The Emerald City will shine bright green on the UMEI stage starting this weekend as The Wizard of Oz makes its way to Leamington with six shows over the next two weekends.
The UMEI Community Players will bring the Kansas-based Gale farm to life and then transform into the colourful Munchkinland, Haunted Forest and Emerald City. Cast and crew have been busy for several months getting much needed rehearsal time, choreography and set design in. The troop will be joined by a collection of local musicians, who’ve come together as an orchestra to provide the famous music for the production.
The beloved L. Frank Baum creation is well known among theatre lovers, and many will recognize the characters and music from the 1939 movie.
Recent LDSS graduate Emry Murray will star as Dorothy Gale, the Kansas farm girl who chases after her runaway dog Toto, only to get caught up in a twister that propels her farmhouse into a strange, wonderful and dangerous land called Oz.
This will be Emry’s first lead role, although she was also in the UMEI production of Sound of Music last year. She says she’s thrilled to be taking on such an iconic character.
“It feels a little nervewracking, because people imagine Dorothy from the
movie and I have to put my own spin on her, but still stay true to the character,” she says. “It’s been very fun and challenging!”
Veteran actor Terry Raisbeck will take his turn as the Cowardly Lion, while Kyle Haight stars
UMEI Community Players presenting The Wizard of Oz
as Scarecrow and Luke Froese as the Tinman. Everyone’s favourite villain — the Wicked Witch of the West — will be played by Kimberly Schmitt.
Many other veteran and first-time actors will take the stage in this cast of 52, with more than half of them being local kids taking on the roles of munchkins. Ages range from five to 75 among all the cast members.
Music Director Alyssa Epp says they’ve been at it since last fall and all the hard work is ready to pay off as they enter tech week.
“Tech week’s been going very well,” she says. “There are so many moving set pieces, along with lighting cues, sound cues, makeup and costumes all coming together on stage.”
Epp says that auditions for the beloved story were held in September 2025, with rehearsals gearing up right after Thanksgiving.
The production is directed by Jill Suta with Nick Driedger in the Technical Director role and Epp making all of that great Wizard of Oz music come to life.
The UMEI Community Players production of The Wizard of Oz is presented by Tiessen Financial with shows Friday, February 6, Saturday, February 7, Friday, February 13 and Saturday, February 14 at 7 pm, and two matinees, Sunday, February 8 and Sunday, February 15 at 2 pm.
Tickets can be purchased online at umei.ca/ communityplayers/ and can also be purchased at the door. UMEI Christian High School is located at 614 Mersea Rd. 6, just west of Highway 77.
Rehearsals have been ongoing since October. Here, some of the munchkins practice their moves.
Photo courtesy of Sachiko Photography
Director Jill Suta, left, holds the poster for the UMEI Community Players production of The Wizard of Oz, while Emry Murray (Dorothy) holds Marilla (Toto) with Music Director Alyssa Epp on the right. SUN photo by Mark Ribble
Concept album debuts on The Bank Theatre stage
By Paul Forman
“Live
er-songwriter Justin Latam & The Stride and debuted to two appreciative
audiences at Leamington’s Bank Theatre the evening of January 31 and the afternoon of February 1.
The setting for the band’s first concept album is Howley’s Mid-
night Marrow, a fictitious dive bar that is full of barflies and cries of protest, and the audience is asked to join the journey to the dystopian land of The Dogdom, a world full of
anthropomorphic dogs. As to the genesis for their new project, Latam said, “We’re all dog lovers, but it was the song Stray Dog that we released right after the pan-
demic that started things. We were feeling lost and retreated into the studio, it turned into some songs, then a story, and finally became a concept album.”
Band members Brett Humber, Justin Latam, Benny Pallotto and James Staley were joined by guest musicians Charles Diab and Gloria White for this album, while ambiance was effectively added by guest voice actors Dan MacDonald, Melissa McLeod, Tina Schroeder, Dean Valentino and Max Schlabb.
The hour-long show was made up of two sets with some very interesting transitions and made extensive use of lights, fog, soundscapes and visuals by artist Tina Schroeder for effect.
The ”canine driven”
lyrics generated a cohesive story, while the raw licks of rock, funk and punk reminded one of bands like The Moody Blues and The Sheepdogs, to name a few.
This unique album can be found on all streaming platforms, for digital purchase on justinlatam. bandcamp.com and CDs can be bought by contacting justinlatammusic@ hotmail.com.
Polar Plunge February 20
The Polar Plunge is back – are you ready to get #FreezinForAReason?
The 2026 Polar Plunge Leamington is Friday, February 20 from 6-7 p.m. in support of Special Olympics Ontario.
The Polar Plunge welcomes everyone with a little courage and a warm heart to get cold and creative for a worthy cause. All funds raised will support programming and events for 23,000 Special Olympics athletes across the province. Your plunge does more than make a splash. It empowers individuals with intellectual disabilities to advocate for respect, inclusion and equal opportunities.
Challenge your friends, family or co-workers to take the plunge! Join a team or plunge as an individual. A $250 bursary is offered for any grade 12 student attending St. Clair College in Sept 2026 who takes the plunge.
The Leamington Polar Plunge takes place at the Nature Fresh Farms Recreation Centre, 249 Sherk St., Leamington. Registration begins at 4:30 p.m. with the plunge taking place from 6-7 p.m. Registration is $40, but if you fundraise $100 or more then the registration fee is waived.
Amenities at the recreation centre include change rooms, bathrooms, an indoor pool and refreshments.
For more information go to polarplunge.ca
Pictured at the debut of their album “Live at the Midnight Marrow” are, from the left, Brett Humber (guitar, vocals), Justin Latam (lead vocals, guitar), Benny Pallotto (percussion) and James Staley (bass, vocals). SUN photo by Paul Forman
JUSTIN LATAM
Lammers presents case at ROMA conference for embedded clinicians
On Tuesday, January 20, Essex-Windsor EMS presented its case to the Ontario Ministry of Health to obtain funding to embed clinicians during the rollout of a new 911 priority dispatch system.
Essex-Windsor EMS Chief Justin Lammers made the pitch alongside Warden Hilda MacDonald and County of Essex CAO Sandra Zwiers at the Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) Conference in Toronto.
Their presentation highlighted why embedding clinicians in the Windsor Central Ambulance Communications Centre, in tandem with the move to a Medical Priority Dispatch System as early as this coming summer, would improve triage accuracy, provide instantaneous secondary clinical review, and op-
“The population of Essex-Windsor is rapidly rising, and system-wide stresses including call volumes keep rising in proportion. These factors long ago necessitated that our ambulances be assigned as efficiently and accurately as possible. It is crucial that we not only keep doing so, but improve upon it. As the challenges keep rising, it is hard to keep up,”
said Chief Lammers.
“The new Medical Priority Dispatch System (MPDS) will help us triage patients and dispatch ambulances with greater efficiency and accuracy at the get-go,” he added. “That is most welcome. What would improve response times and patient outcomes even more in our uniquely challenging region, however, would be additionally adding healthcare clinicians at those crucial initial moments – the moment a 911 emergency call is received – to ensure that the most urgent, life-threatening emergencies are tended to first and foremost.”
MPDS roll-out
On Tuesday, February 3, the Ontario Ministry of Health announced that Essex-Windsor EMS will be among several regions to switch to the new cutting edge ambulance dis-
Leamington Bridge Club scores
The following are the top-scoring teams in recent Bridge games at the Leamington Half Century Centre. Bridge lessons are available. If interested, call 519-738-4939.
patch system sometime between June and September of this year.
The coming Medical Priority Dispatch System (MPDS) is designed to ensure that paramedics are dispatched more efficiently, and more quickly, to the most urgent, life-threatening emergencies. MPDS will replace the latest version of the Dispatch Priority Card Index (DPCI) system, currently in place. Essex-Windsor has been moved up from its previously scheduled February 2027 switchover.
January 30: 1st Margaret Foster and Moira Escott, 2nd Dale Smith and Dave Derbyshire, 3rd Derek Parry and Henry Hildebrandt.
CHIEF JUSTIN LAMMERS
Members of the Ruthven
Tom Bonneau. In the back are Pete Palancai, Normand Lalonde, Terry Colasanti (Chair), Erin Bryant, George Raffoul. Absent were Janell Violet, Nick DiLaudo, Amanda Martin, Barry Wilson, Jessica DeSantis.
Apple Festival sets record total of $108,354 raised
Members of the Ruthven Apple Festival Steering Committee gathered at Mettawas Restaurant in Kingsville on Thursday, January 29 to wrap up and celebrate the results of the 46th annual festival, the most successful ever.
The September 27-28 weekend setting was the perfect storm as sunny skies attracted thousands to Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens where the event raised a record setting $108,354, eclipsing the record amount of $75,000 after the pandemic.
The signature event for Community Living Essex County has always been a highlight of the fall season.
CLEC Executive Director Corey Dalgleish was on hand for the meeting and was thrilled with the 2025 festival results.
“Thanks to Colasanti’s for playing host and to the entire team of volunteers – your leadership, planning and countless hours behind the scenes is
what makes this event such a success,” he said.
Dalgleish also took a moment to bring greetings from Chad Sutherland, Chair, CLEC Board of Directors.
“The funds raised from this festival directly enhance programs and services that promote inclusion, independence and quality of life for over 700 individuals and their families across Essex County,” said Sutherland.
The final words of thanks came from Tony DeSantis, Manager, Community Relations, and Resource Development with CLEC.
“Even after my 22 years of helping to plan this event, I am still amazed at the outpouring of support we receive from communities across Essex County, including an army of volunteers, staff, people supported, farmers, corporate and business support,” said DeSantis. “It truly takes a village.”
The South Kent Wind Community Fund Advisory Committee Has Positions Available
We are currently seeking applications from community-minded volunteers interested in accepting, reviewing, and evaluating grant applications received from charitable and qualifying non-profit groups in Chatham-Kent.
Committee members are required to meet twice annually to review applications received in the spring and the fall of each year. Members of the advisory committee commit to serving for two years.
To apply, please email your answers to the questions below, with “SKWCFAC App” in the subject line, to info@chathamkentcommunityfoundation.ca
1. Please provide your name, address, phone number & email.
2. Why are you interested in serving as a South Kent Wind Community Fund Advisory Committee member?
3. Please share with us an outline of your previous volunteer involvement and any work you have provided in service to your community.
4. Please list other committees of which you have been a member.
The deadline for application submission is March 15th
Since its inception in 2013, the SKW Community Fund has contributed over $6 million to the Chatham Kent Community Foundation. Over $3 million has flowed through in the form of grants to community organizations dedicated to making a difference in Chatham-Kent. The remainder has gone into an endowment to continue giving back to the community in perpetuity.
KINGSVILLE LIONS HELP EYES RIGHT
On January 22, Larry
for equipment in hospitals in Southwestern Ontario and promoting cornea donations. Kingsville Lions raise funds through their volunteer work at Chances Leamington. Photo submitted
Arts Centre receives Trillium Grant
The South Essex Arts Association (SEAA), operating as the Leamington Arts Centre (LAC), has been awarded $98,700 Seed grant from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) to support enhanced programming, fair artist compensation, and long-term organizational sustainability.
The funding will support the hiring of a Curatorial Assistant, a key role that will strengthen the Centre’s capacity to deliver inclusive, high-quality programming aligned with Ontario Arts Council (OAC) guidelines and community needs.
“This funding is transformational for our organization,” said Chad Ri-
ley, Director/Curator. “It allows us to move from a space-rental model to a more sustainable and equitable approach that prioritizes meaningful programming and fair compensation for artists.”
The Curatorial Assistant will be responsible for developing a comprehensive programming schedule that reflects both community needs and OAC priorities. This includes supporting local and priority group artists such as Indigenous artists, artists of colour, deaf artists and artists with disabilities, Francophone artists, emerging artists, and artists living outside the Greater Toronto Area.
By adhering to Canadian Artists’ Representation
(CARFAC) fee standards, the project ensures artists are paid fairly for their work—an important shift for the organization as it works toward securing long-term core funding from the Ontario Arts Council with a Public Art Galleries Operating Grant.
“This project enhances our ability to serve a diverse range of artists and audiences while building the organizational capacity required for sustainable growth,” added Riley. “It strengthens the South Essex Arts Association/ Leamington Arts Centre’s role as a cultural hub for artistic exchange, collaboration, and community engagement.”
Targeted marketing efforts will boost public awareness, increase participation in new programs, and attract tourism to support local economic growth. The investment strengthens the Leamington Arts Centre’s capacity to expand its impact, deepen community engagement, and advance long-term stability.
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) oneyear grant enables the Leamington Arts Centre to hire a specialized team member working with the Director/Curator to align operations, budgets, and programming with Ontario Arts Council standards. This work will aid to position the organization to pursue an annual Provincial Public Art Galleries Operating Grant.
“A vital step for longterm funding strategies and continued growth as a regional arts and culture centre,” added Riley.
Apple Festival Steering Committee, front row, from left, are Corey Dalgleish (CLEC E.D.), Chantell Dupuis, Briane Taggart, Laura Bianchi. In the middle are Joe Colasanti, Jana Blair, Tony DeSantis,
Photo submitted
Badder (right) of the Kingsville Lions Club presented an $8,000 donation to Mark Mahovlich of the Belle River Lions Club, representative of District A1 Eyes Right Foundation. The mission of Eyes Right is to improve vision health by providing funding
Province awards $7 million to Leamington, $700k to Pelee
On Tuesday, January 27, Chatham-Kent Leamington MPP Trevor Jones announced that the Ontario government is investing up to $7,140,411 to support the Northwest Quadrant Sewer Separation Phases 1 & 2 water infrastructure project in the Municipality of Leamington, along with an additional $707,884 for the Township of Pelee in support of the Pelee East Shore Distribution System and Water Storage Rehabilitation project.
The funding is being delivered through the province’s Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program –Health and Safety Water Stream (MHIP-HSWS), which has been increased by $700 million, for a total of $875 million, to support access to safe drinking water, housing, job creation and protection for communities in the event of extreme weather events.
“As communities across Chatham-Kent–Leamington continue to face economic uncertainty and the impacts of unjustified U.S. tariffs, our government is taking action to protect
Ontario and strengthen local communities,” said Trevor Jones, MPP for Chatham-Kent–Leamington. “These investments will help our municipalities move important infrastructure projects forward, support job creation and ensure our region has the services needed to support housing growth and long-term economic prosperity. I am proud to support our local partners as they get shovels in the ground and build stronger, more resilient communities for the future.”
The MHIP-HSWS funding will help ensure more communities have access to safe, reliable water services, support existing and future housing supply, and strengthen resilience against extreme weather events.
The Municipality of Leamington will use this funding to advance the Northwest Quadrant Sewer Separation Phases 1 & 2 project, while the Township of Pelee will use the funding for the Pelee East Shore Distribution System and Water Storage Rehabilitation project.
“We are grateful to the Ontario government for this important investment in Leamington,” said Mayor Hilda MacDonald. “The Northwest Quadrant Sewer Separation project plays a key role in protecting public health, strengthening our infrastructure, and reducing the risk of flooding during extreme weather. This funding allows us to move the project forward, support local jobs, and ensure Leamington has the reliable services needed to support new housing and future growth.”
“I’d like to acknowledge the expertise and support of the Ontario Clean Water Agency in supporting the Township of Pelee to maintain a safe supply of drinking water to our residents and expand emergency response capacity,” said Cathy Miller, Mayor of the Township of Pelee. “We value our relationship with the province of Ontario. Critical funding provided through the Municipal Critical Infrastructure Program is very impactful for our small island community.”
No salt shortage in Chatham-Kent
Chatham-Kent’s Public Works Department continues to closely monitor the current provincial salt shortage.
At this time, Chatham-Kent is in a good position with respect to local salt inventory, and there is no immediate concern regarding the municipality’s ability to maintain winter road operations.
Public Works staff are working proactively with the municipality’s salt supplier and contractor partners to ensure that adequate supply is maintained throughout the remainder of the winter season. This approach allows the municipality to respond effectively to winter weather events while continuing to prioritize road safety across urban and rural areas.
Road salt (sodium chloride) becomes
significantly less effective at temperatures below -9°C, and it is completely ineffective at temperatures below -21°C, which means Public Works must prioritize plowing and use road salt strategically during extreme cold weather.
The Municipality of Chatham-Kent also offers a Snowplow Tracker, an online tool that allows the public to view snowplow activity across the municipality in real time.
The tracker provides information about winter maintenance operations and helps residents better understand when roads in their area have been serviced.
The Snowplow Tracker can be accessed at: chatham-kent.plowtracker. com/
opinion ~ expression ~ and other musings
So many channels to choose from, so little time
We’re thinking of “cutting the cord” on our regular cable TV subscription, once again exploring the streaming options out there.
As TV seasons wind down toward their spring/summer conclusions, not much is left out there on regular TV networks.
Although there were “seasons” when I was a kid, I never noticed or even paid attention. I think we were just so busy playing outside when the weather was nice that we didn’t notice a “season” had ended for our favourite shows.
Our TV was black and white when I was young and I can still remember my mom working most of the winter at Chesterfield’s mink farm on Highway 3 to save up enough money to buy a colour set.
I think I was about 10 when our first 20inch colour TV came home, complete with rabbit ears. I can’t put my finger on a definitive brand name, but I want to say it was a Sylvania or Philips.
I was amazed at the colours when that TV jumped to life. Suddenly, many of my shows took on a different look. Captain Kangaroo was dressed in red and Mr. Green Jeans was actually dressed in green, and not grey.
Batman in colour was a treat with all of those villains suddenly lighting up the screen with all those different colours. Of course, I developed a pretty quick crush on Batgirl in her purple outfit.
Channel 9 out of Windsor was our staple on our television set, especially during hockey season. Hockey Night in Canada was the flagship show of the CBC in those days, but I also remember others, from The Friendly Giant to Chez Helene to Mr. Dressup.
Later, The Forest Rangers caught my attention, along with Adventures in Rainbow Country.
A little side story about Adventures in Rainbow Country, which was a CBC show for one or two seasons around 1971.
The show was about a young boy named Billy, who moved into a remote lodge with his sister and mom and befriended a native boy by the name of Pete Gawa.
Years later — long after I had forgotten about Adventures in Rainbow Country — I started hunting with my brother and uncle out of a cabin in McGregor Bay, Ontario.
After reacquainting myself with the show as an adult, I discovered that one of the episodes had been filmed in our hunt-
Born and built in 1936 THE OLD CAR DETECTIVE
In a recent conversation at Walmart in Leamington with our good friend Bob Kelly from Staples, I asked him for his date of birth so I could figure out in my head the day of the week when he was born. He told me he was born
on September 10, 1936, and now in his 90th year! He was born on a Thursday. When I got home, I found a photo of a car built the same year Bob was born: a brand new 1936 Ford se-
Bill Sherk
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ing cabin. What a small world watching this show from the 1960s and seeing the cabin as it was back then.
Allow me to get back on track.
Back in the 1960s, there were about 13 channels on the VHF dial, plus the UHF side. Nobody ever got channel 1 for some reason. We got channels 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 13. I don’t remember a channel 6 or 12. Most of the stations were out of Detroit, but some were out of Toledo.
Then, when that knob got clicked onto the UHF, the other dial took over. It didn’t click though. It kind of slid smoothly, more like a radio dial, as you honed in on a station. I remember channels 20, 24, 42, 43, 50 and 61 on the UHF side. Rabbit ears or an antenna were a must if you wanted to watch The Ghoul or Davey and Goliath.
We had no on-screen guide to help us decide what to watch. We relied on the always handy TV Guide, which was packed full of information. They stopped printing it in 2006, but the highlight of the week was going grocery shopping with my mom and making a bee-line for the checkouts where the new TV Guide was displayed. It was always cool to see which of your TV heroes was on the cover that week.
Between the TV Guide and those grocery totes on the conveyor rollers at A&P, shop-
dan with my Mom standing beside it. My parents’ car had a four-piece hood opening from the side, a three-speed floor-shift, and a V-8 engine. Four years earlier, Henry Ford brought out the first V-8 engine in a low-priced car.
If Bob visits the big car show at Heritage Village this summer, he might see a car built the same year he was born. It might even be a 1936 Ford. Perfect time to have his photo taken with a car the same age as he is!
ping was a weekly treat.
Cable TV was starting to sneak into the area by the early-seventies and I remember my grandmother having cable at her little place at the corner of Orange and Whitwam. Us country folk didn’t have it until we moved to town in 1974.
Mark Ribble
Once we got to town, that opened up a whole new world with a lot more channels. Our first “remote” was actually a brown rectangular box with a bunch of buttons and numbers on it, and a long wire connecting it to the back of the television. It created a lot of the world’s first couch potatoes, and yes, I am one.
As I sit down these days, juggling several remotes in both hands, trying to figure out if I want to just ditch the cable TV and go with streaming services, I can’t help but remember getting up to change the dial to Channel 2 out of Detroit on Saturdays to watch Sir Graves Ghastly and all of the rest of the shows that followed.
I don’t even know if you can manually change a channel on TV sets today, but maybe I’ll get up out of the chair this weekend and give it a try.
Haley was a music
While the typical record industry executive picking up the July 9, 1955, issue of Billboard Magazine might have taken notice that the new number one single on the Best Sellers in Stores Chart was “(We’re Gonna) Rock Around the Clock” by Bill Haley and His Comets, and then they moved on to the more pressing news stories of the day.
It would have been impossible to know that Haley’s number one single created a dividing line between all that came before and all that followed. It’s only from our perspective several decades later that we can see the impact this song had on our culture. It was the beginning of the Rock Era.
“Rock Around the Clock” was not the first rock and roll song. Historians disagree on what exactly was, but many suggest it was “Rocket 88” that was recorded by Jackie Brenston in Memphis and released on the Chess label in 1951. It was also a record by the Ike Turner Band, and vocalist Brenston was Turner’s saxophonist. “Rocket 88” was recorded by Haley that same year.
Credit for that goes to disc jockey Alan Freed, who coined the term from 1947 R&B hit “We’re Gonna Rock, We’re Gonna Roll” by Wild Bill Moore. What Haley did was bring rock and roll to the consciousness of America and the world. His career did not reach the strato-
pioneer
spheric heights of Elvis Presley, but he will always be known as the “father of rock and roll.”
FLASHBACK RADIO with Chuck
He was born William John Clifton Haley Jr. in Highland Park, Michigan, on July 6, 1925. His father, a textile worker, played the banjo and his mother was a piano teacher who sometimes played organ at a neighborhood Baptist Church.
When Bill was seven, the family moved to Wilmington, Delaware, and soon after he was playing his own homemade cardboard guitar.
Answering an ad in Billboard, Haley was hired as a singing yodeler for the Down Homers. He left the group to become a disc jockey at WSNJ in Bridgeport, New Jersey. In 1948, he moved to WPWA in Chester, Pennsylvania, where he formed a singing group, the Four Aces of Western Swing. He disbanded them in 1949 and started the Saddlemen, who signed with Dave Miller’s Holiday Records a year later.
In 1952, they recorded “Rock This Joint”, a song which blended a country sound with rhythm and blues.
The Saddlemen became the Comets in 1953, and their first chart hit, “Crazy Man, Crazy”, went to number 15 on Billboard and is the first rock and roll record to ever make the chart.
Bill Haley’s next single, a
Reynolds
cover version of Joe Turner’s “Shake, Rattle and Roll”, was a hit that made the top 10 and made Haley a national star. Two more top 20 records following that were “Dim, Dim the Lights” and Mambo Rock”. Writer James Myers had not given up on “Rock Around the Clock”. To promote the song, he sent copies of everyone he could think of in Hollywood. In the spring of 1955, MGM released “The Blackboard Jungle” that starred Glenn Ford as a high school teacher confronted by violent students. The song “Rock Around the Clock” created a sensation. There were riots in theatres. Clare Booth Luce denounced the film as degenerate which caused it to be pulled from the Venice Film Festival.
In 1956, movie producer Sam Katzman signed Haley and the Comets to star in a film titled “Rock Around the Clock”. It established a new trend in marrying rock and roll with the silver screen. Haley never matched the record success of his #1 hit but was very popular in Europe during the last half of the 1960s. Sadly, in the ’70s, Haley fell victim to alcoholism and increasing paranoia. He died on February 9, 1981 at his home in Harlingen, Texas.
1936 Ford with my Mom 90 years ago!
Music meets visual art at Kingsville’s Lakeside Park Pavilion
Arts Society of Kingsville (ASK) has set up a series of four forums that attempts to inspire community members to create original visuals accompanied by either storytelling or music.
“Art Inspiring Art” has taken place at both the Kingsville Public Library
and Lakeside Pavilion, with the third installment featuring Kingsville singer-songwriter David Wilson at the park this past Saturday afternoon, January 31.
Energized by Wilson’s heartfelt lyrics, sketches varied with their themes, including emerging spring
flowers and the streetscapes of Copenhagen.
For those looking for a free creative outlet, the final session of the series will see authors Donna Laporte and Roy James take the lead on February 7 from 1 pm until 2:30 pm at the pavilion at Lakeside Park.
IN KINGSVILLE
A reception was held at the Carnegie Arts & Visitor Centre on February 1 to celebrate a three-week run of student art that was displayed and up for purchase. Nearly two hundred submissions from young artists attending Erie Migration District School - Secondary, Leamington District Secondary School, Kingsville’s WONDERfield Community School and Walkerville Collegiate Institute filled the walls of the centre. Representatives of the Arts Society of Kingsville were on hand to greet the student guests and their families, while refreshments and hors d’oeuvres were generously provided by the Kingsville Optimist Club. Grade 11 Erie Migration District School student Em Wheelton-Lukaniuk submitted a piece titled “The Bite” which attempts to parody Klimt’s painting The Kiss. Pictured is Em on the left, along with her visual arts teacher Ms. Simon. SUN photo by Paul Forman
Sometimes it is necessary to replace all your natural teeth with a set of
(or complete) dentures. Having your full dentures custom-fit will ensure they are comfortable and
Musician David Wilson met with this table just after his first set in the Lakeside Park Pavilion. Seated with their sketches thus far are, on the left, Irena Wilson, Erica Csikany and William Wilson. On the right, from the background, are Matthew Wilson, Karolynn Wilson and Steve Wilson.
STUDENT ART EXHIBIT WRAPS UP
Caldwells launch Phase 2 of housing development
Caldwell First Nation is beginning Phase Two of its on-reserve housing development, marking another significant step forward in the Nation’s long-term rebuilding and growth.
Construction started January 26, with 16 new homes to be erected, bringing the total number of residential units on the reserve to 44 homes. The new housing units will range from two-bedroom to five-bedroom homes and will feature a new design style, reflecting both the evolving needs of Caldwell families and the Nation’s commitment to quality, durability and community-focused planning.
The homes are expected to be move-in ready during the fall of 2026.
For Caldwell First Nation, this milestone represents far more than construction.
“This work is about far more than building houses, it is about building homes, belonging and continuity,” said Chief Nikki van Oirschot.
“We are standing on the shoulders of those who came before us: ancestors who persisted through displacement, hardship and generations without land, so that we could be here today, rebuilding our Nation on our own territory. Every home we raise carries their resilience, their sacrifices, and their dreams forward. We take that responsibility
seriously, as both a practical commitment and a spiritual one.”
“As we begin Phase Two,” said Chief van Oirschot, “we do so with gratitude for the great work already done, and with care for the seven generations yet to come. This is not an ending; it is a continuation of a long journey to restore community, dignity, and future opportunity for our people.”
Councillor Stan Scott, who holds the Housing Portfolio, emphasized the practical and community-driven importance of the project.
“This next phase responds directly to the diverse housing needs of our members,” said Councillor Scott. “From smaller households to larger families, these homes are designed with our community in mind. We are focused on building housing that is functional, safe, and supports long-term wellness for Caldwell families.”
The project is being managed by Green Reason, with Alan Murphy serving as Project Manager.
“Caldwell First Nation has approached this project with clear vision and strong leadership,” said Murphy. “Phase Two builds on the success of the first phase while incorporating lessons learned, updated designs, and efficient construction timelines. It’s
LOLA DAY
Rest in Peace Lola May 5, 2012 – January 17, 2026
Lola loved to greet other dogs or people while out walking, or on the patio, or barking as they passed by, as dogs do. She loved to dress up in her various outfits, from evening gowns to motorcycle gear, Gucci coats and others.
Lola was loved by the girls at Tim Hortons drive-through on Talbot West. She had her own fan club here at Seacliff Heights II. Everyone knew Lola and they would stop to pet her for a few minutes, just to let her know she was important.
Special thanks to Dr. Dana and her staff for showing great personal and loving care to our little girl over the years.
Mom and Dad are grateful for all the love and compassion Lola showed faithfully throughout her 14 years. When the time comes, we will see you again my sweetie pie, at the Rainbow Bridge!
Sadly missed by Diane and Michael Day
an honour to support a Nation that is rebuilding with such purpose.”
Construction will be carried out by Shore Construction Management of Fingal, Ontario and Petite Homes of Windsor, both of whom bring extensive experience in residential construction.
“We’re proud to be part of a project that has such meaning for the community,” said Steve Shore of Shore Construction Management. “These homes are being built with care, quality, and respect for the people who will live in them.”
“Working with Caldwell First Nation on this development is about more than building houses,” added Christopher Pressey, Co-Founder, Petite Homes. “It’s about contributing to a community’s future and supporting a vision of growth and stability.”
Centennial PS celebrates Black History Month
On Monday, February 2, Centennial Central Public School in Comber gathered as a school community to acknowledge Black History Month in an assembly that focused on learning, celebration and belonging.
During the assembly, students listened to music by legendary Canadian jazz pianist Oscar Peterson, enjoyed a read aloud of I Am Enough by Grace Byers, and reflected on the importance of recognizing the achievements, stories and voices of Black Canadians — past and present. Staff and students discussed courage, creativity, leadership and the importance of showing kindness, respect, empathy and collaboration in their daily lives.
As part of their learning, the Pan African flag was raised outside the school.
“This flag raising is a symbol of unity, pride and shared commitment to equity and inclusion,” says principal Beth Adlam. “It represents our dedication to creating a school where every student feels valued, seen and supported.”
Throughout the month of February, students and staff will continue exploring the contributions of Black Canadians, participating in meaningful discussions and engaging in activities that help us learn from history while strengthening the sense of belonging within the Cougar community.
Community Calendar
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7
ART INSPIRING ART hosted by Arts Society of Kingsville. 1:00 - 2:30 pm at Kingsville Lakeside Pavilion, 315 Queen St. No cost, no stress, just fun! A creativity forum for anyone who would like to work on their own art, writing or craft projects while being inspired by Essex County musicians, poets and authors from ASK.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7
CREATIVITY CLUB at Wheatley Library, 10:30 am to 1:30 pm. Drop in to create some pointillism art! It’s a technique of painting where small, distinct dots of colour are applied in patterns to form an image. Call the Library at 519-825-7131 for more information.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8
UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CHURCH OF OLINDA SERVICE at 10:30 am with Rev. Paul Langston-Daley. Topic: Strengthening Democracy. 2953 Olinda Side Road, Ruthven, 548-324-4352. All are welcome.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11
ERIE SHORES TOASTMASTERS MEETING at 6:30 pm every other Wednesday at Leamington Library, 1 John St. Free to attend. Develop Communication and Leadership Skills in a positive, friendly environment. Next meeting dates are February 25, March 11 & 25. More info: email ErieShoresTM@ yahoo.com, Facebook Erie Shores Toastmasters or go to ErieShores.toastmastersclubs.org.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14
BOOK TASTING 11:00 am at Wheatley Library. Join staff and other readers as you sit down for a five-course “meal” of titles that will pique your appetite for more. Call the Library at 519-825-7131 for more information.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14
VALENTINE’S DINNER & DANCE 6:30 pm to 12 midnight at Kingsville Legion Br. 188. Doors open 6:30 with appetizers, dinner 7:00 pm. $25 per person, steak or chicken cordon bleu. Advance tickets & meal selection until February 7 at the bar, 145 Division Rd. South, Kingsville.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 15
DOMINGO, 15 DE FEBRERO
ANGEL CUPBOARD - TAKE WHAT YOU NEED - from 2:005:00 pm. Clothing for men, women & children. St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church, 60 Erie St. N., Leamington. DE SAN JUAN - TOMA LO QUE NECE SITES - Febrero 2:00 - 5:00 pm. Ropa d hombres, mujeres ninos. Iglesia Anglicana de san Juan Evangels, 60 Erie St. N., Leamington.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 15
MARDI GRAS DANCE at Kingsville Legion Br. 188., 2:00 - 5:00 pm. Wear your beads & masks! Sing & dance with DJ Billy K. Kitchen open, cash bar, 145 Division Rd. South.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18
LEAMINGTON HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY WILL MEET 7:00 pm at St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church, 60 Erie St. N., Leamington. Speakers: Susan Kelsh & Pat Jeflyn. Topic: Plants for Sunny/Shady Locations. All welcome for an informative & fun evening. For more information or to inquire about volunteering call Jo-Anne Smith 519-3228809.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18
ASH WEDNESDAY - at 11:00 am & 7:00 pm. Imposition of Ashes and Holy Communion at St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church, 60 Erie St. North, Leamington, 519-3263111.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18
THE ERIE SHORES QUILTERS GUILD MEETS 6:30 pm at St. John's Parish Hall, 1782 Oriole Park Dr., Woodslee. All welcome. See the website for more information: www. erieshoresquiltersguild.ca
ONGOING
GRIEFSHARE: ARE YOU GRIEVING THE LOSS of someone close to you? Find comfort & support at 13 weekly group sessions every Wednesday from now until April 8, 1:002:30 pm, at LakePoint Family Church, 285 Talbot Street East, Leamington, 519-322-2316. www.griefshare.org
IF YOU WANT TO DRINK, THAT’S YOUR BUSINESS If you want to stop, we can help. Call Alcoholics Anonymous: 519-9991234.
SOUTH ESSEX COMMUNITY COUNCIL - ADULT DAY PROGRAM
- Join us at Faith Mennonite for a day service providing social, recreational and personal support to clients and respite. For more information or to register, call SECC at 519-326-8629 or visit our website at secc.on.ca.
THE VILLAGE RESOURCE CENTRE WEEKLY EVENTS - 108 Talbot Road East, Wheatley. "Light The Way" Nar-Anon Family Group Mondays at 7:30 p.m. Chair Yoga Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m. $10. "Wheatley Warriors" Narcotics Anonymous Group Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. For more information call 226-484-1004 or visit www.villageresourcecentre.ca. Wheelchair accessible.
STRUGGLING WITH MENTAL HEALTH? Reach out to Hope 4 Me Peer to Peer Support Group. Virtual and in-person meetings available. Contact Tracy, Sue or Nancy at hope4mepeer@gmail.com for information about the group.
EPWORTH UNITED CHURCH SERVICE with Rev. Joshua Kang - 56 Division St. S., Kingsville. Live streaming at 10:20 am, service begins at 10:30 am. Everyone is welcome. Bible study Wednesdays from 10-11:30 am. Visit the www. epworthkingsville.com for more information.
ARE YOU CONCERNED ABOUT SOMEONE’S DRINKING? AlAnon Family Groups meeting information: 519-790-7739 or www.alanonwindsoressex.com
COMMUNITY MEALS AVAILABLE AT: (Take-out only) every Monday, 4:00 - 5:00 pm at Leamington United Church, 9 John St., 519-326-9461. Every Wednesday, 4:00 - 5:00 pm at St. John's Anglican Church, 60 Erie St. N. Leamington 519-326-3111.
WHERE TO ACCESS FOOD AND CLOTHING - Free. All are welcome. St. Vincent de Paul - St. Michaels Parish 29 Elliot St. Leamington 226-340-7233. Food Cupboard St. John's Anglican Church Wednesdays 11 am - 4 pm. Salvation Army 88 Setterington St. Mon-Wed-Thur 9-10:30 am, Tues 9 am - 12 pm and 1-3 pm. Neighbourhood Pantry (as available) corner of Erie St. S. and Marlborough St. E. (across form the Bell building). Warming Cross (as available) St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 311 Sherk St. St. Michaels, 29 Elliot St. The Bridge Youth (ages 14-24) 310 Sherk St. 226-773-3454.
School custodian Jeff Bellaire prepares the Pan African Flag to be raised in honour of Black History Month, while students and staff observe. Photo submitted
Gleaners post stellar numbers for 2025
The Southwestern Ontario Gleaners have announced that 2025 was a very strong year for the charitable organization as they continue to upcycle food for those in need around the world.
The Gleaners distributed 4.9 million servings of dehydrated vegetable soup mix in 2025, with 3.5 million of those going to hard-hit areas like Ukraine, Africa and Central America.
The international distribution was done through two very reliable organizations — Loads of Love and Canadian Food for Children.
Included in that number also is 1.4 million servings to local and provincial charities, distributed through many local charities that work hard to help people with food insecurity in Windsor-Essex.
As for volunteers, Gleaners average about 29 volunteers per day at their location and 11 volunteers donated their time at least 100 times over the course of the year.
Over 800,000 pounds of fresh produce was rescued from going to waste, including over 300,000 pounds of potatoes donated by Rutledge Farms, 278,00 pounds of carrots donated by PierC Produce, 37,500 pounds of peppers shared from UHC Windsor’s Food Hub, 22,500 pounds of onions donated by PierC Produce and 27,200 lbs of apples donated by Warkentin Orchards and Thiessen Orchards.
A total of 16 corporate donors serve as the base for the Gleaners’ fundraising efforts every year, with over 150 businesses, individuals, churches and organizations making donations for their Christmas campaign.
Gleaners General Manager Joel Epp is grateful to all who donated and volunteered throughout the year and to those who are along for 2026.
“Thank you for starting the year alongside us,” he says. “We are deeply grateful for our volunteers, donors, food partners and supporters who make this work possible.”
KIWANIS CLUB HELPS SVDP FOOD BANK
The Kiwanis Club of Leamington recently gave a $3,000 donation to the Saint Vincent de Paul Food Bank at St. Michael’s Church in Leamington to help with their food bank needs. Gathered for the photo are front row (from left) Jackie Garant, Janice Garant, James Ives (Kiwanis President), Veronica Costa, Genevieve Sassine, Ursulina DeMelo. In
row are Jamie Wiper (Kiwanis), Gary Bondy, Bill McAdam, Aad Ahsmann, Giselle Laplante, Herman DeGoey, Susan Stone, Lourdes Ramirez, Ed Kudroch (Kiwanis), Sherry DaSilva, Brody Szpuniarski, Jane Donaldson, Joanne Petri-McPherson, Jason Zelaya.
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In The Matter of An Application by The Corporation of the Municipality of Leamington for approval to expropriate the lands in the Municipality of Leamington, County of Essex being:
All Right, Title and Interest (Fee Simple)
Part of PIN 75141-0426 (LT)
Part of Lot 6, Concession 1 or Broken Front, Geographic Township of Mersea, in the Municipality of Leamington, County of Essex, designated as Part 2 on Draft Reference Plan No. 25-47-473-00 prepared by Verhaegen Land Surveyors, Ontario Land Surveyors
registered in the Land Registry Office for the Land Titles Division of Essex No. (12), for the municipal purpose of expanding Seacliff Park, constructing an additional segment of boardwalk from Seacliff Park to Erie Street, and facilitating improvements to Leamington's waterfront area and all ancillary works associated thereto.
Notice Is Hereby Given that application has been made for approval to expropriate the interests herein described in the lands described hereinbefore.
Any owner of lands in respect of which notice is given who desires a hearing into whether the taking of such land is fair, sound and reasonably necessary in the achievement of the objectives of the expropriating authority shall so notify the approving authority in writing,
(a) in the case of a registered owner, served personally or by registered mail within thirty (30) days after the registered owner is served with the notice, or, when the registered owner is served by publication, within thirty (30) days after the first publication of the notice; and
(b) in the case of an owner who is not a registered owner, within thirty (30) days after the first publication of the notice.
The approving authority is:
The Council of The Corporation of the Municipality of Leamington 111 Erie Street North, Leamington, Ontario N8H 2Z9
The expropriating authority is:
The Corporation of the Municipality of Leamington 111 Erie Street North, Leamington, Ontario N8H 2Z9
The Corporation of the Municipality of Leamington Matthew Todd, Director of Legal and Legislative Services
This notice first published on January 28, 2026.
do
and will need a committed adopter to help me along on my weight-loss journey. With patience, care, and lots of encouragement, I’m ready
toward a healthier, happier
I dream of a calm, cozy forever home where I can soak up affection and feel safe and loved. I would do best as the only animal in the home, where I can be the center of attention and enjoy a peaceful environment. If you’re looking for a sweet, affectionate companion to share quiet moments and build beautiful memories with, I might just be your perfect match. I’m a Hidden Gem, so my adoption fee is waived ($30 admin fee still applies)!
the back
SUN photo by Mark Ribble
ventri.ca
Humane Society celebrating 100 years
The Windsor/Essex County Humane Society (WECHS) kicked off its 100th anniversary celebrations on January 29 with a media event, marking a century of service, compassion and community support for animals and the people who love them.
Founded in 1926, the organization has spent the last 100 years evolving to meet the changing needs of animals and the community.
A key focus of the event was to highlight recent accomplishments such as the Helping Paws Mobile Veterinary Clinic, a mobile outreach program designed to support pet
owners experiencing financial hardship. Helping Paws has already hosted two clinics, providing veterinary care to more than 95 animals, with additional clinics planned throughout the year. The program helps keep pets healthy, housed, and with the families who love them.
“We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished in our first 100 years, but even more excited about what’s ahead,” said Lynnette Bain, Executive Director of the WECHS. “Programs like Helping Paws show what’s possible when community partners come
Mary Witt
It is with saddened hearts that we announce the passing of Mary Witt (nee van der Muren) on Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at 76 years of age. Loving wife of Irvin with whom she shared 54 years of marriage. Proud Mother of Karen and husband Cornelius Nieuwland, and Kevin Witt. Much loved Oma of Emma, Hannah and Tobia. Predeceased by her parents Peter and Anna van der Muren. Dear sister of the late Dinphina (late John), late Cornelis (Doreen), Lea (late Don), late Carlo, late Cathy (Bob) and late Teresa (late Jerry). Stepsister of Rita (late Al) and Charlie (Marilyn). Aunt Mimi will also be missed by many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Mary devoted 39 years of her life to Franklin Gardens Nursing Home, where she worked as a dedicated housekeeper. To Mary, the residents were never just part of her job, they were family. She took great pride in her work and in the relationships she built, always ensuring that those in her care felt respected, comfortable, and truly at home.
After her retirement, Mary’s bond with Franklin Gardens remained strong. Wanting to continue giving back, she returned as a volunteer, where she lovingly assisted with resident activities, bringing joy, laughter and companionship to those she held so dear. Her kindness, generosity and unwavering commitment left a lasting impression on residents, staff, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Mary will also be fondly remembered for the love she poured into her family and home. Her famous carrot cake and ribbon jello were staples at gatherings and made with love for every occasion. She never missed a birthday –whether for her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews or extended family – always ensuring each person felt remembered and celebrated. Mary also had a special joy for decorating, filling her home with warmth and cheer for every holiday, big or small. Her kindness, thoughtfulness and generous heart will be deeply missed and forever cherished by all who knew her.
At Mary’s request, cremation has taken place.
Memorial visitation will be held at St. Michael’s Parish, 29 Elliott Street, Leamington, on Saturday, March 7, 2026 from 10 a.m. until time of Celebration of Life at 11 a.m.
In memory of Mary, memorial donations may be made to The Canadian Diabetes Association.
Online condolences and cherished memories may be shared at www.reidfuneralhome.ca
together to remove barriers to care.”
The organization also announced an expanded adoption partnership with local businesses and PetSmart Charities, making it easier than ever for animals to find loving homes. In 2026, the community can expect frequent offsite adoption pop-ups, bringing adoptable animals directly into neighbourhoods across Essex County.
The Humane Society has also begun making significant upgrades within the shelter, with more improvements planned in the months ahead. Recent investments include enhancements to the animal care areas — most notably the renovation of all seven cat intake rooms, made possible through the community’s generous support during the Cozy Cats Giving Tuesday campaign. These upgrades are part of a broader long-term vision to modernize our facility and further elevate the standard of care for animals.
gram, aimed at inspiring the next generation of animal advocates while supporting positive outcomes for animals in care.
To celebrate its history, the organization has launched an updated 100 year-celebration logo, a fresh look for the website highlighting 100 years of impact, along with a newly unveiled in-shelter mural that reflects on its journey from past to present.
Looking to the future, the WECHS officially launched its Fuel the Future campaign, with a goal of raising $100,000 to fund two new animal rescue and relief vehicles. These vehicles will support emergency rescues, animal welfare responses, outreach initiatives, and mobile veterinary clinics across the community.
Proof of obituary to run
February 4, 2026
Southpoint Sun
Animal enrichment and welfare continue to be a priority, with expanded training opportunities and new enrichment programs underway. This year will also see the pilot launch of a youth volunteer pro-
$200 plus $26 HST = $226
“As we honour our past, we’re focused on building a future where every animal has access to care, safety, and compassion,” said Bain. “Fuel the Future will help ensure we can continue showing up for animals and our community for the next 100 years.”
Any changes please email sun@southpointsun.ca
Visit windsorhumane. org for more information about the 100th anniversary, upcoming events or how to support Fuel the Future.
Thank you.
Jim White
June 8, 1947 – January 28, 2026
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Jim White at Erie Shores Hospice on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at the age of 78.
Devoted husband to Nancy for 59 years. Loving father to Kristen Malloch (Dayne) and late Kevin White (1989). Beloved brother of Roger White (Donna) and Valerie Akins (Clark). Predeceased by his parents Howard and Rose White and brothers Ken, Bill and Bryon. He will be missed by many nieces and nephews.
Jim had a lifelong love for baseball and was an avid player for the majority of his life. The game was a constant source of joy for him, shaping many friendships and memories over the years. Whether playing, watching or talking baseball, it remained one of his greatest passions.
He also had a deep appreciation for vintage cars, admiring their craftsmanship, history and timeless design. His love for classic cars reflected his respect for tradition and attention to detail, and it was an interest he enjoyed sharing with others.
Jim will be remembered for his loyalty, quiet strength and love for his family. He leaves behind many memories that will be forever cherished by those who knew him.
Visitation was held at Reid Funeral Home, 14 Russell St., Leamington (519-326-2631) on Monday, February 2, 2026, from 11 a.m. until time of Funeral Service to celebrate Jim’s life at 12 pm.
Memorial donations can be made to Erie Shores Hospice. Cherished memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.reidfuneralhome.ca
New AEDs installed at 40 CK locations
The Municipality of Chatham-Kent has completed the installation of new Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) at 40 municipal locations across the community, further strengthening public safety and emergency preparedness at municipal facilities.
The installation includes two at Wheatley Area Arena. They are located near the front lobby between the two dressing rooms.
The newly installed AEDs are located in highuse municipal spaces, including arenas, municipal centres, libraries and pools. These facilities host thousands of residents and visitors each year for recreation, programming, and community services, making immediate access to emergency equipment critically important.
AEDs are life-saving devices designed to assist someone experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. When used quickly, an AED can significantly increase survival rates by restoring a normal heart rhythm. These devices are safe, easy to use, and provide clear, stepby-step voice instructions to guide users through the process until emergency responders arrive.
“Having AEDs readily available in our municipal facilities can make a real difference in an emergency,” said Mayor Darrin Canniff. “This investment is about protecting the health and safety of our residents, visitors, and staff, and ensuring our public spaces are as safe and prepared as possible.”
The addition of these AEDs ensures staff, patrons, and community members have access to vital emergency equipment when and where it may be needed most. The initiative complements existing emergency response measures and supports a safer environment for everyone who uses municipal buildings.
The Municipality will continue to ensure AEDs are clearly marked, properly maintained and integrated into emergency response protocols at each location.
Golden Years mini golf report
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February 4, 2026 Southpoint Sun
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Any changes please email sun@southpointsun.ca
Thank you.
There were 66 golfers who played 36 holes of mini golf at Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens on Thursday, January 29. They recorded an outstanding 122 holes in one. Leading the way with five aces were Randy Nash, Bill Mayville and Theresa Decaluwe, followed by Colleen Pearse, Bruce Cooper, Heather James, Andy Orsini, Armand Decaluwe and Kathy Bechard with four aces; Georgia Skeates, Jackie Cooper, Moe Sweet, Mary Binder, AnneMarie Wszol, Bob Springthorpe, Monique Benfield, Patty Hopper, Keith Hopper, Ray Foster, Joel Bostin, Shran Collins and Constance Budd with 3; Gail Turk, Laurie Hylton, Bryon Walker, Zena Raymond, David Tonks, Kaz Wszol, Gisele Lapointe, Bill Ward, Erle Nash, Jack Bostin, Carol Hylton and Grant Raymond with 2; and Marlene Schmitt, Carolyn Dufour, Andre Lalonde, Tom Hyatt, Al Wass, Penny McMurphy, Dean Bateman, Barb Fick, Greg Broome, Ron Fick, Debbie Clinton, MaryAnn Sherman, Joanne Laws, Kathy Klym, Margaret Rice, Lois Hudvagner, Shirley Urbanski, Betty McManus, Linda Whittle and Michelle Koop with 1.
Top scores over 18 holes were Randy Nash and Andy Orsini with 35, followed by Bill Mayville and Theresa Decaluwe with 36, Keith Hopper 37 (2), AnneMarie Wszol, Armand Decaluwe, MaryAnn Sherman and Bill Ward with 38, and Colleen Pearse, Tom Hyatt, Randy Nash, Andy Orsini, Larry Hillman and Bill Ward with 39.
Leading the way over 36 holes with 74 were Randy Nash, Andy Orsini and Keith Hopper, followed by Theresa Decaluwe with 76, Bill Ward with 77, Bill Mayville with 78, and Tom Hyatt with 79.
First place went to Team 11 (Keith Hopper, Ray Foster, Joel Bostin) with 321. In second place was Team 9 (Kaz Wszol, Andy Orsini, Armanda Decaluwe, Bob Springthorpe) with 330. In third was Team 14 (Lois Hudvagner, Shirley Urbanski, Bill Ward, Theresa Decaluwe) with 335. Most Honest Golfers were Team 17 (Constance Budd, Steve Acott, Shran Collins, Michelle Koop).
Fun, laughs and also golf will continue on Thursday, February 5 at 10:30 a.m. at Colasanti’s.
Firefighters to battle in charity hockey game
Two local fire departments will battle for hockey supremacy in a Family Day match-up with proceeds going to Erie Shores HealthCare.
Kingsville Fire will host their cross-county rivals from Lakeshore as the puck drops to raise much needed funds for local healthcare.
The game will take place on Monday, February 16
with doors at Kingsville arena opening at 11 am for a noon puck drop. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for kids (under 12) and include a family skate after the game. Cash for ticket entry at the door.
Door prizes, raffles and a silent auction are also featured in addition to rooting on your favourite team.
Kingsville Friendly Club
Kingsville Friendly Club met for card games on January 20 with 32 members present
Bridge: Mac Stanley 3680, Linda Trott 3560, Gillian Pickney 3360. Euchre: Liz Tailleau 95, Gail Burns 94, Audrey Peterson 91. Most lone hands: Willy Fittler 5. Pepper: Dawn Tizzard 297, John Bigley 266, Brenda Anger 261. Most peppers: John Bigley 5.
Door prize winners were Debbie Everaert, Mandy Hric and Ken Martinuik.
There were 48 members present on January 23 to play cards.
Bridge: Kim Hamm 4450, Corrine Ingall and Mac Stanley tied with
3600. Euchre: Willy Fittler 94, Real Couture 88, Dave Malley 84. Most lone hands: Willy Fittler, Real Couture, Stuart Wheelton, Rene Everaert and Dave Patterson all tied with 4. Pepper: Rick Wynants 267, Patti Clifford 255, Della Dyck 246. Most peppers: Rick Wynants and Winnie Moore tied with 6.
The door prize winners were Ray Nobbs, Rene Everaert and Murray Clifford.
The Kingsville Friendly Club meets every Tuesday and Friday at the Lions Hall, 21 Mill St. West. Doors open at noon and play starts at 12:45 sharp, followed by social time at 3:15.
Minor ball trivia event honours Misener
The annual Leamington Minor Baseball Trivia Night is fast approaching and this year’s event will honour one of the founders of Trivia Night — the late Terry Misener.
Misener was instrumental in the creation of the popular fundraiser and continued working with the original group of organizers un-
til his health prevented him from doing so. He passed away in late October of 2025.
“Terry’s presence at those events was always expected and appreciated,” said event emcee Mark Ribble. “I think it’s great that LDMBA has dedicated this one to Terry.”
Not only was he a big part of the trivia event over the years, Misen-
er also led LDMBA’s umpire crew and spent many seasons coaching at various levels.
Trivia Night is Wednesday, February 18 at the Roma Club. Teams of four will vie for cash prizes and loads of fun. You can enter by visiting leamingtonminorbaseball.com and clicking on events and then Trivia Night.
We honour the past, present, and future.
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A TREASURE TROVE OF SPORTS PHOTOS
Aftermath of a fire at the home built by James H. Smart, February 1956, which was located on the east side of Division South, where the present Royal Canadian Legion is situated.
kingsvillearchives@gmail.com
This is what the original Ward Tobacco building looked like in January 1909 when the H.J. Heinz Co. purchased it and took over the five-storey structure for the manufacture of products in Canada. By 1913, the upper two floors were demolished. The building still remains on the southwest corner of Oak and Erie, though it has undergone substantial changes and upgrades and is now owned by Highbury Canco.
February 1986 - Members of the First Wheatley Scouts presented a “Thank You” plaque to the
on Saturday afternoon.
Kinsmen Club.
Another week of sports photos, with the top two courtresy of the Quick family and the bottom photo courtesy of Ed Tiessen, who received that photo from the estate of Bill Derbyshire.
and
to sun@southpointsun.ca
Clippings from the Wheatley Journal,
The boats could be taken through the placid canal or out into the rougher waters of Lake Erie. This photograph of an unidentified family, standing outside the Cedar Beach Drug Store, was taken in the late 1940s or early 1950s.
Clippings from the Wheatley Journal
Photo courtesy of the Kingsville Archives
Leamington’s Past courtesy of the C. Scott Holland Collection
Wheatley Kinsmen
The plaque was presented to the Kinsmen for that service club’s work in providing and installing a new tile floor in the Wheatley Scout Hall. Pictured above, Cub leader Brad Thompson, right, presents the Scout “Thank You” plaque to Jim Bell, president of the Wheatley
Leamington Flyerettes early 1970s: Back row, from left, are Coach Henry Wheeler, Mary Jane Wilkinson, Valerie Whittle, Jill McMullin, Pat Mifflin, Marie Riley, Trudy Wheeler. In the front are Coach Cliff Quick, Debbie Toyne, Diane Drummond, Jackie Bridge, Ev Impens, Janie Quick, Coach Jim Cudmore.
Wheatley Youth Baseball Team circa 1950: Back row, from left, Coach Arch Beattie, Joe Thompson, John Beleutz, Lyle Manery, Keith Dunmore, J. Manery, Manager Clint Pews. Middle row: Sponsor Nate Nelson, Don Willan, Art Koop, John Bailey, Wayne Beattie, Bob Drummond, Allen Wright, Coach Frank Bailey. Front row: Dan Pews, Bob Simpson, Herb Kornelson, Bert Nevilles, Clifton Quick, Ron Coulter.
Leamington Young Pontiacs Juniors circa 1952: We will need some help with the names here. We see Bill
Robert Derbyshire, Clair Gunn and Ken Phibbs. Email names
ERCA honours annual award winners
Six organizations and individuals were honoured with Essex Region Conservation Awards for their contributions to creating a sustainable fu-
ture for the Windsor-Essex-Pelee Island region.
“It’s very inspiring to have the opportunity to celebrate so many organizations and individuals
who have made an incredible impact in conservation,” said Molly Allaire, who was re-acclaimed as ERCA’s Chair. “We thank them for all of their contri-
butions.”
Winners included:
• Reid Funeral Home: Environmental Achievement for 30 years of planting trees in honour of the families they have served, and creating the Fred Cada Memorial Forest, a six-acre restored forest located at Hillman Marsh, Leamington, with thousands of native Carolinian trees as a living memorial to those who have passed
• Julius Langpeter: John R. Park Homestead Award for more than 25 years of volunteer service to the Homestead, including serving as the site’s lead blacksmith, providing mechanical care and repair of artifacts, and reproducing wooden elements of the historic barns with great skill and care.
• Madison Kemp: Youth Award for her leadership
in the North Star High School’s EcoTeam and engaging and educating students and staff about conservation issues and initiatives.
• Brad and Sherri Nelson: Volunteer Award for service at the John R. Park Homestead, with ERCA fundraising events, in planting thousands of trees and wildflower plants across the region and helping to ensure quality control for other volunteer planters as How-To Crew members, and for raising awareness about sustainable living.
• Allison Kozolanka: Environmental Achievement Award for her leadership with the Unifor 444 Environment Committee in engaging members and the community in environmental issues and initiatives, raising awareness about the proposed
Ojibway National Urban Park and coordinating adoption of the Chrysler Canada Greenway for litter cleanups.
• Town of Amherstburg: Robert Pulleyblank Municipal Environmental Achievement Award for upgrading its Wastewater Treatment Plan, creating a Sanitary Master Plan to guide infrastructure projects and support sustainable development, its commitment to parks and recreation, the Map and Grow project in partnership with the University of Windsor, its Tree Canopy and Natural Vegetation and Protection Enhancement Policy, the transformation of a former sewage lagoon into a vibrant naturalized area, annual Earth Day Tree plantings, phragmites management and more.
Wheatley Legion News
Wheatley Legion Ladies Auxiliary had three teams competing at the Zone Cribbage Tournament on January 17. The team of Donna Corlett, Linda Niehus, Sandy Simpson and Kellie Adamson placed fourth. In fifth place were Anne Marie Chase, Julie Reid, Courtney Reid and Erika Simpson. Taking eighth place were Val Church, Cathy Cabral, Darlene Dundas and Carol Lotsberg. Way to go, ladies!
There were 18 players out for Friday Night Fun Darts on January 30.
Recording five wins were Julie Reid and Glenn Brooker. Four wins: Gord Crook and Rob Baker. Three wins: Bonnie Evoy and Monte Angie. Two wins: Velma Hope, Brad Lutz and Dennis Kiss; Jean Teylouni and Dan Bachmeier; and Ben Baltzer, Jim McClellan and Larry Evoy. There were no lady doublers.
Next Fun Darts Night is Friday, February 6 at Kingsville Legion. Sign-up is at 7 p.m. and play begins at 7:15.
The January 31 Meat Draw winners were Evan Ouellette, Ray Roubos (2), Kyle Hyatt, Pete Jackson (2), Curtis Coulter, Amanda Brown, Mike Imeson, Darlene Dundas and Julie Reid. The Ladies Auxiliary 50/50 draw was won by Craig Howe.
The Legion’s Meat Draws continue every Saturday at Joe’s Bar. Ticket go on sale at 3 p.m. and the draws begin at 3:30. Everyone is welcome.
The 2025 Conservation Award winners, from left: ERCA Vice Chair Jim Morrison, Brad and Sherri Nelson, Amherstburg Mayor Michael Prue, Allison Kozolanka, Madison Kemp, Julius Langpeter, ERCA Chair Molly Allaire and ERCA CAO Tim Byrne. Absent from photo: Reid Funeral Home.
Photo courtesy of ERCA
BUYING
NOW! RIGHT NOW! IS THE TIME TO SELL $$$$$ Your Gold + Silver Jewellery, Sterling Flatware, Coins. GOLD + SILVER is at an ALL TIME HIGH see Dan Jones
B.A.B.Ed. 62 Years Experience. Cash paid Wed. Feb. 4 at the Roma Club, 19 Seacliffe Dr. E. Leamington. Thur. Feb. 5 at Essex Railway Station, 87 Station St. Essex. Fri. Feb. 6 at K of C Hall, 190 Richmond St. Amherstburg. House Calls available for larger amounts. 519-818-1805 ja28-fe4
To apply, please send resumes to Sandra Wolf, Assistant Executive Director at admin@discovery-childcare.ca
PINNACLE ACRES
2078 Talbot Rd. Ruthven, Ontario
SEASONAL WORKERS
Transplanting Production General Labour 8:00-4:00 Mon. to Fri. Some Saturdays. Apply In Person Mon. thru Fri. 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
APARTMENT MANAGERS
REQUIRED - Full time. Must live on site, to manage and maintain apartment building. Janitorial and handyman duties. Position includes apartment and salary. Please forward resumé to P.O. Box 13, Leamington ON N8H 3X4. ja7-tfn
REQUIRES Full time greenhouse general labourers. $17.60/hr 50+ hours, 7 days/wk. Must be available Saturday & Sunday. Work site: 333 County Rd 18, Leamington ON, rural setting, must have own transportation. Crop maintenance and harvesting, other duties as required. Must be able to lift a minimum of 40lbs on a repetitive basis, fast paced environment, strong work ethic, punctual, reliable. No experience or education required. Please apply via email: careers@ pinnacle-acres.com
LIVE-IN CAREGIVER REQUIRED - Looking for capable female to care for 94 year old lady. Must be willing to cook, clean & provide personal care as required with availability on a 24/7 basis. Minimum wage based on 30 hours weekly. Send detailed resume to: momshomecare94@gmail. com. fe4-eow
PACKERS - VEGETABLE GREENHOUSE
Full-time Monday to Saturday • $17.60 per hour No experience necessary - will train.
We are seeking dedicated and detail-oriented Packers to join our team. The ideal candidates will be responsible for efficiently packing and preparing products for shipment, ensuring quality standards are met. This role is vital in maintaining smooth operations within our production process and delivering excellent service to our customers. Prior experience is a plus, we welcome applicants eager to learn new skills. This position offers an engaging work environment where teamwork and attention to detail are highly valued.
Responsibilities:
• Pack products accurately according to specifications and quality standards.
• Inspect produce before packing.
• Capable of lifting up to 25 lbs.
• Maintain a clean and organized packing area.
• Assist with inventory management and restocking supplies as needed.
• Follow safety protocols related to packing area.
Apply: Kingsone Farms Inc. 838 Road 3 East, Kingsville, ON
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
WORD SCRAMBLE
Rearrange the letters to spell something pertaining to Valentine’s Day.
ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20
This week brings a refreshing burst of motivation, Aries. You’ll feel clarity around something that’s been lingering on your mind. Small victories stack quickly — celebrate them.
TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21
Comfort and progress go hand-in-hand this week, Taurus. You’re finding your rhythm and it shows. A financial or practical matter becomes easier than expected.
GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21
Gemini, your natural curiosity lights up your week. Inspiration flows easily, especially through conversations or creative brainstorming. Seek inspiration through collaboration.
CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22
Warmth surrounds you, Cancer. Emotional clarity and a renewed sense of balance help you move forward with plans. Home-related tasks go smoothly.
LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23
Your charm is magnetic right now. This week favors communication, leadership, and bold selfexpression, Leo. You may receive recognition for something you’ve been quietly working on.
VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22
Virgo, your practical brilliance shines. You’ll make great progress on tasks that once felt overwhelming. Health and self-care rituals feel especially rewarding.
LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23
Harmony and connection take center stage this week, Libra. Expect positive interactions, pleasant exchanges and a sense of mutual understanding.
SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22
Momentum builds, Scorpio. You’re stepping into your power with calm confidence. A project or plan gains traction, and your intuition is especially sharp. Trust your instincts.
SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21
Adventure — big or small — calls your name, Sagittarius. You may feel a spark of optimism that carries you through the week. Opportunities abound to learn, explore or connect.
CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20
Capricorn, steady progress and thoughtful planning bring satisfying results. You’re setting foundations that support long-term success. Expect a moment of validation.
AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18
Fresh ideas flow effortlessly, Aquarius. This is a strong week for innovation, problem-solving and collaboration. A new perspective may lead to a resolution.
PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20
Gentle energy lifts your spirits this week, Pisces. Creativity, intuition and emotional ease all run strong. This is an excellent week for dreams or creative pursuits.
FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS
FEBRUARY 1 - Harry Styles, Singer (32)
FEBRUARY 2 Shakira, Singer (49)
FEBRUARY 3 - Isla Fisher, Actress (50)
FEBRUARY 4 - Alice Cooper, Singer (78)
FEBRUARY 5 - Cristiano Ronaldo, Athlete (41)
FEBRUARY 6 - Charlie Heaton, Actor (32)
FEBRUARY 7 Brooks Nader, Model (29)
Sweetheart Showcase Saturday
Skate Wheatley will be hosting its annual Sweetheart Showcase on Saturday, February 7, celebrating the talent and dedication of local skaters at Wheatley Area Arena.
Performances run from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with Pre-Can and CanSkate skaters featured from 10:20 to 10:50 a.m. Everyone is welcome. Admission is by donation.
The “fun”draiser will also include a raffle table, 50/50 draw, vendors and Valentine treats available for purchase.
The organization also recently celebrated the accomplishments of two of their skaters.
Skate Wheatley’s Rachel Symons earned the bronze medal at the Skate Ontario Provincial Qualifier in STAR 7
Artistic on the final weekend of January.
Olivia Zieba also delivered a strong skate and finished 11th in STAR 5 Freeskate.
390 Talbot St. N. Essex
519-776-6447
chrisbabkirk@kenknappford.com
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Flyers take down Chargers, Rebellion; lose to Menace
By C. Scott Holland
Frigid outside temperatures didn’t deter a crowd of 600 from attending last Thursday night’s Leamington Flyers home game versus the seventh place Mississauga Chargers. What they got was a bit of everything: a couple of skirmishes involving several players from both sides, some stellar defensive work and goaltending, and some Leamington scoring.
The Flyers shut out the Chargers 5-0 as goalie Gannon Hunter stopped 35 shots en route to his second shutout of the campaign and the team’s seventh of the season. It also lowered his Goals Against Average to 1.96 and the team’s to 1.98.
On Friday night in Milton, the Flyers lost a hardfought 5-2 battle and then on Sunday at home walloped the King Rebellion 9-1.
At Thursday’s home game, Leamington led 1-0 after 20 minutes then 3-0 after 40. Most of the contest’s havoc occurred at two points – 17:34 of the opening period and 14:59 of the third.
During the first altercation, Chargers’ player Evan White and Flyer Landon Pickersgill were given fighting majors and game misconducts, while several other players received minors and 10-minute misconducts.
The second instance saw both teams have several players sidelined with roughing minors and the Flyers saddled with an extra minor. However, on both Mississauga powerplay chances the Flyers’ defense did not allow them a single scoring attempt on Hunter.
The Flyers slotted the opening goal at 13:28. Ethan Tatomir, who had returned to the lineup after an absence that dates back to early October, found Pickersgill, who laid a backpass to Ashton Darocy. Darocy drove up the middle and blasted a shot that handcuffed Chargers’ goalie Avery Alves during their second powerplay.
The second frame was rather calm and more of a period of back-and-forth scoring attempts. At 3:24, the Flyers cashed in on a powerplay as Brendan Cooke and Ethan Walker moved the puck right to left and Matthew Thomas ripped a one-timer for a 2-0 lead. Darocy upped it to 3-0 when he unleashed a sharp angle shot from the right faceoff circle that caught Alves napping.
In the third, the Flyers’ defense contained the Chargers’ offense while adding two markers to put the result out of the Chargers’ reach. Thomas and Walker had scoring attempts from the doorstep before Spencer Vandenberg pounced on a third rebound and backhanded it past Alves.
Midway through the frame, Reid Hayes and Brayden Degelas laid the groundwork for Walker’s left faceoff circle cannon that sailed into the net for the final Flyers’ tally.
Friday at Milton, despite some defensive struggles, the Flyers trailed 3-2 heading into the third, but an early powerplay goal doubled Milton’s lead and the Flyers never recovered.
Tyler McGuire and Brayden Degelas scored Leamington’s goals. Tre Altiman stopped 21 of 25 shots, while Austin McKillop halted 29 Flyer attempts.
On Sunday back home, it was a scoreless first period
before the Flyers opened the floodgates in the second and built a 5-1 lead.
Ethan Walker paced the team with two goals and added two assists for a four-point night. Jak Thiessen, Brayden Degelas, Vincent Gasquez, Brendan Cooke, Spencer Vandenberg, Josh Cleary and Bryce Belleau ripped one goal apiece to give them the 9-1 win.
Not in the lineup were Brayden Lappalainen, Landon Bernard and Ashton Darocy.
Tre Altiman was in net and stopped 27 shots for his 19th win. Altiman also received his two Goaltender of Month awards, September and December, from league Director of Operations Chris Vanstone.
All Flyers fans should note that the Thursday, February 19 home game versus Buffalo will be Fan Appreciation night.
This Thursday, February 5 the Flyers will host the Georgetown Raiders at 7:10 pm.
CHRIS BABKIRK
Flyers forward Ethan Walker (#27) and defenceman Evan Hjelholt (#6) contain a Chargers shooter whose shot goalie Gannon Hunter stopped during Thursday’s game here. Hunter halted 33 shots en route to his second shutout of the season. Scott Holland photo
Curling Day in Canada provides learning opportunties
By Deanna Bertrand
Curling Day in Canada was celebrated January 31 and locally with free learn-to-curl sessions Saturday afternoon at the Sun Parlour Curling Club in Leamington.
A couple dozen people from ages eight and up were signed up in each of the two draws on the four-sheet ice, according to SPCC general manager Melissa Paine.
Curling Day in Canada was a nation-wide initiative to celebrate curling as our sport and to get peo-
ple who haven’t tried it to come out and learn, she said.
“Curling over the last few years has become very accessible. We have the ability to get someone on the ice in a wheelchair,” Paine said. “And many of our senior members are using sticks now (to deliver the stone).”
“So, even if you feel what you see on TV you can’t do,” she said (such as bending down in the hack to deliver the rock), “there are many other adaptive devices that can
aid in sending that rock down the ice.”
This was the second year the club took part in Curling Day in Canada, with two time slots of 1-3
p.m. and 4-6 p.m. Members also participated in a draw to the button competition.
Paine said that the club has 230 members with
leagues every weekday, and weekends with a juniors league and a learnto-curl league. New members are welcome, she said, and senior members are available to help for the learn to curl format.
More information on the event can be found at sunparlourcurling.com.
‘Girls
Rock’ event coming to curling club Feb. 28
The Sun Parlour Curling Club will host a special Scotties “Girls Rock” Curling Event on Saturday, February 28 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the club, located at 55 Seacliff Drive East in Leamington.
This free, female-led, try-curling event is designed for girls aged 9-16 and focuses on harnessing the power of sport while celebrating strong female role models.
Sun Parlour Curling Club has been selected as one of only 25 curling clubs across Canada to host this special national initiative.
The event offers girls a fun and welcoming introduction to the sport of curling, no experience required.
Participants will enjoy a free afternoon out that includes hands-on curl-
ing instruction, lunch, selfie stations and a cool curling swag bag to take home.
“We are thrilled that our curling club has been selected as one of only a small group across the country to host a Girls Rock curling event,” said Melissa Paine, Chair of the Girls Rock Event Committee. “It is sure to be a wonderfully fun afternoon for the participating girls. Space is limited, so we encourage those interested in attending to register early to avoid disappointment.”
Participation is free, but registration is required as space is limited to 40 participants.
Families interested in registering their girls, ages 9 to 16, or learning more about the event can contact the club by email
Trudy Noel of Windsor tries out curling for the first time getting in the hack and delivering the weighted rock.
Emelia Bondy is shown how to get in the hack to deliver a rock by SPCC member Beverly Chortos at Saturday’s Curling Day in Canada. The Girls Rock event will take place on Saturday, February 28 for girls aged 9-16.
SUN photos by Deanna Bertrand
First time curlers are shown techniques of sweeping at the Curling Day in Canada event. Deanna Bertrand photos
Sharks take three of four as they gear up for playoff push
By Greg Coulter
After knocking off powerhouse Lakeshore 3-2, the Wheatley Omstead Sharks were looking to close the points gap as they aim to get a higher seed in the upcoming playoffs.
Only a career highlight game by Amherstburg netminder Bennett Horrocks last Saturday night, January 31, put a wrench in the Sharks’ plans.
Coach Brad Hyatt summarized the outcome: “We played a dominating game in every aspect except the scoresheet,” in a 3-1 empty-net setback, adding, “their goalie had a tremendous night.”
Provincial Junior Hockey League West Stobbs Standings
The Sharks mastered an impressive 47-17 shot advantage, including a second period 23-4 onslaught. Despite that, they could only narrow a 2-0 deficit by half earlier in the third period on a Kyle Bleau tally with Ethan Davis suffering the tough
LDSS sports report
By Leah Sharon
As the academic pressure of exams approached, Leamington District Secondary School wrapped up an exciting week of athletic competition. Several teams took the court and ice to represent the school with determination, resilience, and pride.
The junior boys basketball team faced a demanding schedule, playing back-to-back games on Monday and Tuesday, January 19 and 20. On Monday night, the team took on L’Essor in a closely contested matchup that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final buzzer. After battling through four periods of basketball and ending tied, the game went into overtime, where the boys narrowly fell 51-48. Although the loss was disappointing, the team displayed remarkable resilience, effort, and heart throughout the game.
The following day, the junior boys returned to action against Cardinal Carter, another Leamington school known for its highly ranked basketball team this season. The boys fought hard but ultimately lost 66-25. Despite the score, the team showed effort and composure against a skilled and well-organized opponent. The team will resume their season after the exam break.
Also on Tuesday, the LDSS curling team delivered an impressive performance against Villanova. The team secured a dominant 8-1 victory, showing their strength in both strategy and precision. A highlight of the match came when LDSS skip Jack Watts delivered his last rock with a perfect curl to the button. The shot prevented the Wildcats from scoring four points and sealed the win. The curling team’s performance made a memorable match to close out the week.
Due to snow days during exams, LDSS students had their P.A. Day moved to Monday, February 2. As a result, the senior girls volleyball game against Essex was once again cancelled, this time without being rescheduled. This ended the girl’s regular season. Despite the setback, the senior girls had already completed a strong regular season, earning them a bye in the first round of playoffs. The team will continue practicing consistently and hopes to play exhibition games to stay sharp and prepared for playoff competition.
loss.
Wednesday prior at home (January 28), the Sharks used a relentless forecheck and timely scoring to throttle Mooretown 5-2. Vito Alfano with two, Josh Chauvin, Josh Bleau and Riley Zanier carried the scoring for the Ethan Davis victory, handling 24 saves with the Sharks firing 33.
In a rare Sunday night home snowstorm makeup game on February 1, the
Sharks used the same aggressive game plan to topple Walpole Island Wild 5-1 for a much-needed Adam Flanagan victory.
Alfano continued his hot hand, notching the hatty with Gavin Wasylyk and Brandon Ferguson adding singles. Sharks blasted 51 shots at the Walpole net, while Flanagan in net for the Sharks made 24 timely saves.
Coach Hyatt heaped on praise for the team’s
efforts. “We’re playing a solid 60 minutes of hockey right now, maintaining our defensive discipline as we control the offence,” he said. “Our penalty kill has been solid as well.”
The Sharks close out the regular season with key games February 4 and February 14 at home versus Dresden and Blenheim, with road tilts on February 6 and February 7 versus Lakeshore and Amherstburg.
MONEY WHERE
HOUSE
After overpowering the Flags defenceman, Sharks Vito Alfano drives the net, deking the netminder, to calmly slide the puck over the line to open the scoring. The Sharks would go on to dominate the home game last Wednesday en route to a convincing 5-2 victory. SUN photo by Greg Coulter
LDSS Curling Team in action recently.
Photo courtesy of Leah Sharon
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