“Together As Caring Communities” – the 4th annual Autism Awareness Walk & Run takes place in Leamington on Sunday, April 10 at Seacliff Park, Seacliff Dr. W.
The Autism Awareness Walk & Run is an attempt to spread autism awareness and acceptance throughout the community.
For those wishing to be a part of this exciting event and support the Autism Awareness Walk & Run, earlybird registration is until April 2; however, participants are still welcome to register any time after that. On the day of the event, April 10, registration starts at 9 a.m. and the walk/run kicks off at 10 a.m. Volunteers and sponsors are also still needed.
For more information or to register contact Ann 519-9956032, Paula 519-329-0909 or visit “4th Annual Go Blue for Autism Walk Run” on Facebook.
The event is organized by Ann Diab and Paula Filangeri, in collaboration with Autism Ontario Windsor Essex Chapter. It has brought together the community and raised thousands of dollars. Money raised this year will again be donated to Autism Ontario Windsor Essex Chapter. Organizers are hoping to exceed last year’s results in an effort to continue, developing supports and program/activities which help individuals with ASD to reach their fullest potential.
Autism Ontario provides support from the time of diagnosis, through the school years and into adulthood, and strives to improves the range of services and programs to meet the needs at every stage of development including creating awareness and acceptance for Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Services that have developed over the last year in the Leamington and Kingsville area include:
• Programs to teach lifestyle skills such as cooking and grocery shopping.
• Occupational therapy providing sensory integration to individuals on the spectrum.
• Sibling and parent support groups.
• Space at Leamington Hospital to meet with families.
• Social skills programs to teach personal space, body language, etc.
• Social learning opportunities for families such as swimming and bowling.
• Workshops and training to locate day care.
Erie Shores Hospice grand opening April 6
Community invited
By Pat Bailey
Carol Derbyshire witnessed something in the past two years — a phenomenon that still manages to amaze her.
The CEO for the Hospice of Windsor and Essex County saw firsthand the passion and generosity of individual residents, companies and organizations of Leamington and the surrounding communities when they come together in a common cause.
For Derbyshire, this important cause was raising millions for the construction of the Erie Shores Campus satellite residence of the hospice.
“I have to say,” said Derbyshire, “in all my years of fundraising, I have never seen $5 million raised so quickly.”
While another $1.3 million is still needed, Derbyshire said this all happened during a rather tough economic time for Leamington following the closure of the H.J. Heinz Company. “I thought it would hurt the campaign,” she added, “yet it didn’t cause a blip.”
And on April 6, the dream of hundreds of local residents will come true with the grand opening of the Erie Shores Campus residence.
“The Erie Shores Campus was dreamed up by the county for the county,” said Derbyshire. “A group of interested individuals came to us and wanted to partner to bring hospice care to the county.”
“In true hospice style,” she added, “by working together we have created Canada’s very first satellite residential home.”
She said this entire process began with a meeting with a group of Leamington people all expressing a need for a residential home to provide hospice care in the county nearly three years ago. “They offered to raise the money, if we would run it,” added Derbyshire.
It was an offer she couldn’t refuse.
The following year the fundraising campaign was launched with a goal of $6 million.
(Continued on Page 2)
Carol Derbyshire in front of the completed 10-bed Erie Shores Hospice in Leamington.
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Erie Shores Hospice grand opening April 6
(Continued from Front)
With no government money available for the capital end of the project, Derbyshire said the goal was a lofty one — one that included a bit of a cushion for additional expenses.
With the Leamington District Memorial Hospital Foundation jumping onboard with a commitment of funds for food and maintenance costs (an estimated $300,000 to $400,000), Derbyshire said she was taken aback by the passion and commitment to the project.
And it is important to Derbyshire that those people nearing the end of their life should be able to die with dignity, in a homelike setting rather than in a hospital.
It’s also important that the burden not be placed on the family, who is already trying to deal with the impending loss of their loved one, she said.
“We expect people to care for loved ones at home,” said Derbyshire, “even though they aren’t trained for this.”
For county residents, she believes the new 10-bed Leamington facility will be a godsend for those facing the imminent death of a loved one.
She said the facility will be staffed around the clock by a team of about 20 caregivers, along with a team of about 100 volunteers, who will tend to the cooking, tidying up, gardening, grocery shopping and their most important role – visiting with the patients.
It’s almost a shame this technology isn’t more visible! one in the past.
But she said statistics alone pointed to the need for a county satellite. With about 40 per cent of those taking advantage of hospice services offered at the eight-bed residential home in Windsor coming from the county, Derbyshire said the need became obvious.
Dealing with an ill family member is difficult — both stressful and emotionally and physically draining, said Derbyshire. Then to add the stress of a 40-minute drive in all kinds of weather conditions to the equation, she said, made her worry about those county residents taking advantage of hospice care in Windsor.
With hospice services, she added, “family members no longer have to be the caregiver — they can just be the son or daughter of their loved one. They are so much more relaxed, they can truly not worry about anything but enjoying one another in a peaceful, homelike setting.”
“That’s what it’s all about,” she continued.
Derbyshire admitted it was her own dad’s death (which was not so good) that motivated her in pursuit of hospice care for others in similar situations.
Looking back, eight years later, Derbyshire said the construction of Windsor’s eight bed-hospice “was the best thing we ever did.”
• Amherstburg | Special Clinic Days Available | Call Ronda at 1-866-663-2204
• Belle River | Special Clinic Days Available | Call Ronda at 1-866-663-2204
• Chatham | 42 Grand Avenue West | Call Liz at 1-866-637-2256
• Kingsville | 313 Main Street East | Call Tara at 1-866-635-2561
• LaSalle | Special Clinic Days Available | Call Ronda at 1-866-663-2204
• Windsor | 600 Tecumseh Road East | Call Jennifer at 1-866-664-6974
The response to the request for volunteers was “overwhelming” to Derbyshire. She said the first night 178 people showed up, with many of them completing a rather extensive training program to prepare them for the opening of the residence.
The grand opening is set for Wednesday, April 6, and Derbyshire believes patients will begin being admitted for hospice care the following week.
While there’s still a ways to go in the fundraising department, Derbyshire said she is convinced the community will come through once again. She is looking forward to the HOGS for Hospice event this summer, which she hopes will become a signature event.
Hospice Open House
April 6, 2 p.m.
The Erie Shores Hospice grand opening will be held at the residence, 197 Talbot St. W., Suite 701, Leamington on Wednesday April 6 at 2 p.m. There will be no on-site parking available, but shuttle service will run continuously from the Rona parking lot to the residence, starting at 1:15 p.m.
Coffee Hour with MP Dave Van Kesteren
Chatham-Kent Essex
MP Dave Van Kesteren is hosting a Coffee Hour from 9 a.m.-10 a.m. on Wednesday, April 6 at Blondies, 77 Erie St. N., in Leamington. Mr. Van Kesteren will meet with constituents and take the opportunity to listen to their concerns. He will treat everyone to coffee or tea while he is there.
Since being elected in 2006, Mr. Van Kesteren has hosted over 100 of these socials.
OPP bag
By Bryan Jessop
Handling everything from Alpha-getti to zucchini, Essex County OPP officers, volunteers and civilians are paving the way to another successful Cop Camp for dozens of local elementary school students.
In preparation for the 22nd annual Cop Camp, representatives of Essex County Ontario Provincial Police detachments from across the county spent a day bagging groceries for customers in exchange for donations that will help fund the annual five-day retreat at Gesstwood Camp in Essex. This year’s camp will run from Aug. 7-11 and will again include about 90 graduates from the Grade 6 Values and Influence in Peers (VIP) program that takes place in elementary schools located in Essex County communities serviced by the OPP.
Grocery bagging volunteers were dispersed to five locations across the county this year, including the Real Canadian Superstore on Talbot Street East in Leamington. There, about 75 OPP officers, civilian employees and other volunteers took on shifts in various lengths of time, starting at 11 a.m. and ending eight hours later. The Leamington location alone raised about $3,500 for the 2016 Cop Camp.
Other stores where Essex County OPP representatives bagged groceries for donations included Zehrs locations in Kingsville and Tecumseh, Foodland in Essex and Tetreault’s Value-Mart in Belle River. The event ran the same hours at the other four stores as in Leamington.
“As usual, the citizens of, not only Leamington, but all municipalities in Essex County have shown their generosity and support for the 22nd annual Essex County OPP Cop Camp,” said Essex County OPP constable Stephanie Moniz, who attended one of the first shifts at Super Store in Leam-
ington. “We are humbled by the continued enthusiasm the citizens show in their support of our camp.”
At each of the five locations, participating customers were able to enter a draw for a free gift basket.
The Cop Camp program relies exclusively on community donations for funding, as selected students each year participate free of charge. Each year, Grade 6 students selected by their teachers attend the camp in Essex for five days of activities supervised by a team of about 20 trained volunteer OPP officers, auxiliary members and civilians.
During the camp, students from schools in Leamington, Kingsville, Essex, Harrow, Lakeshore, Pelee Island and Tecumseh are taught the significance of teamwork, lead-
ership and other positive life skills that can be applied in later years. On-site activities and demonstrations are complimented by gatherings and programs across the county. In past years, groups of Cop Camp students visited local facilities including Cedar Beach Marina in Kingsville and Empire Lanes Bowling in Ruthven. This year’s itinerary and program schedule has not yet been completed.
Essex County OPP constable Stephanie Moniz helps bag groceries at the Leamington Real Canadian Super Store Thursday, March 24. Through the generosity of the community, this year the total raised in Leamington was $3,500, which will help fund the 2016 Cop Camp program for about 90 county-wide graduates of the Gr. 6 Values and Influence in Peers (VIP) program.
Essex County OPP Emergency Response Team constable Kyle Bildfell helps Kevin Ford bag groceries at the Leamington Real Canadian Super Store March 24. OPP officers and civilians bagged groceries at stores in Leamington, Kingsville, Essex, Tecumseh and Belle River in exchange for customer donations to help fund this year’s week-long Cop Camp.
MARK RIBBLE Rib’s Ramblings
Many characters have come and gone
His countless hours of volunteering with different teams was honoured with the Mr. Hockey award many years ago.
This area has had its characters over the years. I can’t say that I knew very many of them, but they seemed to be known by just about everyone in town. Just the mention of their names will bring back memories.
The late Charlie Wright comes to mind right away. Now before you go mourning our former deputy-mayor, it’s not the same Charlie Wright.
Then on April 5, 1972, a small plane carrying Joe Cross, Harold Derbyshire and Paul Wilkinson crashed near Dutton, Ontario during a snowstorm, killing all three Leamingtonians and their pilot.
This Charlie Wright spent every day cleaning the streets of uptown Leamington, by hand.
I’m not sure how long he did this for, but as far back as I can remember, Charlie was on the streets early in the morning, pushing his cart and sweeping up the previous night’s butts and bottles.
They had left Bracebridge enroute to Windsor airport when they ran into bad weather. The Leamington Flyers were playing in the OHA semi-finals at the time. A second plane carrying four more locals barely made it through the same storm.
Hundreds attended the triple funeral that was held in Leamington and the Flyers dedicated the rest of their playoff run to the three. Leamington won the Ontario Championship, at home, just 15 days later.
Always first to greet you with a smile, he knew everyone by name and loudly yelled “hello” across the street or a busy restaurant.
Charlie was afflicted with a speech impediment, but those who knew him understood him just fine.
Just like that, a void was left in the hockey circles around Leamington.
Several characters have come and gone in this area over the years.
Tink White was a legend in these parts.
A longtime supporter of the Sun Parlour Players, Charlie could always be seen in the audience of the most recent production at the old arena auditorium. I think he’d be smiling today if he saw what was being done with The Bank Theatre.
Upon his retirement, which at the time was celebrated with an article in the Leamington Post, he planned to do a lot of travelling and sight-seeing.
Now, although I don’t ever remember meeting Mr. White in person, and there are likely folks out there who could better speak of him, I do remember stories told by family members over the years about the big man from Mersea Township.
To say he was a big man, apparently is not doing his size any justice.
Shortly after he retired, Charlie passed away, leaving Leamington without one of its more colourful characters.
Another Leamington character taken too soon was Joe Cross.
I read a small article where the late Annie Krause, a prominent resident of Point Pelee at the time, described Tink as a “giant of a man who has no trouble catching skunks and critters for you if you were being bothered by them.”
She said that at Tink’s funeral, the pallbearers had great difficulty with his casket because he was so big.
Joe was instrumental in the early success of Leamington’s minor hockey system and so enjoyed being around all the kids, he often played Santa Claus at local schools and service lodges.
I remember a really big man who laughed a lot.
I only knew him from afar, but he was well known in and around this town of ours as one of Leamington’s favourite people, especially at the arena.
There wasn’t a local chair that didn’t creak from his weight as he made the rounds visiting people in this area. He was Leamington’s version of Paul Bunyon.
So many other characters have made this area their home, but there is only so much space in this column and in my fading memory, so I’ll leave it at that.
Who’s your ‘character’?
Reader thoroughly enjoyed story about Leamington dock area
Editor:
I thoroughly enjoyed reading C. Scott Holland’s article on the dock and the history (Mar. 23 issue). I was fortunate enough to enjoy a number of these things now no longer in existence. I’ve enjoyed the foot-longs at Burgess, raised a few pints at the Seacliffe and fished as a youngster from the far end of the dock.
I played ball with the Leamington Juveniles at Seacliffe Park as well, but had no idea this area was once owned by the Conover family and I suppose Conover Street is named after them.
Stewart’s Drive-in was a mecca for me when I was a teenager and as you indicated it only lasted for a decade or so. I was fortunate to have experienced many fun-filled weekends cruising up and down Erie St. to the Fairgrounds and back to Stewart’s to meet up with friends. Sadly very few of these establishments exist today, which I find such a sad state of affairs because as kids (driving-age teens) we experienced so much camaraderie which seems to missing these days.
I read the online Southpoint Sun each week as it keeps me in touch with my “hometown”, although I haven’t lived there since the 1970s. I still on a regular basis visit Leamington and stay with friends from high school. I also look forward to the development of the area east of the dock which the town of Leamington has purchased. I’m sure it will be a wonderful edition.
Thanks for the article from a regular reader.
– Bert Jansen, Beachville, Oxford County
Editor:
Appreciates coverage of local people, events
I would like to thank the Southpoint Sun for the great work you do bringing to our attention the amazing people we have in our community, for example, in the Mar. 2 issue: impressed by Carlos Pena and his contributions to his school and his community; the video created by Ecole St. Michel Grade 8 students; the fundraisers and activities at the other schools; and all the athletic teams and their coaches. I always read your Council stories and updates. Thanks again for keeping us informed about local people and history and current events. Keep up the good work.
– Pat Simpson, Leamington
Province launches Red Tape Challenge
Have your say in improving unclear, outdated or costly regulations
The Province of Ontario is asking businesses and the public to help identify and improve regulations that are unclear, outdated, redundant or unnecessarily costly.
The Red Tape Challenge invites the public to pinpoint problems such as forms that are too complex and technical information that is hard to understand. Through this online consultation tool, people across the province will be able to help identify and eliminate regulatory duplication, lessen compliance burdens, shorten response times and make it easier for businesses and citizens to interact with government.
The Red Tape Challenge will focus on six business sectors over the next two years. It will start with auto parts manufacturing, then focus on food processing, financial services, mining, chemical manufacturing and forestry.
Through the Red Tape Challenge, the public, businesses and industry associations can submit comments about Ontario’s regulatory requirements directly to the government at ontario.ca/ redtapechallenge
The Red Tape Challenge is modeled on a program from the U.K. of the same name that has achieved substantial results, including saving businesses more than £850 million (about $1.5 billion CDN) per year in costs through changes to 3,000 regulations.
Springing into battery recycling can be rewarding
Call2Recycle Canada Inc., North America’s first and largest consumer battery stewardship organization, has announced its 2016 Spring Cleaning Campaign, offering consumers across Canada a chance to win prizes for sharing their recycling stories while doing their annual spring cleaning.
Every spring, millions of people declutter rooms, clean out dusty corners, and discard old items for new ones. One common household item that should not be overlooked is used batteries. As Canadians head to retailers for cleaning supplies, tools and ideas for summer projects, Call2Recycle and its partners are reminding them to drop off any used household batteries that weigh less than 5 kg in Call2Recycle boxes at those stores. Consumers who send in their
recycling stories and battery recycling photos at www. call2recycle.ca/springcleaning from now until May 20, 2016 are eligible to win one of eight gift cards of $100 each.
Local retailers partnered with Call2Recycle offer free battery and cellphone recycling. Batteries collected through the program are diverted from landfills and reclaimed for use in new batteries, cookware, appliances and hardware.
Leamington drop-off locations are:
• Staples, 16 Seacliff Dr. E.
• RONA, 274 Talbot St. W.
• The Source, 275 Erie St. S.
All three locations accept rechargeable batteries, alkaline batteries, single-use batteries and cellphones.
Through the efforts of Call2Recycle’s partners Canada-wide, more than 5.7-million kilograms of batteries were diverted from landfills in 2015. These organizations are setting a strong example of environmental consciousness, and demonstrate that together we can have a tremendous impact on our surroundings.
Call2Recycle Canada collects and recycles batteries through its network of 30,000 collection sites. Over 45 million kilograms (100 million pounds) of batteries and cellphones have been diverted from the solid waste stream
Learn more at call2recycle.ca.
Newcomer youth group to screen documentary about living in Canada
The South Essex Community Council (SECC) Newcomer Youth Group provides a welcoming environment for high school students who are new to Canada.
The Newcomer Youth Group meets three times per week at the Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex after school on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The youth are offered a variety of services including group activities, community involvement, mentor matches, volunteer opportunities, homework time and other social events. The youth group also assists high school students to develop leadership training and provide youth with opportunities to learn new things about Canadian culture. Youth have the opportunity to build positive leadership, teamwork and social skills in a setting where they can make new friends, socialize and participate in community events and activities.
The youth have recently been working on leadership training and participating in activities designed to strengthen their leadership skills and become strong leaders in their community. They have been participating in activities surrounding a variety of topics including building confidence and trust, as well as team building exercises.
With assistance from Sarah Lastro, SECC Youth Worker, and Rachel Chausse, the SECC Welcoming Communities Worker, the Newcomer Youth Group has developed a final project for their leadership training, consisting of a short documentary.
The documentary, entitled Crossing Cultures –A Journey to Canada, focuses on newcomers telling their stories and experiences about coming to Canada. The film includes newcomers expressing the challenges they have faced, as well as the opportunities they have been provided with by starting a new life in Canada.
In preparation for creating the documentary, the youth took part in an informative workshop, facilitated by John Plantus, a professor in the School of Language and Liberal Studies at Fanshawe College. John has a background in film, including a Masters
in Film from York University.
Following the workshop the youth developed interview questions, filmed and interviewed each other at the youth facility and will be screening their work at The Bank Theatre on March 30 at 5 p.m. The Bank Theatre is located at 10 Erie Street South.
Easter at Colasanti’s
Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens was the place to be on the Easter long weekend. Hundreds of youngsters participated in the Easter Egg-stravaganza weekend scavenger hunter and other activities, including a visit with the Easter Bunny and Cat in the Hat. Each of the children participating in the scavenger hunt received candy and prizes for their efforts. Proceeds from the $1 admission were donated to the Cancer Society.
Dr. Jesse Liem, Dr. Milan Milec and the team at Erie Shores Family Dentistry, would like to welcome...
Dr. Abigail Page to their Kingsville practice.
Dr. Abigail Page is a graduate of the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry and is now accepting patients for this coming April.
68 Main Street East, Kingsville ON 519.733.6569
Right: The Easter Bunny and Cat in the Hat were seeing triple on Saturday. Triplets Luca, Evan and Liam Diniro of Windsor celebrated their 5th birthday at Colasanti’s on Saturday, visiting with the Easter Bunny and Cat in the Hat and having a party to mark the special day.
At Left: Cassie Thouin, 3, of Toronto took time out from visiting with her grandparents, Eleanor and Norm Buchanan of Kingsville, to visit Colasanti’s on Saturday and take part in the scavenger hunt.
Hi, we are your local hearing health care providers in Leamington. We know that hearing loss affects many Canadians and it can be very overwhelming to realize that it is affecting you or someone you love. We understand what you are going through and would like to help!
If you feel that you may need hearing aids, now is a great time to participate in our Test Drive program. From April 5th to 7th, our team is hosting a 3-day event where all participants will have their hearing checked, receive a product demonstration and leave with a pair of hearing aids to try for 2 weeks with absolutely no obligation!
The Helix Test Drive program gives you the chance to try out a new pair of hearing aids and see if they are right for you, before spending any of your hard-earned money. Make sure to ask us about our HEAR NOW, PAY LATER program. For as little as $53 a month*
Above: Chloe Gelinas, 2, of Windsor ‘fishes’ for Easter eggs and chicks during the Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens Easter Scavenger Hunt on the weekend.
(SOUTHPOINT SUN PHOTOS)
ERCA conducts burn at Hillman Marsh
By Bryan Jessop
The Essex Region Conservation Authority is ‘fired’ up about introducing new growth to one of its sites.
For the first time in about eight years, a low complexity prescribed burn has been conducted at Hillman Marsh Conservation Area. Controlled burns were performed at the same location in 1996 and 2008, although the one that took place Tuesday, March 22 of this year was the first conducted by ERCA itself.
The tallgrass prairie ecosystem — occupying a surface area of about 12 acres — was subject to the burn as a revitalization strategy for vegetation and wildlife in the area. The early afternoon of March 22 was chosen as the time for the burn after ERCA determined an ideal window of opportunity while tracking wind and weather patterns. Existing tallgrass was ignited section by section using drip torches filled with fuel mixed at three parts diesel to one part gasoline, ensuring that wind pushed the flames into segments that had already been burnt.
The process began at about 1:45 p.m. and ended just under an hour later with the dousing of smoldering hotspots.
“It went excellent,” said ERCA ecologist and fire boss Dan Lebedyk. “Most importantly, it stayed within the safety boundaries and stayed within control. The weather’s always a big factor — when conditions are right, you’ve got to jump on it.”
The burn is expected to invigorate the growth of prairie wildflowers and other flora that were being choked out by stagnant tallgrass. The now barren swath of land should attract birds that will have an easier time locating prey such as insects and spiders and without obstruction, the sun will be able to warm the soil to help encourage the introduction of specific types of vegetation.
The first burn at Hillman Marsh was conducted by a hired contractor, before ERCA staff were certified to undertake the process. Having acquired RX100 certification, Lebedyk is now qualified to supervise low complexity prescribed burns such as the one that took place most recently at Hillman. He was joined by ERCA superintendent of field operations Bill Tate, forester Rob Davies, watershed planner Mike Nelson and events planner Alex Denonville, who served as photographer/videographer. Also assisting with the burn were City of Windsor employee Paul Giroux and Natalie Halden of Pennsylvania-based Deangelo Bros. Inc. (DBI Services), both involved as part of a learning and training experience.
Prior to starting ignition, the group scanned the entire targeted section to ensure there were no snakes inhabiting the area to be injured or killed by the impending flames. With low temperatures at the time, no snakes were found.
The burn left less than 10 per cent of the tallgrass untouched, a result that Lebedyk described as a success that will still allow for a seed bed and sufficient refuge for smaller species home to the area.
ABOVE: From left to right, City of Windsor employee Paul Giroux, ERCA forester Rob Davies, ERCA superintendent of field operations Bill Tate, Natalie Halden of Deangelo Bros. Inc. and ERCA ecologist and fire boss Dan Lebedyk make their way back to the observation tower area following a successful low complexity prescribed burn at Hillman Marsh Tuesday, March 22. The burn will make way for new growth and attraction of different forms of wildlife.
The Hospice of Windsor/Essex County and Leamington Hospital Foundation invite you to the Leamington Erie Shores Campus for a doors open celebration of the 10-bed care facility.
When: April 6, 2016 at 2:00 pm
Where: 197 Talbot St. W. Leamington, ON (across from Leamington Hospital)
• FREE TROLLEY TRANSPORTATION Starts at 1:15 p.m. from Leamington Rona & will take you to the celebration site of Erie Shores Hospice.
• Brief opening ceremony at 2:00 pm then, take a tour of the premises.
AT RIGHT: Essex Region Conservation Area forester Rob Davies uses a drip torch to ignite prairie tallgrass at Hillman Marsh.
(SUN Photos)
in the in the in the in the in the
ARIES - Mar 21/Apr 20
Aries, expect quite a few opportunities to have fun this week. Just do not disregard any work or other personal responsibilities in the process.
TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21
Taurus, an energy is growing between you and another person who recently entered your life. Others will soon begin to notice the sparks are flying.
GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21
You are in a good position to help a friend or coworker this week, Gemini. Although the offer may not be immediately accepted, after time this person will seek you out.
CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22
Cancer, while working on a big project, you may be frustrated by the pace others are working at. But exercise patience, as this is a task that requires considerable cooperation.
LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23
Leo, make a good impression on everyone you meet this week by beginning your conversation with a smile. Remember, accepting others and being polite can help you make friends.
VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22
Responsibilities at work leave you feeling more frazzled than before, Virgo. Remember to take a step away every so often so you can regroup and recharge.
LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23
Libra, certain aspects of your life may prove a little topsy-turvy this week. This unpredictable period may change your perspective for the better.
ANSWERS ON PAGE 22
SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22
Scorpio, embrace a new responsibility for the challenge it presents. This is a unique opportunity to illustrate your ability to adapt and handle something new.
SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21
Sagittarius, don’t expect to be surprised this week. You are locked in and can see whatever is coming long before it arrives. Use this to your advantage.
CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20
Capricorn, take a step back if your approach to a problem is not leading to a solution. Some time away might provide the new perspective you need to find the answer after all.
AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18
Aquarius, do not procrastinate when others request your feedback. Give a prompt answer and be definitive in your explanation so there is no chance for misinterpretation.
PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20
After coming up with a few dead ends this week, you soon realize you have to take another approach, Pisces. Gemini can guide you.
FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS
MARCH 27
Jessie J, Singer (28)
MARCH 28
Reba McEntire, Singer (61)
MARCH 29
Justin Tuck, Athlete (33)
MARCH 30
Celine Dion, Singer (48)
MARCH 31
Ewan McGregor, Actor (45)
APRIL 1
Rachel Maddow, TV Host (43)
APRIL 2
Michael Fassbender, Actor (39)
MS Walk set for May 1 in Leamington
There have been many advances in the medical world of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), but there is still much more research to be done and equipment needs for clients continue to increase.
Last year’s Leamington MS Walk raised just over $47,000. The majority of this money is spent on the County’s 200 registered MS patients for a wide range of equipment needs. “Without teams like Mastronardi and others, we wouldn’t be able to buy wheelchairs or other equipment,” said Jackie Putterman, MS Society Windsor Essex.
“And equipment doesn’t come cheap. I just got a manual chair, not a motorized chair, but just a manual one and it was $4,700… motorized chairs can be up to $20,000 when you start adding special features,” said Jack Brush, Leamington MS Walk coordinator. A government program sometimes funds 75 percent of a major purchase, but the remaining 25% can be hard to come up with, explained Putterman.
The money raised from this walk helps in the purchase of a wide variety of items. Last year the top three fundraising teams were: Mastronardi Produce - $24,594; Profile Ramblers - $4,095; and Marjorie’s Motley Crew - $3,010.
MP Van Kesteren comments on Budget 2016
“Excessive deficit financing is not the way to put the Canadian economy back on track,” said Chatham-Kent Leamington MP Dave Van Kesteren, Mar. 22, after the tabling of the 2016 Federal Budget. “This spending will only create more taxes now and more problems in the future when our children and grandchildren are forced to repay these loans.”
The Liberal government tabled their budget for 2016 in the House of Commons, but the $10-billion deficit promised by the Liberals after forming government was ignored in favor of a nearly $30-billion deficit. In order to pay for some of what they have promised, the government has already introduced new taxes on Canadians and have eliminated popular tax credits like the Children’s Fitness and Arts credits, and income splitting.
Van Kesteren said he is questioning certain priorities of the financial plan. For example, why there is only $30-million over six years allocated to agriculture research – money that is primarily going to bureaucrats – while Radio Canada will be receiving $675-million? Debate on the budget will continue when the house sits again in early April.
CiB presents “Best Blooming Street” signs
A delegation from the Communities in Bloom (CiB) committee was present at the Monday night, Mar. 21 Council meeting to present the “Best Blooming Street” signs for last summer’s competition: Coronation Ave. and Mersea Road 7. CiB Chair, former Deputy-Mayor Charlie Wright, thanked Municipal Council for the $3,500 grant for this year, and outlined some of the goals the committee has, such as monthly winning yards during the growing season.
Four appliances included: fridge, stove, washer & dryer WE ALSO OFFER Foot Care, Hair Salon, Meals, Social Activities, Exercise Classes, Diabetic Clinic. Apartments range in size and price from $830 to $1200 per month (will negotiate). SpecialPricingduringFebruary,March&April,2016 foranyonenewtotheMeadowsCommunity. More details at www.themeadowsofwheatley.com
The Mandarin MS Walk in Leamington is scheduled for Sunday, May 1 at the Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex. The Walk begins at 10 a.m. and features a 5 km walk. Pictured here for the kickoff are, left to right, Holly Shaw, Coordinator Client Services, Windsor-Essex, Jackie Putterman, MS Society, Jack Brush, Coordinator Leamington Walk, and Maria Rubino, co-captain of the Mastronardi Produce team, which was recognized as the top fundraising team in 2015 raising $24,594. (SUN Photo)
RBC makes Bank Theatre donation
By Bryan Jessop
The Bank Theatre and Meeting Place is again benefiting from a local business that knows the value of the performing arts.
On Monday, March 28, Sun Parlour Players Community Theatre vice president Ursula Tiessen and director Rick Taves paid a visit to the Leamington branch of Royal Bank Canada on Talbot Street West, where they were greeted by branch manager Gary Toupin and a donation of $5,000. The contribution will go towards the ongoing restoration of The Bank Theatre building and its contents at 10 Erie St. South.
The Bank Theatre group is currently working towards raising the $162,000 needed to receive a match grant from the federal government through The Canada 150 Fund, a program established in recognition of the 150th anniversary of Canadian Confederation that will arrive next year.
The Bank Theatre was chosen as a recipient of the RBC corporation donation after Taves filled and submitted an application in the autumn of 2015. Gary Toupin, branch manager of the Leamington RBC, established a connection between Taves and the corporations Southwestern Ontario affiliates before the charity-based application was accepted.
“One of our support strategies is to fund the arts, so this lines up very well with that,” Toupin explained. “The Bank Theatre is a project that will really benefit the downtown core and draw people back to that area.”
Taves and Tiessen explained that the less visible compo-
nents of construction on The Bank Theatre building ranging from sprinkler systems to air conditioning are complete. Although the new audience seating will likely be one of the last stages of construction, other stages of renovations that will be easier to see will get underway once the required amount of funding has been made available.
“All the ugly stuff is done,” Tiessen noted.
The building’s lobby and interior work that will connect 6 Erie St. North to the original 10 Erie St. North are being scheduled as the next stage of improvements.
“We’re starting to focus on things that people will see,” Taves noted. “We’re looking forward to getting to work on the box office and washrooms. We’re on our way to doing that — we’re happy with how things are going.”
Membership of the SPPCT is working on acquiring additional grants and if successful, would be able to approach renovations not currently on the organization’s to do list.
CANADIAN TRANSPORTATION
MUSEUM AND HERITAGE
VILLAGE (CTMHV) ON THE ARNER TOWN LINE IS IN NEED OF VOLUNTEERS to help with kids programs such as 'Pioneer for a Day', special events, shows, meetings, or in the museum, log cabins and period buildings, etc. If you have a few hours to spare and would like to help out, contact Judy Anderson, Education and Volunteer Coordinator at CTMHV, 519-776-6909 or email education@ctmhv.com
THE LEAMINGTON & MERSEA
HISTORICAL SOCIETY WILL MEET Saturday, April 2 at 10:00
a.m., Leamington Half Century Centre, 160 Talbot St. E. Everyone welcome to attend.
FREE CONCERT FEATURING
ONTARIO GREAT LAKES
DIVISIONAL YOUTH CHORUSSaturday, April 2 at 6:00 p.m., Salvation Army Community Church, 88 Setterington St., Leamington. All welcome.
ERIE WILDLIFE RESCUE
YARD/BAKE SALE on Saturday, April 2 and Sunday, April 3 , 11168 Tecumseh Rd. E. near Banwell Rd. Lots of books, toys, dishes, something for everyone. All indoors.
STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF REVELATION, Sundays at 7:00 p.m., Seventh-day Adventist
Church, 220 Erie St. N., Leamington. This is a new seminar on Bible prophecy. Study outlines are provided. All are welcome. For more information call 519-3221644.
MONDAYS - SENIORS DROP-IN, 1st and last Monday of the month only at 10:30 a.m. at Leamington United Church. Guest speakers, refreshments, games, exercise. It's free, fun, and wheelchair accessible. All seniors welcome.
ARE YOU AFFECTED BY SOMEONE ELSE'S DRINKING? The Wheatley Serenity Al-Anon Family Group meets every Monday at 7:30 p.m. at the Wheatley Friendship Club (north entrance), 171 Erie St. N.
DO YOU ENJOY VOLUNTEERING AND MEETING PEOPLE? South Essex Community Council in Leamington is currently looking for volunteers for Meals on Wheels Delivery. If you are interested in volunteering during the morning for about 1 hour per week or as a back-up volunteer, please call Noreen or Susan at SECC519-326-8629 ext.381. www.secc.on.ca.
HELP AN ADULT LEARN ENGLISH - South Essex Community Council is currently looking for tutors for adults learning English. One afternoon or evening per week. Training/materials provided.
Qualification: Fluency in English. Great for high school seniors too! Call 519-326-8629 ext. 381 or email volunteer@secc.on.ca
PREGNANCY & RESOURCE
CENTRE, 33 Princes St. (Princess Centre) Suite 408, Leamington, offers free and confidential services provided by registered nurses and trained volunteers. Free pregnancy tests. Call 24/7 for free and confidential support - 519-3260612. Business calls: 519-3263821.
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.
IF YOU HAVE PARKINSON’S and would like to join our group for information, exercise and support, come by Tuesday mornings at 10:30 a.m. to the Half Century Club, 160 Talbot St. E. Leamington.
VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED in the Wheatley area for South Essex Community Council's Friendly Visitors program for seniors and persons with disabilities. Commitment is 1 hour per week. If you are interested in volunteering or know of someone who could benefit from these services, call SECC at 519-326-8629.
In the meantime, TBT is scheduled to present Juno nominee Dave Gunning as part of the Road To Kingsville Folk Fest Concert Series Friday, Apr. 15, starting at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20 each and must be purchased in advance by calling 1-800-838-3006 or by visiting the website www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2476659. Tickets can also be bought at Thompson Guardian Drugs or Counter Effects in Leamington. Doors open at 7 p.m. Taves also noted that consideration is being made on organizing a presentation of The Farm Show. Other scheduled events can be seen at www.banktheatre.com and clicking on “2016 Events.”
The Bank Theatre and Meeting Place building committee chairperson and Sun Parlour Players Community Theatre director Richard Taves (left) and SPPCT vice president Ursula Tiessen accept a donation of $5,000 from Royal Bank Canada Leamington branch manager Gary Toupin Monday, March 28. The corporate contribution will be directed toward ongoing renovations at The Bank Theatre.
Reading Skills Enriched With Book Buddy Program
Every Monday at lunchtime, Cardinal Carter Secondary School Leadership students walk over to Queen of Peace School with French Immersion to read with the Grade 3 children. It has created a bridge between the two schools where new Book Buddy friends are made and reading skills are enriched. This program was started by Steve Freeman and Frontier College. It has carried on through the years and has benefitted many students.
BANK THEATRE
NOTES
10 ERIE STREET SOUTH P.O. BOX 434
LEAMINGTON, ON N8H 3W5 519-326-8805
DAVE GUNNING
FRIDAY, APRIL 15TH
DOORS OPEN @ 7:00 PM, SHOW STARTS @ 8:00 PM
In a joint fundraising event, The Bank Theatre and The Road to Folkfest Concerts present Dave Gunning in Concert. Based in Pictou County, NS, Dave Gunning is a much sought-after performer in the Folk Festival and Folk club circuit in Canada and the U.S. He is coming to Leamington following a performance tour in Australia. For more information about Dave and his music please visit his website at www.davegunning.com.
Tickets are $20 per person (fees may apply) and available online at: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2476659 or http://kingsvillefolkfest.org/Kingsville_Folk_Fest/CONCERTS.html or by phone at 1-800-838-3006.
IAN SMITH PRESENTS
AN EVENING OF SMOOTH JAZZ
SATURDAY, APRIL 23RD @ 7:30 PM
Come out and enjoy the “cool and easy” jazz stylings of IAN McGREGOR SMITH accompanied by Ryan Fontaine, Kevin Venney, Ralph Brown and special guests Avonlea Smith and Jacqueline Cadarette. Tickets are $15 and available at Thomson Guardian Pharmacy, Wharram Jewellery and Counter Effects.
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
MONDAY, MAY 9TH @ 7:00 PM
All are welcome to attend the Sun Parlour Players Annual General Meeting which will take place at The Bank Theatre, 10 Erie St S, Leamington at 7:00 p.m.
Follow The Bank Theatre on Facebook www.facebook.com/TheBankTheatre Email: banktheatre@gmail.com Website: www.banktheatre.com
KAIA KATER
One of the youngest performers in the Canadian old-time and folk communities, this 22 year-old plays the banjo, dances, sings and has her own unique take on Appalachian and Canadian folk music. Kaia Kater is an eclectic traditionalist, having quickly gained attention as one of the most promising young performers in the North American folk world.
Born in Quebec of mixed Afro-Caribbean ancestry, she now resides in Toronto and spends extensive time in West Virginia, where she ardently studies balladry and traditional dance. As an original songwriter, she works to incorporate her perspective as one of the few people of colour in roots music into the complex racial history of the traditions themselves. Her music combines beautifully subtle old-time banjo with soft sensibilities, mixing elements of both Canadian and American historical
Marlee LaSala and Ethan Isadore
Owen Pimentel and Joshuwah Resendes
Abbey Taouil and Alexa Ramos
Submitted photos
Ricci competing at Miss Universe Canada Western Preliminary
Eighteen-year-old Shanel Ricci of Leamington has her sights set on representing the Leamington area at this year’s Miss Universe Canada 2016 Western Ontario Preliminary on Saturday, April 23 at the Capitol Theatre in Windsor. She is one of 21 delegates that have been chosen to compete.
The following description was submitted as part of her entry acceptance:
“The future belongs to those who believe in the
beauty of their dreams.”
This is the philosophy that Shanel Ricci lives by. She was born and raised in Leamington, Ontario. Shanel is the epitome of confidence and determination, believing that hard work and dedication will aid in her path to success. She comes from an Italian heritage, raised in a proud Italian family. Shanel is known for her contagious positive energy and vivacious personality. Many people are
inspired by Shanel’s passion, kindness and drive for everything she sets her mind to. She is always willing to get out of her comfort zone in order to connect more with nature and people.
Shanel attained her O.S.S.D. from Cardinal Carter Catholic High School in 2015, successfully achieving academic awards in Honour Roll and the Ontario Scholar Principal’s Honour Roll. Shanel has over three years experience
in the beauty industry by having applied herself as a member of the Ontario College of Trades as a participant of the OYAP that entitles her to gain experience as a registered apprentice as a Hairstylist. Currently she is training with a salon. Shanel will be attending St. Clair College in Windsor this September to further advance her education as a Hairstylist. Due to the diversity of her interests, Shanel has become proficient in
various fields within Cosmetology. She hopes to be a pillar to the beauty industry specializing in Hairstyling and Makeup Artistry. Shanel’s hobbies are focused on fitness. She works out avidly and enjoys a healthy lifestyle. She also hopes to obtain her Canfit Pro certification to become a Fitness Instructor to motivate others to stay in shape. Shanel is devoted to a positive image outlook, she enjoys making people feel and
look beautiful. She has an optimistic perspective on life and strives to be her personal best. Shanel hopes to encourage others to pursue their dreams and fight for what they believe in.
Shanel must raise over $1,000 as part of her entry into the preliminary competition. Shanel is currently asking family and local businesses to help support her bid as Miss Universe Canada. Anyone interested may email blondboldfashionable@yahoo.com
If Shanel is chosen to advance to the National competition, she will compete with delegates from across Canada for the title of Miss Universe Canada 2016. The winner of the Miss Universe Canada 2016 competition will represent Canada at the Miss Universe 2016 pageant.
A & W serving French’s
A&W Food Services of Canada Inc., is introducing a new partnership with The French’s Food Company as part of its continued commitment to providing guests with great-tasting food, farmed with care.
After more than six months of collaborating with French’s, A&W is proud to announce that it will be the first national restaurant to serve French’s tomato ketchup and classic yellow mustard in all of its restaurants across Canada. Both the ketchup and mustard are made without preservatives or artificial flavours and colours, and contain 100% Canadian tomatoes and 100% Canadian mustard seeds.
As a 100 per cent Canadian-owned and operated company, A&W is proud to use locallysourced tomatoes from Leamington and mustard seeds from Saskatchewan in all of its ketchup and mustard. The tomatoes and mustard seeds are grown by second and third generation farmers. What’s more, all of A&W’s Ketchup is produced and packaged in Ontario.
(Photo provided by Miss Universe Canada)
Leamington co-driver wins Ontario rally title
By Bryan Jessop
Nobody knows the importance of keeping a close eye on the roads quite like Jeff Hagan.
The Leamington resident was officially recognized as co-driver points champion in the Four Wheel Drive Open class of the Ontario Performance Rally Championship 2015 season Saturday, March 19 in Peterborough. The title was celebrated during the annual Rally Sport Ontario awards ceremony, where teammate Jeremy Norris of Kitchener was also awarded as driver champion.
As many co-drivers frequently switch from one team to another, points titles for the two positions are not always bestowed upon members of the same team. Hagan joined the Norris team after the first of six events in the 2015 campaign, which included a third place overall finish at Rally of the Tall Pines at the national level in a field of 11 entries. The team finished in a race time of two hours, five minutes and 45.7 seconds. The Bancroft, Ontario-area event covered 194 km of closed-course racing and 307 km of transit driving between stages.
The duo also finished third at the Black Bear Rally in 2015. Rally Sport Ontario point systems award a single point for starting, one for finishing, 20 for winning, and then 12, 8, 6, 4, 3, 2 and one point for second through eighth,
respectively. Top speeds per event depend on the conditions and design of courses, although Hagan recalls the Norris Subaru reaching a speed of 187 km/hr on a gravel road.
The Norris/Hagan team has its work cut out for it in an attempt to repeat as fellow champions in 2016, as this year’s season began in early February at the Perce-Neige in Maniwaki, Que. with a crash. While travelling at a speed of between 120 and 140 km/hr, the car ran out of room and hit a snow bank that led to a 200-foot long rollover. Norris suf-
(Continued on page 15)
Vice president of Performance Rally, Rally Sport Ontario Warren Haywood (left) presents the Ontario Performance Rally Championship First Overall Co-driver Award to Leamington’s Jeff Hagan during an awards ceremony in Peterborough Saturday, March 19.
The Rally Pilot Racing team’s driver Jeremy Norris won First Overall Driver Award, also for the 2015 season.
At right: Rally Pilot Racing co-driver Jeff Hagan of Leamington and driver Jeremy Norris of Kitchener charge through a pool of water during the Rally of the Tall Pines near Bancroft, Ont. in November of 2015. Photos courtesy of Peter MacDonald
Rhine Danube bowling scores
The following are the Rhine Danube bowling league scores for March 14.
Games Over 200: Ernie Purr 226-210, Ozzie Wolf 217-292, Gary Garnham 213, Kevin Kosempel 243-205212, Heinz Kosempel 216-235-234, Chris Kosempel 220, Willy Fittler 225-200, Richard Dickau 205, Manfred Dickau 234-213, Mauro Paglione 225, Brent Bishop 219-205-236, Tys Schaafsma 202-223, Shawn Leclair 203, Eric Zimmer 270.
Series Over 550: Ernie Purr 595, Ozzie Wolf 593, Gary Garnham 555, Kevin Kosempel 660, Heinz Kosempel 685, Chris Kosempel 583, Willy Fittler 618, Richard Dickau 565, Manfred Dickau 621, Mauro Paglione 593, Dan Dalimonte 558, Brent Bishop 660, Tys Schaafsma 589, Jack Valade 555. Eric Zimmer 751. High Handicap Games: Tys Schaafsma 287, Manfred Dickau 286, Eric Zimmer 284. High Handicap Series: Eric Zimmer 793, Tys Schaafsma 781, Manfred Dickau 777.
Standings: Fittler Farms 52, Taki’s 49, Dickau Construction 46, Del Fresco 37, Rhine Danube 35, Weil’s Food 33.
Monday, April 25 @ 7 pm in the Locker Room Lounge Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex
BILL BURR Friday, April 1
RON JAMES Friday, April 15
SANTANA LUMINOSITY TOUR 2016 Saturday, April 23
JASON DERULO UNDER 19 WELCOME: MATURE CONTENT Saturday, May 7
PAT BENATAR & NEIL GIRALDO
WE LIVE FOR LOVE TOUR Sunday, May 15
TIM ALLEN Friday, May 20
JEFF DUNHAM
PERFECTLY UNBALANCED
SOLD OUT Saturday, May 21
2 ND SHOW ADDED Friday, August 5
“Weir”-y of change
The stakes could be somewhat higher than usual in the quest for this year’s Western Ontario Conference playoff battle for the Bill Weir Trophy.
For starters, it’ll be the first one awarded since the former Western Conference convenor, after which it was named, died. Secondly, it could be the last one.
Ever.
A very short time after it was discovered that the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League may rearrange its teams from three conferences into four, it has come to light that it may instead divide those same three groups into two. There are likely a few moving targets to hit before it’s decided which path the Ontario Hockey Association embarks upon.
For one, the Niagara Falls Canucks and Brantford 99ers may be shot down in their bids to be promoted from the “GO” (Junior B) to the “OJ” (Tier II Junior A). If that’s the case, things could very well remain unchanged as we jump into the 2016-17 campaign (yup, I’m bringing up next season already, several days before we’ll even discover the identities of THIS year’s conference champs). There are a lot of local junior hockey fans frequently left scratching their heads after witnessing the actions of the OHA. The mere thought that they’d even consider adding two more teams after undergoing a painstaking process to REDUCE the number of teams in the OJHL boggles the mind. As such, seeing these two promotion applications being struck by the big red “DENIED” stamp wouldn’t be all that surprising, especially considering the fact that one of the two entered the Junior B fray not too long ago.
Assuming that both Brantford and Niagara Falls get the thumbs up and part ways with the GOJHL — and that no Junior C franchises express an interest in taking their places — we’re left with the possibility of two conferences of 12 teams each. Why the change in tune towards four groups of six each? Hard to say. Four divisions or conferences of six each does seem more economical as far as traveling distances are concerned. Each team plays divisional rivals 10 times per regular season — five at home and five on the road for a total of 50, the same total as the 2015-16 campaign. Easy peasy.
FOREIGNER Thursday, April 7
THE KILLERS OPEN TO ALL AGES Thursday, June 2
THE MONKEES GOOD TIMES: THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR Saturday, June 4
ERIC BURDON & THE ANIMALS WITH SPECIAL GUEST EDGAR WINTER BAND Saturday, June 11
Tickets on sale April 2!
MARTINA McBRIDE Friday, June 17
Tickets on sale April 2!
GAVIN DeGRAW Sunday, June 19
MAKS & VAL
LIVE ON TOUR: OUR WAY OPEN TO ALL AGES Friday, July 22
Tickets available at the Box Office, CaesarsWindsor.com, ticketmaster.ca or charge by phone 1-888-345-5885.
LIVE AT BIG LOUIE & THE BAND SATURDAY, APRIL 2 | 9PM – 1AM
But perhaps that’s the problem forcing the Junior B loop to reconsider its options. Are spectator numbers going to be as strong when they’re watching the same five visitors compared to seven or eight? Would it be a breath of fresh air to watch 11 opponents making their way through your home team’s rotation, especially without the rigamarole or the risks involved that come with accepting expansion teams?
That brings me to the fun part of this particular column — speculating on which teams would join the
nine existing Western teams. The Stratford Cullitons are a no-brainer. The Listowel Cyclones would be a fairly safe bet, but from a geographical standpoint, it would get pretty tricky to pick the third addition. It would seem kind of crazy to add the Elmira Sugar Kings when other teams are closer to the existing nine Western teams, but putting Waterloo and Kitchener in different conferences would be even nuttier.
Not seeing any other choices, it looks like the Sugar Kings get the short end of the stick and the nightmarish busing regime that goes along with it. Their predicament wouldn’t be completely unlike a smaller-scale version of what the Detroit Red Wings and Columbus Blue Jackets dealt with prior to the NHL’s most recent realignment.
So there we’d have it — LaSalle, Leamington, Sarnia, Chatham, Lambton Shores, Strathroy, London, St. Thomas, St. Marys, Stratford, Listowel and Elmira in the West (hmmm, maybe the Bill Weir Trophy simply becomes available to 25 per cent more teams and one of the OTHER two existing conferences has to put its trophy in a museum). The East of course would be represented by Waterloo, Kitchener, Cambridge, Guelph, Ancaster, Caledonia, Brampton, Pelham, Welland, St. Catharines, Thorold and Fort Erie.
Maybe the travel problem could be addressed with uneven divisional schedules within each conference. LaSalle, Leamington, Chatham, Strathroy, London and St. Thomas become the Erie Division while Sarnia, Lambton Shores, St. Marys, Stratford, Listowel and Elmira represent the Huron Division. At the other end, Caledonia, Pelham, Welland, St. Catharines, Thorold and Fort Erie become the Niagara Division and Waterloo, Kitchener, Cambridge, Guelph, Ancaster and Brampton become the (Lake) Ontario Division. Each team plays divisional rivals six times each (there’s 30 games) and each of the other division’s teams four times each (another 24 games). If a 54-game regular season is too much, the other division’s team’s are played three times apiece for a sum of 48 matches. In that case, the existing, season-starting Showcase Weekend’s two games apiece brings us back up to an even 50 games.
The other bonus of course is weeding out more weaker teams to pave the way for a more interesting first round of playoffs. The top four of each division advance to divisional semifinals, leaving eight teams out of the post season instead of just two (could anything have been more pointless than the Caledonia-Pelham series?). In all, there are now 16 playoff series instead of 24. In this scenario, the two Sutherland finalists play four rounds instead of five. A quicker, more legitimate playoff stretch now makes up for at least some of the extra traveling in the regular season.
Anyway, as I wrap up this column, the Leamington Flyers are wrapping up their Western semifinal series against the Chatham Maroons (a huge debt of thanks to the Flyers for not making me work Monday night). Could they be facing London in the Western final for the last time… ever?
Time will tell.
CONTESTS
BRYAN JESSOP Jessop’s Journal
Leamington co-driver wins Ontario rally title
(Continued from page 13)
fered minor neck pain, but neither occupant suffered serious injury.
To make matters worse, the car caught fire after being loaded onto its enclosed trailer. With the trailer unvented at the time, the fire eventually put itself out, but not until after it caused damage to the battery and under-hood fuse panel. A race of another sort is now on for the Norris team, as the driver is seeking out a replacement car in time for the Lanark Highlands Forest Rally in McDonald’s Corners, Ont. in early May. Hagan explained that all leads thus far have led to cars that aren’t sufficiently modified — all rally cars start off as stock, factory production vehicles — or cars with excessive asking prices. The team could turn to a complete rebuild option, but would miss out on the Lanark event. Rally car builds that start from ‘scratch’ include tearing down the vehicle, installing full roll cages and other safety equipment and replacing suspension components. Fourcylinder engines displacing 2.0 to 2.5 litres are also modified to reach horsepower outputs of about 300.
“With the potential for electrical and mechanical problems, there are some very high highs and some very low lows.”
— Jeff Hagan
Hagan, at the age of 39, has lived in Leamington for the past two years. He has been policy analyst for the City of Windsor since 2012, reporting to council on transportation issues and making transportation project and policy recommendations after researching and studying current conditions within the city.
His interest in rally car racing began while living in Toronto. After perusing the Wheels section of the Toronto Star, Hagan discovered the Maple Leaf Rally Club in the car club events listing. The MLRC organizes events including the season-ending Rally of the Tall Pines and Black Bear. Hagan joined as a volunteer in 2000 and has since served as co-driver for teams across Canada, the United States and Mexico. The Norris team — sponsored by Niko Graphics, Life Medical and Gemini Motors Subaru — is Hagan’s 25th. Co-driver titles for Hagan have included the novice class in 2010, Group 2 (modified Two Wheel Drive) in 2008 and 2011 and Production GT in 2005. He has also experienced success in the Rally America Eastern Region Championships.
“I’ve had other seasons with much worse luck,” Hagan
admitted. “There have been temperamental cars, and a DNF (did not finish) for every race in 2003. With the potential for electrical and mechanical problems, there are some very high highs and some very low lows.”
During a race in Newfoundland back in 2011, the car Hagan co-drove spun out before plummeting 20 feet off an embankment en route to hitting a valley floor. In 2014, the Sand Blast Rally in South Carolina ended for Hagan’s team when the engine blew. After placing cautionary triangles on the road to warn approaching drivers, Hagan returned to the car — a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 9 — to discover that an engine fire had broke out. Unable to douse the blaze with a fire extinguisher, Hagan and his driver watched as the flames spread and destroyed the rest of the car.
Rally car co-drivers are responsible for ‘pre-mapping’ each course prior to the start of competition, creating notes on approaching turns and changes in road conditions that range from dirt to mud, gravel, ice and snow depending on the event’s location and time of year. After teams are granted a minimum of two lower-speed, non-competitive journeys along the course, the co-driver takes notes that he reads aloud to the driver during racing in what are called ‘pace notes’.
1col
2col x 4”- $45
3col x 3”- $55
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 Worship 10:00 am Children’s Program during Worship
CONGREGATIONALIST
Faith Everlasting Congregational Church
589 Hwy 77, Leamington 519-322-2994
Sunday Worship 11 am L
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)
MENNONITE
Faith Mennonite Church
269 Sherk Street, Leamington 519-326-6391
Sunday Worship Services
10:50 am (Summer 10 am)
Leamington Evangelical Mennonite Mission Church 1408 Deer Run Rd, Leamington 519-326-9734
Sunday Worship Services
9:15 am (German), 10:45 am (English)
Leamington Evangelical Mennonite Church 108 Mersea Rd 3, Leamington 519-322-9915
Sunday Worship 10:30 am
Leamington United Mennonite Church
78 Oak Street East, Leamington 519-326-2727
Sunday Worship 9:45 am Summer Worship Services 10:00 am
Meadow Brook Fellowship 219 Talbot Street East, Leamington 519-326-3605
1 Sunday Worship Service at 10:30 am
North Leamington United Mennonite Church
625 Mersea Rd 6, Leamington 519-326-7928
Sunday Worship 10:00 am
South Point Community Church 475 Bevel Line Road, Leamington 519-322-1858
Sunday Gatherings 10:30 am
NON-DENOMINATIONAL
Iglesia La Buena Semilla 269 Sherk Street, Leamington 519-733-0342
Sunday Worship 6:30 pm
Leamington District Memorial Hospital 194 Talbot St. W., Leamington 519-326-2373, Chaplain’s Office ext. 4443
PENTECOSTAL
FGT Family Church
285 Talbot St. E., Leamington Free bus rides available 519-322-2316
Service Sunday 9:15 am & 11 am am
Leamington Christian Centre 98 Elliott Street, Leamington 519-322-1504
Sunday Worship Services 10:30 am
English/Spanish 6:30 pm Templo Christiano De Leamington
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
Men’s Curling – Second Half Winners
PRESBYTERIAN
Knox Presbyterian Church
58 Erie St. S., Leamington 519-326-4541
www.pccweb.ca/knoxleamnington/ Sunday Worship Services 10:30 am
ROMAN CATHOLIC
St. Michael’s Parish
29 Elliott Street, Leamington 519-326-2643
NO MASSES FROM JULY 14 TFN
St. Joseph’s Church
310 Sherk Street, Leamington 519-326-2643
Saturday Mass: 5 pm (English)
Sunday Masses: 7:30 am (English)
9 am (Italian, English) 10:30 am (English)
12 Noon (Portuguese)
3 pm (Spanish), 7 pm (English)
St. Anthony’s Parish (Maronite Rite)
280 Talbot Street East, Leamington 519-322-2282
Sunday Masses 9:30 & 11 am (Lebanese, English)
SALVATION ARMY
The Salvation Army Citadel 88 Setterington Street Leamington 519-326-4901
Sunday Worship 10:30 am
UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA
Leamington United Church 9 John Street, Leamington 519-326-9461
Sunday Worship Services 10:30 am
Mersea United Church
1301 Mersea Road 8, Wheatley 519-825-4157
Sunday Worship Services 9:30 am
Olinda-Ruthven United Church
1907 Queen Blvd., Ruthven ON 519-326-3138
Sunday Services at 9:30 am
Wheatley United Church
59 Talbot St. W., Wheatley ON 519-825-4157
Sunday Services at 10:30 am
UNITARIAN
Unitarian Universalist Church of Olinda
2953 Olinda Sideroad, Ruthven 519-326-4352
Sunday Service 10:30 am
The winners of the Sun Parlour Curling Club Monday men’s league for the second half of the curling season was the team of, from left to right, Richard Humber, Roy Paine (skip), Gary McRae and Doug Plumb. Absent from photo is Craig Garant. As winners, the team chose to donate the money from the prize pool to the Krysten Garant Education Fund. (Submitted photo)
April 19 at noon
Golden Years
mini golf
Forty-one Golden Years golfers delivered 52 aces over 36 holes on Thursday, Mar. 24 at Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens.
Three golfers led the way by dropping 4 aces each. They were Bryon Walker, Cathy Dewhurst and Mary Anne Vickery, followed closely by Tom Dewhurst, Mary Binder and Herb Ascott with 3. Contributing 2 aces each were Pete Daudlin, Eunice Cascadden, Laurie Hylton, Wanda Hayes, Lois Hudvagner, Murray Hartford, Darleen Kos and Murray Cascadden. Fifteen golfers dropped 1 ace each for the day.
A low score of 17 for 9 holes was achieved by Mary Anne Vickery, Bryon Walker and Laurie Hylton. Carding 18 were Cathy Dewhurst (2),Tom Hyatt, Gerrit Vriesen, Bob McWilliam, Bill Ward (2), Doug Vickery (2) and Pete Daudlin. For 18 holes, the best score goes to Laurie Hylton and Bill Ward. Also having a strong round with 37 were Mary Anne Vickery and Cathy Dewhurst. A 38 was earned by Norbert Gisi, Cathy Dewhurst, Bryon Walker, Doug Vickery and Pete Daudlin. Recording 39 were Bill Mayville, Murray Hartford (2) and Bob McWilliam.
The honour of the day goes to Cathy Dewhurst for a low score of 75 over 36 holes. She was followed by Laurie Hylton with 76. Rounding out the day were Bill Ward 78, Murray Hartford 78, Doug Vickery 79, Pete Daudlin 80, Mary Anne Vickery 80 and Art Sweet 80.
First place with 237 went to Team #10 (Mike Binder, Bill Ward, Doug Vickery). In second place with 244 was Team #5 (Marie Lasi, Murray Hartford, Bryon Walker). Third place went to Team #2 (Bill Mayville, Jo Anne Ferguson, Jim Allen, Norbert Gisi).
Play continues every Thursday at 9:30 a.m. at Colasanti’s.
Protect your PIN
The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC) is reminding consumers to protect themselves from debit and credit card fraud. It is important to keep cards and personal identification numbers (PINs) safe because it’s only under certain circumstances that financial institutions cover losses in case of fraud.
Consumers are urged to make their PIN hard-to-guess, to cover the keypad when entering their PIN and to never share their debit or credit card or PIN with anyone, not even with their spouse. If cardholders use their name, address, telephone number, date of birth or social insurance number for their PIN, or if they share it with anyone, they might be held responsible for any loss resulting from unauthorized use.
When your debit or credit card information or your PIN is stolen and used to make unauthorized purchases or transactions, you become a victim of fraud. If you think this is the case, contact your financial institution.
Fraud can take many forms such as phone scams, fake emails and websites that trick you into providing your personal financial information and more. Anyone can be a victim of fraud. The key is to protect yourself and your financial information as best as you can by visiting FCAC’s website at www.fcac-acfc.gc.ca/ to learn the tips on how to avoid becoming a victim.
Program being launched to support those affected by gambling, gaming or internet dependency
On Sunday April 3, Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare (HDGH) will open the doors to the first North American Residential Family-Friend Program offering support to those affected by someone’s problem gambling, gaming and/or internet dependency.
The six-day program is being offered to those 16 years of age or older, and will focus on self-improvement, boundary setting and managing the impacts of addictions. Program activities include daily meditation, cinema therapy and fitness activities as well as group and individual counselling.
“Like any addiction, gambling, gaming, and internet dependency affect more than just the individual who chooses to continue their respective behaviour,” explained program coordinator Shawn Rumble.
The April program will be the first of three offered by HDGH this year. The other two will begin in July and November. It will welcome both women and men who will reside at the Emara Building on the HDGH Campus.
To self-refer or questions about the program, call HDGH Problem Gambling Services at 519-2542112.
IN MEMORIAM
In loving memory of EDITH MAGRI
2 Years - March 31, 2014
We thought of you with love today, but that is nothing new. We thought about you yesterday, and days before that too.
We think of you in silence, we often speak your name.
Now all we have is memories, and your picture in a frame. Your memory is our keepsake, with which we'll never part.
God has you in his keeping, we have you in our heart.
Love your sister Jean, brother Dominic, and all your nieces & nephews
In loving memory of PAUL J. ENNS January 15, 1967- April 2, 2014
Nothing is harder than saying goodbye to someone you love.
He meant a lot to many people, but he meant the world to us.
Always missed, forever loved. Dad and Mom, Lisa and Kent & family, Steve and Shelley & family
IN MEMORIAM
MARY E. (LILY) MARTIN
December 28, 1923 - March 30, 2011
There are no words to tell you Mom
There are no words to tell Mom
There are no words to tell you Mom
What losing you has meant
What losing you has meant
But now each day brings memories
But now each day brings memories
Of happy years we spent.
Of happy years we spent.
You’d want us all to smile again
You’d want us all to smile again
And that’s just what we do
What losing you has meant each day memories happy years we want us all to smile again that’s just what we
And that’s just what we do
Every we reminisce
Every time we reminisce
Every time we reminisce
With loving thoughts of you.
With loving thoughts of you.
You’re with us when each new day dawns
And when we say goodnight
Our guardian angel here on earth
Our guardian angel here on earth
And Heaven’s shining light.
With loving thoughts of you. with us when each new dawns when we say goodnight guardian angel on earth Heaven’s shining light.
And Heaven’s shining light.
Loving you forever & ever, Your children & grandchildren.
IN
CARD OF THANKS
The family of the late Eleanor McKeen sincerely thank all those who offered sympathy and support during our recent loss. Thanks to all who sent flowers, food, cards, phone calls, online condolences and visits. We appreciate everyone who made donations. Special thanks to all the staff at the Sun Parlor Home for their loving support during Eleanor's journey. Thanks to Hammond Funeral Home for your assistance. Your kindness shown at this time will be remembered. Sincerelyfrom Eleanor'sfamily
AAA Atom Playoff Championship
The 2005 AAA Sun County Panthers defeated the Hamilton Huskies three straight games to win the Alliance AAA Atom Playoff Championship. The team is made up of players from Southpoint, Tecumseh, Amherstburg, Belle River and Erie North Shore Minor Hockey. Team members are: Liam Godwin, Jaxon Drysdale, Trent Ledrew, Ryan MacPherson, Max Frattaroli, Maksim Brkovic, Johnny Lopez, Lukas Samoila, Connor Tucker, Connor MacPherson, Charlie Coristine, Jack Lewis, Sajan Brouwer, Jeffery Smith, Michael Kopcok, Ryan Dufour and Brady Hamlin. Coaches: Ryan Coristine, Matt MacPherson, Dan Paget, John Samoila, Jamie Drysdale, Cliff Tucker, Joe Mollard.
(Submitted
Students sell Easter Grams to help support
local food bank
Last week, Gore Hill Public School’s Principal Council sold Easter Grams. For 50 cents, students and staff could send a special treat to a classmate, staff or family member. The students were excited to sell over 200 Easter Grams. The proceeds from this sale will be given to the Leamington Food Bank.
Sajan Brouwer of Wheatley.
photos)
Above left: Principal Council members at Gore Hill P.S. proudly stand behind the over 200 Easter Grams prepared to fill orders from staff and students. Front row, left to right are: Barrett Enns, Omar Elaoul, Ryan Klassen, Rachel Wong, Sadie Girardin, Hector Orozpe. Back row: Nickolay vanVeenschoten, Kailey Foster.
Above right:
(left)
The Lucky Leprechaun may have been less than kind to the Leamington Flyers, but the Easter Bunny more than made up for it.
The Western semifinal series that began with an overtime loss for the Flyers on St. Patrick’s Day ended on a far more positive note Easter Sunday, as the Leamington squad disposed of the Chatham Maroons in six games on March 27. After tying the series at one apiece and then again falling behind by a game, the Flyers regrouped and took the next three matches for a 4-2 series victory and a Western final best-of-seven appearance against the London Nationals.
The first period of Game 5 was another on home ice that started on shaky ground for Leamington. The first Maroons’ shot hit a post before Connor Koviak made his way to the front of the net about a minute later to bury a wrist shot past Tyler Wall for a 1-0 Chatham lead. Leamington tied the game about three minutes later, seconds after winning a face-off to the left of the Maroons’ net. Taking a feed from Mark Manchurek, Scott Emerson snapped the puck through a narrow hole between Brendan Johnston’s right skate and the right post from a sharp angle to the right of the goal. Zach Guilbeault also drew an assist on the tying goal.
Derek Elliott gave the Flyers a 2-1 lead by releasing a laser of a slap shot from the right of the Chatham net that was deflected before finding the top left corner. Assists were credited to David Storey and Mitchell Amante. Leamington outshot the visitors 12-5 after 20 minutes.
Leamington took control of the second period from its early stages, denying the Maroons’ offense any quality scoring chances while keeping the pressure on Johnston and his blueliners. Scott Florence added to his team’s lead with a shot that hit traffic in front of the crease before slowly trickling over the goal line. Cale Phibbs and Mitchell Crevatin assisted. Nine more minutes expired
before Colin Moore made it 4-1, deflecting a low Jacob McGhee slapshot from the blue line just as a Chatham penalty expired. Thomas Virban also earned a helper on the play.
Mitchell Amante caught Johnston and a M’s defenseman off guard after the goalie lost his stick to fire a point blank range shot just under a minute later.
Johnston made the initial save sans paddle, but couldn’t stop Amante from flipping his own rebound just under the crossbar. Elliott and Guilbeault assisted on the late goal.
The Flyers carried the momentum into the third, making it 6-1 when Mark Gangnon tapped a rebound over Johnston’s shoulder and into the top of the net. The rebound was made available off a Manchurek shot. Crevatin also earned an assist. Matthew Opblinger finished the scoring during a Leamington power play, sending a rebound from Moore into the left side of the net while falling
FLYERS WIN SEMIFINALS
BY BRYAN JESSOP
Opblinger was happy with his team’s performance, explaining that he wanted to see more of the same for Game 6 in Chatham.
“We played a pretty good game,” he
to the ice. Luke Sanko also assisted.
“I just wanted to get the puck — I knew the goalie was on the other side (of the net),” Opblinger explained of the goal. “I just managed to get a shot away and hoped it would go in.”
said. “We stuck to the game plan and we’ve got to keep doing that. Hopefully, we can finish them off.”
“We got a couple early and we capitalized on our chances tonight,” explained Flyers head coach Tony Piroski. “We’re more relaxed with the lead — we’ve been playing behind a lot in this series. If we can take care of home ice, I’ll be happy. We’ve been pretty good on the power play, but so have they. We’re a physical team and there are going to be penalties, but we’ve got to stay out of the box as much as possible.”
Chatham was zero for five on the power play Thursday while Leamington was two for 10. The Flyers outshot their guests 42-20.
Leamington finished things up with a Game 6 score that mirrored the series’ final standing — 4-2. The Maroons took a 1-0 lead about 12 minutes into
the first on a Mark Fratarcangeli goal. Gangnon and McGhee replied with Leamington tallies to give their team a 2-1 lead after 20 minutes. The McGhee goal was the only one of the night not scored during a power play.
Opblinger owned the second frame, adding a pair of man-advantage goals to give the Flyers a 4-1 advantage. Ian Faubert closed the gap to 4-2 about eight minutes into the third, but Wall and his defenders shut the door from there to ensure a trip to the third round.
Leamington was outshot 35-33 while going three for six on the power play. Chatham was two for eight on the man advantage. Flyer assists went to Amante with two and J.P. Grineau, Emerson, Sanko and Gangnon with one each.
The Maroons won Game 3 4-3 with goals by Steven Beenackers, Teddy McGeen, Michael Douglas and Ross Krieger. McGhee, Emerson and Scott Florence scored for Leamington.
Gangnon scored once and Emerson twice to give the Flyers a 3-1 win in Game 4. Gus Ford netted the lone Maroons goal.
Rest of the West
The other Western semifinal series between the LaSalle Vipers and London Nationals continued Wednesday, March 23. The Vipers kept their playoff drive alive with a 7-3 victory in London to bring the series standing to 3-2 favouring the Nationals. Game 6 brought the teams back to the Vollmer Centre, where London earned its ticket into the Western final with a 4-3 win.
WESTERN FINALS PLAYOFF SCHEDULE: Game 1: Thu., Mar. 31, 7:10 p.m. @ Leamington Game 2: Sat., Apr. 2, 7:30 p.m. @ London Game 3: Sun., Apr. 3, 7:10 p.m. @ Leamington Game 4: TBA @ London
*Game 5: TBA @ Leamington
*Game 6: TBA @ London
*Game 7: TBA @ Leamington visit www.southpointsun.ca for an updated schedule * – if necessary
The Flyers’ Luke Sanko and Maroons’ Connor McKinnon get tangled up during the second period of Game 5 at Highbury Canco Arena Thursday, March 24. Leamington won 7-1 and went on to win both Game 6 and the series 4-2 in Chatham on Sunday. (Sun photo)
The Flyers’ Jacob McGhee reaches over falling Maroon Ryan Fraser in an effort to poke the puck away from Chatham’s Devin Panzeca during the first period of Game 5. (Sun photo)
Liam Hogan of the Flyers passes the puck between the legs of approaching Maroon Connor McKinnon during the second period of Game 5. (Sun photo)
OBITUARY
Annette “Annie” Fulmer
Annette Marie “Annie” Fulmer, 77 years, passed away on Saturday, March 26, 2016 at Leamington District Memorial Hospital.
Beloved wife of the late Jim (2015). Dear mother of Todd and Susan, Kelly and Lisa, Shawn and Robyn, Dean and Laura. Loving grandmother of Tyler, Tabitha, Madison, Michael, Oryan, Serenidy, Gibson, Hunter and Dalton. Dear sister of Charlie (Shirley), Hilda, Ella (Larry), Elaine (Earl).
Visiting was at the Reid Funeral Home & Reception Centre, 14 Russell Street, Leamington (519-326-2631) on Tuesday, March 29, 2016 from 12-2 p.m. followed by a graveside service at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, 1805 Hwy 3, Oldcastle.
Memorial donations may be made by cheque to the Salvation Army Leamington.
Friends may share memories at www.reidfuneralhome.ca
OBITUARY
Murray
Reid
Murray Frank Reid, 91 years, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 22, 2016 at Leamington District Memorial Hospital.
Predeceased by his wife Helen (Irwin, 1996) and a daughter Sharon Reid (2002). Dear papa of Lianne (George) Imeson and Jeff (Amy) Brown. Special greatpapa of Justin (Krislyn Malott) Imeson, Jessica Imeson, Riley Brown, Morgan Brown and Bailey Brown.
Murray was a veteran of WW II and an active member of the Wheatley Legion, Oddfellows, Shriners and Masonic Lodge.
Visiting was at the Hammond Funeral Home, 17 Little Street South, Wheatley (519-825-7741) on Wednesday from 6:00-9:00 p.m. Wheatley Legion Service was held Wednesday evening at 7:00 p.m. followed by Masonic Lodge Service.
Funeral Service was held from the Wheatley United Church, 59 Talbot Street West, Wheatley, on Thursday, March 24, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. with Dave Derbyshire officiating. Interment Erie Cemetery, Wheatley.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made by cheque to the Wheatley Legion Br. 324, Shriners Hospital for Children or charity of your choice. www.hammondfuneralhome.ca
Plato Konduros
Plato Konduros, a.k.a. “Ploot”, “Babe” and “Daddio”, formerly of Leamington, died in his sleep without pain at 6:47 in the morning on Good Friday, March 25, 2016. He survived his wife of 59 years, Alice, who passed away on July 2, 2014. Plato was 87. He in turn is survived by his children and children-in-law Diana, Bill and Kathy, Bob and Dina, Jay and Jolanta; and by his grandchildren April, Laura, Gary, Tamara and Kristi; his brother Phil, sister Diane, sister-in-law Helen; his aunt Harriett; cousins Bill, Virginia and Marilyn; and his nieces and nephews Elena and Paul, Cathy and Paul, Jamie and Nick, Mary Ellen, Chris, Marilyn, Zoe, Chrissy, Jill, Alexander and Maria. He always enjoyed their company.
Plato left Leamington for Marriage and Montreal in 1955 where he and Alice had four children. They returned to Ontario in 1972, living in Don Mills, then Mississauga, and Kitchener. Alice said Plato never let her down. He was a good family man. Plato long ago perfected the art of taking great joy in life’s simple pleasures, whether it be a cup of coffee, a meal, a good steak, tomato soup, ketchup with his hamburger, a box of chocolates, ginger ale, or a chat with a stranger or a neighbour. That’s likely how he lived five times his life expectancy after being diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2011. He never complained about it. He called it, “bellybutton” – probably the most humorous euphemism for cancer ever devised.
Plato was sociable and kept his colourful personality to the end. He had an extensive vocabulary, stayed up on current events, and liked to wear a suit and look sharp. Plato loved jazz and the sound of the drums. He loved cars, his house, skiing, Anne of Green Gables, musicals and the stock market. His temper, when it flared, would pass quickly and he never held a grudge. He loved his family and was extremely proud of each and every one of us. He wanted Charlie Parker tunes played at his funeral and for it to be a happy day.
Visiting was at the Reid Funeral Home & Reception Centre, 14 Russell Street Leamington on Monday, March 28, 2016 from 1 p.m. until time of Funeral Service to celebrate Plato’s life at 2 p.m. Rev. Liz Chaplin officiated. Interment Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery, Leamington.
In lieu of donations, spend some time with someone in need.
Friends may send condolences at www.reidfuneralhome.ca
Windsor-built 1952 Ford convertible remembered
A few dozen stories ago, I covered the Windsor-built 1952 Meteor Customline 2-door sedan purchased by Ben Koop of Leamington in 1953, when the car was just one year old. He found it on a used car lot at Tecumseh and Walker Road in Windsor. The car had no radio, and that indicated to Ben that the previous owner was not a young guy who drove the heck out of it. Ben installed a radio and a set of Firestone whitewalls and put his foot to the floor. He picked Firestone because they made the loudest squeal and he told me he could squeal his tires in all three gears.
Now fast forward to December 2015 when I saw Ben at a Christmas supper at a local church. I told him a fellow phoned me recently from up around Kenora who’s restoring a 1952 Meteor convertible. “Wow!” said Ben. “When I had my ’52 Meteor, a fellow who worked at Heinz drove a ’52 Ford convertible. His name was Ed Kroeker.” I asked Ben what colour it was. Ben replied: “It was red.” I said I could remember Don Cleghorn driving a red ’52 Ford convertible around town in the 1950s. And that’s when Ben said: “I know. Ed sold his car to Don. We’re talking about the same car!”
Now it was my turn to say “Wow!” I headed home after the church supper and opened my 1952 Ford sales brochure, knowing there was a convertible in there but I couldn’t remember the colour. Bingo! It’s red and reproduced here.
All 1952 Fords had several exciting new features never before seen on a Ford. It was the first year for a curved one-piece windshield. It was the first year for brake and clutch pedals mounted pendulum-like on the firewall instead of coming up through holes in the floor. And it was the first year for Ford having the gas filler neck in the middle at the back, right behind the license plate. Now it no longer mattered which side of the pumps you pulled up on. The hose would always reach the middle.
Under the hood of Don’s ’52 convertible was Henry
duced exactly 20 years earlier. By 1952, the
power. Meanwhile, Ben Koop’s ’52 Meteor
with 120 horsepower. If Don or Ed ever challenged
power under Ben’s hood would definitely put him out front!
I’m always looking for more stories. Email billtsherk@sympatico.ca or write Bill Sherk, P.O. Box 255, 25 John Street, Leamington, ON N8H 3W2. Everyone whose story is published in my column receives a free autographed copy of my book “Old Car Detective Favourite Stories, 1925 to 1965.”
FOR RENT
COUNTRY COURT APARTMENTS
280 Sherk St. Leamington
• 1 & 2 Bedroom Apartments.
• Renovated, convenient location, near shopping, sports complex and Seacliff Park.
• Secure entry and manager on site. 519-326-0320
ERIE APARTMENTS
137 Erie St. South 2 bedroom units available. 2nd & 3rd floor. 13th month free. Available immediately. Call Bob at 226-936-1676
CARPENTRY - Renovations and repairs, windows (full warranty), doors, painting, flooring, basements, drywall, kitchens, bathroom. Decks, fences, sheds & vinyl siding. Free estimates. 35 years experience. We install windows and doors year round (senior discount). Call Bill at 519-566-8408. mr30-ap20
INCOME TAX - Confidential preparation of Personal, Farm and Senior Returns. Pick up and delivery available. E-file or regular filing. Over 35 years experience. Call Tim Mousseau at 519975-2414 or toll-free at 1855-975-2414. fe3-ap13
PRINTING: BUSINESS ENVELOPES,invoices, flyers, business cards, custom print jobs, whatever your printing needs, call Jim at The Sounthpoint Sun for quick and economical service, 519-398-9098. tf
WANTED TO RENT
LOOKING FOR CLEAN3 bedroom apartment or house in Leamington for Engineering professionals. Needed from May 1 to August 31, 2016. Please call 519-825-4611 ext. 5254. mr16-30
ELECTRICAL WIRING REPAIRS, etc. by licensed electrician. Small jobs welcome. Call 519-326-7900 anytime. mr16-ap6
CALL KAHL RECYCLINGWe come to you and haul away your junk. Scrap metal and appliances are free. Everything else has a fee. Call Ken 519-322-8305, 519-326-8559. ja14-tf
J J STITCHING - SEWING, alterations, and repairs. Pants shortened $8.50 plus tax. (Some exceptions may apply such as lined pants). If your clothing is too tight or too baggy, give me a call to see if it can be altered. Call Jean at 519-968-2261. 14 Johnson Avenue, Leamington. jjstitching@gmail.com ja13-jn29
COMING UP
KINGSVILLE LEGION BRANCH 188 Friday Night Dinners 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Weekly Specials $14 (Ribs or Perch). Other weekly menu items $12. Karaoke every 3rd Saturday of the month 8:00 p.m. 519-7335162 (office) or 519-7339081 (bar). ja6-tf
Jack Morris
FARM MACHINERY AUCTION SALE
THURSDAY, APRIL 7 AT 10:00 AM
For Dan & Patricia Zimmer at 10410 Blind Fourth Line, Kent Bridge. Farm equip. includes White Field Boss 2-105 & Ford 4610 tractors – low hrs., good condition; nicely restored Oliver Super 66 & Oliver Row Crop 60 gas tractors; good wagons, planting, tillage & other equip. Consigned: JD 455 dsl riding lawnmower, 60” deck, 1844 hrs; Vibrocrop 10 row folding cult; Yetter 21’ rotary hoe; 8’x8’ new from ‘70’s Ford sign; etc. This will be a short sale.
Terms: cash, debit, personalized cheque day of sale.
Absolutely no reserve on Mr. Zimmer’s equipment.
Proprietors: Dan & Patricia Zimmer, 519-436-7279 cell, 519-354-7279 home, Auctioneer: Jack Morris, 519-687-2530
Details & photos at www.jackmorrisauctions.com
Note: 1969 GMC 920 stake truck will not be in sale.
ITEMS FOR SALE
GREEN CUSTOM-MADE
10'x10' gazebo top. Won't rip or rot. Paid $500 - Asking $100. Call Brian at 519-3221653. mr23-30
PROPERTIES FOR SALE
• FARM FOR SALE BY TENDER •
FARM FOR SALE BY TENDER •
Address: 2011 Essex Rd. 14, Leamington
Legal Description: 50 acres - brookstone clay Pt. Lot 20, Conc. 9 (Mersea) Municipality of Leamington
Purchaser’s may obtain Tender Forms from the office of J.H. Eaton, 26 Erie St. S., Wheatley, ON N0P 2P0, 519-825-7032 joyce.eaton@gmail.com
Sealed Tenders will be accepted until Friday, April 8th, 2016 at 12 noon
ELECTRIC TREADMILL TX400 - good condition. Asking $100. Call Steve 519-324-5879. mr16-30
Auctions Inc.
DINIRO FARMS NEEDS full time greenhouse general labourers. $11.25/hour, 45+ hours, 7 days/week. Must be available Saturday and Sunday. Duties include plant, crop maintenance, harvest and pack. Must be able to lift a minimum of 40 pounds on a repetitive basis. Please apply via email to: dinirofarms@wavedirect.net.
GENERAL GREENHOUSE
LABOUR - Full time and full time part time positions available. 40-48 hours per week, weekends/holidays. Physically demanding work, load lifting required, hot humid environment. Minimum wage to start. Apply by fax: 519-326-6702 or email: hriprfms@gmail.com. mr30-jn1
Registered with OCOT Full Time, Benefits Available
Prefer resume to be dropped off at: 238 Talbot St. W., Leamington, ON Resume must include school transcript, references and MVR (motor vehicle report)
Alternatively - send to: 519-326-3632 Fax or grossi@grossiplumbing.ca
SUN-PARLOUR WEED & Spider Control is now accepting resumes for full time seasonal and full time student positions. Please email resume to sunparlour1@bellnet.ca. No experience necessary - will train. mr16-30
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
