Southpoint Sun - September 3, 2025 by Southpoint Sun

S’aints fight hunger to the ‘tune’

By Mark Ribble

Almost 4,000 generous music lovers packed the hill at Seacliff Park on Saturday, August 30 as supergroup

The S’aints took to the Sunset Amphitheatre stage to fight hunger with another free-to-attend concert.

Leamington Councillor Bill Dunn joined emcee Corey Robertson on the stage just prior to the concert to announce the chosen charity this year is St. John’s Anglican Church and to ask folks to dig as deep as they can to help attain the evening’s goal of raising $8,000.

A total of $8,753.35 was raised from cash donations in addition to several hoppers of non-perishable goods that were brought to the park.

That total joins the totals from 2022 ($2,500), 2023 ($4,400) and 2024 ($4,750) that have gone to local food-related charities.

The fourth annual S’aints Rock Seacliff event was presented by LiUNA!625 in partnership with the Municipality of Leamington, with all proceeds being donated locally — this time to St. John’s and their weekly meals program.

The stage was alive and electric from the get-go as the 10-member group got rocking early and continued for over two hours as volunteers from The Bank Theatre made their way through the crowd seeking monetary donations.

The words thank you really do not express what I am feeling. Just know many happy tears were shed. “

— Rev’d Deborah Wilson-Safa

Led by Leamington’s own Jody Raffoul on lead vocals and Windsor’s Jeff Burrows on drums, the supergroup counts this show as a highlight of their season, along with the show they put on at Christmas at Caesars Windsor.

The powerful vocals of Kelly Howell, Liz Robinson and Stephanie Baker brought a strong female vibe to many of the songs performed on Saturday.

They were complimented by the instrumental excellence of Wes Buckley, David Cyrenne, Kelly Hoppe, Marty Bak and Jim O’Neil.

After the band wowed the crowd with several originals and cover songs, the night ended with the announcement that they surpassed the fundraising goal.

For Reverend Deborah Wilson-Safa, Deacon of St. John’s Anglican Church and Community Meal and Outreach Coordinator, the added funds are welcomed with open arms.

“The concert was amazing! We’re humbled and blessed,” she said. “We are so thankful for our Leamington community, for the volunteers, sponsors, The Bank Theatre and The S’aints for the support of our food and outreach ministries. This donation allows us the opportunity to continue providing nutritious meals to those facing food insecurity within our community. The words thank you really do not express what I am feeling. Just know many happy tears were shed. “

Jody Raffoul performs on the Sunset Amphitheatre stage while Jeff Burrows keeps the beat on the drums. SUN photos by Mark Ribble

Kelly Howell shares her powerful vocals with back-up help from Liz Robinson and Stephanie Baker.

OPP welcome youth to Cop Camp

By Paul Forman

Officers from the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), along with volunteers from the public, were thrilled to spend some time with 72 grade six students from around the county at the 28th annual Cop Camp.

The leadership camp was held from August 24 to 28 at both Gesstwood Camp and Cedar Beach in Kingsville.

“The weather has been

great and we have a fantastic group of campers this year,” said Constable Steven Duguay of the OPP.

The camp began with a “Pay it Forward” activity and included team fitness games, swimming, a Ropes Course, archery, fishing, sailing, a talent show, fireworks, and a culminating ceremony that honoured acquired skills and accomplishments from the

week.

“We hope that all the team building and positive reinforcement is brought back to the communities around Essex County by the kids and has an effect on other youth,” said Duguay. He added, “We want to thank all of the businesses that have supported us over the past years. We couldn’t do it without you.”

on Saturday, August

Austin Raymond of St. John the Baptist Catholic Elementary School was first up on the 30-foot-high log crossing at Gesstwood Camp. OPP Officer Duguay said, “The high ropes are all about conquering any fear of heights and facing challenges with the support from your team members.” SUN photos by Paul Forman

Teamwork was the focus for the first low ropes activity. Pictured is Max Kaczmarek of Leamington’s École Saint-Michel trying to swing over to where the rest of his group was gathered.

Salvation Army Leamington held

Meet the New Officer BBQ

30 as they welcomed Major Kathryn Ritson to the Leamington charge. Major Ritson arrived August 1 to fill the leadership position in Leamington after the retirement of Majors Ron and Judi Wickens earlier this summer. She spent her last assignment at Salvation Army Divisional Headquarters in Toronto and is a second-generation Corp Officer. Here, Major Ritson, middle, is pictured with Community Program director Derik Hyatt, left, and Volunteer Coordinator Veronica Costa. SUN photo by Mark Ribble

Pat McLaughlin memorial bursaries awarded

By Dave Orshinsky

Special to the Sun

Through her work as the Aquatic and Fitness Supervisor at Leamington’s F.T. Sherk Recreation Complex (Nature Fresh Farms Recreation Centre) for over 20 years, and as a coach of several swim and hockey teams, Pat McLaughlin was a positive influence and

mentor in the lives of many students and athletes.

Recreation and sport were central themes in Pat’s life. She treasured the many friendships formed through sport — whether it was team sports at Kingsville District High School or participating in golf leagues, baseball and hockey

teams. Pat was a true team player who always offered encouragement and support to others. She was also known for her strong presence — showing up, being dependable, and leading by example. Pat demonstrated the value of being a present and engaged leader in every aspect of her work and personal

life.

Pat was also a strong advocate for accessible community recreation and leisure opportunities, regardless of one’s ability or financial situation. She believed deeply in living an active lifestyle, which she demonstrated through her own involvement in hockey, softball, golf, hiking and enjoying the outdoors.

Pat passed away in July of this year after a courageous battle with cancer. True to whom she was, she faced it with positivity, grace and a love for life’s simplest joys. She embodied every quality that made her not only an exceptional supervisor but also a true friend to all.

To honour her legacy, the Pat McLaughlin Memorial Bursary has been established to recognize two part-time staff members at the Nature Fresh Farms Recreation Centre who exemplify Pat’s passion for recreation and community involvement.

Elise Stammler and Ava Hildebrandt have been selected as the inaugural recipients of the Pat McLaughlin Memorial

Bursary. Elise and Ava’s selection as this year’s recipient reflects the same values Pat carried with her — dedication, leadership and a commitment to making a difference.

A cheque presentation was held recognizing both recipients at the Nature Fresh Farms Recreation Centre on Wednesday, August 27.

Donations to the Pat McLaughlin Memorial Bursary can be made anytime through electronic transfers (EFT) to patmclaughlinbursary@gmail. com.

The Pat McLaughlin Memorial Bursary Selection Committee is comprised of Dave Orshinsky, Kristen Curchin and Jodi Foster.

Sponsored By

The Pat McLaughlin Memorial Bursary Selection Committee have chosen two staff members at Nature Fresh Farms Recreation Centre to receive bursaries. From left to right are Jodi Foster (Committee member), Ava Hildebrandt (bursary recipient), Elise Stammler (bursary recipient) and Dave Orshinsky (Committee member). Absent from photo is Committee member Kristin Curchin.

Photo submitted

TV series filming closes Wheatley intersection for a day

By Mark Ribble

A Chatham-Kent based film crew took over a couple of Wheatley streets this past weekend as they filmed scenes for an upcoming TV series.

The series is called A Long Ride Home and cast and crew have been making their way through Chatham-Kent communities filming different scenes over the past several months.

Wheatley was chosen for its small-town feel and director Rob Bellamy says it was just what they needed for filming the drama.

The intersection of Foster and Julien Streets became the centrepiece for the scene and Bellamy says it was the perfect spot for a fight scene between the main character and a local biker.

London, Ontario-based actor Geoff MacDonald plays the main character Mick Gale, who returns to his hometown after 25 years away, following the sudden

death of his father.

Bellamy, who also wrote the series, says they have about six more days of filming to do before they wrap. Post production is expected to take a couple of months, while Bell wants the series by the end of January. It will stream on Bell Fibe TV shortly after that.

Bellamy’s company JX3 Media had about a dozen people on site in Wheatley for the fight scene between MacDonald’s character and local biker Jack, played by Harrison Stewart.

The entire series has been filmed throughout Chatham-Kent except for a couple of early scenes near Windsor. The project also includes Windsor’s Walter Riggi as the Director of Photography, who has a long and impressive resume in the film industry.

Assistant Director Kristina Garant also added that they plan a red carpet premiere in Chatham to coincide with the series release on Fibe TV.

JP Cormier coming to The Bank

The Bank Theatre will present award winning bluegrass/folk/Celtic singer-songwriter J.P. Cormier on Saturday, October 4 at 7:30 pm. J.P. will be joined by Jake Lauzon, an accomplished multi-instrumentalist and vocalist.

The late great Chet Akins said, “J.P. Cormier is one of the most important players of his generation.”

With 13 East Coast Music Awards and one Canadian Folk Music Awards, J.P. Cormier is one of the most recognized multi-instrumentalists in Canada. His credentials don’t stop there. J.P. was one of Stompin’ Tom Connors sidemen, as well as a staple on recordings.

“I’ve wanted to bring J.P. Cormier to The Bank Theatre since 2014,” said John Moran, Music Programming Chair of The Bank Theatre. “His level of musicianship and songwriting is second to none.”

Accolades aside – and there are many, from people like Chet Atkins, Marty Stuart, Waylon Jennings Gordon Lightfoot – J.P. sees himself as just a performer. He’s shy but has a razor-sharp wit and lightning sense of humour. He can be reserved or edgy to the point of no return. He speaks for soldiers, first responders, other artists, the forgotten and the lost. He speaks sometimes only for himself and refuses rebuttal.

Programming at The Bank Theatre is sponsored by the Municipality of Leamington and Chances Gaming Lounge. The Bank Theatre is located at 10 Erie Street South, Leamington.

Tickets are available at the Box Office from Thursday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., by phone during box office hours 519-326-8805 or online at banktheatre.com

Jack, played by Harrison Stewart, left, is about to fight with Mick, played by Geoff MacDonald as Director of Photography Walter Riggi films the scene at the intersection of Julien and Foster Streets. Director Rob Bellamy (DOA t-shirt) instructs the combatants. A Long Ride Home will air on Bell Fibe TV early next year. SUN photo by Mark Ribble

opinion ~ expression ~ and other musings

Getting away is great,

Deb and I spent last week near Penetanguishene in the near north of our province and used the four days we were gone to decompress from a busy summer. It’s hard to believe but yes, summer is over. I get it, fall doesn’t start for a couple of weeks,

but once that Labour Day weekend hits, for me, thoughts turn to fall and all of the things that come with it.

Leaves were just beginning to turn as we spent one of our afternoons away in Algonquin Park. It was cool and rainy for most of our

but there’s

trip but it didn’t dampen our spirits as we used a nicely appointed hotel in Midland as our base and planned excursions in different directions each day.

The food was hit and miss with one dining experience being absolutely terrible and another

1926 Hupmobile with name on rad THE

Hupmobiles were built in Detroit from 1908 to 1941 by Bobby Hupp, who named the car after himself (maybe getting the idea from Mr. Olds who built Oldsmobiles). Mr. Hupp’s cars sold very well all through the 1920s, including the 1926 Hupmobile sedan seen here belonging to Alan Tassey’s family in Toronto.

It was one of the first cars to offer a straight eight engine at an attractive price in 1925

and also one of the first cars to offer four-wheel hydraulic brakes when most cars back then had two-wheel mechanical brakes. Ford did not adopt hydraulic brakes until 1939.

OLD CAR DETECTIVE

Bill Sherk

The slogan “Step Up With Hupp” kept the company going through the 1920s when most cars had the radiator out in front, making it difficult to recognize the make unless the name was on the rad as shown here. After

the stock market crash in October 1929, Hupmobile struggled through the Great Depression of the 1930s and finally stopped making cars in 1941. All Hupmobiles are highly collectible today.

Always looking for stories. Send me an email at billtsherk@sympatico.ca.

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no place like home RIB’S RAMBLINGS

(our last dinner there) being great, but I suppose you get that anywhere you go.

We attended a King’s Wharf Theatre production of Grease and it did not disappoint. Of course, these are professional actors and singers, so we went in with high expectations and it lived up to the hype. That theatre is right on the water in Penetanguishene and is part of the Drayton Entertainment Group.

The hotel at about $100 a night was a bargain and included free breakfast. It wasn’t much, but we took advantage of it for three of the four mornings we were there.

On the final day, we got up early, checked out and hit up a local breakfast place and had a nice start to the day.

Included in that breakfast was a surprise call from Ontario Premier Doug Ford, who caught me totally off-guard with his congratulatory call about my 40 year an-

niversary in the newspaper business.

At first, I thought it was my nephew Jerry somehow pranking me, but once the conversation got started I realized I was talking to the real deal.

Mark Ribble

I’m not a politically affiliated type of guy, so it was good to hear from someone who really didn’t have to call me. I spent the rest of the day wondering who “his buddy Dave” was that gave him my number. Found out it was Dave Thibodeau, whose dad Mike taught me a lot during my days with the Leamington Post.

We returned to Leamington in time for the S’aints concert at Seacliff Park and once again witnessed the generosity of this community, raising well over $8,000 for St. John’s Anglican Church.

And with all of that, a realization that no matter how far we travel

and how beautiful the areas are where we travel, we’ve still got a pretty good place right here in the Sun Parlour.

The mountains, ridges and lakes of northern Ontario are beautiful and the leaves are just beginning to turn, which amplifies that beauty. They have their festivals based on their geographical location and proximity to certain points of interest, but no more or no less than we have here. When it all comes down to it, there’s something about arriving back in your home town, knowing that the amenities here may be different than those you’ve just experienced, but that our amenities have also been marvelled at by visitors from other areas too.

As Dorothy Gale once said, “There’s no place like home.”

Here she comes again

In 2022, Dolly Parton was nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. However, she initially declined the honour because her main background is country music. But she would then soon make a change to that by creating a rock album.

So, less than two years ago she put out her 49th solo album called Rockstar. Released by Butterfly Records and Big Machine Records, it was a collaborative project with a who’s who in the variety of rock musicians marking Parton’s first work in that genre.

Its lead single, “World On Fire”, was released on May 11, 2023, with the singles “Magic Man” featuring Ann Wilson, “Bygones” with Rob Halford, Nikki Sixx and John 5, and “We Are the Champions” and “We Will Rock You” were all to follow. After that, Parton’s version of “Let It Be” that featured surviving Beatles Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr came out. Parton’s version of

“What’s Up?” that featured Linda Perry, also followed over the next five months.

FLASHBACK RADIO with Chuck Reynolds

On New Year’s Eve, Parton performed a duet of “Wrecking Ball” with her goddaughter Miley Cyrus and then went on to perform “World On Ice” at the 58th Academy of Country Music Awards in May of 2023.

The album received mostly positive reviews from critics. It went on to debut at #3 on the Billboard 200. This became Dolly’s highest charting solo studio album and also topped the Country and Rock Album charts.

All this was very exciting for Dolly Parton and many of the 2022 inductees. While she originally declined the nomination for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, she reached out to a variety of her musical friends and received lots of support and accolades from all directions.

British singer and guitarist Peter Frampton was

recruited into recording after a mutual friend performed backing vocals with U.S. singer Steven Tyler on the album. Not everything was successful for Dolly. She pursued Mick Jagger for her Rolling Stones cover but he had a scheduling conflict. She also failed to reunite Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page and Robert Plant for “Stairway to Heaven”, which was a favorite of her husband Carl Dean. While she couldn’t get Bob Seger to join her in singing “Night Moves” because of throat problems, her favourite collaborator to fill in was fellow country musician Chris Stapleton.

All in all, it was a terrific contemporary rocking country album which proved to be worthy of making Dolly Parton a “rockstar” in either country or rock.

1926 Hupmobile sedan owned long ago by Toronto family.

Youth To Youth Conference includes two Essex County students

By Ron Giofu

Two youth from Essex County went to the Honouring Indigenous Peoples (HIP) Youth to Youth program’s conference and came back to tell of their experiences.

Liv Scratch from Leamington and Asher Soucie from Amherstburg were the Rotary Super District 6400 youth representatives at the recent conference at Acadia University in Nova Scotia. They met with Rotarians at the McGregor Community Centre last Wednesday night with the presentation hosted by the Rotary Club of Tecumseh-Lakeshore, the Rotary Club of Essex and the Rotary Club of Windsor-Wide.

The Youth to Youth (Y2Y) is a way to respond to the Truth and Reconcil-

iation Calls to Action 62 to 66 and offers a curriculum led by Indigenous educators, educating youth about residential schools, treaties and the historical and contemporary contributions of Indigenous Peoples to Canada.

HIP is dedicated to, on an annual basis, advancing Indigenous education and nurturing the youth’s capacity for intercultural understanding, empathy and mutual respect.

Soucie admitted he was very nervous heading to the conference but that quickly went away when he was welcomed by others at the conference. One of the things he learned was how to make a drum and the significance of donating it.

“Each drum is individual to the person who

Kingsville Friendly Club

Kingsville Friendly Club President Jean welcomed 36 members out to play cards at the Lions Hall on August 26. Welcome back Sharyne Segave, Ken Martinuik and John Bigley.

Bridge scores: Shirley Morel 4840, Jean Kuipers 3480, Carolyn Brown 3030. Euchre: Rita Sleiman 102, Willy Fittler 101, Tom Dewhurst 100. Most lone hands: Tom Dewhurst 9. Cribbage: Nancy Cassels 841, Marie Geeves 836, Sue Girardin 814. Pepper: Carrie Schultz 304, Kathy Hedge 296, Fred Sleiman 252. Most pep-

made it,” he said. “The drum was fun to make and I was around a lot of my friends.”

Another highlight was a trip to Kejimkujik National Park where youth at the camp participated in activities such as lacrosse, music and singing as well as plant identification. Soucie said his focus was on the music and singing portion.

Conference members visited the 530-year-old “Grandmother Maple” tree and learned about being connected to the land.

Soucie said he gained real-world experience, made new friends and met new people, was immersed in Indigenous culture and learned history, gained an understanding of the Indigenous culture and the marginalization

pers: Carrie Schultz and Kathy Hedge 7. Door prize winners were Shirley Reynolds, Carolyn Brown and Ken Martinuik.

Hope everyone has a great long weekend with lots of activities. The September birthdays will be celebrated next Friday with cake and ice cream. Doors open at noon, card play begins at 12:45 every Tuesday and Friday at the Lions Hall in Kingsville. Enter through the United Church parking lot on Mill Street.

Community Calendar

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 7

UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CHURCH OF OLINDA SERVICE at 10:30 am with Rev. Paul Langston-Daley. Water Communion. 2953 Olinda Side Road, Ruthven. 548-324-4352. All are welcome.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19

COMMUNITY BIKE RIDE with Bike Kingsville & Bike Windsor Essex, Carnegie Arts & Visitor Centre, at 10:00 am - 28 Division St. S., Kingsville.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20

KINGSVILLE BLOCK PARTY - 5:00 - 10:00 pm - Glow Party with DJ V’Amour and aerial performance by 519 Aerial, King St. & Chestnut St.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27

AUTUMN FEST BAZAAR 9:00 am - 2:00 pm at Visitation Church Parish Hall, 5407 Comber Side Rd, Comber. Featuring homemade baked goods, 20+ vendors with handmade crafts, raffles with cash prizes, grocery gift cards and a penny sale raffle (over 75 items) drawn later that day. Lunch available and free coffee/tea all day. Hourly guest draws just for attending!

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30

ORANGE SHIRT WALK, 12:00 pm at Kingsville Recreation Complex, baseball diamond five, 1741 Jasperson Dr.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18

KINGSVILLE LEGION FALL VENDORS MARKET – 10:00 am to 5:00 pm at 145 Division St. South, Kingsville. Proceeds to Branch 188 programs. 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.

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.

experienced throughout history and he also learned youth can advocate and provide a voice for all.

Voted “best listener” by his peers at the conference, Soucie said he has applied to be a youth leader at the 2026 conference.

Scratch said she enjoyed the trip and said she learned a lot. She stated she felt an instant connection when she arrived at the Y2Y conference.

“It was an amazing journey,” said Scratch.

Scratch added she was able to meet one of her idols, author and activist

Phyllis Webstad. Webstad attended a residential school and has shared her story. She also founded Orange Shirt Day.

A hug Scratch shared with Webstad was powerful for her due to the respect Scratch has for her.

Leaving the Y2Y conference was difficult, she said.

“It was incredibly hard to walk away,” said Scratch.

Scratch said she learned a lot while at the conference and found out more about her own roots.

Jim Louttit, a former Rotary district governor from the Toronto-area

and member of the HIP board of directors, was pleased with how the evening went as Soucie and Scratch shared their stories with others.

“It brings them together,” said Louttit. “It’s life changing for them. It’s building long-term relationships for them.”

Suzanne Grouette from the Rotary Club of Windsor-Wide said it was a good evening and it shows the program is working. She serves on the national board with Louttit and was glad to see the impact on the two local youth.

Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. Sept. 17 to Dec. 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.

ERIE SHORES TOASTMASTERS MEETING at 6:30 pm every other Wednesday at Leamington Library, 1 John St. Free to attend. Develop Communication and Leadership Skills in a positive, friendly environment. Next meeting dates are Sept. 10 & 24. More info: email ErieShoresTM@yahoo.com, Facebook Erie Shores Toastmasters or go to ErieShores.toastmastersclubs.org.

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 am 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.

KINGSVILLE COMMUNITY CENTRE: STEP-IT-UP INDOOR POWER WALKING Mondays at 9:15 am, at Grovedale, 103 Park St., Kingsville. No Fee. Registration required. kingsvillecentre.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 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.

KINGSVILLE COMMUNITY CENTRE: TAI CHI, Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays. Various locations, no fee, registration required. kingsvillecentre.com

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18TH

Asher Soucie of Amherstburg (left) and Liv Scratch of Leamington (centre) listen as Suzanne Grouette from the Rotary Club of Windsor-Wide speaks. Soucie and Scratch both discussed their experiences at an Honouring Indigenous Peoples Youth to Youth conference they attended in Nova Scotia. The presentation was at the McGregor Community Centre. RiverTown Times photo by Ron Giofu

Leamington to further explore Municipal Acommodation Tax with TWEPI

By Mark Ribbl

e Leamington Council has decided to further explore the possibility of a Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) with Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island (TWEPI), but not before addressing a Short Term Rental regulations by-law that has been discussed in the past.

In the spring of this year, TWEPI presented their idea for a MAT to all seven municipalities across Essex County and set an August 31 deadline to hear back from the municipalities regarding a further pursuance of the tax.

A four to six per cent MAT has been recommended by TWEPI and could generate millions of dollars annually for Windsor-Essex.

TWEPI representatives Gordon Orr and Jason Toner presented at both Kingsville (April 28) and Leamington (May 27) council meetings to explain the tax.

According to their figures, Kingsville had 228 accommodation listings in 2024 — this includes hotels/motels and short-term rentals such as Air BnB. Those accommodations would have generated ap-

proximately $7.3 million.

A four per cent MAT would have generated $292,000, while a six percent MAT would have garnered $440,000.

The same time frame in Leamington produced 377 accommodations that would have produced about $15.3 million, with a four per cent MAT of $610,000 and a six per cent MAT of $916,000.

TWEPI is proposing a 50/50 share in that revenue between them and the municipalities.

Kingsville rejected the idea last month — the only municipality in the region to do so.

Leamington’s municipal administration brought a report and recommendation back to council at their August 26 council

meeting, recommending that council direct them to continue to investigate a MAT for Leamington and also to direct them to continue discussions with TWEPI, who would be the designated tourism entity to benefit from the 50 per cent of the tax collected.

At the council meeting, it was a general consensus among councillors that they need to get regulations in place for Short Term Rentals before they can implement any sort of a MAT.

The municipality’s Director of Finance and Business Services, Laura Rauch, said she believes further investigation is required before implementation and agreed that Short Term Rental by-laws need to be in place before a MAT can be implemented. She estimated an 18-month time frame before that is feasible.

A delegation from Dream BnB Hospitality spoke to council regarding their view on a MAT, which they are not opposed to, but feel the funds need to stay in Leamington.

“Advances in technology have changed how the hospitality industry

thrives,” said Jilda Farias of Dream BnB. “We are painting a picture of what it means to visit Leamington.”

Paul Medeiros of Dream BnB, said he’d like to see the money collected stay in the community.

“We need to think carefully about how MAT funds are used,” he said. “While TWEPI plays an important role, sending the majority of funds away means missing an opportunity to re-invest right here at home.”

Councillor Paul Tiessen felt that the TWEPI approach would be the best approach, saying that tourism is often regional and that TWEPI already has the tools in place to administer the tax.

Laura Rauch said the next steps, if council decides to move forward, include consultation with the community and the industry.

“There’s really no commitment here,” she said. “Just to continue discussions.”

Mayor Hilda MacDonald added that TWEPI has provided a definite benefit for Leamington.

“I will tell you that

TWEPI got us through Covid and got us through not having a tourism person of our own,” she said. She added that she’s paid MAT in Toronto, Ottawa, Niagara Falls and even in Europe and has never been deterred by that.

The mayor also cited recent visits to a packed Seacliff Park on Sundays as a good reason to start thinking about Municipal Accommodation Taxes and the like.

“When I go to Seacliff Park on a Sunday, I see that park jammed full of people that are not from our town,” she said. “And yet, our town has paid for that park and those amenities and we have no way of getting that money back. That’s why I’m pro MAT tax.”

She added that MAT will take some of the burden off the people that live here and put it on the people who use the things that have been built.

When it came down to a vote, council voted to further explore the MAT as presented by TWEPI by engaging in discussion with the organization.

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.

August 25: 1st Remi Fournier and Mac Stanley, 2nd Bob Bell and Sally Bell, 3rd Al Morrison and Henry Hildebrand.

August 29: 1st Henry Hildebrand and Derek Parry, 2nd Pauline Mikolash and Roger Cote, 3rd Allan Shearn and Peggy Shearn.

There were no Bridge games on Labour Day, September 1.

Lehn, Melissa Loeppgy, Martin Girash, Karen Jones, Nadia DiDomenico.

Local teen was invaluable to Military Museum

By Paul Forman

The Kingsville Military Museum feels blessed to have had the research services of 16-year-old Wyatt Turner over the months of July and August for their gun collection and information catalogue of local deceased veterans.

Having had a keen interest in history since he was eight, Wyatt credits conversations with his dad Ken as to why that interest has been stoked.

www.essexfreepress.com | issuu.com/essexfreepress

that issue by conducting research about each gun and labeling them accordingly.

“Being in the gun room is cool,” he said. “The collection we have is really impressive. It is so important that we preserve the local history we have here.”

Museum administrator Bonnie Monminie has appreciated the fine work that Wyatt has completed on their behalf.

he will hopefully continue to help us while completing his community hours for high school.”

Turner has also assisted researcher Jackie Barraco with gathering information about local veterans from both World Wars that can be shared with living family members.

He has spent a lot of his time this summer conducting work for a museum room that contains approximately 60 significant guns of historical value. Many of those weapons lacked information for display and Turner has rectified

Barraco also had good things to say about the young man, “His interest in history is really there and he is always wanting to learn more.”

“This is the first year that we have had a Canada Summer Jobs student and I’ve been so impressed by Wyatt’s ability to get things done,” said Monminie. She added, “He’s been willing to do everything we have asked. As a history buff,

and/ or indication of changes required, by 1:00 p.m. Friday prior to

Your ad will publish in 11,000 copies of The Essex Free Press.

Turner indicated that his time at the Kingsville Military Museum has definitely made him want to pursue history beyond secondary school and maybe even obtain a history degree to match his dad’s.

St., Essex | P.O. Box 115, Essex, ON N8M 2Y1 | Ph: 519-776-4268 | Email: contact@essexfreepress.com Mon.-Thurs. 9am-2pm, Fri. 9am-1pm, Closed Sat. & Sun. Please review your proof carefully & return with

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Pictured with the Kingsville Military Museum’s gun collection are, from left, museum administrator Bonnie Monminie, board member/researcher Jackie Barraco, summer employee Wyatt Turner and museum volunteer Byron Lazarus. SUN photo by Paul Forman

It was a dog lover’s bonanza as some of Canada’s top dogs competed at Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens from August 28 to August 31. As joint hosts, the Windsor All Breed Training & Tracking Club and the Essex County Kennel Club held championship dog shows, rally obedience trials, and canine good neighbour testing over the four-day event. Kim Wending is pictured with her Best In Show Standard Poodle Valencia as they made their way around the judging ring at Colasanti’s. SUN photo by Paul Forman DOG SHOW AT COLASANTI’S

Andrew Klein

Andrew Klein, 62 years, passed away suddenly at home on Saturday, August 30, 2025.

Loving husband of the late Yvonne for 27 years. Predeceased by his parents

Andrew and Helen Klein. Dear brother to Christine (late Kirby) and Marlene (late Steve). Brother-in-law of Victor Desmarais (Sue), Yvette Lake, Georgette Broadfoot and Philip Desmarais. Cherished uncle to Kirby, Jeffery, Andrew (Brooklyn), Amanda, Alicia (Michael), Jessica (Derek) and Aiden.

Visiting is at Reid Funeral Home & Reception Centre, 14 Russell Street, Leamington (519-326-2631) on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 from 2-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m.

A Graveside Service will be held at Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery on Thursday, September 4, 2025 at 11 a.m.

As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations to a charity of your choice would be appreciated.

Family and friends are invited to share their words of comfort at www.reidfuneralhome.ca

William George Allsop

February 28, 1933 – August 30, 2025

William “Bill” George Allsop, 92 years, passed away peacefully with his loving family at his side on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at Erie Shores Hospice.

Survived by his loving wife, Pauline (nee Leslie) of 72 years. Loving father of Chris Allsop (Debbie, nee Warmenhoven) and Randy Allsop (Caroline Chauvin). Cherished Grandpa (Gramps) to Jason Allsop (Trisha, nee Cowling), Melissa (Lou) Statham (Sean) and Ben Allsop (Nicky, nee Brockman), along with adopted grandson Nick Warkentin (Amy, nee Martin). Great-grandpa to Josh Allsop, Avery Allsop, Ella Statham, Reese Statham, Zoey Allsop, Blake Allsop and Tyler Allsop. Survived by brother Paul Allsop (Gwen, nee White). Predeceased by his parents, Horace and Ann Allsop, brothers Robert and wife Betty, Donald Gilbert and wife Mary. Bill will be remembered by his nieces, nephews and extended family.

Bill was employed at Union Water System for 31 years, retiring as plant Superintendent. Upon retiring, he was active in municipal politics for several years, first in Gosfield South and later the new Town of Kingsville.

Special thanks to the paramedics, nurses and doctors for their excellent care at Erie Shores HealthCare.

Special heartfelt thanks to the volunteers and staff at Erie Shores Hospice for the care and kindness show to our Father/Gramps and our family – you are the best.

Visitation for Bill will be held at Kendrick Funeral Home, Kingsville, on Thursday, September 4, 2025, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. with a St. George’s #41 Masonic Lodge service taking place from 6:45-7 p.m.

A celebration of Bill’s life will be held at the funeral home on Friday, September 5, 2025, at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at Kingsville Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to Erie Shores Hospice, 197 Talbot Street West, Suite 210, Leamington, ON, N8H 1N8.

Condolences and special memories can be shared with the family at www.Kendrickfuneralhome.com

Wheatley Legion gets support for new buliding

A recent motion from Chatham-Kent Ward One Councillor Lauren Anderson got support from other members of council at the August 25 council meeting.

the upcoming building of the new Wheatley Legion, given the hardship endured over the past four years.

Proof of obituary to run

Councillor Anderson had made a notice of motion at the previous council meeting asking the municipality to consider offsetting development fees and other charges for

August 13, 2025 Southpoint Sun

$200 plus $26 HST = $226

Council approved a grant of $92,500 from the Strategic Reserve to offset Development Charges, Building Permit fees, Planning fees, and 2024–2025 Property taxes for the Wheatley Legion’s new building project.

Property tax relief will also continue into 2026 until the MPAC exemption can be applied.

The Wheatley Legion was permanently displaced due to the Wheatley gas issue.

They have purchased land on Talbot Road West and are preparing to rebuild.

This financial support ensures they are not pe-

nalized by fees and taxes that would not have applied had they been able to rebuild at their original site.

Legion Branch 324 President Richard Whittle said that they expect to break ground soon on the new Legion building on Talbot Street West, next to the library.

Improved mental health services for students locally

Any changes please email sun@southpointsun.ca

A pilot project designed to improve student health and well-being by providing direct, in-school mental health services and basic medical support will be expanded to include a total of three Catholic schools this September.

Thank you.

The Youth Mobile Clin-

ic was launched as a pilot project at F.J. Brennan Catholic High School towards the end of the last school year and based on its success, the same services will be offered beginning in September at Cardinal Carter Catholic Secondary School and Assumption College

Rita Anne Enns

With profound sadness and gratitude for her life, we announce the peaceful passing on Saturday, August 30, 2025 of Rita Anne Enns (Konrad), aged 78, after a short illness. She was surrounded by family at the Windsor Regional Hospital, Metropolitan Campus.

Proof of obituary to run

September 3, 2025

Southpoint Sun

$200 plus $26 HST = $226

Any changes please email sun@southpointsun.ca

Thanks.

Rita was the beloved wife of Ken for almost 60 years. Loving mother to the late Paul and Jenny (Eric Griggs), Lisa and Kent Haase, and Steve and Shelley. Cherished Oma to Amanda (Connor Huxman), Camryn, Sofia Fast (Josh), Grace, Natasha, Simon and Madelynn. Predeceased by her parents, Ben and Susie Konrad. Sister to the late Irene Thiessen (late Helmut), late Rudy (late Linda), Helen Derksen (Ron), late twin Bill (Maria), Henry (Peg), late Peter and Albert (Kathy). Sister-in-law to Gerda Driedger (late Henry), Marion Driedger (late John), Dennis Enns (Helga) and late Dave Enns (Linda). Also remembered lovingly by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Mom will be remembered for her significant role as partner to Dad in their decades of farming outside of Leamington, for her dedication to volunteering at Thrift on Mill, for serving community meals at St. John’s Anglican Church, and for her various church involvements over the years. She was the hub of family information and made sure no one was left out. Mom found joy in baking and in hosting her children and grandchildren for holiday dinners. Most important to her were her family and her faith in God.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to the doctors, nurses and staff on the fifth floor at Windsor Regional Hospital, Metropolitan Campus, for their kindness and care to Rita, and our family in the past few weeks.

Visitation is at Reid Funeral Home, 14 Russell Street, Leamington (519-326-2631) on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 from 4-7 p.m.

Funeral Service will be held at North Leamington United Mennonite Church on Thursday, September 4 at 10:30 a.m. Committal service to follow at Evergreen Memorial Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in the name of Rita Enns to UMEI Christian High School or Erie Shores Health Foundation.

Memories can be shared at reidfuneralhome.ca

Catholic High School.

A partnership between the Windsor-Essex branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association, the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit, Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare, and the Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board, the Youth Mobile Clinic functions by locating social workers and registered practical nurses right in the school in a convenient location where students can drop in for confidential, one-on-one support without an appointment.

“Together with our partners we recognized this need to bring on-site supports in schools and communities for youth who are most at risk,” she said. “The clinic goes to students where the need is, instead of asking them to get a referral to go elsewhere.”

Proof of obituary to run

September 3, 2025 Southpoint Sun

$200 plus $26 HST = $226

The initiative is Funded by Ontario Health’s Locally Driven Collaborative Projects program fund, which flows through the Windsor-Essex branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association.

Any changes please email sun@southpointsun.ca

Sbrocca described the clinical professionals as navigators who can either provide care in the moment with a single appointment, or follow-up appointments, but who can also provide referral to another agency depending on the student’s needs.

Thanks.

An essential priority in the WECDSB’s Mental Health Action Plan involves collaborating with community partners to meet the needs of students by providing them with timely mental health supports, according to WECDSB Superintendent Kelly-Ann Bull, whose portfolio includes student mental health and well-being.

“We’re extremely fortunate to have such excellent partners in our community and are grateful for their commitment of valuable resources to supporting our students and their families,” she said.

Students often struggle to access care due to transportation barriers and because services are not always available where and when they are most needed, according to Nicole Sbrocca, CEO of CMHA Windsor-Essex.

Besides the pilot project at Brennan, similar services were offered at various locations throughout July and August through the Summer Youth Mobile Clinic project. So far, project administrators have seen a great deal of success according to Kristy McBeth, Senior Director at the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit.

“The team is really integrating into the school community, getting to meet the students and creating a comfort level and a safe space in a place where students already feel safe,” she said. “By having us there, we extend that trust. We know there are a lot of benefits to reaching people where they are, so we are providing options for students to get help when they feel they need it.”

According to Sbrocca, the initiative still has two more years of funding.

“So we have two years to grow, sustain and build the evidence base to secure funding in perpetuity, which will be critical for the community,” she said.

Jack Miner Sanctuary acquires prized sculptures

By Paul Forman

An unexpected email late last year to Jack Miner Bird Foundation Executive Director Matthew Olewski led to two valued acquisitions that now sit on display in the Sanctuary’s Historic Home. When Olewski realized that the email’s donation offer was legitimate he immediately contacted sender Sybil Taylor.

Sybil Taylor is one of the granddaughters of acclaimed Canadian artist Emanuel Hahn who is most known for his iconic designs that we find on our Bluenose dime and Caribou quarter. Taylor made her way to the sanctuary in Kingsville on the afternoon of August 26 for the unveiling of her

grandfather’s work, a 1932 bust of Jack Miner and a ceramic sculpture titled Canada Goose.

Taylor and her family are in the process of donating her grandfather’s work to galleries across Canada as it has been sitting in storage for some 30 years.

“We are looking to put his work as much as possible into the public domain and to honour the memory of our mother Qennefer Wood-Hahn Browne,” said Taylor. “It was natural to want these to return home. We’re honoured to see his work preserved where it belongs.”

Olewski was asked about how he felt about the donation from the

Taylor family.

“It’s a dream,” he said. “We couldn’t feel more honoured to have these pieces and it feels like it has come full circle as Hahn was on these grounds many years ago. Jack Miner was conservation before it was cool and these new additions honour the great things that a person can do.”

The public is invited to make a visit to the Jack Miner House, and as you enter the door and look to your right, you will see the works from the master sculptor on prominent display with the help of Canada Summer Works student Nolan Seabourne of the University of Windsor.

Province provides $9 million dollars for Kingsville infrastructure

By Paul Forman

Essex Member of Pro-

vincial Parliament Anthony Leardi was joined by Kingsville Town Council, town administration and local citizens at the Unico Community Centre in Kingsville on August 27 as he announced that the province would provide funding of a little over $9 million dollars from the Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund to support the building of water mains that will supply a west side housing development that the town had previously approved.

“Today I am announcing that the Town of Kingsville is receiving a grant from the Ontario government for their water systems and the total dollar value of the grant is $9,035,681. As a result of this grant, Kingsville will be able to build an additional 750 housing units. This is in addition to the $7 million that the town received for a recent waterline project.”

“Today we broke the bank again, this is tremen-

dous,” said Mayor Dennis Rogers in response to the funding announcement from the province. “You mentioned 750 homes, that’s just the first piece. It could be up to 3,000 homes on the west side. This funding also solidifies water capacity and pressure for over 5,000 current homes.”

On display at the Unico Community Centre was a breakdown of the three phases that the funding will aid in, as the town will pick up the remaining 30 percent of the total costs for the project.

Phase one has begun and involves the building of a 24-inch water main on Road 2 West from Division Road North to where the West Side Collector Road will be constructed. The new road will be an extension of Heritage Road to the north from County Road 20 to Road 2 West. Kingsville CAO John Norton indicated that this phase should be completed by the end of the year.

Phase two, to be completed in 2026, will see the

construction of a 16-inch transmission water main through the corridor of the extended road from Heritage.

Phase three is a project for 2027 involving the construction of a 12-inch transmission water main along County Road 20

from Heritage Road to McCain Sideroad. This will create a secondary feed for the southwestern portion of the town and should

result in better water services for residents in the area through redundancy and increased capacity.

Jack Miner Bird Sanctuary recently received a donation of two pieces of work by acclaimed Canadian artist Emanuel Hahn. To the left of the recently acquired Jack Miner bust is University of Windsor student Nolan Seabourne (Museum Educator & Archivist), with donor Sybil Taylor (granddaughter of Emanuel Hahn) and Matthew Olewski, Executive Director of the Jack Miner Migratory Bird Foundation. SUN photo by Paul Forman

Essex MPP Anthony Leardi, centre, with Kingsville Mayor Dennis Rogers, left, Kingsville Town Council members and town administration as he hands over a cheque from the province for $9,035,681 for town water infrastructure. SUN photo by Paul Forman

CONSTRUCTION CONTINUES ON TALBOT EAST

Construction on Talbot Street East continues

house a

Pathway to Potential Neighbourhoods Program launched in Leamington

By Paul Forman

Hundreds made their way around Leamington’s Dieppe Park as 18 service organizations set up to share what they can offer, while giveaways for backpacks, bike helmets and haircuts saw steady lines.

Supported by the City of Windsor and the County of Essex, Pathway to Potential (P2P) attempts to improve the quality of life in economically challenged areas across the local region.

“Utilizing census data

and looking at 22 indicators on the Neighbourhood Opportunity Index, Leamington was chosen as an appropriate area for our expansion,” said Karlene Nielsen, Director of Neighbourhood Programs for United Way. The Neighbourhood Program will support P2P’s strategic plan by empowering residents, activating local resources, and fostering social capital.

Nielsen continued, “We are trying to stack our in-

vestments so that we can move the needle on the reduction of child poverty.”

The new program will be driven by local residents who will act as neighbourhood leads and will be supported by community backbone organizations that will be responsible for implementing the program in a specific geographical area.

Over the coming weeks, Leamington residents will have the opportunity to meet with the new neighbourhood leads and find out how they can get involved in shaping the future of the town.

Pathway to Potential encourages the public to visit their website at pathwayToPotential.ca to learn about the new program and to get specific dates for upcoming resident engagement events.

photo

Mojo Wailers to wrap up Two Creeks season

The Two Creeks Summer Concert Series will wrap up with the Mojo Wailers this Sunday, September 7 at 6 p.m.

Rhythm and blues, soul and rock classics are delivered by the Mojo Wailers with a retro vibe and are irresistibly danceable.

Admission is free but the hat is passed. Food and drink available.

Two Creeks Conservation Area is on Kent Road 1, a kilometre north of Wheatley.

Watch for the Two Creeks Indoors series starting in October at twocreeks.ca.

Aaron MacDonald at The Bank Theatre Nov. 8

The Bank Theatre will present Canadiana roots singer-songwriter Aaron MacDonald on Saturday, November 8 at 7:30 p.m.

Aaron MacDonald writes songs you can feel under your skin, stories pulled from long roads, hard lessons and the bright chaos of family life. A veteran rocker and heartfelt songwriter, Aaron’s sound blends dusty rock, folk grit

and country soul.

“We’ve found our audiences love East Coast music,” said John Moran, Music Programming Chair of The Bank Theatre. “Aaron will bring something new to the stage with his unique sound and musicianship and we can’t wait to share him with you.”

Hailing from Cape Breton, Aaron MacDonald has seen it all on the road, playing decades with a five-piece band, plus juggling a family. Now touring alone, he draws inspiration from his small town of Mabou, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, and there’s a taste of small-town living and love in every song.

MacDonald seamless-

ly blends country, rock, rhythm and blues, perhaps giving us a hint at his honky-tonk upbringing. An East Coast Music Award nominee, he’s in his element curating some of the best music you’ll hear today. Better yet, his shows are raw, melodic and steeped in the kind of truth you can’t fake.

Programming at The Bank Theatre is sponsored by the Municipality of Leamington and Chances Gaming Lounge.

Tickets are available at the Box Office Thursday-Saturday from 11 a.m.-1 pm, or by phone during box office hours 519-326-8805, or online at banktheatre.com

Members of United Way were the organizers of the program launch and also distributed feminine hygiene products at the event as part of their Period Promise Program.

Pictured from United Way are, from the left, Summer Eats Program student Tilia Galata, Director of Neighbourhood Programs Karlene Nielsen, West Windsor lead Jasmine Knight and Downtown Windsor lead Tasmin Mohammed. SUN photo by Paul Forman

to move along as the building that will

dollar store begins

take shape. This photo was snapped on August 26. The new Tim Hortons building will be erected in the coming weeks. It will be located just west of the Superstore. SUN

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ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20

You’re feeling bold this week, Aries. Use a surge of energy to speak out about something that needs to be said. Be mindful of how others may receive it.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21

Stability and home life are in the spotlight, Taurus. You may be called to handle something domestic or financial. Use your natural patience to avoid impulsive decisions.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21

Gemini, conversations will flow with ease this week, and you’ll be a magnet for interesting ideas. If you have been waiting to pitch an idea, do it right now.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22

Cancer, you may assess your value right now, both financially and emotionally. An important decision requires you to have a level head. It’s a great week to update a budget.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23

This week invites you to step into the spotlight, Leo. This is just where you like to be. Don’t be afraid to own your power and reveal something personal to friends and family.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22

Virgo, you are more introspective than usual. Take time to reflect and recharge this week. Old memories or unfinished business might resurface and you have to face it head on.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23

Your social life picks up, and someone in your network may present a useful opportunity. Be open to collaboration, Libra. Just don’t say yes to too many things at once.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22

Currently your ambition is in focus and others are noticing, Scorpio. A professional opportunity may come your way, but don’t rush the details. Trust your intuition when negotiating.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21

You are craving inspiration and something new, Sagittarius. This is the week to explore new ideas, travel or study something interesting. A philosophical discussion might come up.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20

Capricorn, change is in the air whether you invite it or it finds you. Emotional matters may require some extra attention right now.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18

Aquarius, all of your partnerships are going smoothly right now. You may need to readjust your expectations to reflect your productivity. A turning point comes into play midweek.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20

Think about looking at your daily habits, Pisces. Figure out if anything needs to be tweaked. You need to take care of yourself and prioritize your health.

FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS

AUGUST 31 - Jalen Brunson, Athlete (29)

SEPTEMBER 1 - Zendaya, Actress (29)

SEPTEMBER 2 - Keanu Reeves, Actor (61)

SEPTEMBER 3 - Kaia Gerber, Model (24)

SEPTEMBER 4 - Beyoncé, Singer (44)

SEPTEMBER 5 - Kat Graham, Actress (36)

SEPTEMBER 6 - Idris Elba, Actor (53)

Look at Leamington’s Past courtesy of C. Scott Holland

The boats could be taken through the placid canal or out into the rougher waters of Lake Erie. This photograph of an unidentiﬁed family, standing outside the Cedar Beach Drug Store, was taken in the late 1940s or early 1950s.

Clippings from

Wheatley Journal

Photo courtesy of the Kingsville

Lakeside Town Homes being built by Kolody Construction at the south end of Division South, in the approximate vicinity of the Fish Hatchery building. August 2000.

CHRIS BABKIRK

390 Talbot St. N. Essex 519-776-6447 chrisbabkirk@kenknappford.com

Wednesday, September 3, 2025

Knights pull off exciting 15U OBA win over Kincardine

The Kingsville Knights 15U baseball team delivered a masterclass in dominance and resilience this past weekend, sweeping through a trio of matchups to claim the coveted title of 2025 Provincial Champions.

Their campaign began with a thunderous 18-0 victory over the Blenheim Bees 15U.

The Knights wasted no time, capitalizing on early errors and timely hits.

Braylon Aflak and Chase Toupin each drove in a run in the first inning, setting the tone for what would become a relentless offensive onslaught.

The second inning saw RBI walks from Ryan Sawatzky, Aflak, and Dylan Toupin, while the third inning exploded with eight runs on three hits, including a two-RBI single from Ryan Flanagan and a clutch base knock from Evan Baker.

Jason Beaudoin paced the club by scoring four runs on aggressive and smart base running, taking advantage of every opportunity.

On the mound, William Loncke was lights out, tossing three scoreless innings with just three hits

allowed. Baker closed the door with a clean inning of relief.

Flanagan and Baker led the offense with two hits apiece, while multiple Knights contributed multi-RBI performances.

The Knights continued their winning ways Saturday, overcoming an early 3-0 deficit to defeat the Kincardine Cardinals 15U (22-2 record entering OBAs), 7-4.

A six-run fifth inning flipped the script, powered by hits from Chase Toupin and a resilient pitching performance by Jasper Dunford, who allowed just three runs over five innings.

Vittorio Ruggirello sealed the win with a scoreless frame in relief on 8 pitches.

Later that day, Ryan Flanagan once again proved clutch, driving in four runs to lead the Knights past the Thorold A’s 15U Rep team, 15-5. Flanagan’s third-inning single and fifth-inning double were instrumental in the Knights’ offensive explosion.

William Loncke and Evan Baker added key RBIs, while Ryan Sawatzky earned the win

with four solid innings on the hill.

In their final showdown, the Knights faced the Kincardine Cardinals once more and wasted no time asserting control.

Ryan Flanagan’s two-run double and Loncke’s RBI single gave Kingsville an early lead.

The Knights’ defense

shone with a double play turned by Braylon Aflak, and sensational outfield play by Evan Baker, Owen Ryan, Ryan Swatzky, and Jasper Dunford, dubbed the no-fly zone, and held runners from advancing home.

Dylan Toupin added an insurance run in the top of the 6th after a heads-

up base-running sequence sparked by Owen Ryan’s perfectly executed bunt — on the “Rich Rieve Special.”

Vittorio Ruggirello pitched six strong innings, allowing just three runs on seven hits and no bases on balls for the win, while Loncke returned to collect the save, striking out the

final batter for the win. The pitchers combined for a 73-pitch performance, and Jason Beaudoin was in command behind the plate, taking away Kincardine’s aggressive base running and keeping their star hitters off balance.

13U Lakers runners-up for OBA “B” title in Muskoka

U13

rode a four-game win streak to the finals of the OBA championship this past

weekend in Muskoka, but came up short in the final, dropping a close 9-6 decision to Stratford.

The locals started out the double knockout tournament on the wrong foot with a lopsided loss to Valley

East out of Sudbury on Saturday morning, August 30.

They then reeled off four wins in a row on their way to the championship game.

Game two on Saturday saw them demolish the host Muskoka team by a 16-0 score, followed by a 16-1 drubbing of Cha-

tham later that evening. On Sunday, the Lakers continued their winning ways by beating Stratford 13-0 and Valley East by a 16-6 score.

This put them up against Stratford in the final, where they fell just short, on the losing end of a 9-6 score.

Flyers start season Sept. 7

The Leamington Flyers are poised to begin their 2025-26 Ontario Junior Hockey League schedule.

On Sunday, September 7, the Flyers will visit the Admirals in Caledon and will follow that up with their home opener on Thursday, September 11, hosting the Georgetown Raiders at 7:10 pm.

The Flyers finished last season with a 45-7-3-1 record atop the Western Conference standings.

The Flyers romped through the playoffs before coming up against the upstart Milton Menace, who beat them 4-1 in the Western Conference finals.

The Kingsville Knights 15U Ontario champions. In the back row are Assistant Coaches John Loncke and Jason Beaudoin. Middle row, from left: Jason Beaudoin, Evan Baker, Dylan Toupin, Braylon Aflak, William Loncke, Ryan Flanagan, Vittorio Ruggirello, Chase Toupin, Owen Ryan, Jasper Dunford, Ryan Sawatzky, Assistant Coach Riley Lu, Assistant Coach Matteo Ruggirello. Kneeling in front: Head Coach Vince Ruggirello and Team Manager Gary Toupin.

Photo submitted

The Leamington

Lakers

The Leamington 13U Lakers, back row, from left: Coaches Kevin Gale, Andrew Sleiman, Michael Vida, Ryan Wiper, Kanaan Gale. Middle row: Carter Demant, Brody Van Roie, Griffin Horne, Zander Cook, Brody Church, Quinn Chevalier, Asher Grossi. Front row: Robbie Raffoul, Alex Antonios, Christian Rutgers, Conner Blain, Evan Ketler, Brady George. Photo submitted

Kingsville 14U Knights Cole Peralta started on the mound in game one of the U14 ‘B’ OBA tournament.

Peralta is pictured here as he “deals a pitch” against a pesky Essex Yellow Jackets crew.

photos by

Host Knights win two, lose two at OBA

By Paul Forman

The ball diamonds in Kingsville and Leamington were busy this past weekend as Kingsville Minor Baseball hosted 12 teams from around the province all vying for a prized OBA 14U “B” title.

The host 14U Kingsville Knights opened up their tournament schedule against local rival Essex and lost a tough one by a score of 14-9.

The Knights’ bats heated up in their second game as they beat the Kawartha Cubs decisively 16-10.

A slugfest ensued in the Knights’ third game as they came out on top 22-20 over the Wolves of Waterdown.

The two victories by the local boys set up a Saturday evening matchup against the Tillsonburg

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Otters in the double knockout tourney.

Runs were unfortunately hard to come by for the Knights in their final match as the Otters advanced to the Sunday playoffs over the Knights by a score of 15-3.

Tillsonburg went on to lose to Stratford in the final by a 20-7 score.

MULTI-MEDALIST AT NATIONALS

in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Katelyn was selected as a member of Team Ontario, which captured silver in the provincial team competition. In her individual events, Katelyn won gold in 4.5 Mixed Doubles, silver in Women’s Doubles, and bronze in Women’s Singles. Photo submitted

Erie Shores Senior Men golf results

Beautiful temperatures greeted the Erie Shores senior men’s golf league on August 25.

The draw winners Ron Tiessen and Randy Morton.

Closest to the hole on #3 was Jerry Mallard and #16 Bill Ruiter.

The longest putt on #8 was by Joe Jousseff and on #17 by Gary McRae

The low net winners

were Randy Morton 63, Gord Anderson 65 and John Mills 67.

The first-place team at +8 was Jerry Mallard, Alden Warner, Jerry Meloche and Ken Segedin. In second at +5 were Bill Kelly, Cam McKay and Al Munson.

The third place team at +5 by retrogression was Guy McIntyre, Brent Metz and Ron Tremblay. In fourth at +3 were Vince Branca, John Campbell, Scott Maxwell and Tom Miehl.

The low rounds for the day were by John Rutgers

74, Jerry Mallard 76, and Dave Binder 78. Jerry Mallard birdied #1, #3 and #12, Stefan Kowal #2, Claudio Sabelli and Randy Morton #3, Vince Branca and Doug Quan #5, Bill Manery #6, Bill Ruiter #6, #9 and #16. John Rutgers #8, #11 and #18, Dave Binder #9 and #10, Tom Miehl, Dan Wood and Dino Venerus # 2, Joe Joesseff #14, and Derek Horop #15.

Special congratulations to Norm Beattie who had an eagle 3 on hole #10.

Leamington’s Katelyn Hack competed in the 2025 Canadian National Pickleball Championships held August 19-24,

SUN

Paul Forman

Knights left fielder Andre Affleck had a hot bat in game one of the U14 ‘B’ OBA tournament in Kingsville and is pictured here doubling in a run.

Talbot Trail hosts end-of-year Junior Scramble

The Talbot Trail Junior Golf Program held their endof-year scramble on Wednesday, August 20, crowning their nine-hole and five-hole Junior course champions for the 2025 season.

The five-hole male champion was Sutter Blain, with Shane Simpson the runner-up. On the female side, Alessandra Mastronardi was the champion, with a tie for second between Bentley Kaiser and Brynlee Trudell.

The nine-hole male champion was Jaxon Blain, with the runner-up spot coming down to a one-hole playoff between Oliver Ingratta (who won the playoff) and Easton Flaming. The female champion in this division was Aelan Pearson, who beat Serenity Simpson in a one-hole playoff.

The major awards for this year were announced. Jaxon Blain and Morgan Fetter were the recipients of the Mavis Shanks Award, and Lucas Renwick and Rosie Baptista were named recipients of the Sherra Howe Award.

Festival of Hawks Sept. 13-14

All eyes will be on the skies this September as local birders and nature lovers take in one of North America’s greatest migration at Holiday Beach Conservation Area: tens of thousands of hawks and raptors flying overhead on their annual journey to nesting grounds in the south.

The 2025 Festival of Hawks is September 13 and 14. Learn more about the birds of prey that migrate through this conservation area each year with a variety of educational workshops and hikes. Experts will conduct raptor and hummingbird banding and adoptions in support of their important species and populations monitoring efforts each year.

Local experts will share information on a wide range of birding and nature-related topics.

Visit multiple artwork booths featuring a variety of wildlife and nature themed displays.

There will also be a number of new children’s activities including dressing as your favourite woodland critter, or making a mask at the event tent. Kids can also take a chance at the Birds of a Feather Treasure Hunt and match clues to hidden birds and feathers along the trail.

Saturday evening features an Owl Prowl, a guided walk through the woods, looking and listening for owls. Tickets for this event must be pre-purchased at essexregionconservation.ca/owlprowl.

The festival is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, September 13 and Sunday, September 14. All daytime programs are included with admission or a seasonal pass. The final list of programs is available at essexregionconservation.ca/hawkfest.

The best raptor viewing time is from 9 a.m. until noon when the hawks fly low.

Talbot Trail Seniors enjoy a scramble too

By Bob McLean

On August 26, sixty senior golfers enjoyed a beautiful day to play their scramble. Only eight of the 15 groups were able to shoot par or less.

Two teams T3G1 (Fuzzy, Neil Adamson, Andy Orsini and Tom Hyatt) and T3G2 (Ken Kreuger, Dave Chambers, Francis Garant and Bobo) tied with terrific 32s, but a draw gave T3G1 first place and T3G2 second.

Third spot was won by

T2G1 (Joe Vrtel, Lloyd Symons, Phil Humphries and Gary Wilson) when they shot an excellent 33.

Two teams tied with 34s, but by a draw, T3G3 (Ken Womack, Tom Bishop, Fred Michano and John Liddell) placed fourth, beating out T1G3 (Bob Redel, Richard Humber, Joe Drummond and Ross Mackintosh).

The most honest team was T6G2.

All winning teams received various numbers of golf balls depending

on their placement.

The CP winner on #7 was Scott Girardin of T9G1. His outstanding shot finished nine feet from the pin. The CP winner on #9 was Ken Kreuger of T3G2, whose dazzling shot ended up only five feet from the pin. LP winner was Erle “The Putter” Nash, who drained a 45 foot putt for T6G1 on #2. Scott, Ken and Erle won a sleeve of balls for their personal efforts, and all team players won $10 TT gift cards.

Carl, Dan and Bobo shared some humourous jokes while members enjoyed hamburgers and beans. Special thanks to Raine and Mackenna for preparing the food and serving the beverages. Thanks also to Ray Foster for selling lots of raffle tickets. Others to thank are Dave, Fuzzy, Wiz and Joe. Sign-up sheets for the player-friendly Doc McLean Senior Memorial Tournament are in the clubhouse. I believe this is the 17th year for this