All the way from Leamington to New Orleans
The Leamington District Memorial Hospital Foundation took supporters and friends of the Foundation all the way to New Orleans on Saturday, February 6 for a Night on Bourbon Street Gala 2010. There were plenty of feathers and beads as organizers put on a fantastic show for the more than 380 in attendance. Pictured here is the organizing committee as well as greeters who helped raise an unofficial total of between $80,000 - $90,000! Pictured here in
LDMH CEO updates dialysis unit progress
By Sheila McBrayne
The Bowman’s coffee group welcomed a special guest on Friday, February 5 when Leamington District Memorial Hospital Chief Executive Officer (CEO) John Stenger stopped in for a cup of Joe and some casual conversation with Wheatley locals.
Every morning a regular group of Wheatley residents gather at Bowman Feeds to share a cup of coffee and talk about current events. On Friday, February 5 Cole Cacciavillani, Leamington District Memorial Hospital Foundation Board Director, brought the hospital CEO to discuss any local questions or concerns.
After some small talk about local politics and people, the topic of conversation turned its focus to the new dialysis unit planned for Leamington. Stenger told the group that all the paperwork was with the Ministry of Health. “It’s at the fourth stage of approval… we expect to hear back in six to eight weeks and then we can go to tender to get final prices for the project,” said Stenger.
Sue Adamson expressed disdain over the amount of time it has taken to get the dialysis project up and running. Plans for a dialysis unit in Leamington have been in the works for several years. The first proposal would have seen
the unit constructed on hospital-owned property at the corner of Fader and LaMarsh streets. The original plan was to construct a space to be shared by the Family Health Team and the dialysis unit. As a result of the success of the Family Health Team, its need for space increased and the space available at the Fader and LaMarsh site would not have accommodated a facility large enough for both current and future needs.
At a special announcement in May 2008, officials at LDMH announced that the Board decided that it would not go forward with the original plan to construct a new building on the corner of Fader and LaMarsh. The new plan was to renovate the front lobby and adjacent space on the main floor of the hospital for the new location of the satellite dialysis unit.
CEO John Stenger
The change in venue delayed the project as new design plans had to be developed and receive Ministry and Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) approval. The Foundation was successful in raising the $850,000 (Continued on Page 2)
front, from left to right, are Sidney Spano, Amy Pereira, Eola Cinicola, John Ingratta, Lorraine Sabga, Melissa Mucci, Kasia Przytocki and Cody Stevenson. In back, from left to right, are Deeanne Cervini, Priscilla Iacobelli, Mary Catherine Stevenson and Laurie Ricci. Missing from the photo was Rina Moauro. (Sun Photo)
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LDMH CEO updates dialysis unit progress
(Continued from Front) needed by the hospital to construct the dialysis unit. Although the goal has been reached, donations can still be made and directed specifically for the dialysis unit as future costs for the unit will require funds. “If you specify that you want your donation to go towards the dialysis unit, it will be. We cannot use that donation for anything else if you specify that,” said Cacciavillani.
In fact, at the end of the coffee session Wheatley resident Jeff Turnbull presented Ciacciavillani and Stenger with a donation of $2,500 for the dialysis unit in memory of his father John Turnbull who recently passed away.
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The need for a dialysis unit in Leamington is great. “It’s not just for Leamington, it will serve the county residents, so they don’t have to drive to Windsor,” said Cacciavillani. The dialysis unit in Leamington will be a satellite of the Windsor program. As such, Stenger explained that the nursing and staff for the unit will come through Windsor. Stenger, who recently came from a CEO position in Elliott
Lake, said a similar program there saw hospital staff take an interest in the unit and ended up training through the main branch in Sudbury to work at the unit. “It could open up more opportunities for our staff too,” he said.
Despite delays, Stenger stated final approval should be received in six to eight weeks, then the contract can go to tender and he said they should have a shovel in the ground by May. The unit could be up and running by 2011, according to Stenger.
Stenger, originally from Kingsville, came to LDMH in November 2009, replacing Warren Chant who is now CEO of Hotel Dieu-Grace Hospital in Windsor. Stenger explained that the first three months under his leadership has been focused on stabilizing his management team after some major restructuring in October. “Right now we’re working on delivering a balanced budget… We’re waiting to see what our funding will look like before we can finalize anything… we have several scenarios, but we have to wait to see what we have to work with,” he said.
No fishing license needed this weekend
To encourage people to get outside and try fishing, residents who don’t have a license can fish without one from February 13 to 15.
“Family Fishing Weekend is an opportunity to take part in an outdoor tradition that is popular across the province. It’s a great chance to try ice fish-
ing for the first time and learn about safety on the ice through events organized by community groups,” said MPP Pat Hoy. “Safety on and around Ontario’s lakes and rivers should be everyone’s priority when they’re outdoors this Family Day weekend.”
During this long week-
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end, anglers must follow the conservation licence limits set out in the 2010 Recreational Fishing Regulations Summary. And ice fishing events offering information on safety on the ice will be held across the province.
Many factors can affect the thickness and strength of ice on lakes and rivers. All anglers should check with local ice hut operators before venturing out and make safety their first priority.
“Ontario Family Fishing Weekend is the perfect opportunity for families of all sizes to try winter fishing. Thanks to the generosity of OFAH member clubs and other volunteers, events are being hosted in communities around the province, and everyone is invited to participate in this great Canadian tradition,” said Mike Reader, executive director, Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters.
Approximately 1.3 million anglers fish in Ontario each year and spend $2.5 billion dollars in the province annually.
Leamington teen burned in fire
A 16-year-old Leamington boy suffered first and second-degree burns in a house fire in Leamington Sunday, February 7.
Leamington Fire Services responded to a kitchen fire on Talbot Street East and arrived to find the victim.
Leamington Fire Services reported that the resident was using a candle in a pot when the contents ignited just after 4 p.m. He attempted to extinguish the fire by placing the pot in the shower when the contents ignited the shower curtain. The teen sustained first and seconddegree burns to approximately 10 per cent of his body. He was transported to Leamington District Memorial Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
John Stenger, CEO of Leamington District Memorial Hospital, stopped by Bowman Feeds on Friday morning to meet with the Wheatley residents and talk about various topics. The new dialysis unit coming to LDMH was on a lot of minds. Pictured here, in front, from left to right, are Robert Adamson, Sue Adamson, Marjan Willett, Al Soulliere and Craig Williett. In back, from left, are Ken Snider, Jeff Bowman, John Stenger, CEO LDMH, Cole Cacciavillani, LDMH Foundation Director, Ron DeCaluwe, Jeff Turnbull and Larry McDonald. (Sun Photo)
M Mo o n n eey y M Maattt teerrss
Make your kids money smart
By Keith Damsell
(NC)—For many families, money is a delicate subject. The adults make it, the kids ask for it, end of story.
Yet understanding cash and credit is important if children are to build a sense of financial responsibility.
“Educating your children about money is a great way to give them a head
start in life,” says Stephen Reichenfeld, a wealth counselor at Fiduciary Trust Company of Canada, a subsidiary of Franklin Templeton Investments Corp. “Preparing them for the time when they will assume the financial and emotional responsibilities of wealth is one of the greatest gifts you can give.”
RRSP checklist
By Kaleigh Sainthill
(NC)-Planning for retirement can be overwhelming so it's important to know the fundamentals:
The buck starts and stops with you
When it comes to money, you are the primary source of information and money management habits for your children. Talk to them about money and keep those lines of communication open. While they are young, money mayfeel like only an immediate concern
Start early. Even a few dollars can make a difference to your overall savings plan. Start by contributing what you can afford to begin growing your Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP).
Find a financial advisor. An experienced advisor can remove worry and confusion and guide you to the best financial option. More information on finding an advisor is available online at www.franklintempleton.ca.
Top up contributions. “Maximizing annual contributions to your RRSPis the best way Canadians can generate tax-free savings to meet their retirement needs,” says Don Reed, president and CEO of Franklin Templeton Investments Corp.
Automate deposits. Set up a savings plan where you make automatic, regular investments into your RRSP. The price of investments like a mutual fund can fluctuate with the markets, so regular contributions can help lower the average cost. Diversify and allocate. Your advisor can help you diversify your RRSPcontributions according to your goals and risk tolerance. Take your time and choose what's best for you.
but it's important for children to know the role wealth will play in their future.
Living with an allowance
Starting a child as young as six on an allowance gives them a hands-on opportunity to manage money. Encourage your child to divide the allowance into three areas: savings, spending and charitable donations. This gives them a structured approach to budgeting money.
The Power of Plastic
Help your child learn the connection between plastic cards and real money. Start by establishing a
chequing account and debit card for him or her.
Review the monthly statements and expenditures together. This will help them track where the money goes and become aware of the costs associated with convenience.
Build self-sufficiency
Having a job by about
age 16 is a major step towards self-sufficiency and beginning to build an independent life. Let your teenager learn about the realities of working outside the home and your family's influence. Let them experience a minimum wage paycheque and the regular deductions.
THURSDAYS MARCH 4-MAY6:
Why not join us for “ALPHACOURSE”? Diner, video and discussion, exploring the meaning of Christian Faith. Every Thursday starting March 4 to May 6, 2010 6:30 pm - 9 pm, Meadow Brook Fellowship, 219 Talbot St. E., Leamington. Register now 519-326-3605.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY10:
Senior's Valentine's Dinner and Dance from 4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. at the Tecumseh Legion Branch 261, 12326 Lanoue St. Tickets are $6 at the bar and at the door. Bring your sweetheart ... all are welcome. Call 519-735-4454 for more information.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY11:
Morning Breakfast Group Presented by the Leamington Chamber of Commerce. 8:00 am-9:30 am. at Pelee Days Inn, 566 Bevel Line Rd., Leamington. Breakfast networking and business card exchange. $15 Chamber members, $20 future members. Call 519-326-2721 or email wendyp@leamingtonchamber.com to register. Limited seating.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY12:
Pasta and Chicken dinner, 5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. at Roma Club, Seacliff Drive, Leamington. $20.00 for adults; $10.00 for children, with all proceeds going to Haiti Relief efforts.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY13:
Neil Diamond tribute Show at Essex Legion, 103 Talbot St. N. Tickets are $20 advance and $25 at the door. For advance tickets, phone (519) 776-8247.
South Shore Christian School's Annual Fundraising Dinner at South Shore Christian School at the Leamington EMMC Church, 1408 Deer Run Rd., at 5:30 p.m. Entertainment by Jason Huneke. Admission is by donation. Reserve your tickets by calling 519-819-2202.
The Leamington Police face off against the Legendary Hockey Heroes at the Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex, Heinz Arena in their ninth annual charity hockey game benefiting W.E. Care for Kids. The Hanson Brothers, stars of the classic movie "Slapshot" will be joining the line-up of the Legendary Hockey Heroes, along with one of the greatest defencemen in the Toronto Maple Leaf's history, Borje Salming, and three-time 50 goal scorer, Rick Vaive. The game begins at 6:00 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students and seniors, free for children under five (in advance), and are on sale at the Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex, Bowman's Sports, the Sports Den, and Scotiabank, all in Leamington. Tickets at the door are $15 for adults and $10 for children.
Juno winner Steve Bell coming to Leamington
Multi Juno award winner Steve Bell in will be in concert at Leamington United Church on Thursday, March 4 at 7:30 pm.
In a normal year of touring, Steve Bell performs about one hundred concerts. Some are with the Steve Bell Band, some are with various symphony orchestras. The vast majority are solo concerts – just Steve with his guitar, seated on a stool at centre
Steve Bell
Listen to Country 92.7 CJSP for more events happening in Leamington and Essex County during the Community Calendar 6 times daily or visit www.country 927.com for a complete listing *
Register for the 2010 season with Belle River Minor Baseball, from 9:00 a.m. -2:00 p.m. at Belle River Arena Rinks Aand B. Open to all children ages 4 to 18. Opening day is May 1st. For more information, call Chris at 519-728-3469.
The Tecumseh Royal Canadian Legion Branch 261 (across from St. Anne's Church) is having a bake sale, bbq and yard sale from 11-4pm. There'll be hot dogs, hamburgers, fries and a bake sale. Proceeds from bake sale and bbq go towards "Support Our Troops" fund. Yard sale proceeds go to the lounge restoration. Everyone welcome. Call 735-4454 for more info.
St. Valentine's Day Steak and Lobster Dinner at Holy Name of Jesus Church Hall, 146 Talbot St. South, Essex. Cocktails at 6:00 p.m., dinner at 7:00 p.m., entertainment to follow. $55 per ticket ($20 income tax receipt included). All proceeds to be shared with Essex Area Food Bank and St. Vincent de Paul, Essex area. For tickets, please call Peter at 519-776-4310 or Tom at 519-776-4206. Sponsored by Holy Name Council Knights of Columbus Essex.
Kingsville Class Girls Basketball presents a Valentine’s Dinner at Wagner Estate Winery, 1222 Lakeshore Rd., Maidstone. Cocktails: 6:30pm; Dinner: 7:00pm. $75 per couple. Proceeds go to: Kingsville Class Juvenile Girls OBATeam/ Please contact a Kingsville Class Representative or Wagner Estate Winery - 723-4807 for Info.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY14:
Talbot Street United Church, 3741 Talbot Trail, (10 miles east of Wheatley on Hwy. #3) is holding a pancake supper from 4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. Menu will include ham, scalloped potatoes, pancakes, salad and dessert. Adults $10; children 6-12 $5 and free for children under 6.
stage. Of these concerts, Steve says, “Solo concerts really are the place where I feel most at home. Maybe it’s because I’ve done literally thousands of them, maybe it’s because I can do the songs in any key or tempo I feel like, or maybe it’s just the most natural way for a singer/songwriter to perform. More likely, it’s because of the intimacy you can build with the audience. A good solo concert feels like making music with a group of friends – it feels like something communal happens, something of the tri-unity of God reflected in a communion of persons. That can happen in a larger concert as well, but there is a unique way it is facilitated by the transparency and vulnerability that are possible in a solo concert.”
Steve’s solo concerts feature his award winning songwriting and evocative tenor vocals, as well as his scintillating fingerstyle acoustic guitar artistry and his captivating story telling.
Admission is $15 at the door or in advance through the church office at 519-326-9461. Tickets are also available at Cameron’s Book Store in Windsor. For more information call Rev. Paul at Leamington United Church 519-326-9461.
“With pure guitar artistry and a lyrical power of the psalmist, Steve Bell is truly Canada’s finest and best kept secret,” said George Flores, Host-WWJD Live at the Lambs, New York City.
Quiet neighbourhood shocked by apparent murder-suicide
By Sheila McBrayne
A quiet Leamington neighbourhood was shocked to hear of an apparent murder-suicide which brought a multitude of police and media to Bennie Avenue on Wednesday, February 3.
The drama began around 12 noon when police received 911 calls reporting a man on a Bennie Avenue driveway, bleeding profusely from the neck area. EMS transported 39-yearold Miguel Sousa to Leamington District Memorial Hospital where he died of his injuries later that afternoon. Police entered the Sousa house to find Lorena Sousa, 36, deceased.
“It’s safe to say right now that we do not feel there are any persons of interest at this time,”
Const. Kevin O’Neil read from a statement at a press conference on Thursday, February 4.
Raul Antunes, a neighbour and friend, described the Sousas as nice people. “I never expected anything like this to happen… He was a good person, I don’t know what could have happened. I’m shocked, very shocked… I’m surprised, just so surprised. He’s a working guy, family guy, I worked with him in construction,” said Antunes.
Miguel worked for Coco Construction and Lorena worked at the Heinz factory. The couple had two children, a daughter and a son, who were both in school at the time of the incident.
“It just goes to show that things aren’t always what they seem on the inside as they are on the outside. They seemed like a happy couple… This is a nice neighbourhood. It’s just sad that it had to come to that,” said neighbour Jay Nolan.
Const. Kevin O’Neil released few details about the investigation. He confirmed that a deceased woman was found in the house, and the man was taken to Leamington District Memorial Hospital and was also deceased.
Until results of the autopsy are released, police refuse to comment on the nature of the injuries. Members of the public who may have information are encouraged to call Leamington Police at 519-326-3214.
Leamington’s last homicide occurred in 2007.
Took out trees and fled
On Wednesday, February 3, at approximately 8 a.m., Essex OPP responded to a fail to remain motor vehicle collision in the 900 block of Dunn Rd. in Harrow. Police advised that a vehicle travelling northbound on Dunn Rd. slid off the road and struck a row of cedar trees. Police seized several pieces of the vehicle for evidence and the vehicle is described as a 1996 or 1997 dark blue Ford Aerostar minivan. There was minor damage to the trees. Anyone with information is asked to contact Essex OPP at 519-738-3796 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Alcohol, cash register stolen
On Tuesday, February 2, at approximately 10 a.m., Essex OPP responded to a break and enter to a business in the 10 block of Laird Ave. in Essex. Police advised that sometime overnight unknown suspect(s) broke a window, entered the business and stole a quantity of alcohol and an empty cash register. The OPP Forensic Identification Unit attended the scene and seized evidence. Anyone with information is asked to contact Essex County OPP Crime Unit at 519-723-2491 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Tire slashers caught
On Saturday, January 30 Lakeshore OPP responded to five separate mischief complaints of tires being punctured in the Shoreline Ave. and County Rd. 22 vicinity. Seven vehicles and five trailers had a total of 29 tires punctured.
On Tuesday, February 2, Essex County OPP Crime Unit arrested and charged two male youths (17) from Lakeshore with mischief under $5,000. The youths took responsibility for their actions, were released, and referred to the Essex County Diversion Program.
Rollover – no driver found
On Monday, February 1, at approximately 10 p.m., Essex OPP responded to a single vehicle rollover on Brush Side Rd. Police attended and observed a red GMC pickup on its roof in the ditch with no driver. Police conducted a search to locate the driver with negative results. Anyone with information is asked to contact Essex OPP at 519738-3796.
Feb. 1 - A GPS was taken from a taxi while parked on Talbot Street East in front of 2 for 1 Pizza.
Feb. 4 - A garage on Countess Street was broken into. A red Toro snow blower was taken.
Feb. 7 - A residence on Mersea Road 8 was broken into. A couple of bottles of alcohol were taken.
Feb. 7 - A shed on Mersea Road 4 was broken into. Several bottles of alcohol and a DVD player were taken.
If you have information on these occurrences or any other, please call the Leamington Police at 519-326-3214 or Crime Stoppers at 519-258-TIPS.
An apparent murder-suicide shocked a quiet residential neighbourhood in Leamington on Wednesday, February 3. Leamington Police were called to 62 Bennie Avenue at approximately 1 p.m. where a man was reported on the ground bleeding from his neck. The man was transported to Leamington District Memorial Hospital where he died later that afternoon. His wife was found, deceased, inside the home.
(Sun Photos)
Southpoint Stars win, tie
By Mackenzie Heyens
It was a tough weekend for the Southpoint Stars but the girls rose to the challenge, coming out with both a win and a tie.
Saturday, the Stars played in Lambeth for a late game that had the Rhine Danube girls starting slow in the first period, being out-shot 13-6. Ironically, two of the few shots were skillfully netted, the first by Kaitlyn Pinch and the second by Shailyn Waites, assisted by Jillian Iles. The Rhine Danube girls came out on top, winning the late game 2-1 despite being out-shot 22-14.
The next day the girls played an exhibition home game against their longtime rivals, the Blenheim Blades B team. It was a rough game and the two teams battled it out the entire time. After fighting back and forth through the first two periods, the score was 2-1 with the lone goal from Shailyn Waites, assisted by Kayla Lindsay and Jillian Iles. With 54 seconds left in the game, Lindsay scored shorthanded from Waites to tie up the score although the Stars out-shot their opponents 31-14.
The girls have a full weekend with three games starting with Friday, February 12 at 8:30 against Lambeth. For more information, visit the Rhine Danube Southpoint Stars website at www.southpointminorhockey.com or www.mywoghl.com.
Great weekend girls, and good luck next weekend!
Manners mean more than looks
Nearly nine out of ten Canadians (89%) report that they would be more attracted to an average looking person with great manners, versus a good looking person with poor manners, this according to a recent Angus Reid Public Opinion Poll.
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner it’s a welcome poll to hear that people are not as shallow as we once thought. Perhaps manners and a good personality are more attractive than good hair and size 8 jeans… Could it really be?
The old adage, the older the wiser, rings true as a whopping 95 per cent of adults aged 55 plus said they would be more attracted to a less attractive person with good manners than a
good looking person with bad manners. In contrast, 20 per cent of 18 to 34 year olds said they are more attracted to a good-looking person with poor manners. Is that really shocking news considering the incredible emphasis that is portrayed in mainstream
McThoughts McThoughts
media that looks are everything? I was always told that looks will change, financial matters change, but a person’s true identity does not change. Manners are something that show a person’s personality. I think manners and integrity are seldom far apart.
According to the poll, two-thirds of Canadians (65%) say they witness lack of common courtesies on a regular basis, such as saying please, thank you or hello. More than half of respondents (54%) report witnessing technology abuse regularly, such as the use of cell phones and PDAs during meetings or while on a date. Where did our manners go? Our mothers would be so disappointed.
Our mothers cuffed us in the back of the head if we were’t polite to our relatives. We had our mouths washed out with soap for vulgar language. We were ALWAYS reminded to say please and thank you. Perhaps the difference is today, our mothers would have to explain their actions to Child Services... Just a thought, but maybe that’s where our kids’ manners were lost...
One place, however, where Canadians do seem to exhibit overwhelmingly good manners is the workplace, with more than 71 per cent of Canadians rating their coworkers’ manners as good or very good. That’s not a shocker, I mean let’s face, it we work approximately 40 hours a week with our co-workers, it’s very important to be polite and get along with them. It’s easier too, because we share the experiences of our workplace. Whether it’s an office joke or an irate customer that we can laugh about, we have a bond that outsiders can’t begin to understand. I believe it’s true of almost all offices or workplaces.
Only four per cent of Canadians report witnessing no examples of bad manners on a regular basis. Only four per cent, that’s a statistic we all need to improve on.
Things like that just shouldn’t happen anywhere to anyone
When homicide hits the headlines of your hometown, it’s a justifiable cause for feeling disturbed and disillusioned. These type of things just aren’t suppose to happen here; on Eight-Mile in Detroit perhaps, or Jane and Finch in Toronto, but Leamington?
Sure Leamington may have its unique set of cultural dynamics, some conflict now and again, but all of that added together is but a scraped knee compared to the shock of murder.
My hometown of Dresden experienced a homicide 30plus years ago. While I can’t recall all the details of that summer shocker, what’s less hazy in my recollection is what I felt, and what many felt during the days and months that followed. It was a surreal feeling. It was a strange, eerie feeling and it seemingly hung in the air. A dead man was found in a water well, killed and hastily stuffed into the ground in a rushed and amateurish attempt to hide the body. This happened where? Dresden?
While living in smallish Petrolia, home to good hockey, live theatre and rousing backyard barbecues, I once again experienced that “almost ghostly” feeling of murder. Just a block away from my apartment unit stood a little white house, once the sleepy home of 70-year-old Velma Thomson. It was also a crime scene. Mrs. Thomson was brutally stabbed to death in 1983.
I moved to that neigbourhood in the fall of 1985. That uneasy, disturbing feeling remained in the air during my entire time in Oil Town. It didn’t help that the murderer would remain at large for the next 25 years. A Cold Case effort
tracked down a suspect.
As long as one’s memory allows, those who live down the street and around the block from the actual scene of such horrific events will no doubt breathe the mysterious air that hangs in our psyche. Only the next generation can escape it.
Without sounding like I have a bizarre fetish for murder scenes, I can share with you the fascinating, albeit freakish, feeling of standing at the very locations of some famous murders. There was my visit to Dallas a few years ago. I had the memorable experience of standing in the middle of a busy street, my feet placed exactly over the small white X that marks the spot where J.F.K. was assassinated in his motorcade. I also climbed the Texas Schoolbook Depository and looked out the exact window as his assassin, Lee Harvey Oswald.
The crime scene in Dallas is regarded as a historic site and it’s preserved to look identical to the way it did 46 years ago. The overpass signage, the grassy knoll, the white picket fencing, and even the size and maturity of the trees are staged and planted to look the same as it did in November 1963.
Much of that attention to exact preservation also exists at Ford Theatre in Washington, the historic landmark and scene of the assassination of another U.S. President, Abraham Lincoln. Even the giant tearing of the American flag that draped the front of Lincoln’s viewing booth (ripped by the boot spur of the villain John Wilkes Booth) remains from that fateful night 145 years ago. The theatre remains in period condition – wooden floors, small wooden seats, décor, et all. My only
disappointment with the Ford Theatre visit was with the narrator of the guided tour of the theatre. Seems the young man couldn’t resist tossing a few modern-day pop references into his story. Colourful commentary such as “Booth
A Piece A Piece of
Weese of Weese
was packin’ heat” and “Wow… he musta thought it was Christmas or sumpthin” took a bit of the historic flavour out of the experience. Regretfully, to some degree, I visited quite a different murder scene. Friends of ours, who live near Boulder, Colorado, drove us to the Ramsey residence, the home of the mysterious murder of 6-year-old JonBenet Ramsey on Christmas Day 1996. It was less than a year later when I stood beside and in front of the beautiful executive home. I recall feeling interested but a bit ashamed of myself, morbid curiosity et al. Gawking into the backyard, I could see a swing-set and a sandbox. I felt very sad and couldn’t help but think of the welfare of my own children. They were quite young at the time, and thousands of miles away with their grandparents while their parents vacationed. Be assured they were hugged generously when we returned.
A pretty little girl murdered, and in such a Rockwell-ish postcard of a place like Boulder. The killer remains unknown. Things like that just shouldn’t happen... anywhere.
Editor Sheila McBrayne Office Manager Jan Watson Advertising Sales Sue O’Donovan
S Soouutthhppooiinnt t S Saayyss. . ....
Do you have anything special planned for Valentine’s Day?
Location: The Real Canadian Superstore
Krista Shilson “Quietness at home.”
Shannon Lowrie “Valentine’s Day is more about the kids now that we have two in school. Learning to print their names so they can sign all their Valentine’s is a big deal.”
E-LETTERS
If you would like to send us a quick e-mail to express your opinion - good, bad or indifferent - e-mail us sun@mnsi.net
Southpoint Sun,
Congratulations on your inaugural edition. It was wonderful to see the emphasis to detail with the focus on South-Essex. It was obvious that you had actually taken the time to attend various community events and they were concise, thorough and enlightening. A special acknowledgement to Shannon Matheson’s Lifestyles column. I am not sure if she can keep up that quality, but I am sure interested in finding out.
Congrats again, Ross Barnwell
Southpoint Sun,
I just read your new Southpoint Sun and it’s very clean and crisp - looks good! Congratulations to you. Thanks for including the Rec Round-up column. I think everyone is always interested in hometown news…
Brenda Fischer
Southpoint Sun, I wanted to email you and let you know how much I enjoy reading your column again in the paper! McThoughts is McGreat! Take care!
Allison Humphrey
Southpoint Sun,
Congratulations on your new newspaper ! I just read it yesterday (I don’t usually read local papers) and found it to be well put together and an easy read. I especially liked the column about the old Cheer radio. I knew them all well and was on the air with Chuck several times. Lou Tomasi was a personal friend of my dad. Local news is not always easy to get, but keep up the good work ! I wish you all continued success.
Respectfully, Jim Gooch, Leamington
Peter Blokker Sr. “Not really. Not after 54 years of marriage.”
Cheri Church “Heading for the Casino buffet!”
Lumber Jill - let weight of axe do the work
We have a fire in our fireplace quite often, and boast that we haven’t had to turn on the furnace in more than five years. It actually sounds more frugal than it is because we do have some hot water circulating through our floors to keep the main
areas of our home toasty.
Last year at about this time, I decided that instead of bugging my husband to chop more wood I would ask him to teach me how to do it. I arrived home one day that same week to find a pink axe leaning against the back door. As I chuckled, I secretly thought, “What have I got myself into now?”
I ignored the axe for that season and laid off asking for wood. Now winter has arrived in full force once again. Two weeks ago I was feeling quite accomplished after my first run since breaking my foot, so I headed to the shed. There I grabbed the pink axe.
I probably wouldn’t have done this except for the fact that a few months back a couple of my girlfriends had shared with me the story of their wood chopping adventure. I am relieved to report that they all survived! Their tale reinforced with me that I could do this, as well as enlightened me to the fact that with the correct technique it could be accomplished reasonably easily. One of the four of them was actually able to hit the log consistently!
ANYWAY, I must have listened well, because as I stood with the pink axe over my head their wisdom resounded through it. “Spread your legs apart so that you don’t chop your legs. Keep your eye on the centre of the log. Don’t swing hard, but instead let the weight of the axe do the work. And don’t let anyone watch!” This last bit of knowledge was my own tidbit, and probably not the wisest, but realizing my competitive nature this was probably the best way for me to solely concentrate on the task.
With some practise and after three visits to the woodpile, I am now confidently splitting logs. I found it not only to be a stress reliever but a source of meditation. While chopping wood you can think of little else safely.
So my fellow friends, don your Lumber Jill wear, including plaid shirt, work boots, toque and gloves. We have mastered “pink on the rink” and pink power tools, now let’s tackle the woodpile!
Happy chopping!
Half Century Centre a hub of activity
By Sheila McBrayne
Over the past 44 years the Leamington and District Half Century Centre has seen many changes, but one thing remains constant – they like to have fun.
“We have everything from art groups to yoga and so many things in between,”
said Administrator Sandra Hughes. The Centre has approximately 380 members who almost all walk through the door at one time or another. From cards to billiards, jigsaw puzzles to outreach services, there’s something for everyone. A one-year membership is $30 and, as the name would in-
THERAPEUTIC RIDING PROGRAM NEEDS YOU!
Volunteer Clinic 528 Mersea Rd.7 Leamington Saturday, February 13/10 1- 3 pm
All interested in volunteering are welcome, including those seeking community service hours. For more info contact Liz 519-322-2463
dicate, you must be 50 years of age to join.
It was in 1966 when the Half Century Centre started from a house on Mill Street. “We didn’t stay there long. We soon realized it was not big enough,” said Hughes, who has been at the Centre for 21 years. The old liquor store on Talbot Street East was purchased and converted into the Centre. The liquor store had already purchased one neighbouring house and tore it down for a parking lot and the newly located Half Century Centre bought one other neighbouring house and tore it down for more room.
The building is owned by the Centre’s membership.
The Centre’s annual budget funding comes from the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care, Health Care Programs and the Municipality of Leamington.
Like everywhere else, the Centre goes through “trends”. “Right now, cards are the big events. We have pepper, euchre, contract bridge, duplicate bridge, cribbage and even UNO,” said Hughes. “You could go out every night of the week in Essex County and play cards somewhere,” she added. “It goes in cycles. It used to be dances that were the popular events, but now it’s any type of cards.” In addition to the regular weekly card times for members, the Centre also plays host to several open card parties where anyone can come out to enjoy a night of cards. In fact the Centre just held a euchre party on Monday, February 8. There’s also an upcoming pepper party at 2 p.m. on Friday, February 19.
The Leamington Half Century Centre will be playing host to the 2010 Windsor/Essex County Senior Games contract bridge on
May 7 and pepper on May 14. Euchre will also be held at the Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex on April 22. Deadline to register is March 19 and you do not have to be a member of a senior centre to enter. Entry forms are available at the Half Century Centre.
In addition to the many activities at the Centre, there is a multitude of community service activities and programs. Health and education programs include blood pressure clinics, Canadian Hearing Society clinics, hearing help classes and hearing screenings, craft classes, Canadian Institute for the Blind service day, diabetes self management classes, income tax assistance, Ministry of Transportation group sessions and senior group sessions, and Parkinson’s exercise and support group. These community services are for anyone interested, not just members.
“We have a great relationship with the community and all the different groups and organizations… If we have something we can’t use we pass it on to a group who can use it,” said Hughes.
Coffee & Conversation
A new outreach program beginning at the Centre this March is Coffee & Conversation. “We want this to be a very casual setting for guest speakers and for those attending. We want them to feel like they can ask questions and not feel that it’s too formal,” said Hughes. Coffee & Conversation will feature guest speakers on a variety of topics. The first speaker will be Theresa Buschman, Marketing/ Customer Service at Erie Glen Manor. The topic is adjustments that seniors experience while transitioning
from their house to an apartment and the move to a retirement residence. Coffee & Conversation will be held on the second Thursday of every month and only costs $1 (to pay for the coffee).
The Centre also opens its doors every Tuesday for a lunch program. At 12 noon the doors are open to members and non-members alike. For only $6 you can enjoy a homecooked meal at the Centre or to go.
For more information about any of the great programs at the Centre, call 519-326-2521 or email at leamhalfcentury@bellnet.ca.
Cribbage is one of the many card games enjoyed at the Half Century Centre. Cribbage is played every Thursday at 2 p.m. Pictured here, from left to right, are Elizabeth Neufeld, Ferne Andrews, John Neufeld and Priscilla Bastien. Ferne, 97, has been playing cribbage for 85 years and enjoys her Thursday afternoons at the Centre. (Sun Photo)
Hector Bastien was busy fitting some of the 1000 pieces on the jigsaw puzzle which is sitting out for anyone to add a few pieces. “It’s funny, I won’t do one at home, I’m too busy, but I do it when I come here. It’s very relaxing.” Hector was just putting in time at the Centre while his wife was playing cribbage.
In the back room of the Centre eight men were playing Russian Billiards. Pictured here, Don Adams eyes up his next shot. (Sun Photo)
Leamington’s retired barber Kurt Wiebe spends some quality time at the Half Century Centre shooting pool.
Government will help students find summer jobs
Students, it’s not too early to start looking for that summer job!
MPP Pat Hoy says the Ontario government has a range of summer job opportunities for students, through Ontario’s Summer Jobs Programs, to help working-age students gain jobs and experience so they can succeed and continue their studies.
“Helping students find summer jobs strengthens our local communities and workforce,” said Hoy. “The Summer Jobs Service offers students free self-marketing and job search services, and offers employers a $2-per-hour hiring incentive to encourage them to hire students. SJS services are open to students aged 15 to 30 years who are planning to return to school this fall.”
Hoy said local students can access Ontario’s SJS at South Essex Community Council, 215 Talbot St. East in Leamington.
Through the government’s Summer Jobs website, www. ontario.ca/summerjobs, students can: find job listings. get help to improve their marketing skills, learn how to start their own summer company (www.ontario.ca/summercompany), apply for summer jobs with the Ontario Government (www.ontario.ca/careers), and find out about the $2-perhour hiring incentive for employers.
Employers, students, schools and community agencies will find useful downloadable resources on the MTCU website at www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/document/brochure/osjresources.html.
Last summer, the government helped 110,521 Ontario students find jobs.
Canadian CrissCross
East Mersea Public School held its annual Oral Communications Festival last week. Each grade selected two representatives to present their speeches to the entire school. Winner Kody Epp will participate in the South Shore Oral Communications Festival at Margaret D. Bennie later this month.
Classroom finalists from EMPS, front row left to right, are Kyle Dick, Tyler Shagat, Camden Driedger (2nd place), Ryan Hodgson, Kody Epp, Bryce
(Photo Submitted)
Gabriele; second row, Judy Wiebe, Kayla Hodgson, Shae Driedger, Eva Teichroeb.
Leamington Men’s Hockey League
(As of Monday, February 1)
Gualtieri Farms 27 (12-3-3)
Leamington Chrysler 19 (7-6-5)
Hub International 18 (8-8-2)
Gabriele’s 18 (7-7-4)
Mowtown 17 (7-8-3)
Gillett Sheet Metal 9 (4-13-1)
Point Leaders
1. M. Matheson 47 Mowtown
2. D. Hildebrandt 42 Gabriele’s
3. G. Symons 39 Gabriele’s
4. P. Neufeld 38 Mowtown
5. T. Symons 37 Mowtown
Goalies
J. Gillett Gabriele’s (45) 3.00
N. Warkentin Gabriele’s (765) 3.35
S. Avelar Leamington Chrysler (802) 4.15
C. Vanbeekveld Gabriele’s (804) 4.42
M. Sherman Mowtown (803) 4.93
Beautiful Southpoint Sunset
Leamington wins top honours in Innovative Technologies
The Ontario Economic Development Awards took place on February 7 at the Toronto Marriott Eaton Centre Hotel.
The Municipality of Leamington took top honours in the “Other Innovative Technologies” category for their promotional video. The ceremony honours winners and
honourable mentions for their efforts in promoting their communities for location and tourism opportunities. Economic Development initiatives are also judged as part of the process.
“This year over 130 entries were judged,” stated 2009 EDCO President Lauren Millier. “The competition allows local communities to see just how they stack up against other municipalities when it comes to promoting location, investment and tourism opportunities.”
Expert judges reviewed all of the entries that covered everything from promotional brochures to infrastructure development projects. There are judges from specialized areas of expertise assigned to judge specific categories.
Anne Miskovsky, Economic Development Officer for the Municipality of Leamington, was on hand to accept the award during the Annual Conference of the Economic Developers Council of Ontario.
“It is always an honour to accept this award as the competition is very stiff,” stated Ms. Miskovsky. “This competition result demonstrates our effectiveness in our economic development efforts.”
EDCO is the country’s largest provincial economic development association that offers this program as well as professional development opportunities throughout the year. Membership is close to 600 that come from the private and public sector.
(Sun Photo)
Fax resume to 519-326-4167 or Drop Off to 1 Iroquois Rd., Leamington
Super Bowl fun at Jose’s
New Orleans fans had the last laugh on Super Bowl Sunday, February 7 as the underdog Saints beat the favoured Indianapolis Colts 31-17. Football fans gathered at many houses and local bars for Super Bowl parties. Pictured here watching the game at Jose’s Noodle Factory are, from left Phil Lougere (Saints), Chris Simpson (Colts), Emily Duchene (Colts), Steve Marshall (Saints) and Trish Affleck (Colts). The Colts were winning 10-3 in the second quarter when this photo was take - looks like Steve won the bet afterall... Cheers to the Saints! (Sun Photo)
Bantam AEs defeat BR in playdowns
The Southpoint Capitals Bantam AE hockey team has advanced to quarter-finals of the OMHA playdowns by defeating the Belle River Rink Rats 6 points to 2. In every game of this series, the margin of victory was 1 goal.
Playing before a large crowd at Leamington Unico arena, the Capitals opened the scoring just two minutes into the game on a goal by Justin Church from Devon Belte.
Belle River took control of the puck on the ensuing face-off and tied the game 12 seconds later. Belle River then took their only lead of the game mid-way through the first on a power play goal.
However, by the end of the period that lead would vanish as the Capitals Nick DiNiro from Austin Thompson and Spencer Klassen, and Zach Blackburn from Belte and Brandon Stahl scored to make the game 3-2 Capitals after the first period. With less than 1 minute played in the second period, Belle River scored to tie the game at 3-3.
With some excellent goaltending by Belle River’s Miller and Southpoint Capitals Tyler Jackson, the score stood at 3-3 until three minutes remained in the third period. With Southpoint on a power play, Ryan Clifford fed a pass to Thompson in the corner, who worked his way through two Belle River defenders to the front of the net where he “roofed” home the go-ahead goal.
Belle River pulled their goaltender in the final minute of play, but a solid defensive effort helped seal the game and propel the Capitals into the next round of playdowns.
The Bantam AE Capitals next opponent is the Bluewater League powerhouse Tecumseh Eagles.
At print, the schedule was not yet determined. Visit Southpoint Minor Hockey Association website for series dates and times. Good luck boys!
Tiger’s one mistake
There was a time, and it wasn’t that long ago, that Tiger Woods, a.k.a. the world’s greatest golfer, ever, was neck-in-neck in competition with Roger Federer, a.k.a. the world’s greatest tennis player, ever. Both had won 14 majors in their respective sports. They were even texting each other with congratulatory one-upmanship. Alas Tiger was also busy texting many others and they had nothing to do with sports, let alone majors. So quickly Tiger went from the man everyone wanted to be, to the man everyone wanted to beat down. TMZ, the National Enquirer and even the mainstream media couldn’t stay away from the titillating coverage of this monumental mistake from the man who makes so few, at least on the golf course. But the home course is a different animal for Tiger; there he was just like so many others. Living a lie, pretending to be the person he knew he should be, yet unable to be that person in reality. He had affairs. And to this I say, so what! Did Tiger Woods ever profess to be an angel? Did Tiger Woods ever set himself up to be the monument of righteousness? Did Tiger even enter anyone’s mind as being ‘the ultimate parent or husband’? No. Sure he may have been every woman’s dream for his looks, money and fame, but the guy is aloof – even cold at times. He’s hardly someone the women’s club of the month is going
to champion as the ‘perfect man’. And as for men, yes they would be thrilled with the money, fame and physique as well, but again, no man ever thought, “Boy, if I could just be the father/husband that Tiger is.”
None of the things we truly admired about the world’s greatest golfer, ever, has changed. He still has looks,
The Sports The Sports Guru Guru
money and fame. He can still swing a golf club and he’s still the best bet to win a major, just like he was before. The only thing that’s changed for Tiger is his home life, and therein lies his one and only mistake. The young man who had everything should never have gotten married in the first place. Had he not been married, people would still have been interested in his sordid personal affairs, but the interest would have been more as voyeurs than condemning puritans. Had he not been married, people would still be focused on his golf game, which is why we liked the guy in the first place.
Peewee AE win two, lose one
The Southpoint Uni-Fab Peewee AE had a busy but productive weekend, defeating Amherstburg and splitting a home-and-home series with Kingsville.
On Friday evening the locals played a strong game, beating Amherstburg 4-2. Nathan Belte, Dylan Mills and Mitch Chausse all scored goals, while Gerrid LaSala added an empty-net goal to double their opponents. Reid Jackson, Dylan Sample, Brendan Fehr, Jack Towle, Matt Davie and Riley Gabriele all had assists in a winning cause.
Chausse’s goal, the eventual winner, saw the strong skating winger carry the puck endto-end before sliding it under the Amherstburg goaltender. Jimmy McClellan and Brendan Lavadan shared the duties in net for Southpoint.
On Saturday morning the Uni-Fab crew dropped a 5-2 contest to Kingsville. The Capitals battled back from a two-goal deficit to tie the game at two a minute into the third period. But a lacklustre third period proved fatal as Kingsville dominated play to take the contest.
Josh Toews and Jackson accounted for the Uni-Fab scoring. McClellan suffered the loss in net.
On Sunday evening Southpoint avenged their earlier loss, outplaying and defeating Kingsville 4-2. Evan Mastronardi broke a 1-1 tie in the third period when he drilled a shot high to the glove side of the Kingsville goaltender. Four minutes later Mastronardi scored again to give the Capitals a comfortable two-goal lead.
Kody Epp and Jackson had the other Uni-Fab tallies. LaSala (2), Fast (2), Sample, Towle, Belte and Davie recorded assists. Dylan McIntosh went the distance in goal, earning the victory. The next home game for the Peewee AE team is Saturday at 4:30 p.m. against Kingsville at Wheatley Arena.
Flyers lose to Strathroy
The Leamington Flyers lost 7-2 to Strathroy on Saturday, February 6 in Junior B hockey.
Jeff Lobman had a goal and an assist. Kyle Fiorini scored a goal for the Flyers (7-34-). The Flyers host St. Thomas on Thursday, February 11 at 7 p.m.
REC ROUND-UP REC ROUND-UP
$109 New Year Shape-Up Special for 3 months: Get yourself off to the right start this new year. The Complex can help you reach your goals! Come for a tour and see all your friends, co-workers and neighbors working out.
Rock ’n Swim: Friday, February 19 from 7-9 p.m. Bring the family and come listen to all your favourite tunes while you swim the night away. Music sponsored by MGS Horticultural.
10th annual Home & Garden Tradeshow: March 5, 6 and 7. All home and garden vendors can book their booth space by emailing bfischer@leamington.ca.
Everything from landscaping, home renovations and the latest in home and backyard deck decorating ideas – all under one roof!
Family Room Makeover: Stay tuned for more details (posted Feb. 17) for the $10,000.00 Family Room Makeover sponsored by Gabriele Countrywide Floor and Home.
Youth Programs
Babysitter Training Course (min. 11 years): Fri. Feb. 26 or Sat. Mar. 6. NEW! Home Alone Course (youth ages 9 to 12): Sat. Mar. 6
* Your children will build self-confidence and responsibility, while taking both of these courses.
P.A. Day Camp: Fri. Feb. 26. Register your children early!
Leamington Olympic Torch Celebration: ADVD of Leamington’s complete Olympic Torch Relay Celebration is available to purchase for $20 (cash only) at the front reception desk of the Complex.
Cardiac Rehab Maintenance Program: For those people who have experienced heart concerns or heart surgery in the past, the Complex offers a program where a kinesiologist guides you through an exercise routine.
Complex Birthday Parties: Agreat way to celebrate! Bring the kids for a splashing good time in the pool or an energetic skate on the ice, followed by a pizza party! Your house stays clean and the kids LOVE all the fun that a Complex Activity Party offers them.
We have something for every...body!
HELP WANTED
PART-TIME REPORTER
Are you looking for a part-time job that will put you in the middle of Leamington’s social scene?
The Southpoint Sun is currently looking for a reporter/photographer for days, nights, weekends - very flexible schedule. Responsible students or recently retired individuals welcomed.
Please apply in person at our office on 14 Talbot St. W., Wheatley or fax your resume to sun@mnsi.net
Bantam A’s eliminated from OMHA playdowns
The Southpoint Bantam A’s took a 2-1 series lead into Amherstburg on Friday evening but came out on the short end of a 7-4 score.
The Caps entered the third period with a 4-3 lead on goals by Cale Phibbs, Ian Faubert, Taylor Omstead and Dereck Badz. The Stars capitalized on two power play opportunities and added an empty netter to tie the series and send it back to Wheatley on Saturday evening. Assists went to Eric Taylor and Faubert (2). Bryan Bradley was in net for the Caps.
With home ice advantage, the Caps were looking to win game five and move on to the quarter-finals. Once again the Caps ran into penalty trouble and the Stars opened a 2-0 lead at the end of the first. Taylor Omstead from Mitchell Prudence cut the lead to one at the start of the second. The remainder of the game the Caps continued to press, but penalties prevented the home team from mounting a sustained attack. The final buzzer sounded and the Caps were defeated 2-1.
Alex Tokarewicz was in net for the Caps. Southpoint was eliminated 3 games to
2 as the Stars move on to the OMHA quarter-finals. The Caps return to Blue-
water league playoff action with games to be scheduled for the weekend.
Leamington Women’s
League
STANDINGS Sun County 23 (10-4-3) Source For Sports 21 (10-6-1) Locksmith 20 (8-5-4) C.A. Bailey 18 (7-6-4) Pearce 16 (7-8-2) Body Kneads 4 1-13-2) Point Leaders
1. Lisa Brouwer 28 Source for Sports
2. Margot Gillespie 25 Sun County
3. Sue Ricci 21 Source for Sports
4. Brenda Lambe 18 Sun County
5. Wendy Trahan 17 Pearce
7. Lori Nicholas 15 Source for Sports
8. Chris Brewer 15 Source for Sports
9. Kate Arthur 15 Sun Parlor Locksmith
10. Amber Koehler
Families in a changing landscape
By Rev. Paul Rodey
Family Day in Ontario, Saskatchewan and Alberta falls on the third Monday of February. This year it falls on Monday, February 15th, the day after Valentine’s Day. It will be a long time before this happens again!
In a changing family landscape that we are experiencing today, I hope that people will take advantage of the day and spend time together doing something, even if it’s just playing a board game or watching a couple of movies with a huge bowl of popcorn (hold the butter).
The family unit has taken a beating in recent years. The introduction of Sunday shopping was a blow to the family. Parents who were normally home together with family on the weekends were suddenly experiencing being completely alone on days they would normally be enjoying family activities. And that’s just the parents, what about the kids and their expectations? Kids and their expectations always seem to be at the bottom of the list.
Divorce has been climbing in this country since 1981. 58% of first marriages end in divorce, and the statistics for second and third marriages is worse. Statistics also tell us that a year after separation or divorce, 50% of children of divorce or separation never see their fathers again.
Between 1981 and 1995 common-law unions jumped from 300,000 to a million. Due to the fact that common-law unions are not legal contracts, there are no official registries to refer to regarding the success or failure statistics regarding these unions.
The latest statistics tell us that there are more than 78,000 children in the care of child welfare organizations across Canada all waiting to be adopted. 30,000 of these children have parents whose parental rights have been permanently taken away by the courts.
The family unit in Canada is in trouble, and they need everyone’s support. Let’s make sure that we celebrate Family on February 15th. A strong family is important, the future of our kids depends upon it!
Doctors enjoy Gala
A great representation from Leamington’s medical community was at the Leamington District
tal Foundation Gala on Saturday, February 6. Pictured here, in front, from left to right, are Dr. Angelina Chan, Dr. Robert McGirr and Dr. Robert Page. In back, from left, are Dr. Rick Sabga, Dr. Alan Russell and Dr. Rob Stapleton. The evening was enjoyed by approximately 380 guests who were transported to Bourbon Street, New Orleans. The Gala raised between $80,000 and $90,000. ( Sun Photo)
Park management plan
As part of the review currently underway for the Point Pelee National Park Management Plan, public consultation continues until February 12.
The management plan is a forward-looking, 15-year document that provides a vision of the park at its future best and outlines the strategies for how that will be achieved.
The plan is the “road map” for delivery of the three elements of Parks Canada’s mandate for national parks: protecting natural and cultural resources, facilitating experiences for visitors, and providing public education.
Participation in the plan review is important as the values and view of Canadians are at the core of the park management plan.
4-H Knitting Club ready for another year
By Arielle Pear
It is that time of the year again and the 4-H clubs are up and running.
We had our first meeting for the knitting/crocheting club Wednesday, February 3.
We opened our club by reciting the 4-H Pledge. In our club though, we probably could add: put a knitted hat on my head for clearer thinking, knit my heart together with my club members for greater loyalty, put a crochet hook in my hands for larger service, and cover me with a crocheted shawl for my health to better living. The hat is in reference to one of our very important projects, as we will be knitting hats to donate to Coats For Kids.
After the pledge we all got acquainted and instantly had a wonderful rapport. We found out our favourite colours. What does that have
anything to do with our club? Well, how else would we pick the yarn?
Once we got to know each other, the board members were picked. Those nominated and voted in were:
President - Jennifer Scherer, Vice President - Jordan Staples, Secretary - Kendess Mass, Treasurer - Meghan Beutler, Press ReporterArielle Pear.
As you now know, I am the one who is to spin a good
yarn to knit into an article.
We also discussed what projects we were planning on, who was to knit or crochet, and how the budget would be spent.
A shopping trip was suggested for necessary items such as hooks, needles and yarn.
We are all looking forward to the wonderful creations we will make, so they can be displayed on Achievement Day at the
Harrow Fair.
We have to have a finished project, project book, attend two-thirds of the meetings, have a display board, and participate in the demonstration tent for 45 minutes.
Our next meetings will be: Feb. 17, Mar. 3, Mar. 24, Apr. 7 and Apr. 14, all from 7-9 p.m.
We would also like to thank our sponsor, FCC, for the generous gift of $500.
Don’t get SCAMMED!
By Sheila McBrayne
It’s a sad statement about our society that I would have to write a special feature warning people of all the different scammers who are out there praying on unsuspecting targets.
The internet has become an absolute haven for scammers. It provides anonymity and opportunity to steal personal information and your hard earned money.
For those with email accounts, you’ve probably received hundreds to thousands of scams. A very elaborate scam is one where you receive an email from your bank, stating that they need you to verify your on-line banking information. The email contains the logo of the financial institution (I’ve received RBC, CIBC, TD Bank and Scotia Bank). Do not respond or click on any link. DELETE!
After they have sent this email a couple of times with no success, the shysters follow up on the scam by sending an email which sounds like it truly is from the financial institution stating that they are aware of the previous scam attempts and ask that to ensure your security to verify your information with them. Don’t fall for it! DELETE! A financial institution will NEVER ask you for your banking information (trust me, they have it already!). Unless you are in your bank branch office across the desk from a bank employee, DO NOT GIVE OUT ANY BANKING INFORMATION!
Another scam which was reported in Leamington in November of last year was a telephone scam where the perpetrator called elderly residents at home and told them they were from their specific bank. Leamington Police investigated a fraud in which an 84-year-old Leamington woman was defrauded out of a substantial amount of money.
According to Leamington Police Constable Kevin O’Neil, the woman received a phone call from a man who told her that he was a bank manager at a bank here in Leamington. He explained to her that there was a problem at his bank. He stated that there was money stolen from the bank and he wanted her assistance in catching the person responsible. He asked her for her bank account number and the balance which she provided to him. The man told her that the ac-
Spinach stuffed tomatoes
Tomatoes are stuffed with a mixture of spinach and bacon, along with sour cream and seasonings. A stuffed tomato recipe, topped with cheese and baked.
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons bacon drippings or butter
1/3 cup chopped onion
8 ounces fresh chopped spinach
1/2 cup sour cream
3 slices bacon, fried and crumbled
a few dashes Tabasco sauce or other hot pepper sauce
4 medium firm ripe tomatoes salt, to taste
1/2 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
Preparation:
In a heavy skillet, cook onion in baking drippings or butter until tender. Stir in spinach; cover and continue to cook for about 4 minutes, until tender. Remove from heat and stir in sour cream.
Cut off tops of tomatoes; scoop out centers, leaving shell intact. Sprinkle tomato shells lightly with salt and fill with spinach mixture. Place tomatoes in a lightly greased baking dish; bake at 375° for 20 minutes. Top each tomato with Mozzarella cheese and continue baking just until cheese is melted. Makes 4 servings.
Have a favourite tomato recipe? Want it published here? Just send it to sun@mnsi.net
count number and balance matched his numbers of where the money was suspected of being stolen from. He requested her assistance in catching the person responsible. She was instructed to go to her bank and withdraw a specific amount of money, not to handle it and have the bank put it into a plain white envelope. She was instructed that this had to be done very quickly as there were security cameras in the bank that only worked for 15 minutes at a time. When she left the bank, she was to go to a nearby parking lot where she would meet a man named Mr. Waltrip. The victim went to the bank and followed the instructions of the caller. She was waiting in her car in the nearby parking lot when she was approached by a man, average height, average build, grey shirt, grey pants and a touque who identified himself as Mr. Waltrip. She handed the envelope to him and watched as he walked towards the bank. She waited five minutes and then drove off.
After realizing that something was wrong she immediately went to the police.
This type of fraud or scam is not new. It usually targets senior citizens.
Police recommend that for those that have parents who are seniors who still do their own day to day banking that you should be speaking to them and warning them about all the different types of frauds and scams that target seniors. Go through bank statements and see if there are any unexplained withdrawals. Make sure that all personal documents are shredded and not thrown out in the trash or recycling box, and most important never give any personal information over the phone to anyone. If a bank has an issue with your account they will always call and ask you to come in and deal with it in person.
Another scam that hit Leamington late last year was the free trip scam. Police reported that a Leamington woman was called by a man who stated he represented Florida Travel International. He said that the woman’s name was taken from a ballot at the Leamington Tomato Festival.
The caller told her that she had won a trip and asked her for her credit card number. The woman was immediately suspicious and notified police. There are numerous internet entries identifying Florida Travel International as possibly being involved in fraudulent activity. From checking other online complaints the person receiving the call has to make a decision about the trip immediately, so they are not given time to investigate to see if the prize is legitimate.
This type a scam is very common, says police. The victim gets called and notified that they won something, in this case a free trip. The victim is advised that they have to pay for the flight or some other expense, which will be charged to their credit card.
Again, NEVER give out credit card or banking information on the phone.
Canadian Anti-Fraud Call Centre
Established in January of 1993, PhoneBusters Canadian Anti-Fraud Call Centre is the national deceptive telemarketing call centre, operated by the Ontario Provincial Police. PhoneBusters plays a key role in educating the public about specific fraudulent telemarketing pitches. The call centre also plays a vital role in the collection and dissemination of victim evidence, statistics documentation and tape recordings which are made available to outside law enforcement agencies.
Protecting yourself from fraud begins with learning to recognize it. Call PhoneBusters to report fraud and to learn more ways to protect yourself, your family and friends.
NOT SURE?
CALL PHONEBUSTERS 1-888-495-8501 www.phonebusters.com
Talk about awkward
Many years ago, when I was in my mid 20s, I was at an afternoon event – a “daylight soiree” I think the host was calling it. While I was meandering and mingling, a close friend of mine waved me over to a certain woman in order to introduce us, I thought. The usual formalities ensued.
Keri Keri with a “K” with a “K”
Handshake, name exchanges and then the smiles. And there it was. My immediate reaction was to turn doe-eyed to my friend. Her reaction, unfortunately, was to flash an apologetic smile and scuttle away into a swarm of wine-sipping strangers, leaving me with my new acquaintance. As I turned back to this woman, my brain started to work double time (as it should when such emergencies arise). And this is what it came up with. I am alone. She clearly has something caught in her teeth. I am alone. Time ticked away and as this woman began to elaborate on how she came to be at such an event, I realized what my (soon-to-be-ex) friend had done. She had wimped out. She had left it up to me to tell this woman that she had been moseying around all day with something the size of an Apple iPad stuck in her choppers. But I couldn’t tell her, I just couldn’t. The shame would be too much for her, I thought.
The sad thing is I barely remember anything else about this woman. I heard “zinnias”, “discipline”, “cocker spaniel” and “belligerent”. To this day I recall nothing except that she might own a dog and that she obviously enjoyed the spinach dip.
As I grew more and more uneasy about my decision – nay my fear – not to tell her, an older group of ladies joined us. Without hesitation, a woman in a striped pink dress piped up, “Oh Victoria, you have something stuck in your teeth. It’s a big... just... yes... right there... oh... yep you’ve got it.” As a wave of relief came over me, I looked up from my champagne flute... to a sea of ugly faces. Their disappointment in me was very clear. It was at that moment I realized what it was to be an upstanding citizen. You don’t rob people. You don’t drive irresponsibly. You don’t hurt animals. And you do not, under any circumstance, refrain from telling someone they have green stuff stuck in their teeth, especially if you’ve been talking with them for more than 20 seconds. I believe it’s a universal time limit. I muttered something about not feeling well, turned and fled. Perhaps it was just me, but I felt a pack of eyes on me for the next 3 and a half hours.
And this is what those women taught me all those years ago. What’s far more embarrassing than YOU having that spinach stuck in your teeth, is being the moron who doesn’t have the nerve to mention it to someone else, only to have people come up and point it out while you’re standing there. So take my advice. Take a deep breath, and tell them. Be brave and act fast. Or you’ll find yourself, for the rest of the afternoon, dealing with those ugly faces.
Happy Valentine’s Day
Every February, candy, flowers and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. But who is this mysterious saint and why do we celebrate this holiday? The history of Valentine’s Day — and its patron saint — is shrouded in mystery. So, who was Saint Valentine and how did he become associated with this ancient rite?
One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than
those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men — his crop of potential soldiers. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine’s actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death.
According to another legend, Valentine actually sent the first “valentine” greeting himself. While in prison, it is believed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl — who may have been his jailor’s daughter — who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter, which he signed “From Your Valentine”, an expression that is still in use today.
Jeff Turnbull donated $2,500 to the new dialysis unit project at Leamington District Memorial Hospital. The donation was made in honour of his late father John Turnbull who recently passed away. Pictured here accepting the donation, from left to right, are LDMH CEO John Stenger, Jeff Turnbull and LDMH Foundation Director Cole Cacciavillani.
Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories certainly emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic and, most importantly, romantic figure. It’s no surprise that by the Middle Ages, Valentine was one of the most popular saints in England and France. While some believe that Valentine’s Day is celebrated in the middle of February to commemorate the anniversary of Valentine’s death or burial — which probably occurred around 270 A.D — others claim that the Christian church may have decided to celebrate Valentine’s feast day in the middle of February in an effort to “Christianize” celebrations of the pagan Lupercalia festival. In ancient Rome, February was the official beginning of spring and was considered a time for purification. Houses were ritually cleansed by sweeping them out and then sprinkling salt and a type of wheat called spelt throughout their interiors. Lupercalia, which began at the ides of February, February 15, was a fertility festival dedicated to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture, as well as to the Roman founders Romulus and Remus.
Later, during the Middle Ages, it was commonly believed in France and England that February 14 was the beginning of birds’ mating season, which added to the idea that the middle of February — Valentine’s Day — should be a day for romance. The oldest known valentine still in existence today was a poem written by Charles, Duke of Orleans, to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London following his capture at the Battle of Agincourt.
In Great Britain, Valentine’s Day began to be popularly celebrated around the seventeenth century. By the middle of the eighteenth century, it was common for friends and lovers in all social classes to exchange small tokens of affection or handwritten notes. By the end of the century, printed cards began to replace written letters due to improvements in printing technology. Ready-made cards were an easy way for people to express their emotions in a time when direct expression of one’s feelings was discouraged. Cheaper postage rates also contributed to an increase in the popularity of sending Valentine’s Day greetings. In the 1840s, Esther A. Howland began to sell the first mass-produced valentines in America.
According to the Greeting Card Association, an estimated one billion valentine cards are sent each year, making Valentine’s Day the second largest card-sending holiday of the year. An estimated 2.6 billion cards are sent for Christmas.
Good Luck Meghan Agosta
Ruthven, ON
Good luck at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics with the Women’s Team Canada Hockey Team!
Fifty-seven players came out to play mini golf on Thursday, February 4.
The first place team shot a 9 under par 231 with Barry Sweet’s 77, Stan Vickery’s 80 and Doug Vickery’s 74. Second place money went to the team of Annie Mae Leslie, Gerry Wilkinson and Lee Brennan with a 247 score.
Third place was a three-way tie at 248 strokes by team Marg Graham, Andy Orsini and Wayne Reid; team Gayle Hyatt, Tom Hyatt, Bill Mayville and Ruth Slote; and team Rose Taylor, Mary McRae and John Brennan.
Gerry Wilkinson had the low score of 72, 8 under par, with his 33 and 39 rounds. Doug Vickery had a 36 and 38 for a 74, followed by Lee Brennan with 75, Barry Sweet with 77, and Bill Mayville and Bill Taylor each with 78. Rose Taylor followed with 79, and it was even par 80 for Iggy Arner, Stan Vickery and Julia Kos.
Holes-in-one dropped for the following: 4 each for Gary Honey, Andy Orsini, Lee Brennan, Mary MacRae, Barry Sweet and Doug Vickery; 3 fell for Stan Vickery, Bill Taylor, Barb Arner and Darrel Gibbons; a pair of aces for Shirley Thiessen, Stu Folster, Gerry Pillon, Jean Sennett, Gerrit Vriesen, Marg Graham, Gioanna Day, Bill Mayville, Art Sweet, Steve Vigh, Rose Taylor and John Murphy.
The most honest team honours were bestowed upon the team of Neil Quick, Betty McManus and her guest Nancy Hill, who was able to drop an ace her first time with us.
The mini golfers will be back at it on Thursday, February 11, 9:30 a.m. at Colasanti’s. All are welcome to join the fun.
(Sun Photo)
Don’t let your competition be smarter than you!
Essex County native and popular marketing author, Wendy Moore-MacQueen, will deliver the “Small Business Empowerment Bootcamp” on Wednesday, February 17, presented by the Essex CFDC and Leamington Chamber of Commerce.
Moore-MacQueen’s book, Muddled, meager and messy – Marketing performance repair manual for small business, was published one year ago and since that time, her popular keynote speeches and training sessions on the topic of small business marketing and sales have been presented throughout southwestern Ontario and Michigan. Her presentations have inspired small business owners to get more creative about the use of their sales and marketing budgets.
“A good portion of small and rural businesses waste about 70 percent of their marketing budget,” Moore-MacQueen explained. “They aren’t consistent, they don’t follow through and too many times, they just don’t know what they’re doing.”
The workshop covers important elements of successful marketing including the truth about traditional media along with the why and how to build an annual marketing plan.
“That marketing plan can save money in the long run,” she said. “Knee-jerk purchases can wind up costing a lot in the long run. Even if they appear inexpensive at the time, if there isn’t a rationale behind it, a lack of results could make it more expensive than one could ever consider.”
Moore-MacQueen has over 25 years experience in marketing communications and is educated in the psychology of message delivery - the nuances of how people read, hear and make decisions. Based on other presentations in both Ontario and Michigan, the portion of the workshop that garners the most enthusiasm is the section that deals with customers’ intellect and decision-making styles.
“This element of the workshop is valuable to leaders in sales and marketing along with the front-line staff,” she stated. “Knowing more about your customer is something that every business should want to investigate.”
The bootcamp is a fast-paced, information-filled, two hour session. It will be held at the Leamington Roma Club on Wednesday, February 17, 9:30am – 11:30am with a buffet lunch. To reserve your spot, call the Leamington & District Chamber of Commerce at 519-326-2721. Prices are $25 for members, $35 for non-members.
For more information contact Christine Chopchik at the Leamington Chamber of Commerce at 519-326-2721 or
Wendy Moore-MacQueen at 519-898-2997.
“Wendy is certainly very knowledgeable about her topic. Great speaker – upbeat and attentive to audience needs.”
Doreen Blake, Norquest Associates Inc.
“Very good info and speaker. This info will be used!!”
Gary Fuoco, Southwest Regional Credit Union.
“Very energetic, confident, encouraging and creative. Gets the wheels turning!” Sophia Veljaca, Simply Mobile Bell World.
“Best marketing class I’ve been to! Covered all the bases quickly yet made sense and her ability to understand and relate quickly was great!” Jean Chapdelaine, Ready.Set.Mail.
“Great presentation! High energy and full of useful information.” Susan Davis, Davis Insurance Agency LLC.
Smart Start teaching computer skills young
Bon Jovan recently introduced its newest software product, Smart Start, which teaches children at a very early age the basics of how to properly operate a computer.
The creators of the program know that computers play vital roles in today’s society, not only in education and employment, but also socially, which spawned the idea for creating a software that can teach children in a fun and interactive manner how to correctly use various basic elements of computers.
Designed for children aged 9 months to 4 years, Smart Start teaches them how to use the mouse and keyboard through various screens of letters and numbers, shapes, colours and animals.
“My son played a huge role in the creation of Smart Start,” explains Tim Wilson, creator of the software. “I wanted to find a way to make it fun for him while safely teach him how to use the keyboard without worrying about him pressing the wrong button and deleting files or locking me out of the screen when he bangs on the keys,” said the Kingville entrepreneur.
So with the help of Jovan, his 21/2-year-old technical advisor, and wife Trisha, who supplies the program’s voices, Wilson has written a complete program which enables children to navigate the web by teaching them that every action they take causes a reaction on the screen. The program uses sounds to tell them they’ve performed an action correctly.
Smart Start makes it virtually im-
Jovan Wilson is proof you’re never too young to learn computer skills.
possible for children to delete files or programs, make changes to, turn off or restart the computer by locking out important elements of the keyboard which could facilitate those common occurrences that arise when children are provided with free reign over the keyboard.
“It has been great to watch the program grow along with my son,” continues Wilson. “As an infant he had fun pushing the buttons and hearing a sound. Now, as a toddler, he uses the same lesson to learn the alphabet by finding the different letters and numbers on the keyboard.”
The unique design makes it impossible for children to make a wrong move or use the software incorrectly, which eliminates any frustration that may occur when a program is not directly targeted to their specific age group. As the child gets older, they learn how to use each lesson in a new and exciting way, directly related to their learning level.
“Think of the advantages a child will have when they can operate a computer before they learn to talk and long before they enter preschool,” Wilson says. “Their future will be practically limitless.”
For more information, please visit www.bonjovan.com.
HST booklet available for local businesses
The Certified General Accountants of Ontario (CGA Ontario) has released a comprehensive and easy-to-understand harmonized sales tax booklet, which provides an all-purposed HST overview and addresses common questions and concerns for business.
Chamber Chamber Briefs Briefs
Also available is an extensive question and answer document and fact sheet that identifies key benefits to the new HST system.
All supportive HST resources have been bundled into a HST information tool kit for Ontario businesses. To obtain a copy of the booklet please visit CGA Ontario online at www.cga-ontario.org/Publications/.
For a detailed look at the comprehensive reforms advocated for by the OCC, go to the Ministry of Revenue website at www.rev.gov.on.ca/taxchange/index.html.
Small Business Empowerment Bootcamp
Directed by Wendy Moore –MacQueen “Author of Muddled, meager and messyMarketing performance repair manual for small business”
Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2010 9:30 am - 11:30 am
Leamington Roma Club, 19 Seacliff Dr. E. Chamber Members
$25.00 (including tax) Future Chamber Members
$35.00 (including tax) INCLUDESBUFFETLUNCH Call the Leamington & District Chamber of Commerce reserve your spot at 519-326-2721 Or Fax 519-326-3204
Wendy Moore-MacQueen
