Southpoint Sun January 30, 2013

Leamington Mayor Paterson optimistic for 2013

By Sheila McBrayne

Halfway through his four-year term as Mayor of Leamington, John Paterson is pleased with Council’s progress and is optimistic for the future.

Paterson and Kingsville Mayor Nelson Santos were guest speakers at the annual Leamington and District Chamber of Commerce Mayors’ Breakfast held Wednesday morning, January 23 at Colasanti’s.

Paterson told the sold-out crowd that Council spent approximately seven hours on Saturday, January 19 at a strategic planning meeting. The all day workshop allowed members of Council to divide into groups to discuss the priorities of the municipality. Then, in a group setting, discuss and analysize how the municipality plans to move forward. He reported that the Municipality’s seven priorities had not changed from their last similar session two years ago. The top seven priorities of Leamington Council are:

1. Sewer separation upgrades

2. Community Improvement Plan (CIP) investment

3. Shoreline protection and other senior government funding opportunities

4. Succession planning for municipal staff

5. Raise the profile of Leamington outside of Leamington

6. Financial plan

7. Balanced growth

In addition to the nonexciting ‘must do’ priorities

like sewer separation, Paterson talked about Council’s investment in its downtown.

The CIP proved very popular in 2012 and already has applications from businesses wanting to take advantage of the municipality’s $1.3 million CIP money.

“We want to stimulate private business to invest in their property with help from the municipality,” said Paterson. The CIP provides grant money for downtown/ main street businesses willing to invest in their properties.

Mayor Paterson spoke of shoreline protection and investment in projects such as the East Marsh Dyke Study, which is expected this year.

“We have a gem here in this area on the shores of Lake Erie, our appearance and reputation – we want to raise the profile of Leamington locally, in the county, province, nationally and internationally… What we have to offer is almost limitless. We need to focus on the positive and others need

to know about us,” he stated.

Leamington is often accused of higher-than-average municipal tax levies, but the mayor proudly stated that Leamington also has a twin-pad arena and recreation facility, an indoor pool, a public transit system, a marina, Seacliff splash park and one of the best groomed trail systems throughout the town.

The Mayor talked about working with our municipal neighbours – Kingsville and Chatham-Kent in areas such as transit. The three mayors have discussed the possibility of the Leamington Transit servicing Kingsville and Wheatley. Leamington and Kingsville continue to work towards a safe cycling path on Seacliff Drive between the two towns.

Local municipalities have recently banded together to discuss the proposed deregulation of food packaging by the federal government and how it would be catastrophic to this area. Mayors from various Essex County

municipalities have joined forces to educate the minister of agriculture on how the legislation could negatively impact thousands of local jobs. Those same mayors have banded together to try to rejuvenate the harness racing industry.

“The one great lesson I’ve learned is that being negative all the time is like a disease. There are those who always find fault; it’s easier to complain than see the positive side of things… I will continue to see the postives in our municipality.”

AMBER Alert program partnering with LCBO

Thanks to a new AMBER Alert program partnership with Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO), more people than ever will be able to assist police with recovery efforts when a child is abducted.

As a result of the partnership, LCBO terminals will now have the capability of alerting customers that an AMBER Alert is in progress and with more than 600 LCBO retail stores in Ontario, AMBER Alert notifications will reach significantly more people right across the province, according to the OPP.

The OPP facilitates the Ontario AMBER Alert program under the direction of the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services, and collaborates with its many partners throughout the province to locate children who are abducted in Ontario.

Holiday safety campaign keeps fatality numbers down

January 28, 2013

Dear Southpoint Sun,

Happy New Year! As we get back into our daily routines, I’d like to share some good news with you. In December, I asked for your support in communicating fire safety messages as part of the 12 Days of Holiday Fire Safety campaign.

Your support contributed to significant community awareness and excellent traffic on the campaign website www.safeathome.cal.

Together with 285 other fire departments throughout the province, we succeeded in maintaining the same low number of fatalities as December 2011 - seven. (Seven fatalities is the lowest number to ever be recorded in a December.)

Much more significantly, your efforts have helped Ontario record the single greatest drop in the number of fire fatalities in a single year. There were 67 fire fatalities recorded for 2012 versus the 86 fire fatalities recorded

for 2011. This is a difference of 19 fire fatalities and a noteworthy achievement for public safety in the province.

I need your help to maintain our momentum and make 2013 even safer than 2012. By continuing to work together as partners, we can reach so many more people than we would otherwise. Let’s keep our community safe and make an even bigger difference in our fire losses this year.

On behalf of your local fire department and our partners, the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council and Kidde Canada, thank you again for supporting the 12 Days of Holiday Fire Safety campaign. I look forward to working with you on further initiatives this year.

Sincerely,

Mike Ciacelli Deputy Fire Chief Leamington Fire Services

Breaking barriers through art

All of us have challenges in our lives, things that take strength to face and to overcome. Some of us have struggled with the same set of challenges our entire lives and some of us have been fortunate enough to overcome our challenges. For some, a life barrier may be a daily one where a simple task can be overwhelming; like getting out of bed and facing the day with a disability, a disease or an illness, or maybe getting to work and being social with depression, anxiety or other mental health issues. For some that struggle may be alcoholism, drug addiction or gambling. Others may face unemployment, homelessness or poverty. Or maybe it is a combination of these and other factors. Physical, emotional or financial abuse are barriers and can lead to other barriers. Losing a partner, a loved one, a family member, a friend or pet are causes for grief and trauma barriers. Fitting

$5 Charge ~ Kids up to 10 FREE! Festive Foods Will Be Available ~ Everyone Welcome! Entertainment: Rick Gruber - Harmony Join Us To Celebrate

Sunday, February 10 2 pm - 6 pm

130 Erie St. N. Leamington 519-326-3740

in to a new town and a new culture can pose issues with social inclusion due to language barriers or discrimination. Or maybe the barrier to getting that right job to get out of poverty is education but the means just don’t seem to be there. Coming up in March at the LAC is a very significant exhibition that focuses on overcoming these barriers. The exhibition, titled Breaking Barriers is focused to create an understanding of lived experiences. It seeks to highlight resilience and resourcefulness in coping with barriers and surmounting them to reach a goal, even if the goal is simply to survive. Breaking Barriers is an exhibition for creative expression that empowers, builds awareness, and facilitates courage and strength through expression in the arts.

The call of submissions is currently open to all amateur and professional visual artists (and aspiring artists). All mediums are accepted in 2D and 3D (painting, photography, sculpture, textile, installations, etc.) To aid in encouraging the cause and sharing experiences, all submissions must also accompany a short written “artist statement” for each piece relating to the theme Breaking Barriers. Each Statement will be displayed with the artwork. Deadline for submission is Saturday, March 2nd at 4pm.

This exhibition is proudly sponsored by Art Indeed, Wellness through Creativity and by the private donation of Barbara Jean Jack and family. Anyone interested in making a donation to this exhibition and to the LAC please contact us.

A second Breaking Barriers exhibition will also simultaneously take place in Chatham-Kent by the Prosperity

HIGH QUALITY LICENSED CHILD CARE

Offered at 4 schools in Leamington & Kingsville. Ages 18 months - 12 years 6:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. • Subsidy available. For details call 519-733-8202 www.discoverychildcareschools.com

JANUARY 15 - FEBRUARY 12 - Windsor-Essex County Health Unit is holding free 5-week Just for Moms and Babies classes Tuesdays from 1:30 - 3:30 p.m., to help mothers face the many challenges with their new babies and the transition to motherhood. Mothers meet with other new mothers and share and learn from each other’s experiences. These free, informal groups are facilitated by a Public Health Nurse and are for mothers with new babies up to 6 months of age. Location WECHU, 215 Talbot St. E., Leamington. To register, call 519-258-2146 ext. 1340.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1 - 2nd Leamington Scouting is having it's 29th Annual Spaghetti Supper from 4:30 to 7 pm at the First Baptist Church, 3 Fox St., Leamington. Adults: $8; Youth (5-12): $5; 4 & under: Free. All you can eat and take-out available. Advance tickets available from any 2nd Leamington Scouts, at the door or email cj13scout@gmail.com.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 2 - 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Walk For Memories walkathon to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s and related dementias, at the indoor track, Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex, 249 Sherk St. One hundred percent of the funds raised will stay in Essex County. Kick your winter blues to the curb and put together a team to participate in this walkathon! Visit www.walkformemories.ca to sign up today.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5 - Leamington Area Ecumenical Refugee Committee will meet at 6:30 p.m. at Knox Presbyterian Church. If you wish to help/share ideas about this humanitarian project, please come to the meeting. Donations welcome and a tax receipt will be issued. For info call Carolyn Reid 519-3266776.

Gallery Crawl

“Creativity takes courage.”

- Henri Matisse

By Chad Riley, MFA LAC Gallery Director

Roundtable, poverty reduction initiative and be featured at the Left Wing Gallery and Tattoo Parlour as well as at ARTspace. For more information on this exhibition visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ProsperityRoundtable

In the meantime for the month of February visit the gallery to enjoy the imaginative and conceptual exhibition, Marilyn: Artist As Icon. This group show will feature the dynamic works of Marilyn Zimmerman, Associate Professor at Wayne State University, Detroit MI and her fellow exhibiting artists drawn from all over the United States and Canada. The exhibition celebrates the 30 plus years of Zimmerman as a visionary and prominent artist who has shaped and influenced the lives of many artists, including myself as my grad school advisor. Please join us as we welcome Ms. Zimmerman and the dozen plus artists at the opening reception to be held on Friday, February 8th from 7-9pm. Everyone is welcome and admission to the LAC is always free.

For more details and submission forms to the Breaking Barriers exhibition, or any other call for submission or exhibition please visit our website or stop by the gallery… and don’t forget to LIKE US on Facebook at www.facebook. com/leamingtonartscentre

LEAMINGTON ARTS CENTRE

South Essex Arts Association

72 Talbot St. W Leamington, ON

Phone: 519-326-2711

e: info@leamingtonartscentre.com

url: www.leamingtonartscentre.com

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6 - 1:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m BLOOD DONORS NEEDED. The need for blood Is constant, on average, every 60 seconds someone in Canada required blood or blood components, and since blood has a limited shelf life, demand is constant. Can you spare an hour of your time to help save a life? Bring a friend and donate at the LEAMINGTON BLOOD DONOR CLINIC, Sherk Recreation Complex, 249 Sherk St. 1:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Call 1 888 2 DONATE (1-888-236-6283 for information and to book your appointment. WALK INS WELCOME.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6 - Free Disability Planning Seminars: Lawyer Brendon Pooran presents RDSP and Dollars & Sense to discuss legal and financial issues for individuals and families affected by disability. Essex County Civic Centre, at 9:30 a.m. Contact Windsor Essex Family Network at 519-974-1008 or info@windsoressexfamnet.ca for details.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6 - Shooters Photography Club meets 7:00 - 10:00 p.m., at Colasanti's Tropical Gardents, 1550 Rd. 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! Contact George Schiefer at 519-733-5055 or gshiefer@cogeco.ca Everyone Welcome!

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8 - Guatemala Hope's Health Committee is hosting a pasta dinner, 5-7 p.m., to raise funds for future projects to support the poor. Come enjoy the sun and fun at Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens, Ruthven. Adults $15, kids 3-12-$8, under 3 free. Call Louise Elliott 519- 890- 4030 or Sue Rock 519-9752959 for tickets or information.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9 - 9:00 a.m. - The Ontario Purple Martin Association will meet at Colasanti’s, Ruthven. The public is welcome. Please call 519-738-3476 for further information.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 11 - Leamington Christian Women After 5 (affiliated with Stonecroft Ministries) invites ladies and gentlemen to a Guest Night Dinner Meeting, 6:30 p.m., at Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens. Guest speaker and soloist is Adrian Cole. Her theme is “I Love the Piano”. Also, there will be harp music by Kayla Falkenholt. Tickets $16. Call to reserve by Fri. Feb. 8 - Sharon 519-326-0421 or Darlene 519-733-5595.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12 - 5 - 7 pm, Pancake & Sausage Supper, St. John’s Anglican Church, 60 Erie St. N., Leamington, tel 519-326-3111. Adults $5, Children (6-10) $2.50.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12 - Pancake Supper, 57 p.m., First Evangelical Lutheran Church, 27 Spruce St. Menu includes sausages, pancakes with syrup, fruit toppings - whipped cream, and beverage. Adults $6, children 6-12 $3, and children 5 and under free. Tickets available at the door. Proceeds to benefit Meat Canners and Church Kitchen. Sponsored by Faithlife Financial – Chapter 76090.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 17 - Essex County Orchid Society's meeting, 1:30 p.m., St. Stephen’s Church Hall, 5280 Howard, Windsor. Come learn how to 'Identify and Treat those Nasties on your Orchids'. Visitors and new members always welcome. More info: www.essexcountyorchidsociety.webs.com

Letter to the Editor

Some other useless green energy projects

Reflecting on years of wind turbine projects and solar panel installations, I wondered if the “Greenies” had found the depths of absurd ideas to save the world. Given the chance to spend the billion dollars wasted closing electricity generating locations, I would propose the following ideas to the new government to try. Each idea has an element of annoyance that the government could spin to make us feel good about ourselves and halt global warming.

First, I would build 50 metre high water wheels in the Detroit River, St. Lawrence River and the Ottawa River. The turning water wheels would generate electricity 24-7, something the ‘other’ projects can’t do. Because they are a green and renewable source of electricity, the projects wouldn’t need an environmental studies certificate. And they could completely P.O. the cottage owners, boaters and laker shipping. Schools in Toronto could make field trips past the boundary of their comfort zone to marvel at these structures. Each water wheel would be named for a famous Liberal.

I would retro fit all the government elevators with a generator braking system so that every down trip would spin a generator. Just think of all the real production that would be generated by our government. To really, really P.O. a lot of civil servants, I would pass tough legislation that would require all workers to WALK UP to their offices. To waste money and drive up the cost of the electricity produced, I would pay a $50 bonus a week to every worker to compensate them for their efforts to save the world. Then spin the message that we are doing it for their good health. If the idea fails in Toronto, it could be expanded to all elevators in the province. Then our great leader(s) could be proud to be a world leader in saving the world and humbly receive accolades from the “Greenies”.

Then I would have mini wind turbines strung out along all the 400 series highways to generate electricity from the draft turbulence of the trucks and cars speeding along the highways. I would add a $25 fee to every driver’s license to pay for the copper needed to connect all the mini turbines to the grid.

I would pass tough legislation requiring all illegal grow-ops to have a ‘green electricity only’ filter attached to the bypass of the meter wiring. Then the geniuses in the government could brag that Ontario crooks only steal ‘green’ electricity.

I would dig huge underground chambers and line them with lead plates and fill them with acids to create a 10 kilometre square battery to store lightning strikes. Lightning collecting towers would have to be built at various points adding interest to the landscape. Signs warning not to stand next to these towers during a thunderstorm would be printed in various languages and posted across the province.

I am just trying to be helpful.

– Peter Scorrar, Leamington

What’s in a Name...

The Town of Kingsville has invited Leamington to join them in a branding move intended to promote healthy, active living. They are using the name “ActiveKingsville” and propose that Leamington could be “ActiveLeamington”. According to the correspondence, this branding is part of Kingsville’s Active Transportation strategy.

Leamington already promotes healthy, active living by being part (and one of the founding members) of the in motion brand – Leamington, along with many other Southwestern Ontario municipalities such as Lakeshore, Essex, City of Windsor, City of Sarnia and partners such as the South West Area Recreation Guild, Windsor-Essex County Health Unit and University of Windsor. Switching brands and logos would seem to be like changing horses in mid-stream for no apparent good reason.

Council agreed with this assessment and voted simply to receive the correspondence.

Evenings (til Thurs Jan 31) 6:45

Evenings (til Thurs Jan 31) 6:45

Evenings (til Thurs Jan 31) 6:45

Ralph and Darlene Luhowy recently met with Ross Barnwell (left) of the Leamington Hospital Foundation to present a cheque, one of the major gifts given to the new Women’s Centre to be opened this year.

Essex County: An accidental rural cycling mecca?

Migrant farm workers’ dependence on bikes makes area a uniquely high density cycling region; yet gaps remain in addressing cyclists’ needs

Emily Reid-Musson, a PhD student in Geography at the University of Toronto, has been conducting research on migrant workers’ mobility and bike use in Norfolk, Niagara and Essex Counties.

“Leamington/Kingsville, Niagara and Simcoe are unique in Ontario because they are primarily rural areas that are home to 4000 or more migrant workers who mainly depend on bicycles to get around”, she says. “Leamington stands out.”

Emily’s research has been primarily based in Norfolk County over the past year, but she plans on focusing on Leamington over the next season. Having worked previously on two Leamington-area farms as an ESL teacher and farm-worker with Frontier College, she explained how her interest was piqued: “The first thing my co-workers from Mexico did for me was get me a bike. It was essential. But we were using our bikes at night and on roads with little to no shoulders.”

So far, one of her significant findings is that, while biking is often the migrant workers’ only means of independent travel, it is often dangerous. “Active transportation planning often assumes that people use their bikes when the built environment supports their behaviour. I’m discovering that the pure need for independence is a more important factor in influencing bike use for this group of cyclists.”

Since 2005, there have been six migrant worker cyclist fatalities in Norfolk and Leamington, and numerous injuries incurred by workers on bikes. In 2012 alone in Leamington, there was one fatality and several major injuries.

The recently adopted Essex County-Wide Active Transportation Plan identifies County Road 20/Seacliffe Drive as a top priority for cycling improvements. The Towns of Leamington and Kingsville – where perhaps the largest population of migrant worker cyclists live – have not yet committed dollars to making well-travelled bike channels like CR20 safer, though some incremental changes have improved life for cyclists (like narrow edge-lined strips and ‘share the road’ signs). Many cyclists Emily spoke with identified CR20 as the most dangerous road for biking.

“Migrant workers have unintentionally transformed Leamington into a high density bike use region. The key question is will the necessary infrastructure changes be implemented by Leamington and Kingsville Town Councils, other municipalities, employers and by the public?”

Other barriers for workers who cycle include employers prohibiting bike use and racism experienced both on and off bicycles. “Policy-makers, planners and public health workers celebrate cycling in the abstract. Ironically, we are trying to encourage drivers to get out of their cars and onto bikes, but in many ways, the local environment is not yet safe for cycling.”

Emily is enthused by alliances between cycling and farm worker advocates who share similar concerns: “In Essex County, there’s a Share the Road cyclist group, an OPP bike patrol and migrant advocates who are working on both infrastructure and behaviour change to make cycling safer.”

Emily points out that migrant workers lack formal political representation and so they have limited participation in cycling infrastructure decisions. “My hope is that relevant municipalities will take notice of how people are already using their bikes to plan, with and for, existing vulnerable road users. There are growing numbers of temporary agricultural workers in southern Ontario and across the country. The Leamington experience shows that they’re shaping public spaces in really interesting ways. That’s what I’m most interested in documenting.”

Emily’s research is ongoing. In fall 2013 she will be sharing findings. She is happy to be contacted at reidmussone@geog.utoronto. ca.

Rotary donation means free entry into Juried Student Art Show

By Sheila McBrayne

There are no excuses for students to not enter the 15th Annual Juried Student Art Show thanks to a generous donation of $1,000 from the Leamington Rotary Club.

The donation has allowed the Leamington Arts Centre to waive the usual $5 per artwork entry fee and

offer more substabtial cash prizes. “It’s always been a great show, but this allows more students to get involved. Five dollars per entry doesn’t seem like a lot, but for some it might be the deciding factor,” said Chad Riley, Gallery Director. “Not all parents are supportive of their kids in the arts, and for some it might be just

a money issue,” said Riley.

Last year Cardinal Carter Secondary School’s art program paid for their students’ entries. “Probably 50 per cent of all our entries last year came from Cardinal Carter, so it showed that the entry fee maybe was a barrier,” said Riley. “It makes it easier for teachers who are submitting to not have to worry about collecting money from students as well,” he said.

Riley has sent letters to the art departments at 15 or more secondary schools across Essex County looking for entries, but individual entries are also welcome.

The student art show is open to all students in Essex County. Each student can submit one entry in each of the nine categories (mediums): Acrylic Painting, Oil Painting, Watercolour, Drawing, Sculpture, Photography, Mixed Medium, Poetry and Multi Media (Video). Each entry must also accompany a short artist statement describing the artwork, the process, what was learned and what they want the viewer to realize.

The student exhibition will run from April 2 through May 4 with a deadline to enter of Saturday, March 30 at 4 p.m. A reception evening will be held on Thursday, April 11 from 6 – 8 p.m. At the reception, awards and cash prizes will

be presented to the young artists with outstanding works in the exhibit for each category. “We’re really looking forward to this year’s show and we’ve put aside some of the money for a nice reception and awards night,” said Riley.

Also, as a part of this event, a $100 “Future Artist” Award will be given to the graduating student that

showcases the most artistic potential and is continuing their education in the arts. Students interested in entering for this award will be asked to submit with their work a 500-word essay describing their past art experience, their future art endeavors and how they plan to apply the award given. And lastly, a People’s Choice Award will be

granted based on the visitors’ votes throughout the exhibition.

For more information contact the Leamington Arts Centre by phone at 519-3262711, or by email at info@ leamingtonartscentre.com.

Students and teachers can also download the exhibition entry form at www. leamingtonartscentre.com

Rick Nicholls visits local public school

Chatham-Kent-Essex MPP Rick Nicholls visited Queen Elizabeth School in Leamington on Tues. Jan. 15, along with Greater Essex County District School Board Education Director Warren Kennedy, Trustee Dave Taves and Superintendent of Business Penny Allen. Principal Helen Dean introduced the group to the “Early Years Kingdom”, which is Queen Elizabeth Public School’s class of Junior and Senior Kindergarten students. MPP Nicholls saw firsthand the newly renovated section of the school where there are 120 students aged 4 and 5 who were actively engaged with their teachers and volunteers, learning reading, writing, learning their shapes, building things and team building skills. Nicholls said he was reminded of the book entitled “Everything I Learned in School, I Learned in

Kindergarten.”

As Nicholls has often said to adult groups, it is important to learn to play well together in the “sandbox” of life. Nicholls stated how friendly and how well behaved the children were. The large open concept room was comprised of four classes of students, with mini learning stations nicely divided up and extremely conducive to learning.

MPP Nicholls was a big hit with the children and many naturally gravitated to him as he spent time with them. “I just loved interacting with the children and working with several at their learning stations,” said Nicholls. When it was time for him to leave, several students didn’t want him to go. They had made a new friend.

(Continued on page 14)

(Continued from page 13)

Principal Dean also introduced MPP Nicholls and

WEF welcomes guest speaker Marcia Hoeck

Marcia Hoeck, of Grosse Ile, Michigan, told her story of success and misfortune to the Leamington chapter of the Women’s Economic Forum, at a meeting held Jan. 16 at Pelee Days Inn.

For over 25 years, as owner of Hoeck Associates, Inc., a leading marketing communications firm in Toledo, Ohio, Marcia found the business aspects of her work had its ups and downs. Out of necessity and survival, she developed simple methods to take the complexity out of the way in order to make her business a great success. The results: a terrific team of people who stayed long term, profitable clients who came back year after year, a very manageable workload, and a business with great flexibility.

Since people often “picked her brain” about how she was able to create a sturdy, profitable business that ran so smoothly and lasted so long, Marcia decided to turn her attention to helping make business easy for other business owners through coaching and consulting. She sold the assets of her marketing communications firm in 2009. She often speaks in person and on teleclasses and webinars on business-building topics. You can find January 16th topic “Find Your Mojo: How to Uncover and Talk About What Makes You Truly Different and Valuable in Business” at http://apurposefulbusiness.com/findmojo/

The evening ended with a question and answer forum, which gave everyone a good understanding of the hard work and sacrifice of a business woman as she grows her company, dealing with employees and dabbling in other projects.

The Leamington Chapter of the Women’s Economic Forum meets the third Wednesday of the month with interesting and motivational speakers. On February 20, Hilda MacDonald, Councillor for the Municipality of the Town of Leamington, is scheduled to speak.

The Women’s Economic Forum’s dinner meetings are an opportunity to promote women, their products and their business while networking with other members and guests at each meeting.

Another upcoming WEF event is a workshop on Sat. February 23 at Gino’s Restaurant in Leamington. This workshop, “Grabbing the Brass Ring”, is where new or established businesses can present their business ideas, concepts or plans to a group of local experts. Take advantage of this opportunity.

Visit www.womenseconomicforum.com for events in Windsor and Leamington. An excellent way to broaden your networking base.

ERCA celebrating 40 years

The Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) will celebrate 40 years of conserving the environment of Windsor, Essex County and Pelee Island with a number of activities and events planned for 2013.

“The Essex Region Conservation Authority was formed by vote of the municipalities in our region,” explained Richard Wyma, ERCA’s General Manager. “Order in Council 1900/73 dated July 18, 1973, gave the Authority jurisdiction over the watershed of all streams within the County of Essex, flowing into Lake St. Clair, the Detroit River, and Lake Erie.”

Since that time, ERCA has implemented thousands of projects and programs aimed at protecting and restoring the region’s natural environment.

Throughout the year, ERCA will hold 40 community events including a 40-acre restoration project at Big Creek, its official birthday celebration with an open house, and this fall ERCA will plant its six millionth tree.

ERCA has also announced a re-launch of their

refreshed website. “We needed to upgrade our site to meet AODA standards, but we have also taken the opportunity to refresh the look, improve its usability, and highlight 40 Years of Conservation,” explained Danielle Breault Stuebing, ERCA’s Director of Communications and Education. “We’ve tried to make it very easy for the site’s users to navigate and access our many programs and services.”

ERCA also announced the launch of the 40 Conservation Champions. “From February through November, we will recognize four individuals each month who have made significant contributions toward shaping the natural environment and conservation ethic in our region,” Breault Stuebing went on to say. “Anyone can nominate deserving individuals through our website.” The first Conservation Champions will be announced in February.

Local man publishes book despite challenges

By Bryan Jessop

The ability to put down the bottle and pick up the pen has paid off for local author Rob Rodger.

Rodger, a retired steel worker who grew up in Hamilton and Niagara Falls, completed his first book the year after he brought his struggles with alcoholism to a halt. The accomplishment came despite a crisis of an entirely different sort as his son Ken died of brain cancer in early April of 2010 — only a month after Rob began writing ‘The Skater’. Crestfallen, Rodger considered abandoning the story. Shortly before his death however, Ken convinced his father to complete the book.

“I’ve been a writer all my life, but I couldn’t finish anything because of being an alcoholic,” Rodger said. “There was always a bottle of vino to be drunk.”

Rodger completed The Skater in October of 2010, about seven months after he started literally putting pen to paper. The story began with Rodger walking into his bedroom and scribbling the first paragraphs with pen and paper. At the time, his intentions were simply to write a short story. The finished product is a short novel, about 53,000 words in length. “I just kept adding to it,” he explained. “When I started, there was no outline to this book.”

Rodger explained that attempts to write books in his 40s consistently ended with partially-written projects being thrown away, as his struggles with alcoholism left him too frustrated, depressed and angry to complete his stories. Although The Skater was finished quickly, Rodger admitted that the publication and other follow-up processes have been far more challenging.

“Writing it was the easy part,” he said. “The rest has been out of my comfort zone. For starters, I’m quite computer illiterate.”

The first evidence of difficulty reared its head when Rodger attempted using Dragon NaturallySpeaking software to dictate the book onto a computer text program.

“There are a lot of cases where I wanted something to be written out a little differently, but the program can’t do it,” he noted.

From there, Rodger decided to edit The Skater himself, a decision he later regretted.

“It’s challenging to go over your own work trying to find mistakes. You know what you meant to write, so that’s what you end up reading even if that’s not quite what’s really there.”

Rodger purchased a publication package from British Columbia-based Friesen Press, which included promotional work conducted by a representative of the company “I’m very happy with how they work and what they’ve done. Their work is great,” Rodger said.

The Skater is about psychotic psychologist Henry Collier, who was brought up in an alcoholic household by his professional hockey wannabee and heavy-drinking father. Collier’s manipulative skills land him a position as a physical mechanics trainer in professional football while he makes great strides to stay a step ahead of a reporter attempting to reveal his true identity — all the while outwitting law enforcement officials trying to connect him to a string of murders.

Rodger, who moved to Blenheim in 2009 and then to Leamington about a year-and-a-half ago, intended to write The Skater as a two-part story in one-publication prior to the tragedy of his son’s death. He is now planning to begin writing the book’s sequel this summer.

In the meantime, Rodger is making efforts to arrange a book-signing event at a Chapter’s bookstore, likely in Windsor. He also plans to book guest speaker appearances at Alcoholic Anonymous chapters and branches across Ontario.

“The people at AA have been great,” Rodger said. “I went

there to see if they could help me and they certainly did. For anyone struggling with alcoholism, I would encourage them without any question or hesitation whatsoever to contact AA.”

The Skater can be purchased online at Amazon.com, which prints the publication in an ‘on demand’ basis. Purchase of the book can also be arranged through Chapters bookstores.

“I didn’t expect to get rich doing this, but if I didn’t at least try, I knew I’d regret it,” Rodger said. “Four years after sobriety, I’ve accomplished something I’d have never been able to do if I continued to drink.”

Protecting landscape plants from ice and snow

BILL PLUMB

In the back yard...

During the winter, many gardeners have concerns about ice and snow damage to their shrubs, trees and perennial plants. Wet snow and ice will cause broken branches; snow itself will not hurt these plants. In fact, the opposite – snow is a good insulator against the cold dry winds and temperatures. A good ground cover protects injury to sensitive perennial root systems. On the other hand, snow blowers and snowplows cause a problem by piling a denser than normal amount on the branches, causing them to break. If this happens, it may be better to leave it than to try to remove it and causing further damage. If plants are located in vulnerable locations, try wrapping the plant with burlap or cord to prevent damage in late fall. Snow or ice sliding off roofs will also damage plant material. Try placing a teepee-shaped wooden frame over them and covering with burlap warp.

Natural snowfall or windblown snow seldom results in plant damage, but be careful when shoveling, plowing or blowing snow. If you can’t remember where they are lo-

The Churches of Leamington and District Welcome You

Mount Zion Full TabernacleGospel

6 Mill Street, Leamington 519-252-0031

Sunday Worship 7:30 pm

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

cated, place stakes or reflectors next to the plants. When using salt on walkways and drives, keep in mind that this mixture of slush piled around the plants will harm the roots, resulting in killing the plants. Avoid piling salty snow around the planting area or even on the lawn. Always use an environmentally safe salt, such as calcium chloride, sand or even kitty litter. Be aware of foot traffic to the inside of your home as some materials will track inside, possibly causing stains or unwanted marks on your rug or tile floor.

This winter, play it safe by using the right materials on walks and drives and use extra care when removing snow, keeping your plants healthy during the winter.

Your questions and comments are always welcome: e-mail inthebackyard74@yahoo.ca or visit my website www.bptreemarketing.com

Sonshine Lutheran Church

On the life and death of a snowdrop

By C. Lloyd Brown-John

At times one marvels at the persistence of flowers in a garden. This is especially notable when one is facing a personal event — a crisis, a tragedy, a disappointment. Flowers in a garden can offer solace and relief to the mind and the soul searching for an emotional outlet. Flowers are hope and life.

One particular little flower — a snowdrop — had struggled to herald its own awakening. With a push through the detritus of autumn’s leaf fall and the residue of last summer’s blossoms, the little white head of a snowdrop protruded from beneath its darkened world and blanket of winter protection to proclaim itself once more, brilliant, alive and thriving even as cold morning frost whitened the very world into which it had emerged.

I rather suspect that many view the snowdrop as just a harbinger of spring; a sign that winter is over and that new life stirring vigorously beneath the surface is now just waiting to alight upon an anticipating and desperate gardener.

This snowdrop revealed its snow-white head above the increasingly less glamorous garden. Its protrusion thrust itself into one’s vision as it stood upon a slender green stem and claimed an apparent exclusive right both to be adored and to enchant.

“Ah!” I remarked, “we have a lovely little snowdrop struggling to bloom this cold and frosty morning. It is barely discernible amongst the mantle of frost which lathers that garden in which it so regularly blooms. But it is December — this is a confused snowdrop!”

“When I deem the time appropriate, I shall harvest this tiny beauty and give it a place of honour upon our dining room table,” I suggested. “I shall provide this snowdrop with a tiny vase, and light and warmth, and give it opportunity to display its incredible beauty.”

And so it transpired that upon the second day after I noticed this lonely snowdrop, I harvested it and took it indoors and gave it a place of honour upon our dining table.

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

Setterington Street Leamington 519-326-4901

Sunday Worship 10:30 am

Leamington United Church 9 John Street, Leamington 519-326-9461

Sunday Worship Services 10:30 am Mersea

For this, our tiny snowdrop has given us plentiful reward. Over a period of days it blossomed forth in its full magnificence, its white petals like a ballerina’s costume in imitation of a sugarplum fairy. Its spectacular green undergarments providing a stunning contrast of white and green and a scintillation of characteristic show unique to this tiny flower.

When fully in its pas-des-deux stance, the flower offered a wonderful tiny window of hope. It proclaimed itself achieved and it offered expectation that a better future and season did lie ahead were we to indulge the flower in patience for a time. Each meal was preceded by a comment about our glorious friend now strutting, so to speak, upon our table. The snowdrop became a surrogate third party at meal hour, a friend to be acknowledged as we enjoyed our dinners. For days it entertained our quiet thoughts.

Alas, however, as befalls the fate of both flowers and humans, it began to fade and the green melted to a dim pale yellow. Its gallant white wings lost their stamina and began that droop which tells you a flower’s time has lapsed.

In the overall scheme of our lives, this beauty was a fleeting instant. Yet for the snowdrop it was its glory and its demise – its entire life.

After a couple of days of lingering floral fantasy, we returned the flower from whence it came — the garden. Naturally, we understood that a variation of it would return when spring finally replaced winter. We look forward to more floral friends emerging from winter’s grip, but for now snow lies heavy upon the memory of a lovely winter friend, like so many other memories of winter’s mantel upon the souls of so many other departed friends.

Getting ready for Chilifest

It’s winter; it’s cold; and it’s time for the Leamington area Chilifest coming up on Wednesday, February 27 at the Leamington Portuguese Community Club from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door. The event features two dozen chilis, two soups for non chili eaters, fresh veggies, dinner rolls, drinks, dessert and more with takeout available. Proceeds go towards South Essex Community Council Erie Shore Community Transit providing valuable transportation to those in need. Since 2006, $80,522 has been raised by the chilifest committee. In 2012 $9,000 was raised and organizers are aiming to do even better this year. For more information about Chilifest or to get involved, contact chairperson John Woelk at c21johnwoelk@hotmail.com

TOP RIGHT: The local chilifest features chili and locally baked and donated buns from Naples Pizza. Jason Bluhm, pictured here of the Leamington store, along with partners Domingos Braga Kingsville store and Sergio Braga Harrow store, have donated dozens and dozens of delicious buns towards this community event. They taste great with the chilis.

BOTTOM RIGHT: is Anthony DelBrocco of the Mettawas Station Mediterranean Restaurant preparing some of his signature chili for the event

BELOW: Pictured here are two chefs, Amanda DeCamillis and Brittany Goodreau, at Car Barn in Wheatley preparing some of Barry’s famous homemade chili

Wednesday, February 6th, 2013 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Feds pitching in for curling club brine lines

By Bryan Jessop

A grant from the federal government will help ensure the Sun Parlour Curling Club keeps its cool.

Chatham-Kent-Essex

MP Dave Van Kesteren

paid a visit to the club on Tuesday, Jan. 22 to officially announce a Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund contribution of $36,750. This money will account for just over a third of the cost to remove the curling club’s existing brine line system from beneath the ice’s surface and replace it with a new, more efficient set up.

Trouble at the Sun Parlour Curling Club began about two years ago, when a leak was detected emitting from one of the concealed headers at the end of the four sheets closest to the facility’s lounge area. Found to be rotting, an eight-foot section of header was replaced at a cost of $6,000 prior to the 2010-11 season’s launch.

More recently, sections of lines emitting from the headers began leaking, causing a discolouration on

and between the houses of the two centre sheets. The leaks have also caused the layer of sand above the lines to drop, which in turn has allowed the ice to drop and result in a large crack travel-

ing horizontally through the two centre houses.

Ice maker Jason Hebert has been able to neutralize the effect of the crack with extensive maintenance, but SPCC president Matt Dick explained that ongoing adjustments and repairs are only short-term solutions until the lines can be replaced. The lines, made of one-inch diameter black (Continued on page 23)

Sun Parlour Curling Club’s

chairperson Linda Patkau

Van Kesteren. Van Kesteren visited the

to be spent on the club’s fundraising effort to have leaking brine lines replaced. The grant is part of the federal government’s FedDev Ontario, a program operated through its Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund. (SUN Photos)

Ty Scratch scores the game-winning goal for WFCU Major Midgets at the 4:12 mark of the third period.

Major Midgets take opener

Southpoint WFCU Major Midgets opened their Bluewater playdown series against Amherstburg Stars on the weekend with a 2-1 victory.

WFCU found themselves down 1-0 at the end of the second period but came out in the third determined not to let home ice advantage slip to the Stars. WFCU tied the game at the 9:39 mark on a short-handed goal by Ryan Zsebok from Scott Florence. After this, both teams exchanged good scoring opportunities until Ty Scratch put home his own rebound with 4:12 remaining.

Amherstburg worked hard to tie the game; however, they were unsuccessful in getting one by WFCU goaltender Everett Omstead. Final score: WFCU 2, Amherstburg 1. Game 2 of the series is Friday night in Amherstburg, Game 3 returns to Wheatley Arena Saturday Feb. 2 at 5:30. Come out and support the team!

RECREATION EVENTS RECREATION EVENTS

Recreation Events from the Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex

3-Month New Year Shape-Up membership only $115 + HST: Everyone purchasing the New Year Shape-Up special membership in January will have their name entered to WIN 2 free tickets to an upcoming Flyers Jr. B hockey game. Check out the Complex weight room! Increase your cardio heart rate and strengthen and tone your muscles. Come for a tour and meet with a personal trainer.

REGISTRATION: Register the entire family now for the Winter 2 Session which begins the week of Feb. 4. Register youth for the Home Alone Course Sat. Feb. 2. Register youth for the Red Cross First Aid Babysitter Course Fri. Feb. 8 during the P.A. Day. Skate / Gym/ Swim Pass for children ages 13 + under. What could be more fun than to come as a family and take part in recreational programs like swimming, a game of badminton, or ice skating?!

And the Complex is now offering a NEW Youth (ages 13 and under) Annual Complex Membership! Only $149! A great way to get your children in motion! Health concerns? The Complex offers many programs:

Health Track Program: Whether it’s arthritis, fibromyalgia, heart concerns, lymphatic drainage or COPD lung disease, our registered kinesiologist will lead the group class in preventative exercise measures. Bring down your blood pressure and your high-cholesterol levels.

Aqua Therapy Counselors: For pre- and post-operative water therapy sessions - especially beneficial for those preparing for knee and hip replacement surgery. Contact the Complex for more details.

Girls Night Out! A program for girls only – grades 6-8 – on Mondays from 6-8 p.m. Different themes and activities each Monday. Meet new friends, learn new skills, develop new interests! Led by certified High Five Counsellors. Program runs Feb. 4-Mar. 25.

Rock ’n Swim: Fri. Feb. 8, 7:15-9:00 p.m. Come swim to the sounds of all your favourite tunes, sponsored by Dr. Karen Archer-Family Dental Care.

Start your year just right! Come exercise at the Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex.

We have something for every...body!

Oh brother, what a game!

The tension of the National Football League’s annual Super Bowl never goes undetected by sports fans, partly because it is the only ‘Big Four’ professional team sport in North America where the championship is decided in one game. No second chances in this grand finale.

While this year’s big game between the Baltimore Ravens and San Francisco 49ers will again draw millions of eyes toward the field, an exceptional point of interest will draw a great deal of attention to the sidelines. February 3, 2013 will mark the first time in NFL history that both Super Bowl finalists are coached by brothers. Yes, the next Harbaugh family reunion could very well be an awkward one, with scads of aunts, uncles, cousins and inlaws swarming the winning brother for a glimpse of his Super Bowl ring while the other sits alone at a picnic table, perhaps trying to scarf down a Styrofoam plate full of egg salad while trying desperately not to overhear the never-ending chorus of “congratulations!”

Both Jim and John Harbaugh were successful at their second consecutive cracks at conference championships, with Jim leading the 49ers to a comeback win over the Atlanta Falcons a year after missing the big show in a loss to the New York Giants and John taking revenge against the New England Patriots a year after being denied the same opportunity.

The NFL of course is no stranger to sibling rivalry.

One year after quarterback Payton Manning led his Indianapolis Colts to Super Bowl glory against the Chicago Bears, little brother Eli did the same with the Giants — also as quarterback — against the Patriots. Three years later, Eli achieved one-upsmanship by adding a second Super Bowl ring, again against the favoured Pats.

Jessop’s Jessop’s Journal Journal

Primeau once dropped the gloves, after which point their mother scolded them severely while the old man apparently laughed himself hoarse.

By no means does the ‘brother versus brother’ phenomenon in professional sports end at football. Anyone remember all six of the Sutter brothers who played in the National Hockey League? Probably just as challenging — if not more so — than recalling the names of the Seven Dwarfs or all of Santa’s reindeer. To be honest, I could only recall Brent, Rich, Brian and Ron without resorting to Google (I can’t believe I forgot Darryl and Duane). Or how about the three Stastnys who simultaneously played for the Quebec Nordiques? Peter, Marian and Anton, if I remember correctly (ha, no Google necessary on that one!).

And, of course, who could forget the rivalry between brothers Dale, Mark and Dave Hunter? Not too many parents can say they’ve watched their kids ‘evolve’ from fighting over Tinker Toys to exchanging punches in a Canadiens versus Nordiques game (Mark vs. Dale). Keith and Wayne

Then there was perhaps the NHL’s greatest ‘my big brother’s a jerk’ story, featuring Phil and Tony Esposito. Tony, the Chicago Black Hawks’ goaltender, played his first-ever NHL start against older brother Phil and the Boston Bruins. The game ended in a 2-2 tie (remember those?), with Phil scoring both goals for the Bruins. Legend has it that Phil took the verbal beating of a lifetime from their mother as a result. Both, as it turned out, went on to enjoy exceptional careers. Interestingly enough, we don’t even have to rely on professional, televised sports to watch siblings in action. Minor and high school sports are filled with sibling rivalries, duos and even trios.

Local junior hockey alone is rampant with brothers joining forces. The 2012-13 Leamington Flyers pre-season ‘Red vs. White’ game was interesting for the usual reasons, plus the added Manchurek Factor. In what had to be a first, triplet brothers Joe, Mark and Rob tried out for the Junior ‘B’ squad. Never immune to asinine thoughts, I half wondered if the other two would double over in pain if one took a slap shot to the gut, sort of like the twin villains Tomax and Xamot from the old G.I. Joe cartoons I watched as a kid (you might have to be a “Generation Xer” to understand that comment).

If you’ve attended a post Dec. 1 Wheatley Sharks game, you’re probably well aware of the impact the Babkirk brothers have had on the local Junior ‘C’ squad. In the 13 games the Sharks have played with the Babkirks on the roster, they’ve lost only twice — once in overtime. On three occasions thus far, Brett has assisted on a Riley goal while in one instance, the two assisted on the same goal. Obvisouly more of a duo than a rivalry.

Feds pitching in

(Continued from page 21)

pipe, were installed 30 years ago. As the brine fluid coursing through the lines is salt-water based, the 168 rows of steel tubing eventually began corroding, causing the leaks.

“Until now, we’ve had to find ways to delay replacement,” said Dick. “We’ve been doing what it takes to get us through the season.”

Nearly 200 members, including junior curlers, make use of the SPCC during seasons that begin in mid October and end in early April. Dick, fellow executive members of the club and members alike are eager to see the work, dubbed Project Pipes, get started.

“We finish the season on April 7 and get started April 8,” Dick said with a laugh.

The cost to replace the club’s cooling brine lines has been quoted at $73,500. With new boards at both ends of the four sheets, new sand, brine tank replacement and a new set of doors to allow movement of equipment onto and off of the ice’s surface, the project’s total price tag sits at about $100,000.

The current system of lines, running vertically along the 150-foot long sheets and spaced four inches apart across the ice’s 56-foot width, run a linear total length of about 25,000 feet/7.6 km. The new lines, with a diameter of 0.625 inches and made of plastic, will be placed from 2.5 to three inches apart for more uniform cooling capability. Once installed, the new

Rhine Danube

bowling results

The following are the Rhine Danube bowling results:

Games Over 200: Jason Dalimonte 221, Ozzie Wolf 234, Gary Garnham 246-223, Wayne Abbott 215, Aaron Dickau 214233, Jack Valade 222, Albert Salvati 212-232, John Paliwoda 204, Kevin Kosempel 203, Robert Nykyforuk 206, Shaun Garnham 269.

Series Over 550: Ozzie Wolf 554; Shaun Garnham 591, Aaron Dickau 590, Jack Valade 578, Kevin Kosempel 579, Gary Garnham 661, Albert Salvati 624.

Standings: Fittler Farms 17, Weil’s 12, Unico 12, Rhine 9, Takis 7, Dickau 6.

lines will run a linear length of about 36,650 feet or 11.2 km — roughly the distance of Leamington to Wheatley.

The local curling club will pay for the new brine lines and other upgrades through the CIIF grant and $30,000 it has raised on its own, along with no-interest loans offered by SPCC members. In Ontario, the CIIF grants are being delivered by The Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, or ‘FedDev Ontario’, which administrates the current two-year CIIF program. The CIIF is dispersing $105 million throughout Canada to various community, cultural and recreation centres. In response to the announcement of the program, the federal government received applications — which must meet specific criteria — requesting a total of $1 billion in grant funds.

“The reasoning behind the program is a main thrust of job creation and support of communities,” said Van Kesteren. “There are a lot of people making use of this (SPCC) facility.”

Upon hearing of the invitation to apply for CIIF grants, Leamington municipal councillor Rick Atkin brought it to the attention of the local curling club, which was able to submit its application just prior to the deadline. All CIIF projects must be completed by May of 2014, a deadline Dick is confident the club will meet.

“It’ll take more time to clear out the old stuff, than it will for the new system to

Weil’s Peewees win two

By Joline Driedger

On Sat. Jan. 19, Weil’s Peewee Boys faced off at Essex and won 3-2. Owen Lindsay took the first goal, assisted by Jonathan Fehr. Damon Palichuk scored at the end of the first to make it 2-1. In the end Steven Wiebe scored the final goal for the win. Good job, boys! January 26 was one great and exciting game. Weil’s Peewees took to the ice against the Leamington Chrysler boys and won once again 3-2. Chad Drewitt scored with an assist from Derek Keck. Three minutes later Steven Wiebe put one behind the other team’s goalie with the help of Chad Drewitt and Nathan Toews. With a 2-0 lead, Michael Tiessen tipped one in from Steven Wiebe and Chad Drewitt. This was one intense game.

be installed,” he said.

The ProCurl Curling Rink Piping System will be installed by Custom Ice Inc., a company based in Burlington, Ont. The installation will take about one week, leaving ample time to begin the 2013-14 schedule as planned.

Southpoint Stars playoff action

The Southpoint Stars Community Trophy Peewee Girls played a home and home against Kingsville over the weekend. On Saturday the Stars fell 4-2. Brienne Mastronardi led the attack with 2 goals while Paige Thompson chipped in with 1 assist. On Sunday the Peewee Stars got revenge with a dominant 3-0 win. Paige Thompson led the way with 2 goals, and Brienne Mastronardi netted 3 points with a goal and 2 assists. Rayvenne Sarkis added an assist. Erica “The Wall” Taylor was spectacular in net with the shutout!

The Fox Ready Mix Bantam Stars came ready to play Sunday afternoon scoring a big 9-1 win over Lakehore. Kayla Collison led the way with a hatttrick, Tatum Davison and Claire Phibbs each had a pair of goals, with singles going to Chelsea Hickson and Abbey Gualtieri. Assists went to Abby Gualtieri with 3, Acacia Hutnik and Jada Schiefer with 2, Kierra Murracas, Tatum Davison and Kayla Collison with 1 assist. Alyee Church was strong in net for the Stars.

The Southpoint Stars Intermediate Lions Club girls played host to LaSalle. This was a very hard-fought game that ended in a 1-1 tie. Riley Brown scored the lone goal for the Stars off of a nice feed from Taylor Babkirk. Shayna Augustine was solid between the pipes.

The Rhine Danube Intermediate Stars fell 3-0 to Tecumseh on Saturday afternoon.

Leamington Dental Health Center

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

THE LEAMINGTON DENTAL HEALTH CENTER SCHOLARSHIP AWARD

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

Award Type: Scholarship Amount: $500

Number of Recipients: Two students annually

Category of Study: Health Care Related Application Deadline: May 10th, 2013

Eligibility Criteria:

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

• OR currently enrolled in a health care field.

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

Application form:

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

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

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

Good luck to all applicants from the LDHC team. And thank you for letting us be a part of your dental health care team for the past 25 years!

New Cruise the Coast motorcycle map

It’s never too soon to plan your next ride, so think about riding along Ontario’s South Coast. The new 2013 Cruise the Coast Motorcycle Map shows the rider-approved routes and biker-friendly stops linking places such as Port Maitland, Port Dover, Long Point, Port Stanley, Wheatley and Point Pelee.

The popularity of motorcycle tourism in Southwestern Ontario is growing, and the proof is printed on the newly released Cruise the Coast Motorcycle Map. Windsor Essex and Oxford Counties have been added, making it six regions in total. The others include Chatham-Kent, Haldimand County, Norfolk County and Elgin County.

“We’re very excited to be partnering with five other Ontario counties this year to bring riders a fantastic new map, as well as hundreds of additional beautiful kilometres of vistas to explore,” said Gordon Orr, CEO, Tourism Wind-

sor Essex Pelee Island.

Charted on the map are multiple destinations, all the way from Windsor Essex to Haldimand County. There are eight routes to choose from, all of varying lengths and experiences, including the 8-hour monster Cruise the Coast route riders will enjoy.

This map is a must-have. The paper is laminated to repel water and add durability, plus it folds up for a perfect pocket fit making it handy when riders are perusing the list of attractions, restaurants, places to stay or pinpointing highways. For those who would like a Cruise the Coast Motorcycle Map email, requests can be made by emailing info@tourismwindsoressex.com or download an electronic version by visiting www.cruisethecoast.ca

Stay connected all year long via twitter/ontsouthcoast and facebook/cruisethecoast

Bantam Minors start Bluewater playoffs with a tie

The Southpoint Bantam Minor Hockey team, sponsored by Jose’s Bar and Grill, started their league playoffs off with a solid tie over the weekend.

The kids travelled to LaSalle Sunday night for a date with the AA Sabres. LaSalle got off to a quick start and took a 1-0 lead in the first before the Sea Of Red responded. The Caps went on a power play where Ryan Wall fed Luc Ribble on the half boards. Ribble ripped a bullet on net where Devin Mills was all alone and banged home the loose puck.

LaSalle went ahead 3-1 and then the momentum swung the Caps’ way. Zack Dillen chipped home a beautiful feed from Jared Hiller who carried the puck deep into Sabre territory. This cut the LaSalle lead to 3-2 after two periods.

Just 14 seconds into the third period, the good guys pulled even. Luc Ribble stole a LaSalle defender’s cross-ice pass and went in on a partial breakaway and stuffed a backhander in to tie it at 3-3. Zack Dillen scored his second of the night in tight on the LaSalle goalie to take a 4-3 lead. Helpers went to Brett Enns and Evan Loveless.

The Caps hung on for the last 5 minutes; however, LaSalle scored with 15 seconds left to tie it up 4-4.

Chiquita Santos held the boys in playing net.

Great game, boys!

C.A. Bailey Peewees defeat Essex #3

It was a battle for first place as Essex #3 hosted C.A. Bailey’s Southpoint #11 Peewees in an afternoon contest in Essex on Saturday.

The first period saw many chances from both teams to take the lead, but both goalies were outstanding.

Midway through the second period Essex was on the attack and a loose puck in front of the net ended up in back of the net to give Essex the lead.

C.A. Bailey kept the pressure on, and with a minute left in the second period Ryan Cherneski intercepted an Essex pass at centre ice and passed off to Trevor Dyck, who skated down the right wing and let go a high wrist shot to beat the Essex goalie and tie the game.

In the third period, each team had many chances to score. Midway through the third, a scramble occurred in front of the Essex netminder and Tyler Blake dug out the puck and passed it over to Matthew Saad, whose backhander deflected off the goalie’s mask and into the net to take the lead.

This goal was the game winner!

Next game is Sat. Feb. 2 at 4:30 p.m. in Wheatley versus Essex #1.

Smith enjoying rec and culture duties

By Bryan Jessop

When the word ‘recreation’ is in your job title, it only seems to make sense that you’d enjoy your line of work. The municipality of Leamington’s recreation and culture manager Amanda Smith is certainly no exception.

Smith was introduced to the position in May of 2010 following a three-year stint as Kingsville’s manager of recreation programs. Her career began while enrolled in University of Windsor’s human kinetics courses (specializing in sports management), through which she took on a co-op placement as the special events assistant for the City of Windsor. Following graduation, she continued fulfilling the same duties with the city on a part-time basis from 2002 to 2007. During that time, Smith took a temporary leave of absence to become the 2007 Canadian Winter Games sponsorship administrator, seeking out potential sponsors to help develop the annual program.

Job duties as the culture and recreation manager in Leamington include collaborating with facility staff to develop new programs for the municipality’s residents and booking time slots for baseball diamonds, soccer fields and arena surfaces at the Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Centre, where Smith is based. While the maintenance of area baseball diamonds and soccer fields is the responsibility of Public Works, Smith is involved in overseeing the maintenance of the Kinsmen Recreation Centre, Leamington Marina, Leamington Library and Leamington Arts Centre.

“It’s a perfect fit for me,” Smith said of her career. “I love being active. The best part is that I have a bag with my running shoes and shorts in my office.”

In her spare time, Smith enjoys canoeing, cycling, highland dancing, travelling and since moving to Kingsville, curling. She is also an instructor for the Recreation Centre’s Nordic walking program, based on an activity referred to as ‘urban polling’.

“We focus closely on improving the diversity of our programs,” said Smith, who often bikes to work on weatherfriendly summer days. “We’re always trying to have something for residents of all ages and meet the community’s needs. Once people become excited about getting active, it becomes life long.”

Smith noted that creating a diverse and efficient series of recreation programs can be a challenge, as Leamington council is often left to face competing priorities with some residents objecting to recreational spending, expressing sentiments that other services are in greater need of attention.

“It’s a challenging job,” said Smith. “Economic times are still tough for a lot of families to get involved in recreation. But at the same time, it’s rewarding — there are a lot of opportunities to work closely with different departments and in different community programs. It’s something that I’m very passionate about. It’s great to work with the supervisors, maintenance and front-line staff we have here — they all bring important skills along with them. I enjoy being a part of Leamington — council is very supportive of new initiatives. The support is fantastic.”

Smith noted that some components of the Kinsmen Recreation Centre are aging rapidly. While the ‘arena’ side of the facility was constructed in 2000, the ‘Sherk’ side (pool, weight room, gymnasium) was built in 1985. Smith also explained that she is consistently seeking out grants, government funding and community partnerships to help meet a wide variety of financial demands for recreational programs and facilities.

The Kinsmen Recreation Complex currently has about 3,000 members and Smith points out that an average of 5,000 people use its facilities on a weekly basis. During the recent Rotary Club One of a Kind Show, the Bounty of the County and Southpoint Minor Hockey’s Capitals Cup Challenge tournament, the number of visitors reached 10,000. The centre is also used for First Aid training, blood donor clinics, corporate meetings, antique shows, swim meets, an annual triathlon, March Break summer day camps and charitable events such as the annual Breast Cancer walk-athon, World Diabetes Day, an Alzheimer’s Walk and a list of other causes. Smith has also assisted with the LKRC’s Farm Safety Days and Bicycle Safety Days.

Smith and other Leamington Marina representatives were happy to see nearly $3 million in infrastructure upgrades to that particular facility, a series of improvements that she explained make the marina accessible and user-friendly for tourists and local residents alike. Roughly 150 seasonal boaters rent a dock space annually and although the number of transient (American) boater visits has decreased slightly because of an unstable economy and border security issues, local traffic at the marina has been increasing. One of the highlights of the 2012 season at the Leamington Marina was the creation and dedication of the Binational Peace Garden, which included guests and visitors from both sides of the Canada-U.S. border. It was followed by General Brock’s 1812 Celebrations that included First Nations drummers, re-enactors and a sold-out evening dinner reception.

Plans for 2013 include a visit from at least one of the tall ships to participate in the Pan-Provincial Tall Ships Tour. An estimated 20 of these vessels will tour through the Great Lakes and make numerous stops in Southwestern Ontario. One has already been booked to appear at Leamington Marina, with the possibility of a second to visit during the Aug. 30 to Sept. 1 attraction.

“One of my goals is to see more events brought to the marina,” said Smith. “I’m happy to say that most attractions there are free of charge — music, movies, etc.”

Smith explained that her department is also in the initial stages of studying the demand for a skateboard park to be constructed in Leamington. A committee has already held its first meeting and will continue to make efforts to determine the level of interest and financial feasibility of building a skateboard park. Smith explained that Leamington is one of few local municipalities that does not have a skateboard park and believes enthusiasts of the pastime travel to Kingsville and/or Whealtey to use the facilities in those communities. The committee has not yet set its sights on a specific location.

Smith, who turned 32 on Jan. 15, was born in Fergus, Ont. about five years after her parents moved to the Guelph-area community from Scotland. Along with her husband Jeff, Smith visits extended family in Aberdeen, Scotland from time to time, most recently in May off 2011. Her fondness of travelling also brings her to Kelowna, B.C. to visit her sister, an interior designer.

While working as Kingsville’s manager of recreation programs, Smith took on manager of programming for Kraft Hockeyville during her hometown’s 2008 run for the annual competition’s top nationwide prize. Kingsville finished second to Roberval, Que.

During the competition, Jeff proposed to Amanda during a live Hockey Night In Canada broadcast featuring Kelly Rhudy and Scott Oak.

“We had seven million witnesses,” Amanda said with a laugh.

The game of golf

Golf is a much easier game for me than it is for professionals. It’s not because of the pressure they experience from the need to have outrageously low scores, nor the irritation of having their every move scrutinized by hundreds of fans as they play, nor is it because they must play in all kinds of weather while I am able to restrict my play to pleasant days only. No, the reason is because I do not have the mental clutter they have, so I can concentrate on the pleasure my game gives me and my companions, and am not led into the errors they commit.

BILL CHAPLIN

Let me explain (from tee to green) my advantages in case, someday, you may want to enjoy them too, with reference to a real golf pro playing a couple of real golf holes. Since I am a lefty, let me cite a left-handed pro golfer for this lesson—a name you may recognize: Phil Mickelson. Sat. Jan. 19 he played in what used to be the Bob Hope Classic Pro-Am. We join him at about five in the evening (our time) on the 13th tee.

Just my thoughts...

After much consultation with his caddy, and hoping for a birdie, he selected his driver on this 444 yard par 4. He miscalculated his tee shot and ended up in the rough on an upslope facing a largish sand trap. Facing a second shot that could not possibly get him a chance for birdie, his valiant effort put him in the rough behind the green. He used a wedge to chip up to the hole and then one-putted for par. Next, he drove into the left bunker on the 500 yard par 5 14th, thinking to get to the green in two for a chance at an eagle. Out of the bunker with a lay-up, he made it to the green in three and proceeded to two-putt for par There’s two holes, neither of which was very satisfactory for Phil. How would they have been easier for me?

On the 13th tee, I would first of all have teed up my ball without delay and hit it within moments using my 3 or 4 iron (depending on whether I get my cracked 3 iron fixed this winter, or have to make do with my as yet unbroken 4 iron). I can assure you that I would not have been in Phil’s predicament. With only about 300 yards to go, I would have taken my second shot with a 5 or 6 iron, confident that my subsequent approach shot would have a chance of landing on or near the green. Knowing that on or near is immaterial, I would have then used my next stroke to get close to the hole, and then used one (or two) putts to finish that baby off. On the 14th, I would have repeated the process, carefully avoiding sand traps and water hazards until I managed to stickhandle the ball into the hole.

Phil had cluttered his mind with thoughts of ball placement, club selection, and grandiose expectations. I, by contrast, had been able to keep my mind blissfully empty. Thoughts of ball placement for the next shot? Not I! Why would I let such an idea throw off my game when I have absolutely no idea where the ball will end up? I am confident of neither distance nor direction when I tee off, so I am able to con-

Canadian CrissCross

centrate on what really matters: be sure not to injure anybody with your shot. Club selection worries? Not me! I have never learned how to use a driver (nor any wood, come to think of it—I carry them only to conform to the expectations of distant golfers) so I know before ever getting to the golf course exactly what club(s) I will or will not use in every imaginable situation. Once again, this keeps my mind clear to concentrate on the important stuff: do I need to move my ball a bit to get a good shot, or can I leave it where it landed? Is that bird song that is irritating me from an oriole or a robin? Is this heavily wooded area still part of the golf course, or am I lost? Given the total absence of grass in this sandy depression, this must be ‘ground under repair’, so how far away from this spot shall I move my ball to be sure I don’t go into it again?

Grandiose expectations throw me off? I should hope not! I learned long ago that if you claim to have shot a seven on a par four, no gentleman will question the claim, regardless of the number of swings you had to cram into that claim. Besides, the people I play with usually insist that the high score on the first hole keeps score. If they’re going to make me keep score, they must accept my interpretation of the truth; either that or take over the job. That’s what you call a win-win situation. Poor old Phil must confront win-lose situations involving accurate scoring, rules of golf, sand traps, lateral hazards and no end of other things; no wonder he makes mistakes. I, by contrast, simply must survive.

When Phil leaves the course after 18, sitting at 10 under and wondering if he made the cut, and whether or not he will be able to play tomorrow, I am happily on the 15th tee, at least 10 over and confident that I have made the cut: tomorrow I can choose to play, or not. Whatever I want (depending on the weather, of course). And if I don’t want to play 15, 16, 17 or 18, I don’t have to.

Enjoy watching golf until the season opens!

Have cabin fever? Check out the Essex Pelee Island Coast Wine Growers annual Festival of Ice

The Festival of Ice is an annual event put on by the Essex Pelee Island Coast Wine Growers Association. Celebrate winter at local wineries Feb. 9-10. Enjoy a unique experience at each participating winery, which features wine sampling and pairing, sweet treats, ice carving, entertainment and more.

2013 participating wineries are Aleksander Estate Winery, Colchester Ridge Estate Winery, Colio Estate Winery, Cooper’s Hawk Vineyard, D’Angelo Vineyards Estate Winery, Muscedere Vineyards, North 42 Estate Winery, Oxley Estate Winery, Pelee Island Winery, Sprucewood Shores Estate Winery, and Viewpointe Estate Winery. Festival of Ice takes place Sat. Feb. 9 and Sun. Feb. 10 from 12 noon to 5 p.m. Admission is a canned good given to the Food Bank. See the individual wineries’ websites for specific details or log on to www.epicwineries.com

Wilkinson sets course record in Golden Years golf

Gerry Wilkinson set a course record of 67 for 36 holes in Golden Years mini golf during league play Jan. 24 at Colasanti’s. And in accomplishing this feat, Gerry managed 6 aces over 11 consecutive holes.

In total, 78 aces were recorded on the day. Leading the ace hunt was Gerry Wilkinson with 8, followed by Lloyd Honey with 5, and Caroline Ascott, Shirley Thiessen and Bill Ward with 4 each. Managing 3 apiece were Madeline Butler, Ethel Ferguson, Tom Hyatt, Bill Mayville, Gerrit Vriesen and Doug Vickery. Chipping in with 2 each were David Bezaire, Murray Cascadden, Floyd Johnson, Cam Keith, Betty McManus, Winnie Moore, Andy Orsini, Liz Scratch, Rose Taylor and Mary Ann Vickery. Rounding out the ace parade with 1 each were Cheryl Allan, Jim Allan, Barb Arner, Iggy Arner, Herb Ascott, Eunice Cascadden, Laurie Hylton, Barbara Murphy, John Murphy, Colleen Pearse, Morley Scratch, Art Sweet, Barry Sweet, Bill Taylor and Pat Womack.

Low score for the day over 9 holes was a notable 15 registered by Gerry Wilkinson, who also registered a 16 as well. Seventeen went to Art Sweet, Shirley Thiessen, Andy Orsini, Gerry Wilkinson and Bill Ward with 2. An 18-hole low score of 32 went to Gerry Wilkinson, followed closely by Bill Ward with 34, and then Gerry Wilkinson again with 35. Bill Mayville, Andy Orsini and Tom Hyatt each managed a 36, with Iggy Arner, Art Sweet and Bill Ward shooting a 37.

Sixty-seven captured the top score for 36 holes by Gerry Wilkinson, followed by Bill Ward with 71, Tom Hyatt with 74, Bill Mayville 75, Andy Orsini 76, and Art Sweet at 77. First place was claimed by Team 6 with a score of 234 (Art Sweet, Shirley Thiessen, Lloyd Honey), second place with 239 went to Team Kings (Floyd Johnson, Caroline Ascott, Gerry Wilkinson), and third place honors with 246 went to Team Jacks (Mary Ann Vickery, Betty McManus, Pat Womack).

The next golf date is January 31 at 9:30 a.m. at Colasanti’s.

OBITUARY

Marjorie Moore

OBITUARY

Otto Schwengsbier

Margaret White-Brown

Marjorie Moore (nee Toomer), 83 years, passed away with her family by her side on Friday, January 25, 2013 at Leamington District Memorial Hospital. Beloved wife of the late John Moore (2005). Loving mother of Garry Moore (Yvonne) and Terry Moore (Debbie). Cherished grandmother of Cory (Michelle) and Scott, and great-grandmother of Jaiden. Predeceased by brother Jim Toomer (the late Ira). Survived by brother-in-law Bud Mason (the late Madeline), predeceased by brother and sister-in-law Lyle Moore (Jean). Survived by nieces, nephews and relatives from the Toomer and Moore families.

Graveside service to celebrate Marjorie’s life was held on Tuesday, January 29, 2013 at 1:30 p.m. at Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery.

If you wish to donate in memory of Marjorie, donations made to the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated by the family. Family and friends may share memories at www.reidfuneralhome.ca

Arrangements entrusted to the Reid Funeral Home, 14 Russell Street, Leamington (519-326-2631).

Breaking Barriers: call for submissions

The Leamington Arts Centre (LAC) is seeking submissions for “Breaking Barriers”, an exhibition that seeks to highlight resilience and resourcefulness in coping with barriers.

The exhibit’s focus is to create an understanding of lived experiences. A barrier can be anything that one must overcome to reach a goal, even if the goal is simply to survive. Breaking Barriers is an exhibition for creative expression that empowers, builds awareness, and facilitates partnerships and collaborations.

Breaking Barriers will be on display at the LAC March 5-30, with an opening reception Fri. Mar. 8 from 7-9 p.m. The show is open to all amateur and professional artists in 2D and 3D visual art (painting, mixed media, photography, sculpture, textile art, installations, etc.). Entry is $10 per piece.

The deadline to enter is Sat. Mar. 2 at 4 p.m. More information and entry forms are available at www.leamingtonartscentre.com

FREDA BAILEY

The family of the late Freda Bailey would like to express our sincere thanks for the outpouring of love, support and kindness that we received from relatives, friends and neighbours in memory of our truly loved Mom. Our thanks to everyone for the lovely floral tributes, charitable donations, phone calls, cards and gifts of food at the time of our loss, including those twelve difficult days before. Extra appreciation goes to Kevin Reid and his staff at Reid Funeral Home for their guidance, kindness and never ending caring. Grandma would be so proud of all her grandchildren for being the pallbearers to carry her to her resting place beside Grandpa. Special thanks to Justin who spoke on behalf of his Mother, to Jennifer and Trevor who delivered touching eulogies and to Dixie who read one of Dad’s poems.

Thank you to Rev. Michael Sealy, from First Baptist Church, for the inspiring and very personal service in Mom’s memory. Warm thanks to the ladies and men at the First Baptist Church for the lovely reception following the service.

During the last three years the Franklin Gardens LTCH made Mom feel like she was home and this was very much appreciated. We want to give the most huge, heartfelt thank you to the nurses on the eighth floor Stroke Care Unit at Hotel-Dieu Grace Hospital. You made the End Of Life Journey comfortable and respectful for Mom and her family that were by her side during her journey. Mom will be missed so much by us and will be loved forever and ever. Everyone’s thoughtfulness will always be remembered. Dixie, Barb and Families

Otto Erich Schwengsbier, 48 years, passed away suddenly at his residence on Monday, January 28, 2013. Beloved husband of Laurie (Enns) and loving father of Mallory and Cameron. Cherished son of Otto and Elfriede Schwengsbier, and dear brother of Monica Weil (Henry) and Linda Johnson (John Ludwiczak). Dear son-in-law of Harold and Beverly Enns and brother-in-law of Scott Enns (Allison McGee). Dear uncle to Timothy Weil (Lori), Matthew Weil (Lindsay) and Aaron Johnson. Many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends also survive. Otto is predeceased by a nephew Andrew Schwengsbier (2007).

Otto worked as a millwright at the H.J. Heinz Co. Visiting at the Reid Funeral Home & Reception Centre, 14 Russell Street, Leamington (519-326-2631) on Wednesday from 2-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m.

Funeral service to celebrate Otto’s life held from St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 311 Sherk Street, Leamington, on Thursday, January 31, 2013 at 11 a.m. Rev. Thomas Mertz officiating. Interment Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made by cheque to the charity of your choice.

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

County bridge results

Leamington Half Century Centre

Mon. Jan. 7: North/South – 1. Joyce and Sandy Gammie, 2. Derek Parry and Al Morrison, 3. Shirly Plant and Jeanne Manners. East/West – 1. Helen Preyde and Nina Towle, 2. Mame Nicholson and Dave Derbyshire, 2. (tie) Jim Perkes and Roger Cote.

Mon. Jan. 14: 1. Al Morrison and Derek Parry, 2. Sandy and Joyce Gammie, 3. Helen Preyde and Nina Towle, 4. Jeanne Manners and Shirley Plant, 5. Bob Branton and Edward Sabga. Mon. Jan. 21: North/South: 1. Joyce and Sandy Gammie, 2. Vi Major and Marilyn Robbins, 3. Shirley Plant and Jeanne Manners. East/West: 1. Joyce Moran and Rose Hills, 2. Don Franks and Bob Branton, 3. Patricia Sandford and Lily Shuster. Kingsville

Wed. Jan. 9: 1 Bill Chaplin and Chris Brennan, 2. Jim Perkes and Dorothy McGregor, 3. Al Morrison and Pauline Mikolash, 4. Bill James and Henry Hildebrand, 5. Marilyn Robbins and

We sadly announce the peaceful passing of our Mom at the age of 89. Born August 4, 1923. Only child to Ken and Ida Vizzard. Wife of 45 years to our Dad Bill (1997), remarrying Dr. Gordon Brown (2007). Survived by daughters Janet (Tom, 2011) Duckett, Marsha White (Paul Krause), grandchildren Lindsay (Dan) Friesen, Laura Duckett (Jason Shaw), and GG to Lilly, Emily and Evan and Harmony. Extended family Doug and Lucy, Brad and Susan, Bob and Dorothy, Shannon Brown.

Mom’s passion was music, she taught music in the public school system for over 35 years. Mom donated a great deal of her time playing the piano or organ at many local churches. Also, in later years, with the Half Century Club in Leamington. Mom’s reward in later years was being stopped by a former student to let her know she hadn’t been forgotten. Mom was a very outgoing and generous lady. Special friend to Ann, Elpha, Marian, Shirley and Anna (Banana). Leamington Court. We can’t thank you enough for Mom’s care during her stay. Sun Parlor Home Shane, Theresa, Lucy, Pat and Pam and all of 2 south staff. We love you Mom, they must have needed a piano player in heaven. Have a safe journey, you earned it. Dad and Gord are waiting your safe arrival.

Visiting was at the Hammond Funeral Home, 17 Little Street South, Wheatley (519-825-7741) on Friday. Funeral service was held on Saturday, January 26, 2013 at 10:30 a.m. with Rev. Dr. Alex Moir officiating. Interment Erie Cemetery, Wheatley.

Memorial donations may be made by cheque to Sleeping Children Around the World or the Leamington Hospital Foundation. www.hammondfuneralhome.ca

Joyce Moran.

Wed. Jan. 16: North-South – 1. Bill Chaplin and Anne Reffle, 2. Marilyn Robbins and Joyce Moran, 3. Shirley Plant and Jeanne Manners. East-West – 1. Margaret Koeman and Vi Major, 2. Bill James and Henry Hildebrand, 3. Pauline Mikolash and Winn Sinclair.

Wed. Jan. 23: North/South – 1. Jack Warmenhoven and Bob Branton, 2. Grace Cooper and Mame Nicholson, 3. Shirley Plant and Jeanne Manners. East/West – 1. Bill Chaplin and Chris Brennan, 2. Dave Derbyshire and Derek Parry. 3. (tie) Joyce and Sandy Gammie, Jim Perkes and Roger Cote.

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

SOUTHPOINT SUN

SMALL, CLEAN, COZY 1 bedroom house. Suitable for 1 or 2 quiet people. Available now. $550 per month plus utilities. First and last required. Call 519398-8102. ja9-tf

TWO BEDROOM DUPLEX in Leamington. Fridge and stove, full unfinished basement with laundry hookup, $600 per month plus utilities. First and last required. Available now. Call 519326-8015. ja9-tf

APT FOR RENT- Large1 bedroom apt. Free water & parking, fridge & stove. Call 519-326-7076. ja30--feb20

1 BEDROOM APT- Clean quiet core downtown, 2nd floor apt includes all utilities! Recently renovated, newer kitchen, no pets or smoking please. 1st and last required, $650. Call Shawn to view 519-999-7707 ja30--tf

FOUR BEDROOM HOUSE in Cottam, 2 bathrooms, large yard, parking. $800 per month plus utilities. Call 519-825-4739. ja23-30

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

MELROSE MANOR

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

LOOK NO FURTHER Leamington Heights

400 Oak St. E., Leamington Stunning 1 & 2 bdrm suites, UTIL INCL! Spacious suites, laundry rm, social rm with events, secure entry, parking, 24/7 on-site mgmt. Drop in today! 519-324-9610 realstar.ca tf

2 bedroom upper. $795/month + utilities. Appliances included. Laundry room in apartment. 1st and last required. Available immediately. 519-324-6987 ja9-fe6

BE

AT

HOME

WITH SKYLINE! 234 & 238 Erie St. 1, 2 & 3 BDRMs from $709 incl. Quiet area. Top notch security. 3 appliances. Underground parking. Games room. Perfect for seniors. 519.329.0983 Skylineonline.ca ja16-30

SERVICES

INDOOR/OUTDOOR CARPENTRY - repairs, vinyl siding, windows, doors, painting, flooring, basements, etc. Free estimates. 35 years experience. 15% discount. 519-566-8408, Bill. de19-ja30

HOMECARE FOR SENIORS by very caring, compassionate P.S.W. 20 years experience. Respite care, personal care, activities, shopping. Inexpensive. Ruth 519-3220829. ja23-30

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

ELECTROLUX SALES & SERVICE: Complete line of vacuums and shampooers/ floor polishers. Will provide free estimate on Central Vac installations. Contact Dan Bailey. 519-825-7698. tf

QUALITY GUITAR REPAIR by Reese. Will service all stringed instruments. Over ten years experience, custom work available as well. Next day pickup upon request. Cell: 226-344-1142 Home: 519-825-4707. ma30-tf

SEASONED, DRY FIREWOOD- stored inside, mixed hardwood + electric furnace. 519-682-2888. ja30

LARGE

AUCTION SALE COMBER COMMUNITY CENTRE SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 2 9:00 AM, PREVIEW 8:00 AM

Oak hall seat w/claw feet, oak corner china cabinet, oak secretary desk, pine cupboard, oak dry sink, cedar chest, show case, oak d/r set, vanity, wicker bar set w/stools, wicker buggy, spinning wheel, shabby chic furniture, wheel barrow scale, quantity coins, lighters, costume jewellery, post cards, marbles, bubble frames, fiesta ware, depression glass, perfume bottles, trunks, chests, many oak tables, plant stands, dressers w/mirrors, sterling & gold jewellery, jack knives and quantity of glass & china, Bonspiel table top curling set from White Rose Gas, Kenmore bar fridge like new, music stand. Go to this web site for pictures and more information: www.murrayknappauctions.com NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ACCIDENTS DAY OF SALE TERMS: CASH OR CHEQUE WITH PROPER I.D. MURRAY KNAPP AUCTIONEER • 519-727-8894

EXCELLENT AUCTION

Feb. 9, 2013 commencing at 9:30 am at Heritage Village, Arner Townline SMALL PARTIAL LIST

Webber apt. size piano with bench, Gibbard 9 piece dining room set, Bombay set of coffee and end tables, chesterfields and chairs, lamps, glass top tables and dressers, china cabinet, buffet, sewing machine, tables and chairs, tapes, wind up record player, railroad lantern, from switch over tracks, glassware and kitchen appliances, BBQ, ext. ladders, 12” miter saw stand, compressor, workbench, planer, drill press, small band saw, power sprayer, wheelbarrows, skis, new hand tools, lot of tools and accessories, fishing poles, many lures, etc. Large auction - too much to list. Not responsible for accidents day of sale.

Auctioneerʼs Note: A quality auction of furnishings and many tools. Plan to attend this sale. Call 519-791-7897 for information.

Mayor’s breakfast

By Sheila McBrayne

Kingsville Mayor Nelson

Santos called 2013 the year of the fight. “We’re going to have to fight for sustainability; fight for growth; and fight for economic development,” he said.

In 2012, Kingsville saw $96.3 million in new construction –new residentials and 180 acres of greenhouses, with 32 new site plan agreements in place. “All this and we’re still waiting on a power grid expansion… That’s another fight – we need to challenge Ontario Hydro to help us continue to grow,” Santos said.

Santos also mentioned the fight to protect local food processors like Sun Brite, Nationwide Canning, Bondwell and H. J. Heinz against proposed legislation to deregulate food packaging.

“If ever there was a perfect opportunity to quote Groucho Marx it’s now. ‘Politics is the art of looking for trouble, finding it everywhere, diagnosing it incorrectly and applying the wrong remedies.’,” summarized Santos. He warned that the legislation could cost the area vital jobs.

Santos told the sold-out crowd that business retention has become a top priority, as important as new business development. Santos quoted Henry Ford who said, “Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.”

Mayor Santos stated that the municipality is planning to turn the switch on its first solar project – 1,000 panels on the roof of the Kingsville Arena – this year. As well he mentioned many upcoming investments in the area - $2.7 million facelift for Prince Albert Street; $1 million for rural roads; $1 million for parks and $600,000 for the third phase of the downtown sidewalk replacement and the municipality will open its first splash pad park at Ridgeview Park in Cottam. Santos ended by reminding those present that Kingsville enjoys the second lowest municipal tax levy in Essex County. Both mayors fielded a couple of questions from the audience including concerns about harness racing coming to Leamington and the ‘rumour’ of a very large commercial property development in Kingsville area. Santos confirmed that the significant development was down the road in Ruthven and involves 15 hectares of land and a site plan agreement is expected soon.