Wednesday, June 9, 2021
Southpoint Sun - 3
Beautiful day for Blessing of the Bikes
By Deanna Bertrand KINGSVILLE — You may have seen many motorcycles out for a ride on Sunday, June 6 with the annual Hogs for Hospice Blessing of the Bikes. The event, held in partnership with the First Lutheran Church in Kingsville, ran from 11-1 p.m. at the church located on Spruce Street. “Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the annual Blessing of the Bikes included fellowship, bands and a barbecue,” said Rick Dawson, technical and communication leader for the church, “but for the second year in a row, it was scaled down to a drive-thru blessing and ride.” According to Dawson, the church has partnered with Hogs for Hospice for the past five years, coming on board one year after its inception.
Hogs for Hospice concert and events coordinator Joe Oswald said he expected to see anywhere between 300-500 bikes proceed through the procession for the annual blessing by Pastor Dusan Tillinger. Riders were also given a small wooden cross from the church to hang on their bikes. According to Pastor Dusan, the crosses were made from Olive Wood, which actually came from Jerusalem. Oswald said an official press release will be coming out soon in regards to this year’s Hogs for Hospice event. Hogs for Hospice is a three-day motorcycle rally to raise awareness and funds for Erie Shores Hospice. It has raised over $1 million.
Hospital eases visitor restrictions LEAMINGTON – Based on the increased vaccination rates across Essex County and Chatham-Kent and a decrease in regional COVID-19 infection rates, Erie Shores HealthCare (ESHC) has eased visitor restrictions at the hospital, effective last Thursday, June 3. “Erie Shores HealthCare understands the stress on families and pa-
tients caused by the necessary restrictions during the third wave of the pandemic,” said Communications and Public Affairs Specialist for the hospital, Kevin Black. “It is hoped these newly relaxed standards offer some comfort.” ESHC is allowing ONE visitor per day per patient, in one specified time slot.
Patients or their substitute decision-makers will choose a maximum of TWO essential visitors to rotate over the patient’s stay; however, only ONE essential visitor is permitted to stay each day and during their chosen time slot. For more information, please visit erieshoreshealthcare.ca
The annual Hogs for Hospice Blessing of the Bikes was held Sunday, June 6 at the First Lutheran Church in Kingsville. In the top photo, a biking enthusiast pulls away from the blessing tent. In the bottom photo, Pastor Dusan Tillinger blesses a couple on their motorcycle. Sun photos
