The 2018 budget has been approved by Essex County council unanimously and it comes with a 1.54 per cent tax increase.
“I think it’s great news for the county,” said County of Essex Warden Tom Bain. “I think it just shows the work that’s been done in the last 10, 15 years that we’ve gotten ourselves at a point now where we have an excellent base as far as reserves are concerned and we are able to meet any needs that come along, as far as infrastructure goes. I’m really pleased with that small increase.”
The 1.54 per cent translates into a $14.46 increase on a home valued at $200,000.
The total county operating budget requirements have increased to $95,645,480. There is a $600,000 increase in the county’s commitment to the new Windsor-Essex Hospital System levy, which will be a repeating trend until 2025. The municipal contribution is $200 million over 10 years, with the county contribution being $90-$95 million.
Other highlights of the budget include a 1.5 per cent levy increase for capital project funding valued at $1,345,500, an incremental increase to rehabilitation program valued at $420,000, an incremental increase to the CWATS program valued at $100,000 and the Civic Centre acquisition and equipment and machinery amortization valued at $350,000. For county construction, the 2018 budget also highlights a total expenditure level of $35,793,090. As for county maintenance, some of the highlights include the program to replace the HPS lighting with LED, five bridge repairs and small culvert replacements, and the continued focus on upgrading line painting, CWATS maintenance and roadside operations. The county has also made the commitment to a $2.8 million equipment acquisition, which includes two tandem dump trucks, a 1.5 ton dump truck, three pick ups, a tractor with a lawn mower, a tandem truck hoist and a mini excavator.
“When it comes to increases, my favorite question is ‘why do you want to raise taxes?’” explained Amherstburg mayor Aldo DiCarlo. “We don’t want to raise taxes. We have to raise taxes to compensate for our costs, the same as everyone else. It is an increase but I think it’s a very reasonable increase, right in line with the cost of living.”
The Essex County Library board also brought forth some changes in their budget. They were approved for an increase from $4,829,090 in 2017, to $5,222,210 projected for 2018, an 8.1 per cent increase. Some of the reasoning for their increase included legal fees and administrative office budget overages in the 2017 year due to the work disruption, and looking to programming and outreach changes and wage and benefit increases in 2018.
The 2018 budget for the Essex-Windsor EMS, which included a matter that was deferred Nov. 1 involving the development of a master plan and enhancing their response times, was also approved.
“When you get to this level, I think everything is a little more clear, the numbers are tight, and I would say administration does a pretty good job of laying out exactly what is required which leaves not a whole lot of questions,” said DiCarlo. “I can’t imagine what you would disagree with because it’s so focused on roads and services and so when you break it all down, it’s very accountable.”
LDSS students collect over 55,000 cans for Food Bank
On Friday, December 8, Grade 12 students from Leamington District Secondary School were out in the community colleting cans, non-perishables and financial donations for the Leamington Goodfellows annual can drive. Each year a friendly competition is held between the students. For the first time since 2013 the boys had come out on top! (SUN Photo) (SEE STORY ON PAGE 10)
Holiday Program will assist over 800 area families
Windsor-Essex Children’s Aid Foundation’s Holiday Program will assist over 800 families who receive services provided by Windsor-Essex Children’s Aid Society. For many of these families who face a number of insurmountable circumstances, this time of year can
be challenging in many respects. The generosity of individuals, organizations and businesses in the community is reflected in the gratitude of these families. The faces of children light up as they wake up Christmas morning to find gifts under a tree. Youth are able to stay warm with the comfort of a new coat. Youth who are living independently receive towels, bedding and personal items, which reduces their financial burden. To make a cash donation or to provide new clothing, new unwrapped toys, household items or food vouchers, contact 519-252-1171, ext. 3236.
“There
- Charles Dickens
Hearing Professional Makes Hearing Healthcare More
Accessible with Out Clinic
Brandy Breault, Hearing Instrument Specialist at ListenUP! Canada
Brandy Breault is a Hearing Instrument Specialist from ListenUP! Canada who recognizes the need for more accessible hearing healthcare in Leamington. ListenUP! Canada has a hearing healthcare clinic at 313 Main St. E in Kingsville that is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 - 4:30, but for some in Leamington, this may be a distance to travel. So, every other Monday, Breault drives to the Leamington out clinic at the South Essex Community Council at 215 Talbot Street East to provide free, no obligation hearing tests, a broad selection of brand-name, digital hearing aids and assistive listening devices at affordable prices,tings, cleanings and repairs. These out clinic services
help those who need hearing healthcare, but are unable to travel to the nearest clinic to get the help they need.
“I basically offer the same hearing healthcare services provided at any other clinic location,” says Breault. “People may not have a driver’s license. A clinic may be too far for people to travel outside of Leamington. People may not be well enough to travel and it may be easier for loved ones to bring them to a clinic closer to home.”
While completing her Speech and Language Sciences degree at Brock University, Breault took some audiology courses that sparked her interest in the
pursue a career in audiology and obtained her Hearing Instrument Specialist diploma from Conestoga College. Breault started her student placement with ListenUP! Canada in 2014 and has been with the company ever since – helping clients treat their hearing loss and reconnect with the world around them.
Breault will be at the out clinic on Monday, December 18 th from 8:30-4:30. To book an appointment, please call 1-888-364-5419.
Gleaners take part in provincial campaign
By Bryan Jessop
An Ontario-wide charitable project assisting isolated First Nation communities will again include a local ‘flavour’.
The Leamington-based Southwestern Ontario Gleaners made a significant contribution to the 2017 Sounds of the Season campaign, established as a means of sending food shipments to reserves in Northern Ontario. The event takes place Friday, Dec. 15 and is based out of Thunder Bay, from where deliveries will be made to eight First Nations communities. The Southwestern Ontario Gleaners filled a 53-foot trailer with locally grown and donated potatoes, peppers, carrots, onions, sweet potatoes, dehydrated vegetable soup mix, canned goods, tomato juice, flour, canned pasta and tomato sauce as part of this year’s Sounds of the Season endeavors.
The local contribution tipped the scales at 40,000 pounds and represented a value of approximately $32,000.
The donations were picked up at the Gleaners’ Industrial Drive location Friday, Dec. 8 and driven to Thunder Bay under the guidance of Regional Food Distribution Association. The Thunder Bay organization is also overseeing shipments from other Sounds of the Season locations across the province.
The local Gleaners’ shipment arrived Monday morning and like other contributions from around Ontario, will be divided between Sandy Lake, Kasabonika, Sachigo, Round Lake, Marten Falls, Neskantaga and potentially Summer Beaver and Port Hope.
“We’ve proven ourselves a model to emulate to both
of government.
fully, we
work with them further with
Of the eight Gleaners organizations in Canada, the Southwestern group in Leamington is the only one with a mandate that goes beyond the production, packaging and delivery of dehydrated soup mix. The upcoming delivery to Thunder Bay will be the local organization’s fifth to Canadian First Nation communities. In the past, it took part in the 2016 Sounds of the Season, projects in June and then September of this year and a full load to a First Nation reserve in northern Saskatchewan.
“We’re pretty proud of what we’re doing here,” said Southwestern Ontario Gleaners past chairperson Vern Toews. “We’ve proven ourselves a model to emulate to both levels of government (provincial and federal). Hopefully, we can work with them further with this program.”
Once donations arrive in Thunder Bay through the RFDA, they’ll be sent by plane to the eight recipient communities. Last year, the local Gleaners sent an intern to take part in the Sounds of the Season delivery process.
“It was a real eye-opener for her,” Toews noted.
Volunteers loaded a transport truck with 40,000 pounds of donations on Friday, December 8.
Pictured from left to right are, Archie Stanley, truck driver with Crystal Farms, Leamington; Tina Quiring, Southwestern Ontario Gleaners Board Chair; Alison Klassen, Southwestern Ontario Gleaners administrator; and Vern Toews, Southwestern Ontario Gleaners Past Board Chair. In back, on the fork lift, is Assistant Administrator Todd Stahl. (SUN Photo)
— Vern Toews
Giving Spoon at The Bridge a huge success
By Bryan Jessop
That warm, comfy feeling from within was about more than just the soup. For the first time ever, Leamington’s annual Giving Spoon Fundraiser was held both at and for The Bridge Leamington Youth Resource Centre — a change of venue that translated into an overwhelming display of community support. The event was held Saturday, Dec. 9 and Sunday, Dec. 10 and upon it’s 2 p.m. completion on the second day, raised more than $9,300.
An estimated 350 supporters visited The Bridge — the former St. Joseph’s Catholic Church on Sherk Street — on Saturday, making a combined $3,800 in donations. The Bridge’s coordinator of communications, public relations and fund development Maria Peters predicted that parishioners from various local churches would make for even higher numbers. With Sunday bringing in another 450 hungry guests who chipped in for the other $5,500, her estimate proved accurate.
“We’re very happy and very surprised with how it all went,” Peters said. “We are so thankful to all the volunteers, community and the Giving Spoon.”
The Giving Spoon annual fundraiser was founded by ‘Soup Guru’ Bill Dunn, a Leamington municipal councilor and employee at Leamington’s Real Canadian Super Store on Talbot Street East. The idea to direct the fundraiser’s efforts toward The Bridge sprung up when Peters met Dunn at the Super Store while she was shopping for inventory in support of Meadowbrook Church’s nutrition program. From there, Dunn took the idea to municipal council, where he explained the notion was greeted with both support and enthusiasm.
“Everyone really came together in support of the idea. It was amazing,” Dunn said.
“We’re very happy and very surprised with how it all went. We are so thankful to all the volunteers, community and the Giving Spoon.”
— Maria Peters
“There were two-day totals in the past that were beat by the money raised yesterday (December 9). It just warms my heart. It brought tears to my eyes.”
More than 30 pots of various soup flavours were prepared and presented by volunteers over the course of the most recent edition of Giving Spoon, including Dunn’s own well-known potato bacon soup. The meals were complimented by beverages, baked items and snacks with support by Super Store, Colasanti’s Tropical Garden, Alberto’s Bakery, Tim Hortons and other local sources.
The money raised from the past weekend’s Giving Spoon will help offset the operational costs of The Bridge, which president George Bergen, Peters and other representatives hope to see officially open its doors as early as January, 2018. The youth resource centre has been a plan in the works for the past two-plus years and began as an outreach committee based out of Meadowbrook Church dubbed Building Bridges. The program was represented by eight members at the time.
“We just wanted the church to be more involved in the community,” explained Peters.
Before getting started, the group researched the needs of the Leamington area by contacting local high schools, agencies and various community leaders. The committee’s membership quickly discovered that the area’s greatest need related to its youth, learning from ACCESS Leamington that in 2015, more than 100 young residents of the region came forward with housing needs.
From there, a board of directors was formed to research youth centres, visiting such facilities in Toronto, St. Catharines, London, Windsor and other larger urban centres in Ontario. Eventually, in January of this year, the former St. Joseph’s Church at 302 Sherk St. was purchased. Renovations required to assist homeless and other troubled youths began in June and are now complete.
During the process of providing a Leamington Youth Resource Centre, partnerships were formed with multiple local churches while others have stepped forward to offer volunteer support and services. Such partnerships have included
Erie Shores Health Care, Deer Run Church, Lakepoint Church, Faith Mennonite Church, Oak Street Mennonite Church and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Kingsville. A steering committee has since been formed including Leamington District Secondary School principal Kyle Berard as the rep for the educational seat, Bill Baker of ESHC, John Sutton of ACCESS — which will relocate its Leamington branch to The Bridge once it officially opens — Carolyn Warkentin of the South Essex Community Council, emergency services seats occupied by two Essex County OPP officers, Deiba Wigle as the community rep, Deer Run Church lead pastor Ike Unger, George Bergen and youth, neighbourhood and Youth Advisory Committee members.
“This is a great addition to our community,” said Dunn.
The date when The Bridge opens will depend on when it is able to achieve registered charity status with the Canadian Revenue Agency. In the meantime, a second Giving Spoon at The Bridge is being planned for a weekend in February next year.
Once opened, The Bridge will serve youths from ages 14 to 24 with shelter and access to amenities including showers, a computer centre and its industrial kitchen. Literacy, resume building, homework support and job placement programs will be in place to assist youths with a variety of needs through ACCESS and SECC programming.
Volunteer Dawn Adams scoops up a serving of Soup Guru Bill Dunn’s famous potato bacon soup for a supporter Sunday, Dec. 10 during the second day of The Giving Spoon Fundraiser at The Bridge Leamington Youth Resource Centre on Sherk Street. The annual event benefited The Bridge for the first time this year and will be held at the same 302 Sherk Street location on a yetto-be-determined date in February of 2018.
MARK RIBBLE
Rib’s Ramblings
’Tis the season to be grumpy
Well the season is in full swing whether we are ready for it or not.
Next week we are running our annual Letters to Santa sections in both of our papers. If you haven’t read through them in the past, you should give them a look.
The Letters to Santa have been a long-standing tradition in the Wheatley Journal for many years. When the Southpoint Sun was born, that tradition was included in those pages too.
Looking back at some of these older ones just brings you back to a simpler time.
Last week, Facebook friend Pat Matier was posting some from 1978. They included some people I know who are adults now.
My nephew Jerry Ribble simply wanted a toque. My niece Corrie was a little more detailed than her big brother, citing all sorts of things she wanted. She even asked for her brother to receive a police car. I guess Santa was listening at some point.
I don’t ever remember writing a letter to Santa when I was little. I do recall leaving stuff out for him. My mother was a big Christmas fan. This time of year was magical, with all the baking and decorating that went on.
If you are in retail, this must be a stressful time of year for you.
The amount of grumpy shoppers seems to multiply this time of year, and it’s obvious there are just as many grumpy and careless drivers too.
You’d think that people would be happy because it is the season, after all, but I think the hustle and bustle brings with it the stress.
There are those who get their Christmas shopping done months in advance and I commend them for being so organized. I also secretly hate them for the same reason.
For the rest of us, we are typically scrambling right up until closing on Christmas Eve, and accepting all of the stress that goes with it.
Then, faster than you can say ‘grandma got run over by a reindeer’, it’s all over. Gone. Poof. In a flash.
We spend months preparing for the big day and then it’s all gone in a matter of hours. All of that food. All of that wrapping paper. Aunt Ethel kissing all the kids with her dark red lipstick and squeezing their cheeks. Uncle Ralph peeing in the back yard, while singing Good King Wenceslas at the top of his lungs. Cousin Jimmy getting drunk and inappropriately hugging the women. These are good times.
As we are picking up the last of the wrapping, finding 12 half-empty pop cans, 8 halfeaten desserts, a couple cigarette-butt filled beer bottles and a turkey leg under the couch, we smile because it’s over and we don’t have to see most of these people until Easter.
As Ethel and Ralph’s taillights disappear out of sight, we sigh, we shrug and we all say goodnight.
And for many of us, we get up and do it again the next day.
I received a request after last week’s column to publish the answers to my hidden titles in this week’s paper, so here are last week’s Christmas Titles that were hidden within my column:
White Christmas, Gremlins, A Christmas Story, Nightmare Before Christmas, Die Hard, Jack Frost, Miracle on 34th Street, North Pole, Christmas Vacation, It’s a Wonderful Life, The Holiday, Babes in Toyland, Four Christmases, A Christmas Carol, Just Friends, Rudolph The Rednose Reindeer, Prancer, Reindeer Games, Love Actually, How The Grinch Stole Christmas, Frosty The Snowman, Heidi, Home Alone, Holiday Inn, Charlie Brown Christmas, Holiday Affair, The Perfect Holiday, Scrooge, The Nutcracker, Christmas With The Kranks, The Little Drummer Boy, Naught or Nice, Bad Santa, Jingle All The Way, Christmas in Connecticut, The Holly and The Ivy, The Apartment, Polar Express, Meet Me In St. Louis, I’ll Be Home for Christmas.
1940 Ford a blast from the past!
On August 25, I attended the weekly cruise night hosted by the Back Alley Bradford Cruisers in Bradford, Ontario. And that’s where I met Gord Houston, president of the club and proud owner of a 1940 Ford coach that looks exactly like the kind of car driven by a teenager way back in 1957. It’s painted in black primer (my favorite colour!) with flames around the headlights applied by Little Steve from Hot Rod Hell in Thornhill. It has wide whitewall tires. It has ’56 Olds spinner wheel covers. It has dual exhausts. And it has dual carbs on the original 221 cubic inch flathead V8 clearly visible because Gord left the hood at home. And to draw attention to the exposed engine compartment, the firewall is painted white.
Gord’s dad, Al Houston, bought the car around 1971 from a mechanic who had acquired the car from a young man who found it on a farm off Hwy 9. It was a cold day when he found it and ice was in the oil pan.
When Gord’s dad bought the car, it was certified and a driver and he paid $600 for it. Young Gord was 15 at the time. His dad rebuilt the original 221 cubic inch flathead V8 engine in 1972 and it is still going strong today.
Gord’s dad passed away in 1985 and his mother wanted Gord to have the car. He has performed regular maintenance on the car over the years since then and says “it’s the best car I’ve ever owned!”
It is driven almost daily and Gord has taken it to car shows all over Ontario including Crystal Beach, Cobourg, Paris and many other places. The car has now gone well over 100,000 miles.
If Gord’s Ford was built by Ford of Canada in Windsor, it had a factory list price of $910.
In 1994, Gord was the founder of the Back Alley Brad-
Gord Houston with one foot on the running board of his 1940 Ford coach.
ford Cruisers, a club that now has 80 members in the Bradford area with several chapters across Ontario and even a chapter in Saskatchewan. The club will celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2019. Long live old cars and the people who love them!
Proposed Starbucks discussed at Council meeting
By Pat Bailey
Traffic concerns, coupled with fears of a major intrusion in the neighbourhood may put a halt to a proposed drive-thru restaurant on Erie Street South at Parkdale.
Residents from the neighbourhood spoke out at the Monday night, Dec. 11 meeting of Leamington Municipal Council in opposition to a proposed Starbucks on their corner
Longtime Parkdale resident Ronald Blain submitted his concerns in writing.
With the many commercial stores, restaurants and a nail salon in close proximity, Blain said traffic is already an ongoing problem.
“This intersection alone is busy and is difficult at times turning north onto Erie Street from Parkdale,” said Blain. “We don’t need another traffic light at this intersection due to having many of them already.”
He said several accidents have already occurred in the area and believes the addition of a Starbucks would just add to an already congested corner.
Other neighbours echoed his concerns.
But Melanie Muir, a planner with Dillon Consulting, said traffic studies have indicated the impact shows otherwise. She said according to a traffic study recently undertaken, the current wait times to make a lefthand turn off of Parkdale onto Erie is only about 40 seconds. Muir said the construction of a Starbucks is expected to add an extra five seconds to that wait time.
Neighbours though, disputed that claim.
Muir said attempts to work out a deal with BMO to help ease that congestion have not been successful.
Council was hosting the public meeting to hear the concerns of the residents regarding a request for an Official Plan and Zoning by-law amendment to allow for such a business.
In order for the development to move forward, Council would have to change the Official Plan designation of two vacant lands on the south side of Parkdale and to change the zoning of the lots in question from Residential Zone (R1) to a site specific commercial zoning category that would allow a drive-thru restaurant.
The developer would also need relief when it came to reducing the minimum number of onsite parking spots required from 28 to 24; a reduction in the minimum amount of onsite landscaped open space from 30 to 20 per cent; and a reduced minimum required interior side yard setback from 4.5 metres to 3.5 metres.
After hearing the concerns of the residents, Council will await further reports before making a decision.
WECDSB trustees select chair, vice-chair
Barbara Holland will continue on as the Chair of the Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board and will work with a new Vice-Chair as Trustee Lisa Soulliere was elected to the position at a meeting Dec. 5.
Soulliere is a 17-year trustee who was first elected Chair of the Board in 2012. Soulliere was first elected in 2000 to represent the Lakeshore area and sits on several of the Board’s committees including the Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC), the Audit Committee and the Indigenous Education Advisory Committee.
Mary DiMenna, who nominated Soulliere, will continue to serve her constituents as a trustee but decided not to run again for the position of Vice-Chair.
GECDSB trustees select leadership
The Board of Trustees of the Greater Essex County District School Board (GECDSB) has selected Trustee Kim McKinley (Windsor Wards 1, 2, 9) as its chairperson for the upcoming year.
Trustee McKinley also served as the Chair of the Board in 2017. She was first elected as a Trustee in 2006.
Trustee Ron LeClair (LaSalle/Amherstburg) was elected by his colleagues to the ViceChair position for the third consecutive year.
Trustee Jessica Sartori (Windsor Wards 1, 2, 9) was acclaimed as the Chair of the Board’s Education Committee and Trustee Dave Taves (Leamington/Pelee Island) was also acclaimed as Chair of the Operations and Finance Committee. All positions are for one-year terms.
Video surveillance assists police only if operational
Police are urging residents and business owners to ensure their video surveillance equipment is in working order (and recording) in order to assist police in the event of a crime.
Too often police attend the scene of a break and enter, assault or even more serious crime, only to find installed audio/video equipment that is either not operational or simply not recording.
In today’s technological society, video capabilities have become not only more advanced but increasingly more affordable to those wishing to protect their properties.
Historically, police have been able to make significant arrests, positively identifying suspects on privately recorded video surveillance at crime scenes.
Not to mention, the existence of such equipment and the public advertising of its presence certainly acts as a deterrent to those considering criminal acts.
As an Account Manager, Khalil provides expert coaching to Libro’s commercial and agriculture Owners focused on achieving long-term prosperity and financial success.
Khalil brings an MBA and nine years of experience in the financial services industry, with six years specializing in commercial finances. He looks forward to getting to know the unique commercial and agriculture business in the Leamington area, and helping the community thrive and grow! To meet with Khalil or another Libro coach, stop in at the Leamington branch or visit libro.ca
John J. Penner
Nov. 29, 1937 – Nov. 26, 2017 at Erie Shores HealthCare, Leamington. Beloved husband of Donna (2012).
Loving father of Cathy Handsor, Steven, Denise (Paul) Tofflemire.
Cherished grandfather of A.J. Handsor, Phillip and Adam Tofflemire.
Predeceased by parents John and Mary Penner and brother Neil Penner.
Sorely missed by siblings Mary (Robert) Janzen and Richard (Linda) Penner. Cremation has taken place. Memorial Service to be held at Faith Mennonite Church, Sherk St. Leamington Jan. 20, 2018 at 1 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
Alba Rose Denkers R.N. (nee Ricciotti), 98 years, passed away peacefully with her loving family at her side and her precious Lord leading the way on Wednesday, December 6, 2017 at Extendicare Southwood Lakes.
Beloved wife of the late Herman Denkers (1987). Loving mother of the late Bernice Derikx (Joseph), the late Gary, the late Wayne (Edie), Guy Alden (Barbara), Rosann McNeil (Keith), Marianne Denkers and the late Francis.
Cherished Nonna of many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-greatgrandchildren. Predeceased by sister Mary Colautti and brothers Vincenzo, Fernando, Aldo and Ricardo. Will be missed by many nieces and nephews.
Alba graduated in 1941 from St. Joseph Hospital School of Nursing, Chatham. he started her nursing career at St. Joseph Hospital in Chatham for 15 years, then Leamington District Memorial Hospital and the Sun Parlor Home in Leamington. She ended her career by “assisting” with night rounds and morning report at Southwood Lakes.
A special thank you to the staff of Extendicare Southwood Lakes for their exemplary care and compassion.
Visitation was at the Reid Funeral Home and Reception Centre, 14 Russell Street, Leamington (519-326-2631) on Tuesday, December 12, 2017 from 7-9 p.m.
The Mass of the Resurrection on Wednesday, December 13, 2017 at St. Michael’s Church, 29 Elliott Street, Leamington at 10:30 a.m. with visitation at 9:30 a.m. Interment at Erie Memorial Gardens.
Memorial donations made by cheque to Alzheimer Society would be appreciated.
Share words of comfort or make a donation at www.reidfuneralhome.ca
Margaret Braun
Margaret Braun, 91 years, passed away peacefully with the love of her family surrounding her on Tuesday, December 5, 2017 at the Leamington Mennonite Home.
Beloved wife of the late John J. Braun (2008). Loving mother of Linda and Fred Driedger, William and Lois Braun, John and Velma Braun, Judy and Randy Koop. Beloved Oma of Jason and Erin, Mark, Greg and Maida, Daniel and Andrea, Aaron, Stephen, John Jr. and Shayna, Peter, Suzanne and Aaron, Jarrod and Megan, Michael and Jennifer, Alisha and Jonathan. Loving Great-Oma of Sam, Will, Lila, Dallas, Jacobi, Julie, Joel, Bailey, Theo, Lucas, Serena, Elizabeth and Bridget. Daughter of the late Abram and Margaretha Driedger. Dear sister of Agatha (the late J.C.) Neufeld, Abram (Helga) Driedger, John (Marion) Driedger, and predeceased by sister Kaethe Driedger and brother Cornelius (Anne) Driedger. Will be missed by many nieces and nephews.
Margaret and John farmed many years with Jake and Mary Brown and their sons Ron, Dave and Jim. Margaret retired from the Leamington Mennonite Home.
The family would like to thank all the staff and residents of the Leamington Mennonite Home for their caring community.
Visitation was held at the Reid Funeral Home and Reception Centre, 14 Russell Street, Leamington (519326-2631) on Friday, December 8, 2017.
Funeral Service celebrating Margaret’s life was held on Saturday, December 9, 2017 from the North Leamington United Mennonite Church, 625 Mersea Road 6. Rev Jim Loepp Thiessen officiated. Interment Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery.
If desired, memorial donations made by cheque to the Leamington Mennonite Home or UMEI would be appreciated.
Share words of condolence or make a donation at www.reidfuneralhome.ca
Cougars conclude annual lottery
By Bryan Jessop
Thanks to an impressive display of community support, extracurricular and special events at Cardinal Carter Catholic Secondary School can continue as planned.
The school recently wrapped up its seventh annual Parent Council Lottery, also known simply as the Cougar Lottery, in what turned out to be the most successful campaign of its kind thus far. This year’s fundraiser generated a sum of $22,345, eclipsing the previous high — $21,375 in 2015 — by nearly $1,000.
Each year since 2011, Cardinal Carter students from Grades 9 to 12 are given tickets to sell to the general public for chances to win the grand prize or one of six secondary prizes. This year’s top prize was $3,000 while the half dozen secondary awards were $500 each. The lottery ran from November 3 to 20, with prizes drawn November 28.
Tickets were sold at $5 each and despite the secondary school’s lower student total than in previous years, surpassed the $20,000 plateau for only the second time. Last year, the lottery raised $19,405. This year, Cardinal Carter’s 520 students sold 4,469 tickets.
“They did very well this year,” noted principal Dwayne Brunet. “Our staff also did a great job in encouraging them.”
Classroom-to-classroom challenges served as incentives for this year’s lottery, as did a pizza party, earning non-uniform days and cash prizes for students who sold the most tickets. Amber Wallace earned $150 for selling 90 tickets, Samantha Vreman took the second place prize of $125 for selling 86 tickets and Brianna Ferreira and Paetyn Antuens earned $75 each for selling 75 tickets apiece. Thomas Bartha won $100 for selling the $3,000 grand prize ticket to Andrea Bartha.
Money raised by each year’s lottery helps offset the costs involved with extracurricular and academic events and activities including after school taxi services for students. The
Provides programs for adults with mental health issues during their recovery process
Maximizing Growth and Potential
Essex County Community Health Centre
33 Princess Street, Leamington For more information or to book an appoinment call 519-256-4854 www.mentalhealthconnections.ca
expenses involved with guest speakers and appearances and materials and props purchased by the school are also covered by the Cougar Lottery. Since the lottery began six years ago, it has raised just over $129,000 for student programming outside of regular course curriculum.
At far left, Cardinal Carter Catholic Secondary School vice principal Ryan Coristine presents the grand prize cheque of $3,000 to winner Andrea Bartha (fourth from left) for the annual Cougars Parent Council Lottery Tuesday, Dec. 5. Others in the photo (remaining, left to right) include $500 winners Andy Resendes and Teresa Avelar, second top student ticket seller Samanta Vreman, $500 winner April Gaier, student grand prize ticket seller Thomas Bartha, $500 winner Diane Gleason, third-fourth top student ticket seller Brianna Ferreira, top student ticket seller Amber Wallace and $500 winner Christina Fanha, accepting the prize on behalf of her husband Nuno Fanha. Absent was third-fourth top student ticket seller Paetyn Antunes. This year’s lottery generated $22,345 for school activities, transportation and other extra curricular programming. This year’s lottery was the most successful in its seven-year history.
LEFT: Nine-year-old Phoebe Truskey of Comber was a recipient of the Dennis B. Chase Optimism Award. Phoebe was recognized for her efforts in raising money for the Cancer Society, including cutting her hair, to help offset costs for rides to treatments. She also takes part in walkathons and tree plantings.
BELOW: Nancy Enns was recognized posthumously as a recipient of the Dennis B. Chase Optimism Award. Nancy was selected to receive the reward because of her kind-hearted and optimistic outlook and for being an inspiration to friends, family and community. Pictured is Nancy’s family accepting the award.
Chase family raises over $10,000 for conservation
Two recipients selected for Dennis B. Chase Optimism Awards
In November over 100 supporters gathered for the first annual Dennis B. Chase Smile Walk for Optimism and Conservation.
“This annual walkathon has been created to support the incredible work of Essex Region Conservation, in honour of a man who left the world a better place by nurturing personal relationships and working in an industry he took great pride in,” said Chase’s daughter Karen Amlin.
A resident of Leamington, Dennis was a long-time employee of Essex Region Conservation. Over the course of his career, he planted over a million trees and made countless contributions to the region’s conservation areas, but his greatest value to the organization was his unending optimism and kindness. Dennis passed away in 2012 and ERCA established the Dennis Chase Staff Award in his honour.
Wanting to continue Dennis’ legacy of optimism and conservation, ensuring that this corner of the world continues to be a bit brighter and greener than it was yesterday, the Chase family initiated this event, which in its first year raised more than $10,400 to invest in the Place for Life.
“This is a remarkable achievement and we are humbled to be the recipients of the Chase family’s efforts on Dennis’ behalf,” stated Richard Wyma, Essex Region Conservation Foundation’s Executive Director. “We are all better for having known Dennis, and his legacy continues as these funds will allow us to continue important conservation work in our region.”
In addition to this fundraising success, the Chase family also initiated the Dennis B. Chase Optimism Awards to recognize kind-hearted, optimistic people who are an inspiration to their friends, family and community.
Nancy Enns was recognized with this award posthumously. “Everyone was a loved one to Nancy and her positivity was infectious,” recalled her husband, Mike. “Even towards the end of her life, Nancy remained optimistic and selfless, often cheering up the people around her and putting others before herself. This is how we remember her: full of love and positivity.”
Also recognized was Phoebe Truskey, a very special 9-year-old from Comber. Phoebe has raised money to donate to the Canadian Cancer Society to help offset costs for rides to treatments for cancer patients. Phoebe’s fundraising efforts include donations from cutting her own hair, making and selling bubble wands and bracelets. She also participates in walkathons and tree plantings. In addition to fundraising, Phoebe paints and hides rocks in her neighborhood to bring smiles to those who find them.
“We are so very grateful to all of the sponsors, partners and participants who made this event possible,” said Dennis’ wife Jeannette Chase. “Our family is so happy that we can honour an incredible husband, father, friend and conservationist in this way.”
The Chase family intends to make this an annual event.
Pictured is the Chase family.
Gore Hill Public School Collects 2,466 items for Food Drive
Merry Magic Show
Residents at Franklin Gardens long term care home recently enjoyed an afternoon with Matthew Romaine, the one and only “Laughtertainer” who always delights the residents with his music and puppets.
(Submitted photo)
Gore Hill Gators and their families proved their community spirit once again by collecting 2,466 items for the school’s annual Gator Drive. The items were donated to the Leamington Salvation Army Food Bank. Front, left to right, Parent Council rep Donna Stickles, Principal Council members Meghan Tavares, Bisma Tariq, Lily Steinhoff and Jacey Foster, and Parent Council rep Lisa Desborough join representatives from the Salvation Army to give a “thumbs up” to acknowledge the items that were collected.
Gore Hill Public School continues its celebration of the 12 Days of Christmas. This past week, Parent Council generously sponsored a Merry Magic Show hosted by magician Ron Gudel. Mr. Gudel amazed staff and students with his tricks and illusions. Pictured, Magician Ron Gudel performs the amazing illusion of levitation with Gore Hill student Hannah Dyck. (Submitted photo)
(Photo courtesy of Nelly Deslippe)
On Friday, Dec. 8, Grade 12 students from LDSS were out in the community collecting cans, non-perishables and financial donations for the Leamington Goodfellows annual can drive. The students gathered for a group shot before learning that, for the first time since 2013, the boys had come out on top!
Sawatzky Balzer
Wiens LLP
Lawyers | Notaries
We are pleased to welcome Norm Lundale to our firm effective January 2018. Norm’s general practice will include family law, real estate, small claims dispute resolution and litigation, landlord tenant law and wills. He brings several years of experience practicing with Legal Aid Ontario as family and criminal duty counsel.
With roots in the Niagara farming community, Norm regularly volunteers in Essex County as a seventh generation Mason.
5 Russell Street, Leamington, ON N8H 1T7
Tel: 519-322-2341|Fax: 519-322-2668
Email: sawatzky@mnsi.net
Web: www.sawatzkybalzer.com
LDSS Can Drive
By Pat Bailey
The drought is over for the boys at Leamington District Secondary School – in near record fashion.
Friday afternoon, Dec. 8 they were jubilant – reclaiming their title, the first since 2013.
It was a day of racing around Leamington, gathering as many cans, non-perishables and financial donations as possible to aid the Leamington Goodfellows in its annual can drive to fill Christmas hampers for the less fortunate this holiday season.
The annual boys versus girls battle raged throughout the day with the Grade 12 students racing to the Nature Fresh warehouse to drop off the goods they gathered.
And at 2 p.m. the results were in, with nearly 55,000
in total collected in cans, non-perishables and financial donations (converted to cans).
But this year there was a twist. With a total of 29,332 the boys came out on top, claiming bragging rights and the trophy that goes along with the win.
They couldn’t contain their excitement. In the blink of an eye they fled the warehouse, racing to LDSS to show off their new title.
Teacher representative Dan Braun praised the boys for the organization and planning that paved the way for the win.
Braun said he was proud of both teams for their tremendous efforts that will help fill hampers for about 200 area families in need of a little help this Christmas.
Winning co-captains Scott Plancke and Bryce
Gabriele were ecstatic.
“We did it for the boys,” said Gabriele.
For Plancke it was redemption – years in the making. For the first time in his high school career, the boys came out on top.
“We’ve always taken a backseat to the girls,” said Plancke. This year though, Plancke said they were determined and willing to work hard, and were prepared for this annual battle.
But for the Leamington Goodfellows and the residents of Leamington, there were no losers.
It was a win-win for them and for those who will be receiving the hampers.
Those hampers will be filled this week, with the LDSS students helping out once again alongside several volunteers for the Goodfellows.
East Mersea Giving Tree
Dance-o-logy touches special chord
By Pat Bailey
It is so much more than just a showcase for a group of talented dancers.
It has become a vehicle or platform for expression, self-growth, awareness and Catholic values according to its creator.
And last week Maggy Sonoski, along with 134 dancers of all ages and abilities, performed ‘I Am’, this year’s themed Danceo-logy production.
It has been an annual staple at Cardinal Carter Secondary School for the past 17 years.
The all-inclusive show performed to three sold-out audiences, Dec. 6-8, as well as a morning show for its community of schools.
The CC dance teacher and coach said this year’s production seemed to touch a special chord with its audience. Sonoski said community response was overwhelming and she received several phone calls and notes expressing gratitude for this year’s show.
She said ‘I Am’ “took many of them on a personal journey as well – not only are the dancers experiencing epiphanies but the audience is as well.”
“It truly was a journey,” she added.
This journey began with Sonoski planning in February and the students spending the past 10 weeks putting it all together.
The concept of ‘I Am’ just seemed to make sense in today’s social climate.
“I find today’s youth are tired of being told what or who to be,” said Sonoski. “There is so much pressure on them from all angles,” she added, “especially with the hard stresses of social media.”
‘I Am’, she said, allowed these students to learn to be themselves, while focusing on the positive affirmations of who they believe themselves to be.
“They have also learned the power of words,” she said. “What they place after ‘I Am’ can certainly dictate their reality.”
She said the phrase also has Biblical connotations.
The show also got the endorsement of one councillor at Monday night’s Leamington Council meeting. John Hammond told his fellow councillors he attended last week’s performance and “it was an excellent show”.
Kayah Gori shakes her groove thing in this disco number.
Salina Anastacio shows she is powerful in this dance performed by the Senior Dance Academy Class.
The finale in Thursday night’s Dance-o-logy performance of “I Am”.
Delaney Mastronardi (left) and Loren Azar, members of the Junior Dance Academy Class, performing “I Am Spiritual”.
Hallie Ganderton, a member of the St. John de Brebeuf Dance Team, performs to the song ‘Can’t Stop the Feeling’.
Olivia Stanton and Hannah Fick (front), and Jade Falconer and Marley Simoni (back), members of the Period 3 dance class, perform to “I Am Addicted to Coffee” from Coffee Break.
Selena Spano, a member of the CC Senior Dance Academy, looking quite exotic while performing “Spanish Ballet”.
Lexi Mastronardi, a member of the Junior Dance Academy class and a member of the CC Dance Team, shows off her amazing skills.
(SUN Photos)
Draw Date: Saturday, December 30, 2017
Stock Up This Winter With Christmas musical for children this weekend
14 Mill Street East, Leamington, Ontario, N8H 1R7 519-322-2251
The Bank Theatre to present “Under the Mistletoe”
The Bank Theatre will present “Under the Mistletoe” featuring Mary & Richard with special guests Crissi Cochrane and Soul Brother Mike on Friday, December 15 and Saturday, December 16 at 7:30 p.m. The concert will be held offsite at Knox Hall, Knox Presbyterian Church, 58 Erie St. S., Leamington.
Bank TheaTre noTes
10 ERIE STREET SOUTH P.O. BOX 434
LEAMINGTON, ON N8H 3W5 519-326-8805
The Bank Theatre Proudly Presents UNDER THE MISTLETOE
Featuring Mary & Richard with special guests Crissi Cochrane & Soul Brother Mike. Friday, December 15 & Saturday December 16. Offsite at ‘Knox Hall’ - Knox Presbyterian Church, 58 Erie St. S., Leamington. Doors open at 7:00 pm. Concert starts at 7:30 pm Tickets $20 and available at Counter Effects and Wharram’s Jewellers in Leamington and online at https://underthemistletoe.bpt.me
The Bank Theatre in partnership with Faith Mennonite Church Proudly Presents THE INNKEEPERS’ SON
A community Christmas musical written for children by local playwright Barry Bergen. “Josh, the Innkeeper’s son, has the dirty job of cleaning out the stable for a couple who arrive in town late. While outside, Josh sees a mysterious light up in the sky, and goes to find out where it’s coming from. He meets three wise men and gets to lead them back to his very own stable to greet the newborn King.” Saturday December 16 and Sunday December 17. Doors open at 6:00 pm. Show at 6:30 pm. Offsite at Fatih Mennonite Church, 269 Sherk Street, Leamington. Admission is pass the hat.
DALE’S FRIDAY COFFEE HOUSE
December 22, 2017, January 26, February 23 and March 23, 2018. “Knox Hall” - Knox Presbyterian Church, 58 Erie St. S. Leamington. Doors open at 6:30 pm. Show starts at 7:00 pm.
RENOVATIONS
During renovations at The Bank Theatre upcoming events will be held at offsite locations. Visit our website for updates. www.banktheatre.com
THE BANK THEATRE MATCHING FUND CAMPAIGN
The Municipality of Leamington will match dollar for dollar, all private and corporate donations within a 6 month deadline. Naming rights, individual and corporate giving options and information is available on our website. A canvassing campaign by The Bank Theatre volunteers has begun. To learn more visit our sponsorship pages at www.banktheatre. com
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Our volunteers are the heart of The Bank Theatre! Postering, ushering, greeting, concessions, front of house, stage and venue set up, and more! Join our dynamic and growing organization. Visit our website or contact banktheatre@ gmail.com
The Bank Theatre is partnering with Faith Mennonite Church to present “The Innkeeper’s Son”, a Christmas musical written for children by local playwright Barry Bergen, on Saturday, December 16 and Sunday, December 17 at Faith Mennonite Church, 269 Sherk St., Leamington.
“Josh, the innkeeper’s son, has the dirty job of cleaning out the stable for a couple who arrive in town late. While outside, Josh sees a mysterious light up in the sky and goes to find out where it’s coming from. He meets three Wise Men and gets to lead them back to his very own stable to greet the newborn King.”
Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show begins at 6:30 p.m. The event is being held offsite at Faith Mennonite Church as The Bank Theatre is undergoing renovations. Admission is by freewill donation.
For more information visit www.banktheatre. com
“We’ve seen both of these couples in action at area venues and heard them on the radio. Both couples are known for soldout shows, beautiful harmonies, and an enjoyable evening,” said music programming chair John Moran.
The concert showcases local favourites Mary & Richard, who will share a sampling of well-loved Christmas songs from the Great American Songbook. Mary Newland and Richard Baker have worked together in the music industry for more than three decades.
Opening the evening are Windsor-based favourites Crissi Cochrane and Soul Brother Mike.
Crissi Cochrane combines the heart of an East Coast singer-songwriter with the soul of Windsor/Detroit. Silky vocals reminiscent of Billie Holiday and Norah Jones glow atop the purr of her Fender Jaguar electric guitar. Soul Brother Mike has performed no less than a thousand shows across Canada, the US and the UK as the frontman-songwriter of indie pop band Michou and the bassist-songwriter of soul rock all-stars The Walkervilles. Mike has over a decade of experience performing and crafting intelligent, compelling songs, bringing joy to audiences across the world.
Doors open at Knox Hall at 7:00 p.m. and the concert begins at 7:30 p.m. For ticket information go to https://underthemistletoe.bpt.me or call 519-326-8805.
The concert is sponsored in part by the Municipality of Leamington.
Protect your property during the holiday season
Breaking and entering can be a lucrative opportunity for criminals. Consequently, any home or business is at risk. Property owners can greatly reduce this risk by simply improving the physical security of their premises. This is referred to as target hardening, and this will help deter break-ins and protect property.
• Social media savvy families have a tendency to publish their whereabouts during the holiday season, including any vacation plans. This information lets others know when your house is going to be empty. Uploaded photos of pricey Christmas gifts can also be a problem –if privacy settings aren’t tied down, it can allow thieves to go shopping just by viewing your Facebook profile.
• Do not leave empty packaging, such as a television box, at the side of the road in front of your house.
• Do not leave presents in view of the window
• A common mistake of many holiday decorators is to feed extension cables through partially open windows. Criminals know to look for this vulnerability. When it comes to outdoor lighting, opt for solar or battery operated lights or install outdoor electrical outlets.
• Garages are often targets for thieves looking for tools, bikes and gardening equipment. Make sure the garage is locked and your possessions such as bikes and tools are secured too.
• Ensure that your house is well lit. Invest in a motion sensor floodlight or even some outdoor Christmas lights to highlight your home’s exterior.
• Lock all windows and doors of your house, garage/ shed and vehicles.
ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20
Aries, you are giving off serious relationship vibes this week, and others are sure to take notice. If you have a partner, you can strengthen the bond. If not, a good match is in sight.
TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21
Taurus, you may hit the employment jackpot this week. Those résumés you have been putting out or that promotion you were vying for will be worth the effort.
GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21
Gemini, the best thing you can do to rekindle a friendship is to spend some time with this person reconnecting. Enjoy a dinner for two or involve yourselves in another activity.
CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22
Those around you know the way to Cancer’s heart is definitely through his or her stomach. Plan an entertaining night out enjoying the newest restaurant in town.
LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23
Leo, receiving compliments from others certainly provides an ego boost. But you may want something more substantial from a relationship this week.
VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22
Virgo, this week you may be tempted to put off some of your more challenging projects at work and focus on yourself. It’s okay to have some “me” time.
LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23
Libra, a huge turning point in your relationship is ahead. Communication will help forge a deeper connection between the two of you.
SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22
Scorpio, the best ways to get what you want are to share your desires with others. They may have some solutions you’ve overlooked and can be sources of inspiration.
SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21
Sagittarius, it may take a little time to get used to a new relationship or job. After a few weeks or months, you can sort out what works and what needs some extra effort.
CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20
Capricorn, expanding your horizons comes easily when you have close friends who invite you along on all of their adventures. This could prove to be a week with lots of inspiration.
AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18
Mending fences can take a while, but you have the opportunity for some real healing this week, Aquarius. Explore all of your options to get closer to someone.
PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20
You are in an enviable position this week, Pisces. Your finances are in good order, your circle of friends has expanded, and you are happy at work.
FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS
DECEMBER 10
Kenneth Branagh, Director (57) DECEMBER 11
Mo’Nique, Actress (50) DECEMBER 12
Mayim Bialik, Actress (42) DECEMBER 13
Taylor Swift, Singer (27) DECEMBER 14
Vanessa Hudgens, Singer/Actress (29) DECEMBER 15
Don Johnson, Actor (68) DECEMBER 16
Nya Lee, Reality Star (28)
Note: answers may use American spelling
HERITAGE CHOIR ANNUAL CHRISTMAS CONCERT - Saturday, December 16, 7:00 p.m., at Heritage Centre, 31 Pickwick Dr., Leamington. Old and new carols for your enjoyment and to honour God at this time of Advent. Freewill offering for Music Therapy Program at Leamington Mennonite Home. Enjoy - sing - and give God the glory.
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA on Sunday, December 17 from 9:00 a.m. - 12 noon, upstairs at Wheatley Legion, 27 Erie St. N. Hey kids - don’t forget to bring your Christmas Wish List! Hosted by the Wheatley Legion Ladies Auxiliary.
CRAFT CLUB: CHRISTMAS CENTREPIECES
- Monday, December 18 at 2:00 p.m. at Seacliff Manor, 30 Seacliff Dr. E., Leamington. All welcome.
FOOD & FELLOWSHIP SUPPER - Monday, December 18, 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. Leamington United Church, 9 John St. welcomes those who are alone or experiencing hardships to come for supper. No charge.
CHRISTMAS COCKTAIL PARTY - Wednesday, December 20 at 2:00 p.m. at Seacliff Manor, 30 Seacliff Dr. E., Leamington. All welcome.
CHRISTMAS DAY DINNER for those who will be alone or who will go without, Monday, December 25 at 12-noon at Church of St. John the Evangelist (Anglican), 60 Erie St. N., Leamington. Call 519-326-3111 to register by December 20. There is no cost or obligation. Special invitation to shut-ins: if you are unable to attend, your meal can be delivered in the Leamington, Wheatley and Kingsville area only.
LEAMINGTON OPP IS HOSTING A FREE SKATE on Wednesday, December 27 at 2:00 p.m. at the Sherk Complex, 249 Sherk St., Leamington. Everyone welcome!
LEAMINGTON BLOOD DONOR CLINIC at the Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex, Wednesday, January 3, 1:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. New donors & walk-ins welcome! To book an appointment or for additional information, please contact us at 1 888 2 DONATE (1-888-236-6283) / www.blood.ca / GiveBlood App.
MATHEMATICS TUTORING FOR GR. 6-8 will be held Wednesday afternoons from 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. in a classroom situation. The class will be led by retired teacher David Kolotylo who specialized in mathematics. No charge. 10 students maximum per class. Registration required. Individual tutoring available upon request. Students must bring their math notebooks, pens, pencils. For more information call 519-326-3111 and leave a message for Deacon Deborah.
JOIN CONNECTIONS EARLY YEARS FAMILY CENTRE FOR ITS 8TH ANNUAL TRIVIA NIGHT on Friday, February 2, 2018 at Royal Canadian Legion Branch 143 (1570 Marentette Ave., Windsor). Enjoy a chicken and pasta dinner, bake sale, 50/50 draw plus chances to win great door and raffle prizes. Cash bar is available. Tickets are available for $20/person. Includes dinner. Dinner and Trivia will start at 6:00 p.m. Please register online at https://tinyurl.com/connections-trivia-night-2018 or by calling Connections Early Years Family Centre at 519252-9696.
Community CALENDAR
CONNECTIONS EARLY YEARS FAMILY CENTRE’S 8TH ANNUAL TRIVIA NIGHT & CHICKEN/PASTA DINNER - Friday, February 9 at 6:00 p.m. at Royal Canadian Legion Br. 143 (1570 Marentette Ave., Windsor). Includes bake sale, 50/50 draw, raffle, door prizes. $20 per person. Register online at https:// tinyurl.com/connections-trivia-night-2018 or 519-252-9696. Proceeds support programs for children 0-6 in WIndsor-Essex County i.e. play sessions, parenting courses, literacy, numeracy, pre-school speech and language, infant hearing and Blind Low Vision Programs.
T.O.P.S. - TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY - a support group that meets every Tuesday evening at Faith Everlasting Church, 587 Hwy. 77, Leamington. Weigh In 5:30 p.m. - 6:45 p.m. Meeting 7:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. First meeting is free.
CAREER CLOTHING IS AVAILABLE at St. John Anglican Church Angel Cupboard for anyone who requires professional clothing to attend job interviews or for starting a new position. Call 519-326-3111 and leave a message for Charlotte to set up an appointment.
IS ANGER INTERFERING WITH YOUR WORK AND HOME LIFE? Are you struggling with your anger? The CommUnity Partnership is offering a coping with anger group. This 8-week program is designed to give a better understanding of anger and provide positive coping strategies. Groups will run Wednesdays at Erie Shores HealthCare and are free of charge. More info: Community Partnership 226-348-4548 or email info@ cupartner.ca
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.
FREE RECOVERY PROGRAMS at South Shore Health Centre, 15 John St., Leamington: Mondays at 6:30 p.m. Westover Recovery Support; Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. Women Only Recovery Support; Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. Guided Meditation Group; Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. SMART; Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. Recovery Support in Low German and Spanish; Fridays at 6:30 p.m. CA Group. Individual family and friends education and support to create a recovery plan call 519990-2530 for an appointment.
SUN COUNTY LYME AWARENESS SUPPORT GROUP - Learn and share about Lyme disease. Monthly meetings held last Wednesday of every month (except July and August) at Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens at 6:30 p.m. Meetings resume in September. Everyone welcome!
THE SALVATION ARMY LEAMINGTON CC YOUTH DROP-IN CENTRE open every Tuesdsay, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at the church, 88 Setterington St. The centre provides a safe supervised location and use of our computer lab, movies, videogames or table tennis etc. For more info contact us at 519326-4901.
MOODS DISORDER GROUP MEETS the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. at Leamington District Memorial Hospital, 1st Floor. Info: Nancy at 519-9714050 or nrkolah@sympatico.ca
SOUTHWEST OUTDOORS CLUB MEETS the second Tuesday of every month (except August) in the upstairs hall of the Wheatley Legion starting at 7:00 p.m.
DO YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW HAVE PARKINSON’S? Parkinson’s Support Group meets every Tuesday from 10:30 a.m.-12 noon at Leamington Half Century Centre, 160 Talbot St. E. Facilitators: Bob Prince and Laurie Stone. Note: Individuals are encouraged to call 1-888-851-7376 before attending their first meeting.
IF YOU WANT TO DRINK, THAT’S YOUR BUSINESS If you want to stop, we can help. Call Alcoholics Anonymous: 519-999-1234.
WHEATLEY HERITAGE SOCIETY IS OPEN TUESDAYS from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. For appointments other than normal hours contact Heather Vannieuweneburg at 226-2480382 or e-mail wheatleyheritage@gmail. com.
PLAY ROTARY TV BINGO GAMES - Tuesday nights, live on TVCOGECO from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. 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.
EARLY LEARNING & PLAY - Bring your children 0-6 years to have fun learning and playing with books, music, creative activities and more! Wheatley Area Public School, 226 Erie St. N., Fridays 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
WINDSOR-ESSEX COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTRE, 33 PRINCESS ST. IN LEAMINGTON, IS LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS who are interested in supporting young children Monday mornings and afternoons, 9:45 a.m. - 12:00 noon or 12:30 - 3:00 p.m.. Contact Volunteer Coordinator Dodie Wilson 519-253-8481 ext. 226.
VOLUNTEER TUTORS NEEDED. Are you a retired teacher or just enjoy working with youth? The On Track to Success Program is looking for volunteers to support high school students in Leamington with learning. Tutoring sessions are Monday to Thursday after school and in the evenings. Orientation and training provided. For more info contact Liam GIles-Hayes 519-258-0000 ext. 1181 or lgileshayes@weareunited.com
VOLUNTEERS ARE NEED FOR BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS Windsor-Essex from the Leamington and Kingsville area. If you believe that you can make a difference in a child’s life and can commit to a minimum of one year, for a few hours a week, check out the website and online orientation at www. bigbrothersbigsisterswe.ca.
MONDAYS - SENIORS DROP-IN, 1st and last Monday of the month only at 10:30 a.m. at Leamington United Church. Guest speakers, refreshments, games, exercise. It’s free, fun, and wheelchair accessible. All seniors welcome.
ARE YOU AFFECTED BY SOMEONE ELSE’S DRINKING? The Wheatley Serenity Al-Anon Family Group meets every Monday at 7:30 p.m. at the Wheatley Friendship Club (north entrance), 171 Erie St. N.
DO YOU ENJOY VOLUNTEERING AND MEETING PEOPLE? South Essex Community Council in Leamington is currently looking for volunteers for Meals on Wheels Delivery. If you are interested in volunteering during the morning for about 1 hour per week or as a back-up volunteer, please call Noreen or Susan at SECC - 519-326-8629 ext.381. www.secc.on.ca.
PREGNANCY & RESOURCE CENTRE, 33 Princess St. (Central 33) Suite 212, Leamington, offers free and confidential services provided by registered nurses and trained volunteers. Free pregnancy tests. Call 24/7 for free and confidential support - 519-3260612. Business calls: 519-326-3821.
ARE YOU LOOKING FOR FOOD AND FELLOWSHIP? Join us, no charge, at St. John’s Anglican Church, 60 Erie St. N., Leamington, Wednesdays from 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. Call 519-326-3111 for more information.
HELP AN ADULT LEARN ENGLISH - South Essex Community Council is currently looking for tutors for adults learning English. One afternoon or evening per week. Training/materials provided. Qualification: Fluency in English. Great for high school seniors too! Call 519-326-8629 ext. 381 or email volunteer@secc.on.ca
VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED In the Wheatley area for South Essex Community Council’s Friendly Visitors program for seniors and persons with disabilities. Commitment is 1 hour per week. If you are interested in volunteering or know of someone who could benefit from these services, call SECC at 519-326-8629.
EPILEPSY SUPPORT GROUP MEETINGS are held the first Tuesday of the month, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon, at the Windsor United Way office, 300 Giles Blvd. E., Windsor. New members welcome. Info: Windsor/Essex Epilepsy Support Centre, 519-890-6614, epilepsywindsor@epilepsysupport.ca or visit the website at www.epilepsysupport.ca.
CANADIAN TRANSPORTATION MUSEUM AND HERITAGE VILLAGE (CTMHV) on the Arner Town Line is in need of volunteers to help with kids programs such as ‘Pioneer for a Day’, special events, shows, meetings, or in the museum, log cabins and period buildings, etc. If you have a few hours to spare and would like to help out, contact Judy Anderson, Education and Volunteer Coordinator at CTMHV, 519-776-6909 or email education@ctmhv.com
2ND LEAMINGTON SCOUTING MEETS at the Leamington United Church, 9 John St., as follows: Beaver Scouts (age 5-7) meet Mondays from 6:15-7:30 p.m.; Cub Scouts (ages 8-10) meet Tuesdays from 6:30-8:00 p.m., Scouts (age 11-13) meet Tuesdays from 6:30-8:00 p.m.; Venturer Scouts (age 14-17) meet Mondays from 7:30-8:30 p.m. Come check it out. For more info call 519326-6355 or 519-326-6214.
BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS WINDSOR-ESSEX ARE LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS from the Leamington area to volunteer in a group mentoring setting called On Track to Success which takes place from September to June. Info at www.bigbrothersbigsisterswe. ca/ or call 519-945-5232 ext. 23 to speak with Rose Culmone, Director of Programs.
Snowy Owl on Erie Glen
Gore Hill Gators Launch 12 Days of Christmas
Gore Hill Public School launched its 12 Days of Christmas celebration on Thursday, December 7. For each day up to the last day of classes (Dec. 22), Principal’s Council has planned special activities that focus on the variety of winter celebrations. The school started off with a turkey dinner. This feast was organized by the Parent Council. Pictured, parent volunteer Dawn Adams serves Gator Faith Nantais during the school’s turkey dinner.
Lions settle for tie with Herman
By Bryan Jessop
After a perfect start of two wins and zero losses, the Leamington District Secondary School boys hockey team is fit to be tied.
The Lions followed a 5-5 draw on the road against Lajeunesse with another deadlock of the same score Wednesday, Dec. 6 against the visiting Herman Green Griffins. While the Leamington team’s offense tested their guests with several shots and odd-man rushes, it at the same time struggled on special teams. The Green Griffins didn’t score a single even-strength goal, notching their first two shorthanded and the next three during power plays.
“Giving up two shorthanded goals is a problem,” noted Lions’ coach Butch Rickeard. “It’s not something I’ve seen in the past few years. Fortunately, our Grade 9 goalie played well for his first time out.”
Of the seven minor pen-
“We can’t afford to take the penalties we were taking today.
It’s awful.”
— Butch Rickeard
alties taken by LDSS, three — called for body checking — offered evidence that the team is still adjusting to the no-contact rule.
“We can’t afford to take the penalties we were taking today. It’s awful,” said Rickeard. “We actually lacked a lot of intensity today. We’ve got to be more prepared for these games.”
Herman struck first during the Lions’ first power play when Andrew Clark stole the puck at his own team’s blue line and in a one-onone charge at the Leamington net, sent a backhanded ice-level shot past rookie netminder Adam Dewhurst. After taking a feed from Cameron Impens, Cameron Symons outmaneuvered a Herman defenseman to beat RJ Piper with a shot into the top left corner for a 1-1 score at the first buzzer.
Herman regained its onegoal lead 38 seconds into the middle frame with their second shorthanded tally when RJ Durocher beat Dewhurst with a low shot to the short side from the left of the LDSS goal. Symons struck again about three minutes later on a breakaway chance, sending a wrist shot into the right side of the mesh, unassisted.
The Lions took their first lead about a minute-and-a-
half later when Jaxyn Lafeber one timed an ice level shot through Piper’s skates after taking a pass from behind the net courtesy of Drew Keith. Mason Gow earned the second assist. The Green Griffins drew even on the power play when Kyle Vrabel one timed a pass with about four-and-a-half minutes left in the second frame. The visitors took the lead during a five-on-three opportunity as Adam Boycott took a loose puck in the crease and tapped it over the line and into the left side of the Leamington net.
The LDSS squad made it a 4-4 game 21 seconds into the third when Symons completed his hat trick by tapping a loose puck between backing goalie Martin Stengal’s legs. Assists went to Owen Lindsay on a blast from the point and Damon Palichuk.
Penalty trouble again found the Lions with just over five minutes on the clock, as Durocher drove home his second of the game on a shot into the lower right corner of the host team’s net. Both teams pushed for a winning goal, but the game was called on its 4:20 p.m. curfew time with precisely a minute left on the timer.
Two days earlier, Leam-
ington battled to a stalemate against the Royals at Central Park Athletics in Windsor. Gow earned a hat trick while Symons came up with the other two tallies for the Lions. As he did in the more recent game against Herman, Gow came within millimeters of notching a winning goal, sending the puck off the cross bar with about a minute remaining in the third.
Leamington’s next game is scheduled against Kennedy Thursday, Dec. 14 at 3 p.m. at Adie Knox Arena. The Lions will return home Wednesday, Dec. 20 for a 3 p.m. start, also against the Kennedy Clippers.
Leamington’s Cameron Symons circles around the Herman net with the puck during the third period of a WECSSAA Tier II boys hockey game Wednesday, Dec. 6 at Highbury Canco Arena. Symons scored a hat trick in the game’s 5-5 draw, the second in a row for the Lions.
The Lions’ Cameron Impens carries the puck away from a Herman defender and towards the net during the third period of a WECSSAA Tier II boys hockey game.
Southpoint Novice Blue Action
The Capitals’ Brent Pimentel takes a look before passing the puck down the ice on Saturday, November 25 when the Southpoint Leamington Chrysler Novice Blue traveled to Harrow to face the Blue Rams. The Rams took the win. (Submitted photo)
Play by the rules… “OAR” else!
For the most part, I’m not a big fan of Christmas carols. Oh sure, Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer and AC/ DC’s Mistress For Christmas stand out as exceptions, but for the most part, they’re not my thing. Of all the carols that receive incessant airplay on the radio this time of year, I prefer the ones with religious themes — quite simply, they’re better-written songs and the nauseating pop music stars of the day are less likely to cover them, public domain status (i.e. no copyright fees or infringements to worry about) or not.
There is, however, one denominationally neutral tune that I appreciate for one very simple reason. Lyrics within No Place Like Home For The Holidays include the lines “From Atlantic to Pacific, Gee the traffic is terrific.” It is perhaps the most well-known instance where the word “terrific” is used in its proper context.
If something is terrific, it’s not a good thing. Think about it — the word is a derivative of the term “terrifying.” If your sibling or best friend just announced that he or she is engaged to be married, would you shout out “Really?! That’s terrifying!” Probably not. Yet, without hesitation, millions of people from English-speaking nations across the world will declare “That’s terrific!”
Not that I claim a perfect understanding of the English language. There are thousands of words within it that I don’t understand or hesitate to use because of how they can be read. “Patronize,” for example — a word that can mean supporting a particular business establishment by purchasing its products/services OR speaking to someone in a belittling, condescending tone. Those are two very different actions to be described with the same word.
As a sports reporter, I loathe the word “resign.” More often than not, it means to quit or relinquish an authoritative position or title. It can, however, be used as a homonym for accept or “come to terms with.” Even worse, it’s also a term mentioned when a professional athlete extends or renews a contract with his or her team. The confusion could be avoided with the all-important dash (“Headley re-signs with Yankees”), but that crucial little piece of punctuation is often overlooked.
in response, Russia may impose a boycott on the PyeongChang games. Huh? What kind of statement are you making by refusing to participate in an event from which you’ve been banned? No, this will NOT be anything like the Soviets boycotting the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. The Ruskies were ALLOWED to attend those games — they simply chose not to over Cold War related reasons.
Perhaps some clarification is required. The IOC is telling “clean” Russian athletes that they may participate in PyeongChang, but not as members of their national team. There’ll be no Russian flag, uniform or anthem anywhere on any premises of competition. They’ll have to compete as independent entries, labeled “Olympic Athletes from Russia” (OAR). The IOC is now waiting to see if the Russian government will even allow its athletes to compete as independents. This, in my understanding, isn’t a boycott.
The sign wielding hippie protesters shouting clever slogans outside Crazy Frank’s Chicken Shack over the use of genetically modified poultry typically don’t forcibly try to prohibit customers from entering the restaurant. This is why I’m starting to question my own understanding of the term “boycott” — I figured an ENFORCED boycott was something akin to “mandatory volunteerism.”
Whether or not Russia will allow its athletes to compete independently in next year’s games could have an impact on the IOC’s ban. Obviously, the punishment is being dished out as a means of setting an example. While I agree with the decision/punishment, I’m not sure it’ll serve as the line in the sand it was meant to be if Russians are allowed to participate independently.
Yes, I know that it’s unfair to punish an entire nation over the shenanigans that at least some of its athletes didn’t have any part in. Think about this, though — ban or no ban, the Russian media may very well trumpet the victories and medal hauls of its “independent” winners as accomplishments of Russia as a nation. That could compromise the ban’s effect. Even the international media may point out that these indie athletes are in fact from Russia with every podium appearance they make.
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Apparently, after all these years, I’ve misunderstood the word “boycott.” No, I’ve never assumed that it’s a portable device for young male humans to use as a bed. For as long as I can remember, I’ve always interpreted it as an adjective whereby a person or group avoids and/or refuses to support any given business, event or organization for moral or political reasons. A clothing manufacturer that reduces its overhead by relying on child labour is likely to be boycotted. A grocer stocking meat products from a company that treats its livestock inhumanely might become the target of a boycott… that kind of thing. It recently came to my attention that the International Olympic Committee has banned Russia from the 2018 Winter Games in PyeongChang over the Russian Olympic Committee’s doping “program” offered to its more unscrupulous athletes during the Sochi games in 2014. Apparently,
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Speaking of which, how exactly would the medal ceremonies be presented after a Russian captures gold? With no anthem, are we going to sit through two moments of uncomfortable silence broken only by the occasional cough or clearing of a distant spectator’s throat while the flags of the silver- and bronze-winning entries are raised? Awkward.
And yeah, ice hockey will be strange enough (well, for younger fans at least) without NHL players, let alone no Russian entry. Perhaps they’ll be allowed to compete as “Team OAR” — not to be confused with the Team Orr that takes on Team Cherry for the annual Canadian Hockey League’s Prospects’ Game. What would they wear for jerseys? I’m wondering if brands like Oakley, Adidas or Reebok see a once in a lifetime marketing opportunity there.
Seriously though, I more or less support the IOC’s ban. It’s bad enough when athletes take it upon themselves to use performance enhancing drugs (PEDs), but when a national
committee gets involved with such foul play, it’s time to put a foot down. No Olympic gathering can live up to its full competitive potential without a powerhouse like Russia, but the anti-PED message must be delivered loud and clear.
County Bridge Results
Leamington Half Century Centre, Dec. 4: North/South - 1st Ron Martin and Roy Trowell, 2nd Marilyn Robbins and Joyce Moran, 3rd Vi Major and Pauline Mikolash. East/West - 1st Sue and Frank Duransky, 2nd George Hildebrandt and Henry Hildebrandt, 3rd Mame Nicholson and Dave Derbyshire. Bridge games are played each Monday at 12:45 p.m. Members and new members welcome.
Kingsville Bridge Club, Dec. 6: 1st Henry Hildebrandt and Bob Lee, 2nd Chris Brennan and Bill Chaplin, 3rd John McGregor and Buddy Ellwood, 4th Jane Gollmer and Ann Pascoe. Bridge is every Wednesday at the Lions Hall in Kingsville, 7 p.m.
Jessop’s Journal
Novices advance to semi-final at Belle River tourney
On Fri. Dec. 1 the Southpoint Capitals Fire Hall Car Wash Novice team travelled to Belle River to begin their second tournament of the year. With teams from Riverside, West London, Welland, Glanbrook, Oakville and Southpoint, it looked like it was a tournament that could be won by any team.
Game 1 saw Southpoint take on the mighty Oakville Rangers. The Caps got on the board first with a goal scorer’s snipe by Gabriel Rino 4 minutes into the game. Oakville responded, netting 2 in the first to make it 2-1 after 1.
The second period was an eventful back and forth period with both goalies netting shutouts.
In the third it was all Southpoint up until the 8-second mark. Southpoint was up by 1 from 2 goals by Jaxon Riediger and Nathan Ford (assists coming from Brody Brown, Ryder Grossi, Massimo Ingratta and Noah Borges). With 8 seconds left, an Oakville attacker was tripped and a penalty shot was called. Nicholas DiMilo made a tremendous save, but the game wasn’t over. With the faceoff in the defensive zone, Oakville won the draw and netted the tying goal with 2.5 seconds left. Final score was 3-3 and DiMilo took home the player of the game award.
Game 2 was Friday afternoon against a strong West London team. It was obvious that the Caps were tired after an eventful Thursday night playing at Little Caesars Arena between the first and second period of the Wings versus Habs game.
West London came out to a commanding 3-0 lead after 1. Southpoint appeared to get their second wind, closing the gap to within 1 goal about midway through the second on goals from Owen Derksen and Noah Borges. The Caps defensive zone could not hold down the fort as West London recaptured their 3-goal lead by scoring 2 more before the end of the second. With 1 more goal late in the third the final score was 6-2 for the Caps’ first loss in 4 games. Borges took home the player of the game in this contest.
Saturday morning the Capitals played the Welland Tigers. This game was an exciting nailbiter. They exchanged goals in the first period, with the Caps’ tally coming from Derksen, assisted by Ryder Grossi and Rex Pearce. 1-1 ended up the final after 2 scoreless periods. Player of the game honors went to Jaxon Riediger for his strong defensive efforts.
Saturday afternoon had the Capitals’ backs against the wall against the Glanbrook Rangers. A win was critical if they were to have any chance seeding into the semi-final.
The Capitals struck early on a goal by Borges, assisted by Mitchell Moracci and Riediger. Nicholas and the Caps defense held a strong fort, carrying the 1-0 lead into the third period.
With 1 minute left, Ingratta scored an empty netter from Riediger, solidifying third place in the tournament and a rematch with West London on Sunday morning. Player of the game was taken home by Kayde Grossi for his steady defensive play.
On Sunday morning the semi-final game versus West London was one the Caps hoped to avenge from Friday afternoon. It would not be their day though, with West London scoring 6 unanswered goals until Ingratta scored with 2 minutes remaining from Brown. The final score ended up 7-1 and player of the game went to Owen Derksen, who played a fantastic game and
had a great weekend for the Capitals.
Congratulations to all members of the team for having a great weekend:
#1 Nicholas DiMilo, #2 Noah Borges, #6 Mitchell Moracci, #7 Gabriel Rino, #8 Ben Arquette, #9 Owen Derksen, #10 Nathan Ford, #11 Jaxon Riediger, #12 Ryder Grossi, #14 Massimo Ingratta, #18 Owen Hunter, #19 Ben McFadden, #20 Brody Brown, #24 Rex Pearce, #26 Kayde Grossi.
Come out and support your local minor hockey teams by checking out their schedules at www.southpointminorhockey.com
UMEI vs. Herman senior girls volleyball
LDSS junior boys basketball vs. General Amherst
Justin Wiebe of the Lions extends an arm for a loose ball while colliding with the Mateo Palomoo as the Bulldogs’ Mathew Wismer reaches down to challenge him for possession during the
The Lightning’s Elle Klassen reaches high to send the ball to the Herman half of the court during the first set of a WECSSAA Tier II senior girls volleyball match at UMEI Thursday, Dec. 7. The Lightning lost the first set 25-19, won the second 25-17 and fell 25-15 in the third and deciding match. Afterwards, the junior girls volleyball team was swept by Herman in scores of 25-13, 25-12 and 25-22. fourth quarter of a WECSSAA Tier II junior boys basketball game at Leamington District Secondary School Thursday, Dec. 7. Leamington led 18-16 at the half and came out on top by a final score of 32-26 in the evenly matched game, Leamington’s first of the 2017-18 season. Adam Albidery led Leamington with nine points while Palomoo led the Bulldogs with eight. Up next in the hoops double header, the senior Lions also engaged in a tough battle against the Bulldogs, coming up with a 34-30 victory to start their season.
Southpoint Capitals Fire Hall Car Wash Novices celebrate a win at a recent tournament in Belle River. (Submitted photo)
print@southpointsun.ca 519-398-9098
The Old Page... Clippings from the Wheatley Journal, December 1987
Recent wedding
Patricia Anne Wales, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Harvey Selwood, Wheatley and Stephen Allan Paley, son of Mr. and Mrs. Sam Paley, Leamington were united in marriage at Trinity United Church, Wheatley, Friday, December 11. Rev. Matthew Penny officiated.
Lorette Jackson was maid of honour and Brian Harris was best man. Also included in the wedding party were Mike and Christie Wales and Joshua and Philip Paley.
Poster contest winners
The Wheatley Lions Club presented cash awards to six students for their efforts in the Drug Awareness Poster Contest held recently.
Lion Jack Glover, left rear, and Lion Harry Robinson, in the background at right, are seen here with the winners. Proudly displaying their posters are left to right: Tim Fischer, Sky Jackson, Pauline Church, Leslie Gibbons, Marc Belanger and Alex Taves.
Santa’s visit
Santa Claus was busy for several hours on Saturday afternoon as he paid his annual visit to Wheatley. Well over one hundred children turned out to whisper their Christmas wishes in Santa’s ear when he used the Royal Bank as a temporary headquarters.
At times the lineup reached the length of the bank lobby and out onto the street. Each child received a candy cane. As well several of the children were the lucky winners of silver dollars donated by the Royal Bank.
Five draws were held for a prize of 5 silver dollars each. As may be expected, the opportunity to visit the jolly old fellow was greeted by an assortment of emotions by those who gathered to greet him.
UMEI senior boys basketball vs. Maranatha
Christian Wuerch of the Lightning slips between two Maranatha opponents while carrying the ball towards their end of the court in WECSSAA Tier III senior boys basketball action at UMEI Wednesday, Dec. 6. The Lightning led 19-16 at the half of the season opener, but then broke out offensively in the third and fourth quarters for a 57-41 win. Wuerch led the way with 36 points, including multiple three pointers. On Thursday, the Lightning visited Ste. Cecile, where they won in a final score of 46-39.
RFH Atom Majors face Sabres, Cobras
It was a busy weekend for the Southpoint Capitals RFH Atom Majors with a game at home on Saturday and on the road in Tilbury on Sunday.
On Saturday the Caps faced the LaSalle Sabres at home on the Highbury Canco rink. The Sabres opened the scoring in the first period with 2 goals to put them on the board first. Andrew Demant got the call in goal and kept the Caps within reach.
In the second period it was all Southpoint. The team tightened up defensively and Caidon Fuller, Liam Brown, Logan Le-
faive, Kaleb Jardim, Nicholas Mastromatteo and Liam Ouellette gave the team an opportunity to get back into the game. Andrew Demant made a great save and an offensive rush transpired from the rebound that was gathered up by the Caps defence and pushed forward into the offensive zone. Matteo Pereira, Landen Bradley and Dayne Di Milo made some beautiful passes to get the puck in deep. Dayne Di Milo took a bouncing puck off Periera and buried the puck in the net to put the Caps within one of the Sabres.
Shortly after that the line
of Colton Selwood, Owen Deneau and Zack Liebrock’s got on the board to tie the game at 2-2. Zack Liebrock had a beautiful tap-in to tie the game from Selwood and Deneau.
The Caps fell short in this game in the third but it was an exciting game.
On Sunday the Caps faced the Kent County Cobras for their second meeting of the season. The game was filled with end-to-end action.
The Cobras drew first blood and it wasn’t long after that when Tyler Franklin put the Caps on the board, assisted by Holdyn Bailey and Nicholas Brophy.
LDSS junior girls volleyball vs. Kennedy
Leamington’s Melanie Wiebe sets up the ball for a teammate along the net during a WECSSAA Tier II junior girls volleyball game against the Kennedy Clippers Tuesday, Dec. 5. The Clippers swept the Lions with scores of 25-22, 25-18 and 25-15 to spoil the LDSS home and season opener. In the following match, the LDSS senior girls defeated Ste. Cecile 2-1, winning 25-18 and 25-22 before dropping the third set 25-17. On Thursday, Dec. 7, the junior Lions visited L’Essor, where they were dealt losses of 25-9 and 25-20 while winning the middle set 25-16. Meanwhile, the senior team’s busy week included losses of 25-20, 25-6 and 25-14 at home on Wednesday, Dec. 6 against Maranatha and losses of 25-23 and 25-21 before winning 25-20 in L’Essor on Thursday.
The game was now within reach for the team. Tomas Kniaziew battled hard in net to keep Southpoint alive and made many outstanding saves.
The Caps got on the board once again when Dayne Di Milo had an offensive rush and put a cannon on net, and it was bar down for #7 to tie the game.
All in all the offense and defensive core of this team is coming together just in time for the playoffs that will begin in early 2018.
The Southpoint Atom Majors have a busy week ahead when they host the
Riverside Rangers on Friday at Highbury at 8:15 p.m. The Caps will fly out immediately following the game on Friday to beauti-
ful sunny Tecumseh where they will face the Tecumseh Eagles for a Sunday evening match up.
The Southpoint Bailey Machine Inc. Peewee Stars battled the South County Amherstburg Predators in
action. The Predators scored goals in all three periods, while the Lady Stars found the back of the net midway through the second period. The Stars lost this contest by a final score of 7-1. The Stars’ lone goal was scored by Alexa Derikx with the lone assist scored by Emma Weil. The Southpoint Highbury Canco Intermediate Stars played the Lakeshore Lightning on Sunday night in Wheatley. The Lightning scored four unanswered goals en route to a 4-0 win. The Lady Stars battled hard but could not solve the Lakeshore netminder.
The Southpoint Leamington Kinsmen Intermediate Stars travelled to Tecumseh to tangle with the Tiger Cats. The Tiger Cats jumped out to an early 1-0 lead but the Kinsmen Stars scored two unanswered goals as they battled hard throughout this game en route to a big 2-1 win in EKGIHL league action. Abby “Dangles “ Gualtieri and Kayla “Lights Out” Collison scored the Stars’ goals. Assists were by Amber Tazzman, Sydney Dries and Rayvenne Sarkis. Alyee “The Wall” Church played absolutely amazing in net as she made several clutch saves to hold the Tiger Cats to a single goal.
CCMS robotics teams advance to provincials
By Bryan Jessop
Students at Cardinal Carter Catholic Middle School are proving that hard work really does pay off.
Two of the school’s three robotics teams emerged from the Dec. 2-3 FIRST Lego League regional competition as qualifiers for the provincial championships to be held in Waterloo in late January of next year. The M.I.S.T.ery Solvers captured the Western Region’s Innovation Award while finishing third overall among 48 teams. The Rain Regents, also of CCMS, took the Champions Award for placing first overall. The third Cardinal Carter team, a group of Grade 9s who qualified by meeting the division’s maximum age limit of 14 when the competitive season began, didn’t return home empty handed either. The team, dubbed The Leamington Live Wires, were chosen as recipients of the Gracious Professionalism Award. Second place went to the Holy Name Hock-Bots of Essex.
Most teams came from public or Catholic school boards in Essex County as well as a handful from Chatham-Kent schools.
“They put in tons of hours,” explained CCMS teacher David Kostanjevec, who coached the three local teams along with Rima Mastronardi and Ida Ricci-Minaudo.
“They worked on their entries after school, on Saturdays, P.D. Days and during lunches. It was nice to see them get rewarded for it.”
This year’s For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) Lego League regional event was hosted by St. Clair College in Windsor, where teams presented their robots’ abilities to panels of volunteer judges. After making their original presentations, all three CCMS teams were asked to appear before an audience of about 1,000 guests
and a group of different judges, each of whom was backed by several years of experience and involvement in robotics.
“They were very critical of these teams,” Kostanjevec noted. “They scrutinized the kids pretty hard.”
“The competition was incredibly intense. There was a lot going on and it was a very long, hectic day.”
— David Kostanjevec
Each team earned points based on three main categories — core values, robot design and project innovation. The CCMS teams spent the first month and a half of their preparation process developing ideas, formulating strategies and then dividing themselves into sub groups to take on tasks such as building their robots and coding. This year, the local teams were presented with Raspberry Pie coding systems, which as Kostanjevec point-
ed out, were vastly different than the Mindstorm systems used at the school last year.
“I’m extremely proud of them,” Kostanjevec said. “They dealt with a lot of adversity and did a lot of problem solving on the fly. The competition was incredibly intense. There was a lot going on and it was a very long, hectic day.”
The Rain Regents are made up of Anthony Policella, Linda Pham, Carter Matthews, Backos Boutros, Lucas Makhlouf, Aiden Woodiwiss and Ian Waechter. The M.I.S.T.ery Solvers are Tyson Antunes, Alysa Cristofari, Jasmine Jacobs, Vanessa Jacobs, Dawson Rabeb, Kaitlyn Pickard, Matthew Preston and Logan Jardim. The Grade 9 Leamington Live Wires are Massimo Maiuri, Ryan Curran, James Makhlouf, Aaron Belanger, Agnes Bartha, Conner Lowhorn, Liam Alice and Joel Kress. Next year, the eldest team will be able to either serve as a mentor group for the CCMS Grade 7 and 8 teams or enter FIRST events at the high school level’s Robotics Competition. In preparation for the FIRST provincials in Waterloo on
The Cardinal Carter Middle School robotics team dubbed the Live Wires were winners of the Gracious Professionalism Award for the Robotics Canada F.I.R.S.T. Lego League (FLL) West Region qualifying tournament at St. Clair College Saturday, Dec. 2. The team was represented by, from left to right, Massimo Maiuri, Ryan Curran, James Makhlouf, Aaron Belanger, Agnes Bartha, Conner Lowhorn, Liam Alice and Joel Kress. The other two CCMS entries — the Rain Regents and M.I.S.T.ery Solvers — finished first and third overall respectively, earning appearances in January’s FLL provincial championships in Waterloo in January.
The Cardinal Carter Middle School robotics team dubbed the M.I.S.T.ery Solvers finished the Robotics Canada F.I.R.S.T. Lego League (FLL) West Region qualifying tournament at
January of next year. The team consists of,
front
back and left
right, Dawson Raheb, Max Jacobs, Kaitlyn Pickard, Matthew Preston, Tyson Antunes, Alysa Cristofari, Jasmine Jacobs and Vanessa Jacobs. The team also won the regional event’s Innovation Award.
The Cardinal Carter Middle School robotics team dubbed the Rain Regents finished the Robotics Canada F.I.R.S.T. Lego League (FLL) West Region qualifying tournament at St. Clair College Saturday, Dec. 2 in first place, earning a spot in the provincial championships to be held in Waterloo in late January of next year. The team consists of, from left to right, Anthony Policella, Linda Pham, Carter Matthews, Backos Boutros, Lucas Makhlouf, Aiden Woodiwiss and Ian Waechter. (Submitted photos)
Southpoint
On December 9 the Southpoint Capitals
Church Directory
ANGLICAN
St. John The Evangelist
60 Erie St. N., Leamington 519-326-3111
Sunday Worship Services
8:30 & 10:30 am
St. Mary’s Church
East West Road, Pelee Island
1st & 3rd Sundays from June to September at 10 am Calvary Church
North Shore Road, Pelee Island
1st & 3rd Sundays from October to May at 10 am
BAPTIST
First Baptist Church
3 Fox Street, Leamington 519-326-5491
Sunday Worship 10:30 am
Heritage Baptist Church
555 Talbot St. W., Wheatley
519-300-1400 Pastor Francisco Penner
Sunday 11 am & 7 pm, Wed 7 pm
Wheatley Baptist Church 47 Talbot St. E., Wheatley 519-825-7433
Sunday Worship 10:00 am
CONGREGATIONALIST
Faith Everlasting Congregational Church 589 Hwy 77, Leamington 519-322-2994
Sunday Worship 11 am
220 Erie St. N., Leamington 519-322-1644
Saturday Services: Bible Study 9:30 am Worship 11:00 am
LUTHERAN
St. Paul’s LutheranEvangelical Church
311 Sherk Street, Leamington 519-326-3966
Sunday Worship Services 10:30 am (Eng)
MENNONITE
Faith Mennonite Church
269 Sherk Street, Leamington 519-326-6391
Sunday Worship Services 10:30 am
Deer Run Church 1408 Deer Run Rd, Leamington www.deerrun.church 519-326-9734
Sunday Worship Services 9:00 am (German), 10:30 am and 11:45 am (English Services)
Leamington Evangelical Mennonite Church 108 Mersea Rd 3, Leamington 519-322-9915
Sunday Worship 10:30 am
Leamington United Mennonite Church
78 Oak Street East, Leamington 519-326-2727
Sunday Worship 9:45 am
Summer Worship Services 10 am
Meadow Brook Church 219 Talbot Street East Leamington 519-326-3605
2 Sunday Worship Services 9 am and 11 am
North Leamington United Mennonite Church 625 Mersea Rd 6, Leamington 519-326-7928
Sunday Worship 10:00 am
South Point Community Church 475 Bevel Line Road, Leamington Pastor Dave Bretzlaff 519-819-1590
Sunday Service 10:30 am
Spanish Service Sunday 6 pm
NON-DENOMINATIONAL
Iglesia La Buena Semilla 269 Sherk Street, Leamington 519-733-0342
Sunday Worship 6:30 pm
Leamington District Memorial Hospital 194 Talbot St. W., Leamington 519-326-2373, Chaplain’s Office ext. 4443
PENTECOSTAL
LakePoint Family Church
285 Talbot St. E., Leamington 519-322-2316
Service Sunday 9:15 am & 11:15 am
Leamington Christian Centre 98 Elliott Street, Leamington 519-322-1504
Sunday Worship Services 10:30 am
English/Spanish 6:30 pm
Templo Christiano De Leamington
39 Talbot St. E., Leamington 519-325-9654
Sunday Worship Services 3 pm
Mount Zion Full TabernacleGospel
6 Mill Street, Leamington 519-252-0031
Sunday Worship 7:30 pm
United Pentecostal Church
312 Erie St. St., Leamington 519-326-7056
Sunday Worship Services 11 am
PRESBYTERIAN
Knox Presbyterian Church
58 Erie St. S., Leamington 519-326-4541
www.pccweb.ca/knoxleamnington/
Sunday Worship Services 10:30 am
ROMAN CATHOLIC
St. Michael’s Church
29 Elliott Street, Leamington 519-326-2643
Saturday Mass 5:00 pm
Sunday Masses 8 am and 10 am 10:30 am Our Lady of Blessed Sacrament - Wheatley
St. Anthony’s Parish (Maronite Rite)
280 Talbot Street East, Leamington 519-322-2282
Sunday Masses 9:30 & 11 am (Lebanese, English)
SALVATION ARMY
The Salvation Army Citadel
88 Setterington Street Leamington 519-326-4901
Sunday Worship 10:30 am
UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA
Leamington United Church
9 John Street, Leamington 519-326-9461
Sunday Worship Services 10:30 am
Olinda-Ruthven United Church
1907 Queen Blvd., Ruthven ON 519-326-3138
Sunday Services at 9:30 am
Wheatley United Church
59 Talbot St. W., Wheatley ON 519-825-4157
Sunday Services at 10:30 am
UNITARIAN
UNIVERSALIST
Unitarian Universalist Church of Olinda
2953 Olinda Sideroad, Ruthven 519-326-4352
Sunday Service 10:30 am
Novice AEs win 4-3
On Saturday afternoon the Southpoint Capitals L.J. Fleming Ltd. Novice AE team hosted a strong team from Chatham-Kent.
The game started with a furious pace as both teams raced from end to end testing the netminders. Midway through the first, with Southpoint on the powerplay, Aidan Pulley stopped Chatham’s clearing attempt along the boards and made a nice pass to Kayden Cook in the slot who fired it blocker side to get the home team on the board first.
The score remained this way until the second when Chatham was able to even the score during a goalmouth scramble.
With a little over four minutes remaining in the second, Cook raced into the offensive zone on a good forecheck. The resulting turnover had A J Youssef tip the puck back to Cook, who slipped one out front to Aidan Pulley, who backhanded one top shelf to again give the home team the lead. Only a few minutes later, Jonathan Recker and Pulley worked the puck back to Cook who was in the high slot. He fired a hard wrist shot towards the net which went off their defenseman’s stick and found the net, giving Southpoint a 3-1 lead after two.
A little over two minutes into the third Chatham poked one in and a minute later, after a giveaway in the Caps end, were able to even the score. But with 2:41 remaining in the third, Brayden Foster poked the puck away from a Chatham forward which was immediately picked up by Jonathan Recker. Recker then skated in over the blue line, made a nice move left around the defenseman, and fired it home to once again give Southpoint the lead.
Chatham had only a couple more chances the rest of the way as the Capitals played well defensively to maintain their lead. The result was a nice 4-3 win for the young Capitals squad.
On December 7, fortyfive Golden Years golfers delivered 65 aces.
Leading the ace parade with 5 was Tom Hyatt, followed by Andy Orsini with 4. Sinking 3 each were Mary Binder, Gary Honey, Laurie Hylton, Bill Mayville, John Murphy, Mavis Rutter, Moe Scratch and Bill Ward. Finding the bottom of the cup with 2 each were Jim Allan, Murray Cascadden, Jack Gisi, Bob McWilliam, Gail Turk, Gerrit Vriesen and Bryon Walker. Chipping in with 1 apiece were Dorothy Cascadden, Al Christie, Pete Daudlin, Cathy Dewhurst, Tom Dewhurst, Barbara Fick, Ron Fick, Vicky Har-
ris, Julia Kos, Marie Lasi, Barb Murphy, Tony Norman, Colleen Pearse, Barry Sweet, Rose Taylor, Bill Taylor, Doug Vickery and Ernie Vandenberg.
Low score for 9 holes was a 16 captured by Bill Ward. Notching 17 were Laurie Hylton, Andy Orsini, Bill Mayville, Murray Cascadden and Marie Lasi. Recording 18 were Pete Daudlin (2), Laurie Hylton (2), Jim Allan, Bill Ward, Barb Fick, Julia Kos, Marie Lasi, Al Christie (3), Al Rutter and Andy Orsini.
Laurie Hylton had a strong performance of 35 over 18 holes. Carding 36 were Bill Ward, Marie Lasi,
Al Christie and Andy Orsini. Pete Daudlin and Bill Ward delivered 37, while Mavis Rutter, Mary Binder, Barry Sweet, Andy Orsini and Tom Hyatt each had 38. Building on his strong performance with 73 over 36 holes was Bill Ward. In close pursuit with 74 was Andy Orsini, 76 by Pete Daudlin, and 77 by Mavis Rutter, Al Christie, Tom Hyatt and Laurie Hylton. Julia Kos and Marie Lasi each chipped in with 78. Capturing first place was Team 10 with 239 (Andy Orsini, Tom Hyatt, Gerrit Vriesen). A score of 240 secured second place for Team 5 (Perpetua Hildrop, Jim Allan, Bill Ward). Nailing down third and final spot with 242 was Team 3 (Pete Daudlin, Laurie Hylton, Barb Murphy). Next week, December 14, the league will enjoy Christmas Breakfast beginning at 9:00 a.m. at Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens, followed by the final golf round for 2017. The golf schedule resumes January 11, 2018.
Good start for Talbot Trail fundraising
By Bryan Jessop
Early December sub-freezing temperatures don’t usually offer the chance to stroll the links of the local golf course, but a dedicated group did just that east of Wheatley.
The Talbot Trail Golf Course’s first-ever Junior Golf Walk-A-Thon attracted 25 participants — one for each year of the facility’s rapidly aging sprinkler system — in an effort to raise funds for a new irrigation system. As of the event’s Sunday, Dec. 10 date, a sum of about $15,000 had been raised by the Walk-A-Thon. Additional contributions continued to greet organizers through midweek. More than $3,000 of the total was drummed up through pledges collected by participating Talbot Trail junior golfers while the balance came from the course’s members and businesses from the surrounding areas.
“It’s a good start for sure,” said Talbot Trail Golf Course manager Steve Marshall. “There’s been a lot of generosity from the membership and the community. It’s only been a month’s time since the meeting, but we had a pretty good turnout and a great dollar amount.”
“There’s been a lot of generosity from the membership and the community.”
— Steve Marshall
The group set out in temperatures that reached a low of -7ºC with wind chill, starting at the clubhouse along the first hole, making their way to the fifth. From there, they took a jaunt to the sixth hole and back to the clubhouse along the eighth and ninth holes. The route took about 30 minutes to complete and was followed up by a pizza party for the junior golf entries, ranging in age from five to 14. Invitations went out to junior golfers and their families earlier this fall to encourage involvement in the Walk-A-Thon. The idea for a fundraiser was presented by the Wheatley Optimist Club’s Larry MacDonald during an October 28 membership meeting in response to the course’s need for a new sprinkler system. The current irrigation parts being used at Talbot Trail were installed in 1992 and are worn to the point where they are in need of replacement. With replacement parts no longer being manufactured, sprinkler heads, wiring and most other related parts minus pipes will have to be replaced to the tune of
about $175,000.
With the Optimist Club’s commitment to youth programming, it was able to step forward with support of the Talbot Trail irrigation fundraiser through the course’s junior golf program. On average, each season draws between 70 and 90 junior members who take to the greens each Wednesday from early July to late August. Reid Funeral Home was also a major contributor in support of the project.
Marshall noted that November of this year would have been an ideal time to replace the 25-year-old sprinkler system, but not enough funds were available at the time. Presently, he’s hoping the 18-day project can begin in March or April of next year — a time frame that will depend largely on how much rain water is lying on the course’s surface.
“They won’t be able to get their equipment out there if the
ground is too muddy,” Marshall explained. “If we have to start later in the spring, golfers will just have to go around whatever hole they’re working on at the time. It shouldn’t be too much of a disruption.”
New parts for Talbot Trail’s sprinkler system will be manufactured by Toro while the company being contracted to take on installation is London, Ont.-based Atkinson Irrigation — the nearest available company of its kind that works exclusively with golf courses.
The next Wheatley Optimist Club-backed fundraiser for Talbot Trail’s sprinkler system will take place on a yet-tobe-determined Sunday in February — a skate-a-thon at Wheatley Area Arena. The event’s exact date will depend on the playoff schedule for the Provincial Junior Hockey League’s Wheatley Sharks.
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Twenty-five participants gathered on the deck stairs of the Talbot Trail Golf Course clubhouse Sunday, Dec. 10 just prior to start-
ing a fundraising walk-a-thon for a new sprinkler system at the facility. As of the event’s 2 p.m. start time, approximately $15,000 was raised for the on-course renovations. Additional contributions for the fundraiser continued to trickle in until midweek.
FOURPLEX - 3 BEDROOM.
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3 BEDROOM HOUSE for rent. All appliances included - fridge, stove, washer and dryer. In town. 2 bedroom apartment also available. Utilities included. Available now. 519-816-0068. de13
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B&B MOVING & DELIVERIES - Three guys with extensive experience moving and delivering furniture. 10% senior and student discounts. For all your moving needs, call Neil for a free quote at 519-566-1366. oc11-de27
SEEKING EMPLOYMENT
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IRWIN PLUMBING - New homes, renovations, repairs. Same or next day service. Since 1999. Call Tim 519825-7245. mr8-tf
ELECTROLUX SALES & SERVICE: Complete line of vacuums and shampooers/ floor polishers. Will provide free estimate on Central Vac installations. Contact Dan Bailey. 519-825-7698. tf
SOUTHPOINT PRINT: Envelopes, invoices, flyers, postcards, brochures, booklets, drivers logs, tickets, and many other custom print jobs. Call Mallory 519-398-9098 or mallory@southpointsun.ca. tf
Please fax resume to: 519-733-8059 or apply online at: www jcfreshfarms com
PINNACLE ACRES REQUIRES Full time greenhouse general labourers. $11.60/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 40 lbs on a repetitive basis, fast paced environment, strong work ethic, punctual, reliable. Please apply via email: pinnalcejobs@hotmail.ca No experience or education required. no15-jan10
M&M FARMS LTD - Greenhouse Worker positions available. Responsibilities: crop work, winding, pruning, harvesting, checking quality of harvested produce, other duties as assigned. Work Conditions: fast-paced environment, repetitive tasks, standing for extended periods, bending, crouching, kneeling, attention to detail. working at heights, hot environment. Hours: 45+ hours a week including weekends. Wage: $11.60 per hour, seasonal, full time. No education or experience required. Must have own transportation. Please forward e-mail to mmfarms@bell.net or Fax: 519 326-8047. de6-27
GREENHOUSE WORKERS NEEDED
Employees will be required to carry out all job tasks as specified by the operation manager.
Specific duties include: Pruning, clipping, harvesting and cleaning work area. Repetitive task, standing for extended periods, hot humid conditions, comfortable working on scissor lifts, handling weights of up to 23 kg or 50 lbs, report signs of insect or disease damage.
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GENERAL GREENHOUSE LABOUR - Full time and full time/part time positions available. 40-48 hours per week, weekends/holidays. Wages $11.60/hours. Physically demanding work, load lifting required, hot humid environment. Duties include planting, pruning, suckering, harvesting and other duties as assigned. No experience or education required. Apply to IPR Farms Ltd. by fax 519-326-6702 or email hriprfms@gmail.com. no22-de27
NOTICES
Election Notice
The current term of office for elected officials in the offices of Mayor, Deputy Mayor, five (5) Councillors and School Board Trustee is December 1, 2014 to November 30, 2018.
The 2018 Municipal Election will take place on Monday, October 22, 2018 and eligible electors will be able to vote from a mobile device, computer, telephone, cell phone, tablet (iPad), or laptop.
As a result of amendments to the Municipal Elections Act, Nomination period for the 2018 municipal election will begin Tuesday, May 1, 2018 and will end at 2:00 PM on Friday, July 27, 2018 (Nomination Day). This is the period of time when the Office of the Clerk will accept nomination papers of those individuals wishing to run for the offices of Mayor, Deputy Mayor and five (5) Councillors and School Board Trustee.
Please stay tuned to the municipal website www. leamington.ca for additional voting and candidate information and education sessions.
Brenda M. Percy Clerk/Returning Officer
Municipality of Leamington 111 Erie Street North Leamington, ON N8H 2Z9
Phone: 519-326-5761
clerks@leamington.ca
E-mail, call or drop off your classified ad by Friday at 4:00 p.m. 194 Talbot St. E. Unit 5, Leamington ON N8H 1M2 Ph: 519-398-9098 Email: journal@mnsi.net or sun@mnsi.net We accept CASH, CHEQUE, DEBIT, VISA & MASTERCARD
We are seeking GREENHOUSE
PRODUCTION ASSOCIATES
• Compensation is $12.00/hr
• Monday through Friday (Occasional Saturdays)
• No education or experience required.
• Duties include hand-trimming, taking cuttings, hand harvesting, watering and cleaning of greenhouse.
Please apply at: careers@aphria.com or mail a resume to: P.O. Box 20009 269 Erie St. S., Leamington, ON N8H 3C4
START YOUR WAY to becoming a Survey Evaluator and earn from $150 for every survey you do weekly. If you have any further questions contact survey.services@ accountant.com. no29-de13 Call 519-398-9098 to place any of your special announcements or e-mail sun@mnsi.net
NOTICES
Council approved the introduction of a Comprehensive Business Licensing program, which will replace the Business Registry system currently in place. All those businesses previously registered under the Business Registry system will be required to apply for a Business Licence under the Comprehensive Business Licensing By-law and pay the applicable fee.
The Business Licensing program will be effective January 1, 2018. All businesses are required to apply as of January 2, 2018 except those business categories listed below who have a different application date:
Business Description Application Deadline
Adult Entertainment Owner February 1, 2018
Adult Entertainment Operator February 1, 2018
Bed & Breakfast Establishment February 1, 2018
Caterer
March 1, 2018
Driving School Operator March 1, 2018
Driving School Instructor March 1, 2018
Eating Establishment February 1, 2018
Food Vehicle
April 1, 2018
Ice Cream Cart April 1, 2018
Ice Cream Vehicle April 1, 2018
Pawnbroker March 1, 2018
Personal Care Service Establishment May 1, 2018
Salvage Yard May 1, 2018
Application forms can be found on the Municipality of Leamington’s website at www.leamington.ca.
Please contact 519-326-5761 or clerks@leamington.ca if you would like to arrange for a meeting to review the Business Licence application process.
Flyers edge Rockets
By Bryan Jessop 2017-2018
Rory DiNiro of the Flyers emerges from behind the Strathroy net looking for a teammate to receive a pass as Braeden Bowers pursues during the first period of a Western Conference match at Highbury Canco Arena Thursday, Dec. 7. The Flyers hung on for a 3-2 regulation victory during their annual Teddy Bear Toss, where spectators threw 460 stuffed toys, mitts, toques and scarves onto the ice in support of Leamington Toys For Tots. (Sun photo)
Although the Leamington Flyers’ most recent Thursday night match up could have gone either way, the home team’s offense was a bit too much to ‘bear’ for the Strathroy Rockets.
Leamington’s Junior B squad capped its annual Teddy Bear Toss for the local Toys For Tots charity with a 3-2 win over the visiting Rockets, keeping the White, Red and Black in the midst of a race for second in the West with the St. Thomas Stars, LaSalle Vipers and Sarnia Legionnaires.
The Flyers dominated offensively for most of the first period, but had to settle for a 1-1 draw heading into the first intermission. Cody Schneider opened the scoring against his former teammates, snapping the puck past netminder Joshua Diamond as it bounced around in the crease during a scramble. Andrew Thoms and Parker Jacques drew the assists.
The goal set off the release of hundreds of stuffed toys, toques, scarves and mittens from spectators as part of the Flyers’ annual Teddy Bear Toss for Toys For Tots, sponsored by Leamington Century 21. A collection of 460 items were rounded up by volunteer players with the Southpoint Minor Hockey Association’s peewee Stars — 13 more donations than collected in 2016.
at waist height and find mesh in the Rockets’ goal.
Dalton Langlois and Blake Bain set up the goal.
“I thought it was going to go way wide,” Robinson admitted of his third game winner of the season. “I was lucky to have it hit a guy and then bounce in.”
Also while on a man advantage, Allen struck for his second of the night by one-timing a pass into the left side of Hedrick’s net during an offensive rush that began at centre ice. The Strathroy bench waited until the clock ticked down to 35 seconds before pulling Diamond for the sixth skater. The Rockets kept the pressure on in the dying seconds of regulation, but couldn’t manage the last-minute equalizer that the St. Thomas Stars had a week earlier. Leamington outshot their guests 3521 and went two for four on the power play while Strathroy was one for five.
“We’re struggling to score on some golden opportunities... I’d like to see us bury a few more chances.”
- Flyers head coach Tony Piroski
“That’s just the way this league is,” said Flyers head coach Tony Piroski. “When you pay the price of admission, you get your money’s worth. There aren’t a lot of 8-1 games — there are a lot more decided in the last five minutes. They’re (Strathroy) not one of the top two teams in the standings, but they’re good.”
Spencer Allen brought the Rockets back to even terms with 86 seconds left in the period, burying a rebound off a Noah Hedrick save made on a release from the point. Leamington tried to regain its lead before the first 20 minutes expired, but continued to be thwarted by the quick glove hand of Diamond.
The Flyers outshot the visitors 16-9 to start the second frame.
The second period took on a significantly chippier, rougher tone where both teams kept their respective penalty boxes occupied for several minutes at a time. Leamington was handed a combination of 13 misconducts and minor penalties while Strathroy was served 12. By the time the third period began, both penalty boxes were standing room only.
Far less transpired on the scoreboard in the middle frame, although Maddux Rychel brought the Flyers back into the lead after nabbing the puck on a mishandled save by Diamond and tapping it into the left side of the goal. The scoring opportunity was presented following a blast from the point by Colton O’Brien. Blake Johnson earned the second assist.
For the following Sunday home game against Sarnia — the Flyers’ annual Pizza Day, courtesy of Dominos — Piroski explained that his team would have to capitalize on more of its scoring chances.
“We’re struggling to score on some golden opportunities,” he explained. “I’d like to see us bury a few more chances.”
The late afternoon game at Highbury Canco Arena ended in a 5-2 score favouring the Flyers. Leamington goals were scored by Schneider, Rychel with two, Josh Pope-Ferguson and Robinson. Matt Stoia tied the game at 1-1 late in the first before Brock Perry brought Sarnia to within a goal for a 3-2 score 7:20 into the middle period. The Flyers outshot the Legionnaires 37-25 and were a perfect two for two on the power play while Sarnia was one for three.
The Flyers’ next home game will be played Thursday, Dec. 14 at 7:10 p.m. against the Chatham Maroons.
Rest of the West
The teams were an even 8-8 in shots on net for the second period.
The two sides traded power play markers in the third, starting with Griffin Robinson’s game winner. Just beyond the period’s midway mark, Robinson unleashed a shot from the point that struck traffic in front of Diamond, allowing the puck to redirect
On Wednesday, the London Nationals made quick work of the St. Marys Lincolns in an 8-2 decision while the LaSalle Vipers notched a win via a 4-1 decision over the visiting Maroons. The Vipers were blanked 1-0 by the Legionnaires Thursday. On Friday, the Stars came out on top 5-1 over the Legionnaires. Saturday contests included a 3-2 overtime win for Komoka against the Nationals as Chatham won in a 5-3 decision over Strathroy. The weekend concluded with a 4-1 victory for Chatham over LaSalle.
Players with the peewee Southpoint Stars girls hockey team load a large bag with stuffed toys, toques, mittens and scarves after the Leamington Flyers’ first goal against the Strathroy Rockets Thursday, Dec. 7. (Sun photo)
Josh Pope-Ferguson prepares to release a shot at the Rockets’ net with Joshua Diamond guarding the goal and Brady MacDonald giving chase during the second period. (Sun photo)