Southpoint Sun May 5, 2010

Province helps market greenhouse vegetables

Local MPPs Pat Hoy and Bruce Crozier delivered $100,000 in provincial funding to help market local greenhouse vegetables to consumers on Friday, April 30.

“Ontario is spurring rural economies and local food sales by supporting this marketing project in Leamington,” said Hoy, MPP for Chatham-KentEssex. “When we buy Ontario, everyone wins. It’s good for farmers and processors, good for families, good for the environment and good for the rural economies. With this fund, we are expanding local food networks and helping communities and industries showcase the abundance of food that is produced and made in Ontario.”

“This investment is an important one not only for our local community, but for the entire province,” said Crozier, MPP for Essex. “By raising awareness and increasing consumer demand for fresh, locally grown foods, we can strengthen our economy and help the environment at the same time.”

The Ontario Green Vegetable Growers will use

various forms of media to promote Ontario greenhouse products. Through the development and launch of radio tags, transit and billboard advertising, this $200,000 project will drive consumer demand toward purchasing local foods, with particular emphasis on Ontario greenhouse products. This project will also raise awareness of the availability of greenhouse products throughout the year.

“The Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers are very appreciative of the funding provided by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture Food & Rural Affairs,” said OGVG General Manager George Gilvesy. “This funding assists

us in undertaking an extensive advertising campaign to let Ontario consumers know their fresh local greenhouse tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers are available in their grocers right now.”

The four-year Ontario Market Investment Fund program has invested more than $5 million in more than 100 projects to date. The program helps develop economic opportunities through trade events, marketing campaigns and industry research initiatives that promote Ontario foods. It is part of the McGuinty government’s enhanced investment in ‘buy local’ initiatives.

Hottest Tomatoes Competition helps Ugandan kids

It’s amazing what tomatoes, peppers and cukes can do! Introducing “The Perfect Pepper Competition” and “The Coolest Cucumber Competition” brought to you by the creators and organizers of the hugely successful, “Who’s The Hottest Tomato Competition”. R.E.A.CH. International created and organizes the competitions exclusively for the Ontario Greenhouse Industry

For the fourth consecutive year, the biggest Greenhouse Industry players are participating in the Hottest Tomato Competition and eagerly embracing the new annual Perfect Pepper and Coolest Cucumber Competitions! REACH is a small charity run entirely by volunteers. This small but mighty group of volunteers has raised several thousand dollars to build schools, drill water wells, and sponsor and care for impoverished children in Uganda, Africa. Their unique program guarantees that 100% of child-sponsorship dollars goes to help the children. “We do separate fundraisers, such as this one, to raise money for operating expenses. Since we’re all volunteers, our expenses are very low. Whatever we raise beyond those expenses also goes to our projects.

The high integrity of REACH and the life-changing trips some volunteers have made to Uganda make us passionate to continue helping these precious children,” says event organizer, Nicole Barron.

So, what does this have to do with vegetables? The Greenhouse Capitol (Continued on Page 3)

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

Ready for the prom…

Sarah Johnson of Kingsville was the lucky winner of a free prom dress and special gift package provided by a combination of Leamington and area business.

Sarah will be attending the Kingsville District High School prom on May 15 with her boyfriend Jesse Durocher from Essex. Sarah’s brother Tyler entered her into the contest. The dress chosen by Sarah was a white Sherri Hill gown with hand painted purple flowers on the bodice from Leamington’s Willabee’s. Willabee’s also supplied a shirt and tie for her date.

Modern Ground in uptown Leamington, provided a gift certificate for $80 to purchase a pair of shoes to complete her prom look. Estetica Day Spa in St. Clair Beach provided a gift certificate for a pedicure and manicure.

Bella Photography in Harrow provided Sarah with an onsite photo shoot. Oak Farms, Leamington, will provide a custom made corsage and boutonniere for Sarah and Jesse on their prom day. VIP Windsor Shuttle Service will provide a night of limousine transportation for Sarah and Jesse.

Sunsetters Premiere Tanning, Leamington, provided a 200-point tanning package to be used on either indoor tanning or Mystic* Tanning prior to her prom.

LDMH opens new obstetrics area

Obstetrics moves to second floor

Leamington District Memorial Hospital (LDMH) is pleased to announce the opening of its new consolidated Obstetrics and Medical/Surgical Area. The Obstetrics unit is now housed on a newly renovated wing of the hospital located on the second floor.

The three new Labour/Delivery/Recovery/Post Partum (LDRP) rooms are very large, taking advantage of former ward rooms and have been decorated featuring wood trim, new furniture and faux wood floors.

“So far the reception from our new moms and their families has been great,” says Rosemary Lemmon, Clinical Director for the Obstetrics program. “They love the size of the rooms and all the natural light that is provided by the big windows.”

The new unit also features advanced security features including closed camera monitoring and main door access controls for moms and babies.

The move of Obstetrics to the second floor was part of the hospital’s Outlook 2020 plan, which identified that in order for the Obstetrics program to remain a viable service at LDMH it needed to be relocated to the second floor and consolidated with other medical services.

Dr. Angelina Chan, Obstetrician at LDMH, says that the new unit provides the newest method of care commonly called the LDRP model. “In this model, moms stay in the same room through the labour, delivery, recovery and post-partum process, allowing them to settle in better.”

A grand opening for the new area will be planned in the late spring or early summer.

Hottest Tomatoes Competition helps Ugandan kids

(Continued from Front) of North America and the Tomato Capitol of Canada both are found in the humble Town of Leamington, Ontario, which is also the location of REACH International’s head office. Last year’s overall winner, and winner of several subcategories, was Mastronardi Produce / SUNSET ®. Mastronardi sells all over North America and is ecstatic about their award, proudly promoting it. “Every Marketer/Greenhouse owner has been so fantastic! The Corporate Sponsors of our event are also amazing! Some even come out to volunteer at the event! It’s not just about a clever marketing opportunity for either group, they all love that we’re really making a difference for those who desperately need it. You can’t get any better than that!” says Barron.

And with any successful venture comes growth and change. The Competitions have also moved to an even bet-

ter location this year, and earlier too. The event used to run in August which lands at the end of the growing season for most greenhouses. The earlier date is excellent news for growers. This year the event happens June 18-20, right in the middle of the best part of the Ontario Greenhouse growing season. Barron explained, “We’ve moved to the Leamington Agricultural Fair, run by the Leamington District Agricultural Society. We can’t imagine a more perfect fit to show off our fabulous Ontario Greenhouse produce!” Even better access, incredible public exposure, the addition of two new competitions, and new this year as well, a Greenhouse Farmer’s Market with donated produce from the generous contestants will make for the best year yet for REACH. Yet another excellent way to promote Buy Local!

To get more information or to get involved, contact Nicole Barron (519) 968-2612 or email nabarron@pppoe.ca.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 5:

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

Bring the kids for storytime and a snack in the morning between 10:30-11am at Et Cetera Shoppe, 19 Erie St. N. For more information call 519-326-3665. Shooter's Photography Club Meeting, from 7:00 p.m.9:30 p.m. at Colasanti's Tropical Gardens, 1550 Road 3E, Ruthven. Program - Shoot and Share - members will present their pinhole photography pictures taken at the Pinhole Photography Day Workshop. Contact Ann Cotter at 519-733-3266 or anncott@gmail.com. Further details at facebook.com; search Shooter's Photography Club. Everyone Welcome.

THURSDAY, MAY 6:

Alpha Course Dinner, Video and Discussion, exploring the meaning of Christian Faith. 6:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m. at Meadow Brook Fellowship, 219 Talbot St. E., Leamington. Register by calling Church office at 519326-3605.

"Get Smart" by Mel Brooks, adapted by Christopher Sergel, directed by Paul Cousins, presented by Theatre Windsor, at Market Square, 2109 Ottawa Street, Windsor at 8:00 p.m. Ticket prices are: Adults $16; Seniors(55) $14; Students $14; Children (under 6) $12. For information phone 519-944-1968 or visit www.theatrewindsor.com.

FRIDAY, MAY 7:

Wheatley Baptist Church, 47 Talbot St. E., OEYC presents “Learning Through Moving”. Mabel Thibault, Physiotherapist, will get you up and moving in this action packed program, 10:30-11:15 am. Purchase a "Rock On" t-shirt at the Pasta Dinner/Fashion Show Fundraiser at the Roma Club, Seacliff Dr., Leamington, starting at 5:00 p.m. Proceeds from this event will benefit the Children's Miracle Network.

Mother Daughter Banquet at Wheatley United Church at 6pm. Mothers, daughters, grandmothers, aunts, sisters. All females welcome! Broasted Chicken dinner. Entertainment to follow and door prizes. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children 12 and under. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Call 825-4392 or 825-9194. Sun Parlor Home Auxiliary Bake Sale and raffle, 175 Talbot St. E., Leamington, 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Raffle prizes are: 1st Prize - Cindy's Garden Gift Certificate; 2nd Prize - Solar Lights; 3rd Prize - Plant Arrangement; 4th Prize - Set of 3 Porcelain Dishes. Tea and coffee will be served in the Garden View Cafe.

Essex Region Conservation Authority and Parks and Recreation Windsor invite you to join them for Arbor Week 2010 "Trees for Tomorrow: Planting Today". Taking place at WFCU Centre, 8787 McHugh St., Windsor, at 10:00 a.m. Bring your shovel, wear your boots. Planting is done rain or shine. Snacks and thanks provided. For more information, call 311.

SATURDAY, MAY 8:

Giant Indoor Yard Sale and Bake Sale, 8 am - 2 pm, Knox Presbyterian Church Hall, Erie St. S., Leamington. Furniture, small appliances, toys, kitchenware, books, etc etc. Donʼt forget the Baked Goods!

The Multicultural Council of Windsor and Essex County is offering a free Citizenship Preparation Workshop. The workshop will run Saturdays May 8th to June 12th from 10am until noon at 7651 Tecumseh Rd E (across from the Tecumseh Mall). Participants will have access to online practice tests and other resources. To register please Contact Rosanna at 519-255-1127 ext 114.

Comedy Night at Leo's Komedy Korner, 1269 Ottawa Street, Windsor, 8:00 p.m. Tickets: $20.00. For Tickets call: 519-250-6457. Must be 19 years of age. All proceeds to “Gailʼs Legacy” Relay for Life Team. Craft & Bake Sale, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., Kingsville Community Church, 1860 Division Rd. N.(at #2 Rd.). Treat your mother or bring a friend. Enjoy a cup of coffee and home baked goodies or shop for that special Mother's Day gift. A large selection of vendors.

Leamington Horticultural Society presents their annual plant sale, from 9:00 a.m.-12 noon at Leamington United Church, 9 John St. "Shelter From the Storm" - a Haiti Fundraiser at 6:00 p.m., at UMEI, 614 Road 6 Leamington. Concert featuring local musician Ben Clark. Tickets are $10.00 in advance , available at Gospel Text in Chatham, or CR Music Room in Leamington; or $15.00 at the door. Merchandise from Ben Clark will be sold along with "Shelter from the Storm" t-shirts. Proceeds will support a group from the Leamington Evangelical Mennonite Mission Church going to Haiti on August 20-29. Join a leisurely guided cycle tour and experience the tastes, sights and sounds of Essex County. Visit three of the region's award winning wineries and indulge in a meal made with local products from Essex County. Cycle experts will be on hand to guide and a support vehicle will collect any purchases made at each stop. Tickets are $55 and include tastings, tour and the meal. To purchase tickets, visit www.winetrailride.ca, and click on "Purchase" - go to the category "Wine Trail Rides for Charity". For more information, contact Kim Dendiuk Winger at 519-973-4411, ext. 3853, or visit www.hdgh.org/events.

The Scottish Club of Windsor will be transformed into an Irish pub for Theatre Intrigue's dinner theatre production, Flanagan's Wake, 1340 Tecumseh Road East. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. All tickets are $35 and can be purchased by calling Theatre Intrigue at 519252-3244.

SUNDAY, MAY 9:

Come and celebrate the 65th Anniversary of VE Day, Victory in Europe. Royal Canadian Legion Branch 324, 27 Erie Street North, Wheatley will hold an open house from 1 -4 p.m. with a special presentation at 1:30 p.m. Snacks will be provided throughout the afternoon.

"Get Smart" by Mel Brooks, adapted by Christopher Sergel, directed by Paul Cousins, presented by Theatre Windsor, at Market Square, 2109 Ottawa Street, Windsor at 8:00 p.m. Ticket prices are: Adults $16; Seniors(55) $14; Students $14; Children (under 6) $12. For information phone 519-944-1968 or visit www.theatrewindsor.com.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 12:

Bring the kids for Storytime and a snack every Wednesday morning in May, 10:30-11a.m. at Et Cetera Shoppe, 19 Erie St. N. For more information call 519-326-3665.

Merlin UCW, Muffin Party & Bake Sale on, 9:3011:230 am at Merlin United Church. Everyone Welcome. LAERC meeting at 6:30 pm. at Knox Presbyterian Church, Leamington. We, the Leamington Area Ecumenical Refugee Committee, are wanting & hoping for more churches & individuals to help us with this exciting project of welcoming and settling refugees in our area. We have monthly meetings for an hour & a half (sometimes 2 hr.). If you can't join with us perhaps you could help with a financial donation (receipt would be given). For further info please contact Carolyn Reid 519-326-6776

Merlin UCW, Muffin Party & Bake Sale on, 9:30 -11:30 am at Merlin United Church. Everyone Welcome.

THURSDAY, MAY 13:

Hawaiian Luncheon at the Leamington United Church, 9 John St., 11:30 am - 1 pm. Menu: ham, scalloped potatoes, baked beans, bread, assorted cakes, hawaiian punch, tea, coffee. $8 a plate. Take out available. Call 326-9461 by noon.

SATURDAY, MAY 15:

Rummage Sale at Knox Presbyterian Church, 58 Erie St. S., Leamington. , 9 am - 12 noon.

The Essex County Purple Martin Association will meet at the home of Leo and Pauline Dunn, 2421 Myers Rd. (between County R. 42 and Middle Road) in Woodslee at 9 am. All are welcome. Refreshments. For more info call 519-776-5777 or 519-975-0460. Please bring your own lawn chairs.

Seven rescued after boat hits breakwall

Leamington Fire Services responded to the Leamington Marina on Saturday, May 1 at 00:56 hrs. Seventeen firefighters were on scene after a 31’ Formula boat hit the outer breakwall, south of Leamington Marina. Seven persons were reported on board (4 adult males, 2 adult females, 1 child). All persons on board were able to get off the boat and onto the breakwall.

The Leamington Fire Department Rescue Boat brought all persons to Leamington Marina where EMS units were waiting to transport all to hospital. Injuries appeared to be non-life threatening. The vessel was mostly submerged, only the bow was visible above water.

Leamington ranked 36th best place to live in Canada

Leamington’s ranking in MoneySense Magazine may have fell slightly from last year, but remains one of the best places to live in Canada, actually it’s now ranked 36th out of the 154 cities surveyed. Last year Leamington held a 19th ranking and, of course, Leamington was ranked the number 1 best place to live in Canada in 2006.

This is the fifth year MoneySense Magazine has taken an in depth look at each of the cities and gives them scores on such factors as weather, lifestyle, average household income, housing prices, taxes, crime and access to health care. Weather seems to score best in Southern Ontario. Of the top 20 point-getters when it comes to the three climate factors, 19 are in that region. Winters are cold but bearable, and summers are hot but also bearable. And cities in Southern Ontario enjoy all four seasons.

Windsor, on the other hand, has been slowly climbing in the ranks. In 2009, Windsor was 31st and now in 2010 Windsor is ranked as 25th.

The top 10 cities for 2010 were:

1. Ottawa-Gatineau, ON 2. Kingston, ON 3. Burlington, ON 4. Fredericton, NB 5. Moncton, NB 6. Repentigny, QC 7. Brandon, MB 8. Victoria, BC 9. Winnipeg, MB 10. Levis, Quebec.

Saturday, May 8 • 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Tour 19 of Chatham-Kent’s Finest Architectural, Historical & Cultural Sites FREEof Charge. No tickets required. Look for signs and banners. Local website address: www.doorsopenchatham-kent.com and the provincial website: www.doorsopenontario.ca Celebrate Ontario’s Heritage at the following sites:

Shifting crack closes Talbot Trail at Coatsworth

By Sheila McBrayne

A crack in the pavement, which is now shifting in elevation, has closed down Talbot Trail between Coatsworth Road and Stevenson Road.

The crack, which forms about a 20-metre semi-circle in the road, has begun to shift in elevation. “Over the last two weeks it’s shifted two inches. We can’t take the chance of waking up one morning it’s shifted a foot,” said Pat Bruette, Manager of Chatham-Kent Public Works. Neighbour Terry Shanks reported the crack out of fear for his family and the motoring public. The crack is still 27 metres away from the bluff, but the Municipality isn’t taking any chances. “Right now we’re concerned about the bike traffic. Highway 3 is a popular route for bikes and if they were to catch a tire on the ridge, it could cause an accident,” said Bruette. The crack is located at the bend where the road curves towards Lake Erie. “It’s not going to fall into the lake anytime soon, but we have to take precautionary measures while we look at a permanent solution,” said Bruette.

Bruette and other municipal staff were at the site on Thursday morning checking out the area and setting up the roadblock detour for Talbot Trail. The detour will divert traffic from Talbot down Coatsworth Road, 3rd Concession Line and back up Stevenson Road. This detour, set up April 29, will be in place for two to three weeks while the Municipality upgrades the service road,

which runs through the bend in this area. The bypass will be upgraded, resurfaced and made suitable to become the temporary alternate route. This temporary road is expected to be used for about one or two years as the Municipality starts the long process of engineering, planning, developing and acquiring the necessary lands which will be needed to permanently move Talbot Trail north. Traffic at the bypass will be reduced to a 50 km zone in this area.

“The problem in this area is that there isn’t a real grid system of roads. The clos-

est paved detour option would be Middle Line. It’s just too far and we can’t have a detour for this long on gravel roads with bikes and truck traffic,” said Bruette. The estimate for the emergency construction is approximately $100,000 to $200,000. The cost to move Talbot Trail north could be in the millions, according to Chatham-Kent Mayor Randy Hope, and the Municipality will have to look at how it will be financed.

“We’ll be looking at our reserves,” he said.

Bruette said the Municipality may investigate

a report from the Ministry of Transportation Ontario, which is believed had plans to move this section of road before the province downloaded provincial highways to the municipalities.

Every quilt tells a story…

The Chatham-Kent Quilters’ Guild is very pleased to present their show, “Stitches in Bloom”. This quilt show features fabulous quilts created by guild members. More than 300 quilted creations will be on display, each with their own story.

The show will be held Friday, May 7 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, May 8 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at St Paul’s Congregational Church, 450 Park Ave. W. in Chatham.

Every quilt was created with loving hands, often to offer comfort and to wrap the recipient in the love of the quilter. Some special collections will be on display such as ChildCan Quilts, created to comfort children undergoing cancer treatments. Comfort quilts for families of fallen soldiers will be donated to the Canadian Comfort & Remembrance Project’ – quilts given to spouses and parents of fallen Canadian soldiers.

The show features a tea-room for refreshments, vendors of quilt supplies, silent auction, Toonie Table and Aunt Connie’s Closet. Look for the “white glove ladies” to answer questions about the quilts. Each day there is a special Bed Turning event – layers of about 25 quilts will be revealed one by one with commentary by Judy Lyon, a certified quilt appraiser, on that quilt’s fabric or history or construction techniques.

Be sure to see the spectacular raffle quilt, “Timeless”. Proceeds from this raffle benefit the local ALS Lou Gehrig’s Disease Foundation. Admission is only $5. Friday is Student Day and the daily admission is only $3 with valid student ID. For more information, visit www.ChathamKentQuiltersGuild.com.

Becoming a “classic”

When I was in high school Duran Duran was the newest hit band of the time. A band from Australia called Men at Work had just started hitting the charts. Don Henly still sang with the Eagles and Phil Collins was still lead singer for Genesis. If those statements don’t date me, keep reading.

I went to Van Halen concerts with David Lee Roth as lead and Sammy Hagar was still doing his own thing. I actually went to a Journey concert in Detroit and this Canadian guy opened for them. No one had really heard of the opening act before, and we certainly never dreamed that he would become so famous. It wasn’t long before the young Bryan Adams would be headlining his own concert tours.

We used to convince our parents to drive us to Chatham (before we had licenses) and drop us off for the evening at Roller Alley. We roller skated under the strobe lights to Aldo Nova, Cheap Trick, Cyndi Lauper and other great top 10 singles of the 1980s.

I actually caught myself describing this genre of music as “classic”. Wait a minute, I grew up thinking of 1960s music as “classic”… I still love the folkish ballads of the 60s, but to think that the 80s are classic, well, that makes us 40-somethings classics ourselves.

It makes you wonder what we’ll consider “classics” 20 years from now. Rap? Or the music that apparently makes car windows vibrate as well as any window within 50 feet. As I write this I’m listening to Joan Jett and the Blackhearts singing “I Love Rock & Roll” – how appropriate.

On tipping...

What is the difference between a canoe and a Canadian? The canoe tips. Spissssh! This is not a new joke or stereotype, coined most often by Americans. Seems Canadians are a bit frugal by comparison to other citizens of the planet when it comes to leaving a gratuity.

Admittedly, I can be perceived as cheap. I refuse to tip generously when the service is poor. Also, if I eat at a buffet and do most of the running and lifting, I will tip less than 10%. However, if my hair is blown back by incredibly good service, I can be quite generous with the tip regardless of the amount. That doesn’t happen enough. I would like to give people more of my money. Some people just don’t want it. Sometimes we get almost giddy about somebody doing their job, thanking us for our patronage, smiling at us or doing us a favour. And in most cases, we reward the person for their competence and manners. While this should be the norm, too often it isn’t.

I stayed at hotel in Guelph recently. The gal behind the reception desk appeared to be genuinely happy to see me.

She smiled and was talkative. She scratched her head thinking of ways to offer me a discount. She walked me down the hall and showed me the room I’d be staying in. She shared with me all amenities the hotel offered (business centre, laundry, pool, fitness room, coffee room, breakfast, etc., etc.) and she thanked Mr. Weese at every turn. I like the Mr. thing. She handed me a map of the city and she recommended a good dining spot, drawing in highlighter the best route to get there. I fell in love instantly. I’ll be back, and not because the hotel. I could find half dozen hotels that are just as nice, and I’ll bet you that I could find one that is considerably cheaper.

I don’t know what the hotel is paying this young lady, but if they are paying her handsomely (and I doubt if they are) they’re getting a great deal for their investment.

Conversely, I have suffered (as you likely have many times) some incredibly crappy service, sometimes so ridiculously bad that you’d swear there was a candid camera somewhere.

Last week on two occasions, at two different restaurants, I literally had to get up from my table and locate my waitress because of something missing from the table or because someone in our party needed something. Each time, I found them chatting up a storm, not with customers but with their colleagues. I hope these people never decide to become paramedics. They would surely drop into Timmies on their way to the accident.

Unless things have really changed, it’s my understanding that folks in the service business rely mostly on tips to crank out a livable wage. So why would anyone choose not to be paid as well as they could be? Beats me.

And that is my 2 cents, which is what I tipped that last time I was ignored by a server. Call me a canoe.

S Soouutthhppooiinnt t S Saayyss. . ....

Mother’s Day is on Sunday. Why do you think your mom is the best mom in the whole wide world?

Location: Mount Carmel-Blytheswood School – Mrs. Walstedt’s Grade 2

Natasha Schartner

“Cuz she makes supper for me. Sometimes when I’m kind of mad she helps me work it out, and sometimes when I’m kind of mad at my sister she kinda helps work it out with us.”

Southpoint Minor Hockey to hold its first Mom-to-Mom Sale

Southpoint Minor Hockey is starting a new fundraiser. The organization is always looking for fun ways to raise funds for Southpoint Minor Hockey and will be hosting its first annual Mom-to-Mom sale!! The Sale will be held in the gym at the Kinsmen Recreation Complex on Saturday, June 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Mom-to-Mom Sale will provide parents with an opportunity to sell their gently used baby and children’s items directly from sellers. It’s a perfect way to clean out those closets, dressers and toy boxes and make some extra money at the same time. The sale is intended for selling children’s items only like large toys, outdoor toys, baby equipment (strollers, high chairs, swings), small toys and clothing.

The sale is like a garage sale, but instead of using your driveway, you can rent a table from Southpoint Minor Hockey. It’s a wonderful way to sell your items to a targeted audience, plus they do the advertising for you! Parents work their own table and take home 100% of their profits.

The only cost to parents is the $30 per table rental fee. There are over 60 tables available for rent. Please call Andrea at 519-825-4093 to book your table or go to southpointminorhockey.com for more information.

“My mom’s the best in the world cuz she always makes us dinner and when we fight and play games she helps us decide who goes first and when we can’t sleep she lets us come down and sleep with her.”

Amanda Adams

“She buys me everything I want and she brings me everywhere I want and when we went to Colasanti’s we went on the bumper cars and all the rides and everything. And if we can’t sleep sometimes we get to sleep with her all night or on the couch or pull-out bed. And she even lets me go to the dollar store and get gum and stuff.”

Tim Wiebe

“My mom is the best mom in the world cuz she lets me go shopping with her and she lets me buy lots of stuff. Sometimes she lets me go to my cousin Eddie’s house and lets me have a sleepover there.”

“A Walk to Remember”

A couple of weeks ago, I drove the other way around the block to work. This direction took me past the public school just as the kids were arriving to start their day. I was pleasantly surprised to see a number of the older students with reflector vests on, helping the younger ones cross the busy road and laneways. It has been three years since our youngest daughter graduated from grade 8, and during the time my kids spent at public school they hired a crossing guard. I remember wishing our children were given that responsibility, but also understood that because of the times there was much legality that came with the job.

Back when I was in public school, the seventh and eighth graders were able to sign up to be part of school patrol. We all travelled to Camp Kenesserie for a day to learn about road safety, and I will never forget watching the video of a school bus accident. As guards, we were given two different jobs with a partner of our choice, and if we behaved responsibly we could have that partner for the entire year. One job was to help the little kids cross the road at our crosswalk in front of the school. We wore vests and carried signs. The other job was to parade the smallest children that went home at lunch, up town. We would cross them at the lights where they could safely get home on their own or where a parent would be waiting for them. I enjoyed this experience and was proud to be one of the big kids in charge.

There are many things that I remember from my public school experience and many of the great memories were from the time before, during and mostly after the classroom time. Like a good sandwich, our classroom instruction usually contained the meat but it is the type of bread it is served on that makes the experience memorable!

Practically everyone walked to school back then, except for the students that found it too difficult to walk 10 miles uphill backwards in a blizzard and in Wheatley, although we did get some good blizzards, it was hard to find a hill.

Springtime brought rain and many of us had bubble umbrellas and rubber boots. I remember that raincoats were quite fashionable but definitely not breathable! By the time I would arrive at school I would no doubt not only have a soaker but the familiar smell of childhood sweat wafted off of me as well. Still to this day, when I go outside on a rainy day and breathe in the smell of wet worms on warm pavement, I instantly recollect walking to school in the rain. What will our children remember? Unfortunately, most will recall getting a ride to school every day, which means they may end up having a pretty boring sandwich. Not all

the memories of walking to and from school were good ones, but no less important. Having to run back home after forgetting our lunch or homework put us in a panic. Fights broke out after school, which we all found a need to witness yet also found disturbing. Taunting and teasing went on when out of the sight of both the teachers and our parents, but this helped us to learn to deal with bullying and reality early on.

Arriving home with tears from skinned knees or broken hearts was common.

If you were not one of the kids that walked the route uptown, when you were given permission to it was a big ordeal. Lots more action for sure, and some candy at the ‘Five & Dime’ was a real treat! It was a chance to prove our responsibility. No cell phone; we were given a time to be home and some guidelines to follow, and if we didn’t there were consequences.

There are so many reasons that I am glad to see the students acting as crossing guards once again. They are given the responsibility for their peers and, most importantly, for themselves. The confidence they will gain from this experience will be an asset as they start high school. Exercise is obviously another great reason for getting our kids to walk to school again, but there are so many other benefits as well. When you walk to school you need to learn to schedule yourself, giving enough time to get there and a little extra just in case. There may be distractions on the way like a stray kitten, frogs in the creek, or a friend running to catch up. Getting into trouble en route is always a possibility, but this too is a part of growing up. As parents, it is our responsibility to recognize this common sense learning opportunity and allow our kids to experience it.

I will never forget the walk home on the last day of school before summer vacation. No jacket, a pile of used-up notebooks, all my artwork, report card in hand, and usually a friend by my side. I’m not sure I have experienced that feeling quite the same since. Open up the door to your children. There will surely be days when they may think you are mean, but in the future they will greatly appreciate the memories you have allowed them to make on their own.

Warning About Internet Scam

On Thursday, April 22 around 4:00 p.m., Tecumseh OPP responded to a fraud. Police advised that a Tecumseh male (53) received an email at home requesting verification of account information – name, date of birth, password, photocopy of passport, and country of birth. Approximately 30 minutes after sending the information the bank called advising of an attempted fraud of $4000.

Essex County Spring Seatbelt Campaign

The annual OPP Spring Seatbelt campaign ran April 14-24. Here are the results:

• 11,009 vehicles checked in Essex County OPP patrolled roadways.

• 657 child seat restraints were checked.

• 45 drivers were charged with improper seatbelt usage.

• 9 passengers were charged with improper seatbelt usage.

• 1 child seat offence.

The seatbelt law has been in effect for 33 years. There is no excuse to not buckle up!

Open Beer in Public Place

On Saturday, April 24 around 7:00 p.m., Kingsville OPP responded to a complaint of pedestrians consuming alcohol on the Chrysler Greenway east of County Rd. 23. Police advised that 3 males (22, 23 and 43) from Lakeshore and Windsor, and a female (20) from Windsor admitted to having open cans of beer. One male was charged for having open liquor in a public place, and the other 3 were warned.

Confusion Results in Charges

On Saturday, April 24 around 2:00 p.m., Essex County OPP responded to traffic enforcement on Hwy 401 near Puce Rd. Police advised that a 1991 Dodge Caravan was travelling westbound in the eastbound lanes. Police stopped the male driver (75) from LaSalle, who was confused. He was issued a provincial offences notice for driving the wrong way, and was driven home by another family member.

Drug Seizure in Essex

On Saturday, April 24 and Sunday, April 25, Essex OPP and Essex County OPP Community Drug Action Team (CDAT) responded to complaints of drug activity at a residential dwelling in Essex. The police conducted drug enforcement in the downtown core of Essex and as a result of the investigation, police seized a small quantity of marijuana, and arrested and charged 3 males with CDSA 4(1) Possession Schedule II Cannabis Marijuana – under 30 grams.

The 3 males, aged 18 years from Essex and Lakeshore and age 22 from Essex, were released on a promise to appear in Windsor court on May 17.

B & E & Zinfandel

On Monday, April 26 around 4:00 p.m., Essex OPP responded to a residential break and enter in the 10 block of Hanlan St. N. in Essex. Police advised that the owner left for work around 11:30 a.m., returning home around 3:30 p.m. to find that unknown suspect(s) had entered through an unlocked rear door. The suspect(s) stole a Dell desktop tower, keyboard, Compaq 19-inch flat screen monitor, Bell computer equipment, several rings, and 2 bottles of Zinfandel wine. The suspect(s) drank one bottle and left the empty behind. Essex County OPP Forensic Identification attended the scene and seized evidence. Anyone with information is asked to contact Essex County OPP Street Crime Unit at 519-723-2491 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Motor Vehicle Theft from Driveway

On Tuesday, April 28 around 2:00 a.m., Tecumseh OPP responded to an attempted theft of motor vehicle in the 4000 block of County Rd. 43. Police advised that a blue Ford F-150 was parked in the driveway and two male suspect(s) stole the vehicle. The victim gave chase and found the vehicle on Baseline Rd. The suspect(s) had taken the keys and fled on foot into a field. Windsor Police Canine unit attended and conducted a track of the area with negative results. The vehicle was seized for forensic identification evidence.

Search Warrant Nets 48 Charges and 10 Guns

On Thursday, April 29 around 5:00 p.m., Ontario Provincial Police Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau (OCEB) – Provincial Weapons Enforcement Unit (PWEU), and members of Essex County OPP executed a Criminal Code search warrant in the 4300 block of Graham Sideroad in Kingsville.

As a result of the investigation, police seized 1 prohibited loaded handgun, 1 prohibited sawed off shotgun, 5 non restricted handguns, 3 replica pellet handguns, over 700 assorted ammunition cartridges, 1 inert 81mm mortar projectile, and 330 grams of marijuana.

Theft from Transports at Husky

On Sunday, April 25 around 10:30 a.m., Tecumseh OPP responded to a theft from vehicles at the Husky Truck Stop on County Rd. 46. Police advised that sometime overnight, unknown suspect(s) broke into 4 transport trucks that were parked.

Wigs for kids gets 15 inches of hair

Eight-year-old Kiana Buzek, of Kingsville, recently cut off 15 inches of her hair in order to donate it to wigs for kids. Kiana wanted to cut her hair as a show of respect for her mother, Shelley, who battled breast cancer in 2009. (Shelley participated in the Transition 2 Betterness Headto-Head shaving contest in 2006 and won.) Kiana is a student at Kingsville Public School.

$45,000 damage to vacant house

Seventeen firefighters from the Leamington Fire Service responded to a house fire in the 500 block of Highway 77 on Wednesday, April 28 at 1:10 p.m.

The vacant two-storey wood frame home was engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived on scene. A passerby noticed fire coming from the roof and called 9-1-1. Firefighters spent a total of three hours extinguishing the fire and cleaming up the area. Damage is estimated at $45,000. No cause for the fire was reported.

‘Jekyll & Hyde the Musical’ replacing ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ at Migration Hall

Migration Hall is announcing that its plans to present ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ in October have had to change due to a professional tour arriving in Detroit around the same time as their annual musical. Despite being through auditions, they’ve had to redirect their focus and choose a new musical to present in October.

Based on the classic novel ‘The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde’ by Robert Louis Stevenson, with music written by Frank Wildhorn and lyrics by Leslie Bricusse, ‘Jekyll & Hyde the Musical’ offers a thrilling musical journey through the streets of Victorian London challenging the basic ideals of good and evil. Directed by Joe Cardinal, Music Direction by Patti Hopper and Set Design by Ann Ducharme, Migration Hall is excited to present ‘Jekyll & Hyde the Musical’ in 2010!

Auditions for ‘Jekyll & Hyde the Musical’ started Saturday, May 1 at Migration and continue Saturday, May 8 from 1 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Due to the mature nature of the show, you must be at least in Grade 9 by September or older in order to audition. Please call Migration Hall at 519-733-6200 to set an audition time. More information about the show, roles and songs is available at www.migrationhall.ca.

‘The Best Christmas Pageant Ever’ at Migration Hall

Migration Hall prides itself on the variety of theatre and productions offered to Kingsville and surrounding communities. Therefore, they are proud to announce their first ever Christmas production: ‘The Best Christmas Pageant Ever’ by Barbara Robinson to be held December 10 – 19, directed by Melissa McLeod.

Auditions will take place May 11 at 7 p.m., May 15 at 1 p.m. and May 16 at 1 p.m. They are casting all ages including about 20 children. No appointments required. Please call Migration Hall at 519-733-6200 for more information or visit the website at www. migrationhall.ca.

Cardinal Carter corner

It has been a busy month for student field trips. On April 15th a group of 50 Horticulture and Hospitality students travelled to Niagara Falls to get a “behind-the-scenes” look at the operation of the Comfort Inn, Kelsey’s, Wendy’s, Tim Hortons and many other venues. The trip also included a tour of Niagara College, where students were treated to a visit to the school’s winery, cooking classes and greenhouse operations. The group particularly enjoyed the delicious food served by Niagara College’s Hospitality students in their beautiful restaurant. The highlight of the trip for some lucky students was a chance encounter with singer Michael Bublé in front of the SkyWheel at Niagara Falls. Mr. Bublé was kind enough to pose for some pictures, but did not entertain the class with any of his hit songs.

Congratulations to Hospitality student Sara Monminie, who travelled to Fanshawe College on April 17 to compete in a SKILLS CANADA qualifying competition in Culinary Arts. Sara prepared a 3-course meal and presented it to the judging panel for scoring based on taste and presentation. She did an excellent job, earning a fourth place finish. Congratulations Sara!

On April 20, members of the school band travelled to Stratford for the production of “Kiss Me Kate”, and then on to Toronto to tour Massey Hall and attend a showing of Jersey Boys.

What else are we up to at Cardinal Carter?

The Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board has developed an exciting initiative called “Getting Along Digitally”, which focuses on peer-led methods to address problematic social networking use among students. Mr. Staley’s Communication Technology students are taking part in this project, and have produced several videos that deal with online experiences and promote positive internet use. The students will present the videos and offer guidance with respect to online social networking to senior students at Queen of Peace, St. Louis, Holy Name, St. John de Brebeuf and Annunciation elementary schools.

Cardinal Carter Secondary School is proud to announce

that motivational speaker Robert Pio Hajjar will be speaking in the school auditorium on May 28th. Robert has Down Syndrome and is dedicated to sharing his story with others to demonstrate all that is possible for those living with intellec-

UMEI Grade 11 students excel at badminton

tual disabilities. Robert’s remarkable life story includes graduating from high school, volunteering with The Children’s Aid Society, setting a Special Olympics record in 25m Freestyle Swimming, playing golf, hockey

and baseball, and founding the charitable organization Ideal-Way.ca with his lifesavings of $62.05. Robert has been a keynote speaker at major conferences, and is living proof of what is possible in an environment of

inclusion. Robert will be speaking at 12:00 p.m. and again at 1:20 p.m. If you are interested in attending this moving presentation, please contact the school at 519-322-2804 by Thursday, May 6.

Highline - always growing!

By Fred Groves

That is the motto Highline Mushrooms has stood proudly by for nearly 50 years.

A strong community commitment has seen this Leamington-based company become the largest mushroom grower in the country.

“Our focus has never been to be the biggest, it’s been to be the best,” said Liz O’Neil, Chair of Highline Mushrooms.

Ironically, it’s a safe bet to say that Highline has established itself as both. With three farms – Leamington, Wellington, and the recently acquiring of Kingsville, it now produces 1.1 million pounds of mushrooms per week.

“We feel very confident as growers. What we’re trying to get smarter about now is our customer base,” said O’Neil.

Highline has done this by not only committing itself to excellence and to having a strong set of core values, but by giving back to the community in a huge way

Besides their family-oriented in-house programs, such as their annual scholarship program, and participating in community events such as parades, fundraisers and the Polar Bear Dip, Highline has donated a large amount of money to its three core communities.

“A lot of companies do a lot of good things in the community and there are ‘no bad causes’, as they say. But we try, specifically, to focus our efforts on projects that bring the community together and create shared spaces and excitement,” said O’Neil.

Last year, Highline purchased a new Zamboni ice-surfacing machine for the Kinsmen Recreation Complex in Leamington at a price tag of $75,000. That same contribution (to be paid over several years in all cases) has been extended to the new community centre in Wellington and to the new library in Kingsville.

“Highline is fundamentally a family business and that means more than blood relations. It’s a group of people who commit themselves to collective betterment and that is what community is about,” said O’Neil.

About three years ago her father Dr. Murray O’Neil, who founded Highline Mushrooms, passed away. He was a world traveller who penned the phrase, ‘First we will be best and then we will be first’.

Continuing upon his success in the agricultural business, the company doubled the size of its operation on Mersea Road 5, and in October purchased the Kingsville mushroom farm.

“We have a history of adding on and growing in some way every two or three years, ” said O’Neil. “You can trace this history of growth right back to our beginnings in 1961.”

Highline employs about 1,150 associates in various departments such as growing, harvesting, distribution and packing. There are about 450 working at the two Leamington farms.

Being the largest grower of any product comes with risks and challenges. For Highline, one challenge is ensuring that all of the mushrooms harvested daily find their way from the various farms to the right customer. “We have a very narrow window of time to match each grade of product coming from each of our four growing facilities with the customer who wants/needs it. Our logistics team starts early in the morning, every morning, to coordinate the harvesting and delivery of the right product, to the right customer, on time, on a daily basis. That is an ongoing challenge, but one we are up for,” said O’Neil.

Highline is known throughout Canada and the United States as being a leader in food safety initiatives. That, admits O’Neil, is a big team effort. A team that she is proud of being a part of.

Always Growing for Highline means not only being the biggest, but being the best in everything they do.

LSCU opens season with exhibition games

This past Saturday saw the unofficial opening to the 2010 LSCU soccer season with five exhibition games at Essex High School.

Six of the ten teams from Leamington S.C. United participated in this event. The weather held off and the games got underway at 1:30 with the U11 Boys taking on the LaSalle Stompers, followed by the U14 Girls, also taking on the Stompers. Both teams are new to the club this year and are looking forward to the regular season getting underway later this month.

The U14 Boys took on the U16 Girls team in what proved to be one of the most physical games of the day. Both teams came away smiling.

The Tecumseh Warriors took on the U12 Boys next in a game which started in the early evening and ended under the lights. Both teams thoroughly enjoyed a special treat by playing soccer at night with floodlights shining down on the pitch.

In the finale, the U17 Boys entertained the crowd with a high-energy game against the Future Pro Wolves. It was a close game that came down to a penalty kick in the last seconds.

Win or lose, it seemed as though all the teams that participated in this special event enjoyed the day and the competition.

Check out more info and pictures online at www.leamingtonscunited.com.

SAT. MAY 15

Tickets $16 per person

Purchased at local area businesses

Meal provided by Faubert Meats

Entertainment by local band “Cross Roads”

Doors Open at 5 pm

General Admission after 8 pm is $5

Volunteers Needed!

Please contact Donna Maitier 519-825-4437

Final Swim Meet for Lasers

The Leamington Laser Swim Team recently attended their final swim meet of the season held at the St. Denis Centre in Windsor. Pictured above, from left to right, are Hayden Mitchell, first place overall in the 8-9 year old boys; Macy Featherstone, second place overall in girls 7 and under, and Vladislav Jidkov, second place overall in the 8-9 year old boys. Other swimmers with finishes in the top six of their age groups are Taylor Meloche, Ashley Moore, Joel Dyck, Lydia Tiessen, Luke Meloche, Carson Mastronardi, Nathan Toews, Jacob Keyeux, Lauren Stafford, Travis Ives, Casey Garno and Andrew Dyck.

Spacious Deck

The Wonderful View • The

REC ROUND-UP REC ROUND-UP

Spring Shape-Up Membership Special on sale now for $109 for 3 months of diverse activity while you get yourself in shape for the summer bathing suit season.

Student, Summer Membership Special is available for $110 for 4 months. University and college students who are home for the summer can be active and stay in shape.

Motherʼs Day Swim: Sun. May 9th from 2-4 p.m. Mom and Grandma swim free when accompanied by a child. What a great way for the family to thank Mom for everything she does.

Rock ʻn Swim: Fri. May 14 from 7-9 p.m. Come listen to all your favourite tunes played while you swim the night away in the Complex pool. Music sponsored by MGS Horticultural.

Babysitter Training Courses: Minimum age 11 years. Next course Sat. May 29. NEW! Home Alone Course: For youth ages 9-12. Next course Sat. June 5. Your children will build self-confidence and responsibility, while taking these two training courses.

Rec Adult Swim and Lane Swims: See daily rec pool schedule

Complex Weight and Cardio Equipment Room is buzzing this time of year and itʼs good to see how many people are using the weight room on a regular basis! 4 personal trainers and 3 personal nutrition and wellness coaches to help you reach your goals. Over 50 Fitness & Aquafitness classes per week.

Complex Memberships are popular and affordable!

NEW! The Last 10 Pounds! A group fitness class led by certified instructor Steve Rose. Weʼll help you to melt the pounds off as you get yourself toned for the upcoming bathing suit season! Come see what all the excitement is about as Steve leads you through this intense Monday/Wednesday/ Friday class offered from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. during the months of May and June.

Minor soccer underway

Leamington Lightning Minor Soccer kicked off its 2010 season last week with games from Monday to Thursday. Although the weather could have been better, the soccer spirit came alive with almost 800 soccer players taking part in opening week. After the long winter there has been a lot of work done at the new Soccer Complex, including reseeding, new trees, extended parking, berms and a walking trail surrounding the entire complex. With many more upgrades being planned for this year and beyond, such as irrigation for the fields and a new playground area, the future looks bright for Leamington’s newest sports facility

Golden Years mini golf

wind-up this Thursday

Sixty members met for mini golf on April 29.

Two teams shot 5 under par 235 to win first place – Bill Mayville, Laurie Hylton, Gerry Pillon and Cami Keith; and Mary McRae, Lloyd Honey and Marie Lasi.

Second spot went to Eva Kah, Jean Sennett, Carolyn Campbell and Doug Vickery with a one over par 241, and third place went to Pete Daudlin, Andy Orsini and Darrel Gibbons with a 242 total.

Low single round was a 35 for John Murphy. Two-round totals were 75 for Marie Lasi, 76 by Bill Mayville, 77s showed for Doug Vickery and Marg Graham, 78s by Darrell Gibbons, Laurie Hylton and Steve Vigh, and even par 80s for Evelyn MacVoy, Mary MacRae and Lloyd Honey.

Holes-in-one were four for Doug Vickery, Marg Graham, Iggy Arner, Marg MacRae and Evelyn MacVoy, and three each for Andy Orsini, Jean Sennett, Carolyn Campbell, Shirley Thiessen, Neil Quick, Kathy Bradley, Stan Vickery, Gayle Hyatt, Dorothy Harrow, Bill Mayville, Tom Bondy, Lloyd Honey and Liz Scratch. Two aces fell for Eleanor Brook, Pete Daudlin, Darrel Gibbons, Angus MacRae, Art Sweet, Duane MacIntosh, Ralph Butler, Colleen Pearse, Laurie Hylton, Doug Bradley, Steve Vigh and Frank Lasi.

This Thursday, May 6 is wind-up, starting at 9 a.m. at Colasanti’s.

Gore Hill Gators win three team pennants in badminton

Every game they’re hustling on the court and it paid off. Congratulations to all the Gore Hill Gators badminton team for an excellent season. The team consisted of 18 players who entered three tournaments and ended up winning three team pennants: first place at the Kingsville Invitational, first place at Regional, and second place at District. Everyone is commended for their effort because every game won counted towards the final team point total. Players on the 2010 Gore Hill girls badminton team were Sydney, Margaret, Skye, Krystal, Chelsey, Maddie, Alissa, Baylee, and Emily. Playing on the 2010 Gore Hill boys badminton team were Hayden, Ryan, Derek, Joel, Koby, D.J., Ty, Eric and Gibson. A special mention to the teams or individuals that placed in the top 3 at a tournament(s): 1st place – Hayden (2) and Ryan; 2nd place – Krystal (2), Margaret and Skye; 3rd place – Joel and Ty, Sydney, D.J. Great job Gators! Hopefully your next season is just as successful. - Coach Petro and Coach Hamm

Tips for Golf Course Management

If you golf a lot you probably have heard the term “course management”. Here are 3 tips to help you manage the course to help you shoot lower scores.

Golf Golf Tips... Tips...

Share the Road

1. Play high percentage shots: Evaluate your strengths and weaknesses. Don’t try and hit a heroic shot just because you see the pros hit it on TV. Play to your strengths even if that means laying up, or hitting a more lofted club to keep the ball straight.

2. Adjust your game for different weather or turf conditions: If the playing conditions are wet, you need to consider that differently than if the playing conditions are dry. If it is raining or windy, you will probably need to choose more club to reach your target. Likewise if it is hot and dry, the ball will travel further and less club may be needed.

3. Play the course and not your playing partners: You might be playing with a low-handicap player who hits the ball further than you. If he hits a 9 iron on a par 3, it still might mean you have to hit your 6 iron on that same hole. Don’t be intimidated or tempted to try and keep up. Play your own game. Good luck with your golf game.

For questions and comments email jepp@erieshoresgolf.com

Recently we were at Bill Clinton’s talk at Casino Windsor put on by Essex Regional Conservation Authority. He talked about the pressing need for all of us to act more environmentally and conserve.

In response to a student who’d asked what she could do to make a meaningful difference, he encouraged her to bike to school and to encourage others to do the same. Such acts, when added together, really help to conserve the environment as well as promoting health and fitness!

Now we only have to tie that sorely needed thinking and advice from above to local action plans that ensure there are safe cycling routes around schools! If only just for the students, this should be a transportation priority. No matter what your politics, cyclists need more leaders who promote cycling.

As always, we welcome your comments.

Ride Safely, Tom and Sue Omstead, for Share the Road - Essex County.

Peewee travel team named

The Kent Essex Insurance Leamington Laker peewee travel team was announced last week after three weeks of competitive tryouts.

“Once we got down to 15 players, it became very difficult,” coach Dan Tofflemire said. “The final three cuts were not easy decisions.”

The final roster is: Brian Gilbert, Joel Gieasbrecht, Matt Warkentin, DJ Wales, Brett Stenger, Chas Allison, Dylan Enns, Riley Enns, Gibson Fulmer, Tyler Wall, Nicholas Jraige and Daniel Warkentin. Coach’s Doug Wales, Phil Warkentin and Dan Tofflemire.

Hillman Marsh Spring Shore

and Songbird Celebration

Spring comes alive with swirling flocks of shorebirds over the mudflat habitat at Hillman Marsh Conservation Area, an important migration stopover for thousands of sandpipers as well as plovers, cranes and rarer shorebirds such as Avocets, Marbled Godwits and Sandhill Cranes. For your chance to see songbirds up close and views of these migrating shorebirds over the mudflats, join the Essex Regional Conservation Authority for the 2010 Spring Shore and Songbird Celebration at Hillman Marsh Conservation Area, May 8th and 9th from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The astonishing journey of many of these spring migrants begins in Central and South American and ends on nesting grounds in the Eastern Canadian Arctic. Celebrate spring migration with songbird banding demonstrations and crafts at the nature centre. Adopt a songbird or buy a hotdog lunch to support environmental programs and research of the Holiday Beach Migration Observatory and Essex County Field Naturalists’ Club. The shorebird trail dyke has been recently repaired to improve the habitat for bird migration so the trail conditions may be muddy.

A joint birding pass is being offered in partnership with Point Pelee National Park. This three-day pass provides unlimited entrance to Point Pelee and Hillman Marsh Conservation Area and can be purchased between May 1st and May 24. Birders have been asking for it, and now we’ve got it! Cost for a group pass is only $49.20 and an individual pass is $25.60. The pass is available at Point Pelee’s entrance gate. This three day birding pass is discounted 1/3 and is a terrific value for avid birders. If you are interested in the $55 annual pass providing access into all of our local Conservation Areas, please visit the Point Pelee’s Nature Centre, Holiday Beach Conservation Area or call the main office at 519-776-5209 to pick one up!

Hillman Marsh is located on Concession 2 and County Road 37, approximately 7 kilometres east of Leamington. To receive a program flyer with a shorebird checklist, call the Essex Region Conservation Authority, (519) 776-5209 extension 308, or check the website at www.erca.org.

Stork Stork Report Report

Coxaj - Ingrid and Angel of Leamington, a girl on April 23, 2010.

Peters - Anna and Jake of Leamington, a girl on April 24, 2010.

The Stork Report is sponsored by

Tweets from the Point

Parks Canada has announced the launch of Point Pelee National Park’s “Tweets from the Point”.

As of April 26 and continuing through the Festival of Birds, Parks Canada staff at Point Pelee are tweeting the excitement of the spring bird migration. Sign up at www. twitter.com and follow this amazing natural phenomenon from anywhere in the world. Or stay up to date with the live feed on Parks Canada’s website www.parkscanada.gc.ca/ pelee.

Followers will be the first to hear about migration highlights, rare bird sightings and activities.

Legends Live Tributes

Pelee Days Inn was host to Legends Live Tribute show featuring Roy Orbison and Neil Diamond this past week on April 27 and 28. The guests were treated to a buffet dinner followed by a live stage production which started with Roy Orbison (Mike Mulligan) and closed with Neil Diamond (Mark Thomas) tribute artists. Tuesday’s show welcomed Red Hat Ladies Bus Tour and hotel guests and Wednesday’s show welcomed K-40 Club and other guests from the area. Both entertainers gave an outstanding performance as Neil walked through the crowd and held the ladies’ hands and sang songs like Sweet Caroline and Kentucky Woman, while some danced and joined in the fun. After the shows, both entertainers came out for pictures and talked with the guests and signed autographs. Pelee Days Inn Manager Denise Gaffan looks forward to bringing them back, along with other entertainers in the near future.

Leamington Legion news

By Pat Simpson, Branch 84 PRO

The Branch has found

a new home. We are waiting for renovations to be completed and hopefully we will be able to move in within the next few weeks. Watch the Legion News for updates.

The General Meeting is May 5. Please plan to attend as this is the election meeting. Nominations will be opened again at the May meeting.

The next seniors social is May 12 and chicken will be served.

Branch 84 Team #1 won the Tuesday Men’s Dart Travel League with 227 wins for the year. Team #1 also took first place at the windup playoff night.

The winners of Friday league darts on April 23 were John Balkwill, Elvie Vreman and Sherry Augustine. This was the last evening of league darts,

but fun darts will be held every Friday evening. Come out and join in the fun.

The Spring Fling was held at Parkwood on April 24 and Lisa Cowen-Tehonchuk and Mark Tehonchuk represented Branch 84. They got an opportunity to meet our new veteran, Comrade George Gage. Unfortunately Comrade Gage passed away at Parkwood Hospital on April 29, 2010. The Executive and members of Branch 84 extend their sympathy to Comrade Gage’s family.

The Legion lobball team will be playing mostly on Wednesday nights this year and the Branch will be open those evenings.

General Meeting: May 5 at 7 (Election Night). Executive Meeting: May 19 at 7.

Southpoint Minor Hockey

Bonnie (Chick) Garant

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our wonderful mother, Bonnie (Chick) Garant, on April 30, 2010 at Hotel Dieu Grace Hospital. Her fight was strong but her body was too weak.

Beloved wife to the late Edward Garant (2000). Predeceased by her parents Almyer and Elenor McCormick. Loving mother to Timothy Crawford, Robin Crawford (Randy), Craig Garant (Carolyn), Kevin Garant (Michele). Special gram to Dawn Thoman (Mike). Amazing grandma to Krista Crawford, Jennifer Renaud, Justin Crawford, Kyle Crawford, Brandi Crawford, Tyler Garant, Chad Garant, Krysten Garant, Tiffany Garant and Brittany Garant. She was also loved by her great-grandchildren that meant so much to her, Haileigh, Morgyn, Shelby, Alyssa, Siera, Meigha and Stella. Beloved sister to the late Loris McCormick, Brenda Rekuta, the late Bob McCormick, Bruce McCormick. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews that were very special to her. To Beverly, thanks for all that you did to love and support us and her, we will be forever grateful.

At Chick’s request, there will be no service held. Cremation has taken place and a private family service will be held at a later date. If so desired, donations may be made in Chick’s name to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation or the Canadian Cancer Society by contacting the Reid Funeral Home & Reception Centre, 14 Russell St., Leamington (519-326-2631).

You taught us how to be brave, strong, determined, and above all, how to love deeply. We will miss you and our days will never be the same. Love you!

Crossword Answers

Shoeless Joe’s

opens

in style

Rob and Debbie Toyne enjoyed a full house for their VIP evening Friday, April 30th to kickoff the opening of Leamington’s newest sports bar restaurant Shoeless Joe’s.

Filling the restaurant at 45 Seacliff Road were invited business, corporate and community leaders, as well as some of Shoeless Joe’s top brass including the founder, President and CEO Fred Lopreiato. Guests were treated to a sampling of appetizers, which circulated the room all evening. Samplers included a Thai crispy chicken with chow mein noodles; sliders, roasted pepper and goat cheese pizza; feta bruschetta, beef tenderloin with carmelized mushrooms on a fresh baguette and that was just a taste of a very vast menu. In the background was the live music of local singer Trish Wales.

In 1985 Fred Lopreiato, a new Canadian immigrant purchased a small restaurant-bar on Eglinton Avenue in midtown Toronto. While many doubted Fred’s decision, his passion and drive for the business were the primary factors behind his early success. Fred was living his dream. With unmatched determination, he paid off his debt in its entirety in only three years…seven years ahead of schedule.

Fred, and his junior partner Nick Lopreiato began expanding Shoeless Joe’s – to 3 locations by 1993 and 7 by 1995. Deciding that franchising was the best way to cope with his rapid growth, Shoeless Joe’s sold its first franchise license in 1997.

Between the years of 1997 and 1999 Fred sold off operating partnerships in his 7 corporate locations and devoted his time to developing the Shoeless Joe’s franchise network. By the end of 1999 Fred and Nick had opened 10 additional Shoeless Joe’s franchises.

Shoeless Joe’s has been expanding since then to become Canada’s largest sports bar franchise. Leamington franchise owner Rob Toyne grew up in Leamington, but spent his adult life in Toronto. He has returned to his hometown with his wife and daughters and looks forward to being a central part of the Leamington community.

Pelee Wings Nature Store to host 14th annual sports optics expo

Ten manufacturers of the world’s finest binoculars and spotting scopes will exhibit and demonstrate their sports optics to birders and the general public on the lakefront at Pelee Wings Nature Store, 636 Point Pelee Drive, Leamington, on the weekend of May 8th and 9th, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event coincides with the Point Pelee Festival of Birds, which sees hundreds of thousands of birds and thousands of birders from around the world flocking to Point Pelee throughout the month of May to enjoy one of the most phenomenal bird migrations on the North American continent.

The following sports optics manufacturers will be represented: Swarovski, Leica, Zeiss, Bushnell, Pentax, Celestron, Kowa, Vortex, Canon and Manfrotto.

Optics experts from these companies will be on hand to answer questions and to demonstrate state-of-the-art equipment to enjoy one the fastest growing sports in North America. The public can quiz the experts on new binoculars and scopes, field test hundreds of sports optics, and find out just what they need to enjoy this exciting sport.

Binoculars and spotting scopes are also enjoyed for astronomy, travel, boating, hunting, target shooting, surveillance, and by waterfront homeowners. Admission is free, so bring the family to Point Pelee to enjoy the birds and the Sports Optics Expo. Pelee Wings and the optics companies will donate $1,000 to a wildlife conservation cause after the Expo.

Dining out at Gino’s Café & Trattoria

Tucked into a small space in downtown Leamington sits Gino’s Café & Trattoria. The thing that makes Gino’s a restaurant you must visit is the huge wood-burning oven in the middle of the restaurant. If you haven’t enjoyed a pizza cooked in a wood-burning oven, in our opinion you cannot count yourself as a true pizza lover. We can’t assert that Gino’s cooks the “best” pizza in Leamington because we haven’t tried them all yet, but we do know that one would be hard pressed to find a pizza that is much better than what Gino’s offers because of the flavour of the wood oven. Taking a couple of friends along with us, we wanted to ensure we had a broad sample of some of the house specialties, including the pizza. Gino’s offers a number of classic Italian appetizers, so to start we sampled the bruschetta and the escargot – which was the appetizer special of the eve-

Time to set out hummingbird feeders

By Michael Malone, Pelee Wings Nature Store

It’s time to put up your hummingbird feeder to attract and feed these little gems as they migrate north through our region this week.

The ruby-throated hummingbird is the only common hummer of eastern North America, although other species like the western Rufous Hummingbird occasionally show up here in the fall.

Everything about the ruby-throated is remarkable –their ability to hover and fly backwards, their beautiful iridescent plumage, and their amazing long distance migration to and from Mexico and Central America is extraordinary for such a tiny bird.

They are birds of the forest edge but locally are attracted to gardens and forest cuttings where wildflowers spring up. They are easily induced to hummingbird feeders and do appreciate feeders now in the spring when wild flowers are scarce. Sugar water at a ratio of 4 to 1 (water to granulated white sugar) is easily prepared. I like to prepare a litre and keep it readily available in the refrigerator. Commercial hummer mixes of sugar powder and red dye are to be avoided. The sugar water itself does not have to be red to attract them, as it is the red plastic parts of the feeders that the birds are drawn to. Honey should never be used in hummer feeders as it can kill them. The better feeders use ‘bee guards’ to keep out unwanted bees and wasps. Once the weather warms up your sugar solution should be changed every 3 or 4 days as it will ferment. You could be lucky enough to have hummers nesting in your yard, but nests are extremely difficult to find as they are so small. Females alone select the nest site and males are not involved in nest building, incubation, nor raising of young.

Here at Pelee I am always delighted to hear our European visitors marvel at these aggressive little creatures, a group of birds which does not occur across the Atlantic.

ning. The bruschetta was a great way to start – the bread was toasted in that wood oven and featured a topping of fresh tomatoes and onions, and the escargot was served with lots of garlic, olive oil and a serving of garlic bread on the side – perfect for dipping. Other appetizers include the Bocconcini e Pomodori – tomato and bocconcini cheese, antipasto platters, mussels and calamari. One of the things that struck us most about Gino’s menu is the simplicity of the ingredients and dishes. We split a pizza next, and just to ensure we were able to get a really good taste of the wood fire oven we kept it simple and ordered the classic pizza Margherita. This pizza features a simple tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese and basil, and oh yeah, did we mention it was cooked in the wood oven? The pizza crust is very good – lots of flavour and is as much a feature of the pizza as the toppings. Gino’s has a number of pizzas and panzarottis – including a seafood pizza that I have sampled on a previous visit, and although it sounds somewhat strange it is definitely worth a try.

As much as we love anything cooked in the wood oven, Gino’s also has a full menu of pastas and other entrées. While owner and chef Gino Perciballi is the man behind the wood oven, his wife Connie is in the back putting out great dishes herself. We sampled the homemade cannelloni (yes, fresh homemade pasta) and the pasta special – a portabello mushroom ravioli; both dishes were excellent, simple, traditional and very flavourful. Gino’s features other dishes such as baked salmon, veal scallopini and the house specialty – a rack of lamb marinated in white wine, lemon and rosemary and baked by Gino in the wood oven. A full beverage menu featuring wine selections from around the world, and a dessert menu that features Italian classics like tartufo and tiramisu, Gino’s may be a small space (with only about 30 seats) but it is definitely big on all the important things like flavour, fresh and family.

Skating Carnival at Heinz Arena April 24

Local author returns to call Leamington home

By Sheila McBrayne

Roger Clark has authored four books varying from genealogy to spiritual insights, and his latest book, Big Wheel, is a murder-mystery set in New Hamburg, Ontario.

Clark grew up in Cedar Beach, near the Arner Townline, but spent most of his adult life teaching in the Waterloo area. Clark’s first book, Finding Myself in Northern China, was published in 2008. He had lived in China since 2002 teaching English. While teaching in China, Clark also met his wife. “The book is based on my journals of living in China. There’s stories, perceptions and some life changing experiences,” he said.

Also in 2008 Clark published a book of poetry, which he describes as “a glimpse at the soul. There’s a poem for every day of the year – kind of a daily healing book.” He had intended the book to be for male readers, but has had many women ask why he would describe it that way.

In 2009 Clark published The Clarks of Cedar Creek, which traces the family genealogy back to the Scratches and Gravelines of the 1500s in France.

Clark’s most recent book is a murder-mystery, called Big Wheel. Clark will be in New Hamburg on Saturday, May 15 for a book launch. The issues of New Hamburg during the 1980s and ‘90s all revolved around water and an expanding city into the country. Clark wrote the book under the pseudonym Philip Allen Campbell, which is a culmination of Clark’s two grandfathers’ names and his favourite high school teacher.

Clark is working on his fifth book, It’s Never Wrong to do the Right Thing, which is a book of life philosophies. “It’s a philosophy book about life and living, the observations that have helped in my life,” he said. The book focuses on six main philosophies divided into chapters which include: You Get What You Need, People Are All Connected, We Reap What We Sow, Life Is Balance, We Are All Alone

and Pay Attention. Clark hopes to have this book finished and published by Countess Street Publishing Company by Christmas.

Clark, 65, now lives in Leamington and divides his time between home and China where his wife still lives. Clark’s books are available for sale at Windsor’s Juniper books on Ottawa Street or by emailing cspublishing@hotmail.com.

World Fair Trade Day celebrates more than chocolate and coffee

Ten Thousand Villages is the place to be Saturday, May 8 for food sampling, special one-day sales and a thank-you gift which is all part of the World Fair Trade Day celebrations at 2 Talbot St., East, Leamington. This event will celebrate Fair Trade and the choices we can make every day to empower the people who make the products we buy. The availability and importance of Fair Trade chocolate and coffee are becoming common knowledge, but Fair Trade goes far beyond food items. World Fair Trade Day celebrates transparent business relationships, equality for women, sustainable materials, safe working conditions, programs which educate and empower, as well as fair wages. On Saturday, May 8th, World Fair Trade Day events will take place across Canada and in over 70 other countries. For a complete list of Ten Thousand Villages’ 50 stores and for more information about Fair Trade events please visit www. TenThousandVillages.ca.

Ten Thousand Villages, a non-profit program of Mennonite Central Committee, provides vital, fair income to people in the developing world by marketing their handicrafts and telling their stories in North America.

Ten Thousand Villages is the oldest and largest fair trade organization in North America. Through a network of 50 stores, as well as through hundreds of Festival Sales and E-shopping, Ten Thousand Villages Canada sells artisan-crafted personal accessories, home decor and gift items from around the globe. Ten Thousand Villages works with artisans who would otherwise be unemployed or underemployed, providing sustainable income through Fair Trade. This income helps pay for food, education, health care and housing. Thousands of volunteers in Canada and the United States work with Ten Thousand Villages in their home communities.

FOREVER GARDENING

Shrub, tree planting & trimming, loads to the dump, landscaping, general yard clean-ups. Affordable rates. Call Roger 519-324-0949. ap28-ma5

MEETING

RENOVATIONS:

Eavestroughing, decks, siding, windows, complete renovations, Gutter Cleaning Systems, furniture refinishing. Call Bill Siddall 519-8253931 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

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

tf May 7 & 8, 9 am - 5 pm @ 239 Robson Road, Leamington, Something for everyone. Avon, electric wheelchair, antique desk, plants. womenʼs clothing & more. may5-5

OPEN HOUSE

RUTH & ROLAND IMESON

Please join Ruth and Roland and family from 2 - 4 pm at the Car Barn Restaurant, Sunday, May 16th. Best Wishes Only!

130 young princesses enjoy Royal Luncheon

By Allison Siddall

There was bedlam in the castle and it was wonderful, as a crowd of approximately 250 gathered at the Rhine Danube in Leamington on Saturday, May 1 for the first-ever Royal Luncheon.

Hosted by the Sir Winston Churchill I.O.D.E. Chapter, the afternoon was designed as a way to make little girls feel special. 130 princesses from across the land, each wearing their royal finery and escorted by an entourage, enjoyed an afternoon of food and fun.

Each princess was heralded upon arrival and then directed to the “throne”, where her picture was taken as a keepsake of her special day. They also received a frame and stick-

on decorations to work on while they waited for lunch. The Fairy Godmothers (I.O.D.E. members) handed out wands, rings and several other party favours.

As well as a kid-friendly buffet lunch that included create-your-own sundaes, the princesses enjoyed a story by Marilyn Miller, songs, and interactive entertainment by Terry Raisbeck.

The inaugural Royal Luncheon was a huge success that took the organizers by surprise. “We didn’t know what to expect,” said I.O.D.E. member Linda Derbyshire. “We were hoping for at least 50 people and are overwhelmed by the wonderful response.”

Several in attendance commented that it was a fantastic idea and they hoped the luncheon would become an annual event.

Other sponsors of the event were Miller Shell Services, Strawberries Kitchen and the Rhine Danube.

I.O.D.E. Canada’s 110th anniversary project this year is homelessness and poverty. Sir Winston Churchill Branch Chapter I.O.D.E. is supporting the project by accepting donations of coats for adults. Funds raised from the Royal Luncheon will be used to purchase boots for those who need them in our area. All donations will support local people in the communities of Leamington, Wheatley, Kingsville, Ruthven, Cottam and Essex, the areas that the Sir Winston Churchill Chapter members represent.

Those wishing to donate coats or who require more information can contact Sue Adamson, President, at 519-825-3360, or Marilyn Miller, 110th Anniversary Committee Chair, at 326-3334.