Southpoint Sun - February 25, 2015

NHL legends make final Leamington appearance

By Bryan Jessop

The final Oldtimers Challenge Charity Hockey Game has officially completed nearly a decade and a half of fundraising and fond memories at the Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex.

The event’s 14th installment brought along with it a lineup of familiar faces on both the Legendary Hockey Heroes and Leamington OPP teams. Joining the team of NHL retirees for the first time were former Ottawa Senator Bryan Smolinski and Boston Bruin Sergei Samsonov.

The event again featured a fun-filled, lighthearted atmosphere that again supported charitable causes W.E. Care For Kids and Cops For Charity. W.E. Care For Kids, an organization dedicated to pediatric care in Leamington and Windsor, benefited from the majority of the $280,000 raised through the first 13 years of the Oldtimers Challenge.

Since its inception in 2002, Leamington OPP detachment community services officer Kevin O’Neil has promoted the fundraiser as more of an event than a game. The annual gathering again included a Score-O Challenge sponsored by Leamington Chrysler, Leamington GM and Southpoint Lally Ford, free pizza for kids donated by Leamington’s Domino’s Pizza and performances by Leamington Skating Club members during intermissions.

“I’ve been here for almost every one of the 14 years and we’ve had a lot of fun,” said retired NHL referee and Oldtimers Challenge official/announcer and commentator Ron Hoggarth.

Hoggarth went on to thank O’Neil for the years of dedication to the fundraiser and praised his volunteer work for the community over the past 14 years. Also during pre-game ceremonies, Leamington mayor John Paterson presented O’Neil with a certificate of appreciation on behalf of municipal council.

The Leamington OPP team once again benefited from the assistance of the Southpoint Minor Hockey Association Timbit mites, who again led multiple forward attacks against former Detroit Red Wing and Edmonton Oiler netminder and Windsor native Eddie Mio. Mio was again joined by fellow born-and-raised Essex County resident Pat Ribble. Hailing from Leamington, Ribble is a former Washington Capital, Atlanta/Calgary Flame, Chicago Black Hawk and

Toronto Maple Leaf.

Legendary Hockey Heroes players spent pre-game, post-game gatherings and both intermissions signing autographs for the event’s younger fans, but also took a few moments to reflect on their involvement with the fundraiser as well as the evolving sport of hockey itself.

“I really enjoy it,” said former Red Wing John Ogrodnick of the Oldtimers Challenge. “After playing 14 years in the pros, being involved in businesses and then coming back to the real world of hockey, games like this have made me realize there are so many great charities out there.”

As a member of the Detroit Red Wings alumni, Ogrodnick normally plays 18 charitydriven games per season.

“It’s great to be part of a chance like this to give back,” he said. “It’s also a lot of fun to see guys you played against years ago.”

Since his days in the NHL from 1979 to 1993, Ogrodnick describes the increased speed as the biggest change he has witnessed in professional hockey.

“The sticks are lighter, the skates are lighter and the equipment’s lighter,” he noted. “It’s like shooting with a golf club — the puck just zips off the stick now.”

Ogrodnick also credits a crackdown on grabbing and holding as a contributing factor to the game’s faster pace.

“With the Rangers, we had highlight tapes that I had totally forgot about,” he explained. “I watched them in a game where I was with Kelly Kisio playing against Buffalo — I couldn’t believe all the grabs, holds and being hooked around the waist, all with no calls.”

This year’s Oldtimers Challenge was followed up by a banquet at the Portuguese Club where spectators had the chance to meet the participating NHL legends in person. The admission cost to the banquet was $20 and also included entry to the game.

Leamington Mayor John Paterson (right) honours the services and dedication of Leamington OPP detachment community services officer Kevin O’Neil just prior to the 14th annual Oldtimers Challenge Charity Hockey Game Saturday, Feb. 21 at the Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex. (SUN Photos)

Leamington’s own Pat Ribble is introduced as he makes his way onto the ice during ceremonies prior to the 14th annual Oldtimers Challenge Charity Hockey Game.

Juried Student Art Show

Organizers of this year’s 17th annual Juried Student Art Show are expecting it to be one of the biggest and best to date.

Since the Rotary Club of Leamington stepped forward two years ago to sponsor the exhibit with a $1,000 donation, the month-long exhibit of young artists has grown from 40 entries to 170 entries. The donation allows cash prizes in all nine categories – film, oil, acrylic, watercolour, drawing, photography, sculpture, digital mixed media - and allows for a free entry fee. “This is by far one of the most popular exhibits at the Gallery all year. The donations allow us to give free entry to students entering, which has really made a huge impact on the contest’s success,” said Chad Riley, Leamington Arts Centre Director.

This year has an added bonus as the Kiwanis Club of Leamington came forward as a sponsor, also donating $1,000, for the media arts division of the contest. The media arts division is a direct result of the Arts and Culture Needs Survey, which was conducted for the area last year. The new film category was created in response to the survey results.

“We are really excited to see the video submissions this year in the Media Arts category,” said Riley.

This student exhibition will run from March 31 through April 25 with a deadline to enter of Saturday, March 28 at 4 p.m. A reception evening and screening for the film category will be held on Thursday, April 9 at 7 p.m. and a second reception for all other categories on Friday, April 10 at 7 p.m. At the receptions, awards and over $900 in cash prizes will be presented to the young artists with outstanding works in the exhibit for each category (medium).

KS NAILS

March Specials

Also, as a part of this event, a $100 “Future Artist” Award will be given to the graduating student that showcases the most artistic potential and is continuing their education in the arts. Students interested in entering for this award will be asked to submit with their work a 500 word essay describing their past art experience, their future art endeavors and how they plan to apply the award given.And lastly, a People’s Choice Award will be granted based on the visitor’s votes throughout the month-long exhibition.

The Juried Student Art Show is open to students in Essex County.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the LAC by phone at 519-326-2711, or by email at info@leamingtonartscentre.com. Students and teachers can also download the exhibition entry form at www.leamingtonartscentre.com/submission.

• Kingsville Court • Shoppers Drug Mart

Kingsville Arena •Cindy’s (on Hwy 18) • MAC’S Convencience, Hwy. 18 & Union • Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens

• Leamington Southpoint Sun/ Wheatley Journal Office • Johnny’s Gas Bar (on the ridge)

• Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex

• Pelee Days Inn

• Shoppers Drug Mart • SECC

• Hippie Chicks Café (Family Health Team building) • LDMH Gift Shop • 7-11 at Erie and Oak • UPS Store • Princess Centre • Thomson Guardian Drugs • Blondie’s • Municipal Town Hall • Half Century Centre • Freddy’s Variety

Chuck Parsons, left, President of the Rotary Club of Leamington recently presented Chad Riley, Leamington Arts Centre Director with a cheque for $1,000. The Kiwanis Club of Leamington also donated $1,000 towards this unique exhibit and contest for young artists.

Children’s Charity supports four local families

By Bryan Jessop

A national charity group has made four commendable ‘choices’ to make it easier for Leamington-area families to get around.

President’s Choice Children’s Charity has distributed four grants of $20,000 each to help families in the region pay for modifications needed to make their vans wheelchair accessible for their physically and/or developmentally challenged children. Three of the four families were able to attend a gathering at the Leamington Real Canadian Superstore Sunday, Feb. 22 to celebrate the grants, along with store manager James Lea and John McGivney Children’s Centre occupational therapist Jodi Fischer.

“It really is an amazing thing,” said Lea. “To see this happen in our own community is a really big positive for us. It’s a really fulfilling role to be able to call

and tell these families that they’re going to be helped. It was quite a shock for them — there’s some real excitement for them.”

Fischer, who assists Windsor and Essex County families with a wide assortment of application processes, described the PCCC application procedure as one that is very straightforward and easy to understand. The process includes filling a form and providing documents proving eligibility as well as submitting letters from doctors and medical practitioners. Once income information, proof of Canadian citizenship and quotes for specific needs are also submitted, the applying families await a response from PCCC headquarters.

Fischer explained that although there is often a waiting period, all qualifying families receive grants. The wheelchair-accessibility modification grants given

to the four local families included relatively short wait times — all four were submitted in either late November or early December of 2014. The John McGivney Centre’s county-wide region also included two similar grants awarded to Windsor-area families for a total of six.

Both Lea and Fischer were pleasantly surprised to see so many local applications approved at virtually the same time — roughly three weeks ago. Since becoming the Leamington store’s manager about seven-and-a-half years ago, Lea had previously seen four such PCCC grants offered to local families — a total that has now doubled to eight.

Leamington’s Real Canadian Superstore routinely supports the President’s Choice Children’s Charity through a series of fundraisers including sum-

mer barbecues, dress-down days and volunteer payroll deductions. Over the past weekend, the store launched one of its PC Icons drives, where cashiers ask customers to make a donation — usually $2 — to support PCCC causes that support children with a variety of physical and developmental conditions and illnesses.

Maria and Bernhard Froese with sons Peter and Benny Froese, Alice and Chris Macksoud with son Kaden Macksoud and John McGivney Children’s Centre occupational therapist Jodi Fischer gathered at the Leamington store Sunday, Feb. 22 to celebrate four local donations made by President’s Choice Children’s Charity. The three Leamington-area families and a fourth unable to attend the gathering were each given grants of $20,000 to modify vans to become wheelchair accessible. (SUN Photo)

Eating myself into seniorhood

MARK RIBBLE

Rib’s Ramblings

Well another birthday fast approaches and I’ve made it through one more year.

Fresh off a rather boring Fat Tuesday, where I only consumed two-and-a-half pazckis, I’m starting to realize I am finally slowing down. My record consumed in one day stands at seven and I know that I won’t personally ever break that. I think I ate those when I was merely in my 40s, so now that I’m turning 54, it just doesn’t seem attainable.

As we get older, we get wiser and we also can’t consume that much fat in one sitting.

was a hopping town back then, with lots to do. I’m not sure the young people today appreciate what Leamington has to offer, especially in a world where Windsor is so easily accessible.

We were talking on the weekend about the days when we were able to close the bars and head for Chinese food after 2 a.m., without batting an eyelash. I remember many a night walking into the Happy In when it was across from the hospital to grease down our bellies after a night of beverages at the local establishments.

The music of the day was second-to-none. Rock acts like Kiss, The Who, AC/DC and Lynard Skynard kept us on our toes, while the disco world danced to the beat of Donna Summer and The Bee Gees. There was lots of music for everyone of vary-

ing tastes. I often reminisce about the music of those days right here in this column and I truly miss it. When watching the Grammys a couple weeks ago, I thought, wow, some of this is just so bad. But they surprised me with performances by several musical greats of yesterday. It’s about time they paid some homage to those who went before them and laid the groundwork. So, as the bones get

creaky and the muscles get achy, I can honestly say I’m sailing into senior life with a glance over my shoulder. One more year and I begin to qualify for all sorts of discounts. It can’t be all that bad, can it?

Meanwhile, the pazckis are tucked away for one more year. I’m hoping that next year I’ll be able to redeem myself a little. It won’t be long, I’ll only be allowed the prune ones anyway.

I can’t even imagine doing that now. Food eaten after 8 p.m. just sends me into a restless night of indigestion and insomnia.

And staying up until 2 a.m.? Not happening with the current employment situation.

Those were the days, weren’t they?

It is with a heavy heart that I must admit that I am one of ‘those’ people. I never thought I’d become one of ‘those’ people, but sadly, and quite unwillingly, I have. I am attached to my phone. No, it’s true, I can’t be separated from it for too long. I have turned my vehicle around and went back for my phone because I could not possibly go through my eight-hour day without it.

Leamington had several hot spots that ranged from Spencers at the Pelee Motor Inn, to the International, the Auto Stop, the Seacliffe and Brown’s Hotel. Take your pick. You could have a great time at them all, depending on what you were looking for.

No need to head to downtown Windsor, which in those days seemed lightyears away.

We went to Windsor for one thing back then, that was the drive-in, after Leamington’s Mustang Drive-In closed down. The Skyway, Twin and Windsor Drive-In always offered a great variety of movies for us young people to take in. We’d pile 6 or 7 of us into a car and then, before we got there, we’d pull over and throw a couple of guys in the trunk, trying to sneak them in.

Good times, good times. But really, Leamington

It’s not entirely as bad as it sounds, I do need my phone for work… or do I? I have all my work email accounts on my computer (as well as personal email), so why do I need my phone? We do have an office phone where I can be reached… I know it’s not as convenient as texting, but the good old landline does get the job done. And if I’m not in the office, which is often the case, I guess they ‘could’ leave a message and I’d call them when I returned… I know, it’s crazy talk to think I could exist without instant communication, but believe it or not, we all used to.

It’s quite rare for me to have a phone message. Most will just email, which I can get on my phone, and reply before I even return to the office. I did find myself “catching up” on emails and phone messages while sitting in my car. (NO, NOT WHILE DRIVING!). I always pull over if I really need to text, or it can just wait. Honestly, I can’t tell you how many people I pass while driving who are either staring at their crotch, have a severed neck muscle and can’t lift their head, or they are texting!

I have hands-free blue tooth in my new vehicle, which is an absolute must if you want to talk on the phone and drive. I don’t usually call anyone, but I will take a call while driving. Yes, I’m one of those people you pull up beside at a traffic light and wonder who I’m talking to because it appears that I’m talking to myself. This could definitely be the case - I could be talking or singing to myself - in which case I would blame it on the phone.

I do, however, believe in and practice cell phone etiquette. I do not have my phone with me when out for dinner or if I have company. And I also do not talk on my phone while being waited on by a cashier or waitress, I find that rude. I have, however texted, while grocery shopping, but I think that’s okay.

As I’m writing this it’s my birthday (February 20) and my phone has been extra busy today with well wishes. I’m humbled by the number of text messages and all the Facebook messages I received from friends and family. It really is heart-warming and I truly do appreciate each and every one. It always makes me smile to think of how I know so many great and varied people. Many I grew up with, went to high school, college, work, or any number of various sports teams I’ve played on.

What’s really funny is seeing all the different nicknames I have earned over the years – Old Shee, She-a, Cookie, Shelacker, Aliehs, Quarter Queen, LB, Shular, and some that weren’t mentioned that I’ll keep to myself. All come with a funny story of course, but we’ll save those for another week.

SHEILA McBRAYNE

How time flies

The first Council report I ever wrote was for the March 1st, 2010 meeting of Leamington Municipal Council. How do I know? That first year I kept a scrap book of all the writing I did that made it into the paper. I was so excited to have the opportunity to write and to report on events I understood that the scrap book was inevitable. Looking back at it now, 5 years later, I still get a great deal of satisfaction from most of the writing I did.

Just my thoughts...

For example, during the first half of 2010 I reported on the County tax increase of 2.4% and what benefits Leamington residents could expect to enjoy from it. I wrote about the citizens group opposing wind turbines proposed to be built in the lake, Leamington’s first Open Air Fire By-law, and the tornado that struck in June. (The subsequent flood of generosity in our time of need was a joy to report.)

Not everything I did was Council news. Granted, almost everything would be a fair characterization, but I was able to report on a few things I was fortunate enough to see and attend. Again, for example, in June I wrote about Vic Winter retiring after 10 years as the principal of U.M.E.I., in July I wrote about the Migrant Worker Information Fair, and at the end of September I described the service of collation at St. George’s Church in Clarksburg where former Leamington minister Stephen Haig was elevated to Archdeacon of the Saugeens.

I also covered the momentous election that saw the retirement of 22-year veteran politicians Bill Derbyshire and Herb Enns, as well as the fond farewell of outgoing mayor John Adams and deputy-mayor Rob Schmidt. Little did I know that new mayor John Paterson and new deputy-mayor Charlie Wright would generate so much copy for me over the next 4 years!

So what’s worth saying now, 5 years later? There are a few things I want to tell you, faithful readers. First, I have transitioned into a full-fledged senior citizen, complete with aches, pains, and Canada Pension. (Who would have expected it to be such a modest amount?) I also have 3 more grandchildren than when I started. (Being an objective, dispassionate reporter I am pleased to tell you that they are just about the most beautiful children in the world.)

Second, I still enjoy being part this paper. The paper is the team of people who make it possible each week, and they are delightful folks whom I admire greatly. Moreover, my role in this paper is to report on Municipal Council, and once again, they too are delightful folks whom I admire greatly — I have huge distain for both Provincial and Federal political parties (and don’t let me even get started

on the ethical catastrophe of American politics), but it gives me a good feeling of usefulness to be able to keep the municipality abreast of what is happening inside the municipal building, because these are politicians and administrators who are actually trying to do good without some bent political party behind the scenes telling them what to say.

Last, I want to assure you that I will continue to try my best until it is no longer fun, or until the Southpoint Sun no longer wants to lavish huge sums of money on me to keep me writing. (Okay, maybe the ‘huge’ isn’t quite accurate, but it’s enough to afford me a Tim Horton’s coffee any time I want one.)

So, off we go into the sixth year with a new Municipal Council, a new global headquarters for the paper, and a transformed municipality. Let’s see what the future has in store for us.

Legion Public Speaking Contest

M.D. Bennie. Top speakers in the

March Break activities at the Leamington library

Kids are invited to go on an adventure during March Break (Mar. 16-20) and journey to places near and far at Leamington Library. Kids are invited to the library for a fun-filled hour of reading, games, activities and crafts.

Up & Away We Go!: Join library staff on a travelling adventure by land, sea and air. Mon. Mar. 16 at 10:30 a.m. Ages 3-5 with parent/caregiver.

Row Your Boat: Journey to places near and far on Tues. Mar. 17 at 10:30 a.m. Ages 3 5 with parent/caregiver.

See the World Through An Artist’s Eye: Travel the world through arts and crafts!Wed. Mar. 18 at 10:30 a.m.. Ages 6-10.

Lego Break!: Take a trip to the library this March Break to design and build a Lego creation. Share your tips and tricks! Parents welcome too. Thurs. Mar. 19 at 11 a.m. Ages 4-10. Thursday, March 19th at 11:00 am. Ages 4 - 10.

Register for programs either online or at the Leamington Library, 1 John St., 226-946-1529 ext. 220.

BILL CHAPLIN

Area students competed at Leamington Legion’s Public Speaking Contest on March 8 at the Branch. Winners in the Gr. 4-6 category were: 1st Mason Fittler, Gore Hill Public School; 2nd Nicholas Lougheed, M.D. Bennie; 3rd Kalin Lougheed,

Gr. 7-9 division were: 1st Sienna Pacheco, St-Michel; 2nd Destiny Ross, M.D. Bennie; 3rd Clara Mouawad, St-Michel. The winners are eligible to move on to Legion Zone competition on March 8 at Essex Legion. The entrants in the speaking contest are pictured with Leamington Legion president Bob McKee (far left) along with Legion members and judges Walter Spaunburg and Heather McKee (far right). – Submitted photo

in the in the in the in the in the

ARIES - Mar 21/Apr 20

Your fears are the only things holding you back this week, Aries. Confidence is all you need to move forward, so take some initiative and you will be glad you did.

TAURUS - Apr 21/May 21

You cannot outmaneuver karma, Taurus. You will reap what you sow this week, so remain positive and things will ultimately work out in your favor.

GEMINI - May 22/Jun 21

Gemini, do your best to prevent distractions from getting to you or affecting your performance at work. You can overcome these distractions if you just stay focused.

CANCER - Jun 22/Jul 22

Certain responsibilities require all of your attention this week, Cancer. Set aside some time to tackle these tasks one at a time, and you will be done before you know it.

LEO - Jul 23/Aug 23

Circumstances may shift without warning, Leo. It pays to have a backup plan available so you can make any necessary adjustments. Think on your feet.

VIRGO - Aug 24/Sept 22

Virgo, you may be emotionally invested in a cause or a belief, but you cannot expect everyone to share your passion. Give others room to form their own opinions.

LIBRA - Sept 23/Oct 23

Your ambition takes you on a few adventures this week, Libra. Keep an open mind, and these excursions will prove all the more valuable down the road.

SCORPIO - Oct 24/Nov 22

This week may mark a turning point in your love life, Scorpio. Enjoy taking this next step and make the most of all of the new experiences you share together in the days to come.

SAGITTARIUS - Nov 23/Dec 21

Take charge of your goals this week, Sagittarius. Many of your goals are worthwhile endeavors that can be achieved through a combination of commitment and hard work.

CAPRICORN - Dec 22/Jan 20

Capricorn, plan an excursion or a get-together with friends before boredom sets in. This will give everyone a chance to reconnect and engage in some lighthearted fun.

AQUARIUS - Jan 21/Feb 18

Aquarius, it will be very easy to get pulled off course this week. All you have to do is daydream for a while and time will fly. Make a to-do list so you can maintain your focus.

PISCES - Feb 19/Mar 20

Stay put for a while, Pisces. Now is not a good time to make changes. Stick with what has been working for the time being.

FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS

FEBRUARY 22

Mia Michaels, Dancer (49)

FEBRUARY 23

Josh Gad, Actor (34)

FEBRUARY 24

Floyd Mayweather, Jr., Boxer (38)

FEBRUARY 25

Lee Evans, Actor (51)

FEBRUARY 26

Nate Ruess, Singer (33)

FEBRUARY 27

Chelsea Clinton, Journalist (35)

FEBRUARY 28

Patrick Monahan, Singer (46)

Law and order in Leamington

As long as there has been a settlement here, there has always been some type of law and order.

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Although early records of magistrates, justices of the peace and policemen do not exist, it is known on January 27, 1871 Essex County Council Warden William McGuiness decided, “It is expedient to establish a lock-up in the village of Leamington.” The County was willing to pay $75 towards its construction. The building remained until a new one was erected on the same property next to the Leamington and Mersea Town Hall (corner of Nelson and Erie St. N.) in 1928.

In 1876 William Prosser, Amos Williams, Thomas Russell, Thomas Robson, Alexander Laing and William Simpson were “fence sitters” and John McRobbie Selkirk was Leamington’s Police Magistrate. He held that office until July 28, 1928.

Police Chief Elliott J. Kimball was named head of Leamington’s police force in February 1907, but in 1909 was charged with murder when arrested at Tilbury.

Chief Kimball had tracked a man fleeing from arrest on charges of forgery and obtaining a valise under false pretenses. The accused, William Healey of London, whose mother lived in Tilbury, had been boarding with a Mrs. Tofflemire in Leamington. Just the previous day, he had put the landlady off when asked to pay his room and board.

On July 28, he had given the landlady a money order to pay his room and board, plus purchase a valise he wanted. When she tried to cash it, the bank found it was a forgery.

Chief Kimball arrived at Tilbury to arrest the man and spotted him on a street. But Healey began to run down the street and Kimball yelled at him to stop. He received no response from Healey. Healey jumped over a fence and Kimball, in an effort to keep up with the fleeing man, began to climb over the fence and drew his pistol in his left hand as he reached the top. One shot was fired and struck Healey in the back, thus killing him.

Kimball surrendered to Constable Smith of Tilbury.

Healey was 27 years old and formerly employed as a sawman at Crawford’s Mill. In his past he had cheated people out of money wherever he had boarded. He was separated from his wife of two years, who lived in London.

“I had only meant to scare him,” Kimball stated afterwards.”

On May 13, 1909, police magistrate George H. Clark found him guilty but suspended his sentence and he was released.

From 1914 to 1941, Leamington’s Chief of Police was John “Jack” Lamarsh, who at one time was an engineer at the H.J. Heinz factory. He joined the Leamington force in 1911 and was appointed chief in 1914. Lamarsh was one of Leamington’s most popular chiefs of police and his 27 years as chief was the longest of any.

In June 1924 the southwestern corner of Leamington, known as the village of Seacliff, was sanctioned as a Police Village by Essex County Council and remained as such until the 1970s. A blueprint plan for Leamington’s new police station was shown and approved. Its cost was $4,200 with Mersea Township furbishing $1,500 of the amount.

In January 1960 charges of corruption, brutality and wild shooting sprees were laid. Chief Lewis Elliott, who had been in office since 1955, plus Cpl. Rae Bell, Const. Jerry Moran and Cst. Ray Whitesell II all resigned. Staff Sgt. Jack Wales was named temporary chief. Wales had started with the force in 1951 and

was confirmed as new chief of police during the last week of the year Leamington’s next police station was built on Clark St. West in 1960, was replaced in 1982, and the current one was built in the 1990s.

Leamington’s police force increased and remained stable under the leadership of several chiefs including the last two, Ardell McIntyre and Dean Gow, both of whom served as chiefs of Mersea police force prior to that of Leamington.

Despite Mersea Township being in existence since 1848, its police force was a rather new entity. For nearly a century there was only a police magistrate and Leamington’s small police force looked after some incidents.

In October 1946 the Ontario Provincial Police supplied its first officer to patrol Mersea Township. He was Constable Stuart Hutchinson of St. Thomas.

The move came under an enactment by the Ontario Legislature that stated that all rural areas over a specified population were required to maintain police supervision and in most cases the townships covered the expenses while the province supplied the officers.

Constable Hutchinson’s first case was the investigation of an incident on Concession D where four windows in the Ukrainian Nation federation hall were smashed sometime

(Continued on page 10)

C. SCOTT HOLLAND

look at Leamington’s past...

Leamington Police Force 1935

Chief John Lamarsh

Police Station 1928

March Masquerade returns to LAC

The second annual March Masquerade is being held at the Leamington Arts Centre (LAC) on Friday, March 20th starting at 7 p.m.

The March Masquerade is an evening filled with exciting activities including live musical performances by local musicians; a live bees wax painting demonstration and art auction by international artist Leyla Munteanu; palm analysis by Rosemary Heenan; tarot card readings by Windsor Tarot; hors d ‘oeuvres; wine by Alexander Estate Winery; a silent auction and a Spin-the-Wheel game.

Visitors will also enjoy the Breaking Barriers, Ruth Driedger and Stacie Koretska art exhibitions on display, the Signature Gift Shop as well as the Erie Quest Heritage Ship Wreck Museum on our second floor.

Tickets are available now at the Gallery and online at: www.leamingtonartscentre.com. Tickets are $30 each and include a unique hand created masquerade mask designed by the local art students, one complimentary glass of wine, fine food, entertainment, great fun and chances to win prizes or an original work of art in the silent auction.

This is a fun fundraising evening for the Leamington Arts Centre. Come out and support the arts in your hometown.

Gore Hill Celebrates Winter Carnival

Gore Hill Public School students celebrated Quebec’s Winter Carnival last week with a variety of activities similar to those in the authentic event hosted in Quebec City. Students also enjoyed pancakes and hot chocolate.

Student Alex Dos Santos assists Early Years student Dorian Garcia as he plays one of the games during Gore Hill school’s Winter Carnival.

Gore Hill students Jacey Foster (left) and Ardan Fischer enjoy pancakes as part of their Carnaval d’hiver centres.

Chinese New Year at Gore Hill

Primary students at Gore Hill Public School celebrated the Chinese New Year with a variety of activities in the classrooms and a parade featuring a chain dragon created by the students. The students were proud to display the dragon masks and puppets they created for the occasion. Front row, left to right: Jak

sen.

18-year-old charged with robbery

Leamington OPP arrested a man after he assaulted a student and stole his cell phone.

A Leamington student was walking home from school when the male approached him, assaulted him, and took his

cell phone. He was treated at the hospital for minor injuries.

An 18-year-old Leamington man was arrested and charged with robbery. He will appear in a Leamington courtroom at a later date.

CGIT celebrating 100 years

Seeking submissions for a memory book CGIT – Canadian Girls In Training. Were you involved? CGIT is celebrating 100 years this year. There is a Memory Book being planned for all who were involved in CGIT to submit a memory. A wonderful legacy of women came up through the 100 years as they graduated from CGIT and went out into the world. CGIT wants to record some of that legacy for all to read and share in, as they celebrate this awesome milestone with CGITers across Canada.

Do you want to share your favourite memories with others about your time in CGIT, either as a girl, a leader, or both? Is there one event that stands out in your mind as you look back? Do you remember one leader or one friend who has influenced your life?

It is simple to take part! Just write a very brief story (so that as many can be included as possible) about something involving CGIT. There are many different categories: Vesper Services, meeting nights, devotions/worship times, sleepovers, camping, summer camps, friends, crafts, songs, fun nights – the list goes on.

Write your story and send it to the following: Ontario CGIT Association, PO Box 371, Norwich, ON, N0J 1P0, or email to Ontario@cgit.ca. Make sure to include your full name, your maiden name (if applicable) and, if you wish, where and when you attended CGIT as a girl and/or leader.

Help is also needed with the title of the Memory Book. If you have an idea, be sure to include it with your submission.

In addition to the book there will be a fun-packed celebration of CGIT’s 100 years May 29-31 at Crieff Hills, Christian Retreat and Conference Centre. All girls, leaders, alumnae or anyone who has been associated with CGIT is welcome to attend and celebrate, get reacquainted with old friends and make some new ones, and relive some wonderful memories! There will also be a display area set up for any memorabilia you would like to share that shows the history of CGIT’s 100 years.

If you would like more information about this celebration or the Memory Book, contact Carolyn Reid at sprkke@ sympatico.ca or 519-326-6776.

Thiessen, Allie Barnewall, Emily Garton, Breanna Klas-

Back row: Ryan Klassen Cornelius Fehr, Logan Williams, Andrew Marchand, Aidan Brown.

Law and order in Leamington

(Continued from page 7)

Sunday night. Good-sized rocks were found inside the building on Monday morning by the president of the federation. Everything was in order when the crowd left the hall Sunday evening.

In March 1955, Mersea Township Council deferred a decision to a future meeting as it considered notifying the OPP of terminating its contract by the end of the year. However, by December, Council had a change of heart and renewed its contract with the OPP. By August 1959 Mersea’s Council decided to talk to Leamington’s Council about a joint police force.

Early in 1960, Mersea initiated its own police force which consisted of only one man, Chief Roy Boles. Boles patrolled only the southern half of the township (south of the former C & O tracks – today where Leamington Municipal Office is located).

By October of that year, Leamington rented space at its new station for Mersea’s one-man force and a year later Mersea Council added a two-way radio to its police vehicle.

BANK THEATRE NOTES

10 ERIE STREET SOUTH P.O. BOX 434

LEAMINGTON, ON N8H 3W5 519-326-8805

QUEEN MILLI OF GALT

by Gary Kirkham

Is being performed at The Bank Theatre and Meeting Place this week-end, February 26, 27, 28 and March l and next weekend, March 6, 7and 8.

About the Actors:

Rebecca Lashmar (Milli) is a nineteen-year-old, born and raised in Leamington. She has been part of the Sun Parlour Players for almost nine years. Becky has many exciting projects in her future – including Canadian-made feature film later this year.

Zack Harrison (Prince Edward) is thrilled to be making his Sun Parlour Player’s debut in the fabulous production of Queen Milli of Galt. Zack is currently pursuing a Masters Degree in Musicology at The University of Windsor.

Bill Robertson (Sir Thomas Godfrey) is also making his debut with the Sun Parlour Players. In fact, this is Bill’s first time on stage anywhere. He was born and raised in the Leamington area. Bill’s interests include outdoor activities, music, cooking and sports.

Jane Toppi (Mrs. Milroy) is a former schoolteacher who took up acting after her retirement. Last February, Jane caused an uproar in Calendar Girls. Besides live theatre, Jane has had the privilege of acting in two made-for-tv movies.

Bridget Marie Opfer (Mona) is thrilled to be making her debut with the Sun Parlour Players. A New Jersey native, Bridget grew up in a large family and was influenced by the talents of her father, James Daniel Opfer Jr., a stage actor. She worked in feature films alongside directors such as Tim Burton, Milcho Manchevshi and the late Tony Scott.

Richard Taves is thrilled to be directing this Canadian play, Queen Milli of Galt and introducing three new actors to The Bank Theatre stage. The set is the most elaborate we have had so far and there are lots of costume changes.

SEE YOU AT THE THEATRE

Thursday, February 26 at 7:30 p.m. DRESS REHEARSAL (open to the public on a pay as you can basis)

Friday, February 27 at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, February 28 at 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, March l at 2:00 p.m.

Friday, March 6 at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 7 at 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, March 8 at 2:00 p.m.

Tickets: $15 adults and seniors; $10 students

Tickets may be purchased at Thomson Guardian Drugs, Leamington; The Discount and Party Store, Wheatley; The MaryKathryn Shop, Kingsville. Tickets are also available at the door one half hour before the performance.

Follow The Bank Theatre on Facebook www.facebook.com/TheBankTheatre

Email: banktheatre@gmail.com Website: www.banktheatre.com

Its effective range was a minimum of 34 miles.

In November 1962, Mersea Council considered adding a second man to its force.

At the end of April 1963, Chief Roy Boles resigned and departed for a similar position in New Liskeard. Starting in May 1963, Essex OPP patrolled the entire township while Mersea sought applications for a police constable to patrol the southern half.

The cost of the two Essex OPP patrols for Mersea Township (covering the remainder of the year) was $11,000 plus mileage.

In August 1963, Mersea Police had a new constable, Ronald K. Stratton. Part of the area he covered was Point Pelee National Park after the OPP withdrew their services from the park. In total, Stratton was responsible to cover 37 square miles and he asked for a second police constable to fulfill the coverage duties.

In April 1965, Mersea appointed Chief Reo Williams to head the Mersea force. He was joined by full-time Constable Lorne Kraus (formerly of the Sandwich West Township force). But Kraus resigned after just two weeks on the job and was replaced by Constable Al Harris. Pay was $5,000 per year.

The two forces amalgamated in the year 1999. A decision to have the Ontario Provincial Police cover the entire municipality was made a few years later, and on December 3, 2010 the OPP took over policing services in Leamington.

“Queen Milli of Galt” premieres this week

The Bank Theatre is presenting “Queen Milli of Galt” – a play that is part comedy, part history and totally entertaining – starting this Thursday, Feb. 26 at 7:30 p.m. with a dress rehearsal that is open to the public on a pay as you can basis. In 1972 the Duke of Windsor died, and shortly afterward a tombstone in a cemetery in Galt, Ontario, was discovered, engraved with the words: Millicent Milroy, wife of Edward VIII, Duke of Windsor. The play returns to 1919 to explore what might have happened in Galt that autumn.

ARE YOU AFFECTED BY SOMEONE ELSE'S DRINKING? The Wheatley Serenity Al-Anon Family Group meets every Monday at 7:30 p.m. at the Wheatley Friendship Club (north entrance), 171 Erie St. N.

DO YOU ENJOY VOLUNTEERING AND MEETING PEOPLE? South Essex Community Council in Leamington is currently looking for volunteers for Meals on Wheels Delivery. If you are interested in volunteering during the morning for about 1 hour per week or as a back-up volunteer, please call Noreen or Susan at SECC - 519326-8629 ext.381. www.secc.on.ca.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25Seniors’ Fraud & Safety Information Seminar, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. at Chartwell Leamington, 1 Henry Ave. With free coffee & snacks. Featuring: OPP Community Safety Officer Kevin O’Neil. Will include information on Chartwell and CARP.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25 - Sun County Lyme Awareness Support Group will meet 6:30 p.m. at Colasanti's Tropical Gardens. All about Lyme Disease - learn, share, support. Learn how to "Take a Bite Out of Lyme!" Free to attend. Everyone welcome.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26 - Past Pelee Questers meeting, 7:00 p.m., at WFCU, 318 Erie St. S., Leamington. Presenter: Clair Wiper, Antique Appraiser & Auctioneer. Topic: Junk. Guests

welcome. For more info call Jackie 519-326-1361. Pelee Past Questers is an organization for the study of antiques, preservation and restoration of artifacts, existing memorials, historical buildings, landmarks and education.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4 - Can you spare an hour of your time to help save a life? Bring a friend and donate at the: Leamington Blood Donor Clinic at the Kinsmen Recretion Complex, 249 Sherk St., 12:30 – 7:00 p.m. NEW DONORS AND WALK INS WELCOME. Call 1888-2-DONATE (1-888-236-6283) for information and to book your appointment.

FRIDAY, MARCH 6 - World Day of Prayer, 2:00 p.m. at Faith Mennonite Church, 269 Sherk St., Leamington. Everyone is welcome to this special service prepared by the Women of the Bahamas. Light refreshments. For information contact Catherine Riediger 519322-1551.

SATURDAY, MARCH 7 - Voices of Youth in Community 3rd Annual Dodgeball Challenge at Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex. Participation free with donation of food item or personal care item for the food bank or ACCESS Emergency Care Housing Program. Everyone age 10 and over are welcome. Info: Wanda Rodrigues 519-733-8983 ext. 22 or wrodrigues@accesscounty.ca.

THURSDAY, MARCH 26 - Dads Matter Workshop Free. 6:308:30 p.m. at Access - County

Community Support Services, 23 Mill St. W., Kingsville. Topic: “Sibling Sanity” with speaker Mike Morency. To register or for more information call Connection Early Years Family Centre at 519-2529696 or email info@smflc.ca.

TUESDAY, MARCH 31 - My Home, My Choice - free event! Learn about supporting individuals with disabilities on living in their own home setting and living more independently. 5:30 - 9:00 p.m., Place Concorde, Windsor. Dinner included. Must RSVP at 519-974-1008 or windsoressexfamnet.ca/upcoming-events.

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

VOLUNTEER DRIVERS ARE NEEDED to transport people in Essex County and Chatham-Kent for dialysis treatments. Reimbursement of mileage is at .40 cents per km driven. We are in need of volunteer drivers to provide these essential appointments. To volunteer call 519-728-1435, long distance 1855-728-1433, or visit us at 499 Notre Dame St., Belle River.

IF YOU HAVE PARKINSON’S and would like to join our group for information, exercise and support, come by Tuesday mornings at 10:30 a.m. to the Half Century Club, 160 Talbot St. E. Leamington. Community Calendar is a FREE service for FREE events. Please see the COMING EVENTS section in

“Queen Milli of Galt” will be presented Fri. Feb. 27, Sat. Feb. 28, Fri. Mar. 6 and Sat. Mar. 7 at 7:30 p.m., and Sun. Mar. 1 and Sun. Mar. 8 at 2 p.m. Tickets are available at the door half an hour before the performance, and at Thomson Guardian Drugs in Leamington, Mary Kathryn Shop in Kingsville, and Discount & Party Store in Wheatley.

Rebecca Lashmar plays Milli, the school teacher from Galt, as she attends a ball as the guest of the young Prince Edward VIII, played by Zack Harrison, in a scene from Queen Milli of Galt, staged this weekend and next at The Bank Theatre.

Bridget Opfer plays Milli’s slightly scandalous friend Mona in a scene from Queen Milli of Galt playing this weekend and next at The Bank Theatre.

Police lockup 1870s

I heard a bird

I don’t recall when I began paying attention to obituaries, but sometime recently I realized that they were becoming as common to my newspaper read as were the funnies. So far, my name has not appeared...

LLOYD BROWNJOHN

Cobweb Corner...

But let us not linger and move on to birds. Yes, if you live in this part of Canada – the Deep South – it is almost impossible not to have some interest in birds. This region is not only Canada’s sun parlour, it is also Canada’s bird land. I calculate we go through multiple dollars of bird feed every year just to keep an assortment of avian vultures fed. How many lovely vacation days has Mr. Bowman in Wheatley enjoyed in consequence of our bird feed purchases at his shop?

Whilst watching the little birdies over my morning cups of coffee I’ve learned a great deal about both bird behaviour and even how it relates to human behaviour. I’ve noticed, for example, that male birds feed before female birds. I did try to operationalize that learning experience in our house and learned another series of lessons about making my own meals, often in the backyard.

I’ve noticed that birds with the largest beaks tend to get the choice pieces of bird feed. One cannot help but be impressed by a gross beak.

Observation of birds can lead, I’ve discovered, to the reading of books. Some exciting reading is Birding for Beginners, Backyard Birds for Fun and Profit, Birding the Sewage Lagoons of Essex and Kent County, and a ton more.

My favourite, however, is a lovely little west coast novel by Margaret Craven titled I Heard the Owl Call My Name. It is all about a young, dying priest, assigned to minister to a First Nation community along the mid-coast of British Columbia. The community was once known as Kwakult but now formally known as “Kwakwak’wakw”. In the novel he learns how to work with the community and he learns of tribal legends and customs, including the owl.

Among the legends is that of the owl as a portent of death or, more precisely, a keeper of the gateway to the underworld. Sure, owls are also noted as symbols of wisdom. Big deal! It is the death omen that concerns me!

In this short novel, Father Mark is getting along swimmingly until one day he hears an owl call his name. A few days later he dies in a landslide.

So there I am one morning recently reading the obituaries, sipping morning coffee and watching the birds. It was a lovely day, one of those unusual summer days when you can actually breathe the freshness of the air, so windows are open. The bird feeders are alive with assorted feathered critters all fighting as if there would never be enough food for all of them.

My quiet reverie was suddenly and rudely shattered when an impudent Carolina wren perched on the window ledge. “Noisy little devil,” I mused, until it began to slowly dawn on me that this strutting little bird was calling my name. Well, at least I’m sure that it sounded like my name, although it might also have been a neighbour.

Now I concede that the Carolina wren is not an owl, but is it possible around here that if the Carolina wren calls your name you are doomed to appear in next week’s obituaries?

You see, when we older dudes start contemplating our appearance on the local dooms-

day list, we tend to become sensitive to signs, omens, portents and the spillage of coffee cups. In lieu of an owl, was this impudent little wren trying to call my name? If so, is it possible that the next time you find my name on the pages of this newspaper it will be under the Reid Funeral Home banner?

I’m not sure that wren fully appreciates the consequences of my mind running rampant, for if the bird did indeed call my name I’m not sure I should be investing any more of my diminishing estate in bird feed. If I’m doomed, so is that nasty bird!

Winter coats needed desperately

With temperatures dipping to -23 degrees Celcius last week and cold weather forecast for this week, Lorraine Gibson of the Migrant Workers Program is sending out an urgent appeal for winter coats, mits, hats and scarves.

Donations can be dropped off at El Campeón on Erie Street South (3 doors down from Bank Theatre) in Leamington.

“Some of the workers don’t have coats and are outside with only hooded sweaters,” said Gibson.

HIGH QUALITY LICENSED CHILD CARE

Offered at 4 schools in Leamington & Kingsville. Ages 18 months - 12 years 6:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. • Subsidy available. For details call 519-733-8202 www.discoverychildcareschools.com

Father Stan Fraser was in the kitchen and out talking to those who came out to the Shrove Tuesday Panake Supper at St. John The Evangalist Church. Fr. Fraser is pictured here with Jean Malott, left, and Shirley Sauve, right. (SUN Photo)

St. John the Evangelist Church in Leamington held a pancake supper on Shrove Tuesday, February 17, complete with sausage or bacon. At left, John Tofflemire gets his plate of pancakes from volunteer Jeannette Chase. (SUN Photo)

World Day of Prayer is March 6

World Day of Prayer is a global, ecumenical movement of Christian women joined together to observe a common day of prayer each year on the first Friday of March.

Leamington’s World Day of Prayer is Friday, March 6 at 2:00 p.m. at Faith Mennonite Church, 269 Sherk St.

Everyone is invited to join this special service prepared by the Women of the Bahamas. Light refreshments will be served.

For more information contact Catherine Riediger at 519-322-1551.

The Churches of Leamington and District Welcome You

ANGLICAN

St. John The Evangelist

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

Sunday Worship Services

8:30 & 10:30 am

St. Mary’s Church

East West Road, Pelee Island

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

Calvary Church

North Shore Road, Pelee Island

1st & 3rd Sundays from October to May at 10 am

BAPTIST

First Baptist Church

3 Fox Street, Leamington 519-326-4372

Sunday Worship 10:30 am

Heritage Baptist Church

555 Talbot St. W., Wheatley

519-300-1400 Pastor Francisco Penner

Sunday 11 am & 7 pm, Wed 7 pm

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

Sunday School 9:00 am Worship 10:30 am

CONGREGATIONALIST

Faith Everlasting Congregational Church

589 Hwy 77, Leamington 519-322-2994

Sunday Worship 11 am

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

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

LUTHERAN

St. Paul’s LutheranEvangelical Church

311 Sherk Street, Leamington 519-326-3966

Sunday Worship Services 10:30 am (Eng)

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

Sunday Worship Services 9:15 am (German), 10:45 am (English)

Leamington Evangelical Mennonite Church

108 Mersea Rd 3, Leamington 519-322-9915

Sunday Worship 10:30 am

Leamington United Mennonite Church

78 Oak Street East, Leamington 519-326-2727

Sunday Worship 9:45 am

Summer Worship Services 10:00 am

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

1 Sunday Worship Service at 10:30 am

North Leamington United Mennonite Church

625 Mersea Rd 6, Leamington 519-326-7928

Sunday Worship 10:00 am

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

Sunday Gatherings 10:30 am

NON-DENOMINATIONAL

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

Sunday Worship 6:30 pm

Leamington District Memorial Hospital

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

PENTECOSTAL

FGT Family Church

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

Service Sunday 9:15 am & 11 am am

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

Sunday Worship Services 10:30 am

English/Spanish 6:30 pm

Templo Christiano De Leamington

MENNONITE

Faith Mennonite Church

269 Sherk Street, Leamington 519-326-6391

Sunday Worship Services 10:50 am (Summer 10 am)

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

Sunday Worship Services 3 pm

Mount Zion Full TabernacleGospel

6 Mill Street, Leamington 519-252-0031

Sunday Worship 7:30 pm

United Pentecostal Church

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

Sunday Worship Services 11 am

PRESBYTERIAN

Knox Presbyterian Church

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

www.knox-leamington.com

Sunday Worship Services 10:30 am

ROMAN CATHOLIC

St. Michael’s Parish

29 Elliott Street, Leamington 519-326-2643

NO MASSES FROM JULY 14 TFN

St. Joseph’s Church

310 Sherk Street, Leamington 519-326-2643

Saturday Mass: 5 pm (English)

Sunday Masses: 7:30 am (English)

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

12 Noon (Portuguese)

3 pm (Spanish), 7 pm (English)

St. Anthony’s Parish (Maronite Rite)

280 Talbot Street East, Leamington 519-322-2282

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

SALVATION ARMY

The Salvation Army Citadel

88 Setterington Street

Leamington 519-326-4901

Sunday Worship 10:30 am

UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA

Leamington United Church

9 John Street, Leamington 519-326-9461

Sunday Worship Services 10:30 am

Mersea United Church 1301 Mersea Road 8, Wheatley 519-825-4157

Sunday Worship Services 9:30 am

UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST

Unitarian Universalist Church of Olinda

2953 Olinda Sideroad, Ruthven 519-326-4352

Sunday Service 10:30 am

Queen of Peace makes church donation

By Bryan Jessop

Students at Queen of Peace Catholic Elementary School are more than aware of the importance of investing in their own future.

During Ash Wednesday celebrations in the school’s gymnasium, a group of Grade 8 pupils presented a cheque of $2,000 to St. Michael’s Church paster Fr. Pat Feurth. The money will be used to build the new church’s youth centre.

Money for the youth centre was raised during the ninth annual Queen of Peace Christmas Carnival, held in December of last year. Organizing Grade 8 students were able to raise the money through $5 per student admission rates and nominal fees to play games and purchase items inside the carnival. The money raised by the annual holiday-inspired event is usually directed toward the international charity program Free The Children.

“Our Grade 8s thought this would be a good chance to help hone their own leadership skills in the near future,” explained Queen of Peace Grade 8 teacher Rina Mastronardi. “With the new church that’s going to be built, it’ll be something where all students can benefit.”

St. Michael’s Church was demolished in mid-autumn of last year. Its replacement will be constructed at the same Elliott Street site and include the youth centre as a part of its basement. The youth centre will have kitchen access and be used for Sunday School, an assortment of children’s activities and other events for users of all ages.

The architects of the new church have nearly completed the structure’s blueprints. After the final details have been arranged, construction will go to tender. Although Feurth is not yet certain of what the final cost of the rebuild will be — or what percentage of that cost will be needed for the youth centre — he expressed gratitude for the school’s donation.

“It’s very generous,” he said. “Most of them (the students) are parishoners, so they’re truly involved, which is great. Every little bit helps.”

Feurth has been the pastor at St. Michael’s for the past 10 years and served there for 10 months after being ordained in 1967. His parish has been making use of St. Joseph’s Church on Sherk Street since the former St. Michael’s building was demolished. He hopes to see construction begin as soon as the weather clears this spring and completion as early as Easter of next year.

St. Michael’s Church was built in 1922 to replace a wooden structure that was constructed in the 1870s. An addition was built in 1955. The parish centre’s administrative offices and meeting rooms are still standing at the Elliott Street location.

Queen of Peace Grade 8 student Jeremy DiMenna presents a cheque for $2,000 to Fr. Pat Feurth during an Ash Wednesday celebration at the school’s gymnasium Wednesday, Feb. 18. The money was raised through last year’s Queen of Peace Christmas Carnival and will be used to help fund the new St. Michael’s Church youth centre.

70th Anniversary of the liberation of Holland

Local pipe band to honour Canadian soldiers at celebrations

2015 holds a special place in Canadian military history as it represents the 70th anniversary of VE Day (May 8, 1945) and the Liberation of Holland.

Dutch families from all across Holland will once again welcome Canadians to their homeland for anniversary celebrations.

The Sun Parlour Pipes & Drums (a non-profit, registered charity) will make the trip to Holland in April-May 2015. They will perform at a number of Canadian War Cemeteries in honour of all who served and returned home, and in memory of all who served and fell and were called home.

Fundraising efforts are underway to help support the pipe band’s Liberation Tour in Holland. A dinner and raffle is being hosted Sat. Feb. 28 starting at the Royal Canadian Legion in Essex, 103 Talbot St. N. Tickets are available at Essex Legion. Donations to Sun Parlour Pipes & Drums are also gratefully accepted.

Sun Parlour Pipes & Drums have taken part in several ceremonies, including a trip to France, Belgium and Holland in 2012 to commemorate the battles of the Essex-Scottish at Dieppe and pay tribute by playing at the Vimy Memorial. In 2014 the pipe band travelled to St. John’s, Newfoundland, to participate in a memorial service for the members of the Newfoundland Regiment who lost their lives in the battle of the Somme on July 1, 1916.

Locally, Sun Parlour Pipes & Drums have been the lead for many Legion parades and functions, festivals and Santa Claus parades. Band members enjoy playing for the community and showing off the traditional music of the great Highland bagpipes.

Province updating health and phys. ed. curriculum

The province is releasing an updated health and physical education curriculum that will provide students with accurate information about health and safety as well as provide parents with resources to help them understand and participate in what will be taught to their children.

Starting September 2015, the updated curriculum will reflect health, safety and wellbeing realities faced by today’s students. Updates to the curriculum include healthy relationships, consent, mental health, online safety and the risks of “sexting.” The curriculum has also been updated to be more reflective of Ontario’s growing and diverse population.

Resources to inform parents and to support learning at home include:

• An outline of the new Health and Physical Education curriculum for Grades 1-12.

• Guides on human development and sexual health part of the curriculum – one for Grades 1-6 and one for Grades 7-12.

• Quick reference sheets about healthy relationships and consent as well as online safety, including the risks of sexting.

The revision of the Health and Physical Education curriculum is the result of work done through the curriculum consultation, which began in 2007. The review was the most extensive curriculum consultation process ever undertaken by the ministry and involved parents, students, teachers, faculties of education, universities, colleges and numerous stakeholder groups, including the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, the Ontario Public Health Association and the Ontario Healthy Schools Coalition.

More than 70 health-related organizations submitted reports for consideration and thousands of people provided feedback.

The Growth and Development section of the elementary Health and Physical Education curriculum has not been updated since 1998 – before the widespread use of social media and smartphones.

Studies have shown that girls are entering puberty as early as 7 years old, which is significantly earlier than in previous generations.

The World Health Organization has found that providing kids with comprehensive sexual health information helps prevent early sexual activity and negative health outcomes.

Golden Years mini golf

Apologies to Art Sweet who on Feb. 12 dropped 5 aces, delivered a strong 18-hole score of 34, and was not recognized for his efforts.

On the coldest day of the year, Feb. 19, forty golfers braved the elements and were rewarded with 62 aces.

Leading the pack with 6 was Tom Hyatt, followed closely by Lloyd Honey with 5. Recording 4 each were Cam Keith and Bill Ward. Three dropped for Bill Mayville, Andy Orsini and Art Sweet. Chipping in 2 apiece were Herb Ascott, Caroline Ascott, Mike Binder, Dorothy Cascadden, Fran Clifford, Eva Kah, John Murphy, Rose Taylor, Ernie Vandenberg, Gerrit Vriesen and Bryon Walker. Rounding out the ace register with 1 each were Mary Binder, Madeline Butler, Murray Cascadden, Cathy Dewhurst, Norbert Gisi, Murray Hartford, Dorothy Johnson, Gail Johnson, Morley Scratch, Al Stockwell and John Vlodarchyk.

Low score of 17 for 9 holes was delivered by Cam Keith, Tom Hyatt, Bill Ward (2), Lloyd Honey and Rose Taylor. Managing 18 were John Murphy, Bill Ward (2), Andy Orsini, Al Stockwell, Barb Murphy, Tom Hyatt, Bill Ward, Ernie Vandenberg and Norbert Gisi.

An excellent low score of 34 for 18 holes was delivered by Bill Ward, followed closely by Rose Taylor with 35 and Norbert Gisi with 36. Carding 37 were Bill Mayville, Al Stockwell, Tom Hyatt (2), Lloyd Honey and

Murray Cascadden.

A 36-hole score of 72 was captured by Bill Ward. Tom Hyatt collected a 74, Lloyd Honey a 75, and Bill Mayville, Andy Orsini and Rose Taylor recorded 76. Bob McWilliam, Cam Keith and Norbert Gisi carded 78.

A score of 239 and first-place bragging rights were awarded to Team 14 (Rose Taylor, Murray Cascadden, Murray Hartord). Second place, with 241, was nailed down by Team 10 (Ernie Vandenberg, Norbert Gisi, Lloyd Honey). A third place tie of 243 was captured by Team 7 (Gail Johnson, Carol Ascott, Tom Hyatt) and Team 8 (Bill Ward, Herb Ascott, Colleen Pearse).

League play continues every Thursday at 9:30 a.m. at Colasanti Tropical Gardens.

Sun Parlour Pipes & Drums in Markelo, Holland, in 2012. (File photo)

Take a Bite Out of Lyme Challenge

The Sun County Lyme Awareness Support Group joined with ChathamKent Essex MPP Rick Nicholls in the international “Take a Bite Out of Lyme Challenge” which official begins March 1. Nicholls met with the group and served as guest speaker at their initial meeting on Jan. 28, where Mr. Nicholls and charter members of the group “took a bite out of lime” in support of Lyme Awareness. From left to right are Nat Abbate, Cheryl Abbate, MPP Rick Nicholls, Shelby Wilkins, Tony Policella and Jamie Jacobs. Absent from the photo is Sherry DaSilva. The group meets on the fourth Wednesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. in the Cactus Room at Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens.

(Submitted photo)

Happy 50th Anniversary Happy 50th Anniversary

Don & Marilyn Matheson

The family of Don and Marilyn Matheson wish to congratulate them on 50 years of marriage. They were married on February 27th 1965 in Sackville, New Brunswick. They moved to Toronto to start a family then eventually ended up in Leamington. We love you very much and are so proud of your huge milestone. Wishing you many more very happy and healthy years together.

Lots of love, Deb and Glyn, Chris and Connie, Samantha, Calvin, Johnathan, Max, Ashely and Tyra.

Softly

IN MEMORIAM FLORENCE CALDER

In loving memory of a Dear Mother who passed away March, 3, 2011

The rolling stream of life rolls on But still the vacant chair, Recalls the love, the voice, the smile Of the one who once sat there.

Always Remembered, Doug and Marilyn, Kathleen and Jim.

In Loving Memory of a Dear Husband, Father, Grandfather & Great-Grandfather

As time unfolds another year Memories keep you ever near.

Silent thoughts of time together Hold memories that will last forever. Sadly missed.

Lovingly remembered by wife Peg, daughters Tammy and Carrie and their families.

Aug. 17, 1955 - Feb. 21, 2014

One year has passed since that sad day when the one we loved was called away. God called you home. Within our hearts you hold a place. Every day memories of you come our way. Sadly missed by Mom & family

1946 Fargo pickup truck is

his “rain vehicle”

Sam Higginbottom of Tecumseh was born in 1937 and got into the old car hobby at an early age. In 1956, he purchased a 1932 Ford 5-window coupe off a used lot and brought it home. He still has it, and in recent years he has transformed the car into an awesome street rod.

But sometimes he likes to go out in all kinds of weather, and if he doesn’t have to expose the ’32 to the elements, he slides behind the wheel of his 1946 Fargo pickup truck (almost identical to Dodge trucks). I photographed Sam’s truck at the Second Annual Classic Car Show in Maidstone on Saturday, September 13, organized by Pat and Roseanne Kettels. It wasn’t raining and so Sam would have driven there in his ’32 Ford coupe but the door spring on one of the doors had broken, and the door would not stay closed.

A while after that show, Sam was able to replace the broken spring with the correct one, thanks to his friend Woody Seguin of Puce. Woody had gone to the big NSRA (National Street Rod Association) “Nationals North” in Kalamazoo, Michigan, an annual gathering of literally thousands of street rodders from all over. And that’s where Woody found the part that Sam needed. It pays to have friends in this hobby!

Sam purchased his 1946 Fargo pickup about 10 years ago from Vic Snowden (now deceased), who got it from a Mr. Pluck who worked at the Chrysler’s Windsor plant in the service garage. Nothing is known of its earlier history at the time of this writing, but these stories are famous for pulling long-forgotten details into the light of day.

Since buying the truck, Sam has added two new windshield wipers, a new top for the pickup box, a new exhaust system, and a rebuilt master cylinder. Under the hood is the legendary flathead inline six with 3-speed on the floor. It runs well. A flathead six was available on Plymouth and Dodge cars right up to and including 1959, and was finally replaced with the arrival of the overhead-valve Slant Six in 1960.

Fargo trucks date back to the 1920s, and became part of the Chrysler Corporation when that company purchased the Dodge Company in 1928. In 1935, Chrysler Canada was given the right to produce Fargo trucks, and did so until 1972. When I was a kid growing up in the 1950s, we used to say these trucks were called Fargo because they would “go far.”

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. Everyone whose story is published in my column will receive a free autographed copy of my book: “Old Car Detective Favourite Stories, 1925 to 1965.”

Sam Higginbottom’s 1946 Fargo pickup truck.

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Our business continues to grow through the efforts of our staff, directors and network of 24 broker locations throughout ChathamKent and Essex County. Because we live, work and play in the community we serve we understand the challenges of farming and life in the small town.

As a member of the Ontario Mutual Insurance Association we have the security of 40 mutual insurance companies throughout the province of Ontario.

To learn more about us or to find a broker in your area, visit our website at www.kemutual.com.

Church, Metcalfe play in International Bowl

By Bryan Jessop

Being chosen for one of the symbolic positions of a high school football all star team is an honour, but two Cardinal Carter students have gone a step further.

C.J. Church and Dan Metcalfe — both Grade 11 students who completed their first year of WECSSAA senior football in the autumn of last year — were selected for a trip to Texas to participate in the annual International Bowl. In their U17 category, the Cougars duo was selected from a group of about 500 hopefuls who attended tryouts in Stoney Creek in November.

The International Bowl featured games in U19, U18, U17, U16 and U15 divisions between Canadian and American teams representing the governing bodies Football Canada and USA Football, respectively. The week-long gathering of practices, jamborees and games was hosted by AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas — home of the National Football League’s Dallas Cowboys.

The U-17 game was played Saturday, Jan. 31 and ended in a 24-10 victory for the Americans. Although the USA Football and International Bowl websites list all five visiting squads as Team Canada, the U17 team was made up entirely of Ontario residents while their opponents hailed from communities across the United States.

Tryouts in Stoney Creek began with morning sessions at the indoor soccer and football facility Players Paradise. After several cuts were made, remaining players were called in for an afternoon tryout the same day.

Metcalfe and Church received phone calls during the Christmas holidays to inform them they had been selected to represent the team. Church played right guard on the offensive line while Metcalfe took on linebacker duties. With Cardinal Carter, Church played on both offensive and defensive lines while Metcalfe also played quarterback.

(Continued on page 19)

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Above - Cardinal Carter’s C.J. Church (#62) plays on the defensive line during a WECSSAA game against the Catholic Central Comets in senior football action for the 2014 season. Both Church and teammate Daniel Metcalfe were selected to represent Team Ontario during the 2015 International Bowl in Arlington, Texas during the last week of January. The two were chosen from a tryout camp of about 500 players for the U17 team.

Right – Cardinal Carter’s Daniel Metcalfe (#9) chats briefly with Chris Tannous during a Cougars senior football game against the Catholic Central Comets in a WECSSAA 2014 regular season match. Both Metcalfe and teammate C.J. Church were selected to represent Team Ontario during the 2015 International Bowl in Arlington, Texas during the last week of January.

Wins Sweetheart Bonspiel

The Curling Club of Kingsville hosted their annual two-day Sweethearts Mixed Bonspiel Feb. 6-7. The 16-team event featured great curling, a dinner/dance and fabulous prizes. A team from Leamington’s Sun Parlour Curling Club took top honours. From left to right are Ron Kettle, Joan Kettle, Janan Alles and skip Kevin Alles. (Submitted photo)

Atom Majors battle to a tie

‎The Southpoint Atom Majors F.M. Nassif hockey team played Erie North Shore Storm on Feb. 22 and battled to a 4-4 tie.

Southpoint played catch-up hockey all game and were down two goals in the third period. The team never gave up, and with timely saves by Dane Price they rallied to keep it close.

With the Storm leading 1-0, Milana Butera tied it up and the game was on. The Storm then scored on the power play to go up 2-1. Shortly afterward, with a wraparound and crashing the net to get his own rebound, Lucas Ingratta tied it up to deadlock it at 2-2.

With more penalty trouble for Southpoint and some accurate shooting by the Storm they went up 4-2 in the third period. The Capitals again came back with a sweet feed from Gerrin Church to Milana Butera, who flying up the wing, cut to the net and ripped a wrist shot that seemed to go right through the Erie N. Shore goalie for her second goal of the game.

With under 2 minutes left, the Storm took a late penalty and brought the face-off deep in Erie’s end. Dane Price came to the bench for the extra attacker. With 45 seconds left in the game, Massimo West got a pass from Massimo Corlett and put the one-timer in the back of the net to tie it up.

It was an exciting, fast-paced game and the coaching staff is very proud of the team’s effort. Next up for the Capitals is a tournament in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Feb. 27-Mar. 1. Good luck, F.M. Nassif Atom Majors!

RECREATION EVENTS RECREATION EVENTS

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Canadian Blood Services will be set-up in the Complex Gym Wednesday, March 4 from 1:00 - 7:00 p.m. Call 1-888-2-Donate. Walk-ins also welcome. Help to save a LIFE! Rock ‘n Swim – Friday, March 13 Complex Pool 7:15 - 9:00 p.m. Bring the family! Listen to all your favourite tunes by Chuck Reynolds DJ Music - sponsored by UMEI Christian High School.

March Break Day Camp - plan ahead and register your children ages 4-7 & 8-12 for an exciting Day Camp experience. Register by the day or by the week. Lunches available to purchase! Day Camp Counselors are trained in the HIGH FIVE principles of healthy child development. Swimming, Skating, Crafts, Games, and a different Theme each day to keep the Kids excited and coming back for more.

March Break Activities: Monday, March 16 - Friday, March 20

Public Swimming: 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. daily “Within Arms Reach Policy” applies Rec. Gym: 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. daily

Public Skating: 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. (Monday & Wednesday only)

Leamington’s 15th annual Home & Garden ~ Food & Drink LIFESTYLES Showcase - March 27 thru 29. All kinds of home renovation specialists, Interior design consultants, Chalk Paint techniques, Door Prizes, Food & Drink, Landscape, ideas all under one roof! Home/Garden/Food & Drink/Lifestyles Vendors, email complex@leamington.ca for details and Application Form! If you’re building a new home or doing some back yard patio renovations & landscaping, come see the professionals. Presentations on the stage throughout the showcase, plus Leamington’s Deputy Mayor Hilda MacDonald will lead the food and drink vendors in “Cooking Chats!”

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Bending the rules

Well, the 14th and final installment of the Oldtimers Challenge has come and gone. I was fortunate to have been able to cover the last three for the Southpoint Sun. If you too were lucky enough to attend at least one of these games, you’ve probably appreciated the jovial, laid-back atmosphere of the event. Years ago, I covered similar games featuring NHL retirees in Wallaceburg and Tilbury. Similar is the operative term, because those games were played without nearly as lighthearted an atmosphere.

Although this year’s Legendary Hockey Heroes roster did not include the Hanson Brothers from the cult movie classic Slap Shot, it was by no means sans high jinks. In one instance, a player representing the OPP squad was awarded a penalty shot by retired NHL referee Ron Hoggarth (no, the free shot would not have been awarded in a standard game). The puck was promptly placed at centre ice and just before the would-be shooter reached it, the disc seemed to take on a life of its own.

How? Former Maple Leaf Jack Valiquette began reeling in the puck with a fishing rod. The line was nearly impossible to see, making it look as though a sort of ghost player was interfering with the play.

Obviously, fishing rod-tethered pucks, pies to the face, rocket skates and smokescreen sticks are against the rules. Although the team of NHL greats was kept busy signing autographs prior to and after the game as well as during both intermissions, I had the chance to chat with former Red Wing great John Ogrodnick.

Ogrodnick was one of the first players I’d ever seen at a live game. He was joined by the likes of Steve Yzerman, Glen Hanlon, Greg Stefan, Randy Ladoceur and so on. The first game I ever saw ended with this crew thumping the Hartford Whalers either 7-1 or 8-1. Anyway, Ogrodnick described the game’s speed as the biggest change he’s seen since the days he played for Detroit. He mentioned lighter equipment as a contributing factor, but also pointed to the clampdown on the ‘clutch and grab’ tactics that were fairly common in his day.

Said clampdown basically transformed bending the rules into breaking the rules. Holding, interference and hooking calls began running rampant until the league’s slower players got the message. I’ll admit that at the time, I figured Mario Lemieux was just being whiney. Now, I look back at the change as one of the few I’ve actually grown to appreciate over the last couple decades.

Bending the rules without actually breaking them seems to happen all the time. Hockey lends itself to several opportunities to dishonour moral standards without risking a trip to the box. Diving is the one that irks me the most. I seem to recall a brief period about 10-15 years ago when officials actually starting calling it as a penalty. I really wish that call would make a comeback. Although I won’t name the “offending” club, the LDSS girls hockey team seemed forced to put its penalty kill to work several times because of the opposition’s theatrics earlier this season.

Goaltenders are also far from being innocent little angels. I’m not just referring to those who wear jerseys big enough to use as parachutes or pads that could offer nesting material to every condor on Earth. Some of them are quite the opportunists. I’ve seen/covered more than one game where the net will be knocked off its moorings ever so slightly — enough so that it’s visible from the stands but not enough for the officials to notice right away. I can’t help but suspect that some goalies use these occasions as a sort of insurance policy. No harm, no foul if they aren’t scored on, but if they are, arguing a dislodged net could very well get that goal recalled. You can’t blame them for not repositioning the net if the puck is still in their zone, but if the play has shifted to the other end, it’s pretty easy to replant those posts without even taking your eye off the puck.

On a similar note, many fans have noticed the old ‘lunge forward for the puck while “accidentally” hitting a post with the legs’ tactic that sends the net backwards — a great way to have the play whistled dead when the opposition is threatening to score.

I also witnessed a rather loathsome tactic utilized during a recent high school basketball game. While there’s no sense in trying to quiet the fans during a free throw in an NBA game, it’s always been a code of honour of sorts that a golf-like silence is offered at the high school level. I’ve covered hundreds of these games since I became a community newspaper reporter nearly 20 years ago and until very recently, I’ve NEVER heard players on the opposition’s bench clap in rhythmic unison to attempt distracting a free throw shooter. Again, I won’t name the offending team except to say it was an opponent visiting the UMEI Lightning.

Whatever the sport, it’d be nice to see the unwritten rules get as much respect as the ones that draw penalties and fouls.

BRYAN JESSOP Jessop’s Journal

Peewee Minors team recently held their second annual Olympics at Coach Babkirk’s home where Team Canada defeated Team U.S. to win the gold.

Peewee Minors enjoy 2nd annual Olympics

A lot has been happening with the Southpoint Spraytec Peewee Minors. Here are a few of the highlights.

A game played over the border ended with a great win. This win cannot be mentioned without sharing a little about Nash Perry’s best game this year. Nash was on his game, making saves left, right and “five-hole”. Way to go, Nash! The team worked hard and Noel Hodgson started the scoring off with an assist from Troy Tiessen. Austin Neufeld scored off a rebound from Thomas Jennings’ shot on net. Michael Vida scored a solo shot to end the game with a 3-1 win.

Last weekend, Thomas Chauvin also had an unassisted goal and Michael Vida had a second goal, assisted by Thomas Jennings.

Last week brought two games. First, Southpoint played against Essex. Adam Zylstra played net. His usual calm, cool and confident play always gives the team a strong sense that he has their back. The team pulled out all the stops and Captain Michael Vida started the game with a quick goal in the first period, assisted by Caleb Babkirk. The Ravens scored one in the second to tie the game. Noel Hodgson sealed the win with his lone goal.

The highlight of the month was the second annual Olympics at Coach Babkirk’s. Special thanks to the coach’s wife Corrie for all the hard work she puts into the rink on a daily basis. The games included Russia, United States, Sweden, Czechoslovakia, and of course Canada! Canada and the U.S. ended up in the final game and Canada won! Team Canada winners were awarded medals made by Kira Babkirk (thanks, Kira!). The gold medalists were Caleb Babkirk, Alex Jadiscke, Massimo Corlett and Kyle Jennings.

A great month was had by all!

Church, Metcalfe

(Continued from page 17)

Both also represent the Cougars on the blue line for the school’s hockey team, where Metcalfe leads as the squad’s top offensive defenseman.

The trip to Texas was the third International Bowl for Church and the first for Metcalfe.

“They both played really well,” said Chris Church, C.J.’s father and the head coach of the Cougars’ senior football team. “C.J. played his best game ever.”

Several teammates that accompanied Church to U15 and U16 International Bowls in 2013 and 2014 didn’t make the final cut for the U17 team this year. Church and Metcalfe — who also play for the Essex Ravens — were among five Essex County natives picked for this year’s Ontario team. Prior to joining the Ravens, both Leamington residents played minor football in Windsor.

In the early stages of the morning tryout in Stoney Creek, Church was grouped with other players of similar height. Not long after drills began, he was reassigned to groups with taller players once coaches noticed his dominance of team hopefuls of comparable stature. Church went on to be picked as one of the team’s seven captains.

Stars weekend recap

The Bantam Naples Pizza Southpoint Stars travelled to LaSalle to play the first of their two-game series. With a couple of injuries the team decided to pick up two Peewee players to help fill the holes in the lineup.

The first period was evenly matched with no scoring. The Stars opened the scoring in the second period with Kaylie Goodchild sneaking one in on the backhand with assists from Kate Derbyshire and Lexy Iacobelli.

Just three minutes later, Kaylie Goodchild scored her second goal of the match, beating the Sabres netminder short side. Assists came from Kate Derbyshire and pickup Alyssa Lamb. Mackenzie Church battled hard in front to score in the third and give the Stars a 3-0 lead. The Sabres scored a late goal to end the Stars shutout at 3-1.

Stars goalies Caitlin Preston and Erica Taylor made some great saves to keep their team up. Friday saw the Peewee Community Muffler team playing against Windsor White. The Stars had a balanced attack through much of the game.

Alyssa Lamb scored first with an assist from Bridgette Klassen.

Although the Stars had chances, there was no scoring in the second.

In the third, Erin Hopper passed the puck from the point to Chelsea Andary who was waiting at the side of the net. Chelsea sent a perfect pass to Adriene Gualtieri out front and she put it in the corner of the net.

The game ended in a 2-0 win for the Stars.

Courtney Jeffery made a beautiful kick save in the third to preserve her shutout.

The Community Muffler team played a second game Saturday in LaSalle. Again they came out strong and had a number of opportunities in the first two periods, but the LaSalle goalie was making great saves.

The Stars picked up a penalty in the third period and LaSalle capitalized on it. Down one, the Stars battled on and ended up scoring with 6 minutes left. Alexa Taylor gained control of the puck in the corner and sent it out in front to a waiting Jaryn Harris, who shot the puck in the corner for her first-ever goal.

Courtney Jeffery made a great glove save to allow Community Muffler to come away with a 1-1 tie.

Sunday on the Heinz rink the Community Trophy Southpoint Atom Stars tangled with the Essex Thunder. These two teams were extremely evenly matched throughout this contest. However, it was the Thunder that scored the go-ahead goal in the third period that proved to be the game winner. The final score was 4-3 Essex.

The Stars goal scorers were Adriana West, Danika Romanyk and Meagan Derksen. Scoring the lone assist was Shannon Harris.

The WFCU Southpoint Intermediate Stars welcomed Tilbury to the Heinz rink. The Lady Stars played great, getting many shots at the Tilbury netminder, but she proved to be the difference maker as Tilbury scored in the first and third periods to secure a 2-0 win.

The Leamington Kinsmen Southpoint Intermediate Stars battled the tough Sabre Cats of LaSalle. Kim Goyeau got the Lady Stars on the board first, scoring a beauty of a goal unassisted. However, LaSalle scored the next three goals that held up until just two minutes left in the game when Kayla Collison buried the puck in the back of the net after a nice feed from Taylor Babkirk. The Lady Stars lifted their goalie for the extra attacker but ran out of time. The game ended with LaSalle winning by a score of 3-2.

Chris, who is also the offensive coach with the University of Windsor Lancers football team, noted that the American U17 team earned one of its three touchdowns with a trick play that should have been flagged with a procedural penalty. He and his wife Tara were able to watch the game via an Inter-

net feed.

Despite the fact that all five games were played using U.S. rules, Canada won the International Bowl Cup by earning victories in three of five games. The Canadian U18 team won 25-9 Jan. 30, Canada’s U15 team cruised to a 42-0 victory, the Canadian U16 squad won 34-17 and the American club won the U19 game 35-0.

The

The Strathroy Rockets led the Flyers twice in the final 2014-15 regular season game at Heinz Arena, but they certainly didn’t get away with it “Scott” free. As one of five Flyers playing his final pre-playoff junior hockey game in Leamington, veteran forward Chris Scott made the most of the occasion by burying two goals in his team’s 5-3 victory over the visiting Strathroy Rockets. The Thursday, Feb. 19 GOJHL contest was also the last regular-season home game as a Flyer for defensemen Ryan Muzzin and Joel Shipley and forwards Tyler Duarte and Kyle Quick.

The Rockets drew first blood about midway through the opening period as Nick Boyer made an unassisted effort to beat Leamington netminder Trevor Wheaton. Colin Moore tied the score just under 10 minutes later with his seventh goal and 15th point of the season, assisted by Zack Guilbeault and Ryan Muzzin.

The game remained deadlocked until four seconds prior to its halfway point. Ocean Check scored his first of two on the night to give Strathroy a 2-1 advantage and renew the threat of handing the Flyers their first loss in Leamington since Sept. 18. Scott replied by scoring his first of two, sending a wrist shot into the right side of Mat Ouellet’s net during a rush from the netminder’s left side. Ryan Muzzin and Sun County AAA minor midget call-up Mitchell Crevatin assisted.

Flyers finish home schedule with victory

By bryan jessop

first place one week earlier against Chatham. “We got better as the game went on. We’ll take the win.”

Scott, who led fellow forward veteran Kyle Quick by four points after the Thursday game, expressed similar sentiments.

“We already clinched first, and it took some time to get the energy going,” he said.

“Everyone wanted to build momentum for the playoffs and keep our good home record going. I had good legs tonight and the big ice always helps. I tried using the defense as a screen and I was lucky enough that it worked out.”

Leamington was assured a quarterfinal round against eighth-place Lambton Shores seven days earlier, a series Piroski and his team doesn’t intend to take for granted.

“This league always has teams that jump up from out of nowhere in the playoffs,” he said. “We definitely won’t be taking them lightly.”

Scott picked up where he left off early in the third, netting the Flyers’ first go-ahead tally 3:09 into the third. Taking a feed from J.P. Grineau, Scott released a wrist shot from the faceoff dot to the left of the Rockets’ net that grazed the iron before sending the puck into the mesh. The goal was Scott’s 26th and 54th point to expand his lead in team scoring.

Check replied less than six-and-a-half minutes later with the night’s only power play goal, one-timing a Boyer pass into the right side of Wheaton’s net. Guilbeault supplied the game winner about threeand-a-half minutes later, chipping the puck past Ouellet as he and his linemates rushed the Strathroy net. Former Rocket Duarte and Crevatin assisted.

Scoring concluded about 40 seconds after the Rockets’ bench pulled their goaltender for the extra attacker. Eric Henderson engaged in a leg race against Strathroy’s Kurtis Sander for a loose puck slowly skidding toward the visitors’ crease. Both players dived forward to strike the puck with their

sticks, but Henderson’s got there first to speed up the disc’s progress and seal the win.

Leamington outshot Strathroy 37-33 despite going zero for four on the power play while the Rockets managed one for four.

“We played a pretty good game, considering there was really nothing to play for,” said Flyers head coach Tony Piroski in reference to his team securing

The regular season wrapped up 24 hours later for the Flyers, who visited the St. Marys Lincolns for a 6-1 victory. Leamington goals were scored by Travis Campbell, Kyle Quick, Kyle Perkowski, Blaine Bechard, Joe Ogden and Matthew Opblinger. Michael Barrett earned the win in net, stopping 28 of 29 shots. The Flyers registered 30 shots and were one for two on the power play while holding the Lincolns to zero for five.

The quarterfinal Western Conference series will begin at home for the Flyers with a Thursday, Feb. 26 game against the Predators, starting at 7:10 p.m.

Rest of the West

Other Western teams began their own final stretch of games with a 4-1 Sarnia win over St. Marys and a surprise 7-5 victory for Lambton Shores against Chatham. On Wednesday, Sarnia doubled LaSalle 6-3 while Chatham handed London a 7-4 loss. St. Thomas cruised to an 8-2 win against St. Marys Thursday while Sarnia defeated Lambton Shores 8-3. Chatham secured second place Saturday with a 62 win against Lambton Shores while London defeated LaSalle 6-4. Strathroy came out on top 3-2 in overtime against St. Thomas in a race for fifth between the two teams. Chatham finished the regular season with a 10-3 victory over St. Marys.

The Rockets’ Dalton Good keeps a close eye on the Flyers’ Kyle Perkowski as he maneuvers with the puck deep in Strathroy territory during the third period of a Thursday, Feb. 19 GOJHL game at Heinz Arena. The Flyers won their final regular season home game 5-3 to tie last season’s output of 76 points. (Sun photo)

From left to right, defenseman Ryan Muzzin, forward Tyler Duarte, defenseman Ryan Shipley and forwards Chris Scott and Kyle Quick were honoured as graduating-age players prior to the Flyers’ final regular season home game of the 2014-15 season at Heinz Arena. Scott honoured the occasion by scoring twice in his team’s 5-3 win over the Strathroy Rockets. (Photo courtesy of Ryan Scott)

Cale Phibbs of the Flyers begins making his way around Strathroy defenseman Andrew Martin for a shot at the Rockets net during the third period of a Thursday, Feb. 19 game at Heinz Arena. The Flyers won their final regular season home game 5-3 to tie last season’s output of 76 points. (Sun photo)

The Flyers gather in front of their net to celebrate a 5-3 win against the Strathroy Rockets Thursday, Feb. 19 at Heinz Arena. The game was the last one at home for the 2014-15 regular season, allowing Leamington to tie last year’s output of 76 points. (Sun photo)

The Flyers gather in front of their net to celebrate a 5-3 win against the Strathroy Rockets Thursday, Feb. 19 at Heinz Arena. The game was the last one at home for the 2014-15 regular season, allowing Leamington to tie last year’s output of 76 points. (Sun photo)

Bantams chalk up another playoff win

As the playoffs become more detailed with talent, the Windsor Factory Supply Bantam team is playing with more intensity. With two critical placement games this past weekend, the men in white travelled to Harrow to play two top-seeded teams.

Harrow #1 battled with the WFS team during the first period, only to find the strength and charisma of Aiden Rodrigues opening the door for WFS. Harrow quickly answered to tie the period 1-1

The second period was played with fury, as WFS answered with a point goal from Austin Tiessen, assisted by the hard working Caeden Hutnik.

The third period was a barn burner as the penalty box became a place for friends and foe, and the benches were quiet yet tired.

WFS took advantage of this time as Aiden Rodrigues showed his talent with a top shelf goal assisted by Antunes and Butera.

WFS won 3-1 putting them in first place in their division round robin.

Sun. Feb. 23, WFS played host to Harrow #2, another strong team. With one of the finest goaltenders in the league, WFS had to create a way to beat Harrow’s heavily favored net minder.

In the first period, Donny Pardo rifled a shot from the hash marks to beat the goaltender in the bottom corner, assisted by Aiden Rodrigues.

Both teams battled hard and saw several injuries and players disappearing from the bench. WFS play cycled the puck, utilizing the entire ice in an effort to weaken the Harrow team.

With several shots in hand, WFS continued the pressure with a top corner beauty from Dante Butera, assisted by none other than Aiden Rodrigues.

WFS took an early lead 2-0 in the first. WFS goaltender Tyler Dibbley played outstanding, facing well over 38 shots and holding the score to 2-0.

The second and third period shone with “hold on for life” tactics as both the WFS and Harrow team showed signs of exhaustion.

WFS sealed first place with another win. Great weekend, boys!

Sun Stars open playdowns with win over Outlaws

On Saturday, February 21 the Southpoint Sun Stars Bantams hosted the Chatham Outlaws in the first game of a provincial qualifying series.

With 4 minutes remaining in the first, the Stars got on the board first after a pretty passing play gave Sara O’Brien an opportunity to bury one past the Outlaws’ goaltender for a 1-0 lead.

Early in the second, on a power play, the Outlaws got one past Natalie Edmondson to tie the score at 1. Just 30 seconds later the Stars responded when Emily Hyatt scored low glove side to put the Stars out front for good. Bailey Brown and Abbey Hopper drew the assists.

The Stars would go on and score 6 more unanswered goals and win this one, going away 8-1 to take a 1-0 series lead over the Outlaws. Goal scorers for the Stars were Bryanna Rodrigues (2), Sara O’Brien (2), Corinne Jackson, Kylie Murracas and Morgan Brown. Assists were recorded by Bailey Brown (4), Emily Hyatt (3), Darigan Chambers (3), Abbey Hopper, Corinne Jackson, Morgan Brown, Kennedy Hodgson and Kylie Murracas.

The Stars played a great team game on this day and left little room for the Outlaws to gain any momentum.

The Stars next travel to Chatham on Saturday, February 28 for an 8:30 game against the Outlaws at Chatham Memorial Arena.

Go Stars Go!

Rhine Danube bowling scores

The following are the Rhine Danube bowling league scores for Feb. 9. Games Over 200: Willy Fittler 222, Armand Decaluwe 226, Jack Valade 203-202, Ozzie Wolf 216-227, Gary Garnham 225-202, Aaron Dickau 223-201, Richard Dickau 211, Kevin Kosempel 231, Heinz Kosempel 244-215-232, Chris Kosempel 267-235, Mauro Paglione 238, Dan Dalimonte 202, Eric Zimmer 258-215-214.

Series Over 550: Armand Decaluwe 555, Ozzie Wolf 635, Gary Garnham 574, Aaron Dickau 608, Richard Dickau 550, Kevin Kosempel 585, Heinz Kosempel 691, Chris Kosempel 675, Mauro Paglione 588, Dan Dalimonte 555, Eric Zimmer 687.

High Handicap Games: Chris Kosempel 299, Mauro Paglione 293, Armand Decaluwe 287.

High Handicap Series: Heinz Kosempel 790, Ozzie Wolf 773, Chris Kosempel 771. Standings: Rhine Danube 43, Weil’s 36, Fittler Farms 29, Unico 27, Dickau’s 21, Taki’s 12.

Thursday, March 12

AMY�SCHUMER Saturday, March 14

CRAIG�FERGUSON Thursday, March 19

TRACE�ADKINS Saturday, March 21

LYNYRD�SKYNYRD Saturday, March 28

THOMPSON�SQUARE Saturday, April 4

WANDA�SYKES Thursday, April 16

Ryan Raffoul of the Cougars charges toward the L’Essor basket during the first half of a WECSSAA 2A junior boys basketball quarterfinal match at Cardinal Carter Wednesday, Feb. 18. The Cougars advanced to the semifinals with a comfortable 64-38 victory. Raffoul led his team with 27 points while Mark Jraiche added another 15. In the semis, Cardinal Carter hosted the Assumption Purple Raiders in what ended as a 70-44 victory in favour of the Purple Raiders. In the other WECSSAA 2A finals, the Kingsville Cavaliers defeated Assumption 57-38.

a WECSSAA boys hockey quarterfinal match Monday, Feb. 23 at Heinz Arena. Santos scored twice and added an assist in his team’s 8-2 win, sending the Lions into the division semifinals. Mason Gow of the Lions is stopped by Herman goalie Martin Stengal during a firstperiod breakaway Monday, Feb. 23 at Unico Arena. The game was a WECSSAA boys hockey quarterfinal match, won 8-2 by LDSS. Gow scored the first goal of the game to help his team earn a spot in the semifinals.

Lions feast on Green Griffins

By Bryan Jessop

Before a couple teams even knew whether or not they’d make the playoffs, the Leamington Lions charged their way into the WECSSAA boys hockey Cullen Conference semifinals.

Leamington hosted the Herman Green Griffins Monday, Feb. 23 and cruised to a convincing 8-2 victory in the single-game quarterfinal match at Unico Arena. The LDSS team dominated all aspects of the game from the opening faceoff to third-period buzzer, from hitting to shooting, passing, skating and special teams.

Mason Gow opened the scoring 3:38 after the match started, making a quick maneuver with the puck in the Green Griffins’ crease before tapping it over the goal line. The power play tally was assisted by Josh Koning and Spencer Wiebe. The hosts kept the offensive pressure on from there, although they were unable to beat Herman netminder Martin Stengal for the second time until more than eight minutes later. In an unassisted effort, Jesse Fast backhanded a low shot from just in front of the crease that snuck between the goalie’s pads before trickling over the line.

Using a screen set up by teammates, Cameron Cronheimer buried a sharp-angle shot from the right of the Herman net for the game winning marker, assisted by Noah Santos and Tristen Totaro during another LDSS power play.

The Lions spent a total of about three-and-a-half minutes killing off a five-on-three disadvantage without giving up a goal. The LDSS squad spent more time threatening to score when down five players to five than it did fending off Herman attacks. Santos opened the scoring in the second period by perfectly tipping a Jake Lewsaw shot after a minute and 43 seconds of play. Totaro also drew an assist.

Fast added a shorthanded goal to make it 5-0, one-timing a pass from Lewsaw at point blank range. A similar goal was scored just over two minutes later by Brett Thomas, who one-timed a pass while standing in front of the Green Griffins net, only sending the puck into the top right corner instead of close to ice level. The pass came from Brendan Fehr.

Leamington made it 7-0 after Santos took a Lewsaw pass for a short breakaway, making a quick fake before sending a backhand shot past Stengal. Herman put itself on the board 23 seconds later, as RJ Durocher solved Riley Fast with a wrist shot that found the far left side of the LDSS net.

A controversial call was made during the final minute of the opening second when Fast checked a Green Griffins defenseman into the boards from a 90-degree angle. Fast was given a five-minute major and a game misconduct for checking from behind despite protests from the Leamington bench.

The Lions spent much of the third period passing the puck rather than shooting it, setting up a version of keep-away to burn off the final 15 minutes of the match. Lewsaw netted the final Leamington goal by tapping a loose puck into the left side of the Green Griffins’ goal during a delayed penalty.

The guests wrapped up the scoring during a power play when Andrew Clark sent another wrist shot into the left side of the LDSS net. Leamington continued killing the clock from there, content with the six-goal gap.

“That was definitely a better game for us,” said coach Tony Nurse, comparing the playoff match to the late regular-season loss against Assumption. “We won a lot of the battles that we had to win and we played hard. We put the first one in, which is important for us and then just kept our foot on the gas from there. We played tough and made opportunities with the puck. There were also contributions from all three lines and we stayed focused right from the start.”

The Lions were happy with most components of their game, with the exception of one.

“I thought we were a bit too undisciplined for the majority of the game,” said Santos after his three-point effort. “Other than that, we played really well. We weren’t mentally prepared for the last game (against Assumption), but today everyone had it down pat.”

The conference’s first-place L’Essor Aigles will have to wait until Thursday, Feb. 26 before they know if they’ll be playing Kennedy or Cardinal Carter in their quarterfinal match. The outcome of that game could influence who the Lions will play in the semis, which will be a best-of-three series. The semifinals will likely begin later next week.

By Bryan Jessop

The L’Essor Aigles net proved ‘Fehr’ game during this year’s WECSSAA 2A girls hockey semifinal series.

Grade 12 student and Lions assistant captain Shannon Fehr scored four goals and added two assists throughout the threegame series against L’Essor to help bring her team from the brink of elimination to the Association finals for the first time in three years. The Aigles struck first on home ice with a 5-2 victory despite Fehr’s two-goal effort, forcing the Lions to win the next two at home.

Julie Bodnar opened the scoring in Game 2 for L’Essor, sending a shot past Natalie Edmonson during a first-period rush to give the guests a 1-0 lead. Less than two minutes later, Kiera Jackson took advantage of a fallen Aigles defenseman to earn a short breakaway goal with a waist-high wrist shot. Danielle Slingerland and Kim Goyeau earned assists.

Alyson Skidmore gave LDSS a 2-1 lead after swatting at a loose puck in the crease past netminder Alex Rajsigl with less than five minutes on the clock in the second period. Fehr was credited with an assist. L’Essor kept the pressure on in an effort to come up with the equalizer and found it at about the midway point of the third period when Jessica Jeffery beat Edmonson with a high wrist shot into the right side of the net. With the overtime clock ticking down, Fehr avoided a shootout by burying a wrist shot from the slot to even the series at one apiece. Emily Hyatt and Lauryn Gradwell provided the passes to the game-winning tally.

“It was a thriller,” said Lions coach Jordan Davison. “Yesterday (Game 1) we came out a little flat and had a few bad bounces against us. We were more focused and came to play today. Our work ethic was a factor as well.”

A more impressive start gave Leamington control for much of Game 3, played Friday, Feb. 20. Fehr opened the scoring in the second in an unassisted effort for the 1-0 advantage, followed by the game winner provided by Hyatt. With a loose puck sitting in the L’Essor crease, Hyatt charged the net and sent it over the goal line to give the Lions a 2-0 lead for the second-intermission flood. Assists went to Fehr and Chelsea Hickson.

Kelsey Babkirk brought the Aigles to within a goal with just under six minutes to play in the third, sending a low wrist shot into the right side of the Leamington net. L’Essor’s bench pulled its netminder for the extra attacker with 3:20 remaining, but couldn’t come up with the tying marker. From just inside the visitors’ blue line and near the boards, Hyatt flipped the puck into the empty Aigles net to seal the game and series victory.

“It was a lot like Game 2,” said Davison. “We dictated the pace and took it to the net for most of the game.”

The WECSSAA 2A finals began Tuesday, Feb. 24 at Libro Centre in Amherstburg — results were not available by press deadline. The teams will meet in Leamington Wednesday, Feb. 25 at 3 p.m. and if necessary, Thursday, Feb. 26 in Amherstburg at 3:30 p.m.

During the regular season, the Bulldogs won three of four games against LDSS, all by 2-0 scores. The Lions won the other 2-1.

Left - Lauryn Gradwell congratulates teammate Shannon Fehr for scoring in overtime against the L’Essor Aigles during the WECSSAA 2A girls hockey semifinal match at Unico

OBITUARY

Jacob Goerzen

Jacob “Jake” Goerzen, born June 1, 1939, passed away peacefully at Leamington District Memorial Hospital on Monday, February 16, 2015 with his family at his side.

OBITUARY

Irma Hildebrandt

Anglers: check conditions before heading out to ice fish

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry is reminding anglers to check local ice conditions before heading onto the ice to fish. Ice conditions can be deceptive and variable.

Beloved husband of Helen (nee Stewart). Survived by his mother Katharina Goerzen of Wheatley. Loving father of Mary Malott (Dwain) of Chatham, Judy Jones (Darren) of Cambridge, Tom Goerzen (Jackie) of Wheatley, Kathy Goerzen (Terry Kelly) of Windsor, and Terry Goerzen (Tracey O’Dell) of Lincoln, New Brunswick. Jake will be missed by his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Brother of Katharina Froese (Guenter), Elfriede Schartner (late John) and Anna Schroeder (late Wolfgang). Brother-in-law of Doreen Crawford (Don), Jean Theabeau (Harry) and Linda Tymec. Predeceased by his father Jakob Goerzen. Following Jake’s wishes, cremation has taken place. There will be no funeral services, but a celebration of his life will take place at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made in Jake’s name to the Canadian Cancer Society - Research. Arrangements entrusted to Reid Funeral Home & Reception Centre, 14 Russell St., Leamington (519-326-2631).

Online donations and cherished memories may be shared with the family at www.reidfuneralhome.ca.

Irma Hildebrandt, 72 years, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on Friday, February 20, 2015 at Leamington District Memorial Hospital after battling cancer for 24 years.

Beloved wife of George. Dear mother of Ken (Kathy), Lori Balkwill (John), Tom (Kate) and Marie. Loving grandma of Taylor Balkwill and Mitchel Hildebrandt. Dear sister of Betty Albrecht (Walter), Bob Hildebrand (Esther), Esther Driedger (Ernie). Dear sister-in-law of Susie Driedger (the late Henry) and Henry Hildebrandt (Betty). Many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends also survive.

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

Funeral Service celebrating Irma’s life was held from the Leamington United Mennonite Church, 78 Oak Street East, Leamington, on Wednesday, February 25, 2015 at 11 a.m. Interment Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery, Leamington.

Memorial donations may be made by cheque to the Canadian Cancer Society or Leamington Mennonite Home.

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

Sharks to stay in Wheatley

By Bryan Jessop

There are changes in store for Wheatley’s Junior C hockey club, but relocation isn’t one of them.

Wheatley Area Arena will continue to serve as the ‘Shark Tank’ in the Great Lakes Junior C Hockey League, thanks in part to the outcome of a public forum hosted by the community’s Business Improvement Association Thursday, Feb. 19 at the Wheatley Royal Canadian Legion. The meeting — led by Sharks volunteer and Wheatley BIA member Larry McDonald and Sharks president Mike Raffoul — attracted about 25 residents.

The gathering ran a course of about three hours, during which time several ideas, questions and suggestions were fielded by McDonald and Raffoul. Upon completion, it had accomplished two of its three objectives — finding a potential ownership group to present a purchase offer to current majority owner Bruno Carnevale and recruit a team of volunteers to assist with fundraisers and other behind-the-scenes duties. The third goal of increasing the team’s fan base was also discussed at length.

“The team is staying in Wheatley, I know that for sure,” McDonald said. “All of this is a big positive for Wheatley. I’m happy we had this meeting.”

To start the session, McDonald and Raffoul explained that owners intent on keeping the team in Wheatley would be given the first opportunity to purchase the controlling share of the Sharks. Had no such group been found, the team would have been made available to buyers with plans to move it elsewhere. A proposal to find a larger group of investors to offer $1,000 per individual was considered, but was ultimately dismissed in favour of a smaller group of what could become a dozen potential owners. That group formed an executive including spokesperson Jamie DiNiro to discuss the sale of the Sharks in person with Carnevale. The group is made up mostly of Wheatley- and Leamington-area residents and was close to reaching its membership total of 12 as of Friday, Feb. 20.

DiNiro contacted Carnevale on Friday to arrange a meeting as early as the following week with his group to discuss the sale. Although details on the offering buyout price are

being kept private, the potential ownership executive does hope to keep Carnevale on board as a partner for what could be a two-year deal and has asked McDonald to remain active as a lead fundraiser.

If the transaction goes smoothly, the majority ownership transfer could be official as early as March 15.

The potential new owners also have plans to launch a season ticket sales drive. Although details on the drive have not yet been mapped out, another public meeting is being planned to gauge the interest level of local fans. DiNiro explained that the group hopes to see between 100 and 125 season ticket holders commit to the 2015-16 season.

“We’re all really excited about it,” DiNiro said. “What we

Remember:

• Ice does not freeze at a uniform thickness across most lakes and rivers. This can be hazardous at the start of the winter season when near-shore ice is often much thicker and safer than ice further out. Check thickness regularly with a spud bar or auger as you move further out on the ice.

• Not all ice is created equal. Ice that has formed over flowing water, springs, pressure cracks, old ice holes or around the mouths of rivers and streams can be weaker than surrounding ice.

• Clear blue ice is the strongest. White or opaque ice is much weaker. Ice that has a honeycombed look, common during thaws or in the spring, should be avoided.

• Travelling on frozen lakes or rivers with snowmobiles or vehicles can be dangerous and precautions must be taken. At least 20 centimetres (8 inches) of clear blue ice is required for snowmobiles and 30 centimetres (12 inches) or more is needed for most light vehicles. This thickness should be doubled if the ice is white or opaque.

• Heavy snow on a frozen lake or river can insulate the ice below and slow the freezing process.

Before Venturing Out:

▪ Check ice conditions with local ice hut operators or other anglers.

▪ Let others know where you’re planning to fish and when you plan to return.

▪ Appropriate clothing and equipment are critical to safety and comfort. Many anglers wear floatation suits and carry a set of ice picks.

▪ Register your ice hut, where required.

want to know now is if the community is willing to support the team. If the community will support it, the group is 100 per cent in.”

On average, the Sharks now attract between 20 and 30 season ticket holders per season, a small fraction of the estimated 450 drawn by the league’s Essex 73’s. Currently, season tickets sell at $90 each.

Spectator turnout is one of the team’s primary concerns, as Raffoul noted a per-game attendance of 300 is needed to break even after paying ice rental and referee-linesmen fees. For 2014-15, the Sharks averaged 172 paid spectators per home game with the new Saturday home-ice night. Last year, Wheatley averaged 237 spectators per home game with Mondays as home-game nights. The team plans to return to Monday nights for home games starting with the 2015-16 season. The new group hoping to purchase the team plans to move quickly if the sale goes through as intended. DiNiro explained that that they would like to arrange a May or June players’ camp to see which players are available to add to next season’s roster.

“We’d like to see what we can generate for interest from players. We’d want at least 100 to form a competitive team,” he said.

Newfound sponsorship support is also a possibility for the Sharks. West Kent (Ward 1) municipal councilor Bryon Fluker attended the Feb. 19 forum and explained that discussions are ongoing at the Tilbury Auto Mall to arrange a $10,000 sponsorship for the Wheatley team. Fluker also noted that the Sharks’ ice-rental rate of about $180 per hour is the same as with Chatham-Kent’s other junior teams — the Wallaceburg Lakers, Dresden Kings, Blenheim Blades and Junior B Chatham Maroons.

In addition to finding interest on the ownership front, the Sharks have also received volunteer commitment from about 10 more local residents.

“We’re starting to gain some momentum now,” McDonald said.

Anyone who could not attend the public forum but is still interested in supporting or volunteering for the Sharks can contact McDonald at 519-825-4576 or 519-325-8042.

Wheatley Sharks president Mike Raffoul talks to a crowd of about 25 residents during a public forum at the Wheatley Royal Canadian Legion while Wheatley BIA member and Sharks volunteer Larry McDonald looks on Thursday, Feb. 19. The meeting was arranged to discuss the future of the Sharks in Wheatley and find a potential ownership group as well as volunteers and other supporters.

•

SOUTHPOINT SUN

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We speak Spanish and English.

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FIORE TOWER

1 & 2 BEDROOM APARTMENT for rent in Wheatley. Fridge, stove and laundry room. For more information call 519-324-2096. de3-tf

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ERIE APARTMENTS

SNOW REMOVAL - CALL Geoffat226-787-8866. fe11-mr4

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

J J STITCHING - SEWING, alterations and repairs. Pants shortened $8.50 plus tax. (Some exceptions may apply such as lined pants.) If your clothing is too tight or too baggy, give me a call to see if it can be altered. Call Jean at 519-968-2261. 14 Johnson Avenue, Leamington. ja14-mr25

PRINTING: BUSINESS

LOOKING FOR USED Hearing Aids. Will purchase - contact Christopher @ 519-324-5954 or cqkinc@yahoo.com, or bring them to 8 Talbot Street East, Leamington. Donations would be greatly appreciated. ja2-fe25

2 bdrm apartment and penthouse available in Leamington. Located near shopping. Util incl, on-site mgmt, secure building, laundry, elevator, party room. Call 519-326-4622 to inquire. Advertise your Coming Event in the Classifieds foronly$10 a week (word ads only)

PLUMBROOK MANOR APARTMENTS

LARGE 4 BEDROOM apartment in downtown Leamington. Available March 1st. $850/month plus utilities. Call 519-326-1234. fe18-mr4

1 BEDROOM CONDO for rent - 44 Robson Rd Leamington. $750 plus util/month. No pets. Call Kathy 519-326-5786. de17-tf

HOUSE FOR RENT -Clean 1 bedroom house near town, including fridge, stove, washer & dryer. $650/month plus utilities. Available immediately. Single preferred. No pets. Call 519-326-6412 between 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. fe25-mr4

ROOMS FOR RENT - up to 2. Includes use of kitchen and washroom. Downtown Leamington. Available now. Call 519-567-6077. ja14-tf

ENVELOPES,invoices, flyers, business cards, custom print jobs, whatever your printing needs, call Mallory at The Wheatley Journal for quick and economical service, 519-398-9098. tf

PLUMBING SERVICE

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Ed Higginbottom 519-329-1779 eh48@hotmail.ca

PLEASE RECYCLE!

KINGSVILLE LEGION BRANCH 188 Friday Night Dinners 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Weekly Specials $12 (Ribs or Perch). Other weekly menu items $10. Karaoke every 3rd Saturday of the month 8:00 p.m. Senior Dances every 3rd Sunday of the month. 519-733-5162 (office) or 519-733-9081 (bar).

SOUTHPOINT SUN

Seasonal Employees Wanted

Grain elevator located in Staples is seeking to employ individuals for the seeding and harvest seasons. Season term would be 4-5 months with potential for going beyond that.

We have available positions for office staff, and yard employees.

Please Forward Resumes to: thomas_oostvogels@cargill.com or fax to: 519-687-2939

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

No education or experience is required.

Apply in person from 9:00 to 5:00 at 500 County Road 18, Leamington, N8H3V5 or by email jobs@toppack.ca

FISHERMAN/WOMEN

WANTED – Salary

$2,769.87 a month with performance bonus. Operate fish vessel. Prepare, operate and maintain gill nets to catch or retrieve fish. Direct fishing operation. Maintain fishing gear and other equipment. Transport fish to processing plant or buyer. Apply by sending CV at sacofish@mnsi.com or drop it off at Saco Fisheries –21116 Erie Street South, Wheatley, Ontario, N0P 2P0. fe25-mr18

Nature Fresh Farms is continuously looking to fill permanent full time positions for General Labour at $11 per hour.

Job Description: Variation of Greenhouse and Warehouse duties.

Specific duties can include: Planting, string tying, pruning, de leafing, twisting, clipping, picking; sorting, packing, crop clean out, bio control, farm machinery operator. You will have the potential to earn piece rate if production rate is high, however will earn no less than minimum wage.

Please note climates can be very warm and hours will vary, must be available Monday - Saturday.

Uniforms can be a requirement and will be provided by the company. Weekly cleaning costs will apply to employee which varies between $7$10 depending on the style. Safety Shoes are mandatory. Experience is an asset, however if the candidate shows commitment and potential we are willing to train.

Please apply by: fax: 519-326-6356

in person at: 634 Mersea Rd 7 RR#5 or via email: @jobs@naturefresh.ca

FULL TIME FARM labourers needed from June to December, to harvest, pack and weed. Must be experienced in detecting pests & diseases in peppers, tomatoes and eggplant. Will be required to work outside in all weather conditions. Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. Must be available weekends if needed. $11/hour. Send resume to: Big D Farms, 1439 Road 5, RR#3, Leamington, Ontario N8H 3V6. fe11-mr4

PINNACLE ACRES REQUIRES Full time greenhouse general labourers. $11.00/hr, 50+ hours, 7 days/wk. Must be available Saturday and Sunday. Work site: 333 County Rd. 18 Leamington ON, rural setting, must have own transportation. Crop maintenance and harvesting, other duties as required. Must be able to lift a minimum of 40 lbs on a repetitive basis, fast paced environment, strong work ethic, punctual, reliable. Please apply via: email pinnaclejobs@hotmail.com or fax: 519-326-9253. No experience or education required.

WANTED

greenhouse general labourers. $11.00/hour, 50+ hours, 7 days/week. Must be available Saturday and Sunday. Must be able to lift a minimum of 40 pounds on a repetitive basis. Please apply via email to: dinirofarm@wavedirect.net.

STURGEON WOODS RVis looking for a full time or part time salesperson. Fax resume to 519-326-6567. no12-tf

GENERAL LABOURERS, WELDERS AND LASER

OPERATOR REQUIRED

Apply in person to:

Custom Fab. Inc. 5140 Ure Street Oldcastle, ON N0R 1L0 519-737-6631

Wanted: Mature PSW

For relief staff for vacations and possibly a couple shifts per week on the afternoon and the midnight shifts. Must have police clearance, current flu vaccine and proof of T.B. free.

Forward Resume: Attention Trudy Willan, Administrator Meadows of Wheatley, 21205 Pier Road, Wheatley, Ontario N0P 2P0 or Fax: 519-825-3745 or Email to: trudy06@bellnet.ca

A growing and innovative greenhouse company is looking for a full time greenhouse supervisor. The accepted candidate will be working with diverse cultures. Applicant must be a team player and have a firm commitment to Safety Regulations. Work week will most likely be Monday to Saturday and possibly the occasional Sunday. Hours will fluctuate according to the ongoing needs. Emphasis will be placed on active involvement in employee training and continuous follow-up. Winter temperatures in a greenhouse are very pleasant however please note summer climates can be very warm. Education is not required however agriculture experience and Spanish is a big asset. Wage will be based on experience and performance. To apply, please submit your resume and note which position you are applying for to the following email: jobs@naturefresh.ca or fax it to: 519-326-6356.

SOUTHPOINT SUN

NOTICE

2021 Division Road North Kingsville, Ontario N9Y 2Y9 519-733-2305 www.kingsville.ca kingsvilleworks@kingsville.ca

NOTICE

The Council of The Corporation of the Town of Kingsville wishes to appoint two (2) citizen representatives of the Town of Kingsville to serve on the ad hoc Master Fire Planning Committee to conduct a comprehensive review of the Kingsville Fire Department Master Plan. Persons interested in serving on the Master Fire Planning Committee shall apply in writing.

The Master Fire Plan Terms of Reference and Application forms are available upon request. Applications must be returned to the undersigned no later than Friday, February 27, 2015.

DATED at Kingsville, Ontario this 20th day of February, 2015.

Ruth Orton, Director of Corporate Services/Clerk

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

NOTICE

The Corporation of the Municipality of Leamington Notice

Consideration of 2015 Budget

TAKE NOTICE that the Council of The Corporation of the Municipality of Leamington will consider the adoption of the 2015 Operating and Capital Budgets during their regular Council Meeting to be held:

Monday, March 2, 2015 at 6:00 PM

Leamington Council Chambers 111 Erie Street North

Brian R. Sweet, Director of Legal and Legislative Services Phone: 519-326-5761 Email: clerks@leamington.ca

Baby Announcements

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Clean driver’s abstract/CVOR/FAST Card

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

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MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTIONISTS are in huge demand! Train with the leading Medical Transcription school. Learn from home and work from home. Call today. 1.800.466.1535 www.canscribe.com. info@canscribe.com.

COMING EVENTS

26th Annual HAVELOCK COUNTRY JAMBOREE - Big & Rich, Clint Black, Gord Bamford, Brett Kissel, Tanya Tucker, Joe Diffei, Corb Lund, Rhonda Vincent, Stampeders & Many More. Canada’s Largest Live Country Music & Camping Festival - AUG. 13-16, 2015, Over 25 Acts - BUY TICKETS 1.800.539.3353, www.HavelockJamboree.com.

EMPLOYMENT OPPS.

MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION is an in-demand career in Canada! Employers have work-at-home positions available. Get the online training you need from an employer-trusted program. Visit: CareerStep.ca/MT or 1-888-528-0809 to start training for your work-at-home career today!