Southpoint Sun - December 28, 2022

LEAMINGTON FIRE BOOT DRIVE A SUCCESS

Leamington Fire Services enjoyed a very successful boot drive campaign on Saturday, December 3, collecting cash from motorists. They were able to make a $5,000 donation to the Salvation Army Leamington and another $2,000 donation to Toys for Tots Leamington. The firefighters were very thankful to the community for their generosity. In the left photo are

Leamington arts passes available

The Bank Theatre and the Leamington Arts Centre (LAC) have partnered to offer the Leamington Arts Pass for a second year. This pass grants access to four performance admissions at The Bank Theatre and free visitor

admission to the Leamington Arts Centre. The pass further gives the bearer membership status in both organizations and entitles the bearer to 10% off art supplies sold at the Leamington Arts Centre, as well as other programming discounts.

Sales of The Leamington Arts Pass started December 1 and remain valid from the time of purchase through the 2023 calendar year.

The Bank Theatre President John Moran says continuing this partnership is important.

“As recognized community partners by the Municipality, this partnership is something we’ve always strived for, so we’re happy this program can continue,” said Moran. “The performing and visual arts are growing and vibrant in Leamington and Essex and Kent counties. It is wonderful that

we can offer this to patrons to enjoy the extraordinary talents in our communities at our venues.”

“The Leamington Arts Pass is a unique opportunity for patrons to simultaneously support and experience both the visual arts and performing arts programs that both organizations offer,” said LAC

Director/Curator Chad Riley. “This program also opens up opportunities for further partnerships to celebrate the arts and talents in our region.”

The Leamington Arts Pass is available at each venue and online at www. banktheatre.com and www.leamingtonartscentre.com

firefighters Jared Adams, Major Ron Wickens (Salvation Army), firefighter Iman Dominguez and firefighter Tim Weil. In the right photo are firefighter Tim Weil, Toys for Tots chair Lorne Bradt, firefighter Iman Dominguez and firefighter Mahlia Rosatti. Photos submitted

Fundraiser helps The Bridge and United Way with programs

The Ryan Friesen Tailgate party on November 24 raised $38,000 to support local youth initiatives at two different local organizations.

Over 300 attended the event where the music was lively and the feeling of cheer emanated from the crowd.

This event is not only a fundraising initiative, but is a way to continue honouring a lost loved one — Ryan Friesen — who was the son of one of the event organizers.

Funds were raised to support two key organizations, including The Bridge Youth Resource Centre and United Way/Centraide Windsor-Essex County.

The donations for The Bridge will be utilized to support necessary programs and services for youth ages 14-24 in the Leamington and greater area. A portion of the proceeds will also support the organizations “Welcome Home” Starts With You tiny home community initiative.

These homes will not only provide a space for youth to transition to once they have been part of the Quiring Family Fresh Start Housing facility, but also addresses the great need for housing in this region across various population groups.

Donations to United Way will support the Summer Eats for Kids Program, which provides children and families in Windsor-Essex County with nutritious snacks, fruits and vegetables during the summer months when in-school nutrition programs are closed.

Children who access the program are also provided with free books to support their literacy.

One-in-three food bank users are children in the community and many families rely on school nutrition programs to help feed their children healthy meals.

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The Bridge Youth Resource Centre was the location of the cheque presentations for The Bridge and United Way to receive the proceeds from the Ryan Friesen Tailgate fundraiser on Wednesday, December 21. Back row, from left, are event organizers Sal Albano and John Friesen, The Bridge Executive Director Krista Rempel and event organizer Abe Friesen. In the front are United Way Centraide Windsor-Essex CEO Lorraine Goddard and Anjana Jacob, Corporate Team Lead for United Way. SUN photo

BDL SHOPPING CENTRE LAUNCHES IN LEAMINGTON

PRESOTEA OFFERS MANY CHOICES

Leamington’s

TURNING A PASSION INTO BUSINESS

ECLECTIC LOVE COMES TO KINGSVILLE

Eclectic Love truly lives up to its name as the

of

Shonna

and Harvey Guinness have created a new space at 7 Main Street East in Kingsville that combines food, drink and art. This ‘zone of convergence’ for foodies and artists alike offers brunch during the day and an ‘after-dark’ experience with specialty wines, gin cocktails and charcuterie boards on weekend evenings. Local chef Jeff Wiper has designed a unique menu of food for those that are health conscious and patrons can enjoy the décor devised by Spencer and the changing local art exhibits that rotate through the restaurant. Eclectic Love is open Fridays through Mondays from 9am to 2 pm and on Friday and Saturday evenings from 7 pm to 11 pm. Pictured seated are Harvey Guinness and Shonna Spencer. Standing are Zachary Snyder (left) and chef Jeff Wiper.

Libro commits $250,000 to Cradle to Career strategy

Libro Credit Union has committed $250,000 to the ongoing effort to eliminate child poverty in the Windsor and Essex County region.

The ProsperUs collective launched the Investors Table earlier this year, tasked with leveraging funding to support the rollout of solutions designed to eliminate the barriers to success that local children face, also known as the community’s Cradle to Career strategy.

The Investors Table is a group of community partners and philanthropists working alongside residents and service providers to create catalytic change, and they have welcomed Libro Credit Union to their ranks.

This is the first time that a group of local funders has come together to tackle a community challenge by implementing a collaborative, pooled investment approach.

As an Investors Table member, Libro Credit Union will contribute a minimum of $50 thousand per year over five years in support of the Cradle to Career (C2C) strategy. The C2C strategy has been developed by a cross-section of 40+ community partners and residents, with the

support of the Backbone Organization, United Way/Centraide Windsor-Essex County.

“We are thrilled to be part of a new, systems changing approach to driving community impact,” said Liz Arkinstall, Libro Credit Union Purpose Integration Manager. “Partnering with ProsperUs and the Cradle to Career strategy has potential to significantly change outcomes for local youth and be a model for other regions to learn from.”

Ignite Academy is the first locally designed solution of the Cradle to Career strategy. This program is currently supporting 360 students at six sites. Ignite Academy will be hosted within neighbourhood school communities in Windsor and Leamington and locally includes St. Louis and Queen Elizabeth elementary schools.

ProsperUs is a collective of non-profit, government, health care, education, labour, business and inspired residents with a shared vision of a prosperous Windsor-Essex County where every young person has the opportunity and support they need to thrive.

A grand opening was held for the area’s newest discount store at 275 Erie Street South. Best Deals Locally celebrated on November 25 with free giveaways and door crashers for excited customers. BDL offers great deals on clothes, footwear, toys, home decor, bedding, curtains, furniture, pet supplies and cellphone accessories, all from the USA, at one-third to half of regular retail prices. Above, BDL employee Azooz Alnajjar, left, and store manager Fares Abualrub welcomed customers at the grand opening.

SUN photo by Paul Forman

trio

Zachary Snyder,

Spencer

SUN photo by Rylee Wallace

newest tea sensation — Presotea — opened its doors in late September in the plaza at 24 Oak Street East. They specialize in all flavours of cold and hot tea, including bubble teas, fruit teas and slushes. Presotea’s manager Ralph, who is pictured here, welcomes the community into the store to try their products. Presotea has over 40 locations across Ontario and is located at 24 Oak Street East, Unit 1 and is open seven days a week from noon until 10 pm.

SUN photo

WM Decor officially opened in late November and is located at 19 Division St. South Unit B in Kingsville. The store offers an eclectic range of unique and beautifully curated local and international decor, including original art pieces, according to owner Wendy Musselman, pictured here. She said it had been a passion of hers for the past several years to own a business after working locally in the real estate industry. Store hours are 10 am to 5 pm Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday with extended hours to 6 pm on Thursdays and Fridays. It is closed on Sunday and Monday.

SUN photo by Deanna Bertrand

HERE WE GO A-CAROLING

During Christmas week, several singers decided to spread some Christmas cheer throughout Leamington. The Leamington Carolers sang Christmas carols at the Real Canadian Superstore and several other areas in the town. Performing for shoppers at the Real Canadian Superstore are, left to right, Rob Hubbard, Dora Overton, Connie Morse, Kari-Lynn Hewett, Willie Taves, Bill Cervini and Tom Overton playing guitar. Submitted photo

Kingsville Friendly Club

Winning scores on Tuesday, December 13, were as follows. Bridge: Roy Trowell 4200, Bert Patrick 3450, Alta VanVliet 3130. Euchre: Lila Withers 102, Willy Fittler 87, Carrie Schultz 85. Most lone hands: Anne Burrell 5. Pepper: Sue Girardin 315, Bill Fielding 253, Winnie Moore 245. Most peppers: Sue Girardin: 6.

On Friday, December 19, a delicious Christmas turkey dinner was served

with cards played afterward. The following are the scores. Bridge: Jean Kuipers 3900, Bert Patrick 3830, Roy Trowell 3270. Euchre: Corinne Ingall, Willy Fittler and Carrie Schultz tied with 66 each, Jim Ingall, Ken Salter and David Snider tied with 62 each, Jane Ann Callow 61. Most lone hands: Dave Patterson 5. Pepper: Winnie Moore 300, Bob Bell 275, Bill Fielding 269. Most peppers: Winnie Moore 7.

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL DISTRIBUTES HAMPERS

Recently, the

families in need. More than

(SSVP)

hampers

Wheatley Friendship Club news

By Bonnie Dawson

A large turnout showed up for Bingo at the Wheatley & District Friendship Club on December 7.

The Bingo winners for the afternoon were concentrated in a few members: Earlene Gould, Payton Siddall, Mary Siddall, Barb Siddall, Doreen Armstrong and Helen Clark. Thanks to Linda Wigfield for calling the

numbers and to Pauline Sample for handing out the prizes.

The Friendship Club Christmas Dinner was held on December 14. Bingo was the entertainment afterwards.

Quilting is open Monday and Thursday.

The Treasures Room is open to club members when the club is open, as is the Library.

Euchre is held on Tues-

day from 1:30 to 4:00 at a cost of $2.

The Exercise Room is open to members at a cost of $1 per visit.

Foot care is available to Friendship Club members. Call Jessica Rodzik Couto at 519-990-7308 to make an appointment.

The winners for the 50/50 draws were Payton Siddall and Helen Clark.

Until next time…

Society of St Vincent de Paul

distributed Christmas

to area

90 hampers were made through the generous support of local farmers and merchants. Here, SSVP volunteers Barb and Archie Quenneville assist in filling the Christmas hampers to be distributed. Photo submitted

opinion ~ expression ~ and other musings

Hoping for a much better 2023

Well, another year is coming to a close.

As we await the arrival of 2023, I can’t help but wonder what’s in store for us.

As bad as 2020 and 2021 were, this year hasn’t been all butterflies and roses either, especially for those around me. I lost a life-long friend in

2022. We’ve known each other since we were toddlers and he fought a long battle against cancer

It certainly made me take stock of my life and face my own eventual mortality.

His family lost four members in a matter of a couple of weeks, which would be enough to dis-

courage any family from wanting to celebrate these holidays.

They soldier on, trying to make the best of a tough situation, but I’m sure this holiday will hit hard.

That resilience in the face of tragedy and loss is commendable.

Many families have gone

through the loss of loved ones in recent years and 2022 was no exception.

RIB’S RAMBLINGS

Ribble

As we close out the year, let’s take time to draw on those good memories of those we have lost in the past few years and share a smile, a tear or a conversation with someone about them.

Let’s look forward to 2023 with the same enthusiasm we used to exude at the turn of the calendar.

Happy New Year, everyone. Go out and enjoy 2023.

Cara found ‘Fame’ on TV, then hit it big on radio FLASHBACK RADIO

It’s still hard to believe that Irene Cara died at the age of only 63, at her home in Largo, Florida, on November 25. At this time, the cause of her death is still unknown.

She was born in New York City, on March 18, 1959, but because of her youthful looking appearance over the years and being only five feet, three inches tall, many thought she was younger than she actually was.

While most of us remember her in the role as Coco Hernandez in the 1980 musical film Fame and for recording the movie’s title song Fame,

Cara actually started in 1970-71 where, as Daisy Allen, she was in the daytime soap opera Love of Life. She also starred on the Electric Company as Iris, a band member of the Short Circus in 197172, as well as being on an episode of Kojak in 1976 and eight other shows or TV movies over the next 16 years.

As for her first hit single Fame, it was also the first movie she starred in. The song reached #4 in North America and went #1 in many other countries. Irene also won Billboard’s New Female Single Artist. I remember Fame well,

as along with being played on CHYR radio in heavy rotation during the summer months of 1980, I also played it every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night for most of the summer and early fall at the Choo-Choo Stop in the basement of the Lakeshore Terrace Hotel in Kingsville where I was the nightly DJ. Very popular song indeed.

But it was nothing compared to Flashdance… What A Feeling which was #1 for six weeks from late May until early July on Billboard’s Hot 100 in 1983. It was co-written by Cara and was only outsold

that year by The Police’s Every Breathe You Take and Michael Jackson’s Billie Jean. More importantly though, Irene shared an Academy Award with Giorgio Moroder and Keith Forsey for Best Original Song and a Golden Globe for Best Original Song and a Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.

The following year, in the spring of 1984, Cara had her last top 10 hit, Breakdance, which reached #8 on the Billboard charts. After that, she sort of slowly disappeared.

In 1993, stemming back

1951 Ford ragtop on Leamington Avenue

When I phoned Mike McGill from Leamington for the story of his 1951 Ford convertible, he said he owned the car while living with his parents in

the 1950s on Leamington Avenue in Toronto.

At first, I thought Mike was joking because I had never heard of a Leamington Avenue in Toronto, but it’s on a city map and Mike really did live there.

Now retired and living near Port Perry, Mike still has fond memories of his customized 1951 Ford convertible painted bright red with a custom grille, two-inch lowering blocks in the back end, no front or rear bumper guards, no hood ornament, no

from a 1985 lawsuit she filed against record executive Al Coury and Network Recor ds, where she claimed they withheld royalties from the Flashback soundtrack and her first two solo records, she was awarded $1.5 million.

with Chuck Reynolds

honour of having a street named after her at the Grand Concourse in the New York Borough of the Bronx.

Her last recorded album, released in 2011 and featuring her band, was called Irene Cara Presents Hot Caramel. That year, she was inducted into the Bronx Walk of Fame. She had the distinguished

The last most anyone heard of Irene was that she had two homes in Florida and the other in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Frankly, I’m surprised that with all her talent, she wasn’t still touring North America or Europe.

trunk hardware, big long fender skirts, a custom interior, and nicknamed “Firefly.”

THE OLD CAR DETECTIVE

Bill Sherk

This car traveled the car show circuit back then in Ontario and New York State and won for Mike many trophies.

Mike was a member of the Etobi-Cams Car Club and served as president for a couple of years. Fellow members often gathered in his driveway to admire his car. Under the

hood was Ford’s legendary flathead V8 engine.

A few years later, Mike sold the car and it ended up rusting away in Paris, Ontario, where the last owner Mike knew of scrapped the car. A sad end to a beautiful show car!

Always looking for stories. Email billtsherk@sympatico. ca.

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• Send letters to sun@southpointsun.ca or mail to Southpoint Sun – Editor – 194 Talbot Street East, Unit 2, Leamington, ON N8H 1M2

• One letter per person, per calendar year.

Mark

Mike McGill on the driver’s side.

Snippets from January

Emotional win for Hogs raffle winner

When Dennis Dowker’s phone rang around 11:15 am on Friday, December 31, he was in the kitchen tending to his cats, Martini and Rossi.

When he answered it,

an unfamiliar voice on the other end surprised him with the news he had won $90,775.

“It was quite emotional for me,” he said. “I was totally surprised.”

Of course, on the other end was none other than Joe Oswald and the rest of the Hogs for Hospice committee, doing their holiday good deed by awarding such a hefty sum.

Dennis Dowker has lived in Leamington since 2016 and is the first Leamington resident to capture the Hogs 50-50 raffle.

Influx of foreign workers halted by health unit, then reversed

A letter of instruction issued on Wednesday, January 12 by the Windsor Essex County Health Unit (WECHU) put a temporary pause to Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) arrivals in the area.

The WECHU then rescinded the letter late Friday, January 14.

Citing skyrocketing COVID case numbers for TFWs in Windsor-Essex, Dr. Shankar Nasathurai, acting Medical Officer of Health for the region, issued the letter of instruction effective at 12:01 am on Thursday, January 13.

The letter encompasses over 1,000 different

farm operations in Windsor-Essex that employ TFWs and would have been in effect for at least three weeks.

“There is a public health emergency in Windsor Essex,” said Dr. Nasathurai. “The burden of COVID among migrant farm workers exceeds our

capacity to isolate them.”

With that, he announced the pausing of arrivals of any foreign workers to Windsor-Essex until at least February 2.

Friday’s statement effectively reversed the decision.

A look back at February

Big plans for former high school property Car Barn owner still waiting for answers

DENNIS DOWKER

Businesses hoping this is last interruption

The impact that the COVID pandemic has had on local businesses has left local residents craving a back-to-normal approach.

And as restrictions lift on restaurants, gyms, retail and entertainment halls next Monday, they inch that much closer to brighter days ahead.

For Faith Monaco at Impact Health and Fitness Centre, the past 21 months have been a roller coaster of ups, downs and even sideways moves.

She’s hoping Monday, January 31 will bring renewed hope that the lockdowns will soon be behind us.

“I’m real-

ly excited to be opening again,” she told the Sun last week. “We want to get back on our feet and stay on our feet.”

Faith opened Impact Fitness at 88 Talbot Street East in Leamington in the summer of 2019, mere months before the world shut down.

If a proposed concept plan for the former Leamington District Secondary School (LDSS) property comes to fruition, the municipality will have affordable and attainable housing for almost 300 additional families.

The initial concept plan, developed by Dillon Associates, was presented to Leamington Council at their meeting on Tuesday, January 25.

It calls for three mid-rise apartment buildings (six floors each) near the front

of the property where the school now stands, as well as 53 townhouses behind them and another 24 small-multi-residential units at the back of the property.

The plan for the 13acre Talbot Street West site would also allow for the possibility of a small commercial building near the roadway, which could house a medical office, legal office or other commercial entity.

On the evening of August 26, 2021, there were 14 diners and four staff enjoying dinner time at the Car Barn Restaurant in Wheatley.

Firefighters arrived to evacuate the building just before the explosion went off, sending customers and staff running out the front door onto Talbot Street.

Almost six months later, those meals and everything else inside the Car Barn still sit where they were when the explosion

rocked the former Pogue Pub less than 30 feet away from the Car Barn’s back door.

For restaurant owner Barry Broadbent, the process of recovery has been a slow, but necessary one.

For someone used to working 12-hour days, seven days a week, Broadbent says his life has changed dramatically as he contemplates what the future will hold.

Reija and Joe Gruber took possession of their ‘dream home’ in Wheatley about three weeks before the explosion that rocked the downtown area last August.

Now approaching six months since they were evacuated, the young couple is growing frustrated by the time it has taken to see any light on the horizon.

“We’ve had many sleepless nights,” said Joe last week from their Kingsville-based rental

unit. “We’re feeling completely abandoned.”

The couple spent months searching for the perfect spot to start their lives together and when they settled on the home at the corner of Julian and Foster Streets, they were welcomed into the neighbourhood with open arms.

“We moved into the perfect community there,” said Joe. “It literally blew up in our face.”

FAITH MONACO

Displaced Wheatley couple thought they had their dream home

JOE AND REIJA GRUBER

2022 YEAR IN REVIEW

Highlights from March

The last of a dying breed

When the last bit of gas is pumped at Miller Service at the end of this month, it will be a wrap on Gary Miller’s 52-year career in the family business.

Watching gas prices go through the roof in the past few weeks, Miller has heard every comment from most customers who want to have a say about the skyrocketing rates, but it’s something he will miss come April.

Miller Shell is closing its doors and the property has been sold. Gary Miller cannot share what the new owner’s plans are, but suffice to say it will

no longer be a service station.

Gary’s father Mike Miller opened the business at 407 Talbot Street West in March of 1949.

In the beginning it was known as City Services, but everyone came to know it as Mike Miller Service Ltd.

Affordable housing fast-tracked for Caldwells and The Bridge

About 61 new affordable dwelling units are being fast-tracked for development across Windsor-Essex, with eight units being located at The Bridge Youth Resource Centre in Leamington and another 26 units being developed by Caldwell First Nation.

Minister of Housing, Diversity and Inclusion — the Honourable Ahmed Hussen — made the announcement in Windsor on Thursday, March 17, alongside Windsor-Tecumseh MP Irek Kusmierczyk, Essex County Warden Gary McNamara, Windsor Mayor

Drew Dilkens, Leamington Mayor Hilda MacDonald and Caldwell First Nation Chief Mary Duckworth.

Hussen announced nearly $20 million in federal funding to create the 61 new affordable homes for individuals and families through the Rapid

Housing Initiative. The units will support Canadians who are in uncertain housing situations.

The Bridge Youth Resource Centre will have eight such units for young adults, women, Indigenous people and black Canadians.

Leamington looking for policing contract

On-demand transit starting May 2

The municipal transit system will get a major overhaul in May as the new On-Demand transit system begins operation.

On-demand transit is a relatively new technology, which allows riders to book their pick-up time

and drop-off time for the town bus.

It utilizes complex algorithms that react to ride requests and develop instantaneous routing to the bus stop the riders have chosen.

After almost a year without a policing contract, Leamington Council is looking to reconnect with the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) regarding policing within the municipality

A recommendation was brought to council at the February 22 meeting, advising council to send a notice to the Solicitor General that they’d like to open talks about a possi-

ble new contract with the OPP

The same council voted in 2019 to terminate the contract with the OPP at the time, giving the required one-year notice to the Solicitor General’s office to terminate the contract.

The OPP continue to police the municipality without a contract, as per Section 5.1 of the Police Services Act.

An RFP issued in September 2020 produced two proposals from neighbouring police departments. Windsor Police Service and Chatham-Kent Police both submitted proposals, but the costs were too prohibitive for Leamington to accept.

It is hoped that the OPP will sit down and discuss the municipality’s enhancement needs before a contract can be signed.

The Community Safety and Policing Act, which was supposed to come into effect in 2021, has been stalled and yet to be implemented, allowing Leamington to take advantage of that and enter a contract with the Solicitor General for further OPP policing.

Leamington’s 2022 budget allows for about $6 million in policing costs with the OPP

Wheatley Post Office re-opens in new location

It is unofficially stated that “Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays the mail service.”

However, a gas explosion will cause a major eight-month disruption to the chain of mail flow.

For the first time since

August 2021, Wheatley residents, as well as displaced postal staff, are relieved to see a return of full post service in the community with the opening of a post office on Erie Street South on Monday, March 21.

During the shutdown,

mail service has been rerouted through the Leamington postal station. The new ‘temporary’ location is fully functional with a full staff on hand to again offer the excellent services that Wheatley area residents have been accustomed to from the

local employees.

Hours are Monday to Thursday 9-5 and Friday 9-6. Closed Saturday with a mail drop box on site.

Masks continue to be worn by staff. Customers are not required but encouraged to wear them.

ReynaeRt

December 30, 2021 Always loved, missed forever, Pat, Lynn, Mike and families

GARY MILLER

Real Estate

H. Featherstone Realty Inc.

Camille Elters Sales Representative

17 Erie St. N., Leamington 519-796-2453 camelters@yahoo.ca @eltersrealestateteam h.featherstonerealtyinc

Real

Real Estate

H. Featherstone Realty Inc.

Chantelle Elters

Sales Representative

17 Erie St. N., Leamington 519-819-4290 chanelters@gmail.com @eltersrealestateteam h.featherstonerealtyinc

Real Estate

Jump Realty

519-329-7291 shannon@jumprealty.ca www.jumprealty.ca @shannonmathesonrealtor

2022 YEAR IN REVIEW

Looking back at April

Simpson Orchards will continue to offer same great service

While the familiar faces of Debbie and Wally Simpson won’t be behind the counter at Simpson Orchards this year, they are confident that their loyal customers will come to know and trust Corrie and Jason Adamson the same way they have trusted the Simpsons.

With the orchard celebrating 100 years in business last year, Debbie and Wally saw themselves looking to slow down a little. Business was booming and on one particular day, Jason Adamson came strolling in like any other day.

“Do you want to buy a farm?” Debbie asked,

half-joking.

Jason’s response led to the transaction that took place on March 31, when he and his wife Corrie purchased the farm from the Simpsons.

The familiarity between the two Road 5 families goes way back.

“I have a picture of my grandfather standing with Jaons’s great-grandfather,” said Wally Simpson. “So we’re very familiar with each other.”

The families have farmed across the road from each other for over a century now and Jason is happy that they get to carry things on.

Wheatley evacuation zone being reduced

At a virtual community meeting on Saturday, April 9, Chatham-Kent and provincial officials announced a drastic reduction in the size of the evacuation zone in downtown Wheatley.

Citing studies and work that has been done up until now in the process, officials felt it was time to allow many of the evacu-

ated home and business owners back into their properties.

The meeting first gave an update of the work that is ongoing and work that has been done up until now.

Currently, the team is in the process of plugging the former Tait well, which has been the focus of most of the investiga-

tion.

Back in the fall, engineers and investigators had identified three areas of concern which they named APEC 1, 2 and 3.

Monitoring wells have been installed and gas probes have been inserted to help with the investigation of APEC 1 and APEC 3.

“The team has recom-

Flyers wrap up first place with help

The whirlwind last week of regular season play was certainly full of surprises as all playoff positions were determined except for the top spot. A Friday night battle between Leamington and London would have bearings on that as well as two other games London had to play.

Heading into last Wednesday’s game in LaSalle, the Flyers were getting ready to wrap up first, but the Vipers derailed that and sent the Flyers into a couple of must-win contests if they wanted to claim first.

The Vipers doubled the Flyers 6-3 before the Flyers returned home to drub the Strathroy Rockets 7-1 in front of the largest crowd of the season at

910.

That left a Friday night showdown between London and Leamington which the Flyers lost by a 6-1 score. That left the Flyers waiting to see whether the Nationals would lose to either Komoka on Saturday or LaSalle on Sunday.

In Wednesday’s game, the Flyers fell into a prolonged defensive lapse and came out of the first period down 4-1. Gavin Grundner had the Flyers first-period goal.

In the second, Jack Cotter slotted a goal to cut the score.

Early in the third, Grundner notched his second of the contest to pull the Flyers to within one.

However, the Flyers

mended plugging the Tait well,” said Jennifer Barton from the Ontario Ministry of Forests and Natural Resources. “That is taking place currently.”

Barton said that the ongoing mitigation work is being done alongside any remaining investigative work and she expects the timeline of mid-to-late May to be achievable.

6-3. Boe Piroski suffered the loss in net.

Ed Hamm, 85 years, passed away in Florida on Sunday, November 20, 2022.

Beloved husband of Betty (Epp). Dear father of John Epp. Loving Grandpa of Charli and Chelsea. Dear brother of late Walter Hamm, Ella Loucks (late Wally), late Mary Fast, late George Hamm (Erika), Amy Dick (late John), late Herm Hamm, and brother-in-law of Jake Epp (late Irene), Abe Epp (Susan), late Mary Neufeld (late Henry), Freda Penner (Bruno). Ed will be missed by many nieces and nephews.

Memorial Service to celebrate Ed’s life will be held at Reid Funeral Home, 14 Russell Street, Leamington (519326-2631) on Friday, December 30, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. Interment of cremated remains at Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made by cheque to the Canadian Cancer Society or Leamington Mennonite Home.

Friends may share memories at www.reidfuneralhome.ca

At Renew we pride ourselves in the continuous evaluation and evolution of the appropriate exercises to address your specific impairment whether it consists of movement impairment, muscle imbalance or weakness, endurance, proprioception or balance.

LDMBA introduces Girls Under-11 fast-pitch

There will be a brand new division of fast-pitch softball in Leamington this season. The Leamington District Minor Baseball Association is running a U11 fast-pitch division for girls softball.

The league will consist of four house league teams, which totals the 44 girls playing in that age group.

For years, the girls house league divisions have played slo-pitch softball, but girls aged 9-10-11 will transition to fast-pitch softball — or fastball as it was previously known.

Division convenor Mark Epplett and a bevy of vol-

unteers held an optional workout last week at the Nature Fresh Farms Recreation Complex gymnasium, as they introduced about 30 girls to the finer points of fast-pitch softball.

The recent surge in popularity for fast-pitch softball has created an interest locally that can only be met with trying out the sport on a local level.

“It will be really exciting for girls’ baseball here in town,” said Epplett.

“Pitching and catching will be the most challenging part of the transition.”

Having four teams will allow Leamington to have their own league without being tied to other centres and the possibility of different rules.

“This allows us to manage and tailor our division to what we feel the girls need developmentally,” said Epplett.

There will be a homeand-home series with LaSalle Turtle Club later in the season to bring some variety to the girls’ season.

Debbie and Wally Simpson, Jason and Corrie Adamson.

Recent action between the Flyers and Strathroy.

back at May

Festival of Birds returns to Point Pelee

The Friends of Point Pelee — now in their 41st year — are jumping back into the swing of things this month with Point Pelee’s annual Festival of the Birds returning.

After a two-year hiatus in the festival, ‘Friends’ President Laurie Hart is glad to see so many faces making their way to Point Pelee.

“We’re so happy to be able to be here this year,” she said. “It’s so exciting to have the festival running.”

The Festival of Birds runs through May 22 and the Friends of Point Pelee will be there every morning, supplying breakfast

for birders and organizing guided hikes through the woodland trails of Point Pelee.

For years, the Friends have been putting on breakfast and lunch for birders, but the pandemic has affected the number of volunteers available, so it was decided to just go with breakfast, which consists of muffins, cookies, croissants and other continental type items.

For Laurie Hart and her husband Dave — who is also the Vice President of the Friends of Point Pelee — it’s somewhat of a return to normal after two unusually quiet years.

Symphony makes lasting impact on fabrication plant

The familiar sounds of John Williams music were emanating from the UniFab fabrication plant on Highway 77 on the evening of Friday, April 29 and patrons came away with a very unique, enjoyable experience.

Just shy of 300 people purchased tickets to listen to the full Windsor Symphony orchestra, led by Maestro Robert Franz.

The vast space inside the fabrication plant provided ideal acoustics for the symphony to perform the larger-than-life musical scores of Williams, who is known for such movie scores as Raiders

of the Lost Ark, Star Wars, Superman and Harry Potter.

The idea was spawned recently when Maestro Franz spoke to Leamington Mayor Hilda MacDonald and CAO Peter Neufeld about finding a unique venue for a full-orchestra concert.

The symphony’s most recent concerts in Leamington have only included a portion of the orchestra due to space limitations.

“He encouraged us to think outside of the box,” said Mayor MacDonald. “I turned to Peter and said, let’s talk to Abe.”

LAURIE AND DAVE HART

Margaret Gillie performs a clarinet solo.

2022 YEAR IN REVIEW

Highlights of June Looking back at July

Highland games return to KingsvilleCanada Day weekend busy locally

The Highland Games returned to Kingsville on Saturday, June 25 with about 2,000 people walking through the gates of Lakeside Park to watch the all-day events.

Right out of the gate,

participants in the 5K Kilt Run were on the course and getting their early exercise, followed by the heavy events, tug of war, dancers and other festivities.

The heavy events fea-

tured heavy stone, hammer throw, heavy weights and the always popular caber toss, with both local and visiting competitors performing feats of sheer strength.

Jones wins seat in Provincial Election

Newcomer Trevor Jones upended incumbent Rick Nicholls in the June 2 Provincial election and will head to Toronto soon to get acclimated to his new surroundings.

Jones — the Progressive Conservative candidate — entered the race early and beat runner-up

NDP Brock McGregor by over 6,000 votes.

A current Leamington Councillor, Jones finished sixth in the 2018 run for the five-seat municipal council, but was appointed to the seat in the fall of 2020 after the sudden death of Councillor John Jacobs.

The Canada Day weekend brought thousands of residents and visitors together for events in Kingsville, Leamington and Wheatley.

Each community also had something else to celebrate, with Kingsville Open Streets, Leamington’s Arts at the Marina and Wheatley’s Fish Festival adding to the fun.

JONES

Santos steps down as Kingsville mayor

Mayor Nelson Santos has confirmed that he will not be seeking a sixth term as Mayor for the Town of Kingsville in the upcoming municipal election this Fall. He also informed town staff this morning that he will be stepping away from the Mayor’s office and role next month.

After nearly 25 years in public office, serving as town councillor, deputy mayor and the past 19 years as mayor, Kingsville’s Nelson Santos is changing course and pursuing a new career opportunity that provides more time and support with his family.

SMOKEY Smokey found herself at the shelter in desperate need of care. She was injured and required quite of bit of tlc to start feeling like herself again. She still needs some time to heal, but is ready to find her forever home. She is shy, but friendly and would require a quiet adult only home.

To see Smokey and other adoptable felines, visit https://windsorhumane.org/cats-kittens

If Smokey’s picture is no longer there, that means she has found her forever home, please consider one of her friends who are still looking for theirs.

The weather cooperated except for a small bit of rain on Friday evening, which postponed the Leamington and Kingsville fireworks until Saturday night. Wheatley’s fireworks went off Sunday night, capping a very successful return for the annual Fish Festival.

‘Dreams’ come true for local umpire

Veteran Leamington baseball umpire Kevin O’Neil recently spent three weeks in Cooperstown, New York as part of the Cooperstown Dreams Park American Youth Baseball Tournament.

Touted as the greatest

tournament in America, the event hosts hundreds of 12-and-under teams from across the world, who come to Cooperstown to take part in a ‘big league’ experience.

The tournament has been running since 1996 and features many alumni who have went on to play Major League Baseball.

O’Neil was introduced to the tournament by a fellow local umpire and decided to apply back in January.

It wasn’t long before he got the call to head to

Cooperstown.

“I was thrilled to be chosen,” he says. “It’s an incredible experience.”

FRIDAY, JANUARY 6, 2023

READY, SET, GAME!

Euchre Tourney | Doors 5 PM Game 6 PM. $10 per person | Rotating Style | Prizes. Tickets available at BANKTHEATRE.COM

MONDAY, JANUARY 16

MONARCH CAFE SERIES

Songs & Stories in the Round - Similar to the Nashville Bluebird Cafe series. Doors open 6:30 p.m. Show 7:30 p.m. Tickets $15 +HST. Tickets available at BANKTHEATRE.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27

DALE’S FRIDAY COFFEE HOUSE

Doors open 6:30 p.m. Show 7:00 p.m. Bring canned, paper, hygiene goods for food bank drive. Pass the hat admission.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 28

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NITE @ THE BANK THEATRE

Come laugh with some of the best local and not-so-local comedians. Doors open 6:30 p.m. Show 7:30 p.m. Tickets $15 +HST. Tickets available at BANKTHEATRE.COM

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Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & YouTube. Email banktheatre@gmail.com Visit BankTheatre.com

10 ERIE ST. S., P.O. BOX 434 LEAMINGTON, ON N8H 3W5 519-326-8805

TREVOR

NELSON SANTOS

KEVIN O’NEIL

Fireworks at Seacliff Park Beach in Leamington.

2022 YEAR IN REVIEW

Our highlights from August

Hogs weekend deemed ‘roaring’ success

The Hogs for Hospice Motorcycle Rally weekend was all it was advertised as patrons concertgoers and residents all enjoyed being ‘back in the saddle.’

Thousands came to Seacliff Park to enjoy the vendors, events and concerts.

A bout 1900 bikes were registered and most of

them made their way to the tip of Point Pelee, back to Kingsville and then returned to Seacliff Park on Saturday for the registered ride.

Hogs for Hospice board member Joe Oswald was thrilled with the way the weekend turned out.

One year on, residents still playing waiting game

Uptown Wheatley will likely never be the same, but one year after the explosion that rocked the village to its core, many displaced families have returned to their home while others have not.

joying some leisure activities or may not have been home when it happened.

Kids’ Bike Games were a hit.

The group of board members took to the concert stage on both Friday and Saturday nights and thanked the crowds, the bands, the volunteers and sponsors for making the weekend such a success.

Rodeo draws record crowds

The return of the Sun Parlour Rodeo was a huge success this year with sold out shows on Saturday, July 30 and Sunday, July 31.

The 19th annual event brings the total donated to local charities over the years to over a half million dollars.

On Friday, August 26, everyone in the village will stop for a moment to remember exactly what they were doing when the explosion happened.

Some were working in the immediate area, while others were home making or eating dinner. Still others may have been en-

A full 12 months have come and gone and while progress has been made for some, there are still several families who haven’t returned to their homes for various reasons.

The current evacuation zone still keeps a couple of families at bay, while insurance and restoration issues are thwarting many others.

So, where does everyone go from here?

Wheatley in a doctor dilemma

As the calendar turns to the one-year anniversary of the Wheatley explosion, that same calendar turns from summer to fall with the impending retirement of Wheatley’s only remaining physician, Dr. David Eaton.

Dr. Eaton’s departure at the end of this year will leave 1,400 Wheatley-area patients without a hometown doctor for the first time ever.

Dr. Eaton practices as

part of the Thamesview Family Health Team (TVFHT) and has been the primary care practitioner in Wheatley for 47 years.

About three years ago, an application was made to the Minister of Health to begin the process of getting a replacement or at least funding for a nurse practitioner in the Wheatley office.

Apparently, that application has not yet made

its way to the Minister of Health, in fact they may be faced with starting over as the original application has expired.

According to Wheatley pharmacist Mike Untch, the process was started in January 2020 when he was able to meet with the officials from TVFHT and get the application process started.

Another meeting to further discuss the issue was scheduled for March

A look back at September

S’aints rock Seacliff hill Homelessness Hub opens in Leamington

The S’aints promised to ‘rock the hill’ and they certainly did that and then some, as the first of what is hoped to be annual free Labour Day weekend concerts hit the Sunset Amphitheatre stage at Seacliff Park Saturday.

The 10-member superband fronted by Leamington’s own Jody Raffoul delighted the crowd of over 3,000 as the sun set on Lake Erie and a

swift breeze kept the heat at bay.

But before the S’aints hit the stage, Leamington’s own Peter Raffoul wowed the audience with some of his original songs, showing why he is a singer/songwriter to keep an eye on.

The concert was presented by St. Clair College and LiUna625 and produced by The Bank Theatre in partnership with the Municipality of Leamington.

Known for their philanthropic concerts during the holiday season at Caesars Windsor, The S’Aints founders Jeff Burrows and Jody Raffoul teamed up once again to benefit the Windsor-Essex community and to also attract concert-goers throughout the southwest Ontario region to what could become an annual music fest featuring a diverse list of artists.

Although the official grand opening of the Essex County Homelessness Hub has not taken place, county residents experiencing homelessness can now drop in at the new hub located within the confines of the South Essex Community Council (SECC) building at 215 Talbot Street East in Leamington.

At the September 21 meeting of Essex County Council, a report brought to council outlined the work being done to battle homelessness in Essex County.

The homelessness issue has traditionally been something that occurred and was dealt with in the City of Windsor, but many other municipalities in the county have seen increases in homelessness over the past sev-

eral years.

The upper levels of government provide funds to the City of Windsor, who in turn distributes those funds as they see fit.

Jeannie Diamond-Francis, who is the Mental Health Services Manager for the County of Essex, led the presentation to council.

County Council has recently approved a twoyear pilot project to enter into an agreement with Family Services Windsor-Essex to develop a homelessness hub program to deliver various services to those experiencing homelessness in Essex County.

“Family Services has an agreement with SECC to lease space in their existing building at 215 Talbot Street East,” she said.

2020, but the COVID pandemic put an abrupt pause to that.

Kingsville resident is Citizen of the Year

Alan Batke has been tending to gardens since about the age of 14 when his neighbour allowed him to work her gardens as a teenager.

All of his hard work has recently been rewarded with the Kingsville Citizen of the Year Award.

Mr. Batke has been a member of the Ontario Horticultural Association since 1960.

“Then I got married and my wife Karen became a member in 1962,” he said.

Karen Batke, who passed away in August of 2018, and was actually given the same honour twice — once in 2004 and another posthumously in 2018.

“She worked hard and deserved those awards,” says Alan. “She also got an award from ERCA in

2018.”

The Batkes spent their lives serving their community, especially through the Horticultural Society, so it was fitting that Alan met up with the Sun reporter in front of the OPP station on Division Street South, where he was working the gardens there.

“This property was actually one of our first projects,” he said. “We’ve been taking care of it for a long time.”

YOUTH RIDER

BUGSY AND BECKY LAMB

DR. EATON

2022 YEAR IN REVIEW

A look back at October

Leamington re-elects Hilda MacDonald Kingsville puts Rogers in top seat Anderson gets C-K Ward 1 seat

Voters in Leamington returned the incumbents to the top two seats in Monday’s municipal election, along with four familiar council faces.

After a long — and sometimes intense — campaign, Hilda MacDonald is once again Leamington’s Mayor-elect.

She garnered 4,333 votes while top challenger Jimmy Simoni finished

with 3,004. Cris Biron totalled 754 votes.

In an extremely tight race, political newcomer Dennis Rogers captured Kingville’s seat for mayor, narrowly edging out former councillor and deputy mayor Tamara Stomp by 146 votes. Rogers was contacted for comment, but no reply was received by press time.

Kimberly DeYong was elected as the new deputy mayor, moving up from

her council position.

Incumbent mayor Darrin Canniff rolled to a landslide victory, gaining 75 per cent of the mayoral votes over challengers William Pickard and Andy Fisher.

In the Ward 1 West Kent Council Race, Wheatley’s Lauren Anderson will get her first taste of council as she and incumbent Melissa Harrigan took the two seats over challengers

Highlights of November and December

Canada’s first 3D home is ready

The keys to Canada’s first ever 3D-printed home for residential use were handed over to The Bridge Youth Resource Centre on Thursday, October 27.

After months of research, planning and building, the one-of-akind four-unit building is complete and ready for people who need housing.

Krista Rempel, Exec-

utive Director of The Bridge, received the keys from Rob Roy, Board Chair from Habitat for Humanity Windsor-Essex, at an announcement made inside The Bridge centre.

Those in attendance then got an up close and personal look at the finished product — one unit has been completely furnished and is ready for moving in.

Christmas comes to Kingsville

“It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas” in the quaint town of Kingsville!

The town’s charming streets were lined with hundreds of bundled up little ones and their families excited to be taking in all of the magical sights and sounds of Kingsville’s Santa Claus Parade on November 19.

Following the parade, residents ventured over to Lakeside Park to enjoy

Leamington parade lights up the night

The streets of Leamington were once again lined with residents and eager children waiting to see jolly old Saint Nick Saturday night, November 26.

It was the first uptown Leamington evening parade in two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Parade organizers had partnered with Point Pelee National Park and created a stationary drive-thru parade during the pandemic.

Wheatley takes parade to night time

If you didn’t make it to the Wheatley Christmas Parade Saturday night, you may have missed one of the best parades ever held in the village.

The streets were lined with onlookers as up to 45 floats passed by. Heading north on Erie Street, in stark contrast it passed by the fenced off explosion area of Talbot Street East offering the residents some much-de-

Sandy Maynard and David Serednicki. Anderson is thrilled with the results.

HILDA MacDONALD

DENNIS ROGERS

LAUREN ANDERSON

KRISTA REMPEL

the opening ceremonies for this year’s Fantasy of Lights Celebration.

KINGSVILLE COUNCIL WELL REPRESENTED

served Christmas cheer.

The Wheatley Fish Fest committee sponsored the parade.

THE CLAUSES ARRIVE IN WHEATLEY

MUCCI FARMS FLOAT

AUCTION VOLUNTEERS

Community Calendar

ONGOING

GRIEF SHARE CLASSES will meet every Friday at 1:00 p.m. at the Leamington Half Century Centre, 160 Talbot St. E. There is no charge for these classes. Call 519-326-2521 to register or call Cliff at 519-816-5449.

SUNDAY MEALS EVERY SUNDAY from noon to 1:30 pm at Princess Centre parking lot, 33 Princess St., Leamington. Info: shelterhelpersleamington@gmail.com or 226-784-1609.

THE VILLAGE RESOURCE at 108 Talbot St. E. In Wheatley is hosting free one-on-one Tech Support sessions each Monday from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. Bring your phones, tablets, iPads and questions!

ERIE SHORES TOASTMASTERS MEETING in person at 6:00 pm every other Wednesday at the LEAMINGTON LIBRARY, 1 John St., Leamington. Develop your Communication and Leadership Skills in a positive, friendly environment. Next meetings: December 21, Jan. 4, 18, Feb. 1 & 15. Visit a meeting and see how you like it! For more info Email: ErieShoresTM@yahoo.com Facebook: Erie Shores Toastmasters or go to ErieShores.toastmastersclubs.org.

CENTRE CAFE - Open Tuesdays & Thursdays 9:00 am to noon. Have a coffee & a snack on us! Use computer to work on resume, print documents, surf web. Free Wifi available. 1860 Division Rd. N. Kingsville.

MILK BAG CREATIONS - Kingsville Community Centre, 1860 Division Rd. N. Tuesdays 10:00 am to noon. Help turn cleaned milk bags into woven mats and more to be used by those in need. We have a spare crochet hook and the time to teach you how to use it. Join us!

YARN SOCIAL TIME - Kingsville Community Centre, 1860 Division Rd. N. Tuesdays, 10:00 am to noon. Bring your project and enjoy time with others! Get tips and tricks, show off your work, share patterns and more.

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

RUMMIKUB CLUB - Kingsville Community Centre, 1860 Division Rd. N. Thursdays, 10:00 am. Come learn and play this fun game for 2-4 players that combines rummy and mahjong. No registration required.

GUITAR WELLNESS - Kingsville Community Centre, 1860 Division Rd. N. Thursdays, 4:00 to 5:00 pm. Guitar lessons to enhance physical, emotional and spiritual wellness. Group session. No registration required.

PLAY THE UKULELE WITH LIONEL KNIGHTS - Every Thursday from 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm at St. John’s Anglican Church in Leamington. Bring a music stand and your own uke if you can. There will be limited ukes available for use. Cost is $5 per session, which goes to the St. John’s kitchen to help with their programs. Call Lionel at 519-398-9645 for more info.

COMMUNITY TAKEOUT IS AVAILABLE at Leamington United Church, 4:00 - 5:00 pm every Monday. St. John’s Anglican Church also has takeout meals available every Wednesday from 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Food is available from St. Vincent De Paul at St. Michael’s Parish 226340-7233, Salvation Army Food Bank 9:15 - 11:45 a.m. The warming Cross at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Food Cupboard at St. John’s Anglican church, The Bridge (ages 14-24), Food Pantry at Parkdale Variety, neighbourhood pantry at Erie South and Marlborough and the Angel Pantry at St. John’s Anglican Church. All are free. All are welcome.

T.O.P.S. - Take Off Pounds Sensibly - Meetings are held every Tuesday evening at the Leamington Half Century Centre, 160 Talbot St. E. Weigh-in from 6:00 - 6:45 p.m. Meeting 7:00 - 7:30 p.m. First meeting is free. For more inforamtoin call Joan at 519-326-2388. Everyone welcome.

COMMUNITY ANGEL CLOTHING CUPBOARD OPEN WEDNESDAYS - appointments preferred, walk-ins are welcome 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Call 519-326-3111 to book your appointment. All are welcome! Free! St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church, 60 Erie St. N., Leamington. Donated gently used clothing for men, women and children of all ages.

ARE YOU CONCERNED ABOUT SOMEONE’S DRINKING? Al-Anon Family Groups meeting information: 519-790-7739 or www. alanonwindsoressex.com

JOIN THE KINGSVILLE FRIENDLY CLUB TO PLAY CARDS every Tuesday and Friday afternoon, 12:45 p.m., at the Unico Community Centre, 33 Beech St., Kingsville. Tuesday is euchre, bridge, cribbage. Friday is euchre, bridge, pepper. Must be 50+ years of age to join. If interested, drop in any Tuesday or Friday.

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

MELO CLINIC & PREGNANCY CENTRE, 75 Erie Street South, Unit 103, Leamington, offers free and confidential services provided by registered nurses. Pregnancy tests, STI testing & treatment. Call 24/7 for confidential support 519-326-0612. Business calls 519-326-3821. www.pregnancycentre.net.

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.

MUSICIANS AND SINGERS WANTED at the Leamington Half Century Club to join in the weekly singalong every Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. Drop in if interested (160 Talbot St. E.). Call 519-326-2521.

RANDY ATKINSON FUND provides money for extras that OHIP doesn’t pay for or to help with unexpected expenses for cancer patients (e.g. hospital parking etc). If you, your group or organization would like to have a speaker explain the fund and its availability in this area, call 519-682-2580.

PLAY ROTARY TV BINGO GAMES - Tuesday nights, live on TVCOGECO from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. Can only be viewed in Chatham-Kent viewing areas. Support the community and purchase your cards from Adamson Guardian Drugs, Wheatley. Pick up your cards early! Play 5 different games on 3 faces in 1 hour. $3 for 15 ways to win and $2000 in prizes.

To place your event in the Community Calendar Phone: 519-398-9098 Email: sun@southpointsun.ca or drop off at 194 Talbot St. E. Unit 2, Leamington

FOR RENT

LEAMINGTON LAKEFRONT APARTMENTS

Upscale and

for

HOUSE FOR SALE

TWO BEDROOM HOUSE FOR SALE - on large lot, large shed, on County Rd. 31, south of County Rd. 8, 2744. Call 519-995-4450 or 519-982-4826. de7-28

in Leamington’s

waterfront rental apartment building, overlooking Leamington Marina and Park. Minutes from the beach.

include: •Library and social rooms •Coin-less Laundry •Beautiful lobby •Underground parking available •Outdoor balconies with water or city views •FREE utilities •Secured access and 24-7 onsite management Call Mike & Kevin for leasing information 519-326-8819 or visit www.ska-apartmentrentals.com

VOLUNTEERS WANTEDThe Jack Miner Migratory Bird Sanctuary is looking for help with: events, museum help, gardening, lawn care etc. If interested please email volunteer@jackminer. com au18-tfn

LOT FOR SALE

LOT

SERVICES

IRWIN PLUMBING - New homes, renovations, repairs. Same or next day service. Since 1999. Call Tim 519825-7245. ja6-tf

FOR SALE

MACHINERY FOR SALE13 prong Glencoe Soil Saver and tile trench cover closer. Call 519-995-4450. de7-28

ELECTROLUX SALES & SERVICE: Complete line of vacuums and shampooers/ floor polishers. Will provide free estimate on Central Vac installations. Contact Dan Bailey. 519-825-7698. tf

NOTICE

WANTED TO BUY

LOOKING TO BUY OLDER GIBSON OR FENDER GUITAR. Call or text 519567-4446. ja19-tfn

GOLD + SILVER ALL COINS FOR SALE? Please read!! I did not recently send a colored brochure to your home. Before you sell take the time to get a second opinion (my offer is often double) - paying top dollar gold silver jewelry + all coins, free estimates. Buying paper, all windup pocket and wrist watches, money, stamp collections. House calls also available. Dan Jones B.A.B.Ed. 55 years experience, 519-8181805. de14-28

Seeking Nominations for BIA Board Members and Notice of General Meeting of the Members

The Uptown Leamington Business Improvement Area (BIA) Board of Management is seeking nominations to fill seven Board Member positions for the current term (ending November 14, 2026). These Board Member positions are open to any individual who is:

• a commercial property owner in the BIA-defined area; • a tenant of commercial property in the BIA- defined area;

• a business owner in the BIA-defined area;

• an employee/volunteer of an owner or a tenant of commercial property in the BIA-defined area (persons employed by/volunteer for an owner or tenant of commercial lands in the BIA must provide a letter from their employer in support of their application).

As a Director of the BIA Board of Management, you will • support and further the mandate of the BIA;

• represent the members of the BIA by bringing forward relevant issues;

• vote responsibly by reviewing and understanding the issues facing the BIA through discussion, and studying supporting documentation;

• assist the BIA with initiatives and special projects as required;

• attend the BIA events and the Annual General Meeting; and

• support the BIA events as a volunteer.

Meetings are generally held on the third Thursday of every month.

A nomination form is available on the Municipality’s website at www.leamington.ca/BIA or you may contact a Customer Service Representative at the Municipality of Leamington at 519-326-5761 during regular business hours (8:30 AM to 4:30 PM) to have an application mailed to you.

The general membership will consider and vote on nominations at the upcoming Member’s General Meeting scheduled for Wednesday, January 11, 2023, at 8:00 AM. The meeting will be held virtually through Zoom. You must register and/or have your nominations submitted by Friday, January 6, 2023, by either calling the Municipality of Leamington at 519-326-5761 ext. 1121 during office hours or by emailing clerks@ leamington.ca.

All relevant documents related to the General Meeting, including the agenda, will be posted on the Municipal website at www.leamington.ca/meetings.

For further information about the BIA or your membership, please contact the BIA via email at: info@leamingtonbia.com. For information or to register for the General Meeting, please contact the Municipality of Leamington via email at: clerks@leamington.ca.

All persons having claims against Carrie Dawnette Steeman, late of the Village of Wheatley, in the County of Chatham-Kent, General Labourer, who died on or about the 18th day of March, 2022 or Jacqueline Marie Steeman, late of the Town of Tilbury, in the County of Chatham-Kent, General Labourer, who died on or about the 18th day of March, 2022, are notified to send to the undersigned on or before the 3rd day of February, 2023 with full particulars of their claims. After that date, the Estate Representative and Estate Trustee, respectively, will distribute the assets of the said deceaseds, having regard only to claims of which they shall then have notice.

DATED at Leamington, Ontario this 20thday of December 2022.

RICCI, ENNS, ROLLIER & SETTERINGTON LLP 60 Talbot Street West Leamington, Ontario N8H 1M4

Solicitors for the Estate Trustee

We are seeking GREENHOUSE ASSOCIATE

• Compensation is $15.00/hour

• Monday through Friday (Occasional Saturdays)

• No education or experience required.

• Duties include hand-trimming, taking cuttings, hand harvesting, watering and cleaning of greenhouse. Please apply at: careers@tilray.com or mail a resume to: P.O. Box 2000 269 Erie St. S., Leamington, ON N8H 3C4

READ THE SOUTHPOINT SUN ONLINE AT southpointsun.ca

PINNACLE ACRES REQUIRES Full time greenhouse general labourers. $15.50/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. Please apply via email: careers@pinnacle-acres.com No experience or education required.

GREENHOUSE WORKERS NEEDED

Employees will be required to carry out all job tasks as specified by the operation manager.

Specific duties include: Pruning, clipping, harvesting and cleaning work area. Repetitive task, standing for extended periods, hot humid conditions, comfortable working on scissor lifts, handling weights of up to 23 kg or 50 lbs, report signs of insect or disease damage.

Permanent full time weekdays including weekends. $15.50 per hour. Will train the right candidate. Must be able to work within a group or on their own. Reliable and dependable. Must have own transportation. No educational requirements needed.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20

Cleaning and organizing can wait for another week, Aries. This week you should focus on having fun with your family and friends Enjoy the respite from work.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21

Taurus, work is on your brain, but it could be because you’re wired to focus on getting things done. Work is important, but remember to make time for other things as well.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21

Your bank account may not be as healthy as it could be, Gemini. Tuck those credit cards away and cut back on purchases for the time being to set things straight.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22

You have been feeling less motivated of late, Cancer. That is likely due to the breakneck speed that you have been going for some time. Slow down and enjoy the break.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23

Leo, practicality is your middle name. The next few days you may be focused on whimsy and imagination. It could be all the feelings the holidays are bringing up.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22

Planetary energies could be affecting those around you and their reception to your ideas, Virgo. Remain patient that things will tip in your favor after some time has passed.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23

Your thoughts this week are about setting goals for the future, Libra. Not that you haven’t already been doing your share of planning, but now you’re firming up those plans.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22 Scorpio, issues with your professional life may be on your mind. It could be time to make a major change in the days to come. Are you ready to move in a new direction?

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21

New responsibilities have left little time to spend with your significant other, Sagittarius. Carve out moments to snuggle if you cannot get out to a romantic meal or movie.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20 Have you been plotting a move, Capricorn? Make sure your real estate research is up-todate and you’re ready to take the plunge. This move may be a big one.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18 Aquarius, perhaps you have made a few big purchases lately and feel like your budget has taken a hit? Add up receipts and you may find it’s not as bad as you had thought.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20

This is a good time for a change of perspective, Pisces. Maybe you have been looking at things all the wrong way. Switch things up.

FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS

DECEMBER 25 - Jimmy Buffett, Singer (76)

DECEMBER 26 Jared Leto, Actor (51)

DECEMBER 27 - Bill Goldberg, Wrestler (56)

DECEMBER 28 John Legend, Singer (44)

DECEMBER 29 - Diego Luna, Actor (43)

DECEMBER 30 LeBron James, Athlete (38)

DECEMBER 31 Gabby Douglas, Gymnast (27)

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

WORD SCRAMBLE

Rearrange the letters to spell something pertaining to Christmas.

Dec. 2 1987 - Power disruptions are due mainly to storms but Leamington has been hit but outages caused by animals.

April 1973: Buckingham Real Estate edged Gulliver Insurance 2-1 to win the Midget hockey trophy. At left is captain Ken Dick who scored both goals with coach Randy Critchlow.

Here Bill Galloway shows a new ‘bird guard’ which will be installed atop about 100 power units around town to prevent outages from birds and squirrels.

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.

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

Kingsville’s old Railway Station before restoration, December 1989. kingsvillearchives@gmail.com

December 1992 - EAST MERSEA SENIOR GIRLS HAVE SUCCESSFUL SEASON - The East Mersea Senior Girls Volleyball Team had a very successful season. They were runners-up for the KingsvilleLeamington Public Schools and the Erie Shores League playoffs. Members of the team are, back row, left to right: Coach Pete Driedger, Stacey Lamarsh, Katie Edwards, Amy Dyck, Amy Pearce, Erin Maceyovski, Cheri Post and Coach Lenore Raisbeck. Front row, left to right: Lisa Mooney, Kerry Knutson, Angela Vollans, Jenny Stein, Tania Walker and Melissa Wigfield.

Golden Years golf report

On December 8, 47 golfers carded 68 holes-in-one at Colasanti’s mini golf course.

Leading the way again was Bill Ward with 6, followed by Andy Orsini with 5 and Barb Fick with 4. Recording 3 aces were Nancy Springthorpe, Mavis Rutter, Bryon Walker and John Murphy, while Debbie Clinton, Bob Springthorpe, Bill Storie, Ray Foster, Laurie Hylton, Erle Nash, Nick Penzari, Carol Hylton, Barry Sweet, Danielle Kovac, Randy Nash and Colleen Pearse all had 2. Recording one hole-in-one were David Tonks, Gloria Smith, Bill Mayville, Mary Ann Sherman, Carol Gagnon, Julia Kos, Linda Chiasson, Dave Labonte, Donna Bileti, Bill Manery, Barb Haas, Loraine Fox, Jamie Arquette, Paul Harrison, Moe Sweet, Lloyd Honey and Walter Balsam.

Top 18-hole scores were very good with Bill Ward leading the way with 33 and 36. Nick Penzari also scored 36, followed by Andy Orsini (2), Jamie Arquette, Dave Labonte, Bryon Walker and Loraine Fox all with 37. Best scores over 36 holes were recorded by Bill Ward with a sparkling 69, Andy Orsini with 74, Mavis Rutter and Laurie Hylton with 76, Julia Kos with 77, and Randy Nash and Jamie Arquette with 78.

First place went to Team 9 - Laurie Hylton, Dave Labonte and Bryon Walker - with a total score of 240. Close behind with a score of 241 in second place was Team Aces - Andy Orsini, Mary Binder and Walter Balsam. Third place went to Team 14 - Bill Ward, Tony Hudvagner and Bob Springthorpe - with a score of 247.

December 15 saw 49 Golden Years golfers record 62 holes-in-one at Colasanti’s mini golf course following a noisy and fun-filled Christmas breakfast.

All the full tummies must have helped the scores as the hole-in-one leaders were: Bryon Walker, Jamie Arquette, Bill Manery and Laurie Hylton with 4; Ron Fick, Bill Ward, Perpetua Hildrop, Kathy Bechard and Colleen Pearse with 3; Betty McManus, Marilyn Ribble, Tom Hyatt, Mavis Rutter, Debbie Clinton, Armand Decaluwe , guest Tom, Barb Fick and Joanne Law all had 2. A single ace was recorded by John Murphy, Nancy Springthorpe, Andy Orsini, Carol Hylton, Nick Penzari, Bill Taylor, Tony Hudvagner, Danielle Kovac, Bill Mayville, Theresa Decaluwe, Dave Labonte, Lloyd Symons and Randy Nash.

Top scores for 18 holes were Bill Ward with 34, Jamie Arquette with 35 and 36, Tom Hyatt with 35 and 38, Ron Fick with 37, and Bill Manery, Debbie Clinton, Laurie Hylton, Mavis Rutter and Bill Mayville all had 38.

The 36-hole leaders were Jamie Arquette with a sizzling 71, Tom Hyatt with 73, Bill Ward with 74, Debbie Clinton with 78, and Ron Fick, Laurie Hylton and Bryon Walker all with a 79.

First place this week scoring a 245 was Team 3 - Laurie Hylton, Bill Mayville and Theresa Decaluwe. Second place with a score of 250 was Team 14 - Nancy Springthorpe, Tom Hyatt and Mavis Rutter. Third place with a score of 251 was Team 5 - Ron Fick, Danielle Kovac and Lloyd Honey.

Sharks nail year-end win

By Greg Coulter

Two gruelling games in two nights saw the Wheatley Omstead Sharks gain a split.

Tuesday in Essex, a bounce was the difference between a tie and a loss.

Shannon Olson notched the lone marker in a tough 3-1 (empty net) setback.

Just 24 hours later at home, the Sharks notched a late tying goal and earned an overtime victory over Blenheim.

Kyle Greene tied the game and sniped the winning marker.

Shannon Olson added two as well. Greene, Braedon Caetano, Matt Carvalho, Kyle Kelly and Sylvain Lessard (2) added assists.

Ethan Handley continued his excellent play between the pipes in both games facing over 60 shots while the Sharks fired 70.

“We battled hard in two tough games,” said Coach Josh Carnevale. “Tonight’s comeback back is a great way to end 2022 as we head into the new year.”

Eighteen competitors from Seng’s Martial Arts Jiu Jitsu program in Kingsville travelled to Niagara Falls December 3-4 to compete in the Provincial Championships. The team did an amazing job overall and ended up securing five gold, nine silver and four bronze medals. Chloe Raffoul, Griffin Bayley, Ryan Klassen, Chris Matias, and Chad Seng all took gold in their divisions, becoming the 2022 provincial champion for their weight, age and belt. Jiu Jitsu competitors were, front row, left to right: Juliana Taouil, Paul Schmidt, Griffin Bayley, Chad Seng, Ryker Bayley, Harrison Bayley, Chloe Raffoul. Second row: Lincoln Kocsis, Chris Matias, Maxwell Bayley, Grayson Kocsis, Hudson Bartel. Back row: Chhoeuy Seng, Ryan Klassen, Sal Merhi, Breanna Klassen, Kelsie Parish. Absent from photo are Lucas Schreder and Chase Klassen. Submitted photo

LOCAL COMPETITORS EXCEL AT JIU JITSU PROVINCIALS

INDUSTRY

CUT VEGGIES INTO SHAPES

3 ½ lb. (1.6 kg)

3 tbsp (45 mL)

1 medium (127 g) 3 cloves

2 cups (480 mL) a few sprigs 1 tsp (5 mL) optional: ½ cup (120mL) garnish: ¼ cup (60mL)

Ontario Greenhouse Tomatoes, peeled, seeded and chopped olive oil sweet onion, diced garlic, minced quality chicken stock or vegetable stock fresh basil salt and pepper, each 35% cream or non-dairy milk fresh basil

Happy

Connect with us on Visit greenhousegoodness.com for more information Is it true that greenhouse employees are crammed into tiny living environments? FAQ FACT: Depending on the program, international workers are either provided housing by their employer or are ensured access to affordable housing in the community. All housing is inspected the local Public Health Unit at least annually. In addition, housing must also adhere to local fire, building and zoning bylaws. from