November 30, 2016

Hydro One begins upgrades to power supply

By Pat Bailey

After more than eight years in the works, construction has begun by Hydro One to upgrade the power supply to the Leamington and Kingsville areas. At a public open house at the Leamington Municipal Building last week, representatives of Hydro One outlined the plans to local residents and answered questions related to the effects construction of this infrastructure upgrade project may have on their property, their business or their service.

Currently, customers in the Leamington and Kingsville areas receive their electrical supply from the overloaded Kingsville Transformer Station.

Hydro One representative Carrie-Lynn Ognibene said the Transmission Reinforcement project will address the increasing demand for power in Southeast Essex County, improving capacity to support the economic growth in this area, while also strengthening the regional transmission system.

Initial work began on this project in 2008 with a Class Environmental Assessment, planning and a public consultation when a need for additional power was identified in order to accommodate growth.

It was through this process that a transformer station site on Mersea Road 6 and a transmission connector line along the municipal utility corridor was identified as the best location for the proposed project.

Contingent with the transmission reinforcement project, Hydro One will also be upgrading the local distribution system along

municipal and county roads that deliver power to homes, farms and businesses.

After years of consultation, research, submissions and applications, the project has officially begun.

Narrow based towers now line Mersea Road 6. They were chosen, said one Hydro One representative, so they wouldn’t take up as much space along the municipal corridor, which has other critical infrastructure located on it, as well as a walking trail.

Narrow base towers are also easier for farmers to farm around, she added.

But Mersea Road 6 resident Ken Schmidt is disappointed with the transformation of his once beautiful road, with the disappearance of the trees, replaced by the taller distribution poles.

“It’s an extreme imposition on what was once a very attractive road,” said Schmidt, while showing photos from his cell phone.

“I understand there’s a need of good power,” he added, “but not when there’s a detrimental effect.”

“We have to be very careful when we put in new infrastructure that benefits a small number of individuals and negatively impacts others,” he added.

But representatives at the meeting said the project will benefit all customers in the Leamington and Kingsville areas and that Hydro One will be working with property owners in an attempt to minimize disruption and inconvenience associated with the construction of the new facilities.

In fact, they said, there has been tremendous support for the project because residents realize that it is an upgrade of necessity.

The Leamington Transformer Station site is currently being prepared for the start of construction which is scheduled to begin in December or early in the new year.

Work is expected to be completed in the summer of 2018.

As far as the transmission connector line and right-ofway preparation and line, construction by Hydro One crews is expected to run from January 2017 to the summer of 2018.

The new transmission facilities are expected to be in service during the summer of 2018, while distribution system upgrades have already begun and will continue through 2019.

At a public open house at the Leamington Municipal Building, Mersea Road 6 resident Ken Schmidt shows pictures on his cell phone of the new towers that line his road. Schmidt is not happy with the effect it has had on his road, which he said was once one of the most beautiful streets in the area.

Work crews from Hydro One have been busy installing new hydro poles along Mersea Road 6.

Peter’s Kitchen is celebrating their first year in business

If you're looking for a family restaurant that serves fresh, homemade Greek and Canadian dishes and grand breakfasts, look no further than Peter's Kitchen.

Celebrating its first anniversary in Leamington, Peter's Kitchen has enjoyed a successful inaugural year but is anxious to share its cozy, family atmosphere and generous portions of home-made dishes with diners throughout the area.

If your taste buds are craving a little authentic Greek cuisine like Greek salad, pastitio, moussaka or shish kebab, Katerina will take over the kitchen, creating and sharing some of her family's secret recipes.

If you're able to save room for dessert, Katerina's delectable rice pudding and baklava will serve as the perfect ending to an evening shared in Peter's Kitchen.

And according to son Louis, his dad, Peter, and mom, Katerina, were born to cook.

"We're Greek," he laughed, "that's what we do." But they actually do so much more than traditional Greek fare.

Fresh home-made bread is baked daily, to accompany plenty of Canadian favourites including a topnotch breakfast.

Their venture in Leamington is rather recent but the original Peter's Kitchen has been serving the Comber

area for 17 years. While sisters Joanna and Nancy manage the rural location, it's Peter, Katerina and Louis at the helm in Leamington.

Louis said it was just over a year ago that they decided it was time to spread their wings and expand and looked no further than their neighbour to the south.

"We stumbled upon this place on Nov. 15 (2015)," said Louis. And they wasted no time, opening just two weeks later on Dec. 1.

And Louis said it's much more than their delicious, homemade food that brings a group of regulars back time and again.

"We're a cozy, family restaurant," said Katerina. And Louis credits the personal touches and friendly service for creating a welcoming, family atmoshpere that has guests coming back for more.

Peter's Kitchen is located at 159 Talbot Street East, Leamington.

Union Gas completes Leamington Expansion Project

By Bryan Jessop

Supporting the local economy with access to an inexpensive energy source is more than just a phase in southeast Essex County.

Representatives of Union Gas and local dignitaries gathered at Pomas Farms on Highway 77 in Leamington Thursday, Nov. 24 to celebrate the completion of the Panhandle Reinforcement Project’s second of three phases. The event was centred around a number of speeches where the project’s importance to the greenhouse industry was discussed, capped by a ribbon cutting ceremony. The celebration took place inside a newly expanded section of Pomas Farms that will nearly double the operation’s acreage from 38 to 72.

Once construction is completed in mid December, the workforce at the Leamington site will also come close to doubling from the current 60 to an estimated 110. The second phase, known also as the Leamington Expansion Project, added seven kilometres of 12inch pipe for direct access to natural gas for local greenhouse growers including Pomas. The local business’s expansion began in June of this year and as guests of the event pointed out, serves as evidence of the Union Gas project’s immediate positive impact.

“If there was no gas, we wouldn’t be building like this,” explained David Braun, who’s family has owned and operated Pomas Farms since it was incorporated in 2010. “It’s (the natural gas line addition) the only reason we did it. Other utilities are available, but gas was lacking.”

Pomas Farms has used diesel fuel to heat its greenhouses in the past, but both David and his brother Daniel Braun explained that that particular energy source is expensive and less environmentally sound than natural gas.

“I don’t understand why there’s a carbon tax on natural gas,” Daniel said. “The CO2 made by the boilers from gas is re-used by the greenhouse. We can’t do that with diesel — it’ll harm the plants.”

In recent years, greenhouse operations not utilizing a fixed supply of gas have experienced interruptions in flow because of shortages during particularly cold winters. The costs associated with running greenhouse facilities has led to a number of Ontario operations closing down and relocating in the United States, where government subsidization is offered, Daniel Braun explained. With the Panhandle expansion, the potential exists for a 100 per cent ‘lock in’ supply of natural gas for operations such as Pomas.

In addition to the new extensions being constructed at the Braun family business, three new operations outside of Pomas are in the works because of the Panhandle’s first two phases.

The Union Gas project’s first phase was completed in 2013 and if the Ontario Energy Board approves the third phase in January of next year, it will come to fruition in November of 2017. Phase One was based on the installation of 10 km of 12-inch diameter pipe and like Phase Two, was a $12 million investment. The third segment of the project will extend toward Windsor and will be comprised of 40 km of 36-inch diameter pipe for a cost of about $265 million.

The Nov. 24 announcement was led by Union Gas infranchise sales, marketing and customer care vice president Mark Isherwood, who also invited comments from Essex County warden Tom Bain, Leamington mayor John Paterson, Chatham-Kent-Essex MPP Rick Nicholls, and Ontario Greenhouse and Vegetable Growers manager of science and government rela-

Leamington Mennonite Home Auxiliary’s

tions Dr. Justine Taylor. The pipeline expansion will increase natural gas services in Leamington as well as

Homespun

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3 starts at 8:00 AM at LEAMINGTON UNITED MENNONITE CHURCH 78 Oak St. E., Leamington • Fresh Baked Zwieback • Raisin Bread • Christmas Cookies

Frozen Pies ... and more

Kingsville for a total of 55 greenhouse operations. The increased capacity equates to 570 acres, officially made available as of October 28 this year.

Board makes final offer to Essex County Library staff

On Friday, November 25, after several hours of mediated discussions, talks between the Essex County Library Board and CUPE 2974.0, representing Essex County Library staff, have resulted with the board presenting CUPE with its final offer.

“We have presented what we consider to be our best and final offer,” said Essex County Library Board Chair Richard Meloche. “We believe it is a fair agreement for employees and one that we hope that CUPE will seriously consider, so that we can return library services to our communities.”

“This has been a difficult past few months for all of us,” said Meloche. “We want to thank our patrons and our residents for their patience and understanding over the past several weeks.”

On December 2, the Essex FCC office will be closed while we move to: 319 Talbot Street North Essex, ON N8M 2E2

We will re-open on December 5. During our move, you can still call us at 1-800-387-3232 or 519-776-4219 New location – same great service

Essex County warden Tom Bain (right) discusses the Union Gas Panhandle Expansion project as Leamington mayor John Paterson (left) and Union Gas vice president of infranchise sales and marketing and customer care Mark Isherwood listen on Thursday, Nov. 24 at Pomas Farms in Leamington. (SUN PHOTO)

Mis-adventures in Rainbow Country

It’s 4:30 a.m. and I find myself fully awake.

I’m in the middle of nowhere in a cabin on a lake and hundreds of miles from the comfort of my own bed.

The crackling of the wood stove is only surpassed by the intermittent snoring of the other seven guys in this camp.

made me feel a little bit better about my day.

The deer seem to be avoiding us this year but we still have a couple more days to change that.

I came here with a head cold and really hoped it would clear with the crisp cold air. So much for that notion. Not only is my head stuffed completely, it’s also in my chest.

I do get relief when I’m outside but who wants to stay out there all day and night?

Seems once I get back inside, the headache, stuffiness and cough return with a vengeance. It’s been six days since that little tickle in my throat turned into a bona fide cold.

Meanwhile I’ll continue with my steady diet of beer and pickled eggs and see if I can accidentally stumble across a cure for the common cold.

So a week of what should have been a great time turned into a week of trying to breathe without coughing up a lung.

I’m sure my hunting partners are tired of listening to me cough all night. Thankfully a couple of them brought cold medication, because I brought enough for only three days, hoping it would be gone by then.

There’s nothing common about this cold. Worst I’ve had in years for sure. Maybe by the time this column hits the press I’ll be free of it. If not, I guess it’s time to visit a doctor. Men are such wimps when is comes to colds and flu. Now, it’s Saturday morning and things did change in the deer department but not so much in the cold remedy department. We are breaking camp in a couple of hours and heading home to the sunny south.

Miles from any sort of doctor, I’m destined to tough it out and hope I’ll awake one morning and feel better.

To top off a miserable week health-wise, I broke a tooth eating jerky and then strained an oblique muscle helping to pull the boats out of the water.

Without my wife here to take care of me, I’m on my own. She would normally get me some chicken soup and warm liquids to flush this out of me.

Somehow Bud Light doesn’t cut it, although a hot toddy may do wonders.

Of course, the oblique strain feels real special when I cough or sneeze, so woe is me.

We did happen to take six deer with our eight tags. Things picked up Wednesday and Thursday.

Thankfully I haven’t fallen down yet. That’s my usual M.O. Of course it’s mid-week as I write this and lots of mountain climbing still lies ahead.

I did manage to park the boat on a nice rock Monday during a nasty windstorm. It eventually came loose and we carried on, but a few harrowing moments kept myself and two passengers on our toes the rest of the boat ride. The prop on that old Merc motor didn’t much care for those rocks.

My cough is still there but only persistent at night. During the day it’s just occasional. I hope that means I’m getting better.

The oblique will heal with some rest. The mother of all colds will hopefully go away at some point. The tooth, well that’s going to need some work soon.

I’m thinking of inventing a putty of sorts to stick into a broken tooth while you await (or stall in my case) an appointment with the dentist.

I can’t help but think that if I’d been feeling better with a clear head, I might have avoided the grounding, but seeing that two other boats got caught up on the same set of rocks

I’ve tried gum and just end up swallowing it.

Back to work Monday and the week starts anew.

There’s no place like home.

B.E.A.C.H. (Best Escape Anyone Can Have)

For most Canadians the beach would certainly be a warm escape, especially in the midst of cold winter weather. However, in the Bahamas the locals, including myself, rarely make it to the beach, and escape is into the shade or out of hurricane winds.

Every day on Little Whale Cay teaches me something: patience, acceptance, understanding and gratefulness to name a few. I just purchased my annual Bahamian calendars that I not only put into each guest home but also save a few for some family and friends back home.

a reason. These were two rules that stood out to me. Mark has tried to educate our own crew when they collect and bring back conch that are too small or spiney lobster out of season. If this generation doesn’t know or care there won’t be fish for their children. We consistently get the feeling that most feel, “if I don’t get them someone else will.”

The calendar is celebrating its 30th anniversary. A family from Long Island, Bahamas, has gathered the recipes and painted each month’s pictures. This year they not only celebrate the longevity of their project but the hardship that last October brought to them. “We are still alive… having survived our third catastrophic hurricane, Joaquin. It sure came a-whackin.”

Ghandi and I also discussed composting. Garbage is right under our noses on the island.

This family, with no insurance or savings, was displaced to Nassau for over 6 months. Thankfully, they found the strength and creativity to produce their annual project and found solace in doing so. Even their oldest grandchild, at the age of 5, took an avid interest and busily found his artistic ability along the way.

There are only 6 of us here but not a day goes by when I don’t see or think about where our refuse goes. It is amazing how much our small group collects, so I can only imagine how much garbage a village like Wheatley or a place the size of Leamington or a city like Toronto produce daily! Unfortunately, back home it is much easier to turn a blind eye to our waste. The moment the garbage truck pulls away from the curb in front of our house it becomes out of sight and out of mind, but not gone!

When I close my eyes and think of the Bahamas I still envision what most of you do as well: palm trees, turquoise waters and maybe an umbrella drink. In reality, there is so much more and a lot less!

A couple of weeks ago Ghandi, Engine’s wife and my lovely friend, asked me to please look up some information on our computer for her 13-year-old daughter Anaya’s project. This project covers a year and the first question was, “What can we do to protect our environment?”

I loved it! It was fun to sit with Ghandi and talk over some ways that these young children could personally help their environment. She took some notes that she would share with her daughter. We also printed off a map of the marine reserve area of the Bahamas that includes the Berry Islands and specifically a spot right outside our own harbour here on Little Whale Cay.

Although our conversation was interesting, it was also worrisome. Gandhi’s parents are fishermen, yet she seemed unaware of some of the basic fishing conservation rules. Size matters and there are fishing seasons for

Ghandi took the list of ideas back to discuss with Anaya. A couple of weeks later she returned with question #2: “How do we conserve fish in the Bahamian Marine Reserves?” I was happy to hear that we were on the right track but sad to hear that Anaya’s teacher would not let her discuss composting because she was not aware of it! I had to admit that I was appalled! It was unbelievable to think that a teacher was neither encouraging her student to learn something new nor considering the possibility of her teaching others as well.

Mark and I have discussed the fact that if we ever won a lottery, buying an island would not be on our list of priorities. We know firsthand the cost to maintain an island as beautiful as Little Whale Cay. I must admit that I envision the fact that this island would be the perfect oasis for education. The children of the Bahamas could come here and actively be involved in restocking marine life, regenerating coral reefs, as well as learning about composting and proper waste removal, beekeeping and more. It is fun to dream!

(Continued on page 5)

B.E.A.C.H. (Best Escape

Anyone Can Have)

(Continued from page 4)

Although Friday nights on the island are really no different than any other night, they always arrive with a sense of relief – an “aha moment”. Mark and I take the time to touch base with friends and family via email and Facebook. This past Friday we noted that it was Diana McAuslan’s birthday. If you happened to go to Wheatley Area Public School during the late seventies this name will be very familiar to you as well!

The McAuslan family stood out for many reasons. Mr. McAuslan was the past minister of Wheatley United Church. Mrs. McAuslan taught music at the public school in town and they had 5 lovely daughters together. Mr. McAuslan was as familiar a face at the school as his wife, as he frequently was the person on the keyboards during music class and assemblies. He also was the most animated part of the cheering section on track and field day, equally encouraging everyone, most importantly the last straggler across the line.

I remember my public school years fondly and can go through each teacher individually from Kindergarten up to grade eight recalling a resounding lesson. The McAuslan’s duo lessons both in and out of the classroom were superlative!

Many of you may remember, as I do, that when John Lennon passed away our curriculum changed to study the Beatles’ “Strawberry Fields” and “Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band”. We studied and sang “Desiderata” for Graduation and performed a solemn march to “Dance of the Macabre” around Hallowe’en. One of my favourites was when we rode a metaphorical donkey down the trails of the Grand Canyon while studying “The Grand Canyon Suite” composed by Ferde Grofé.

I also have a vague memory of a group of us, including their daughter, getting a week-long after school detention because of a party I had at my house. It all worked out for the best though, as it was the week prior to exams and we all aced our grades with the additional study time.

Friday night I took the opportunity to wish Mrs. McAuslan a happy birthday and to share my heartfelt thanks for making a difference in my life! With her permission I have attached our conversation below. Only through her words will you understand the gift each of her students was given:

“Happy Birthday Mrs. McAuslan. You have no idea how much you inspired me. When Elvis passed away and then John Lennon you changed the curriculum and we LEARNED!!!!! I will never forget the Grand Canyon Suite and although I have never yet rode a donkey to the base of the canyon I feel that I have through the music that both you and Mr. McAuslan exposed to us. What a year we have had. I can’t help but wonder if the class of ’16 at WAPS has learned about Glenn Frey, David Bowie, Prince, Leonard Cohen, Emerson, Lake and Palmer, and more. I so appreciate you both for stepping out of the norm to educate us at the highest level! I am blessed every day! Thank you and Happy Birthday!”

Reply from Mrs. McAuslan: “Just getting into bed, Shannon, and happened to check my tablet. What a heartwarming message. As my disease progresses and I am unable to be physically active I spend more and more time enjoying memories of what once was. Sweet memories provide a comfortable parachute allowing us to float through less than perfect moments and providing a safe landing on the other side of adversity. Thank you for taking an ordinary day and wrapping it in ribbons of happiness.”

Goodfellows seek volunteers for upcoming food drive

By Bryan Jessop

The Leamington Mersea Goodfellows are hoping the generosity of contributors and volunteers will ‘pick up’ right where it left off last year.

The service club’s annual Can Drive with Grade 12 students from Leamington District Secondary School will take place Friday, Dec. 9. As tradition has been for the past 40-plus years, the students will pick up nonperishable food item donations from households, businesses and other establishments across the Leamington area to drop off at the Westmoreland Sales warehouse at 60 Industrial Drive. The location, lent free of charge by owners Topline Produce, will be stationed by a team of Goodfellows and LDSS volunteers who will collect and count food item and monetary donations in part to determine a winner of the ‘girls versus boys’ competition.

This year, the combined collection of donations will be placed into rows of bushel baskets, arranged by volunteer students from LDSS and UMEI Monday, Dec. 12 and Tuesday, Dec. 13. The baskets, which average 20 items each, will be distributed to recipient families in need on the morning of Saturday, Dec. 17 by Leamington Mersea Goodfellow members and volunteers. This year, the group is in search of more volunteers to help with the distribution, including any who are able to bring pick up trucks to transport the baskets from the warehouse to destination households.

“Hopefully, we’ll really get the community on board again this year,” said

Goodfellows volunteer Bill Slater. “It’s quite amazing when you look at all the baskets, the people involved and all the families that are affected.”

Anyone interested in volunteering and/or using their truck to assist with Dec. 17 deliveries may contact Slater at 519-326-1573 or

“It’s quite amazing when you look at all the baskets, the people involved and all the families that are affected.”

— Bill Slater

Richard Stockwell at 519326-2258. Typically, the 900 bushel baskets of food items are delivered to the 200 local recipient families in approximately two hours.

Last year, 170 families received four baskets while another 30 received seven baskets each. The number of baskets donated per family depends on the number of residents living in each household, with each family receiving a turkey and a Christmas cake in addition to other food items.

“It’s overwhelming,” Slater said. “The baskets are overflowing with goods that

are needed by local families. We’re never short. It’s a very generous community we’re living in.”

Each year, any excess items are donated to the Leamington Salvation Army’s food bank. These items include goods contained in glass jars that cannot be shipped in the baskets or contents intended for families who have moved since registering for the donations in November.

Last year, the combination of dollars and food items collected by the LDSS Grade 12s equaled 44,536 items, using a formula where each dollar is valued at three canned goods. The sum surpassed 2014’s total by about 8,000 items. Money raised by the students and at Goodfellows

donation boxes now located at the post office and banks throughout Leamington is used to purchase additional food at local grocery stores.

“The students are always very enthusiastic about the Can Drive,” explained Slater, who encourages residents throughout Leamington to leave non-perishable food items on their front steps or outside their front doors for the Dec. 9 drive. “We’re thankful for every year they continue that operation.”

For 2015, the LDSS girls took honours as the winning team following a win for the boys in 2014.

Each year, local canneries including Weil’s in Wheatley and Sunbrite also contribute to the Goodfellows collection for food baskets.

Our Thanks & Holiday Best!

The Leamington District Chamber of Commerce and the Community Christmas Parade Committee would like to thank everyone who could take part in the 2016 COMMUNITY Christmas Parade –LIGHT UP THE NIGHT AND CELEBRATE OUR COMMUNITY. Our major sponsors this year include: The Municipality of Leamington, Leamington Uptown BIA, Leamington GM, Unifab and Blackburn Radio.

We would also like to thank our other sponsors for their generous donations to help run the 2016 Annual Community Christmas Parade; A-1 Chinese, Abraham Orthodontics, Armando’s, Bayview Laser Engraving, Canada Post, Cassiahs Dance Company, Colasanti’s, DeGoey’s Nursery & Flowers, Dundas Excavating, Enchanted Adventure Party, Fehr Car Wash, Highbury Canco, Jem Limousine, Leamington Agriculture Society, Leamington Fire Department, Leamington Lions Club, Leamington Public Works, Leamington Toys for Tots, O.P.P. , Public Safety Services, Southern Logistics, Southpoint Sun, and Value Village.

We would like to send a special shout out to the crew at the Public Works department for all their hard work preparing the town and parade for this wonderful night.

Thank you also to all the sponsors who donated gifts for the Christmas Parade Fundraiser, it is because of you that we can keep the community parade so successful!

Thank you to Cordele Green for MC’ing this year’s parade...awesome job as usual.

Thank you to our judges...Stu Bertram– OPP Staff Sargent, Chuck Parsons – Leamington Fire Chief and Lisa Bradt-Leamington BIA Chair. Not an easy job at all!

Here are this year’s winners:

Best Church: Salvation Army

Best School: Christain Fellowship Learning Centre

Best Non Profit: Leamington Flyers

Best Commercial - Small Business: Realty House

Best Commercial - Large Business: Highbury Canco

Best Theme: The Shepherd’s Guide

Best Spirit: Cassiahs Dance Company

Thank you to all the participants – all your hard work on the floats is always spectacular!

Please

Hoping to get back into their Robson Road home

By Sheila McBrayne

Donald and Francene Giesbrecht haven’t been able to sleep in their Robson Road house since being evacuated on October 19.

A foul odour of rotten eggs, or hydrogen sulphide, in mid October caught the attention of the neibourhood. When a neighbor dug into the ground an old natural gas well was located, bubbling at the surface. The area was declared a state of emergency and the Giesbrechts and their neighbours Robert and Robin Moir-Impens were ordered to leave their homes. That was six weeks ago. Since then, the Giesbrechts have been moved around from motel to motel and to an apartment on Pickwick. But that too will come to an end on December 1 when they must move again. Francene, 66, and her husband 51, are living off her Old Age Security pension. While displaced from their home of 16 years, they still must pay their utility bills, mortgage and insurance, while also paying to live somewhere else. “We just can’t afford to do it anymore. I don’t want to lose my house. We have worked hard for our home, but it’s not affordable to pay for one place and then rent elsewhere… We’re really between a rock and hard place,” said Francene.

What makes this already difficult situation worse, is the fact that Donald has progressive myelopathy, which has made him reliant on a wheelchair.

“And there is no end in sight… They (the workers) said they have to dig down 1500 feet… They can’t say when they will be done… I don’t know if I’ll be home for Christmas or sometime next year,” said Francene.

Steve Turner, Aecon Energy, the company contracted by the Ministry of Natural Resources through the Abandoned Works Program to plug the well stated that work has been on schedule, with no “surprises” over the past six weeks. According to the MNR website abandoned wells are plugged with cement. Plugging can take from one day to six weeks, depending on the degree of difficulty.

Francene and Donald are relocating again to a farmhouse that has been offered to them to stay until January. “At least we have a place to stay, hopefully we be back in our own house by then [January], said Francene.

The good news about this relocation is that they will be able to bring their cat Oreo home with them. Oreo has been housed at the Leamington Animal Hospital while the Griesbrechts have been displaced. They go to “visit” him, but now he can come home with them.

Love,

The Sun Cruises Panama Canal

Rick and Ruth Garant enjoyed the Southpoint Sun as they cruised through the Panama Canal in October.

The Giesbrechts credit their church (Lakepoint Family Church) and the Red Cross for helping them as well. The abandoned well is believed to be over 100 years old.

Leamington Light Up The Night Christmas Parade Saturday, Nov. 26.

The 20th annual event began at the former Heinz grading station on Sherk Street, proceeded east along Georgia Avenue and headed north to the Leamington Fairgrounds. The parade was sponsored by several local groups and businesses including the Leamington District Chamber of Commerce, Leamington BIA, Uni-Fab and the Municipality of Leamington.

Representing DiMilo Auto Body, “Mater” brings along a 1958 Chevrolet Cameo Carrier pickup truck as part of the Leamington Light Up The Night Christmas Parade.

Angels were amongst the dozens of dressed up Leamington Light Up The Night Christmas Parade entries.

Security One volunteers wave to spectators as they make their way along Erie Street North.

A trumpet player with the Kingsville Essex Associated Band contributes to the music of the Leamington Light Up The Night Christmas Parade.

in the in the in the in the in the

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20

Aries, peace of mind may come your way after you square away all of your finances and begin developing a budget for the year to come. Enlist some professional help if necessary.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21

Introspection leads you on a quest to find a creative outlet, Taurus. Play to your strengths and ideas will surface, or check in with friends for inspiration.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21

Gemini, stick with a course of action even if you have hit a rocky road. Your efforts thus far have been extensive, and you will soon see a light at the end of the tunnel.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22

Cancer, if family is not around, surround yourself with friends. This support system will prove invaluable. Express your gratitude to friends for their unwavering support.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23

Leo, a different way of thinking may be just the thing you need to solve a problem that’s been more puzzling than you expected. Ask others for their point of view.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22

Virgo, before you can be honest with others, you have to be honest with yourself. Take a look at things you might want to change and then forge ahead in that direction.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23

Libra, if you take a roundabout route, you will still end up at the finish line. And the new perspective this route provides may benefit you in the long run.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22

Scorpio, you may have to work a little harder to get what you want, but the results can’t be denied. Focus your attention on making a name for yourself in your career.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21

There is no stopping you when you have a goal in mind, Sagittarius. Call it stubbornness or just dedication, but your ambition may open doors that remain closed to others.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20

Capricorn, someone close to you is interested in learning more about what makes you tick. New friendships may develop this week, so approach situations with an open mind.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18

Aquarius, resist the temptation to bite off more than you can chew. While you might want to prove your ability to multitask, don’t do so at a detriment to your health.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20

Pisces, even if you have rest and relaxation on the brain, celestial forces are pushing you in a different direction.

FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS NOVEMBER 27

Aubrey Peeples, Actress (23) NOVEMBER 28

Summer Rae, Wrestler (33) NOVEMBER 29

Russell Wilson, Athlete (28) NOVEMBER 30

Chrissy Teigen, Model (31) DECEMBER 1

Zoe Kravitz, Actress (28) DECEMBER 2

Charlie Puth, Singer (25)

DECEMBER 3

Andy Grammer, Singer (33)

Awareness campaign pushes through Leamington

A story of battling youth homelessness that began in Vancouver recently made its way through Leamington.

Joe Roberts, spearheading a campaign dubbed The Push For Change, is on a mission to raise both awareness and money to curb the presence of youth homelessness in Canada. His lengthy journey brought him through Leamington on Tuesday, Nov. 22 as one of more than 400 communities and/or schools to witness the event firsthand. Roberts, who grew up living on the streets of east Vancouver in his youth, launched Push For Change on May 1 of this year. His voyage included a stop at East Mersea Public School en route to Kingsville District High School on Nov. 22. Later that day, he made an appearance at the South Essex Commuity Council building at Talbot Street East in Leamington to share his story.

During his youth, Roberts vowed to take action against youth homelessness if he ever escaped from the same conditions himself. After becoming a successful entrepreneur, he put his plans into action with the national event. Local stops, which included destinations in Windsor, were backed by ACCESS Community Support Services, the Homeless Coalition of Windsor and Essex County and the SECC. During his trek between communities and schools, Roberts pushes a shopping cart as a symbol of homelessness.

Upon arriving in Leamington, Roberts embarked upon Day 206 of the 517-day campaign while surpassing the 3,900 km mark. His journey will end after about 9,000 km of pushing the cart through towns and cities across Canada. He reached Ontario from Quebec in September and will make his way into Manitoba in April of 2017.

Roberts is being joined and escorted through Ontario by the OPP, which is actively encouraging the public to assist in efforts to make positive changes for their own region’s youth. By the time he reached Leamington, he had consumed nearly 1,000 litres of spring water and more than 200 bowls of oatmeal as part of his journey.

Other nearby destinations for Push For Change included The Atlas Tube Centre in neighbouring Lakeshore for a pasta dinner, the Shoppers Drug Mart plaza on Manning Road in Tecumseh and a segment of County Road 2 near Tilbury. From there, Roberts will make his way through Chatham, Wallaceburg, Sarnia and London

For more information on The Push For Change and how to support Roberts’ cause, visit the website www.thepushforchange. com.

OBITUARY

Thomas Elmore

Thomas Elmore, 86 years, passed away Wednesday, November 23, 2016 at WRH - Metropolitan Campus. Loving husband of the late Lois (nee Bolton - 2003) for 49 years. Loving father to Mike, and Ken and his wife Debbie, all of Michigan. Proud grandpa to Kelly, Jeffrey (Nicole) and Eric, and great-grandpa to Lucas. Following Thomas’ wishes, cremation has taken place and a family graveside service at Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery will take place at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to the Reid Funeral Home & Reception Centre, 14 Russell Street, Leamington (519326-2631)

www.reidfuneralhome.ca

Wheatley Br. 324 Legion News

By Jan Watson

Thirteen players shot Fun Darts on November 18. Julie Reid and John Balkwill tied with Debbie Seili, Velma Hope and Jim McClellan with 5 wins each. Also tied with 4 wins each were Carol Balestrieri and Debbie Ouellette – Michelle Thompson and Steve Acott. Garry Hope and Joe Pinch won 2 games and Arnold Seili and Gord Crook chased the skunk away with one win. The ladies who doubled out were Michelle, Carol, Debbie O. and Velma.

Join the Fun Mixed Dart players this Friday. Play starts at 7:30 p.m. at Wheatley Legion.

Dwaine Simpson was the only two-time meat winner at the Meat Draws that were run by yours truly on November 19. Julie Franklin won meat and the 50/50 draw and other meat winners were Bill Derbyshire, Sue Symons, Carol Balestrieri, June Epplett, Mike Elliott, Doug Seili, Randy Wright and Jan Watson.

The Christmas Gift Campaign for the Wheatley Community Chest continues this Saturday. Bring in a gift for any age from infant to adult, a cash donation, non-perishable food items (value of at least $10), and receive $10 worth of free meat draw tickets. This campaign will run until December 10. Tickets are available at 3 p.m. and the draws run until 5 p.m.

Little interest has been shown for the Junior Darts program at Wheatley Legion. Coordinators Mabel McKeen and Jim McClellan have decided to discontinue the program. However, the players who have shown up will be welcomed with open arms on Saturday mornings in Kingsville where there is lots of interest in this program. They play from 10–11:30 a.m.

If you wish to play in the Zone 8-Ball Tournament you must sign up by this

OBITUARY

Sarah Hurst

Sarah (Sadie) Lydia Hurst (nee Vallance), 92 years, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, November 22, 2016 at her home in Leamington.

Beloved wife of the late Donald (2014) with whom she shared 62 years of marriage. Loving mother of Thomas and wife Peggy, Joan and husband Jorge Marzetti, John Hurst, Bruce Hurst and wife Cindy. Adored grandmother of Jane, Paul, Dustin and Jocelyn. Dear sister-in-law of late Leonard (late Mary), the late John (Wilma), and the late Dorothy Grieve (late Kay). Aunt to many nieces and nephews.

Sarah was a Life Member since 1982 of the Margaret Ramsay Auxiliary of the Women’s Missionary Society at Knox Presbyterian Church.

Visitation was held at the Reid Funeral Home & Reception Centre, 14 Russell Street, Leamington (519326-2631) on Friday from 4-7 p.m.

Funeral Service to celebrate Sarah’s life was held at the funeral home on Saturday, November 26, 2016 at 11 a.m. Rev. Thomas Kay officiated. Interment at Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery.

As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations made by cheque to the Erie Shores Hospice would be appreciated.

Family and friends are invited to share their words of comfort and remembrance or make an online donation at www.reidfuneralhome.ca

Saturday. A sign-up sheet is on the Sports Bulletin Board. The Ladies Auxiliary is holding a Pie Sale this Saturday, December 3 – both fruit and meat pies – starting a 9 a.m. A great way to stock up for the busy Christmas season. The 4th Annual Royal Canadian Legion Santa Claus Parade will be held this Sunday starting at 12:30 p.m. The parade starts at Moore St. and will proceed to the Arena. Canned goods will be collected in special carts along the parade route and Santa will be at the Legion to meet the kids following the parade. Everyone is welcome.

DONNY & MARIE

HOLIDAY CLASSICS PLUS YOUR FAVOURITE HITS OPEN TO ALL AGES

Sunday, December 11

DANCING WITH THE STARS LIVE! OPEN TO ALL AGES

Friday, January 27

THE S'AINTS

SLEIGHING HUNGER A FUNDRAISING CONCERT BENEFITING LOCAL CHARITIES AND FOOD BANKS OPEN TO ALL AGES Sunday, December 18

SARAH SILVERMAN

Saturday, January 14

TONY ORLANDO

Friday, January 20

Tickets on sale December 4!

GARY ALLAN

Saturday, February 4

RON WHITE

Saturday, February 18

CHRIS YOUNG

I'M COMING OVER TOUR 2017

Friday, February 24

Tickets on sale December 4!

CHEAP TRICK

Friday, March 24

Tickets on sale December 9!

Joe Roberts pushes a shopping cart westward along Talbot Street East in Leamington during his cross-Canada Push For Change Tuesday, Nov. 22. The campaign is a 9,000 km effort to raise funds and awareness for youth homelessness in Canada.

An open letter to Library Board members

It seems that you are solely focused on the bottom line. Thusly, you have lost the heart of the true meaning and function of our libraries as it relates to the patrons who actually use the libraries. The library is not just about books, it is also a social hub. The library is a meeting place for the young and old as well as teenagers. A place to look up knowledge or find employment. Computers, photocopies, faxes and so much more. A place to reach out to friends and family all over the world or play a game or two. A place for literacy to grow.

Librarians warmly welcome everyone and bend over backwards to help anyone in need of assistance. They even deliver books to those who can’t get to the library, and always have suggestions for a good book or video.

Librarians are the binding that keep our libraries together and the reason we patrons are repeat users. Please open our libraries.

– Sandra Teskey, Leamington

The Bank Theatre features local composer for kids’ Christmas event

Cut carbon emissions

Dear Editor,

With the election of Donald Trump, I have a fear that many strides that have been made in climate change in the past few years in the US will disappear. This frightens me. I have children and grandchildren who depend on our leaders making wise choices. Canada must step up. Canada made a promise at the climate conference in Paris in December to cut carbon emissions by 1/3 within a decade. I believe climate control is the pressing issue of our times. We must encourage all politicians to honor this promise.

– Mary Harbocian, Kingsville

Thursdays: Nachos Supreme $7.95

Fridays: Fish ‘n Chips $7.95

Saturdays: Fries Supreme $7.95

Sundays: Twin Breakfasts $8.95

Mondays: Quesadillas $7.95

Tuesdays:

UMEI OPEN HOUSE - Wednesday, November 30, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Future focused education. All are welcome. For information about UMEI Christian High School visit umei.ca

SUN COUNTY LYME AWARENESS SUPPORT GROUP meets the last Wednesday of every month. Next meeting is on Wednesday, November 30 at Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens at 6:30 p.m. Come learn and share about Lyme disease. Everyone welcome!

PIE SALE - Hosted by Wheatley Legion Ladies Auxiliary. Saturday, December 3 at Wheatley Legion 9:00 a.m.

WHEATLEY SANTA CLAUSE PARADE - Sunday, December 4, 12:30 p.m. Facepainting, fish pond visit with Santa, free draws for turkeys and hams following the parade.

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

SHOOTERS PHOTOGRAPHY CLUB EVENTWednesday, December 7, from 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Photography 101 from 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. for any help needed. Special Guest: Ted Koske from Henry's. Topic: What's new for camera gear. Meeting is at Colasanti's Tropical Gardens, 1550 Rd. 3E, Ruthven in the Hibiscus Room in the food court. Use west parking lot entrance. More info: Mike at mtowne@sympatico.ca. Beginners to professionals welcome.

The Bank Theatre and SECC present a FREE

CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS EVENT,Friday, December 9 at 5:00 p.m. at The Bank Theatre, 10 Erie St. S., Leamington. Two plays – "Beyond a Christmas Play" and "Sheep Need a Shepherd" – followed by a visit by Santa! All are welcome!

COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS CONCERT WITH GOSPEL GROUP "CONNECTION"Saturday, December 10 at 2:00 p.m., First Baptist Church, 3 Fox St. Leamington. Brad, Brian and Lynn Bailey, Dale Butler, John Moran, Lisa Sawatzky, Charlene Wilkinson, Janis Willan invite you to get into the Christmas spirit and start the sea-

son with a little sparkle by listening and singing a variety of secular and gospel selections. Freewill offering to various missions supported by First Baptist Church. Everyone welcome. Info: Brad or Lynn 519-326-4825. WORLDWIDE CANDLELIGHT VIGIL FOR BEREAVED PARENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES to gather together in sharing with others the loss of their precious children, Sunday, December 11, Fogolar Furlan Club, 1800 North Service Rd., Windsor. Assemble at 6:30 p.m. in the parking lot, outdoor service begins at 6:40 p.m. Refreshments at Canada Hall to follow. Please bring a photo of your child for the memory table. Register at 519-255-1749 or visit windsoressex.cmha.ca/events/8th-annual-candlelightvigil/. Presented by the CMHA-WECB's Bereavement Program.

NEW SELECT-A-BREAK RESPITE OFFERING, COMMUNITY LIVING ESSEX COUNTY. Community based activities for adults with intellectual disabilities with a focus on skill development, recreation, fitness, health and wellness. Weekly Monday and Wednesday from 3:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. until December 21, 13158 Tecumseh Rd East, Tecumseh. Also on Saturdays from 1:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. until December 10, 260 Bathurst St., Amherstburg. Call 519-776-6483 ext. 228. Apply by Oct 31st at online www.communitylivingessex.org/selectabreak.

BAKE SALE AT WHEATLEY LEGION, hosted by the Wheatley Legion Ladies Auxiliary. Saturday, December 17, at 9:00 a.m.

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA - Sunday, December 18, 9:00 a.m Upstairs at Wheatley Legion.

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

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

Community Calendar is a FREE service for FREE events. Please see the COMING EVENTS section in the CLASSIFIEDS for events with admission charges.

By Barbara Martens

It all started with a bad case of poison ivy. One summer Barry Bergen and his wife were up at Silver Lake Mennonite Camp volunteering. At the end of their day, they joined the campers to watch Joseph and his Technicolour Dream Coat. As one scene followed the next, each with its own theme song, Barry, who picked up guitar as a teenager, found himself thinking, “Gee, I think I can do that”.

That night he couldn’t sleep because of his poison ivy. He tossed and turned and eventually got up – and started to compose. He was up all night, and the result was his very first musical Christmas story, using borrowed tunes from standard well known rock and roll tunes. That was the summer of 2005.

Ever since, he has written short musicals, two featuring sheep, another the Wise Men, as well as the Wedding Cana. He now composes all his own songs, writing out the guitar chords, singing the melody into his iPod and making a practice CD. The

Sunday school kids perform them at their church, Faith Mennonite, where Barry’s wife is pastor. Even though Barry writes children’s musicals, he has a keen sense of what is needed to keep his whole audience involved. He inserts tongue-in-cheek humour that adults would catch i.e.

BANK THEATRE NOTES

10 ERIE STREET SOUTH P.O. BOX 434 LEAMINGTON, ON N8H 3W5 519-326-8805

CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS EVENT

Friday, December 9 @ 5 PM

Parents and grandparents: Bring your little ones to a free Christmas event at The Bank Theatre, on Friday, December 9 at 5:00 p.m. Featured will be 2 children’s plays, singing and of course a visit from Santa!

DALE'S FRIDAY COFFEE HOUSE

Friday, December 16

Doors open @ 6:30 pm

Music starts @ 7:00 pm

Come out and join hosts Dale Butler and Jan Hall for an evening of acoustic music, refreshments and Community. This is a free-will event with monies raised going to local charities as well as The Bank Theatre renovation fund. See you there!

UPCOMING EVENT: MARCH 2-5, 2017

THE MUSICAL PRODUCTION OF INTO THE WOODS

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

GIFT CERTIFICATES ARE NOW AVAILABLE THEY MAKE WONDERFUL STOCKING STUFFERS! AVAILABLE FROM COUNTER EFFECTS IN LEAMINGTON AS WELL AS AT ANY UPCOMING EVENT AT THE BANK THEATRE.

the company name for the sheep outfit is “Sheep R US” with the subtitle “Who R Ewe?”. In one of his other musicals, the angel choir has a bossy conductor. Right now, ideas are percolating for an adult reader’s theatre on the various meanings of Epiphany, using imagery specific to Leamington (greenhouses perhaps?).

In the meantime, Barry will be accompanying the children in “Sheep Need a Shepherd” on his guitar, where he can keep a close eye on director Janice Founk and assistant Mary Kraus and the 32 kids in the cast! The event is The Bank Theatre’s annual Kids’ Christmas on Friday, Dec. 9 from 5-6 p.m., which will also feature a short play by SECC Newcomer Youth and a visit from Santa. This is a free event.

Barry Bergen with wife Ruth Boehm, both from Winnipeg, live in Leamington with their two young sons. He teaches English as a Second Language.

Leamington’s Barry Bergen, holding a symbolic sheep, is the composer of the children’s musical “Sheep Need a Shepherd”.

The Bank Theatre’s annual Kids’ Christmas event on

Dec. 9 from 5-6 p.m. All are welcome to this free event.

LAC hosting holiday exhibit

By Bryan Jessop

One of the community’s surefire signs of the Christmas season’s arrival has begun at the Leamington Arts Centre.

The LAC’s Signature Christmas Artist Market began Tuesday, Nov. 22 and ends Friday, Dec. 23. The month-long event officially kicked off with a three-hour reception Friday, Nov. 25, where many guests saw the works of 17 local artists for the first time. Each of the centre’s galleries is currently filled with photography, paintings, jewelry, woodworking, crafts, pottery and other mediums. Each displayed piece is for sale throughout the course of the LAC’s operating hours — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Tuesdays to Fridays and noon to 4 p.m. on Saturdays.

“It gives artists a great opportunity to sell more. They each get a space like their own little store front.”

— Chad Riley

This year marks the third for the Signature Christmas Artist Market as a month-long event and the second with no-commission sales in support of the participating artists. When the show first began seven years ago, it was slotted as a two-day event. Since expanding to a full month, it has attracted a combined total of customers ranging from about 200 to 1,000.

The exhibit includes free admission for all hours and also features sale items from another 100-plus artists in the gift shop. The works set up in the gallery were created by artists from communities including Leamington, Kingsville, Chatham, LaSalle, Essex, Wheatley, Windsor, Colchester and from as far as Guelph.

Although unseasonably warm weather hasn’t persuaded many customers into starting

their Christmas shopping, LAC director Chad Riley noted that the annual show has already been busy.

“It gives artists a great opportunity to sell more,” he explained. “They each get a space like their own little store front.”

For the annual market, the LAC is accepting BIA Bucks for all sales.

“This way, people get to stretch their dollars a little further while helping support the arts,” Riley said.

This year’s show includes entries from artists who have participated in previous editions of the event including Eric Naylor and Phos3 as well as those who set up displays at the LAC for the first time ever. Some of the artists include students as well as creators who’ve taken part in previous Arts at the Marina events.

For more information on A Signature Christmas Artist Market and other LAC exhibits, visit the website www.leamingtonartscentre.com. The LAC is located at 72 Talbot St. West.

Orchid Show a great success

The Essex County Orchid Society’s Orchid Show was a great success again this year and surpassed last year’s attendance by a few hundred attendees. There were many reviews and comments from the public about the great orchid show with amazing orchids on display.

Southern Ontario Orchid Society (SOOS), Toronto, was the first-place winner in Society Displays, overall Best Orchid in Show and Best in Class for a particular

type of orchid. The group also won several other awards.

First place for Amateur

Debbie Stubbs and her son Alexander Stubbs take a closer look at one of the displays of the Leamington Arts Centre’s Signature Christmas Artist Market extended hours open house Friday, Nov. 25. The art created by 17 area vendors will be on display for purchase until Friday, Dec. 23.

Essex County Orchid Society members Albert and Juliette St. Pierre won first place for Amateur Display at the ECOC Orchid Show Nov. 12-13 at Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens.

Display was won by Albert and Juliette St. Pierre, who are members of the Essex County Orchid Society.

By Bryan Jessop

LDSS Lions tie Nobles in girls hockey

The Leamington District Secondary School girls have made yet another return following a one year hiatus from WECSSAA hockey.

The Lions started the 2016-17 season on a sour note by being shut out 3-0 by the hosting Villanova Wildcats on Wednesday, Nov. 16, but returned to the ice six days later to make significant early-season improvements. The team’s Tuesday, Nov. 22 home opener at the Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex’s Unico Arena ended in a 2-2 draw against the Belle River Nobles. The point was earned in the Lions’ first appearance on home ice since losing the WECSSAA final in 2014 to the General Amherst Bulldogs.

The match against the Nobles started with momentum favouring Belle River, in part due to early penalties drawn by LDSS. The guests struck first when Ashlyn Quimby snapped an icelevel shot past goalkeeper Natalie Edmonson and into the lower right corner of her

net. The Lions came up with the first equalizer four minutes and 22 seconds later when Bailey Brown —skating from the left side of the Belle River goal to the right with a Nobles’ defender giving chase — turned to face the net and released a kneehigh wrist shot into the left side of the mesh, unassisted. Heavy pressure from Belle River’s offense led to another single-goal lead for the visitors with 37 seconds remaining in the first period. Taking a rebound that struck

“We should be strong this year. We’ve got a good core group that gives 110 per cent every shift.”

— Kim Goyeau

the Lions’ netminder from the left side of the goal, Quimby swept the deflecting puck into the empty right half of the net.

Leamington’s forwards came up with some pressure of their own in the second period, where Belle River skaters also started finding their way into the penalty

box. The game-tying goal was buried just past the stanza’s midway mark as defenseman Abbey Hopper set loose a high wrist shot from the point to the right of the net. The puck navigated its way through traffic before finding the top left corner to finish the scoring at 2-2. The lone assist was earned by team captain Shannon Fehr.

Both teams had chances to pot the tiebreaker and game winner in the third, but both goalies turned away shot after shot to split the afternoon’s two points evenly.

“It was way better than our first game,” said Lions’ head coach and former player Kim Goyeau, who is leading the team along with assistant coach Janine Deneau. “We kept the pressure up at the other team’s end and we played as a team. Everyone is well respected by the others.”

Leamington played their home opener with two players — Allison Chopchik and Grace Hyatt — sidelined by injuries.

The 2015-16 season was shelved for girls’ hockey at LDSS because of an insufficient number of players.

This year, Grade 11 students make up the bulk of the roster, with a few Grade 10s, five Grade 12s and no Grade 9s.

“We should be strong this year,” Goyeau noted. “We’ve got a good core group that gives 110 per cent every shift.”

Leamington again hit the road Thursday, Nov. 24 for a match against the L’Essor Aigles in Tier I competition. The Lions won by a final score of 3-2 for an even record of 1-1-1.

LDSS’s Morgan Brown takes control of the puck behind her team’s net during the third period after a scrum along the boards involving Belle River’s Ashylnn Quimby and Ally Piouet and teammate Abbey Hopper.

FEATHERSTONE

December 2, 2013

They say there is a reason, they say that time will heal But neither time nor reason will change the way we feel. For no one knows the heartache that lies behind our smiles. No one knows how many times we have broken down and cried. We want to tell you something so there won't be any doubt. You're so wonderful to think of, but so hard to be without.

Love Mom & Dad

MEMORIAM

S T A M A T O P O U L O S

F E A T H E R S T O N E

December 2, 2013

RANDY HARRIS

March 5, 1997 - December 3, 2012

Four years ago, our lives were forever changed when a four time repeat drunk driver killed our son. You were heaven sent; but returned long before you should have. You would have turned 21 years old in March and you would probably have been working with dad in his shop and really you should have just been starting your life’s journey. So many dreams gone.

We will celebrate William’s life and the beautiful soul that was stolen from us.

We celebrate your spirit, soul, infectious smile, your sense of humour, your love for life but most importantly we celebrate and miss you, our precious son, brother, uncle, nephew, grandson and friend. We will never forget you William; a piece of our hearts left with you on that terrible day.

We’ll love you forever and like you for always, as long as we’re living, our baby you’ll be.

We love you William Mum, Dad, Dawson, Hillary and Eliah

Angie it has been 3 years since the kids and I have touched, kissed and hugged you.

Wishing you were still here and missing you every day! Even now, despite the time that's gone by since you were mine, I find quiet moments In my heart.

Oh, my love, how I wish to hold you once again and press my lips to yours and give you my whole heart in a way that will satisfy you. Oh, I have lied about my eyes no longer wet. They shall remain forever yours.

With my arms I embraced you and held until that time that God took you from your place so close the misery is one that remains and the dark crying of my soul, it mourns the passing, of the light that was my guiding way. A N G I E

Please join us on SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3RD 1:00 - 3:00 PM at Heritage Centre, 31 Pickwick Drive, Leamington. Sharing kind thoughts, memories, and a good meal. Please - no gifts necessary. Hope you can make it.

February 16, 1975 – November 27, 2000

It is not what we write

It is not what we say

It is how we feel deep inside

As we think of you today.

Fond Remembrance from Catherine, Rick, Family and Friends

IN MEMORIAM

December 4, 1994

Thank You

I would like to thank the Historical Society for the Heritage Award I received. It is beautiful and very much appreciated. Thank you all. Vi Pepper

PETER A. LANGEMANN

What would I give to clasp his hand

His happy face to see.

To hear his voice and see his smile

That meant so much to me.

From your loving family IN MEMORIAM

In our hearts his memory lingers

Sweetly tender, fond and true. There is not a day, dear dad That we do not think of you.

Always in our hearts.

RFH Novice

Majors lose two

The Southpoint Capitals Reid Funeral Home Novice Majors tangled with the Essex Ravens on Saturday, Nov. 19. The boys came out flying and really gave Essex all they could handle for the first 20 minutes. Despite the Caps aggressive play and tremendous forechecking, the third-place Ravens still had a 2-0 edge after two periods.

Zack Liebrock finally broke the shutout late in the third with a searing wrist shot just inside the post. Landen Bradley and Nicholas Brophey had assists on the goal.

The Caps ended up losing 5-1, but the score was not indicative of the great game played by Southpoint, who showed 100% effort for the duration of the game. The defensive core of Caidon Fuller, Cole Gossmann, Logan Lefaive, James Sonoski and Liam Brown played with great passion, and were backed by Andrew Demant and Tomas Kniaziew in goal. The Caps have been struggling offensively, but it’s not due to a lack of effort. The boys are working hard and showing improvement every week.

The Caps visited Chatham on Sunday, Nov. 20 and again started the game with relentless energy and great effort.

The first period was scoreless and goaltender Andrew Demant made several athletic stops to keep Southpoint close.

The second period proved to be the Caps demise, however, when Chatham scored 4 unanswered goals to take a sizeable lead into the third.

The Caps had a few chances offensively, but couldn’t get anything past the Chatham keeper. The final score was 5-0 for Chatham, but again the Caps showed great resolve and kept pushing, even late in the game when it was out of reach.

Stars weekend results

The Highbury Canco Intermediate Stars took on the Tecumseh 8 team on the weekend. The Lady Stars came out flat and were down two goals early in the first. Gradually they picked up the pace and began attacking but the opposing goalie made some phenomenal saves. The Highbury girls made things interesting but were scored on again late in the third and lost to Tecumseh 3-0.

The Sunbrite Southpoint Intermediate Stars travelled to the Vollmer to tangle with the LaSalle Sabre Cats on Saturday night. The Lady Stars scored goals in each period en route to a big 4-0 victory in Essex Kent League action. Kayla Collison paced the offensive attack scoring two goals with Alexa Taylor and Krista Marshall scoring single tallies. Scoring the assists were Lea Marshall, Kasia Dyck, Abby Gualtieri and Sydney Dries. Sam “Price” Hartleib was absolutely perfect in net again for the Sunbrite Stars as she recorded her sixth shutout of the season! Sam made several key stops at crucial times throughout this game.

Rhine Danube bowling scores

The following are the Rhine Danube bowling leagues scores for Nov 14.

Games Over 200: Mauro Paglione 200-230, Dan Dalimonte 200, Wayne Abbott 200, Tys Schaafsma 201-231, Jack Valade 210, Willy Fittler 215-217, Richard Dickau 210, Eric Zimmer 227, Gary Garnham 224, Ozzie Wolf 246, Heinz Kosempel 225-210, Chris Kosempel 211.

Series Over 550: Mauro Paglione 620, Tys Schaafsma 626, Willy Fittler 601, Richard Dickau 590, Eric Zimmer 574, Gary Garnham 574, Ozzie Wolf 612, Heinz Kosempel 627, Chris Kosempel 594.

High Handicap Games: Ozzie Wolg 308, Eric Zimmer 294, Tys Schaafsma 285.

High Handicap Series: Richard Dickau 812, Ozzie Wolf 798, Tys Schaafsma 788.

Standings: Del Fresco 42, Rhine Danube 37, Dickau Construction 37, S.W. Property 36, Weil’s Food 32, Fittler Farms 26.

RFH Novice Majors in Orillia tournament

The Reid Funeral Home Novice Majors travelled north to Orillia on Friday, Nov. 11 to participate in their third tournament of the season.

They opened the weekend in a battle with the host Orillia Terriers. The game was very evenly matched and there were many chances at both ends of the rink in a hotly contested match. Tomas Kniaziew made several key saves to keep the team in the game. Southpoint had many chances of their own, but the Terriers stood strong and kept the game scoreless until the third period when Owen Deneau finally broke the tie with a goal midway through the frame. Assists went to Grant Symons and Holdyn Bailey.

Orillia came right back with a goal of their own late in the game to deadlock the score again. This one ended 1-1 in regulation and had to be decided by a shootout. Zack Liebrock, Nick Brophey and Grant Symons all made tremendous efforts, but the Orillia goalie stood tall and stopped all three shooters. However, Owen Deneau would not be denied and he sniped a wrist shot goal in the shootout. Unfortunately the Terriers squeaked in two goals in the shootout and won the game. The Capitals played great defensively, and despite the loss they held their heads high.

The next two games were against Newmarket and Midland. It went downhill pretty fast as the Caps lost 5-1 to Newmarket and 3-0 to Midland. It was a tough couple of games for the Capitals, but the kids had fun and the experience will hopefully build a better team with lots of character.

Tourney time is team-building time

Among the most popular recent trends that didn’t stick around too long was the corporate strategy of requesting/ demanding that employees of one particular office embark upon a ‘team building’ exercise outside the routine work environment.

It was great reality show fodder — the mere idea of bigcity office workers trying to figure out how to survive an entire weekend in the great outdoors (as an example) should have captivated viewers by the millions. The best of intentions were there; instilling in fellow staff members a sense of teamwork and ‘outside the box’ problem solving that they could in turn apply to common predicaments back at the office.

It made for a pretty good episode of The Simpsons a few years back, but it didn’t really have legs beyond that. It was kind of like trying to teach a room full of kids how to peel a banana by handing each of them an orange. Is learning how to build a campfire, pitch a tent or find your way back

to camp without using GPS going to help anyone iron out contract agreements with a potential client in a timely manner? Probably not, unless you can grease the wheels by offering a plate full of smores or a hot dog octopus you just learned how to make using a coat hanger, pocket knife and a bonfire.

With team sports, there’s no better ‘apples to apples’ way of unifying your players than signing up for an out-of-town tournament. It’s a great way for everyone to get to know one another better when players eat meals together, hang out between games and clown around at the hotel between the last Saturday game and the first one on Sunday.

The problem here of course is the astronomical cost that comes along with travel, meals, accommodations and registering for out of town tournaments. When I was a kid playing Wheatley minor hockey, most of our tournaments were in nearby towns like Leamington, Blenheim and Dresden. The expense of booking hotel rooms was eliminated, but when the host was Dresden, it still didn’t make any sense to drive home between games. As such, the hosting association would treat guest teams to snacks at a nearby community hall or banquet room.

On one occasion, my atom house league team was treated to bowls of ice cream, where we all dared one another to top our own helping with a heaping dose of salt from the shakers that were left on the tables for whatever reason. I was the only one who did it. How proud my parents must have been.

The Churches of Leamington and District Welcome You

The next year, my peewee team took part in a tournament in London. After we all piled into one of our hotel rooms that Saturday evening (I believe most or all the parents retreated to the tap and grill downstairs for a sanity break), we inadvertently taught ourselves a lesson in negotiating and compromise. It shouldn’t have been easy for a dozen kids to agree on one television show to watch, but we actually reached a quick, unanimous decision on an episode of the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling (GLOW). Team building at its very best.

While team bonding opportunities don’t exactly abound when you’re the host team, you can at least get a feel for the level of competition from outside your own league. In

this year’s Capitals Cup Challenge, Southpoint’s major novice squad had the unenviable honour of starting the tournament against what turned out to be the strongest team. The Caps were handed a 7-0 defeat, largely at the hands of a couple superstar (no pun intended) forwards from St. Thomas. The local team showed character by defeating the Niagara Falls Flyers in the next game and then losing by one slim goal to Halton Hills to finish off round robin play. Had a few bounces gone the other way, Southpoint could have pulled into a three-way tie in Pool A and possibly wound up in the championship semifinals.

Luck of the draw plays a much bigger role in larger tournaments. The Leamington District Secondary School senior boys volleyball team won SWOSSAA this year and as such, qualified for the provincial championships (OFSAA) in Windsor along with 19 other schools. As chance would have it, they were lumped into the same pool as what turned out to be the strongest team by far, the NCSSAA champion Franco Cite. At 2-2, Leamington wound up in a three-way tie for second place in Pool A — the final spot to earn a place in the championship quarterfinals. MM Robinson was eliminated from the tiebreaker by having the worst set record among these three teams (4-5), which pitted the Lions against NWOSSAA’s Sir Winston Churchill in a single 15-point ‘wildcard’ set of sorts.

I was quite surprised to find out that a single-set competition was to be employed as the deciding factor. In most tournaments, there’s no time for such a thing. I was sure the Lions would have won the second tiebreaker by having defeated Sir Winston Churchill in head-to-head round robin play, but such was not the case. Leamington won that single set 15-10 anyway, but it still struck me as odd. Not as odd as the fact that this year’s OFSAA host school (Kennedy) did not actually host a single match, but still odd (all matches took place at St. Clair College, Acadamie Ste. Cecile, Massey and Herman, only the latter of which is actually a AA high school). The tourney’s convenor is a staff member at Kennedy, so I’m guessing the host site took on organizational duties more so than one offering the use of its facilities. The funniest thing about OFSAA tournaments are how teams are ranked before they begin. The Lions were ranked 11th, but by qualifying for the championship quarterfinals (where, unfortunately, they lost), they proved worthy of a Top Eight position. The sixth-ranked Norwell placed dead last in Pool A at 0-4 and had a set record of 1-8. But that’s what tournaments are all about — finding where you really rank by venturing outside your own neck of the woods.

Lions compete in OFSAA volleyball

By Bryan Jessop

Amid the best teams in the province, Leamington District Secondary School’s boys volleyball team did its school and community proud.

The Lions advanced as far as the championship playoffs quarterfinals before being eliminated by the eventual silver medalists and WOSSAA champions from Stratford Central at the end of Day 2 of the OFSAA tournament. Stratford won in set scores of 25-20, 25-19 and 25-16 to advance against and defeat SOSSA champion Eden, who eventually took bronze. Stratford lost the final to top-ranked Franco Cite — the top team in Leamington’s Pool A group — in a match score of 3-1.

The Lions qualified for OFSAA two days before the tournament started by defeating LKSSAA-winning John McGregor Secondary School of Chatham in three straight set scores of 25-20, 25-20 and 25-10. On the previous Friday, LDSS swept Sandwich Secondary for the WECSSAA AA title.

“We did exactly what we were supposed to do,” said Lions’ head coach Joe Youssef of the SWOSSAA final. “Our kids just came out flying for that one.”

For the provincial event, Leamington was grouped with Franco Cite of the NCSSAA, sixth-ranked Norwell of the CWOSSAA, 16th-ranked Sir Winston Churchill of the NWOSSAA and 20th-seeded M.M. Robinson of the GHAC. The Lions, ranked 11th, started with a best two-ofthree match against the Norwell Reds, whom they defeated in scores of 25-22 and 25-20.

“It was a little nerve wracking,” Youssef said of the first matchup for his team. “It was a good way to start. It was a real eye opener — all the teams here are good. We tend to start slow, but we don’t have that luxury here.”

The Leamington team learned that the seeding system for OFSAA doesn’t always bode accurate, as M.M Robinson swept them in their second match with identical 2522 scores. The Lions were also swept by Franco Cite 25-8 and 25-15, but finished round robin play at an even 2-2 by sweeping Sir Winston Churchill 26-24 and 25-22.

M.M. Robinson, Leamington and Sir Winston Churchill all finished Pool A play with identical .500 records. M.M. Robinson was eliminated by the first tiebreaker — the total set record — because of finishing 4-5 as opposed to the other teams’ 4-4. The second championship playoff quali-

Allan

and Tyler Friesen jump to block a spike from a Norwell Reds opponent during their team’s first of four OFSAA AA senior boys volleyball round robin matches Thursday, Nov. 24 at St. Clair College. The LDSS squad defeated the CWOSSAA champions in two straight sets by scores of 25-22 and 25-20. The Lions were ranked 11th of 20 teams going into the provincial championship tournament while the Reds were ranked sixth.

fier for the pool was determined by a single 15-point set tiebreaker at Herman Secondary School, won 15-10 by the Lions over Sir Winston Churchill. The set was the only tiebreaker required for the AA tournament.

Going into OFSAA, LDSS established a total record of 24 wins and three losses. Most players on this year’s team are in their graduating year, along with two Grade 11s and one Grade 10 — Jeremiah Wiebe — who joined later in the season. The 2016 roster was made up of Allan Botham, Brett Enns, Anthony Fehr, Jorden Fehr, Josh Fehr, Tyler Friesen,

Nick Jariage, Matt Kroeker, Air Ku Poe, Daniel Warkentin, Calvin Wongsuna and Jeremiah Wiebe. Ryan Botham and Robert Botham served as assistant coaches.

This year’s OFSAA AA senior boys tournament was hosted by Windsor’s Kennedy Clippers, with facilities at St. Clair College, Academie Ste. Cecile, W.F. Herman Secondary School and Vincent Massey Secondary School used for preliminary and playoff games.

The Lions’ Jeremiah Wiebe eyes the ball before sending it toward the Norwell Reds’ half of the court during OFSAA AA senior boys volleyball action at St. Clair College Thursday, Nov. 24.

Leamington’s

Botham

Fehr signs with Liberty University

By Bryan Jessop

Leamington’s Shannon Fehr has reached a new level of play in competitive hockey this season, but won’t stop there once the 2017-18 season rolls around.

On Friday, Nov. 18, the 17-year-old Leamington District Secondary School student met Liberty University women’s hockey head coach Paul Bloomfield in Grand Rapids, Mich. to officially sign up with the Lynchburg, Virginia post-secondary institute. Fehr will join the Flames’ women’s hockey team as a forward while enrolling on a four-year undergraduate course, majoring in biochemistry and molecular biology.

With a brother attending the same university, Fehr had visited the campus several times before deciding to set her own sights on acceptance into the private, non-profit Christian facility “I just fell in love with the place. The hockey opportunity made everything fit together perfectly,” said Fehr. “I like the campus and the quality of education there is really good — the school is ranked very high. I’m really excited about Liberty. It’ll be a great opportunity and experience there.”

Shannon met the Flames’ women’s hockey coach earlier in her high school years, who after seeing her play expressed a mutual interest in making arrangements to have her join the Liberty University team. Fehr will officially join the ACHA Division 1 Flames in August of 2017 when she begins practicing with the team in preparation for the 2017-18 campaign. She had already met some of the current players in November of last year and has had the opportunity to skate with them and watch them play.

“I’m really excited about Liberty. It’ll be a great opportunity and experience there.”

— Shannon Fehr

Fehr began playing hockey at the age of five with the Southpoint Minor Hockey Association, joining boys’ travel teams until the age of nine, when she began playing girls travel hockey in Windsor. This year, she is a rookie with the Windsor-based Southwest Bobcats of the Provincial Women’s Hockey League. The team is made up of players from across the Windsor-Essex, Chatham-Kent region including Cardinal Carter student Gioia Diciocco and Wheatley’s Kiera Jackson.

Fehr describes Cassie Campbell and Ruthven’s Megan Agosta, both players who’ve represented Canada’s national women’s hockey team, as influences as well as her older cousin Mary Fehr, who played women’s hockey at the university level.

“If possible, playing for Canada’s national team would be the ultimate dream,” Shannon explained.

Fehr noted that she plans to attend med school after graduating from Liberty with the ultimate goal of becoming a doctor. She explained that she would like to one day practice in the Leamington region, but would also consider establishing a career in London, Toronto, British Columbia or south of the border in the United States.

In addition to hockey, Fehr has also competed in cross country through both grade school and high school. At LDSS, where she is now the girls’ hockey team captain, she advanced to the OFSAA level of cross country each year. She was unable to attend last year’s provincial meet as it’s schedule conflicted with her SATs.

NEW

This keepsake issue will be filled with memories of our beautiful town and the people in it, as covered by The Leamington Southpoint Sun in 2016. It will be distributed on Wednesday, December 26.

Above - Shannon Fehr of the Leamington Lions races toward the Belle River net with a Nobles defender giving chase during a recent WECSSAA Tier I hockey game at Unico Arena. (Sun photo)

Left – Shannon Fehr and Liberty University women’s hockey head coach Paul Bloomfield reveal an agreement signed by Fehr to join the Flames’ team as a student at the Virginia school starting with the 2017-18 season. The signing took place in Grand Rapids, Mich. Friday, Nov. 18. (Submitted photo)

Left - The Capitals’ Caidon Fuller tries to poke check the puck away from a St. Thomas forward during the opening game of the Capitals Cup Challenge at Highbury Canco Arena Friday, Nov. 25. Southpoint lost the game 7-0, but bounced back in Game 2 to defeat Niagara Falls 3-1. The Caps lost the final preliminary game 2-1 to Halton Hills, placing them in the consolation match against Niagara Falls. Southpoint won the consolation title in a score of 6-0.

Annual hockey tournament returns

By Bryan Jessop

After a one-year interruption, the Capitals Cup Challenge has been reintroduced by the Southpoint Minor Hockey Association.

The sixth edition of the CCC followed a stoppage from 2015 with a somewhat abbreviated version, featuring six major novice teams divided into two pools. In the past, the tournament included an average of between six to eight teams in multiple age divisions, a format that organizers Greg and Tara Liebrock hope to bring back for upcoming seasons.

“The biggest problem is not knowing what teams we’ll be running in the spring,” explained Greg, president of the SMHA. “We don’t want to host a division without having one of our teams in it. That’s something that’s starting to hurt us.”

Applications for other teams to register for the Capitals Cup Challenge are sent out in May in order to assure that they can appear on the Ontario Minor Hockey Association website. Next year, the Liebrocks plan to add another one or two age groups to the tournament. This year, SMHA executives had to balance tournament plans with their second edition of the Bauer First Shift program for new players. This year’s program has had delays extended from one to two to three weeks because of equipment supply difficulties.

This year’s CCC — sponsored by Dr. Derrick Beleutz Chiropractic — included free tshirts, rolls of tape and Gatorade for players from all six teams. The championship game

NOW HIRING

winner and finalist received gold and silver medals respectively for each player as well as a team trophy for the title team to bring back to its arena. The Southpoint Minor Hockey Association also thanked John Hammond and Scott Holland for providing game time announcements and music.

The 2016 tournament included Bluewater teams Southpoint, Essex and Amherstburg in Pool A and St. Thomas, Halton Hills and Niagara Falls in Pool B. Round robin allowed teams to play each of the three from the opposite pool to determine matchups for the championship semifinals and the consolation final. The Capitals lost their first game 7-0 to the St. Thomas Stars but came back the next day to defeat the Niagara Falls Flyers 3-1. Their final round robin game ended in a 2-1 loss to the Halton Hills Thunder, a recent amalgamation between Georgetown and Action associations. Essex and Amherstburg each defeated Halton Hills and Niagara Falls while losing to St. Thomas, setting up a semifinal against each other while the Stars and Thunder went head-to-head in the other.

The Capitals finished the tournament at an even 2-2 by winning the consolation game 6-0 against Niagara Falls. In the semis, Essex nipped Amherstburg 1-0 while St. Thomas advanced with a 3-1 win over Halton Hills. The final turned out to be a close match, with Essex coming out on top 2-1 against St. Thomas.

Right - Mason Dault of the major novice Capitals races for the puck after a St. Thomas opponent falls to the ice during the opening game of the sixth Capitals Cup Challenge, hosted by the Southpoint Minor Hockey Association.

Novice major Capitals coach Terry Symons speaks to his players during the first intermission of a Capitals Cup Challenge game at Highbury Canco Arena against the St. Thomas Stars Friday, Nov. 25.

Walking track to close for resurfacing

The walking track at the Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex will be closed as of Monday, December 5 due to the installation of a new surface. It is anticipated the work will take the remainder of the month to complete.

Every effort will be made to ensure limited disruptions to programming taking place below the walking track during renovations.

Novice Blue Shuts Out

Harrow

On Saturday, November 26 the Southpoint Novice Blue, sponsored by Leamington Chrysler, took on the Harrow Rams at Wheatley Arena. This was a tough game played by all. Southpoint goals were scored by Aiden Pulley and Massimo Ingratta. Blue took the win 2-0. Pictured is Noah Borges of Team Blue. (Submitted photo)

Face Erie North Shore

Golden Years golf report

Thirty-six Golden Years golfers produced 60 aces on Thursday, November 24 at Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens.

Setting the pace with 5 aces was Bob Martin and Murray Hartford with 4. Dropping 3 each were Jim Allen, Lloyd Honey, Gail Johnson, Julia Kos, Barb Murphy Andy Orsini and Gerrit Vriesen. Managing 2 apiece were Dorothy Cascadden, Murray Cascadden, Tom Dewhurst, Perpetua Hildrop, Gail Turk, Ernie Vandenberg and Bryon Walker. Rounding out the ace parade with 1 each were Kathy Bradley, Eunice Cascadden, Pete Daudlin, Tony Hudvagner, Eva Kah, Bob McWilliam, Al Rutter, Mavis Rutter, Moe Scratch, Art Sweet, Rose Taylor, Ken Brook, Gerry T. and Winnie

Moore.

Carding 15 over 9 holes was Andy Orsini, followed by Julia Kos, Jim Allen and Lloyd Honey with 17. Delivering 18 each were Al Rutter, Gerrit Vriesen, Pete Daudlin, Ken Brook, Bob Martin, Lloyd Honey (2), Murray Hartford and Mavis Rutter.

Sharing the lead over 18 holes with 35 were Andy Orsini and Lloyd Honey. Julia Kos notched 36, while Gerrit Vriesen, Lloyd Honey and Jim Allen each carded 37. Pete Daudlin, Murray Cascadden, Jim Allen, Bob McWilliam and Andy Orsini each scored 38.

A 36-hole score of 72 went to Lloyd Honey, followed by Andy Orsini with 73, Julia Kos and Jim Allen with 75, and Pete Daudlin with 78.

Capturing first place bragging rights with 236 was Team 9 (Murray Cascadden, Jim Allen, Bob McWilliam). Second place with 238 went to Team 8 (Mavis Rutter, Murray Hartford, Lloyd Honey). Third and final spot went to Team Aces with 247 (Al Rutter, Eunice Cascadden, Julia Kos).

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

1968 Chrysler convertible with local history since new

Jack Lecot of Kingsville is the proud owner of a 1968 Chrysler Newport convertible, a rare car even when new with only 2,847 built. It was bought new by Gwen Kennedy, also of Kingsville, and she and a girlfriend rode around in it summer and winter for 17 years. By 1985, rust had taken its toll but Gwen was determined to restore the car to its original glory. Sid’s Restoration Shop in Kingsville performed the work. A rust-free 1968 Chrysler New Yorker hardtop was brought in from Arizona. The upper half of the hardtop was cut in half as well as the lower half of the convertible. The two halves were then joined together to return Gwen’s car to showroom condition.

The New Yorker nameplate and rear taillights are on the reconstructed car as a reminder of the lower half from Arizona. No Chrysler New Yorkers in 1968 were convertibles. The Newport script on the passenger side of the dash is from the original Newport convertible. Under the hood is Chrysler’s legendary 383 cubic inch V8 with horsepower in the 290330 range. Jack’s engine has a 2-barrel carb with dual exhausts.

When he bought the car around the year 2000, the odometer showed only 32,000 miles. It’s now up to 87,500 miles with some of those miles added during Jack’s four trips to Florida.

On one of those trips, Jack blew the seal on the automatic transmission. He returned from home with a friend and trailered the Chrysler back to Ontario for a rebuild by Pete’s Transmission a few miles northeast of Kingsville. Aside from this work and a brake job, the car has been a very reliable form of transportation.

On the morning of Friday, August 19, Jack drove up to Windsor to participate in the First Annual Ouellette Avenue Cruise sponsored by the Downtown Windsor BIA with lots of other collector cars from near and far. This was Windsor’s response to the Woodward Dream Cruise across the river in Detroit on the same weekend, and the event in Windsor was a resounding success.

Jack also took part in the Second Annual Sun Parlour Home for Senior Citizens Car Show on Thursday, June 16, for the benefit of the residents living there. A total of 47 historic vehicles showed up, much to the delight of the seniors who experienced many fond memories at the sight of all those vintage cars and trucks.

ATV crash on Mersea Rd. D

On November 27 at approximately 5:30 p.m., Leamington OPP responded to a single ATV motor vehicle collision in the 1400 block of Mersea Rd. D in Leamington. The male driver of the ATV was driving on the north side of the road attempting to cross the dike. The driver was thrown off the vehicle and landed partly in the water. The male driver was transported to Windsor Regional Hospital with life-threatening injuries.

The investigation is ongoing.

Jack Lecot’s 1968 Chrysler at Sun Parlour Home car show in Leamington.

SERVICES

B&B MOVING & DELIVERIES - Two guys with extensive experience moving and delivering furniture. 10% senior and student discounts. For all your moving needs, call Neil for a free quote at 519-566-1366. no16-de28

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

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

PLUMBING SERVICE

• Repairs

• Installations

• Drain Cleaning

• Sump Pumps

• Excellent Rates

• 37 Years Experience

Ed Higginbottom 519-329-1779

eh48@hotmail.ca

COMING UP

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3

- Knox Presbyterian Church, Leamington. Homemade Christmas cookies and squares will be on sale 8:00 a.m. until sold out. $4.50 per dozen. no23-30

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

WHITE CHRISTMAS - St. John's Anglican Church, 60 Erie Street N., Leamington invites you to a showing of the classic movie, White Christmas. Join us and sing along. Friday, December 9 at 7:00 p.m. Tickets $8 per person or $20 per family. Call Pete at 519-326-8529 to reserve tickets. Tickets also available at the door. This is an official colourful Christmas sweater event. Refreshments available for purchase. no30-de7

BUYING GOLD

JEWELLERY + CoinsDecember 2, 3, 4, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Essex Coin Show + Sale, Essex Railway Station, 87 Station St., Essex. Buying + selling all Canadian, USA, World coins, paper money, jewellery, watches, war medals. Dan Jones B.A.B.Ed. coming to Essex since 2004. no30

FOR RENT

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

LOOKING FOR A MATURE, responsible woman to share rent in a newer home on the outskirts of Leamington. Call Bev at 519-326-5047 or leave a message. no9-30

LEAMINGTON LAKEFRONT

MANURE COMPOST PRODUCED on Farm in Staples. Can deliver 5-20 metric ton loads as needed, $55./mt plus freight. Call Roger at 519-818-0937. no2-de21

SODUKU ANSWERS

Sunrite Greenhouses Ltd./ Del Fresco Produce Ltd. is looking to hire:

FORKLIFT DRIVERS

To work in our warehouse and greenhouses.

• This is a full time, permanent position which requires day, evening and weekend work.

• Experience an asset but not required; we offer in house certification.

• Good communication skills and attention to details important.

• Warehouse setting will be cold, greenhouses will be hot and humid during summer months.

• Wage to be negotiated.

Send Resume

By Email: hr@sunritegreenhouses.com

By Fax: 519-733-5290

By Mail: Sunrite Greenhouses Ltd.

1414 Seacliff Drive, Kingsville, ON N9Y 2M2 Attn. Human Resources Dept.

GREENHOUSE WORKERS NEEDED

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

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

Permanent full time weekdays including weekends $11.40 per hour. Will train the right candidate.

Must be able to work within a group or on their own. Reliable and dependable.

Must have own transportation.

Apply:

Southshore Greenhouses Inc. 1746 Seacliff Drive Kingsville, Ontario N9Y 2M6

Sunrite Greenhouses Ltd. is looking for:

GREENHOUSE WORKERS

• Job duties include plant crop, harvesting crop, crop maintenance, greenhouse cleanup and other farm duties as assigned.

• Job requires standing, bending, kneeling for long periods of time, must be able to sort, pack & stack produce.

• Salary: $11.40 per hour, minimum 40 hours/week including weekends and holidays.

Please email resume to: tinad@sunritegreenhouses.com or fax: 519-733-5290

TIME VEGETABLE PACKERS

• Wage: $11.40 per hour, minimum 40 hours/week.

• Repetitive tasks, standing for long periods of time, handling weight of 30 lbs. or more.

• Fast paced environment, must be able to sort, pack & stack produce.

• Cold warehouse setting.

• Experience and asset.

Please email resume to: tinad@sunritegreenhouses.com or fax: 519-733-5290

We are currently seeking an experienced candidate for the FULL TIME, PERMANENT POSITION OF METAL MECHANIC/ FABRICATOR

GENERAL LABOURER Wages are negotiable upon experience. Please forward resume in person to: 229 Talbot St. W. Leamington between the hours of 7:00 am - 5:00 pm Monday - Friday. Or by email to: leamingtonglass@bellnet.ca

GREENHOUSE WORKER

Responsibilities: crop work, winding, pruning and harvesting

Work Conditions: fast-paced environment, repetitive tasks, standing for extended periods, bend, crouching, kneeling, attention to detail, working in hot and damp environment

Wages/Hours: 50 plus hours a week including weekends, 11.40/hour, seasonal full time

Please forward resume by mail to: PO Box 27, Ruthven, Ontario N0P 2G0

GREENHOUSE FARM

LABOURER wanted. Wages $11.40/hour. Minimum 40+ hours Monday through Saturday. Repetitive tasks, handling heavy crates 50 lbs., working in hot conditions. Duties include planting, pruning, suckering, harvesting and other duties as assigned. Drop off or send resume to: Mastr Veggies / Mastr Grow Farms, 453 Seacliffe Drive West, Leamington, Ontario N8H 4C9. no16-30

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

Armstrong Top Pack Ltd. is hiring 50 permanent, full time vegetable packers for its Leamington location to start as soon as possible. Minimum Wage to start. 44 hours per week. You should be able to lift up to 50 lbs. on a repetitive basis and be able to sort and pack fruits and vegetables in a fast paced environment. No education or experience is required. Apply in person from 9:00 to 5:00 at 500 County Road 18, Leamington, N8H3V5 or by email jobs@toppack.ca

APARTMENT MANAGERS. FULL TIME. Must live on site to manage and maintain building. Janitorial and handy-man duties. Position includes apartment and salary. Please forward resume to: Box 14, Leamington, N8H 3W1. no16-de28

ACCOUNTING ASSISTANT REQUIRED. Murray Shilson, Accountant, Leamington has an opening for an accounting assistant. Personal tax experience with Intuit Profile tax software would be an asset. Please apply to: mshilson@on.aibn.com. no23-30

GENERAL GREENHOUSE LABOUR - Full time and full time part time positions available. 40-48 hours per week, weekends/holidays. Physically demanding work, load lifting required, hot humid environment. Minimum wage to start. Apply by fax: 519-326-6702 or email: hriprfms@gmail.com. oc26-de28

GREENHOUSE FARM

LABOURER wanted. Wages $11.40/hour. Min. 40+ hours Mon.-Sat. Must be able to maintain attendance, vital for harvesting. Repetitive tasks, handling heavy crates - 40 lbs, working in hot conditions. Send resume to: Ingratta Farms, 341 Morse Road, Leamington, ON N8H 3V5 or fax 519-326-1082 oc5-de7

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: 11.40/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)

MTS Canada has immediate openings for over the road company drivers.

This is a great opportunity to become part of a growing company. MTS offers dedicated lanes, great pay, free benefits for employees, paid vacation after one year, as well as a sign on bonus for over the road drivers!

We haves lanes from Windsor or London to Tennessee, Kentucky or Indiana. Call Kelly in recruiting for more information: 519-251-3943

Fax: 519-251-3968

Must have minimum 6 month experience and clean driving record.

Sunrite Greenhouses Ltd./ Del Fresco Produce Ltd. is currently hiring for the position of:

DAILY INVENTORY CLERK

• Permanent, full time position requiring early mornings, evenings and weekend work.

• Physically demanding as walking and standing most days required.

• Cold warehouse setting.

• Candidate must be able to read, write and speak English; completion of high school necessary.

• Knowledge of windows, electronic mail, spreadsheet software, data base software, inventory control software, monitoring and tracking software.

• Proficient in math, ability to distinguish between colours important.

Job Responsibilities

• Conducting physical produce count each morning

• Record quantity, type and value of stock on hand using computerized or manual inventory system.

• Monitor quality of inventory and report to staff.

• Compile inventory reports.

• Maintain stock rotation and reconcile calculated inventories with physical counts.

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

E-mail, call or drop off your classified ad by Friday at 4:30 p.m. 194 Talbot St. E. Unit 5, Leamington ON N8H 1M2 Ph: 519-398-9098 Email: sun@mnsi.net We

NOTICE

Essex County’s largest community newspaper press is seeking a

PRESS HELPER

to work under the direction of the Press Operator.

Job Details:

• Assist with printing job set-up on web newspaper press.

• Must be mechanically inclined.

• Must be physically fit and comfortable lifting up to 50 lbs.

• Must have steel toed boots.

• Must be willing to learn and take direction.

• Must be comfortable working in a team environment.

• Approximately 30-40 hours per week.

• Experience helpful but not required.

Please drop off resume at: Southpoint Sun Office 194 Talbot St. East, Unit 5, Leamington or email to: press@southpointsun.ca

Cervini Farms (1993) Ltd. GREENHOUSE WORKERS

Responsibilities:

• Pot and re-pot plants

• Deleafing, pruning, and harvesting crops

• Planting of crop, placing irrigation drippers into the growing media

• Crop maintenance and crop scouting to monitor pests and plant diseases

• Clipping, hooking and tying of the plants

• Packing fruit into appropriate boxes, crates, etc.

• Greenhouse tear down and setup at end of the year crop change over

• Transplant seedlings or rooted cuttings

• Assist in grafting activities

• Dig up wrapping root balls of trees and shrubs

• Clean work area

Requirements:

• Education: Not required

• Experience: Experience an asset

• Worker will adhere to meet and follow company policies and procedures

• Worker will attend all required training as setup by the company for further knowledge building and compliance

• Worker will have the ability to maintain flexibility to adapt to change, to switch gears as needed

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

Terms and work conditions:

• Various Hours, Monday to Saturday including Sunday during peak harvest periods

• Full time – Permanent

• Minimum Wage $11.40

• Approximately 40 h/w base on the crop seasonality

Notice of the Passing of an Interim Control By-law by The Corporation of The Municipality of Leamington Interim Control By-law No. 78-16 – Boarding Lodging and Rooming Houses

Take Notice that Council of The Corporation of the Municipality of Leamington has passed By-law Number 78-16 on the 21st day of November, 2016 under Section 38 of the Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990.

The purpose of the Interim Control By-law is to prohibit the establishment of the use of any land, building or structure as a boarding, lodging or rooming house from the date of the passing of the by-law. The prohibition is applicable to all lands within the geographic boundaries of the Municipality of Leamington.

While the Interim Control By-law is in effect, a land use study will be undertaken with a view to:

a) identify the need for affordable housing within Leamington and how that is best accommodated through intensification and growth;

b) identify areas in the municipality that can appropriately accommodate increased density based on:

i) capacity of municipal services,

ii) access to amenities, recreational opportunities, transit routes and commercial and social services

iii) the density, form and compatibility of adjacent existing development;

c) establish regulatory controls to be implemented within the Zoning By-law framework, including establishing a definition of a “boarding, lodging and rooming house”;

d) ensure that the definition is consistent with the definitions and regulations of the Building Code Act and the Fire Protection and Prevention Act;

e) establish Leamington specific minimum standards for boarding houses such as the number of washroom facilities, minimum and maximum number of rooms, available common space, etc.; and

f) provide tools to establish a licencing system to ensure the proper management and conversion of existing dwellings for use as boarding houses.

This study will also form part of the 5 year review of the Official Plan.

The By-law came into force and effect immediately upon its passing, and shall be in effect for a period of one year. Council has the authority to extend the period during which the By-law will be in effect to a total period not exceeding two years.

Appeal to the Ontario Municipal Board in respect of the by-law may be completed by filing with the Clerk of The Corporation of the Municipality of Leamington not later than the 19th day of January, 2017 a notice of appeal setting out the objection to the by-law and the reasons in support of the objection accompanied by the required fee of $300.00 (certified cheque or money order) made payable to the Minister of Finance. The letter of appeal and a copy of an appeal form, which is available from the OMB website at www.omb.gov.on.ca and other documents from the application file, will be forwarded to the Ontario Municipal Board. The personal information accompanying any appeal is collected under the authority of the Planning Act and may form part of the public record which may be released to the public. Questions about this collection should be directed to the Clerk of the Corporation of the Municipality. And Take Notice that only individuals, corporations and public bodies may appeal an interim control by-law to the Ontario Municipal Board. A notice of appeal may not be filed by an unincorporated association or group. However, a notice of appeal may be filed in the name of an individual who is a member of the association or the group on its behalf.

The complete by-law and further information are available for inspection at the Municipal office during regular office hours or at www.leamington.ca

Please contact Danielle Truax, Manager of Planning Services, for further information at 519-326-5761 extension 1405.

Dated at the Municipality of Leamington this November 30, 2016.

With some ‘assistance’ from a veteran player returning from an injury, the Leamington Flyers have put an uncommon four-game losing streak behind them.

The Flyers hosted the Sarnia Legionnaires for an early Sunday evening tilt at Highbury Canco Arena on November 27, handing their Western middle-ofthe-pack guests a 4-1 loss. Leamington was quick out of the gate with two early goals each assisted by Scott Florence, returning to the lineup for the first time since suffering a shoulder injury that sidelined him earlier this month. Sunday’s win was the first for the Flyers since Thursday, Nov. 10 against Lambton Shores. Florence missed each of the four games that followed, three of which ended in regulation losses and one in overtime against Chatham.

The Legionnaires kept the pressure on during one power play and managed a fluky goal in the first, but the opening 20 minutes belonged exclusively to the Flyers otherwise. After less than two minutes of play, Liam Hogan took a drop pass from Scott Florence and zeroed in on the Sarnia goal to make a fake before tapping the puck over the line on the backhand from ice level. Cale Phibbs drew the second assist on the play.

Just prior to the five minute mark and during a power play, Jaydon Fetter took a setup from Thomas Virban and Florence. While stationed a few steps from the boards at the point, Fetter fired an ankle-high slap shot that soared past a screened Jorgen Johnson and into the Legionnaires net for his eighth of the season. Later in the period, Cade Robbins took a pass at the point following a winning faceoff and fired a shot that caught Noah Hedrik off guard to bring Sarnia within a goal. Griffin Robinson narrowly missed on a chance to give his team a two-goal advantage for the first intermission, ringing a shot squarely off the post. Leamington outshot its guests 15-5 at the first buzzer.

2017

FLYERS SNAP LOSING SKID

BY BRYAN JESSOP

The Legionnaires made the Flyers work harder in the second, where the hosts settled for a modest 14-12 shots on net advantage. Leamington regained its two-goal lead 38 seconds past the game’s midway point when Dallas Maurovic took hold of a rebound as heavy traffic converged in the Sarnia crease and fired a wrist shot into the mesh from the slot. Phibbs earned his second assist of the night on the goal while Florence added his third. The hosts had several chances to expand their lead through the opening 40 minutes, but were unable to bury loose pucks hovering around the Legionnaire net.

Leamington added another goal early in the third when Maurovic approached the net from its left side and sent a sharp-angle shot through Johnson’s equipment. Josh Pope-Ferguson and Robinson set up the tally. From there, the Flyers were content to protect their lead while Hedrick made a handful of

impressive saves to secure the threegoal differential.

The win put Leamington ahead of Sarnia by a point and into a tie for fourth with Chatham, although the Maroons had three games in hand over the Flyers by the end of the night.

“It’s a lot easier after you score a couple early ones, especially with a young team like ours,” said Flyers head coach Tony Piroski. “I thought we played fairly well for the full game. Forwards became defensemen and defensemen became goalies in the third, but that’s what happens sometimes when you’re protecting a lead. We have to remember that sometimes offense is the best defense.”

Florence, whose three-point night boosted his season total to 15 in 19 games, was happy to be back on the ice and to see his team notch another win.

“It’s nice to get back on track,” said the Leamington resident. “We battled hard for the whole 60 minutes to get back under the win column.”

Now into the second half of the regular season the Flyers sit four points behind second-place London and six points behind the Western-leading LaSalle Vipers.

Shores Tuesday, Nov. 22, followed by a 7-0 win for LaSalle over Sarnia and a 4-3 Chatham victory over London on Wednesday. Sarnia defeated St. Marys 5-4 in double overtime on Thursday before Friday shutout wins for London over St. Marys 8-0 and St. Thomas against Lambton Shores 5-0. Strathroy beat St. Thomas 7-4 Saturday as Sunday’s other game featured a 5-2 Chatham victory against St. Marys.

“I think we’ve been doing okay,” Piroski said of his team’s overall performance through the season’s first half. “It’s going to take some time. There are three really good teams in this league with a lot of veterans, but I’m more concerned about the Leamington Flyers.”

UPCOMING HOME GAMES: Thu., Dec. 1 vs. St. Thomas, 7:10 p.m. Thu., Dec. 8 vs. Strathroy, 7:10 p.m.

the Leamington Flyers.”

Rest of the West

The Strathroy Rockets won 9-4 against Lambton

UPCOMING AWAY GAMES: Fri., Dec. 2 vs. St. Thomas, 7:30 p.m. Tue., Dec. 6 vs. Sarnia, 7:10 p.m.

Leamington’s Brett Vorshuk reaches for the puck as Sarnia goalie Jorgen Johnson prepares to smother it with his glove during a Sunday, Nov. 27 GOJHL game at Highbury Canco Arena. The Flyers won 4-1.

(Sun photo)

Leamington Flyers Junior C affiliate William Stadder carries the puck into Legionnaire territory with Sarnia’s Cade Robbins in tow and Ben Schoch defending the net. (Sun photo)

Leamington’s Braydon Klemens carries the puck behind the Sarnia net with defenseman Hunter Tyczynski giving chase. (Sun photo)

Give the Gift of Music! We have something for everyone!

The benefits of buying local this holiday season

Holiday shopping dominates many people’s free time between the day after Thanksgiving and the final days before Christmas.

While many people may shop ‘til they drop on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, those days still account for a relatively small amount of the hundreds of billions of dollars that are spent each holiday season.

Shoppers now have a bevy of options at their disposal as they embark on holiday shopping season. Traditional in-store retailers are still around, and online shopping continues to grow in popularity with each holiday season. But many holiday shoppers are looking to buy local this holiday season, and such a decision can pay a host of dividends for both shoppers and the communities they call home.

Buying local benefits your local economy

Studies found that independent, locally-owned retailers return a far greater percentage of their revenue into their local economies than national chain stores.

Don’t CharlesLeave On The Shelf!

One such study examined the disparity between revenue recirculation among independent, locally-owned businesses versus four major national chains. The former recirculated 51.1 percent of revenue into the local economy, while the latter recirculated less than 14 percent.

Similar results were discovered in many cities, indicating that buying local not only benefits local business owners, but also the communities those owners and their custom-

ers call home.

Shopping local may provide access to more unique gifts

In addition to the economic benefits of buying local, shoppers may find merchandise made by local craftsmen is more unique than mass-produced items found on the shelves of national retailers. Recipients may cherish more unique items that they cannot find on their own, and that appreciation may even spur them to visit more local retailers after the holiday season has come and gone, benefiting their own communities in so doing.

Local business may provide a more personal touch

Buying from national chains has its advantages, but customer service is not always one of them. Should your loved ones encounter problems with their gift that requires assistance, they might be forced to wait on the phone for extended periods of time as they and thousands of others wait for customer service representatives to answer their calls.

Local businesses do not deal with nearly the volume of customers as national retailers and, therefore, are capable of addressing concerns more quickly and personally than large chains.

Buying local not only benefits small business owners, but it also pays dividends for their customers and the communities they call home.

Buying local creates jobs in your community

One of the biggest ways local business owners in Raleigh recirculated their revenue in the local economy was job creation. While national chains also create jobs, such jobs only benefit your community if the chains are located within your community. If your local mall is a considerable drive away, chances are the chains within that mall are not employing many of your fellow community members. Local businesses in your community are more likely to employ residents of your town.

Shopping local this holiday season can benefit your community in various ways.

What toys would kids pick for themselves?

Take the guesswork out of shopping for the little ones on your list this season. Canada’s largest toy retailer went straight to the real experts in its fifth annual Toy Testers event, asking kids what they really want to find under the tree for 2016.

“This year, toys that inspire imagination and more creative play dominate the list,” says Maria Garofalo, Walmart’s chief toy officer. “More than 600 families with kids aging from newborn to 12-years-old were invited to test 135 unreleased toys.

Some of the top kid approved toys are:

For infants to two-year-olds, the Fisher-Price Bright Beats Learnin’ Lights Dance Mat rewards movements with light, sounds, songs, music, and phrases. It also helps teach ABCs, numbers, colours, shapes, and dance moves.

Three to five-year-olds loved the classic PlayDoh Town ice cream truck, which enables kids to come up with their own ice cream cone designs featuring crazy toppings.

Gift Ideas for mom

Cheap and easy:

• Fill a small gift box with her favourite treats

• List all the reasons you love her

For the six to eight-year-old crowd, the clear winners were the exclusive My Life As doll and the Lego Friends Amusement Park Roller Coaster.

For seven to nine-yearolds, construction sets are the way to go. Look for the Lego Spiderman: Doc

Ock’s Tentacle Trap and Lego Marvel Super Hero Airport Battle, or Mega Bloks Kubros buildable pop culture figures.

For ages nine and up, Lego leads with the Star Wars: Assault on Hoth, X-Wing Resistance Fighter, and Classic TV Series Batcave. Rounding out the list is the fastest-firing Nerf N-Strike Elite Hyperfire Dart Blaster and the remote-controlled fun of the Tyco Terra Climber radio control vehicle, Air Hogs Razor Racer Helicopter, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles XPV Remote Control Skateboarding Mikey.

• Search Pinterest for handmade crafts that are sure to warm her heart

• A subscription to her favourite magazine

Photo fun:

• Gather your siblings and recreate one of mom’s favourite photos from your childhood

• Surprise mom with family photos taken by a professional photographer

• Put your photo on an everyday item (i.e. mug, keychain, bookmark, drink coasters). Mom will love to see you every time she uses it.

• Make mom a calendar using photos from holidays and gatherings that took place during each month. (i.e. Thanksgiving photos for the month of October)

Spoil her:

• A bottle of wine from a local winery

• A day of pampering at a spa

• Give her a night out – buy her tickets to a play or concert

• Give her a gift card to her favourite store

Ensure your gift doesn’t get returned this year

No one wants to give a gift that the recipient won’t use or enjoy. According to a recent survey, six in 10 Canadians agree that they often receive trinkets or other gifts they will never use. A majority also agree that they would prefer to receive a charitable gift that will help someone else instead of a traditional gift like a pair of socks or a sweater.

When deciding what type of charitable gift is right for your loved one, try to make it as personal as possible. Think about what is important to the recipient: Are they a cook? An animal lover? A sports enthusiast? Take the time to select something that aligns with their personality to make it more meaningful.

A great option for parents or anyone who loves kids is a donation to the Canadian Red Cross in support of maternal, newborn, and child health. In developing countries, women and children bear the greatest burden of disease. When those countries face conflict or disaster, it’s women’s and children’s health and lives that are most affected. A mother and child kit from the Red Cross provides medicines and medical supplies for 10 babies and mothers.

Great gifts for the family foodie

The best holiday gifts are often those that encourage their recipients to pursue a passion or favorite hobby. Tickets to a ballgame might be right up a sports fan’s alley while the family globetrotter would no doubt love a contribution to his or her travel fund.

When gifting the family foodie, that one person who loves to cook or simply can’t get enough of his or her favorite cuisines, shoppers have a host of options at their disposal to ensure this holiday season brings a smile to their favorite foodie’s face.

· Spice rack: Few home cooks can get by without a vast selection of spices, so a spice rack that includes all the essential spices makes perfect sense for the family foodie.

Some spice racks even come with several years’ worth of free spice refills, so do your homework and find one that will have your friend or family member spicing things up for years to come.

· Cooking lessons: Cooking lessons can be a great way for men, women and even children to cultivate their love for food. If your friend or family member prefers a specific type of cuisine, then find him or her cooking lessons where he or she can learn how to prepare and not just eat some favorite dishes. Cooking lessons also make a great opportunity to bond with a loved one. If you, too, want to expand your cooking horizons, buy your own lessons and go with your friend or family member.

· A night out: If your favorite foodie prefers his or her meals made by someone else, treat that friend or family member to a night out at his or her favorite restaurant. You can give a gift card to the restaurant or take this special someone out yourself and enjoy a great meal and great company to boot.

· Serving dishes: Many foodies not only love to eat but also love to serve up their favorite foods to family and friends.

If your friend or family member has played host to guests many times in the past, surprise him or her with some new serving dishes. You probably have a sense of their serving style already, but if you don’t, make a mental note the next time you visit or simply buy them a gift card so they can buy whichever dishes they need to make their next soiree a success.

· Wine rack: A great bottle of wine completes a great meal, so why not buy your family foodie a place to store all of his or her bottles of wine? Wine racks can range from the simple, inexpensive standup models to more complex or expensive models that need to be installed.

If the eventual recipient of your thoughtful gift rents rather than owns his or her home, avoid buying a wine rack that needs to be installed. But if your friend or family member owns their home, then look for a wine rack that fits in with their established décor. You even can christen the new wine rack by supplementing your gift with a few bottles of your loved one’s favorite vintages.

With the holiday season right around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about the perfect gifts for your loved ones.

Below are helpful tips on sharing the gift of sport with everyone on your list.

For the hockey lover. Consider a jersey of their favourite player or team. To personalize it even more, get their name monogramed on the back. Tickets to a game are a great addition, offering not just a material gift but an amazing experience.

For the fashionista. Go snow chic for the fashionista. Try a stylish padded jacket, two-tone leggings, or carbon fibre skis to help them be on-trend with this season’s slope style.

For the basketball buff. Sneakerheads unite — basketball fans will love the latest pair of Curry’s or LeBron’s. Add that to an NBA jersey and you’ll score

yourself an invite to the next game.

For the gamer. Gamers will love the latest Madden NFL video game. The football player on your list can practice their skills virtually until the snow subsides.

For the golfer. Beginners and experts alike will enjoy a set of aerodynamic golf balls and golfing accessories like visors, gloves, and tees. Thank goodness for those heated driving ranges.

For the yogi. You can’t go wrong with a membership at their favourite studio. Accessorizing is also a hit this holiday season. Hot yoga towels, mats, blocks, and foam rollers are sure to win you a spot on the mat next to them.

Still unsure about a gift? If you’re worried about sizing and colour, you can opt for a gift card at a favourite sports store.

Eco-friendly gift ideas for ‘green’ living

Giving eco-friendly gifts is now easier than ever before. As more and more people are conscious of reducing their impact on the planet, the demand for environmentally conscious products and services has grown.

Choosing earth-friendly gifts is not only generous, but gift-givers also can rest assured they’re doing their part to safeguard natural resources for future generations. The following are some gift ideas for the eco-conscious people on your holiday shopping list.

Locally made products

Locally made products make great holiday gifts. Such gifts are not produced halfway around the world, meaning they don’t contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and global warming like products that need to be flown or driven across the globe. Craft fairs and artisan shops are good sources for locally made gifts, which also are a great way to support businesses in your community.

Gifts of service

A massage or music or tutoring sessions are examples of gifts of service. These gifts do not require much use of natural resources, and recipients find their personal nature very thoughtful. Gifts of service also can include tasks you do yourself for the gift recipient, rather than paying another person to handle. For example, teach a senior member of your family how to navigate their new smartphone or agree to help them shop for groceries.

Recycled goods

When many people think of recycling, they tend to picture piles of discarded plastic bottles, glass jars and aluminum cans. While the end product of many of these recycled pieces is new cans, bottles and jars, recycled materials also can be turned into new and unique pieces. Trivets and spoon rests made from recycled and melted wine bottles make for clever and attractive gifts. Recycled fire extinguishers have been turned into vases, and you can even find bike parts that have been used to make wind chimes and belts if you know where to shop.

Natural gifts

Natural gifts are among the most environmentally friendly ones you can give. Foodies may appreciate an herb-growing kit that enables them to experiment with freshly picked basil or thyme in the kitchen, while tree-growing kits and flower seed packets are nice stocking stuffers for budding gardeners. Offer to purchase a living Christmas tree for a relative, so that he or she can plant the evergreen after the holidays have come and gone.

Antiques

New, shiny gifts are not the only ones that have appeal. Gifting a sentimental piece of family history is an earth-friendly way to share the holidays. Pass down a cherished piece of jewelry or, if you do not have anything in your own collection, browse antique shops for items that have interesting histories. The holiday season is often a time of excess, but giving doesn’t have to be detrimental to the environment. Givers can seek out earth-friendly gifts and share even more this time of year.

Reading is one interest or hobby that has never gone out of style. People who enjoy reading tend to devour book after book and are always eager for the next installment from their favorite authors. Books and other reading materials can make perfect gifts for anyone with a love for literature.

First edition texts

Collectors very often are interested in the first edition or first printing of classic books. Publishers may offer only a limited number of books in a first edition or first printing, and such editions tend to be rare.

Digital reading device

Some book purists stand by their decisions to only read paper copies of their favorite books, feeling there’s something special or more enjoyable about holding a hardcover or paperback in one’s hands and making progress through paper pages.

Book tote

Whether they are carrying books back to the library or traveling with an e-reader in tow, avid readers might appreciate a functional tote bag. Order preprinted literary tote bags or customize a tote based on the tastes of the gift’s recipient. It even can feature photographs or the jacket of a favorite book.

Music lessons and other gifts of service do not require a great deal of natural resources, making them ideal eco-friendly gifts.

Gift exchange Dos and Don’ts

Grab bags are a staple of this season of giving, and the following are a few dos and don’ts to ensure participation in gift exchanges is fun and friendly for all involved.

DO set a gift amount limit. Holiday grab bags are more about having fun and exchanging a little something with friends and family members than walking away with amazing prizes. Establish a spending limit so everyone receives a gift of roughly the same value and no one feels slighted or left out.

DON’T exceed the spending limit. It can be tempting to spend more to make your gift appear more impressive. But overspending defeats the purpose of the gift exchange. Grab bags typically are anonymous, so being overly generous will not win you any style points. DO make it a game. Tossing gifts in a bag only to have others reach in and grab one is certainly effective. But the concept can be even more fun if you make a game out of it. Try passing wrapped gifts around in a circle to a holiday song. When the music stops, the gift you are holding is the one you open. Experiment with your own variations to make gift exchanges more fun.

DON’T let anyone see the gift you bring. The idea is to keep things as secretive as possible so as not to sway the selection of presents.

DO ensure your gift is unisex. Unless you know specifically that only men or women will be opening the presents, select items that will appeal to both genders. Food, gift cards, music, or home staples make great grab bag gifts.

DON’T forget to consider ages as well. Gift exchanges may include both children and adults, so include gifts that appeal to all ages when necessary. When the exchange has ended, allow participants to swap gifts if they want to.

DO expect some grab bag gifts to be gag gifts. Such gifts are entertaining and may make up the majority of the grab bag gifts. Keep your sense of humor and you’re likely to enjoy grab bags a lot more.

DON’T regift items to use as grab bag picks. Should the person who gave you the gift participate in the grab bag, he or she can trace that gift back to you and may be offended.

Great Gifts for seniors

Some people seem to have it all, while others may be less than forthcoming with regard to items they may need or want. Many seniors tend to fall into the latter category. Shopping for holiday gifts for seniors can be difficult if shoppers don’t know what seniors want.

Books

A 2015 survey from the Pew Research Center found that 69 percent of adults age 65 and over acknowledged reading at least one book in the previous 12 months. That makes books a good bet for shoppers who don’t know what to get their 65-and-over loved ones this holiday season. But shoppers might want to opt for more traditional print books rather than e-books, as the survey found that only 15 percent of readers age 65 and over had read an e-book in the previous 12 months.

Gym membership

According to the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, more than 80 percent of adults do not meet the guidelines for aerobic and muscle-strength-

DO make sure everyone is aware that there will be a grab bag gift exchange, as there needs to be an equal number of gifts to participants so everyone gets a treat. Hosts may want to have a few extra wrapped gifts around just in case someone forgets to bring their contribution.

Gift exchanges in the form of grab bags, auctions, swaps, and other games make for fun additions to holiday festivities. They also can be a part of any family or friends gathering to add excitement and entertainment to the occasion.

ening activities. That can be especially troubling for seniors, who are at greater risk for osteoporosis, a medical condition in which age-related tissue loss contributes to brittle, fragile bones. Physical activity, including muscle-strengthening activities like weight training, can help combat osteoporosis. Family members stuck on what to get aging loved ones may want to consider gifting a membership to a local gym. Many gyms offer heavily discounted memberships to seniors, and such gyms may even offer senior fitness classes at no additional cost.

Travel gifts

Many retirees love to travel, but not every senior has the means to take off for parts unknown. A 2013 survey found that 25 percent of retirees admitted they wished they would have saved more for retirement travel. Holiday shoppers can light up seniors’ smiles by gifting travel gifts this holiday season.

Family time

Shoppers who are especially stuck on what to get seniors for Christmas can just resolve to spend more time with their elderly loved ones. Many seniors genuinely have everything they need, and such men and women may only want to spend more time with their children and grandchildren. Make a New Year’s resolution to spend more time with the special seniors in your life if the perfect gift is eluding you.

Don’t forget to gift the holiday host

Millions of people will travel this holiday season, and many of them will lay their heads to rest in the homes of family and friends. Hosting guests come the holiday season can make this time of year that much more special, but hosting also is a significant undertaking that asks a lot of the men and women who open their homes to loved ones.

Guests who want to express their gratitude for their holiday hosts can do so in any number of ways, and the following are a handful of ideas that would surely please your hosts this holiday season.

Night out oN the towN

Holiday hosts have a lot on their plates. Before guests arrive, hosts clean their homes top to bottom and may even rearrange rooms in their homes to accommodate overnight guests. Once the guests arrive, hosts work to cater to their guests’ needs. Guests can show their hosts how much they appreciate them by paying for a night out on the town. Babysit hosts’ kids so mom and dad can enjoy a night out together, or take the whole family out and foot the bill. A night out can be enjoyable for all involved, and it gives hosts the night off from cooking dinner.

Cater a meal

If your family is too big to take out or if the family simply prefers to stay in and enjoy one another’s company, pay for a catered meal to be delivered to your hosts’

Guide to tech gift giving

Gadgets make great gifts come the holiday season. Children may want the latest must-have video games, and many adults scour store advertisements for the newest televisions, tablets, smartphones, and other gadgets to include among their own most wanted lists.

According to the Consumer Electronics Association, the holiday season is typically a record-setting time for consumer spending on tech gifts.

• Check product reviews. Use resources such as Consumer Reports to read up on the reputations of certain products and brands. Avoid purchasing products that have no established track record. Also try to read reviews from third-party sites rather than those posted on manufacturer websites. Independent reviews may be more forthcoming than customer testimonials.

• speak with an educated retailer. Visit a store before making any purchases to learn more about the inner workings of the product you plan to buy. Discover its attributes, advantages, disadvantages, and what others are saying about it. The salesperson may have his or her own opinion on the item and may calm any nerves you have. Niche retailers tend to have knowledgeable sales staff and can be assets when comparison shopping.

• Determine if the gift is age-appropriate. It may be tempting to purchase children the latest and greatest tech gifts because all of their peers may be getting similar items. But first determine if certain items are age-appropriate. Remember, many tech gifts, such as tablets and smartphones, open children up to the world of social media. So if you buy such products, make sure you have turned on the privacy and safety features available before giving the item to your loved one. If you are purchasing a gift for a young person who is not your child, check with his or her parents to see if the gift will be appropriate or even permitted.

• Compare prices across various retailers. While popular gifts may be similarly priced because of the level of demand, it is still a worthy effort to compari-

home. This can be a great way to catch up, and hosts can join in the fun because they won’t be busy preparing dinner in the kitchen.

wiNe raCk

Men and women who offer to host for the holidays likely don’t mind hosting at other times of the year as well. A brand new wine rack can make for a great gift for your friend or relative who loves to host dinner parties throughout the year. Stock the rack with a couple of bottles of wine and crack one open to celebrate your loved one’s new toy.

liNeNs

If you want to give your holiday hosts something practical, then some linens they can use right away make great gifts. Quality bed sheets, some warm blankets and some soft, high-quality towels can help hosts replenish their linen closets, and they might appreciate using these new items once the holiday season has come and gone.

Cook breakfast

Another great way to show your appreciation to your holiday hosts is to make breakfast for everyone each morning during your stay. Let your hosts relax with a cup of coffee while you prepare breakfast each morning for everyone staying at the house. Hosts will no doubt appreciate the hassle-free mornings, and a

son shop before making a rash purchase. In addition, consider that new generations of certain tech products come out quite frequently, and the previous generation may become obsolete rather quickly. Know when manufacturers are releasing new products so you can time your purchases accordingly.

• Put the product through your own test run. Try a product out for yourself to get a feel for it and its attributes. Hands-on knowledge may be the best type when gifting tech items. Just keep in mind that many retailers have a reboxing or restocking fee on tech products. If the item fails to meet your expectations and you plan to return it, it may cost you a percentage of the price.

fresh, home-cooked meal is a great way to express your own appreciation for their hospitality. Holiday hosts accept a lot of responsibility when welcoming guests into their homes. Guests can show their appreciation for this hospitality in numerous ways.

Cooking breakfast for your holiday hosts throughout the duration of your stay is a nice gesture busy hosts will surely appreciate.

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It’s December 22 and you’ve just barely made it through half of your holiday shopping list. The panic may have set in that you just don’t have enough time to get everything done. This is a common scenario around the holidays. Shoppers have the best intentions to get their gifts early, but whether because of work obligations or social events, the task seems to get pushed further and further into December. Soon many are staring down the calendar experiencing sweaty palms.

For the scores of shoppers who consciously or subconsciously wait until the last possible minute to shop, there are ways to survive and surprise friends and family with great gifts.

• Gift cards: They may not have sentimental meaning behind them, but gift cards are fast and easy. Chances are you can run into a store and be out with a handful of gift cards in less than 15 minutes, depending on lines at the checkout counter. Also, many supermarkets, bookstores and other retailers offer gift card kiosks enabling you to shop for different gift cards all in one place.

• Food and beverages: While everyone is heading to the mall in droves, you can be stepping inside of a gourmet food or spirits store. Splurge on fine cheeses or that trendy bottle of liquor that a gift recipient has mentioned but not yet purchased for him- or herself.

• Magazine subscription: A magazine subscription is an easy fix as a lastminute gift. Purchase one copy of the magazine at the newsstand and wrap it up nicely. Put a note that a year’s worth of this periodical is on the way. No one will suspect that the gift was a last-minute thought.

• E-certificates: Retailers like music or book sellers will e-mail a gift certificate code to the person of your choice on a selected date. For those who are never without an e-reader or mp3 player, digital gifts could fit the bill.

• Gas card: It may sound funny and tacky, but a gas card from a brand-name station is a universally acceptable gift for anyone who drives regularly. With fluctuating gas prices, filling up the tank can be an expensive venture. Having a pre-paid gift card can help. Waiting until the last minute for shopping can induce some anxiety. But knowing about easy gifts for procrastinators can take the stress out of this type of shopping.