Soouthpoint Sun April 3, 2013

Busy season fast approaching for Oliver

By Bryan Jessop

It seems only fitting that someone with so much experience on the open water be the manager of the Leamington Marina.

Ronan Oliver has held the position for the past nine years, a career including a lengthy list of preparation, record keeping and booking during the ‘off season’ and an even more demanding schedule once the docks open in the spring. This week marks the time of year Oliver’s workplace switches from an office at the east end of the Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex to the marina itself.

Oliver spends the first half of each April cleaning and setting up for the introduction to the upcoming season, set to begin April 15. Although the season officially opens May 25 with opening ceremonies, Boat Safety Week presented by CPS Windsor and live music on the patio, prior events such as U.S. Customs I-68 application processing (May 11) keep Oliver busy before boaters roll in to fill the docks.

“Some people think there’s nothing to do during the

winter, but that’s definitely not the case,” he explained. “There’s a lot of ground work to take care of during the winter months, such as contracts, bookings, website updates, pavilion bookings, marketing to boaters and boat shows.”

Oliver attends several regional boat shows during the winter, promoting Leamington Marina during shows in Toronto and Windsor, the latter scheduled for April 5 to 7.

Oliver was born and raised in Ireland in a small town about an hour-and-a-half ‘s drive north of Dublin. He graduated from London, England’s University of Guildford with a bachelor of science in 1994, after which point he flew to Miami, Fla. to take on a job as junior purser (officer) with Carnival Cruise Lines. Oliver worked his way up to chief purser with CCL and in 1999 moved to Leamington while in his early 20s.

After waiting six months to achieve landed immigrant status, Oliver began working at Casino Windsor’s Caesar’s Palace, where he became supervisor of VIP reservations. Following an interview in December of 2003, he became

COASTAL TRAILS SAILS TO SEE

Together, WINDSOR, AMHERSTBURG, LEAMINGTON, KINGSVILLE & PELEE ISLAND present: Coastal Trails: Sails to See Festival: August 31-September 2, 2013.

Lovers of music, art, food and wine, families young and old, are invited to see the ships, and enjoy our festivities at the can’t-miss festival of the year! Highlights in Leamington include the Admiral’s Table on Saturday evening, and music, food and a whole line up of entertainment all week-end long.

Just $15 gets your festival boarding pass to climb aboard and explore all the ships that will be gracing the ports in the region

Want to get really close to the action? We could use your volunteer services throughout the weekend. Contact amiskovsky@leamington.ca to volunteer your time. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. A great way to promote your business and help your community at the same time! Contact bfischer@leamington.ca for more information on sponsorships.

DOG OWNERS

Are you a responsible Dog Owner?

According to By-law 668-06 you shall:

• Register your dog and purchase a yearly dog tag

• Remove and sanitarily dispose excrement left by your dog

• Keep your dog under physical control by means of a leash when the dog is any place other than the premises of its owner

Failure to comply with any of the above requirements will result in charges under the Provincial Offences Act.

LEAMINGTON KINSMEN

RECREATION COMPLEX

Register today for Adult and Teen Indoor Cycling Classes, Spring Urban Poling on Leamington’s Trail System, Nature’s Boot Camp at Seacliff Park. Students! Get certified in Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED Level C and be prepared for summer job employment.

Spring Shape-Up Special - 3 month membership $115.00 & HST (on sale during April)

View the Activity Guide for details on all youth and adult recreation.

THE GREAT WATERFRONT TRAIL

ADVENTURE LAKE ERIE EDITION!

The Waterfront Trail is celebrating twenty years of cycling success in 2013 by expanding westward – adding

a 620 km cycling route along the beautiful shores and communities of Lake Erie. At a full 1400km from end to end, the Waterfront Trail is now one of Canada’s longest multi-use trails! To mark the occasion, for the first time the 6th annual Great Waterfront Trail Adventure (GWTA) will follow the new Lake Erie route 600 kms from Lakeshore to Fort Erie, with a stopover in Leamington on August 12. Hundreds of cyclists are expected to ride the route.

The Waterfront Trail Lake Erie extension will be part of Carolinian Canada Coalition’s Erie Coastal Stewardship Network. The signed, mostly on-road route will add 27 new communities to the Trail, including the Windsor Riverfront and off-road cycling paths, as well as communities along the Detroit River and Lake St. Clair. For more information see www.waterfronttrail.org.

BRING FOOD HOME CONFERENCE

-BUILDING BRIDGES TOGETHER

Windsor Essex is proud to have been selected as the hosts for the 2013 Bring Food Home Conference. Each year hundreds of food system leaders attend the conference which features dozens of workshops and presentations by farmers, educators, poverty activists, and aboriginal leaders. The conference offers a forum to share experiences and expertise in building a better food system for our Province. The conference will be held November 17-19. More details to follow.

UPCOMING COUNCIL MEETINGS

April 8, 15, 22. May 6, 13, 27

Council Chambers 7:00 pm.

View Leamington’s latest council agenda at www.leamington.ca

ENVIRONMENTAL TIP: No room for a vegetable garden? Try container gardening for your own fresh produce.

LEAMINGTON

MUNICIPALITY OF LEAMINGTON 111 Erie Street North, Leamington ON N8H 2Z9 519-326-5761 www.leamington.ca

the manager of the Leamington Municipal Marina in January of 2004.

Four months prior to attending Guildford, Oliver worked for Mossiman Contract Catering, where he served prominent celebrities including Princess Diana. He also took part in set up and tear down services for Wimbledon and the Ryder Cup. His university placement brought him to a Japanese hotel located in Amsterdam.

“It was a great experience,” Oliver noted. “It really opened my eyes to a broader view of the world and opened the doors to the concept of marketing myself.”

As marina manager, Oliver oversees daily operations including maintenance, staffing, budgeting, hosting special events, planning, scheduling and arranging reservations for docks and pavilion rentals and the fishing ramps for recreational users. He also coordinates summer concerts and other community events. During peak season, Leamington Marina employs 11 seasonal, part time employees.

“During the summer months, the marina is a 24-7 operation,” Oliver explained. “It’s a fast-paced, multi-tasking environment. There are many different areas that are buzzing all at once.”

The marina’s pavilion, used to host such events as the U.S. Customs I-68 application processing for boaters and the Walk, Rock and Roll fundraiser, will be subject to an upgrade in the nearby open deck area through the federal government’s Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund.

Leamington Marina will once again serve as a summer hotspot for live music, with the Friday Night Patio Nights set to launch with a June 14 performance by Champagne Bay. Each Friday from June 14 to Aug. 23 with the exception of Aug. 16 will feature different performers from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. The marina will also host the return of the Sunday Summer Serenade Concert Series, set to begin July 7 with a performance by Chapter Three. The series will continue each Sunday until Aug. 11 with one hour shows from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Perhaps the biggest event at the marina in recent memory will be the Southwestern Ontario Coastal Trails Sails To See Festival, featuring the simultaneous arrival and visit from tall ships to ports in Leamington, Kingsville, Amherstburg, Windsor and Pelee Island. Leamington Marina is expected to host three of these ships — The Pride Of Baltimore II, Westward and a smaller ship dubbed Dreamer. The purchase of a $15 pass will allow visitors to tour all the ships at all five locations while a $5 pass will permit access to

Almost Here, But Not Quite

I feel like we are sitting on the border of green grass and frost beneath our feet, grey sweaters and bright colours, oven roasts and barbeque fare.

The temptation has gotten the best of me and I have dared to wear my spring coat and shoes only to find myself feeling chilled for most of the day. Even my garden is confused. The daffodils have budded amongst all of last year’s garden decay and hold fast when the snow continues blowing.

It is these last few weeks that I find the hardest. I am ready to pack away winter, the warm dark clothing, heavier foods and grey skies. My energy level depends on a warm breeze and sunshine arriving very soon.

This past weekend we saw a few more neighbours slowly venturing out of their homes from hibernation. Promises of potlucks and BBQ’s by the poolside excite us all, but the list of tasks to perform before we can get into a relaxation

mode has our focus now. There aren’t enough hours in a day, and this old adage has become reality. I’ve noticed that it’s the people who get up with the birds and go to bed for a good eight hours are the ones who accomplish the most in a day. Stealing away some time for myself in the morning for a walk or a coffee on the porch, starts the day off perfectly, as opposed to sleeping in and jumpstarting a day that I never seem to catch up to. Everything is ‘almost.’ The weather is almost warm enough and the sunshine almost bright enough and the jobs are almost done. Spring

gives me some hope and optimism. This I know from the quotations below. Nothing is new!

“It’s spring fever. That is what the name of it is. And when you’ve got it, you want - oh, you don’t quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so!”

- Mark Twain

Tom Sawyer, Detective.

“The first day of spring is one thing, and the first spring day is another. The difference between them is sometimes as great as a month.”

- Henry Van Dyke

“If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant: if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome.”

- Anne Broadstreet

“Spring is the time of plans and projects.”

- Leo Tolstoy, Anna Karenina

WEDNESDAYS - Are you looking for food and fellowship? Join us, no charge, at St. John’s Anglican Church, 60 Erie St. N., Leamington, from 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. Call 519-326-3111 for more information.

welcome, or call 1-888-2 DONATE (1-888-2366283) for information or to book your appointment.

VOLUNTEER DRIVERS ARE NEEDED to transport people in Essex County and Chatham-Kent for dialysis treatments. Reimbursement of mileage is at .40 cents per km driven. We are in need of volunteer drivers to provide these essential appointments. To volunteer call 519728-1435, long distance 1-855-728-1433, or visit us at 499 Notre Dame St., Belle River. IF YOU HAVE PARKINSON and would like to join our group for information, exercise and support, come by Tuesday mornings at 10:30 a.m. to the Half Century Club, 160 Talbot St. E. Leamington. THE LEAMINGTON KIWANIS CLUB IS A SERVICE ORGANIZATION. Meetings are held twice a month, the first and third Thursday. If you are a non-profit organization and would like a meeting place on weekdays, or if you are interested in learning more about our organization, or to have us involved in your community, please contact Leo at 519 325-0953.

EVERY THURSDAY NOW UNTIL MAY 23 - 6:30 - 9 pm. Why not join us for the “ALPHA COURSE”? Dinner, Video & Discussion, Exploring the meaning of the Christian Faith. Meadowbrook Fellowship 219Talbot St. E., Leamington. Register now! Call Church Office: 519-326-3605.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3 - Blood donors are needed. Bring a friend and donate at the Blood Donor Clinic, 1-7 p.m. at the Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex, 249 Sherk St. Walk-ins are

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3 - Shooters Photography Club meets 7:00 - 10:00 p.m. at Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens, 1550 Road 3E, Ruthven, in the Willow Room at the food court. Please use west parking. Visit facebook.com for meeting and club information, search Shooters Photography Club. Everyone welcome! For info contact George Schiefer 519-733-5055 or gshiefer@cogeco.ca.

SATURDAY, APRIL 6 - Mom2Mom Sale in Windsor, 10:30 - 2:00 at WFCU CentreCommunity Centre Entrance 8787 Mc Hugh. 175 spaces at this event. For more information please visit http://www.mom2mom.ca/windsor/mom2momresale.htm.

FRIDAY, APRIL 12 - 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and SATURDAY, APRIL 13 - 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.Rummage Sale at First Baptist Church, 3 Fox St., Leamington. Lots of good used clothing for adults and children, small household items, toys, books, home decor and more! Something for everyone!

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17 - The Leamington Horticultural Society will hold its monthly general meeting at the Leamington United Church, 7:30 p.m. This month’s speakers will be Marg and Susan Ross who will be holding a hands-on teaching class to make corsages and leis for Mother’s Day. To attend, you do not have to be a Society member. Guests are welcome and attendance is free. Light refreshments will be served. For further information please call Berit Collings 519-326-5558.

FRIDAY APRIL 19 - Finding Hope In A Troubled World is the theme of a 9 part seminar series that starts on Friday, April 19 @ 7 p.m. Great promises are made by many individuals, yet hope is not very evident. In this series, Glendon Robinson will present the world situation as it currently is and that there is Hope to come. This free seminar series is April 19-27, nightly at 7 p.m. (except Monday and Thursday) and is being held at the Seventh-day Adventist Church, 220 Eire St. N., Leamington. All are cordially invited to attend.

SATURDAY, APRIL 20 - Leamington Library Earth Day... Love Your Planet! At 1:00 p.m. Ages 5 & up. Register at the library.

SATURDAY, APRIL 20 - The Ont. Purple Martin Assoc. spring meeting is at 9:00 a.m. at Orchard View Golf Course, 1357 County Rd. 34 (old Hwy 3), north of Ruthven. Everyone interested in purple martins is welcome. For info call 1-519-7383476.

SUNDAY, APRIL 21 - Mersea United Church (Mersea Road 8, East of Blytheswood - corner of Rd 8 and Rd 12) Benefit Breakfast for Lainie Sallmen 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 pm. by Donation. Also accepting donations at: Mersea Untied Church (Lainie Sallmen Benefit) P. O. Box 652, Wheatley, ON N0P 2P0. Please make your cheque payable to Mersea United Church and mark the memo line - Lainie Sallmen Benefit.

SUNDAY, APRIL 21 - SILENT WALK & VIGIL Meet at the South Point Community Church, 4 Queens Avenue at 3:15 pm. Walk to Leamington District Memorial Hospital to express concern for abortion. Rain or shine. Leamington Area Right to Life 519-325-0929.

New pay system will cost Leamington $50,000 more per year

Leamington Municipal Council held a special Council meeting Wednesday, March 27th to consider a consultant’s report on non-union salaries and pay equity.

To comply with pay equity legislation (to ensure that females and males are paid without discrimination), the municipality must have a methodology in place that evaluates work on the basis of four “compensable” factors—skill, effort, responsibility, and working conditions—and that can also be demonstrated to be “gender neutral”. To give you an idea of just how difficult this can be, consider the fact that over 160 new complaint files were opened by the Ontario Pay Equity Tribunal in the reporting year 2010-2011.

BILL CHAPLIN

Municipal Correspondent

In Leamington’s approach, the consultants have included twelve sub-sets to provide measurable quantities under skill, effort, responsibility and working conditions. Each generates a number of points, the points are summed, and the total places the job in a particular pay rate category. In each category it takes years of doing the job successfully to reach the final pay rate.

When jobs were evaluated using this methodology, the resulting band groups were shared with staff who were given the prerogative to appeal the result of the consultant’s analysis. It speaks volumes that there were only seven changes needed to resolve all doubts about the rating of 58 different job classifications.

Having established internal pay equity, it was necessary to finally address gender equity:

were jobs identified as female-dominated (or occupied exclusively by a female incumbent) being compensated fairly when compared to similar male-dominated jobs. It was determined that there are 32 female job classes. Half had nonunion comparators that were in the same pay band; half had to be compared to similar unionized jobs. Out of all these jobs, only 10 required increases in pay to satisfy the requirements of pay equity legislation.

This corporation that has a payroll in the millions, only had to make about $25,000 in adjustments to ensure that every female employee is being treated fairly under law. (It is fair to note that the law considers only pay increases. If

Man driving wrong way on Highway 3 arrested for impaired driving

On March 25 at approximately midnight, an Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officer from Essex had stopped a vehicle on Highway 3 near Manning Road, for speeding. At the same time, a black Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck passed his location heading westbound in the eastbound lanes and into oncoming traffic.

The vehicle was stopped approximately two kilometres from where the officer first noticed him. Several vehicles had to pull onto the shoulder to avoid a collision with the pickup truck that was driving on the wrong side of the road.

The driver of the truck, 31-year-old Steven SCHENTAG of Tecumseh, was arrested at the scene and charged with Impaired Operation of a Motor Vehicle as well as Exceed 80 mgs blood alcohol content. His driver’s licence was suspended for 90 days and his vehicle was impounded for 7 days.

Police are asking anyone that witnessed this event or had to pull onto the shoulder of the roadway to avoid being struck, to contact Provincial Constable Mike Zajac at Essex OPP, 519-7383796.

analysis determines that a female-dominated job is being overpaid there is no requirement to lower or freeze wages of the female(s), nor to raise the pay of the male comparators. That is the job of the internal equity pay band system.)

How does Leamington compare to other municipalities?

The final part of the job that the consultants were hired to study was a comparison with other municipalities to see if Leamington’s rate of pay appears to be reasonable. To quote directly from the consultant’s report, “It appears that the current pay of the Municipality positions as a whole is slightly low to the pay market average and median, both on a salaried and hourly basis ... The Municipality would need an average adjustment of approximately 2.8% and 1.5% of current job rates on annual salaries to meet the market average and median, respectively.” In simple terms, about half the time comparator municipalities paid the same job more, and about half the time they paid less.

Wednesday afternoon, Leamington Municipal Council was told that the new pay system would cost the corporation about $49,700 more than the old system, but once you discount the $25,000 that would have had to be paid for pay equity anyhow, the cost of acquiring a system that can be defended before a pay equity tribunal amounts to just under $25,000.

in the in the in the in the in the

ARIES - Mar 21/Apr 20

Aries, some conflicting signals from a friend this week might seem like trouble is ahead. But it's more likely that your perception of the situation is a little off.

TAURUS - Apr 21/May 21

Taurus, your imagination has a life of its own this week. You may be thinking of living on the edge a little bit in the next few days but don't overdo it.

GEMINI - May 22/Jun 21

Gemini, avoid a deep discussion about your feelings with someone at work this week. Now is not the time or the place to share anything personal, so keep it professional.

CANCER - Jun 22/Jul 22

Cancer, don't get sidetracked this week because coworkers are expecting your full attention and effort at the office. You may need to juggle a few responsibilities for the time being.

LEO - Jul 23/Aug 23

Leo, make sure you comments are not misinterpreted this week. Someone might take something the wrong way, so choose your words carefully.

VIRGO - Aug 24/Sept 22

Virgo, you may be feeling great physically, but there is a nagging problem that you simply cannot identify. Give it time and it will come to the surface.

LIBRA - Sept 23/Oct 23

Libra, you know what you want and do not need anyone's approval, but you can't help checking in with a family member this week to get a second opinion.

SCORPIO - Oct 24/Nov 22

Scorpio, channel your romantic feelings into action this week. Act sooner rather than later and make the most of your emotions while they're strong.

SAGITTARIUS - Nov 23/Dec 21

Sagittarius, learn from the past but do not allow letdowns from the past to dictate your future. There is no guarantee that things will be repeated.

CAPRICORN - Dec 22/Jan 20

Capricorn, write things down this week before you say them to be sure you have everything correct. This will help you when you need to make an important announcement.

AQUARIUS - Jan 21/Feb 18

Aquarius, you may feel like escaping to a fantasy world, but that does not mean the pressing matters will simply disappear. A vacation may recharge your batteries.

PISCES - Feb 19/Mar 20

You are in much better shape than you think you are, Pisces. So don't be too hard on yourself this week. It is alright to put your feet up.

FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS

MARCH 31

Ewan McGregor, Actor (42)

APRIL 1

Rachel Maddow, TV Host (40)

APRIL 2

Adam Rodriguez, Actor (38)

APRIL 3

Alec Baldwin, Actor (55)

APRIL 4

Christine Lahti, Actress (63)

APRIL 5

Mike McCready, Guitarist (47)

APRIL 6

Candace Cameron, Actress (37)

Chatham-Kent Essex farmers bear brunt of new farm tire taxes

MPP for Chatham-KentEssex Rick Nicholls state last week that farmers are being asked to pay the price of years of Liberal financial mismanagement, as government has moved to drastically increase tire recycling fees – in some cases by as much as 2,200 per cent.

Nicholls notes that the new round of government’s eco-fee increases sees a front tire on a combine jump to $352.80, up from just $15.29.

“This is a blatant cash grab,” Nicholls claimed. “Yet another tire tax from a government that continues to look to hard-working rural Ontarians to pay the bills for Liberal mistakes.”

“The government is hoping farmers won’t notice.

I’m sure they will, and I don’t think they’ll be happy. While Premier Wynne claims to be there for rural Ontario, the government continues to show a blatant disregard for farmers,” Nicholls stated.

Ontario Tire Stewardship (OTS), an organization with government-sanctioned monopoly control over recycling tires in the province, has run annual deficits as much as $8 million on offthe-road tires ever since the Ontario Liberals created the program in 2009.

The off-the-road category includes tires that are used for dump trucks, tractors and log skidders.

“The Liberal government and its toothless watchdog, Waste Diversion Ontario, stood by for years as its recycling program for off-theroad tires went bankrupt,”

Environment Critic MPP

Michael Harris said. “Now, the Environment Minister has decided the best way to sweep this financial mess

under the rug is to force hardworking farmers, along with construction, forestry and mining companies, to pay the bill.”

Ontario’s Official Opposition by contrast, has unveiled a bold plan that holds manufactures and importers of tires responsible for recycling, but gives them the freedom to work with other businesses to find the best way possible to carry out that responsibility.

“We understand that if companies assume responsibility for diverting waste from our landfills as a cost of doing business, they also need to manage it as part of their business,” Harris said. “Government needs to return to its role as a regulator. That means instead of setting and approving eco-fees, it should be setting measurable and achievable waste diversion targets, establishing environmental standards and monitoring outcomes. That’s it.”

Play ball!

With the major league baseball season now underway, my thoughts turn to the diamond, even if it’s still too cold to play.

Those who enjoy the game of baseball begin to get that itch in March and those that are still nimble enough to put on a glove, are anxious to hit the field in April.

With the Tigers poised to re-visit the World Series and the Blue Jays debuting a much improved lineup, baseball fans in these parts will have all of the excitement they can handle this season.

MARK RIBBLE Rib’s Ramblings

With the ressurgence of the Tigers and Jays, comes an anticipated rise in local minor ball registration. Interest seems to peak according to how well the local pro teams are doing, so this should bode well for Leamington Minor Baseball.

I remember being a part of it back in 1993 when the Blue Jays were back-to-back World Series champions. The upswing in interest at the youth level was pretty amazing.

When I was a kid, way back when bats were wooden and bases were made of cloth, Leamington and Wheatley both had strong minor baseball systems. Of course, the Tigers were everyone’s team and they were the 1968 World Series champs, so interest locally was high.

We played for hours in the back yard, pretending we were Mickey Lolich or Bill Freehan. One night a week, we also had practice with our minor ball team and then on Saturday mornings, we had our weekly game.

The Kinsmen Club sponsored all of minor baseball in Leamington back then and the teams were named after major league teams. I played for the Pirates the first couple of years with our black and gold shirts, adorned with ‘Kinsmen’ on the front. I think I remember there being about eight teams in our division.

It was simple then. You went out and played the games and had tons of fun. There were no limits on how many batters appeared each inning. We played until there were three outs. Our coaches weren’t certified or credentialed but were good enough to put in their time and run us through the basic drills of the day. I see these leagues where they don’t keep score, or they’ve modified the rules to allow everyone a fair chance and I just cringe.

We all learned to play the game a certain way. How about our kids and grandkids learn the same way, to be gracious winners and losers. It builds character. We all won and lost our share of games back then, and today we are better people for it.

Fast forward about 45 years and I’m still plodding the basepaths on a weekly basis during the summer. Granted, slo-pitch is a little different than hardball, but the competition is still there and really, that’s what the game is all about.

My glove is a little worn, and my spikes actually lost some sole last summer during a dash for a fly ball. My arm went south about 15 years ago and I forgot to go with it. I used to be able to gun runners down at the plate from the outfield but now I’m lucky if I can throw from second to first without including a bounce.

But hey, it’s still fun. After all of these years, my competitive juices still flow as much as this old body will let them and the beverages are still cold after the game.

We don’t win a lot but I’m playing ball with both of my sons and a lot of other guys I genuinely like being around.

What more can a guy ask for?

Play ball!

APRIL IS THE MONTH TO FIGHT BACK

To some, the daffodil is just a flower.

To us, it is a symbol of strength and courage. It says:

• we will not give up.

• we will fight back.

• we will beat cancer.

• no one has to face cancer alone.

Daffodil Day is April 27, 2013 - This is a special day when Canadians can show their support for those living with cancer and to remember those who have died. On this important day we encourage Canadians to do something special for those living with cancer or to contribute in some way to the fight against this disease. For example:

Tell a loved one or friend with cancer that you are thinking of them; let them know about the Society’s information and support programs. Do something special for someone you know with cancer (for example, make a meal, do an errand, babysit).

Talk with your provincial or local politicians about the importance of fighting back against cancer and tell them how they can join the Society in this fight.

Helping you navigate the path from unhealthy back to healthy

By Cathy Telfer, Outreach volunteer of the Canadian Cancer Society

There you are, just going about your day-to-day routines -- unafraid, undaunted, unfazed and generally fine. Then something triggers a message that you are also unhealthy.

You might have a sign or symptom -- a lump, blood where it shouldn't be, unexplained weight loss, or extreme fatigue beyond what your day-to-day stresses should cause. Or maybe routine screening such as a mammogram, colonoscopy or FOBT (Fecal Occult Blood Test) shows that things are not right. This unexpected news draws you into a new world of tests, doctors, appointments and that unwanted statement "You have cancer".

Where you go from here is unpredictable. Every person is different and every cancer is different. There are over 200 types of cancer and many options for treatment. No one can tell you what will be absolutely the best course of treatment for you or how you will react to it but your healthcare team can advise you based on experiences with thousands of other patients. Your cancer might be categorized by stage or type which helps direct your treatment.

You might be undecided about what to do and how to organize your life to get through the next few months. Should you follow the oncologist's advice or seek additional sources and opinions? Should you investigate alternative and complementary therapies as well as traditional treatments?

You might be feeling unstable and uncomfortable about what is happening. You've gone from being in control of your life to having that control taken away. Even though you feel very alone and think you are the only one who has experienced such difficulties, others have been there and can help you navigate the path from unhealthy back to healthy. Contact the Cancer Society if you'd like to be matched with someone who has encountered a similar challenge. Peer support is a powerful tool to wellness.

Some people can focus on the here-and-now, what needs to be done and the course to take while others are overwhelmed by all of the decisions that need to be made. If you can surround yourself with a strong support group of positive people willing and able to help, you will begin to feel more in control and stable. You will become more comfortable with the terms, tests, clinics and professionals who are there to help you.

These people can help you feel more decisive and in control. Your life can become more predictable and even though you may not achieve a cure, you can become cancer-free. You can begin to know what to expect in the future.

You can make healthy lifestyle choices by avoiding smoke and ultraviolet rays, by increasing fruits and vegetables, by getting enough rest, by exercising regularly. You can advocate for yourself and participate in no-cost screenings for various types of cancers. You can find yourself again -maybe not the same person you were -- but a strong, confident and knowledgeable survivor, unshakable in your belief to live life to the fullest. You become unafraid of the future and undaunted by steps along the way. If you want to know more about what you can do to improve your health, talk to an information specialist at 1-888-939-3333, visit the website at www.cancer.ca, or call the Canadian Cancer Society.

Tips for newcomers to the game of golf

Few hobbies can be as enjoyable one moment and as frustrating the next as golf. Golfers know a great putt can be quickly followed by a bad tee shot, and maintaining their composure through the highs and lows of the game is a key to success on the links. Maintaining that composure isn't always easy, even for the professionals. It's even more difficult for beginners, who quickly learn the game of golf involves more than just spending sunny weekend afternoons on pristine golf courses. In fact, golf can be quite demanding, and beginners would be wise to heed a few tips before hitting the course.

• Don't commit to an expensive set of clubs right off the bat. Golf clubs can be very expensive, so beginners should buy an affordable secondhand set of clubs so they can get the hang of what they like before spending a lot of money. Visit a pro shop and explain that you are just a beginner. The shop will likely make some valuable suggestions and might even let you try out a pair of clubs. In addition, many driving ranges allow customers to rent clubs, and this can be a great and inexpensive way to find the right clubs for you.

• Take lessons. Even the very best at self-teaching might find it extremely difficult to become a self-taught golfer. When first trying your hand at golf, take some lessons and don't expect to be playing 18 holes any time soon. Before hitting the course, where you might be discouraged and you might frustrate those golfing behind you, learn the fundamentals by taking a few lessons at the driving range. Learn from a professional, who won't offer you any hidden secrets to golfing glory (there aren't any) but will offer sound advice on the game's fundamentals.

• Take the game home with you. Beginners can even take advantage of golf's vast popularity by taking the game home with them. This doesn't mean building a putting green in your backyard. Rather, purchase some instructional DVDs to learn the game during your down time throughout the week. Many golfers don't have time to hit the links during the week, but they do have time to

watch some DVDs when they get home from work. Such instructional DVDs can help you master your grip and stance, which you can then take with you to the course over the weekend.

• Have fun. Golf is a fun game; it just takes time to hone your skills. But even if you aren't ready for the professional tour after your first few rounds, you can still have fun. Don't let some beginner's frustration, which every golfer experiences, ruin the fun of the game. Take note of your surroundings when you hit the links, and appreciate the time you're spending with your group. If the game becomes more a source of frustration than fun, then take a break and put in some more work away from the course, be it at the driving range or studying at home.

Solheim Cup in Colorado in 2013

The Solheim Cup is named in honor of Karsten Solheim, the founder of Karsten Manufacturing Corporation, which makes PING golf equipment.

In 1990, the Solheim family, in conjunction with the LPGA and the LET, developed the concept and became the title sponsor for The Solheim Cup, professional golf's international match-play competition for women. Held every two years, the event has grown into the most prestigious international women's professional golf team event. The Solheim Cup is the most highly coveted trophy in women's professional golf team competition; some of the most memorable moments in women's golf have happened during one of The Solheim Cups

The Solheim Cup combines the tradition and prestige of the game of golf with passion for one's country. This biennial, trans-Atlantic team match-play competition features the best U.S.-born players

from the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Tour and the best European members from the Ladies European Tour (LET). The U.S. team leads the competition, 8-4. In 2013, the Americans look to defend their unblemished record in home matches and regain the Cup at Colorado Golf Club in Parker, Colorado, August 13-18.

Ryder Cup in Scotland - 2014

The 40th Ryder Cup Matches will be held from September 2628, 2014 on the PGA Centenary Course at the Gleneagles Hotel near Auchterarder in Perthshire, Scotland. This will be the second time that Scotland has hosted the Ryder Cup, the 1973 competition having been played at Muirfield.

Europe will go into the contest as the cup holders, having defeated the USA by 14½ points to 13½ in 2012 at the Medinah Country Club in Medinah, Illinois. The Ryder Cup is a match play event, with each match worth one point. The competition format is as follows:

• Day 1 (Friday) – 4 foursome (alternate shot) matches and 4 fourball (better ball) matches

• Day 2 (Saturday) – 4 foursome matches and 4 fourball matches

• Day 3 (Sunday) – 12 singles matches

On the first two days there are 4 foursome matches and 4 fourball matches with the home captain choosing which are played in the morning and which in the afternoon. With a total of 28 points available, 14½ points are required to win the Ryder Cup, and 14 points are required for the defending champion to retain it. All matches are played to a maximum of 18 holes.

Preparing for Spring

April is here, along with day light savings time and the sun will start to warm up the ground turning everything green once again.

As spring comes closer, now is the time to maintain your property to ensure a lush and healthy lawn. First start with removing any sticks or debris and leaves from last year.

In the back yard...

I use the lawn mower to cut any dead foliage to add additional mulch. Too many leaves on your lawn will suffocate the grass and stunt its ability to grow properly. Once the lawn has been properly cleaned, it is time for feeding with a slow release fertilizer.

Our early spring weather is very unpredictable, so fertilizing too early can result in waste due to spring rains washing the granular away.

Before adding fertilizer, aerating or thatching your lawn will allow the new roots to develop and will also help weed control. Rake back extra mulch from the plant beds allowing the soil to warm and prevent suffocation of the spring bulbs and perennials that are starting to sprout. This will also make new spring planting easier. A healthy lawn depends on a well maintained mower, now is the time to make sure the blades are sharp and ready.

Easter lilies should be in full bloom, for best results keep the soil moderately moist but not soggy and in a well drained container. After the plant has completed blooming, cut away the flower and place in a well lit area. Once the frost has passed, you can transplant the bulb outside. As the foliage dies off, cut the stem off at ground level and the bulb will start the growing process again. Some bulbs depending on the size can produce flowers in late summer, but most likely not until next June or July. If weather conditions are still not cooperating, this is a good time to rake the planting areas and spread aged compost.

Doing this will allow the nutrients in the compost to leach into the soil, allowing any bulbs or perennials to get a kick start for the season.

E-mail – inthebackyard74@yahoo.ca

2013 Homeownership Program 10% Down Payment Assistance Investment in Affordable Housing Program

The Federal and Provincial governments partnered to fund a Homeownership Downpayment Assistance Program for Windsor and Essex County in 2013. It is expected the program can provide assistance for approximately 30 - 40 households. Down payment assistance of 10% of the purchase price of an eligible home, up to a maximum of $17,300 is provided by a 20-year forgivable loan registered on title as a second mortgage. Eligibility criteria includes total gross household income cannot exceed $80,300 and total household assets cannot exceed $20,000 (certain assets are excluded). Completed applications will be generally processed on a first come, first serve basis having regard to a fair distribution of the program funds across Windsor and Essex County. The program expires December 10, 2013, or when program funds are depleted, whichever occurs first. The Homeownership Downpayment Assistance Program Application form may only be obtained by completing and submitting the Request for Application Form provided below. Applications cannot be picked up at City Hall or at

City Hall Square East.

Leamington-Mersea Historical Society elects new executive

The Leamington and Mersea Historical held its March meeting at the WFCU on Erie St. S. in Leamington. The new executive consisting of President Paul Bunnett-Jones, VicePresident Bob McCracken, Past President Neil Fotheringham, Secretary Carolyn Coad, Correspondence Secretary Betty Fox, MCR chairman Bill Gay and Press Secretary Scott Holland was introduced. Treasurer Sandra Hughes was absent from the meeting.

The short meeting revolved around several past and upcoming events including the Leamington Fair. An update on the work done on the land registry records and general archives was given. Several committee reports were given and there was a short discussion on the addition of the microfilm machine donated to the Society.

As well, the Society has received a number of old Leamington postcards and photos. Initial plans are underway for this year’s Heritage Awards and it’s hoped that more quality nominations and a higher attendance can be achieved.

The next meeting of the Society will be April 27, 11:30 a.m. at the WFCU in Leamington. The public is welcome.

2013 Ontario Renovates Program Windsor Essex Investment in Affordable Housing (IAH) Program

The Federal and Provincial governments have partnered to fund the Ontario Renovates Homeowner and Multi-Residential program in Windsor and Essex County in 2013. The City of Windsor is the delivery agent for the program in Windsor and Essex County. The program provides a forgivable loan to eligible homeowners and landlords to complete various types of work. Certain Program conditions apply.

Funding is provided in the form of a 10 year forgivable loan for homeowners and a 15 year forgivable loan for landlords based on the cost of approved work items and subject to various conditions. For accessibility repair costs up to the first $3,500 may be in the form of a grant not a loan and does not require repayment. Where needed, in the case of an accessibility repair, funding in excess of $3,500 will be in the form of a forgivable loan. The amount of funding per application/unit may be up to a maximum of $50,000 but the average funding of all applications/units under the program cannot exceed $25,000. The amount of program funds will be registered on title of the property as a mortgage.

The Ontario Renovates Program Application Form may only be obtained by completing and submitting the Request for Application Form provided below, or at the City of Windsor’s website.

Call for Applications -

$25,000 in Student Awards

Available to Local Youth

Building upon its long-standing commitment to youth, United Communities is giving away $25,000 to local students as a financial boost for post-secondary education.

The MyUnited Student Awards recognize those who have achieved academic success while giving back to their community. “These awards are one example of our commitment to help build stronger, more sustainable communities and foster success among local youth,” states Jim Lynn, President and CEO of United Communities Credit Union. “Positioning local youth for success is important to us, that’s why in addition to the MyUnited Student Award, we offer a no fee chequing account until age 26,” continues Lynn.

“We also want to recognize students that have a widerange of post-secondary plans, which is why we opened up the award to students attending colleges, universities, apprenticeship programs, as well as technical institutes and private colleges,” states Liz Arkinstall, Manager of Community Relations.

All applicants will also have access to personalized one-on-one financial coaching sessions to discuss the ins and outs of money management, from budgeting and saving to student loans and credit cards, and the importance of maintaining a good credit rating.

“I was so shocked and overjoyed to be chosen as the recipient of the award. It is thrilling to be recognized for my contributions to the community and to be honoured with such a scholarship. Receiving the award is a huge relief and will eliminate some of the financial burden of paying for my education and living away from home,” stated 2012 award winner, Brittney Grondin.

United Communities has also launched a new youth website dedicated to helping young people achieve financial success. The site, myunitedgofree.ca, incorporates informative videos, blog posts and financial calculators.

Visit myunitedgofree.ca and fill in the easy to use online award application from April 2nd - May 17th for your chance to win!

Leamington Horticultural Society

By Catherine Riediger

On March 4th the Leamington Horticultural Society made a presentation before Leamington Council regarding the “Replant Our Streets” program, which Bill Sherk and Scott Watson initiated in 2002. Over the last ten years, this program facilitated 105 trees planted by the Municipality and private citizens on public property.

The purpose of the meeting was to notify Leamington Council that the Leamington Horticultural Society has agreed to take ownership and oversee the “Replant Our Streets” program under the guidance of their Tree Committee. Bill Sherk spoke on behalf of the Society and Leamington Council agreed to continue the partnership through their Public Works Department. There will be further information regarding the “Replant Our Streets” program in the April update publication to celebrate Earth Day on April 22nd.

The monthly general meeting was held on March 20th. The guest speaker was Margaret Ingratta. She provided an informative insight into the growing of tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers in a greenhouse environment.

Also, the first day of spring arrived on March 20th just in time for the Home and Garden Tradeshow at the Kinsmen Centre on March 22nd - 24th. The Society had a booth decorated with dark red geraniums provided by Anna’s Flowers and floral arrangements by

Society members Kathryn Brooker, Maria Catania, Giovanna Day, Marilyn George, Marg Ross, Susan Ross, Beth Smith and Erna Wright, which provided a much appreciated breath of springtime. Raffle tickets were sold to raise funds to beautify Mersea Park and are still available from Society members until the draw on June 19th. First prize is $500, second prize $250 and third prize $100.

The next monthly general meeting will be on April 17th and the guest speakers will be Marg and Susan Ross who will be conducting a hands-on teaching class to make corsages and leis for Mother’s Day. There will also be a discussion regarding the upcoming Plant Sale at the Leamington United Church on May 11th. If you have any plants you wish to donate from your garden, you can contact Plant Sale Co-ordinator, Nancy Robson 326-8557.

Leamington After 5 enjoys “Easter Bonnet Parade”

Leamington After 5 held its regular monthly meeting at Colasanti’s on Monday, March 11 at 6:30 p.m. Those in attendance were invited to come attired in their favourite bonnet, so they could be entered in a draw for a beautiful orchid provided by Colasanti’s. Following a delicious chicken dinner, the group of approximately 60 ladies was entertained with a special “Easter Bonnet Parade” provided by the Planning Team.

The guest speaker was Sonja Pretorius from Queensville, Ontario who shared her story of “A New Beginning”. Sonja and her family immigrated to Canada 20 years ago from South Africa and she shared with the group her struggles in a new country and how her faith in Jesus Christ was a great support for her and her family.

Lisa Willms, Lisa Cocks and Dana Romualdi provided us with four inspirational musical numbers “acepella”. It was a wonderful evening of good food, good fellowship and sharing.

Leamington After 5 is a ladies group, which is one of many that meet nationally and internationally as part of the programs offered through Stonecroft Ministries. There is no membership or dues. Our next meeting will be held on Monday, April 8 and all are welcome.

Wind Towers

Wind Towers

Leamington OPP constables Darin Rickeard (above) and Sean Beaul (below right) bag groceries at The Real Canadian Superstore Thursday, March 28 in a county-wide fundraising effort for the annual Essex County OPP Cop Camp. Donations made by customers of grocery stores including the Real Canadian Superstore, Zehrs in Kingsville and Tecumseh and Foodland in Essex will be used to help fund the camp. The camp will be attended by 90 Grade 6 students from OPP communities across Essex County for a week of recreation and leadership activities. Combined donations from the participating stores across the county totaled $20,700. Sixty Essex County OPP officers and civilians participated in the fundraiser. (SUN Photos)

Local politics student heading to Africa

By Bryan Jessop

Travelling thousands of kilometres to discuss the political matters of foreign nations is normally the responsibility of established federal politicians rather than university students in their early 20s.

This duty however will soon lie in the hands of lifelong Wheatley resident Ashley Imeson, a University of Windsor student who has enrolled in several politics courses. Imeson, who has been taking Contemporary African Politics, European Politics, Politics in the Developing World and Introduction to Canadian Democracy while minoring in Political Science, will soon jet off to the small African nation of Ghana. While there, she will be situated in the country’s northern region to work on governance and rural infrastructure projects.

Imeson will spend a week in Toronto for departure training before heading off to Ghana for three-and-ahalf months, followed by another week of transition training back in Toronto.

“There will be a lot of culture shock,” Imeson said. “I’m really excited about it, though. It still doesn’t seem real. I’m a little scared at the same time, but it’ll be a great life experience.”

Imeson will be participating in the projects through Engineers Without Borders, a national non-profit organization. EWB selects one student from each of the 35 participating post-secondary institutions scattered across Canada. In the past, the organization has sent students embarking on similar projects to other African countries including Zambia, Malawi and Burkina Faso.

Prior to being selected, participating students often attend EWB conferences to meet team leaders and network with other members. If they desire, EWB representatives can request specific students to take part in overseas projects. Imeson found out she was selected for the trip to Ghana in late October of last year.

“It’ll be a great window of opportunity to see if international social work is what I want to do,” she said. “I like to do what I can to help people and I don’t like the conditions in developing countries. With the resources in other parts of the world, there’s no reason for it.”

Imeson has travelled abroad to Cuba and the Bahamas for vacations, but explained that the experiences weren’t what she was hoping for. Locally, she volunteers for Windsor’s Summit Centre, an organization

established to support preschool children with autism and their siblings. Imeson also volunteers for the Distress Centre in Windsor, a crisis intervention organization. She also volunteers for (Continued on Page 18)

TOM GIGNAC

The Churches of Leamington and District Welcome You

ANGLICAN

St. John The Evangelist

60 Erie St. N., Leamington 519-326-3111

Sunday Worship Services

8:30 & 10:30 am

St. Mary’s Church

East West Road, Pelee Island

1st & 3rd Sundays from June to September at 10 am

Calvary Church

North Shore Road, Pelee Island 1st & 3rd Sundays from October to May at 10 am

BAPTIST

Calvary Baptist Church

475 Bevel Line Road, Leamington 519-326-0876

Sunday Worship 10:30 am

First Baptist Church

3 Fox Street, Leamington 519-326-4372

Sunday Worship 10:45 am

Heritage Baptist Church

555 Talbot St. W., Wheatley 519-300-1400

Pastor Francisco Penner

Sunday 11 am & 7 pm, Wed 7 pm

CONGREGATIONALIST

Faith Everlasting Congregational Church

589 Hwy 77, Leamington 519-322-2994

Sunday Worship 11 am

220 Erie St. N., Leamington 519-322-1644

Saturday Services: Bible Study 9:30 am Worship 11:00 am

LUTHERAN

St. Paul’s LutheranEvangelical Church

311 Sherk Street, Leamington 519-326-3966

Sunday Worship Services

9:30 am (Germ), 10:30 am (Eng)

Sonshine Lutheran

194 Talbot St. E., Leamington 519-398-8179

Thurs. Bible Study 7 pm Worship Sercvice Every Sun.10 am

MENNONITE

Faith Mennonite Church

269 Sherk Street, Leamington 519-326-6391

Sunday Worship Services

10:50 am (Summer 10 am)

Leamington Evangelical Mennonite Mission Church 1408 Deer Run Rd, Leamington 519-326-9734

Sunday Worship Services 9:15 am (German), 10:45 am (English)

Leamington Evangelical Mennonite Church 108 Mersea Rd 3, Leamington 519-322-9915

Sunday Worship 10:30 am

Leamington United Mennonite Church 78 Oak Street East, Leamington 519-326-2727

Sunday Worship 9:45 am

Summer Worship Services 9:30 am (German), 10:15 am (English)

Meadow Brook Fellowship 219 Talbot Street East, Leamington 519-326-3605

Sunday Worship Services 9:30 am & 10:30 am

North Leamington United Mennonite Church 625 Mersea Rd 6, Leamington 519-326-7928

Sunday Worship 10:00 am

South Point Community Church 55A Talbot St. W., Leamington 519-322-1858

Sunday Gatherings 10 am

NON-DENOMINATIONAL

Iglesia La Buena Semilla 269 Sherk Street, Leamington 519-733-0342

Sunday Worship 6:30 pm

Leamington District Memorial Hospital 194 Talbot St. W., Leamington 519-326-2373, Chaplain’s Office ext. 4443

PENTECOSTAL

FGT Family Church

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

Sunday Worship 9:15 & 11 am

Leamington Christian Centre 98 Elliott Street, Leamington 519-322-1504

Sunday Worship Services 10:30 am

English/Spanish 6:30 pm

Templo Christiano De Leamington

39 Talbot St. E., Leamington 519-325-9654

Sunday Worship Services 3 pm

Mount Zion Full TabernacleGospel

6 Mill Street, Leamington 519-252-0031

Sunday Worship 7:30 pm

United Pentecostal Church

312 Erie St. St., Leamington 519-326-7056

Sunday Worship Services 11 am

PRESBYTERIAN

Knox Presbyterian Church

58 Erie St. S., Leamington 519-326-4541

Sunday Worship Services 11 am

ROMAN CATHOLIC

St. Michael’s Parish

29 Elliott Street, Leamington 519-326-2643

Sunday Masses: 7:30 am.(English)

10:30 am (English/Children’s Liturgy)

10:30 am (OLBS, Wheatley, English)

3 pm (Spanish), 7 pm (Youth)

St. Joseph’s Church

310 Sherk Street, Leamington 519-326-2643

Saturday Mass: 5 pm (English)

Sunday Masses: 9 am (Italian, English) Noon (Portuguese, English)

St. Anthony’s Parish (Maronite Rite)

280 Talbot Street East, Leamington 519-322-2282

Sunday Masses 9:30 & 11 am (Lebanese, English)

SALVATION ARMY

The Salvation Army Citadel 88 Setterington Street Leamington 519-326-4901

Sunday Worship 10:30 am

UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA

Leamington United Church

9 John Street, Leamington 519-326-9461

Sunday Worship Services 10:30 am

Mersea United Church

1301 Mersea Road 8, Wheatley 519-825-4157

Sunday Worship Services 9:30 am

UNITARIAN

UNIVERSALIST

Unitarian Universalist Church of Olinda

2953 Olinda Sideroad, Ruthven 519-326-4352

Sunday Service 10:30

Peacock awarded Queen’s Jubilee Medal

Bruce Peacock of Leamington can add one more line on his resume as he became the most recent recipient of the Queen’s Jubilee Medal.

Leamington Mayor John Paterson attended the Monday, March 25 meeting of Leamington Rotary where he presented Bruce Peacock with the honour. Peacock has a long history of fire and emergency services dating back to his earliest career in the RCAF Air Reserves as an aircrew/training/search & rescue with 400 squadron. Peacock held various positions with several fire departments including Toronto Fire Services and County of Brant Fire Service as Chief of Fire Training, Fire Investigator and Coordinator of Emergency Planning.

After retiring in 2007, Peacock went on to instruct at the Southern Vermont State Fire School. Bruce believed that one could make a difference and spent most of his life serving the public in various parts of the emergency services fields.

Highlights of his career include working at or responding to: Toronto’s subway crash, Hagersville tire fire, aircraft crash at CNE Airshow, helicopter crash at Peterborough Airport, building and testing of the Canadian Space Armand Anik Satellite, defusing (CIS) New York firefighters after 9-11, and even providing security for the Duke of Edinborough.

Bruce and his wife of 38 years Bette have two daughters. Both Bette and Bruce are Leamington Rotarians.

Local politics student heading to Africa

(Continued from page 17)

Street House, a group that helps homeless individuals acquire health cards and social insurance numbers.

Imeson’s effort to take part in the upcoming Ghana experience began with a complex application process. From there, she was interviewed by four members of the Junior Fellowship Program.

“I was kind of surprised

to be chosen,” Imeson admitted. “I wasn’t sure if I’d even be allowed to go since I’m not an engineering student.”

Imeson is a vice president of EWB’s Member Learning, a school-based group that holds information sessions for international development, discussing issues such as fair trade. Next year, she will become the co-president of the Univer-

sity of Windsor chapter.

If she decides not to pursue International Social Work as her major, Imeson may instead select Community Health Education as her main study.

When she returns from Ghana and then Toronto in early September, Imeson will report her experiences to the University of Windsor.

Currently, the Junior Fellowship Program Imeson is involved with is planning a wine and cheese fundraiser at the Serbian Centre in Windsor for Saturday, April 6 from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. A silent auction and a 50/50 draw will also be part of the event. Anyone interested in purchasing tickets and attending the fundraiser can contact Imeson at imesona@uwindsor.ca.

Farmers’ Market nears milestone

By Bryan Jessop

Rain or shine, blazing heat or bitter cold, the Leamington and District Agricultural Society’s Farmers’ Market has proven a success story a year after its launch.

The inaugural event, held Saturday, April 14, featured 32 vendors. This year’s March 23 market, the first of the year for spring and summer hours of 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., included 49 vendors accounting for 53 tables, as some required two tables.

“Quite a few have been with us since Day 1,” said Ag Society president Tammy Wiper. “They stuck with us during leaner times. It’s been a real learning curve for all of us.”

Wiper noted that the number of vendors and customers haven’t fluctuated much from one weekend to the next over the past year. The number of customers coming in each Saturday has been steady with an estimated 600 to 800. Vendors and customers are coming from across Windsor and Essex County as well as ChathamKent communities including Chatham, Merlin and Tilbury. Tourists have also been stopping by while making trips from centres such as London.

Many customers converge on the market as a social gathering, selecting items from vendors to eat on-site for lunch. On one occasion, it even served as the site for a birthday party.

“It’s become a top community social event,” Wiper noted, explaining that the market has also set up entertainment areas for children during special occasions such as Christmas and Halloween. “It’s a very laid back, relaxed atmosphere. It’s like old times, which is nice.”

Vendors pay $15 per table each weekend and more recently, have started paying a nominal $5 if using items requiring electricity such as crock pots, toasters or coolers. Some merchants are local farmers while others run other businesses throughout Leamington and beyond.

“They’ve become a family here,” said Wiper. “When one has to go away for a weekend, another will help run their table that day.”

The Ag Society’s Farmers’ Market is contained within a 100 ft. x 60 ft. building, which also offers a table to non-profit groups free of charge. In the past, these spaces have been used by the Leamington Scouts for their upcoming jamboree, Run For Life and the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

“We’ve only got so much space, so we try to give them all a chance,” said Wiper.

The Ag Society receives calls inquiring about spaces at the Farmers’ Market on a daily basis and has had to create a waiting list for merchants hoping to see a space become available.

“We had a lot of skeptics at first,” Wiper said. “People thought it couldn’t be done, but people like to be inside during the winter with fresh fruits and vegetables to choose from. The food here is great.”

Currently, the Ag Society is working with the Leamington Court Long Term Care and Retirement Home to have pies made by the former’s residents to be sold at the market. The arrangement is part of the home’s H.O.P.E. (Helping Others through Purposeful Engagement) program.

The Ag Society is also working with the municipality to arrange alterations to Leamington Transit bus routes, potentially setting up runs from the Jiimaan drop-off point and/or nursing homes to the Farmers’ Market.

“(Leamington) mayor (John) Paterson has been very supportive of us,” Wiper said. “The people at town hall have always been willing and able to answer any questions we have for them.”

Plans are also in the works to construct a new ‘picnic shelter’ to further enhance the market for customers who can’t wait to bring their purchases home before eating them. Once summer ar-

rives, Wiper noted, many vendors will prefer to take their tables and products outside.

Like other Leamington and District Agriculture Society programs and events, the Farmers’ Market is volunteer driven. Other Ag Society attractions include the Leamington Fair (scheduled for June 14-16 this year, it’s 165th edition), the Toy Show (Sept. 21-22), the Car Show and Tractor Pull (July 6) and Erie Ramblers Thunderfest (July 20 and Sept. 14).

VOYC Dodgeball Challenge a ‘hit’

By Bryan Jessop

The first-ever Voices of Youth in Community (VOYC) Dodgeball Challenge was a qualified success on two fronts.

First, organizers of the event were able to draw 12 teams, although one group dropped out just prior to the tournament. The Dodgeball Challenge was able to proceed as a 12-team event as a group of VOYC members formed to take the place of the missing team as the event began.

Secondly, the tournament drew a great deal of community support, as more than 20 local businesses and organizations chipped in to offer prizes. The registration fee for teams brought in just over $500, 100 per cent of which will be used to help fund the upcoming Raising Your Self Esteem and Community Camp Retreat May 25 and 26 at Point Pelee National Park’s Camp Henry. Funds raised, which included an extra donation from one of the participating teams, will be able to pay for transportation to the retreat in addition to a portion of other expenses such as food, park entrance fees and equipment rentals.

Teams were formed with six to eight players each — six to start each five-minute game and up to two to stand by as spares. Participating groups hailed from Windsor, Essex and Leamington, including teams made up of University of Windsor students and Leamington minor soccer players.

Teams were initially guaranteed a minimum of three games each, but with a round robin format for each division of six teams, the minimum was raised to six. Following round robin matches, the top two teams of each group

earned byes while the next two teams in each group faced off for the championship semifinals. The bottom two teams of each group were placed in the consolation bracket.

Each match was won by the team with the most players remaining after five minutes elapsed or when all members of one team were eliminated. Sudden death, ‘next eliminated player’ extra time was assessed if teams had the same number of remaining players after five minutes.

The tournament format was pieced together by VOYC mentor Scott Mosey, who was pleased with the event’s turnout. Participants ranged from team members 14 years of age (the allowable minimum) to others in their early 50s.

“We’ve got a pretty good spread here,” said Mosey.

(Continued on page 24)

Day of Champions, 26 years later

As a reporter, it’s amazing how many facets of the job trigger trips down memory lane. In part, that specific perk entails occasionally running into people I haven’t seen since high school (LDSS) or even elementary school (WAPS). Otherwise, it includes covering annual events that I once took part in myself. Most recently, the latter included Southpoint minor hockey’s Day of Champions. It has existed in various formats and gone by different names over the years, but has always more or less boiled down to the final day of the season for house league minor hockey. As a kid who laced up the skates and grabbed my trusty Titan, Koho or Sherwood hockey stick with practically every opportunity given, I always found a sort of bitter irony in the fact that Day of Champions was always so close to my birthday.

Well, every year except one.

The 1986-87 season, my second-to-last in the Wheatley Minor Hockey Association (my family moved to Leamington in July of 1988), is one that I don’t expect to forget any time soon. It was an unusual season from the start. The Wheatley system had only enough players to form one peewee house league team, sponsored by Mercer’s Sunoco. On behalf of our lonely squad, my father and Terry Harris pleaded our case to our northern neighbours, the Tilbury Minor Hockey Association. Fortunately, our fellow Essex-Kent border straddlers agreed to bring us aboard into their loop, bringing the league total to a bustling three teams.

My memory might be a bit fuzzy here, but I seem to recall 1986-87 as the season the Ontario Minor Hockey Association introduced checking to the peewee level. It made our team’s 1985-86 graduates of the atom age group grateful that the likes of Dave Tell and Jon Richmond hailed from Wheatley and not Tilbury — these guys towered over refs who were old enough to be our fathers.

We were also trailblazers in the sense that most house league teams did not have to travel out of town back then. At the time, there were two reasons a kid played house league —

they either preferred the more laid-back atmosphere and the less demanding road schedule or they didn’t have the skillset to compete at the travel level. I was one who could mark both boxes with an X. A fluent, quick and nimble skater I was not. We had an even dozen players — including our goalie — for games where the entire team was able to show up. Illness, injury or prior commitments for two or more players left us with less than two lines, a circumstance contributing to more than our share of marks under the Losses column.

Then a funny thing happened when the round-robin, preliminary round of playoffs began — we caught fire. Low and behold, we were NOT the team on the outside looking in once the two-game championship came around. We were pitted against Tilbury’s Southam Automotive team, setting the stage for what looked like a mini Buffalo Sabers (us) versus Boston Bruins (them) final. Both games of the total-goals finale were played in Tilbury, starting with a 6-0 Friday evening victory for the boys in white, blue and yellow (strangely enough, I recall having a set of Buffalo Sabers pajamas in the late ‘70s — I have no idea who they were from or why they

weren’t Montreal Canadiens pajamas).

The next game was played on Saturday, April 4, 1987 — my 13th birthday. We lost 3-2, but were well aware of the combined-goals format, equating to an 8-3 championship victory. I remember taking my usual right wing position at the dot just outside our own blueline and to the right of our net for the final faceoff.

In traditional playoffchampionship format, the sticks and gloves went airborne as we swarmed our

goaltender, Grant Heyens. I had the impression the Southam team’s coaches neglected to let them in on the total-goals format, as they initially stood around with expressions that suggested the question “Okay, we each won a game, now what?”

Many people chuckle when I describe my best sports memory as the year my peewee team won the championship of a three-team league. Keep in mind that in the NHL days of the ‘Original Six,’ most seasons only had three truly competitive teams — the Canadiens, Maple Leafs and Red Wings. Despite our Saber-like appearance, we were the Canadiens. As far as we were concerned, it was akin to hoisting Lord Stanley’s Mug.

Shortly after the series ended, someone pointed out that our accomplishment marked the first time in the 30-plus years of Tilbury minor hockey that a team from outside their town won the TMHA peewee house league title — they even let us keep the trophy in Wheatley Area Arena’s trophy cases throughout the following summer. It was probably for the best that baseball was still more than two months away, as our heads swelled to the point where no ball cap could accommodate them.

It was the only championship hockey team I’ve ever been on. Our same team, minus some serious firepower from the previous season, made it to the same league’s final the following year, but lost Game 2 after tying the first game. I can’t recall the scores, proof positive of my wife’s declaration that I have a selective memory.

I remember winning a Wheatley Minor Baseball house league championship a few years earlier, but even though that was a title earned amid FOUR teams where we finished third after the regular season, it didn’t quite compare to the Mercer’s Sunoco peewee title.

If you’re too young to remember Russia merely being a state within the Soviet Union, “New Coke” or an era when it was legal to own lawn darts, you might be wondering what those funny-looking pants are that some of the players in the accompanying photo are wearing. They were called Cooperalls.

For a brief time, many players wore them as replacements for both hockey socks and pants, a true Godsend for players like me who took forever to suit up for a game or practice (“Jessop, you’d take half an hour to make Minute Rice and two hours to watch 60 Minutes,” I was sometimes told). I kept using mine until long after most players went back to the traditional socks and pants.

Speaking of the accompanying photo, I came to a startling realization just before I started typing this paragraph. At the time the picture was taken, my father (top right corner) was 38. The day after this edition of the Sun and Journal (April 3) officially reaches the public, I’ll be 39.

Ouch.

For the record, I’ve got more hair.

Hole-in-one!

Scott Omstead shot the first hole-in-one of the season at Erie Shores Golf Course on March 30th. Scott used an 8 iron on the 158-yard hole #16. Greg Zimney was the witness.

Leamington Peewee baseball travel tryouts

The Leamington Laker peewee travel team is looking for players. For any child born in the years 2000 and 2001 who wish to tryout all tryouts will be held on diamond 4 at the Kinsmen baseball diamonds. The dates and times are as follows:

• Saturday, April 13 at 1 p.m.

• Tuesday April 16 at 6 p.m.

• Thursday, April 18 at 6 p.m.

• Saturday, April 20 at 1 p.m

• Tuesday, April 23 at 6 p.m

• Thursday, April 25 at 6 p.m

• Saturday, April 27 at 1 p.m

• Tuesday, April 30, at 6 p.m

The manager this year is Joe O’Neill with coaches Deitrich Letkman and Walt Cherneski helping. All positions on the team are open as many of last year’s Lakers have moved up to bantam.

We are also in need of one more coach, a scorekeeper and pitch counter.

For further information contact LDMBA or Joe at (519) 322-1062.

are front row: Brian Whaley, Liam Pearce, Justin Church, Bryan Bradley, Austin Mouck, Kieran Almasi, and Darren Taylor. Back row: Tim Livingstone (trainer), Terry Taylor (assistant coach), Eric Taylor, Hayden Loveless, Tyler Lamb, Matt Livingstone, Greg Konrad, Andrew Valle, Joseph Lasala, Kyle Franklin, Jon Jensen (coach) and Greg McGivern (assistant coach). Absent was Nick Diniro. Many thanks to our sponsor Anthony Keats Marine and to all of these fine young men for an awesome year. Ripcord!

Anthony Keats Midgets are League Champs!

The Anthony Kets Midget boys finished the year with a 22-2-2 league record with 160 goals for and 47 goals against! They had an impressive 7-1 record in playoffs. The Anthony Keats team also won the Ridgetown Christmas tournament without a loss.

The Championship game on Saturday had them playing Essex who was the top team. Anthony Keats played a high tempo game right from the opening faceoff and they skated to a 6-2 win. Every one of these boys came to win and it was a solid team effort right down to Bradley in net.

Goals were scored by Lamb from Almasi and Church; Church from Whaley; Pearce from Loveless and Livingstone; Pearce with his second from Franklin and E Taylor; Church with his second from Valle; and then Whaley to finish off with an open netter.

MVP of the game was awarded to Eric Taylor.

VOYC Dodgeball Challenge

(Continued from page 21)

“It’s a great turnout,” added VOYC program coordinator Wanda Rodriguez. “Community support through prize donations has been just outstanding.”

The championship team was Dwno’s, based in Leamington. The consolation winners, Gilligan and the Castaways, also hailed from Leamington and was the most age-diverse team. The Mighty Morphin Power Dodgers, who offered the extra donation in addition to their $45 entry fee, won the prize for best uniforms.

Members of the VOYC group that organized the tournament are discussing plans to make the Dodgeball Challenge an annual event.

“It was very successful — the teams had a great time,” said Rodriguez. “There were some telling us it was just as much fun to watch as it was to play. For some, it was their

first recreational sports event. It was also wonderful that the VOYC got to see how the community got behind their ideas.”

Should plans to bring the tournament back next year prove successful, a few tweaks will likely be made such as more visible scorekeeping and a trophy to be presented to the championship team.

Golden Years Mini Golf

A total of 44 golfers managed 55 aces on this day over 36 holes. Leading the ace parade was Gord Ellis, Ken Brook and Art Sweet with 4 each followed closely with 3 each by David Bezaire, Al Stockwell and Bill Ward.

Dropping 2 each were Cheryl Allan, Kathy Bradley, Murray Cascadden, Lloyd Honey, Bill Mayville, Barbara Murphy, John Murphy, Barry Sweet and Bill Taylor. Rounding out the parade with 1 each were Jim Allan, Barb Arner, Eleanor Brook, Madeline Butler, Dorothy Cascadden, Eunice Cascadden, Ila Ellis, Tom Hyatt, Cam Keith, Julia Kos, Frank Lasi, Andy Orsini, Colleen Pearse, Morley Scratch, Doug Vickery and Steve Vigh.

A low score of 16 for 9 holes was registered by Bill Taylor followed closely by Ken Brook, Art Sweet and Bill Ward with 17. A score of 18 was registered by Doug Vickery, Steve Vigh, Kathy Bradley, Lloyd Honey (3), Andy Orsini, Barry Sweet, Gerrit Vriesen, Art Sweet, Julia Kos and Rose Taylor.

A respectable 35 for 18 holes was shared by Art Sweet and Bill Ward. 36 registered for Ken Brook and Lloyd Honey while 37 was notched by Bill Taylor, Lloyd Honey, Rose Taylor and Julia Kos.

Managing 38s were Al Stockwell (2), Andy Orsini, Barry Sweet and Gerrit Vriesen. A 36 hole total of 73 was carded by Lloyd Honey followed closely by Bill Ward with 75, Al Stockwell with 76 and Gerrit Vriesen, Art Sweet, Rose Taylor and Julia Kos with 78.

First place was nailed down by team Aces with a 233 [Al Stockwell, Ken Brook, Doug Vickery, Barb Arner].

Second place went to team Kings with 238 [Rose Taylor, Julia Kos, Moe Scratch] and third place went to team Queens with 241 [Art Sweet, Bill Ward, Winnie Moore]. Next golf date is April 4th.

Rhine Danube bowling

March 18 games:

Games over 200: R. Dickau, 205; M. Dickau, 219; G. Garnham, 204; F. Fittler, 204; W. Abbott, 215-279; S. Garnham, 225-247-299; A. Dickau, 206-236-217; C. Kosempel, 221-253; D. Dalimonte, 229; R. Nykyforuk, 200; and C. Sabelli, 258264.

Series over 550: M. Dickau, 578; F. Fittler, 567; W. Fittler, 552; R. Nykyforuk, 570; W. Abbott, 690; C. Sabelli, 667; S. Garnham, 771; A. Dickau, 659; C. Kosempel, 669; and D. Dalimonte, 605.

StandingS

Fittlers - 59

Unico - 54

Dickau - 44

Taki - 32

Rhine - 32

Weils - 31

March 25 games:

Games over 200: J. Dalimonte, 212-200; M. Dickau, 204-204; O. Wolf, 236211-223; H. Kosempel, 223-215-257; F. Fittler, 203; W. Abott, 213-214; C. Sabelli, 203; S. Garnham, 224-257-254; A. Dickau, 237; W. Fittler, 209-204; J. Valade, 211-207-212; C. Kosempel, 204-245; and A. Salvati, 200.

Series over 550: J. Dalimonte, 582; M. Dickau, 589; J. Popa, 555; W. Abbott, 568; C. Sabelli, 588; W. Fittler, 574; O. Wolf, 670; H. Kosempel, 695; S. Garnham, 735; A. Dickau, 613; J. Valade, 630; and C. Kosempel, 628.

StandingS

Fittlers - 63

Unico - 56

Dickau - 47

Rhine - 37

Taki - 36

Weils - 34

Flyers look ahead to next season

By Bryan Jessop

The 2013-14 season may be five months away, but the Leamington Flyers aren’t spending much time reflecting on 2012-13.

It wasn’t long after being denied a Western Conference championships series appearance by the London Nationals that the Flyers began preparing for next season. With 2012-13 exit meetings with players now behind them, the local Junior ‘B’ squad has already scheduled dates for its first mini-camp — May 4 and 5 at the Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex’s Unico Arena. Ice at the Heinz Arena will be long gone to allow Sun County Minor Lacrosse to prepare for its upcoming season.

“We’ve got to get our ducks in a row early,” explained Flyers’ general manager Mike Sadler.

Training camp for the Flyers will begin in midAugust, again at Unico Arena.

Sadler pointed out that it is currently tough to predict who will be returning to the team for next season and who will move on to pursue positions with OHL teams or start a post-secondary education in regions beyond the Leamington area. He did however explain that enough players will likely return to form a strong core to build on for 2013-14.

“At this point, on paper, we’re comfortable that half the team’s coming back,” Sadler said. “There could be two or three coming back that we didn’t expect or vice versa. We should have the nucleus of a very good team for next year. We’ll just have to fine tune it a bit.”

The Flyers will be losing Kyle Bowman, Eric Leardi, Troy Cox and later 2012-13 additions Myles Doan and Chris Lugosi to graduating age. The organization also expects to see rookie goaltender Matt Mancina join the Ontario Hockey League’s Guelph Storm and rookie forward Joe Manchurek be selected for next season’s Oshawa Generals’ roster. Defenseman Jacob McGhee and forward Mitch Amante may also pursue positions with their OHL draft teams, the Barrie Colts and Brampton Battalion (relocating to North Bay for 2013-14), respectively.

Alex Seguin, who led the Flyers with 66 points in 49 regular season games, may be moving on to pursue a post-secondary school education — likewise for defenseman Dakota Olvin. Leamington may also lose players to Division 3 scholarships.

Sadler and other team executives have long since been scouting the region for new additions to the Flyers. Throughout the winter, team representatives have kept tabs on midget, high school and Junior ‘C’ players in the area.

“There are some ‘C’ players with Essex and Wheatley who are ‘B’ caliber players,” Sadler noted. “There are no guarantees, but we didn’t expect any this early.”

The Flyers will host their annual awards banquet at the Portuguese Club Thursday, April 4. Tickets, selling at $25 each, can be purchased by calling 519-325-1005, or e-mailing Abe Fehr at abef@uni-fab.on.ca or Melissa McCarty at mel_mccarty@msn. com. Doors will open at 6 p.m. with dinner scheduled for 6:30 p.m.

For 2012-13, the Flyers finished the regular season in second place for the second consecutive season, this time with 67 points — three more than their 2011-12 output. Leamington advanced to the semis by eliminating the Sarnia Legionnaires in five games, but fell to the London Nationals, also in five games.

“We’d still like to be

playing, but we’re very proud of the effort from our players,” said Sadler. “There were some bad bounces, but we made it further than last year. We’d like to take a page from what Chatham did this year. Last year, they finished dead last and turned around to finish first this year and make it to the (conference) final. We’ve got the same sort of nucleus — experience is a great teacher.”

The Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League is abuzz with changes for next season, including the Ontario Hockey Association’s approval of a Brantford expansion team in the Midwest Conference and possible transfer of the Caledonia Corvairs from the Midwest to the Golden Horseshoe Conference. Word has also circulated that the St. Marys Lincolns — a cohort of the Flyers in the Western Conference — could make the move to the Junior ‘C’ level.

“Geographically, they’re in a tough spot to recruit,” said Sadler. “We’ve heard that Junior ‘C’ was a consideration for them, but after seeing that they’ve posted camp dates on their website, I suspect they’ll be in Junior ‘B’ again next season.”

Getty nominated for WESPY

(Continued from Front)

Getty also volunteers in the junior golf programs at Erie Shores (Leamington), Kingsville Golf Club and Woodland Hills as a way to give back to her local community courses and help grow the game of golf.

At 16, Getty still has a couple of years of high school, but her university prospects are already looking good as her mother says she has received about 45 letters from colleges

and universities looking to recruit Alyssa. Golf Week magazine rankings placed Getty 17th out of 2,000 for the class of 2015 female golfers.

The 8th Annual WESPY Windsor Essex Sports Person of the Year awards are on Tuesday, April 9th at the Caboto Club in Windsor. There are 36 nominees pro and amateur categories.

Ken Dryden former NHL goalie is the speaker for the evening.

Chase Hickson of the Southpoint Capitals bantam house league team is chased by two Essex Ravens defensemen as he approaches the Essex net. Hickson took advantage of the breakaway opportunity to score the game’s first goal en route to his team’s 2-1 win and Tier 1 Essex County Interlock League championship. The bantams were one of four Southpoint teams that advanced to the Day of Champions, including the novices and atoms at the Tier 2 level and the midgets in the Tier 1 final. The Day of Champions was hosted by Southpoint, with Tier 1 games at Heinz Arena and Tier 2 finals at Unico Arena Saturday, March 30. The Southpoint novices lost their consolation (Tier 2) final 6-3 to Kingsville while the Southpoint atoms lost their consolation match 8-5 against Harrow. The Southpoint midget team was more successful, defeating Essex 6-2 in their championship (Tier 1) final. (SUN Photos)

The Southpoint bantam house league Capitals’ Thomas Livingstone splits the Essex defense during the bantam Tier 1 final of the Day of Champions. Southpoint defeated Essex 2-1 to claim the Tier 1 championship of the Essex County Interlock League. The bantams were one of four Southpoint teams that advanced to the Day of Champions, including the novices and atoms at the Tier 2 level and the midgets in the Tier 1 final.

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BANK NOTES

10 ERIE STREET SOUTH, LEAMINGTON

519-326-8805

BRIBRY - April 13, 2013: Irish singer-songwriter BRIBRY (a.k.a. Brian O'Reilly) offers a youthful mix of folk and pop. He has often been compared to fantastic artists such as John Mayer and Ed Sheeran. Come support this talented and inspirational artist.

TICKETS: $10 each at The Lesson Lounge, 120 Erie S, 226-783-1902. Doors open at 7 pm. Music begins at 7:30 pm.

“FORGIVEN/FORGOTTEN” Theatre of the Beat returns to The Bank Theatre with two performances of a new dramatic play about restorative justice… Torn between compassion and their fear of the unknown, a community is thrown into turmoil upon hearing that an offender will be serving his parole in their midst.

April 27 at 7:30 pm and April 28 at 3 pm. Students $10 each/General $12 each. Tickets available after April 1st at MSCU - 243 Erie S., Guardian Drugs20 Talbot E., Mary Kathryn Ladies’ Shop - Kingsville & The Party & Discount Store - Wheatley. This event has been generously sponsored by: Mennonite Savings Credit Union.

Coming in May:

FRIDAY NIGHT MUSIC SERIES presents ANDREW TAVES on May 3, 2013: Andrew Taves, local singer/songwriter, has been singing and writing songs for the past few years. In 2012 he released his first full length album, “No Matter Where You Go, There You Are”, with songs inspired by love, life and his travels around Canada. Accompanied by musical guests and friends, Andrew will perform a variety his best material along with some new material and his favorite covers at The Bank Theatre.

TICKETS: $10 each at The Lesson Lounge, 120 Erie S (226-783-1902), Guardian Drugs (Leamington) and The Party & Discount Store (Wheatley). Doors open at 7 pm. Music begins at 7:30 pm.

JUNIOR VAUDEVILLE COMES TO LEAMINGTON - May 4

SAVE THE DATE TO “SHOW THE LOVE”! TBT & Friends presents "Show the Love” A Tribute to The Dale on May 24th at the Leamington Marina. The evening will feature performances by many local and international musicians as we pay tribute to Dale Butler, a man whose name is synonymous with music in our area and a man who has launched many a musician’s career. Details to follow. You won't want to miss this one so SAVE MAY 24th for “Show the Love”!

Volunteer! Sun Parlour Players Community Theatre and The Bank Theatre appreciate the many hands that put on each of our productions. We are always looking for volunteers to bring their excitement and enthusiasm to share and learn the crafts of acting, singing and dancing, AND, it isn’t just about acting on stage… We need volunteers for all aspects of directing, technical, backstage and front of house duties. If you are interested in having a good time while helping put together high quality community Arts events, we can put your talent and enthusiasm to work! Send us an email or give us a call –banktheatre@gmail.com / 519-326-8805.

OBITUARY

Jack Bailey

Jack Smith Bailey, 78 years, passed away peacefully at Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on Friday, March 29, 2013. Late of Wheatley.

Jim Young

Beloved husband of the late Betty (Stewart) (1997). Loving father of Allison and her husband Bill Siddall of Wheatley, Tracy and her husband Joe Buchenauer of Wheatley, and Leslie Nantais of Windsor. Dear grandpa of Mike, Cara, Marci, Craig, Jonathon, Bailey and six great-grandchildren. Survived by his brother David Bailey (late Mary Lou) of Hartsville, South Carolina, Betty’s children, and his friend Gloria Chopchik. Predeceased by his parents Jack and Mary Bailey, and his brother Bill Bailey.

Jack was a Korean War Veteran serving with 418 Squadron RCAF. He was a member of Kingsville Legion Br. 188 and the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum.

Cremation has taken place. Visiting was at the Hammond Funeral Home, 17 Little Street South, Wheatley (519-825-7741) on Monday, April 1, 2013 from 11:00 a.m. until time of Memorial Service at 1:00 p.m. with David Derbyshire officiating.

Memorial donations may be made by cheque to the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum or the charity of your choice. www.hammondfuneralhome.ca

Jim Young, 69 years, passed away, surrounded by his loving family, on Sunday, March 31, 2013 at Windsor Regional Hospital, Metropolitan Campus.

Beloved husband of Miriam (Sherman). Dear father of Tracy and Steve Lewis, Richard and Kim and the late Stevie (2003).

Loving grandfather of Josh and Alaina, Brittany, Vanessa, Mitchell, Megann, Riley and Ashley. Dear brother-in-law of Barb and Paul Brown, Bob and Gail Sherman, George and Doreen Sherman. Predeceased by brother, Ken (1963) and sister, Mary Ann Reid (2011). Jim will be missed and was loved by many nieces, nephews and friends.

Jim loved life and lived it to the fullest.

Visiting at the Reid Funeral Home & Reception Centre, 14 Russell Street, Leamington (519-326-2631) on Tuesday 2-5 & 7-9 p.m. Funeral Service to celebrate Jim’s life at the Funeral Home on Wednesday, April 3, 2013 at 1 p.m. John Cats officiating. Interment Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Canadian Diabetes Association.

Friends may share memories at www.reidfuneralhome.ca

Leamington Half Century Centre Bridge

Results for Monday, March 25

1st - Jeanne Manners and Shirley Plant

2nd - Nina Towle and Helen Preyde

3rd - Sandy and Joyce Gammie

4th - Ernie and Sonia Jackiw Games every Monday at 12:45 p.m. Members and new members always welcomed.

OBITUARY

Robert Hodgson

OBITUARY

LaVerne Wiper

OBITUARY

Alma Pinch

Robert “Bob” Hodgson, 75 years, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 29, 2013 at Tilbury Manor Nursing Home. Late of Wheatley. Loving husband of Darlyne (Pettit). Dear father to Chris of Wheatley, James and the late Wanda of Windsor, Sherry Chambers and friend John of Wheatley, Tom and friend Trudy of Chatham, Lana LaPlante and husband Phillip of Burnaby, Randy and wife Christine of Wheatley, and Stephanie Hodgson of Wheatley. Stepfather to Allison Siddall and husband Bill of Wheatley, Tracy Buchenauer and husband Joe of Wheatley, and Leslie Nantais of Windsor. Cherished grandpa to 16 grandchildren and 10 greatgrandchildren. Also survived by sisters Doris (Don) Baughman of Aylmer, Jean (Don) Church of Wheatley, Donna White of Kingsville, a brother Bruce (Evelyn) of Wheatley, and many nieces and nephews.

Bob drove truck for Omstead’s for 38 years. Cremation has taken place. Visiting was at the Hammond Funeral Home, 17 Little Street South, Wheatley (519-825-7741) on Tuesday, April 2, 2013 from 11:00 a.m. until time of Memorial Service at 2:00 p.m. with David Derbyshire officiating.

Memorial donations may be made by cheque to Tilbury Manor or the charity of your choice. www.hammondfuneralhome.ca

LaVerne (nee Wigle) Wiper, 97 years, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family on Saturday, March 30, 2013 at Erie Glen Manor.

Alma Pinch, born in Morris, Manitoba, June 20, 1933, passed away March 5, 2013.

Beloved wife of the late Lloyd (1995). Dear mother of William (Betty), Paul (Janet), the late Ralph, the late Anne, Dale (Joyce), Nancy Taylor. Loving grandmother of Brad and Debbie, the late Brent, Cheryl and Rob, Deanne and John, Philip and Jennifer, Garry and Rosalie, Elaine and Mike, Wayne, Laura and Edwin, Jessica and Ollie, Jillian and Robert, James and Liann. Seventeen great grandchildren and five great great grandchildren also survive. Predeceased by brothers Al and Ross Wigle and sister Barb Kroeker.

Visiting at the Reid Funeral Home & Reception Centre 14 Russell Street Leamington on Friday, April 5, 2-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Funeral Service to celebrate LaVerne’s life from the funeral home on Saturday, April 6, 2013 at 11 a.m. Rev. Liz Chaplin officiating. Interment Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery.

LaVerne’s family wish the thank Erie Glen Manor and their wonderful staff for the care and friendship shown over the years. Thanks also to Dr. Robert Simpson for his care and compassion. Memorial donations may be made by cheque to the Heart & Stroke Foundation.

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

Beloved wife of the late Ray (1993). She is dearly loved by her daughter Crystal Rathwell (Mark), her son Hal Pinch (Mary Kay), and the late Bruce (1952). She will be sadly missed by her grandchildren Melissa VanOorschot, Tyler, Chad, and Wade Rathwell (Krista), and great-grandsons Jade and Logan VanOorschot. She will be greatly missed by her best friend Ella McCormick.

Mom was a proud member of the I.O.D.E. Balmoral Chapter. For over twenty years she worked as the secretary and accountant of Leamington Sporting Goods, a job that she really enjoyed.

Our family would like to extend a grateful thank you to the always kind and professional nurses of the C.C.A.C., the staff and volunteers at the Hospice of Windsor, who assisted Mom on her final journey. A special thank you to Dr. Penelope Potter for your kindness and friendship, helping Mom along her journey. Thank you to Dr. Tom Barnard for all your work, friendship and attention given to Mom through the years. And a very special thank you to all of Mom’s family and friends who took the time out to come and visit her during the past months. Your thoughtfulness and friendship helped brighten her darkest days and put a smile on her face.

A memorial service to celebrate Alma’s life will be held on Saturday, April 6, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. from the Salvation Army Hall, 88 Setterington Street, Leamington. John Cats officiating.

If you wish to donate in memory of Alma, the family has requested donations be made to the Salvation Army or Hospice of Windsor-Essex.

Family and friends may share their memories at www.reidfuneralhome.ca

Kingsville Bridge Club

Results for Wednesday, March 27

1st - Chris Brennan and Bill Chaplin

2nd - Marilyn Robbins and Joyce Moran

Roger Cote and Jim Perkes

3rd - Bob Lee and Henry Hildebrandt

4th - Derek Parry and Frank Duransky

Games played every Wednesday at the Lion’s Hall in Kingsville. Start time 7 p.m. For further info call 738-4939.

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OR

THE

For more information contact your local newspaper.

VACATION/TRAVEL

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CAREER TRAINING

MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION RATED

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COMING EVENTS

24th Annual HAVELOCK COUNTRY

JAMBOREE - REBA, TRACE ADKINS, TRAVIS TRITT, KATHY MATTEA, GORD BAMFORD, BOBBY BARE, DALLAS SMITH, SMALL TOWN PISTOLS, TARA ORAM, JOSH THOMPSON, AMBUSH, & more, OVER 25 ACTS... CANADA’S LARGEST LIVE COUNTRY MUSIC & CAMPING FESTIVAL - AUG. 15-18/13. TICKETS 1-800-539-3353, www.HavelockJamboree.com. BUY NOW & SAVE!

MORTGAGES AS SEEN ON TV - Need a MORTGAGE, Home Equity Loan, Better Rate? Bad Credit, SelfEmployed, Bankrupt? Been turned down? Facing Foreclosure, Power of Sale? CALL US NOW TOLL-FREE 1-877-733-4424 and speak to a licensed mortgage agent. MMAmortgages.com specializes in residential, commercial, rural, agriculture, farms, & land mortgages. Visit: www.MMAmortgages.com (Lic#12126).

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$$$ 1st, 2nd, 3rd MORTGAGESDebt Consolidation, Refinancing, Renovations, Tax Arrears, no CMHC fees. $50K you pay $208.33/ month (OAC). No income, bad credit, power of sale stopped!! BETTER OPTION MORTGAGES, CALL TODAY Toll-Free 1-800-282-1169, www.mortgageontario.com (LIC# 10969).

BUSINESS OPPS.

Ideal Business Opportunity in Marathon, Ontario. A complex consisting of Marino’s Restaurant and Lounge (seats

SOUTHPOINT SUN

CALL NOW!

FIORE TOWER

2 bdrm apartment and penthouse available in Leamington. Located near shopping. Util incl, on-ste mgmt, secure building, laundry, elevator, party room. Call 519-326-4622 to inquire. tf

GOING FAST!

Leamington Heights

400 Oak St. E., Leamington BEAUTIFUL1 & 2 bdrm suites, UTIL INCL! Laundry, social room with events, secure building. Let us WOW you. Call today! 519-324-9610 realstar.ca tf

CAMELOT SHIRES APARTMENTS

Beautiful, secure building in a good location. 1 and 2 bedrooms available. Utilities and parking included. Call John 519-326-0383 Pager 519-563-4165

CARTOP CARRIER & bicycle racks, fits VW. Used twice. $650 value, asking $350. Call 519-326-7881. mr20-tf

ELECTRIC BATH CHAIR lift, like new, reasonable. Call 519-326-9518. ap3-tf

DOWNSIZING EVERYTHING INexcellent condition: maple table, 2 leaves, 6 chairs $50. Matching hutch & buffet $50. Stove $100. Freezer $50. Patio table, 6 chairs, 2 foot rests, umbrella with stand, small table $100. Stove $75. Fridge $100. Table & 4 chairs $40. Coffee table & 2 end tables $30. Fridge $50. 519-326-7631. ap3-10

27ʼ CAMPER TRAILERNew awning, 2 door, sleeps 4 comfortably. 2 - 20 lb. new propane tanks. Asking $7,500. Call 519-962-1152 for details. ap3

Did You Know...

2 bedroom available. Fridge, stove, dishwasher, secure building with 24 hour surveillance & elevator. Call 519-326-8746 or 519-564-5772 tf

LARGE 1 BEDROOM apartment. Free water & parking, fridge & stove. Call 519-3267076. mr13-ap3

1 BEDROOM CONDO for rent, 44 Robson, Leamington. $750 plus utilities. No pets. Call 519-3265591. mr20-tf

522 WILKINSON DR.Country setting, newly renovated, private ground level, 1 & 2 bedroom apartments. No pets. $650- $700. Call Sara- 519-567-1817. mr27-ap10

2 BEDROOM LOWER apartment on Fox St. in Leamington. Available April 1st. $650 + utilities. First and last required. 519-733-6418. mr13-ap3

DUPLEX FOR RENT in Leamington. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, clean, good area, near schools and retirement. $750 plus utilities. 519-996-5684. ap3-10

1 bedroom apartment available. Clean, quiet, picturesque surroundings. Fridge, stove, utilities included. 515 Dalhousie, Amherstburg 519-736-7800

INCOME TAX PREPARATION - 20 years experience. $30 per return, includes efiling. Deanna, 519-326-2770. mr20-ap10

INDOOR/OUTDOOR CARPENTRY - Repairs, vinyl siding, windows, doors, painting, flooring, fences, decks and sheds. Free estimates. 35 years experience. Our installation is as good as or better than window and door companies at 1/2 the price. Call for a quote, Bill, 519-566-8408. fe13-may1

CALL KAHL RECYCLINGWe come to you and haul away your junk. Scrap metal and appliances are free. Everything else has a fee. Call Ken 519-322-8305, 519-326-8559. ja16-tf

PRINTING: Business envelopes, invoices, flyers, business cards, custom print jobs, whatever your printing needs, call Mallory at The Wheatley Journal for quick and economical service. 519-825-4541. tf

WE DO ALL TYPES OF business cards flyers and invoices tickets and invitations brochures commercial and event printing and much more!

Let us quote you on your next job!

Call Mallory today at 519 825 4541 mallory@southpointsun.ca

AUCTIONS

SATURDAY, APRIL 6Skate Wheatley 39th Annual Ice Show, "Greatest Show On Ice", at Wheatley Arena. Showtimes 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets $10, under 5 free. mr20-ap3

INDOOR YARD SALEFriday, April 12, 9:00 a.m.1:00 p.m. Saturday, April 13, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon.

Leamington United Church, 9 John St. ap3-10

LADIES, YOU AREinvited to a DINNER EVENING on Monday April 8, 2013 at 6:30 pm at Colasantiʼs Tropical Gardens. Tickets $16. Our guest speaker for the evening is Peggy Bauman from Guelph, Ont. Her theme for the evening is “Learning to Love, Laugh & Live”. Our special feature –Antiques and Collectibles –will be presented by Monica Reynolds from Thereʼs No Place Like Home. Our musician for the evening will be Greg Cocks. For reservations please call Sharon at 519-326-421 or Darlene at 519-733-5595 by Friday, Apr. 5. The evening is presented by Leamington Christian Womenʼs After 5 –affiliated with Stoncroft Ministries. ap3

BROASTED CHICKEN DINNER at Olinda-Ruthven United Church, 1907 Queen Blvd., Ruthven. Saturday, April 13, 4:30 - 7:00 p.m. Adults $14; children 6-12 years $7; children 5 & under free. No tickets necessary. Take-out available. Support persons for people with Special Needs free. Call 519-326-2506 or 519-3264570. Everyone welcome. ap3

THE WONDERBROADS CHARITABLEDragon Boat Racing Organization invite the public to join us at Colasanti's for our Spring Pasta Fest on Thursday April 18 at Colasanti's Tropical Gardens, Kingsville. Tickets: $15 adults; $8 children; which include the meal, beverage and dessert, along with a raffle table. Details at www.wonderbroads.org or call 519-253-7176 or 519326-4998 ap3-10

T.O.P.S. - Take Off Pounds Sensibly meets every Tuesday night at the Faith Everlasting Church, Hwy. 77, Leamington. Weigh-in 5:30 - 6:45 p.m. Meeting 78 p.m. For more information call Joan at 519-326-2388 or Connie at 519-733-4458. mr13-may6