January 25, 2017

No progress regarding eight-monthold library strike

By Ron Giofu

A group of striking library workers returned to the council chambers at Essex County Council last Wednesday but they are no closer to a deal.

Weekend Weather

Members and supporters of CUPE 2974, which represents the striking Essex County library workers, attended the meeting and after it concluded, the unit chair said there hasn’t been much in terms of movement to end the impasse. A supervised vote was held Dec. 13 in Essex with union members overwhelmingly rejecting what the Essex County Library Board termed its “final offer.”

“As always, we are willing to go back to the table at any time,” said Lori Wightman. “We’re waiting for them to call us back.”

Wightman said the union believes there is no interest on behalf of management to resolve the issue, which saw workers hit the picket lines June 25. She said they are “always brainstorming different ideas” and didn’t rule out possibly sending a counteroffer to the board.

“If we can come up with an offer, I’m sure it’s something we’ll do,” said Wightman.

Public support has been unwavering, she added, as picketers are still given coffee, donuts and best wishes as they picket. Picketing has been devoted mainly to the Essex Civic Centre but they (Continued on Page 2)

and

Online boost for Leamington tourism

By Bryan Jessop

When it comes to utilizing the world wide web to promote a community’s own attractions, events and programs, Leamington seems to be un’paralleled’.

A gathering of guests attended a launch of the municipality’s new-and-improved tourism website www.onthe42.com Tuesday, Jan. 17 at its main office on Erie Street North. Representatives of municipal council, the Leamington Mexican Consulate, Leamington and District Chamber of Commerce, Kingsville Folk Music Festival and Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island attended the event, where this year’s featured celebrity chef for the second annual Sip and Savour Experience — Lynn Crawford — was also officially announced.

Leamington culture and tourism developer Kyra Knapp emceed the event, where TWEPI CEO Gordon Orr and Leamington municipal CAO Peter Neufeld also addressed visitors. Knapp explained that the website’s initial release in June of 2016 was centered on a basic concept that has since been expanded and improved with an extensive list of features and information offered to Leamington’s visitors and residents alike.

“Back then it was a skeletal framework of what was to come,” she noted, adding that the upgraded version of the site was first presented to council on Monday, Jan. 9. “It’s a great way to help people plan trips to Leamington. It lets them know what to expect and where to find the attractions that make this community unique.”

The website focuses specifically on the amenities available within Leamington’s borders, with the option of local businesses and organizations to list and promote their services and events. Leamington-area restaurants, wineries, accommodation facilities and annual events have listed details on their services, with the ability to upload photos and

videos as well as links, logos and other information.

Knapp described the website as a promotional ‘pay to play’ model, although all basic listings are free for organizations and businesses to add.

“We’ve had excellent feedback,” Knapp said of the general public’s reaction to the new version of www.onthe42.com, a name inspired by Leamington’s placement on the 42nd parallel — the same distance from the equator as Rome, Italy and northern California. “People say it’s current, eyecatching and that it makes sense.”

“Its abilities show how we can highlight businesses, attractions, and events as part of our tourism strategy and as part of a larger economic development initiative,” stated Leamington mayor John Paterson, who was unable to attend the announcement on January 17. “Tourism is Leamington’s fourth largest sector and our focus on the tourism brand and events like the Sip and Savour Experience show our commitment to continued economic growth in Leamington.”

The second annual Sip and Savour Experience will feature celebrity chef Lynn Crawford as its feature guest. Crawford will make a one-hour public presentation on Sat. Aug. 19 and will be one of the judges for the event’s new

(Continued on Page 2)

Leamington culture and tourism developer Kyra Knapp discusses the details of the augmented website www.onthe42.com

the announcement of Lynn Crawford as the celebrity chef to attend this year’s Sip and Savour Experience during a conference at the Leamington municipal building Tuesday, Jan. 17. (SUN Photo)

Chef Lynn Crawford

No progress regarding eight-month library strike

(Continued from Front)

anticipate returning to individual branches as the weather improves.

“We’re a strong bunch of people, always positive, always laughing even though we’re not in the best situation,” she said.

After the supervised vote, the Essex County Library Board said no new talks were planned. That appears to still be the case as board chair Richard Meloche also said there have been no new developments.

“The board has yet to make a decision on how we want to bring back limited service to patrons while the librarians are striking. No final decisions have been made, but a number of various methods will be discussed in the near future based on information brought back from our administration team,” he said.

No new negotiation talks have been scheduled with Meloche noting the board’s negotiating team presented a final offer “and that’s what a final offer is – final!”

Meloche said the board will not be coming with a new offer.

“We made a final offer, and a very generous offer, better than what 95 per cent of employers are offering in the region,” said Meloche. “Coverage for part-time like they wanted which is really unheard of anywhere else. The third party insurer/adjudicator is a must for us. Our funder, the County of Essex requested this of us, and the board agreed.”

Meloche stated CUPE is not accepting of this currently but “must do their homework on it as I see a lot of wives tales and incorrect information about STD (short-term disability) coverage on social media.” Most employers use a third party insurer for STD, he said.

“Even the library workers have third party insurer for life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment and longterm disability (LTD),” he added.. “This is just an extension of their third party insurance to cover STD.”

Award winning graphic novelist and best selling author Jeff Lemire to visit area Author was

born and raised in Essex County

Local award winning graphic novelist and New York Times best selling author Jeff Lemire will be visiting Windsor Public Library (850 Ouellette Ave.) on Saturday, January 28. The 2:00 p.m. appearance is the first in a series which Windsor Public Library has scheduled to commemorate Canada’s 150th birthday.

Billed as a Conversation With Jeff Lemire, those in attendance will hear about the creative process behind Secret Path and his collaboration with Gord Downie of The Tragically Hip to tell the story of Chanie Wenjack and his experience at residential school.

“We’re thrilled that Jeff has graciously accepted our invitation to kick-off our Canada 150 Speaker Series,” said WPL CEO Kitty Pope. “We have always been aware of his huge literary success which began with the Essex County Trilogy, and now others are discovering the talent we have known of for years.”

A cartoonist, Lemire was born and raised in Essex County and is the author of titles including the Essex County Trilogy, Sweet Tooth, The Nobody, and Animal Man. He is known for his moody, humanistic stories and

sketchy, cinematic, black-and-white art. He is presently writing All-New Hawkeye, Extraordinary X-Men, Moon Knight and Old Man Logan for Marvel, Descender and Plutona for Image, and Bloodshot Reborn for Valiant.

In 2010 Essex County became the first graphic novel to be included in the prestigious Canada Reads contest, making it to the final five and winning the people’s choice vote as best Canadian novel of the decade. Last year CBC and First Generation Films began development of the Essex County Trilogy as a television miniseries.

Online boost for Leamington tourism

(Continued from Front) recipe contest. Crawford has made multiple appearances on televised programs including the television series Pitchin’ In, Iron Chef America, Top Chef Master Series’ fifth season, Restaurant Makeover, Top Chef Canada and as a judge on Chopped Canada.

“She’s a perfect fit for us,” Knapp said of Crawford. “She’s very community minded and she focuses heavily on where food is coming from. She’s happy to be coming here and we’re thrilled to have her.”

Sip and Savour has been expanded from two to three

days for 2017, where Sunday will be offered as Kids’ Day and Friday will kick off with a fish fry. Musical entertainment will be planned and offered by the Kingsville Folk Music Festival, led by local musicians John and Michele Law. This year, the Leamington Farmers Market will be featured for all three days of the event. The Saturday Signature Experience will also make a return this year.

Preparation for this year’s Sip and Savour began in September of last year, with a large team of volunteers and assistance from several municipal departments. Organizers are hiring an event planner for this year’s itinerary. The request for proposal has already been released, with details available on both www.onthe42.com and the municipal website www.leamington.ca

Jeff Lemire will welcome visitors to Windsor Public Library on Jan. 28.

Council hears long term plan for water

By Pat Bailey

Robert

Sharon

has set the bar high for directors in the municipality when it comes to producing ‘stellar’ reports.

Leamington’s director of infrastructure services managed to wow Council with his comprehensive report outlining the Strategic Direction of Leamington Water Services at the Mon. Jan. 23 meeting of Council.

Sharon told Council it is imperative for the municipality to develop a strategic plan to help manage the future of the system with the expected growth of the greenhouse industry, resulting in increased demand for water.

He told Council the longterm management strategy has several questions that must be answered:

1. How is the greenhouse sector currently consuming water and what is the anticipated consumption demands of existing customers, taking into account continued sector modernization and the effects of expanded electricity and natural gas infrastructure?

2. How much capacity remains in the system given this current and expected consumption – and where is this capacity located?

3. Given current customers and the expecting timing of the growth, when will the system reach localized and general capacity limits?

4. What consumption demand management strategies, and directed area growth strategies, can be implemented to maximize greenhouse acreage that can be serviced from existing infrastructure?

5. When and where should infrastructure be expanded to service future growth? What is the cost of the future expansion and how will expansion costs be funded?

6. How can LWS improve customer service and promote conservation?

Sharon told Council modernization of the system is key to its future success. He said that there are four large initiatives, ones that will have a major impact on the future of the system and the services to its customers.

The projects include: a complete water meter replacement; the installation of advanced metering infrastructure (AMI); the implementation of hydraulic modelling and data analysis software; and the completion of a comprehensive master planning exercise.

Sharon said the 2017 budget includes $3 million for the replacement of water meters, most of which are now 21 years old. He said $2.6 million will come from reserves, money collected as a fixed monthly surcharge on residents’ water bills and earmarked for water meter lifecycle replacement. By the end of 2017, Sharon said that fixed surcharge is expected to fully fund the

initiative.

The installation of AMI, Sharon said, will translate to better data, hence better decisions.

He said AMI is an integrated system of smart meters, communications networks and data management systems. Its installation will drastically change how consumption data is read, as well as the frequency of data collected. He said the current system requires a meter reader to physically read each meter individually – 12 times annually in the urban area and 6 times annually in the rural area. AMI will eliminate the need for manual meter reading, and instead rely on radio frequency to transmit the customer’s consumption data.

The collected data will be inputted into data management systems to generate monthly invoices for billing. Coupled with the implementation of hydraulic modelling software, readings will provide information of how consumers are consuming water and how the water system network is functioning.

This additional information will be used for a variety of purposes, including pinpointing peak demands and how to deal with those demands. This could result in rate reductions for consumers who choose to consume in off-peak hours.

Sharon said AMI would

also improve customer service, giving users the ability to log in and further understand their particular consumption habits. He said this could lead customers to take steps to reduce consumption. It can also alert consumers to possible signs of a leak, which they can then take steps to correct.

This concept, he said, will be used by LWS to identify underground leaks through area meters as well.

The implementation of hydraulic modelling and consumption data analysis would predict system capacity in individual areas within the municipality. This, Sharon said, would allow the determination of the effect on the system that additional greenhouse operations might have – they would use this information to approve or deny applications for further greenhouse development.

Sharon told the group that the development of a LWS distribution master plan is needed, since the last one was developed in 1999. Since then, there have been significant developments: substantial greenhouse growth; changes in greenhouse operations; and, of course, greater demand for water and changes in the UWSS treatment demands of the entire area serviced by UWSS.

“Updating the distribution master plan will be a critical step in the strategic way forward,” Sharon wrote in his report.

With all of the proposed recommendations, Sharon said it will mean the need for additional staff. He said an additional water operator and a new water system analyst would have to be added.

Sharon told Council the timeline for these proposed projects are from 2017 to 2021. This year’s plans include the replacement of the aged water meters and the implementation of hydraulic modelling and date analysis software.

The installation of AMI is proposed for 2018-2019 at an estimated cost of $1.5 million and the completion of a comprehensive LWS master planning exercise in 2020-2021 at an estimated $100,000.

Sharon’s report was received by Council to rave reviews.

Mayor to apply for seat on FCM board of directors

By Pat Bailey

At the Jan. 22 meeting of Leamington Municipal Council, Mayor John Paterson secured Council’s support in his bid to fill a seat left vacant on the board of directors for the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM).

The Leamington mayor said his motivation for applying to fill an Ontario seat on the FCM is simply to raise the profile of the municipality. The mayor told Council he believes the new post would mean a couple more meetings during the one-year term, meetings he believes would give additional exposure to the municipality and the surrounding area on the national level.

Paterson said the cost to the taxpayers would translate into the cost of a flight out west and accommodations for two meetings – meetings he believes would give him a chance to meet face-to-face with ministers and air local concerns.

After seeing firsthand the benefit of having Tecumseh mayor Gary McNamara heading up Associations of Municipalities Ontario (AMO), Paterson believes it would be a real advantage if he receives the appointment to FCM.

The mayor said this opportunity more or less landed on his desk in the form of an email inviting applications.

Paterson said he has no idea what his chances are of being chosen to fill the seat but said he wanted Council’s backing before going ahead with the application. He said the application deadline is Feb. 17, so it’s just a matter of waiting to hear.

Rob Sharon

Mayor John Paterson

MARK RIBBLE

On Fleek with social media

Rib’s Ramblings

Last Friday’s U.S. Presidential Inauguration not only took over our television sets for a few days, it also blew up on social media, prompting all sorts of arguments and family feuds.

selfies, I’d be a rich man.

The amount of weird and excessive things on Facebook is mind-boggling.

From abused animal posts to massively deformed babies wanting an ‘Amen’, this is not your grandmother’s Facebook from 10 years ago.

It’s funny to watch people on Facebook go to battle with each other, and sometimes it deteriorates to a virtual version of ‘knock ’em down, drag ’em out.’

Well there’s a saying you don’t hear much anymore. I believe it’s stored away with ‘Katy, bar the door’ and ‘Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater.’

Those old sayings have likely never been heard by the younger generation.

Sure, there are still humorous things on Facebook that manage to get a chuckle and the family pictures are always good to look at. I’ve managed to stay connected with friends I wouldn’t otherwise see, so that’s a good thing too.

But the drama that ensues when global events take place usually manage to go too far over the line until someone’s not speaking to someone else.

I suppose they’re not as deeply prophetic as ‘on fleek’ and ‘bae’.

What the heck is a bae anyway?

I see it a lot on Facebook and Twitter.

“Ima hangin’ wit ma bae.’

Seriously?

I’ve got relatives and friends on both sides of the whole Trump thing. It’s sometimes fun to watch them go at it. It’s not fun to see post after post either for or against him, but outside of logging off, what else can you do?

I likely log on to Facebook and Twitter several times a day just to check out all the drama, so I guess I’m as guilty as the next guy (or girl).

Look, I’ve used my share of slang terms, short forms and swear words in my day, but has the English language disintegrated to the point that we don’t even use words in our sayings anymore?

Truly, there are supposedly (not supposably) five words in that phrase above. Unfortunately, none of those are actual words, at least in that context.

It makes me wonder what we did before all of this fabulous stuff came along.

You know: back when spam was canned meat and dope was something the hippies did behind the high school.

Back then, if you said something was sick, it wasn’t a good thing.

Now, before you go thinking I should just ‘chillax’, keep in mind that I’m not a hater who may call the po-po about certain grammatical errors in your social media posts.

I do have some pet peeves there, with people substituting the word ‘no’ for ‘know’ or the interchangeable use of they’re, there and their, or you’re and your.

There were no LOLs, LMAOs or YOLOs. Fifty was not pronounced fitty.

The social media phenomenon isn’t going away, that’s for sure. It will evolve more than it already has and who knows what we’re in store for. The nice thing is, we can always log off and read a book.

It’s the virtual dumbing-down of our society, all brought to you by advanced technology. Thankfully, I don’t do Instagram or Snap Chat.

Facebook itself has become a breeding ground for bad grammar and lots of drama.

If I had a dime for every set of duck lips I saw in online

I can only hope that Facebook might revert back to the fun, photo-sharing, friend-poking it once was, rather than the media-driven, political, grammarless place it is now. As for Twitter, thank goodness posts are limited to 140 characters. Maybe that’ll curtail all the baes from layin’ down those long sick tweets.

Human bridges are powerful

Note From Shannon: It was a wonderful Sunday on Little Whale Cay and the owners gave Mark and I the day off. The morning was lovely and relaxed as we slept in, ate breakfast and just lounged in comfy clothes while we tidied up our desk and took care of some unanswered emails. Our neighbours over on Big Whale invited us for an afternoon on their bluff overlooking the ocean – a perfect end to our day! Needless to say, I didn’t take the time to write my column; however, my mother, Maeve Omstead Johnston, sent the following to me and I thought her message was timely in more than one way!

minister said, “We always ask a man.” That was that! Needless to say, it was a rather embarrassing situation.

The past weekend has been eventful, as once again we’ve been handed a wake-up call. On Friday, Jan. 20 Donald J. Trump was sworn in as the 45th President of the United States. The day was packed with tender moments, speeches, prayers, a fantastic parade and a show of talented entertainment at each of the three balls. The president and his elegant wife appeared to be enjoying the day. I’m certain that bedtime arrived in the wee hours of the morning and they settled down exhausted and ready for sleep.

As we drove away I encouraged my husband to accept the invitation, assuring him that his English was proper, he had a pleasant voice, spoke well in ordinary conversations, and I’d even help him prepare his talk. He was not interested! The subject was dropped. We had other things to plan as we were joining friends for a golf game and dinner later that day.

The following morning the telephone rang before nine o’clock. My husband had already left for a regular golf day with his father. Meanwhile, I had returned from a walk, showered and was almost at the door on the way to conduct an aerobics class in the pool.

On Saturday (Jan. 21), millions of women throughout the world marched peacefully, spreading the power of love over hatred, as they stood up for the equality of minorities. Watching our Canadian newscast I was proud of Peter Mansbridge. Speaking from Washington he was asked which event impressed him the most during the past few days and he replied, “I have to say the worldwide Women’s March that took place on Saturday.” His words warmed my heart, as one of my daughters and two of my granddaughters marched in Toronto that day. For some reason this remark triggered a memory and I recalled an interesting event that occurred several years ago.

On a Sunday during the mid-1990s, while walking out of a large Presbyterian Church in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the minister shook my husband’s hand and spontaneously invited him to be their guest speaker on Canada Day. He explained that this was a special occasion held to honour all the Canadian snowbirds in their midst.

My husband promptly said, “Thanks, but no thanks! You are asking the wrong person.” I felt slightly embarrassed as he continued telling him about my past speaking accomplishments. Meanwhile, as they stood shaking hands... there was a pause... a very long pause... then the

An unfamiliar voice greeted me as I answered. He introduced himself as the minister of the church we had attended the previous day. He went on to say, “Maeve, I didn’t sleep much last night. Here I am, a modern ‘man of God,’ my wife and I have two children... daughters! They are both away from home furthering their education. The youngest one is studying Theology, as she is seriously considering following in her father’s footsteps. Please be our guest speaker on Canada Day. It’s time for me to set an example and bridge the gap between men and women. Think about it and accept my sincere apology. I will call you again tomorrow.”

Needless to say, I thought hard and long as I prayed for guidance about that decision! The following day, with my husband’s approval, I swallowed my pride and accepted the invitation.

Two weeks later Canada Day dawned. I spoke at both the 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. services. The church holds several hundred people and both services were packed. As I walked toward the podium my throat felt dry and my heart pounded. I looked out at the congregation and spotted my husband, eldest daughter, mother and father-inlaw, as well as several friends we’d met in Florida calmly watching me. This was a challenge at any time, but especially when I was the first woman to be invited to represent

(Continued on page 5)

ERCA announces conservation award winners

Caldwell First Nation among award recipients

Eleven organizations and individuals have been recognized with Essex Region Conservation Awards for their efforts in making the Windsor, Essex, Pelee Island region the Place for Life.

“Tonight marks the 25th anniversary of honouring those who have made tangible contributions to our regional environment,” said newly elected chair Rick Fryer. “It is rewarding to learn about all of the strides being made by so many to sustain our region as the Place for Life.”

The following are the award winners.

• Irene Moore Davis – John R. Park Homestead Award for her preservation of black history in the community.

• J. Brush Farms Ltd. – Conservation Farm Award for the use of conservation farming practices to protect soil health and water quality.

• Henry Denotter – Education Award for educating agricultural and non-agricultural landowners alike about sustainable farming practices.

• Tom Henderson – Volunteer Award for more than 25 years of volunteering to improve the Little River and Detroit River watersheds.

• Robert Pula and Andrew Pula – Volunteer Award for their continued efforts to connect people to nature and inspiring healthy and active living in the Place for Life.

• Union Gas Ltd. – Volunteer Organization Award for more than two decades of staff volunteerism in supporting environmental initiatives in the Essex Region and beyond.

• Carrie Lee – Active in the Place for Life Achievement Award is a newly introduced recognition that celebrates an individual who has demonstrated dedication and participation in Essex Region Conservation’s roster of active events.

• Caldwell First Nation – Environmental Achievement Award for their ongoing protection of the Hillman Marsh, restoration of Sturgeon Creek, and education of students and others about our responsibility to protect water and the environment.

• Town of Essex – Robert Pulleyblank Award for Municipal Environmental Achievement recognizes their leadership in trail development, low impact design, and efforts to reduce flooding and protect water sources.

• Candice Kondratowicz – Dennis Chase Staff Award for her dedication, conscientiousness, kindness and compassion.

ERCA also reviewed the accomplishments of the past year, including launching a new strategic plan and visual identity, construction of the Cypher Systems Group Greenway, implementation of 88 water quality improvement projects, and the review of over 980 permit applications.

A full copy of ERCA’s Annual Report and corresponding video, as well as the Conserva-

Human bridges are powerful

(Continued from page 4)

Canada on this special day. Taking a deep breath, I took a sip from the glass of water that was placed close by, smiled and began to speak.

I talked about the four bridges in my life, mentioning the significance of the names, as well as the fact that geographically I’d lived closer to more Americans than Canadians since I was born. I was raised in Fort Erie where the Peace Bridge (for cars and pedestrians) and the International Bridge (which carries trains) span the Niagara River between my hometown and Buffalo. Every day for 19 years those two bridges were a very real presence in my life and the Rainbow’ Bridge at Niagara Falls was a half-hour drive away. I told them that since then we lived and raised our family in Wheatley, Ontario, within 40 minutes of the Ambassador Bridge and presently live in Leamington.

Discussing the importance of these bridges I stressed that all bridges are invaluable, as they are strong arteries between our two countries. I noted the importance of the ones that carried train cars loaded with munitions, soldiers, food, airplane parts, etc. during both world wars.

Strong bridges take extensive planning. Gzowsky was almost 60 when he took on the task of designing and building the International Bridge. It was considered to be an impossible task. Both the speed of the dangerous current and the depth of the water in the Niagara River are constantly affected by storms, as the wind direction and the water flow from Lake Erie cause the waters to rise and fall. The springtime ice pileups also had to be factored into his plans. He rose to the challenge and the International Bridge was opened in November of 1873. It is still in service today. Sir Casimir Gzowsky was knighted in 1890 for his efforts. With pride I stated that from east to west our two countries, the United States and Canada, possibly share the largest peaceful border in the world.

I suggested that as human beings we have the ability and the choice to become human bridges, as long as we have the strength and the courage to do so. Whenever we reach out with love, peace, kindness and understanding toward our families, our friends, our neighbours and other people throughout the world, we strengthen the planet we inhabit together.

I closed with the following words: “As Americans, you carry a wonderful daily reminder, as every single piece of your currency is stamped with the words, IN GOD WE TRUST.” There was a rustling sound throughout the church, as purses and wallets were checked. The standing ovation at both services was very humbling.

Today, January 22, 2017, I sincerely hope that President Trump will recognize that bridges are powerful. Especially human bridges. Perhaps at this time in history they might be more effective than walls.

tion Award Winners, can be found at www.erca.org/agm

For more than four decades, Essex Region Conservation has been sustaining and enriching the environment of the Windsor-Essex-Pelee Island region to ensure it is the Place for Life.

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LDMH Foundation hosts 22nd annual fundraising gala

By Pat Bailey

About 500 guests, dressed in their finest, turned out to support the Leamington District Memorial Hospital Foundation’s 2017 Gala featuring an ‘I Love New York City’ theme on Saturday night, Jan. 21, at the Leamington Portuguese Club.

The 22nd annual gala, emceed by Leamington CAO Peter Neufeld, will help with the purchase of new state-of-the art equipment for the

and Henry

take time

hospital, as well as aid in the recruitment of physicians to this underserviced area. The gala will also help benefit the Hospice’s Erie Shores Campus.

This year’s gala committee included Amy Ingratta, Mary Catherine Stevenson, Susan Liovas, Tania Iacobelli, Shelly Gabriele Gale, Alycia Bento and Lily DiCiocco.

Members of this year’s Gala Committee included, left to right, Mary Catherine Stevenson, Alycia Bento, Shelly Gabriele Gale, Susan Liovas, Tania Iacobelli and Lily DiCiocco. Absent: Amy Ingratta.

Hospital and hospice supporters Lina

Iacobelli

out to enjoy a cocktail.

The 2017 Leamington District Memorial Hospital Foundation Gala 2017 offered guests a buffet of delicious appetizers to kick off the evening.

Taking time out for a photo at Saturday night’s hospital foundation gala were, front row, left to right: Tony Sarkis, Jim Liovas and Henry Di Ciocco. Back row: Diane Sarkis, Lucy Piroli, Rob Piroli and Joe Bento.

Nicholls nominated Chatham-Kent Leamington PC candidate for third time

The next Provincial election is June 7, 2018 and for the third time, Rick Nicholls has been nominated as the Progressive Conservative candidate for Chatham-Kent Leamington.

“I am honoured and humbled to have the confidence and support in Chatham-Kent Leamington to continue the good work of making Ontario a prosperous community in which to live, work and raise a family under a PC government,” said Nicholls shortly after being acclaimed at the riding’s nomination meeting held in Chatham on January 19.

“My priorities for the riding will include working with local and provincial authorities in developing a sound job creation strategy since this area has lost over 12,000 good paying jobs since 2003; developing ways in which to lower hydro costs; and improving health care for families and seniors,” Nicholls added.

Nicholls was first elected in October 2011 and currently serves as the party’s Critic for Community Safety and Correctional Services. After the last election, he was appointed as a Deputy Speaker in the Ontario Legislative Assembly and continues to serve in that role as well.

“Once the legislature resumes, I will be re-introducing two community safety private member bills – one pertaining to the safety of children on school buses while the other bill pertains to the negative effects of ground current pollution on farm animals and the viability of the family farm,” Nicholls said.

Leamington welcomes new Director of Community and Development Services

The Municipality of Leamington has announced that Paul Barnable is the new Director of Community and Development Services. Barnable assumed his duties with the Municipality on Tuesday, January 17, 2017.

Barnable’s portfolio includes the administration of Economic Development and Tourism, Building Services, Planning Services and Recreation Services. He will be charged with developing and implementing projects to deliver quality services to ratepayers, as well as long-term strategic planning and capital project management. Fire Services will now report directly to the Chief Administrative Officer.

“Paul brings extensive municipal expertise to this key role,” said Peter Neufeld, Chief Administrative Officer. “Paul understands the important connection between planning, economic development and building, and has widespread recreation programming and facilities experience. He will be a great complement to our already strong senior management team.”

Barnable previously held the position of Director, Community Planning & Development, for the City of Corner Brook, NL. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from the Memorial University of Newfoundland, as well as a Diploma of Technology in Forest Resources.

ERCA elects chair, vice-chair to two-year terms

Rick Fryer was elected Chair of the Essex Region Conservation Authority at ERCA’s annual general meeting on Jan. 19.

With six years of experience as a councillor for the Town of Amherstburg, Fryer looks forward to supporting ERCA initiatives and events. “Looking at natural means of alleviating basement flooding is a priority, as well as continuing to seek funding from senior levels of government,” he noted.

Irek Kusmierczyk was elected as the Vice-Chair. Kusmierczyk is a City of Windsor councillor.

The Chair and Vice-Chair are elected for two-year terms.

Dennis Ribble’s chicken and sliders soup won first place at Wheatley Legion’s annual Soup

on Jan. 21. Dennis is

here with second place-winner, Legion president Jan

Sykes with tomato-vegetable-pasta soup.

Wheatley Legion News

By Jan Watson

Thirteen players shot Fun Darts on Friday the 13th at Wheatley Legion. Arnold Seili and John Balkwill won 6 games followed by Debbie Seili and Richard Howe with 5 wins. Rosemary Duquette and Larry Evoy won 4 games and they were followed by Bonnie Evoy, Mary Robinson and Jim McClellan with 3 wins. Michelle Thompson and Gord Crook won 2 games and Velma Hope and Debbie Ouellette gave the skunk a boot winning one game. Ladies doublers were Velma, Michelle, Rosemary and Debbie S.

Join the Fun Darts players on Friday evenings. Play starts at 7:30 p.m.

It was great to see almost a full house at the Meat Draws on January 14 that were run by Claudette Sykes. Doug Miller was the only two-time winner. Bill Derbyshire won meat and the 50/50 draw. Single winners were Betty Goodison, Norma Dunmore, Carol Balestrieri, Jane Pursel, Joyce Epplett, Gerry Soulliere, Becky Wallace and Kim McNeely. The Meat Draws are every Saturday afternoon. Draws start at 3:30 p.m. and run until 5 p.m.

Only four pots of soup were entered in this year’s Soup Cook-Off. Judges Jane Pursel, Jerry Sovie, Gerry Soulliere and Muggsy Soulliere had a tough time as all the scores were extremely close. Dennis “Rib” Ribble’s chicken and sliders soup edged past the rest for first place and the 2017 bragging rights. Following closely behind were Jan Watson’s tomato tortellini soup, Claudette Sykes’ tomato/vegetable/pasta soup, and Larry Foster’s rabbit/ vegetable soup. Winners all!

Coming up… Ladies Auxiliary Meeting February 1… Branch Executive and General Meeting February 15… Chili Cook-Off February 25.

Gore Hill P.S. Poetry Contest Winners

Congratulations to Gore Hill Public School students who recently entered the Poetry Contest sponsored by Creative Communications. These students will have their work published in an upcoming collection of poetry. From left to right are the winners: Allie Barnewall, Ryan Goyeau, Sydney Enns, Katie Neufeld. (Submitted photo)

Canada’s Volunteer Awards: nominations open until February 3

Over the past 150 years, Canadian communities have flourished with the help of volunteers. In fact, Canada is known for its generosity, ranking sixth in 2016 in the World Giving Index, which provides insight into the scope and nature of giving around the world.

Just this year, Canadian activist Ryan Hreljac, of Kemptville, founder of the Ryan’s Well Foundation, was one of 16 recipients of the 2016 Canada’s Volunteer Awards. Ryan Hreljac and the Ryan’s Well Foundation have a common goal with many Canadians: to make a difference. At the age of six, Ryan first raised money to build a well in Africa as part of a school project. Committed to providing effective and sustainable solutions to water crises in the poorest regions of the world, he later established the Ryan’s Well Foundation. In 17 years, the Foundation has raised almost $8 million and completed 1,000 projects in developing countries, helping move over 1 million people from the harsh cycle of deprivation to a promising future.

Recognizing and encouraging such volunteers is why Canada’s Volunteer Awards are so important.

The awards recognize the important contributions of individuals, not-for-profit organizations and businesses across the country. They inspire new volunteers. They also encourage volunteers to continue to do what they love.

In honour of the 150th anniversary of Confederation in 2017, Canada’s Volunteer Awards are proud to further engage young volunteers. The Emerging Leader category is expanding from one national to five regional awards in order to recognize more young volunteers for their contributions to their communities.

Award recipients can choose an eligible not-for-profit organization to receive a grant of $5,000 (regional award) or $10,000 (national award). These grants help support positive change and initiatives.

If you know a volunteer, a not-for-profit organization or a business that is making a difference in the community, nominate them for a Canada’s Volunteer Award today. The call for nominations will close on February 3, 2017.

For more information and to submit a nomination, visit Canada.ca/volunteerawards.

Cook-Off

pictured

Watson. In third place was Claudette

1941 Chevrolet convertible remembered

By

Bill Sherk - The Old Car Detective

Neil Gillard of Holland Landing, Ontario, has contributed several stories to this column over the past several years. The latest comes from his friend, Jim Edwards, who was born in 1929.

Jim was living in Kingston around 1950 when he purchased a green 1941 Chevrolet convertible from a newspaper ad. He recalls paying $550 for it. The car had a power top and radio. Prior to this purchase, Jim had owned a ’38 DeSoto just after finishing high school.

But his ’41 Chev convertible was far more exciting, especially with the top down. He enjoyed taking girls for rides in his green convertible and they enjoyed it too. One girl had TB and lived at the Ongwanada Sanitorium and Jim took her for a ride from time to time just for a bit of fresh air. She had red hair but Jim cannot recall her name now.

The Chevrolet nameplate on Jim’s convertible dates back to 1911. Flamboyant entrepreneur Billy Durant had formed General Motors in 1908, only to be thrown out by the other directors two years later. To get re-instated, he formed a rival company and began building a car called the Chevrolet, named after the famous race car driver, Louis Chevrolet. The car was an instant hit and Durant got back into GM. (He later got kicked out a second time but that’s another story.)

When Jim’s Chev convertible was built in 1941, Chevrolet had outsold Ford for 10 of the previous 11 years. The ’41 Chev convertible was popular with its sleek new styling and 15,296 were built (even more popular was the Ford convertible with over 30,000 convertibles for 1941). The ’41 Chev convertible sold for $939 in the U.S. and around $1200 in Canada.

Under the hood was Chevrolet’s famous overhead-valve six first introduced in 1929 to get two cylinders ahead of Henry Ford’s Model A, which came out in 1928 and had only four cylinders. The new Chevrolet six in 1929 had 194 cubic inches with 46 horsepower. By 1941 it had 216 cubic inches with 85 horsepower.

Jim Edwards had owned his ’41 Chev convertible for about a

year when he saw a new maroon 1951 Ford coupe in the showroom at Edwards Ford in Kingston and bought it.

Edwards Ford is now Petrie Ford and in business since 1949. Jim Edwards is no relation to Jake Edwards, who owned the dealership.

What became of Jim’s 1941 Chevrolet convertible after he sold it is not known. Perhaps the next owner will read this story and get in touch. Stay tuned!

OBITUARY

Doris James

It is with profound sadness that we say goodbye to Doris Ruth James, who passed away quietly on Monday, January 16, 2017, in her 85th year.

Devoted wife and best friend of William (Bill) James. Dear mother of Bob James (Dorothy), and Rick James (Nina). Doting grandmother of Lori, Lindsay and Marcie. Now reunited with her sisters Mary Haines (1991), Helen Graves (2013), Audrey Johnston (2011), and her parents Harley (1989) and Hazel (1971) Graves. Also survived by several nieces and nephews.

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

Funeral Service to celebrate Doris’s life was held at the funeral home on Saturday, January 21, 2017 at 11 a.m. with Linda Blair officiating.

As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations made by cheque to the Leamington District Memorial Hospital Foundation would be appreciated.

Family and friends are invited to share their words of comfort, photos or make a charitable contribution at www.reidfuneralhome.ca

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

SHOOTERS PHOTOGRAPHY CLUB WILL MEET

Wednesday, February 1 from 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. at Colasanti's Tropical Gardens, 1550 Rd. 3E, Ruthven in Hibiscus Room in food court. Use west parking lot entrance. Photography 101 from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. if help is needed. Visit Facebook.com for meeting and club info. Beginners to professionals welcome. Further details: Mike at mtowne@sympatico.ca

The Fung Loy Kok Taoist Tai Chi will be hosting 3 FREE OPEN HOUSE events 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. Wednesday, February 1 from 6:30 - 7:15 p.m., Thursday, February 2 from 9:30 - 10:15 a.m., Tuesday, February 7 from 9:30 - 10:15 a.m. at the St John's Anglican Church, 60 Erie St. N., Leamington. For more infor or to view a demo video: www.taoist.org, windsor@taoist.org or 519-2559744.

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.

South Shore Health Centre offers WEEKLY FREE RECOVERY PROGRAMS, 15 John St. (upstairs), Leamington: Yoga for Recovery on Monday at 5:00 p.m. with Melodie Queenen; Westover Recovery Support Group on Monday at 6:30 p.m.; SMART Recovery on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.; Family &

Friends on Thursday at 6:30 p.m.

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.

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.

CANADIAN TRANSPORTATION MUSEUM AND HERITAGE VILLAGE (CTMHV) ON THE ARNER TOWN

LINE IS IN NEED OF VOLUNTEERS to help with kids programs such as 'Pioneer for a Day', special events, shows, meetings, or in the museum, log cabins and period buildings, etc. If you have a few hours to spare and would like to help out, contact Judy Anderson, Education and Volunteer Coordinator at CTMHV, 519776-6909 or email education@ctmhv.com

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.

OBITUARY

Otto Schwengsbier Otto Schwengsbier, 79 years, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on Saturday, January 21, 2017 at Erie Shores Hospice.

Beloved husband of Elfriede Schwengsbier (nee Bormann) for 60 years.

Loving father of Monica Weil (Henry), Linda Johnson (John Ludwiczak) and the late Otto (2013) (Laurie). Cherished Opa of Timothy Weil (Lori), Matthew Weil (Lindsay), Aaron Johnson, Mallory and Cameron Schwengsbier, and the late Andrew Schwengsbier (2007); and special Opa of Emma, Jackson, Myla, Jaelyn and Leah. Dear brother of the late Paula Bohlen (the late Alfred), Martha Dorner (Peter), Olga Fischer (the late Joe), the late Annie Renner (Adolf), Erika Sonntag (the late Wolfgang), Margaret Schuller (the late Alfred), and Christel Cardoso (and the late Daniel); and brother-in-law of the late Gerhardt Bormann (Gerda), Maria Trittler (the late Engelbert), Erich Bormann (Maria), Bruno Bormann (Sharon) and Hilda DeWaal (Abraham). Otto is survived by many nieces and nephews and his granddog Scooby.

Otto cherished his visits from the neighbourhood children and would always have treats waiting for them. He had a soft spot for animals and birds, and made sure they always had something to eat. His generosity will be missed by many.

Visiting was held at the Reid Funeral Home & Reception Centre, 14 Russell Street, Leamington (519326-2631) on Tuesday from 2-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Prayers Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.

Funeral Service to celebrate Otto’s life held from St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 311 Sherk Street, Leamington on Wednesday, January 25, 2017 at 11 am. Pastor Sylvia Swiatoschik officiating. Interment Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made by cheque to Erie Shores Hospice or to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.

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

BANK THEATRE NOTES

DALE’S FRIDAY COFFEE HOUSE

January 27

Doors open @ 6:30 pm, Music starts @ 7:00 pm

Come join us for an evening of music and Community. This is a free-will event with monies going to various charities in the area.

BETTER LIVING,

a Ghost Light Production

February 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11

Doors open @ 7:00 pm

Performance starts @ 7:30 pm

"No one is safe in these times...Tom's likely to still be angry about the three times Nora and Jack have tried to kill him..." Tickets are $20 and available at Wharram's Jewellers and Counter Effects in Leamington. Tickets also available online at www.glpwindsor.com or by phone at 519-982-1212.

THE MUSICAL PRODUCTION OF INTO THE WOODS

March 2-5

Presented by Cardinal Music Productions who brought us the marvelous production of The Addams Family earlier this year. Check back for ticket details.

1941 Chevrolet Special Deluxe convertible in sales brochure.

in the in the in the in the in the

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20

Be yourself instead of hiding behind a persona, Aries. Show your true feelings and you will earn more respect for it. If you meet any resistance, try again.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21

Taurus, a missed opportunity won’t come back to haunt you. You will have plenty of additional opportunities to make another go of things in the days to come.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21

Gemini, you must find ways to sure up any cracks before you can move ahead. Give it your best effort, but you may want to seek advice from Pisces.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22

Cancer, keep forging ahead even if you feel like you are going up against a brick wall. Eventually you will find a solution and a way to overcome this obstacle.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23

There are a few things you need to tackle early in the week, and then you will likely have the rest of the time for recreation, Leo. Put travel at the top of your to-do list.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22

Virgo, if you experience a scare, it will be short-lived and you will recover quickly. The rest of the week could prove uneventful. Make the most the downtime.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23

Libra, you may be second-guessing an important decision. It is not too late to make a change. Approach the next decision more carefully.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22

Scorpio, if you have been away from your childhood home for a while, pay a visit. You can visit your old haunts and reminisce about things.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21

Sagittarius, step out of the shadows for a bit and accept the praise and recognition you deserve this week. It’s not being boastful if you accept well wishes of others.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20

Capricorn, although you may be looking straight ahead, you are having trouble seeing what is right in front of you. Adjust your perspective and you might be surprised.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18

Aquarius, you are quite productive this week, tackling many things on your to-do list. While you are feeling motivated, keep going and you may accomplish even more.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20

Sometimes you have to make sacrifices, Pisces. Put others first this week. This selfless approach will be its own reward.

FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS

JANUARY 22

Diane Lane, Actress (52)

JANUARY 23

Tiffani Thiessen, Actress (43)

JANUARY 24

Neil Diamond, Singer (76)

JANUARY 25

Patrick Willis, Athlete (32)

JANUARY 26

Colin O’Donoghue, Actor (35)

JANUARY 27

Rosamund Pike, Actress (38)

JANUARY 28

Nick Carter, Singer (37)

Bennie Bulldogs Make a Difference

By MDB Students Rachel Friesen and Keegan Kewaquom

Last

Beautiful Quilt Won in Bank Theatre Fundraising Effort

Fundraising efforts for The Bank Theatre and Meeting Place continue, this time with a draw for a lovely handcrafted black and white quilt entitled ‘Deck the Halls’ that was made and donated by Martha Wiens. The winning ticket, drawn Dec. 16, was held by Lynn Marchand. Net proceeds from the quilt raffle were $1,855.90. From left to right are Ursula Tiessen, The Bank Theatre President, quilt winner Lynn Marchand, and Martha Wiens, creator of the quilt. Fundraising efforts are ongoing and will continue in 2017 to further renovations of the theatre. Visit www.banktheatre.com for more information about fundraising, upcoming shows and sponsor opportunities.

Wigle St. garage fire causes $30,000 damage

students started collecting loose change, like toonies and loonies, as their annual Make a Difference fundraiser. All the money they raise will go straight to the Leamington Erie Shores Hospice for the comfort of the residents. The names of all the students who participate in this fundraiser will be put in a draw. If they win, they will design a mosaic using the coins. Thank you, Bulldogs, for making a difference! Pictured is MDB student Lindsey Curchin as she works on creating a design with her coins. (Submitted photo)

Firefighters with the Leamington Fire Service responded to a call on Tuesday, January 17 at approximately 7 p.m. to an attached garage fire. Fire crews arrived at the Wigle Street fire and extinguished and contained the damage, which was estimated at $30,000. Four persons in the residence escaped without injury. Cause of the fire is undetermined.

a donation of $2,000 from TD to the Folk Music Society in support of this year’s Folk Music Festival. Early bird tickets — available as weekend passes for $80 each — are now being sold at www.kingsvillefolkfest.org until April 1. Funding to offset the costs of the festival are generated through ticket sales and sponsor partnerships.

week, Margaret. D. Bennie Public School

(Photo by Penelope Gil)

From left to right, Sun Parlour Folk Music Society president Dennis Rogers, Kingsville Folk Music Festival producer Michele Law, TD Canada Trust Kingsville branch manager Diane Taouil, SPFMS director Wayne King and TD Canada Trust Kingsville manager of customer services Sarah Regan reveal

Lions Club Members Receive Long Service Awards

Robin Matteis of Leamington is thrilled after winning $50,000 in the December 17, 2016 ONTARIO 49 draw.

“I usually check my lottery tickets on Fridays,” said Robin while at the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto where she picked up her winnings. “I always play the same numbers for all my games.”

Robin was at the grocery store when she decided to check her tickets. “I used the ticket checker and I had a few tickets to scan,” she said. “The winning ticket was the first in the batch and I thought something was wrong with the machine. I put that ticket to the side and checked the rest of them. I asked the retailer to scan my winning tickets and said, ‘I hope one of these is right.’ When the words,‘Big Winner’ appeared on the screen I started to shake. I couldn’t believe it. OLG called to confirm the amount and I was stunned!”

The 46-year-old mom contacted her son, who was on his way home for the holidays.

“I couldn’t reach him by phone so I decided to send him a text message,” said Robin. “I said, ‘OMG, I won $50,000!’ His response was, ‘Is this some kind of Christmas joke?’ He was totally shocked and I think he believed me but was in disbelief at the same time.”

Plans are underway for Robin’s windfall. “I made a list of the things I would like to do with this win. I will pay off some bills, buy a new bed for myself, get some new tires for my car, fix up my motorcycle and treat myself to a vacation. I’ve always wanted to go to Ireland, but I may go somewhere warm with my son. There are so many possibilities – 2017 is off to a great start!” concluded Robin.

The winning ticket was purchased at Real Canadian Superstore on Talbot St. E. in Leamington.

Robin Matteis of Leamington won $50,000 playing ONTARIO 49. She purchased the winning lottery ticket at Real Canadian Superstore

Four members of the Wheatley Lions Club recently received service awards at a club meeting. These gentlemen have 155 years of combined service to the Lions Club and their community. What a great accomplishment! On the left, Lion Murray Setterington (40 years), Lion Bruce Jackson (40 years), Lion George Vary (40 years), and at far right Lion Dan Dalgleish (35 years) received their awards from the Club President Bob Springthorpe (second from right) and 2nd Vice District Governor Lion Mary Mahovlich. 2017 is Lions Clubs Centennial Year. They were founded in Chicago in 1917 by businessman Melvin Jones. (Submitted photo)

Atom BB girls win gold

The Lakeshore Lightning Atom BB girls hockey team participated in the Cambridge Roadrunners tournament this past weekend, Jan. 20-22. Four local girls are on the team: Adriana West, Alessia West, Abbey Mazzella and Aliya Price.

They played their first game on Friday morning against the Clearview Icecats. It was an early game and the team was not ready to play. They took a 5-2 loss.

Later that afternoon, and after some much needed rest, the girls played the Waterloo Ravens. All of the girls played strong and took a 5-0 win with goals scored by Alessia West and Abbey Mazzella.

They were back at it early on Saturday morning. Lakeshore played the Clarington Flames and marked another win with a 3-1 final score. They were off to the semi-finals!

On Saturday afternoon the Lightning played the undefeated Grand River Mustangs. Aliyah Price and Adriana West played solid defense and kept the Mustangs out of their zone. The Lightning got on the board first. To secure the lead, Alessia West scooped the puck up off of the face

off and made a sweet pass to Abbey Mazzella who took the puck in for their second goal. The Mustangs managed to break through with one minute left to score a late goal but it was not enough to beat the Lightning. Lakeshore was off to the finals!

Bright and early on Sunday morning the girls were off to play the Clearview Icecats again and this time it was for the gold. Minutes into the game, Adriana West took a shot from the point to score the first goal. Shortly after, Lakeshore’s Dasha Dementiev scored the second goal. The Icecats battled but Lakeshore’s defense shut them down. When the Icecats pulled their goalie, the Lightning broke through and Avery Nosella scored the third goal on the open net. Lakeshore kept the lead and took the 3-0 win.

Congrats to all of the girls for a job extremely well done!

Beginner Tai Chi Classes Feb 1: Wed 6:30 - 8:00 pm Feb 2: Thur 9:30 - 11:00 am Feb 7: Tue 9:30 - 11:00 am

Feb 2: Thur 9:30 - 11:00 am Feb 7: Tue 9:30 - 11:00 am

Open House Schedule: Feb 1: Wed 6:30 - 7:15 pm Feb 2: Thur 9:30 - 10:15 am Feb 7: Tue 9:30 - 10:15 am TAI CHI CLASSES FOR BETTER HEALTH

Open House Schedule: Feb 1: Wed 6:30 - 7:15 pm Feb 2: Thur 9:30 - 10:15 am Feb 7: Tue 9:30 - 10:15 am

4 months beginner session with unlimited attendance at all locations in Windsor and Essex County

4 months beginner session with unlimited a<endance at all loca=ons in Windsor and Essex County The Church of St. John The Evangelist

Amherstburg • Belle River • Essex • Leamington • Tecumseh • Windsor www.taoist.org Call.... 519-255-9744

Four local girls play on the Lakeshore Lightning Atom BB team. From left to right are Alessia West, Adriana West, Aliya Price and Abbey Mazzella. Their team won gold at the Cambridge Roadrunner tournament.

The Lakeshore Lightning Atom BB girls won the Cambridge Roadrunner tournament championship on the weekend. Team members, front row, left to right: S. Gregg, A. Nosella, Al. West, S. Crankshaw, S. Isbister. Second row: K. DeRush, A. Cowling, C. Young, A. Pezzutti,, A. Mazzella, E. Albano. Back row: A. Crankshaw (coach), Ad. West, M. Kolody, D. Dementiev, A. Price, A. Purves, T. Drake, P. Crankshaw (assistant coach).

The Lightning’s Christian Weurch goes airborne in a two-point attempt against visiting Lamothe-Cadillac in a Thursday, Jan. 19 Tier III senior boys basketball game at UMEI. The visiting team led 13-6 and 21-11 at the first two buzzers before taking over offensively for a 50-26 victory. Emilio Gomez led the Lightning with 14 points. The Lightning hosted Westview Freedom Academy the next day, losing in a 50-44 decision. Gomez led the way for UMEI with 22 points.

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

IRISH ROVERS

Friday, March 17

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

Thursday, April 20

Tickets on sale now!

RASCAL FLATTS

RHYTHM & ROOTS TOUR Friday, April 21

Tickets on sale now!

JOURNEY

Thursday, June 22

Tickets on sale January 28!

Dream the impossible team

I learned one of my first lessons in financial responsibility when I was in my early 20s.

During those bygone days of the mid 1990s, I worked part time as a guitar instructor at Dale’s Music Room during the fall, winter and spring and full time doing grunt work at an apple orchard west of Ruthven in the summer. The latter included a lot of back-breaking work, sunburns and a scar on the index finger of my right hand that I still have to this day from accidentally cutting it at the first knuckle with a pair of pruners.

Part of the money I saved went toward my college education at St. Clair in Windsor. No, I didn’t spend much of the balance at movie theatres, restaurants or local bars. I scrimped and saved until I could buy my first car — a 1984 Pontiac Firebird SE from a small used car lot on Oak Street West. The not-so-bright red paint job had seen better days, the sunroof leaked a lot and the two barrel 305 Chevy V8 didn’t exactly make it a bolt of lightning. Still, it was my own car and I was fiercely proud of it. The body was in pretty good shape, it handled well and friends would ooh and ahh over the pop-up headlights.

That car cost me a whopping $2,000, which to me was (and still is) a LOT of money.

More than 20 years later, $2,000 doesn’t quite get you what it once did. I recently stumbled across a story that focused on the declining value of Super Bowl LI tickets since the Dallas Cowboys were ousted by the Green Bay Packers on January 15. Minutes after the game ended with that fateful field goal, the CHEAPEST tickets on StubHub dropped from $4,195 to $3,349. Wow, a 20 per cent drop — what a bargain.

As a sports fan, don’t get me wrong; I’d love to attend a Super Bowl game, regardless of who’s playing. Even if I DID have money to burn, however, I don’t think I could justify springing anywhere near twice as much scratch as what my first car cost me (two-plus decades ago or not). I suppose I can understand the price drop following the Cowboys’ departure — it would have been a mere four-hour drive for fans actually living in Dallas, with this year’s big game taking place in Houston.

Still, $3,349 is ludicrous, especially in U.S. dollars. As men, we often laugh at women who’ll pay well over $25 for a haircut. Let’s face it gents, they’ve got every right to laugh themselves hoarse at anyone paying 1.67 ’84 Firebirds for a single sporting event, regardless of who the halftime entertainer happens to be.

I officially picked New England over Atlanta for Super Bowl LI before the playoffs started, but I think Green Bay versus Pittsburgh would be more fun to watch. In any case, there are no doubt thousands of Dallas fans — some who’ve no doubt spent four or even five digits on tickets — disappointed that they won’t be watching their team in the big game this year. A ‘super fan’ by the name of Jordan Garnett went so far as to tattoo “Super Bowl LI Champions” around the Cowboys’ logo on his right arm in early December. Confidence in your team is great, but wow… Since then, he’s received a ton of criticism and even death threats. I’m not sure if those threats have come from Cowboy haters who didn’t appreciate his cockiness or superstitious fans who figured he jinxed the team, but either way — get a grip, people!

The NFL is kind of a funny thing, right from owners to fans. The National Hockey League is one that will do everything in its power to avoid franchise relocation (unless there’s a chance to send a Canadian team to the deep south) because of the subsequent negative impact to the league as a whole. The NFL, where teams are far less portable because of the massive stadiums required to host them, has delved deeper into the relocation business than U Haul.

The removal and then eventual return of the Rams to Los Angeles from St. Louis last season was just the tip of the iceberg. Now, the San Diego Chargers are picking up their change of address forms as they are also heading to America’s second-largest urban area starting with the 2017 season. I feel bad for Chargers fans. The team owner, Alex Spanos, has been pegged at a net value of $2.4 billion U.S. Regardless, he threatened the city of San Diego with the removal of his team if it didn’t agree to use taxpayer dollars to build him a new stadium. San Diego city council, apparently armed with a collective intellect far greater than that of Glendale, Ariz., told Spanos to go pound salt after residents expressed the same sentiments.

Personally, I tip my hat to the council and locals of San Diego. Here is a city, no doubt, with the same poverty problems as every other major city on Earth. I suspect San Diego grapples with crumbling infrastructure, homeless and hungry residents and school boards struggling to function under the weight of mounting debt, just like most other urban settings of its size. Despite this, a spoiled, selfish billionaire NFL owner demands that they build him a new stadium or he’ll take his (foot)ball and leave. I know five-year-olds who are more realistic in their expectations.

CHEAP TRICK

Friday, March 24

KENNY G

Friday, April 7

Tickets on sale January 28!

TONY ORLANDO

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

Oh, but the circus doesn’t stop there. The Oakland Raiders, as aware as anyone else of the blazing “No Vacancy” sign now hovering over the City of Angels, is requesting a move to Las Vegas. There’s the trivial detail of no NFL-suitable stadium existing in Sin City, but that can be addressed in a couple short years. I’m not sure if that’d make it even tougher for an NHL expansion team to thrive there (we’re talking about only eight home games per season for NFL franchises). It seems very possible however that Raider Nation will be the next group of fans to be run over by the moving van. Beep-beep, people.

LDSS boys hockey team fit to be tied

By Bryan Jessop

Brief yet critical lapses of intensity continue to hound the Leamington District

Secondary School boys hockey team.

The Lions recently surrendered a three-goal, third period lead against the Belle River Nobles in WECS-

SAA Tier I action, settling for an offensively-charged 7-7 stalemate against their fellow 2A adversaries. The two teams met at Highbury Canco Arena Tuesday, Jan. 17 in what was part of a

“We

got caught watching the puck for about six minutes and we started scrambling.”

— Tony Nurse

tight race for second place for the Nobles in the Cullen Conference. The deadlock snapped a three-game losing streak for Leamington, although it also extended its winless skid to four.

“It’s another scenario where we’ve played a strong game, but then fell apart for five or six minutes,” noted Lions’ co-coach Tony Nurse. “That’s what happened in the third period.

“We got caught watching the puck for about six minutes and we started scrambling.”

“Before they scored a couple of their goals, they had us pinned in our zone for about one-and-a-half minutes,” added co-coach Butch Rickeard. “The same thing has happened every game except against Brennan and Massey — the two that we won.”

A similar turn of events forced Leamington’s first of two draws on the season. In a Thursday, Dec. 1 match against St. Joseph’s in Windsor, the Lions led 3-0 in the third period only to give up three successive goals to settle for a 3-3 final.

After just under three minutes of play against Belle River, Cam Symons opened the scoring for LDSS with an assist going to Ryan Wall. Eric Larue briefly tied the game late in the period before Jack Hannigan replied about 50 seconds later to give the Lions

a 2-1 advantage after being set up by Brett Thomas. Another 50 seconds later, Davis Edmunds brought the score to 2-2. The scoring barrage continued about a minute later with a Mason Gow tally, assisted by Hannigan.

The Nobles jumped out to a one-goal lead prior to the second frame’s midway point on goals by Logan McFarlane and Edmunds, the latter on a wrist shot from about 15 feet inside the blue line that beat Matt Ciliska on its way into the top left corner. Leamington bounced back with two of its own by Jeron Kir to bring a 5-4 lead into the break

between the final two periods. Assists went to Spence Wiebe and Thomas on the second Kir marker.

The third period offered a promising start for the Lions, who expanded their lead after an even two minutes of play when Dawson Iles buried a shot from just outside the crease with assists credited to Brett Enns and Gow. Enns struck just over a minute later, sending a backhand shot past netminder Shane Laforest during a rush toward his net from its right side. The goal was set up by Iles and Thomas.

Leamington’s defensive breakdown allowed goals

by Colton Candido and two more by Larue for the hat trick. The Lions were perhaps saved by the curfew buzzer, which sounded at the 4:15 mark a few seconds after the Nobles started a five-on-three power play.

On Thursday, Leamington paid a visit to the General Amherst Bulldogs. The Lions came home with a 6-0 loss, bringing their exambreak record to two wins, six losses and two ties. The LDSS boys will return to action Tuesday, Feb. 7 at home against the Villanova Wildcats and then finish the regular season the following day in Essex. Both games will start at 3 p.m.

Midget Majors sweep Erie North Shore

Southpoint Capitals Midget Major team swept its first round OMHA playdown matchup with Erie North Shore, winning three games to none.

The series began Friday, Jan. 13 at the Highbury rink in Leamington with the Midget Capitals entering the contest on an 8-game winning streak. Southpoint’s Luc Ribble scored in the first minute, and the team seemed to relax a bit, allowing Erie a few grade ‘A’ chances to tie the game. Tyler Dillen made some excellent saves, allowing Southpoint to refocus and take control. With some good two-way play for the remainder of the game, Southpoint skated to a 6-1 win. Mason Gow, Ryan Wall, Dawson Iles, Brett Enns and Darrin Dimenna were the other goal scorers.

The next day saw the series shift to Harrow where Southpoint prepared to face a hungry Erie squad anxious to perform well on home ice. Again Southpoint got on the board early, and that early momentum carried on throughout the contest with some physical play and sustained offensive pressure helping the Midgets to a 4-0 victory. Goal scorers included Zack Dillen, Spencer Wiebe, Brett Enns and Luc Ribble.

Saturday, Jan. 21 saw the series return to Southpoint with a chance for the home team to complete the sweep. The Caps wasted no time and quickly jumped out to 3-0 lead in the first period. After some pushback from Erie, Southpoint continued to attack and skated to 9-1 victory, earning the series sweep. The offense was spread around with goal scorers including Tallas Smith, Ryan Wall (2), Luc Ribble, Jack Hannigan, Carter Mastronardi, Dawson Iles, Darrin Dimenna and Zack Dillen.

The Midgets will now ready themselves to face area rival Essex in the next round of OMHA playdowns. Game 1 is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 28 in Wheatley at 6:30 p.m. Come on out to support the team!

Davis Edmunds of the Belle River Nobles tries to stop Leamington’s Dawson Iles from firing a shot on net during the second period of a WECSSAA Tier I boys hockey game Tuesday, Jan. 17 at Highbury Canco Arena. Iles had a goal and an assist in the 7-7 tie.

LDSS returns to WECSSAA curling

By Bryan Jessop

For the first time in about half a decade, the Leamington District Secondary School Lions are hitting the competitive ice without skates.

The LDSS Lions have formed a WECSSAA curling team for 2017, its first to pick up the brooms since the 2011-12 season. A boys team made up of lead Stephan Hotz, second Eric Wright, vice Connor Pearce and skip Kyle Dick is being led by coach Matt Dick and teacher rep Jessica Filice.

All four team members were elementary school students the last time Leamington produced a curling team, which was also in the boys’ division. In 2011-12, the Lions finished the regular season with a 6-3 record to finish third among 10 teams. That team went on to win its quarterfinal draw, lose in the semis to top-ranked Massey and then win WECSSAA bronze in an 8-3 decision over General Amherst while Belle River upset Massey 7-2 in the gold/silver final.

Following a Wednesday, Jan. 18 draw at the Curling Club of Kingsville against the Holy Names Knights, the current Lions team improved its early-season record to 1-2-0. The Knights took a point in the first end, but Leamington recovered en route to a 9-5 victory. The season began in Kingsville against the hosting Cavaliers with a 10-6 loss Wednesday, Jan. 11, followed by an 8-6 loss to St. Joseph’s at Roseland Curling Club in Windsor January 16.

For the 2017 season, all draws for the four-team girls division and eight-team boys division are being played at the Curling Club of Kingsville, Roseland and Tecumseh’s Beach Grove. For Leamington, all seven regular season contests will be held at either Kingsville or Roseland. Matt Dick, Kyle’s uncle and vice president of the Sun Parlour Community Curling Club, would like to see the Leaming-

ton facility host WECSSAA draws starting with upcoming seasons.

“We’d like to see the kids play at every club possible,” he said. “The more ice you play on, the better you become.”

Draws for WECSSAA curling are played in a maximum of eight ends, or to the completion of a current end once the time passed reaches two hours.

The Lions could potentially ice the same boys’ team next season, as Kyle is a Grade 11 student and Hotz, Wright and Pearce are all in Grade 9. The team’s skip and vice have each been curling for the past five to six years while their lead and second were introduced to the sport a couple years later. All four began learning the game as members of the Sun Parlour club’s junior program and with the exception of Wright, are now involved in the same facility’s Thursday evening men’s competitive division.

“With a handful of high school kids at the club already, we decided ‘why not make a high school team of them’?” the team’s coach explained. “They’ve been doing very well. When you’re on someone else’s ice, there’s always a learning curve. They’re adjusting quickly.”

Happy Birthday1st

To Our Princess Olivia-Lea ~ January 18 ~

May the winds of heaven blow softly And whisper in your ear How much we love and miss you And wish that you were here. Love Always, Madeline, Blair & Denise, Jay & Betty, Dale & Judy, and your grandchildren. Happy Birthday February 1st Love, Oma and hugs & kisses from Papie in Heaven

January 28, 1924June 18, 2007

In loving memory of

February 1, 1929 - January 27, 2012

In loving memory of our two precious parents, grandparents and great-grandparents who have gone on to be with our Lord.

Always close in our hearts, Chris, Claude, Jeremy, Naomi, Ashton, Marcel, Taylor, Christian and Emily

June 6, 1928January 31, 2016

The family of Debbie Cobby would like to express our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to all who supported us through this time of grief. Thank you for the cards, messages, visits, flowers, prayers, food and memorial donations.

To Greg Coulter for sharing

neighbours and friends has been greatly appreciated during this difficult time and will never be forgotten.

Sincerely, The Cobby Family

From left to right, lead Stephan Hotz, skip Kyle Dick, vice Connor Pearce and second Eric Wright await their turn during a WECSSAA boys curling match.

Leamington skip Kyle Dick provides instruction for a shot in the second end of a WECSSAA boys curling draw against Holy Names Wednesday, Jan. 18 at the Curling Club of Kingsville. The Lions went on to win 9-5. The Lions’ curling team is the first for Leamington District Secondary School in approximately half a decade.

Lions’ second Eric Wright launches from the hack for a firstend shot during WECSSAA boys curling action at the Curling Club of Kingsville Wednesday, Jan. 18.

Leamington’s Lauryn Gradwell fires the puck out of the Lions’ zone before Villanova’s Mia Dinardo can interfere during a WECSSAA Tier

girls

game at

the undefeated Wildcats, dropping their record to four wins, four losses and two ties.

Lions come up short versus Wildcats

By Bryan Jessop

The LDSS girls hockey team came up a few shaky early third-period minutes shy of delivering the Villanova Wildcats their first loss of the season.

Despite a valiant effort, the Lions dropped a 3-2 final against the WECSSAA Tier I first-place Wildcats Tuesday, Jan. 17 at Unico Arena. The loss brought Leamington’s record to four wins, four losses and two ties to keep it in third place behind 6-0-1 Villanova and 5-0-2 Belle River, both with three games in hand over the Lions at the time.

“We did play well,” explained Lions coach Janine Deneau. “We held our own against them and they’re a very strong team. We actually outplayed them in the first two periods, but they just bounced back in the third.”

The teams seemed evenly matched through most of the game, where Claire Beaudoin was sturdy in net for the Wildcats and Natalie Edmondson and Cassidy DeGroote both played well for the Lions. Shannon Fehr opened the scoring for Leamington with 1:42 left in the opening period in an unassisted effort.

After a scoreless second period, Villanova’s offense attacked the host team’s net with all guns blazing to start the third. Over a span of two minutes and 41 seconds, the visitors scored the tying, go-ahead and eventual game winning goals. Rebecca Misiasz buried the first Wildcat marker, followed by a pair from Allessandra Schembri 41 seconds apart.

Twenty-one seconds after Villanova went ahead 3-1, Bai-

ley Brown took the puck for a skate starting in her team’s half of centre ice before charging in on the right side of the guests’ net and sending a sharp-angle wrist shot past Beaudoin. Assists were earned by Shelby Hunter and Tara Rahm.

Leamington’s bench pulled DeGroote for the sixth skater with about 90 seconds remaining in the third, but were denied the chance for a game-tying goal in part by the curfew buzzer that sounded at the 1:06 mark. The goals scored by Fehr and Brown were the first against the Wildcats this season.

A day earlier, the Lions played as the road team in a match against the St. Anne Saints. Backed by a two-goal performance from Fehr and singles by Grace Hyatt and Brown, Leamington posted a 4-2 victory.

Ellen Donaldson and Sierra Moscone scored for the Saints.

The regular season ended

Novice Majors finalists in Hespeler tourney

The Southpoint Novice Majors travelled to Hespeler to compete in the 50th Annual Hespeler Olympics Hockey Tournament.

After going 1-1-1 in round robin play, Southpoint advanced to the medal round where they defeated the Don Mills Mustangs 3-1 and earned a spot in the gold medal final against the undefeated New Hamburg Novice Majors.

The game was extremely entertaining, with chances early and often at both ends. Both teams played really hard and held the match scoreless until 3 minutes left in the second when New Hamburg squeaked one by Tomas Kniaziew for a 1-0 lead. Surprisingly, New Hamburg scored again 20

for LDSS against Belle River Thursday, Jan. 19 at Unico, where the Nobles came out on top with a 2-1 victory. Emily Hyatt scored the Leamington goal.

Playoffs in WECSSAA girls hockey will begin Monday, Feb. 13 following the exam break, although specific times and locations for first-round matchups have yet to be announced. Leamington, Belle River and L’Essor will each receive double points towards determining 1A-2A rankings because of their regular season placement in Tier I. The

seconds later to pad their lead.

Even though Southpoint started the third playing from behind, the boys never gave up and they were finally rewarded with a goal by Grant Symons halfway through the period. Nicholas Brophey assisted on the play.

Unfortunately, Southpoint couldn’t find the twine again and lost 2-1 to grab the silver medal.

The boys displayed a lot of grit and determination, and held their heads high as they exited the arena. They even gathered in front of the Galt Arena Gardens which is the “oldest continuously operating arena in the world” to capture the moment. Congratulations boys!

other eight 1A-2A WECSSAA teams are competing in Tier II. The Nobles and Lions will be ranked first and second respectively among WECSSAA’s 11 1A-2A girls teams.

I

hockey

Unico Arena Tuesday, Jan. 17. The Lions lost 3-2 to

The Southpoint Novice Majors gathered in front of the Galt Arena Gardens for a photo to celebrate their silver medal win at the 50th Annual Hespeler Olympics Hockey Tournament held in December. From left to right are James Sonoski, Cole Gossmann, Owen Deneau, Mason Dault, Grant Symons, Andrew Demant, Liam Brown, Tomas Kniaziew, Logan Lefaive, Nicholas Brophey, Zach Liebrock, Ethan Barnewall, Carson Koehler, Landen Bradley, Caiden Fuller, Holdyn Bailey. Coaches in back, left to right, are Randy Liebrock, Terry Symons, Jamie Lefaive, Steve Bradley.

Swimmers of the month selected

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 December swimmers of the month were Bolden Kendrick, Hannah Campeau and Alison Ware. The following are some fun facts about these swimmers.

Team Orange: Bolden Kendrick

Awarded by: Coach Mallorey Derksen.

Favourite stroke/event: Front crawl.

Favourite sport (other than swimming): Hockey.

Favourite song: Uptown Funk, Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars.

Last movie you saw: Trolls.

Favourite food: Pizza.

Favourite class in school: Gym.

Team Blue: Hannah Campeau

Awarded by: Coach Jennifer Dobson.

Favourite stroke/event: Freestyle.

Favourite sport (other than swimming): Only swimming!

Favourite Song: Legend, Drake.

Last movie you saw: Tammy.

Favourite food: Steak.

Favourite class in school: Gym.

Team Green: Alison Ware

Awarded by: Coach Ben Balkwill.

Favourite stroke/event: Breaststroke.

Favourite Sport (other than swimming): Only swimming!

Favourite Song: None.

Last movie you saw: Passengers.

Favourite food: Cheesecake.

Favourite class in school: Geography and Art.

The Lions’ Morgan Willms taps the ball over the net and past a LamotheCadillac blocker during a WECSSAA Tier II senior girls volleyball match at LDSS Monday, Jan. 16. Leamington swept the three sets in scores of 25-22, 25-13 and 25-6 to improve its record to four wins and four losses. The following day, the team travelled to Brennan where they lost two sets to one. The Cardinals took the first sets 25-23 nad 25-15 before the Lions won the third 25-18. Leamington’s regular season ended Thursday, Jan. 19 at L’Essor, where they were defeated 2-1 in scores of a 25-22 loss, a 25-17 win and a 27-25 loss.

M.D. Bennie Bulldogs Do Amazing at LDSS Floorball Tournament

By MDB Students Claudia Schmitt and Rachel Friesen

On Friday, Jan. 13, the Margaret. D. Bennie girls floorball team traveled to Leamington District Secondary School to compete in a district-wide tournament. The team placed fourth overall and won the best team score average in a radar competition, winning LDSS waterbottles. Alexa Taylor also won a shootout competition against multiple schools. Hima Patel did an amazing job defending the net, and blocking some tough shots. Way to go, Bennie Bulldogs! Team members, in front, are Alexa (left) and Hima. In the back are Savannah, Brianna, Ava, Claudia, Taylor, Kalin. (Submitted photo)

Novice Red begins playoffs with a win

The Southpoint Novice Red team played Harrow Team Blue on Saturday morning, Jan. 21, in Leamington. It was a battle between two teams that were only one point apart in the regular season.

Gabriel Rino opened the scoring during the first shift of the game with assists from Matthew Mastromatteo and Rex Pearce. Just 15 seconds later though, Harrow scored to tie. Harrow opened the second with an early goal but Red answered back 3 minutes later with an unassisted goal by Eli Driedger. A minute later it was AP Ben Liebrock scoring to take the lead with assists from Driedger and Rino. Harrow ended the period by tying it up with another goal.

The third was a shootout also. Great defence by South-

point’s Rex Pearce, Lucas Grilo, Mason Wiper and Henry Heaton who only allowed Harrow to score one more time.

Red’s fourth goal came from AP Brody Brown, assisted by Matthew Mastromatteo and Rex Pearce. The other line of Tony and Charbel Tannous and Mario Perez kept the offence going but it was Brody Brown who came up with the game winner with two minutes to play.

Great goaltending once again by Owen Hunter for Team Red.

This was a great back and forth game. A lot of hard work paid off and Team Red came up with their first playoff win. Great way to start the playoffs!

Leamington Lasers Swim Team swimmers of the month for December, from left to right, are Alison Ware, Bolden Kendrick, Hannah Campeau (Submitted photo)

Tai Chi: exercise for healthier body and mind

By Eugene Ryzer

Tai Chi takes a holistic approach to good health. The art of Tai Chi is composed of a series of movements that are practiced in a sequence to promote relaxation and improved circulation that brings a wide range of health benefits to the muscular, skeletal and circulatory systems, with a calming effect on the mind.

The health benefits of Tai Chi are many and some include: improved focus and concentration, improved circulation, improved balance and posture, increased strength and flexibility, and reduced stress. With regular practice, Tai Chi can reach deep inside the body to benefit the entire physiology including the tendons, joints, spine, connective tissue and internal organs.

Tai Chi beginner class format is quite simple. The instructor demonstrates a Tai Chi move several times, then performs it with the class and finally watches the students as they repeat it. You don’t have to be in great shape when you start to learn Tai Chi. It only takes four months to be introduced to the basic movements. After the four months of attending beginner classes, students can move on to attend continuing classes where they are introduced to foundation exercises to develop better understanding of how tai chi can more effectively improve health.

While all Tai Chi styles are about gentle turning and stretching, the Taoist Tai Chi™ style is specifically designed to improve health. The significant degree of turning and stretching in each of the movements contributes to better balance and posture, increased strength and flexibility, calmness and peace of mind. Tai Chi is for people of all ages and is some times referred to as a “Moving Meditation”. Attend an open house where you can speak with an instructor or some of the practitioners about the benefits of this ancient art.

For more information on open houses in your area call 519-255-9744 or visit www.taoist.org

County Bridge Results

Leamington Half Century Centre, Jan. 16: 1st Roy Trowell and Ron Martin, 2nd Vi Major and Buddy Elwood, 3rd George and Henry Hildebrandt, 4th Helen Preyde and Al Morrison. Bridge games are played each Monday at 12:45 p.m. Members and new members are welcome.

Kingsville Bridge Club, Jan. 18: 1st Henry and George Hildebrandt, 2nd Bill Chaplin and Chris Brennan, 3rd Ron Martin and Derek Parry, 4th Joyce Moran and Marilyn Robbins. Bridge is every on Wednesday at the Lions Hall in Kingsville, 7 p.m.

Golden Years golf report

The Golden Years mini golf league welcomes past member Bob Larsen back to the group.

Forty-two golfers managed to redeem themselves from last week’s shaky start to 2017 by carding a strong 83 aces on Jan. 19 at Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens.

Leading the charge with 6 was Andy Orsini, closely pursued by Murray Hartford, Laurie Hylton and Ernie Vandenberg with 5 each. Dropping 4 were Wanda Hayes, Art Sweet and Rose Taylor. Managing 3 each were Dorothy Cascadden, Murray Cascadden, Perpetua Hildrop, Gary Honey, Tom Hyatt and Barry Sweet. Finding the bottom of the cup with 2 apiece were Pete Daudlin, Jo-Ann Ferguson, Ron Fick, Elaine Hatt, Bob McWilliam, John Murphy, Moe Scratch and Bill Ward. Rounding out the ace parade with 1 each were Jim Allen, Mike Binder, Kathy Bradley, Cathy Dewhurst, Tom Dewhurst, Barbara Fick, Norbert Gisi, Lloyd Honey, Julia Kos, Marie Lasi, Bob Martin, Betty McManus, Barb Murphy, Colleen Pearse, Bill Taylor and Gerrit Vriesen.

An excellent score of 16 over 9 holes was recorded by Art Sweet. Close behind with 17 were Gary Honey, Mike Binder, John Murphy, Andy Orsini and Tom Hyatt. Carding 18 were Bob McWilliam, Marie Lasi, Bill Ward (3), Gary Honey, Elaine Hatt, Dorothy Cascadden, Bob Larsen, Art Sweet, Julia Kos, Laurie Hylton, Kathy Bradley, Wanda Hayes, Andy Orsini, Rose Taylor, Pete Daudlin, Murray Hartford and Tom Hyatt.

Rhine Danube bowling scores

The following are the Rhine Danube bowling leagues scores for January 9.

Games Over 200: Ernie Purr 214, Gary Garnham 200, Heinz Kosempel 204-214-209, Chris Kosempel 224, Mauro Paglione 275-213-214, Dan Dalimonte 221-216, Tys Schaafsma 223, Jack Valade 257, John Paliwoda 223, Jamie Arquette 231, Richard Dickau 200.

Series Over 550: Ernie Purr 555, Heinz Kosempel 627, Chris Kosempel 560, Mauro Paglione 702, Dan Dalimonte 621, Tys Schaafsma 559, Jack Valade 631, Jamie Arquette 614, Aaron Dickau 554.

High Handicap Games: Jack Valade 296, Jamie Arquette 289, John Paliwoda 287.

High Handicap Series: Jamie Arquette 788, Lloyd Owens 781, Albert Salvati 768.

Standings: Fittler Farms 19, Rhine Danube 13, Del Fresco 12, Weil’s Food 8, S.W. Property 6, Dickau Construction 5.

Continuing his strong performance, Art Sweet scored 34 over 18 holes. Bill Ward had 36, and Gary Honey, Rose Taylor, Pete Daudlin and Tom Hyatt carded 37. A 38 went to Bob McWilliam, Art Sweet, Bill Ward, Laurie Hylton, Lloyd Honey, Norbert Gisi (2), Murray Cascadden, John Murphy, Andy Orsini (2), Rose Taylor and Tom Hyatt.

Art Sweet completed the sweep with 72 over 36 holes. Bill Ward managed 74, Tom Hyatt and Rose Taylor 75, Norbert Gisi and Andy Orsini 76, Laurie Hylton and Lloyd Honey 77, and Barry Sweet 78.

A first place score of 230 was manufactured by Team Queens (Andy Orsini, Rose Taylor, Pete Daudlin). Second place with 234 went to Team 4 (Gary Honey, Marie Lasi, Bill Ward). Third and final spot with 240 was nailed down by Team 8 (Laurie Hylton, Lloyd Honey, Bill Taylor).

Play continues every Thursday at 9:30 a.m. at Colasanti’s.

The Golden Years mini golf league is recruiting new members. Are you 55 or older? Why not try a morning of mini golf once a week during the winter in a tropical setting! No golf experience is necessary. It’s good exercise and fun time socializing with others. Teams are chosen each week by random card draw. The league plays at Colasanti’s from 9:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. every Thursday from late September to the end of April. You can join any time during the year! Interested? Contact Bill 519-776-1409 or Lloyd 519-3241513 for further details.

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Leamington’s Nick Klassen guards against a L’Essor forward as he approaches the Lions’ key during the second half of a WECSSAA Tier II senior boys basketball game Thursday, Jan. 19 at LDSS. Leamington trailed their guests by a couple baskets for most of the game, which ended in a 52-49 final favouring the Aigles. On Monday, Jan. 23, the senior Lions lost 70-39 in Kingsville against the Cavaliers. The LDSS juniors fell 60-48 to L’Essor on Thursday and 54-31 to Kingsville the following Monday.

1 BEDROOM APARTMENT in Blythswood. $550/month including utilities. Available February 1st. Call 519-3249818. ja125

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COMING UP

KINGSVILLE LEGION

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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

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SALE BY TENDER

Dr. Brian E. Adamson 24 Oak St. East LEAMINGTON 519-326-8413 Eye examinations by appointment

Kingsville Golf and Country Club Limited invites offers to purchase the following described property. Offers shall be submitted in a sealed envelope marked “Confidential”. A deposit of 10% of the offering price shall be payable upon acceptance of an offer by the vendor within 24 hours of acceptance. The offer shall be drawn on a standard form offer to purchase with a closing date 60 days from the date of acceptance.

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

Property description: Approximately 4.5 acres currently occupied by the Curling Club of Kingsville. Legal Description: PT LT 10-11 CON 1 Western Division Gosfield designated as PTS I , 2 & 3, PL 12R26740; Kingsville sit R l 410263; sit R1428314 amended by R l 456048; sit R 1456047 and subject to an easement over PTS 2 & 5, 12R26740. A copy of the reference plan of survey may be obtained from the vendor or the Land Registry Office. The property is fully serviced, gas, hydro, water and sewers and is zoned R 1H.

The vendor will consider all valid offers and need not accept the highest or any offer submitted. Sealed offers should be submitted no later than 4:00 p.m. on the 28th day of February 2017 and should be addressed to D. Quick, General Manager, Kingsville Golf and Country Club, 640 County Road 20, Kingsville, Ontario, N9Y 2E6. For further inquiries, contact D. Quick - telephone: 519-733-6561 ext. 111 or dquick@kingsvillegolf.com.

MEDICAL SECRETARY POSITION AVAILABLE in Leamington

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HEALTH AND FOOD SAFETY MANAGER

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• Highly energetic and assertive with strong leadership skills

• Excellent, interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills are a must careers@muccifarms.com

Looking for an experienced LINE COOK

For work in a fast paced kitchen. Apply in person with resume at 119 Erie St. North, Leamington

Via Verde Hydroponics Ltd. is

looking for:

GREENHOUSE WORKERS

• Job duties include plant crop, harvest crop, crop maintenance, greenhouse cleanup, other farm duties as assigned, clean work area, check product for quality assurance, transplant crops, vegetable propagation, sort, pack and stack produce.

• Job requires standing, bending, kneeling for long periods of time, repetitive tasks, working under hot, humid conditions in greenhouse.

• Salary: $11.43 per hour, minimum 45 hours/week including weekends and holidays. Permanent full time job.

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

Business Development Specialist

We are an award winning healthy food producing vegetable greenhouse looking for career minded people. If you are looking for stability and longevity, Orangeline Farms is the place for you. We take pride in being innovative with a high standard of customer service and this all starts with our amazing employees. Orangeline Farms offers opportunity for development and growth. Join our amaZING Team.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

SUPERVISOR

• 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

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:

• 40 plus hours a week including Saturdays

• Working with the Sales/Procurement and Marketing departments to develop targets and strategies to build on new and existing customers and to grow the company’s market position

• Assist in building and improving customer relationships, identifying business opportunities

• Plan approaches and pitches, working with the team to develop proposals that speak to the client’s needs, concerns and objectives

• Work with the team to ensure that prerequisites are fulfilled within a timely manner

• Develop knowledge of the market in a competitive landscape to assist in developing the company’s unique selling propositions and differentiators

• Monitor activity on both existing and targeted accounts

• Work with the team to develop strategy for our specialty products

• Working with the Controller to develop control templates

• Planning, strategizing and organizing participation in industry events and trade shows

• Present business development training and mentoring

• Follow all Human Resource, Health and Safety and Food Safety policies

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Persuasion and networking

• Research, Writing, Motivation

• Sales Planning, Identification of Customer needs and challenges

• Market knowledge

• Meeting deadlines and keeping organized

• 3-5 years of Sales and Marketing experience

• Business Degree or relevant years of experience necessary

Please send resume in confidence with Wage expectations to hr@orangelinefarms.com

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

&

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

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:

Greenhouses Inc.

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

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

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

Housekeeping Aide

Leamington District Memorial Hospital is dedicated to improving the health of the communities we serve. Our vision is to provide compassionate care, close to home. Come join our community hospital in a Part Time Housekeeping Aide position. Interested applicants who have the following qualifications are invited to apply by February 3rd 2017

• High School Graduate

• Healthcare Housekeeping

• Institutional Housekeeping/Commercial Housekeeping

• Available to work Days, Afternoons and Midnights

• Ability to work in a team environment

• Some heavy lifting involved

For information on the Hospital and our community visit us at www.leamingtonhospital.com

Leamington District Memorial Hospital is an equal opportunity employer. Accommodations available on request in all parts of the recruitment and assessment process as required under LDMH’s Accommodation Policy.

Please submit resumes to: Human Resources Department jobpostings@ldmh.org

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SOUTHGATE RESIDENCE

The Steeves and Rozema Group has been enriching the lives of seniors for more than five decades. We are currently seeking the strategic and leadership skills of an enthusiastic, passionate individual for the position of Executive Director for Southgate Retirement Residence in Kingsville Ontario.

Reporting to the Vice President of Seniors Living, you are responsible for leading a team of dedicated professionals, to communicate goals and share your knowledge and experience when dealing with team members and residents.

With a strong knowledge of marketing and HR functions you have 5 years demonstrated management and leadership experience in a residential care setting. Strong communication and team building skills, as well as computer proficiency make you a strong candidate for this position.

We offer a competitive salary and attractive benefits package, including RSP matching. Qualified applicants are invited to submit their detailed resume and cover letter by February 10th 2017 to:

Michele Wilkinson, Human Resources, 265 N. Front Street, Suite 200, Sarnia, ON N7T 7X1

Fax: 519 344 8518

Email: Michele_wilkinson@srgroup.ca

We thank all applicants who apply; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls. No agencies.

for only $10 a week (word ads only)

Notice Special Meeting of Council

2017 Budget Review

Take Notice that Council of The Corporation of the Municipality of Leamington will review the proposed 2017 Budget on:

Wednesday, February 8, 2017 commencing at 9:00 AM and if necessary

Thursday, February 9, 2017 commencing at 9:00 AM and Friday, February 10, 2017 commencing at 9:00 AM in Council Chambers, 111 Erie Street North, Leamington.

Proposed Budget documents will be available for inspection at the Municipal Office, 111 Erie Street North, between 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM by Monday, February 6, 2017.

You may view a copy of the agenda on our website at www.leamington.ca agendas, meetings and minutes.

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

2016 2017 FLYERS SPLIT WITH ROCKETS

BY BRYAN JESSOP

There was plenty of pizza, but goals have been in short supply for the Leamington Flyers as of late.

The Flyers’ offense continued to struggle in its most recent home game, a 2-0 loss to the Strathroy Rockets at Highbury Canco Arena Thursday, Jan. 18. A crowd of 2,493 spectators witnessed Leamington’s first shutout loss at home that night, sponsored by Dominos of Leamington.

The Flyers’ most recent home game was preceded by the Defensive Player of the Month Award presentation for the Western Conference’s month of December by convenor Mark Tuck to Mitchell Crevatin. Pre-game ceremonies also included the singing of O’ Canada by the Ecole St-Michel choir.

The Flyers had the man advantage for only two minutes of the opening frame, but appeared to be on the power play for several minutes at a time. The hosts peppered Strathroy netminder Zach Weir with 21 shots while Noah Hedrick battled boredom more than Rocket forwards at the other end, steering aside three shots. Regardless, Leamington couldn’t solve Weir through the first third of the game. Hedrick also played a role in keeping the game scoreless through the opening 20, gloving a breakaway shot late in the period.

Leamington’s offense wasn’t as dominant in the second as it was in the first, although it still outshot the Rockets 21-13. Strathroy however did all the scoring in the middle frame, starting with a power play goal buried at the 12:56 mark. From the point, Chris Wood sent a wrist shot between Hedrick’s right shoulder and the crossbar to give the guests a 1-0 lead. Cody Schneider padded the lead five minutes and 14 seconds later, snapping the puck over the goal line from the right side of the goal at point-blank range. The Flyers managed to kill off a five-on-three shorthanded situation that ran 65 seconds early in the second.

The Flyers continued struggling to generate scoring chances in the third, firing mostly sharp-angle and unobstructed shots that struck Weir in the chest. The Leamington coaches brought Hedrick to the bench to start a power play with 1:46 remaining, but failed to deny the Rockets’ goalie of the shutout. The Flyers outshot the visitors 54-22, going zero for five on the man advantage while Strathroy went one for four.

“That one was all on us,” noted Leamington assis-

tant coach Anthony Iaquinta. “The effort level has to be higher. We’re not getting to the places we have to be in order to score. Trying to score from the perimeter is fine, but we need players to be in the tough areas. We have to play tougher and put in more of an effort as well.”

One day prior to Thursday’s game against Strathroy, the Flyers’ offensive woes on the road continued with a 4-1 loss at the Vollmer Centre in LaSalle. Leamington mustered 17 shots on net in a 4-1 loss, spoiling Eli Billing’s shutout bid early in the third frame with a tally by Brett Vorshuk. The rookie forward’s 14th goal of the season snapped his team’s scoring dry spell of 144 minutes and 33 seconds. As of the 2-0 home ice loss the next day, Vorshuk’s goal in LaSalle stood as the marker scored by a Flyer over the past 11 periods.

Rest of the West

The London Nationals lost a Wednesday game 5-2 in St. Thomas against the Stars before the Sarnia Legionnaires defeated the Lambton Shores Predators 4-3 on Thursday. On Friday, London suffered a 5-4 uplset loss against the St. Marys Lincolns while LaSalle handed a 6-2 loss to the Stars. Sunday games featured a 5-4 double overtime win for the Chatham Maroons against Sarnia as well as a 6-3 decision favouring the Lincolns over the Predators.

The Flyers allowed 27 shots on net and were zero for three on the power play while the Vipers went two for three.

The home-and-away series against the Rockets continued Saturday, Jan. 21 in Strathroy. The Flyers won the game by a score of 2-1, with both Leamington

UPCOMING HOME GAMES: Thu., Jan. 26 vs. Lambton, 7:10 p.m. Thu., Feb. 2 vs. St. Marys, 7:10 p.m.

UPCOMING AWAY GAMES: Sun., Jan. 29 vs. Chatham, 7 p.m. Fri. Feb. 3 vs. St. Thomas, 7:30 p.m.

goals coming from Scott Florence.

The Rockets’ Greg Marks hauls the Flyers’ Brett Vorshuk to the ice behind the Strathroy net during the third period of a Thursday, Jan. 19 match at Highbury Canco Arena. The Rockets won the game 2-0, extending the Flyers’ losing streak to four games. (Sun photo)

Leamington’s Liam Hogan tries to break free of Strathroy defenseman Chris Wood for a shot on goal. (Sun photo)

Strathroy goalie Zach Weir makes a sharp-angle save against the Flyers’ Brayden Klemens during the second period. (Sun photo)