January 18, 2017

Local family launches clothing drive

By Bryan Jessop

The Christmas season is over, but the giving spirit is still alive and well in Leamington.

The family of Mariete Demelo-Grilo, her husband Paulo Grilo and their three children have initiated a community-wide winter clothing collection for the area’s underprivileged families struggling to cope with chilly temperatures. The five local residents are encouraging members of the public to drop off gently-used and unwanted clothes into bins at locations that include Monte Motors at the corner of Seacliff Drive and Erie Street South as well as St. Louis Catholic Elementary School at 176 Talbot St. East near the intersection at Lutsch Street.

For the drive — known as H.U.G.S. And Hats — the family is looking for winter hats and toques, mittens, gloves, sweaters, sweatshirts, hoodies, snow pants and boots. The organizers are not seeking scarves because of the associated choking hazards and although they aren’t requesting winter coats because of the Coats For Kids program that already exists in Leamington, they have already received a few.

“Some kids don’t have proper clothes to be outside. We’re trying to make a change to help them.”

— Zander Grilo

The collection officially kicked off late last week at St. Louis Catholic Elementary School, where banners promoting the drive were revealed to students during a morning assembly. Leading the campaign are Mariete and Paulo’s children 10-year-old Grade 5 student Zander, eight-year-old Grade 3 student Lucas — both at St. Louis School — and 13-year-old Grade 9 Cardinal Carter student Tatiana.

The banners being used to promote the drive were printed and laminated courtesy of Leamingotn’s Speedprint Ltd. production manager Scott Taylor. The staff at Shoppers Drug Mart in Leamington have also vowed to assist with the charitable effort and the Leamington Firefighters Association has chipped in with a donation of 20 toques. Friends and family of the Grilo family have also been dropping off winter wear donations to their home to assist in getting the campaign started. The organizers have made store-to-store visits in search of contributions and were given the drop-off bins courtesy of Reis Appliances.

“There have been a lot of places willing to help in any

which way, which is great,” said Mariete. “This is exactly what we were hoping to see. We want this to be a campaign where the whole community gets involved. So far, it’s been an awesome start.”

Additional support has also come from Danny Farias at My Insurance Broker Corp., Donnie Pacheco from Jose’s Bar and Grill with a hot lunch award for the class that brings in the most donations, Rob Butler of Kingsville Freshco and Real Canadian Superstore manager James Lea. Speedprint also contributed to the creation of “H.U.G.S. and Hats” tshirts, some of which were given away during the banner presentation at St. Louis School.

Initially, the family wanted to start the winter clothing drive during the Christmas holidays, but later decided an early January start would be more ideal because of other commitments the public generally has near Christmas and New Year’s. The bins are expected to be available for donations until the end of February.

The idea for the Grilo family to make local winter clothing donations began about three years ago when they began emptying drawers to see which items still fit and which ones did not. After they began accumulating, obsolete articles of clothing were placed in bags and sent to the school for children from underprivileged families.

Brothers Zander and Lucas have been performing morning skits over the P.A. system at St. Louis to publicize the campaign and along with their sister Tatiana, created 500 flyers that were sent home with students Thursday, Jan. 12.

“We’re doing something because we wanted to help people,” said Lucas.

“Some kids don’t have proper clothes to be outside. We’re trying to make a change to help them,” added Zander.

“We just want to help keep people as warm as the rest of us through the winter and colder days,” Tatiana noted. “Hopefully, we can make a big difference for a lot of people.”

Tatiana Grilo, Lucas Grilo and Zander Grilo reveal the H.U.G.S. And Hats banner and drop-off bin at St. Louis Catholic Elementary School Friday, Jan. 13. Donations of lightly used winter hats, toques, boots, coats, sweaters, sweatshirts, hoodies, mittens and gloves are being donated to bins at St. Louis and Monte Motors until the end of February (SUN Photo)

Half Century Centre Chili Cook-Off heats up

Chilly weather attracted chili eaters to the the Leamington and District Half Century Centre’s Chili Cook-Off held Saturday, January 14.

More than 50 attendees enjoyed the chili creations from Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens, Leamington Knights of Columbus, Leamington Portuguese Club, Leamington and District Half Century Centre, Chuck’s Roadhouse, Cardinal Carter Secondary School and Peter’s Kitchen. Money raised from the event will offset the cost of new lighting for the parking lot.

Guest servers included Leamington Councillor Larry Verbeke, Ted Wigfield from Cardinal Carter S.S., Joe Colasanti, OPP Constables Stephanie Moniz and Mike Zajac, and Don Badore of the Knights of Columbus. Servers did not serve their own chili to make sure the judges were conducting a blind taste test. Judges included Derek Parry, Half Century Centre member, and Leamington Councillors John Hammond and Bill Dunn.

Weekend Weather

Taking first place honours this year was Joe Colasanti. In second place was last year’s defending champion Mario Floreno of the Leamington and District Half Century Centre. The People’s Choice winner was Don Badore, Leamington Knights of Columbus.

“I traveled 15,000 kilometres from Antarctica, as Don Gage said I should not miss the Half Century Chili Competition,” said attendee John Suta. John works in both the Antarctica and Arctic studying the environment.

Each chili received votes for the People’s Choice. Judging by the patrons’ positive reactions to the event, organizers stated it will be held again next year.

The servers at the Leamington and District Half Century Centre’s Chili Cook-Off held Saturday, January 14, were, left to right, Joe Colasanti, Larry Verbeke, Don Badore, Vicki Harris, Ted Wigfield, Stephanie Moniz and Mike Zajac.

Pictured here are the winners in the Leamington Half Century Centre Chili Cook-Off. Judges had a hard time narrowing it down to three. From left to right are: People’s Choice winner Don Badore, Knights of Columbus; 2nd place Elaine Taylor accepting for Mario Floreno of the Half Century Centre; 1st place Joe Colasanti; and Christine Lehn, Administrator, Half Century Centre, who presented the awards.

Little Free Library destroyed OPP Festive Ride campaign ends

By Bryan Jessop

The number of Leamington’s Little Free Library outlets has been reduced by 33 per cent following what many are describing as a senseless act of vandalism.

At some time during the January 7-8 weekend, the Little Free Library stationed at Rick Atkin Park was destroyed by an unknown person or persons, sparking sentiments of disappointment throughout the Leamington area. The Little Free Library is a program orchestrated by Rotary Club branches across and beyond Canada, where permanent postmounted containers filled with books are borrowed and exchanged by members of the general public.

In Leamington, the local Rotary Club installed three Little Free Libraries in the spring of 2015 — one at Chestnut Park, one at Seacliff Park and the recently targeted structure at Rick Atkin Park. A concerned citizen reported the crime to the Leamington detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police upon discovering the library’s remains scattered across the park’s grounds on the evening of Sunday, Jan. 8. The post upon which it was mounted remained standing, but the wooden box was not salvageable.

“There’s been huge disappointment from across the community about it,” explained Leamington Rotary Club past president Chuck Parsons. “It’s a very popular program. People stop us (Rotary members) all the time to tell us how much they love it.”

Leamington’s Rotary International was among the chapters approached by its district governor to propose involvement in the Little Free Library program, which has also proven popular in urban settings such as Essex and Detroit. The same incentive has been successful in several U.S. cities including New York City and New Orleans.

In Leamington, each library was built 24 inches wide by 12 inches deep by 24 inches tall. They were built by the woodworking class of Cardinal Carter Catholic Secondary School, with supplies provided by Leamington Rotary, which also painted each container. All three were installed in kind by the municipality’s public works department.

“Each one looks like an oversized birdhouse with a door on it,” explained Parsons, who was Leamington Rotary president when the libraries were installed two years ago. “We’ve seen kids reading from the one on Chestnut regularly. There have been a lot of comments on Facebook about how much people enjoy them.”

The program operates with exchanges and donations made directly to each library by public users. Rotary Club members maintain each location and ensure that donated reading material is appropriate for younger readers. Leam-

ington Rotary has plans to have additional Little Free Library outlets installed, although members aren’t yet sure how many more will be built or exactly where they’ll be set up. Cardinal Carter may again be approached to build new libraries, one of which will likely replace the version destroyed at Rick Atkin Park.

Anyone with information on the suspect or suspects responsible for vandalizing the local structure is asked to call the Leamington OPP’s non-emergency number at 519-3262544.

with impaired driving related deaths and injuries

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) wrapped up its Festive Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (RIDE) campaign on a sad note, with a total of six people losing their lives in impaired driving-related incidents over the seven-week period.

While all data is preliminary, five of the deaths involved a motor vehicle collision, with the sixth being off-road vehicle-related.

Over and above these tragic, preventable deaths, many innocent road users were injured in some 270 OPP-investigated collisions during the campaign, in which an impaired driver was a factor.

OPP officers conducted more than 7,340 RIDE Stop initiatives throughout the province, charging 610 drivers with impaired driving between November 21, 2016 and January 7, 2017.

OPP Drug Recognition Evaluators (DRE) also took part, laying drug-impaired driving charges to 22 of the 610 charged drivers. Through the OPP Drug Evaluation and Classification Program, DREs have the tools and expertise they need to test for and detect drug impairment in drivers.

During the campaign, an additional 388 drivers were issued Warn Range Suspensions for driving with a blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) between .05 and .08 – a BAC range that also impairs one’s ability to drive safely and poses a danger to other road users.

The OPP reminds Ontarians that they all have a role to play in ending impaired driving-related deaths. Make a commitment to never drive after consuming alcohol or drugs. If you suspect that someone is driving while impaired, call 9-1-1 to report them to police. In doing so, you could be saving lives.

It’s Alzheimer’s awareness month

With January being Alzheimer’s awareness month, it got me thinking about how Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia has affected my family and friends.

And with the 11th anniversary of my dad’s death approaching, it drives it home that much more.

While not diagnosed with Alzheimer’s specifically, he suffered from a form of dementia that made his final couple of years very difficult for him and for us.

We’ve got a page in this week’s paper on Alzheimer’s awareness and I would encourage anyone affected by it to give it a read. The information was supplied by the Alzheimer’s Society and it’s some very powerful and informative stuff.

I’ve written before about his struggle and I’ve mentioned about the first sign that something was wrong.

It was shortly after my mother died and we had a wedding in Sarnia to attend. My dad disappeared in the middle of the night from the hotel and we spent several frantic hours looking for him, only to find out he hitchhiked all the way back to Leamington.

We all laughed it off after, including him, but that should have been a sign that something wasn’t quite right with our dear old dad. It’s one of the classic signs of dementia: disorientation in time and space.

Several people I know have a connection to Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. So many signs go unnoticed or ignored until it’s got a stranglehold on the patient.

Locally, there’s a group of musicians and songwriters who contributed to a CD about Alzheimer’s and dementia. There are some very touching and insightful tunes on that CD and it’s available locally at the Century 21 office on Talbot Street in Leamington. I’m not normally one to plug products in this column, but this is a very worthwhile effort by a lot of good local people who can carry a tune better than most of us.

The reaches of dementia travel far and wide and many of us get caught up in its web, from friends to family members and beyond. It’s more than just being forgetful. Lives are changed forever and it can’t be reversed, at least as far as we know.

Once-bright and strong people become confused and emotional as the disease takes its toll. The families are left to cope with the fallout. Sometimes it’s as simple as a visit or phone call that brightens their day.

Maybe years down the road there will be an effective treatment, but for now, all we can do is know the signs and deal with those people afflicted, with compassion and understanding.

What am I to do? Cooking, creating and cramping up…

With just a few more days before guests of the island owners start arriving, I picked up the book that was given to me a couple of Christmases ago, “What’s a Hostess To Do…” with 313 ideas and inspirations for effortless entertaining!

Normally, when one is hosting a party they choose their guests. This is not the case here, and although it sometimes feels as if I’m being flung into an unknown abyss, it’s really never that bad. Actually it’s quite possible to land on my feet. The first step in accomplishing this is, as the book says, “In Praise of Good Pencil and Paper.” I write my provision list, menus and to-dos.

the challenge! Meanwhile, I have certainly gained a lot of respect for chefs who do this day in and day out. When I get up in the morning, I hobble around until my muscles warm up. I’m even more achy after standing in the kitchen all day than if I were to rototill a garden by hand.

The first week has gone seamlessly. Mr. Owner is here by himself, and he’s very content with simple foods and happy if I avoid anything raw or green on his plate! Poached eggs on a Canadian muffin is his favourite daily breakfast served with a cup of black coffee.

The owners planned to hire our favourite Bahamian chef Portia for a week or two, but unfortunately she had too much fun dancing New Year’s Eve and broke her ankle. Hmmmm… another thing I have in common with chefs?

When the Mrs. arrives, breakfast continues to be simple as she loves everything that Mark and I do: homemade granola, yogurt, fresh fruit, toast and avocado or porridge with lots of good seeds and raisins making a plethora of options to choose from.

Over the next six weeks we will be hosting her mother for a week, then two or three couples throughout the rest of the month. In the past we have thoroughly enjoyed hosting their friends and family, and found them to be easy to please.

Mark is connecting a heater to the pool. It will replace the five solar panels that blew off the gym roof during the hurricane. The two remaining ones are having a difficult time heating at all, let alone keeping the temperature at 80. In between his jobs, Mark helps me set up tables for meals at the main house, ocean side or pool. Then he returns to finish repairs to the tennis court fence, re-plumb a toilet or one of the multitude of endless jobs or repairs. This allows me more time to gather the flowers and palm fronds to decorate the tables for each meal.

One couple is coming by way of a motorized catamaran out of Florida. I think it’s pretty safe to say that most people who can live on the sea for weeks on end are very content, as long as they have a bed that doesn’t sway, a shower bigger than a broom closet and a meal that someone else has prepared!

Until the wind and waves settle down I am on housekeeping duty. Beds are changed every three days and laundry is done daily and returned to the guest rooms when I do the nightly turndown service.

Nevertheless, I am still slightly intimidated by the thoughts of serving three tasty, well-garnished meals a day. Although the Mr. would enjoy a sandwich, fish cakes or a bowl of homemade soup anytime, I will need to step it up a notch and use up some salad greens with a variety of dressing and a flourish of sauces to the side dishes.

Mark and I have had to psych ourselves up for the upcoming extended visits. I have found myself nightmarishly dreaming of fish tacos taken over by chimichurri sauce, lobster tails escaping from the freezer, and 101 ways to poach an egg!

Thankfully, I learned some key skills while growing up, one of which is how to time a meal so that everything is ready to serve at the same time. Breakfast can be one of the most difficult to time, as the variation of preferred ways to cook eggs, a side or no side and toast timed to pop just as the egg hits the warm plate definitely take skill.

Warming a plate or chilling it is key. This was instilled into my brain after many years of accompanying my grandmother to a lovely restaurant and having a five-star meal served on a cold plate. This is a faux pas. It was to her and is to me as well. Ensuring that your meal stays warm is really such an easy thing to do; however, it is rare to come across a place that warms or for that matter chills their plates. I recall my mother putting a large stack of plates in the cooling oven after a roast turkey or beef and even a tuna macaroni casserole was removed. When hosting a small group, simply place your salad plates in the freezer for just a bit. If they are glass, they will frost up like a chilled beer glass and certainly make a big impression!

Although my mind occasionally loses track of what I’m talking about midway through a sentence, it certainly does very well at orchestrating the production of a meal. I love

There are always a few provision flaws and this time there was no exception. Somehow, the yogurt got put in with the frozen foods and it separated into little curd balls when it thawed. I’m amazed that all of the frozen things were still solid by the time they flew over from Florida and arrived up into my kitchen almost three hours later. The styrofoam coolers were lidless!

Also the fish that was individually vacuum packed and labelled skin on was skinless. Not a huge deal, but each little thing adds up, especially when you are paying duty as well as the cost to have it flown in.

The change of schedule is daunting but it takes only a couple of days to get into the swing of things. We try to make time during the late afternoon to put our feet up and read, or challenge each other to a game of Dominoes. Lately, Mark has been consistently winning, so unless my luck changes I will be reading a lot.

March will come in as a lamb for us no matter how the weather blows. We will get off the island for a much needed reprieve the beginning of that month and then return with our daughter and her friend. Can’t wait!

Meanwhile, I need to get going on my lunch preps for the requested lunch of beef filet, frites cooked in duck fat, arugula salad and champagne topped off with some homemade chocolate ice-cream.

Stay warm and check out my blog for more stories and pictures at https://islandmanager.me

Gift Wrapping Booth raises $18,000 for Community Living

From November 24 to December 24, Community Living Essex County (CLEC) benefited from over 100 dedicated volunteers who operated the annual Gift Wrapping Booth fundraiser at Devonshire Mall in Windsor.

For the past 24 years the gift wrap booth annually raises a significant amount of money in support of people with intellectual disabilities and their families. These funds assist CLEC in reponding to people who live in Essex County and help address a variety of needs. The gift wrap booth also provides a unique opportunity to acquaint thousands of holiday shoppers with an understanding of the goals and work of Community Living Essex County.

With the help of a variety of local service clubs, church groups, students, businesses as well as families, staff and those supported by Community Living Essex County, the 2016 Gift Wrapping Booth raised an incredible $18,000.

“We are extremely appreciative and thankful for the support we receive each year from Devonshire Mall -Windsor, all of our volunteers and the public for keeping the holiday spirit alive,” said Tony DeSantis, Manager of Community Relations and Resource Development with Community Living Essex County.

Leamington congratulates retiring Major Terry Langs

On Dec. 9, Brigadier General Rob Delaney, Canadian Forces Provost Marshal, presented a certificate of congratulations to Major Terry Langs upon his retirement from the Canadian Forces Military Police Branch. The certificate was presented on behalf of Leamington mayor John Paterson, Council and residents of Leamington. Major Langs retired after 36 years of loyal, dedicated and distinguished service.

Originally from Leamington, Mayor Langs is proud of his local roots. He was ecstatic to receive the certificate. Fellow members of the Canadian Forces also surprised Major Langs with an array of tomato and other products produced in the Leamington area.

Major Langs served in the Golan Heights, Bosnia, Afghanistan (twice), and the Sinai throughout his 36 years, 6 months and one week with the Canadian military

Major Langs plans to enjoy his retirement as he transitions into a new career as house husband. He will remain in the Ottawa area with his wife Joanna and daughters Sarah and Jordyn.

Major Terry Langs (left), originally from Leamington, was presented with a certificate of congratulations from Leamington mayor John Paterson upon his retirement from the Canadian Forces Military Police Branch after 36 years of distinguished service. Brigadier General Rob Delaney (right), Canadian Forces Provost Marshal, presented the certificate on behalf of Mayor Paterson, Council and the residents of Leamington.

Volunteers got into the spirit of the season in support of Community Living Essex County with the annual Gift Wrapping Booth fundraiser at Devonshire Mall. The booth raised an amazing $18,000 for Community Living Essex County programs. There were over 100 volunteers who gave their time to operate the booth. (Submitted photo)

LDSS Eco Team delegates make presentation to Council

By Bill Chaplin

The Leamington District Secondary School Eco Team, led by teacher/advisor Lisa Jeffery and student president Isabel Gossen, reported the Health and Environmental benefits of avoiding vehicle idling to Leamington Municipal Council on Monday evening, Jan. 9.

In the presentation they outlined not only the health dangers of exposure to unnecessary exhaust fumes as outlined on the Ontario Medical Association’s website — it estimates that in Essex County poor air quality accounts for 260 premature deaths, 900 hospital admissions and 2750 emergency room visits in 2005 — but also the financial savings of not burning gasoline and diesel fuel unnecessarily: idling for longer than 10 seconds actually uses more fuel than shutting your engine down and then re-starting it.

The environmental benefits occupied the final place of honour in their list of consequences. The list of facts was impressive. Gas exhaust contributes to acid rain. One that might stick with you is that if every Canadian driver could reduce idling by a mere 5 minutes

per day, the reduction of greenhouse gases would amount to two million tonnes per year. (That’s equivalent to taking 350,000 cars off the roads!)

Partnering with Queen Elizabeth Public School has already had an impact at that school where distributing simple information postcards has essentially eliminated parents idling their engines. The same effect has been seen at the high school as well — all due to simply distributing informational post cards.

What the students are suggesting is an anti-idling by-law for Leamington. This type of by-law already exists in other municipalities in Southern Ontario. It follows the Ministry of the Environment recommendation of not idling for more than one minute, and then relying foremost on educating the motoring public and ‘blitzing’ hot spots to begin with.

While the suggestion’s merits were immediately embraced by Councillor Tim Wilkinson, who suggested that administration could research the idea and report back to Council, Deputy-Mayor Hilda MacDonald was cooler to the idea, not because of its lack of merit, she was quick to point out, but rather because of other priorities for by-enforcement officers, and her reluctance to enact a by-law without teeth and the possibility of vigorous enforcement.

Councillor Larry Verbeke agreed with this assessment, suggesting that it is premature to create a by-law without testing the effect of education and voluntary compliance first.

Discussion concluded when CAO Peter Neufeld suggested that a good first step would be an internal policy review to discouraging idling in Municipal vehicles, using the students and town workers to identify ‘hot spots’ where idling is clearly a problem, and then researching anti-idling alternatives with a view to a future by-law

Mayor John Paterson saw that a by-law could be itself used as a potential educational tool.

If a current vehicle owner

Delegates representing the LDSS Eco Team made a presentation to Leamington Council on Jan. 9 about avoiding vehicle idling. Pictured are Lisa Jeffery (left), teacher/advisor, and Isabel Gossen, student president of LDSS Eco Team.

Fundraiser planned to help with local young man’s prosthetics

By Pat Bailey

While the biggest decision many people his age have to worry about is something as frivolous as weekend plans, at age 19 Ryan Toomer, of Kingsville, recently faced a decision that will change his life forever. A decision most couldn’t imagine having to make.

Ryan’s painful journey began in Cuba in the summer of 2014. It started as periodic pain in his ankle, gradually developing into continuous, constant, excruciating pain.

“It felt like my foot was going to explode,” said Ryan.

Visits to the doctor failed to pinpoint the reason for his suffering.

In the fall of 2015, the L’Essor graduate entered Fanshawe College with plans on becoming a diesel mechanic. But by the Christmas break, it was just too painful for Ryan continue.

He and his mom, Tia Stramacchia, continued to search for the reason behind the pain. Tia, a single parent following the death of Ryan’s dad when Ryan was just four-months-old, was forced to advocate for her son and continue to pursue an answer for her son’s pain.

In February of 2016 a CT scan ordered by an orthopedic surgeon pointed to a stress fracture as the source of the pain.

They were told nothing could be done.

Ryan was referred to a second orthopedic surgeon, one who ordered an MRI in an attempt to further pinpoint the problem.

In April last year, came an answer – one no one wanted to hear. An answer that became even more grim because of the time that had elapsed.

Ryan was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma, a form of bone cancer similar to that of Terry Fox. And because of the delay in the diagnosis, the cancer had spread and the tumour on his ankle began to grow virtually before their eyes, becoming the size of a grapefruit.

With a fever in his ankle, Tia said “The sweat was

and raffles to be held Feb. 3 at Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens.

dripping off his ankle and the skin had stretched so much, it was tearing.”

It became a waiting game for the chemotherapy to start. “In the meantime,” Tia added, “his pain was off the Richter Scale”, with them

having to travel to the ER at least five nights a week in an attempt to ease his pain enough that he could sleep. Finally in mid-August the chemotherapy treatments began, coinciding with Ryan’s 19th birthday.

And ironically, Ryan was faced with a decision – one that he had spoken of previously, not knowing it would come to that.

Ryan said at one point, when the pain was so bad, that he said he would do “anything” to stop the pain, including cutting off his foot.

Ryan was now facing that possibility, and on Nov. 16 his leg was amputated mid-calf.

Another decision was made by this young man: he donated the portion of his amputated leg and foot to science for research in the hopes of helping others who find themselves in similar situations.

“He was never one to

have a pity party,” said Tia. “It was pretty darn brave of him to make that decision.”

Now, hobbling around on crutches, Ryan is anxious to move forward, after a year that was spent between three places – home, his brother Darren’s and the hospital. A year that he lost total independence –independence he is yearning for once again.

With his leg healing well, Ryan is scheduled to go in for castings for a temporary prosthetic in about a week. But with the cost only partially covered by OHIP, and the need for more than one prosthetic (a separate one is needed for swimming) – at a cost of about $10,000 each – a benefit is planned to help raise money to cover some

of the costs associated with the purchase of the prosthetics and the costs related to repairs and maintaining them.

A pasta dinner will be held Feb. 3 at Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens beginning at 5 p.m. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased by calling Tia at 519-819-0876 or Linda at 519-326-1889. They will also be available at the door.

The evening will include dinner, a silent auction, raffle and entertainment by ‘Jack’s Garage’ and the ‘Killer Goose Band’.

Tia said her friends and family have been wonderful throughout this ordeal, as well as in helping plan this fundraiser.

Ryan Toomer and his mom, Tia Stramacchia, are preparing for a benefit in Ryan’s honor to help raise funds for new prosthetic needed following the amputation of his lower right leg in November. The benefit is a pasta dinner

Anything’s Possible Amateur Photo Contest attracts

By Pat Bailey

Sean

was no rookie when it came to entering the Leamington Arts Centre’s Anything’s Possible Amateur Photo Contest, and apparently his experience paid off.

The 38-year-old Kingsville man has been taking photos seriously for the past five years, learning as he goes. And Friday night, at a special reception at the art gallery, his efforts paid off.

Merritt was a winner in each of the three categories of the contest.

Last year, he said, he walked away with an honorable mention for his work submitted.

Merritt admits he was a little surprised at this year’s success. He said it wasn’t a matter of choosing from his extensive collection of photos based on what he thought the judges were looking for, it was more a matter of just choosing his favourites that fit the categories – ‘colourful’, ‘black and white’ and ‘historical’.

He said he finally narrowed it down to the eight photos he submitted.

His first place photo, in the ‘historical’ category, was a picture entitled ‘Constitution’. This photo, he said was one of cannons, shot in Boston, Massachusetts.

A more local picture, that of driftwood in the water during a beautiful sunset, entitled ‘Excess Baggage’, was taken at Point Pelee National Park.

He also received a third place nod for a photo he called ‘Spinning’.

Chad Riley, arts centre director, said there were a record number of submissions this year with 208, submitted by 67 different photographers. That, he said, is up from 120 entries from 43 photographers.

Riley credits the ease of access, with almost everyone carrying a cell phone with a camera, for the uptick in popularity.

He said the sponsorship by Speedprint and Photography and Framing by Anna has also helped attract more photographers to the contest.

Winners each received varying sizes of their winning photos as a canvas print or dry mount on foam core.

Each entrant had their 8x10 photo matted. This year’s winners are:

Colourful: 1st - ‘March On Rainbow’, Frank LeJeune; 2nd - ‘Excess Baggage’, Sean Merritt; 3rd - ‘Disbeleaf’, Victoria Brown; Honorable Mention - ‘Frayed Stitches’, Sydney Pruyn.

Black and White: 1st - ‘Barn Relic’, Rosemary Chaput; 2nd - ‘Full Steam Ahead’, Peter Hack; 3rd - ‘Spinning’, Sean Merritt; Honorable Mention - ‘Reaching Through’, Courtney Gregorian.

Historical: 1st - ‘Constitution’, Sean Merritt; 2nd - ‘Old Chevy’, Hunter Lisquim; 3rd - ‘Secret Stairwell’, Julia Sanders; Honorable Mention - ‘Out For a Spin’, Peter Hack.

Mark Caza, of Mark Caza Photography, and Eric Naylor, of Enchanting Environments, served as judges, basing their decisions on visual impact, creativity, technical quality and use of theme/category.

Riley said they spent hours poring over the entries before making their final decisions.

Sean Merritt, a winner in each of three categories in the Leamington Arts Centre’s photo contest, pictured with ‘Excess Baggage’, the second place winner in the ‘colourful’ category.

Merritt

Winners of the Leamington Arts Centre’s Anything’s Possible Amateur Photo Contest were announced at a special reception Friday evening, Jan. 13. Pictured are some of the winners, front row, left to right: Courtney Gregorian, Peter Hack, Rosemary Chaput. Back row: Sean Merritt, Julia Sanders, Sydney Pruyn, Hunter Lisquim.

Bill Stasso’s first car

was a 1938 Chrysler

An email arrived from Bill Stasso of Leamington on November 11, 2016, exactly one year after Bill’s father (also Bill Stasso) passed away. A photo of Bill’s father shows him standing beside his first car, and Bill (the son) contacted me to see if I could identify his father’s car.

through the drawers of the desk to see if I could find anything interesting.

OBITUARY

Grace Sanders

Grace Sanders, 94 years, passed away on Wednesday, January 11, 2017.

Beloved wife of the late Robert Sanders (1999). Dear mother of Jim (Binh), Jack (Deb), Cathy Kay (Thomas).

Loving grandmother of Philip (Emma), Matt (Maria), Carolyn (Darryl), Andrea (Adam), Blake, Alysia (Carl), Ren (Jamie), Nathan, Marilyn, and great-grandmother of Dashiell, Nicholas, Gabriella, the late Reid (2015), Ayla, Lucas and Jaxton. Dear sister of Harry Ives (late Inez), late Jack (Rita), late Lois Wilson (late Kenn), late Ralph, and sister-in-law of the late Walter (late Luella). Grace will be missed by many nieces and nephews.

Visiting was at the Reid Funeral Home & Reception Centre, 14 Russell Street, Leamington (519-326-2631) on Saturday, January 14, 2017 from 10 a.m. until time of the Funeral Service to celebrate Grace’s life at 11 a.m. Rev. Thomas Kay officiated. Interment Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made by cheque to the Knox Presbyterian Church. Friends may share memories at www.reidfuneralhome.ca

OBITUARY

Agatha Neufeld

Agatha Neufeld, 93 years, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 10, 2017 at Leamington District Memorial Hospital. Born in Maryovka, Russia, on October 24, 1923.

Predeceased by her parents Peter and Sara Neufeld. Dear sister of Agnes Fast (Vern).

Predeceased by two brothers, Abe (the late Hilda) (Sadie), Peter (Jessie), and by three sisters, Mary Neufeld, Sara Reimer (the late Jake) and Jessie Duerkson (the late George). Many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends also survive.

After working at the H.J. Heinz Co. for a short time, Agatha acquired a teaching position with the Leamington School District until her retirement.

Visiting is at the Faith Mennonite Church, 269 Sherk Street, Leamington, on Saturday, January 21, 2017 from 10:00 a.m. until time of Funeral Service to celebrate Agatha’s life at 10:30 a.m. Rev. Ruth Boehm officiating. Interment Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery.

Agatha was lovingly cared for by her family members Harry and Joan Enns, Dave and Judy Enns. A special thank you to the nurses and doctors at the Leamington Mennonite Home and Leamington Hospital for the care they provided Agatha.

One piece of information shows up in the photo itself. The number “41” is visible in the upper right corner of the front plate, indicating the year of the plate to be 1941. Ontario license plates that year were white with green numbers.

To identify the car, I opened a book I acquired 59 years ago from the used car lot office of Ray Young, a Pontiac-Buick dealer on Mill Street in Leamington for many years. I was 15 at the time and my summer job was washing the used cars on Mr. Young’s lot on Talbot Street East for 50 cents an hour. One day when it was raining, I stayed inside the office and began looking

In the bottom drawer I found the “1942 Used Car Sales Handbook of Features” published by General Motors of Canada and listing all North American cars from 1935 to 1941 alphabetically with Canadian prices of all cars when new. Because there were no cars on the lot that old, I took the book home and I still have it.

The page for the 1938 Chrysler includes a front-

end photo of that make and year, and it is exactly the same as the car that Mr. Stasso is standing in front of. There were two series of Chrysler in 1938: the 6-cylinder Royal model and the 8-cylinder Imperial. The Royal was far more popular and it’s a safe bet that the car in the photo is a Chrysler Royal and very probably built in Windsor.

Two factory list prices are shown for the 4-door sedan: $1230 for a 5-passenger sedan with slope back or $1245 for a 5-passenger sedan with built-in trunk. We

LEAMINGTON BLOOD DONOR CLINIC at Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex, Wednesday, February 1, 1:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. New Donors and Walk Ins Welcome! To book an appointment, please contact us at 1-888-236-6283 / www.blood.ca / GiveBlood App The Fung Loy Kok Taoist Tai Chi will be hosting a FREE OPEN HOUSE in Leamington to demonstrate how you can improve your circulation and balance, increase your strength and reduce stress. Visitors will learn how to focus on the well-being of the body and mind through the practice of Taoist Tai Chi. Tuesday, February 7 from 9:30 - 10:15 a.m., Wednesday, February 8 from 6:30 -7:15 p.m., Thursday, February 9 from 9:30 - 10:15 a.m. at the St John's Anglican Church. Info: www.taoist.org, windsor@taoist.org or 519-255-9744.

ONT. PURPLE MARTIN ASSOC. WILL HAVE ITS FIRST MEETING of the year on Saturday, February 25, 9:00 a.m., at Colasanti's Tropical Gardens, Ruthven. It's time to start getting ready for the return of the purple martins. Come out and see why members are so enraptured by this member of the swallow family. For more info call Paul at 519-738-3476.

VOLUNTEERS ARE NEED FOR BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS WINDSOR-ESSEX from the Leamington and Kingsville area. If you believe that you can make a difference in a child’s life and can commit to a minimum of one year, for a few hours a week, check out the website and online orientation at www.bigbrothersbigsisterswe.ca.

BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS WINDSOR-ESSEX ARE LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS from the Leamington area to volunteer in a group mentoring setting called On Track to Success which takes place from September to June. Info at www.bigbrothersbigsisterswe.ca/ or call 519-945-5232 ext. 23 to speak with Rose Culmone, Director of Programs.

can’t see the rear of the car in the photo and so it could be either one.

The engine is a flathead six with 241 cubic inches cranking out 95 horsepower. The 1938 Chrysler featured hydraulic brakes and independent front suspension. The Handbook lists the manufacturer’s outstanding selling points: “1. Riding Comfort. 2. Operating economy. 3. Beauty. 4. Roominess. 5. Safety.”

The car in the photo is long gone but the Stasso family is very thankful to still have the picture. Community Calendar is a FREE service for FREE events. Please see the COMING EVENTS section in the CLASSIFIEDS for events with admission charges.

SUN COUNTY LYME AWARENESS SUPPORT GROUP meets the last Wednesday of every month, 6:30 p.m., at Colasanti's Tropical Gardens. Learn and share about Lyme Disease. Everyone welcome.

MONDAYS - SENIORS DROP-IN,1st and last Monday of the month only at 10:30 a.m. at Leamington United Church. Guest speakers, refreshments, games, exercise. It's free, fun, and wheelchair accessible. All seniors welcome.

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

DO YOU ENJOY VOLUNTEERING AND MEETING PEOPLE? South Essex Community Council in Leamington is currently looking for volunteers for Meals on Wheels Delivery. If you are interested in volunteering during the morning for about 1 hour per week or as a back-up volunteer, please call Noreen or Susan at SECC - 519-326-8629 ext.381. www.secc.on.ca.

HELP AN ADULT LEARN ENGLISH - South Essex Community Council is currently looking for tutors for adults learning English. One afternoon or evening per week. Training/materials provided. Qualification: Fluency in English. Great for high school seniors too! Call 519-326-8629 ext. 381 or email volunteer@secc.on.ca

PREGNANCY & RESOURCE CENTRE, 33 Princess St. (Central 33) Suite 212, Leamington, offers free and confidential services provided by registered nurses and trained volunteers. Free pregnancy tests. Call 24/7 for free and confidential support - 519-326-0612. Business calls: 519-326-3821.

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.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made by cheque to Erie Shores Hospice.

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

Bill Stasso at age 21 in 1941 with his first car, a 1938 Chrysler 4-door sedan.

in the in the in the in the in the

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20

Wishful thinking won’t get you ahead, Aries. But hard work will. Don’t shy away from an opportunity that comes your way, even if it seems less promising at first glance.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21

Taurus, you find yourself in a leadership role this week and are asked to make a lot of decisions. Wield your power carefully as others are watching you intently.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21

Gemini, a few variables are thrown into the mix once you think you have everything figured out. You will show your ability to problem-solve if you can handle the task.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22

Cancer, patience is required when a difficult situation presents itself. Resist the temptation to act before you get a full grasp of the situation and what you should do.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23

Someone close to you puts their faith in your ability to get a job done, Leo. This week devote all of your effort to completing this work, and it will only enhance your résumé.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22

Virgo, it may be in your best interest to remain out of the spotlight at the next social gathering. Afford others the chance to be the center of attention.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23

It is easy to make promises and then not follow through with your intentions, Libra. But that is not the way you operate. If you say you will do something, you will.

ANSWERS ON PAGE 21

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22

Opportunities to travel present themselves in the near future, Scorpio. Pack your bags and be ready to depart at a moment’s notice. You can certainly use some time away.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21

Sagittarius, assess a situation before sharing your opinions with others. The surface details don’t tell the whole story, so wait until you can get a full handle on things.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20

Many positive things are on the horizon, Capricorn. You just have to get through a few rough patches before it is smooth sailing. Pisces is a pivotal player.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18

Aquarius, resist the temptation to take the easy way out and challenge yourself this week. Who knows what strength you can find within yourself if you try new things?

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20

Pisces, put your suspicions to rest as no one is trying to hide anything. This person has shown all of his or her cards. Offer help if they need it.

FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS

JANUARY 15

Drew Brees, Athlete (38)

JANUARY 16

Debbie Allen, Actress (67)

JANUARY 17

Calvin Harris, DJ (33)

JANUARY 18

Kevin Costner, Actor (62)

JANUARY 19

Shawn Johnson, Athlete (25)

JANUARY 20

Gary Barlow, Singer (46)

JANUARY 21

Booboo Stewart, Actor (23)

Caldwells visit LDSS class

By Bryan Jessop

A valuable local history lesson and a gesture of support simultaneously took place recently in a Leamington District Secondary School classroom.

Caldwell First Nation Chief Louise Hillier and Councillor Janne Peters paid a visit to the native studies class of LDSS teacher Heather Poublon Thursday, Dec. 22, where they discussed the Caldwell’s history, culture and modern day aspirations. Prior to the visit, the Grade 11 class of 28 students discussed the acts of vandalism committed on Caldwell signs during the autumn of 2016 in the Leamington area.

“A lot of students are learning about this part of our local history for the first time. Previously, some didn’t even know that we have a First Nation in the Leamington area.”

The incident inspired one of the native studies students to create and offer a showing of support to the local First Nation that was presented to Hillier and Peters following their one-hour visit to LDSS. Prior to their arrival, Robie Jackson spent three weeks creating a painting as a gift to the Caldwells. The work of art depicted an image of Point Pelee National Park and surrounding Lake Erie waters along with four wildlife graphics along the top and the Caldwell First Nation logo in the bottom-right corner.

The painting also reveals a large sea turtle, representative of the First Nation’s identity as The Turtle Clan. With supplies offered by the school, Jackson painted the art-

— Heather Poublon work at home during her spare time.

“They loved it,” Poublon said of Hillier’s and Peters’ reaction to being offered Jackson’s painting. “They were very happy to receive it and looked forward to hanging it up at their main office.”

The most recent visit to Poublon’s class was also attended by LDSS principal Kyle Berard. Topics discussed included the past summer’s powwow history dating back to the 1800s and the forced removal of the Caldwells from Point Pelee and the First Nation’s ongoing efforts to create an urban reserve.

The Caldwells have paid visits to LDSS at least once per year for the past several years. Poublon explained that the lessons learned have had significant impacts on her students.

“A lot of students are learning about this part of our local history for the first time,” she said. “Previously, some didn’t even know that we have a First Nation in the Leamington area.”

During visits to the high school, Caldwell guests discussed a history that included their being forced out of Point Pelee as the beginning of the dispersal and separation of their people.

“They’re now trying to get their people back together,” Poublon explained of the lesson shared with her class. “The goal isn’t to get Pelee back, but to be recognized as a First Nation in Canada, which they’ve accomplished.”

Poublon noted that much of her own knowledge of First Nation history stems from invitations she’s received to the Caldwell office on Orange Street for visits with elders, pipe ceremonies for missing indigenous women and other events.

“They’re very welcoming,” Poublon said. “What I’ve learned from them has been very helpful in teaching the course (at LDSS).”

Leamington District Secondary School student Robie Jackson presents a painting she created to Caldwell First Nation Chief Louise Hillier and Councillor Janne Peters (left) during their visit to LDSS on Thursday, Dec. 22. The native studies class of Heather Poublon learned about the history of the Caldwells from Hillier and Peters, an idea that came about after discussing the acts of vandalism to the band’s signs around Leamington committed in the autumn of 2016. Hearing about the incident inspired Jackson to create the painting for the Caldwell First Nation in a gesture of support. (Submitted photos)

January is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month

QUICK FACTS

•Right now, an estimated 564,000 Canadians are living with dementia, with over 7,120 living in Windsor-Essex.

•In 15 years, this figure will increase by 66%, to 937,000.

•For every person with dementia, one or more caregivers provide care.

•People with dementia can continue the things they love and remain active in their communities with the right help and support.

•Alzheimer Society of Windsor-Essex County provides programs like Minds In Motion, Memory Café and Day Away to help individuals live better and independently for as long as possible.

Alzheimer’s disease is a common form of a large group of disorders known as “dementias”. It is a disease of the brain that impacts our short-term and long-term memory and our thinking ability as more brain cells become damaged and eventually die. The disease also affects our mood, emotions and behaviour, as well as our ability to perform daily living activities.

There is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, nor can we reverse the damage inside the brain. However, there are treatment options and lifestyle choices that can often significantly slow the progression of the disease.

10 WARNING SIGNS

Whether you’re experiencing possible symptoms or are concerned for someone you care about, the Alzheimer Society has developed the following list of signs to look for:

1. Memory loss affecting day-to-day abilities –forgetting things often or struggling to retain new information.

2. Difficulty performing familiar tasks – forgetting how to do something you’ve been doing your whole life, such as preparing a meal or getting dressed.

3. Problems with language – forgetting words or substituting words that don’t fit the context.

4. Disorientation in time and space – not knowing what day of the week it is or getting lost in a familiar place.

5. Impaired judgement – not recognizing a medical problem that needs attention or wearing light clothing on a cold day.

6. Problems with abstract thinking – not understanding what numbers signify on a calculator, for example, or how they’re used.

7. Misplacing things – putting things in strange places, like an iron in the freezer or a wristwatch in the sugar bowl.

8. Changes in mood and behaviour – exhibiting severe mood swings from being easy-going to quick-tempered.

9. Changes in personality – behaving out of character such as feeling paranoid or threatened.

10. Loss of initiative – losing interest in friends, family and favourite activities.

When faced with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias, getting the right help can make all the difference. The Alzheimer Society of Windsor & Essex County offers information, practical advice and support for people living with dementia, including all Partners in Care.

GETTING A DIAGNOSIS

If you are concerned about any symptoms, go to your doctor. If you don’t receive the help you need, ask to be referred to a specialist. You know your body and you should speak up if you have worries.

IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW

People with Alzheimer’s disease:

• Need to feel valued

• May be concerned about how the disease will affect them and their families

• Need companionship

• Strive to maintain an active and independent life

• Have the same needs as each and every one of us

• Have abilities, skills and aspirations

Caregivers:

• Often feel alone and isolated from friends

• May need help, but are often reluctant to ask

• Are often unable to do errands or complete household tasks

• Experience stress that sometimes affects their health

• Need regular breaks from caregiving

• Need someone to listen

VISITING A PERSON WITH ALZHEIMERS

• Arrange a convenient time for your visit. Choose a time that is best for the person. Shorten your visit if she shows signs of fatigue.

• Communication is the key. Use gestures as well as words. Pace the conversation allowing time for the person to respond.

• Introduce yourself. If the person seems confused, identify yourself and why you are there. “It’s Jane. I came to visit you today.”

• Remember and laugh together. Recall humorous experiences you both shared. “I remember when we both...” Take pleasure in each moment.

• Be prepared to listen. People with the disease may want to share their feelings. Remain open and sympathetic.

• Establish connection through a common interest. Continue your favourite activity together. Listen to music. Take a walk. Concentrate on the person’s talents and abilities.

• Show that you care. We all communicate through emotion, expression and touch. Holding a hand, or smiling when talking can convey more than words.

chrisbabkirk@kenknappford.com

LDSS hosts annual floor hockey tourney

By Bryan Jessop

Having reached the big 1-0, Leamington District Secondary School’s yearly HCSA Classic took a ‘shot’ at adding a few new features.

The annual floor hockey tournament for LDSS’s feeder schools took place Friday, Jan. 14, bringing in nine boys teams and five girls teams for a total of more than 70 local elementary school students. In addition to the tournament itself, the LDSS Hockey Canada Skills Academy class introduced new stations featuring a hardest shot, most accurate shot and shootout competition in both boys and girls divisions. Between-game stations also included table tennis matches and a set of drills designed to hone a variety of hockey skills.

“The students who play in the tournament always enjoy it. It’s a busy night and it helps alleviate the stress of coming to high school.”

— Butch Rickeard

Among participating girls, Alexa Taylor of M.D. Bennie Elementary School dominated the shooting events. She took top honours for the most accurate shot, the shootout against HCSA students who took on goaltending duties and the hardest shot. For the latter, a radar system clocked Taylor’s hardest shot at 88 km/hr, only slightly slower than the boys’ winner of the same category — a 91 km/hr shot registered by Owen Lepp of East Mersea Public School. Andrew Kelch of East Mersea won the shootout while Jason Friesen took top honours among boys’ accuracy contestants.

The tournament, which ran a course of just over four hours, was organized entirely by this year’s 23 HCSA students from LDSS. Their responsibilities included running stations, refereeing, scorekeeping and cooking snacks and meals for participating HCSA Classic entries.

“They run the whole tournament,” explained LDSS teacher and HCSA instructor Butch Rickeard. “We (teachers) just give the parameters on what to do. The students who play in the tournament always enjoy it. It’s a busy night and it helps alleviate the stress of coming to high school. The feedback is always positive.”

The girls’ tournament was won this year by a team from Wheatley Area Public School. The WAPS squad earned a record of three wins, zero losses and one tie in round robin play before defeating M.D. Bennie in the semifinals to earn a place in the championship match against Queen Elizabeth. The Wheatley Warriors won the title match 4-2. On the

The HCSA Classic was introduced to LDSS feeder schools the same year the Hockey Canada Skills Academy was first introduced to the local high school. Leamington was one of the first schools in Southwestern Ontario between Windsor and Hamilton to register for HCSA, run locally during the first semester with 35 on-ice sessions each Tuesday and Thursday.

Butch Rickeard (left) and Tony Nurse (right), LDSS staff members and organizers of the 10th annual HCSA Classic floor hockey tournament, present prizes to shootout winners Alexa Taylor of M.D. Bennie and Andrew Kelch of East Mersea Public School. (SUN Photo)

boys side, Mount Carmel Blytheswood took the championship after facing M.D. Bennie in the final. All games were 10 minutes in length and were played in the LDSS main gymnasium.

Jessop’s Journal

Change for the sake of “change”

It’s hard to believe that the World Wide Web has been around for nearly a quarter century now. There’s no arguing the fact that it’s made the world a smaller place and was likely the biggest breakthrough in human communication since the telephone.

Speaking of which, remember dial-up? For the tweens and teens out there, it was a strange beeping noise with a static background emitting from the computer while you were in the process of logging on. After you were online, nobody in the house could use the phone without disrupting your connection and booting you off the ’Net. Those were primitive times, the early-mid 90s.

Have there been any noteworthy changes to the Internet itself since dial up became obsolete? Sure, there have been successful ADDITIONS to it — Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, etc., etc. But has the ’Net itself really changed all that much? Nothing (well, almost nothing) drives me crazier than notices popping up on my screen informing me that a software upgrade is required to watch videos, play certain games or what have you. Sure, I can resume using such functions after I’ve downloaded “upgraded” versions of said software, but does anything get better, faster or more reliable? No. Program developers are forcing change for the sake of change.

Imagine getting behind the wheel of your car, sticking the key in the ignition and turning it and nothing happens except a message between your gauges appears stating that your engine requires a new starter before it will resume operating. Nope, nothing wrong with the old starter — it’s just “outdated” and must be replaced with the new version. It won’t be superior to the old one in any way, shape or form. That would quickly get on one’s nerves. We see pointless adjustments made to the rules, playoff formats and playing surfaces of major organized sports on a regular basis. Some make sense. Equipment modifications improve player safety and/or allow participants to move more freely. Some seem like a good idea at the time, but eventually reveal consequences. As an example, the removal of the red line in hockey allows for some nifty stretch passes and more odd-man rushes and breakaways, but some experts blame the change for the apparent increase in concussions (it seems players are concentrating too much on ensuring that these lengthy passes land directly on their sticks to notice the defenseman barreling in towards them).

Some changes are outright absurd, right from the start. You might think I’m cuing up another opportunity to criticize Gary Bettman for his “if it’s not broken, break it” approach to NHL hockey. Nope, not this time. I recently stumbled across a story about FIFA’s intention to drastically alter the World Cup format, starting in 2026. The governing body of all things soccer has already unanimously approved an expansion to the massive tournament, allowing 48 countries to qualify for the once-every-four-years competition. That’s a huge leap from the current 32. Could you imagine one of North America’s “Big Four” (NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL) expanding by 33 per cent? For the NHL, that’d be going from 30 teams to 45 (my guess would be Quebec City and Hamilton being “deferred” while cities like Albuquerque, Austin, San Diego, Tallahassee, Baton Rouge and Rio de Janeiro receive approval).

RON WHITE FOR MATURE AUDIENCES

Saturday, February 18

CHRIS YOUNG

I'M COMIN' OVER TOUR 2017

Friday, February 24

MICHAEL BOLTON GRAMMY AWARD WINNER

Saturday, March 4

Tickets on sale now!

IRISH ROVERS

Friday, March 17

February

CHEAP TRICK

Friday, March 24

JACKSON BROWNE AND SARA & SEAN WATKINS (PRETTY MUCH) ACOUSTIC

Thursday, April 20

Tickets on sale January 21!

RASCAL FLATTS

RHYTHM & ROOTS TOUR

Friday, April 21

Tickets on sale January 21! TONY

You might expect that the level of competition will suffer greatly, with stronger teams like Brazil, Germany and the Netherlands crushing countries that don’t normally qualify in the present 32-entry format. You wouldn’t be the only one. FIFA, incidentally no stranger to corruption, likely has one objective in mind — money. Giant, heaping piles of money. More specifically, an extra $1 billion in revenue is expected through ticket sales, sponsorships and of course lucrative network television contracts.

It’s a simple, straightforward strategy — the more countries involved, the more people who’ll watch. I can only imagine how badly FIFA executives have been looking for a way to allow China to qualify. Being denied the attention of the world’s most populous nation — also home to the fastest-growing economy — must have been agonizing for FIFA’s bean counters over the past few editions of the Cup. Adding deep-pocketed soccer weaklings like Canada and New Zealand into the mix wouldn’t hurt revenue’s bottom line either.

The last World Cup (hosted by Brazil in 2014) included 64 matches drawing a total of about 3.4 million spectators — about the same headcount and the entire nation of Uruguay, itself a soccer powerhouse. Starting in 2026, the tournament will feature a sum of 80 games, with the two finalists expected to play seven apiece.

Many of soccer’s most dedicated fans are already bemoaning the new format and I can’t say I blame them. Preliminary play will start with 16 groups of three teams with a round robin schedule of TWO matches for each entry. As the top two from each of the 16 groups will move on to the 32-team elimination round, I can only imagine what the tie-breaking formula will look like.

The dismal lack of parity that will be the focal point of round-robin play isn’t going to do any favours for international soccer’s reputation. France versus Vietnam, for example, would be a snoozefest. Oh, and don’t expect the expansion to guarantee Canada its first World Cup appearance since 1986. For those who don’t know, FIFA is broken down into six qualifying regions, one of which (the UEFA) is requesting 16 entries once the expansion takes effect. Presently, the region that includes Canada (CONCACAF) is permitted four qualifiers to the big dance.

3pm & 8pm

This group has 41 members, including 2014 World Cup qualifiers United States, Mexico, Costa Rica and Honduras. Let’s just say FIFA decides to double the number of CONCACAF entries to eight. Unlikely to outrank any of the aforementioned four after round robin qualifying, Canada would have to outperform at least one team from the likes of Cuba, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador and Jamaica. I also don’t like our nation’s chances against adversaries including Puerto Rico, Guyana and Guatemala. In its bid to qualify for 2014, Canada made it to the third of four rounds, in part because of being lucky enough to face tiny nations like St. Lucia and St. Kitts in the early going. Whatever the case, there’s going to be a massive gathering of also-rans for the 2026 World Cup. Teams that haven’t fared well in the past like Russia, Japan and South Korea may be lucky enough to be grouped with new, “shouldn’t-even-bethere” teams, but will only make the first elimination round that much more predictable. Starting in 2026, don’t expect too many barnburners before the field is whittled down to 16 teams. At this point, FIFA stands for Fortune; Its First Ambition.

BRYAN JESSOP

Natasha Schartner of the Lightning bumps the ball toward the Cardinal Carter side of the court as the front line of Cougars prepares to receive during a WECSSAA Tier II junior girls volleyball match Thursday, Jan. 12 at UMEI. The Cougars swept the three sets in scores of 25-9, 25-20 and 25-11.

RFH Novice Majors showing dramatic improvement

The Southpoint Capitals Reid Funeral Home Novice Major “A” team played seven league games in December, finishing the month with a 2-5 record. Despite the losing record, the Capitals have shown dramatic improvement in recent weeks and the boys have kept most games close.

The Caps started the month with back-to-back games against Amherstburg, and each team won a game. Southpoint took the first game 3-0 with goals by Grant Symons, Zack Liebrock and Nicholas Brophey. The shutout was shared by Andrew Demant and Tomas Kniaziew between the pipes.

Amherstburg took the second game 4-3 in a close one. Grant Symons led the way with two goals and Nicholas Brophey added a marker as well.

The next three games were losses to Erie North Shore 4-2, Riverside 6-2 and Belle River 4-1. All three games were closely contested and the Caps’ offense was a little one dimensional as Grant Symons scored four of our five goals. Holdyn Bailey also scored against Erie. Other contributors were Owen Deneau, Logan Lefaive, Landen Bradley, Liam Brown and Ethan Barnewall who all had assists spread throughout the 3 games. Solid defense by James Sonoski, Caidon Fuller and Cole Gossmann helped keep the games within reach.

The Caps finally got back on track against the Windsor Jr. Spitfires on Sat. Dec. 17 with a 3-1 win. Nicholas Brophey opened the scoring with assists from Zack Liebrock and Caidon Fuller. Grant Symons scored the next two with helpers going to Liam Brown, Logan Lefaive and Caidon Fuller. Fuller assisted on all three goals and had his first 3-point game of the season. While not on the scoresheet, noticeable efforts were made by Mason Dault and Carson Koehler to help propel the team to the win.

The Caps ended the month with a 4-1 loss to the Essex Ravens, who had recently pounded them 10-1 in a previous match. The score really wasn’t indicative of the effort put in by the Caps. In fact, they were leading 1-0 midway through the second period after a goal by Grant Symons. Assisting on the goal were James Sonoski and Landen Bradley. Essex eventually tied the game late in the second but the Capi-

tals continued to push the momentum until late in the third. Essex finally blew the game open with 3 late goals and took the contest 4-1.

Sunbrite

Intermediate girls win two in tournament play

The Sunbrite Southpoint Intermediate Stars participated in the Brock Jr. Badgers St. Catherines Girls Hockey tournament this past weekend.

On Friday night, Jan. 13, the Sunbrite Stars played the host team St. Catherines which saw the Stars win this game by a score of 3-0.

On Saturday night the Sunbrite Stars tangled with a strong team from Wheatfield, New York. The Stars lost by a score of 3-1 as they battled through some tough officiating calls and some bad bounces.

In their final contest the Stars played the Stoney Creek Sabres and came out strong in this game scoring a big 3-1 win!

Bantam Stars beat Predators

The Switzer-Carty Southpoint Bantam Stars welcomed the South County Kingsville Predators to the Highbury rink on Sunday afternoon, Jan. 15.

The Lady Stars came ready to play as they scored five goals in the first two periods to take a commanding 5-0 lead into the third.

The Predators did find the back of the net in the final period; however, this exciting game ended with a final score of 5-1.

Alyssa Lamb powered the Stars offence scoring a big hat trick with single goals by Jaryn Harris and Kaylie Goodchild. Stephanie Wiebe also had a big game offensively, scoring 4 assists. Other assists were by Jaryn Harris (2) and Alexa Taylor. Courtney Jeffery had another strong game in goal for the Lady Stars as she made several key saves throughout this game and held South County to just a single goal.

Rhine Danube bowling scores

The following are the Rhine Danube bowling leagues scores for January 2.

Games Over 200: Richard Dickau 220-208, Ernie Purr 205-246, Gary Garnham 223, Ozzie Wolf 204, Kevin Kosempel 205, Heinz Kosempel 223-235-214, Chris Kosempel 214-203-204, Jason Dalimonte 225, Dan Dalimonte 233, Wayne Abbott 201, Jack Valade 234-202, John Paliwoda 207, John Fittler 207-204.

Series Over 550: Richard Dickau 592, Ernie Purr 631, Gary Garnham 588, Heinz Kosempel 672, Chris Kosempel 621, Jason Dalimonte 557, Dan Dalimonte 602, Jack Valade 597, John Fittler 570.

High Handicap Games: Jason Dalimonte 308, Ernie Purr 302, Dan Dalimonte 283.

High Handicap Series: Jason Dalimonte 806, Ernie Purr 799, John Fittler 795.

Standings: Fittler Farms 12, Rhine Danube 11, Weil’s Food 8, Del Fresco 7, S.W. Property 4, Dickau Construction 0.

Atom Minors On the Road

The Southpoint Capitals Atom Minors, sponsored by Jose’s Bar & Grill , had a very

Highbury Intermediate girls win 4-1

The Highbury Canco Intermediate girls played in the Windsor Wild Tournament during Christmas break. The girls were hoping to pull everything together but the first game against Haldimand saw them come out flat.

Southpoint was down 3-0 at the end of the first. They picked it up in the second and third but ultimately lost 4-0.

The second game against the eventual tournament winner, LaSalle, was played with enthusiasm. Southpoint goalie Erica Taylor played exceptionally well but LaSalle still won 1-0.

In the final game Southpoint was matched up against Lakeshore Blue. Highbury often had the puck in the Lakeshore end but were trailing 3-0 in the early stages of the third. Southpoint then proceeded to score 3 goals. Chase Cabral scored the first with assists going to Shelby Hunter and Cassie Bluhm. Two minutes later Jada Schiefer assisted on a Tatum Davison goal. One minute later it was a tie game. Cassie sent a pass back to Connie Wiebe at the blueline, and Connie wired a slap shot into the top blocker side. Unfortunately Lakeshore scored with 20 seconds left to end the game.

This past weekend Highbury Canco Intermediate girls started their run for a top playoff spot. They took on Lakeshore Grey. Highbury’s Kelsey Babkirk scored the first 2 goals unassisted. In the third, Brienne Mastronardi added a goal with assists going to Madison Pardo and Chase Cabral.

Lakeshore posted a goal at the 9-minute mark of the third.

Southpoint finished the scoring with Kelsey Almasi firing the puck in the net. Jada Schiefer and Tatum Davison assisted.

The Southpoint girls maintained a presence in front of the Lakeshore goalie and this contributed to a number of goals. Highbury won 4-1!

County Bridge Results

Leamington Half Century Centre, Jan. 9: 1. Henry and George Hildebrandt, 2. Marie Elwood and Roger Cote, 3. Roy Trowell and Ron Martin, 4. Shirley Plant and Jeanne Manners. Bridge games are played each Monday at 12:45 p.m. Members and new members are welcome.

Kingsville Bridge Club, Jan. 11: North/South - 1. Peter Scott and Mike Thomson, 2. Marie Elwood and Roger Cote, 3. Marilyn Robbins and Joyce Moran. East/West - 1. George and Henry Hildebrandt, 2. Bill Chaplin and Chris Brennan, 3. Ron Martin and Al Morrison. Bridge is on Wednesdays at the Lions Hall in Kingsville, 7 p.m.

Church Directory

Novice Blue defeats Kent Red 10-3

Southpoint Capitals Novice Blue, sponsored by Leamington Chrysler, had a very busy Saturday, January 14 playing games against Erie North Shore and Kent Novice Red.

The Caps started off with an early morning game in Kingsville against the Erie North Shore Storm but came up a little short as the Storm took the game 6-3.

Southpoint goals were scored by Ben Arquette, Aidan Pulley and Noah Borges. Assists went to Ben McFadden, Gregory Mastronardi, Steve Belanger and Cohen Kimball. Nicholas Di Milo did a great job between the posts.

On Saturday afternoon the Caps played in Wheatley against Kent Novice Red. They came out on top with a huge win as they scored 10 goals. Scorers were Massimo Ingrattta (4) Ben McFadden (2), Noah Borges (2), Nicholas Di Milo and Ben Arquette. Assists went to Chloe Tayler, Brent Pimentel, Andrew Mallott and Owen Derkson. Aidan Pulley did an outstanding job in the net. The final score was 10-3.

Novice Red notches a win in exciting match-up

Novice Local League had an exciting morning Saturday, Jan 14. Novice Team Red and Team White played to a 5-3 final with Team Red coming away with the

Unitarian Universalist

win.

Team Red’s defence of Mason Wiper, Lucas Grilo, Rex Pearce and Henry Heaton kept the score low, and only Ryder Grossi was able to get any goals past the great goaltending performance of Eli Driedger. For Eli’s first game in net, he stopped a lot of shots by Team White and made some outstanding saves.

Team Red had recruited two players from Tyke to AP and had a full bench. These players fit in really well and had great games. Brody Brown had two assists; one came on a goal by AP Ben Liebrock with Mario Perez getting the other assist on the goal. Gabriel Rino and Tony Tannous had single goals and Charbel Tannous assisting on his brother’s goal. Matthew Mastromatteo led the team with two goals, with Rex Pearce and Owen Hunter picking up assists. It was a great game by both teams. They are both looking forward to practice before starting playoffs this coming Saturday. Good luck to all the Southpoint teams in the playoffs.

Southpoint

Gregory Mastronardi on defense for Capitals. (Submitted photo)

Lasers swimmers of the month

Each month Leamington Lasers Swim Team coaches award the Lasers of the Month for groups Orange, Blue and Green. Criteria that goes into selecting the recipients include practice attendance, overall improvement, attitude and leadership. The November swimmers of the month were Alia Flores, Olivia Rogers and Luke Pettypiece. The following are some fun facts about these swimmers.

Team Orange – Olivia Rogers

Awarded by: Coach Mallorey Derksen.

Favourite stroke/event: Front stroke.

Favourite sport (other than swimming): Baseball.

Favourite song: Can’t Stop the Feeling, Justin Timberlake.

Last movie you saw: Trolls.

Favourite food: Olives and pickles.

Favourite class: Art and gym.

Team Blue - Luke Pettypiece

Awarded by: Coach Jennifer Dobson.

Favourite stroke/event: 50m breaststroke.

Favourite sport (other than swimming): basketball.

Letter to the Editor

Making Leamington

a Blue Zone

Editor:

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if Mayor John Paterson and Council worked towards making Leamington a “Blue Zone”? Blue Zones are areas around the world where people live long and healthy lives. We are conveniently located in an area that grows delicious fruits and vegetables. And, we have the basics for great walking and biking trails. We just need the leadership to get the whole town on board.

Let’s make Leamington known as the healthiest town in Canada.

– Heather McIntyre, Leamington

LDSS junior girls volleyball vs

Favourite song: 24K Magic, Bruno Mars.

Last movie you saw: The Martian.

Favourite food: Poutine and steak.

Favourite class: Math.

Team Green – Alia Flores

Awarded by: Coach Ben Balkwill.

Favourite stroke/event: Freestyle.

Favourite sport (other than swimming): volleyball.

Favourite song: Side to Side, Ariana Grande ft. Nicki Minaj.

Last movie you saw: Star Wars, Rogue 1.

Favourite food: Pizza.

Favourite class: Math.

Men’s Curling – First Half Monday Recreational League Winners

Friday Retirees bowling scores

The following are the high bowling scores for the Friday Retirees Bowling League at Empire Lanes for Jan. 13.

Men Over 180: Armand DeCaluwe 198; Tony Dama 206; Gary Alderson 190; Ernie Purr 190, 195; Maurice Cowan 188; Bob Sinclair 213, 214, 196; Tys Schaafsma 215, 231, 195; Jamie Arquette 188, 212,

184; Jack Valade 246; Lawrencie Trepanier 185; Heinz Kosempel 184, 204.

Women Over 150: Betty Trepanier 164; Diane Sinclair 168, 170; Gloria Robinson 150; Gail Johnston 151; Theresa DeCaluwe 151, 154; Peggy Hillman 158; Patti Clifford 151; Rosemary Purr 173; Rosemary Heisler 174; Connie Popa 159; Bernice Smith

179.

High Handicap Games: Tony Dama 294, Jack Valade 278, Tys Schaafsma 275, Rosemary Purr 269, Bernice Smith 258, Betty Trepanier 256.

High Handicap Series: Tys Schaaafsma 773, Tony Dama 766, Maurice Cowan 762, Rosemary Purr, Susan Power 698, Alta Vanvliet 698.

Leamington Lasers Swim Team swimmers of the month for November, from left to right, are Alia Flores, Olivia Rogers, Luke Pettypiece. (Submitted photo)

The winner of the Sun Parlour Curling Club Monday Men’s Recreational League for the first half of the curling season was the team of, left to right, Joe Drummond (skip), Matt Dick, Francisco Cabrera and Jerry Paine. As winners, the team chose to donate monies from the prize pool to the Salvation Army on behalf of the Sun Parlour Curling Club. (Submitted photo)

CC junior boys basketball vs. Brennan

Lions fall to Holy Names

By Bryan Jessop

Lions received no help from first-place Holy Names.

The Knights remained undefeated following a 7-3 win against LDSS Thursday, Jan. 12 at Unico Arena, dropping the Lions’ record to two wins, five losses and a tie. With the loss, Leamington remained tied with St. Joseph’s for fifth place in the WECSSAA Tier I Cullen Conference with Essex and General Amherst one point behind.

Holy Names struck first an even nine-and-a-half minutes into the first period when Michael Varacalli blasted a five-hole shot from the point during a power play. Fifty seconds later, Chris Scalia netted his first of two with an ice-level shot from the left of Tristan Edmondson’s net. The guests made it 3-0 during another man advantage with just un-

der two minutes left in the first when Scalia buried a rebound off a blocker save by Edmondson.

The Lions stepped up their offensive game in the second, when Dawson Iles put them on the board with a low wrist shot from the back of the slot to beat Andrew McLauchlin between the posts, assisted by Brett Enns. The Knights replied about two minutes later when Griffin Macasaet fired a wrist shot from the point that struck Edmondson before the puck wobbled over the goal line. Leamington got the goal back with 40 seconds remaining in the middle frame when Jeron Kir chopped at a rebound to send the puck above McLauchlin’s arm from the left of the net into the short side during a power play. Assists went to Jack Hannigan and Mason Gow.

a minute later during a Leamington power play, Kir potted his second of the day on a rush, sending a wrist shot into the top left corner from the right of the goal. Ryan Wall drew the only assist.

Scoring ended with less than one second to play when Charron added his second of the match by one-timing a wrist shot from the left side of the crease.

“We spotted them a 3-0 lead. After that, it was a pretty even game,” said Lions co-coach Tony Nurse. “It’s happened three or four times this year now — we cool off for five or six minutes and the other team scores a few goals.”

Early in the third, Holy Names’ Nick Charron sent a low shot into the lower left corner from in front of the crease to make it 5-2. Matt Cepuran sent a wrist shot off the right post and into the Lions’ net for his team’s sixth of the afternoon before Edmondson was relieved in net by Matt Ciliska. Precisely

“We lost a few battles that we should have won, including a couple in front of the net,” added coach Butch Rickeard. “We weren’t able to break out and we got caught going in the wrong direction.”

The Lions hosted the Belle River Nobles Tuesday, Jan. 17 (results not available by press deadline) and will play their final regular season home game Tuesday, Feb. 7 at 3 p.m. against Villanova following the exam break.

Spencer Wiebe of the Lions fires a shot at the Holy Names net as the Knights’ Jake Bailey tries to stop him during a WECSSAA Tier boys hockey game at Unico Arena Thursday, Jan. 12. The Knights won 7-3 to remain undefeated while Leamington fell to 2-5-1.

Carter at UMEI

right: Heather Wilson, Liam Pilbeam, Austin Wilson, Autumn Farrar,

Harder, Noah Garton, Nickolas Neufeld, Tyler Wilson, Talyse

Atom Stars begin playoffs

The Southpoint Bailey Machining Inc. Atom Stars battled the LaSalle Sabre Cats in Essex-Kent playoff action. This was a very evenly matched game that ended in a 0-0 tie.

Both teams displayed their strong defensive qualities and their great goaltenders. Stars netminder Lillian St. Pierre was spectacular throughout this game as she recorded another big shutout!

Other sizes available upon request. E-mail, call or drop off your announcement by Friday at 5 pm. 194 Talbot St. E. Unit 5, Lea Ph: 519-398-9098 Email: sun@mnsi.net We accept CASH, CHEQUE, DEBIT, VISA & MASTERCARD

Golden Years golf report

The Golden Years mini golf league welcomed new members Ron and Barb Fick on Thursday, January 12 at Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens. Barb managed 2 aces on her first outing. Congratulations Barb!

Following coffee and doughnuts, compliments of Helix Hearing, 41 golfers descended onto the course. Rust accumulated over the Christmas break and a raging storm outside conspired to limit golfers to a per capita low for the year of 50 aces.

Leading the ace parade with 4 was Bryon Walker, followed closely with 3 each by Jim Allan, Laurie Hylton, Moe Scratch, Barry Sweet and Bill Ward. Notching 2 apiece were Mary Binder, Murray Cascadden, Tom Dewhurst, Gary Honey, Lloyd Honey, Tom Hyatt, Tony Hudvagner, Colleen Pearse, Gerrit Vriesen and Barb Fick. Sinking 1 each were Kathy Bradley, Eunice Cascadden, Dorothy Cascadden, Pete Daudlin, Julia Kos, Marie Lasi, Bob Martin, Bob McWilliam, Rose Taylor, Bill Taylor and Ernie Vandenberg.

Low scores over 9 holes with 17 each were Barry Sweet, Laurie Hylton, Kathy Bradley, Norbert Gisi and Mary Binder. Recording 18 were Gary Honey, Bryon Walker (2), Laurie Hylton, Julia Kos, Ernie Vandenberg, Bob Martin, Mike Binder, Moe Scratch, Tom Hyatt, Tony Hudvagner and Bob McWilliam.

A strong score of 36 over 18 holes was registered by Laurie Hylton, with Barry Sweet and Julia Kos each delivering 37. Laurie Hylton, Bob Martin, Bill Ward, Kathy Bradley, Cathy Dewhurst, Betty McManus and Mary Binder each had a 38.

Continuing strong play, Laurie Hylton carded a 74 over 36 holes with Bob Martin and Bill Ward in close pursuit with 77 and Julia Kos with 78.

First place bragging rights was earned by Team 4 who managed 238 (Laurie Hylton, Julia Kos, Jack Gisi). Team 8 secured second place with 239 (Bill Ward, Kathy Bradley, Cathy Dewhurst). On the strength of a 243, Team 6 nailed down third and final spot (Ernie Vandenberg, Bob Martin, Gerrit Vriesen).

Play continues every Thursday at 9:30 a.m. Please arrive by 9 a.m. as the league will be discussing a plan of membership recruitment and retention in an effort to grow the total of active members.

Atom

Minors participate in Hespeler tournament

The Southpoint Atom Minor team, sponsored by Jose’s Bar & Grill, traveled to the 50th annual Hespeler Olympic Tournament Dec. 27-29.

Their first game was against the hometown team Hespeler Shamrocks. The Capitals opened the scoring early in the first with a great shot by Dayne Dimilo, with assists by Kaleb Jardim and Tyler Franklin. Scoring 2:30 into the first period is a great way to start. The lead was short lived though, and the Shamrocks scored about 2 minutes later to tie the game.

Halfway through the second Colton Selwood scored an unassisted goal to put the Caps back into the lead, but 3 minutes later the goal was equaled. The second period was back and forth with the Caps scoring again with 2½ minutes left. Tyler Franklin, with a beautiful hustle and shot, scored with another assist from Jardim. With 59 seconds left in the period the Shamrocks tied the game again. Seemed like the Caps just couldn’t keep hold of the lead but were playing one of their best games ever.

from some early goals and lost a hard fought game 4-0.

The team’s next game didn’t start till 5:30 p.m. Wednesday. The team had to find a way to stay focused during the long wait for their game. They played mini sticks in the hallways during the day and there were Syrian refugees families who where housed at the hotel, whose children joined and were introduced to hockey for the first time. Even though there was a huge language and culture barrier, the Caps shared their sticks and showed the refugees the game of hockey. Well, the game of mini sticks. The kids all played great together and had a blast.

Finally it was game time and the kids were excited to hit the ice again. This time it was a strong Peterborough Petes team and the Caps had a great game but just couldn’t respond with enough goals to match the Petes. The Caps lost 6-2.

After returning to the hotel the team started mini sticks again, and again their new friends from Syria came and played. There were a lot of kids playing and they were able to find enough sticks for everyone. The refugees ranged from ages 2 to 12. It was a lot of fun but unfortunately caused a lot of noise. The hotel manager was able to arrange the use of one of the conference rooms where the kids could still play and not bother the other patrons. So all of the kids, the parents and the refugee parents and their kids went to the new party room. It was amazing and they were able to have organized 8 on 8 mini stick games and all the kids and parents loved it. There were so many kids wanting to play they had to take shifts and make substitutions every 5 minutes. Every parent had their phones or camera out taking pictures or videos of this special moment. A true Canadian scene. Canadian kids, hockey players and Syrian refugees kids all playing mini sticks. It was an amazing time. No matter what barriers or obstacles in our lives, the kids and the parents enjoyed the moment. Every goal was cheered and celebrated by everyone, no matter who scored. It was an amazing night but eventually it had to come to an end and the kids had to go to bed. The team said their goodbyes and good nights to their new friends and went to their rooms with some great memories and knowing that they gave those kids and families something to remember forever. Who knows? Maybe they’ll get settled and play hockey.

Love... Mom, Dad and Zack Happy

Mrs. Edna Gardner would like to send a heartfelt thank you to everyone for their birthday wishes and those who were able to attend her 90th birthday party. It created some wonderful new memories for her to reflect on of those she cares for so much.

Who passed away January 23, 1996 Wonderful memories woven in gold This is the picture we tenderly hold. Deep in our hearts a memory is kept To love, to cherish and never forget. Forever in our hearts, Mary Ann and Larry, Rose and Herman, Theresa and Wayne, Jon, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Thank You

Thank you!

The third period was great and both teams had lots of chances. It was a battle of goaltenders as the Caps’ Jack Thomas kept the puck out of our net. Even with a late period penalty, the Caps were able to fend off the Shamrocks’ attack. Now back at full strength, the Capitals were playing their hardest and with 10 seconds left in the game Matteo Periera scored! It was the team’s first win and this was the happiest they have ever been, both players and parents. The parents went wild. They have been waiting for this moment for a long time and finally had the losing monkey removed from their backs. They were all very proud of the team. Thanks to all the players for a great game and their determination to get to this point. Congratulations to the parents for all their patience and confidence in their kids and helping them get to this special moment. Big thank you to all the coaching staff who were able to bring their hard work and passion for the game, to the ice and have it transferred to these kids. No matter what anyone may say or think, you are all role models to these kids and you have brought them something they’ve been striving for, for 3 years. The feeling of winning. Great job and hope the feeling gets contagious with the team and brings it all together.

Y

In the team’s second game, just 3 hours later, they squared off with the Toronto Wolverines. The Caps did well but couldn’t fight back

The next game was at 12 p.m. Thursday against the London Bandits. The kids had a great game against a bigger and stronger AE team and worked their hardest. It ended in a 1-1 tie which gave the Caps confidence going into the semi-finals. This is the farthest the Caps have ever gone in a tournament. They were up against the Shamrocks again and this time they played with a lot of determination because they didn’t want to lose again to the Caps. The Caps played a great game but the grind of a tournament schedule had the best of the courageous team and the Shamrocks won 4-0. Great tournament was enjoyed by all the players. Thank you to the parents for providing their children a great experience. It was truly an unforgettable experience for everyone and especially for some very special new friends and eventually new Canadians from Syria.

Thank you for a great tournament boys, everyone is very proud of all of their little men.

Southpoint Atom Minors played in the Hespeler Tournament Dec. 27-29. Tournament organizers had the winning teams stand in front of their bench for this picture. This win is very meaningful and special as it’s the teams first ever win. Thanks to all the players for a great tournament and congratulations! Players, from left to right, are Nathan Omar, Tyler Franklin, Liam Ouellette, Matteo Periera, Colton Selwood, Nikolas Beaudion, Nicholas Mastromatteo, Chase Simpson, Mateo Santos, Kaleb Jardim, Dayne Dimilo, Max Youssef, Jack Thomas. In back is the coaching staff, left to right: Assistant coach Auston Mouck, assistant coach Colin Harris, head coach Wheaton Mouck, trainer Dave Periera, assistant coach Dave DiMilo. Absent is teammate Owen Pimentel. (Submitted photo)

COUNTRY COURT APARTMENTS

280 Sherk St. Leamington

• 2 Bedroom Apartment.

• Renovated, convenient location, near shopping, sports complex and Seacliff Park.

• Secure entry and manager on site.

519-326-0320

ERIE APARTMENTS

137 Erie St. South 2 bedroom units available. 2nd & 3rd floor. 13th month free. Available immediately. Call 519-791-1972

CAMELOT SHIRES APARTMENTS

Beautiful, secure building in a good location. 1 and 2 bedroom available. Utilities and parking included. Call Bob 519-324-7945

SMALL 1 BEDROOM house for rent in Leamington, close to town. Available immediately. $650/month plus utilities. Fridge & stove included. Call between 8 am and 8 pm - 519-326-6412. ja18-25

FIORE TOWER

Newly Renovated

2 bedroom apartments available now. Walk-to shopping. Walk-in pantry, utilities included, on-site manager, secure building, laundry, elevator, party room.

Call 519-326-4622

Upscale and Affordable in Leamington’s ONLY waterfront rental

overlooking Leamington Marina and Park and minutes from the beach.

Amenities

• Fully secured and 24-7 onsite management. Ask us about our limited time “New Tenant” incentives. www.ska-apartmentrentals.com Call Mike or Kevin 519-326-8819

SERVICES

J J STITCHING - SEWING, alterations, and repairs. Pants shortened $8.50 plus tax. (Some exceptions may apply such as lined pants). If your clothing is too tight or too baggy, give me a call to see if it can be altered. Call Jean at 519-968-2261. 14 Johnson Avenue, Leamington. jjstitching@gmail.com no30-ja25

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

LOST

LOST - 2 TONE GOLD Man's wedding band. Lost in Leamington. Reward - call 519-326-9615. ja18

WANTED TO BUY. Antiques, estates, costume jewellery, gold, sterling, coins, tools, clocks, toys. We buy it all. Free appraisals. Cash on the spot. Call 519-727-8894. ja18-my31 WANTED TO BUY

Dr. Brian E. Adamson

24 Oak St. East LEAMINGTON 519-326-8413

Eye examinations by appointment

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

EMPLOYMENT

WANTED

MY NAME IS Stephen Sanger and I am looking for a job working midnights in the Leamington area. I am reliable and hardworking. Please call 519-324-5879 as soon as possible. ja18-fe8

On October 3, 2016, the Municipality of Leamington passed a new by-law being By-law #63-16 which regulates and governs taxicab owners and drivers. This bylaw allows for increased enforcement of the taxicab industry in Leamington with the goal of making it a safer and affordable mode of transportation.

Reasons to use a licensed Taxicab in Leamington:

• The taxicab vehicle has been certified safe as per Ministry of Transportation (MTO) standards

• The taxicab driver has had a comprehensive background search through the Ontario Provincial Police

• The taxicab driver is licensed by the Municipality of Leamington and the Province of Ontario

• The fares have been approved by the Municipality of Leamington

• The taxicab vehicle has the required liability insurance to operate in the Municipality of Leamington

• You as a patron are supporting local businesses

When you use an un-licensed taxicab, also known as a ghost cab, you have no certainty the taxicab has any of the above licensing requirements and you may be putting yourself at risk.

For a list of licensed taxicab companies in the Municipality of Leamington, please visit www.leamington.ca/taxicabs

We are seeking

GREENHOUSE

PRODUCTION ASSOCIATES

• Compensation is $12.00/hr

• Monday through Friday (Occasional Saturdays)

Please apply at: careers@aphria.com or mail a resume to: P.O. Box 20009 269 Erie St. S., Leamington, ON N8H 3C4

Del Fresco Produce Ltd.

is looking to add to our team and hire for the position of:

QUALITY ASSURANCE & COMMODITY ALLOCATION SPECIALIST

Responsibilities:

• Monitor excess and inadequate inventory levels daily

• Work with Sales Division on client requests and specifications

• Ensure customer specifications and communications are regularly updated

• Take sample of products, examine products to ensure conformance to company and customer standards

Personal Suitability:

• Ability to work under pressure, meet tight deadlines, work in a fast paced environment

• Must be a team player, excellent leadership skills

• Must be organized, accurate, pay attention to detail, be able to problem solve

Work Settings: Cold warehouse setting

Experience: 1 year to less than 2 years, must have completed high school Salary: to be determined, depending on experience

Please forward Resume to:

By Email: hr@sunritegreenhouses.com By Fax: 519-733-5290

Del Fresco Produce Ltd. is looking to add to our team and hire for the position of:

SHIPPING/RECEIVING SUPERVISOR

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Managing employees

• Establishing working schedules

• Training staff among other duties

• Ensuring quality standards are met at all times

• Working with inventory control software

Requirements:

• Experience and knowledge of produce considered an asset

• Must be able to work well with others and be able to work independently

• Attention to detail

• Excellent communication skills

• Attendance important

• Must have completed high school

Salary: To be determined, depending on experience

Job Conditions:

• Permanent full time position which requires day, evening and weekend work

• Fast paced environment

• Physically demanding

• Cold warehouse setting

Send Resume: Email: hr@sunritegreenhouses.com

Fax: 519-733-5290

Mail: Sunrite Greenhouses Ltd. 1414 Seacliff Drive, Kingsville, ON N9Y 2M2 Attn. Human Resources Dept.

CLEANING PERSON / IRONING person required for a Leamington house. Call 1-306-461-5033 if interested. ja18-25

LITTLE CAESARS LOCATIONS in Leamington, Kingsville and Essex have full and part-time positions available. Experience with food preparation and cash handling preferred. Drop resumes at any of the above Little Caesars locations. oc19-tf

DINIRO FARMS NEEDS full time greenhouse general labourers. $11.40/hour, 45+ hours, 7 days/week. Must be available Saturday and Sunday. Duties include plant, crop maintenance, harvest and pack. Must be able to lift a minimum of 40 pounds on a repetitive basis. Please apply via email to: dinirofarms@wavedirect.net. eow-ja18

AZ COMP DRIVERS: Dedicated Home daily or weekly. Great Pay, benefits & bonuses. Call 1-800-7480192 or apply online at www.mtstrans.com. ja18-25

Greenhouse Worker

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Crop work, winding, pruning, harvesting

• Checking quality of harvested produce

• Other duties as assigned

WORK CONDITIONS:

• Fast-paced environment, repetitive tasks, standing for extended periods

• Bend, crouching, kneeling, hand-eye coordination, attention to detail

• Working at heights, hot environment

WAGE AND HOURS:

Immediate job opening for TREE TRIMMER / GENERAL LABOUR

With experience using bucket truck and chipper equipment. Arborist training and certification an asset. Require DZ licence to drive truck.

Please forward resume to: m.g.group@bellnet.ca

SEEKING RECEPTIONIST AND TAX ASSOCIATE

FOR BUSY TAX SEASON

• Seasonal • Flexible Hours

• Minimum of 30 hours per week

• Locations at Leamington, Tilbury, Essex, and Kingsville

APPLY IN PERSON AT OUR LEAMINGTON OFFICE, 34 TALBOT ST. EAST, LEAMINGTON

We are currently seeking an experienced candidate for the FULL TIME, PERMANENT POSITION OF METAL MECHANIC/ FABRICATOR GENERAL LABOURER Wages are negotiable upon experience. Please forward resume in person to: 229 Talbot St. W. Leamington between the hours of 7:00 am - 5:00 pm Monday - Friday. Or by email to: leamingtonglass@bellnet.ca

Reporting to the Manager of Planning Services, the Junior Planner is primarily responsible for developing and implementing the review and processing of site plan applications to completion, including pre-consultation, coordination of information received from internal and external agencies, and enforcement. The Junior Planner will also assist with the research and review of development applications and other community and planning matters and the collection and maintenance of land based and development data. For complete details regarding this position, please visit our website at www.leamington.ca/careers Application Deadline: 11:59 PM, Sunday, February 5, 2017.

• 40 plus hours a week including Saturdays

• Wage: 11.43/hour, seasonal, full time

Please forward your resume by email to: hr@orangelinefarms.com (627 County Rd. 14, R.R. # 5, Leamington, ON N8H 3V8)

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT/ GRAPHIC DESIGNER

A leading company with strong ties to the community is looking to hire a full-time Administrative Assistant/ Graphic Designer to assist with their growth and strengthen their team.

Terms of Employment: Full Time, Day, Some Weekends

Anticipated Start Date: As soon as possible

Skill Requirements:

Education: High School Diploma, Completion of College/ technical training is an asset

Experience: Experience is an asset

Essential Skills:

• Produce digital and print media using Adobe Creative Suite Programs,

• Exceptional knowledge of Microsoft Office Programs

• Multi-task in an environment with short deadlines

• Learn and adapt quickly

• Possess a strong skill and mannerism to make those around them feel comfortable

Work Setting: Small office, Fast-paced environment

Work Samples: Portfolio

Please Mail or Drop Off Resume: Box R, 194 Talbot St. E. Unit 5 Leamington ON N8H 1M2

GREENHOUSE WORKERS NEEDED

Employees will be required to carry out all job tasks as specified by the operation manager.

Specific duties include: Pruning, clipping, harvesting and cleaning work area. Repetitive task, standing for extended periods, hot humid conditions, comfortable working on scissor lifts, handling weights of up to 23 kg or 50 lbs, report signs of insect or disease damage.

Permanent full time weekdays including weekends $11.43 per hour. Will train the right candidate. Must be able to work within a group or on their own. Reliable and dependable.

Must have own transportation.

Apply:

2M6

The Corporation of the Municipality of Leamington Junior Planner

HEALTH AND SAFETY ASSOCIATE

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Ensure compliance with legislative requirements of the Ministry of Labor, OHSA, and WSIB

• Enforce and maintain corporate health & safety policies and standards.

• Identify and evaluate hazardous conditions and practices in the workplace, and recommend corrective actions.

• Coordinate and conduct training sessions for all employees regarding health and safety practices and legislation

• Inspect work areas, machinery and equipment for potential accident and health hazards with Safety concerns.

• Assist in accident investigations and prepare accident and/or injury reports.

• Data entry and presentation development, document and record keeping of health & safety activities

• Lead the sanitation & hygiene team: develop and implement cleaning/sanitation programs.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE:

• Minimum 1-2 years of experience working in the Health and Safety discipline, Greenhouse or Packinghouse work experiences will be considered as an asset.

• Comprehensive knowledge of Occupational Health and Safety Acts (OHSA) and legislation.

• Strong knowledge of computer application (Microsoft Office, Excel & Power point) and analytical skills.

Please forward your resume to: Kingsvillecareers@gmail.com

PAPER HANDLERS WANTED

Essex County’s Largest Community Newspaper Press.

Part-time hours. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday - hours vary. Must be able to stand for long periods of time.

Drop resumes off at:

Southpoint Sun Office, 194 Talbot St. E., Unit 5, Leamington Or email to: sun@southpointsun.ca

Office Manager / Bookkeeper

Our client has an immediate opening for an office manager / bookkeeper who will report directly to the president.

Responsibilities and duties will include the following:

- Entering of data and maintenance of complete general ledger via Sage 50

- Preparation of monthly bank reconciliations

- Reconciliation of accounts receivable and accounts payable ledgers

- Communication with customers and vendors

- Maintenance of payroll records and related filing requirements

- Timely and accurate filing of necessary government filings

- Preparation of internal financial reports for management on a timely basis

- Liaison with external accountants regarding year-end financial statements

Experience with Sage 50, Microsoft Excel, government filings and the greenhouse and construction would be an asset. This position requires a self-motivated individual. Remuneration will commensurate with experience and qualifications.

We thank all interested applicants, however only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Please forward your resume and cover letter via email or fax to:

Michelle Boutros

Collins Barrow Leamington LLP

Email: mboutros@cbleamington.com Fax:

2016 2017 NATIONALS DOUBLE FLYERS

BY BRYAN JESSOP

The good news for the Flyers in a recent game against the London Nationals was a successful power play. The bad news was a less-than-successful penalty kill.

The Flyers dropped a 6-3 decision to the Nats at Highbury Canco Arena Thursday, Jan. 12, where special teams made the difference for the talent-laden guests. Leamington’s penalty killers improved as the second period wore on, but not before the West’s second-place club did all the damage that was necessary to secure the win and hand the Flyers their first loss of 2017.

The first period was an evenly-matched, back-andforth affair where both teams capitalized on their scoring chances. London’s offense took control in the early minutes of the game and was rewarded with a Max Vinogradov goal on a low wrist shot from the slot taken immediately after receiving a pass.

About three minutes later, the Flyers made the most of a double power play that began a minute and 31 seconds after the initial Nationals’ penalty. Taking a pass from Zak Parlette, Mitchell Crevatin released a wrist shot from the point that beat a screened Cameron Zanussi to tie the game. Cale Phibbs also assisted. Leamington took its first lead when Broden Meloche redirected a Jaydon Fetter shot from the point into the top left corner of the London net before Quinn Lenihan could join the play a few seconds after serving his penalty. Dallas Maurovic was credited with the second assist.

Brandon Glover replied for the Nationals to tie the game on a London power play after one-timing a slap shot into the left side before Conner Meyerink could jump across his crease to make the save. Leamington’s prowess on the power play continued about two minutes later when a shot from the blue line was redirected waist high into the right side of the mesh. Cale Phibbs scored the goal, assisted by Parlette and Scott Florence.

Special teams did the Flyers in in the second period, where a double-minor assessed at the end of the first stanza garnered two power play tallies for London early in the following frame. Letting loose a low one-timer from the slot, Michael Andlauer tied the game for the Nats after less than two minutes of play. Ethan Nother scored his first of two straight on the same extended power play, burying a shot from between the hash marks with Meyerink fallen and out of his net. Charging in from between the tops of the faceoff circles, Nother took a pass from beside the net and potted a waist-high wrist shot to pad his team’s lead. The trio of goals were scored within a span of two minutes and 21 seconds. Leamington didn’t give Zanussi much trouble at the other end, mustering five shots compared to London’s 17. Little was accomplished in the third, where the Nationals added 10 more shots while the Flyers managed

another seven for a combined sum of 43-25 favouring the visiting team. Blake Bain was stopped on a breakaway to keep London up by two. The only goal of the penalty-free period was scored with 4.7 seconds left by Austin Kemp on an empty Leamington goal.

London went three for seven on the power play while Leamington was successful on two of three manadvantage opportunities.

“That team is just too good to take penalties against,” Flyers head coach Tony Piroski said of the Nationals. “They’re one of the most skilled teams in the league. We’ve got to play extremely well against the LaSalles, Chathams and Londons to be be competitive. They’ve (London) got first-line players on their fourth line. Paid-for teams like these are going to be tough to beat in the playoffs.”

Leamington played Thursday’s game without a back-up goalie, as Noah Hedrick has been sidelined with the flu. The Flyers will play the rest of the season without Mark Gangnon, who has returned to Amherstburg to play Junior C and will be without veteran forward Zach Guilbeault, who is to serve another nine games for

a suspension stemming from a December 23 game against St. Marys.

On the following Friday, Leamington visited the Lincolns for their first road game in 27 days. St. Marys

won 1-0 on a shorthanded goal in the second period. The Flyers’ scoring drought in St. Marys has reached 124 minutes and 16 seconds, dating back to the third period of a Friday, Sept. 30 game.

Rest of the West

Wednesday, Jan. 11 included a 6-2 win for the LaSalle Vipers over the Strathroy Rockets as well as a 5-0 victory for London over the St. Marys Lincolns. On Thursday, the Vipers defeated the Sarnia Legionnaires 4-3 in overtime, followed by a Friday 6-2 win for the Chatham Maroons against the St. Thomas Stars. Saturday matches featured a 5-3 win for the Legionnaires over the Lambton Shores Predators and a 8-5 decision favouring the Rockets over the Stars. On Sunday, the Maroons handed the Predators a 10-3 loss.

UPCOMING HOME GAMES: Thu., Jan. 19 vs. Strathroy, 7:10 p.m. Thu., Jan. 26 vs. Lambton, 7:10 p.m.

UPCOMING AWAY GAMES: Wed., Jan. 18 vs. LaSalle, 7 p.m. Sat., Jan. 21 vs. Strathroy, 7:30 p.m.

Thomas Virban (left) and Dallas Maurovic of the Flyers zero in on Max Vinogradov of the Nationals as he tries to maintain control of the puck during a GOJHL game Thursday, Jan. 12. Vinogradov had three points in his team’s 6-3 win. (Sun photo)

Flyers goalie Conner Meyerink makes a save against Austin Kemp of the Nationals during the second period. (Sun photo)

Flyers Junior C affiliate William Stadder and the Nationals’ Quinn Lenihan battle for possession of the puck. (Sun photo)