent Road 1, a kilometre north of
submitted
Community Calendar
SUNDAY, SEPTMBER 1
TWO CREEKS FINAL SUMMER CONCERT
– The Mudmen at 6:00 p.m. A blast of Celtic energy. Admission is free - pass the hat donation appreciated. Food & drink available. Bring lawn chairs/blanket. One km north of Wheatley on Kent Rd. 1. More info at twocreeks.ca.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7
BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS at Ruthven United Church, 1907 Queen St. Bring your pet(s) or a photo for a special blessing of all God’s creatures followed by fellowship. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Takes place in the garden (church hall if raining). All faiths welcome. More info: 519-300-3767.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11
OPEN HOUSE - THE SWEET ADELINES, an award-winning ladies acapella barbershop chorus, is hosting an Open House on at 6:30 p.m. at St Mary’s Parish Hall, 12048 County Rd. 34, in Maidstone (Hwy 3, south of Manning Road). Everyone welcome.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11
FOOD FOR ALL COMMUNITY LUNCHEON11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at the Roma Club of Leamington (19 Seacliff Dr.). Tickets in advance for $12 (from SWO Gleaners) or $15 at the door. Pasta lunch will support the work of Southwestern Ontario Gleaners. More info: SWO Gleaners 519-326-7687 or swogleaners@gmail.com
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20
PASTA DINNER FUNDRAISER - 4:00 - 6:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 3 Fox St., Leamington. Includes coleslaw, garlic bread and dessert. Takeout available. Proceeds to support Richard & Joyce Walker's Mission Possible Cuba project.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 29
WHEATLEY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY is holding their annual 9-hole golf scramble at Talbot Trail Golf Course. All proceeds to Horticultural Society. To register, sponsor or make donations contact Sophie at sophie. jefferson13@gmail.com or sign up at talbottrailgolfclub.com.
ONGOING
VOLUNTEER TUTORS NEEDED - the United Way’s On Track to Success program is looking for individuals to help tutor high school students in Leamington in English, Math and/or Science. The program is offered at both LDSS & Cardinal Carter. Volunteer shifts available Monday to Thursday from 2:30 - 4:30 p.m. If interested, contact Maia Williamson at mwilliamson@weareunited. com
HURON FARMWORKERS MINISTRY takes place
Thursday afternoons at 4:00 p.m. at St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church, 60 Erie St. N., Leamington. Workers can access a simple meal, clothing, food items, spiritual care and employment/immigration information. The program is in need of used or new bicycles to assist workers with transportation. Contact Deacon Deborah Wilson-Safa at 519-326-3111.
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.
WESTOVER - Kingsville Community Centre, 1860 Division Rd. N. Tuesdays 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. Pre-treatment or after-care program for substance misuse. Do you, a friend or family member struggle with substance misuse? Come learn about the solution process. Dropin group session. No registration required.
SOUTH ESSEX COMMUNITY COUNCILADULT DAY PROGRAM - Join us at Faith Mennonite for a day service providing social, recreational and personal support to clients and respite. For more information or to register, call SECC at 519-326-8629 or visit our website at secc.on.ca.
FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE at Leamington United Mennonite Church, 78 Oak St. East, for
those who enjoy morning coffee/tea and conversation, the first Wednesday of each month at 10:00 a.m. in church auditorium. All welcome, no RSVP required.
IF YOU WANT TO DRINK, THAT’S YOUR BUSINESS If you want to stop, we can help. Call Alcoholics Anonymous: 519-999-1234.
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.
ERIE SHORES TOASTMASTERS MEETING at 6:30 p.m. every other Wednesday at the Leamington Library, 1 John St., Leamington. Next date is August 28. Visit for free! Develop your Communication and Leadership Skills in a positive, friendly environment. For more info Email: ErieShoresTM@yahoo.com Facebook: Erie Shores Toastmasters or go to ErieShores.toastmastersclubs.org.
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.
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.
Mudmen
Wheatley.
Photo
Queens and Talbot West
A corner of historic character
By C. Scott Holland
For over 150 years, it has been more than just a street corner and was one of Leamington’s main focal points.
The corner of Queens Avenue and Talbot Street West has been the location of some of Leamington’s most significant pioneer businesses and meeting places, as well as an important part of Leamington’s downtown core.
Despite not being as important as it once was, it still retains an element of grandeur. And a number of years ago, a good question arose (at that time): “Why is Queens Avenue so wide?”
To answer that, one has to go back in time to the early 1800s. Originally it was a creek - an offshoot of Sturgeon Creek - which ran close to where the modern street is today. By the 1870s, the creek had been filled in and converted to what is known as the Selkirk drain.
Stories about life in early Leamington seldom mention that creek, but a few do survive and state that a wooden bridge connected the east and west sides. In those days, young men and school mates would often engage in playful fights to see who could send the other fellow into the shallow depths of its water.
One of the prominent establishments on the west corner of what was then known as Victoria Street was the Huffman House.
It was erected in 1879 on the spot where William Kimball’s first Leamington Post Office had once stood.
Built of wood, the Huffman House was actually divided into three separate sections. The first was a harness shop owned by a Mr. Sherwood. The second was E. A. McFarlane’s furniture store and at the rear was J. H. VanZandt’s pump manufacturing.
In 1881, just two years after it opened, George Deming bought it and converted it into a hotel. He named it the Dufferin Hotel.
The ownership of that building itself is interesting.
Robert Pizer of Amhertsburg purchased it in 1883 and it was one of the many buildings destroyed by a major downtown fire in May 1883.
But like many other structures destroyed in the fire, it was rebuilt and by 1886, Napoleon Huffman took over as owner/operator. Upon his death in 1890, his son, Alfred, took over and ran it until 1905.
At that time, Oliver Scott purchased it and ran the business for two years until M. H. Swatman bought it. Swatman ran it for one year. The last owner was R. A. Ryall, whose ownership lasted one year too. It was destroyed by fire in 1909 and ceased to exist as a hotel.
However, some of its surviving front sections were moved. One section was transported to White St. and used as an apartment building which was lat-
er razed. Another salvaged section was moved to Fox St. and placed on the land where the Cross Brothers Plumbing shop had existed.
Even the street name itself has changed since Leamington’s founding.
Today it’s known as Queens Avenue, but originally it was named Victoria –after Queen Victoria.
Its location also prompted the naming of nearby Albert St. (A reflection of the late Queen Victoria and her consort Prince Albert being close)
But sometime not long after Victoria’s death, it was renamed Queen Avenue. and what had previously been known as McGaw St. was rechristened as the present-day Princess Street.
Yet even a more subtle change was made during the last half century when an “s” was added to give it its current appellation.
In 1920, with automobiles becoming popular, a gasoline and service station opened on the corner and by the late 1930s, an A&P grocery store occupied its eastern corner and remained there until the early 1970s. One of downtown Leamington’s most vibrant businesses — the F. W. Woolworth store — became a familiar landmark starting in the late 1950s and expanded westward in the early 1970s.
The Woolworth (later Woolco and the Bargain Shop) lasted until the 1990s when it was bought by Vic Gabriele and converted into today’s modern Gabriele Floor and Home.
It was a busy section of town, too since there was another major grocery store – Loblaws and later No-Frills – behind it at the northwest corner (Queens and John).
In 1980, the Royal Bank of Canada bought the site, demolished the building and replaced it with the structure which sits on that very spot today.
Until roughly 40 years ago, Queens Avenue was a two-way road with traffic traveling both north and south. But reconstruction of John St. and the creation of the large parking lot beside the former Pentecostal Church that turned into a restaurant, forced it to become a oneway street heading north to implement better traffic flow.
Prior to 1913, Queens was one block in length. Houses soon sprung up north of John Street and by 1920 it was lengthened to meet the Pere Marquette railway line.
During the last 50 years it has been extended further to its present terminus of Wilkinson Drive.
The history surrounding that one corner and its various businesses along its short corridor could fill an entire book. But no matter how we view it, or what name it carries, it certainly has been a corner of character throughout Leamington’s existence.
Photo courtesy of the Kingsville Archives
or
photograph of an unidentified family,
the late 1940s or early 1950s.
Clippings from the Wheatley Journal, May 1989 A Look at Leamington’s Past courtesy of C. Scott Holland The boats could be taken through the placid
kingsvillearchives@gmail.com
Leamington’s Past courtesy of the C. Scott Holland Collection
Clippings from the Wheatley Journal
August 1984 - A brief ceremony led by Mr. Ken Snider, chairman of the Windfall Church restoration committee, saw the official opening of the former historic church that has been relocated in a quiet corner of the recreation grounds in Wheatley.
canal
out into the rougher waters of Lake Erie. This
standing outside the Cedar Beach Drug Store, was taken in
Shown in the church doorway are Mr. Ken Snider; Mrs. Anne Imeson, an officer of the Wheatley Area Heritage Society; and representing the village of Wheatley Reeve Larry McDonald. The ceremony was well attended by former members of the Windfall Church congregation.
This interesting house was located at the west end of Harbourview. The land was originally owned by George Grenville, a Kingsville entrepreneur, and sold to Captain Alex Clark for $5,000. It was later sold to Andrew Malott, and this was his home. This structure was eventually demolished and replaced by a handsome home belonging to Jim Allen. The Allen home was demolished in the recent past and replaced with a much larger home.
A rare aerial look at the Leamington Dock in 1960 not long after the break wall had been constructed to protect the dock.
WANTED TO BUY
TURN YOUR UNWANTED hunting & sporting firearms into cash. Local firearms collector looking for new, used & antique firearms. Prompt, friendly, professional service, specializing in estates, single items & collections. Fully licensed. Call 519-796-6591. au28
BUYING
**FREE ESTIMATES *GOLD + SILVER JEWELRY + ALL COINS - Buying Thursday, September 5 at Kingsville Arena, 1741 Jasperson, Arena Salon B (upstairs), 9:00 am - 3:00 pm. Cash paid for all Gold + Silver **OLD COINS; Canada, USA, World War Medals, Windup Watches, Mint sets, old paper money FREE ESTIMATES. NO OBLIGATION. **Locally Owned** 57 Years of “SATISFIED CUSTOMERS. Always PAYING MORE $$$ than the expensive coloured flyer in your mail. House calls also available for larger amounts. Dan Jones B.A.B.Ed. 519-818-1805. au21-se4
MUSIC LESSONS
PIANO & VOICE LESSONS are being offered in my home. Qualifications include Honours Bachelor of Music degree, Bachelor of Education degree, and ARCT (Royal Conservatory of Music). Call 519-3263342. au28
HELP WANTED
JOIN OUR TEAM at Leamington McDonald’s! Full-time and Part-time Crew Member positions available at 214 Talbot St. W. Leamington, Ontario. Apply now at: McDonalds.ca/ careers.. au28-se4
PINNACLE ACRES REQUIRES Full time greenhouse general labourers. $16.55/hr 50+ hours, 7 days/wk. Must be available Saturday & Sunday. Work site: 333 County Rd 18, Leamington ON, rural setting, must have own transportation. Crop maintenance and harvesting, other duties as required. Must be able to lift a minimum of 40lbs on a repetitive basis, fast paced environment, strong work ethic, punctual, reliable. No experience or education required. Please apply via email: careers@ pinnacle-acres.com
AUCTIONS
FOR SALE
CEMENT MIXER - Used twice. Electric 3 1/2 cubic foot, 1/3 HP. $300. Call 519733-6744. au28
DOWNSIZING - Lazy Boy recliner $125, wooden rocking chair $50, 3 drawer oak cabinet $75, carved wood magazine rack $25, solid walnut antique stand (Gibbard since 1837) $100, 12”x 40” seat bench $30. All good condition. To view, please call 519-322-0932. au28
ZEN PETS GROOMINGCPPS Certified Groomer in Leamington. 15 years experience. For all your pet grooming needs, please call or text 519-564-9620 or message me on Facebook. COVID-19 certified & compliant. mr1-tfn
IRWIN PLUMBINGResidential rough-ins and repairs. Starting April 2nd 519-825-7245 will be changing to 519-324-2202. A text is preferred if capable. Call if not. ja6-tf
ELECTROLUX SALES & SERVICE: Complete line of vacuums and shampooers/ floor polishers. Will provide free estimate on Central Vac installations. Contact Dan Bailey. 519-322-8625. tf
Marty Unholzer Auctions ONLINE FARM AUCTION
No reserves. Farms are rented.
Preview: Sept. 6 & 7, 10am-3pm
Online Bidding Starts: Aug. 29, 8am Online Bidding Begins to Close: Sept. 12, 6pm Pickup: Fri. Sept. 13 & Sat. Sept. 14, 9am-4pm All items are sold as-is and where is as per our auction terms and conditions.
Location: Edward Muzslai, 8315 Disputed Rd, LaSalle Ontario N9A 6Z6
Register to bid: martyunholzerauctions.hibid.com Check out our website: martyunholzerauctions.com
Tractors: Case Int 2394, Ford TW35, Case IH 3394, White 2-105 Field Boss, restored 1949- B JD. Farm Equipment: MS-Gregson F750 Sprayer, JD Titan II 8821 Combine, JD 7000 6 Row corn planter, 3PH 6 row cultivator, JD 400 Offset Rotary hoe 14’, Landoll deep ripper, Salford 450 S-tine cultivator HD, RJ Equipment Sprocket packer, 14’ Offset Disc, Case IH 3850 Disc, JD 750 Seed Drill , Land leveller, Overum 6 furrow plow, Misc augers, Gravity & Tandem wagons, 3PH V-ditcher, Sunflower E-Z ditch w/weights & other misc equipment.
Misc Items: 1000Gal Water wagon, Buzzsaw, Utility trailer, 20.8-38 Duals, Weed wick 3PH 20’, Misc. Barn door tracks, Crown Pallet Jack, Honda 4 stroke boat motor, Glider 55 Shakespeare trolling motor, anchors, marine gas cans, Comm elec Paint Sprayer Titan 660XC, Air greaser, Air oiler, HD wood splitter & other misc. items.
6.
Sept. 12, 2024
1782 Lakeshore Rd #219, South Woodslee, Ontario N0R 1V0 519-723-2622
LEAMINGTON LAKEFRONT APARTMENTS
MARVIN HAGLER WINS MCINTOSH MEMORIAL; SETS TRACK RECORD
The inaugural Robert McIntosh Memorial Trot was won by #3 Marvin Hagler, setting a new track trotting record of 1:57.0 in the process on Sunday, August 25. The day was set aside to honour Bob McIntosh, who passed away last month. McIntosh was a world-class horseman, born and raised in Wheatley, who had career winnings of $106 million as a trainer of standardbred horses. His family and friends gathered around the winning horse after the memorial race at Leamington Raceway on Sunday afternoon. SUN photo
Dunn on fire for Talbot Trail seniors
By Bob McLean
On August 20, there were 54 Talbot Trail senior men’s league members who made it out.
The CP winner on #9 was Pearcie as his scintillating shot ended up a mere eight inches from a hole-inone. Arkey was the CP winner on the challenging #7 hole. His dazzling shot was only two feet from the pin. Rick Thompson drained an amazing 25-foot putt on #2 to take the LP victory.
Tom Dunn fired a fantastic 35 to lead not only the 70-79 y division but also the whole field. Both Dutchy and BW played excellent golf shooting 41s. Joe Drummond
and Chopper earned solid results of 43 and 44 respectively. Commendable 45s were shot by Pearcie, Nasher and Rick. Noteworthy 46s were scored by Al Matthews, OV and Hillier. Doug Langlois and Francis Garant merited 47s. Satisfying 48s were produced by Dan Tymec, Wiz and Mac Hyatt. In the 50-69 y division, Ken Kreuger continued his impressive play by shooting a 37. Arkey placed second with his superb 41. Fred Michano, Phil Humphries, and Fuzzy had well-played scores of 43, 44 and 45 respectively. Other commendable results were produced by John Liddell, Tim Will, Len Snively and Dave
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
Tonks.
Nifty 50 results were shot by Scott Girardin, Larry Hyatt, Al Zanuttini and super senior Gerry Becigneul. In the 80-85y grouping, Joe Vrtel played superbly as he shot a 45. Dave Chambers had a praiseworthy 49. Commendable 53s went to Gary Wilson, Ron Will and Ken Womack. Satisfying results went to Ron Hillier, Ray Foster, Conrad Babkirk and Terry Bee.
In the 85y+ super senior silver division, both Neil Adamson and Tom Hyatt shot excellent 52s. Walter Balsam was close behind with his inspiring 54.
The Leamington Flyers have rounded out their coaching staff by adding a two-time Central Canada Hockey League (CCHL) champion behind the bench.
Kyle Makaric will join Kyle Quick as an assistant coach on this year’s staff, supporting Dale Mitchell, who enters his fourth season as head coach.
Makaric coached the Windsor AAA U18 team from 2013-2017 before returning to his roots as a player, coaching one year with the University of Windsor as an assistant in 2017-2018 and as the head coach of the Chatham Maroons from 2018-2020.
In 2021-2022, Makaric moved to the head coaching role with the Ottawa Jr. Senators of the CCHL, where he won back-to-back Bogart Cups as CCHL Champions along with being named CCHL Coach of the Year in 2022-2023.
“I’m very excited to work with such a great program like the Leamington Flyers,” Makaric said. “Getting to collaborate every day with Dale, the coaching staff and GM Justin Solcz is something I’m really looking forward to.”
Makaric also serves as head coach of the U15 hockey team at the BioSteel Sports Academy.
“Kyle is going to be a big addition to our staff this season,” Flyers head coach Dale Mitchell said. “He has an excellent track record of developing players and has had great success in his coaching career. With that we also want to thank Tyler Mayea for his commitment to the program last season. He played a big role in our success joining the OJHL and we wish him well in his coaching career.”
The Flyers are currently preparing for their exhibition tournament, the Cottage Cup, to be held at the brand-new Wasaga Beach Arena from August 27-29.
Opening night for the 2024-2025 season will be September 6 when Leamington travels to Lindsay to face the Muskies.
The 2024-2025 home opener will be Thursday, September 12 at 7:10 p.m. at the Nature Fresh Farms Recreation Centre.
Fans can make sure they don’t miss any action this season by purchasing season tickets at www.leamingtonflyers.com
SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21
Sagittarius, you may notice that people are very sensitive to what you are saying, so you may have to change your approach if you want your message to be well-received.
CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20
Something could be brewing but you can’t identify what it is just yet, Capricorn. This could lead you to feeling restless and out of sorts. Give it some time and it will work out.
ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20
You may have a renewed sense of energy and motivation right now, Aries. Capitalize on that to tackle a laundry list of projects that have been sitting on the back burner.
TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21
Taurus, your sense of humor and quirky personality could get you a few extra chuckles from friends this week, but try not to take it too far. Factor in time for serious pursuits.
GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21
Gemini, when focusing on your health this week, remember that stress reduction is an important component of getting healthy. Aim for activities that focus on relaxation.
CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22
Everyone’s heads are seemingly in the clouds right now, Cancer. It may feel like you are the only person with your feet on the ground ready to get down to business.
LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23
Leo, people have been gravitating in your direction for some time seeking advice. You can open up conversations to other topics that are important to you with such a captive audience.
VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22
Strong emotions could be drummed up this week and may cause you to be distracted more so than usual. Try to get a break so you can make some time sort things out.
LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23
Libra, being honest with yourself is important as you confront a notable challenge. Accept a self-assessment and devise a plan to make the most of this opportunity.
SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22
Rearrange the letters to spell something pertaining to ice cream.
You have to develop a strategy before making your next move, Scorpio. Whether it is a business proposal or something with a friend or family member, don’t be too hasty.
AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18
Others’ words are meaningful to you right now, Aquarius. Consider these opinions and spend time figuring out how to incorporate this advice.
PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20
Pisces, often it can be challenging to take the high road But that’s just what you have to do right now. Others will recognize your willingness to set a good example.
FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS
AUGUST 25 - Blake Lively, Actress (37)
AUGUST 26 - John Mulaney, Comic (42)
AUGUST 27 - Aaron Paul, Actor (45)
AUGUST 28 Shania Twain, Singer (59)
AUGUST 29 - Liam Payne, Singer (31)
AUGUST 30 - Cameron Diaz, Actress (52)
AUGUST 31 - Jeff Hardy, Wrestler (47)
8U Lakers cap memorable season with OBA title
By Mark Ribble
The Leamington 8U Lakers rode an unbeaten streak into the championship game of the OBA 8U ‘B’ tournament on the weekend and came away with the title, despite a valiant effort from their opponents — the Simcoe Giants.
The Lakers showed no signs of slowing down as the well-coached team made play-after-play on route to their title win.
Even a heavy downpour in the middle of their semi-final game against Chatham Sunday morning didn’t dampen their spirits. They returned to the diamond with a 10-0 lead and managed to finish off their guests in a 14-1 victory.
Head coach Steve O’Neil was ecstatic as he promised to hold true to his challenge of allowing the players to shave his head if they won the championship.
The Lakers were dominant all season as they won two big tournaments along the way, all while gauging their opposition and knowing what to expect this past weekend. Their final record was 448-1.
Being the host team, they were eager to put on a show for the 100+ fans that showed up all weekend to root them on.
They started the tournament off right with a 15-2 mercy win over Georgina on Friday morning and followed that with a 15-1 drubbing of Grimsby later in the day.
On Saturday morning, August 24, the Lakers met up with Chatham and came away with an 18-6 win, setting them up for a showdown with their county rivals from Kingsville in a match of two unbeaten teams.
The Lakers showed no sign of slowing down as they beat the Knights 16-
1, sending them to the final three on Sunday morning.
Simcoe drew the bye as Leamington was tasked with facing Chatham once more.
The Lakers broke the game open in the second inning just before the rain came and the game’s final two innings were delayed by an hour while crews worked on the diamonds.
They resumed and beat Chatham, setting the stage for a hard-fought final.
Simcoe held the potent Leamington offense to a slim 3-2 lead for much of the game, but the Lakers decided to put things away in the fifth as they went up 7-2. A late Simcoe rally in the sixth pulled the Giants within three, but the reliable Lakers’ defence came through for a 7-4 victory and the Ontario title.
O’Neil was proud of his charges and told them so
after the game.
“I’m so proud of the work and effort these players and families put
into this season in accomplishing all their team goals,” he said. “The team motto was to play for the
and not on
back. They definitely did that.”
name on the front of the jersey
the
The Ontario champion Leamington Lakers are, front row, from left, Maddux Carnevale, Conor Cobby, Rory Mills, Easton O’Neil, Nash O’Neil (bat boy), Tate Getty. Middle row: Owen Schiefer, Nolan Froese, Brody Ferreira, David Giesbrecht, Dougie Howe, Theo Wright and Hudson Dyck. In the back are coaches Kevin Derbyshire, Derek Cobby, Josh Carnevale, Craig Howe, Steve Schiefer and Steve O’Neil. SUN photo
Leamington Lakers runner Hudson Dyck was safe on this play at first base in the second inning of Sunday’s OBA final against Simcoe. Hudson then rode home on Brody Ferreira’s RBI double to score the first run of the game. SUN photo
Knights make final five in 9U OBA tournament in Kingsville
The host Kingsville Knights made it to the final day of the OBA 9U
‘C’ championship on the weekend but fell just short, bowing out to Del-
aware Sunday afternoon.
The tournament featured 14 teams from across Ontario vying for the title in a double-knockout format.
The Knights lost their first game, a tight 7-5 decision to Listowel to start the tournament on Friday afternoon, but righted the ship with a nail-biter 1615 victory over Welland Saturday morning.
They followed that up with a 20-6 mercy win over Wallaceburg on Saturday afternoon, setting the stage for Sunday’s showdown with Dela-
living is not for me, nor super young children. How I am with cats isn’t known. I’m a healthy, affectionate boy destined to be a great dog. Are you my family-in-waiting?
ware, where they lost by a score of 13-4.
Delaware went on to play in the final, losing to Dorchester for the championship.
Barons bow out of OBA tournament
The Leamington Senior Barons went 1-2 over the August 23-25 weekend to bow out of the Ontario Baseball Association championships in Simcoe.
The Barons won their first game on Friday by a 7-6 score over Merriton. Dawson Iles threw five strong innings for the Barons, with Eric Wright getting the win in relief. Wright helped the cause with a solo homerun,
while Kam Wall hit a tworun homer to spark the offense.
In game two, the Barons lost 11-1 to the host Simcoe Giants, despite Wall’s second homerun of the tournament.
That put them in a door-die situation as they
faced elimination in the double-knockout format against the Mitchell Astros. The Barons trailed 6-4 going into the seventh inning, but allowed four runs and lost 10-4. Simcoe beat Mitchell in the final to take the OBA Senior ‘B’ title.
Two more OBA tournaments this weekend locally
Another pair of OBA weekends will take place in the area this weekend with Leamington hosting the Ontario 12U B tournament and Kingsville hosting the 14U C tournament at their respective parks.
The Leamington tournament, hosted by the 12U Lakers under the coaching of Lucas George, will involve 12 teams in a double knockout format.
Other teams involved include Chatham, Kingsville, LaSalle, Lucan-Ilderton, Midland, Simcoe, Stratford, Strathroy, Valley East, Welland and Wyoming.
The Lakers’ first game is Friday on Diamond 3 at 1 pm versus Welland.
The brackets are set and the championship game(s) will take place on Sunday, September 1 at noon.
Down the road in Kingsville, the 14U Knights will be the host for the 11-team double knockout tournament for the Ontario Championship. The Knights will kick off the tournament against Georgina at 10 am Friday.
Other teams include Strathroy, St. Thomas, Chatham, Woodstock, LaSalle, Tecumseh, Uxbridge, Simcoe and Grimsby.
Kingsville Knights #8 Eddie Robinet slides safely back into second base after a rundown on Saturday morning against Welland. The Knights held on for a 16-15 win in that game, but were eliminated Sunday afternoon by Delaware.
Kingsville’s #7 Bryce Noland was called out at first base on this close play in their game Saturday morning against Welland. SUN photos
track
in the Open
the Ramblers quarter mile track. SUN photos by
Erie Ramblers hold two days of flat track races
By Paul Forman
Dirt was flying, engines were roaring, and riders had to be at the top of their game as the Erie Ramblers Motorcycle Club hosted two Flat Track Canada
events, the first on Saturday, August 24 and the second on Sunday, August 25, at their property on Deer Run Road in Wheatley.
Due to a recent rainout in Flamboro Downs,
the Ramblers graciously welcomed competitors to both rounds five and six in an eight-race series that crowns a national champion later in the year.
The Ramblers quarter
9U LAKERS GRAB SILVER IN CHATHAM
The Leamington 9U Lakers bounced back from a first-game loss to reach the finals in the 9U ‘B’ Ontario Baseball Association championships in Chatham on the August 23-25 weekend, losing in the final game 2-1 to the Woodstock Wranglers. The Lakers were upset by the Chatham Diamonds in their opener, losing a tight 9-8 decision, which put them into the longer bracket to reach the final in the double knockout eight-team tournament. The loss to Chatham energized the locals as they racked up four straight wins over Orangeville, Simcoe, Beamsville and St. Thomas, before meeting Woodstock in the final game. A tough 2-1 loss to Woodstock relegated the Lakers to second place. In the front is batboy Gannon Grubb. In the second row are, from left, Brody Chambers, Lucas Renwick, Grady Grubb, Ethan Liebrock, Brennan Gardiner, Mason Lalonde. In the third row are Nolan Agueda, Ryan Bailey, Mack Marshall, Jayden Wall, Jaxon Perkins, Blake Wright, Maverick Larade, Jeremiah Klassen. Back row coaches are Wes Wright, Jeff Bailey, Thomas Grubb, Steve Marshall.
Photo submitted
mile track provided a formidable challenge over the weekend, but wasn’t able to slow down two brothers from Leamington, Ty and Luke Rahm.
“The Rahm boys are great kids,” shared past
president of the Ramblers, Kevin Ford. “They were big into motocross, but are now heavy into the dirt track racing.”
The Ramblers next join with Hudson Motorcycles of Tilbury as they invite the public to their fifty-three acre complex for an open ride day on September 14 that will raise funds for both the rebuild of the Wheatley Legion and for the Ramblers club itself.
DOUBLE-GOLD FOR KATELYN HACK
Leamington’s Katelyn Hack (right) brought home two gold medals from the Canadian National Pickleball Championships held August 20-24, in Bedford,
the
and then again in the
Valcour of Brockville, Ontario. Photo submitted
Nova Scotia. Hack won the gold in
Women’s Singles
4.5 Mixed Doubles with her partner, Chad
Leamington’s Luke Rahm (#25) flew around the Ramblers
as he competed in the Open Expert division.
Competing
Intermediate division, Ty Rahm (#97) of Leamington negotiates a turn on
