2021 - THE YEAR IN REVIEW - NOVEMBER

Remembrance Day challenges for Legion

The 2021 Remembrance Day ceremony in Wheatley will be held at Two Creeks Conservation Area on November 11.

Branch 324 Past-President Bill Robertson spoke to the Sun last week about the challenges facing Wheatley’s 2021 service.

Ghouls just wanna have fun

For a couple of hours on Sunday evening, it seemed like Halloweens-of-old at the corner of Danforth Avenue and Hayward Street in Leamington.

By 8 pm, over 500 trickor-treaters had scored some treats from what is quickly becoming Leamington’s best decorated Halloween, Christmas and Canada Day address.

This scary individual was part of the massive Halloween display at the corner of Danforth and Hayward in Leamington.

Emotions high in Wheatley meeting

Emotions were running high at the first in-person Wheatley Community Meeting on Wednesday, November 3, with residents demanding answers to questions and officials giving further updates on the investigation into the August 26 explosion.

About 150 people showed up at Talbot Trail Golf Course to meet with various municipal and government officials in the meeting organized by the Active Citizens of Wheatley group.

Lauren Anderson, who has spearheaded community fundraising and relief efforts from the getgo, was moderator for the event, which allowed displaced residents and concerned citizens an opportunity to vent frustrations and get questions answered.

Local veteran fondly remembered

For Mary-Maureen and Jay Atkin, the week of Remembrance Day brings memories flooding back of Mary-Maureen’s father, Maurice Snook.

Even 10 years after Maurice passed away, the memories of his countless stories, infectious smile and larger-than-life presence, comfort them as they prepare for another Remembrance Day without him.

Maurice Snook was born in Cowplain, England, on November 5, 1918. His family moved to Canada a year later, where they settled on a farm behind the Jack Miner property in Kingsville. Eventually moving to Windsor, Maurice joined the Windsor Essex Scottish Militia and then joined the Essex Scottish Regiment, lying about his age because he was still too young to serve.

U10 team wins Silver Stick

This past weekend the Southpoint Essex U10 team travelled to Woodstock to compete in the Silver Stick Regional Championships.

The Capitals’ persistent offensive pressure led to outscoring opponents with 31 goals, while steady goaltending and swarming defense held challengers to only 5 goals in 5 games all weekend.

C-K officials poised to give residents temporary access

Work continues finalizing the operational plan to allow residents and businesses the opportunity to access their properties.

During the Wheatley community meeting held Wednesday, November 3, Thomas Kelly, General Manager of Infrastructure and Engineering, outlined steps for those wishing to visit their properties to gather belongings.

During that meeting, it was suggested that insurance companies be involved in the process to access homes and provide winterization work.

Hundreds turnout for Remembrance Day

It was a robust turnout for Remembance Day on Thursday, November 11, as towns and cities across the country honoured their veterans and war dead. Wheatley Legion Branch 324 had to pivot due to the recent explosion and held their service at Two Creeks Conservation Area.

Wheatley Legion also presented the Leamington service at Dieppe Memorial Park Cenotaph, and Kingsville held their service at the Legion Cenotaph.

Attendance was high at all three ceremonies, as people gathered to honour those fallen for the freedoms we enjoy today.

Royal Canadian Air Cadets stood guard at the cenotaph in Leamington, while bugler Glenn Sellick observes a moment of silence in the background.

Kingsville Santa Claus parade

Hundreds of parade lovers bundled up for the colder night-time air and lined the streets of Kingsville on Saturday night, November 20 for the 18th Annual Santa Claus Parade.

It was the first traditional parade for the area since the pandemic, with more than 75 entries, including a marching band, numerous floats, local charities, the new Kingsville Express electric train and of course Santa and Mrs. Claus arriving at the end by fire truck.

The parade began on Main Street East and continued to Lakeside Park where Santa — with the help of several youngsters — flipped the switch to turn on the 29th Annual Fantasy of Lights, which was followed by a fireworks display.

Participants in Kingsville’s Santa Claus Parade.

Cautious progress in Wheatley

After many months of uncertainty, Wheatley residents and businesses have begun the process of being granted access to their properties.

Safety crews were on hand Wednesday, November 17 at prearranged selected residences.

With the safety of all parties the primary concern, the green light was given for five property owners to enter their buildings.