Leamington Council received a summary report at its Monday, August 27 regular meeting of Council outlining the goals and findings of the County of Essex Transit Assessment Study.
This study has already been ‘put on the back burner’ by County Council, but in receiving the report, County Council insisted that it be circulated to all member municipalities.
The information presented to Leamington Council revealed this idea is an expensive one, indeed. With projected annual operating costs projected to be around $1,657,000 per year, and start-up capital costs in the range of $1,630,000, it was reported that Leamington could be on the hook for as much as $400,000 in the first year of operation alone.
One more show added for Steel Magnolias
Due to popular demand, Sun Parlour Players have added a fourth showing of Steel Magnolias.
If you missed the chance to purchase tickets for Steel Magnolias, which will be the first production held in the newly renovated Bank Theatre and Meeting Place on Labour Day weekend, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, now is the opportunity.
The theatre is still a work in progress and seating is limited to 100 per show. The added performance will be on Sunday, Sept. 2 at 8 p.m. Tickets are only available by calling 519-326-8805, ext. 2.
Move that bus!
By Sheila McBrayne
The full size school bus from C.A. Bailey pulled into the parking lot at the Leamington Real Canadian Superstore on Thursday, August 23 and pulled out on Sunday, August 26 stuffed with donations of food and money for the local Food Bank.
The first ever Stuff a Bus project was a co-ordinated effort between the Real Canadian Superstore, The Salvation Army and C.A. Bailey. “We’ve had lots of support. I’m so impressed by the amount of support this has received,” said Leamington Superstore Manager James Lea.
“We’ve collected food donations before, but I think this has got to be one of the biggest projects we’ve done and the most successful,” he said. Lea recalled the idea originated from a conversation he had with his father, Larry Lea, who works at C.A. Bailey about what the store could do to help the Salvation Army Food Bank. “It was my dad who said ‘what if we parked a bus at the store and filled it with food donations?’,” said Lea.
Rose Delbroco, Superstore Community Co-ordinator, took the initial idea and turned it into the Stuff A Bus four-day event, which has helped the Salvation Army stock their shelves in time for back-to-school demand.
“My first thought was maybe we should use the smaller bus, in case we didn’t get enough to fill it - it’s a big bus - but I don’t think we’re going to have a problem,” said Lea. In fact, the bus pulled out mid afternoon on Sunday and headed for the Food Bank. Volunteers from South Essex Community Council were on hand to help unload the bus and stock the shelves. Leamington and area residents brought in canned food items, or shoppers at the Superstore could purchase prepared $5 and $10 grocery bags, which contained specific items needed at the Food Bank. Lea said several local packing companies also donated cases of canned items and the Knights of Columbus have donated money so the Food Bank can purchase what it needs. “We’ve just had great support, lots of support from the community. We’re very happy with the project,” said Lea.
Delbroco said some of the displaced victims of the Sunset Club fire in July came out to support the barbecue and the event as a way of saying thanks and Paying it Forward.
Jordan Robinson, a volunteer with the Leamington Salvation Army, and Leamington Real Canadian Superstore Manager James Lea had a line up of carts filled with food donations to load into the school bus supplied by C.A. Bailey for the Stuff A Bus campaign. (SUN Photo)
Jordan Robinson, Leamington Salvation Army volunteer, accepts two bags of donations purchased by PC Financial representative Eileen Stanley as part of the Stuff A Bus initiative. (SUN Photo)
Knockout Cancer fundraiser puts local personalities in the ring
They may not be the most experienced fighters, but the names of boxers in the first annual Knockout Cancer charity event certainly will ring a bell.
The Windsor Family
Credit Union and Leamington Boxing Academy have teamed up to present a fundraising set of bouts that include a lengthy list of local celebrities. The matches will be hosted by the Leam-
ington Portuguese Club Friday, Oct. 19, starting at 7:30 p.m.
Knockout Cancer has been organized to support Transition to Betterness — also known as T2B — which in turn will direct proceeds towards Windsor Regional Hospital’s New Capital Campaign. Specifically, the funds will be used to refurbish the hospital’s long-term care unit of the Tayfour Campus’s oncology rooms.
The local celebrity bouts will include the following:
Marc Romualdi of M.R. Meat Market VS Will Pomp of Coirtastic
Donny Pacheco of Jose’s Bar and Grill VS Adam Hubbeard of Pinnacle Acres
Robby Mastronardi of Cedar Beach Acres VS Randy Saccucci of Olivia DiMaio
Richard Morris of Sun Parlor Grower Supply VS Jeremy Hayes of MGS; Mike DelCianco of DC Farms VS Wissam Aoun of Wissam Aoun Law Professional Corp.
Claudio Mastronardi of MCM Acres VS Phil Towle of The Seacliff Inn
Kingsville Mayor Nelson Santos VS Leamington District Memorial Hospital CEO
Terry Shields
“We’re really excited that local boxers have come forward with the time and effort to assist our cause,” said T2B fund development and community relations coordinator Alessia Frighetto.
“There seems to be a lot of hype about it. Many people
are excited to go.”
Each match has been arranged according to the weight and age of each entry — ages range from early 30s to mid 40s. Participants have been training with the Leamington Boxing Academy since mid June two to four times per week for one to two hours per session to prepare for their bouts. Each match will consist of three one-minute rounds, except for the Mastronardi/Saccucci contest, which will feature three rounds of two minutes apiece. All bouts will be refereed and judged by individuals certified by Boxing Ontario. During the intermission, an amateur women’s match featuring Windsor’s Amanda Szabo and Amber Bernachi will take place.
Tickets for the Knockout Cancer event will go on sale starting Sept. 10 at a price of $40 each for general admission. About 300 tickets for the 19-and-over show have been printed and can be purchased by contact T2B at 519-944-5143.
Preferred seating around the ring is available with the purchase of sponsorship packages. Businesses or groups may purchase packages ranging from $5,000 for the ‘Mike Tyson’ package to the ‘Sugar Ray Leonard’ packages, available for $1,000.
Through general admission and sponsorship packages, T2B hopes to raise between $30,000 and $50,000.
The doors of the Portuguese Club will open to general admission ticket holders at 7 p.m. on the day of the event.
2012 Military Muster attracts hundreds of history buffs
Special to The Sun
By Bill Siddall
A Military Muster at the Canadian Transportation Museum & Heritage Village on Arner Townline, Kingsville, drew a huge crowd of veterans and civilians alike to take in a wide range of activities and displays on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 25-26.
Re-enactments depicted scenes of a World War One trench raid, a World War Two attack on a German position, and the Vietnam War with an operational Huey helicopter from Peru, Indiana, and Vietnam veterans on hand to tell their story. The helicopter was used during the Vietnam War and shot down, but has been recently restored.
There were also tours of encampments, an armour demonstration and live fire demo.
All manner of military vehicles and militaria displays were set up throughout the park for visitors to enjoy and learn about history.
Among the various booths at the Military Muster was one manned by 92-year-old Ralph Mayville of Windsor. Ralph is a World War Two veteran who served with the elite First Special Service Force as a commando and paratrooper. Known as the Devil’s Brigade, it was made up of Canadian and American troops who were sent to Italy to do the tough jobs that no one else could handle.
The United States government will be presenting Ralph and his surviving comrades with a Congres-
sional Gold Medal for their service at an upcoming ceremony in Washington, DC. T-shirts bearing the First Special Service Force “Devil’s Brigade” insignia that were available for sale at Ralph’s booth are part of
an ongoing effort to raise money to help fund the trip to Washington for him and his caregiver.
Of the approximately 1,000 Canadians who served in the First Special Service Force, it is believed that
WW II veteran Ralph Mayville is pictured with his First Special Service Force uniform, which is on permanent display at the Canadian Transportation Museum & Heritage Village.
Replica of a World War One trench. Note the “rats” around the trench. During WW I, millions of rats infested the trenches. Gorging on human remains, they could grow to the size of a cat. Soldiers were afraid of these rats, which were so bold they would often scamper across their faces in the dark.
only about 13 are left. Other local men who also served in the Devil’s Brigade were the late Bill Lamb, Mel McCauley, Mike Cochrane, and C. Foster.
Some relief from sinus woes
be that colour!
I’m a believer! Add me to the list of Neti pot users. After weeks, actually months, battling a sinus infection, I’ve found relief with a nasal irrigation device. It’s actually not a Neti pot, but uses the same concept. I’m by no means cured, but it does give some relief.
I want to send out a huge thank you to the lady (reader) who read about my sinus wows about a month ago and brought me the extra bottle kit that she had.
I’m sure that the two rounds of antibiotics helped with the serious infection, but I was still stuffed up and sounded like I was battling a cold. I had heard of the Neti pots and other nasal irrigation devices and many people recommended that I try it, but I resisted until a lady brought in a brand new “extra” device for me to try. She swore by it. I was still unsure about flushing my nasal cavity. I decided that I would try a drug-free week while on holidays in the clean, clear, less humid air of Sioux Lookout.
I know it would have probably taken me a couple of more months before I actually went out and bought one to try for myself.
I enjoyed a great week and came home with a clear mind, but a stuffed head. I decided to try the irrigation method. You can’t believe what came out of my sinus cavity and what has continued to come out every day. I’m not cured, but I feel so much clearer, partly because I saw what came out of my sinuses. I didn’t know anything in my body could
As I said before, I’ve never had sinus trouble before and I have no allergies to speak of, so this was a real learning curve for me. The relief is greatly appreciated. I’ve heard more and more people are having allergies and sinus problems. I’m not sure what weather conditions cause sinus problems – is it the extreme heat, humidity? I’m not sure, but more people are complaining about allergies and sinus than ever before.
What a difference a day can make
This week’s article is a great example of the expression, “When one door closes, another opens.” This seems to be the story of our lives.
With the impending departure of our son to school in the fall, I envisioned a quieter, cleaner home, without the typical extra male bodies vying for a place to sleep on a Saturday night. Having thought this for a mere moment, I was very pleased when my daughter enlightened me to the fact that her friend from Fort Macleod, Alberta, would be joining us for the 2012-13 school year while she attends St. Clair College.
In June, I also was looking at our potentially vacant basement as an opportunity to bring in a little extra money. With this thought in mind, I posted on Kijiji: “Basement apartment with three-piece bathroom for rent, available in the fall.” Of course the bathroom at that time was just an available water line and a hole in the floor where a toilet could potentially sit one day. Heck, I had all summer to orchestrate this simple reno. This would involve cleaning out Christmas boxes, luggage and other collectables, repairing mini stick damaged walls, painting, adding a ceiling tile and some privacy doors. These improvements would create the room that I envisioned.
Beautiful days and a whole lot of procrastination have kept me occupied and out of the dark depths of our basement until this past weekend. Last Thursday, I received a reply to my Kijiji ad. I was excited to receive it but panic set in. A young, well-educated female had a job offer in Wheatley, of all places, and she needed a place to live. Her résumé was like reading a page from the National Geographic as it included her experiences of feeding sharks in Mussel Bay, South Africa, caring for Penguins in Cape
Lifestyles...
Town, and researching starfish in New Brunswick. An opportunity that I couldn’t pass up had once again arrived on our doorstep. Well not quite yet! I had 48 hours to transform our ‘heman’ basement’ into the bachelorette pad sans the three-piece bath and a couple doors and paint, but I did get the ceiling tile in. Saturday was a busy one and my only regret is that I didn’t get before and after pictures. What a transformation! By three in the afternoon, I was greeting a wonderful young lady and her mother. They saw the room, we discussed some details and she moved in that evening. If our new guest was enchanted by the peace and tranquility of our home, I am sure that it came to a halt when she arrived home from her first long day at work Sunday to a last minute send-off party for our son Cheyne. Friends, neighbours and 10 to 15 young, fit gentlemen filled the backyard, deck and pool.
By Monday morning we were back to normal, although instead of a houseful of young men our rooms are filled with three adventurous young women. They are all excited to start school and careers and take over the reign of the house. As for Mark, he continues to go with whatever I throw his way, but I’m sure a house full of women won’t present a problem! Mark and I can’t help but think that these wonderful young people somehow have a way of coming into our lives. We are so lucky!
A small bee makes a stop on a water lily at the Point Pelee Marsh Thursday, Aug. 23.
SHEILA McBRAYNE
McThoughts
SHANNON MATHESON
Council Shorts for Aug. 27
Sturgeon Creek Drain Adequate
A proposed expansion of a greenhouse operation on the 4th Concession triggered an engineer’s report on the farm’s use of the Sturgeon Creek Drain. According to this report, the drain has adequate capacity to accommodate the expansion, but the owner will have a higher assessment for “Value of Outlet and Total Value of Improvements”, meaning that when work is done on the drain, more of the cost will be assessed to this farm than before.
Essentially, all that this report has done is allow the roll for that drain to be updated so that its apportionment of costs more accurately reflects actual usage of the drain.
Pumping Station no Longer Needed
There is an old pumping station on Robson Road that used to provide the outlet for storm water for residents along Robson Road, the Erie Shores Golf Club, and for the lands that are being developed as Golfwood Estates. Since the construction of the storm sewer along Robson Road, the residents have been taken care of, Erie Shores has their own storm water outlet now, and the new storm sewers for the subdivision have permission to empty into the Robson Road storm sewer. The pumping station now serves no purpose, so the municipality is hiring Rood Engineering to prepare to abandon the pumping station and the drain that leads to it.
An engineering firm? For a drain that is not used? Yes, the Drainage Act has rules and regulations for abandoning all or part of a drainage scheme, and they require a Drainage Engineer’s report. The nice thing about all this is that once the report is done and the bylaw passed, that will be one municipal expense over and done with forever.
Search continues for golden treasure
Author/artist Dennis White and artist Stephen Gibb held a book signing at the Leamington Arts Centre on Friday, August 24. In Pursuit of the Golden Key is a collection of 32 encrypted paintings, which are the heart of the real-life treasure hunt book, which commemorates the bicentennial of the War of 1812. Through verse and illustrations, readers are invited to come along on a journey into this War and decipher the clues, which lead to a modern day treasure of $10,000 cash! The treasure has not been found and remains to be solved. Pictured here Ashley Mariano has her book signed by the artists.
Charter for Recreation and Parks in Ontario
Leamington Council has endorsed a charter addressing parks and recreation in municipalities across Ontario.
The report, prepared by Rachael Myers, a summer intern working at the municipal building, informed Council that “the Charter states that all Ontarians have the fundamental right to access parks and recreation experiences and to enjoy the health and quality of life benefits that these experiences provide. All communities in Ontario, including the Municipality of Leamington, have a specific role to play in ensuring that residents have access to those fundamental parks and recreation experiences.”
Support for this was made easier by having no financial burden attached to it.
(More Council Shorts on Page 6)
(SUN Photo)
BILL CHAPLIN
Council Shorts
Leamington Against
Contraband
Municipal Council voted to endorse a resolution calling on the Provincial Minister of Finance to step up its efforts to eradicate contraband tobacco. This was in response to correspondence from the Ontario Convenience Stores Association pointing out the threat illegal sales of less expensive bootleg cigarettes to youth represents.
Another point raised by the letter was that these sales “hurt...government through tax evasion.” Curious, I typed “Tobacco Tax” into my internet search engine and discovered a site that reported Ontario’s in-
come from tobacco tax in 2010-2011 was $1.6 billion, and that the total Canadian and Provincial tobacco revenues added up to over $7.5 billion that year. That’s an awful lot of money representing a big incentive for criminals (and smokers). It is also a big incentive for government to try and combat bootleg tobacco.
Grant Application Nixed
Leamington Council turned thumbs down on a report requesting authorization to apply for a Provincial “Creative Community Prosperity Fund” grant to hire a consultant to “Develop a Municipal Cultural Plan which will identify policies and print/web based re-
sources to support cultural organizations/creative industries and the Municipality.”
First to speak against this proposal was Councillor Hilda MacDonald. “Quite honestly, I don’t think this is a priority, nor should it be... I can’t support this because of the amount of money we are committed to [next year].”
Deputy-Mayor Charlie Wright added, “This is another one of these zingers from the Province [where there is only a month to investigate and reach a decision]. I’m not going to support this.”
When a vote was taken, it was soundly defeated.
Greenhouse Site Plans Approved
Two farms have applied to have their site plans approved in preparation for expansion plans. The first was Albuna Farms Inc. They are ready to add another 5-acre run. The second was RTM Farms, who are ready to add a 2.5-acre run. The site plans implement water flow restrictions, establish setbacks, and ensure the development meets municipal policies. Municipal Council approved both.
Flipped transport
A transport and trailer apparently attempting to make a right hand turn from Oak Street East onto County Road 33 flipped onto its side on the night of Thursday, Aug. 23. Members of the Leamington Fire Department and Myers Towing were on the scene to secure the area and put the truck and trailer back on its wheels. A light post and hydro pole at the intersection were damaged in the accident. The trailer was filled with 26 pallets of Heinz tomato juice and although it bore the name Bruce R. Smith Ltd., it was not being transported by a Bruce R. Smith Ltd. employee. The driver was taken to Leamington District Memorial Hospital by ambulance, which arrived just before police and firefighters appeared on the scene simultaneously. The driver suffered minor back injuries and was released later that evening. The accident took place at 6:10 p.m. and the truck/trailer was removed about five hours later. (SUN Photos)
Unexpected expences for the Municipality
On July 4 a large section of roof drain at the Recreation Complex broke and had to be fixed. The net cost of the repairs was $12,057, resulting in an over-expenditure of the capital budget. In an unrelated matter, council was informed that the Provincial Technical Standards and Safety Authority inspected the marina’s gas and diesel operation and ordered remedial work. This resulted in an unbudgeted expenditure of $10,791.
Community Living Essex Inclusion: “We All Fit In”
Through the supports of Community Living Essex County, a group of people who have an intellectual disability have formed two pieces of art representing Inclusion, which will be on display at the Leamington Arts Centre until August 31st.
Using puzzle pieces to represent all people, the message was clear: “We All Fit In.” And like a good puzzle, it’s never complete without all the pieces. “We’re all included,” said Katie Willms who worked on one of the projects. “We all fit in,” she added.
Fellow Community Living Essex County member and artist Lisa Fehr said, “Because we’re all different and we all fit in.”
Ashley Mariano, a volunteer with Community Living Essex County, was on hand at the Opening Reception held at the Leamington Arts Centre on Friday, August 24. “People are always different and not all the same,” she said. “We don’t all like the same things. We all have a purpose in this world and we all belong,” she stated.
“Everybody’s different and that’s okay,” said Heather Tellier. Johan Klassen also added, “We’re all part of the same world.”
pieces. Inspired by the quote “We are all pieces of life’s puzzle; without each of us, the puzzle is incomplete.”
Johan and approximately 30 artists participated in creating this piece.
(SUN Photo)
These three young ladies worked together on a project about inclusion. With puzzle pieces from various puzzles they created the framed work here that reads ‘We All Fit In’. From left to right are Heather Tellier, Lisa Fehr and Katie Willms.
Johan Klassen, a member of Community Living Essex County has his hand on a puzzle of the Earth. The figures around the globe are all made of puzzle
of
Get to Know Art and Nature camp at Point Pelee Park
By Bryan Jessop
Youths from across North America converged on Point Pelee to find out there are many ways to get in touch with nature.
Last week, the local park hosted the fourth Get To Know Art and Nature Camp, attended by 18 contest winners from across Canada and the United States. From Aug. 20 to 25, the dozen-and-a-half teens were treated to firsthand experiences with nature, art and history. Early in the camp, they took a a trip to the Fort Malden National Historic Site for a day of
learning about the War of 1812.
Back at Point Pelee, the group learned about natural habitat conservation and restoration while also honing their artistic skills. Each participant was given a camcorder, camera and digital scrapbook to take courses in digital photography, videography and media and social relations. They also received firsthand instruction on canoeing and kayaking, with lessons provided by trainers representing the Pelee Wings Nature Store. Jeff Dorrell and Steve Lutsch provided the lessons at the park’s marshlands along the boardwalk area.
Pelee Wings offers day-long canoeing and kayaking lessons weekly from April to September — April and May at the Kinsmen Recreation Complex pool and June to September on the waters of Lake Erie.
Point Pelee was selected for the fourth annual installment
of the camp because of its bio-diverse varieties of natural habitats. In past years, the camp was hosted by Golf Islands Park in British Columbia and Jasper and Waterton Lakes Parks in Alberta.
The Get To Know Art Contest, organized in conjunction with the Canadian Wildlife Federation, featured the theme ‘Get To Know Your Wild Neighbours’ as part of National Wildlife Week from April 7 to 13 of this year. Entries were based on art mediums including photography, painting, music, video and literature/poetry.
The contest and following camp were launched in response to reports and studies showing that youth in North America are now spending less time immersed in nature compared to previous years and generations. The parents of this year’s contest winners paid for flight and travel while Parks Canada funded the remaining expenses for the camp. Youths from as far as British Columbia and several cities through Ontario including Ottawa, Oshawa, Oakville, Toronto and Barrie made up the list of 12 Canadians at the camp while the six Americans made the journey from Virginia, Colorado, Texas and Georgia.
“So far, it’s been absolutely phenomenal,” said Parks Canada executive assistant and camp project manager Manon Vaillancourt during the canoe/kayak lesson break. “They (contest winners) will all take something special home, whether it be a picture or a memory.”
The participating youths also left something special behind, as each of them submitted a poem, photo or piece of art at the park’s Visitors Centre.
“It’s been a really amazing experience,” said contest winner Curtis Van Impe from Oshawa, who noted that he also attended the Get To Know Art and Nature Camp in British Columbia. “I’ve learned a lot both years. This has been a lot of fun.”
Vaillancourt assisted Lutsch and Dorrell with the kayak and canoe lessons in addition to being one of the week’s coordinators. Formerly an employee at Point Pelee National Park, Vaillancourt has since been transferred to a Hamilton facility.
The ‘Get To Know’ organization is a Canadian not-forprofit group. For more information, visit their website http:// www.get-to-know.org/contest/canada
Jeff Dorrell, trainer at the Pelee Wings Nature Store, shows a group of Get To Know Art and Nature Camp participants how to manoeuver a canoe before they set out into the Point Pelee Marshlands Thursday, Aug. 23.
A group
Get To Know Art and Nature Camp participants successfully ‘raft up’ at Point Pelee National Park Thursday, Aug. 23 while cohorts using canoes in the background await their turn.
(SUN Photos)
Super Summer BBQ at Eastside Park
On Tuesday, August 21, the Youth & Family Resource Network’s Neighbours Helping Neighbours program partnered with the Windsor-Essex Community Health Centre’s Kids Alliance to host a Super Summer BBQ at Eastside Park in Leamington.
The event was enjoyed by many of the neighbouring Mill Street area residents. Much of the planning, organization and implementation of the event was done by a small group of youth through the Kids Alliance. The youth designed and distributed event posters, ran various games, and even stuck around to clean up!
Everyone enjoyed free hotdogs and juice, games, and a special visit from the Leamington Fire Services. They were on site offering kids a firsthand look at two of their trucks. A representative from the Leamington Gardeners Eastside Park, a sub-committee of Neighbours Helping Neighbours, was also on hand talking to residents about plans to further beautify Eastside Park. They hope to promote gardening, design and establish a community garden, organize workshops and classes, and get acquainted with neighbours. Anyone interested in joining the club can contact the Neighbours Helping Neighbours at 519326-8629 ext 376.
Neighbours Helping Neighbours is a program designed to revitalize a local neighbourhood in Leamington. The program focuses on the Mill Street area, which is bordered to the east by Erie Street South, to the north by Talbot Street East, to the west by Lutsch Street, and to the south by Oak Street. The program engages residents to become involved in their
community, identify areas of concern, and develop potential solutions. The program is funded by United Way Windsor-Essex as part of their priority of Creating Thriving Neighbourhoods.
The Youth & Family Resource Network of Essex County is a registered char-
ity dedicated to providing social service programs to Essex County communities.
The Kids Alliance is comprised of groups of students, called Youth Councils, who are experts in knowing neighbourhoods and want to create solutions to problems in their neighbourhood.
Teddy Bears of Hope
AT LEFT: The contestants of this year’s Leamington Tomato Festival Scholarship Pageant held a fundraising fish fry and barbecue on Friday, August 24 at Mersea Park. All money raised from the event was donated to the Teddy Bears of Hope, a not-for-profit organization that sends new or slightly used stuffed animals to children all over the world. The $2,000 raised will be used to ship these stuffed toys overseas. Andrew Banar was also at the fish fry selling his Rock On t-shirts. Andrew is pictured here with some of the contestants and the stuffed animals collected that night.
ABOVE: Four-year-old Amelia Fulton tossed in her stuffed animal to donate to the Teddy Bears of Hope campaign on Friday, August 24.
(SUN Photos)
Tomato Festival pageant contestants cut their locks off for cancer
This year Leamington Tomato Fest Scholarship Pageant contestants proved that they are not just a title. At their first meet and greet before the pageant, they were given the idea by the committee to do a small fundraiser for the charity “Teddy Bears of Hope” as well as collect stuffed animals to be sent to underprivileged children in Haiti, and they couldn’t have been more eager and excited to help!
Instead of doing the expected, the contestants went above and beyond, putting out boxes at various public places to collect stuffed animals. More importantly, they put together a Fish Fry and Barbecue event to raise money in order to send the cuddly animals to children who are less fortunate and would appreciate receiving them.
The Fish Fry and Barbecue was held Friday, August 24 at Mersea Park in Leamington. The contestants and committee are happy to report that through the efforts of many, the event was a big success! Carmen’s Catering donated their time preparing and serving delicious plates of pasta, salad and perch, which were donated by John O’s Foods Inc. Birdie’s Perch kindly donated plates, utensils and napkins. Other food and drink items were donated by MCM Acres, Cliffview Farms, Lakeside Bakery and McDonalds. Nuclear Sunrise entertained free of charge, and Andrew Banar and his mother Karen were happy to share their stories about Andrew making his dreams possible. To top it all off, lights were donated by Volvo, which helped make the event last a little bit later into the night.
At the event, pageant contestants Chelsea Gaffan, Maddison Brothers and Brittany EppDucharme were brave enough to cut off their beautiful hair to be used for wigs for people with cancer. Sue Scaddan, chair of the Leamington Tomato Fest Scholarship Pageant, chopped off their locks while Andrew Banar performed a classic drum roll.
The contributions of local businesses not only made the event possible, but contributed to its huge success in raising approximately $2,000 to go towards sending the teddy bears to Haiti. Any extra funds are earmarked for the construction of the Bank Theatre and Meeting Place.
sea Gaffan took the spirit of helping others one step further and generously donated their hair to be used to make wigs for people who are experiencing the effects of cancer treatments.
Leamington Tomato Fest Scholarship Pagent contestants held a fundraiser Fish Fry and Barbecue at Mersea Park in Leamington on Aug. 24 to raise funds to send stuffed animals to children in Haiti. Contestants Maddison Brothers (left), Brittany Epp-Ducharme and Chel-
Nuclear Sunrise
Brittany Epp-Ducharme
Chelsea Gaffan
Maddison Brothers
Proceeds from quilt raffle helps OES support worthy causes
Linda Wigfield of Wheatley became the lucky owner of a beautiful queen-size quilt when her winning raffle ticket was drawn Aug. 21.
The raffle was conducted by Imperial Chapter #21 Order of the Eastern Star (OES). The quilt was made by Worthy Matron Elaine McDonald, and the materials for the quilt were donated by Worthy Patron David Derbyshire.
OES is a benevolent organization and the $1,000-plus that was raised in the quilt raffle will go a long way toward supporting OES charitable activities, which include the Dialysis Unit at Leamington hospital and other worthy causes.
The local Imperial Chapter #21 OES also directs funds
to the OES Ontario chosen project each year. This year’s project is to help pay for cochlear implants for children. A cochlear implant (CI) is a surgically implanted electronic device that provides a sense of sound to a person who is profoundly deaf or severely hard of hearing. Cochlear implants are often referred to as a bionic ear.
The first cochlear implant a child receives is paid for, but subsequent replacement implants that are needed as they grow are not.
OES has undertaken to assist paying for additional implants for the children whose parents do not have the means to pay for the device.
LAERC to resume meetings
On Tues. Sept. 4 the Leamington Area Ecumenical Refugee Committee (LAERC) will be having a welcome back meeting at 6 p.m. on Knox Presbyterian Church, 4 Setterington St. Monthly meetings are planned for the first Tuesday of the month.
LAERC welcomes the public to join them as they continue to welcome refugees to a safe new home. To date they have sponsored seven families and they are all doing well.
LAERC welcomes donations of household goods or cash (a tax receipt will be given). Their recent yard sale fundraiser was a huge success, and organizers are hoping the Best Ball Golf Tournament at Erie Shores on Sept. 19 will be a big success as well. For sign-up information contact Carolyn Reid 519-3266776.
Permission to Make a Joyful Noise
On Friday, September 14 to Sunday, September 16 UMEI will be hosting the third Project X, a nondenominational youth outreach event that will include live music and food. The organizers have applied for an exemption from the noise by-law to accommodate the music extending into the evening Friday and Saturday. Municipal Council had no problem granting the request.
Eldercollege to hold Open House and registration for new semester
Eldercollege is launching their third semester of courses for Windsor and Essex County at an Open House and registration being held at Pelee Island Winery, 455 Seacliff Drive, Kingsville, on September 12 from 1:00-3:30 p.m. Other open houses are scheduled for Windsor and Belle River.
The Canterbury College Open House is being held exactly one year from last year’s Open House Launch – Eldercollege’s first-year anniversary!
There will be over 50 courses offered in Windsor and communities throughout the county including Leamington, Kingsville, Harrow, Essex, Lakeshore, Tecumseh and McGregor. Courses include winery education, exploring lost and ghost communities, art, technology, politics, health, environment, recreation, music with the Windsor Symphony Orchestra, photography, fitness, history, retirement planning and much, much more.
This year Eldercollege is offering online registration anytime throughout the fall semester, Sept. 17 to Dec. 17. For more information contact Catherin Fettes at 519-53-3000 ext. 4944, fettesc@uwindsor.ca or visit the website at www. uwindsor.ca/canterbury/eldercollege
Imperial Chapter #21 Worthy Patron David Derbyshire (left) and Worthy Matron Elaine McDonald (right) presented this beautiful quilt to lucky winner Linda Wigfield of Wheatley (centre) and her husband Richard. Proceeds from the quilt raffle will assist OES in supporting their charitable activities. (SUN Photo)
Survey designed to test local pulse of Windsor-Essex residents
The second annual independent research study was launched in August asking local residents to share how they feel about living and working in Windsor-Essex region.
Sentiens Research, a Windsor-based professional market research firm, has been commissioned once again by WindsorEssex Economic Development Corporation (WEEDC) to conduct the survey.
In 2011 over 1,300 people participated in the online annual survey study designed to assess how Windsor-Essex residents feel about a range of economic and quality-of-
life topics and ask for their opinions on living and working in Windsor-Essex.
“Last year’s study provided important benchmarks and measurements for a number of regional organizations that were used in their development plans,” said Karolyn Hart, Vice President of Marketing, Operations & Community Development for WEEDC. “This year there are some new questions from partners who are eager to measure the success of some of those plans.”
All information provided by respondents will be treated confidentially and no individual responses will be shared
with any company, agency or organization. In order to qualify for this study, respondents must be residents of Windsor or Essex County and at least 19 years of age.
As an incentive to participate, respondents will have the opportunity to enter their name into a random draw for a cash prize of $500. The survey closes on September 14, 2012.
Windsor-Essex Residents can access the survey by visiting the website at www.windsoressexsurvey.com
A link to the survey is also available on the WEEDC website at www.choosewindsoressex.com
OBITUARY
Alex Konduros
Alex Konduros, 85 years, of Harrison Township, Michigan, passed away Saturday, August 18, 2012 in Palm Harbor, FL, after an illness with cancer.
Alex was retired from Cobo Hall Convention Center, was the former owner of Diana Sweets Restaurant in Leamington, and was an avid golfer and loved landscaping. He had a great sense of humor, a contagious laugh and brought fun and laughter with boundless energy for living.
Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Helen; son, Chris; daughter and son-in-law, Mary Ellen Konduros and Anthony Clark; siblings, Plato, Philip and Diane; and many nephews and nieces.
Visitation will be held at the Reid Funeral Home, 14 Russell St., Leamington, on Thursday, August 30, 2012 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
A funeral service to celebrate Alex’s life will be held at the funeral home on Friday, Aug. 31 at 11 a.m. Interment to follow at Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Konduros family, P.O. Box 6176, Hudson, FL, 34674.
Ruthven Apple Festival looking for talent
The Ruthven Apple Festival Steering Committee is pleased to announce it is accepting entries into the Hometown Family Pharmacy Musical Showcase. The 33rd annual Ruthven Apple Festival is scheduled to take place on Saturday, September 29 and Sunday, September 30 at Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens in Ruthven. Admission to this outstanding family tradition is free.
The annual Musical Showcase will be an opportunity for local performers to showcase their talent by performing a song of their choice and will be held on Sunday afternoon beginning at 4:00 p.m. on the main stage. It will be possible to accommodate artists who wish to perform to a pre-recorded musical backdrop on compact disc or tape, as well as competitors with live musical accompaniment.
To confirm your participation, contact Tony DeSantis at 519-776-6483, ext 246.
The Ruthven Apple Festival is a two-day charity event which features the Ruthven Oddfellows and friends buffet breakfast, a parade, classic car show, more than 100 food and craft booths, non-stop live musical entertainment and a Farmers Market. The festival is expected to attract more than 15,000 people and to date has raised $685,000 to benefit Community Living Essex County.
Community Living Essex County is a non-profit, charitable organization supporting over 650 people who have an intellectual disability so that they may live in a state of dignity and share in all elements of living in their community with an opportunity to participate effectively.
Letter to the editor
Spot of tea raises thousands
Liz DelCiancio, chair of “Miss Lizzy’s Tea”, and her dedicated group of committee volunteers have raised over $28,000 in three years at the annual event for the Windsor & Essex County Cancer Centre Foundation’s Patient Assistance Fund. This includes an incredible $14,500 raised at this year’s tea.
The Fund was initiated in 2009 to help support the growing financial needs exhibited by patients being treated at the Centre. A cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatment can often mean an interruption in employment not only for patients, but also for their spouse or caregiver.
Since that time, the Fund has assisted almost 500 patients, including families and individuals during the holiday season, providing a total of over $150,000 in financial assistance. Examples of some of the items the Fund covers include:
• Patient transportation to medical appointments or out-of-town tests.
• Medical equipment, such as pump rentals, prosthesis, and colostomy cleaning supplies.
• Prescriptions not covered by OHIP or insurance benefits.
• Funeral arrangements, will writing assistance.
• Living expenses such as utilities, groceries, rent or mortgage payments.
• Fertility preservation for young men undergoing sterilizing chemo treatment.
We would also like to gratefully acknowledge all of the individuals and businesses that donated gifts and prizes to the event; all of the ladies that took part in the traditional afternoon of tea, sweets and sandwiches; and the husbands, sons and partners that assisted in serving that afternoon.
AUDITION CALL for “Yankee Notions”
Auditions for “Yankee Notions”, by Canadian Playwright, Anne Chislett, will take place at The Bank Theatre and Meeting Place, 10 Erie St. S., Leamington on Wednesday, September 5 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Saturday, September 8 from 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
This eleven-actor play (4 females and 7 males) is an inspiring, colourful and witty historical based drama about the struggles between Upper and Lower Canada a few years after the war of 1812.
Anyone (male or female) between the ages of 16 – 60 interested in auditioning for “Yankee Notions” is encouraged to prepare a 2-minute monologue. You need not have previous stage experience. The show’s director, Todd R. Pepper, has acted in and directed many of Sun Parlour Players’ productions.
Production dates will be November 2, 3, 9 and 10 at 8 p.m. and November 4 and 11 at 2 p.m. at The Bank Theatre and Meeting Place. For more information call 519-326-0586.
Unique ideas, hard work and generosity make events such as this such a success, and we sincerely appreciate the efforts of everyone involved.
– Kerri Hill Communications Coordinator Windsor & Essex County Cancer Centre Foundation
Legion news
Leamington Br. 84
By Lisa Cowen-Tehonchuk
Seniors: The next Seniors Dinner is Wed. Sept. 12. Barbecued pork chops are on the menu and entertainment will be provided by Gord Ciliska. Look for the September to December dinner menu.
Sports: Friday night fun darts start at 8 p.m. and the cost is only $2. Everyone is welcome to come out and join the fun. The winners from Aug. 17 were Dennis and Mark. Two teams tied for second place — Carole and Paul, and Mabel and Larry.
The winners of the Aug. 18 dart tournament were Tim and Carole. Richard and Lisa T. won second place, and in third were Bonnie and Simp.
Branch Happenings: At the end of September the Branch is hosting a hypnotist. For info, stop in at the Branch at 27 Erie St. N. or call 519-326-0073.
Membership has gone up $5 across the board.
Come on out each and every Saturday for the weekly meat draw. First draw is at 3:30 p.m. and the last one is at 5 p.m. Everyone is welcome.
The first General meeting is September 5 at 7 p.m. This also a special meeting.
Andrew Taves, Mike Beggs make Two Creeks concert debut
Local musicians Andrew Taves and Mike Beggs will bring their talents to Two Creeks on Sept. 2 in the final concert of the 2012 season.
Andrew started playing acoustic guitar at 12, and his style has been influenced by the likes of Jack Johnson, Great Big Sea, Gordon Lightfoot, The Tragically Hip and Neil Young.
He released an album locally called “No Matter Where You Go, There You Are”, a collection of songs based on his road trips around Canada.
Mike Beggs has been on the regional music scene for some time, having released his own CD. His style is country-tinged rock.
Expect to hear covers, songs from their own albums and new compositions.
For more information, see andrewtaves.ca.
The Two Creeks concerts, held Sundays at 6:30 p.m. on the Weil Stage in the natural amphitheatre at the conservation area just north of Wheatley on Kent Road
1, continue throughout the summer.
Admission is free, but the hat is passed to defray the expense of bringing in performers and to continue the volunteer work necessary to maintain the site. Refreshments are available from Wheatley Scouting. Bring lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy the atmosphere. In case of inclement weather, the concerts are held under the pavilion. You can also bring used household batteries for recycling. For more information, visit www.twocreeks.ca, email info@twocreeks.ca or call 519-324-6988.
Long-lasting sedum plants
Sedum plants are drought-tolerant perennials that are very easy to grow. This plant grows in clumps and can be divided and replanted anytime during the growing season. The flowers attract butterflies, birds and bees, and are also great for cut flowers.
Sedum is perfect for border planting, raised beds, sloping banks and sunny perennial designs. The tightly packed, milky-white flower heads develop mid-summer and will turn cream to light pink. As fall approaches, the flower heads turn shades of salmon to burgundy, and as winter approaches a brown to cocoa. This is one of my favorite perennials that will last even after snowfall, giving the garden a unique appearance.
This perennial is also easy to grow and maintain, as it only requires well-drained soil. To grow a sturdy plant, cut back the growth by half leaving approximately 8 to 10 inches. The remaining plant will quickly produce new growth and result in more flower heads. By doing this you will only delay the flowering by a week, and the plants will develop bushy growth and more foliage colour.
Plant sedum in clumps to produce bold foliage and round shapes among spreading groundcover.
Sedum survives very well with fluctuating weather temperatures, heat from brick buildings and hard surfaces. If you live in an apartment building, they are perfect for attractive quick and easy colour on balconies or terraced gardens.
This plant is commonly used in mixed container plantings and even as a single plant in a decorative pot.
With new plantings, simply follow the instructions, water regularly and add mulch to retain moisture.
The better the growing conditions, the better the growth and performance of sedum will be. If dry periods continue for more than several weeks, an occasional deep watering will help to keep them healthy.
Your comments and questions are always welcome. E-mail inthebackyard74@yahoo.ca
BILL PLUMB
In
Andrew Taves (pictured above) and Mike Beggs will be at Two Creeks on Sunday, Sept. 2. (Submitted Photo)
Music store to open in Kingsville
From Kingston to Kingsville, local musicians John and Michele Law certainly know how to keep busy.
The owners of Wheatley’s Rebel Cowboy Music announced recently that they will open a second music store in Kingsville, located at 49 Main St. East. The new store will bear the same name as the original, which opened in November of last year.
The Laws are currently conducting a ‘home tour’ in the Kingston area and will return to the area before the grand opening of the Rebel Cowboy Music Kingsville store on Saturday, Sept. 1.
A ‘Home Tour’ is a series of performances where home owners hire solo or duet musicians to perform live for an audience in exchange for room and board and meals. The concept, while popular in Europe, is just starting to catch on in North America.
During the opening, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Laws will bring live music, product demonstrations and a ‘meet and greet’ to the new branch of their business.
The Kingsville store will carry a similar line of instruments as the Wheatley location, including Norman guitars, a brand built in La Patrie, Quebec, using all Canadian woods. Both stores will also carry similar accessories such as picks, stands, strings, tuners, capos, cases and other items.
Aside from guitars, the Kingsville Rebel Cowboy will also carry other stringed instruments such as ukeleles, mandolins and banjos — most brands not in the stores can be specialty ordered.
“They’re trying to keep it small and manageable,” said the Laws’ public relations representative Terry Lobzun, a guitar played who has performed with John and Michele on multiple occasions. “Without the overhead of larger chain stores, they’re able to offer good prices. They’ve been great catalysts for the music scene in this area. And Kingsville, being a big scene for the arts and culture, is a great fit.”
Currently, many of the students taking lessons and customers purchasing inventory from the Wheatley store are from the Kingsville-Leamington area, as are instructors
Seeking entries in Scarecrows for Charity Contest
The Scarecrows for Charity Contest gives Cindy’s Home & Garden the opportunity to raise awareness and community support for various charitable causes, at the same time allowing groups and charities a chance to receive 1 of 4 cash prizes. This year’s Scarecrows for Charity contest is sponsored by United Communities Credit Union (UCCU).
To enter the contest simply fill out an entry form, bring it to Cindy’s Home & Garden (558 Seacliff Dr. between Leamington and Kingsville) and you will receive your wooden scarecrow frame to design. All scarecrows will be displayed the 1st of September until the 20th of October during Kingsville’s 43rd Annual Migration Festival. The winning charities will be awarded cash prizes: 1st place $500, 2nd place $300 (sponsored by UCCU), 3rd place $200, and a Facebook prize where the scarecrow photo with the most likes will be awarded $100 (in the event of a tie there will be a coin toss).
As a new feature this year, all scarecrows will be auctioned off following the awards on Saturday, October 20. This gives each charity an opportunity to receive a donation.
Last year Cindy’s was host to 15 scarecrows, and organizers expect to double that number this year.
teaching at Rebel Cowboy. The new location is intended to serve the area spanning from Amherstburg up to Leamington.
The new store is the former location of Head 2 Toe Salon and Nature’s Waves Hairstyling Salon and offers about 500 square feet of useable space — roughly the same as the Wheatley location. Lobzun, a consultant with auction houses including RM Restorations, noted that with two stores, the Laws will be able to rotate stock, allowing customers in Kingsville to find needed items that may be overlooked by Wheatley-area customers and vice versa. This, he noted, will be especially convenient for customers trying to sell instruments, amps or other items that they no longer use.
The Laws acquired the Kingsville building just over a month ago and were quick to bring its interior to the point where it became ready for business.
“We believe the new location will encourage new musi-
cal talent from the area which in turn, inspires us as well,” explained Michele. “The Kingsville B.I.A. has been very supportive of the idea, and in welcoming us into the local business district.”
The Laws decided to open the second store following the success experienced at the Wheatley store since it came to fruition in the autumn of last year. Coinciding with their business motto ‘inspiring and promoting creativity’, the Laws see the Kingsville location as an opportunity to encourage more local residents to pursue an interest in music.
“We have been fortunate to earn a living from recording and performing music for many years and now enjoy sharing our experience with others, through the store,” John said. Although not yet confirmed, the Kingsville Rebel Cowboy will likely operate under the same business hours as its Wheatley counterpart — 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday.
From left to right, Bob Dawson (slide guitar), John Law (mandolin), Joel Westlake (standing bass), Matthew Thiessen (acoustic guitar), Martin Harder (acoustic guitar), Alyssa Epp (banjo) and Michele Law (acoustic guitar) play a tune during an outdoor open jam session in front of Rebel Cowboy Music in Wheatley. The store’s owners, John and Michele Law, will be opening a second Rebel Cowboy store in Kingsville Saturday, Sept. 1.
Goalies take instruction from Tim Fewster (centre) at the Rick Heinz Goalie School held in Leamington recently.
Goalies Hone Skills at Goalie School
The Rick Heinz Goalie School was recently held at the Unico Arena. Although the number of participants was small, the owner of the school, Tim Fewster, went ahead and ran the camp. The five goalies who participated were lucky to have almost private instruction for 5 full days. Goalie helpers at the school were Brian Bradley and Brandon Lavadan. Shooters
Brett Bowman, Eric Taylor, Konnor Ricci, Hayden Hodgson, Brayden Klemens, Brett Thomas, Matthew Carvalho, and Nico Gualtieri also donated their skills on the ice.
Back row, left to right: Brody Ryder, Head Coach Tim Fewster. Front: Jackson Ford, Marcus Stanley, Jared Koop, Satchel Brouwer.
Jose’s Bull Dogs win Rookie
Championship
The Jose’s Bull Dogs wrapped up the 2012 baseball season by taking the Rookie Championship Saturday, August 18. They played the entire year with only a two-run deficit. Team members are, front row left to right: Kevin Teichroeb, Lucas Penner, Tristan Pillon, Brendan Clements. Middle row: Tyler Swaddling, Jesse Teichroeb, Matt LeCoure, Nathan Friesen, Luke Tatomir, Austin Simpson, Conner Harder, Carter Matthews, Jaydon Tannous. Back row: Assistant Coach Henry Penner, Head Coach Robert Tatomir, Assistant Coach Jeff Simpson, Assistant Coach Kattie Tatomir.
Minor soccer season ends
By Bryan Jessop
Another year of travel minor soccer has come to an end.
The eight Leamington United teams experienced various levels of success throughout the 2012 Windsor and District Soccer League, including both the regular season and playoffs. While seasonal statistics and standings are not recorded for U10 and younger teams — including the Leamington United U10 boys — the older squads posted a wide range of statistics.
The U11 Leamington boys finished in the middle of the pack for the regular season, claiming fourth place among
seven teams with a record of six wins, one tie and five losses. The local team scored 43 goals and allowed 32 for a plus-11 goal differential and 19 points — five behind the third-place Tecumseh Warriors and seven ahead of the fifth-place Ciociaro Lions. This allowed Leamington to capture the last semi-final playoff spot, pitting them against the first-place Croatia Knights. Despite making a very close game of it, Leamington United lost the Aug. 20 match 1-0. The Knights allowed only four goals through the 12-game regular season while scoring 52 for an 11-0-1 record.
Leamington’s Under 12 group played in the secondlargest division, finishing fifth among 10 teams. With a record of seven wins, three ties and four losses for 24 points, they were the most successful team in the WADSL to miss the playoffs. Leamington scored 32 goals while allowing 30 for
a differential of plus-two. They trailed the fourth-place Tecumseh Warriors by seven points and led the sixth place Croatia Thunder by eight.
The Leamington Under 13 boys had an outstanding regular season, finishing with a perfect record of 14-0-0, eight points ahead of second-place Windsor SC Fury Green. Leamington United scored 68 goals while allowing 10 for a plus-58 differential. Of the league’s 103 minor teams, only the U12 boys Windsor Ciociaro SC 01 team had a better differential of plus-75. Leamington’s U13 boys faced the Croatia Flames in the WADSL semi-finals on Wednesday, Aug. 22. The game ended in a 2-1 score favouring Leamington while Windsor SC Fury Green nipped Future Pro Wolves 99 1-0. Michael Moavro and Zachary Ingratta scored the Leamington goals.
For the final, Leamington United was pitted against Windsor SC Fury Green at McHugh Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 25. Leamington suffered its first loss, 3-2, allowing Windsor to claim the championship. Leamington goals were scored by D’artagnan Perovic and Zachary Ingratta.
In the boys Under 14 division, the Leamington United team finished with an impressive record of nine wins, two ties and three losses, good for second place and 29 points in the eight-team group. The U14 boys was perhaps the most competitive division, as first and third were separated by only three points — Leamington finished a mere point behind the leading Future Pro Wolves and two points ahead of the third-place Tecumseh Warriors. Leamington and Tecumseh met in the semi-finals on Thursday, Aug. 23, where Tecusmeh won 2-1.
In the boys Under 16-17 category, Leamington’s final regular season record stood at two wins, three ties and nine losses to rank them sixth of seven teams with nine points — three behind the fifth-place Future Pro Wolves and nine points ahead of Ciociaro Windsor. Leamington scored 16 goals and allowed 40 for a differential of minus-24.
Leamington’s Under 12 girls tabulated a record of three wins, zero ties and 11 losses for seventh place in the eightteam group. They scored 21 times while allowing 42 for a minus-21 differential. Leamington United finished six points behind the sixth-place Tecumseh Warriors and nine points ahead of Belle River FC.
In the five-team girls Under 15-16 division, Leamington’s record stood at one win, three ties and eight losses. Their six points earned them the fourth semi-final position, two points ahead of LaSalle Stompers 97 and 12 points behind Polonia Rockets U14. Leamington’s differential was minus-32, with 12 goals for and 44 against. In the semis, they faced the division-leading Tecumseh Warriors U15 on Saturday, Aug. 25. Tecumseh won the game 8-0.
Talbot Trail seniors enjoy team matches
By Bob McLean
On Tues. Aug. 21, 80 seniors enjoyed the beautiful weather and team competition at the Talbot Trail golf course. The playing format was different as the lowest four scores for a team were totalled to decide the overall winning teams.
Prizes for first, second and third place were provided to the senior league by Guardian Drugs. Special thanks are extended to Neil Adamson and the owners of the following Guardian Drugs stores: Mark Vickers, Leamington; Jim Malott, Kingsville; and Mike Untch, Wheatley.
The winning team, shooting an impressive 176, consisted of the following players: Bryon Walker, Bill Ward, Bill Fast, Ron Will and Bob McLean. Two teams tied with 177. Using the tie-breaking format, second place went to the following players: Bill Galloway, Harvey Wiltshire, Pete Daudlin, Bob Patchett and Mike Getty. Third place winners were Jim Omstead, Al Matthews, Don Moore, Neil Adamson, and Walter Balsam. Neil Adamson, on behalf of Guardian Drugs, presented each winning team member with Guardian Drugs gift certificates.
Fourth, fifth and sixth place winning teams won golf balls for their prizes. In fourth place the winners with a 182 were Paul R. Brown, Don Riley, Bob Freure, Eugene Abbruzzese, and Robert Shaw. In fifth place with a 183 total were Dean Wigle, Tom Bondy, Fred Takaki, Dave Overholt and Rick Thompson. Sixth place honours went to the following players: Dave La Bonte, Gerry Becigneul, Bob Scott, Dave Carter and Dave Clark. It was great to see Hadley Pinch back in action after recovering from a recent medical setback.
In the 80y+ division, Bill Galloway continued his excellent play shooting a 45. One shot back, with outstanding 46s, were Murray Knox and Dave La Bonte. Harvey Wiltshire played well meriting a solid 52. Bill Westrop and Hadley Pinch achieved satisfying 54s. Other golfers earning 60 or less were Don Moore, Orville Elliott, Ray Allen and Jim Ascott.
The super seniors (87y+) were led by sweet swinging Dick Mackenzie’s terrific 44 result. Inspiring Linus Bachmeier earned an impressive 53. Al Stockwell and John H. Dick also had very commendable results.
The 55-69y division was led by Bob McLean’s excellent 40. He was closely followed by the superb 41s fired by Jim Omstead, Rob-
Russell Derbyshire of the Leamington Lakers scampers back to second base safely in a game Thursday against Walker Homesites.
Mosquito Lakers edge
Walker Homesites Minors
ert Shaw, and Rick Thompson. Kevin Jordan and Bill Ward earned impressive 43s. Shooting commendable 44s were Dave Clark, Dave Overholt and Jim Pearson. Ray La Pierre and Ron Will scored solid 45s. Other golfers who achieved 50 or less were Tom Bondy, Al Matthews, Ross Mackintosh, Lloyd Symons, Bill Fast, Mike Getty, Don Riley, Mac Hyatt, Larry Schmidt, Al Zanuttini and Jerry Paine. The 70-79y grouping had a three-way tie for low. Playing superbly and shooting terrific 42s were Mike Wright, Tom Hyatt, and Gerald Rivait. Vic Reynaert and Neil Adamson fired solid 43 and 44 respectively. Praiseworthy 45s were merited by Paul Brown, Homer Vandervecht and Joe Vertel. Also meriting commendable results less than 50 were these seniors: Walter Balsam, Paul R. Brown, Pete
Daudlin, Bob Scott, Eugene Abbruzzese, Bob Patchett and Ed Woelk. Bob Freure and Tom Sasso scored nifty 50s.
Bill Galloway’s shot on #7 proved to be too good for the rest of the field as only his name was on the Closest to the Pin sheet. Mike Wright’s impressive shot to within a foot of the hole on #9 won the honours for his team. Both sharp shooters earned $50 to share with their respective team members. The Pro shop gift prizewinners were: Al Zanuttini - $25; Homer Vandervecht - $15; Larry Gilbert - $10.
The league members wish to extend special thanks to barbecue chef Tom Dunn. Also thanks to manager Greg Coulter, and staff members Deanna and Candice for keeping the thirsty and hungry seniors satisfied. Derek Brown and Robert
Gillespie and all the outside workers have continued to do a terrific job at maintaining the course in magnificent condition. Thanks also to Mother Nature for her timely rains.
There are now 9 groups ready for the Aug. 30 excursion to Blenheim. The final league scramble will take place Sept. 25.
Remember the sixth annual Doc McLean Senior Invitational on Wed. Sept. 12. This year the invitational will honour Pete Anthony Sr. Details and signup sheets can be attained at the Talbot Trail clubhouse.
With the game tied at six in the bottom of the seventh inning Eric Dominguez singled to left field, stole second, advanced to third on a wild pitch and then scored on the catcher’s throwing error trying to catch Kyle Fehr stealing second base as the Leamington Mosquito Lakers edged Walker Homesites Minor Hawks 7-6 last Thursday evening.
Eric Willan led the Laker charge with two hits including a triple. Hayden Pilmer, Adam Neufeld (double), Russell Derbyshire, Dominguez and Collin Wall had one hit each.
Pilmer, Eric Wright, Derbyshire and Billy Friesen handled the pitching duties holding Walker Homesites to only three hits. Both Pilmer and Wright registered four strikeouts in their two innings pitched.
Catcher Jonathan Fehr had a great game behind the plate throwing out three Hawks baserunners trying to steal second base, including two in the top of the seventh inning with the score tied.
“The highlight of the night was in the second inning,” explained coach Terry Misener. “The Homesites player smoked a ball to the fence where Hayden Pilmer hit cutoff man Billy Friesen who threw a strike to Michael Wiebe to nail the hitter at second base. Was a perfect defensive play.”
The Lakers, sponsored by Domino’s Pizza, have a record of 17-10-2 with one regular season game remaining before they enter the Baseball Ontario “C” championship on Labour Day weekend in Belle River.
Neil Adamson, representing Guardian Drugs, presented the winning senior team at Talbot Trail Golf Course with Guardian Drugs gift certificates. Front row, left to right: Bill Ward, Bryon Walker, Bob McLean, Murray Knox (representing all the Talbot Trail league seniors). In back are Ron Will and Bill Fast.
Barons Lend A Hand
Leamington Barons catcher Ryan Sellon demonstrates proper technique with Leamington Mosquito Lakers backstops Eric Wright and Russell Derbyshire as they work on fundamentals in preparation for the Labour Day weekend OBA tournament. Sellon also ran a session with catchers Kyle Fehr and Jonathan Fehr, while Barons teammate Steve O’Neil conducted an instructional clinic for infielders and outfielders.
Lakers to compete for Ontario titles
Four Leamington Laker teams will be competing for Baseball Ontario “C” championship titles on Labour Day weekend. Leamington District Minor Baseball Association (LDMBA) travel teams in Rookies, Mosquito, Peewee and Bantam divisions will all be vying for provincial top honours.
“Our teams have been working hard all season in preparation for this weekend,” said Sue Holiga, LDMBA president. “The dedication of the coaches, players and parents is the key to success. Based on what they have shown, they should all do extremely well.”
The Leamington Uni-Fab Enclosures Rookie Lakers will have all the comforts of home as they contend for the Rookie “C” championship.
“The Rookie Lakers ball team has been very competitive this year,” said coach Kevin Gale. “We have had our fair share of success but it certainly hasn’t been easy. The talent we’ve seen from other ‘C’ ball teams in our area is quite impressive with Belle River and Essex looking especially strong. Now we throw centres like Port Hope and Dorchester in the mix and the task looks quite daunting. In the long run it’s a long and exciting weekend of baseball, so we just need to play some solid baseball and hope for the occasional bounce in our favour.”
Eight teams, Amherstburg, Belle River, Dorchester, Essex, LaSalle, Leamington, Port Hope and Tillsonburg, will be visiting the Tomato Capital over the long weekend in search of the championship.
The Leamington Domino Pizza Mosquito Lakers will be off to Belle River to contend for the “C” championship.
“It is expected to be a very tough tournament with Tillsonburg, Belle River, Pelham and a couple other quality teams,” said coach Dan Dominguez. “With only 5 second-year players on the team, we will need them to lead us offensively. Pitching, defense and speed have been strong all season and it will have to carry over if we are to go all the way.”
Leamington opens against Amherstburg on Friday afternoon, other teams competing include Belle River, Forest, Goderich, Kincardine, Kingsville, Pelham, Tillsonburg, Waterdown and Wyoming.
The Leamington South Essex Fabricating Peewee Lakers will also be in Belle River as they compete for the Peewee “C” top honours.
Joining Leamington in the battle for Pee Wee “C” supremacy will be Amherstburg 1, Amherstburg 2, Belle River, Forest, Kingsville, Pelham, Strathroy, Tillsonburg and Wallaceburg.
“We have 11 young men and one young lady, and all 12 of them are good ball players and know what has to be done for us to win the OBAs,” said coach Ed Grieve. Last year, the Peewees were silver medalists in the tournament and are hoping to improve on those results.
The Leamington KentEssex Insurance/Naples Pizza Bantam Lakers will make the trek to Waterdown to participate in a 10-team tournament to decide the Bantam “C” champs.
“The kids are very excited, this is what they have been preparing for all year,” said coach Sam Chacko. “Although it has been a ‘character building’ summer of baseball this year for the Bantam Lakers, as we head into the final week of the regular season the team is starting to bring it all together and we are looking to peak during the OBA final weekend. The team is led in all aspects by the seniors, Joel Giesbrecht, Noah Chacko, Chris Fehr and Brett Stenger. We will continue to expect a high level of hit and run production from Dylan MacIntosh, Jonathon Parent, Mitchell Chausse and Josh Bluhm along with our defensive specialists Gibson Fulmer, Billy Teichroeb and Daniel Bueckert.”
“I have the utmost confidence in the team and their abilities, through hard work and determination they will have a terrific weekend,” added Chacko.
The teams battling along with Leamington for the Bantam title include Amherstburg, Belle River, Corunna, Essex, Exeter, Goderich, Hanover, Thorold and Waterdown.
Local female racer earns second-place finish in Canadian Motocross Nationals
Harrow’s Renée Riendeau finished second overall in the largest amateur motocross race in Canada, the 21st Annual Parts Canada TransCan at Walton Raceway Aug.15-19. She also battled with the best in Ste. Julie, QC, Courtland and Richmond, ON, to finish second overall in the Eastern Canadian Women’s National Championship in July and August.
“The Walton TransCan Grand National is a week-long festival of fun and excitement,” said Walton Raceway’s Chris Lee. “This annual Celebration of Motocross brings over 1,000 riders and their families across borders and across the country to compete for Canada’s most prestigious motocross awards.”
Many of Canada’s top professional racers started out as amateur competitors at the TransCan. Past amateur winners include Dusty Klatt, Marco Dubé, Colton Facciotti, Darcy Lange, Tyler Medaglia, Jeremy Medaglia, Kyle Beaton, Cole Thompson and Heidi Cooke. Many prominent American racers have also made the trip north to compete, including Travis Pastrana, Josh Woods, Bobby Kiniry, Jason Lawrence, Randy Valade and Sarah Whitmore.
“My goal is to get an AMA Pro Racing License by 2014,” said Riendeau. She has been riding since she was eight years old. With the help of sponsors such as R & D Powersporsts, Bearing Construction, Body By Bunner, Supercoops X Racing, LifeArc, TK Waterproofing and Tech-Care, Riendeau has had the opportunity to pursue her dreams. So far this year, she has won the Amateur National Qualifier Series and is currently first in the Hi-Point and Super Series in Ontario.
Leamington to host Rookie ‘C’ provincials
The Leamington District Minor Baseball Association (LDMBA) will host the Baseball Ontario Rookie “C” championship on Labour Day weekend, Aug. 31-Sept. 2.
Eight teams will battle locally for the provincial title.
Teams competing include Amherstburg, Belle River, Dorchester, Essex, LaSalle, Leamington, Port Hope and Tillsonburg. The tournament is a double-knockout format.
Play begins Fri. Aug. 31 at with games at 4:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., continues all day Saturday, with the semifinal and championship games slated for Sunday. All games will be played at the Kinsmen Baseball Complex on Seacliff Drive East.
“Playing host to the OBA’s is very exciting,” said Sue Holiga, tournament convener. “It provides this young group of players the opportunity to participate in a great tournament without having to travel far. The local economy will benefit as
well as teams will be staying in hotels and dining out over the weekend. I encourage everyone to come out and take in some exciting baseball”.
Erie Shores ladies hold club championship
The Ladies Club Championship was recently held at Erie Shores Golf Club. It was shortened to two days due to rain. The following are the results.
Club Champion: Debbie Dunmore.
A Flight: 1st Low Gross – Annie Pump; 1st Low Net – Tymara Brannagan; 2nd Low Gross – Nancy Flynn; 2nd Low Net – Diana Jones.
B Flight: 1st Low Gross – Lynne Towle; B Flight –1st Low Net and 2nd Low Gross was a tie shared by Carol Quinn and Beth Conn; 2nd Low Net – Diane Penner.
C Flight: 1st Low Gross – Lieta Vines; 1st Low Net – Jean Penner; 2nd Low Gross – Lynda McAnally; 2nd Low Net – Lisa Fehr.
Sat. Sept. 1: Games at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m.
Sun. Sept. 2: Games at 9 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and (if necessary) 2:00 p.m.
Fri. Aug. 31: 4 p.m. –Leamington vs Belle River and Dorchester vs LaSalle; 6:30 p.m. – Amherstburg vs Tillsonburg, and Port Hope vs Essex.
From left to right are: Leita Vines, C Flight winner; Annie Pump, A Flight winner; club champion Debbie Dunmore; and Lynne Towle, B Flight winner.
Hayden Hodgson of Leamington begins a training session Tuesday, Aug. 21 at Seacliff Park with a series of jumps over an apparatus created by trainer Tim Harris. Hodgson easily cleared the devices — set up at a height of three ft., nine inches — with standing jumps. Hodgson was the first pick of the OHL entry draft’s third round and began main camp with the Erie Otters Monday, Aug. 27. (SUN Photo)
Hodgson training hard for OHL
By Bryan Jessop
Hayden Hodgson has been so busy with off-season training, it’s ‘Erie’.
On Monday (Aug. 27), the Leamington native started main camp with the Ontario Hockey League’s Erie Otters, which began in Ancaster, immediately southwest of Hamilton. The Pennsylvania team’s home arena is currently undergoing renovations.
Hodgson was the first selection of the OHL entry draft’s third round in mid April of this year. Since May, he has been training in Leamington under the guidance of former road course runner Tim Harris.
Hodgson’ training began with workouts in Harris’s garage, and has since moved on to fitness and endurance testing at Seacliff Park. He was also doing weight training three times per week at Club Fit until the gym was shut down after the fire at the neighbouring Sunset Club (former Village Inn). He has since been doing weight training at The Kinsmen Complex.
When Hodgson attended the Otters’ mini-camp, he covered the team’s three-mile run in a time of about 24 minutes. Having visited the Cardinal Carter Catholic Secondary School track once per week, he is now covering the same distance in approximately 18 minutes. Training with Harris was scheduled five days a week for three to five hours per day.
“It’s been going great,” Hodgson said just prior to training on Tuesday, Aug. 21. “There have been a lot of intense workouts.”
For about a week, Hodgson trained alongside close friend and former Wheatley Shark Riley Babkirk. Babkirk, who is trying out for the OHL’s Sarnia Sting, would race up Seacliff Park’s hill against Hodgson, followed by sessions where the two would run up the hill separately while being timed by Harris. The trainer explained that the two were often separated by only hundredths of a second.
Prior to being drafted by the Otters, Hodgson was torn between pursuing professional-league dreams in hockey or baseball. The 16-year-old was an accomplished pitcher with the Windsor Selects while also racking up goals and assists with the ‘AAA’ Sun County Panthers over the past three hockey seasons.
“With the opportunity and the offers (with Erie), hockey is the ideal situation to get into right now,” explained Hodgson, a right winger who stands at 6’ 1” and tips the scales at 190 pounds. “It’s been my goal to make it to the OHL at 16, and now I have the chance to do it.”
With last season’s minor midget Panthers, Hodgson collected 21 goals and 20 assists for 41 points through the 28-game regular season. He finished the playoffs with between 45 and 50 points, having reached the finals with the Panthers, where the team was swept by the London Junior Knights. Sun County also won two tournaments during the 2011-12 campaign.
Although he has been a dominating force at the ‘AAA’ level, Hodgson described the Otters’ camp as an atmosphere he believed would be far more demanding.
“I expect some very fierce competition,” he said prior to starting the main camp on Monday. “Mini camp was tough, but I’m sure this will be even tougher.”
Among Hodgson’s competition will be Connor McDavid, the third-ever 15-year-old to be selected in the OHL entry draft. McDavid, having played minor hockey in the Toronto area, was the first pick overall and was permitted into an OHL main camp only after attaining approval from the league’s board of governors. Legislation allowing for the rare exception to the minimum age limit of 16 has been dubbed “The Tavares Rule” after John Tavares, who has since acquired a position with the New York Islanders.
Main camp for Hodgson began with a Monday-evening meeting among 55 to 60 other players, followed by off-ice fitness training and three days of scrimmaging. Pre-season games will begin Aug. 31 in Ancaster against Niagara and Sept. 1 at Flamboro against RouynNoranda of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.
Leamington’s Hayden Hodgson runs up the hill separating Seacliff Park from Seacliff Beach. (SUN Photo)
The sun sets on the 6-on-6 Mixed Beach Volleyball Leagues as end-of-season finals are complete. Playing in the Bronze Finals is Beach Bums (near side) and Black Ice. The Beach Bums took 3rd in an exciting match win.
Velocity beach volleyball league champions crowned at Seacliff
The Velocity Beach Leagues at Seacliff Beach crowned their top teams last week as the Wednesday Night 2-on-2 and the Thursday Night 6-on-6 saw the season playoffs decide on winners of the league.
The Wednesday Night 2s League was the first of its kind in the area and was composed of 8 teams. This ladder format league has been playing on the beach since the last week of May. With great weather nearly all summer, the league saw serious improvement based on tournament play, youth training and having other 2s teams in the area to compete with. Ages of athletes in the 2s league ranged from 13 to 41 and saw both male and female athletes competing.
“Our first year on the beach was a good one,” said league convenor Jim Konrad. “We were able to provide an atmosphere that was fun, active and social, and you could not have asked for a better summer on the beach.”
Konrad believes this is a serious foundation for growth in the future for the sport of volleyball, especially for youth in the area. “No one really played 2s in Leamington before,” said Konrad. “By creating this league we are attracting teams from Ruthven, Essex, Harrow, Windsor and Chatham to come to our beautiful beach and play.”
The 2 on 2 final was played by Jason Wall/Clayton Schroeder versus Josh Tiessen/Brian Warkentin. The best 3 out of 5 set was ultimately taken by Wall/Schroeder with the scores of 16/21, 21/18, 21/19, 17/21, 15/9. “Clay and I played together all season and had a great time competing against others in the league,” commented Wall. “We can’t wait for next year.”
2-on-2 Final Results – Aug. 22: 1. Jason Wall and Clayton Schroeder; 2. Josh Tiessen and Brian Warkentin; 3. Gene Dueck and Tyler Dobson; 4. Matthew Garcia and Trella Garcia; 5. Deryck Badz and Branden McKeen; 6. Andre Khayat and Brian Travis; 7. Chris Warkentin and Dereck Toews; 8. Matthew Lloyd and Bryce MacNeal.
The Thursday Night Mixed 6-on-6 League was compiled
of 8 teams from the surrounding area and has also played since the last week of May. The ladder format has been up and down with teams making swings all the way from the top court to the bottom.
The semi-finals saw a tight match between the Black Ice versus Block Party on one side and Beach Bums versus Dark Knights on the other side.
The finals were played by Block Party versus Dark Knights with Block Party coming out on top in the best of 3 final. Block Party was holding strong on the top court for most of the season and the team includes the 2s winners Wall/Schroeder.
6-on-6 Mixed Final Results
– Aug. 22: 1. Block Party, 2. Dark Knights, 3. Beach Bums, 4. Black Ice, 5. Honey Badgers, 6. The Vet Squad, 7. Team Black, 8. Asian Persuasion.
The season will start again in late May 2013 and will include 2s, 6s, 4s and Youth Training and Youth Camps.
“This has been a great season on the beach,” said Velocity Volleyball Club Director Jim Konrad. “It was a challenge in some ways to create a market and convince others to come to this area and stay and play volleyball. It did however work, with teams coming from Windsor, Chatham and areas in between to see what we have here.”
“The word is spreading
about this amazing beach and it has been a pleasure to work with and promote the Municipality of Leamington as a serious sports tourism location,” said Konrad. There is more to come, said Konrad, as Velocity heads indoors for Youth Training, House Leagues, Girls and Boys Club Volleyball and Adult Tournaments and Leagues offered this season at Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex, UMEI and Cardinal Carter. More information about tryouts and registration is available at: www. velocityvolleybll.ca
Velocity 6-on-6 Mixed Beach Volleyball League winners was team Block Party. Back row, left to right: Jim Konrad of Velocity Volleyball with team members Ryan Dyck, Jason Wall, Clay Schroeder, and (in front) Natasha Barlow and Olga Rempel. Absent: Susie Redekop.
The Grinders, sponsored by the Roma Club, were the champions of the 2012 Jose’s Southpoint
Members of the Grinders are: (top row, l to r) Kevin Gale, Jay Pickle, Ross
Kevin Hopper and Jeremy Tiborcz. (Bottom row) Donnie Church, Greg Mastronardi,
son Cornies and Kevin Sawatzky. Absent: Lucas George.
Grinders win 2012 JSMS championship
Desert Storm made a late season surge as they dominated Colt 45s in the first round and upset Guardian Drugs in the second round. Guardian had a chance for revenge as they met again in the quarters and beat Desert Storm, ending their season early Sunday afternoon.
The Grinders continued their dominance in the league winning two games on Saturday, guaranteeing them a spot in Sunday’s quarterfinal. After falling to the Bashers the first game of the final in extra innings by 2, a clutch homerun by “Big Ben” and an RBI single by Frank Friesen was just not enough as the Grinders shut down the Bashers in
the second game to take the championship.
Injury-ridden Saw Monkeys struggled to get their offense going and fell to the Grinders stellar D and Guardians’ late push Saturday afternoon.
After finishing last and second last in the regular season, Colt 45s and the Car Barn shocked the league by giving teams a run for their money, making it late Saturday afternoon but failing to place. Late-season improvement by these teams gave a promising outlook for both next year. Special thanks to all the sponsors for their continued support.
Charamba closes in and Team White’s Cam Dawson keeps a partially blocked Team Blue forward at bay. (SUN Photo)
Sharks host Blue/White game
The Wheatley Sharks will experience another large turnover of players for 2012-13, but that doesn’t translate into a pessimistic outlook for the upcoming season.
On Sunday, Aug. 26, the Sharks kicked off their main camp with the annual Blue vs. White game, held at Unico Arena in Leamington. The Wheatley coaching staff is wasting no time in the process of creating a roster for this season, as about 15 hopefuls were released following the Blue/ White contest.
“I was very happy with what I saw,” said Sharks head coach Ken Galerno. “The competitive level was up.”
About 40 players took part in Sunday’s game and by the time Unico Arena was vacated, that number had been reduced to 25.
“We don’t want to string anybody along,” said Galerno. “We’ve got a short, condensed camp and we don’t want to waste opportunities that some of these players might have somewhere else.”
Although the Sharks will be losing a significant portion of last season’s offensive firepower, the team’s executive is not about to push the panic button for the upcoming Great Lakes Junior ‘C’ campaign.
“It was the most physical (Blue/White) game I’ve seen in three or four years,” said Sharks owner and director of hockey operations Bruno Carnevale. “It was very high tempo — these players are going to earn their spots. It’s a shame we can only carry one 16-year-old — I’d like to take 10 of them.”
From last season, the Sharks are losing top point scorer Riley Babkirk to either the OHL’s Sarnia Sting or the neighbouring Junior ‘B’ Leamington Flyers. They will also lose Austin Fontaine to the LaSalle Vipers, Eric Rivard to the Chatham Maroons and several other key players to age, including Trevor Grieve, Jordan Carnevale, Dustin Woelk, Jesse Martin and David Bingeman.
With a large number of players moving up to Junior ‘B’ or higher, the Sharks will fill this season’s roster with about 15 rookies. Both Galerno and Bruno Carnevale explained that although the number seems high, it is not unusual for Wheatley, which prides itself on developing players for higher levels of competition.
The Sharks will likely rely heavily on defense and goaltending for 2012-13 and have only 12 days and four camp dates remaining before the regular season kicks off Monday, Sept. 10 at home against the Dresden Kings. The initial roster will probably be finalized following Wheatley’s only exhibition match, to be played Friday, Aug. 31 in Belle River.
“I like the youth and enthusiasm we’ve got at camp this year,” said Galerno. “I’m not disappointed at all in what we’ve got.”
The Sharks held main camp at Unico yesterday (Aug. 28) and will do so again today before setting foot on Wheatley Area Arena ice Sept. 5, 7 and 9.
Men’s Softball League.
Baillargeon, Steve O’Neil, Gary Minaudo,
Columbo Ciotoli, Ryan Sellon, Ja-
(SUN Photo)
Team White goaltender Tyler Jackson smothers a loose puck while Team Blue’s Tyler
Flyers win exhibition game
By Bryan Jessop
The heat is on for players hoping to survive final cuts and make the roster for the 2012-13 Leamington Flyers.
Mid-week outdoor temperatures and humidity hardly made most think of the upcoming Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League season, but for some of those who escaped cuts from mini camp, main camp and the annual Red-White game, a pair of exhibition games against the LaSalle Vipers were do-ordie time.
Back-to-back matches between the Flyers and Vipers were the first exhibition games of the year among the nine Western Conference teams, played Aug. 22 in LaSalle and Aug. 23 at Unico Arena in Leamington.
The introductory game at the Vollmer Recreation Complex ended in a 4-4 draw — the teams decided not to pursue a winner with overtime or a shootout. The Flyers pulled out to a 2-0 lead before the midway point of the first period and led 2-1 at the first intermission. Bryce Doan started the scoring with a helper credited to Brett Bowman, followed by a tally from David Dalby, assisted by Riley Babkirk. Babkirk, who is also attending the main camp of the Ontario Hockey League’s Sarnia Sting, put fourth a three-point performance of two goals and an assist.
Babkirk netted both his goals late in the second period, the second on a power play with nine seconds remaining in the stanza. He
Leamington defenseman JP Grineau is pursued by a Vipers forward as he carries the puck from behind the Flyers net under the watchful eye of netminder Austyn Roudebush. The Flyers won the exhibition game 6-1.
drew assists from Colin Moore, Nick Beaune and Dalby.
The Vipers, however, owned the third period. Their three-goal deficit became a deadlock in less than 12 minutes, with the game-tying marker being scored with a man advantage. The Flyers were one for six on the power play while the hosting Vipers went one for 10. LaSalle’s first goal was scored while the hosts were short handed. Austyn Roudebush, who offered a stellar performance in the first half of the RedWhite game, allowed a single goal in the first half of the Aug. 22 contest in LaSalle. Trevor Wheaton allowed the other three in the game’s second half.
The next day’s game, where both teams stocked their respective rosters with more veterans, ended with entirely different results. The Flyers struck early and kept the Vipers under pressure with and without the puck, finishing the pre-season with a 6-1 victory at Unico Arena.
Veteran Flyer Alex Seguin opened the scoring 45 seconds into the game, taking advantage of a Vipers’ defensive giveaway and burying a shot by Taylor Speed. Seguin continued to make his presence known throughout the game, adding an assist on the following Joe Manchurek goal and scoring again in the third. Eric Leardi contributed to Leamington’s offense with two tallies while Tony Spidalieri accounted for the other home team goal. Assists were added by Nick Beaune, Dakota Olvin, Seguin, Dalby, Babkirk, Chris Scott and Kyle Bowman. Leamington’s power play proved effective Thursday, shutting down LaSalle on all eight of its man-advantage opportunities that at times, included five-on-threes. While the Vipers had their share of puck control, they were unable to generate many scoring chances against the Flyers. Guelph Storm hopeful Matthew Mancina stopped all 13 of his shots in the first half of the game while Roude-
bush stopped 10 of 11 shots. Leamington was one for three on the power play, a double power play goal by Seguin early in the third frame.
“I thought it was a really good effort,” said Flyers head coach Tony Piroski of his team’s Thursday game. “I like the all-round work ethic and the chemistry this early in the year. Our veterans took the exhibition games seriously, and I like to see that.”
The Flyers’ 2012-13 roster has nearly been finalized, although Piroski still has a few cuts to make and is awaiting the results from OHL main camps before he can present a completed line-up.
“There are still a few veterans who aren’t out of the woods yet,” Piroski said of tryouts.
This week’s main camp is being approached as more a set of practices before the regular season begins Thursday, Sept. 6 at 7:10 p.m., a home game against last year’s regular season-leading Sarnia Legionnaires.
Southpoint Minor Hockey Association is gearing up for the Bluewater Hockey League’s 2012-13 season.
Travel teams will officially hit the ice starting Tuesday, Sept. 4 while local league and girls teams will start mid to late September. In preparation, the major midget Southpoint Capitals released a tryout schedule for Unico Arena for Thursday, Aug. 30 and the following Friday as well as Tuesday, Sept. 4 at Heinz Arena and Thursday, Sept. 6 at Wheatley Area Arena. Tyke select tryouts are slotted to begin shortly after the house league regular season gets underway Sunday, Sept. 23. A bantam select team will also be iced after the season kicks off.
Southpoint minor hockey has seen about 500 players register thus far. Registration is still open to players in the SMHA’s drawing area by visiting the association’s website www.southpointminorhockey.com. Once the area’s final few players have signed up, numbers are expected to reach about 585 players — the same number that registered for the 2011-12 season.
“...the amalgamation of Kingsville-Harrow into Erie North Shore last year has not affected our numbers,” stated SMHA president Greg Dries.
The number of girls signed up to Southpoint teams has also remained consistent, as 85 are playing in the local Ontario Minor Hockey Association group and another 30 are registered within the Ontario Women’s Hockey Association. Last season, Southpoint girls’ teams included one in peewee house league, one in peewee travel, one bantam house league team and three at the intermediate level.
Although the upcoming season’s start is just around the corner, there are still SMHA teams in search of both coaches and players. Most house league teams are still accepting players while the bantam and midget local league squads, as well as the girls’ bantam house league group, are still looking to fill coaching positions.
Last season, the Southpoint Capital bantam minors advanced to the OMHA playdown finals, where they were defeated by Quinte West. This result made the Southpoint team the winner of the W.J. Weller Memorial Trophy. Earlier in the season, the bantam minors were crowned Silverstick champions. Also in the OMHA playdowns, the peewee major Capitals advanced to the quarter finals, where they were eliminated by Niagara Falls.
In girls’ divisions, three of five Southpoint teams advanced to the Essex Kent Girls Interlock Hockey League Day of Champions, where the bantam Stars claimed the championship.
For 2012-13, the Bluewater league established its regular season schedule Sunday, Aug. 19. Local league and girls teams will hold scheduling meetings in mid to late September.
Members of UK Soccer Camp’s Leamington group play a combination drill/game called ‘Ghostbusters’, where players on the edge of a circle take aim to hit three fellow members gathered in the middle of the circle. The drill was part of Day 3 at the Leamington camp, held at Kinsmen Fields.
UK Soccer Camp in Leamington
By Bryan Jessop
The UK Soccer Camp has kicked its way across southern Essex County and is now crossing the border into Chatham-Kent.
Last week, the instructional group led by English soccer coach and former professional player David Methven held its five-day camp in Leamington, hosted by Kinsmen Fields along Seacliff Drive. The camp brought in 18 registered players, who braved less than ideal weather conditions on Tuesday, August 21.
“The day started off hot and humid, and then the rain started coming down. We’ve got a shelter, but the wind blew the rain straight through it and we all got soaked,” said Methven. “So we went from hot to wet and then later in the day, hot again.”
Alex Deforge (centre player) bends the rules slightly as he kicks instead of carries a ball into the middle circle during a game of ‘Clean Your Room’ at the UK Soccer Camp.
