Southpoint Sun May 19, 2010

Leamington Fair looking for Ambassadors

June 18, 19, 20, 2010

This

year’s theme:

“Nag” Your Friends to Come to the Leamington Fair!

The Leamington District Agricultural Society is celebrating its 162nd year and invites everyone to come to the fair!

The Leamington District Agricultural Society is seeking male and female contestants for the annual Leamington Fair Ambassador Competition. Young persons aged 16 (as of June 1, 2010) and older with an interest and knowledge of agriculture are encouraged to apply.

The chosen Ambassador will represent the L.D.A.S at the annual Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies Convention held in Toronto in February 2011, and will also be eligible to compete in the “Ambassador of the Fairs” Competition in August 2011 at the Canadian National Exhibition.

The Fair Ambassador competition is not a beauty pageant, not a talent contest and not a fashion show. The judges are looking for someone with a general knowledge of agriculture and the ability to relate to the public with ease and confidence.

The application requires contestants to answer this question in 200 words or less: Regarding the wind turbines, in your opinion, how do you feel this will affect the agriculture, farming, fisheries and wildlife in our community, and what effect, if any, will it have on our town in general?

Second and third place winners will receive gift bags, and the winner a bursary along with other major gifts. Interested persons can visit the website (www.theleamingtonfair.com) to apply, or call 519-326-8082 for more information. Deadline for entries is June 1, 2010.

The winner will be announced at the Opening Ceremonies on Friday, June 18 at 6 p.m. where dignitaries will be unveiling the Exhibition Building as the Janette Mulholland Activity Center in memory of Janette.

The Leamington Fair Board is always looking for exhibitors and vendors for the fair (everything except food vendors – they contact Carter shows directly). Both can go to the website to get information (www.theleamingtonfair.com) or contact the office (519-326-8082) to get a spot on the fairgrounds. New exhibitors and vendors can be accepted right up until the day before the fair.

Birders flock to Pelee

Janice Hardy of Haliburton has been coming to Point Pelee National Park for the past three years to get a glimpse at some of the hundreds of species found in this area. At right is Bruce Di Labio of Ottawa. Bruce has been coming to the Point Pelee area since 1974 to enjoy the miracle of spring migration. The Festival of Birds started May 1 and runs until the end of the month. Located at the crossroads of major migration routes, Point Pelee National Park is a meeting place for birds and birders alike. Dave Gignac of Windsor has made several trips to Pelee over the past couple of weeks. Dave photographed this great horned owl on May 13. A Family Birding Weekend is being held at Point Pelee National Park, May 22 - 24.

Listen Saturdays at 6pm and Sundays at 1pm to the Mix 96.7 Hit List. Email hitlist@mix967.ca to vote for the song you think should be #1! This WeekLast Week ArtistSong Title 11Lady AntebellumNeed You Now 22The ScriptBreakeven 34Adam LambertWhattaya Want From Me 44Colbie CaillatI Never Told You 57Kelly ClarksonAll I Ever Wanted 66 Young Artists For Haiti Waving Flag 711NickelbackThis Afternoon 89Bon JoviSuperman Tonight 95One RepublicAll the Right Moves 1010HedleyPerfect 118Kris AllenLive Like You Were Dying 1215Rob ThomasMockingbird 1314 Lady Gaga & Beyonce Telephone 1417 John Mayer ft Taylor Swift Half of My Heart 1513Marianas TrenchBeside You 1612LaurellCan’t Stop Falling 1719Jason DeruloIn My Head 1816OrianthiAcording To You 1922Train If It’s Love 2020DaughtryLife After You Win tickets to see Sex and the City 2 at Cineplex Odeon Devonshire Mall Cinemas, May 28 at 7 pm, and qualify for the GRAND PRIZE from BELLA RIVA Boutique, CHARM DIAMOND CENTRES and BOSTON PIZZA! Visit www.MIX967.ca for details.

Listen Sunday at 2 pm & 8 pm for this week’s hottest songs in Country Music!

This Week Last Week Artist Song Title

13Chris YoungThe Man I Want To Be 21Joe NicholsGimme That Girl

32Kenny ChesneyAin’t Back Yet 44George StraightI Gotta Get To You 55George CanyonI Believe in Angels 66Justin MooreBackwoods 77Steel MagnoliaKeep on Loving You 88Miranda LambertThe House That Built Me 99Rascall FlattsUnstoppable

Council Shorts from the May 17 Meeting

Committee of Adjustment Decisions

Precede Council Meeting

Members of Leamington Council who sit on the Committee of Adjustment met in the Council Chamber prior to Monday night’s meeting to make two recommendations on two minor but pressing matters. The first was to permit a ribbon of land at the back of a property on Hwy. 77 to be transferred to square off a boundary line. The second was to permit a setback reduction from 4.57m to 3.5m for the construction of a poll barn to cover a concrete pad. When an attempt to dig the footings was made consistent with the setback the holes began to undermine the pad, so relief was being sought to move them far enough away not to destroy the pad the building is being constructed to protect. Both matters will be sent to council (in June) for their endorsement.

Court of Revision

Also before council, members met as a court of revision to consider the apportionment of maintenance costs for the re-alignment of the Temple Drain along Wilkinson Drive west of the Albuna Town Line. The court of revision has the right to hear any appeals to the costs allotted to property owners entitled to use the drain, but no expressions of concern and no objections were raised. The work on the drain will be part of the construction of the roundabout to replace the intersection of the two roads.

Swings and Slides are Coming Soon

Selkirk Park, site of the former Selkirk School in the heart of the town is going to get new play equipment for the children of the area. The Council has accepted the proposal of Henderson Recreation Equipment for just over $57,000 (not including taxes). The park will have a set of four swings and an extensive play structure with slides and things to climb on. The surface the play structure will sit on is the same as the one installed in Seacliff Park. The provision of high quality play equipment in this park will be welcomed by all who use it, and the fact that it was purchased under budget will please everybody. After the installation of the equipment, the addition of benches, waste receptacles and a basketball net will complete the project.

Clark Drain to be Enclosed

Leamington Council has awarded the tender to enclose the Clark Drain to the low bidder, Sawatzky Excavating, in the amount of $21,396.76 (plus applicable taxes). The Clark Drain is between Mersea roads B and C east of Mersea road 19. The entire cost of work to the drain is borne by the benefitting landowners as the work is done under the authority of the Drainage Act.

Amanda Smith Introduced

Before getting into the contentious business of the Council meeting, Mayor John Adams asked John Tofflemire to introduce the new Manager of Recreation and Cultural Services, Amanda Smith, to the members of council. Amanda comes to Leamington from Kingsville where she served as

5th Annual Charity Yard Sale in Wheatley

Tim Bradley is having his 5th Annual Charity Yard Sale this weekend, Friday and Saturday, May 21 and 22 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 126 Park Crescent in Wheatley. All items have been donated and once again all proceeds will be divided between the Leamington Goodfellows, Wheatley Churches Food Bank and Wheatley Community Chest. Baked goods will also be available for purchase.

It all started five years ago when Tim asked his Aunt Judy Bradley to sponsor a child from World Vision for his 10th birthday. The next year he decided to have a yard sale to raise money for Third World countries. Last year was the first yard sale that he decided to keep local with the proceeds going to local causes.

This is the fifth year for the Charity Yard Sale and Tim hopes to raise more than last year’s $1,200 to be able to give back to the community.

the Recreation Director for the past two years. She was given a warm round of applause from all present.

Nessen Grant Application Turned Down

After Leamington Council reviewed the minutes of the Diving Tourism and Marine Heritage Committee minutes, councillor Rick Atkin informed council that the application that had been made for the construction of a heritage site for the steamer Nessen that sunk off Leamington in the vicinity of the marina was turned down on a technicality: the Trillium Foundation does not fund new construction. The committee will continue to refine the wording of the project application and will consult with Sandra Braendle, Program Manager with the Trillium Foundation, to try and re-apply before the next deadline which is July 1.

Gravel Pit Noise Problems

Deputy-Mayor Rob Schmidt informed members of council that recently there have been two very disturbing incidents involving off-road motorcycles trespassing on private gravel pits. In one case a woman trying to document the problem was injured by one of the motorcycles. In response to his question as to what the municipality can do to help discourage this behaviour, the town Solicitor, Brian Sweet, replied that it is to a very great extent a policing problem and the responsibility of the property owner. He pointed out that it hardly makes sense to charge the property owner under the noise by-law when the owner is not the source of the problem. It is very much a matter of parents teaching children the do’s and don’ts of off-road recreation.

Public meeting for policing changes

The Ontario Civilian Police Commission will hold a public meeting to consider a request by Leamington made under Sections 5, 10 and 40 of the Police Services Act to abolish the Leamington Police Service so that the City may enter into an agreement with the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services to receive policing services from the Ontario Provincial Police.

The purpose of the meeting is to review the City’s proposal and receive submissions with respect to its adequacy and to determine whether severance arrangements have been made with those members of the service whose employment may be terminated if the proposal is accepted.

The meeting is Tuesday, June 29 at 10 a.m. at Pelee Days Inn.

Camp Henry has long history at Point Pelee

By Sheila McBrayne

As the Henry Youth Camp celebrates 10 years at its present location, some longtime volunteers and campers remember the camp in its earlier days.

Leamington philanthropist George Henry bought the original lot inside Point Pelee National Park gates back in the early 1930s when private citizens could still buy property inside the park. Henry built the first Henry Community Camp as a present to all the children of the community, as he had no children of his own. Longtime volunteer Wilf Barnet , 80, recalls his mother dropping off his older sister for a campout when he was four years old. “So that tells you how long it’s been around,” said Wilf.

The original Henry Community Camp was forced to relocate away from the main gates because of the detection of DDT in the 1960s. “We defeated the federal government in 1967 and we got to keep our camp, but relocated further into the park,” said Wilf. The camp was mostly an outdoor camping area, but since moving for the third time, this time about 100 yards from the Interpretation Centre, Camp Henry has become more motel-styled with outbuildings to accommodate up to 44 campers. The camp remains free (donations of course are appreciated) but is only for youth. The camp is run solely by volunteers like Wilf and his wife who has served as treasurer for more than 30 years. Don Moore and approximately 20 Leamington and area volunteers are responsible for the camp’s maintenance and cleaning. A volunteer greets each group and gives them the grand tour and also checks them out to make sure everything is in place.

Henry Youth Camp has approximately 60 groups booked per year and keeps very busy. The camp works closely with the Greater Essex District School Board. A bus of students from one school will come in on a Monday until Wednesday and on Wednesday another bus will drop off another group of students and pick up the other group. Weekends are usually used more by boys and girls groups like Girl Guides and Boy Scouts.

The facilities are also used in coordination with the Interpretation Centre. “The Park uses Camp Henry sometimes for training... it’s a very useful facility and its proximity to the Interpretation Centre lends itself well for school groups who can just walk over,” said Dan Dufour, Promotion Officer.

Camp Henry has many return guests who come year after year to enjoy the park and the camp. One such group are from the Durham District School Board. Each year the Board selects two students from each of its secondary schools to participate in this once a year field trip. This year marks the 23rd year that the group has returned to Camp Henry. “The first 13 years we did the group camping in tents. The last year we were ‘saved’ by Camp Henry as they

Students from the Durham District School Board look through the scope at Camp Henry, set in the midst of Point Pelee National Park. Special guest bird expert and author of several bird guides, Chris Early (centre), was on hand to help the students. (Sun

let us into their unfinished hall to bring our sleeping bags inside, out of the extreme cold and torential rain.... We’ve used Camp Henry facilities ever since,” said Cathy Galberg, Durham District School Board instructor. “It’s an amazing facility that lets us concentrate on education and not nature survival,” she added.

“It’s a great story about volunteering. The Camp volunters and the volunteer naturalists and experts like Chris Early come out,” said Galberg.

Jon Boxall has been 20 years with the Durham Board and calls the trip “a wonderful social experience for like-minded students.” Some of the students have gone on to become naturalists themselves. Alumni include Ben Porchuk, a specialist in research of the blue racer snake on Pelee Island, and Chris Early.

The Camp property is owned by the Municipality of Leamington who stepped up when the Camp volunteers were looking for sponsorhip for insurance and receipt purpuses. The Municipality leases the land for $1 a year from the Park. “It doesn’t cost taxpayers anything,” said Wilf. “Actually, it costs them exactly $1 a year.”

“It just goes to show that kids still love to camp,” concluded Wilf.

100-mile challenge in Essex?

Okay, take away the coffee and the occasional chocolate bar, and I think I could do the 100-mile challenge.

I’ve been watching the 100-mile Challenge on Food Network where the premise is that six families in a small town in Mission, British Colombia, would adhere strictly to a 100mile diet for 100 days. I know the show is from last year, but I didn’t get a chance to see it when it first aired.

It’s a simple premise, but hard to actually execute. The first week went well, of course, a lot of eggs, meat and potatoes, but then they found they were eating the same meal all the time.

Here in Essex County, I think the 100-mile diet could certainly be attainable. Fresh fruits and vegetables, locally raised livestock, and of course, fish could keep any family alive and healthy for 100 days. I usually try to buy local, shop local and eat local whenever possible, but I think I’m going to try extra hard this summer. I’m not willing to give up coffee, if I did that I may be forced to substitute coffee with red wine and that would make for some very long days.

The Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers have launched an advertising campaign reminding consumers to buy locally grown produce. It does seem like the most sensible thing to do, doesn’t it? The 100-mile challenge could go right into the winter with greenhouse vegetables available locally.

McThoughts McThoughts

It was interesting what the families involved found to be the biggest challenge. Bread was a rare commodity. Remember, all ingredients must be from within 100 miles… Another concern was that because they were eating similar meals, they wanted to add spices, and of course, there are not too many spices grown locally. Instead, the families found a whole new respect for herbs, which they could easily grow and use to flavour. We like to keep a couple of containers of herbs for summer. Usually we have basil, rosemary, thyme and chives at our disposal all summer. It’s not quite the Jamie Oliver herb and vegetable garden, but it’s nice to have on your own back deck.

I’m going to try my best to stick to the ‘Buy Local’ theme and narrow to the 100-mile radius when possible. I did always want to try to grow one of those miniature indoor banana trees - “As Seen on TV”.

Under the knife

If you’re in need of someone to pray for, consider my mom. Just shy of her 74th birthday, Mother will be having brain surgery May 20th to remove some tumours that have developed since her last similar surgery. That was just three years ago, and 5 years previous to that was her first surgery. Like “Whack a Mole” the tumours keep popping up. Naturally our family and her many friends are quite concerned for Mother. This is tempered by the confidence we have in her surgeon and his team. Hotel Dieu is the place, a familiar yet odd-named institution that has been the site for countless miracles in its many years of existence.

It should be noted that my mother has lived her entire life in Dresden. This little town that hugs the Sydenham River seems to me to have a disproportionate amount of residents who have suffered brain tumours and brain cancer. I lost one of my dearest friends when he was a mere pup of 28 years old. Another friend, a young man of 50, continues to suffer much like my mother has. Something in the water? Consid-

ering the major industries that once dumped into the river, that statement could be as true as it is cliché. Then again, do we really know what causes cancer? Plastics, something in the air, potato chips, who knows?

Cancer is a helluva thing, often making little sense when it chooses its victims. Not long ago, a friend of mine was telling me about a medical oddity in his family. His mother was a heavy smoker but abstained completely from booze. She died from cirrhosis of the liver. His mother-in-law, on the other hand, never smoked but loved her red wine and other alcoholic beverages. She died from lung cancer. Go figure. And go Mother, too.

‘Cause diamonds are a guy’s best friend

It was a really cool day, figuratively and literally. It was an afternoon at Comerica Park in Detroit this past Thursday, watching my Tigers as they chewed up the hated Yankees. Adding warmth to the wet, cloudy and 50-degree day was the ability to play hooky from work and to soak up the magnificent game of baseball and all of its simple and traditional wonders.

It was also cool to share the day with great friends, including a father and son who have enjoyed a most interesting relationship for the past several decades. Their unconditional love for one another is obvious. How they view the world couldn’t be more obvious as opposite. However, when it comes to baseball and allegiance to the Detroit Tigers, father and son are joined at the heart. It was wonderful to watch them enjoy the afternoon together. Dad is going to be 80. His son is 28 years his junior. Not only do they share recent Tiger history, both vividly recall the salad days of 1968. Both loved Stormin’ Norman Cash, the burly first baseman known for his power and powerful wit.

The game was great, but in a season that offers 162 ballgames it won’t be memorable. For all in our group, it most certainly will be.

S Soouutthhppooiinnt t S Saayyss. . ....

You know how when you hear a certain song it transports you to a different place in time? What song triggers memories for you?

Location: Downtown

Michelle Tatomir

Future Homes & Real Estate Ltd.

“Forever Young” by Alphaville and those lonely high school dances. It was always the last song played and it just speaks of my generation – Gen X.

Jennifer Janzen J Imaging Design

The one thing that always brings me back is my parents playing Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton Christmas music at holiday time. I remember waking up Saturday mornings with it cranked and doing our chores around the house.

Nat Milana

The Jean Academy

“I Swear” by Michael Montgomery. That was our wedding song and it always brings back special memories of our wedding day.

The Jean Academy

“Please Forgive Me” by Bryan Adams. It reminds me of when me and my husband met. We were both working on a cruise ship. We have been 16 years together – it was love at first sight.

Fishy business

E-LETTERS

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HUB warns of insurance scam in Ontario

HUB International is warning Ontarians to watch out for a potential auto insurance scam.

The Registered Insurance Brokers of Ontario (RIBO) say the entire province is at risk, as newspaper advertisements in several cities claim to offer auto insurance via a 1-800 number. The ads run for about a week, then are moved to a different city, with a different phone number and under a new company name. Addison, Arthur and Son, Interprovincial, and Smith and Son are some of the names reported to have been used. The scam tells victims to pay through Western Union. The victim receives no policy and no valid coverage.

If you’ve been affected, it is suggested you contact RIBO at 1-800-265-3098. Leamington, Kingsville and Wheatley residents with any questions or concerns can call 1-800-463-4700 to speak to an Insurance Advisor at Hub International.

On Thursday, May 13th, I joined a parade of cars and people heading to the docks at Wheatley Harbour. As I arrived, my body filled with emotion at the site of people of all ages, weathering the storm and giving their support. I can’t say I have every witnessed anything like this. Back in high school I participated in a demonstration but can’t recall what it was about, except perhaps an excuse to get out of class!

Lifestyles Lifestyles

Fishermen, their families, their friends and many of their community gathered to support a group of hardworking individuals. We hear over and over that Canadians are a complacent people that lie down and don’t fight for what’s right, but after what I saw, I disagree.

Our neck of the woods is known as the “largest freshwater fishing capital” of the world. It has helped in the establishment of three very vibrant local communities: Wheatley, Leamington and Kingsville. I would think that most of us would be hard-pressed not to know someone that is or was involved with the fishing industry at some level.

This was politics at its best and could have been a wonderful way for a grade 7 or 8 class to learn and understand that standing up for what you believe in is important. Surrounded by supporters, the fishermen had a voice and perhaps if things work the way they are suppose to, their voice will be heard. I personally learned some history and the details of an ongoing debate that perhaps is driven by social, political and economic issues more than ecology.

Perhaps I am a dreamer, but as in all debates hopefully both parties can take out of their opponents arguments what makes sense and get on with what they do best.

As we all stood in the cold air under grey skies with the almost drizzle of rain on us, I thought to myself that this was appropriate. If I closed my eyes and imagined being on the lake at 4 a.m., many times in weather just like this, I would truly have to say, “I could not do this”! Many do, for a living and most because they have a passion for it!

FISHING

Smashing, churning water boats grey against the sky

Racing toward the harbour.

Taunting puppets calling mouths open… sound lost

Arms waving

Smelling diesel smoke hearing sea gulls

Racing on

Watching, leaning on harbour posts… bystanders

Poles in hand.

Thrilling… watching… racing… hanging

Fishing boats.

Passing the break wall winning tug… horn

Blowing victory,

Docking first the prize…. four ton

Of smelt… iced…. boxed.

Heading home early… showering… wives… kids

T.V…. the prize.

Feeling calloused… hands shading… sculptured faces.

Rubbing muscled backs…

Challenging… weather… water Lake Erie… fishermen.

– Poem by Maeve Omstead Johnston

here are the Daisy Award winners from Leamington District Memorial Hospital. From left are recipients Shelley Bondy and Julie Carlini, and Bonnie Barnes, co-founder of the Daisy Award.

Pelee Island celebrates 9th annual Springsong

Another successful Springsong weekend was concluded Mother’s Day weekend, May 7-9, on Pelee Island.

Springsong began as the inspiration of Margaret Atwood in the spring of 2002, as a weekend to celebrate birds and books, with the arrival and migration of birds as they make their way north along this amazing flyway. To that was added the rich world of Canadian literature and authors.

Eight teams entered the 24-hour bird-a-thon that was held from noon May 7 to noon May 8. This year the team members were challenged by extreme weather conditions – gale-force winds to 100 km/hr, thunderstorms and waterspouts, waves crashing along the West Shore Roads – as many teams competed in the “green race”, meaning transportation was either by foot or bicycle. Determination prevailed with the winning team spotting a total of 109 different bird species. Special mention goes to the winners of the Botham Cup, Paul Carter and Larry Cornelis. In all, the eight teams spotted 135 species.

The big event of the weekend was without doubt the dinner and award ceremony that was held at the Pelee Island Wine Pavilion. Tickets were sold out by late February for this popular event. Master of Ceremonies Paul Vasey and Pelee Island Heritage Centre Curator Ron Tiessen began the evening with introductions and thanks. Executive Director of the Pelee Island Bird Observatory, Claire Sanders, announced and congratulated the bird-a-thon winners, presenting them with the coveted Botham Cup. Islanders and mainland visitors enjoyed a deliciously prepared meal by Conorlee’s Bakery and Deli.

Most enjoyed by all was the presentation by guest author Brian Brett, from Salt Spring Island. He was thoroughly engaging, both humorous and philosophical, as he read passages from his latest novel, Trauma Farm, named after his farm of 18 years, for which he received the Writers’ Non-fiction Prize in the autumn.

This year Springsong was attended by several well-known people: celebrity birders Robert and Birgit Bateman, author Wayne Grady, author Stuart McLean and his producer Jess Milton, author Graeme Gibson, author Richard Pope, and newly published poetess Melanie Janisse.

Following dessert and Brian Brett’s reading, guests were treated to a book signing by the many authors present.

Fishery industry rally launches Lake Erie quota appeals

At a rally staged on the docks of one of the world’s busiest freshwater fishing harbours, Lake Erie commercial fishing industry announced that they are appealing 2010 quotas for important species.

The rally was jointly organized by the Ontario Commercial Fisheries’ Association (OCFA) and Local 444 of the Canadian Auto Workers (CAW), to give voice to industry fears that they are being forced to the wall by unnecessarily low quotas and lack of support from government.

Lake Erie fisherman Don Rutgers explained industry frustration, saying, “I haven’t been in this business as long as some. I’ve been in it long enough to know that something has gone seriously wrong with the way the fishery is managed.” Fishermen are furious with the international body responsible for setting quotas. Low quotas have angered them, but they are incensed by the process used by the Lake Erie Committee (LEC) this year, especially around walleye quotas.

OCFA Executive Director Peter Meisenheimer explained, “The LEC cut walleye allocations by thirty percent in 2009. We never accepted their reasons for doing it, and we believe that the industry’s performance and independent research have shown that the cuts were unnecessary. This year their models showed that we should be getting an increase, so they threw out data they didn’t like until the models said that leaving quotas alone was the right move. Then they decided to allocate us 10 percent less - just because they were in the mood, I guess.” He added, “Calling this science-based management is plain wrong.”

Walleye are not the whole story. The industry is also angered by what Rutgers described as “crazy” discrepancies in yellow perch allocations. Although yellow perch quotas are up overall on average, there are huge differences among the various quota zones. The starkest difference is a 49 percent increase in Elgin County waters, while next-door in Kent County yellow perch quotas have been slashed by 25 percent reducing quotas to the lowest level in history.

“That is simply not plausible,” says Meisenheimer. “Kent and Elgin County waters are both in the central basin of Lake Erie. The idea that there could be a huge increase in perch numbers in one end of the basin, while the other end saw a massive decline is absurd. Insisting on rigidly applying their statistical models when they are so obviously out to lunch is indefensible, especially since these management units are based on political boundaries, not biological units.”

The end result is combined perch and walleye quotas that are among the lowest in history on a lakewide basis, and combined quotas in Kent and Essex Counties that are lower than anything ever seen before, at a time when economic turbulence has created low prices, a high dollar, expensive fuel and tight credit.

Dave Cassidy, Financial Secretary for CAW Local 444, which represents workers in two major fish processing plants, said people are worried about the future of the industry. “It should be obvious, but some people seem to have lost sight of the fact that this industry is based on catching fish. If people aren’t allowed to harvest what’s in the lake, people’s jobs will be lost - jobs on boats, jobs in plants, jobs in stores that sell stuff to people who work on boats and in plants.”

Addressing a longstanding complaint of the Ontario fishing industry, Cassidy noted that the problems are largely political, not biological. “What the 2010 quota setting exercise showed is that the process is not operating in good faith. Some US jurisdictions have a clear anti-commercial fishing bias that they bring to the LEC process. Political leaders in Ontario need to recognize that endlessly repeating the mantra that management is science-based does not make it true. This is a political problem and it needs a political solution.”

All speakers noted that quota problems are made worse by the exclusion of the fishing sector from programs in place for other Ontario food-producing sectors. Rutgers noted, “I’ve been in it long enough to know that the fishing industry gets a raw deal compared to most other industries producing food in Ontario.”

Not only are Ontario’s fishing and fish processing operations excluded from programs such as Farm Credit, which offers loans on favourable terms to a wide range of food producing industries, subsidy programs to help with things like food safety initiatives often carry specific language excluding the fishery.

“It is galling that a company that farms fish is eligible for help, but one that catches fish is not,” Meisenheimer remarked. “It’s pretty hard not to feel picked on when you’re just above pet food on the list of ineligible industries. Times are tough right now and these sorts of programs would be a real help.”

He added, “Nobody in a position to do anything about it seems to give a damn.”

Mocha Returned Safe and Sound

On Monday, May 10 around 8:00 a.m., Kingsville OPP received information about the location of the 4-month-old chocolate lab puppy stolen on May 7, as reported in Police Beat in last week’s Southpoint Sun. Police advised that several citizens heard or read about the puppy being stolen and notified the police that the animal was in McGregor. The puppy had been passed on to another person, not knowing that the dog was stolen.

An off-duty Kingsville OPP police officer attended the location in McGregor and retrieved the puppy, who was safe and in good spirits, and returned it to the family.

The OPP would like to thank the citizens who heard about the stolen puppy and notified police. The Kingsville OPP will not be laying charges at this time.

Robbery in Harrow

On Tuesday, May 11 at approximately 7:20 p.m., the Essex OPP responded to a robbery in the 30 block of Queen Street in the Town of Harrow. The Essex OPP Criminal Investigation Unit and the Essex OPP advised that a suspect entered the business and demanded prescription narcotics. The unknown suspect immediately fled the scene with the prescription narcotics. The suspect is described as a clean-shaven male in his 30s, 5’8” to 6’ tall with a medium build, wearing a dark grey hoodie, dark pants, white running shoes, black wraparound sunglasses, grey work gloves, and a blue/white surgical mask.

The Emergency Response Team and K-9 attended and searched the area with negative results.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Essex OPP Criminal Investigation Unit at 519-723-2491 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

OPP Celebrate Police Week

May 13 Open House

The Essex County OPP Detachment held an open house on Thursday, May 13 to recognize the professionalism, sacrifice and dedication of their members within the communities of the province. The strong relationships within the communities honor the work of the members each and every day and inspire them to look forward to a positive policing future.

Still Searching for 2006 Homicide Suspect

May 17, 2010 marks the four-year anniversary of the discovery of 41-yearold Larry Strangway’s body at his residence on Erie Street in Harrow. A May 18, 2006 postmortem examination confirmed that Mr. Strangway, who was last employed as a roofer, died as a result of a gunshot wound.

The Essex County OPP Criminal Investigation Unit and the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch, under the direction of Detective Inspector Greg Walton, continue examining the evidence and interviewing potential witnesses as they piece together the details surrounding Mr. Strangway’s death.

“Even a small detail could help our investigators solve this homicide,” said Detective Inspector Walton. “If you have any information concerning Mr. Strangway’s activities or his known associates, please contact Essex County OPP Criminal Investigation Unit or Crime Stoppers.”

Law Enforcement Torch Run

On Tuesday, May 18, Essex County OPP participated in a Law Enforcement Torch Run through the four municipalities they police – Essex, Kingsville, Lakeshore and Tecumseh.

Police officers from across Essex County took part in the event to raise funds for the Special Olympics.

Officers visited each community and ran approximately 2-3 km (20 minutes) at each location.

The torch run started at Tecumseh OPP, proceeded to Lakeshore OPP, Kingsville OPP, and ended in Harrow at the Essex OPP Detachment with a barbecue for the runners and volunteers.

Appeal for information on Christine Woelk homicide

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Criminal Investigation Branch under the direction of Detective Inspector Ian Maule, along with members of the Leamington Police Service, continue the investigation into the May 18, 2004 disappearance and murder of Christine Woelk.

On the evening of May 18, 2004, 49-year-old Christine Woelk disappeared after visiting a friend on Oak Street in Leamington. Evidence shows that Christine was with an unknown male in her vehicle and moments later was observed alone and travelling west toward Erie Street. She was reported missing that night and a police search ensued.

On May 20, 2004 the 1997 Pontiac Transport van belonging to Woelk was located between two seasonal cottages on Point Pelee Drive, just outside the gates of Point Pelee National Park, south of Leamington. This is a well-travelled road and why the vehicle was left in this location is unclear.

On May 25, 2004 the body of Christine Woelk was discovered in waters off Black Willow Beach in Point Pelee National Park, 7 kilometres south of where the vehicle was located.

The OPP ask that anyone who can provide information or the name of the person or persons responsible for Christine Woelk’s murder or information about how her vehicle came to be at Point Pelee Drive to come forward and provide that information immediately by contacting the Ontario Provincial Police at 1-888-310-1122, your nearest police agency or Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

The $50,000 reward offer and information related to this investigation can be viewed on the OPP website under Crime Files at http://www.opp.ca/cibui/html/displaycase.php?id=32.

The reward will be apportioned as deemed just by the Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services for the Province of Ontario and the Commissioner of the OPP

Leamington Police investigate weekend stabbing

Leamington Police are investigating an incident that occurred early Saturday morning that left a 20-year-old Leamington man with stab wounds to the back.

At approximately 2:35 a.m., police were called to the downtown area of Leamington to investigate the incident. The victim was transported to Hotel Dieu Hospital in Windsor with non life-threatening injuries and released.

Police are searching for Elias Chavira-Gonzalez, 20 years of age, from Leamington. Police are still investigating, and have no motive for the assault. Anyone with any information is asked to call the Leamington Police at 326-3214 or Crime Stoppers at 258-TIPS.

Solar Energy Info Night

A Solar Energy Information Night, hosted by MCCO will be held on Tuesday, May 25 at UMEI, 614 Mersea Road 6, Leamington. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. to visit displays, and the program begins at 7 p.m.

Learn about solar energy opportunities for your home or church. Program includes success stories of people going solar, information about Mennonite Saving and Credit Union’s Creation Care loans and a reflection on how our energy use impacts our global neighbours.

For more information, contact darrenk@mennonitecc.on.ca or ontario.mcc. org/MISE.

Check out CFTV34

• Leamington Council: Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8 p.m.

• Let’s Talk: Elsa Koop hosts local politicians on the Let’s Talk show Thursdays at 6:30 p.m.

• Storyteller: Don’t forget to watch Storyteller for all the new books that are available from local authors at 8 p.m. Mondays. Digital Cable 100 and UHF 34

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING

Cafeteria

Take notice that the 60th Annual General Meeting of the members of the Leamington District Memorial Hospital Corporation will be held at the Leamington District Memorial Hospital at the hour of five oʼclock in the evening For further information, contact Linda Harfmann, Executive Assistant, 519-326-2373 ext.4101

By order of the Board of Directors, John Cervini, Chair

194 Talbot St. W., Leamington ON 519-326-2373

On the benefits of local birding

By Lloyd Brown-John

Now I have no desire to be misunderstood in respect to my ostensible passion for birding. And of course this is the height of birding season, so like thousands of others I am out there with my regulation high-powered binoculars, my guide to the birdies of North Central South Ontario, my birder’s definitive bird list and my regulation birder/ outdoor enthusiasts vest with 1,000 + 1 pockets.

This is an experience in learning. My wife often does remark that birding would be ever so much easier if first, the birds would stand still long enough to figure who or what they are, and second, if they had the decency to wear nametags with things like “I am a Yellow Billed Indecently Grossedbeak”.

Over this birding season to-date I’ve identified and recorded 12 birds including robins, blackbirds with red on them, a yellow-bellied blue-black warbler or maybe it was just a moving leaf, a vulture and a chicken.

Birding is a strange way to spend one’s idle hours, and birders can become so intense – especially if you mention that a bright red/orange/yellow bird smacked against your windshield – to the point of reclusiveness and even overt hostility

Yet despite all the challenges of birding here in the National Birding Capital of Canada – Kingsville, Leamington, Wheatley – there are sidebar delights.

For example, a week or so ago whilst standing along the side of Mersea Road “E”, or maybe it was “F” or perhaps even “G”, we were gathered in a group watching a bird feeding frenzy in a water soggied piece of a local farmer’s field. My fellow birders were equipped with massive “scopes”, high-powered telescopes (I think one birder did identify a new planet with his telescope), while I was content with the binoculars. The excitement rippling through the crowd was incredible, for there was a Wilson’s phalacarope, some dunglins, and some lesser quality birds with yellow legs.

While we all concentrated upon… well, actually I didn’t concentrate because I realized that the folks next to me were looking for “la phalarope”. They were visitors from Quebec and there were 3 carloads of French speaking visitors. What an opportunity to practise my French, I thought, and it turned out to be deeply appreciated, for exchanging greetings in French and welcoming them to our area and “Pointe Pelée”. It was a wonderful few moments, and in those moments I realized just how incredible this birding area is when visitors come from great distances to view our birds and to enjoy our attributes.

Eventually, as we’d seen all the birds we felt worthy, we moved down the “E” or “F” or “G” Road to another couple, again with “scope” viewing and, as it turned out, some black-bellied plumbers. This couple had come all the way from Germany (they do this every year) to view birds all over Ontario. When I realized they were German I invoked my limited skills in that language, again to offer greetings and to inquire of their hometown. They were delighted and seemed convinced that I could not be Canadian as I spoke German with an Austrian accent!

You see, for me birding is about much more than birds. It is also about meeting visitors and enjoying their enthusiasm for our local treasure – the wildlife of Point Pelee and area. A couple from Indiana told us they come here every year because the birding was so unique (unfortunately I don’t speak Indianan or even Ohioian). What is important is the realization that vast numbers of people regularly visit our region from far distant places, and of course they are welcome. Well, there is an issue... some local dude in his truck apparently was unimpressed with birders gathered at the side of Mersea Road “E” and spun his wheels and threw gravel back at the gathering as a show of his disrespect for visitors. Too bad a few weak links can lead to an impression that tourist dollars may not be universally welcome in the region.

No matter, I’ve now added three new birds to my list – a grackle, sparrow and a Road “E” turkey – and I’ve had an opportunity to practise a few of my languages, and that has made the birding season absolutely worthwhile.

Oh, and by the way, we also identified a couple of ticks running rampant upon our tender bodies!

Over $1.1 B for school funding

MPP Pat Hoy announced historic high funding of $1,116,522,559 for local school boards in 2010-11.

“No longer do we have a ‘one-size-fits-all’ cookiecutter approach mandated from Toronto,” said Hoy, MPP for Chatham-KentEssex, adding “since coming to office, the McGuinty government has increased funding to rural boards to recognize their challenges with declining enrolment and the higher costs for materials and resources.”

“Across Ontario, per pupil funding in the next school year is projected to rise to over $10,000, that’s 4.5 percent more than last year, and an increase of more than $3,500 per student since we took office in 2003, an increase of almost 50 percent,” said Hoy, MPP for Chatham-Kent-Essex. Hoy revealed Local Board funding of $1.1 billion for the next school year:

• Lambton-Kent DSB: $228,728,728, an increase of 2.1% over last year, and 21.3% more than 2002-03.

• St. Clair Catholic DSB: $97,983,995, 1.3%, 12.7%.

• Windsor-Essex Catholic DSB: $236,917,562, 1.9%, 31.3%.

• Greater Essex County DSB: $344,539,747, 4.3%, 38.1%.

• CSD du Centre SudOuest: $109,838,702, 3%, 88.9%.

• CSD des ecoles catholiques du Sud-Ouest: $98,513,825, 5.2%, 78.4%.

Hoy pointed out that rural boards specifically, are projected to receive $109 million in new investments for 2010-11, bringing funding for rural boards to $3.61 billion.

Questioning food stand regulations

To the Editor:

Watching a recent Leamington council meeting proved the discussions very interesting yet very sad. Here we have a family, wanting to be self-sufficient by preparing and selling baked goods in a non-commercial enterprise, trying to live the Canadian Dream, wanting to follow the law and going to the Town for guidance only to find that administration was throwing roadblocks such as a $2,000 fee for an amendment to the zoning by-law, a possible vendor’s license, etc. Council did agree that this fit the criteria of a “Home Occupation” but could not support the erecting of a “Selling Stand”.

A suggestion that might be acceptable both to the Municipality and the applicants would be to erect a “garage” which would be converted to a “stand” near the home and allow a sign 4 ft. x 3 ft. (more or less) which would display the products available at the road.

During the course of this discussion, the subject of fruit and vegetable stands also came up where it was stated that over half of the produce being sold had to be produced on the property. When I drive around in the summer, both in the urban and rural sections of the Municipality, I see various stands, some where I suspect that none of the produce had been grown on the property, some where less than 50% of the produce offered was grown on the property, some where a covered wagon at the side of the road, unattended, not near any dwelling, in front of land that is not producing any of the produce that is for sale, and others that are legitimate. Has administration checked to see if all of these meet the requirements for zoning, licensing, etc.? Or is it okay because the owner did not ask?

In the many years that I have lived in the Leamington area I have observed that people who go ahead and get things done, such as improving their house, their breakwall or whatever, without going to the authorities are much happier than those who go to Municipal, Provincial or other agencies such as ERCA, where they always run into roadblocks and extra expense because they are trying to follow the law. This I can attest to from personal experience. Why does this have to be this way? Why can’t simple solutions be made?

Yours truly, Eugene Barna

Leamington Horticulture Society hosts

successful plant sale

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

Listen to Country 92.7 CJSP for more events happening in Leamington and Essex County during the Community Calendar 6 times daily or visit www.country927.com for a complete listing

The Canadian Cancer society is looking for volunteers to assist onsite at the Windsor Regional Cancer Centre in one of the two Learning Resource Centres. If you can donate 4 hours of your time, we can utilize your skills. You can make a difference to patients and their family members by helping them and get the information they need. To get involved please call 519253-3191 ext.58654.

THURSDAY, MAY 20:

Hot dog day at Royal Bank, 161 Talbot Street North, Essex, beginning at 10:00 a.m. Proceeds to RBC Allnighters Relay for Life Team.

A fundraiser to send Harrow's own "Elvis" - James Gibb - to the Elvis World Cup in Wales. Pasta dinner will be held from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. at Vernon's Tap and Grill, 22 Main St. E., Kingsville. Price is $10. Performances by James Gibb at 12:30 p.m.-2:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m. Door prizes.

FRIDAY, MAY 21:

2nd annual Kingsville District High School Auto Show, 170 Main Street East, Kingsville, 9:30 am until 2:00 pm. Over 100 cars from the community, awards will go to best paint job, best customized, students choice, favourite overall, antique, sport compact. Please call 519-733-2347 for more details.

FRIDAY, SATURDAY, MAY 21-22

5th Annual Charity Yard Sale. Friday/Saturday, May 21/22 from 8 am to 4 pm, 126 Park Crescent, Wheatley. All items have been donated and once again all proceeds will be divided between the Leamington Goodfellows, Wheatley Church's Food Bank and Wheatley Community Chest). Baked Goods will be available for purchase.

SATURDAY, MAY 22:

Leamington & Mersea Historical Society. Come and join us for a barbecue and monthly meeting at the historical museum, 121 Essex Rd. 14 (Con. 9) Albuna. Please contact Scott Holland 519-326-0533 by May 19 if you plan to attend the barbecue. Kittenaide Marketplace & Indoor Yard Sale, 9:00 a.m.4:00 p.m. - 4 Mill St W., Kingsville(Lion's Hall). Books, collectibles, cat themed items, laptops, jewellery, candles, coins & more. For information, call 519-3242729.

Hotdogs, hamburgs, fries and onion rings served at Comber Legion Branch 241, 6420 Main St., Comber from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. Followed by Annual Comber Fireworks Display at the Comber Fairgrounds, starting at dusk. Free admission and free parking to fireworks. Rain date Sunday, May 23. For information, call 519687-2201.

Destination Denver - Leamington United Mennonite Church Youth Car Wash/Rummage and Bake Sale, 78 Oak Street East Leamington from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Supporting Youth Missions in Poverty. Purchase a "Rock On" t-shirt at Walmart on Erie Street, Leamington, from 10:00 a.m-4:00 p.m. Proceeds will benefit the Children's Miracle Network.

SUNDAY, MAY 23:

Victoria Day Run & Family Fun Carnival at Kingsville Total Fitness, 313 Main Street East. 1K & 5K Race. Register from 3:30 p.m.to 4:45 p.m. Races start at 5 p.m. Family Fun Carnival 4-8 p.m. Rain date Monday, May 24, same time. All proceeds to benefit WindsorEssex Therapeutic Riding Association.

12th Annual Parade of Horse Breeds at John R. Park Homestead Conservation Area, 1:30 p.m. M.C. Cordell Green of CJSP Mornings; food booth by the 4H Horse Club; Essex County Carriage Club Plant & Bake Sale. Bring a lawn chair; please no dogs. For information, call 519-738-2029 or visit www.erca.org.

MONDAY, MAY 24:

ʻMondays at the Marinaʼ, weather permitting. Bring your lawnchairs to the Leamington Marina for evenings of music with Brad, Lynn, Jack and John from 6:30 to 8 pm. We will play a variety of secular and gospel music for your enjoyment. May 31 to August 30, with the exception of Mon., Aug. 19.

5:00-6:00 pm, Leamington United Church, 9 John St., welcomes all who are alone or having trouble making ends meet to their monthly Leamington Food and Fellowship Supper. No Charge.

Bulimia and Anorexia Nervosa Association (BANA) of Windsor invites you to take place in their annual walk, starting at Ambassador Park on Windsor's riverfront, just below the corner of Sunset and Riverside Drive West; and finishing at Dieppe Park, at Ouellette and Riverside Drive West. Warm up is at 10:00 a.m. and walk starts at 10:30 a.m. For more information, registration form or to contact BANA please visit http://www.bana.ca, or call 519-969-2112.

TUESDAY, MAY 25:

Vegetarian Cooking Class in the Basement Hall of Leamington Seventh-day Adventist Church, 220 Erie St. North, from 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. Cost is $5, or $10 for all three classes which take place from May 25-27. For further information and registration, please call 519-326-5216 or 519-726-5300. Seating is limited, please register early.

SATURDAY, MAY 29

Community Yard Sale 8 am - 3 pm, Wheatley Baptist Church, parking lot. Many treasures can be yours! there will also be a bake table and a BBQ lunch. Spring cleaning can equal extra cash! Tables are available for you to rent and sell your items. Please call 519-825-7433 for more information.

Everything Sale, 9 am - 12 pm, St. Johnʼs Anglican Church, 60 Erie St. N., Leamington. Plants, Pies, Goodies, Dishes, Rummage. Everything!!!

SUNDAY, MAY 30:

Leamington & Mersea Historical Society, 4:30 - 7:30 pm. Broasted Chicken/Strawberry Social Fundraiser for MCR Station Restoration. Advance Tickets Only $15.00. TIX available at Strawberries Kitchen, Scott Holland 519-326-0533, Bill Sherk 519-322-1551 or LMHS Members.

MONDAY, MAY 31/WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2: Auditions will be held for Sun Parlour Players Community Theatre's musical production of "Once Upon this Island" - the story of the little mermaid. Boys & girls ages 7 - 17 can audition at St. John's Anglican Church, 60 Erie St. N., Leamington. Monday, May 31st or Wednesday, June 2nd, 6 - 7:30 p.m. call Production will be in November. For more information phone 519-326-8805.

FRIDAY, JUNE 4:

St. Michaelʼs Church - Music Express Concert featuring broadway gospel music. Held at St. Josephʼs Church. Tickets available at St. Michaelʼs, Fletcherʼs Cleaners, Setterington Gifts, and also available at the door. Adults $10, students $8. Proceeds to World Youth Day.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 9

Leamington & District Half Century Centreʼs 13th Annual Golf Tournament, scramble format (rain date Wednesday, June 16) to be held at Talbot Trail Golf Course, Wheatley. Shotgun start at 9:00 a.m. Followed by an 8 piece perch lunch. To register call Sandra at 519-326-2521. This is a fund raiser and is open to all. Fee: $45 and $55 (with cart) includes golf, prizes and lunch, guests who wish to attend the meal only can for a cost of $15.

SUNDAY, JUNE 13

7th Annual Bowl-a-Thon at Rose Bowl Lanes in Windsor, in support of Ronald McDonald House of Southwestern Ontario. Pledge sheets available at Leamington, Essex, Kingsville & Windsor McDonalds. Bowl-a-thon is at 1 pm.

MONDAY, JULY 19:

Register now for “Camp Explore U”, a Christian day camp for kids entering Grades 5-8. Camp will take place at UMEI Christian High School, Leamington, July 19-23, 9 am- 4pm. For more info call the UMEI office at 519-326-7448 or visit the UMEI website at www.umei.on.ca. Register before May 31 and your childʼs name will be entered into a draw for free registration.

Saturday, May 8th was cold and windy with an icy rain hitting the faces of those lined up at the side door of the Leamington United Church. Gardeners all, they didn’t mind. At 8:30 a.m. they greeted the Leamington Horticultural Society volunteers with smiles. Only half an hour to go until the annual plant sale was open!

Inside, the tables were lined with donated plants selling at reasonable prices. Knowledgeable members were prepared to answer questions and make suggestions, or warn about a plant that needed to be contained. While last year the plant of the day seemed to be hostas, this time it was a table of lush, healthy, green ferns and anything in bloom that seemed to draw everyone’s attention. Plant selections made, the customers wandered over to inspect the green elephant table, perhaps to find a piece of gardening equipment still in good repair but no longer required by its original owner. Just next to that, delicious refreshments, tea and coffee were being served.

This year, a new venture was introduced to encourage younger families to introduce their children to gardening and perhaps decide to attend a few meetings themselves. Children were invited to pot up a colourful plant to take home – just in time for Mother’s Day!

Families in Leamington are invited to adopt about four of the street planters as a family project this summer. A commitment of approximately one hour for planting and about one half-hour a week maintenance is required. The plants will be provided, a location will be chosen for you and the planters are watered by the town. This is an opportunity to develop an interest in horticulture and civic pride within your family. If you would like your family to adopt some planters, please contact Jackie King at 519-326-1361.

Memberships were available during the sale, with the added bonus for new members of a 10% discount on their purchase at the sale. Raffle tickets were also sold.

The Leamington Horticulture Society’s annual plant sale is one of their major fundraising efforts to help support projects throughout the town.

SATURDAY

JUNE 5 at the Rhine Danube Club 130 Erie St. N., Leamington Cocktails 6:30 pm, Dinner 7:00 pm Cost $35 per ticket

Please RSVP by May 28th to Stacey 519 - 326 - 6291

CRUISE NIGHTS

STARTS WEDNESDAY, MAY 26

UMEI outdoor education

Off-campus learning heightens Grade 9 UMEI Christian High School’s enriched curriculum. FairGlen Christian Camp in Northern Ontario put new meaning to “outdoor education”. While participating in numerous activities such as canoeing, horseback riding, ropes activities, chapels and touring adventures, the Grade 9 students got to challenge themselves in natural settings. What a creative way to connect with Canada’s natural wonders! Pictured are Grade 9 students Petra Sheane, Erin Tiessen, Ashton Fehr, Lena Redekop, Bryanne Pierce, Abby Neufeld Dick, Emmett Shuttleworth, Jake Klassen, Mitchell Brown, Jesse Driedger, AJ Bennett. (Photo submitted)

Two bedroom apartments in Wheatley. Phone 519-3268259. tf

Large 2 bedroom apartment, fridge, stove, AC, utilities included. $725. 519-3267275. ff

One bedroom upper apartment, fridge, stove, utilities included. $530 month. References. Call 519-3264680, leave message. tf

FOR RENT SERVICES

RENOVATIONS:

Eavestroughing, decks, siding, windows, complete renovations, Gutter Cleaning Systems, furniture refinishing. Call Bill Siddall 519825-3931 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

FOR SALE

2001 Honda VT750C Shadow, mint condition, new seat, saddle bags, custom mufflers. First 5K takes it. Robert 519.326.7253 tf Black, white and emerald cedars and other landscaping plants for sale. 519-3243835. may 12-19

May 21-22, 8:30 am - 4 pm. Aurelia Crescent, Kingsville (off of Rowley Park Drive) may19-19

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

ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS? lights, fans, heaters, wiring, small jobs, large jobs, renovations. Art Tiessen 519-3267900anytime. Affordable rates. Licensed, experienced electrician. may19-26

5th Annual Charity Yard Sale. Friday/Saturday, May 21/22 from 8 am to 4 pm, 126 Park Crescent, Wheatley. All items have been donated and once again all proceeds will be divided between the Leamington Goodfellows, Wheatley Church's Food Bank and Wheatley Community Chest). Baked Goods will be available for purchase. may19-19

Collectables, handmade quilts, canning jars, virgin lumber. Much, much more. May 22, 23, 8:30 am - 4 pm. 4 Smith Ave., Leamington. may19-19

Huge yard sale, Friday and Saturday, 8 am - 4 pm. Rain or shine. 123 Lamarsh St., Wheatley. 17 foot Peterborough, piano, mustang, rims, books, clothes, etc. may19-19

Saturday, May 22nd, 9 am4 pm. 12 Ashley Crescent off of Sandy Lake Drive, Leamingto. Assorted household items. may19-19

Kittenaid Indoor Yard Sale and Marketplace. Saturday, May 22, 9 am - 4 pm. 4 Mill St. West, Kingsville 519324-2729. may19-19

Saturday, May 22 - Monday, May 24. 8:30 am - 4 pm. 29 Sandy Lake, Leamington. Many items including household items, clothing and more. may19-19

Saturday, May 22, Sunday, May 23. 254 Detroit Line, Wheatley. Furniture, appliances, clothing, household goods, pictures. may19-19

available. References and police clearance. 15 years experience with hotels, residential and office cleaning. Call Chantel 519-819-4269. may19-june

Opening kick-off at Erie Shores sees McCallum take top honours once again

For the eleventh time in the past 30 years, Jim McCallum took top honours at the 30th Annual Men’s Opening Kick-Off at Erie Shores Golf & Country Club this past weekend. Putting together nines of 31 and 37, McCallum fired a three under par 68 to edge out Bill Ruiter, who finished in second one stroke back at two under par 69. Matt Iacobelli’s one over par round of 72 left him alone in third place, while Mike Baulke and Brian Humphreys tied for fourth spot with their four over par scores of 75. Finishing in a four-way tie for sixth place with five over par rounds of 76 were Nick Diniro, Mike Morin, Ken Steingart and last year’s winner, Bill Wheeler. Todd Hodgson, Neil Sawatzky, Ward Hutchins and Greg Zimney all shot six over par 77s to finish in 9th place, while Ryan Harder was next at 78. Also breaking 80, with 9 over par rounds of 79, were Darell Langille, Brian Iacobelli, Kevin George, Kevin Shaften, Pete Andary, Raoul Morin and Chris Webster.

In the Low Net category, Marco Sabelli finished first place with a net score of 66, one stroke ahead of Kevin Shaften’s net 67 and two better than Kevin George and John Penner who both had net 68s. Finishing another shot back at net 70 were Ron Tremblay, Pat Dugal and Neil Reimer.

In the Four-Ball Net Best-Ball category, the team of Marco Sabelli, Mel Pace, Mauro Paglione and Claudio Sabelli were the overall winners, shooting a 15 under par net 56 to slip by the team of Ron Koop, Kevin Shaften, Joe Verhoeven and Gord Anderson, who also had a net 56 but finished second by retrogression. Tying for third place, another two strokes back, with a net 58, were the teams of Glen Reaume, Earl Dugal, Pat Dugal and Mike Baulke; and John Penner, Vic Tiessen, Ed Pump and Vic Penner.

This year’s Kick-Off, as well as the Closing Field Day in September, is sponsored again by the “Friends of Erie Shores”, a generous group consisting of Gillett Sheet Metal, Counter Effects, Leamington Chrysler Jeep, Humphreys Electrical Contracting Ltd., Diniro Hothouses, Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery, Leamington Collision and DiPrimio Physiotherapy & Sports Clinic.

Sun Parlour Players auditions

Auditions will be held for Sun Parlour Players Community Theatre’s musical production of “Once Upon this Island” - the story of the little mermaid. Boys and girls ages 7 - 17 can audition at St. John’s Anglican Church, 60 Erie St. N., Leamington. Monday, May 31 or Wednesday, June 2nd. June 6 7:30 p.m. call. Production will be in November. For more information phone 519-326-8805

By Rose Pigeon

It was a pleasant spring day for the opening lawn bowling tournament of the 2010 season. The sponsor was Peter Storey of CIBC Wood Gundy.

The group enjoyed three greens of trebles, and a most enjoyable lunch after the first game.

Outside clubs represented were Windsor and Chatham.

The winners were: 1st – Dennis Skipper, Barb Bellemore and Steve Shagat; 2nd – Paul Brown, Bob Larsen, Rose Pigeon and Jean Brown; 3rd – Don and Jeanene Thornton and Fausto Angelene.

Jitney games for club members are played Mondays and Thursdays at 1 p.m. until the weather warms up, and then they will be switched to evenings. New members are always welcome.

LDMBA girls slo-pitch rosters

JUNIOR

Walmart - Coach: Kelly Clark

Players: Madisyn Clark, Jordyn Clark, Lauryn Gradwell, Krystan Garant, Jennifer Fehr, Bailey Brown, Morgan Brown, Brooke Roach, Megann Gillett, Jill Chausse, Madison Willms, Shayna Harris, Cameron Mantha.

United Community Credit Union - Coach: Rick Gori

Players: Alyssa Orlando, Taylor Ward, Hannah Iacobelli, Abigail Taouil, Kaylan Clements, Cassandra Bluhm, Emily Reid, Chloe Jakob, Lexy Iacobelli, Kyah Gori, Sophie George, Taylor Najim.

Windsor Factory Supply - Coach: Dan Tamburo

Players: Adrien Chalmers, Chelsea Hickson, Hilda Bueckert, Trudy Bueckert, Caitlin Thompson, Yolanda Bueckert, Kari Janek, Emily Burns, Kendall Tamburo, Jessica Bueckert, Elise Minaudo, Kara Thompson, McKenna RedfernRobertson, Emily Menard.

Naples Pizza - Coach: P.J. Jackson

Players: Kelly Elias, Katarina Ingratta, Acadia Hutnik, Adriana Neufeld, Corrine Jackson, Kiera Jackson, Emily Hyatt, Abbey Hopper, Shelby Hunter, Jessica Saad, Shyan Unger, Sydnnie Parker, Kloie DeJong.

Fletcher’s Cleaners - Coach: Jeff Lamotte

Players: Taylor Meloche, Tatum Davison, Delaney Defrancisco, Jessica Desantis, Savannah Marteniano, Jade Flaming, Iseonna Silliker, Sydney Pickle, Erica Taylor, Camryn Lamotte, Miranda Obeid, Olivia Obeid, Nicole Sleiman, Allison Kopinak, Amal Sleiman.

INTERMEDIATE

Graphics Express - Coach: Crystal Garrod Players: Miranda Brown, Morgan Brown, Ashley Clifford, Chantal Garrod, Meaghan Bradt, Amanda Moody, Brittany Dundas, Jocelyn Manning, Morgan Malott, Amanda Friessen, Kayla Simpson, Julia Redekop.

Fox Ready Mix - Coaches: Dan Roles and Tony Sarkis Players: Shaelyn Bell, Jessica Hedge, Marla Stanton, Ashton Carson, Kianna Epp, Abby Harder, Samantha Sleiman, Stephanie Mastronardi, Natalie Roles, Brooklyn Sarkis, Morgan Willms, Sydnee Sleiman.

Scotiabank - Coach: Rob Gray

Players: Vanessa Adragna, Amanda Ingratta, Emma Kopinak, Rebecca Stanton, Lisa Klassen, Paula Zimmerman, Jenna Gray, Kathryn Ciacelli, Joline Driedger, Erin Kopinak, Macayla Vriesacker, Chloe Bell.

South Point GM - Coaches: Ken Hamm and Cris Malott Players: Jillian Isles, Jocelyn Mastronardi, Jessica Epp, Madison Hamm, Chelsea Malott, Kira Glover, Chelsea Kwiatkowski, Selena Redekop, Lauren Taylor, Chase Cabral, Abbie Gradwell, Caitlyn Reid.

Grant & Schiefer Tax Service Coach: Steve Coates

Players: Sarah Vezina, Renee Rocheleau, Sydney Dries, Rebecca Bueckert, Madison Fulmer, Erica Defrancisco, Fallon Mitchell, Emily Bonyai, Abby Gualtieri, Josie George, Rachel Iverson, Andrea Abraham.

SENIORS

Local 444 - Coach: Steve Coates

Players: Jessica Gray, Jennifer McDonald, Samantha Mearow, Elyse Epp, Chloe Palesh, Jacklyn Milkins, Taylor Hamm, Rachel Whaley, Amber Quick, Shelby Davison, Alysha Vriesacker, Jocelyn Hurst.

R.A. Critchlow Realty - Coach: Jerry Sleiman

Players: Anna Adragna, Sarah Weyrauch, Kathy Bueckert, Kaila Sleiman, Kelsey Sleiman, Jessica Imeson, Maria Klassen, Ashley Fittler, Paulina Bueckert, Abi Letkeman, Rosella Buekhert, Bonnie Tralout, Riley Brown.

Leamington Animal Hospital - Coach: Linda Mifflin

Players: Carissa Peters, Jenn Koning, Myriah Diab, Sharon Suitor, Samantha Lamotte, Kia Peters, Molly Gillanders, Jessica Nash, Maggie Azar, Drew Bowman, Mackenzie Mifflin, Mary Hiebert, Kerra Gradwell.

Mites season opener this weekend

Leamington District Minor Baseball Association (LDMBA) will introduce its Friday Night Mites this weekend at the Kinsmen Baseball Complex.

“Our Mites division will have their season opener this Friday (May 21),” announced Sue Holiga, Mites co-convenor. “Over 100 boys and girls have registered to play in the Mite program.”

The Junior Mites (4 and 5 year olds) will play on Diamond #1 at 6:30 p.m., while the Senior Mites (6 and 7 year olds) will play at the same time on Diamond #6.

The Mite program stresses fun and the teaching of baseball skills. All games use the T-ball format, with some live pitching introduced later in the season.

“Midway through the season we will have our own Baseball Mini Olympics so the players can gauge their improvements, and most important have fun,” added Terry Misener, Mites co-convenor.

Harold Galloway

Harold Wesley Galloway, 88 years, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at Leamington District Memorial Hospital.

Beloved husband of Helen (nee Hyatt) for 63 years. Loving father of Patricia Bruner and late husband Hugh, Robert Galloway and wife Bonnie. Proud grandfather of Kim Brimner and husband Greg, Kevin Bruner, Kelly Bruner and wife Sharon, Richard Galloway and wife Shawnda, Wendy Willis and husband Carl. Cherished great-grandfather of 9 great-grandchildren. Survived by sister-in-law Rose Galloway. At Harold’s request, cremation has taken place with interment at Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery at a later date.

Memorial donations to a charity of your choice may be made by contacting the Reid Funeral Home, 14 Russell Street, Leamington (519-326-2631). Family and friends are invited to share their words of comfort and remembrance at www.reidfuneralhome.ca.

Mettawas Station

Tucked off the Main Street in Kingsville, just inside the old train station, sits Mettawas Station. The restaurant features Mediterranean and Italian influences and flavours and is located in a beautiful historic building that provides a very nice setting for intimate dinners and also features a large patio for alfresco dining. Having never visited Mettawas Station previously, we were anxious to sample some of the feature dishes of owner and chef Anthony DelBrocco.

The appetizer menu features dishes such as calamari, escargot, and a riviera onion soup that I will definitely be trying on our next visit; however, for this evening to start we shared an order of the arincini and steamed clams. The arincini were very good – saffron infused rice balls rolled in a light batter and served with the signature tomato meat sauce – a serving of four was more than enough for us to share. In addition, I was very excited to see steamed clams on the appetizers menu. The clams were fresh, sweet and served in a sauce with pancetta, garlic and white wine, perfect for sopping up with a piece of the hot, fresh, complimentary bread.

The dinner menu at Mettawas Station provides a large variety of choices featuring a number of unique pizza pies, dinner salads, pastas and grilled steak, veal and chicken. The feature dish of our evening had to be the stuffed fillet of sole. This light white fish is stuffed with a scallop and crab stuffing and served with a truffled cream sauce. Not only was the presentation very appealing, but the flavours of the dish were perfectly balanced. We also sampled the veal marsala and the tortellini carbonara. Both dishes were very tasty and we enjoyed the Mediterranean flare applied to these classic dishes. All of the entrées at Mettawas Sta-

tion are served with choice of soup or salad.

One of the most interesting elements of our visit to Mettawas Station was reading about the history of Hiram Walker and the construction of the railway line connecting Essex County. Taking its name from the original magnificent hotel constructed on the shores of Lake Erie, Kingsville’s homage to Mettawas Station is focused on providing friendly service featuring high quality foods, utilizing the products of local purveyors and producers. We’d also like to thank Katelynn, who made sure we made it to Migration Hall on time to see Stuart McLean! Take time out to visit this landmark in Essex County, you’ll be glad you stopped by!

British are coming! Soccer training camp July 19-23

As the number of soccer players in North America nears 20 million, the number one soccer company in the United States, Canada and Australia – Challenger Sports – has been invited to hold one of their nationwide programs of British soccer training camps right here in the growing soccer community of Leamington. The Leamington Minor Soccer Association has teamed up to host the weeklong British Soccer Camp during the week of July 19-23 at the Leamington Soccer Complex.

The camp will run Monday through Friday and each child will be coached by a member of Challenger’s British coaching staff flown to the USA exclusively to work on these programs. Challenger will hold over 2,000 British Soccer Camps this summer and will coach over 100,000 players between the ages of 4 and 18 and over 20,000 parents and coaches.

Challenger’s British Soccer Camp is more than a week of drills and skills. In addition to taking part in a daily regimen of foot skill development, technical and tactical practices, and daily tournament-style plays, each child will also be treated to a rich cultural experience and lessons on respect, responsibility, integrity, leadership and sportsmanship.

The most popular part of each camp is the Camp World Cup. The coaches use this daily tournament to teach the players about life, customs and traditions of other countries.

The campers are asked to make up cheers, bring flags, dress up and learn as much as they can about the country they represent.

Teams are also welcome to attend and receive a week of focused instruction to prepare them for the fall season.

Each camper will receive a free camp t-shirt, soccer ball, giant soccer poster and an individual skills performance evaluation. In addition, any child who signs up online at least 45 days prior to camp (June 4) will receive a genuine British Soccer replica jersey (value $39).

Space is limited – parents are encouraged to sign up online in advance to avoid disappointment. To sign up for the camp either visit www.challengersports.com or contact Dan Santos at 519-322-5882 or email leamingtonsoccer@ yahoo.ca.

Challenger has been conducting soccer camps in the U.S. and Canada for 20 years. In addition to coaching youth players throughout North America, Challenger also runs European Soccer Tours, holds soccer tournaments, and manufactures and sells their own brand of soccer apparel. To find out more about Challenger Sports visit their website www.challengersports.com or visit www.leamingtonsoccer. com to sign up today.

Emilie Potvin of Leamington took 3rd place at the Tour of Kensington Valley road race in Michigan on Saturday, May 8. It was a 51 km road race on hilly terrain. In her own words, Emilie described the day: “It was really cold and windy and it started raining in the race. The wind gusts were 70km/h! In the first climb my chain fell off and I had to stop and fix it. By the time that was fixed, the pack was already going downhill and I had to chase for about 4-5 kms! I finally caught back on and held in protected by the wind for the race. There were a lot of attacks and surges and I still ended up in the lead break of six girls. The finish was at the top of a steep hill and I ended up in third after almost crashing in a pile-up with a guys’ pack.”

King Edward Heritage Lodge No. 488 officially opens at Transportation Village

Due to a decline in membership in King Edward Lodge in Harrow the lodge had to close. Out of the ashes of this closure was born the idea to build a Heritage Lodge at the Canadian Transportation Museum and Heritage Village.

Two members of the former lodge in Harrow, William Lumley and Larry Wood, were the original driving forces behind this idea and with money left over from the sale of the Masonic building in Harrow, a committee was formed which included Wilbur Tofflemire and later, Dennis O’Leary. Bill is acting chairman of this new committee with Dennis as the secretary.

From the groundbreaking in the fall of 2009 to the ribbon cutting held last week on May 12, the building has been constructed in a late 1800’s theme under the guidance of Claude Labelle, the master builder. Thanks to the staff and members of the Canadian Transportation Museum and Heritage Village for many of their volunteer hours. Without their help the dream would not be possible.

Unfortunately two of the original committee members in the persons of Larry Wood and Wilbur Tofflemire have passed away, but their dream lives on in this building.

SECC hosting Walk, Rock and Roll – 5K walk and outdoor benefit concert May 29

South Essex Community Council is getting ready for a unique fundraising event at the end of May. Together with the help of volunteers Dale Butler and Bakhus Saba, SECC is hosting a great outdoor event that truly has something for everyone.

The day will start at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 29 with a scenic 5-kilometre walk along Lake Erie. Participants can register and hand in their pledges at the Leamington Marina Pavilion. Everyone is welcome and if you can’t do the entire 5K walk, that’s okay. The important thing is that you get out and walk – or run if you like! Participants can collect pledges or pay the $25 registration fee to walk. Prizes will be given out to the Top Pledge Earners and free t-shirts will be given to the first 100 registered participants. All proceeds from the walk will go to the SECC Foot Care Clinic which provides affordable foot care treatments to adults in our community.

A barbecue lunch starts at 12:00 p.m. and is free to all registered walkers. Everyone else is welcome to have lunch for a cost of $4, and the outdoor benefit concert begins at noon. Performers include: Trish Wales, Mike Beggs, Nicole Barron, Jim Heyens, John Brett, Kelly Authier, Andrew Taves, Justin Latam, Billy and Peter Raffoul, and Dale Butler. Donations will be accepted during the concert and will go towards the SECC Adult Day Program which provides seniors, adults with physical disabilities and persons with early stage Alzheimer’s Disease or dementia with stimulating supervised social and recreational programming. It also provides valuable respite and referral services for caregivers.

TOURNAMENT

Saturday, May 22 nd

Tee time is 12:00 pm, best ball format. The cost is $120 per golfer which includes 18 holes of golf, cart, lunch, steak dinner and prizes. Registration forms available at www.southpointminorhockey.com or by contacting Kevin Bunda at (519) 825-3155. Please get your fivesomes together and help support the kids of Southpoint Minor Hockey.

Family Fun Day at South Shore Christian School

By Maria Unger

Katelyn Bergen and her friends were out bright and early to enjoy Family Fun Day. The girls were a flurry of activity as they ran from station to station; having their faces painted, bouncing in the giant castle, watching the Rubber Chicken Co.’s puppets and “fishing” for treats.

They were just some of the hundreds of children who participated in Family Fun Day, Saturday, May 15th hosted by South Shore Christian School. The school is celebrating its 5th anniversary and chose to invite the community for a day of fun and games.

Family Fun Day was held at South Shore’s current location; Meadow Brook Fellowship in Leamington. The entire event was free to the public with bouncy castles, face painting, live children’s entertainment and giant parachute games.

Tracy Lepp, school principal, was enthusiastic about the community response saying, “We’re so glad to have the community out! Come back next year. We’re going to make this an annual event”.

Parents of school children, along with teachers, volunteered at the play stations as well as the yard sale, bake sale and barbeque. The school also offered tours of the facility, including classrooms and chapel.

South Shore is a non-denominational, Christian elementary school providing a learning environment to foster each child’s physical, social, academic and spiritual development.

Lepp noted that the Fun Day was a good opportunity to showcase the school’s family emphasis and community-minded approach.

Like many parents, Katelyn’s dad and mom spent much of the day following their children from station to station, enjoying the festive atmosphere. They also volunteered for set-up crew and bouncy castle monitoring. “A great celebration for a great school!”, Helen Bergen said, as the sun-weary family headed home.

SpringSpecials

Quilters learn tips and tricks of machine appliqué

Spring has sprung and the Erie Shores Quilters Guild has moved their nest to their new meeting place at the Kingsville Arena. Meetings are at the same time and same dates. 88 members came out to see the new facility and enjoy another educational meeting.

April’s guest speaker was Licia Cipkar, a 12-year member of the guild and well known to the group as a talented machine appliqué quilter. Licia went through all the tips, tricks and techniques to machine appliqué from beginning to end. Before you begin, she says to clean your machine free of fluff, put in a new needle, attach your open toe foot and follow the instructions on your fusible web. The threads you pick will make or break your project, so test out the threads before attaching the pieces to your quilt. Licia’s best words of advice: when you find the right thread and stitch pattern for your project, it is always a good rule of thumb to write down all the particulars, such as stitch width and stitch

length, just in case you have to start another project before this one is done (like that would ever happen!).

On July 13th the quilters will welcome Vikki Pignatelli for a trunk show and lecture at the Pelee Days Inn at 7:00 p.m. Invite your friends and neighbours – you do not need to be a quilter to enjoy her exciting and exquisite quilts. Vikki is a full-time professional quilt-artist from Reynoldsburg, Ohio, who has won numerous awards in National and International competitions and exhibitions. She is also the founder and co-chair of the National Biennial Sacred Threads Guild Exhibitions, held in Reynoldsburg. Plan to attend. You will not be disappointed and you may even win one of the great door prizes being offered. For more information phone Shirley Lowes at 519-733-4039 or email her at klowes@mnsi.net.

John R. Park Homestead wins award

The John R. Park Homestead Conservation Area has won the Russell K. Cooper Award from the Ontario Historical Society. The award is given to “a living history museum showing excellence in programming, ingenious problem solving or site development”. The Homestead is Ontario’s only living historical farm museum west of London. Operated by the Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA), the museum on the lake offers a four-season program of family special events and hands-on, curriculum based school activities. Since it opened in 1978, more than 500,000 visitors have learned lessons in conservation for the future by exploring the past.

A dynamic group of 75 volunteers contribute to a variety of areas at the Homestead including the tending the heritage garden and orchard, blacksmithing, and woodworking. The Homestead has also forged links with many community organizations, including the Leamington District Weavers Guild, the group that initiated the award nomination.

“This is a tremendous honour for the Homestead and tribute to our

volunteers and staff, both past and present,” said ERCA Chair Anthony Leardi. “Conserving and interpreting our region’s heritage is important to the future, and the Homestead’s commitment to excellence in this regard has been formally recognized with this prestigious award.”

The next meeting of the Erie Shores Quilters Guild will be on Tuesday, May 18 at 7:00 p.m. at the Kingsville Arena meeting room. Guest speaker will be Sylvia Pippen, coming all the way from Hawaii. Sylvia is a worldrenowned quilt artist, author and teacher who will be presenting a lecture and trunk show. Members are free, guests $5.

The late Russ Cooper, for whom the award is named, guided the development of Black Creek Pioneer Village, a project of the Toronto Region Conservation Authority. Mr. Cooper also worked with the Credit Valley Conservation Authority, and advised on barn restoration at the Homestead.

The Homestead is in esteemed company, as previous winners of the Cooper award include Dundurn Castle National Historic Site in Hamilton and Lang Pioneer Village in Peterborough. The presentation will be made at the Ontario Historical Society’s Annual General Meeting in Toronto on June 12.

The Homestead’s next special event is the Parade of Horse Breeds on Sunday, May 23. For more information visit www.erca.org or call 519738-2029.

Horse parade

A horse is a horse, of course, of course.... or so you thought. Have you ever stopped to consider all of the variety out there when it comes to our equine friends? Well, the John R. Park Homestead is offering an opportunity to learn about the different breeds and all of their unique qualities at their upcoming Parade of Horse Breeds event.

On Sunday, May 23 at 1:30 p.m., the John R. Park Homestead Conservation Area will be hosting its 12th Annual Parade of Horse Breeds.

“Over 15 different breeds will be featured at this event – from ponies and miniature horses to the largest draft breeds including Percherons and a Clydesdale and everything in between,” said Homestead assistant curator Kristin Ives. The parade through the ring starts at 1:30 sharp, so bring a lawn chair and arrive early to ensure a great view.”

The horses will be on site beginning at 10 a.m. Visitors can tour the grounds and discuss the various breeds and their qualities with the owners and handlers.

In addition to a lot of horsing around, there will also be great food at the 4H Horse Club food booth, ferrier demonstrations, and a plant and bake sale by the Essex County Carriage Club. The museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Throughout the day, visitors can tour the 1842 house and outbuildings.

Please, no dogs at this event as they disturb the horses.

Admission is $6 for adults, $4 for children ages 3-16, and no fee for children ages 2 and under. Family maximum is $20.

The Homestead is located on County Road 50, east of Colchester.

Fun/Fit Day at Margaret D. Bennie Public School

Students at Margaret D. Bennie Public School enjoyed a Fun/Fit Day on Friday, May 14. After being rained out on Thursday, Friday was a beautiful spring day for the event. Students collected pledges as part of this fundraiser. More than $4,000 was raised for the school’s instrumental music program and various field trips. (Sun photos)

Girls Midget “B” Travel Hockey Tryout SOUTHPOINT STARS

The Leamington Midget “B” Girls Travel team is inviting all interested players to attend tryouts for the 2010/2011 Season. They are scheduled to begin at the Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex on Saturday, June 5 through Wednesday, June 16. Anyone interested in playing must attend. If you are attending from another OWHA Centre, a permission to skate form is required.