Society’s annual Seedy Saturday event on Saturday, March 22. The gathering included six local garden vendors, master gardeners on hand to answer questions, a kids’ craft zone and a seed exchange table that served as the event’s main purpose. Kingsville Horticultural Society President Annette Cooper shared that the event served not only as a fundraising vehicle for their organization, but also encouraged community members to find their own ways to use flora to beautify the town. The Society is now planning for its next events — a Plant Sale on May 10 and a Vintage Garden Tour & Tea on both June 21 and 22. Above, Terry James Compost from Leamington was one of the vendors selling their wares on Seedy Saturday. Pictured from the family-run business, in the front, from the left, are Tessa Whitenect, Alexis Jarrold, and Teagen Simpson. In the back are Amber Jarrold and Terry Simpson. Below, tending to the seed exchange table were members of the Kingsville Horticultural Society, from left, Sharon Chase, Megan Irwin, Heather Crewe and Gord Queen. SUN photo by Paul Forman
Federal election April 28
Canadians will be going to the polls on April 28 for the 45th federal election, triggered by current Prime Minister Mark Carney this past Sunday.
Carney was sworn in as Canada’s 24th Prime Minister on March 14 after the resignation of Justin Trudeau and took just over a week to call the snap election.
For Ontarians, this will be the second election in two months, following the provincial election on February 27.
Elections Canada does not list any local candidates as of press time, but several local hopefuls are preparing to announce their run.
Incumbents are Dave Epp for Chatham-Kent Leamington and Chris Lewis for the riding of Essex.
Jones named to Ontario cabinet
Chatham-Kent Leamington MPP
Trevor Jones has been appointed to a cabinet position by Ontario Premier Doug Ford.
The Honourable Mr. Jones is now the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agri-business, succeeding the previous minister, Rob Flack.
Minister Jones grew up in Leamington and spent time with the Ontario Provincial Police and then in the private agriculture sector before running for Leamington Council in 2018 — where he just missed getting a seat at the council table.
Upon the sudden death of Leamington Councillor John Jacobs in late 2020, he was appointed to Leamington
Council, and then tabbed to run for the Progressive Conservative Party in the Provincial election in 2022, in which he won his seat in the legislature.
Last summer, he was named the Associate Minister for Emergency Preparedness and Response.
He won the seat again in the Provincial election called last month.
Hospital launches measles assessment clinic
In response to the ongoing measles outbreak affecting the region, Erie Shores HealthCare (ESHC) has announced the launch of a dedicated Measles Assessment Clinic to provide specialized care for patients experiencing measles symptoms.
The new clinic, staffed by registered nurses and registered practical nurses, will open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., effective immediately.
Located outside the hospital in a mobile unit, the Measles Assessment Clinic aims to ensure patients who require hospital-level assessment or treatment for suspected or confirmed measles
receive timely and safe care, while minimizing the spread of the highly contagious virus.
“We’re committed to keeping our patients, staff and community safe during this outbreak,” said Kristin Kennedy, President and CEO of Erie Shores HealthCare.
“By opening this dedicated Measles Clinic, we’re able to better serve individuals with measles symptoms and reduce the risk of exposure to others visiting our hospital, particularly in the Emergency Department.”
Patients experiencing measles symptoms who feel they require hospital assessment or care should visit the Measles Assess-
ment Clinic. To minimize the risk of spreading infection, ESHC advises patients to call ahead to 519326-2373 ext. 4400 when possible, allowing staff to prepare appropriately.
In addition to the clinic, active screening at hospital entrances will continue daily from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., ensuring rapid identification and management of suspected measles cases.
1
CALL ME.
Residents experiencing mild measles symptoms who DO NOT require hospital care are encouraged to self-isolate and contact their Primary Care provider or the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit for guidance. If you know you have been exposed and do not require hospital-level care, there is no need for you to visit the hospital or the Measles Clinic.
For more information on measles prevention, symptoms and care guidelines, visit the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit web page at wechu.org.
HON. TREVOR JONES
SWANS HELP FOUNDATION
Lorna Bell, ESHF Executive Director Penny Bellhouse, and Swans Katie Richmond, Beth McCready and Dale Dierckens. The Swans raise their funds by volunteering at Chances Gaming Lounge. Photo submitted
Kingsville Friendly Club report
Kingsville Friendly Club president Jean Kuipers welcomed 42 out to play cards at the Unico Centre on March 11.
Bridge: Roy Trowell 3660, Gillian Pinkney 3550, Mac Stanley 3000. Euchre: Kevin Antaya 94, Lila Withers 90, Rick Wynants and Liz Taillieu 87. Most lone hands: Dave Patterson and Lila Withers 5. Cribbage: Nancy Cassels 1005, Sue Girardin 996, Marie Geeves 975. Pepper: Carrie Schultz 212, Robert Boose 199, Anne Burrell 188. Most peppers: Dawn Tizzard 5. There were 53 out to play cards on Friday, March 14.
Bridge: Mac Stanley 3480, Bob Bell 3280, Jean Kuipers 2990. Euchre: Willy Fittler 99, Stuart Wheelton 91, Ken Martinuik 90. Most lone hands: Willy Fittler 7. Pepper: Gordon Earl 321, Rhoda Earl 315, Sue Girardin 295. Most peppers: Barbara Boston 7.
Forty card players were out March 18.
Bridge: Shirley Morel 3580, Carolyn Brown 3510, Bob Bell 3420. Euchre: Willy Fittler 103, John Gerhardt 92, Nancy Taylor 80. Most lone hands: Willy Fittler 9. Cribbage: Sue Girardin 1050, Sheila Bachmeier 1032, Marie Geeves 1026. Pepper: Bill Fielding 254, Winnie Moore 241, Carrie Schultz 228. Most peppers: Bill Fielding 6.
On March 21, 53 members enjoyed an afternoon of cards.
Bridge: Corinne Ingalls 2440, Ida Smith 2390, Mary DeGoey 2220. Euchre: Ken Marinuik 88, Rene Everaert and Dave Snider 82, Kevin Antaya 79. Most lone hands: Ken Martinuik and Dave Patterson 6. Pepper: Mary Lou Patrick 307, Rose Foldesi 289, Janice Breault 272. Most peppers: May Lou Patrick 9.
MUSIC MOVES KIDS BRINGS ALICE TO LIFE
The Wheatley Swans continue with their giving ways as they recently made a $3,000 donation to the Erie Shores Health Foundation. From left are Swans Cathy Neroda, Judy Malott and
An evening at the LAC was held Friday, March 21 at the Leamington Arts Centre with four shows filling the gallery spaces. Breathing Spaces, by Colleen Schindler and Grahame Lynch, as well as Awe Sudbury by John Haynes from the LAC Collection were on display for art enthusiasts to view. The 2025 Annual Members Show and Sale was also on, celebrating the strength, vitality, creativity and wealth of talent found within the Leamington Arts Centre /South Essex Arts Association. Upstairs, patrons were treated to The Big Show, a display that aims to celebrate larger-than-life works. The show is an opportunity for artists to display and sell artwork between 36″ and 72″ in size in any 2D media. All shows are still ongoing. In the photo on the left is local artist Tina Schroeder with her Beatles-inspired piece, Lucy. In the
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30 Essex Riding residents receive King’s Coronation Medal
Essex MP Chris Lewis was pleased to present 30 “hometown heroes” with a King Charles III Coronation Medal recognizing their contributions to the community and country on Friday, March 21. To be eligible for this
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honour, a person must have made a significant contribution to Canada or to a particular province, territory, region of, or community in, Canada, or attained an outstanding achievement abroad that brings credit to Canada; and have been alive on May 6, 2023, the date of the King’s Coronation.
MP Lewis requested nominations from Town Councils and Legions across the riding of Essex. Recipients include Mary-Maureen Atkin, Kingsville; Christopher Bailey, LaSalle; Jennifer Baggio, Belle River; Bill Granger, Essex; Gilbert
Bastien, Belle River; Richard Brooks, Belle River; Tim Byrne, Lakeshore; Dr. John Cappucci, LaSalle; Brandon Chartier, Essex; Jennifer Chevalier, Kingsville; James Crichton, Windsor; John Garnet Edwards, Amherstburg; Captain (retired) Ernest Gazdig, Kingsville; Ed Gibbs, Kingsville; Ron Giofu, Amherstburg; Katherine Gunning, Cottam; Kristin Kennedy, Belle River; Thomas LeClair, LaSalle; Helen Lewis (posthumously), Kingsville; Bruce Lodge, Emeryville; Donald Lucier, Harrow; Linda Lynch, Kingsville; Tim McAllis-
ter, Amherstburg; Sara Machnik, Kingsville; Robin Martin, Harrow; Sandy Repko, Kingsville; Jeremy Sinasac, Harrow, Andrew Stewart, Amherstburg; John Vanthournout, Belle River; and Stephanie Zekelman, Tecumseh.
“Every deserving recipient of this prestigious award has brought something extraordinary to our communities,” says Lewis. “It has been an honour to celebrate their diversity and dedication that has impacted so many lives both in Essex and abroad. Thank you all for leaving the world a better place than you found it.”
photo on the right is local artist Mayas Abdul Sattar with his oil piece Under The Cloud. SUN photos
It’s maple syrup season once again
The maple syrup season is upon us, which is a sure sign of spring being just ahead of us. After a winter like we have had, the spring season sounds very inviting.
Maple syrup is a truly Canadian product, as we produce 70 per cent of the total world’s supply. Quebec produces nearly 90 per cent of this and Ontario 10 per cent, while Nova Scotia and New Brunswick produce most of the remainder. In Canada, the value of maple products (sugar, butter and syrup) is over $500 million. There are more than 11,000 maple farms in Canada and 47 million taps. That is a lot of taps in the trees!
In the fall, the sugar maple lays down concentrated sugars in the rays of the tree (groups of cells that carry and store nu-
trients). These sugars mature during winter and are harvested while the frost is still in the ground. The sap flow is stimulated in spring as the days become warmer and temperatures rise above 0 degrees Celsius during daylight, followed by below-freezing nights.
Within the tree, positive pressures created by temperatures above 0 degrees Celsius produce a natural flow of sap. When a tree’s internal pressure is greater than the pressure outside, its sap will flow out of a tap drilled into the tree – or out of a broken limb or split in the bark. The clear sap rushes out of these taps and into the collection system. As pressure in the tree drops during the day, the sap flow slows down and stops. Negative pressure
St. Michael’s Church Knights of Columbus Lenten
FRIDAYS MARCH 7 - APRIL 11
CALL
to
is now within the tree, and it begins to absorb water through its root system. The next day, as the tree warms up, positive pressure is restored, creating another sap flow.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Kim Cooper
The process continues for about six weeks in early spring, between March and April. At the end of that time, the sap takes on a cloudy appearance, and the sugar content drops off dramatically.
During the height of the sugaring season, sap contains between two to five per cent sugar. Near the end of the season, sap contains less than one per cent sugar.
During the maple harvest, a tree will release about seven per cent of its sap. Tests confirm this
does no long-term damage to the tree. Many tapped trees are well over 100 years old.
In Chatham-Kent and Essex County, there are several maple syrup producers who produce their own maple syrup and maple sugar products. You can find these on the Buy Local Buy Fresh maps. Let’s support local producers whenever we can.
Just some food for thought.
Kim Cooper has been involved in the agribusiness sector for over 45 years.
He can be reached at kim.e.cooper@gmail.com
SPRING SHOPPING EVENT
THURSDAY, APRIL 3RD 11AM - 3PM @ Leamington Retirement Residence, 1 Henry Ave.
FRIDAY, APRIL 4TH 11AM - 3PM @ Kingsville Retirement Residence, 240 Main St. E. AND
Fashions by...
Thank you to the Manor!
My name is Scott and my wife and I want to thank all the staff at Seacliff Manor for all they do for my mother, Anna C. She moved into the Manor 3 years ago this April and she has been treated with respect, and made to feel important every day.
I want to thank all of the staff for their daily efforts to make her feel like she is part of their family. From the friendly faces at the front desk, to all the servers who wait on the residents in the dining room, thank you.
To the staff who cook the outstanding meals, and to the cleaning staff who keep Seacliff Manor spotless, as well as my
mother’s apartment clean, thank you.
To the nurses and all of the medical staff who ensure my mother stays in good health, thank you.
To the recreation staff who always ensure that there is something fun for the residents to do every day - from the bands they bring in and the choirs they have perform, to the fun games they set up, thank you.
And to the Management Team, who always make the time to answer my questions and concerns, thank you.
Jack Miner holding Maple Syrup Open House Friday
Jack Miner Migratory Bird Sanctuary is hosting a Maple Syrup Open House on Friday, March 28 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
All are welcome to this free, sweet learning experience covering all things maple! Challenge your tree ID skills; learn about sap, its role, and flow influences; observe the tree tapping and sap collection processes; watch maple syrup production at the evaporation station; understand the grading system; and participate in a taste test.
Bring your family and friends to experience the magic of spring and the rich flavours of maple syrup.
The Sanctuary is located at 332 Road 3 West, Kingsville.
My wife and I checked out numerous retirement homes in our surrounding area, and Seacliff Manor was head and shoulders above them all. Seacliff Manor is an outstanding residence for seniors and your loved ones.
Testimonial provided by Scott C., and published with his permission.
opinion ~ expression ~ and other musings
Keep your stick on the ice and keep your elbows up
As the NHL season winds down, it’s probably about time that I throw my annual jinx at the Maple Leafs.
With about 10 games to go, they are sitting within reach of the first seed in the Atlantic Division as they get ready to enter the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Barring a complete collapse, the long-suffering fans of the Maple Leafs will enjoy at least another first round of playoff action.
If Toronto doesn’t finish first, they’ll likely draw one of the Florida teams as their first round opponent. They are both formi-
dable opponents and have chased my team to the golf course on more than one occasion.
This season promised to be different with new coach Craig Bérubé taking the helm, and while I see a more physical forechecking team (slightly), I still see many of the defensive lapses that have given us fans of the blue and white fits since 1967.
I do see more consistent goaltending than I have in a long time and both goalies have the ability to steal a game or two.
Time will certainly tell if they’ve exorcised their demons and can advance
past round two this year. Meanwhile, fellow Canadian rivals the Montreal Canadiens and Ottawa Senators are both in the hunt for a wildcard spot. In fact, Ottawa is sitting firmly in the top wildcard spot and should get in and Montreal is in the second wildcard as I type this early Tuesday morning, but they have to contend with late charges from the Rangers, Islanders, Blue Jackets and Red Wings.
If the season finished today, all three eastern Canada teams would be in the playoffs.
Out west, Winnipeg and Edmonton are virtu-
My first car had three whitewalls
I’ll never forget Monday, June 8, 1959, the day I bought my very first car: a 1940 Mercury convertible. I had just turned 17 and only paid $150 for it even though the guy selling it wanted $600. To close the deal, he took out the engine, transmission, radio, battery and spare tire, saving me $450! I had to push it home, but so what?
Mom and Dad were shocked to see I had bought a car with no engine, then thought maybe that was okay because it would keep me at home working on it instead of gallivanting all over town. Dad even took the photo you see here.
The three whitewalls on the car were all of different widths and the right rear was a blackwall.
The fellow who sold it to me had rounded up all the tires by going to wrecking yards and buying the best bald tires he could find.
THE OLD CAR DETECTIVE
Bill Sherk
Dad insisted on new tires for safety and treated me to four Goodyear white-
walls! The engine went in later.
Always looking for stories. Email billtsherk@ sympatico.ca.
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al locks for playoff spots, while Calgary and Vancouver are currently on the outside looking in, but still close enough to get a wildcard with a string of wins, coupled with a collapse from St. Louis.
That’s five of the seven Canadian teams currently sitting in a playoff position on March 25.
Flashback to last season and only three Canadian teams — Toronto, Edmonton and Winnipeg — were in the playoff picture. And not a tariff among them!
Having five or six Canadian teams immediately increases the odds of a Canadian-based franchise winning the cup — a feat that hasn’t happened since 1993, when the Montreal Canadiens beat Wayne Gretzky and his Los Angeles Kings for Lord Stanley’s mug.
Will this be the year?
The experts are saying that Winnipeg and Edmonton are both capable of making a deep run in
the west and we know the Oilers were in the final last year.
RIB’S RAMBLINGS
In the east, Toronto has the best record going into the playoffs among the Canadian teams but Ottawa and Montreal have both been hot since the trade deadline.
Mark Ribble
In today’s political climate, wouldn’t it be cool to see an all-Canadian Stanley Cup final?
That last happened in 1989, when the Calgary Flames won their only Stanley Cup in the Montreal Forum — the only visiting team to ever hoist the cup there in NHL history.
Of course there are lots of Canadian players on those American based teams too, but it doesn’t compare to how it used to be when the league was made up almost entirely of Canadian-born talent.
When the Maple Leafs last won the cup in 1967,
42 players suited up that season and all of them were Canadian.
When the Habs last won the cup in 1993, 34 players donned Les Habitant logo, and 27 of those players were Canadian, with four Americans, two Swedes and a Russian. So, it’s time to take our game back and bring the cup home where it belongs — the land of the silver birch, beaver, moose and those pesky Canada geese who are affectionately known as Cobra Chickens. Which Canadian team? It doesn’t matter. Well, actually it does.
If my Leafs make their annual early exit, I’ll begrudgingly root for a couple of the others and hope for the best. Elbows up!
From Windsor to the world stage FLASHBACK RADIO with
Wow! “Any Man of Mine” was quite a start for Shania Twain back in 1995. I was still doing the morning show at CHYR Radio in Leamington and our station was more “contemporary country” than Top 40 music. Then something came out of the woods that was a cross between contemporary country and Top 40 music.
Shania Twain was her name, and contemporary country was her aim. Born in Windsor on August 28, 1965, under the name of Eilleen Regina Edwards and raised in Timmins, Ontario, she began singing at the age of three. By the age of eight she started playing guitar, and by 10 she started writing her own songs.
At the age of 18, Twain moved to Toronto to pursue a career in music. However, in 1987 tragedy struck hard as both her parents, Sharon and Jerry, were killed in an automobile accident. Twain moved back home to take care of her younger siblings. At this time, Twain found work at the Deer Hurst Resort, singing in a Las Vegas style show. By 1991, Twain was invited to Nashville
by music attorney Dick Frank, and she signed with Mercury Records. At the same time, she legally took on the first name of Shania, which was an Ojibway name meaning “I’m on my way.”
Chuck Reynolds
Twain’s debut release, “Shania Twain” in 1993 was received with moderate success and contained only one co-written song by Twain. However, the album did catch the attention of rock producer Robert John “Mutt” Lange. He has worked with AC/ DC, Def Leppard, Bryan Adams and many others. However, Lange soon developed a friendship with Twain and six months later the two married on December 28, 1993 at the Deer Hurst Resort.
In 1995, Shania’s second album, “The Women in Me”, was co-produced with Lange and received much greater acclaim than her first album. This album crossed different genres and was a mixture of country, pop and rock. Her first single, “Whose Bed Have Your Boots Been Under?” reached #11. Then it was her second “rock infused” single, “Any Man of Mine”, that
reached # 1 on the country charts and was also a Top 40 hit.
After getting married, Twain and Lange moved to Switzerland, where in 2001 Twain gave birth to her son Eja D’Angelo Lange. In 2008, Twain and Lange separated and were divorced two years later. Around the same time, Twain also developed dysphonia which made it difficult for her to sing.
On January 1, 2011, Shania and Frédéric Thiébaud announced their marriage which took place in Puerto Rico.
Although her last farewell tour took place in 2015, this is not the end. Shania continues to create and record music. However, in an entirely different direction, Shania Twain has joined Howie Mandel and other celebrities including Kardinal Offishall, Katherine Ryan and Lindsay Ell again this spring on a CITY TV show hunting for the Top Talent. It’s called Canada’s Got Talent and it started Tuesday, March 18 at 8 pm.
This 1940 Mercury convertible had missing parts, but not for long.
Author highlights Pelee Island in new kids’ book series
By Mark Ribble
A new series of books highlighting Pelee Island is on the horizon, with an expected eight-book series entitled Pelee Island Fantastical Stories.
Toronto native — and summer Pelee Island resident — Glenn Tomlinson has come up with the series based on the whimsical stories he tells his seven grandchildren when they visit the island.
Tomlinson often found himself telling the kids stories about the island
and making up tales and characters as they hiked through the woods or rode the ferry across from the mainland.
“On one of the ferry rides over one day I was telling the kids a story,” he says. “My wife said, why don’t you write these down. And so I did.”
Tomlinson’s family has been coming to the island for a few years now and they loved it so much the first time they visited that they bought “a little slice” for themselves.
Armed with his imagination, he’s created characters like Pelee Pete, the Friendly but Stinky Little Ogre and Lighthouse Larry.
Of course, his grandchildren are featured as the heroes in the stories, although he doesn’t identify them by name so that other kids can imagine themselves in the stories.
Once he had a few stories written down, Tomlinson got going with the business of self-publishing his books — but first he had to find an illustrator.
Pelee Island business owner Melissa Wiper recommended a platform called Upwork, an online freelancing site where he could find exactly what he was looking for.
And he did.
“I connected with a young lady out of Winnipeg and told her my vision,” he said. “I told her that if she could draw me an ogre and my grandchildren liked it, she was hired.”
The rest is history. The grandkids loved the ogre drawn by the illustrator known as Heidi Jean and she has followed Glenn’s ideas perfectly.
And many of his books
will feature actual Pelee Island history and landmarks.
Tomlinson’s first two books — Pelee Pete the Friendly But Stinky Little Ogre and Lighthouse Larry and the Locked Door – are now available on Amazon and will soon be available on Pelee Island.
Fishpoint Freya and the Fearsome Undercurrent will be released later this spring, while Ditchwater Daisy and the Lake Erie Seiche, Willy the Watersnake and the Misunderstanding, Vauncey Grey, The Fox Who Wanted to Change His Colour, and Denzil Dashwood and the Carolinian Canopy are all in the works and will be released in order.
And even though he wasn’t born and raised here, he has some family ties to this area — and in particular, Point Pelee.
“I have connections dating back 200 years,” he says. “My fourth great-grandfather, William Abbott, first settled on the Point in 1828.”
And if you check the cover of the books, you’ll see that Tomlinson writes his series under the penname N. Nosnilmot — his name spelled backwards.
Glenn Tomlinson with his first two books.
Two of Glenn Tomlinson’s seven grandchildren watch the sunset on Pelee Island last summer. Photos submitted
Nominations open for Mayor’s Recognition Awards
The Municipality of Leamington is inviting community members to nominate outstanding individuals, groups, and organizations for the fourth annual Mayor’s Recognition Awards — a program that honours those who have made significant contributions to the community.
The Mayor’s Recognition Awards celebrate
excellence in various aspects of community life, from athletics and innovation to volunteerism and youth leadership. The awards recognize those who have gone above and beyond to make Leamington a great place to live.
“Leamington is home to so many remarkable people who give their time, talents and passion to
make a difference,” said Mayor Hilda MacDonald. “These awards are an opportunity to recognize and celebrate those who lead by example, inspire others, and help shape the community we all cherish.”
The awards will be presented in the following categories for contributions made in 2024:
• Athletics Award
Traffic light approved in Kingsville school zone
Kingsville Council has approved a plan to install a traffic light at the intersection of Woodycrest Avenue and Jasperson Drive, adjacent to the north entrance to Erie Migration District School.
Last summer, council approved a motion that
the controlled pedestrian crosswalk (PXO) near the elementary side of the school be upgraded to a pedestrian traffic signal (IPS) for the safety of the students. The equipment from the PXO will be put into storage.
It’s expected to take
In Memory of our Loving Husband, Dad, Papa & Great-Papa Jim Young
Who passed away on March 31, 2013
Death leaves heartache, no one can heal, Memories are treasures, no one can steal.
Some may forget you, now that you are gone, But we will remember, no matter how long.
You will always stay loved and remembered, In every way. No tears, no verse, can ever say, How much we miss you every day.
During these past 10 years we have felt your presence during the many happy times in our
our
grandchildren were
sweet little great-grandchildren being added to our family. You will forever be with us.
about a year to complete the installation.
Council has also asked administration to make a formal request to the Greater Essex County District School Board to widen their driveway at 1620 Jasperson Drive.
• Outstanding Youth Award
• Innovation Award
• Distinguished Volunteer Service Award
• Community Inspiration Award
• Mayor’s Special Award
Recipients will be se-
lected by the Mayor’s Recognition Awards Committee, except for the Mayor’s Special Award which is personally chosen by Mayor MacDonald.
Honourees will be celebrated at a special Council meeting this spring,
where their achievements will be formally recognized.
The nomination period is open from March 19 to April 23, 2025. Community members should go to leamington.ca/awards to learn more and submit nominations.
Friends for almost 70 Years
Helen Brown
September 19, 1928September 21, 2022
Loving daughters, Judy Brown Ropchan and Shelley Brown
In Loving Memory of our Mom Mary (LiLy) ELizabEth (Darigan) Martin
December 28, 1923 - March 30, 2011
MOM
For all the times that we forgot to “thank you,” For all the special little things you did, For all the words that sometimes go unspoken, We need to say, “We love you, Mom…”
We love the way you stopped and listened, And for your kind support throughout the years, For teaching us the meaning of compassion, And sharing in our triumph and our tears.
And if at times we may have seemed ungrateful, We want to say, “We truly hope you know, That nothing you ever did has been forgotten, And every day we miss you more than you will know.”
Love you forever, Patricia, Maureen, Michael, Linda, Karen, Dennis, Eileen & all our families
Eighty years ago, on March 27, 1945, in Zwaagwesteinde, Dantumadeel, Holland, you took your first breath. Happy Birthday from your 5 daughters, 11 grandchildren, 8 great-granddaughters, plus two babies on the way! We love you!! Look
Thank You!
To all my family and friends: I just want you all to know how much I love you all.
No one has family and friends like me, You all make me feel like a special Queen Bee. Words cannot express what I am trying to say, But you surprised me in so many ways. Through thick and thin we have been together, I wouldn’t trade my life for another. As family and friends you are such a great bunch, Even if I didn’t get my liver for lunch.
Love You Forever, Elaine
Hanna langemann
July 12, 1926March 29, 2021
Loving daughters, Ann Langemann Campbell and Betty Langemann Quick
In Loving Memory of Edward dErksEn
July 2, 1941 – March 28, 2005
In loving memory of an extraordinary husband, father and grandfather.
Your life was a gift and your memory will forever be a treasure
Your Loving Family
OH LOOK WHO IS HAVING A MUTUAL HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
Sandra Sample and Alex Tassey March 30, 2025
Much Love, Mom Mary Jane, Grampa Derrick, Pattie and Jim xoxox
Your Loving Family
family. Three of
beautiful
married, along with five
Wheatley Legion news
There were 16 players out for Friday Night Fun Darts on March 14.
Recording four wins were Jean Teylouni, Dennis Kiss and Rob Baker; Amy Kendall, Ben Baltzer and Jim McClellan; Karl Bartelt and Neil Handspiker; Bonnie Evoy, Darryl Newman and Dan Bachmeier. Three wins: Virginia Bartelt and Larry Evoy. Two wins: Julie Reid, Cookie Klooster and Gord Crook. Julie was the only lady doubler.
On March 21 there were 23 players out for darts.
Recording seven wins were Sherry Chambers, Neil Handspiker and
Wheatley
Glenn Brooker. Five wins: Sylvie McConnell and Dan Bachmeier. Four wins: Velma Hope, Jim McClellan and Rob Baker; Amy Kendall, Larry Evoy and Brad Lutz. Three wins: Jean Teylouni, Darryl Newman and Monte Antle. Two wins: Bonnie Evoy, Cookie Klooster and Karl Bartelt; Virginia Bartelt, Doug Stevenson and Gord Crook. One win: Julie Reid, Ben Baltzer and Dennis Kiss. Lady doublers were Sylvie and Julie. Glen shot 180.
Next Fun Darts night is Friday, March 28 at Kingsville Legion. Sign-up is at 7 p.m. and play begins at 7:15.
Skating
Skate Wheatley will present their annual skating carnival on Saturday, April 5 with two shows for family, friends and skating fans.
This year’s theme is Small Town, Big Heart: A Tribute to Wheatley, which will celebrate the village’s strength and perseverance in bouncing back from disaster.
Skate Wheatley celebrated its 50th anniversary last year and is looking forward to another 50 years.
Show times are 2 pm and 7 pm at Wheatley
Wheatley Legion’s Turk ’n Beaup St. Patrick’s Meat Draws were held Saturday, March 15 at Joe’s Bar, with Roberta Dibbley and Sandra Beaupre Wolf carrying on the tradition started by their late fathers, Ronald “Turk” Dibbley and Mark “Beaup” Beaupre.
There were lots of additional bonus draws for Irish-themed prizes, courtesy of the Dibbley and Beaupre families. Also, a shout-out to Christine and Bill Stewart for their generous donation of meat.
Meat Draw winners were Carl McCracken (2), Dick Whittle (2), Darlene Dundas Church, Nancy
Carnival April 5
Area Arena. Tickets are $15 each, with kids 5 and under admitted for free. Tickets are available at the door or through
Richmond (2), Ricky Simpson, Mike Elliott, Sherri Doran-Simpson and Jim Church. The L.A. 50/50 draw was won by Darlene Dundas Church.
The March 22 Meat Draw winners were Jodi Mummery (2), Terry Stevenson, Tracy Robinson, Darlene Dundas (2), Carl McCracken, Nancy Harris, Donna Corlett, Donna Matier and Ricki Lee Scratch. The L.A. 50/50 draw was won by Randy Loxton.
The Legion’s Meat Draws continue every Saturday at Joe’s Bar, next door to Lucky Wok. Ticket sales start at 3 p.m. and the draws begin at 3:30. Everyone welcome.
Skate Wheatley members. You can also email skatewheatley@gmail.com for more information.
Gerard “Gerry” Jodoin
Gerard “Gerry” Jodoin, 90 years of age, of Leamington, ON, passed away on Sunday, March 16, 2025. He was born on October 12, 1934 in St. Lambert, Quebec.
Gerry relocated to Leamington in 2000 to escape the politics in Quebec, and the brutal winters. (They sure did a great job choosing Leamington!)
Prior to beginning his career, Gerry provided five years of service to the Navy. He worked for Sunoco in Montreal, in fact, retiring at the age of 55 he was a retiree for more years than he worked.
While Gerry was a very private man, lots of people around town would honk and wave to him during his several hour long walks each day. As the years went by, his hour-long walks, three times a day slowly reduced to two walks, then one... right up to 88 years of age.
After a long healthy life, Gerry ended up in hospital for the first time and unfortunately that was the beginning of his decline.
Gerry was predeceased by his loving wife, Dot. He will be missed by his children, Nicole Carter and Robert Jodoin, and his grandchildren, Jason, Michael and Joey Tuttle.
The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the Erie Shores Hospice for their exceptional care and compassion for Gerry in his final days.
Cremation has taken place. Arrangements entrusted to Cremation First (Leamington) 519-398-9188.
If anyone would like to leave an anecdote or comment, it would be much appreciated.
Please share with the family at www.cremationfirst.ca
Lyle Gordon Cartwright
It is with great sadness that the family of Lyle Gordon Cartwright announces that he has passed into the arms of his Lord and Saviour on Sunday, March 23, 2025.
Lyle was a devoted husband to Evelynn and father to Lynn, Paul (Fay) and Janette (Doug) Clark. He was adored by his grandchildren Christina, Scott, Joshua, Shannon and James. He is predeceased by sister Dorothy and brother Stan, and survived by sisters June and Maxine along with brother John.
Lyle was born in Chatham, ON, to Harry and Thelma (Strain) and lived most of his life in Wheatley before moving to Milton in 2016 and then to Georgetown in 2024. He ran the Gordon’s Super Save in Wheatley from 1959 to 1983 when he and Evelynn purchased the store and ran it as Cartwright Valu-Mart until 1994.
Lyle was a deacon for many years at Wheatley Baptist Church, led congregational singing, Boys Brigade, and performed many other roles at the church where he served the Lord.
An amateur pilot in his younger days, he loved to travel and he and Evelynn took many trips overseas to Northern Ireland, England, Europe and the Caribbean among other destinations.
He was also an accomplished baseball player in his youth, attracting the attention of MLB scouts and loved to “throw the ball around”, “kick or shoot the ball or puck” or otherwise engage in sports with his beloved grandchildren.
A ceremony celebrating Lyle’s life will be held on Wednesday March 26, 2025 at McKinlay Funeral Home, 141 Park Street, Blenheim (519-676-3451). Visitation is at 12 noon with a service at 1:00 p.m.
Donations in his memory to the Cancer Society of Canada or Samaritan’s Purse are appreciated.
GORE HILL CELEBRATES WORLD DOWN SYNDROME DAY
Proof of obituary to run
The Gore Hill Gators celebrated World Down Syndrome Day on Friday, March 21 by donning their colourful, wacky and silly socks for the school day. An impromptu gathering in the school’s gymnasium kicked off the day as students and teachers formed a circle to show off their socks (top photo). In the bottom photo, this group was showing their support. From left are Everleigh Wiens, Abby Wiens, Stella Melatti, Grade 6/7 teacher Mrs. Melatti, Gemma Desborough and Saige Hodgson. SUN photos
March 26, 2025
Southpoint Sun
$200 plus $26 HST = $226
Lucille “Lucy” Loop
Any changes please email sun@southpointsun.ca Thank you.
It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Lucille “Lucy” Loop on Monday, March 24, 2025, at the age of 86.
Reunited with her loving husband Bud Loop (2012).
Beloved mother of Judy Loop-Taylor (the late Randy), Jill Leizert (Barry) and Jeff Loop (Wendy). Proud grandma of eight and greatgrandmother of four. Dear sister of Doug Innes (Marjorie) and the late Helen Wigfield (Don), and sister-in-law of the late Jim Siddall. She will be missed by her extended family and friends.
Lucille will be remembered for her love of camping, volunteering at Camper’s Cove in Wheatley every summer. She was a member of the Alzheimer’s Group of Leamington for many years and will be missed at their weekly luncheons.
We would like to thank the staff at the Meadows of Wheatley for their amazing care, going above and beyond for both Lucille and her family during her stay.
As per Lucille’s wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no visitation or service.
In kindness, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of Windsor & Essex County. Arrangements entrusted to Reid Funeral Home, 14 Russell Street, Leamington, Ontario (519-326-2631).
Online condolences and cherished memories may be shared with the family at www.reidfuneralhome.ca
Emma Martin
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Emma Martin (nee Ouellette) on Thursday, March 13th, 2025, at the age of 89.
Beloved wife of the late Lawrence Martin. Caring mother of David Martin, Diane Falconer (late Doug) and the late Daniel Martin of Kingsville.
Loving sister of the late Clifford (Betty) Ouellette, Clarence (late Hecky) Ouellette, the late Richard Ouellette, the late Lawrence (Evie) Ouellette, and the late Bob Ouellette. Survived by many nieces and nephews.
If so desired, donations in memory of Emma may be made to a charity of your choice.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to Kendrick Funeral Home.
As per Emma’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a private family burial will take place at a later date. Condolences and special memories can be shared with the family at www.Kendrickfuneralhome.com
Fraud Office launches portal
The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) has launched a new Victim Portal and website. The portal is a secure and user-friendly online platform designed to enhance communication and support for victims impacted by SFO-investigated fraud.
The portal streamlines the SFO efforts in providing accessible, effective and confidential resources for those impacted by fraud. Individuals who are a victim of fraud that is under SFO investigation will be invited by a victim liaison to access the portal.
The SFO recognizes the impact that fraud has on individuals and is committed to ensuring they receive a high standard of support according to the principles of the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights.
To align with their commitment, the portal offers victims a streamlined way to access critical information, communicate directly with victim liaisons, stay informed about the status of their cases and receive information about their rights and the resources available to them. It also allows for victim liaisons to efficiently communicate important updates about on-going cases to many victims simultaneously.
The portal was developed through a collaborative effort with victim liaisons, fraud investigators, Crown prosecutors and technology experts to ensure that the platform meets the unique needs of those impacted by fraud.
In addition to the portal, the public can view the new SFO website that offers valuable resources about fraud, how to report fraud, victims’ rights and the criminal justice system. To access the new informative website visit sfo.opp.ca.
Both the Victim Portal and the website have been designed to be mobile-friendly, to ensure information can be accessed whenever and wherever needed.
The main lobby of the Nature Fresh Farms Recreation Centre was the scene for the distribution of over 90 pairs of baseball shoes that were funded through the generosity of the Knights of Columbus - St. Michael’s Council 4501 of Leamington. In collaboration with Leamington Minor Baseball, the March 22 giveaway marked the first time that the local Knights have taken part in such an endeavour. Pictured, on the left, is Joe O’Neil of the Knights of Columbus along with
board member
AWARDS 2025
Know someone making a difference in Leamington? Nominate them for a Mayor’s Recognition Award
Kristin Swayze - DD
John Knelsen, a
of Leamington Minor Baseball. SUN photo by Paul Forman
Notice of In-Person Meeting Concerning a Zoning By-law Amendment and an Official Plan Amendment
Date of Meeting: Tuesday, April 8, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM
Date of Meeting: Tuesday, April 8, 2025
Location (Zoom): leamington.ca/Live
Time: 6:00 PM
Location (Zoom): leamington.ca/live
Location (In Person): Leamington Municipal Building, Council Chambers 111 Erie Street North, Leamington, Ontario, N8H 2Z9
Location (In Person): Leamington Municipal Building, Council Chambers 111 Erie Street North, Leamington, Ontario, N8H 2Z9
Property: Chestnut Park, Selkirk Park, Shotten Parkette & Uptown Parkette
Property: Chestnut Park, Selkirk Park, Shotten Parkette & Uptown Parkette
Applicant: Municipally Initiated File No.: ZBA 340 and OPA 30
Applicant: Municipally Initiated
File No.: ZBA 340 and OPA 30
Take notice that the Municipality of Leamington has received a complete Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment application to be considered by Council under Sections 22 and 34 of the Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990, c.P.13.
Take notice that the Municipality of Leamington has received a complete Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment application to be considered by Council under Sections 22 and 34 of the Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990, c.P.13.
The Municipality of Leamington is aware of several situations where the current land use and zoning information is not consistent with the existing use as a municipal park. The four affected parks are Chestnut Park, Selkirk Park, Shotten Parkette, and Uptown Parkette.
The Municipality of Leamington is aware of several situations where the current land use and zoning information is not consistent with the existing use as a municipal park. The four affected parks are Chestnut Park, Selkirk Park, Shotten Parkette, and Uptown Parkette.
The purpose and effect of the Official Plan Amendment (OPA 30) is to re-designate several municipally owned parcels of land located within existing parks to better reflect their current and future use. The purpose of the Zoning By-law Amendment (ZBA 340) is to re-zone these parcels of land to reflect their use as parkland. The four parks that are subject to this combined Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment include: Chestnut Park: Change to the land use designation "Residential" to "Open Space and Recreation" and change in the Zoning By-law from Residential Zone (R2) to Recreational Zone (RE). This will affect three properties addressed as 20 Chestnut Street, 33 Fox Street and the vacant parcel of land to the immediate west of 33 Fox Street.
The purpose and effect of the Official Plan Amendment (OPA 30) is to redesignate several municipally owned parcels of land located within existing parks to better reflect their current and future use. The purpose of the Zoning By-law Amendment (ZBA 340) is to re-zone these parcels of land to reflect their use as parkland. The four parks that are subject to this combined Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment include:
Selkirk Park: Change to the land use designation "Residential" to "Open Space and
Chestnut Park: Change to the land use designation “Residential” to “Open Space and Recreation” and change in the Zoning By-law from Residential Zone (R2) to Recreational Zone (RE). This will affect three properties addressed as 20 Chestnut Street, 33 Fox Street and the vacant parcel of land to the immediate west of 33 Fox Street.
Selkirk Park: Change to the land use designation “Residential” to “Open Space and Recreation” and a change in the Zoning By-law from Residential Zone (R32) to Recreational Zone (RE). This will affect the property identified as 18 Selkirk Avenue.
Shotten Parkette: Change to the land use designation “Uptown Commercial District” to “Open Space and Recreation” and change in the Zoning By-law from Commercial Zone (C1) to Recreational Zone (RE). This will affect four properties identified as 27 Mill Street West, 32, 38 and 40 Talbot Street West.
Uptown Parkette: Change to the land use designation “Uptown Commercial District” to “Open Space and Recreation” and change in the Zoning By-law from Commercial Zone (C1) to Recreational Zone (RE). This will affect the property identified as 47 Erie Street South.
If a person or public body would otherwise have the ability to appeal the decision of the Council of the Corporation if the Municipality of Leamington to the Ontario Land Tribunal but the person or public body does not make oral submissions at a public meeting or make written submissions to the Municipality of Leamington before the by-law is passed, the person or public body is not entitled to appeal the decision.
The meeting may be viewed in person at the Leamington Municipal Building, Council Chambers, 111 Erie Street North, Leamington, Ontario N8H 2Z9.
HELP WANTED
NOW HIRING TRUCK DRIVERS
Seasonal Full Time & Seasonal Part Time STARTING END OF APRIL Flexible Hours. Positions for Class D License. Positions for Class AZ License. Retirees welcome. Apply by phone 519-326-8840 ext. 5 Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
PINNACLE ACRES 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
Southwestern Manufacturing Inc is looking for (2) Senior CNC Machinists
AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY.
Very clean & comfortable newer brick 1,100 sq. ft 2 bdrm 1 bthrm end unit townhome in Leamington w/main flr laundry. Open concept w/cathedral ceiling in living rm/kitchen & dining rm, gas fireplace & rear patio deck w/fenced yard. New carpet thru-out & freshly painted. $2,100/mth includes all appliances, utilities & cable TV. All prospective tenants must complete application first. 519.322.9282. fe5-tf
oc30-tf
SUTTON PLACE APARTMENTS
11 McGaw St., Leamington Upscale apartment for rent. On-site personable, experienced manager. Excellent location, walking distance to large retail chain stores. One bedroom, 1 bath, fridge, stove, dishwasher, water, heat, hydro included. In-suite storage, elevator, outdoor balcony/patio, common room, beautiful lobby, 1 outdoor parking space, secured access included. On-site laundry room. $1,795 per month. To request an application email gourmetgreenshouse@gmail.com Text or call 519-791-6751
INCOME TAX
CONFIDENTIAL
PREPARATION OF personal, senior and farm income tax returns. Regular or E-filing. Pickup and delivery as well as contact free service available. Over 35 years experience. Call Tim Mousseau 519-975-2414 or toll free 1-855-975-2414. fe5-ap16
WANTED
LOCAL COLLECTOR
LOOKING TO BUY pre1980s vintage die-cast vehicles and toys. Hot Wheels, Matchbox, Dinky. For a fair and free estimate call Todd at 519-982-8590. mr26-ap9
IRWIN PLUMBINGResidential rough-ins and repairs. Starting April 2nd 519-825-7245 will be changing to 519-324-2202. A text is preferred if capable. Call if not. ja6-tf SERVICES
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. COVID-19 certified & compliant. mr1-tfn
IN-PERSON LIVE AUCTION
SATURDAY, MARCH 29
PREVIEW 9 AM • AUCTION 10 AM SPECIAL PREVIEW MARCH 28 - 2-5 PM WESTERN SECONDARY SCHO0L 5791 NORTH TOWNLINE ROAD,
Used school and office furniture & equipment, 11 used vehicles (as is), used commercial kitchen & used tech equipment.
items to be sold as is. Purchaser responsible for arranging pickup of items. Auctioneers and Proprietor
Deadline for classified advertising in the Southpoint Sun is Friday at 12 noon Belluz Family Farm (Jim) 30 Mersea Rd 12, Leamington, Ontario N8H3V4 Preview: Mar 28 & 29, 2025 - 10AM-3PM
Bidding opens Mar 20, 2025 at 8AM, Bidding starts to close Apr 3, 2025 at 6PM Pickup and Payment: Apr 4 & 5 at 9AM-4PM
All items are sold AS-IS and where is as per our auction terms and conditions. Full line of equipment always kept in shed, very clean and well cared for. Farms are rented, NO Reserves.
Tractors: Int B414 Diesel, Int Farmall 656 Gas, Int 986 Diesel, Case IH 7220 Magnum Farm Equipment: Westfield WR100-31 Auger w/hopper, Westfield WR80-71 w/hopper, various size gravity wagons, Int Case IH 3950 Disc, Case IH 7500 6 furrow plow, 22’ Kongskilde S-tine cultivator, appr 26’ RJ sprocket packer, UM 1225 fldg rolling harrow, 500G Gregson sprayer, Combine2344 Case IH Axial Flow, 1020 Case IH Grain header, Horst header cart, Corn Header on cart, JD 7000 Corn Planter, 9413 Case IH Sunflower planter w/coulter cart, 4512 Eversman Leveller, RJ Leveller Appr 25’, Leveller appr 15’, Bush Hog 256 chopper, 42” Crippen Grain cleaner GS-42-W, 3PH V-Ditcher, Hyd chaff spreader (The Spreader), Unverferth fert auger appr 12’ w/hopper, Allied elec bristle auger appr 27’ x6” w/hopper and other misc. items.
Misc Items: 3PH Engine Lift 9’, HD Hagedorn Snowblower 7 1/2’, Case IH 500 GPS lightbar, Misc duals, 220V elec portable compressor, 2” water pump, 3PH Clover spreader, 50’ boom frame for Gregson sprayer, ZON 4 propane bird scaring cannons, misc implement tires, implement jacks, & misc. items. Register early so you don’t miss out on bidding. Registration is open now at https://martyunholzerauctions.hibid.com/auctions Check out our website at martyunholzerauctions.com and follow us on Facebook for more info!
In a few more weeks, an entirely different story may emerge.
GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21
Gemini, this is a good opportunity to begin clearing up the clutter in your life. Start tackling the mess as soon as possible and enjoy the weight being lifted off your shoulders.
CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22
Try not to sweat the small stuff right now, Cancer. It often is easier said than done, but the little things could be dimming your light unnecessarily. Seek the support of positive people.
LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23
Leo, there are plenty of opportunities available to you now whether you realize it or not. Keep an open mind and equally open eyes to see if you can spot chances to learn and grow.
VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22
Virgo, your mind and heart are simply not able to let something go that happened in the past. Your emotions may feel restricted because of it. It’s a passing thing and will resolve.
LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23
Libra, you are going through a period of evaluation of certain things in your life. This may bring about tension and even some friction, but it’s a necessary step for you.
SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22
This week there may be a weighty air that puts a damper on your jovial nature, Scorpio. Instead of getting down on yourself, use this time to focus and get a job done.
SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21
Sagittarius, you have a chance to make tremendous progress and further your career. It will take hard work, but the rewards will start to roll in soon enough.
CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20
Avoid questioning superiors or those in positions of authority right now, Capricorn. This is a surefire path into hot water. Take a break and sort through negative emotions.
AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18
Aquarius, you might be going through a time of great preparation with a focus on building a major life project. This is not to be taken lightly and will require a lot of attention.
PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20
There may be a sober feeling to the week that leaves you feeling a bit down, Pisces. Focus on finishing projects and these feelings will pass by before you know it.
FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS
MARCH 23 - Kyrie Irving, Athlete (33)
MARCH 24 - Valentin Chmerkovskiy, Dancer (39)
MARCH 25 - Elton John, Singer (78)
MARCH 26 - Jonathan Groff, Actor (40)
MARCH 27 - Jessie J, Singer (37)
MARCH 28 - Reba McEntire, Singer (70)
MARCH 29 - Elle Macpherson, Model (61)
Advertising deadline is Friday at 12pm
Community Calendar
FRIDAY, MARCH 28
CHILI LUNCHEON - from 11:30 am - 1:30 pm at St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church, 60 Erie St. N., Leamington, 519-326-3111. $15 per person includes chili, bun, dessert, beverage. Vegetarian option. Take-out available. Proceeds to benefit Outreach Programs.
THURSDAY, APRIL 3
LDSS TRIVIA NIGHT FUNDRAISER 6:00 p.m. at Roma Club Pavilion. Cost is $20 per person (teams of four) and all proceeds go to help LDSS MAPS students compete in Speical Olympics Provincials in Ottawa. Contact Dina at dina.riccio@publicboard.ca to sign up.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9
LEAMINGTON HALF CENTURY CENTRE IS HOSTING a Seniors Advisory Committee Event from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. at Leamington Half Century Centre, 160 Talbot St. E. Grief Counseling. Sue Mannell & Melissa Jacobs will explain Hospice Services including Bereavement Support.
ONGOING
ERIE SHORES TOASTMASTERS MEETING at 6:30 p.m. every other Wednesday at Leamington Library, 1 John St. Free to attend. Develop Communication and Leadership Skills in a positive, friendly environment. Upcoming dates: March 26, Apr. 9 & 23, May 7 & 21, June 4 & 18. More info: email ErieShoresTM@yahoo. com, Facebook Erie Shores Toastmasters or go to ErieShores. toastmastersclubs.org.
URSA MAJOR’S LITTLE BEAR CAFE COMMUNITY BREAKFAST every Monday (except holidays), 1860 Division Rd. North, Kingsville. Ursa Major Day Support Program’s community breakfast awaits with free coffee, tea, and simple eats — available while supplies last. Open to the whole community. We welcome everyone to join in the good food and fellowship. For more details, visit www.UMLSC. org or email contact@umlsc.org.
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 226340-7233, 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.
IF YOU WANT TO DRINK, THAT’S YOUR BUSINESS If you want to stop, we can help. Call Alcoholics Anonymous: 519-999-1234.
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.
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.
ERIE SHORES QUILT GUILD cordially invites guests to attend/join them for their regular meeting held every third Tuesday at St. John’s Hall, 1782 Oriole Park, N. Woodslee, at 7:00 p.m. The Guild's purpose is to promote and encourage and encourage the art of quilting. More info: 519-726-5869.
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 PotentialCradle 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 519-259-6148 or email knielsen@ weareunited.com.
COMMUNITY ANGEL CLOTHING CUPBOARD OPEN WEDNESDAYSappointments 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.
Flyers edge Sabres in round 2 opener
By C. Scott Holland
A large and extremely noisy crowd of 890 watched the Leamington Flyers tangle with the Buffalo Jr. Sabres in game one of their second round series Friday night, March 21, at Highbury Canco arena.
The game featured plenty of heated action, nail-biting plays plus a cacophony of horns, chants and cheers. The result when the final buzzer sounded was a 2-1 win for the Flyers and a hard-fought 1-0 series lead.
Both goalies were outstanding, though Buffalo’s Anthony Alessi faced more shots as he halted 37 of 39 that came his way while Flyers starter Marcus Vandenberg stopped 28 of 29.
Initially it looked as though the Flyers would dominate the game as most of the opening minutes were spent inside the Buffalo zone. But as the Jr. Sabres began chipping away, the game turned into a see-saw battle.
Only five minor penalties were whistled by referees Drew Ramsden and Brandon Flood.
Brody Cook took a left to right lane pass and drilled it past Alessi at 1:43 to open the scoring.
At the outset of the second, the Flyers’ offensive attack was much like the one they held at the game’s beginning. Michael Denney and Ethan Walker tried to score on a loose puck scramble around Alessi before Brayden Degelas collected the third rebound and tucked it into the open right side to give the Flyers a 2-0 lead.
The Sabres’ Jaden Flora narrowed the gap to 2-1 five minutes later as his right lane blast handcuffed Vandenberg. The Flyers had 12 shots on net in the middle frame compared to the six they allowed the Sabres.
The third period turned into a back-and-forth contest with both sides trying to notch the next goal. Both goalies were kept busy handling shots as Leamington had
15 to Buffalo’s 12.
Buffalo lifted Alessi for an extra attacker with 1:17 left in the third, but the Flyers’ defense kept the Sabres’ offensive attack at bay and had one empty-net attempt bounce off a post.
Leamington leads the best-of-seven second round se-
ries 1-0 with Game 2 scheduled for Tuesday, March 25 in Buffalo.
Game 3 will be at Leamington Thursday, March 27 at 7:10 pm. Game 4 is Friday, March 28 at Buffalo at 7 pm, and Game 5, if necessary, here on Sunday, March 30 at 7:10 pm.
U9 Trail Blazers win Mickey Renaud Cup to cap off terrific season
By Adam Mulcaster
Fresh off an undefeated run to gold in Bradford the previous week, the Talbot Trail Blazers U9 squad was riding high heading into the Bluewater League Championship Mickey Renaud Cup March 21-23 in Tecumseh.
The team was reminded of the high quality of the local league and brought firmly back to reality in a 5-1 opening-game loss to Belle River.
This inauspicious start was made more serious due to the double elimination format of the tournament, which meant every subsequent game played would be an elimination game for the Blaz-
ers, with any loss ending their hopes of a championship.
With that said, the Blazers embarked on a remarkable run. In two more games on Friday, the Blazers eliminated the Riverside Rangers (8-1) and the Amherstburg Stars (40). Saturday, the Blazers ended the seasons of the Windsor Jr. Spitfires (5-0) in the morning and the Erie North Shore Storm in the afternoon (6-2).
On Sunday, the four teams with the best records in regular season play were all still in contention and the Blazers would have to beat all three to raise the trophy.
In the morning, the
Blazers faced the LaSalle Sabres and jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the first. Midway through the second, the Blazers got a lucky goal to make it 2-0 before the Sabres responded to make it 2-1 heading into the third.
A tense period followed but the Blazers team defence held, and an empty netter sealed a 3-1 victory sending the Blazers to the semi-final play-in game.
Next they faced their rivals, the Belle River Jr. Canadiens. The Blazers set aside their opening loss and notched an early goal and then doubled their lead in the second.
In the third, the Canadiens scored a shorthand-
ed goal with five minutes to play, setting up a dramatic finish, but an insurance goal with 25 seconds left sealed the win, avenging the Blazers only loss and sending them to the championship final.
Waiting in the final was the hometown Tecumseh Eagles, who had only played three games enroute to the championship while the Blazers had played seven.
The Blazers continued to show their resilience and settled into the game, trading chances until Bodie Chevalier evened things at 1-1 with three minutes left in the first.
Tecumseh scored eight seconds into the second
period and some penalties for the Blazers kept the score 2-1 Tecumseh heading into the final period.
In the third, Blazers’ goalie Rory Mills kept his squad within reach, showing off his trademark glove while also controlling his crease and making crucial saves on scrambles as the teams traded chances.
With seven minutes remaining, Maddux Carnevale evened the score 2-2 on a brilliant effort setting up a wild finish.
Playing their eighth game in three days and their third game of the day, despite several players nursing minor injuries and illnesses, the Blazers’ collective grit and team
play made nothing easy for the Eagles.
When the Eagles took a penalty, Roman Gardonio capitalized on a scramble at the Tecumseh net with 4:40 remaining, giving the Blazers their first lead of the day.
The Eagles poured it on to find an equalizer, but every Blazer played their part, keeping shots to the perimeter and clearing the front of the net.
A late Tecumseh penalty forced them to take chances while shorthanded and Carnevale took advantage, striking with his second goal of the game with 2:29 remaining to cap off the Renaud Cup championship 4-2.
Seconds after this photo was snapped, Flyer Brayden Degelas scored the game-winning goal at 2:47 of the second period. Here, Degelas and teammate Ethan Walker (27) try to get a handle on a loose puck around the Buffalo net.
Scott Holland photo
SOUTHPOINT ALUMNI GIVES BACK
Members from the Southpoint Alumni Group were on hand at the Nature Fresh Farms Recreation Centre to present a cheque for $12,300 to Southpoint Minor Hockey Association — $10,000 from the March 22nd donation will be used to offset the costs of registration for players in their first two years, while $2,300 of the gift will pay for the training of four rookie referees who refereed in the system this season. Pictured in the front row with the Southpoint Alumni Group cheque are the Super Sixes. In the back row from the Alumni Group are, from left, Ron Sellon, Ralph Warkentin, Brian Turner Sr., Steve Tuffin, Brian Turner Jr., Brian Turner III, along with Mike Harrison from Southpoint Minor Hockey Association. The Southpoint Alumni Group is made up of former board members of Southpoint Minor Hockey. The group holds a fundraising golf tournament every year to help young hockey players be able to afford to play the game. SUN photo by Paul Forman
There were 67 golfers who played 36 holes of mini golf at Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens on Thursday, March 20, recording an outstanding 83 holes in one.
Leading the way with five aces was Andy Orsini, followed by Lloyd Symons with 4; Tom Hyatt, Bill Taylor, Arlene Fillmore, Bill Gough and Kathy Bechard with 3; Bob Tanner, Larry Hillman, Joanne Law, Jamie Arquette, Theresa Dealuwe, Armand Decaluwe, Patty Hopper, Monique Benfield, Randy Nash, Carolyn Dufour, Walter Balsam, Bob Springthorpe, Keith Hopper,
I am a bit of a rebel, and you need to know I am the one who will be calling the shots.
I will tell you I don’t like it here one little bit so the 2-leggers sent me to a foster home. Based on what my foster human reports, don’t expect to see me for several days as I get used to my new home. She thought it was worth it when I decided I liked what I heard, smelled and saw and turned into her new bestie, sitting on her lap, purring as she
HAULLY
pet me. And she knew just how much petting I’ll tolerate and stopped before she got a firsthand taste of my spicy side...actually I’m the one who got the taste as I nipped her hand...but let’s move on to the nice things she said.
She thinks I’ll do best in a quiet adult home with a patient adopter who will let me adjust on my own terms and I couldn’t agree more.
Shran Collins, Bill Edwards, Ray Foster, Anne Bonyai, Ernie Purr, David Tonks, Betty McManus, Tom Bondy and Gail Turk with 2; and Shelley Gainham, Tony Hudvagner, Barb Fick, Andre Lalonde, Lois Hudvagner, Donna Bileti, Jack Bostin, Steve Acott, Grant Raymond, Barb Haas, Bruce Cooper, Greg Broome, Kaz Wszol, Nick Penzari, Al Wass, Jackie Cooper, Gary Wilson, Geoff Reid, Steve Bonyai, Ron Fick, Nancy Springthorpe and Erle Nash with 1.
Top scores over 18 holes: Walter Balsam with 34, Keith Hopper and Bill Gough (2) 35; Andy Orsini and Tom Hyatt 36, Debbie Clinton, Jamie Arquette, Ray Foster and Bill Ward 37; Tom Hyatt, Keith Hopper, Tom Bondy and Nancy Springthorpe 38; Colleen Pearse, Andre Lalonde, Debbie Clinton, Jamie Arquette, Andy Orsini, Randy Nash, Grant Raymond, Bob Springthorpe,
Leading the way over 36 holes was Bill Gough with 70, followed by Keith Hopper 73, Tom Hyatt 74, Andy Orsini and Walter Balsam 75, Debbie Clinton and Jamie Arquette 76, Ray Foster and Bill Ward 77, and Theresa Decaluwe 78.
First place went to Team 11 (Shran Collins, Greg Broome, Bill Edwards, Keith Hopper) 334. In second place was Team 15 (Bill Gough, Betty McManus, Gary Wilson, David Tonks) with 335, and in third place was Team 4 (Armand Decaluwe, Jamie Arquette, Lois Hudvagner, Theresa Decaluwe) with 336.
Fun, laughs and also golf continues on Thursday, March 27 at 10:30 a.m.
LDSS spring sports kick off as curling wraps up
By Emery Stapleton
The Leamington Lions roared at OFSAA last week!
The curling team travelled to Sarnia where they competed against the top teams in the province. Despite their strong season, the more experienced teams from bigger cities came out stronger.
In the initial round robin, Leamington finished 1-3, sadly not enough to take them to the next round.
Captain Zach Paine commented, “Our team set out to have fun this season and ended up all the way in OFSAA. Great season, boys!”
Good luck to the graduating players, Andrew Hamilton, Kevin Boldt, Logan Fortin and Zach Paine in all their future academic and athletic ventures.
The senior girls soccer team kicked off their season this past Friday, travelling to Central Park to compete in
the Essex Red Raiders tournament. The girls were felled by Villanova, Riverside and Brennan, but secured one point in a tie against Essex.
The team, having been very newly formed, discovered many kinks in their play to work out in practice.
Team manager Abbey Mazzella noted, “The mix of young and experienced players gives these girls an optimal place for growth and learning this season. They’re just getting started!”
The regular season begins shortly, and the Lions are hoping to find themselves at the top of the food chain.
Boys’ soccer, baseball, softball, ultimate frisbee, and track and field have begun practicing. The school is filled with optimistic athletes hoping to bring home success and glory.
PHOTOS OF YESTERYEAR
Can be found on the If you Grew Up In Leamington Facebook Page
Photo courtesy of the Kingsville Archives
Members of Andrea Stafford’s Institute of Dance who won Gold at the “Dancers in Motion” Competition, March 1996. Front: Kellee Stafford. Second row: Sarah Costa, Angie Gomes, Teresa Parajiotou, Cheryl Robitaille, Fronca Hardcastle. In air: Amanda Gomes. March 1986 - CORRECTION — In last week’s Old
family, standing outside the Cedar Beach Drug Store, was taken in the late 1940s or early 1950s.
kingsvillearchives@gmail.com
- The students of Wheatley
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Clippings from the Wheatley Journal
Leamington’s Past courtesy of the C. Scott Holland Collection
Hitachi
McCracken and Chris Dawson,
Photo of Leamington, Marion Stein was misidentified as Martha Stein for the Hospital Auxiliary photo. Marion was honoured with a lifetime membership in 1986. Here she is on the left, accepting her honour from Mary Shields.
1969-1970 Atom Champs - The Wheeler Dealers won the 1969-1970 Atom Division for Leamington Minor Hockey. Back row, from left, are Darrin Harrison, Greg Guyitt, Scott Jackson, coach Henry Wheeler, Richard Young, Perry Girardin, Gord Stevenson. Middle row: Kelly Rekuta, Greg Platsko, Mike Burden, Brian Biekx, Mark Ribble. Front row: Jeff Hutchins, Mark Wiper, Tracy Wiper, Kevin Holland, Phil Wiper, Troy Wiper.
DIANA SWEETS - Owner Bill Konduros in the front entrance of Diana Sweets on Talbot Street in Leamington. Notice the Fresh Pizza sign and the sign for fresh donuts. The Konduros family owned Diana’s for decades and it all began in 1931.
Taylor’s Grocery - Mrs. Taylor stands in front of Taylor’s Lunch and Grocery at the corner of Erie Street South and Oak Street in Leamington in 1940s. The store was a mainstay of the neighbourhood until it closed in the 1950s. We’re told the building was moved to Martin Drive and is still there today.
The staff and students at Cardinal Carter Catholic Secondary School
On March 6, Cardinal Carter hosted the SWOSSAA champs from St. Anne’s for a basketball game. Students
and write an inspirational message on a heart to be posted at Erie Shores HealthCare. The school community raised $1,800
Verissimo, Andre Brooks, Alex Fernandes-Vargas (in back), Nathan Krzywinski, J.J. Hoang, Rino Tatti (in back), Ethan Philips, Damari Fikes (in back), Kavan Wales, Sumbaya Shabani, Henry Laba, Jack Brazier, Chris Raffoul (in back), Aleksander Ryglewicz, Stephen Riggi, Grayson Crow (in back), Tao Cornell, Kody Gontarde, Nathan Nehmetellah (in back), Alex Acanne, Zack Tang, Youssef Charafeddine. Photo submitted
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. March 14: 1st Henry Hildebrand and Derek Parry, 2nd Don Brown and Mary Brown, 3rd Shirley Morel and Theresa Flynn.
March 17: 1st Ross Macintosh and Agnes Fraser, 2nd Henry Hildebrand and Al Morrison, 3rd Pauline Mikolash and Roger Cote.
March 21: 1st Henry Hildebrandt and Derek Parry, 2nd Remi Fournier and Case Mulder, 3rd Shirley Morel and Theresa Flynn.
