10 - Southpoint Sun
Wednesday, June 9, 2021
Golf tournament scrapped
Ruthven Apple Festival will go virtual again this fall
The Pelee Islander and Pelee Islander II at the Leamington Dock on Monday, June 7, 2021. Sun photo
Fickle ferries slow down passage PELEE ISLAND — With the weight of the COVID-19 pandemic drastically affecting last year’s tourist season, residents of Pelee Island were hoping for a better summer in 2021. Of course, the pandemic is holding on for dear life amid vaccination efforts and a provincial lockdown, but it was hoped that once the lockdown was lifted later this summer, things would be back to normal for the islanders and their tourism
industry. But issues have arisen with the fleet of ferries operated by Owen Sound Transportation. The MV Jiimaan sits in Kingsville harbour awaiting inspection and has been unable to sail on the regular schedule this season. The Jiimaan is approaching 30 years old and is being inspected to see if the ship is viable going forward. The newly-minted MV Pelee Islander II is sailing out of Leamington on a
rotating schedule with the original Pelee Islander, due to a shortage of engineers to run the big boat. The Pelee Islander was built in 1960 and still chugs its way reliably across Lake Erie, but is considerably smaller than the other two vessels and only holds a handful of vehicles. This presents a problem for islanders needing food and supplies and — once the province opens back up — it will also affect their tourism sector.
Kingsville public meeting June 22 KINGSVILLE — There will be a Committee of Adjustment Meeting on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, at 6:00 pm. The committee will consider the following applications: Consent Application B/11/21: To create a lot for the existing house at 183 Main. This severance application is separate from the previous request to rezone, which Council
rejected in March 2021. Consent Application B/12/21: Lot creation application on Jasperson Drive to re-establish leftover land from the school site as a separate parcel. Minor Variance Application A / 07 / 21: Minor variance application on County Road 27 East to increase minimum height requirements for an accessory building.
Cedar Island ramp closed
KINGSVILLE — A boat accident has caused damage to the boat ramp footings at the Cedar Island Marina and the Town of Kingsville was forced to close the ramp for emergency repairs on Monday, June 7. Contractors were present at the ramp on Tuesday to survey the damage and the Town of Kingsville will provide updates as information becomes available.
Wheatley church charged
WHEATLEY — Chatham-Kent Police Service was called to the Old Colony Mennonite Church on Sunday, June 6 and observed approximately 128 cars in the parking lot. Nobody inside the church was wearing masks. A 51-year-old Merlin man was charged under the Reopening Ontario Act. Currently, under the Act, no more than 10 people are allowed to gather for religious services inside. The province is expected to move to Step 1 of the Reopening Road Map next week, but the limit of 10 people indoors is still in effect for religious services. Step 2, which will allow indoor worship at 15 per cent capacity, isn’t expected to be enacted until July 6. Charges were also laid on the previous four Sundays.
To provide comments on any of these applications or participate in the meeting, please email KBrcic@kingsville.ca to receive the meeting link.
REGIONAL — Due to continued uncertainty and ongoing local and provincial health concerns related to COVID-19, Community Living Essex County has made the difficult decision to cancel both their Charity Golf Classic and in-person Ruthven Apple Festival events for 2021. Although there have been positive signs, including the reopening of some businesses and services, Community Living Essex County feels they must remain vigilant to protect the health and safety of everyone in the community amid the ongoing pandemic. “Although we were hopeful that we could operate both events and include some modifications in an effort to main-
tain physical distancing, it appears very clear that we cannot move forward under such uncertain circumstances,” said Executive Director, Karen Bolger. “Our highest priority continues to be the safety and well-being of the people we support, our employees, volunteers and supporters. We hope to see everyone again in 2022.” In the meantime, the agency has already begun the exciting process of planning their second virtual Ruthven Apple Festival scheduled for September 25 and 26, 2021. They look forward to building upon last year’s successful virtual Ruthven Apple Festival, to offer a variety of virtual vendors and activities.
June 27 Miracle returns WINDSOR-ESSEX — Last year’s June 27th Miracle food drive produced over two million pounds of non-perishables and helped 28,000 families through a tough time in their lives. The region-wide food drive is back again for another year, with the announcement that organizers are ready to do it again.
Sunday June 27, at 12 noon, the collection will begin and organizers are asking that residents across Windsor-Essex put out whatever they can in non-perishable goods on their front step. They are also looking for volunteers. You can sign up at www.june27miracle. ca.
New refrigeration approved LEAMINGTON — Leamington Council has approved a tender for $105,563 to replace the current two-plate and frame refrigeration system at the Nature Fresh Fresh Farms Recreation Centre with a new one-plate model. Facility Manager Terry Symons recommended that council approve the bid put forth by Berg Chilling Systems, which was the lowest of two bids submitted.
The new system will allow for more efficient maintenance and will improve overall safety, according to Symons. It will also drastically reduce the amount of ammonia held in the system and will not affect ice quality in the two arena pads. Council unanimously voted to support the recommendation by Symons and work will get underway soon.
Community Calendar
SUNDAY, JUNE 13 TAKE WHAT YOU NEED - St. John’s Community Clothing Angel Cupboard is hosting Take What You Need - Free clothing for men, women and children. Sunday, June 13 at 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. Covid 19 precautions please (masks, social distancing). St. John the Evangelist, 60 Erie St. N., Leamington.
VACCINATION CLINIC TRANSPORTATION SECC IS PROVIDING FREE TRANSPORTATION to/from the clinic. Give us a call at 519-326-8629. Please ensure you have an appointment before calling to arrange transportation. ONGOING MIRACLE MOBILE MARKET - Free fresh produce boxes available in Wheatley every Tuesday from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. at Wheatley Baptist Church, 47 Talbot Road E. You can pick up a box and have option of paying it forward by donating and helping someone else. ERIE SHORES TOASTMASTERS Meeting online at 6:00 p.m. every other Wednesday. Next meetings are June
9th and 23rd. Develop your Communication and Leadership Skills in a positive, friendly environment. 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 and click on Contact Us. 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 4-5pm. Food and clothing are available from St. Vincent De Paul at St. Michael’s Parish, Salvation Army Food Bank, 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. ARE YOU CONCERNED ABOUT SOMEONE’S DRINKING? Al-Anon Family Groups meeting information: 519-790-7739 or www.alanonwindsoressex.com IF YOU WANT TO DRINK, THAT’S
YOUR BUSINESS If you want to stop, we can help. Call Alcoholics Anonymous: 519-9991234. 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. 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.
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 5, Leamington
