It was unanimous - the judges, fellow contestants and the audience - all agreed that
here, the 11 contestants shared a group hug after the crowning on Thursday, August 16.
Ducharme, Meghan Chevalier, Brittany Postma, Madison Brothers, Miss Leamington
runner-up Katrina Paty and in back, not quite visible were
By Sheila McBrayne
The six judges at this year’s Miss Leamington Tomato Festival Pageant had one of the toughest jobs around last week as all eleven contestants wowed the audience with talent, confidence, intelligence and grace.
Tara Omstead, 19, won the coveted crown as Miss Tomato Festival 2012. Omstead, daughter of John and Shannon Omstead of Kingsville, is entering her second year at the University of Western Ontario studying Communications.
“I just feel like I’m in a dream. I know that sounds cliché… I just feel very blessed,” said an overwhelmed Omstead about her new title. “Emily [Bushman] said to me ‘you really deserve it’. That just shows the sports-
manship that all of the girls showed throughout this whole thing… We really were having fun,” said Omstead who also won the Miss Congeniality Award, which is voted on by all the contestants.
Omstead also won the Shining Star Award as the runner-up for the talent component. Before singing “Defying Gravity” from the musical Wicked, Omstead dedicated her performance to her late uncle Fred Omstead. “Uncle Fred was very theatrical and very lively, it was just like him,” she said.
Although she exuded confidence on stage, Omstead admitted she was a bit nervous. “I was nervous the whole time!” she said. “But everyone
(Continued on Page 9)
It won’t be long before the school buses will be back on the road loaded with students, but for one weekend the Real Canadian Superstore and the Salvation Army are asking area residents to Fill A Bus with food donations.
Leamington’s C.A. Bailey Bus Company will have one of its buses parked at the Superstore on August 23, 24, 25 and 26 for people to leave donations of food. The local Salvation Army Food Bank is in need of donations.
Also, on Saturday and Sunday, August 25 and 26, the Real Canadian Superstore has garnered the support of some of their vendors who have donated products for a barbecue. All proceeds from the barbecue will be donated to the Food Bank as well.
“We’re just trying to help them out and restock their shelves,” said Bill Dunn of the Real Canadian Superstore’s involvement. Residents can bring
in canned food items or purchase special packs inside the store to donate. Items in demand include peanut butter, canned fruit, canned meats and rice.
“We’re short on many items right now,” said Jennifer Robinson, Family Services Co-ordinator at the Leamington Salvation Army. Robinson explained that this time of year is when the Food Bank sees a major strain on its supply. “This is always a low time – just before school starts… I think some parents may spend their allowances on the needed back-toschool supplies instead of food,” said Robinson. “This will really help and it should be fun,” she added.
The bus was in the Tomato Festival Parade on August 18, to help promote the four days of food collecting. It will be parked in front of the Superstore August 23-26 to receive food donations.
Leamington’s Bank Theatre and Meeting Place has just completed phase one of a three-phase construction project which will transform the former Bank of Montreal building into a community theatre.
The Bank Theatre received final electrical and fire inspections on Friday, August 17, and can now open to a limited audience. The completion of phase one means the theatre can open for several smaller productions in order to start raising money for phases two and three. Leamington Council
voted to contribute $59,650 to phase 2 of the Bank Theatre reconstruction contingent upon the Sun Parlour Players attaining matching funds from a federal government grant and raising the other one-third of the needed $180,000.
The first production in the new theatre will be Sun Parlour Players’ rendition of Steel Magnolias, which plays for three nights only, Friday, August 31, Saturday, September 1 and Sunday, September 2. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for seniors and students. Tickets are available at Unforgettable and Thomson Drugs. Show times are 8 p.m. with a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m.
The temporary seating for the theatre only allows for an audience of 100 people per show. “This first glimpse of the theatre will show people the work we’ve done so far, and how much more needs to be done,” said Ursula Tiessen, Bank Theatre Committee member. “We’ve had a lot of help and volunteers have made this all possible. We’ve been able to paint and do some work ourselves, but the next phase of raising the roof requires professionals and more money,” she said.
There are many opportunities for businesses and groups
to support the Bank Theatre project. For more information about the project and how to support it, go to www.banktheatre.com
Phase three will be the furnishings and finishing touches, like permanent seating, stage and lobby. “We’re thrilled that we’ll be able to open our doors to the public and let them see the potential for this local theatre,” said Penny Gil of Sun Parlour Players.
As soon as Steel Magnolias wraps up, auditions begin for Yankee Notions, which is slated for early November.
stomping for the three-minute Tomato Stomp competition, an event that drew a large crowd of spectators
A team made up of five Leamington Tomato Festival Scholarship Pageant entrants celebrate after it was announced they won the annual Tomato Stomp event, held at Seacliff Park. (SUN Photos)
The Essex County Crime Unit is investigating a robbery that happened on Saturday, August 18 at approximately 11 p.m.
A 17-year-old male was walking along the roadway in the Sherman Street/Alderton Street area between Queen Elizabeth School and École St-Michel when he was approached by two males wearing hats and with bandanas covering their faces. The victim was punched and kicked, and while on the ground had his wallet, cell phone and glasses taken. The victim sustained minor injuries. He was treated by medical staff and released.
Suspects are described as two males with muscular builds, one 5’7’’ and the other 6’ tall, both wearing jeans. It is believed that they fled in a light-coloured vehicle with a red driver’s side door.
If anyone has any information regarding this incident, please contact the
Essex County Crime Unit
519-326-2544 or Crime
We must all be smarter people because of Google. There is no excuse to ask any question and not find out the answer within minutes.
I know we used to consult our handy encyclopedias for such pressing questions as the population of United Kingdom (62,262,000 - 22nd largest country in population in the world), but how handy were they? I’m not sure handy is the right adjective, even if you had the most up-to-date edition, you’d still be way behind Google. My parents bought one set in the 1970s and that’s what I completed almost all my school assignments with… it’s a really scary thought. Living in the country made it difficult to get to the library to use more up-to-date encyclopedias and you were not allowed to sign out these great books of knowledge, so they weren’t very helpful.
I knew the five rings represented the five major regions of the world: Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and Oceania, but I did not know the significance of the colours - every national flag in the world includes at least one of the five colours, which are (from left to right) blue, yellow, black, green, and red.
With Google and Wikipedia there truly is no need to ever wonder and know the answer to anything.
Even more amazing is the fact that it ‘knows’ or anticipates what I’m going to ask before I can finish my question. Which means other people are asking the same questions.
Google is a 24-hour, 365 days a year, up-to-the-second encyclopedia at your fingertips. This fact has never been clearer to me than last week while on holidays. In a remote cabin tucked away north of Thunder Bay at Mink Mountain Resort, I had no internet or phone service all week. The first day I checked my phone periodically – just in case a signal may have reflected our way – and soon realized that I might as well just turn it off. It didn’t take long to get used to no email, no texts, and no phone calls, but with the Olympics playing in the background, I had a lot of questions to ask that my friends couldn’t answer and we couldn’t ask Google. I actually started a list of questions to ask Google when we got back.
Before we left on holidays, we had this giant bug (the size of about three bumble bees) in the backyard. I had never seen anything like it before and it made huge burrows in our flowerbed. The holes were big enough fore a snake or small rabbit! A friend said it sounded like a cicada killer. I’ve never heard of a cicada killer, so I Googled it. That is definitely the bug that I have in the yard. I was glad to hear that they are not as bad as they look. Cicada killer do just as their name suggests, they kill cicadas who also burrow and eat the roots to your shrubs and trees. The good news is they do not have a long lifecycle, so they should take care of themselves with no harm done.
Children go back to school with hope. They hope to see old friends and make new ones. They hope to have fun interacting with other kids. They hope for excitement, for achievement, and for success. We parents need to help the children with their hopes by understanding what they are, and celebrating with our children when their hopes are met. On the front line of adult support personnel who must help children with their hopes are the teachers who are going back to school too. Teachers who are parents return to work much like all other parents: relieved that the kids will have something to do that doesn’t tire them out, and hoping they like their new teacher and classmates. They also go back to work knowing what a difference a good teacher has made to their kid, and hoping to be just that kind of teacher to the students they are about to get. Teachers also go back to work with that little frisson of stage fright, that touch of anxiety that makes a job interesting. (After all, all evi-
dence to the contrary notwithstanding, teachers are human too.) To some extent the students are an audience, the teacher an actor, and the subject the play; and how interesting the play is depends a lot on the actor’s ability to engage the audience in its excitement and message. Part of preparing lessons is setting the stage for audience participation.
Teachers go back to work to face a daunting challenge, so many go back with a touch of sadness. They know there will be children who are happy, but also those who are sad; children who are fearless, but also those who are fearful. Regardless of the burden any child is carrying from home, they are all important, and they all need to be reached. For some students that will be difficult, perhaps even impossible, but teachers have to try, regardless of their personal disappointment when their efforts don’t pan out.
Teachers go back to work relieved to be doing the job for which they have trained. Many have spent the sum-
mer at another job to speed up the process of paying off years of student loans. Others have spent the summer taking specialized university courses to improve and broaden their professional credentials. Still others are still studying toward a Masters or Doctorate in a subject they are passionate about. All of them, however, are returning to a job they understand and to which they are committed.
This year teachers are returning to work stressed by a significantly altered economic climate. After years of labour peace, there is tension. Like it or not, all teachers are required to be members of a provincial union by law, and when the provincial union and the provincial government are not playing nice, all school boards are nervous and all teachers are stressed. They’re hoping things will be okay, but they don’t know they will, and this kind of uncertainty is always uncomfortable.
Because teachers are a pretty representative crosssection of society, teachers will be walking into the first
day of work just the same as at any workplace. Some
Just my thoughts...
will be newly married, some newly divorced. Some will be celebrating the birth of a new baby, others mourning the loss of a loved one. Some will be thrilled with their new car, others cursing the problems the old one is causing. In other words, just like the adults who are your friends and neighbours. With one big exception: all of them (I hope) will be walking in with more than a bit of joy tucked away, because they are going to the most rewarding opportunity of all professions. They go have the opportunity to help children learn, think, experiment, and grow as citizens. Their students are the future of our town, our province, our country, our world, and to have a small role in shaping that future... what a joy!
- good, bad or indifferent - e-mail us sun@mnsi.net
Editor:
“Waterfront property for less than 7 cents per foot.” Where? Our very own Municipality of Leamington. On August 13 at the Municipal Council meeting, despite Deputy-Mayor Charlie Wright’s repeated call for the responsible and sane approach of obtaining an appraisal before selling any of our municipal assets, to ensure our taxpayers are getting fair value, the council sold 15 feet of our remaining prime waterfront land NOT for the current average of $3,000 per foot for upgraded waterfront with a break wall, but for less than $0.07 per foot. How many taxpayers would also like the opportunity to buy a private 15 feet of waterfront for $1.00 plus legal costs of course? Add a picnic table, enjoy the lake breeze, watch the boats and the sun setting over the lake, just like Leamington proudly displays in their logo as being representative of the best we all enjoy.
We the taxpayers remain straddled with excessive taxes, and given an opportunity to sell one of the taxpayers’ assets and raise some much needed cash in lieu of yet more taxes, Municipal Council gives our waterfront away (OK – sold it for a whole dollar).
Despite the ignored previous calls of taxpayers to reopen this valuable access to the waterfront which would have added $3,000 or $4,000 in tax generating value, year after year, to each of 25+ homes in the neighbourhood, our elected officials gave our waterfront away to a single homeowner who already enjoys waterfront! What do the taxpayers and voters of Leamington have to do to get a break?
Greg Rice, Leamington
Local band Jinx, which includes, from left to right, Siera Simoni, David Gleason, Dylan Zak and Nick Tiessen, recently qualified for the “Rise to Fame” competition at Western Fair. Nick and Siera also qualified individually for the competition and all will perform on September 11 at Western Fair. Jinx performed at the Tomato Festival on Saturday evening. (Photo submitted)
Volunteers and staff at South Essex Community Council (SECC) are busy getting ready for their Volunteer Information Open House on September 4. “We have a lot of programs that simply could not run without the direct involvement of our volunteers, and this fall we are going to need a good number of them,” says Noreen Wiebe, Volunteer Services Leader for SECC.
South Essex Community Council, which has been serving the communities of Leamington, Wheatley and Kingsville since 1973, runs programs including adult classes in English, Literacy and Citizenship, Meals on Wheels, Adult Day Program and Foot Care Clinic. “Our tutoring program for new immigrants has really taken off and we already know we will need a lot of tutors,” says Wiebe.
The intent of the open house is to showcase the many opportunities to get involved in the community. Volunteers will be sought for Meals on Wheels delivery, Friendly Visitation, Security Check Callers, translators and interpreters, tutors, computer teachers and special events helpers.
“This past year we had over 400 volunteers serving the community for a total of 8000 hours,” says Wiebe. “We are looking forward to meeting many potential new volunteers. Our community has always been supportive and we are very pleased with what we can accomplish together.”
The Volunteer Information Open house will be held at South Essex Community Council, 215 Talbot St. E in Leamington on Tuesday, September 4 from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. It will include a tour of their newly acquired office space. For more information please call Noreen at 519-326-8629 or email volunteer@secc.on.ca
The annual RCMP Musical Ride will soon be making stops in Essex County.
This year’s tour includes former Leamington resident Sarah Brophey, who is riding a 15-year-old Hanoverian mare named Pichou. The Musical Ride tour, which began in Germany May 4, makes several stops in Ontario and Manitoba before ending in Massachusetts Sept. 29.
The local performances will take place at the Windsor-Essex Therapeutic Riding Association grounds at 3323 North Malden Road, Essex on Sept. 2 and Monday, Sept. 3. The first day will feature shows at 1:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. for the second day. Earlier on Monday, Sept. 3, the 32 riders and horses — including Brophey and Pichou — will be available for a photo opportunity at the Harrow Fairgrounds beginning at 10 a.m.
Tickets are still available for the shows and can be purchased by calling Stan and Pat Brophey at 519-326-3467 prior to Monday, Aug. 27. These advance tickets are selling at $8 per adult and $6 per child under 10 years of age. At-the-door prices are $10 per adult and $8 per child under 10. Advance tickets can also be purchased online in a family pack of two adults and two children at www.wetra.ca
Those attending the Musical Ride for either of the Sunday shows or the Monday show are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, as there is limited grandstand seating available. For more information, call 519-726-7682.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 25 - Barbecue Fundraiser is being held for Multiple Myeloma from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., near the entrance of Leamington Walmart, 304 Erie St. S. All welcome.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 25 - Erie Wildlife Rescue is having a One Day Only Yard Sale at 11168 Tecumseh Road East near Banwell from 10am to 3pm. Dishes, used books, kids VCR movies, something for everyone! All indoors. Visit www.eriewildliferescue.ca or Call 519-9693919.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 31 - St. John’s Pig Roast at Leamington Marina, 5:00 - 9:00 p.m. Tickets: adults $15; children $6. Cash bar. Tickets available from church office 519-326-3111 or by calling 519-326-4042.
AUGUST 31 - SEPTEMBER 2 - The Sun Parlour Players Community Theatre is presenting Steel Magnolias at The Bank Theatre, 10 Erie St. S., Leamington, on Fri. Aug. 31 and Sat. Sept. 1 at 8 p.m. and Sun. Sept. 2 at 2 p.m. Advance tickets at Unforgettable and Thompson Drugs in Leamington, and Mary Kathryn Ladies Shop in Kingsville. Adults $12, seniors and students $10. For info call 519-326-8805.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 1 - Leamington Recreation Complex E-Waste drop-off depot, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Sponsored by Computers for Kids and CAW Local 200. Bring your used items (working or not) i.e. TVs, computers, electronics, print cartridges, etc. to the E-Waste collection at the Complex parking lot. For full details visit www.cfkcanada.org.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 - Can you spare an hour of your time to help save a life? Bring a
friend and donate at the Leamington Blood Donor Clinic, Kinsmen Recreation Complex, 249 Sherk St. (Note: new clinic location) from 1:00-7:00 p.m. Call 1-888-2-DONATE (1-888236-6283) for information or to book an appointment. Walk-ins welcome.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 - Pig Roast & Fund Raiser - for the Kidney Foundation Gift of Life Walk. Support the Wheatley Wizzers. 101 Seacliff Dr., Leamington. Food, games, music by “Local Honey”. Doors open at 4:30 p.m., meal 6:00 p.m., music 8:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m. BYOB and chairs. Tickets: $25 each or $40 per couple. Call Tracey 519-825-7652.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 - Donate your bike. Donations will be accepted for Bikesmart: 3:00 - 5:00 pm, at Kinsmen Recreation Centre, 249 Sherk St, Leamington. and 10:00 am - 1:00 pm, at Essex Centre Sports Complex, 60 Fairview St W, Essex. Bikesmart is a program that offers job skills and training to youth volunteers while providing affordable transportation options to Essex County residents, by educating youth volunteers on the proper way to repair and refurbish donated bicycles. Find out about Bikesmart's programming at www.bikesmart.ca
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 - Essex Soil & Crop Improvement Association Annual Farm Twilight Tour, starting at 2 p.m. at Karl Neudorf’s Farm, 8580 8th Conc., Essex (approx. 1.5 km east of County Rd. 15). New Challenges – Innovative Solutions. Tillage practices and weed control will be demonstrated and discussed. For info call 519-776-5209 ext. 369.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 - Art Show: Essex Kent Mennonite Historical Association presents local artisans displaying: painting, photography, wood-working, quilting, wood-carving, plus fancy cakes available by silent auction. 12:00 –4:00 pm at UMEI # 614 Rd. 6 Leamington, admission $5 (children under 12 free).
SEPTEMBER 11 - OCTOBER 16 - FREE 6-Week Just for Moms and Babies Class. WindsorEssex County Health Unit, 215 Talbot Street East, Leamington, ON N8H 3X5. Tuesdays –10:00 a.m.- 11:30 a.m. New mothers face many challenges when they bring a baby home from the hospital. To help mothers with their new babies and the transition to motherhood, the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit will be holding a 6-week “Just for Moms and Babies” series in Leamington. Mothers meet with other new mothers and share and learn from each other’s experiences. These free, informal groups are facilitated by a Public Health Nurse and are for mothers with new babies up to 6 months of age. To register, call 519-326-5716 ext. 2100.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 - 4:30 - 7:00 p.m. Broasted Chicken Dinner at Olinda-Ruthven, 1907 Queen Blvd., Ruthven. Adults $14, children $7, under 5 free. Support persons for people with special needs FREE. Takeout available. No tickets necessary. Air-conditioned. Call 519326-2506 or 519-326-4570.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 - the final meeting of the year for the Ontario Purple Martin Association will be held at the Orchard View Golf Course, 1357 County Rd. 34, north of Ruthven at 9 a.m. Please bring your colony stats. For further info call 519-776-5777.
Mennonite Savings and Credit Union (MSCU) is currently seeking a family who would like to walk the journey of faith and finances with us, up close and personal. By inviting us into your lives in 2013, we can share in your interactions with each other and with MSCU. It will be a learning experience that will enrich our members’ view of faith, finances, and their credit union.
Conversations and interactions will be shared through a variety of media. As with everything we do, MSCU’s approach will be respectful and reflect our core values: integrity, compassion, and responsible stewardship.
It’s important for the family to have: a membership at MSCU; multiple generations; a wide variety of life experiences; and a willingness to have fun and share in this journey with MSCU.
We recognize this will be a significant commitment so the family will be financially compensated for their time.
For more information or to discuss this opportunity, call or email me under no obligation.
Frank Chisholm, Marketing Manager Phone: 519.772.5233 | Email: fchisholm@mscu.com
2012 GMC Acadia Denali
AWD, 20” wheels, HID headlamps, navigation, skyscape sunroofs.
Was $49,938 NOW $48,938.*
2011 GMC Terrain SLT
Leather interior, power sunroof, balance of factor ywarrant y.
Was $28,938 NOW $27,938.*
2008 Jeep Liber ty Spor t 4WD, with just 66,000km, power equipment , auto Sale Price $14,938* or $135. b/w 60 mos.*
2012 Cadillac SRX-4
Premium SUV with pop-up navigation, ultraview sunroof, and all-wheel drive. Was $46,938. NOW $45,938.*
2012 Buick LaCrosse Touring Ultra Luxur y Group with premium leather and diamond white tri-coat paint . Was $38,938. NOW $37,938.*
2011 Cadillac Escalade AWD, 22” wheels, power sunroof, heated and cooled seats, navigation. Was $63,938. NOW $62,938. *
2010 Chevrolet Cor vette ZR1
Only 5,000km on this rare, high-per formance, sports car with chrome wheels. Sale priced at $99,938.*
Pictured here are the 11 contestants in the 2012 Leamington Tomato Festival’s 29th annual Scholarship Pageant held on Thursday, August 16. From left to right, are Chelsea Gaffan, Brittany Epp-Ducharme, Meghan Chevalier, Brittany Postma, Madison Brothers, Tara Omstead, Sabrina Mastronardi, Erica Tilley, Emily Buschman, Katrina Paty and Melissa Froese. (SUN Photo)
2010 Chevrolet Malibu LT Premium diamond white paint , 4 cylinder, with only 30,000km. Was $19,938.NOW $18,938.*
2006 Honda Civic DX-G Power windows and locks, black on black, tinted windows Was $10,938. Sale Priced at $7,938.*
2010 Ford F150 XLT
This supercrew was a local trade-in with 4.6 litre V8 Sale priced at $21,938. *
2008 GMC Sierra Nevada 4 full doors and 4 wheel drive in mocha brown Sale Price $20,938.* or $187. b/w 60 mos.*
2006 Chevrolet Silverado LS
Only 92,000km on this extended cab 5.3 litre V8 Was $15,938. Sale priced at $13,938.*
Financing as low as 4.99% on select models, o.a.c.
(Continued from Front) was so great, so encouraging; all the girls were awesome and made it all worth it,” said Omstead. “I was a little intimidated by the whole pageant idea, but it was great.”
Omstead assured that distance would not be a factor for her in her duties as Miss Tomato Festival. “I come home all the time from school. I’m home a lot to see my family; it won’t be a problem at all,” she said.
One idea that Omstead would like to see come to fruition is a summer camp for girls to boost their confidence and self-esteem. In the question and answer segment of the competition, Omstead’s question was “How do you feel about the bullying situation in schools?”
“I feel strongly about how influential kids are; school needs to be a safe environment and we need to educate them that what they say hurts,” she said. “And, I think we need to make kids stronger… be strong enough in yourself to just be yourself.”
First runner-up was Emily Buschman, 17, of Leamington. Buschman’s talent featured a Marjani dance. Her question was “If you won a million dollars, what would you do with it?” Her reply was to give most to charity and start up a young women’s group to develop selfesteem. Buschman also won the Entrpreneur Award for fundraising $2,000 in sponsors.
Second-runner-up was Katrina Paty, 17, of Woodslee. Paty’s talent featured a lively rendition of All That Jazz. Her question was “As Miss Leamington Tomato Festival, how would you promote Leamington?” She answered that she would attend all the events throughout Essex County, not just in Leamington.
Brittany Postma, 17, of Kingsville won the Miss Photogenic award as selected by Lindsey Langlois of F8 Photography.
The 3D Award (desire, dedication and drive) was won by Brittany Epp-Ducharme, 17, of Leamington.
Keeping with the theme of the evening – Summer Nights from the movie Grease – Chelsea Gaffan won the Pink Lady Award.
The winner of the Stewie Talent competition was Meghan Chevalier, 17, of Stoney Point. Chevalier silenced the auditorium with her opera selection.
The Leamington Tomato Festival Pageant was honoured with the presence of Miss Teen Canada International Nikita Singh of Quebec and Miss Canada International Melanie Williamson of British Columbia.
Atoasttothetastes!
September6,7,8,9,2012
AUGUST 26TH
The Tecumseh Corn Festival is annually named one of the Top 100 Festivals in Ontario and in 2011 attracted over 35,000 visitors.
• Hot Buttered Corn on the Cob
• Miss Tecumseh Pageant
• Free Shuttle service from Tecumseh Mall & Arena
• Carter Shows all weekend
• Largest Small Town Parade THURSDAY, AUGUST 23RD through
August 24th
Tea Party - Saturday, August 25th
Leamington Tomato Festival Sunday was as bright and sunny a day as the community could have asked for, but the water poured down fast and steady immediately east of Seacliff Beach.
The eighth annual Leamington Tomato Festival Queen’s Challenge Water Barrel Fight featured five teams of local fire departments Aug. 19. With all teams using Leamington Fire Department equipment, the competition began at 1:30 p.m. with introductory matches between members of the Tomato Festival Scholarship Pageant, the only women’s entry this year. Just prior to the contests, the pageant contestants gathered to sing the national anthem. Afterwards, round robin matches between the five departments began with two head-to-head fights in each match, giving each team eight opportunities to collect enough wins for a semi-final berth. The hosting Leamington department,
with help from a Kingsville firefighter and a member of the Leamington Public Utilities Commission, missed out on the ‘playoffs’, having lost six of their eight matches.
The Wallaceburg/Tilbury team collected six wins, followed by Lakeshore with five, and Merlin and Wheatley tied with four wins apiece. Wallaceburg defeated Wheatley in a best-of-three semi-final while Lakeshore bested Wheatley by the same margin. Wallaceburg then captured the 2012 championship following Wheatley beating Merlin to claim third place.
“There are usually more teams,” said Leamington Fire Department firefighter Derrick Mastromatteo, who served as the event’s emcee. “We’ve had as many as 11 teams.”
The water barrel fights in Leamington began in 2005, won by the Essex Fire Department on the men’s side and Detroit in the women’s category.
“We had done these in Essex and Belle River before, and figured ‘why not host one ourselves?’,” Mastromatteo explained.
Since 2005, Tilbury has won three men’s events in the annual Tomato Festival gatherings, while Wheatley has won two — including last year. Lakeshore’s department won in 2006. The Tomato Festival pageant contestants have multiple championships in the women’s category.
The 2012 competition included a barbecue and beverages table organized by the Leamington Salvation Army.
With only five teams this year, contests ran until one team blasted the barrel beyond the opposing group’s starting mat. In previous competitions, matches were timed and whistled to a stop because of a longer list of teams.
By Lisa Cowen-Tehonchuk
Seniors: The next Seniors Dinner is Wednesday, September 12 with barbecued pork chops on the menu. Gord Ciliska will be providing the entertainment. Look for September till December dinner menu.
Sports: Everyone is welcome to join Friday night fun darts at 8 p.m. Cost is $2. The winners on Aug. 10 were Larry and Paul. Second place was a two-way tie between Simp and George, and Betty and Craig.
Branch Happenings:
On Saturday, August 25 the Branch is holding Wacky Olympics to raise money for the Make A Wish Foundation. Team registration closed August 20, but tickets for dinner – steak barbecue with all the fixins – and dance are still available for $15 per person. Games begin at noon, and dinner is at 6 p.m. with music to follow. $5 to Make A Wish is included in the ticket price.
At the end of September the Branch will be hosting a hypnotist.
Come on out each and every Saturday for the weekly meat draw. First draw is at 3:30 p.m. Last one is at 5 p.m. Everyone is welcome.
The next General meeting is September 5 at 7 p.m. This is also a special meeting.
For more information stop in at the Branch, 27 Erie St. N., or call 519326-0073.
Liatris can be planted anytime from early spring to mid summer and will bloom the same season. Plants started from corms will produce flowers the first year, whereas liatris from seed can take up to two years to produce flowers.
This perennial requires full to part sun and is adaptable to almost any soil condition. For best results, plant in well-drained, moist soil with compost or peat moss. Add several teaspoons of bone meal, water after planting, and wait for them to sprout. Water two to three times a week, as needed, for best growth. Space the corms 4 to 6 inches apart and at least 12 inches from other plants.
Liatris is a great plant for attracting monarchs, swallowtail butterflies and goldfinches.
Letting them go to seed is a good idea; it will give you a source of new plants for next year.
This plant is ideal for beginners, but there are several areas to watch for during planting time. Planting too deep will result in no plants at all, so follow the instructions carefully. Also make sure to plant the corm upright by making sure the hairy roots are on the bottom. Another problem is planting in areas that stay waterlogged over the winter
This unusual flower blooms from the top down, rather than the bottom up as many spike flowers. This makes them a great cut flower, because as the old flowers continue to die off you cut the stalk and fresh blooms further down on the stem. If you want a summer blooming perennial that requires little care and strong color, liatris is the plant for your garden. For longer bloom time, stagger the planting two to three weeks apart from spring to mid summer and you will enjoy color all season.
Your comments and questions are always welcome. E-mail inthebackyard74@yahoo.ca
By Bryan Jessop
The Leamington District Agricultural Society is out to prove it is about more than the annual Leamington Fair.
The month of September will be exceptionally busy for the local organization, as the Leamington Fairgrounds will host not one but two events on Saturday, Sept. 8. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the site will host its first annual car show and from 7 p.m. to about 10 p.m., the Fairgrounds will host its first tractor pull in about 15 years.
The car show is open to all makes and models with a $10 registration fee that can be paid either in advance — contact the Fairgrounds at 519-326-8082 — or at the gates. Owners will park their cars on the grass-covered area in front of the ac-
tivity centre and will be able to register at 9 a.m., possibly earlier. The first 150 to register will receive a free dash plaque, and judging by the response so far, these plaques won’t be available for long.
“For our first car show, the response has been pretty darn good,” said Leamington and District Agricultural Society president Tammy Wiper.
Wiper has received several phone calls inquiring about the show and had 11 registrations pre-paid by Aug. 2. Although it’s difficult to foresee how far classic car owners will come from, Wiper has already heard from interested and potential entries from Leamington, Windsor, Bothwell, Chatham, Wheatley and Kingsville. She expects most will register on the day of the event.
The car show will include prizes offered by local businesses including a flat screen television, a set of new tires and a full detailing package. Entertainment will include an Elvis impersonator as well as free face painting and balloons for kids. Admission for spectators will be $5 per person.
Four judges will also be awarding trophies for the best unrestored vehicle, the best restored vehicle and the best paint job. Vendors and the Agricultural Society’s farmers market will be on site during the car show and 1st annual Leamington Fairgrounds car show t-shirts will be for sale.
The car show will also feature an engine blow competition, where for a yet-tobe-determined price, spectators can submit a prediction on how long it will take for an engine at the show to
seize up after running without oil. During the five-hour show, a live D.J. will provide classic music.
The 7 p.m. tractor pull,
PM
SCOUTS (11-13) THUR 6:30-8 PM - Leaders needed VENTURERS (14-16) TUES 7-8:30 PM ROVERS (16+) TUES 7-8:30 PM Contact: Annie Zimmer 326-1779
sanctioned by the South Western Ontario Tractor Pullers Association, will feature an estimated 25 or more entries in various ‘weight’ classes for ‘modified farm’ and ‘super farm’ categories. Admission to the all-ages show is free to children 12 and under, $10 in advance or $12 at the gates — advance tickets can be purchased at the Leamington Fairgrounds/Legacy Auctions or from any Leamington and District Agricultural Society board member. Advance tickets began selling Aug. 1 and several have already been accounted for, but Wiper noted that there is plenty of seating
THURSDAY, August 30th
9:00 amJudging of all Hall Exhibits:
1:00pmGATES OPEN to the Public. BUILDINGS OPEN to the Public immediately following judging and displaying of entries.
4:00pm4H- Sheep Club, Achievement Day, Show Ring Judging Sheep, Show Ring
6:00pmPie Auction, Stage
7:30pm4H- Poultry Club, Achievement Day, Show Ring
7:30pmHARROW FAIR OFFICIAL OPENING
Ted Whipp The Windsor Star columnist, Stage
8:00pm Dale Butler, Stage
FRIDAY, August 31st
9:00am4H- Beef Club, Achievement Day, Show Ring
9am-5pmDemonstrationTent by east corner of Scout Hall
9:00amHaflinger, Welsh Ponies Grade, Heavy Horse, Shetland Pony Show, Horse Ring
10:30amTeddy Bear Parade, Stage
10:30am4-H Swine Club, Achievement Day, Show Ring
Noon Yvette Locke, Stage
1:00pmJudging Beef Cattle, Show Ring
1:30pmMom or Dad Calling Contest, Stage
2:30pmRoller Pigeon Contest, Poultry Barn
3:00pm4-H Swine, Beef, Poultry & Sheep Auction, Show Ring
8:00pm Jason Blaine Stage
SATURDAY, September 1st
9am-5pmDemonstration Tent, east corner of Scout Hall
10:00am4-H Dairy Club, Achievement Day, Show Ring
11:30amPARADE
1:00 pmJudging Dairy Cattle, Show Ring
2:00pm (immediately following Parade) Rooster Crowing Contest (birds & people), Poultry Barn
2:00pm (immediately following Parade) Tractor Pull, Horse Ring
5:00pmLawn Tractor Races, Horse Ring
6:00pmBossy Bingo -4-H Dairy Club, Show Ring
8:00pm Tara Oram Stage SUNDAY, September 2nd
9:30amChurch Service Stage 10am-5pm Demonstration Tent east corner of Scout Hall 10:00amLight Horse Show Horse Ring 10:00amRCMP Show Ring NoonBorder City Barkers Agility Show, Show
still available.
“We can easily fit 2,500plus people,” she said. “There’s also lots of free parking space available. This is a family event that’s very entertaining to watch.” In standard tractor pull events, a tractor or truck is hooked up to a ‘sled’ with a weight bucket that advances from the back to the front of the sled, making it more difficult for the tractor or truck to pull as it moves forward. The objective is too pull the sled a distance of 300 feet, known as a ‘full pull’. The more powerful the tractors of each class, the more weight is placed aboard the sled.
Tractor pull tracks are 300-foot straightaways with dirt surfaces that are either clay or sand based. Most participants prefer clay tracks because of the extra traction they provide. The Leamington Fairgrounds offers a clay track.
As its name suggests, SWOTPA competitions feature owners/drivers from across Southwestern Ontario, as well as others from Michigan. A handful of driver/owner teams hail from Chatham-Kent, including the Super Farm 9300-10000 entry ‘IH Express’ owned/ driven by Ken and Steve Elliott of Wheatley.
On Sept. 22, the Erie Ramblers Motorcycle Club will bring Thunderfest back to Leamington Fairgrounds for the second time this year (7 p.m. start), followed by an antique toy and train show and sale, including demonstrations Sept. 29. The Fairgrounds is also planning a Wine Festival Aug. 31 and Sept. 1.
“We’re broadening our horizons,” said Wiper. “We’re not just about the Leamington Fair anymore. We’re proving that there are things going on in north Leamington.”
Proceeds from events hosted by the local Ag Society are used to either fund future events or support local groups such as the Boy Scouts and Girl Guides.
Slated for August 25-26, the second annual Balloonapalooza Festival will be held in downtown Windsor and is expected to be better than ever, attracting thousands of festival-goers— young and old—to the city centre.
A multi-dimensional festival, Balloonapalooza is comprised of 80 cold air balloons and inflatables of varying sizes. Characters such as Baby Smurf, the Statue of Liberty, Uncle Sam, the Canadian Mountie, and Veggie Tales Larry the Cucumber and Bob the Tomato, amongst others, will adorn downtown streets and roof tops. Balloon costumes including the upsidedown clown, the jazz fish, Humpty Dumpty and the nutcracker, will walk tall amongst the throngs of children and families attending the festival.
“Balloonapalooza attracts thousands of families into the downtown,” says Larry Horwitz, Chair of the Downtown Windsor BIA. “It’s a fun festival that provides exceptional entertainment experiences while acting as an economic stimulus for our merchants and members.”
Weekend highlights included:
• Giant cold air balloons and inflatables
• Hot air balloons on the waterfront
• Train rides complete with conductor for children
• Various midway rides, games and concession on downtown streets
• An assortment of inflatable bouncers and slides
• 14 live outdoor music concerts in partnership with the Windsor Federation of Musicians
• Sidewalk cafés, restaurants and bars with extended patios
• Photo contest
• Clowns, balloon artists and face painters
• Whimsical fantasy faire and wandering minstrels in partnership with the Windsor Light Music Theatre
• Marching bands and so much more!
And be sure to board Balloonapalooza’s Mini Express! A trackless train complete with conductor, the Mini Express is an electrically powered vehicle that is pollution free, silent, manoeuvrable and safe. The train – a beautiful vehicle inspired by nineteenth-century designs and crafted with the best materials – will provide a unique, high volume visitor experience. Geared towards young children (and adults too!), the Mini Express will transport passengers through the streets of downtown Windsor.
Another coup for the festival was the recognition, earlier this year, bestowed by the Ontario Business Improvement Area Association and the Toronto Association of BIAs on the Downtown Windsor BIA when they presented Balloonapalooza with an award for the Best Special Event 2011. Before you head on downtown, be sure to grab your cameras. For budding photographers, Balloon-
apalooza will once again be hosting its annual Photo Contest. Details can be found on the festival website at www.balloonapalooza.ca
The enchantment is complete with downtown streets adorned with bustling sidewalk cafes and patios, and two full days of live musical entertainment with genres ranging from smooth and vintage jazz and blues to acoustic rock, pop, funk and
more. Also happening this weekend is the Capture of Detroit Commemorative Festival. Taking place at Riverfront Festival Plaza on Saturday, August 25 from 12 noon, the Capture of Detroit event is an 1812-themed family festival featuring theatre, dance, games, crafts, vendors, exhibits, storytellers, music, stiltwalkers, photo-booths and more! At 6 p.m., the Wind-
sor Symphony Orchestra will perform a special War of 1812 free public concert.
For details call 519-733-8202 www.discoverychildcareschools.com
tree was cut down and cut into pieces, municipal workers took away the sections of trunk and branches. Goodreau Tree Care was contracted to remove the damaged and felled trees from the tornado that tore through Leamington two years ago.
The Canadian Transportation Museum and Heritage Village is mustering up a large-scale display of military history later this month. The third annual Military Muster will be held at the Transportation Museum at
6155 Arner Town Line Saturday, Aug. 25 and Sunday, Aug. 26. This year’s event will feature more attractions than the previous two years, including re-enactors and encampments representing the War of 1812. In addition to the returning WWI trench raid and WWII Normandy battle demonstrations, there will be a Vietnam landing demo, incorporating an authentic Huey helicopter gun ship used in Vietnam. This particular helicopter was shot down during service in the Vietnam War and has since been restored.
military memorabilia and on Saturday, live performances by British Beat 66 taking on the roll of a Vietman War-era rock band, starting at 6:30 p.m. Private collections of war-era items will also be on display.
The Huey will be flown in from Indiana and landing on site in a re-enactment of a landing-zone mission. Re-enactors will be joined by Vietnam veterans as they disembark to fan out into the woods, fight and return to the Huey.
The two-day muster will also include a flea market of
General admission to the muster will be $10 per day or $5 per day (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) for visitors ages 11 to 17. Veterans and children under 10 will be admitted free of charge. Those who attend are encouraged to dress up in 1940’s attire and will be able to purchase a pancake/ sausage breakfast buffet in the museum’s ’50’s diner for $8 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. The meal is available to veterans and children six to 12 years old for $5. Children five and under eat for free.
Last year, the muster became the largest military show of its kind in Canada.
Several thousand people are expected to attend this year’s
rendition, which will also feature up to 75 period military vehicles from restored motorcycles and Jeeps to tanks, troop carriers and a Sexton self-propelled Howitzer fitted with authentic gear. The event will be attended by Korean War veterans with equipment they used during the war. Visitors will also have the opportunity to take a helicopter ride and see the vast gathering of vehicles, equipment and re-enactors from a bird’s eye view.
Proceeds gathered from the muster will benefit the CTHMV’s efforts to commemorate this region’s history and reflect on its contributions to the nation’s transportation industry.
For more information on the third annual Military Muster, contact the CTHMV at 519-776-6909 or visit the websites www.ctmhv.com and www.militarymuster.org.
By Bryan Jessop
The Leamington Arts Centre has almost literally set out to paint the town red.
The LAC introduced the Heinz Ketchup to Art Show last year, a re-invention of a similarly-themed exhibit it hosted over previous years. Ketchup to Art has returned to the LAC for its second annual rendition, this year running from Aug. 1 to Aug. 25.
This year’s show features the work of 12 local artists who have submitted a total of 14 pieces evaluated by three anonymous judges. The top three winners were announced during the Wednesday, Aug. 15 opening reception.
The call for submission of entries to this year’s Heinz Ketchup to Art Show were sent across Essex County and received replies and entries from Leamington, Kingsville, Wheatley, Windsor, Tecumseh, LaSalle and Essex. Mediums ranged from paintings to photography to an exercise bike from 1932 transformed into an eight-foot-long display created by Kingsville’s Gerry Gagnon, better known in the art community as ‘A Man Called G’.
“This year, people really took it a step further,” said LAC gallery director Chad Riley. “They went crazy with it this time. There are
some very interesting displays to see this year.”
The Aug. 15 reception was also attended by LAC president Susan Dupont Baptista and exhibits chairperson John Haynes. Baptista had sentiments similar to Riley’s to describe this year’s entries.
“It’s diverse, it’s inventive and it’s different than what people did last year,” she said. “The creativity with this art is really appreciated.”
The top three entries received cash prizes. First place earned $300 from Heinz, second place received $200 from Cavendish Appetizers of Wheatley and third place was given $100 from the LAC. First place went to Leyla Munteanu for the mixed-medium painting ‘Danielle’s Surprise’ while mixed medium entry ‘Anticipation’ by Paul Leo Whiston took second place. Anticipation was both battery and hand crank operated. Third place went to Lana Grant, who was unable to attend, for her digitallycreated piece ‘Tunnel of Love’. These winners received Heinz merchandise such as lunch bags, cooler bags, hats, towels and other items.
The other nine entries also received Heinz prizes. Toward the end of the exhibit, the People’s Choice
Gerry Gagnon (left) of Kingsville, better known as ‘A Man Called G’, shows and explains his Ketchup to Art entry ‘Alternative Impressions’ to Dennis Jackson, who represented Heinz.
Award will be decided. Visitors can vote for their favourite entry and once the show ends Aug. 25, the top vote collector will receive a Heinz fleece vest.
The exhibit is beside the LAC’s permanent gallery of Heinz memorabilia collected by the company’s local employee Dennis Jackson, Canada’s most renowned Heinz collector. For many years, Jackson has attended car shows across Essex County and Chatham-Kent in his 1949 International pick-up truck, painted with Heinz logos, designs and graphics. Currently, Jackson runs the Keystone Gift Shop in Leamington’s Heinz factory on Erie Street.
“Every year this changes
(SUN Photos)
and it just gets better,” said Jackson, who has run the Keystone Gift Shop for the past 11 years. “I’m amazed at the art. This is just unbelievable.”
Jackson presented the first place award on behalf of Heinz, while director of operations at Cavendish Appetizers Kerry Collen presented second place. Riley was to present the third place award to Grant.
“Without support from Heinz and Cavendish, we wouldn’t be able to have this exhibit,” said Riley. “They’ve been very generous.”
LEAMINGTON BLOOD DONOR CLINIC
Wed., Sept. 5
1:00 - 7:00 pm at the KINSMEN RECREATION COMPLEX
1-888-2 DONATE
Jose’s Bar & Grill won the South Shore Interlock midget championship on Sunday defeating Amherstburg 7-2. The Leamington team handed Amherstburg its only loss of the season in the title game. Sunday’s game marked the completion of a tournament held two weeks ago in Leamington when the championship game was postponed due to inclement weather. Outstanding pitching by starter by Jake Koning (game MVP) and strong relief from Davey Watson and Chris Preston held the Amherstburg offense at bay. Strong defense and some timely hitting combined to earn Leamington top honours. Team members are Kyle Ciacelli, Jake Koning, Matt Holiga, Davey Watson, Chris Preston, Colin Kelch, Kevin Dow-Normandeau, David Younan and Adam Hyatt. The team coaches are Don Watson and Ron Preston.
Local competitors returned home August 17 with 19 medals after two days of competition in the 2012 Ontario 55+ Summer Games. In all, there were representatives from 40 districts across the province. As an added bonus, Sports Alliance Ontario and the Ontario Senior Games Association announced that Amherstburg and Windsor would be the co-hosts of the 2014 provincial competition.
Accolades go out to the local 2012 Provincial winners:
Men’s 18-Hole Golf
0-14 Handicap – Ron
Ashworth, Windsor –Bronze 15-26 Handicap – Tony Meriano, Windsor – Silver Callaway – Mike Wright, Leamington – Bronze
Tennis
75+Mixed Doubles –Gwen and Lyle Chambers, Tecumseh – Gold
65+ Men’s Doubles –Warwick Mercer, LaSalle, and Barry Holden, Windsor – Bronze
Floor Shuffleboard
Open Doubles – Henry Armstrong, Woodslee, and Gerald Wylie, Comber –
55+ Women’s Doubles – Wendy Jackson-Sabo, Tecumseh, and Jill Jakob, Kingsville – Gold
55+ Mixed Doubles –Kathy and Mike Root, Stoney Point – Gold
55+ Men’s Doubles –David Young and David Smyth, Windsor – Silver
65+ Women’s Doubles –Linda Bourdeau, LaSalle, and Sharon Getty, Windsor – Gold
65+ Mixed Doubles –Sharon Andersen, Belle River, and John Vlcek, Windsor – Silver
A partly cloudy day greeted 51 progs golfers at Erie Shores on Aug. 14, and it appears that their games matched the outlook. With all the rain, the rough had grown and so did their handicaps. Only 11 players exceeded their required points while some were as high as -7, with quite a few notch-
ing -6s. On the plus side, Mike Herbert led the way with a +8, followed by Ken Steingart and Mel Pace with +5s. Mike earned $20 while Mel and Ken won $12 each. In the skins game, there were 10 skins – a high so far this year. Eight dollars was handed out to John Rutgers, Mike Herbert, Neil Reimer,
Ron Koop, Barry Miller, Mel Pace, Danny Adams, Norm Beattie, Mark Grabb and lastly, eagle man Jim Sudds. Jim potted his second eagle this year on the par 5, 6th hole.
In the team competition, Team C was victorious with a combined -1 score. These lucky individuals include Jeff Brown, Joe Verhoeven, Ken Steingart, Kevin Shaften, Fred Klassen, Neil Reimer, Ernie Schmidtgall, Bob Park, Larry Roberts, Garth Dennerley, Brian Plumb, Mel Pace and Wayne Gillett. Each person received $8.
Couples Night on Mondays starting September 10 6-7
Now that the facts are out of the way, it is time to elaborate on the golf story of the day. The main character is Steve O’Hara, who always walks with his electric caddy. Possibly with age it gets harder to push/pull a regular cart. The group noticed that Steve was riding. That was strange but they figured Steve was trying to help speed up play, since he is a bit sluggish. The rest of the story was revealed in the clubhouse. On hole #3, a par 3, Steve plopped his shot into the mud, along the
NEW Indoor Cycling Studio opens this September! An entire room dedicated to spinning with 15 new Lemond Rev Master Spin Bikes and 4 Schwinn Certified Spin Instructors to lead you through the paces.
Other new Fall programs include: Health Track, early morning Sunrise (Tibetan Rites) Yoga, and a new Zumba Toning Class led by licensed instructor ZUMBA BILLIE!
Register Early for Fall Programs at the Complex! Hurry in to enroll your children for Red Cross swim Lessons — all levels, scuba lessons, Effortless Swim (adult swim lessons), training to become a lifeguard or swim instructor, Red Cross first aid /AED defibrillation courses, taekwondo and karate, Youth Volleyball Academy, Girls Night Out program for girls in grades 6-8 to develop new interests, AND SO MUCH MORE!
Check out the Complex Activity Guide at www.leamington.ca/recreation/activityguide
Official Monthly Drop-off Site for E-Waste sponsored by Computers for Kids. Bring your used TVs, computers, electronics, etc., to the E-Waste Day scheduled once a month at the Complex Parking Lot. Collection dates are Sat. Sept. 1 and Sat. Oct. 6 from 9 a.m. till 1 p.m.
There’s a Steady Stream of Teens on the Basketball Courts! Come shoot some hoops and perfect your game in the Complex gym and meet your friends to pump some iron in the weight room.
Saltwater Swimming Pool: Adults can build their swimming endurance during the many lane swim times offered each week or take part in the Masters Swim Program. Come and relax in the soothing effects of the saltwater pool! One Compact Fee and No Enrolment or Initiation Fees! Come exercise at the Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex. Look and feel good this fall!
Leamington 519-322-2337 email: bfischer@leamington.ca
bank, closer to the green. Larry Roberts went to retrieve the ball while Barry Miller was giving directions as to its location. Steve was watching intently. Now Steve is a grandparent with a couple of toddlers. As any grandparent knows, you must watch these undisciplined little tykes, especially around water. Imagine that Steve’s electric caddy is his little grandchild, with a mind of its own. Well, his electronic baby decided to meander to the edge of the pond, took a gulp, and in it went. The guys hurried over to try and retrieve his groceries of two oranges, an apple, a coke, and a bottle of water. Once they retrieved his soggy head covers that the fish found amusing and his dripping golf bag, Steve was ready to go, but he needed a new mode of transportation. Hence the driving cart. Fred Klassen has volunteered to give driving instructions to Steve. Fred knew this would happen sooner or later because Steve has no idea how to maneuver the electric caddy. Best you take Fred up on that offer, Steve.
Around the Jose’s Southpoint Men’s Softball League: Colt 45 took game one versus Desert Storm 7-6 but cannot make it 4 in a row as they fall in game two 14-4… Grinders and Bashers sit on top of the league and the rivalry does not disappoint as they split their two games 9-8 for the Bashers and then 25-15 for the Grinders… Pirates sweep the Car Barn 12-1 and 30-13 as the Car Barn team members Jose’s Southpoint
Thursday, August 23 Games
Around the league; Colt 45 took game one versus Desert Storm 7 to 6 but cannot make it 4 in a row as th two 14 to 4; Grinders and Bashers sit on top of the league and the rivalry does not disappoint as they split their two games 9 to 8 for the Bashers and then 25 to 15 for the Grinders; Pirates sweep the Car Barn 12 to 1 and 30 to 13 as the Car Barn team members were found drowning their sorrows at the Sports Palace; Dirty Farmers and Buds split; Don Johnston Electric continue their late season tear as they spoil Guardian Pharmacy’s quest for second place by winning both 20 to 18 and 10 to 4. Sparked by Al Grundner’s resurgence in Game 1 DJE’s offense was too tough a pill for the Pharmacy to swallow. Nicholas “Prince” Chorba claimed to hit a triple and a homerun but the score book keeper was chasing down his papers in the strong wind and did not witness these claims. The outfield did a fantastic job battling the wind. With both wins DJE guaranteed themselves an over ‘500’ season which has not been realized since the departure of long time player‐coach Derek Mercer; Next week is the last week of the season and outside the top 3 there are still a lot of questions to be answered….Will Desert Storm go from last place a year ago to finishing off at 500? Can the Buds leap frog the Pirates? Can the Monkeys claim fourth place? Will Colt 45 climb out of the basement? Find out next week.
were found drowning their sorrows at the Sports Palace… Dirty Farmers and Buds split… Don Johnston Electric continues their late season tear as they spoil Guardian Pharmacy’s quest for second place by winning both 20-18 and 10-4. Sparked by Al Grundner’s resurgence in Game 1, DJE’s offense was too tough a pill for the Pharmacy to swallow. Nicholas “Prince” Chorba claimed to hit a triple and a homerun but the score bookkeeper was chasing down his papers in the strong wind and did not witness these claims.
The outfield did a fantastic job battling the wind. With both wins DJE guaranteed themselves an over ‘500’ season which has not been realized since the departure of longtime playercoach Derek Mercer… Next week is the last week of the season and outside the top 3 there are still a lot of questions to be answered: Will Desert Storm go from last place a year ago to finishing off at 500? Can the Buds leapfrog the Pirates? Can the Monkeys claim fourth place? Will Colt 45 climb out of the basement? Find out next week.
By Bob McLean
On Tuesday, August 11, under cloudy skies, 30 diehard league members and one guest ventured out to test their golfing skills. A large number of the membership stayed home as there had been rain overnight and into the morning. However, by 9 a.m. the rain had completely stopped so the seniors ventured out. Before the golf round had ended there were warm temperatures and a partially sunny sky. The drainage system must be working very well as there were few to no wet areas on the fairways, and the course itself was in excellent condition for play.
The top golfer of the league and the 70-79y grouping was Mr. Consistency, Vic Reynaert. Vic played very well to merit a terrific 41. Paul R. Brown continued his fine play as he came in with a superb 43. Bill Adams and Pete Daudlin achieved impressive 45s. Homer Vandervecht and Andy Orsini scored very praiseworthy 46 and 47 respectively. Four golfers who produced notable results of 49 were Neil Adamson, Tom Sasso, Clarence Ware and Dean Wigle. Other commendable games were shot by Fred Takaki, Iggy Arner and Larry Gilbert.
The 80y+ division had only four seniors willing to attack the course. Murray Cascadden and Ray Allen played well to merit solid scores of 57 and 59 respectively. The super seniors also achieved superb results. Smooth-swinging Dick Mackenzie came in with a very impressive 45. Al Stockwell also had an outstanding game as he scored a solid 53.
In the 55-69y division, Bob McLean played well to lead the way with his 42. He was closely followed by the excellent game of 43 shot by Bill Ward. Three golfers who tied with solid 45s were Jim Omstead, Lloyd Symons and Rick Thompson. Long hitter Larry Haggitt earned a commendable 47. Three golfers who produced satisfying 48s were Mac Hyatt, Larry Schmidt and Al Zanuttini. Richard Humber and Jerry Paine played well earning nifty 50s. Also, fine results were achieved by Mike Thibodeau, Dave Carter and guest Denis Dyck.
An error-filled first inning proved costly for the Leamington Domino’s Pizza Mosquito Lakers last Tuesday evening as they dropped a 15-11 decision to the Riverside Minor Royals in Sun Parlour league action.
Three Laker errors with none out helped Riverside to a 6-0 lead before Leamington even came to bat in their half of the opening inning.
“We outplayed them the rest of the way,” said coach Kevin Derbyshire.
“Some misplays and a little bad luck came back to haunt us.”
Billy Friesen and Jonathan Fehr paced Leamington with three hits each.
Eric Dominguez had a pair of singles, while Eric Willan, Russell Derbyshire, Collin Wall and Justin Wiebe had one hit each.
Friesen included a long triple in his totals and Derbyshire had three runs batted in, while Wall drove in a pair or runs.
Friesen took the loss on the mound, Michael Wiebe and Dominguez each pitched an inning in relief.
The Mosquito Lakers’ next home games are Thursday against Walker Homesites Minors and Tuesday, August 28 against Kingsville. Both games are at the Kinsmen Baseball Complex with first pitch slated for 6:15 p.m.
The senior golfers look forward to the Blenheim excursion which will take place August 30. The league hopes to send eight groups Blenheim, and the first group will have a 7:30 teeoff time.
“Golf is an awkward set of bodily contortions designed to produce a graceful result.” – Tommy Armour PGA Pro and instructor
The ball you looked for for 5 minutes will be found in 5 seconds by the first group behind you.
The ball will always travel farthest when hit in the wrong direction.
The only time you can put the ball exactly where you want it occurs when you stick it in the ball washer.
Team Player led the way this past week in the Men’s Thursday Night League at Erie Shores Golf Club, picking up a perfect 12 points to edge out Team Nelson by a single point.
Finishing in third spot with 10 points are the overall leaders, Team Watson, who have amassed 122 points since May and now had an insurmountable 23-point lead over Team Nelson in the total league standings.
Team Hogan, who finished in fourth place week with 9 points, is in third place overall with their season-long total of 94 points. Team Player is only another 4 points back at 90.
In individual play, Mike Ferreira was gross shooter with a 34, while Brian Humphreys, Martin Morphet and Ward Hutchins all tied for second at 35.
Tim Vreman and Mike Mackinnon tied for low net at 31.5, with Martin Morphet and Ted Dube right behind them at net 32.
Mike Mackinnon had the longest drive of the week on the 8th hole, and Spencer Neufeld has the longest putt on hole #9. Closest to the pin honours went to Peter Neufeld on the 3rd hole and Tim Tiessen on the 5th hole.
Skins winners included Ward Hutchins, Ken Cobby, Brian Plumb and Vic Penner.
By Bryan Jessop
The 2012 Summer Olympics are over, but that didn’t stop a former Wheatley/Leamington man from winning an event that was literally of Olympic proportions.
Tom Omstead, now a resident of Canmore, AB, participated in the Sunday, Aug. 12 provincial triathlon championships, held at Lake Chaparral in Calgary. Taking on Olympic distances of a 750 m swim, a 40 km bike and 10 km run, Omstead captured first place in the 50- to 59-year-old men’s category, filled with 14 entries. His combined time of two hours, 18 minutes and 16 seconds placed him 11th overall of the 149 men and women who competed. His time was in the event’s top 10 per cent and was quicker than the fastest overall female entry by nearly six minutes.
“That’s always my personal goal because there are some very fast and female competitors out there who’ve earned my total respect,” Omstead stated.
In his own age division, Omstead trailed Calgary’s Mark Hlady by 41 seconds following the swimming portion of the triathlon. As Hlady was 18 seconds faster than Omstead in the cycling portion, the former Wheatleyite was 59 seconds behind the leader as he started his 10 km run.
Omstead more than made up for the difference in the run, where his 43:59 time was three minutes and 33 seconds faster than Hlady for a 2:34 difference at the finish line. Omstead’s swim was completed in 27:24 while cycling took 1:06:54. His total time was only 19 seconds slower than the men’s 40-49 winner and was good enough to beat the men’s 19 and under winner by 38 minutes and 36 seconds.
What was perhaps the most challenging aspect of the triathlon for Omstead was the 40 km cycling event. With International Triathlon Union rules stipulating that wetsuits cannot be worn when water temperatures are warm enough, the athletes experienced a hilly cycling course that was abnormally windy.
Omstead has been competing in triathlons for the past 15 years. Nowadays, he takes on a structured training schedule for six months of the year, including three or four swims per week, three cycling workouts per week and runs three times per week. He also finds time for cross-country skiing, hiking, snowshoeing, walking, canoeing, rollerblading and
mountain-biking.
During the off-season (fall and winter), Omstead
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Wheatley and Leamington resident Tom
crosses the finish line at the Lake Chaparrel Triathlon in Calgary, Alberta. Tom finished with a total of of 2:18:16 to take first place in the men’s 50-59 category and 11th overall out of 149 competitors.
(Photo
eases up on his routine to two or three swims per week and biking and running about once every 10 days.
“This downtime helps me to avoid the type of overuse injuries that many athletes my age seem to accumulate, especially from too much running,” he explained.
By winning the Alberta provincial championship in his age category, Omstead qualifies as a member of the Canadian team for the 2013 International Triathlon Union Age Group Championships, to take place in London, England’s Hyde Park. The event will take place Sept. 11-16 next year and include more than 100 competitors in Omstead’s age group. He explained that he will not likely attend, as such events require a lengthy and serious training commitment.
Omstead competed in the 2010 ITU Age Group Championships in Budapest, Hungary, among 114 competitors and placed 10th with a time of 2:00:47.
“It was a tight race and it could have been any one of us on that podium,” he said.
At one point, Omstead considered the swim his weakest point and the run his strongest part of the triathlon. Following a foot injury during a skating-skiing race last winter however, he said those conditions have reversed.
“Now I’m getting out of the water with the front runners, then trying to gain position on the bike and then running scared (trying not to allow trailing athletes to catch up) to the finish line,” Omstead explained.
Omstead lived in Wheatley until 1982, when he moved to Leamington. Along with wife Sue, he has lived in Canmore for the past 10 years and spends half the year — spring and fall — living in Kingsville.
a weekend featuring
weather and
golfing conditions, Brian Humphreys successfully defended his title and won the annual Erie Shores Men’s Club Championship for a second year in a row.
After shooting rounds of 69 and 72 on Saturday and Sunday to go with last weekend’s opening round of 73, Humphreys’ three-day total of 214 was good enough for a four-shot victory over newcomer Mike Ferreira.
Although Ferreira led by one stroke after last weekend’s opening round 72, when Humphreys buckled down, his second and third round scores of 71 and 75 this past weekend were not enough to dislodge the champ. Still, his 218 total in his first try for the championship honours certainly shows Humphreys and others that there is some great golfing talent at Erie Shores.
Third-place finisher and Erie Shores Senior Club champion Ken Steingart threw in scores of 77, 75 and 74 for a three-day total of 226 which gave him an eight-shot margin over Scott Wilkinson who shot rounds of 82, 77 and 76 for a 54 hole total of 235.
In the ‘A’ Flight Division (6-9 handicap), Darryl DiMilo led from start to finish, cruising to victory with steady rounds of 75, 76 and 76 for a 227 total and six-stroke bulge over runner-up Geoff Dunmore who had scores of 76, 79 and 78 for a three-day total of 233. These were the only two other players in the entire field that managed to have all three rounds in the 70s.
Tim Tiessen’s 236 total, with rounds of 77, 83 and 76, left him alone in third place at 236 and four strokes head of Martin Morphet (82-75-83) who finished at 240. Other low finishers in this Flight included Kevin Babkirk (82-83-77-242), Kevin George (84-84-76-244) and Norm Beattie (84-89-76-249).
John Davis was the most consistent player in the ‘B’ Flight Division (10-13 handicap) winning his first championship title ever with scores of 80, 79 and 79 for 238 total that gave him a three-shot victory over Yves Lanteigne who started strong last weekend with a 76 but fell back with rounds of 83 and 82 for a three-day total of 241.
Tying for third place a stroke back at 241 was Evan Rutgers (82-81-79) and Ernie Schmidtgall (75-86-81). Joe Verhoeven (81-84-79) was next at 242, while Steven Georges (84-78-83) and John Rutgers (77-83-85) tied for sixth place at 245.
In the ‘C’ Flight Division (14-17 handicap), Brian Plumb rallied on the final day with an 84, to go with earlier rounds of 84 and 88, for a 54 hole total of 256 and a one-stroke victory over Mike Herbert who finished in second place with his 82-88-87 total of 257.
Vic Penner finished alone in third place with his 84-83-82 total of 259, while Barry Miller was another eight strokes back in fourth spot at 267 with rounds of 84-91-92. Lucas George (93-89-86) was another shot back at 268 and Bob Dick (92-90-95) finished alone in sixth place at 277.
Bill Conn won the ‘D’ Flight Division (18+ handicap) with his three-day 87-90-89 total of 266, just three strokes better than Brett Madden (85-95-89) who finished second at 269. Wayne Quinn (97-85-91) was next at 273.
Community Living Essex County played host to the 22nd Annual Charity Golf Classic at Fox Glen Golf Club in McGregor on July 18. Despite the threatening forecast of rain, a field of 132 golfers — the largest turnout in a number of years — supported the annual event, raising a total of $17,000 for Community Living Essex County in support of people with an intellectual disability and their families across Essex County.
As part of the annual tournament fundraiser, Community Living Essex County invited municipalities from across Essex County to participate in the 4th Annual Municipal Cup Golf Challenge. Congratulations to the foursome from the Town of LaSalle as they defended their 2011 title. Team LaSalle beat out teams from the municipalities of Leamington, Kingsville, Lakeshore and Amherstburg, all vying for the coveted Municipal Cup and bragging rights for the municipality with the lowest overall team score.
The following programs will be offered starting Tuesday, September 11 at UMEI and Cardinal Carter
YOUTH INDOOR VOLLEYBALL PROGRAMS
Girls Travel Club Volleyball Tryouts
U13/U14/U15/U16/U17/U18
September 11th & 13th at UMEI
Boys Travel Club Volleyball Tryouts
U13/U14/U15/U16/U17/U18
September 11th & 13th at UMEI
Practices will run Tuesday and Thursday nights with roughly one travel tournament per month.
OPEN HOUSE at UMEI SEPT 11TH 7 - 9 PM
Youth Volleyball Academy: (Boys and Girls Ages 5 - 13)
Offered at UMEI and Cardinal Carter Starts September 18th with Winter, Fall and Spring Sessions.
OPEN HOUSE at UMEI SEPT 11TH 6 - 7 PM
If
Sunday House League: (Boys and Girls Court 1 Ages 5-7/Court 2 Ages 8-10/Court 3 Ages 11-13). Starts
or teams,
jim@velocityvolleyball.ca
Season with Velocity Volleyball! See
CLUB DIRECTOR Jim Konrad
The second place vs. third place semi-final contest for the six-on-six division of the Leamington Tomato Festival Beach Volleyball tournament gets under way at Seacliff Beach Saturday, Aug. 18. The tournament also included four-on-four and two-on-two divisions. The division was won by Rav 6 with second place going to Airborne. (SUN Photos)
Competition and fun was the name of the game this year at the Leamington Tomato Festival Beach Volleyball Tournament. Teams from Essex and Kent counties were in town as part of the biggest beach volleyball tournament of the season and a big part of the new look Tomato Festival down at Seacliff Beach.
This year’s tournament had perfect weather, live bands and fans showing up to take in some of the high level action.
“We put the word out there in a serious way leading up to the event,” said tournament organizer Jim Konrad of Velocity Volleyball. With Saturday 6-on-6 co-ed, Sunday 4’s co-ed and Sunday night 2-on-2 tournament, there was an endless flow of action down at the beach. “This year’s event saw 26 teams participate and the level of ball being played has definitely increased,” added Konrad.
Konrad’s Velocity Volleyball program has been running leagues, clinics, camps and youth training all summer long, with many of the progam’s athletes participating in this year’s tournament. “This was the highlight of the summer for me,” commented local athlete Jason Wall. “We played all weekend long and enjoyed perfect weather and the best Tomato Festival to-date.”
Wall knows what he is talking about after competing in all three divisions of the tourna-
ment over the weekend. Wall’s “The Firearms” won the mixed 4-on-4 tournament and also placed third with partner Clayton Schroeder in 2-on-2 action Sunday evening.
Athletes will need a few days to recuperate after all the fun in the sun, as Sunday night did not finish off until 8:45 p.m. with the team of Gabe Burlacau and Avery Speller (Windsor/Chatham) winning the cash prize for 2-on-2 competition over Sam Reed and Jason Hernandez (Essex/Harrow) with a 25/23 final score. The two’s final saw some big hits, great digs and a high level of volleyball play.
Division winners for the Tomato Festival Beach Volley Ball Tournament were:
6-on-6 – 1st place RAV 6; 2nd place Airborne.
4-on-4 – 1st place Double Diamond; 2nd place The Firearms.
2-on-2 – 1st place Gabe Burlacau and Avery Speller; 2nd place Sam Reed and Jason Hernandez.
Beach volleyball has certainly grown in Canada recently, and the massive success of the sport during the Olympics shows the future of the game. Seacliff Beach, as part of the Velocity Volleyball Tournament Series, was host to three tournaments this summer and Tomato Festival was the grand finale for the beach season. Once the dust settled and the prizes where handed out, the success of the season was evident with turned-up sand across ten courts overlooking Lake Erie.
Konrad assures that next year’s season will be even bigger as young people in the area try the sport for the first time. Not a hard thing to enjoy – being down on the beach all day in the sun having fun with your friends.
Velocity Volleyball officially has one year under its belt with the finish of this year’s Tomato Festival Tournament. Next for Velocity is the opening of their indoor volleyball programming this fall at UMEI and Cardinal Carter, along with an introductory option at the Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex. Youth development starting at the age of 5, house leagues and club volleyball tryouts will start up Tuesday, September 11 at UMEI with the launch of girls’ travel volleyball this season.
Open house and tryout information is available online at www.velocityvolleyball.ca and coaches interested in getting involved are asked to contact the club for more information.
A sum of 216 cars were entered for this year’s Tomato Festival car show on Sunday Aug. 19. Hosted for the first time by the Roma Club the show was greeted by perfect weather conditions. Right: Paul Reid of Wheatley brought his 1961 Chevrolet Bel Aire. Far right: The round tail lights reveal the Charger owned by Tony and Chris Barraco of Leamington is a 1968 model (opposed to the different body style of the 1967 and the rectangular lights of the 1969).
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The Leamington Flyers’ main camp began at Unico Arena on Monday, Aug. 13 and by the end of Day 3 (Wednesday, Aug. 15), the first 10 cuts were made from the list of about 80 team hopefuls. A further 15 cuts were announced following the Flyers’ annual Red/White game, played Friday, Aug. 17, also at Unico Arena.
After two more main camp sessions held earlier this week, the remaining tryout players are being put to their first inter-league test starting today at 7 p.m. in LaSalle against their cross-county rival Vipers. Tomorrow (Aug. 23), Leamington will host the Vipers for its second and final pre-season exhibition game.
The Flyers have four more camps at Unico Arena this month — Aug. 27 to Aug. 30 — before the regular season begins at home against the Sarnia Legionnaires Thursday, Sept. 6 at 7:10 p.m.
On Saturday, Oct. 6, each of the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League’s 26 teams will converge on the Seymour-Hannah Sports and Entertainment Centre in St. Catharines to play a cross-divisional game on one of the facility’s three rinks. While there, the Flyers will be the first Western Division team to take on the new Caledonia Corvairs, who made the move from Owen Sound as the Greys after completing the 2011-12 season.
The 2012-13 season will not be without its challenges for the Flyers. The team is seeking out two new goaltenders during the ongoing main camp, as last year’s starter Darien Ekblad was traded to the Chatham Maroons in exchange for veteran forward Troy Cox.
Leamington will also be without six of its eight top points players from last season. Forwards Cheyne Matheson, Tyler Quigley, Nicholas Nicodemo, Matt Ogden, Austin Mattson and defenseman Ron Soucie have exceeded the junior hockey age limit.
“At that level, players are hard to replace,” said Flyers head coach Tony Piroski. “We lost some real key guys who were team leaders on and off the ice.”
In the midst of main camp, the Flyers coaching staff awaits the results of Ontario Hockey League tryouts. Ten potential Flyers are currently trying out for OHL teams.
The Flyers have already signed a number of veteran players returning from last season, including 2011-12 team points leader Alex Seguin. Former Wheatley Shark Riley Babkirk, who accumulated 27 goals and 17 assists in last season’s Great Lakes Junior ‘C’ regular season, is currently trying out for the OHL’s Sarnia Sting. In the event that he does not make the leap from Junior ‘C’ to Major Junior ‘A’, there will be a spot on the Flyers’ roster waiting for him.
Piroski explained that the list of Flyers candidates will be whittled down to about 40 by the last week of August with a finalized roster expected by Labour Day weekend. He does not expect the final decisions on who makes the team to be easy ones.
“It’s a really good bunch of players,” Piroski said during the Red vs. White game. “I”m really surprised by some of the 15-year-olds. Overall, I’m impressed with the tempo and the work ethic.”
With the potential for teams like the St. Thomas Stars and London Nationals to keep as many as 14 20-year-olds, the Flyers won’t likely be the Western Division’s most experienced team. Piroski, however, isn’t worried about putting a younger team on the ice.
“I know we’ll be a hard-working team,” he said. “That’s why camp has had such a good tempo. We’ll be fairly young, but we’ll be competitive.”
By Bryan Jessop
For one week throughout Essex County, OPP may stand for the Opportunity to Perpetuate Philanthropy for a group of local youths.
Through elementary school Values, Influences and Peers (VIP) programs, the Essex County Ontario Provincial Police has undertaken its 18th annual OPP Cop Camp, hosted by Gesstwood Camp near the town of Essex. The five-day camp began at Gesstwood Sunday, Aug. 12 for 88 VIP graduates, chosen by their respective 2011-12 Grade 6 teachers. Each public, Catholic and French elementary school in an OPP-serviced zone was permitted to select one Grade 6 student per classroom for the camp. These include approximately a dozen students from Leamington schools. The OPP Cop Camp was led by 10 OPP constables, civilians and auxiliary members who offered their services as councillors/team leaders. Each of these councillors is assisted by a junior councillor, mostly children of the OPP councillors, high school students looking to fulfill volunteer hours and former Cop Camp participants offering to assist with a program from which they benefited years earlier. “That (former campers serving as junior councillors) ties right in with our ‘Pay It Forward’ theme,” explained Essex County OPP media relations/community services officer Stephanie Moniz. “It’s a wonderful, wonderful program. It’s the sort of thing that the kids talk about for years afterwards. It’s a great experience.”
Divided into teams of eight or nine members, the students/campers are taught the values of teamwork, leadership skills, socialization and positive interaction with police officers. Students have been intentionally divided into teams of individuals representing different communities, allowing them to test their socialization skills and make new friends.
The crucial skills learned through the camp are taught with a series of games, activities and journeys beyond Gesstwood’s borders. While at the camp, students took part in a mock crime scene contest where they had to solve the mystery using clues left at the ‘scene’. They also embarked upon an inflatable obstacle course and tackled the facility’s high ropes course while tethered to safety gear. On the next-to-last day, teams participated in a talent show where their OPP councillors also competed.
Offsite, the group took part in goofy golf and beach volleyball in Lakeshore before eating a pasta dinner hosted and sponsored by the Ciociaro Club. The following day, they made the journey to Empire Lanes in Ruthven for a few games of ‘Rock and Bowl’. On Wednesday, they tested their abilities at fishing and sailing at Cedar Island Marina in Kingsville, sponsored by Chante Fishing Charters Company-John Sims of Kingsville and the Cedar Island Yacht Club.
Busing throughout the week was provided courtesy of Stevenson, Sharpe and Bailey Bus Lines. Fireworks at the end of Day 4 (Wednesday, Aug. 15) were offered courtesy of K & H Fireworks.
On the final day, one of the officers/councillors brought in his horses to display, giving students the opportunity to shoe and ride the four-legged guests. The display was followed by lunch donated by Tim Horton’s corporate office.
The OPP Emergency Response Team and K-9 Unit conducted demonstrations later that day.
As the finale, the 10 teams marched into the ‘closing ceremonies’ with their custom-decorated shields — each painted with logos representing team names that in turn were tributes to different divisions of policing. The march and closing ceremonies were witnessed by the students’ parents.
Also as a means of wrapping up the OPP Cop Camp, students presented guests from the Katelyn Bedard Bone Marrow Association with a donation of about $1,000. As part of the ‘Pay It Forward’ theme, the money was raised by the youths earlier this summer through a charitable car wash.
The families of participating campers were not required to pay registration fees, as funds needed to conduct the camp were raised during the OPP annual golf tournament in July.
THE PLANNING ACT, R.S.O. 1990 NOTICE OF THE PASSING BY THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF LEAMINGTON
TAKE NOTICE that the Council of The Corporation of the Municipality of Leamington has passed By-law Number 233-12 on the 13th day of August, 2012 under Section 28 (2) of the Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990.
AND TAKE NOTICE that only individuals, corporations and public bodies may appeal to the Ontario Municipal Board. A notice of appeal may not be filed by an unincorporated association or group. However, a notice of appeal may be filed in the name of an individual who is a member of the association or the group on its behalf.
AND TAKE NOTICE that no person or public body shall be added as a party to the hearing of the appeal unless, before the by-law was passed, the person or public body made oral submissions at a public meeting or written submissions to the council or, in the opinion of the Ontario Municipal Board, there are reasonable grounds to add the person or public body as a party.
Beaul - Anna & Sean of Leamington, a boy on August 3, 2012.
Feher - Nancy & Corney of Leamington, a boy on August 4, 2012.
Delaney - Carrie & Jack of Wheatley, a boy on August 4, 2012.
Taggart-Gillett - Laitlyn & Nathan of Leamington, a boy on August 6, 2012.
Vallance - Terra & Cory of Essex, a girl on August 7, 2012.
Villanueva - Bessy & Dennis of Leamington, a boy on August 8, 2012.
Fehr - Eva & Isaac Fehr of Leamington, a girl on August 8, 2012.
McKeen-Reimer - Lindsay & Allen of Cottam, a boy on August 9, 2012.
Tandari - Alisha & Dean of Leamington, a girl on August 9, 2012.
Wallingford - Jenniferof Leamington, a boy on August 11, 2012.
Dahl-Fournier - Jennifer & Ray of Essex, a boy on August 14, 2012.
Bacon - Julie & David of Belle River, a girl on August 15, 2012.
The Stork Report is sponsored by
An appeal to the Ontario Municipal Board in respect of the by-law may be completed by filing with the Clerk of The Corporation of the Municipality of Leamington not later than the 10th day of September, 2012 a notice of appeal setting out the objection to the by-law and the reasons in support of the objection accompanied by the required fee of $125 (certified cheque or money order) made payable to the Minister of Finance. The letter of appeal and a copy of an appeal form, which is available from the OMB website atwww.omb.gov.on.ca and other documents from the application file, will be forwarded to the Ontario Municipal Board.
An explanation of the purpose and effect of the by-law is attached. The complete by-law and any associated information are available for inspection in my office during regular office hours or at www.leamington.ca .
DATED at the Municipality of Leamington this 22nd day of August, 2012.
Tracey Pillon-Abbs
Director of Development Services
Municipality of Leamington 111 Erie Street North Leamington, Ontario N8H 2Z9 Telephone: 519-326-5761 x1403
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The purpose of By-law Number 233-12 is to designate the Commercial Improvement Area identified as Schedule “D” of the Leamington Official Plan, within the Corporation of the Municipality of Leamington as a Community Improvement Project Area for the purposes of establishing the Leamington Uptown Commercial District Community Improvement Plan (CIP) respecting the redevelopment, revitalization, prosperity and beautification of the uptown core of the Corporation of the Municipality of Leamington, and further to establish the necessary policies, guidelines and instructions to implement the ClP, all in accordance with Section 28(2) of the Planning Act.
Council has recognized the importance and need to assist and work with the merchants, residents and property owners to continue to revitalize the commercial core in hopes that new actions and implementation strategies will occur. Section 28(2), provides that "where there is an official plan in effect in a local municipality that contains provisions relating to community improvement in the municipality, the council may, by by-law, designate the whole or any part of an area covered by such an official plan as a community improvement project area" (see key map).
As defined, a municipality or an area within a municipality, that community improvement of which in the opinion of the council is desirable because of age, dilapidation, overcrowding, faulty arrangement, unsuitability of buildings or for any other environmental, social or community economic development reason may develop a CIP.
The Official Plan for the Corporation of the Municipality of Leamington contains provisions enabling the Council of the Corporation of the Municipality of Leamington to designate Community Improvement Project Areas, by by-law, for the purposes of preparing and undertaking a Community Improvement Plan.
Country music artist Crystal Gage started performing publicly at age eight – and hasn’t stopped since.
The popular singer will be back at the Two Creeks Summer Concert Series Aug. 26 with her band, one of 100 stops on her annual tour of North America.
Crystal performs at venues as varied as the Budweiser Downtown Hoedown, county fairs and the Country Music Hall of Fame stage, but devotes a lot of time as well to her special causes, such as nursing homes, hospitals and various benefits. She pays particular attention to working with individuals with disabilities.
Her album Dust to Diamonds got attention from radio stations and listeners alike, as did her win on CMT’s Karaoke Star.
For more on Crystal, visit her website crystalgage.com
The Two Creeks concerts, held Sundays at 6:30 p.m. on the Weil Stage in the natu-
ral 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.
Set your goals so they’re just out of reach, but not out of sight.
Guatemala Hope, a NGO that has been working in the southern part of Guatemala for over 10 years, is looking for volunteers. They have a trip heading out Nov. 1-12 and need three special people to join the team if they are going to accomplish their mission. They are looking for an individual with expertise and interest in bringing potable water to one of the villages. The water distribution system in Chicago has fallen into disrepair. An assessment of the tower, wells and pumps needs to be done so a determination can be made on how to proceed to get water to these 150 families. This person would also be involved in designing a sanitation system for the school in El Triunfo.
The agricultural team is looking for a person with soil and crop expertise to work with the locals on corn production as well as to help in the establishment of a kitchen garden program for the women. They would be working with a team of Ontario farmers who have several other development projects underway.
The third position is for an assistant to work with the engineer that is going on the trip. The project is to design a floodway that lets water leave the lagoon before it overflows and floods the fields and village during the rainy season. Most of the work will involve being a “stickman” for surveying, but they will also be involved with other facets of the agriculture team.
Volunteering for any of these positions will be a rewarding experience. It is a unique travel opportunity that allows for the personal satisfaction of helping those less privileged.
Interested individuals can learn more about this development focused organization by visiting the website www.guatemalahope.ca
If you have specific questions, email info@guatemalahope.ca. or call trip coordinator Rosemarie Dulong at 519-682-1813.
St. Clair College, in partnership with the Multicultural Council of Windsor and Essex County, is offering the Language Interpreter Course Certificate Program this fall. Anyone who is fluent in two or more languages is invited to attend a free information session at the Multicultural Council to learn more about this program, the entrance test, the role of language interpreters, and opportunities for skilled language interpreters in the community.
There is a growing need for skilled interpreters who can provide services within the business, health, and human service sectors. Courses will cover spoken language interpretation, consecutive interpreting, note taking, sight translation, simultaneous interpreting, and setting specific interpreting with a focus on the language interpretation needs of local agencies and community services in Windsor and Essex County.
The Language Interpreter Certificate Program information session is on Wednesday, August 29 at 6 p.m. at the Multicultural Council of Windsor and Essex County, 245 Janette Ave., Windsor. For more information contact Lana Gurbouzov, Language Services Coordinator, at 519-255-1127 ext. 135.
For more information contact your local newspaper.
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2001 GRAND MARQUISgood condition, 174,000 km, $3500, 519-326-5837. au22
QUALITY GUITAR REPAIR by Reese. Will service all stringed instruments. Over ten years experience, custom work available as well. Next day pickup upon request. Cell: 226-344-1142 Home: 519-825-4707. ma30-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
T.O.P.S. - Take Off Pounds Sensibly. Weigh in from 6 pm - 6:45 pm, meeting from 6:45 pm - 7:30 pm every Monday at Wheatley United Church. Call Cheryl at 519825-9194 or Ellen at 519326-0730 or visit website: www.TOPS.org. Everyone welcome. tf ANTENNAS
Full time auto license technician / mechanic or 4 years apprentice. Looking for someone qualified for air condition, emission testing, safety checks, and diagnostic abilities. We are a busy 8 bay service center, we offer competitive wage and benefit packages. We pride ourselves in maturing positive work where all employees are treated the same respectful and fair. If you are one of these individuals looking for a positive change, please contact Dave Richie Service Manager at 519-326-6184 or drop off resumes at Canadian Tire, 262 Erie Street South, Leamington. Phone number 519-326-6184 or fax your resume to 519-326-2889 or email your resume to dmrichie1@gmail.com.
NEEDS a professional flooring installer for carpeting, ceramic and vinyl, etc. Please drop of resumé to Kingsville or Leamington store or email to: mainwestfurniture1@cogeco.net au22
Happy 90th Birthday Joe Bonyai Born August 27, 1922
Joe served in the Canadian Army from October 1942 to January 1946. He will celebrate with his family.
ANNIE'S HOME DAYCARE has spots available. 0-4 years. Reasonable rates and hours. Safe, nurturing environment. CPR, First Aid. Call 519-324-0258. au22-29
Pyramid Farms in Leamington is looking for 5 full-time greenhouse workers. Please fax resumes to: 519-326-3027.
