The staff at Southpoint Publishing wishes all our readers, advertisers and contributors a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year. Thank you for making the Southpoint Sun your community newspaper. Pictured here are the staff members, in front, from left to right, Jan Watson, Sheila McBrayne and Erin Squance. Back row, left to right, Mallory Heyens, Allison Siddall, Lori Gouin, Jim Heyens, Bryan Jessop, Nick Cervini, Melissa Hopper, Roberta McCarty and Mark Ribble. Absent was Pat Bailey.
If you BUILD it, you can come…
Your hobby could be considered art… If you have a building creation that deserves to be put on display, enter the Leamington Arts Centre’s first ever BUILD exhibition.
This is an exhibition where creativity comes together, literally! We all grew up playing with toy building blocks and model sets and today they are bigger than ever. From kids to adults everyone still enjoys building. Enter your favorite BUILD today! Lego, Magformers, Mega Bloks, K’Nex, Constructs, Lincoln Logs, Lite Brix, Meccano, Erector sets, scale models, popsicle sticks…
The show will be on exhibit from February 2 – 27. To enter the show, go to www.leamingtonartscentre.com for an entry form or drop off your creation and entry at the gallery at 72 Talbot Street West. Cost is $10 per entry. This is a non-juried exhibition. The deadline to enter is January 30.
This exhibition is open everyone. This is an all ages exhibit. All works must be ready for display. Two-dimensional work must be securely wired on back. Alligator teeth style hooks are not acceptable. 3D works must be secure and self-supported.
Works requiring instillation must be accompanied by instructions, diagrams and/or photographs. All artwork must be clearly labeled on back with Name, Title, Medium and Sale Price using the included labels. Stop by the gallery during the month of February to check out these building creations.
Giant Tiger store coming to Leamington
Marketwired announced last week that Giant Tiger Stores Limited will be opening its newest store in Leamington. The location will be the first Giant Tiger in Leamington and is scheduled to open on May 14, 2016.
The store will be located at 215 Talbot Street East and will occupy approximately 25,000 square feet of retail space (the former Liquidation World building).
“We are excited to bring our outstanding value and fun shopping experience to Leamington,” said Thomas Haig, President and COO of Giant Tiger Stores Limited. “Residents of Leamington have been asking for a Giant Tiger for some time now and we are happy to finally break ground here and are looking forward to being part of the community.”
A grand opening is slated for May 14.
2015 Year In Review
JANUARY
$80 million investment coming to Leamington Piroli Group Developments will begin the process of reaching new ‘Heights’ in 2015. The local business has announced its intention of constructing a twinned, condo-style apartment complex along with a retirement home to be situated near the Seacliff Drive East/Cherry Lane intersection. Construction for the first of three phases — one of the two 105-unit apartments — will begin in March or April of this year. Development plans have the completion of the first phase pegged at March or April of 2016, upon which point the construction of the second phase — the other 105-unit apartment building — will begin. Phase 3, a retirement home of about 80 units, will begin after the second phase’s estimated completion date of April 2017. Seacliff Manor is expected to take about 16 months to complete. The twin apartments will be dubbed Seacliff Heights and occupy the nine-acre site’s centre and easternmost sections. The Phase 1 building (centre) will be directly south of/behind Shoeless Joe’s Restaurant while the Phase 2 structure will sit immediately south of/behind Hub International and another smaller site slated for future development.
LDMH Welcomes First Baby of 2015
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 School 9:00 am Worship 10:30 am
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)
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
MENNONITE
Faith Mennonite Church
269 Sherk Street, Leamington 519-326-6391
Sunday Worship Services 10:50 am (Summer 10 am)
39 Talbot St. E., Leamington 519-325-9654
Sunday Worship Services 3 pm
Mount Zion Full TabernacleGospel
6 Mill Street, Leamington 519-252-0031
Sunday Worship 7:30 pm
United Pentecostal Church
312 Erie St. St., Leamington 519-326-7056
Sunday Worship Services 11 am
PRESBYTERIAN
Knox Presbyterian Church
58 Erie St. S., Leamington 519-326-4541
www.pccweb.ca/knoxleamnington/ Sunday Worship Services 10:30 am
ROMAN CATHOLIC
St. Michael’s 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
UNITARIAN
Unitarian Universalist Church of Olinda
Leamington District Memorial Hospital’s first baby of the New Year arrived fashionably late on Saturday morning, January 3. A beautiful baby boy weighing 7 pounds, 4 ounces, Nash Howard Jack Malott was welcomed by his parents Jen Snyder and Nathan Malott of Kingsville. Sisters Allie and Ava were very excited to finally meet their new little brother.
SUV crashes through Talbot store window
While it’s well known that driving doesn’t do much for fitness, it also didn’t do much good for a local fitness centre. The Spartan Nutrition and Fitness Centre at 127 Talbot St. West in Leamington was the site of a single-vehicle crash on the morning of Friday, Jan. 16 when a Honda Pilot driven by a 60-year-old woman smashed through the business’s front window and completely into the building before coming to a stop. The driver, who was the only occupant of the vehicle, sustained minor injuries and was removed from the SUV by emergency service responders.
The central of three stores residing in the plaza suffered significant damage, although the precise value of losses will not be determined until examined by the business owner’s insurance representatives. One employee was the only person inside the building at the time — she was not struck or injured as a result of the collision.
Complex receives anonymous donation
Although a source isn’t revealing its identity, it has certainly made its appreciation of Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex services known. An anonymous donation of $12,000 was made to the LKRC through the Windsor Essex Community Foundation, which officially presented the contribution at the Complex Thursday, Jan. 15. The funds were directed to the Complex through the Foundation’s MRH Fund and presented to LKRC recreation facility coordinator Dave Orshinsky at the Sherk Aquatic and Fitness Centre.
“We’re very thankful — it’s a great gift,” said Orshinsky. “We had no idea it was coming. It was a great surprise and we’re honoured that they recognize what we do.” The $12,000 will be used to fund new youth and adult programming at the Leamington facility
Curling
Club hosts inaugural Glow-in-the-Dark Bonspiel
On Sat. Jan. 24 the Sun Parlour Curling Club (SPCC) hosted its inaugural Glow-in-theDark Bonspiel. The club has been working hard for several months now to purchase and install black lights, paint the ice with a specialized black light-reactive paint and work out all the finer details, which includes such things as how to make the rocks glow to better aid the players during the game, and a viewing area in the clubhouse for visitors. After a bit of trial and error the day arrived and SPCC opened their doors to a gaggle of glowing curlers from clubs in Windsor, Detroit, Kingsville, Exeter, Norwich and Guelph and their own home rink here in Leamington.
The club was full of a jovial energy as club members and community members who weren’t curling came to watch the games and join in the deLIGHTful atmosphere.
Local teen to skate in Ontario Special Olympics
A dedicated schedule of practice and training has paid off for a young Leamington figure skater. Fifteen-year-old Adelina Bailey-Lopes will soon make the trip to North Bay where she will join 300 other Special Olympians for the Ontario Winter Games. Opening ceremonies will kick off the list of events Thursday, Jan. 29 and Bailey-Lopes will compete in two dance events and the freeskate on Jan. 30 and 31. Bailey-Lopes has been led by training coach Laurie Horne-Klassen, who has guided her since she started figure skating at the recreational level about nine years ago.
Horne-Klassen has coached the teen skater privately since 2008-09, mostly with the Leamington Skating Club. More recently, three days per week of training and lessons at the Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex have been complimented by an additional two days in Essex.
february
Leamington Council passes 2015 budget with 0% tax increase
On Wednesday, February 5, Mayor and Council unanimously passed the 2015 budget which will result in a 0% tax increase to the residents of Leamington. Leamington Council has again set the benchmark for the local government sector by passing a budget that maintains services to the community and future financial sustainability. “This is great news for residents and businesses in Leamington,” said Mayor John Paterson. “Leamington is a great place to live and a great place to do business. We are confident that our 100% discounting of the development charge coupled with holding the line on taxes will help foster growth and encourage new development in Leamington,” added Paterson.
LDMH foundation Gala celebrates 20th year
Over 430 guests, raising over $90,000, helped mark the Leamington District Memorial Hospital Foundation Gala’s 20th anniversary Saturday evening, February 7 at the Portuguese Club. The support of guests throughout the years, raising about $1.1 million, has been responsible for helping purchase much needed medical equipment and expand the facilities at LDMH - from the Women’s Centre/Digital Mammography and Dialysis Unit, to help this year with a new state-of-the art CT scanner.
It’s an Honour rolls into town
It’s An Honour tour manager Francois Grenier explains the Governor General’s display to a group of Leamington District Secondary School students during the coast-tocoast tour’s Leamington visit Friday, Feb. 6. The tractor trailer enclosed unit was open to the public late Friday afternoon and Saturday. During the school day on Friday, 15 LDSS classes toured the displays of medals and tributes to Canadian citizens and military personnel who have served the nation through exemplary service and acts of bravery. It’s An Honour’s previous one-day record was 13 classes.
Local Gleaners shipping to North Korea
A historical first for the Southwestern Ontario Gleaners of Leamington has been celebrated with another. The local Gleaners have announced that they will be making their first international aid shipment, a commitment that has captured attention and admiration from Ottawa. For the first time ever, a federal minister stopped by the 40 Industrial Drive location for a tour of the organization’s equipment and facilities. Haldimand-Norfolk MP and minister of public works and government affairs Diane Finley paid a visit along with Chatham-Kent-Essex MP Dave Van Kesteren Tuesday, Feb. 10. Other guests who toured the building and commemorated the groundbreaking announcement included Mennonite Central Committee Ontario executive director Rick CoberBauman, a Kitchener resident. The MCC will take on the duties of shipping 200,000 meals of dehydrated vegetable soup mix prepared by the local Gleaners.
NHL legends make final Leamington appearance
The final Oldtimers Challenge Charity Hockey Game has officially completed nearly a decade and a half of fundraising and fond memories at the Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex on Saturday, February 21. The event’s 14th installment brought along with it a lineup of familiar faces on both the Legendary Hockey Heroes and Leamington OPP teams. Joining the team of NHL retirees for the first time were former Ottawa Senator Bryan Smolinski and Boston Bruin Sergei Samsonov. The event again featured a fun-filled, lighthearted atmosphere that again supported charitable causes W.E. Care For Kids and Cops For Charity. W.E. Care For Kids, an organization dedicated to pediatric care in Leamington and Windsor, benefited from the majority of the $280,000 raised through the first 13 years of the Oldtimers Challenge.
A group of Leamington District Secondary School students test their knowledge of Canada’s honours system during a tour of the mobile It’s An
unit visited Leamington Friday, Feb. 6 and Saturday, Feb. 7. During the school day on Friday, 15 LDSS classes toured the displays of medals and tributes to Canadian citizens and military personnel who have served the nation through exemplary service and acts of bravery. It’s An Honour’s previous one-day record was 13 classes.
Local youth becomes easter Seals ambassador Leamington’s Joshua Zeiter has learned to take what some would call a disability and turn it into ‘this ability’. The local 10-year-old was selected as one of two Easter Seals ambassadors for the province of Ontario, a one-year honour that will keep him busy with a wide assortment of fundraisers and other public appearances. Zeiter and 15-year-old Victoria Chen of Mississauga were officially announced as Ontario ambassadors for Easter Seals during the Rogers Conn Smythe Sports Celebrity Dinner and Auction in Toronto Wednesday, Feb. 18. Applicants for ambassador underwent a recorded interview process in October of last year before an Easter Seals selection committee studied each recording to select the two representatives. The Zeiters — including Joshua’s parents Dave and Joanna and brother Zachery — were informed of Joshua’s selection as an Ontario ambassador in early December of last year. They had to keep the news secret until the Conn Smythe event last month. “I was a little bit surprised,” Joshua said. “I gave my mom a big hug when I found out.” Zeiter is a Grade 5 student at St. Louis Catholic Elementary School.
Leamington resident plans to donate $250,000 top prize
When Michael Schlater of Leamington walked into the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto, he already knew what he planned to do with the $250,000 top prize he won playing Instant Cadillac® Riches (Game #1797). “I will be donat-
ing my winnings to my son’s high school in Leamington!” declared the father of three. “The school is in need of a computer system upgrade and this donation will help them get it.” The 54-year old Leamington businessman has been playing the lottery for nearly 30 years. “When I found out I had a winning Instant scratch ticket it was a huge thrill. It’s the most I’ve ever won. My wife couldn’t believe it and started crying!” Michael says he can’t think of a better way to invest his winnings. “We are very blessed with where we are in life. Now we have the ability to help and that’s what we plan to do,” said Michael. The winning ticket was purchased at Jack’s Mini Mart & Coffee Shop on Talbot Street in Leamington.
Honour program. The tractor trailer-enclosed
Looking back half a century…
As 2016 looms on the horizon, I can’t help but reflect back on what would have been 50 years ago.
In 1966, things in Leamington were just like I remember them.
Our source of music locally was good old CJSP, which had yet to be renamed CHYR, or Cheer Radio as we knew it in the seventies.
the newfangled cars from 1966. Mustangs, Chargers and AMC Marlins started to pop up locally among the old standards.
The Beatles’ Rubber Soul was the number one album to begin the year and it stayed there for several weeks. That album produced some great songs, like Drive My Car, Nowhere Man and the always emotional, In My Life.
The number one song on January 1 was Simon and Garfunkel’s The Sound of Silence.
The White Lunch served up some great food and you always ran into somebody you knew. I remember being amazed as I watched Peter Vourakes toss pizza crusts into the air in the front window of the Mill Bar. Of course, he went on to open the Tropicana and his family continues in the restaurant business today.
On TV, one of my favourite TV shows of all time debuted. Batman was a hit right from the get-go and I eventually fell in love with Batgirl.
The U.S. was still reeling from the assassination of their President three years earlier, and was still two years away from the assassinations of Bobby Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr.
Trips to Burgess Refreshments in the summer time were a special treat, as were trips to the Will-O-Freez, Leamington’s version of the North Ridge Dairy Freeze.
The footlongs from Burgess were surpassed only by the chicken burgs from Will-O-Freez. It was located at Mersea Park on Point Pelee Drive, pretty much where the municipal washroom stands today.
The tumultuous sixties were just starting to get rolling, with civil rights protests, sit-ins and other causes taking centre stage in the news.
As a precocious five-year-old, I spent all summer pretending to be a baseball player. Mrs. Hillman at the CIBC had given me a miniature uniform and I wore it with pride all summer. My uncle Sonny Sovie handed me down his ball glove. It was worn and floppy and too big for me but I loved that glove so much. With me being a southpaw, he was the only other southpaw in the family.
I became interested in the Baltimore Orioles that summer and watched them march to the World Series and win it. All on a small black and white RCA television set with rabbit ears.
Classmate and teammate Greg Guyitt and his family lived right next door. We had a lot of laughs with Greg’s Grampa, Chip Butler, who was a very funny guy.
For my general candy fix, Margie’s store outside the park gates was the place to go. She had black balls, Mojos, and those wax pop bottles with liquid inside, as well as a great selection of 5 cent Coke. I hung around quite a bit with her grandsons, the Stubbert boys.
We were lucky enough in that year of ’66 to have a general store right next door to us at the Point. The Mellian family owned Sunparlor Delicatessen and Mrs. Mellian always had plenty of pop and chips on hand.
I remember watching Bill Kennedy and Rita Bell with my mom and those old movie shows turned me into the movie junkie that I am today.
Of course, Captain Kangaroo and Friendly Giant were big on my list as was a little-known Cleveland TV show called Woodrow the Woodsman. As well, that year CBC produced a show called Adventures in Rainbow Country, which became a favourite of mine in re-runs later in my childhood, along with The Forest Rangers.
Uptown Leamington bustled with activity. Old 1957 Chevys and 1958 Edsels dotted the streetscape, along with
Near the end of 1966, tragedy struck our family. On December 26, my cousin Jeanna (McCormick) Ura was killed when her car was struck by a freight train outside of Leamington on Simpson Sideroad. She was only 19, but already a young mother and had another baby on the way. Her twoyear-old son Carey miraculously survived. I met him a few years ago when I was a teenager and we talked for a bit but I never saw him again. It shows you how fleeting life really is and it was the first death in the family that I remember dealing with.
So, 50 years is a long time with a lot of memories packed into those years, but hey, I managed to live long enough to remember most of it. I guess that’s a good thing.
I need to drink more...
in order to absorb shock when we make sharp movements.
I’m going to drink more in 2016 – water that is. I know we have been told since we were young to drink more water and especially as adults when we start consuming more caffeine. I’m writing this two days before Christmas so the thought of drinking more wine is tempting, but I think I need to drink more water. It’s cheap and easy and one of the best things you can do for your body, your skin and your health.
Too many of us don’t drink enough water on a daily basis. If you experience any of the following, you can improve your situation by starting with a glass of H2O.
Here are 10 signs that you are not drinking enough water - taken from a Facebook post, of course.
5. Prolonged Ailment: As mentioned earlier, water serves as a natural detoxifier, helping us to fight sickness and get well faster. If you take longer to recover from even minor ailments, you need to increase your water intake to help flush out toxic substances from your body at all times.
6. Eye Dryness: Insufficient water in the body can also result in eye dryness. If you are not drinking enough water, it can cause your tear ducts to dry up. Increase your water intake to help you experience less dryness in the eyes.
1. Dry Skin: Constantly dry skin is a tell-tale sign of dehydration, and an individual may be at risk of bigger health issues when he reaches full-on dehydration. Your body needs lots of water to stay hydrated, hence, supple. Sufficient water intake will help cleanse your skin of excess dirt and oil build-up.
2. Always Craving for Sugary Drinks: If you are always craving for sugary drinks, it is a sign that you are not giving your body sufficient water but replacing water with sugary drinks instead. So the next time that you feel like taking that sugary juice, take a cup of cold water instead. This will provide a more refreshing and rejuvenating effect.
3. Mouth Dryness: Insufficient water intake may also be responsible for your constant mouth dryness. Instead of those processed sugary drinks, reach for a cold glass of water to lubricate your mouth’s mucus membranes and to keep your throat moist.
4. Joint Pain: The human spinal discs and cartilages comprise of about 80 percent water. Nature has designed it this way so that our bones will not grind against one another when we are walking. Taking enough water will help keep up the required amount of water that the joints need
7. Declined Muscle Mass: Just like your joints, water is the major component of your muscles. To help increase your muscle mass, drink plenty of water daily. Take water prior to your workout, during the workout, and afterwards. It will help you stay sufficiently hydrated in all parts of your body.
8. Easily Fatigued and Lethargic: The body tends to depend on blood for water when it is dehydrated. Blood with insufficient water will only make the entire body lose lots of oxygen, resulting in outright fatigue and lethargy. So, do yourself less harm by taking enough water daily.
9. Problems with Digestion: Sufficient water helps prevent problems with digestion. Less hydration in the body decreases mucus in your stomach, causing the acid in the stomach to leave some damage in your system. This, in turn, is responsible for indigestion and heartburn.
10. Constipation: It can be quite frustrating when you are finding it difficult to excrete solid waste. Constipation is largely attributed to insufficient water intake.
MARK RIBBLE Rib’s Ramblings
SHEILA McBRAYNE
McThots
highbury canco and Naples Pizza teaming up Naples Pizza (Naples) and Highbury Canco Corporation (HCC) announced a partnership on Friday, March 6, whereby HCC will produce Naples famous pizza sauce exclusively for its outlet stores.
“For HCC this was a great opportunity to come together with a local community partner,” said Sam Diab, president and co-owner of HCC. “It’s always fun at the dinner table when I can tell my kids that the food we are eating was made at HCC, and now I get to say this on pizza night.”
Terms of this agreement were not disclosed, but both sides agree that this agreement supports the establishment of the local food chain in Southwestern Ontario. “Naples Pizza has a loyal and long-standing customer following in the Windsor/Essex County market. We are proud and excited for this opportunity to partner with a local supplier and being a part of keeping jobs in our area,” said Tony Bahceli, owner of Naples Pizza. “At Naples Pizza, we take pride in supporting our community and local economy.” With production slated to start in late March, both parties are gearing up for the start-up.
communities in Bloom presents street signs to council
A presentation to Leamington Council was made by Charlie Wright on Monday night, March 16, to show the 5-Bloom award that was won by the municipality last summer. Street signs for the two winning streets in Leamington were presented to Mayor John Paterson by the members of the CiB committee. These signs were designed, created and produced by Brian Turner at Retco, completely free of charge. Wright suggested that the dragontail pink begonia be the theme flower of the municipality. Other CiB committee members in attendance were Bill Sherk, Eileen Wonnick, Edna Maclellan, Ken Clark and Greg Rice.
Students receive SEa certificates
On Friday, March 6 the Leamington District Secondary School Society for Excellence in Academics (SEA) held a celebratory luncheon for students who placed in the top of their class at the conclusion of first semester. LDSS students enrolled in Mr. Youssef’s Hospitality Program hosted the meal and student achievers were presented with certificates. They also had the opportunity to have an exclusive look at the plans for the new school building with principal Kyle Berard and vice-principal Peggy Bondy.
SEA is a newly founded organization at LDSS that aims to promote academic excellence and to provide enriched learning opportunities for students to enhance their academic portfolios in preparation for post-secondary education. SEA is lead by a multidisciplinary team of teachers, Mary Kay Gabert (Mathematics), Carrie Grossi (Modern Languages) and Lauren Omstead (Computer Science).
man rescued from vehicle in water-filled ditch
A 35-year-old Windsor man is lucky to be alive after driving his vehicle into a ditch filled with water.
At approximately 9:30 p.m. on Monday, Mar. 16, police were called to Mersea Road 2 in the Municipality of Leamington regarding a vehicle in a ditch.
Upon arrival, police found that the vehicle was partially submerged on the driver’s side and was filling with water. The first officer to arrive on the scene held the driver’s head above the water until he was joined by two more officers who were able to remove the driver from the vehicle.
The man was transported to hospital where he was admitted to be treated for non-life threatening injuries.
New clothing store opens Leamington shoppers have a new store where they can shop for modern casual and business attire.
The recently opened “Maurices” is Minnesota-based clothing chain that opened its doors in Leamington at the Leamington Power Centre on Erie Street South between Food Basics and Ardene on Friday, March 20 at 10 a.m. Leamington is one of 30 store locations in Canada, with
Who better to deliver a healthy snack for students at Kingsville Public School, than Andrew Banar, the ambassador for the Ruthven Apple Festival? Bright and early Monday morning, March 23, the recently named ambassador was on hand, along with his apple delivery crew, kicking off the Apple Festival Committee’s latest project ‘Apples in Schools’. The group will ensure youngsters at the school have access to a healthy snack when hunger hits. Mary Young presented the idea to the committee and it decided it was a great way to reach out to some of the younger members of the community. The committee is currently donating the apples, but would welcome additional sponsors to help subsidize the program. Young said she is hoping to expand the program to other schools in Essex County. Above, Banar and students Lexyss Wright-Masse, left, and Jaxon McLellan, right, take a bite out of their snacks while committee members Stan Johnson, Jackie Barraco and Terry Colasanti look on. Johnson was an original member of Oddfellow Lodge #82 responsible for starting the Ruthven Apple Festival, which is currently in its 36th year. Johnson continues to be an active member of the committee and involved in the delivery of apples to KPS.
other stores located in Windsor, Sarnia and London. Maurices features fashionable women’s clothing in sizes 0-26. andrew Banar named one of five canadian Down Syndrome heroes
Andrew Banar is not your typical hero. By no means is he ‘typical’ in any way. He doesn’t wear a cape but don’t let that fool you -- he definitely has a super power.
If you’re having a bad day, Andrew can make you forget it as he wraps his arms around you. You see, Andrew’s super power is as simple as his welcoming hug. But it’s not just his hug really -- it’s Andrew himself. It’s his caring, compassion and love of life.
On March 21, World Down Syndrome Day, the young man was named one of five Canadian Down Syndrome Heroes.
“I was excited,” said Andrew, “and very happy.”
Known for his catch phrase, “Be Strong Rock On”, Andrew has turned his t-shirt business into much more than a means of earning money to go to college. Through his business, Group Hug Apparel, Andrew has graduated from the Life Skills program at St. Clair College, and donated about $35,000 to area charities. His mom, Karen Pickle, is very proud of him.
(SUN Photo)
april
lDSS students examine role of engineering in society
On Wednesday, April 8, eighteen Leamington District Secondary School students participated in an enriched learning opportunity on Mechanical Engineering and Crash Worthiness presented by the Faculty of Engineering, University of Windsor. Students examined the role of Engineering in society and participated in a simulation activity where they created foam barriers for the purpose of crash testing an electric car and then measured and evaluated the impact force. This event was coordinated by the LDSS Society for Excellence in Academics. Myles Thiessen, Matt Collier (of Wheatley) and Stephen Wiebe were the winning team for their design excellence.
Getty Wins WESpY
Alyssa Getty won her 3rd WindsorEssex Sports Person of the Year (WESPY) award for Female Golfer of the Year at the 10th annual WESPY awards held April 13 at the Caboto Club in Windsor. Alyssa is an honour student at Kingsville District High School and will attend University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) on a golf scholarship in the fall. UNLV is a Division 1 Women’s Golf Program that is ranked 19th in the nation by the Golfweek/Sagarin rankings.
inducted into Essex County ag Hall of Fame
Abram (Abe) Driedger was one of four people inducted into the Essex County Agricultural Hall of Fame at a ceremony held on Thursday, April 2 at the Harrow Agricultural Exhibition Hall. The other inductees were the late Leonard Chauvin, the late Douglas McLellan McBeth, and Fred Pook. Mr. Driedger was born in Manitoba in 1928. The family moved to Pelee Island when Driedger was one year old, and then to Wheatley when he was 7. Driedger has farmed all his life on Mersea Road 7 with his wife Helga and four children. The farm is now operated by the second and third generation of Driedgers – Abe’s son Dennis, and Dennis’ son Jesse, who is a recent graduate of Ridgetown College.
Blackburn radio introduces COOl FM
On April 16 Blackburn Radio introduced its newest station, COOL-FM, which comes to 100.7FM in Windsor and 95.1FM in Chatham. COOL-FM will “Play it all” featuring the best-of-the-best from the 80s, 90s and today. Artists like Bon Jovi, Queen, INXS, Pink, John Mellencamp, Def Leppard, Fleetwood Mac, Maroon 5, Duran Duran, Billy Idol and a long list of other popular artists will comprise our COOL sound. “Our extensive research in the market indicated strongly that a change was needed for CKUE-FM. Listeners told us we were too soft and sleepy on CKUEFM,” says Walter Ploegman, Blackburn Radio General Manager. “Listeners can expect a very upbeat, fun radio station that plays songs that everyone knows!” COOL-FM will feature local news, weather and community information and will be the perfect companion for both men and women age 35 and up.
Gore Hill public School celebrates 60 years
Learning experiences, memories, achievements and milestones have been six decades in the making at Gore Hill Public School. The Greater Essex County District School Board facility celebrated 60 years at its current 1135 Mersea Road 1 location with an open house Friday, Apr. 17. A large turnout of former and current students and staff members attended, including several alumni from as recent as the past couple school years to as far back as the 1950s. Lee Hairsine was the oldest former student to attend. She was a Gore Hill student from 1933 to 1940, when the school was a single-room unit situated across the street from its present location. The oldest former teacher attending the open house was 91-year-old Annie Nickel. Having started her career at a one-room school in Tilbury in 1951, Nickel later transferred to Gore Hill in 1965 and retired in 1985. During that time, she also taught German school, Summer Bible School and Sunday School for approximately 30 years. During her tenure at Gore Hill, she taught four nephews. One of those nephews, Rick Neufeld, attended the 60th anniversary celebration along with her.
leamington mourns loss of rick atkin
The community continues to deal with sentiments of shock and sadness following the sudden and unexpected death of Leamington municipal councillor Rick Atkin. Atkin was found in his home by Leamington Ontario Provincial Police officers on the afternoon of Tuesday, Apr. 21 after they were contacted by Mayor John Paterson. Paterson, along with David Bain and Leamington bylaw enforcement officer Jeff Armstrong, also traveled to Atkin’s home, where their worst fears were confirmed.
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Paterson asked Armstrong to stop by the house after Atkin uncharacteristically missed a municipal council meeting on the evening of Monday, Apr. 20. Armstrong discovered that Atkin’s car was still in the driveway. Also, before Atkin was found in his bed by OPP officers, Paterson received a concerned phone call from Bain and his wife. David, the son of Essex County warden and Lakeshore mayor Tom Bain, raised horses along with Atkin for the past several years and began suspecting something was wrong when the third-term councillor didn’t arrive for a routine morning of training. Reports indicate that Atkin died of natural causes. An avid jogger who was seen regularly at the Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex, he was considered by most who knew him to be in good health and physical condition. Complex staff members are alleged to have seen him at the LKRC on Monday morning. “It’s absolutely a shock to all of us,” Paterson explained. This is a very big loss for Leamington. Rick not only participated well in council, but also in his community. He was very active in supporting Leamington in different ways — he touched a lot of people’s lives. He will be greatly missed.”
Cougar robotics in top 15 at FirST robotics competition
After many months of fundraising, designing, building, programming and testing their robot, the Cardinal Carter Cougar Robotics competed for a second year in a row in the Windsor-Essex Great Lakes Regional FIRST Robotics competition, the largest in Canada, held on April 24 in Windsor. Despite working with a very modest budget and competing against 48 teams from as far as California, Cougar Robotics took a very impressive 13th place. This year’s competition called Recycle Rush saw robotics competing against one another as they stacked totes and recycling cans to obtain as many points as possible. The Cougar Robotic was built to be able to stack 4 totes and a recycling can on top.
Three-year-old Lucas Stickles had his Captain America pail and was dressed warmly for the annual Kinsmen Easter Egg Hunt held on Saturday, March 28 at Seacliff Park.
may
ERCa unveils shorebird sign
Identifying certain species of shorebirds can be tricky, but thanks to new ‘sign’ language offered by the Essex Region Conservation Authority and the Ontario Field Ornithologists, it just got a little easier. The two organizations partnered to create and mount a shorebird identification sign at the Hillman Marsh Shorebird Viewing Shelter, unveiled Friday, May 1 to coincide with the start of the region’s migratory bird-watching season.
The sign has been mounted inside the shelter and identified 35 of the 37 shorebird species that have been seen at the site.
mS Walk raises $42,000!
It was a picture perfect day for a walk or a run on Sunday, May 3 in Leamington. Over 150 walkers and runners turned out to lend their support to the Mandarin MS Walk, not only meeting its goal of $29,000, but crushing it by raising about $42,000.
Jack Brush, committee chair, was thrilled with the results and overwhelmed by the community support. Brush said about 50 per cent of the funds raised will stay with the local chapter of the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada while the remainder will go to the regional chapter in London. He said the money will be used for local services and equipment for those suffering from what is believed to be an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system.
Brush estimated there are about 800 people living with the disease in Essex County.
Local team wins Hacking Health award
A partnership between Leamington District Secondary School and Leamington District Memorial Hospital — along with a team from St. Clair College’s Web Development Club — has led to a first-place award at the 2015 Hacking Health event.The Windsor-Detroit Hacking Health event, the first-ever international competition of its kind, took place May 1 to May 3 at Wayne State University’s TechTown. There, 54 pitches were presented to judges covering various categories, including Best Student – Canada. This segment of the three-day gathering was won by the Leamington-based team of 15 members, the largest ever for a Hacking Health event. The gathering of 267 participants was what is known as a hackathon — an event where designers and developers converge to present and share ideas to help turn concepts into working prototypes.
SieraSlave top Canadian rock band
Leamington’s Siera Simoni of SieraSlave anxiously waited to hear the news if her band will be going to Barcelona, Spain, to compete in the Hard Rock international finals. The local band consists of Simoni on drums and band members Dane Roberts, LaSalle, Shawn Miller, Tecumseh and Nathan, McNevin, Windsor. The band already won the Hard Rock Rising competition in Toronto at Hard Rock Cafe. They beat out 6000 bands to win the national title. The next level is Barcelona. SieraSlave is a rock band that is inspired by both classic and modern rock. Their unique sound is best described as retro/modern rock. The band formed in July of 2014 and has been writing original music and playing gigs ever since.
New plan for birthing services in Leamington
A new birthing model recommended by the Expert Panel Leamington and Area Obstetrics and Birthing Services was presented to the Erie St. Clair Local Health Integration Network (ESC
LHIN) during a special open board meeting held in Leamington on May 5. The Expert Panel presented information from the report they compiled in response to the ESC LHIN Board request to review the Leamington District Memorial Hospital (LDMH) proposed intention of eliminating the obstetrical service last fall. The report from the Expert Panel concludes the work of the panel.
The Expert Panel recommends that birthing services in Leamington and area continue under a new model: a community-based, patient and family centric, integrated system of partners with independent governance.
A Navigation Centre Hub, central to the organization of this maternal/child/family model, will facilitate safe, sustainable and timely access for mothers, babies and families, while sensitive to the unique needs of the population served.
The Expert Panel concluded that patient safety was the number one risk if Leamington were to completely discontinue birthing services.
mill St. School receives $72,000 Indigo literacy grant
Success in attempting to find support to boost students’ reading skills is ‘literally’ in the books for Mill Street Public Elementary School. On Thursday, May 21, the school was informed that it was selected as one of 20 across Canada to receive an Indigo Love of Reading Foundation grant for 2015.
Mill Street principal Dennis Edmondson and fellow staff members believed a visit that day from Foundation representatives would simply be another round of questions associated with the lengthy and involved application process. Instead, they showed up with banners, balloons and Clifford the Big Red Dog to announce and celebrate a $72,000 grant with the school.
“I nearly fell out of my chair,” said Edmondson of the moment he heard the announcement. “They really caught us by surprise.”
Mill Street School applied for the same grant last year, but was not selected as one of the recipient schools. For both last year and this year, the application was spearheaded and submitted by Grade 8 teacher Sandra Neudorf. Neudorf has since accepted an interim vice principal position at Lakeshore Discovery Public School.
Local teens rescue wounded bald eagle Wheatley resident Logan Richmond, 17, holds an injured adult bald eagle while waiting for representatives of the Wings Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre to arrive Saturday, May 9 on the Leamington side of East Beach. Richmond discovered the injured bird along with friend D.J. Wales. At first they believed the eagle was sick, as it appeared to have a thin, dirty film covering most of its head.
“It was pretty shocking to be just sitting around and then look over and say ‘hey, there’s an eagle in the bush’,” Richmond said. “We looked over into the bushes and there it was, about five feet from where we sat down.”
Being an outdoors and nature enthusiast, Richmond knew that the wildlife centre based out of Amherstburg was the ideal organization to call. After telling Wales’ mother of their discovery, she looked up the phone number, which Richmond called on his cell phone.
in the in the in the in the in the
ARIES - Mar 21/Apr 20
Aries, you are familiar with the expression, "Your eyes are bigger than your stomach." This week you have bitten off a project that is just too much to chew. Enlist some help.
TAURUS - Apr 21/May 21
Taurus, you are on a roll, and now it is only a matter of maintaining momentum for a few more days. Don't let anyone slow you down this week.
GEMINI - May 22/Jun 21
Gemini, you may not know where your path is taking you, but you are fully aware that an adventure is in store. Take some time to prepare for the unknown that lies ahead.
CANCER - Jun 22/Jul 22
Learning from your mistakes can help you to grow, Cancer. Accept a challenge presented to you this week, even if it scares you. You may find it's not so challenging after all.
LEO - Jul 23/Aug 23
Leo, many opportunities are within reach, but you are just not sure which way to go. Seek advice from Pisces when you get a spare moment.
VIRGO - Aug 24/Sept 22
Virgo, no one will know what you're like deep inside unless you share a few secrets. You don't have to give everything away, but let some information slip out.
LIBRA - Sept 23/Oct 23
Some can see straight past your protective facade, Libra. So why not take it off and simply let others see the real you? You won't be disappointed, and neither will they.
ANSWERS ON PAGE 15
SCORPIO - Oct 24/Nov 22
Now is not a time to drag your feet, Scorpio. You have a full slate of tasks to tackle, and it seems like the hours will slip away quickly. Recharge and refocus.
SAGITTARIUS - Nov 23/Dec 21
Sagittarius, you never shy away from a challenge, but you also know when to pick your battles. If something arises this week that seems a waste of time, pass it by.
CAPRICORN - Dec 22/Jan 20
Capricorn, when a past conflict pops up this week, push it aside. It is better to focus on the positive things that are in store for you rather than problems from the past.
AQUARIUS - Jan 21/Feb 18
Don't let anyone tell you that you can't accomplish something, Aquarius. As you have proven time and again, you simply need to set a goal in your sights to get things done.
PISCES - Feb 19/Mar 20
Pisces, when you love someone, it can be difficult to step aside and let that person make his or her own mistakes. Be patient.
FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS
DECEMBER 27
Emilie De Ravin, Actress (34)
DECEMBER 28
John Legend, Singer (37) DECEMBER 29
Ted Danson, Actor (68) DECEMBER 30
Ellie Goulding, Singer (29) DECEMBER 31
Anthony Hopkins, Actor (78)
JANUARY 1
Colin Morgan, Actor (30)
JANUARY 2
Karina Smirnoff, Dancer (38)
june
Local wineries bring home the hardware from All Canadian Wine Championships
Essex County Wineries and a fellow EPIC (Essex Pelee Island Coast) member from Chatham-Kent brought home 21 medals from the recent All Canadian Wine Championships, Canada’s oldest wine competition.
The final medal tally was 7 gold, 8 silver and 6 bronze for a total of 21 from 10 different wineries. The winning wineries were:
Ruthven’s Alyssa Getty recently won back-to-back Ontario Championships to move her by 398 points in the World Amateur rankings and into the top 30 in Canadian Women Amateur rankings. Getty won the GAO Investor’s Group Ontario Junior Girls Spring Classic at Grey Silo in Waterloo with rounds of 71-75-73 (219) to finish 6 over for the tournament. A week later she won at Golf Canada’s C.N. Future Links Ontario Championship at Pine Knott Golf & Country Club in Dorchester with rounds of 74-74-71 (219) to become the 2015 C.N. Future Links Ontario Champion.
SWOT lands at Leamington Airport
Leamington-area business owners who have recently seen an unusual number of first-time customers walk through their doors can be assured that it’s because there’s something in the air. The South Western Ontario air Tour (SWOT) made a stop at Leamington Airport Friday, June 5, bringing with it 30 visitors to enjoy the best of what the community has to offer. The tour was one of many the organization has conducted to help spread awareness of the importance of small, municipal airports.
Hike Metal snubbed from bidding on Pelee Ferry contract
The Ministry of Transportation released its plan to build a new ferry to service Pelee Island on Thursday, June 11 amid much criticism from Essex County and Chatham-Kent politicians, residents, and a local ship building company. The criticism is not about the Ontario government’s investment in a new ferry, but is directed toward who was awarded the $40 million contract to build the vessel - ASENAV, a shipbuilding company located in Valdivia, Chile. Andy Stanton, President and CEO of Hike Metal Products of Wheatley, was livid that his internationally renown shipbuilding company was disqualified during the pre-bidding process. After being cut from the pre-qualifying process, Hike Metal Products teamed up with a Quebec shipbuilding company (they pre-qualified to tender on the contract) to put forward a work-share bid between the two Canadian companies. That bid was also not accepted. The province awarded the
contract for a new ferry that will help transport the more than 60,000 visitors and residents that travel to the island each year to a Chilean company. “This was a missed opportunity for an economic boost to southwestern Ontario,” said Nicholls. The contract would have created 300 person years of employment, which equates to 75 direct full-time jobs for two years and 50 indirect jobs for two years.
Donation sends thousands to national park
Thanks to the generosity of an unknown supporter, several elementary school students from Leamington and surrounding areas have learned that not all worthwhile lessons come from textbooks and classrooms. A contributor requesting anonymity has paid the entry and tour fees along with busing costs for about 7,000 elementary school children from the Essex, Kingsville, Leamington and Wheatley areas to learn numerous outdoor lessons at Point Pelee National Park. The same individual also provided participating students, teachers and other adult supervisors with pizza lunches during their respective three-and-a-half hour visits. Upon the unknown person’s request, Parks Canada staff did not reveal his or her identity, although they described the individ-
ual as a frequent visitor of Point Pelee. Having witnessed numerous students enjoying class trips to the facility, the donor decided to make the experience available to other local youths.
Pan Am torch visits Leamington Orange is the new red or at least it is in Leamington. The Toronto 2015 Pan Am Games flame made its way through town Wednesday, June 17 on Day 18 of the 41-day relay through Canada. The journey into the Tomato Capital began as Cole Cacciavillani of CF Groups and its associate businesses carried the torch into town along Erie Street North. Progressing through the relay of bearers, the flame was passed on to Canadian International Bank of Commerce (CIBC) district general manager of small business Sandra Goulart. Serving as a signature sponsor of the 2015 Pan Am Games, the CIBC hosted a brief pit stop along the route at its Leamington branch, where Goulart handed the flame over to the torch carried by Walt Brown. “I don’t want to give it up,” Goulart said with a laugh after arriving at the Erie Street South branch location. “This is a very proud moment for me.” Goulart passed the flame over to Brown in what promoters refer to as a “Torch Kiss” where one bearer uses the flame of his or her torch to ignite the burner of the torch carried by the next runner before a crowd of CIBC ‘road crew’ members and other onlookers.
Van Kesteren’s Private Members Bill is passed
Chatham-Kent Essex Member of Parliament Dave Van Kesteren’s Victim of Crime bill, Bill C-591, will stop convicted killers from collecting their murdered spouse’s CPP benefits. “No victim’s family should ever be victimized twice by seeing their loved one’s killer financially profiting from their crime,” said Van Kesteren. Van Kesteren said that his Private Members Bill, Bill C-591, An Act to Amend the Canada Pension Plan and Old Age Security Act: Pensions and Benefits, stops those convicted of murdering their spouse or parent from being able to profit from their crime has now become the law of Canada after receiving Royal Ascent, following its earlier unanimous 276-0 vote by the House of Commons.
EDDIE MONEY & STARSHIP Saturday, January 16
VANCE JOY FIRE AND THE FLOOD TOUR WITH SPECIAL GUEST REUBEN AND THE DARK OPEN TO ALL AGES Monday, January 25
TRACY MORGAN: PICKING UP THE PIECES Saturday, February 6
ARETHA FRANKLIN PERFORMING THE HITS AND THE GREAT DIVA CLASSICS! Saturday, February 13
BILL ENGVALL Saturday, February 20
MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL Friday, February 26
MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL Saturday, February 27 4pm & 9pm
DANCING WITH THE STARS LIVE! DANCE ALL NIGHT TOUR! OPEN TO ALL AGES Friday, January 22 4pm & 9pm
BURTON CUMMINGS AND BAND Friday, March 4
DAVID SPADE Friday, March 11
JOHNNY REID WHAT LOVE IS ALL ABOUT Saturday, March 19
PAUL ZERDIN 2015 AMERICA’S GOT TALENT WINNER Saturday, March 26
BILL BURR Friday, April 1
Leamington director of community development Tracy PillonAbbs uses the Pan Am 2015 Games cauldron to light the torch before starting its journey out of town Wednesday, June 17 at Rick Atkin Park.
july
Federal, provincial boosts for $8M sewer project
Leamington’s efforts to fund a sanitary sewer collection project for the Pelee Drive/Bevel Line area is being met half way — both literally and figuratively — by upper levels of government. On the eve of Canada Day, members of municipal council and other supporters for the long-awaited project met provincial and federal dignitaries at Mersea Park near the intersection of Pelee Drive and Mersea Road C — an area that has been in desperate need of sewage infrastructure improvements for several years. There, Chatham-Kent Essex MP Dave Van Kesteren and Cambridge MPP Kathryn McGarry each made an announcement of funding for the project to the tune of up to $2 million each. The municipality will front an estimated $4 million to cover the balance of the project, expected to begin with the first phase of construction next year. The four-phase construction segment of the project is scheduled for a yet-to-be-determined completion date in 2019.
loblaws workers take strike action
An impasse in negotiations between Loblaw Companies Ltd. and the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) union has triggered a strike at nine stores, including one in Leamington. A total of between 150 and 200 em-
ployees at the Real Canadian Superstore on Talbot Street East were included in the 1,600 workers who started picket lines at midnight Thursday, July 2. The strike was sparked by stalled bargaining efforts between Loblaws management and UFCW Locals 175 and 633. A conciliation officer with the Ministry of Labour managed to bring the two sides back to the negotiation table 13 hours after the strike began, during which time employees continued picketing outside their respective workplaces.
Wheatley shipbuilder earns federal contract
A few short weeks after being snubbed for a local ferrybuilding project, a Wheatley-based company earned the chance to tell the provincial government to take a ‘Hike’. Chatham-Kent-Essex MP Dave Van Kesteren announced Thursday, July 9 that Hike Metal Products of Wheatley is being awarded a $43 million contract to build six Canadian Coast Guard Search and Rescue (SAR) lifeboats. The stateof-the-art vessels will measure about 60 feet in length and will be utilized in the nation’s Maritime region following completion. The contract also provides the option of building as many as four more of the same boats following its initial phase. The announcement was made as part of the federal government’s National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy and will add an estimated 25 jobs to Hike Metal’s employee base, which currently sits at a somewhat lower than average 20. Additional jobs will be generated through sub-contracting positions necessary to create the vessels.
kind, all to be utilized in the Maritimes.
FREE 12-WEEK PARENTING
CLASS - hosted by Windsor Essex Community Health Centre, every Tuesday starting January 5 to March 29, from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m., at Leamington United Mennonite Church, 78 Oak St. E. Topics: nutrition, child development, discipline, safety, health & wellness. Prizes & giveaways. Free childcare provided. For more info or to register call Nicole at 519258-6002 ext. 503.
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
UPCOMING SOUTH ESSEX EVENTS: Partner Family Information Sessions & Recruitment - Monday, January 11, 3:00 - 6:00 p.m. Donation and Volunteer Drive - Saturday, January 16, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Build Information SessionsMonday, January 25, 3:00 - 6:00 p.m. Donation and Volunter DriveSaturday, February 13, 10:00 a.m.
- 2:00 p.m. South Essex Restore Grand Opning - Saturday, March 5, 10:00 a.m. All events occur at Habitat for Humanity WindsorEssex’s newest location: 1 Iroquois Road, Unit #2, Leamington. For more information please call 226-345-2488.
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.
HELP AN ADULT LEARN ENGLISH - South Essex Community Council is currently looking for tutors for adults learning English. One afternoon or evening per week.
Training/materials provided. Qualification: Fluency in English. Great for high school seniors too! Call 519-326-8629 ext. 381 or email volunteer@secc.on.ca
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 infor-
Federal support coming to Point Pelee
Recently-announced funding for a sanitary sewer project may have stopped at the gates of Point Pelee National Park, but another investment from the federal government has the site covered from virtually top to tip. Chatham-Kent-Essex MP Dave Van Kesteren made the third public announcement for funding in his riding in as many weeks Wednesday, July 15 at the Point Pelee Visitor Centre Theatre — one of seven lo-
mation.
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.
cations at the park to undergo restoration or upgrades. In total, the Harper government has earmarked $11 million for the local park alone, an announcement Van Kesteren made on behalf of Minister of the Environment Leona Aglukkaq, who also represents Parks Canada.
OB is saved
Obstetrics services at Leamington District Memorial Hospital truly have been saved and CEO Terry Shields credits the community for making this happen. “No lights on, lights off – it’s like it always has been with no interruption or change in services. The lights are definitely on and it will always be staffed,” he said. The financial reprieve is the result of LDMH being allocated $1 million, one-time funding over two years from the Erie St. Clair Local Integrated Health Network for 10 rehab beds.
BANK THEATRE
The Hospital and the ESC LHIN are working on the details of this funding now. “We are only allotted so much money in our budget and it’s a matter of where the money is spent… Now we have the funds to make it work without losing any services,” said Shields. “And we have the community to thank for that! They pulled together to bring national attention to our situation with the Save OB initiative,” he said.
STREET
SUNDAY, JANUARY 31ST @ 3:00 PM
THE SOLI DEO GLORIA SINGERS
We are pleased to announce the Very First Choral Concert to be held at The Bank Theatre featuring local choir 'The Soli Deo Gloria Singers'. This is a benefit concert for The Bank Theatre. The music will include spirituals, classic hymns, new music and syncopated rhythms. Ticket information to follow.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13TH
VALENTINE'S DAY DINNER DANCE
Save the date! We want to celebrate Valentine’s Day with you! Join us for our Valentine’s Day Dinner Dance, Saturday February 13th, to be held at the Portuguese Club, Leamington. Details will follow.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 29TH @ 7:00 PM
DALE'S LAST FRIDAY COFFEE HOUSE
Come and enjoy an evening of acoustic music, refreshments and Community. There is no cover charge but we do pass the hat for a free will offering in aid of local charities and The Bank Theatre. Doors open at 6:30. Check back to The Bank Theatre Notes in January for a list of performers. Your hosts will be David and Sharon Light.
WE WISH YOU A SAFE AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Follow The Bank Theatre on Facebook www.facebook.com/TheBankTheatre
www.imaginecinemas.com
Due to the Holiday Season the movie listings were not available at press time. Please check our facebook page or www.imaginecinemas.com for this week’s movie listings. Sorry for any inconvenience. Thank you!
Hike Metal president and CEO Andy Stanton shares news of a contract for the Wheatley-based company to take on a $43 million project to build six Canadian Coast Guard Search and Rescue lifeboats. The federal government contract includes the option for an additional four vessels of the same
Highbury offers tour to MPP one year after taking over Chatham-Kent-Essex MPP Rick Nicholls wasn’t about to turn down a rare opportunity in the heart of Leamington.
Highbury Canco offered Nicholls and his executive assistant Larry Landry a 90-minute tour of various departments within the facility Tuesday, Aug. 4 prior to a presentation just beyond the main office doors along Erie Street South. The exclusive tour took place roughly 13 months after Highbury assumed control of the community’s 2.1 million square foot factory from Heinz Canada.
Highbury Canco to take over Heinz arena sponsorship
Highbury Canco Corporation (HCC) has pledged a generous sponsorship to the Municipality of Leamington for the naming rights of the main bowl arena located inside the Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex. Highbury Canco is Canadian owned and operated and based in Leamington, Ontario. HCC stated that it is important for them to support the local community where their employees and families live and play.
Bank theatre receives $162,000 from federal grant
The Bank Theatre has raised over $1 million after receiving $162,000 from the federal government’s Canada 150 grant program last week. Earlier this spring, The Bank Theatre submitted an application under the federal government’s Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program (CIP) for a renovation project that will refurbish performance space, including the stage, seating area, lighting and sound system. On August 11th, correspondence was received from the Federal Economic Development Agency of Southern Ontario, which confirmed The Bank Theatre was successful with their application securing $162,000 for the project.
Highest levels since 1998
Over the past four decades, high lake levels were experienced in 1973, 1985/86 and 1998. While lake levels had been on the decline from 1998 until 2012, the past two winters have resulted in lake levels rapidly reaching 175.600 metres I.G.L.D. (International Great Lakes Datum) for Lake St. Clair and 175.000 metres I.G.L.D. for Lake Erie, or the levels previously experienced in 1998.
Ronald McDonald House gets local boost
A new hub to be built for families with sick children is being supported by a ‘Hub’ of a different sort. The Hub International of-
fices of Wheatley, Leamington Kingsville and Windsor have joined forces to generate a $6,000 donation for the new Ronald McDonald House to be built within the walls of Windsor Regional Hospital. The money was raised via a company golf tournament hosted by the Kingsville Golf and Country Club Thursday, July 9. At this year’s company summer party, the tournament drew Hub staff members and their families as well as employees with the insurance companies it represents.
Kopinak wins southland golf tour
Wheatley’s Erin Kopinak has capped in impressive start to the 2015 Southland Insurance Junior Tour with an even more impressive finish. Kopinak competed in the Girls’ 11-18-year-old category for the third straight year and this time, came out on top in the rankings to take this year’s championship. The nine-event, 18-hole category wrapped
up Sunday, Aug. 23 at Tilbury Golf Course, where Kopinak finished in a three-way tie for first with a score of 86.
Leamington to get money for waterfront trail and beachfront beautification
The Municipality of Leamington has been awarded $125,000 in federal government funding towards the Seacliff Park Waterfront Trail and Beachfront Beautification Project. The funding has been provided through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program. The Seacliff Park Waterfront Trail and Beachfront Beautification Project includes the expansion and reconstruction of Seacliff Park beach waterfront amenities including the construction of properly designed beach volleyball courts. The project also includes the construction of additional asphalt walkways, accessibility mats for beach paths, and a seating area designed to support wheelchairs and electric scooters.
september
Cross Canada bike tour ends in Leamington Mary Fehr and Sarah French know all about empowerment. The duo completed their cross Canada bike trip on Saturday, September 5 to a rousing Leamington welcome-one they are hoping, proves to inspire and empower other women.
Fehr, 25, of Leamington and French, 26, of Picton travelled more than 8,700km before reaching the Leamington Marina about 5:30 p.m. Saturday to a crowd of over 200 cheering and bubble blowing supporters excited to witness the completion of the gruelling trip. They were accompanied on the final leg of their trip by Mary’s dad Abe and brother Dave. It was a proud moment for Abe as the two young ladies rode through the congratulatory welcoming banner assembled near the pavilion.
poor boy Luncheon raises $6,400 for Hospice
John Woelk, Poor Boy Luncheon co-ordinator, presented a cheque for $6,400 to Cheryl Deter, LDMH Vice President and Chief Nursing Executive and Director of Erie Shores Hospice. The money was raised during the annual Poor Boy Luncheon held at the Roma Club on September 9. The
many volunteers, sponsors, donors and local realtors who hosted the event contributed to its success.
Dr. David suzuki talks environment at Hillman marsh
The Essex Region Conservation Authority, along with inspiration from the Leamington District Secondary School Eco Team, brought one of the environment’s biggest advocates to the podium for a recent outdoor presentation. Former Leamington resident Dr. David Suzuki paid a visit to ERCA’s Hillman Marsh Conservation Area Monday, Sept. 14 as part of a multi-speaker event aimed at bringing local, national and global messages of environmental concern to a large crowd of guests.
Suzuki, Canada’s most renowned environmental activist, stepped forward as the event’s feature speaker following vocal presentations by the likes of ERCA water quality scientist Dr. Kate Stammler, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change environmental scientist Mallory Jutzi and surface water specialist Ryan Smith, Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association past president Henry Denotter, Leamington CAO Peter Neufeld, Leamington District Secondary School teacher Lisa Jeffery, LDSS Eco Team president Carlos Pena and Caldwell First Nation chief Louise Hillier.
Little free libraries in Leamington parks
Little free libraries have popped up in Leamington parks thanks to the latest Rotary International project. Chuck Parsons, past president of Leamington Rotary Club said the project is part of Rotary International’s mandate to promote literacy. Little free libraries have been popping up across North America – approximately 30,000 in total – and growing.
The little free libraries contain approximately 15 to 30 books that are free for the taking, but they are to be replaced by another book. Leamington’s little free libraries, located at Chestnut Park, Seacliff Park and Rick Atkin Park (Marina) have been filled with a variety of children’s and adult books to start the project.
super ethan’s steps raises over $10,000
A fundraising event called Super Ethan’s Steps was held on Sunday, September 20 at the Leamington Marina Promenade in support of the Children’s Health Foundation and to bring awareness to childhood cancer. September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and all funds raised were donated to the Children’s
Health Foundation. Charlie and Nicole Abdul-Massih organized the event in honour of their son Ethan, who is currently going through treatment for leukemia.
Over 200 people participated in the inaugural Super Ethan’s Steps, raising more than $10,300. The total includes a generous donation of $2,000 from the Leamington Firefighters Association who presented a cheque the morning of the fundraiser.
Dave Campbell is 2015 Citizen of the Year
Leamington’s 2015 Citizen of the Year was born in New Brunswick and came to Leamington in 1975 and has never looked back. Dave Campbell spent 34 and half years teaching at area elementary schools, eventually retiring as a principal.
“I had no idea. Not even a hint that this was happening,” said Campbell at the Municipality of Leamington’s annual Volunteer Recognition Night. Campbell was present at the reception held Wednesday, September 30 at the Leamington Marina pavilion for his volunteer work with the Leamington Triathlon Weekend Committee, the Tomato Festival Committee and his work with the Leamington and District Chamber of Commerce. You could say he’s a regular at this function. But this year he was the man of the evening, taking home the top prize.
matt morin named Youth Citizen
Matt Morin, a graduate of Leamington District Secondary School, was described by his teachers as having a strong work ethic and a desire to use his time and talents to serve others within the school and community. 2015 marks only the third year for the Youth Volunteer Award. The recipient of this award must be an individual whose primary residence is in Leamington, is 18 years of age or younger, and who has participated as a volunteer in activities that benefit the residents of Leamington. As in past years, the 2015 youth volunteer award recipient is actively involved in school, sports and the arts and theatre.
Dr. David Suzuki speaks to a crowd of guests at the Hillman Marsh Conservation Area Monday, Sept. 14. Suzuki, a former Leamington resident, made the local stop as part of a tour of Windsor-Essex County destinations.
Wednesday, December 30, 2015 - Page 13
october cougars coach honoured by university
Despite a challenging football schedule for the present and future, Cardinal Carter teacher and coach Chris Church was granted an evening to reflect on his football past. On Sunday, Oct. 4, Church was honoured as a new inductee into the University of Windsor Alumni Sports Hall of Fame during a ceremony at the facility’s Ambassador Hall. The accolades stem from his years as a player with the Lancers from 1992 to 1996. Church played two games as a tight end during his freshman year, but was better known for his duties as right guard on the offensive line through each of the following seasons. “It’s an amazing feeling when thinking about all the people who played football there,” he explained. “There have been a lot of great athletes there over the years. It’s very exciting and humbling.”
Music program launched at SPH
An incentive to help improve the quality of life at nursing homes around the world is music to the ears of residents at Sun Parlour Home. The local senior care facility officially launched the Music and Memory program Wednesday, Oct. 7 with informative displays set up in the front lobby and playing of the documentary film Alive Inside, a movie documenting the positive effects of music therapy on seniors with conditions including dementia. At Sun Parlour Home, the ongoing program is being organized in conjunction with an iPod drive. The facility’s goal is to have a no-longer used iPod or unlocked smartphone for each of its 206 residents.
Major plans in store for Leamington’s waterfront
If all goes according to plan, the jewel that is Leamington’s waterfront will one day shine brighter than ever. The Municipality of Leamington’s council and administration announced Friday, Oct. 9 a massive-scale, long-term project to give its urban waterfront what could easily be the biggest makeover in its history. The revitalization will likely take years to complete and will affect the shoreline and surrounding areas from the west end of Seacliff Park and Seacliff Beach to the east end of the municipal marina.
LWHL celebrates World Girls Hockey Weekend by donating two free registrations
The Leamington Women’s Hockey League (LWHL) again gave back to two thankful young ladies in celebration of World Girls Hockey Weekend, Sunday, October 11. The league had decided to donate two free registrations as a way to support the growth of girls hockey in the Leamington area. Kelly Dries, LWHL team representative and trainer with the Southpoint Stars Intermediate Girls hockey team, believes that by donating generously to the young female hockey players now, it will eventually come back to them later.
Van Kesteren wins in chathamKent Leamington Conservative
Dave Van Kesteren has won his fourth term as Member of Parliament for the newly renamed Chatham-Kent Leamington riding on Mon. Oct. 19.
Van Kesteren (21,715) defeated first-time political contender Liberal Katie Omstead (19,402) who came in second in a close competition. In third was Tony Walsh, NDP (9,593), followed by Mark Vercouteren, Green (1,347). Chatham-Kent Leamington remained Conservative blue, while across the country many ridings turned Liberal red.
Federally, Justin Trudeau ended the evening with 184 seats to give him a Liberal majority government. Stephen Harper and the federal Conservatives will form the official opposition with 99 seats, followed by Tom Mulcair’s NDP with 44 seats, the Bloq Quebecois Gilles Duceppe with 10 seats and Elizabeth May’s Green Party had one seat.
Michael Schlater is Alf bennie winner
The Leamington and District Chamber of Commerce held its 21st annual Business Excellence Awards night on Wednesday, October 14 at the Leamington Portuguese Club. Three nominees in each category were chosen and a winner from each was announced that evening.
This year’s recipient of the Alf Bennie Award came from humble beginnings. Originally from Ohio, Mike Schlater started his Domino’s career in 1977 as a pizza delivery driver. In 1983, at age 22, he moved to Winnipeg and purchased the first Domino’s outside of the U.S. He later purchased
the company’s master franchise for Canada, and moved to Essex County. He is the President and CEO of Dominos Canada. Over the years, he has certainly given back to those less fortunate. Substantial donations to the Sick Kids Foundation, Heart and Stroke Foundation, Kidney Foundation of Canada and the Children’s Hospital in London stand out over the past few years.
Adult students finish what they started It took him 37 years to get his high school diploma, but Joe Sabelli can now add this accomplishment to his resume - although he doesn’t really need a resume anymore. Joe was Valedictorian for the Greater Essex County District School Board Adult and Continuing Education Leamington Campus graduation held on Thursday, October 22. The participants received their Ontario Secondary School Diplomas. These students were rewarded and acknowledged for years of commitment and dedication to their education while, at the same time, dealing with personal, family and life situations. This was the first graduation ceremony for the Leamington adult learners since the Ridge Campus closed in 1998.
Ancient centerpiece finds home at erie Shores Hospice
On Tuesday, Oct. 27, a 1.5 billion year old, 12-ton granite rock discovered by Erie Sand and Gravel workers was transported to the Talbot Street West site of the new hospice, where it was prominently displayed directly south of what will be the facility’s front doors. Dubbed “Child of the Mountain” the rock was situated in front of the building as a symbol of the ‘rock solid’ commitment and support from community residents and groups in helping to fund the 10bed hospice.
LDMH awarded the Mental Health Matters Award
Leamington District Memorial Hospital (LDMH) was awarded the Mental Health Matters Award from Windsor Women Working with Immigrant Women (WWWWIW) at their 33rd annual gala held at the St Clair Centre for the Arts Friday, Oct. 30. The Mental Health Matters Award was presented to LDMH was for their development of the Neighbourhood of Care model with partners in mental health and addiction programs at Leamington hospital.
Incumbent Member of Parliament Dave Van Kesteren won the Chatham-Kent Leamington riding seat. Van Kesteren will be part of the official opposition.
november
Leamington receives $1m gift from Domino’s Pizza
At the Monday night, November 2 Leamington Municipal Council meeting, a report was presented to Council announcing that Domino’s Pizza of Canada has donated $1,000,000 over 10 years to Leamington. The report states, “There are no stipulations on how the municipality must utilize the funds.” The Director of Legal and Legislative Services, Ruth Orton, introduced the report and indicated to Council the goal of getting permission to craft a donation agreement. Mike Schlater, Domino’s Pizza of Canada president and CEO, was at the Council meeting to confirm the donation. He spoke of his love for the municipality and his desire to contribute to the common good. At the conclusion of the comments, Council and all who were present rose to give Mike a standing ovation.
marina park named rick Atkin Park
Approximately 100 current and past municipal staff, family and friends of Rick Atkin gathered on a beautiful November day, Wednesday, November 4 in front of Leamington Marina to dedicate a park in the late Councillor’s name. Atkin was a past employee with the Municipality of Leamington having contributed greatly to the creation of the park area at the marina as well as the Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex. Atkin then became a very popular Councillor for the Municipality. Atkin passed away suddenly in April of this year.
new banners illustrate Leamington’s unique and beautiful elements
The new banners that will greet visitors to the downtown core were unveiled on Wednesday, Nov. 4 at the Arts Centre. Designed by Patty Kristy, the banners include a welcome to Leamington, Monarchs on Milkweed, Marina at Sunset, Baltimore Oriole on a Sassafras Branch and Fruits and Vegetable Cornucopia.
Former Soldier With Local Ties Dies in Syria
A Canadian fighting the Islamic State group in Syria killed in a suicide attack last week was identified as John Robert Gallagher, age 32. Gallagher has been quoted as saying he was from Windsor, but also spent several years during his later teens living just east of Wheatley. He was the son of Valerie Carder, Wheatley. Gallagher is described as a former infantryman with the 2nd Battalion of the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, who went into Syria in July to fight with a U.S.-backed Kurdish militia known as the YPG. A posting on Gallagher’s Facebook page, accredited to his mother Valerie, stated that he “thought this was such an important fight and he has always been a man of principle, who believed very strongly in human rights and justice.”
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Mikaela Batke, a carefree, small town, 23-year-old was enjoying her life abroad, soaking up a little Parisian culture. Mikaela is a survivor of the deadliest terrorist attack to hit the capital of France since World War II, with 129 reported dead. For the Kingsville District High School graduate, it started as a day like any other day. After a day of caring for her charge, three-year-old Candelaria, Mikaela planned to take in a little night life on the streets of Paris with a fellow au pair. But their plans were interrupted – by the deadly plans of eight terrorists believed to be members of ISIS. Mikaela left home about 9:30 p.m. Friday night, taking the subway to Oberkampf Station, anxious to meet up with her friend. She didn’t get quite the greeting she expected when she stepped out at the station and onto Boulevard Voltaire. It was utter chaos. Mikaela said there was a wave of police officers and ambulances heading down the street, the officers yelling frantically at those on the street to get down and hide. As Mikaela hit the ground, the sounds of an exchange of gunfire rang through the night sky, leaving her frozen and unable to move.
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From all of us at the Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex - Municipality of
Sherk
Hillman’s South beach closed permanently due to erosion and safety issues
With lake levels reaching
the highs of 1998 due to the impacts of the past two winter seasons, the Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) continues to monitor these levels and work with all municipal partners to ensure that they are prepared in case of flooding. “Studies estimated that portions of the Hillman Beach shoreline are eroding at a rate of 1.280 metres or 4.2 feet per year,” Byrne added. “Over 2014 and 2015, multiple storms have resulted in damaging waves impacting shoreline infrastructure and eliminating sections of the barrier beach shoreline. Additionally, the erosion has made the trees that grew on this beach front unstable as the soil around their roots is washed away and no longer exists resulting in more than100 hazardous trees.” There is presently an alternative access point to the beach from the North Beach parking lot. However, as erosion continues on this beach, this publicly accessible area will eventually need to be closed as well, once the parking lot disappears and trees become hazardous.
Stuff the bus toy drive tops last year’s numbers
Following the success of the inaugural ‘Help Carlos Stuff the Bus Toy Drive’, Leamington’s Carlos Delgado vowed to top last year’s numbers. And despite the less than ideal weather for camping out in an old bus, Delgado outdid himself. Posted in the Erie Street South Tim Hortons’ parking lot from 3 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20 until 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22, Delgado was determined to be the reason hundreds of Leamington youngsters smile on Christmas morning. Despite the frozen fingers and toes, after 50 hours in the parking lot Delgado had collected 627 toys, 655 cans, 49 jackets, five snowsuits, 112 hats, gloves and scarves, 10 pairs of boots and other pieces of random clothing.
relay for life LDSS
Leamington District Secondary School’s Relay For Life fundraiser Friday, Nov. 27 at the Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex raised about $10,000 for the Canadian Cancer Society. Fehr and her volunteers arrived at
the LKRC at 7 a.m. on the morning of the Friday, Nov. 27 event to set up its activity stations. About 250 students took part, each raising funds by collecting pledges in person or online.
Fred epplett, former Leamington Flyers owner passes Fred Epplett, second owner of the Leamington Flyers hockey club, passed away on Sunday, November 29, 2015. He held a passion, a fire and lifelong enjoyment of the game of hockey. Fred Epplett, was one of the area’s most down-to-earth citizens. His International Trucks Ltd. business grew under his guidance and ownership in much the same way as he helped transform the Leamington Flyers.
Carlos Delgado is pictured with some of the toys he collected in his toy drive on the weekend in the Erie Street South Tim Hortons’ parking lot.
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NOTICE
TAKE NOTICE that the Council of The Corporation of the Municipality of Leamington will hold a public meeting concerning a proposed zoning by-law amendment under the provisions of Section 39 of the Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990 on Monday, January 18, 2016, at 6:00 pm in the Council Chambers at the Municipal Building.
THE PURPOSE of the proposed amendment is to permit the Canadian Tire Store at 262 Erie Street South to store merchandise temporarily within 11 transport trailers located at the rear of the property for a period of one year. The applicant is seeking temporary relief to Sections 4.7 and 4.54 of the Zoning By-law which prohibits the use of a transport trailer for storage purposes and temporary buildings respectively. The location of the trailers and any additional buffering will be considered under the provisions of site plan control.
Under Section 39 of the Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990, a temporary use by-law can be passed by Council to allow land to be temporarily used for a purpose which would otherwise not be permitted under the provisions of the zoning by-law. A temporary use by-law can specify how long the use is permitted to a maximum of three years. The timeline to allow the use can be extended by Council for further periods for a maximum of three years each time.
ANY PERSON may attend the public meeting and/or make written or verbal representation either in support of or in opposition to the proposed zoning by-law amendment.
IF A PERSON or public body does not make oral submissions at the Public Meeting or make written submissions to The Corporation of the Municipality of Leamington before the by-law is passed, the person or public body is not entitled to appeal the decision of Council of The Corporation of the Municipality of Leamington to the Ontario Municipal Board.
IF A PERSON or public body does not make oral submissions at the Public Meeting or make written submissions to The Corporation of the Municipality of Leamington before the by-law is passed, the person or public body may not be added as a party to the hearing of an appeal before the Ontario Municipal Board unless, in the opinion of the Board, there are reasonable grounds to do so.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION relating to this matter is available for review at the Municipal Office for The Corporation of the Municipality of Leamington, during regular office hours. Please contact Brian Nagata, Development Planner, for further information.
DATED at the Municipality of Leamington this December 30, 2015.
TRACEY PILLON-ABBS DIRECTOR
december
cardinal carter presents dance-o-logy homage to the ’80s
It was a decade of big hair, neon fashion and the introduction of MTV to the music scene. And last week, Dec. 2-4, dancers from Cardinal Carter Secondary School took to the stage in four sold-out performances, and paid homage to the ’80s and some of its outstanding musicians of the decade. It was the 14th presentation of ‘Dance-o-logy’, a performance introduced by teacher Maggy Sonoski years ago, with the encouragement and support of then vice-principal Theresa Georges, in an attempt to boost the program and showcase the talent within the school. But Sonoski, who’s been working on the show since July, has always believed the onstage performance helps the dancers develop self-confidence, while learning the elements of dance and choreography. “But more importantly,” said Sonoski, “my wish is that they learn that with determination, focus and drive, good things can happen.” “Not only were they engaging their bodies in dance and physical activity, they were also engaging their minds in other disciplines such as history, art, geography, geometry, problem solving and social studies,” she added. Despite the overwhelming amount of work involved, Sonoski said she feels it’s important to continue the show, to give other students, prospective students and the community a taste of what is learned in class and what is possible to achieve by working together and committing their time and energy to this annual performance.
brianna Jackson receives first Hometown Heroes Youth Award Earth Day Canada’s Hometown Heroes Awards recognizes and celebrates environmental leaders. Earth Day Canada (EDC), with support from the RBC Foundation and Mill Street Brewery, has announced that Brianna Jackson from Leamington has been selected as EDC’s first-ever Hometown Heroes
scene from ‘Thriller’, by the
Youth Award winner. As a student leader on her high school EcoTeam, Brianna initiated, created and implemented a successful initiative to educate the community about the recurring harmful algae blooms that are threatening Lake Erie. In collaboration with the EcoTeam, she took her research findings and designed a program called Algaecation to teach and empower the community to take action. Brianna’s efforts began at Leamington District Secondary School, where she and the EcoTeam educated over 950 students. After school, she delivered Algaecation to intermediate-level students at six local elementary schools. Those students then shared this information with their own school community, which led to the education of over 10,000 Leamington residents.
rotary club surprises cardinal carter cougars robotics team with $2,000 donation
“To transform our culture by creating a world where science and technology are celebrated and where young people dream of becoming science and technology leaders.” – FIRST The Leamington Rotary Club recently visited Cardinal Carter Secondary School with a surprise donation of $2,000 for the Cougar Robotics 4923 team. The club supports Cougar
CILISKA EXCAVATING
Robotics’ mission to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders by engaging them in exciting mentor-based programs that build science, engineering and technology skills that inspire innovation, and that foster well-rounded life capabilities including self-confidence, communication and leadership. This year will be Cardinal Carter Cougar Robotics’ third year in the FIRST Robotics competition that includes over 10,000 Ontario students and over 300,000 throughout the States and many more from around the world. It is through the generosity and community support like that of Leamington Rotary that makes it possible for Cougar Robotics to cover the costs of parts, tools, competition fees, transportation, supplies, hardware, software and team uniforms.
Hospice gets another boost
One of Santa’s helpers made an early appearance in Leamington recently, offering a holiday gift to the Erie Shores Hospice. With construction of the facility about 20 per cent shy of completion, a gathering of guests converged on the 197 Talbot St. West site for an early tour and to hear presentations from representatives playing key roles towards what will be considered a ‘soft opening’ in March of next year. The highlight of the facility’s sneak peak was the presentation of a cheque for $15,000, accepted on behalf of The Hospice of Windsor and Essex County Inc. by Erie Shores Hospice executive director Carol Derbyshire. The donation came from Tecumseh mayor Gary McNamara — dressed as Santa Claus — as funding raised through the Mayor’s Charity Golf Tournament in Tecumseh.
School raises more funds for Youth centre Queen of Peace Catholic Elementary School students looking to offer further support for the St. Michael’s Parish Youth Centre are on Cloud “Nine.” The school’s 34 Grade 8 students presented their ninth annual Christmas Concert Tuesday, December 8, welcoming their 200-plus fellow students, staff and family members. The full school day of activities and games was held in the school’s gymnasium and included a visit from Santa Claus. The carnival featured 10 activity stations created and arranged by Rima Mastronardi’s Grade 8 class. Funds raised by the annual event — which began at 9:30 a.m. and ran until the end of the school day at 3:30 p.m. — were directed toward the soon-to-be-built youth centre at St. Michael’s Church on Elliott Street for the second consecutive year.
Photos from 2015
A
Cardinal Carter junior and senior dance classes.
The Jose’s Bar and Grill team poses for photos after finishing a double lap of the Big Bike For Heart and Stroke route in Leamington Thursday, June 4. Jose’s served as one of two Leamington hosts for this year’s fundraiser for the Windsor-Essex County Heart and Stroke Foundation. Leamington’s two-day event included 12 teams, the first half of whom gathered at The Seacliffe Inn as Day 1’s host site.
Clockwise form top - Celebrity cooking competition personality
Roger Mooking chats with Sliced Leamington Grade 6-8 finalist Lauren Bailey as she prepares her entrée Saturday, Aug. 15 at the Seacliff Park pavilion. Matteo Majelli adds some spice to his entrée. Em-Mylee Poisson adds some ingredients to the pot as she prepares her entrée.
Kayla Mellow (left) and Madison Palmer play a few rounds of a Frisbee ring toss game Tues. Aug. 25 during the third of three Family Fun Days at Eastside Park. Between 30 and 40 youths attended the event, a combined effort between the Kids Alliance, its Windsor Essex Community Health Centre host organization and the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit.
Constance Nolan-Shelswell, 4, and Emma Mackin, 5, loved their ride on the Himalaya.
Dr. Charles Morgan makes a brief loop through the Leamington municipal office lobby at 111 Erie St. North just prior to the launch of Pedaling for Docs, a doctor recruitment fundraiser that will send him by bicycle from Portland, Oregon to Portland, Maine.
Members of the Leamington Horticultural Society, political dignitaries and other guests listen to bagpipers Peter Scorrar and Walter Meixner during a pre-planting ceremony for one of 140 Friendship Tulip Gardens being planted across Canada. In Leamington, the 700 bulbs were planted near the front entrance of Rick Atkin Park along Robson Road Saturday, Oct. 31.
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CAREGIVER – NOC 6474
The Pierce family in Wheatley, Ontario is looking for a full-time live in Caregiver. Successful candidate will be responsible for:
- Driving and attending medical appointment;
- Assisting with daily activities;
- Prepare food and assist with housekeeping duties;
- Run errands as required. Successful candidate must have completed the caregiver certificate and have extensive experience. Driver’s License required along with clean driving record and criminal record check. Male Applicants are preferred. Applicants will be compensated an hourly wage of $13 per hour. Please send resume to: rhalabi@hulkaporter.com
DINIRO FARMS NEEDS full time greenhouse general labourers. $11.25/hour, 45+ hours, 7 days/week. Must be available Saturday and Sunday. Must be able to lift a minimum of 40 pounds on a repetitive basis. Please apply via email to: dinirofarms@wavedirect.net. eow-de30
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
We are a vegetable greenhouse that focuses on high quality healthy greenhouse products and looking for FULL TIME
FRESH FARMS & greenhouses
JOB OPPORTUNITY
General Labor Warehouse, Vegetable Packer Hours vary on production. Minimum Wage. Please Fax resume to 519-733-8059.
We are a vegetable greenhouse that focuses on high quality healthy greenhouse products.
We are looking to fill various strategic full time positions. Do you have what it takes? Are you a career champion?
If you have good work ethic, great attitude, excellent attendance and interested in growing with us, send your resume to:
hr@orangelinefarms.com
We are a vegetable greenhouse that focuses on high quality healthy greenhouse products and looking for Career Oriented Line Lead for one of our Specialty Packing Line.
LINE LEAD
Responsibilities:
• Progressively lead a packing line of 10 – 15 employees
• Ensure customer specifications are being followed and adhered to
• Working with scheduler to coordinate the personnel in order to meet production goals
the greenhouse as required
• Flexibility to work extended hours, including Saturdays
• Follow all policies and procedures as it relates to Human Resources, Health and Safety and Food Safety
It is vital that you have a positive attitude, great energy, excellent attendance and punctuality.
Additional Important Key Attributes:
• Self-motivation
• Attention to detail
• Committed to customer service
• Work in various positions at the required speed of service and with the desired sense of urgency
• Ability to communicate any issues or concerns
• Independent transportation
• Excellent multi-tasking skills under pressure and manual dexterity
• Ability to lift up 20 lb boxes
• Ability to work as a team or independently
• Must be able to work in cold and hot environment
• Requires standing, and walking on a regular basis for prolonged periods
• Visual and audio sensory are needed
If you possess these attributes, please forward your resume to: hr@orangelinefarms.com
Only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.
• Report all machine issues to Operations Manager and Maintenance
• Report personnel issues to Human Resources
• Train new employees as necessary
• Maintain accurate records
• Complete all relevant required documentation in an accurate and timely manner, including recording all packaging completed and the packaging used and/or destroyed
• Maintain a neat and organized work area
• Follow all policies, practices and procedures as it relates to Human Resources, Health and Safety and Food Safety Qualifications:
• Self- motivation and attention to detail
• Flexibility with working hours (Days Only including Saturdays)
• Independent transportation
• Excellent multi-tasking skills under pressure
• Ability to lift boxes up to 20 lbs.
• Work in cold and hot environments
• High School diploma or equivalent experience
• Basic math aptitude
• Ability to communicate effectively at all levels
If you possess these attributes, please forward your resume to: hr@orangelinefarms.com Only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.
TIVERON FARM
REQUIRESfull time orchard & field general labourers - 7 days, 50 hours per week working outdoors @ $11.25 per hour. Pruning, thinning and harvesting. Must provide own transportation. Please apply by mail to 926 East Road 6, Ruthven, Ontario N0P 2G0 or fax 519326-3303. de30-ja6
General Labour
Some lifting required and must work weekends.
$11.25/hour
Send resumes to: PO Box 27, Ruthven, ON N0P 2G0
The Highbury Canco Corporation, located in Leamington, Ontario is currently looking for:
General Labourers
These are full time unionized positions; benefits and pension available upon completion of probationary period. $12.50 per hour to start; $15.00/hour once probationary period is complete.
Preference will be given to candidates who have previous manufacturing experience and/or fork lift experience. Experience in the Food Processing Industry would be considered a definite asset. The incumbent must possess a Grade 12 diploma or equivalent. The incumbent of this position must also be willing and able to learn and perform all tasks pertaining to the job and in compliance to quality standards, as well as be capable of working all three shifts. Successful candidates must pass a standard test and interview process.
Applications must be received NO LATER than January 15, 2016.
Qualified applicants are requested to send their resumes to: Highbury Canco Corporation Human Resources Fax: 519-322-4102 Email to: hr@highburycorp.com Or
OBITUARY
Wayne Keys
Wayne Morris Keys passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on Sunday, December 20, 2015 at 61 years of age.
Beloved son of the late Wilbur James (1998) and Mary Louise (2008). Cherished brother of James Moreland, Judy Lynn, and brotherin-law of Chris Emery. He will be sorely missed by his buddy and nephew Kyle.
Wayne is now hunting again with his good friend Greg Drummond and his loyal companions Jasper and Colt. Special thanks to Patty Drummond and Wayne’s family of friends for the comfort and care they have provided during his final days. Wayne was an avid outdoorsman and animal lover who was well known in the Kingsville area for his dedication to nature preservation. He was a big kid who lived life by his own rules and will be sadly missed by all those whose lives he has touched.
A memorial service will take place on Saturday, January 16 at 11:00 a.m. at the Walter D. Kelly Life Celebration Centre, 1969 Wyandotte St. E., Windsor (519-2525711).
Memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.
The 1953 Ford Crestline Sunliner convertible at the Reynolds-Alberta Museum in Wetaskiwin is one of 789 Ford convertibles built in Canada for the 1953 model year (40,861 were built in the U.S.). Norm Tufts, the original owner, was a Ford employee who gave the car impeccable care for 47 years before donating it to the Museum. It has always been parked indoors. The odometer now reads over 92,000 miles but the car still looks like new.
The body was repainted in 1994 as a result of an accidental ash contamination. The owner personally removed all trim pieces and it is almost impossible to tell that the car has been repainted. The body is straight and required no filler or dent repair. Kurt Ziebart himself treated this car with the then new Ziebart Rustproofing in 1960. The colour is Banff Blue, very appropriate for a car sold new in Alberta and still in that province. Price when new was $2950 (Cdn).
This car rolled off the assembly line in Windsor, Ontario, on July 13, 1953. The body was constructed in the Gotfred-
son building in Windsor and then shipped to plant #6 where it was placed on a convertible chassis for final assembly. The serial number is 0476H5382979. The “H” stands for “Home Plant” (Windsor). Ford of Canada began producing cars at its new assembly plant in Oakville in May 1953, but Fords and Meteors continued being built in Windsor until March 1954. Cars built in Oakville were given serial numbers with the letter “K” (Oakville).
All Fords built in Canada in 1953 had a flathead V8 engine cranking out 110 horsepower from 239 cubic inches. A “Fordomatic” transmission was available as well as the column-mounted 3-speed manual gearshift. Our feature car has the automatic.
Other details include a curved one-piece windshield, pendulum-style brake and clutch pedals, and a gas filler cap behind the license plate.
The Ford Motor Company celebrated its 50th anniversary in 1953 and a Sunliner convertible was the Pace Car for the Indianapolis 500 race. A special anniversary medallion was mounted in the hub of the steering wheel on all 1953 Fords.
The Reynolds-Alberta Museum is home to over 300 vintage vehicles. Well worth a visit! See their website at www.reynoldsalbertamuseum.com.
I’m always looking for more stories. Email your stories and photos to billtsherk@sympatico.ca. Everyone whose story is published in my column will receive a free autographed copy of my latest car book: “OLD CAR DETECTIVE FAVOURITE STORIES, 1925 to 1965.”
1953 Ford Sunliner convertible in front of the Reynolds-Alberta Museum in Wetaskiwin, Alberta. Windsor-built 1953 Ford convertible now in Alberta
