On Friday, Feb. 10, Gore Hill Public School’s Early Years and Primary students, with the help of Junior and SERR students, celebrated 100 days of school. Students rotated through a variety of centres including creating a 100 monster, stacking 100 cups, creating a 100-piece caterpillar, a 100 bean bag toss, completing a 100 piece puzzle, and various physical education challenges such as skipping or catching a ball 100 times.
Update on monitoring of gas from abandoned well: Another month expected to complete
Provincial ministries and agencies continue to work towards the capping of an abandoned well, located at a private residence in the 200 block of Robson Road in Leamington.
The source of the leaking natural gas has now been thoroughly investigated. The greatest challenge to date has been to adequately identify the source(s) and cause of the gas being released into the environment.
The focus of the operation was to gather information relating to the well, to ensure the capping process could be successful, and to return the area to a safe condition.
“The primary objective has always been the safety of the public, the workers, and the protection of the environment,” said Leamington Fire Chief Chuck Parsons.
Final capping operations are about to begin, with an expected timeline for conclusion to be approximately four weeks. Once complete, the affected properties will be returned to their pre-incident condition. The Emergency Declaration will be terminated, at which time it will be safe for the residents affected to return to their homes.
Strike is over!
Essex County libraries to open Thursday
By Ron Giofu
After a 230-day strike, the Essex County libraries are getting ready to re-open.
The 14 branches across the system, including the Leamington library, will be open to the public this Thursday after the nearly eight-month strike concluded late last week. Workers actually went back to their jobs Tuesday, spending two days clearing up logistical matters and other issues that may have arisen during the strike.
A new four-year contract was struck around 2 a.m. Thursday morning and ratified by CUPE 2974.0, the union representing the 58 library workers, later that day at the CUPE regional office in Windsor. Lori Wightman, unit chair for CUPE 2974.0, said after Thursday’s vote that 70 per cent of the workers in attendance ratified the contract.
With 55 unionized employees at the meeting, it meant 39 people voted yes and 19 people voted no.
“I’m relieved and a little bit sad,” said Wightman. Wightman called it sad because neither side got everything they wanted.
“It’s the best deal we could get,” she said. “There was never going to be a big win here.”
Wightman added that “no one is going to be popping champagne corks.”
The strike was difficult and took its toll on the workers, she added.
“This was a long time. It was a very hard ordeal on all of our members,” said Wightman.
Wightman didn’t question why 30 per cent voted to reject the deal and said the union was transparent with members the whole time.
“Every member gets to vote how they want to vote,” said Wightman. “I do what my members say. I don’t hold either vote against anybody.”
The main sticking point in the strike was sick time and the county’s desire to have a third-party insurer for shortterm disability (STD). Wightman said “in a perfect world, (the) short-term disability (issue) would have went away but it’s not a perfect world so we had to deal with it.
“We got a little of what we wanted and they got a little of what they wanted.”
She emphasized that the union did as good of a job as they could do in negotiations.
“We got the best deal we could,” she reiterated. “This bargaining team did everything we could do to bring this to a resolution. There’s nothing I regret.”
As for whether there needs to be any fence-mending with management, Wightman said they would move forward professionally. She also didn’t anticipate any sort of backlash from patrons, believing they would come back.
“People love their libraries,” said Wightman. “I guarantee you everyone will be back within a month.”
The library workers are anxious to get back to their jobs, she added, and said it will be “lovely” to see their patrons
(Continued on Page 3)
Gore Hill students Kallen Driedger (left), Elizabeth Hamm and Jason Redekop proudly display their 100-cup pyramid.
Leamington population drops again
By Bryan Jessop
Blue and white highway signs revealing Leamington’s human head count to drivers entering the municipality have become even more inaccurate.
Results from the Statistics Canada 2016 Census indicate that Leamington’s population has fallen from a 2011 count of 28,403 down to 27,595, signifying a decline of 2.8 per cent.
Released Wednesday, Feb. 8, the communityto-community numbers show that Leamington’s drop was the largest in Essex County. Tecumseh, which fell from 23,610 to 23,229 for a loss of 1.6 per cent, was the only other centre in the county to experience a population reduction.
lation fell from 103,671 to 101,647 for a loss of 2.0 per cent. Wheatley specifically was subject to a 1.0 per cent loss from 2,898 to 2,868. To the west, Kingsville noticed a modest gain of 0.9 per cent from 21,362 to 21,552.
“It’s not like we’re sitting on a wealth of empty houses in Leamington. Houses aren’t staying on the market here for very long.”
— John Paterson
Essex County as a whole grew by 2.6 per cent from 388,782 to 398,953. The City of Windsor jumped from 210,891 to 217,188, besting the county average with a 3.0 per cent gain. Elsewhere, Essex grew 4.2 per cent from 19,600 to 20,427, Amherstburg increased its numbers by 1.8 per cent from 21,556 to 21,936 and LaSalle experienced a 5.4 per cent growth from 28,643 to 30,180.
began,” he pointed out. “The steps taken to change things have exceeded expectations, so those (census) numbers seem kind of odd. It’s not like we’re sitting on a wealth of empty houses in Leamington. Houses aren’t staying on the market here for very long.”
Leamington’s neighbours experienced adjustments ranging from similar drops to significant gains. To the east, Chatham-Kent’s popu-
Immediately north, Lakeshore’s gain surpassed both the provincial average of 4.6 per cent and the national mean of 5.0 per cent. Its increase from 34,546 to 36,611 represented a rise of 6.0 per cent. Pelee Island recovered some of its 40.4 per cent loss from 2006 to 2011 by rising 37.4 per cent from 171 to 235.
From 2006 to 2011, Leamington’s population was reduced by 1.5 per cent, combining for a loss of 1,288 permanent residents over a span of the last 10 years. Leamington mayor John Paterson explained that considering the amount of investments made in the municipality through 2016 — including residential development — new Statistics Canada numbers are no reason for panic.
“The census was taken in May of 2016, which is when our housing building boom
Paterson noted that the closure of Leamington’s Heinz factory in 2014 played a role in the figures released by the census, but also explained that the employment setback didn’t have the devastating effect that many predicted.
“We didn’t see a great exodus after Heinz closed,” he said.
Paterson also highlighted the fact that residential investments in Leamington have actually risen consistently over the past five years. Approximately $2.1 million has been spent on residential development in the municipality for the month of January 2017 alone, he explained.
GECDSB conducting school climate survey
Every second year the Greater Essex County District School Board (GECDSB) conducts a school climate survey to gather the thoughts and opinions of students, staff, parents/guardians and members of school communities.
Questions assess perceptions of safety and allow schools and the Board to make informed decisions about programs that help prevent bullying and promote safe and inclusive schools.
Students and staff are provided time and access to complete the online survey at school. Parents/guardians and community members can use the link https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2017PGSCS to fill in their responses. The survey is posted on the Board website www.publicboard.ca until Friday, March 3.
The survey has been streamlined this year to reduce the amount of time required to complete it.
The population sign along County Road 34 near the border with Kingsville at Albuna Townline is now officially off by 3,405 people. The Stats Canada Census of 2016 released population figures for communities across Canada on February 8, indicating that Leamington’s population
Local OPP hoping to make internet buying/selling safer
By Pat Bailey
Leamington OPP is hoping to make buying and selling over the internet a little safer for local residents. Like their counterparts in Kingsville and Tecumseh, the local OPP will offer buyers and sellers a greater sense of security by creating a ‘community safe zone’ for these transactions.
At Monday night’s Council meeting (Feb. 13), Councillor and member of the Leamington Police Services Board John Jacobs told Council that the local OPP will offer a few parking spots in the municipal lot across from the station to allow these transactions to occur in a public area, within close proximity to police.
Jacobs told Council the project, Project Safe Trade, will not be monitored or mediated by officers but will allow buying and selling transactions to occur in a safer area.
According to OPP, the project was developed in an attempt to help fight fraud, theft and the sale of stolen property, while increasing public safety. It is deemed a problem oriented policing initiative.
Since Jan. 1, 2012, OPP say there have been 195 reported incidents of theft or fraud in Essex County regarding the popular online sale site Kijiji. But OPP say only five per cent of thefts or frauds are even reported to police because of shame or embarrassment by the victim.
The OPP offer 10 safety tips when conducting such transactions:
• Meet in a public place.
• Meet in person so you can inspect the product.
• Bring a trusted friend or family member along, as well as a cell phone.
• If you must go alone, tell someone where you are going.
• Limit online transactions to daylight hours.
• Don’t invite strangers to your home. It gives a stranger access to your home and its layout, gives them additional information such as whether you have an alarm or dog, gives them a chance to check out your home for other valuables
• Don’t tell your schedule to a stranger (making it known when you won’t be home).
• Don’t delete emails, texts or voicemails between yourself and the buyer or seller.
• Keep things local. Never mail a cheque or wire money to sellers.
• Never give out personal or banking information.
Volunteer tutors needed
The On Track to Success program is looking for volunteers to support high school students in Leamington with their learning.
The tutoring sessions are Monday to Thursday after school and in the evenings. Orientation and training is provided to interested volunteers.
For more information contact Liam Giles-Hayes at 519-258-0000 ext. 1181 or lgileshayes@weareunited.com
Essex County Libraries reopen on Thursday
(Continued from Front) again.
“The public will not see any difference,” she said.
Wightman added that the union received a lot of support while on the picket lines. Many people dropped by with food and beverages while other unions also showed support for the library workers.
“The support has been humbling,” she said.
The Essex County Library Board unanimously approved the new deal at a meeting late Friday afternoon at the Essex Civic Centre.
“We ratified with a thirdparty insurer and a new STD plan that covers employees so that they can be taken care of very well in times of illness,” said board chair Richard Meloche.
In addition to the shortterm disability plan, Meloche said the new plan also features a two-per cent per year wage increase for the employees and a $3,000 signing bonus for workers.
“We feel that it worked out pretty good for everybody,” he said.
The sick-time plan will “definitely benefit the librarians,” Meloche believed, noting there are 60 hours of sick time per year for fulltime employees with that being prorated for part-time staff.
“In a lot of industries, part-time people don’t have any benefits. In this con-
tract, we do have benefits for our part-time people. That includes people who work under 15 hours per week,” said Meloche.
All employees have life insurance and short-term disability coverage, though those under 15 hours per week would be self-funded by the county. Those between 70-80 years of age working for the library will also be covered by the plan, he added.
Current employees can use their banked sick time to “top up” their pay on top of the 75 per cent the employees would receive if they are off on short-term disability. New employees will not be able to “top up” their salaries if off on STD.
“Previously we were self-funded,” said Meloche. “(The new plan) adds stability to your budget. Right now, we don’t have a reserve if somebody goes off sick. We have to absorb that somewhere in our budget. Right now, we have an unfunded liability of $1.1 million. What we wanted to do is get rid of that $1.1 million unfunded liability.”
Meloche said by putting a cap on banked sick time at 520 hours, it limits the ability of the unfunded liability
to grow.
The library board is “very happy” to have finally reached a settlement, Meloche added.
“CUPE pointed out very well that our patrons wanted their libraries back. We knew that. We were hearing that from people as well but it takes two sides to want to come to an agreement on a contract. We finally got that,” said Meloche. “I’m happy as a representative of the library system that we finally have our libraries back for our patrons. I can guarantee you I’ve had several letters, I’m going to say dozens since Thursday, that say ‘thank you very much for bringing our services back’ and we hadn’t
even ratified yet. They were counting on us ratifying for sure.”
Meloche added the board is bringing in people to help relieve any problems that might arise when workers re-enter the workplace.
“When we do come back, we’re going to have some professionals come in to try and work through any problems we have,” said Meloche, “and try to ease employees back into the job. If anyone is having any issues trying to get comfortable with their jobs, we have someone that helps ease them back in.”
Essex County libraries have been closed since June 25, 2016. The new contract expires in March 2020
Lori Wightman, unit chair of CUPE 2974.0, speaks to the media following a ratification vote last Thursday. The library workers ratified the new four-year contract with 70 per cent voting in favour. (Photo by Ron Giofu)
MARK RIBBLE Rib’s Ramblings
A Grammy hangover
With the Grammy Awards now behind us for another year, we can all be left to wonder what in the world Beyoncé was doing up on that stage.
Soundtrack. “Do You Know Where You’re Going To” caught on with my mother and got quite a bit of airplay in our living room.
I believe I also ended up with the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack, even though I wasn’t a fan of disco.
Among one of the weirdest Grammy performances I’ve ever seen, it solidified my opinion that they just don’t make music like they used to.
While I was impressed with Lady Gaga’s appearance as part of Metallica, and Bruno Mars’ Prince tribute, there were so many acts that left me bewildered.
Then I hear that Kanye West and Justin Bieber were boycotting the awards because they feel the Grammys aren’t geared enough toward their genre and I just shake my head.
It seems to me that the Grammys lean toward the hip-hop and R&B genre way too much, but that’s just me.
Speaking of such, they paid tribute to the Bee Gees on Sunday night, although I didn’t really care for it. They attempted to put the R&B and hip-hop spin on a couple of the Bee Gees biggest hits and I didn’t think it worked. To top it off, I would have liked to have seen someone do a rendition of Massachusetts or How Can you Mend a Broken Heart, not just the disco stuff. People seem to forget that the Bee Gees had all those hits before the disco craze.
The third album that I received from Columbia House due to my lack of attention, was the Village People. My mother played the grooves right out of the vinyl on that one. Thank goodness her musical tastes weren’t passed on to me.
As a teenager, my taste in music went from the top-40 stuff they played on CHYR to more of a rock and roll feel as I grew older.
I remember loving some of those AM hits like One Tin Soldier and Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl). I even tapped my toe to songs like Love Will Keep Us Together and The Night The Lights Went Out in Georgia.
It made 1977 a very poor year for music in my house. I really began to think that dear old mom was purposely withholding my reply card to Columbia from the outgoing mail.
I was just getting into The Eagles, Steve Miller Band and Foreigner and I’d eventually add Journey, The Doobie Brothers and Lynard Skynard to my collection.
I mentioned in my column before about those old K-Tel records that I got from my very valuable and memorable membership at Columbia House back in the day.
Of course, I already had several Beatles albums at that point. They were ones I bought at Woolworth’s though, because Columbia House didn’t carry Beatles records for some reason. It must have been a licensing issue.
I spent about four years in a band called The Royal Blues, which we formed when we were barely teenagers, and I’ve spoken of our exploits in this column before.
Boy, that was an experience. You’d get your monthly newsletter, complete with order form and you could check off what you wanted to order. No credit card required. They sent you a bill and you sent them a cheque.
I think when I signed up, I got something like 10 albums free if I paid for the first one. The catch was that you had to agree to buy several more albums at full price over the next two years. (or something like that)
We played a lot of AM hits of the day, like Rose Garden, Snowbird and I Can See Clearly Now. We also tackled some edgier stuff (to us) when we learned Bad Moon Rising, Benny and the Jets and Eight Days A Week.
So, every month, I’d sit down with my checklist and place my order. I believe it was set up that if you didn’t send your card in saying you didn’t want anything, you automatically received the feature of the month.
This is how I came to own Diana Ross’ Mahogany
We weren’t very good, but we had fun. We had one thing on a few of the Grammy performers from Sunday night though… we actually played instruments.
No fancy technology, just a guitar, a keyboard, a bass and some drums.
The way it was always meant to be.
Who wants to be a millionaire?
I feel as if I live in paradise! On the other hand, ‘paradise’ is all that you imagine and all that you dream and not always reality!
that I am able to call on a friend any day! If all else fails, it’s Pinterest.
“Who wants to be a millionaire?” I bet that most people would answer yes! Continuing with this dream or fantasy, perhaps multi-millionaire would be the goal. What is it that wealthy people have that we don’t? That is an interesting question!
A couple of months ago I received an email from the owner of the island saying, “It’s drab here. You are lucky to be there, where life is simple and lovely.” I immediately felt defensive.
Mark and I have noted that the more time we spend here, in this idyllic place, we don’t quite see the beauty through the same eyes that we used to when we first landed here three years ago. I will never forget flying over from Nassau in a state of awesome wonder! Suddenly, another rainbow crested on the horizon, symbolizing the existence of ‘a pot of gold’ at the end of this journey. Sure enough, there was a big IF facing us. IF we were willing to give up our home and our proximity to both family and friends. After weighing all the odds, we decided to ride the rainbow to the end, with hopes of realizing our best destiny. Did we make the right decision? Who really knows?
I don’t dream of becoming a millionaire. Whether one is wealthy or not, each human being has problems ranging from mediocre to huge. Fortunately, my worries do not include starvation or the absence of a roof over my head. Most of you are comfortable that way as well; consequently, our reality is whether or not we have an audience to listen. In some cases, one is able to either skip over the obstacle, call a friend or ask an expert. I know
Hurricane Matthew hit in October. Our crew has worked tirelessly to clear away the fallen trees, trim the dead parts from the salt out of bushes and trees, while they continue to keep the lawns mowed, weeds whacked and plants watered. However, there are repairs to buildings requiring shingles, bricks and mortar, and getting these things to an island is no small feat.
Luckily the Bahamian government has offered no tax on any construction supplies for hurricane relief. This is huge, since most things brought in from the U.S. are taxed up to 50%.
Mark has been working with a supplier over in Lauderdale for months and finally the list including copper guttering, cement, nails, plywood, shingles and more have been remeasured, recounted and ordered. We were told we could have to wait up to another four weeks for the copper gutter order. But hopefully, in just a couple more weeks the barge will be able to set sail!
Meanwhile, Alvin and not the chipmunks but Crib and Striker arrived just over a week ago to begin over seven weeks work. They have jack-hammered the huge slabs of concrete that the hurricane surf miraculously moved and have poured a new concrete wall to secure the beacon once again. After the wall of concrete has set they will face it with new stones and then top it with a cap that we will in turn paint turquoise to match the rest.
Municipal Council awards 2017 grants
By Bill Chaplin
This year Leamington Council has awarded 15 organizations just over $170,000 in tax-funded municipal grants, pared down from the over $280,000 that was requested. It is one of the most daunting tasks the seven municipal politicians must face, balancing the need to be careful with tax dollars against the requests of sincere individuals representing the real needs of reputable organizations. What follows is a brief synopsis of what was decided.
Three organizations were lucky enough to access new grants: one to defray the costs of renting space at the Sherk Complex for an annual charity volleyball tournament (that has already raised more than $20,000 over the past 5 years), a small grant to allow the Little Tomato Children’s Theatre to purchase some new microphones, and $20,000 to the Hogs for Hospice event to help defray some of the costs organizing, advertising, and running their very successful charity motorcycle rally.
Since one of the key elements in the municipal plan of tourism promotion is to partner with organizations that can do what the municipality itself cannot, it is little surprise that the most substantial grants went to the arts. The Sun Parlour Players received an $18,000 grant to defray the licencing fees for the productions they stage, the Windsor Symphony Orchestra was granted $6,000 to help defray the cost of bringing symphonic productions to Leamington, the Sun Parlour Folk Music Society again received a $10,000 grant towards the Kingsville Folk Fest, the Leamington Arts Centre received $45,000 towards the maintenance costs of their facility, and the Leamington District Chamber of Commerce received $20,000 towards their costs of running the Big Tomato tourist booth, organizing the Santa Claus Parade, and contributing towards the Canada 150 celebrations planned for July first.
Other organizations the municipality relies on to provide services and amenities to residents also received operating grants. The Leamington and District Half Century Centre received a $24,000 grant
(representing 20% of their operating budget, which is required for any Seniors Centre to qualify for Provincial funding), the Horticultural Society received $4,000 toward the plants they purchase, the Communities in Bloom committee of the Horticultural Society also received $3,500 towards the fixed costs of entering the competition in which they have been so outstandingly successful for the past three years. The Leamington-Mersea Historical Society also received an operating grant of $7,000.
A final three organizations received grants intended to assist their efforts in providing what Municipal Council sees as specialized ‘essential services’ in the community. The Migrant Worker Community Program received $5,000 to continue to contribute toward migrant worker needs, the Salvation Army received $2,500 to help them continue their food bank and fire victim assistance services, and the United Way of WindsorEssex County received a $2,700 grant to help them to continue to operate their educational outreach program to disadvantaged children in the community.
There were some municipal grants that Council felt it had to deny or alter. Southshore Broadcasting was denied its application for a grant. Rather, it will be offered a ‘fee-for-service’ contract for broadcasting Municipal Council meetings.
The South Shore Health Centre — a non-profit facility providing harm reduction and addiction recovery services that would otherwise not be available in Leamington, or only sporadically available — had its one time only grant request denied, but only after a long debate amongst Council members. Essentially, Municipal Council could not see itself providing $35,000 in startup health care funding when that is the clear mandate and obligation of the Provincial government and the local LHINs that it set up.
Many grant requests were reduced from the amount requested, either because Municipal Council couldn’t see itself expanding its financial support or because some of the request related to commitments of the organizations beyond the boundaries of South Essex and Leamington, or the scope of what the municipality is willing to use tax dollars to support.
Who wants to be a millionaire?
(Continued from page 4)
After they are finished there, the main house barbecue needs to be reinforced, and then finally they will start to repair parts of the beach wall. We have all decided that it only makes sense to reconstruct a portion of the wall and let Mother Nature continue to wield her magic at the far end of the beach. At the moment, we have been gifted with a larger beach then we have seen since we arrived three years ago. Watching the surf move the amounts of sand that it does in a matter of just a few days astounds me!
I am very happy that the owners have chosen to work with nature. Our crew has removed many of the casuarina trees that were growing along the beach bank. The most devastating erosion took place where one of these trees stood. The pine needles they drop inhibit any undergrowth and their shallow roots, unlike our maples and oaks back home, don’t help to hold the earth. Instead, almost every one was blown over, pulling the ground along with it. From there the surf took over and wreaked its havoc.
Now that the trees are removed, the crew will rake the pine needles and use them in my gardens to keep the weeds down. We will plant oat grasses and let the sea grapes spread in hopes of keeping further erosion at bay.
All this and more needs to happen prior to our charter arriving the week second week of April.
In a couple of days the owners head back home. It will be a welcome reprieve for a while, but our minds will still be filled with the thoughts that busy times are ahead. We have guests and charters to prepare for. I love it!
On Sunday, Mark and I prepared breakfast for the owners and later on delivered their lunch to the pool area early. We then hurried to our island home, eager to watch our son Cheyne’s ‘Final Frozen’ game online. I work best under these rushed conditions. Mark not so much, especially when there is a hockey game to watch, or better yet play!
Unfortunately the Bulldogs lost, but life goes on and whether one is a millionaire or not, you can lose. I will never give up the opportunity to call a friend, take a fifty-fifty guess or ask an expert’s opinion. The so called expert is usually one of my parents.
Life is good. Who’s fooling whom? I have spoken to and observed the wealthy, the not so wealthy, and the down right poor! With humility, I realize – as I’m certain you also do – that there is always someone who has it harder than you. Like it or not, that is reality.
We have innumerable common factors in our lives. The sun rises and sets every day; the full or not so full moon also rises and sets. If you are lucky there is a comet flying in your skies. Stop. Take a look at what is realistic in your life. Make changes if you need to, be thankful for the positives, and get on with it. The wise ones say, “It is what it is.” I like to think that we have some control over our happy ‘nest.’
in the in the in the in the in the
ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20
This week you may get caught up in family conflicts that you don’t want to deal with right now Yet, if you manage the situation the right way, it’ll blow over more quickly
TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21
Taurus, you could learn some very interesting things about activities that are going on around you Pay attention to those that grab your interest the most
GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21
Gemini, you already are a sensitive person, but the activities of the week may tug at your heartstrings just a little bit more Don’t be shy to express your feelings
CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22
Today you may be receiving mixed messages from others, Cancer You will have to dedicate some time to separating the fact from the fiction from what others are saying
LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23
This week you can have an enjoyable time a ttending social gatherings, Leo You’ll enjoy relaxing in the company of some friends or family members
VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22
The stars are advising you get back into the swing of things, Virgo Forget your past frame of mind and prepare for a whole new adventure that is right around the corner
LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23
Libra, the challenges of the week could be catching up to you Try to plan a day where your only activity is maximizing on relaxation There will be time for responsibilities later
ANSWERS ON PAGE 21
SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22
Scorpio, you are inspired to clarify your personal situation and make some changes in your life
Try a new strategy because the old methods may be inadequate
SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21
The time has arrived to focus on your personal life, Sagittarius
Things have been quite a roller coaster lately, and you can find a way to even out the landscape
CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20
Find a new and creative approach to a routine conflict, Capricorn
You may find that stress is abated with a different perspective to the situation Scorpio can lend a helping hand
AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18
Your relationships will evolve and there will be many changes in your personal life, Aquarius Keep your strong persona lity in check and let others express themselves, too
PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20
You often find yourself attracted to individuals with very strong personalities who also are eccentric, Pisces Try to expand your horizons
FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS
FEBRUARY 12
Mike Posner, Singer (29)
FEBRUARY 13
Robbie Williams, Singer (43)
FEBRUARY 14
Freddie Highmore, Actor (25)
FEBRUARY 15
Jane Seymour, Actress (66)
FEBRUARY 16
Elizabeth Olsen, Actress (28)
FEBRUARY 17
Daphne Oz, TV Show Host (31)
FEBRUARY 18
Molly Ringwald, Actress (49)
UMEI welcomes students to Lightning Live
UMEI Christian High School recently hosted Lightning Live, a day when Grade 7 and Grade 8 students in the area had the opportunity to see what a hands-on Grade 9 UMEI science class looks like. Hydrogen gas was collected from a chemical reaction between an active metal and acid and transferred to the balloons. The students then detonated the balloons over a Bunsen burner flame to witness the explosive power of a synthesis reaction.
“It’s great to see an early interest in science,” commented Mr. John Fittler, who has been teaching science for the past 27 years at UMEI.
Roots of Empathy at M.D. Bennie
By M.D. Bennie student Zahra Al-Ali
Since November of 2016, Margaret D. Bennie’s first grade class has been having three special visitors for their program “Roots of Empathy”.
Every week an instructor visits to Mrs. Morin’s first grade classroom to teach the children about empathy, the ability to understand how others are feeling, or just how they’re feeling themselves. Marla Dault, the volunteer who comes in every Wednesday, brings two special guests, Brittany Bauhaus and the children’s favorite, baby Kane Bauhaus.
Students get to learn, talk, write and draw about feelings. From how Kane is feeling or acting, the students discuss how they think he feels. If it’s his new habit of grabbing his feet or listening to songs sung by the students, they are able to observe what they think is going on in his mind and the feelings he shows.
Mainly, Roots of Empathy allows the students to look into someone’s eyes and, from the person’s point of view, learn how to tell what the person they’re socializing with is feeling.
For approximately three months now the students have been learning about the different feelings their peers or anyone around them can have. It’s just not for others, it is also for themselves.
Miss Marla makes sure to teach the kids to be able to dig deep down inside their hearts to see how they’re feeling. Roots of Empathy will change the way these students think of emotions.
Area grade 7 and 8 students recently attended Lightning Live at UMEI Christian High School.
Pictured, teacher Mr. John Fittler leads a science class for the visiting students. (Submitted photos)
UMEI visiting students Simon Enns (right) and his lab partner Joe Krahn (left) detonate a balloon over a Bunsen burner to see the explosive power of a synthesis reaction.
Baby Kane Bauhaus and his mom Brittany are weekly visitors to Mrs. Morin’s grade 1 class at M.D. Bennie as part of the Roots of Empathy program. The students observe baby Kane and discuss how they think he is feeling based on the way he is acting. (Submitted photo)
OPP and C3P dedicated to internet safety for young people
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) continues to encourage responsible use of online technology to young people and their families. International Safer Internet Day 2017 was February 7 and the theme this year was “Be the Change: Unite for a Better Internet.”
The Canadian Centre for Child Protection (C3P) partners with the OPP Child Sexual Exploitation Unit and the Provincial Strategy to Protect Children from Sexual Abuse and Exploitation on the Internet.
C3P is dedicated to the personal and online safety of all children. They offer a number of programs, services and resources for Canadians to help protect children and reduce their risk of victimization. You may find resources for children at every grade level and for parents on the C3P website www.protectchildren.ca/app/en/
If you or someone you know is being victimized online you can make a report at Cybertip.ca. The Cybertip.ca tipline is owned and operated by the C3P and is Canada’s official tipline for reporting the online sexual exploitation of children.
About the Canadian Centre for Child Protection: The Canadian Centre for Child Protection is a national charity dedicated to the personal safety and protection of children. Our goal is to reduce the sexual abuse and exploitation of children, assist in the location of missing children and to prevent child victimization. The Canadian Centre operates Cybertip. ca – Canada’s national tipline to report child sexual abuse and exploitation on the Internet, as well as other prevention and intervention services to the Canadian public.
Libro Credit Union gives local non-profits a LIFT
Libro Credit Union (Libro) recently announced local recipients of the LIFT program, which ran this past autumn in all 31 of Libro’s branches. LIFT, or Libro-Inspired Financial Teamwork, contributed $25 to a local non-profit organization for each new account opened between July and December 2016.
“Libro is committed to making an impact, locally,” said Lori Atkinson, Libro Regional Manager, Essex-Kent “Giving a ‘lift’ to a non-profit within our community helps grow local prosperity and linking the contributions to new ac-
count openings demonstrated Libro’s commitment to both individual financial success and community success.”
Atkinson and her team presented cheques to eight local organizations for a total community investment of $10,150, $25 for each new account opened within Essex-Kent.
Receiving varying amounts in Essex County were ACCESS County, Community Living Essex County, Essex County 4-H, Essex County Youth Diversion, Plentiful Harvest and South Essex Community Council.
Pictured from left to right, are Luciana Pannunzio, Advice and Service Delivery Coordinator, Libro; Adrienne Giardin, Financial Service Representative, Libro Leamington; Audrey Ferguson, Financial Service Representative, Libro Leamington; Lori Atkinson, Regional Manager, Libro Essex-Kent Region; Mary Jane Nohra, Program Leader, SPARK Literacy & Basic Skills; Carolyn Warkentin, Executive Director, South Essex Community Council; and Mark Wybenga, Department Coordinator, Community Services, South Essex Community Council.
Speaker talks to students on relationship violence
By Pat Bailey
What if?
It’s a question Dawn Novak has asked herself time and again in the past 10 years. A question that really has no definitive answer — a question that Novak hopes no mother of another young woman has to find herself asking time and again.
Instead, Novak would like to educate young people on healthy relationships and the ability to spot the red flags that indicate the relationship is becoming unhealthy or even toxic.
For Novak, an educator for 30 years in the Muskoka area, this has become her passion. A passion that enveloped her following the death of her 20-year-old daughter Natalie — a senseless tragedy at the hands of a boyfriend she was trying to break it off with.
Novak admits prior to her own daughter’s death, she had relatively no knowledge or understanding on the topic of relationship violence. She believed Natalie, a third year student at Ryerson in Toronto, was smitten with a young man who her daughter described as “handsome and so nice”. A few of Natalie’s friends knew otherwise. Those friends had wit-
nessed the obsessive, possessive behavior her boyfriend had displayed. The police had been called on several occasions, but Novak was left in the dark.
That darkness became even darker when she was notified of her daughter’s death — stabbed nine times by her boyfriend in a fit of rage when she tried to end the toxic relationship.
Since May of 2006, Novak has made it her mission to educate young people on the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships. And on Thursday, Feb. 9, Novak took her message to Grade 9 and 10 students at Cardinal Carter Secondary School as part of the Bullying, Relationships, Alcohol and Drugs (B-RAD) program in conjunction with the OPP. She said she made 11 similar presentations at eight area schools, in Kingsville, Essex, Lakeshore and Tecumseh.
The silence in the auditorium was deafening, as a video played — one that featured the short life of Natalie, a life that could have been that of any of those watching. Novak sat off to the side, tears spilling down her cheeks, as the
video played. Novak wasn’t looking for their sympathy though; she was looking to make a difference in their lives. She was looking to educate them on the potential of possessive, abusive behaviors that many fall into when becoming involved in relationships.
“Every young person deserves a happy, healthy relationship,” said Novak. But too many, she said, fall in with boyfriends or girlfriends who display unhealthy attitudes or actions toward their partners.
One in three females is affected by sexual violence, she told the group. In fact, Novak said every six days a woman dies at the hands of her partner.
Males, she said, experience more harassment or possessiveness in their relationships but said it is still alarming nonetheless.
While Novak admits young people really aren’t aware of such behaviors before becoming involved in a relationship, she urged her young audience to put an end to that relationship if certain behaviors surface.
She explained the spectrum that relationships fall
into and how some can evolve from being healthy, to unhealthy, to abusive. Some of these unhealthy signs included controlling and pressuring and can cross the line to isolating their partner and forcing themselves on their partner.
“Over 70 per cent of teens that have experienced abusive behavior in a dating relationship did not confide their abuse to anyone,” said Novak. Whether it be due
to embarrassment, fear or a promise for change, Novak told the students to “tell just one person”.
Novak urged the young people to draw their own line based on their own comfort level and if that line is crossed, break off the relationship.
“Listen to your gut,” she said. “Breaking up, or being broken up with does not mean you’re a loser.”
Novak said the need to blame someone for the break up is not necessary, instead she said, “just move on”.
When it comes to sexual assault, Novak said there are an estimated 460,000 committed each year — and only 10 per cent are reported. She went on to say out
•
of every 1,000 sex assaults committed annually, 33 are reported to police. Of those, 12 charges are laid, six are prosecuted, and three are convicted.
“Ninety-nine per cent of those assailants walk away,” she said. This, she said, allows them to think it’s okay. She told the group to always look out for each other, always be safe and be wary of visible warning signs and inappropriate behaviours. And if you witness these kinds of behaviours amongst friends, Novak urged the group to not stand idly by but to intervene, either through distraction, speaking up or getting help.
“Healthy relationships — you all deserve one,” said Novak, “don’t settle for anything less.”
Dawn Novak addressed Grade 9 and 10 students at Cardinal Carter on the importance of healthy relationships, through the OPP B-RAD program.
Dawn Novak
Local MPP assumes role as critic for Tourism, Culture and Sport
Chatham-Kent Essex
MPP Rick Nicholls has assumed a new role within the Ontario PC Shadow Cabinet as the critic for Tourism, Culture and Sport while staying on as the critic for Corrections.
MPPs are responsible for representing their home ridings, but they also have an important role as critics to hold particular ministries accountable. In addition to his expanded Critic roles, MPP Nicholls will continue his Legislative duties as a Deputy Speaker.
“Provincial figures show that tourism in ChathamKent alone brings in roughly $70 million every year to local businesses, so I am looking forward to push for ways to better promote this region and our great province overall,” Nicholls stated.
As the Tourism, Culture and Sport critic, Nicholls will hold the Wynne Liberals to account as they are set to spend $100 million on Ontario’s celebrations for Canada’s 150th anniversary.
Nicholls will also work to strengthen the relationship with amateur sports
in Ontario.
Nicholls was a longtime sports official in basketball, baseball, softball and hockey. This experience has been helpful in his role as Deputy Speaker in the Legislature.
“ChathamKent-Essex has a rich history of professional and amateur sports. My goal is to promote sports throughout Ontario,” said Nicholls.
Because of the positive impact Nicholls has had in support of corrections and the safety of correctional staff, PC Leader Patrick Brown praised him for his efforts and has chosen to allow Nicholls to continue his fine work on the file.
“With the crisis in corrections escalating, it is not the time to restart with a new critic. I would like to thank Patrick Brown for allowing me to continue to fight on behalf of Ontario’s correctional staff as well as in-
mates,” Nicholls stated.
Nicholls is proud of his work as Community Safety critic, including calling on the government to provide PTSD support to first responders.
“Our first responders do so much for us each and every day,” Nicholls said. “I was proud to stand up and call on the government to provide coverage of posttraumatic stress disorder treatment for first responders.”
LDMH iPad thief caught
It didn’t take long for Leamington residents to identify the thief who walked into the Leamington District Memorial Hospital emergency department lounge and stole three iPads last week.
The suspect walked in on Tuesday, February 7 and made himself a free coffee and then proceeded to steal one iPad. He returned the following evening and stole two more iPads. The iPads are valued at $600 each.
The suspect was caught on video camera. The Leamington OPP was given the video for their investigation. The hospital foundation who paid for the iPads as part of a refurbishing project for the hospital posted the video and message on Facebook on Thursday morning and had many callers who identified the suspect by Thursday afternoon.
A 35-year-old Leamington man was charged.
A Facebook message from the Foundation read:
“We are pleased to announce that the suspected thief who ran off with the iPads from the Leamington District Memorial Hospital waiting lounge has been apprehended. After our posts yesterday we received numerous leads, which then led to the suspect being identified and captured. The status of the iPads is still unknown and there is a good chance we will never see them again. However, a number of generous local organizations have come forward willing to replace them.
We are so thankful to live in a community that comes together in difficult times to support one another. After the theft it would have been easy to become cynical about how something like this could have happened. However, your response and support have been overwhelming and is a reminder how many amazing people we share this community with. Thank you again and, because of your support, you will, once again, be using the important resource our iPads have become in our hospital waiting area very soon.”
Chatham Kent Essex MPP Rick Nicholls
Guidelines for decanting and ageing wine
I get a lot of questions about decanting and ageing wine, so here are a few guidelines...
Decanting is usually reserved for young wines that are “closed”, i.e. release very little aroma or flavour when first tasted and need to “breathe”. You can leave the bottle open on the counter for several hours, but if you don’t have that kind of time, decanting is the option. The simple act of pouring the wine into another vessel exposes the wine to air (letting it breathe) and will help to release more of its precious aromas and flavours.
CARMEN DANNER
Let’s Wine Together
If the wine is really stubborn, you may need to add an aerator, which is essentially a funnel except that the bottom is closed with a number of small openings around the perimeter. As the wine flows through these openings into your glass or serving vessel, it is exposed to many times more air than when pouring straight from the bottle into the decanter. This will result in a much greater experience of the wine’s aromas and flavours.
Another purpose of decanting is to remove sediment from unfiltered or older wines. Not that the sediment in the bottle is harmful; it most certainly is not, most people just don’t like to have sediment in the bottom of their glass when enjoying the wine.
When decanting an older wine, be gentle when pouring it; as wines age, they lose the tannins (remember my previous article?) and the fruit flavours become more pronounced. So when you decant these older wines you don’t want to expose them to too much more air, you just want to transfer them to another serving vessel to free them from the sediment.
Not all grapes are created equal and there are very few white wines that will age in any positive fashion, so reserve ageing for red wines. The lighter the wine, the less well it will age, so wines like Pinot Noir, Baco Noir and Chambourcin are usually best enjoyed when they are young. Heartier and fuller-bodied wines like Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot can be well-suited for ageing.
Aside from that general guideline, the rest of the decision about ageing a wine needs more input from the winery team or the staff at your local wine store. You’ll want to know how old the vines are, as older vines normally produce a heartier fruit, which should improve with age. Ask also whether the wine was aged at the winery for any length of time (the vintage date on the bottle will be a good indicator) and whether that was done in stainless steel or oak. Some local wineries like to age their wines, sometimes for a number of years, before releasing them to the public to enjoy. This shortens the length of time that the wine will continue to age and still be drinkable.
Ultimately, the ageing question is one that only you and your palate can answer. When you find a wine that you really enjoy, pick up a few bottles and revisit the wine after six months or a year, then again in another six months or a year. Keep notes of what you smell and taste each time, and over time you’ll learn which wines you like to age and which aren’t worth your time.
Norovirus is hardy and very contagious
Unrelated to influenza virus
Norovirus is a virus that causes gastroenteritis. It can be commonly referred to as winter vomiting disease or the stomach flu. Using the term stomach flu is misleading in that having norovirus is unrelated to the influenza virus that causes respiratory illness and is generally called the flu. Symptoms of norovirus include sudden onset of vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, low-grade fever and abdominal cramps.
Norovirus is a common virus and affects all age groups of people. However, young children, the elderly and those with underlying medical conditions tend to experience more severe symptoms. It is transmitted by contaminated food and water, person-to-person direct contact, and contact with contaminated surfaces. Most foodborne outbreaks occur when an infected food handler contaminates the food being served. Shellfish harvested from contaminated water can also transmit norovirus.
Norovirus is a hardy virus that can survive on environmental surfaces for several weeks. It can also be spread through small droplets that are generated by vomiting. Symptoms can occur as soon as 12 hours after exposure but the incubation period is usually 24-48 hours. Norovirus infections are typically self-limiting and symptoms usually resolve within 1 to 2 days. There is no specific treatment, but fluid and electrolyte replacement is crucial to prevent dehydration from frequent vomiting and diarrhea.
Norovirus is very contagious as the infective dose to make a person ill is very small. It often spreads quickly in enclosed settings such as schools, nursing homes, daycare centres and cruise ships.
Prevention of norovirus transmission can be challenging; however, adequate hand hygiene is essential for preventing illness. It is especially important to perform hand hygiene prior to eating and preparing food, and after toileting and changing diapers. Safe food
handling including washing fruits and vegetables prior to consumption and cooking shellfish thoroughly can help prevent norovirus. It is also important to clean and disinfect high touch surfaces frequently. Bleach is the recommended product to use on surfaces to eliminate norovirus. The recommended effective strength for the bleach solution is 1 cup bleach to 9 cups water.
Libro proves its commitment to southwestern Ontario by investing locally through the Libro Prosperity Fund. And we're now accepting applications for grants in 2017. If your charitable organization or community group is focused on youth initiatives, economic development or money smarts, the next step is easy.
Former Kingsville fire chief faces additional charges
The Essex County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Major Crime Unit has charged former Kingsville Fire Chief Robert Kissner with five additional charges of sexual assault. Kissner has been summonsed on the new offences which are alleged to have occurred between 2002 and 2016 involving three adult victims.
Kissner wll appear in a Windsor courtroom in March to answer to a total of 15 charges.
BANK THEATRE NOTES
10 ERIE STREET SOUTH P.O. BOX 434
LEAMINGTON, ON N8H 3W5 519-326-8805
DALE'S FRIDAY COFFEE HOUSE
February 24
Doors open @ 6:30 pm
Music starts @ 7:00 pm
Come and enjoy an evening of acoustic music and community This is a free-will event with proceeds being shared with local charities
THE MUSICAL PRODUCTION OF INTO THE WOODS
March 2-5
Doors open @ 7:00 pm
Performance @ 7:30 pm
All is not running smoothly for several of our beloved fair ytale characters Cardinal Music Productions in collaboration with The Bank Theatre are bringing Stephen Sondheim's acclaimed musical production to Leamington. Tickets are $20 and available at Wharram's Jeweller y and Counter Effects, online at brownpapertickets com or by calling our ticket hotline at 519-326-8805 and at the door Adult content and language - Parental Guidance Advised
UPCOMING EVENTS
Dale's Friday Coffee House, March 31, April 28
Lend Me A Tenor, April 6 - 9
Karen Morand & Gina Horswood in Concer t, April 22 Red Dir t Skinners in Concer t, May 5
Essex Region Conservation approves 2017 programs and budget
Essex Region Conservation has approved the 2017 workplan of projects and associated budget. Improving and streamlining customer service, opening the Cypher Systems Group Greenway, rehabilitating a significant Lake Erie coastal wetland at Sturgeon Creek in Leamington, and proposed Water and Erosion Control Infrastructure Projects totaling $1.2 million are just a few of the projects and programs proposed by the Essex Region Conservation Authority for 2017.
The budget totals just over $11 million and includes a levy contribution from member municipalities of approximately $3 million.
“For every dollar contributed through the levy, ERCA is successful in raising $2.66 dollars from other sources,” said Richard Wyma, General Manager. “Projects like the much anticipated Cypher Systems Group Greenway were acquired and developed without any local tax dollars.
A recent review of return on investment identified that for the period of 2007-2016, ERCA received approximately $25 million in levy funding, but in return, provided $35 million in funding from external grant sources for regional environmental improvement projects.
“This is over and above the services we provide to improve the environmental health of our community,” said Wyma.
Following an internal review process and some adjustments to programming, a broad range of projects and programs are included for 2017, including:
• Work with partners to fund the creation of a 70 acre managed wetland cell at Cedar Creek Conservation Area and a new 10-acre experimental wetland at Hillman Marsh.
• Restore at least 125 acres of land, plant 120,000 trees, 20 acres of prairie and collect 2,000 pounds of seed to propagate and replant.
• Continue the comprehensive water quality monitoring program while identifying projects to address phosphorus runoff and resulting harmful algal blooms.
• Work with municipal partners to coordinate a regional Climate Adaptation strategy.
• Coordinate a Western Lake Erie Student Conference to educate students about the challenges facing Lake Erie.
• Create the Oldcastle ‘hub’ to connect ERCA’s greenways to the Herb Gray Parkway Trails, and the trail systems in the Towns of LaSalle and Tecumseh.
• Create comprehensive ‘Place for Life’ policies to operationalize the Strategic Plan.
• Update Tangible Capital Asset Inventory and associated Capital Plan to inform next phase of Sustainability Plan and guide future investment and facility replacement.
• Improve ability to respond to permit applications and improve customer service by adding technical capacity.
These special projects are all in addition to the significant work that Essex Region Conservation undertakes annually, such as habitat protection and restoration, water quality projects and monitoring, flood response, education and recreation to create a future of sustainability and a region that is the Place for Life.
Extended tree program
The Essex Region Conservation Authority is putting the call out to landowners interested in planting trees on their property this spring. These landowners can take part in a suite of programs designed to increase natural area coverage in the region.
“Planting trees on your property not only helps the environment, but can improve property value, reduce heating and cooling costs and improve the aesthetics of your land,” said Rob Davies, ERCA’s forester.
To participate in the program, individuals must own at least one acre of land and purchase a minimum of 100 seedlings or 15 large stock trees. The deadline for ordering trees has been extended to February 28.
“We also have grant programs available to landowners wishing to undertake more significant restoration projects such as reforestation, buffer strips or prairie planting. We encourage qualified landowners to get in touch with us as soon as possible,” Davies said.
To qualify for grants, projects must be on one acre or more and include at least 500 trees. The grant programs may cover up to 90 per cent of the cost of the project.
- Wednesday, Februar y 22 from 9:00
Wednesday, March 29 from 9:00
to 12:00, 6 Mill St W Leamington safeTALK™ is a half-day alertness training session that prepares anyone over the age of 15 regardless of prior experience or training to become a suicide-alert helper Most people with thoughts of suicide don t truly want to die but are struggling with the pain in their lives Through their words and actions they invite help to stay alive safeTALK-trained helpers can recognize these invitations and take action by connecting them with life-saving inter vention resources Register for an upcoming workshop (space is limited) or more information can contact t Renee Daudlin-Iacobelli at 519-322-1443 ext 3100 or rdaudlin@insightadvantage ca ONT PURPLE MARTIN ASSOC WILL HAVE ITS FIRST MEETING of the year on Saturday, Februar y 2 5 , 9 : 0 0 a m ,
Ruthven It's time to start getting ready for the return of the purple martins Come out and see why members are so enraptured by this member of the swallow family For more info call Paul at 519-738-3476
LEAMINGTON BLOOD DONOR CLINIC at Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex, Wednesday, March 1, 1:00 p m - 7:00 p m New Donors and Walk Ins Welcome! To book an appointment, please contact us at 1-888-236-6283 / www blood ca / GiveBlood App
South Shore Health Centre offers WEEKLY FREE RECOVERY PROGRAMS, 15 John St (upstairs), Leamington: Yoga for Recover y on Monday at 5:00 p m with Melodie Queenen; Westover Recover y Support Group on Monday at 6:30 p m ; SMART Recover y on Wednesday at 6:30 p m ; Family & Friends on Thursday at 6:30 p m
VOLUNTEER TUTORS NEEDED Are you a retired teacher or just enjoy working with youth? The On
Track to Success Program is looking for volunteers to support high school students in Leamington with learning Tutoring sessions are Monday to Thursday after school and in the evenings Orientation and training provided For more info contact Liam GIles-Hayes 519-258-0000 ext 1181 or lgileshayes@weareunited com
VOLUNTEERS ARE NEED FOR BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS WINDSOR-ESSEX from the Leamington and Kingsville area If you believe that you can make a difference in a child’s life and can commit to a minimum of one year, for a few hours a week, check out the website and online orientation at www bigbrothersbigsisterswe ca
BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS WINDSOR-ESSEX ARE LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS from the Leamington area to volunteer in a group mentoring setting called O n Tr a c
m September to June Info at www bigbrothersbigsisterswe ca/ or call 519-945-5232 ext 23 to speak with Rose Culmone, Director of Programs
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 ever y 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 Deliver y If you are interested in volunteering during the morning for about 1 hour per week or as a back-up volunteer, please call Noreen or Susan at SECC - 519-326-8629 ext 381 www secc on ca
Individuals can learn all about the tree-planting program and grant opportunities at the upcoming Tree Planting and Care Workshop on Tuesday, February 21 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the Essex Civic Centre, 360 Fairview Ave. W., Essex. Space is limited so pre-registration is required at essextreeworkshop2017. eventbrite.ca
For more information about ERCA’s tree planting and restoration programs, visit www.erca.org/trees or contact Rob Davies at 519776-5209 ext. 310.
1956 Mercury brings back lots of memories
Brian Rousson enjoys reading my column in the Mississauga News. He writes: “In 1964, just a young fellow of 16, I bought my first car, a 1956 Ford from my best friend in Ottawa. It was a 4-door with 3-speed on the floor, 312 cubic inch V8 with a 4-barrel carb, and I was ready to drive.
“As I grew older and changed my cars through the years, I could never forget that ’56 Ford. In remembering the ’56, now married with children, I would tell the family many times over of all the good times I had with it, me and my friends. I told the missus one day that if I ever find another ’56 Ford and could afford it, I would jump at it right way.
“My wife and I were out for a drive in the country one Sunday in Halton Hills, near the Toronto area where we were now living. As we came around a curve and down a hill and with my eyes on the road, my wife said ‘Hey, there’s an old car back there we just passed.’
“Curious as always to see old cars, I turned around and went back to the property where she saw it. Well, sitting on the side lawn was a 2-tone 1956 Mercury 4-door sedan (almost identical to his 1956 Ford). I pulled into the driveway for a closer look.
“An elderly gentleman came out and asked me if I was interested. He said the car had
been sitting in a warehouse for 20-some years and it had belonged to his employer, a long-time friend at the time.
“He then added that he just had a triple bypass and his doctor told him it would be unwise to drive the car again with standard brakes and steering. It was time to let her go, and he hoped it would go to someone who would appreciate the car.
“I bought that ’56 Mercury from that fellow. I got her plated, did some minor work on it, but leaving it all original. And here I am, 50 years later, with my dream car that brought me back to my youth every time I drive her. It’s a 1956 Mercury with 312 V8, 4-barrel Holley, and 48,000 miles on her. The body and undercarriage are in perfect condition, and the original spare tire is still in the trunk.
“Now I find myself in a place of life’s changes where I now have to retire and downsize and let go of many things. This beauty is once again up for sale and I hope it will be picked up by someone who also dreams of owning a 1956 Ford or Mercury.”
I’m always looking for more stories. Email billtsherk@sympatico.ca or write Bill Sherk, 25 John St., P.O. Box 255, Leamington, ON N8H 3W2.
Friday Retirees bowling scores
The following are the high bowling scores for the Friday Retirees Bowling League at Empire Lanes for Feb. 10.
Men Over 180: Jack Valade 201-214, Tys Schaafsma 202-199-213, Jamie Arquette 234-185-183, Bob Sinclair 181, Kurt Wiebe 184, Heinz Kosempel 233-203-210, Armand DeCaluwe 181-187-187, Dave Labonte 185, Gary Alderson 181, Ozzie Wolf 184-203, Ernie Purr 189.
Women Over 150: Peggy Hillman 186, Alta Vanvliet 163, Linda Chiasson 162, Rosemary Heisler 163-171, Theresa DeCaluwe 159, Gail Johnston 175-154, Diane Sinclair 178-159-152.
High Handicap Games: Jamie Arquette 273, Kurt Wiebe 269, Steve Murphy 257, Alta Vanvliet 275, Peggy Hillman 264, Gail Johnston 260.
High Handicap Series: Kurt Wiebe 749, Steve Murphy 742, Tys Schaafsma 740, Jeri Brown 723, Alta Vanvliet 710, Diane Sinclair 705.
Golden Years golf report
On Feb. 9 the Golden Years mini golf league welcomed Margaret Turville who registered an ace on her first day of play. The league also recognizes Bill Taylor’s and Gary Honey’s ace on a very difficult hole #15 as well as Laurie Hylton’s 3 consecutive aces on 10, 11 and 12.
Leading the ace parade with 4 each were Mary Binder, Barbara Fick, Laurie Hylton, and Andy Orsini. Three dropped for Bob Martin and Barb Murphy. Recording 2 each were Jim Allen, Cathy Dewhurst, Tom Dewhurst, Ron Fick, Wanda Hayes, Gary Honey, Lloyd Honey, Tom Hyatt, Tony Hudvagner, Bob Larsen, John Murphy, Colleen Pearse, Moe Scratch, Bill Taylor, Bill Ward, Bryon Walker and Ray Thibert. Rounding out the ace parade with 1 apiece were Kathy Bradley, Pete Daudlin, Jo-Ann Ferguson, Norbert Gisi, Murray Hartford, Eva Kah, Bob McWilliam, Sharon Teskey and Margaret Turville.
Low score over 9 holes went to Andy Orsini with 16, followed by Laurie Hylton and Bill Ward with 17. Notching 18 were Lloyd Honey, Andy Orsini, Tom Hyatt, Cathy Dewhurst, Barb Murphy, Murray Hartford, Bill Ward (2), Bob McWilliam, Marie Lasi, Mary Binder, Mike Binder and Bob Larsen.
Andy Orsini delivered the low score for 18 holes of 35. Bill Ward and Laurie Hylton were close behind with 36. Bill Ward also had a 37, while Andy Orsini, Murray Hartford, Marie Lasi and Mary Binder each carded 38.
No surprise that Andy Orsini and Bill Ward shared the low score of 73 for 36 holes. First place with 235 was captured by Team 4 (Andy Orsini, Tom Hyatt, Lloyd Honey). Second place went to Team 9 with 236 (Rose Taylor, Bill Ward, Laurie Hylton). Third and final spot with 245 was nailed down by Team Queens (Norbert Gisi, Mary Binder, Mike Binder).
Play continues every Thursday, 9:30 a.m., at Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens.
Brian Rousson with his dream car now looking for another new home.
OBITUARY
Lyle Chalmers
Lyle Wilfred Chalmers passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 11, 2017 at the age of 96 years.
Beloved husband for 71 years of Mavis. Dear father of Barry Chalmers and the late Barbara Simpson (December 10, 2016).
Loving grandfather of Lyle (Lisa), Greg (Nicole), Lee (Tammy), Kevin (Denise) and Chris, 19 great-grandchildren and 10 great-great-grandchildren. Lyle will be missed by many nieces and nephews.
Lyle was a veteran of World War II, and retired from H.J. Heinz after 32 years. He was an avid golfer as a member of Erie Shores Golf Club. Lyle enjoyed life to the fullest.
Following Lyle’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a celebration of his life will be held at a later date. Memorial donations made to the Canadian Cancer Society or Veterans charities would be appreciated.
Arrangements entrusted to the Reid Funeral Home, 14 Russell Street, Leamington (519-326-2631).
You may share a memory or make a donation online at www.reidfuneralhome.ca
OBITUARY
Donald Leroy Chambers, 78 years, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on Friday, February 10, 2017 at Leamington District Memorial Hospital.
OBITUARY
Glenn Gresham
Glenn Gresham, 85 years, passed away suddenly on Sunday, February 12, 2017.
Giuseppe “Joe” Marcovecchio
Beloved husband of Eleanor (Chamney). Dear father of Hillary Parent (Richard), Martin Fox, Thomas Fox (Doris), Margaret Ann Fox and Marilyn Fox. Loving grandfather of Zachary and Sydney, Casey (Tara), Kyle, Jocelyne, Alyshia (Matt), Justin, Jessica (Cory), Katie (Danny), Liam, Danielle (Tim), Kristen (Joe), and great-grandfather of Thomas, Michael and Logan. Predeceased by two brothers, Bert and Doug. Many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends also survive.
At Glenn’s request, cremation has taken place.
Visiting is at the Reid Funeral Home & Reception Centre, 14 Russell Street, Leamington, on Wednesday from 7-9 p.m.
Memorial Service to celebrate Glenn’s life held from the funeral home on Thursday, February 16, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. Rev. Jack Glover officiating.
Memorial donations may be made by cheque to the Scottish Rite Learning Centre, Windsor.
Friends may send condolences or make a charitable contribution at www.reidfuneralhome
OBITUARY
Dorothy Latam
Beloved son of the late Edison (Ed) and Dorothy Chambers. Loving brother of Russel and his wife Judy, Nancy Smith and husband Ron. Cherished uncle to Becky (Julian), Michael (Ousha), Tye (Taunya), Lisa (Todd) and Jason. Don will always be remembered by his great-nieces and greatnephews.
Visitation was held at the Reid Funeral Home & Reception Centre, 14 Russell Street, Leamington (519326-2631) on Monday, February 13, 2017 from 10 a.m. until time of funeral service celebrating Don’s life at 11 a.m. Interment at Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery followed.
As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations made by cheque to the Sunparlor Pregnancy Resource Centre would be appreciated.
Family and friends are invited to share their words of comfort and remembrance at www.reidfuneralhome.ca
Wheatley Legion news
By
Jan Watson
Competition was keen at Fun Darts on February 3 at Wheatley Legion. Rosemary Duquette, Arnold Seili and Larry Evoy led the 14 players with 5 wins. The other 3 teams tied with 3 wins each – Carol Balestrieri, Julie Reid and Tracey Bruner – Bonnie Evoy, Gord Crook and Garry
Dorothy May Latam, 85 years, passed away peacefully and surrounded by her family on Saturday, February 11, 2017 at Erie Shores Hospice. Beloved wife of the late Bruce N. (2011). Dear mother of Brenda and Albert Fazekas, Rick and Ingrid Latam. Loving grandmother of Christopher Fazekas, Allison Fazekas and fiancé Scott Blain, Justin and Heather Latam, Travis Latam and Jessica Klassen, and great-grandmother of Landyn, Isabella, Jordan, Jamie, Joelly, Joon and Heath. Dear sister of Shirley Merchant (the late Dave), Ilene Brandner (Walter), Janet Toews (John), Barbara Greene (Chuck), Orvil Wilcox (Bobbi), Cassie Adams (Joe). Predeceased by two sisters, Jean Howe (the late Jack) and Fernetta Neumann (Jack). Many nieces and nephews also survive.
Visiting at the Reid Funeral Home & Reception Centre, 14 Russell Street, Leamington on Wednesday from 2-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m.
Funeral Service to celebrate Dorothy’s life held from the funeral home on Thursday, February 16, 2017 at 11 a.m. Rev. Liz Chaplin officiating. Interment Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery.
Dorothy’s family wishes to extend their sincere thanks to everyone at Erie Shores Hospice for the compassionate care they provided. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made by cheque to Erie Shores Hospice.
Friends may send condolences or make a charitable contribution at www.reidfuneralhome.ca
Hope – Debbie Seili, Steve Acott and Jim McClellan. Rosemary was the only lady doubler. Way to play, Rosemary! Join the Fun Darts players on Friday evenings. Play starts at 7:30 p.m.
There is a sign-up sheet on the sports bulletin board for the Mixed Darts Tournament being held in Essex on March 11. Teams must be 2 men/2 women and the Doubles must be one man/one woman. Get your team together and sign up no later than February 25.
Carol Balestrieri won 3 times at the Meat Draws that were run by Gerry Soulliere on February 4. Earl Dunmore won twice and the other winners were Norma Dunmore, Mary Robinson, Dick Whittle, Kim McNeely, Brian Collins and Gerry Soulliere. Julie Reid won the 50/50 draw.
The Meat Draws are held every Saturday from 3:30 p.m. until 5 p.m.
Mike Elliott is organizing a Dart/Golf Dart Tournament to be held on February 25 starting at 1 p.m. upstairs at Wheatley Legion. A maximum of 32 players can enter this fun
Giuseppe “Joe” Marcovecchio, 93 years, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 11, 2017. Beloved husband of the late Mary (1999) and the late Ada (2012). Dear father of Gabriella Gulliver (Rene). Loving grandfather of Jeremy and Angela Gulliver, Matthew Gulliver, and great-grandfather of Lucas. Dear brother of Mario (Emilia), Mary Paglione (Vic) and Vic (Dina). Predeceased by two brothers, Pasquale (the late Ida) and Guido (Maria). Special brother-in-law of the late Gino DiMenna (the late Josephine), the late Nick Appugliese (Bianca), the late Michael Appugliese (Elena), the late Antonio Dimenna (the late Antonietta). Many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends also survive.
Joe was a founding member of the Leamington Roma Club, former manager of the Leamington Columbus Club, and a longtime member of Knights of Columbus Council #4501 Leamington.
Visiting was at the Reid Funeral Home & Reception Centre, 14 Russell Street, Leamington (519-326-2631) on Monday from 2-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m.
Mass of the Resurrection at St. Michael’s Church, 21 Elliott Street, Leamington on Tuesday, February 14, 2017 at 10 a.m. Entombment Erie Memorial Gardens. Memorial donations may be made by cheque to the Leamington Hospital Foundation or St. Michael’s Church Building Fund.
Friends may send condolences or make a charitable contribution at www.reidfuneralhome.ca.
OBITUARY
Thomas Mosey
Thomas Mosey passed away peacefully at his home in Comber on February 8, 2017.
Beloved husband of Joan (nee Manchester) for 58 years. Dear father of Tom (Penny) Mosey, Dawn Mosey (Dennis Larsh). Loving grandfather of Sabrina Mosey (Mike Cousineau) and greatgrandpa of Isabelle Cousineau. Dear son of the late Archie and Orpha Mosey. Dear brother of Lyle (Frances) Mosey, Muriel (late Morley) Latimer, late Francis (late Joyce) Mosey, Betty (late Grant) Kimball. Dear son-in-law of the late Gordon and Dorothy Manchester, and brother-in-law of Judy and Syd Platsko. Will be missed by many nieces, nephews and extended family.
Tom was the proud owner of Mosey Farm Equipment for many years. He was very active in his community of Comber, being involved in the Comber Agricultural Society, Chamber of Commerce, Countryside Open, the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 241, etc.
Tom’s main passion was the Comber Fire Department, joining in 1966 to be promoted to Fire Chief in 1981 until his retirement in 1999. A special thank you to the members of the Comber Fire Department for their continuous support of Tom over the many years.
In keeping with Tom’s wishes, a private family service has taken place.
A Celebration of Tom’s life will be held in Comber at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations made to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 241, 6420 Main Street, Comber, ON, N0P 1J0 would be appreciated.
Reid Funeral Home, 14 Russell Street, Leamington (519-326-2631) entrusted with arrangements. You may share a memory or make a donation online at www.reidfuneralhome.ca
tournament. Sign up as an individual but play on teams of 2 which will be drawn for every round. Everyone is guaranteed 7 games and the top 4 players will play in the finals. For more information call Mike at 519-919-4083.
The annual Chili Cook-Off will also be held on February 25. If you plan to enter a pot of chili please sign up on the bulletin board.
Donald Chambers
Math at M.D. Bennie
By M.D.B. student Krystal Robinson
The students at M.D. Bennie Public School recently learned new things in math. The Grade 7s in Mrs. Trudell’s Grade 7/8 class learned about similar and congruent shapes. The Grade 2 and 3 students learned about adding and subtracting. Many Bennie students are eager to learn new units in math. Morgan Reiter in Mrs. Morin’s Grade 1 class said, “Math makes me happy!” In JK/SK the kindergarten friends are always excited for something new in math! Mrs. Johnston’s Grade 1/2 enjoyed counting money. At M.D. Bennie the Bulldogs are always happy to learn new things in math! (Submitted photo)
OBITUARY
Charlie Shires
Charlie Shires, 85 years, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on Sunday, February 12, 2017.
Kindness Cupboard at Farmers Market
The Leamington Farmers Market and Leamington Agricultural Society have started a Kindness Cupboard to help make sure no one in the community goes without. Donations are due to the kindness of giving patrons who leave something for the cupboard on a regular basis. The Farmers Market is open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. If you are in need, the Kindness Cupboard is chock-full of food items. No questions asked, and volunteers will be happy to assist you with packing up your items.
(Submitted photo)
Beloved husband of Yvonne. Dear father of the late Mikal and Albert Girard, Edward Bachmeier, Rebecca and Rolfe Wolf, Roger and Margaret Shires, Donovan Shires, Darren and Mary Ann Bachmeier. Loving grandfather of many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Predeceased by his mother Mary Gale, step-father Donovan Gale, sister Dorothy Postich and brother William Shires. Will be missed by many nieces and nephews.
Charlie retired from H.J. Heinz after 37 years. He was a founding member of Erie Ramblers Motorcycle Club. The family thanks the staff of Leamington District Memorial Hospital, Windsor Regional Cancer Centre, St. Elizabeth Nurse Joy, Dr. Simpson and Dr. Shen for the care and compassion given to Charlie and the family.
Following Charlie’s wishes, his body has been donated to the University of Western Ontario for medical research.
The family will hold a private celebration of his life. Memorial donations can be made to the Leamington District Memorial Hospital Foundation. Reid Funeral Home, 14 Russell Street, Leamington (519-326-2631) entrusted with arrangements.
You may leave a condolence or make a donation at www.reidfuneralhome.ca
KIDS (DC4K)
A DivorceCare for Kids (DC4K) group is a safe, fun place where your children can learn skills to help them process the divorce and move forward. A Registered Social Worker (M.S.W.) will be working with the kids ages 5-12. Both Seminar/Support Groups and DC4K Begins: Monday, February 27 at 7:00 pm
213 chale@lsachurch.net
To
the
residents of Essex County:
We would like to thank you for the continuous support over the last 8 months in our fight for fairness, respect and good jobs
We have missed you and look forward to serving you again soon.
See you at the library!
- Essex County Library Warriors
NHL All Star helmet designed in Leamington
By Bryan Jessop
From Mustangs to masks, Mark DiMilo knows what’s involved in a good paint job.
The Leamington resident both created and painted the design on one of the eight goaltender masks used for the 2017 National Hockey League Coors Light All-Star Skills Competition held Saturday, Jan. 28 and the Honda All-Star Game the following day. After the customized helmet was presented in the dressing room at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles prior to the Skills Competition, it was chosen by Boston Bruins goaltender Tuukka Rask. Rask, selected along with Montreal Canadiens goalie Carey Price as netminders for the Atlantic Division team, was the Skills Competition’s top performer in the shootout.
“I’m a Habs fan, but it was still really cool to come up with something that was worn by Rask.”
— Mark DiMilo
Wearing DiMilo’s design, he was the only of four goaltenders in the final skills event to stop every shot he faced, allowing Team Atlantic to defeat Team Pacific in the final. In the tournament, Rask’s Atlantic team lost to Team Metro — who went on to win the championship — in the semis.
DiMilo, who founded DiMilo Auto Body on Oak Street West in 2003, was given a plain white helmet to design and paint for the NHL’s annual two-day series of competitions. He came up with the paintwork on behalf of Windsor/ Detroit-based iSee Sports, founded by Chris Stramacchia — also originally from Leamington. The helmet featured a built-in wireless camera near the top on the front of the helmet engineered by iSee Sports, with hardware wired into the section that rests on the back of the goalie’s head. The same company founded the Refcam, used in last year’s NHL All-Star weekend in Nashville, the 2016 CHL Memorial Cup tournament in Red Deer, AB, the 2016 NHL Heritage Classic in Winnipeg, Man., the 2017 Centennial Classic in Toronto and the 2017 Winter Classic in St. Louis.
DiMilo invested about 30 hours of his time into priming, prepping, painting and thinking of ideas. He decided to create a Los Angeles theme, primarily using the black and silver colours of the hosting L.A. Kings.
“It would have been nice to know exactly who was going to wear it. I could have personalized it more,” DiMilo noted. “I’m a Habs (Montreal Canadiens) fan, but it was still really cool to come up with something that was worn by Rask. It was even shown right before Hockey Night In Canada that weekend. We got a real kick out of that.”
were added to ensure a smooth surface. To apply paint, an automotive primer spray gun was used. A regular auto paint gun couldn’t be used, as the paint for the helmet would have been too thick to avoid clogging the sprayer.
DiMilo spent time in his shop after hours painting the helmet, starting with silver metal flake base coat that he mixed himself. After adding another three coats of silver, he spent another few hours masking the helmet to add black paint — which took another three to four hours. After allowing it to dry and sanding the surface, 15 layers of clear coat
(Continued on page 18)
DiMilo Auto Body owner Mark DiMilo reveals the goalie helmet he painted for Boston Bruins netminder Tuukka Rask for the 2017 NHL All Star and Skills Competition weekend. Rask wore the custom painted helmet for both the divisional tournamentstyle games and the Skills Competition, where he emerged as the top goalie in the Shootout Competition.
Boston Bruins goalie Tuukka Rask dons a helmet designed and painted by Leamington’s Mark DiMilo for the 2017 NHL All Star Weekend and Skills Competition in Los Angeles.
Another tough loss for the Wings
BRYAN JESSOP
Jessop’s
Journal
If you so much as glance through this column on even an irregular basis, there’s a good chance you’ll be familiar with my favourite sports movie of all time — Slap Shot.
There have been countless scenes my father and I have recited at the dinner table, both prior to my flight from the proverbial nest and on presentday Thursday evenings before I head out to cover Flyers games. One of my dad’s favourites is Reggie Dunlop’s effort to get Denis Lemieux to coerce “The Old Man” into revealing the identity of the Charlestown Chiefs’ owner. Dunlop meets up with Lemieux in “The Old War Memorial” after the goalie — heavy French Canadian accent and all — tries to glean this crucial information.
“Well, did you ask him?” the anxious Dunlop inquires.
“Yeah, I ask ‘im ‘who own da Chiefs’?” Lemieux replies (I’m paraphrasing a bit here).
“Well, what did he say?”
“OOOWNS, OOOWNS!”
Dunlop of course wants to find the struggling team’s owner to convince him (her, actually) to sell the team rather than just fold it and cut his (her) losses. As it turns out, the mission is a failure, as said owner plans to act on the advice of her accountants and allow the FHL franchise to simply cease operations.
Slap Shot has been a big hit (no pun intended) with real professional team athletes since its release in 1977. The reason being is its accurate portrayal of life on the road for the players. Sadly, the priorities of pro (or semi-pro) team ownership is also very accurately interpreted. For many, the business aspect is the ONLY aspect. They don’t actually care about the team itself or whether or not it can compete. And the fans? Nothing but wallets hovering through the turnstiles. Leafs fans who remember the Harold Ballard years or Oilers fans recalling the later Peter Pocklington years will know what I’m talking about.
Once in a very rare while, an owner will come along who’s actually passionate about the team or teams he owns.
These nearly unheard of individuals will — believe it or not — lose a few bucks in the process of turning their teams into contenders… or at least while TRYING to turn their teams into legitimate threats in the standings and/or playoffs. Some, sighted only slightly more frequently than unicorns, dragons and The Tooth Fairy, actually have habits of investing in their teams’ host cities, making real-life efforts to revive cities that have seen better economic times.
One of these owners is Terry Pegula, owner of the NHL’s Buffalo Sabres and NFL’s Buffalo Bills. To purchase the latter in 2014, his bidding competitors included the likes of Jon Bon Jovi and Donald Trump. Pugula’s first order of business was to put an end to playing the occasional game in Toronto, for which I can’t say I blame him. The Bills received a lukewarm reception in the Centre of the Universe — not an acceptable response when your team only has eight home games per season. Hey, at least he hasn’t entertained building a wall between the two nations or blowing up the bridge to Fort Erie.
Perhaps one of the most admirable professional sports team owners of all time was Mike Ilitch. Owner of both the Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Tigers, Ilitch was also known as a billionaire willing to ‘share the wealth’ with the city that meant so much to him. Ilitch, unlike the scores of short-sighted, dim-witted franchisees who shouldn’t own their own shoes let along businesses or sports teams, knew what it meant to thrive. He transformed the Dead Things from the Maple Leafs’ only hope of snatching the last playoff spot in the Norris Division into four-time Stanley Cup champions in a time frame spanning 1997 to 2008.
Ilitch knew that there was more to building a winner than throwing piles of money at some of the league’s best players. He knew that the road to success started behind the scenes with management, coaches, scouts, directors, promoters and the like. He also knew better than to threaten relocation in the event that the city refused to finance his toys with thinly-guised subsidization (unlike certain clowns in Florida, Arizona, California, etc.). Nope, Ilitch actually supported the community that hosted his teams rather than bleeding it dry like some sort of parasite.
Sadly, Ilitch never lived to see the Tigers win a World
NHL All Star helmet designed in Leamington
(Continued from page 17)
DiMilo’s business is made up primarily of body and paintwork applied to cars and trucks, but customized goalie masks are not unchartered territory. The local shop owner also painted the mask of his goaltending son Nicholas, now playing in the Select Sevens group in his fourth year of Southpoint Minor Hockey. The helmet is painted red, white and blue with a Southpoint Capitals theme. DiMilo helps out with Nicholas’s team as well as the tyke team of his younger son Nathan, playing his first year of organized hockey. The local hockey dad also painted his own goalie mask used when he plays in the Thursday night men’s floor hockey league at Leamington District Secondary School. DiMilo, now 42, also tended net during his own days in Leamington minor hockey.
“Whenever we’re home on a Saturday night, we’re watching a hockey game together,” he said of himself, Nicholas and Nathan.
Rask’s helmet from the All-Star weekend was shipped back to DiMilo on Friday, Feb. 3, after which point he brought it to a Sunday goaltending clinic attended by Nicholas. There, it was shown to other participating netminders, many of whom had their photos taken with the unique conversation piece before it was returned to iSee Sports.
DiMilo also painted his own 1968 Dodge Charger — minus the skull theme applied to the stripes — in 2009. The car, which has appeared in the Leamington Christmas Parade and G Man Charity Car Show for the Erie Shores Hospice, was featured in Canadian Hot Rods magazine in 2011. DiMilo Auto Body sponsored the charity car show on multiple occasions and provides paintwork to the heavily modified Chevrolet Nova of Leamington drag racer Tony Youssef.
MICHAEL BOLTON
GRAMMY AWARD WINNER
Saturday, March 4
IRISH ROVERS
Friday, March 17
CHEAP TRICK
Friday, March 24
KENNY G Friday, April 7
NETFLIX PRESENTS:
SANDY WEXLER’S HERE COMES THE FUNNY TOUR
LIVE PERFORMANCES BY:
ADAM SANDLER
NICK SWARDSON ROB SCHNEIDER
Friday, April 14
Tickets on sale February 17!
JACKSON BROWNE AND SARA & SEAN WATKINS (PRETTY MUCH) ACOUSTIC
Thursday, April 20
Series under his ownership, although the team has made a few notable playoff runs in those years.
RASCAL FLATTS
RHYTHM & ROOTS TOUR Friday, April 21
BILL ENGVALL Friday, May 5
DANCE TO THE MOVIES STARRING DANCING WITH THE STARS PROS, SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE AND AMERICAN IDOL FINALISTS! OPEN TO ALL AGES Friday, May 12
Tickets on sale February 17!
AUSTRALIA'S THUNDER FROM DOWN UNDER Friday, May 26
Tickets on sale February 17!
JOURNEY
Thursday, June 22
TONY ORLANDO
Some of the experts in professional sports predict that the Ilitch family will retain ownership of the Red Wings and sell the Tigers. I have no idea how likely that those will be their respective decisions on the two teams, but I kind of hope they al-
The auto body and paint shop is operated by DiMilo and three employees, who are currently working on custom restorations including a 1947 Studebaker pick-up truck, 1968 Camaro convertible, 1968 Dodge Charger and a 1968 Fiat 500. “We do a little bit of everything,” DiMilo explained. “People have brought furniture, dining room tables, pianos, you name it. It’s not a typical body shop that just does collision work. If someone brings in an old beer fridge, we’ll take care of it.”
low Mike’s legacy to live on by holding onto both. The Tigers haven’t been ultra-successful since 1984, but they’ve at least been competitive in the Ilitich years and don’t play the role of perennial doormat like so many other teams in so many leagues.
Ownership can easily make or break a team in any sport at any level. Locally, we’ve been lucky enough to have
good ownership groups in both the Junior B Leamington Flyers and Junior C Wheatley Sharks. For this past regular season, the Sharks were ranked 11th among the 63 PJHL teams in home-ice attendance. Most of those host towns are larger than Wheatley. In the GOJHL, the Leamington Flyers are ranked fourth in attendance among 27 teams. Again, success at this level has been a matter of finding the right people to run things behind the scenes. Many junior hockey team owners purchase their respective teams for no other reason than to ensure their sons get ample playing time regardless of whether or not they’re first- or second-line calibre. The Sharks and Flyers are not represented by such ownership. They’re more Ilitch- or Pegula-like than Viola- or Leblanc-like. Thank goodness.
Lions advance to semis in girls hockey
By Bryan Jessop
For the second time in the past three years, rivals Leamington District Secondary School and Cardinal Carter Catholic Secondary School have met in the first round of WECSSAA girls hockey playoffs.
Also for the second time in the past three years, the Lions came out on top in an evenly matched, back and forth game.
The Lions emerged from the Monday, Feb. 13 match as 2-0 winners over their rivals, who spent the regular season in Tier I and Tier II divisions, respectively. Leamington team captain Shannon Fehr opened the scoring 32 seconds after the opening faceoff, beating Cougars’ goalie Alyee Church with the first shot of the game during a rush at the Cardinal Carter net. The game-winning tally was unassisted.
Both teams generated several chances to score from there, but sturdy efforts from Church and a split performance by Cassidy DeGroote and then Natalie Edmondson starting with about three minutes left in the second for Leamington contributed to a low-scoring contest. Precisely four-and-a-half minutes into the second, Fehr finished the scoring with the insurance goal, assisted by Morgan Brown.
Cougar skaters maneuvered their way through LDSS defenders on a few occasions for mostly unobstructed shots on goal, but couldn’t solve either of the Leamington goaltenders. The game featured a full 42 minutes of play
Intermediate girls defeat Wildcats
The Southpoint Sunbrite Intermediate Stars travelled to Tecumseh Friday night to tangle with the Windsor Wildcats. The Wildcats scored the first goal of the game; however, the Lady Stars came alive and scored five unanswered goals en route to a big 5-1 win.
Kim Goyeau powered the Stars offensive attack as she netted a hattrick with single goals scored by Abby Gualtieri and Kayla Collison. Scoring the assists were Sydney Dries (2), Lea Marshall, Rayvenne Sarkis and Kayla Collison. Sam “Shut Down” Hartleib played brilliantly in net for the Sunbrite Stars.
The Stars hit the road again on Saturday night to their usual gig at the Vollmer for a big game against the LaSalle Sabre Cats. Kim Goyeau again provided the offence in this close hard-fought battle as she scored two big goals, with single goals scored by Abby Gualtieri and Kayla Collison. The assists in this game came off of the stick of Krista Marshall (2), Rayvenne Sarkis, Sydney Dries, Lea Marshall, Angelica Ouellette and Abby Gualtieri. The Stars won this game by a final score of 4-3. Stars goalie Caitlin Preston made several key saves throughout this game as the Sabre Cats showed strength in their offensive abilities.
on the Highbury Canco Arena surface with no curfew limitations in place.
“It was a nailbiter for sure,” said LDSS head coach and former player Kim Goyeau. “Except for the first goal, it was a really aggressive game between these two teams. I asked our players for 110 per cent and they gave me 150 per cent. They played a wonderful game.”
Having played local league hockey alongside some of the players on the Cougars roster, Goyeau expected a close game against Leamington’s rivals.
“It’s always fun to play against them,” she noted.
“It really went back and forth today,” said Cougars’ coach Chris Church. “It wound up being Shannon Fehr 2, Cardinal Carter 0. She’s a great player and a fast skater. It came down to the fact that they capitalized on some of their opportunities and we didn’t. If this was a three-game series, it could be a different story.”
“Struggling to score has been our Achilles Heel since Christmas,” added co-coach Chris Lapain. “We’ve had lots of chances, but we just can’t seem to score.”
The Cougars will lose Alyee Church, Kayla Collison and Kiera Murracas to graduation before next season, but the remainder of their roster is eligible to return for 2017-18.
The Lions will face the General Amherst Bulldogs in the best-of-three semifinals. Game 1 has been scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 16 at 4 p.m. at Unico Arena. The teams will play Game 2 at Unico Arena Wednesday, Feb. 22 starting at 3:30 p.m.
The Southpoint Highbury Canco Intermediate Stars played the Kent County Fillies in their second playoff matchup.
Southpoint dominated the game but the Fillies opened the scoring in the second. Kelsey Babkirk responded 14 seconds later on an unassisted goal. Jada Schiefer was the next to score again unassisted. Jada drove to the net, shot, and Chase Cabral was there to put in the rebound. The fourth goal occurred when Connie Wiebe picked up a loose puck inside the Fillie blueline. She cut in front of the net and fired the puck just above the goalies glove.
The final Southpoint goal came in the third when Kelsey Babkirk shot hard and high just above the blocker. The Stars girls earned a nice 5-1 win.
The second game for Highbury was Sunday against Lakeshore Blue. As in the first game, there was no score in the first period.
Late in the second, Kathryn Ciacelli passed the puck back to Connie Wiebe. Connie took a hard high slap shot that hit the goalie. The puck dropped to the ice and Chase Cabral put it in the net.
Lakeshore scored early in the third, but Southpoint regained the lead when Joline
Driedger passed the puck to Connie Wiebe. Connie again took a good shot and Tatum Davison put in the rebound.
Lakeshore tied it up again midway through the third.
Chase scored the final goal when she took the puck behind the net and fired it off the back of the Lakeshore goalie.
Southpoint won the game 3-2.
Paige Thompson of the Cougars and Emily Hyatt of the Lions battle for the puck in the corner to the right of the Leamington net during the first period of a WECSSAA 1A-2A girls hockey quarterfinal match up at Highbury Canco Arena Monday, Feb. 13. The Lions earned a 2-0 win and advanced to the best-ofthree semifinals against the General Amherst Bulldogs.
Lions advance to quarterfinal in boys hockey
By Bryan Jessop
It wasn’t easy, but the Leamington Lions have earned a spot in the Final 8 of WECSSAA 2A boys hockey playoffs against their closest geographical rival.
The Cullen Conference’s eighth-place Lions and ninth-place Brennan Cardinals went head to head in a preliminary ‘play-in’ playoff game Monday, Feb. 13 at Unico Arena for the right to play in the WECSSAA 2A quarterfinals. By winning 3-2, Leamington will take on the top-ranked Kingsville Cavaliers Wednesday, Feb. 15 in Kingsville, starting at 3 p.m.
The single-game play-in against Brennan bore no resemblance to the 5-0 LDSS victory against the same team played in early December. The winless Cardinals threatened an upset victory with two single-goal leads against the Lions, but couldn’t hold off the patient yet persistent attack of Leamington’s forwards.
“Our guys were shocked to see them come out that strong,” said LDSS co-coach Butch Rickeard. “We just had to settle down and play our game. They’ve (Brennan) really improved over the season.”
Austin Rajsigl of the Cardinals opened the scoring a minute and 48 seconds after the opening faceoff, beating Matt Ciliska in the Leamington net for the 1-0 lead. About sevenand-a-half minutes later, Mason Gow replied with a game-tying goal by beating new Brennan netminder Eric Pillon. Gow was assisted by Owen Scratch and Dawson Iles.
Penalty trouble caught up to the Lions early in the second, when Blake Brown beat Ciliska with a low snap shot during a Cardinals power play. The Lions continued to play an aggressive, physical game and at one point were forced to kill off a five-on-three disadvantage that ran a minute and 18 seconds. The hosts again tied the score about midway through the third when Brett Enns sent another equalizer past Pillon after being set up by Gow and Ryan Wall.
The two teams played just over five minutes deadlocked at 2-2 before Jeron Kir situated himself to the right of the Brennan net and fired a high wrist shot into the left side of the mesh. Brayden Zuidema was credited with the only assist. With no curfew clock to save the day, the Lions’ goaltending and defense stepped up to deny Brennan a chance to force overtime.
“We battled hard in the third,” explained Kir. “We came out slow in the first, but we had a good talk between periods and then came up with some shots on net. For the last
Church Directory
United Pentecostal Church 312 Erie St. St., Leamington 519-326-7056
Sunday Worship Services 11 am PRESBYTERIAN
Knox Presbyterian Church 58 Erie St. S., Leamington 519-326-4541 www.pccweb.ca/knoxleamnington/ Sunday Worship Services 10:30 am
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
PENTECOSTAL
Olinda-Ruthven United Church 1907 Queen Blvd., Ruthven ON 519-326-3138 Sunday Services at 9:30
Blake Brown of the Cardinals tries to stop Leamington’s Jeron Kir from firing a shot at the Brennan net during a WECSSAA 2A boys hockey preliminary playoff game at Unico Arena Monday, Feb. 13. The Lions won 3-2 to earn a spot in the quarterfinal game against the Kingsville Cavaliers Wednesday, Feb. 15. The game will be played in Kingsville starting at 3 p.m.
goal, I give him (Pillon) a little head fake and then saw the top right open, so that’s what I aimed for.”
Leamington lost its regular season tilt against the Cavaliers 5-2 on December 19. Despite Kingsville’s regular season record comparison of seven wins, two losses and three ties to Leamington’s two wins, eight losses and two ties, the Lions coaches are confident their team is capable of winning the single-game quarterfinal and advancing to the semis.
“Our regular season game against Kingsville was one of our weaker games,” said Tony Nurse. “They’ll see a better team on Wednesday.”
Novice Select 7s post a win and a tie
Southpoint Novice Select 7s had a great weekend with some strong performances from all of their players. They came out with a 4-3 win in LaSalle against the Sabres on Friday night and a 2-2 tie in Wheatley against the Kent Cobras Saturday afternoon.
In Friday night’s game, Ryder Grossi opened the scoring just two minutes into the first period with the lone assist coming from Matthew Mastromatteo. It was a great way to get the team’s confidence going early. The Sabres scored early in the second, one goal under a minute in and the other just two minutes after to take the lead. Finally, with two minutes left in the
period, Eli Driedger got the tying goal to make it 2-2 with a great pass from Jaxon Riediger for the assist.
The third period started off quick with Jaxon Riediger scoring in under a minute on a great rush from the point with an assist from Massimo Ingratta. Halfway through the period the Sabres came back to tie the game 3-3.
The game was a nail biter with the two teams battling hard and trying not to make that critical game-changing mistake. That mistake came from the Sabres, and it was the Capitals who worked hard on the forecheck and it was Eli Driedger who capitalized on a shot from behind the net that found its
way into the net with an assist by Matthew Mastromatteo.
As the minutes ticked down the kids congratulated goalies Landon Ford and Nicholas Dimilo for their strong game between the pipes.
In the Select 7s second game in Wheatley on Saturday afternoon the Capitals came out with a strong tie. With most of the kids already playing their house league game in the morning and some coming directly from the arena, the coaches didn’t know what to expect, but these kids wanted to play and were determined to play their hardest. Down Ryder Grossi from sickness, they wanted to keep with their winning ways.
The Caps played hard but were down 1-0 in the
519-325-9654 Sunday Worship Services 3 pm Mount Zion Full TabernacleGospel
first and 2-0 by the second. Good thing the third period was 15 minutes because the Caps didn’t get their first goal until there were two minutes left from Ben McFadden. Assists came from Matthew Mastromatteo and Mitchell Moracci. With just over one minute left, Jaxon Riediger scored om a pass from Ben Arquette and Eli Driedger to make it a 2-2 tie. The arena went wild! Great game by all the kids and great goaltending performances from Nicholas Dimilo and Landon Ford.
The kids are looking forward to finishing off their round robin play in house league and getting more games and experience under their belts in their Select 7 travel games. Great weekend by all the kids!
Novice Red and White battle for top spot in the playoffs
It was a great battle for top spot in Tier 2 playoffs at the Leamington arena on Sat. Feb. 11 between Southpoint Novice Red and Novice White, with Team Red coming out with a 5-2 victory to stay undefeated in the playoffs. Unfortunately Team White falls to 2-2 with one more round robin game remaining before the semi-finals.
With Team White’s Ryder Grossi out sick, Dillon Marchand opened the scoring for Team White with a great rush with a pass from Charbel Nicolas in the first period.
Team Red matched that goal about 2 minutes later on a breakaway and a great short side shot by Matthew Mastromatteo, with assists from Henry Heaton and Charbel Tannous.
Eli Driedger opened the second period scoring with great hustle and some good passes from Brody Brown and Rex Pearce. Just three minutes later it was Matthew Mastromatteo again with a shot from the slot. Helpers came from Eli Driedger and Gabriel Rino.
It was a great back and forth game and both teams were working hard. The third period was more of the same.
Team White was mounting a comeback to start the third period scoring with a great rush from the red line by Ryan Krueger, who had a strong game for Team White. Assists came from Dillon Marchand and Brady Walker.
Working hard in the corner for Team Red was Mario Perez, who was able to pass the puck to a streaking Tony Tannous, who came in to help from the point and shuffled it off to brother Charbel Tannous, who put it in the back of the net. Shortly after, Matthew Mastromatteo scored his hattrick goal to solidify the win for Team Red with assists from Brody Brown and Ben Liebrock.
As always, Team Red’s defence of Mason Wiper, Henry Heaton, Tony Tannous and Rex Pearce was as strong as a wall.
Backstopping Team Red was Owen Hunter and for Team White it was Landon Ford. Both goalies made several great stops and played great games.
Congrats to all the players and to Team Red for the win. Good luck to both teams in next week’s games as there’s only one more week of playoffs before the semi-finals begin. Both teams are projected to be in one of the top four spots in the round robin, so we may see a rematch somewhere along the way.
Rhine Danube bowling scores
The following are the Rhine Danube bowling leagues scores for January 30.
Games Over 200: Jack Valade 212, Aaron Dickau 226-268-226, Gary Garnham 232-208, Albert Salvatti 202-200, Heinz Kosempel 230, Chris Kosempel 219, Jason Dalimonte 203, Dan Dalimonte 202.
Series Over 550: Tys Schaafsma 565, Jack Valade 550, Aaron Dickau 720, Gary Garnham 639, Albert Salvati 595, Heinz Kosempel 597, Chris Kosempel 565.
High Handicap Games: Aaron Dickau 292, Gary Garnham 284, Jason Dalimonte 282.
High Handicap Series: Gary Garnham 795, Aaron Dickau 792, Jason Dalimonte 760.
Standings: Del Fresco 29, Fittler Farms 27, Rhine Danube 24, S.W. Property 17, Weil’s Food 15, Dickau Construction 14.
Sharks lose to Admirals in six games
Bantam Stars tie Essex
The Southpoint Switzer-Carty Bantam Stars battled their playoff rivals, the Essex Thunder, on the weekend.
The Lady Stars scored the first two goals of this exciting, eventful game early in the first and early in the second period.
The Thunder stormed back in the third period scoring two goals of their own. This exciting game ended with a final score of 2-2.
Hannah Chacko and Alyssa Lamb scored the Stars goals with assists going to Jaryn Harris, Stephanie Wiebe, Chelsea Andary and Alyssa Lamb.
Sharks goalie Daniel Tonietto congratulates Admirals goalie Caitlin Morin following Game 6 of the Stobbs Division quarterfinal series at Wheatley Area Arena
Cardinal Carter senior girls volleyball vs. Lajeunesse
Delaney Ribble of the Cougars delivers a spike over the net and into Lajeunesse territory during a WECSSAA 1A senior girls volleyball semifinal at Cardinal Carter Thursday, Feb. 9. The Cougars lost the first two sets in the best-of-five match-up 25-20 and 25-19, but mounted a spirited comeback to win the next three in scores of 25-18, 25-20 and 15-3. Cardinal Carter will meet the Panthers Wednesday, Feb. 15 at Maranatha for the 1A WECSSAA championship starting at 4 p.m.
Atom girls win 2-1 over LaSalle
Southpoint Bailey Machining Atom Stars welcomed the LaSalle Sabre Cats to the Highbury rink on Sunday afternoon in Essex-Kent playoff action.
These two teams were extremely evenly matched which resulted in a scoreless first and third period.
All of the scoring came in a span of five minutes in the second period. Danika Romanyk scored the Bailey Stars first goal with assists being awarded to Sienna Gale and Shelby Wiebe.
LaSalle evened things up three minutes later.
Emma Weil scored the game winning goal with assists by Sienna Gale and Blair Bailey.
Lillian St. Pierre played amazing between the pipes as she absolutely shut the door in the third period and the Bailey Stars won this game by a score of 2-1.
Cardinal Carter junior girls volleyball vs. UMEI
The Cougars’ Charmaine Gaoiran spikes the ball past UMEI blockers Abbey Brissette and Hannah Chacko during a WECSSAA 1A junior girls volleyball semifinal match at Cardinal Carter Thursday, Feb. 9. The Cougars swept the best-of-five match 25-13, 25-9 and 25-18. They’ll travel to Lajeunesse to face the Royals in the WECSSAA 1A championship Wednesday, Feb. 15 starting at 3:30 p.m.
Local boxer captures gold
By Bryan Jessop
Luca Coppola made the most of a ‘golden’ opportunity for some payback.
The Leamington boxer earned the gold medal in the 124-pound, Under 19 featherweight division of this year’s Brampton Cup, a tournament featuring 275 competitors from across Canada. In his first of two fights, Coppola was pitted against Justin Parina — the same boxer who defeated him in a semi-final split decision during the Golden Gloves Ontario Championships in November of 2016. Parina went on to capture gold in the provincial event while Coppola settled for bronze.
Coppola and Kingsville-based coach Doug Patterson have been trying to schedule a rematch against Parina since then, and were finally given their chance during the February 3-5 weekend in Bramalea, a suburb of Brampton. With both competitors determined to earn a shot at gold, the bout ended in a split decision favouring Coppola.
“It was really a war,” said Patterson of the rematch. “Justin’s good and we knew that, but Luca was better. No fights are easy, so this one was sweet revenge.”
In the gold medal fight, Coppola was pitted against Indiaborn Shawn Dean. This time, the Leamington fighter took the win in a unanimous decision.
“That was a tough one too,” said Coppola, a 17-year-old, Grade 12 Cardinal Carter student. “He put up a really good fight. We could tell that he had been training hard. He wanted it bad.”
Coppola’s overall record improved to four wins and one loss by earning Brampton Cup gold. The title bout was described as the biggest fight of his amateur career thus far.
“When I won the final, it was the best feeling I’ve ever known,” Coppola explained. “I can barely describe it. It was amazing.”
Coppola and Tilbury boxer Tyler St. John-Worth have been training with Patterson as their coach at Seng’s Martial Arts in Kingsville since prior to the provincial championships in Toronto. In the Brampton Cup, St. John-Worth settled for bronze after earning a first-round bye and then losing to Matt Mysthystn in the Under 19 139 pound lightweight division. St. John-Worth won gold in the all-Ontario event.
“They’ve dusted the cobwebs off me and kept me busy,” said Patterson, who’s heading to MGM Grand in Las Vegas on February 24 as a coach for a professional fight. “They’re both really good kids. Luca’s really developed in the last five
months.
This year’s Brampton Cup, which Patterson described as being significantly larger than the provincial championships, featured three rings of simultaneous fights with boxers representing more than 80 different clubs. As Windsor-based Rough Boxing recently folded, Coppola and St. John-Worth are now with Patterson’s own Fighting Island Boxing Club based in Amherstburg. The two continue to train mostly at Seng’s in Kingsville, but spar at locations across the county. In the near future, Fighting Island is expected to form a club along with Seng’s Martial Arts owner Chad Seng.
“I’ve been learning a lot more since I started and it’s made me more determined to do my best,” Coppola said of training with Patterson. “He’s (Patterson) been a great coach. I want to win for him too.”
Patterson and Coppola are hoping to set up a fight against Dean for Sunday, Feb. 26, possibly in Guelph. Arrangements are still being made and Dean must first accept the invitation before the bout is officially scheduled.
Coach Doug Patterson and Leamington boxer Luca Coppola pose for photos after Coppola earned the gold medal in the Under 19, 124-pound featherweight division of the Brampton Cup in Bramalee Saturday, Feb. 4. Coppola won his first bout in a split decision against Ontario gold medalist Justin Parina in a split decision before winning the championship fight in a unanimous decision versus Shawn Dean.
VICKERY
IT’S A GIRL!
Big sisters Ella and Mila along with their parents Mark and Hedy Epplett are proud to announce the arrival of their baby girl Alex Maisie born January 12th Granddaughter to Ron & Caroline Myles and Mike & Joyce Epplett.
May your Diamond remind you, You share a special happiness Life gives to very few.
CARD OF THANKS
John Tiessen
The family of the late John Tiessen would like to express our deepest gratitude for all the care shown to our father during his recent illness and stay in hospital. Special thanks to the nurses and caregivers at the Leamington Mennonite Home and the nurses of 2 North and East in Leamington Hospital for your compassion shown to Dad in his final days. Thank you to Rev. Vic Winter and Rev. Cathrin Van Sintern-Dick, the Heritage Choir, pall bearers and the men & women who catered and served the luncheon at the church. Thank you to Reid Funeral Home for their assistance.
For all the support and kindness shown, we are forever grateful. God bless you all.
Like a smile that hides the tears But love and memories hold you close Despite the passing years. Forever in our hearts, Mom, Dad & Family
Th ank You
On behalf of Ryan Toomer and his family we would like to thank everyone for making his fundraiser a huge success.
We never imagined it would be that large. At times is was overwhelming, but we managed.
To all the businesses and people who donated prizes, your generosity was much appreciated.
To all the people who made donations or just bought a ticket to support Ryan, we thank you.
To Colasanti's - you did a fantastic job, serving many more than you first thought. Much kudos to you.
To everyone who helped out, both big and small, this could not have happened without your help.
Thank you.
Ryan and Mom Tia and the Toomer Family
Nick, Sue, Dan, Sylvie, the grandchilcren and the great-grandchildren
BABY ANNOUNCEMENT
2 BEDROOM APARTMENT for rent. 171 Robson Road, Leamington. Fridge & stove included. $700/month plus hydro. Call 519-326-0956. fe1-22
ERIE APARTMENTS
137 Erie St. South
2 bedroom units available. 2nd & 3rd floor. 13th month free. Available immediately. Call 519-791-1972
Upscale and Affordable in Leamington’s ONLY waterfront rental apartment building overlooking Leamington Marina and Park and minutes from the beach.
Amenities include:
• library and social rooms
• new Smart Card “no coin” laundry • beautiful lobby
• outdoor balconies
• FREE utilities and window coverings
• Fully secured and 24-7 onsite management. Ask us about our limited time “New Tenant” incentives. www.ska-apartmentrentals.com Call Mike or Kevin 519-326-8819
ANNUAL PANCAKE & SAUSAGESupper.
Tuesday, February 28 from 4:00 - 6:30 p.m. The Church of The Epiphany, 96 Main Street West, Kingsville. Adults $5, children 6-9 years $3, children 5 & under - free. Take out available. fe8-22
PANCAKE SUPPERTUESDAY,February 28, 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. at First Lutheran Church, 27 Spruce Street, Kingsville. Adults $6, children 6-12 years $3, children under 6 free. Proceeds to benefit Meat Canners and Gleaners. Sponsored by Faithlife Financial Chapter 76090. fe15-22
FAMILY STYLE ROAST
Beef Dinner, Sunday, February 26 at 5:00 p.m. Knox Presbyterian Church, Erie Street South. $15 per person. fe15-22
COMING EVENTS. PANCAKE & Sausage
Supper - Tuesday, February 28, at St. John's Anglican Church, 60 Erie Street North, Leamington. Adults $5, children 6-10years $3. For information call 519326-3111. fe15-22
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
BLUE HAWAII FEATURING
Elvis Presley. Presented on the big screen at St. John's Anglican Church, 60 Erie St. N., Leamington on Friday, February 24. Doors open at 7:00 p.m., show at 7:30 p.m. Tickets $8 each or $20 for a family. For tickets, call 519-326-3111 or 519-3268529. Wear your Elvis suit or Hawaiian shirt and join us for a fun night. Popcorn, punch & snacks available. fe15
SERVICES
EXPERIENCED CAREGIVER (RPN) has recent opening for private care in home or other facilities. References available. Call 519-326-4618. fe15-22
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 fe15-mr29
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
SOUTH SHORE HEALTH CENTRE (SSHC) - is seeking 4 volunteers with lived or work experience in recovery from addiction for the following roles: to establish a music program, female group peer facilitator, fundraising, and the Sundays in Spanish group. Training will be provided. Call 519-990-2530 or email rjarecsni@sympatico.ca. fe1-22
B&B MOVING & DELIVERIES - Two guys with extensive experience moving and delivering furniture. 10% senior and student discounts. For all your moving needs, call Neil for a free quote at 519-566-1366. fe8-mr1
WANTED TO BUY. Antiques, estates, costume jewellery, gold, sterling, coins, tools, clocks, toys. We buy it all. Free appraisals. Cash on the spot. Call 519-727-8894. ja18-my31 WANTED TO BUY
ITEMS FOR SALE
Dr. Brian E. Adamson 24 Oak St. East
examinations by appointment
COMPLETE DVD BOX set of "Smallville". Asking $100. Good condition. Call Steve at 519-324-5879. fe15-22
DOWNSIZING! FOR SALEglass table & chairs, glass nook, couch, stove, large black entertainment center, miscellaneous. Call 519322-5009 or 519-324-3870. fe15
SUDOKU ANSWERS
OWN & OPERATE a new Daily Cup showroom in your area. Daily Cup Supplements & K-Cups. Lowest Prices. Training & Support. Be in business for yourself not by yourself! www.dailycup.ca CALL Toll-Free: 1.877.243.9226.
We are seeking
GREENHOUSE PRODUCTION ASSOCIATES
• Compensation is $12.00/hr
• Monday through Friday (Occasional Saturdays)
Please apply at: careers@aphria.com or mail a resume to: P.O. Box 20009 269 Erie St. S., Leamington, ON N8H 3C4
Greenhouse Worker
R
• Crop work, winding, pruning, harvesting
• Checking quality of harvested produce
• Other duties as assigned
WO
• Fast-paced environment, repetitive tasks, standing for extended periods
• Bend, crouching, kneeling, hand-eye coordination, attention to detail
• Working at heights, hot environment
WAGE AND
• 40 plus hours a week including Saturdays
• Wage: 11.43/hour, seasonal, full time
Please forward your resume by email to: hr@orangelinefarms.com (627 County Rd. 14, R.R. # 5, Leamington, ON N8H 3V8)
An Assistant Grower is responsible for timely and accurate collection reporting and execution of data and tasks as requested by the management team.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND JOB DUTIES:
• Ensure that all functions of your job are completed with a sense of urgency and a follow up email of your daily/weekly progress is regularly sent to those requesting your assistance.
• Working with all greenhouse employees to become familiarized with specific jobs, improve efficiency and improve quality at the request of management team.
• Greenhouse logistics
• Reporting of maintenance concerns
• Ensure everyone is following the general operating policies and procedures
• Daily collection and testing of drip and drain water
• Complete daily samples of irrigation sanitation level
• Weekly collection of water, leaf and fruit samples for 3rd party analysis
• Support with scouting for pests and disease
• Inspection of quality of bio’s when delivered
• Assist with applying chemical treatments as necessary (upon successful completion of the Greenhouse Pesticide Safety course)
• Assist with implementation of cleanout/crop change plan
• Working closely with the Grower for mapping greenhouse temperatures and irrigation differences
• Weekly crop registration and timely reporting
• Trial crop registration, harvesting, weighing and reporting
• Other duties and projects as assigned by management
SKILLS, ABILITIES AND ATTRIBUTES:
• Computer literacy in particular Excel
• Knowledge and experience with greenhouse operations
• Pesticide license and Fork Lift License an Asset
• Detail Oriented and very organized
• Enthusiastic and Punctual
• Flexible with hours
• Spanish language and Asset
Please send resume in confidence with Wage expectations to hr@orangelinefarms.com (627 County Rd. 14, R.R. # 5, Leamington, ON N8H 3V8)
SEASONAL HELP WANTED
Time Positions Available • Day & Night Shifts
• Wage: starting at $12.50/hour
• Duties include: sort, pack, products/materials, clean work stations, assist machine operators Drop resume off at office or mail to:
DRIVERS REQUIRED
For local runs (Windsor to Toronto) Benefits after 90 days. Apply in person to:
Custom Fabricating Inc. 5140 Ure Street, Oldcastle
Greenhouse Labour Positions Available Wage: $11.40 per hour Full Time Employment 40+ Hours a Week
Duties include Crop Work, Picking, Winding, etc. Fast paced environment,repetitive tasks, handling heavy boxes, bending, kneeling, attention to detail. Must have own transportation. Please send resume to: employment@wpgreenhouses.ca
We are currently seeking an experienced candidate for the FULL TIME, PERMANENT POSITION OF FABRICATOR/ GENERAL LABOURER
Wages negotiable. Willing to train the right candidate. Please forward resume in person to: 229 Talbot St. W. Leamington between the hours of 7:00 am - 5:00 pm Monday - Friday. Or by email to: leamingtonglass@bellnet.ca
GREENHOUSE WORKERS
• Job duties include plant crop, harvest crop, crop maintenance, greenhouse cleanup, other farm duties as assigned, clean work area, check product for quality assurance, transplant crops, vegetable propagation, sort, pack and stack produce.
• Job requires standing, bending, kneeling for long periods of time, repetitive tasks, working under hot, humid conditions in greenhouse.
• Salary: $11.43 per hour, minimum 45 hours/week including weekends and holidays. Permanent full time job. Email resume to: hr@sunritegreenhouses.com Fax: 519-733-5290
WAREHOUSE WORKER/TRUCK DRIVER
Canadian horticultural supply company has an immediate opening for an experienced Route Driver for delivery routes in southern Ontario. This is a full time position operating from our Leamington distribution centre. Also immediate opening for forklift operator/warehouse worker.
Qualifications and Experience
• Experience as a Warehouse Worker / Driver.
• Valid forklift licence.
• Valid driver’s AZ licence and good driving record (must provide drivers abstract, CVOR and Police clearance).
• T.D.G experience an asset
The successful candidate will be well organized, efficient and self motivated. The nature of our business is fast moving and dynamic so you will need to be flexible and able to effectively deal with changes in business needs as they arise.
Please email your resume to: andrew.mccormick@plantproducts.com
We thank all applicants for your submission however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
CLERICAL SUPPORT
CLERK - A medical lab is seeking a part time clerical support clerk working 12 to 15 hours per week in the evening. Primary duties include answering incoming calls, phoning patients and scheduling appointments. Other responsibilities involve faxing, filing and general office duties. FAX resume to 519-325-1338. fe15
DINIRO FARMS NEEDS full time greenhouse general labourers. $11.40/hour, 45+ hours, 7 days/week. Must be available Saturday and Sunday. Duties include plant, crop maintenance, harvest and pack. Must be able to lift a minimum of 40 pounds on a repetitive basis. Please apply via email to: dinirofarms@wavedirect.net. eow-fe15
FULL TIME FOUNDRY
LABOURER WANTED - for making sand casting molds, cleaning, and grinding aluminum castings. On the job training provided. Apply in person with resume at 326 Erie Street North, Leamington Ornamental. fe1-22
KITCHEN& WAAITSTAFF
r s as Pl
Plleeasse e seend reesumeto: freddysparkstop@gmail.com
Got Smelt?
Great Lakes Food Company Ltd. is the largest harvester and processor of smelt in the world. GLFC is looking to hire both full time and seasonal workers to join their processing team.
Competitive starting salary, with the ability to become a full union member and receive benefits after probationary period.
Candidates must enjoy working in a fast paced environment. Day, afternoon, and night shifts available.
If you want to help feed the world, please email your resume to: hr@greatlakesfood.ca
The Town of Kingsville is seeking applications for an Environmental Services Employee to work in the Municipal Services Department.
A complete description of the Environmental Services Employee duties and Application Form (Career Profile Form) are available online at www.kingsville.ca under the Employment Opportunities heading or may be obtained at the Municipal Office.
Interested applicants shall submit a resume, cover letter and completed Career Profile Form no later than Friday, March 3, 2017 at 4:30 p.m. Completed applications will be accepted by regular mail, personal delivery or email to:
Human Resources Department
Town of Kingsville 2021 Division Road North Kingsville, Ontario N9Y 2Y9
E-mail: alonsbery@kingsville.ca
DUE TO THE FAMILY DAY HOLIDAY MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20TH THE DEADLINE FOR CLASSIFIED ADS FOR THE FEBRUARY 22ND EDITION OF THE SOUTHPOINT SUN WILL BE FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17 AT 12:00 NOON
2021 Division Road North Kingsville, Ontario N9Y 2Y9
519-733-2305
www.kingsville.ca
kingsvilleworks@kingsville.ca
TAX NOTICES
If you own property in the Town of Kingsville you should have received your 2017 interim tax bill. The tax due dates are as follows:
February 28, 2017 May 31, 2017
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.
PROPERTY FOR SALE
FORM 6
Municipal Act, 2001
SALE OF LAND BY PUBLIC TENDER
THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF LEAMINGTON
Take Notice that tenders are invited for the purchase of the land(s) described below and will be received until 3:00 p.m. local time on March 8, 2017, at the Leamington Municipal Building, 111 Erie Street North, Leamington Ontario.
The tenders will then be opened in public on the same day as soon as possible after 3:00 p.m. at the Leamington Municipal Building, 111 Erie Street North, Leamington.
Description of Lands:
Roll No. 37 06 540 000 21800 0000; PIN 75102-0383(LT); Lot 37 Registrar's Compiled Plan 1643 Mersea; Leamington. File No.15-18
Minimum Tender Amount: $ 14,296.41
Roll No. 37 06 580 000 05700 0000; 273 Mersea Road 15, Leamington; PIN 75098-0146 (LT); Part Lot 233 Concession South Talbot Rd Mersea as in instrument R446356; Leamington. File No.15-19
Minimum Tender Amount: $ 18,279.12
Tenders must be submitted in the prescribed form and must be accompanied by a deposit in the form of a money order or of a bank draft or cheque certified by a bank or trust corporation payable to the municipality and representing at least 20 per cent of the tender amount.
Except as follows, the municipality makes no representation regarding the title to or any other matters relating to the land(s) to be sold. Responsibility for ascertaining these matters rests with the potential purchasers.
This sale is governed by the Municipal Act, 2001 and the Municipal Tax Sales Rules made under that Act. The successful purchaser will be required to pay the amount tendered plus accumulated taxes, HST if applicable and the relevant land transfer tax.
The municipality has no obligation to provide vacant possession to the successful purchaser. A fee of $10.00 + HST will be charged for each tender package.
For further information regarding this sale and a copy of the prescribed form of tender, visit: www.OntarioTaxSales.ca or if no internet access available, contact:
2016 2017 FLYERS LOCK UP FOURTH
BY BRYAN JESSOP
With the regular season quickly winding down, the Leamington Flyers took control of their own destiny.
Leamington officially secured home ice advantage in the first round of playoffs Thursday, Feb. 9 by defeating the last team that had a mathematical chance of catching them in the race for fourth in the West. A 4-0 win against the visiting Sarnia Legionnaires also broke a two-game losing streak.
The Flyers’ offense emerged from the gates slightly sluggish for the first few minutes of the first period, but quickly started building momentum after the hosts successfully killed off a two-minute, five-on-three Sarnia power play. After Legionnaire goalie Jorgen Johnson made a save off a Dallas Maurovic shot, the puck began wobbling its way slowly wide of the right side of the net until Griffin Robinson arrived just in time to backhand it over the goal line before a Sarnia defender could intervene. Brett Vorshuk also assisted.
Leamington continued to administer heavy pressure on the guests’ net, keeping the Legionnaire blueliners on their heels with a series of quick, short passes from and to all points of the offensive zone. Johnson remained sharp to keep his team’s deficit at a single goal by the time the buzzer introduced the first intermission. The Flyers outshot their guests 15-11 through the opening 20 minutes.
Flyer offense delivered more of the same in the second, continuing to swarm around the Sarnia zone with impressive speed and stick handling. The lead reached 2-0 during a power play at mid period, when a blast by Maurovic from the point was deflected by Broden Meloche directly in front of the net and past Johnson. Kade McKibbin was credited with the other assist.
With less than three minutes to go, Robinson took control of the puck along the boards on a helper from Parker Jacques and maneuvered his way to the front of the net before snapping an ice-level five hole shot over the goal line for a 3-0 Leamington lead. The Flyers continued to run up the shots, outperforming the Legionnaires by testing Johnson 19 times while Connor Meyerink blocked another 11.
Leamington toned down its offense and ramped up its defense for the third period, where Cale Phibbs finished the scoring by one-timing a pass from Maurovic at ice level from the Sarnia goal’s left side. The Flyers were presented with a five-on-three power play that ran a course of 64 seconds, but seemed more preoc-
Curtis Egert tries to poke check it off his stick during the first period of a GOJHL match Thursday, Feb. 9 at Highbury Canco Arena. The Flyers won 4-0. (Sun photo)
cupied with killing the clock and helping Meyerink preserve his third shutout of the season.
Leamington outshot the Legionnaires 46-29 and went one for five on the power play while Sarnia was held to zero for four.
“That was a pretty good effort all the way around,” said Flyers head coach Tony Piroski. “Our goaltending was good and although we were a little short-staffed, everyone did a good job — offense, defense, it was a solid team effort.”
Meyerink’s 29-save performance earned him the game’s firststar honours.
“Our guys made it pretty easy for me,” said the contest’s winning goaltender. “The five on three early on was a challenge, but the boys kept them outside after that. Winning like that feels pretty good, especially after the loss last night.”
followed by a third straight goal by Brenden Trottier in the third. Blake Bain completed the scoring 50 seconds later. The Flyers were outshot 36-27.
“We didn’t play too bad, but London’s a tough team to beat, especially when you give them power play chances,” Piroski explained.
The Flyers would have to win each of its remaining four games and the Nationals would have to earn no more than one point in their last six for Leamington to capture third place.
Rest of the West
Meyerink referred to a 3-1 loss in London against the Nationals on Wednesday. After a scoreless first, Isaiah Payne and Kyle Dawson beat Meyerink in the second,
Team *LaSalle
*Chatham
*London
*Leamington
*Sarnia
*St. Marys
*Strathroy
*St. Thomas
On Wednesday, Feb. 8, the St. Thomas Stars claimed the last playoff spot by handing a 4-0 loss to the LaSalle Vipers, a day before the Chatham Maroons defeated the St. Marys Lincolns 7-2. On Friday, the Strathroy Rockets won 6-2 against the Lincolns while the Stars came out on top 4-3 versus the Legionnaires in double overtime. Saturday scores included a 13-3 win for Chatham against the Lambton Shores Predators and a 4-3 overtime victory for the Vipers over the Rockets. The weekend ended with a 6-1 score favouring Chatham against Lambton Shores and a 3-2 win for the Lincolns against the Stars.
UPCOMING HOME GAMES: Thu., Feb. 16 vs. Chatham, 7:10 p.m. Thu., Feb. 23 vs. St. Thomas, 7:10 p.m.
UPCOMING AWAY GAMES: Sat. Feb. 18 vs. Sarnia, 7:10 p.m. Sat., Feb. 25 vs. Lambton, 7:30 p.m.
Josh Pope-Ferguson maintains control of the puck behind the Sarnia net as the Legionnaires’
The Flyers’ Dallas Maurovic goes into the boards behind the Sarnia net in an attempt to stop Legionnaires goalie Jorgen Johnson from clearing the puck away during a Thursday, Feb. 9 game. Maurovic had three assists in his team’s 4-0 win. (Sun photo)
Broden Meloche of the Flyers and Alec DeKoning of the Legionnaires go into the boards for a loose puck during the first period. (Sun photo)
