Southpoint Sun - March 13, 2024

DID YOU SEE WHAT I SAW?

Premier visits as province moves ahead on Highway 3 widening

By Mark Ribble Premier Doug

Ford visited the region on Monday, March 11, along with Ontario’s Minister of Transportation Prabmeet Sarkaria and Minister of Finance Peter Bethlenfalvy.

The trio was on hand in Kingsville Monday morning to announce the start of the next phase of Highway 3 being widened from just east of Essex to just west of Leamington.

The phase will include 15.6 kilometres from the Arner Townline to just west of county Rd. 31 and will encompass the widening of five existing intersections, the addition of traffic signals to three

other intersections and resurfacing existing lanes.

The Premier also announced a $50 million contribution to new interchanges on the EC Row Expressway at Banwell Road, joining the previously announced interchange at Lauzon Parkway — both to help with traffic leading to the new battery plant and eventually, the new regional hospital.

“By widening Highway 3 and building the Banwell and Lauzon Parkway interchanges, we’re building the transportation infrastructure needed to tackle gridlock and support the region’s growing economy,” said Premier

Ford. “While previous governments ignored the province’s infrastructure needs, we’re getting it done for Windsor-Essex by getting shovels in the ground as part of our $28 billion plan to build roads and highways.”

“Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our government is proud to deliver game-changing projects that will get drivers in Windsor-Essex where they need to go, faster than ever,” said Minister Sarkaria. “We will continue to invest in infrastructure that creates meaningful jobs and saves families and businesses time and money.”

Preliminary prepara-

tions have begun along Highway 3 with the removal of trees along the highway in recent days.

Young Jameson Clark of Windsor, left, pulls his weight on the bucksaw as his sawing partner, Zach Price, right, helps out. ERCA sawyer Connor Ferguson keeps a watchful eye over them on Saturday, March 9 at John R. Park Homestead. The Homestead is holding their annual Maple Festival with plans for a Tasters’ Weekend March 16-17. A story and more photos are on page 2.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford speaks in Kingsville on Monday, March 12. SUN photo

SUN photo

Maple season well underway in Essex County

By Mark Ribble

With maple season in full swing across Essex County, the John R. Park Homestead is in the middle of their annual Maple Festival this weekend and last.

Hundreds of people flocked to the popular

historic site this past weekend for week one of the Maple Festival as the Essex Region Conservation Authority celebrates all things maple.

Lumberjack Weekend was the theme March 9-10 and featured vendors, demonstrations

and plenty for families to do. There was even a lumberjack-style beard-growing contest.

Among the stations throughout the homestead property were tree tapping, modern and pioneer-style evaporators, crafts, blacksmithing

BUYING? SELLING? CALL ME.

and sawmill demonstrations.

John R. Park Homestead curator Kris Ives and her staff had the property set up for easy access and flow for visitors wanting to experience the maple season. This weekend —

March 16-17 — the Maple Festival continues with Tasters’ Weekend with samplings of baked goods, maple butter, maple sugar and more. Taste various syrups and learn how they make the grade. Butter tart contest, winter hikes,

crafters’ market and the Maple Market are all featured this weekend as well.

For more information, visit the John R. Park Homestead Facebook page.

ERCA forester Paul Giroux explains how the sap is extracted from maple trees and the process which turns it into maple syrup. SUN photos

A visit to the blacksmith shop was one of the highlights of the John R. Park Homestead’s Lumberjack Weekend during their annual Maple Festival.

Waterfront bike path underway

The Municipality of Leamington has announced the continuation of enhancements to its waterfront area and a key component of the Waterfront Destination Master Plan.

Board of Works staff are preparing to construct a dedicated bike path on the promenade, extending from the Leamington Marina to the dock.

Despite the current restriction against bicycles on the promenade, some individuals still ride their bikes in this area, leading to an intermingling of cyclists and pedestrians.

Recognizing the need to create a more harmonious and accessible environ-

ment for all, the municipality has initiated the installation of a dedicated bike path. This enhancement will provide a safer and more enjoyable experience for pedestrians, cyclists, and individuals with disabilities.

To facilitate the project, the municipality has initiated the removal of the ‘tips’ of some of the gardens on the promenade. This operation is expected to continue over the next few weeks.

It is important to note that this will only affect a minor portion of the gardens, with approximately 85% remaining intact, preserving the natural beauty of the waterfront.

The new bike path is anticipated to be completed in late spring/early summer.

“We recognize the value of our waterfront as a key asset for both residents and visitors alike,” said Mayor Hilda MacDonald.

“Introducing a new dedicated bike path along our promenade significantly boosts both safety and accessibility, while also elevating the experience for everyone who visits. I am happy to see this project come to life, as it represents another step toward realizing our vision for a vibrant, accessible waterfront that everyone can enjoy.”

Leamington unveils 150th anniversary logo

The Municipality of Leamington has announced that members of the community have chosen the official logo for Leamington’s 150th anniversary celebrations.

After enthusiastic participation from residents, 552 votes were cast, and the final tally revealed a clear favourite. The winning logo secured 318 votes.

“We are grateful to everyone who participated in the voting process,” said Mayor Hilda MacDonald. “This logo is not just a design; it’s a reflection of our municipality’s journey, its rich agricultural roots, its beautiful natural landscapes and the vibrant community that calls Leamington home.”

The selected logo is a mosaic representing the unique features and stories of Leamington:

The Water: Illustrating Leamington’s location along the shores of Lake Erie and the municipality’s deep connection with the lake’s natural beauty and resources.

The Green Plant: A nod to Leamington’s rich agricultural heritage, this element celebrates the municipality’s history and current success in farming, from tobacco and tomatoes to greenhouse products and the burgeoning cannabis sector.

1874-2024

The Monarch Butterfly: Symbolizing the beauty and natural wonder of migration that Leamington witnesses and shares with the world each year. It also represents the transformation and continuous evolution of the community.

The Birds: Representing the annual migration and the influx of tourists drawn by Leamington’s natural beauty and warm hospitality.

The chosen logo will be prominently featured on a range of merchandise,

including shirts and other commemorative items, allowing everyone to carry a piece of Leamington’s heritage with them.

This year’s anniversary celebration is made possible through a collaboration with the Leamington 150th Anniversary Committee, composed of a dynamic team of community partners and volunteers. The committee is diligently working to orchestrate a series of memorable events. Stay tuned for more information on upcoming events and how you can be a part of Leamington’s 150th anniversary celebrations.

Leamington 150 TH Anniversary Winning Logo

Work has begun on removing the triangular shaped garden tips from Leamington’s promenade to make way for a bike path. SUN photo

Girardin family looking for relatives

One of Point Pelee’s pioneer families is looking to have a get-together inside Point Pelee National Park on Sunday, April 28.

The Girardin family has been around the park for several generations and descendants are invited to participate in the gathering of cousins.

Wendy Butt is organizing the gathering to take place at the Delaurier Homestead at Point Pelee on April 28 at 11 am. She’s hoping to recreate an iconic photo.

If you’d like to contact Wendy, look her up on Facebook and she will give you more details.

Pearl (Girardin) Collison was her grandmother and Pearl had several Girardin siblings, including Charles, Levi, Everett, George, Tom, Louise, Sarah, Sally, Grace, Barb, Ester and Leona.

It’s expected that there are hundreds of cousins just from this one branch of the Girardin family.

SECC partners with She Support Drive

South Essex Community Council (SECC) has partnered with the She Support Drive to collect donations for those in need in the community.

Donations of hygiene products as well as undergarments, bath towels, cleaning supplies, dollar store gift cards, grocery store gift cards, bus passes and other do-

2023 QUAD CAB 4X2

1500

WHITE,

nated items will be gratefully accepted until April 8 at SECC offices in Leamington (215 Talbot St. E.) and Kingsville (313 Main St. E., Unit 21).

Visit SECC on Facebook for more information or a more detailed list of most-needed items.

LITTLE SPROUTS OPENS IN LEAMINGTON

- Stk # 43079 $54,053 $44,619

WHITE, 8.4” TOUCHSCREEN - Stk # 43082 $54,053 $44,619

BLACK, 8.4” TOUCHSCREEN - Stk # 43101 $54,548 $45,015

WHITE, 8.4” TOUCHSCREEN - Stk # 43135 $54,553 $45,019

GRANITE, 8.4” TOUCHSCREEN - Stk # 43092 $54,498 $44,975

BLACK, 8.4” TOUCHSCREEN - Stk # 43130 $55,048 $45,415

2023 QUAD CAB 4X4

1500

1500 CLASSIC CREW ~ TRADESMAN BLACK EDITION

3.6L V6

WHITE, 8.4” TOUCHSCREEN- Stk # 43129 $60,433 $49,723

GRANITE, 8.4” TOUCHSCREEN - Stk # 4312 7 $60,878 $50,079

BLACK, 8.4” TOUCHSCREEN- Stk # 43121 $60,928 $50,119

1500 CLASSIC CREW ~ EXPRESS HEMI V8

WHITE, HEATED SEATS/ WHEEL, BLACK BADGES - Stk # 43159 $67,928 $55,719

WHITE, HEATED SEATS/ WHEEL, BLACK BADGES - Stk # 43162 $67,928 $55,719 FLAME RED, HEATED SEATS/ WHEEL, BLACK BADGES- Stk #

HYDRO

GRANITE,

BLACK,

WHITE,

2023 CREW CAB

1500

$68,923 $56,515

WHITE, HEATED SEATS/ WHEEL, BLACK BADGES - Stk # 43160 $68,923 $56,831

HYDRO BLUE, HEATED SEATS/ WHEEL, BLACK BADGES - Stk # 43165 $69,318 $56,871

BLACK, HEATED SEATS/ WHEEL, BLACK BADGES - Stk # 43156 $69,418 $56,911

BLACK, HEATED SEATS/ WHEEL, BLACK BADGES - Stk # 43183 $69,418 $56,911

FRIDAY,

APRIL

APRIL

14, 20, 21 • 2:00 PM

EVENT

1500 CLASSIC CREW ~ WARLOCK

HEMI V8

WHITE, HEATED SEATS/ WHEEL- Stk # 43150 $69,658 $57,103

BLACK, NAVIGATION - Stk #43143 $70,153 $57,499

BLACK, HEATED SEATS/ WHEEL- Stk # 43161 $70,153 $57,499

WHITE, HEATED SEATS/ WHEEL - Stk # 43168 $70,153 $57,739

WHITE, HEATED SEATS/ WHEEL, NAVIGATION - Stk # 43122 $69,108 $56,663

WHITE, HEATED SEATS/ WHEEL, NAVIGATION- Stk # 43164 $69,108 $56,663

HYDRO BLUE, HEATED SEATS/ WHEEL, NAVIGATION Stk # 43132 $69,503 $56,979

SILVER, HEATED SEATS/ WHEEL, NAVIGATION - Stk # 43128 $69,553 $57,019

GRANITE, HEATED SEATS/ WHEEL, NAVIGATION

Agatha Neustaeter, left, and Lisa Friesen have opened Little Sprouts children’s consignment shop at 30 Erie Street North in Leamington. The sisters-in-law have been open for three weeks and are buying and selling children’s clothing from newborn to age 16. Little Sprouts is open 9:30 am-5 pm Tuesday to Thursday, 9:30 am to 8 pm on Friday and 9:30 am – 3 pm on Saturday. SUN photo

Malia Afonso performs for US and Canadian officials

By Mark Ribble

When Cardinal Carter student Malia Dilana Afonso recently received a special invitation to a reception for Team Canada at the Detroit Athletic Club, she naturally assumed it was for a hockey team.

The invitation, which came from the Consul General of Canada in De-

troit — Colin Bird — invited Malia to perform the Canadian and American national anthems at the reception on Tuesday, March 5.

Much to her surprise, the Team Canada they were referring to was a government team made up of the Canadian Ambassador to the United States, Kirsten Hillman, and Canadian cabinet ministers Francois-Philippe Champagne and Mary Ng.

The popular 17-year-old has performed the national anthems at hockey games, basketball games and other special events, but this would be her first time at a political event and she did her country proud.

A hand-written note given to her by Mr. Bird during the reception read, “Dear Malia, thank you so much for your beautiful voice tonight. You made the event sing! On behalf of Canada, thank you!”

As excited as Malia was to be there, her mom Lucilia was equally ecstatic.

“This was definitely an experience for the

books and as I watched this 17-year-old easily engage with officials and go-getters two and three times her age, I was beyond proud,” said Mom.

Mingling with officials from both countries was certainly a highlight for the young singer and she was flooded with compliments on her performance, with many of the Americans shocked she could do their anthem so well too.

She was introduced to many of the attendees by the heads of mission operations for the Canadian Consulate, Pamela Ambundo and Steve Neves.

“I know this was a political networking event, but I’m nobody, just there to sing, yet the warmth and eye contact was insane,” said Malia. “Really awesome people.”

She was also in awe of Minister Francois-Phillipe Champagne, who made a big entrance.

“Did you see him come in?” she asked her mom. “He’s not even a big man and it was like Moses parting the Red Sea.”

All-in-all it was quite an experience for Malia and her mom and just another thing to add to her already impressive performance resumé.

Canadian Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, Francois-Philippe Champagne, left, meets with Malia Dilana Afonso and her mother Lucilia at the Detroit Athletic Club on Tuesday, March 5. The minister told her she did Canada proud. Photos submitted

Malia Dilana Afonso poses on the iconic stairway inside the Detroit Athletic Club on March 5.

opinion ~ expression ~ and other musings

stantly had a hot cereal to enjoy.

RIB’S RAMBLINGS

Mark Ribble

I don’t eat a lot of cereal anymore, but when I do, it’s usually something that would have been considered healthy back in the day.

I’m not sure any of it is healthy in the true sense of the word — especially with the amount of sugar I put on it, but I find as I get older, my trips down the cereal aisle are more nostalgic than anything.

The number of cereal brands that

have survived over the years surprises me.

The old standards are still there, of course. Corn Flakes, Shredded Wheat and Cheerios — with all of their newfangled variations — take up a good one-quarter of the shelf space in that aisle.

Let’s not forget Special K and the Raisin Brans.

Along with those ‘healthier’ choices, you have your sugary regulars, such as Froot Loops, Cap’n Crunch and Frosted Flakes.

The earliest cereal I can remember in our household — besides porridge — was Muffets. My mom would boil up some water and pour it over the Muffet puck (as I liked to call it) and you in-

First traffic lights in Leamington

This photo taken in 1927 looks east along Talbot Street from the Four Corners in the centre of Leamington. The light post includes Hwy 18 (now renamed Hwy 20), Seacliff Park, Point Pelee and Golf Club (which opened a year earlier).

The cars are angle parked because they were shorter than the cars today. Henry Ford was still building the Model T in 1927 (its final year).

Photos of the main street a few years newer show angle parking still on the south side but parallel parking on the north side for bigger cars. Angle parking finally came to an end on Talbot but lives today on the west side of the very wide Queens Avenue running north from Talbot Street West.

THE OLD CAR DETECTIVE

Bill Sherk

the north side and the Rexall Drug Store sign on the south side. Off in the distance beyond the cars parked on the south side is a white oval for the Imperial gas station at Talbot and Princess.

The Neilson Shoe Store sign is clearly visible on

Feast your eyes on the big trees further east on Talbot Street.

Nowadays, I’m not sure I could handle someone putting hot water in my cereal, but that’s what we did.

Drain the Muffet and add spoonfuls of brown sugar and nice cold milk and you were all set for a busy day.

We also had Shredded Wheat — cousin of the Muffet — which was a truly Canadian cereal at the time.

It seemed then that three companies controlled the cereal market: General Mills, Kellogg’s and Post.

They all had their share of sugary cereals and otherwise good-for-you cereals, so nobody could really say they were healthier than the other.

Post and Kellogg’s each had a Raisin Bran too.

As my childhood cereal selection got a little wider, I was able to shop with my mom and — here’s the bonus of being the baby of the family with seven years between Pat and I — I could pick out my own cereal.

With my older siblings aging out of the kids’ cereal market, I was able to grab onto brands I hadn’t previously experienced, falling victim to a lot of Saturday morning advertising.

Suddenly, my world was awoken with Lucky Charms, Sugar Crisp and Sugar Smacks. I was in cereal heaven, it seemed.

And it also seemed that they were coming out with new kid-friendly cereals every year.

The Frankenberry/Booberry/Count Chocula boom began when I was about 10 years old, right in my cereal wheelhouse. My love of horror films — even at that young age — was now conjoined with my love of sugary cereal. Sweet! General Mills had hit a home run with that.

Post countered with the Flintstones-themed flavours — Cocoa Pebbles and Fruity Pebbles and we were off to the races.

Does anyone my age remember a cereal called Crazy Cow? They had chocolate and strawberry flavours and it was famous for turning your milk into chocolate or strawberry milk after the cereal was in your belly.

I don’t think it lasted very long, but I remember that the Pebbles cereals did the same thing anyway.

I also went on a Wheatabix kick for awhile. Now I’m not sure I could even eat that. It really had no taste.

And who can forget the variety packs? It was cool to open the box down the perforated line and use it as a bowl. I don’t think they perforate them anymore, but you can still find the mini boxes. It seemed the Corn Flakes and Rice Krispies always got eaten last.

On that note, a column about cereal wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Rice Krispies, because after all, it was always fun to listen for the snap, crackle and pop.

I always imagined that Special K and Rice Krispies must be made from the same recipe, only in different shapes. Did anyone else think that?

Also have to give shoutouts to Alphabits and Honeycomb, both of which I loved, but found they were hard to chew without injuring your mouth.

I never warmed up to Apple Jacks, although the commercials always intrigued me.

My kids lived on a steady diet of Froot Loops and Frosted Mini Wheats and I think they still prefer those.

Many have come and many have gone over the years, but those breakfast staples remain on the shelves to this day.

Currently, we have Raisin Bran in our cupboard, but occasionally I’ll go off the beaten path and grab something that will take me back to my childhood.

Either way, it’s always good to reminisce about those cereals of yesteryear. My teeth hurt just thinking about them.

Be sure to wear flowers in your hair

As a listener of pop music over the years, if you’re like me, I’m sure you’ve had a song or two or more that sometimes gets stuck in your head and you just can’t seem to remove it.

One of the ones I had, which goes way back to mid-1967, was a song sung by Scott McKenzie called “San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Flowers and in Your Hair)”. While it reached #4 on the Billboard Hot 100, it went all the way up to #1 in Great Britain and is still heard today on many oldies radio and easy-listening stations.

But let’s go back to the beginning. Although he was born in Jacksonville, Florida, on January 10 in 1939 as Philip Wallach Blondhem, and raised in North Carolina and Virginia, Scott would later go on to sing with John Phillips in the folk group The Journeymen. Before that,

in the mid-1950s, he sang in a high school doo-wop group called The Abstracts which went on to later be called The Smoothies.

FLASHBACK RADIO with Chuck Reynolds

It was during his time with The Smoothies, in 1961, that Blondhem changed his name to Scott McKenzie and, along with John Phillips and Dick Weissman, formed the folk group called The Journeymen. In the next few years, they recorded seven singles and three albums for Capitol Records, but none made the charts.

However, after the Beatles and the British Invasion arrived in 1964, they disbanded and McKenzie and Weissman went their separate ways. Meanwhile, John Phillips formed The Mamas & the Papas in Los Angeles in 1965 and wrote and co-produced “San Fran-

cisco” for Scott McKenzie, which reached #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the summer of 1967.

It wasn’t the only hit song for McKenzie, as he wrote “Hey What About Me” for Anne Murray in 1973 and really hit the top of the charts 15 years down the road in 1988 when he co-wrote “Kokomo” with Terry Melcher, Mike Love and John Phillips for the Beach Boys. It was the last number one song the Beach Boys ever had.

By 1998, Scott retired from the road version of The Mamas & the Papas and resided in Los Angeles until he died on August 18, 2012 at the age of 73.

The four corners of Leamington 97 years ago.

Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens in Ruthven was abuzz

March

Sophie Friesen and Mila Morin were all busy

plant. Meanwhile,

24-hour security returns to Wheatley

Chatham-Kent Police Service is currently investigating a recent occurrence of break-ins at properties located within the evacuation zone along Talbot Rd. E. in uptown Wheatley. A purchase of these properties by the Municipality of Chatham-Kent is currently in process, subject to final council consideration and vot-

ing, with an anticipated purchase and demolition occurring later this spring.

While this work proceeds, CK administration has hired a company to provide 24-hour security for the site. These security personnel will be present in the area while the matter is investigated and next steps in the property purchases are

undertaken.

If you see suspicious activity in the vicinity of Wheatley, call the Chatham-Kent Police non-emergency line at 519-352-1234. You can provide information anonymously by submitting a tip through Crime Stoppers at 1-800222-TIPS (8477).

artists, from left, Valeria Cruz,

completing a sand art terrarium topped by a succulent

in the photo on the right, five-year-old Paisley Paulin was in the ever-popular petting zoo with her new friend Brownie. SUN photos by Paul Forman

Kingsville Friendly Club news

Kingsville Friendly

Club President Bob Bell welcomed 38 out to play cards at the Unico Centre on Tuesday, March 5.

Scores in Bridge: Case Mulder 4050, Mandy Hric 3220, Bert Patrick 3020. Euchre: John Gerhardt 96, Rene Everaert 89, Sandi Campbell and Dawn Tizzard 87. Most lone hands: Willy Fit-

tler 5. Cribbage: Stuart Wheelton 1046, Sue Girardin 1041, Ken Martiniuk 1007.

Door prize winners were Lila Withers, Nancy Taylor and Anne Burrell. Thanks to Carolyn Brown for candy treats, Ken Marinuik for Timbits and Sally Bell for snacks. There were 46 out to play cards at the Unico

Centre on Friday, March 8, welcoming visitors Suzanne Grove and Alice Pillon.

Bridge: Carolyn Brown

3260, Corinne Ingall 3210, Shirley Morel 2920. Euchre: Rene Everaert 92, Willy Fittler 90, Dave Patterson 88. Most lone hands: Willy Fittler 6.

Pepper: Winnie Moore 279, Barbara Boston 248,

Thank you!

The family of the late Louis King would like to thank family, friends and neighbours for their outpouring of support in the way of flowers, food, cards, donations and kindness. Your generosity, visits and thoughtfulness are so appreciated.

We would also like to thank Reid Funeral Home and the Roma Club for their professional services.

We are grateful to all those who attended Louie’s Celebration of Life. It was an incredible tribute to an amazing man.

Heartfelt gratitude from Joyce, Michael, Michele and Melissa

In Loving

November 14, 1934 – March 3, 2014

It hurt so much to lose you. You were our guiding light surrounding us with wisdom, kindness, sincerity, honesty, humour, perseverance, and the greatest love for your family. There isn’t a day goes by that we don’t think of you. After ten years, you still remain a strong influence on your family, and you always will. We love and miss you so much.

Your loving wife Michelina, your children Lucy & Al, Luca & Rose, Tony & MaryJo, Mario & Julie, your grandchildren and great-grandchildren

Alice Pillon 243. Most peppers: Winnie Moore 7.

Door prize winners were Anne Burrell, Margaret Fittler and Lila Withers. Thanks to Kathleen Wigfield, Rene Everaert and Case Mulder for the snacks.

They disappeared in a hurry!

Community Calendar

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13

ESSEX COUNTY FIELD NATURALISTS CLUB WILL MEET at 7:30 pm at Point Pelee National Park. Topic: Soar Into the Canopy: the Southern Flying Squirrel Monitoring Program at the park. A hands-on presentation of the captivating world of Southern Flying Squirrels and the ways Point Pelee National Park has monitored their population since their re-introduction to the park in 1993 and 1994. All are welcome. Free to public.

SATURDAY, MARCH 16

THE ONTARIO PURPLE MARTIN ASSOCIATION WILL MEET at 9:00 a.m. at the Essex Centre Sports Complex, Shaheen Room, 60 Fairview Ave., Essex. Purple martins will soon be back for the season. This will be a very informative meeting. Coffee & snacks provided. All welcome. More info: Paul 519-738-3476.

SUNDAY, MARCH 17

ST. PATRICK’S DAY 50+ DANCE from 2:005:00 pm at Royal Canadian Legion Br. 188 Kingsville, 145 Division St. S. Event includes prize giveaway.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20

Always

never forgotten, forever missed.

IN MEMORIAM RACHEL NICOLE CORNIES

March 16, 1999 - June 12, 2000 WhenatnightIgotosleep Fourteenangelswatchdokeep. Twomyheadareguarding, Twomyfeetareguiding, Twoareonmyrighthand, Twoareonmylefthand. Twowhowarmlycover Two who o’er me hover. Twotowhom‘tisgiven ToguidemystepstoHeaven. Your life was a blessing, Your memory a treasure... You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure. In our hearts your memory lingers, Sweetly, tender, fond and true. There is not a day, dear Rachel, That we do not think of you.

Lovingly remembered by Daddy, Oma and Opa Cornies, uncles, aunts and cousins. “A breath away’s not far to where you are”.

LEAMINGTON HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY WILL MEET at 7:00 pm at St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church, 60 Erie St. N. Speaker: John Barnett. Topic: “Lasagna” gardening. All are welcome to an evening of horticultural fun and fellowship. More info: Jo-Anne Smith 519-322-8809.

SATURDAY, MARCH 23

FIRST YARD AND BAKE SALE for Erie Wildlife Rescue! ONE DAY ONLY from 10 am to 3 pm. All indoors @ 11168 Tecumseh Rd E, Windsor, ON. Great selection of dishes, glassware, artwork, books, games, toys, knickknacks, jewelry and Easter décor and bake sale. Your support of this event will contribute to the purchase of food, caging, medical supplies and services for local wildlife in need of care.

ONGOING

ARE YOU CONCERNED ABOUT SOMEONE’S

DRINKING? Al-Anon Family Groups meeting information: 519-790-7739 or www. alanonwindsoressex.com

WESTOVER - Kingsville Community Centre, 1860 Division Rd. N. Tuesdays 6:00 - 7:00 pm. Pre-treatment or after-care program for substance misuse. Do you, a friend or family member struggle with substance misuse? Come learn about the solution process. Dropin group session. No registration required.

SOUTH ESSEX COMMUNITY COUNCIL - ADULT DAY PROGRAM - Join us at Faith Mennonite for a day service providing social, recreational and personal support to clients and respite. For more information or to register, call SECC at 519-3268629 or visit our website at secc.on.ca.

FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE at Leamington United Mennonite Church, 78 Oak St. East, for those who enjoy morning coffee/tea and conversation, the first Wednesday of each month. Upcoming dates: April 3 at 10:00 a.m. in church auditorium. All welcome, no RSVP required.

URSA MAJOR’S LITTLE BEAR CAFE COMMUNITY

BREAKFAST every Monday (except holidays), 1860 Division Rd. North, Kingsville. Ursa Major Day Support Program’s community breakfast awaits with free coffee, tea, and simple eats — available while supplies last. Open to the whole community. We welcome everyone to join in the good food and fellowship. For more details, visit www.UMLSC.org or email contact@umlsc.org.

ERIE SHORES TOASTMASTERS MEETING in person at 6:30 pm every other Wednesday at the Leamington Library, 1 John St., Leamington. Develop your Communication and Leadership Skills in a positive, friendly environment. For more info Email: ErieShoresTM@yahoo.com Facebook: Erie Shores Toastmasters or go to ErieShores. toastmastersclubs.org.

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.

WHEATLEY BAPTIST CHURCH - 47 Talbot St. E. Everyone is welcome to come worship with us. Sundays at 10:30 a.m. Bible study Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m. Adult fellowship Wednesdays at 11:00 a.m. For more info call 519-825-7433.

VOLUNTEER TUTORS NEEDED for the On Track to Success Program. United Way is looking

for individuals to help tutor high school students in Leamington. Volunteer shifts available Monday to Thursday from 2:30-4:30 p.m. If interested contact Maia Williamson at mwilliamson@weareunited.com

THE KINGSVILLE FRIENDLY CLUB meets every Tuesday to play Cribbage, Euchre & Bridge at 12:45 in the Unico Community Centre at 37 Beech St. in Kingsville, and every Friday to play Bridge, Euchre & Pepper at 12:45. Come early if you want to play a particular game and have your choice of a seat.

IF YOU WANT TO DRINK, THAT’S YOUR BUSINESS If you want to stop, we can help. Call Alcoholics Anonymous: 519-999-1234.

INDIVIDUALS WHO REQUIRE ASSESSMENTS TO ENTER TREATMENT PROGRAMS FOR ADDICTIONS can contact Ian MacNeil, Social Worker with Hotel Dieu Grace Healthcare, located at 33 Princess St. (1st floor) in Leamington, on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. You can leave a message 24/7 at 519984-2531. Contact Ian at this number for more information.

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 pm. Food is available from St. Vincent De Paul at St. Michael’s Parish 226-3407233, Salvation Army Food Bank 9:15 - 11:45 am. 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.

TAI CHI - Kingsville Community Centre, 1860 Division Rd. N. Tuesdays & Thursdays, 10:0011:00 am. Gentle physical exercises and stretches. Each posture flows into the next. Tuesday geared to beginners. No registration required.

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 519-3263821. www.pregnancycentre.net.

KINGSVILLE MILITARY MUSEUM, is open Tuesday to Friday, 9am-1pm & Saturday 9am-12pm, 145 Division St. S. (in Legion parking lot). Closed Sunday, Monday & holidays. Displays include medals from Boer War, WWI, WWII, Korea, and much more. Admission by donation. More info: kingsvillemilitarymuseum.ca

COMMUNITY ANGEL CLOTHING CUPBOARD

OPEN WEDNESDAYS - appointments preferred, walk-ins are welcome 11:00 am - 2:00 pm. 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.

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.

COOKING WITH CHARTWELL - Kingsville Community Centre, 1860 Division Rd.; 3rd Thursday of every month. Step by step cooking class with Chef Henry. Samples served. Spots are limited. Register kim@kingsvillecentre.com.

THE PET PANTRY at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church stocks (as available) dog and cat food for struggling pet owners. Take as needed or add pet food to share with others. Monetary donations are gladly accepted and appreciated on Wednesday mornings from 9am-noon or by calling 519-326-3966 and leave a message.

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 pm. Meeting 7:00 - 7:30 pm. First meeting is free. For more inforamtoin call Joan at 519-326-2388. Everyone welcome.

MEMORY CAFE - Kingsville Community Centre, 1860 Division Rd., 2nd and 4th Wednesdays join the Alzheimer's Society for a FREE gathering place for people living with dementia, their care partners, families, and friends to relax, and enjoy refreshments. It provides socialization, discussions, and entertainment all in a coffee shop environment.

OPP ask for help on home invasion

On Saturday, February 24 at approximately 5:46 p.m., the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Leamington Detachment responded to an emergency 9-1-1 call for a home invasion at a Talbot Street West, Leamington. It was determined that three individuals attended a residence and forcibly gained entry. Once inside, two occupants of the home were assaulted by the suspects. The three suspects then fled from

the home in a white fourdoor pickup truck.

The suspects are described as follows: a tall white male wearing a green or yellow construction vest and dark boots, with light brown hair and brown eyes; a tall white male with dark brown hair and a medium build; and a short white male with a medium build.

Investigators have obtained a photo of one of the suspects and of a white Ram 1500 pickup truck

believed to be involved in this incident. There is text on the side door that reads “Green Landscaping Plus”.

If anyone can identify the individual or has information about the vehicle, they are asked to contact Essex County OPP Crime Unit at 1-888-310-1122. If you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stopper at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.catchcrooks.com.

Disturbance call ends peacefully

Members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Leamington Detachment responded to a disturbance call Friday afternoon, March 8, at an address in the 100 block of Talbot Street East in Leamington.

Leamington OPP — with the assistance of the West Region OPP Emergency Response Team

(ERT), OPP Tactics and Rescue Unit, OPP Canine Unit and the OPP Crisis Negotiation Unit — attended the scene. There was no threat to public safety.

Police were on site for several hours before clearing the scene. The investigation is ongoing.

Leamington OPP asks anyone with information

regarding this incident to contact police at 1-888310-1122.

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

Leamington Bridge Club scores

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

March 4: 1st Case Mulder and Cathy Mitch-

ell, 2nd Dale Smith and Dave Derbyshire, 3rd Henry Hildebrandt and Bob Lee.

March 8: 1st Monique Sadler and Remi Fournier, 2nd Case Mulder and

Derek Parry, 3rd Bob Lee and Henry Hildebrandt. Bridge lessons are available. If interested, call 519-738-4939.

Kyra Knapp named economic developer

The Municipality of Chatham-Kent has announced Kyra Knapp as the Ontario-funded Economic Developer for Wheatley, embarking on a crucial two-year mission to spearhead the town’s economic revitalization.

This appointment comes in response to the devastating gas explosion in August 2021, with the Wheatley Task Force and Knapp at the helm of a comprehensive recovery and development strategy, fully funded by the province with a budget of $450,000.

Knapp brings to Wheat-

ley her expertise in economic and community development, underpinned by a strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Her accolades include being named one of EDCO’s Top 10 Economic Development Professionals in 2021 and securing a spot in Business Elite’s 2023 Top 40 Under 40 in Canada. Her role will focus on project management for the Wheatley Task Force, driving projects aligned with the municipal-provincial agreement to foster economic growth, supporting business retention

and expansion, engaging with community business leaders, and acting as Wheatley’s ambassador. Her efforts are aimed at promoting recovery and sustainable economic strategies to rebuild and strengthen Wheatley’s community and business landscape.

“We are grateful for the provincial support and for the opportunity from Chatham-Kent to have participated in the selection process,” said Wheatley Task Force Chair Howard Gabert. “We felt that Kyra’s professional back-

Wheatley Legion News

Wheatley Legion’s Turk ’n Beaup St. Patrick’s celebration is this Saturday, March 16 at 3 p.m. at Lil Hil’s Coffee Shop.

The first of this annual event was held on March 14, 1998, and daughters of Turk and Beaup, Roberta Dibbley and Sandra Beaupre Wolf, have

carried on this tradition in honour of their late fathers, Turk Dibbley and Mark Beaupre. It is sure to be a great afternoon. Space is limited, first come, first serve.

Meat Draw winners on March 9 were Gerry Soulliere, Don Hunter, Gloria Sheldon, Terry Stevenson

ground and leadership attributes made her the ideal candidate to take on this important role. We are confident that she will bring significant momentum to Wheatley’s recovery and help the community move forward in a progressive and positive way.”

(2), Muggsy Soulliere, Andrew Mizon, Cindy Stevenson, Jennifer Emond, Don Hunter and Diane Clark. The L.A. 50/50 winner was Sly Meredith.

The next Meat Draw is Saturday, March 16 at Lil Hil’s Coffee Shop. Tickets go on sale at 3 p.m. with draws starting at 3:30.

Calvin Dawson Partner

Maira Sheikh

Vanessa Mullins Principal

Looking back ...

From the Leamington Post February 19, 1986

A federal government grant of $22,000 is expected to aid substantially in an effort to establish a bicycle route across Essex County. The money will fund a feasibility study that will establish the best route between Windsor and Point Pelee, according to park superintendent Jim Barlow.

Buses in Leamington won’t run on Sunday to aid churchgoers. Last week, Leamington council turned down a request for the service from the Leamington Ministerial Association. Council’s action simply supported a recommendation from its community services committee. The committee recommended the ministerial association contact the bus company with their request. Leamington’s public transit system is run by C.A. Bailey Ltd. and runs six days a week.

Wheatley may soon have the equipment to sweep its own streets. Leamington has advised Wheatley that it is willing to sell its 1966 Wayne sweeper for a nominal sum. For many years, Leamington has completed the task, when asked, and charged for the service. The town purchased a new style sweeper and vacuum about six years ago, although it still used the three-wheeled 1966 model on occasion.

Maybe it doesn’t pay to advertise.

A Seacliff Drive West resident had his snowmobile parked at Highway 18 for almost a week with a for sale sign on it. He moved it next to his residence on the weekend but someone remembered the vehicle and stole it. Mersea Township Police recovered a second snowmobile stolen from the residence of Gary Feltz of Robson Road. Thieves abandoned it on the Chesapeake and Ohio railway tracks, about one mile east of Erie Street.

A Leamington company is trying to gauge the interest of housing of senior citizens. And if interest is shown in 30 beds of a potential 75-bed facility, construction is set for early May. The retirement home is the first phase of a total project that will provide a complete care package which considers the entire needs of seniors. It will be built on lands around the Leamington Nursing Home on Franklin, with the retirement home situated immediately south of the existing nursing home.

With Scout Appreciation Week underway in Leamington, Scouting and Guiding Canada are holding an open house at the Frank T. Sherk Recreation Complex on Saturday, February 22. Plenty of displays will be featured, along with a special program in the lounge, a local Scout singing group and several skits.

Wheatley nipped Rotary 4-3 and Roscos defeated Legion 3-1 Monday night in Leamington District Minor Hockey Association midget house league play. Lou Clements powered the Wheatley attack with a hat trick, while Wade Brackenbury added the other tally. Geoff Playford picked up a pair of goals for Rotary, while Daryl Martin scored the single. In the other game, Ted Steeman’s hat trick sparked Rosco’s assault. Chris Haas scored the lone goal for Legion.

The Essex 73s went ahead 2-0 in their quarter-final series with the Leamington Flyers Monday night in Leamington. Although tied 2-2 after one period, the 73s had the momentum and scored four unanswered goals in the second for a 7-2 win. There were 686 fans out to watch the Great Lakes Junior C series. Rick Wright and Jeff Brown scored for the Flyers.

From The Wheatley Journal

March 1, 1956

Winds of near hurricane velocity on Saturday flattened the framework of the new Tilbury Arena, leaving the erected wooden trusses in splinters. No one was injured as this portion of the new building under construction – at an estimated cost of $36,000 – was hurled to the ground. Eight of the 13 trusses required in the structure had been erected, leaving five to be raised on Monday.

March 22, 1956

McLean Bros. started to drive their pound net stakes on Tuesday and Omstead Fisheries began on Wednesday. This is the earliest time this job has been started, according to fishing records around this district.

Dean Construction Co., of Windsor, arrived with their equipment on Wednesday to commence the job of deepening the harbour. During the first part of the fishing season, some of the larger tugs could not get out into the lake due to the shallowness of the water in the harbour.

$70 for your old washer on a New Easy Spiralator Washer, automatically empties tub in 70 seconds, no pails, no spilled water, no wet floor. $149 and your washer. Terms: McVittie’s Dime Store.

Steve Antal, who operated a shoe store and shoe repair shop in Wheatley for many years, has moved one door south to the location which was recently occupied by Claudia’s Dress Shoppe. With the additional room, he and his son, Don, will carry a much larger stock of shoes for men, women and children. The store has been redecorated and will open this Saturday with a line of new spring styles.

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.

Photo courtesy of the Kingsville Archives

Beach Drug Store, was taken in the late 1940s or early 1950s.

kingsvillearchives@gmail.com

Leamington’s Past courtesy of the C. Scott Holland Collection

Clippings from the Wheatley Journal

March 1994 - When a sportsman has a trophy mounted he seeks out a taxidermy business known for quality work. Such was the case when Jerry Martin, left, entrusted Kevin Clark, right, and Wayne Dibbley to handle mounting of what has been termed by oldtimers in the Parry Sound

as “the biggest ever seen”.

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!

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

district

Jerry was at the Touch of Life shop located at Bowman Feed Mill to pick up the prize. The huge buck weighed 205 pounds and was aged about 14 years. The trophy will find a prominent place at his R.R.2 Ruthven home. The trophy deer was taken near Parry Sound when it was flushed by Jerry’s hunting partner, Kevin Fisher.

Postcard, dated 1907, showing the W.E. & L.S. Power House, located on Park Street (now demolished).

Pere Marquette Railway Station: Until August 1999 when a suspicious fire razed it, Leamington citizens were familiar with the Pere Marquette Railway Station on Erie St. N. This was Leamington’s east to west connection and the line was a vital link during both WW1 and WWII. Eventually it became the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway then Penn Central in its final years. It was abandoned in the 1990s and was slated to be moved by a private owner to the lakefront but was destroyed by fire before any action was taken.

Little Tomato gearing up for Annie Jr.

The Little Tomato Children’s Theatre is busy with rehearsals for their upcoming production, Annie Jr., which will take place at the Cardinal Carter Catholic Secondary School auditorium on April 19, 20 and 21.

Several long-time Little Tomatoes, as well as some new ones, have leading roles this year.

Annie will be portrayed by Hannah Dick with understudy Grace Burke, with the role of the loveable Daddy Warbucks played by Tristan Braun.

The role of Grace, who is always calm, cool and

put-together, is shared by Arielle Friesen and Ella Rutgers, joined by Victoria Braun as the mean-spirited Miss Hannigan.

Other favourite characters include Maeve Burke as Molly, Jane Larson and Emily Adjin as Rooster, and Molly Diemer and Shaevon Coates as Lily. Annie’s canine friend Sandy will be played by Paddington.

Spunky and lovable orphans, prompt and courteous servants, mixed with the hustle and bustle of the people on the busy streets in NYC make up the remain-

der of this fantastic cast. Performances will be on Friday, April 19 at 7 pm, Saturday, April 20 at 2 pm and 7 pm, and Sunday, April 21 at 2 pm.

Based on the book by Thomas Meehan, with music by Charles Strouse, lyrics by Martin Charnin. Original Broadway Production directed by Martin Charnin. Based on “Little Orphan Annie” by Permission of Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Annie Jr. is presented through special arrangements with and all authorized materials supplied by Music Theatre

Notice of Road Closing Tribunal Order

Ontario Land Tribunal Tribunal Ontarien de l’aménagement du territoire

The Ministry of Transportation (MTO) has applied to the Ontario Land Tribunal under subsection 37(2) of the Public Transportation and Highway Improvement Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. P.50, for approval of road closings along Highway 3 east of Arner Townline (Essex Road 23) easterly to east of Union Avenue (Essex Road 34), Town of Kingsville, Ministry of Transportation GWP 3021-18-00.

On November 2, 2023 a public video hearing of the Ontario Land Tribunal was held to consider the road closings. On November 30, 2023, the Ontario Land Tribunal approved the closing of four roads where they intersect the Highway 3 right of way.

THE STUDY

In 2006, MTO completed a study of Highway 3 from Outer Drive in Windsor easterly 33.5 km to Union Avenue (Essex Road 34), which recommended a series of improvements that was documented in a Transportation Environmental Study Report (TESR). The TESR was approved in 2006 and MTO has implemented the improvements in three phases with Phase 1 and Phase 2 being constructed in 2009 and 2012, respectively.

Recently, MTO completed a Design Study to review the 2006 TESR approved improvements from east of Arner Townline (Essex Road 23) easterly to east of Union Avenue (Essex Road 34) based on the current transportation and environmental conditions in the Study Area. The Study identified the following road closures as part of the confirmed improvements (Key Plan 1 and 2):

• The closure of the intersections with Highway 3 at Cameron Side Road/Concession Road 9, Marsh Road/Concession Road 8, Inman Side Road/South Talbot Road and Upcott Side Road. Information can be obtained at https://www.hwy3essex.com/ contract2home or from Sivaganesh Tharmabala, P.Eng. Senior Project Engineer, MTO, at (226) 926 8657.

Claims for compensation for injurious affection (reduction in market value of lands or personal and business damages caused by the road closings) must be made within one year of the physical closing of the road, or the right to compensation is lost, as per Section 22 of the Expropriations Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. E.26. Thereafter a representative of the Ministry of Transportation will evaluate and assess your claim and will notify you of the findings. Should you disagree with the findings you may make use of the provisions set out in the Public Transportation and Highway Improvement Act and the Expropriations Act. This notice is not to be taken as an admission by the Ministry that your lands will be injuriously affected by the closing, but it is solely to notify you that your rights to compensation, if any, are reserved.

DATED March 13, 2024

International, New York. You can purchase your tickets through email at littletomatotix@gmail.com and they should also be available at the door.

Province invests $380,000 in Canadian women’s sports

The Ontario government is investing up to $380,000 in Canadian Women & Sport’s The Next Play program to create more opportunities for girls to be active.

This funding is a part of the $2-million that is being provided through the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport to up to 200 community organizations across the province to facilitate accessible, affordable and inclusive

sport and recreation programming.

“Our government is proud to support the continued efforts of Canadian Women & Sport to create more opportunities for girls to realize the benefits of participating in active recreation,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. “This funding will expand the important impact that The Next Play program is having

in communities across the province, removing barriers and improving the physical and mental well-being of even more Ontarians.”

“The Next Play is arming community-based sport and recreation organizations across Ontario with the tools and resources they need to design sport that truly works for diverse girls. So many organizations and communities are ready to

Denise Lea Hartley

1954 – 2024

Denise Lea Hartley, 69 years, passed away peacefully, with her family at her side on Friday, March 8, 2024. Denise was a quiet, thoughtful and courageous woman. She loved her family deeply and supported her family members with her cheerful presence and positive nature.

After graduating from Leamington District Secondary School, Denise embarked upon her post-secondary education and in 1977 completed a history degree from the University of Windsor. Afterwards, she continued her education at the University of Toronto, and in 1979 completed her Masters Degree in Library Sciences.

Upon her return to Essex County, Denise began her career at Windsor Public Library. For over 30 years, she supported literacy, programming and research for Windsor Library members.

Denise thoroughly enjoyed her retirement and found opportunities to explore her favourite pastimes, singing with the Windsor Community Choir, exploring natural habitats (Essex County Field Naturalist Club), and paddling and competing with the A Breast Or Knot, Wonder Broads and Blazing Paddles Dragon Boat team members. She enjoyed travel destinations both near and far and was especially drawn to the beauty of Algonquin Provincial Park and Point Pelee National Park.

Denise prioritized her family and spent quality time with them. There was always an opportunity for a chat over a cup of tea or coffee and a walk with the dogs, whenever she made her weekly visits to Leamington.

Denise was born on December 9, 1954 in Leamington, Ontario. Her loving parents are Maxine Hartley and the late Wayne “Pat” Hartley. She is survived by her brothers Mark and Guy (Irene) and sister Karen. She will be greatly missed by her nephews Shane (Lisa) and family, Mac and Colin, and nieces Cecilia (Jordan) and Bridget, as well as her best canine friend Lena.

We will remember Dee when the birds of spring appear, in the quiet of a nature walk, through the last flutter of the monarch’s pilgrimage and when we are absorbed by a particularly good book, one that ignites our interest to the very core. She will be greatly missed by many who were privileged to walk beside her.

Cremation has taken place. Memorial visiting at Reid Funeral Home & Cremation Centre, 14 Russell Street, Leamington (519-326-2631), is on Friday, March 15, 2024 from 11 am until time of Memorial Service to celebrate Denise’s life, at 12 noon. Interment to follow at Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery.

As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations to Erie Shores Hospice would be appreciated.

Family and friends are invited to share words of comfort and remembrance at www.reidfuneralhome.ca

do this work and we are thrilled to support them,” says Allison Sandmeyer-Graves, CEO at Canadian Women & Sport. “On International Women’s Day, we’re thrilled to announce this investment from the Ontario government which will provide new opportunities to create lasting change and inspire inclusion in our communities.”

Canadian Women & Sport’s The Next Play

Kurt Schachowskoy

Kurt Schachowskoy passed away peacefully on Monday, March 4, 2024, with his loving wife Erna (Pletz) by his side. He was a loving father of both his predeceased son Todd (August 4, 1979) and his son Mark (Lisa), and a cherished Opa to his granddaughter Ruby.

Proof of obituary to run

Predeceased by his parents, Wsevolod and Anna Schachowskoj, dearest brother of late Arnold (late Elizabeth), late Stanley (late Margaret), Edith Bergen (late Ron), Hedie Tiessen (Arthur) and Edward (Mary Ann). Kurt was also a loving uncle to many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and greatnephews.

March 13, 2024

Southpoint Sun

$200 plus $26 HST = $226

Any changes please email sun@southpointsun.ca

Thanks.

He will also be fondly remembered by his in-laws, Arthur and Martha Pletz (deceased), Wilhelm Pletz (deceased), Helen Schnieder and husband Albert (deceased), Hannah Hecker (deceased) and husband Joseph (deceased), Elizabeth Molzan, Lydia Lutz (deceased) and husband Rhinehardt (deceased), Helmuth Pletz and wife Neiri, as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and greatnephews.

Kurt lived a full life, involving himself with many endeavors including owning a small business (Schmidt’s Jewellers) in downtown Leamington for 25 years, volunteering on the boards of many organizations, and singing in various choirs throughout his life. Kurt loved listening to music, watching movies with both his brothers and his son, and playing cards with his old friends. His sense of humour and ability to make others laugh made him a popular person amongst everyone he encountered. Family and community were the most important things to him, and because of that he will be dearly missed.

program equips participating organizations with specialized training to counter gender bias in program design and also provides start-up grants to support community initiatives to recruit and

retain girls in sport. In 2023, 180 sport leaders from 90 organizations participated in The Next Play and engaged more than 3,000 girls across Ontario in community-based programming.

Tasha Slater

Do you want an online presence without spending a fortune?

Visiting took place at Leamington United Mennonite Church, 78 Oak Street East, Leamington, on Friday, March 8, 2024 from 10 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11 a.m. at the church. Interment Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Leamington Mennonite Home.

Family and friends are invited to share their words of comfort and remembrance at www.reidfuneralhome.ca

Fax:

H.

Hello,

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20

Aries, if you notice you have been running into obstacles as you work to achieve your goals, you may want to step back and try to figure out another course of action.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21

Taurus, an offer that notes your efforts and achievements comes your way. Do not let this immediately go to your head, but enjoy the fruits of your labors.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21

Lately your willpower has been week, Gemini. If diet plans are getting sidelined by your inability to stay on track, you may want to enlist a buddy to keep you motivated.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22

Cancer, take a break when you can because there is soon to be a whirlwind of activity coming in your direction. Enjoy down time while it is still available to you.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23

Leo, exercise caution so that your actions are not misinterpreted. You do not want others thinking you are doing things for the wrong reasons. Try to lighten up and be positive this week.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22

This week you could find yourself being the center of attention at a gathering with friends or family, Virgo. Use the opportunity to get your thoughts out there and heard.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23

Libra, you will need to pick a course and stick with it, especially over the next few days. There

FOR SALE

HEAVY DUTY TRAILER with loading tailgates $2,700. Scooter (was $4,730 new) now $1,800. Excellent condition. Call 519-8198123. mr6-13

DECKS AND FENCES

GRAHAMCON

MAX-GRADE PRECISION

Max Graham

226.347.7657

RENOS | DECKS | FENCES

TENDERS

Essex-Windsor

Solid Waste Authority

REQUEST FOR TENDER

Rental and Use of Vacant Land Details:

http://www.ewswa.org/about/business-opportunities-bids/ Closing Date and Time: Monday, April 22, 2024 – 12:00PM (Noon), Local Time

INCOME TAX RETURNS

Prepared and EFiled. Over 35 years experience. Basic returns starting at $65. Free quotes for rentals and businesses. Call Mary at 519-984-2475 or e-mail: taxpreparationbymary@ gmail.com. mr13-20

SERVICES

For SENIORS by A SENIOR - Maintenance & Organizing for Leamington & area. 40+ years experience. Very prompt & affordable. To discuss details call Jerry 519-982-2169. mr6-13

FOR RENT

RESTAURANT FOR RENT - 118 Talbot St. E., Leamington. Call 519-3262208, leave a message. fe21-tfn

SUTTON PLACE APARTMENTS - 11 McGaw St., Leamington. Walking distance to all amenities.

1 bedroom, 1 bath, $1595 per month, utilities included (water, heat and hydro), common room, insuite storage, balconies and patio, laundry room, elevator. Secure building. To request an application email gourmetgreenshouse@ gmail.com; or text 519-7916751; or call 519-326-2208, leave message. mr13-tfn

PLUMBROOK MANOR APARTMENTS

Secured Building

Fridge & Stove Utilities Included. For viewing please call 519-322-1924

LEAMINGTON LAKEFRONT APARTMENTS

IRWIN PLUMBINGResidential rough-ins and repairs. Starting April 2nd 519-825-7245 will be changing to 519-324-2202. A text is preferred if capable. Call if not. ja6-tf

ELECTROLUX SALES & SERVICE: Complete line of vacuums and shampooers/ floor polishers. Will provide free estimate on Central Vac installations. Contact Dan Bailey. 519-322-8625. tf

Upscale and affordable apartments for rent in Leamington’s ONLY waterfront rental apartment building, overlooking Leamington Marina and Park. Minutes from the beach. Amenities include:

•Library and social rooms

•Coin-less Laundry

•Beautiful lobby

•Underground parking available

•Outdoor balconies with water or city views

•FREE utilities

•Secured access and 24-7 onsite management Call Mike & Kevin for leasing information 519-326-8819 or visit www.ska-apartmentrentals.com

HELP WANTED

JOB OPPORTUNITY FOR part-time (12-15 hours)

Church Office Administrator. Responsible for office management, record keeping, and clerical assistance. Commencing June 1 2024. Email to wheatleyunited@bellnet.ca. mr13-20

PARISH ADMINISTRATOR

- Parish office, assisting the Wardens, Council and Clergy in the ministry of the Parish. Will liaison with the bookkeeper, envelope secretary and caretaker.

Need to become familiar with Canon and Safe Church policies. Must be pleasant and pastorally sensitive to all who enter or communicate by phone. Confidentiality is a must. Police check required (we supply). Computer literacy required. Please email resume to stjohnsleamington@ diohuron.org. Only those considered for an interview will be contacted. mr13-20

PINNACLE ACRES REQUIRES Full time greenhouse general labourers. $16.55/hr 50+ hours, 7 days/wk. Must be available Saturday & Sunday. Work site: 333 County Rd 18, Leamington ON, rural setting, must have own transportation. Crop maintenance and harvesting, other duties as required. Must be able to lift a minimum of 40lbs on a repetitive basis, fast paced environment, strong work ethic, punctual, reliable. No experience or education required. Please apply via email: careers@pinnacleacres.com

2078 Talbot Road, Kingsville

NOW HIRING TRUCK DRIVERS

Part Time STARTING END OF APRIL

Flexible Hours.

Positions for Class D License.

Positions for Class AZ License. Retirees welcome.

Apply by phone 519-326-8840 ext. 3

Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

CANNERY WORKER... FOOD AND BEVERAGE

Employees will be required to carry out all job tasks as specified by the operation manager.

$16.55 per hour • Part Time

Specific Duties include: Repetitive tasks, Manual dexterity, Hand-eye-co-ordination, Standing for extended periods, physically demanding, fast paced environment, attention to detail, bending,crouching kneeling, handling weights of up to 50 Lbs (23 kg) from production line. Clean working area. Experience in Food Safety handling an asset. Welcome any Newcomers to Canada. Seniors, Indigenous, ... anybody that can work.

Must have own transportation. NATION WIDE CANNING LTD. P.O.

CF500 Box Truck

*Rototiller 6 or 7ft.; 3 pt hitch

*Walk Behind Cultivator

*1 Row tomato planter

*5ft. disk w/3pt. hitch

*Grain Planter

*Clark Forklift 3500; 3074 hrs.

*5000lb. Clark Forklift

*Gas Powered Forge

*2 sets of racking to hold steel

*Numerous size of aluminum tubing for electric

*2 “H” Beams

*Lincoln Welder generator

*Miller Welder Generator

*Diesel Generator

*Pallet jack

*Pipe Bender

*Water pump

*Electric Frame for Welding

Tanks

*John Deere 7410; 9491 hrs.

*Int’l 7220; 5200 hrs.

*1 Scissor Lifts

*John Deere 4220 w/loader

*450 Bobcat Skidsteer on tracks

*JCB Robot Skidsteer

*Hammer Drill; Electric Jack Hammer

*2 Stand by Generators; 33 *KW; Detroit diesel engine; *35KW; John Deere powered; 75hrs.

*Horse Trailer; 4-6 horses

*Boat trailers

*Clam Bucket for skidsteer

*2012 (1 ton 550 Ford Dump) w/salter; plow; power stroke engine

*51ft. Auger; electric or PTO

*2018 Yamaha Viking; 4 of side by sides

*(2) Sterling snow plow trucks w/salter & plows

*7x12 Hydraulic

*Diesel

contact@essexfreepress.com

return with signature of approval, and/ p.m. Friday prior to publication.

E-mail or call in your classified ad by Friday at 12:00 p.m. 194 Talbot St. E. Unit 2, Leamington ON N8H 1M2 Ph: 519-398-9098 Email: sun@southpointsun.ca We accept E-TRANSFER, DEBIT, VISA & MASTERCARD NOTICE

ad as shown

5.

6.

# 3650-360-002-35910 - PT LT 14 CON 1 CAMDEN AS IN CA15643, NE OF PT 5, 599767 EXCEPT

1, 380728 AND 601465; DESCRIPTION MAY NOT BE ACCEPTABLE IN FUTURE AS IN

CHATHAM-KENT. Being Station Rd., Thamesville. P.I.N. 00731-0077 (LT) $10,986.16

7. Roll # 3650-410-005-47810 – PT LT 8 CON 12 CHATHAM PT 1, 24R7356; S/T 133536 AS AMENDED BY 160075; S/T CH32289 CHATHAM-KENT. Being 9576 Bush Line, Tupperville. P.I.N. 00754-0095 (LT) $28,718.17

8. Roll # 3650-420-027-08200 - PT LT 8 S/S HARVEY ST PL OLD SURVEY AS IN 498561; CHATHAMKENT. Being 110 Harvey St., Chatham. P.I.N. 00506-0125 (LT)

$16,505.67

9. Roll # 3650-420-028-19002 - PT LT 80 PL OLD SURVEY AS IN 396059 (THIRDLY); S/T EXECUTION 95-0000689, IF ENFORCEABLE; CHATHAM-KENT. Being Jahnke St., Chatham. P.I.N. 00504-0075 (LT) $13,311.83

10. Roll # 3650-442-004-05300 – LT 55 PL 119; CHATHAM-KENT. Being 35 Hiram St., Wallaceburg. P.I.N. 00576-0041 (LT)

11. Roll # 3650-480-002-17300 - PT LT 5 PL 428 AS IN 661564; CHATHAM-KENT. Being 24224 Winterline Rd., Pain Court. P.I.N. 00784-0137 (LT)

12. Roll # 3650-480-008-37200 - LT 45 PL 769 S/T 498816, 666058, 274685, 643051, 318206, 663844, 388313, 396731, 400913, 664880, 668566; CHATHAM-KENT. Being Dunlop Cres., Mitchells Bay. P.I.N. 00764-0382 (LT) This parcel is submerged under

with changes indicated

A new proof is required A new proof is NOT required

Notice of aPublic Meeting to Consider a Zoning By-law Amendment

Take notice that the Municipality of Leamington is undertaking a municipally initiated Zoning By-law AmendmentZBA No. 302to be considered by Council under the provisions of Section 34 of the Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990 c.P. 13.

And further that Council will hold a public meeting to consider the application which applies to landsin the Municipality of Leamington.

Date:

Time:

Location:

Theapplication will be heard by Council on Tuesday, April 9, 2024

6:00 PM

Leamington MunicipalBuilding,CouncilChambers,111 Erie Street North, Leamington, OntarioN8H 2Z9

You may view the meeting on the Municipality’s website at leamington.ca/live.

The purpose ofZBA No. 302 is to create zone provisions for Additional Dwelling Units (ADUs) on parcels ofurban residential land as permitted by the Planning Act; by adding anew subsection to Section 4 –GeneralProvisions of Zoning By-law 890-09,as amended called 4.1.1Additional Dwelling Units. ZBANo.302 will also add definitions to Section 3–DefinitionsofZoning By-law 890-09, as amended to define the term Parcel of Urban ResidentialLandand other terms thatwill be added inSection 4.1.1.

Any person maymake written and/or verbalcommentseither in supportofor in opposition tothe amendment.

Please note that the Municipality of Leamington has transitioned its Council meetings to a hybrid meeting with a mix of in-person attendees and remote meeting participants. Members of the public now have the option of participating in Council meetings either inperson at the Leamington Municipal Building or electronically via Zoom.

If participating electronically via Zoom, you must register in advance by completing the Request to Appear as a Delegate form on the municipal website at leamington.ca/delegation prior to 12:00 PM on the date of the meeting. You will be contacted by the Clerk’s Department and provided information on how to join the meeting electronically. You will need access to a computer or tablet with internet service or a telephone.

Notice of aPublic Meeting to Consider a Zoning By-law Amendment

Take notice that the Municipality of Leamington is undertaking a municipally initiated HousekeepingZoning By-law AmendmentZBA No. 303to be considered by Council under the provisions of Section 34 of the Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990 c.P. 13.

And further that Council will hold a public meeting to consider the application which applies to landsin the Municipality of Leamington.

Date:

Time:

Location:

Theapplication will be heard by Council on Tuesday, April 9, 2024

6:00 PM

Leamington MunicipalBuilding,CouncilChambers,111 Erie Street North, Leamington, OntarioN8H 2Z9

You may view the meeting on the Municipality’s website at leamington.ca/live.

The purpose ofZBA No. 303 is to addressmultiple items in Zoning By-law 890-09,as amended.Theyare as follows:

The barrier-free parking requirementsin Subsection4.38 Parking Area Requirements will be amended to unify local requirements with the requirements of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005.

A definition for Donation Centre will be added to the list of Definitions and as a permitted use in the Commercial Uptown Zone (C1).

A definition for Commercial Deck will be added to the list of Definitions.

A definition for Food Truck will be added to the list of Definitions, and the permitted zones where Food Trucks are permitted will be made consistent with Municipal By-law 05-19,which is a by-law to provide for licensing and regulating businessesin the Municipality of Leamington.

Minor administrative errors will be corrected.

Zones will have further permitted uses added to meet the community's needs and bring Zoning By-law 890-09, as amended, into line with other municipal by-laws. Definitions will be added to define terms identified in Zoning By-law 890-09, as amended, that do not currently have definitions associated with them.

Any person may make written and/or verbal comments either in support of or in opposition to the amendment.

Please note that the Municipality of Leamington has transitioned its Council meetings to a hybrid meeting with a mix of in-person attendees and remote meeting participants. Members of the public now have the option of participating in Council meetings either inperson at the Leamington Municipal Building or electronically via Zoom.

Flyers up 2-0 on Georgetown in opening playoff series

By C. Scott Holland

There couldn’t have been a better time for the Leamington Flyers to cure whatever had plagued them during the regular season’s final six games.

Facing the Georgetown Raiders in their first round series, the Flyers won the series opener 6-2 at home last Friday night, March 8, then traveled to Georgetown on Saturday where they took game two 2-0. The Flyers now lead the best-of-seven series 2-0.

“I was really happy with our team’s commitment to our game plan,” stated head coach Dale Mitchell after their 6-2 victory in front of 950 fans on Friday. “Of course, we didn’t like the end of our season but we knew we had to come out strong in front of our (hometown) crowd. Our effort in game one will have to continue in a similar manner and take it one game at a time.”

Initially, fans may have wondered if the late-season jinx would stick around for playoffs and more, so when Georgetown grabbed a 1-0 and then 2-1 lead in the first period, after knotting the contest 2-2, there was plenty of Flyers’ fireworks.

The start of the game was delayed by about 30 minutes as an errant shot by a Georgetown player during warmups shattered the glass behind the net.

Georgetown struck first with an early goal, but the Flyers tied the score 1-1 at 6:16 when Alex Cunningham took Cayden Faust’s feed and deftly flicked the

puck past Raider goalie Finn Marshall from a sharp angle.

After the Raiders took a 2-1 lead on the powerplay, Cunningham and Matthew Thomas hooked passes on the powerplay to Cam Arquette, who rifled a shot that beat Marshall and knotted the game.

From that juncture, the Flyers’ offense kicked into high gear while their defense kept Georgetown off the score sheet.

On the heels of Arquette’s tally, Nick Mahy and Adrian Bosev sent Chris O’Flaherty to Marshall’s doorstep where O’Flaherty backhanded the go-ahead goal.

Nathan Leek followed at the 18:00 mark when he potted Faust’s rebound into the completely open left side of the Raiders’ net.

The crowd erupted loudly with three seconds left in the period when Faust and Arquette went on a shorthanded twoon-nobody break with Arquette zinging the fifth marker from the left side.

The second period was rather calm before Nathan Leek connected with Brayden Degelas, who rifled the final goal two minutes into the third.

Gatto finished the game with 35 saves while Marshall stopped 34.

On Saturday night in Georgetown, it was a scoreless battle for 28 minutes before O’Flaherty stuffed a goal past Marshall after having just missed a chance seconds earlier.

Leamington clung to that one-goal lead until the Raiders lifted Mar-

shall for an extra attacker with two minutes left.

O’Flaherty and Cam Arquette both narrowly missed empty-net goals before Adrian Bosev tabbed one with four seconds left for a 2-0 win and a 2-0 series lead.

Schedule

Game 3: Thurs. Mar. 14 vs Georgetown 7:10 pm.

Game 4: Sat. Mar. 16 at Georgetown 5:30 pm.

Game 5: Sun. Mar. 17 vs Georgetown 5:10 pm (if necessary).

Game 6: Wed. Mar. 20 at Georgetown 7:30 pm (if necessary).

Game 7: Thurs. Mar. 21 vs Georgetown 7:10 pm (if necessary).

Arena staff remove shattered glass from behind the Georgetown net during warmups.

SUN photo

The Flyers got on the board with this Alex Cunningham goal in Thursday’s opening game of the playoffs versus Georgetown. SUN photo

Cavaliers win SWOSSAA title at Sun Parlour Club

The Sun Parlour Curling Club hosted the SWOSSAA curling finals on Tuesday, March 5, with two local teams competing in the boys division.

The Kingsville Cavaliers, Leamington Lions, Wallaceburg Titans and Ursuline College Lancers competed on the boys’ side, with Kingsville coming out on top in an exciting final.

In the girls division, it

was teams from L’Essor, Blenheim, Sarnia Northern and Villanova in the final four. Sarnia Northern came out on top in the final.

The LDSS Lions lost a heartbreaker to Wallaceburg by a 4-3 score, while Kingsville trounced Ursuline College 9-1 to advance to the final against Wallaceburg.

In the final, Wallaceburg had the lead late, but

the Cavaliers came back to win 6-5.

In high school curling, teams qualify as girls’ teams if they are all girls, but boys’ teams only need have at least one boy on the team. The Cavaliers iced a team with three girls and a boy to win their boys’ championship.

Kingsville will now head to the OFSAA championships in Kingston.

Sun photos

U14A Blazers sweep round-robin play

The Talbot Trail Blazers U14A hockey team completed their Bluewater Hockey League round robin playoffs with three wins last week.

On Tuesday, the Blazers hosted the LaSalle Sabres in Leamington.

After a slow and sloppy start, late in the second Nash Fuerth kept the puck in at the line, tapping it to Ben Liebrock who made no mistake and roofed his snapshot to get on the board.

Four minutes into the third, Fuerth chipped the puck back to Jojo McLeod

who fired in his wrist shot through a screen. With 5:46 remaining, Nathan Mariuz entered the offensive zone and fed Kelton McCabe in the slot who one-timed his shot past the goaltender.

Finally, with 1:04 left, Tyler Thomas exited his zone and hit Jonathan Recker who skated in wide left around the defence and ripped his wrister in low glove.

Kevin Ondic earned the shutout in his team’s 4-0 victory.

On Thursday the Blazers traveled to Windsor to take on the Jr. Spitfires, easily cruising to a 7-0 win.

Kelton McCabe led the attack firing in two, while Lucas O’Neil, Mariuz, Fuerth, McLeod and Liebrock added singles.

Trent Chevalier, in net, earned the shutout W.

On Friday night the Blazers faced off with Erie North Shore Storm and dominated play from the opening face-off.

Three minutes into the game, Brayden Foster intercepted a pass and stepped in over the line, wiring his snapshot over the goalie’s shoulder to open the scoring. With three minutes left in the opening frame, Owen Derksen passed back to Fuerth, who ripped his snapper in high blocker to increase the lead.

Late in the second, McLeod hit Tyler Thomas with a pass that fed Brayden Foster deep, and he dished it back to Thomas who one-timed it home.

Erie scored with seven seconds left in the third, resulting in a 3-1 win for the Blazers. Ondic, between the pipes, earned the win.

The Blazers finished with a perfect 8-0 record and are now preparing to face off with the Storm in an OMHA series, with the winner moving on and representing the Bluewater League at the Provincial Championships.

Kingsville Cavaliers’ Cole Stratton throws a rock during the SWOSSAA final game against Wallaceburg as teammates Meghan Pouget, left, and Jennifer Fehr prepare to sweep.

The SWOSSA champions with their coaches. From left are coach Juston Pouget, Jennifer Fehr, Leah Reid, Cole Stratton, Meghan Pouget, coach Andy Stratton (in back) and coach Tony Braithwaite.

Sharks eliminate Flags in five, face

By Greg Coulter

Despite a series win of 4-1, the outcome of the Wheatley Omstead Sharks playoff future was only finalized with just over a minute left in game five.

After dropping game three at home, the Sharks — on the back of a 40save performance by Ethan Handley — regrouped with a 4-1 victory in game four at Mooretown last Wednesday, March 6.

Nursing a one-goal lead after two on an unassisted tally by Brady Drouillard late in the middle frame, a Shannon Olson shorthanded goal at the 19-second mark of the third would hold up as the winner.

The Sharks would up the count to 3-0 with a Kyle Beau powerplay tally at five minutes and close out their scoresheet with a last-minute powerplay goal by Olson. Mooretown could only respond to close the gap

to 3-1 midway through the third.

With the series on the line on Friday night in Wheatley, the Sharks radically tightened up their defensive play with Handley only facing 19 shots. He was top-notch throughout with many quality saves.

Being outshot by over double, only opposing netminder Chartrand kept the visitors close with some miraculous saves and stealing a victory.

Midway through the first, Kyle Bleau gave the locals the lead with Mooretown tying the score midway through the second.

This would set the stage for a thrilling third period which saw the Sharks kill off three consecutive penalties in a shutdown effort. With just over a minute left, smooth skating defenceman Kyle Kelly on an end-to-end rush, beat Chartrand short side top shelf that Judah Raf-

foul says is “where your mama keeps the peanut butter.”

Looking ahead now to Lakeshore, Coach Josh Carnevale felt the boys responded well after the home loss.

“We understood Chartrand could steal a game or two and he gave it his best shot,” he said. “Handley outshone him though in the end. We’ve been this close before and we’ve added guys with key playoff experience. We believe we can get this done.”

The series began Tuesday in Belle River and returns home tonight (Wednesday at 7:30). Friday, March 15 the series moves to Belle River, then is back in Wheatley on Saturday, March 16 at 4:30 pm. If necessary, game five will be in Belle River on March 19, with game six on Monday, March 19 at home and game seven back in Belle River on Wednesday, March 20.

Before last Friday’s game, the Wheatley Sharks held a memorial faceoff to honour longtime fan, Rollie Imeson. Mr. Imeson has been an avid hockey fan his whole life and was the longest season ticket holder for the Sharks. At many home games, he was accompanied by his grandchildren. His son George mentioned that Rollie just loved to watch hockey, and on many occasions he could be found watching beer league games to fill in his time. Eighteen members of his family were on hand for the ceremonial puck drop. Here, granddaughter Jessica Imeson assists great-grandson Liam with the honours. Taking part are Flags captain Ethan Kerby, left, and Sharks captain Braedon Caetano.

Golden Years mini-golfers hit for 104 holes-in-one at Colasanti’s

Fifty-eight golfers sank 104 holes-in-one on March 7 at Colasanti’s golf course.

Leading the pack with 7 holes-in-one was Bill Ward, followed by Jack Bostin, Laurie Hylton, Keith Hopper and Linda Lavender (she said to make sure to mention it was a sparkling round) with 4, Tony Hudvagner,

Carol Hylton, Andy Orsini, Greg Broome, Patty Hopper, Penny McMurphy, Tom Hyatt, Bryon Walker, Al Munson, Mike Binder, Mary Binder and Theresa Decaluwe with 3, Bill Mayville, Moe Sweet, Erle Nash, Jamie Arquette, Ron Fick, Kathy Bechard, Bob Springthorpe, Betty McManus, Armand Decaluwe, Gisele Lapointe,

Pam Piccinato and Randy Nash with 2, and Kathy Klym, Denise Munson, Zena Raymond, Linda Chiasson, Grant Raymond, Carolyn Dufour, Shran Collins, Tom Bondy, Gail Turk, Bill Edwards, Joanne Law, Bill Taylor, Julia Kos, Dave Tonks, Monique Benfield, Mike Mousseau and Colleen Pearse with 1.

Over 18 holes, Bill Ward had a record-setting 31, followed closely by Bill Gough with 33, Keith Hopper 35, and Bill Mayville and Laurie Hylton 36. Ron Fick and Andy Orsini scored 37, Julia Kos 38, and 14 golfers scored 39.

Thirty-six hole leaders were Bill Ward with an amazing 70 and Bill

Gough hot on his heels with 72. Ron Fick and Andy Orsini scored 76, Laurie Hylton and Julia Kos 77, while Debbie Clinton, Keith Hopper, Bill Mayville and Tom Hyatt all had 78.

First place went to Team 5 (Bill Gough, Bill Edwards, Gisele Lapointe, Bill Ward) with a score of 225. Team 10 (Julia Kos,

Ray Foster, Ron Fick) was second with a score of 239, and in third place was Team Acers (Paul Harrison, Tom Hyatt, Theresa Decaluwe, Colleen Pearse) with a score of 241.

There will be no golf on March 14 due to March break. Play will resume on Thursday March 21 at 10:30 a.m. at Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens.

Photo courtesy of The Sharks

Stars U13B team captures tournament at Notre Dame

South Bend Cup Tournament, which marked

their fourth and final tournament of the season.

Coming off a strong performance in their previous tournament, the team was eager to face the challenge ahead.

Their first game took place at the Notre Dame University Campus on the Lefty’s Rink, the home venue of the university’s hockey team. The Stars faced off against the Washington County Ice Lynx from the greater Milwaukee area.

The Southpoint team showed their readiness from the start, with Teegan St. Aubin scoring the Stars’ first goal less than two minutes into the opening period. Stella Bavetta and Evelyn Schmidt added to the tally, giving the Stars a comfortable lead.

Although the Ice Lynx managed to score once, the Stars quickly responded with a goal from Braelynn Hutchison. The third period saw Stella Bavetta scoring her second goal, securing a 6-3 victory for the Stars.

In their second game against the Indy Jr. Fuel, the Stars once again displayed their strong start. Bavetta swiftly maneuvered through defenders to score the opening goal, giving the Stars an early lead.

The game turned into a defensive battle with both teams showcasing great defensive play and goaltending.

The Stars managed to maintain their lead with Ciara Bondy scoring a late goal, resulting in a 2-0 shutout with Kinsley Sutts earning the shutout with her exceptional performance in goal.

The Stars’ third game was a highly anticipated matchup against the undefeated Waukesha Warhawks, also from the Milwaukee area.

The game proved to be a thrilling contest with end-to-end action. The Warhawks struck first, but the Stars quickly retaliated with a goal from Stella Bavetta. Both teams continued to trade goals throughout the game. Teegan St. Aubin and Evelynn Schmidt

found the back of the net for the Stars, but the Warhawks managed to tie the game at 4-4.

With the game ending in a tie, both teams advanced to the tournament final.

In the final game, the Stars faced the Warhawks once again. Determined to seize victory, the Stars played one of their best games of the season. Braelyn Hutchison set the tone with an impressive end-to-end rush, opening the scoring for the Stars.

Aubree Curchin extended the lead with a well-placed shot from the point, assisted by Stella Bavetta and Adelyn Mongeau. Finnley Warkentin added another goal, making it 3-1 for the Stars. The team showcased their defensive prowess to maintain the lead, and Stella Bavetta sealed the victory with an empty net goal in the final minutes. Ciara Bondy’s late goal put the exclamation mark on a 5-1 triumph, leading the Stars to the tournament championship

U11C Stars headed to provincials

The U11C Southpoint Stars are heading to the Ontario Championship tournament on the weekend of April 11-14 in the GTA. The Stars were recently runners-up in the

International Silver Stick tournament and finished first in their division for regular season play. The team is coached by Andy Anthony, Mark Epplett and Curtis Anderson, and includes players Zoey Dales, Emmerson

Beaudoin, Ally Mastronardi, Scarlett Graham, Lucy Zaborek, Maykayla Pope, Sarah Beaudoin, Talia Buchenauer, Opal Deneau, Keira Anthony, Mila Epplett, Avery Anderson, Ella Epplett, Peyton Anthony, Milana George.

Michael Campoli OWNER

The Southpoint Stars

The Southpoint Stars U13B won the Girls Irish South Bend Cup at a recent tournament in South Bend, Indiana. In front is goalie Kinsley Sutts, tournament MVP. First row, left to right: Isla Thiele, Finn Warkentin, Grace Couto, Ciara Bondy, Adelynn Mongeau. Second row: Emmie Poirier, Robyn Humber, Evelynn Schmidt, Ellyse Fischer.

Back row: Teegan St. Aubin, Stella Bavetta, Zoey Williams, Braelyn Hutchison, Aubree Curchin.

Photo submitted