Weekend Weather Thursday
Friday
PLUMBING • HEATING
SERVICING YOU SINCE 1974 Leamington
H 26º
L 11º H 20º
Saturday
519-326-9018
www.grossiplumbing.ca
H 12º
L 5º
L 13º
Sunday
H 13º
L 5º
As reported from Environment Canada www.weatheroffice.gc.ca Harrow AAFC
Volume 1, Issue 11
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
FREE
Making a difference in his community By Sheila McBrayne
Meet Matilda the Therapy Dog. Page 10
History of Clyde Hatch continues. Page 9
Triathalete training for TomatoMan Page 12
Eric Fantin isn’t like most 17 year olds. Instead of just looking for a job, he decided to start his own business. Instead of trying to keep his boss happy, he plans to be the boss and hire other young people to work as well. It’s an enthusiastic goal for any young man, but did I mention, Eric has an intellectual disability. Eric is a Grade 12 student at Cardinal Carter Secondary School in Leamington. Recently he took the money he had saved to buy a lawn mower, trimming equipment, a trailer and a used truck, all part of his new business venture – Eric’s Lawncare Services. Eric has been working parttime at CF Greenhouses who have been very supportive in Eric’s ability to work. Eric also finished a semester of co-op education at RONA in Leamington. “He’s a hard worker. He has a good work ethic. I’m his mom so I can boast, but he is. He’s always wanting to achieve greater things for himself,” said Eric’s mom Anne Marie Fantin. Eric hopes to hire more people with disabilities and with the help of a job coach teach them the skills they need to become successful, independent entrepreneurs. A job coach is someone who works alongside the employee to help them develop the skills they need to successfully complete the tasks required to perform the job. Job coaches do not interfere with the operation of a business, they are there to teach and support the worker and the employer in accomplishing the job at hand. For many persons with intellectual challenges the prospects of employment or owning their own business are limited. Up until 18 years of age our social system does a great job of supporting people with intellectual disabilities. After age 18 however, the opportunities are limited. “The goal is to work with disability kids. I want to get them into a job where they have job coaches so they can feel confident and independent,” said Eric. Independence is something he hopes he can help Leamington’s seniors and others with disabilities with. Eric’s Lawncare Services offers grass cutting, trimming, raking, cleaning eaves troughs and other yard chores that some seniors living in their own house may not be able to do themselves. Anne Marie and Eric have been working with Community Living Essex County and Ensemble. The goal of Community Living Essex County is that “all persons live in a state of dignity, share in all elements of living in the community, and have the opportunity to participate effectively”. Ensemble is a parent support group, which works with Community Living “I wish I knew them sooner. They’re a great group with great information,” said Anne Marie. The mission of Ensemble is to strengthen the capacity of the community and respond effectively to the priorities identified by individuals with disabilities, family members and professionals. The vision of Ensemble is that individuals with disabilities and their families live in communities that are welcoming and accessible to everyone. The goals of Ensemble are to enhance parental leadership at Community Living Essex County and provide information resources and education to strengthen families, professionals and the community. The ultimate goal is to increase community awareness and promote full inclusion.
Earth Day Community Clean up
Eric’s Lawn Care Service has received the support of Mayor John Adams and the Municipality of Leamington. “The mayor has been very receptive and supportive of this,” said Anne Marie. Eric’s plan to hold an Earth Day Clean Up was a welcome idea by the municipality. On Saturday, April 24 at 8 a.m. Eric is inviting
all members of the public to come out and help clean up the Leamington Marina and the path from Robson Road to Oak Street. Leamington Public Works will be on hand to work, and helping co-ordinate the cleanup and free lunch to follow will be volunteers from Ensemble, Community Living and St. Francis Advocates.
Students can receive community service hours. All are invited to meet at the Marina. The group is sending out an open invitation to any local musicians who would like to come out and entertain. For more information about this fun day for Earth Day, contact Eric or Anne Marie at 519-7915137.
3 SMALL COMBO
$
SMALL SUB, SMALL POP AND BAG OF CHIPS
APRIL 15, 16, 17 2010
ALL 3 LOCATIONS WINDSOR, LEAMINGTON and now LASALLE LIMIT ONE COMBO PER CUSTOMER