Mayor Paterson: Leamington’s outlook is bright
By Sheila McBrayne
Leamington Mayor John Paterson was brimming with optimism for 2015 and the next four years when he spoke at the annual Leamington Chamber of Commerce Mayors’ Breakfast held Thursday, January 29 at Colasanti’s.
“If I remember correctly, this time last year I was standing up here putting on a brave face, dealing with the Heinz closure announcement and the future of Leamington. I talked about working with the suppliers to Heinz, diversification of industry, and did my best to remain upbeat as I spoke of the ‘positive’ happenings surrounding the Heinz announcement,” he said. One year later, Highbury Canco was created. “Two local Leamington residents, Sam Diab and John Kruger, took an extremely bold step with investors from Toronto and purchased the former Heinz properties and have just finished their first, and might I add, successful tomato season,” Mayor Paterson stated. “I get the feeling we may be in store for more good news in 2015 and the next couple of years as they expand their market reach,” he added.
Paterson reviewed some of the positive triumphs of 2014 including the 250 jobs created at Highbury Canco; Elring Kilnger reopening a shuttered manufacturing facility; millions invested in the Pelee Motor Inn, now the Pelee Best Western; Jose’s rebuilt and expanded; HUB International built a new commercial office; Koeperts has chosen Leamington to be their Canadian headquarters and has purchased land in our industrial park; several uptown property owners have taken advantage of the CIP and have invested in their businesses; Bartel’s Machine acquired their property and constructed a new facility and the many other examples of new and existing businesses who have stepped forward and shown their commitment by investing in Leamington.
“Leamington isn’t dwelling on the past; it has pulled up its socks and it is moving forward. Over the past four years Leamington has managed to “hold the line” on property taxes. In 2011 we raised taxes by 0.89%; in 2012 by 0.51 %; in 2013 by 0.890%; and in
(Continued on Page 2)
Leamington is off to the races in 2015
By Sheila McBrayne
The Lakeshore Horse Racing Association (LHRA) will host 14 races this year starting on Sunday, August 2.
Last year, Leamington’s 13 race dates didn’t start until fall, but this year the Ontario Racing Commission released race dates early, which included harness horse races in Leamington at the Leamington Raceway (Leamington Fairgrounds) every Sunday afternoon, from August 2 to October 25 at 1:30 p.m. Leamington will also host a card of live racing on Labour Day, Monday, September 7. “We were the only local track to get an extra date, so we’re excited. Sundays turned out to be better for us and that’s what we have this year, so we’ll see how it goes,” said Essex County Warden Tom Bain, who is also a member of the Lakeshore Horse Racing Association board of directors.
Last year the races were held Saturday or Sunday, with the most popular being the Sunday afternoon time slots. The last race date of the 2014 season had $23,909 in wagers. Bain stated the best race day saw $40,000 in bets. The Sunday dates proved to be almost double the turnout as the Saturday races. A Saturday card averaged a total wager of $8,000 to $9,000, while Sunday’s races averaged $18,000 to $20,000.
Bain says the plan is to keep harness horse racing in
Leamington as a family-themed activity. “There’s something for every one in the family. With draws, food, games, entertainment and special days, we’re really excited about getting the summer dates,” said Bain.
Bain said the LHRA is so excited about the future of the Leamington venue, that it’s investing in a new multi-purpose building on the fairgrounds. The new building would include a new paddock, show ring and could be used year-round. The $200,000 structure would replace old washroom facilities. With expected funding through government grants, the LHRA and private industry, the structure could be in place in time for this year’s races. “We’ll see, it would be nice if we could,” said Bain.
Bringing back harness horse racing not only brings people the venues, “It’s saved about 2,000 jobs… jobs within the industry and all the spin offs – blacksmiths, vets, farmers selling straw, hay, grain – there’s a lot of spin off created,” said Bain.
Tom Bain, Director, Lakeshore Horse Racing Association
“We’re really excited for this season,” added Bain.
Leamington Mayor John Paterson at Chamber of Commerce annual Mayors’ Breakfast. (SUN Photo)
Mayor Paterson: Leamington’s outlook is bright
(Continued from Front)
2014 we actually had a reduction of -0.340%. I can tell you right now that the proposed budget for 2015 is 0.0%. That makes it 5 years in a row that we have held property tax increases to less than 1%. Even with a 0.0% tax increase for 2015, we are increasing the amount we spend on infrastructure by $431,000 from 2014 levels for a total investment of $12.9 million dollars,” the Mayor stated.
At the end of 2014 Council changed its Development Charge Bylaw and for the next 3 years commercial, industrial and residential new builds can do so with 0.0% development charges. “Doing this will not be a cost to taxpayers as the funds have been budgeted in our Contingency Re-
serve Fund. We are trying to make it clear to everyone that Leamington is open for business,” said Paterson.
“Our main focus will be on economic growth. We have applied for funding for one of two major sewer projects, which has reached the second stage of consideration by the upper levels of government, and we are in discussions on the second project. Both will open opportunities for commercial and industrial growth. And that means jobs,” stated the mayor.
Mayor Paterson told the crowd that he, Council and administration have talked about visions for the uptown core and bringing it back to being the heart of the community, as well as the Erie Street South business sector.
The recently elected Council has a new deputy-mayor and two new councillors. Leamington also has a new CAO, a new director of finance, a newer director of planning, a newer director of infrastructure services, and along with the recent addition of a new economic development officer, these are Leamington’s top senior administrative positions.
“If you can’t tell, I’m a little bit excited about this term of Council, and beyond. We, as a town, have faced adversity and have shown that we are not quitters. There is a bright future ahead of us and Council would like all of you as business leaders in this community to join us in the adventure,” concluded Mayor Paterson.
• CPR Instructors - 153
• AEDs allocated - 62
- Across Essex County
• Diabetes - 7.0% of area residents have diagnosed diabetes.
• HBP - 17.5% of area residents have high blood pressure.
• Smokers - 19.3% of area residents smoke.
• Weight - 60.7% of area residents are overweight or obese.
• Fruit/Vegetables - 40.7% of area residents eat at least 5 servings of fruit or vegetables a day.
• Physical Activity - 50.0% of area residents are inactive during leisure time.
• Hospitalization S - 681 area residents were hospitalized for stroke-related conditions.
• Hospitalization HD - 3,728 area residents were hospitalized for heart-related conditions.
References
Area: Statistics Canada. Table 105-0501 - Health indicator profile, annual estimates, by age group and sex, Canada, provinces, territories, health regions (2013 boundaries) and peer groups, occasional, CANSIM (database). (accessed: 2014-11-14) Public Health Unit – Windsor-Essex County Health Unit.
Source: CIHI – Fiscal Year 2011 – Hospitalization of Stroke and Heart Disease; *sefl-reported CCHS data for 2013.
HEART&STROKE RESEARCH SUPPORTING PATIENT CARE
Feb 5, 12, 19, 26: Blood pressure checks at Devonshire Mall 8:30 - 10:30 am.
Feb 11-14 - Gift Wrapping at Devonshire Mall
Feb 13, 22, 28: Windsor Express Game
Feb 16 - Pictures with Elsa at Devonshire Mall
Feb 20 - Heart Day at Caesars Windsor - Free Health Information
March 26: The Great Soup Kitchen at St Clair Centre for the Arts
June 1-13: Big Bike Weeks
Proceeds from these events go to Windsor-Essex
• Nearly 4,400 people in the Windsor-Essex area are hospitalized each year for heart disease and stroke related conditions.
• We fund 600 researchers across Ontario in local hospitals, universities and research institutions.
• We have injected $313,876 into Foundation supported research in the Windsor area alone.
• Vascular disease still remains the number one cause of death and disability among North Americans.
• Nearly 300 area residents were hospitalized for stroke-related conditions in 2010.
• 59,859 or 17.5% area residents over 12 years of age have high blood pressure, the number one risk factor for stroke.
used for youth programs
Council hears presentation from Essex Power, receives $10,000 cheque
By Bill Chaplin, Municipal Correspondent
At the Monday, Feb. 2 meeting of Council, Richard Dimmel, vice-president of Regulatory Affairs, and Joe Barile, general manager, presented Mayor John Paterson with a cheque for $10,000 from Essex Power Corporation. This is part of their program called Youth in Community and is intended to assist Leamington youth programs.
Their presentation to Council was about ‘Cost of Service Rate Filing’, the submission to the Ontario Board that establishes the rate the Corporation may charge for their service. (The Filing tends to run to
about 2,000 pages.) They went into considerable detail about the specifics of their service — which even includes the number of poles and transformers they own — as part of the overview of their rate justification. They revealed the provincial target for electric-
ity conservation of 7TWh and the Essex target of 31.4GWh. (‘T’ stands for ‘billion’, ‘G’ stands for ‘million’ and ‘Wh’ is ‘watt hours’, a measure of electrical energy consumption. Thus, the Provincial target of 7TWh is equal to 7,000GWh.) That is why the
OPP issue snow removal reminder:
Don’t push snow onto roadways
Under Section 181 of the Highway Traffic Act it states that “no person shall deposit snow or ice on a roadway without the permission of the Ministry or responsible authority.”
Town and county crews work very hard keeping roads clear of snow during the winter months, and residents must be aware that it is an offence to clear their driveways by pushing their snow onto any roadway. Not only is it an offence under the Highway Traffic Act, there could be civil ramifications if an unfortunate injury or death occurs as a result of any neglectful act.
Also, under Section 170(12) of the Highway Traffic Act it states “No person shall park a vehicle on a highway (roadway) in a manner as to interfere with the clearing of snow from the highway.”
The OPP has the authority through the Highway Traffic Act to remove any vehicle that contravenes Section 170(12) of the HTA. The expense of such removal would be billed to the owner of the vehicle.
introduction of LED lighting for streetlights in municipalities like Leamington, and energy conservation in homes it so very important.
Richard Dimmel (left), the vice-president of Regulatory Affairs for Essex Power, Joe Barile (centre), general manager, presented a cheque for $10,000 to Mayor John Paterson on behalf of Essex Power, to be
in the community.
(SUN Photo)
The snow can go!
Well, that was fun, wasn’t it?
We got a taste of an old-time winter storm and it wasn’t even throwback Thursday!
Much of the region got buried on Sunday night into Monday and most of us are still cleaning up the mess.
My paper carriers were beside themselves for the most part. Some did their routes without so much as a whimper, while others complained they didn’t want to go out in that mess.
I can’t say that I blame them. It was nasty.
It was crazy, and while this one didn’t even begin to compare in magnitude, it certainly brought some of the memories back for me.
At 5 a.m. on Monday morning, the snow was so deep in some city driveways that I abandoned the one route I was doing halfway through. The snow was up to my waist and visibility was at its worst. Not to mention, my phone was ringing off the hook from carriers wanting to know what to do.
They say there hasn’t been a school closing for snow days in about ten years, until Monday’s storm which halted everything educational in Windsor and Essex County.
I used to love winter. That love doesn’t exist anymore. The difficulties of my job are multiplied with even an inch of snow, let alone 12 inches.
Now, I say ‘off the hook’ but we all know that doesn’t apply anymore. There is no hook. I don’t know anyone who still has a hook, so I guess that’s an expression we should update at some point.
But no time for updating as I write this column. I’m waist deep in snow and paper routes that didn’t get delivered.
So I officially despise winter. I would say hate, but those that know me, know I don’t use that word lightly. I believe it’s a word that can never be taken back, in any context. But that’s a subject for another column.
As a kid, I reveled in the snow. The snow forts we built at Gore Hill were right up there with the best of them. And the snowball fights that followed were epic. See the fun that the kids are missing out on these days?
To their credit, I only had one customer call me at 10:30 Monday morning wondering where their paper was. I was expecting a lot more calls. So maybe they are showing some patience after all.
Oh sure, there will be those who will grow tired of waiting and all we can do is promise they will eventually get a paper and hope they grace us with their patience.
Toboganning down those Point Pelee hills, dodging trees and vines, was simply the best time of my life. Ice fishing and learning to properly set and use a tip-up. These are childhood things that stay with you forever.
Hence the reason why I used to love winter.
For everyone else, it was supposed to be a regular work day but even regular jobs get affected by snowstorms of this magnitude.
It reminded me a little of the big storm of 1978 that hit Leamington when I was just 16.
I remember my mom got stuck out in the rural areas where she was working as a home worker for Joe Gulliver and his wife, who was suffering from terminal cancer. She ended up spending a couple of days with a family out that way after she got stuck along the roadside.
I remember a neighbour across the street from us went into labour and they had to send a snowmobile to get her to the hospital.
Ah, but things change and people change as well. My winter-time activities now consist of trudging through three feet of snow to make sure Mrs. Smith gets her paper before she calls and complains, and of course my weekly skate around Wheatley arena with the Wheatley Oldtimers. Now, this year, I’ve not been good about showing up every week, so I’m working on getting there more often. It’s something I enjoy, but as winter sets in and my days become longer because of the snow, my energy level is sapped. Trust me, it shows in my play.
So, as I sit near the fireplace, toasting my hands and thawing my buttocks, I’ll dream of springtime, opening day of baseball season and a cold beer on a hot day.
Never a dull moment on our little island
We are able to appreciate the beauty of a full moon and it’s effect on the earth incredibly well while living on an island.
excitement!
After spending 6 months here, we continue to marvel while we watch the tide come in and up and then out and down. It wows us over and over again! The 6-hour time span between this ongoing action passes very quickly, especially if we’re not waiting for it, and the difference in the water level between the rise and fall constantly has me awestruck and wondering.
Usually when it looks as if the water level has risen at least 4 feet, it’s the perfect time to head out boating. If we decide to venture out, we have to be careful not to exceed 6 hours or we may be forced to sit and wait patiently in the shallow waters for a while until the level rises and it is safe for our engine to move freely again.
During last October’s full moon, the water level rose so high that it looked like it was going to spill over the top of our harbour. I’ve been told to watch for the spring equinox full moon because the water will likely slosh above the sea wall.
Without the lights of a city or anything else nearby, our nights are very dark. When the moon is full, as it was on Tuesday night, we can walk around the island without a flashlight. The reflection of the moonlight on the sea also enables us to see the surrounding islands far in the distance. I am hoping that the seeds I planted on the full moon will show me their gratitude with their bounty, as so far, something has to help my Bahamian green thumb!
I am not sure if all of the animals on the island are affected by the bright, moonlit nights, but I am certain that the rooster living in a pen next to our house is. He cock-adoodle-do’s himself silent. Thank goodness.
February the 1st was our first Little Whale Cay ‘Canada Day’. We invited a group of people from our neighbouring Big Whale Cay over for a potluck lunch on Sunday. Each one of the 12 guests came from Canada. Two of the women, one from Peterborough and the other from Gravenhurst, have owned winter residences on that island for over 30 years. They shared many stories from their times spent here. They have experienced a lot of island
Mark and I barbequed chicken and I added a chipotle sweet potato salad and hot mango-pepper chutney. The rest of the group added some ‘kicker’ rum punch, macaroni salad, a potato salad and cabbage slaw. When we put the array together it made for a delicious meal. For dessert, I served half frozen bananas skewered on a stick and dipped in chocolate and honey then rolled in peanuts, along with a sour-orange pie. After stuffing ourselves, it was difficult not to think of having a siesta in the beautifully warm breeze.
We have met many Canadians who are obviously in need of a winter getaway. On Monday morning, a group of 5 from Vancouver flew in for a tour of the island. We must have given them a great one, because they said they’d like to rent the island for a year or maybe two! I am trying to imagine exactly how that would work and doubt if the owners would ever give up their refuge for that long.
The owners arrive this week and will be with us until next Wednesday. Then Mark and I will prepare for the arrival of our daughter Michaela and son-in-law Zach to the island. We can’t tell you how excited we are to share our new home with them. After this experience, they will be able to envision where we live and what our day-to-day life looks like. Five days will never be long enough!
It will be a pleasant change and break from their busy routines, one as a teacher and the other a nurse, as well as a timely escape from the -25º Saskatchewan weather. I hope their time with us will always be a reminder to them of how to take things seriously, yet not too seriously all at the same time! This mix can be difficult and a challenge to get just right, but it is very important for a well-balanced life. Like the tides, if you are able to time things correctly, you can appreciate the highs, respect the lows and really enjoy all the space in between.
Council deals with planning problems and burdens
Leamington Municipal Council regularly deals with land use planning, the art and science of what should be permitted to be built and done on properties within the municipality. It can be a vexing burden when the opinions and advice of Leamington’s planning staff differ from those who want permission to do what they want on their land. Here is an example from the Monday, Feb. 2 Council meeting.
There is an application to amend the Official Plan and Zoning By-law to permit condominium apartment construction on vacant land off Cherry Lane. This land is currently identified in the Official Plan as commercial land, and is zoned commercial in the Zoning By-law, so it is a very big change being requested. Whenever an application like this is made, it is the job of administration to review it in detail to see if it is supportable under the Planning Act of Ontario, the Provincial Policy Statements (for land use matters), the County Official Plan, and the Leamington Official Plan.
In the Planning Act there is an explicit requirement for thoroughness:
• “Other Information: A Council or a planning board may require that a person or public body that requests an amendment to its official plan provide any other information or material that the council or planning board considers it may need, but only if the official plan contains provisions relating to requirements under this subsection.”
• “Refusal and Timing: Until the Council or planning board has received the information and material required… the Council or planning board may refuse to accept or further consider
the request for an amendment to its official plan.”
Leamington’s Official Plan (like essentially all official plans) contains a list of provisions for information that the Planning Act cites. It says, “Should changing conditions necessitate the need to enlarge or re-designate land, an amendment of the Official Plan in accordance with Section 22 of the Planning Act, 1990 will be required and due regard shall be given to the following criteria”, and then there is a long list of specifics to be studied by the developer.
All of this leads up to the report facing Council Monday evening: Administration wants more information before making any recommendation, but it has only 30 days after receiving applications to inform the applicant that everything is okay, so it is requesting Council to refuse to consider the matter so that the process pauses until that information is received.
What Council decided is to consider the applications complete as soon as the necessary information is submitted so the matter will not have to come to Council again before the necessary public meeting to amend the Official Plan and Zoning By-law.
In response to a question from Deputy-Mayor Hilda MacDonald, the Manager of
Planning Services, Danielle Truax, indicated that this approach has the potential to shave about a month off the process (without interfering with Council’s desire to look at the details that may concern residents of the area).
The other planning matter facing Council Monday evening was a development agreement for Golfwood Estates. Ontario authorizes municipalities to enter into development agreements with developers, and even gives examples of what those agreements must and may contain, in Ontario Regulation 608/06. Leamington has a ‘standard’ development agreement it uses, but the circumstances of the type of development, its phasing, and the location of the property almost always require extra conditions to be added. From minutiae like ensuring the names of the streets do not copy existing street names (and ideally do not sound too similar to an existing street) to big things like security deposits and getting necessary permits from other branches of government before construction, the development agreement is intended to cover pretty much everything touching the municipality’s interests.
BILL CHAPLIN
Municipal Correspondent
The proposed agreement presented to Council by the planning staff even includes registering on title the warning that the development is next to a golf course and as a consequence a purchaser might end up with the odd golf ball sailing onto the property (or into the house). The biggest change from status quo is requiring security deposits less far in advance of the actual commencement of construction. Council was satisfied with the details of the report and approved the agreement.
The last planning related matter is a letter of support. For a 45m tall cell tower to be built off Hazelton near Queen, Leamington Municipal Council must agree enough to send a letter of support for its construction. It is interesting to note that towers of this type are controlled by the Federal
Government, not the Municipality nor the Province. Industry Canada desires municipal support, although it is not an absolute requirement. Council agreed to the letter.
Easiest Lasagna Ever (microwave)
Submitted
by Jan Watson
1-1/2 c. cottage cheese (I use whole 500 ml container)
1 crushed garlic clove
2 tbsp. Parmesan cheese
egg
1. Mix above well in 4 c. measure and set aside
¾ lb. hamburger
¼ lb. chopped pepperoni
¼ c. diced onion
¼ c. diced green pepper
2 crushed garlic cloves
2. In 9x13 pan combine above and microwave on high until meat has lost pink colour (approx. 8 min.)
3. Place in 8 c. measure and add:
1 can drained mushrooms
3 c. spaghetti sauce (750 ml). Mix well.
½ lb. grated mozzarella cheese
2 tbsp. Parmesan cheese
4. In the used lasagna pan spread a little tomato meat mixture to cover bottom to prevent noodles from sticking. Top with a layer of raw noodles.
5. Add 1/3 meat mixture, 1/2 cottage cheese mixture, 1/3 mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
6. Repeat until all but last 1/3 mozzarella and Parmesan cheese have been used. Make sure top noodles are well covered with sauce.
7. Cover with plastic wrap. Microwave on high for 10 minutes and at 30% power for 45 minutes.
8. Add last 1/3 mozzarella and Parmesan and let stand 10 minutes before serving.
N.B. If you don’t have a microwave big enough for a 9x13 pan cook noodles for a short time first or use no-cook noodles, cover with foil, bake in oven.
Gore Hill students present plays based on books by Robert Munsch
Last week, Mrs. Coristine’s Grade 3 class at Gore Hill Public School presented a series of plays based on the books of Robert Munsch to parents and other classes. Included were “Stephanie’s Ponytail”, “Mortimer”, “The Paper Bag Princess”, “Smelly Socks” and “Class Clown”.
11, 2015, 5:00PM-7:00PM
At the heart of our Catholic school system is a distinctive curriculum that integrates the teachings of Jesus Christ into all aspects of school life.
Translation available in the following languages:
Newcomer Reception Office at Immaculate Conception Catholic School, 465 Victoria Ave. Windsor - 519-256-9156
Children must be 4 years of age by December 31, 2015 to attend Junior Kindergarten Children must be 5 years of age by December 31, 2015 to attend Senior Kindergarten
Gore Hill Grade 3 students, left to right, Emily Froese, Logan Williams, Autumn Farrar and Aidan Brown attempt to wake fellow student Ryan Klassen in the class’s rendition of Robert Munsch’s book, “Mortimer”.
Mrs. Coristine’s Grade 3 students (in back) Cornelius Fehr, Judith Knelsen, Brieanna Beaul (seated) and Andrew Marchand (front) act out the opening scene of the story “Class Clown” by Robert Munsch. (Photos Submitted)
Local programs celebrate Literacy Day
By Bryan Jessop
When it comes to early education opportunities, good things really do come in threes.
In honour of Tuesday, Jan. 27th’s national designation as Family Literacy Day, the Ontario Early Years Centre at Mill Street Public School and Parenting and Family Literacy Centre program of Queen Elizabeth Public School met at the Leamington branch of the Essex County Public Library as part of a series of activities. The visit to the local library included story time and activities for OEYC and PFLC infants and toddlers along with their parents and other
caregivers.
Leamington library branch assistant Laura Wilkinson led the series of storytelling, sing-alongs and other attractions geared toward the gathering of young visitiors.
“The library always does a great job with youth programs,” said local PFLC facilitator Gail Teskey. “It’s a nice trip to come out to the library because everyone here cares. Plus, it’s a nice chance to learn more about another free service.”
This year marks the second consecutive year where the PFLC and OEYC in Leamington have made the journey to the local library
as part of Family Literacy Day activities. All visiting youths and caregivers from both programs were invited to attend the annual gathering at the Leamington library. Teskey arranged the PFLC visit while Sandy Marentette organized the OEYC group’s trek to the same event.
The PFLC is a Greater Essex County District School Board-led program that has included a Queen Elizabeth Public School branch for the past eight years — the other four branches are hosted by Windsor-based GECDSB schools. Weekday hours of operation are 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The program’s
services are free of charge and are available to children ages zero to six along with their parents and/or other family members and caregivers. Pre-booking visits is not necessary.
Like the OEYC program at Mill Street School, the PFLC was established to
Branch assistant of the Essex County Public Library’s Leamington location Laura Wilkinson reads a story to a group of visitors from the Ontario Early Years Centre at Mill Street Public School and Parenting and Family Literacy Centre at Queen Elizabeth Public School. A group of infants and toddlers along with their parents paid a visit as part of Family Literacy Day activities.
(SUN Photo)
provide early learning and development opportunities to preschoolers in literacy, numeracy and communication skills. Access to the OEYC program is also free of charge with no registration required.
Leamington’s OEYC branch operates as a divi-
$20 is all it takes to start saving for your retirement.
sion of the region’s headquarters in Windsor. The local branch has been hosted by Mill Street Public School for more than a decade and a half. Previously, it was ran from a Wilkinson Drive address. The OEYC’s Leamington location is open 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Mondays to Fridays, including through the March Break and summer holidays. For more information on Leamington’s PFLC branch, call 519-326-9451 or 519326-2311. For more information on Leamington’s OEYC location, call 519325-0426.
Don’t forget: The 2014 RSP deadline is Monday, March 2, 2015.
Whether it’s $20 a week, $20 a day or even $20 a pay, it’s easy to start saving.
$20 can get you a car wash. Or some snacks at the movies. It can also start to make your retirement dreams come true. That’s the beauty of saving with TD. With just $20 a week, $20 a day or even $20 a pay, you’ll start to see your retirement savings grow. $20 isn’t a lot. But at TD, it can be the start of something big.
in the in the in the in the in the
ANSWERS ON PAGE 21
ARIES - Mar 21/Apr 20
Aries, you may feel that a goal is beyond reach, but you can get there if you are willing to make some sacrifices. Make a decision quickly this week.
TAURUS - Apr 21/May 21
Many different people, including loved ones and colleagues, hold you in high regard, Taurus. That's because you are a forward thinker willing to take chances.
GEMINI - May 22/Jun 21
Gemini, take a careful approach to any obstacles that come your way this week. A problem that arises will require some thoughtful analyis and a slow and steady approach.
CANCER - Jun 22/Jul 22
Cancer, be honest about what you desire, even if it seems like getting it is impossible. You never know what you can achieve if you push yourself and have a little patience.
LEO - Jul 23/Aug 23
Leo, you have many good ideas and are ready for many of them to come to fruition. Muster up some energy and clear your schedule so you can conquer the tasks at hand.
VIRGO - Aug 24/Sept 22
Virgo, you have more in common with a colleague at work than you originally imagined. Pool your resources and work as a team to get the job done.
LIBRA - Sept 23/Oct 23
Libra, you may have to be a little more assertive than usual to get your way this week. If you have good ideas, stick behind them and make your voice heard.
SCORPIO - Oct 24/Nov 22
Set goals that are difficult to reach, Scorpio. This is a great way to push yourself to be the best you can be. Expect some special news to arrive very soon.
SAGITTARIUS - Nov 23/Dec 21
Something that may have been important to you a few days ago has lost its luster this week, Sagittarius. Don't pursue it any longer because it's not worth your time.
CAPRICORN - Dec 22/Jan 20
Capricorn, make the most of a business opportunity that presents itself in the coming weeks. This opportunity could be the chance you have long been waiting for.
AQUARIUS - Jan 21/Feb 18
Don't push yourself beyond your limits this week, Aquarius. There's no rush to get things done and no need to subject yourself to fatigue or burnout.
PISCES - Feb 19/Mar 20
Pisces, do not let your daydreams get you into trouble. Harness your imagination in the next few days so you can focus on the here and now.
FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS
FEBRUARY 1
Harry Styles, Singer (21)
FEBRUARY 2
Shakira, Singer (38)
FEBRUARY 3
Rebel Wilson, Actress (29)
FEBRUARY 4
Oscar De La Hoya, Boxer (42)
FEBRUARY 5
Darren Criss, Actor (28)
FEBRUARY 6
Axl Rose, Singer (53)
FEBRUARY 7
James Spader, Actor (55)
Historical book looks back 35 years
Natural gas explosion forever changed downtown landscape in Essex
On February 14, 1980 the Southwestern Ontario town of Essex was literally rocked to its foundation.
Considered to be one of this community’s biggest tragedies, an entire block was destroyed as a result of a natural gas explosion.
Thirty-five years later, local journalist Fred Groves looks back on the event which caused over $5 million in damages, pitted one brother against another in a lengthy lawsuit, and forever changed the landscape of Essex’s downtown core.
In his book, ‘Rising from the Rubble’, Mr. Groves interviews several business owners and emergency response personnel, some who were there within minutes of the blast which could be heard 10 miles away in the neighbouring community of Cottam.
“I was very fortunate that so many people wanted to tell me their accounts of what happened that night,” said Groves, who was a 20-year-old reporter with the Essex Free Press the morning of Feb. 14, 1980.
Among those who told their stories are Richard Bonneau who was an 18-year-old firefighter and has risen to the distinguished rank of District Chief for the Essex Fire and Rescue Department. As well, prominent Windsor lawyer Harvey Storsberg fills in a few mysteries that he unearthed in his defence of local resident Bruce Beutler.
“I wrote this book for three reasons,” said Mr. Groves. “To give a voice to those who were there that cold winter morning; to be able to pass on this tragedy to future generations; and, well, it was my first big story as a journalist.”
‘Rising from the Rubble’, was printed at the Windsor Public Library and proceeds of the book’s sales will go to the Essex Fire and Rescue Department to which the book is dedicated.
The book will be available and signed by the author on Sat., Feb. 14, which is 35 years to the day of the explosion. All are welcome to stop by and get a copy at the Essex and Community Historical Research Society at 18 Gordon Ave. in Essex, from 2-4 p.m.
School climate surveys
Every two years Ontario school boards are required to conduct anonymous school climate surveys of their school communities.
The Greater Essex County District School Board has developed its own model for students, parents and guardians, and staff to examine their perceptions of bullying prevention, equity and inclusion and mental health.
The 2015 School Climate Survey is available to all respondents until Friday, March 13. Links to the surveys are posted on www. publicboard.ca and on each school’s website. There are 30 questions and it will take approximately 30 minutes to complete.
Data collected assists Safe Schools teams to determine the next steps for their schools and will allow some reflection on progress made since the survey was first conducted in 2013.
For more information contact Superintendent of Education Sharon Pyke at 519-255-3200 ext. 10222 or Public Relations Officer Scott Scantlebury at 519255-3200 ext. 10224 or 519995-5797.
Peacock receives Air Cadet League of Canada Award
Captain Stephenson and the Cadets of 535 Squadron presented Ontario Provincial Director Mr. Bruce
with the Air Cadet League of Canada Long Service Medal and first-ever presented Bar for over 25 years of work
of Canada. The presentation took place at the 535 Squadron quarters on Smith Ave., located
the
Secondary School. The Squadron is doing well with the chance of several cadets gaining flying scholarships this
along with other exciting awards. Interested youth are welcome to come out and see what Cadets is all about.
Peacock
with
Air Cadets
behind Leamington District
year,
(Photo submitted)
NHL legends returning to Heinz Arena
By Bryan Jessop
While Essex County’s OPP officers don’t enjoy driving in icy conditions more than anyone else, they’ll once again find it even more challenging to skate on them.
A team of the county’s Ontario Provincial Police officers will again lace the skates for an annual match against the Legendary Hockey Heros, a squad of retired National Hockey League players. The 14th installment of the Oldtimers Challenge Charity Hockey Game will take place at Heinz Arena Saturday, Feb. 21 with a 6 p.m. start. The game is again being organized to benefit and support W.E. (Windsor Essex) Care For Kids and Cops 4 Charity.
Offered at 4 schools in Leamington & Kingsville. Ages 18 months - 12 years 6:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. • Subsidy available. For details call 519-733-8202 www.discoverychildcareschools.com
BANK THEATRE NOTES
10 ERIE STREET SOUTH P.O. BOX 434
LEAMINGTON, ON N8H 3W5 519-326-8805
DALE’S LAST FRIDAY OF THE MONTH COFFEE HOUSE
Friday, February 20 • 7:00 p.m.
Sharon and David Light are the hosts again this month, allowing Dale to have a much needed rest. Before he handed over the hosting duties to these wonderful musicians, he lined up the entertainment for the coffee houses to be held in January, February and March. The audience can expect a wonderful variety of local artists giving their all.
Once again, the reason that the coffee house cannot literally be held on the last Friday of the month is because there is a play being presented during the last weekend of February and the first weekend of March. Please keep reading and learn more about it. Some of you music fans have not been to any of The Bank Theatre’s dramatic productions. Change that now and come to see Queen Milli of Galt.
QUEEN MILLI OF GALT
Playwright Gary Kirkham
Director Rick Taves
The five actors in Queen Milli of Galt were given the Christmas season off, and now rehearsals are going full steam ahead in January. There is something special about a play based on actual events. Just look at the line-up of Oscar-nominated films. About half are based on true stories. It is especially satisfying when that actual event upon which the play is based took place in Canada. Here is a very short description of the play. In l972, the Duke of Windsor died. Two weeks later, a tombstone appeared in a cemetery in Galt, Ontario, engraved with these words: Millicent Milroy, wife of Edward V111, Duke of Windsor. We return to 1919 to explore what may have happened in Galt that autumn. It is part comedy, part history, but totally entertaining.
Thursday, February 26 at 7:30 p.m. DRESS REHEARSAL (open to the public on a pay as you can basis)
Friday, February 27 at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, March 6 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, February 28 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 7 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, March l at 2:00 p.m.
Sunday, March 8 at 2:00 p.m.
Tickets: $15 adults and seniors; $10 students
Tickets are always available at the door one half hour before the performance. Tickets may be purchased at Thomson Guardian Drugs, Leamington; The Discount and Party Store, Wheatley; The MaryKathryn Shop, Kingsville.
Follow The Bank Theatre on Facebook www.facebook.com/TheBankTheatre
Email: banktheatre@gmail.com Website: www.banktheatre.com
The Legendary Hockey Heros team will include some familiar faces to Leamington fans, including Gary Leeman, Al Iafrate, Mike Krushelnyski, Dan Daoust, Ric Nattress, Jack Valiquette, John Ogrodnick, Dennis Maruk, Eddie Mio, Bernie Nichols and Leamington’s own former Atlanta Flame, Chicago Blackhawk, Toronto Maple Leaf, Washington Capital and Calgary Flame Pat Ribble. Also making return appearances for the 14th Oldtimers Challenge Charity Hockey Game will be retired NHL referee Ron Hoggarth and TSN commentator Rod Black.
Taking part in the game for the first time will be Bryan Smolinski and Sergei Samsonov. Toledo, Ohio-born Smolinski started his NHL career with the Boston Bruins in 1992 after being drafted in the first round and 21st overall in 1990. He also played for the Pittsburgh Penguins, New York Islanders, Los Angeles Kings, Ottawa Senators, Chicago Blackhawks, Vancouver Canucks and Montreal Canadiens.
Samsonov, born in Moscow, Russia, joined the NHL with the Bruins in 1997 and also played for the Edmonton Oilers, Canadiens, Blackhawks, Carolina Hurricanes and Florida Panthers. He won the NHL’s Calder Memorial Trophy as the most proficient first-year NHL player in 1997-98.
The organization of this year’s charitable game is again being led by its founder Cst. Kevin O’Neil, the Essex County OPP’s Leamington detachment community services officer. O’Neil continues to be impressed with the outpouring of community support that has greeted the event since he launched it back in 2002.
“Never in my wildest dreams did I think it could be as successful as it actually has been,” O’Neil said. “It’s been a very popular event in the community.”
O’Neil noted that because of the tremendous support local hockey fans have shown, he will again be able to offer general admission tickets at a price of $5 each while spectators five years of age and under accompanied by an adult will be permitted to attend free of charge. Tickets are now on sale at the Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex, Leamington’s Walmart, Scotiabank, Source for Sports locations, Sports Den and Bowman’s Sports.
The first 500 youths ages 14 and under will receive free pizza, chips, candy and a beverage. Additionally, every licensed driver will be eligible for a chance to win a new car if drawn to play Score-O at the start of the third period.
In it’s first 13 years, the fundraiser has generated a combined total of about $280,000 for W.E. Care For Kids and Cops 4 Charity. Last year’s sum was about $22,500.
“It’s very important that the money we raise stays local,” O’Neil explained.
W.E. Care For Kids is a volunteer-driven organization supporting childhood health care at a variety of facilities including Leamington District Memorial Hospital. For more information on its services, visit the website www.wecare-
forkids.org. Cops 4 Charity is the fundraising division of the annual five-day Cop Camp in Essex County, designated for one Grade 6 student from Each WindsorEssex County school and other charitable programs.
ARE YOU AFFECTED BY SOMEONE ELSE'S DRINKING? The Wheatley Serenity Al-Anon Family Group meets every Monday at 7:30 p.m. at the Wheatley Friendship Club (north entrance), 171 Erie St. N.
DO YOU ENJOY VOLUNTEERING AND MEETING PEOPLE? South Essex Community Council in Leamington is currently looking for volunteers for Meals on Wheels Delivery. If you are interested in volunteering during the morning for about 1 hour per week or as a back-up volunteer, please call Noreen or Susan at SECC - 519326-8629 ext.381. www.secc.on.ca.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4BLOOD DONORS NEEDED. Leamington Blood Donor Clinic, 4, 1:00 -7:00 p.m., and the Sherk Complex, 249 Sherk St. Bring a friend and donate. Call 1-888-2DONATE for info or to book an appointment. New donors and walk-ins welcome.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4Shooters Photography Club will meet 7:00 - 10:00 p.m., at Colasanti's Tropical Gardens, 1550
Rd. 3E, Ruthven, in the Willow Room at the food court. Please use west parking. Visit facebook.com for meeting and club info. For more details contact Mike at mtowne@sympatico.ca. Everyone welcome.
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9 - 7:00 p.m. - Essex County Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society presents "Researching From a Distance". Join us in welcoming Danielle Manning from the Archives of Ontario to speak about the resources available to family history researchers. Also, bring your questions for an "Ask the Genealogist" session. Windsor Public Library, lower level 850 Ouellette Avenue, Windsor. Everyone Welcome!
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17 - Free Farmers Evening hosted by Essex County Farm Safety, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m., at Essex County Civic Centre Room C. Topic: Tractor Roadway Safety. Refreshments following. For more info call Bonnie Popov 519-723-2230.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18Leamington Horticultural Society meets 7:30 p.m., at Leamington
United Church. Speaker: Marg Laman. Topic: Floral Displays. Join members for an evening of horticultural enjoyment and fellowship. Light refreshments served. For more info contact Ken Clark 519325-0769.
WEDNESDAYS - Are you looking for food and fellowship? Join us, no charge, at St. John’s Anglican Church, 60 Erie St. N., Leamington, from 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. Call 519-326-3111 for more information.
VOLUNTEER DRIVERS ARE NEEDED to transport people in Essex County and Chatham-Kent for dialysis treatments. Reimbursement of mileage is at .40 cents per km driven. We are in need of volunteer drivers to provide these essential appointments. To volunteer call 519-728-1435, long distance 1855-728-1433, or visit us at 499 Notre Dame St., Belle River.
IF YOU HAVE PARKINSON 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.
Sports commentating personality Rod Black fires a blazing shot at Leamington OPP goalie Steve Avelar during a series of penalty shots amid third-peirod action of Leamington Stands Strong Night. (File Photo)
Kingsville needs more power to fuel its future
By Sheila McBrayne
Kingsville Mayor Nelson Santos told business leaders at the Leamington Chamber of Commerce Mayors’ Breakfast of great things ahead in 2015.
“For Kingsville, the change to our new brand and new logo is catching on. And it is great because our community helped shape the logo through their voices and their input. Because we know that the best way to cope with change is to help create it. And this is how we do change and how we cope with change in K-town. But our work is not done and change is always around us,” said Santos.
“Regionally, our brand for Kingsville and Leamington is growing and getting stronger. This is why we are here. This event recognizes that while we have our own identity and strengths, we have a brand that is unique,” he said.
“To truly set a course for success we need to understand who we are and how we, as neighbours, can better achieve success together by utilizing the strengths that are truly unique to us,” he added.
In the past 12 months Kingsville issued five more permits for greenhouse construction totaling just over 55 new acres under glass bringing the total over the past term to more 400 acres of new greenhouse construction. All combined agriculture investment greenhouses and other exceeded $30 million.
Kingsville mayor talked about the importance to Kingsville and Leamington for increased electrical power – a new transmission station. “Looking ahead, the challenge is on to keep the strength of our agricultural sector online. Yesterday, we heard a message that is resonating very clearly on the minds of both Mayor Paterson, myself, and many others who are in this room. We all recognize that the greenhouse sector started right here in Essex County and more importantly here in our two communities. ‘Today, the greenhouse industry is ours to lose in Essex County!’ These aren’t my words but these are the words coming from our growers. Growers like Mucci Farms in Ruthven where they employ 850 people, which include 300 offshore workers. They are holding off on local expansion plans because they cannot get the infrastructure they need to their door. The infrastructure we are talking about is the electrical power upgrades our area needs as noted earlier with the call for a new transmission site. While we wait, the local greenhouses are making plans to invest elsewhere and more specifically on the other side of the border where the power source is not a question mark,” stated Nelson.
On the residential side of growth, Santos told the crowd that Kingsville was home to 49 new dwelling units created last year at a construction value of over $16.6 million. This total was slightly down from last year’s $17.3 million, but is still representative of the steady growth during the past term totaling 265 new households.
Kingsville’s mayor also discussed planned spending for the municipality. “Our preliminary public works capital program sees council considering approximately $3 million-plus in expenditures. Specifically our residents will see more investments towards our growing Active Transportation program, especially the first phase of Seacliff installations as well the completion of the Division Road North link to Highway 3, and County Road 34 into Cottam; look for continued sidewalk improvements and upgrades; Culturally, and with the leadership of our Kingsville Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee, our town looks to designate its first Heritage Conservation District. The proposed designation of Division Street South is one step closer to being identified as a dynamic and evolving heritage district that tells Kingsville’s story of fifteen decades of built heritage,” stated Santos.
Investments are also planned in a new public waterfront park, The Mettawas will continue with its ongoing land assembly and development planning; new change rooms to complement Ridgeview Park Splash Pad in Cottam; and hopeful improvements to the washrooms at Cedar Island Beach to be more accessible for all residents.
Mayor Santos mentioned some of the recreational opportunities of the area, including Pelee Island, Point Pelee National Park, and Essex Region Conservation areas and sandy beaches. And be it commercial fishing, sport fishing or birding sites extraordinaire, all these point to Kingsville and Leamington as the place to be.
Chilean artisans featured
By Carolyn Reid
Ten Thousand Villages is showcasing jewellery handcrafted by skilled artisans in Chile. Necklaces made by the fusion of two colours of glass, earrings, rings and bracelets, as well as unique Cinderella slippers with the heels made of green glass that match the jewellery.
Chile is that long ribbon of land running along the Pacific coast of South America. Fjords, lakes, beaches, forests, volcanoes and geysers combine with a great diversity of flora and fauna to make for a country of spectacular beauty. Chile is often considered a South American success story, having experienced rapid economic growth during the 1990s. The standard of living is higher than most countries with whom Ten
Thousand Villages trades. However, many challenges remain. UNICEF statistics suggest that 1/10th of all children live in poverty, and almost 1/4 of Chilean families are headed by single mothers who struggle to provide essentials. The gap between rich and poor continues to grow.
Comparte (“to share” in Spanish) is an organization that works to improve
the standard of living for Chile’s disadvantaged craftspeople. They promote and export products from 430 workshops representing 2,200 artisans. Comparte believes in the power of Fair Trade principles to create a better world.
Ten Thousand Villages invests in dignity, sustainability, education and hope for communities in developing countries.
The Lions Club of Kingsville recently showed their support of the Erie Shores Hospice Residence that will be built in Leamington by presenting a cheque for $5,000 to Ross Barnwell, Executive Director, of the Leamington Hospital Foundation. From left to right are Josephine (Jo) Nowlan, Tammy Snively (Lions Club Secretary), Joan Cope (Lions Club Past President), and Barnwell. (Photo submitted)
Essex County Farm Safety hosting free Farmers Evening
Each year the Essex County Farm Safety Association sponsors an evening for farmers to come together to dialogue and learn how to remain
when working on the
The association is hosting a free Farmers Evening on Tuesday, February 17 from 7:00-9:00 p.m. at the Essex County Civic Centre, Room C, 360 Fairview Ave. W., Essex. The topic for the evening is tractor safety awareness with Jay Remsick, a consultant with Workplace Safety Prevention Services. Ontario experienced the highest death rate in the country on farms in 2014. Many of these fatalities involved tractors. Discussion will include tractor rollovers, riders, power take offs (PTOs), falls and roadway safety. Jay will also speak about awareness training and regulations.
Farmers attending will have the opportunity to trade two old SMV signs for two new ones free of charge at the end of the evening. Everyone is welcome. Refreshments will be served. For more information call Bonnie Popov 519-7232230.
Intermediate Stars bring home championship
The Southpoint Stars Intermediate Leamington Kinsmen girls hockey team travelled to Vaughn for the 19th Annual Brampton Cougars Friendship Festival the weekend of Jan. 30-Feb. 1.
The Stars opened up the tournament against the Hamilton Hawks. Kelsey Babkirk put the Stars on the board early in the first period when she ripped a shot from the point on a pass from Taylor Babkirk and Acacia Hutnik. Captain Kim Goyeau netted the game winner unassisted to bring the tally to 2-1 Stars. MVP of the game went to Kelsey Babkirk.
The second game came with a very dominant opponent in the Station Mall Attack from Sault Ste. Marie. The Attack managed to catch the Stars standing still and scored the only goal of the game. MVP of this game was Taylor Babkirk.
The Stars were hungry to redeem themselves when they met the hometown Brampton Canadettes for their final game of round robin play. The Stars needed a win or tie to move on to the finals. Kayla Collison answered the call early in the first, scoring a beaut from Tatum Davison. Collison notched another late in the second, again from Davison and Morgan Amicone. Kelsey Babkirk buried the third goal of the game unassisted, and Taylor Babkirk netted the fourth and final goal of the game in the empty net. Shayna “The
Wall” Augustine managed the shutout and the MVP award for this game.
With redemption on their minds, the Stars were focused as they were to meet the Station Mall Attack in the finals. Right from the opening face off, the girls were extremely focused on the prize. The Mall drew first blood midway through the third. However, Kayla Collison answered back immediately 30 seconds later on a breakaway pass from Syd Dries. Collison then scored another 2 minutes later from Jenn Fehr and Jada Schieffer. Abby Gualtieri notched the next tally two minutes later with a one-timer off of Taylor Babkirk. Kim Goyeau scored the final tally unassisted, bringing a 4-1 victory and tournament championship home for the Southpoint Stars. MVP of the game went to Kayla Collison.
Free drop-in clinics offer kids a chance to try lacrosse
The Sun County Minor Lacrosse Association is inviting kids in the area to get their “Lax On” by giving aspiring young players a chance to try their hand at what is called “the fastest game on two feet”, as well as Canada’s national sport.
To do that the organization is holding a series of drop-in lacrosse clinics geared to attracting new players to the game by putting a stick in their hand and letting them try it.
For no cost, Sun County provides not just a stick and ball to toss around, but makes available a number of senior coaches and players from the organization who teach participants some of the basic skills of the game. Kids are encouraged to bring a hockey helmet and gloves to the clinics.
“The sport of lacrosse is growing in the county as many families see it as excellent off-season training for hockey and an alternative to soccer and baseball,” said Sun County president Billy Byron.
“Lacrosse is a very passionate sport,” added Byron. “The more people get involved in the game, the more addicted to it they get.”
Sun County will be holding its drop in clinics at Kingsville’s Migration Hall on four upcoming Saturdays between 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Feb. 7, Feb. 14, Mar. 14 and Mar. 28. For more information visit www.crowslacrosse.ca or call 519344-9545.
Sun County Lacrosse is based out of Kingsville and attracts children of all ages from Leamington, Wheatley, Tilbury, Harrow and Essex.
Southpoint Stars Intermediate Leamington Kinsmen Girls Hockey Team, front row left to right: Krista Marshall, Cristina Pearce, goalie Shayna “The Wall” Augustine, Lea Marshall, Taylor Babkirk, Kim Goyeau, Syd Dries, Tatum Davison. Back row: Coach Dave Augustine, Kayla Collison, Acacia Hutnik, Jenn Fehr, Taylor MacDougall, Abby Gualteri, head coach Greg Dries, Morgan Amicone, Kelsey Babkirk, coach Shelley Beleutz, Jada Schieffer, trainer Kelly Dries, Joline Driedger.
Bowman wins league award
Wheatley Sharks’ veteran forward Brett Bowman carries the puck over the blue line and into Blenheim territory as the Blades’ defenseman Ben Pataki looks on during a Saturday, Jan. 31 game at Wheatley Area Arena. Two days later, Bowman won the Great Lakes Junior C 2014-15 award for Most Desire during the league’s annual banquet in Blenheim. The Wheatley native just completed his fifth regular season with the Sharks, where he collected 10 goals and 20 assists for 30 points — good for a second-place tie on the team along with Jimmy Ciacelli. Bowman suited up for all but one of this season’s 40 games. Each of the league’s nine teams submit one player for each annual award. The Sharks nominated Jimmy Ciacelli for Most Valuable Player, Michael Travis for Rookie of the Year and Brian Johnson for best defenseman. (File Photo)
That deflated feeling
During the final few hours leading up to most Super Bowls, most NFL fans and media outlets concentrate on nothing but the big game that’s about to take place. Pre-game media commentary and coverage usually has very little to say about the previous conference championship games except as the occasional reference to a specific player’s skills, abilities or expectations for the grand finale. They’re given two weeks to analyze and critique every aspect of the two final teams’ defense, offense and special teams.
The 49th installment of the “Big Game”, however, has been different. While many can’t even remember who the Seattle Seahawks defeated to earn a shot at defending their title (it was Green Bay), the AFC title match between the New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts was all anyone could talk about. Specifically, it’s been all about the grandiose controversy that is “Deflate Gate.” In case you’re the type who only watches the Super Bowl for the commercials and halftime show, Deflate Gate is centered around the accusation that the Patriots intentionally lowered the air pressure of the footballs used by their offense to below allowable specifications as set fourth by the National Football League.
half and then another 28 through the third and fourth quarters.
Conspiracy theorists, in response, claim that the Pats swapped out the balls re-inflated at halftime with another dozen that were under-inflated for the second half. This accusation exists as an “unconfirmed report.” Perhaps Brady was also the second gunman behind the grassy knoll.
No, I’m not a Patriots fan. Truth of the matter is that reliable experiments have been conducted to determine that an NFL’s football pressure can drop by nearly two psi as a result of weather and field conditions. Either way, even if future investigation deems New England innocent of any wrongdoing, that 28-24 Super Bowl victory will always have a Barry Bonds-esque asterisk hovering above it like the mid-summer yellowjacket that just won’t go away.
Yeah, it’s kind of a big deal. Under-inflated footballs are easier to throw, catch and carry. It’s also worth noting that each team’s offense uses its own footballs — the opposition’s defense is not allowed to handle them except during fumbles and interceptions. As if by coincidence, this little detail was supported vehemently by Patriots’ star quarterback Tom Brady before it became an actual rule.
Now before we all start pointing fingers at the Pats’ offense and screaming blue murder (yeah, their jerseys are primarily blue... couldn’t help myself on that one), consider a couple different facts. Colts linebacker D’Qwell Jackson snagged an interception during the first half of the AFC final and tossed it to his team’s equipment manager to keep as a souvenir. Deflate Gate supporters “knew” he kept the ball because he suspected foul play, but Jackson later stated that he didn’t notice anything wrong with its condition.
RECREATION EVENTS RECREATION EVENTS
3 month New Year Shape-Up Special for only $115 & HST
QUIT Procrastinating! 2015 IS YOUR YEAR - Everyone is talking about fitness, health & wellness. Come work-out at your own pace or meet with a Personal Trainer! There’s so much diversity with a SHERK COMPLEX Membership! View the Activity Guide: www.leamington.ca/recreation
NEW Programs! – We’ve added a night time Deep Water Cardio Fit, New! Adult Sport Yoga, New! Adult Triathlon Clinic and we’ve added another Walkers Plus Class on Friday mornings. Zumba Billie returns on Monday nights at 7:00 p.m. And, did you know the Sherk Complex offers AquaFitness Class on Monday and Wednesday afternoons from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. An invigorating cardio/strength workout!
Word has it that the 12 footballs controlled by New England were inspected at halftime. The 11 of 12 found to be under 12.5 pounds psi were pumped up to suitable pressure. Here’s the part that punches a few holes in Deflate Gate — the Pats offense did a LOT more damage with the properlyinflated second-half footballs than they did with the squishier versions from the first half. New England scored 17 points in the first
Canadian Blood Services will be set up in the Complex Gym Wed. Feb. 4 from 1:00 - 7:00 p.m. Call 1-888-2-Donate. Walk-ins also welcome. Help to save a LIFE. Rock ‘n Swim - Fri. Feb. 13 - Complex Pool 7:15 - 9:00 p.m. Bring the family! Chuck Reynolds DJ Music is sponsored by UMEI Christian High School.
FREE Sunday Play Day - Feb. 15 - 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. A great chance for 2 to 6 year olds to try some programs to see what they’d like to be registered in: Pre-Register for this Free Play Day and Try Kindernastics, Sporty Tots or Parent & Indoor Soccer.
Family Day Mon. Feb. 16 - Bring your family to the Sherk Complex to play on Family Day.
- Open Rec. Gym time from 12 noon to 5:00 p.m.
- Free Public Skate from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. sponsored by FGT church.
- Open Swim from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. “Within Arms Reach Policy applies. NHL Oldtimers will challenge the Leamington OPP Hockey Game - 6:00 p.m. Saturday, February 21, Heinz Arena.
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I’ll admit that I too have suspected a number of sportsrelated conspiracies in action. I wouldn’t doubt for a second that NHL commissioner Gary Betman has given referees marching orders to call more penalties against northern teams when they face off against his poorly-supported southern franchises. Quite recently, the Montreal Canadiens actually defeated the New York Rangers 2-0 in a Jan. 29 contest between the Original Six squads. A Dale Weise shot in the first period CLEARLY sent the entire puck over the goal line before the left pad of Henrik Lundqvist kicked it back out. The video review panel in Toronto declared the footage was “inconclusive.” With a group of panelists in TORONTO making the decision on a MONTREAL goal, that puck could have went top shelf and sent the water bottle flying through the protective mesh above the glass and into the 15th row of seats and it STILL would have been deemed “inconclusive.” I dunno, maybe hockey people in Toronto just can’t remember what a goal looks like any more.
Getting back to football, controversial decisions actual began in the Wild Card round of playoffs this season. If you’re a Detroit Lions fan, you know where I’m going here. A pass interference non-call was one of the worst I’ve seen and yes, it could have easily cost Detroit the game and a chance to move into Round 2 for the first time since 1991. It’s a shame/sham the penalty was called off, as an upheld call would have put the Lions well into Cowboys’ territory with a first down.
Would a Lions vs. Packers conference semifinal have translated into reduced television ratings? There’s a better rivalry between the Packers and Lions because of geography, but with Dallas being a bigger city than Detroit, it stands to reason that it would have more fans tuning into that game.
Maybe these football faux pas were really just innocent errors... or “air”ors.
County Bridge Results
Leamington Half Century Centre, Mon. Jan. 26: North/South - 1st Helen Preyde and Nina Towle, 2nd Eileen Edwards and Jack Warmenhoven, 3rd Rose Hills and Marie Ellwood. East/West - 1st Sandy Gammie and Joyce Gammie, 2nd Roy Trowell and Ron Martin, 3rd Bob Branton and Al Morrison. Bridge games are played each Monday at 12:45 p.m. Members and new members welcome. Kingsville Bridge Club, Wed. Jan. 28: North/ South - 1st Joyce and Sandy Gammie, 2nd Jack Warmenhoven and Bob Branton, 3rd Joyce Moran and Marilyn Robbins. East/West - 1st Bill Chaplin and Chris Brennan, 2nd Marg Koeman and Vi Major, 3rd Henry Hildebrandt and Roger Cote.
Childcan tournament returning to Wheatley
By Bryan Jessop
After a one-year hiatus, Wheatley and surroundingarea hockey players will once again team up with area childhood cancer patients.
The 21st installment of the Wheatley Childcan Hockey Tournament will take place at Wheatley Area Arena Friday, Feb. 13 to Sunday, Feb. 15 with 16 teams signed up to the traditional format of the event.
The men’s open division and men’s recreational division will each feature six teams while the women’s division will add another four.
Each team committed to this year’s fundraiser at an entry fee of $475. Former Leamington Flyer assistant coach and Chatham Maroon Mark Epplett is on board with the organizing committee for the first time, along with Wheatley Sharks owner and director of hockey operations Bruno Carnevale, Tom Hyatt and Andy Anthony. The tournament began as a Wheatley Kinsmen endeavor and was later handed over to the Wheatley Optimist Club. Proceeds generated from team registrations and bar sales will again be donated to London-based Childcan, a program established to assist the families of childhood cancer from diagnosis to treatment and for some, bereavement.
“We’re just trying to put together an affordable local hockey tournament while raising some money for a great cause,” Epplett explained.
Throughout the three-day event, Southpoint Hockey Moms will put on a food spread of pulled pork, baked beans, fresh buns and vegetables as well as a baked goods sale to benefit the Southpoint Minor Hockey Association.
Both men’s divisions will be split into two groups of three for a two-game round robin schedule. The leader
of each division will meet in the final. Tiebreakers will be based on results of the head-to-head games and in case of a tie, the goals for/ against differential. Teams in the women’s group will each play two games, followed by a championship match between the top two squads. Tiebreakers will determine finalists using the same methods as the men’s divisions.
Epplett is adding a twist to this year’s tournament by introducing a three-on-three competition. Teams are registering at $40 each, with a few spaces still available. To sign up a team for the three on three — where organizers will provide goaltenders — contact Epplett at 519-825-4022 or through the tourney’s Facebook page using Childcan Hockey Tournament in the search box. Organizers are hoping to sign up 10 to 12 teams for the event’s newest addition.
The three-on-three event will start at 5 p.m. on the Saturday and should wrap up about an hour-and-a-half later. Teams will play sevenminute matches with two games being played simultaneously. Action for each game will take place primarily inside one of the blue lines. In order to advance from defense to offense, a player from the defending team must carry the puck into the neutral zone and return back over the blue line for a chance to score.
The format of the threeon-three will be determined by the number of teams that register. Spectator admission to the tournament will be free of charge.
“We’re looking to come back this year bigger and better than ever,” Epplett said. “With the three-onthree, we wanted to try something new and see how it goes. It could be bigger in the future.”
Epplett explained that the tournament’s organizers are also looking for volunteers
to help with duties ranging from assisting with the bar, beer ticket sales, timekeeping, game sheets and other responsibilities.
The tournament’s schedule has been arranged as follows:
Friday, Feb. 13:
• 6 p.m. — Hub vs. Sunday Green (men’s rec);
• 7 p.m. — Hunt Club vs. Meatheads (men’s open);
• 8 p.m. — Hellcats vs. Wheatley Fellas (men’s rec);
• 9 p.m. — Quick’s vs. McNasty’s (men’s open);
• 10 p.m. — Simp’s Skate Shop vs. Ambulance Wine1-1 (women’s).
Saturday, Feb. 14:
• 9 a.m. — Hellcats vs. Stumblebums (men’s rec);
• 10 a.m. — Wheatley vs. Clubber’s Crew (women’s);
• 11 a.m. — We Blue vs. Meatheads (men’s open);
• 12:15 p.m. — Quick’s vs. Hookers (men’s open);
• 1:15 p.m. — Wheatley Fellas vs. Stumblebums (men’s rec);
• 2:15 p.m. — Simp’s Skate Shop vs. Wheatley (women’s);
• 3:15 p.m. — Hunt Club vs. We Blue (men’s open);
• 4:30 p.m. — Hub vs. Grinders (men’s rec);
• 5:30 p.m. — three on three;
• 6:30 p.m. — three on three.
Sunday, Feb. 15:
• 10 a.m. — McNasty’s vs. Hookers (men’s open);
• 11 a.m. — Sunday Green vs. Grinders (men’s rec);
• 12 p.m. — Ambulance Wine-1-1 vs. Clubber’s Crew (women’s);
• 1 p.m. — Men’s Open championship;
• 2 p.m. — Men’s Rec championship;
• 3 p.m. — Women’s championship.
It’s almost time for Trivia Night!
Looking for a night of fun and laughs? Leamington District Minor Baseball Association (LDMBA) is hosting Trivia Night 16 on Wed. Feb. 25, 7 p.m., at the Leamington Portuguese Club.
Teams of four will test their knowledge on a variety of subjects. The format consists of 120 general knowledge questions (12 rounds of 10 questions) ranging from geography, television, current events, Canadian history, sports, entertainment and much, much more.
Teams will compete for cash prizes, door prizes and bragging rights.
To register online, go to www.leamingtonminorbaseball.com and fill out the online form for Trivia Night 16 or pick up a registration form at Fletcher’s Cleaners, 245 Erie Street South, Leamington.
Rhine Danube bowling scores
The following are the Rhine Danube bowling league scores for Jan. 19.
Games Over 200: John Paliwoda 203, Willy Fittler 213-212, Jack Valade 221203, Chris Brennan 215, Ozzie Wolf 221, Manfred Dickau 200, Aaron Dickau 234-203-211, Kevin Kosempel 210, Heinz Kosempel 223, Chris Kosempel 245266, Alex Smith 200, Jason Dalimonte 228-200, Albert Salvati 205, Claudio Sabelli 207, Dan Dalimonte 204200, John Nikosey Jr. 216290-217.
Series Over 550: Willy Fittler 620, Jack Valade 615, Aaron Dickau 648, Kevin Kosempel 551, Heinz Kosempel 551, Chris Kosempel 694, Alex Smith 557, Jason Dalimonte 564, Claudio Sabelli 566, Dan Dalimonte 597, John Nikosey Jr. 723.
High Handicap Single: John Nikosey Jr. 314, Chris
Kosempel 300, Chris Brennan 297.
High Handicap Triple: Chris Kosempel 796, John Nikosey Jr. 795, Jason Dali-
monte 768.
Standings: Rhine Danube 26, Weil’s 24, Unico 19, Fittler Farms 17, Dickau’s 13, Taki’s 6.
Sharks honour graduating players
By Bryan Jessop
The Great Lakes Junior C 2015 playoffs will be particularly memorable for four Wheatley Sharks, as their junior hockey days are drawing to a close.
The Sharks honoured their four current overagers prior to a home-ice match against the Blenheim Blades on Saturday, Jan. 31 — the league’s final night of the 2014-15 regular season. This year’s quartet of graduating-age players represent most positions on the ice, including a centre, right winger, defenseman and goaltender. Respectively, these 1993-born players include Jimmy Ciacelli, Brendon Anger, Mike Reid and Conner MacKinnon.
Ciacelli, a Leamington native, spent his first season with the Sharks last season and has been the team’s captain since the 2014-15 campaign began. Last season, he scored nine goals and earned 13 assists for 22 points with the Sharks. Ciacelli played 39 regular season games — missing only one — during which time he was assessed 38 penalty minutes. Two of his nine goals were game winners.
In his only previous playoff run with the Sharks, he added two goals and eight assists for 10 points in 10 games with four penalty minutes. This season, Ciacelli improved on his regular season numbers significantly, scoring 15 goals and adding 15 assists for 30 points in 34 games. He took 26 minutes in penalties. Ciacelli’s total stats with the Sharks prior to the start of this year’s playoffs include 83 games, 26 goals, 36 assists, 62 points and 68 penalty minutes.
Ciaceilli’s junior hockey run began in 2011-12 with the Kingsville Comets. He played juvenile with Harrow the following season before being picked up by the Sharks.
“I’ve coached for a lot of years and he’s been one of the best captains I’ve ever had,” Galerno said of Ciacelli. “He’s got great character, a strong work ethic and good communication skills. I’ve got so much respect for that man. He’s very
TOM GIGNAC
mature.”
A resident of Tecumseh, Anger represents the Sharks at right wing and has played nearly as many seasons of junior hockey as his three graduating-age cohorts combined. Also a successful lacrosse player with the Ontario Junior B Lacrosse League’s Windsor Clippers, Anger played the 2009-10 season with the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League’s Leamington Flyers. He scored three goals and added four assists for seven points in 26 games with the Flyers, where he also added 46 penalty minutes.
Anger started the following campaign with the LaSalle Vipers of the GOJHL before briefly joining the Great Lakes League’s Belle River Canadiens — he played three games with each team before being traded to the Blenheim Blades, where he accumulated 23 points and 16 penalty minutes in 32 games. He first became a Shark in 2011-12 after playing the season’s first seven games with the Blades. During his four regular seasons in Wheatley, Anger played 125 games. During that time, he contributed with 35 goals and 48 assists for 83 points while spending 83 minutes in the penalty box. Anger’s five playoff seasons of Junior B and C hockey included 39 games, 11 goals, nine assists, 20 points and 30 penalty minutes. All combined junior stats leading up to the
current season’s playoffs total 235 games, 65 goals, 72 assists, 137 points and 231 penalty minutes. Eight of his goals have been game winners.
“He’s been a great asset to us since we picked him up from Blenheim three years ago,” said Sharks head coach Ken Galerno. “That’s what Wheatley does — we find places for kids who didn’t fit with other clubs. Anger’s very mature and has been a big playoff contributor over the years. The other players have a lot of respect for him.”
Mike Reid has been one of the Sharks’ most offensively productive defenseman since joining Wheatley for the 2012-13 season. The Belle River native and former Canadien played 39 of 40 regular season games in his first year as a Shark, scoring seven goals and adding six assists for 13 points.
By the time Saturday’s game against the Blades came to a close, Reid had played 117 regular season games with 19 goals (including a game winner), 49 assists, 68 points and 70
penalty minutes. His two playoff years with Wheatley included 19 games, one goal, five assists, six points and four penalty minutes for a combined sum of 134 games, 20 goals, 54 assists, 74 points and 74 minutes in penalties.
“He didn’t fit in with Belle River, but he’s done a great job with us,” Galerno said of Reid. “He’s been a top forward defenseman on the back end. He’s made a very decent career out of it.”
MacKinnon, of Cottam, rejoined the Sharks at the same time as Ciacelli. He started his junior years with the Sharks in 2010-11 as the team’s 16-year-old before spending the next season and a half with the Chatham Maroons at the Junior B level. MacKinnon was then traded to the LaSalle Vipers, where he played another 1.5 seasons before returning to the Sharks. He replaced Mark Tremblay as starting goalie in 2013-14, during which time he started in 28 games and played 29. After playing an even 1,627 minutes, he established a record of 15 wins, 11 losses, zero overtime losses and one shootout loss. His two shutouts contributed to a goals against average of 3.54 with 772 saves and an .889 saves percentage while allowing 96 goals. The netminder also chipped in with two assists while adding 15 penalty minutes.
This season, MacKinnon started in each of his 26 games for 1,497 minutes and eight seconds of game time. His 201415 record features 12 wins, 12 losses, zero overtime losses and two shootout losses. MacKinnon’s .900 saves percentage stems from 804 saves and 89 goals against and a goals against average of 3.57.
The past two regular seasons combined featured 54 stars, 55 games played and 3,124 minutes of ice time for 27 wins, 23 losses, no overtime losses and three shootout losses. One hundred and eighty-five goals against and 1,576 saves combine for a save percentage of .895 and goals against average of 3.55.
In nine playoff games and starts, MacKinnon played 551:19 for four wins and five losses. Those games included 256 saves and 28 goals against for a save percentage of .901 and 3.05 goals against average.
“He’s a character — a fun guy to be around,” Galerno said of MacKinnon. “He’s also a great competitor. He hates being scored on, even in practice. He’s a delight to be around and he’s very smart, both on and off the ice.”
From left to right, goaltender Conner MacKinnon, forwards Brendon Anger and Jimmy Ciacelli and defenseman Mike Reid are this year’s graduating-age players with the Wheatley Sharks.
Sharks cut by Blades
By Bryan Jessop
The 2014-15 regular season has ended on a sour note for the Wheatley Sharks. The pre-playoff campaign officially ended Saturday, Jan. 31 at Wheatley Area Arena with a 3-1 loss to the Blenheim Blades. The loss was the Sharks’ fifth in a row and eighth in their past nine games.
The Wheatley team paid homage to its four overagers with the traditional graduating ceremony with teammates, family members and the Sharks’ coaching staff. Mike Reid, Jimmy Ciacelli, Brendon Anger and Conner MacKinnon were honoured prior to the opening faceoff, where each was given a jersey bearing their surnames on the back.
Although the Sharks’ offense pieced together its share of chances through the opening 20 minutes, the Blades took a 2-0 lead into the first intermission. Kellen Kaniecki opened the scoring with a waist-high wrist shot that beat MacKinnon from the left side of his net 3:20 after the game started. The game winner was scored about 12 minutes later when Corbin Hagerman released a hard snap shot from about 20 feet in front of the Sharks’ net. The low shot, released during a Blenheim power play, was redirected slightly before skidding past MacKinnon.
Following a scoreless second frame, Frankie Ciacelli pulled the Sharks to within a goal by sending one past Eric Stewardson 5:46 into the third. Riley Enns and Brian Johnson assisted on the evenstrength tally. Former Wallaceburg Laker Matt Clark put the game away with 8:19 remaining to register a final score identical to that of the last time the two teams met in Blenheim Sunday, Jan. 4.
The Sharks outshot their guests 31-28, but went zero for four on the power play while the Blades managed one for two.
“We outplayed them in the first, but we’re just not scoring goals,” said Sharks head
coach Ken Galerno. “That’s something that keeps catching up with us — it’s been a problem all month. A couple bad defensive plays cost us a couple goals and we couldn’t finish plays in the second and third.”
Wheatley’s final road game of the season was a 5-2 loss against first-place Essex Tuesday, Jan. 27. Jordan Ryan and Daniel McIntyre scored for the 73’s before Ciacelli replied with an unassisted effort 14:03 into the third. Brad Carroll restored the two-goal lead for Essex before Jimmy Ciacelli solved Noah Hendrik late in the second frame. Tyler Scott and William Stadder finished the scoring in the final period, the later with an empty net. Essex established a 39-17 shots on net advantage and went one for five with the man advantage as the Sharks were denied on each of four power play chances.
Wheatley’s regular season ended with a record of 1720-0-3, putting them in seventh place and under the .500 mark for the first time since
the 2007-08 campaign. The Sharks’ 131 goals ranked their offense seventh among the nine Great Lakes Junior C squads while their 149 goals against placed them in a tie for fifth with the Amherstburg Admirals — Wheatley’s quarterfinal opponent for the 2014-15 playoffs.
The Admirals won the regular-season series between the two teams three games to two. The Sharks won a Sunday, Sept. 28 contest in Amherstburg 4-2, lost 3-2 Saturday, Oct. 4, lost 5-1 Sunday, Nov. 23, won 7-2 Saturday, Dec. 27 and lost 6-5 Sunday, Jan. 18.
The Admirals were the regular season’s most penalized team by far, racking up 1,177 minutes of infractions — 290 minutes more than Dresden, the league’s second-most penalized club. The Sharks took a total of 778 penalty minutes, fewer than all but Blenheim and Alvinston.
“I expect them to take care of discipline problems in the playoffs, so we probably won’t be able to take
advantage of that too often,” Galerno said. “They’ve also got a good scoring line that we’ll have to shut down. We played well against them (in the regular season), so this isn’t a terrible match-up for us. We’ll have to start scoring goals though if we want to win this series.”
While Essex takes on the Mooretown Flags, the Lakeshore Canadiens meet the Dresden Kings and Blenheim squares off against the Alvinston Flyers, the Sharks/ Admirals playoff schedule has been arranged as follows:
• Game 1 — Tuesday, Feb. 3 in Amherstburg at 7 p.m. (results not available by press deadline);
• Game 2 — Saturday, Feb. 7 in Wheatley at 7 p.m.;
• Game 3 — Sunday, Feb. 8 in Amherstburg at 7 p.m.;
• Game 4 — Tuesday, Feb. 10 in Wheatley at 8 p.m.;
• Game 5 — Wednesday, Feb. 11 in Amherstburg at 7:30 p.m. (if necessary);
• Game 6 — Saturday, Feb. 14 in Wheatley at 8 p.m. (if necessary);
• Game 7 — Sunday, Feb. 15 in Amherstburg at 7 p.m. (if necessary).
February 21
Blenheim goalie Eric Stewardson keeps an eye on Scott Florence of the Sharks as he circles the net with the puck during the final regular season game for both teams Saturday, Jan. 31 at Wheatley Area Arena. Blenheim won 3-1. Florence finished the regular season with 47 points to lead the Sharks.
Sharks goalie Conner MacKinnon keeps an eye on an airborne puck amid a crowd of players during a Saturday, Jan. 31 game against the Blenheim Blades. Blenheim won 3-1.
U15 girls win gold in Michigan volleyball tourney
The Velocity 15U girls had another chance to improve on their season in Otisville, Michigan, on Sat. Jan. 31. The 8-team tournament provided the strongest pool play to date for Velocity and they were forced to step up.
Velocity did start slow, losing to Mount Morris 16/25, 9/25, and had to regroup for their second match against Great Lakes Regional Team where they also lost 19/25, 24/26. However, they did show signs that they were turning the corner as at team.
Velocity had its final pool play match against one of the stronger teams in the tournament, Great Lakes 15 Regional, and that is when they showed signs of improvement. Velocity ended up losing both sets, 21/25 and 23/25, while keeping the game tight through both sets and played their best volleyball to date.
“That was the best match I have seen them play so far as a team,” said coach Jim Konrad.
“We kept things close against a tough team and showed that we wanted to compete.”
Scouts Kub Kar Rally & Drags this Saturday
Essex Area Gilwell is hosting the annual Essex Area Scouting Kub Kar Rally and Scout Drags at the Harrow Agricultural Building this Saturday, February 7. 2015. Cub Scouts from Essex County, including Leamington, Kingsville, Comber, Essex, Belle River Harrow and Amherstburg, will begin racing the Kub Kars that they have built around 9:30 a.m. The Scouts, Venturer Scouts, Rover Scouts and leaders will start racing the cars and trucks that they have built around noon.
All are welcome to come and check out this Scouting fun day and cheer on your favourite racer!
Gathering momentum as they headed into the silver division playoffs, the Velocity girls set their sights on a gold medal this time.
Velocity came out on fire in the semi-finals, taking out Dynasty in 2 straight sets 25/8 and 25/14, moving them to the finals for the second tournament in a row.
Learning from their 3-set loss in the previous tournament, the Velocity Team was determined to come out on top this time. Their opponent, Aerial Assault, had beaten them in all of the previous meetings and they came out confident, beating Velocity 18/25.
After a quick team discussion about their goals, the Velocity girls sent a message that they came to play by beating Aerial 25/8, setting up for the very quick 15 point third and deciding set. As the match went back and forth, so did the emotions of parents on both sides. Velocity was down 10/14 with Aerial having potential for match point several times, but the Veloc-
Novice AEs Take On Kent Cobras
ity girls did not give up and fought their way back to a very exciting 16/14 win over Aerial. Nicole Derksen had 4 straight service aces in the final points to help Velocity to the win.
Stephanie Adams (Leamington) was the point leader on the day with 17 kills, 3 blocks and 6 digs, while Lauren Brown (Kingsville) added 11 kills, 4 service aces, 1 block and 3 digs.
Nicole Derksen (Cottam) had 15 kills, 11 service aces and 9 digs. Noted contributions were made by Kenna Shaw (Essex) with 37 setting assists, and Iseonna Silliker (Leamington) with 23 digs in her debut for this team as libero.
The Velocity Girls will return to Mount Morris on Feb. 22 where they have set new goals with eyes on winning the gold division.
Timbit Hockey Action
Velocity U14 girls show improvement
Mount Morris, Michigan, was host for the Velocity 14U girls on a snowy Sunday, Feb. 1. The Velocity girls had improved from their last appearance at the University of Michigan the week prior and were eager to show it.
The 8-team tournament saw Velocity taking on Club Fusion. Velocity started slow but showed they came to play, losing the first set 16/25 and keeping it close in the second set 24/26.
Velocity then met Mount Morris, losing the first set 17/25 and bouncing back to take the second set 25/18.
With their newfound confidence the Velocity girls took 2 in their final pool play match by defeating Beach Magic VBC 25/21 and 26/24, providing them with a tie for second place and their highest pool play point total of the season thus far.
The tie was decided by point differential, which placed Velocity in third and sending them to the silver division playoffs.
With the snow continuing to build up, the Velocity Girls were set to take on S-Town VBC from Macomb, MI. Velocity had a tough time with some of the serves and ultimately fell in two straight with scores of 20/25, 14/25
“We had our best results with this young team in pool play and talked about how important it was to improve in the playoffs,”
said Velocity’s head coach Jim Konrad. “The girls did a great job but we have some work to do in practice prior to our next tournament.”
Velocity was led on the day by Macy Hodgson (Leamington) with 13 kills, 1 block, 6 service aces and 3 digs. She was assisted with strong showings by Maple Kumar (Kingsville) with 3 kills and 2 service aces, while newcomer Darrigan Chambers (Kingsville) and Jessica Weil (Leamington) also had noted contributions in the front court.
Next up for the Velocity girls will be exhibition matches they are working on with the Chatham Ballhawks.
Velocity 14U girls team travelled to Mount Morris, Michigan, on Sun. Feb. 1 for an 8-team tournament. Front left to right: Mayson Cornies, Darrigan Chambers, Megann Gillett, Ray-Ann DeMers. Back row: Jim Konrad (head coach), Maple Kumar, Soleil Klassen, Macy Hodgson, Payten Cervini, Iseonna Silliker, Jessica Weil.
Velocity 15U won gold in the silver division finals against Aerial Assault of Michigan. Front row left to right: Megann Gillett, Mayson Cornies, Kenna Shaw. Back row: Jim Konrad (head coach), Iseonna Sillker, Corinne Montpetit, Lauren Brown, Nikki Derksen, Stephanie Adams.
Nathan Omar was quick to take the puck from his opponent on Saturday, January 31 when the Scotia Bank Southpoint Capitals
Novice AE travelled to Tilbury to take on the Kent Cobras.
(Submitted photo)
1940 Hudson revived memories of 1950 honeymoon
When Bob and Donna Dunsmore of Tillsonburg were married in 1950, they drove a 1939 Hudson coupe on their honeymoon. Forty-nine years later, and living near Harrow, they decided to relive those memories by purchasing a car similar to their “honeymoon” Hudson. They found what they were looking for in Hubbard, Ohio, in 1999. It was a 1940 Hudson Eight Series 44 sedan with only 38,300 original miles. The car had been off the road for several years and needed work. Bob did all the work himself, guided by long-time Hudson expert Hedley Bennett in London, ON. Mice had lived in the interior for years and Donna’s sewing machine came to the rescue for a new interior.
When the work was finished, the car was immaculate and looked just as good as the day it rolled off the assembly line in Detroit 75 years ago. The car now sported a gleaming medium brown finish with re-chromed bumpers and other bright work to dazzle the eye. Under the hood is a flathead straight eight with 254 cubic inches cranking out a very respectable 128 horsepower. And that hood was called a “safety hood” because it was hinged at the front to open from the rear. Ford did the same design from 1957 to 1959.
Other features on the Dunsmore Hudson included a 3-speed column-mounted gearshift with overdrive, a factory-installed AM radio with cowl-mounted aerial, clock, heater, outside mirrors on both left and right doors, front and rear bumper guards, and wheel trim rings. The only non-original parts are turn signals, stainless steel tailpipe extension, and locking gas cap.
The wood-grain dashboard now looks like new again, as well as the 2-spoke steering wheel. In the hub of that wheel are two red triangles, and that shape had been a Hudson
trademark almost from the beginning of the company in 1909. The three points of the triangle stand for performance, service, and value. In 1929, Hudson built 300,000 cars and was in third place, beaten only by Ford and General Motors.
After World War Two, stiff competition from the Big Three prompted Hudson and Nash to merge together in 1954 to form American Motors. The Nash Rambler had been selling well, and this became the focus of the newly-formed corporation. The Hudson name continued only until 1957, after which it faded into history. But many a Hudson or Essex
or Terraplane has been lovingly restored by collectors all over the world. For more information, visit www.hetclub.org.
80th Birthday
Maria Valeri Born February 4, 1935 - Ceprano, Italy
Golden Years mini golf
Forty-one golfers managed to deliver 68 aces on Jan. 29 at Colasanti’s. Low scores overall, however, were somewhat elusive.
Leading the ace parade with 4 were Bob McWilliam, Ernest Vandenberg and Gerrit Vriesen. Following close behind with 3 each were Dorothy Cascadden, Cathy Dewhurst, Tom Dewhurst, Tony Hudvagner, Bill Mayville, Bill Taylor, Mary Anne Vickery and Bill Ward. Chipping in with 2 each were Madeline Butler, Ethel Ferguson, Nancy Hill, Tom Hyatt, Norbert Gisi, Andy Orsini, Morley Scratch, Art Sweet, Rose Taylor and Steve Vigh. One dropped for Herb Ascott, Mary Binder, Kathy Bradley, Eunice Cascadden, Fran Clifford, Murray Hartford, Lloyd Honey, Carol Imeson, Betty McManus, Al Stockwell, Susan Teskey and Doug Vickery.
Scoring 18 over 9 holes were Cathy Dewhurst, Bob McWilliam, Cam Keith, Tom Hyatt (2), Lloyd Honey, Bill Ward (2), Dorothy Cascadden, Bill Mayville (2), Herb Ascott, Mary Binder, Gerrit Vriesen, Tony Hudvagner and Rose Taylor.
Low score for 18 with 36 was shared by Bill Ward, Bill Mayville and Mary Binder. Bob McWilliam recorded 37 while Cathy Dewhurst, Bill Taylor and Bill Ward each notched 38.
A decent score of 74 for 36 holes went to Bill Ward, while Bob McWilliam (76), Bill Mayville (77), Lloyd Honey and Mary Binder (78) rounded out the scoring.
First place bragging rights was earned by Team Aces with 235 (Madeline Butler, Cam Keith, Cathy Dewhurst, Bob McWilliam). A two-way tie for 2nd place with 236 went to Team 3 (Mary Anne Vickery, Tom Hyatt, Lloyd Honey) and Team 6 (Bill Mayville, Herb Ascott, Mary Binder). Team 8 took 3rd place with 241 (Tom Dewhurst, Colleen Pearse, Gerrit Vriesen).
League play continues at 9:30 a.m. every Thursday at Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens.
The 1940 Hudson Eight sedan owned for several years by Bob and Donna Dunsmore, Harrow. After Bob passed away, Donna sold the car but the memories live on.
CILISKA EXCAVATING
Gary “Bubba” Baker
A resident of Kingsville, Gary Baker passed away at home, with his loving family by his side on Sunday, February 1, 2015 at the age of 58.
Bowl for Kids Sake needs county teams
Two sessions will be held locally
Loving husband of Kim Baker for 27 years. Dear father of Kaitlyn (Steven Wright) and Taylor. Dear son of Eileen and the late Richard Baker (2013) and son-in-law of Shirley and Murray Setterington. Dear brother of Tom Baker and his wife Anne, Nancy Baker and husband Wendell Doyle, and brother-in-law of Phil and Helen Setterington and Alan Setterington.
Family and friends will be received at the Reid Funeral Home and Reception Centre, 14 Russell Street Leamington (519 326-2631) on Wednesday from 2-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m.
Funeral Service to celebrate Gary’s life will be held at the Funeral Home on Thursday, February 5, 2015 at 11 a.m. Rev. Jim Kettle officiating.
Memorial donations may be made by cheque to Leamington Hospital Foundation (Hospice) or to the Unemployment Help Centre, Windsor.
Friends may send condolences or make a charitable contribution at www.reidfuneralhome.ca
The Big Brothers Big Sisters of Windsor Essex Foundation is hosting their annual Tim Hortons Bowl for Kids Sake event and is still in need of more teams from the county area to participate.
Locally, there are two sessions this year at Empire Lanes, 1771 Talbot Rd., Ruthven,: Fri. Feb. 27 at 6:30 p.m. and Sat. Feb. 28 at 1:00 p.m. Leamington Mayor John Paterson and Kingsville Mayor Nelson Santos will once again battle it out in their friendly competition between offices!
Bowl for Kids Sake is a perfect opportunity to help support youth mentoring programs in Windsor and Essex County by forming bowling teams and gathering pledges. This is a great event for team building, staff incentives and fun for the whole family. You don’t have to be a good bowler… this event is all about fun!
Teams are made up of 5 people and each person only has to raise a minimum of $50. Participants will get to bowl 2 games, have 2 pieces of pizza, pop and shoe rental. There are also chances to win individual fundraising incentive prizes courtesy of Tim Hortons, a best dressed team prize, and a top fundraiser prize of a Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 Lite plus the incentive prize level reached.
There are also two dates slated for Rose Bowl Lanes in Windsor.
To register a team, call 519-945-6232 ext.12 or visit www.bigbrothersbigsisterswe.ca
Bowl For Kids Sake is the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Windsor Essex Foundation’s largest fundraiser of the year. Last year was a huge success with over 800 participants who raised over $52,000!
All funds raised stay in the community and support 5 different mentoring programs for kids in need of an adult mentor. These programs are proven to help kids stay in school, avoid risky behavior such as bullying, and grow up to be more civic-minded adults.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Windsor Essex currently supports over 600 children through these programs. Each time a child is paired with a mentor or a group of children is introduced to the group programs, something incredible starts – a life-changing relationship built on friendship, trust and empowerment.
NEWFOUNDLAND CHARM MEETS LABRADOR SPLENDOUR! (No Single Supplement)
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REACH MILLIONS OF CUSTOMERS IN ONTARIO WITH ONE EASY CALL! Your Classified Ad or Display Ad would appear in weekly newspapers each week across Ontario in urban, suburban and rural areas. For more information Call Today 647-350-2558, Email: kmagill@rogers.com or visit: www.OntarioClassifiedAds.com.
EMPLOYMENT OPPS.
MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION is an indemand career in Canada! Employers have work-at-home positions available. Get the online training you need from an employer-trusted program. Visit: CareerStep.ca/MT or 1-888-5280809 to start training for your work-athome career today!
DRIVERS WANTED
Owner Operators Required
Requirements
2009 must be trucks or newer
We will inspect older equipment
Clean driver’s abstract/CVOR/FAST Card
Minimum 2 years cross border exp. Cross Border Company Drivers Required
Clean driver’s abstract/CVOR
Criminal Record Search
Minimum 2 years cross border exp. Must complete pre-employment drug test
APPLY TO: recruiting@rosedale.ca OR CALL TOLL-FREE: 1-877-588-0057 ext. 4612 for more details on each position. Mississauga terminal also looking for licensed LCV Drivers.
LAIDLAW CARRIERS VAN
DIVISION requires experienced AZ licensed drivers to run the U.S. Premium mileage rate. Home weekly. New equipment. Also hiring Owner Operators. 1-800-2638267
MORTGAGES
$$$ 1st, 2nd, 3rd MORTGAGESDebt Consolidation, Refinancing, Renovations, Tax Arrears, no CMHC fees. $50K you pay $208.33/month (OAC). No income, bad credit, power of sale stopped!! BETTER OPTION MORTGAGES, CALL TODAY Toll-Free 1-800-282-1169, www.mortgageontario.com (LIC# 10969).
AS SEEN ON TV - Need a MORTGAGE, Home Equity Loan, Better Rate? Bad Credit, Self-Employed, Bankrupt? Been turned down? Facing Foreclosure, Power of Sale? CALL US NOW TOLL-FREE 1-877-733-4424 and speak to a licensed mortgage agent. MMAmortgages.com specializes in residential, commercial, rural, agriculture, farms, & land mortgages. Visit: www.MMAmortgages.com (Lic#12126).
STEEL BUILDINGS
STEEL BUILDINGS...”REALLY BIG SALE!” All steel building models and sizes. Plus extra savings. Buy now and we will store until spring. Pioneer Steel 1-800-668-5422 www.pioneersteel.ca
STEEL BUILDINGS/METAL BUILDINGS 60% OFF! 20x28, 30x40, 40x62, 45x90, 50x120, 60x150, 80x100 sell for balance owed! Call 1-800-457-2206 www.crownsteelbuildings.ca
SOUTHPOINT SUN
CALL NOW!
2 bdrm apartment and penthouse available in Leamington. Located near shopping. Util incl, on-site mgmt, secure building, laundry, elevator, party room. Call 519-326-4622 to inquire.
ERIE APARTMENTS
CAMELOT SHIRES APARTMENTS
Beautiful, secure building in a good location. 1 & 2 bedrooms available. Utilities and parking included. Call Georgina 519-322-9526 We speak Spanish and English.
ROOMS FOR RENT - up to 2. Includes use of kitchen and washroom. Downtown Leamington. Available now. Call 519-567-6077. ja14-tf
DUPLEX, SIDE BY SIDE, with basement. 2 bedrooms, fridge and stove, with hook up for washer and dryer. $650/month plus utilities. Call 519-326-8015. no26-tf
2 BEDROOM HOUSEAvailable February 1st. $650/month plus utilities. Call 519-326-7726. ja28-fe4
1 BEDROOM HOUSE and 2 bedroom house for rent. Located in Leamington on the water. Available immediately. Call 519-796-4811. fe4-11
PLUMBROOK MANOR APARTMENTS
Leamington Heights 400 Oak St. E., Leamington GREAT 2 bdrms, UTIL INCL! COME SEE! Social room w/events, pkg, secure entry, on-site mgmt.
LOOKING FOR USED Hearing Aids. Will purchase - contact Christopher @ 519-324-5954 or cqkinc@yahoo.com, or bring them to 8 Talbot Street East, Leamington. Donations would be greatly appreciated. ja2-fe25
1 BEDROOM HOUSE on highway 3 near Kopegaron Woods. For more information call 519-825-4755. oc8-tf
1 & 2 BEDROOM APARTMENT for rent in Wheatley. Fridge, stove and laundry room. For more information call 519-324-2096. de3-tf
1 BEDROOM CONDO for rent - 44 Robson Rd Leamington. $750 plus util/month. No pets. Call Kathy 519-326-5786. de17-tf
HOUSE FOR RENT - 3 bedroom brick ranch in Ruthven. $1100/month. Available February 1. Call Frank at 519322-6536. ja28-fe4
CALL KAHL RECYCLINGWe come to you and haul away your junk. Scrap metal and appliances are free. Everything else has a fee. Call Ken 519-322-8305, 519-326-8559. ja14-tf
J J STITCHING - SEWING, alterations and repairs. Pants shortened $8.50 plus tax. (Some exceptions may apply such as lined pants.) If your clothing is too tight or too baggy, give me a call to see if it can be altered. Call Jean at 519-968-2261. 14 Johnson Avenue, Leamington. ja14-mr25
PRINTING: BUSINESS ENVELOPES,invoices, flyers, business cards, custom print jobs, whatever your printing needs, call Mallory at The Wheatley Journal for quick and economical service, 519-398-9098. tf
PLUMBING SERVICE
Repairs
Installations • Drain Cleaning
Excellent Rates
37 Years Experience Ed Higginbottom 519-329-1779
eh48@hotmail.ca
Matt’s Home Renovations
Kitchens, Bathrooms, Additions, Decks, Fences, Electrical Plumbing 226-346-3704
m8tter@gmail.com
Owner: Matt Laliberte
SPAGHETTI & MEATBALL FUNDRAISER DINNERFriday, February 6th, 5:007:30 p.m. St. John's Anglican Church, 60 Erie St. N., Leamington. Call for Tickets: adults - $15; children (5-12) - $5; children under 5 - Free. 519-3263111. ja28-fe4
KINGSVILLE LEGION BRANCH 188 Friday Night Dinners 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Weekly Specials $12 (Ribs or Perch). Other weekly menu items $10. Karaoke every 3rd Saturday of the month 8:00 p.m. Senior Dances every 3rd Sunday of the month. 519-733-5162 (office) or 519-733-9081 (bar). oc29-tf
THE CHURCH OF The Epiphany invites you to their Annual Pancake & Sausage Supper. Tuesday, February 17, 4:00 - 6:30 p.m. 96 Main St. West, Kingsville. Adults $5, children 6-10 years - $2, children 5 and under - Free. Take-out available. fe4-11
LEAMINGTON DISTRICT MINOR Baseball Assoc. is hosting Trivia Night 16, Wednesday, February 25, at the Portuguese Club in Leamington. Teams of four test their knowledge in a variety of subjects competing for cash prizes, door prizes and bragging rights. Register your team online at www.leamingtonminorbaseball.com or by calling Fletcher's Cleaners at 519566-4558. fe4-18
LADIES & GENTLEMEN you are invited to a Dinner Meeting at Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens on Monday, February 9 at 6:30 p.m. Tickets $16. Our inspirational speaker for the evening is Debbie Potts –Rochester, Mich. Her theme will be “Making Peace With Prickly People”. Our Special Feature will be Fire Safety with Deputy Chief Mike Ciacelli and Music will be by Kaitlin Alfaro. For reservations please call Sharon at 519-326-0421 or Darlene at 519-733-5595 by Feb. 7. The evening is presented by Leamington After 5 – affiliated with Stonecroft Ministries. Check us out at iaminvited.to fe4
SOUTHPOINT SUN
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
We are growing!!
Seeking to fill full-time packing positions
Wages: $11/hour, 48+ hours, Mon-Sat Skills: Able to maintain attendance, repetitive tasks, distinguish color, team environment
Rotating weekly shifts (Days/Afternoons) COME MAKE A DIFFERENCE!!
Apply via: HR@lakesideproduce.com
QUALIFIED CANDIDATES WILL BE CONTACTED
PINNACLE ACRES REQUIRES Full time greenhouse general labourers. $11.00/hr, 50+ hours, 7 days/wk. Must be available Saturday and Sunday. Work site: 333 County Rd. 18 Leamington ON, rural setting, must have own transportation. Crop maintenance and harvesting, other duties as required. Must be able to lift a minimum of 40 lbs on a repetitive basis, fast paced environment, strong work ethic, punctual, reliable. Please apply via: email pinnaclejobs@hotmail.com or fax: 519-326-9253. No experience or education required. oc15-tf
20 VACANCIES – PRODUCE PACKERS GREENHOUSE WORKER AND GENERAL LABOUERER
REQUIRED
• Must be able to work weekends as scheduled.
• Permanent. Full Time.
• $11.00 per hour.
Apply by Mail:
P.O. Box 61 Leamington, ON N8H 3W1
Apply by Fax: 519-326-6130
Apply by Email: humanresources@amcogroup.biz
Nature Fresh is currently looking for a full time GREENHOUSE SUPERVISOR
The accepted candidate will be working with diverse cultures. Applicant must be a team player and have a firm commitment to Safety Regulations. Work week will most likely be Monday to Saturday and possibly the occasional Sunday. Hours will fluctuate according to the ongoing needs. Emphasis will be placed on active involvement in employee training and continues follow-up. Winter temperatures in a greenhouse are very pleasant however please note summer climates can be very warm. Education is not required however agriculture experience and Spanish is a big asset. Wage will be based on experience and performance.
Please apply in person or by mail at: 4 Seneca Drive Leamington ON, or by fax: 519-326-2070, or by email: employment@naturefresh.ca
Talbot Street West, Leamington, ON (P 519-326-9018; F 519-326-3632; E grossi@grossiplumbing.ca)
TRUCK DRIVER NEEDEDFull time, slip seat driverposition. Part time positions also available, weekdays and/or weekends. Minimum 3 years experience with an A-Z license & refrigerated equipment. Main corridorOntario/Quebec. Some U.S. runs. Must be able to cross U.S. border. Send resume/abstract to: P.O. Box 39, Ruthven, Ontario N0P 2G0 or email to trucking@goldenjem.com. ja21-fe11
HELP WANTED FOR GREENHOUSE WORKERS
General Labour
Some lifting required and must work weekends. $11.00/hour
Send resumes to: PO Box 27, Ruthven, ON N0P 2G0
STURGEON WOODS RVis looking for a full time or part time salesperson. Fax resume to 519-326-6567. no12-tf
Call 519-398-9098
Wanted: Mature PSW
For relief staff for vacations and possibly a couple shifts per week on the afternoon and the midnight shifts. Must have police clearance, current flu vaccine and proof of T.B. free.
Forward Resume: Attention Trudy Willan, Administrator Meadows of Wheatley, 21205 Pier Road, Wheatley, Ontario N0P 2P0 or Fax: 519-825-3745 or Email to: trudy06@bellnet.ca
or experience is required.
from 9:00 to 5:00 at
County Road 18, Leamington, N8H3V5 or by email jobs@toppack.ca
NOTICE
NEW STATE-OF-THE-ART, SINGLE-SITE ACUTE CARE HOSPITAL PROJECT UPDATE
Tuesday, February 10, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. at Migration Hall 170 Main Street East, Kingsville, Ontario
Hear about the site-selection plan, process and the vision for the new Single-Site Acute Care Hospital from David Musyj and Dave Cooke, Co-Chairs of the Program and Services Steering Committee.
Hosted by:
For Information about this presentation contact:
Ruth Orton, LL.B.
Director of Corporate Services / Clerk The Corporation of the Town of Kingsville 519-733-2305 ext. 229
NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETINGS OF COUNCIL COMMENCEMENT OF 2015 MUNICIPAL BUDGET DELIBERATIONS
The Council of The Corporation of the Town of Kingsville will hold Special Meetings for the purpose of budget deliberations on:
Wednesday, February 18, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 11, 2015 at 9:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 29, 2015 at 9:00 a.m.
All meetings will be held at the Municipal Office Council Chambers, 2021 Division Rd N, Kingsville
Dated this 27th day of January, 2015.
R. Orton, Director of Corporate Services/Clerk The Corporation of the Town of Kingsville 2021 Division Road North, Kingsville, ON N9Y 2Y9 www.kingsville.ca 2021 Division Road North Kingsville, Ontario N9Y 2Y9 Phone: 519-733-2305 www.kingsville.ca kingsvilleworks@kingsville.ca
Despite penalty trouble and a last-place opponent that refused to quit, the Leamington Flyers took another step toward securing first place in the Western Conference.
Whether or not that’s a positive thing remains to be seen.
The Flyers hosted the ninth-place St. Marys Lincolns at Heinz Arena Thursday, Jan. 29 and skated to a 5-2 victory in an effort to keep the Chatham Maroons and Sarnia Legionnaires at arm’s length. Despite having been mathematically eliminated from playoff contention weeks ago, the Lincolns didn’t give up in spite of trailing 4-0 halfway through the final period. A scramble for a rebound during a four-on-four scenario and a five-on-three tally about three minutes later cut Leamington’s lead in half with more than five minutes to go in regulation.
“It wasn’t our best effort, but we’ll take the win, “ said Flyers head coach Tony Piroski. “I thought we were a little flat, but they (St. Marys) played hard. Penalties definitely cost us and gave them a chance to get back into it.”
Flyers outrun Lincolns
By bryan jessop
with 13 seconds on the clock. The goal, Amante’s 23rd of the season, was unassisted.
Opblinger scored the game winner seconds prior to the game’s midway point, allowing Leamington to go one for two on the power play. As Beattie committed to dropping to the ice in an attempt to smother the puck, Opblinger pulled the puck away and backhanded it into the empty left half of the St. Marys net. His 12th of the season was assisted by Kyle Quick and Tyler Duarte.
The opening period unfolded as a familiar scene at Heinz Arena, with the Flyers’ offense dominating and creating several scoring chances that fell just shy of wrapping up as goals. Persistence and pressure finally paid of after about twelve-and-a-half minutes of play when Kyle Perkowski found an opening in the slot between the hash marks and from there sent a wrist shot past goaltender Tyler Beattie for the 1-0 lead. Matthew Opblinger and returning defenseman Ryan Muzzin assisted.
Leamington established a 2-0 advantage just prior to the first buzzer. In one of the season’s most bizarre goals, Mitch Amante fired a shot that was deflected nearly straight up. The puck arched over Beattie and the crowd of players around him and landed on the goal line before bouncing into the net
The Flyers’ offense gradually cooled off as the string of penalties began to pile up, although a J.P. Grineau two-minute minor for interference did more good than harm. Just as Grineau returned to the ice, Amante sent him on a short breakaway with a long forward pass. With a St. Marys defenseman in close pursuit, the Leamington native sent a wrist shot past Beattie for his sixth of the season.
“I felt bad for ending up in the box for the second time (in the same game), but the guys said ‘don’t worry about it, you’ll get a breakaway’,” Grineau said of the moment he made his way to the sin bin after being whistled for interference. “Then Mitch saw me get out and he sent me a great pass.”
With defensive teammates consistently on and off the injury and suspension lists, Grineau’s ongoing role of switching between the red line and blue line have kept him busier than ever. The fourth-year Flyer however has embraced his multi-tasking responsibilities.
“I just make sure I play whatever role the coach gives me and stick to the game plan,” Grineau explained.
Penalties kept hounding the Flyers in the third, where being forced to play shorthanded eventually began catching up to the hosts. The Lincolns made better use of the open ice during a four-on-four, beating Michael Barrett for the first time when Evan Krassey one-timed a rebound with a snap shot to bring the score to 4-1. St. Marys then took advantage of a five-on-three power play as Graham Brulotte solved Barrett’s short side with heavy traffic near the crease. Beattie raced to the net for an extra attacker with 1:17 on the clock, but the Flyers’ defense tightened up to fend off the visitors’ forwards. Joe Ogden scored his first as a Flyer by sending a wrist shot from between the red line and Lincolns’ blue line into the middle of an open St. Marys net with 3.3 sec-
onds on the clock. Grineau drew the only assist. Leamington outshot the Lincolns 42-20 while going one for two on the power play. St. Marys settled for one for six.
The list of Western Conference teams with a chance of catching up to the Flyers in the standings has shrunk to Chatham and Sarnia. Thursday’s games included action for each of the top-four ranking Western squads, where Chatham managed to stay within 12 points of Leamington by doubling Lambton Shores 8-4. Sarnia fell to three points behind the Maroons with a 7-6 regulation loss to fourth-place LaSalle.
Though happy to be atop the Western standings, Piroski doesn’t see his team’s ranking as much of an advantage for the rapidly-approaching playoffs. “What we did last year was actually pretty rare — most teams that finish first in the regular season don’t go on to win the conference,” he explained. “That’s how it is in this league. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a lot of upsets in the playoffs this year — I just hope we’re not one of them.”
The Flyers visited Lambton Shores Saturday, Jan. 31 in what ended as a 6-3 victory for Leamington despite two Predators leads. Flyers goals were scored by Amante, Opblinger, Eric Henderson, Ogden, Alex Friesen and Cale Phibbs. Leamington was two for six on the power play while adding a shorthanded goal as Lambton Shores went one for three. The Flyers outshot their hosts 44-41.
Rest of the West
On Wednesday, Jan. 28, the LaSalle Predators doubled Lambton Shores 6-3 while St. Thomas nipped London 3-2 in overtime. Friday games included a 21 victory for St. Thomas over Strathroy as Chatham defeated St. Marys 10-3. Saturday GOJHL games included a 4-1 win for Sarnia over Strathroy.
Upcoming Home Games: thurs feb 5 vs lambton shores 7:10PM thurs feb 12 vs chatham 7:10PM
Upcoming away Games: sat feb 7 vs sarnia 7:10PM sat feb 13 vs st. thomas 7:30PM
Leamington’s Jacob McGhee delivers a punch to St. Marys’ Matt McGall during a third-period scrap at Heinz Arena Thursday, Jan. 29. Both players received fiveminute fighting majors and a game misconduct. The Flyers won 5-2. (Sun photo)
Jared Lindsay of the Lincolns is knocked to the ice by Leamington Flyers Matthew Opblinger during the second period of a Thursday, Jan. 29 GOJHL game at Heinz Arena. Opblinger scored a goal and added an assist in his team’s 5-2 victory. (Sun photo)
The Southpoint Minor Hockey yellow and red teams enjoyed a five-minute exhibition game during the first intermission of a Thurs day, Jan. 29 Leamington Flyers game at Heinz Arena. (Sun photo)