May 3, 2017

Disturbance results in criminal charges, canine search

On April 28, 2017 at approximately 6:45 a.m., members of the Leamington OPP received a report of a disturbance in progress in the 100 block of Talbot Street East.

Police arrived at the scene and arrested two men and learned that two others had fled the area on foot.

The third suspect was arrested in the area a short time later. An extensive search was made by the OPP’s Canine Unit and Emergency Response Team (ERT) for the fourth male but he wasn’t located.

Following the investigation, two of the men arrested were released from police custody unconditionally.

Criminal charges are pending against one Leamington man and the investigation is continuing.

Any person with information regarding this incident or the person(s) involved should immediately contact the Ontario Provincial Police Leamington Major Crime Unit at 519-326-2544.

Should you wish to remain anonymous, you can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.

Middle school event a ‘colourful’ hit

By Bryan Jessop

Despite its lack of experience, Cardinal Carter Catholic Middle School proved ‘unstoppable’ in its effort to combine fun and fundraising.

Leamington’s first school for Grades 7 and 8 students held its first annual Unstoppable Run Friday, Apr. 21 for each of its 169 students as well as Grade 6 guests from St. Louis Catholic Elementary School in Leamington and St. John de Brebeuf Catholic Elementary School of Kingsville. With just over 100 guests from its neighbouring schools, CCCMS’s first-of-its-kind fundraiser attracted a combined crowd of nearly 300 students. The Unstoppable Run raised money through pledge donations that the middle school’s pupils collected in order to participate in the event’s list of activities — a sum of more than $5,000. Pledge collection began with the arrival of forms for students prior to the March Break.

“It’s just amazing,” said Cardinal Carter Catholic Middle School principal Nancy Sarkis of the first Unstoppable Run’s success. “I’m overwhelmed with the generosity of the community. We’re all very grateful for what they brought in. Kudos to Joanna (Zeiter) for her efforts in organizing.”

Zeiter, chairperson of the local Catholic School Council, began leading a team of volunteers with organizational efforts in October of last year. The Unstoppable Run be-

gan with the “colour bombing” of Sarkis, vice principals Bill Vaillancourt and Ruth Paesano and other teachers by the school’s top three overall pledge collectors and the top collector from each of its seven classrooms. The top overall student, Anthony Policella, raised an additional $150 for the right to colour bomb EA Tricia Clarke. Overall, Policella singlehandedly raised more than $400.

After staff members were blasted with multiple colours of powder, CCCMS welcomed the arriving Grade 6 students and dispersed with their younger cohorts to participate in activities of their choice between Freeze Dance, a soccer obstacle course, indoor dodgeball, Capture the Flag and a team marble tunnel exercise. Afterwards, all students gathered in the gymnasium for warm ups led by Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex zumba instructor Billie Stapleton.

From there, all Grade 6 to 8 students embarked upon the day’s main event, a five-kilometre run or walk that began with the shoe on the other foot — colour bombing by staff members and volunteers. The course took the students down Ellison Avenue, a loop around the Queens Hill subdivision and a jaunt along the walking trail starting behind the LKRC to Talbot Street before tracing their steps back to the school that was formerly Queen of Peace Catholic Elementary School.

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Staff members at Cardinal Carter Catholic Middle School get colour bombed by students who raised the most money overall and per class during the first annual Unstoppable Run Friday, Apr. 21. The event was attended by Grade 6 guests from St. Louis Leamington and St. John de Brebeuf Kingsville and raised more than $5,000 for student activities at the Grade 7-8 school.

We all want to be healthy and happy. No one can be truly healthy without positive mental health. It involves how we feel, think, act and interact with the world around us. Mental health is about coping with the normal stresses of life and making a contribution to our community.

Ask for help or seek advice from a professional – give your mental health the attention it needs and deserves.

YOUR PATH TO MENTAL WELL-BEING

Positive mental health isn’t about avoiding problems or trying to achieve a “perfect” life. It’s about living well and having the tools to cope with difficult situations even during life’s challenges. Each person’s path to mental well-being is unique. We all have our own goals, our own challenges, our own talents and our own supports. But positive mental health is within everyone’s reach.

Staying mentally healthy is like staying physically fit— it requires effort. But the rewards are worth it! Everyone has to face stresses and demands, but we all need and deserve breaks. Daily physical exercise, for instance, not only makes you stronger and more fit, but it also improves your mood and your sense of well-being.

TAKING

CHARGE OF YOUR MENTAL WELL-BEING

SEEK THE HELP OF A PROFESSIONAL

• If you have a mental health concern, speak with your doctor.

• If you need direction in your work life, speak to a career counsellor or human resources expert and make a career plan.

• To repair relationships with loved ones and friends, talk to an expert and work through any issues.

• For financial challenges, contact a financial planner or debt advisor.

POSITIVE

MENTAL HEALTH TIPS

• Talk to your doctor if you are experiencing problems with your mental health.

• Contact your local CMHA branch at cmha.ca.

• Check with your employer: many Employee Assistance Plans (EAPs) and benefit plans will provide access to counselling services.

• Reach out to people you trust: personal connections are some of the most powerful healing tools for combatting depression.

• Live well: a healthy lifestyle can boost your mood.

RESOURCES

While family and friends are important supports, here are other sources of information and inspiration that can help:

• Websites of reputable mental health organizations such as CMHA (cmha.ca), the Mental Health Commission of Canada (mentalhealthcommission.ca) and the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health (camimh.ca).

• Books about specific mental health problems.

• Audio and video resources

• Courses and workshops offered through community centres, schools and universities

• Seek out people you admire for their ability to find balance

Mental Health Week 2017

FAST FACTS ABOUT MENTAL ILLNESS

Who is affected?

• Mental illness indirectly affects all Canadians at some time through a family member, friend or colleague.

• 20% of Canadians will personally experience a mental illness in their lifetime.

• Mental illness affects people of all ages, educational and income levels, and cultures.

• Approximately 8% of adults will experience major depression at some time in their lives.

• About 1% of Canadians will experience bipolar disorder (or “manic depression”). How common is it?

• Schizophrenia affects 1% of the Canadian population.

• Anxiety disorders affect 5% of the household population, causing mild to severe impairment.

• Suicide accounts for 24% of all deaths among 15-24 year olds and 16% among 2544 year olds.

• Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in both men and women from adolescence to middle age.

• The mortality rate due to suicide among men is four times the rate among women. What causes it?

• A complex interplay of genetic, biological, personality and environmental factors causes mental illnesses.

• Almost one half (49%) of those who feel they have suffered from depression or anxiety have never gone to see a doctor about this problem.

• Stigma or discrimination attached to mental illnesses presents a serious barrier, not only to diagnosis and treatment but also to acceptance in the community.

• Mental illnesses can be treated effectively.

Canadian Mental Health Association Windsor-Essex Branch 1400 Windsor Ave., Windsor, ON P (519) 255-7440 F (519) 255-7817

info-referral@cmha-wecb.on.ca http://www.cmha-wecb.on.ca

Autism walk gains momentum in Leamington

By Bryan Jessop

The skies were anything but blue, but that colour stood as a vibrant theme for the latest installment of a localized, charitable cause.

The fifth annual Walk/ Run For Autism Awareness offered only slightly better weather conditions than it did for last year, but was greeted with the same lofty level of enthusiasm by organizers, volunteers, sponsors and participants alike. The Walk/Run itself generated $13,000 in funding for the Windsor-Essex branch of Autism Ontario, adding to the roughly $60,000 raised by the event and its supporting efforts during its first four years.

From 2013 to 2016, Walk/Run For Autism Awareness fundraising totals included coinciding endeavors from local schools and in-house business collections from sources including Mastronardi Produce — a combined effort generating about $27,000 in support for Autism Ontario last year. This year, Mastronardi Produce employee efforts — which also boost fundraising totals for the annual Leamington MS Walk — garnered another $6,000 in support.

“We’ve been trying to push everyone to create support from outside our event,” explained Paula Filangeri, who has coorganized each of the past five Walk/Run For Autism along with Ann Diab. “The whole Leamington-Kingsville area has done a great job in creating its own initiatives. Creating awareness

and encouraging people to start their own fundraisers allows families to have access to local programs being offered.”

Programs Filangeri referred to include those focusing on physical education, family support groups, consultation through an office at Erie Shores Health Care in Leamington, literacy, occupational therapy, social events like bowling, movie nights and swimming and cooking classes.

About 250 runners and walkers — a combination of participants who pre-registered online and others who signed up on site on the day of the event — took part in this year’s fundraiser. The Seacliff Park pavilion has served as the Walk/Run For Autism headquarters for each of the past three years.

The gathering began as a walk-a-thon attracting about 125 participants in 2013, the first of two years where the Leamington Municipal Marina served as the start/finish location.

“The whole thing started as a leisurely stroll with our blue shirts,” said Diab, who’s son Christopher was diagnosed with Autism. “It’s grown a lot since then. It’s really gone beyond our expectations.”

The annual event is now associated with W.R.A.C.E.

— Walkers and Runners Around the County of Essex. Participants entered one of three divisions of the race — dubbed “Go Blue For Autism” — including a 5 km walk, 5 km run or a 10 km run. Akmal Muhammad led the walkers with a time

of 49:39.5 while Tyler Rowles took top honours among 5 km runners at 22:26.4 and Liz Southcott led 10 km runners with a clocked time of 53:59.0. Most entries hailed from across Windsor and Essex County, although others made the trek from Chatham-Kent and beyond.

Melanie Mastronardi of Mastronardi Produce (second from left) presents a contribution of $6,000 on behalf of the company to Autism Ontario Windsor Essex chapter manager Livia Congi (far left) and Walk/Run For Autism co-founders Paula Filangeri (centre) and Ann Diab (far right). (SUN Photos)

From left to right, Autism Ontario Windsor Essex chapter manager Livia Congi, Walk/Run For Autism co-founders Paula Filangeri and Ann Diab and Autism Ontario Windsor Essex chapter president Julie Bondy reveal a fundraising total of $13,000 moments prior to the start of the fifth annual event of its kind at Seacliff Park Sunday, Apr. 30.

The fifth annual Walk/Run For Autism gets underway starting at Seacliff Park Sunday, Apr. 30.

Autism patient Christopher Diab, right, makes an announcement to a crowd of about 250 runners and walkers for the fifth annual Walk/ Run For Autism

High school memories

We had some fun last week looking at a couple of old LDSS yearbooks in the office. I had found both of my Pheobuses (or Pheobii?) while cleaning out one of our closets.

Going through, we chuckled at a lot of pictures, reminisced about some of the faculty members and recognized several faces who were no longer with us.

As I approached the dog, it turned to me and lunged, it’s teeth grabbing my leg up near the nether regions of my anatomy.

MARK RIBBLE Rib’s Ramblings

I bought the Pheobus in Grade 9 and Grade 11, so I don’t even know what the other years looked like.

In those two years my hair went from long to longer and I graduated from a side part to the more contemporary middle part with the feathering of the sides, all courtesy of Ben Adams, who at that time was working out of his lower unit barber shop on Mill Street.

As I pulled away, those bellbottoms ripped completely away from my leg on one side, leaving me exposed and scared for my life.

I looked like someone dressed for the circus with one bellbottom leg fully engaged and the other one completely bare.

Now the only way I’ll get my hair feathered is if one of my grandchildren decides to stick a feather on my head.

The hair is just not there anymore and hasn’t been for some time.

Sure, I could grow a mullet off the back end, but the front would still be what it is… more forehead than hairline.

Thankfully, his teeth barely broke my skin but I had a little difficulty explaining that to my mother when I got home. She was afraid of strange dogs and had ‘harped’ at me about staying away from dogs I didn’t know. Lesson learned, I guess. (harped was a word she used quite often).

Needless to say, I never went near that barn again. I also never wore bellbottoms again.

Funny, the hair has no trouble growing in my nose or my ears, or along the back of my neck. As I’ve grown older, those parts of my body have increased in hair fertility, while my head sadly lags behind.

I remember my high school days fondly, for the most part.

If every cloud has a silver lining, I guess my one-time dog attack cured me of the bellbottom fad.

That was my only near-miss in high school. I think the four years went quite smoothly other than that one de-pantsing at the hands (and teeth) of Rin Tin Tin’s angry brother.

Leafing through those old Pheobus pages really brings back a lot of good memories.

Walking into the halls of LDSS for the first time, I was naturally nervous. I was a skinny (something else that has changed) little 14-year-old, wanting to fit in.

I wasn’t overly fashionable then.

I remember having a pair of white painter pants and those were my go-to pants when I went out on occasion. It took awhile for me to learn not to wear black underwear with them.

And with this year being the last in that building, I guess we all have memories of those hallways and all of the things that happened there. There was a ‘last dance’ held in the gym a couple of weeks ago. I didn’t attend but heard that everyone had a great time. I wonder if they played Donna Summer’s ‘Last Dance’?

I also had one pair of bell bottoms that my mom bought me, hoping her once-shy baby would blossom into a social icon within those halls at LDSS.

Well, those pants lasted most of Grade 9 and naturally they have a story attached to them.

I hung around a bit that year with Rolly and Graham Martens, who lived not far from the high school. I think they lived over on Smith Ave., but I could be off on that.

That was a gym that seemed so huge when I first walked into it in the fall of 1975.

One day in the spring of that year, Rolly decided to introduce me to the German shepherd that was chained to the barn right next to the high school.

As we walked up the driveway, the dog was going crazy and I was quite apprehensive, but good old Rolly assured me that the dog was friendly, “once you get to know him.”

Mr. Myers and Mr. O’Reilly took us through our first few classes and we were all in awe of that giant gym. Now, I’m sure it seems quite small to our adult minds. I remember being required to buy maroon gym shorts so we would all look the same. I remember doing chin-ups and sit-ups that first year and being introduced to murder ball, dodge ball and field hockey.

As the new school takes shape over on Oak Street, I can’t help but wonder what will become of that old building and all of the memories that live there.

I had no reason not to trust Rolly. We had been baseball teammates and friends for awhile at that point.

He went up to it and the dog seemed to recognize him.

The new students coming in next fall will begin to build their own memories in the new building, not realizing the history left behind on Talbot Street by so many before them.

If only those walls could talk.

Clip it or nail it

all-inclusive in Nassau, and not that I looked too hard but a boot camp all-inclusive was hard to find!

Mid-Wednesday, after Mark’s appointment, we returned to Little Whale Cay. As the plane touched down we both admitted to a feeling of remorse. We were sad that our visits from friends, our children and guests were behind us. Once again, we had to make the most of our days with our crew on this small island.

Saturday morning, I awoke stiffer than usual and blamed it on the coresynergistic workout I did the day before; however, after reaching into my pant pockets to find both clothespins and nails, I smiled and thought differently.

Most of you are probably rolling your eyes right now and thinking “ya right” — life on the island can’t be all that bad! You are correct! However, it’s not all a bed of roses or bougainvillea either. Like most things in life, it’s a balance of what is doled out to you and what you make of it.

Everyone’s routine has been discombobulated ever since the hurricane in October. The focus has been to get the island back to the way it was, along with preparing the island for the charter guests and the owners’ visits. After the charter was over, Mark and I took some much-needed time off the island with our children. Although we enjoyed their stay, it meant another week away from a routine that includes working out, working and eating properly.

We may get away with a bad day here and there, but the accumulation of bad habits over the last few months added up and we were feeling the ramifications. A puddle around the muddle and a lack of motivation were the results.

Mark and I made plans for boot camp but unfortunately we had a setback. While in Lauderdale to see the kids off, Mark’s black toe from a hockey injury over four years ago started showing signs of infection. I emailed our doctor in Nassau and luckily he fit Mark in on our return through Nassau last Tuesday. His toenail (which had awarded him the name Captain Black Toe by our kids) had to be removed. This meant we needed to stay over in Nassau for the night and return for a dressing change the next morning. On the good side, we celebrated my birthday at an

While we were away the island received a torrential rain shower. I feel legit calling it this, since Arthur says it was the most water that he has seen dropped from the sky in one day since he arrived over 45 years ago. One of the first things we noted on our return was the debris strewn on the walkways and the water stain across the airstrip. The houses in the downtown area, including our own, had watermarks up as high as a foot. We were thankful that our home had been lifted after Hurricane Andrew hit in ’93 or we would have returned to a disaster. The oddest thing is the glass block squares that must have floated away and were consequently deposited here and there in the most random spots.

On a positive note, the flamingo pond that was beginning to have an odour overflowed. The pink birds are happily roaming free in the wetlands that have been created in the valley. The cisterns and fountains are replenished and our newly planted palms and gardens are flourishing. We can water daily, but there is nothing to compare with the natural effects of the rain. On that note, I recently learned how important it is to water a palm from above.

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Clip it or nail it

(Continued from page 4)

The fronds are designed to collect and carry the water down to the head at the centre of the plant and only then will they thrive.

Prior to the charter, I had planted pots of the very expensive turmeric root that we enjoy daily in our smoothies, tea and dishes. At anywhere from $16 to $20 U.S. a pound, I was hoping to start growing our own. I took the roots with lots of nodes, dipped them into water and then rooting compound before planting them on their sides, an inch under the surface of the dirt. It felt as if they would never sprout, but sure enough, after I left for the weekend and the day of rain, I returned to lily of the valley-like sprouts.

I chose to look at all the pleasant surprises the moisture brought instead of the mess to clean up ahead of us again! The pineapple tops that I have planted over the years are showing promise of bearing fruit. One of them must have got caught up with a papaya seed in the compost so by its side a papaya plant has shot up to four feet tall. I fear it may outgrow the shade house roof very soon. The Easter bunny left chocolate quail eggs here and there for our kids, but I was left two blooming Easter lilies in both crimson red and white!

Now back to my thoughts and routine. Since Mark was unable to work out, I had to push myself out of bed Thursday morning for a run. After the first loop, the aches here and there passed and I was able to enjoy the scenery. How easy it would be to quit, but the rewards make it worth working through. Friday morning, I decided to focus on my mid-section and thus the core-synergistic workout. The hour-long workout combines enough of a variety of core exercises to keep me from getting bored. With moves like superman and banana boat, one’s thoughts may be taken back to the allinclusive tiki bar; however, your body from mid-thigh to chest reminds you differently the next day.

I sense that our crew is feeling out of sync as well. It has been challenging to encourage everyone to get back into the groove. Rasta Michael, the carpenter we hired to repair two roofs, has been kept busy doing odd repair jobs the past 6 weeks until the roofing material all arrived and the charter was over. Finally he began the roofing job a week ago Monday and quit 3½ days later. He came storming out of his house Saturday morning, claiming he was done!

Needless to say Mark and I are now shingling a roof, which explains both my soreness and the nails in my pocket! I admit that along with the stiffness, I also feel a bit of gratitude for being given this opportunity to do something that I never imagined myself doing. Our goal is to finish the roof prior to Arthur’s return in another week, since he definitely wouldn’t approve of us both on the roof.

For our crew, who is feeling a sense of entitlement right now, it’s important for them to see both Mark and I willing to do what needs to be done, even if it’s not in our job description. Like the rain, I am hoping our job ethic and sense of pride will cultivate the same sense of pride to our crew.

Now off I head to take slipcovers off of the clothesline, empty my pockets of clothespins and head up to the roof with my nails.

Municipality selects new interim chief

By Bryan Jessop

With the departure of its outgoing chief, the Leamington Fire Services have announced his temporary replacement.

Tim Berthiaume began his job as interim chief of the LFS on Monday, Apr. 24 — the same day former Leamington fire chief Chuck Parsons started his new job as chief for the neighbouring department in Kingsville. Parsons served his last day in Leamington on Friday, Apr. 21 before taking on the job he successfully applied for to replace retiring Kingsville Fire Department chief Bob Kissner.

Berthiaume originally retired from Windsor’s fire department in 2007 after about 30 years of service to take on the job as deputy chief in Calgary. After working there, where he also assisted the chief of the nearby Airdrie Fire Department, Berthiaume retired and moved to the Leamington area in October of 2011.

“I’d always wanted to live on the water,” said Berthiaume, now residing on Point Pelee Drive. “For me, it was the right place to move to.”

Originally from Windsor, the new interim chief retired from the Calgary department three years ago after serving there for approximately five years. He took on deputy chief duties there for about four years, addressing responsibilities including administration, operations, recruitment and

health and safety.

Berthiaume was approached with an offer for the LFS job by Leamington municipal CAO Peter Neufeld, who led a committee established to select a temporary chief. The Leamington Fire Services was informed of the committee’s selection on Friday, Apr. 21. The process was officially finalized by council the following Monday. Berthiaume was introduced to LFS personnel on his first day on the job.

“We’re looking forward to working with him in the interim,” explained LFS deputy chief Mike Bradt. “We offer our congratulations to Chuck (Parsons) and our best wishes for him in Kingsville.”

Berthiaume’s tenure with the LFS is expected to run a course of at least two months. During that time, the department will seek out a permanent replacement for Parsons, a process that began with the release of tender accepting applications that officially went out April 24. Bradt noted that the precise length of Berthiaume’s service as interim chief will depend on when applications are submitted

and how quickly interview processes can be conducted.

“I’ll do anything I can for this department,” Berthiaume said. “It’s a great group of people. Together, we’ll do what we can to advance it until a new chief is found.”

Born and raised in Windsor, Berthiaume began working for his city of origin in 1976 and began his career with the Windsor Fire Department in 1978. He served there as deputy chief for between five and six years before departing for the position in Calgary. Previously, his father worked for the Windsor department from 1927 to 1971.

Berthiaume shares the same first and last name as

Amherstburg’s chief of police, a coincidence that on occasion causes minor confusion.

“We’re of no relation, although I sometimes receive bills for flowers he orders,” the temporary LFS chief said with a chuckle.

Tim Berthiaume

Important changes for electricity consumers

Electricity consumers across the province should be aware of important changes that started on May 1, including increased support for lower income bill payers and lower time-of-use prices for all consumers.

The Ontario Energy Board’s (OEB) ban on winter disconnections was lifted on May 1. There are a number of rules in place to protect consumers and help them stay connected. The OEB requires utilities to follow these rules. For example, customers must receive 10 days notice before electricity can be cut off. Customers must also be provided with payment options. The OEB also expects utilities to reconnect customers within two business days of receiving a payment or agreeing to a payment arrangement.

Low-income customers may be eligible for special rules including the right to request equalized billing and a longer payment plan.They may also be eligible for help paying their bill through programs such as the Ontario Energy Support Program (OESP) www. OntarioElectricitySupport.ca or the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) www.oeb.ca/billhelp.

Support for lower-income electricity consumers will increase by 50 per cent and more consumers will be eligible for assistance under changes to the OESP, which took effect May 1, 2017. The OESP increase translates to an additional $180 to $300 per year for households in monthly, on-bill OESP credits, depending on their size and annual income.

Households and small businesses that buy their electricity from their local utility will see their electricity prices go down as of May 1 with changes to the Time of Use (TOU) rates. Off-peak periods will see a prices reduced from 8.7¢ per kWh to 7.7¢ per kWh. Mid-peak will go from 13.2¢ per kWh to 11.3¢ per kWh. On-peak usage will be reduced from 18.0¢ per kWh to 15.7¢ per kWh.

The Ontario Energy Board is an independent and impartial public agency. Their goal is to promote a sustainable and efficient energy sector that provides consumers with reliable energy services at a reasonable cost.

Cottam farm wins $25,000 Seed for a Season

CJ Bradley & Sons Ltd. of Cottam was one of six final winners announced in the DuPont Pioneer Seed for a Season contest who will each receive up to $25,000 in Pioneer® brand products.

The Seed for a Season contest in Eastern Canada is aimed at providing farmers with an opportunity to invest their money in a different way this year, from improving the profitability of their farm to going on a dream vacation.

“I’m really pleased with the success of the Seed for a Season contest. It was a great opportunity to give back to some lucky customers in a way that directly helps their farm operation,” says Collin Phillip, business director, Eastern Canada at DuPont Pioneer. “With 20 winners in Ontario and Quebec as well as three winners in the Maritimes, the Seed for a Season contest had a heartfelt impact with our customers in communities across Eastern Canada.”

In addition to the Bradley family, other winners are from Walkerton, ON, Athens, ON, Acton, ON, Saint-Esprit, PQ, and Farnham, PQ

The DuPont Pioneer Seed for a Season contest ran from September 2016 to March 2017, awarding 20 winners from across Ontario and Quebec a total of up to $25,000 each.

Gone are the days we used to share But in our hearts you are always there. The gates of memory will never close. We miss you more than anyone knows. With tender love and deep regret We who love you will never forget.

who passed away May 6, 2008 I watched you suffer I saw you die But all I could do was sit close by You went away, we had to part God eased your pain but broke our heart.

Family

Loved Always, Linda

Love Judy, Joe and Maggie

Carter, Logan, Brody & Kayleigh xoxo

Pictured here, from left to right, are David Santo (Pioneer sales rep), Steve Bradley, Harry Bradley, Brian Bradley and Keith Brockman (Pioneer sales rep).

Teamwork skills

One of several waves of students begins The Unstoppable Run/Walk five-kilometre route at Cardinal Carter Catholic Middle School Friday, Apr. 21. The event was attended by Grade 6 guests from St. Louis Leamington and St. John de Brebeuf Kingsville and raised more than $5,000 for student activities at the Grade 7-8 school.

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Once the run/walk was completed, students again gathered for a pizza lunch courtesy of Dominos Leamington and best-dressed prize announcements. A dance party with music provided courtesy of PJ The DJ followed, capped by a farewell to departing Grade 6s.

“For our first time, it went very well,” said Zeiter, who was backed by a team of about 30 volunteers on the day of the fundraiser. “We had a ton of support from community sponsors who really made the whole thing possible.”

Sponsors Zeiter referred to included a number of private donors as well as local businesses and organizations including Abraham Orthodontics, Armando’s, Domino’s, McDonalds, Nick Husbands and UK Soccer, Peter’s Kitchen, SouthPark Hydroponics, Tim Hortons, Amherstburg Dental, DJ PJ Productions, Jose’s, Mucci Farms, Perfect 10, Ray’s Ribhouse, Subway and the Windsor Spitfires. Next year, Zeiter noted, The Unstoppable Run may expand to take on a local charitable cause. By then, the event will be hosted by the middle school’s new home at the same address as Cardinal Carter Catholic Secondary School. For upcoming years, the fundraiser’s invitations may be extended to include Grade 6 students at Catholic elementary schools in neighbouring communities such as Essex and Harrow.

Funds raised by The Unstoppable Run will be used to finance a variety of student activities and programs at CCCMS, which officially open its doors at the old Queen of Peace building in September of last year.

“It’s been a remarkably successful year,” said Sarkis. “The entire community has really embraced this model.”

(Southpoint Sun photos by Bryan Jessop)

Students test their teamwork skill on the marble tunnel, one of the activities featured in the first annual CCCMS Unstoppable Run Friday, Apr. 21.

Diversity celebrated at LDSS

By Bryan Jessop

Students at Leamington District Secondary School have proven that variety is both literally and figuratively the spice of life.

Four Grade 10 pupils at the school got together in a combined effort to present the first LDSS Multicultural Celebration, an event highlighting the multitude of ethnic backgrounds found in the educational facility’s hallways and classrooms. Jeressa Penales, Layla Bakaa, Celine Veloria and April Valdez — all Grade 10 students at LDSS — spearheaded a research project initiated across the province by the Ministry of Education in an effort to promote student engagement

In casual conversation during a leadership camp attended by the four girls in Orillia, Valdez mentioned that the Philippines — her home country until less than a year ago — celebrates an annual holiday known as International Day. From there, the small group started making plans for a Multicultural Day at LDSS, a plan that hinged on a four-page grant application filled and submitted to the MOE by Penales. The Leamington group’s submission for what the ministry dubbed the “Speak Up Grant” was successful, giving the students an opportunity to fund their Multicultural Celebration event to the tune of $2,500.

The money was divided by 14 groups of presenters representing 18 nationalities. Each group was made up of a minimum of one teacher and two students, given about $180 to present meal items common to their nation of origin. Food was presented at displays around the perimeter of the school’s main gymnasium, along with traditional attire, music, videos and other items illustrating the traditions and heritage of represented countries. Students,

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Moxi™ Fit R—the world’s smallest rechargeable hearing aid—is now here!An easy, overnight charge can keep you hearing all day - with no interruptions. And. these hearing aids are so discreet that no one will notice you’re wearing them. Now you can have comfort, style and convenience all in one package—perfect for your on-the-go lifestyle.

Join us at our premier event: Mon., May 8th & Tues., May 9th, 2017

Hospice LifeWalk coming to Leamington

For the first time, walkers will now have a choice of two locations for the annual Hospice LifeWalk.

On Sunday, June 11th the annual Hospice LifeWalk will take place across WindsorEssex and this year a brand new walk is being planned in Leamington to support the new Erie Shores Hospice Campus.

Erie Shores Hospice celebrated its one year anniversary recently on April 6th and has assisted over 150 residents and their families since its opening in 2016.

The Erie Shores Hospice LifeWalk will be a family-friendly 5km walk around the Leamington District Secondary School track, followed by a barbecue celebration for walkers. The intent of the event is for families and friends to come together and celebrate the life and memories of their loved ones. Entertainment will include singing performance from Justin Latam, DJ services from Doug’s DJ, and the Kingsville Marching Band will kick off the first lap around the track.

The fundraising goal from the inaugural event is $10,000 and is being organized by the Leamington District Memorial Hospital Foundation, which funds both Erie Shores Hospice and Leamington Hospital. The Foundation recently announced their name change to Erie Shores Health Foundation, which will take effect June 1st 2017. Participants can register and collect pledges online at www.ldmhfoundation.ca

The Croatian display was one of 17 national themes presented during the Leamington District Secondary School Multicultural Day event Wednesday, Apr. 19. The concept was presented by Grade 10 student and Philippines immigrant April Valdez and then funded through a successful grant application by Jeressa Penales — also a Grade 10 student and former Philippines resident.

Musicians conduct a live performance as part of the Syrian display during Multicultural Day at Leamington District Secondary School Wednesday, Apr. 19.

Diversity celebrated at LDSS

(Continued from page 8)

staff and guests presented the cultural backgrounds of nations including the Philippines, Bolivia, Poland, Greece, Mexico, France, Italy, Portugal, Iraq, Nigeria, Croatia, Lebanon, Yemen, Caribbean countries, Syria, Guatemala, Honduras and Thailand.

A total of about 800 LDSS students filed through the arrangement of displays in two waves for Multicultural Day — the first for Grade 9 and 10 classes and then the second for those in Grades 11 and 12.

The four LDSS Grade 10s who attended the conference at Orillia’s Ontario Educational Leadership Centre in October of 2016 were among 200 high school students from across the province making 45-minute presentations based on research themes of their choices. During the camp, the Leamington foursome met groups from schools including those in Thunder Bay and London, the latter embarking on an awareness campaign for mental health. Penales, Bakaa, Veloria and Valdez decided to promote multiculturalism based on the variety of national backgrounds in their school and community. After receiving the Speak Up Grant, the

local students officially decided to push ahead with their Multicultural Day plans.

“We’re very grateful that we were chosen (for the grant) and that we’re able to do this for the school,” said Penales, whose family moved to Canada when she was nine years old. “We really want people here to become more culturally aware. A lot of us here know what it’s like to be a newcomer, coming to a new environment.”

Leamington District Secondary School hosts about 100 immigrant students, many of whom are the children of recent Syrian refugee families. More than 30 of those students have arrived within the last year at LDSS, the only countybased Windsor Essex County District School Board facility with an English as a Second Language (ESL) program.

The school’s first Multicultural Day proved successful, with several visitors of multiple backgrounds engaging in dance to live music presented by the Syrian group. The event also featured a display by the New Canadian Centre of Excellence and in future years, may also be open to the public.

“It’s great that we can learn about different cultures,

dances, food, money and clothes from different countries,” said Valdez. “When people know about other cultures, they can make new friends.”

Several guests of the event described it as a win-win scenario, familiarizing multi-generational Canadians with the backgrounds of newer residents while at the same time developing a greater understanding and appreciation for recent immigrants.

“One thing they’re realizing is that they can feel welcomed,” said child youth worker Francisco Urbina of the community’s newcomers. “This lets them know that people care about them and their heritage. We can all relate to the fact that there is diversity in everyone. In times of war, we need acts of peace like this.”

“I didn’t expect it to be this big,” Bakaa added in response to the new event’s turnout. “I didn’t think this many people would get involved. I’m really pleasantly surprised by the participation and the number of people who wanted to do this.”

As recipients of the Speak Up Grant, the LDSS team was also chosen to attend a symposium at the Chelsea Hotel in Toronto April 25 and 26. There, the group made a presentation to representatives of the Ministry of Education based on their Multicultural Celebration.

Leamington District Secondary School students gather to chat and ask questions at the Lebanon display table during its firstever Multicultural Day. (SUN Photos)

Leamington District Secondary School Multicultural Day participants gather to join a dance to live music performed by the Syrian display in the school’s main gymnasium Wednesday, Apr. 19. The concept was presented by Grade 10 student and Philippines immigrant April Valdez and then funded through a successful grant application by Jeressa Penales — also a Grade 10 student and former Philippines resident.

Stormy weather causes flooding

Property including yards and driveways were completely submerged in some sections of Point Pelee Drive on the morning of Tuesday, May 2, as rain and lake water sent by heavy winds crashing over the rock wall along Erie’s shoreline found a temporary home that also concealed the road’s entire width in many low-lying areas. Motorists exercised caution traveling along sections of the road within close proximity to Freddy’s Restaurant that morning and afternoon. No vehicle collisions were reported as a result of hazardous road conditions.

lake water sent

Worker will attend all required training as setup by the company • Worker will have the ability to maintain flexibility to adapt to change, to switch gears as

Excellent leadership, organization, accuracy, attention to detail, and ability to be creative in problem solving

Motorists traveling along sections of Point Pelee Drive in Leamington were slowed to a crawl while exercising caution in crossing submerged portions of the road.

Wind-drive

crashing over rock walls along Erie’s shore — along with persistent rain — caused flooding across Point Pelee Drive and some of the area’s properties.

New Shooting Challenge a success

By Bryan Jessop

George Youssef may have missed the big shot this year, but the attempt was still good for three… thousand.

The annual Autism Windsor Essex Shooting Challenge raised an even $3,000 in its fourth installment, using a new format that will likely return to the Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex gymnasium in 2018. Youssef, owner of Blondie’s Restaurant and Variety on Erie Street North, again utilized his business as the fundraiser’s headquarters for public donations. This year, it was also the location for the sale

“It’s amazing that this much can be raised in such a short amount of time. George never fails to pull through for us.”

— Livia Congi

of raffle tickets that would have granted the winner a free-throw shot chance for $500. With the ticket winner not present at the Thursday, Apr. 27 event at the LKRC, the $500 prize was added to the donation for the Windsor-Essex chapter of Autism Ontario.

Each of the 100 tickets printed was sold at $20, generating $2,000 for the local Autism Ontario locale.

Ticket sales revenue was matched by $500 in donations for the event $3,000 accepted on behalf of the Windsor-based branch by its manager Livia Congi.

“For the kind of event it is, it’s an excellent amount,” said Congi, who also attended the fifth annual Walk/ Run For Autism at Seacliff Park three days later. “It’s amazing that this much can be raised in such a short amount of time. George never fails to pull through for us. This community is great with everything it does for us. LeamingtonKingsville may be small, but the people here are so generous.”

Youssef began selling tickets for the $500 free throw about two weeks prior to the event at the LKRC, where he narrowly missed a shot from the three-quarter length mark of the court for an additional $2,000.

Sponsored by My Insurance broker Danny Farias, the 65-foot shot bounced off the

top of the rim to Youssef’s right, missing its mark by a few scant inches. A follow-up attempt for $500 from the same location also struck the rim.

The last ticket for the free throw was sold Wednesday, Apr. 26 — the day before Youssef’s shot for another $2,000. Last year, he successfully sunk a shot from the same distance for a $1,000 addition to donations made at Blondie’s.

“It’s a great feeling,” Youssef said of selling all 100 printed tickets. “It’s not a giant event that raises a ton of money, but we’re doing our best.”

For its fifth year, the Shooting Challenge will again sell raffle tickets for a shot at $500, although Youssef explained the approach will be different.

“We’ll definitely start selling them a lot earlier,” he said. “We’re going to set

the goal higher.” Youssef noted that tickets will start selling at least a month in advance next year, with the price expected to remain at $20 apiece. For 2018, an estimated 200 or 250 tickets will be printed to be sold at Blondie’s.

Leamington Dental Health Center

Dr. Bailey, Dr. Nguyen & Associates www.ldhc.ca Tel 519-322-2866 Fax 519-322-1769

THE LEAMINGTON DENTAL HEALTH CENTER SCHOLARSHIP AWARD

We are looking for students who are interested in pursuing an education in health care and likely to return to work in our community. We want to improve and grow the health care services in this region.

Award Type: Scholarship Amount: $500

Number of Recipients: Three students annually

Category of Study: Health Care Related Application Deadline: May 26th, 2017

Eligibility Criteria:

• Be in the graduating year of uninterrupted full-time studies in high school

• OR currently enrolled in a health care field.

• Has filed an application to attend a college or university upon graduating from High School

Application form:

• Please visit WWW.LDHC.CA to download application form OR

• Pick up form at 8 Clark St. W, Leamington, ON

It is about you, your dreams and aspirations, and your perseverance to succeed.

Good luck to all applicants from the LDHC team. And thank you for letting us be a part of your dental health care team for the past 29 years!

Autism Ontario Windsor Essex County branch manager Livia Congi and Blondie’s Restaurant and Variety owner George Youssef reveal a cheque of $3,000 for the Windsor Essex County branch of Autism Ontario Thursday, Apr. 27 at the Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex. Youssef raised the money through the sale of raffle tickets for a $500 free throw shot and by collecting donations about two weeks prior to the event. Youssef narrowly missed a three-quarter court length shot for an additional $2,000.

Blondie’s Restaurant and Variety owner George Youssef accepts the ball from his nephew Phil Youssef before attempting a three-quarter court length shot to raise an additional $2,000 for the Windsor-Essex County chapter of Autism Ontario

Trillium grant supports senior centre upgrades

By Bryan Jessop

Thanks to some support from the provincial level, the Leamington and District Half Century Centre has slammed the door on outdated, inefficient features.

A Saturday, Apr. 29 gathering at the Talbot Street East seniors’ facility featured the presentation of an Ontario Trillium Foundation grant to the tune of $5,500 — a crucial source of funding that allowed for the replacement of two doors and the large conference room window within the building. The presentation of an OTF plaque was conducted by Chatham-Kent Essex MPP Rick Nicholls and Ontario Trillium Foundation grant review officer Jim Stein. The grant paid for 75 per cent of the $7,400 required to replace a single door, a set of double doors and the large, main window on the conference room’s north wall facing Talbot Street. Half Century Centre administrator Christine Lehn explained that the replacement of the

Bank

TheaTre noTes

10 ERIE STREET SOUTH P.O. BOX 434

LEAMINGTON, ON N8H 3W5 519-326-8805

AN INTIMATE EVENING WITH THE RED DIRT SKINNERS

Friday, May 5

Doors open @ 7:30 pm, Performance @ 8:00 pm

Come out and experience this award-winning Folk/Roots duo from the UK. Tickets are $20 and available at brownpapertickets.com, Wharram’s Jewellery, Counter Effects, and our ticket hotline 519-326-8805 or at the door if not sold out.

HANSEL AND GRETEL

Saturday, May 13,

Doors open @ 7:00 pm, Performance @ 7:30 pm

Presented by 4th Wall Music and featuring Windsor’s Opera Abridged. Come and enjoy Engelburt Humperdinck’s Opera inspired by the classic fairy tale. The breadcrumbs are gone, and in their place is the Sandman and a chorus of gingerbread cookie children. This is one performance only. Tickets are $20 and available at Counter Effects, Wharram’s Jewellery, or at our hotline 519-326-8805.

MARY NEWLAND AND THE BLUE BAYOU BAND

May 19 and 20

Doors open @ 7:00 pm, Performance @ 7:30 pm

This will be an exciting evening as Mary and her band perform songs from the 70’s made famous by Linda Ronstadt. It will be a rockin’ good time! Tickets are $20 and available online at brownpapertickets.com, Counter Effects, Wharram’s Jewellery, our hotline 519-326-8805 or at the door if not sold out.

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Sun Parlour Players Community Theatre/The Bank Theatre will be holding their AGM on Wednesday, May 24 at 7:00 pm, at The Bank Theatre, 10 Erie Street S., Leamington. All members and interested public welcome.

UPCOMING EVENTS

• May 26 - Dale’s Friday Coffee House.

• May 27 - Gloria White’s student recital.

• June 2 - An evening with Sean McCann, a founding member of Great Big Sea. 7:30 pm, tickets $30. Tickets are selling quickly. Check our website for details.

• June 15 - MEET THE BIG BAD WOLF! At Wolfhead Distillery, we are having a dinner and whisky/craft beer tasting as a fundraiser to benefit The Bank Theatre’s building fund. A night of good food, drink and fun. Seating is limited to 100, so get your tickets soon. These will make a wonderful early Father’s Day gift. Tickets are $40, advance sale only and available at Counter Effects and online at banktheatre.com. Wolfhead Distillery is located at 7781 Howard, Amherstburg. Doors for this event open at 6:00 p.m. See you there.

three structures was long overdue, as each contributed to drafty indoor conditions and escalating heating costs.

The doors and window were replaced in March of this year and immediately made a positive impact on both comfort and cost.

a new

“We’ve noticed that the heating bills have been lower already,” said Lehn, who noted that the replaced window was a single-pane, metal frame unit that had likely been in place for more than 50 years.

Meanwhile, the double doors of the conference room’s west wall were stuffed with a marginally effective draft stopper for the past several years, Lehn added.

“We need places like this,” Nicholls said just prior to the presentation of the plaque to Half Century Centre president Elaine Taylor. “The warmer and more comfortable it is, the more people there’ll be who want to come.”

The grant was applied for as part of the Ontario 150 Community Capital Program, where applications were required by September of last year. It was announced in December that the Leamington facility’s application for the grant had been accepted. The $1,900 required to cover the remainder of the project’s cost was collected through a series of fundraisers hosted by the centre.

SALVATION ARMY LEAMINGTON CC YOUTH DROP-IN CENTRE open every Tuesdsay, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at the church, 88 Setterington St. The centre provides a safe supervised location and use of our computer lab, movies, videogames or table tennis etc. For more info contact us at 519-326-4901.

LEAMINGTON BLOOD DONOR CLINIC at Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex, Wednesday, May 3, 1:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. New Donors and Walk Ins Welcome! To book an appointment, please contact us at 1-888-236-6283 / www.blood.ca / GiveBlood App

STITCHES IN BLOOM QUILT SHOW - Friday, May 5 from 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. and Saturday, May 6 from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at St. Paul’s Congregational Church, 450 Park Ave. W., Chatham. Beautiful quilts, vendors, quilt appraisals. Info: quiltshow@ chathamkentquiltersguild.com

BICENTENNIAL BRANCH MAY MEETING, Saturday, May 6 at 1:00 p.m., Church of the Epiphany, 96 Main St. W., Kingsville. SPRING BLUEGRASS MUSIC CELEBRATION, Sunday, May 7 from 1:30 - 5:00 p.m. at Kingsville Lakeside Pavilion. Free! Free! Free! Presented by Essex-Kent BLuegrass, Oldtime & Folk Music Assoc. Music by Winterline, Close Enough, Essex County Ramblers, Prairie Siding & Friends.

Kingsville Historical Park Museum ANNUAL FUND-

RAISER YARD SALE from May 12 to May 20, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at the museum, 145 Division St. S., Kingsville.

LEAMINGTON HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY ANNUAL PLANT

SALE, Saturday, May 13 from 9:00 a.m. - 12 noon at Leamington United Church, 9 John St. A variety of perennials and annuals, shrubs, trees, special Canada 150th Anniversary pots, Trash-to-Treasures table, refreshments. Cash sales only. More info: 519-324-2669 or 519-326-8557.

SUN PARLOR HOME AUXILIARY SPRING CRAFT & BAKE

SALE, Friday, May 26 from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Raffle and refreshments, 175 Talbot St. E., Leamington.

RUMMAGE SALE at First Baptist Church, 3 Fox St., Leamington, on Friday & Saturday, May 26 & 27 from 9:00 a.m. - 12 noon.

Spring and summer clothing for all ages, small household goods, books, toys & puzzles. Something for everyone.

ONT. PURPLE MARTIN ASSOC. MEETS Saturday, May 27 at 9:30 a.m. at Holiday Beach Conservation Authority, 6952 County Rd. 50, Amherstburg. Bring a lawn chair. Info: Paul 519-738-3476.

DEMONSTRATIONS OF SOCK KNITTING, RUG HOOKING AND PENNY RUGS, June 1, 2, 3 from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at the Kingsville Historical Park Museum, 145 Division St. S. All welcome.

The Capital 150 Grant has also allowed for the acquisition of laptop computers, iPads and Power Point software at the Half Century Centre. These devices will be used to create a presentation dubbed “Leamington: Past and Present” as part of the community’s upcoming Canada Day festivities at Seacliff Park. The presentation will include historical photos — including one of the corner of Talbot and Erie Streets dating back to 1869 — and will feature a copy available at the Leamington branch of the Essex County Library. Next on the centre’s to do list will be repairs to a section of roof that was discovered to be leaking over its back room. Fundraising for this project will begin with a Victoria Day pancake breakfast on Monday, May 22 at a cost of $8 per person and A Concert by The Baileys Saturday, May 29. The latter will include tickets at $15 per person and feature a chicken dinner.

SOUTH SHORE HEALTH CENTRE OFFERS WEEKLY FREE RECOVERY PROGRAMS, 15 John St. (upstairs), Leamington: Yoga for Recovery on Monday at 5:00 p.m. with Melodie Queenen; Westover Recovery Support Group on Monday at 6:30 p.m.; SMART Recovery on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.; Family & Friends on Thursday at 6:30 p.m.

SOUTHWEST OUTDOORS CLUB MEETS the second Tuesday of every month (except August) in the upstairs hall of the Wheatley Legion starting at 7:00 p.m.

DO YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW HAVE PARKINSON’S?

Parkinson’s Support Group meets every Tuesday from 10:30 a.m.12 noon at Leamington Half Century Centre, 160 Talbot St. E. Facilitators: Bob Prince and Laurie Stone. Note: Individuals are encouraged to call 1-888-851-7376 before attending their first meeting.

WINDSOR-ESSEX COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTRE, 33

PRINCESS ST. IN LEAMINGTON, IS LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS who are interested in supporting young children Monday mornings and afternoons, 9:45 a.m. - 12:00 noon or 12:30 - 3:00 p.m.. Contact Volunteer Coordinator Dodie Wilson 519-253-8481 ext. 226.

VOLUNTEER TUTORS NEEDED. Are you a retired teacher or just enjoy working with youth? The On Track to Success Program is looking for volunteers to support high school students in Leamington with learning. Tutoring sessions are Monday to Thursday after school and in the evenings. Orientation and training provided. For more info contact Liam GIles-Hayes 519-258-0000 ext. 1181 or lgileshayes@ weareunited.com

“Taking care of that leak is something we’ll have to do really soon,” Lehn said.

Chatham-Kent Essex MPP Rick Nicholls (far left) presents a plaque to Half Century Club president Elaine Taylor as Ontario Trillium Grant review officer Jim Stein and Half Century Club administrator Christine Lehn look on Saturday, Apr. 29. The plaque is a congratulatory memento offered in celebration of a $5,500 Ontario Trillium Foundation grant that was used to fund two new doors and

window at the Half Century Club.

OBITUARY

Gypsy Carroll

OBITUARY

Albert Jenkins

OBITUARY

Henry Koop

On Wednesday, April 26, 2017, a bright light flickered out and Gypsy’s spirit left this world. Left to mourn her loss are her two loving daughters, Christie Arenburg (Stephen) and Virginia Mercer (Stuart), her precious granddaughter Mackenzie Sandra Gypsy Mercer, sister Sandy Wright (Don Tomes), brother Tod Wright (June), and many friends including her two furry ones, Ollie and Balou. She is predeceased by her parents, Jean and George Wright, her brother and sister-in-law, Jeff and Patty Wright, and her baby son, Patrick Carroll. Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at Olinda Church, 2953 Olinda Side Road, Ruthven, on Saturday, May 13, 2017 at 1 p.m. In Gypsy’s memory, please do one kind thing for another person.

In lieu of flowers, if you so wish, a donation to the Unitarian Universalist Church of Olinda would be appreciated.

Cremation arrangements entrusted to Simple Choice Cremation Centre (519-254-2585).

Online condolences and cherished memories may be shared with the family at www.simplechoicecremation.ca

Celebrate your local living landmarks – Ontario Heritage Tree first nomination deadline of May 31, 2017 is fast approaching

Do you have a heritage tree on your property or on your street?

Forests Ontario landmark tree identification program is in full swing. Celebrating local history and protecting future generations of Ontario trees, Forests Ontario is working with community members and TD across Ontario to celebrate Ontario’s living landmarks – Heritage Trees.

The next deadline for the consideration of nominated landmark or heritage trees is May 31, 2017; the second is September 22, 2017. The Heritage Tree Program enhances awareness of the cultural, historical, and ecological value of prominent trees across Ontario. A Forests Ontario Heritage Tree nomination documents trees associated with a historic person or event, or perhaps a tree growing on land that is historically significant or serves as a community landmark.

“As a relatively young country, our oldest trees are biological monuments and witnesses to our nation’s history,” says Rob Keen, CEO of Forests Ontario. “In our parks and backyards and along streets and trails we find trees that have inspired artworks, were planted by historical figures, or stand on the site of an event that shaped our history.”

“TD has long supported initiatives in support of a healthier future for Canadians,” adds Carolyn Scotchmer, Environment Regional Manager of TD Bank Group.

“The Heritage Tree initiative is a celebration of our past, but also a reminder to all of

Albert Jenkins, 77 years, passed away suddenly on Saturday April 29, 2017.

Beloved husband of Jeanette for 55 years. Dear father of Kris Lowes (Richard), Sherri Augustine (David). Loving grandfather of Amanda, Dylan, Jonathan and Shayna, and great-grandfather of Ray-Lynn. Dear brother of Lawrence (June).

Albert was an avid golfer and was involved in coaching local hockey teams.

At Albert’s request, cremation has taken place.

Visiting was at the Reid Funeral Home & Reception Centre, 14 Russell Street, Leamington, on Tuesday, May 2, 2017 from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m.

Memorial donations may be made by cheque to the Jumpstart Program or Southpoint Minor Hockey Association.

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

OBITUARY

Arthur Evan Wilson

Arthur Evan Wilson passed away peacefully at Erie Shores Hospice, surrounded by his sisters, on Tuesday, April 25, 2017 in his 68th year.

Cherished brother of Joan (Wayne) Brown, Ruth (Don) Riley, Pat (Jim) Fowler, and Nancy Wilson (Zoltan Vajda). Proud uncle of Michelle (Andrew), Erika (Graham), Darrin (Elisha), Lisa (Jay), and Marc. Great-uncle of Alyssa, Heather, Travis, Brodie, Rachel, Riley and Julia. Predeceased by his parents Evan (1986) and Verna (2013).

Family and friends will be received at Reaume Funeral Home, 6 Canal St. W., Tilbury, on Friday, April 28, 2017 from noon until 2:00 p.m.

Henry Koop, 93 years, passed away after a brief illness, surrounded by his family, on Thursday, April 27, 2017 at Erie Shores Hospice.

Loving husband of the late Helen (nee Lehn - February 2017) for 70 years. Dearest father of Marlene Enns (George Toews), Ray (Michele), Richard (Diana), Brenda Snoes (Mark Roach).

Cherished Grandpa of 11 grandchildren and their spouses. Opa of 23 great-grandchildren and one greatgreat-granddaughter. Dearest brother of Lena Woelk (late Jake), Ben Koop (Marg), and the late Susie Enns (the late Peter), the late Mary Tiessen (the late George) and the late Jake Koop (the late Gertrude). Brother-inlaw of Armin Lehn (the late Frieda), Irene Froese (the late Jake), Leona Willms (George), Marie Dick (Vic), Rudy Lehn (Anita), Neil Lehn (Shirley) and the late Isaac Lehn. Also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Visiting was at the Reid Funeral Home & Reception Centre, 14 Russell Street, Leamington (519-326-2631) on Sunday from 2-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m.

Funeral Service to celebrate Henry’s life was held on Monday, May 1, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. from the North Leamington Mennonite Church, 625 Road 6, Leamington. Rev. Alicia Good and Rev. Paul Warkentin officiated. Interment Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery.

us of the importance of caring for our trees and forests for future generations. We hope that this initiative will also encourage Ontarians to consider the incredible value of trees, not just environmentally, but in defining the character of our communities.”

A successful nomination will result in a tree specific recognition plaque, and a certificate recognizing that particular Heritage Tree. Each registered Heritage Tree will be located on both the Heritage Tree (heritagetree.ca) and Tree Bee (treebee.ca) website. When a tree is selected for Heritage Tree status, nominators receive a one-year Forests Ontario membership and knowledge they have contributed to a greater understanding of the history of Ontario. More program details can be found at heritagetree.ca

You don’t need to be an expert or even own a tree –anyone is able to nominate a tree for the Heritage Tree Program, whether it grows on their own property, public land or a friend’s or family member’s property. To begin nominating a tree, register as a nominator on the website heritagetree.ca and begin the online nomination process, but remember the May 31 and September 22, 2017 deadlines.

A successful nomination application is expected to contain the following information: approximate measurements of the tree, the species, and location to provide to evaluators. Photos will help to tell the story –include a few with your application!

Funeral Service to commence at 2:00 p.m. Interment to follow at Erie Cemetery, Wheatley.

Donations to Erie Shores Hospice, Leamington, or charity of choice appreciated.

Online condolences may be shared at www.reaumefh.com

Veterans Affairs reopens area office

The Windsor office is the eighth of nine Veterans Affairs offices to be reopened across the country. A tenth office will open in Surrey, BC, and has also expanded outreach to veterans in the territories and other northern communities.

The office is at 1 Riverside Dr. W., 6th floor (Suite 660), in Windsor. The Windsor office will employ approximately 15 staff who will serve close to 2,700 veterans in the area.

Staff at the office will answer questions about VAC services and benefits; arrange pension medical examinations; and assist veterans with completing and submitting applications and receipts. Case-managed veterans will also be able to meet with their case manager.

Veterans Affairs Canada employees will help ensure that veterans, Canadian Armed Forces members, RCMP personnel, and their families are provided with the best possible services in their own communities.

If you wish to donate in Henry’s memory, the family has asked that donations be made to the Erie Shores Hospice or to Franklin Gardens Long Term Care (Leamington).

Family and friends may share their memories or make an online donation at www.reidfuneralhome.ca

STATIONERY

• Labels

• Letterheads

• Envelopes

• Business Forms

• Presentation Folders

• NCR Forms

• Report Covers

• Journals & Workbooks

PROMOTIONAL MATERIAL

• Flyers

• Brochures

• Booklets

• Calendars

• Adhesive Notepads

• Memo Pads

• Numbered Tickets

• Bookmarks & Rulers

• Magnets

• Door Hangers

• Table Tents

• Stickers

• Vinyl Banners

• Car Magnets

• Large

Endurance run closes in on $40,000 in support of ALS

By Pat Bailey

He was a man in motion — a man who loved the outdoors and actively enjoyed nature. His name was Tom Wallace, and in December 2013 he lost his battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS, commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease).

He may have lost his ability to move freely about, but he never lost his spirit, his love of life and his love of family and friends.

It was his legacy — a legacy son Kyle has carried on. For the 37-year-old Kingsville man, Sunday marked his third grueling fundraiser to raise awareness and support for the Windsor-Essex ALS Society, a group that lent its support to the Wallace family during Tom’s 366-day battle with ALS.

Raising $28,000 in its first two years, Kyle said their goal was to top $35,000 this year — and that they did, closing in on $40,000 over three years.

But Kyle hasn’t done this alone.

Like Tom in his final year, Kyle has had a wealth of support in his effort.

In fact, it was fellow runner Jamie Waldron of Dundas that put the idea into Kyle’s head. Known for the physically draining challenges they tackled each year, Jamie suggested they turn those challenges into fundraisers, ones that would support a cause near and dear to the hearts of the Wallace family.

It didn’t take much arm-twisting to convince Kyle that this was indeed the route to go. And it didn’t take long to persuade Jay Thompson of Burlington to join in to complete the trio.

In their inaugural fundraiser, they completed a 50-kilometre run in blistering heat. Last year’s challenge, a 200-kilometre bike trek around the perimeter of Essex County, was also successful but lacking an element — a central point for family, friends and supporters to join them or just cheer them on.

Last year’s event featured a special surprise, a proposal to his now fiancee Rylee Reaume. While there was no surprise wedding this year, there was still a lot of love.

This year the group opted for a central location, Kingsville’s Lakeside Park. After much thought, they decided to return to an endurance run — 12 hours of running a one-kilometre loop along the hills and shoreline of the picturesque park from 2 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The move proved to be a tremendous success.

While it was the trio and a friend and coffee supplier Craig Marentette there for the duration, they were joined by dozens of others throughout the daylight hours.

After tackling the final hill at 2 p.m., the exhausted but happy trio lauded the support and generosity of the surrounding community.

“Dad would be humbled and touched,” said Kyle. “We’re spoiled here,” he added, “the support we’ve gotten while my dad was sick and now, it’s just unbelievable.”

“It just shows what a great community we have,” said his mom Debby, “and what a wonderful kid I have.”

“Tom would be very proud of his children and what happened here today,” she added. “Tom is smiling down from heaven.”

The family (Debby, Kyle, his fiancée Rylee Reaume, daughter Casey McFarlane, her

Above - Family members, left to right, Rylee Reaume, Darren McFarlane Casey McFarlane, Kyle Wallace and Debby Wallace with a photo of Tom Wallace, the man who lost his battle with ALS in December 2013, inspiring Kyle’s quest to help support those battling ALS and the Windsor-Essex ALS Society who lent its support to the Wallace family.

Right - from left to right, Jay Thompson, Kyle Wallace and Jamie Waldron took to the hills and trails of Kingsville’s Lakeside Park on Sunday for their third ALS We Can fundraiser in a 12hour run. (SUN Photos)

husband Darren and son Liam) were joined by dozens at the Pelee Island Winery for the after party.

There was food, raffle prizes and wine — an afternoon to celebrate Tom’s life and those who continue to lend their support to the family and the cause that means so much to them.

Kyle and Jamie recognized just a few of those who gave so selflessly: Kyle’s fiancée Rylee and her mom Julie Reaume who organized the after party, Pelee Island Winery, Vern’s Tap and Grill, The Butcher Block and dozens of others who donated food and raffle prizes for the event.

Kyle’s not sure how they’ll top this next year. After all, he will be a married man when June rolls around.

It may be his birthday — but it’s the customers that will be celebrating Peter Milec’s 70th birthday on May 6 with some amazing bargains.

In honor of the owner of Peter Milec Painting and Peter Milec’s Decorating Centre, the store will host a birthday bash celebration — one that will feature a ’70 sale’.

For this soon-to-be septuagenarian, his story is much like that of many hardworking local business owners in the community.

After calling it quits on farming in the Olinda area, Peter was looking for a new career and as luck would have it, Ron Vermeiren was looking for a painter to expand his business into the Windsor area. Two and a half years later, Peter decided to go out on his own.

Armed with a $100 station wagon, two ladders and the knowledge and advice bestowed upon him by local painters Earl Hickey and Bill Bryon, Peter set out into

the world of self-employment.

In 1986, while employing 12 painters, he begrudgingly opened his 200 square foot paint store, ‘Color Your World’, which was managed by Barb Campbell.

“I didn’t want any more headaches,” he laughed.

Despite his initial hesitation, Peter has continued to grow and diversify his home decorating centre, with three employees now staffing the 3,000 square foot business — with his daughter Cari Milec Ball heading up the window treatment centre and his son Chad is in charge of his painting crew.

“Customer service is number one,” he said. “And my staff has the expertise when it comes to home decorating.”

“They’re professional, experienced, loyal, knowledgeable and friendly,” he boasted.

And with the extensive inventory and variety of stock items Peter carries, it takes a special eye and a wealth of knowledge to assist his customers.

In addition to his paints, stains and varnishes, including Canadian brand Sico, as well as Dulux, Sikkens and PPG brands, Peter also has an incredible selection of wallpaper, virtually every painting accessory available, home décor, wall art and window treatments.

For Peter, it’s his love of people and his gift and knowledge for the painting business that has led to his longevity in the

ever-changing business of home decorating.

Peter credits the HGTV television shows for creating a whole new generation of do-it-yourselfers — and admits he and wife Diane are avid viewers themselves. With this trend in home renovations taking over, Peter said it’s extremely important to have knowledgeable people to turn to, to avert a disaster.

Peter prides himself, and his staff, on knowing what types of paint, stain or varnish to recommend to his customers who are tackling do-it-yourself projects.

“It is especially rewarding to see a customer return with pictures, anxious to show you the results,” he said.

The transformation of a house to a showplace, or to see the reaction on a homeowner’s face when they enter their newly decorated home, is reward in itself for Peter.

While Peter and his staff continue on their quest to ‘paint the town’, he said that wouldn’t be possible without his loyal customers, both the painting contractors and the do-it-yourselfers.

And on Saturday (May 6), he’s inviting them to stop by for a piece of cake between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. and take advantage of some great bargains. He said they will offer buy one, get 70 per cent off the second gallon of exterior paint and other deals — with 70 being the number of the day.

Peter Milec’s Decorating Centre is located at 120 Erie St. N., Leamington.

LLST hosts SEAL championship meet

The Leamington Lasers Swim Team (LLST) hosted the SEAL (St. Clair-Erie Aquatic League) Championship Swim Meet held at the Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex. It was an exciting 2-day event with swimmers age 11 and under competing on Saturday, April 22, and swimmers age 12 and over competing on Sunday, April 23.

Teams joining the Leamington Lasers were Aylmer Optimist Arrows, Blenheim Blast, Sarnia Rapids Swim Club, Chatham Y Pool Sharks, Windsor Aquatic Club, and Windsor-Essex Swim Team.

First Place Event Winners: Stephen Bosse 50 fly; Alia Flores 100 IM; Lorenzo Flores 100 free; Taya Hutchison 50 free, 50 back; Vladislav Jidkov 100 free, 100 back, 100 breast, 100 fly, 100 IM; Kalin Lougheed 100 back, 100 breast, 100 free; Lucas Moavro 100

free; Zachary Monminie 50 fly.

Second Place Event Winners: Alia Flores 100 free, 100 breast, 50 fly; Lorenzo Flores 50 fly; Madelynn Kendrick 25 fly; Kalin Lougheed 100 IM.

Third Place Event Win-

ners: Stephen Bosse 100 breast; Taya Hutchison 25 fly; Madelynn Kendrick 100 IM; Nicolas Lougheed 50 fly; Evelyn Matthews 25 free.

New LLST Records: Taya Hutchison, girls 8-9, 50 free, 100 IM; Madelynn

parents were very proud of the success and improvement of all swimmers.

Special thanks to the many volunteers. LLST is thankful for their older swimmers who participated as timers. They are also grateful for the younger swimmers and siblings of these swimmers who helped on deck by giving out heat

ribbons and passing out water and fresh fruit to the officials.

Upcoming Long Course

Meets: Amanda Reason Invitational May 6-7 and ICG Fundraiser Sprint Meet on May 21 at the Windsor International Aquatic & Training Centre

See you on deck!

Kendrick, girls 8-9, 25 fly; Alia Flores, girls 12-13, 100 IM; Kalin Lougheed, girls 12-13, 100 breast; Allison Ware, girls 14+, 100 breast; Lucas Moavro, boys 10-11, 100 breast, 100 free.

Congratulations to all swimmers! Coaches and

Leamington Lasers Swim Team competed at the

Trophy winners were, front row, left to right: Zac Monminie (2nd, 10-11 year old boys), Taya Hutchison (1st, 8-9 girls), Lorenzo Flores (3rd, 10-11 boys), Alia Flores (2nd, 12-13 girls), Kalin Lougheed (1st, 12-13 girls). Back row: Steven Bosse (1st, 14 & over boys). (Submitted photo)

By now, everybody on Earth with Internet access (and many without) have heard about the United Airlines passenger who was roughed up, bloodied and dragged off the plane for refusing to give up the seat for which he had already paid. The whole incident sparked outrage, and for good reason. United Airlines went so far as to say that the security personnel who removed the man (a doctor who had patients to tend to in Florida, if memory serves me correctly) exercised standard protocol in handling the situation. Sure. I’d love to see a copy of the airline security guidebook that says “Step 1: smash passenger’s head off the seat’s armrest.”

A few short days later, a 10-year-old Prince Edward Island boy was bumped from an Air Canada flight for the same reason — the seats had been overbooked.

Okay, I get it. Every seat that remains empty once a commercial airliner takes off is money lost for the company. Bummer, but these things happen. Trying to avoid such setbacks by overbooking flights in hopes that some of the ‘excess’ passengers cancel or simply become no-shows, however, is downright unscrupulous… scummy, even. The March flight booked by the family of the 10-year-old from P.E.I. was a seat purchased/reserved MONTHS in advance. People tend to label used car salesmen as being shifty, but at least they don’t try to sell any one particular vehicle to two different buyers.

These tactics, which in my humble opinion are grounds for civil litigation, don’t appear to be an issue for National Hockey League playoff tickets in Ottawa. That’s right, Ottawa — the federal capital of the world’s national capital of hockey. Recent reports indicate that about 2,000 seats at the Canadian Tire Centre remained vacant for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup quarterfinals against the New York Rangers last week. Most of these empty chairs were ‘cheap seats’, which in a province full of budget-conscious should have been the first to get snapped up.

It’s not as if the Senators go deep enough into the playoffs every year to justify Round 2 apathy among their fans. It’s

been four years since they’ve won a round (2013 in Round 1 against Montreal) and an even decade since their first and only trip to the Cup finals (lost in five games to Anaheim). According to last year’s census, Ottawa proper has a population of about 934,000 and a “census metropolitan area” (CMA) of more than 1.3 million. That should be plenty of people from which to extract a crowd of 18,679 spectators for a Round 2 playoff game.

Yeah, I’ve already heard some of the excuses that are commonplace to the myriad of floundering southern U.S. markets. The game was poorly promoted. The team’s website crashed. The arena’s location isn’t terribly convenient or accessible. Some fans erroneously thought the game had already been sold out. Tickets are too expensive.

Actually, that last one could be more of a legitimate reason than an excuse. Apparently, even parking at the CTC is $30. That alone is insane, although this statement is coming from someone who’ll park on the far side of the high school across the street to avoid the $5 parking fee at the ChathamKent Health Alliance. Here in Ontario, we’re now literally spending what would have been entertainment dollars a few short years ago on keeping the lights on.

Still, some will argue that Ottawa isn’t really a sports city, much like some of the larger urban centres in Florida. The Canadian Football League has twice failed in our nation’s capital while smaller markets like Saskatchewan, Winnipeg and Hamilton don’t seem to have the same problem. In a more favourable showing of support, it seems Game 5 between the Sens and Rangers has sold out.

To be fair, the less than rock solid support from fans isn’t by any means unique to Ottawa. Depending on the sources you’d like to believe in, the Sens are ranked 18th in value among NHL teams. In Arizona, Coyotes promotors are so desperate to attract the attention of “fans” that they’re declaring the team has “won” the seventh overall pick for this year’s entry draft. When your team finishes the regular season third from dead last and then picks seventh, it hasn’t won ANYTHING. What it’s done is prove that tanking doesn’t pay.

Back in the early-mid 1980s, I recall the Red Wings hav-

Coaches select Lasers of the Month

Each month the Leamington Lasers Swim Team coaches select the Lasers of the Month. Criteria that goes into choosing the recipients include practice attendance, overall improvement, attitude and leadership. Here are some fun facts about this month’s winners:

Team Orange – Bianca Grossi Awarded By: Coach Mallorey Derksen. Favourite Stroke/Event: Front crawl.

Favourite Sport (other than swimming): Dodgeball. Favourite Song: “What makes the breakfast?” by Mike Phirman.

Last Movie You Saw: Angry Birds.

Favourite Food: Chinese.

Favourite Class: Art.

Team Blue – Madelynn Kendrick

Awarded By: Coach Jennifer Dobson.

Favourite Stroke/Event: Backstroke, 100 IM.

ing to raffle off a free car for every home game (I believe it was a Chevy Blazer) to get the turnstiles moving. Yes, the Wings were horrible back then, but this is an Original Six franchise we’re talking about.

Nowadays, from what I’ve heard, the trend in constructing new arenas and stadiums for professional “Big 4” franchises in North

Favourite Sport (other than swimming): Hockey. Favourite Song: “Lost Boy” by Ruth B.

Last Movie You Saw: Storks.

Favourite Food: Macaroni and cheese

Favourite Class: Art.

TREVOR NOAH

Friday, May 19

AUSTRALIA'S THUNDER FROM DOWN UNDER Friday, May 26

ZZ TOP

Friday, June 2

JOURNEY

Thursday, June 22

LIONEL RICHIE ALL THE HITS

Saturday, June 24

ALESSIA CARA

OPEN TO ALL AGES

Sunday, July 2

MEGADETH WITH SPECIAL GUEST MESHUGGAH

Wednesday, July 5

Tickets on sale now!

JEFF DUNHAM PERFECTLY UNBALANCED BRAND NEW TOUR! Saturday, August 5

TONY ORLANDO

Thursday, August 10

JETHRO TULL BY IAN ANDERSON

Sunday, August 20 ALABAMA SOUTHERN DRAWL TOUR

September 16

Tickets on sale May 13!

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

America is to go a bit on the smaller side with the number of seats. The best way to address a drop in demand is to offer a drop in supply, I suppose. Perhaps inflated ticket prices as a means of addressing skyrocketing player salaries has finally run its course. Concert tickets for big-name musical acts will probably carry hefty prices for years to come, but those acts don’t come to town 81, 41 or even eight times per year. Maybe — just maybe — even the most diehard fans of even the most successful teams are starting to say “enough is enough.” If and when that day ever comes, it’ll be interesting to see how owners react. Tarping off entire sections of arena or stadium seats isn’t fooling anyone. Will the day ever come when professional athletes have to become at least somewhat reasonable with their salary demands? Maybe so, at least for leagues like the NHL where revenue is largely driven by attendance. Not sure it’ll ever happen in my lifetime, but it’s certainly a nice thought.

Lasers of the Month are Madelynn Kendrick (left) and Bianca Grossi. (Submitted photo)

Jessop’s Journal

Jr. badminton club wraps up season

The Leamington Junior Badminton Club ended the season on April 25 at the Kinsmen Complex with awards presented to the following players.

Jr. Girls Finalists: Talyse Dias (1st), Isabel Lutsch (2nd).

Jr. Boys Finalists: Mason Fittler (1st), Charbel Saba (2nd).

Sr. Girls Finalists: Anna Daher (1st), Sarah Lutsch (2nd).

Sr. Boys Finalists: Evan Morais (1st), Matteo Corlett (2nd).

Most Improved Girl: Madison Moracci.

Most Improved Boy: Dhevan Patel.

The Tom Moreland Award: Anna Daher for all around best athlete.

Weekly play resumes Tuesday, September 5 at the Kinsmen Gym from 5:30-7.00 p.m. All

The Jr. Badminton Club wrapped up its season April 25. Club members are, front row (kneeling), left to right: Madison Moracci, Brooke Derksen, Sarah Lutsch, Chiara Couteiro, Jake Wilkins, Charbel Saba, Matthew Najem, Keith Klassen (coach). Second row: Ryan Harder (coach), Maria Driedger, Cara Braun, Meagan Derksen, Ryan Ciliska, Phoebe Campbell, Isabel Lutsch, Dhevan Patel, Arianna Couteiro, Andrew Peters, Evan Morais, Talyse Dias, Mason Fittler, Mady Mastronardi, Lily Altenhof, Mahi Patel, Linda Pham, Hima Patel, Richard Saba, Liam Alice. Back row: Kyan Nguyen, Anna Daher, Julie Huynh, Serena DiLaudo, Talia DiLaudo, Rachel Thompson, Matteo Corlett, Cassia DiMenna, Nikole Totaro, Kevin Huynh, Andrew Dobson, Royal Kumar, Cullen Wilson, Nathan DiLaudo (Submitted photos)

Awards were presented to the Jr. Badminton Club finalists, front row, left to right: Evan Morais, Charbel Saba, Matteo Corlett. Back row: Ryan Harder (coach), Dhevan Patel, Mason Fittler, Talyse Dias, Madison Moracci, Isabel Lutsch, Sarah Lutsch, Anna Daher, Keith Klassen (coach).

UMEI Lightning girls slopitch

TOP - Melissa Redekop takes a swing at a pitch for a single during the WECSSAA girls slopitch season opener for the Lightning against the visiting Belle River Nobles Wednesday, Apr. 26. The Nobles won 9-2. The Lightning played two games at Co-An Park in McGregor the following day — a 28-9 loss to the Kingsville Cavaliers followed by a 13-12 loss to the Villanova Wildcats.

BOTTOM - Fiona Tiessen of the Lightning arrives safely at first for a single during her team’s home and season opener in WECSSAA girls slopitch action against the Belle River Nobles. (SUN Photos)

LDSS girls soccer

ABOVE - Kaylee Tamburo of the Lions takes control of a bouncing ball on LamotheCadillac’s half of the pitch as an opponent approaches during a WECSSAA Tier III senior girls soccer game at LDSS Thursday, Apr. 27. The teams battled to a scoreless draw, bringing the Lions’ record to two wins and one tie. On Monday, May 1, LDSS hosted Catholic Central in yet another match that ended in a 0-0 score.

RIGHT - Leamington’s Jessica Dufour sends the ball toward the sideline before a Lamothe-Cadillac opponent can interfere.

ABOVE - The Cardinal Carter Cougars’ defenseman Nicholas DiCarlo sends the ball toward midfield during a WECSSAA Tier I senior boys soccer game at Cardinal Carter Tuesday, Apr. 25 against Catholic Central. With goals from Nico Gualtieri and Thomas Saba, the Cougars posted a 2-0 victory to improve their regular season record to two wins, one loss and one tie. On Thursday, Apr. 27, Cardinal Carter visited the Kingsville Cavaliers and lost by a final score of 3-0.

LEFT - The Cougars’ Thomas Saba and a Catholic Central opponent battle for control of the ball.

Lady Cougars strike gold in the north

The Leamington Lady Cougars U16 basketball team recently traveled to Muskoka to participate in the 2nd annual Bracebridge Basketball Association Tournament.

Veteran players Hannah Chacko and Lauren Keller led the charge as the Lady Cougars went 4-0, defeating Huntsville, Sturgeon Falls, Midland and finally the host Bracebridge team.

It was an incredible team effort this season with a lot of hard work in the gym during weekly practices and good showings in a Toronto and Newmarket tournament. This culminated in Bracebridge with the team peaking to top performance.

The Lady Cougars were led in the following categories: scoring by Hannah; stealsLauren; rebounds - Mikaila and Jaida; blocked shots - Madison; assists - Little Lauren; all defensive team - Mikaila, Madison, Marisa, Jaida; all offensive team - Hannah, Lauren, Little Lauren, Kate.

Interested in playing Boys/Girls Rep or House League basketball? Go to FacebookLeamington Basketball Association.

Opening day for Talbot Trail senior golf

By Bob McLean

On Tuesday, April 25 there were 40 golfers who signed up despite the drizzly early morning conditions. By the time 10:00 came for the tee off the drizzle had ceased and 32 league members ventured out to test their golfing skills.

Jerry Omstead produced a sizzling 37 as he came in with the only under 40 score. Dutchy, as usual, was right there at the top as he came second with a spectacular 40. Jim Pearson and Wiz tied for third place as they both shot outstanding 41s. Rick Thompson scored an excellent 43. Mike Wright and Jamie Arquette

produced very praiseworthy 45s.

Youngsters Neil Adamson and Bob Freure achieved masterful 43 and superb 45 respectively. These two gentlemen beat a lot of much younger players. Terrific effort Neil and Bob!

Larry Hughes earned the win for the closest to the pin on #9 as he hit his shot within a few feet of the pin.

Jamie Arquette converted a tricky 20-foot putt on #2 to earn the long putt victory.

The league wishes to thank Derek Brown and his staff for their hard work in getting the course in such great shape despite the very challenging wet conditions.

Greg Coulter, the charming TT manager, introduced members to his new staff, Jerry and Norma Augustine. Enthusiastic Libby and Ingrid are also back.

The seniors league will continue to sign up all past players and all interested new players in the weeks ahead. On Tuesday members welcomed back Tom White and Bob Reid, and greeted two new players, Tim Fatters and David Croley, to the enjoyable senior league. To any past league members who are presently under the weather, the seniors league members are thinking about you and wish you a speedy recovery.

I’ll be trying really hard to improve on my weak opening round. Challenge yourself to do the same. Remember, tee off is at 10:00 so be at the course by 9:30 a.m.

The Lady Cougars U16 won gold at a the recent Bracebridge Basketball Association Tournament. Team members are, front left to right: Madison Willms, Lauren Bishop, Hannah Chacko, Marisa Levy. Second row: Coach Dino, Mikaila Nouhra, Jaida St Denis, Coach Sam. In back: Lauren Keller, Kate Latella. Absent from photo: Fiona Tiessen, Brook DiGiovanni, Madeline McCallum. (Submitted photo)

Baby Announcements

Tell everyone about the birth of your baby in the Southpoint Sun!

Choose from 3 sizes...

1col x 4”- $35

2col x 4”- $45

3col x 3”- $55

Drop your photo and information at our office or e-mail roberta@southpointsun.ca

Call 519-398-9098 for more details.

Church Directory

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 519-326-5491

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 Jamie Tiffin

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

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 10:30 am Deer Run Church

1408 Deer Run Rd, Leamington www.deerrun.church 519-326-9734

Sunday Worship Services 9:00 am (German), 10:30 am and 11:45 am (English Services)

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 am

Meadow Brook Church 219 Talbot Street East Leamington 519-326-3605

2 Sunday Worship Services 9 am and 11 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 Pastor Dave Bretzlaff 519-819-1590

Sunday Service 10:30 am

Spanish Service Sunday 6 pm

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

LakePoint Family Church

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

Service Sundays 9:15 am & 11 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

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 Church

29 Elliott Street, Leamington 519-326-2643

Saturday Mass 5:00 pm

Sunday Masses 8:00 am, 10:00 am & 7:00 pm 3:00 pm Migrant (Spanish)

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

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 Universalist Church of Olinda

2953 Olinda Sideroad, Ruthven 519-326-4352 Sunday Service 10:30 am

Harold Enns of Leamington owns a 1953 Chrysler Windsor 4-door sedan purchased new by a Leamington merchant from Abbey Gray, a Chrysler-Plymouth dealer at Goyeau and Elliott Streets in Windsor.

The car was built at the Chrysler plant in Windsor nearly 65 years ago.

The first owner was Harry Lee, who operated a five-and-dime store on Talbot Street East in Leamington.

The car is medium blue with a white top. Under the hood is a flathead six with 265 cubic inches sending 119 horsepower through a Fluid Drive transmission, forerunner of the fully automatic. You put the gear selector in “Drive” and step on the gas. At around 25-30 miles an hour, you back off on the gas pedal and the car automatically shifts into high gear.

Harold’s father, John J. Enns, often acted as chauffeur for Harry Lee, who enjoyed riding in the big back seat, and they took several trips to Florida. When Harry passed away, he gave the car to Harold’s father. And when Harold’s father passed away, Harold became the new owner.

Other than being repainted once, this ’53 Chrysler is in remarkably good original condition. The interior is still very presentable as is the chrome, living proof of the good care this car received and which has now travelled nearly 100,000 miles.

The flathead six is an engine that was designed to go on forever, and it almost did. Production of this engine continued to the 1959 model year, then was replaced by the new Slant Six in 1960.

The ride is still very comfortable in this car with its 125-inch wheelbase, and it attracts admiring comments wherever it goes. The big curved one-piece windshield was new for Chrysler in 1953 and gave the driver a commanding view of the road.

Headroom was very generous because Chrysler President K. T. Keller insisted that a man be able to wear a hat when driving.

The first president was Walter P. Chrysler, who got hooked on cars in 1908 when he visited an Auto Show in Chicago and saw a new Locomobile. The price was $5,000 and young Mr. Chrysler only had $700 in the bank. He persuaded his banker back home in Iowa to loan him $4,300. He had the car shipped by rail to the family farm, where he took it all apart!

He wanted to see how it was made. Then he put it back together and began driving it. And that’s when he promised himself that he would someday build a car with his name on it. Sixteen years later, his dream came true.

I’m always looking for more stories. Email billtsherk@sympatico.ca or write Bill Sherk, 25 John St., P.O. Box 255, Leamington, ON N8H 3W2.

1953 Chrysler Windsor sedan was built in Windsor.

Leamington

hosts national tournament

By Bryan Jessop

A gathering of young athletes from across the country have gathered in Leamington to take a swing at national supremacy.

The Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex hosted the 2017 Canadian Junior National Racquetball Championships last week, a five-day event that drew players, coaches, family and officials from several provinces. A sum of 57 players ranging from 18 years of age and younger converged on the LKRC in search of a Canadian title and for many, a chance to either move on to the world championships or simply further familiarize themselves with the sport.

Kingsville’s Ben Nemeth delivers a hit while his opponent and sister Chloe Nemeth looks on during the first day of competition in the Canadian Junior National Racquetball Championships hosted by the Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex. Ben won the Junior Singles 14 and Under Beginners division match in scores of 11-7 and 11-8. The five-day annual event attracted 57 competitors from across British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec. Thirteen of Team Ontario’s 24 members hailed from Kingsville, Leamington and Wheatley with another four making the short trip from the Windsor-Tecumseh area. (SUN Photos)

About 20 supporters were listed as either gold, silver or bronze sponsors for the tournament, offering food, services or gift certificates to participants.

junior program were as follows:

• Junior singles 14U beginners, red — Zoe Chopchik;

• Junior singles 14U beginners, white — Chloe Nemeth;

The event began Tuesday, Apr. 25 with registration, coaches meetings and practices, followed by regular tournament play from Wednesday to Friday. The tournament wrapped up Saturday, Apr. 29 with championship matches and a social gathering and awards banquet at the Roma Club later that evening. Players were also treated to betweenmatch activities including ping-pong, a barbecue and swimming. Several paid visits to sites including Point Pelee National Park and other local attractions before and following matches.

“It gives them a chance to get to know each other and that gets them hooked on racquetball. They don’t care if they win or lose… they’re just having a lot of fun.”

— Paul Bateman

Twenty-four of the competition’s athletes represented Team Ontario, with another four hailing from Alberta, five from British Columbia, six from Manitoba, two from Saskatchewan and 16 from Quebec, considered by many to be Canada’s racquetball hotspot. Just over half — 13 — of Team Ontario’s players made the short journey from homes in Kingsville, Leamington and Wheatley as members of the LKRC’s junior racquetball program. Peter Hamm, Rebekah Hamm, Quinn Miehl-Marentette, Ben Nemeth and Chloe Nemeth represented the event’s Kingsville component, Kyke Dick made the trip from Wheatley and Sumaya Abduel Sattar, Zoe Chopchik, Conner Harder, Chase Klassen, Emma Klassen, Matthew Klassen and Becca Rivest were players representing the host community. Another four players signed up from the Windsor-Tecumseh area.

Racquetball Canada’s Adrian Webb acted as tournament director while Terry Nelson of Ambassadors Junior Racquetball served as local tournament director and Leamington’s own Andrew Dick and Paul Bateman — instructors of Leamington’s Junior Racquetball Program — stepped up as co-chairs of the host committee.

Entries were divided into 17 divisions based on age, gender, singles, doubles, competitive and beginner status. Ten and under players played in a two-bounce format while those in beginner or ‘friendly’ groups played using multibounce rules.

“For those kids, we’re just trying to get them excited about playing,” explained Dick, who also served as Team Ontario’s coach. “Hopefully, it’ll encourage them to stick with the sport as they get older.”

The tournament was supported by a team of local volunteers who assisted with services including shuttling players and parents from hotels to the LKRC and back as well as meal preparation. One official made the journey from Halifax while some volunteers arrived from centres including Winnipeg, Kitchener and Toronto. A set of bleachers for spectators was loaned by the Town of Essex, which hosting committee members returned shortly after the tourney’s completion to Harrow for minor soccer games.

“They’ve been great,” Bateman said of the Town of Essex. “There have been a lot of people who’ve been really good to us like that. There’s been a lot of support from greenhouse growers and a lot of other sponsors. They’ve all helped make this one of the better set ups that the junior nationals have had.”

“It’s really exciting for the kids,” Bateman said. “It gives them a chance to get to know each other and that gets them hooked on racquetball. They don’t care if they win or lose… they’re just having a lot of fun.”

In preparation of the Junior National Racquetball Championships, the Municipality of Leamington made a number of adjustments to the LKRC’s five courts, including the removal of drywall and installation of glass for a spectators’ area above the main two playing surfaces. In Ontario,

Leamington’s five racquetball courts are second only to six that are featured at a facility in Burlington.

Depending on the number of entries, divisions approached their respective schedules with either round robin pool play or an Olympic format. The top two finishers in boys and girls U14, U16 and U18 categories qualified for the Junior World Cup of Racquetball, which was originally scheduled to take place in Guatemala. Instead, the international competition will take place in Minneapolis in late November of this year.

First place finishers representing the Leamington

• Junior singles 14U beginners, blue — Becca Rivest;

• Boys singles 10U two-bounce — Quinn Miehl-Marentette;

• Junior 8 singles multi-bounce — Quinn Miehl-Marentette;

• Boys doubles 16U — Kyle Dick (with Ian Frattinger of Saskatchewan);

• Boys singles 16U, playoff #3 — Kyle Dick.

Becca Rivest prepares to backhand a hit against fellow Lemingtonite Matthew Klassen during the first day of competition in the Canadian Junior National Racquetball Championships.

Right

by Jaclyn Moore and Karson Dickenson while Kylie Cioci earned the shutout in net. One day earlier, the Cougars blanked Kingsville 5-0 on goals by Yessica Raffoul, Katie Zuccato,

Taylor

and Dickenson as Cioci earned the shutout.

Left - The Cougar’s Charly Demers chips the ball aside and away from an approaching Catholic Central forward during the first half of a WECSSAA Tier III senior girls soccer game.

at Kinsmen Sports Field Wednesday, Apr. 26. The two teams, meeting in Leamington for the second time in a week, settled for a 4-4 draw. Mitchell Tiessen appeared to score in the first half seconds after Christian Wuerch opened the scoring, but the tally was disallowed on an offside call.

County Bridge Results

Leamington Half Century Centre, April 24: North/ South - 1st Roy Trowell and Ron Martin, 2nd Shirley Plant and Jeanne Manners, 3rd Vi Major and Pauline Mikolash. East/West - 1st Giovanna Day and Frank Duransky, 2nd Roger Cote and Jim Perkes, 3rd Dorothy McGregor and Al Morrison. Bridge games are played each Monday at 12:45 p.m. Members and new members are welcome. Kingsville Bridge Club, April 26: North/South - 1st Pauline Mikolash and Jeanne Manners, 2nd Bill Chaplin and Chris Brennan, 3rd Marg Koeman and Vi Major. East/West - 1st Pat DeNapoli and Frank Duransky, 2nd Joyce Bear and Al Morrison, 3rd Moira Escott and Jack Warmenhoven. Bridge is every Wednesday at the Lions Hall in Kingsville, 7 p.m.

The Lightning’s Josh Isley sends the ball out of harms way as teammates Kaleb Tiessen and Aaron Janzen look on during a WECSSAA Tier III senior boys soccer game against Maranatha

Lightning goalkeeper Aaron Janzen drop kicks the ball past a Maranatha forward toward midfield during the first half of a WECSSAA Tier III senior boys soccer game at Kinsmen Sports Field.

Moore,

Taouil

LDSS beats Essex 3-2

ABOVE – Eh Ywa of the Lions challenges an Essex forward for control of the ball deep in LDSS territory during the first half of a WECSSAA Tier II senior boys soccer match Monday, May 1. Leamington jumped out to a 2-0 lead and held on for a 3-2 victory with goals by Yvenel Boileau, Cristian Santos and La Bar Mar. The win brought the Lions’ record to five wins and one loss, good for second place in the six-team Cup Division.

LEFT – The Lions’ Cesar Salan heads the ball away from an Essex player.

(SUN Potos by Bryan Jessop)

ABOVE - Aiden Massad of the Cardinal Carter Cougars celebrates a two-run homer during a WECSSAA baseball game against the visiting General Amherst Bulldogs Thursday, Apr. 27 at Kinsmen Sports Field. The Bulldogs won 7-3. A Monday, May 1 game at L’Essor was postponed.

LEFT - Gabe Gonzalez of the Cougars dives back to first base to avoid being picked off.

NOW HIRING

Soli Deo Gloria Singers to present spring concert

The Soli Deo Gloria Singers, under the direction of Nancy Dyck, invite you to their spring concert, “Faith Alone, Grace Alone”, to be presented on Saturday, May 6 at 7:30 p.m. at UMEI Christian High School, 614 Mersea Rd. 6, just west of Hwy 77, north of Leamington, and on Sunday, May 7 at 3:00 p.m. at Leamington United Mennonite Church, 78 Oak St. E., Leamington.

This spring, Soli Deo Gloria Singers offer the second in a series of three concerts that follows the 5 “Solas”. “Sola” is a Latin word meaning “alone”, and these 5 “Solas” try to organize the many strands of a 2000+ year-old faith and answer the question: What are the central components of the Christian faith?

Last fall the concert music was chosen to reflect an emphasis on Scripture (alone) and on Christ (alone). This time the focus is on music, which emphasizes Faith (alone) and Grace (alone).

Faith (the assurance of things hoped for) and Grace (the unmerited favour and love of God) are the two most “emotional” or “spiritual” of these “Solas”. No dry theology here! And maybe this is most appropriate. Music is rarely “dry”... although it begins with notes and words on a page, it blossoms into sound and textures and rhythms that reach the soul and heart as well as the mind. Music is more than the sum of its parts, and so, as you’ll hear in this concert, the variety of sounds and styles is quite surprising.

A few examples are: 1) Rollicking gospel sounds in Hear Me Redeemer and Leaning on the Everlasting Arms; 2) Emotional “heart” songs in By Gracious Powers (words by Bonhoeffer) and Wait My Soul With Patience; 3) Exotic African textures and rhythms in Bonse Aba and

Tshotsholoza; 4) Achingly beautiful melodies in Faure’s Cantique and Stephen Paulus’s Pilgrim’s Hymn; 5) Rich contemporary interpretations in the final two songs, Amazing Grace and By Faith.

Music... Faith... Grace... the connections are deep and strong. All are invited to come to the concert and listen... and discover those connections for yourself! For ticket information call UMEI at 519-326-7448.

Golden Years golf report

Forty-five Golden Years golfers combined for another strong showing with a total of 68 aces on April 27 at Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens.

Cathy Dewhurst continued her stellar performance carding 16 for 9 holes, 34 over 18 holes, 71 over 36 holes and 5 aces. Recording 4 aces were Eileen McIntosh, Bill Taylor, Colleen Pearse and Bill Ward, followed closely with 3 each by Barbara Fick, Bill Mayville and Art Sweet. Two dropped for Ron Fick, Vicky Harris, Murray Haratford, Gary Honey, Eva Kah, Julia Kos, Marie Lasi, Bob McWilliam, John Murphy, Barry Sweet, Rose Taylor, Sharon Teskey and Gail Turk. Finding the bottom of the cup with 1 each were Mary Binder, Mike Binder, Murray Cascadden, Perpetua Hildrop, Lloyd Honey, Bob Martin, Betty McManus, Andy Orsini, Faith Reidy, Al Rutter, Ernie Vandenberg, Gerrit Vriesen and Bryon Walker.

Notching 16 over 9 holes were Bill Taylor and Art Sweet. Gary Honey, Marie Lasi, Bob McWilliam, Andy Orsini, Lloyd Honey and Barry Sweet each managed 17, while carding 18 were Laurie Hylton, Bill Ward (3), Pete Daudlin (2), Cathy Dewhurst (2), Eileen McIntosh, Julia Kos (3), Eva Kah, Mike Binder, Andy Orsini, Barry Sweet and Betty McManus.

Barry Sweet shot 35 over 18 holes. Julia Kos, Marie Lasi, Bill Taylor, Gary Honey, Pete Daudlin and Bill Ward shot 36, Cathy Dewhurst, Lloyd Honey and Bill Ward a 37, and Betty McManus, Art Sweet and Eva Kah a 38.

The 36-hole low scores were recorded by Bill Ward with 73, Barry Sweet, Julia Kos and Bill Taylor 75, Marie Lasi 76, and Art Sweet and Gary Honey 77.

Nailing down first place with a tie at 235 were Team Aces (Barry Sweet, Andy Orsini, Sharon Teskey, Betty McManus) and Team 7 (Julia Kos, John Murphy, Marie Lasi). Second place went to Team Kings with 242 (Rose Taylor, Barb Fick, Bill Ward). Another tie for third place with 243 was shared by Team 4 (Al Rutter, Art Sweet, Eva Kah) and Team 8 (Eileen McIntosh, Tony Hudvagner, Bill Taylor).

Play continues May 4 at 9:30 a.m. at Colasanti’s. May 11 will be the final golf date for this year. Golf will be followed by the annual banquet at Colasanti’s. Members must register ($5) no later than May 4. Members wishing to bring a guest must register that guest ($11).

Soli Deo Gloria Singers will be performing their spring concert, “Faith Alone, Grace Alone” on Sat. May 6 and Sun. May 7.

in the

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20

You can only proscratinate for son long, Aries. Soon enough this will catch up with you, so it’s best to start addressing your to-do list as soon as possible.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21

Your patience will boil over this week if you do not find a way to let off steam, Taurus. Exercise may be just what you need, so schedule some time to work out.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21

Gemini, speak up and share your opinion this week. Others will appreciate your straightforwardness. Explain your point of view in detail and others will see where you are coming from.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22

Cancer, you wear your heart on your sleeve, and those closest to you will be able to figure out what is going on in your head. Accept their support when it is offered.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23

Sometimes even Leos needs to work through their feelings on their own. Don’t be afraid to spend some time reflecting on what you need to resolve.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22

Virgo, it’s nice to have like-minded people around you to support your efforts. But sometimes you need someone who sees things differently to shake up your perspective.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23

Libra, make a concerted effort to block out any distractions in the days ahead. You might not avoid all the turmoil, but your efforts will prove fruitful.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22

Scorpio, take others’ point of view to heart in the days ahead. This signals to others you value their opinions and recognize their efforts.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21

Others can use a dose of your optimism right now, Sagittarius. Find a way to include as many people as possible as you look to spread some sunshine around.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20

Capricorn, you may develop a soft spot for someone who needs your help in the next few days. Do all you can without stretching yourself too thin. Your assistance will be appreciated.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18

Aquarius, in your search for a different perspective, you may find yourself confiding in a coworker in the coming days. Give careful consideration to any advice you receive.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20

Pisces, your imagination is running wild and this could lead you on an unexpected adventure. Take a level-headed friend along for the ride.

FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS

APRIL 30

Kunal Nayyar, Actor (36)

MAY 1

Tim McGraw, Singer (50)

MAY 2

David Beckham, Athlete (42)

MAY 3

Christina Hendricks, Actress (42)

MAY 4

Randy Travis, Singer (58)

MAY 5

Adele, Singer (29)

MAY 6

George Clooney, Actor (56)

Chamber looks back on success of 2016

By Bryan Jessop

The Leamington District Chamber of Commerce declared a productive calendar year of 2016 while reflecting on events and numbers that acted as proof.

The Chamber’s 81st Annual General Meeting brought its membership and guests to The Roma Club Thursday, Apr. 20 as an opportunity to take care of some general housekeeping as well as look back upon key accomplishments that translated into favourable financial figures compared to 2015. Chamber president Corey Robertson introduced new and return board directors and executives while welcoming guests that included Leamington mayor John Paterson, deputy mayor Hilda MacDonald and councillors Larry Verbeke, Bill Dunn and John Hammond.

“We’re very excited by the prospect of the partnership that is truly beginning to become obvious in this town of elected officials, business leaders and ordinary citizens that are coming forward with some tremendous ideas on how we can build our commerce in this town,” Robertson noted.

Robertson highlighted networking programs including seven Business After Five events, six Lunch and Learn sessions and the annual Breakfast With The Mayors gathering as initiatives promoting the Chamber’s presence in the Leamington region — the latter drawing the biggest crowd in its 10-year history.

“The Leamington District Chamber of Commerce has had a remarkable year. It was one that demonstrates resilience and forward thinking in the business community.”

— Wendy Parsons

“Our board of directors is grateful for the strong working relationship that we have with the mayor’s office, the Economic Development office and the support of council,” Robertson continued.

Achievements the LDCOC president reflected on included two grants — the Workforce Windsor-Essex Grant that allowed successful certification training for 90 individuals looking to re-enter the job market and an Ontario Trillium Grant of $75,000 that is supporting an economic feasibility study working towards the establishment of an Agricultural Centre of Excellence to open in Leamington. A full report for the latter will be submitted in October of this year.

The Chamber’s annual golf tournament, Christmas parade and Business Excellence Awards were credited as rev-

enue generators that contributed to a favourable financial bottom line for 2016. Chamber accountant Tyler Chadwick of Collins Barrow Leamington LLP pointed to an operating surplus of more than $25,000 for the financial period ending December 31, 2016 as proof of a successful calendar year. Net assets of more than $27,000 compared to a bottom line of slightly more than $2,000 from one year earlier.

“The Leamington District Chamber of Commerce has had a remarkable year,” said LDCOC general manager Wendy Parsons. “It was one that demonstrates resilience and forward thinking in the business community.”

With a membership of 261, the Leamington Chamber was one of 20 taking an official stance opposed to the provincial government’s cap and trade system. The issue will be discussed further with a Thursday, June 9 Lunch and Learn with Chatham-Kent-Essex MPP Rick Nicholls. Parsons and Robertson also discussed the Chamber’s second cash mob, municipal grant to develop business and tourism and Canada Summer Jobs Grant that allowed it to employ three summer students. They also thanked volunteers — officially dubbed ‘Community Ambassadors’ — for their volunteer hours spent in promoting attractions in the Leamington region.

The primary item of business at this year’s AGM featured the appointment of four new board directors — Laura Lucier of the Employment Assessment Centre, Samantha Russell of Highbury Canco Corporation, Anu Jain of Days

Inn Leamington and Peter Corio of Bank of Canada Business Development. The newly-introduced and return directors and executives were officially sworn in for 2017-18 by mayor Paterson.

The AGM concluded with a presentation by special guest Traci Folkes Hanson, vice president of network and member relations for the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. Hanson described the functions and services the OCC provides the Leamington Chamber and 144 other members dispersed across the province.

“You should really be proud of your Chamber and the work you’ve accomplished in the past couple years,” said Hanson to her hosts while making her first-ever visit to Leamington.

The LDCOC’s guest described some of the issues it takes to the provincial government on behalf of members including Leamington, namely the concerns over rising energy rates. She described a new program the OCC has launched with support from the Ontario Ministry of Energy where hired contract workers will visit member communities including Leamington to work with businesses on how to save money on electricity bills through online MOE programming.

For more information on Leamington District Chamber of Commerce events and programs, visit the website www. leamingtonchamber.com.

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The newly-appointed 2017-18 Leamington District Chamber of Commerce is revealed following the organization’s Annual General Meeting Thursday, Apr. 20 at the Roma Club.

Ph: 519-398-9098 Email: sun@mnsi.net

FOR RENT

SMALL 2 BEDROOM home in Leamington for rent. Available May 1st. $600/month plus utilities. First and last required. To view call Jim at 519-7914319. my3

FIORE TOWER

Newly Renovated 2 bedroom apartments available now. Walk-to shopping. Walk-in pantry, utilities included, on-site manager, secure building, laundry, elevator, party room. Call 519-326-4622

ERIE APARTMENTS

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

LEAMINGTON LAKEFRONT

Upscale and Affordable in Leamington’s ONLY waterfront rental apartment building overlooking Leamington Marina and Park and minutes from the beach.

Amenities include:

library and social rooms

new Smart Card “no coin” laundry

beautiful lobby

underground parking

outdoor balconies

FREE utilities and window coverings

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

SERVICES

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

COMING UP

KINGSVILLE LEGION BRANCH 188 - Friday Night Dinners 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Weekly Specials $16 (Ribs or Perch). Other weekly menu items $14. Karaoke every 3rd Saturday of the month 8:00 p.m. 519-7335162 (office) or 519-7339081 (bar). ja6-tf

Dr. Brian E. Adamson

24 Oak St. East LEAMINGTON 519-326-8413

Eye examinations by appointment

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

PERSONALS

HI. MY NAME IS RICHARD. I’m 38 and I’m looking for a nice wonderful lady to go out with. I’m looking for someone who is honest, nice, kind, has a good heart and is understanding. For more information about me please contact me at 519-329-0455 or text me. ap19-my31

FASHION SHOWMONDAY, MAY 8. Presented by Leamington After 5, Christian Women's Club and L.A. Treasures, Essex, (Sharon Shepley, owner) at Colasanti's, 6:00 p.m. Dinner, fashion show and inspirational speaker for only $18. Liz LaVia will share "Through Trouble to Triumph". Reservations by Friday, May 5 with Barb 519326-7631. Come join us and bring a friend! my3

The SOLI DEO GLORIA SINGERS invite you to their Spring concert entitled “Faith Alone, Grace Alone” to be performed at UMEI, 614 Mersea Road 6, just west of Hwy. 77, north of Leamington on Saturday, May 6 at 7:30 p.m. and at Leamington United Mennonite Church, 78 Oak St. Ee, Leamington on Sunday May 7 at 3:00 p.m. Tickets: $12 for adults and $6 for children in advance and $15 and $7 at the door, available at Kindred Credit Union, choir members and UMEI. Call UMEI at 519 326 7448 for more info. my3

NEIGHBOURHOOD YARD

SALE - Saturday, May 6 from 9:00 a.m. - ???. No earlybirds please. Millbrook Drive, Kingsville (between Sandybrook and Sumac). my3

AGRIVILLE FARMS LTD.

Greenhouse Workers

General Labourers

• Steady day shift 50-60+ hours per week

• Monday - Saturday

• Working in greenhouse and/or the warehouse

• Harvesting, pruning, packing and picking the vegetables

• Current wage is $11.43/hr careers@muccifarms.com

Via Verde Hydroponics Ltd. is looking for:

GREENHOUSE WORKERS

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

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

• Salary: $11.43 per hour, minimum 45 hours/week including weekends and holidays. Permanent full time job. Email resume to: hr@sunritegreenhouses.com Fax: 519-733-5290

Greenhouse Worker

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Crop work, winding, pruning, harvesting

• Checking quality of harvested produce

• Other duties as assigned

WORK CONDITIONS:

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

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

• Working at heights, hot environment

WAGE AND HOURS:

• 40 plus hours a week including Saturdays

• Wage: 11.43/hour, seasonal, full time

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

Recruiting….

Aculine Logistics Inc. is growing to be produce transportation and logistics.

WE ARE CURRENTLY ACCEPTING RESUMES TO FILL A LIMITED AMOUNT OF POSITIONS AVAILABLE

• AZ drivers license required with 3 years experience.

• Clean drivers record a must along with log book capability.

• Aculine has the most competitive pay rates in the business and supports the local community.

Inquire about joining our team at: 519-326-8484 or inquire@aculine.ca

We are seeking GREENHOUSE PRODUCTION ASSOCIATES

• Compensation is $12.00/hr

• Monday through Friday (Occasional Saturdays) Please apply at: careers@aphria.com or mail a resume to: P.O. Box 20009 269 Erie St. S., Leamington, ON N8H 3C4

GROSSI PLUMBING, HEATING & HVAC Services accepting resumes in all areas: Plumbing, Sheet Metal, HVAC, Administration. Submit by - Drop in: 238 Talbot Street West, Leamington, ON. Email: grossi@grossiplumbing.ca Fax: 519-326-3632. mr15-my31

Call 519-398-9098 to place any of your special announcements

www.sunsetgrown.com mastron-hr@sunsetgrown.com FAX: 519-326-0270

Leamington GM is looking for SALES ASSOCIATES

Please apply in person to 108 Erie Street North. You will need to bring your resume with references. Please allow a half hour to sit and have a quick introduction. Please ask for Cindy Garant when you come in.

Experience an asset. Apply in person to:

The Corporation of the Municipality of Leamington Water Distribution Operator

Under the direction of the Supervisor of Water Services, the Operator-In-Training will be involved in all aspects of maintaining the municipal water distribution system. This includes installation, maintenance and repair work on water mains, appurtenances, water services, water meters, fire hydrants, valves, trucks, equipment and building maintenance. Must complete all regulatory training as prescribed and applicable under MOECC, DWQMS, and OHSA. For complete details regarding this position, please visit our website at www.leamington.ca/careers

• Steady day shift 50-60+ hours per week

• Monday - Saturday

• Working in warm temperatures

• Harvesting, pruning, packing and picking the vegetables

• Current wage is $11.43/hr careers@muccifarms.com

Packing/Grading Staff

• Follow all policies and procedures as it relates to Human Resources, Health and Safety and Food Safety If you possess these attributes, please forward your resume to: hr@orangelinefarms.com

a 10 Minute Drive from Staples, Comber, Wheatley and Essex

BOEM BERRY FARMS INC.

Greenhouse Workers

General Labourers

• Steady day shift 50-60+ hours per week

• Monday - Saturday

• Working in greenhouse and/or the warehouse

• Harvesting, pruning and picking the strawberries

• Current wage is $11.43/hr careers@muccifarms.com

Erie Glen Manor, a luxury Retirement Residence on the shore of Lake Erie, is currently accepting resumes for the position of:

ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES PERSON

The successful person will be responsible for performing custodial duties, minor maintenance and repair, routine preventaother safety training requirements. They will also have knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, WHMIS, and Fire Code Regulations.

Come join us and help make a difference in the lives of older adults! An employee of Erie Glen Manor, our primary goal is to help each person, have a great day, every day!

Want to join us?

Please forward your resume to: gm egm@verveseniorliving com by May 10, 2017 for consideration.

We are currently seeking an

Knowledge of Sage 50/Simply Accounting an asset. Wages negotiable based upon experience. Please forward resume in person to: 229 Talbot St. W. Leamington between the hours of 7:00 am - 5:00 pm Monday - Friday. Or by email to: leamingtonglass@bellnet.ca

ASSISTANT GROWER

The assistant grower’s role will be to assist and support the primary grower in the production of greenhouse vegetables.

Job Duties:

• Full time employment • Monday - Saturday • $15.22/hr

• Help ensure the crop is healthy and growing optimally

• Ensure greenhouse climate is conducive in relation to weather conditions

• Track and record various aspects of the crop including plant measurements and trial production

• Knowledge of Priva Office climate control computer

• Knowledge of PrivAssist labour computer

• Work with Grower to ensure labour is properly planned and coordinated

• Assist with the implementation of an Integrated Pest Management program

• Assist with the implementation of a Food Safety Program

• Promote a safe and secure workplace environment

• Apply and mix fertilizers and pesticides as needed

Send Resume to: careers@muccifarms.com

The Business Resource Centre of Essex County is seeking applicants to fill a vacancy on the Board of Directors. Individuals who live and/or work in Leamington are invited to submit their name for consideration. Board members represent various sectors and govern the Corporation’s delivery of a variety of programs that stimulate small business growth and job creation. Volunteer members are required to attend monthly Board meetings and participate in committee meetings, as needed.

If YOU want to make a DIFFERENCE in Essex County, the Board of Directors is interested in hearing from you. Visit our website www.EC-businessresourcecentre.ca for information on our services and contact our office to request an Application Form and submit to:

The Business Resource Centre of Essex County

Attention: Nominating Committee

39 Maidstone Ave. East

Essex (ON) N8M 2J3

Email: Iscott@EC-businessresourcecentre.ca

Tel: 519-776-4611 ext.12

The Business Resource Centre of Essex County (A Community Futures Development Corporation) is a not for profit federally funded organization supported by FedDev Ontario

MUCCI PAC LTD.

General Labourers

Produce Packers

• All three shifts, 44-48+ hours per week

• Monday - Saturday

• Working in cool temperatures

• Packing, grading, weighing

• Current wage is $11.43/hr careers@muccifarms.com

Recruiting….

10 GENERAL LABOURERS / FORK LIFT DRIVERS / CRANE OPERATORS

• Applicants must have 1-2 years experience in an Industrial/ Mfg environment

• Must be willing to train in Overhead Crane & Forklift Operation

• Will work in shipping, production & in various G/L duties in the plant.

• Ability to work all three shifts & overtime when necessary

• Starting May 8th/15th

• Post secondary education given preference

• Must have own transportation - plant located in Harrow

• Opportunity for Direct Hire available!

• $15.00/hour

APPLY WITH RESUME & REFERENCES IN CONFIDENCE TO: jobs@goudreaupersonnel.com

Fax: 519-977-0300 www.goudreaupersonnel.com

30 Hour Famine raises $2,050 for

Southwestern Ontario Gleaners

Nearly 50 UMEI Christian High School students recently participated in the 30 Hour Famine to raise awareness and funds for the Southwestern Ontario Gleaners. This was a student organized fundraiser, led by Grade 12 student Mykayla Tiessen. Mykayla chose Southwestern Ontario Gleaners because of the incredible work they are doing locally and internationally. The students partnered with Speed Print, who are celebrating 30 years of business, as a tee shirt sponsor. The tee shirt design was created by student Camden Driedger.

“We were extremely moved by the efforts of your students to put together this event to raise money to help combat starvation,” said Alison Klassen, office administrator at Southwestern Ontario Gleaners. “Your $2,050 cheque will provide 20,500 servings for the hungry. That is the equivalent of feeding 683 people one meal every day for a month.”

UMEI students Mykayla Tiessen and Stephen Farfanick presented a cheque for $2,050 to Joel Epp of Southwestern Ontario Gleaners.