February 10, 2016

Budget reflects change

By Bill Chaplin

The budget that Leamington Municipal Council has endorsed proposed a 1.5 per cent tax increase. The document reflects change in the municipality. It reflects the traditional commitment to maintenance and improvement of resources as well as clearly defining the strategic priorities that Municipal Council is counting on to attract prosperity.

The one strategic priority that stands out prominently is economic development. As CAO Peter Neufeld puts it, economic development rests on three pillars: business retention and attraction, tourism, and community amenities. Virtually every aspect of the 2016 budget can be linked to a desire to enhance Leamington’s position as a potential ‘hub’ of economic and tourism activity.

Council dedicated some of its time to deliberating over and deciding on grants to award and withhold. For the first time ever, Council has approved a small grant to the Windsor Symphony Orchestra in recognition of their effort to bring their particular kind of cultural enhancement to Leamington. Likewise, a grant to the Folk Festival has been continued because it is an economic benefit, while The Bank Theatre and the Art Gallery have had their grants increased to accommodate aggressive plans to expand their impact on Leamington’s cultural scene.

Essex Power presents cheque for Youth in Community

Mr. Joe Barile, general manager of Essex Power, was present at the Council meeting Monday evening, Feb. 8 to present a cheque for $10,000. The money is intended to be used for Youth in Community Projects.

This is the third year for this Essex Power initiative. The Mayor’s youth committee is tasked to advise how this money is spent, and once again it will benefit all grade 9 students who live in Leamington.

The Recreation Department will extend free Complex memberships to all grade 9 students who live in Leamington, including those who may attend a school outside the municipality. Complex administration believes there are about 400 students who will qualify to apply next school year. This school year, almost 150 have used their free memberships from last year’s donation.

The request for a municipal grant to the Tomato Festival organizers was turned down because it appears to be an event that has run its course and is on the decline. It was the consensus that the money would be better spent on a municipally-organized, new festival planned to debut this summer.

Leamington boasts a great recreation centre, excellent ball diamonds, top notch

soccer pitches that will have a brand new $600,000 field house, and, this summer, professional quality white sand volleyball courts on the beach in Seacliff Park. There are a great number of volunteers for all these sports. Now Leamington will have staff who will not only be able to assist local initiatives, but also be sent to major sports organizing bodies to promote the municipality.

The 2016 budget continues the planned maintenance, replacement, and expansion to the municipal services. The following list of approved capital items target the needs of citizens:

• Over $2 million in improvements to agricultural drains including a decadesold Sturgeon Creek problem.

• Over $1.4 million in new and replacement water mains as well as a study looking into how to deliver water to greenhouses without compromise.

• Over $1.5 million in expansions to trails and park improvements.

• Almost $4 million in engineering projects throughout the municipality.

• Over $2 million in pollution control centre improvements.

Joe Barile presented a $10,000 cheque from Essex Power to be used for Youth in Community projects in Leamington. From left to right are students Kiara Clement, Alexander MacDonald, Cameron Stockton, Councillor Larry Verbeke, Mayor John Paterson, student Peter Bot, general manager of Essex Power Joe Barile, and student Karla Kroslak.

Ontario Chiefs of Police launch province-wide scam prevention campaign

Growing number of sophisticated threats posed by tax, utilities and other scams

The Ontario Chiefs of Police is launching a provincewide scam preventing campaign to educate the public about new and often sophisticated scams that prey on vulnerable taxpayers, utility users, and consumers

Financial crimes and fraud are criminal activities that victimize individuals from all walks of life. During the past year, police across Ontario have become increasingly aware of very sophisticated, well-organized financial criminal activities that prey on people’s lack of understanding about their rights when it comes to their financial matters. If you feel uneasy about someone calling you or showing up at your door about your taxes or your utility bills, if you notice suspicious banking or on-line activities related to your financial assets, don’t be fooled. Call for help.

Individuals and businesses can call the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to confirm the authenticity of a CRA telephone number or report incidents of suspected fraud to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.

The theme of the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP) 2016 Crime Prevention Campaign is “Know Who

You’re Dealing With…” A new crime prevention booklet detailing the types of crimes people should be aware of and what they can do to protect themselves, their families, and their businesses, is now available at www.oacp.on.ca/newsevents, click on “Resource documents”, then “Public Resource Docs” to access the 2016 Crime Prevention Booklet – “Know who you’re dealing with”.

It’s estimated that all types of financial crimes and fraud cost Canadians more than $10 billion each year. When it comes to mass marketing fraud, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre reported a total of 51,385 complaints between January and November of 2015, involving 13,717 victims. The total dollar value loss suffered by these victims was $61.3 million dollars. In 2014, the total dollar lost to these types of crimes was $75 million.

Know Who You’re Dealing With… Tax Scams

• The Canada Revene Agency (CRA) has noted an increase in telephone scams where the caller claims to be from the CRA but is not. Beware – these calls are fraudulent and could result in identity and financial theft.

• The CRA takes these tax fraud schemes very seriously and actively warns Canadians about scams undertaken using the CRA’s name, especially during the tax filing season, when such scams peak.

• If you want to confirm the authenticity of a CRA telephone number, call the CRA at 1-800-959-8281

• For more information about the security of taxpayer information and other examples of fraudulent communications, go to www.cra.gc.ca/security

Electrical Utilities Scams

• Ontario’s electricity customers are targets for phone scammers. These scammers tell people that they are from the local utility and use sophisticated software to show the utility’s name on a caller display. Scammers threaten to disconnect customers if they don’t immediately pay by prepaid credit card or wire transfer.

• Scammers target people when they are most vulnerable, especially during holidays or peak business times. Since July 2014, more than 500 people were targeted in Toronto alone. A total of 13% of those incidents involved payments totaling $58,000. Local utilities NEVER ask customers to pay by pre-paid credit card or wire transfers over the phone. Local utilities NEVER threaten to disconnect you right away.

utility company and ask about their policy. If someone calls and threatens to disconnect you if you don’t make a payment right away by pre-paid credit card or wire transfer, SAY NO and HANG UP! NEVER give out your personal or financial information.

• Report the incident to your utility company and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501. This agency collects information on fraud and works closely with police to solve these crimes.

Identity Theft

The theft of identity information such as “tombstone” data, employment information, banking particulars, and payment card data have become a highly saleable commodity that is easily trafficked via traditional means and through hundreds of websites on the “dark web.”

Identity information is obtained via Server/Computer Hacks, ATM/POS tampering, Phishing, Social Engineering, Complicit Government/Corporate Employees, Theft of Mail, and a host of other means. Once obtained, “Pirate” websites available on the dark web provide nearly unlimited access to such data to all takers. Payment for the identity information is easily made via non-traditional, unregulated, online payment systems that offer participants the ability to traffic or purchase identity information for eventual exploitation. Typical offences include: account takeovers, truename fraudulent credit applications, ATM/POS tampering, and trafficking in identity information.

GECDSB introducing innovativelearning management system

The Greater Essex County District School Board (GECBSB) is adding a cloud-based learning management system to expand communication and collaboration with parents/guardians.

Edsby is an innovative system that works with the Board’s existing systems, including staff and student Office 365 accounts. It will give students and teachers more ways to collaborate and provide parents/guardians with accurate and up-to-date information on students’ academic achievement.

Edsby has been piloted in a number of schools and the student attendance function will be used in all GECDSB secondary schools during the second semester. The parent portal access should be fully available during the 2016-2017 school year.

• When in doubt, call your

Pay raise for non-union workers

To reflect the gains made in negotiations with unionized groups working for the corporation, Leamington municipal staff have recommended a pay raise for non-union staff, Council, crossing guards, part-time employees, summer students and members of the Committee of Adjustment, Leamington Police Services Board and the Union Water Joint Board of Management. Their 2% raise comes after getting no raises in 2014 and 2015. The total financial impact of this for 2016 will be approximately $91,000. The matter was passed at the Feb. 8 meeting of Council.

Harness horse racing threatened in Leamington

By Bryan Jessop

If a group of London-based harness horse racing representatives get their way, 2016 could be the swan song season for the sport at Leamington Raceway

The group has submitted a proposal to the provincial government-controlled Ontario Racing Commission, which upon being disbanded in April 1 of this year, will hand over its control of horse racing funding to the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation. The proposal requests that purse sizes at Western Fair Raceway in London be increased from a range of $35,000 to $65,000 to one of $45,000 to $85,000 and that the facility be granted the ability to offer more race dates throughout the season.

The same proposal suggested that these changes be accommodated by the closure of three Southwestern Ontario tracks — Dresden Raceway, Hiawatha in Sarnia and Leamington Raceway. The 12-page report up for provincial consideration lists these three facilities as having the lowest handles in Ontario, although representatives with Lakeshore Horse Racing Association — which operates the racing schedule in Leamington — point out that such statistics are misleading.

“I have no problem with the group wanting larger purses, but there’s some bias there as well,” said LHRA general manager Wayne Martinuik. “It would be ideal if we could compare apples to apples.”

Martinuik noted that when focusing strictly on live bet handles, Leamington’s 2015 amount of $21,370 is higher than London’s. Leamington also has the highest Standardbred per-bet average in Ontario. The Western Fair Raceway combined total handle, Martinuik explained, is higher because the larger city’s track has the advantage of simulcast betting — a service not available at Leamington Raceway. A detailed business plan for simulcast betting was submitted by the Lakeshore group about two-and-a-half years ago, but as of yet there has been no response from the sport’s governing body.

“I have no problem with the group wanting larger purses, but there’s some bias there as well.”

- Wayne Martinuik

Currently, Leamington Raceway has 13 race dates scheduled for the 2016 season with the possibility of a 14th card being added. Races will take place with 1:30 p.m. post time each Sunday starting August 7 and ending October 30. Although the proposal submitted by the London group isn’t expected to threaten racing schedules in Leamington, Sarnia or Dresden for 2016, Martinuik explained that the trio of tracks’ future for 2017 and 2018 are now in jeopardy — despite a five-year contract that was agreed upon from 2014 to 2018.

Tracks across Ontario were compensated for the cancellation of the Slots At Raceways Program with a $500 million commitment by the province, to be split evenly over five years

its

have larger

that could threaten

at $100 million per year. Martinuik explained that the London group believes that larger purses are needed to attract racehorse owners and that the best way to provide such prize money would be to redistribute funds by eliminating some tracks and reducing the number of race dates at others. If the plan is accepted by Ontario Lottery and Gaming Commision, Western Fair Raceway would become a ‘regional’ track — a concept that does not sit well with Martinuik and other LHRA representatives.

“This area has one of the biggest populations and if these three tracks are shut down, there’ll be nothing left west of London,” he said. “They’ve got to think of people in this

area. Give them a break.”

Martinuik estimated that if the three tracks are closed, between 150 and 200 full time jobs could be lost between feed providers, veterinarians, blacksmiths and other positions that rely directly on horse racing. Part time job losses could reach 150, including the 48 working at Leamington Raceway.

(Continued on page 5)

Harness horse racing gets underway to start the 166th Leamington Fair on June 13 of 2014 at the Leamington Fairgrounds. Race dates for 2017 and 2018 could be threatened if Western Fair Raceway is granted

wish to

purses and more dates — an enhancement to the London-based circuit

harness horse racing in Leamington, Dresden and Sarnia. (Sun file photo)

Getting to the root of the problem

There is a fine line between wellness and sickness and society. Confusion reigns as people attempt to figure out where to focus their energies!

I feel hopeful as I read literature that encourages more holistic healing. Perhaps we may be coming full circle from where our elders were regarding health. Unfortunately a vast amount of knowledge and trust in our own bodies may have been lost along the way.

SHANNON MATHESON

Lifestyles...

Recently, I read an article posted by a local Leamington man. Right in our own back yard, research at the University of Windsor has shown proof of the power of dandelion root in the fight against cancer. If we take the time to investigate instead of annihilate we may find more use for the neglected plants that we call weeds. It’s ironic that we use pesticides to kill these powerful plants. As we eradicate them, we are also slowly killing ourselves at the same time. Right in our own back yards!

time flying by so quickly we don’t think the decision to stay longer will be a hard one. How we envision life on our return is the question, and ‘simple’ is the answer.

Living on the island, like anywhere else, has its ups and downs. The best part is being able to choose how we spend our days. Thankfully both Mark and I are self-motivated people so we are able to get things done, but we also make wellness a priority. I don’t miss the pace that I kept back home; however, I have come to realize that there too, I had a choice.

All three of our children have had a couple of rough weeks. It is especially hard being away from them when they are not feeling at par. Cheyne’s surgery went well. He now has a plate and screws in his wrist for the rest of his life. This is hard for me to imagine. Before leaving the hospital they made sure that he had more than enough painkillers. Of course I don’t want him to be in pain, but I also don’t condone doling out more than enough to someone who is bummed out about the end of his college hockey career. I would have preferred more holistic approaches like ‘arnica’ that help the body deal with the trauma instead of covering it up.

I am a far cry from being a pessimist because I find it exciting to know that we can be proactive in our wellness plan. The foods we put in our mouth can be the catalyst to feeling healthy and well.

Mark and I returned to the island last Thursday. We had a hitchhiker join us on our charter flight back. My sister Leslie happened to be in Lauderdale, fresh off a sailboat that she was crewing on. We invited her to return with us to Little Whale Cay. I think she is enjoying her visit. Each one of our friends who has visited us here has brought a skill and left their personal mark here. Leslie has set up our island sewing machine and has been busy making new pillow covers with some bolts of fabric that I have found here and there.

What have you added to your day that accomplishes nothing more than add stress? My grandmother Mamie once told me that conveniences might have added to our workday instead of the opposite. Here is what I noticed while home for our last visit.

Most of my friends stop into the grocery store every day. This stop for a couple of things usually takes at least a half hour out of your day and a chunk out of your paycheck. You always run into someone you know and instead of grabbing the one or two items you need, you walk out with a small cart full.

Our daughter Michaela has been battling a horrible cold and Anna has had the flu. I guess the flu shot that they are forced to take because of their careers hasn’t helped with these particular strains. No doubt they are both sick of me recommending daily doses of Vitamin D and some chicken soup, but once a mother, always a mother. I get hopeful when I hear people looking for alternatives to health and wellness, especially if this means simply treating your body better. How much more empowering it must be for your life and work to attempt to avoid sickness instead of dealing with illness when it comes!

It is a notable change of pace from here to home. A difference that I take in and appreciate more and more as time goes by. It’s difficult to believe that before we know it Mark and I will have been here two years already. Our initial goal was four years, but with

Nail and hair appointments that at one time in our life were a luxurious treat are now scheduled around a busy workday. I have nowhere to go on the island and certainly no one to impress, so these have been put on the back burner. However, routinely, while watching a movie in the evening, I soak my feet and give myself a pedicure. My wellness program includes making my feet feel great and I’m not about to give that up!

Go through your day and decide what you want it to look like. Make a list and get rid of the extras that end up adding stress to your life. I have felt stress and its not good! Stomachaches, acid reflux, sleepless nights and tiredness force one to concentrate on some of the many symptoms. Instead, if you really look hard you know exactly what is causing these problems. You know yourself and your body better than anyone else. Get to the root of the problem and treat yourself better than anyone else. This may even take eating a root or two. You are worth it!

Check out: healthycures.org/scientists-from-canada-discovered-a-plantthat-kills-cancer-cells-in-48-hours.

Love is in the air

Ahhh, the week of love.

Each year, we celebrate that couples can’t help falling in love.

will find a way.

Whether it’s the power of love, the book of love or unconditional love, people tend to gravitate toward it.

It’s one of those four-letter words that we utter every day, in the best of times and even when love hurts.

It puts you on top of the world when you have those feelings and can leave you broken hearted when you’ve lost that loving feeling.

Only the lonely may think that love stinks, while others could care less what a fool believes.

There are lots of silly love songs out there that manage to get air play this time of year. It seems to happen time after time. You’ll never know if it’s your song.

Either she loves you or she doesn’t, but it’s so easy to be a part-time lover.

I want to know what love is. It doesn’t take a foreigner to figure that one out.

If you let your love flow and give into the feelings, love

If you’ve lost that loving feeling, you give love a bad name.

Maybe you’ve spent your summer nights with your teen angel or maybe yours is an endless love.

Either way, cherish those memories before they fly away.

If we all could save time in a bottle, the young love that we experienced back in our youth wouldn’t be looked upon as puppy love. As a teenager in love, we all thought it would last ‘till the end of time.

For all we know, it could be that groovy kind of love that we’ve all waited for through the years.

Here’s wishing you all a happy Valentine weekend, be sure to let those loved ones in your life know how important they really are. You should be able to find 42 titles of love songs or love related songs in this article.

MARK RIBBLE Rib’s Ramblings

Leamington budget signals growth

Highlights of the 2016 budget

There are many clear indicators in Leamington’s 2016 budget that demonstrate both Council and administration are focusing their efforts at preparing Leamington for growth and success in the near future. While there are the usual, expected projects that are planned for the coming year, there are some surprising changes — both big and little — that highlighted budget discussions.

In the area of Municipal Council Grants, there were two noteworthy changes this year. First, Council decided to terminate its financial support of the Tomato Festival, citing declining attendance in spite of the extensive efforts from many volunteers who have helped stage the event.

Second, Council has agreed to make a grant to the Windsor Symphony Orchestra in appreciation of their years of bringing symphonic music out to Leamington.

The biggest jump in funding this year centres on leisure and recreation. Some of the spending is maintenance, like the $400,000 to repair docks at the marina. Much, however, is being spent on improvements and expansion to Leamington’s facilities. The soccer facility will receive about $700,000 by the time the new field house is built, the new amphitheatre at Seacliff Park along with the construction of professional-grade beach volleyball courts by the lake is expected to cost around $660,000, and the former Federal Building that is the Art Gallery is slated for about $70,000 in repairs.

There are three new initiatives that may impact Leamington residents and their interactions with the municipal government. In an organizational change, an area of responsibility has been created called “Communications.” While much of the effort is internal and associated with reorganization and improving inter-departmental communications, it also includes bilingual expansion of communication strategies with citizen groups, increased social media presence, raising the profile of municipal services to customers and continuing to create a useful, identifiable Leamington ‘brand’ in all corporate communications. The development investment is considered quite modest, but the expectations are high. Along similar lines, the Municipality is intending to hire

BILL CHAPLIN

Municipal Correspondent

a tourism officer. During budget discussions it was revealed that the municipality spends in the neighbourhood of $100,000 in advertising spread around almost all departments. In addition, it is council’s desire to make Leamington more of a destination for sports events. This new position is expected to complement the Economic Development work already being done to cast the net as widely and effectively as possible while trying to attract all kinds of investment for Leamington.

Finally, $10,000 has been set aside for the spaying and neutering of cats — not just feral cats in the municipality, but also pets of families and individuals with low incomes who need financial assistance for this treatment. Details will be provided by the municipality, but the program mimics successful, well-received programs already in place in Kingsville and Essex.

Pertaining to the municipality’s progress with 21st century technology, money has been set aside in the 2016 budget to try and start developing fibre-optic cable capacity. The initial effort will try to link the municipal building to the Recreation Complex, but reference to ‘hubs’ and ‘T-junctions’ suggest that this is just a start at making ultra-high speed communications a reality for Leamington.

Harness horse racing threatened in Leamington

(Continued form page 3)

He also expressed concerns for the efforts of the Leamington and District Agricultural Society, which built a paddock at the local track to bring the facility up to required standards for harness horse racing.

The Lakeshore Horse Racing Association has requested consultation on the proposed track reductions before a decision is made, which Martinuik noted could come within the next three to four months. The LHRA was prepared to make a trip to Toronto to express its concerns, but Ontario Lottery and Gaming Commission senior vice president of horse racing Cal Bricker has offered to visit Leamington instead. On Thursday, Feb. 11, Bricker is scheduled to tour the Leamington track as well as a number of local farms while discussing with LHRA representatives the London proposal and its likely impact.

“We very grateful that he (Bricker) is willing to meet with us,” Martinuik noted.

Leamington applying for grant money for sewer and road work

Monday evening, Feb. 8, Municipal Council received a report from administration that the expression of interest that was submitted to the 2015 Small Communities Fund had been accepted, and that it was now time to submit a formal application for funding.

The project selected is a sewer separation completion in the Erie Street South/Conover/Forest area and will be for

$2 million to cover half of the total estimated cost. Specifically, the road and sewer work is anticipated to cost $3.5 million, while water system improvements will add another $500,000.

Municipal Council agreed to apply for the money. Administration will report back as soon as it is known whether or not the application is successful.

Cancer Society seeks volunteer drivers

By Bryan Jessop

The Windsor-Essex County branch of the Canadian Cancer Society is looking for volunteers who are ‘driven’ to help local cancer patients.

The Windsor-based division of the organization requires an additional two or three drivers from the LeamingtonKingsville area to offer their services for transporting cancer patients living in the region to and from medical appointments. The Wheels of Hope program — operated by the CCS for the past 10 years — currently has four active drivers in the Leamington area and another two in Kingsville. Because of the various appointment schedules for county patients who cannot provide their own transportation, a few more volunteers are required to offer the handful of much-needed rides.

“Our drivers describe the experience as being very, very rewarding,” explained Windsor-Essex County Canadian Cancer Society community office manager Judy Lund. “Patients have been very appreciative of having a warm, safe ride to their appointments. Some of them have family members who just can’t get the time off from work and they’re not well enough to drive themselves.”

In a typical year, 200 Windsor-Essex County patients will make use of Wheels of Hope, making trips most frequently to Windsor Regional Cancer Centre (Met campus) or to other destinations in Windsor, Leamington or London. In 2014, local patients made about 5,000 combined trips for a total distance of roughly 150,000 km. Some patients require daily rides, others three or four times per week and others on a less consistent basis.

Volunteer drivers go through an orientation and recruitment process that includes a police background check and a single day of training where they are made aware of their expectations. Drivers are compensated for their mileage by the Canadian Cancer Society, which funds Wheels of Hope through public donations. Individuals interested in becoming Wheels of Hope drivers can contact the local CCS office at 519-254-5116 or e-mailing essex@ontario.cancer.ca. The Windsor-Essex County branch is hoping to schedule the next training event for the end of this month.

Volunteer drivers can provide rides as their personal

accommodate the number of cancer patients in the region who require transportation to and from their appointments.

(Sun photo)

schedules permit and may limit their destinations to locations within Windsor and Essex County only if necessary. County drivers are typically handed ‘assignments’ on a rotational basis, each offering rides a few times per month.

Recently, however, a shortage of rural drivers has made ride schedules challenging for those who continue to offer their services. Leamington resident Peter Quick has volunteered for Wheels of Hope for the past six years and normally put between 700 and 800 km on his vehicle per month. For the period ranging from Dec. 14, 2015 to Jan. 10, 2016, however, he wracked up about 1,500 km.

“It’s been really busy lately,” said Quick, reiterating Lund’s message on the need for more volunteers. “Lately it’s been three or four trips per week, sometimes twice in one day. I can’t continue to do that. I’ve never seen it like this.”

Quick, who retired as a teacher at Leamington District

Secondary School in 2009,

(Submitted

began driving for Wheels of Hope about six years ago. He offers rides to patients from Leamington, Wheatley, Kingsville and Essex regions, mostly to the Cancer Centre at Met Hospital as well as to specialist offices located throughout Windsor.

The Windsor-Essex County Canadian Cancer Society is currently gearing up for the 2016 county version of Relay For Life, which will be hosted by Colasanti’s Tropical Garden. The event will begin at 7 p.m. Friday, June 10 and conclude at 7 a.m. Saturday, June 11. The Society is now in search of volunteers to join the relay’s committee or offer their services as recruiters. Interested individuals are encouraged to use the same contact phone number and e-mail address as those inquiring about driving for the Wheels of Hope program.

“We’re really excited about coming to the LeamingtonKingsville area,” said Lund, who described Relay for Life as the Society’s flagship event each year. “Donor dollars have been down over the last few years, so these are very important to us. We really need the community support.”

About 90 per cent of CCS services are funded through public contributions. For more information on Relay For Life, visit the website www.relayforlife.ca.

Leamington resident Peter Quick has been a Wheels of Hope volunteer driver for the past six years. Quick noted that a decline in the number of local drivers has made it challenging to

Guy Jolin, one of the Canadian Cancer Society of Windsor-Essex County’s Windsor-based volunteer drivers.

photo)

LDMH emergency waiting lounge undergoes overhaul

The Emergency Department waiting lounge at Leamington District Memorial Hospital (LDMH) underwent a complete structural and design overhaul recently and the modernized waiting area became operational at the end of January 2016.

The changes address comments made by patients. Some of the new design features include new tile and brick wainscoting, comfortable modern seating, a more spacious area, and upgraded lighting and audio callout system.

Visuals in the lounge area include the Medical Museum and the Diamond Donor wall.

Three pieces of art by Leamington District Secondary School visual arts students decorate the new space. The installed artwork is “The Point” by Isabel and Ava Gossen (Gr. 11 and Gr. 9), “Reef” by Olivia Symons (Gr. 10) and “Bloom” by Danny Meng (Gr. 11).

The waiting lounge will include mobile devise chargers, I-Pad guest tablets providing free internet access to social media, games and video viewing.

In addition to the new comfort features and interactive devices are complimentary hot beverages from the modern single serve pod system including coffee, tea, lattes and hot chocolate. Healthy and afford-

able snacks are also now available in the lounge area including sandwiches, fruit and yogurt.

“Even though our wait times in the ED are the lowest in the ESC-LHIN region, we understand no one likes waiting. However, waiting can be much more palatable when it is in a pleasant, bright and comfortable atmosphere,” commented Katherine Groenewegen, Program Director, Emergency Department/Critical Care.

“Based on what LDMH has been hearing through feedback from our website and social media, we decided to take action to improve the guest experience. We are listening and made these improvements. Our team working on the lounge concept all have experience in the hospitality industry. They suggested we add hospitality and comfort to our guest ‘dis-comfort’. The result has been overwhelmingly positive,” added Groenewegen.

Funding for the complete remodeling, complimentary beverage service, charging system and I-Pad internet service has been funded 100% by the Leamington Hospital Foundation.

For over 50 years the Foundation has been raising money from the communities served by the hospital for such items as medical equipment, capital require-

ments and amenities such as this new lounge.

“This was an easy decision for the Foundation Board to fund this project. The feedback has been incredible and our donor base can see how we are making their contributions work for them directly every day,” said Foundation Board Chair John Ferguson.

“Donor contributions from this community are amazing. Their contributions assist the hospital with the extras required for patient centered care and service,” added Ferguson.

In addition to the lounge project, the Triage registration area underwent extensive structural changes and improvements in the last quarter of 2015. These improvements have enhanced the registration flow and comfort for those attending the Emergency Department.

Moving forward, LDMH staff has formed a CoDesign group to focus on the Hospitality in Hospital Care.

The tablets have been generously donated by the Leamington District Memorial Hospital Auxiliary and Mark and Dr. Kathy Pfaff.

“Healthcare is a service industry, so we are taking strides to improve our service orientation at LDMH,” said Cheryl Deter, LDMH Vice President and Chief Nursing Executive.

START Investing for

Above: Comfortable seating is provided in the Lounge Area for people waiting for an appointment at LDMH. Additional seating was added to accommodate high traffic volumes.

Right: People can browse the internet, social media and play games at the Internet Bar while they wait at LDMH.

in the in the in the in the in the

ARIES - Mar 21/Apr 20

Aries, if you assumed you were right on track, you soon will see why it isn’t safe to assume. Do not take anything for granted and consider all potential outcomes.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21

Interpersonal dynamics are constantly changing, and you may have a challenging time wrangling in your relationship to where it feels comfortable, Taurus.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21

Gemini, even if you are uncertain about someone’s intentions, it is best to give that person the benefit of the doubt. However, an ounce of skepticism never hurt anyone.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22

Cancer, it is better to make your choices sooner rather than later this week. Putting decisions off only complicates matters. It may be an anxious time, but you will pull through.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23

Stop worrying about how others see you, Leo. This week own up to your beliefs, even if they seem to go against the norm. You may be surprised at the support you receive.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22

Virgo, a hectic week leads to lots of demands on your time. Take things one task at a time and do not be afraid to say “no” if you feel you are overwhelmed.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23

Libra, frustration at work may not be directed at any one person, and you can’t let it consume your life. Make the frustration work to your advantage instead.

ANSWERS ON PAGE 29

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22

Romantic thoughts this week will have you on a mission to spend quality time with a loved one, Scorpio. You may do everything in your power to be near your significant other.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21

Don’t try to erect barriers, Sagittarius. This week you have to let someone in and unburden some of the problems or thoughts that have been weighing you down.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20

Accomplish something important based on what you learn this week, Capricorn. Keep your eyes and ears open to all of the possibilities around you.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18

Try not to take the easy way out, Aquarius. When faced with some tough questions, stay strong and true to yourself. You will be happier in the long run if you do so.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20

Pisces, take some time off if your job seems like a headache this week. If you have the time, enjoy a long weekend or a short jaunt during the week.

FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS

FEBRUARY 7

Ashton Kutcher, Actor (38)

FEBRUARY 8

Seth Green, Actor (42)

FEBRUARY 9

Judith Light, Actress (67)

FEBRUARY 10

Emma Roberts, Actress (25)

FEBRUARY 11

Jennifer Aniston, Actress (47)

FEBRUARY 12

Judy Blume, Author (78)

FEBRUARY 13

Robbie Williams, Singer (42)

OBITUARY

Margaret Jean Dunmore

Margaret Jean “Peggy” Dunmore RN (nee Clifford) passed away peacefully with family by her side on Monday, February 8, 2016 at Leamington District Memorial Hospital.

Beloved wife of Donald S. Dunmore for nearly 66 years. Loving and cherished mother of Gord (Janis), Gary (Sheila), Valerie Vriesen (Henry), Greg (Heather), Geoff (Debbie).

Devoted grandmother of Andrew (Jennifer), Sarah (Ryan), Tim, Stewart, Shaunna (Matt), Corinne (Michael), Bryce (Brittney), Eric, Devyn, Griffin, Ryan (Sarah), Alex, and proud greatgrandma of eleven great-grandchildren. Predeceased by her siblings Burt (Ella), Art, Evangeline and Bill (survived by Jane). Sister-in-law of Larry (Ann), Pauline (Al), Earl (Norma) and the late Max and Elaine. Predeceased by special cousins Harry and Elva Wharram. Survived by many nieces and nephews.

Peggy graduated from the Grace Hospital nursing program in 1950 and spent her nursing career working at Leamington Hospital and the Leamington Medical Centre. She was a member of the Olinda-Ruthven United Church and the U.C.W. for many years.

Visiting is at the Reid Funeral Home & Reception Centre, 14 Russell Street, Leamington (519-326-2631) on Thursday from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m.

Funeral Service to celebrate Peggy’s life will be held from the funeral home, on Friday, February 12, 2016 at 1 p.m. Rev. Olav Kitchen officiating. Interment Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery.

The family would like to thank Dr. Simpson, the paramedics, the nursing staff at LDMH and CCAC for the care they provided.

Memorial Donations may be made by cheque to the Leamington Hospital Foundation or to Olinda-Ruthven United Church.

Family and friends may share their memories of Peggy or make an online contribution at www.reidfuneralhome.ca

RRSP DEADLINE

February 29, 2016

Charlotte Ann (McKinnon) Parsons March 7, 1945 - January 25, 2016

It is with sad hearts that we announce the passing of Charlotte Ann (McKinnon) Parsons, who was loved by all who came to know her for her deep faith, her warmth and loving concern for others.

Surviving to mourn her is her husband of 51 years, Roland Parsons of Cormack, NL; two daughters, Sheila (Ed) McNabb of London, ON and Margaret (Charlie) Chambers of Windsor, ON; parents Don (1981) and Gertrude McKinnon of Leamington, ON; sister Marion (Brian) Tricker of Barrie; brother Chuck (Pat) McKinnon of Leamington; sister Madeline (Marcel) Branquet of Stoney Point; sister Donna Maldeis and partner Richard Grubb of Wheatley; Judy McQueen (2004) of Sarnia; Don (1998) (Martina) McKinnon of Trenton; Sharon (2011) (Robert 2011) Hooper of Leamington; sister Debbie (Paul) Leckie of Sarnia; sister Trudy (Denis) Gilbert of Simcoe. Also survived by two granddaughters, two grandsons, and two greatgrandchildren. She will be missed by a large circle of family and friends.

Cremation has taken place in Deer Lake, NL, but we would like you to share a Celebration of Charlotte’s Life and your memories of her. The memorial will be held on Saturday, February 20, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 1590 Union Avenue, Ruthven, ON, with Mr. Ken Springer officiating.

OBITUARY

Terry Moore

Terry “Spooly” Moore, 63 years, passed away at his home on Saturday, February 6, 2016.

Dear husband of Debbie Cayea.

Dear brother of Garry Moore (Yvonne). Dear stepfather of Joshua Cayea, Michelle Cayea (Rob Martin) and Corey Rivest. Loving stepgrandfather of Mackenzie, Tayler, Cassandra, Isabella and Rebecca. Dear uncle of Cory Moore (Michelle), Scott Moore, and great-uncle of Jaiden, Amber and Dylan.

A Graveside Service to celebrate Terry’s life will be held at Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery on Thursday, February 11, 2016 at 1 p.m. Linda Blair officiating.

Memorial donations may be made by cheque to the Heart & Stroke Foundation.

Friends may share memories at www.reidfuneralhome.ca

Traffic stop yields charges

Leamington OPP stopped a vehicle on Sat. Feb. 6 at approximately 7:20 p.m. on Erie Street South. The vehicle was pulled over for having a burnt out licence plate light. Officers observed open alcohol in the console of the front seat, along with marijuana, prescription pills and a prohibited knife inside the vehicle.

A 48-year-old Leamington man was charged with Possession of a Schedule I Substance, Possession of a Schedule II Substance and Unauthorized Possession of a Weapon, all contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada. He was also charged with Improper Number Plate Light, contrary to the Highway Traffic Act of Ontario. He will appear in a Leamington court in March.

Stunning evening with the WSO in Leamington: Pat & Emilia

By Lloyd Brown-John

On Saturday evening, Feb. 6, the Windsor Symphony Orchestra (WSO) and conductor Robert Franz brought to Leamington’s United Mennonite Church one of the most outstanding musical performances in recent memory.

A chamber opera titled “Pat & Emilia” performed in song, music and dialogue told the intriguing story of the relationship between noted Windsor photographer Pat Sturn and Windsor-born international opera star Emilia Cundari. (They actually only met twice!)

Noted Windsor poet laureate and author Marty Gervais developed a libretto based upon correspondence and newspaper articles about both photographer Sturn and opera star Cundari, in collaboration with cellist Nadine Deleury and Canadian composer Jeff Smallman (of London, Ontario). In the pre-concert talk, Smallman discussed how he transformed Gervais’s libretto into a stunning two-act short opera.

The roles of photographer Pat Sturn was magnificently performed by soprano Jocelyn Zelasko. Michigan soprano Tara Sievers-Hunt performed the role of Emilia Cundari.

Several people in the audience had either had portrait family photographs taken by Sturn or had attended concerts (including some early WSO concerts) where Ms. Cundari performed.

Act 1 consisted of a type of musical interaction between Cundari, who sings excerpts from several operas, and Sturn. At one point Sturn is looking through record albums, and as he looks at each one, Cundari breaks into an excerpt from one of a number of operas. Then as Sturn casts away the record and jacket and views another, the music shifted instantly to another excerpt.

Ms. Sievers-Hunt’s voice was strong and precise as she sang excerpts from Bizet, Verdi, Puccini, Schubert, Mozart, Vivaldi and more. Her “Caro Nome” from Verdi’s Rigoletto was gorgeous. Act 1 is about Emilia Cundari and was supported by the fabulous musicians of the WSO led by conductor Franz.

Act 2, all the music of which was composed by Jeff Smallman, at times, was a poignant tale of Pat Sturn’s relationship as a fan and casual acquaintance of Cundari. Portraying Sturn on her 100th birthday (she passed away in 2011, whereas Cundari died in 2005) and waving her cane, she reflects upon her life and relationship with the opera star. She scolds the opera star for giving up a career, which included LaScala and the New York Metropolitan Opera, in favour of her family.

Act 2 is musically backed only by a piano, clarinet, violin and cello played by Nadine Deleury. As memories come and go within the act, Cundari appears and disappears. Eventually, as a finale both singers perform a lovely duet.

The performance received an extremely prolonged standing ovation.

The next WSO concert in Leamington is on Saturday, April 23 at United Mennonite Church, Oak St. E., when the WSO, Robert Franz and WSO Chorus perform Mozart and Edvard Grieg. Info at windsorsymphony.com

The WSO, founded in 1947, is a professional regional orchestra of 43 contracted musicians. Maestro Robert Franz picked up his baton in 2013 as the orchestra’s sixth Music Director in its 68-year history. The WSO performs a 33-week concert season from September to May. WSO visits schools and nursing homes in Leamington. Maestro Franz visits schools all over the county with a music program and works with their students at no charge.

FREE 12-WEEK PARENTING CLASS - hosted by Windsor Essex Community Health Centre, every Tuesday until March 29, from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m., at Leamington United Mennonite Church, 78 Oak St. E. Topics: nutrition, child development, discipline, safety, health & wellness. Prizes & giveaways. Free childcare provided. For more info or to register call Nicole at 519-258-6002 ext. 503.

CANADIAN TRANSPORTATION MUSEUM AND HERITAGE VILLAGE (CTMHV) ON THE ARNER TOWN LINE IS IN NEED OF VOLUNTEERS to help with kids programs such as 'Pioneer for a Day', special events, shows, meetings, or in the museum, log cabins and period buildings, etc. If you have a few hours to spare and would like to help out, contact Judy Anderson, Education and Volunteer Coordinator at CTMHV, 519-776-6909 or email education@ctmhv.com

HAPPIER MOMS - a time for moms and children, Wednesdays - Feb. 10, 17, 24, at Faith Mennonite Church, 269 Sherk St., Leamington. If you're feeling down or stressed out, or need some ideas on how to manage those roller coaster feelings, you are welcome to join the group. Agenda: 9:30 - Coffee & Play;

10:30 - Coping Strategies; 11:00 Moving Our Bodies (bring your stroller!). For more information call 519-326-6391.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY UPCOMING SOUTH ESSEX EVENTS: Donation and Volunter Drive - Saturday, February 13, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. South Essex Restore Grand OpningSaturday, March 5, 10:00 a.m. All events occur at Habitat for Humanity Windsor-Essex’s newest location: 1 Iroquois Road, Unit #2, Leamington. For more information please call 226-345-2488.

ONT. PURPLE MARTIN ASSOC. will hold it's first meeting of the 2016 season on Saturday, February 20, 9:00 a.m., at The Gleaners building, Industrial Drive (off Oak St. W.), in Leamington. Discussion includes information on the spring arrival of purple martins and attracting these amazing birds to your home. The public is welcome. Call Paul 519-738-3476 for more info.

STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF REVELATION, Sundays at 2:00 p.m., Seventh-day Adventist Church, 220 Erie St. N., Leamington. This is a new seminar on Bible prophecy. Study outlines are provided. All are welcome. For more information call 519-3221644.

WORLD DAY OF PRAYER - Friday, March 4 at 2:00 p.m., North Leamington United Mennonite Church, 625 Rd. 6, Leamington (west of Hwy 77). Everyone is welcome to this special service prepared by the women of Cuba. Light refreshments. For more information contact Alfred Lehn 519-3268891.

MONDAYS - SENIORS DROP-IN, 1st and last Monday of the month only at 10:30 a.m. at Leamington United Church. Guest speakers, refreshments, games, exercise. It's free, fun, and wheelchair accessible. All seniors welcome. ARE YOU AFFECTED BY SOMEONE ELSE'S DRINKING? The Wheatley Serenity Al-Anon Family Group meets every Monday at 7:30 p.m. at the Wheatley Friendship Club (north entrance), 171 Erie St. N. DO YOU ENJOY VOLUNTEERING AND MEETING PEOPLE? South Essex Community Council in Leamington is currently looking for volunteers for Meals on Wheels Delivery. If you are interested in volunteering during the morning for about 1 hour per week or as a back-up volunteer, please call Noreen or Susan at SECC519-326-8629 ext.381. www.secc.on.ca.

Tribute to Leamington radio pioneer Don Brown

By C. Scott Holland

Just over a decade ago, Michael McNamara’s documentary “The Rise and Fall of The Big 8” shone a spotlight upon and drew renewed interest to the Golden Age of Radio (1950s to 1970s).

During those years everyone had their favorite disc jockey, and within the last couple of decades many of those early pioneers – like Bill Randle who was big in Cleveland and Windsor, and Leamington’s own Craig Cole – have passed away.

It was Bill Randle who introduced Elvis Presley to a national audience on Jan. 28, 1956 on the Dorsey Brothers Stage Show. That event occurred a year prior to a young Leamington fellow named Don Brown starting a legendary broadcasting career. During his time as a broadcaster he would take part in events both on and off the air, which would become essential to this area’s broadcasting history.

After stops in Stratford and North Bay, in 1959 Brown was hired by CBE’s Rod Clark. His duties were basically production chores in the security building where he worked with Al Hamel, who would eventually marry and manage actress Suzanne Somers’ career.

Brown recalled working Queen Elizabeth’s visit to Windsor that year with famed war correspondent Val Clare. “Val’s knowledge of this country’s history was simply amazing. He could pretty well carry the broadcast by himself,” Don said.

Don Brown’s interest in broadcasting came naturally. His uncle, Don Large of the Don Large Chorus, performed regularly on WJR in Detroit, as well as on the CBS Radio Network on a show called “Make Way For Youth.”

With aspirations of becoming a big band singer, Al Bruner auditioned for Large at the Brown residence in Leamington. Bruner himself would become a broadcast executive and was a founding member of Leamington’s CJSP radio station plus Toronto’s CFTO-TV and then Global TV.

Brown’s journey would bring him back to Leamington in 1961 when CJSP’s Lou Tomasi hired him. His Don Brown Show on Saturday afternoon held the rapt attention of

many listeners. Bill Gay, a longtime CJSP/CHYR employee, remembers Brown’s start at the station.

“One of my first jobs was reading the news during Don Brown’s show. I remember the ‘dedication hotlines’ would never stop ringing,” said Gay.

During Brown’s stint at CJSP, Motown artists like Marvin Gaye, Mary Wells, Smokey Robinson and then The Supremes, Four Tops and Temptations dominated the charts.

Harrow artist Shirley Matthews couldn’t get her record “Big Town Boy” played on CKLW. Don Brown was the one who played that record and caused it to soar into the Billboard Top Ten, thus becoming a North American hit. Matthews has stated that it was Brown who “broke” the record.

After Ted Rogers bought the Leamington radio station in 1968, Brown moved to a Rogers station in Sarnia, but returned to the area in 1986 and for the next couple of years was the weekend and midday host of CKLW’s popular format called “The Music Of Your

TWEPI wins award for Festival of Birds campaign

Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island (TWEPI) recently won two awards at the President’s Dinner held Feb. 4 at the Economic Developers Council of Ontario’s (EDCO) 59th Annual Conference and Showcase in Toronto.

TWEPI was the winner of the Regionalism and CrossBorder Collaboration Marketing Award for the 2015 Festival of Birds campaign. The group partnered with Southwest Ontario Tourism Corporation (SWOTC), Point Pelee National Park, Friends of Point Pelee, the Leamington Chamber of Commerce and the Municipality of Leamington to increase visitation to one of the largest events in southern Ontario each May.

Life.” It was ironic that here he was nearly 30 years later, along with other early radio pioneers like Tom Shannon, Dave Prince, Jim Davis and Dave Schafer entertaining listeners with big band music.

Fondly, Bill Gay can still recall Dick Hildebrand’s resonant voice saying, “And now at the sound of the electronic countdown – it’s the Don Brown Show!”

Brown had attended several of the CJSP/CHYR radio station reunions in recent years and his recent passing leaves many fellow employees and friends around the Leamington area mourning a true, down-to-earth, radio personality.

TWEPI also won the Advertising Award for the 2015 Plenty of Reasons advertising campaign, which enables the group to encapsulate the many diverse offerings they have in a clear, concise, and captivating way.

“These awards, and this recognition on a provincial stage, showcases the diverse range of attractions and experiences that Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island has developed and marketed to promote our region within a united visitor industry,” said Gordon Orr, CEO of Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island.

BANK THEATRE NOTES

10 ERIE STREET SOUTH P.O. BOX 434

LEAMINGTON, ON N8H 3W5 519-326-8805

SHIRLEY VALENTINE

FEBRUARY 11, 12, 13 @ 7:00 PM & 14 @ 2:00 PM

The Bank Theatre's highly successful production of SHIRLEY VALENTINE starring Allison Still-Berry will be on stage at The Olde Walkerville Theatre, 1564 Wyandotte St. E., Windsor. Tickets are $20. For ticket purchase information please contact the Olde Walkerville Theatre at 519-253-2929 or www.oldewalkervilletheatre.com

FISH AND BIRD

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25TH @ 8:00 PM

The Bank Theatre in partnership with the Kingsville Folk Festival is proud to present the band Fish and Bird. Main Stage favourites from the 2014 Kingsville Folk Festival they are returning to Essex County with their incredible songwriting, harmonies and musicianship. This young Canadian band provides a fresh re-imagining of folk music for generations old and new. Tickets are $20 (fees may apply) and may be purchased by phone 1-800-838-3006 or online at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2473610. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. and the performance begins at 8:00 p.m.

MARCH 5 @ 7:30 PM & MARCH 6 @ 2:00 PM WOMEN OF SONG II CONCERT

The ladies take the stage again with another tribute concert to Canadian music, both pop and folk. Come and join Sharon Light, Nicole Barron, Jacquie Cadarette, Janet Dixon-Snaden and Patti DiMaggio as they perform songs from Jann Arden, Tom Cochrane, Shania Twain, The Rankin Family, Anne Murray, Leonard Cohen, Serena Ryder, BTO, and many others along with a few favourites from their first concert. David Light heads up "the fellas in the band" with John Takle, Steve Cox, BJ Laub and Jeff Wilkinson. Tickets are $15 and available at Wharram Jewellery, Thomson Guardian Pharmacy and the Lesson Lounge.

DALE'S LAST FRIDAY COFFEE HOUSE

Our 8th Season and 61st Show! FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26TH

DOORS OPEN @ 6:30 PM

MUSIC STARTS @ 7:00 PM

No cover charge.

Free-will offering with proceeds to local charities. David and Sharon Light (Hosts for the evening)

Steve Morin, Joel Westlake & Gord Harwood

Paul Jones

Dennis Wiens

Sarah Elachkar, Jake Wiebe & Jeff Enns

Linda Lyman

Denis Basterache

Megan McGill & Lance Hardaker

The back of a CJSP Top 30 list from 1964 which featured their on-air disc jockeys including the late Don Brown. (Courtesy of the Scott Holland collection)

Young philanthropist helps Erie Shores Hospice “grow”

Leamington’s Cassia DiMenna is a young lady who really wanted to make a difference.

On Thursday, February 4 she approached LDMH Foundation with a $500 donation for the local Erie Shores Hospice. She raised the money by selling bracelets that she made.

The following is Cassia’s heartwarming presentation to the Foundation, explaining why it means so much to her to be able to help:

“Hello. My name is Cassia DiMenna and I am here to talk about why I wanted to give money to the Hospice Centre. So, in the end of April 2014, I was starting to get worried because my Uncle Fermi DiMenna had a really bad cancer called melanoma. The colour ribbon to represent it was black. So my cousins and my own family hung up gigantic black ribbons to support him.

“But not long from that, he died at the Hospice Centre in Windsor on May 17, 2014 at around 12:00-1:00ish. We were all depressed, and helpless, we couldn’t do anything else to cure him. So we still had our black ribbons up for just a little time.

“In the summer, my mom told me that a Hospice Centre

would be built here in Leamington. I was happy and gave a smile with joy and cheer.

“My dad had helped, and a couple of friends had helped to give some money to build it. I just felt helpless that I’m doing absolutely nothing by helping, and that he was an awesome uncle to me and I did not even do anything to help the new Hospice grow.

“So one day I said, ‘Mom is there a single way I can help bring money to Hospice, and help by making it better?’

“My mom answered with a yes, but I had to start making something that people would at least buy, with a great smile. So, my mom and I were thinking hard to find a way I can sell a product that’s easy to make, and to always put on a smile on people’s faces when they buy it. So I thought, how about I make colourful bracelets to brighten up people and help make money for Hospice? She thought it was an excellent idea.

“So my mom got these very pretty hope cancer ribbon charms that say ‘hope’ on them, with different colour beads and some clear string. For the rest of summer I started making 3 bracelets a day.

“Every day I was always very excited to make them, it was so fun and relaxing to make, with different patterns and designs. When I had at least 30 bracelets I’d sell them to my relatives and close friends, and guess what? They all got at least one bracelet!

“So I told my family and friends to spread the word around, and by the time before I knew it I had like millions of people wanting to buy from me. I had compliments saying that these were the most sweetest and brightest things ever to do!

“I had about $450 and so that’s when I had like no more people to really give them out. My mom mentioned it at my school, Queen of Peace Catholic School. I’d sell them to almost every teacher and my class. And from there almost everyone in my class bought one, and more of the teachers bought the rest.

“I counted my money I had collected and reached to $500. I quickly told my mom and I cheered all around with joy!

“I made my goal of money to donate for you guys at the new Hospice, and I completed it within a lot of months. But hey guys, it was sooooooo worth it. I was happy for those months making and working on them with my love and absolute care.

“My bracelets were $3 each and I talked about that this is an honor of my Uncle Fermi DiMenna, who passed away in 2014. With this money I earned, to donate, I would like this to be inside of Fermi DiMenna room.

“This new Hospice Centre will become a great home for all those in need of a special place in their time of need. They will find comfort and support, just like my family did when my uncle was there.

“Fermi DiMenna was like the best uncle. He talked and listened to me all the time. He taught me many things. He is always in my thoughts and my precious prayers forever and ever. His life will keep going and would not come to an end with us, he is always and forever going to be in our family no matter what happens. Thank-you.”

Cassia DiMenna presented a $500 donation to Erie Shores Hospice “for all those in need of a special place in their time of need”.

Wednesday, February 10, 2016 - Page 13

Living proof that organ donation works

Celebrating 25 years with donor kidney

By Pat Bailey

It was a birthday of sorts, or more specifically, a ‘rebirth’. Or as Gale Pimentel likes to refer to it – ‘Kidney Day’. Whatever you call it, Feb. 4 is a celebration of life for the 41-year-old Wheatley mother of two. And this year marked a real milestone for Gale – it was the 25th anniversary of a successful organ transplantation and she has her sister Paulette to thank for it.

Gale was only 16 when her kidneys failed. She was forced to face the frightening prognosis, one that promised regular dialysis treatments or a required kidney transplant.

Luckily for Gale, her family of four siblings and her mother were all tested and it was her oldest sister Paulette that was a perfect match.

At the time, Paulette was a 32-year-old mother but didn’t hesitate to give up one of her own healthy kidneys to save the life of her much younger sister.

Since that day, Gale has lived a relatively normal life – the only differences, no contact sports and daily anti-rejection medication. “I’m living proof organ donation works,” she said. “Life is great. I live a very normal life.”

“I believe it has made me become a better person,” she added, “taking a different outlook at life. I try to be the best person I can be.”

She has also committed a great deal of time raising aware-

ness and funds for the Kidney Foundation of Canada.

“I want to increase public awareness of the critical need for organ donation and the need for additional donors,” she said. This volunteer work, she said, is a show of gratitude to her own sister, and to show appreciation to all the donors and donor families for their unselfish decision to give someone else a second chance at life.

But Gale has also vowed to include her sons Owen, 8, and Brent, 6, when it comes to community service. She said volunteering will allow them to see the need to give

back and “to teach them that there are struggles in life, but working together as a family and community can make a difference”.

This work is near and dear to Gale’s heart. She knows without her sister, the Kidney Foundation, the amazing doctors and to other workers before her, her outcome would not have been positive.

She is living proof that organ transplantation works. “I want to show the public what a difference it can make to someone’s life after receiving a lifesaving, successful transplanted organ.”

For Gale, the annual Kidney Walk is the recipient of much of her volunteer efforts. It’s an event that’s a perfect venue for sharing with her sons.

“Each walk delivers a new experience and creates another memory to cherish,” she said. “It also makes me feel really good to know that I did something to help others and get a little fresh air and some exercise in the process.”

And while raising funds is important, raising awareness of organ donation is vital to Gale. She said the need is there for virtually every organ transplantable. And Gale urges those wishing to become donors to register at beadonor.ca. According to the Trillium Gift of Life Network, it only takes about two minutes to register online.

Gale Pimentel celebrated a milestone last week. Feb. 4 marked the 25th anniversary of her kidney transplant. Above, Gale is pictured with her husband Tim and sons Owen and Brent.

Family ‘in motion’ Day at the Complex!

This Family Day, Mon. Feb. 15, in conjunction with Windsor-Essex communities ‘in motion’, the Municipality of Leamington has adopted the theme “Grab Your Touques and Play, Eh!”. As part of this health promotion strategy, Leamington has scheduled a day of affordable or free activities for all age groups. The schedule is as follows at the Kinsmen Recreation Complex:

Sept. 22, 1962 - Feb. 16, 2010

Dear Dad,

You were such a loving, caring father and mentor, wise beyond your years. Thank you for showing us how to love and respect others, how to work hard, how to play hard, and how to be a Good Samaritan!

We are grateful for you!

May the Lord bless you and keep you safe in His loving arms forever!

Always loved and missed, Kevin, & Emma, Elyse, and Jessica xoxox

Until we meet again, Dad & Bernice IN MEMORIAM

BIRTHDAYS • ANNIVERSARIES • GRADUATIONS

One night I dreamed a dream. As I was walking along the beach with my Lord Across the dark sky flashed scenes from my life. For each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand, One belonging to me and one to my Lord.

He whispered, "My precious child, I love you and will never leave you. Never, ever, during your trials and testings. When you saw only one set of footprints It was then that I carried you."

3 years ago God called your name, so softly that only you could hear.

And no one heard the footsteps of angels drawing near.

It broke my heart to lose you, but you did not go alone.

For part of me went with you the day God called you home.

Love you always, Mom & Brian

• Free Public Skating from 1:00-3:00 p.m. sponsored by Loving Leamington. Enjoy coffee and hot chocolate, snacks and a bouncy castle for the kids at Unico Arena.

• Open Swim from 2:00-4:00 p.m. “Within Arm’s Reach Policy” applies for all children ages 7 and under.

• Open Recreational Gym from 2:00-5:00 p.m. for basketball and badminton.

There will be youth giveaways all afternoon, including Complex passes, t-shirts, frisbees and apples, sponsored by Play, Live, Be Tobacco-Free, Healthy Kids Community Challenge, and Windsor Essex SWARG ‘in motion’

Rec Complex part of Q of P emergency plan

Staff have recommended to Municipal Council that the municipality enter into an agreement with the Windsor Essex Catholic School Board to allow pupils from Queen of Peace School to identify the use of the Recreation Complex in their emergency preparedness plan in the event that Cardinal Carter Secondary School (their primary refuge) is evacuated.

& Elsie Dick

11th

Love Leonard and Donatta, Michael and Kim, Ainsley and Kailey

As the report outlines, “An emergency situation requires action to arrange for the transportation of, and shelter for, students evacuated from Q of P. Emergency situations may include active shooter, bomb threat, fire/explosion or another emergency situation handled by the Emergency Response Team from Q of P or Leamington Fire or OPP. An emergency situation would only be designated during ‘school hours’, September through June, Monday to Friday from 8:25 a.m. to 3:15 p.m., excluding holidays and breaks.” Municipal Council asked several questions to satisfy themselves that it is an appropriate facility. It was clarified that the types of emergencies referred to are ones that involve the physical school only, not the community at large. Council endorsed the idea and directed administration to sign the agreement.

Learn how to reduce risk of certain cancers with My CancerIQ

Incidence of melanoma and kidney cancer in the Erie St. Clair region is significantly above the Ontario average

To mark World Cancer Day 2016 (Feb. 4) Cancer Care Ontario introduced two new cancers to its online cancer risk assessment tool, My CancerIQ. Now, in addition to breast, cervical, colorectal and lung cancer, residents can also assess their risk for kidney cancer and melanoma atMyCancerIQ.ca.

Based on data from the Ontario Cancer Registry, for the period 2011 to 2012, the incidence rate for melanoma was 18.4 for every 100,000 people and the rate for kidney cancer was 12.5 for every 100,000 people*. In the Erie St. Clair region, the incidence of melanoma and kidney cancer was significantly above the provincial average. (*Agestandardized incidence rates for melanoma and kidney cancer, by LHIN, 2011-2012.

Since the launch of My CancerIQ in early 2015, more than 146,000 Ontarians have learned about their cancer risk and how to lower it. With these new additions, Cancer Care Ontario wants to help people better understand kidney cancer and melanoma and how to reduce their risk. It is more important than ever to think about reducing their risk of these cancers, as incidence rates for both are rising in Ontario. It is estimated that as many as half of all cancers in Ontario could be prevented by eliminating known risk factors.

Maintain a healthy blood pressure and weight and avoid smoking to reduce the risk of kidney cancer. To reduce the risk of melanoma, enjoy the sun safely, avoid tanning equipment and know your skin so you can recognize changes or the need for a skin examination.

“The Erie St. Clair community has a higher incidence rate for melanoma and kidney cancer compared to the provincial average, so it’s more important than ever for people in our community to assess their risks and take action to reduce these factors,” says Dr. John Day, Primary Care Lead, Erie St. Clair Regional Cancer Program. “I encourage the community to visit MyCancerIQ.ca today and assess their personal risks for melanoma and kidney cancer.”

To find out more about kidney cancer and melanoma risk factors, residents are encouraged to visit MyCancerIQ.ca to complete the cancer risk assessments, get their personalized action plans and share and discuss their plans with their families and healthcare providers. My CancerIQ can be accessed from a smartphone, tablet or desktop.

For more information,

follow Cancer Care Ontario on Twitter and Facebook and join the conversation using the hashtag#MyCancerIQ.

About My CancerIQ: My CancerIQ is a confidential online tool that allows Ontarians to determine their personal risk factors for melanoma, breast, cervical, colorectal, kidney and lung cancer. At the end of each My CancerIQ assessment individuals receive a personalized risk assessment and action plan with tips and resources based on their individual risk factors. My CancerIQ was created by Cancer Care Ontario in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.

Plan extension requested

Leamington Council has been requested to extend the draft plan of subdivision for a parcel of land just west of County Road 33 north of Seacliff Drive. The plan shows the creation of 44 fully services lots. The economic downturn is cited as the reason why development has not yet begun.

The planning department hopes to use this opportunity to review the plan and ensure that it is consistent with existing Provincial policies and guidelines.

Council endorsed the recommendation in the report at the Feb. 8 meeting.

Omstead’s on Erie earns a perfect 10

By Pat Bailey

Margo Omstead had a dream – a dream of hosting visitors from near and far in her own bed and breakfast. Actually, you could say it was a dream that ended ‘perfectly’.

But before she could seriously consider putting her plan in motion, she needed to have a few ducks in a row. The main stumbling block for her plans – she needed to find the perfect home, in the perfect location. And it was a phone call from a friend in 2009 that alerted her to the listing of a lakefront cottage, a 1926 Arts and Crafts, Tudor-Revival cottage not far from her Wheatley home.

She wasted no time, with her and husband Keith setting up an appointment immediately to view it.

“I just knew immediately, when I walked in,” she said, “it was perfect.”

But by ‘perfect’, Margo

meant she could visualize it being perfect after extensive renovations that took about 1½ years.

Luckily for Margo, “My husband (Keith) and son (Darcy) can do just about anything,” she said. So while they spent virtually all their spare time repairing and rebuilding, Margo spent her time attending estate sales and auctions for the perfect vintage furnishings to make Omstead’s on Erie Bed and Breakfast a real showplace.

On July 1, 2011 she was ready to open her doors for her first guest, Ann Jones, the former owner of the family-owned cottage. Margo said Ann flew in from Des Moines, Washington, for the honor.

“She was absolutely thrilled when she saw it,” said Margo, of the former owner, formerly of Michigan.

DAYNA MAITRE

In addition to the two beautifully decorated, oldvintage style bedrooms she rents out to her guests, the home also boasts a nearly 200’ frontage on Lake Erie, well protected by a steel breakwall.

Patios dot the lakefront property, the perfect setting for an early morning breakfast or a beautiful sunset for her guests after a long day of birdwatching, touring the area or just getting away from it all, said Margo.

She said about 60 per cent of her guests are birders anxious to visit Hillman Marsh and Point Pelee, but she said the remainder are Europeans, Chinese and Japanese guests stopping by as they tour Canada.

One of her most memorable guests, an astro photographer, introduced her to the amazing sights of Mars, Venus and Jupiter.

She has also played host to weddings and business people — for Margo, it’s different every day.

accommodations online with over 855,000 properties around the world.

According to Cauldwell, Omstead’s on Erie averaged a perfect score of 10 from its guests for the whole of 2015.

Speech-Language Pathologist 35 Victoria Ave., Essex 519-961-9694

Communication or Learning Difficulties?

Child and adult screening, assessment and treatment. Noreferralnecessary.

dayna.maitreslp@gmail.com daynamaitreslp.com

“I like to cook and I like to talk,” she said, which has translated into a very successful foray into the bed and breakfast world.

And according to Emma Cauldwell of Booking.com, Margo’s bed and breakfast has been more than successful — it’s been ‘perfect’.

Cauldwell said Booking. com is a leader in booking

“No easy task,” she said, “achieving this perfect 10 is a really remarkable accolade.”

But according to Margo, there’s no real secret to her success.

“I like to meet people, I offer a good meal and a house on the lake that sells itself,” she said.

Celebrating her sixth year in business, Margo said it’s

a real pleasure meeting new people and making them comfortable and happy.

While she enjoys sharing her knowledge of the area and her home, Margo said she has also gotten a real education from her guests. She admits it was a daunt-

ing task to undertake at this point in her life, but said the response and success has been “the validation of a hard choice.”

Omstead’s on Erie is located at 254 Detroit Line, Wheatley, or online at omsteadsonerie.com

DAVE, FOOD SERVICE MANAGER WORKING AT CHARTWELL SINCE 2011.

From preparing healthy and delicious meals to introducing you to a new community of friends, at Chartwell our staff are here to help make you feel right at home.

CHARTWELL.COM

Make us part of your story.

240 Main Street East, Kingsville 519-973-6315

While the furnishings are vintage, the plumbing is up to date in this lakefront bed and breakfast.

Margo Omstead shows off the great room in her Wheatley bed and breakfast, Omstead’s on Erie.

ERCA creating five acres of new wetland habitat

Around the globe, World Wetlands Day was recognized February 2. Wetlands act like kidneys that filter water, cleaning out nutrients like phosphorus and other contaminants. Locally, nearly 95% of the original wetlands have been lost since settlement began toward the end of the 18th century.

Sustainable Livelihoods was the theme for World Wetlands Day in 2016. This theme was selected to demonstrate the vital role of wetlands for the future of humanity and specifically their relevance towards achieving the new Sustainable Development Goals.

Locally, the Essex Region Conservation Authority is doing its part to

actively restore wetlands, and is presently working on five wetland creation projects, ranging from 0.5 acre to 2 acres in size, with approximately five additional acres of surrounding riparian buffers.

“Many amphibians, birds and reptiles utilize these wetland features for resting, feeding and breeding,” explains Kathryn Arthur, ERCA’s Restoration Biologist, who works with

landowners to establish habitat restoration projects on their property. “We encourage landowners who are interested in creating these or other types of native habitat features like tallgrass prairie, meadow or Carolinian forests on their property – and are willing to restore a minimum of 1acre of new habitat – to contact ERCA and inquire about project and funding opportunities.”

Leamington Receives Community Partner Award

Mike Van

There are a variety of funding programs available for a broad range of reforestation and other restoration activities, including wetland development. In some cases, ERCA’s grant programs can fund up to 90% of the program costs. Technical staff aid landowners with funding applications and with project design and implementation.

Tanning

This wetland, created in 2015, has an almost immediate benefit in providing habitat for wildlife.

der Vlist, the executive director for Habitat for Humanity, presented Leamington with a Community Partner Award at the Mon. Feb. 8 Council meeting. Because Leamington encouraged Habitat for Humanity to open a re-store in Leamington, Mike wanted to acknowledge the municipality’s willingness to partner with a corporation dedicated to helping the impoverished. Mike Van der Vlint (left) presented Mayor John Paterson with Habitat for Humanity’s Community Partner Award.

ONTARIO ENERGY BOARD NOTICE

Union Gas Limited has applied for approval to construct a pipeline in the Municipality of Leamington.

Learn more. Have your say.

Union Gas Limited has applied to the Ontario Energy Board for approval to construct a natural gas pipeline and ancillary facilities to provide service to greenhouse growers in the Leamington, Kingsville, Mersea Township and Gosfield South areas.

A map of the proposed pipeline project is provided below.

THE ONTARIO ENERGY BOARD IS HOLDING A PUBLIC HEARING

The Ontario Energy Board (OEB) will hold a public hearing to consider the application filed by Union. During the hearing, we will question Union on the case. We will also hear questions and arguments from individuals, municipalities and others whose interests would be affected. At the end of this hearing, the OEB will decide whether to approve the application.

The OEB is an independent and impartial public agency. We make decisions that serve the public interest. Our goal is to promote a financially viable and efficient energy sector that provides you with reliable energy services at a reasonable cost.

BE INFORMED AND HAVE YOUR SAY

You have the right to information regarding this application and to be involved in the process.

• You can review the application filed by Union on the OEB’s website now.

• You can file a letter with your comments, which will be considered during the hearing.

• You can become an active participant (called an intervenor). Apply by February 22, 2016 or the hearing will go ahead without you and you will not receive any further notice of the proceeding.

• At the end of the process, you can review the OEB’s decision and its reasons on our website.

LEARN MORE

Our file number for this case is EB-2016-0013. To learn more about this hearing, find instructions on how to file letters or become an intervenor, or to access any document related to this case, please select the file number EB-2016-0013 from the list on the OEB website: www.ontarioenergyboard.ca/notice. You can also phone our Consumer Relations Centre at 1-877-632-2727 with any questions.

ORAL VS. WRITTEN HEARINGS

There are two types of OEB hearings – oral and written. Union has applied for a written hearing. The OEB is considering this request. If you think an oral hearing is needed, you can write to the OEB to explain why by February 22, 2016.

PRIVACY

If you write a letter of comment, your name and the content of your letter will be put on the public record and the OEB website. However, your personal telephone number, home address and e-mail address will be removed. If you are a business, all your information will remain public. If you apply to become an intervenor, all information will be public. This hearing will be held under section 90(1) of the Ontario Energy Board Act, 1998, S.O. 1998 c.15 (Schedule B).

Is your relationship ready for Valentine’s Day?

By Alison Dyck MA, RP, Registered Marriage and Family Therapist

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and with it often comes increased expectations between couples. Hints may be given such as “Remember, I do love roses” or “that restaurant looks like a nice place for us to have dinner, alone, soon!”

Sometimes, one partner will expect the other partner to mind-read their expectations, “They should know what I wish and if they love me they will meet them”. Uh oh, that sounds like a recipe for post Valentine’s fight!

Years ago, I taught a seminar on relationships in elementary and secondary schools. On the board I would write down what the guys said girls would want in a guy. Then I would write what the girls said guys wanted in a girl. The floor was then open for discussion, and the results were often quite revealing. Girls didn’t always want what the guys thought they wanted, and guys didn’t always want what the girls thought they wanted.

So, I wonder how well you know your partner. Chances are, they may have changed somewhat over the years. Your partner may not realize you are even interested in Valentine’s. It might be something that was once celebrated and is now seen as a media driven opportunity for certain people to make money. Other people do view Valentine’s as a time to honestly remember someone they really care about.

Clear communication may be helpful such as, “I would like us to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year” for a start. Perhaps then, get curious, “would you be interested in celebrating Valentine’s Day as well?”

If they are not interested, perhaps then, there is time to reflect with thoughts of, “I wonder how it is you are not interested.” To automatically jump to the conclusion, “they are not interested therefore they do not love me” may be unjust to the other person.

Perhaps this Valentine’s Day may become an opportunity to explore who your partner is, what they like and don’t like, what they value and honour. And so, may this Valentine’s Day become an opportunity of growth for your most precious relationship. I wish you all a Happy Valentine’s Day!

After 5 years of hard work, Corey Ireland has earned her Diploma of Manual and Manipulative Physiotherapy and is now a Fellow of the

SPCC hosting ladies bonspiel, regional competiton

Coming up this month at the Sun Parlour Curling Club (SPCC) are several events in addition to regular nightly league play.

February 20-21 is the annual Ladies Two-Day Bonspiel. The theme of the weekend is ‘Come Cruise With Us’ and there will be teams visiting from Windsor, Chatham, Kingsville and Hamilton. Pop in either day to watch some awesome ladies games! Contact Carol Quinn at jwquinn@gosfieldtel.com for more information.

February 27-28 the SPCC is hosting the Ontario Curling Association’s Regional for the Colts and Trophy Division. There is sure to be some amazing curling at the club that day. All are welcome to stop by the club and watch!

Tickets are available to support SPCC’s Junior Curler Program, from any member or at

the bar. Prizes include a Spring BBQ Party Package (including barbecue) as well as several gift certificates. The draw takes place Apr. 2 at SPCC’s Closing Party.

County Bridge Results

Leamington Half Century Centre, Feb. 1: North/South - 1st Helen Preyde and Nina Towle, 2nd Marie Elwood and Roger Cote, 3rd Vi Major and Pauline Mikolash. East/West - 1st Sonia and Ernie Jackiw, 2nd Kay and Ken Pryke, 3rd Derek Parry and Al Morrison. Bridge games are each Monday at 12:45 p.m. Members and new members welcome.

Kingsville Bridge Club, Feb. 3:1st Marilyn Robbins and Joyce Moran, 2nd Marie Ellwood and Derek Parry, 3rd Henry Hildebrandt and George Hildebrandt, 4th Bill Chaplin and Chris Brennan.

Bridge is played every Wednesday at the Lions Hall in Kingsville, 7 p.m.

Golden Years golf report

Forty-one golfers managed 76 aces on Thurs. Feb. 4 at Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens. Leading the pack with 6 aces were Mary Anne Vickery and Andy Orsini. Carding 4 each were Dorothy Cascadden, Murray Cascadden, Jack Gisi and Lloyd Honey. Three dropped for Cathy Dewhurst, Murray Hartford, Laurie Hylton, Bob McWilliam, Colleen Pearse, Doug Vickery and Tom Hyatt. Chipping in with 2 apiece were Mike Binder, Tom Dewhurst, Norbert Gisi, Nancy Hill, John Murphy, Moe Scratch, Rose Taylor, Gerrit Vriesen and Bob Larson. Contributing 1 each were Pete Daudlin, Ethel Ferguson, Wanda Hayes, Perpetua Hildrop, Betty McManus, Art Sweet, Ernie Vandenberg, John Vlodarchyk and Linda Walsh.

A strong score of 16 for 9 holes was registered by Doug Vickery, Mary Anne Vickery and Andy Orsini. Cathy Dewhurst and Mary Binder each notched 17. Delivering an 18 were Bob McWilliam (2), Betty McManus, Tom Hyatt (2), Norbert Gisi, Wanda Hayes, John Murphy and Andy Orsini (2).

A surprising 34 for 18 holes was crafted by Andy Orsini, with Mary Anne Vickery in hot pursuit with 35. Bob McWilliam and Doug Vickery each carded 36, with Tom Hyatt recording 37. John Murphy and Andy Orsini each managed a 38.

Continuing with his strong play was Andy Orsini as he delivered a 72 for 36 holes. Bob McWilliam and Tom Hyatt each shot 76, with Cathy Dewhurst and Mary Anne Vickery carding 78.

Sharing the first place spotlight with 242 were Team 10 (Laurie Hylton, Colleen Pearse, Pete Daudlin) and Team 14 (Andy Orsini, Linda Walsh, Mary Anne Vickery). A tie for second place

with 243 went to Team 4 (Bob McWilliam, Ernie Vandenberg, Mike Binder) and Team 7 (Art Sweet, Dorothy Cascadden, Tom Hyatt). A score of 245 was good enough for third place by Team Jacks (Barb Murphy, Murray Cascadden, Doug Vickery).

Play continues every Thursday at 9:30 a.m. at Colasanti’s. Free coffee and doughnuts will be available up until game time.

SPCC Wednesday Night Ladies League first half winners received a trophy presented by Amy Boughazale (left) on behalf of Reid Funeral Home. Accepting the trophy, left to right, are skip Carol Quinn, Sarah Filipchuck (sparing for Phyllis Hicks), Lesley Keene and Deb Dunmore (sparing for Gina Mucci).

(Photo courtesy @ LeamingtonFire1)

Alumni group supports first-time players

By Bryan Jessop

Thanks to the efforts of former Southpoint Minor Hockey executive members, upcoming registration fees won’t be quite so formidable for the families of first-time Capitals.

For the fourth time, the Southpoint Alumni Group has stepped forward to make a sizable donation to the Southpoint Minor Hockey Association — a contribution that the SMHA will in turn use to offer discounts for players signing up with them for the first time for an upcoming season. The per-player cost reduction will again work out to roughly $200. For the first time, the amount is being split between each new player’s first two years — roughly $100 for 2016-17 and another $100 for 2017-18.

“This will give them more of a time line to establish themselves,” explained SMHA vice president and director of girls hockey Greg Dries. “It gives them more time to develop a love of the game.”

Although most players who are eligible to take advantage of the discount are of mite age — fourand five-year-olds — the registration fee reduction is available to all youths signing up with the SMHA system for the first time.

The Southpoint Alumni Group started the annual fundraiser for new SMHA players as an obstacle course dubbed The Amusing Race, but eventually switched to a golf tournament hosted by Erie Shores Golf and Country Club. After Leamington’s police force switched from one that was municipally operated to an OPP detachment, the alumni group was approached and offered its yearly date and time to run an event of its own.

“It’s been a lot of fun and we’ve had a really good response,” said Southpoint Alumni Group vice president Ron Sellon. “It all started as just a bunch of guys who used to be on the (SMHA) board and wanted to keep doing something for minor hockey. We thought this would be a good way to contribute, to give back to minor hockey.”

An estimated 50 players will benefit from next season’s first-time registration credit from the SMHA. Last season, Southpoint included just over 500 players including house leagues, travel and girls hockey. This season’s numbers have dwindled slightly to just under 500.

“Last year, we had smaller numbers at the bottom end and more at the top end, where they were playing their last seasons,” noted SMHA president Greg Liebrock. “We should be able

to maintain our numbers and build up from there now.”

The Fourth Annual Southpoint Alumni Golf Classic will take place at Erie Shores Wednesday, Sept. 14 with a 12 p.m. shotgun start. Registration is now open at $130 per

golfer, which includes dinner and cart rental. Deadline to register for the tournament — which organizers expect to sell out — is Friday, Aug. 21. Those interested in participating may contact Ward Hutchins at digger1hutch@hotmail. com.

Pictured from left to right (back row) are John Forbes, Ward Hutchins, Brian Turner, Ron Sellon, Greg Liebrock and Greg Dries presenting a cheque of $5,000 from the Southpoint Alumni Group to the Southpoint Minor Hockey Association Saturday, Feb. 6 at the Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex. Players from the SMHA’s tyke program, from left to right, are Kallen Driedger, Mason Coulter, Karly Franklin, Tanner Harrison, Dalton Friesen, Ryder Friesen, Zack Bradley, Alex Jackson, Allison Schmidtt, Evelynn Schmidtt and Quintin Schmidtt.

Novice Grey shuts out Essex

On Saturday, Feb. 6, Southpoint Novice Grey (Community Muffler) took on the Essex Ravens Orange in playoff action.

Southpoint dominated the game from the first period. Great defense was displayed by Owen Pimentel, Nicholas Beaudoin and Logan Lefaive. Tyler Franklin was quick to pop one in the back of the Ravens net.

Southpoint kept their rhythm in the second period with Grant Symons scoring two goals with an assist from Holdyn Bailey. Tyler Franklin, Holdyn Bailey and Carson Stadler each scored a goal.

In the third, Southpoint’s Seth Janzen and Liam Brown were on fire defensively and did not let anything slip by. Tyler Franklin scored two more goals with assists from Taylor Insley and Liam Brown.

Megan Derbyshire was solid between the pipes and earned a shutout. Southpoint took the win 8-0.

BRYAN JESSOP

Jessop’s

Journal

The mind is a powerful thing. It inspires us to accomplish things many others thought and/or said were impossible and prevents us from achieving other things that were well within reach all along.

We all know real-life stories about people who ignored the skeptics and defied the odds — the Wright brothers taking flight, the Finnish army fending off Soviet invasion, landing on the moon, a 91-yearold man who pulled a car with his teeth and the appetite of the incredible yet little-known Michel Lotito. Lotito was a French artist who ate seemingly non-consumable items including 18 bicycles, 15 shopping carts, seven televisions, six chandeliers, two beds, a pair of skies, a coffin, a computer and a Cessna 150 (the 1,100 pound aircraft did take him about two years).

Allegedly, none of these items caused even the slightest illness, although Lotito explained that his stomach couldn’t tolerate bananas or hard-boiled eggs. Hopefully, by this point, you don’t

Playoff time

feel so bad about eating that Paczki yesterday.

For reasons that don’t make any sense on paper, playoffs are a time of year where the odds are routinely defied — sort of. The Los Angeles Kings, 201112’s last-place team among Western Conference playoff qualifiers, won the Stanley Cup that season. The Green Bay Packers have also enjoyed the role of perennial underdog, winning Super Bowl XLV as a wild card team. Speaking of ‘wild’ finishes, the 2014 World Series pitted two wild card teams against one another (San Francisco went on to beat Kansas City in seven games).

Getting back to football, I’m kind of surprised that Super Bowl L (50) wasn’t preceded by a far more aggressive marketing campaign. There’s arguably no professional team sports league on Earth as ambitious (and successful) in promoting itself — I thought the big 5-0 would have been approached as a bigger deal.

And yes, speaking of underdogs rising up to beat insurmountable odds (okay, so the point spread was only 5.5 the last time I bothered to check), the Broncos have decided that ‘Manning Up’ was the thing to do and

shocked the football world with a 24-10 victory. Nope, didn’t see that coming — but that’s why we get fired up about playoffs and refer to them as the “second season.” I almost always enjoy witnessing a team win its first championship in franchise history (the 1988-89 Calgary Flames stand out as one of the exceptions), but watching Peyton Manning (probably) finish his career on the highest point possible was also quite the feel-good story. Neither quarterback was a factor, but I was still happy to watch the nice guy finish the furthest thing from last.

Speaking of the Super Bowl — lauded by many as basically being the greatest playoff game in all of organized sports — an interesting rumour is circulating about 2021. It seems that the city of Las Vegas is interested in hosting the big game that year. Could a worthy stadium be built in time? If the wheels are set in motion at some point in the not-too-distant future, yes (is it a coincidence that Roman numerals for 55 are ‘LV’? Doubt it). Word is circulating that the Oakland Raiders — who along with the San Diego Chargers lost out in the recent ‘Move to L.A. Sweepstakes’ to the

LAST CHANCE!

ARETHA FRANKLIN PERFORMING THE HITS AND THE GREAT DIVA CLASSICS! Saturday, February 13

MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL Friday, February 26

MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL Saturday, February 27 4pm & 9pm

BURTON CUMMINGS AND BAND Friday, March 4

DAVID SPADE Friday, March 11

JOHNNY REID

WHAT LOVE IS ALL ABOUT Saturday, March 19

PAUL ZERDIN

2015 AMERICA’S GOT TALENT WINNER Saturday, March 26

Bantam Stars win shutout

The Naples Pizza Southpoint Bantam Stars travelled to Harrow on Saturday night to take on the South County Predators.

The Lady Stars played amazing throughout this game and scored the only two goals to get the big 2-0 playoff win. Caitlin Preston played absolutely brilliantly between the pipes as she earned a big shutout.

BILL BURR Friday, April 1

FOREIGNER Thursday, April 7

RON JAMES Friday, April 15

SANTANA

LUMINOSITY TOUR 2016 Saturday, April 23

NEW

JASON DERULO Saturday, May 7

BILL ENGVALL Saturday, February 20 NEW

St. Louis Rams — are interested in relocating to Sin City. The change of address would require NFL approval. If the league gives the nod, you can kiss the yetto-be-awarded Vegas NHL team goodbye. If the city’s never-ending supply of outlets competing for your entertainment dollar isn’t already extensive enough for a team based in what isn’t exactly a hockey hotbed, the NFL’s presence will pretty much pound that last coffin nail squarely into place. Take the hint, Gary. Getting back on topic, what sometimes puzzles me about the playoffs is just how much separation some fans put between them and the regular season — “Team A should beat Team B because their players have more playoff experience,” and the like. It seems that we tend to forget that regular season and post-season games are played on surfaces of the same dimensions with the same rules using the same equipment. Overtime guidelines change for obvious reasons (deadlocks have no place in the playoffs with a few exceptions like point-based minor hockey series), but aren’t we talking about the exact same game, whatever that game happens to be?

Tickets on sale February 12!

JEFF DUNHAM

PERFECTLY UNBALANCED Saturday, May 21

Tickets on sale February 19!

Tickets available at the Box Office, CaesarsWindsor.com, ticketmaster.ca or charge by phone 1-888-345-5885.

LIVE AT IN THE POCKET SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13 | 7:30PM – 1AM FOR CONTESTS AND EXCLUSIVES

Not quite. The start of playoffs brings with it a new state of mind for players and fans alike (which is kind of what I was getting at with the first paragraph). Playoffs whip fans into such a frenzy that NASCAR’s Sprint Cup Series recently added a playoff format (“The Chase”) to the tail end of the season. As a Habs fan, I officially discarded their playoff chances with two consecutive losses to the Columbus Friggin’ Bluejackets prior to the All Star break. As such, the most I have to look forward to in April this year is the income tax deadline and getting hosed by the MTO for license plate sticker renewals (a fee that is increasing AGAIN as of Sept. 1). Know Your Limit, Play Within It! 1-888-230-3505 Ontario Problem Gambling HelpLine. All ages welcome in our Augustus Tower and convention complex. Must be 19 years of age or older to

Southpoint Novice Grey faced Essex in playoff action on Saturday.

Major midgets vs. Essex

Tallas Smith of the Southpoint major midget ‘A’ Capitals chases an Essex puck carrier behind the Ravens’ net during a Bluewater League playoff game at Wheatley Area Arena Saturday, Feb. 6. The Capitals led 2-0 after the first period and 3-0 after the second buzzer en route to a 5-1 victory.

Southpoint LL (11) enters playoffs

January saw much improvement by the players of Southpoint LL (11), sponsored by Centennial Windows. Unfortunately the scoreboards did not reflect the focused and determined efforts by all of the players. Lucas Ingratta scored his first goal of the season with a nice assist by Alexa Taylor. Other notable moments included two goals by Nathan Pilmer, two goals by Cole Knopp, and singles by Zack Dault and Tyler Heinz. Assisting on the goals were Curtis Chorba, Aiden Serravalle, Colin Basden (2), Lucas Ingratta and Tyler Heinz. After wrapping up the regular season, Southpoint LL (11) travelled to Kingsville to start the playoffs. Southpoint came out strong scoring three times in the first period. Lucas Ingratta scored twice, assisted by Carter Matthews, and there was an unassisted goal by Nathan Pilmer.

Kingsville scored once in the first period and three times in the second period to take a 4-3 lead into the third period. Tyler Heinz scored an unassisted goal to tie the game; however, Kingsville scored the final two goals of the game to win by a score of 6-4.

Peewee Sunbrite faces Unico

Southpoint’s Peewee teams, Sunbrite and Unico, met on Saturday at the Highbury rink.

Just minutes into the game, Marcus Stanley made a nice pass to Evan Ouellette who tapped in the first goal for Sunbrite. Unico tied it up halfway through the first when Nick Heyens scored with assists from Mikey Church and Cole Allard. Seconds later, Marcus Stanley made a pass back to defenseman Josh Saad, who passed it up to Massimo West to score the second goal for Sunbrite.

Nick Heyens scored another goal for Unico in the second to tie it up, with assists from Brian Friesen and Nathan Friesen. Ryan

Najem scored another for Unico to put them in the lead. A minute later, Evan Ouellette made a sweet pass to Massimo West, who passed it to Marcus Stanley who then buried the puck in the net for Sunbrite.

The game was tied going into the third period and the

energy was high. Dawson Collison of Sunbrite came around the net to pass to Marcus Stanley who made a nice saucer pass to Massimo West, who ripped the puck in to give their team the lead once again.

The game ended in a 4-3 win for Sunbrite.

Bailey Atom Stars outshine Wildcats

Bailey Atom girls played the Windsor Wildcats at the Highbury Arena on Sunday. It was a close first period until Adriana West found a hole and rushed the puck up to score the first goal for the Stars.

The second period was back and forth with a couple of scoring opportunities for both Alessia West and Abbey Mazzella but the Wildcats shut them down. Late in the period there was a scuffle in front of Evan Gualtieri which led to a fluke goal.

The game was tied going into the third period. Raegan Woodiwiss scored for the Stars to give them the lead once again. The Stars’ defensemen worked hard to keep the puck in the Wildcats’ zone. Leah Youssef and Megan Derbyshire made some great plays but their forwards were not able to capitalize on them. Emma Weil, Abby Neufeld and Adriana West did everything they could to keep the puck out of their zone. Mila Pereira and Blair Bailey worked hard and made some great passes. Then just off the faceoff, Bricelyn Koehler scored

Kinsmen Stars trounce Wildcats

The Leamington Kinsmen Southpoint Intermediate Stars ventured to the Vollmer Complex in LaSalle on Saturday night to tame the Wildcats of Windsor.

The Wildcats scored the first goal of this exciting playoff matchup; however, the Lady Stars blew up the scoreboard as they scored the next seven goals en route to a big 7-1 playoff win! Kayla Collison led the offensive attack as she scored two goals, with singles going to Kim Goyeau, Kelsey Babkirk, Paige Thompson, Cristina Pearce and Lea Marshall. Erica Taylor played a very strong game in net as she held the Wildcats to just a single goal.

her first goal of the season to secure the lead for Bailey’s. As the game was coming to an end, Raegan Woodiwiss scored a short-handed goal for the stars. The game resulted in a 4-1 win for the Bailey Stars!

The Churches of Leamington and District Welcome You

ANGLICAN

St. John The Evangelist

60 Erie St. N., Leamington 519-326-3111

Sunday Worship Services

8:30 & 10:30 am

St. Mary’s Church

East West Road, Pelee Island

1st & 3rd Sundays from June to September at 10 am

Calvary Church

North Shore Road, Pelee Island 1st & 3rd Sundays from October to May at 10 am

BAPTIST

First Baptist Church

3 Fox Street, Leamington 519-326-4372

Sunday Worship 10:30 am

Heritage Baptist Church

555 Talbot St. W., Wheatley 519-300-1400 Pastor Francisco Penner

Sunday 11 am & 7 pm, Wed 7 pm

Wheatley Baptist Church 47 Talbot St. E.., Wheatley 519-825-7433 Pastor Richard Smith

Sunday School 10:00 am Worship 10:00 am

CONGREGATIONALIST

Faith Everlasting Congregational Church 589 Hwy 77, Leamington 519-322-2994

Sunday Worship 11 am

220 Erie St. N., Leamington 519-322-1644

Saturday Services: Bible Study 9:30 am Worship 11:00 am

LUTHERAN

St. Paul’s LutheranEvangelical Church

311 Sherk Street, Leamington 519-326-3966

Sunday Worship Services 10:30 am (Eng)

MENNONITE

Faith Mennonite Church

269 Sherk Street, Leamington 519-326-6391

Sunday Worship Services

10:50 am (Summer 10 am)

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

Sunday Worship Services

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

Leamington Evangelical Mennonite Church 108 Mersea Rd 3, Leamington 519-322-9915

Sunday Worship 10:30 am

Leamington United Mennonite Church 78 Oak Street East, Leamington 519-326-2727

Sunday Worship 9:45 am

Summer Worship Services 10:00 am

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

1 Sunday Worship Service at 10:30 am

North Leamington United Mennonite Church 625 Mersea Rd 6, Leamington 519-326-7928

Sunday Worship 10:00 am

South Point Community Church 475 Bevel Line Road, Leamington 519-322-1858

Sunday Gatherings 10:30 am

NON-DENOMINATIONAL

Iglesia La Buena Semilla 269 Sherk Street, Leamington 519-733-0342

Sunday Worship 6:30 pm

Leamington District Memorial Hospital 194 Talbot St. W., Leamington 519-326-2373, Chaplain’s Office ext. 4443

PENTECOSTAL

FGT Family Church

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

Service Sunday 9:15 am & 11 am am

Leamington Christian Centre 98 Elliott Street, Leamington 519-322-1504

Sunday Worship Services 10:30 am

English/Spanish 6:30 pm

Templo Christiano De Leamington

39 Talbot St. E., Leamington 519-325-9654

Sunday Worship Services 3 pm

Mount Zion Full TabernacleGospel

6 Mill Street, Leamington 519-252-0031

Sunday Worship 7:30 pm

United Pentecostal Church

312 Erie St. St., Leamington 519-326-7056

Sunday Worship Services 11 am

Cougars cinch second in girls hockey

By Bryan Jessop

The Cardinal Carter Cougars girls hockey team finished the regular season on an exceptional strong note.

PRESBYTERIAN

Knox Presbyterian Church

58 Erie St. S., Leamington 519-326-4541

www.pccweb.ca/knoxleamnington/

Sunday Worship Services 10:30 am

ROMAN CATHOLIC

St. Michael’s Parish

29 Elliott Street, Leamington 519-326-2643

NO MASSES FROM JULY 14 TFN

St. Joseph’s Church

310 Sherk Street, Leamington 519-326-2643

Saturday Mass: 5 pm (English)

Sunday Masses: 7:30 am (English)

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

12 Noon (Portuguese)

3 pm (Spanish), 7 pm (English)

St. Anthony’s Parish (Maronite Rite)

280 Talbot Street East, Leamington 519-322-2282

Sunday Masses 9:30 & 11 am (Lebanese, English)

SALVATION ARMY

The Salvation Army Citadel

88 Setterington Street

Leamington 519-326-4901

Sunday Worship 10:30 am

UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA

Leamington United Church

9 John Street, Leamington 519-326-9461

Sunday Worship Services 10:30 am

Mersea United Church

1301 Mersea Road 8, Wheatley 519-825-4157

Sunday Worship Services 9:30 am

Olinda-Ruthven United Church

1907 Queen Blvd., Ruthven ON 519-326-3138

Sunday Services at 9:30 am

Wheatley United Church

59 Talbot St. W., Wheatley ON 519-825-4157

Sunday Services at 10:30 am

UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST

Unitarian Universalist Church of Olinda

2953 Olinda Sideroad, Ruthven 519-326-4352

Sunday Service 10:30 am

The team hosted the St. Joseph’s Lasers for their 10th game in WECSSAA Tier II action, blanking their guests in a 4-0 outcome. The Cougars had several chances to expand their lead even further, but were consistently foiled by St. Joe’s netminder Mikhalya Angeles.

“We’ve got to be better at burying our chances — that’s the one thing we didn’t do today,” said Cougars coach Chris Lapain. “They’ve got a really good goalie. She stopped a lot of shots.”

Cardinal Carter’s first and game-winning goal was scored 4:11 after the opening faceoff when Gioia Diciocco took control of the puck from behind and to the left of the Lasers’ net, carried it over the goal line and backhanded a close-range shot past Angeles. Bryanna Rodrigues and Charly Demers drew assists.

The first insurance goal was provided by Rodrigues just over two minutes later. Outrunning the last St. Jospeh’s defender, she closed in on a short breakaway and released a kneehigh wrist shot that found the back of the net for a 2-0 lead. Diciocco was credited with the only assist.

While shorthanded, Diciocco took a feed from Rodrigues and after outmaneuvering multiple Laser skaters, closed in on net and again found the mesh with another high backhand shot. Paige Thompson earned the final regular season goal late in the second period during the Cougars’ only power play of the match. A wrist shot from the blue line was deflected and sent past Angeles into the left side of the goal. Myah DiLaudo and Rodriguges assisted.

The curfew clock ended the game with 2:08 showing on the timer. Alyee Church earned the shutout — her second in a row and fourth of the season — for the Cougars.

“We had a full squad on offense, which makes a big difference,” said Cougars’ coach Chris Church, who noted that a few girls currently dedicated to volleyball will be eligible to join the hockey team for playoffs.

“We played well,” added Lapain. “We didn’t give them a lot of room to move around. We’ve been stressing the forecheck and backcheck and our players are taking care of those things.”

Although four of the division’s eight teams still had two games to play and two teams had one more match before playoffs, Cardinal Carter clinched second place with the Feb. 4 victory. Although both Harrow and Tecusmeh Vista Academy still had the potential to match the Cougars’ 6-3-1 record for the same 13 points — and both teams split head-to-head matchces at one win and one loss with Cardinal Carter — the Cougars have a better goals differential against both adversaries in those combined games.

In a system where 2A teams in Tier I are granted double points toward 1A-2A WECSSAA playoff rankings, the Cougars will finish behind General Amherst, Belle River and their own division’s undefeated L’Essor. Although a few pre-playoff contests have yet to be played, Cardinal Carter’s most likely first-round opponent will be the Harrow Hawks.

Bryanna Rodrigues scores the game’s second goal of the game for the Cardinal Carter Cougars against St. Joseph’s Lasers netminder Mikhalya Angeles.

The Cardinal Carter Cougars celebrate the game-winning goal by Gioia Diciocco during the first period of a Thursday, Feb. 4 game at Unico Arena as part of the team’s final WECSSAA Tier II girls hockey regular season match. The Cougars won 4-0.

Stars White defeats Red

In a split squad mix of Southpoint Stars Intermediates and Bantams at the Highbury rink, Southpoint White defeated Southpoint Red by a final score of 11-5.

The Whites were led by Kim Goyeau as she scored six goals and added two assists. Single goals were scored by Alexa Taylor, Hannah Chacko and Lea Marshall. Kaylie Goodchild scored two.

The Southpoint Red offence was led by Abby Gualtieri with a hat trick and an assist, with single tallies by Kelsey Babkirk and Kayla Collison.

The great goaltending of Caitlin Preston is what kept this matchup from being a closer game. Caitlin made numerous point blank amazing saves to keep the Reds limited to 5 goals.

K’ville Kings in final home game before playoffs

The Kingsville Kings Jr. A hockey club has one more home game before they start playoffs. The team faces the Norfolk Vikings Friday, Feb. 12 at 8 p.m. The Kings record is 36 and 3.

The first home playoff game is Feb. 17 at 7:30 p.m., with the opponent to be determined.

Rhine Danube bowling scores

The following are the Rhine Danube bowling league scores for Jan. 25.

Games Over 200: Ozzie Wolf 202, Kevin Kosempel 215, Heinz Kosempel 201, Chris Kosempel 248-214-211, John Fittler 200, Willy Fittler 201-201, Richard Dickau 246, Manfred Dickau 212-213, Aaron Dickau 244-216, Shawn Leclair 234.

Series Over 550: Kevin Kosempel 587, Heinz Kosempel 568, Chris Kosempel 673, Willy Fittler 559, Richard Dickau 622, Manfred Dickau 611, Aaron Dickau 658, Shawn Leclair 570, Jack Valade 560.

High Handicap Games: Richard Dickau 308, Shawn Leclair 306, Chris Kosempel 274.

High Handicap Series: Richard Dickau 808, Shawn Leclair 786, Manfred Dickau 770.

Standings: Fittler Farms 26, Weil’s Food 25, Dickau Construction 17, Taki’s 13, Del Fresco 13, Rhine Danube 11.

Tyke Blue vs. Red

The Southpoint Minor Hockey Association’s Libro Tyke Blue and Gabriele’s Brandsource Red teams go head-to-head for a morning game at Highbury Canco Arena Saturday, Feb. 6. The teams battled to a 2-2 tie, thanks to a Libro Blue goal scored with about 30 seconds remaining.

WFCU Stars lose to Predators

The WFCU Southpoint Intermediate Stars played host to the South County Predators on Sunday afternoon at the Highbury rink.

The Lady Stars drew first blood as Chase Cabral went coast to coast as she scored a beautiful unassisted goal. The Predators came alive midway through the game as they scored the next three goals to defeat the Stars by a score of 3-1.

Peewee girls take on Windsor

Community Trophy Peewee girls played a tough fastpaced game against Windsor on the weekend.

There was no scoring in the first period and Courtney Jeffery had to make a number of key saves to keep it that way.

Windsor opened the scoring at the 5-minute mark of the second. Fifteen seconds later, Southpoint’s Tara Tiessen sent the puck to Alyssa Lamb around centre ice. Alyssa took the puck in, cut to the left and backhanded a shot into the Windsor goal. A minute later Alexa Taylor took the puck into the Windsor end with a lot of speed and fired the puck into the net, giving Southpoint a 2-1 lead.

Windsor scored twice in the third but the Southpoint girls kept battling for the puck, and with 23 seconds left Alexa Taylor put a pass from Ava Hildebrandt into the net. Community Trophy pulled their goalie but wasn’t able to score the tying goal.

Atoms go head to head

Southpoint Atom teams went head to head this past weekend.

SP Ford took an early lead when Nathan Ribble scored just as the puck dropped. It was neck-and-neck all game.

Weil’s had several scoring opportunities but SP Ford goalie Jack Thomas stood on his head. Thomas made some amazing saves to keep his team in the game. Weil’s kept the puck out of their zone and took several shots on net, but just could not get the puck past the goalie.

Weil’s pulled their goalie, but with seconds left in the second Jonathan Semaan broke through for SP Ford to score another goal.

The game ended in a 2-0 win for Southpoint Ford. Congrats to both teams on a well-played game!

Southpoint Sixes vs. Harrow Colchester

Velocity 13U boys kick off tourney season in Cambridge

Velocity 14U girls win bronze in Listowel

Sunday, Feb. 7 saw the Velocity 14U girls club volleyball team travel to Listowel for their first tournament of the season. The Velocity Girls have been training hard to prepare, but for many of them it was their first competitive tournament at the club level.

Velocity showed they could play, coming out of the gates with strong serving and good team defence against Minto VBC, splitting the sets. Pool play continued with straight losses to Waterloo Tigers White, while taking two straight off Tigers Ambush and finally splitting against the host club Listowel Panthers in a very exciting match.

Completion of pool play left Velocity in third place but the team was showing signs of getting better with every point. “The girls really grew as a team today,” said club director Jim Konrad. “We had some great points where our defence was able to transition into point winning attacks and their serves were out of this world”.

Velocity settled into the bronze medal match at the end of the day against the Minto VBC. Velocity stormed through the match in two straight with scores of 25/16 and 25/9, providing the girls with their first medal of the season. Noted contributions were made by Chelsey Tremblay with 19 kills, 2 blocks and 11 service aces, while Payten Cervini contributed 13 kills, 2 blocks and 8 service aces. Kaitlyn Simpson and Maple Kumar also had a strong games for the team. Iseonna Silliker was chosen by tournament coaches and host as MVP with her very strong setting and 22 service aces and 3 kills.

The Velocity girls will be back in action on Saturday, Mar. 5 in Cambridge as they set their sights on challenging for the gold medal round.

The first stop of the tournament season for the Velocity Volleyball Club 13U boys team was the Scorpions Showdown Tournament in Cambridge on Saturday, Jan. 30.

For many of the Velocity team members, this was their first competitive tournament with teams from across Ontario.

The Velocity boys continued to get better throughout the day as they worked lines of both their 13U and 12U teams.

Both lineups showed they could play with noted contributions by Brayden Taves with 21 kills, 4 blocks and 6 serve aces, Bailey Rolph with 16 kills, 3 blocks and 8 service aces, and Nathan Hunt with 7 kills and 3 service aces.

Both age groups are made up of players from throughout Essex County, with programs currently running in both Leamington and Essex. “We have had some excellent response to our Youth Development and Club Programs opening in Essex.

These boys did not have a lot of time on the court together prior to this first tournament but they certainly showed they can play,” said club director Jim Konrad.

Velocity finished round robin play in third place and crossed over to an older and strong team from the Scarborough Titans. Velocity finished the day with a strong showing and will be heading to their next tournament in Chatham on Feb. 20.

Velocity Volleyball 14U girls team won bronze in tournament play in Listowel. Front row, left to right: Iseonna Silliker, Avery Hodgson, Chelsey Tremblay. Back row: Club director Jim Konrad, Maple Kumar, Mackenzie Keeton, Madison Vickery, Kaitlyn Simpson, Payten Cervini, coach Mariel Konrad.

Velocity Volleyball 13U boys opened tournament season in at the Scorpions Showdown tournament in Cambridge. Front row, left to right: Seth Sorrell, Brandon Snippe, Nathan Hunt, Paul Schiller, Ryan Kramer. Back row: Coach Amy Pilmer, coach Lianne Sorrell, Nathan Pilmer, Joshua Hunt, Taj Deol, Tristan McGuire, Ethan Robinson, Brayden Taves, Cole Dumouchelle, Bailey Rolph, club director Jim Konrad, coach Mariel Konrad.

Sharks trail Ads 2-0

By Bryan Jessop

The number seven has proven anything but lucky for the Wheatley Sharks in the Great Lakes Junior C quarterfinals.

The Amherstburg Admirals have jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series with wins of 7-1 and 7-0, pressuring the Sharks with the threat of another sweep for the second time in as many years.

The first period of Game 2 mostly belonged to the Admirals, who started the scoring 33 seconds after the opening faceoff. From in close and to the left side of the Sharks’ net, Travis Campbell snapped the puck through a small opening and past Adam Leboeuf. Amherstburg added to its early lead about five-and-a-half minutes later when Dylan Muzatti found the top left corner of the Wheatley net on a deflected shot.

The Sharks’ offense struggled to keep the puck in the Admirals’ zone for any extended period of time, testing netminder Connor Meyerink only four times while Leboeuf faced eight. Leboeuf’s biggest test came on a penalty shot awarded to Luke Gangnon. The shooter tried to beat Wheatley’s goalkeeper with a wrist shot from close range, but a quick glove save kept the score at 2-0 for the balance of the opening frame.

The second period was a case of going from bad to worse for the Sharks. Caleb Paquette made it 3-0 after releasing a wrist shot from a sharp angle while charging into the Wheatley zone from the right side of the goal.

Eric Morneau briefly took goaltending duties from there, but couldn’t cross the crease fast enough after Muzzati was set up to give Amherstburg a 4-0 lead.

After a partial wrap around, Broden Meloche added to the visiting team’s lead by stuffing the puck into the left side. The Sharks called a timeout after the Meloche goal, the third in 29 seconds. Leboeuf went back in net after the 30-second break.

Brian Johnson nearly put the Sharks on the board during a power play, releasing a wrist shot from the point that was deflected before the puck grazed the top of the crossbar. Kasey Basile made it 6-0 on a breakaway, sliding the puck under Leboeuf’s left pad. Lucas Raffoul had another chance to register a goal for Wheatley, but was denied on a breakaway chance by Meyerink.

The third frame was quieter on the scoring front, although the physical element of the game was ramped up as tension between the two teams mounted. Paquette’s second goal of the night was the only tally of the third.

During a two-on-one rush, Paquette found the far, top right corner with a wrist shot. An Andreas Gossmann shot in the first minute of the period rang off the crossbar, but was as close as the Sharks would get to spoiling Meyerink’s shutout bid.

Wheatley was granted a 1:24 double power play early in the third and despite buzzing around the Amherstburg net, could not put a mark on the scoresheet. Both teams were fruitless with the man advantage — the Admirals were zero for five while the Sharks were zero for six. The Sharks were outshot 27-16.

“I thought the boys played hard,” said Sharks head coach Dave Wiper. “We’re facing a good club. I’m disappointed that we didn’t come out with more enthusiasm in the first. I feel responsible for this loss.”

The quarterfinal series began at Libro Centre in Amherstburg Wednesday, Feb. 3, where the hosts marched to a 7-1 victory. Basile and Jordan Luciw opened the scoring for a 2-0 first-period lead, although the Sharks’ Brian Johnson cut the lead in half during the second period on a power play opportunity. Assists on the Wheatley goal went to Adreas Gossmann and Brett Bowman. Spencer McConnville was granted a penalty shot, but was stopped by Wheat-

ley goalie Eric Morneau.

The game slipped out of reach for the Sharks in the third, where Bechard, Campbell, Austin Jennings, Meloche and McConnville added to the Amherstburg lead. Wheatley was one for four on the man advantage while the Admirals were one for nine. Shots were 4433 favouring Amherstburg.

“We’ve got to hit the reset button,” Wiper noted. “We can’t sit here and feel sorry for ourselves. We’ve got to come back with a push-back effort.”

Game 3 of the series was played Tuesday, Feb. 9 in Amherstburg. Results were not available by press deadline.

The quarterfinal match up

will continue Friday, Feb. 12 at 7:30 p.m. at Wheatley Area Arena. If necessary, Game 5 will be played Sunday, Feb. 14 in Amherst-

burg at 7 p.m. with Game 6 scheduled for Monday, Feb. 15 at 7:30 p.m. in Wheatley and Game 7 in Amherstburg Sunday, Feb. 21 at 7 p.m.

Novice White wins eight straight games

The Southpoint Novice White squad has been on quite the tear lately reeling off 8 straight victories, none bigger than Saturday’s hard fought 4-3 playoff win over the Blue squad. White goals were scored by Nicolas Mastramatteo (2), Colton Selwood and Travis Dupuis. Assists came from Dominec Montiero, James Sonoski, Abby Mazella and Max Youssef.

Every player contributed to the win including goalie Matthew Mastramatteo who was solid between the pipes, making several key saves down the stretch to secure the victory. Tomas Knaziew, Brooke Derksen and Avery Hopper were active making things happen out front. Daniel Saad, Cole Gossman and Cole Parent were solid as usual on defence.

Evan Mastronardi of the Sharks tries to squeeze by an Admirals defenseman in a race for a loose puck during Game 2 of the quarterfianls, won 7-0 by Amherstburg. Journal photo

1972 AMC Javelin still in the family

Last September, Terry Dube finally got to drive his father’s 1972 AMC Javelin. Lloyd Dube purchased his Javelin on the first week of June in 1972. He took delivery of the Javelin from the local American Motors dealership, Russell Water’s Garage, at 118 Queen Street, Harrow.

His Javelin was equipped with a 360cid engine and automatic transmission. The Javelin was painted Cordoba Brown with a white vinyl top and matching side stripes. It looked great! The following week, Lloyd added a set of ET custom mag wheels from Gratiot Auto Supply of Detroit.

Lloyd continued to drive the car until the early ’80s. His growing family outgrew the

car and it was then parked in the driveway of his home. Lloyd moved a number of years later and the Javelin moved with him. At the Javelin’s new residence, it was parked behind the barn. Here the once proud Javelin sat until its owner passed away.

Now after sitting for over 20 years, the mouse-infested and sun-beaten Javelin was on its way to be stripped of usable parts when Terry

Dube arranged with David Keller, AMC collector/restorer from Harrow, to begin the restoration, which took over a year to complete. Now the Javelin with its shiny new paint and more powerful engine can be enjoyed by the next generation of the Dube family.

The letters AMC stand for American Motors Corporation, formed in 1954 with the merger of Hudson and Nash. Both those names soon faded away as AMC concentrated on more contemporary cars. The Javelin was AMC’s answer to the Mustang and came out in 1968 on a 109-inch wheelbase and a variety of 6 and 8 cylinder engines. The styling was clean and crisp, and over 56,000 were sold in that first year.

In mid-1968, the AMX was introduced. It was basically a sectioned Javelin with 10 inches taken out of the middle for a 97-inch wheelbase. It was strictly a hot car with a small market share because it was only a 2-seater. In its first year only 6,725 were sold.

The Javelin and its shortened companion, the AMX, were produced from 1968 to 1974, after which AMC concentrated on more practical family-oriented vehicles following the Arab oil embargo of October 1973. Both Javelin and AMX are highly collectible today and Terry Dube’s 1972 Javelin is a sparkling example of a car hot when new and still hot today.

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Terry Dube with father’s 1972 Javelin now restored by David Keller.

ERIE

APARTMENTS

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

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

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

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

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NOTICE TO CREDITORS

IN THE ESTATE OF ALBERT GRANT BEACOM (also known as GRANT BEACOM)

All claims against the Estate of Albert Grant Beacom, late of the Municipality of Leamington, in the County of Essex, who died on or about the 22nd day of December, 2015, must be filed with the undersigned personal representative on or before the 11th day of March, 2016. Thereafter the undersigned will distribute the assets of the estate having regard only to the claims then filed.

Dated: February 3rd, 2016 Matthew M. Caron PEARSALL, MARSHALL, HALLIWILL & SEATON LLP. Barristers and Solicitors 22 Queens Avenue Leamington, Ontario N8H 3G8

IZA DESIGN AND MANUFACTURING is hiring! Looking for Welders, Machine Operators and Industrial Painters! Send resumes to ccocks@izadm.com or apply within at 1960 Road 3 E., Ruthven ja13-fe10

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

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

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and invitations brochures commercial and event printing and much more! Let us quote you on your next job! Call today at 519 398 9098 or email sun@mnsi.net Call

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2021 Division Road North Kingsville, Ontario N9Y 2Y9

519-733-2305

www.kingsville.ca

kingsvilleworks@kingsville.ca

NOTICE OF CONSIDERATION OF WATER RATE AND SEWAGE RATES AMENDING BY-LAW

The Council of the Town of Kingsville, at its Regular Meeting to be held on:

Monday, February 22, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. at Kingsville Council Chambers 2021 Division Road North

will consider By-law 11-2016, being a By-law to amend By-law 2-2014, to impose a Water Rate and Sewage Rates. The proposed amendment includes an increase to the sewage rate and an increase to the water rate. A copy of the proposed Amending By-law 11-2016 will be available online (www.kingsville.ca) or at the Municipal Office Reception Counter.

Anyone wishing to appear before Council to speak to this matter may advise the Clerk in writing not later than 12:00 noon on the Wednesday prior to the meeting. Comments which are made at the meeting or in writing will become part of the public record which is available for anyone to view on the Town of Kingsville website.

DATED at Kingsville, Ontario this 4th day of February, 2016.

J. Astrologo, Director of Corporate Services / Clerk

The Corporation of the Town of Kingsville 2021 Division Road North Kingsville, Ontario N9Y 2Y9 www.kingsville.ca

2021 Division Road North Kingsville, Ontario N9Y 2Y9

519-733-2305

www.kingsville.ca kingsvilleworks@kingsville.ca

NOTICE OF CONSIDERATION OF FEES AND CHARGES AMENDING BY-LAW

The Council of the Town of Kingsville, at its Regular Meeting to be held on: Monday, February 22, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. at Kingsville Council Chambers 2021 Division Road North

TAX NOTICES

If you own property in the Town of Kingsville you should have received your 2016 interim

2016

Please refer to the brochure included with your tax notice for a listing of the payment options available. Avoid long lines by paying your taxes early.

Failure to receive a tax notice does not relieve you from payment of taxes or penalties. Penalties are assessed the day following the due date at 1.25% and each month thereafter until paid. It is the responsibility of the taxpayer to ensure the Town has the correct mailing address.

If you have not received your tax notice please call 519-733-2305 or visit the Municipal Office at 2021 Division Road North. 2021 Division Road North Kingsville, Ontario N9Y 2Y9 519-733-2305 www.kingsville.ca kingsvilleworks@kingsville.ca

will consider By-law 10-2016, being a By-law to amend its Fees and Charges By-law 25-2015. A copy of the proposed amendments will be available on-line (www.kingsville.ca) or at the Municipal Office Reception Counter.

Anyone wishing to appear before Council to speak to this matter may advise the Clerk in writing not later than 12:00 noon on the Wednesday prior to the meeting. Comments which are made at the meeting or in writing will become part of the public record which is available for anyone to view on the Town of Kingsville website.

DATED at Kingsville, Ontario this 4th day of February, 2016.

J. Astrologo, Director of Corporate Services / Clerk

The Corporation of the Town of Kingsville 2021 Division Road North Kingsville, Ontario N9Y 2Y9

www.kingsville.ca

The odds may be against them, but the London Nationals have yet to give up on the race for first place.

London dealt Leamington a 2-1 loss at Highbury Canco Arena Thursday, Feb. 4 in a match that would have all but guaranteed the Flyers their third straight regular season title had they managed a two-point night.

The home team’s offence generated little in the way of scoring chances through the first 20 minutes, its best chance being a shorthanded breakaway opportunity for Cale Phibbs that was turned aside by Nationals goalkeeper Connor Hughes. Scoring started earlier in the opening period when Kevin Madden sent an icelevel shot past Tyler Wall and into the right side of his net.

London was quick to vacate the puck from their own zone through most of the first, after which point it established a 10-9 shots on goal advantage.

outshot the Nationals 22-4. David Storey tied the score with the game’s only power play tally, taking a pass from Matthew Opblinger and blasting a slap shot into the top left corner of Hughes’ net while stationed to the left side of the net and about 20 feet out.

“Opblinger and Sanko did a great job along the top (of the offensive zone) with the puck while I just slid in along the side,” Storey explained. “I was just lucky to get a shot through and it went in.”

The second period started out in much the same fashion as the first, although the Flyers picked up the pace somewhat in the latter half to finish even at nine shots apiece. Neither team mustered much in the way of quality scoring chances through the middle stanza, leaving the game at 1-0 London to start the third.

The Flyers jumped back to life at both ends of the ice in the third, where they

The deadlock went 10 seconds shy of lasting three minutes before Austin Kemp decided to hold onto the puck during a short London twoon-one, beating Wall with a low wrist shot for the game winner. Leamington called a timeout with 1:29 on the clock and pulled their netminder for the sixth skater, but couldn’t beat Hughes a second time. London effectively cinched the win when the Flyers took a minor penalty with less than 13 seconds remaining, forcing the last face-off to take place in their own zone.

“We had a really slow start,” said Flyers head coach Tony Piroski. “We came around in the third when our backs were against the wall, but we were pretty flat for the first 40 minutes. There are some good teams around here — you can’t play one period and expect to beat anyone.”

FLYERS FALL TO LONDON

BY BRYAN JESSOP

Although Cale Phibbs returned for the first time since suffering a minor concussion in a 2-0 loss in LaSalle last month, veteran scoring leader Mitch Amante and new acquisition Mark Manchurek have yet to suit up for the month of February. Both are expected to join the team on the ice by the middle of this month.

The Flyers outshot their guests 40-23 in the Feb. 4 match and went one for four on the power play while the Nationals were held to zero for seven.

“The first two periods were slow for us, but we picked it up in the third,” said Storey. “We were all over them in the last period. Unfortunately, we just couldn’t put one in late.”

ing for Leamington in an unassisted effort before Zach Guilbeault made it 2-0 13-and-a-half minutes later after taking a pass from Phibbs. In a span of 37 seconds, the Legionnaires tied the game on quick tallies by Konnor Roskovich and Brandon Layman. Following a scoreless second period, Nicholas Mainella buried the game winner after being set up by Guilbeault after eight-anda-half minutes of action in the third. Colin Moore finished with an empty netter, assisted by Joe Urbanic. Shots were dead even at 24-24. The Flyers were scoreless on two power plays while Sarnia was denied on each of six man advantages.

The Sarnia Legionnaires hosted the Flyers Saturday, Feb. 6 to start Leamington’s final two-game road stand of the regular season. The Flyers came out on top with a 4-2 win. Mark Gangnon opened the scor-

Rest of the West

The LaSalle Vipers blanked the Lambton Shores Predators 4-0 Wednesday, Feb. 3 while the Chatham Maroons nipped the Strathroy Rockets 5-4 in double overtime. Thursday included a 3-1 win for LaSalle over Sarnia and a 3-1 victory for the St. Thomas Stars against the St. Marys Lincolns. Chatham defeated St. Marys 8-3 on Friday before winning 9-7 against Lambton Shores the following day. Also on Saturday, LaSalle nipped Strathroy 3-2. On Sunday, London defeated St. Thomas 4-3.

UPCOMING HOME GAMES: Thu., Feb. 11 vs. St. Marys, 7:10 p.m. Sun., Feb. 14 vs. Sarnia, 4:10 p.m.

UPCOMING AWAY GAMES: Wed. Feb. 10 vs. London, 7:30 p.m. Wed., Feb. 17 vs. LaSalle, 7 p.m.

Callum Ruddock of the Nationals knocks the puck off the stick of Leamington’s Mark Gangnon as he approaches the London net during the first period of a Thursday, Feb. 4 GOJHL match at Highbury Canco Arena. The Nationals won 2-1. (Sun photo)

Luke Sanko of the Flyers and Tyler Sehovic of the Nationals jostle for control of a rolling puck in the London zone during the first period. Sanko drew an assist on the only Leamington goal. (Sun photo)

Scott Emerson of the Flyers challenges London’s Alex Cimino for control of the puck during the third period. (Sun photo)

Leamington’s J.P. Grineau winds up to fire a slap shot at the Nationals’ net as London defender Kevin Madden approaches during the second period. (Sun photo)