SportsXpress Chatham/Kent July/Aug 2015

YOUR COMMUNITY SPORTS CONNECTION

Chatham-Kent & Area Edition

July/August 2015 Volume 2 Issue 4

e i d o r TJ B

Celebrating Our 1st Anniversary Chatham Kent’s Community Connection @CKSportsXpress

cksportsxpress

www.facebook.com/cksportsxpress

GOLF COURSE Highway 40 between Chatham and Wallaceburg (in Oungah)

thelineup

JULY/AUGUST 2015

Chatham-Kent & Area Edition

519-354-9500 • 27 Holes • 9 Hole, 18 Hole and All Day Green Fee Rates Available • Power Carts • Club Rentals • Fully Stocked Pro Shop • Season Passes

NOW OPEN...

Foot Golf!

Student Summer Special

a round of footgolf, hotdog and pop $15.00 + HST all summer after 1 pm everyday “July 2nd to Sept 4th www.countryviewgolfcourse.ca

Owner/Publisher Isaak Fehr 226.996.9100 isaakf@sportsxpress.ca

General Manager Bernice Leslie 519-358-3646 bernicel@sportsxpress.ca

Community Coach Rebecca Reimer 226.996.9100 rebeccar@sportsxpress.ca

12

letterfromthepublisher A year of memories and wonderful new friendships From the opening launch party in July 2014, when local MP Dave VanKesteren and Olympic gymnast Domonique Pegg were in attendance, to attending so many wonderful events throughout the entire Chatham-Kent Community during the past year – such as Hockeyville, dragon boat races, RetroFest and the torch relay – this has been such an amazing journey!

With support from so many great local people, businesses and sponsors, we have been able to create a platform to introduce to you, our readers, to so many incredible, outstanding and awe-inspiring people, from all over our Chatham-Kent communities. We have written about so many remarkable teams, events and charities over the past year, and we feel so privileged to bring you their extraordinary stories and share the joy of providing a local forum to highlight all that is in our community.

Thank you Chatham-Kent for embracing your own locally owned and operated SportsXpress.

We look forward to serving you throughout the year ahead!

– Your SportsXpress Team!

sportsfiles

behindthebench

Entertaining, informative and engaging articles on local athletes, sports and teams 09 | BMX Racing at Wolfe’s 14 | T.J. Brodie 17 | Victory Ford’s Athlete of the Month 24 | Great Fishing Locally!

19 | A New Season – A New Beginning 19 | Hockeyville 20 | Steve Stewart Visits Wallaceburg 23 | Emma Gorsky

04 | The 411 on H2O 19 | SportsXpress Wins Award

asktheexpert 05 | Call the Professionals 06 | The Importance of Concussion Management 10 | Should My Child be Consuming Sports Drinks?

21 | The Dreaded “S” Word

14

abouttown 11 | 15th Annual Chatham Retrofest 11 | DH Construction’s Athletes of the Month 18 | Chatham-Kent Community Events

fromthesidelines 07 | Wallaceburg Sydenham Pool 08 | Challenger Baseball Jamboree 12 | Chatham-Kent Torch Relay 16 | Dragonboat Festival 21 | Heart & Stroke Big Bike 22 | Child’s Play 24 | Great Fishing Locally!

25 | Heather Geluk 26 | Children’s Safety Village

21

Chatham-Kent SportsXpress.ca • July-August 2015

3

behindthebench

The 411 on H2O Submitted by Bob Kennedy

In this day and age there is no such thing as pure water Welcome to my first of what I hope are many articles I plan to contribute to this magazine, in the hopes of better educating you about WATER. We use it every day for washing, cooking, drinking, gardening, and last but not least, our pets.

Many of you have concerns and issues about your tap water, and rightly so.

Much of our water has not gotten worse over the years, but you folks have become better educated either through the press or by your own experiences.

Water presents itself to us in many forms: rain water, well water or municipal tap water. Each have their own distinct qualities. Knowing them and/or identifying them is the first step in determining if your water is suitable for cooking, drinking or making baby formula.

These days, many people purchase bottled water for their personal consumption by home delivery, or fill their own water bottles from a supplier; alternately, they purchase cases from a local retailer. I tip my hat to you for choosing an alternative for your family.

In this day and age, there is no such thing as pure water. Water is an aggressive commodity and will take on anything it comes in contact with. Let me back up. Yes you can get pure water, but you would be living in a vacuum environment in outer space, secluded from the Earth’s elements.

Over 70% of our bodies are made up of water. We should be better aware of the quality of this water, not only for yourself, but for your family and your baby. water containers will help reduce the EcoWater products millions of plastic water bottles clogging up provide better Stay tuned to our landfill sites. water and promote a SportsXpress for Clean water for you and your family. And a healthier planet. greener future for us all.

Visit www.ecowater.ca to find Our reverse an overview of what out how you can save money, energy, and osmosis (RO) water help the systems provide “reverse osmosis” environment, the best purified water for drinking and or to find cooking and will remove 96.6% of the water is in our next a dealer lead that may be in water. Even better, near you. use of an RO system with reusable issue.

Until then, drink lots of water.

Cheers!

4

Chatham-Kent SportsXpress • July-August 2015

Chatham-Kent

Your Community

.ca

Sports Connection

Magazine • Web • Sports & Event Marketing

JULY/AUGUST 2015

Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cksportsxpress Read Us Online OWNER/PUBLISHER

Isaak Fehr 226.996.9100 isaakf@sportsxpress.ca

GENERAL MANAGER

Bernice Leslie 519-358-3646 bernicel@sportsxpress.ca

SPONSORS AND ADVERTISING

Bernice Leslie 519-358-3646 bernicel@sportsxpress.ca Rebecca Reimer 226.996.9100 rebeccar@sportsxpress.ca

EDITOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Evan Novak Debbie Dunmall ddunmall@gmail.com

CONTRIBUTORS

Tim Janess, Dr. Matthew McCabe & Steven Peach, Carmen McGregor, Ann Robinson, Alison Munro, Dr. Brian Sides, Bernice Leslie, Henri Timmers, Garry Patterson, Bob Kennedy, Emma Gorsky, Heather Geluk, Wallaceburg Minor Hockey Association, Barb Bourbonnais, Rebecca Reimer, SportsXpress Team and other sports enthusiasts

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Gerry Thomas / Courtesy Calgary Flames Hockey Club, Bernice Leslie, Sherpa Adventure Gear, SportsXpress Team and members of various local sports organizations and community sports fans

PARTNERSHIP EDITIONS

PARTNERSHIP INQUIRY

Kingston Ottawa Guelph Brampton Oshawa-Whitby Hamilton Mississauga London Waterloo Region Lloydminster Halton Region Sarnia-Lambton Windsor Chatham-Kent Niagara Peterborough Brant County Oakville Belleville-Quinte Ajax-Pickering Contact SportsXpress at: 1.877.588.8856 or email Sales@SportsXpress.ca

NATIONAL & REGIONAL SALES

Amy Knowles AmyK@SportsXpress.ca

PRESIDENT/CEO

Walter Browning walter@sportsxpress.ca

VP OPERATIONS

Clint Szakacs clint@sportsxpress.ca

Mailing Address 50 Ottawa St. South, Unit 110, Kitchener, ON, N2G 3S7 519.208.9302 or 1.877.588.8856 Editorial Contributions: Submissions are welcome from writers, photographers, athletes, coaches and individuals. We assume no responsibility for unsolicited material. Contributors are responsible for obtaining all approvals for the publication of photos and content prior to submission. All submissions may not be used. We may edit, publish, reproduce, distribute and archive submissions in any form or medium without any compensation. We are not responsible for lost or damaged submissions. Contents copyrighted. All rights reserved. Reproduction or transmission of any article, photograph or artwork in any form or by any means without permission from the publisher is prohibited. SportsXpress is published six times per year. For detailed circulation information, contact Sports Express Media Inc. Sports Express Media Inc. is committed to protecting your privacy as our customer. We may collect personal information only if it is required for the proper functioning of our business and only share this information with our business partners. The editors and contributors who write for Sports Express Media Inc. attempt to provide accurate and useful information and commentary. However, the editors, contributors and Sports Express Media Inc. cannot and do not guarantee the accuracy of the information. We assume no responsibility for any actions or decisions taken by any readers based on the information provided. view & upload Photos • Video • Articles

asktheexpert

®

Call the professionals Submitted by Tim Janess Most often when servicing air conditioners, we see issues of dust, dirt and debris all through the evaporator coil and condenser. It tells us one thing: poor air filtration. Often, it can reduce the A/C efficiency by 25-50%. If air cannot easily pass through, exchange of heat does not occur and it’s extremely hard on your fan motor. This is most common with conventional A/C but will also be found with geothermal ground source heat pumps. So remember, your filters need frequent attention.

Air conditioner efficiency has dramatically increased with new technologies. We now have new fan blade shapes and compressor staging; some systems are only a tenth as noisy

as the 1970 Sears Classic that shook the house when it came on. The biggest change is the new refrigerant R410a which is chlorine free and will not eat away the ozone as the R22 has. In 1980, the typical watts of power consumption while air conditioning on an average 1600 square foot home would be 6000 watts per hour. Today, that same house can be cooled with as little as 1800 watts per hour – an outstanding increase.

What we can do for you With the average Ontario home paying 20% more on electricity costs, it is extremely important to make sure the duty cycle of the system is correct.

When your air conditioner needs more attention than its regular service, call a professional. Often, a well-trained

technician can find out what the problem is on the spot. They will check for correct amount of refrigerant, test for refrigerant leaks using a leak detector, properly evacuate a system, check for air leakage in a central ventilation system, and even measure the amount of airflow that passes through the evaporator coil.

Since 1998, Lambton Enviroquest has sold and serviced over 2000 ground source heat pumps in Southwestern Ontario. Refrigeration is what we do.

Quality is what we know. Call us today at 519-683-4400.

Tim Janess, Owner/Operator Lambton Enviroquest Ltd. Board Director of the Ontario Geothermal Association

Lambton EnviroQuest Ltd. YOUR HEATING AND COOLING SPECIALISTS!

We are Certified Geothermal System installation specialists offering solutions to keep you in living comfort.

As a family owned and operated business, Lambton EnviroQuest Limited is committed to providing quality products and services.

We also install and service natural gas and propane systems, contact us for more details!

10264 McCreary Line Dresden, Ontario 519-683-4400 www.lambtonenviroquest.ca

TM

box

Your Community Sports Report

Chatham-Kent SportsXpress.ca • July-August 2015

5

fromthesidelines

asktheexpert

The importance of concussion management Submitted by Dr. Matthew McCabe & Steven Peach

Concussions are becoming an increasingly popular topic as well as a nationwide concern. It is estimated that the annual incidence of concussions in Ontario is roughly between 500600/100,000 with more than 18,000 people in Ontario suffering a brain

motor vehicle accident, at work, or an accidental fall, concussions are all the same.

activities such as limiting television, cell phone use, crowded environments and an individualized rehabilitation plan, the healthcare professional can set the concussed individual up for successful 463toSt. Clair Street 3, return play or return toUnit normal activities of daily living. Ontario Chatham,

What is baseline testing and why is it important?

Baseline testing is testing taken before an individual even gets a T: 519.358.7342 F:at519.358.7524 concussion. Since concussions are What we provide the clinic E: info@peachphysio.ca so difficult to test and evaluate, the At the clinic, we provide both baseline W:and www.peachphysio.ca baseline gives the treating health testing rehabilitation treatment for professional a reference point of the both individuals or for an entire team. cognitive and physical abilities of an While baseline testing results Patient’s Name: _____________________________________ Date:having __________________ individual before the injury even takes is a vital piece of information for the place. Through computerized testing treating professional, it does not mean Address: ___________________________________________________________________ injury each year. While concussions (ImPACT test), visual coordination, someone without the pre-injury test can be a serious problem with long-___________________________________________________________________ balance, neck and spinal assessments, cannot be treated. The most important term side effects if left untreated and an individual’s “normal” functioning is thing is that the concussed individual Phone: unmonitored, they should not be_____________________________________________________________________ feared! determined. Therefore, if an individual seeks proper care and treatment in The actual concern should not be how gets a concussion, their new test order to reach a full recovery without Is this Patient: many concussions someone suffers, results can be compared to their normal long lasting effects! but rather how many mismanaged data. This will help determine the If you or someone you know gets insured WSIB concussions an individual has. Private severityMVA of the injury, help monitor the a concussion or is still experiencing rehabilitation, and determine when it is long-lasting effects from a previous What is a concussion?

Services Requested: safe to return to normal activities. concussion, then Peach Physiotherapy A concussion is a form of brain injury & Wellness can help you! caused by a direct or indirect blow to Why is concussion treatment and Physiotherapy RMT Custom Foot Orthotics the head, face, or jaw causing a change rehabilitation so important? in brain function. Concussions can Concussion treatment goes far If you would like to Other: ______________________________________________________________ produce a wide range of symptoms beyond the “complete rest in the dark contribute to our including but not limited to headaches, room” approach. While this is to some Diagnosis: nausea, dizziness, difficulty extent okay immediately after the “Ask The Expert” column, concentrating, fatigue and visual injury, the individual needs to begin please contact Bernice or disturbances. Whether the concussion rehabilitating the problematic systems occurred while participating in a sport, a shortly after injury. With modified Rebecca at 226-996-9100

...concussions are so difficult to test and evaluate...

Precautions:

When word got out that the Wallaceburg Sydenham Pool might be closed due to underuse, a group of Chatham-Kent residents decided to do something about it. This community volunteer group has been working collaboratively with the CKRecreation team for the last two years to bring numbers back up.

During a survey about pool use, it was identified that barriers to use were cost, transportation, accessibility, and outdated/old amenities. Once the needs were known, the committee worked incredibly hard to address them; because of their hard work, participation is up from 12,000 visits in 2013 to 19,300 in 2014. Sponsor support to provide free swimming increased from $2,800 to $12,000.

The pool now offers programming for everyone – adults, youth, seniors, parents and tots, and families.

On April 13, 2015, Chatham-Kent council presented a certificate of thanks to the Wallaceburg Pool Community Engagement Group for their hard work.

The membes of this group are as follows: Dick and Carolyn Bulsink, Ken Dickson, Karen Eddleston, Gerry Flynn, Lynn and Stephan Gingras, Suzanne Kennedy, Dr. Robert Mayo, Donna Persyn, Eva Cowtan, Anne Fournier, Brad and Hillary Murphy, Julie Parker, Councillor Sheldon Parsons, Audrey Poppe and Nancy Schinkelshoek.

CKRecreation staff team involved Sarah Jackson – Aquatic Coordinator for Wallaceburg Pool, Kelly Bachus – Recreation Community Development Programmer, and Ann Robinson – Manager, Recreation Programs.

Robinson says “...the service review process brought the community together and highlighted the need for the Wallaceburg pool. It also showcased

that people care in the Wallaceburg community and can drive change. CK should be proud of the people who live here. These exceptional individuals give their time, expertise and talent freely to enhance the quality of life in their community...”

Over past issues, SportsXpress has seen people addressing needs in the community: the Wallaceburg pool project and Kraft Hockeyville, to name a few.

Now the challenge goes out to the reader – find what is important to you in this community and do something about it.

You never know the impact you will have!

For a schedule of free swims and programming check out http://www.chatham-kent.ca/ Recreation/Swimming/Pages/ PoolSchedules.aspx

All Your Custom Grain Handling and CUSTOMServicing GRAIN

Storage Needs. Custom Manufacturing Your Ideas.

519.365.

9637 www.ikcontractors.com

HANDLING EQUIPMENT

McKinley’s Funeral Home

Oxley Dr.

T: 519.358.7342 F: 519.358.7524 Referred By: ________________________________________ 463 St. Clair Street Unit 3, Chatham ON

St. Clair St.

Physiotherapy • Chiropractic • Acupuncture • Massage Therapy Chatham-Kent SportsXpress • July-August 2015

A collaboration of Sportsxpress, Councillor Carmen McGregor and Recreation Manager Ann Robinson

www.peachphysio.ca info@peachphysio.ca

Contraindications:

6

Wallaceburg Sydenham Pool

Lambton-Kent Farm Implements Ltd.

IK Contracting & Custom Fabricating

8615 Corktown Line, RR3, Tupperville, Ontario

11140 Grove Mills Line, Dresden, ON

519-365-9637 ikcontractors.com

519-627-3434

Chatham-Kent SportsXpress.ca • July-August 2015

7

sportsfiles

fromthesidelines

Challenger Baseball Jamboree Submitted by Alison Munro On Saturday June 6th, 2015, clients and families of the Children’s Treatment Centre of Chatham­-Kent travelled to Toronto for the third annual Challenger Baseball Jamboree. The event, hosted by the Toronto Blue Jays Baseball Academy in partnership with Challenger Baseball Canada had nearly 100 participants, some travelling from as far as Nova Scotia.

Following the Blue Jays game against the Houston Astros, participants and their families were invited on to the field at the Rogers Centre, where they were

given a special opportunity to run the bases and participate in several mini games of Challenger Baseball. In addition to the mini games, participants were also surprised when Blue Jays pitcher Liam Hendriks joined them on the field to both

Everyone is excited to be at the game

the Liam Hendriks surprised y! wa at gre a in s ger Challen

Liam Hendriks signing autographs

participate in games, and to sign autographs for Challenger players.

Challenger baseball is a program designed for children with cognitive or physical disabilities. This program provides an opportunity to enjoy the full benefits of minor baseball participa-

tion at a level structured to their abilities.

Baseball games are played in a fun and safe environment where no score is kept.

Each participant is paired with a “buddy,” who assists the Challenger players throughout the A BIG thank you goes out to both the Chatham Minor Baseball Association, and the Children’s Treatment Centre of Chatham­Kent Foundation for all of their ongoing support. Without these two parties, this day would not have been possible!

BMX racing at Wolfe’s Location and history For kids aged 2-99 with the energy, grit, stamina, and who love an adrenaline rush, the Wolfe Creek BMX track is a great place to be. Wolfe Creek is located at 22843 Creek Road in Chatham, across from the Glass House Nursery, behind the Chatham Leaf and Yard Depot. It is a non-profit organization run entirely by volunteers and the track is supported through the rider membership fees and local sponsors.

Wolfe Creek started up in in 2003; Tom Maciejowski started it as a place for one Luke on a Strider of his sons to hang out, and it has grownLuk in emembership to over on a Strider 50 kids. Riders have a membership with Canada BMX and the track follows their guidelines for racing and training. Wolfe Creek offers regular clinics, local weekly races, and competitions province-wide at other BMX tracks. The track is a dirt roller coaster with a gate, hills, straights, berms, and rollers. There are guidelines for the bikes and clothing to be worn, for protection.

Latest news For more information, including hours, Amazing stories are coming out of call Tom Maciejowski at 519-350-1953 or these tracks – Malaina Huffman, who has check out the website or Facebook page: raced with Wolfe Creek since age 13, is in Sean Wolfe Creek McN ally BMX Racing – Chatham. her first year at Lindsey Wilson College in Kentucky on a BMX/Mountain Bike Scholarship. We also have 13 year old Sean McNally who has only been racing

JMHI

We believe everyone deserves to feel well-informed Malaina Huff man

for three years, and is already at an expert level. Jordan Barnes, 16, is just plain fast, and is winning against more experienced riders.

On the June 19th-21st weekend, we hosted a provincial race. More than 100 riders from Ottawa and Kingston area, Port Elgin area, St. Catharines, Milton area, London and Chatham-Kent geared up, and competed in 35 different categories. It was a fantastic weekend.

Come on out for a one day free trial.

Wolfe Creek offers use of bikes for a small fee and helmets for new riders. All you need is a long sleeved shirt, long pants and enclosed toe shoes.

High Note in Music Learning Register now for new classes:

Lynn Tilley

519.354.8207 or 519.350.5352 Email: ltilley@mnsi.net www.myc.com www.facebook.com/tilleytunespianostudio

8

Chatham-Kent SportsXpress • July-August 2015

and understood given we’re all unique! TM Malaina Huffman

Call us Today!

226-312-2020

Caring for your tomorrow, Today!TM jmhigroup.ca

info@jmhigroup.ca

LET’S GET FIT!

Annie’s The

Submitted by Barb Bourbonnais

Centre for Healthy Living

Jordan Barnes

& Tortillaria

Kidz Summer Camp • 9 Week Summer Camp Themes: Under the Sea, Splish Splash, Sports World, Sense It!, Get into the Game, Cartoons, Explosive Week, Planes Trains and Automobiles, Lights Camera Action

...more than just the hot stuff!

494 St George Street, Dresden Mon, Wed, Thur, Fri 9-7 Tuesday 9-6 Saturday 9-9

• Wax Warmers imported from Mexico • Mexican Soda • Leadership Materials Ages 4 to 12 • June 29 to August 28 Extra Care 8 am to 5 pm

Now serving Breyer’s Ice Cream

letsgetfit@bellnet.ca

519-683-2500

Chatham-Kent SportsXpress.ca • July-August 2015

9

519-352-7660 Rick Zavitz, President

Chatham Kent Ready Mix Inc. Dresden Ready Mix Ltd.

abouttown

asktheexpert Should my child be consuming sports drinks? Submitted by Dr. Brian Sides from CK Performance Health With all the propaganda out there to make you feel that your performance is based on how much Gatorade® you consume, it’s understandable to see parents loading their coolers down with it. However, sports drinks are designed for high-level athletes who practice daily and burn thousands of calories during each event.

Gatorade® itself was originally designed for the Florida Gators football team who are known to have practices twice per day and games lasting several hours in the heat of the summer. It now focuses on quenching the thirst of tri-athletes and ironman athletes who can compete for upwards of 17 hours straight.

When you compare your child, who practices twice a week or only competes for an hour at a time, to an ironman or tri-athlete, the energy expended is just not high enough to warrant a sports drink as a fuel replacement. There is just not enough lost during an hour’s worth of exercise in a child.

Water has been shown to be just as effective as sports drinks at quenching thirst and enhancing performance at the peewee level. In most cases, water is the perfect go-to drink, but if you do feel your child needs the extra sugar and electrolytes, make 226-996-1712 sure to dilute with 467 St.Clair Street, Chatham water before giving www.ckperformancehealth.com it to your young Chiropractic • Acupuncture • Massage Therapy • Movement Therapy sports star!

Chatham Christian School

› Equipping C hildren for Life!

519-683-6266 Jerome Laprise, Manager

10

*

Chatham-Kent SportsXpress • July-August 2015

Submitted by SportsXpress, Photo credit SportsXpress

Christopher June stands ne xt to his car Kids have fun in the bubbles

Once again the annual Retrofest was a celebration unbelievable cars and tons of fun for the whole family.

On May 22nd-23rd hundreds of car collectors visitors and children

DH Construction’s Athletes of the Month Submitted by Nancy Brown Nurse

519-352-4980

attended the classic car capital of SouthWestern Ontario. There was an exceptional selection of automobiles with many fun activities for kids and the entire family. Some of the activities included bumper cars, bouncy castles and an inflatable zipline, while two bands played on stage.

Each year exceeds CK’s expectations.

Many car enthusiasts work tirelessly to maintain their vehicles and travel to our area each year. It is the event to be at if cars are your thing!

• Garden Supplies • Pet Foods • Clothing & Boots • Farm Supplies

“We Serve You Best”

Draw is Aug. 20, 2015

WIN $75 GIFT CARD

McBRAYNE FEEDS ‘N NEEDS Shur-Gain Feeds & Pet Foods

The Kinsmen open was hosted

by Southwestern Martial Arts Centres. Organizer Sensei Steve Turkington invited competitors from around Southwestern Ontario, and competitors traveled from Sarnia, London, and locally to compete.

Pictured here, Caiden and Emmett both come from Dynasty Martial Arts in Blenheim, taught

by Sensei Rob St Jean.

Caiden earned gold in both the obstacle course and in noodle sparring; Emmett earned Silver in both events. Both Caiden and Emmett are only four years old and are just beginning their journey to black belt.

Currently accepting stu dents for September 2015 in JK – Grade 12

www.chathamchristian.ca

15th Annual Chatham Retrofest

NUTRITION & HEALTH

Your independent farm supplier!

1203 North Street, Dresden • 519-683-4439 Name: ______________________________ Phone:______________________________ Email:______________________________ Deposit this coupon at the office.

jack’s

13 Talbot Street W. Wheatley 519-825-7274

ATHLETE OF THE MONTH SPONSORED BY: DH Construction • Durrell Horst • durrellhorst@gmail.com • 519­-350­-5024

coffee shop

Wear your team jersey and present this coupon to receive a small ice cream for $1.00

Chatham-Kent SportsXpress.ca • July-August 2015

11

fromthesidelines

fromthesidelines

Another amazing event for Chatham-Kent Submitted by Bernice Leslie

This year’s Pan Am and Para Pan Am Torch Relay event came through ChathamKent on Tuesday, June 16th. This particular leg of the journey passing through Wallaceburg was exceptionally touching and emotional.

Aaron Jubenville from Tilbury was chosen to carry the torch. He is in a wheelchair and the Para Pan Am games allows people like him to compete. His pride and genuine emotion was evident

to all who were there to cheer him on as he accepted the torch and moved through the downtown core, surrounded by family and friends and the event’s entourage.

Support for this event was nothing short of amazing! AA Wright public school students – grades one through six – took the time to create their own individual living Canadian flags. They lined the streets to show their support, generosity and kindness, along with local businesses

TOM&AL’S

such as Chris’s No Frills, The Black Goose, and Your Hometown Deli, who provided refreshments, food and treats for all the participants, supporters, onlookers and children. They all made this event a success.

Some of the other torchbearers included Greg Hetherington from CKXS 99.1, Mackenzie Turner, Lisa Holland and Michael Verstappen, along with others as well. Another great success!

• New Easy Customizing Options

• Your Styles

Quality HOME

FURNISHINGS

Dover Duds Your Work Wear Specialist!

519-355-1201

12

519-627-1277

26662 Bearline Road, Dover Centre • www.doverduds.com

Chatham-Kent SportsXpress • July-August 2015

Tues. - Fri.: 10 - 5:30 • Sat.: 10 -2 • Sun. - Mon.: Closed

25 Lisgar Street Wallaceburg www.tomandalsfurniture.com

• Newly Updated Bedding Department • Adjustable Beds Lift Chairs • Powers Chairs

• Your Colours

• You’re In Control

* Canadian Made *

Chatham-Kent SportsXpress.ca • July-August 2015

13

sportsfiles

sportsfiles

T.J. Brodie – hometown superstar Interview by SportsXpress Photos by Gerry Thomas / Courtesy Calgary Flames Hockey Club Calgary Flames defenseman T.J. Brodie played 81 games in the regular season, with 11 goals and 30 assists. The Calgary Flames continued to the playoffs where Brodie added a goal and three assists in 11 games. He was drafted in the fourth round, 114th overall in 2008 and has proven himself a valuable asset.

J.

Brodie

Au

ly

11t h

T.

IT OUT HECK C ! t.

P GU mken COMIN w.chatha m .co AT ww sxpress t r spo to Ju g ra p h S i g ni n g

Early years Brodie was born and raised in ChathamKent, the son of Jay & Lynn Brodie. He grew up playing minor hockey in Dresden before moving on to the Leamington Flyers, Saganaw Spirit, and Barrie Colts.

From 2010-2013 he split time between the Abbotsford Heat and the Calgary Flames.

In 2014, he signed a five year contract with Calgary. During the season, he lives there with his girlfriend Amber DeBakker and their pets, a dog and cat.

Brodie has known his whole life that he wanted to play hockey. Like most kids, he aspired to play in the NHL from the first time his dad helped him strap on his skates. Family friend Dave Cameron said that at eight years old, everyone in the hockey program knew T.J. was talented, and his talent would take him far. When an opportunity came for several minor hockey players from each division in the

Ontario Minor Hockey Association to train at the Air Canada Centre for a day, the community made it happen. Dave’s face beams with pride when recounting the story of 11 year old T.J. hitting all four targets on the net in four tries, while it took Mats Sundin five. At 12, T.J. was given the opportunity to play in the last regular season game for the Junior Kings.

“He was skating circles around the 21 year olds on the opposing team!” Dave says with a chuckle.

Most of his success stories come from those who have supported him from the beginning. The community of Dresden is so proud of how far he has come, and

many remember every moment, from the first time he played on Dresden ice to the goal he scored in the playoffs and everything in between.

T.J.’s focus But you won’t hear those stories from T.J.; his focus is playing the game to the best of his ability and getting back to the playoff’s next season. “You always hear about the sea of red, and that was pretty cool to experience! Hopefully we can do it again next year,” he said.

T.J. believes that hometown support is what has gotten him this far, maintaining that “Coming from a small town, keeps you grounded… you can definitely tell the difference between a player who comes from the city, and one who comes from a small town.”

Sticking to his roots, Brodie does what he can to help the community while he is home during the summer months.

He helps the hockey program in Dresden, by participating in golf tournaments or auctioning off afternoons out on his boat.

It’s here that Brodie has the

chance to talk to local ambitious hockey players. T.J. encourages them to, “Have fun! When you love doing something, it makes it so much easier to want to do it.

At the same time you have to work hard.

Never let anything affect you too much; there’s always going to be adversity and negativity, and people who say you can’t do it; forget about them.”

Close to home Brodie has contributed to other events,

including the Children’s Safety Village, which teaches kids how to be safe in every environment, and he was a major part of Chatham’s video submission to Kraft Hockeyville which resulted in a $100,000 prize.

But the cause closest to his heart is the fight to find a cure for Cystic Fibrosis.

T.J.’s cousin Ian was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis as a child, and had a double lung transplant four years ago.

Together with the Flames Foundation for Life, T.J. designed custom skate guard as a fundraiser for Cystic Fibrosis research.

Each pair of skate guards sold makes a profit of $10, which is then matched by the Flames Foundation – and T.J. himself – for a total of $30 donated to Cystic Fibrosis Canada. He estimates they have been able to raise roughly $15,000 in the last year.

For more information, or to buy a pair of skate guards, check out www. flamesport.com/store/product/25493/ Flames-Brodie-CF-Skate-Guard/

Proud supporter of Community Sports OUR EVERYDAY TAKE HOME SPECIAL:

BUY ANY MEDIUM OR LARGE PIZZA GET THE 2ND AT 50% OFF 759 Wellington Street P.O. Box 700, Dresden, ON N0P 1M0

683-4422

14

Chatham-Kent SportsXpress • July-August 2015

CALL 519-310-1000 or ORDER ONLINE: www.bostonpizza.com BOSTON PIZZA, CHATHAM, 780 ST. CLAIR STREET, BESIDE THE THEATRE FACEBOOK: facebook.com/chathambp | INSTAGRAM: follow bpchatham

Chatham-Kent SportsXpress.ca • July-August 2015

15

sportsfiles

fromthesidelines

Victory Ford recognizes Ross Krieger, Chatham Maroons Junior B Forward

Interview by SportsXpress

My favourite thing about hockey… this is a tough one to answer. I think my favourite part would be everything about it! The competitive nature I have, the challenge it brings day in and day out – I’m looking forward to stepping up a level. It’s about being able to face new opponents and play at a high level. It’s going to be a challenge to make the jump, but I’m willing to work hard and do what it takes to make that jump successfully.

Submitted by SportsXpress’ Bernice Leslie, Photo credit Bernice Leslie According to event organizer, Brian Armitage, the tossing of the pink carnations into the river in memory of a loved one is one of the most emotional yet inspiring moments of The Sydenham Challenge Dragonboat Festival.

por t to Dragon Boa Bev Shipley shows sup

t Races

This year’s event, held on Saturday, June 6th, was equally significant. I stood and watched from atop the bridge, as the teams in the dragon boats – along with all the spectators lining all sides of the Sydenham river – tossed their pink carnations

Dresden Meat Packers “A Cut Above the Rest”

not everyone will like you or think that you’re good, but continue to work hard and you’ll prove them wrong into the flowing waters as the song “You Won’t Dance Alone” played over the loud speaker. With tears, cheers, applause, and some heartfelt wistfulness, I was privileged to witness one of the most beautiful and powerful moments of this event.

These dragon boat races are a true testament to the strength of the survivors and to the support of relatives, friends, and their community. It’s not just about the fun and the competition of the races, but the camaraderie and spirit of all those involved. Truly inspiring.

Now at 2 Locations!

• Proudly Serving You Since 1972

My ultimate goal in hockey is to play at the highest level I possibly can, whether that be Junior B, NCAA, or NHL. By just

doing the best you can to keep moving up levels in hockey, not everyone will like you or think that you’re good, but continue to work hard and you’ll prove them wrong.

I am currently training with Colin Roeszler. I’ll be working out five days a week, doing a lot of lower body building, but also upper body, conditioning, and sled pushes. He works us very hard.

I’d like to thank my parents for constantly driving, and paying for my hockey and hockey equipment. I’d also like to thank my friends and family for all the support they’ve given me over the years, and thanks to my trainer Colin for the hard work he puts in for our lives. Also, thank you to the Dresden Kings – they’re a great organization and lots of fun! Last but not least, a big thank you to all the coaches and teammates I’ve had.

Congratulations

Ross Krieger Athlete of the Month

301 Richmond St. Chatham, ON 888-467-0394

Join Victory Ford on Facebook

Dresden Meat & DELI

“Wallaceburg’s Retail Butcher Store”

• Custom Butchering, Cutting, & Wrapping • Carrying Fresh Maple City Bakery Products • Fresh Fish Every Thursday! www.dresdenmeatpackers.com/

• SHOP LOCAL! Mon-Fri 8 am - 5:30 pm

10210 McCreary Line, Sat 8 am - 3 pm Dresden 519-683-2585

16

Chatham-Kent SportsXpress • July-August 2015

• Fresh & Frozen Meats • Variety Packs Available Mon-Fri 9:30 am-5:30 pm

30 McNaughton Ave. Sat 9:30 am-5 pm Wallaceburg 519-627-5959

Chatham-Kent SportsXpress.ca • July-August 2015

17

Chatham-Kent

Community Events

Location

Date

Event

July 1

Bothwell

Fireworks at Victoria Park

July 3 - 4

Thamesville

Threshing Festival, Parade and Car Show

July 4 - 12 Family Fishing Week

Canadian Residents can enjoy the fun of fishing in Ontario without a license this week

July 16 - 18

Blenheim

Cherry Fest

July 18

Shrewsbury

Ribs n Blues Festival

July 26

Ridgetown

Art in the Park – Watson Grove

July 31 - August 3

Dresden

Dresden Exhibition

August 1

Erieau

Art on the Boulevard

August 1 - 3

Wheatley

Fish Fest

August 7 - 9 Wallaceburg

Wallaceburg Antique Motor and Boat Outing Fun for all ages! Check out the jam packed fun weekend and the schedule of events at http://www.kent.net/wambo/schedule.php

September 19 Chatham

Firefest, downtown Chatham, 10 am to 4 pm, Live Fire & Safety Demonstration / Fire Truck Rope Pull / Junior Fire Challenge for children 12 & under. Backdraft Engine 17’.

Firefighter Jeremy Collins from SURVIVOR will be on hand!

The W. I.S.H. Centre SUMMER CAMPS NOW ON! Camps are 10 full weeks, with field trips, group activities like fear factor, swimming and time with friends!

• Thursday Field Trips • Birthday Parties (Themed) • Bouncy House • Summer Activity Camps • Weekly Themes • Ball Hockey • Volleyball • Basketball • Swimming Daily • P.A. Day Programs

519-354-5248 • 177 King Street E., Chatham 18

Chatham-Kent SportsXpress • July-August 2015

sportsfiles

A new season – a new beginning Submitted by Wallaceburg Minor Hockey Association The WMHA is preparing for a new hockey season, and we need your help. In the year ahead, training and educating our young athletes and coaches on and off the ice is of top priority. A lot of research has gone into finding the right programs for our players. We would love to be able to introduce them to the hockey academy run by Todd Warriner.

This skills program teaches them position, flexibility and mobility, goal setting, and the importance of nutrition and exercise.

Most importantly, how to be a team player, all while giving them the self-confidence one learns from dedication and hard work.

Being a goalie is as much mental as it is physical. We would like to give these kids the opportunity to work with their goalie coach Paul Burgess on a more frequent basis, offering them a specifically designed program will allow them to succeed.

In the 2015/2016 season, we look to you, our community, to help us give the children the best possible year – to train them to play at their personal best, to show them that we believe in each and every one of them, but also to train our coaches with the knowledge they need for the future.

Any amount of donation is greatly appreciated!

Sponsorship Opportunities Available • Sponsor a Goalie: Gold Pack $500.00 • Name on back of Paul Burgess practice jersey • Name up at Wallaceburg Memorial Arena • Picture of Goalie • Website advertising • Advertising on 99.1 FM CKXS • Sponsor a Goalie: Silver Pack $375.00 • Name on back of Paul Burgess practice jersey • Picture of Goalie • Website advertising For more information contact Leslie Vanderzwart at 519-401-2736 or WMHAHOCKEY@hotmail.com

SportsXpress Wins Award

Wallaceburg Sports Hall of Fame

April 13th, 2015 was an unexpected but proud day for the original six organizers of the Hockeyville event in ChathamKent. Pictured here, from left to right: Rebecca Reimer, SportsXpress, Mark Phelan, Magnum Signs, Brian Bennet, Arena Manager, Chad Peterson, Superfan, Rick Walker, Created the Commercial, and Dennis Parker, the enthusiastic “Cheesehead.”

All six of these amazing and wonderful people came together to bring in the 100,000 dollars to ChathamKent for repairs to the old barn and Memorial Arena. They were The Original Six are rec ognized for their effort s by cou presented with the ncil award from the mayor and council saluting them for their time, efforts and dedication to our community. Their spirit and willingness to come together as a team is something we can all learn from. Look what pulling together did for Chatham-Kent; our great community always seems to come together to support one another.

Congratulations! Great job!

18th Annual Golf Tournament Saturday, August 29th, 2015

Our Goal: To raise $40,000

11:00 AM SHOT GUN START AT COUNTRY VIEW GOLF COURSE DOVER CENTRE DINNER AT UAW HALL WALLACEBURG CATERED

BY BLACK GOOSE FOUR PERSON SCRAMBLE (MEN AND MIXED) WITH PRIZES FOR EVERYONE. TO REGISTER CALL MIKE GRIFFITH 519-627-5552 GORD CHILDS 519-627-6522 OR KIM MURRAY 519-627-0731.

OR MAIL FORM TO STATE FARM 30 MCNAUGHTON AVENUE WALLACEBURG N8A 1R9 OR FAX 519-627-8990

Chatham-Kent SportsXpress.ca • July-August 2015

19

fromthesidelines

sportsfiles

Steve Stewart visits Wallaceburg

Heart & Stroke Big Bike comes to Wallaceburg Written by SportsXpress, Photo credit SportsXpress

A collaboration of Henri Timmers and SportsXpress, Photo credit SportsXpress Steve Stewart is no stranger to Wallaceburg. Two decades ago, he made numerous trips to the area in support of karate clubs teaching Kenpo Karate.

Visits in the last decade have been much less frequent, as demands on his time have grown as he has ascended the international ranks of karate masters.

Ten days after his visit to Wallaceburg Martial Arts, (May 25th) he was on a plane headed to Hartford Connecticut for the 2015 Kenpo Summit as an invited instructor sharing his knowledge alongside of martial arts legends like Bill

“Superfoot” Wallace, Doreen DiRienzo, (the highest ranked female Kenpo Karate instructor in the world), Joe Palanzo, Frank Vigoroux, Angelo Collado and more.

While these names might not be household common, in the world of martial arts, these are the living legends that have graced the covers of countless magazines.

So, why is a man who is constantly travelling the world teaching karate at major conferences coming to Wallaceburg to teach? To share his love of the art and to inspire Wallaceburg students to set personal goals and work to achieve them!

His passion for his work was shown in the time he took for everyone, taking pictures with each student and encouraging them. While focusing on the techniques of karate in the classes, he encouraged

the students to be disciplined in all areas of life, in school, sports and at home.

Students and instructors alike enjoyed their classes with Dr. Steve. Parker siblings Justin, Cole and Eric loved every minute of it, especially the new kick move Dr. Steve taught them. Perhaps the best part of meeting Dr. Steve was his humility; in an interview after the event he was heard saying, “I’m nobody special, I just stuck at it and saw a vision. Follow your vision; never give up!”

EXMARK • ZERO TURNS

Lazer X Series $

13,449

95

Quest S Series $

MSRP $14,449.95 Red Technology 52" Series 6 EXLZX740EKC526

5599 95

MSRP $5799.95 50" Series 2 EXQSS708GEM50200

Quest E Series $

3699 95

MSRP $4299.95 42" Series 1 EXQTE708GEM42100

Pioneer S Series $

9099

95

MSRP $9799.95 60" Series 4 EXPN5740KC604SS

Available at:

OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT SALES • SERVICE • PARTS • RENTALS 29631 Irish School Rd., Dresden

519-683-6963

EXMARK • ZERO TURNS

• DNR OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT • ZERO TURNS •

• ZERO TURNS • DNR OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT • • Sales •SportsXpress Service• July-August 2015 20 Chatham-Kent • Parts • Rentals

Thanks to the wonderful staff at 99.1 CKXS radio, Greg H, Jay, Cory, Chuck, Chris and Gemma along with Mark Childs from the Defiance Running Club, the Heart & Stroke Big Bike fundraiser once again is closer to achieving its goal.

Hoping to raise nine million dollars nationally for 2015, Katrina Ancheta, Program Co­ordinator, hopes to exceed last year’s amount raised in Chatham Kent which was just under $100,000.

This fundraiser helps fund research and recovery for stroke, helps with blood pressure education, advocacy at a national level, and treatment for kids with heart difficulties.

A great time was had by all!

All who attended had a blast

asktheexpert

The dreaded “S” word

Submitted by Don Gilbert

Along with the “Yips”, the “Shank” is one of the most destructive swing faults in golf. At impact, the ball contacts the hosel of the club and squirts low and to the right (right handed players), or left (left handed players). It is a terrible feeling when you address your ball and you know you are going to shank it. You lose all your confidence and desire to play.

Here are four common causes and cures: Cause #1: Weight forward on your toes. Cure: Be sure your weight is distributed somewhere between the balls and mid-step of both your feet. NO weight on your toes.

Cause #2: Standing too close to the ball. Cure: Do not crowd the ball. Stand far enough from the ball so that your arms hang vertically and the butt end of the club is several inches from your body.

Cause #3: Outside to inside swing plane. Otherwise known as “Over the Top” Cure: Practice taking the club head back on a more vertical (upright) plane.

Practice hitting balls beside a shoe box without hitting the box.

Cause #4: Sliding your body ahead of the ball on the downswing. Cure: During the swing keep your head relatively

steady and feel the hands, arms and shoulders accelerating through the ball.

Do not allow your head and hips to slide in front of the ball before impact.

Good luck and good golfing!

FORD & McINTYRE MEN’S WEAR

SUMMER SALE NOW ON

As much as 50% OFF BEST Reader's Choice

of Chatham-Kent

#1 Men’s Store in Chatham Kent

Cultivating the Best, Shore to Shore

61 Talbot St. W. • Blenheim, ON • 519.676.5144 • www.fordandmac.com

Chatham-Kent SportsXpress.ca • July-August 2015

21

fromthesidelines

sportsfiles

Child’s play Submitted by Garry Patterson, That’s Sports!

As a parent, the two things that we want for our children is plain and simple...we want them to be happy and healthy.

The happier and healthier our kids are is the better they will be at the sport they play. The number of kids who make it to the pro sports level is incredibly low; it’s kinda like winning the lottery, except there is a lot of hard work involved too.

The thing that we parents have to remember is, if our kids are enjoying a game and enjoying the kids they are playing with, they will be much better at the sport. I remember playing baseball all afternoon and then running home to change into my uniform to go play baseball for the Thamesville brand in the Western Counties Baseball League.

Were my parents at the school yard or Gordon’s side lot yelling at me to keep my eye on the ball or making sure that I fielded the ball with two hands?

Of course they weren’t. Those were the games when we would try the behind the back catches and the driving catches to

emulate our heroes who played in the Majors. Those were the times that our batting stances would be like that of Rod Carew or Reggie Jackson instead of the way we were taught by our coaches. That was so much fun.

The road hockey or pond hockey games we played were a blast... sometimes just two on two but we were outside until we got called because we had to go to practise or a game. We tried every trick shot in the book and would be out there for hours on end because we loved to play.

I still play slo-pitch and love going to the diamond every night, just like a big kid. I love the smell of the grass and dirt, I get a thrill of snagging a line-shot or driving a single out over second base. I haven’t played hockey in years but would love to be able to play again, just to hear the blades cut the ice and feel the thrill of snapping a shot past the goalie.

These are the things our kids need to feel. I was never forced to go to hockey or baseball nor did my parents yell at me about making it to the NHL or MLB. They just wanted me to get out, get some exercise and have some fun.

The skills I learned playing a team sport are invaluable in the real world.

LET US TAKE YOUR GROUP/TEAM ON YOUR NEXT OUTING W E G E T YO U T H E R E

1-800-668-1974

www.badderbus.com

22

Chatham-Kent SportsXpress • July-August 2015

Parents just have to let the kids do what they do and support their level with the odd tip here and there. They have to let the kids play the sport they are happy playing.

If you don’t see your child in front of the TV and find them shooting the puck against the back of the garage, throwing a baseball against the house or shooting hoops by themselves, smile a little and know that they love the sport they are playing.

If we make sports and athletics enjoyable for our children then they will surely want to play more, do their best, get a little healthier because of the physical activity, and they just might be a little happier.

Emma Gorsky plays on international ice Submitted by Emma Gorsky On May 8th - ­17th I played in Bolzano, Italy with my West Coast Selects hockey team. There is no better feeling than winning and being world champions. People ask what my favourite moment was, but I loved every moment of the trip! From the great competition like DHI (a Toronto-based team), to the sightseeing, all the way to the food, all of it was amazing. I have to say the highlight of my trip was creating friendships with girls from other teams.

Besides playing amazing hockey, I toured central Venice and Bolzano. Out of this tournament I have received some great memories and hockey knowledge. It’s not just Emma holding the the experience with playing the championship trophy game against other teams, but the experience with different coaches. My coach, PJ Norby (who is the head coach), and Mira both gave me a professional critique, which gave me a better sense of what a coach is looking for in a player.

I had a great team ahead of me that played as though we’ve been together for years, and I always knew they had my back. My The team celebrates and shows solidarity team helped me build confidence and has made me a better goalie. A goalie showing confidence can change the way their team plays.

My family and hometown are, and have always been my biggest supporters. I know that they are proud of me and I would like to thank them for supporting me throughout my hockey experience.

After many conversations I had with Bob, it was clear that I was speaking with an expert in the field of boating and I really valued the advice he was giving me. I really wanted a family boat, something my family and I can enjoy. The more I thought about it the clearer it became that a Pontoon would be the perfect choice. I found that pontoons are VERY versatile. You can fish, ski, tube, wakeboard, cruise or relax. I also did alot of research with many different pontoon manufactures and realized no one came close to South Bay. My boat received MANY camera flashes and looks. I know 100% I made the right purchase for so many different reasons. Thank You to Howells Marine for everything you have done for me, You are the Best!!! – Stephen Frederick

Everyone is very proud of Emma and her team

Chatham-Kent SportsXpress.ca • July-August 2015

23

fromthesidelines

fromthesidelines

When the mountain moved

Great fishing locally!

Submitted by Heather Geluk. First released in the Nepali Times.

Photo credit Sherpa Adventure Gear

Reader contribution

I moved here just over a year ago. I have heard many stories about all that Chatham-Kent has to offer with the seasonal weather, access to the U.S., cultural history, locally organized events and great real It wasn’t until I got to know some locals that the fishing became a topic of discussion. Chatham-Kent is situated between one of the last muskie lakes in existence and the world’s most productive fresh water lakes! Lake Erie offers first-rate fishing for its rare abundance and quality of pickerel, perch and rainbow trout to name a few.

In the shallower Lake St. Clair, you will find people at shore and by boat reeling in trophy-sized muskie (some of which are over five feet in length), pickerel, bass or perch. As a matter of fact, professional bass ace Kevin Van Dam

calls it “the best smallmouth lake in the world.”

In-Fisherman magazine ranked Lake Erie number one and Lake St. Clair number two in the world’s top 10 smallmouth locations!

I find it strange having fished all over the country – from Newfoundland ponds and rivers to the salmon runs in British Columbia – to now learn that some of the best variety and abundance of fishing is located right here at home. Dan Brinkman, local fishing enthusiast, says “I have fished in Kent County, my home, and have worked at fishing lodges across the country. I can honestly say that this is the best place to fish that I have seen anywhere. Whether you are after trophy fish or a pan fry, the Great Lakes, the rivers, creeks and ponds found in this

under-rated fishery will rise up to your expectations!”

Whether you choose to fish from shore or from boat, you are sure to enjoy all the benefits that fishing has to offer: fresh air, warm breezes, the tranquility of trickling water and the sheer excitement that comes with the tug on the end of your line. Not that brave or unknowledgeable about what baits to use to land the big one? Contact one of the local charter companies to help you on your way, and maybe they will give up a few proven fishing holes.

Get your fishing licence (available at Canadian Tire or Lucier Glove and Safety Products in Chatham), get your gear and get out there. Let this summer’s memories include some great ones from the lakes and rivers right here at home.

We love Summer and Summer starts with Canadian Tire!

GET INSPIRED

Bleinheim 519-676-8181

Chatham 519-351-1419

Tilbury 519-682-1284

Wallaceburg 519-627-4251

Summer Sports • Hunting • Bicycles • Camping • Lawn & Garden Fishing • Patio & BBQ • Pools • Marine • And Much More!!

24

Chatham-Kent SportsXpress • July-August 2015

Chatham-Kent Ministries

Lhakpa Wongchu Sherpa and I set out from Shishapangma Advanced Base Camp on 25 April in heavy snow, limited visibility, and a gentle breeze that left the long string of prayer flags blowing gently in the wind. Despite the weather, we felt warm and safe in the mountains as we began to make our way up to Depot Camp at 5800m.

taineering. Mountains provide context, they are humbling and make you realise there are forces in nature that will never be harnessed, that won’t bend to our schedules. Rather, we bend to theirs. Coming from a consulting job that demands structure and planning, I find this lack of ‘control’ in mountaineering an opportunity for reckless mental and physical creativity liberating.

I was tired but content. I took a sip of water and looked down at my watch. 11.55am.

My ears picked up a faint, deep rumbling sound that broke the silence and sparked an almost animal-like instinct.

Something wasn’t right. The rumbling continued, louder and louder.

My initial instinct was that this was an avalanche, but where was it coming from?

We were literally surrounded by mountains on all sides and in Thame. en ldr chi h wit had zero visibility. The ground uk Gel r Heathe

It was a long, slow plod over a maze of rock, mud and snow with limited opportunity to appreciate the mighty mountain vistas hidden in the mist. We’d only been teased with fleeting views of this 8025m summit, the 14th highest in the world.

I had been planning this ‘Himalayan Double Header’ expedition for six months: climb Shishapangma from early Distributing relief for sur April to mid-May and then vivors of the Langtang avalanche in Kathmand travel overland to climb u. the 6th highest mountain in the world, Cho Oyu for a mid-late May summit. If successful I would be the first woman then began to shift back and forth in a in 23 years to have done so and the 2nd slow rhythmic movement. Earthquake. woman ever.

To read the rest of Heather’s experiWhen we reached the Depot Camp, I ence and see more pics. Check out www. sat reflecting on my passion for mounchathamkent.sportsxpress.com!

Giving Hope Today Help us to restock our shelves with healthy school snacks.

Support our Healthy Snack Program today!

H E A LT H Y S N A C K PROGRAM Some ideas...

Hearty Fruits & Vegetables Granola Bars (peanut free) Pudding Cups Fruit Cups Cheese & Crackers Juice Boxes

For more information: Chatham 519-354-1430 Ridgetown/Blenheim 519-674-3765 Wallaceburg 519-627-8257 www.cksalvationarmy.org/

Chatham-Kent SportsXpress.ca • July-August 2015

25

fromthesidelines

CHATHAM-KENT CHILDREN'S SAFETY VILLAGE Submitted by Chatham-Kent Children’s Safety Village President Garry Patterson

519-627-2366

The World Health Organization released a report recently that said the leading cause of death for children under the age of 17 worldwide is preventable injury, with 937,000 deaths. Parachute Canada released a report that indicating that the leading cause of death of people under the age of 44 in Canada is also preventable injury, with 15,695 deaths.

The Chatham-Kent Children’s Safety Village is hoping to drastically reduce these numbers by offering safety programming. The Safety Village is taking

TILBURY RENTALS & CONTRACTING 519-682-2830

Specializing in JOHN DEER & STIHL Our People Make the Difference!

Call Us With All Your Needs Reservations Appreciated

9 Queen Street N., Tilbury, ON tilburyrentals.ca | bezzy57@live.ca

7018 Dufferin Ave, Wallaceburg | Open 7 Days a Week 8-3 • Serving Breakfast & Lunch • Catering On-Site and Off-Site • Banquet Facilities • Weddings • Funerals • Sports Team Banquet • Anniversaries • Birthdays • Baby Showers • Corporate Events • Holiday Parties an exciting new step in September by offering programming to all eight grades, encompassing 32 weeks of programming in street safety, bicycle safety, internet safety, first aid, fire safety, farm safety, water and ice safety, electrical safety and many more programs including mental health issues, anti-bulling, and nutrition.

The Chatham-Kent Children’s Safety Village is an amazing learning venue that offers interactive places that include a fire escape room, regulation sized streets and sidewalks and working railway crossing arms.

The Village will also be offering many after school programs for teens, adults and seniors.

The Chatham-Kent Children’s Safety

Fridays: All You Can Eat Fish & Chips $10.99 | Tuesdays: Burger & Fries $5.00

Village is NOT municipally run and receives no annual money from the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, The Province of Ontario or The Federal Government. The Village is completely autonomous, operating strictly on donations and grants.

Executive Director Barb Lovell says, “Not only do we offer great programming, but we have some summer camps that are out of this world to help young girls and boys grow up to be safe. We equip them with the tools to not only to help keep themselves safe, but to keep others safe too.”

For more information about the Chatham-Kent Children’s Safety Village go to cksafetyvillage.org or call 519-360-1270.

/theclubhouseatbaldoon

Over 45 years in business HEATING & COOLING SPECIALISTS

519-627-7971 Gaslines • BBQ’s • HRV’s • Water Heaters • Tankless Units Ductwork Cleaning • Sheetmetal

26

Chatham-Kent SportsXpress • July-August 2015

425 Park Avenue West, Chatham

519-352-7551

NOW 2 GREAT LOCATIONS

679 St. Clair Street, Chatham Financing Available

226-996-9969

Apply Online www.qualitypoolsandspas.ca

Chatham-Kent SportsXpress.ca • July-August 2015

27

MAKE CRABBY JOE’S

YOUR TEAM’S HEADQUARTER!