Wednesday, December 1, 2021
Southpoint Sun - 7A
Seniors Advisory Committee Report The lingering effects of Covid-19 are far reaching and not over yet. The social isolation caused by the forced pandemic lockdowns and gathering restrictions has been significant, leading to loneliness and depression for many people. At first, some found the limitations to be a welcome break from the busyness of life, while others found the lockdowns to be very frustrating in the way they limited our connections with family and friends. For many seniors, who have limited social interactions, the lockdowns took away the few interactions they did have. For all of us, the imposed restrictions changed the way we kept in touch with our loved ones. As we all know, change is difficult especially when things are changing on a daily basis. We got used to staying at home and learned to communicate with others primarily by phone, email, text, and maybe distanced porch visits. Who knew what Zoom was before the pandemic… how quickly we embraced this technology as a new communication tool that is with us to stay! After this extended time of forced isolation and re-
stricted gatherings there is, for some, a hesitancy or reluctance to re-engage as things open up. This is understandable as we have become used to the safety and comfort of our own familiar spaces. The reality is that the guidelines keep changing based on the current situation and sometimes it is just easier to stay at home. However, research has shown that there are serious health conditions linked to loneliness and social isolation. It is considered to be a health crisis and can have the same effects on the body as smoking 15 cigarettes a day! According to the Centre for Disease Control www. cdc.gov some of those health effects include: • 50% increased risk of dementia; • 29% increased risk of heart disease; • 32% increased risk of stroke; • Increased risk of depression, anxiety, and suicide. The Leamington Seniors Advisory Committee has recognized the significance of these health issues and wishes to offer the following opportunities for seniors to get out and connect with one another in a safe en-
vironment. Beginning December 1, and then the first Wednesday of each month, you will have an opportunity to learn about services the Municipality of Leamington has to offer seniors and to share your thoughts with municipal staff. We will meet at the Leamington & District Half Century Centre through the winter and then move to Rick Atkin Park for the summer months. Location: Leamington & District Half Century Centre, 160 Talbot St. E. The Leamington & District Half Century Centre requires everyone entering the building to show proof of double COVID-19 vaccination and entrants must wear a mask. Dates and Times Dec. 1 at 10 am: Discussion of municipal services available for seniors; Christmas music by the UMEI choir. Jan. 5 at 10 am: Library services available for seniors; Library will present book teasers. Feb. 2 at 10 am: Arts in the community. Mar. 2 at 10 am: Bank Theatre event. Apr. 6: to be determined.
TOY DRIVE
Kingsville Goodfellows and Toys For Tots
DROP OFF A NEW, UNWRAPPED TOY
At one of these locations before Monday, December 13th... Kingsville South Fire Station Tamar Freshco Chapman, Sanger & Associates Heritage Village Museum Libro Credit Union Red Apple Bank of Montreal Dr. Mark Olivito
Due to COVID and allergies, please no stuffed toys. We apperciate your continued support.
Kingsville Goodfellows would appreciate your FINANCIAL SUPPORT so that all needy families may enjoy a Merry Christmas. Please send all donations to: P.O. Box 172, Kingsville, ON N9Y 2E9 or leave at the Kingsville RBC (Tax receipts provided. Reg. #118982529)
LIONS DONATE
LEAMINGTON — The Leamington Lions Club recently donated $4,000 to The Bridge Youth Resource Centre. Funds were raised through bingos at Chances Gaming Lounge. Pictured, Dennis Edmondson (left) of the Lions Club presented a cheque to Greg Wiens of The Bridge. Submitted photo
Decorations available for evacuated
WHEATLEY — Those who have been displaced in Wheatley can pick up donated Christmas decorations at the Resource Centre on Saturday, December 4 from 9am to 1 pm. The Centre is located at 108 Talbot Street East.
OPP looking to return brief case
LEAMINGTON – The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Leamington Detachment was called to a found property report where a citizen located a brief case in Leamington. The OPP is seeking to locate the owner to return the brief case and is asking anyone who can provide proof of ownership to contact 1-888-310-1122 or attend the Leamington OPP detachment Monday to Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.
2 DAYS Buying All
GOLD SILVER ALL JEWELRY
ALL COINS TOP PRICES PAID FRI. DEC. 3 & SAT. DEC. 4
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM ROMA CLUB
19 SEACLIFF DRIVE EAST LEAMINGTON
53 YEARS EXPERIENCE Dan W. Jones B.A.B.Ed.
519-818-1805
BEST PRICES! House Calls Available.
Our Thanks & Holiday Best! The Leamington District Chamber of Commerce and the Community Christmas Parade Committee would like to thank everyone who took part in the 2021 Community Christmas Parade at Point Pelee National Park.
This year the parade was presented by the Leamington District Chamber of Commerce and our major sponsors were the Municipality of Leamington and Point Pelee National Park. We could not have put this parade together without our generous sponsors – Super Santa Sponsors -Meteor Systems and Amico; Reindeer Sponsor -Leamington BIA; Elf Sponsors – Leamington GM & M & M Food Market and Candy Cane Sponsors – SK Cornerstone, Leamington Toys for Tots, SECC and WFCU. We could not have run the parade with the assistance of the following: Public Safety Services, Leamington Public Works, Peanut Center Nursery, Leamington Fire Department, OPP & Auxiliary, Tim Horton’s South, Starbucks, The Crave Family Pub & Grill, The Graphic Gourmet, Speedprint, Southpoint Publishing, St. Clair volunteers, High School volunteers and the many volunteers that stepped up to offer their services, including Tim Mousseau and his Gator! The Christmas Parade Committee met in August and decided to be safe this year, we would make our way back to Point Pelee National Park. The spectacular backdrop of the natural environment showcased the many entries as spectators drove through Leamington’s gem. Thank you to Monique and the PPNP staff, we cannot thank you enough. To the spectators that drove through the park, thank you for being positive as you enjoyed the Christmas spirit and joy staying warm in your vehicles -thank you to your generous donations to the needy in our community. So much humanity was shown in these unknown times. Our crowds once again exceeded our expectations and a large number of spectators were able to see Point Pelee National Park in its natural setting. It was very festive in the park with the Christmas Lights, live music, smiles and dancing; fun was had by all! To the parade entrants – thank you for helping light up PPNP – WOW! Once again, you stepped up and decorated your floats and PPNP was lit up with Christmas spirit throughout the whole park. Santa and Mrs. Claus, thank you for staying for the duration of the parade, you did not disappoint! To all the volunteers, we cannot thank you enough, everyone was AWESOME! It was a lot of work, and it all came together in the end so we could have a safe and enjoy the Christmas spirit as cars drove. It was a cool night and with the dusting of snow, it made it that much more beautiful for all to enjoy. Our hearts are 3 times the size!
Merry Christmas! LET’S SEE WHAT 2022 BRINGS…..
SEE YOU NEXT YEAR ON THE LAST SATURDAY OF NOVEMBER!
Thank you to all the participants - all your hard work on the floats was over the top spectacular. To the volunteers - your community spirit shone and helped put smiles on so many faces.
To Point Pelee National Park - what a GEM we have in our community!
