Southpoint Sun - January 11, 2023

Hogs draw winner grateful for reminder to buy tickets

By Mark Ribble

When Shayne Dumouchelle got the call from the Hogs for Hospice Committee last week, he was sitting in a hair salon waiting for his wife Melissa to finish her hair appointment.

“I was just sitting there looking at my phone and I didn’t recognize the number,” he said. “I’m glad I answered it.”

On the other end was Joe Oswald and the other members of the Hogs for Hospice board waiting to tell him the good news.

And that news was that he was $195,795 richer.

Melissa said she was a bit concerned when she saw Shayne answer the phone because they had a couple of kids travelling and thought something bad had happened.

“I told her I just won the Hogs for Hospice draw,” he said. “She didn’t believe me.”

Many who had purchased tickets anxiously awaited the posting of the winning number online

on Saturday December 31, but Shayne was not one of them. He wasn’t sure when the draw was taking place.

In fact, he had just purchased the tickets Friday evening while the family

the Hogs draw.”

The couple had purchased tickets in previous draws and had no luck, so they were expecting the same result this time.

The Hogs board crew met with Shayne, Melissa

to help families and we’re also happy to help your family.”

The draw was boosted by the sponsorship of Double Diamond Farms and the Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers.

The Holiday 50-50 draw amount eclipsed the previous two holiday draws by a wide margin, with last year’s holiday draw totalling $90,775 and the 2020 draw topping off at $114,050.

Of course, last summer’s draw surpassed them all, coming in at $587,125.

Shayne, 40, is a welder at Sellick Equipment in Harrow, where the couple currently lives.

“It brings it all full circle.”

Between Shayne and Melissa, they have five children and three grandchildren, and both said that the money will help loosen things up a bit financially.

“It gives us breathing room,” said Shayne. “I can pay off my truck and we’ve already been shopping for a new car for Melissa.”

He also has a dream to purchase a new motorcycle, so that’s still on the wish list and ties in well with the Hogs theme.

Oswald welcomed him to the ‘family’, so to speak.

was on a bowling excursion.

“We had been in the States and decided to go bowling once we got back,” said Shayne.

“When we got to the bowling alley, Melissa reminded me that we needed to get some tickets for

and some of their family at Erie Shores Hospice on Wednesday, January 4 to present the cheque.

“Just over $1.2 million has been raised over the past six 50-50 draws,” Oswald told the lucky winner. “All we wanted to do when we started this was

He has a connection to Erie Shores Hospice, having worked as part of the initial construction crew pouring the foundation for the building.

Stepping into the foyer of the Hospice building, he had a sense of familiarity wash over him.

“I was here to help pour the foundation,” he said.

“You’ve joined a great fraternity here,” Oswald told him. “It’s quite a club to be in.”

In the end of course, the big winner is Erie Shores Hospice, as board member Donny Pacheco pointed out before the cheque presentation.

“We’re equally excited that the Hospice is getting the other half of that prize,” Pacheco said.

Draw winner Shayne Dumouchelle accepts the giant cheque for $195,795 from the Hogs for Hospice board of directors at Erie Shores Hospice on Wednesday, January 4. From left are Donny Pacheco, Tim Iles, Benji Mastronardi, Joe Oswald, Shayne Dumouchelle, Brian Cornies, Kevin Safrance and Dave Hodare. Sun photo

“I told her I just won the Hogs for Hospice draw. She didn’t believe me.” — Shayne Dumouchelle

On Wednesday, January 4, when Jason Adamson went for his daily egg gathering for Simpson Orchards, he was taken aback by one egg in particular. That brown egg, pictured here, stood out among the dozens he collected that afternoon because of its sheer size. Jason and his wife Corrie, who own Simpson Orchards, couldn’t believe their eyes and Jason joked he was actually looking around for a dead chicken, thinking an egg this size would have had to kill the hen that laid it. About the size of an orange, the egg produced by an ISA Brown hen, weighed in at 175 grams, which is only five grams off the Canadian record. The Adamsons haven’t decided what they are going to do with the egg just yet, but are curious as to how many yolks they’ll find inside. Here, Jason, left holds the giant egg, while Corrie holds a regular store-bought large egg for comparison. SUN photo

New homeless centre opening in Leamington

By Mark Ribble

Leamington’s newest homeless centre is hoping to fill some of the gaps not filled by existing hubs when they open their doors on Monday, January 16.

The Leamington Homelessness Drop-In Centre will launch at 6 pm on the 16th at the former Knox Presbyterian Church auditorium as a four-month pilot project by Street Angels.

unteers.

“We need volunteers to help us keep this going,” she said. “It’s by the community, for the community.”

They are planning a pasta fundraiser for Saturday, January 14 to kick off the program and get to know the community.

The fundraiser will be held in the church auditorium (58 Erie St. South) from 4-6 pm and tickets are $20, available at Family Kitchen restaurant, and also by calling 519-9971556.

According to program coordinator Ryan Alice, the drop-in centre will be a place where people can get what they need in the moment.

ate every day from 6 pm until 10 pm, which augments the services already offered in Leamington’s Homelessness Hub.

“We didn’t want to duplicate services, so we chose to be open in the evening so those people all have somewhere to go,” said Mills.

Street Angels will also use the four-month pilot project to gather data on homelessness in this area so that they can tweak their services as needed and get a better understanding of the homelessness situation in Leamington.

“We know there are people without anywhere to

sleep and there are also homeless who couch-surf, but they are still homeless,” she said. “We want to help fill the gaps and if we don’t do it, who will?”

Mills says that 100 per cent of the proceeds from Saturday’s pasta dinner will go toward the dropin-centre and those proceeds will be put to good use two days later when the centre officially opens its doors.

For information on volunteering for this worthwhile cause, call 519-9971556 or email Merissa Mills at streetangelswindsor@gmail.com.

Street Angels is a program of Feeding Windsor-Essex, and officials will welcome anyone 16+ who is experiencing homelessness into the warmth of the church for food, shelter and activities during the next four months.

Street Angels director Merissa Mills says they are getting set up this week and want to appeal to the community for vol-

“They can sit and tell stories, get some food, snacks-to-go, hot coffee and even get a change of clothes,” said Alice. “We know the need is here and we may find out it’s a lot bigger than we realized.”

Alice and Mills are excited to offer a safe space to those in need and say they will have clothing, sleeping bags and other things available for those who need it.

The centre will oper-

Merissa Mills and Ryan Alice are ready to welcome the homeless into the Leamington Homelessness Drop-In Centre at the former Knox Church auditorium. The project kicks off with a pasta fundraiser on Saturday, January 14. SUN photo

“We want to help fill the gaps and if we don’t do it, who will?”

— Merissa Mills

By Bonnie Dawson

There was a good turnout for Bingo at the Wheatley & District Friendship Club on January 4. Thanks to Janet Hewett for calling the numbers and to Linda Wigfield for handing out the prizes. The Bingo winners for the afternoon were Mary Hairsine, Earlene Gould, Dianne Lenarduzzi, Dorothy Bailey, Barb Siddall, Donna Moody, Helen Clark and Rose Hatt.

The next Bingo will be on Wednesday, January 18 at 1:30 at a cost of $1.

The winners of the 50/50 draws were Barb Siddall and Marg Franklin.

Work will be starting soon on the building and there could be some inconveniences.

Quilting will be open Mondays and Thursdays. The Treasure Room and Library are open to members. The exercise room is open to members for $1 per visit.

Euchre is played on Tuesday from 1:30-4:00 at a cost of $2.

There will be an executive meeting on Wednesday, January 25 at 10 a.m. Leave any suggestions or questions in the suggestion box which will be opened at the meeting so the executive can address the members’ concerns.

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

Until next time…

MILESTONE BABIES AT ESHC

Essex County OPP posts Festive RIDE numbers

The 2022 Festive “Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere” (RIDE) campaign has wrapped up for another year, with a number of drivers now facing criminal charges.

OPP officers were undeterred as they worked through some of the most intense winter storms in recent history, committed as ever to taking impaired drivers and other alco-

hol/drug-related driving offenders off the road and keeping holiday travelers safe.

Here are the numbers for Essex County.

Over the duration of the campaign, OPP officers worked 24/7, conducting 153 RIDE events across Essex County issuing 29 impaired driving charges.

Over and above the charges, officers issued five Warn Range Suspensions to drivers whose roadside breath test registered a Blood Alcohol Concentration of between .05 and .08.

Province-wide, it was a sobering end to the year and start of a new one for the 812 drivers who

were charged with a total of 1,258 impaired driving offences by the OPP during its Festive RIDE campaign.

Officers conducted close to 10,000 RIDE stops throughout the province, checking approximately 240,000 drivers and investigating those suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

Officers also exercised their Mandatory Alcohol Screening (MAS) authority, which allows them to demand a breath sample from any lawfully stopped driver, even if there is no suspicion or evidence of alcohol consumption.

Erie Shores HealthCare welcomed both a Christmas Baby and a New Year’s Baby in recent days, with the Christmas baby arriving on Christmas Day and the New Year’s baby arriving on January 2. On the left, meet Lucas William Hickmott, who was born at 2:49 am on December 25. Proud parents are Miranda and Ryan of Leamington. Lucas weighed in at 7 lbs 4 oz. On January 2 at 12:26 pm, Ariana Edwards was welcomed into the world, becoming Leamington’s first baby of 2023. Ariana’s proud parents are Nickisha and Damian of Kingsville. Ariana weighed in at 7 lbs 1 oz. Both babies received gift baskets donated by local businesses. Photos courtesy of Erie Shores HealthCare

opinion ~ expression ~ and other musings

A certain King of Rock and Roll would have turned 88 this past weekend and that has me all shook up.

Any day now, I’ll be turning 62 and that just leaves me crying in the chapel. Don’t ask me why but let me be the one to remind you that age is really the devil in disguise.

I think you get to that age where you have trouble with certain memories and think about that true love that got away, a favourite childhood teddy bear or maybe even your favourite pair of blue suede shoes. Those memories stay with you until it’s time for you to go.

Sure, I’m just a stranger in the crowd and suspicious minds might think that I can’t help falling in love with the idea of having peace in the valley.

To those people I say don’t be cruel and treat me nice, even though you

think I’m a bit of a hound dog by getting you to read this column… so far.

The appeal of Elvis to most people wasn’t just because of his music, but the overall way he was able to follow that dream, from a crawfish catchin’ fool running through the cottonfields of Mississippi, to the fame and fortune he obtained in his early adult life.

You could say he went from a jack to a king; from heartbreak hotel to being a hunk of burning love.

Any way you slice it, the early morning rain didn’t slow down the king. I believe the Kentucky rain wouldn’t have caused a little less conversation either.

Some 46 years after his death, we still talk about the impact that good old King Creole had on our lives.

Those movies allowed all of us to just

pretend we were in true love — sometimes with a hard-headed woman, sometimes with the girl of my best friend , and just sometimes there’s a honky tonk angel that’ll keep loving you until the twelfth of never.

So as another year passes without the most famous U.S. male of all time, let’s use that as a good luck charm and forge ahead into the new year, hoping for some spring fever in the coming weeks.

There are 42 Elvis songs hidden in this column, representing his 42 years on earth. Some are famous hits, while others may have occurred in movies or as obscure al bum cuts.

How much of an Elvis fan are you? Can you find all 42?

Derrick Tassey’s family with 1940 Buick

Leamington resident Derrick Tassey sent me the photo you see here. The two women on the right are Derrick’s mother and aunt. The two older people on the left are his grandfather and grandmother. We are not sure who is in the car.

I spotted the car right away as a 1940 Buick Super or Roadmaster sedan by the design of the front bumper, the grille, the location of the headlight, the parking light and the rocker panel.

My older brother John and I bought a mint original 1940 Buick Super coupe from Ray Young, the local Pontiac-Buick dealer in Leamington in June 1958. I had just

turned 16 and that car stayed in our family for 30 years. During that time it even appeared in the Warner Bros. motion picture Class of ’44.

Our Buick and the car in the photo are McLaughlin-Buicks, the name for Buicks built in Oshawa to 1942 and named for the McLaughlin family who brought General Motors to Oshawa in 1918. The Buick Super and Roadmaster for 1940 had the new wide body while the Special and Century retained the ’39 body with running boards.

Derrick thinks the photo was taken around 1941. Ontario license plates in 1941 were white with green numbers and

a letter. Got family photos with old cars? Email billtsherk@sympatico.ca.

•

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY

• Please sign your letters and provide a phone number for verification or questions if we need to reach out to you.

• Anonymous letters are not printed as we cannot verify their origin.

• 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 Ribble

Photos like this one of Derrick Tassey’s family members are priceless!

THE OLD CAR DETECTIVE

Bill Sherk

Leamington man arrested on weapons charge

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Leamington Detachment has charged an individual following a report of a disturbance.

On January 5 at approximately 2:40 p.m., members of the Leamington OPP were dispatched to an address on Talbot Street East in the Municipality of Leamington, for the report of a disturbance.

As a result, a 58-year-

old Leamington man was arrested and charged pursuant to the Criminal Code with carrying a concealed weapon and possession of weapon for dangerous purpose.

The accused has been released from police custody and is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice to speak to the charges at a later date.

Anyone with infor-

mation regarding this incident should contact Leamington OPP at 1-888310-1122.

Should you wish to remain anonymous, you can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or leave an anonymous online message at www. catchcrooks.com where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.

Illicit drugs, cash and property seized in Kingsville

On Thursday, January 5, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), Essex County Community Street Crime Unit, Emergency Response Team and OPP Canine Services executed a search warrant at an address on Maple Street in Kingsville.

During the search warrant, police seized a quantity of illicit drugs including Fentanyl, currency and property including a 2017 BMW – total value of $81,802.

Two people were taken into custody without

incident and are facing charges.

A 20-year-old Kingsville man is charged with: possession for the purpose of trafficking cocaine; possession for the purpose of trafficking methamphetamine; possession for the purpose of trafficking opioid other than heroin (two counts); and flight from peace officer.

The accused was held pending a bail hearing in the Ontario Court of Justice in Windsor.

A 20-year-old woman

from Kingsville is also charged with: possession for the purpose of trafficking cocaine; possession for the purpose of trafficking methamphetamine; and possession for the purpose of trafficking opioid other than heroin (two counts).

The accused was released and is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice located in Windsor at a later date.

If anyone has any information, they are being urged to contact the Essex County OPP at 1-888-3101122.

Should you wish to remain anonymous, you can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or leave an anonymous online message at www. catchcrooks.com where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.

Canadian songwriter Shirley Eikhard had a quietly successful career FLASHBACK RADIO

with Chuck Reynolds

I was saddened to learn that two very well-known Canadian singers and songwriters died this past December.

Shirley Eikhard was only 67 years old and died as a result of cancer in Orangeville, Ontario, on December 22, while Ian Tyson passed away on his ranch near Longview, Alberta, on December 29 at the age of 89.

Shirley Eikhard first hit the national Canadian AC charts in 1971, reaching

the top 7 with “It Takes Time” and following it up with “Something in Your Face”, which made it to number 2 the same year.

In 1972, her single “Smiling Wine” hit #1 on both the Canadian AC and Country Charts.

Capital Records also signed Shirley to a recording contract in 1972 and her first album, “Shirley Eikhard”, won her two Juno Awards for Country Female Artist of the Year in both 1973 and 1974.

After taking three years off, Eikhard released three albums, “Child of the

Present”, “Let Me Down Easy” and “Horizon”. While the albums weren’t big sellers, it had become apparent that Shirley’s song writing skills were well known by other artists. But she was also having success singing a few of Fleetwood Mac songs, “Say You Love Me” and “Don’t Let Me Down”.

I remember hearing her version of “Say You Love Me” on radio in the summer of 1976, which reached #34 on the top 40 in Canada, and how the original version by Fleetwood Mac barely beat it, reaching a high of 29 on the charts in September.

Mind you, most stations in Canada probably played Shirley’s can-con version more often as her vocals were almost a dead ringer of Christine McVie’s and it counted for Canadian content each time it aired. As a teenager, that suited me just fine as I had a bit of a crush on Shirley, as she was pretty and had that cool foggy style delivery with her vocals. Sorry Christine.

Other artists appreciating Eikhard’s songs included Emmy Lou Harris, Rita Coolidge and especially Bonnie Raitt who took “Something to Talk About” all the way up to

#5 on “Billboard’s Hot 100” in 1991. Ironically, Anne Murray wanted to record that song but her producers rejected it. Oddly, her album title back then was still called “Something to Talk About”.

In 2020, with the longtime success of Shir-

ley’s “Something to Talk About” she was inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame. Eikhard’s final album, “On My Way” was released in October of 2021. In our next edition, we’ll look back at the incredible career that the late Ian Tyson had.

Happy 90 th Birthday Irma Janzen

~January 3, 2023~

In Loving Memory of James Reaume

November 8, 1987 – January 15, 2012

The world changes from year to year, Our lives from day to day. But the love and memory of you, Shall never pass away.

Forever Loved and Missed... Mom, Dad, Rylee & Kyle

With love, Jeanne and Debbie Douglas, Kristine, Mallory Stephanie, Sam, Henry Kaylin, Michael

In Loving Memory of

Jacob N. DrieDger

July 27, 1927 - January 12, 2008

Loved and remembered always by your children and grandchildren.

In

Loving

Memory of William “Barry” Williams

January 13, 2013 - 10 Years

WE MISS YOU

We miss your smile, your joking ways. We miss the things you used to say. And when old times we do recall, It’s then we miss you most of all.

Love Your Family & Friends

Memory

Husband,

Sentimental Santa goes missing on Regatta Drive

By Mark Ribble

A beloved plywood depiction of Santa Claus has gone missing on Regatta Drive and the owners are pleading for Santa’s return.

Albert and Loretta Vriesacker have been putting that Santa Claus up in their front yard for over 30 Christmases and came

home to it missing shortly after Christmas Day.

“We’ve had that Santa for 30 years or more,” Loretta told The Sun last week. “My husband and I hope someone can find it in their heart to return him. He is of sentimental value to us.”

Loretta said they were devastated to discover

that Santa was missing and she hopes he can be found.

They’ve looked all over wondering if the strong winds before Christmas somehow carried the giant Santa away, but Loret-

ta says that the statue was there at Christmas, just as he’s been for many years.

Albert has talked about creating a new one, but Loretta says they are too old for that. She’s hoping an appeal in the local

paper will bring Santa home.

While the Vriesackers don’t know what or who carried him away, it’s possible he was thrown into a neighbouring yard or ended up in an open

field somewhere.

If you see a tall wooden Santa along the roadside or in a back yard, please collect him and return him to 48 Regatta Drive in Leamington.

Discover

by: Sechopoulos Valente Group of RBC Dominion Securities

W.

-

Wayward Santa from Regatta Drive. Photo submitted

County council approves power load lifting devices

By Ron Giofu

Essex County Council has authorized administration to enter into a five-year term leasing agreement for 40 power load lifting devices for Essex-Windsor EMS.

The report from Essex-Windsor EMS chief Bruce Krauter said the issue came up in 2023 budget deliberations. He noted the company Stryker is the only vendor with a power load lifting device that works in conjunction with a power stretcher lifting device that works in tandem. Krauter noted that two options were presented by Stryker, a leasing and a purchase option, with the leasing option realizing an initial savings of $4,664 per device as compared to the quoted price for the 2023 budget proposal of $31,121. Krauter added over the five-year term, the County of Essex will realize an “anticipated savings of $290,231, based on an assumed per device price increase of four per cent per year.”

The chief’s report pointed out Stryker quoted each device at $31,121 plus HST for purchase with seven devices to be

replaced this year and 40 over five years, with the five-year price being over $1,348,491. With the lease option, Krauter said the device would be $26,456.75 per unit with that cost being fixed “and the cost of financing the lease is zero per cent.” The five-year cost would be $1,058,259.60 to lease, he stated.

“In 2014 Essex Windsor began installing the Stryker Power Load lifting devices (Power Loads) into the fleet 39 ambulances. The installation commenced as the new fleet was cycled into service and Power Loads were installed. The approach was systematic, staggered, financially stable and all ambulances were equipped with Power Loads over the course of five years,” Krauter stated in his report to County Council. “The original Power Loads installed in 2014 are now reaching the end of their life expectancy and have been installed in two separate ambulances over their life.”

Krauter stated the function of power load lifting devices is to assist the paramedics in lifting both

patient and stretcher into and out of the ambulance during a response. He said the power load works in conjunction with the power stretcher and reduces the physical strain and risk of injury to the paramedics and patients.

A power load lifting device has a lifting capacity of 318 kg (700 lbs.).

“They are now requiring more repairs, maintenance and upkeep,” said Krauter.

The power load lifting devices have realized a reduction of repetitive strain and back injuries to paramedics, Krauter added.

The current fleet of power load devices have reached the end of their life cycle, Krauter continued, and that it has been the experience of

Essex-Windsor EMS that prices for such devices have increased between two and six per cent since inception.

Essex-Windsor EMS must begin to replace the power load lifting devices in all ambulances starting this year, but Krauter stated the plan is to “systematically stagger the replacement” as they did initially.

“We want to continue do that in a systematic and staggered approach so it’s not a huge financial implication in one big year,” he said. “It would be best if we could replace eight devices per year over the next five years.”

Krauter said based on his discussions with Stryker and his own experiences, there are no changes to the technology

DEATH NOTICE

Roland E. Martens

Roland E. Martens, age 86, died in British Columbia on Friday, December 23, 2022.

Survived by wife Sharon and son Roland Martens of Windsor. Predeceased by son Graham in 2021.

Linda Maureen Rovere

Bruno Jacob Penner

With great sadness, the family mourns the passing of Bruno Jacob Penner, born in Langham, Saskatchewan, son of the late Jacob and Catharina Penner, at the age of 93 years, on Saturday, January 7, 2023.

Bruno leaves to mourn his beloved wife Freda of 59 years, daughter Judy (Brian Rudy), son Brian (Lori), and son Robert (Nianda). Bruno was a loving Opa to Alex, Adrian (Ananya), Kieran, Chloe, Rowan, Maren, Stephanie and Melanie. Dear brother to Rudy (Rita) and Katie Brown (late Henry). Dear brother-in-law to Jake Epp (late Irene), Abe and Susan Epp, late Mary and late Henry, Betty Hamm (late Ed).

Bruno anticipated and cherished any and all visits from children and grandchildren, whether it be in Leamington, Toronto or Winnipeg. From tea parties, Lego and “special projects” to baseball and board games, these are the cherished memories we all have of OPA!

We would like to thank the Leamington Mennonite Home for all the loving care and compassion shown to both Bruno and Freda.

Visitation is at the Reid Funeral Home, 14 Russell Street, Leamington (519-326-2631) on Friday, January 13, 2023 from 4-6 p.m.

Visitation continues at Leamington United Mennonite Church on Saturday, January 14, 2023 from 9 a.m. until the Funeral Service to celebrate Bruno’s life at 10 a.m. Interment Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made by cheque to the Leamington Mennonite Home or the Essex Kent Mennonite Historical Association. Share words of comfort at www.reidfuneralhome.ca

It is with profound sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved Linda on Tuesday, January 3, 2023. Linda fought a short but courageous battle against cancer and is now in the arms of her parents Jack and Wynn Anderson.

in the forecast.

Kingsville Mayor Dennis Rogers asked what the life cycle and warranty of the devices are with Krauter stating the warranty is one-year for parts and labour with repairs otherwise done in-house.

“They go into a vehicle and the vehicle life cycle is five years. Then it comes out, goes into the next new vehicles and that should be another five years,” said Krauter.

“The problem is we started putting them into vehicles that were already may have been older. It appears these were eight years but we got them through two life cycle of vehicles. We’re hoping these new ones we’ll be able to get a ten-year life cycle out of them.”

Lakeshore Mayor Trac-

ey Bailey wanted to know what a decommissioning plan was and what happens with the devices that the county currently owns.

“I’m in discussions with the director of finance with our ambulances that we are ready to decommission because they have power loads in them,” said Krauter. “We have to look at our ambulance replacement moving into 2023 and beyond because the price increase has risen quite dramatically. But I can tell you there is a market across Canada and across the United States because new ambulances are hard to get.”

The old ambulances would be sold through the county’s procurement policy, inclusive of the power load devices.

Dr. George Garwood

Dr. George Garwood, 73 years, passed away on Sunday, January 8, 2023 at Erie Shores Hospice.

Beloved husband of the late Janet Garwood (Cleghorn) (2020). Dear father of Gord Garwood, Steve Garwood and Phil Garwood (Sarah). Loving Grandpa of Madeleine and James. Dear brother of Dr. Larry Garwood.

George was a longtime dentist in Leamington, he was a member of Leamington Masonic Lodge and had a deep love of his family, world travel and loud music.

Visiting at Reid Funeral Home, 14 Russell Street, Leamington (519-326-2631) on Thursday from 2-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m.

obituary

Linda is survived by her loving husband of 41 years Lorenzo and her sister Louise Dupuis (Don).

Proof of obituary to run

January 11, 2023

Southpoint Sun $200 plus $26 HST = $226

She was retired from the Greater Essex County District School Board where she was a primary teacher for 32 years. She touched the lives of so many children and parents in those years and she was loved by all of them. Many of her former students have become friends and often contact her from across the globe.

Any changes please email sun@southpointsun.ca

Thanks.

Linda had many talents and interests: cooking, gardening, decorating, trip planning, entertaining, reading. She loved shopping of every kind but especially for clothing. She loved to dress up and always looked classy.

But Linda’s greatest talent and interest was making friends, both here and around the world. Linda was the spark that lit the fire of friendship in everyone she met. She will be truly missed by all.

The family would like to thank Dr. Patrick Soong her family doctor, Dr. Abdullah Nasser her oncologist, and the staffs of both the Windsor Cancer Clinic and the 7 North nurses of the Metropolitan Hospital for the kind and compassionate way they treated Linda these last few months.

At Linda’s request, cremation has taken place and a private family ceremony will take place in the spring when the flowers are blooming.

Linda was a volunteer for Make-a-Wish for 15 years and if so desired donations can be made to Make-a-Wish or the charity of your choice by contacting Reid Funeral Home, 14 Russell Street, Leamington (519-326-2631).

Friends may share memories at www.reidfuneralhome.ca

Funeral Service to celebrate George’s life will be held at the funeral home on Friday, January 13, 2023 at 11 a.m. Interment Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery.

run

Memorial donations may be made by cheque to Erie Shores Hospice.

Friends may share memories at www.reidfuneralhome.ca

John DeCaluwe

It is with loving sadness we announce the peaceful death of John DeCaluwe, age 75, at the Sun Parlor Home on Sunday, January 8, 2023.

John was born in Holland, the third son of the late Raymond and Germaine DeCaluwe of Ruthven. Predeceased by older brother Ron (Too Tall) in 2010.

John is survived by his oldest brother Armand and his wife Theresa of Leamington, sister-in-law Marie of Wheatley and estranged sister Jean (Barry) Windsor. Also surviving are nieces and nephews Karen, Sherry, Dwayne, Kris, Kelly, Steven, also many great-nieces and great-great nieces and nephews, as well as relatives in Holland.

As per John’s wishes, there will be no visitation or service. Cremation arranged through Reid Funeral Home.

Many thanks to Drs. Gow and Moncur and the wonderful staff of 3W at Sun Parlor Home for their excellent care and attention to John during his stay. Thank you also to Reid Funeral Home.

If desired, donations may be made to the Life Enrichment Program at the Sun Parlor Home by contacting Reid Funeral Home, 14 Russell Street, Leamington (519-326-2631).

Ferries look like ghost ships in heavy January fog

By Greg Coulter

The frigid Lake Erie temperatures, a skim coat of ice at the Leamington marina and higher air temperatures created a perfect recipe for dense fog at the dock recently. the Pelee Islander and Pelee Islander II were barely visible, even from a few yards away.

With some winter maintenance being completed, it is anticipated the ferries will resume service to Pelee Island in April, subject to lake conditions. The island is serviced during the winter months by air. Last week’s unseasonably warm weather — particularly Wednesday — was cause for concern with areas of dense patchy fog throughout the region.

At first glance of The Weather Channel, the forecast for the better part of January will see temperatures close to or above the freezing mark, with most days in the high thirties and low forties (3 to 5 for those Celsius folks). This is in stark contrast to the ever-reliable Farmer’s Almanac that predicted a winter of shake, shiver and shovel with unreasonably cold temperatures. Except for the pre-Christmas wind and snow blast, road travel has been less harrowing. Local businesses that rely on winter weather to bolster sales will be hoping for a least somewhat of a typical winter outlook. For the many green-

house growers, warmer overcast days see more heat required during daylight hours but less at night. In contrast, cold sunny days require less daytime heat but significant higher costs at night so one may offset the other. Cold and cloudy is a disaster to the bottom line.

Outdoor farmers prefer a crisp cold winter to drive frost into the ground and break up the subsoil compaction as well as kill off overwintering diseases and insects. Sunny and cold is preferred rather than soggy warm weather.

For now, it would appear as though Old Man Winter took a Sunwing flight out of the area and hasn’t been able to return… yet.

Kingsville draft budget hints at possible slight tax increase

Although not approved by council yet, the 2023 draft budget for the Town of Kingsville is looking at about a $90 increase in taxes per year for an average household in Kingsville.

The draft budget is available for viewing at kingsville.ca and council will convene on Wednesday, January 18 to begin deliberations. A second budget meeting

is scheduled for Wednesday, January 25. Both meetings will be livestreamed at www.kingsville.ca/livestream and any person, group, corporation or organization who wishes to appear before council as a delegation must fill out a delegation request form, available at the municipal office, 2021 Division Road North.

OPP warn of crypto scam

The Ontario Provincial Police is reminding the public to be vigilant after a Tecumseh resident was defrauded of over $70,000 by investing in Crypto currency with an online Crypto currency brokerage.

At this time, the victim is not able to retrieve their money from the investments.

Due to the large amount of funds missing, the Essex County Crime Unit has taken over the investigation.

Besides keeping a close eye on your bank account and credit cards, OPP is reminding the public to be aware of the warning signs and never give out

any personal information to someone you don’t know. Always verify all contact information and don’t just call a number or email an address that some unknown person provides you with. The name on the caller display may be fraudulent. Give yourself some time to complete your own research. If someone calls you and identifies themselves as a bank representative, hang up and call your local branch to verify the call is legitimate.

To learn about ways to protect yourself from scams and frauds, the OPP encourages community members to stay educated on fraud prevention.

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The Pelee Islander sits in the fog at the Leamington dock last week. SUN photo by Greg Coulter

CHILDREN’S AID SOCIETY

Leamington’s planning application and approval process moves online

The Municipality of Leamington’s planning application and approval process has moved online to a cloud-based e-permitting system called Cloudpermit.

Through Cloudpermit, the planning application and approval processes are now managed electronically from application submission to final approval. This digital process benefits municipal employees and the community by improving efficiency and customer service with paperless, 24/7 access to applications outside municipal business hours.

The municipality suc-

cessfully transitioned its building permit application process online through Cloudpermit in April of 2022. To date, the municipality has processed 544 online building permit applications.

“We continue to modernize our municipal services by leveraging technology to support residents and our business community,” said Peter Neufeld, Chief Administrative Officer. “This end-to-end electronic permitting system will make the planning application and approval process more efficient and easier for our community to access while also meeting

provincial priorities of reducing red tape.”

Homeowners and business professionals are encouraged to submit applications online. However, paper-based applications can still be submitted at the Leamington Municipal Building where assistance will be provided with the online application process.

Online payment for the system is currently in the works and will be available this year.

More information on the planning application process can be found at www.leamington.ca/ planning

Essex County District School Board

During the month of December, the Rafih Auto Group held its second annual WE CARE Winter Coat, Hat & Glove Drive, with all of the company’s dealerships in Windsor, Leamington and Essex taking part. Each dealership asked partners, customers and staff to donate either new or gently used items, as well as gift cards. Zeyad Rafih, Vice President of Rafih Auto Group, also generously purchased new coats which were added to the donation total on behalf of the group. There were approximately 200 coats, hats and gloves donated to the Children’s Aid Society. From left to right are Moe Chidid (Overseas Motors Mercedes-Benz), Bozena Zag (Overseas Motors BMW), James Godfrey (Eastway Toyota, Lexus of Windsor), Mike Clark and Tina Gatt (Windsor-Essex Children’s Aid Society), Mustapha Abdulhamid (Jaguar Land Rover Windsor). Submitted photo

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Public

NOTICE AUCTIONS January Hours: Mon.-Thur. 10-4,

Chatham Kent Municipal Class Environmental Assessment Water and Wastewater Master Plan – Notice of Study Commencement

Commission for

The study will document existing conditions, provide population forecasts, complete water, and wastewater modeling, engage key stakeholders, Indigenous Communities, and the general public, and evaluate potential short and longterm alternative water and wastewater servicing strategies over the next 30 years, including high level costs.

Process

The MCEA study will be completed in accordance with the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act and will follow Approach #1 of the Municipal Engineers Association Municipal Class EA (as amended in 2015) Master Planning process. At the conclusion of the study, a suite of recommended water and wastewater projects will be identified including the MCEA Schedule (Schedule A, A+, B or C) for each project in the study area. This Master Plan will be completed at a broad level of assessment, therefore requiring more detailed investigations at the project specific level for any recommended Schedule B and C projects.

Dhana Niriella, P.Eng Project Engineer

Paul Adams, CPT Environmental Planner AECOM 519-963-5873 Paul.adams2@aecom.com

The Public Utilities Commission for the Municipality of Chatham Kent (PUC) wants anyone with an interest in the study to have an opportunity to provide input, which will help the project team in the decision-making process. Public Information Centres (PICs) will be held to provide information and receive feedback. PICs maybe held in a virtual format. We will publish invitation notices to the PICs in local newspapers and on the Municipality’s website www.letstalkchatham-kent.ca/chatham-kentwater-and-wastewater-master-plan For more information or if you want to be placed on our mailing list for updates, please contact us at: With the exception of personal information, all comments will become part of the public record of the

Notice was Issued on January 6, 2023.

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The Public Utilities Commission for the Municipality of Chatham Kent through its consultant AECOM has initiated a Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (MCEA) Master Plan study, to develop strategies for water and wastewater servicing to accommodate existing service areas and future growth.

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.

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of... Kingsville, Leamington and Whea ey

Photos from Kingsville-Gosfield Heritage Society 1790-2000 A Stroll Through Time

Dusting off the memories

Looking back ...

From the Leamington Post January 10, 1989

A storm of protest has gathered in opposition to the proposed Roman Catholic high school in the Wilousa Subdivision. At a public meeting last night, opposition was voiced from nearby property owners with concerns of litter, noise, trespass and additional traffic. One of the strongest protests came from the owners of new condominiums on the property immediately south of the site. Lawyer Pat Dunnion presented a petition with 117 signatures and said his clients purchased their property after they were shown a concept plan of single family homes.

The deer herd within the confines of Point Pelee National Park keeps growing. A deer survey conducted Saturday with park staff and about 60 volunteers, resulted in a count of about 146 animals, compared to about 118 a year ago. Superintendent Ross Thomson said Monday that the number is a significant increase. Park staff will monitor the numbers and a number of deer will be fitted with radio transmitters to determine the extent of their travels.

Three new police cadets hired by the Leamington Police Department began active duty on Monday, as was reported by Staff Sergeant John MacKinnon. Edward Marocko, Shawn Diewold and Brian Higgins were chosen from over 120 applicants.

The Leamington Sun Parlour Communications Juveniles advanced to the finals of the Glencoe Elks hockey tournament, losing 4-1 to Ridgetown in the final. Leamington opened the tourney with a 6-3 victory over St. Marys, then defeated Tilbury 5-1, setting the stage for the final on Sunday. After a scoreless first period, Ridgetown scored three unanswered goals in the second frame and cruised to victory. Steve Schmidt scored Leamington’s only goal in the final. Mark Heidt and Mark Cowan had a pair each in the tournament opener, with Mike Brown and Scott Wilkinson scoring singles. In the win over Tilbury, the locals were led by Cowan, Jeff Enns, Ron Iacobelli, Todd Zanuttini and Brad DeGroote.

From the Kingsville Reporter January 10, 1989

they never registered him at the border when they brought him across. He served in the Canadian Army in WWII and owned his own gas station in Cottam for three years, before getting a job at Chrysler. He’s now lived in Kingsville for over 20 years and the 61-year-old is now having trouble retiring since the government won’t recognize him as a Canadian citizen.

On December 31, Warkentin Plumbing edged Bill Ardiel 6-5 in Novice house league exhibition hockey play. Tommy Mitchell led the Plumbers with a hat trick, while Shawn Brown pitched in with a pair. Jason Grieve added a single and Paul Sanford hung on for the win in goal. Ryan Rutgers paced the Ardiel squad with a hat trick of his own, while Matt Meleg scored a pair. Jeff Agocs took the loss in net.

The Kingsville Comets lost 10-5 to the Belle River Canadiens at home on Saturday. Jamie Farias scored twice for the Comets, as did Mark McMath. Jason Leili scored once.

Last Wednesday, the first Kingsville Girl Guides had a special ceremony for two new members. Jillian Wingerden was formally installed as a new Guide and Sonia Yaciuk was installed as a new Guide Leader.

From the Wheatley Journal January 11, 1989

Dustin Mifflin is a young man with his main goals in life listed as a good college education followed by a career with the RCMP. But first, he’ll have a visit to the land down under. The 17-year-old son of Penny and Tom Mifflin of Pier Road is bound for Australia on January 16 as part of a student exchange program. Dustin will be living with a family of six while he continues his Grade 12 education at the high school in Nowra, Australia, taking 12 different subjects.

Dave Campbell and Grant Bowman were two of the Romney Wheatley Marina Committee members spearheading the development of the facility. When the giant sign was erected near the water tower, they were happy to point out the $1.5 million commitment from the federal government for Phase 1 of the project.

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

Last Friday the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 188 held a special meeting to announce the start of their new housing rental project. The project will cost approximately $3.8 million and will be funded under Ontario’s Homes Now Program. There will be 52 units built on the former Conklin Lumber property.

It’s been a long road for Dale Henricks and he hasn’t reached the end of it yet. It all began in the late 1920s when he was born in Delta, Ohio. His mother died when he was born and his father put Dale into the care of his aunt and uncle, who then brought him to Canada as a four-year-old. Unknown to Dale,

First place Derbyshire-Healey had a bit of trouble handling the Sports Palace in the Friday Night Hockey League as they almost blew a 6-3 lead. With the score tied 2-2 after one, the Palace took a 3-2 lead but Derbyshire-Healey exploded for four unanswered goals for a 6-3 advantage, before the Palace scored two more for a 6-5 final. Wes Wright scored twice for the winners, while Dave Moore, Rick Gillett, Randy Brown and Dan Tricker scored singles. Doug Grubb and Karl Bekaan connected for two each for the Palace, while Rob Williams picked up the other marker. Tom Drummond was held scoreless for the first time this season.

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

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

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

January 1992 - After doing a bit of shoveling to create a large ice rink at the mouth of the Leamington marina, these locals children got to enjoy some hockey and skating.

Kingsville High School Basketball team of 1946. If you can help us identify any of these girls, please contact the Kingsville Archives at 226-348-7627 or kingsvillearchives@gmail.com.

January 1993 - Hyland Seeds win division in tourney. In a recent Wheatley funvitational hockey tournament, the Hyland Seeds novice squad defeated their local rivals, Pickle Construction, in a thrilling final by a 1-0 margin. Front row - Steven Chambers, Shawn Williams, Gary Pinch, David Owens, Dan Simpson. Rear row - Steven Marshall, Adam Hatt, Ryan Johnston, Mike Elliott, Chris Simpson, Nathan Moody. Coaches Mike Simpson and Jerry Hatt. Absent from photo: Daniel Jones, Denise Howe, Matthew Stevenson.

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20

Aries, you are willing to take risks and never afraid to try new things. This benefits you as you seek new solutions regarding how to get things done.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21

Taurus, figure out a new goal to pursue and start to make a list of how to get to the finish line. You may need to recruit a few volunteers to help along the way.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21

Gemini, when a project at work lands on your desk, you may be ambivalent about it. You appreciate the challenge, but already have a long list of things to do.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22

Could this be the right time to think about making a career move, Cancer? The new year marks a fresh start, and perhaps you have had your eyes on a new work opportunity.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23

There’s more than meets the eye this week when someone from your past suddenly pops up on your radar again, Leo. Learn all of the facts before you make assumptions.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22

Virgo, try to stay in the loop around the office. Doing so might pay professional dividends that could open the door to new possibilities.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23

You’ve been keeping quite busy, Libra, but don’t forget to make time to touch base with friends and loved ones

from time to time. Keep those lines of communication open.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22

Patience is a virtue of which you are in short supply recently, Scorpio. You have no control over the timeline on certain things and that can be frustrating. Wait it out.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21

It’s time to tackle all of those tasks you have been putting since the end of last year, Sagittarius. If you need help getting organized, reach out to someone you trust.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20

Think about all the possibilities you have before you, Capricorn. When you consider all of the positives in your life, the negatives just may fade away.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18 Your name is on the lips of so many people. That is likely because you are affecting change wherever you go. Keep forging ahead because you are helping others.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20

Now that spending has ceased, take a closer look at how you can budget for the new year. Make your money work for you, Pisces.

FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS

JANUARY 8 Cynthia Erivo, Actress (36)

JANUARY 9 - Nina Dobrev, Actress (34)

JANUARY 10 - Rod Stewart, Singer (78)

JANUARY 11 Jamie Vardy, Athlete (36)

JANUARY 12 - Jeff Bezos, Entrepreneur (59)

JANUARY 13 - Natalia Dyer, Actress (28)

JANUARY 14 - Dave Grohl, Singer (54)

ANSWERS ON PAGE 17

Flyers lose heartbreaker to Vipers, thump Rockets

By C. Scott Holland

Having not played for two weeks, the Leamington Flyers lost a tough battle to their inter-county rival, the LaSalle Vipers, on Thursday, January 5.

The Flyers had a 3-2 lead heading into the game’s final minutes but surrendered the tying goal and then lost in 4-3 in overtime.

On Saturday night it was as if the team had taken a miraculous remedy as their stingy defense helped them dominate the Strathroy Rockets 8-2.

Flyers head coach Dale Mitchell said post-game Thursday, “Honesty I think we played pretty good. We haven’t played an actual game in over two weeks. We generated a lot of chances, and hats off to their goalie (Ian Michelone) who made some big saves at key times. We had 27 ‘grade A’ chances but only converted on three. We got to shake the rust off and now can look forward to another streak.”

In Thursday’s opening five minutes both teams played rather evenly but it was the Vipers who struck first as Nicholas Graniero potted a goal from Walcarius’ left side. The Flyers finally slipped a puck past Michelone at 14:46 while on a powerplay. Ryan MacPherson laid the groundwork for brother Connor MacPherson whose shot was stopped before Trevor LaRue jammed the puck into the Vipers’ net and evened the score.

The Flyers enjoyed two consecutive powerplay opportunities — one at the end of the first and another at the start of the middle stanza.

While they didn’t score during the first one, it took them only 12 seconds into the second one to beat Michelone. Anthony Ciaramitaro and LaRue hooked passes with Owen Holmes, who rifled a shot that found the Vipers’ net and the Flyers had a precious 2-1 lead.

The Vipers countered with their own powerplay marker at 11:43, just seconds after Koen Taves was given a tripping penalty. Brady Hamlin launched a screen shot from the top of slot that eluded Walcarius.

The third period was calm penalty-wise, with the Flyers picking up the lone penalty. Leamington grabbed a 3-2 lead at 4:01 when LaRue found Griffin Grundner, who ripped a shot at Michelone with Bryce Scarlett waiting on the doorstep to pounce on the rebound.

Throughout the remainder of the third, the Vipers put immense pressure on the Flyers’ defense and Walcarius, finally tying it up on a Spencer Lecot shot at 17:38.

While the Flyers had puck possession for most of the overtime, they could only muster three shots on Michelone. The game ended when the Vipers’ Nicholas Graniero blasted a long shot from the left wing that Walcarius did not snare.

On Saturday in Strathroy, it was a close contest for the first period before the Flyers’ netted six goals in the middle frame to roll to an 8-2 decision. Flyers’ starter Boe Piroski handled 33 shots, while his teammates put 39 on two Rockets’ goalies.

Leading the scoring parade was Billy Van Sumeren, who planted four goals along with linemate Cody Brekke who helped by scoring one. Connor MacPherson fired two and Owen Holmes added one to complete the dominate performance.

Next home game is Thurs. Jan. 12 vs Chatham Maroons at 7:10 pm.

Flyers’ goaltender Bryce Walcarius (centre) was named the GOJHL’s goaltender of the month for December and received his award - a gift certificate from Collins Clothiers. During the month he was 4-0 with a 1.75 goals against average and a 91.6 save percentage. Here, GOJHL Director of Hockey Operations Tim Simmons (left) and Flyers’ GM Justin Solcz (right) congratulate Walcarius.

Griffin Grundner (13) and Hayden Reid (7) track the puck as they were poised in front of LaSalle netminder Ian Michelone. The Flyers lost the game late in overtime 4-3.

Scott Holland photos

Kingsville Friendly Club gets new year underway

President Bob Bell welcomed 28 members plus a prospective member the first card day of 2023 with the Kingsville Friendly Club on Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023.

Scores in Bridge: Alta Van Vliet 5040, Roy Trowell 3380, Jean Kuipers 2320. Scores in Euchre: Clare Shaw 89, Dave Patterson 84, Sharie Blythe 82. Most Lone Hands: Sharie Blythe 3.

Scores in Pepper: Ken Salter 309, Mandy Hric 269, Winnie Moore 236.

Most Peppers: Ken Salter and Mandy Hric tied at 7.

Members enjoyed coffee after cards with snacks provided by Ann Burrell, Jean Kuipers, Elsie Ring and Sally Bell. Thanks, ladies, everyone enjoyed the treats and conversation.

President Bob welcomed 26 members plus two prospective members to Kingsville Friendly Club on Friday, Jan. 6.

Scores in Bridge: Bert Patrick 5190, Roy Trowell

3450, Jean Kuipers 1710.

Scores in Euchre: Bob Bell 98, David Snider 95, Mandy Hric 94. Most Lone Hands: Sharie Blythe and Bob Bell tied at 6.

Scores in Pepper: Winnie Moore 253, Cliff Trombley 252, Annette Cranston 239. Most Peppers: Darlene Trombley and Winnie Moore tied at 7. It was January Birthday Cake Day with cake and ice cream. January celebrants are Moe Hansen (2), Alta Van Vliet and Allison Bigley (7). Since Alta was the only one present, everyone sang Happy Birthday to her! The cake this month was from Zehr’s as staff at Sweet Memories are on vacation. Candy was donated by Annette Cranston and Dave Snider.

If you are over 55 years of age and looking to play cards on Tuesday or Friday afternoon, come out to the Unico Centre for play beginning at 12:45. Yearly membership is $10. with an additional charge of $2 per game.

Sharks reel off two wins to start year

Fresh off the holiday layoff, the Wheatley Omstead Sharks kicked off the new year with two big wins. Key to both victories was a balanced scoring attack.

Wednesday at home the Sharks fired 53 shots while chasing the opposition starting netminder early in the game. The visitors were held to 17, earning Jaxon Drysdale a well-earned 5-0 shutout victory.

Shannon Olson, Josh Chauvin, Denzel Aguilar, Kyle Greene and Luka Milosevic (his first)

notched goals. Eight players added assists.

Sunday in Amherstburg, down 3-1 midway through the third, the Sharks scored twice in 21 seconds to knot the score at three apiece.

They dominated the three-on-three overtime, holding the home team without a shot. Luka Milosevic with his second in two games would be the overtime hero just shy of the five-minute mark.

Ethan Handley, making 25 saves, with over half of those in the second period, got the win. The

Sharks sent 41 the other way.

Sylvain Lessard, Kyle Kelly and Devin St. Pierre also added singles, with seven helpers adding to the scoresheet.

“While we started a little sluggish in game two, we battled back to get the win,” said Sharks coach Josh Carnevale. “We’ll continue to stress the need for consistency for the entire game as we head down the stretch. Great to see Jaxon Drysdale rewarded with the shutout, he’s been working hard all season.”

Noble is a sweet, loving and silly little guy who enjoys spending time with his humans and going for walks. One thing he doesn’t enjoy? Grooming - Noble can get very nervous around brushes and trimmers. This sensitive little guy needs a family that is gentle and patient, and willing to work with him on his grooming issues. But he is young enough that with time, he can learn to trust more. Is yours the home he’s looking for? If you think your home will be the perfect place for Noble, visit the Dogs & Puppies page of our website, www.windsorhumane.org to fill in the online adoption application. If

U13s shutout Windsor, Erie North Shore

The Essex Southpoint U13 hockey team faced off for a pair of Bluewater Hockey League games this past weekend, posting two shutouts.

On Friday night, ESP hosted the Windsor Jr.

Spitfires in Leamington. After a slow start to the game, the floodgates opened and the team skated away with an 8-0 win.

JoJo McLeod paced his squad by scoring a

hat trick in the victory. Kayden Cook, Jonathan Recker, Derek Dunn, Max Pyne and Lucas O’Neil each added one to round out the scoring. Trent Chevalier stood tall between the pipes to earn the shutout in the win.

On Saturday, ESP hit the road to face off against the Erie North Shore Storm.

In a very entertaining game, Essex Southpoint came out flying and controlled the bulk of the play, and were eventually rewarded for their hard work.

Two minutes in, JoJo McLeod grabbed the

puck, made a nice toe drag around the defence and snapped his shot just under the bar to open the scoring.

Later, with four minutes left in the first, Brayden Foster skated the puck in and around the net before sending a pass out to the slot where Nash Fuerth one-timed it home to go up by a pair.

There was no further scoring until 3:28 left to play when Derek Dunn took the puck behind the net and fed Ben Liebrock in front, who snapped his shot over the goalie’s shoulder to make it 3-0.

On the same shift, Liebrock grabbed a loose puck just outside the blue line and skated in from right to left, pulling the tender with him, and slid the puck into the open cage to seal the 4-0 victory.

Kevin Ondic stopped everything fired his way to earn the shutout and the win for his team.

Sharks forwards Jaqwan Simmonds (10), Devin St. Pierre (14) and Josh Chauvin (12) create havoc around a frazzled Wallaceburg netminder. SUN photo by Greg Coulter

There’s a rich farm heritage in this area FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Kim Cooper

hundreds of food products at our grocery stores, local food markets, and even online. For most of us, food has always been there and always will be there.

When I retired a few years ago, I also retired from writing weekly agriculture articles, which I did for almost 19 years.

The purpose of those articles was simply to highlight areas of agriculture many of you may not know about or be aware of. The articles were to bring awareness of the amazing world of agriculture which surrounds each one of us.

These days, most people have not grown up on farms, including myself. I was born and raised in the city of Chatham and agriculture was not on my radar for my life’s work. However, after a few years of working in agriculture, I described myself, and still do, as a city kid who fell in love with agriculture.

After spending the next 40 plus years working with various companies and organizations

in agriculture, I realized how massive this sector is. It was such an honour working with so many amazing women and men here in Ontario, in Canada, and around the world. I traveled to over 30 different countries helping promote Canadian agriculture.

After three years since I wrote my last article, I realize how much I have missed this part of my life. I truly enjoyed being able to share with you, as readers, what I have learned (and still learning) during my years in agriculture.

I will be returning to writing articles for our local print and social media outlets. I will continue to write informative articles, but if there are some areas or specific questions you have about agriculture, please email me at: kim.e.cooper@gmail.com

All of us, including myself, take for granted the

Leamington bridge club

The following are the top scoring teams in recent Bridge games at the Leamington Half Century Centre.

Jan. 2: 1st Roger Cote and Pauline Mikolash, 2nd Dave Derbyshire and Dale Smith, 3rd Marie Ellwood and Case Mulder, 4th Sally Bell and Bob Bell, 5th JC Leeson and Frank Duransky, 6th Bob Lee and Henry Hildebrandt, 7th Al Morrison and Buddy Ellwood, 8th Remi Fournier and Gail Grant, 9th Ross Macintosh and Rowe Deans.

Jan. 6: 1st Henry Hildebrandt and Bob Lee, 2nd Kate Comiskey and Frank Duransky, 3rd Rowe Dean and Shirley Morel, 4th Dale Smith and Dave Derbyshire, 5th Pat Rivait and Cathy Mitchell, 6th Marie Ellwood and Marilyn Robbins, 7th Pauline Mikolash and Roger Cote, 8th Buddy Ellwood and Al Morrison, 9th Agnes Fraser and Case Mulder.

I grew up on Canterbury Drive in Chatham and during my childhood, I thought the meat on our supper table came from Martin’s Butcher Shop around the corner from our house. The milk on our breakfast table came from a glass bottle delivered by our Silverwood’s Dairy milkman. The bread for our sandwiches came from the Jackson Bakery bread man with the horse.

I had no idea how the farming world operated or anything about where my food came from. I found out later, and am still learning, that agriculture is massive, intriguing, and very complex.

We have a rich farm heritage in Essex County and Chatham-Kent. Our growers are the best anywhere in the world in terms of knowledge, expertise, experience, and care for the land they are stewards of and the many food products they bring to us.

We have some of the best soil in Canada, capable of growing anything from soybeans to sour cherries, corn to cucumbers, or raising anything from cattle to sheep, or pigs to quail.

There is an endless amount to learn about agriculture. My hope is that you will be able to come away with more of an awareness and insight into what it takes to grow, raise and produce the food that comes from the farm to your plate.

Just some food for thought.

ENJOYING THE FREE SKATING

SUNDAY, JANUARY

15

meeting and see how you like it! For more info Email: ErieShoresTM@yahoo.com Facebook: Erie Shores Toastmasters or go to ErieShores. toastmastersclubs.org.

11:45

TUESDAY, JANUARY

17 You are invited to attend "HOW FISH COMMUNICATE AND THE IMPACT OF LAKE ACTIVITY ON THE UNDERWATER SOUNDSCAPE" - a presentation and discussion with Dr. Dennis Higgs from the University of Windsor, hosted by the Southwest Outdoors Club. Everyone welcome. Doors open 6:30 p.m. Presentation 7:00 p.m. Comber Legion (Branch 241), 6420 Main Street, Comber. Seating is limited. RSVP: swoc.wheatley.ca@gmail.com

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!

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.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY

18 & THURSDAY, JANUARY 19 HAVE YOU LOST A LOVED ONE AND NEED HELP COPING WITH YOUR GRIEF? Grief Share support group Wed. January 18 from 10:00 a.m. to 12 pm at St. John de Brebeuf Church and on Thurs. January 19 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at St. Michael’s Church. To register contact Veronica Costa at 519-324-6796 or Tony Fellbaum at 519792-7171.

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! No tech support availabe on January 16th.

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

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 519-3989645 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

COMMUNITY ANGEL CLOTHING CUPBOARD OPEN WEDNESDAYSappointments 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 519326-0612. 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.

St. Michael’s Parish 226-340-7233, Salvation Army Food Bank 9:15 -

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.

Kingsville resident Jud Sims and his son Jack spent some quality time together and got some exercise to boot as they took part in a free public skating session at Kingsville Arena on January 5. The elder Sims indicated that this was their second time out over the winter break and offered his son an opportunity to skate as Jack’s hockey team has been idle. Seven-yearold Jack commented, “I like to race around the rink and play tag with my dad on the ice.” Pathway to Potential sponsored the free skating and asked patrons for donations of canned goods for their Kingsville Arena tree in lieu of paid admissions. Leamington and Wheatley arenas held similar free skate sessions over the holidays. SUN photo by Paul Forman