Southpoint Sun December 7, 2011

Grand Opening of Leamington Municipal Building

Invited guests enjoyed an official Grand Opening of the Leamington Municipal Building on Thursday, December 1. Construction began on the 39,200 square feet state-ofthe-art structure in January 2010 and was completed in April 2011. Original estimates pegged the building at $12 million, but came in under budget with the final price tag at just over $10 million.

The Municipality of Leamington took advantage of the Building Canada Fund (Infrastructure Stimulous Fund) to construct the building. The federal and provincial governments contributed 1/3 funding each towards the project for a total of approximately $7 million.

Leamington CAO Bill Marck welcomed the crowd of approximately 100 and introduced Paul Petahtegoose, Ceremony Maker from Caldwell First Nation who performed a traditional smudging ceremony.

Unfortunately both MP Dave Van Kesteren and MPP Rick Nicholls were unable to attend. Leamington Mayor John Paterson acknowledged the work, dedication and vision of the previous Council and admistration who supported the new building.

AT RIGHT: Mayor John Paterson placed a time capsule into the wall of the main entrance of the building.

BELOW: Members of Leamington Council cut the ribbon to officially open the building. From left to right, are Counciloor John Jacobs, Deputy-Mayor Charlie Wright, Mayor John Paterson, Councillors Larry Verbeke, Chris Chopchik and Rick Atkin. Absent was Councillor Hilda MacDonald. (SUN Photos)

Repairs in store for Erie View Road

Built back in 1958 Erie View Road, which runs west off Fraser Road mid-way between Seacliff and Talbot, is in a state of disrepair.

The fix doesn’t come cheap, however. To date $46,000 has been spent investigating street lighting, storm drainage and road reconstruction. After two meetings with landowners, however, the engineering department is prepared to recommend a solution and has received council permission to legally notify the appropriate bodies and landowners of their intent to repair the street. If no response to the notification is received, Dillon Consultants will be hired to engineer the project.

This work is being done under the Drainage Act at the instigation of Leamington Council acting as the ‘road authority’. It is hoped that the stormwater improvements will end the erosion of property to the south of Erie View and ponding of water near the eastern end of the road.

Recommendations to improve Council’s communications

By Bill Chaplin, Municipal Correspondent

Back when this council took office there was a decision to create a new Communications Committee to advise Leamington Council how to improve both communications within the corporation and between the municipality and its ratepayers. According to a report from Economic Development Officer Anne Miskovsky, “The committee has focused on a number of priorities that are necessary to help guide corporate communications:

1. Develop and implement the use of a common communications template for corporate announcements to provide a consistent message, identification and message.

2. Develop a corporate style guide which would provide information on the use of logos, print/font styles etc.

3. Develop a Social Media Policy which will be a measured, strategic approach to social media i.e.: who will use it, what it will be used for, conditions of use, behaviour and protocol

4. Establish protocols to Improve internal messaging so front line staff has appropriate information and details for inquiries and that common practices are followed.”

As part of this effort, the committee made three recommendations to council for specifics to be completed in 2012. These are:

“1. Expand the publication base of the ‘In the Know’ column to include insertions in the Southpoint Sun. The column will only occur once a month instead of the current two, but will run in both papers incurring no additional costs.

2. Explore the feasibility of publishing a ‘Council Corner’ column on a monthly basis in the Leamington Post and Southpoint Sun and on our web site which would focus on responding to questions on current projects, municipal processes or future plans etc.

3. Continue to make revisions to the web site so it is fresh, accessible and ‘user friendly’.”

Council agreed and has supported these three recommendations.

Leamington Council shorts from Dec. 5

Re-zoning approved on Seacliff Drive West

A public meeting to consider the re-zoning of 439 Seacliff Drive West attracted no objections or comments, so Leamington Council went ahead and approved the change in designation from Hobby Farm to Residential.

Restrictions lifted on several properties

Municipal Municipal Correspondent Correspondent

A parcel of land on Highway 77 just north of Mersea Road 4 has had its “holding” designation removed, paving the way for its development for commercial uses. The property was zoned for commercial development, but the holding prefix was added until the owner could prove that the land had access to services such as water, and storm and sanitary sewers. Since this has been accomplished, the restriction has been lifted and development can begin.

In a similar move, two residential properties, one facing Robson Road and the other facing Malibu Drive, have had the holding designation removed in preparation for building. Again, the owner of these properties has been able to show the necessary services for residential development are present and able to be accessed.

Drain deals

Leamington Council dealt with two matters involving municipal drains Monday evening. The first involved hiring N.J. Peralta Engineering to allow a portion of the George W. Irwin Drain to be realigned to allow expansion to a greenhouse loading dock.

The second was to again hire N.J. Peralta Engineering to improve and enlarge a culvert over the McLeod Drain. Since both of these projects are paid for by the landowner, little debate was engendered.

Waste management proposal stinks

Mayor John Paterson was blunt: “This offends me,” was his comment on the Stantec Consultants recommendations to the Essex Windsor Solid Waste Authority.

Leamington Council unanimously endorsed the analysis provided by the municipal treasurer in her report on the proposed changes to the financial structure of the Authority. In her report, Cheryl Horrobin wrote “The EWSWA operations exist for the purpose of waste management. Waste management is provided through a continuum of services including landfilling, recycling, composting and related support initiatives such as education and promotion of waste diversion and reduction programs. On that basis, it is fundamental that considerations for a EWSWA business model should align with strategic priorities of encouraging diversion from landfill and environmental sustainability, maximizing the useful life of the landfill asset, ensuring continuity of cost-effective and sustainable service delivery for Windsor and Essex County users. The recommendations considered above do not appear to reflect a sustainable, long-term strategy for provision of the spectrum of waste management services to Windsor and Essex County users in a responsible and fiscally prudent manner... It does not appear that any sustainable financial model has been derived to ensure that EWSWA costs are fully funded beyond 2011.”

For more information on the details of the proposed changes, see the accompanying article on Page 5.

Is it really December already!?

As I flipped the page of the calendar over to December, I was amazed that an entire year had flashed by. Only one month left of 2011. Time to pull out the Christmas decorations and tree from under the stairs and decorate for the holidays.

McThoughts McThoughts

Listening to Max 92.7 FM the other morning, the discussion was about how far along listeners were with their Christmas shopping. Of course, I haven’t started, but then again, I don’t buy for a lot of people. My family gave up gift giving probably 15 years ago when money became an issue for some, so we just decided to enjoy the holiday without gifts. We always bought for the kids in the family, of course, but as adults, it didn’t take long to realize that we didn’t miss the presents.

we had to because it was Christmas. Needless to say, these are the best presents and they make you realize how true it is when they say it is so much more satisfying to give than to receive.

The fun part of the holiday is watching the little ones and how excited they become as they help pick out presents and of course, they anticipate receiving lots and lots of presents. As an aunt, I believe it’s an unwritten rule that we must give the best gift and spoil our nieces and nephews.

I certainly don’t miss the days of panic shopping on December 24. Oh yes, I was one of those shoppers. I always knew what I wanted to buy, but by the time I got around to buying it, it was usually gone. What’s funny now is my sisters and I end up buying things for each other randomly, just because we saw something and thought of them; not because

Four of my nephews are adults now, and soon will be starting their own families of little ones. I can’t wait. I do have two little nieces and one nephew (and a baby bump on the way), so we’ll have years of fun making sure that they have whatever toy, book, movie or the latest fashion possible. Let the season begin!

Broth without any bread…

This past weekend, we – or more correctly the ‘royal we’ – have decided that we are going to do a body cleanse in the hopes of increasing our overall health. Bah humbug!

Lately, it seems like the aches and pains have been adding up. Most likely they are caused by the bad habits that we have slowly let sneak into our lives in conjunction with the outside stressors needling away at our pressure points.

Lifestyles Lifestyles

A month ago, we decided that we would get up earlier in the morning to fit a walk in before work every day. This has worked exceptionally well and we not only feel better but we also are gifted some time. Charlie, our dog, loves going with us and he can hardly contain himself when we pull out his pink leash. Last week, with the addition of wind and sleet, he willingly let us Velcro his little coat snug around him.

Now we have began ‘the cleanse’ and I hesitate to say the word because it reminds me that I am probably hungry at this moment. It’s definitely psychological, and if not for Mark’s willpower I am pretty sure I would quit at hour two. There are different reasons that people may choose to cleanse and breaking oneself of bodily ‘addictions’ to foods that stimulate us is one main one. Some of these foods include: coffee (heaven help me), sugar (there goes the cookie exchange), chocolate (tis’ the season), alcohol (fermented juice?), cigarettes, and processed foods.

The bad thing about all these foods is that they gang up and work together against us! The sweet muffin in the morning leads to a slump late morning and a needed stop at the coffee shop. This in turn leads to another sugar craving around 3:00, the happy hour later after work and then the peanut butter toast craving at bedtime. Sound familiar?

Thankfully, as I put this all in writing it reconfirms why I am doing a cleanse and willpower has a lot to do with it for me as well. I am up for a challenge and the fact that we are heading to Florida for Christmas is another incentive to lose a little of the belly fat that sitting at a desk all day can create.

The cleanse that we have chosen would not be recommended for everyone, especially if you have any health issues. It is always best to consult with your health care provider and talk to people that have done a cleanse properly.

The weeks prior to Christmas are very difficult ones to take on any dietary changes that exclude cheese, cookies and concoctions a good shaker can shake up, but hopefully it may help us feel our best throughout the holidays and beyond. When we are finished our one-week cleanse, we need to ease back into more solid foods. Fruits, vegetables and foods that we are able to eat whole or peel-and-eat are encouraged, but the sugars and additives in processed foods may make us ill. Honestly, it is a good time of year to appreciate the wonderful food available to us and being hungry certainly does that!

We will see how it goes, but with one day completed and the anticipation of a bowl of broth a couple of hours away, I am on my way. By the time you read this, I should be on day four of seven! I hope the ‘Soup Guru’ has veggie broth this week!

A light covering of snow at Hillman Marsh Photo by Tim Hayes of Visual Impressions

Essex-Windsor Solid Waste Authority considers mortgaging the future

That is a pretty inflammatory statement as a headline, but read on and see if you don’t agree. EWSWA hired Stantec Consulting last year to review its business operations. Their findings were generally very complimentary: staffing and costs were reasonable, and operations were being well carried out. One of the goals of the review was to see if Windsor and Essex County residents were receiving good value for their dollars, and to “examine the Authority’s business and financial situation in light of demanding economic and financial times and the pressure on the organization to control costs and maximize revenue sources.” In light of that mandate, eight recommendations were submitted and reviewed by representatives of Windsor and Essex County financial administration. In focusing on the specific recommendations both the consultants and the committee appear to have lost sight of a basic principle upon which the entire financing structure was based: user pay.

One recommendation is to suspend perpetual care contributions until the debentures are paid off. This is something like putting nothing away for retirement until the mortgage is paid off—something, I suspect, many people do. The borrowing that was necessary to develop the regional landfill site, however, is not like a mortgage, and suspending perpetual care contributions is not like deferring retirement savings. Why? When your mortgage is paid off, your home will have value, but when the regional landfill is closed it will have no value; eventually, your need for retirement savings will end, but the perpetual care costs for the regional landfill will never end.

The current contribution to perpetual care is $500,000, and that is built into the tipping fee. The logic is based on ‘user pay’: each ton of garbage filling

the landfill is contributing to the eventual need to care for that garbage when the landfill closes. We did not do that very well when landfill #2 was operating. After it closed the cost of making sure this environmental liability was cared for fell onto the shoulders of people who never used it, will never use it, but will still have to pay for it forever! In this year’s budget that amounts to $155,000, and while the exact figure for perpetual care may change from year to year, it will never go away.

I thought we had learned from that experience. From the first day the first load of waste was dumped at the regional landfill, money was collected and set aside for perpetual care. That reserve now amounts to many millions of dollars. Like a pension fund, it is intended that this money will provide sufficient interest that, when the landfill closes, all postclosure costs will have been paid for by the garbage resting in the landfill. What the consultants say is that we can suspend contributions until 2032 (when the debenture is paid off, freeing up $7.3 million per year), and then resume perpetual care payments using some of this money. Staff analysis shows that, assuming the landfill has to be closed around 2040, all of that money will be needed every year.

Perhaps that can be justified, I don’t know. I don’t think so, but I just don’t know. What I do know is that the next recommendation compromises our future even more.

The consultants also recommended “That the perpetual care reserve fund be capped at $2 million until the landfill debenture has been repaid with the surplus amount and interest earned transferred to the rate stabilization reserve.” and “That select reserves be consolidated with the Rate Stabilization Reserve to create a single 10-year rate model reserve.” Got any idea what that means? Read

on.

“The consultant recommended that the following reserves be consolidated. Their December 31, 2011 projected balances are noted:

1. Rate Stabilization Reserve $4,700,000

2. Regional Landfill Perpetual Care Reserve (retain $2M in that reserve and transfer the balance to the consolidated reserve)

$5,900,000

3. Equipment Replacement Reserve

$5,700,000

4. Future Cell Development Reserve $10,200,000”, is how the staff review committee put it. For those of you who are additionchallenged like I am, that’s $26.5 million, and all but $2 million is proposed to be used to ‘stabilize’ rates (i.e., keep prices down).

What’s wrong with keeping prices down? Absolutely nothing if it is being accomplished by practicing careful economies in conducting business. Absolutely everything if it is being accomplished by raiding all your savings and leaving it to future generations to cope with the mess you have left behind.

Instead of paying the real cost now, what is being proposed is keeping costs artificially low and hoping things will get better so that maybe we can better afford the debt later.

Now you have some idea why the inflammatory headline was used. Granted, I have painted this picture in as stark colours as I could, but the truth still remains that we need to endorse ‘user pay’, and include all of the costs—past, present, and future—in calculating what the user must pay. Postponing the pain now simply leads to problems later, as our annual $155,000 landfill #2 bill shows. When (not if) a new landfill must be opened in the still distant future, wouldn’t it be nice if our current liability weren’t compounded with another $155,000 perpetual payment for mistakes we could

avoid today?

This is only part of the flawed nature of the Stantec report. The consultants suggest changing the way that the solid waste authority is funded. Currently essentially everything is funded through the tipping fee: landfilling, recycling, composting, education, debt repayment and administration. It has been recommended that the debt repayment—repaying the roughly $120,000,000 that was borrowed to research, site and construct the regional landfill—be regarded as an ‘overhead’ cost and repayment be based on the population of member municipalities rather than be based on the amount of waste they are depositing in the landfill. What this would do, in essence, is punish the municipalities that generate relatively little waste per capita because of good environmental stewardship and reward those that generate a lot of garbage because their citizens are too lazy to recycle, too complacent to compost and too unimaginative to reuse. Implementation of this plan would result in Leamington (the municipality with the lowest garbage tonnage per person) paying the highest effective rate per tonne (tipping fee + debt repayment assessment = $122.62/tonne; a 17.29% increase) while little Amherstburg, for example, the

municipality with the highest tonnage of garbage per person, would pay an effective rate of $94.87 per tonne (a decrease of 9.25%).

But it only gets worse!

In studying the financial graphs and charts of what happens under their various scenarios one sees that by 2013 (or 2015 at the latest) the EWSWA will be operating at a deficit and draining the reserves to only a fraction of what they are now. There really is only one way to explain this fiscal irresponsibility: it is typical political meddling to try and keep taxes down way below the actual cost of the benefits being provided. We spent money to build a landfill; it takes money to run a landfill; it costs money to care for a landfill. If we do

not accept the discomfort now, and keep payments low, then our children and grandchildren are bound to suffer agony later when they have to pay the debts we did not pay.

Who knows what will happen at the Solid Waste Authority meeting when the City and County representatives determine what will be recommended to City and County Councils? Who knows what the reaction of County Council will be? The only certainty is that if the proposed changes are not studied more thoroughly and the financial pressures are not faced more honestly, there will be only losers in the long run.

Soup & Salad Luncheon

Estimated attendance at the annual Soup & Salad Luncheon held at the Portuguese Club on Wednesday, November 30 was down slightly from last year at 700. The three-hour event raised just over $17,000 for the Canadian Cancer Society! Attendees enjoyed samplings of a wide variety of gourmet soups donated from local restaurants and groups and served by volunteers from the community.

Peter

(SUN Photos)

Peter Neufeld, left, of Pearsall & Marshall Barristers & Solicitors, and Cordell Green from Max 92.7 FM are pictured here.

was still sporting his Movember mustache and Cordell was clean shaven.

The Southpoint Sun sales staff took time out to ladle soup. From left are Erin Squance, Melissa McCarty and Shannon Matheson.

Ron Hutchins of DH&C Mechanical and Rhonda Chorba of Heinz were having fun dishing out soup and smiles.

Local tomato twine company supports greenhouse veggie growers

Being a large area producer of tomatoes and peppers, the local greenhouse industry needs vertical tomato hooks, tomato and pepper twine. Larger plants need support to keep them from falling over. This is especially true of fruiting plants, like tomatoes, which are top-heavy as a result. A ma-

ture tomato plant may weigh up to 30 pounds when fruiting. Greenhouse vegetable growers use hooks and twine to hold up the plants. They tie a length of twine to the main stem of each tomato or pepper plant. As the plants grow, they adjust the tension of the twines so they provide continuous support throughout the harvesting season.

In the past, growers have turned to European twine and hooks manufactures for supply, sending hundreds of thousands of dollars overseas. Money that could support the local community, reduce their ecological footprint and decreasing traceability of the material origin and source.

“I believe most growers know that the money they spend with independent small businesses like ours keeps money within our community, which helps sustain local trade. It is a sort of investment in the future of our community. When local trade thrives, the people of our town are happy to live here. The community then continually feeds itself from lo-

For over 6 years, Enns, of Leamington, has supported area growers with ready wound vertical tomato hooks. The company sources materials locally, which dramatically reduces transportation and delivery time and increases traceability of the material origin and source.

The Southwestern based business also tailors their products to suit the greenhouse vegetable community.

“Growers can have their used hooks and tomato rollers rewound to use again,” said Enns. “This type of ‘recycling’ allows the hooks and rollers to be used several times and saves money to the farmer. This service is cost-effective to farmers in the Leamington and surrounding areas who can drop off their old hooks or rollers and pick up the rewound cases. Rewinding hooks and rollers is one way we produce less packaging. Less packaging means less waste, less demand on landfill sites and, better yet, less cost to the farmer.”

Kristin Shreve DD ~ Denturist Denture Specialist

Tomato hooks.

Tomato rollers.

cal trading,” says Neil Enns, of Wind Twine & Hooks Inc.

This boob bought a tube

Bless his heart, Jack Moore, the owner of Tom and Al’s Furnishings in Wallaceburg, sold me my first brand-new television set about 22 years ago. He gave me a good deal too. It was a Toshiba 30-inch TV. It was the pride of my living room for a dozen years or so. As I recall, it was only in the shop once or twice over that period of time. I wouldn’t be surprised to learn that this television set is still in operation somewhere. And do you know what I paid for that television all those years ago? Just under $1,000. For that kind of money today, I could buy a stadium scoreboard.

Flash forward to last Friday and I’m walking through a business client’s discount store and I come across a brand new, 32-inch, LCD, HD, stereo television set. The tag hanging off this beauty read $199. I couldn’t believe it and so I asked the young sales clerk if that was indeed the price. Indeed it was. With a big grin he asked me how many I wanted. I had to chuckle, after all I’ve got a couple of working television sets that I’m not even using and was thinking of giving away. What the heck would I do with yet another television set at any price? Anyway, I only bought one.

to buy these items? Noooo. Are these products Canadian made? Noooo. What about saving money to help with the kids’ education? What about starving children in Africa? The homeless?... and on and on. How am I going to respond to the people in my life, my girlfriend or my kids, when they look at me and shake their collective heads at my careless, spontaneous and emotional spending? Wasn’t I complaining about spending money just last week? What an ass I am! Should I turn the car around and take it all back? Noooo… that would be crazy.

I managed to rally a bit and get past my buyer’s remorse by the time my car entered the driveway. Like a little kid on Christmas morning, I had to get my hands on that new toy. I popped open the trunk of the car and rushed my big box into my bedroom. It might have been a heavy box at the store, but it was now light as a feather.

After a few minutes of ignoring the instruction manual and diagrams (I hate those things), and after breaking the pedestal, cursing a blue streak and playing hokey pokey with yellow, white,

red and black patch cords, I got my new TV set up and running in magnificent, vivid, high definition quality. TSN never looked better! In retrospect, I shouldn’t have beat myself up over giving myself a Christmas gift. I work hard and deserve a treat now and again, don’t I? Besides, I really enjoy television when I go to bed at night, and what the hell… why not maximize this small pleasure in life? Surely I’m entitled to a little joy. Hey, it cost only a couple of hundred bucks. I’ve almost lost that much at the racetrack in one sitting. Besides, that’s like three or four nights out at the restaurant. Think about this: when you do the math it’s only 54 cents a day over the course of a year, and if you factored that over 5 years it’s like a dime a day. Give me a calculator and a minute or two and I’ll eventually make money by purchasing this television set. In conclusion, I’m a smart shopper and have a keen eye for value.☺ It’s absolutely true that we, most of us anyway, buy with emotion and justify with logic. I think I saw a guy on television the other night saying the very same thing. Difference was, he was in high definition and wore very colourful clothes when he said it.

Letter to the Editor

We the members of Leamington Lodge would ask for a retraction of some of the article on the soup kitchen run by one of our members, Bill Dunn, the soup guru. The Monies as a whole are donated to various charities throughout the Erie District Masonic Area and we also adopt some families at Christmas time.

We wish you all the best wishes in this wonderful Christmas Season, Andrew Dobbie Secretary Leamington Lodge #290

While loading my new purchase in the trunk of my car, he informed me that he’s been loading up trunks and trucks with these things all day. “We’ve sold skids of them since this morning,” he said. He also told me that the store has been selling dozens of computer tablets too. Huh? He had me at “computer”. “Please tell me more my little clerk friend.” He did, and handed me a flyer, pointing out that the store was blowing out “android” computer tablets for less than a hundred bucks each. That’s crazy! I had paid $400 for my tablet a few months ago. Damn! And so I promptly marched in the store and bought 3 of these tablets as Christmas gifts. How could I say no? Seems I’m lacking the “no” gene, especially when it comes to gadget.

My credit card took a bit of a beating in a matter of about 10 minutes. My conscience took an even bigger beating on the way home. You guessed it – the dreaded buyer’s remorse. Surely you’re familiar with this affliction: the mental gymnastics of feeling guilt, embarrassment and utterly stupid. Did I really, really need

Neighbouring OPP lay numerous charges

Over the past few weeks the north end of Essex County has been victim to various break and enters to residences and motor vehicles. As a result of hard work by OPP officers, numerous charges have been laid against a few groups of teenagers.

In the Lakeshore area, there was one home broken into and two motor vehicles entered. Three youths, as defined under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, have been charged with: 2 counts of Break and Enter; 2 counts of Possession Under $5000; 3 counts of Possession Over $5000; 2 counts of Fraud. As a result of the investigation, $15,000 worth of jewelry was recovered.

In other investigation, a Tecumseh resident had her vehicle ransacked. Her laptop, a guitar and personal identification were stolen from her vehicle. Three youths, as defined under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, have been charged with 3 counts of Theft and Possession of Stolen Property. The property was recovered and returned to the owner.

Lastly, again in Lakeshore, three youths, as defined under the Youth Criminal Justice System, entered various vehicles along Old Tecumseh Road and have been charged with 5 counts of Theft and Possession of Stolen Property.

Each of these cases is separate, occurring over the past month. They are not related to the jewelry theft on Nov. 20 where thieves made off with approximately $400,000 worth of high-end jewelry and watches from a Russell Woods home.

The Essex County Historical Society has proudly launched it’s new book “INVASIONS: Taking and Retaking Detroit and the Western District during the War of 1812 and its Aftermath”. Written by author and retired schoolteacher Sandy Antal, the book is beautifully illustrated by local artist and history re-enactor Peter Rindlisbacher.

A book signing with both the author and illustrator was held Friday evening, December 2 at the Pelee Days where Mr. Antal was presented with a plaque on behalf of the Leamington Mersea Historical Society by President Nellie Jenkinson. The plaque is in recognition of Mr. Antal’s significant contribution in preserving local history.

The publication of the book was made possible by an Ontario Trillium Foundation grant.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7 - Leamington Blood Donor Clinic at the Portuguese Club, 217 Talbot St. W., 12:00 - 7:30 p.m. Call 1-888-2366283 for information or to book an appointment. Walk-ins welcome.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10 - An intimate evening of songs and stories featuring Leamington’s own Dale Butler and Wheatley’s The Laws. Gallery Restaurant (lower level), 11 Queen St., Leamington. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Show at 7:30 p.m. Tickets $15 per person, available at Rebel Cowboy Music, 15 Talbot W., Wheatley. Info/reservations 519-825-3330.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11 - Kittenaide’s Jingle

Bell Marketplace, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at Unico Hall, Beech & Main, Kingsville. New and interesting items for your Christmas shopping pleasure. Many vendors, baked goods, jewellery, movies, crafts and more. For info call 519-324-2729. Also Catfood Drive: Drop off cat/kitten food at PetValu or Metro Store in Leamington to help feed the abandoned cats throughout the winter months.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 12 -Ladies, their friends and special fellas are invited to Leamington Christian Women’s Guest Night at Colasanti’s, 6:30 p.m. Guest speaker: Ethel Wright. Musical

presentation: The Bailey Band. Tickets $14. Reservations necessary. Call Sharon 519-3260421 or Darlene 519-733-5595.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 12 – 10:30 to 11:30 am –New Canadians’ Centre of Excellence Inc. Employment Services is hosting a Short Term Training Info Session with guest speaker John Colomba from Windsor Equipment Training Facility. There is no cost for the session. Come find out about opportunities that are available for you to upgrade your skills. 24 Oak St W, Unit 6, Leamington. Call 519-326-6224 for more information.

• CHRISTMAS DINNER - Those who will be alone or those who will go without please join us for our annual Christmas Dinner on Christmas Day, December 25, 12:00 noon. The Church of St. John the Evangelist (Anglican) 60 Erie St. N., Leamington. Call 519-326-3111 to register by December 20th. A special invitation to shut-ins; if you are unable to join us, we will be pleased to deliver yor meal. There is no cost or obligation.

DECEMBER AND JANUARY - $10 Holiday Challenge: Kittenaide needs to feed and care for the abandoned cats and kittens in the program throughout the winter months. Donate $10 for

December or January. Also, sponsor a cat for Christmas for $20. You get a photo & bio, kitty gets a treat & toy. For info call 519-324-2729.

JANUARY 12 - FEBRUARY 9 - FREE 5-Week Prenatal Class, Thursdays in Leamington. Have you recently become pregnant? The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit will be providing free prenatal classes in Leamington. These free classes are taught by a Public Health Nurse. Call 519-326-5716 ext 2100 for time, location, and to register.

WEDNESDAYS - Are you looking for food and fellowship? Join us, no charge, at St. John’s Anglican Church, 60 Erie St. N., Leamington, from 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. Call 519-326-3111 for more information.

VOLUNTEER DRIVERS ARE NEEDED to transport people in Essex County and Chatham-Kent for dialysis treatments. Reimbursement of mileage is at .40 cents per km driven. We are in need of volunteer drivers to provide these essential appointments. To volunteer call 519728-1435, long distance 1-855-728-1433, or visit us at 499 Notre Dame St., Belle River. IF YOU HAVE PARKINSON and would like to join our group for information, exercise and support, come by Tuesday mornings at 10:30 a.m. to the Half Century Club, 160 Talbot St. E. Leamington.

Leamington Mersea Historical Society member Bob McCormick (left) and LMHS President Nellie Jenkinson presented a plaque to Sandy Antal, the author of “INVASIONS: Taking and Retaking Detroit and

Last call for ERCA’s Conservation Award nominations

Time is running short to nominate those who have contributed to environmental improvements in the past year! The Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) is calling for nominations for its 2011 Conservation Awards. These awards honour and recognize those in the community who have made outstanding contributions towards improving our natural environment, and ultimately the health and quality of life in the Essex Region.

“Each year, we seem to receive more nominations than the last,” says ERCA General Manager Richard Wyma. “It is gratifying to see new members of the community embrace the opportunity to protect and restore our local environment and it is extremely important to recognize and thank all those who make a tangible contribution toward achieving this goal.”

The annual Awards will be presented to individuals and organizations in four categories:

• The Youth Award recognizes a youth leader who has undertaken habitat or conservation projects or activities and is a student in the elementary or secondary schools of our region.

• The Education Award for excellence in conservation education programs or projects in schools, organizations, companies, youth groups, etc.

• The Volunteer Award for outstanding effort in volunteering time and services for conservation programs and projects.

• The Environmental Achievement Award for programs or projects undertook which have enhanced the region’s environment. In addition to individuals and organizations, municipalities can also be nominated for environmental achievements.

To submit a nomination, simply write a one-page summary of the individual or organizational accomplishments that merit the receipt of the award, or contact ERCA to receive a nomination form. Please be sure to include the category, name, address and phone number of the nominee, in addition to your own name, address and telephone number. Nominations close on Friday, December 16, 2011. The awards, presented since 1992, will be presented at ERCA’s Annual General Meeting in January 2012.

For more information on any of these awards, please contact Danielle Breault Stuebing at 519-776-5209 ext. 352. Nominations can

be faxed to 519 776 8688, or e-mailed to dstuebing@ erca.org. Nominations can also be submitted online or download a nomination form from our website at erca.org on the About ERCA page and click on ‘Conservation Awards’.

Arthritis spray gets new life

It has taken three frustrating years, but Herb Swinhoe believes his muscle and joint ache pain relief medication is about to take off.

Formulated more than 80 years ago by his grandfather, Thomas Swinhoe, ARM-1 has been manufactured in small batches by Swinhoe since 2008.

But all that is about to change. Swinhoe recently received word that he has been assigned a health product number by Health Canada which will allow him to approach larger scale retailers to increase the distribution network.

While the product had long been approved for sale by Health Canada, the health product designation is key to wider use and distribution.

Health Canada also advised JODA Industries Inc. that they wanted the product ingredient Methyl Salicilate to be increased from 8% to 22 % which will make the product even more effective.

There are many small dealers handling ARM-1, and one is right here in Leamington. The product is available at the Wellness Pharmacy. ARM-1 is also available at Bowman Feeds on Talbot St. E. in Wheatley.

2012 Escape (excluding I4 Manual)] models for a maximum of [36]/[48]/[60] months to qualified retail customers, on approved credit (OAC) from Ford Credit. Not all buyers will qualify for the lowest interest rate. Example: $30,000 purchase financed at 0% APR for 60 months, monthly payment is $500, cost of borrowing is $0 or APR of 0% and total to be repaid is $30,000.Down payment on purchase financing offers may be required based on approved credit from Ford Credit. Taxes payable on full amount of purchase price. ††From Dec. 1, 2011 to Dec. 15, 2011, receive $500/$1,000/$1, 500/$1,750/$2,000/ $2,250/$2,500/$3,000/$3,500/$4,000/$4,500/$5,000/$5,500/$6,000/$6,500/$7,000/$7,500/$8,000/$8,500/$10,000 in Manufacturer Rebat es with the purchase or lease of a new 2011 Focus S, 2011 Edge SE, 2011 Explorer Base, 2011 Escape I4

Raptor, GT500, Mustang Boss 302, Transit Connect EV & Medium Truck) (each an “Eligible Vehicle”). The Eligible Vehic le must be delivered and/or factory ordered from your participating Ford/Lincoln dealer within the Offer Period. Offer is only valid at participating dealers, is subject to vehicle availability, and may be cancelled or changed at any time without notice. Only one (1) offer may be applied towards the purchase or lease of one (1) Eligible Vehicle, up to a maximum of two (2) separate Eligible Vehicle sales per Costc o Membership Number. Offer is transferable to persons domiciled with an eligible Costco member. This offer can be used in conju nction with most retail consumer offers made available by Ford Motor Company of Canada at either the time of factory order (if ordered within the Offer Period) or deli very, but not both. Offer is not combinable with any CPA/GPC or Daily Rental incentives, the Commercial Upfit Program or the Co mmercial Fleet Incentive Program (CFIP). Applicable taxes calculated before $1,000CDN offer is deducted. Dealer may sell or lea se for less. Limited time offer, see dealer for details or call the Ford Customer Relationship Centre at 1-800-565-3673. ‡Program in effect from October 1, 2011 to January 3, 2012 (the “Program Period”). To qualify, customer must turn in a 2005-model-year-or-older

in the Ontario Chevrolet Dealer Marketing Association area only (including Outaouais ). Dealers are free to set individual prices. Dealer order or trade may be required. Limited time offers which may not be combi ned with other offers. GMCL may modify, extend or terminate offers in whole or in part at any time without notice. Conditions and limitations apply. See dealer for details. ***Factory order or dealer trade may be required ©The Best Bu y Seal is a registered trademark of Consumers Digest Communications, LLC, used under license. †Subject to Vehicle Redemption Al lowances. For complete GM Card Program Rules, including current Redemption Allowances, transferability of Earnings, and other applicable restrictions for all eligible GM vehicles, see your GM Dealer, call the GM Ca rd Redemption Centre at 1-888-446-6232 or visit TheGMCard.ca. Subject to applicable law, GMCL may

Star Theatres is staying in Leamington Bank Theatre and Greenway Trail in Aviva semi-finals!

Round Three ended on November 30 and now two local organizations are vying in two separate categories in the Aviva Insurance Community Fund.

Voting started on Monday, December 5 and runs for 12 days until December 16. Be sure to vote every day!

In the large category ($100,000 - $150,000) Culture, The Bank Theatre and Meeting Place advanced to the semi-final level. The Bank Theatre, the former Bank of Montreal building, on Erie Street South is under renovation and will house a playhouse theatre for Sun Parlour Players and other community groups.

The Essex/Amherstburg Greenway Trail is also a semifinalist, in the large category ($100,000 to $150,000) Environment. The project is the Essex – Amherstburg Greenway, a 22 kilometre abandoned rail line that intersects with the existing Chrysler Canada Greenway Trail. The funding will be used to construct a similar trail, bringing the community vision of a region connected by trails one step closer to reality.

The semi-finals mark the last round of voting, and the top 10 finishers here move to the finals, which are judged by a panel from Aviva.

By Sheila McBrayne

Last month it looked like Leamington’s only movie theatre was going to close, but owner Glenn Stencell has had a change of heart.

Stencell and his business partner signed a 10-year lease back in November 2001. When the lease came up this year, Stencell did not want to commit to another 10-year lease at 84 Talbot Street East in uptown Leamington. In early October he was not expecting to sign the lease, which would have meant the closing of the Star Theatres.

“It was a nice surprise when Aleks (the building owner) came back to work out an agreement… It’s a lot more flexible and allows me to look at it every year. It’s a lot more flexible,” said Stencell. “I didn’t think I was going to be able to keep it going, but it worked out,” he said.

Stencell has been operating under a 10-year lease, but he has had several different landlords over the years. “What people don’t know, is that we’ve had four different landlords in the last five years and each one blamed the last for short fallings,” said Stencell. Current building owner Aleks Krndija owns neighbouring Leamington Fitness and has been working with Stencell to make sure Leamington’s movie theatre stays open. “I like Aleks. I like Aleks a lot, I can work with him,” said Stencell.

Stencell opened Star Theatres in Leamington in June 2000. “We opened with Mission Impossible II, Gladiator and Big Mamma’s House,” he recalled. “Shows how long ago that was.”

“It looks like I’ll be here for a while, as long as things work out. I have no immediate plans to move,” said Stencell.

Civilian support staff return from Afghanistan

In July, Canada ended its U.N.-mandated, NATO-led combat mission in Afghanistan’s Kandahar province. As military personnel transitioned out of Kandahar Air Field, a few dedicated Canadians remained behind to literally close up shop. On December 6th, Canadian Forces Personnel and Family Support Services (CFPFSS) will welcome 37 of its deployed civilian Personnel Support Program (PSP) members back to Canada.

“Since 2005, over 1000 Canadians from all walks of life have taken time out of their lives to serve those who serve,” remarked Brigadier-General F.G. Bigelow, Director General Personnel and Family Support Services (DGPFSS). “The PSP staff provided a sense of normalcy to the lives of our troops and their dedication to service should be commended.”

For most Canadians, grabbing a coffee and going to the gym are everyday activities. For Canadian Forces personnel on deployment in Kandahar, CFPFSS employees ensured that access to everything from Tim Hortons coffee, fitness training, haircuts, retail shopping and leave travel planning remained available in support of our troops.

The mission in Afghanistan has been the most high-profile deployment for CFPFSS staff, but it is certainly not the first. CFPFSS actually began deploying personnel in 2000 first to support the mission in Bosnia, later adding Afghanistan, Haiti and Cyprus to the list of locations receiving support. Staff members have also begun working in Kuwait, and most recently in Kabul, providing Home Leave Travel Assistance (HLTA) services.

By Allan Reesor-McDowell

As the old saying goes ‘many hands make light work.’ This Christmas season, Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) is hoping this rings true, as it appeals for 10,000 school kits and 10,000 hygiene kits to replenish its supply.

“These kits are a blessing to the people who receive them,” said Rick Cober Bauman, Executive Director of MCC Ontario. “They’re also a practical, hands-on way to help those who have less.”

MCC is encouraging people to share the spirit of Christmas by packing kits, donating cash or supplies, or signing up for one of many Christmas kit packing events happening across the province on December 16th. These events are being jointly hosted by MCC’s Material Resources Centre in Kitchener and MCC thrift shops across the province, including Et Cetera Shoppe, Furniture and More, 55 Erie St. North, Leamington.

Kits will be stockpiled in warehouses for quick shipment whenever and wherever they are needed. MCC staff and partner organizations internationally help determine precisely what the kits should contain. This ensures the kits are useful, locally appropriate and that each person in the community receives very similar items. Individuals, families, schools, and churches donate thousands of kits to MCC each year to help those lacking basic human needs. MCC recently shipped 38,000 school kits and other items from its warehouses to Somali refugees who have been affected by the drought in East Africa.

Leamington and District Welcome

Templo Christiano De Leamington 39 Talbot St. E., Leamington 519-325-9654

Sunday Worship Services 9:15 a.m. (German), 10:45 a.m. (English) Leamington Evangelical Mennonite Church 108 Mersea Rd 3, Leamington 519-322-9915

Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m.

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

Sunday Worship 9:45 a.m.

Summer Worship Services 9:30 a.m. (German), 10:15 a.m. (English) Meadow Brook Fellowship 219 Talbot Street East, Leamington 519-326-3605

Sunday Worship Services 9:30 a.m. & 11 a.m. North Leamington United Mennonite Church 625 Mersea Rd 6, Leamington 519-326-7928

Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m.

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

Sunday Gatherings 10 a.m.

NON-DENOMINATIONAL

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

Sunday Worship 6:30 p.m.

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

PENTECOSTAL

FGT Family Church

Talbot St.

p.m.

Sunday Worship Services 3 p.m.

Mount Zion Full TabernacleGospel 6 Mill Street, Leamington 519-252-0031

Sunday Worship 7:30 p.m.

United Pentecostal Church 312 Erie St. St., Leamington 519-326-7056

Sunday Worship Services 11 a.m.

PRESBYTERIAN

Knox Presbyterian Church 58 Erie St. S., Leamington 519-326-4541

Sunday Worship Services 11 a.m.

ROMAN CATHOLIC

St. Michael’s Parish 29 Elliott Street, Leamington 519-326-2643

Sunday Masses: 7:30 a.m. (English) 10:30 a.m.

(English/Children’s Liturgy) 10:30 a.m. (OLBS, Wheatley, English), 3 p.m. (Spanish), 7 p.m. (Youth) St. Joseph’s Church 310 Sherk Street, Leamington 519-326-2643 Saturday Mass: 5 p.m. (English) Sunday Masses: 9 a.m. (Italian, English), Noon (Portuguese, English)

St. Anthony’s Parish (Maronite Rite) 280 Talbot Street East, Leamington 519-322-2282

MCC is a worldwide ministry of Anabaptist churches that shares God’s love and compassion for all in the name of Christ by responding to basic human needs and working for peace and justice.

For information on Christmas kit packing events, kit contents, assembling kits and drop-off locations please call MCC at 1-800313-6226 or visit mcco.ca

Man rescued from waterfilled ditch

A motorist traveling on North Talbot Road on November 29 lost control of his vehicle and flipped into a ditch. The ditch was full of water due to excessive rainfall and the vehicle was sinking fast. Two passersby saw what happened and immediately jumped into the cold water, pulling the 72-year motorist out of his vehicle.

According to police, their quick actions probably saved the man’s life, and the two men will be acknowledged for their life-saving actions. Those involved were treated for minor exposure by paramedics at the scene.

How far is it from the bottom of mainland Canada to the top? Well, if you travelled straight north in a jet the one-way trip would be 3,071 kilometres. If you wanted to travel over land, there are no roads that take you due north from Canada’s most southern mainland point. You can use Canada’s existing road system to take you the majority of the way towards the Arctic Ocean. The total trip one way would be 6,520 kilometres, and there is only one person in history who has made the trip under their own power. Would it surprise you that 2012 is the 15th anniversary of this fundamental Canadian achievement in our country and this incredible Canadian achievement has been unmatched or unchallenged in almost 15 years? Would you be surprised that this significant Canadian is not a household name across Canada?

Chances are that most adults across Canada can’t name him, but many school children can. That is because as one of Canada’s leading positive citizenship advocates, he has spoken in hundreds and hundreds of schools across Canada. Elementary schools, high schools and universities have welcomed him to speak to their students. Many of these schools have invited him back for repeat presentations. He also has given out a National Citizenship Award to Canadian role models every January on Parliament Hill since 2005.

In 2012, to celebrate the 15th anniversary of this Canadian achievement, Chris Robertson is returning to the

Chris Robertson, the Unmatched Canadian

Leamington area to speak to schools along the ‘To The Top Of Canada Expedition’ route that started at Point Pelee, Canada’s most southern mainland point, and went right through Essex County.

“I think that it is important for Canadian children to know and celebrate their Canadian history, especially local Canadian history,” said Robertson. “The journey of the To The Top of Canada Expedition and its mission to promote positive citizenship is one that is energizing Canadian patriotism! Students laugh, clap and cheer as they learn during the presentation, but always leave with a bursting Canadian pride, wanting to take up the challenge and responsibility as citizens to make their school and Canada better.”

Robertson’s goal is to create glowing hearts for Canada that will spark action of personal deeds of positive citizenship. He plans on returning to the area in the new year.

“The second week of February is the week I plan to be in the area,” said Robertson. “My plan in 2012 is to follow the To The Top Canada Expedition route during the entire year. Although I’ve spoken to many schools in the Greater Essex County District School Board, there are many schools that have never seen my presentation. Leamington, as the FIRST community that was visited as an official stop during the To The Top Canada Expedition, has a very special place in the history of Canada.”

OPP launches 2011 Festive R.I.D.E. campaign

Impaired driving is a public safety problem yearround but the threat worsens during the holidays, according to the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).

The OPP’s annual Festive R.I.D.E. (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) campaign started November 25, 2011 and will continue until January 1, 2012. Provincewide R.I.D.E. stops will be highly visible throughout the holiday season.

Impaired driving continues to be the leading cause of criminal death in Canada. As of mid-November (2011), 40 people have died in alcohol-related collisions on OPP-patrolled roads and highways, compared to 75 this same time last year (2010). While the number is down significantly, even one alcohol-related death is one too many, according to the OPP.

Thinking of refusing a breath test? Think again. Motorists who refuse a breath test will be charged with a criminal code offence and immediately have their driver’s license suspended

Seeking volunteers for Christmas Bird Count

Point Pelee National Park has announced the upcoming Christmas Bird Count taking place Monday, December 19 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For 60 years, Point Pelee National Park has been part of the National Audubon Society’s Annual Christmas Bird Count. This annual event is the largest citizen science program in the world, with more than 50 000 volunteers participating each year around the globe.

Working in partnership with Bird Studies Canada, Parks Canada is looking for people who are interested to join this amazing volunteer force for a day of camaraderie, learning, and fun! A wrap-up dinner will be held following the count, sponsored by the Friends of Point Pelee. All birding experience levels are welcome. Registration for the count is required by Friday, December 16. There is a $5 registration fee, which goes to Bird Studies Canada to administer the Christmas Bird Count program.

for 90 days.

Think you can have a few drinks and be sure you’ll blow under the legal limit?

Think again. Drivers who blow in the Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)

“Warn Range” of .05 to .08 pose a danger to themselves and other road users. If caught driving in the warn range, you will receive an immediate 3-day driver’s licence suspension at the roadside and the suspension

period increases with subsequent offences to 7 then 30 days.

Think your family and friends won’t report a loved one or other driver who takes to the wheel while impaired? Think again. The last thing people want to deal with over the holidays is the devastation of losing a loved one to an impaired driver. The OPP is asking Ontarians to help them crack down on impaired

drivers this holiday season. If you suspect an impaired driver, call 9-1-1.

The Christmas season is quickly approaching and the staff and students at Cardinal Carter are certainly in the holiday spirit. The season officially started with the Leamington Santa Claus parade on Nov. 25th, with students, staff and even Cubby, the school mascot, taking part in spreading Christmas cheer. Our float, which won “Best School”, had a theme of “Keeping Christ in Christmas” and

was beautifully decorated thanks to the efforts of Mrs. Gava-Zompanti, Mrs. Rubino and Mr. Wigfield, along with the generosity of local sponsors including Rona, RCSS, Oak Farms, Retco Advertising, Anthony Abraham Construction, Leamington Equipment Rental, Ruthven Nursery, and the Jones, McCarthy and Ondejko families. Special thanks to Mastronardi Produce/Sunset who pulled our float with their MiMi Kidz-themed Hummer and gave out delicious Campari tomatoes to the children along the parade route.

Student Council is continuing the holiday festivities with a number of events planned for the month of December. All homeroom classes will be competing for the best-decorated door award and on Dec. 22nd, student council will be treating the staff and students to a Christmas lunch, followed by entertainment in the form of a student/CC alumni hockey game.

The true meaning of Christmas was also celebrated with an Advent play Dec. 1st, featuring Cardinal Carter students depicting the birth of Jesus. In the spirit of the season, students

at CC helped to fill Operation Christmas Child boxes and will also donate gift items to local families in need. A school mass will be held Dec. 22nd. All members of the community are invited to attend.

What else is happening at Cardinal Carter?

On Nov. 30th, Cardinal Carter had the privilege of hosting a Canadian Citizenship Ceremony, during which 30 individuals from 12 different countries became new Canadian citizens. Student Trustee Joseph Najem welcomed the new Canadians on behalf of the Cardinal Carter community and Grade 9 student Evelyn Recinos gave a moving address about her own journey from El Salvador to Canada and what Canadian citizenship means to her.

Also on Nov. 30th, the school marked the end of Movember with a musical celebration featuring the talents of our own Mr. Mazar, Ms. Danese, Mrs. Longpre, Mr. Antonuzzo, Brandon Zuccato and Billy Raffoul. Proceeds from the Movember fundraising campaign will be donated to the fight against prostate cancer.

The Cardinal Carter community is very proud of CC

alumnus and star quarterback Kyle Quinlan, who recently lead his McMaster Marauders football team to Vanier Cup victory in Vancouver. Way to go, Kyle!

The work of CC visual arts students can currently be viewed in the new dental office of Dr. Ryan Georges and Dr. Suzanne Dainty, located on Robson Road in Leamington. Anyone interested in purchasing these works of art can find sales information on the exhibit tags.

The Cardinal Carter Family wishes you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Leamington Lions and Goodfellows do what they CAN!

LDSS Assists With Annual Can Drive

The senior students at Leamington District Secondary School will be par-

ticipating in the annual can drive on Friday, December 9.

The canned goods collected will go to the Goodfellows for distribution to the less fortunate residents throughout Leamington and Wheatley.

The senior boys and girls will compete to see which group can collect the most cans from 8:30 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. The winners will have the honour of claiming the Heinz Cup for the upcoming year. Last year the girls won, although local families were the real winners when 31,830 cans were collected.

Please give generously when an LDSS student approaches you this Friday. Gifts of food or money are gratefully appreciated. Donations of $20 or more will receive an income tax receipt from the Goodfellows.

For more information contact Shelley Marentette, Head of Student Services at Leamington District Secondary School at 519-326-6191.

Cardinal Carter’s entry in the Leamington Santa Claus Parade won “Best School”. Student Morgan McCarthy portrayed the Angel on the float, which had the theme “Keeping Christ in Christmas”.

Cubby, Cardinal Carter’s mascot, also took part in the parade festivities. He is pictured with Nicole Ricci (left) and Alysha Vriesacker.

Selecting poinsettias for the holidays

When selecting your poinsettia, choose the plant with color. Avoid plants with too much green around the bract edges. The colored parts of the poinsettia are called bracts or modified leaves. The actual flower is small and is green or yellow, situated in the middle of the bracts.

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

Look for poinsettias with dense, plentiful foliage. This is a good sign of a healthy plant. Select plants with stiff stems and no sign of wilting, breaking or drooping. Myself, I always stay away from store displays in paper or plastic mesh sleeves, or in too closely crowded areas. A healthy poinsettia needs air circulation and the longer it remains in a sleeve or crowded together, the more the quality of the plant will deteriorate.

Always check the soil for moisture. If the plant is wilted and the soil is waterlogged, this is a first sign of root rot. It is time to move on.

When purchasing a healthy plant, make sure to cover it with a loose plastic bag or sleeve when bringing it home, especially if the temperatures are below 50 degrees. Of course, remove the packaging once you have arrived to a warmer temperature.

Poinsettias will do well in a lighted area with room temperatures between 68-70 degrees. Water your plant only when the soil feels dry to the touch. Check the bottom of the decorative wrapping to make sure there is a hole for the water to drain, as poor drainage will be the start of yellow leaves, causing a shorter life to the plant. Don’t expose plants to temperatures below 50 degrees or to excessive heat. Avoid placing plants near appliances, fireplaces or on top of electronics such as televisions or computers.

Most poinsettias will last for 4-6 weeks before the bracts begin to fall off. Fertilizing or misting will not help during this period. A quality plant in the right location that is well cared for can stay in bloom for up to six months, but it’s very unusual.

When the bracts begin to fade and the plant is no longer attractive, you can either discard it for composting or test your green thumb. First, cut the stems back by one-half to

two-thirds, leaving some leaves. Place it in a sunny window and continue to water with a liquid or water-soluble fertilizer. Do not let it get dried out, and avoid cold drafts or temperatures. Continue this during the winter and spring, resulting in a nicely shaped, green-leafed poinsettia.

Christmas dinner

Many people don’t realize that December 12 is National Poinsettia Day. This marks the introduction of the poinsettia from Mexico to the new world to the north in 1825 by Joel Robert Poinsett.

Enjoy your poinsettia and holiday season!

The Church of St. John the Evangelist (Anglican) invites those who will be alone (or those who will go without) on Christmas Day for a Christmas dinner at 12 p.m. The church is located at 50 Erie Street North, Leamington. Call 519326-3111 to register by Dec. 20. Shut-ins may arrange to have meals delivered.

Pictured here is Larry Treanor of Wheatley, who had a table at the Artists Christmas Market, Leamington Arts Centre, during the weekend of November 26 and 27. Treanor makes pens, pillboxes, duck/goose/deer calls, and key rings all of wood. Treanor was one of many artisans displaying at the Artists Christmas Market. (Submitted Photo)

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

Eve of St. Nicholas returns to John R. Park Homestead

Eve of St. Nicholas returns as a popular holiday event at the John R. Park Homestead Conservation Area. On Sunday, December 11 from 1:00-4:00 p.m., visitors can explore the season’s traditions with some slightly scary historic figures: Belsnickel and Ruprecht.

John R. Park’s house is beautifully decorated with fresh evergreens, berries, fruits and feathers gathered from the farm and forest. There is a tabletop tree in the parlour and a kissing ball in the hall. Two of St. Nicholas’ counterparts – Belsnickel and Ruprecht – will be there complete with switches, chains, a sleigh, and coal. New this year: for a $5 donation to the Homestead, you can have a name added to Ruprecht’s naughty and nice list. “This was a highlight for some children last year – reviewing the list and finding their own name,” said Homestead Curator Janet Cobban. “Call ahead with your special names that you wish included.”

Families are invited to see the Christmas goose cooking on the fire, play a game of conkers, and wassail the apple trees. Warm up with a taste of lamb’s wool cider, chestnuts roasted by an open fire, and gingerbread cookies fresh from the hearth. Decadent goodies will be available to take home from the Friends of the Homestead fundraising bake sale, and shoppers can browse a selection of local hand-made treasures.

The Homestead will host an evening Candlelight Christmas program on Tuesday, December 13 at 7:00 p.m. Pre-registration is required as spaces are limited. Register online at: www.onlineregistrations.ca/jrph

The Homestead is located at the corner of Iler Road and County Road 50, on the shore of Lake Erie. For more information, check the website www.erca.org or contact the Homestead at 519-738-2029.

WINTER IS COMING PROTECT YOUR

CCO O M M M MUUN NIIT T YY AAW WAAR REEN NEES SSS: :

Supporting the organizations who provide support to our community

The South Essex Community Council presents the Welcoming Communities Program “Helping people. Improving lives.”

Are you?... NEW TO CANADA or NEW TO THE SOUTH ESSEX AREA?

Come and see what Welcoming Communities has to offer!

• Get to know your community!

- Would you like to meet new people and join in social activities with other newcomers. The SECC’s Welcoming Communities can help!

• Feel connected and included!

- You can socialize and meet new people.

• You can help others in your community!

- You can volunteer and gain work experience.

• Citizenship Classes-Free of Charge

- Are you a permanent resident waiting to write your Citizenship Test? Come in to South Essex Community Council and register for Citizenship Classes

The Welcoming Communities Program has exciting activities and events planned for NEWCOMERS JUST LIKE YOU! Call South Essex Community Council TODAY if you’re interested in learning more and getting involved! 519-326-8629 EXT. 374

Don’t forget to tell your friends and neighbours about us!

We are also looking for volunteer mentors and other community members to be a part of this program. If you want to get involved in building connections with newcomers please give us a call.

PRESENTS

Holiday favourites, by talented tribute artist to ‘The King’ Thursday, December 8 & Friday, December 9

PAUL�ANKA Christmas My Way Saturday, December 10

PUSSYCAT�DOLLS� BURLESQUE�REVUE Featuring Carmen Electra Saturday, December 17

THE�ULTIMATE���s� DANCE�PARTY Friday, December 30

STEVE�HARVEY Friday, January 13

SYLVIA�BROWNE Saturday, January 21

Saturday, January 28

SINBAD with special guest Ginuwine Friday, February 3

AIR�SUPPLY Friday, February 10

THE�RIGHTEOUS�BROTHERS’ BILL�MEDLEY Friday, February 17

PETER�FRAMPTON Friday, February 24

KELLY�CLARKSON with special guest Ma� Nathanson Thursday, March 8

JOHNNY�REID Friday, May 4

Tickets on sale now!

IL�DIVO Friday, May 18

Tickets on sale now!

“Like” us on Facebook and follow us on Twi�er for contests, exclusives and presale codes.

The weather and your pets

By Erika Junge-Bachmeier

With the cold weather approaching my thoughts turn to our furry friends. I have been a groomer for 15 years now and have had a chance to experience the effects of cold weather on our pets’ health as well as on their fur. I would like to share some cold weather wisdom with you.

In the extreme cold, it is important to keep pets inside. Their noses, tails and ears can fall victim to frostbite.

When taking a lovely winter walk in the crisp air, try to avoid sidewalks and roadways. Rock salt can do damage to the soft footpads and webbing on your pet’s feet. The rock salt can cause the pads to crack and hurt, not to mention the effects of licking the rock salt off.

Most of us, however, need to cross a road at some point or walk on the sidewalk, so we can remedy the rock salt problem in a few ways. The first would be to clean the rock salt out of the dog’s feet and webbing by placing the feet in warm water for a rinse. The second is to purchase a product that is applied to the foot and will act as a barrier to the salt. These products are readily available at most pet stores and relatively easy to apply.

Despite the cold, dogs still require a certain amount of exercise in the winter months, so bundle up, throw a couple of snowballs with your best buddy and have fun. Remember, when your furry friend holds up his paws it’s time to come in. His feet are cold and your probably are too.

Some dogs head for the heating vents as soon as we have the furnace turned on. This can dry out the dog’s skin. My friend is constantly shooing her dog Daisy off the vent in the dining room. With the holiday season fast approaching, keeping our pets safe and happy is easy to do. No one wants a costly trip to the veterinarian or a sick pet over the holidays.

Christmas ornaments, tinsel and other decorations should be kept out of reach if at all possible, especially with young animals, as ingesting some of these things can pose quite a threat and make a costly after-hours emergency trip to the vet necessary.

Bones from chicken or turkey should always be discarded where your pet can’t gain access. My friend’s daschund Schatzie gained access to a turkey on the

table, but luckily the family came into the room just as he was deciding his point of attack and the turkey and the dog were both saved. Chocolate and some other treats can be toxic to some animals, so always knowing if they are in reach of Fido is important.

Regular grooming is also important, even in the fall and winter months. Keeping your dog groomed keeps the coat clean and free of mats and unwanted hair. Even if you are growing very long hair on your dog for the winter it is important to go to a groomer for a bath, nail trim and mat check. A hairy dog is wonderful! I love to see a well taken care of dog in a beautiful long coat; however, mats and knots can form and it is important to see a groomer before these mats and knots get bad. Mats hurt the dog. They are heavy and pull on the skin. Your groomer can teach you how to keep your dog mat-free between grooming appointments. Your dog will thank you.

Enjoy the season with your best friend – I know I will!

Leamington Br. 84 Legion news

By Lisa Cowen-Tehonchuk

Leamington Legion would like to thank everyone for participating in the Remembrance Day services. It was very enjoyable to see Leamington District Secondary School there – the choir, the band and the students that paraded with the names of the servicemen that are on the cenotaph.

Friday night darts are still going on. Start time is 8 p.m. and the cost is $2. There is a sign-up sheet for Zone Euchre on Dec. 17 in Essex. Put in a team for $5 for person.

The members Christmas party is Dec. 10 at 2 p.m. There will be a raffle for two very nice Christmas prizes. Tickets are on sale now.

Tickets are still available for both seatings of the Seniors Christmas Dinner on Dec. 14. Times are 1:00-4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. Cost is $7. Entertainment will be provided by Gord Ciliska.

The next General Meeting is Jan. 4 at 7 p.m. The Executive meets Dec. 21 at 7 p.m.

Thursday, December 1st

Flyers 5 – St Marys 4 (OT)

The Flyers beat the St. Marys Lincolns for the first time this season and did it in dramatic fashion with a 5-4 overtime win. The Flyers were up 4-1 late in the third but allowed three goals in the last three minutes of the period including the tying goal with less than one second remaining in regulation. After a few good chances by both teams, Tony Spidalieri was the eventual hero when he scored midway through overtime on a two on one after a nice pass from Matt Ogden. “Ogden made a beautiful pass for me to easily tap it in,” Spidalieri said of his first game-winning goal of the season. “It felt great to win the game because our team got the two points.”

Also scoring for the Flyers were Ogden, Ron Soucie, Kyle Bowman and Alex Seguin. Spidalieri, Ogden and Soucie each had one goal and one assist in the game while goalie Colin Greeley got his eighth win of the season making 30 saves.

“I thought the first period of this game may have been the best 20 minutes we've played up to this point,” said Flyers assistant coach Jamie McDermott. “The guys came out with a lot of jump but not only that, they made good decisions all over the ice. We had a bit of a brain cramp in the last 3 minutes of the third and put ourselves in a sitcky situation but it wasn't from a lack of effort. Guys were just running around trying to do other jobs rather than concentrating on their own.”

Saturday, December 3rd

Strathroy 2 – Flyers 1

Saturday the Flyers dropped a 2-1 decision in Strathroy. Alex Seguin gave the Flyers the lead early in the second period but Strathroy responded with two unanswered goals including one shorthanded.

“Overall I thought we battled pretty hard for most of the night but once again we just couldn't pull the trigger when we had our chances,” McDermott said.

The Flyers have now lost five consecutive road games and haven’t been able to win in Strathroy since October 23, 2010.

“It's always tough playing in that old Strathroy barn. Being a very small rink there isn't much room to play around with the puck,” McDermott said. “It's a dump and chase kind of game and you need to capitalize on the few chances you are able to create and unfortunately we were only to able to do that once on Saturday.”

The Flyers went 0 for 6 on the powerplay and Kyle Bowman and Jacob McGhee were both ejected from the game; Bowman for fighting and McGhee for checking from behind.

Seguin’s Point Streak Extended to 19 Games

CLOTHINGWINTERDRIVE

Don’t forget to bring toques, gloves and scarves to donate to our Winter Clothing Drive this Thursday! Anyone who donates an item will be entered to win prizes including 2 tickets to every home game in January!

Alex Seguin extended his point streak to 19 games with goals in both of last week’s games. Seguin has tallied 32 points during the streak (17 goals, 15 assists) and currently has the third longest point streak in Flyers Junior B history:

29 games - Adam Edinger (Sept. 14 to Dec. 3, 1995)

24 games - Jason Baclig (Nov. 10, 2011 to Jan. 17, 2002)

19 games - Alex Seguin (Oct. 9 to Dec. 3)

17 games - Paul Veres (Dec. 15, 1994 to Feb. 3, 1995)

Thursday, Dec 8 vs Strathroy 7:10 pm (Winter Clothing Drive) Thursday, Dec 15 vs LaSalle 7:10 pm (Teddy Bear Toss)

AWAY: Saturday, Dec 10 @ Lambton Shores 7:30 pm Wednesday, Dec 14 @ LaSalle 7:00 pm

Flyers players Colin CheyneGreeley,Matheson, Dakota Olvin and Jacob servedHenrikson soup at the annual Soup and Salad Luncheon at the Portuguese Club in Leamington that raised $17,000 for the Canadian Cancer Society. HOME:

NOTES: Injury update: Eric Leardi has missed two games with an ankle injury. He may return to action this week…Watch for the Flyers at various locations around Leamington this Friday, December 9th when they will be volunteering for the Salvation Army’s Red

can skate with five of the Flyers players this Sunday, December 11th - Brett Babkirk, Kyle Bowman,

and Chris Scott - at public skating at the Unico Rink in the Kinsmen Complex from 1pm - 2:30 pm.

Kettle Campaign…You

Darien Ekblad

Forward Cheyne Matheson collides with St. Marys goaltender Greg Dodds during the Flyers 5-4 overtime win last Thursday. (photo by Shelly Quick)

58th annual Leamington Ice Show

Canadian skaters Margaret Purdy and Mike Marinaro will be appearing as guest skaters during the 58th annual Ice Show on December 17. The Leamington Skating Club will hit the ice at Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex for two shows at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Purdy and Marinaro are a very young and exciting senior pair team competing at the international level. They have already represented Canada seven times internationally, including twice in 2011. They received their first international medal this season with a third place finish in an event held in Riga, Latvia. Margaret and Mike are the 2010 Junior Champions of Canada, and also members of the 2010 Junior World team. They train in Strathroy, Ontario at the Competitive Skating Centre of Strathroy with their coaches Scott Rachuk and Alison Purkiss. Margaret is a 16-year-old, Grade 12 student, and Mike is a 19-year-old apprentice coach. They have skated together for the past five years and are looking forward to continuing their successful 2011-2012 season. (Photo by Martinf Aise)

By Gordon Wonnick

Sturling – no that is not a spelling mistake, it is a new game played on curling ice. What the heck is Sturling? Sturling is a game where you deliver a curling stone either by using a special made stick (some people use a curling brush) or by using the slide technique. The rules in many respects are the same as curling with the following notable exceptions:

1. Sturling is a two-person team, not four like curling.

2. One member of the two-man team will deliver 6 rocks alternately with his opponent and the other member will deliver the 6 stones against his opponent from the opposite end. This is done 3 times, which constitutes 6 ends and game.

3. There is no sweeping between the hog lines, you can only sweep from the hog line to the back of the house.

4. No stone can be removed from play until 3 stones have been delivered.

5. A game is played in less than an hour and you are always involved. You are either delivering a rock or calling the game for your partner. This game has enjoyed much success, particularly in western Canada, for many years. The Sun Parlour Club is always looking for ways to make the game fun for everyone. In the game of Sturling, if you are unable to get down and slide because of physical issues use a stick. If you are unable

Sturling: an exciting new game at Sun Parlour Curling Club

to sweep (which is the most physically demanding part of the game) in Sturling the rules prohibit sweeping between the hog lines so you don’t have to worry about sweeping. Quite frankly, this game of Sturling is for just about anyone. You will be hearing much more about this game in the weeks ahead. Members of the Sun Parlour Curling Club feel there are a number of people in the community that at one time enjoyed the game of curling but for various physical issues have given up the game. Sturling will be a great opportunity to get back in the game.

Peewee Majors back on track Peewee Minors defeat

Following the disappointing weekend at the host tournament one week earlier, the Capitals returned to form in league play. Although bitten by the injury bug and a number of illnesses, the team was able to put together a couple of wins this weekend by beating Riverside at home and Erie North Shore on the road.

On Friday evening the Capitals took on the Riverside Rangers on the Unico rink. Their last bout, the Caps squeaked out a 1-0 win on Riverside ice. Friday night though, the Capitals were able to control the game from the onset. Brett Enns put home the first of the night four minutes into

the game, set up by Camden Driedger. With two minutes left in the first, Dawson Iles found the net with the assist going to Driedger. Southpoint scored two in the second on goals by Jessica Jeffery and Rory DiNiro. Assists on these markers went to Jack Hannigan, Reggie Evans, Luc Ribble and DiNiro.

Early in the third, DiNiro made it 5-0 set up by Iles. Riverside scored two late power play goals in the third and the game ended up 5-2 with the Caps outshooting their opponent 27-14.

Saturday night the Gabriele’s Capitals made the trip to Harrow to face their rivals in the Erie North

Shore Storm. Rory DiNiro was hoping for a “W” in the win column for his birthday. Midway through the first Hannigan banged home the opening goal, set up from Iles with some good hard work out of the corner. Before the end of the first though, the Storm evened the score with a power play goal.

With two minutes remaining in the second period, shorthanded and the faceoff deep in the Storm’s end, DiNiro won the draw clean back to Bret Predhomme who wired a nifty seeing eye wrist shot into the opposing net to score the eventually winner.

The Storm had ample opportunity in the third with the Capitals taking lots of penalties to help try and

let them back in the game. However, Cristian Santos stymied the Storm attackers to hold on to the 2-1 victory. Southpoint was outshot by the Storm 25-22 in this victory.

Thanks to Stacey and Alexa DiNiro for the birthday cupcakes following the win in Harrow. Let’s hope the team gets healthy for next weekend as the schedule does not get any easier from this point forward. The Gabriele’s Capitals next action is Sat. Dec. 10 at 5:05 p.m. on the Heinz ice vs Kent Cobras, and Sun. Dec. 11 at 4:15 p.m. at the Heinz rink vs Erie North Shore Storm. Come out and support your local Minor Hockey teams. Check out their schedules at www.southpointminorhockey.com.

Essex in final seconds

The Reid Funeral Home Minor Peewee hockey team continued their strong play in BlueWater League action.

On Saturday they were at home against the first place Canadiens from Belle River. The Caps let the Canadiens score first just 43 seconds into the game.

The Caps got the equalizer with just over a minute left in the second period when Kiera Jackson passed to her D partner Mason Gow, and Mason fed a beauty tape-to-tape pass to Carter Mastronardi who was streaking through the neutral zone. He fought off a Canadiens back checker who was draped all over him from the blue line. Mastronardi snapped one under the cross bar from inside the hash marks making it 1-1.

The Caps took the lead early in the third when Justin Brown let a shot fly from the left point. His attempt was denied, but Brett Thomas was in the slot to pop in the rebound to put the Caps ahead 2-1. Belle River answered back about a minute later. The score remained that way as the final buzzer sounded ending the game in a 2-2 draw.

Matt Ciliska played well in goal earning the tie.

On Sunday the Caps were in Essex to play the rival Ravens. These two teams were evenly matched in their previous three games this year and this contest was no different.

The Caps were able to get on the scoreboard first, a couple minutes into the second frame, when Myles Thiessen kept in a clearing attempt and wired a wrist shot from the right point. His shot was deflected in traffic and found its way to Jeron Kir, who ripped one past the Ravens netminder.

Both teams battled back and forth and Essex was able to tie the score with five minutes to play in the third. Again, both teams pressed and had good scoring chances at both ends. However, luck was on the Caps’ side when late in the third, off a strong forecheck and some good puck work behind the net by Gioia DiCiocco and Kir, they were able to get a shot in goal that was turned away by the Ravens goalie, but Tyler Zsebok was on the edge of the crease to bang in the game-winning goal with 6 seconds to play.

Tristan Edmondson had a great game in goal, earning the 2-1 victory.

REC ROUND-UP REC ROUND-UP

Pre-holiday one-month membership for December to help you get started into an exercise routine before all the holiday parties begin!

Fill out your Christmas Wish List with all kinds of Complex options!

Purchase memberships or gift certificates in any $ denomination.

• 3-month New Year Shape-up Special $115 plus HST always proves to be BIG HIT!

• Youth will love a skate/swim/gym pass to keep them active this winter

• Student memberships

• Program Card: take part in any of our 50 fitness or aquafitness classes

• Personal Training or Nutrition & Wellness Coaching gift certificates Shopping is made easy at the Complex with the diverse range of programs that we offer for everyone on your Christmas list.

Book your holiday work party or team party at the Complex. Select an hour of swimming or skating or a fitness activity class, followed by a pizza party for the whole gang!

Ice available for rent. Gather your friends together for an outing of fun skating or a pick-up hockey game. It’s good, refreshing, Canadian fun on the ice at the Unico Arena!

Rock ’n Swim Friday from 7-9 p.m. on Fri. Dec. 9. Swim to the sounds of all your favourite music played by a DJ. The music is again sponsored by Dr. Karen Archer, Family Dental Care. A splashing good time for your family in the Complex saltwater pool!

Skate with the Jr. B Flyers on Sun. Dec. 11 from 1:00-2:20 p.m. Scheduled to appear are Brett Babkirk, Kyle Bowman, Colin Greely, Jacob Henrikson and Dakota Olvin at the Unico Arena, Leamington!

Check out the Activity Guide online: www.leamington.ca/recreation/Guide Complex membership rates for 2012 will remain the same as 2011!

Stargazing at Point Pelee

Experience the beauty of the night sky at Point Pelee National Park. Designated as a Dark Sky Preserve by the Windsor Centre of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, the park will be open until midnight once a month throughout the winter for stargazing.

Mark your calendars

Experience the wonders of the night sky on the following evenings: Tues. Dec. 27; Fri. Jan. 27; Sat. Feb. 24; and Sat. Mar. 24.

These dates offer the darkest skies for optimum viewing due to their proximity to the new moon.

For the best star gazing encounters, it is recommend you come equipped with binoculars or a telescope. Please note this opportunity is a self-guided experience. For more information visit www.parkscanada.gc.ca/ pelee or contact 519-3222365 ext. 200.

Sharks whitewash 73’s

On Monday, November 28 the league-leading Essex 73’s paid a visit to Wheatley. With only 2 losses all season, Essex looked like a sure bet to best the Sharks. Wheatley had other thoughts as they scored often. Thanks to 5 power play goals, the Sharks handed the 73’s a 7-0 pasting and improved their overall third place in the south and the entire league.

Dustyn Woelk got Wheatley started with a power play marker in the second period with help from Brian Johnson and Josh Tremblay. Kurtis Ouellette added another with Brian Johnson picking up the assist. Before the second period ended, Jesse Martin scored the third power play of the period with assists going to Kurtis Ouellette and Austin Fontaine.

Riley Babkirk kept up the onslaught with another power play marker before the third period was a minute old. Assisting on the goat were Kurtis Ouellette and Brian Johnson. Wheatley’s fifth goal came as Trevor Grieve made a nice second effort to pass to an open Riley Babkirk in the slot. Kevin Sawatzky added the final power play goal when he blasted a slap shot from the deep slot into the upper left corner. Austin Fontaine assisted. Brandon Anger made a nice play to get the puck to Josh Tremblay and he let one go from the side boards that eluded the Essex goalie.

Wheatley’s Marc Tremblay made 26 saves to record the shutout. Taylor Speed and Arren Romeril combined to make 28 saves on 35 shots for the visitors.

Stars of the game were Marc Tremblay, Riley Babkirk and Brian Johnson. Paid attendance was 262.

Sun Parlour curlers continue to have good results

By Gordon Wonnick

Last week several Sun Parlour teams participated in the Ridgetown Curling Club senior bonspiel and Ron Kettle’s team again came out on top. Helping Ron were Gary Merezak, Jim Sudds and John Couvillon. This team is proving to be very competitive, with another win recently at the Roseland Club in Windsor.

The ladies did Sun Parlour Curling Club proud as well. Bonnie Hyatt’s team of Krista Rickeard, Janan Alles and Janice Dawson participated in the Ontario Curling Association Zone 16 Ontario Intermediate playdowns and have won the right to go on to the regional finals. Good going ladies. Cathy Moncur and her team also participated and at the time when this was written were still in a position to advance to the regionals. A report will follow next week.

Uni-Fab Atom Majors had a very good weekend facing two top place teams in the league.

On Saturday they skated well against the first place Kent Cobras, but fell 3-1. Matt Carvalho scored late in the third with Evan Nassif and Cam Taouil collecting assists. The Caps pressured the Cobras to the final buzzer but missed on a few great scoring opportunities.

On Sunday the Caps found themselves playing the third place Tecumseh Eagles on their home rink. Falling behind 2-0 in the first 6 minutes, the Caps drew within one after a Car-

valho rebound was hammered home by Cam Taouil. Carvalho tied up the game midway through the second frame with a clapper in the top shelf. The Caps took the lead again off a Carvalho rebound on a low shot and Nick Klassen banged one home for the game winner. With 2 minutes left in the game, Nico Gualtieri added an insurance goal, beating the Eagles’ goalie just under the cross bar. Trent

Pickle and Nick Klassen each picked up assists on the goal.

Every player giving second and third efforts the entire game was the main reason the team won. The coaching staff was very pleased to see the great effort put forth by all the players.

The next game will see the Caps face the Eagles at home on Saturday at 2:25 p.m. at the Heinz rink.

2011 campaign progress

United Way/Centraide Windsor-Essex County hosted an event on Nov. 28 in Windsor to celebrate the 2011 United Way campaign to date. Over 150 supporters from the community attended, and many workplaces reported their campaign results so far

“Earlier this year, United Way set a fundraising goal of $5 million. In order to fund the 25 strategies and 79 organizations that receive our funding, we need to hit this goal,” said Margaret Corio, Chair of the 2011 Campaign Cabinet, and Regional VicePresident, RBC Royal Bank. “Compared to last year at this time, we are $200,000 behind. There’s still time to give, and we need the community’s support to reach our goal.”

United Way funds three community priority areas: Supporting Basic Needs and Independence, Positioning Kids and Families for Success, and Creating Thriving Neighbourhoods.

Over the course of a 9-month period, over 233,000 people were supported by strategies funded by United Way, and 32% of these people were from the County. United Way has raised $2,906,222 of its $5 million goal to date, and is urging residents to consider giving to the community through United Way. Donations can be made online at www.weareunited.com/donate or by calling 519-258-0000.

The Wheatley Sharks Junior C team skated to a dominant 7-2 victory of the Great Lakes Junior C League North Division leaders Mooretown on Monday, December 5 at the Shark Tank (Wheatley Arena). Sharks goalie Marc Tremblay is pictured here kicking out one of the 24 saves on the night. (SUN Photo)

Wheatley Sharks players Josh Carnevale, left, and Craig Adamson, right, squeeze out a Mooretown player to gain possession of the puck and the game on Monday night, December 5. Brett Bowman scored his first goal as a Shark in the third period. (SUN Photo)

Flyers shooting pucks with kids in the community

Above right, Cheyne Matheson, left, and Matt Ogden of the Leamington Flyers Junior B hockey team participated in the passing of the official tournament pucks at St. John de Brebeuf elementary school in Kingsville on Friday, December 2. The pucks are official tournament pucks from the World Junior Under 17 Hockey Tournament that is being held in Essex County over the holidays.

Pictured above, right are Flyers Jacob Henrikson (left) and Nick Beaune with a group of students.

Above this student has his Team Canada jersey on as he tried his puck handling skills. (SUN Photos)

Murphy delivers 10 under par in mini golf OBITUARY

Fifty-one golfers participated in the weekly golf on Dec. 1 at Colasanti’s and managed 81 aces over 36 holes. John Murphy set the pace with aces on the first 2 holes and 7 on the day. Four aces dropped for Julia Kos, Bill Mayville, Stan Vickery, Mary Ann Vickery and Cheryl Allan. With 3 in their pocket were Tom Hyatt, Bryon Walker, Rose Taylor, Doug Vickery, Gary Honey and Murray Knox. Two were recorded by Ken Brook, Gerald Wilkinson, Gerrit Vri-

esen, Audrey Knox, Pete Daudlin, Carolyn Daudlin, Shirley Thiessen, Eleanor Brook, Bill Ward and Moe Scratch. Singles were netted by Barb Murphy, Donna Wiebe, Dorothy Harrow, Frank Lasi, Duane McIntosh, Iggy Arner, Herb Ascott, Ethel Ferguson, Caroline Ascott, Pat Womack, Janet Annison, Barb Arner, Eileen McIntosh, Andy Orsini, Jim Allan, Eva Kah, Cam Keith, Nancy Hill and Bill Taylor. There was a first place tie at even par by Team 5 with Mary Ann Vickery, Dorothy Harrow and Frank Lasi and Team Kings with Andy Orsini, Doug Vickery and Shirley Thiessen. A 244 nailed down second place by Team 10 with Pat Womack, Carolyn Daudlin and John Murphy. Following up in third place with a 248 was Team 9 with John Unrau, Caroline Ascott and Pete Daudlin.

On the strength of his 7 aces, John Murphy delivered a strong 10 under par 70 for the day. Iggy Arner registered a 73.

Golfers are reminded that on the last day of golf for 2011 the group will enjoy a buffet breakfast open to registered golfers. If you have not already done so, sign the sheet indicating your attendance at that event no later than the December 8 golf date.

Ronald (Beard) Matteis

Nov. 16, 1943 – Dec. 2, 2011

Ronald (Beard) Matteis passed away December 2, 2011. Predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Irene Matteis, and Alice Dupuis as well as brothers Don Matteis and Alan Wilson. Loving father of Paige Woods (Ted), Robin Matteis and Debbie Matteis. Grandfather of Jordan Matteis and Hannah Woods. Brother of Sue Scaddan (Doug), John Dupont (Kim), Ruth Harmsworth , Lorie Chevalier, Louise Chevalier, Bob Chevalier. Survived by many nieces and nephews

Visitation will be Friday, December 9 from 7-9 p.m. and the service will be Saturday, December 10, 2011 at 1 p.m. at Salvation Army Church, 88 Setterington St., Leamington.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society, Hospice of Windsor or St. Elizabeth Health Care – Windsor would be appreciated.

For further information or to share memories of Ron, family and friends may visit www.reidfuneralhome.ca.

4-H Spice Club gets a taste of the Caribbean

By Mitchell Clermont

At this meeting of the Spice Club we were to get a taste of the Caribbean. Yeah mon!

When we arrived we immediately split into teams. The dishes that were cooked were as follows: jerked chicken, curried goat, curried lamb and curried rice. There was also fruit salsa, fruit punch and fudge, which unfortunately didn’t turn out so we were unable to eat it.

When everything was done, we sat down to eat. Please understand that when I say the food was delicious that it is a complete understatement. Everything was so good. Sweet and salty, and of course spicy! (Some thanks to the extremely hot ‘Slap Your Mama’ powder). The jerked chicken was amazing, although I found out that it was not prepared the traditional way. There is little difference to be had in taste between the two styles of cooking though.

After dinner we had a business meeting in which we drew names of countries out of a hat. These had to do with the projects we were to do for Achievement Day. Our next meeting will be Christmas spice and all things nice.

or

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MORTGAGES

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

Acordd Canada & Overseas. We assist with relocation cost where needed. hr@excelemployment.net online at www.excelemployment.net.

PERSONALS

THIS CHRISTMAS GIVE yourself the gift of love. MISTYRIVER INTRODUCTIONS is Ontario's Industry leader in Matchmaking. www.mistyriverintros.com, CALL(519) 658-4204.

DATING SERVICE. Long-term/shortterm relationships, free to try! 1-877297-9883. Talk with single ladies. Call #4011 or 1-888-534-6984. Talk now! 1-866-311-9640 or #4010. Meet local single ladies. 1-877-804-5381. (18+) TRUE ADVICE! True clarity! True Psychics! 1-877-342-3036 (18+) $3.19/minute 1-900-528-6258;

SOUTHPOINT SUN

APARTMENT FOR RENTside by side, 2 bedroom, large living room, kitchen, full bathroom, laundry facility. Available now. $600 plus, 519-791-5159. oc5-tf

2 BEDROOM APARTMENT for rentin Kingsville, 124 Division Rd. N. Seniors only. 322-0920 or 3261577. no16-tf

3 BEDROOM APARTMENT for rent. Upper unit, own laundry room and entrance. Call 519-324-0185 between 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Available Feb. 1st, 2012. de7-tf

PLUMBROOK

MANOR APARTMENTS

Security Building Fridge & Stove Utilities included For viewing please call 519-322-1924 tf

SUTTON

PLACE APARTMENTS

1 bedroom available. Fridge, stove, dishwasher, secure building with 24 hour surveillance & elevator. Call 519-326-8746 or 519-564-5772 tf

NO TIME FOR CLEANING? Book your Christmas cleaning now. References available, will provide police clearance as well. Call Jenny for a free estimate at 519-819-2002. no30-de7

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

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

JACK RICCI STUD SERVICE(Just kidding). Digital TV antenna systems, satellite dishes and aiming, burglar alarms, telephone, 3ABN and other FTA religious satellite services - free programming - no subscription; paging, intercom and background music systems. Sales and service. Prewire your new house. 519-3268973, ricci@mnsi.net. nov16-dec21c

GOING SOUTH? (House Sitting) - If you need a trustworthy, reliable person to check on your home while you are away, you donʼt need to worry. Call Jenny for reasonable rates at 519819-2002 for details. References available and police clearance as well. no30-de7

BRUNO ELECTRIC CHAIR LIFT.Makes getting up and down stairs a breeze. Only 3 weeks old. Make an offer, 519-992-8452. no30-de7c

BUSY RV DEALERSHIP looking for experienced technician. Fax resume to 519-326-6567. au24-tf

Accounts Receivable Clerk

We are looking for a candidate with accounts receivable experience to work in support of our greenhouse facility located in Kingsville. Candidates must be able to: process invoices and associated payments, monitor credit limits and collections, review sales reporting, and perform other related tasks. Please forward your resume by email to: mcornellier@muccifarms.com

LESSONS

MUSIC LESSONS at Rebel Cowboy in Wheatley. Call 519-825-3330. jn8-tfc

MEETING

T.O.P.S. - Take Off Pounds Sensibly. Group meets every Monday 6 p.m. at Wheatley United Church. Call Cheryl at 519-825-9194 or Ellen at 519-825-4317 or visit website: www.TOPS.org. Everyone welcome. tf

MOVING SALE - GE washer & dryer, GE refrigerator, deep freezer, sofa set, chesterfield, loveseat, chairs, coffee table, end tables, walnut dining room set with 6 chairs, treadmill. Call to purchase 519-3262208. tfc

ANTENNAS

JACK RICCI ANTENNA SPECIALIST - Satellite dishes and aiming, 3ABN and other FTA religious satellite services - free programming - no subscription; digital TV antenna systems, burglar alarms, telephone, paging, intercom and background music systems. Sales and service. Prewire your new house. 519-326-8973, ricci@mnsi.net. nov16-dec21c

An employer you can count on.

The Corporation of the Municipality of Leamington FINANCIAL

The Human Resources Office will receive resumes for the above noted position. Under the direction of the Director, Finance and Business Services, the Financial Analyst will be responsible for: management and maintenance of PSAB 3150 compliant capital asset accounting and reporting system; documentation of business processes; financial research, analysis, presentation and reporting. Development and implementation of processes such as procurement, risk management, insurance and capital budget management/monitoring. For complete details regarding this position’s duties, qualifications and salary please visit our website at www.leamington.ca or visit the Municipal Office at 111 Erie St. N. Leamington. APPLICATION DEADLINE is: 4:00 p.m. Wednesday December 21, 2011. LEAMINGTON ONTARIO CANADA

MOVING SALE

Virtual golf season is open!

By Joel Epp

Golf season is over, but fortunately Southshore Virtual Golf is re-opening for another fun and exciting season.

If you haven’t yet seen the simulators, this is the year for you to try them. These are the same simulators endorsed by the PGA Tour and used by the Golf Channel. They are simply the best simulators in the world, and they allow you to play a complete round of golf exactly like you would outside. The world’s number one player, Luke Donald uses these same simulators.

Southshore Virtual Golf is located in the clubhouse of Erie Shores Golf Course (304 Robson Rd., Leamington) and opened Dec. 1st until March 31st.

There are many ways for you to use these state of the art simulators.

1. Christmas Parties: The simulators are a great way to entertain your staff at your company Christmas party. They are also great for family gatherings or sporting events. Call soon to reserve your desired date.

2. Leagues: Join a league or develop your own. It is a great way to play regularly and keep your swing in shape during the winter. The Men’s League has been a great success with regular groups playing on Monday mornings, Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings. These groups would like you to join them.

3. Regular Play: The simulators are open to groups playing 9 or 18 holes. Grab your friends and come and enjoy playing on over 30 different courses from around the world.

4. Driving Range: For those who simply want to swing the club and work on their swing, the simulators can be set to a driving range. With feedback on every shot, it is a great tool to learn more about your swing and keep your golf muscles working through the winter.

5. Lessons: With certified golf professionals ready to help, golf lessons are available throughout the winter months. Take an individual lesson, or sign up for a series and see how lessons will improve your game. Video analysis is also available.