OFF
The water bucket relay and water balloon toss were just two of the many activities for kids at the annual Wheatley Fish Festival over the June 27-29 weekend, with events taking place at the harbour, uptown and at Two Creeks Conservation Area. In the
By Mark Ribble
After a few worrisome hours, fire and municipal officials in Wheatley were able to breathe a sigh of relief this weekend as a new gas leak detected on Thursday, June 26 was mitigated and the situation declared all clear.
About 1:45 pm on Thursday, Chatham-Kent Fire and Rescue crews responded to reports of an odour behind the Wheatley Library branch. It was found that hydrogen sulfide gas was emanating from a small area behind the building.
Once the gas was discovered, an immediate evacuation of the area took place and Windsor Fire Rescue’s Provincial Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) Team was called in to assist. Chatham-Kent Police Service (CKPS) and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) were also on scene to support public safety efforts. As a precaution, the Wheatley Arena was opened as a temporary evacuation centre. Chatham-Kent Employment and Social Services coordinated temporary lodging for all residents displaced by the incident.
Entegris was called to shut off power to much of the town of Wheatley until it was deemed safe to reconnect.
A call was put out to Theresa Watson of T.L. Watson and Associates, who flew in to assess the situation.
As early as Friday morning, people were allowed back into their homes, businesses were open and experts gave the all-clear.
Chatham-Kent Ward One Councillor Lauren Anderson was on hand Friday morning for a news conference at the Fire Station.
“Everyone came together quickly.”
— Lauren Anderson
“We learned a lot from the previous incident,” she said. “Everyone came together quickly.”
Her comments were echoed by Fire Chief Chris Case, who said they evacuated out of an abundance of caution and that the gas flowed from the ground for about four hours.
12-13.
They were able to do some testing Thursday evening and declared that the danger had passed.
Friday’s press conference was attended by Chief Case, Mayor Darrin Canniff, MPP for Chatham-Kent Leamington Trevor Jones and the Ontario Minister of Natural Resources, Mike Harris, as well as Theresa Watson.
Watson said that they hand-excavated the small area behind the library and found an old water well.
“Nothing beyond that two-foot perimeter indicated any gas outside of that area,” she said.
SEE GAS LEAK - PAGE 2
Watson said it may or may not be related to the previous site where the explosion took place in August of 2021. An investigation has begun into that. She indicated that next week they will bring in a company to properly cap the water well and further mitigate any danger. She declared the area fine for annual Fish Festival celebrations over the weekend.
Meanwhile the Fish Festival Committee said, “On with the show!”
And put on a show, they did. Blessed with warm but beautiful weather, the committee came through just as Wheatley is known for doing, and impressed residents and visitors alike.
The scene looking west from the four corners of Wheatley on Thursday, June 26. Fire crews, municipal employees and officials had the area around the Wheatley Library cordoned off and residents in the immediate area were evacuated for the evening. The all-clear was given for residents to return to their homes once the leak was stopped.
Sun photos by Mark Ribble
Lakeside Park.
SATURDAY, JULY 12
GARDEN PARTY AT RUTHVEN UNITED CHURCH - 1:00 - 4:00 pm in celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the United Church of Canada. All ages are welcome to enjoy the beautiful garden, musical entertainment & refreshments. This is a free event.
SATURDAY, JULY 12
PURPLE MARTIN FESTIVAL - 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, rain or shine, Colchester Heritage Schoolhouse Site, 195 Bagot St., Colchester. Vendors, active colonies of purple martins & chimney swifts, guest speakers, bird banding, kids fun & learning centre and more. Free admission. Hosted by Ont. Purple Martin Association. ONGOING
ARE YOU CONCERNED ABOUT SOMEONE’S DRINKING? Al-Anon Family Groups meeting information: 519-790-7739 or www.alanonwindsoressex.com
IF YOU WANT TO DRINK, THAT’S YOUR BUSINESS If you want to stop, we can help. Call Alcoholics Anonymous: 519-999-1234.
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. GriefShare Support Group coming in the fall - Orientation & Registration Event ~ Wednesday, July 30, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
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.
GENTLE EXERCISE at 10:00 am, Wednesdays and Fridays, at Ruthven United Church, 1907 Queen Blvd. No Fee. Registration Required. kingsvillecentre.com.
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. More info: email ErieShoresTM@yahoo.com, Facebook Erie Shores Toastmasters or go to ErieShores.toastmastersclubs.org.
KINGSVILLE COMMUNITY CENTRE CAFE - 9:00 am to noon, Monday, Tuesday and Thursdays, at 1860 Division Rd. N., Free coffee, cookies, wifi and more.
STEP-IT-UP INDOOR POWER WALKING - Mondays and Fridays at 9:15 am, at Grovedale, 103 Park St., Kingsville. No Fee. Registration required. kingsvillecentre.com.
KINGSVILLE COMMUNITY CENTRE TAI CHI - Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Various locations, no fee, registration required. kingsvillecentre.com.
FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE at Leamington United Mennonite Church, 78 Oak St. East, for those who enjoy morning coffee/tea and conversation, the first Wednesday of each month at 10:00 a.m. in church auditorium. All welcome, no RSVP required.
INDIVIDUALS WHO REQUIRE ASSESSMENTS TO ENTER TREATMENT PROGRAMS FOR ADDICTIONS can contact Ian MacNeil, Social Worker with Hotel Dieu Grace Healthcare, located at 33 Princess St. (1st floor) in Leamington, on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. You can leave a message 24/7 at 519-984-2531. Contact Ian at this number for more information.
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.
PROSPERUS COMMUNITY ACTION NETWORK ADVOCACY WORKING GROUPS ARE LOOKING FOR PEOPLE (age 15+) who want to use their voice to make change in Leamington. Unlocking Potential - Cradle to Career. Discuss community issues, raise awareness, host community events, hear guest speakers, write advocacy letters, attend council meetings. For meeting dates & location or more information, contact Karlene at 519259-6148 or email knielsen@weareunited.com.
COMMUNITY TAKEOUT IS AVAILABLE at Leamington United Church, 4:00 - 5:00 pm every Monday. St. John’s Anglican Church also has takeout meals available every Wednesday from 4:00 - 5:00 pm. Food is available from St. Vincent De Paul at St. Michael’s Parish 226-340-7233, Salvation Army Food Bank 9:15 - 11:45 am. The warming Cross at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Food Cupboard at St. John’s Anglican church, The Bridge (ages 14-24), Food Pantry at Parkdale Variety, neighbourhood pantry at Erie South and Marlborough and the Angel Pantry at St. John’s Anglican Church. All are free. All are welcome.
COMMUNITY ANGEL CLOTHING CUPBOARD OPEN WEDNESDAYS - appointments preferred, walk-ins are welcome 11:00 am - 2:00 pm. Call 519-326-3111 to book your appointment. All are welcome! Free! St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church, 60 Erie St. N., Leamington. Donated gently used clothing for men, women and children of all ages.
HURON FARMWORKERS MINISTRY takes place Thursday afternoons at 4:00 p.m. at St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church, 60 Erie St. N., Leamington. Workers can access a simple meal, clothing, food items, spiritual care and employment/immigration information. The program is in need of used or new bicycles to assist workers with transportation. Contact Deacon Deborah Wilson-Safa at 519-326-3111.
VOLUNTEER TUTORS NEEDED - the United Way’s On Track to Success program is looking for individuals to help tutor high school students in Leamington in English, Math and/or Science. The program is offered at both LDSS & Cardinal Carter. Volunteer shifts available Monday to Thursday from 2:30 - 4:30 p.m. If interested, contact Maia Williamson at mwilliamson@weareunited.com
On Friday, June 27, the Municipality of Leamington formally dedicated a new sign at the Leamington Marina in memory of the late Councillor John Jacobs, naming the marina roadway “John Jacobs Way” in his honour. Councillor Jacobs passed away in 2020 while serving his third term
on Leamington Council. First elected in 2010, John was a dedicated and engaged member of Council, known for his commitment to the community and active participation on numerous municipal committees throughout his political career.
An avid boater, John spent many days on the
water and was a familiar face at the Leamington Marina. To those who knew him, being near the lake was a defining part of who he was – what many may have referred to as “John Jacobs Way.”
The sign serves as a lasting tribute to John’s love of the waterfront and his many years of public ser-
Sun photo
The
vice to the Municipality of Leamington.
“We are proud to honour John’s legacy in a place that meant so much to him,” said Mayor Hilda MacDonald. “John Jacobs Way is more than just a roadway; it represents his deep connection to our waterfront, his dedication to the community, and the meaningful contributions he made over the course of his service.”
The sign is prominently located along the marina access route, offering vis-
itors a reminder of John’s lasting impact and the role he played in shaping the Leamington we know today.
A second photo with local paramedics and John’s children was taken on Saturday, June 28.
The annual UFCW Local 175 and 633 Employee Appreciation barbecues took place last month at the Cavendish and Milo Fais
plants in Wheatley and the Highbury Canco plant in Leamington. The Milo Fais event, held June 19, went well despite
some rain. The Highbury event the next day enjoyed lots of sunshine.
UFCW organizer Helene Caine says the event has
been taking place for over 25 years, with proceeds going to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada.
Donations from the employers and area businesses provided every member with a chance to win a prize.
When the donations were totalled, the Cavendish/Milo Fais BBQ raised $3,191.15, while the Highbury BBQ raised $2,751.
Leamington is getting a second boardwalk along Seacliff Beach.
At the council meeting of June 24, the municipality’s manager of public works, Ken Brown, brought forth a report and motion on a second boardwalk being installed along the beach and a new archway sign at each end.
addition to a $30,000 donation from Enbridge for the boardwalk.
The sign funding was already in place in 2023 but the sign has yet to be tendered.
In 2023, the existing boardwalk was installed on the beach, which links Seacliff Park to the Leamington Dock and the Marina Promenade.
Countless residents have used the board walk on a regular basis — both on foot and on bicycles.
Four bids came in on the boardwalk build and the lowest tender was Boudreau Contracting out of Harrow, who gets the nod for the job at $132,000.
When the 2025 budget was being set last fall, council approved capital spending on a second boardwalk in order to separate cyclists from pedestrians. The move will also extend the boardwalk path another 62 feet toward the water’s edge, so that with the help of the accessibility mat, people with accessibility issues will be able to reach close to the water’s edge.
Funding will come from the 2025 capital budget, in
Council voted unanimously to pass the motion.
By Mark Ribble
The Sun Parlour Amateur Radio Club (SPARC) participated in their annual Field Day on the weekend of June 28-29, as members came together on Tim Mousseau’s Lakeshore farm to make contact with thousands of amateur radio enthusiasts across North America.
The largest amateur radio club in Southwestern Ontario, SPARC has over 50 members, spread out over Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent, with a recent expansion into Sarnia-Lambton.
Each year, on the sec-
ond-to-last weekend in June, amateur radio enthusiasts across North America participate in the Field Day, keeping their skills honed for emergency preparedness.
Every municipal plan must have an agreement with a local amateur radio club as a backup for communications in the event of a disaster such as a tornado, flood, earthquake or even a hydro blackout.
The club was able to purchase a new communications trailer with funds raised through their involvement with Chances Gaming Lounge.
Each member uses their codename to help others identify who they are contacting.
The club uses three different stations — communicating through computer code, over the phone and through Morse Code — logging every contact for points. Extra points are given for municipal officials visits, media coverage and other special items.
Last year, the club made over 2,000 contacts across North America and into the Caribbean, and had the highest score in Canada for their class.
Whether
Come
Well, here we are almost one week into July and putting Canada Day behind us.
Just as it was in the summer of ’69, I feel like it’s all coming back to me now.
Canada Day is still the one holiday where we can celebrate our sovereignty.
Whether you’re in Bobcaygeon workin’ for the weekend, or spending time in Sudbury Saturday night, you’ll be glad to share the land with somebody.
Often we don’t get credit for our patriotism, but in some ways, we’re ahead by a century. And just between you and me, if I had a million dollars, I’d put on the biggest Canada Day party you’ve ever seen.
Our sovereignty is closer to the heart than we will often admit. It’s ironic that they say that we are a qui-
et bunch, but you oughta know that isn’t true.
Canadians spend everyday taking care of business, whether you’re driving a big yellow taxi, doing a rain dance or searching for a heart of gold.
From Vancouver to Halifax, and all the wheat kings in between, this land is your land. It can be complicated, but the power of love will usually pull us through.
A free man in Paris once said that you need to love yourself above anyone else. And that old man is from Paris, so he should know. It’s all been done before.
For what it’s worth, each and every sundown is a blessing in these seasons in the sun, whether you’re a snowbird who visits a southern man every Christmas and decides to stay
awhile, or someone who enjoys the sights, signs and sounds of Canadian winters.
The Americans are sitting there, waiting for us to turn off the light, but we continue building a mystery, staying out of the limelight and have no time for such nonsense. It’s almost like we’ve never seen the light of day.
As I stand tall with my hand in my pocket, realizing I’ve been everywhere I’d ever want to go, watching the patio lanterns sway under the weight of fish flies, I’m content. If you could read my mind, you’d know that nobody can steal my sunshine and you ain’t seen nothing yet.
A few summers back, I was able to raise a little hell at a little place north of Tillsonburg called Echo Beach.
In the summer of 2018, we visited the local cruise night in Bradford, with dozens of classic cars, many from the 1950s, the decade when I first got hooked on cars!
When I saw this 1957 Olds two-door hardtop, it took me back to age 14 when I saw these cars in showrooms in Toronto.
The first detail to catch my eye was the beautiful red and cream two-tone finish with period-perfect whitewalls. I walked around the car, then snapped the photo you see here. Check out those three rear windows –only in ’57 and only on Olds and the Buick Special and Century.
The big continental kit at the back extended the
length of the car by several inches and was inspired by the rear-mounted spare on the 1940 Lincoln Continental, a styling masterpiece thanks to Edsel Ford. This 1957 Olds was named after Ransom Eli Olds (1864-1950), who brought out the popular Curved
Bill Sherk
Dash Olds in 1901. The last Oldsmobile was built in 2004 but many millions are still on the road.
This 1957 Olds hardtop is a dazzling example of 1950s styling.
You could say that we didn’t have a bad day all week, especially after switching to glide. Life is a highway, and it takes four strong winds to make you wear your sunglasses at night, even for a bevy of painted ladies. But we all have to try, so try we will and once we’re immortalized on black velvet, the weight of the world lifting off our shoulders, this is
Born Marvin Lee Aday on September 27, 1947, in Dallas, Texas, he was loved and known in his prime simply as Meat Loaf.
With worldwide sales being more than 30 million copies, his 1977 release of “Bat Out of Hell” is by far one of the most enduring albums of the rock era.
Spending 82 weeks on Billboard may seem impressive, but it pales in comparison to the 450 plus-week stay it had on the British album charts. That makes it the longest charting album of all time.
Still, Meat Loaf found it difficult to follow up this incredible solo debut effort. It also was difficult for Meat Loaf as he ended up having a falling out with his longtime friend and songwriter Jim Steinman.
Future albums produced by Tom Dowd, Frank Farian and others did not do as well, and Meat Loaf ended up facing bankruptcy and losing his voice for a while.
how you remind me.
Mark Ribble
In the end, these eyes have seen it all and these ears have witnessed the spirit of radio. We were all born to be wild, and a little closer to heaven, we’re here for a good time, not a long time, just like Brian Wilson.
It would be insensitive of me to shrug off these sunny
Call it luck or a strange change in 1984 at the Power Station, but Meat Loaf ran into his old mate Jim Steinman who was now producing Bonnie Tyler. As Steinman recalled, “I hadn’t seen him in four years and it was like nothing happened.”
days, but I’m lovin’ every minute of it.
In honour of Canada’s birthday, I’ve hidden 67 Canadian song titles in this column. See how you make out.
Happy belated Canada Day.
Reynolds
They agreed to do another album. Meat Loaf was recording the album “Bad Attitude” at the time, but he and Steinman agreed to work together again and do a follow-up to the “Bat”.
Meat Loaf approached his record labels (Arista in the U.K. and RCA in the U.S.) about the idea but found no interest. However, he was determined to reunite with Steinman and asked for his release. That meant making one more album released in Britain called “Meat Loaf Live”. However, it was released in the U.S.
With all this going on, Meat Loaf was signed to
MCA in the U.S. and with Virgin for the rest of the world for two and a half years before he walked into a studio to record “Bat Out of Hell II: Back into Hell”. He kept extra busy by playing over 200 dates a year before all work stopped in 1991.
Meat Loaf’s greatest hit was by far his powerfully written song by Jim Steinman called “I’d Do Anything For Love (But I Won’t Do That)”. It held down the top spot on Billboard Magazine for five weeks in a row, from November 6,1993 until December 11, 1993. Edited down from its 12-minute running time on the album to just 5:08, it was truly a masterpiece for Meat Loaf and Jim Steinman. Amen.
Furtado 36. Building A Mystery - Sarah McLachlan 37. Limelight - Rush
38. Light of Day - Jody Raffoul
39. Stand Tall - Burton Cummings
40. Hand In My Pocket - Alanis Morissette
41. I’ve Been Everywhere - Hank Snow
42. Patio Lanterns - Kim Mitchell
43. If You Could Read My Mind - Gordon Lightfoot
44. Steal My Sunshine - Len
45. You Ain’t Seen Nothin’ Yet - BTO
46. Raise A Little Hell - Trooper
47. Tillsonburg - Stompin’ Tom
48. Echo Beach - Martha and the Muffins
49. Bad Day - Daniel Powter
50.
51.
52.
53.
54.
55. Try - Blue Rodeo
56. Black Velvet - Alannah Myles
57. The Weight - The Band
58. How You Remind Me - Nickleback
59. These Eyes - The Guess Who
60. Spirit of Radio - Rush
61. Born To Be Wild - Steppenwolf
62. Heaven - Bryan Adams
63. Here For A Good Time - Trooper
64. Brian Wilson - Barenaked Ladies
65. Insensitive - Jann Arden
66. Sunny Days - Lighthouse
67. Lovin’ Every Minute Of It - Loverboy
On Wednesday, June 25, the Kingsville Music Society presented $1,000 MAY Fund scholarships to students Gianluca Villella and Owen Theriault, recognizing their outstanding talent and commitment to the arts.
The awards are part of the Society’s ongoing efforts to support local youth pursuing post-secondary studies in music and the arts.
Gianluca Villella is pursuing a Bachelor of Music at the Universi-
ty of Western Ontario, while Owen Theriault is studying Image Arts: Film Studies at Toronto Metropolitan University.
“These scholarships recognize not only artistic ability, but a clear dedication to continued creative growth,” says Michele Law, Executive Director of the Kingsville Music Society. “The board of directors selected Gianluca and Owen from an impressive group of applicants, and we are excited to support
AND
Overhead Doors and Docks Automatic Doors and Entry Systems
them as they begin their next chapter.”
Funded through community donations and fundraising initiatives, the MAY (Music and Arts for Youth) Fund provides scholarships, lesson subsidies, instrument rentals, and other support to help local youth access music and arts education.
Visit their website kingsvillemusicsociety. com for more information.
SATURDAY, JULY 12 • 10 AM - 4 PM Colchester Heritage Schoolhouse Site, 195 Bagot St., Colchester A beautiful green space with established colonies of Purple Martins and Chimney Swifts. Dozens of Vendors•Bird Banding Speakers•Presentations Kid’s Fun & Learning Activities •and more! Hosted by the Ontario Purple Martin Association www.ontariopurplemartins.ca
By Gary Boyle
The Backyard Astronomer
The moon is by far the most observed object in the sky. Whether spotted during the day when mostly fully illuminated or gazed upon at night, our natural satellite amazes us.
For centuries the moon has been portrayed in works of literature, paintings and songs. There are even ancient artifacts of a flat piece of animal bone with notches etched into it. The cave dweller at the time was recording the ever-changing lunar phases.
Because of its 29.5-day rotation around the earth from full phase to the next full phase, we see a slightly different face each night. This is the best time to examine the lunar terrain with a telescope as long shadows drape across the terminator – the dividing line between the lit and unlit side of the moon.
When the moon rises in the east at the same time the sun sets in the west, it appears perfectly round and is now 100% illuminated. By the way, the dark band rising in or near the moon is the Earth’s shadow. The full moon is the worst time to examine it with a telescope as the moon appears one-dimensional – a circle with smaller circles on it.
We do not just call it the full moon. Each month of the calendar year is assigned a name. The most common reference we have heard is the Hunter’s Moon in October but there are 11 others. Dating back hundreds of years, some early Native American tribes only used the four seasons as their calendar, while other tribes adopted a 12-month system of full moons reflecting the conditions of that time of year.
The various names given for each month are still found in the Farmer’s Almanac. Notice the pattern of sea-
sonal change from month to month: January - The Full Wolf Moon, February - The Full Snow Moon, March - The Full Worm Moon, April - The Full Pink Moon, May - The Full Flower Moon, June - The Full Strawberry Moon, July - The Full Buck Moon, August - The Full Sturgeon Moon, September - The Full Corn or Harvest Moon, October - The Full Hunter’s Moon, November - The Full Beaver Moon, and December - The Full Cold Moon.
There are times when there are two full moons in the same month. One appears on the first or second of the month with the assigned name while the second full moon is seen on the 30th or 31st. This is called the Blue Moon occurring about every 30 months or so.
Another term we hear in the news is a Super Moon. Coined by an astrologer back in 1979, it is the combination of the Full Moon and its closest approach to the Earth. The moon has an elliptical orbit with a 50,000 km variance. During a Super Moon, it appears 14% larger and 30% brighter than when it is farthest from us.
The moon is tidally locked to the Earth so we only see one side. So the next time you look at the moon, you are looking at the exact same face as did your ancestors dating back hundreds of years.
In Loving Memory of Jeffrey Thomas Bradley
July 21, 1975 – July 2, 1995
Some days it seems like yesterday, Some days it seems so long ago. Your friends have now turned 50, But you remain forever young. Catch up with you later Jeff. Love Mom & Dad
It’s no secret we live in very interesting times. The ever-changing economy, tariffs, world conflicts, rising costs of everything, immigration issues, and so much more are having impacts on our daily lives.
For our farmers, changing conditions have always been part of their makeup. Every year, the weather is different from the year before. Every year, crop prices fluctuate, which means farmers have to be very adept in making changes to their farm management business. This is much easier said than done, as planting decisions, including the purchase of seeds and fertilizers, are done well ahead of planting season. For example, look at the canola farmers in Western Canada. They purchased their seed and fertilizer last year. They didn’t know China would be imposing 100% retaliatory tariffs on canola oil and meal in March of this year. This was in response to Canada’s duties on Chinese electric vehicles, aluminum and steel.
Canada sends about $5 billion of canola products to China annually.
Canola meal is a high-protein animal feed, produced after the seeds have been crushed at processing plants. About one-fifth of Canada’s canola exports to China last year was meal, val-
ued at over $900 million.
During my years with the soybean sector, we were faced with shrinking markets and rising competition. Thankfully, many forward thinking people before my time decided we should develop a niche market for selling Canadian soybeans, that being foodgrade soybeans. Most of the world’s soybean crop is crushed to produce soybean oil and soybean meal, similar to what happens with canola.
Kim Cooper
Food-grade soybeans are used for the production of tofu, soymilk, miso, tempe, and many other soyfood products.
Canadian soybean breeders worked on developing certain traits in these soybeans our buyers were desiring. Our largest export market for food-grade soybeans for many years was Japan. The U.S. was our main competitor, but at that time, their marketing strategy was to sell Japan what they had, whereas Canada took time to find out what these Japanese buyers, and buyers in other countries, were looking for in terms of soybean traits.
One of my roles was to explore the potential for food-grade soybeans in other countries, as well as
visiting with our existing buyers. For over 20 years, I traveled to over 35 countries, to help maintain and look for new markets for our food-grade soybeans. Our various Canadian agriculture sectors do an extremely good job in developing new food products and new buyers. However, this takes time and money and does not happen in a few short months.
To simply say we will not ship food products to the U.S. is unrealistic, as food products cannot just sit around and wait for new buyers.
Diversification of products and end use buyers in different countries continues to be a priority of all our agriculture partners in Canada.
We have productive, efficient and safe food sectors in our country. Our governments, and we as consumers, need to ensure our agriculture sector will be around for many more years.
Kim Cooper has been involved in the agribusiness sector for over 45 years. He can be reached at kim.e.cooper@gmail.com
Award-winning author and music aficionado Tom Locke will be in Leamington and Kingsville this month to talk about his books Moments In Time and Moments in Time 2.0.
Tom’s knack for mu-
sic anecdotes from the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s will bring a smile and have memories come flooding back.
His fascinating behind-the-scenes stories will definitely make you think about all of those
songs and artists you loved growing up.
He will take his informative talk to the Grovedale Arts and Culture Centre (103 Park Street) in Kingsville on Wednesday, July 16 at 1:30 pm. Preregistration is appre-
ciated but not required. Admission is free.
He will then be talking about his books at the Leamington Branch of the Essex County Public Library on Thursday, July 17 at 6 pm. Admission is free.
Wheatley Two Creeks Conservation Association welcomes Crack the Whip to the Two Creeks stage on Sunday, July 6 at 6 p.m. The Windsor classic rock/dance band features Luc Allaire, Mike Burke, Rick Carr, Kelly Carr and Brett Lajoie. Admission is free, but the hat is passed to help offset costs. Food and drinks are available from the Scouts. Bring lawn chairs or a blanket. Two Creeks is on Kent Rd. 1, a kilometre north of Wheatley. For the full summer lineup, check out www.twocreeks.ca.
possibly prevent future repairs and extend your denture usage before having to replace it.
Denture Repairs - If your denture is cracked or missing a tooth you can bring it into Shreve Denture Clinic for our efficient same-day repair service.
Same-day Appointments Available able to be completed the same day.
18,
3:00 PM - 4:30
25, 2025 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
1, 2025 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM August 8, 2025 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM August 15, 2025 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM August 22, 2025 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
By Joan Cope
In its early years, a passionate speech to Lions at the International Lions Clubs Foundation convention at Cedar Point, Ohio, had such an impact it helped shape this service organization forever.
In her crusade against darkness, Helen Keller urged Lions to become “Knights of the Blind”. It was a powerful call to action. Although she was both blind and deaf, Helen Keller became a renowned speaker and advocate. From that day in 1925, to today, 100 years later – Vision remains a primary humanitarian pillar for Lions.
In Calgary, Alberta, established in 1997, there resides the Canadian Lions Eyeglass Recycling Centre, known as CLERC. At this distribution location run by volunteers, well over 6,000,000 used eyeglasses, collected by Lions across Canada, have been sorted, repaired and sent to over 100 different developing countries. Both prescription and non-prescription eyeglasses are collected, including broken pairs. Similarly for sunglasses. As used eyeglasses have no commercial value, any that are collected are thus repurposed for others in need and not discarded to landfills
Currently, Kingsville Lions Club aids in this huge Lions effort by placing eyeglass collection boxes at three Kingsville optometrist locations. KLC is most grateful to the local optometrists for their help.
Lion Gayle Palmer looks after the initiative, averaging over 100 pairs per month. KLC plans to soon place additional collection boxes at other venues in the community. Stay posted.
Kingsville Friendly Club
Vice-President Dave Patterson welcomed 42 out to play cards at the Unico Centre on Tuesday, June 24, welcoming back Dave Malley.
Bridge: Kim Hamm 4930, Bert Patrick 4200, Roy Trowell 3930. Euchre: Dave Snider 97, Dave Malley 93, Tom Dewhurst 92. Most lone hands: Dave Malley and John Gerhardt 5. Pepper: Sue Girardin 250, Rick Wynants 242,
Carrie Schultz 240. Most peppers: Kathy Hedge 6. Door prize winners were Sally Bell, Carolyn Brown and Bob Bell. There were no scores available for the card games on June 27. There were 45 who came out to play bridge, euchre and pepper. Thanks to Nancy Taylor for the special Canada Day cookies. The club will be at the new (old) location at the Lions Hall on Friday, July 4.
Assunta “Susie” Quadrini, 81 years, passed away surrounded by family at the Leamington Mennonite Home on Friday, June 27, 2025. Loving wife of Joe. Dear Mother to Nando (Kimberly) and David (Brenda). Beloved Nonna to Maghen (Caleb), McKinnon, Ashton, Brooklyn, sister to Gino Saccucci (Sandy) and Ada Urbano (late Umberto). Susie, as she was affectionately known, was a shining light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her journey on this earth was one marked by love and compassion. Her passing has left a void in the hearts of her family, friends and many more whose lives she touched. We ask that you remember her not for the way her life ended, but for the way it was lived, and for the profound impact it had on the lives of those who had the pleasure of knowing her. She will be missed by many nieces, nephews, in-laws and friends in Italy, Canada and the United States.
Visitation was at the Reid Funeral Home, 14 Russell Street, Leamington (519-326-2631) on Monday, June 30, 2025, from 3-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m.
Funeral service was held from the Funeral Home on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at 10 a.m. Entombment at Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery.
Share words of comfort and cherished memories www.reidfuneralhome.ca
Students from Mr. Betterley’s JK/SK class and Mlle Mastronardi’s Grade 2/3 class at Gore Hill Public School have made a meaningful impact beyond their classroom walls through a special community project supported by the Rotary Club of Windsor-Essex.
The two classes applied for and were awarded a “One of a Kind, Kids Grant”, which they used to create inspirational bracelets for
children and youth staying at the Ronald McDonald House. Each bracelet was carefully crafted with positive messages, designed to bring comfort, encouragement, and a sense of connection to young patients during their hospital stay.
The project was a collaborative effort, with students working together to design, assemble and package the bracelets with care and compassion. Their dedication to
spreading kindness and supporting others is a shining example of the values we strive to instill in our students every day.
Recently, Elaine Snaden from the Rotary Club visited Gore Hill to personally recognize the students’ efforts. She presented both classes with a special certificate of appreciation and gifted them a soccer ball to enjoy together as a symbol of teamwork and community spirit.
Local author Andrea Warkentin held a book launch and signing in Leamington on Friday, June 20.
Andrea and her daughter Kathe collaborated on their first book, titled Do Not Lick The Teacher — a playful picture book filled with rhymes, silly comparisons and Kindergarten classroom moments that will feel familiar to teachers and students alike.
The idea came from Andrea’s several years
spent teaching Kindergarten. On occasion, Kathe came to help in her classroom. After one particularly grueling day, as they were driving home, Kathe suggested that Andrea could write a book about all the things that happened. It was on this trip home that the first line and title of the book were born.
The book was self-published through Friesen Press.
Proof of obituary to run
“It still feels surreal,” says Andrea. “My friend
July 2, 2025
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Douglas Franklin, 88 years, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, at Erie Shores HealthCare on Thursday, June 26, 2025.
Thank you.
Loving husband of Fritz. Predeceased by his first wife Evelyn and son Jim. Dear father to Julie Reid (Matthew). Beloved papa to Courtney. Stepfather to Rick, Mike, Kelly and family. Gone to be with his parents Pauline and Earl, and his siblings Catherine and Richard. Survived by many nieces and nephews.
Douglas was a pioneer in the fishing industry.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations made by cheque to The Bridge or Windsor Cancer Society would be appreciated.
Visitation was at the Reid Funeral Home, 14 Russell Street, Leamington (519-326-2631) on Monday, June 30, 2025 from 2-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m.
Funeral Service to celebrate Douglas’s life was held from the Funeral Home on Tuesday, July 1, 2025 at 11 a.m. Interment at Erie Cemetery, Wheatley. Share words of comfort and cherished memories at www.reidfuneralhome.ca
Valerie hosted a book launch and signing. I was thrilled to be surrounded by dear friends who have encouraged my creativity over the years. “ Do Not Lick the Teacher is currently available online through Indigo books, McNally Robinson Booksellers and Friesen Press Bookstore or through Andrea at andiwark73@ gmail.com.
Dr. Randy Armstrong, 75 years, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 23, 2025 at Ewart Angus SPRINT Home, Toronto.
Beloved husband of Cynthia Armstrong (Casper). Dear father of Sarah (Andrew Ipekian) and David Armstrong (Patricia), all of Toronto. Loving Grandpa of Luke and James Ipekian, Lexi and Asher Armstrong. Dear brother of the late Robert Armstrong (Susan) and Loree (Jerry Beniuk). Brother-in-law of Robert Casper (Jennifer). Randy will be missed by several nieces and nephews.
Randy was a practicing dentist in Leamington, in partnership with his wife, Cynthia, for over 40 years. Cremation has taken place and a family gathering will take place at a later date.
Memorial donations may be made to SPRINT Senior Care https://www.sprintseniorcare.org/donate/donate-now/ or by contacting Reid Funeral Home, 14 Russell Street, Leamington, 519-326-2631.
Rearrange the letters to spell something pertaining to swimming.
ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20
Career developments may be a bit unclear this week, Aries. Your motivation may need a little extra boost. You might have to consider if a career change is in order.
TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21
A lack of information is proving confusing, Taurus. If you suspect there’s more details to uncover, choose a course of action and do your best to get as clear a picture of the situation as possible.
GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21
Keep your money in your wallet this week, Gemini. You might want to spend it or give it away impulsively and that could affect your finances in an impactful way.
CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22
Cancer, this isn’t a good time to sign contracts or make any significant purchases. Keep your money safe and try to keep your savings account full at this point.
LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23
People have been asking you to take on too many responsibilities lately, Leo. This could be stressing you out or taking away from your own needs. Learn to turn others away for now.
VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22
Virgo, this week may present an opportunity to restore your self-confidence. For too long you have been floundering and not finding the traction you need and deserve.
LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23
Libra, something could be distorting your perspective right now and making it difficult to concentrate and communicate. Take a few days off from your responsibilities.
SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22
Scorpio, after some gloomy feelings the last few weeks, good news has you feeling like you are on cloud nine. Savor it and celebrate.
SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21
This is a good week to try to enhance your love life, Sagittarius. Take every opportunity to woo your significant other, and plan a special event for the two of you.
CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20
You may want some magical force to whisk away all of the little difficulties that have been affecting you, Capricorn, but it will require hard work to do that.
AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18
Lately there have been a lot of thoughts swirling through your head, so much so that you can’t get any peace, Aquarius. It may be beneficial to sit down with someone to talk it out.
PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20
Pisces, try something new this week even if it scares you. It is good practice to challenge yourself once in a while to test your resilience to change.
FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS
JUNE 29 - Camila Mendes, Actress (31)
JUNE 30 - Mike Tyson, Boxer (59)
JULY 1 - Pamela Anderson, Actress (58)
JULY 2 - Margot Robbie, Actress (35)
JULY 3 Patrick Wilson, Actor (52)
JULY 4 - Post Malone, Musician (30)
JULY 5 Sean O’Pry, Model (36)
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Keep your dollars in Canada to support local businesses and strengthen communities.
Back row, from left, are Sharon Latam, Tayler Wiens, Christina Janzen, Mckayla Peters.
Middle row: Shannon Douglas, Tyson Bergen, Peter Martens, Brayden Horne, Marissa Tonks.
In front are Natalia Good and Sadie Renwick.
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REQUIRES Full time greenhouse general labourers. $17.20/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
Wed. July 16 at Essex Railway Station, 87 Station St. Essex. Thur., July 17 at Roma Club, 19 Seacliffe Dr. E. Leamington. Fri. July 18 at K of C Hall, 190 Richmond St., Amherstburg. 9:00 am - 4:00 pm all 4 days. Cash Paid for ALL GOLD, SILVER, Jewellery, all coins; Canada, USA, loose coins to complete collections, World War Medals, Windup Watches, Mintsets, Old paper money FREE ESTIMATES NO OBLIGATION **Locally Owned** Always Paying more than the Brochures you get in the mail from the Quebec company. Best to deal Local $$$. Housse calls available for larger amounts. Dan Jones B.A.B.Ed. 519818-1805. jn10-jl9
ZEN PETS GROOMINGCPPS Certified Groomer in Leamington. 16 years experience. For all your pet grooming needs, please call or text 519-564-9620 or message me on Facebook. mr1-tfn
dustin.kossom@jumprealty.ca
Dustin: 519-919-3122
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Tea: 519-819-5740 dustinandtea.com
CHRIS BABKIRK
390 Talbot St. N. Essex
519-776-6447 chrisbabkirk@kenknappford.com
Wednesday, July 2, 2025
By Mark Ribble
The annual PureKids Triathlon took place Sunday, June 29 at the NatureFresh Farms Recreation Centre in Leamington with 113 active youngsters braving the heat to get through their courses.
The event began some 37 years ago as the Kids of Steel event, organized by Richard and Pauline Kniaziew and a small group of volunteers.
Today the triathlon is sponsored by Pure Flavor Farms as the platinum sponsor and the volunteer group numbers in the dozens of local running, biking and swimming enthusiasts.
The five-and-under group swam a 12 metre
course inside the complex and then came outside for a 100 metre bike ride and finished it up with a 20 metre dash to the finish line. There were 19 competitors at that age group.
The other groups had their distances increased incrementally according to age.
Emcee Dave Orshinsky led the charges through their course with lots of encourgagement and shout-outs from the announcer’s tent and W.R.A.C.E. was on-hand to attend to the timing and results.
All enjoyed medals and treats after the race, including sandwiches from Subway, one of the sponsors of the event.
By Bob McLean
On June 24 there were 50 Talbot Trail senior men’s golfers who participated on a beautiful, but very hot, somewhat muggy day. Good grief, Charlie Brown! Did you hear about super senior Andy Orsini’s, incredible 40-foot LP putt on #2? No, but I saw Clarky’s winning CP shot to within six feet of the #9 pin.
Ken Kreuger won low gross again by firing a sensational 37. Pearcie was close behind with his impressive 39. Rick Thompson, Joe Drummond and Dutchy shot excellent 40s. Nasher and John Liddell merited terrific 41s, and BW and Fred Michano produced superb 42s. Both Doug Langlois and Dave Clark achieved very commendable 45s. The following players recorded scores that were less than 50: Fuzzy, Trigger, Tim Will, Ray Foster, Nick
Peters, Chopper, Richard Humber, Schmitty, Paul Harrison, Dave Dent, Wiz. A number of players improved last week’s scores.
There were five nifty 50 participants: Al Kidd, Dave Tonks, Karl Werner, Al Wass and Gerry (the kid) Becigneul.
The super seniors played well again. Off the gold tees, 93 year old Gerry B. shot a very inspiring 50. Neil Adamson and Carl Robinson earned solid results of 49 and 51 respectively. Off the silver tees, Andy Orsini shot a very impressive 48. He was closely followed by Tom Hyatt, Gary Wilson and Walter Balsam.
The league’s next scramble is on Tuesday, July 15. The travel excursion to WRGC is on Monday, July 14. Sign up ASAP!
My game is so bad, I had to have my ball retriever regripped!
The Erie Shores senior men’s league had a great day of golf on a very hot and humid June 23.
The draw winners were Joe Verhoeven and Don Chalcraft. Closest to the hole on #3 was Orest Hrynewich and on #16 Cam Perrault.
The longest putt on #3 was by Randy Bradley and on #16 by Tom Miehl.
The three low net winners were Peter Harb 64, Scott Maxwell 66, and Gerhard Klassen 68.
The low rounds for the day
were by Bill Ruiter 76 and Ken Steingart 78.
Ross Clark birdied the first hole, Orest Hrynewich and Dick Segedin birdied #3, Ken Steingart, Cam McKay and Ollie Mastronardi #4, and Bill Ruiter had an eagle on the 4th and a bird on #6. Dave Binder birdied #6, Cam Perrault #8, Gerhard Klassen #9, Bill Manery #12 and #16, Kevin Joh also #16, and Ken Cobby finished the birdies with one on #17. Congratulations to Bill Ruiter for his eagle on the 4th hole.
The following are the top-scoring teams in recent Bridge games at the Leamington Half Century Centre. Bridge lessons are available. If interested, call 519-7384939.
June 27: 1st Henry Hildebrand and Derek Parry, 2nd Dale Smith and Dave Derbyshire, 3rd Tracy Mitchell-Robinet and Lori McMullen.
The 10U Leamington Lakers rode a five-game winning streak to the championship of a AAA baseball tournament in LaSalle on the weekend of June 27-29.
The Lakers kicked off the tournament by beating the LaSalle Titans T2 by a 14-8 score on Friday.
Saturday, they played two great games with victories over the Mississauga North AAA Tigers (7-3) and the Riverside AAA Royals (5-4). Those victories set the stage for Sunday’s semi-final game against cross-county rival Woodslee Orioles. The Lakers
had to come from behind to defeat the Orioles 7-5 and punch their ticket to the championship game. They met up with Mississauga North AAA
again in the final, and again stormed back from the four-run deficit to win the championship with a 6-4 win.
By Mark Ribble
Local reader Chris Jakob brought an old Leamington Post into the office last week — more specifically the sports section — and that small section of old newspaper reminded me that Leamington’s strength on the ball diamond was quite dominant that particular year.
Not only did Chris’ Midget team win the Ontario championship, the Tykes and Peewees did as well. In Wheatley, both the Tykes and Bantams won.
The IOOF Midgets swept their best-of-three series over Streetsville with a 4-1 win in Streetsville and a 12-7 victory back in Leamington the next day.
Steve Wuerch’s two-hitter on the mound highlighted the locals in the first game as he struck out 11 and didn’t walk a batter. He lost his shutout bid in the seventh inning on an error.
Shawn Diewold led off the game with a single and scored on Tim Klein’s RBI double. Chris Jakob then drove in Klein. Wuerch drove in the last two runs, when he plated Diewold and Klein with a fifth inning single.
Back in Leamington the next day, there was controversy swirling because there wasn’t a free diamond to play on. The Bantam and Tyke tournaments were taking place that weekend. This delayed the start more than three hours.
Klein got the start on the mound, and got relief from Jeff Lamotte in the fifth when Streetsville rallied to tie the game 5-5.
Lamotte got credit for the win after his teammates put up seven more runs in the final four innings.
Andy Petryschuk paced the winners with a solo homerun, a single and a double. Gordie Ives had a pair of hits to help the cause.
Meanwhile on a different diamond, the Leamington P-459 Tykes won their second consecutive OBA Tyke A title with a 9-6 win over Barrie.
The locals had won their opener 12-6 over North Bay and then beat Niagara Falls 11-9. They were drubbed 12-2 by Barrie on Saturday morning and then beat Niagara Falls again by a 7-4 count to advance to the final, where they had the task of having to defeat Barrie twice. They beat them 4-1 before outlasting them in the second game by a 9-6 score.
In the final, the Leamington bats came alive after falling behind 4-1 in the early going. Tony Joseph came on in relief of Matt Derksen and pitched flawlessly the rest of the way. Jason Wuerch went three-for-four, as did Piero Ingratta to lead the locals at the plate. Max Fratarcangeli had two doubles, Jason Leili and Derksen each had a pair of singles. Darren McCarty added a single.
In London, the Legion Peewees completed the trifecta by taking the OBA Peewee A title in a tournament there. The six-team double knockout tournament finished with Leamington whipping Waterloo 7-1.
After a 5-3 loss in the
first game to Southwest London, the locals stormed back and beat Waterloo, tied Hamilton West Mountain and then edged Barrie 1-0 to advance to the final.
The Hamilton game was suspended due to darkness and when Leamington appeared to reconvene Sunday morning, Hamilton could not field a team.
The semi-final against
Barrie proved to be the most exciting game of the tournament as Dave Hodgson threw a complete game two-hitter to stymie the Barrie batters.
The final was anti-climatic as the locals collected 11 hits, including two doubles and a single off the bat of Jeff Brown.
Hodgson collected three singles and winning pitcher Britt Walling had
two. Gary Quenneville and Aaron Diewold added singles.
Walling only allowed two Waterloo hits, striking out eight and walking one. He was selected as the MVP of the championship game. Playing through injury, Rod Sallmen had a great game behind the plate.
The Leamington Bantams hosted the OBA A
championship and beat the eventual champs from Southwest London, but bowed out with a pair of losses to St. Catharines and Kirkland Lake. The London squad went on to beat Kirkland Lake.
The Wheatley Bantams took the C crown with a pair of wins over Merriton and the Tykes finished their season in similar fashion.
Above, the OBA Midget A champs, the Leamington IOOF Lodge, back row from left, are coach Bill Wuerch, Tim Klein, Gordie Ives, Steve Wuerch, Andy Petryschuk, Ken Ryersee, Tom Ogilwy and coach Roger White. In front are Mark Wuerch, Shawn Diewold, Ken Parent, Jim Stenger, Jeff Lamotte, Mike Smith and Chris Jakob.
