During a two-month period in midDecember 2014, the uptown core area of Leamington was hit with numerous “tags” when various buildings were spray-painted.
The tags were all similar in nature with the same obscene logo and negative wording toward some authority figures. The artwork was very poor quality and it does not appear to be gang related.
Over the course of a few weeks the Leamington CORE team, which is made up of OPP officers, worked the streets old school style. These members walk and bike the uptown area and create relationships with citizens from all walks of life.
During their patrols, officers came across a couple of young males who had blue paint on them as well as blue paint cans. The previous mischief was done by spray-painting with blue paint. Further investigation revealed that the young males had similar artwork and wordings in their school books and personal belongs.
As a result of some good old police work and hitting the streets, the officers were able to locate 37 victims in the Leamington area with damages valued at $14,000.
Two “Young Persons”, as described by the Youth Criminal Justice Act, were charged with 37 ‘mischief under $5,000’ charges, contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada.
Kingsville bank robbery suspect caught
The Essex County OPP Crime Unit is investigating a bank robbery that occurred in Kingsville
At approximately 10 a.m. on Wednesday, January 21, a man entered the Kingsville CIBC and handed the clerk a note demanding money. The man received an undisclosed sum and fled on foot, heading north on Division Road. No weapon was observed during this occurrence.
The Kingsville OPP and the Essex County OPP Crime Unit flooded the downtown area of Kingsville. Working together with the community, the suspect was arrested and taken into custody.
of this year’s Polar Bear Dip teams - FFK
waters of Cedar Beach in Kingsville as part
for the event, which has raised $90,000 and counting for Childcan and ACCESS. (SUN Photo)
Dippers ‘chill’ for charity
By Bryan Jessop
The 15th annual Polar Bear Dip has again stepped up to support two charitable causes with a sizeable donation of ‘cold’ hard cash.
This year’s event, again held at Kingsville’s Cedar Beach, has raised a sum of about $90,000 and counting for Childcan and ACCESS County Community Support Services. With participant pledge collections and sponsorship contributions still being submitted, the final total could creep closer yet to last year’s $95,000 and this year’s $100,000 goal.
About 200 dippers representing 28 different teams collected the majority of this year’s funding, a sum of roughly $63,000 as of Monday, Jan. 26. Another $16,000 and counting was raised by sponsorship donations while the Saturday evening Fire and Ice dinner-dance at Lakeside Pavilion hauled in another $12,000.
“I think it’s wonderful, especially considering how many years we’ve done this,” said Polar Bear Dip coordinator Kim Cavers. “There’s always a fear
that it might start to slow down.”
Seventeen teams that had participated in previous dips did not take part in the 2015 fundraiser, a setback that was largely compensated by 14 teams that registered for the first time. Participants made the short trip from Kingsville and Leamington locations as well as Windsor, Tilbury, Chatham, Wheatley, London and Sarnia.
The money raised will be split evenly between Childcan — a London, Ont.-based organization supporting families dealing with the diagnosis, treatment and/or bereavement involved with childhood cancer — and ACCESS, an Essex Countywide program offering support programs for local families and youths. The first 14 years of the local Polar Bear Dip raised a combined $890,000.
“My goal has always been a million (dollars),” Cavers said shortly after the dip concluded. “I’d love to reach that this year. This is something that is very dear to my heart.”
(Continued on Page 7)
One
- celebrated St. Patrick’s Day a little early, taking to the icy
of the festivities Saturday, Jan. 24. A total of 28 teams registered
Health Coalition calls hospital cuts a provincewide issue
By Sheila McBrayne Leamington’s fight to keep its obstetrics unit open just became a regional fight. At a public meeting held in Leamington, on Tuesday, January 20, Ontario Health Coalition Executive Direc-
tor Natalie Mehra told the crowd of just over 100 that keeping hospital services is not just an issue in Leamington, but is also happening in other small to medium sized hospitals.
“It’s the beginning of the
end. When they threaten to take away ERs and birthing units, it’s the beginning of the end,” said Mehra. “We need to bring it to Queen’s Park and make the pressure felt,” she added.
The meeting, sponsored
The Churches of Leamington and District Welcome You
ANGLICAN
St. John The Evangelist
60 Erie St. N., Leamington 519-326-3111
Sunday Worship Services
8:30 & 10:30 am
St. Mary’s Church
East West Road, Pelee Island
1st & 3rd Sundays from June to September at 10 am
Calvary Church
North Shore Road, Pelee Island
1st & 3rd Sundays from October to May at 10 am
BAPTIST
First Baptist Church
3 Fox Street, Leamington 519-326-4372
Sunday Worship 10:30 am
Heritage Baptist Church
555 Talbot St. W., Wheatley
519-300-1400 Pastor Francisco Penner
Sunday 11 am & 7 pm, Wed 7 pm
Wheatley Baptist Church 47 Talbot St. E.., Wheatley 519-825-7433 Pastor Richard Smith
Sunday School 9:00 am Worship 10:30 am
CONGREGATIONALIST
Faith Everlasting Congregational Church
589 Hwy 77, Leamington 519-322-2994
Sunday Worship 11 am
220 Erie St. N., Leamington 519-322-1644
Saturday Services: Bible Study 9:30 am Worship 11:00 am
LUTHERAN
St. Paul’s LutheranEvangelical Church 311 Sherk Street, Leamington 519-326-3966
Sunday Worship Services 10:30 am (Eng)
Leamington Evangelical Mennonite Mission Church 1408 Deer Run Rd, Leamington 519-326-9734
Sunday Worship Services 9:15 am (German), 10:45 am (English)
Leamington Evangelical Mennonite Church 108 Mersea Rd 3, Leamington 519-322-9915
Sunday Worship 10:30 am
Leamington United Mennonite Church 78 Oak Street East, Leamington 519-326-2727
Sunday Worship 9:45 am
Summer Worship Services 9:30 am (German), 10:15 am (English)
Meadow Brook Fellowship 219 Talbot Street East, Leamington 519-326-3605
1 Sunday Worship Service at 10:30 am
North Leamington United Mennonite Church 625 Mersea Rd 6, Leamington 519-326-7928
Sunday Worship 10:00 am
South Point Community Church 475 Bevel Line Road, Leamington 519-322-1858
Sunday Gatherings 10:30 am
NON-DENOMINATIONAL
Iglesia La Buena Semilla 269 Sherk Street, Leamington 519-733-0342
Sunday Worship 6:30 pm
Leamington District Memorial Hospital
194 Talbot St. W., Leamington 519-326-2373, Chaplain’s Office ext. 4443
PENTECOSTAL
FGT Family Church
285 Talbot St. E., Leamington Free bus rides available 519-322-2316
Service Sunday 9:15 am & 11 am am
Leamington Christian Centre
98 Elliott Street, Leamington 519-322-1504
Sunday Worship Services 10:30 am
English/Spanish 6:30 pm
Templo Christiano De Leamington
MENNONITE
Faith Mennonite Church
269 Sherk Street, Leamington 519-326-6391
Sunday Worship Services 10:50 am (Summer 10 am)
39 Talbot St. E., Leamington 519-325-9654
Sunday Worship Services 3 pm
Mount Zion Full TabernacleGospel
6 Mill Street, Leamington 519-252-0031
Sunday Worship 7:30 pm
United Pentecostal Church
312 Erie St. St., Leamington 519-326-7056
Sunday Worship Services 11 am
PRESBYTERIAN
Knox Presbyterian Church
58 Erie St. S., Leamington 519-326-4541
www.knox-leamington.com
Sunday Worship Services 10:30 am
ROMAN CATHOLIC
St. Michael’s Parish
29 Elliott Street, Leamington 519-326-2643
NO MASSES FROM JULY 14 TFN
St. Joseph’s Church
310 Sherk Street, Leamington 519-326-2643
Saturday Mass: 5 pm (English)
Sunday Masses: 7:30 am (English)
9 am (Italian, English) 10:30 am (English)
12 Noon (Portuguese)
3 pm (Spanish), 7 pm (English)
St. Anthony’s Parish (Maronite Rite)
280 Talbot Street East, Leamington 519-322-2282
Sunday Masses 9:30 & 11 am (Lebanese, English)
SALVATION ARMY
The Salvation Army Citadel
88 Setterington Street
Leamington 519-326-4901
Sunday Worship 10:30 am
UNITED CHURCH OF
Leamington United Church
9 John Street, Leamington 519-326-9461
Sunday Worship Services 10:30 am
Mersea United Church
1301 Mersea Road 8, Wheatley 519-825-4157
Sunday Worship Services 9:30 am
by the Ontario Health Coalition heard from speakers Sandra Dyck, a young Leamington mother who spoke to the needs of the Leamington and area community for the obstetrics services in Leamington. “To the LHIN, I hope you’re listening, act and move forward… we can be a leader in the province,” she stated. She was referencing a collaborative birthing model involving midwives, doulas, nurses, and physicians which was presented to the Ministry of Health last year.
Frank Cinicolo, bargaining president of the Ontario Nurses’ Association, told the crowd that Leamington
has a chance to be innovators and leaders. “The nurses urge the collaborative care model as an alternative,” he said.
Andrea Cassidy of the Midwifery Collective of Essex County, who was involved in the collaborative model proposal to the Ministry of Health, reminded everyone that Leamington’s situation is not an isolated one. “It’s happening all across Canada. Smaller hospitals looking for solutions to keep hospitals open,” she said.
After several speakers, Mehra suggested a day of action to take the fight to keep hospital services to
the London office of Liberal MPP Deb Matthews and to engage all MPPs to be vocal and put pressure on the government when parliament returns to business.
MPP for Chatham-Kent Essex Rick Nicolls was unable to attend the meeting, nor were MP Dave Van Kesteren, Leamington Mayor John Paterson and Kingsville Mayor Nelson Santos. The MPP for Windsor West Lisa Gretzky was in attendance and told those present to “keep fighting and stay loud.”
Representatives from various unions pledged their members’ support for a unified day of action. Mehra outlined some other ideas including a ‘post card’ campaign which could be adapted to the OB theme, and perhaps have soothers or receiving blankets brought to Queen’s Park.
Another idea was an open letter to the minister of health to stop cuts to healthcare. The letter would be signed by local business leaders to show the community support.
Unitarian Universalist Church of Olinda 2953 Olinda Sideroad, Ruthven 519-326-4352
Sunday Service 10:30
Sandra Dyck, Leamington mother and proponent of Save OB Leamington Ontario Health Coalition Executive Director Natalie Mehra
System of Honours tour coming to Leamington
By Bryan Jessop
An ‘honour’ role of a different sort will soon be making its way to Leamington District Secondary School.
It’s An Honour — a travelling, mobile exhibit displaying an assortment of decorations awarded to Canadian civilians and military personnel who’ve displayed exemplary services of achievement and/or bravery — began touring the country in September of 2013 and will make its firstever stop in Leamington Friday, Feb. 6 and Saturday, Feb. 7. The semi truck and trailer will park and set up in the LDSS staff parking lot both days. From 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, LDSS students will tour the expandable trailer’s contents while members of the public will be invited to visit Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission into It’s An Honour is free of charge.
Those taking the tour will be granted a first-hand look at several different System of Honours medals and decorations and will hear stories of the individuals who have earned them through extraordinary acts of courage, service, valour and achievement. This collection will include the Order Of Canada and a Victoria Cross, the latter being the highest possible honour available to Canadian military personnel.
On Friday, LDSS students will tour the trailer class-byclass for 20 minutes each — 10 minutes of a tour and explanations by a guide well versed in the Canadian System of Honours and another 10 minutes to browse the tour’s attractions at their leisure. Students will learn about the roles and responsibilities of Canada’s governor general and how honour/medal nominees are selected. During the two-day stop, visitors will learn how to nominate citizens whom they feel are worthy of decorations of distinction.
The exhibit also features a hologram message from Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield — the first Canadian to receive both the military and civil Meritorious Service Decorations. Interpretive panels, multimedia stations and
New 548 area code in SW Ontario
Starting in June 2016, a new 548 area code will be introduced in the region currently served by area codes 226 and 519 in southwestern Ontario. The new area code is intended to meet the continuously growing demand for new telephone numbers.
The new area code will be available starting June 4, 2016. After this date, residents and businesses requesting a new phone number may get a number with the 548 area code. Numbers with the new area code will only be assigned to customers when the existing supply of 226 and 519 numbers is depleted.
The introduction of a new area code in a region does not affect the local calling areas or the way long distance calls are dialed. Special numbers like 9-1-1 will still be dialed using only three digits.
The area code 519 was introduced in 1953. Over the years, increasing demand for telephone numbers – particularly for
artifacts are also included in the tour. The interactive and educational exhibit is bilingual and accessible to physically challenged visitors.
The sides of the trailer expand to create roughly 1,000 sq. ft. of touring space. The truck and trailer travels across Canada to visit schools and small communities coast to coast. It has recently made stops in Windsor, LaSalle, Amherstburg, Tecumseh and the Canadian Transportation Museum and Heritage Village. It’s An Honour will visit Kingsville District High School Feb. 2-3 and after departing from LDSS, will continue onward to Chatham, Ridgetown and Dresden.
The visit to the Leamington school has been arranged by its world studies department, which includes geography, history and civics classes. The school was contacted by the It’s An Honour program to inquire about interest in the tour after several annual LDSS class trips to Ottawa, including tours of the governor general’s office.
“We take a lot of pride in connecting students with out-ofclassroom opportunities,” said LDSS teacher Butch Rick-
eard. “Something like this is an example of how its about real-world opportunities, not just what you find in a textbook.”
For more information on It’s An Honour, visit the website www.gg.ca/document.aspx?id=15263&lan=eng
wireless devices – has created a need for additional numbers to serve customers in this region. In response to this increasing demand, the 226 area code was added in October 2006 along with the introduction of 10-digit dialing for local calls.
It’s An Honour, a travelling exhibit of medals and other awards of distinction awarded in Canada, will be making its first-ever Leamington stop Friday, Feb. 6 at Leamington District Secondary School for its staff and students. The exhibit will then open to the
Life lessons, a road well travelled
When you think of the best life lessons you have learned, what would they be? No doubt there are many. The same ones continue to visit me, and with them, my mother’s voice resounds in me and sometimes through me. Just ask our kids!: “Focus on your own behavior, not that of others, because you can only change your own.” “If you can’t say something nice about someone, don’t say anything at all.” “If you work hard and are a good person, things have a way of working out.” It sometimes seems easier to just join the naysayers, but how much more fulfilling it is to be the one who’s got your back, refuses to talk against others and sometimes stands alone!
Lifestyles...
I thought that the last four years have truly tested the core values I grew up with; however, I’ve come to realize that both these values and I will be tested until the day I die. The common magnet that has held Mark and I grounded through some difficult times has been each and every friend we have. Like many of you, we’ve been blessed with great friends. As we think of them and look back to those people, they are the ones we still love hanging around, knowing that they will always stand by us, just as we will be there for them. Some literally ‘stood up’ with us in our wedding party so many years ago. Others, more recent friends who are just as important, arriving into our lives and simply becoming part of our journey.
These people love to be around us for all times; when we are on the top of the world as well as during the not so rosy times. It is frustrating to know that there are people out there who somehow feel that they know what goes on in other people’s lives. How is that possible? Many times I have a hard time keeping track of my own life and my kids’ lives, let alone wasting time talking about how I think others should live their lives. Instead, I tend to be the devil’s advocate and would rather think that there are reasons, unbeknown to us, why people do the things they do.
life with more promise and grandeur than the one he had. This led to making very unwise decisions and most likely costly ones too.
Many times, I have found myself reiterating to Mark, or to our children, to simply focus on what we think is right. Probably saying it aloud allows for me to really hear those words. Like most of you, we have made our fair share of mistakes. Believe me, many nights we’ve stayed awake, wishing we “wouldn’t have, shouldn’t have and couldn’t have,” but those thoughts only exhausted us. Fourteen years ago, if we had known that getting into an industry would zap all of our funds, threaten most of our entrepreneurial spirit and steal our pride, we may have chosen not to step out on the limb. Financially, we would have been better off if we had played it safe, but we certainly wouldn’t either have learned as much along the way, or appreciated things the way we do now!
We have grown to love this person, who, after knowing us for only a short time, would do anything for us. He loves the cookies I bake, treats Mark like a brother, and arrives into our harbor almost every day with a smile on his face, a hug, and sometimes even some of his award-winning conch salad to share. His body and his habits don’t lie and he pays the price of a life once lived. It has been tougher than he admits and no doubt he carries many skeletons in his closet. For that reason alone, we choose not to add to his worries with our judgments. Instead, we both enjoy him for who he is now. Our friend!
Something else I recall my mother saying, and I have repeated many times, is “the world would be a boring place, if we were all the same.”
A quote on Facebook, sums this up: “In life, you will realize there is a role for everyone you meet. Some will test you, some will use you, some will love you and some will teach you. But the ones who are truly important are the ones who bring out the best in you. They are the rare and amazing people who remind you why it’s worth it.”
Here on the island, we are pleased to be meeting new friends. We can’t wait until our friends from home can meet each one of them, and vice-versa. The circle continues to grow, and thankfully it tends to be filling with like-minded people. These are the ones who just want to be around you because they like you. It’s a two-way street. You don’t even need to know their backgrounds, because really, what does that tell you? Nothing. None of us really knows unless we ask personal questions like: who, what, where, when and why? Who really cares about the past, if they are good to you in the present?
Similar to all of us, one of our new friends has ‘a past.’ He has shared some of it through a book he encouraged us to read. He did forewarn us that his character was the one written by the author, not the true one. Perhaps many may judge him negatively after reading this book, and I am pleased that he trusted us with this knowledge. Our new friend has become a much more interesting character, one we are lucky to have in our life. Who are we to judge others? Back in the late eighties, at the age of 18, he became involved in a seedy way of life. Growing up as a young Bahamian boy, with hopes unlike most of our hopes, he planned to have a
Life truly would be boring if everyone took the same path and didn’t make a few mistakes along the way. I must admit, I point the finger often, but not without noticing the four fingers pointing back at me. It’s difficult not to get frustrated with others as you witness them making the same seemingly wrong decisions, over and over; decisions that are bad both mentally and/or physically harmful for them. It can be as simple as choosing to sit on the couch over and over, when getting off it would be much better for everyone, especially the next generation who are watching. Talking about other people while little ears listen teaches them to do the same.
I guess this is a perfect example. Here I am, assuming that knowing these habits are bad ones should make it so easy to correct them. When I take the time to really think about it, it’s not easy to change. People struggle every day to get moving, to say the right things and be motivated to do right by others. The fact they we are all trying is the point!
To have been given good core values is a gift. When I slip, because I often do, drifting down the path of spitefulness, revenge or jealousy (that big green monster), my conscience gets the best of me and my stomach burns with the acid that it creates when its off balance. It is simply much more fun and quite often easier to just be nice!
To have a friend, you have to be one. People change, and consequently, come and go from our lives, but not without leaving a part of themselves in our hearts or theirs. That is all part of our journey. Good, bad or indifferent, no one can take that from you. I’ve given up trying to erase the bumpy parts. Instead, Mark and I have consciously chosen to put our four wheels on. Thus far, we have made it through another stretch of interesting road.
We share these lessons with our kids. We’ve learned, and know that as we did, they are choosing to follow and blaze their own path, complete with all the ups and downs that will come along the way. I truly believe that if they simply choose to be good people, everything else will be just fine.
This is an American Bittern. These birds are not commonly seen, in part because they blend in so well with the reeds. If they feel that they have been seen, they stand motionless and stretch their neck and beak into the air. If the wind is blowing the reeds, they will sway back and forth to blend into the environment. This photo was taken by Randy Holland at Point Pelee National Park.
Snow Octopus
Last Wednesday’s snowfall prompted Jeff Myer of Sherman Street in Leamington to create another sculpture. This one – the Detroit Red Wings unofficial mascot, a purple octopus named Al – is a nod to the tradition of throwing an octopus on the ice during Detroit Red Wings home playoff games. The practice originated in 1952 and has become such a part of the team’s lore that there are actually proper etiquette and technique procedures for throwing an octopus onto the ice. (Submitted photo)
Applications being accepted for improvement grants
Strong, vibrant neighbourhoods are created when residents get involved, become invested, and care about the people in their community. When residents become active in their neighbourhoods, communities are strengthened from the ground up. They become more than just a place to live; they become a place to learn, to grow, to make new friends, and to have fun!
South Essex Community Council (SECC) is currently accepting applications for the 4th Annual Community Improvement Grants of the ACCESS Neighbours. ACCESS Neighbours program is a neighbourhood engagement strategy designed to address neighbourhood conditions brought forward by the residents in the Leamington area.
The community improvement grants will provide seed money, between $500 and $6000, to address neighbourhood concerns and to work toward community improvements in the area. They will help to inspire imagination, promote local solutions, build connections between neighbours, and engage many different people in the community. Grants can be for a community garden, a storytelling project, a street party, a book exchange… really anything that gets people out and involved!
The grants are provided in partnership by Access County Community Support Services, United Way/Centraide Windsor-Essex and the South Essex Community Council.
The grants will be awarded to the best community improvement ideas.
Community Improvement Grants awarded to-date include:
• Leamington Eastside Park improvements including new picnic tables, play equipment, and the replacement of play surfaces.
• Free summer and winter themed arts and music programming for children and parents hosted by Sun Parlour Players Community Theatre group.
• “Project Night Light”, a initiative designed to provide motion-sensor lights in an effort to reduce and prevent criminal activity.
• Leamington Chestnut Park improvements in partnership with the Municipality of Leamington and Sinking Ship Entertainment.
• A pilot project created to address the feral cat population by humanely trapping and spaying/neutering.
• The installation of an information board within Eastside Park to promote interactive discussion and communication opportunities for its residents, spearheaded by the Leamington Gardeners of Eastside Park.
Applications are available online at http://accesscounty.ca/programs/neighbours and www.secc.on.ca
The application deadline is February 27, 2015.
All-star, small-star
I remember when the NHL All-Star game was a spectacle, but not for the same reasons that it is a spectacle nowadays.
Back in the ’60s and ’70s, only the league’s elite were chosen to play and if someone couldn’t make it due to injury, a teammate was chosen to represent their team.
There were no fan-fests, no skills competition and certainly no 17-12 scores.
The first official all-star game saw the all-stars defeat the defending Stanley Cup champions, the Leafs, by a 4-3 score at Maple Leaf Gardens in 1948.
Lo and behold, the last defending cup champs to play in an all-star game were those same Maple Leafs in 1968, returning the favour and beating the all-stars 4-3 at the Gardens.
Ironically, that was also the last time the Leafs were actual defending cup champs.
Since then, it went from an east versus west format, to Wales vs Campbell conferences, to North America versus the world.
And now, we have a draft of players, chosen by the fans in an all-out popularity contest.
No longer are the NHL’s best involved automatically.
In fact, if I were an NHL goaltender, I wouldn’t even want to participate with scores like that.
The Red Wings’ Jimmy Howard was voted on by the fans but couldn’t go because of injury. In the old days, he would be replaced on the roster by a teammate, but that doesn’t happen anymore.
So the Red Wings, who
sit near the top of the NHL standings, were not represented at the annual all-star game, despite having stars such as Datsyuk, Zetterberg and Nyquist.
It’s just not right and I certainly won’t be watching much of it anymore.
To be honest, I didn’t even turn the game on. I usually like to watch the skills competition but you can only take so much of that.
I didn’t watch the introductions because, quite frankly, I wouldn’t know Zemgus Girgensons if he skated over my fingers on a breakaway. I mean come on, here is a player toiling for one of the worst teams in the league and he’s far from a household name, even in Buffalo. His friends and family in Latvia flooded the voting system and swayed the tally, getting him the most votes of any NHL player.
Meanwhile, great players like Zetterberg and Datsyuk are left out.
It’s become a young man’s spectacle. It seems the superstar veterans are not participating anymore as much as they used to. So the name-recognition factor just isn’t there anymore for the casual fan.
I remember perennial participants like Brad Park,
Phil Esposito and Bobby Clarke hitting the ice every year, without fail.
This year there was no Crosby, no Ovechkin, no Subban, all names that the casual fans instantly recognize.
It’s a shame that Mr. Bettman has let it come to this. A commercialized festival of up and coming stars mixed with no-name players who happen to be popular in their own country.
Being a Leafs fan, I didn’t expect many (if any) of my team’s players there, but if Leaf fans were as passionate about the all-star game as they were about throwing jerseys on the ice, the starting lineup at the mid-season event would consist of Kessel, Van Reimsdyk and Bozak with Phaneuf and Franson on the point. And we all know that’s not an all-star lineup.
Meanwhile in Chicago, five of the six starters were from the Blackhawks. Those fans must be voting for their guys. The difference is, the Chicago five deserve to be there, where the aforementioned Leafs do not.
Still, it would be nice to see a variety. Even in their heyday, the big bad Boston Bruins only boasted Espo, Orr and Cheevers on the first all-star team.
That’s when someone with hockey knowledge and a sense of who paid their dues handled the all-star allotment, not fans who can call in and vote a thousand times a day.
UMEI Ag Club experiences Tractor Day
The temperature sure was cold on Saturday, Jan. 10, but that didn’t stop the Agriculture Club at UMEI Christian High School from going to Fittler Farms to test drive several different makes and models of tractors.
Each student of the 15-member club had the opportunity to drive three different tractors after a short lesson from the instructor’s seats which came fitted in each of these machines.
“It was an awesome experience,” said grade 12 student Jennifer Quiring. “You can’t compare a car or truck to driving a 20,000 pound tractor at 40 km/h.”
The three 4-wheel drive tractors that the students compared were a 1992 Case IH Magnum, a 2008 Case IH Puma, and a 2014 New Holland.
“You can really see how technology has changed over the years with farming equipment,” commented grade 10 student Hunter Fulmer. “From an air seat to cab suspension and power-shift transmissions, these tractors are designed to work.”
Olivia Toews is a grade 11 student and is one of the few in the club who has actually grown up on a farm. “I have a much greater understanding of the work my Dad does all
day long in one of these machines. You are constantly making adjustments, shifting and watching the gauges,” said Toews.
Fittler Farms is owned and operated by John Fittler, who is also one of the science teachers at UMEI. “It was great to see students eager to learn. The next step is to get some equipment behind these tractors, allowing them to till the ground or plant a few rows of a crop. I like straight rows and hope they are up to the task,” chuckled Fittler.
The Ag Club is already planning other events heading into spring, including horseback riding. Interest in the club continues to grow each school year.
UMEI Ag Club students enjoyed an off campus trip to Fittler Farms where they had the opportunity to test drive the tractors. Front row, left to right: Hunter Fulmer, Alex Epp, Kiana Epp, Olivia Toews, Dalton Fulmer, Jenn Quiring. Back row: Gibson Fulmer, Mason Fittler (science teacher John Fittler’s son), Amanda Enns. (Submitted photo)
Hunter Fulmer climbs down from the cab of one of the tractors he got to drive at Fittler Farms on UMEI Ag Club’s Tractor Day.
Dippers ‘chill’
(Continued from Front)
Cavers’ son, now 21 years old, is a childhood cancer survivor who joined the Shiver Me Timbers team for this year’s dip. Two of the other teams — Maisyn’s Caped Canucks and FFK (Fighting For Kevin) — collected pledges and took part in the dip in honour of young boys who were diagnosed with cancer and have since passed away. Maisyn’s Caped Canucks were this year’s top fundraising team, having raised a total of $9,000.
“It was great to see that kind of support,” said Cavers,
who was inspired to organize the first Polar Bear Dip in 2001 after learning of Childcan’s services while her son was being treated.
Preparation for the dip began Friday with the set up of separate warming tents for men and women and a check of the site by members of the Kingsville-based South Shore Diving Club. About half a dozen members of the club and paramedics remained at the location to ensure all dippers entered and exited the water without incident.
“They are essential in the planning,” Cavers said.
“They’re just amazing.”
Will Insurance also offered support for this year’s Dip. Although most participants brought their own towels, the local company provided 50 free towels to top fundraisers.
Fire and Ice featured live music from The Sellouts. The dinner was attended by 240 ticket buyers with the head count for the dance growing to about 280.
and
Slippery entry conditions caused a few spills to go along with the chills during the 15th annual Polar Bear Dip at Kingsville’s Cedar Beach Saturday, Jan. 24.
LDMH CEO Terry Shields reacts to the chilly water as he and his team take their turn.
A participant backtracks to retrieve a lost Croc.
The Roma Club polar bears lined up to make a splash.
Stacey’s Snow Angels make their way back to the entry point.
Leamington Women’s Hockey League Dippy Chicks.
LWHL Dippy Chicks Irene Impens and Trish Epplett.
in the in the in the in the in the
ARIES - Mar 21/Apr 20
There is no harm in being ambitious, Aries. But a little humility to accompany that ambition can go a long way. Accept any recognition you earn in an appropriate manner.
TAURUS - Apr 21/May 21
Your desires make it seem like anything is within reach this week, Taurus. You may have to work a little harder to achieve your goals, but hard work is its own reward.
GEMINI - May 22/Jun 21
Postpone chores that are not essential, Gemini. This way you can make the most of your upcoming free time with friends and family. You deserve a little break now and again.
CANCER - Jun 22/Jul 22
Cancer, try to avoid stretching yourself too thin in the coming weeks. Your ambition and energy are at an all-time high, but if you do not slow down, you can easily get burnt out.
LEO - Jul 23/Aug 23
It's impossible for people to try to contain all of your energy this week, Leo. Direct your energy in a positive way and use it to reach your goals.
VIRGO - Aug 24/Sept 22
Express your feelings without any inhibition, Virgo. Others will appreciate your honesty, especially if you employ some tact when sharing your opinions.
LIBRA - Sept 23/Oct 23
Libra, no matter how crazy your life is right now, you still manage to come out looking no worse for wear. You have a handy way of making lemonade out of sour lemons.
ANSWERS ON PAGE 20
SCORPIO - Oct 24/Nov 22
Your long-term career opportunities are looking good, Scorpio. If you do what makes you happy, you will always end up on top and financial rewards will follow.
SAGITTARIUS - Nov 23/Dec 21
Sagittarius, although you see lucrative career opportunities at every bend, you are not ready to make a big change. You will know when the moment has come to make a change.
CAPRICORN - Dec 22/Jan 20
Proceed gently if you want to make any real progress, Capricorn. You're feeling more optimistic, but you still need to exercise caution. Common sense can keep you grounded.
AQUARIUS - Jan 21/Feb 18
Aquarius, friends may arrive at your home with plans for fun and adventure. Any kind of celebration or social situation is what you crave right now. Go ahead and enjoy yourself.
PISCES - Feb 19/Mar 20
Don't worry about a potential conflict, Pisces. In due time you will realize this was nothing to get worked up about.
FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS
JANUARY 25
Alicia Keys, Singer (34)
JANUARY 26
Eddie Van Halen, Guitarist (60)
JANUARY 27
Rosamund Pike, Actress (36)
JANUARY 28
Nick Carter, Singer (35)
JANUARY 29
Greg Louganis, Athlete (55)
JANUARY 30
Vanessa Redgrave, Actress (78)
JANUARY 31
Marcus Mumford, Singer (28)
Local teen to skate in Ontario Special Olympics
By Bryan Jessop
A dedicated schedule of practice and training has paid off for a young Leamington figure skater.
Fifteen-year-old Adelina Bailey-Lopes will soon make the trip to North Bay where she will join 300 other Special Olympians for the Ontario Winter Games. Opening ceremonies will kick off the list of events Thursday, Jan. 29 and Bailey-Lopes will compete in two dance events and the freeskate on Jan. 30 and 31.
Bailey-Lopes has been led by training coach Laurie Horne-Klassen, who has guided her since she started figure skating at the recreational level about nine years ago. Horne-Klassen has coached the teen skater privately since 2008-09, mostly with the Leamington Skating Club. More recently, three days per week of training and lessons at the Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex have been complimented by an additional two days in Essex.
“Seeing her growth over the past two years has been incredible,” said Horne-Klassen. “A lot of other coaches tell me how amazed they are by the improvements with her skating.”
Horne-Klassen explained that she thought it would be beneficial for Adelina to undergo additional instruction from assistant coaches including Susan Bremmer, Vicki Bellaire, Kim Hickson-Grineau and Brianna Clarkson.
“I believe that every coach has something different to offer to each skater,” Horne-Klassen explained.
Horne-Klassen has been coaching figure skating for the past 32 years, including more than 20 years in Kingsville before transferring to Leamington. She has also coached in Essex and Wheatley.
Bailey-Lopes will represent the Southwestern District, one of seven to compete in North Bay this year. The region stretches from Windsor to the Mississauga boundary. She qualified by finishing first among seven skaters at the sectional event hosted by Brampton in November of last year. Other locals making the trip from Essex County include male athletes who will perform in downhill skiing, cross-country skiing and snow shoeing.
Horne-Klassen explained that Special Olympic athletes are chosen for the next level not only by where they rank in qualifying events, but also by their behavior and their potential to be competitive at the international level. Although Adelina is described as one of the most functional skaters to compete in the Special Olympics, her full-time coach explained that athletes in her position are usually held back for at least one more set of the games. The minimum age of competition in the Special Olympics is 14. Adelina, who deals with cognitive challenges, is no stranger to success in her sport of choice. She has achieved her Preliminary Freeskate Part 1 status and two of four Junior Silver Dances. She has also acquired Junior Bronze in the Skills category and was a multi-medal
winner during a Thorn Hill competition in April of last year.
Bailey-Lopes will be among 40 total skaters in North Bay vying for a chance to represent Ontario in at the Canadian Special Olympic Winter Games in Corner Brook, Nfld. next year. A panel of three coaches and two administrative representatives will rank the top four athletes for the nationals. The international Winter Special Olympics will take place shortly after the XXIII Olympic Winter Games in PyeongChang, South Korea in 2018.
Fifteen-year-old Adelina Bailey-Lopes of Leamington will be participating in the 2015 Ontario Special Olympics in North Bay. She will compete in two dance events plus the freeskate Jan. 30 and 31. She hopes to qualify for the Canadian Nationals to be held in Cornerbrook, Nlfd., in March of 2016.
Photo courtesy of D’Asti Photography
Strategies for Dealing with Stress
- Recognizing NSSI in youth -
By Sheila McBrayne
More and more, young people are turning to a self-destructive behaviour known as Non Suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI) to cope with daily stresses and anxiety.
Alan Goyette, Social Work and Attendance Councillor with the Greater Essex County District School Board was in Leamington on Wednesday, January 21 to help educators and parents in understanding this behaviour, provide community resources and answer questions. This free semi-
Offered at 4 schools in Leamington & Kingsville. Ages 18 months - 12 years 6:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. • Subsidy available. For details call 519-733-8202 www.discoverychildcareschools.com
BANK THEATRE NOTES
10 ERIE STREET SOUTH P.O. BOX 434
LEAMINGTON, ON N8H 3W5 519-326-8805
DALE BUTLER’S LAST FRIDAY OF THE MONTH COFFEE HOUSE
FRIDAY, January 30th at 7:00 p.m. at The Bank Theatre and Meeting Place
Dale Butler’s Last Friday of the Month Coffee House is actually taking place the last Friday of the month in January. The coffee house is so much more than a bunch of people singing. It is part Yuk Yuk’s meets the Grand Ole Opry. In other words, the jokes, the camaraderie, and the positive vibes are just as much a part of the evening as the music.
December’s coffee house turned out to be a lovely Christmas concert where people didn’t want to leave. David and Sharon Light will host the January show with the help of many marvelous musicians.
It looks as if this January is going to be a cold one. By the end of the month, get rid of that cabin fever and come to The Bank Theatre, Friday, January 30th. at 7:00 p.m. The coffee house will be sure to warm you up. Donations are welcome.
QUEEN MILLI OF GALT
Playwright Gary Kirkham
Director Rick Taves
The five actors in Queen Milli of Galt were given the Christmas season off, and now rehearsals are going full steam ahead in January. There is something special about a play based on actual events. Just look at the line-up of Oscar-nominated films. About half are based on true stories. It is especially satisfying when that actual event upon which the play is based took place in Canada. Here is a very short description of the play. In l972, the Duke of Windsor died. Two weeks later, a tombstone appeared in a cemetery in Galt, Ontario, engraved with these words: Millicent Milroy, wife of Edward V111, Duke of Windsor. We return to 1919 to explore what may have happened in Galt that autumn. It is part comedy, part history, but totally entertaining.
Thursday, February 26 at 7:30 p.m. DRESS REHEARSAL (open to the public on a pay as you can basis)
Friday, February 27 at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, March 6 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, February 28 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 7 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, March l at 2:00 p.m.
Sunday, March 8 at 2:00 p.m.
Tickets: $15 adults and seniors; $10 students
Tickets are always available at the door one half hour before the performance. Further information concerning tickets outlets will be forthcoming.
Theatre
nar was part of the Greater Essex County District School Board’s on-going Mental Health Seminar Series.
People cope with difficult thoughts, feelings, or situations in different ways. Some cope by injuring themselves on purpose to make themselves feel better. Self-injury may seem extreme, but that’s what is on the surface, it’s important to look beyond the injuries and find the cause.
Self-injury can take many forms, like cutting (razors, glass, knives), scratching, burning, breaking bones or chronic picking at scabs. Cutting, by far, is the most used method by young people. It is estimated that 14 to 25 percent of adolescents self harm. Goyette reviewed what every parent asks – why. Why do children injure themselves?
People self-injure for many different reasons. Some selfinjure to:
• cope with anxiety or depression
• cope with loss, trauma, violence, or other difficult situations
• ‘punish’ themselves
• turn emotional pain into physical pain
• feel ‘real’ and counter feelings of emptiness or numbness
• feel euphoria
• regain control of their bodies
• simply feel better
Goyette stated that most self-injurers are not seeking attention, and do not want to end their lives. Because they are not attention seekers, it is sometimes hard for parents to even know that their child is hurting themself. Parents and educators must be observant and watch for signs, which can
Alan Goyette, Social Work and Attendance Councillor with the Greater Essex County District School Board was in Leamington on Wednesday, January 21 to help educators and parents in understanding this behaviour, provide community resources and answer questions.
include:
• unexplained frequent injuries, such as cuts and burns
• unexplained scars
• blood stains on clothes, towels, tissues, bedding
• wearing long pants and long-sleeved shirts all the time, even in warm weather
• a collection of sharp objects like razors, knives, needles, glass shards, or bottle caps in their possession. Pencil sharpeners are very common and very discreet for students.
• low self-esteem
• problems handling emotions
• problems with relationships
• long periods of unexplained time in the bathroom
Talking about self-injury won’t make someone start hurting themselves. Self-injury may not make sense to you and you may wonder why someone would hurt themselves, but your loved one’s feelings are very real. Here are a few more tips for helping a loved one:
• Instead of focusing on your loved one’s self-injury behaviours, it may be more helpful to focus on your concern for their wellbeing.
• Don’t demand that your loved one immediately stop self-injuring. • New healthy behaviours take time to learn. Instead, focus on supporting new behaviours and celebrate your loved one’s small steps forward.
• Avoid guilt, shame or judgement—these can get in the way of open and trusting relationships.
In Goyette’s experience he has been witness to children who say they don’t want their parents to know because they already have enough to deal with. In a sense, they are trying to protect the parents. Goyette stressed the importance of remaining calm and talking about the behavior and the underlying problem. Remind them they are loved by you and all the other people in their lives who love them.
ARE YOU AFFECTED BY SOMEONE ELSE'S DRINKING? The Wheatley Serenity Al-Anon Family Group meets every Monday at 7:30 p.m. at the Wheatley Friendship Club (north entrance), 171 Erie St. N.
DO YOU ENJOY VOLUNTEERING AND MEETING PEOPLE? South Essex Community Council in Leamington is currently looking for volunteers for Meals on Wheels Delivery. If you are interested in volunteering during the morning for about 1 hour per week or as a back-up volunteer, please call Noreen or Susan at SECC - 519326-8629 ext.381. www.secc.on.ca.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28Concerned about Lyme? Sun County Lyme Awareness Support Group first general meeting at Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens, at 6:30 p.m. Learn how Lyme affects our area.
THURSDAY, JANAURY 29 - The 2918 Army Cadets of Kingsville are holding an open house at the Kingsville Legion, located at 145 Division Rd South from 6:30 p.m. til 9:00 p.m. There will be information, demonstrations, refreshments and more. Everyone is welcome.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 29 - Merlin
United Church Apple Pie Fundraiser. Pies are being made on Thursday, January 29 at Merlin Community Hall. $8.00 each ~ ready to be baked or frozen. Pies will be available for pickup at the hall between 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Contact Ruth Haddock at 519-689-4953 to place your order.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 31 - Health & Beauty Fair at the Leamington & District Half Century Centre, 160 Talbot St. E. 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Come on out and see all the displays. Lunch will be available for purchase. All welcome.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4BLOOD DONORS NEEDED. Leamington Blood Donor Clinic, 4, 1:00 -7:00 p.m., and the Sherk Complex, 249 Sherk St. Bring a friend and donate. Call 1-888-2DONATE for info or to book an appointment. New donors and walk-ins welcome.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4Shooters Photography Club will meet 7:00 - 10:00 p.m., at Colasanti's Tropical Gardens, 1550 Rd. 3E, Ruthven, in the Willow Room at the food court. Please use west parking. Visit facebook.com for meeting and club info. For more details contact Mike at mtowne@sympatico.ca. Everyone welcome.
TUESDAYS - Epilepsy Support group meetings are held the first Tuesday of the month, 10:00 a.m.12:00 noon, at the Windsor United Way office, 300 Giles Blvd. E., Windsor. New members welcome. Info: Windsor/Essex Epilepsy Support Centre, 519-890-6614, epilepsywindsor@epilepsysupport.ca or visit the website at www.epilepsysupport.ca.
WEDNESDAYS - Are you looking for food and fellowship? Join us, no charge, at St. John’s Anglican Church, 60 Erie St. N., Leamington, from 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. Call 519-326-3111 for more information.
VOLUNTEER DRIVERS ARE NEEDED to transport people in Essex County and Chatham-Kent for dialysis treatments. Reimbursement of mileage is at .40 cents per km driven. We are in need of volunteer drivers to provide these essential appointments. To volunteer call 519-728-1435, long distance 1855-728-1433, or visit us at 499 Notre Dame St., Belle River.
IF YOU HAVE PARKINSON and would like to join our group for information, exercise and support, come by Tuesday mornings at 10:30 a.m. to the Half Century Club, 160 Talbot St. E. Leamington.
If you missed this seminar and are interested in this topic, a second NSSI presentation will be held at the Caboto Club in Windsor on January 29 at 7 p.m. Information on upcoming seminars can be found on the GECDSB websitehttps://publicboard.ca or follow on Twitter @mhseminars.
How a 1973 Barracuda failed to impress a girl
Pat Kettels of Maidstone has some good advice for any fellows hoping to impress a girl. Don’t do what he did!
“In 1981, when I was in Grade 11, I had just done a ground-up restoration on a 1973 Plymouth Barracuda. It had a 340 V8 with automatic, 4-bar-
rel carb, and dual exhausts. I painted it Night Watch Blue, a 1980 Chrysler colour. My dad was driving a Mirada at the time in that colour. A mechanic around the corner helped me rebuild the engine.
“There was a girl in high school who, on a scale of one to 10, was a 15! She was blonde, curvaceous, and every senior wanted to go out with her and she knew it. After school, she and her friends hung outside a variety store market in Emeryville and a friend of mine worked at a gas station across the street. One Friday night, I went to the gas station to keep my buddy company, and this girl and her friends were across the street. We were trying to think of some way to impress her.
“Sitting in the back of the gas station was a 40-gallon drum of oil with a pump on top and we came up with an idea (DON’T EVER TRY THIS!). We got a pop can and filled it with oil from the drum, had my buddy pour oil over my back tires while I was parked at the pumps, and I did a brake torque that made my whole car disappear in a cloud of smoke. Then my buddy started waving his hands up and down. My tires were on fire!
“I headed for the vacant lot next door, did donuts to put my tire fire out, then pulled back up to the pumps and
Golden Years
mini golf
Fifty golfers delivered a respectable 76 aces on January 22 at Colasanti’s.
Leading the ace parade with 4 apiece were Jim Allan, Murray Hartford, Gail Johnson, Andy Orsini and Doug Vickery. Following close behind with 3 each were Lloyd Honey, Bill Mayville, John Murphy, Gerrit Vriesen and Bill Ward. Chipping in with 2 each were Cheryl Allan, Herb Ascott, Kathy Bradley, Tom Dewhurst, Ethel Ferguson, Gary Honey, Julia Kos, Frank Lasi, Barry Sweet, John Vlodarchyk, Ken Womack and Pat Womack. One dropped for Mary Binder, Mike Binder, Dorothy Cascadden, Eunice Cascadden, Fran Clifford, Pete Daudlin, Nancy Hill, Tom Hyatt, Marie Lasi, Norbert Gisi, Carrol Imeson, Betty McManus, Winnie Moore, Barb Murphy, Colleen Pearse, Rose Taylor and Bryon Walker.
An excellent low score of 16 over 9 holes was shared by Julia Kos and Gerrit Vriesen. Recording 17 were Bill Mayville, Gail Johnson, Colleen Pearse, Gerrit Vriesen and Lloyd Honey. Managing 18 were Nancy Hill, Doug Vickery (2), Ken Womack (2), Bill Ward, Bill
OBITUARY
Pamela Pierce
Pamela Pierce passed away suddenly, in her 62nd year, at Sunnybrook Hospital, on Wednesday, January 21, 2015.
Predeceased by her parents Murray and Tana (nee Casper) Pierce. Pam will be remembered by her siblings Patricia and Paul (Sandra) Pierce, and was predeceased by her brother Peter Pierce (1994). She cherished her niece and nephew, Ryan and Melissa, and will be missed by them dearly.
Pam was generous, giving and always caring. She will be deeply missed.
Mayville (2), Bryon Walker, Murray Cascadden, Murray Hayes, Barry Sweet, Lloyd Honey, Marie Lasi, Cam Keith, Winnie Moore, Fran Clifford, Pete Daudlin and Mary Binder.
A remarkable 33 over 18 holes was shot by Gerrit Vriesen. Bill Mayville notched 35, while Ken Womack, Bill Ward and Lloyd Honey each had 36. Julia Kos, Bill Ward and Colleen Pearse recorded 37.
Bill Ward and Bill Mayville shared low score of 73
got out. Everyone, even Jenna, cheered, but the fire had come up the quarter panels, bubbled the new paint, warped the metal, and ruined my rear tires. I had to replace the quarter panels, get them repainted, and get new back tires, but I DIDN’T GET THE GIRL.”
The first Barracuda hit the pavement in mid-1964 as a 1965 hardtop coupe with a 108-inch wheelbase (two inches shorter than the Mustang). For 1967, a convertible coupe and fastback coupe were added. In 1970, it was available as a Barracuda or a ’Cuda, the abbreviation reflecting its popularity as a muscle car. Emission controls and high insurance rates in the early ’70s cut heavily into sales. The last Barracuda rolled off the line in 1974.
I’m always looking for more stories. Email billtsherk@ sympatico.ca or write Bill Sherk, 25 John St., P.O. Box 255, Leamington, ON, N8H 3W2. Everyone whose story is published in this column will receive a free autographed copy of my latest book: “Old Car Detective Favourite Stories, 1925 to 1965.”
over 36 holes. A score of 75 went to Lloyd Honey and 77 to Tom Hyatt, while Julia Kos and Gerrit Vriesen each shot 78.
First place bragging rights was secured by Team 2 (Julia Kos, Ken Womack, Bill Taylor, Bill Ward) with 232. Taking second place with 241 was Team Kings (Steve Vigh, Marie Lasi, Tom Hyatt). Third place, with 247, went to Team 4 (Betty McManus, Gerrit Vriesen, Lloyd Honey).
League play continues at
There was Memorial Visitation at Gilbert MacIntyre and Son Funeral Home, Hart Chapel, 1099 Gordon St., Guelph (519-821-5077) on Saturday, January 24 from 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. Cremation. A private family burial will be held at a later date.
As expressions of sympathy, donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated by the family.
Online condolences can be sent to www.gilbertmacintyreandson.com
9:30 a.m. every Thursday at Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens.
Leamington Dental Health Center
Dr. Bailey, Dr. Nguyen & Associates www.ldhc.ca Tel 519-322-2866 Fax 519-322-1769
We are looking for students who are interested in pursuing an education in health care and likely to return to work in our community. We want to improve and grow the health care services in this region.
Award Type: Scholarship Amount: $500
Number of Recipients: Two students annually
Category of Study: Health Care Related
Application Deadline: May 8th, 2015
Eligibility Criteria:
• Be in the graduating year of uninterrupted full-time studies in high school
• OR currently enrolled in a health care field.
• Has filed an application to attend a college or university upon graduating from High School
Application form:
• Please visit WWW.LDHC.CA to download application form OR
• Pick up form at 8 Clark St. W, Leamington, ON
It is about you, your dreams and aspirations, and your perseverance to succeed.
Good luck to all applicants from the LDHC team. And thank you for letting us be a part of your dental health care team for the past 27 years!
Pat Kettels in 1981 with his 1973 Plymouth Barracuda.
CALLING ALL RELAYERS
Join us at Relay Reunion to connect with old friends and hear about the exciting new plans for this year’s Relay For Life event!
Register today by calling 519-254-5116 or online at relayforlife.ca/reunion
Friday, February 20, 2015 Pelee Island Winery 455 Seacliff Dr., Kingsville 5:00-7:00pm
Queen of Peace students enjoy wood working
On Tuesday, January 13, Queen of Peace School with French Immersion invited Mr. Ted Wigfield and his construction students from Cardinal Carter Secondary School to make wooden snowmen.
The SK/1P children had never experienced working with wood. This was a great way to bridge the two schools.
The activity was a huge success and the participants are looking forward to getting together again.
Brent Pimentel sands his pieces of wood to get it ready to make his snowman.
Logan Schmidt (left) and Christopher Nakhle drill holes to put the pieces of wood together
Mr. Ted Wigfield shows Alan Ramos and Brent Pimentel what needs to be done.
Atom Minors sweep series
Southpoint Jose’s Bar and Grill Atom Minors travelled to Flamborough on January 24 for the third game in the series. Being two games up, Southpoint was hungry to win and finish off the series against Flamborough.
The first period showed great determination from both teams. Goalies were focused and on task with shots coming from both sides. The period ended with no score. In the second period, three minutes in, Flamborough sneaked one by to give them the lead. Minutes later, Southpoint forward Seth Zylstra scored to make it a tie. Assists went to Caleb Bradley and Kaeden Sarkis. Within a minute, Flamborough scored again to make it a 2-1 game going into third.
Starting off the third and down by a goal, Southpoint came out hard and scored less than a minute into the period. Tying it at two was Seth Zylsta, assisted by Hunter Morris. With both teams playing hard and wanting to win, Southpoint’s defence buckled down to keep the puck in the Flamborough end. The game ended 2-2 in regulation.
The first ever 10-minute overtime for Southpoint saw loud cheering parents watching from the stands and nervous coaches and excited players on the Southpoint bench. Skating hard to the Flamborough end with the forwards shooting every chance they had, Joshua Chauvin hit the back of the net (5:36) to give Southpoint the win.
Both Southpoint goalies, Hunter Enns and Cole Bradley, shared the net to bring home the victory for Atom Minor in their first playdown series. Way to go, boys!
Rhine Danube bowling scores
The following are the Rhine Danube bowling league scores for Jan. 12.
Games Over 200: John Fittler 213, Willy Fittler 204-234, Shawn Leclair 234, Jack Valade 202, Ozzie Wolf 205-215-203, Aaron Dickau 279, Richard Dickau 212-201, Kevin Kosempel 230, Heinz Kosempel 289234-216, Chris Kosempel 204-238-223, Albert Salvati 213, Dan Dalimonte 237, Shaun Garnham 224-257, John Nikosey Jr. 215-215. Series Over 550: Willy Fittler 619, Jack Valade 566, Ozzie Wolf 623, Aaron Dickau 644, Richard Dickau 562, Kevin Kosempel 563, Heinz Kosempel 739,
Chris Kosempel 665, Albert Salvati 558, Dan Dalimonte 567, Shawn Garnham 656, John Nikosey Jr. 623. High Handicap Games: Heinz Kosempel 327, Aaron Dickau 311, Shaun Leclair 300.
High Handicap Series: Heinz Kosempel 853, Lloyd Owens 781, Chris Kosempel 770, Ozzie Wolf 770. Standings: Rhine Danube 24, Weil’s 17, Unico 14, Fittler Farms 12, Dickau’s 11, Taki’s 6.
Atom Minors celebrate a sweep of their first series versus Flamborough in style with a ginger ale toast!
When the shirt hits the fan
As of late, I’ve been trying really hard not to cave in to the temptation to poke fun at the Leafs. Some day, possibly in the near future, my Habs will spiral into a losing streak and make a hypocrite of me.
Still, I can’t stop myself from saying it: I told you so. Since the Leafs gave Randy Carlyle the boot as head coach (after a loss to his former Jets, ironically enough), they’ve gone 1-7-0 (as of Jan. 21). From games three to seven in that stretch, the team wracked up a grand total of two goals.
Two.
In five games.
While Toronto was losing to the woeful Carolina Hurricanes Jan. 19, three fans at the ACC decided enough was enough (or is that Phaneuf was Phaneuf?). Over the course of the game, a trio of spectators tossed their Leafs jerseys onto the ice — not the first time it’s happened this season. Each of them is now facing the provincial offence of engaging in a prohibited activity (non-criminal). Toronto police have declared that such actions disrupted the enjoyment of the game for other fans.
If disrupting the enjoyment of a Leafs game is punishable by legal action, the Leafs themselves should all be on death row. Yeah, I know, capital punishment doesn’t exist in Canada, except when Washington visits the ACC or Rexall Place.
Anyway, these three fans have also been banned from entering Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment-owned facilities for a year. Some punishment. In response, I can only imagine how long it’ll be before a fan launches a civil suit against MLSE claiming that he or she paid through the nose for a ticket that was to grant them entry
RECREATION EVENTS RECREATION EVENTS
3 month New Year Shape-Up Special for only $115 & HST
QUIT Procrastinating! 2015 IS YOUR YEAR - Everyone is talking about fitness, health & wellness. Come work-out at your own pace or meet with a Personal Trainer!
Register now for the Winter 2 session: Regular Registration - Jan 26 – Feb. 1 (add $10 per registration) View the Activity Guide: leamington.ca/ Recreation.
NEW Programs! – We’ve added a night time Deep Water Cardio Fit, New! Adult Sport Yoga, New! Metabolic Repair Program, New! Adult Triathlon Clinic, New! And we’ve added another Walkers Plus Class on Friday mornings. And, did you know? The Sherk Complex offers a 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. AquaFitness Class on Monday and Wednesday afternoons? If your schedule doesn’t allow you to come in the morning or evening, try the 1:00 p.m. AquaFitness class for an invigorating cardio/strength workout! Complex Fitness Instructors lead amazing cardio and strength classes. Check-out over 50 Fitness & AquaFitness classes offered each week. Try out Pickleball, Recreational Gym, Badminton, the Walking/Jogging Track and Rec. Skating! There’s so much diversity with a SHERK COMPLEX Membership!
FREE SKATE for secondary school students in Leamington on Fri. Jan. 30 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. Hosted by the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Committee and sponsored by Essex Power Corporation. Come celebrate the end of Exams Leamington secondary students!
Canadian Blood Services will be set up in the Complex Gym Wed. Feb. 4 from 1:007:00 p.m. Call 1-888-2-Donate. Walk-ins also welcome. Help to save a LIFE.
Rock ‘n Swim - Fri. Feb. 13 - Complex Pool 7:15 - 9:00 p.m. Bring the family! Chuck Reynolds DJ Music is sponsored by UMEI Christian High School.
Family Day Mon. Feb. 16 - Bring your family to the Sherk Complex to play on Family Day.
- Open Rec. Gym time from 12 noon to 5:00 p.m.
- Free Public Skate from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. sponsored by FGT church.
- Open Swim from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. “Within Arms Reach Policy applies. LIKE and Share our Facebook! Don’t just Work-Out! ….. SHERK-OUT! at
have something for
Sherk St., Leamington 519-322-2337
to watch TWO hockey teams play a game.
Seriously though, it blows my mind that MLSE and Leafs players have the audacity to be angry at their fans. I can understand why there are safety concerns when someone throws an object onto the ice during play, which is apparently what each of these three fans did. That’s why they were justly removed from the arena sans refunds. But to press charges and ban them each for a year? Sounds like the only injuries inflicted were bruised egos for MLSE’s top brass. Or maybe Leafs players felt threatened by an empty sweater’s potential to outperform them offensively.
For me, hearing about the sweater incidents at the ACC triggered a few fond memories. One was the Simpsons episode where Whitey Ford (an actual baseball hall of famer who pitched for the Yankees) tried to console fans angered by the fact that Mr. Burns had just won the Isotopes’ draw for a new minivan. Poor Whitey was systematically pelted into unconsciousness with spectator-wielded pretzels.
Another was the age-old Wheatley tradition of tossing dead fish onto the ice following a playoff goal, a ritual that pre-dates the Junior C Sharks by several years. Rumour has it that an Essex 73’s player vomited after he caught a whiff of a semi-frozen chunk of carp that hit the ice. I can neither confirm nor refute the legend.
Yet another of course was reading The Hockey Sweater to my son for the first time. He was too young to understand it and my wife thought that Roch (the main character) was overreacting after receiving a Leafs jersey from Eaton’s to replace his worn-out Richard/Habs sweater. She asked me what I’d do if he grows up and becomes a Leafs fan. My answer was that we would simply kick him out of the house (I was joking of course, but my wife didn’t see any humour in the response). I went on to explain that the only other team he would be permitted to support would be the Jets, since the announcement of their return to Winnipeg occurred about two months prior to his birth.
Getting back on topic, Leafs fans are in a real pickle. For most, loyalty has morphed into more of an addiction than anything else. It’s like being in a relationship where you put your significant other on a pedestal and in return, he/she does virtually nothing to show appreciation for all your dedication and sacrifice. Once in a while, that partner will step out of character and do something nice for you (conference final appearance in 2002, taking Boston to seven games in 2013), but all it does is give you a false sense of hope that he/she will actually change.
It’s interesting how different people react to a horrible performance in organized team sports. Some find a bandwagon to board. Others turn their attention to another sport entirely. Governing bodies of certain leagues sometimes feel the need to get involved. I started losing interest in NASCAR after officials decided to enforce less advantageous rear spoiler angles/ heights on cars of one particular manufacturer if they won too many consecutive races.
Far more recently, a girls high school basketball coach in California was suspended for two games because his team thumped a notoriously bad opponent 161-2. The coach deployed second-string players for the entire second half, but that did little to quell the onslaught. For one, second string players given the chance to play typically work their guts out to prove they’re worthy of first-string treatment — can’t blame them for that.
The team that managed a mere point per half had lost a previous match by 91 points. It seems the threshold for suspension lies somewhere between a 92- and 159-point spread in California high school hoops. Would officials have ‘forgiven’ the coach had he instructed his players to score against themselves to narrow the gap? Personally, I think that would have been more insulting to the losing team than an outright pummeling.
What’s ironic is that if the winning team’s coach had gone unpunished, the game itself would have drawn far less attention and would have thus spared the losing squad a significant degree of international embarrassment.
Simply put, there are always ways to make bad teams better — punishing their fans or the better teams will never accomplish that.
Novices face Essex
The Southpoint Leamington Chrysler Novice hockey team welcomed the Essex Ravens White team on the weekend.
This was an exciting game right off the start.
Southpoint knew that they were up against a tough opponent so they came out strong. They held their ground and the excitement grew throughout the entire game.
Essex scored to take the lead first, but Zander Grilo of Southpoint came right back to score and tie it up. It was a tie game going into the second period.
Southpoint’s defensemen, Joel Stockwell, Daniel Saad, Adriana West and Nicholas Beaudoin, kept their guard up and made it really difficult for Essex to get anywhere near goalie Kaylie MacInnis. Colton Selwood,
Alessia West, Emma Weil and Zack Liebrock had a few scoring opportunities but couldn’t get the puck into the net.
Essex came back and scored one to take the lead. Just minutes later, Southpoint’s Daniel Saad came right back and scored a breakaway goal to tie it up again.
Essex snuck in a few times in the third, but Southpoint’s Kaylie MacInnis was on her game and made some awesome saves. Finally, they made it through and scored one more goal to take the lead.
Now Southpoint was determined and the puck did not leave the Essex zone. With Colton Selwood, Alessia West and Emma Weil on forward, they had multiple shots on net in a matter of seconds. Then Emma Weil dumped a goal in, but it was disallowed because the referee lost sight of the puck. The disappointment of the 3-2 loss lasted for seconds as the Leamington Chrysler kids took it in stride. They played an excellent game and are really coming together as a team.
BRYAN JESSOP
Jessop’s Journal
Velocity 14U boys ranked 9th in province
For the first time in club history, the 14U Boys Velocity Volleyball Club team has cracked the top 10 for the Ontario Volleyball Association (OVA) Provincial Rankings.
After their silver medal win on Jan. 17 the Velocity boys are ranked 9th in the province. With two more OVA tournaments to go, the Velocity boys will have a chance to improve on the rankings.
“This is really just the beginning for this team. We will have two more OVA tournaments prior to the Provincial Championships that will really matter for our final seeding at Provincials. This is a big step forward for our club and I am proud of the boys,” said head coach Jim Konrad.
Next up for the Velocity boys is their second OVA tournament on Feb. 21 with location yet to be determined. The Velocity Club will also host a home and away set of exhibition matches with the Riverside Rage teams from Windsor, and look to host an invitational tournament in Leamington prior to their Provincial Championships in Waterloo Apr. 24-26.
Velocity is looking to draw some of the top teams in Ontario to their tournament, which will likely be held at the Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex.
Stars weekend recap
On Sunday afternoon the Southpoint Stars teams hit the ice on the Unico Rink for some high intensity playoff action.
The Naples Pizza Southpoint Bantam Stars welcomed the Chatham Outlaws to the Unico Rink. The Lady Stars gave a great effort throughout this matchup but despite several great opportunities they just could not find the back of the net. The Outlaws scored a late goal in both the first and third periods to secure a 2-0 victory.
In another game that afternoon the WFCU Southpoint Intermediate Stars took on the Lakeshore Lightning. The Lady Stars were absolutely dominant in this game as they scored three unanswered goals to score a big 3-0 win! The Lady Stars got goals from Claire Phibbs, Keira Murracas and Lauryn Gradwell, with assists going to Chelsea Hickson (2), Gradwell, Murracas and Riley Gagnon. Alyee Church was a “Brick Wall” as she turned away every single shot that the Lightning sent her way and notched a big shutout for her team.
On Saturday night the WFCU Southpoint Intermediate Stars travelled to Tilbury to take on the Kent County Filles. The Filles proved to be a tough opponent in this contest, scoring five goals en route to a 5-1 win. Therese Lapain scored an unassisted goal for the Lady Stars.
Velocity 14U girls make silver semis
The University of Michigan, Dearborn, was the first stop for the 14U Girls Velocity Volleyball Club team in the 2015 tournament season. Velocity was making their debut with several athletes playing for the first time at the club level. The tournament consisted of 12 teams from throughout Michigan and the Velocity girls. Velocity is led by captain Megann Gillett (Leamington) and co-captain Iseonna Silliker (Leamington).
Velocity started the day a bit slow with two straight match losses to Legacy 14U Grey (10/25, 19/25) and Legacy 14U White (8/25, 19/25).
With a slight break the team sat down to discuss how to approach their final match of pool play against Great Lakes Regional and won both sets (25/19, 25/16).
Head coach Jim Konrad talked about the bonding of the team on the floor. “Our goals in these early tournaments is for all athletes to have fun and bond as a team. The more they enjoy each other off the floor the better they will do on the floor as one unit,” said Konrad.
The Velocity win placed them 7th in the rankings and sent them to the Silver Division playoffs where once again they met the Legacy 14U Grey team in the semis, losing in two straight (10/25, 17/25). Macy Hodgson (Leamington) led the day with 13 kills, 1 block and 7 service aces. Megann Gillett (Leamington) had 10 kills and 9 service aces, and newcomer Rayann DeMers (Comber) contributed in the libero position with 10 digs.
Velocity 14U girls are back in action on Sunday, Feb. 1 when they head to Mount Morris, Michigan. The team looks to build on their experience from this first tournament of the Club Volleyball season.
14U Girls Velocity Volleyball Club, front row, left to right: Megann Gillett, Iseonna Silliker, Mayson Cornies, Rayann DeMers. Back row: Gene Dueck (assistant coach), Alexia Resendes, Maple Kumar, Macy Hodgson, Payten Cervini, Soleil Klassen, Jessica Weil, Jim Konrad (head coach).
Velocity 14U boys team, front row, left to right: Andrew Botham, Jacob Derksen, Damon Proctor. Back row: Jim Konrad (head coach), Jack Marentette, Caden Lear, Blake Harnadek, Kyle Montpetit, Spencer Campeau. Absent from photo: Assistant coach Gene Dueck and team manager Mariel Konrad.
Oldtimers cruise through Belle River tournament
The Wheatley Oldtimers went undefeated in the annual Belle River Goodtimers tournament on the weekend at the new Lakeshore Atlas Tube Arena.
The local squad topped Duffy’s Tavern by a 4-2 score to open the weekend on Friday night. Gary Gayer led the team with a hat trick.
Saturday, the Wheatley crew managed another 4-2 win, this time over Mildewed.
Saturday night, the locals beat the Lansing Juniors 4-1 to solidify their berth in the finals. Jim Quick provided the offensive spark with a hat trick of his own.
The final on Sunday pitted Wheatley against Duffy’s in a tightly-played game. The locals had their chances and actually had a goal waved off, before finally getting one to stick. Early in the final period, Tim McIntosh fired a shot from his knees that was re-directed by Todd Stevenson into the net. That one goal stood as the game winner. Scott Shilson made several key saves in the waning minutes to preserve the shutout and the victory for the Oldtimers.
Atom girls win two
The Community Trophies Southpoint Stars Atom Girls played a home and home against the LaSalle Sabres this past weekend.
On Saturday, in LaSalle, the Stars took an early lead when Myah Brown scored the first goal. Just 45 seconds later, Meagan Derksen scored a sweet goal for the Stars to give them a solid lead.
went for it. She stick handled through all of the Sabres and went right for the net. Shannon popped the first goal in for the Stars.
Southpoint held the puck in their zone and had many scoring chances. Kaitlynn Pickard and Ava Hildebrandt had a few breakaways but the Sabres turned up the heat. Meagan Derksen had a sweet shot on net as the puck zipped along the goal line but didn’t cross. Stars forward Alessia West had a few sweet breakaways but the Sabres’ goalie stopped her shots.
The Stars were on their game! Even with a defense-woman short, Paige Derbyshire, Tara Tiessen and Adriana West were determined to keep the Sabres out. Both teams worked really hard but the Stars were determined to take the win. The girls were making great passes and showed excellent teamwork.
The Stars had multiple scoring opportunities and kept the crowd on the edge of their seats. They turned their aggressiveness up a notch and it made for a really exciting game. Stars goalie Evan Gualtieri was ready for a shutout. But then, with just minutes left in the third period, she saved a shot but was pushed into the net. Unfortunately, the refs allowed the fluke goal for the Sabres. As time ran out, the girls counted down and the Stars took the second win in their playdowns 2-1.
The Sabres kept playing strong and had a couple of scoring chances, but Paige Derbyshire and Adriana West shut them down. Leah Youssef, Danika Romanyk, Brooke DaCosta and Alyssa Quick played wing, and were always in position and made some excellent plays. Even while she was under the weather, Leah was grinding and made some awesome passes. Evan Gualtieri got her second shutout in playdowns.
The Stars all showed determination and drive as they won their second game this weekend.
The Stars’ record in playdowns is 3-1-0. They are off to an excellent start! Parents and coaches are extremely proud of how they have all come together as a team.
On Sunday afternoon the Sabres came to Leamington. The stands were filled and the excitement still lingered from the night before.
The Stars came out strong. In the first period, Stars defense-woman Shannon Harris saw an opportunity and just
The team is looking forward to travelling with their ‘big sisters’, the Stars Intermediate Leamington Kinsmen, to their upcoming tournament this weekend in Brampton. Good luck, Stars!
With love,
Love Always, Madeline, Blair & Denise, Jay & Betty, Dale & Judy, and
The Wheatley Oldtimers, back row left to right: Todd Stevenson, Bruce King (coach), Mark Ribble, Matt Phibbs, Andy Herring, Gary Gayer, Dennis Ribble, Wes Wright, Jeff Bowman, Tim McIntosh. Front row: Barry Colenutt, Jim Quick, Terry Scratch, Alex Crane, Randy Garant, and goalie Scott Shilson.
Sharks reeled in by Flyers
By Bryan Jessop
The Wheatley Sharks continue to struggle in the final weeks of the regular season, most recently through a 2-1 shootout loss to the visiting Alvinston Flyers.
The defeat was the third in a row for Wheatley, which has managed only one win against the last-place Wallaceburg Lakers in its past seven games. Although the Kings, Blades, Flyers and Sharks are separated by only four points, Wheatley will have to win its remaining two games against Essex and Blenheim and hope for key losses from Dresden, Blenheim and Alvinston to finish any higher than seventh.
The Saturday, Jan. 24 contest against the Flyers was an evenly-matched, back-and-fourth contest for the most part, with both goalies making key saves when necessary. The Sharks outshot their guests by a narrow 27-26 margin going into overtime, where Alvinston stepped up the offensive pace for an 8-2 shots advantage.
The Flyers struck first with the only goal of the opening period and the only power play marker when Kole Keating snapped a onetimer past Conner MacKinnon from a few inches in front of the Sharks’ crease.
Wheatley’s penalty killing unit was effective otherwise, successfully keeping Alvinston at bay. The first period included a fiveon-three advantage for the visitors that ran a course of nearly a minute, but the trio of defending Sharks managed to ice the puck and close down shooting lanes until its team returned to even strength.
Bryce of the Alvinston Flyers dives across the ice to intercept during a Saturday, Jan. 24 match at Wheatley Area Arena. The
lost 2-1 in a shootout.
The second period was the strongest for Wheatley offensively, where it more than doubled the Flyers’ shot output 13-6. Persistence and fluent movement of the puck finally paid off after 3:17 of play, when defenseman Riley Enns released an ice-level slap shot from the point that raced past a screened Brett Avery and into the Alvinston net. Enns’ third goal of the season was assisted by Lucas Raffoul and Austin Thompson.
An unproductive third period sent the two teams into overtime, where MacKinnon made multiple pad and blocker saves to keep the game in process. Alvinston appeared to score early in the third frame, but officials waved the goal off as the puck was dislodged from the goal line before the puck made its way past the Sharks’ netminder.
The Flyers were also nearly denied a shot at overtime when a Mike Reid shot grazed the outer left post.
Alvinston’s first two shooters did all the damage necessary following overtime. Cole Harris and Kirklin Dorman beat MacKinnon while Raffoul and Thompson failed to find the back of the Flyers’ net.
“It’s frustrating to lose like that,” said Sharks head coach Ken Galerno. “We’ve scored five goals, four goals in a game and still couldn’t pull off a win. Tonight,
we allow just one goal but couldn’t find the net. We’ve got to find ways to win.”
Galerno noted however that the second-last home ice game of the regular season was not without promising signs.
“I was impressed with how our defense played tonight,” he explained. “That’s something we’ll keep working on tomorrow (Sunday, Jan. 25’s practice).”
Although the Sharks have recently slid from fourth to seventh and will most likely be without home ice advantage in the quarterfinals, they are not about to panic.
“We’ve got to get playoff ready, but anybody is capable at any time,” Galerno noted.
Just prior to their final regular-season game of 2014-15 against the Blenheim Blades, the Sharks will pay tribute to their four graduating-age players. Goaltender Conner MacKinnon, defenseman Mike Reid and forwards Jimmy Ciacelli and Brendon Anger are the team’s 1993-born veterans who will be honoured prior to the opening faceoff at 7 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 31.
Wheatley’s final road game of the regular season was played Tuesday, Jan. 27 in Essex against the firstplace 73’s. Results were not available by press deadline.
The Sharks’ Jimmy Ciacelli looks to teammate Scott Florence to receive a pass while Hunter
Sharks
Southpoint Minor Hockey Team Red and Team Black mites teams pose for photos just prior to a five-minute mini game at Wheatley Area Arena. The game was played during the second intermission of a Wheatley Sharks game against the Alvinston Flyers Saturday, Jan. 24.
Cougars hockey team reaches .500
By Bryan Jessop
The team that managed only a single point last season has now gone more than a month without feeling the sting of defeat.
The Cardinal Carter girls hockey team went into the WECSSAA-wide exam break with a Monday, Jan. 20 victory against the visiting Tecumseh Vista Academy Vortex. Goalkeeper Alyee Church earned her second shutout of the season in a 2-0 victory for the Cougars at Unico Arena, bringing the team’s record to three wins, three losses and two ties. The win extended Cardinal Carter’s undefeated streak to four games — it’s most recent loss being a 2-1 decision against Massey Tuesday, Dec. 16.
Despite having only six skaters and a goalie suited up for the Jan. 20 contest, the Vortex made a heroic effort from start to finish, generating roughly the same number of scoring chances as their hosts.
An even two lines plus Church laced up the skates for the semester-ending match, as five healthy scratches were unable to participate for various reasons.
“Ninety-nine per cent of our grit was gone and you could tell,” said Cougars coach Chris Lapain. “Their (TVA’s) best player wasn’t here. Still, Vista made a great effort — they should be proud of themselves.”
“WE’RE proud of them,” added co-coach Chris Church of the visitors’ efforts. “I thought they played better as a team this time (compared to a 1-1 draw between the same teams Monday, Jan. 12).”
The first period was quiet on the offensive front for both sides, although the Cougars managed to bury the game-winner with just over two minutes remaining. During one of her team’s two power plays, Gioia Diciocco took a forward pass from teammate Bryanna Rodrigues and sent a wrist shot past netminder Alyssa Noble-Bunn for the 1-0 lead.
Vista spent the rest of the game valiantly trying to come up with the equalizer, but couldn’t gain control of loose pucks in front of the Cougars’ net. The guests also battled fatigue that limited the number and effectiveness of forward rushes against Cardinal Carter’s defense.
After the teams struggled to come up with the next goal through a scoreless second, Kayla Collison provided the Cougars with an insurance goal at what would have been roughly the midway point of the third. Also taking a feed from Rodrigues, Collison advanced to about half way between the blue line and goal line before sending a low wrist shot between Noble-Bunn’s left skate and left post.
Because of a late start, the game’s curfew buzzer sounded off with 4:33 remaining in the final period.
With the win, the Cougars advanced to within a single point of the third-place Vortex in the six-team Tier II conference. Cardinal Carter will put its undefeated streak and zero-loss home ice record on the line against the first-place and undefeated L’Essor Aigles Tuesday, Feb. 3 at 3 p.m. The Cougars started the regular season with a 3-1 loss to the Aigles Tues-
Curling Club hosts inaugural Glow-in-the-Dark Bonspiel
By Melissa Paine
On Saturday, Jan. 24 the Sun Parlour Curling Club (SPCC) hosted its inaugural Glow-in-the-Dark Bonspiel.
The club hopes to hold one, if not two, similar events during next year’s curling season and plans are also in the works for an open Saturday night event called “Rock and Curl” in the coming months.
Sun Parlour Curling Club has an active Facebook page and Twitter feed. Check them out, call the club directly or see the website for more details.
day, Nov. 25 in Tecumseh.
“We’re a different team now than we were at the beginning of the season,” Lapain noted.
Cardinal Carter’s regular season will wrap up Wednesday, Feb. 4 in Essex against the Red Raiders.
The Cougars’ playoff future is still unclear, as first round opposition will depend on the results of their last two games as well as the final rankings of fellow 2A teams in Tier 1. Tier II 2A teams include L’Essor, Tecumseh Vista Academy, Cardinal Carter and Essex while Tier I 2A squads include General Amherst, Leamington and Belle River.
The club has been working hard for several months now to purchase and install black lights, paint the ice with a specialized black light-reactive paint and work out all the finer details, which includes such things as how to make the rocks glow to better aid the players during the game, and a viewing area in the clubhouse for visitors.
After a bit of trial and error the day arrived and SPCC opened their doors to a gaggle of glowing curlers from clubs in Windsor, Detroit, Kingsville, Exeter, Norwich and Guelph and their own home rink here in Leamington. The club was full of a jovial energy as club members and community members who weren’t curling came to watch the games and join in the deLIGHTful atmosphere.
The Cougars’ Gioia Diciocco fires a shot past Tecumseh Vista Academy defender Kassidy McCubbin and at the Vortex net during a Tuesday, Jan. 20 WECSSAA Tier II girls hockey game at Unico Arena. Diciocco scored the game winner in a 2-0 victory, extending Cardinal Carter’s unbeaten streak to four games.
Cougars goalie Alyee Church slides across the crease to keep a Kassidy McCubbin shot out of the net during a WECSSAA Tier II girls hockey game at Unico Arena Tuesday, Jan. 20. Church earned her second shutout of the season as Cardinal
(Photos by Christopher Dundas)
WFS Bantams on 11-game winning streak
With a highly decorated season, Southpoint’s Windsor Factory Supply Bantams have struck gold in an 11game winning streak and are looking for more.
Southpoint faced the firstplace team in the league known as Essex Team 9. Due to a very competitive, hard hitting, intense game played late in 2014, there is no love lost between these two teams.
On Jan. 22, Southpoint travelled to Essex to play for bragging rights. Essex has lost only 1 game this season and tied 5. The loss came from WFS along with one of those ties. The air in the arena was thick, yet sobering, and the players expressed their pre-game butterflies.
From the moment that the puck dropped, WFS showed that they were in command. Each and every player backchecked with force and took offensive opportunities with poise and patience. This game would heavily influ-
ence the playdowns and, understandably, each player was willing to lay it on the line and give it their all.
Southpoint struck in the first period with a showstopper goal by Aiden Rodrigues, who elegantly drove the puck past the netminder, who was caught off guard, with a rocket shot. Rodrigues was assisted by Captain Dante Butera and the Magician Ely Brian.
The second period was a nail biter. Derrick Antunes showed his talent as he received a brilliant pass through the neutral zone from Butera, where Antunes tested the tender to pull him across the net and slide the puck in the 5-hole. This put WFS up 2-0. It was short lived, as Essex hammered a goal past Dibbley with a top corner shot.
The game became more physical with Essex taking a few major penalties that Southpoint was unable to capitalize on.
Coming out of the penalty
box, Essex player Fuerth took a slap shot that found its way past goalie Tyler Dibbley.
Heading into the third period with a score of 2-2, Southpoint’s offense was strong, putting great pressure on Essex. At the 6:40 mark of the third, Derrick Antunes hustled to gain positioning in the offensive zone. Antunes received a trickling pass from Butera, and Antunes buried the puck. A one-goal lead certainly was discomforting for WFS; however, the wall came up from the defense and WFS allowed no offensive opportunities by the Essex team.
WFS went on to win 3-2. A disappointed Essex team departed the ice with a sign of frustration as they hold first place but cannot find the formula to beat this Southpoint WFS team.
Sat. Jan. 24 the Leamington WFS #4 played host to Leamington #3. These two teams have had some great games over the season. As of late, WFS has shown a commanding dominance that has frustrated their local buddies. WFS won this game by a score of 5-0.
First Half Winners
The first goal in this game came from Derrick Antunes, who accepted a brilliant pass from Austin Tiessen. Goal #2 was scored by Dante Butera, assisted by linemate Derrick Antunes with a tictac-toe manoeuvre. The next goal was scored by powerhouse Aiden Rodrigues who kicked the puck from his skates to his stick after receiving a pass from Butera. Goal #4 was scored by Aiden Rodrigues, assisted by Antunes and linemate Butera. The fifth goal was scored by Captain Butera, who rifled the puck in the 5-hole of netminder Cer-
County Bridge Results
Leamington Half Century Centre, Mon. Jan. 19: North/South - 1st Marie Ellwood and Roger Cote, 2nd Derek Parry and Al Morrison, 3rd Joyce Gammie and Sandy Gammie.
East/West - 1st Dave Derbyshire and Mame Nicholson, 2nd Buddy Ellwood and Agnes Fraser, 3rd Ron Martin and Roy Trowell.
Bridge games are played every Monday, 12:45 p.m., at the Leamington Half Century Centre. Members and new members are welcome.
vini, assisted by none other than Aiden Rodrigues and Trevor Dyck.
The Southpoint WFS winning streak is a commanding 11 games in a row. Goalie Tyler Dibbley remains strong between the pipes with another shutout. Look for more exciting hockey as the team heads into the playdowns.
The winners of the Sun Parlour Curling Club Monday men’s league for the first half of the curling season was the team of Joe Drummond (skip), Matt Dick, Roy Armstrong and Tom Bondy. As winners, the team chose to donate the money from the prize pool to the Salvation Army on behalf of the Sunparlour Curling Club. (Submitted photo)
SOUTHPOINT SUN
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ONE & TWO BEDROOM apartment. Apply at 399 Erie Street South, Gaspards Cafe or call 519-326-5519. ja21-28
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ERIE APARTMENTS
Heights 400 Oak St. E., Leamington GREAT 2 bdrms, UTIL INCL! COME SEE! Social room w/events, pkg, secure entry, on-site mgmt.
KAHL RECYCLINGWe come to you and haul away your junk. Scrap metal and appliances are free. Everything else has a fee. Call Ken 519-322-8305, 519-326-8559. ja14-tf
PLUMBROOK MANOR APARTMENTS
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1 BEDROOM CONDO for rent - 44 Robson Rd Leamington. $750 plus util/month. No pets. Call Kathy 519-326-5786. de17-tf
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J J STITCHING - SEWING, alterations and repairs. Pants shortened $8.50 plus tax. (Some exceptions may apply such as lined pants.) If your clothing is too tight or too baggy, give me a call to see if it can be altered. Call Jean at 519-968-2261. 14 Johnson Avenue, Leamington. ja14-mr25
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SPAGHETTI & MEATBALL FUNDRAISER DINNERFriday, February 6th, 5:007:30 p.m. St. John's Anglican Church, 60 Erie St. N., Leamington. Call for Tickets: adults - $15; children (5-12) - $5; children under 5 - Free. 519-3263111. ja28-fe4
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SUPER VHS VIDEO Camera with blank cassettes, battery charger and battery pack - $50. Call or text Steve at 519-324-5879. ja14-28
SOUTHPOINT SUN
Armstrong Top Pack Ltd. is hiring 50 permanent, full time vegetable packers for its Leamington location to start as soon as possible. The wage rate is $11.00 for 44.0 hours per week.
You should be able to lift up to 50 lbs. on a repetitive basis and be able to sort and pack fruits and vegetables in a fast paced environment.
No education or experience is required.
Apply in person from 9:00 to 5:00 at 500 County Road 18, Leamington, N8H3V5 or by email jobs@toppack.ca
ONE AZ DRIVER needed. Produce run to Toronto/ Montreal. Clean CVOR/ Abstract. 1 year experience required. Must be dependable. Call 519-851-2313. ja7-28
DINIRO FARM NEEDS full time greenhouse general labourers. $11.00/hour, 50+ hours, 7 days/week. Must be available Saturday and Sunday. Must be able to lift a minimum of 40 pounds on a repetitive basis. Please apply via email to: dinirofarm@wavedirect.net. ja28
RETAIL SALES
Retail Sales and Customer Service
Experience Preferred
Please drop off Resume
Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm to:
238 Talbot St. W. Leamington, ON
WANTED
Experienced, Licensed:
Forward resume to:
238 Talbot St. W. Leamington, ON N8H 1P1 Email: grossi@grossiplumbing.ca • Fax: 519-326-3632
FISHERMEN/WOMEN
WANTED - Salary
$2,769.87 monthly with potential performance bonus. Operate fish vessel and select area for fishing using compasses, charts or electronic fish aids. Prepare, operate and maintain gill nets to catch and retrieve fish. Direct fishing operation. Record fishing activities. Maintain fishing gear and other equipment. Transport fish and other equipment to processing plants or fish buyers. 3 - 4 years of prior gill net work experience is mandatory. Apply by sending CV at sacofish@mnsi.com or drop it off at Saco Fisheries –21116 Erie Street South, Wheatley, Ontario. ja7-28
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
TRUCK DRIVER NEEDEDFull time, slip seat driverposition. Part time positions also available, weekdays and/or weekends. Minimum 3 years experience with an A-Z license & refrigerated equipment. Main corridorOntario/Quebec. Some U.S. runs. Must be able to cross U.S. border. Send resume/abstract to: P.O. Box 39, Ruthven, Ontario N0P 2G0 or email to trucking@goldenjem.com. ja21-fe11
STURGEON WOODS RVis looking for a full time or part time salesperson. Fax resume to 519-326-6567.
20 VACANCIES – PRODUCE PACKERS GREENHOUSE WORKER AND GENERAL LABOUERER REQUIRED
• Must be able to work weekends as scheduled.
• Permanent. Full Time.
• $11.00 per hour.
Apply by Mail: P.O. Box 61 Leamington, ON N8H 3W1
Apply by Fax: 519-326-6130
Apply by Email: humanresources@amcogroup.biz
Fort Dearborn Company, has an immediate opening for a: QUALITY MANAGER
The successful candidate will manage and coordinate quality system to meet and facilitate quality production standards, to achieve company core strategies. Three to five years related experience in manufacturing quality experience, or equivalent combination with education. Experience with the ISO/HACCP and BRC standards and a solid understanding of quality management systems a must. Strong computer and problem solving skills, and capable of facilitating continuous improvement activities. Working knowledge of Health & Safety requirements an asset.
Please apply to: Email: jmoore@fortdearborn.com
Fort Dearborn Company, has an immediate opening for:
HEALTH & SAFETY/MAINTENANCE TEAM LEADER
Successful candidate must have direct experience and knowledge in all aspects of Health & Safety, as well as hands on with troubleshooting mechanical problems. Strong employee management and problem solving skills necessary. A solid background in maintenance and troubleshooting in a manufacturing environment, excellent written and verbal communication skills, proficient in Microsoft office.
Please apply to: Email:jmoore@fortdearborn.com
Greenhouse vegetable warehouse looking for a motivated individual to fill the following position:
Accounts Payable Clerk
Specializing in Freight Knowledge
Looking for an individual to prepare day to day processing and monitoring of all Freight invoices and payments. Must have knowledge of accounts payable and demonstrate a high level of accuracy and attention to detail. Must have solid critical thinking, analytical and problem solving skills, computer skills including the ability to operate computerized accounting software (preference to experience with Famous Software), spreadsheet and email software using Microsoft.
Mail, fax or email resumes by February 6th, 2015 to:
No phone calls accepted and only suitable applicants will be contacted.
PINNACLE ACRES
REQUIRES Full time greenhouse general labourers. $11.00/hr, 50+ hours, 7 days/wk. Must be available Saturday and Sunday. Work site: 333 County Rd. 18 Leamington ON, rural setting, must have own transportation. Crop maintenance and harvesting, other duties as required. Must be able to lift a minimum of 40 lbs on a repetitive basis, fast paced environment, strong work ethic, punctual, reliable. Please apply via: email pinnaclejobs@hotmail.com or fax: 519-326-9253. No experience or education required.
oc15-tf
Work in
Work cooperatively with all co-workers
Please forward your resume to hr@orangelinefarms.com
Greenhouse vegetable warehouse looking for motivated individuals to fill the following positions:
Dry Goods Inventory Clerk (Full-Time, Nights or Mid-Nights Mon-Sat) (Part-Time, Afternoons, Thurs-Sat) Maintain proper records of inventory. Count materials in stock and in warehouse. Coordinate incoming and outgoing materials. Ensure orders are filled and sufficient stock is maintained.
Receiving Forklift Drivers (Mon-Sat) (Full-Time, Days & Nights, Rotational) Lift truck experience preferred. Produce or warehouse experience preferred. Fast paced environment, attention to detail.
Packers/Greenhouse Worker (Full-Time, Days or Nights, Mon-Sat) Packing experience an asset. Must be reliable and have good attendance. Able to work days, afternoons, nights & weekends.
Industrial Cleaner
(Full-Time, Days or Nights, Mon-Sat) Ensure facility is kept clean throughout entire shift. Sweeping, mopping, and cleaning of washrooms & warehouse. Other janitorial tasks may be required.
Quality Inspector
(Full-Time, Rotational, Mon-Sat)
Produce experience an asset. Data entry and Excel skills required. Ability to lift up to 35 lbs. Able to work days, nights and weekends.
No phone calls accepted and only suitable applicants will be contacted
SOUTHPOINT SUN
HELP WANTED
Receptionist / Administration in busy physiotherapy clinic located in the Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex. Part time with possibility of full time. Working knowledge of AbelMed Software an asset.
Please apply with resume to: infokscrowder@gmail.com
Please send resume to the clinic by fax: 519-324-9128 or email: cat@renewphysiotherapy.ca
www.crownsteelbuildings.ca
OPPS
Wanted: Managers with experience in retail or grocery stores.
Positions are located in Nunavut or Northwest Territories
View job descriptions on our website at: www.arctic.coop
Please send your resume to: HumanResources@Arctic.Coop Or fax to: 1-204-632-8575
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2015
Flyers split overtime games
Home Sweet Home continues to be the Leamington Flyers’ motto as the team digs further into 2015. Twenty-four hours after suffering a 2-1 overtime defeat in London, the Flyers appeared destined for their second loss of the season at Heinz Arena. Trailing 3-1 with less than seven minutes left in the third, Leamington’s offense sprung back to life by scoring twice in less than two-and-a-half minutes and avoiding a shootout via a Tyler Duarte goal as the overtime counter ticked down to nine seconds.
The Flyers dominated the first period of the Thursday, Jan. 22 match, where they outshot the Stars 14-3. Leamington’s forwards created several scoring chances, but were unable to solve newest St. Thomas goalie Brendan Polasek. Veteran forward Kyle Quick beat the recent acquisition from the Caledonia Corvairs with a wrist shot, but the puck collided square with the post to keep the score at 0-0 for the first intermission.
Although the Stars managed nothing in the way of serious scoring threats in the first, the Flyers did receive a scare when Colin Moore intercepted a slap shot with his leg. Forced to limp to the bench, Moore eventually made his way to the dressing room where he was assisted by training staff. He reappeared on the ice later in the game and is not expected to miss upcoming games despite suffering a bruised kneecap.
The Flyers’ offense offered much of the same in the second frame, forcing the Stars to commit several turnovers in their own zone that left Polasek responsible for a string of impressive saves. Despite playing a late shift, Mitch Amante managed to summon the energy needed to outrace a St. Thomas defender and snap a low shot past Polasek and into the right corner of his net. Chris Scott assisted on the marker, registered with less than five minutes in the middle period. The lead stood for 51 seconds. With his fellow St. Thomas forwards offering a far more spirited effort than in the first, Ryan Valentini took a setup and sent a backhand shot past Michael Barrett from close range to even the score. Taking advantage of a breakaway opportunity, Valentini struck again with a fake to left side of the goal before sending the puck between the right post and Barrett’s right pad. The go-ahead goal came 46 seconds prior to the buzzer. The Stars took the 2-1 lead into the second intermission despite being outshot by a slim 16-15 margin. The Flyers’ offense cooled off for most of the third period. Forward rushes were repeatedly broken up by St. Thomas’s defensemen, often shortly after the puck was carried over their blue line. Penalty trouble also found the Flyers in the first half of the third, granting the Stars a brief five-on-three advantage. With 13
seconds left in the double power play, Brett Van Dusen set loose an ice-level shot that made its way past a sliding Barrett for a 3-1 score. The goal was the 100th against the Flyers this season — only two clubs in the 26-team league (Caledonia and Welland of the Golden Horseshoe Conference) have surrendered less than 100 goals thus far.
The end of Leamington’s 13-game, home-ice winning streak appeared close at hand, as forward advances continued to stall and the time remaining whittled down to seven minutes. Hope was restored however when Kyle Perkowski made a commendable effort to outhustle Stars’ defenders and bury the puck from close range as the clock ticked down to 6:26. Blaine Bechard drew the only assist on the goal, which seemed to revive the Flyers’ offensive lines. It was two minutes and 18 seconds later when Amante burst through the St. Thomas defense and fired a shot at Polasek. The netminder made the initial save, but the puck bounced directly back toward Amante, who wasted no time with the second opportunity. Alex Friesen and Kyle Quick assisted. Leamington’s defense also made a dramatic return for the third, where they allowed only four shots while the Flyers eventually mustered 11.
Overtime seemed destined to pave the way for a shootout as most Leamington skaters made their way to the bench for a line change in the dying seconds. After taking a feed from Quick, Duarte outran and outmaneuvered both Stars’ defenders before advancing to the net and flipping a shot just left of Polasek’s left pad for the game winner. Jacob McGhee was also credited with an assist on the goal, scored with 9.4 seconds to spare.
“First of all, Quick made a great play along the boards to get the puck to me,” Duarte said of his astonishing game winner. “After the defense went down (attempting to block a shot that Duarte instead decided to hold back), I just made a move and tried to be patient. When I saw a hole, I took a shot for it and fortunately, it went in.”
The goal was the second game winner as a Flyer for Duarte and extended his team’s home-ice winning streak to 14. Not including a neutral-site loss to Ancaster where Leamington was officially the home team, the Flyers have won 17 straight at Heinz Arena.
“It was a great character win for us,” Duarte noted. “We just stick with it and played as a team.”
“I thought we squandered a lot of good chances early and we had a couple breakdowns,” said Flyers’ head coach Tony Piroski. “We found a way to win, which is what good teams do. We can’t get too high
By bryan jessop
with the highs or too low with the lows. We just have to stay at an even keel.”
A day earlier, Matthew Opblinger gave Leamington a 1-0 lead late in the first period at the Western Fair Community Centre against the hosting Nationals. An uncharacteristically ineffective penalty kill however became the Flyers’ downfall, as Derek Todosichuk evened the score early in the third and Drew Worrad beat Trevor Wheaton in overtime — both during power plays. London went two for four with the extra man while Leamington was held to two for zero. Shots on net were nearly even, as Wheaton faced 30 and Connor Hughes stopped all but one of 31. Leamington hosted its last Sunday game of the season Jan. 25 against the Sarnia Legionnaires. The Flyers won 5-2, with goals from Amante, Scott, Eric Henderson and the final two of the game by Quick. The Flyers led 2-0 by midgame, but a Davis Boyer tally late in the first and a Tyler Prong goal early in the third tied the score at 2-2. Henderson netted the game winner on a power play, followed by the first Quick goal about two-and-a-half minutes later. Quick’s 15th of the season was an empty-netter with 40 seconds remaining.
Leamington outshot the Legionnaires 37-23 while going one for three on the power play. Sarnia was held to zero for six. The Legionnaires’ loss coupled with a pair of weekend wins for the Maroons vaulted Chatham into second place in the Western Conference. With the Sunday win, the Flyers remained 12 points ahead of Chatham in the race for first and can finish the regular season in no worse than third place with eight games to go.
Rest of the West
LaSalle defeated visiting St. Marys 3-1 Wednesday, Jan. 21, followed by a 7-5 victory for Sarnia over London the next day. On Friday, Strathroy won 4-1 against St. Thomas while LaSalle earned a 6-1 victory against St. Marys. Chatham won 3-0 in Strathroy on Saturday before coming home for a 9-2 Sunday victory against London. The unusually busy Sunday also included a 4-3 regulation score favouring Lambton Shores over St. Thomas.
Upcoming Home Games: thurs jan 29 vs ST. marys 7:10PM thurs feb 5 vs lambron shores 7:10PM
Upcoming away Games: sat jan 31 vs Lambton shores 7:30PM sat feb 7 vs sarnia 7:10PM
Kyle Perkowski celebrates a third-period goal to bring the Flyers within one during the third period of a Thursday, Jan. 22 GOJHL game against the St. Thomas Stars. The Flyers trailed by two past the midway point of the third, but bounced back for a 4-3 overtime victory. (Sun photo)
The Leamington Flyers’ bench clears to celebrate an overtime goal by Tyler Duarte while a disappointed Reed Horvat stands in the foreground Thursday, Jan. 22 at Heinz Arena. The St. Thomas Stars led 3-1 with less than seven minutes remaining in the third, but Leamington bounced back to force overtime. (Sun photo)
