Southpoint Sun December 8, 2010

Armed robbery in Leamington

On December 1 at approximately 6 p.m., police responded to an armed robbery at Miller’s Shell located at 407 Talbot St. W. in Leamington.

The lone suspect entered the store and confronted the clerk. The suspect brandished a black handgun with a squared off frame and demanded money from the till. As he was confronting the clerk he held the gun sideways. After receiving an undisclosed amount of money, the suspect ran out the front door and ran eastbound along Talbot St. W.

The suspect is described as a white male approximately 5’6” with a thin/average build. The supect was wearing a brown camouflage ski mask with his nose exposed. He was also wearing a brown hoodie and blue stonewash jeans.

Officers converged on the area and utilized the OPP canine unit to attempt to track the suspect. The track was unsuccessful and the investigation continues. Anyone that may have witnessed this or has information about it is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 519-258-TIPS.

House fire causes $35,000 damage

On December 5 at 10:17

a.m. the Leamington Fire Services were called to a fire at a residence on Smith Street. Seventeen firefighters were on the scene for two hours battling the structure fire. Fire, smoke and water damage is estimated at $35,000. The cause of the fire has been determined as accidental, caused by a space heater.

By Bill Chaplin

The inaugural meeting of municipal council Wednesday evening, December 1 was a delightful event played out to a standing-room-only crowd at the town hall. Director of Corporate Services Brian Sweet called the meeting to order promptly at seven o’clock – the Municipal Act forbids elected officials exercising any authority until after swearing the oath of office – and promised the assembled crowd, “Tonight we will be... very kind. We do this so that they will have at least one night they can enjoy.”

After singing O Canada an invocation was offered by Rev. Scott McAndless of Knox Presbyterian Church. While his prayer did include inspirational references to divine guidance when faced with difficult decisions, he also included a tongue in cheek exhortation, “Don’t let them mess up!” Much to the delight of everybody, he also pointed out to the new Mayor, “If I prayed all the prayers we need for him we’d be here all night.”

(Continued on Page 2)

Mayor John Paterson receives the Chain of Office from CAO Bill Marck.

Deputy-Mayor Charlie Wright was sworn in by his brother Judge Peter Wright of Belleville.

Listen Saturdays at 6 pm and Sundays at 1 pm to the Mix 96.7 Hit List. Email hitlist@mix967.ca to vote for the song you think should be #1!

This WeekLast Week ArtistSong Title 11Bruno MarsJust The Way You Are 23Pink Raise Your Glass

32Neon TreesAnimal 46One RepublicSecrets

54Katy PerryTeenage Dream

65 Maroon 5 Misery 78Taio CruzDynamite 87Taylor SwiftMine 911UsherDJ Got Us Falling In Love 109DaughtrySeptember 1110Enrique IglesiasI Like Ite 1213Plain White T’sRhythm of Love 1314Train Marry Me 1412LifehouseAll In 1517RihannaOnly Girl In The World 1615Bon JoviWhat Do You Got 1716Sara BareillesKing of Anything 1818Sick PuppiesMaybe 1920Maroon 5Give A Little More 2022Katy PerryFireworks

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New Council installed - ready to begin

(Continued from Front)

Following the opening prayer, the municipality’s Chief Administrative Officer was invited to make some opening remarks, which he addressed primarily to the new council members. He warned them of the need for strong personal balance (and a thick skin), pointing out that “one day you will be criticised, the next day congratulated”. He urged members of council to “develop a vision and live it out”, noting that this is the key to leadership. His conclusion was, “The key to a good council is working as a team.”

The introduction of the municipal councillors and their installation was handled with good humour by Brian Sweet, acting as the Clerk of the Municipality. Before administering the oath of office to the group of five councillors, he introduced each with a brief thumbnail sketch and a collection of photographs he had solicited from the members of their families. Thus, John Jacobs, besides being introduced as a successful business operator and valuable volunteer on such things as the hospital board, was shown on his giant Florida tricycle toting a huge load of oranges (according to Sweet selling them door to door); Chris Chopchick, besides being congratulated on her many years of valuable service to the BIA, was shown in gaudy western regalia (ready to square dance); Larry Verbeke, besides working the family farm (first purchased by his grandfather in 1914) and being the president of the Essex County Federation of Agriculture, was embarrassingly posed next to a sign proclaiming his 50th birthday; Rick Atkin, introduced as a valued former Director of Recreation Services for the town, was pictured as a ‘wannabe’ golf great; Hilda MacDonald, besides being congratulated for leading the polls in 2006 and 2010 – in this last election with an unheard of number of votes – was posed with her beautiful granddaughter.

Next came the introduction and swearing in of our new deputy-mayor Charlie Wright. While Brian Sweet exploited family photos to ‘reveal’ Charlie’s intention to take over the world and his ability to mimic a butterfly, Charlie’s introduction and the administration of his oath of office was left up to a surprise guest: his brother, Judge Peter Wright of Belleville. After working all day in Belleville, Judge Wright (and Charlie’s other brother and sister-in-law) made the long

Artist Song Title

1The ChipmunksThe Chipmunk Song

2Spike Jones All I Want For Christmas Is My 2 Front Teeth

3Jimmy BoydI Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus

4Eartha Kitt Santa Baby

5Yogi YorgessonI Just Go Yuts At Christmas

6Jingle DogsJingle Bells

7Gayla Peevy I Want An Hippopotamus For Christmas

8 The Chipmunks 12 Days of Christmas

9Raven ThurlscroftYou’re A Mean One Mr. Grinch

10 Joe DIffie Leroy The Redneck Raindeer

11Royal GuardsmanSnoopy’s Christmas

12Lou Monte Dominic The Donkey

13Bob & Doug McKenzie12 Days of Christmas

14Montgomery GentryMery Christmas From The Family

15Barry GordonNuttin For Christmas

16Chuck BerryRun Run Rudolph

17Garth BrooksSanta Looked A Lot Like Daddy

18Jeff FoxworthyThe Redneck 12 Days of Christmas

19Adam SandlerThe Chanukah

Municipal Correspondent Correspondent

trek to Leamington for the inauguration. Judge Wright’s introduction was both inspiring and revealing. Charlie represents the sixth generation of his family in Essex County, and while Charlie will be new to County Council, the family is not: in 1908, Charlie’s predecessor – an O’Neil – was Warden of Essex County! Peter Wright described Charlie’s phenomenal determination, unshakable integrity and record of accomplishments as the product of “a good team player”, who has “never taken his eye off the ball”.

Finally, photographs of our new mayor, John Paterson, were revealed. They included not only his council picture from when he was first elected to Leamington Town Council in December, 1982 (his beard wasn’t white back then), but also one from his high school days at L.D.S.S. and one of him dressed in full, formal Scottish regalia. John’s introduction was handled by one of his twin daughters, Chelsea, who revealed (besides the obvious fact that she loves and is proud of her dad) that Mayor Paterson has taken to saying at home, “I don’t have to: I’m the Mayor”. (John’s wife, Betty, makes sure that excuse doesn’t work.) It was fun to hear John described as “someone who will stop to talk to you,” and, as a consequence, whose family automatically adds half an hour to any ‘quick’ errand he must run. Brian Sweet administered the oath of office to John while John’s lovely wife stood beside him.

With that, the gavel and conduct of the rest of the meeting was turned over to Mayor Paterson. Each member of council was given a few moments to offer thanks and address the audience, and in doing so each revealed a bit of the ‘inner person’. Councillor Larry Verbeke summed up his feelings with, “Thank-you, and let’s get started!” Councillor Hilda MacDonald expressed her hope she could mentor new councillors as she, herself, was mentored, besides asserting her conviction that she is “excited about the possibilities.” Councillor John Jacobs said, “I’m excited and looking forward to working with council and staff... I think we’ll do our best to deal with the issues before us.” Councillor Rick Atkin took time to express his thanks to former councillors who helped him to learn and grow in his first term on council, and then went on to describe Leamington as “a place we want to leave in good hands for the youth of the future.” Amongst her comments, Councillor Chris Chopchick said, “This is so surreal.” She also stated, “I (Continued on Page 3)

Reid Funeral Home

First regular meeting of new Leamington Council - Dec. 6

Public

Meeting Long, But Unattended

The first order of business on council’s agenda was to hold a public meeting as required by the Drainage Act for the construction of an access culvert over the Stevenson Drain. The entire cost of its construction is paid by the landowner, and so such a public meeting is typically very short. Not Monday night, however, because the Drainage Superintendent, Lu-Ann Barreto, requested the consulting drainage engineer to inform council what exactly it is that he must do when an application is made under Section 78 of the Drainage Act. This ate up almost 15 minutes, but now all members of council are fully aware of what must be done for every drainage application that comes before them.

Needless to say, the necessary by-law to endorse the findings of the engineer was supported by council later in the meeting.

Chiller To Be Replaced

Ontario Ministry of the Environment regulations require that the Freon-based chiller unit for the recreation complex must be replaced with a system that does not rely on this environmentally harmful chemical. (Freon releases chlorine ions into the upper atmosphere where they catalyze the breakdown of ozone into oxygen. Ozone in the upper atmosphere is responsible for absorbing high-energy ultraviolet radiation from the sun, protecting life on the planet from its harmful effects.)

The municipality’s responsibility to replace the unit has been acknowledged since December, 2008, and $375,000 was put into the 2010 capital budget to accommodate the change. Unfortunately, the cost of the work is now placed at $422,756, in part because of the requirement for a refrigerant monitoring unit the Ministry also requires. Administration has recommended that this over expenditure be charged to the Recreation Complex Reserve fund.

Tornado Victims Plant Almost 500 Trees

Administration reported to council on the success of the

Council installed

(Continued from Page 2)

love Leamington and am so looking forward to getting started.” Deputy-Mayor Charlie Wright expressed his pleasure to be part of a council that would represent their constituents “fairly and openly”, and demonstrated his knowledge of the major concerns that will confront council by concluding a list of priorities he hoped could be achieved “if we are fiscally responsible.”

The final comments were those of our new mayor, John Paterson, of course. He began by pointing out, “It has taken thirty-six days to get from the announcement of the election results to this point, the inauguration of council,” an excessively long time, in his opinion. After the many and expected thanks, he assured all that he would listen to the public so that he would be aware of, and try to fulfill “their hope and their wants and their needs.” He said, “I promise to represent our town in a professional way,” something everyone who knows him was assured of anyway.

After dealing with a technical matter related to the assumption of policing in the town by the OPP, and adopting the by-law to confirm the proceedings of this council meeting, the meeting was adjourned and members of council and invited guests retreated to a small reception at the Gallery restaurant for a small reception.

With that, our new municipal council’s one pleasant meeting ended, and on Monday, December 6th it was time for them to put their collective noses to the grindstone. We at the Sun wish them good luck.

voucher program run in the fall to help residents replace trees lost in last summer’s tornado. According to the report, 600 $30 vouchers were issued and 491 were turned in at participating tree nurseries. The success of the program has stimulated administration to propose its extension in a slightly modified form into 2011: using the ‘TD Green Streets’ national program. Since the deadline to apply for the grant is December 17th, administration sought council’s endorsement now (rather than at budget time).

It was proposed to council that the municipality apply for $15,000 from this matching-funds program. If successful, the municipality would also apply to the Essex Region Conservation Foundation for $7500 and provide $7500 itself to permit $50 vouchers for trees to be offered in the spring to the approximately 1100 properties of the designated tornado-affected area.

Request To Move Drain

Mr. Domenic Mastronardi has requested that a short section of the 4th Concession Drain just north of the by-pass off Highway 77 be moved at his expense out of the back yards of two residences and onto his farm property at 353 Hwy 77. The work will be done at no cost to the municipality.

Proposal To Change Committee Of Adjustment

Administration has presented municipal council with a recommendation to change the structure of the Committee of Adjustment from five members of municipal council to just two members of council and three members of the public in an attempt to make the committee as objective as possible when hearing applications and rendering decisions. While Councillor Rick Atkin would have rather seen no council members on the committee, as is the case in Amherstburg, Lakeshore, LaSalle and Tecumseh, the council preferred two members as in Essex and Kingsville.

Mind, Body & Spirit Spa Therapy

Another proposed change was to include a representative of Corporate Services in the initial consultation the planner has with any applicant. This change would ensure the applicant is aware of the process that must be followed to get the proposal through to ‘approved’ status. Deputy-Mayor Charlie Wright was concerned about having a second staff member attend meetings that it appears one should be able to handle, however, with the explanation of Brian Sweet, Director of Corporate Services, and his assurance that, in time, it was his hope that the need for a second person would disappear, the change was passed.

Police Vehicles To Be Sold

A report regarding the disposition of surplus police vehicles was brought before council. It identified one vehicle the municipality would retain so as to avoid having to buy a new vehicle for the building department, and one that has been bought by the Chatham-Kent Police. Council decided that the remaining fifteen vehicles will be sold at a special auction here in Leamington. St. John’s Ambulance had asked to have two vans donated to them by the town, and St. Clair College requested the donation of a police cruiser, but the new council decided that such donations were not a precedent it wished to start, deciding that if the vehicles went to auction, the interested bodies could bid for them and the money be paid into the town coffers.

(Council Committee Appointments on Page 22)

P.O.

Making Ontario accessibleSlowly, but surely

On June 13, 2005, the government passed the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005.

Office

The act made Ontario the first jurisdiction in Canada to develop, implement and enforce mandatory accessibility standards, and applies to both the private and public sectors.

Advertising

Approximately 1.85 million people in Ontario have a disability. That’s one in seven people. Over the next 20 years as the population ages, the number will rise to one in five Ontarians.

Advertising Sales MALLORY HEYENS

Ontario needs to be more accessible to people with disabilities. It makes good sense - economically and socially. Through the act and the accessibility standards, the goal is to make Ontario accessible by 2025.

Price sells – auto sales are up

Graphic Designer NICK CERVINI

The next step in this 30-year plan comes into affect January 1, 2012 and requires that all businesses, non-profit and for-profit alike must be accessible to all. This may mean widening doors, leveling and sloping steps to doorways and ensuring that your business is accessible.

Editorial Assistant ALLISON SIDDALL

Production Assistant LORI GOUIN

All businesses with a staff of one or more must be accessible, but according to the act’s regulations, the province won’t require businesses with a staff of less than 20 people to formally report how it has implemented internal policies, procedures and employee training to better serve disabled customers.

I think the auto industry had to hit rock bottom, which it did last year with government bailouts, cutbacks and closures, before it could ever improve. I don’t think anyone believed that the Big 3 would ever be in such dire straights. As the saying goes, it always gets worse before it gets better. It’s true in so many ways, sometimes we have to hit a low in our lives to pick ourselves up and improve ourselves.

McThoughts McThoughts

Last week, for the first time in 10 years, Chrysler Canada announced it was ready to begin hiring new employees at the Windsor Assembly Plant. Hiring! I can’t help but wonder that since the automakers had to take a serious look at their expenses, they seem to have cut some fat and tightened up production, like many other smaller businesses have had to do.

Commercial Printing RICK EPPLETT

Organizations with 20 or more employees, however, will need to file accessibility reports to show that they are complying with the requirements of the standard. They will also be required to document in writing all of their policies and procedures.

Although businesses may have to spend some money on these improvements to their premises, doesn’t it just make sense to open our doors to all possible customers? Many businesses have already complied and now all MUST comply by 2012. Is your business ready?

The province has put together an informative webpage dedicated to answering questions about these new standards - www.mcss.gov.on.ca/en/ mcss/programs/accessibility. Most of the information, so far, seems relatively straightforward and commonsensical. Still, many organizations are unaware that they will need to comply and there is even less information about how the province plans to enforce the law once it comes into force.

The starting hourly rate for new production workers is $24, which is 30 per cent less than the regular hourly rate. I did the math, and that means workers earn $31.20, on average, of course. I applaud the common sense of scaling back wages, but I think they would have a lineup of applicants for a lot less than $24/hr. Although the hourly wage and benefits that go with it are appealing, you can bet there will be a lot of applicants and the qualifications are higher than those required 10 or 20 years ago. Assembly plants are full of general laborers who have university degrees.

The economy has improved from this time last year, but I think the biggest reason for the increase in car sales is the pricing. All manufacturers have reduced prices and are giving enormous rebates. My car is only three years old (right before the bottom fell out of the car industry) and the car I paid $23,000 for in 2007 is now for sale for about $17,000. I was trying to figure out if I’d be money ahead to trade it in for a new one…. Someone told me the other day that a brand new mini van is the same price today that they paid for one more than 10 years ago.

The bottom line is price sells and with all the great incentives from GM, Ford, Chrysler and other manufacturers, I think car sales will continue to pick up and fourth quarter reports should be the best of the year.

S Soouutthhppooiinnt t S Saayyss. . ....

What Christmas means to me…

Location: Margaret D. Bennie Public School

Dawson Baldwin

Gr. 6, Age 11

“Christmas means about loved ones and how they feel, not just about gifts. Love your family and give them a hug, and have a Merry Christmas.”

Camryn Enns

Gr. 6, Age 11

“Christmas means to me spending time with my family and having a good time. It’s not all about presents.”

I have a confession...

By Jim Heyens

With a little more than a week to go, I have a confession to make. This past weekend I spent a good number of my waking hours in a hockey arena. I help coach the Southpoint Stars Midget Girl’s travel team and this past weekend we took part in a tournament that started Friday and ended Sunday. While away I didn’t have access to my food bank supply and found myself in a restaurant with the parents and the team on two separate occasions. I ordered and ate modestly. I had a personal pizza at the first restaurant and shepherd’s pie at the second. I felt guilty. I felt as though I was letting someone down. Just guilty enough I guess, that I thought I should confess. I feel better already.

I agreed three weeks ago to stick as closely as possible to the rations supplied by the Salvation Army Food Bank for one month. I’ve done well feeding myself from the supply of mainly boxes and cans. Last week I made chili (minus a couple of ingredients I normally include). I was proud of myself. Today I threw together a baked casserole (minus the “baked”). Recipe: Combine Kraft dinner noodles – no cheese powder – with cream of mushroom soup, tuna, milk, butter, salt and pepper. Simmer in pot until tolerable.

It’s actually not that bad. I survived college on this concoction. The recipe was one of two domestic teachings my mother sent off into the world with me when I went away to college in Toronto in the early 80s. The other was how to wield a mean clothes iron. Moral of the story? I started this journey hoping to create awareness for the need to contribute to those in need during this holiday season, and I found myself reminded of a time when as a student living on a minor budget I ate very little and very modestly. Déjà vu!

Many in our community must make the most of the rations they’re allotted on a daily basis. I feel for them and I pray that one day not one will require the assistance of a food bank. I ask that you help this holiday season. Please contribute to a food bank. Drop what you can in a Salvation Army kettle. Do what you can.

You can contribute to the Leamington Salvation Army Food Bank or make a donation to this cause by contacting Jim Heyens at jim@southpointsun.ca.

Helen Neufeld

Gr. 6, Age 11

“Christmas is about loving, caring and having fun with your family. Christmas means celebrating the birth of Jesus and having fun.”

Liam Jeffery

Gr. 6, Age 11

“Christmas is having fun with family, having a good meal and getting around the Christmas tree and having fun.”

A silent and quiet night

With a mug of tea and a cookie, I finally sit to admire the glow of our Christmas tree. It has taken a little more motivation this year to get it done, but the ‘halls are decked’ in our home once again. It took approximately three chick flicks and a multitude of Christmas CDs until I finished, bolstered by everything from Bing Crosby to Amy Grant. Each one is a favourite!

Lifestyles Lifestyles

The holiday festivities started for me this past week, at our annual cookie exchange. Seven of my friends and I each baked two dozen cookies for each other and if my calculations are correct we each end up with gaily-wrapped gifts containing a total of fourteen dozen baked goods. The highlight, and perhaps one of the motivations, is going out for dinner together!

This year, I cheated slightly and purchased seven of the fourteen dozen that I was giving to each friend from two local young entrepreneurs. This definitely made life a little easier; however, as I peeked into each of the packages prepared by my friends, I realized that it wasn’t simply what was in each box that was so special, it was the love and care that went into preparing them.

I know a whole year in advance that I am going to be exchanging cookies, yet I tend to wait until the last minute to decide what new recipe I bake. When will I learn that the old ‘tried and true’ is always a good bet?

My friends all had their ‘flour in their face’ stories and one texted her daughter the following message: “Everything prepped, rolled and ready to bake. Oh God… an unfamiliar oven for cookie exchange is dangerous territory for sure. Wish me luck that my efforts don’t go up in flames. I have the ‘dog eating cookies excuse’ card in my back pocket just in case!”

Another tells of the initial excitement with the planning, recipe search, and packaging details, etc. Keeping everything organized is a feat in itself and she swiftly lost her recipe, requiring a couple calls to her mother for another one. Finally, home to make them only to discover there were no chocolate chips in the house. She finally got started as darkness set in, leading to the new challenge of finding glasses so that she could read the recipe card. Instead of the predicted 30 chocolate bars, there were 20. Not only were the bars bumpy and big but there weren’t enough! Thank goodness for her mother again and her quick, dip, twirl with a fork and shake techniques that stretched out the chocolate supply. With countertops covered with bars, she forged ahead to tackle the pecan bars. New oven and pan – AAHHHHHH!

Whether it’s decorating the house or the cookies, it all comes down to the love that goes into it. Every year, I threaten that I am not going to put up the same tree, with the same decorations, but with pressure from my kids I give in once again. They look forward to and count on the traditions that I have created.

It was much more fun when I had little hands to help, but as I carefully unwrapped each ornament, the peacefulness and memories washed over me and kept me company. Soon enough, everyone will all be home and we will gather with our friends and family. It is what Christmas is all about. No one ever said it would be easy, but the effort is worthwhile for sure!

Christmas Market

TOP RIGHT: The Rhine Danube Club held its Christmas Market on Sunday, December 5 with a variety of vendors. Santa Claus also made an appearance to check out the event. Pictured here Mitchel Bierer discusses his Christmas wish list and assures Santa he has been a good boy.

BOTTOM RIGHT: Leamington District Secondary School students Helena Guenpher, left, and Judy Friesen, right, sold gingerbread house and other goodies made by the hospitality class. (SUN Photos)

Christmas Count Down

More than 2,000 cans collected at MCB Students at Mount Carmel-Blytheswood Public School have been busy over the past weeks conducting their annual food drive. The 284 students collected 2,053 canned goods and non-perishable items to donate to the local Salvation Army Food Bank. The MCB student council is pictured with the school’s donation towards helping those in need in our community. Front row, left to right: Cameron Adams,

Nathan Toews, Robyn Jadischke. Back row: Kayla Dyck, Andrea Linke-Driedger, Chloe Bell. (SUN Photo)

LDSS Holiday Showcase

Nalani Pratas presents Salvation Army Captain Corey

Listen to Country 92.7 CJSP for more events happening in Leamington and Essex County during the Community Calendar 6 times daily or visit www.country927.com for a complete listing

SUNDAYS - Sun Parlour Curling Club Euchre games 1st and 3rd Sunday of every month at 6:30 p.m.

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.

THURSDAYS: Euchre 7:00 p.m. at the Leamington United Church. All proceeds go to raise money for free suppers for those who are alone or those who will go without.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8:

98% Nice, 2% Naughty - Children's Program at Kingsville Library, from 4 p.m.-5 p.m. for ages 7 and up. Register by calling 519-733-5620.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9 – SUNDAY, DECEMBER 12:

Theatre Windsor presents a different kind of Christmas story: about squabbling sisters, family secrets, a surly Santa, a vengeful sheep and a reluctant Elvis impersonator. "The Christmas Belles" - a southern farce comedy is being performed at Market Square, 2109 Ottawa St., Windsor. Show times are Thursday and Friday 8:00 p.m.; Saturday 2:00 p.m. & 8:00 p.m. and Sunday 2:00 p.m. Ticket prices are $16 for adults; $14 for seniors and students and $12 for children under 6. To order tickets, call 519-9441968 or email info@theatrewindsor.com See www.theatrewindsor.com for more info. Theatre Windsor will also be collecting non-perishable items for the Windsor Goodfellows Can Drive.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9:

Leamington Half Century Centre, 160 Talbot St. E., is holding a Christmas Cookie Sale from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Leamington Flyers will be home to the London Nationals at 7:10 p.m. in the Heinz Arena at the Kinsmen Recreation Complex, 249 Sherk St., Leamington. They will be having a canned food drive to benefit the Leamington Salvation Army Food Bank. Fans are encouraged to bring canned goods to the game to provide assistance to local unemployed or low income families.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10:

Enjoy the pleasurable sounds of Christmas with the St. David's Choir, a special guest soloist and the Silver Ambassadors Band. Tonight only, from 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at St. David's Anglican Church, 3401 Byng Rd., Windsor. A reception will follow the performance. Tickets are $10. To reserve your tickets, call 519-966-3262 or contact any choir member.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10 – SUNDAY, DECEMBER 12:

"The Snow Goose" will be performed at the Capitol Theatre, University Ave. W., Windsor. Show times are Friday and Saturday 7:00 p.m. and Sunday 2:00 p.m. Audiences of all ages will be endeared by this unique and spirited Christmas story for Theatre Alive's 33rd musical production. Tickets are $16. To order tickets, call 519-737-9919. Visit the website at www.theatrealive.com.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10 – SUNDAY, DECEMBER 12: Migration Hall Productions present "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" at Migration Hall, Main St., Kingsville. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12.50 for seniors and $7.50 for children. A family 4 pack of tickets is $40. For information, show times and to order tickets, call Kingsville Office Pro at 519-7332213.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11:

"Who's on the Roof? I Hear Jingle Bells", 1:00 p.m. at Leamington Library for ages 4 -8. Register at the library.

Dramatic reading of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol", at 7:00 p.m. at St. John's Anglican Church, 60 Erie St. N., Leamington. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased through the church office in advance or at the door. Proceeds will benefit the Leamington Area Salvation Army Food Bank.

Christmas Flea Market for Kittenaide at Unico Hall, 37 Beech, Kingsville, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Free admission. Dropoff for cat/kitten food donation, Pet Valu, Leamington and Essex.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 12:

The Greater Windsor Concert Band under the direction of Ric Moor presents "God Rest Ye Merry!", in a cabaret-style concert the whole family can enjoy. Raffles prizes, bake sale and a special visit by Jolly Ol' St. Nick. It will be held at 3:00 p.m. at Royal Canadian Legion Br. 261 in Tecumseh (Lanoue St. at Lesperance Rd). Tickets $10. $8 senior/students. For more information call Diane 519-977-3375 or visit www.greaterwindsorconcertband.ca.

"Christmas Past & Present" Concert, featuring Gospel Group "Connection", from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 3 Fox Street, Leamington. A free will offering will benefit outreach and mission projects at FBC. Everyone is welcome - wheelchair accessible.

Knights of Columbus Christmas Toy Bingoprizes will be toys instead of cash. Starting at 2:00 p.m. at the new Unico Hall behind A & A Flooring, 37 Beech St., Kingsville. Doors open at 12:30 p.m. Admission is $5, 7 regular rounds and 3 special rounds. Refreshments available, open to all. Please bring a canned good.

The auditions for ballroom dancers for "Dancing with the Local Stars, Season 3" will be held at Zumba Joel Studio Fitness on 4600 Rhodes Drive Unit 2, Windsor. Auditions start at 2:00 p.m. For more information go to www.bwta.ca or call 519945-8888. This is a charity event and all proceeds go to promoting the bone marrow registry.

Christmas Flea Market for Kittenaide at the Leamington Fairgrounds, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Free admission. Dropoff for cat/kitten food donation, Pet Valu, Leamington and Essex.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 13 - “Leamington After 5” invites you to dinner at Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens at 6:30 p.m. Speaker is Glen Taylor and his topic is “His Side/Her Side After 39 Years”. Musical entertainment is The Bailey Band with Brad and Lynn Bailey and Jack Sumner. The evening is Guest Night. Reservations necessary. Call Sharon 519-326-0421.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 25 - 17th Annual Christmas Dinner - St. John's Anglican Church in Leamington is hosting Christmas Dinner again this year which will be served at 12:00 noon on December 25. Available at no charge to anyone who will be alone, go without, or who is simply in need of fellowship. Free transportation is available, and meal delivery for shut-ins will also be provided. Any proceeds realized from the dinner are used to support other outreach projects of the church. If you would like to attend, simply call the church at 519326-3111 by December 20 to assure a spot for you.

The wheel of emotion

It could only be me, but I doubt it. The sensory overload of the holiday season and the “wheel of emotion” spins as rapidly as my hydro meter these days. Surely you’ve seen the latest Tim Horton’s commercial about the man who loves Timmy’s donuts so much he built his own Wheel of Donuts. My wheel doesn’t include apple fritters or honey crullers. Instead, my mind bakes up fresh recollections of old times, old friends and a myriad of melancholy moments as well as a few happy ones too.

I really miss my kids, particularly so over the past few days. My oldest girl is married with kids and living two hours away. My youngest two are away at school. I’m really looking forward to having them home in the coming days.

I put up our family Christmas tree the other night. It was well after midnight. It was the first time that I ever put up a Christmas tree by myself. My girlfriend commented that “it was sad” that I did it myself. I didn’t really think of it that way until she mentioned it. Sad as in pathetic I wonder? Truthfully, it was kind of fun as well as emotional. Erecting the tree was challenging for sure, as I tried to put the right fake tree branch in the right place slot on the stem. I then opened the big box of ornaments and that’s when the emotion kicked in. There, attached to bits of string and some with metal hooks, were the simplest artifacts that have hung off our family Christmas tree for the past two dozen years. Particularly sweet and every bit as tacky are the homemade decorations, crafted by my kids when there were in elementary school. They’re my favourites and by a long shot, despite the fact my kids kind of sucked at crafts. My son just never got the hang of it, but his stuff hangs proudly. I wouldn’t trade his little wooden rocking horse for anything.

Weese’s Weese’s Pieces Pieces

Hopefully our yellow Labrador retriever doesn’t attempt to decorate the tree again this season. Boomer, perhaps fooled by the faux tree, did what he likes to do when he’s near a bushy tree. The big fella likes to back up and wiggle his butt into the bush and then relieve himself. Not the kind of thing that Nat King Cole sang about in “The Christmas Song.”

I kind of envy parents who have small children this time of year. The “little ones” really made the Christmas season exciting around our house for many years. The magic of Santa, the singing of carols, shopping for toys and being as excited as they were on Christmas Eve are just some of the best moments of Christmases past.

When I was married, we would travel every Christmas Eve to my wife’s parents. It was always a great night with lots of food and music and gifts galore. That midnight drive home to Chatham or Petrolia, or wherever we lived, was the most incredible, surreal experience. While the radio played Christmas hymns and the kids slept in the back seat, I was left to stare out into the deafly quiet and black night, illuminated modestly yet spectacularly with the moon and brilliant stars. To think that I had ignored it all year long. My thoughts would turn to the first Christmas of peace and joy and only the warmest of thoughts. I would look at brightly decorated homes along the highway and imagine what was going through the minds of the small children who might live there.

As I we got closer to home, the anticipation of the next morning began to gallop within me. Mom and I would tuck the kids into bed and then begin the staging of Christmas gifts under and around the tree, the placing of socks (gift bags) in each corner of the living room. I love the socks.

I am the King of the Christmas socks, though my socks are now giant gift bags, filled to the brim with everything from clothes to candy, music CDs and a few unexpected surprises. My girlfriend wanted her and I to go together on making the socks for my young adult kids. I know this would mean a lot to her, but I’m just not ready to give up any part of this experience. I’ve been the sock Santa since my kids’ first Christmas and it just means sooo much to me. Silly eh?

I’ll get weepy a bunch of times between now the conclusion of the Christmas extravaganza. This could be triggered by a song, a movie, a spontaneous memory or just about anything. A most recently example of this occurred at our company Christmas party this past weekend. We chartered a bus and travelled to Stratford to enjoy a Christmas performance at the Festival Theatre. It was a wonderful experience, but for much of it I had a lump in the throat. Deck the Halls? Jingle Bells? These aren’t exactly the theme songs to Brian’s Song or Ol’ Yeller.

May your Wheel of Emotion land on nothing but happiness this holiday season. My gift to you is that simple wish. Personally, I’d be pleased to unwrap some of that this season. – Peace, Weese

11TH ANNUAL POLAR BEAR DIP

By Sheila McBrayne

As the temperatures start to dip thoughts of dipping into Lake Erie for the 11th annual Polar Dip are also starting to surface.

Teams that have participated year after year know that planning ahead is key in this fun and fantastic fundraising event for Childcan and The Youth and Family Resource Network, which takes place on January 29, 2011 at the Lakeside Park Pavilion in Kingsville. Some teams have already picked their “themed dipping attire” for the frigid frolic. A new team from Erie Shores Golf Club have started their fundraising effort for this year’s dip.

It’s an exciting way for people in the community to help raise funds and awareness for two worthwhile causes. Over the past 10 years, the event has grown into one of the most successful Polar Bear Dips for charity in Ontario, and with the generous support of the community, raised over $460,000 for both organizations.

Last year’s dip had 23 teams raise $60,000 from the dip and dance. Those supporting this year’s event will help The Youth and Family Resource Network of Essex County and Childcan raise much-needed funds to continue to provide services and support that will make a difference in the lives of hundreds of children and their families.

“What’s normal is forever changed the day you hear the news that your child has cancer,” said Kim Cavers, organizer of the Polar Dip and mother of a childhood cancer survivor. In 1993 her son Keegan was diagnosed at age 7 months with late stage 3 early stage 4 neuroblastoma. He endured 12 months of chemotherapy and had a severe infection

New vehicle impoundment legislation

each month from this treatment and had to be isolated for 7-12 days of antibiotics. He was able to be home for one week out of the month for a year. After chemo, 20 radiation treatments began and then he was feeling well for his 2nd birthday. “Life has been a rollercoaster ride afterward with some growths and lesions found which were scary, but not cancerous, thank goodness,” she said.

That was 17 years ago! Keegan beat the odds and survived childhood cancer, but parents Kim and Darrin continue to support and help fundraise for ChildCan. Keegan is a Grade 12 student at Kingsville Secondary School.

“Having a child with cancer changes everyone around, and strangely enough, sometimes it is for the better; we appreciate every moment of every day together. ChildCan is a blessing that can be incredibly helpful and therapeutic to families with kids with cancer,” said Cavers.

Cancer doesn’t just affect the immediate family, it takes an entire extended family effort. “My mother, gave up 14 months of her life to be with us (Keegan, Tessa and I) and my father lived without her all of that time which was a sacrifice on his part as well. So many people help out and it makes you realize how strong a family can become,” said Cavers.

If you’re not brave enough to face the dip, anyone can join the after party – an evening of Fire and Ice. The doors open at 5:30 p.m. with food from Just Jeff’s Gourmet Express, and entertainment by The Sellouts. Tickets are $35 each and can be purchased from ChildCan or YFRN. For more information, sign up online or contact Childcan at info@childcan. on.ca or YFRN (Jo Ann Scratch) at 519 733 8983.

As of December 1, the Ontario government enacted new measures to help keep suspended and impaired drivers off Ontario’s roads. This change also provides added enforcement against people who have had their driver’s licenses suspended for consistently not paying family support. Under the Road Safety Act, 2009, three new seven-day vehicle impoundments are now in effect. They are:

• Drivers caught driving with a driver’s licence that is already under specific Highway Traffic Act suspension(s) including those related to default of family support, failure to complete remedial measures, “warn range” (0.05 – 0.08 Blood Alcohol Concentration), Novice Driver Escalating Sanctions Program, demerit point accumulations, and careless driving. This does not include suspensions for defaulted fines or medical conditions

• Drivers required to have a vehicle ignition interlock device and are found driving without such a device.

• Drivers with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) over .08 or who fail/refuse to comply with a demand made by a police officer under S. 254 of the Criminal Code.

These impoundments are in addition to the existing legislation for drivers engaged in a race, stunt or contest.

Owners of vehicles are responsible for taking all reasonable steps to ensure that any person who drives their vehicle has a valid driver’s licence.

If an owner allows someone to drive their vehicle and the driver is caught driving for one of the offences listed above, the vehicle will be towed and impounded at the owner’s cost.

The seven-day vehicle impoundment program changes are part of the Road Safety Act 2009 and are designed to make Ontario’s roads safer.

OPP Make Their First Drug Arrest In Leamington

On December 4 at approximately 9:20 a.m., two OPP officers attended a local bank on Erie Street in Leamington. One of the officers detected the odour of freshly burnt marijuana on a male exiting the bank. The officer followed the male to his vehicle in the parking lot and had a conversation with him. There was another male in the passenger seat of the vehicle.

The officers continued their investigation and after discovering over 3 ounces of marijuana in their possession placed the suspects under arrest and charged them with Possession for the Purpose Schedule II under 3 kg, in accordance with CDSA 5(2).

Human Remains Discovered In Car Fire

On December 2, at approximately 8:10 p.m., Kingsville OPP and Kingsville Fire were dispatched to a vehicle fire in the 1600 block of Road 2 East, Kingsville.

Upon arrival of Fire and Police, it was discovered that a 1998 Plymouth Voyager van was on fire in the middle of a field area on Road 2. It was completely engulfed in flames. The fire was eventually brought under control and at that time what appeared to be human remains were located inside the vehicle. Essex County Crime Unit was advised and attended.

The vehicle, together with the human remains, was been collected and transported to Toronto for an autopsy to be performed. The identity of the human remains has yet to be determined. Police are continuing their investigation. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Essex County OPP Criminal Investigation Unit 519-723-2491 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

First 7-Day Vehicle Impoundment Issued Pursuant To Bill 126

On December 2 at approximately 7:00 a.m., a Kingsville OPP officer conducted a vehicle stop on Road 3, west of County Road 31, in Kingsville. The officer observed a black 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier travelling at a high rate of speed wherein the driver was travelling in excess of 40 km/hr over the posted 60 km/hr speed limit.

Upon conducting the stop, it was discovered that the driver did not have a valid Ontario driver’s license, registration for the vehicle or insurance on the vehicle. Further, the driver was operating the vehicle with a suspended driver’s license.

Pursuant to Section 55.2 of the Road Safety Act 2009, and in accordance with the new Bill 126 just recently implemented on December 1, 2010, the motor vehicle was impounded for 7 days. The driver of the vehicle was also issued the following Provincial Offence Notices: driving while under suspension; using plate not authorized for vehicle; operating motor vehicle without insurance; driving motor vehicle without a license; and speeding.

Suspicious Persons Complaint Results In Arrests

On December 2 at approximately 10:30 a.m., Kingsville OPP were notified of two suspicious persons in the area of Road 6 East and County Road 31. An off-duty officer reported seeing the two males at the above location. The officer noticed that the males were carrying a backpack and reported the incident, as he was aware of the break and enters in this area. Both of the parties are well known to the area police officers. Both parties were also on conditions not to associate with one another

The Essex County Emergency Response Team (ERT) was on general patrol in the area at the time and attended the above location. The ERT members located one of the suspects standing in a driveway in the 1000 block of Road 6 East. As the officers stopped to speak with the first male suspect, they also observed a larger male running through the backyard of the residence. One of the ERT members detained one male suspect as the other ERT member pursued the other male party. Both suspects were placed under arrest.

The suspects were found to be in possession of stolen property. Some of the items found (jewellery and cash) belonged to residents in the 200 block of Road 7, in the Town of Leamington. Police are still trying to determine who owns the remaining property that was found on the accused.

At the time of arrest, over two pounds of marijuana was also discovered in the possession of the accused.

The two parties have been charged with: break and enter a dwelling with intent to commit indictable offence; possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000; failure to comply with undertaking or recognizance; mischief under $5,000; possession for the purpose – Schedule II under 3 kg.

Cookies to Kandahar and around the world

By Allison Siddall

Karen Wilson, of Petrolia, comes by the moniker “The Petrolia Cookie Lady” honestly – she bakes dozens upon dozens of cookies and ships them to Canadian troops deployed in Afghanistan and other parts of the world.

Currently the Petrolia Cookie Lady has shipped 2,488 dozen cookies – that’s a total of 29,856 – to Canadian troops deployed in Afghanistan and other parts of the world.

Karen’s shipments aren’t limited to the holiday season; she sends her cookies to Canadian soldiers all year long. The homemade goodies are shipped through the London Military Family Resource Centre.

An email message from a Canadian soldier was recently forwarded to the paper that expressed appreciation to Karen for her efforts in sending a touch of home to those stationed so far away. The following is from MCpl. Scott Atkinson in Kandahar, Afghanistan:

Hi there: Just wanted to pass on a heartfelt thank you to everyone who sent the cookies to us here at Kandahar Airfield. To be honest, when the boys here in the Operations Centre saw I had your cookies I was jumped on to get at them. They are well known to say the least. It’s also a good bit of home to get things like this. This will be the second Christmas in 3 years I have spent here in Kandahar and it does feel good to get a little something. So once again thank you very much.

If you know a Canadian soldier serving abroad who would like to receive one of the Petrolia Cookie Lady’s cookie shipments, please send or email the soldier’s complete mailing information (the address must go though the Belleville/Trenton Base) to: Petrolia Cookie Lady, P.O. Box 1024, Petrolia, Ontario N0N 1R0 or email petroliacookielady@hotmail.com. For more information visit www.petroliacookielady.co.cc.

Grants benefit citizens throughout the county

The WindsorEssex Community Foundation has announced $18,761 in grants for Essex County organizations. Thanks to these grants, seven area organizations will be better able to serve their local communities. The announcement was made November 30.

“After a review of all the creative and valuable project applications that were submitted, the grants committee was pleased to be able to fund seven from Essex County organizations,” states Susan Easterbrook, Chair of the Foundation’s Grants Committee. “These grants will make life better for seniors, new Canadians, and children in Essex County.”

Three grants were awarded in Leamington:

• The Little Tomato Theatre will receive $761.28 to purchase supplies needed for their productions, each involving up to 100 budding artists between the age of six and eighteen.

• The Leamington and District Half Century Centre will receive $1,000 to perform needed roof repairs above their program room.

• The Migrant Worker Community Program will receive $3,000 to support their Building Cultural Bridges project.

Community Foundation grants were also awarded to the Youth and Family Resource Network in Kingsville ($2,000), Kinsmen Club of Harrow ($5,000), Essex Public School ($5,000), and the Provincial Marine Amherstburg Re-enactment Unit ($2,000).

The WindsorEssex Community Foundation (WECF) is a perpetual community trust that manages donated funds, makes grants to support community programs, and facilitates working relationships between community organizations.

OPP Festive Ride In Review

The OPP in Essex County conducted several R.I.D.E. programs throughout the week of November 29 to December 5. The results are as follows:

• Over 4,400 vehicles were checked.

• 9 roadside tests were performed.

• 5 three-day licence suspensions were issued.

• 3 Part III summons were issued.

• 2 Highway Traffic Act charges were laid.

• 18 Highway Traffic Act warnings were issued.

The OPP is committed to doing their part to promote traffic safety by removing impaired drivers from our roads to ensure that everyone can arrive at their destination safely this holiday season. They are calling on all drivers to support their efforts by doing their part and not mixing driving with alcohol or drugs. Make the right choice and act responsibly!

Karen Wilson, the Petrolia Cookie Lady

SpEqTRA finishes second Community Revival contest

By Sheila McBrayne

After all the online votes were counted Leamington’s Special Equestrian Therapeutic Riding Association (SpEqTRA) ended up 432 votes short of winning the $25,000 grand prize in the Joey’s Only national Community Revival Contest.

SpEqTRA finished in second place with 1583 votes, just a couple hundred votes behind the first place winner The Pregnancy Centre of Kamloops, British Columbia, who tallied 2015 votes.

“We knew on Friday that we were in the top five. Then we were updated on Monday at noon that we were still in the top five. Voting ended at 12 that night and they were suppose to post the winner online the next day at 2 p.m. We sat on the edge of our seats all day waiting and then at about 7 p.m. they posted the winner,” said Liz Windsor, Executive Director of SpEqTRA.

“There’s not much more we could have done. We handed out a thousand little vote tags at the parade… We won for Best Non-Profit entry at the parade… I guess we won our limit for the week,” she joked. The group, which was created to provide opportunities that challenge and allow for the personal growth of children and adults with developmental disabilities, through the use of therapeutic horseback riding, may not have won the grand prize, but Windsor says SpEqTRA gained a lot from the experience. “Now we have a promotional video made for the program and there is a lot more awareness in the community. The next time we look for sponsors, they’ll know us a little better,” said Windsor.

“Thanks to everyone who helped – CJSP gave us great support and Bernie and Cathy Hall at Joey’s Only for their help. Our group did so much work and it’s all volunteers, they really, really pushed. Thanks to everyone for their efforts and everyone who voted,” said Windsor.

Free Christmas dinner served to everyone

St. John’s Anglican Church in Leamington is hosting Christmas dinner again this year. This is the 17th year the church has hosted the meal.

The dinner, which will be served at 12:00 noon on December 25, is available at no charge to anyone who will be alone, go without, or who is simply in need of fellowship. Free transportation is available, and meal delivery for shut-ins will also be provided.

In addition to good food and fellowship, any proceeds realized from the dinner are used to support other outreach projects of the church. As always, the support from the community and the parish is overwhelming. Leamington is truly blessed with many caring people.

If you would like to attend, simply call the church at 519-326-3111 by December 20 to assure a spot.

1st - Pregnancy Care Centre of Kamloops – 2015

2nd - SpEqTRA, Leamington – 1583

3rd - Kronan Multi-Purpose Facility, Saskatchewan – 1347

4th - Help a Child Reach Tomorrow, Brantford ON – 1305

5th - Kids Cancer Care Foundation of Alberta – 1303

The $25,000 grand prize in the Community Revival contest sponsored by Joey’s Only national franchise was held to celebrate the seafood restaurant’s 25th anniversary.

Are we not allowed to say Christmas anymore?

The Editor, Southpoint Sun:

I was dismayed, disheartened, disillusioned and left in a state of disbelief when I drove by one of the schools and saw the sign “Holiday Concert Dec. 8”. Are we not allowed to say the word “Christmas” anymore?

The reason that this is a “holiday” season is because we celebrate the birth of Christ. Christmas is the reason for the season!

If we moved to another country would they deny their religion for fear that we would be offended? Not in a million years. What happened to “freedom of religion” in Leamington?

Please, Greater-Essex County District School Board, or whoever is responsible for this travesty, allow a Christmas concert to be called just that.

– A very concerned citizen, Barbara Jacobs, Leamington

Theft of Canadian flag a shameful act

Editor;

On November 11, we – like many Canadians – paid tribute to the brave men and women who fought during the First and Second World Wars, Korea and now Afghanistan. In honor of these courageous individuals, we decided to replace the rather tired and worn Canadian flag that we so proudly flew from the gazebo in our back yard. Every morning as we gazed at the sun rising in the east and saw that flag flying so majestically, we would be reminded of how fortunate and blessed we are to live in a country like Canada.

Sadly, on November 27 we awoke to discover that our flag and pole had been absconded with right from our back yard! If the person or persons who took our flag was born here in Canada... SHAME ON YOU! If the person or persons responsible for taking our flag was not born here in Canada but are enjoying the privilege of living in a country like Canada... SHAME ON YOU! All of us should stop and think about what life could be like. Do we suffer persecution because of our race, colour or our religious beliefs? Can we speak freely and in public about any subject without fear of being arrested and thrown in jail? Our Canadian flag is a symbol of those freedoms and should never be taken for granted!

I hope that the individuals who did this terrible deed will read this letter and a feel compelled to return the flag and pole to the rightful owners. You know who you are and you know where we live!

Linda White & Graydon Hurst, Leamington

Take care to spell names correctly

Dear Southpoint Sun:

First of all I must say how much I am enjoying your paper. It has lots of news and pictures, and the personal columns are always interesting.

Recently, one of your staff was at the open house at the Bank of Montreal, soon to be The Leamington Playhouse. She spent a lot of time talking to us and was very interested in our story. After she took the picture, she wrote down all our names which we spelled to her. However, she was writing very quickly and I wondered if she would be able to decipher her notes! So I wasn’t too surprised to see a couple of our names misspelled – my name is Audrian, not Andrian, and Suzanne is McCaig, not McCraig. I have always had a “thing” about names being spelled correctly – not just my name, but all names. Just wanted to point this out to you so your paper can be 100%. Keep up the good work.

Yours sincerely, Audrian Hutchinson, Sunparlour Players Community Theatre

FLYERS UPDATE

The Flyers are still without captain Nick Nicodemo, who is recovering from a separated shoulder. It is still not known when he will be able to return… The Flyers power play continues to struggle as they went 3 for 30 in the last five games… The Flyers record now stands at 12-14-3… This Thursday the Flyers host the London Nationals and they will be having a can drive to benefit the Salvation Army Foodbank in Leamington. Fans are encouraged to bring canned goods to the game to help those less fortunate this holiday season.

flyers rebound on sunday

By Melissa McCarty

After suffering losses on Thursday and Saturday, the Flyers rebounded and snapped their five game losing streak with a big win in Chatham on Sunday.

The Flyers suffered their worst loss of the season on Thursday when they dropped a 9-2 decision to the LaSalle Vipers. It was also the annual Teddy Bear Toss and one of the only bright points of the game for the home crowd was when Flyers forward Cheyne Matheson scored less than 5 minutes into the first period to send 310 bears flying to the ice. The bears were donated to Toys 4 Tots in Leamington to benefit less fortunate children in our community.

“The goal felt good because I was in a slump,” Matheson said. “Before the game I actually told the guys in the room that I was going to be the one to score the first goal.”

Ryan Crevatin scored less than two minutes later to give the Flyers a 2-0 lead but the Vipers proved why they are the defending Sutherland Cup champions as they mounted a massive comeback scoring nine unanswered goals including two short handed markers.

“We didn’t work hard enough,” Matheson said. “Once they scored a few on us we got down too easily and just couldn’t come back.”

Following Thursday’s game the Flyers made a trade with the Chatham Maroons acquiring former Flyer Kyle Bowman in exchange for Marco Canzoneri and Brett Clarke.

Bowman was in action on Saturday night when the Flyers travelled to Guelph for an interlock game, but their struggles continued as they lost 5-1. Dylan Solecki had the Flyers only goal.

The Flyers were without captain Nick Nicodemo, who is sidelined with a shoulder injury, and forward Matt Ogden was serving a one-game suspension that he was assessed after a fight in the final ten minutes of the LaSalle game on Thursday.

The Flyers filled the open roster positions by calling up Southpoint Midget Major players Jimmy Ciacelli, Quinton Loop, Lucas Raffoul and Chris Warkentin.

Jeff Lobman #5 and Zakk Olvin #31 Flyers vs Guelph

Saturday’s loss extended the Flyers on the road losing streak to six games, but they were able to snap that on Sunday night in Chatham when they won 8-4, finally getting the much needed offense that they have been lacking.

Alex Seguin led the way for the Flyers with 2 goals and 2 assists and Matt Ogden returned from his one game suspension to chip in with two power play goals. Dylan Solecki, Tony Spidalieri, Tyler Quigley and former Maroon Kyle Bowman each added singles while Kody Polin and Ryan Crevatin both had three assists. Goaltender Colin Greeley earned his 9th win of the season making 28 saves.

FLYERS FLASHBACKS

Back row: Jim MacKenzie, Ray Cleary, Jim Elsley, Jim Duddy, Coach Bill Burgess, Bob ?, ? MacKenzie, Bill Sanford, Ted Lawrence. Front row: Bill MacKenzie, Caesar Brndjar, Bruce Riley, Norm Adam, Gord Drouillard, Tony ?, Whitey Bevan. (Photo courtesy of Bob Platsko)

Southpoint players selected to play at the annual Bluewater League All Star game were, left to right, Taylor Omstead, Brian Whaley, Deryck Badz, Branden McKeen and Mitchell Prudence.

Southpoint at Minor Midget Bluewater All Star

Southpoint Capitals were well represented at the annual Bluewater League All Star game held in Essex with five players selected to participate. The annual game showcases the top minor midget aged (15-year-old) players from the nine associations that play in the Bluewater League. This year the Capitals were represented by Mitchell Prudence and Brian Whaley, who play for the Midget A team, along with Deryck Badz, Branden McKeen and Taylor Omstead, who lace up for the Midget AEs. The game is an opportunity for all the players to display their skills in front of the many scouts from Junior C and Junior B teams in attendance.

The Capitals were on the winning Blue home team that downed the visiting White team 6-2. Prudence contributed a goal and an assist while Omstead added an assist. Badz and Whaley anchored the defence and helped shut down the potent White offence. McKeen was sidelined for the game after suffering a broken collarbone the previous weekend in a tournament.

Interviewed after the game, the players commented on the speed of the game and the quality of play. They all agreed it was a great opportunity to be on the same team with players they have battled against for the past several years.

Bowman returns to the Flyers

Last week the Leamington Flyers made a trade to bring a familiar face back to the team when they dealt forward Marco Canzoneri and defenseman Brett Clarke to the Chatham Maroons in exchange for former Flyer Kyle Bowman.

Bowman joined the Flyers two years ago and was traded to Chatham midway through the 2009/2010 season. The Wheatley native said it was tough leaving Leamington last year but he’s happy that he’s been given a second chance to play here.

“I’m excited to have another shot at it,” Bowman said. “The time I spent in Chatham was good but I’m glad I’m getting the opportunity to come back and contribute to the Flyers future success.”

Before the trade, Bowman had 17 points in 27 games with the Maroons this season including two goals against the Flyers. He said he’s definitely noticed a difference in the team this year compared to last year.

“Obviously they have a whole new look this year,” Bowman said. “There are a lot of young speedy players and a lot of skill. I think this team has a lot of guys that you can build around, a lot of character guys. And from what I hear it’s a tight knit group which I’m a big fan of.”

The deal for Bowman came following the Flyers 9-2 loss to the LaSalle Vipers and General Manager Pete Anthony said that while the deal had been in the works already, Thursday’s loss confirmed that team needed to make some changes.

“We’ve been struggling to score goals all season,” Anthony said. “We’re a young team and we were looking to get a veteran to help score goals. Thursday’s loss definitely confirmed that we need more scoring.”

Anthony thinks Bowman will help the team in a few areas.

“With Kyle being a third year player he will help with his size, strength and leadership,” Anthony predicts.

Bowman knows a lot is expected of him, but he’s going to try to use the added pressure as motivation.

“I feel there is always added pressure as you get older and establish yourself in the league because more is expected of you to perform,” Bowman said. “But it doesn’t really bother me. I’ve always tried to use adversity to my advantage.”

Bowman is the son of Jeff and Wendy Bowman of Wheatley and he grew up playing hockey for Southpoint and Sun County. He said he’s happy to be back playing closer to home and he’s also very excited to play for the Flyers new ownership and coaching staff.

“I’m happy to be playing under the owners and coaches here who are making an honest effort to turn this organization around,” Bowman said. “I want to thank them for working so hard to get me here and I definitely don’t want to disappoint.”

Skaters compete in John McKay Invitational

Skate Wheatley will be busy the month of December. The Pop Concert will be held on the morning of December 18 and will feature the skaters in either their Free Skate or Interpretive numbers. Everyone in the community is welcome to come out and watch the skaters perform. There will be hot chocolate and Timbits to enjoy as well.

The club plans to have their annual New Year’s Eve Party at the Wheatley Legion. This party is open to the public. Details will appear in the weeks ahead.

On the weekend of November 27-28, Skate Wheatley competed in the John Mckay Memorial Invitational in Tillsonburg. The following are the results.

WO Pre-Preliminary A Ltd.: Kassidy Tiessen 6th.

WO Pre-Preliminary A Ltd. Men: Erin Lein 2nd, Owen VanOorshot-Fowler 1st.

WO Pre-Preliminary B. Ltd.: Summer Ellis 2nd, Mykayla Tiessen 5th.

WO Preliminary A Ltd.: Andrea Linke-Driedger 5th, Haley Clark 3rd, Lauren Michaud 7th, Meghan Mercer 6th.

WO Junior Bronze Ltd.: Shaelynne VanOorschot-Fowler 1st, Mackenzie Goodison 3rd, Melissa Phan 1st.

STARSkate Introductory Interpretive: Summer Ellis 6th, Meghan Mercer 7th, Andrea Linke-Driedger 8th, Mykayla Tiessen 7th.

STARSkate Bronze Interpretive: Shaelynne VanOorschot-Fowler 5th, Haley Clark 6th, Mackenzie Goodison 2nd.

STARSkate Silver Interpretive: Melissa Phan 3rd.

STARSkate Gold Interpretive: Kristen DiMenna 3rd.

Bantam AEs on a roll

Captain Travis Fehr has led the Bantam AE UFCW Local 459 team to 5 consecutive wins in the Bluewater Hockey League. Dalton Enns scored 4 goals on the weekend and Teo Mastronardi recorded his third shutout of the season.

Friday’s victory came in a 5 to 1 blowout against the Tecumseh Eagles with Dalton Enns scoring early in the second period to start it off. The Capitals never looked back with other goals by Travis Fehr, Justin Church, Angus Fleming, and another by Dalton Enns. Assisting on the goals were Derek Johnston, Travis Fehr, Jesse Fast, Kyle Desnoyers, Terrell John and Shane Antunes. Nick Tiessen was able to shut the door as the Capitals came out on top. Saturday’s game also resulted in a 4 to 0 blowout as Teo Mastronardi shutout the Chatham Maroons. Dalton Enns continued his hot streak with another two goals while Travis Fehr and Matt VanBeekveld added singles to help improve the team’s record to 8-5-4. Assisting on the goals were Justin Church, Dalton Enns, Terrell John and Jesse Fast.

REC ROUND-UP REC ROUND-UP

RENTAL OPTIONS: The Complex has all kinds of different rental options, the possibilities are endless so contact us today to plan your event.

• Ice rental times are available for pick-up hockey groups, or for recreational skates.

• Meeting rooms for small or larger workshops, bridal showers, family reunions or company events.

• Plan your holiday party at the Complex! If you need to host your team or a larger group of friends, consider an activity party like swimming, skating or gym/fitness, followed by a pizza party for the whole gang.

CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS

The monthly Rock ‘n Swim will take place on Friday, Dec. 3 from 7 - 9 p.m. with the music sponsored by MGS Horticultural.

Holiday Happenings Day Camp - ages 4 - 7 & 8 - 12. While the kids are off school, bring them to the Complex Day Camp for swimming, skating, holiday crafts, “fort maze & sardines,” and games galore! Mon. Dec. 20 thru Thurs. Dec. 23 from 8 a.m - 5 p.m.

COMPLEX MEMBERSHIP - Have you checked out the Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex and all the programs and classes that we offer? We invite you to come in and take a tour! Our weight and cardio training rooms are full of the latest equipment. Whether you’re just beginning, or if you exercise to an advanced regimen, everyone can comfortably work-out and get fit. One compact fee for annual membership, and there are no enrollment or initiation fees.

CHRISTMAS GIFT GIVING!

If you’re ready to start your exercise routine right now, we have a December preholiday 1 month membership to help you shed a few pounds before the holiday season. Plus there’s a long list of gift certificates to purchase for everyone on your Christmas List:

• The ever popular New Year shape-up special for $109.00 plus HST.

• Gift certificates to meet with a personal trainer or nutrition and wellness coach.

• Great stocking stuffers include: a youth swim/gym/skate pass for all the youngsters on your list.

• or a student home for the holidays membership.

• or for the adult on your list who isn’t sure how to get started in exercise, purchase them an adult single visit punch pass or a fitness program card.

• Gift certificates are also available for swim lessons.

There’s just about any dollar denomination available - so come do your Christmas shopping at the Complex and give everyone on your list the gift of healthy, active living!

We have something for every...body!

Midget girls win Chatham Outlaws tourney

By Mackenzie Heyens

Friday, December 3 the Rhine Danube Southpoint Stars Midget B Girls travelled to Chatham to play in the Chatham Outlaws 13th annual tournament.

Their first game was against Sarnia Sting at 5:30 p.m. With a record of coming up short of the Stars, Sarnia came out flying with their first goal within seconds of the draw. The Stars reciprocated with a quick unassisted goal by Kayla Lindsay

The game picked up speed with the two teams battling hard but remained tied going into the second period. The girls picked up the heat, holding nothing back as the Stars began to dominate the ice. Shailyn Waites scored a beautiful goal from Jillian Iles and Charlee Cabral. Lindsay was right behind, scoring just seconds after with the assist from Kayla Di Schiavo and Dana Peltier. Iles scored unassisted with two minutes left in the second, taking the Stars into the third period with a score of 4-1.

Cabral found the net in the first two minutes of the third, with the assist by Iles and Peltier. After an unfortunate penalty for the Stars, Sarnia scored off the draw bringing the game to a final score of 5-2.

The next afternoon, the Rhine Danube Southpoint Stars faced off against Livonia. After a slow start by the Stars, the girls managed to pick up the pace in the second period. With one minute left, Kayla Lindsay, assisted by Karissa Ricci, scored the first goal of the game.

Southpoint picked up the pace in the third with Charlee Cabral scoring within the first few minutes of play, unassisted. Less than three minutes later, Shailyn Waites popped in another with the assist by Jessica Prudence, followed by Jillian Iles with the assist by Cabral. Final score of the game was 4-2 for Southpoint.

Later that evening, the Southpoint Stars played Kent County for what proved to be a disappointing game for the Stars. Though they didn’t put forward their usual effort, the Stars managed to find the net with a goal by Shailyn Waites with the assists by Jillian Iles and Charlee Cabral. The final score was 1-0, putting them in first place as the Southpoint Stars headed into the finals.

Sunday morning, the Southpoint Stars woke up rested and ready to play against the second place team, the Sarnia Sting.

Both teams were raring to go as the tough battle began. The game remained scoreless until 23 seconds left in the first period when Shailyn Waites scored a beautiful goal that flew over the goaltender’s shoulder. She was assisted by Jillian Iles.

Despite the controversial reffing, Kayla Lindsay scored a second goal with 5 minutes left in the second period, with the assists going to Amanda Stasko and Shaylynn LeClaire. By the end of the third period the score was tied 2-2, sending the game into overtime. Only 13 seconds in, Iles popped in the game-winning goal from Waites.

Congratulations Stars, on the fabulous weekend. For the team’s full schedule, please visit www.southpointminorhockey.com. Come out and support your local girls!

Atom majors drop 3 on weekend

The Reid Funeral Home Atom Majors had a tough weekend with the first of three games in Essex.

Essex came out flying in the first period, scoring five unanswered goals on the Caps. The Caps scored the lone goal in the second frame from Joseph Alfano and Matt Carvalho with the lone assist. This was all the goals Essex gave in this game and they scored two more in the third to win 7-1.

The Caps put out a much better effort in Friday night against the Amherstburg Stars. Down by 4 in the first period, Kiel Reid put his team on the board with a late goal with under a minute left in the period. Spencer Wiebe had the lone assist. With no scoring in the second period the Caps mounted a comeback and drew within one by goals from Mason Gow and Joseph Alfano. Assists went to Trent Pickle, Gioia DiCiocco and Tyler Zsebok. Jeron Kir added one more goal with DiCiocco collecting the lone assist, but the Stars replied with two more for a 6-4 win.

The Caps travelled to LaSalle on Sunday night and had a tough time trying to beat the 8-man system they seem to run in LaSalle. LaSalle scored two power play goals and skate away with a 3-0 victory. Tyler Dibbley was outstanding for his team between the pipes.

Peewee AEs trip up Maroons

The Southpoint Uni-Fab Peewee AE hockey club played the Chatham Jr. Maroons in their only game of this past weekend.

The Caps got it going with a wrister shot by Thomas Livingstone from the point that somehow got by the Chatham goaler. The lone assist came from defence partner Riley Gabriele. The good guys took a 2-0 lead on a quick snapper goal by Dawson Iles with an assist going to Mitchell Demelo.

The Maroons cut the lead in half with a power play goal. The Caps extended their twogoal cushion on a pretty give and go by Evan Loveless and Luc Ribble. Loveless made a nice pass to Ribble who almost converted the feather pass. The puck jumped over the goalie and Loveless batted it out of mid air into the yawning cage.

Jack Towle completed the scoring for the hardest working team with a nice effort out front, with assists going to Gerrid LaSala and Jack Hannigan. The final score was 4-1.

Chiquita Santos played exceptional in net squalling many Chatham chances. Mitchell Chausse and Mitchell Demelo had very solid games for the Caps.

The Caps next take to the ice next weekend in the Chatham Silver Stick Challenge. Good luck kids!

Midget AEs battle Windsor

The Bob Dick Plant Farm Midget AEs bounced back from an embarrassing loss in LaSalle on Friday evening by defeating the Jr. Spitfires in Windsor on Sunday evening 4-2.

The Caps played with passion and physically pounded the Jr. Spits early and often in a high tempo first period. The physical play paid off early as Jared Adams tipped a Wheaton Mouck shot past the goalie in the first minute to open the scoring. Tyler Lamb scored a minute later on a goalmouth scramble with assists going to Andrew Penner and Mouck. Jared Mastronardi ripped a shot past the Windsor goalie with Mouck adding his third helper of the night.

Two minutes into the second period Mouck one-timed a Taylor Omstead pass past the

goalie to take a 4-0 lead into the third.

The Caps picked up several bad penalties midway through the third and the Jr. Spits scored twice to make the game interesting.

Tyler Jackson played an excellent game and made key saves when needed.

On Friday evening the Caps failed to show up and were handed a 13-1 loss by the Sabres. Jesse Malott was the lone goal scorer for Southpoint with an assist going to Jonathan Augustine. Tyler Jackson and Matt Chamberlain split time in the net but neither goalie had any support as the team wasn’t ready to play and the lopsided result was reflected on the scoreboard

Golden Years mini golf

There were 50 players out to play mini golf at Colasanti’s on December 2.

The first place team was #10 with Don Ribble, Frank Lasi and Gerry Wilkinson shooting 240. Second place went to Team 1 with a score of 245 by Eileen MacIntosh, Cami Keith and Murray Knox. Two teams took third place with a 251 count for Team 6 – Pete Daudlin, Iggy Arner and Gary Honey – and Team Jacks – Eva Kah, Duane MacIntosh and Moe Scratch.

The low score single rounds were 36s by Murray Knox and Bill Mayville. Low totals were 76s for Lloyd Honey, Murray Knox and Frank Lasi. Pete Daudlin saw 77, and it was 78s for Bill Mayville, Tom Bondy and John Murphy. Gerry Wilkinson and Duane MacIntosh shared a 79, and Donna Wiebe came in with even par 80 for the day.

A total of 77 holes-in-one were shot. Four were by Pete Daudlin, Lloyd Honey, Moe Scratch and Gerrit Vriesen. Three dropped for Cami Keith, Eleanor Wilkinson, Liz Scratch, Tom Bondy, Frank Lasi and Betty McManus. Two fell for Eileen MacIntosh, Murray Knox, Bill Mayville, Iggy Arner, Bill Taylor, Gerry Wilkinson, Eva Kah, Donna Bilett, Stu Folster, Colleen Pearse, Andy Orsini, Shirley Thiessen, Ralph Butler, Herb Ascott and Wayne Reid. Single aces went in for Stan Vickery, Carolyn Daudlin, Linda Walsh, Anne Bondy, Neil Quick, Annie Mae Leslie, Caroline Ascott, Barb Murphy, Tom Hyatt, Bob Hatt, the Phantom, Madeline Butler and Rose Taylor.

A new record score was set by Team 9, who came in with a 300-stroke count.

The mini golfers will play again on December 9th and 16th. They will resume play on January 6, 2011. Mark your calendar. All are welcome to join the gang for some fun at Colasanti’s on Thursday mornings at 9:30 a.m.

No-cost dental

care for kids

A new no-cost dental program is now available in Leamington to help ensure that eligible kids establish and maintain good oral health. The new Healthy Smiles Ontario program will ensure that kids can have regular visits with a dentist or dental hygienist. The program will give kids access to services like check-ups, cleaning, fillings, x-rays, scaling and more.

This program will benefit about 130,000 kids throughout the province. Administered locally by the Windsor-Essex Health Unit, the program will provide preventive dental care at no cost to kids who are 17 years of age and under, are members of a household with an Adjusted Family Net Income of $20,000 per year or less, or who don’t have access to any form of dental coverage.

The Healthy Smiles Ontario program is part of the province’s five-year Open Ontario Plan to provide more access to health care services.

For information on participating dentists in the area, call the Windsor Essex County Health Unit at 519-258-2146 ext. 1103, ext. 1104 or ext. 1105, or visit www.ontario.ca/ healthysmilesontario.

Bounty of the County was held November 23 and 24 at the Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex. The 60th Annual Trade Show filled the gymasium with booths and exhibits from across Essex County. (SUN Photo)

Debbie Roach of Leamington Rona Customer Service Champion

RONA recently honoured 217 employees across Canada who have distinguished themselves for excellence in customer service. Among the honourees was Debbie Roach from the RONA store in Leamington. These employees provide a high level of customer service each day, always with the aim of satisfying their customers and supporting their team.

Debbie, who works as install coordinator, was named the store’s Customer Service Champion for 2010. Part of the award for Debbie was an invitation to attend (with a guest) the Excellence Gala on November 19, in Calgary. This event was held for the first time in Western Canada, which demonstrates the expansion of the RONA network and the Canadian roots that have forged the company’s identity.

“The quality of our service is a major source of pride for us,” said Denise Bain, manager of RONA. “Our employees work so hard and do such an amazing job that many customers even take the time to write to us to let us know that our service truly sets us apart! Debbie has successfully met the challenges of working in retail, and I encourage her to keep up the excellent customer service and continue to set an example for our other employees.”

AGP program: Ten years promoting excellent customer service in RONA stores.

During the event, RONA took the opportunity to commemorate the tenth year of the AGP program, (Acknowledge, Guide and Provide). In 2000, RONA established an innovative program aimed at promoting, improving and standardizing the quality of customer service across its network. Through the AGP program, RONA promotes the types of behaviour employees should adopt when providing service. These are simple but meaningful human gestures that make all the difference in customer relations. Additionally, the program helps employees offer enhanced and personalized service that is made-to-measure for each customer’s needs and expectations, and to always do more to offer a unique and outstanding service.

As part of the AGP program, employees are trained and graded on a set of valued behaviours:

• Acknowledge the customer.

• Guide the customer in the store or in his/her project.

• Provide a complete solution and thank the customer. Also included in the program is a component that rewards store employees who go the extra distance to offer an unparalleled shopping experience. Each year, RONA

highlights the extraordinary contribution of its store staff by inviting them to a Gala. During the event, RONA honours employees who go above and beyond expectations and expresses its gratitude to those who consistently give their best. Ultimately, RONA wishes to motivate and encourage employees to continue be their best.

Guys vs gals: LDSS to aid Goodfellows

It’s the senior boys against the senior girls, Friday, December 10th for the Heinz Cup, which goes to the team that collects the most cans in their annual food drive competition.

The eventual winners will be people in need in Leamington and Wheatley. All food items collected will be delivered to the Goodfellows in Leamington for distribution to families in the area. Students will hit the streets at 8:30 a.m. and have until 2:00 to collect canned food, non-perishable items, or cash gifts (donations of $20 or more will receive a tax receipt from the Goodfellows).

Last year the girls took the trophy, but the real prize was the 26,624 food items that were collected.

Cardinal Carter Corner

The staff and students at Cardinal Carter are in the holiday spirit! Student Council has many festive activities planned for the month of December. The week of December 6-10 there will be games and activities in the atrium and cafeteria during lunch, and on Dec. 9 students who donate $2 to help support a local family in need may dress down in red and green. The dress-down day will also include a “Crazy Christmas Sweater” contest. In keeping with the true meaning of Christmas, the Advent season at Cardinal Carter also included confessions Dec. 2 and will bring an Advent Play Dec. 10 and an Advent Mass on Dec. 17. In addition, all homeroom classes are participating in the “Giving Stable”, organized by Peer Ministry. Each homeroom class will purchase items requested by local parish families in need this Christmas. The items will be presented to the parish during our Advent Mass Dec. 17. The last day of classes before the holiday break is Dec. 17. Students will enjoy a special schedule that day, with regular classes in the morning and holiday activities in the afternoon.

What else are we up to at Cardinal Carter?

Cardinal Carter will welcome 40 new Canadians at an Oath Ceremony on Dec. 8 in our auditorium. The CC band will be entertaining guests with Christmas music and the national anthem. We will be welcoming several dignitaries from the community including Mr. John Ulicny (Assistant Superintendent of Education), Ms. Mary DiMenna (Trustee), Mr. Mike Garganta (School Council Chair), Mr. Jamie Adjetey-Nelson (gold medal winner in the decathalon at the 2010 Commonwealth Games), as well as several Canadian veterans. Matt Charbonneau, the younger brother of Cpl. Andrew Grenon who was killed in Afghanistan, will speak on behalf of all veterans, informing our new Canadians of the price our veterans have paid for our freedoms. Ms. Gabriella Abbas, a grade 9 student at Cardinal Carter, will also speak about her journey to Canada from Venezuela. We are

excited about the opportunity to host this extraordinary event.

On Wed. Dec. 8 and Thurs. Dec. 9, Cardinal Carter presents Danceology – a showcase of talent from 154 Cardinal Carter students, staff and community. Due to the enormous popularity of this event, tickets for both performances are sold out.

From all of us at Cardinal Carter – Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Debbie Roach, Customer Service Champion with Robert Dutton, RONA’s President and CEO.

Margaret D. Bennie collects 831 items for food bank

Margaret D. Bennie Public School collected 831 food items for the Greater Essex County District School Board’s “We Care We Can” Food Drive campaign.

A number of students assisted in the food drive by making posters and announcements, collecting cans and other items, and boxing them for pickup. The goods will be distributed to local food banks.

Among the students involved in the food drive are several in grades 5-8 who have applied for Students Taking Action service project funding.

Students Taking Action is a GECDSB character development initiative that involves students planning and initiating service projects within their school, their local community or the international community. Six groups from MDB applied for service project grants this year. Topics include: Do You Really Know How to Recycle?; Bullies Don’t Need to Be; Clean Up and Get Beautiful/Take Care of Our Earth; Peace in the Enchanted Garden; Cheesy With a Hint of Crackers; and Popcorn ’n Pyjamas for Hospice. The school will be notified December 10 if some of the projects received approval for funding.

Bulldog blog

by

Mackayla Simpson and Adrien Chalmers

Here’s what’s going on at M.D. Bennie Public School through the eyes and ears of our Gr. 6 reporters.

In Mrs. Jeffery’s Grade 4 classroom, students are preparing marketing ads for different products. They are making posters, TV commercials and radio ads. Altogether, 831 items were brought in for the We Care, We Can Food Drive which was held in November. The food will be donated to area food banks. There were several students who applied for Students Taking Action funding for service projects this year. We’ll find out by December 10th about funding.

As part of Bullying Prevention Week, Grade 7 students went to see a play at Migration Hall based on the true story of Reena Virk, who died as the tragic result of bullying November 14, 1997. It is so horrible thinking about it. We interviewed some Gr. 7 students about the play:

Devon T. commented that the play affected him “... so now I know that I won’t bully or if I see it, I’ll stop it.” After seeing the play, a bully would think “Why am I doing that?”

Danielle M. learned that “... you should never bully because it could go way too far ...” Her favourite part was at the end because “we were talking about it and they did some skits to stop bullying.”

Searching for the right owner to the right jacket

At the Knox Presbyterian Turkey Supper on Wednesday, October 27 a jacket was taken by mistake – a green Columbia jacket, size medium. A teal Sportek size large was left at the church in its place. The jacket that was left behind has a hood, inside pockets, drawstring waist and drawstring at the bottom of the jacket. Inside one pocket are Kleenex and two small Easter eggs, and in the other pocket is more Kleenex and a receipt dated 10/14/10 from Hair Traffic for $45.20 (paid by MasterCard).

If you recognize the description of the above jacket, call Carolyn Reid at 519-326-6776.

Benches dedicated at Windsor Regional Cancer Centre

With the late afternoon sun fading in the sky and temperatures beginning to dip, the families of the late Piera Cardella and Rosemary Limarzi were warmed by memories of a wife, mother, sister, and friend.

Thanks to proceeds from the annual Joe Hogan Memorial Golf Tournament, the Windsor & Essex County Cancer Centre Foundation unveiled two benches dedicated to their memories in the Siemens’ Garden at the Windsor Regional Cancer Centre recently.

For thirteen years, Dan and Doug Hogan, along with their mother Sharon and sister Cindy have been organizing the Joe Hogan Memorial Golf Tournament in memory of their husband and father. This year they decided to also honour the memories of two family friends.

The tournament has grown to include three area golf courses and over 400 golfers, raising more than a $250,000 over the years. The funds have been used by the Windsor & Essex County Cancer Centre Foundation to purchase chemotherapy I.V. pumps, a CT Scan, an MRI machine, prostate brachytherapy equipment, and for local research.

The Windsor & Essex County Cancer Centre Foundation is an independent, community-based and volunteer-led charity. It has raised more than $15 million in the community over 14 years, which has enabled the purchase of equipment, including state-of-the-art MRI and CT scanners, and enhancements to patient care and treatment at the Windsor Regional Cancer Centre.

Funds are also used to assist cancer patients in need and to support locally-based cancer research. 100% of all funds raised are used in and for the Windsor-Essex community.

The students at M. D. Bennie Public School contributed 831 items for the GECDSB “We Care We Can” Food Drive for area food banks. Several of the students also applied for Students Taking Action service project funding.

A total of 48 (39 officers and 9 civilians) officially took their oath/affirmation of office on Saturday, December 4 at the Leamington Police Service Transition Ceremony held at the Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex. Above, Mayor John Paterson presents Constable Kevin O’Neil with a crest from the municipality after receiving his OPP badge. At right, Constable Ryan Hutchinson signs his oath. At far right, the officers stand and take their oath simultaneously. (SUN Photo)

Using reusable grocery bags and bins - keep clean, stay safe

The Government of Canada is reminding Canadians to take steps to prevent cross-contamination of foods when shopping using reusable grocery bags and bins. As an environmental choice, many Canadians are now shopping with reusable bins, and reusable cloth bags to reduce the amount of plastic they are using. Health Canada supports the proper use of these products, but it is important that Canadians use them safely to prevent cross-contamination of food with bacteria that can cause food-borne illness.

Because these bags and plastic bins are reused frequently, they can pick up bacteria from the foods they carry, or from their environment (the ground, the back of your car or the items stored in them between grocery trips).

The following steps can help you prevent cross-contamination:

• When using cloth bags, make sure to wash them frequently, especially after carrying fresh produce, meat, poultry or fish. Reusable grocery bags may not all be machine washable. If you are using this type of grocery bag, you should make sure to wash them by hand frequently with hot soapy water. Plastic bins should be washed using hot soapy water on a regular basis as well.

• Put your fresh or frozen raw meat, poultry and fish in separate bins or bags from fresh produce and other readyto-eat foods.

• Putting your fresh or frozen raw meat, poultry or fish in plastic bags (the clear bags found in the produce and some meat sections work well) will help prevent the juices from leaking out and contaminating your reusable containers and other foods. Fresh produce should also always be put in plastic bags to protect them from contamination.

• If you are using your grocery bags or bins to store or transport non-food items, they should be thoroughly washed before using them for groceries.

It is estimated that there are approximately 11 million cases of food-related illnesses in Canada every year. Many of these illnesses could be prevented by following proper food handling and preparation techniques.

Sandra Bowman

Sandra Bowman (nee Strohmaier). Sandra’s battle with cancer has ended. She left this earth to find peace, joining her husband Rod (Newt) (2008) on Sunday, December 5, 2010 at the age of 53.

She sadly leaves behind her lovely daughter Tara Lee Bowman, as well as her “boys”, her dogs Pal and Peanut. Predeceased by her parents John (1972) and Maria Strohmaier (2005). Proud and cherished sister of Brigitte Fox, and sister-in-law of Doug Bowman (Ina), Cindy Prince (Steve Ivanisko). Special aunt to Doug, Raelyn and Rachelle Prince. Dear daughter-in-law of the late Earlinda Bowman (1989) and Lee and Janet Bowman.

Sandra was always a Leamington girl. She left only briefly for her schooling and to gain job experience as a Registered Nurse in 1977. In 1978, she started her career at the Leamington Mennonite Home. Approximately 1 year later, she became the Director of Care. She enjoyed caring for seniors and “making a difference” in people’s lives. After 20 years there she resigned to become Administrator of Erie Glen Manor Retirement Home for approximately 1½ years, later going to Windsor to continue in her love for seniors as Director of Care at Central Park Lodge for 3 years. She resigned due to health issues and later chose to continue her love of nursing at the Sun Parlor Home for Seniors as an R.N. Due to declining health she left the SPH in April 2010. Sandra’s loving kindness touched the lives of many, and inspired all who knew her. She always treated those around her with kindness and compassion, as if they were her family.

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

Funeral service to celebrate Sandra’s life held from the funeral home on Thursday, December 9, 2010 at 10 a.m. Pastor Larry Forsyth officiating. Interment at Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery.

If you so desire, charitable donations may be made by cheque to the Windsor/Essex County Humane Society or the Windsor Regional Cancer Clinic. Family and friends are invited to share their words of comfort and remembrance at www.reidfuneralhome.ca.

A little extra at Christmas...

Tony and Gloria Abraham of the New Beginnings Rest Home in conjunction with the Knights of Columbus Saint Anthony Council #13797, Fountain Bleu Pharmacy and the Leamington Area Salvation Army are making Christmas a little more special for Leamington area families who present a pre-arranged basket voucher.

This will take place Saturday, December 18 at 11 a.m. at the parking lot of the rest home located at 106 Talbot St. West in Leamington. Hot homemade soup and coffee will be served to those waiting to receive their gift basket. Chris Osbourne will be singing Christmas songs as well.

Stork Stork Report Report

Dibbley - Nicole Dibbley and Steve Jones of Leamington, a boy on November 24, 2010

King - Crystal King and Mitchell Baker of Kingsville, a girl on November 27, 2010

Wakley - Spring of Kingsville, a girl on December 2, 2010

The Stork Report is sponsored by

United Communities Credit Union gives $30,000 to W.E. Care for Kids

The recent W.E. Care for Kids wrap up event marked the end of the fundraising year for the Windsor Essex Care for Kids Foundation. At the annual luncheon, staff of United Communities Credit Union proudly presented a cheque for $30,000 to the children’s health care cause.

“Our staff all contribute to the fundraising for W.E. Care for Kids,” says Liz Arkinstall, Manager Community Relations. “We’ve been involved with W.E. Care for Kids since it began in 1997, and we’re proud of the $322,500 we’ve contributed since then.”

The funds donated by the credit union are raised mainly through their annual charity golf tournament in partnership with Ives Insurance, with additional contributions from branch fundraisers and a portion of the revenue earned from their iCare MasterCard program.

The W.E. Care For Kids Campaign began as a local fundraising initiative in support of Paediatric Programs at Leamington District Memorial Hospital, Hôtel-Dieu Grace Hospital and Windsor Regional Hospital.

Recently, the foundation has built a paediatric operating room at Windsor Regional Hospital and funded equipment such as vein viewers, glidescopes and portable ultrasound systems, making medical procedures more quickly accessible to local children.

ERCA presents Strategic Plan for 2011-2016

A vision of a sustainable environment with healthy watersheds highlighted by clean creeks, rivers and Great Lakes, thriving natural areas, productive agricultural lands, and vibrant places was unveiled in the Essex Region Conservation Authority’s Strategic Plan for 2011-2016, which was approved by the Board of Directors November 4.

“We are very proud to present our new Strategic Plan,” said Richard Wyma, General Manager. “It was shaped, in a very significant way, by what we heard are the important factors for a sustainable future for our region, from the community, our stakeholders, and other partners.”

The plan’s four directions and their outcomes was informed by the on-line survey, stakeholder roundtables, and planning sessions and will guide towards ERCA’s vision for 2020. These directions are:

• Connect – Connect people to our landscape, waterfronts and our Great Lakes and rivers with attractive natural areas, trails and Conservation Areas as a part of a vibrant and sustainable community.

• Engage – Engage the community to create an increased awareness of conserving and enhancing our environment, to leave a legacy of a clean and healthy natural world for generations.

• Collaborate – Reach out and engage existing and new stakeholders to create a partnership for a sustainable environment in the region.

• Discover – Develop greater scientific knowledge of the region in order to adapt to climate change and respond to its impact on the safety, health, and economic well-being of residents.

Each direction and outcome described in the plan will be connected to specific Action Plan, which will be presented and reported on to ERCA’s Board of Directors and the community annually, in order to monitor progress. The Strategic Plan will be used to shape priorities, processes, and plans, as well as budgets and resource allocations.

“A sustainable future not only improves our local environment, it also enhances our community identity, and creates a more vibrant economy that can set this region ahead of others,” said Wyma.

Pictured is a group of United Communities Credit Union board and staff. From left to right are: Liz Arkinstall (front), Cathy Thomas, Carlene Frimer, Patti Martin, Tracey Walstedt, Heather Misener, Marcie Bourque, Denise Milkens, Maureen Wickham, Flo Hargraves, Paul Meanwell and Skye Fairlie.

Meet Mosaic…

“Mosaic” is a trio of three ladies – Betty Dietz, Irene Hartley and Katrina Tomanelli. They describe their music as a mosaic of musical styles from gospel, contemporary, Christian and hymns to the Beatles. Mosaic also sings in German, Italian and Latin, but mostly in English. They enjoy taking a traditional hymn or song and making it their own by changing the tempo then adding harmonies. They love to sing and share their music with everyone.

Betty Dietz was raised in Blytheswood and attended Kingsville High School. She studied music with Mr. Buchanan and had Ann Dresser as her voice teacher. Betty was very interested in singing and took private vocal lessons with Helen Law of Leamington. She also sang with the Leamington Choral Society. Betty remembers singing in a mass choir with 500 other singers in Ottawa and Kingston. She also sang with the Helen Law Singers and then sang with the County Classic Chorale for 10 years. She then went to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Leamington where she sang a bit with the choir and the ladies chorus, and then the group Mosaic was formed.

Irene Hartley was born and raised in Wheatley. She decided she wanted to sing after hearing Betty sing at St. Paul’s Church. Irene talked to Betty after the performance, and Betty took her under her wing. They started to sing together and she hasn’t looked back since. She remembers the first time she sang was at her son Collin’s baptism. The group Mosaic has performed for many years at the Reid Funeral Home Memorial Tree Planting Service that is held each year at the Hillman Marsh Conservation Area. They also sing at other local churches when invited, and have sung at weddings, funerals, anniversaries and special occasions.

Katrina Tomanelli, also from Leamington, is the pianist for the group. When she started with them she only played piano, but now she has joined in with the singing. Katrina started her piano studies with Gail Kovachich at age 7. She has her grade 9 piano and her grade 4 harmony and is currently working on her grade 10 piano studies. While in high school she taught herself to play the accordion on her own. At the young age of 14 she started playing as the church organist and pianist. She is currently playing for 3 different churches and plays the accordion for the Leamington Italian Choir. When not playing music she is a fulltime student in her Masters program in mathematical statistics.

How often do you practise?: They practise once a week for 2 hours, mainly working on songs for the next church service as well as new songs and arrangements for special occasions. They take a new song and try it out to find who will sing the lead and then they try different harmonies and layer the voices. After a few changes it’s put onto the list of available songs for upcoming performances, and then they do it all over again with another song. Some make the list while others are left at the bottom of the pile. Each song is an adventure

for this wonderful trio of friends.

Most significant performance: Betty sang at her father’s funeral. It was a request by her Dad for her to sing “Ave Maria”.

Irene loves to sing at the Christmas Eve Service each year. It is such a moving candlelight service and she just loves the response of the audience, the meaning of the service and sharing with everyone the gift of music.

Katrina enjoys being the accompanist for the group and has just started in the last year joining in the singing. She is finding great joy in arranging and working on the three-part harmonies with Betty and Irene.

Music Music Profiles... Profiles...

If you could sing or play with anyone, who would it be?: Betty Dietz said that during her youth she always admired the Lennon Sisters from the Lawrence Welk Show. Betty enjoyed the Andrews Sisters’ wonderful harmonies, and as she listens to any music she is always thinking about what harmony would sound good with that particular song. She also added that it would be great to sing with Julie Andrews and to learn from her how she handled her professional life and family life. Edelweiss is one of her favorite song, and she just loves musicals. She has performed in a few with the Sun Parlour Players and in the UMEI plays as well.

Irene Hartley said she would love to sing with the East Coast vocal group the Rankin Family.

KatrinaTomanelli said she would love to play with Fredric Chopin.

CDs to date: “In Moments Like These” (2003). This was their first recording. At this time, Katrina played piano, Betty Dietz sang soprano, Irene Hartley sang alto, and Angela Tetzlaff sang bass and second alto in the group.“In The Twilight” (New release – Dec. 2010). Mosaic will have a brand new CD of Christmas songs. The new CD was recorded by MPD Mobile Recording, by Mark Darowski of Leamington. You can contact Mosaic for a copy of this new CD.

In 5 year’s time: The group would like to be playing at more functions and events, and would like to perform at many churches in and around the county.

If you would like to see Mosaic, you will find them every other week at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 311 Sherk Street, Leamington. They will be performing at the Last Friday Coffee House on Friday, December 17 at 7 p.m. at the Gallery Restaurant, 11 Queen St. in Leamington. They will also be performing at a fundraising concert for L.A.E.R.C. (Leamington Area Ecumenical Refugee Committee) on Saturday, March 26 at 7 p.m. at Leamington’s Knox Presbyterian Church along with fellow musicians Dale Butler, Jon Brett and The Karen Singers.

From left to right are the members of Mosaic: Irene Hartley, Betty Dietz and Katrina Tomanelli.

CARTLIDGE, Robert Douglas

The family of the late Bob Cartlidge would like to thank our family, friends and colleagues for their help and support during the recent passing of Bob.

Your kindnesses, floral tributes, donations, cooking and cards were all very much appreciated.

Thank you to Pastors Greg Allen and Glen Taylor for their support and kind words.

Thank you to the Reid Funeral Home for their support and assistance and Oak Farms for the beautiful flowers.

Thank you to Dr. Briskin, Dr. Wasserman and the nurses in the ICU at Hotel Dieu Hospital for their wonderful care of Bob during his final days.

JoAnn Cartlidge, Barbara and Garth Phibbs and families.

Canadian CrissCross

SPONSORED BY

Council Appointments to Committes of Council

Our Municipal councillor’s duties were meted out at Monday night’s council meeting. Since the list of appointments to boards and committees is extensive, it appears as a separate table.

A few items do not suit that, however, since they are not about appointments per se. First is the Court of Adjustment that hears appeals concerning taxes. This body is made up of council as a whole, so it does not require separate appointments. Further, it only meets as part of a regular council meeting, usually to reduce taxes on commercial buildings that housed businesses that have folded, or on buildings that have been destroyed or demolished. Second is council’s decision to forward the name of Councillor MacDonald

as their preferred appointee to the County Library Board. This recommendation would only be considered if neither the mayor nor deputy-mayor were appointed to the Board as County Council Representatives. It is the practice of the Library Board to select its three lay appointees from the three municipalities not represented by the County Council appointees. Third, there were two advisory committees disbanded because they had fulfilled their mandate and were no longer needed.

Appointments of members of the public will occur after the positions available have been advertised. This is expected to occur some time in mid-January.

Leamington Municipal Council Members Board and Committee Appointments, 2011

Board or Committee Meetings Appointment(s)

Ontario Legislation or Council By‐law as Mandated Essex Region Conservation Authority 2nd  Thurs.@7 Rick Atkin & Larry Verbeke

$60. + mileage Lower Thames Valley Cons. Authority Last Thurs @7 Charlie Wright

$50.

$60. + mileage Property Standards Committee Rick Atkin, Chris Chopchick, John  Jacobs

Leamington B.I.A.

John Paterson, Hilda MacDonald Union Water Board Charlie Wright, Rick Atkin, Chris  Chopchick, John Jacobs, Hilda  MacDonald, Larry Verbeke

Leamington Accessibility Advisory  Quarterly Charlie Wright (to Nov. /’11),  Chris Chopchick (to Nov./’12),  Larry Verbeke (to Nov./’13),   John Jacobs (to Nov./’14)

Court of Revision drainage act local improvements

Inter‐municipal agreements as  Required Animal Control Advisory Committee

Charlie Wright, Rick Atkin, Chris  Chopchick, Hilda MacDonald,  Larry Verbeke

John Jacobs, Larry Verbeke Erie Shores Community Transit Chris Chopchick, John Jacobs Essex Power Corporation Quarterly John Paterson, (Frank Ricci, to  extend his appointment for two  years to complete his four year  term, was also endorsed.)

Representation Requested by Group Chamber of Commerce 2nd  Wed.  Charlie Wright

Essex County Farm Safety Council Rick Atkin

Leamington Non‐profit Housing 4‐5x/year Rick Atkin

Migrant Worker Community Program 8x/year Chris Chopchick South Essex Community Council  Immigrant Advisory Committee Chris Chopchick

Advisory Committees to Council Economic Development   Committee 10x/year John Paterson, Charlie Wright

ErieQuest Diving, Tourism and Marine Heritage 3rd  Wed. John Jacobs

Employee Family Assistance Program Quarterly Hilda MacDonald Arts Advisory Committee Larry Verbeke

Volunteer Recognition Committee Charlie Wright

Southeast Leamington Stakeholders John Paterson, Hilda MacDonald Communication Committee Chris Chopchick

$1600/year

$3000/year and

$500/board mtg.  + mileage;

$250/committee  mtg. + mileage

Source: Report CL/29/10 Dated 29 Nov. 2010 (authored by B. Sweet) as amended by Municipal Council 6 Dec. 2010

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Batemans win Biz X Gold Star Senior Care award

The Biz X awards have been presented annually since 1998 to companies and individuals in Windsor, Essex County and Detroit in recognition of their hard work and dedication. The awards recognize those who are believed to be outstanding in 25 various categories.

Among the award recipients this year was Jan and Danny Bateman of Leamington, who won the Gold Star Senior Care award. Their business, Batemans Make Your Move, was started just over two years ago by Jan and Danny. Their focus is to assist anyone who is relocating and needs help, primarily seniors. Services include sorting possessions for disposal or moving, packing and unpacking, booking the mover, preparing floor plans, facilitating change of address notifications and sprucing up a residence to sell. A reliable support staff is available to assist when required. Batemans Make Your Move provides these services everywhere in the Leamington, Windsor and Chatham areas.

WIN WIN

The Leamington Southpoint Sun and Gabriele Floor & Home want you to enjoy the holidays even after Christmas Day!

To qualify simply log on to www.southpointsun.ca , click the contest tab and fill out the online ballot for your chance to qualify.

100 qualifiers will be randomly drawn. Qualifying deadline is December 24th, 12 noon. Qualifiers will be notified by email December 24th by 3 pm.

SONY 40” LCD FULL HD

Employees and family members of the Southpoint Sun and Gabriele Floor & Home cannot qualify for this contest.

Winning entry will be drawn at Gabriele Floor & Home Wednesday, December 29th at 10 am. Many other door prizes to be drawn. Qualifiers must be present to win. No stand-ins. Only the qualifying individual may win. Photo Identification necessary. Good Luck! FLOOR & HOME

The Batemans take care of issues unrelated to the move which often arise. Jan and Danny have assisted in registration to a new seniors’ residence, helped to find a residence or real estate agent, and even clipped a cat’s nails. So often those in need of assistance in moving require help with many other tasks.

The Batemans have become a substitute family in many cases, acting as advocates and shoulders to lean on. The goal of Batemans Make Your Move is to eliminate the stress associated with downsizing and moving, and present it as a pleasant experience.

In addition to the business element of Batemans Make Your Move, Jan and Danny find great satisfaction in filling an obvious need and totally enjoy the new friends found among their clients.

At the Biz X black tie awards gala held November 26 at St. Clair College Centre for the Arts, Jan and Danny received a plaque in recognition of their efforts. There was also a write-up about Batemans Make Your Move in the annual Biz X awards November/December issue.

Nominations for the Biz X awards are open to all businesses in Windsor and Essex County that meet the specific category criteria. The annual winners are selected by a panel of judges in the fall.

Batemans Make Your Move

Jan and Danny Bateman were recently honoured with the Gold Star Senior Care award from Biz X.

(Photo submitted)