Southpoint Sun August 10, 2011

Wednesday, August 24th

Short and long term fixes for Leamington breakwall

A meeting with government officials from the federal, provincial and municipal levels held on Friday, August 5 resulted in six changes to Leamington’s now notorious breakwall in the harbour.

Representatives from Transport Canada, the Ontario Ministry of Transportation, Leamington Mayor John Paterson and Leamington’s Chief Administrative Officer Bill Marck participated in the meeting held in Chatham. The officials came out with short-term and long-term solutions to the visibility problems involving he breakwall.

At Monday night’s Leamington Council meeting, Mayor Paterson was able to announce that six actions will be taken to address the hazard that the Leamington breakwall represents. These include the installation of radar reflectors, pricing hazard lighting on the breakwall, coast guard boater education, and a comprehensive study (expected to take between two-and-a-half and five years) to decide if the breakwall should stay or go.

It is expected that by next spring, there will be threefoot-high light standards with bulbs directed down to the water illuminating the rocks every 30 metres along the 500-metre long wall. Also, reflective radar sensors will be added to illuminate the breakwall for boats with radar.

The structure has claimed the lives of five people in eight years, including three on June 5 of this year. The lights and radar sensors are the short-term fixes and a long-term study will look at the viability of the structure.

Caribbean Festival heats up Leamington Marina

By Rachel Chausse

Sunday afternoon, August 7, hundreds of people gathered near the Leamington Marina to celebrate Caribbean and Latin culture for the Migrant Worker Community Program’s 5th Annual Summer Fiesta Caribbean Festival. The MWCP co-hosted the event with Western Union who held a “Cash For School BBQ”. The event featured live Caribbean music, Zumba dancers, free food, free drinks and prizes.

Sunday’s weather was reminiscent of the Caribbean, warm and sunny with a coastal breeze. The festival was emceed by Pastor Richard Blake, the choirmaster of the Jamaican Unity Choir, a group sponsored by the MWCP. The Jamaican National Anthem was sung by Pastor Simpson and delighted many spectators as last Saturday was Jamaica’s Independence Day. The Canadian anthem was (Continued on Page 14)

The Jamaican Unity Choir photo is lead by Pastor Richard Blake

Caribbeans waving their flags (soca song)

Kevin O’Neil will be final medal bearer for Rick Hansen anniversary relay in Leamington

The Municipality of Leamington is pleased to announce that Constable Kevin O’Neil will serve as Leamington’s final medal bearer in the Rick Hansen 25th Anniversary Relay Tour in Leamington on Sunday, November 20, 2011, which includes an afternoon celebration at the Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex on Sherk Street. Each ‘end-of-day’ community was invited to choose their community’s final medal bearer that runs, walks or wheels into their community end-of-day celebration. The criteria: to choose anyone from the community – a person with

or without a disability – who is making a positive difference in any way in their community.

“We feel that Constable O’Neil has used his ‘uniform’ and position in the community to make our municipality a better place to live, promoting cultural identity, awareness and support for all,” said Mayor John Paterson.

Constable O’Neil has served the Leamington community for many decades as a police officer – formerly with the Leamington Municipal Police Force and currently with the Leamington Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).

O’Neil began his policing career with the RCMP in Saskatchewan. While there he was assigned to provide escort detail for the original Rick Hansen Man-in-Motion World Tour. He comments that while watching Rick Hansen wheel through the bitter cold of a Saskatchewan winter in Feb. 1987 with a big smile on his face, O’Neil couldn’t help but be tremendously moved, and he has looked up to Hansen as a personal role model over the years. O’Neil recalls saying to his partnering officer at the time, “When a person is on the road for 18 months wheel-

ing around the world in all kinds of extreme conditions, at what point does one give up? What an inspiration he is for the world.”

While serving in Leamington, O’Neil has held the title of Community Services Officer for many years – a public relations role where he is the liaison on many different boards and foundations. While many of these duties are considered part of his vocation, everyone who works with O’Neil will attest to the fact that he offers himself, above and beyond the call of regular shift duty.

O’Neil has been involved for years in co-ordinating fundraisers for the W.E. Care for Kids campaign. He has also delivered the V.I.P. program, a program instituted for all Grade 6 elementary school students to meet a police officer in a school setting to be educated on Values, Influences and Peers.

Other local programs that O’Neil has helped to coordi-

nate include:

• RCMP musical ride inAugust 2000.

• Migrant Worker Community Program (MWCP): Leamington has on average 3,000 migrant workers who come to Leamington for 8-10 months of the year to work in the greenhouse and orchard agri-business sector. Constable O’Neil has worked tirelessly at this program to see that these migrant workers feel welcomed into the community and that there is a cultural acceptance of these people as they come to live in our community. O’Neil has coordinated several fun community sports days for the migrant workers which includes the Jamaican workers versus the Police in friendly baseball action, and Canada versus Mexico in soccer, etc.

• As head of the Leamington Police Association, O’Neil has organized a hockey game each February bringing NHL old-timers

Leamington Council

Monday, August 8

to have a friendly hockey game vs. the Leamington Police Association.

• Co-ordinator with the B-RAD! Group (Bullying, Relationships, Alcohol, Drugs) to educate young people and parents on the pitfalls of getting involved with the wrong crowd.

• Actively involved with the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics.

Council asks MTO to look again at Hwy. 77 drains

A public meeting to adopt the storm sewer works along Highway 77 between the 5th and 6th Concessions resulted in Leamington Council refusing to act to legalize the MTO’s work. Two separate locations with problems directly related to the construction of the drains were brought to the attention of the Municipal Council with the result that the public meeting was stopped pending investigation by municipal employees and their engineering consultant and with the clear direction that corrections by MTO, if necessary, would be done before proceeding with the adoption of this section as a municipal drain.

In a separate but related matter, Council convened a court of revision for the Highway 77 branch of the 4th Concession Drain. Since there were no appeals of the assessments the engineer’s report was adopted and court adjourned, all in a matter of minutes.

Changes coming to Erie Street traffic signals

The program of changes to traffic signals will cost $79,050 (plus taxes) this summer. Changes include the following locations: Talbot at the Real Canadian Superstore entrance, Talbot/Mill at Fox/Albert, Oak and Plumbrook, Erie at the Metro/Walmart plaza, Oak at the Heinz truck entrance, Oak and Sherk, and the Erie Street timings through the uptown core to try and relieve the traffic backups we now experience.

In response to questions from council, Alan Botham, P.Eng., the Manager of Engineering Services for the municipality explained that the review of the Erie Street timings would be from Wilkinson Drive all the way down to Oak Street to try and eliminate congestion problems, but with the signals at Talbot and at Mill so close together it is very difficult to get the timing just right.

Open House: where and when you can park your RV

Acting on a complaint that was made to Leamington Council some months ago, Leamington’s Planning Department has completed a review of the provisions in the Zoning By-law for the parking and storage of RVs, motor homes, boats, trailers, and the like. The proposed wording changes were presented to municipal council with the recommendation that an Open House be held at the municipal building on Wednesday, September 7th followed by an official Public Meeting about the proposed changes on Monday, September 12th. After these two efforts to get public feed-back, a report would then be prepared for council’s consideration to amend the Zoning By-law to clarify when, where and how seasonal recreational possessions can be parked and stored in Leamington.

Councillor Atkin expressed concern that this was still a “complaint-based” system for enforcement, rather than something permit-based (like we have for fires). Continuing along the lines of enforcement, in Councillor Jacobs’ opinion, “its one thing to have a by-law... but unless we can enforce it we still have a problem”. The Clerk-Solicitor explained that since this is a zoning by-law issue the municipality can’t just issue a ticket as it would for an illegally parked car. Rather, a by-law enforcement officer must first try to get voluntary compliance, and only if that fails can the matter be brought to court. Delays in getting a court date and proceeding with the matter can result in months passing before the matter can be resolved. This, however, is a very rare thing.

Constable Kevin O’Neil

Council recommends some changes to garbage pickup

By Bill Chaplin, Municipal Correspondent

A report presented to Leamington Council Monday, August 8, proposed some changes to the sanitation contract prior to sending it out for tender.

The current contracts will expire December 31st. First, the collection of compostable yard and garden waste is proposed to change from every week (with a four bag limit) to every other week (with no bag limit), which, it is asserted, is more in line with current demand and service levels in other municipalities.

This did not sit well with Council members. Councillor Hilda MacDonald led the charge pointing out that the reduction in service would result in residents having to store decomposing waste on their property, or slip it in with their regular garbage to get rid of it. All of council agreed with the amended recommendation proposed by Councillor Rick Atkin to maintain the status quo in the new tender: once weekly pick-up during the growing season and a four bag limit per week.

Somewhat less controversial is the proposal to collect junk on regular gar-

Second extension approved for subdivision plan

Leamington council agreed to forward a request for an extension of draft plan of subdivision approval to County Council for Phase one of the proposed development of the Bennie Farm wedged between County Road 20 and the Bevel Line. This is the second such extension the owners have requested. They originally received 3-year approval at the end of 2005, and then were granted an extension in 2008 until November of this year. If County Council approves this latest request it will provide another 3-year opportunity for development to occur.

bage days without notifying municipal staff. Currently, if you need to get rid of large goods, you must contact Public Works and get an appointment to have the junk picked up.

Council applauded this change. The collection of ‘white goods’ - fridges, stoves, washing machines, etc. - remains the same because it is handled by the Essex Windsor Solid Waste Authority: people must call to have these items picked up.

CHANGES:

• Have your garbage to the curb by 6 a.m. NOT 7 a.m.

• Big items picked up on regular basis (except ‘white goods’) - no calling to notify Public Works.

• Public Works will not pick up and chip “approved” trees and shrubs.

NO CHANGE:

• Compost collection is still every week/4-bag limit.

*** Current contract expires Dec. 31, 2011 ***

Another proposed change is to discontinue having public works staff collect and chip “approved” problem trees and shrubs that are

of a diameter between 3 and 6 inches, returning the onus of taking care of this matter to the landowner and the private sector service providers. This is a rarely-used service offered only three times a year.

The last ‘big’ change the report recommended was to insist that garbage be set out by 6 in the morning instead of the current 7 a.m. In fact, the municipality (like all others in the area) would prefer that garbage and organics set out for collection be left curb side the night before collection day.

A presentation to council

by Ray Marentette revealed some seasonal problems being experienced by the residents of Marentette Beach.

Councillors made it clear that they expect the new tender documents to address the problems and to leave Leamington’s administra-

tion in a position to address future concerns. The report concluded with the thought that it is unlikely that there will be any savings in the contracts. The municipality currently pays $660,000 for these services.

Mennonite Central Committee aid to Africa

Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) is appealing for donations in response to a critical drought and food crisis in East Africa, which has affected about 11 million people.

The Government of Canada has announced matching funds for every dollar donated by Canadians to East Africa Drought Relief. MCC is responding in Kenya by supporting food-for-work projects. In Ethiopia, MCC funds are expected to be used for supplemental food for children under age 5 and lactating or pregnant women.

As the impact of the crisis grows, MCC anticipates the potential for an expanded and ongoing response in these countries. Two consecutive, poor rainy seasons have caused drought in large sections of Kenya and Ethiopia, where MCC has worked for at least 35 years.

In addition to crop failure and many livestock deaths, the situation is exacerbated by high, local grain prices and areas of conflict. MCC is committing $1.2 million through Canadian Foodgrains Bank to support two food-for-work programs in Kenya that will have short- and long-term benefits. Kenyans will be paid with cooking oil, maize and beans for their construction of 92 sand dams and 25 wells. These water-conservation projects, done through partner organizations, the Sahelian Solutions Foundation and the Utooni Development Organization, will help minimize the impact of future droughts.

In Ethiopia, MCC’s partner, the Relief and Development Association (RDA) of the Meserete Kristos Church, will use an initial $200,000 from MCC to help the most vulnerable in the Boricha area, 150 miles (240 km) south of the capital, Addis Ababa. Representatives from MCC and RDA are consulting with the community to determine the most effective way to address its ongoing needs. Meserete Kristos Church is an Anabaptist denomination and member of Mennonite World Conference. MCC also is assessing the possibility of responding to the needs of Somali refugees who are pouring into Ethiopia and Kenya by the tens of thousands.

“Acute food needs in East Africa will continue for months until Kenya, Somalia and Ethiopia come to their next harvests – and that assumes a recovery of the rains… People have begun to sell assets to buy food and to leave their homes behind to look for work or food. That’s a critical issue because over time, you become more and more vulnerable,“ said Bruce Campbell-Janz, Mennonite Central Committee Africa area director.

Donations to support MCC’s response can be made online, mcc.org, or at any MCC office. Gifts should be designated for “East Africa Drought Response.”

Letters to the Editor

ERCA Golf Tournament raises $20,000

Dear Editor:

On behalf of the Essex Region Conservation Foundation, I would like to express my sincerest appreciation to all those who participated in the 23rd Annual Fundraising Golf Tournament on July 28th, 2011 at the spectacular Ambassador Golf Club. As a result of the tremendous support from our sponsors, donors and golfers, nearly $20,000 will be contributed to the protection and restoration of our region’s natural resources.

Protecting our region’s natural resources not only improves our regional environment, but helps to create a sustainable future, an enhanced community image, and a more vibrant economy – companies want to invest in regions where people want to live. Creating a sustainable, livable future for our community is what our tournament hopes to help achieve.

A special thanks to our Gold Sponsor, Southland Insurance, and to the many sponsors and participants who enabled us to achieve another successful fundraising event. Our natural environment is the legacy that we will leave to our children and grandchildren and is critical to the sustainability of this region.

Sincerely, Marshall Gray

Marentette Beach (Canal)

- Photo courtesy of Visual Impressions by Tim Hayes

Family and friends recently gathered at Reflections Hair Studio and Esthetics for a cut-a-thon in honour of Isabella Ingratta, raising $7086 for Childhood Leukemia Research. The young ladies in the front row, left to right, are: Christina Bradford, Mercedes Bradford, Dominique Bradford, and Myranda Perciballi. Back row, from the left: Dana Tuffin (hairstylist), Kristine O’Neil (hairstylist and owner of Reflections Hair Studio), Rebecca Moracci, Valerie Burningham (Canadian Cancer Society), Carolann Rabideau-Pulleyblank, Jenn Bradford, Paul and Nadia Ingratta with their daughter Isabella, and Cindy Fragoso.

Amber Koehler and Stefan Taylor were married on Saturday. It was a beautiful day for an amazing couple!

Abbey Clifford, Grace Hyatt, Shannon Harris, Shayna Harris, Eric Taylor and Ryan Clifford recently vacationed at a cottage near Peterborough.

Kirk Bowman shows form & technique to the Hockey Camp participants last week on the Unico Arena at the Complex.

Tim “Moose” Matier shows off his homemade kayak.

Rachel Symons enjoying the shade at Taylor Park beach for her Uncle Guppy's wedding.

At the Complex Day Camp the children were visited by Fire Chief Chuck Parsons and his big Fire Truck to learn about water safety and then to “shower under the plume of water from the big fire hose!" This is the younger group ages 4-7 enjoying Fire Safety at the Complex Summer Day Camp!

Beccah Mullin captured this curious snake. To see more of her amazing photos visit www.beccahphoto.com.

Omstead releases first book, The Red Wing Sings

By Sheila McBrayne

At age 51, Tom Omstead had already built and sold a successful business. He and wife Sue divide their time between Canmore, Alberta (summer and winter) and Kingsville, Ontario (spring and fall). He had decided to do some things he always wanted to, but never had time for previously. Learning French, sailing on a tall ship and traveling to name a few. He never once thought he would write a book. That is, until he had a dream…

“I woke up one morning two years ago from a dream so vivid, I had to write it down. I dreamt up the entire storyline, except for the conclusion. The dream really shook me up. Upon waking I felt compelled to write it down onto two pages. I showed it to my wife and she really liked it. Those two pages

are the backbone of what is now a completed 315page novel, The Red Wing Sings.

The Red Wing Sings was released on July 29th online through FriesenPress. The hardcover and paperback editions are also available online and will be available at FriesenPress.com, Amazon.ca, Chapters.ca and can be ordered at over 25,000 booksellers worldwide. “The release is very exciting. It’s all new to me,” said Omstead.

Tom is one of the seven Omstead children of Maeve Johnston and Gerald (Jake) Omstead of Wheatley. He was educated at St. Andrew’s College and Queen’s

University. Tom’s sister Laurie believes that their younger brother, the late Fred Omstead, may have guided Tom’s hand while writing. “Fred was the creative one in the family,” said Tom. Fred had written many scripts and plays, but had never been published. Tom

dedicated The Red Wing Sings to his brother Fred.

From the time Tom awoke from his dream in October 2009, he began writing. “The storyline was just so easy for me and the characters just came to me… I’m not a fast typist, so sometimes I couldn’t keep up to my own thoughts. When I had difficulty, I just put it aside for a few days and it just became clear again,” said Omstead.

The majority of his time was spent researching the historical references and data that are woven into the storyline. The novel was finished in March 2011. “The first person to read it was my wife, Sue, and my mother was next. Sue said she was surprised that she liked it so much. She couldn’t believe I wrote it… I guess that’s a good thing,” joked Omstead. And of course his mother’s opinion

mattered, as she is the published poet and writer of the family. Tom dedicated much of his time to athletic training and has successfully competed in several triathlons and duathlons. As well as competing, he coaches other athletes and is actively involved with promoting a healthy and fit lifestyle in the communities where he lives. He admits that he loves to read, but really has no ambition to write another book, well, unless there’s another dream…

The Book’s Connection to the War of 1812 - The book begins on June 19th with a horrific tragedy at the Fermi 2 nuclear power plant. June 19th is the same date that, in 1812, U.S. President Madison declared War against Great Britain, which included Canada. The book follows a similar timeline and pattern of events as the War of 1812, but in a modern context. Even Brock, an important military leader

MONDAY NIGHT MUSIC AT THE MARINA with Musical Mates – Brad and Lynn Baileyinvite you to join them at Leamington Marina on Monday evenings from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., time approximate, and weather permitting. Bring your lawn chairs (and possibly some mosquito repellant), relax and enjoy a variety of secular and gospel music. The gospel concert which was to be presented by the Gospel Group ‘Connection’ August 8, has been cancelled due to unforseen circumstances. Our last “Monday at the Marina’ will be August 22. For further info contact Brad or Lynn at 519-326-4825.

If you are doing any spring cleaning and find that you have any adult winter coats you know you won’t be wearing and want to get rid of, Sir Winston Churchill IODE are collecting coats. We are a non-profit group in the Leamington area and have been approached because there is a real need for coats. We are presently collecting gently used/worn coat(s) that will be distributed in November in Leamington, Kingsville and Wheatley. If you would like to donate your coats please call Helene Dietrich at 519-326-5693 and she will be glad to come to pick up your coat(s).

FRIDAY, AUGUST 12 TO SUNDAY

AUGUST 14 - Canadian Transportation Museum’s Second

Listen to 92.7 MAX FM for more events happening in Leamington and Essex County during the Max Cares Community Calendar 6 times daily or visit www.927maxfm.com for a complete listing

Annual Southern Ontario Military Muster (SOMM) on 100 acres, at 6155 Arner Townline, Kingsville. Huge militaria flea market and displays; helicopter rides; pitched WWII battle on Saturday/Sunday; vehicles, including many field pieces from WWI, WWII and Korean War period; WWI trenches; military bands, museum tours and live demonstrations; historical tabletop miniature wargaming and much more. Food available in 50′s Diner. Open on Friday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. $6 general admission. For more information call 519-776-7909 or email mmoulder2@cogeco.ca.

The 27th Annual Steam and Gas Engine Show will take place at CoAn Park in McGregor. The show features unique equipment of days gone by, featuring early 19th century farm equipment displays of planters and mills. A garden tractor pull will take place on Saturday and Sunday, and the Parade of Tractors will take place at 9 a.m. Saturday, through McGregor. Enjoy steamed corn, the antique tractor pull, the working saw mill and the car show. For more information, visit www.essexsteamandgasengine.com.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 12 - The Windsor Symphony orchestra presents a free summer concert, featuring a WSO Brass Quintet. Performance is at 7 p.m. at Front Road Park in Lasalle.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 13 - 1st Annual Leamington Job Day at New Canadians Centre of Excellence, 24 Oak St. E., Leamington from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Free admission. Business owners will have the chance to screen candidates for existing or future job openings and job seekers can meet employers and gather company and career information. Hot dogs, refreshments, popcorn and activities for kids. Child care will be provided.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 14 - British Beat 66 in concert at Wheatley Two Creeks Park at 6:30 p.m. Attendance is free, but the hat will be passed to cover costs.

MONDAY, AUGUST 15 - Peaches & Ice Cream Social at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 311 Sherk St. (corner of Sherk St. & Seacliffe Dr.) from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Adults $5 and Children 6 years and under $3.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 16 - Essex Retirees Social Club invites you to a Victorian Fashion Show at 2 p.m. at 32 Russell St., Essex. A fascinating look at early Victorian clothing that was worn during the period of “Gone with the Wind”. Admittance by donation. Refreshments to follow.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19 - Pepper card party at 2:00 p.m. at the Leamington Half Century Centre, 160 Talbot St. E. All welcome. Cost is $2.

in the War of 1812, plays a significant role in the book, speaking through his lost secret diary which the main character gets a hold of in his travels.

Connection to Essex & Kent - This area plays an important part in the book just as it did 200 years ago. There are some amazing places locally that are part of the story: St. Peter’s Parish on the Thames, North Buxton, Windsor / Detroit and the main character comes from a farm not far from Point Pelee and a certain fishing village.

The Meaning behind the Book’s Title ‘The Red Wing Sings’ - Like Brock, the red-winged blackbird inspires and gives hope to the main character. That little 2-ounce bird isn’t afraid of anything. Whether it be a squirrel, a cat, a dog, a person, a vulture, or even a Bald Eagle, anything that invades its territory

(Continued Page 7)

Synopsis of The Red Wing Sings from the back cover

Will Anderson has chosen to live a simple life until the morning he wakes from a dream to discover that a nuclear nightmare has just begun. A madman has put in motion a witch’s brew of events, which catapults the current state of fear in America to new heights and leads to the US armed forces occupying Canada. Cut-off in Ontario, with 3,500 kilometres of occupied territory separating him from his long-time girlfriend Sydney, Anderson embarks on an ‘off-thegrid’ journey to rejoin her in their BC Rockies home. En route, he finds refuge with strangers who become his friends: a French family living in a log cabin in Québec, an eccentric professor, and a native tribe in Ontario holding fast to their traditions and customs. Discovering the lost diary of Sir Isaac Brock, renowned strategist of the War of 1812, Will learns of Brock’s timeless strategies to drive out the invaders and feels compelled to inspire others to join him in active resistance to the occupation. As the story unfolds, some believe everything they hear without question, but others start to question everything they believe. The book is really a story of Will’s journey and his experiences during a period of conflict.

The author, Tom Omstead

Parsons appointed new Fire Chief

The Municipality of Leamington is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Charles (Chuck) Parsons as Fire Chief. This appointment is based on an extensive search which resulted in a number of outstanding candidates, with Mr. Parsons exhibiting an excellent combination of education, experience and public service.

Mr. Parsons has been a member of the Municipality’s Fire Services Department for the past 10 years, serving as Deputy Chief – Public Education and Training. Part of his responsibilities included Command Officer for emergency responses; firefighter training; public education and Community Emergency Management Coordination.

Prior to joining the Municipality, Mr. Parsons was Fire Captain/Fire Prevention Officer for the Grand Valley & District Fire Department.

Mr. Parsons holds a Company Officer Diploma and Public Fire and Life Safety Educators certificate, both from the Ontario Fire College. He is also a Municipal Manager III (Fire Service Professional/Emergency Management Professional) and Fire Service Professional/Emergency Manager Professional, with certification from the Ontario Municipal Management Institute.

Parsons has authored the municipality’s Simplified Risk Assessment and the municipal emergency plan, demonstrating an understanding of the community risks that the fire service must face and protect.

“Chuck Parsons is an excellent choice for Fire Chief,” said Mayor John Paterson. “He has the right mix of management and frontline knowledge to guide our fire services into the future. Chuck is well liked and respected throughout the municipality and we are pleased he has accepted this position.”

Leamington Fire Services provides a full range of services to the Municipality of Leamington, an area of 238.28 square kilometres (92 square miles) comprised of the former Town of Leamington and the former Township of Mersea, and also includes protection for Point Pelee National Park. The department consists of 33 members, 5 full-time and 28 classified part-time firefighters. Full-time members include Fire Chief, Deputy Chief of Operations, Deputy Chief Public Education/Training, Fire Code Inspector and Fire Services Secretary. In 2010 the department responded to 421 calls.

Omstead releases first book

(Continued from Page 6)

is driven away by its relentless attacks. That’s an important message to the main character who has to deal with an adversary only 10 times the size. “I personally have been attacked by a red-winged black bird running under a tree that housed its nest. I love that bird! It’s nature fighting back man’s constant encroachment!” said Omstead.

Connection to Current Issues - There are many current issues incorporated in the storyline. The nuclear disaster that just happened in Japan, and is still happening, is an obvious one. Closer to home are issues like the States threatening to fly peak-a-boo sputnik drones over our heads in 2016 to spy on us. There are issues about the States’ economy and money being in a tailspin and issues about the leadership in Canada.

The Book’s Connection to 9/11 - This September is the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 tragedy. The book starts with a nuclear 9/11 happening. I don’t want to give any more away.

Reflection of Canada - As the main character’s journey unfolds, he encounters many different Canadians living in different circumstances. In particular, he spends time with a native tribe who still hold fast to their traditions and customs and, through him, we learn of their traditional ways and get a glimpse into their perspective on nature and life. He also lives for a period with a French family and, again, through him, we experience another Canadian way of life.

Weekly Draw! Every week we will have a lovely item for you to win, just fill out a ballot when you come in. Add your email to our client list and receive a 10%

Chuck Parsons

Feds commit $56.4 million for small craft harbours

$1.3 million announced for Ontario

Dave Van Kesteren, Member of Parliament for Chatham-Kent-Essex, on behalf of the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, announced on August 5 that the Government of Canada will invest in the repair and maintenance of small craft harbours in Ontario.

The federal government will invest $1.3 million, undertaking harbour dredging, repair and maintenance projects at harbours throughout the province, including Wheatley and Howdenvale harbours. This funding is part of a total of $56.4 million for small craft harbours across Canada.

“The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring small craft harbours are open and properly maintained,” said Mr. Van Kesteren. “We are working to ensure safe, accessible and efficient facilities are available for harbour users.”

Wheatley Harbour is the largest fresh water fishing port in the world. Mr. Van Kesteren made reference to the strong northeast winds that are responsible for the recurring sand buildup in the harbour. “This is a problem, especially for large fishing boats,” said

Mr. Van Kesteren. “… Hike Metal builds boats that need to clear a 9-foot draft. We need to make sure the channel is safe. The funding will definitely affect this specific harbour.”

A safe and efficient harbour is essential, and the $1.3 million will be avail-

able on an as-needed basis, said Mr. Van Kesteren.

“The northeast winds cause a build-up of sand at the mouth of the harbour,” said Ken Snider, Manager of Wheatley Harbour Authority, “and there was a lot more northeast wind this spring than normal. The

harbour has been dredged twice so far, in April and in May, with a third dredging coming up in the next week or so.”

The cost is about $27,000 each time the harbour is dredged.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada undertakes these projects in cooperation with the local harbour authorities and municipalities that manage and operate facilities for local users. Close cooperation between the department and harbour authorities allows the federal government to continue to provide an operable system of harbours and facilities throughout Canada in support of the commercial fishing industry.

The investment announced August 5 is in addition to funding announced in March 2011 to support fish harvesters in storm-damaged areas in Atlantic Canada, Quebec and Manitoba.

Local singer/ songwriter needs your vote to land recording contract!

Leamington’s Nicole Barron, Christian singer/ songwriter and recording artist, needs your help getting noticed!

Nicole has entered a competition to win a recording contract with EMI Canada (the competition is run by EMI/Capitol Records/Virgin Records) and so far she is in the running as one of the top 25 featured artists to be selected in round 2.

Now here’s where the public comes in… Nicole needs your votes to help her move forward in the contest. Go to www.moartist.com/psalm18 and vote online at the website by becoming a “fan” and then voting, or text “Vote psalm18” from your cell phone to 79999.

You can vote every day, and the votes count towards tons of points. Comments and listens count as points as well – basically, the more activity the better. Show your support for one of Leamington’s talented artists and help her land a dream recording contract.

To find out more about Nicole Barron, visit www. nicolebarron.com.

Chatham-Kent Essex MP Dave Van Kesteren (left) was in Wheatley last week to announce funding which will ensure Wheatley Harbour has the funds to dredge when needed. At right, Wheatley Harbour Manager Ken Snider was glad to hear the news as the local Harbour Authority plans to dredge for the third time this season.

Family Life ‘N Style Expo - new name, new format

Imagine everything that Leamington has to offer all in one show, all under one roof, and all in one weekend… welcome to the new Family Life ‘N Style Expo.

“We’ve changed the name from prior years. It’s no longer the Health & Fitness “LIFESTYLES” Trade Expo; now it’s the Family Life ‘N Style Expo. This will allow us to broaden the scope of the expo, encouraging more types of vendors, and in turn more people to come and attend the expo,” said Brenda Fischer, Recreation Marketing/Special Events Manager. The Life N’ Syle Expo will be held on Friday and Saturday, October 21 and 22 at the Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex. That may seem like a long time away as we enjoy the August temperatures, but plan now to reserve a spot and make sure your business is included in this expo.

“We want to make this Leamington’s expo! We want to showcase everything and anything related to Leamington. This is for seniors to children, from financial to fashion, from electronic to food,” said Fischer.

Fischer is planning to have more guest speakers and demonstrations to engage attendees. If you have ideas, please contact Fischer at the Kinsmen Recreation Complex.

“People don’t need to go to the bigger cities to get what they need; they can come to their community Complex and see what’s all available for them to live, laugh and lead healthy and fulfilling lives,” she said.

Deadline approaches for Heinz Ketchup to Art Show

The first Heinz Ketchup to Art Show is slated for August 17 to September 10. Entries must be in by Saturday, August 13 at 4 p.m.

The Leamington Arts Centre is presenting the Heinz Ketchup to Art Show in conjunction with the Leamington Tomato Festival and the Heinz Collection by Dennis Jackson at the Arts Centre.

A reception and awards night will be held to kickoff the show on Wednesday, August 17 from 7 – 9 p.m. at the Arts Centre.

Cash prizes will be awarded for first ($300, sponsored by Heinz); second ($200, sponsored by LADII Leamington Area Drip Irrigation Inc.); and third ($100, sponsored by Cavendish Appetizers).

Excitement is growing for this show, which features all mediums of art, and all artwork must contain Heinz ketchup or tomatoes in the subject matter.

For more details on entries check out www.leamingtonartscentre.com.

A call to Essex County artists

Exhibit Your Work In Time for the Holiday Season Windsor Endowment for the Arts (WEA) is partnering with the Town of LaSalle’s Department of Culture and Recreation to organize a weekend of fine arts and crafts to promote local talent just in time for holiday gift giving, and is inviting area artists and fine crafters to participate.

The exhibit, entitled Celebrating Homegrown Talent, will be held at LaSalle’s Vollmer Culture and Recreation Complex from Friday, November 25 to Sunday, November 27, and features WEA’s Annual General Meeting; an evening reception with fine food and beverage; and two full days of exhibits, performances and holiday shopping.

WEA is looking for Essex County photographers, painters, sculptors, printmakers, digital artists, fibre artists, jewellery makers, literary artists, musicians, culinary artists and home decor artists. Learn more about the event and down-

load an application at www. wea-arts.com and start planning your display. Applications will be reviewed by a jury of peers, and an application fee is required. Deadline for applications is September 1st.

(File photo from Expo 2010)

ADULT AND CONTINUING EDUCATION

LEAMINGTON CAMPUS

Who Can Register For All Courses and Programs?

• Adult residents of Windsor and Essex County.

• Age 18 by December 31, 2011 and older.

What Is Needed To Register For All Courses and Programs?

• Register in person only.

• Picture identification required.

• Birth certificate or Proof of Citizenship required.

• Student fee of $10.00 (cash) required on registration.

• Immigrants require immigration papers and proof of TB test and English translation of previous school records.

Additional Requirements For Registration In A Credit Course

• up-to-date transcript of previous education required for registration in credit courses and previous school records for recent immigrants.

• Proficiency in English is a requirement. ESL students wishing to take credit courses must be CLBA level 6 (assessment to determine level may be required, fee for assessment $50.00).

• $50.00 (cash) textbook deposit and consumables fee per credit course is required the first day of class ($40.00 is refundable).

Where and When To Register For All Courses and Programs:

• Leamington Campus, INVEST CAREER COUNSELLING CENTRE 215 Talbot Street East, Leamington, ON N8H 3X5

Contact Martha at 519-322-1688 for information

Registration will take place Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. REGISTER NOW

Leamington Night (Teacher Led) Credit Courses:

The following courses will be offered this semester two nights per week for fourteen weeks from Thursday, September 15 to Tuesday, December 20, 2011. Classes will run if there is sufficient enrolment.

GLS4O – Advanced Learning Strategies Skills for Success After Secondary School (Open)

ENG3C – English (College)

ENG3E – English (Workplace Prep.)

SNC4E - Science (Workplace Prep.)

Are you interested in Correspondence (Independent Study) Courses?

• Available to adults 18 years of age and over and out of school for at least 6 months.

• $50.00 (cash) required at time of registration. This fee covers a Credit Assessment Consultation and a consumables fee for the first course. There is an additional $10.00 consumables fee for each subsequent course required.

• Register in person only.

• Registration occurs by scheduled appointments on Wednesdays in Leamington. ADDITIONAL PROGRAMS AVAILABLE

Do you need literacy skills?

Do you know an adult who needs literacy skills?

We offer Literacy and Basic Skills classes to adults.

• Learn to read

• Improve reading skills

• Improve basic math skills

• Morning and evening literacy classes are available in Leamington

• Classes available in Leamington starting September 12, 2011

• Registration begins Tuesday, August 16 to Friday, September 2, 2011 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Do you need to learn English?

We offer English as a Second Language Classes - ESL

• Morning ESL classes are available in Leamington starting September 12, 2011

• Monday through Friday 8:45 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

• LBS evening classes available starting September 14, 2011 and ESL evening classes available starting October 11, 2011 Registration begins Tuesday, August 16 to Friday, September 2, 2011 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Do you want to obtain your GED - General Education Development Certificate?

We assist students preparing to write the GED. The GED is an international high school equivalency-testing program for adults who do not have a high school diploma. You must be 19 years of age or older, an Ontario resident, out of secondary school for at least one year and you must not be a graduate of a North American high school. The GED will help you meet job screening requirements, meet provincial requirements with your organization and assist you in attaining personal goals.

• GED manuals for students $30.00 (cash)

• GED assessments $50.00 plus Taxes (cash)

Locations for GED and Credit Preparation – Free GED and Credit Preparation Night Classes at:

Mason Education Centre in Windsor and Invest Career Centre in Leamington Fee Based GED Computer Preparation available during the day at Invest Career Centre in Leamington and the Assessment Centre in Windsor for $10.00/hour (cash only)

Leamington Campus - Invest Career Counselling Centre Day & Night Classes - Telephone: 519-326-0513 Windsor – Assessment Centre Day Classes - Telephone: 519-971-9698

Windsor – Mason Educational Centre Night Classes - Telephone: 519-253-5006 Contact Martha at 519-322-1688 for details

C.A. Bailey to pick up where Student Transportation Services dropped 190 students

C.A. Bailey Limited will be rolling out a new school bus route this fall. The High School EXTRA will provide bus service for Cardinal Carter Secondary School and Leamington District Secondary School students who live within 3.2 kilometres of their schools. In April 2010, Student Trans portation Servic es, representing both the Greater Windsor-Essex District School Board and the Windsor-Essex District Catholic School Board, advised that ap proximately 190 students would not be receiving a school bus ride to or from school effective Septem ber 2010. This did happen and the students had to walk or find a ride to LDSS and CCSS if they lived within 3.2 km from the school. “To re-iterate, the 190 students were on a bus and then were told there would be no bussing for them in September,” stated Sharon Arthurs-Pepper of C.A. Bailey Limited.

C.A. Bailey is currently developing a “High School EXTRA” transit route that would service these students to and/or from school for a minimal cost. The route is planned to begin this September. The cost to ride the bus is $1 (exact change only) pay-as-yougo or a monthly pass for $30 or a yearly pass for $240. Be sure to hold on to your receipt, as bus passes are tax deductable!

“We had a lot of complaints last year, so we’ve looked at how we can provide this service for a minimal fee,” said ArthursPepper.

To view the bus route go to www.cabailey.com.

Remember the other 3 Rs of back-to-school

By Nadine Kadell Sapirman , BoroGreen - Building a Sustainable Community

As some households gear up for back-to-school, they might be thinking of the three Rs as reading, writing, and ‘rithmetic. For this August, I ask that we re-frame the back-to-school mindset with the three Rs of reduce, reuse and recycle.

For families with children going to school, or adults taking classes, getting prepared and buying supplies (sometimes WAY too many supplies) is part of the routine in August. Please take a moment to examine the following tips for a more earth-friendly approach.

Step 1: Take inventory of what you actually possess. Often, the supplies we have can be used again. Is there still life in that backpack, pencil case, or lunch bag? Did you only use 1/3 of that notebook last year? Do you have enough pens/ pencils/crayons/glue or do you really need to buy more? If you do need more, is it necessary to get the package of 50 disposable pens or can you switch to 3 pens with re-fillable ink?

Step 2: Make a list of those items that you really need to get, i.e., the things you can’t start class without. You can always supplement later as you identify needs.

Step 3: Buy only what you need and be mindful about what you are putting in your cart. When possible, purchase items made from recycled materials—preferably post-consumer recycled. By buying recycled products, you are sending a message that you care about what the products are made of. The more people that buy recycledproduct items, the greater the demand is and the more items companies will make from recycled materials! Even big-box stores sell paper, pencils, notebooks, binders and more made from recycled content if you look. Of course, remember to bring your re-usable shopping bag into the store!

The summer is a great time to get supplies for bringing your own lunch, whether to school or work. Don’t ‘brown bag’ it! If you’re bringing your lunch, invest in a high-quality insulated lunch bag that you will want to bring with you. Insulated lunch bags come in many fun and interesting styles and designs these days.

If you’re using disposable plastic bags, now is the time to get reusable containers (metal, glass, or BPA-free plastic) or reusable bags. My family uses reusable sandwich and snack bags by brands such as Reuseit, LunchSkins, SnackTAXI, and Waste Not Saks. They are easy to wash and have proven to be incredibly durable after years of use. Finally, if you do have any supplies that can’t be re-used, do your best to recycle them! By being mindful about your back-to-school shopping, you can do your little part to help the environment.

Starting off the school year right

Preparing your children for the new school year involves more than buying the latest fashions, supplies and high-tech gadgets. It also requires doing a little “homework” of your own before the term begins to make sure that your child not only has the necessary academic skills, but also the self-confidence needed to master assignments and problemsolve independently.

Kumon Math and Reading Centres suggest the following tips for a successful transition back to school:

Praise your children daily. Let your children know that you believe in them, you think they are special and you have confidence in them. Be sure to communicate that you recognize and value their efforts, not just their final accomplishments.

Focus on the positives. Talk to your children about their summer. Reflect on the new skills they gained which are needed to be successful in life—independence, responsibility, perseverance and time management—and discuss how these skills will help them succeed in school.

Set up a study area for your children. Keep the study area free of distractions, such as TV, videogames and phones. Make sure that the area is well-lighted and equipped with all the necessary supplies, including a dictionary, thesaurus, pens and paper.

Establish a consistent homework routine from the start. Schedule daily homework times so they become a part of your family’s routine. This also helps children to see that homework is a priority in your home.

Get acquainted with your children’s teachers and maintain open communication. Discuss

SUMMER ART PROGRAMS

Saturday Day Camps: Aug 20: Woven Grass Painting Aug 27: Jean Painting

Summer Art Camps: Aug 22-26: It’s For Real

Evening Art Lessons: Tuesdays & Wednesdays

Family Art Work Shops AGES 5-19

Unforgettable Boutigue

Katherine Burton, Instructor Visit www.artworksisfun.com for more information. Katherine@artworksisfun.com 519-324-7393

goal setting with both your children and their teacher. This parent–teacher–child partnership will be very effective in the development of healthy homework habits, which will in turn help children to have a successful school year.

Offered at 4 schools in Leamington & Kingsville. Ages 18 months - 12 years 6:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. • Subsidy available. For details call 519-733-8202 www.discoverychildcareschools.com

Back to school survival guide for mature students

By Melissa Yue

It’s been awhile since you’ve had to sit in classrooms and listen to professors prattle on. And frankly, you wonder how you’ll keep up with lecture notes when you have other obligations like family or a part-time job. Not to worry. Here are some tips to help mature students survive that first year back at school:

1. Be confident about who you are. Don’t compare your appearance, possessions, or status with other students. As a mature student, you may have better time management skills and more life experience than your peers. You also know the value of a good education and will work hard to achieve it.

2. Get organized. Invest in a daily planner to keep track of deadlines and assignments. Create a home workspace that is comfortable and free of clutter.

3. Find a student mentor. Apply for a mentor through student services. Look for someone who is also a mature student and in a higher year than you. He or she can share first-year experiences, time management and study tips, and the scoop on professors to avoid.

join interest groups and associations on campus. Being passionate about an activity binds people together.

Your decision to further your education is a brave one. Be proud of yourself and consider helping a child in a developing country to get their education as well. You can visit www.ccfcanada.ca to see how you can provide opportunities to children in need.

www.newscanada.com

4. Befriend your classmates. Having friends to confide in will make your classes more enjoyable. If you don’t connect with anyone in your class,

Call home...

Reality Check: An occasion in which one is reminded of the state of things in the real world.

This past Friday, my daughter Anna and her friend from out of town headed to the States for a shopping spree. I have to admit that I was not thrilled about them heading over there, but my very independent and perhaps a little stubborn daughter insisted that they would be fine.

Later that day, when I thought that they most likely should be heading home, Mark received a phone call from Anna’s friend. They had been in a little fender bender, and although there was no damage to either car they were waiting for a sheriff. Mark asked that they please call us back when they were on their way.

We did not hear from them for two hours and our anxiety increased, as we were unable to reach Anna or her friend on their cell phones. The realization that we hadn’t asked them where they were, who they hit, or to keep their cell phones on added to the dilemma! You can only imagine the thoughts that went through our minds!

Nearly in tears, I Googled the Troy Police Department since that was the area that I knew the mall was in. They had no record of the incident but gave us the contacts for the State police who were in charge of the State freeways.

Thank goodness the State Police phone system quickly led me to a real person, Officer Brown. I explained my situation to the calm women on the other end and she patiently searched for any record of the accident in her area but to no avail. From there she gave me a number for the Detroit Precinct and asked me to please call her back on her direct line if I did not get anywhere there. She also asked for Anna’s cell number so that if the phone was on, she could track her.

The Detroit Station was useless since it just rang and rang and no one ever answered.

Now nearly two and a half hours later, we were in quite an emotional state. But I gathered my wits and called the Canadian Custom Agency in Windsor to see if they had a record of the girls crossing. The young gentlemen told me that he was unable to give me that information, but after hearing the distress in my voice he asked for my number and called me back to say, “They have not crossed.”

After this news, Mark and I started to ready ourselves to head out. Where? We did not know, but we definitely felt something was wrong. Before we left I called Officer Brown. Again, she calmly held me on the line until she finally confirmed that the Troy police had record of the girls and that they had been sent on their way approximately 35 minutes prior and should be at or near the border. While on the phone with her, another call was coming in. Officer Brown asked me to call her back whether I heard from the girls or not, and by the time I hung up I had missed the other call.

I dialed the number on my phone and it was a bordercrossing agent. It was not the person that I had spoken to earlier and since I didn’t want to get him in trouble I just said, “ Oh I think one of the agents was trying to call me”. She said, “Are you the mother of one of the girls who is missing? They have crossed the border.” What a relief. Meanwhile, Mark received a text from Anna saying they were across. Feeling extremely relieved, I called back Officer Brown who already knew that Anna and her friend were fine because she had called them. I asked her, “What did you say”? She answered, “I said, hi Anna this is Officer Brown from the State Police, have you called your mother?” When the girls finally arrived home we were both relieved and frustrated with them for not keeping in contact with us after the accident. Anna said that it is too expensive to keep her phone on in the States. I explained to them both that sometimes cost does not matter!

They both told us that when they came up to the Customs agent on the Canadian side, they handed him their passports and he asked which one was Anna. Then he said, “Have you called your mother?” They couldn’t believe it!

Each of us has learned what we would have done differently that day. My first thought is that I would not have let them go at all, but then again some of the best learning experience come the hard way.

This fall my daughter, like many other university and college-bound kids, are heading off on their own. One thing I can tell them is to remember to ‘call home’.

Lavoie wins gold!

Update from Scotland

Wheatley’s Cody Lavoie captured a gold medal in the 200-metre backstroke at the International Children’s Games in Lanarkshire, Scotland, on Friday. He has also added another two bronze medals to his collection, finishing third in the 100-metre backstroke and the boys freestyle relay with teammates Andrew Binder, Andrej Kukuruzovic and Alex Liu. Congratulations Cody!

Comfort foods to get you through...

You don’t truly appreciate your favourite comfort foods, until you’re sick. I wasn’t feeling the greatest last week and found myself resorting to my comfort foods. First on the list is Campbell’s tomato soup with crushed-up Premium Plus saltine crackers. That’s my favourite comfort food, hands down.

A simple grilled cheese sandwich is another favourite. Whether I’m recovering from the flu or just not feeling well, a grilled cheese sandwich with a healthy dab of Heinz Ketchup hits the spot every time. It’s just enough substance to keep you going and not too much to push the limits of an upset stomach.

Also in the cheese family is another favourite of mine, Kraft Macaroni and Cheese. I’m not sure what it is about that neon orange powered cheese and simple elbow macaroni noodles, but (again) add a dab of Heinz Ketchup and call it dinner.

I guess soup and sandwiches are the easy comfort foods. Another favourite is Lipton chicken noodle soup. This is the one in the pouch that you just add boiling water, stir on high and voila – it’s soup!

Another thing that seems to make me feel better is plain potato chips. I usually prefer barbecue chips, but when I’m sick, I have to have plain chips. The common thread between all these food items seems to be the blandness in the flavour (except for the ketchup, of course). In this case, it’s good that the flavours are not overwhelming. Another favourite food, whether I’m sick or not, is Rice Krispie squares. There’s nothing fancy about this staple – it’s just Rice Krispies, butter and marshmellows. Three simple ingredients, but great comfort food.

I started and finished this article days apart and now I’m back to regular food. Bring on the barbecue burgers, ribs, potato salad and all my favourite foods. I’m feeling better and ready to eat!

Primeau - Brittany & Patrick Robitaille of Windsor, a girl on July 29, 2011.

Zakal - Genevieve & David of Leamington, a girl on July 29, 2011.

Dalton - Kristy & Richard of Essex, a boy on July 30, 2011.

Pollock - Tammy & Ryan of Blenheim, a girl on July 30, 2011.

McKeen - Lindsay & Allen Reimer of Kingsville, a girl on July 31, 2011.

Tarabay - Rebecca & Brian of Maidstone, a girl on August 3, 2011.

Robinson - Danielle & Warren Musgrove of Leamington, a girl on August 3, 2011.

The Stork Report is sponsored by

Caribbean Festival heats up Leamington Marina

(Continued from Front) sung by Kiswanna

Perris

of Windsor. The anthems were followed by a line-up of Caribbean artists who entertained the crowd with colourful rhythms of reggae, soca and gospel.

Pastor Richard Blake was pleased with the turnout of the event. He spoke about how music can unite cultures. “There is a motto, ‘No man is an island, no man stands alone.’ This festival has brought different cultures, different people together,” said Pastor Blake. “This festival shows that we are different people but we can be one through music. This festival also helps us as migrant workers so we can

come closer together as a people.”

Latin flavour was evident in the festival with Zumba dance instruction. Three Zumba dancers from Western Union impressed the audience as they stepped to the beats of merengue, salsa and reggaeton. To cool off, Western Union treated the crowd with free yellow visors, ice cream, Caribbean beverages and barbecued hamburgers.

Beside the barbecue was the MWCP who promoted a day trip to Niagra Falls for migrant workers. MWCP student worker, Simca Simpson, thought the event succeeded in MWCP’s mission to “build cultural bridg-

TOM GIGNAC

es.” Simpson explained, “The festival allows for a gathering of cultural communities that might not otherwise be made possible in the context of our rural communities. It shows that we don’t have to go to Toronto or Montreal to find unique events.”

The festival wrapped up with a raffle by Western Union which included Caribbean gift baskets and four cash scholarships. The winners will send the money to the Caribbean and Latin America to support a child’s education.

Lorraine Gibson, Volunteer Chair of the MWCP, said the festival would not have been possible without the MWCP Board of Directors, its summer students, Western Union, the musicians, volunteers from Frontier College and the Municipality of Leamington for granting the use of the venue.

Gibson also encouraged any workers interested in attending the Niagra Falls Trip (September 11th) to send an e-mail to her at lorrainemwcp@mdirect.net

9:15

British Beat 66 to invade Two Creeks

British Beat 66, one of the biggest hits of the 2010 concert season, returns to Two Creeks Aug. 14.

Complete with 1960s costumes, equipment and all that great music, BB66 is a tribute to the British music invasion and the groups that it inspired.

An homage, rather than an imitation, the quintet’s repertoire runs the gamut from Herman’s Hermits to the Rolling Stones, the Kinks, Rare Earth, the Mamas and the Papas, Scott McKenzie, and, of course The Beatles. Be prepared to dance.

They’ve performed with the cast of Beatlemania and at venues all over the region, from the Tecumseh Corn Fest to Caesars Windsor to the Dragon Boat Festival.

BB66 consists of “Andy Holly” on lead vocals and guitar, keyboards, harmonica and percussion; “Michael Chester” on lead guitar, keyboards and vocals; “Jeremy English” on vocals and guitar; “Terry Terrance” on drums and vocals; and “Lawrence Lucas” on bass guitar and vocals.

And no, those aren’t their real names. To find out who they really are, see their witty – and cheerfully eccentric – website at britishbeat66.com.

The Two Creeks concerts, held Sundays at 6:30 p.m. on the Weil Stage in the natural amphitheatre at the conservation area just north of Wheatley on Kent Road 1, continue throughout the summer.

Admission is free, but the hat is passed to defray the expense of bringing in performers and to continue the volunteer work necessary to maintain the site. Refreshments are available from Wheatley Scouting.

Bring lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy the atmosphere. In case of inclement weather, the concerts are held under the pavilion. You can also bring used household batteries for recycling.

For more information, visit www.twocreeks.ca, e-mail info@twocreeks.ca or call 519-324-6988.

August 13

with The Youngstown Symphony Orchestra Sunday, August 28

GINO�VANNELLI Saturday, September 3

BLONDIE Panic of Girls Tour with Special Guests Friday, September 9

DIONNE�WARWICK Saturday, September 17

KATHY�GRIFFIN Saturday, September 24

THE�MOODY�BLUES

Sunday, September 25

ROGER�DALTREY Performs The Who’s Tommy Saturday, October 1

CRYSTAL�GAYLE

Thursday, October 6

HOWIE�MANDEL

Saturday, October 15

DURAN�DURAN

Saturday, October 22

Tickets on sale August 19

A Cappella Sensation STRAIGHT�NO�CHASER

Saturday, November 5

TRACE�ADKINS

Saturday, November 12

Tickets on sale August 27

THUNDER�FROM�DOWN�UNDER Friday, November 18

Tickets on sale August 27

British Beat 66, left to right: Jeremy English, Lawrence Lucas, Michael Chester, Terry Terrance, Andy Holly.

Hoy delivers $750,000 for expansion at Wheatley’s Bolthouse Farms facility

Wheatley facility supplying Canadian consumers

Bolthouse Farms gets $750,000 boost

MPP Pat Hoy delivered a $750,000 jobs booster shot for Chatham-Kent’s economy, with provincial funding for Bolthouse Farms, a leading food processor that’s recently expanded its operations to Wheatley.

“Our government’s support for this new food processing facility will bring up to 100 new jobs to Wheatley and benefit our community for years to come. By investing in this project, we’re supporting our local economy, our farmers, and our food system,” said Hoy at a news confernce held Thursday, August 4 at the carrot processing facility on Milo Road.

Bolthouse Farms is entering its second packing season at the former Omstead building in Wheatley and has invested approximately $8.5 million in the facility. Phil Kooy, National Sales Director of Bolthouse Farms, said the company used to import tons of carrots into Canada from its California plants, but growers and shoppers have spoken and they want to buy local. “We’ve had fantastic feedback from consumers who want to buy local and support local growers while eating healthier,” said Kooy.

With support from Ontario’s Rural Economic Development Program, Bolthouse Farms has partnered with local grower, Nature’s Finest, to grow and process Ontario freshcut carrots. The project will allow the organization to:

• renovate a 66,000-square-foot processing facility.

• reach up to $7 million in sales within the first year.

• create up to 100 full and part-time jobs within the first two years.

Nature’s Finest in Pain Court has tripled its carrot crops to approximately 800 acres to supply Bolthouse Farms, according to co-owner Dave Van Damme. Nature’s Finest is also a packager of the carrots, which come from Kejay Investments (Nature Fresh’s farm) as well as from other carrot growers in five townships throughout Essex and ChathamKent. Nature’s Finest was selected as the supplier after several years of market research by Bolthouse Farms. Test plots were set up four years ago. Its southern climate within Ontario has proved to be a great growing venue. Carrot harvesting begins in July and runs until (depending on the weather) November.

“It will strengthen our agri-food industry in several ways: local carrot growers will be supplying Bolthouse Farms with their carrots for processing and this means long-term security for our carrot farmers. And this new processing facility will create opportunities for Ontario growers to access export markets like the US by leveraging the strong reputation and marketing power of Bolthouse Farms,” said Hoy. “All in all, having Bolthouse Farms here in Wheatley will mean an injection of more than $8.5 million in added economic value to this community, to southwestern Ontario and to the province as a whole,” concluded Hoy.

www.meadowbrookfellowship.com www.athletesinaction.com

Bolthouse Farms Canadian carrots will be packaged in their own bag, complete with a Canadian maple leaf on the bag. In its first year, approximately 500,000 cases of Bolthouse carrots were shipped from the Wheatley plant across Canada.

“The mission of Bolthouse Farms is to help people live healthier and more vibrant lives and one way to do that is to insure that we provide local and regional communities with better access and availability of fresh fruits and vegetables – the investment in Wheatley is a perfect example of this mission coming to life,” said Jeff Dunn, Chief Executive Officer of Bolthouse Farms.

Member of Provincial Parliament for Chatham-Kent Essex Pat Hoy was in Wheatley on Thursday, August 4 to announce the provincial government’s investment of $750,000 to expand the Bolthouse Farms carrot packaging facility. Pictured here, from left to right, are Phil Kooy, National Sales Director of Bolthouse Farms, MPP Pat Hoy and Jason Stallaert, co-owner of Nature’s Produce. (SUN Photo)

Community Living charity golf classic raises $15,000

Community Living Essex County played host to the 21st Annual Charity Golf Classic at Fox Glen Golf Club in McGregor on Wednesday, July 20. A field of 109 golfers turned out and raised a total of $15,000 for Community Living Essex County in support of people with an intellectual disability and their families across Essex County.

Highlights of the best ball scramble tournament included a live and silent auction. Eighteen holes of golf were followed by a reception where awards and prizes were presented to the participants.

As part of the annual tournament fundraiser, Community Living Essex County invited municipalities from across Essex County to participate in the 3rd Annual Municipal Golf Challenge. Congratulations to the winning team from the Town of LaSalle that included Mayor Ken Antaya, Deputy-Mayor Mark Carrick, Joe Milicia and Town Councillor Marc Bondy. Team LaSalle beat out teams from the municipalities of Amherstburg, Leamington, Tecumseh, Lakeshore and Kingsville, all vying for the coveted Municipal Cup and bragging rights for the municipality with the lowest overall team score.

The foursome of Aldo DiNardo, Dave Hill, Jamie Martinello and Grant Garrow had the best overall low gross team score shooting a 54.

Community Living Essex County wishes to thank the many area businesses and organizations throughout Essex County for their generosity in donating the prizes for the golfers and for serving as hole sponsors for the event. A special thanks to all of the volunteers who worked hard to ensure another successful event.

Places second at Interlock Girls Slo-Pitch Championship

The Grant, Schiefer & Sudds Tax Service girls team placed second at the Interlock Girls Slo-Pitch Championship held recently in Amherstburg. Team members, front row left to right are: Rebecca

Chantal Janik, Katelyn Bergen. Middle row: Coach

Hodgson, Emily Burns, Jessica Bueckert,

Burns, Kendall Tambura, Elise Minaudo,

Dan Tamburo, Trudy Bueckert, Corrine Jackson, Kari Janik, Macy

Jessica Saad. Back row: Coach Melanie Burns, Coach John Burns.

LDMBA to host Girls Select Slo-Pitch tournament

This weekend, August 12-14, the Leamington District Minor Baseball Association (LDMBA) will host the Interlock Girls Select Slo-Pitch tournament at the Kinsmen Baseball Complex.

Teams from Amherstburg, Essex, Harrow, Kingsville and Leamington will compete for top honours. The tournament will include play in three divisions: Junior Girls, Intermediate Girls and Senior Girls. This is the first year the tournament has included Junior Girls. “We are looking forward to this weekend, it should be some very competitive baseball,” said Sue Holiga, LDMBA president. “This is the first year we have hosted, it has been held in Kingsville since its inception.”

The tournament is a round robin format. Action begins Friday evening at 7:00 p.m., with games all day Saturday and semi-finals and finals on Sunday morning.

The local entries are composed of players from the LDMBA Girls House League.

ROSTERS

Junior Girls Selects, sponsored by Unico: Cassie Bluhm, Bailey Brown, Morgan Brown, Jessica Bueckert, Trudy Bueckert, Cassidy deGroote, Krystan Garant, Megan Gillett, Emily Hyatt, Melissa Redekop, Brooke Roach and Alyssa Wright. Coach: Kelly Clark. Intermediate Girls Selects, sponsored by Tri B Acres: Emily Bonyai, Rebecca Bueckert, Madison Hamm, Lisa Klassen, Chelsea Kwiatkowski, Chelsea Malott, Jocelyn Manning, Brooklyn Sarkis, Julia Redekop, Selenna Redekop, Alyssa Reid and Morgan Willms. Coach: Ken Hamm

Senior Girls Selects, sponsored by CAW Local 200: Shaelyn Bell, Riley Brown, Rosella Bueckert, Elyse Epp, Chantal Garrod, Jllian Iles, Amanda Ingratta, Amber Quick, Kaila Sleiman, Kelsey Sleiman, Sharon Suitor and Bonnie Trealout. Coach: Jerry Sleiman.

REC ROUND-UP REC ROUND-UP

An Action-Packed Summer at the Complex

• Have you signed up your volleyball team for the TomatoFest weekend? Come play Beach Volleyball at Seacliff Park. Register a 4-on-4 competitive team or a 6-on-6 recreational team at www.velocityvolleyball.ca. Plus there will be Canadian ranked volleyball players in attendance who will demonstrate their volleyball prowess.

• NEW! Urban Poling Class being offered on Wednesdays during the month of August. From 5:15- 6:00 p.m. meet at the Complex parking lot and walk the new trail. Register in advance – $21 for 5 Wednesday classes.

• Red Cross Swim Lessons: Check for openings for 2-week sessions in mid or late August.

• Summer Day Camp: Different themes each week will keep the kids coming back for more! Ages 4-7 and 8-12. Summer is a blast at the Complex Day Camp with swimming, skating, crafts and games galore plus an elective each day! And new this year, the Eat Right/Play Safe program teaches nutritional components: how much sugar is contained in the foods you eat, and for the 8-12 year olds You’re The Chef is offered 3 times a week!

• $12.00 OFF coupon if you register your children for both day camp and swim lessons in the same week!

• Hockey Camp by Kirk Bowman – register today to ensure you get a spot.

• Power Skating and Puck Handling Camp for ages 8 through 12 runs from Aug. 1519.

• Hey kids… come swimming all summer long! Beat the heat and come inside for a refreshing swim each weekday afternoon from 3-5 p.m., and on Wednesdays the lifeguards lead all sorts of fun games for the kids to take part in on the pool deck!

• Come try a game of pickleball this summer! Tuesday or Thursday nights from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

• Home Alone Course for ages 9-12 years. Aug. 13 from 1-5 p.m.

• Babysitter Training Course for ages 11-15 years. Aug. 13 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

• Fall Activity Guides have arrived! Fall registration begins on Mon. Aug. 22. Look ahead, and enroll the entire family in fall exercise programs and classes.

Cool climate-controlled Complex for your work-out comfort!

have something for every...body!

Rookies beat Essex, lose to Belle River

The Leamington South Essex Fabricating Rookie Lakers split a pair of games last week in Sun Parlour league play. On Tuesday at home the Lakers beat Essex 16 to 6 and then dropped an 18 to 12 decision in Belle River on Saturday afternoon.

In the contest against the Essex Yellow Jackets, Benny Bueckert and Russell Derbyshire went four for four at the plate and knocked in four and three runs respectively. Michael Wiebe and Adam Neufeld punched out three hits each, while Eric Dominguez, Eric Wright, Spencer Bergen, Rowan Massad and Justin Wiebe had two hits each.

“The game was much closer that the final score would indicate,” said coach Dan Dominguez. “Kaleb Tiessen made a nice play defensively when he covered first base on a ground ball that pulled first baseman Derbyshire off the bag, Tiessen corralled the toss from Derbyshire to beat the Yellow Jacket batter by half a step.”

Saturday afternoon the Belle River Braves ended the Lakers 12-game winning streak. The hard-hitting Braves scored seven runs in the bottom of the first inning, then played even up with the Lakers on their way to the 18 to 12 victory.

Leamington’s lead off batter Dominguez led the local’s offense with four hits. Derbyshire, S. Bergen and Conner Bergen had three hits each while Tiessen, Bueckert, Wright, M. Wiebe and Massad had a couple of safeties.

Derbyshire and Wright hit back-to-back home runs in the third inning to ignite the Lakers’ comeback attempt.

Outfielders S. Bergen and Massad recorded big fly ball outs and J. Wiebe gunned two Braves out at first from his right field position.

T.T. senior golfers in the swing

By Bob McLean

Tuesday, August 2nd was a beautiful day for golf at the Talbot Trail course. Seventy-eight enthusiastic seniors participated in the regular league play.

The 57-69 year section came through with some very good scores. Leading the way, with his excellent 38, was Garnet Fox who was the only one to shoot a 30 score. Four golfers tied for second place with their superb 41s: Jim Pearson, Bill Ward, Rick Thompson and Bob McLean. Larry Schmidt achieved his best game of the year shooting an outstanding 42. Mike Getty and Al Matthews had very commendable results shooting 43s. Four golfers who also merited honourable mention for their praiseworthy 44s were: Stu Ivy, Kevin Jordan, Elmer Kochie and Ray LaPierre. Jim Omstead and Dave Overholt travelled the 9 holes in fine 45s. Other notable scores of 50 or less were obtained by these seniors: Doug Langlois, Dave Pilmer, Ross McIntosh, Richard Humber, Al Zanuttini, Paul Brown, Val Muth, Tom Sasso, and Harvey Wiltshire.

The 70-79 year olds also produced some outstanding results. Long hitters Vic Reynaert and Mike Wright earned excellent 41s to lead their division. Neil Adamson followed his terrific game of last week with another solid 43 result. Bob Patchett and Homer Vandervecht played very well earning praiseworthy 44s. Four seniors who achieved commendable 45 results were: Terry Bee, Paul R. Brown, Garth Chadwick and Tom Hyatt. Other fine results of fifty or less were merited by Joe Vertel, Don Willan, Pete Daudlin, Bob MacWilliam, Bill Parr, Rene Paquin, Don Girardin and Dean Wigle.

In the 80+ division Murray Knox humbled many of the youngsters as he shot a fantastic 40. This was the second best overall result from all the senior divisions. Dave LaBonte also merited his best round of the year firing off an outstanding 42. Tom Docherty, shooting a solid 45, continued his consistent play to earn third place in this section. The amazing Linus Bachmeier turned heads as he took only 46 shots. Cam Keith and Dick MacKenzie improved their scores from last week shooting praiseworthy 47s. Gerald Wilkinson came away with a fine 49 result. Other scores of 55 or less were achieved by the following players: Orville Ellwood, Bill Adams, Bill Stein and Jim Ascott.

The excursion to Ridgetown has been delayed to August 11th.

John Daly rocked the golf world when he won the PGA Championship at Crooked Stick as the ninth alternate in 1991. It’s great to see him playing better again. The golf world is now watching Tiger Woods as he returns to competitive golf. Many hope he isn’t successful, but despite his personal failings, I hope he makes a fantastic comeback. His passion to win, as well as his outstanding golf skills, compels many of us to watch him play

Benny Bueckert gets ready to field a ground ball in the Rookie Lakers game against the Essex Yellow Jackets on Tuesday.

Anglers vie for top prizes at S.O.C.’s Big Boyz Fishing Tournament

By Allison Siddall

The Southwest Outdoors Club’s annual Big Boyz Fishing Tournament boasted huge numbers of sports fishermen vying for cash prizes in the 8th annual derby held Friday, July 22 to Sunday, July 31. Organizers report that there were 421 ten-day tickets sold and an additional 245 one-day entrants.

Fishing enthusiasts from as far away as Alberta, Quebec, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Nevada, Texas and California joined local anglers in trying to capture the ultimate $1000 payout and trophy for both the biggest walleye and the biggest rainbow. Other payouts for walleye and rainbow included $500, $250, $125 (x2), and $50 (x5). Cash money was also paid for the biggest salmon ($150) and biggest sheephead ($50), as well as $50 in daily prizes for the biggest rainbow and walleye for the day.

The winners in all categories are as follows:

Rainbow: Tom Fryer – 15.90 pounds; Nicole Dyck – 15.40; Larry Stevenson – 14.04; Chris Lemieux – 13.76; Roger Magrujm – 13.66; Ron Malott – 13.44; George Toews –13.10; Chris Laramie – 12.70; Tim Magrum – 12.60; Louis Resendes – 12.58, Walleye: Girard Stevanka – 10.34 pounds; Brandon Gignac – 10.26; Matt Chorba – 10.16; Tom Broadwell – 9.54; Bruce Gardin – 9.46; Mike Turnbull – 9.20; Tyler McDonald – 9.08; John Orosz – 9.06; Jamie Sturgeon – 8.70; Craig Dunmore – 8.58.

Largest Salmon: Steve Anderson – 11.96 pounds. Largest Sheephead: Keith Tofflemire – 10.66 pounds.

Progs golfers brave heat and humidity

On August 2, 42 members from Erie Shores braved the heat and humidity to play progs golf. With the extra rain, the rough was longer than usual and it showed on the overall scores. However, there are always the select few who can play well in any condition.

The winning team last week was also decided by the last grouping. Team D won by

4 points. Members include: Mel Davey, Ken Steingart, Dan McQueen, Steve O’Hara, Norm Beattie, Kevin Shaften, Bill Gherasim, Jeff Brown, Roger Cote, Harry Badz, Dennis Weedmark and Bill Conn. First low net with +11 was Jim Sudds. Kevin Shaften and Ed Schachowskoy tied at +8. Good shooting, gentlemen. More good news was received by Greg Gare, with 2 skins, while Henry Hildebrandt, Jim Sudds, John Pearson, Roger Cote and Rod Paulin each had one skin.

By Lee MacKenzie

All right here we go, we’re into August and just 3½ weeks to Labour Day. Wow! How the time flies every summer in the golf business. With the late start to spring and summer because of the rains it sure feels like we missed out on half a year somewhere. When it gets to be this time of year, members are getting geared up to play in all the club championships at their home courses near the end of the month. Now and only now will you see guys, gals and juniors out working on their golf swings.

Talbot Trail Talbot Trail Golf Club... Golf Club...

The sad thing is that the month of September is probably the nicest time of the year to play golf. It seems that as soon as Labour Day hits the teachers are back in school along with the kids, and football, hockey and all the other fall and winter sports kick into high gear, which leaves the golf courses three-quarters empty. So for all you players out there working on your game, just remember that all the strokes you give back are from putting or chipping around the greens, so what does that tell you?

The short game, as it’s known, is the biggest part of shooting a low score and is also the reason why we don’t score as well as we should. Here’s a little tip for everyone starting to practice: WORK ON YOUR SHORT GAME!

Tom Kite once wrote that when he plays golf with his best old-time friend, who carries a 20 handicap, he would tell his friend to hit off the tee and Tom would do the same. Then, from there, Tom would play his buddy’s ball and his buddy would play Tom’s ball all day. The funny thing is that his friend would still shoot 92 and he was down the middle of the fairway playing Tom’s ball, but he just can’t get it up and down from 150 yards. Meanwhile Tom is in the rough 185 to 200 yards off the tee behind trees, in bunkers all day and still shoots par. It just goes to show you that even when you’re down the middle you still have to finish it

off around the greens.

So for all you year-end club championship players out there sharpening their game, please work on your short game because it will pay you back big time, and remember not to worry about your game or score until the 19th hole. But that’s just what a long ball hitter thinks about the short game.

1970

Summer fun… now a game on Playstation

(Before

Moms everywhere must have been having nervous breakdowns – just not mine, as I recall. Mind you, my mom was every bit as nurturing as Barbara Billingsley, but by comparison to the hyper-worried, guilt ridden, stressed out, career mom of today, she was a careless, duMaurier puffing, domestic slave of a mother.

My mom was the monster who actually ordered me to get out of the house, “to go make friends” (a.k.a. strangers) and to help old people when you see them in need. We managed to have fun though – lots of it too – which is amazing considering we didn’t have the latest PSP or X-box. The only computer I remember was the “Way Back” machine that Peabody and Sherman used on television.

Surely you remember those warm, dusky, summer nights in your neighbourhood – running, laughing, hiding and screaming during a hotly contested game of Kick the Can? How about a good old-fashioned bike race? Growing up in Dresden, we’d name our bicycles after our favourite racehorses and race around the block or the oval driveway at the high school. Occasionally, we’d get bored of the bikes and wrap binder twine or a skipping rope around the small of children next door and race them.

We rode our bikes constantly, to the store, to our friends’, to the river, and there was always one knucklehead who would peddle his bike into the riv-

er. Sometimes were able to successfully retrieve it, and sometimes some sorry-assed kid had a long, long walk home.

Sure, we got bored once in awhile. Sometimes the stars of activity just didn’t line up. Perhaps “nobody” was around, you had no money for the store, and with only 3 or 4 channels on television there was likely nothing interesting to watch on a hot afternoon. We were forced to use our imagination: to draw, make something out of sticks and dirt, experiment in the kitchen, build a fort in the basement or your bedroom, or we tricked up our bicycle to look and sound like it had an engine.

Today, so much has changed. My lady friend rented a cottage on the lake a few weeks back and her young son and his friend were starved for something to do. Thank goodness there was a Playstation at the cottage, and so the boys were able to lock themselves into a small room to click and angle their handheld remotes while they fixated on the 15-inch television screen. Just outside their “curtained” window (have to keep the room dark for optimum video playing) was a beach and a massive blue lake with a beautiful blue sky backdrop.

Finally, I was able to convince mother that the boys “should be outside” enjoying the lake. After a bit of prodding and a promise to allow them to play video games after dinner, they reluctantly jumped into the lake. Funny thing was, we couldn’t get the boys out of the lake to eat dinner. They swam and splashed around and dove for rocks. You could hear their laughter all the way across the beach and to the back veranda, where I was stationed in a big comfy deck chair… on my BlackBerry of course.

Long weekend results in 8 deaths on OPP patrolled roads, trails and waterways

Despite the best efforts of police and emergency workers, preliminary statistics indicate that 8 people died on the roads, trails and waterways patrolled by Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) on Civic Holiday long weekend. Six people were killed in separate collisions throughout the province. There was also the report on one ATV death and one marine incident resulting in the loss of life.

Province-wide, the OPP laid numerous charges for various offences over the long weekend, including 5,750 for speeding (compared to 5,873 in 2010), 71 street racing charges (65 in 2010), 427 seatbelt charges (384 in 2010) and 198 charges for driving while impaired by drugs or having a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of above 0.08 (223 in 2010). The OPP also issued 117 roadside license suspensions to drivers with a BAC in the warn range of 0.05 to 0.08 (152 in 2010).

Tractor-Trailer and Minivan Collide

On August 4 at approximately 9 a.m., a tractor-trailer operated by a 48-year-old Essex man negotiated a left turn from Manning Road onto County Road 34, crossing the path of a southbound minivan. The two vehicles collided, resulting in the driver of the tractor-trailer being sent to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The minivan was being driven by a Leamington man who was transporting children ranging in age from 2 years to 8 years. Fortunately, no one else was injured. The investigation is continuing with pending charges.

Police Seize Marijuana, Plants, Stolen Property

On August 3, members of the Essex County OPP Community Drug Action Team, the Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau, and the Essex County OPP Criminal Investigation Unit executed a search warrant at a residence on Bondy Lane in Essex.

As a result, police seized 8 mature marijuana plants, 185 grams of marijuana, numerous items of property associated with the cultivation, production and trafficking of cannabis marijuana, and a stolen lawn tractor.

A 33-year-old Essex resident was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking; Production of a Controlled Substance; and Possession of Property Obtained by Crime. The investigation is ongoing.

$70,000 loss in duplex fire

On August 3, Leamington Fire Services responded to a call at a duplex on Victoria Street South. Eighteen firefighters were on the scene for almost two hours battling the structure fire.

The fire has been determined as accidental. Fire, smoke and water damage is estimated at $70,000.

Low Gross Winner; Brian Plumb of Southland Insurance; and Greg Henderson, Low Net Winner.

Renaud wins top honours at Southland

Insurance Senior Men’s Invitational

In spite of a break in the hot and muggy conditions this past Wednesday, August 3 at Erie Shores Golf Club, the scores were on the torrid side at the 32nd Annual Southland Insurance Senior Men’s Invitational.

Kingsville’s William Renaud won top honours with a sizzling 3 under par round of 68 and a two-stroke victory over Erie Shores Club Champion Jim McCallum who finished with a one under par score of 70.

Erie Shores’ Ken Steingart and Beach Grove’s Ken Greenwood were also in the running, both tying for third spot with their one over par rounds of 72. Mike Harrocks, of the National Golf Club north of Toronto, finished alone in fifth spot with a three over par 74.

Talbot Trail’s Tom Dunn, Pointe West’s Denis Murphy and Rick Demers of Seven Lakes all tied for sixth spot with scores of four over par 75, while Erie Shores Senior Club Champion Bill Ruiter, along with Barry Kenshol of Fox Glen, Joe Antal of Sutton Creek and Ed Schachowskoy of Erie Shores all finished in a tie for ninth place with rounds of five over par 76.

Ian McLean of Maple City and Ray Knight, Jim Boose and Ron Prpich, all of Kingsville, were next with their six over par scores of 77, while Erie Shores’ Kenny Cobby and Ken Luxford, along with Beach Grove’s Gary Geoffery, Essex’s Daniel Lovell, Talbot Trail’s Jim Hawrylyk and Kingsville’s Mike Saffran all broke 80 with their rounds of 79.

In the Low Net Division, Kingsville’s Greg Henderson had an impressive eight under par net score of 63 to finish on top, three strokes ahead of Seven Lakes’ Rick Demers and Erie Shores’ Wayne Gillett and Henry Hildebrandt who all had net rounds of 66.

Ruiter wins senior men’s Club Championship

Defending champion Bill Ruiter shot two even par rounds of 71 for a two-day, 36-hole total of 142 and a 7-stroke victory in the annual Erie Shores Senior Men’s Club Championship.

Finishing second at 7 over par 149, with rounds of 75 and 74, was Ken Steingart. Greg Dunmore and Kevin Shaften were both next, another 8 strokes back, with overall scores of 15 over par 157.

Frank Gow had the best overall low net score of 135, while Greg Dunmore was low net winner in the ‘A’ Flight (ages 50 to 60) with a net 137. Ron Koop was low net shooter in ‘B’ Flight (ages 61 to 63) with his 139 low net total, while Norm Beattie was low net winner in ‘C’ Flight (ages 64 and over) with his 138 low net finish.

Good turnout for men’s

Thursday night

league

Less torrid and drier conditions meant the best turnout in three weeks as 89 golfers battled it out at Erie Shores this past week in the Men’s Thursday Night League. Leading the way for the past month, Yves Lanteigne and Team 7 added to their overall total by picking up a perfect 12 points for a grand total of 84 and an 11-point bulge over the second place Team 4, captained by Frank Dick, who had a fine 11-point night which leaves them a grand total of 73 points.

Captain Paul Bunnett-Jones and Team 3 remains in third place position with 68 points after collecting 8 more during Thursday’s play, while Team 11, captained by Kirk Bowman, moved up to fourth place overall with 58 points after having a 9-point night performance this past week.

Gary Alderson’s Team 2 slipped in the standings, falling to fifth place overall at 56 points after only getting 6 points, while Captain Gary Bondy and Team 8 picked up 10 points to move up to sixth place overall with 53 points. Team 9, led by Captain Tim Tiessen, finished with 7 points putting them next in seventh place with 50 points. The remaining five teams led by Ken Steingart, Abe Bergen, Kyle Flewelling, Ken Cobby and Gord Anderson all finished with 5 or less points.

Individual awards for top low gross scores of the week went to Ryan Harder with a 32, Joel Epp with a 35 and Tim Tiessen with a 36. Wayne Quinn had top low net score of the day with 32, while Kenny Cobby was right behind with a 32.5. Closest to the pin honours went to Tim Towle on the third hole and Todd Bell on the long fifth hole. Longest drive on the seventh hole was given to Paul BunnettJones, while Brian Higgins had the longest putt on the ninth hole. Skins winners included Rich Segedin, Sandy Towle, Todd Bell, Wayne Gillett, Gord Anderson and Yves Lanteigne.

tional at Erie Shores. Pictured from left to right are: William Renaud,

Summer poinsettias

Most people consider poinsettias to be seasonal plants during the holidays and something to throw away after the new year rolls around. But with a little patience, your poinsettia can be a conversation piece all year long. Our greenhouses would have poinsettias all the time, starting from

In the In the Back Yard... Back Yard...

January as stock plants, taking cuttings immediately after the spring bedding plant season and growing the crop throughout the summer.

Here are the secrets to growing a healthy plant after the holidays.

between 60-70ºF (15-21ºC), otherwise this will delay the flowering time.

Stray lights of any kind, such as streetlights or indoor lighting, will delay or even stop the flowering process. This lighting schedule must start no later than October 1st and continue to the end of November. Timing to produce blooms for the holiday season can be difficult outside of the controlled environment of a greenhouse.

Even the experienced gardener will agree that reaching the size and quality of blooms are hard to achieve comparing to the original purchase.

By late March, cut the poinsettia back to about 8 to 10 inches in height. Continue watering on a regular schedule using an all-purpose fertilizer, and by May new growth should start. Around June, transplant into a larger pot, again using a good soil mix and peat moss. After all chances of frost have passed, plant outdoors in a bright but indirect sunlit area. Continue the watering schedule and fertilize every 2-3 weeks.

There is a fair amount of work involved bringing this plant through the year, so if you get to December and it looks a little weak, yellow and leggy with no color, don’t feel bad about tossing it to the compost bin. Just think of how much fun you had during the summer and knowing you are only several dollars away from buying another one.

Visit my website for fall planting and fundraising ideas at www.bptreemarketing.com

Flyers training camp begins Monday

The Leamington Flyers are nearing the start of the 2011/2012 season with their main training camp opening on Monday, August 15th.

The annual Red and White game will be held on Friday, August 19th at 7:30 p.m. in the Unico rink at the Kinsmen Complex. The Red and White game is open to the public and there is no admission charge.

The regular season will begin on Thursday, September 8th when the Flyers host the Sarnia Legionnaires. More information on training camp including rosters and game times can be found at www.leamingtonflyers.com.

The Leamington Flyers are looking for billet families for the upcoming season. If you are interested in billeting a player, please contact Abe Fehr at 519-818-5628 or AbeF@uni-fab.on.ca.

During the summer, pruning will be required to keep the plant bushy and compact. Late June or July is the best time for pruning. Once the stems reach 4-5 inches, pinch back the tips to encourage branching. Stop pinching back by the Labor Day weekend.

In late summer or early fall when the days become cooler, bring it back inside, allowing for lots of light. Reduce the water schedule at this point but don’t let the plant dry out, as you will lose leaves.

In order to produce blooms by Christmas the poinsettia will require only 6-8 hours of sunlight per day and temperatures

Campers celebrated Halloween at Sturgeon Woods on Saturday, August 6

First round results of the Erie Shores Men’s Club Championship

Brian Humphreys had one of his best championship games ever, shooting a wonderful five under par score of 66 to hold a five-stroke lead over Bill Ruiter in the first round of the annual Erie Shores Men’s Club Championship.

Ruiter is alone in second place, with his smooth opening round score of even par 71, while defending champion Jim McCallum is two more strokes behind at two over par 73. Mike Morin is in fourth place after shooting an opening three over par round of 74.

Scott Rutgers and Sandy Towle are tied for fifth place at five over par 76, which is one shot ahead of Ryan Harder’s 77 and two better than Chris Webster’s 79.

Ken Steingart fired an impressive two under par 69 to take a two-stroke lead over Scott Wilkinson who had an even par round of 71. Van Tan is next at two over par 73.

Tied for fourth place with three over par rounds of 74 are Geoff Dunmore and Saad Sarfraz, while Andy Herring is next with his opening day score of 75. Another shot back in seventh place are Ward Hutchins and Ed Schachowskoy who are tied with their five over par games of 76. Other top players breaking 80 in the first round included Richard Lowes at 77, Darryl DiMilo at 78 and Kevin George with a 79.

Greg Dunmore and Claudio Sabelli both shot seven over

par rounds of 78 to remain tied for first place in the tough to win B Flight Division, where John Rutgers stands another one stroke back at eight over par 79.

After his opening day score of 80, Gary Bondy is next in fourth place, while Neil Reimer, Tom Miehl and Gary Alderson are all tied for fifth spot with their scores of 82. Kevin Shaften is one stroke back at 83 and Norm Beattie and Steven Georges are another three behind at 86.

In the C Flight Division, Frank Gow has a slim one-shot lead over Bill Gherasim after shooting an opening round 79. Mauro Paglione is another stroke back in third place after having an 81, while Art Regehr is another three behind sitting at 84.

Tied for fifth place with rounds of 85 are Joe Verhoeven, Charles LeBlanc and Yves Lanteigne. Others breaking 90, included Les Young at 87 and Gary McRae at 89.

With a fine opening round of 86, Barry Miller is standing alone in first place in the D Flight Division, two strokes ahead of Mel Pace who shot an 88. Tied for third place with scores of 89 are Wayne Quinn and Gord Anderson. Garth Dennerley was the only other player to break 100 with his score of 92.

The second and final round of the Erie Shores Club Championships take place this coming Saturday and Sunday with tee-offs beginning each day at 8:00 a.m.

The Churches of Leamington and District Welcome You

ANGLICAN

St. John The Evangelist

60 Erie Street N., Leamington

519-326-3111

Sunday Worship Services

8:30 & 10:30 a.m.

St. Mary’s Church

East West Road, Pelee Island

1st & 3rd Sundays from June to September at 10 a.m.

Calvary Church North Shore Road, Pelee Island 1st & 3rd Sundays from October to May at 10 a.m.

BAPTIST

Calvary Baptist Church 475 Bevel Line Road, Leamington 519-326-0876

Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m.

First Baptist Church

3 Fox Street, Leamington 519-326-4372

Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m.

CONGREGATIONALIST

Faith Everlasting Congregational Church 589 Hwy 77, Leamington 519-322-2994

Sunday Worship 11 a.m. L

220 Erie St. N., Leamington 519-322-1644

Saturday Services:

Bible Study 9:30 am Worship 11:00 am

LUTHERAN

St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

311 Sherk Street, Leamington 519-326-3966

Sunday Worship Services

9:30 a.m. (German), 10:30 a.m. (English)

MENNONITE

Faith Mennonite Church 269 Sherk Street, Leamington 519-326-6391

Sunday Worship Services

10:50 a.m. (Summer 10 a.m.)

Leamington Council holds special meeting to discuss three greenhouse proposals

Leamington Municipal Council held an unusual meeting at noon on Tuesday, August 2nd.

Municipal Municipal Correspondent Correspondent

Leamington Evangelical Mennonite Mission Church 1408 Deer Run Rd, Leamington 519-326-9734

Sunday Worship Services 9:15 a.m. (German), 10:45 a.m. (English)

Leamington Evangelical Mennonite Church 108 Mersea Rd 3, Leamington 519-322-9915

Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m.

Leamington United Mennonite Church 78 Oak Street East, Leamington 519-326-2727

Sunday Worship 9:45 a.m.

Summer Worship Services

9:30 a.m. (German), 10:15 a.m. (English)

Meadow Brook Fellowship 219 Talbot Street East, Leamington 519-326-3605

Sunday Worship Services 9:30 a.m. & 11 a.m.

North Leamington United Mennonite Church 625 Mersea Rd 6, Leamington 519-326-7928

Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m.

South Point Community Church 55A Talbot St. W., Leamington 519-322-1858

Sunday Gatherings 10 a.m.

NON-DENOMINATIONAL

Iglesia La Buena Semilla 269 Sherk Street, Leamington 519-733-0342

Sunday Worship 6:30 p.m.

Leamington District Memorial Hospital

194 Talbot St. W., Leamington 519-326-2373, Chaplain’s Office ext. 4443

PENTECOSTAL

FGT Family Church

285 Talbot St. E., Leamington 519-322-2316

Sunday Worships 9:15 & 11 a.m.

Leamington Christian Centre

98 Elliott Street, Leamington 519-322-1504

Sunday Worship Services 10:30 a.m.

English/Spanish 6:30 p.m.

Templo Christiano De Leamington

39 Talbot St. E., Leamington 519-325-9654

Sunday Worship Services 3 p.m.

Mount Zion Full TabernacleGospel

6 Mill Street, Leamington 519-252-0031

Sunday Worship 7:30 p.m.

United Pentecostal Church

312 Erie St. St., Leamington 519-326-7056

Sunday Worship Services 11 a.m.

PRESBYTERIAN

Knox Presbyterian Church

58 Erie St. S., Leamington 519-326-4541

Sunday Worship Services 11 a.m.

ROMAN CATHOLIC

St. Michael’s Parish

29 Elliott Street, Leamington 519-326-2643

Sunday Masses:

9 a.m., 11 a.m., 7:30 p.m.

Sunday Spanish Mass 2:30 p.m. (February to November)

St. Joseph’s Church

310 Sherk Street, Leamington 519-326-2643

Saturday Mass 5 p.m.

Sunday Masses:

9 a.m. (Italian, English), 11 a.m. (Portuguese, English)

St. Anthony’s Parish (Maronite Rite)

280 Talbot Street East, Leamington 519-322-2282

Sunday Masses 9:30 & 11 a.m. (Lebanese, English)

SALVATION ARMY

The Salvation Army Citadel

88 Setterington Street

Leamington 519-326-4901

Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m.

UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA

Leamington United Church

9 John Street, Leamington 519-326-9461

Sunday Worship Services 10:30 a.m.

Mersea United Church 1301 Mersea Road 8, Wheatley 519-825-4157

Sunday Worship Services 9:30 a.m.

Mayor John Paterson explained that it was to try and expedite development as much as he and Leamington Council could. The three items on the agenda all had to do with greenhouse development proposals, and time is a critical factor in getting them built and into production.

The first item was a report recommending that council enter into a site plan agreement for the construction of just under 17 acres of greenhouse on a 50-acre farm at the corner of Highway 77 and Mersea Road 11. The proposal included water storage, but no mention of accommodations for workers, which intrigued Councillor John Jacobs. In response to

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his question about this, the Leamington Planning staff explained that bunkhouses are not subject to site plan control. Rather, as residential developments they are addressed directly in the zoning by-law, and must conform to all of the restrictions and requirements of that document.

The second was approval of a zoning by-law amendment reducing required setbacks at 435 Mersea Road 3, paving the way for development of a site plan agreement as soon as approvals from the Ministry of Transport and the Essex Region Conservation Authority are received. At the public meeting that was held a month ago, no objections to the change in setbacks per se were received, and the two expressions of concern, council learned, can and will be addressed in the site plan agreement. Council approved the change and passed the by-law amendment creating the necessary spot zoning for the land.

Finally, a third greenhouse proposal—referred to as phases three and four on this Essex Road 18 farm— was being addressed with an amendment to the existing site plan agreement. It includes 5.3 acres of greenhouse, a storage building, and a bunkhouse. Because the construction is next to a woodlot, the owner had to do an environmental impact study for the Conservation Authority to show that the development would not have a negative impact on the woodlot. Council was informed that study was complete and satisfactory, so approval was given to this proposal too.

While it may seem odd for council to meet for only three items, it is a testament to their interest and commitment that every single member of council was present and involved in the dialogue that surrounded these decisions.

Patrick Lajeunesse wins first feature race

By Mike Bennett

Patrick Lajeunesse had a gas on Saturday night. Little did he know, he was running on fumes. The Essex driver led all 20 laps to win his first feature race in the Sport Stocks class on Saturday night at South Buxton Raceway. “When I got back to the pits, it ran out of gas,” Lajeunesse said. “That shows we had luck tonight, because if we’d have had another caution, we wouldn’t have won.”

Lajeunesse, a rookie in the Sport Stocks class, started on the pole and held off points leader Eren Vanderiviere of Merlin for the final 15 of the 20-lap feature.

“I saw a white nose but I wasn’t sure if it was the 29 (Vanderiviere) or the 17 (Merlin’s Steve Shaw), so I just stayed low on the straightaway, played it safe and everything worked out,” Lajeunesse said.

He said he got a few taps from Vanderiviere going through turns one and two late in the race but said it was his own doing. “He raced me clean,” Lajeunesse said of Vanderiviere. “I had a push coming out of one, so I let off until the car found the groove and I got on it again. That’s when he was getting into me.”

Behind the front two cars, Essex’s Gerald Martin – Lajeunesse’s stepfather – had his hands full holding off Shaw, who won the last three feature races, and Chatham’s Ken Morrison.

The top five ran without a change in position over the final 15 laps.

Windsor’s Jamie Parker finished seventh, followed in order by Kingsville drivers Jim Ellis and Rob Young. Doris Lajeunesse, the winner’s older brother, crashed early and finished 11th while Windsor’s West Bertozzi was 12th.

Patrick Lajeunesse went into Saturday ninth in points with just one checkered flag – a heat race win last week. He picked up his second flag with another heat race victory earlier Saturday before winning the feature. “All I wanted this year was to win a heat race, and now I’ve got a feature win, so that’s a big step up,” Lajeunesse said.

He drove in the Comp 4 class the last two seasons, winning one feature and seven total races. “If I was starting over again, I’d go right to the Sport Stocks,” Lajeunesse said. “More horse power, better handling… and a lot more fun.

“We’ve had a problem with overheating and revving all season, but we’ve finally got everything figured out and now we’re finishing races,” he said. And winning races, too.

Meanwhile, Shawn Jones continued his torrid season by winning his 10th straight Tirecraft Comp 4 feature. The 19-year-old Blenheim driver, who swept all of the features

in June and July, took the lead from Chatham’s Randy McKinlay after lap five led the final 10 laps to extend his winning streak.

Cottam’s Denis DeSerrano went from fourth to second with a daring move out of turn four with three laps to go but settled for his fifth second-place finish. DeSerrano won the two feature races in May before Jones began his record streak.

Tilbury’s James Beaulieu finished sixth, Kingsville’s Norm DeSerrano eighth, while Gerry Rivait and Ryan Beaulieu, both of Tilbury, were 14th and 15th.

Chatham’s Louis Clements won his first Schinkels Gourmet Meats UMP Modifieds feature of the season, holding off Leamington’s Joel Dick over the final three laps after a caution waved on lap 17 of the 20-lap race.

Belle River’s Mario Toniolo was seventh, Amherstburg’s Mark Goggin 10th, Windsor’s Emerson McIntyre 12th and his son Dan McIntyre 17th.

Dick, who has four feature wins on the season, won the crack-the-whip preliminary race for his division leading 13th checkered flag.

OBITUARY

James Simpson

James “Jim” Clifford Simpson, 81 years, passed away on Sunday, August 7, 2011 at the Sun Parlor Home, Leamington.

Beloved husband of Betty J. Simpson. Dear father of Earlene and Andy Gould, Helen and Dave Clark, Jamie and Laura Simpson, Mary Jane and Randy Smith. Loving grandfather of Matthew and Kyle Gould, Tyler and Derek Clark, Rachel and Erika Simpson, Becky Vermeulen (Blaze). Dear brother of Howard “Bob” and Leona Simpson, Gerry and Elaine Simpson, and the late Beverly Bourdeau.

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

Memorial service to celebrate Jim’s life will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, August 11, 2011 at 11 a.m. Rev. Richard Smith officiating. Cremation. Memorial donations may be made by cheque to W.E. Care For Kids. Friends may send condolences at www.reidfuneralhome.ca.

MedQUEST is an experiential day camp for high school students designed to show them the opportunities in health care. MedQuest was sponsored by the Communities for Doctors Committee, a group of volunteers from Leamington, Kingsville, and the Town of Essex. There are many people without whom this program would not have been possible. We would like to thank the following for their time and support. Sincerely, MedQUEST counselors: Chris Byrne, Jennifer Gerasimoff, and Paul Ricketts

Dr. Mark Trozzi

Yvonne Bauer, RN

Sarah Bezaire and Essex Windsor EMS crew

Ursula and Tim Tiessen

Leamington Marina Staff

Municipality of Leamington - administration and Kinsmen Recreation Complex Staff

Joey’s Only

Tom Laseak

Wendy’s Leamington

Darin Hanna-Biomedical Technology

Bernadette Lugosi & Sunparlour Nursing Home

Physiotherapy Staff

Billy Cheng - Procure Health Care

Ross Barnwell, Hospital Foundation

Will Mickle, RN

Michelle Campbell

William Wilson, PA

Jeanne Setler and CCAC

Brenda and Heather from the Public Health Unit

Mairi Lenover, Dietician

Katherine Groenewegen, NP

Max Abraham

Gerry Loveless & LDMH Physiotherapists

Dr. Chan

Rosemary Lemmon

Dr. Ghumman and Eva

Dr. Gruneir

Marg Campigotto & LDMH ICU Staff

LDMH Medical Lab Technicians

Diagnostic Imaging

LDMH Cardiopulmonary Staff

Rose Costa

Dr. Park

Janet Hack & Nancy Hillier

Emergency Room Nurses & Staff

All our great “campers”!

Local Media for their great coverage

Chatham’s Kirk Hooker won his third straight and fifth Windride Transportation UMP Late Models feature, fending off Chatham’s Brad Authier for the final seven laps. The start of the race night was delayed 20 minutes after a brief rain shower at 5:30 p.m. as the heavier precipitation in the area missed the speedway. It was South Buxton’s 13th consecutive week of racing following a rainout on May 7.

Racing resumes this Saturday at 7 p.m.

OBITUARY

Menno Epp

April 11, 1932 – August 2, 2011

It is with great sadness that the families of Menno Epp announce his death on August 2, 2011 following a brief illness. He was born at Lena, Manitoba. His life’s work as a pastor spanned over 40 years, with extended pastorates in Calgary and Leamington, along with several interim assignments.

Menno is survived by his loving wife Elsie, children Charlene (David Epp), Beverly (Laverne Patkau), Darrell Epp; stepchildren Shelley (Darrell) Bueckert, Jillayne (Mark Gress) Neufeld, Kendra (Peter) Neufeld-Stephens, and Jacqueline (Michael) Walter; 15 grandchildren: Alyssa, Carina, Brenna and Kiana Epp; Darren (Jasmine) and Desiree Patkau; Michael, Evan (Donna Bousquet) and Aaron Bueckert; Britni, Megan and Mikayla Stephens; Zachary, Emma and Madison Walter. Also survived by siblings Bruno (Elizabeth) Epp, Martin (Barbara) Epp, Anna (Adolf) Ens, Lydia (Les) Friesen, Susie (Werner) Froese, Linda (Victor) Sawatzky, Alvin (Marg) Epp, Viola Loewen, Rudi (Monica) Epp, and many nieces, nephews and friends. Survived by 4 extended families: Epp, Wiens, Peters, Neufeld. Menno was predeceased by his wife Irma (1990), parents Henry and Anna Epp, brothers Henry (and wife Mary) Epp, Frank, and George Epp, and grandson Brenton Epp, brother-in-law Ron Loewen.

A memorial service took place at Mount Royal Mennonite Church, 610 Avenue O North, Saskatoon, on Saturday, August 6, 2011 at 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to MC Canada c/o Company of 1000 (helping young pastors to receive education) or to MCC Sask c/o East Africa Drought Relief.

TRANSIT ROUTE OPEN HOUSE

Date:Wed., August 17 Time:Between

Steam Threshers Reunion

Aug 19-20

The 54th annual Western Ontario Steam Threshers Reunion takes place August 19-20 at the Forest Fairgrounds in Forest, ON.

Attractions include something for everyone: Allis Chalmers/Rumely Oil Pull, steam engines and antique tractors, bean pot, steamed corn, ladies program, talent show, music, kids games and activities, indoor vendors and flea market, veneer mill, sawmill, and wheat threshing.

Special events planned are a tractor caravan on Friday, wedding on the pull track on Saturday, raffle table for all ages, and much more.

For more information go to www.steamthresher.com or call 519-849-5709.

Happy 65th Anniversary Happy 65th Anniversary

Vivian & Bert Overholt

Vivian & Bert Overholt celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on Sunday, August 7th at their home in Wheatley with a small group of family and friends.

They have one daughter, Diana, of Chatham, Ont. They were married at Trinity at the home of the bride.

“Built Strong to Last Long!” Local couple celebrates 75th

Elmer Frederisy and his wife Mildred celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary with family, friends and staff at Leamington Court Retirement Suites on Saturday, July 30. The couple was married 75 years ago on August 1, 1936.

Elmer, 100, was born January 14, 1911 in Illinois, and moved to Wheatley in 1930 with his family. Elmer and his wife Mildred, 95, were married in 1936 at Comber, Ontario in the Parish Hall of the United Church. They have two children, Eleanor Boltinghouse and Doug Frederisy. Elmer and Mildred have 6 grandchildren, 8 greatgrandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

Elmer was a Maytag sales and service man in the region with a shop just outside of Wheatley for 40 years. In January of this year, when Elmer turned 100, Maytag sent out a representative to honour him. Maytag was thrilled to have a rep-

resentative that is a living example of the company’s slogan, “Built Strong to Last Long!” Elmer was named the first-ever Lifetime Honorary Maytag Man – Built Strong to Last Long! Elmer retired 40 years ago (when he turned 65).

STEELBUILDINGS

SOUTHPOINT SUN

DO-IT-YOURSELF STEELBUILD-

INGS PRICED TO CLEAR - Make an offer! Ask about FREE DELIVERY, most areas! CALLFOR QUICK QUOTE and FREE BROCHURE - 1800-668-5111 ext. 170.

STEELBUILDING SALE... SPECIALS from $5 to $12/sq. ft. Great pricing on ABSOLUTELYevery model, width and length. Example: 30'Wx50'Lx16'H. NOW $10,500.00. End walls included, doors optional. Pioneer Steel Manufacturers 1-800-668-5422.

A-Z Technical Bldg. Systems Inc.: PreEngineered Steel Buildings. Since 1978! Stamp drawings & leasing available. Ask for Wally: Toll-Free at 1-877743-5888, Fax (416) 626-5512. www.a-ztech.on.ca.

VACATION/TRAVEL

ALLINCLUSIVE PACKAGES - Book Online at www.canadatravels.com and save more on your vacations. Use code NCA74327 for discount or call us toll-free at 1-800-563-5722.

ABSOLUTELYTHE MOSTFABULOUS ORLANDO Vacation Homes specials for our Canadian friends! Plan your next stay with us now! Furnished weekly/monthly rentals available. www.globalresort homes.com, 1-866-966-6480.

WANTED

WANTED: OLD TUBE AUDIO EQUIPMENT. 40 years or older. Amplifiers, Stereo, Recording and Theatre Sound Equipment. Hammond organs. Any condition, no floor model consoles. Call Toll-Free 1-800-947-0393 / 519853-2157.

COMING EVENTS

WWW.ONTARIOBERRIES.COMFresh Ontario berries are still available! Buy Local, Buy Fresh, Buy Ontario. Strawberries, Raspberries, Blueberries & more. For Berry Farms in your community, recipes and more, visit: www.ontarioberries.com.

EMPLOYMENT OPPS.

EXPERIENCED PARTS PERSON required for progressive auto/industrial supplier. Hired applicant will receive top wages, full benefits and RRSP bonuses plus moving allowances. Our 26,000ft2 store is located 2.5 hours NE of Edmonton, Alberta. See our community at LacLaBiche Region.com. Send resume to: Sapphire Auto, Box 306, Lac La Biche, AB, T0A2C0. Email: hr@sapphireinc.net.

$$$ ATTENTION CHOCOLATE $$$ Thank goodness school is out for summer!!! Sell different products to make some Money easily $$$! Call us quickly... limited spaces available. 1800-383-3589.

STRUCTURALSTEELFITTERS

required at Edmonton North Company. Lead Hand: $34.80/hour; 1st Class: $33.24/hour; Fitter: $31.68/hour; CWB FCAW: $31.68/hour. Fax resume: 780-9392181 or Email: careers@garweld.com.

FINANCIALSERVICES

MoneyProvider.com. $500 Loan and +. No Credit Refused. Fast, Easy 100% Secure. 1-877-776-1660.

MORTGAGES

$$$ 1st, 2nd, 3rd MORTGAGES - Tax Arrears, Renovations, Debt Consolidation, no CMHC fees. $50K you pay $208.33/month (OAC). No income, bad credit, power of sale stopped!! BETTER OPTION MORTGAGES, CALL1-800-282-1169, www.mortgageontario.com (LIC# 10969).

AS SEEN ON TV - 1st, 2nd, Home Equity Loans, Bad Credit, SelfEmployed, Bankrupt, Foreclosure, Power of Sale or need to Re-Finance? Let us fight for you because we understand - Life Happens!! CALLToll-Free 1-877-733-4424 (24 Hours) or www.refitoday.ca. The Refinancing Specialists (mmamortgages.com Lic#12126).

PERSONALS

ALWAYS GOING TO PARTIES ALONE? Isn't it time you met someone & enjoyed being in a relationship? MISTYRIVER INTRODUCTIONS, matching single people with life partners for 17 years. www.mistyriverintr os.com or CALL(519) 658-4204. DATING SERVICE. Long-term/shortterm relationships, Free to try! 1-877297-9883. Intimate conversation, Call #4011 or 1-888-534-6984. Live 1on1 Call 1-866-311-9640 or #4010. Meet local single ladies. 1-877-804-5381. (18+)

TRUE ADVICE! True clarity! True Psychics! 1-877-478-4410 (18+) $3.19/minute 1-900-528-6258; truepsychics.ca.

FOR SALE

#1 HIGH SPEED INTERNET$28.95 / Month. Absolutely no ports are blocked. Unlimited Downloading. Up to 5Mps Download and 800Kbps Upload. ORDER TODAYAT www.acanac.ca or CALLTOLL-FREE: 1-866-281-3538.

SAWMILLS from only $3997 - MAKE MONEY& SAVE MONEYwith your own bandmill - Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship. FREE Info & DVD: www.Norwood Sawmills.com/400OT1-800-566-6899 Ext:400OT.

AFREE TELEPHONE SERVICE - Get Your First Month Free. Bad Credit, Don't Sweat It. No Deposits. No Credit Checks. Call Freedom Phone Lines Today Toll-Free 1-866-884-7464.

FREE UNLIMITED LONG DISTANCE - Home Phone & Highspeed. You're Approved! No Deposits, No Credit Checks. CALLTalk Canada Home Phone Today! Visit www.talkcanad a1.com or Toll-Free 1-866-867-8293.

SKILLED HELPWANTED

WELDERS Required Immediately! Do All Metal Fabricating - Estevan SK Apprentices, Journeymen Welders, or equivalent to perform all weld procedures in a custom manufacturing environment. Competitive Wages, Benefits, RRSP's & Apprenticeship Opportunities, Temporary Staff Housing available. Apply by Email: kswidnicki@doallmetal.com or Fax: 306-634-8389.

AUTOMOTIVE

MOTOR VEHICLE dealers in Ontario MUSTbe registered with OMVIC. To verify dealer registration or seek help with a complaint, visit www.omvic.on.ca or 1-800-943-6002. If you're buying a vehicle privately, don't become a curbsider's victim. Curbsiders are impostors who pose as private individuals, but are actually in the business of selling stolen or damaged vehicles.

AUTOS FOR SALE

100% AUTO FINANCING

SERVICES

SOUTHPOINT SUN

PRINTING: Business envelopes, invoices, flyers, business cards, custom print jobs, whatever your printing needs, call Rick at The Wheatley Journal for quick and economical service. 519-825-4541. tf

RENOVATIONS: Small jobs a specialty. Eavestroughing, decks, siding, windows, Gutter Cleaning Systems, furniture refinishing. Call Bill Siddall 519-825-3931.

tf

ELECTROLUX SALES & SERVICE: Complete line of vacuums and shampooers/ floor polishers. Will provide free estimate on Central Vac installations. Contact Dan Bailey. 519-825-7698. tf

LARRYʼS HOME REPAIRS, Renovations and Maintenance - drywall, trim and painting, decks powerwashed and sealed. 30 years experience. 519-3262770. au10-17c

FOR SALE

TOP SOIL FORsale$250/dump truck load delivered. Call Angie 519-3267503 or George 519-7913082. jn8-au10c

ORDER CANNING CUKES. Call Katherine, 519-3251213. jul27-au10

Jack Morris Auctions Inc. Household Auction Sale Wednesday Evening, August 17 at 5:30 pm

COMPUTER SERVICES

DISCOUNT COMPUTER REPAIRS- 214 Erie St. North, Leamington. 519-818-8194. www.discountcomputerrepairs.net. Virus removal, upgrades, formatting, most repairs made within 24 hours. au3-31c

For Margaret Denys at 3690 Talbot Trail (old Hwy 3), Merlin, approx. 10 mi. east of Wheatley or approx. 3 mi. west of Port Alma, where the Stevenson S.R. meets # 3. Selling large old school bell; 3 R. Doultons; 3 very nice display/curio cabinets; Bradford Exchange, china, collectibles; appliances; furniture in good condition; quantity of tools; H&B baseball bats; few primitives; stamp books; etc. Auctioneer: Jack Morris, 519-687-2530 Details and Photos at www.jackmorrisauctions.com LEAMINGTON

YARD SALE

LARGE ITEMS, MISC.furniture, couches, stand-up freezer, dishes, solid oak Amish-made bar stools. 327 Bayview Cres., Kingsville. Sunday, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. au10c

LESSONS

MUSIC LESSONS IN WHEATLEY. Private lessons on guitar, mandolin and bass with international touring artist John Law. All levels and styles - $25/lesson. Come for a one lesson refresher or book the whole summer. (June-Sept. dates available). 519-825-7436 or info@thelaws.ca. jn8-tfc

GENERAL CONSTRUCTION LABOURERneeded for local construction firm. Duties include framing, finished carpentry, ceramic tile and painting. Minimum 2 years experience. MUST BE FLUENTin English & Spanish. Apply to abratony@hotmail.com. jn8-au10c

GENERAL FARM WORKER in greenhouses. 45 - 60 hours per week including weekends and holidays. Apply by email to goldacre@cogeco.net. jl27-au10c

Oak Farms The Flower Outlet is looking for a person with the following credits. Retail floral experience a must. Some computer skills. Weekend hours (Sat.Sun. alternating). Self motivated. Fast paced environment. 2-3 days a week (total). Email resumes to oakfarms@mnsi.net

tf

The Corporation of the Municipality of Leamington

OPERATIONS-SEASONAL HORTICULTURE ASSISTANT

The Human Resources Office will receive resumes for the above noted position. Under the direction of the Operations Supervisor, will be responsible assisting the horticulturalist in the day to day maintenance of municipal shrub beds and floral displays. For complete details regarding position duties, qualifications and wage rate please visit our website at www.leamington.ca or visit the Municipal Office at 111 Erie St. N. Leamington.

APPLICATION DEADLINE is: 4:00 p.m. Wednesday August 17, 2011.

MEETING

T.O.P.S. - Take Off Pounds Sensibly. Group meets every Monday 6 p.m. at Wheatley United Church. Call Elaine at 519-825-7993 or visit website: www.TOPS.org. Everyone welcome. tf

To deliver the Southpoint Sun. Contact Melissa at 519-915-8004 or email: melissa@advantage flyerdistribution.com tfc

Harrow singer wins 8th annual Wheatley Idol

Paige Frankfurth Fawdry of Harrow is the 8th Wheatley Idol. Paige was crowned on Sunday, July 31 at Two Creeks Conservation Area during the 8th Annual Wheatley Idol Competition. Approximately 350 people came out to cheer on the competitors. Door prizes valued at approximately $1,500 were drawn during the judges’ deliberations. Twelve winners in the four categories received sponsored cash prizes, gifts and award plaques. All participants received an award certificate.

In addition, the overall winner, 22-year-old Paige received the ultimate grand prize – a star-studded recording package

provided by sponsors valued at approximately $1,500. Paige sang a cover rock song “Heartbreaker” by Pat Benatar. The winners’ prizes were valued at $2,500

The following are the Wheatley Idol Winners:

Overall Winner: Paige Frankfurth Fawdry - Harrow.

Ages 6-9: 1st: Amy Van Klaveren - Petrolia; 2nd: Emma Wright - Meaford; 3rd: Summer Ellis - Essex.

Ages 10-12: 1st: Hannah Renaud - Kingsville; 2nd: Riel Maheux - Kingsville; 3rd: Brittney Sestric - London.

Ages 13-16: 1st: Chelsey Malott - Leamington; 2nd: Courtney Sestric - London; 3rd: Madison Vasey - Chatham.

Ages 17-29: 1st: Paige Fawdry - Harrow; 2nd: Amber Dubois - Windsor; 3rd: Alyssa Sestric - London.

All the 1st place winners were invited to perform on Friday, August 5 during the Miss Comber Fair pageant. The overall winner, Paige Fawdry, received an invitation to perform on Saturday, October 15 at the 3rd annual Fantasy Idol Competition in Kingsville.

“It was another record setting year for registration, filling up in just one week! Contestants came from all around Southwestern Ontario to include Belle River, Chatham, Essex, Harrow, Kingsville, Leamington, London, Wheatley, Windsor, Meaford and Petrolia. It’s wonderful to see the excited young talent and their families come out to Wheatley Idol.” –Darla Janzen, Organizer/Chair, Wheatley Idol, Wheatley.

17-29: 1st:

“I have a soft spot in my heart for young talent and just can’t get enough of Wheatley Idol, so I was back again as a Celebrity Judge!” – Nicole Barron, Recording Artist and Singer/Songwriter, Leamington.

“I would like to thank Darla Janzen, and Wheatley Idol for all of the wonderful opportunities I have been presented with throughout the year. Sometimes, being on the waiting list for a few months can pay off – big time!” – Jennifer Morin, 2010 Wheatley Idol Overall Winner, Leamington.

“I love Wheatley Idol. It’s the best demonstration of local talent going, and truly rubs home how little talent I personally have when it comes to singing.” – Cordell Green, 92.7 Max FM, Leamington. More information will be posted at www.wheatleyidol. com and Facebook – Wheatley Idol (Official Group).

Ages

Paige Fawdry – Harrow; 2nd: Amber Dubois – Windsor; 3rd: Alyssa Sestric – London.

Ages 6-9: 1st: Amy Van Klaveren – Petrolia; 2nd: Emma Wright – Meaford; 3rd: Summer Ellis – Essex.

Ages 10-12: 1st: Hannah Renaud – Kingsville; 2nd: Riel Maheux – Kingsville; 3rd: Brittney Sestric – London.

Ages 13-16: 1st: Chelsey Malott – Leamington; 2nd: Courtney Sestric – London; 3rd: Madison Vasey – Chatham.