Leamington man in hospital; two killed in firey crash
On February 5 at 12:20 a.m., a woman who observed a fire in the area of Coatsworth Road and Herman Line, Tilbury East Township, went to check on it. On arrival she observed a vehicle completely engulfed in flames and extensively burnt. The woman tended to an injured man who was close by and she also called for emergency services.
The involved car had been travelling northwest on Coatsworth Road approaching the intersection at Herman Line.
The roadway makes a large Sbend to the right at this location and the car left the roadway to the west and crashed into the ditch near the intersection and burst into flames.
One victim extricated himself post-collision. While he suffered numerous injuries which included burns to approximately 60% of his body, he was alive. He reported that there were two other occupants in the vehicle. Traffic Unit members were called to the collision scene for an investigation and scene examination, which had to be put on hold overnight due to fog and the inability to properly photograph and see the entire scene clearly.
The survivor of the crash is Johnny Bergen, 18-yearold Leamington man. He was transported by ambulance to the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance and later airlifted to the London Health Sciences Centre where he remains in critical condition.
The two deceased persons have been identified as Jake Fast, 18, and Frank Wiebe, a Gr. 12 student at Leamington District Secondary School, both of Leamington.
An official from the C-K Police Service would not possitively confirm the victims names at press time.
Leamington honours Windsor Symphony
By C. Lloyd Brown-John
There were many great moments on Saturday evening, February 4, when the Windsor Symphony again entertained residents of the community with another of its super Classics in the County series concerts and, when in turn, the Municipality of Leamington honored departing WSO Maestro John Morris Russell.
From one perspective, at least there was no final examination at the end of the evening’s spectacular concert of lectures, flute and even piccolo music. Guest artist, renowned Canadian flutist Robert Aitken, entertained both musically and educationally with his performances in three different compositions. His accompanying talks were humorous and informative as he shared background and insights into his own composition, “The Plainsong”, and on compositions by Johann Stamitz (1717-1757) and Domenico Cimarosa (1749-1801).
The concert, the third in the WSO’s “Classics in the County” series, co-sponsored by Pelee Island Winery and Highline Mushrooms, was a real “Flutapalooza” with works by Johann Stamitz and his son Karl Stamitz (1745-1801) – both considered
part of the incredible Mannheim School of music and musicians. Italian composers Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741) and Domenico Cimarosa were highlighted with their classic concertos – Vivaldi’s “Piccolo Concerto in C major” and Cimarosa’s (Continued on Page 8)
Nationally renowned flutist Robert Aitken, Windsor Symphony Orchestra is pictured here during the February 4th, concert in Leamington.
Deputy Mayor Charlie Wright and WSO Maestro John Morris Russell
Drain maintenance flows from 2011 into 2012
One of the difficulties created by any delay in preparing and approving a municipal budget is felt by the drainage superintendent LuAnn Barreto. Timing can be affected by several factors:
1. Municipal policy and budget timelines;
2. MNR time lines for hibernation, etc.;
3. ERCA and DFO timelines for spawning, hibernation, etc.;
4. Farmer’s schedules for planting and harvest and;
5. Weather hindrances.
Fortunately, the cost of drainage projects are recovered from benefitting land owners, but Leamington shoulders the cost until it is recovered as taxes in the subsequent year. Last year, four projects were approved and tendered, but by the time a window of opportunity was open to undertake
them, the funding in the 2011 budget had been exhausted. Consequently, Leamington Council was asked to approve these four projects prior to budget deliberations so that they could be completed early in the year.
All of the successful low tender bidders agreed to perform the work this year at the same price they bid last year.
BILL CHAPLIN
Municipal Correspondent
New Maintenance Schedule for Ogle Drain
The name of the drain is the East Ogle Drain (it is pronounced with an hard ‘o’—as in go— and not a long ‘o’—as in do—so don’t make fun of the name). A request for drain maintenance revealed that the last report to apportion costs was done in 1978 and “since the 1973 Report was adopted by Council, it appears that 14 parcels have changed in size, and severances completed without proper apportionment agreements”.
On Monday, February 6th Leamington Council corrected this oversight by appointing Rood Engineering to prepare a new maintenance schedule report. By updating the drain’s assessment role before the maintenance work is done, benefitting land owners will be charged a correct, current amount.
Public Meeting addresses four drain issues
By Bill Chaplin, Municipal Correspondent
It is sometimes the practice of Leamington Council to try and ‘bundle’ public meetings that share staff and expert consultants in common. Such was the case Monday, February 6th when four public meetings were held, all to do with municipal drains.
The first of these was for an updated maintenance schedule on the 7th Concession branch of the Lebo Creek Drain, prepared by Rood Engineering. The second was to address the updated maintenance schedule on the northwest branch of the Lebo Creek Drain, prepared by N.J. Peralta Engineering.
The third was to adopt a Bruce D. Crozier Engineering report on the construction of a new Access Culvert over the 10th Concession Road Drain East so that the project can go to tender. The last of the four public meetings concerned the engineer’s report prepared by Peralta Engineering for the relocation of a section of the George W. Irwin Drain.
Since all the projects are being charged to individual land owners who have requested the work, there were no comments or questions on any of them. (The Drainage Act requires a public meeting, even if nobody cares.)
All of the projects were approved by Council Monday night and the appropriate by-laws were passed.
ERCA policies to comply with Clean Water Act
By Bill Chaplin, Municipal Correspondent
Stan Taylor, Source Water Protection Project Manager with Essex Regional Conservation Authority (ERCA), presented Leamington Council with the draft policies that the Conservation Authority has prepared under regulation 267/07 of the Clean Water Act.
This Provincial legislation, originally prepared after the Walkerton tragedy, is intended to require conservation authorities to identify threats to sources of drinking water and to put policies in place to protect them. Locally, this involves carriers of liquid solvents (that could escape to the lake through storm sewers if there were a serious accident), and any large, above-ground storage of fuel.
Mr. Taylor made it clear in his presentation that Leamington’s water intake at Union has no “significant threats”. Indeed, he indicated that the new policies proposed would only demand one or two person-weeks per year to fully implement. In response to a question by Councillor Larry Verbeke he also stated that there were no policies that would impact agriculture other than the clear requirement that the storage of fuel above ground must comply with the requirements of the Technical Standards and Safety Authority.
After the presentation, Leamington Council endorsed the draft policies, supported the concept of ERCA providing support services (on a fee-for-service basis), and joined other municipalities in requesting provincial funding for this new initiative.
“To the Top of Canada” revisited
Chris Robertson will present his noble story of “To the Top of Canada” on Thursday, February 9 at Unico Hall in Kingsville.
The doors open at 6:15 p.m. with a presentation at 6:45 p.m. and Robertson to speak at 7 p.m. This is brought to the public with free admission by Voices of Youth in Community.
Robertson will relive his historic journey from the southern tip of Canada to the Arctic Ocean. This is the 15th anniversary of his unmatched journey of 6,520 kilometres.
Plan approved for Hope Lane Farms
Leamington Council approved a site plan for greenhouse development on Hope Lane Monday evening.
For those of you who didn’t even know that Leamington had a Hope Lane, it runs south from Mersea Road 6 just west of Brunner Road. Hope Lane Farms now has site plan approval to construct another approximately one hectare more of greenhouse on the property.
While you know us for our excellent rates on Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GICs), Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs) and Registered Retirement Income Funds (RRIFs), what you may not know is that we are a FREE full-service investment team.
Our products include Mutual Funds, Segregated Funds, Registered Education Savings Plans (RESPs), High Interest Savings Accounts as well as Life Insurance, Disability Insurance, Critical Illness Protection and Long Term Care Insurance.
Our fully licensed Certified Financial Planners are ready to assist you in all areas of Financial and Estate Planning. We have the products, resources and the expertise to find you the answers to even your most complicated questions. We pride ourselves on our reputation for outstanding customer service.
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Let us help assess your financial situation and design a plan to save taxes, cover short term needs and work towards long-term goals.
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Cheering for the underdog
I’ll admit I thought Tom Brady and his New England Patriots would win the Superbowl matchup on Sunday, but I wanted the New York Giants to win! I love when the underdog pulls through and takes the upset.
Earlier last week TSN asked Eli Manning (quarterback for the Giants) if he felt he was in the same class of greatness as Brady? I guess he answered that question on Sunday as the Giants won Superbowl XLVI.
For those who don’t follow football, Eli Manning is the younger brother of Payton Manning (quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts). Payton has enjoyed great success in the NFL and Eli has been in the shadow. The media loves to talk up Payton who sat out this entire season due to injury. Eli just seems like the quiet younger brother who has proven himself repeatedly on the field.
There’s just an overwhelming urge to root for the underdog, whether it’s sports or business. As we start to prepare for playoff action in Jr. C and Jr. B hockey, fans jump on board cheering for the hometown team.
company vs. the little independent. I always find that the smaller, independent businesses give so much better service and quality products in most cases. Of course, there’s room for big business in every town, but we have to remember that it is the small stores that have kept our towns alive for centuries. Our towns were built on mom and pop businesses. Every town had its own butcher, barber, book store and botanist.
Today you can walk into a grocery store or department store and find all these items under one roof. You may find what you’re looking for and maybe even catch a great deal, but there’s something very special about walking in to the local butcher shop and picking out smoked pork chops and having them cut to your specific thickness... not bought in a package of eight, wrapped and packaged to go.
In business I like to support the smaller, independent businesses where possible compared to the larger big box stores. Again it’s a matter of David vs. Goliath; the big
It’s the small things that make independent shops special, but most of all, you’ll usually see or be waited on by the owner. Now that’s customer service.
Slow down, don’t dance so fast…
Every week flies by quicker than the last, and when my stepmother sent this to me it really hit home. I know it will with many of you as well. We need to take more time to sit back, slow down and enjoy!
Slow Dance
Have you ever watched kids on a merry-goround, Or listened to the rain slapping on the ground? Ever followed a butterfly’s erratic flight, Or gazed at the sun into the fading night? You better slow down, don’t dance so fast.
Time is short, the music won’t last.
Do you run through each day on the fly?
When you ask “how are you”, do you hear the reply?
When the day is done, do you lie in your bed, With the next hundred chores running through your head?
You’d better slow down, don’t dance so fast.
Time is short, the music won’t last.
Ever told your child, we’ll do it tomorrow,
And in your haste, not see his sorrow?
Ever lost touch, let a good friendship die, ’Cause you never had time to call and say “hi”? You’d better slow down, don’t dance so fast. Time is short, the music won’t last.
When you run so fast to get somewhere, You miss half the fun of getting there.
When you worry and hurry through your day, It is like an unopened gift thrown away.
Life isn’t a race, so take it slower, Hear the music before the song is over.
Sunset in winter over frozen Pidgeon Bay - Visual Impressions by Tim Hayes
SHEILA McBRAYNE
McThoughts
Great Backyard Bird Count perfect for
The 15th annual Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) is taking place Feb. 17-20, and is the perfect opportunity to try the hobby of bird watching for the first time. The event is hosted by Audubon, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, and Canadian partner Bird Studies Canada. The results provide a snapshot of the whereabouts of more than 600 bird species.
Anyone can participate in this free event and no registration is needed. Watch and count birds for at least 15 minutes on any day of the count (Feb. 17-20). Enter your results at www.birdcount.org, where you can watch as the tallies grow across the continent. The four-day count typically records more than 10 million observations.
“The Great Backyard Bird Count is a perfect example of Citizen Science,” says Audubon Chief Scientist, Gary Langham. “Like Audubon’s Christmas Bird Count, volunteers help us with data year after year, providing scientific support that is the envy of many institutions. It’s also a lot of fun.”
The 2011 GBBC brought in more than 92,000 bird checklists submitted by participants from across Canada and the United States. Altogether, bird watchers identified 596 species with 11.4 million bird observations.
Results from the 2011 GBBC included: increased reports of Evening Grosbeaks, a species that has been declining; a modest seasonal movement of winter finches farther south in their search for food; and the Eurasian Collared-Dove was reported from Alaska for the first time, more evidence of an introduced species rapidly expanding its range.
Although it’s called the Great “Backyard” Bird Count, the count extends well beyond backyards. Lots of participants choose to head for national parks, nature centres, urban parks, nature trails, or nearby sanctuaries. For more information, including bird-ID tips, instructions, and past results, visit www.birdcount. org. The count also includes a photo contest and a prize drawing for participants who enter their bird checklists online.
Leamington Legion is hosting Joey Purpura’s Neil Diamond Tribute on Fri. Feb. 17. There will also be a chicken dinner. This would be a nice treat for someone you love. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door, available at the Legion, 227 Erie St. N., 519-326-0073.
The Junior Darts program will be participating in the Zone tournament on Feb. 18. Good luck to all the players.
The Youth and Education Committee is holding the annual speech competition for the students in Leamington on Sun. Feb. 19. Registration is at 9 a.m. with speeches to begin at 9:30. The information has been handed out to the schools. If more information is needed, contact Lisa Cowen-Tehonchuk at 519-325-0782. Good luck to all.
The Branch still has fun darts on Friday nights starting at 8 p.m. and meat draws
Leamington Br. 84 Legion news
By Lisa Cowen-Tehonchuk
on Saturday starting at 3:30 p.m. Come and have some fun.
At the Seniors Dinner in March the Branch will be
serving ham. Corn beef and cabbage is on the menu. The person with the most green spirit will win a prize. Gord Ciliska will be playing.
A Merlin was among the birds that were counted in the Leamington area last year.
Two new exhibitions open at Leamington Arts Centre
Paglioni Winery
by Danielle Shaw)
Mayor Paterson draws for two free televisions
Thanks to all who entered our contest. Congratulations to our winners and thanks for making the Southpoint Sun Leamington’s community newspaper!
Henry Dyck and his wife Carol were the lucky winners of a 46” Sony television from Leamington Sears in the Leamington Southpoint Sun 2nd Anniversary Draw.
Pictured here presenting the prize at right are Sears owners Chris Drummond and Stephanie Hrutka.
At left, Leamington Mayor John Paterson drew the two lucky winners in the Southpoint Sun 2nd anniversary contest to give away two televisions at the Municipal office on Friday, February 3. Above, Carmen Unsworth was the second lucky winner. She is pictured here picking up her 40” Toshiba television from Ernie Demarse of Ernie’s TV’s in Kingsville.
(SUN Photos)
Leamington honours WSO
(Continued from Front)
“Concerto for Two Flutes in G Major”. An astounding piccolo performance was offered by the WSO’s own performer Liesel Deppe, who literally created illusions of the United Mennonite Church being filled with birds. Guest artists Robert Aitken was joined for the Cimarosa Concerto by the WSO’s principal flutist Jean-Francois Rompré. This was a wonderful display of virtuosity and creativity as Aitken had scored solo in-
The Rhine Danube Club
Offered at 4 schools in Leamington & Kingsville. Ages 18 months - 12 years 6:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. • Subsidy available. For details call 519-733-8202 www.discoverychildcareschools.com
terludes for both performers. The concert was conducted by WSO Maestro John Morris Russell (JMR). His enthusiasm and knowledge was apparent throughout the concert. AThere was a poignancy to the Saturday evening concert, as it was the last performance by Maestro Russell in Leamington. He moves on to lead the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra in the autumn of 2012.
The Municipality of Leamington took the occasion to honor Maestro Russell’s remarkable contribution to the local community through the Classics in the County series which began under his WSO leadership a few years ago. DeputyMayor Charlie Wright, who attended the evening concert, hosted a lovely reception for Maestro Russell, many of his fellow WSO musicians, several notable local personalities and all those who had attended the evening concert. It was a wonderful reception. Local WSO enthusiast Dorit Gorsh had encouraged the Municipality of Leamington to honor a person
who had made such an incredible contribution to the cultural life of this community. She spoke at the reception of JMR’s immense enthusiasm for music and for music in communities such as Leamington and area. Dorit Gorsh’s own enthusiastic support of the WSO was acknowledged by Maestro Russell.
Deputy-Mayor Wright presented the honoured guest with a lovely boxed bottle of wine and wine utensils on behalf of the Municipality. Literally beaming from ear-to-ear, Mr. Wright spoke of the wonders of
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 - Computer & 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 at 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 p.m. Petzown, 1715 Manning Road S.(EC Row). Donations of cat/kitten food dry & canned needed. Email: kittenaide@gmail.com. Phone 519-324-2729.
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 519733-5595. 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 sessionNetworking. 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 519-326-6224 for more info and to register.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 15 - The Leamington Horticultural Society will hold its monthly meeting at 7 p.m. at the Leamington United Church, 9 John St. A presentation will be made by Lloyd Brown-John on the Chelsea Flower Show. Attendance is free and all are welcome.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16 - Essex and Community Historical Research Society presents Elise Harding-Davis as we celebrate Black History Month. 7 p.m. Located in Essex at the old Carnegie Library, 18 Gordon Ave. For more information, contact 519-962-9597.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17 - 6:30 p.m. – Movies
“The Help” & “Amistad” (& kids movie) at Leamington United Church. Admission is 1 dessert.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17 - Connexions for Success 2012 - Your One-Stop for SuccessThis event will be held at the Leamington Recreation Complex, 249 Sherk St., Leamington, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This FREE Employment and Training Information Fair will give unemployed persons the opportunity to explore career and training options, learn about local employment services, get free resume advice, try an “Express Interview”, and gain valuable job searching advice straight from local business people. Call South Essex Community Council at 519-326-8629 for more info.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18 - The Ontario Purple Martin Association will hold their spring meeting at 9 a.m. in the Willow Room at Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens, Ruthven. Speaker will be Bob Hall-Brooks, Passerine Banding Station Co-ordinator, Holiday Beach Migration Observatory. All are welcome!
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19 - Talbot Street United Church is having a Pancake Supper from 4-7 p.m. Supper includes pancakes, ham, scalloped potatoes, coleslaw, desserts and beverages. Adults $10, 6-12 $5, 5 & under free. The church is located at 3741 Talbot Trail (a.k.a. Hwy #3) 2 miles west of Port Alma.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19 - Roast Beef Dinner
6:00 p.m. at Knox Presbyterian Church, Erie St. S., Leamington. $13 per person. Advance tickets call 519-326-4541.
the evening’s concert and the splendour of the performance.
In turn, Russell spoke of his love for this region and how as one moves east from Windsor the beauty of the land and the level of the blood pressure all change for the better.
Maestro Russell was also presented with a collection of the very finest of Pelee Island Winery’s red and white wines by another WSO supporter in the community on behalf of all local WSO’s and Maestro Russell’s fans. There was also a winery hat tucked away in the collection so that Russell would be reminded of the wines and our region once the wines had been consumed.
Amanda Smith, Municipality of Leamington’s Manager of Recreation and Culture, organized the gala event at the Leamington Arts Centre. Maureen Sutherland, President of the Board of Directors at the Arts Centre, and Chad Riley, Gallery Director, were prominent in attendance.
Leamington Councillors
Chris Chopchick and Rick Atkins were also there. Reception wines were provided by Pelee Island Winery and a wonderful array of delicious foods and desserts were prepared by Lakeside Bakery.
While one of the great enthusiasts of fine music in the county will now leave the WSO for his new “gig” in Cincinnati, WSO’s General Manager Jeth Mill assured the gathering that Classics in the County would continue in the future. WSO musicians present at the reception all seemed delighted at the prospect of more great classic music concerts.
The final WSO Classics in the County concert in Leamington this season is scheduled for Saturday, April 21, “Mozart Sinfonia” conducted by Peter Wiebe and featuring WSO Concertmaster Lillian Scheirich and Principal Violist Roman Kosarev.
Tickets are available for the final concert online or by phoning the WSO at 519973-1238.
Lloyd Brown-John (centre) presents Maestro Russell (right) with gift.
Tree planting and care workshop
The Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) will host a free tree planting and care workshop on Wednesday, March 7 at the Essex County Civic Centre.
This dynamic workshop will discuss ways in which you can get involved in the reforestation of the region. “This workshop will explore different tree planting techniques, tree health, tree physiology, and the best ways to care for your future forests or special shade trees,” explains Paul Giroux, ERCA’s Registered Professional Forester and Certified Arbourist. “As well, people will learn about the environmental benefits of tree planting.”
The workshop will also identify the many grant opportunities available to landowners who wish to undertake restoration projects on their property.
Although the workshop is free, landowners are asked to pre-register by calling 519-776-5209 ext. 345 or vkennedy@ erca.org.
ERCA is also currently accepting orders for their spring tree planting program. The cost of seedling trees begins at 69 cents, while prices for large stock trees begin at $12. A minimum purchase of 100 seedlings or 15 large stock trees is required. Order forms are available online at www.erca.org.
This Valentine’s Day, say it with flowers
Valentine’s Day, February 14th, is next week and cut flowers are a favorite and most popular. Proper care will help the lasting quality of your cut flower bouquet.
Flowers and foliage that have been left out of water for a short period of time will form a seal and stop water absorption. Air bubbles can also enter the stem preventing a steady flow of water. Simply fill your sink with warm water and float the entire stem, cutting the stem under water. Cut the stem at a 45-degree angle, allowing a larger exposed area for water intake. This also allows the stem to stand on a point, allowing water to be in contact with the entire cut surface. Always remove any foliage that will be submerged in water. This will slow bacterial growth, which shortens the vase life and makes the water smell foul.
BILL PLUMB
In the back yard...
Commercial growers and florists always use lukewarm water for cut flowers. An exception is when preparing bulb flowers such as hyacinths, daffodils and tulips, which need cold water. Warm water will move faster than cold water and can be absorbed by flowers with greater ease. It is very important to get the water and nutrients as quickly as possible to the head of the flower.
Using a preservative definitely increases the life of cut flowers. Under normal circumstances, flowers get what they need from the plant. Commercial preservatives like Floral Life are by far the best and easiest way to go. Bleach is more likely to kill the flowers than help them, and other myths such as using coins or adding an aspirin have no lasting results. However, lemonade or sugar helps flowers to open but also encourages bacteria growth.
Flowers with solid stems should be left in lukewarm water with a preservative for one hour before arranging. Hollow stems need to be filled with water. Simply turn the flower upside down and pour water into the empty cavity of the stalk, place your thumb over the opening and place it in the vase.
Soft stems need to be placed in cold water, since most bulbs bloom when the air and ground are still at low temperatures.
Milky stems such as poinsettias need to be seared before placing in water. This can be done by sticking the stem in boiling water or
a flame from a match or candle. This will keep the latex sap in the stem and allow the other cut flowers to absorb clear water.
After a few days, if the water becomes cloudy re-cut the stems and change the water, adding new preservative. Remember that not all flowers age at the same rate; some stems may have to be removed or replaced.
Cut flowers can brighten up any room and add life and color to your home. So this Valentine’s Day “Say It With Flowers”.
For a copy of any of my past articles, contact me at bpmarketing24@yahoo.ca
Learn the 5 signs of stroke
Stroke is a medical emergency. Recognizing and responding immediately to the warning signs of stroke by calling 9-1-1 or your local emergency number can significantly improve survival and recovery. If a person is diagnosed with a stroke caused by a blood clot, doctors can administer a clot-busting drug available only at a hospital, and only within a few crucial hours after symptoms begin. That’s why it is very important to be able to recognize the 5 warning signs of stroke and immediately call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number
WEAKNESS
Sudden loss of strength or sudden numbness in the face, arm or leg, even if temporary
TROUBLE SPEAKING
Sudden difficulty speaking or understanding or sudden confusion, even if temporary.
VISION PROBLEMS
Sudden trouble with vision, even if temporary.
HEADACHE
Sudden severe and unusual headache.
DIZZINESS
Sudden loss of balance, especially with any of the above signs.
Confessions of a bargain bum
JOHN WEESE
Weese’s Pieces...
I watch CBS Sunday Morning as often as I can. I don’t watch a lot of TV, but I do make time for this program and a few others, namely Canada AM, SportsCentre and major golf tournaments. That’s about it. Oh yeah, Family Guy now and again. With only bite-sized viewing in my schedule, the rest filled with work, walks, travel, committee work and the occasional workout, I’m questioning my own judgment about ordering NetFlex. Well, it is cheap, mobile and I love movies, but if I don’t have time for Dr. Phil or Law & Order, just when will I make time for Ferris Bueller’s Day Off?
If Mother could return me to the Customer Service Desk, one of the many malfunctions she could point to is my Impulse Bargain Buying Governor. If something’s cheap, I’ll buy it. I’ll give you a wonderful example of my sickness. I stopped into the native grocery store at Kettle Point on my way to Wallaceburg the other night for some gum. I actually considered buying a shopping bag full of packages of cigarettes that they had featured on the front counter. I don’t even smoke, and in fact I’m grossed out by it; however, my addiction to bargain buying kicked in. They were blowing out these cigarettes for 3 and 4 bucks a pack. I know! What are they selling for at the convenience store? 10 bucks? It was just a helluva bargain that was hard for me to pass up. It’s a good thing they didn’t have Massengill on sale. Clothing is haberdashery heroin for me. My closet and drawers are filled with crap (dresser drawers of course… come on!) with unbelievable bargains from Giant Tiger, Value Village and yard sales. I have sooooo many “bargains” – some of which I’ll never wear – that I can hold my own clothing yard sale this spring. Johnny’s Junk is out of the closet, but you better hurry… the Goodwill van has been circling the block like buzzards.
As long as you’re a middle-aged, big-boned boy, I’ve got
the size, colour and the perfect outfit for any season. Half off on anything with a stain on it!
Be assured of finding some name brand stuff hanging at my yard sale. Then there’s the apparel I scooped up at the flea markets. Colorful fleece jackets from Tommy Hillfinger, sweatshirts from American Beagle and active wear from LuLuLime – I got it all baby! Choose a hoodie or two, boldly emblazoned with logos from some of your favorite US Division 3 schools. Fine institutions including some that I’ve never even heard of before. Here’s your chance to deceive your friends into thinking that you were a student athlete at Rhode Island State College. “Wow Fred, I didn’t know you were the offensive guard for the Rhode Island Cod Catchers. I thought you left high school and just started at the mill.” Sweet.
I really need to put myself on a 12-step program and stop buying clothes. I could have the store manager post my photo at front entrance of the GT Boutique, Talize and the Salvation Army.
Lord knows I wouldn’t go naked for the next 20 years. I might become horribly out of fashion and look like a friggin’ clown, especially when the garments get threadbare and don’t fit any longer. But just think of the bucks in my savings account. I’d have what… hundreds maybe? To boot, to avoid looking ridiculous I won’t want to leave the house so I’ll save even more. I could take in feral cats, become a hermit and bathe infrequently. The best part in addition to the savings? I’d now have plenty of time to watch old movies on NetFlex.
Armed robbery in Wheatley; suspect being sought
The Chatham-Kent Police are investigating a robbery that took place in Wheatley early Sunday morning.
Around 6:00 a.m. on February 5, a lone suspect entered the Mac’s Milk Store located at 30 Talbot Street West. The suspect produced a firearm, demanded money, and left with an undisclosed amount of cash. There were no injuries as a result of this incident and the firearm was not discharged.
Approximately an hour later, around 7:00 a.m., a lone suspect entered the Petro-Canada Truck Stop on Hwy 77 at the 401 in Comber brandishing a firearm. The suspect demanded money and left with a quantity of cash. No one was injured and no shots were fired.
Police believe the two robberies are related.
The suspect is described as a white male, approximately 6 feet tall with a skinny build, brown hair and pronounced brown eyebrows. At the time of the robbery he was wearing a black winter jacket with brown fur at the collar, black jogging pants with a grey stripe on the sides,
Saturday, February 11 will be held at the Kinsmen Recreation Complex 9:00 am - 1:00 pm For details visit: www.leamingtonminorbaseball.com
NAMIOntario (National Alliance on Mental Illness) in association with Leamington District Memorial Hospital is pleased to offer this program again this year.
THE FAMILY TO FAMILY EDUCATION PROGRAM
The program is designed for the families and friends of individuals with, or exhibiting signs or symptoms, of a serious and persistent mental illness for example: schizophrenia, major depression, bipolar illness, panic disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder or borderline personality disorder.
The 11 week course starts Monday, February 20, 2012 from 7:00 to 9:30 p.m. There is no charge for those who participate.
Participants in the program last year described it as: empowering, enlightening, insightful, encouraging, comforting, and changed my life!
Register by calling Noreen at 519-322-0163
Registration is limited to 18. www.namiontario.ca
tan work boots and a grey ski mask. He was last seen travelling northbound on Erie St. N. in Wheatley in a newer model, four-door, silver Jetta with shiny rims and tinted windows.
If anyone can provide information, they are asked to contact the Chatham-Kent Police Service at 519-3521234, OPP at 1-888-3101122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Thursday, February 2nd
Flyers 4 – London 3
Tony Spidalieri got his fourth game-winning goal of the season on Thursday to lift the Flyers to a 4-3 win over the London Nationals. The Flyers were trailing 3-1 in the second period but rallied to score three unanswered goals.
“We’ve had their number all year and I think when they scored their third goal it woke us up and we realized enough is enough,” said Flyers veteran forward Tyler Quigley who scored the Flyers first two goals of the game.
Cheyne Matheson got the equalizer just over four minutes into the third and Spidalieri’s game winner came midway through the period just minutes after the Nationals had a goal disallowed that would have given them the lead.
Despite the fact that the two teams have been neck and neck near the top of the Western Conference standings all year, the Flyers dominated the season series winning 5 out of 6 matchups.
“We showed that we deserve to be where we are in the standings and we’re going to be gunning for that first place spot in the near future,” said Flyers defenceman Brett Langlois.
Goaltender Colin Greeley got his 13th win of the season Thursday making 27 saves.
Saturday, February 4th
Sarnia 6 – Flyers 5
On Saturday the 2nd place Flyers had a chance to narrow the gap between them and the 1st place Sarnia Legionnaires but they came up short losing 6-5. It was a see-saw match with the teams exchanging goals and the lead multiple times but it was an unlucky bounce for the Flyers that gave Sarnia the game winner when the puck went in off a Flyers defenceman midway through the third period.
“This was a tough one to swallow because it was such a roller coaster game,” said Flyers assistant captain Nick Nicodemo who scored one of the Flyers two shorthanded goals. Jared Dennis added the other one. Dennis, Tyler Quigley, Cheyne Matheson and Alex Seguin each had one goal and one assist while captain Ron Soucie tallied a pair of assists. The Flyers had a two-man advantage three times in the second period but were unable to capitalize and even allowed Sarnia to score shorthanded during one of them.
“It wasn't our best effort and we were too suspect as a team defensively,” Nicodemo added. “They're at the top of the league for a reason and we need to be much more ready to play those big games.”
The line of Alex Seguin, Cheyne Matheson and Tyler Quigley (shown above during Thursday’s win over London) has combined for 21 points in the last three games. (photo by Shelly Quick)
Piroski Happy With Flyers Current Position
Piroski says he is happy with the Flyers current second place position in the Western Conference standings.
“I would rather be in first for sure but I’m happy with where we are,” Piroski said. “Since the start of the season the only goal I’ve really had is to be in the top four so we can get that extra home game in the first round of playoffs.”
If the playoffs started this week the Flyers would play the 7th place LaSalle Vipers who eliminated them from the playoffs last year in an exciting seven game series. Sarnia has a commanding lead in first place but the remaining positions are separated by only a few points so the majority of the positions likely won’t be determined until the last week of the regular season.
“There is nobody we’re scared to play but there is nobody we’re anxious to play either. This league is too well-balanced,” Piroski said.
Flyers defenceman Brett Langlois attempts to stop
NOTES: Injury update: Chris Scott missed both games last week due to a lower body injury and it is not known when he will return...Goalie Darien Ekblad sat out Thursday’s game due to a knee injury but was back for Saturday’s game. Southpoint Midget Major goalie Brett Glasier backed up Colin Greeley on Thursday….Adam Hughes missed Thursday’s game due to the flu and Austin Mattson missed Saturday’s game for the same reason…Jacob Henrikson was a healthy scratch on Thursday and Jake Hopfner was a healthy scratch on Saturday.
Sarnia forward Jason Teschke as he takes a shot on goalie Colin Greeley during Saturday’s loss. (photo by Shelly Quick)
LDMBA Trivia Night 13 plans in motion
The questions are written, finalized and under lock and key as Leamington District Minor Baseball Association (LDMBA) prepares for Trivia Night 13 on Wednesday, February 22 at the Portuguese Club in Leamington. The event kicks off at 7:00 p.m.
“This will be our thirteenth,” said Trivia Night chairperson Jeff Lamotte.
“The evening is a lot of fun. We are hoping the thirteenth is a charm.”
Trivia Night pits teams of four in competition answering twelve rounds of ten questions on a variety of subjects – general knowledge, television, history, entertainment, sports and much more. At stake are cash prizes, door prizes and bragging rights.
“Over time we have seen many mini-rivalries develop,” added Lamotte, “husbands versus wives, schools versus schools, parents versus children.”
The cost to compete is $100 for adult teams and $60 for high school and elementary school teams.
To register contact Jeff Lamotte at 519-322-1379 or pick up a registration form at Fletcher’s Cleaners in Leamington or from any LDMBA board member.
Retiring Sharks Players
At the Wheatley Sharks home game on Monday, February 6th three players were honoured for their contributions to the team. The three players received personal jerseys to commemorate their years as a Shark. At top, left are Kim, Bruno and Jordan Carnevale. At left are Teresa, Trevor and Ed Grieve.
Pictured here at the jersey presentation were Grandpa Walter Woelk, Patti, Dustyn and Rick Woelk.
(SUN Photos)
Peewee Majors advance to OMHA quarter-finals
This past weekend Southpoint hosted the Peewee Major ‘A’ Division double knockout style Playdown tournament. This weekend featured six local teams in Erie Northshore (Harrow/Kingsville), Riverside, Amherstburg, Essex, St. Thomas and Southpoint as they competed to represent the area in the OMHA quarter-finals. For the tournament, the league standings determined the seedings and with Gabriele’s Southpoint Capitals being seeded first overall, they awaited the winner of Friday night’s matchup between Essex and St.Thomas.
Game 1 Saturday morning saw Southpoint facing St. Thomas in what would be a rematch of Southpoint’s 2 to 1 overtime win in Watford. The Caps opened up the scoring with two first-period markers on goals scored by Rory DiNiro and Brennan Hancock. Assists went out to Brett Enns and Darrin DiMenna. Early seesaw second-period action had Southpoint and St. Thomas exchange 4 goals over a 2-minute timeframe and the game was 4-2 after 2 periods. Second period goals for Southpoint went to Dawson Iles and Hancock. Early in the third period St. Thomas came within one; however, that is as close as they would get as the Capitals finished the third period with 2 more markers, making the final score 6-3. Third period tallies came from DiNiro and Hancock with DiMenna setting them up. Cristian Santos earned the win between the pipes.
Game 2 on Saturday evening saw the first and second place teams in Southpoint and Amherstburg. Four minutes into the first period Jack Hannigan put the Capitals up on a nice rebound finish from a Dawson Iles shot. Amherstburg replied two minutes later; however, the Capitals regained the one-goal lead before the end of the first period on a nice goal by DiNiro from a beautiful feed from Hannigan. The Capitals added to the lead in the second period on a goal from Hancock, assisted by Iles and DiMenna, to make it 3-1 after two periods. Southpoint and Amherstburg exchanged goals in the third period to finish the game 4-2 on a goal by Hancock from Iles and Jared Hillier. Tyler Dillen had a nice game in net.
Game 3 was on Sunday afternoon when the Capitals played St. Thomas once again. St. Thomas, having lost on Saturday to the Capitals, was coming off 2 straight victories to make it to the championship game. Southpoint played a solid game and earned a 5-1 victory claiming a berth into the OMHA quarter-finals. Goals were scored by Zack Dillen (2), Enns and Hancock, with assists going out to Evan Loveless, DiMenna, Dillen and Hillier. Cristian Santos had a solid game in net.
The Gabriele’s Capitals now await the winner of the Niagara Region as they play their tournament next weekend. Stay updated with Southpoint Minor Hockey Association’s schedules and information at www.southpointminorhockey.com
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! 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. One compact FEE and no enrollment or initiation fees!
• Youth - purchase a swim/gym/ skate pass and be in motion all winter long!
• Student memberships are very affordable and very popular among the teenage crowd!
• Adults - meet with a personal trainer or nutrition and wellness coach. Reach new goals! Youth Programs
• Red Cross Babysitting Courses for youth ages 11-15 on Sat. Feb. 11.
• 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.
• P.A. Day Camp on Fri. Feb.10 for ages 4-7 and 8-12. Enjoy swimming, skating, crafts and games galore!
• Girls grades 5-8: check out the Girls Only program. Instructors Ashley and Lisa have all kinds of interesting ideas just for YOU! Theme nights and all sorts of activities! Bring your friends, meet new friends and have fun at the Complex Girls 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!
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 Thursday 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!
Family Day, Mon. Feb. 20: Plan to bring the family for public skating from 1-3 p.m., open swim from 2-4 p.m. (Within Arms Reach Policy applies), and open rec gym from noon-5 p.m. for basketball or badminton.
12th Annual Home & Garden Tradeshow on Mar. 30, 31 and Apr. 1. Gabriele’s sponsors the $10,000 Max Your Home Style contest with 5 lucky winners! Plus great vendor displays and lots of other prizes to be won! Contact bfischer@leamington.ca for booth availability.
Online www.leamington.ca link to recreation/link to the Activity Guide
ChildCan hockey tourney marks 19
years of helping kids with cancer
Wheatley’s annual ChildCan Hockey Tournament is taking place February 17, 18 and 19 at Wheatley Arena. This marks the 19th year for the local tournament.
Games will be played Friday through Sunday. There will be a dance upstairs at the arena on Saturday night from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., with musical entertainment by the Pier Road Band.
Funds raised at the tournament will go towards ChildCan, whose mission is to provide responsive and compassionate support services to families facing the journey through childhood cancer – from diagnosis, treatment, recovery, or bereavement.
There are 16 teams registered for the tournament so far, and there is still time to enter a team. If interested, contact tournament organizer Tom Hyatt at 519-825-3088.
All are welcome to join the fun Feb. 17-19 at Wheatley Arena. Root for your favourite teams, while supporting children and their families who are dealing with childhood cancer.
Amherstburg girl named to International Selects Program
The Selects Hockey organization has selected Erica Fryer, a Peewee under 12 hockey player from Amherstburg, at their annual Major Peewee international tryout held in January in Detroit, Michigan, to join the international program with the West Coast Selects (WCS) hockey team. More than 200 invited girls from across North America competed
for 51 positions, with those selected to participate in the program’s international spring training development camp and the World Selects Invitational in Prague, Czech Republic, this April and May. Participants will be submerged into foreign cultures and face top international competition in this once in a lifetime experience.
“Erica was superb at the tryout. She not only showed she has the skill to be a top hockey prospect, but also demonstrated great leadership and passion on the ice,” commented Kathy Pippy, Director of Girls’ Hockey for the Selects Hockey program.
The selection committee consisted of independent hockey evaluators including WCS head coach and former NCAA player, Tina
Ciraulo; Travis Howe, president of Selects Hockey; Kathy Pippy, Director of Girls’ Hockey for Selects Hockey; and other professional hockey scouts. Selects Hockey is an elite hockey prospect development program owned by Selects Sports Management, Inc. Since 2003, Selects Hockey has worked with top 12 to 16-year-old hockey players across North America and Europe to expose them to all avenues of hockey in an effort to facilitate opportunities at the NCAA, Junior and Professional levels. Selects Hockey’s growing list of NHL alumni is led by future stars Matt Duchene (Colorado Avalanche), Logan Couture (San Jose Sharks), Kevin Shattenkirk (St. Louis Blues), Sam Gagner (Edmonton Oilers) and Ryan O’Reilly (Colorado Avalanche). The program has helped over 100 male and female players receive NCAA scholarships over the past 8 years to schools such as Harvard, Boston University, Boston College, Brown, Clarkson University, University of Michigan and many more.
For more information about the Selects Hockey program, please visit the website at www.selectshockey.com.
Erica Fryer
The inaugural RACE 101 Gala Awards Dinner in February will feature graduation ceremonies for the class of 2011 along with the introduction of the 2012 class.
Among the 18 eager drivers from five states and two Canadian provinces is Merlin’s own Steven Shaw Jr.
Thirteen students completed the course in 2011, and will be replaced by the incoming 18 racers. “The selection process was harder this year than ever,” said RACE 101 co-founder and instructor Tony Blanchard.
“We had more applicants than last year, and the overall quality of their resumes is impressive.”
Shaw, 24, mainly competes in the 4 cylinder modified, limited late models on South Buxton Raceway’s dirt track. Top career accomplishements include: 3 feature race wins; 26 wins total; 3rd in points 2006; 2nd place championship race 2011; and 3rd place championship race 2010. Shaw was chosen from hundreds of drivers from all across North America to receive a full scholarship to this racing school in North Carolina.
Highlights from Shaw’s 2011 racing included 12 wins, 24 top 5s, 25 top 10s, 9th in points and 2nd place championship race. In 2010 Shaw only drove in five nights and earned four wins. He did not race from 2007 to 2009. Shaw has had successful racing seasons at South Buxton excluding 2007-2009 and 2004 when he did not race. In his rookie year (2003) the teenage driver had 8 wins.
Shaw and his wife Megan have 3 children - Brooklynn, Hailey, and Shyanne. His hobbies include computer graphics, art, and of course auto racing. “I have helped with my mother in putting together a charity hot rod cruise for breast cancer,” stated Shaw.
In his profile, Shaw de-
fines his goals for this class. “My goals are to become a better, well rounded driver, a better chassis builder, and hopefully be in a touring series.”
“This will definitely be a competitive group,” said cofounder and instructor Anna Marie Strawhand. “We’ve all met online, and their enthusiasm to get started is overwhelming. I look forward to meeting them at our February class.”
The second weekend in February marks the first time two full classes converge. New students will spend Friday, Saturday, and Sunday learning while grad-
uating students will arrive Saturday for the Gala Dinner and Graduation.
“We want an event that celebrates what we are,” said co-founder and instructor Adam Ross. “Our goal is for every class to network together. The program is one year, but we have made lifelong friends. We’re so proud of the racers we’ve had the opportunity to work with. We’re excited for this event.”
The Gala Dinner and Graduation will be streamed live online at www.race101. net, and the ceremony will begin at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 11.
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
Golden Years mini golf
Forty-eight golfers combined for a total of 76 aces over 36 holes on February 2.
Murray Knox and Don Ribble led the way with 4 aces, followed by Lloyd Honey, Floyd Johnson, Angus MacRae, Neil Quick, Andy Orsini, Barry Sweet, Art Sweet, Rose Taylor and Bill Taylor with 3 each. Two dropped for Barb Arner, Kathy Bradley, Eleanor Brook, Ken Brook, Everett Burgess, Carolyn Daudlin, Pete Daudlin, Audrey Knox, Bill Ward, Shirley Thiessen, Ethel Ferguson, Mary MacRae, Barb Symes and Julia Knox. Recording 1 each were Iggy Arner, Caroline Ascott, Loretta Carter, Nancy Hill, Dorothy Johnson, Bill Mayville, Annie MacLeslie, Winnie Moore, Al Stockwell, Mary Ann Vickery, Doug Vickery, Steve Vigh and Gerrit Vriesen.
Lowest total for 18 holes was recorded by Barb Arner with a 36. Barb also enjoyed a 16 for 9 holes.
First place went to team #5 with Doug Vickery, Murray Knox and Bill Ward with a combined score of 233. Second place with a 245 went to team #14 including Marg Graham, Barry Sweet and Audry Knox. In 3rd place was team Jacks with Angus MacRae, Ken Womack and Ethel Ferguson.
Interested in joining this non-competitive league and having some fun? Just show up by 9:30 a.m. at Colasanti’s every Thursday morning, and for a $10 annual fee you can be a member and enjoy fun-filled mornings.
The peak years of mental activity are between the ages of 4 and 18. At 4 we know all the questions. At 18 we know all the answers.
Grant, Schiefer Sudds
Local musician Justin Latam’s quest for the top
Leamington musician Justin Latam has managed to turn a gift into a golden opportunity through hard work, talent and many supportive friends. Now he could use the help of everybody in Leamington.
Last October, Justin, accompanied his wife Heather, went to Ottawa to attend a songwriting seminar. For those promising enough, it included a chance to record an original song, have it critiqued, and enter it into the Radio Star National Talent Search sponsored by Astral. And that is just what Justin did: offered the opportunity, he recorded a catchy, bluesy song called Bubble Bath Time and entered it in the huge online competition. People going online at www.http://radiostar.supernova.com had the opportunity to listen to entries and vote for their favourites.
Imagine Justin’s surprise and delight when he was informed that he qualified for the finals: he was ranked in the top 50 of the 700 entries from across Canada when the first round of voting ended in January. As a finalist, Justin’s entry will be adjudicated by professionals from the many aspects of the music recording industry (including noted singer/ songwriter Dan Hill). Their assessment, along with continued voting in support of the finalists will lead the grand champion to a truly awesome group of prizes. Included are 30 hours of mixing and mastering at Metalworks Studio, professional music recording equipment and software, and, most important of all, increased exposure to a wide music audience through online radio play.
Justin Latam is a well-liked guitar teacher and a popular local performer, appearing at local venues in the past such
as the Waterfront Cafe, Bedrocks, and the Sunset Club. He is scheduled to perform at Twiggs in Emeryville on the 17th, and will be appearing at the Last Friday Coffee
House on Fri. Feb. 24 at 7 p.m. at the Cup2Mug Lounge below the Gallery Restaurant, 11 Queens Avenue in Leamington.
So, if you want a treat and would like to help a local talent reach for his dream, head to the website, have a listen to Justin’s entry and cast a vote for an up-and-coming star.
PRESENTS
AIR�SUPPLY
Friday, February 10
THE�RIGHTEOUS�BROTHERS’ BILL�MEDLEY
Friday, February 17
PETER�FRAMPTON
Friday, February 24
WHOOPI�GOLDBERG
Saturday, March 3
OPEN�TO�ALL�AGES!
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
THE��TH�DIMENSION Thursday, April 12
KEVIN�COSTNER� &�MODERN�WEST Friday, April 13
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 now!
Friday, May 18
Justin Latam
HELGA FRANCES CAIRN JANET JANICE MARILYN SUE
Ontario’s Southwest adds flavour to EDCO Awards
Culinary guide features several area locales
Ontario’s Southwest 2011 Culinary Guide was named best Tourism Specialty Brochure/Map/Guide of the year at EDCO’s 55th Annual Conference and Showcase in Toronto on Feb. 1. This publication has benefited from the dedicated collaboration of culinary tourism and design professionals who contributed their significant expertise to the project.
“Ontario’s Southwest offers an exceptional vari-
ety of culinary options and the guide reflects just how bountiful the region truly is,” said Lori Da Silva, Chair of the regional tourism organizations Board. “We are delighted the guide has been recognized as this is the first collaborative piece of nine destination marketing organizations.”
Featured in the brochure are several locations in Windsor-Essex County, Pelee Island and the neighbouring Municipality of
Chatham-Kent.
“The Culinary Guide is a huge first step in the new collaboration of all nine tourism organizations in Ontario’s Southwest. Our region is known as the breadbasket of Ontario. It makes perfect sense to work together to strengthen culinary and farm fresh food initiatives and demonstrate we are stronger together than apart,” said Joy Sim, Manager of Tourism at Economic Development for Chatham-Kent. Manager, Tourism & Economic Development for Norfolk County Clark Hoskin added: “We identi-
fied early on that each community within our region had a claim to fame when it came to food grown locally, as well as great restaurants that are committed to supporting our farmers and food producers. This differentiates us in Ontario – we grow most of the food. The Culinary Guide celebrates the many flavour destinations within Southwest Ontario.”
The Culinary Guide is currently on display at tourist destinations all over Ontario’s Southwest and a digital version is available at www.ontariossouthwestculinary.com.
Information night for farmers
Trespassers,
field
damage among topics to be addressed
The Essex County Farm Safety Association is once again sponsoring a free information evening for farmers and their families on Tuesday, February 28 at the Essex Legion, beginning at 7:00 p.m. This year the topic will be farm security.
Officers from the OPP will address the many issues of trespassers using ATVs, dirt bikes and snowmobiles causing field damage, break-ins, the gun law, hunters and dogs on posted property, etc. They will also talk about roadway issues including problems with mud on the highways during harvest.
Farmers are encouraged to come with questions. Refreshments will be served. Every farm family that brings in two used SMV signs from their machinery will receive two new ones free at the end of the evening.
Essex County Farm Safety works to educate farmers and their families in order to eliminate farm accidents and provide safety information and resources. Tickets for the annual meeting on March 28th at Colasanti’s will be also be available.
For further information call 519-723-2230 or 519-776-7476.
Two Leamington groups benefited from Windsor Essex Community Foundation
The WindsorEssex Community Foundation recently surpassed $5 million in grants since its founding in 1983.
“While this milestone is significant, what makes it noteworthy is the fact that these funds have gone to a diverse array of initiatives which have made Windsor-Essex a more vibrant and vital community” states Susan Easterbrook, Chair of the Foundation Board.
Robert F. Kennedy once said, “It is not more bigness that should be our goal. We must attempt, rather, to bring people back to… the warmth of community… and of individuals working together as a community, to better their lives and their children’s lives.” The Community Foundation facilitates this by providing a crucial link between innovative solutions and the funds volunteer organizations need to build community in Windsor-Essex. What difference have these grants made in the lives Leamington residents?
• Children perform in their first theatre production through Little Tomato Theatre (Community Impact – 2010).
• Seniors in Leamington reclaim their gathering space after having the Half Century Club’s roof repaired (FastTrack – 2010).
The Community Foundation provides the funding through a variety of endowments ranging from community impact and field of interest funds to donor advised, donor designated, scholarship and agency funds. Individuals, organizations, and corporations have partnered with the Foundation in creating these funds because they desire to build a better Windsor-Essex for generations to come.
In a recent editorial, Dr. Lloyd Brown-John of Canterbury College stated, “what is truly remarkable about WECF is the enthusiasm for creative ideas and innovative projects in the Essex-Windsor region. What is also amazing is how many community organizations the foundation [is] able to support. WECF is very quietly contributing to a better future for our communities and citizens.”
2011 J.D. POWER AND ASSOCIATES PLATINUM WORLDWIDE PLANT QUALITY AWARD RECIPIENT
CAMBRIDGE, ONTARIO (RX), KYUSHU 2 (ES, IS, RX) “PLATINUM PLANT QUALITY AWARD, WORLDWIDE (IN A TIE)”
Upgraded Package Shown.
The Southeast Leamington Dilemma
Much has been written (and said in coffee shops) about the little corner of our municipality that lies east of Mersea road 12 and south of Mersea Road 1 (and County Road 20, for a little while longer yet). The reason for all the talk is simple: with the exception of the extreme north-west corner, the entire area is designated by the Essex Region Conservation Authority as flood prone. If it weren’t for dykes and pumping stations pretty much the entire area would be covered in water after a good storm out of the south-east. Where there isn’t armour stone, the beach is eroding (and where there is armour stone some has been swallowed by the lake). The agricultural drains are very deep and must be pumped up and out to the lake after any heavy rain.
Canadian CrissCross
If you look at the map of Mersea Township in the Historical Atlas of Essex & Kent Counties (reprint edition Printed by Richardson, Bond & Wright, Ltd., Owen Sound, 1973; Edward Phelps & Ross Cumming, Editors.), you see marshland extending from roughly the southern end of what is now Mersea Road 12 diagonally north-east up to just short of the Wheatley town line; the “Point Pelee Creek” emptied into the marsh where Mersea Road 2 meets County Road 37.
But in 1953 dykes were built, drains were dug, and water was pumped to create
Co., Toronto 1881. Reprint Edition 1973.
Note the extent of the marshes in the south-east of the township
fertile farm-land. Point Pelee Drive was next to one giant dyke, while by another, less substantial dyke East Beach Road and Marentette Road were built. All gave access to shoreline cottages that eventually gave way to permanent homes. That 1953 dyke separates the marsh-
es of Point Pelee National Park from farms (that would be marsh without it) to the north. A dyke separates the Hillman Marsh Conservation Area from farms (that would be marsh without it) to the south.
Now, well more than half a century after these dykes were first built, repair is needed—substantial repair. But this is where the farmers and shoreline home owners find themselves in a cleft stick: without repairs, catastrophic dyke failure is essentially inevitable, but the repairs cost more than any group of residents (or the municipality) can afford. Legislation covering this situation is pretty clear. Dykes and drains come under the Drainage Act. Simply put, whoever benefits, pays.
So how did we find ourselves in this situation? It appears that the culprits are kindness and inflation.
Maybe the Conservation Authorities Act could have prevented this situation. It clearly demands “a regulation shall prohibit development in or on (a) hazardous lands; (b) wetlands; (c) areas that are adjacent...to the shoreline of the Great Lakes...that may be affected by flooding, erosion or dynamic beach hazards”. Two problems prevent the blame being laid at the feet of ERCA. First, most of the development occurred before this provision was law. Second, there is an ‘out’ clause: “...the authority may grant permission for development in or on the areas referred to [above]...if, in the authority’s opinion the control of flooding, erosion,...[or] dynamic beaches...will not be affected by the development.” Out of what can only be described as misplaced kindness, permission was granted in the past to convert what would have been inexpensive summer cottages into year-round homes. Suddenly the sad but endurable destruction of a summer cottage by erosion, fierce winter storms and flooding becomes the much more serious threat to the destruction of a home and the threat to the lives of the people who live in it.
Maybe the Municipality could have prevented it. The Planning Act permits municipalities to enact a temporary development freeze by-law that bans any development from a defined area. Sadly, such a by-law must (Continued on page 21)
From: Illustrated Historical Atlas of the Counties of Essex and Kent H.Belden &
Southeast Leamington
(Continued from page 20)
be temporary—only staying in force for a year—and it cannot be used as a tool to permanently prohibit development a municipality doesn’t want. Worse still, when this alternative was first contemplated after the former Mersea Township and Town of Leamington had amalgamated, disaster had already struck.
Perhaps all levels of government could have prevented it by permitting the draining economic reality of the dykes and drains to be revealed years ago. Back in 1973 needed repairs carried a price tag of $300,000, but 90% of this cost was paid not by the landowners, but by grants. Again in 1975 $500,000 was spent on repairs, and again 90% was not paid for by the benefitting landowners. As recently as 1984 over $1,000,000 was spent on shoreline protection in the Marentette drainage scheme, and once again over 75% of the cost came from the Provincial and Federal levels of government. Maybe if the landowners had not received about $1.5 million in grants during those eleven years things would be different now.
So where do we find ourselves now? Back in 2004 $777,000 in remedial work on the dykes was recommended by consultants Todgham and Case; but there were no substantial grants available and the work was not done. In October of 2008 Dillon Consulting reported that the needed repairs to Mersea Concession Road B would cost $4.5 million and the cost to repair and flood-proof Road C would be $3.6 million; but there were no substantial grants available and the work was not done. Right now, consultants are preparing a report on the dyke that separates Hillman Marsh from the farms to the south and experts are confident costs will be in the millions; and experts are confident no substantial grants will be available again.
On the one hand we have a large group of people who will be financially devastated unless one of two things happens: others pay to protect their investment, or others pay to relieve them of their investment by buying them out. On the other hand we have taxpayers who must provide the cash for either of these solutions, but who do not want to pay for the consequences of others’ decisions. That is the dilemma of southeast Leamington. It is a problem with no happy resolution—a sad story that will play itself out, but how is anybody’s guess.
Canada Summer Jobs funding available to employers
Employers are encouraged to apply for funding through the Canada Summer Jobs program to help create jobs for students this summer.
“Our government’s top priority is job creation and economic growth,” said Dave Van Kesteren, MP Chatham-Kent Essex.
“Through Canada Summer Jobs, we are helping Chatham-Kent Essex employers create much-needed summer job opportunities for students, while strengthening our community’s economy.”
Employers can apply online at www.servicecanada. gc.ca/csj2012 or print an application from the website. They can also get an application by visiting any Service Canada Centre. Applications must be submitted by February 29, 2012. To help employers complete their application, the Canada Summer Jobs Applicant Guide is available online, by calling 1-800-935-5555, or by visiting any Service Canada Centre.
Funding will be available for not-for-profit organizations, public-sector employ-
ers and small businesses to create high-quality summer job opportunities for young people aged 15 to 30 years who are full-time students intending to return to their studies in the next school year.
2
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ANTENNAS
MUSIC LESSONS at Rebel Cowboy in Wheatley. Call 519-825-3330. jn8-tfc
a.m.
and Feb. 4,
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MEETING
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Repairing Pembina Footbridge at Two Creeks
Maintenance work goes on at Two Creeks Conservation Area whatever the season - or the weather. Here Bruce Jackson and Rick Taves use jacks to raise and then level off the Pembina Footbridge, which had been moved off its moorings by the December flooding. The bridge was elevated about 20 inches; access ramps will be added later.
M.D. Bennie Students Raise Over $500 For Hospice
M.D. Bennie Public School’s student leaders organized an Arts and Craft Hearts for Hospice fundraiser for students on Friday, February 3rd. Camryn Enns (left) and Abbey Morin agreed to dye their hair pink if M.D. Bennie students met their fundraising goal of $200. Not only did they meet their goal, they exceeded it by raising more than $500 for Hospice. By donating $2, students could choose to create a colourful necklace made of noodles, a heart to glue and decorate, or a card for Hospice. Congratulations to Abbey and Camryn for leading such a fun activity for the students! Thank you to Chelsea, Eva, Adriana, Mrs. Sprague-Keane and Miss Dick. (Submitted photo)
