April 6, 2016

Leamington, Caldwells form partnership

By Bryan Jessop

Unified efforts to reach a common goal are nothing new between the municipality of Leamington and Caldwell First Nation, but the latest partnership between the two communities is being declared a first of its kind.

Representatives of the two groups met at the Leamington municipal office on Erie Street North Thursday, March 31, where Caldwell chief Louise Hillier and Leamington mayor John Paterson signed an agreement that officially launched the Skills Development Initiative. The mentoring program has been established as an ongoing arrangement where Caldwell employees and affiliates will job shadow Leamington municipal staff who perform the same duties.

The internship program is intended to not only promote diversity and create new community partnerships, but also to generate as many as 50 new jobs once it is fully developed.

“The relationship has been just wonderful,” Paterson explained, noting that Leamington has received the support of Caldwell First Nation in projects ranging from new sewage systems along Bevel Line to programming at Leamington District Memorial Hospital.

Departments where job shadowing is expected to take place include engineering, public works, finance and possibly planning. A specific example that the two communities have in mind is marina management, where staff at the Caldwell’s marina on Bevel Line — formerly Towles Marina — will learn from employees at the Leamington Municipal

Marina on Robson Road. Paterson noted that the longterm program will take place at no expense to taxpayers.

“Between marinas, if Leamington’s gets backed up and too busy, they can send us the overflow,” Hillier explained. “There are a lot of boaters using our new ramp. There’s still room for improvement, we’re still learning and we’re not fully operational because not all services are available yet. We hope to get there in the near future.”

With no such partnership known to exist between any other municipality or city and a neighbouring First Nation community anywhere in Canada, Paterson said that the local Skills Development Initiative has received “strong recognition” at both provincial and federal levels.

Since plans for the program became public knowledge, Leamington has been contacted by other First Nation communities to learn about how it functions.

The idea to initiate the project first started taking shape not long after the Caldwells purchased the former Leamington Royal Canadian Legion building at 14 Orange St. and made it their head office. During a visit to the new headquarters, Paterson and Caldwell representatives began discussing community strategies that would be mutually beneficial between the First Nation group and Leamington.

“It was something that sort of evolved naturally,” said Hillier. “There was a mutual respect and concern from the beginning on how our neighbour would work

with us. Because we have respect and trust, understanding developed quickly.”

The program and its training process were written by then Leamington human resources officer Lisa Granger, who recently resigned from the position to become human resources manager for the Town of Lakeshore. Granger began writing the program in April of last year and presented it to chief Hillier and Leamington CAO Peter Neufeld in August. The future of the Skills Development Initiative includes applications for grants from both the provincial and federal governments.

“It’s so exciting to think about what this program can do for all partners, and not just at the political level,” Granger said. “It’s a perfect

chance to be a role model for the rest of the country.” Granger explained that the program began taking shape after the student employment program at the Leamington marina came to an end. Requiring new workers to fill the gaps, she approached Paterson asking if he’d be willing to approach the Caldwells to determine if any of their members would be willing to take on positions at the municipally owned and operated facility. Paterson was enthusiastic about the idea and upon suggesting it to Hillier, found that the Caldwell chief was equally enthusiastic.

“As we moved on in our discussions in supporting one another, we always maintained that we’re good neighbours,” Hillier said.

Caldwell First Nation chief Louise Hillier looks on as Leamington

Mayor John Paterson signs documentation making a Skills Development Initiative official between the municipality and local First Nation community (SUN Photo)

APRIL

IS THE MONTH TO FIGHT BACK

To some, the daffodil is just a flower. To us, it is a symbol of strength and courage. It says:

• we will not give up.

• we will fight back.

• we will beat cancer.

• no one has to face cancer alone.

Daffodil Month, held every April, is a national fundraising campaign of the Canadian Cancer Society. During the month, Society volunteers are involved in numerous activities to raise vital funds for the fight against cancer.

We ask Canadians to reflect upon the thousands of people who are living with cancer and to remember loved ones lost to cancer. During Daffodil Month we encourage Canadians to do something special for those living with cancer or to contribute in some way to the fight against this disease.

Depending on the location, activities include selling fresh daffodils; asking people to make a donation and wear a daffodil pin throughout the month to show their support for people living with cancer; and canvassing neighbourhoods for donations door to door.

Funds raised throughout the month help the Canadian Cancer Society

prevent cancer, fund research to outsmart cancer, empower, inform and support Canadians living with cancer and advocate for public policies to improve the health of Canadians.

Our Impact in Southwestern Ontario

Thanks to YOU - our donors and volunteers! YOU make a difference in our local community and across Canada!

As Canada's leading cancer charity, we fight more than 200 types of cancer on all fronts.

Transportation Service

Our Transportation Service helps patients who have no other way of getting to and from cancer-related care or who can't afford the costs associated with travelling.

In the last 10 years, our volunteers have driven 15 million km and have helped over 18,000 people in Southwestern Ontario.

Cancer Information Service

Our Cancer Information Service provides Canadians with information on cancer diagnosis, treatments, side effects and clinical trials.

In the last 10 years, through this service we've helped 26,890 people in Southwestern Ontario.

Peer Support

Our Peer Support service provides cancer patients and their caregivers with a better understanding of what to expect throughout the cancer experience by matching them with a trained volunteer who has lived through a similar experience.

In the last 10 years, through this service we've matched 2,548 people in Southwestern Ontario.

Smokers' Helpline

Our Smokers' Helpline offers proven tips and tools to help people successfully quit smoking. Quit Coaches help people cope with cravings, man-

age stress, create a personalized quit plan and find local resources.

In the last 10 years, through this service we've helped 17,312 people in Southwestern Ontario.

Closing section of Princess street?

The Council of The Corporation of the Municipality of Leamington will be holding a Public Meeting to obtain input on the proposed closure of Princess Street between Mill Street and Setterington Street to vehicular traffic.

Anyone may appear in person, or be represented by an agent, to make comments at the Public Meeting to be held on Monday, April 11 at 6 p.m. at the Leamington Municipal Building, 111 Erie Street North, Leamington

Persons unable to attend the Public Meeting may submit written comments prior to the date of the meeting. Please submit comments to the Leamington Municipal Building, 111 Erie Street North, to the attention of Lucy Simpson, Infrastructure Services Assistant or by e-mail to lsimpson@leamington.ca

Description of Proposed Closure:

The proposed closure to vehicular traffic would allow the owners of 33 Princess Street to develop a landscaped greenspace on Princess Street between the east side of the building and the municipal parking lot from Mill Street to Setterington Street.

Erie St. S. assessment

Leamington Council received a report at the Mon. Apr. 4 meeting of Council recommending setting a date for appeals under the local improvement charges imposed as a result of the reconstruction of Erie Street from Askew to Oak Street. The project was approved under local improvements by the Ontario Municipal Board in August of 2015 but the actual costs of the project were higher than the fees by-law imposed on the residents.

Any appeals to the assessments will be heard at a future date by a Committee of Revision.

On cloud 6/49: Leamington resident wins $103,577 Global produce company acquires Highline Mushrooms

Acquisition will strengthen operations

Highline Produce Limited (Highline) has announced their acquisition by Fyffes PLC (Fyffes), a global leader in fresh produce and one of the world’s most recognized produce brands.

Highline is a fully integrated mushroom business with five facilities in Ontario and Quebec, including Leamington and Kingsville. It is the largest operator in the mushroom industry in Canada, marketing approximately 58 million pounds (26.3 million kg) of mushrooms per year.

Highline’s experienced management team, led by CEO Glenn Martin, will continue to run the business. All of Highline’s five Canadian locations will remain in operation with business as usual for Highline’s 1,150 employees.

“Highline is a very fine business with a strong position in an important product category,” commented Fyffes chairman David McCann on the transaction. “We look forward to working with Glenn Martin and his management team to continue to develop the business. This transaction

fits perfectly with Fyffes strategic objective of adding an additional product to its existing three through the acquisition of an established, successful, integrated operator in a category with significant scale.”

Highline CEO Glenn Martin said:

“We couldn’t be more excited about this transaction and joining Fyffes, given its long history and successful track record of growth,” said Highline CEO Glen Martin. “We already operate some of the most state-ofthe-art mushroom facilities in North America, and this arrangement will give us access to a global market leader in fresh produce. Our values are strongly aligned, and we look forward to working with Fyffes management as we continue to grow our business together into the future.”

About Highline Mushrooms: Highline Mushrooms was founded in 1961 from humble beginnings and has grown to become the largest mushroom grower in Canada and the world’s largest grower of organic mushrooms. Highline’s highly developed cropping techniques have enabled them to grow all white, mini bella and portabella mushrooms without the use of

Patricia Beemer of Leamington is celebrating after winning $103,577.50 from the March 16, 2016 LOTTO 6/49 draw.

“This win is so hard to believe. I really haven’t told anyone except my husband,” said Patricia while at the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto to claim her winnings.

A regular lottery player, Patricia buys and checks her tickets at the same store each week. “I always joke with the store owner that I’d treat him to a steak dinner if I won, so now I guess dinner is on me!” laughed Patricia.

This win will make Patricia’s dream become a reality. “It’s always been my goal to open up a beautiful bed and breakfast,” said Patricia. “The plan is already in motion. I’ve purchased a turn-of-the-century home near the riverfront.”

The winning ticket was purchased at Leamington Smoke Shop and More on Erie St. S.

any pesticides or fungicides regularly required in the cultivation of mushrooms.

About Fyffes: Fyffes has been in the fresh produce business for over 125 years. It is a producer, shipper and marketer of bananas, melons and pineapples with operations in Europe, the Unit-

ed States, Central and South America. Fyffes produce in the US and Canada is sold under the Fyffes, Turbana, Sol and Fresh Quest labels. Fyffes is the largest importer of winter melons into the US and it also has a significant presence in the banana and pineapple category.

Patricia Beemer of Leamington was the lucky winner of $103,577.50 in a recent LOTTO 6/49 draw.

Publisher

Local caricatures

Local artist and author Todd Stahl shared a few of the caricatures he has drawn recently. This one is of Leamington Fire Service’s Captain Jerry Sleiman. Watch for more in the coming weeks.

Todd Stahl, Author/illustrator, 40 Days in the Man Cave

History to save and create

As I sit and scroll through hundreds of pictures taken during the past weeks, I can’t help but feel that it was all just a dream.

Mark and our visitors flew off the island Sunday, leaving only Butler, Arthur and me to hold the fort. Feelings of both sadness and relief are battling it out within me. Our time together was very special! I think I have worn out my collection of favourite recipes. The great thing is that I have had many requests for one of my newest projects to be a cookbook.

It has been a lovely winter with lots of friends and family visiting. Now it’s time to get down to earth and be busy in a different way. Seeing the island through new eyes is always refreshing. Mark and I tend to overlook the beauty as it sits in the shadow of the maintenance and repairs that we constantly need to add to our list. Prioritizing is our saving grace!

Whale Cay. She constructed a Great House and a Lighthouse. She not only hosted guests such as Marlene Dietrich and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, she also managed a community that housed a workforce of over 400 people. Joe later purchased our neighboring islands named Bird Cay, Cat Cay, Devil’s Cay and half of Hoffman’s Cay, as well as a tract of land on Andros. Both Whale Cay and Bird Cay still treasure the sad remains of stories left untold.

Joe’s brother, Francis Francis Jr., developed the flight ejector seat that saved over 7,000 lives. He and his theatrical wife developed Bird Cay as a private retreat during the 1940s. After visiting their former estate, we all left with feelings of both awe and disappointment.

On Sunday, Butler and I worked. I was making up for some lost time and he was working off his shop bill. First on our need-to-do list is the restoration of the entire downtown, including each of the four tiny cottages. Arthur is 76 and he tells us that some of them date back as long as he does. He pointed out that the oldest ones have a square doorknob hole and were constructed prior to the tool that now cuts round holes!

Since 1940 these four small cottages have survived many tropical storms including Hurricane Andrew. The eye of that hurricane passed right over Little Whale Cay and the storm surge left the downtown underwater and flooded for days.

Butler began his only day off by removing the vinyl square flooring that had chipped over time. As he progressed we found a subfloor that had rotted from past water damage. We both decided that if we were going to go to all the trouble to replace the flooring we should start with a clean palette. Armed with steam irons, we both commenced to slowly lift row by row of tile. I began the job by stooping and squatting then ended up sitting on my butt as my lower back cried out. Seven hours later, we sighed with relief as the last tile was peeled off. We were both excited to begin placing the new vinyl ‘click’ flooring in place the next day. Hopefully, a job well done will give these little homes a longer life!

While our children were here we took advantage of visiting some of the other ‘out’ islands. Prior to going to Whale Cay we encouraged our guests to read the book ‘Queen of Whale Cay.’ Marion Barbara ‘Joe’ Carstairs, the Queen, lived a colourful life. During most of those years she dressed as a man. Known as the fastest woman on the water, she enjoyed a time when she raced boats alongside mostly men and came up a winner more times than not. Joe married a childhood friend for a short time in order to access her trust fund independently of her mother, who was an alcoholic and a drug addict.

During the thirties, Joe purchased the 7-mile island of

Many of the estates built back in the Bahamian heyday were left to the fate of weather and time. At their estate, 3-inch thick wooden doors with 8-inch wide hinges have not been able to keep either the winds and rain from rotting the roof, nor man from ransacking the interiors. In the kitchen a 10-foot long by 8-foot tall icebox is in perfect shape, except for the fact that it has been tipped over and stripped of all the copper piping. In the great room, bamboo furniture sits around a stone fireplace, a pool table and a large wooden hi-fi that was left empty of all its components. Ceiling tiles have collapsed, littering the entire former entertainment area. A large sweeping staircase holds the history of many guests entering and exiting posh gatherings. The grand finale occurred when the owner himself collapsed to his death on them.

Our touring took us to the quaint little lightless lighthouse on the south end of Whale Cay. It sits high on the bluff overlooking two of the most beautiful bays and beaches in the Berry Islands. This visit prompted me to call one of my new friends in ‘high’ places over in Nassau. I shared with him my concerns about the history that is being lost throughout the ‘out’ islands. He informed me that the historic buildings come under Antiques and he happens to know the chairman. I have sent pictures and will await some response as to what can be done to restore what is still salvageable.

On Sunday, while working with Butler, trying to salvage what we can on our own island, I received a message that my friend Robin was flying over with the Deputy Prime Minister of the Bahamas. Unfortunately, both weather and issues with the plane have delayed their visit to a future date.

Meanwhile, the entire crew on Little Whale Cay will continue to maintain and restore each of the historical buildings on our small island. A little love and care goes a very long way!

SHANNON MATHESON

Column brings back fond memories

Editor:

I would like to thank Mark Ribble for his Ramblings in the Wednesday, March 30 issue of the Southpoint Sun. I remember all three men very well and one pops up on my family tree.

“Tink”, Clarence Leon White, has been the topic of many conversations over the years and I would like people to send me their stories. The good thing about the internet never forgetting anything is one can create a tribute that will last forever. I would like people to send me their stories to projecttink@gmail.com and I will save them to a public family tree I have created for Tink on Ancestry.ca.

My personal story comes from working at my family’s fruit stand between Leamington and Wheatley in the ’60s. I know that some of you who knew my father know I should be on familiar terms with characters. Father had bought a large amount of undersized peaches we had on sale for a dollar for an 11-quart basket plus 25¢ deposit for the basket. Early one morning Tink’s old black car –I knew it was Tink because the driver’s side was much lower than the other – came rolling in and he asked me to bring him one of the baskets. I took his dollar and the promise of the basket’s return. Tink came back twice that day to repeat the transaction. On the third trip I asked if he was canning them, to which he popped a peach in his mouth, spit out the pit and said “Nope, I’m just drivin’ around eaten peaches.”

As Bob Hope sang, “Thanks for the memories.”

– Rick Bilinski

P.S. Three 11-quart baskets make a bushel, which equals 50 pounds or almost 23 kilos of peaches.

To everything, there is a season

Well, it’s officially spring. We’ve weathered another winter.

Let’s hope the warmer temperatures return sooner rather than later.

As April unfolds, the daffodils begin to pop up in the yard and wild asparagus will fill the ditches, ushering in summertime pleasures.

April is also the month dedicated to fighting cancer. Not only will daffodils be in the garden, they’re also for sale at local retail establishments, raising money for the Cancer Society.

The elusive ‘cure’ for cancer may never be found, but those entrusted with finding that ‘cure’ keep on working toward hope for those afflicted.

Two weeks ago, Leamington lost one of its cancer champions in Carolyn Garant.

Through a 10-year battle, enduring numerous bouts of chemotherapy and other treatments, Carolyn always faced it with a smile and sense of humour.

I can’t imagine (and hope I never have to) going for a check-up and holding your breath, wondering if the dreaded disease has come back one more time.

Carolyn, and many other people, faced this every time they went for that check-up.

She raised thousands of dollars for cancer research through her Taking Steps team and other fundraisers she was involved in.

In the end, her ‘cure’ didn’t come, but the time she spent fighting and raising awareness may have proven valuable to many others fighting it now or in the future. Her attitude

No objections at public meetings

Monday evening, Apr. 4, Leamington Council held two public meetings.

The first, under the Drainage Act, was to hear any public objection to a proposed replacement culvert over the First Concession Road Drain East.

The second, under the Planning Act, was to re-zone a residence surplus to a farming operation.

There were no objections at either of the public meetings.

Court of Revision confirms assessments

The Drainage Act provides three bodies to which a landowner may appeal when a drainage works is being proposed or improved. The appeal bodies are the Court of Revision, the Ontario Drainage Tribunal and the Drainage Referee.

The first of these is the Court of Revision, which is five members of Leamington Council who have been appointed to hear appeals (if any). They have the authority to send the assessment back to the drainage engineer who developed it so the assessment can be checked for technical errors, to lower the assessment to the landowner by shifting some of the burden of assessment to the municipality, or to confirm the assessment, thus denying any appeal.

In Leamington, referrals and revisions are rare: as was the case on Monday evening, Apr. 4, the court usually confirms the assessment identified in the proposed by-law covering the drainage works undertaken, and that is the end of the mat-

ter. At the Monday Council meeting the assessments for three new culverts crossing

drainage works onto farms were confirmed without appeals.

alone has already inspired others with the diagnosis.

Cancer has touched everyone at some point in their lives. Unfortunately, it shows no mercy and doesn’t discriminate.

My sister had cancer several years ago, and I know she dreads every check-up she attends and I’d bet you find yourself imagining that every ache or pain could be the return of the ‘Big C’.

I lost a cousin three years ago to an aggressive brain tumour and I miss his laugh and goofy smile every day. My mother succumbed to the disease in 2001.

So, you never know. Life is full of clichés, but you can’t help but think of them when stuff like this happens. Life is too short. Live every day as if there is no tomorrow. Tell your loved ones just how much you care about them. All of these clichés apply at a time like this.

With the blooming flowers, they say hope springs eternal (another cliché) so we move on in life without some of the people we care about.

This time of year always brings more awareness to the battle that cancer patients face every day, mostly due to the campaign by the Cancer Society, with help from good people like Carolyn.

But when it hits home like it has way too many times before, you pause and ponder and thank your lucky stars for your health and begin to realize just how fleeting life can be.

HELGA FRANCES JANET JANICE

MARILYN SUE CAIRN

in the in the in the in the in the

ARIES - Mar 21/Apr 20

Aries, you are ready to get moving and have a lot of momentum behind you. This is an ideal time to reach your goals. Don’t let your confidence waver.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21

Taurus, this week it is better to trust your heart instead of your head. Sometimes you have to let your emotions guide your actions, and your gut could be telling you something.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21

Gemini, you have good news to share and you are eager to reconnect with some friends or coworkers. Just complete prior commitments before you begin making plans to socialize.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22

Cancer, things in your life seem to be growing more challenging by the day. Make a list and tackle things as they come up so you don’t start to feel overwhelmed.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23

A few possibilities intrigue you, Leo, but you don’t yet know just where you are going to direct your creative energy. Think it through a little longer.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22

Virgo, you may feel like you can ignore your responsibilities this week, but you cannot. Although you have plenty of free time coming up, you have lots to do before then.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23

Libra, someone close to you isn’t on board with your point of view. You can’t please everyone all of the time. Stay the course if you feel it is right.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22

Scorpio, something is on your mind you need to share your feelings. Resist the urge to hold your tongue. Honesty is the best policy in your book.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21

Sagittarius, you are having a lot of fun now that you made it through a rather extensive to-do list. You can finally rest and breathe a little easier. Make some time for yourself.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20

Capricorn, a busy schedule is proving problematic because so many people are demanding some face time and you want to help them all. However, you will have to pick and choose.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18

Your amicable nature and willingness to let go of your own personal agenda makes it relatively easy for you to interact with a lot of people this week, Aquarius.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20

Pisces, think of ways to increase your income this week. Explore all of your options, even if they mean going out of your comfort zone.

FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS

APRIL 3

Eddie Murphy, Comic Actor (55)

APRIL 4

Robert Downey, Jr., Actor (51)

APRIL 5

Pharrell Williams, Singer (42)

APRIL 6

Candace Cameron Bure, Actress (40)

APRIL 7

Jackie Chan, Actor (62)

APRIL 8

Robin Wright, Actress (50)

APRIL 9

Leighton Meester, Actress (30)

Nominations open for 19th annual Heritage Awards

By C. Scott Holland

The Leamington and Mersea Historical Society will hold their 19th annual Heritage Awards later this fall at the Leamington Roma Club. Nominations for those awards are now open.

The highly coveted awards are handcrafted by the Society’s Bob McCracken and are constructed of materials native to Essex County.

Four major categories are recognized as well as a Meritorious Service Award.

Heritage or historic founding, first families, groups or organizations heralds those people whose positive contributions to local history and heritage have affected the community or region.

Heritage or historic rehabilitation or restoration is bestowed upon a person or group for their work in keeping an important part of the area’s heritage and history alive. This award is often given to a person or a group who, by a physical means of restoration or a method like a book, enlightens the public on local history and heritage.

Heritage or historic contribution (deceased) is awarded to a person or group whose life heritage or historic contributions had an immense impact upon the community and the fabric of area life.

The heritage or historic contribution (living) award is giv-

A multi-service community hub is the new home of the City of Windsor’s Ontario Works office in Leamington.

Work on Hub 33 has been ongoing for several months.

The building, located at 33 Princess St., will house Employment and Social Services - Ontario Works, the Windsor-Essex Children’s Aid Society and the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit, meaning more space and more resources in a single, centralized location.

The former Employment and Social Services office at 215 Talbot St. E. is closed now. The new location will be fully functional on April 18. Until then, residents needing service have access to staff via phone at 519-946-9988. A drop-off box will be available in the pharmacy on the first floor at 33 Princess St.

“We are very excited about this wonderful opportunity for the Employment and Social Services families and individuals we

serve,” said Jelena Payne, Community Development and Health Commissioner.

“This initiative has been a long time in the making and it demonstrates the good things that can happen when

en to someone who via their past and current contributions has made great strides in enhancing the community.

The final award is heritage or historic meritorious service, which goes to a person, group or organization that has unselfishly helped both the community and its citizens enjoy a high quality of life while enhancing the area’s heritage and history.

To send a nomination, write a brief description (one page or less) explaining why the person(s) should receive the award. Include accomplishments in the community which reflect the award for which they are nominated. List your name, address and telephone number along with that of the nominated person(s). In the case of someone who is deceased, list a close living relative.

Nominations can be mailed to: 2016 Heritage Awards, c/o Leamington & Mersea Historical Society, P.O. Box 201, Leamington, ON, N8H 3W2. All nominations must be postmarked no later than May 28, 2016 and received by May 31.

The Heritage Awards Selection Committee, which consists of several members of the Society as well as representatives from the general public, will review all nominations and make the final decisions. The winners will be announced sometime in July.

community partners come together.”

For urgent matters that arise during the closure, contact the Windsor Ontario Works office at 519-2555200.

Dyck and

Kress: Free

From left

- A Shocking

(Bronze medal); Jordan Avelar and Evan Nassif - CO2 and Algae Growth (Silver Medal; Al-Hijra Environmental Science Award;

of

Department of

and

Science Award); Fadi Naom and Matthew Saad - Moving Forward with Energy (Windsor Islamic Association Award of Merit); Sydney Youssef - Microwave Radiation: Harmful or Helpful? (Bronze Medal; Windsor Horticultural Society Award); Myah Di Laudo and Madison Binder - Biomass - Fuel for the Future (Silver medal; Al-Hijra Environmental Sciences Award; Academy St. Cecile Leadership in Oral Communication Award; Energy Conservation Award; ERCA award; OACETT engineering and innovation award). Congratulations to these awardwinning students! (Submitted photo)

Wins 1st Place in Legion Poster &

ERCF honours outstanding conservation commitment

The Essex Region Conservation Foundation (ERCF) honoured 3 recipients with Conservation Foundation awards at its Annual General Meeting on March 30. The awards recognized outstanding philanthropic commitment.

“Since 2012, the Foundation has recognized the generous contributions we have received from our supporters,” said Richard Wyma, Foundation Executive Director. “It is with our great appreciation that we honour those who have chosen to give back in order to create a more sustainable region.”

The Clifford Hatch Award for outstanding individual contribution was presented to Eric Naylor and family. A longtime supporter of the Foundation, Eric was one of the lead donors to the Trail ON! campaign. A brilliant photographer, he has also allowed the Foundation to use his stunning images to promote the conservation work and needs of the region.

In 2014, Eric was the lead donor in developing the Nature In Education lottery, which provides high-needs schools the opportunity to participate in ERCA’s curriculum based outdoor education program.

“I believe that helping children to connect with nature is one of our most important responsibilities,” Eric said. “It is critical to their development and therefore critical to our future. I am proud to be part of an organization that takes this responsibility seriously.”

The award for Outstanding Corporate Contribution was awarded to Cypher Systems Group, which has also been a longstanding Foundation partner. In 2015, they committed $250,000 to develop and name the Cypher Systems Group Greenway. President Brian Schwab stated the importance of encouraging communities to connect with the environment through a healthy, active lifestyle.

“One of our goals is to engage and educate our employees on healthy, active living and we look forward to our partnership with the Foundation,” he said. This leadership allowed the Foundation to leverage $100,000 from the Town of Essex and $500,000 from the Federal Government’s Canada150 fund, allowing the Foundation to reach its $1 million campaign goal.

A special award for Outstanding Corporate Contribution was also presented to Reid Funeral Homes in recognition of its 20-year partnership with the Foundation.

In 1995, the Fred Cada Heritage Forest was established as a lasting tribute to those who have passed on. The trees that have been planted over the past two decades have now

(Continued on page 10)

The Essex Region Conservation Foundation honoured three award winners who were recognized at the ERCF Annual General Meeting for philanthropic commitment. From left to right are recipients Kevin Reid and Robert Hudders of Reid Funeral Homes, Eric Naylor, and Brian Schwab, President of Cypher Systems Group, with ERCF president Susan Stockwell-Andrews. (Submitted photo)

Beloved pet missing for 3 months returns home

By Pat Bailey

Well the cat came back… but it definitely was not the very next day.

And believe it or not, owner Marcy Kasarda never thought he was a goner, even after more than three months on the lam.

For her three-year-old Siamese cat Mikey, it was an adventure that began just shortly before Christmas.

Kasarda said she had left the cat in the care of a much trusted friend and veterinarian Dec. 23 while she was away on a vacation in Jamaica. Unfortunately, Mikey decided he needed a getaway as well.

With the vet offering to take care of Mikey to ensure he received antibiotic drops daily to ward off an eye infection he was fighting, Kasarda was off to enjoy a vacation in the sun. Carrying Mikey back and forth from the Leamington Veterinary Clinic to his home daily in a carrier, which Mikey detested, Kasarda said the cagey cat gave the carrier door a nudge and bolted.

Soaking up the sun, Kasarda was unaware of the search going on back in Leamington.

She said the staff at the clinic went above and beyond in an attempt to locate the missing kitty before Kasarda returned on Jan. 2.

In fact, Kasarda said, about 40 people were recruited in the effort that involved printing and distributing hundreds of ‘Missing Mikey’ flyers, notifying all the veterinarians in Essex County, as well as rescue groups and animal control — all to no avail.

While Kasarda admitted they definitely made the right decision in not ruining her holiday with the bad news, she said she was heartbroken when she learned about it on her return.

But she was not willing to just sit at home and wait — the onslaught began.

Kasarda said in addition to searching night and day, she bombarded social media with pictures of Mikey and postings of his disappearance. She felt helpless but never gave up hope.

“We drove around and around, calling his name,” said Kasarda. She kept in touch with animal control, hating to ask, but needing to know, if he’d come across any cats killed on the road matching Mikey’s description.

And living by the adage ‘no news is good news’, Kasarda continued on her mission to bring her cat home safe.

While Kasarda had several allies aiding in the search, she also found out there are definitely cruel people in the world — those that called reporting they had found Mikey, learning later it was just a cruel joke.

For Kasarda there were a few telltale questions she needed answers to, before getting excited that Mikey had been found. One involved a little blue collar Mikey had been wearing when he made the great escape, the other regarded his eyes.

“He’s cross-eyed,” laughed Kasarda.

But Good Friday turned to ‘great Friday’, when the phone rang at about 8 a.m. and a message was left by Dorit Girash – she believed she had found the long-lost Mikey.

Kasarda tried to keep her emotions in check, knowing there had already been several false alarms in the 95 days since Mikey has escaped, but called Girash back.

“I called her,” said Kasarda, with tears in her eyes. “I asked her if the cat was wearing a navy collar.” When the answer was ‘yes’, “that, to me, was unbelievable,” she said.

“I was in shock,” she continued, “I was shaking and crying.”

Within the hour, she was standing at the door of the Girash residence, less than four kilometres away.

And after Girash let the stray in, one that had been lurking around their home for about three months, Kasarda knew immediately Mikey had been found.

“There was no doubt it was Mikey,” she said, “he’s a huge cat (about 16 pounds).”

But Kasarda knew Mikey needed her to just sit back and give him space and wait for him to come around. “He walked over and smelled my shoes,” she said, “and then rubbed against my legs.”

“I wished he’d been wearing a go-pro,” she laughed, “I’d like to know what he’s been up to the last three months.”

Girash, in a Facebook post, filled in some of the details.

A safe haven for neighborhood strays, the Girash residence became Mikey’s shelter from the winter weather and constant source of food, with a heated shelter and the availability of food. But it was about three months ago when Girash noticed a newcomer to the yard, one that looked like a purebred Siamese cat.

She said the cat, which they named ‘Sam’, was a little skittish at first but eventually made his way into their sunroom and onto their laps.

Girash said she, too, posted notices on Facebook and notified her veterinarian about the cat. She said finally a family friend remembered having seen a post about a lost Siamese cat. They tracked it down and the call was made.

For Kasarda it was the call she had been waiting for, one she always knew down deep would come.

As for people like the Girash family, “I just can’t thank them enough,” said Kasarda. “I tried to give them a reward, but they

wouldn’t accept it.”

As a show of appreciation for her good fortune, Kasarda said she will be making a donation to the Farley Foundation.

She also has a few tips for those suffering through the escape of a pet. “Never, ever give up hope,” she said, “it’s hard work and you must be diligent.”

Also, she added, always microchip and fix your cats. While still emotional about the reunion, Kasarda said she’s not the only one

celebrating.

“Charlie (their lab and Mikey’s best friend) danced for about an hour,” she said, upon Mikey’s return.

She said the staff at the veterinary clinic “lost it” when they heard the news. After a thorough exam, Kasarda said Mikey is in good shape, losing two pounds — but still suffering from the eye infection.

The vet, she said, is away and is not aware the cat has come back.

Marcy Kasarda was thrilled when her Siamese cat Mikey was returned home on Good Friday after he went missing December 23.

(Photo submitted)

ERCF honours outstanding conservation commitment

(Continued from page 8)

formed a tree canopy, and a truly natural forest has begun to regenerate.

This Heritage Forest is a tribute to all of the families served by Reid Funeral Homes and will be part of the natural legacy that can be left for their children and grandchildren. Since 1995, Reid Funeral Home Ltd. has donated $115,000 towards restoration of the Heritage Forest.

The Annual Meeting was also a time to celebrate the many successes of 2015. “We became one of only 135 organizations in Canada to receive Imagine Canada accreditation, meeting the highest standards of Foundation management,” said Wyma. “We were also grateful for a $30,000 sponsorship commitment from Caesars Windsor for our three signature events. It is an exciting time to be involved with the Foundation – whether as a donor, partner, event participant or volunteer. Please join us as we move forward in continuing to create a future of sustainability for this region.”

To learn more about the work being undertaken to support conservation in the Essex Region, visit www.ourgreenlegacy.org

Fundraising nights raise money for good causes

Charity Fundraiser Night Events were recently held at Chances Gaming Lounge. These fun-filled evenings of gaming helped Special Equestrian Therapeutic Riding Association (SpEqTRA) raise $615 and WonderBroads Dragon Boat Racing Team raise $1410 for their

Each charity sold tickets for the events, with pro-

PELEE PAST QUESTERS WILL MEET Thursday, April 28, 7:00 p.m., at WFCU, 318, Erie St. S., Leamington. Speaker: Chief Louise Hillier. Topic: History and Future Plans of Caldwell First Nation. PPQ is an organization for the study of antiques, preservation and restoration or artifacts, existing memorials, historical buildings, landmarks, and education. Guests are welcome. To reserve a spot call Jackie King 519-326-1361. 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

STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF REVELATION, Sundays at 7:00 p.m., Seventh-day Adventist Church, 220 Erie St. N., Leamington. This is a new seminar on Bible prophecy. Study outlines are provided. All are welcome. For more information call 519-3221644.

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 SECC519-326-8629 ext.381. www.secc.on.ca.

PREGNANCY & RESOURCE CENTRE, 33 Princes St. (Princess Centre) Suite 408, 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: 519-3263821.

WEDNESDAYS - Are you looking for food and fellowship? Join us, no charge, at St. John’s Anglican Church, 60 Erie St. N., Leamington, from 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. Call 519-326-3111 for more information.

IF YOU HAVE PARKINSON’S and would like to join our group for information, exercise and support, come by Tuesday mornings at 10:30 a.m. to the Half Century Club, 160 Talbot St. E. Leamington.

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.

BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS of Windsor-Essex is looking to recruit families and volunteers residing in the Essex-County area who may be eligible to participate in our traditional 1-to-1 Match Mentoring Program. ‘Little Brothers’ and ‘Little Sisters’ are children between the ages of six and eighteen years of age who benefit from having the support, guidance and friendship of an adult mentor. ‘Big Brothers’ and ‘Big Sisters’ are volunteer mentors ages 19 years and older who are committed to volunteering at least a few hours a couple times a month to spend with their matched ‘Little’. If interested please contact the agency by phone at 519-945-6232 ext. 14 or visit our website at www.bigbrothersbigsisterswe.ca for all program and volunteer inquiries.

Representatives of Dragon Boat team the WonderBroads, from left, Sandi Shoust, Valerie Cain and Heather Walker gratefully accepted a cheque for $1,410 from Louise Saad (aat right) of Chances Gaming Lounge’s.

Chances Gaming Lounge’s Tammy Simpson (left) presented a cheque for $615 to SpEqTRA’s Dorothy St. John. organizations.

ceeds from the ticket sales coming right back to them.

Raising funds benefitting Jack Miner Foundation

On Saturday, April 9, Lally Southpoint is bringing Ford Motor Company of Canada Ltd.’s innovative Drive 4UR Community program to Essex County to raise funds for the Jack Miner Foundation.

The Foundation carries on Jack Miner’s legacy of the Jack Miner Sanctuary and Museum, banding and tracking migratory waterfowl and educating the public about the importance of balance and conservation.

“We’re excited to bring the Essex County community together with a day packed full of activities all supporting a great cause,” said Tom Leckie, general sales manager, Lally Southpoint Ford. “We’re given the chance to not only give back, but also celebrate our community, have fun and showcase a few of Ford of Canada’s great vehicles and technologies.”

Kicking off at 10 a.m., attendees are invited to participate in the Drive 4UR Community program by test driving a Ford vehicle. For every person* who takes a no-cost test drive, Ford of Canada will donate $20. Since the start of Ford’s Drive 4UR School and Community programs in 2010, more than $6 million in donations has been raised for schools and charities in Canada. Test drives run until 3 p.m.

It’ll be a Saturday packed with fun, offering everything from contests for duck and goose calling and retriever demonstrations, to children’s activities and the Jack Miner 151st Wild Thing Wing Ding Rockin’ Birthday Bash. It’s an event not to be missed.

Test drives will done at the Jack Miner Migratory Bird Foundation, 360 Road 3 West, Kingsville, ON

*Test drive participants must be 18 or older and have a valid driver’s license. There is a limit of one test-drive per household.

Break-in at Kingsville Arena

Kingsville OPP attended Kingsville Arena for a report of a break and enter and theft. Officers were called to the arena on April 3 when employees arrived at work and found the arena had been entered sometime overnight.

An amount of Canadian cash was taken from within locked offices inside the arena. The Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) was tampered with and Canadian cash was stolen from within the machine.

Anyone with information regarding the person(s) responsible for this crime is asked to call the Essex County OPP Street Crime Unit at 519-326-2544.

Should you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800222-8477 (TIPS) where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.

ERCA Earth Day contest calling for student submissions

In celebration of Earth Day, the Essex Region Conservation Authority is once again seeking creative submissions from students throughout the Windsor, Essex County and Pelee Island region. ERCA is asking students to show, in any creative medium, why trees are important to the environment and their local community. The contest coincides with Earth Day Canada’s theme of #Rooting4Trees.

“Trees are a vital part of our environment and they often serve as symbols of a healthy ecosystem,” says ERCA’s Community Outreach Services Director Danielle Stuebing. “With this contest we want young people to tell us why trees matter to them.”

Students have a number of creative options to tell their tree-related story. ERCA welcomes pictures, poems and essays, and even photographs. The submissions will be separated into five grade-based categories, with one winner declared from each category. The only other requirements for submissions are that the students come from Windsor-Essex and are open to sharing their work with ERCA.

“We wanted this contest to be as open as possible, it’s not just for artists,” Stuebing says. “It’s really about young people showing why trees are important, which we hope will inspire others to get out to a tree planting and to appreciate the positive role trees play in their neighbourhood and the broader environment.”

The student submissions will be shared with the general public on the ERCA website and social media pages. The winning students will also be recognized at ERCA’s annual Earth Day tree planting event, which will take place at 10 a.m. on April 24 at the Little River Corridor at Florence and McHugh in Windsor, just east of the WFCU Centre.

The five winning submissions will be rewarded with an Earth Day prize pack (a $50 value) at the Earth Day tree planting event.

Contest deadline is Monday, April 18, 2016. Submissions can be sent to Alex Denonville with subject line “Earth Day Contest.” Images of art pieces are acceptable submissions.

BANK THEATRE

NOTES

10 ERIE STREET SOUTH P.O. BOX 434

LEAMINGTON, ON N8H 3W5 519-326-8805

DAVE GUNNING

FRIDAY, APRIL 15TH

DOORS OPEN @ 7:00 PM, SHOW STARTS @ 8:00 PM

In a joint fundraising event, The Bank Theatre and The Road to Folkfest Concerts present Dave Gunning in Concert. Based in Pictou County, NS, Dave Gunning is a much sought-after performer in the Folk Festival and Folk club circuit in Canada and the U.S. He is coming to Leamington following a performance tour in Australia. For more information about Dave and his music please visit his website at www.davegunning.com.

Tickets are $20 per person (fees may apply) and available online at: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2476659 or http://kingsvillefolkfest.org/Kingsville_Folk_Fest/CONCERTS.html or by phone at 1-800-838-3006.

IAN SMITH PRESENTS

AN EVENING OF SMOOTH JAZZ

SATURDAY, APRIL 23RD @ 7:30 PM

Come out and enjoy the “cool and easy” jazz stylings of IAN McGREGOR SMITH accompanied by Ryan Fontaine, Kevin Venney, Ralph Brown and special guests Avonlea Smith and Jacqueline Cadarette. Tickets are $15 and available at Thomson Guardian Pharmacy, Wharram Jewellery and Counter Effects.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

MONDAY, MAY 9TH @ 7:00 PM

All are welcome to attend the Sun Parlour Players Annual General Meeting which will take place at The Bank Theatre, 10 Erie St S, Leamington at 7:00 p.m.

Follow The Bank Theatre on Facebook www.facebook.com/TheBankTheatre Email: banktheatre@gmail.com Website: www.banktheatre.com

• By email at Contest@erca.org

• By mail at 360 Fairview Ave. W., Suite 311, Essex, ON N8M 1Y6.

• By fax at 519-776-8688.

A full description of contest rules and ERCA’s Earth Day activities can be found at www.erca.org/EarthDay

The winning students will also be recognized at ERCA’s annual Earth Day tree planting event, which will take place at 10 a.m. on April 24 at the Little River Corridor at Florence and McHugh in Windsor, just east of the WFCU Centre.

Tony Gouveia has emerged as an imposing voice of a new generation of fadistas (fado singers) in North America. His recordings “O Nosso Fado”(2005) and “Fado Ardente,” (2008) reveals his deep passion and authentic vocal expression for this genre of Portuguese music. The recordings offer a variety of styles, from the very slow melancholic to the upbeat and pleasantly piquant. They were critically acclaimed by the Portuguese-Canadian media and have won over many new fans to fado. Even if you don’t speak the language, it is difficult not to be moved by his performance, which embodies the essence of the Portuguese soul. http://www.tonygouveia.net/

JESSICA CERVINI

Heritage Committee presents annual report

The Leamington Municipal Heritage Committee annual report was presented to Council Monday evening, Apr. 4.

Committee members Lee-Anne Setterington, Chris Chopchik and Tony Duncan were in Council Chambers while staff appointee Danielle Truax, Manager of Planning Services, presented a brief outline of the committee activities last year The report was received by Council without debate.

The Churches of Leamington and District Welcome You

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 519-326-4372

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 Pastor Richard Smith

Sunday Worship 10:00 am Children’s Program during Worship

CONGREGATIONALIST

Faith Everlasting Congregational Church

589 Hwy 77, Leamington 519-322-2994

Sunday Worship 11 am

L

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

10:50 am (Summer 10 am)

Leamington Evangelical Mennonite Mission Church 1408 Deer Run Rd, Leamington 519-326-9734

Sunday Worship Services

9:15 am (German), 10:45 am (English)

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 10:00 am

Meadow Brook Fellowship 219 Talbot Street East, Leamington 519-326-3605

1 Sunday Worship Service at 10:30 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 519-322-1858

Sunday Gatherings 10:30 am

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

FGT Family Church

285 Talbot St. E., Leamington Free bus rides available 519-322-2316

Service Sunday 9:15 am & 11 am 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

Ben Taves remembers Dad’s 1930 Model A Ford

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 Parish

29 Elliott Street, Leamington 519-326-2643

NO MASSES FROM JULY 14 TFN

St. Joseph’s Church

310 Sherk Street, Leamington 519-326-2643

Saturday Mass: 5 pm (English)

Sunday Masses: 7:30 am (English)

9 am (Italian, English) 10:30 am (English)

12 Noon (Portuguese)

3 pm (Spanish), 7 pm (English)

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

Mersea United Church

1301 Mersea Road 8, Wheatley 519-825-4157

Sunday Worship Services 9:30 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

Ben Taves started out on a farm in Manitoba, where the horsepower came from horses. Dust storms and the Depression forced the family to move to Wheatley, where Ben’s automotive memories began:

“I travelled with my parents and baby brother in the front seat, and with my other two brothers in the rumble seat, of a beautiful 2-tone green Model A Ford coupe all the way from Wheatley to Harrow to see our grandparents. It was a BORROWED car –drat it! In 1941, Dad bought a 1930 Model A two-door for $175 with just enough room for all of us to remain dry (but not warm) in the worst weather. This beauty was black with yellow wire wheels and loads of chrome. And I was 12 years old!

“We made seven trips in it to the Niagara region. But one time in Leamington, Dad forgot the STOP sign and a bigger taxi-car broadsided our little ‘A’. That accident put the taxi out of commission for a while, but for Dad (now a machinist) with his hammers and well-aimed strokes, his dented fender could be repainted black again.

“While Dad still owned it, he had one rule: ‘You may borrow my car, son, but if I ever hear of you misusing this privilege, that’s it!’ I completed my 360s in secret, played car-tag with friends in a local cemetery, and travelled at top Model-A-speed (55 mph) everywhere. At night, the manifold pipes turned glowing red, sometimes prompting my front seat passengers to exclaim: ‘Ben! Your car is on fire!’ And I only hit one tree, and one house, and ditched (not rolled) Dad’s car twice.

“After I took ownership, I souped it up with eyebrow shades with red reflectors on the chromed headlights, installed an ornamental radiator cap, blue-dotted the taillights, mirrored the driver’s side, and mud-flapped the rear fenders, again with red reflectors. I had my first formal date with these wheels and impressed her until I had a flat tire. She lost respect for us and we for her!

“I needed money for college and sold the ‘A’ for $100 after 11 years in our family. Now the new owner would pull into Mike Miller’s Shell on the Ridge. My father’s favourite line: ‘Five gallons of oil, please, and a quart of gas.’ Mike always smiled at that when Dad came in. And he probably smiled when he spotted the new owner, for Mike knew this tired-out buggy would keep coming in… but I do wish I could have her back…”

Ben Taves’ dad, Jacob J. Toews (left) and his friend Mr. Turner with 1930 Model A two-door in 1943. The other Model A was a convertible with rumble seat.

Reunion planned for 1978 OMHA champs

In 1978 the Nelson Wood Products Bantam travel team was the first Wheatley hockey team to capture an All-Ontario Championship. The squad competed in the bantam C division finals against Powassan (near North Bay).

The local boys won the first two games in Wheatley and then took two busloads of players, parents and fans to Powassan where they won the third and final game to claim the championship.

Almost 40 years later, and there’s a reunion planned. Reunion organizer George Imeson has planned a day of golf and comraderie on Saturday, June 18 at Talbot Trail Golf Club, Wheatley. All former players and coaches are encouraged to attend. George can be reached at 519-818-

Lower drug costs for low-income seniors

Changes to the Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) Program will allow more than 170,000 seniors in Ontario to become newly eligible for the low-income seniors program. As a result, they will save approximately $130 on average per year in out-of-pocket drug costs. Almost half-a-million Ontario seniors will pay no deductible and only a co-payment of up to $2 per prescription.

Starting August 1, 2016, the government proposes to increase the income thresholds to qualify for the low-income seniors benefit:

• from less than $16,018 to less than or equal to $19,300 for single seniors, and

• from less than $24,175 to less than or equal to $32,300 for senior couples.

These new thresholds are aligned with the Ontario Guaranteed Annual Income System and will be indexed to ensure they remain aligned in future benefit years.

At present, there are over 4,300 drugs on the ODB Formulary. More than 1,000 drugs have been added since 2009 and 13 new drugs have been added since the 2016 Budget.

The province will also publicly fund the shingles vaccine for seniors aged 65 to 70.

2796. If you know one of the players in this picture who are out of the area, please pass along this information to them.

Pictured above, in front, from left to right, are Bob Smith, manager, Dave Schrade, Darren Omstead, Tyler Chadwick, Jeff Bowman, Glen Lamb, and Terry Jackson, coach. Second row: Bill Derbyshire, trainer, Tim McIntosh, Scott Omstead, Kevin Dierckens, Brian Dunmore, Randy Wright, Jeff Cowan, Ron Gillanders, and Bob Shaw, coach. Back row: Brett Chadwick, Rob Pursel, Randy Coulter, Jim Heyens, George Imeson, Kevin Babkirk and Todd Moody.

(WHEATLEY JOURNAL FILE PHOTO)

FURNACE SERVICE & INSPECTION

Happy 80th Birthday

Vincenza Ferrante ~ April 2 ~

Vincenza has been blessed with 4 daughters & son-in-laws 8 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. Love Always, Your Family

Happy Retirement!

Congratulations Barb Gardiner on your retirement after 27 years at Arby's Restaurant Leamington. Time to relax and enjoy yourself to the fullest. It's your time. Love Always, Your kids and grandkids.

John & Elizabeth celebrate their 65th Wedding Anniversary on April 7th. They have been blessed with 3 children, 9 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren

CARD OF THANKS

The family of the late John (Jack) Moody would like to express sincere thanks to our families and friends for the love and support, acts of kindness and sympathy, charitable donations, and on-line condolences during our recent loss.

Thank you to 2nd floor nursing staff at Leamington District Memorial Hospital, P.S.W. Laura Froese, St. Elizabeth and Bayshore Health Care, for all they did for Jack.

Thank you to Rev. Paul Rodey for the beautiful and inspiring service, Bryon Knight for his bagpipe music, Amy and staff at Reid Funeral Home and Oak Farms for the beautiful floral arrangements. Special thanks to his Grandson Christopher for the beautiful eulogy and to the Grandchildren for the guard of honourGrandpa would be so proud of you.

Sincerely, Nancy, Diane, Brenda, David & families

The Heart & Stroke Big Bike

team is recruiting riders

If you could help save a life by just taking a seat, would you do it? All it takes is some time, energy and the desire to make a difference!

Big Bike for Heart & Stroke is one of the primary community fundraising events for the Foundation. Big Bike rides are taking place this May and June. There are a few ride times available for enthusiastic riders for the Big Bike events in Leamington, Windsor, Essex and LaSalle.

This fun-filled event is geared towards corporate groups and community organizations, and features a bicycle built for 30. Teams of energetic riders pedal through 200 communities in nine provinces – raising awareness and funds along the way. By fundraising and taking a seat in the spotlight, you’ll have a blast riding the biggest bike in Canada, and show your heart by supporting life-saving research in heart disease and stroke.

MASS

There will be a Memorial Mass for LINUS & EMELIA BACHMEIER

Saturday, April 16 at 10:00 am

St. Joseph Church, 310 Sherk Street, Leamington, followed by a luncheon at Royal Canadian Legion Branch 84, 27 Erie Street North, Leamington

All are welcome.

So claim your seat and join the Heart and Stroke Foundation’s race to save lives. Together, we will transform how communities think about, prevent, manage and live with heart disease and stroke – and create more survivors. Take a seat. Save a life. Visit bigbike.ca and register today.

Leamington Br. 84 Legion news

By Pat Simpson

Just a reminder to members that the General Meeting is tonight (April 6) at 7 p.m. The future of the Branch will again be discussed. This is the Nomination Meeting and if no member of the Branch is willing to run for the office of President, then Branch 84 of the Royal Canadian Legion will have to relinquish its charter.

The Winston and Jean Wales Easter Dart Tournament had a fairly good turnout of 8 teams for the tournament. Darin Mercer and Lee Liddle took 1st in the doubles. Richard Howe and Jan Charbonneau from Branch 84 took 3rd place. Bill Hall, Marilyn Lyons, Penny Stein and Mal Sedlack took 1st place in the teams. Special thanks to Karen and Bill and crew for the food supplied, and thanks to all the players who supported the Branch. Special thanks also to the Branch sports officer Tim Nantais for organizing a great tournament.

Don’t forget the Seniors Dinner on Wednesday, April 13.

OBITUARY

David Kuli

David Kuli, 50 years, passed away peacefully at his residence on Thursday March 31, 2016.

Dear son of Chester and Anne Kuli. Dear brother of Diane Lapos (Bernard Niehus) and the late Mark Kuli (2014). Dear brother-in-law of Lori Kuli. Dear uncle of Joel (Dee), Jeremy (Eva), Janna (Bill) and Adam (Ashley), and great-uncle of Brady, Ayrlon, Alexa and Dillyn. Dave is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Visitation was at the Reid Funeral Home & Recption Centre, 14 Russell Street Leamington.

A private family Memorial Service was held.

Memorial donations may be made by cheque to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or St. Michael’s Church Building Fund.

Friends may send condolences or make a charitable contribution online at www.reidfuneralhome.ca

OBITUARY

John Tarr

John Tarr, 93 years, passed away on Sunday, April 3, 2016 at the Sun Parlor Home.

OBITUARY

Paul Lenahan

OBITUARY

Dean Capogna

Dean Capogna, 57 years, passed away on Sunday, April 3, 2016 at his home.

Paul Lenahan, 74 years, passed away peacefully and surrounded by his family on Thursday, March 24, 2016. A gentle soul has left this earth for a pain-free place. A loving and humorous man, greatly loved by many. Predeceased by wife Jane Lenahan (nee Zevenbergen, 1983) and survived by wife Mary Johnston-Lenahan. Dear father of Dwayne, Kim Wolters (John), Terry (Cindy), Sue (Dan) and Mike (Melanie). Loving grandfather of Calvin, Kelly (P.J.), Danny (Misty), Lacey (Matt), Susy (Mike), Bre-Anne (Mitch), Brittany, Jane, Matthew, Michaela and Morgan. Dear stepfather of Robert Johnston (Terry), Ron Johnston and Randy Johnston. Dear grandfather of Jason, Kelly Vermast (Dustin) and Holly Kettle (Matt). Loving great-grandfather of Dylan and Hailey Wolters, Kale, Layne and Hadley Vermast, Brinley and Harper Kettle. Also survived by his sister Marie Sibbald (Sam), nephew Neil McKay (Doreen), and many loving Zevenbergen in-laws, nieces and nephews. Paul will also be missed by his Slinky Boy, birds and squirrels.

Beloved husband of JoAnne Tarr (Bodi). Dear stepfather of Edward and Lisa Bodi, David and Donna Bodi. Loving grandfather of Jason, Darren, Dana, stepgrandfather of Carly (Mike) and Caryn (Kevin), and greatgrandfather of Koen. Dear brother of Steve Tarr (late Silvia) and the late Susan Simon (late Geza).

Visiting is at the Reid Funeral Home & Reception Centre, 14 Russell Street, Leamington (519-326-2631) on Thursday, April 7, 2016 from 11 a.m. until the time of the Memorial Service to celebrate John’s life at 1 p.m. Rev. Thomas Kay officiating.

Memorial donation may be made by cheque to the Sun Parlor Home Auxiliary Bus Fund.

Friends may share memories at www.reidfuneralhome.ca

At Paul’s request, cremation has taken place. A graveside service was held at Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery, Leamington, on Saturday, April 2, 2016 at 11 a.m. Rev. Liz Chaplin officiated.

Memorial donations may be made by cheque to Multiple Sclerosis or Leamington Hospital Foundation HOSPICE.

Friends may send condolences or make a charitable contribution online at www.reidfuneralhome.ca

Beloved husband of Mary (Barraco). Loving father of James, and Christina Amaral (Gregory). Grandfather of Addison Amaral and the late Domenic. Son of Maria and the late Domenic Capogna, and son-in-law of Paola and the late Jim Barraco. Dear brother of Angelo Capogna, Ernesta Wright, Linda Terron (Bob), Rudy Capogna (Eileen), Patty Broad (Gary), and brother-in-law of Tony Barraco (Chris), Anna Lindsay (the late Keith), Martha Krebs (Richard), Andy Barraco (Tracy). Special nephew of Olivia D’Arcangelis and Josephine D’Arcangelis. Dean will be missed by many nieces, nephews and godchildren.

Dean retired proudly after 37 years with the H.J. Heinz Co.

Many thanks to CCAC, Hospice, Windsor Regional Cancer Centre for all their care and support.

Visiting was at the Reid Funeral Home & Reception Centre, 14 Russell Street, Leamington (519-326-2631) on Tuesday from 2-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m.

Funeral Service to celebrate Dean’s life held at the funeral home on Wednesday, April 6, 2016 at 11 a.m. with cremation to follow.

Memorial donations may be made by cheque to Leamington Hospital Foundation (Hospice) or Heart & Stroke Foundation.

Friends may share memories at www.reidfuneralhome.ca

Tomato products with “Product of Canada” label are made with tomatoes grown right here

By Kim Cooper

You have to hand it to consumers who wanted their French’s ketchup. This is quite a unique situation, where a large food retailer listened and reacted favourably to the wishes of the public. As you may know, French’s ketchup was made with tomato paste from the Highbury Canco facility in Leamington and was shipped to Ohio to be made into ketchup. Now, French’s has decided to make their ketchup in Ontario. Also, Loblaws sold this product, then pulled it from their shelves, but put it back on their shelves. So way to go to all you consumers who voiced your thoughts. Along with this, I thought it might be good to also review a few

things regarding some of our other tomato products. In reference to the Canadian tomato sector, any tomatoes grown for the processing industry are grown in Essex County or Chatham-Kent. There are a number of tomato processors in both regions. All of these processors use tomatoes grown by our tomato growers in both Essex County and Chatham-Kent, so when you go shopping be sure to buy Canadian made tomato products.

Remember that just because Heinz is no longer here making ketchup from Ontario tomatoes, many Heinz products are still made at their former facility in Leamington, now owned and operated by Highbury Canco.

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In addition, most processors supply the major food chains and their respective private labels at stores such as: Walmart (Great Value label), Sobeys/Freshco (Compliments label), Shoppers (Everyday Market label), Zehrs/No Frills/Superstore (President’s Choice label), and Metro (Our Best label).

The important thing for you to understand as a consumer is to buy tomato products with the ‘Product of Canada’ label. If you do so, whether you buy a company’s own brand tomato product, or a private label tomato product – if the can or bottle says ‘Product of Canada’, then the tomato products inside that container will have come from either Chatham-Kent or the Essex County areas.

The ‘Product of Canada’ packaging goes for other food products as well. So if you want to be assured of eating high quality Essex County, Chatham-Kent/Ontario/Canadian food products, make sure you look for the ‘Product of Canada’ on the package.

If you don’t see the above tomato products in your grocery store, or the ‘Product of Canada’ label on the foods you would like to purchase, make sure to tell the store manager you want to see more Ontario/Canadian food products. On behalf of all our agricultural producers, thank you for your ongoing support.

Kim Cooper has been involved in the agribusiness sector for over 40 years. He can be reached at: kim.e.cooper@gmail.com

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Submitted by Andrea Symons

Southpoint Minor Hockey would like to congratulate Ian Faubert, of Wheatley, and a former Southpoint Minor Hockey player, on a fantastic Junior ‘B’ hockey career with the Chatham Maroons.

Ian participated in Southpoint’s Rep program from Novice through Major Bantam and was the heart of the Southpoint 1995 age group. During his time in Southpoint, he learned and displayed many attributes including poise, courage and leadership. He was an assistant captain for 4 years and wore the “C” in his 2005-2006 hockey season with Southpoint.

“I took the leadership position that I was given during my time here seriously and it was greatly appreciated,” said Ian.

Many of Ian’s teams competed hard in OMHA playdowns and were a constant thorn in the side of league rivals.

“I have a number of memorable experiences while playing here, but two memories that stick out the most to me was winning the Silver Stick in Vaughan as an Atom Minor and winning the 2009-2010 Travel Top Overall Forward,” said Ian.

Ian moved on to Windsor Minor Midget AAA for the 2010-2011 season, where he accumulated 15 goals and 15 assists in 30 regular season games.

In 2011, Ian was named

a member of the Chatham Maroons hockey team in the GOJHL as one of the team’s 16 year olds. For the next 5 hockey seasons, Ian played various roles and styles for the Maroons, and played in the Western Conference finals on two occasions. Ian’s senior year would see him named team captain and compile 23 goals and 54 assists for a total of 77 points in 50 games to rank him second in the Western Conference scoring race. Ian was named GOJHL Offensive Player of the month in October 2015, was nominated

for League MVP and won the Chester Pegg Memorial Award for outstanding ability and sportsmanship.

“I proudly attribute my accomplishments to the experiences as well as all of the coaching I had while playing in Southpoint Minor Hockey. I have always lived by the motto of work hard, listen to your coaches and have fun!” said Ian.

Well done Ian, Southpoint Minor Hockey is proud of your accomplishments.

SMHA HONOUR ROLL

“We are looking to cel-

Getty Wins WESPY Award

Ruthven’s Alyssa Getty, 18, won the WESPY Award (Windsor-Essex County Sports Person of the Year Award) for 2016 Female Golfer of the Year at the 11th annual WESPY awards banquet on March 28 at the Caboto Club in

Windsor.

Getty, a member of Team Ontario and Kingsville Golf & Country Club, had a stellar golf season last year by winning the Golf Association of Ontario’s 2015 Order of Merit Award for being the #1 ranked Female Golfer Under 19 in Ontario.

Getty also received the Sandra Post Award from Golf Canada for her top 10 finish in Canada on the National Junior Girls Order of Merit in 2015.

Getty is a freshmen at UNLV (University of Nevada) in Las Vegas on a golf scholarship. The UNLV Women’s golf program is ranked in the top 20 of all Division 1 schools in the NCAA.

Getty recently received news from UNLV that academically, with her 4.0 GPA from her first semester, she finished in the top 5% at the university and has been named into the UNLV Honour Society.

ebrate the accomplishments of both past and present teams and hope to capture as many of its alumni as possible,” said Darryl Glasier, member of the SMHA Board of Directors. “We recently added the new Honour Roll Tab to our home page on the website where this type of information will be posted for many years to come.”

Glasier hopes that by adding the accomplishments of teams and past players will encourage new and current players to continue playing within the organization.

If anyone has any information regarding past accomplishments, alumni who played with Southpoint Minor Hockey until at least the end of their Major Peewee

year, and have played with a Junior team, please email southpoint.ice@cogeco. ca with the details and the information will be considered for the website.

Ian Faubert

Novice Blue wins championship

The Leamington Chrysler Southpoint Novice Blue team battled it out in a semi-final game versus Southpoint Novice Grey on Sat. Apr. 2 at Highbury Arena. Both teams came out strong, looking to clinch a spot in the championship game. End-to-end action resulted in a huge win for Novice Blue with a final score of 6-3, advancing Team Blue to the Day of Champions.

In the championship game on Sun. Apr. 3 in Essex, Southpoint Novice Blue came out strong against Southpoint Novice Red.

Team Blue hit the scoreboard first, second and third. Team Red came back in the third period with two goals, but that didn’t stop Team Blue! The final score was 3-2 for the Leamington Chrysler Southpoint Novice Team Blue, earning them the Novice Tier 1 Championship for the 2015-2016 season! Congratulation to these amazing kids for all their hard work and determination this year! Novice Blue’s full season record was 19 wins, 2 losses and 0 ties. What a great season!

Rhine Danube bowling scores

The following are the Rhine Danube bowling league scores for March 21. Games Over 200: Karl Wachholz 210, Ozzie Wolf 206, Gary Garnham 220, Kevin Kosempel 207, Heinz Kosempel 226, Alex Smith 206-211, Chris Kosempel 224, Jamie Arquette 204, Manfred Dickau 205-269, Dan Dalimonte 202, Brent Bishop 225-265, Wayne Abbott 210, Shawn Leclair 211, Jack Valade 202, Eric Zimmer 279-247. Series Over 550: Gary Garnham 567, Kevin Kosempel 552, Heinz Kosempel 580, Alex Smith 583, Chris Kosempel 595, Jamie Arquette 554, Manfred Dickau 624, Brent Bishop 664, Shawn Leclair 588, Eric Zimmer 723. High Handicap Game: Manfred Dickau 320, Karl Wachholz 305, Eric Zimmer 288. High Handicap Series: Shawn Leclair 792, Karl Wachholz 781, Manfred Dickau 777. Standings: Taki’s 54, Fittler Farms 54, Dickau Construction 51, Del Fresco 42, Rhine Danube 37, Weil’s Food 35.

Citizen ’Cane

Well, here we go again.

The National Hockey League’s rumour mill has been fired up once more, perhaps as a means of placating Canadian fans who won’t have a single team north of the 49th parallel to cheer for come playoff time. Speculation has been swirling for years about a failing southern U.S. market (take your pick) being relocated to Quebec City. In this particular instance, that team is the Carolina Hurricanes.

Why the ‘Canes? Well, Viola and the Florida Panthers just suckered — oops, I meant convinced — Broward County to throw a giant bag of money at the team to help offset operating expenses. It’s like this; the Panthers have struggled at the turnstiles for several years and the south’s favourite excuse is that a team that fails on the ice is also doomed to fail in ticket sales. In capacity percentage, the Big Cats are ranked 26th of 30 teams. So how bad IS the team on the ice? Oh, they’re way down in the cellar, struggling at first place in the Atlantic division (the only team in that group with a secured playoff spot as I write these words) and third overall in the Eastern Conference.

Yeah, they’re stinkin’ up the BB&T Center game after game. Leafs fans would offer their first born for a chance to sit on the roof of the ACC for the last 10 minutes of a game if their team was doing that well.

The Coyotes aren’t on the radar (for now) because of the the already East-heavy imbalance of conferences. The little weasel that is Gary Bettman has already declared that there is NO chance Detroit or Columbus will be asked to be sent back to the West in ANY situation. Naturally, Bettman and Crew are denying rumours of relocation, just as they did in Atlanta HOURS before it was announced that the Thrashers were heading to Winnipeg. I hate to admit it, but despite (or perhaps BECAUSE of) the perfect sense it would make, I don’t see it happening.

Sure, the Hurricanes’ owner — Peter Karmanos — is 73 and has had the team up for sale for quite a while now. His not-so-modest asking price, however, is $400 million US and here’s the kicker — even after selling the team for that ridiculous price, he wants to remain in control of it for the next few years. Imagine, if you will, you’re in the market for a used car. Let’s say you find a ‘fixer upper’ that’s absurdly overpriced at $25,000. The owner can’t hide what a money pit it is, but insists that after you buy it, only HE can drive it. You’ll be able to sit in any of the passenger seats, but don’t even THINK of getting behind the wheel — even if it is YOUR car. Oh, and by the way, you can’t keep the car in your driveway or garage. It has to stay in the seller’s home town, no matter how far away from it you happen to live.

Can you believe nobody’s jumped at the chance to buy the team and keep it in Raleigh so THEY can have the privilege of losing money hand over fist?

The forces behind the new rumour insist that Karmanos is getting a little long in the tooth and wants to spend more time focusing on his young family. He did recently sell the OHL’s Plymouth Whalers to a buyer who put the team in Flint, and that’s gone swimmingly in the first season (please note the sarcasm).

The realignment that would have to come along with a sale and relocation of the ‘Canes would be pretty easy. The Nordiques play in the Atlantic and Detroit moves to the Metro to keep the divisions at eight apiece. What’s funny about the latest round of relo rumours is that Karmanos isn’t saying much of anything to either confirm or deny these ramblings. Quebecor of course is the party most interested in owning a team in QC. They’ve got some pretty deep pockets, and with the Canadian dollar slowly but steadily rising from the dead, the affordability factor could be becoming less and less of an issue. What’s likely more of a financial problem, even for Pierre Karl Peladeau, is the league’s ‘relocation fee’ that would be added to the already steep asking price. When True North Sports and Entertainment bought the Thrashers in 2011, the bargain price of $110 million became $170 million. At that rate, the $400 million Hurricanes become the $541.2 million Hurricanes. After the exchange rate, they’re the $665.7 million Hurricanes. Oddly enough, that makes Bettman’s asinine expansion price of half a billion US big ones more affordable, at $615 million Canuck bucks. Problem is, “NHL expansion” and “Canada” are NOT two terms that can be used in the same sentence when speaking Bettmanese.

So why are the ‘Canes worth $290 million US more than the Thrashers were five short years ago? They’re not. The changing of ownership regarding the Atlanta-based team was somewhat of a ‘fire sale’, where the owner is desperate to rid himself of something, even at a give-away price. In the Thrashers’ case, the owner of the arena gave them the boot — no sense owning a hockey team that has nowhere to play.

And then of course there was the mind-boggling $2 billion sale of the Los Angeles Clippers in August of 2014. It was a classic case of “everything is worth what someone is willing to pay for it.” Obviously, Karmanos didn’t get the memo explaining that an NBA team in America’s second-largest city is a more lucrative investment than an NHL team in Raleigh. Yes, the teams are an apples and oranges sort of comparison between one another, but hey, no harm done in fishing for a sucker.

Anyway, I’m pretty certain that Nords Nation is setting itself up for another disappointment. That’s par for the course (golfing term used VERY intentionally) for Canadian hockey fans.

Leamington Chrysler Southpoint Novice Blue roster: Andrew Demant, Cohen Kimball, Matteo Pereira, Chase Simpson, Dayne Di Milo, Rowen Arthurs, Hadyn Epplett, Carson Koehler, Dylan Marchand, Mason Dault, Mateo Santos, Lucas Grilo, Nathan Omar, Ryder Grossi. Coaches: Dave Di Milo, Dave Pereira, Dante Di Milo. ( Submitted photo)

2015. Fehr has been selected as the winner of the 2015 WESPY Ken Dryden Executive Award, announced Monday, March 28 at the organization’s annual awards banquet in Windsor.

Flyers’ co-owner earns WESPY

By Bryan Jessop

Recent on-ice success for the Leamington Flyers has resulted in some flattering recognition for the leader of the team’s off-ice operations.

On Monday, March 28, the annual Windsor Essex Sports Persons of the Year (WESPY) Awards were held at the Coboto Club in Windsor, where Flyers’ co-owner and president Abe Fehr was officially selected as the winner of the Ken Dryden Executive of the Year Award. Fehr was a 2015 nominee along with Mike Morencie of the Windsor AKO Fratmen football team and Patrick Plummers of the Essex County Senior Basketball League.

“It was quite an honour,” Fehr said of being selected as a category winner for the 11th annual WESPYs. “There was some really good competition there. This is the result of having quality staff to work with. I’ve had some ideas and made some suggestions, but it’s the staff and volunteers who do all the work.”

Fehr, who purchased the Flyers along with his brother Jake Fehr and Gary Langeman in 2010, credits all behind-the-scenes representatives of the team with his selection for the 2015 Ken Dryden Award. He described current general manager Kevin Hopper, former GM Mike Sadler, director of hockey operations Harold Konrad, head coach Tony Piroski and the rest of the Flyers’ coaching staff as the driving force behind the success that led to his WESPY nomination. Fehr also mentioned the volunteer efforts of Hilda Franklin and Cheryl Issell as being responsible for the recent county-wide accolades. Franklin is responsible for game ticket sales and bingo operations while Issell sells Flyers merchandise and 50/50 tickets while collecting admission tickets at the arena’s main doors on the nights of home games.

“These are the people who make the experience as good as it can be for fans,” Fehr said. “What makes it easier for me is that I enjoy all aspects of the team, the day-to-day stuff.” Fehr is also on the executive committee of the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League’s Board of Directors, which gathers monthly or twice monthly in Woodstock for meetings. Currently, the GOJHL board is considering multiple strategies, including the options of realigning the existing 26 teams into two or four conferences from the existing three. The OHA-governed organization is also continuing its pursuit of attaining the same Tier II Junior A status as the Ontario Junior Hockey League. The reclassification objective has been in the works for the past three years and was recently turned down by the OHA and Ontario Hockey Federation.

“We made some errors in the past on how to pursue it, but we’re moving in a better direction now,” Fehr explained. “We want the cream of the crop players to not have to move north of Toronto to play junior hockey.”

Also winning a WESPY this year was Ruthven’s Alyssa Getty in the Female Golf category. In 2015, Getty won both the Ontario and Quebec CN Future Links championships. The Kingsville Golf and Country Club member has won the award for each of the past four years.

SPCC Tuesday Mixed League Winners

Peewee Stars clinch first place

The Community Trophy Southpoint Stars Peewee girls played their last game of the playoff round against Amherstburg Blue.

In a tight three-way race to play in the championship game it was a must-win for Southpoint. A tie wouldn’t suffice. The girls played a solid three periods. Even though play was back and forth when Amherstburg did get into the Southpoint end, the shots were neutralized and played off to the side.

Courtney Jeffery only had to stop a few shots. The defense and centres did their jobs well.

Amherstburg had one breakaway but Alyssa Lamb raced back and knocked the puck off the attacker’s stick.

Southpoint had quite a few shots on the Amherstburg goalie and she was outstanding.

The game was scoreless with a few minutes to go in the third. Needing a win, Southpoint went with a stacked line, putting two of their big shooting defense on wing. This line bottled up the play in the Amherstburg end but the puck wasn’t going in.

Southpoint pulled their goalie, but just as the extra attacker was going on, Alyssa scored at the 1:40 mark. The assist went to Stephanie Wiebe.

Amherstburg came back hard, but with 46 seconds left in the game Alyssa scored again.

Community Trophy will play in the championship game next weekend. Good luck, girls.

FOREIGNER Thursday, April 7

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LUMINOSITY TOUR 2016 Saturday, April 23

JASON DERULO UNDER 19 WELCOME: MATURE CONTENT Saturday, May 7

PAT BENATAR & NEIL GIRALDO WE LIVE FOR LOVE TOUR Sunday, May 15

TIM ALLEN Friday, May 20

JEFF DUNHAM PERFECTLY UNBALANCED SOLD OUT Saturday, May 21

2 ND SHOW ADDED Friday, August 5

THE KILLERS OPEN TO ALL AGES Thursday, June 2 NEW

RON JAMES Friday, April 15

EDGAR

MARTINA McBRIDE Friday, June 17

Tickets on sale now!

GAVIN DeGRAW

June

Leamington Flyers president Abe Fehr welcomes guests to the 2015-16 Western Ontario Confernence Awards Banquet Monday, Feb. 29 at the Leamington Portuguese Club. Beside him is the Stan Moore Memorial Award for the Western team finishing the regular season in first place and behind him the Bill Weir Cup for the Western playoff champions — both won by the Flyers in 2014 and

(Sun file photo)

Sun Parlour Curling Club had their second half season playoffs for the Tuesday Night Mixed League on Tuesday, March 29. The winning team, from left to right, is skip Christian Repman, vice Herb Grundner, second Gary McRae (sparing for Anne Dick ) and lead Stephanie Heaton. (Submitted photo)

A gamesheet full of goals isn’t exactly commonplace when the Leamington Flyers and London Nationals meet at Highbury Canco Arena.

The teams met in Leamington for Game 1 of the Western Ontario Conference finals Thursday, March 31 in what unfolded as a 2-1 regulation victory for the Flyers. The final 43-and-a-half minutes of the series opener were scoreless, a two-way drought that hasn’t been unheard of between the West’s top two squads. Early in the regular season, Leamington and London battled to a scoreless draw.

The first period of Game 1 started at a lukewarm pace for the forwards of both teams, although the Flyers started to put pressure on the Nats’ defenders at about the five minute mark. A persistent attack paid off with a Liam Hogan goal after he chipped the puck past London goalkeeper Connor Hughes at waist height. Assists were drawn by J.P. Grineau and Mitchell Amante.

London evened the score on its first power play when Matt Dotty released a slap shot from the face-off circle to the left of Tyler Wall’s net. The stalemate stood for just over six minutes, until Hughes ventured out of his crease to play a loose puck behind and to the left of his net. A fast-approaching Mark Manchurek stole the disc from the netminder and raced back toward the front of the net, reaching ahead and stuffing the puck into the left side a fraction of a second before a Nats defenseman could intervene.

The first period ended with a 16-6 shots on goal ratio favouring the Flyers.

The middle frame was a mostly uneventful one, despite Leamington’s consistent forecheck and physical element across the rink. The Flyers outshot their guests 11-5, although neither goalie was forced to make much more than routine saves.

London’s offense started gaining momentum in the third, although Wall was able to steer aside all shots that eluded his defenders. The rookie goalkeeper made a key save with his left pad just after the clock ticked down to six minutes to avoid overtime.

The Flyers established a 4021 shots on goal advantage while the Nationals were one for three on the power play. Leamington was held to zero for six on the man advantage, including a 70 second stretch of five on three. The Flyers fired several shots on the visitors’ net, but couldn’t solve Hughes a third time.

“Overall, I was really happy with our performance,” said Flyers head coach Tony Piroski. “We could have put the game away earlier if we had buried a few of our early chances, but that’s how it goes — London’s a skilled hockey team that can really skate. I’d like to see a lowscoring series, but we’ll see what happens.”

“We haven’t won anything yet,” Manchurek said after Game 1. “They’re a good team and we’ve got to give them credit. We’re going to have to keep battling hard.”

FLYERS, NATS EVEN AT 2-2

BY BRYAN JESSOP

inson and Leamington’s Mark Gangnon traded goals for a 1-1 deadlock after 20 minutes, both at even strength. Liam Hogan gave the Flyers a brief lead by scoring shorthanded early in the second before Brenden Trottier tied the game for London during a power play. Callum Ruddock regained the lead for London before Hogan potted his second of the frame to make it 3-3 to start the third.

Trevor Dulong buried the only goal of the final stanza to give the Nationals the victory. Leamington outshot their hosts 28-15 and went one for seven on the power play while London registered a success rate of one for three.

added.

“Our defence was incredible tonight,” Wall added. “With the shots they had I could see everything. I was pretty nervous in the Chatham series, but I was able to start settling down, with our guys playing perfect in front of me.”

The Nationals tied the series on Saturday by holding on for a 4-3 regulation win. Kyle Rob-

tra attacker with 1:05 on the clock, only to set up an empty net marker for Derek Elliott with 50 seconds remaining.

The Flyers were outshot 3126 and went one for four on the power play while the Nationals were held scoreless in

2-1 lead to start the third. Robinson and Vinogradov added to London’s lead in the final stanza.

Wall stopped 32 of 36 for the Flyers while Hughes steered aside 21 of 22 for the Nationals. Leamington was one for five on the power play while London had the same success rate at two for 10.

The Flyers brought some ‘bling’ to Game 3 in the form of Matthew Opblinger, who paced the team’s offense with two goals in a 4-1 victory. In his first appearance in net since the St. Marys series, Michael Barrett stopped 30 of 31 shots for the win.

Opblinger started the scoring about seven minutes into the game for the first period’s only tally. Hogan made it 2-0 during a man advantage in the second, although Ruddock brought London to within a goal late in the frame. Opblinger added an insurance goal with an unassisted effort early in the third. Connor Hughes was pulled from the London net for an ex-

five opportunities.

London evened the series at 2-2 the following day on home ice with a 4-1 victory. Zach Guilbeault started the scoring for Leamington on a power play early in the second period, but Kyle Robinson and Ruddock replied with man-advantage goals of their own to give the home team a

Rest of the GOJHL

The Caledonia Corvairs started the Golden Horseshoe Conference finals with a 6-2 victory over the St. Catharines Falcons Wednesday, March 30. On April Fool’s Day, the Corvairs made it 2-0 with a 6-5 victory. The defending Sutherland Cup champs won Game 3 6-3 and finished the series Monday with a 4-1 win. The Midwestern Conference final began with a 5-3 win for the sixth-ranked Waterloo Siskins Friday, April 1 over the Stratford Cullitons. Stratford evened the series at 1-1 with a 7-0 victory on Sunday and took a 2-1 lead by winning 8-3 on Monday.

WESTERN FINALS PLAYOFF SCHEDULE:

Game 1: Leamington 2, London 1

Game 2: London 4, Leamington 3

Game 3: Leamington 4, London 1

Game 4: London 4, Leamington 1

Game 5: Thu., Apr. 7, 7:10 p.m. @ Leamington

Game 6: Sat., Apr. 9, 7:30 p.m. @ London

*Game 7: Sun., Apr. 10, 7:10 p.m. @ Leamington

* – if necessary

The Flyers Colin Moore is flanked by London’s Colin Wilson and Scott Dorion as he takes control of a loose puck during Game 1 of the Western Conference finals at Highbury Canco Arena. Leamington won 2-1. (Sun photo)

Scott Emerson of the Flyers shields the puck from London’s Callum Ruddock during the third period of Game 1 in Leamington. (Sun photo)

Mitchell Amante keeps control of the puck despite being pressured by London’s Rai Di Loreto. (Sun photo)

Weil’s Atoms take silver

Southpoint Weil’s Atoms took on Lally Ford this past weekend for the Atom division semi-final game.

The first period was pretty quiet with few opportunities for either team. While serving their third penalty, Weil’s Zander Grilo scored a shorthanded goal with an assist from Cian Tiessen. Just minutes later, Erik Heinz scored another goal for Weil’s, assisted by Cian Tiessen. As the second period came to a close, Cian Tiessen took a pass from Luca Rino and tucked in the third goal for Weil’s.

Weil’s played strong to fend off Lally and managed to keep the lead, winning 3-0, and were off to the Day of Champs on Sunday.

Weil’s faced Kent Red in the championship game. They took an early lead when Cian Tiessen scored just a minute into the game. Leah Youssef took a pass from Josh Tiessen to score the second goal.

Kent came back in the second to score a goal and tighten the gap. They scored again to tie the game.

Weil’s Luca Rino came right back to score and gave his

team the lead again. However, just a minute later, Kent came back to tie it up and then scored again to take the lead. Just a few minutes later, Cody Konrad scored for Weil’s to tie it up once more. Luca Rino scored with just four minutes left in the period, but Kent came back to score with just a minute and a half left in the game.

Regular time ended in a 5-5 tie which led to a 5-minute sudden death overtime. Both teams fought hard and Weil’s did an excellent job keeping the puck in Kent’s zone. Abel Teichroeb and Gavin Garcia did an excellent job defending Southpoint’s zone. With less than two minutes left in overtime, Kent broke through to score and win the game. Weil’s took home the silver medal. It was an exciting game and both teams played extremely well. Congratulations to all players on a game well played. Special congratulations to Joseph Gruber who was awarded the MVP of the game.

To the Weil’s players, parents and friends, thanks for an exciting and enjoyable season!

SPCC Men’s Club Champions

Sturling Winners

Homeownership

10% Downpayment Assistance Program

Investment in Affordable Housing Program for Ontario Extension (IAH-E)

The Federal and Provincial governments partnered to fund a Homeownership Downpayment Assistance Program. It is estimated the program can provide assistance for a limited number of households. Downpayment assistance of 10% of the purchase price of an eligible home, up to a maximum of $19,700 is provided by a 20-year forgivable loan registered on title as a second mortgage. Completed applications will be generally processed on a first come, first serve basis having regard to a fair distribution of the program funds across Windsor and Essex County. The program expires when program funds are depleted or November 30, 2016, whichever occurs first.

The Homeownership Downpayment Assistance Program Application form may only be obtained by completing and submitting the Request for Application Form provided below.

cannot be picked up at City

Southpoint Weil’s Atoms: In front, goalie Joseph Gruber. First row, left to right: Cian Tiessen, Cody Konrad, Erik Heinz, Alessia West, Emma Weil, Leah Youssef, Colton Selwood, Josh Tiessen, Abel Teichroeb. Back row: Dan Rino (manager), Eric West (head coach), Adriana West, Logan Jardim, Zander Grilo, Gavin Garcia, Joel Stockwell, Luca Rino, Tim Weil (assistant coach). ( Submitted photo)

There were 16 teams in the Sun Parlour Curling Club’s Thursday Sturling League and it came down to the regular season number one team of Doug Scott and Lee Penfold and the number four team of Rick Metz and Gary McRae. Rick Metz (left) and Gary McRae won the final playoff game and are the 2015-2016 Sturling champions. (Submitted photo)

The Sun Parlour Curling Club Men’s Skip Entry club champions are Ross Adamson (skip), Paul Keller (vice), Tim Stevenson (second), Les Chortos (lead) and the injured Gary Koestler. (Submitted photo)

Velocity 18U boys secure 1st overall in SWO league

The busiest weekend of the season for the Velocity 18U boys took place from Apr.1-3 with three full days of tournament play.

Velocity started on Friday at the McMaster University Marauder’s Cup held in Hamilton. The 12 team field saw some of Ontario’s top teams as they prepared for the upcoming provincial championships. Velocity was in a pool with LVC Fire of London and Leaside VBC of Toronto. Velocity took second in their pool after losing in straight sets to LVC and winning in 3 sets to Leaside. After re-pooling, Velocity lost in straight sets to Guelph Grizzlies and Chatham Ballhawks.

On Saturday the finals at McMaster were played out and Velocity lost in 2 straight to Kitchener Predators. “These are some of the toughest teams we have seen all season,” said club director Jim Konrad about the experience. “It is tough to lose, but as a club our goal is to keep pushing our athletes and ensure they see the potential of the game.”

Sunday saw the Velocity boys travel to Wingham for their second South Western Ontario (SWO) 18U Boys League Tournament. Velocity was ranked second overall behind ChathamKent in the standings, and with the experience they gained at McMaster they had their sights set on taking over first place. Velocity came out strong on the day, setting the pace with 2 set straight wins in their first 5 matches. With a final match of day set against Big Bruce, signs of fatigue were starting to show. Velocity split the match with Big Bruce, ending the day with 11 points in the race for SWO Championships rankings and taking over first place in season points.

This is an important year for Velocity, as they will host the championships for the first time at the Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex.

“We have one goal this season as the host of the championships and that is to win it right here in Leamington,” said Konrad in reference to the importance of winning this year. Velocity is the defending SWO Champions from 2015 in Walkerton. Velocity will have one final road tournament in Goderich on

Apr. 17 to hold their first place position. With over 200 people attending the SWO Championships on May 1 at the Complex it is sure to be a busy weekend of volleyball in Leamington. Anyone wishing to get involved by volunteering is asked to contact the club.

Velocity 14U girls win silver in Palmerston

A snowy Sunday in Palmerston on Apr. 2 was the setting of the final road tournament for the Velocity 14U girls team. After winning silver in their first tournament of the season, the girls had their sights set on gold in the seven-team tournament.

Velocity started the day strong during Pool Play with 2 set wins over Brantford, Listowel Panthers and the Waterloo Tigers, while splitting sets against Scorpions Cambridge and Tigers Red Waterloo. The Velocity girls dropped 2 straight against Minto, placing them in second overall heading into the playoffs.

“The girls had set a goal of winning gold this weekend and played like a team trying to accomplish this,” said coach Lianne Sorrell, referring to the energy of the team. “We are very proud of the hard work they have done and the way they have bonded as a team.”

With a single playoff match on the line, Velocity was in the gold finals versus Scorpions. The battle went back and forth with strong play on both sides of the net. Velocity took the first set 25/21, lost the second set 21/25, and with extra points needed gave up the very exciting final set 17/19.

Coach Amy Pilmer was pleased with the play. “That was fun for the athletes, fans and coaches. We knew the girls really wanted gold and they were so close. We as coaches are very proud of their play,” said Pilmer after the match.

Although this was a team effort, noted contributions were made by: Mariah Carder with 15 kills, 9 service aces and 3 blocks; and Chelsea Tremblay with 12 kills, 9 service aces and 2 blocks. Setting assists were also made throughout the day by Maple Kumar and Iseonna Silliker with 25 and 22 assists respectively.

Next up for the girls are the Velocity Club Championships held at UMEI Christian High School on Apr. 12 with athletes from the Leamington, Essex and Windsor club programs. Club Championships will be followed by the end of season banquet at Jose’s on Apr. 16 where team and individual awards will be given out. The program will be switching over to beach volleyball for the summer season.

Leamington Half Century Centre, Mar. 28: North/South

1st

and Roger Cote and Marie Ellwood (tie), 2nd Eileen Edwards and Jack

and Shirley Plant. East/West - 1st

and

Velocity 14U girls won silver in Palmerston after losing 17/19 in the 3-set battle with the Scorpions Volleyball Club of Cambridge. Team members, front row, left to right: Maple Kumar, Avery Hodgson, Kaitlyn Simpson. Back row, left to right: Lianne Sorrell (coach), McKenzie Keaton, Mariah Carder, Payten Cervini, Madison Vickery, Iseonna Silliker, Chelsey Tremblay, Sophie George, Amy Pilmer (coach). (Submitted photo)

Velocity 18U boys took first place in the SWO league after a three-day tournament weekend at McMaster University and Wingham. Team members, front, left to right: Calvin Wongsuna, Jordan Fehr, Andrew Botham, Allan Botham, Josh Remigio. Back row: Cornelius Froese (coach) Robbie Botham, Daniel Warkentin, Kevin Fehr, Tyler Friesen, Andrew Klein, Ryan Botham (coach), Jim Konrad (club director).

County Bridge Results

-

Sandy and Joyce Gammie,

Warmenhoven, 3rd Jeanne Manners

Mame Nicholson

Dave Derbyshire, 2nd Roy Trowell and Derek Parry, 3rd Mary Strachen and Buddy Ellwood. Kingsville Bridge Club, Mar. 30: North/South - 1st Ron Martin and Derek Parry, 2nd Joyce and Sandy Gammie, 3rd Vi Major and Marg Koeman. East/West - 1st Jack Warmenhoven and Frank Duransky, 2nd Dave Derbyshire and Roger Cote, 3rd Mary Strachen and Patricia Sanford.

Sturling Tuesday League Champs

The Sun Parlour Curling Club’s Tuesday Sturling League had their final season playoffs on Tuesday, March 29. The winning team was Jessica Sylvestre and Brian Westfall. Jessica and Brian also compete in Junior Curling Bonspiels throughout Ontario.

(Submitted photo)

Leamington goalie accepts NCAA scholarship

By Bryan Jessop

Although equipped with an exceptional ability to stop pucks, Leamington’s Tyler Wall can’t seem to stop the attention coming from recruiters of hockey’s top ranks.

The Leamington Flyers’ 2015-16 rookie goaltender recently signed on with the University of Massachusetts Lowell to serve between the pipes for the NCAA Division 1 school, likely to start with the 2017-18 campaign. Wall signed with Lowell during the Flyers’ first round of Western Conference playoffs against the St. Marys Lincolns.

The local goalkeeper, currently a Grade 12 student, explained that there is a slight chance he’ll start with Lowell for 2016-17, but the following year is far more probable. He is considering a number of options for next season, including a year in the USHL — the top junior league in the United States. Wall has been in contact with representatives of a few of the league’s 17 teams, but must await the results of next month’s entry draft to determine the likelihood of joining its ranks next season.

“I’m focusing on this year first,” he explained. “There are a lot of things up in the air right now.”

Throughout the 2015-16 season, a number of universities contacted the 6’ 2” netminder. He selected UMass Lowell because of the favourable reputation in its engineering program — the course he is giving the greatest amount of consideration — and recent success with its men’s hockey team. The UMass Lowell River Hawks were ranked eighth among 60 teams in the United States for the 2015-16 season and were eventually defeated in the East Regional final 4-1 against number one-ranked Quinnipiac. The River Hawks completed the regular season with a record of 24 wins, nine losses and five ties.

Wall also noted that the River Hawks’ assistant coach and goaltender coach — Cam Ellsworth — is also a Leamington resident.

Wall, who turned 18 in mid January, won three of six 2015-16 Western Conference Player of the Month Awards for goaltending while setting Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League regular season records for best goals against average of 1.49 and save percentage of .940. He also set a new standard for wins by a GOJHL rookie goalie with 27 while earning four shutouts. Wall has also been awarded the GOJHL’s Goaltender of the Year.

An Ontario Hockey League draft pick of the Sault Ste.

Marie Greyhounds, Wall started in eight of 10 playoff games with the Flyers this season prior to the start of the Western Conference final against the London Nationals. His playoff goals against average stood at 2.37 following those eight games with a save percentage of .905. Wall played all six games against the Chatham Maroons and despite losses in Games 1 and 3, registered save percentages of .976, .950 and .943 in Games 4 through 6, respectively. He also stopped 19 of 20 shots in Game 1 of the Western finals against the London Nationals.

“We’re so happy for Tyler for the year he’s had and the opportunities for him.”

— Abe Fehr

“Getting further into the playoffs for the first time in this league, I was pretty nervous with the Chatham series,” he admitted. “I’m settling down now, with the guys playing perfect in front of me.”

Wall fielded interest from multiple universities through the latter stages of the regular season with the Flyers before choosing UMass Lowell, situated about 20 km northwest of Boston. His performances in goal also garnered visits from National Hockey League scouts to Highbury Canco Arena from teams including the Detroit Red Wings, Boston Bruins, Calgary Flames, St. Louis Blues, Philadelphia Flyers, Minnesota Wild and most recently, the Vancouver Canucks. Wall is eligible for the 2016 NHL Draft, to take place June 24-25 at the First Niagara Centre in Buffalo, NY.

“We’re so happy for Tyler for the year he’s had and the opportunities for him,” said Flyers co-owner and president Abe Fehr. Fehr has been contacted by one of the interested NHL team’s scouts asking for video footage of Wall in action, a request he redirected to Flyers general manager Kevin Hopper.

“It’s great to see him get this kind of attention, and we hope that other players are being seen at the same time,” Fehr said. “The whole team gets more eyes on them. If one player moves up through the levels, other players will see the Flyers as an opportunity to advance.”

Leamington’s Tyler Wall prepares for a faceoff during the second period of a Western Conference final game against the London Nationals Thursday, March 31. He stopped 19 of 20 shots to contribute to the Flyers’ 2-1 win. Wall signed an agreement with University of Massachusetts Lowell to play hockey for the NCAA Division 1 school, possibly starting with the 2016-17 season.

3 BEDROOM APARTMENT for rent in Leamington, close to downtown. Call 519-7918301. ap6-13

1 BEDROOM APARTMENT in Leamington. $750/month includes utilities. Furnished, very clean. No Smoking. No pets. Available immediately. Call 519-825-3291. ap6

NEWER 3 BEDROOM semi-detached for rent, in downtown Leamington, with attached garage and fenced back yard. Available immediately. Call 519-816-0068. ap6

ERIE APARTMENTS

137 Erie St. South 2 bedroom units available. 2nd & 3rd floor. 13th month free. Available immediately. Call Bob at 226-936-1676

LEAMINGTON LAKEFRONT

Upscale and Affordable in Leamington’s ONLY waterfront rental apartment building overlooking Leamington Marina and Park and minutes from the beach.

Amenities include:

• library and social rooms

• new Smart Card “no coin” laundry

• beautiful lobby

• underground parking

• outdoor balconies

• FREE utilities and window coverings

• Fully secured and 24-7 onsite management.

Ask us about our limited time “New Tenant” incentives.

www.ska-apartmentrentals.com

Call Mike or Kevin

519-326-8819

CALL KAHL RECYCLINGWe come to you and haul away your junk. Scrap metal and appliances are free. Everything else has a fee. Call Ken 519-322-8305, 519-326-8559. ja14-tf

INCOME TAX - Confidential preparation of Personal, Farm and Senior Returns. Pick up and delivery available. E-file or regular filing. Over 35 years experience. Call Tim Mousseau at 519975-2414 or toll-free at 1855-975-2414. fe3-ap13

INDOOR/OUTDOOR CARPENTRY - Renovations and repairs, windows (full warranty), doors, painting, flooring, basements, drywall, kitchens, bathroom. Decks, fences, sheds & vinyl siding. Free estimates. 35 years experience. We install windows and doors year round (senior discount). Call Bill at 519-566-8408. mr30-ap20

J J STITCHING - SEWING, alterations, and repairs. Pants shortened $8.50 plus tax. (Some exceptions may apply such as lined pants). If your clothing is too tight or too baggy, give me a call to see if it can be altered. Call Jean at 519-968-2261. 14 Johnson Avenue, Leamington. jjstitching@gmail.com ja13-jn29

PRINTING: BUSINESS ENVELOPES,invoices, flyers, business cards, custom print jobs, whatever your printing needs, call Jim at The Sounthpoint Sun for quick and economical service, 519-398-9098. tf

COMING UP

LINE DANCING - COME on guys & gals - get into shape for the summer. Great fun and cardiac workout. All ages welcome. Beginners welcome. Leamington Half Century Club, 160 Talbot Street East. Monday morning 9:30 - 10:30 am and Thursday Night 7:30 - 8:30 pm. ap6-13

ESSEX-KENT BLUEGRASS Music Association presents 5 Time IBMA Female Vocalist of the Year, Dale Ann Bradley. Saturday, April 16 at McGregor K of C, 9560 Walker Road. Opening band is The Essex County AllStars. Tickets $20 in advance. Call 519-776.8716. $25 at the door. ap6-13

LADIES! YOU ARE invited to a dinner evening at Colasanti's Tropical Gardens on Monday, April 11 at 6:30 p.m. Cost is $18. Our special feature is Chad Riley from the Leamington Arts Centre and music will be provided by Rev. Richard Smith. Cheryl Fisher will be speaking on "When the Waters Get Deep". Reservations required by Friday, April 8 with Sharon 519-326-0421. ap6

RUMMAGE SALELEAMINGTON United Church, 9 John Street. Friday, April 15 - 9:00 am to 1:00 pm Saturday, April 169:00 am to 12 noon. ap6-13

KINGSVILLE LEGION BRANCH 188 Friday Night Dinners 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Weekly Specials $14 (Ribs or Perch). Other weekly menu items $12. Karaoke every 3rd Saturday of the month 8:00 p.m. 519-7335162 (office) or 519-7339081 (bar). ja6-tf

Tractor Drivers to start immediately. Experience an asset. Call 519-796-5302 or 519-324-9700. ap6-13

LABOUR - Full time and full time part time positions available. 40-48 hours per week, weekends/holidays. Physically demanding work, load lifting required, hot humid environment. Minimum wage to start. Apply by fax: 519-326-6702 or email: hriprfms@gmail.com. mr30-jn1

Seasonal Full Time, Seasonal Part Time, Position for Class D license

Position for Class AZ license Retirees welcome.

Apply In Person with Resume and Abstract. Mon thru Fri 9:00

G3 (minimum)

with OCOT

Time, Benefits Available Prefer resume to be dropped off at: 238 Talbot St. W., Leamington, ON Resume must include school transcript, references and MVR (motor vehicle report)

Alternatively - send to: 519-326-3632 Fax or grossi@grossiplumbing.ca

Armstrong Top Pack Ltd. is hiring 50 permanent, full time vegetable packers for its Leamington location to start as soon as possible. The wage rate is $11.00 for 44.0 hours per week. You should be able to lift up to 50 lbs. on a repetitive basis and be able to sort and pack fruits and vegetables in a fast paced environment.

No education or experience is required. Apply in person from 9:00 to 5:00 at 500 County Road 18, Leamington, N8H3V5 or by email jobs@toppack.ca

Guest Attendants

EXPERIENCED APPOINTMENT CO-ORDINATOR

We are looking for an experienced Appointment Co-ordinator for our dealership. Responsibilities will include:

• Incoming and outgoing calls.

• Friendly outgoing personality.

• Ability to work independently in our upstairs office.

• Availability Monday through Friday plus some Saturdays.

• Job starts as part time, but could work into full time.

• Strong skill needed in appointment setting.

NO CALLS PLEASE Accepting resumes IN PERSON ONLY 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday - Friday Wages based upon experience.

Duties include: sort, pack, products/materials, clean work stations, assist machine operators Drop resume off at office or mail to: 483 Erie St., N., Wheatley, ON N0P 2P0 ATTN: Lori Or email resume to: lori.weil@weilsfood.ca

High volume Produce operation, is looking for a motivated individual to fill the following position:

Bookkeeper

• Full time employment, 5 days a week with the possibly of Saturdays, depending on work load and priorities.

• Must have "extensive" experience in all aspects of Bookkeeping (payables, receivables, bank reconciliations etc.).

• Must have knowledge of bookkeeping data entry software.

If interested, please forward resume to: careers@muccifarms.com

for the following positions:

• General Labourers

• Forklift Drivers

• Quality Inspectors

• Produce Packers

• Maintenance Technicians

Mucci Pac Ltd. operates all year round, and provides steady employment. Work at Mucci Pac Ltd. is not seasonal! If interested, please forward resume to: careers@muccifarms.com

MACHINIST/CNC MACHINIST

Custom Concepts Machining, Leamington, is looking for individuals with manufacturing experience in a precision machine shop environment.

Full time Machinists/CNC Machinists with experience in programming, setup and operating CNC vertical/milling and CNC turning centers. Also able to setup and operate general shop machines and tools; mills, lathes, surface grinders etc.

Candidates with:

• Knowledge of MasterCam an asset.

• Reading and interpreting engineered drawings and blueprints.

• Fit and Assemble components and machine parts to close tolerances.

• Verify dimensions of machined tools and parts using precision measuring instruments.

• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.

• Having an understanding and ability to work to tight timelines.

• Strong work ethic and leadership skills.

Start Date: As soon as possible

Apply by email: michelle@customconceptscanada.ca

NOTICES

NatureFresh™ Farms is currently looking to fill a FT position of a Trailer Driver for our Mobile Greenhouse. Salary based on experience. Position Requirements:

Ability to drive for long hours to locations throughout eastern North America (Canada & USA; crossing border often); must have Class D license with a clean driving record; must be a team player that can also work autonomously for the majority of the time; previous greenhouse employment experience is an asset. Can travel for long periods of time ranging from 3-10 days for event; night time driving expected.

If you're interested in becoming a part of a positive, growing company with a team atmosphere, please apply in person/mail at: 4 Seneca Drive Leamington ON, Fax: 519-326--2070, or email: employment@naturefresh.ca<mailto:employment@naturefresh.ca>

AZ / DZ DRIVERS

Required for spring season. Full-time / part-time positions available. Border-crossing experience an asset. Retirees welcome!

Apply with resume & abstract to: 263 Talbot St.W. Leamington, ON N8H 4H3 or E-mail resume & abstract to: cf@cfgroups.com

Notice of Public Meeting Proposed Road Closure

The Council of The Corporation of the Municipality of Leamington will be holding a Public Meeting to obtain input on the proposed closure of Princess Street between Mill Street and Setterington Street to vehicular traffic. Anyone may appear in person, or be represented by an agent, to make comments at the Public Meeting to be held:

Monday, April 11, 2016 at 6:00 PM at the Leamington Municipal Building, 111 Erie Street North, Leamington

Persons unable to attend the Public Meeting may submit written comments prior to the date of the meeting. Please submit comments to the Leamington Municipal Building, 111 Erie Street North, to the attention of Lucy Simpson, Infrastructure Services Assistant or by e-mail to lsimpson@leamington.ca

Description of Proposed Closure:

The proposed closure to vehicular traffic would allow the owners of 33 Princess Street to develop a landscaped greenspace on Princess Street between the east side of the building and the municipal parking lot from Mill Street to Setterington Street.

Key Map: