Last year Polar Dip organizer Kim Cavers (above) was thrilled to have raised $80,000 and her aspirations for this year were to hopefully match last year’s success. That she did! This year’s event, held on Saturday, January 29 at Kingsville Pavilion and Cedar Beach attracted 240 participants on 34 teams who raised a total of $72,000 in pledges. The Fire & Ice dinner and dance held Saturday night added another $23,000 (and counting) to bring the one-day total to $95,000! “We had some new teams, new sponsors - it’s just the right people... we have awesome team captains that keep everyone motivated,” said Cavers of this year’s success. The top fundraising team for 2012 was Highline Muchrooms who raised $10,003. In second place was the Dippy Chicks (Leamington Women’s Hockey League) with $6,500. Participants raising $1,000 or more are entered into a grand draw prize of a trip to Vegas. This year’s winner was Lawrence Zimmermann.
(Southpoint Sun Photos More photos on Page 6)
Leamington Mayor Paterson optimistic about 2012
By Sheila McBrayne
Before looking to the future, Leamington Mayor John Paterson took a few minutes to reflect on the accomplishments of 2011 during the annual Mayor’s Breakfast, sponsored by the Leamington Chamber of Commerce on Friday, January 27 at Colasanti’s.
“2011 was extremely busy for all of us on Leamington Council. We were completing all the repairs from the tornado, reopening our marina and our newly revamped Seacliff Park, making a huge upgrade to our sewage treatment plant, extending the East Side Arterial Road down to Seacliff Drive, welcoming new businesses into the municipality and trying our best to set policy for administration to follow,” said Paterson.
$48 Million in Upgrades in 2011
“We moved into our new Town Hall and hit the ground running. There wasn’t time to look back, but just about enough time to keep looking forward. When I reviewed
what we did in 2011, we completed about $ 48 million dollars worth of upgrades throughout our entire municipality. This was no small feat for a municipality our size,” added Paterson.
1,000 New Building Lots by 2013
Looking to 2012 the mayor quoted from Field of Dreams – if you build it, they will come. “This best describes my vision for Leamington. Leamington has been in a holding pattern for a few years when it comes to development, be it residential, commercial or industrial. The expansion of the Pollution Control Plant has opened the doors to new growth,” explained Mayor Paterson.
And building is one issue that the Mayor and Council take seriously. “Residential building is at an all-time low for Leamington, but the same can be said for many municipalities in Ontario. One of the issues Leamington has faced is a lack of available building lots. We have just recently approved two new subdivision developments with a third one working its way through the process. Combined with existing lots,
in 2012, Leamington will have in excess of 400 building lots for residential purposes. In 2013, if all goes as planned there will be close to 1,000,” the mayor stated proudly.
2012 WASTE COLLECTION CALENDARS
The 2012 Municipal Waste Collection Calendars are available at the Municipal office or for down loading from the Municipality’s website. Please note: On Feb. 5th, Collection Routes will change. CONSULT THE CALENDAR!
PROPERTY TAXES
Interim property taxes are due February 8 and April 11. All residents who are not on the monthly payment plan option should have received a tax bill. If you have not received a tax bill and are not on the monthly payment plan please contact the tax clerk at 519-326-5761 ext 1213.
RECREATION NEWS
Three month New Year Shape-up Special for $115.00 plus HST is available until the end of February at the Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex. Come for a tour and check out the Complex.
12th annual Home & Garden Tradeshow - March 30, 31, April 1, 2012. Interested home & garden vendors contact: bfischer@leamington.ca for booth availability. Over $10,000.00 in prizes to be won! Contest for room makeover courtesy of Gabriele Countrywide Floor & Home.
Check out the Complex Activity Guide for information on all of our programs and classes: http://www.leamington.ca/residents/recreation_gu ide.asp
DOG REGISTRATION (TAGS)
2012 Dog Tags for Male or Female dogs are now available at the municipal office for a fee of $18.00 per dog tag.
A late fee of $18.00 will be included on the cost of the dog tag as of Monday, April 2, 2012. Every dog owner shall keep up to 2 dogs per dwelling unit.
Failure to purchase a licence may result in a fine of up to $500.00.
ENVIRONMENTAL TIP: CHANGE YOUR FURNACE FILTER FEBRUARY 1, 2012
For general dog information in Leamington please contact the Clerk’s Office at (519) 326-5761 or email the Clerk’s Office at clerks@leamington.ca.
COMMUNITY EVENTS CALENDAR
Advertise your upcoming not for profit community events on our website at no charge. Send your info to amiskovsky@leamington.ca
BUSINESS, GOVERNMENT SERVICES AND YOU
Feb. 22. Caboto Club. Business information and networking event with representatives from various federal, provincial and municipal government organizations. Complimentary event. 8:00-3:00. Visit www.cbo-eco.ca for more information and to register or call 1-877-553-5507.
VINE AND DINE
Feb. 29. Over 20 restaurants and wineries. Music by Jodi Raffoul. Contact the Chamber for ticket information. 519-326-2721 or wendyp@leamingtonchamber.com
BEYOND THE CITY LIGHTS
RURAL TOURISM CONFERENCE
Feb. 28-29. North Dorchester Community Centre & Arena. Explore tourism as an “Experience Economy”. This conference is of value to all those interested in local tourism-business owners, festival and event organizers, attraction operators, accommodations, BIA’s etc. Special guest presenter Dr. Eddie Frielis - recognized as one of the key figures in transforming Glasgow, Scotland, from a decaying industrial city to a tourist destination. Visit our website to download a registration form and program.
GROWING FOOD PARTNERSHIPS
March 3. 8:30-12:30. Explore ways to expand local partnerships for a healthy food system in Windsor and Essex County. Presented by Food Matters Windsor Essex. Ciociaro Club. Contact Michele Legere at 519-258-3033 ext 1148 for more information.
UPCOMING COUNCIL MEETINGS
Feb. 6, 13, 27. March 5, 12, 19. Council Chambers 7:00 pm.
View Leamington’s latest council agenda at www.leamington.ca
LEAMINGTON ONTARIO CANADA
MUNICIPALITY OF LEAMINGTON 111 Erie Street North, Leamington ON N8H 2Z9 519-326-5761 www.leamington.ca
“Our hold-up with industrial is the land currently zoned north of town is not yet serviced by separated sewers and the solution is expensive,” said Paterson. The Mayor hinted at possible Public Private Partnership arrangements that could see Leamington’s north end open up for development.
Hydro Line to Leamington a Top Priority
One of the biggest issues for both Leamington and Kingsville in 2012 is increasing available hydro. “Recently Leamington hosted the Honourable Dwight Duncan in a joint discussion between Kingsville and Leamington regarding the need for a new feeder hydro line for both Leamington and Kingsville’s growing needs. A short-term fix was promised with immediate results and longer-term solutions are being arranged. Again... ‘If you build it, they will come.’ If we are successful, I should say when we are successful, in getting this hydro line built, Kingsville will have capacity freed up for their exclusive use because Leamington will no longer have to draw from their line and Leamington will be free to grow as well. It will be a win-win for both communities,” said Mayor Paterson.
Value in Our Muck Lands in Southeast Leamington
At the other end of town, Southeast Leamington is also an area of great concern. “Contrary to some people’s opinions, Council views this area as valuable and sustainable and is moving ahead with measures to secure the area based on that position. The muck soils in that area are no less valuable to the provincial and Canadian economy than are the muck lands of the Holland Marsh and we simply need to convince the upper levels of government of that very fact so that they will come to the table with the money required to protect that valuable resource,” stated Leamington’s Mayor.
Improving Uptown Leamington With CIP
And at the heart of every municipality is its downtown core, and Council continues to work on a Community Improvement Plan for uptown Leamington. “It seems to have taken longer than expected, but we should have a completed CIP by mid-year, after which we can start stimulating the uptown core area,” stated Paterson.
A CIP grants the municipality the legal ability to help property owners by way of outright grants, reduced taxation or whatever other means of financial assistance they may require to improve a specific area. “Under the CIP, we can set the rules for how, where, when and why and it gives us the control to help determine the future of that specific area. So we are planning on budgeting funds this year to get things started and, and with a few successes, we hope to see a snowball of successes to follow. The end result will be a vibrant uptown core area where businesses will ‘want’ to locate and participate. It will also mean higher property values, employment opportunities, a higher recognition of our town in regards to tourism and in general, raise the pride factor of all of Leamington’s residents,” concluded Paterson.
Mayor Paterson was joined by Kingsville Mayor Nelson Santos who shared his optimism for the Town of Kingsville. (SEE RELATED KINSVILLE STORY ON PAGE 9)
County Budget preview
Essex County Council meets Feb. 1st to review the draft 2012 county budget. Since the county levy comprises a significant portion of the property taxes you pay, perhaps you would like to increase your knowledge of what this “upper tier” level of government does and what it costs.
Municipal Correspondent
First of all, there are Provincial Laws in place that require the County to fund certain bodies and services that are not under the County’s direct control: our share of the Windsor- Essex County Health Unit is anticipated to be $1.9 million; funding to the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation is budgeted at $2.5 million; our local share of social service benefits (such as Ontario Works benefits and subsidized child care) is predicted to be almost $11 million; the cost of social housing adds just over $8 million. All together, these required contributions total $23.5 million of this year’s budget request of $73.5 million—almost one third of county taxes.
County Council also provides funding for certain bodies and services because it has decided that it is appropriate to use some tax dollars for the regional benefit it sees in supporting these initiatives. Examples of these include the Hospice, the angioplasty unit at Hotel Dieu Grace Hospital, the Windsor-Essex Economic Development Corporation, Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island, Physician Recruitment, and the upcoming International Children’s Games. Although there are other worthy recipients (and many who, regretfully, must be denied), this aspect of County spending will amount to less than $3.5 million. That is roughly 4¾% of the County levy.
Essex County administers the Emergency Medical Services department for both Windsor and the county. Provision of ambulances staffed with qualified paramedics for a population of almost 400,000 spread over 1,852 square miles is no small thing: there are 13 ambulance stations in strategic locations throughout the city and county to house a fleet of 36 ambulances and 11 emergency response vehicles. By law, the cost of this service is shared on the basis of weighted assessment and is supported with a dedicated grant from the Province. The 2012 draft budget predicts that the county share of the $32 million dollar cost for this service will be just over $7.5 million. (By the way, the budget document mentions that Windsor-Essex experiences one of the highest rates of EMS response per population in the Province: 119 calls per 1,000. “In 2011, the EMS system... responded to 1,321 non-urgent calls, 47,720 urgent... and
It is with great pleasure that we announce that Nathan Bender has successfully completed the STEP Program (Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners).
The Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners is the leading international organization for trust and estates professionals. STEP's aims include raising the public profile of trust and estate work as a profession. In order to hold and maintain STEP's Trust and Estate Practitioner ("TEP") designation, STEP members must maintain ongoing educational requirements. Prospective members must pass rigorous training standards.
43,468 code stand-by assignments resulting in a total of 92,509 assignments and 2.2 million kilometres travelled.” Wow!)
All of you are familiar with the Sun Parlor Home, though you may not have heard of its annex, the Victoria Street Manor, a 14-bed facility in Amherstburg. Provision of homes for the aged is mandated Provincially as a County responsibility. What you may not know is that of the anticipated $20 million it will cost to provide long-term care to the frail elderly, the budget for 2012 anticipates a tax contribution of just over $6 million with about $14 million being recovered from the Province.
By far and away the biggest chunk of tax dollars sent to the County are for transportation services (the County Engineering Department). The County system includes over 1500 lane-kilometres of roads that must be maintained for heavy traffic, as well as expanded to accommodate population and business needs. In addition there are the bridges, culverts and roadside ditches. The draft 2012 budget proposes over $15 million in road and bridge construction and another $7.6 million in road and bridge maintenance. It suggests the County will have to raise $23.6 million in 2012—an increase of about $2.6 million over 2011. Even though roads and bridges account for almost one third of the County levy, finding places to cut has historically proven to be almost impossible: every maintenance and construction project is viewed as essential by at least one of the member municipalities, so any suggestion to cut is viewed as a personal attack by at least one of our neighbours.
The last item that needs to be mentioned is the political and administrative cost of running County government. The fourteen representatives of the seven member municipalities are budgeted $396,000. The staff and expenses that comprise administration, finance, human resources, planning and emergency planning co-ordination bring the total general government price tag to just over $7 million. After recoveries, the tax bill for this aspect of County government is proposed as just under $4.5 million.
So there you have it: a quick overview of what your County government does, and what you are going to pay for it. Oh, but there is one more thing. That $73.5 million is just our share. The total budget is actually $118.8 million. Almost $48 million is being recovered, either through cost-sharing, Provincial, or Federal grants and subsidies. It may be cold comfort for those of you who think only of the roughly $860.00 you will pay in County taxes (based on a home valued at $200,000), but you are paying only 62¢ on the dollar for the services and infrastructure you are getting, and that’s not a bad deal.
Nathan graduated “With Distinction” – he is recognized as the first student to graduate with distinction since the inception of this Diploma Program.
Nathan Bender BA, TEP, CFP, CLU, RHU
BILL CHAPLIN
Aruba and wind turbines
It’s cold, dark and dreary here, so I decided since I have no plans to board a plane for anywhere tropical, that I would do the next best thing – look at my pictures from last year. While “reliving” our trip to Aruba I came across a picture of the Aruba wind farm.
I know, I know, we see these wind turbines or wind farms all over southwestern Ontario, but what was interesting about Aruba’s is that there are only these 10 turbines all lined up in a row on the east end of the island. These 10 turbines produce 20 percent of the island’s overall electricity needs, replacing dirty and expensive fuel-oil in the process. At night, the wind farm produces 60% of the demand! Thanks to a highly regular wind regime, this is very stable and predictable production.
turbine than European offshore wind farms. Because it’s located on the eastern coast of the island, it is exposed directly to the trade winds, which are highly regular and almost always in the same direction (allowing to put the turbines very close to one another).
I can’t help but think if we in Ontario actually researched and found the optimum locations for these wind turbines, perhaps we wouldn’t need thousands of them strewn all across the province. Sometimes the blades aren’t even moving, and when they are, there is still the question of whether or not they are even connected to the power grid… They were a great make-work project for thousands of workers, but now what?
This was the information our island guide told us, but of course, I Googled it to find out more. Aruba (an island) has a surface area of approximately 179 square kilometers (33 km long) and a population of approximately 101,500 residents. Aruba is a very wealthy island deriving its income from gold mining, phosphate mining, exporting aloe, petroleum refineries and tourism.
Most interesting is the fact that Aruba is one of four constituent countries that form the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Kingdom of the Netherlands consists of Aruba, the Netherlands, Curacoa and Sint Maarten – all share the same nationality – Dutch.
Perhaps this explains (and I don’t mean to stereotype) why they can produce 20 % of their power with 10 wind turbines – the Dutch know their windmills! The entire 30 megawatt project was US$90 million.
I read that at around 60%, it has one of the highest capacity factors in the world, with 50% more power output per
The Aruba utility company will save money on fuel imports and, more importantly, will actually end up with cheaper power because it buys the electricity from the wind farm at a fixed price over 15 years which is roughly equivalent to what it costs to produce electricity from their traditional oil-fired generators with oil prices at $45 per barrel (that was the price of oil when the wind farm was launched in 2009). The price of oil today is about $99 per barrel… In fact, the Prime Minister of the island has announced lower power prices for the poorest households on the island... I love when an idea works out as planned.
I’ll admit it, I used to like driving down Talbot Trail and seeing the magnificent turbines at Port Alma. Fast forward five years and I’m sick of seeing them everywhere I drive, especially knowing that they are not doing one-tenth the job that those 10 turbines in Aruba contribute to its residents.
Letter to the Editor:
As I read last week’s article about ‘Weezy’, the dog that had been hit by a car and suffered a fractured pelvis, my heart swelled with pride. People in Wheatley, Leamington and the surrounding area had once again proven their generous spirit by offering up donations to Weezy’s owners to help with her veterinary bills. Of course I know how giving our local residents are... I got to experience it for myself on a much larger scale.
A good friend of mine, Lainie Sallmen, had been diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in 2008. Since then, she has been fighting the good fight, despite the fact that her Hodgkin’s is so aggressive that chemotherapy, radiation and a stem cell transplant were ineffective. Her medical doctors had told her that there were no other treatment options for her. She’s a 27-year-old mother of three young children, and since quitting was not an option for her, she sought out naturopathic treatments. These treatments are not covered by our provincial health insurance and, as one can imagine, are quite expensive. They are also the only thing that seems to slow the progression of this horrible disease. Together, with her family and friends, we held a fundraiser for her at the Wheatley Legion on January 21. The results were phenomenal.
Two months of planning resulted in raising over $25,000 for this remarkable young lady and her family. It was an incredible journey in which my faith in human kindness, if ever lacking, was completely restored. Thanks to donations from local businesses in the Wheatley and Leaming-
ton area, as well as donations from generous individuals, we were able to hold a fundraiser for Lainie which far exceeded our wildest expectations!
We should be so proud to live in a community where all one has to do is ask and they shall receive. The meal was all donated, and even the cooking was done by Legion members who volunteered their time. When one of their deep fryers went down, Barry Broadbent of The Car Barn offered up his Broaster Express to help with the remainder of the cooking. People showed up at the door with items to be auctioned off and some people even ‘re-donated’ their prize winnings to be auctioned off.
To have to deal with such a health crisis at such a young age is something I can’t even imagine. The stress of how you will be able to afford the only thing that seems to keep you from worse is something that no one should have to deal with. Thanks to each and every person who played some part of making Lainie’s evening such a huge success. The village of Wheatley, town of Leamington and the surrounding area once again demonstrated their giving spirit in a huge way!
– Christine Bradley, Wheatley
Lainie’s story
On Saturday, January 21 the community of Wheatley and area proved what a caring community it is.
At the Wheatley Legion a fundraising benefit was organized by Wheatley resident Christine Bradley for Wheatley native, Lainie Sallmen. The benefit was sold out and raised approximately $24,000 for Lainie to pay for medical treatment for her cancer.
This is Lainie’s story...
Just barely past the first trimester of her third pregnancy, life threw Lainie Sallmen a curveball, in the form of Hodgkin’s Disease, a type of blood cancer she has been fighting for over three years.
In March of 2008 Lainie went to her local emergency room to investigate the cause of severe chest pain. A CT to eliminate the possibility of a blood clot led to a surprising and devastating discovery: there was a large mass growing on Lainie’s thymus gland, the cause of which could possibly be cancer. She and her husband Jason were told that they would have to terminate the pregnancy if that was the case. A biopsy was planned for the middle of April.
Lainie and her family were utterly devastated to learn of her diagnosis, but were determined to be positive and do anything they could to beat this awful disease. At the first appointment with the oncologist in Toronto, they were shocked and ecstatic to learn that it was indeed safe to continue with the pregnancy while Lainie underwent chemotherapy.
Lainie’s initial treatment plan was 4 cycles of ABVD chemotherapy, which she received at Odette Cancer Center at Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto between May and September of 2008. In August of that year, in between chemo treatments, Lainie had a beautiful, healthy baby girl
who was born with more hair than her mommy.
A few weeks after finishing chemo, a PET scan determined that there was a small amount of residual cancer in the original tumour, and 15 radiation treatments were scheduled, during which Lainie drove back and forth to Toronto everyday to ensure that someone was home with the children.
After the radiation was complete, 3 month checkup CT scans were scheduled for March 2009. Unfortunately, more than a month shy of reaching that date, Lainie found a new lump in the side of her neck, and after an urgent scan and subsequent biopsy found out that the cancer had returned, and that it was back in several places.
The rapid rate at which the cancer had come back, as well as the fact that it was spreading, indicated the need for “salvage therapy” chemo, and a stem cell transplant, a “last-ditch effort” to cure the cancer, with a 50% chance of success.
In June 2009, Lainie was admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto for an autologous bone marrow transplant. After receiving the strongest chemo a body can physically stand, the stem cells were transplanted, and Lainie recovered in hospital for three weeks.
Once again, CT scans were scheduled for 3 months from the treatment completion date. Sadly, Lainie discovered a lump in her neck after only 2 months. Another urgent scan followed, and this time, it was the Bone Marrow Transplant Co-ordinator who told her that the cancer was likely back. A biopsy performed later that same day indicated Lainie’s worst nightmare: the cancer was indeed back, only this time there was nothing else they could do for her. She was notified that her oncologist would work with the radiation oncologist to decide on a prognosis - how much time she had left - as well
as come up with a treatment plan that would prolong the end of the battle for as long as possible.
In the following months, Lainie cancelled several appointments with her oncology team and began taking several naturopathic remedies. She could feel her lumps shrinking, and started to feel better than she had in over two years. After several months, CT scans reported little to no progress of the disease.
Lainie’s oncological team was baffled by the lack of progression, and were quick to remind her that she had a very aggressive, incurable cancer, and would certainly not survive.
She’s been proving them wrong ever since.
Lainie Sallmen is a 27-year-old mother of three small children who is fighting incurable Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. It is so aggressive that chemotherapy, radiation and a stem-cell transplant didn’t work. Her only treatment options now are naturopathic therapies which are very expensive (and not covered by insurance).
The organizers of the Lainie Sallmen Benefit Dinner would like to thank the following local businesses for helping to make the evening a wonderful success. Without their help, this evening would not have been possible:
•A Brush of Beauty
•Alberto’s European Bakery
•Aleksander Estate Winery
•Bait Boys
•BMO, Tilbury
•Bowman Feeds
•CAA Travel, Leamington
•Canada Post, Tilbury
•Canadian Tire, Tilbury
•Catch of the Day Café
•Cavendish Farms
•Cellar Door Wines, Wheatley
•Colasanti’s
•Collard Fisheries
•Color Plus Salon
•Concept 1 Salon, Tilbury
•Cottingham Tire
•Cybergrade Technologies
•Dr Derrick Beleutz Chiropractic
•Dundas Excavation
•Enterprise Car Rental, Leamington
•Erie James Ltd.
•Faubert Meats
•Featherstone Realty
•Foodland, Tilbury
•Franklin Fisheries
•Gord’s Abbatoir
•Guardian Drugs, Wheatley
•H.J. Heinz Company
•Hair Café
•Harbour Gifts, Wheatley
•Home Hardware, Tilbury
•HUB Insurance, Leamington
•Jack’s Coffee Shop
•James Taylor Fishery
•Jessica Remigio, RMT
•Joey’s Only Restaurant
• Johnston Net & Twine
•Jose’s Restaurant
•Kassammy Farms
•Keepsake Plants
•Kentucky Fried Chicken, Tilbury
•Leamington Food Outlet
•Leamington Southpoint Sun
•Leamington
International Truck
•Loop Fisheries
•Lucky Wok Restaurant
•Mallory York, RMT
•McDonald’s Restaurants, Leamington
•Mercer’s Service Center
•Moments of Reason Photography
•Morton’s Wholesale
•Nader’s Cab Company
•Nature Fresh Farms
•No Frills, Tilbury
•One Earth Coffee Company
•Orion Jewellers
•Pelee Island Winery
•Pharmasave, Tilbury
•Presence (Tilbury)
•Ray’s Rib House
•Real Canadian Superstore, Leamington
•Reflections Hair Salon
•Robinson Motorcycles
•Rose’s Family Restaurant
•Royal Bank of Canada, Wheatley Branch
•Sense of Cents
•Shopper’s Drug Mart, Leamington
•Shopper’s Drug Mart, Tilbury
•South Essex Fabricating
•Spraytec Waterproofing/Spray Foam Insulation
•Subway, Tilbury
•Talbot Trail Golf Course
•Taylor Fish Company
•The Bargain Shoppe, Tilbury
•The Car Barn Restaurant
•The Open Window
•The Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 324
•The Wheatley Journal
•Thermo Energy Systems
•Tilbury Home Hardware
•Tim (T-Bone) Tiessen Fisheries
•Tim Horton’s, Tilbury
•Truax Rona, Kingsville
•Uncle Chow’s Restaurant, Tilbury
•UPI, Tilbury
•Wenzler Farms
•Windsor Factory Supply
•Wine Not, Tilbury
•Woodbridge Foam Corporation
•World’s Finest Chocolate
•Zippy Print, Leamington
We would like to thank all those who attended and all those who donated along the way. Thanks to the generosity of our wonderful community, the evening was a great success!
Lainie Sallmen and organizer Christine Bradley
Some beautiful ladies taking and selling tickets at the door. From left to right are Rachel Quick, Carol Fuller, Linda Armstrong, Fay Collard and Lorrie Armstrong.
Bill “Sky” Howe donated this hockey stick signed by Toronto Maple Leaf forward Eddie Shack. At right is Mike “Lou” Sallmen who bought the stick at just over $300 in a live auction during the fundraising benefit. (SUN Photo)
Dippy Chicks (Leamington Women’s Hockey League) had fun clowning around this year!
Ohhhh, that’s COLD!
Join the Owl Prowl at Point Pelee National Park
Wondering what the owls of Point Pelee National Park are up to? Discover who, who, who’s out there on an evening adventure with a park interpreter. Enjoy the fresh winter air, the peacefulness and dark skies of Point Pelee National Park as you listen for their alluring calls and learn about the world of the mysterious owl.
This event if fun for all ages, so bring the whole family to this invigorating nighttime adventure… you’re sure to have a hoot!
The Owl Prowl takes place Fri. Feb. 3 and Sat. Feb. 4 from 6:30-8:30 p.m., starting at the Visitor Centre. The event is free with park admission. Pre-registration is suggested. Participants should dress for the weather, as a good part of the program will be outside.
Winter activities at Point
More than 672,000 gift-filled shoeboxes donated
The numbers are in – Canadians donated 672,274 shoeboxes packed with toys, hygiene items and school supplies during the 2011 Operation Christmas Child shoebox campaign that ended recently. The 2010 total was 640,714 boxes.
The shoeboxes are being distributed to children in Haiti, Senegal, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Sierra Leone, Argentina, Nicaragua, Chile, Costa Rica, Uruguay, Guatemala and Venezuela. All shoeboxes packed online in 2011, plus all shoeboxes from Quebec in 2011, are part of a 75,000-box commitment to Haiti, where the need for hope remains very strong after a deadly earthquake and cholera epidemic in 2010.
Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and handdelivered more than 94 million shoebox gifts to children in over 130 countries hurt by war, poverty, natural disaster, disease, and famine.
Pelee National Park don’t stop there. Visit the Point on Family Day, Feb. 20, for an intimate look at birding. A 25% discount is being
offered on annual passes to the Park until March 31. Passes can be purchased at the park entrance or the Park administration building.
Great Horned Owl – Parks Canada photo
Leamington Br. 84 Legion news
By Lisa Cowen-Tehonchuk
Joey Pupura will be entertaining at Leamington Legion on Friday, February 17. A chicken dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m. and the show is at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance or $25 at the door. Limited seating. For more info call the Branch at 519-326-0073.
The winners of the Zone Poster and Literacy Contest are Chad Le Coure (1st) and Derek West (2nd) for black and white posters, and Hannah Iacobelli (1st) for her colour poster. Jane Fysh won first place for the poem she submitted. The first-place winners go on to District competition.
Public Speaking will be held at the Branch the morning of Sunday, Feb. 19.
Come on out for Friday Fun Darts at 8 p.m. and the Saturday meat draws from 2:30-5:00 p.m. See you there.
In the back yard...
Identify and eliminate moles in the lawn
Moles are ground dwellers and prefer eating grubs and insects, rather than garden plants. Check the garden and lawn for raised areas and mounds of soil. Moles prefer moist sandy loam soil and are most active in early mornings and evenings in the spring or fall, or after a warm rainfall.
Usually by eliminating the food source, you will have better luck controlling the mole. Try spraying the area with grub control or nematodes, available at most garden centers or fertilizer distributors. If this is not available, try 3 parts castor oil and 1 part dish soap. Add 4 tablespoons of this mixture in a gallon of water and soak the tunnels and mounds. Red pepper powder will also work but dissolves quickly in several days.
If you have a lot of tunnels and mounds then you also have an over-presence of grubs and insects, so if the moles don’t ruin the lawn or garden the insects will. Be persistent with the spraying of a castor oil mixture and the moles will move on, but the insect problem still needs to be taken care of by either spraying or using a professional exterminator.
Another solution is trapping. This is often the only way to eliminate moles.
Weather permitting, late fall and winter is the best time as moles mate during the winter and have babies, making your problem in the spring even worse than before.
Scissor-type traps work well by setting them in active runs or tunnels. Use several traps in an area for best results; however, the underground tunnels can ruin your garden and lawn and make it an easier access for other rodents to feed on roots and spread disease.
If you want to protect specific plants, dig a hole and line the sides and bottom with a wire mesh, fill the hole, then plant in the center of the protected area. Over time you will reduce the mole population. Be persistent!
Visit my web site www.bptreemarketing.com or for a copy of any of my past articles contact me at bpmarketing24@yahoo.ca
Kingsville already looking forward to $25 million in investment Leamington Chamber
By Sheila McBrayne
Kingsville Mayor Nelson Santos joined Leamington Mayor John Paterson on Friday, January 27 for the annual Mayors’ Breakfast. The breakfast, held on common ground at Colasanti’s in Ruthven, is hosted by the Leamington Chamber of Commerce and is a chance for both municipalities to share their views for the upcoming year.
Santos reiterated the close relationship between the two neighbouring municipalities. “To truly set a course for success we need to understand who we are and how we, as neighbours, can better achieve success together, utilizing the strengths that are truly unique to us. Henry Ford once said, ‘Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success.’ Yes we are two communities. Yes we are uniquely our own. Yet, more importantly when it counts, we are not alone…we’ve got each other’s back!” said Mayor Nelson.
Santos touched on some upcoming expenditures planned for Kingsville. “In 2012, our preliminary public works capital program sees council considering over $3 million in expenditures that includes about $2.6 million to our existing corridors and an additional $1.2 million towards our rejuvenated arts, parks and culture investments. Breaking it down to street level, these investments will be truly visible in the name of safety improvements: a signalized crosswalk at Kingsville High School to update the current courtesy crosswalk; the completion of the downtown business sidewalk replacement program (potentially the final three phases that will clean up those walkways),” stated Mayor Santos.
“Culturally, $400,000 is making our historic Carnegie Building and former public library into a new accessible community gathering place and we look forward to celebrating its rebirth for the 21st century,” added Santos.
“2012 will see the ultimate presentation of Master Plans for Active Transportation as well as our first ever Parks & Recreational Master Plan. Helping lead this direction are investments in a new public waterfront park, The Mettawas as well as the splash we are looking to make with our first splash pad to be installed at Ridgeview Park in Cottam,” said Mayor Santos.
No Mayor’s address is complete without a mention of taxes. “Today, Kingsville continues to enjoy the second lowest municipal property tax in the region and when you combine the water and sewer surcharge rates, our municipality leads the region in affordability,” stated Santos.
Only one month into 2012 and Kingsville already has been busy planning for the year. “In the past five weeks Kingsville has seen a slew of activity from site plan approvals, zoning bylaw amendments, subdivision plan approval and business expansions. In total, we are projecting over $25 million in new and expanding investment to kick-off 2012. It includes the expanding and new greenhouse construction, new industry to support greenhouse operations, a more than 85,000 square foot addition/expansion at Pelee
“That’s why our council has posted a new Strategic Plan on our website that sets forth a vision - a vision for our term of council and a vision for those that follow. I’ve dubbed it ‘Vision 2020 & Better’ and it’s going to make its public rounds so that our community can have their say,” said Mayor Santos.
excited for changes in 2012
Optimisim was abundant at the Leamington Chamber of Commerce Mayors’ Breakfast on Friday, January 27 at Colasanti’s.
Chamber General Manager Sally McDonald was bursting with new ideas and creative events. “This is an all new Chamber for 2012.”
She likened the Chamber to a gym membership - you can pay your membership, but if you don’t attend, if you don’t get involved, it’s not going to help you. “Think of your Chamber as a gym membership for your business,” said McDonald. “And work with us for best results.”
On the top of her list was the Chamber’s revamped website that directs internet traffic between visitors and Chamber members. Check it out at www.leamingtonchamber.com
The first Chamber Vine & Dine is being held on Wednesday, February 29 at the Roma Club. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased from WFCU Leamington, Cindy’s Home and Garden in Kingsville or by phoning the Chamber. The evening features 20+ restaurants and wineries and the music of Jody Raffoul. A $50 ticket gets you all you can sample from the vendors and a coupon booklet for their restaurants.
Island Winery, a new residential subdivision right here in Ruthven and more,” said Santos.
The second Windsor-Essex Loves Talent Showcase is back and bigger than ever. An idea from 11-year-old Ally Dimenna has turned into an exciting annual fundraising event, which this year will be held April 21-22 at L’Essor High School featuring talent from young people between the ages of 10-21 years old from across Essex County.
The W-E talent showcase is again looking for exciting and enthusiastic performers to help kick off this year’s show with a bang. Auditions will be held on Saturday, February 11 at the Essex location of Community Living Essex County from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. All talent is welcome, from singing, dancing, piano, violin, comedy monologue, to martial arts, skippers or gymnastic demonstrations.
Three judges from the community will assist Ensemble at the auditions with the selection of performers for the W-E talent showcase.
On-air personality Keri
from Mix 96.7 FM will
be the emcee again this year. “Last year, the local talent just blew me away!” said Robinson.
Joining Robinson on the panel will be Milia Kuli, a student at Cardinal Carter Secondary School who recently auditioned for Canada’s Got Talent, and Mike Beggs, owner of The Music Room in Leamington.
During the summer months, children and teens who have a disability face many barriers to social interaction and community inclusion. One of the biggest barriers is a lack of funding to pay for their support needs. The fundraiser is to support children and teens who have a disability to be active and included in their community. Support during the summer months helps to maximize opportunities for social interaction, sport and recreation and community involvement.
“It was inspirational last year to see so many children committed to performing,” said event organizer Jackie Barraco. “It was a pure example of kids helping kids.”
meeting place on weekdays, or if you are interested in learning more about our organization, or to have us involved in your community, please contact Leo at 519 325-0953.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4 - Alzheimer Society Walk for Memories from 10:00 a.m. - 12 noon at Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex. Register as a team or as an individual at www.walkformemories.ca. Prizes for team and individual fundraising accomplishments. For more information, call 519-974-2220, ext. 225.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4 - 9:00 a.m. – outing to Buxton Museum. Bring a bag lunch & $5 admission fee. Meet at Leamington United Church.
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 6 - 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. – New Canadians’ Centre of Excellence Inc. Employment Services invites you to come and improve your computer skills by participating in an e-learning session - SPELLING MADE
SIMPLE 1. Course content provided by The Learning Hub delivered through Contact North. A certificate will be issued upon completion. All of our services including childcare are available at no cost to eligible clients. 24 Oak St. W., Unit 6, Leamington. Call Andrea at 519-326-6224
for more info and to register.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 7 - 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. – New Canadians’ Centre of Excellence Inc. Employment Services invites you to come and improve your computer skills by participating in an e-learning session - BASIC COMPUTER FUNCTIONS. Course content provided by The Learning Hub delivered through Contact North. A certificate will be issued upon completion. All of our services including childcare are available at no cost to eligible clients. 24 Oak St. W., Unit 6, Leamington. Call Andrea at 519326-6224 for more info and to register.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11 - 1:00 p.m. to 3:00
p.m. - New Canadians’ Centre of Excellence Inc. Employment Services invites you to come and improve your computer skills by participating in the upcoming information session - COM-
PUTER & INTERNET BASICS. All of our services including childcare are available at no cost to eligible clients. 24 Oak St. W., Unit 6, Leamington. Call Fernando at 519-326-6224 for more info and to register.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11- 5:30 p.m. – French dinner ast Leamington United Church. $25 for pre-sold tickets.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11 - Kittenaide "Have a Heart" Adoption Day for spayed and neutered cats six months and older, 11:00 a.m. - 3:00
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12 - Music For A Winter’s Afternoon , 3:00 p.m. at Knox Presbyterian Church, Leamington. Admission: $10. Featuring Welsh Tenor - Gwyndaf Jones, Pianist - Alde Calongcagong, Flautist - Emily Calongcagong.
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13 - Ladies: You and your “Special Valentine” are invited to “Guest Night” at Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens at 6:30 p.m. Tickets $14. Speaker is Lucille Benac from Hillsdale, Mich. Theme: "You Can Do It". Musical entertainment by Dale Butler. For reservations call Sharon at 519-326-0421 or Darlene at 519-733-5595. Come join us for a special Valentines evening!
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 15 - 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. – New Canadians’ Centre of Excellence Inc. Employment Services invites you to come participate in the upcoming information session - NETWORKING. Come learn about something that might be beneficial to you and help you advance toward the career you want. All of our services including childcare are available at no cost to eligible clients. 24 Oak St. W., Unit 6, Leamington. Call Rima at 519326-6224 for more info and to register.
These young performers were just part of the amazing entertainment at last year’s Windsor-Essex Loves Talent Showcase. The event is a fundraiser to support children and teen who have a disability to be active and included in their community.
Robinson
Missing woman located, returned home
The OPP conducted an extensive search on Wed. Jan. 25 for a missing 75-year-old woman from Remark Drive in Kingsville. The missing female suffers from Alzheimer’s and has a history of walking long distances along the roadways.
The women had been last seen at 5:30 p.m. on Remark Drive, at which time police were notified. The OPP K-9, ERT teams and officers throughout Essex County were deployed and set up a search grid. Fortunately, at 8:45 p.m. a local business owner noticed the woman in their store and called police. She was found in good physical health and was returned to her home.
“A great job by OPP officers and the community of Kingsville, working together towards a positive outcome,” said Sgt Rick Tonial of the Essex County OPP.
Missing woman found dead
On Saturday, January 28 the OPP conducted a search for a 39-year-old female from the Kingsville area. Police issued a description of the woman asking anyone who noticed a person matching her description to contact police, as they were concerned for her wellbeing.
On Sunday, January 29, 2012 at 9:00 a.m. the OPP Emergency Response Team located the missing woman. She was found deceased along the Chrysler Greenway in Kingsville. The investigation revealed no foul play.
Police stated that there would not be any more information forthcoming.
What will ‘Our Story’ be?
I enjoy history and think it’s important, but I was really horrible at it. Unlike one of my relatives that I have travelled with, I am unable to remember all the dates, names and types of architecture that are pertinent to the experience. However, my mind is stuck on all the old structures that I have walked through or climbed on, especially since listening to the history of concrete on the radio Sunday.
Are some structures built to last and some not? There are buildings in this world like the Roman Pantheon that are still standing and others which have come and gone. Two thousand years after it was built, the Pantheon’s dome is still the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome. This I find amazing!
The Romans developed a concrete that in time became harder and harder and explains why so many of their masterpieces are still standing. Nowadays, we reinforce concrete with steel in the hopes of giving it strength. Unfortunately, the opposite happens. Wind, water and erosion over time expose the metal and it rusts and decays and buildings crumble.
As I stood in tree pose at my weekly Sunday yoga, I thought of my structure in comparison to these ancient buildings and whether or not it will withstand the test of time and continue to stand tall or will I stoop and gradually crumble too?
Daily, I hear people discussing their disintegrating discs, aches and pains, and the tension in their joints and muscles. Logically we should have more knowledge than the last generations, yet we artificially reinforce our bodies with foods instead of strengthening our systems, causing fault lines that are susceptible to disease and decay
I find that I can put up with potholes more than the inconvenience of the quick repairs that are done on them and then the witnessing of the erosion process all over again and again. Isn’t there any Roman around to do it right? Could it be that we choose not to?
The 200-year-old barn still stands, with its oak beams in very good shape, the 1000-year-old churches remain regal and the Mayan pyramids still proudly worship the Sun. Even though I may not recollect their historical information, I have felt the overwhelming energy of being in their presence.
Maybe people cared more about the future in olden days, so they built stuff to last. As I see it, there are two ways to build something: an expensive way, which means it will last; and a cheap way, which means it won’t! The more you care about the future or yourself, the more time you will spend on building something that lasts.
Time changes things though, and we have learned that we don’t have a use for the buildings that we have built. That 200-year-old barn now sits empty and the need to store the bales of hay or the horses, pigs and cows isn’t there.
While looking at a 200-year-old structure we may say “that was built so much better than buildings now,” but an engineer might look at the same building and say, “it cost way more to build than it should have and has outlasted its usefulness and therefore not built well.”
Will the next generations stand in awe over what we have created? I’ll be happy if we can at least conquer the potholes and pave a smooth path for the future.
NOTICE
Annual Membership of the Leamington District Memorial Hospital Corporation is effective from April 1 in one year to March 31 in the following year.
According to the Leamington District Memorial Hospital By-Law No. 16, a person is eligible to be an Annual Member when he or she pays to the Corporation the annual membership fee of $5.00, provided at the time of the payment of fee, the person must:
(i) Be over the age of eighteen (18) years; and
(ii) Have been a resident of the Catchment Area* for a continuous period of at least (3) months immediately prior thereto: or
(iii) Be employed in the said Catchment Area or counties for a continuous period of three (3) months.
Any person who wishes to join membership in the Leamington District Memorial Hospital Corporation for 2012/2013, please contact Linda Harfmann, 519-326-2373, ext. 4101 for an application. Applications must be received by the Board no later than March 16, 2012 in order to be eligible to vote at this year’s Annual Meeting in June.
*Catchment Area: Leamington, Kingsville, Wheatley, Pelee Island, Essex and Lakeshore
194 Talbot St. W., Leamington ON 519-326-2373
EXCAVATING
Simona Lehan Owner Designer
Thursday, January 26th
Flyers 3 – LaSalle 0
In what was possibly the most uneventful game between these two teams in the last few years, the Flyers blanked the LaSalle Vipers 3-0 on Thursday.
“I didn't think it was our best 60 minutes of the season but I thought it was one of our more physical games which led to some turnovers and good scoring chances,” said Flyers assistant coach Jamie McDermott. Tony Spidalieri and Kyle Bowman (powerplay) scored in the first period with Tyler Quigley extending the lead to 3-0 in the second period.
“I thought we did a great job limiting their opportunities and we started off the game scoring two goals in the first. I thought that was big for us,” said goaltender Colin Greeley who made 32 saves to earn his third shutout of the season.
“Greeley was solid in goal and played one of his better games in recent memory,” McDermott said. “I think if we continue to get goaltending of that caliber we'll have a real good chance of winning every night.”
Greeley admits that there is always a little added motivation to beat their cross-county rivals. “We always want to come out ready to play against LaSalle. There's a lot of history between these two teams so I think when it's time to play each other, the feelings are mutual.”
The Flyers have now won four out of five games against the Vipers this season with their final match coming up on Wednesday, February 22nd in LaSalle.
Flyers defencemen Brett Babkirk and Nick Beaune provide some support to goaltender Colin Greeley during Thursday’s 3-0 win over the LaSalle Vipers. It was Greeley’s 3rd shutout of the season. (photo by Shelly Quick)
Flyers All-Stars
The Flyers had five players named to the Western Conference All-Star Roster this year: below (l to r), forwards Tyler Quigley (alternate) and Alex Seguin, goalie Colin Greeley and defencemen Ron Soucie and Brett Babkirk. The game took place on Monday in St. Thomas but only Seguin and Greeley played as Soucie had to withdraw from the game due to illness, Babkirk due to an injury suffered in Sunday’s game against Chatham and Quigley was not needed to fill in as an alternate. Seguin tallied one goal and one assist in the game and Greeley earned the win. The final score was Team Weir 14 –Team Harvey 12.
Sunday, January 29th
Flyers 5 – Chatham 1
Upcoming Games: HOME:
Thursday, Feb 2 vs London 7:10 pm Saturday, Feb 4 vs Sarnia 7:30 pm Thursday, Feb 9 vs St. Marys 7:10 pm
AWAY: Saturday, Feb 11 @ Strathroy 7:30 pm
The Flyers downed the Chatham Maroons 5-1 on Sunday to move into sole possession of third place. Alex Seguin got in on all five of the Flyers goals registering his 3rd hat trick of the season and adding a pair of assists. “I thought we played well all around starting from Ecker (goalie Darien Eckblad) in net all the way to our forwards,” Seguin said. “Our defense were tough and shut them down tonight. One goal against in two games is a pretty good stat to look at if you ask me. When we play well defensively, the offense comes naturally.”
Matt Ogden (shorthanded) and Tyler Quigley also scored while Cheyne Matheson and newly acquired forward Jake Hopfner each picked up two assists. Rookie netminder Ekblad made 20 saves en route to his 11th win of the season.
Flyers Sign Hopfner
Last week the Flyers announced the signing of forward Jake Hopfner. The 18 year-old Eastpointe, Michigan native has previously played for the Jamestown Ironmen of the NAHL and the Belle Tire U18 Midget team. Hopfner tallied two assists in his debut game on Sunday in Chatham. He is 6’1”, weighs 185lbs and will wear #6.
NOTES: Injuries: Flyers captain Ron Soucie missed last week’s games, including the all-star game, due to illness. He is hoping to return to the lineup this week. Leamington native Brett Babkirk wore the C in Soucie’s absence on Thursday…Matt Ogden missed Thursday’s game due to a hip injury but returned to action on Sunday in Chatham…Two of Alex Seguin’s three hat tricks this season have been scored in Chatham. The other was in St. Catharine’s when the Flyers played Fort Erie in the GOJHL Showcase event...Forward Cheyne Matheson has 17 points in the last 10 games (8 goals, 9 assists).
Velocity Raptors U18 Boys Volleyball Team
Velocity Raptors U18 Boys Volleyball team played at provincial level for the first time in a tournament at Fanshawe College on the weekend. Team members are, back row left to right: Mariel Konrad (Trainer), Brian Warkentin (Assistant Coach), Jesse Driedger, Ashton Fehr, Devon Bergen, Brian Travis, Abe Teichroeb, Chris Krulicki, Jim Konrad (Head Coach). Middle row: Branden McKeen, Cornelius Froese, Chris Warkentin. Front row: Kevin Fehr, Travis Neufeld, Riely Bierer. Absent: Assistant Coach Josh Tiessen. – Photo submitted by Velocity Volleyball
Raptors
U18 boys volleyball team competes in first provincial tourney
This past weekend marked the start of Club Volleyball in the Leamington and Kingsville areas. The Velocity Raptors U18 Boys Team is one of the latest teams to join the Ontario Volleyball Association Tournament Schedule and played at Fanshawe College for their very first U18 Boys Tournament. Teams from all over Ontario gathered to play in this single-day tournament on Jan. 28 and the Velocity Raptors had their eyes opened by strong competition.
“This is the first time any of us have played in a tournament like this,” stated Captain for the day Chris Warkentin. “We have been working very hard as a team to prepare for this event and we got a chance to see how we would do against some of Ontario’s top teams.”
The Velocity Raptors’ first match was against Forest City Green, a well-established club who hosted the provincial tournament. After the initial shock of playing at a new level, the Raptors showed true spirit by competing against older teams that have played together for years.
Tournament results: 1. Waterloo Tigers Black; 2. MAC (Hamilton); 3. Forest City Green (London); 4. Lakeside (Oakville); 5. Riverside Rage (Windsor); 5. London Sharks; 7. Niag-
“Bringing Club Volleyball to the Leamington and Kingsville areas is a big part of the foundation for youth volleyball in this area. We have started Youth Development Programming for ages 5-15 years, House League for the same age, and now for the very first time we (Continued on Page 14)
PROGRAMS: Fitness & Aquatic Fitness – over 50 Classes per week, Weight Room & Cardio Fitness, Indoor Walking/Jogging Track, Adult Karate & Tae Kwon Do, Scuba Diving Lessons, Masters Swimming, Personal Trainers & Nutrition & Wellness Coaches, Racquetball League, Squash, Basketball, 55+ Badminton, Red Cross First Aid & AED Training, Prevention Program, Triathlon/Duathlon Training, (Group Runs, Group Rides), Urban Poling, ZumbaBillie, Pickleball Attn: New Moms: Stroller Fit Class & Mom & Tot AquaFitness class (have your baby close by as you take an exercise class!)
Brian Travis (#14) and Chris Krulicki (#4) work hard at the net during the OVA Tournament at Fanshawe College in London. – Photo submitted by Velocity Volleyball
Forty-two golfers in the Golden Years mini golf league combined for a total of 68 aces over 36 holes at Colasanti’s on Jan. 26. Bill Mayville led the way with 5 aces, followed by Iggy Arner, Kathy Bradley, Margaret Graham, Murray Knox, Andy Orsini, Neil Quick and Morley Scratch with 3 each. Two dropped for Barb Arner, Ken Brook, Carolyn Daudlin, Pete Daudlin, Cam Keith, Mary MacRae, Betty McManus, Don Ribble, Rose Taylor, Bill Taylor, Mary Ann Vickery, Doug Vickery, Steve Vigh and Bill Ward. Recording 1 each were Loretta Carter, Ethel Ferguson, Tom Hyatt, Audrey Knox, Annie MacLeslie, Angus MacRae, Winnie Moore, Barb Murphy, John Murphy, Barry Sweet, John Unrau, Stan Vickery, Gerrit Vri-
Golden Years mini golfers drop 68 aces Lavoie swims to team record
esen and Ken Womack.
Three golfers shared the lowest round for 36 holes including Bill Taylor, Stan Vickery and Bill Mayville with a 76. Rounds of 77 went to Tom Hyatt, Mary MacRae and Bill Ward. Kathy Bradley and Pete Daudlin managed a 78, while Neil Quick and Rose Taylor had 79.
Lowest total for 18 holes was recorded by Bill Taylor with 35.
A score of 233 was good enough to nail down first place by team #2 with Tom Hyatt, Moe Scratch and Bill Ward combining for the win. Second place with 238 went to team #8 which included Mary Ann Vickery, Iggy Arner and Bill Mayville. In 3rd place was team #4 with Neil Quick, John Murphy and Betty McManus who managed a 243.
Velocity 18U lose in first tourney
(Continued from Page 13)
have our own Club Level
Team competing on a provincial level,” said Head Coach and Club Director Jim Konrad. “Our goal is to provide a fun, active and healthy programs that will offer youth in the area a true path to develop their volleyball game. In the fu-
ture we expect to be running U13 to U18 Boys and Girls Club Teams, and as the young volleyball players continue to develop we will see stronger and stronger volleyball in the area from elementary, high school and club teams.”
Velocity Volleyball is running programs at the Leam-
ington Kinsmen Recreation Complex and UMEI Christian High School, where Velocity Volleyball is also providing coaching for both the boys and girls Lightning Volleyball teams. More information about programs is available by visiting www.velocityvolleyball.ca.
Fifteen-year-old Cody Lavoie recently competed at the Richmond Hill Winter Classic. This meet was a tuneup for the Canadian Eastern Nationals being held in mid-February in Gatineau, Quebec.
Cody, a grade 10 student at Leamington District Secondary School (LDSS) entered the 800m freestyle seeded #1 with a time of 8:58. After completing this event, he had swam to a Windsor Essex Swim Team record of 8:41. This was an amazing 17 seconds faster than his previous best, which he swam in December. It also means Cody “averaged” 1:05 for each 100m, which even surprised Cody.
“I just felt strong in the water,” said Lavoie. “Over the Christmas break, I was swimming at 6:30 every morning at the Complex pool and then going to Windsor to swim with my team every night. I did that for 3 solid weeks. I guess the hard work paid-off!”
Also at this same meet, Cody swam to a personal best in the 100m backstroke, with a time of 1:00.76. “My goal is to get under 1 minute at the Eastern Nationals and make finals,” he said. “I’ll be going against swimmers up to 3 years older than me, but I’m up for the challenge.”
Dennis Driedger is a Board member at UMEI as well as parent of right side player Jesse Driedger of the Velocity Raptors. “We consider this a unique and exciting relationship between UMEI and Velocity Volleyball,” he said. “We have seen a serious increase in competitiveness of our high school teams and having athletes from all over Essex County coming to enjoy youth development volleyball programming at UMEI is exciting and a positive way to enjoy the great facilities here.”
Next the Velocity Raptors will participate in 18U Boys McGregor Cup on Feb. 25.
REC ROUND-UP REC ROUND-UP
The Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex continues the SALE!
• New Year Shape-Up Special only $115 + HST. It’s the most popular membership sold every year! Come join your family and friends and work out on all the Weight and Cardio Fitness Equipment. Walk the indoor track and take part in lane swim in the Complex saltwater pool.
• Red Cross Babysitting Courses for youth ages 11-15 on Sat. Feb. 11.
• Home Alone Course for ages 9-12 years on Sat. Feb. 4.
• NEW! People Savers Course for youth ages 8-10 years. Red Cross certification course to teach safety awareness and basic first aid to elementary school-aged children. Tues. Mar. 13. Register in advance for all Complex programs.
• Rock ’n Swim on Fri. Feb. 3 from 7-9 p.m. Swim to the sounds of your favourite music sponsored by Dr. Karen Archer of Family Dental Care!
• P.A. Day Camp on Fri. Feb. 10 for ages 4-7 and 8-12. Enjoy swimming, skating, crafts and games galore!
• Calling all girls grades 5-8! Enroll for the Girls Only program. Instructors Ashley and Lisa have all kinds of great and interesting ideas just for YOU! Theme nights and all sorts of activities! Bring your friends, meet new friends, and have fun at the Complex Girl’s Only program.
• Skate with the Flyers on Sun. Feb. 12 from 1:00-2:20 p.m. Scheduled to appear are Brett Langlois, Austin Mattson, Jacob McGhee, Nick Nicodemo and Alex Seguin. See you at the Unico Arena!
Registration for the Winter 2 Session runs until Sun. Feb. 5. Try out the new Zumba Class with licensed instructor ZumbaBillie, plus we’ve got indoor urban poling this winter, pickleball, and another yoga class has been added on Thurs. nights. The buzz is all around town, the Complex offers over 50 assorted fitness and aqua fitness classes per week and our instructors are phenomenal!
The 12th annual Home & Garden Tradeshow is Mar. 30, 31 and Apr. 1. Interested vendors with home and garden related products and services contact Brenda Fischer at bfischer@leamington.ca for booth availability. Over $10,000 in contest prizes to be won! Mark your calendar for Mar. 30-Apr. 1 for the upcoming Home & Garden Tradeshow.
Check out the Winter 2 Activity Guides in the Complex brochure rack or visit us online at www.leamington.ca, link to recreation, link to the Activity Guide to see all the specific details and get yourself in motion this winter at the Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex.
When Cody competes in Gatineau in February, he will be competing in 5 events. He has Eastern National qualifying times in the 1500m freestyle, 800m freestyle, 100m backstroke, 200m backstroke and the 400m individual medley.
“February is a big month for me,” said Cody. “I have Eastern Nats and then Provincial Championships in Ottawa. I will also be representing Leamington District High School at OFSSAA the first week of March.”
Cody attributes the excellent coaching of Andrei Semenov with the Windsor Essex Swim Team to his continued improvements and also a new class at LDSS. “I signed-up for the new Fitness Class with Mrs. Klemens and we designed a great workout schedule to build my core strength and also exercises specially designed for swimming. I loved the class and it has really helped me.”
PRESENTS
SINBAD with special guest Ginuwine Friday, February 3
AIR�SUPPLY Friday, February 10
THE�RIGHTEOUS�BROTHERS’ BILL�MEDLEY Friday, February 17
PETER�FRAMPTON Friday, February 24
WHOOPI�GOLDBERG Saturday, March 3
KELLY�CLARKSON with special guest Ma� Nathanson Thursday, March 8
CELTIC�CROSSROADS World Fusion Tour Thursday, March 15
KENNY�ROGERS Saturday, March 17
BURTON�CUMMINGS Friday, March 23
THE�O’JAYS Saturday, March 31
FRANK�SINATRA�JR� Saturday, April 7
Tickets on sale now!
THE��TH�DIMENSION Thursday, April 12
KEVIN�COSTNER� &�MODERN�WEST Friday, April 13
Tickets on sale now!
ELVIS�COSTELLO &�THE�IMPOSTERS Saturday, April 21
GLADYS�KNIGHT Saturday, April 28
JOHNNY�REID Friday, May 4
TRANS-SIBERIAN� ORCHESTRA Saturday, May 12
Tickets on sale February 4
IL�DIVO Friday, May 18
Sharks win in shootout
On Monday, January 23 the Wheatley Sharks met the Belle River Canadiens in their fourth match since January 2. The first period was a close affair as neither team could notch a goal.
Belle River’s Scott Chauvin gave the visitors the lead early in the second when Synnott and Scott got him the puck for a breakaway goal. In the middle of the frame, Jesse Martin and Trevor Grieve dug the puck out of the corner to Riley Babkirk who was all alone in front of the Canadiens goal.
With no scoring in the third or the overtime period, it came down to a shootout. Austin Fontaine made no mistake when he was the second shooter to try his luck. He was the only player to dent the twine to give Wheatley the one-goal win.
This win was the third of the four for the Sharks over the Canadiens since the New Year and left the series record at Belle River four wins and Wheatley three wins. Wheatley, with four games to go, is 6 points behind the Habs who sit comfortably in second place and have just three to play.
The 3 stars of the game were Josh Tremblay and Zakk Olvin the 2 netminders and Austin Fontaine with the game winner plus an assist on the first Wheatley goal.
Despite putting on heavy pressure late in the game, the Sharks were unable to come back from a two-goal deficit and lost 4-2 to the Essex 73’s on Monday night.
Essex downs Sharks
Playoff schedule set for first round
Essex opened the scoring when Daniel McIntyre let a shot go from 20 feet out that eluded Marc Tremblay. Eric Rivard tipped the puck past the Essex netminder on a shot by Kevin Sawatzky from the point to tie the game going into the second tilt.
After 73’s Blaise Baillargeon speared Tyler Charamba, a spirited fight ensued between Baillargeon and Charamba to open the second period.
Corey Beaulieu tipped a point shot past Tremblay to put Essex up once more. Josh Tremblay took a deflection off of the Essex netminder to tie up the game. Assisting were Sebastian Kanally and Trevor Grieve. Brian Hamlin was allowed to waltz right out from behind the net to give the visitors a lead that they never relinquished. Corey Beaulieu finished off the scoring when he took a pass and tucked it in past Tremblay for a pretty marker. Final score was Essex 4, Wheatley 2. With 2 games remaining, the playoff picture has been settled for the first round with Belle River. The first game will be in Belle River on Fri. Feb. 10 at 7:30 p.m. with the second game in Wheatley on Mon. Feb. 13 at 7:30 p.m. The third game goes in Belle River on Fri. Feb. 17 at 7:30 p.m. and the fourth game is here on Sun. Feb. 19 at 4:30 p.m. The fifth, sixth and seventh games if necessary will be in Belle River on Tues. Feb. 21 at 7:30 p.m., Wheatley on Thurs. Feb. 23 at 7:30 p.m. and Belle River on Fri. Feb. 24 at 7:30 p.m.
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SALES –SERVICE –PARTS
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Admit one…
Seen any good movies lately? Honestly, as long as there’s something worth watching, I could go to “the movies” every week. I love the entire experience, from standing in line for the over-priced popcorn and barrels of watered-down soft drinks to viewing of seemingly endless commercials we have to sit through before the showing of the trailers.
The price of admission to the movie itself remains a bargain in my opinion. For the price of an in-town cab ride you get two hours of big screen, big sound excitement while stuffing your face with popcorn and licorice. The cost of the snacks always exceeds the cost of admission. And those seats are sooooo comfy, especially at some of the newer theatres.
On Saturday night I fell into a wide-seated, high-back, leather chair that actually rocked. That’s a far cry from what I recall as a young lad patronizing the long razed Majestic Theatre in Dresden. My first experience was watching The Beatles “Hard Days Night”. I was something like 4 or 5 years old at the time. I can still visualize so much of that experience 40-some years later.
This past Saturday night I took in “Sherlock Holmes 2” at the Galaxy Theatre in Waterloo. This was followed on Sunday afternoon in Stratford with “Joyful Noise”.
Only as a side note, I’ll tell you that I enjoyed Joyful Noise much more than the Sherlock Holmes flick. Sherlock Holmes was just too exhausting for me to keep up with both the complicated plotline and the over-stimulating special effects and cinematic spectacular.
Joyful Noise stars Dolly Parton (looking good at age 65) and Queen Latifah in a spiritually quenching, Jesus-loving, boogie-woogie musical. It’s a romantic comedy about an eclectic church choir, young love, lost love, and a message about taking chances. It was a lot of fun. I’m giving it three and a half Milk Duds.
The theatres in Stratford are older, with 6 movies playing on smaller screens; at least smaller than some of the incredible new theatres that have popped up in recent years. They are very similar to the Cinema 6 theatres that were recently closed in Chatham. I suspect both theatre complexes were built in the early ’80s. As I recall, that was right around the time that doomsayers were pulling up the white sheet on the theatre industry. Video movies were going to be the death of the box office, as we were led to believe. Instead, video rentals merely whetted the appetite of movie fans to first see their favourite stars on big screens and in the company of other movie lovers. And that’s another reason I love going to the movies – the people. I enjoy the communal kumbaya with its symphony of laughter and sobbing or gasps. Of course there’s the occasional annoyance of loud eaters and talkers or the happy footed seat kickers sitting directly behind you. I especially get annoyed at those who shove their foot underneath your seat and knock on the back door. No Milk Duds for those folks.
Perhaps I’ll soon bump into you soon at a movie house near you. What are you doing next weekend?
JOHN WEESE
Weese’s Pieces...
What is the UMEI Difference in Education?
• Small classroom environment
The current student-to-teacher ratio is 8:1, allowing for individualized attention, great discussion, hands-on activities.
• Strong student-teacher relationships
94% of students express satisfaction with student-teacher relationship. Teachers interact with students throughout their four years of high school, allowing for personal relationships that nurture overall learning goals, rather than course-specific outcomes. Teachers are readily available for extra help.
• Impressive results in post-secondary education and beyond
UMEI has a 100% graduation rate, with nearly 90% of students pursuing post-secondary education. UMEI students graduate with more credits, allowing them to explore their interests. Students regularly receive prestigious university scholarships.
DISCOVER THE DIFFERENCE...
• Commitment to “whole person” education and growth 92% of the student body is involved in extracurricular activities. UMEI teachers strive to create an atmosphere which develops confident leaders and effective team players. Service project days, chapels, and other outreach programs inspire young people to be dedicated to their community and the greater world.
• Focus on real world education
In four years, students participate in as many as 40 educational trips, including day trips to Stratford, an animal hospital, automobile plants, and the Windsor Symphony Orchestra, and extended trips to locations like Ottawa, Chicago, and New York City. In-class teaching focuses on real-world applications, including building rockets and using math in amusement parks.
• Caring atmosphere focusing on individual achievement
Every student is encouraged to work to their potential, focusing on enrichment and remediation according to individual strengths and weaknesses.
“UMEI prepared me extremely well for university. I found that I was just as prepared as IB students and those who had taken AP courses. The first term was mostly review for me, and we did many of the same labs we had done in Grade 11 & 12 at UMEI. Math classes at the University of Waterloo actually remind me of UMEI’s math program! The passionate staff gave me a strong foundation which makes new material easy to learn.” -
Leah Toews, ‘11
“Upon starting a pre-medical university program, I wondered how I was going to succeed amid thousands of competitive students. However, university responsibilities came naturally and my first semester brought great success. To what do I attribute this success? UMEI. It takes passionate teachers to lead to passionate students. At UMEI, teachers work with the students to not only encourage learning, but also help them discover how to learn. It wasn't remembering facts that allowed me to succeed, but the method of learning and studying, both of which I absorbed from the UMEI curriculum, teachers, and learning environment. Like anything in life, experience is a huge part of success, and the UMEI experience, without a doubt, is a doorway to success.” - Tess Huy, ‘11
Grade 7 & 8 Students Friday, February 10, 2012 10 am - 2 pm
WSO Visits Ruthven
The students of Ruthven Public School welcomed a string quintet from the Windsor Symphony Orchestra (WSO) on January 18. The members included Faith Schofield (oboe), Liesel Deppe (flute), Tim Lockwood (French Horn), Julie Shier (bassoon) and Lisa Raschiatore (clarinet). The group performed a variety of classical songs and a piece that was composed for the quintet by a local musician. The WSO will be presenting “The Noble Flute” on Feb. 4 at Leamington United Mennonite Church, 78 Oak St. E. The performance is part of WSO’s Classics in the County Series. (Submitted Photo)
On January 25 the students of Ruthven Public School were excited to welcome OPP Constable Silvano Bertoni to the Grade 1 classroom. Constable Bertoni spoke to the students about bullying and shared some safety tips and strategies with the students. Pictured above, the Constable shows grade 1 student Levi Taggart the consequences of being a bully.
All youth invited to enter the 2012 Canada
Day Poster Challenge
1812: The Fight for Canada is the theme of the 2012 Canada Day Poster Challenge, which has been launched by the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, the Honourable James Moore.
This national competition invites young Canadians aged 5 to 18 to design an original poster that illustrates how the people, places, and events of the past have shaped our country.
“The Poster Challenge is a wonderful opportunity for our young people to express what Canada means to them and to share their creativity with their peers across the country,” said Minister Moore. “Participants are invited to create a poster showing how people from different backgrounds and regions joined forces to fight for Canada during the War of 1812.”
A single finalist from all age categories combined will be chosen in each province and territory. A national winner will then be selected from the 13 provincial and territorial finalists. The winning design will become the official poster of the 2012 Celebrate Canada festivities throughout the country.
From June to September 2012, the artwork of the 13 provincial and territorial finalists will be on display at the Canadian Children’s Museum, which is part of the Canadian Museum of Civilization in Gatineau, Quebec.
Prizes will also be presented to the 52 winners, by age category.
Entry rules and additional resources can be found on the Poster Challenge website at www. posterchallenge.pch.gc.ca. For more details, visit the website or contact the Canadian Heritage Enquiry Centre at 1-866-811-0055. The deadline for entering the contest is March 9, 2012.
The Education Centre of South Essex Community Council held a special Family Literacy Day on Friday, January 27 at the Leamington office. To kick off the day of literacy focused games and activities, the group sang O Canada. Pictured here, from left to right, are Faduly Alshawi and his mother Retnosary and Sarah Kim and her mother Soojin Woo. Essex County Library was there in the morning to sign up any new library patrons. A draw was held for signed copies of “Notes to My Son Before You Go” and “Notes To My Daughter Before You Go”, by local author Vesna Bailey. Every child in attendance went home with a free book.
(SUN Photo)
Pictured here, Eman Ebada and her daughters Heba and Sokene participate in the Family Literacy Day events held at the South Essex Community Council Education Centre on Friday, January 27. Carolyn Warkentin, Executive Director of SECC, welcomed parents and children to the fun day of literacy-focused games and activities. (SUN Photo)
Eldercollege expands to include 50 courses
By C. Lloyd Brown-John, Director, Canterbury Eldercollege
Eldercollege – that program of interesting and convenient courses for folks over age 55 – successfully launched its first semester last September with 30 courses in Windsor, Essex, Kingsville and Leamington. “Brain food” for those seeking interesting activities and an opportunity to meet other people. There might even be a romance emerging from an Eldercollege course now and then.
This spring, Eldercollege will offer over 50 courses throughout Essex County and the City of Windsor. Eldercollege courses are short learning and pleasant social experiences.
11 courses offered in Leamington
There are a total of 11 Eldercollege courses being offered in Leamington in 8 different locations ranging from Point Pelee National Park to Kopegaron Woods, Pelee Island Heritage Centre, the Lawn Bowling Club, Leamington Library, the Half Century Centre, Knox Presbyterian Church and others. Eldercollege has working partnerships with the Essex County Library system, Pelee Island Winery, Point Pelee National Park, the Essex Region Conservation Au-
thority, the Municipality of Leamington and others. Leamington and Pelee Island courses include:
• “Pelee Island Stories, Tales, Food and Wine – the Flavour of Canada’s Deep South”, an entire day on Pelee Island;
• Become an ecologist at Point Pelee National Park at the Nature Centre within the Park;
• An ERCA naturalist led “Seasons of the Forest” walk in Kopegaron Woods;
• “Computers: All You Wanted to know But Dare Not Ask Your Grandchildren”;
• “An Introduction to Lawn Bowling” at the Leamington Lawn Bowling Club;
• Two courses on bridge at the Half Century Centre;
• A pharmacist sponsored course on “Shingles and AfterShingles Pain” at Leamington Library;
• Two wonderful cooking courses: “Phun With Phyllo” and “Delectable Desserts” at Knox Presbyterian Church;
• “All You Wanted to Know About Municipal Government and Much More”, also at Leamington Library, facilitated by Lloyd Brown-John.
Eldercollege would be open to suggestions for courses in Wheatley – for example on the fishing industry, local history, delectable local Wheatley dishes, Wheatley’s World War II contribution, wildlife/habitat at Two Creeks Conservation Area, history of the Romney Drain, and any other great ideas and/or suggestions.
7 courses offered in Kingsville
In Kingsville, Canterbury Eldercollege will offer seven courses in four locations – Kingsville Library, Kingsville’s Historical Park Museum (next to the Royal Canadian Legion), Kingsville’s Lions Club and Kingsville Harbour.
Three additional Kingsville courses include: “Safe ‘Meds’ for Seniors” with local pharmacist Susan Dube; a comparative religion course, “Where Does God Live?”, facilitated by First Lutheran Pastor Brian Falkenholt; and, a course on ciety, Marg Laman.
Courses throughout Essex County
Other county locations and courses include five courses in Essex in four locations: Essex Library, Essex Retirees Social Centre, John R. Park Homestead Conservation Area and the Harrow Early Immigrant Research Society (HEIRS) in Harrow.
Essex Canterbury Eldercollege courses include: “The Family Tree – Skeletons or Treasures”; an incredible course covering all aspects of housing and health care options for seniors in later life; how to “Outsmart Your Smartphone” (and your grandchildren!); “The War of 1812”; and an ERCA nature course, “Things That Go Croak in the Marsh”.
Lakeshore will host its first three Eldercollege courses all conducted by retired reporter Gary Rennie. Two of the courses will be held at the Puce Sports & Leisure Centre on County Road 22. The first course, Thursday, February 16, will introduce participants to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. In April, Gary Rennie, who has hiked the Bruce Trail, will introduce and discuss the Bruce Trail in a hands-on talk and slide presentation. On Thursday, June 7, Gary Rennie and friends will offer an introductory course on kayaking at Lakeshore’ Lakeview Park in Belle River.
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Kingsville will host courses ranging from two law courses: “Seniors and the Law – Introduction to Canadian Law” and “Law and Housing Options for Seniors”. These courses are organized by Kingsville barrister and solicitor Charles Gascoyne.
Two spectacular courses have been organized by noted sailor Gordon Geddes: “Sailing for Landlubbers” and “The Lake Erie Fisheries – History and Profession”, hosted by professional Lake Erie fisherman Don Rutgers.
Eldercollege also has courses in Amherstburg and Tecumseh as well as 25+ courses in Windsor ranging from a course on the Titanic, to railroads, Olympics, Shakespeare at Stratford, to Opera Talks, Art of Ancient Greece and Rome, and Nordic cross-country skiing. There’s even a course to be held in Chicago – an art and Frank Lloyd Wright weekend. To take Eldercollege courses you need to register and become a member of Eldercollege (membership is $10 annually). Fees for courses range from $25 + HST to $45 + HST (depends upon the duration of a course). There is also what is termed the “buffet-course option” which, with a few exceptions, permits you to take as many courses as you want within a single semester for $105 + HST and an additional $85 + HST for a significant other or spouse.
Eldercollege is a volunteer based and operated educational program for older folks. It is a non-profit program and all courses are offered by volunteers. Eldercollege is housed and administered at Canterbury College at the University of Windsor. Courses will be available for viewing (but not on-line registrations yet!) at www.uwindsor.ca/ canterbury/eldercollege For more information call Eldercollege at 519-2533000 ext. 4944, or contact Eldercollege’s co-ordinator Catherine Fettes at fettesc@ uwindsor.ca, or you can contact Lloyd Brown-John at eldercollegelbj@uwindsor.ca.
From cancer patient to Cancer Society volunteer, Kyle Dupuis recalls his journey to wellness
By Kyle Dupuis
It was just another ordinary day at work. I was talking with the same people and doing my regular duties, until something slightly different happened. When lifting a box, I struck my groin area and felt an unusual pain. Being stubborn, I tried to shrug it off and continue my work. Days went by, and the pain continued to increase. I finally gave in and went to the doctor to get tests done.
On May 2, 2008, I was back at the doctor’s office to hear the verdict. I remember that day as if it were yesterday. Disbelief ran through me after being read the concluding results. Is this a mistake? I’m too young! I live an active and healthy lifestyle! This cannot happen to me! I remember thinking of as many excuses as I could, but the results did not lie. I was only 24 years old when I was diagnosed with testicular cancer. I really did not believe this was happening to me. I was in a state of shock. This was just the beginning of my journey with cancer.
I was unfamiliar with testicular cancer. The only thing I knew about this type of cancer was that Lance Armstrong was once diagnosed with it. I immediately researched as much as I could in order to better educate myself on this disease. Once I found out more, I began to feel much more confident with my diagnosis, and what the future held for me. Three weeks after I was diagnosed, I had surgery to remove the tumour. It was a relief, as I was in an enormous amount of pain and discomfort. For the remainder of the summer, I thought cancer was behind me.
Around three months after the tumor was removed, I began experiencing pain in my lower back. I wanted to ignore it in the hope that it would go away, but I went with my gut instinct and got it checked out. There I was, back in the doctor’s office awaiting test results. The anxiety and nervousness that I had experienced in May came crashing back at me. The doctor informed me that the cancer had returned and spread to the lymph nodes in my lower back. At first, I was frustrated that I had to battle cancer again, however, I remained very optimistic with my prognosis and told myself that if I beat it once, I can beat it again.
I underwent nine weeks of chemotherapy at the Windsor Regional Cancer Centre. When going through chemotherapy I experienced various side effects. I was nauseous, tired, and I lost my hair. My life felt as if it was turned completely around. My routine before chemotherapy could have been classified as energetic and active but when going through chemo it was entirely opposite. On a better note, from continuously attending the Windsor Regional Cancer Centre, I met the most amazing and knowledgeable nurses, doctors and volunteers. I built a great rapport with all of them and could not have asked for any better. Most importantly, with the help and support of my family and friends I got through the chemotherapy and I am proud to say that I am cancer free!
Looking back on my life when I was battling cancer, I realized that I received a great deal of support, and now I wanted to give back and return the favour. This is why I decided to volunteer with the Canadian Cancer Society. I wanted to help others who are experiencing cancer, or have had cancer. I began volunteering with the Society through their program at the Windsor Regional Cancer Centre and really enjoy the patient interaction. I am also a Canadian Cancer Society Peer Support volunteer where I help cancer patients over the phone or in person by talking with them and sharing our cancer experiences.
I wanted to volunteer with the Canadian Cancer Society’s Relay For Life event to celebrate all of the cancer survivors in the community. It is an inspirational event, where you get to see the many survivors out walking the track.
I am now on the Windsor/LaSalle Relay For Life Steering Committee. I help organize, plan, and prepare the event, which is held on June 15 this year at the Vollmer Centre in
LaSalle. I find this to be fun, challenging and a great way to meet others in the community. There is also a 2nd Relay For Life event being held on June 1 this year at the Harrow Arena.
I absolutely love volunteering with the Canadian Cancer Society and recommend it to my friends and family. It is very rewarding and a great way to give back to the community.
I recommend to anyone who has experienced cancer in their life, whether it is first hand, a family member, friend, or neighbour to come and help out at this year’s Relay For Life events! Just call Averil Spence-Clarke at the Society’s Essex County Unit at 519-254-5116, ext. 3984 for more information. I hope to see you there!
Tony and Sheila Cabral and Kevin and Pauline Laporte (Pillon) and Michael Fleury are proud to announce the marriage of their children Jeff and Alicia on January 19, 2012. The beautiful ceremony took place in the Mayan Riviera, Cancun, Mexico.
CARD OF THANKS
The family of the Late Mary “Alice” Jacobs would like to extend their heartfelt thanks and gratitude to New Beginning’s Rest Home, Leamington Court and the Leamington Mennonite Home for the professional and compassionate care given to our mother & grandmother during her time with them. Thanks to Reid’s Funeral Home, Catholic Women’s League, Leamington Lebanese Club, the Ladies of Lebanon and the many friends and family who showed their respect and support at our time of loss.
There
always
LoveJohn,Lori&Taylor
It’s not too late to get a flu shot
Influenza season runs until April so it’s not too late to get immunized against influenza – commonly called the flu. It’s a highly contagious infection of the airways caused by the influenza virus and can spread rapidly infecting those around you.
Each year, influenza causes illness among millions of Canadians. The flu can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia for some individuals. It is estimated that between 2,000 and 8,000 Canadians can die of the flu and its complications annually, depending on the severity of the season. This year’s influenza immunization includes an H3N2 that matches the H3N2 virus that is circulating in Canada. It is a safe and effective way to prevent getting sick and spreading the virus to those around you.
Ralph Butler
Influenza activity is increasing in Canada and it is not too late to protect yourself and your family by getting immunized. Talk to your local public health department or your health care provider about getting this year’s influenza vaccine.
SOUTHPOINT SUN
Ralph Melbourne Butler, born in Kingsville on February 1, 1929 passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on January 27, 2012 at the age of 82 years. Beloved husband of Madeline Elaine (Bruner) whom he married on September 2, 1950. Dear father of Blair (Denise), Ottawa; Jay (Betty), Windsor; Dale (Judy), Leamington. Loving grandfather of Ryan (Sulianne), Carly and Tian Butler, Shannon and Ashley Coady. Dear brother of Mary Rankin (the late William). Dear uncle of one niece and eight nephews. Predeceased by his parents Daniel Melbourne (Babe) and Ann Elizabeth (nee Creekmur) Butler.
Ralph was employed by the Royal Bank of Canada for four and a half years, serving at the Kingsville, Ripley and Georgetown branches. He was employed by the H.J. Heinz Co., and the Essex County Board of Education at the Civic Centre in Essex as the Manager of Administration until his retirement in 1992. Ralph was also very active in many community organizations. In 2006 he was named Citizen of the Year by the Municipality of Leamington.
Special thanks to the nurses of St. Elizabeth Home Care. Also to Liz Chaplin, Paul Rodey, Dr. McCoy, Dr. Eldston, Dr. Horen and all the nurses and staff at Leamington District Memorial Hospital on 2nd Floor East for their wonderful care and compassion.
Visiting was at the Reid Funeral Home & Reception Centre, 14 Russell Street, Leamington (519-326-2631) on Monday.
Funeral service to celebrate Ralph’s life was held from the funeral home on Tuesday January 31, 2012 at 11 a.m. with Rev. Paul Rodey officiating.
Memorial donations may be made by cheque to St. Elizabeth Health Care or Leamington United Church Memorial Fund.
Friends may send condolences or make a charitable contribution online at www.reidfuneralhome.ca
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• Flexible working hours including weekends
MUSIC LESSONS at Rebel Cowboy in Wheatley. Call 519-825-3330. jn8-tfc
JACK RICCI ANTENNA SPECIALIST - HDTV antenna systems, satellite dishes, aiming & accessories, specialty and non-denominational free religious programming. TBN 3ABN 7th Day, etc. on G19 satellite, burglar alarms, telephone, paging, intercom and background music systems. Sales and service. Prewire your new house. 519-326-8973, ricci@mnsi.net. fe1-29c
MEETING
Home Hardware. 114 Erie St. N. Tool demos, factory reps. 519-326-9088. fe1
T.O.P.S. - Take Off Pounds Senisbly. Weigh in from 6 pm - 6:45 pm, meeting from 6:45 pm - 7:30 pm every Monday at Wheatley United Church. Call Cheryl at 519825-9194 or Ellen at 519326-0730 or visit website: www.TOPS.org. Everyone welcome. tf
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• Post secondary education in a related field will be considered an asset
Please forward your resume by email to mcornellier@muccifarms.com
In light of our continued growth, our greenhouse vegetable packing company located in Kingsville requires the following:
Assistant Grower
Responsibilities:
• Preparation of fertilizer
• Responding to alarms and proceeding with diagnosis and providing solution
• Assist grower with day to day operations
Qualifications:
• Greenhouse experience will be considered an asset
• Excellent interpersonal and computer skills
• Mechanically inclined
• Flexible working hours including weekends
• Post secondary education in a related field will be considered an asset
• Must live in Kingsville or Leamington in order to quickly respond to alarms
Mail, fax or email resumes, stating your position of interest and your salary expectation to: Mucci Pac Ltd. 1876 Seacliff Drive Kingsville, ON N9Y 2N1
Fax: (519) 326-6397
Email: mcornellier@muccifarms.com
BUSY RV DEALERSHIP looking for experienced technician. Fax resume to 519-326-6567. au24-tf THE STRAND ON MAINhas
