Southpoint Sun February 9, 2011

LDMH Foundation annual gala raises $85,000

John Ingratta made a special announcement at the 16th annual Leamington District Memorial Hospital Foundation Gala held Saturday, February 5 at the Roma Club.

Set to an Old Hollywood Glam theme, the Gala welcomed approximately 400 local supporters of the hospital’s Foundation. Ingratta, the Foundation’s Finance Chairman, announced a very successful fundraising year for the Foundation, which donated $1.6 million to Leamington District Memorial Hospital last year. Ingratta credited the fundraising initiatives of the Foundation as well as a good return on the Foundation’s investments.

Ingratta also stated that $850,000 of the $1.6M donated was earmarked for the new satellite dialysis unit at Leamington District Memorial Hospital. “After three years of waiting for all the final approvals, we have everything in place and can finish this much-needed project in our community,” said Ingratta.

Despite the snowfall and poor driving conditions on Saturday night, a good turnout helped raise another $85,000 (and counting) for the Foundation for future hospital needs.

Diane Taylor was glad she made the drive as she won the $6,500 diamond necklace and earrings sponsored by Wharram’s Jewellery.

Snow Day Means Fun Day For Local Kids

The cancellation of school across Essex County due to snow on Wednesday, February 2 meant a day of fun for area children. From the left, Kim Goyeau, Carly Goyeau, Jocelyn Goodchild, Kaylie Goodchild and Ryan Goyeau spent hours outdoors building a fort out of a snow hill. They took a break by sipping hot chocolate and enjoying each other’s company. Although the area didn’t receive as much snow as originally predicted, it was enough to cause havoc with local traffic. More snowfall graced Leamington and area on Saturday night as another four inches fell throughout the day.

Step-by-step guide to creating a budget

(NC) - To get ahead, you have to spend less than you earn. To help you do this, the following provides step-bystep guidelines to creating a budget.

1. Start with your monthly after-tax INCOME:

Write down how much money you take home each month (which is what you earn less the taxes and deductions). This is the starting point for your budget.

2. Create a list of what you NEED to pay for every month: Figure how much your necessary expenses (such as food, rent and utilities) cost you each month. Be honest with yourself about what is a necessary expense. For example, you don’t NEED satellite TV, but if you want it, you can prioritize it once you’ve figured out what are the things that you truly can’t live without.

3. Determine how much to SAVE:

Take into account that you should also be saving some of that disposable income each month. Many experts suggest putting away 10% of your gross (pre-tax) income. Know yourself. If you are not disciplined enough to set aside money every month, arrange with your bank for an automatic transfer every month to a savings account or TFSA.

4. Decide what you WANT to do with the remaining money – and if you can afford to spend it:

This is the area of your budget where you get to have fun. Think about what items, activities and other expenses you truly enjoy and want to prioritize. Make it a family decision, and get the added benefit of teaching your children sound financial habits early.

5. Track your spending and STICK to your budget:

Once you know how much money you can spend – don’t spend more. This is the most important step and can be the most difficult. In particular, watch out for impulse purchases which tend to be less about ‘needs’ and more about ‘wants’. Practice taking a ‘time out’, or cooling-off period, before you make any purchases that are on your ‘want list’.

M Mo o n n

Make your kids money smart

By Keith Damsell

You’ve got an RRSP account and a pension, but do you have a plan?

but it's important for children to know the role wealth will play in their future.

(NC) - You dream about living happily ever after in retirement, but are you taking the right steps to get there? Too often, the urgency to start thinking about retirement kicks in late. This leaves many Canadians facing the hard truth that, in order to maintain their current lifestyle as well as enjoy the retirement of their dreams, they should have started thinking about it a lot sooner.

Living with an allowance

Savings vehicles like a pension or RRSP account are great tools, but they are not a customized retirement plan.

“Relying solely on contributions to an RRSP account, along with dependence on government or employer pension programs can leave you with a lower than expected income in retirement,” says Patricia Lovett-Reid. “We need to plan now in order to ensure that we can live out the retirement we always imagined for ourselves in the future.”

Build self-sufficiency

Having a

Lovett-Reid recommends working with a trusted financial adviser to help you clearly articulate your personal financial goals that work best with your lifestyle. “Together, through ongoing discussions, you can lay out an action plan to reach your short, medium and long-term financial aspirations for you and your family.”

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.

Other plan considerations may be business succession if you’re a business owner, passing on an estate, tax planning strategies, or choosing an aggressive versus conservative investment portfolio. Retirement planning is different for everyone, and involves an integrated approach to ensure you grow into the retirement you’ve always envisioned.

The Power of Plastic Help your child learn the connection between plastic cards and real money. Start by establishing a

RSP season is an ideal time to seek the help of an adviser who can work with you to ensure your savings and investment strategy is closely aligned with your financial goals. It’s possible to live happily ever after in retirement, but with some planning in between.

(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.

The buck starts and stops with you

Money Tips

“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.”

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 may feel like only an immediate concern

RRSP checklist

(NC) - Pension income splitting can be a smart way to save on taxes, especially if you’re retired or nearing retirement. “You can split registered pension plan income with your spouse and help save taxes, but you should also make sure you don’t cause yourself other problems,” said David Ablett, a retirement planning expert. “For example, many people aren’t aware that increasing the income of the lower taxed spouse could have an impact on various credits and benefits such as claiming medical expenses.”

By Kaleigh Sainthill

(NC)-Planning for retirement can

. 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

. 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.

“Maximizing annual contributions to your RRSP is 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.

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 RRSP contributions according to your goals and risk tolerance. Take your time and choose what's best for you.

The blizzard that wasn’t

Before any snow began to fall last week, schools, businesses, councils, everyone declared themselves closed for the big snow storm that was predicted to hit the area.

Contingency plans are absolutely necessary, but after this last “let down” in weather forecasting, perhaps we need to rethink shutting down “business as usual” before we even see if it’s necessary.

The hype about the predicted “storm of the century” started Sunday and Monday warning everyone that this was going to paralyze everyday travel and life. Flights were cancelled, buses cancelled and people prepared for a much anticipated snow day. But the snow day never happened as we awoke to about 15 cm of snow and not the 30 cm as predicted. Instead of howling winds we awoke to a calm sunny morning.

Bell is a four-letter word

There was so much hype about this supposed storm that it made us wonder – will it really be that bad or is this another snowstorm blown out of proportion? With all the Doppler radar and technology, you’d think they’d be able to be more accurate. After the storm-that-wasn’t, Environment Canada was quick to defend its forecast saying that a dry cell intercepted the front and diminished much of the anticipated precipitation. Okay, but why have the last three major hyped-up storms all gone bust? We’re starting to feel like the weather forecasters are just crying wolf.

This is Canada. We are known for snow. Most people stereotype Canadians as living in igloos with snowdrifts hugging our houses. They have no idea what the weather difference is between Huntsville and Leamington. But we do and we should know better. Residents in Manitoba are probably laughing at us for shutting down after only 15 cm of snow!

The truth is that nobody knows exactly when a snowstorm will hit and how hard it will hit. All the technology in the world is no match for Mother Nature. It’s going do what she decides, when she decides and for as long as she wants. We need to put on our snowmobile boots and toques, grab our shovels and remember that snow happens!

I was reminded of my disdain for this monster monopoly last week with the recent CRTC ruling that Bell can now start charging for internet by the usage. Another great big giant money grab for the company that earns billion dollar profits, one service charge at a time. The CRTC has agreed to review the Bell proposal again before allowing them to proceed with the usage billing. It buys us (the consumer) a little more time anyway...

I know so many people who share my resentment for Bell, but what can I do, I need them. I really do have a love-hate relationship with Bell. That is, I love to hate them. I have Bell satellite, home phone and Bell Mobility - our Bell bill is more than our hydro bill in the middle of January - so apparently I really love to hate them.

A co-worker has been battling with Bell service for the past couple of months trying to straighten out their mistakes in billing. That’s when I decided to Google “I hate Bell”. OMG! There are pages of websites and blogs dedicated to complaining about Bell. And they are not nice to Bell…

In addition to the websites, there is also an “I hate Bell” Facebook page. The introduction to the Facebook page reads: “I was doing some browsing and was never actually aware of how many “I hate Bell” groups there are. I didn’t think anyone else hated Bell when I first created this group, so I never looked. I’m amazed by how much ‘anti-support’ there is here. Thank you, and by all means, join other BELL hate groups too! (I do not condone hate towards peoples, just stupid companys)”

I’m not proud to dislike anything like this, but honestly, for a communications giant, they don’t communicate very well! If you have ever tried to use their automated system, it’s futile… And, if you’re lucky enough to talk to a live human being, apparently, they really don’t care about your problem.

If the CRTC does allow the usage based billing, it will affect everyone who uses the internet. Whether you use Bell or not, the smaller companies that provide internet service will have to pay Bell, and you in turn, will be charged. I think this is Bell’s retaliation to people who have discontinud their home phones and satellite service and use internet sites. Basically, no matter what you do, you are going to be paying Bell and paying Bell and paying Bell… Maybe I should stop complaining and just invest in Bell stock!

Annalee Chopchik

Age 13

“Mommy and Daddy because they always do things for me and I don’t always do things for them, so I have a special plan for Valentine’s Day.”

S Soouutthhppooiinnt t S Saayyss. . ....

Who is your special Valentine?

Allison Chopchik

Age 11

“Nana and Papa because Papa always comes to do music at the school and they take care of us.”

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

Lights at Talbot and Oak should remain

In your Council Report (Jan.19), specifically under Miscellany, it was reported that Councillor Verbeke asked about lights at Clark and Erie, and suggested the two crosswalk lights at Talbot and Oak might “be used to better effect” there. I disagree and would request the councillor to think again. We are continually being urged to become more active, and the greenway and suchlike is an important feature in this. Lights at busy streets along the trail make its use safer, especially for persons such as some of the elderly and those with a visual disability who may not move as swiftly as others.

Speaking personally, I find great security in crossing Talbot by the high school or hospital on a light-controlled crossing.

– John Coggans, Leamington

Photo Clarification

President of the club at that time was M. Wigle. The photo was submitted by Peter Fredericks.

Eric Willan Age 9

“It’s kinda hard to pick, but my mom because I like the way she treats me and how she took care of me for all those years.”

Owenn Flaming Age 3

“Mommy because she’s pretty and nice. I love Mommy.”

The voice of the wild

‘No news is good news’, ‘time heals all wounds’, ‘two’s company, three’s a crowd’. These are all familiar sayings that came to my mind when I arrived home from our vacation. Here is the ‘long short of it’.

We arrived home late one evening this past week to a clean and organized house. Of course, in the back of my mind this had me questioning what the heck went on since we left three young men alone. The couple of texts I received while away may have tipped me off to some distress. “We have an ant situation here and the garburator is broken” to be specific.

Needless to say, all was running seemingly smooth, except for the fact I was one billet short. There were no parties, all animals were alive and well, but my son and one of the boys got ‘under each other’s skin’.

I must admit both Mark and I miss him here, but we have to be realistic. If they were brothers, there would have been many more battles. Sure there is the day-to-day stuff, but in the last year only twice have things come to a head and both times when we have been away.

It reminds me of the book The Lord of The Flies. Without the structure that Mark and I provide, they competed for a leadership role. As Golding, the book’s author said, “Only one thing keeps people from reverting back to a primal state of consciousness and action – society.”

Don’t get me wrong, they didn’t eat each other or physically fight, but argued. And wouldn’t you know it? This all happened days before his parents were coming up for a visit.

We were invited for dinner with his parents and a younger brother, and thank goodness all of us attended with the same intentions. To visit and ‘let bygones be bygones’ because we all know it ‘takes two to tango’.

Unfortunately at Saturday night’s game, Jeff, our billet, was injured. It was hard for Mark and I not to be at the hospital with him, but his parents and brother were there. Later they were able to join us along with the rest of the team at José’s. As we sat and visited I couldn’t help but nudge his parents and point out the fact our boys were hanging out together.

The ‘rule of thumb’ is that ‘variety is the spice of life’ and we are all different, thank goodness. They are not brothers and don’t have to ‘put up’ with stuff. Better yet they are friends, and forgive and get over it.

All is ‘ship shape’ and hopefully will be for a while, or at least ‘till the cows come home’.

In the February 2nd issue of The Southpoint Sun, the headline for the old photo on page 17 was inadvertently left out. The picture was of the Leamington Rotary Club –1954-55.

Helping local greenhouse growers grow “green”

After the launch of several successful greenhouse automation products for growers in Canada, the United States and internationally, a Leamington automation manufacturer introduces a system for treating and recycling fertilized irrigation runoff.

Climate Control Systems of Leamington is introducing its newest technology - the Fertigation Treatment System. The potential contamination of surface and groundwater from runoff presents a major challenge for the greenhouse industry. Growers rely heavily on the use of fertilizers, as well as water, to produce quality crops. As a result, these operations can pose a threat to natural water resources.

“The Fertigation Treatment System is an irrigation wastewater collection system, treated by a special media filtration, delivering clean filtered water to storage tanks. This filtered water is then treated to kill bacteria, pathogens, and viruses with a patented Plasma Ozone Sterilization technology,” said Eric Labbate, CEO Climate Controls Systems.

For vegetable greenhouses the annual water usage per area was more than two times higher under no recirculation than that under recirculation. For floral crop greenhouses the annual water usage per area was close to eight times higher under no recirculation than that under recirculation.

Fertilizer use was calculated using nitrogen input in the cropping system throughout the year. For floral crop production, the annual fertilizer usage was 242.4 kg of N/hectare under recirculation and 881.2 kg of N/hectare under no recirculation. For vegetable production, the annual fertilizer usage was 680.2 kg of N/hectare under recirculation and 3257.0 kg of N/hectare under no recirculation.

Collecting, treating and recycling greenhouse effluent is one of the best solutions to this environmental problem. After some extensive research and development the Fertigation Treatment System will save the greenhouse grower 30% irrigation water costs and as much as 40% reduced fertilizer costs. These savings have been confirmed by a number of installations.

Many states and provinces now require a water discharge permit to control irrigation runoff. These permits regulate the level of discharge that flows into surface and groundwater reserves. In many situations quantitative discharge standards are vague and each case is based by the best professional judgment of the regulatory agency

Proposed Sign By-law

Take notice that Council of The Corporation of the Municipality of Leamington will consider a by-law to regulate the size, use, location, construction and maintenance of signs within the Municipality of Leamington:

Date of Public Meeting:Monday, February 21, 2011

Time: 7:00 p.m.

Location: Leamington Council Chambers 38 Erie St. N., Leamington

Council Report, CL/02/11 which includes a copy of the proposed by-law, is available at the Leamington Municipal Office, 38 Erie Street North (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.) or on Leamingtonʼs website www.leamington.ca under Public Notices.

If you have questions regarding the report or proposed by-law, please contact the Clerkʼs Department at 519-326-5761.

Kim Siddall, Manager of Corporate Services Phone: (519) 326-5761, Ext. 231

This advanced technology for wastewater treatment saves greenhouse growers thousands of dollars in water and fertilizer costs and will pay for itself within a very short period of time. Climate Controls Systems is helping the greenhouse industry grow “green” and reduce waste water dumping in local streams and lakes and meet government regulation for fertilizer wastewater runoff.

Climate Control Systems Inc. has been manufacturing greenhouse automation computer systems since 1985 from its Wilkinson Drive location and Labbate has been “inventing’ for more than 40 years. Its major products are the Climate Manager™, Fertigation Manager™ and Fertigation Treatment™ Systems. For more information contact Labbate at 519-3222515 or email labbate@ mnsi.net.

Eric Labatte checks the system for treating and recycling fertilized irrigation runoff

Irrigation wastewater collection system

Eric Labatte with the patented Plasma Ozone Sterilization technology

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

The kindness of a mail delivery man

One of the necessities of winter is that homeowners are advised to keep their driveway clear, if not for an unexpected medical emergency by ambulance to hospital (heaven forbid), but for mail delivery. As the saying goes: “Neither rain nor snow nor sleet or hail, no matter the weather, the mail will prevail.” You have to give the mail carriers credit because they just don’t let us down. During the recent snowfall, we awoke one morning knowing that clearing the driveway was the first thing on order for the day. We sometimes use the snow-blower, but as it was early morning we preferred not to wake up the neighbourhood and decided to go for it with shovel and snow scoop, throwing in a good hour of exercise. We don’t have an estate size property by a long shot, but for two old wrinklies like us (a.k.a. seniors), just clearing a double width 40-foot driveway by shovel or scoop can sometimes be exhaustive.

It was still snowing when we began clearing the driveway with our usual enthusiasm. We noticed the mail carrier truck delivering mail to the house across the road earlier than usual. My husband commented, “I suppose getting the mail early is okay if you’re getting a cheque but not so nice if it’s a tax bill, right?”

After the mail truck backed out from that house, it stopped at the bottom of our driveway, and rather than drive up to the mailbox to deliver our mail, the mail carrier walked up, remarking humorously as he walked by, “Boy, you’ve got your work cut out for you.” He was not our regular driver and we had never seen this young man before. He was cheerful and very nice. As he was about to re-enter his truck, he turned around and walked back in my direction. Directing his open hand towards my snow scoop, he said “Here, let me do that for you.” At the back of my mind I was wondering if he would get into trouble by leaving his truck to do this. I tried to resist his kindness, but my resistance rested on deaf ears as he took the shovel from me, saying that he too needed the exercise. We were absolutely astounded by his kindness, as well as his evident young strength as he very quickly finish the rest of the driveway in less than 3 minutes. He gave the scoop back to me and said, “Here you go, now you have a good weekend.” He waved as he drove on to his next delivery.

How often does a perfect stranger say, “Here, let me do that for you”? You know, too many people complain about our postal service, but we know full well that mail is delivered no matter what weather, while most of us are indoors, cozy and warm. This young man should be credited with his kindness. I wish I knew his name. If he reads this column – “Thank you so very much. You made our day so much better” – even though we did in fact get the tax bill that day.

– Joan Brentnall, Leamington

may be emailed to sun@southpointsun.ca

We will call to verify each letter’s authenticity.

I can now get my “licks” in on Ferguson Jenkins

Fergie Jenkins, our backyard superstar, who left Chatham and eventually landed in baseball stardom, came home this past weekend. He’s been pretty good about not forgetting Chatham. He was the guest of honour for a charity luncheon that was in his name and for the release of the official commemorative Ferguson Jenkins postage stamp. That’s fitting tribute for a two-time Cy Young winner and a Hall of Famer.

Weese’s Weese’s Pieces Pieces

Leamington Council Shorts - February 7

By Bill Chaplin, Municipal Correspondent Communications Committee Appointment

No question, Fergie has done an awful lot on and off the field. On the field, he was in command, competitive and an unquestionable winner. Off the field, he wasn’t always in command of good judgment, but over a number of years his efforts in charity have enhanced the lives of many.

I’m less angry with Fergie Jenkins than I was a few years ago. My disgust with our sporting hero occurred the day I was to pick him up from the airport in Detroit. My official duty as a dinner committee member was to deliver him to Chatham and then to our sport dinner in Dresden the next evening. His estimated arrival time came and went. I drove around and around and around and around that airport loop for well over an hour while waiting for him to exit the arrival doors and hop into my vehicle. This was all planned, discussed and agreed on. Finally, as I was making one of my umpteen laps in the Fergie 500, the Transportation Safety Administration sheriffs, marshals, whatever, became suspicious of my activity and pulled me over – lights, sirens, speaker, the whole nine yards. You would have thought that I was Bin Laden himself. One officer scaled my car, sliding his back against the rear of my vehicle as he made his way up to my window, while his partner stood facing the back of my car with his hand on his holster. It was like something you see in the movies and it was one of the scariest, crapyour-pants moments of my life. The cop began screaming at me, and finally I broke down emotionally and gave up trying to tell them what I was doing. I just shut down. From this, they must have taken pity on me as an innocent dweeb or something and advised me to park in a designated lot and to take a shuttle to the terminal. I did exactly as they suggested.

I discovered, after waiting another hour inside the terminal, that Fergie was not only not there, he wasn’t going to be there for me.

I called a couple of people back in Chatham who I knew were friends of Jenkins and left my cell number in the event he contacted them. A bit later that evening, while I stumbled around Metro Airport, again looking like a lost idiot, I got a phone call. It was from a buddy of Jenkins who informed me that my guest had decided to take an earlier flight and made arrangements for someone else to pick him up. Nice. Not only did he completely screw me around, he didn’t even check in at the hotel in Chatham that we had provided for him. That was another waste of money and effort.

The next evening at the banquet, Fergie Jenkins made his “pitch” to the hundreds of folks gathered at the Dresden Sports Hall of Fame dinner. He was charming as ever, told some old baseball stories, talked about growing up in Chatham and, yes, he talked about me. Nope. It wasn’t an apology. Instead, he threw me under the bus as the guy who couldn’t find a six foot five black guy with a tall white cowboy hat. The crowd laughed – well, all but one member of the audience.

And they give this guy a stamp? ☺

Leamington Council has appointed Kerry O’Neill as the university student representative to the Communications Committee.

Vehicle Auction

In response to a question from Councillor Larry Verbeke, CAO Bill Marck said that a tentative date for the auction of surplus police vehicles is March 5th. The location of the auction has not been set yet in hopes of finding somewhere with sufficient parking space for what is anticipated to be a large turnout.

Employee Complaints

The municipality has long had an employee complaint policy that sets out in precise detail how all employee complaints are to be resolved. Acting on a recommendation from the most recent town audit, however, Chief Administrative Officer Bill Mark has proposed that the policy be modified to state that employees will be protected from retaliation subsequent to a complaint. Council unanimously endorsed the change.

Snow storm kept sculpturer busy last week

Fernando DaCruz poses with one of his snow/ice sculptures that he creates each winter. Pictured at top left is the frog which sits in his front yard at 105 Wilkinson Drive. In the backyard are a lion, a heart-shaped Valentine face and others. Fernando has been making these icy creations for about 30 years and loves sharing them with visiters who stop by to admire his work.

(SUN Photos)

Ice wonders on Wilkinson

By Sheila McBrayne

If the six-foot frog statue on the front lawn at 105 Wilkinson Drive has caught your attention this winter, you have to pull in to see the backyard!

Fernando DaCruz has been busy this winter making beautiful snow and ice sculptures. Last week’s snowfall of 15 centimetres on Tuesday, February 1 gave Fernando a lot more material for his creations. Fernando, 77, is a retired cement layer who worked for 25 years with Gerhard Epp in the Leamington/Wheatley area. Fernando has four more ice sculptures in his backyard and was working on a 10-foot dinosaur on Thursday. His creations take about one or two days to complete. His only tools are a shovel and a brick-laying trowel. Fernando usually makes about eight to ten sculptures a year. He already lost three this year when the temperature rose in December and melted his masterpieces. Lost to the high temperatures were a boy and girl soccer player and a mermaid. Fernando has been making the magnificent ice figures for about 30 years. “It’s just a hobby. I like the fresh air and the exercise. It’s good to keep moving,” he said. Fernando has a photo collection of his masterpieces over the years. He doesn’t mind people pulling in and checking out his backyard. In fact, he says about 1,000 people stop by each year to check out his sculptures. When spring comes, Fernando has no problem saying good bye to his creations as he prepares for his summer vacations in his home country, Brazil.

Rescuing Tom Hitch: a hawk’s tale

Special to the Southpoint Sun By

Alex Douma

Emma, my precocious granddaughter, is really keen on environmental etiquette. Throwaway wrappers and plastic wrap for school lunches have not touched her food container for several years, and she is only 9 years old. This is her part in saving the planet as well as protecting and harbouring every living thing in it. Her attitude towards the environment has a real impact on an old guy like me who grew up during a time when most resources were plentiful, easily renewable and not scarce. She lives just down the road, 3 minutes away by car from my wife and myself, so like most grandparents our lives are enriched by her frequent visits, and we never cease to be astounded by her freedom and willingness to share stories about all her animals.

Fortunately, we live in a secluded area along the north shore of Lake Erie where wildlife abounds and raccoons, opossums, eagles, deer and hawks, along with countless varieties of other birds that use the Point Pelee flyway are not uncommon. Even though sightings of wildlife are regular occurrences, the excitement and wonder of it all still pervades every time it happens. Consequently, our conversations and storytelling with Emma regularly includes the wildlife in our midst.

One particular sighting was more unusual than others and brought us, the environment and the bird kingdom a little closer together. It began at 4:30 p.m. during a fly trip to Faubert’s Meat Market, 5 minutes away, with our dog Tae. As I turned the curve on Cemetery Road I spotted a large bird perched stealthily on a clump of dirt on the passenger side of the gravel road. I drove by, but stopped and backed up when I realized what I had seen. After exiting the vehicle I gingerly approached the bird, obviously a hawk. As I did, the bird spread its right wing and opened its curved, razor-sharp beak. The left wing never moved and hung down somewhat. For lack of a better thing to say, I asked the hawk, “Are you injured?” and received a glue-like stare from intense, yellow, piercing eyes. Feeling considerably restrained by the size and threatening posture of the hawk, I sensed that to leave it would be curtains for my newfound feathered friend. As I squatted on the side of the road, my predicament slowly began to unfold.

Our dog, a poodle cocker spaniel mix, is senile and deaf and not aware enough to be threatened by anything placed in the rear of the station wagon I was driving. For the first time in my life I was grateful for my procrastination habit. Four large zippered-together mosquito-net panels were still lumped in a pile on the floor of the back seat from my purchase at a secondhand store three weeks before. One of the panels was quickly unzipped and thrown fishnet-style over the hawk to immobilize it. Deceivingly lighter in weight than it looked, I whisked the bird, without protest, away to the meat market before their 5 p.m. closing. At this time I

Facebook. 44 Sturgeon Meadows, Leamington, Ontario Bus: 519-322-1561 Cell: 519-990-9938 E-mail: howudoingiftbaskets@bell.net www.howudoingiftbaskets.com

was unsure of the next step. At the market, my purchases were quickly made when the idea of taking it to the local veterinarian’s office before closing time at 5 p.m. came to me. An injured hawk would not last long in my house with two cats and a dog.

Arrival at the veterinarian’s office was done with 3 minutes to spare before closing. Christina Beleutz, the veterinarian assistant, disappeared for about one minute after I explained the situation and what I had brought in the back of my vehicle. She returned, affirming that they would house the hawk in a cage until the veterinarian could examine it the next morning. I could hardly contain my excitement as I ventured home with the mother of all

(Continued on Page 11)

Tom Hitch

2011 FLYERS UPDATE

The 83 shots the Flyers registered against Lambton Shores is a league high for the most shots in one game this season… Flyers defenceman Jeff Lobman is out indefinitely after suffering a separated shoulder on Saturday night… Flyers forward Cheyne Matheson has scored a pair of goals in three of the last seven games… A reminder to all Flyers alumni that if you wish to attend the game on Thursday night please RSVP at www.leamingtonflyers.com.

flyers win 2 out of 3...

By Melissa McCarty

The Leamington Flyers had a busy schedule last week playing three games in three nights and they won two of the three matchups to gain further ground in the standings with only two weeks left in the regular season.

On Thursday the Flyers took to the ice after a weeklong hiatus and fortunately the break didn’t affect them as they skated to a 8-2 win over the Lambton Shores Predators. Chris Scott and Tony Spidalieri led the Flyers with two goals apiece while singles went to Cheyne Matheson, Ryan Crevatin, Kody Polin and Tyler Quigley. Eric Mayor chipped in with three assists while goaltender Colin Greeley earned his 15th win of the season. The Flyers outshot the Predators 83-16.

The last-place Predators have only four wins on the season and the last time the two teams met the Flyers scored four goals on the first five shots of the game and had a 6-0 lead at the end of the first period. So it was a little surprising on Thursday when the score was tied 2-2 at the end of the first.

“Early on we made a couple bonehead mistakes,” admitted Flyers head coach Tony Piroski. “We were working hard with our legs but our brains were asleep. But then we got it together and played well for the rest of the game.”

On Friday night the Flyers traveled to St. Marys for the first game in a home-and-home with the Lincolns, who they could possibly meet in the first round of the playoffs.

The Flyers had a 2-1 lead at the end of the first period on goals from Kyle Bowman and Dylan Solecki, but the Lincolns scored three unanswered goals including an empty netter late in the third to win 4-2. Fortunately the Flyers only had to wait 24 hours for a chance at redemption and they turned their frustration from losing on Friday night into motivation for winning on Saturday night as they doubled up on the Lincolns 6-3.

Kyle Bowman tallied two goals and one assist, Cheyne Matheson had a pair of goals and Matt Ogden and Alex Seguin added singles. Nick Nicodemo and Ryan Crevatin each had three assists while goalie Colin Greeley made 20 saves in net. The Flyers special teams played exceptionally well as they scored two shorthanded goals and two powerplay goals. Flyers forward Kyle Bowman said the team realizes the importance of each game but admitted that Friday’s loss made them even more hungry to win on Saturday.

PLAYER PROFILE

“Friday’s loss left a bitter taste for everyone,” said Bowman, who has six points in the last four games. “There was a lot of animosity going into this game so to really put it to them for three periods, I think it gave the fans a nice glimpse of what kind of team to expect come playoff time.”

With only six games remaining in the regular season, Flyers captain Nick Nicodemo said the team isn’t focused on the standings or who they might play in the first round of playoffs.

“We know that our fate is in our hands at this point but we’re just trying to play hard and win games,” Nicodemo said. “There isn’t any team we would prefer to play in the playoffs because we can beat anyone when we’re at the top of our game.”

The Flyers have a busy schedule this week as they play four games in six days. Tuesday they travelled to St. Thomas, they are home to LaSalle on Thursday and they visit Sarnia on Saturday and Chatham on Sunday.

FLYERS FLASHBACKS

Front row (l - r): Paul Anthony, Dennis Miner, Tim Omstead, Jamie Stickney, Jim Ferguson, Wayne Beneteau. Middle row: Ted Hannigan, Rob Johnston, Jerry Brooks, Jerry Knox, Dennis Martin, Jack Harfman, Tim Towle, Dennis Koestler, Bob Chapman, Carl Stadler, Jim Bradley. Back row: Mark Omstead, Dennis Bonnett, Ward Hutchins, John Emerson, Terry Quick, Mark Matheson, Barry Colenutt. (Photo courtesy of Bob Platsko)

Rescuing Tom Hitch: a hawk’s tale

(Continued from Page 9)

adventures in my head, but I decided not to tell Emma until I was certain that the hawk was going to live. After all, no one likes to hear a story where the main character dies right away. Pharmacists, doctors, veterinarians and bankers are all well known in small villagestheir livelihood depends on their gregarious personalities.

Fred Rhoads, the veterinarian, was no exception, and the following day he placed the hawk on the examination table shortly after I arrived. I took several photos so I would be able to show Emma.

Interestingly enough, an aluminum band was visibly secure on its left foot. Fred’s 40 years plus experience honed directly in on the problem. “A compound fracture of the humerus,” he blurted out. “I can and will repair this bird with a titanium rod,” he exclaimed knowingly and asked Christina to show me an x-ray of an operation he had performed where he had inserted a titanium rod. I felt relieved. “But first things first,” he added. Fred’s keen observation skills detected that the hawk had not eaten for who knows how long and that it needed more strength to survive the operation. He then opened a tin of high protein cat food and solicited one of his errant cats for hair. A brush was used to accumulate more cat hair and this was mixed with the cat food, rolled together in a ball and shoved down the hawk’s gullet with a popsicle stick. Considerable care had to be taken to open the sharp, curved beak without injury. Thankfully, I watched the hawk swallow. “In the wild,” Fred explained, “hawks have to digest all sorts of hair, bones and feathers and their digestive system secretes hydrochloric acid to perform this function. If I did not mix the cat hair with the food, the acid would eat away at the hawk’s insides.”

“Fence posts,” he continued, “are one of the worst enemies of the hawk and probably the reason for the trauma this bird is experiencing. As they swoop down to catch their prey, if not careful the hawks impale themselves on protruding objects.”

Regular feedings were given to the hawk for the next few days until Fred decided that it was strong enough to survive surgery. Christina informed me that Fred made a special trip on Thanksgiving Sunday to feed the bird. Bonding was taking place. Also, Christina’s follow-up on the hawk’s band indicated that the bird had been banded in Maryland, USA. My relief had been well-founded when I learned that the hawk survived the surgery and was doing well. Fred was energized having attended such an unusual patient.

Emma was so ecstatic when she heard her grandpa helped save such an elusive bird that she had to hear the story twice. A name was absolutely necessary and “Hitch”, as in hitchhiker, was decided on. What we did not realize was that Fred’s bonding with the bird inspired him to name the bird “Tom”, as in tomahawk. For us, a comprised name of Tom Hitch seemed appropriate.

Permission was granted for Emma to visit the injured Tom Hitch before his transfer to another facility more conducive to recuperating birds of prey. Our final good-bye was met with an icy stare from intense, yellow, piercing eyes.

Trips to Windsor now, along #3 bypass, are filled with delight since our awareness of red-tailed hawks has grown immeasurably – “Hey! There’s a Hitch!”

Early Spring according to Wiarton Willie

Last week’s snowstorm on Wednesday, February 2, made it difficult for Wiarton Willie who failed to see his shadow on Groundhog Day, therefore predicting an early spring.

Groundhog Day has its origins in ancient Europe where a badger or sacred bear was used to gauge weather predictions.The earliest reference to a groundhog seeing his shadow is in the 1841 diary of a Pennsylvania store owner.

But the accuracy of the groundhog forecasters, including Punxsutawney Phil, is suspect. A Canadian study for 13 cities in the past 30 to 40 years puts the success rate level at 37%. That’s pretty bad considering you can flip a coin and have at least a 50% chance of being right.

Totally random trivia

In bathrooms all over the country the debate rages onshould the toilet paper roll be hung with the paper hanging over or under?

According to Wikipedia, in surveys of consumers and of bath and kitchen specialists, 60-70% of respondents prefer over.

Emma Douma visits a recovering Tom Hitch

Listen Saturdays at 6 pm and Sundays at 1 pm to the Mix 96.7 Hit List. Email hitlist@mix967.ca to vote for the song you think should be #1! This WeekLast Week ArtistSong Title 11Katy PerryFirework 22Pink Raise Your Glass 35Train Marry Me 43Plain White T’sRhythm of Love 54One RepublicSecrets 68Sick PuppiesMaybe 76UsherDJ Got Us Falling In Love 810ScriptFor The First Time 99RihannaOnly Girl In The World 107Bruno MarsJust The Way You Are 1112 Bruno Mars Grenade 1211Taio CruzDynamite 1315Pink Perfect 1413Nelly Just A Dream 1519Taylor SwiftBack To December 1618Avril LavigneWhat The Hell 1716KeshaWe R Who We R 1814Neon TreesAnimal 1917Maroon 5Give A Little More 2020Enrique IglesiasI Like It

Listen to Mix 96.7 on your smart phone anytime, anywhere, search Blackburn radio at the App store, it’s free!

Leamington Council Shorts - February 7

Lost and Found

Peralta and Associates prepared a drainage engineers report for council as a result of a resolution of council from last June. The purpose was “so the cost of future maintenance works on [the Setterington Drain could] be more fairly assessed”. The last drainage report dated back to 1977, and since then the abandonment of the rail corridor, the closing of a branch drain, and many severances resulted in 20 acres of land being ‘lost’. All of this came to light when a landowner received permission to swap two parcels of land in that drainage scheme and someone noticed that proof of drainage would be required since the property was no longer connected to the drain.

To make a long story short, the engineers have sorted out property ownership and drainage assessment, and have ‘found’ the missing 20 acres. So, now future maintenance of the drain should be fairly and equitably assessed, perhaps for the next quarter century. The matter was passed by Council without comment.

Land Offer

The municipality has received an offer from the Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers Association for an acre and a half of land on Seneca Drive. They want to locate their administrative offices there. The property is currently zoned heavy industrial and is part of a large parcel of vacant land originally developed with the goal of enticing industrial development to Leamington with serviced, suitably zoned land ready for immediate construction. Unfortunately for the developer, significant demand did not materialize, and the property the growers association is interested in is part of a larger lot that became vested in the municipality for unpaid back taxes. Sale of the land would not recoup all of the back taxes for the municipality, but would recover a substantial portion. Council, who had been aware of the interest in the property, approved offering it for sale for $63,000.

HIGH QUALITY LICENSED CHILD CARE

MUSICAL BIRTHDAYS

In 1961, Vince Neil of Motley Crue

In 1962, Garth Brooks, country singer

In 1942, Carole King, singer, songwriter

In 1937, Roberta Flack, pop singer

In 1963, Sheryl Crow, singer

In 1979, Brandy, pop singer

In 1981, Kelly Rowland of Destiny's Child

In 1952, Michael McDonald of The Doobie Brothers

In 1959, Per Gessle of Roxette

In 1968, Chynna Phillips of Wilson Phillips

SONGS TO HIT #1 THIS WEEK

Mariah Carey- 'Thank God I Found You.'(2000)

Right Said Fred- 'I'm Too Sexy' (1992)

C & C Music Factory - 'Gonna Make You

Sweat' (1991)

Paula Abdul- 'Opposites Attract' (1990)

Paula Abdul- 'Straight Up' (1989)

Madonna- 'Open Your Heart' (1987)

Madonna- 'Like A Virgin' (1985)

Kool & The Gang- 'Celebration' (1981)

Rod Stewart- 'Da Ya Think I'm Sexy' (1979)

Paul Simon- '50 Ways To Leave Your Lover' (1976)

The Ohio Players- 'Fire' (1975)

Al Green- 'Let's Stay Together' (1972)

Shocking Blue- 'Venus' (1970)

The Supremes/Temptations- 'TBC' (1969)

MUSIC EVENTS ON THIS DATE

2009, Led Zeppelin singer Robert Plant was the big winner at the Grammy awards winning 5 2009, Ringo Starr was added to the Hollywood Walk Of Fame

2009, R&B singer Chris Brown was questioned by police in Los Angeles over a complaint of assault of pop star girlfriend Rihanna.

2008, Amy Winehouse was the big winner at the Grammy Awards winning five 2006, U2 won big with 5 Grammy Awards 2005, Prince topped Rolling Stone magazine’s annual list of the year’s biggest money earners after his huge 2004 tour.

2004, Queen's single 'We Will Rock You' named "greatest rock anthem of all time" in a poll.

2004, Diana Ross was sentenced to two days in jail after pleading 'no contest' to a drink driving charge.

1998, Rocker Axl Rose charged with disorderly conduct following a row with an airport baggage handler

1997, David Bowie received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

1997, Brian Connolly singer of Sweet died of kidney and liver failure aged 47.

1997, Securty men threw Spice Girls Ginger and Sporty off stage after they tried joining Blur on stage.

1994, Oasis were forced to cancel their first foreign tour after they were deported from Holland after a drunken brawl on a ferry.

1992, Motley Crue fired singer Vince Neil 1976, Elvis Presley was made a police reserve for the Memphis police.

1974, record producer Phil Spector was injured in a car crash and needed extensive plastic surgery.

1969, John Lennon was named as Rolling Stone’s ‘Man Of The Year’.

1969, Doors singer Jim Morrison was arrested for drunk driving and driving with no license.

1964, The Beatles made their US live debut on 'The Ed Sullivan Show'

Sanitary Sewer Plans Revised

Council was presented with an extensive report on the history of sanitary sewers (and plans for sanitary sewers) in the area of Robson Road and the Bevel Line. Essentially all of the farmland from Cherry Lane over to Bevel Line is planned for residential development as well as the lands above the flood plain between the Bevel Line and Sturgeon Creek. In addition, it has long been acknowledged that residences and cottages along Point Pelee Drive must be switched from septic systems to sanitary sewers for environmental reasons. All this requires decisions about whose flow will take what route to the Pollution Control Centre on Seacliff Drive.

What engineering is recommending to council is that the farmland east of Malibu Drive and immediately north of the homes along Robson Road to the golf course be part of the existing sanitary sewer system, and that all the lands bordering the Bevel Line as well as the entire length of Point Pelee Drive be serviced by a sanitary trunk line to be built along the Bevel Line.

The report occasioned concern on the part of DeputyMayor Charlie Wright, who felt that the northern portion of land under development by Grossi Construction should have been included in the Robson Road sanitary trunk rather than land proposed for development by Santos Construction. After much debate and clarification by administration, the proposed boundaries were passed by Council with Deputy-Mayor Wright still opposed.

Proposed Changes to Sign By-Law

In the absence of Director of Corporate Services, Brian Sweet, who researched and wrote the proposed by-law, CAO Bill Marck presented a report to council Monday night about signs. “It is necessary to update the existing by-laws to have one by-law apply to the entire municipality and to bring the by-law into conformity with recent amendments to the Municipal Act, 2001, the Ontario Building Code Act and the municipality’s comprehensive zoning by-law.” He also took the opportunity to ‘update’ fees and fines that would be associated with the new by-law. While the penalties would not take effect until approved by the Province, the proposal is as follows:

1. Sign Permit (except portable and billboard signs) –$75.00 per facade or ground sign

2. Billboard Signs – $150.00

3. Portable Sign or Renewal – $50.00 each

4. Application for Sign Variance – $100.00

5. Removal of Sign (except portable) – Actual cost ($50.00 minimum charge)

6. Removal of Portable Sign and Storage – $80.00 plus after 5 days storage, $10.00 per day

Charities would be exempt from permit fees when advertising an event, as would other non-profit or governmental entities (like the municipality itself).

The report proposed a public meeting to receive input about the by-law on February 21st, and Mr. Marck informed council that all of the local sign companies had been given a draft copy of the by-law to review prior to that date.

Members of council were most interested in the proposed by-law, since complaints about signs are fairly common. Councillor Jacobs questioned whether portable signs advertising commercial enterprises would be permitted on residential lots, since he could not explicitly find reference to this problem in the by-law. The answer was “no”. Councillor Atkin referred to the update and consolidation as “long overdue” and confessed to looking forward to the public meeting. Councillor MacDonald expressed concern about directional signs (to special events like flea markets) not being allowed, while Councillor Verbeke wondered if the sign were on a County Road whether or not the municipal by-law would apply. (Apparently there is a ‘pecking order’, and the sign would have to comply with County sign requirements.) Deputy-Mayor Wright emphasized that “consistency in enforcement is a priority”. Members of the public can find the draft by-law on the municipal website, or can get a copy of it at the town hall.

Queen Elizabeth School a leader in Trash-to-Cash recycling

By Sheila McBrayne

A Leamington school is leading the Trash-to-Cash contest, launched by TerraCycle. The contest began December 1, 2010 and ends April 1, 2011 and includes more than 2,500 schools across Canada, including 29 in Essex County.

A total of $1,200 will be awarded for the most efficient schools. How well is Queen Elizabeth P.S. doing? Well, if the contest stopped today, Queen Elizabeth Public School in Leamington would be awarded $400.

The purpose of this contest (and of the TerraCycle programs) is to divert non-recyclable waste from landfills. TerraCycle upcycles or recycles these materials and to raise money for charity as 2¢ per item is given for the school or non-profit of the collector’s choice!

Since January 2010, the “Knights of the Green Table”, the Green Team of Queen Elizabeth Public School in Leamington, already collected more than 10,000 drink pouches and cookies wrappers and were awarded $200 recently by Kraft Foods, which sponsors these specific collections. The Green Team is a student-run group who takes responsibility for the school’s recycling program. The Knights of the Green Table, as they are called, have been recycling for years, but have only been collecting and recycling the terra packs for a year. The group used to collect them and give them to a local lady who made different items out of them. The idea was to keep them out of the landfill.

“We used to tell the kids not to bring terra packs, now we’re collecting them and making money from them as well… And, we’re still deferring them from the landfill,” said teacher and club leader Craig Weglarz. Other teachers involved at the school include Paul Forman and Nicole Pezzotti.

“It was Annalee who signed us up. She found it and it’s all student-led,” said Weglarz. The students collect the terra packs and “shiny wraps” such as chip bags in a box in each homeroom and then the box is brought to Mr. Weglarz’s class where they are sorted by the students and placed in a large box that is sent in when it’s full. “It’s something we were doing anyways; the contest is just an extra bonus for us,” said Weglarz. “Between our recycling programs and composting, we’ve cut down our garbage about 30 – 40 per cent,” he added.

Schools can collect and send to TerraCycle non-recyclable waste such as drink pouches, cookie wrappers, yogurt cups, sandwich bags or chocolate wrappers. Kraft Foods, Stonyfield, Glad and Nestlé are sponsoring these collections.

After two months of competition Queen Elizabeth P.S. is leading the pack! Total “waste” units collected and money raised for the school (since Dec. 1st) are as follows:

1 - Queen Elizabeth Public School – Leamington, ON (5,429 cookies wrappers and drink pouches - $108.58).

2 - Guardian Angels Elementary School – Brampton, ON (5,187 drink pouches - $103.74).

3 - Ecole de la Source - Lavaltrie, QC (3,678 yogurt cups, sandwich bags, cookies wrappers, drink pouches and chocolate wrappers - $73.56).

4 - New Liskeard Public School - New Liskeard, ON (3,628 drink pouches - $72.56)

5 - Georges Vanier Catholic School - Belleville, ON (3,528 cookies wrappers and drink pouches - $70.56)

TOP 5 Essex (since Dec. 1st)

1st - Queen Elizabeth Public School - Leamington, ON (5,429 units)

55th - St. Anne French Immersion Elementary School - Windsor, ON (1,333 units)

64th - Ecole St. Ambroise - St. Joachim, ON (1,203 units)

69th - Ecole Elementaire Catholique Pavillon des Jeunes - Belle River, ON (1,125 units)

119th - St. James Elementary School - Windsor, ON (781 units)

Queen Elizabeth Public School is leading in the collection of cookies and crackers wrappers (3,086 units). If the contest stopped today, they would receive a $400 BONUS because the school is #1 in total and #1

in cookies wrappers. At the end of the competition, the biggest waste collecting team in Canada will be awarded $300; $200 for second place; and third place will receive $100. The teams collecting the

biggest amount of a waste category will be awarded $100 as well. Schools and organizations that are not already involved in the TerraCycle program can sign up at www.terracycle.ca to qualify for the contest.

The students are looking forward to seeing how the contest ends, but Mr. Weglarz says the group will be busy with outdoor activities including a vegetable garden and putting in a pond in the school’s woodlot area.

Erie

The Knights of the Green Table, the environmental club at Queen Elizabeth Public School, has something to celebrate. The group recently received $200 for its recycling efforts and now the small but mighty group is leading in a nation-wide TerraCycle program. Pictured here are some of the 30 members from grades 4 to 8. In front, from left to right, are Sydney Monminie, Kaylee Schmitt, Shelby Bekaan and Megan Slock. Middle row: Amber Collison and Daniella Paget. In back, from left to right, are Kevin Heraiz, Annalee Chopchik, Hanna Mills, Kelcey Bekaan, Cordell Friesen, Derrick Moyes and Matthew Morden. (SUN Photo)

Listen to 92.7 MAX FM for more events happening in Leamington and Essex County during the Max Cares Community Calendar 6 times daily or visit www.927maxfm.com for a complete listing

TUESDAY - Epilepsy Support group meetings are held the first Tuesday of the month, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m., at the Windsor United Way office, 300 Giles Blvd. E., Windsor. It is the mission of the Epilepsy Support Centre to enhance the quality of life of people affected by seizure disorders through support services and to strive to eliminate the stigma and dispel the myths surrounding epilepsy through advocacy and public education. New members welcome. Info: Windsor/Essex Epilepsy Support Centre, 519890-6614, epilepsywindsor@epilepsysupport.ca or visit the website at www.epilepsysupport.ca.

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

VOLUNTEER DRIVERS ARE NEEDED for dialysis transportation. Did you know that Community Support Centre now offers a specialized service in providing transportation for patients to dialysis treatments. This valuable service is provided county wide door-to-door 7 days a week. Reimbursement of mileage is at .40 cents per km driven. We are in need of VOLUNTEER DRIVERS to provide these essential appointments. To volunteer please call: 519-728-1435 or visit us at 499 Notre Dame St., Belle River.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11 - 2nd Leamington Scouting is having its 27th annual Spaghetti Supper from 4:30 - 7:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church, 3 Fox St., Leamington. Adults $7; youth (5-12) $4; 5 and under free. All you can eat and take-out available.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 12 - “Hook, Line & Sinker – You Stole My Heart” at 1 p.m. at Leamington Library, for ages 4-8. Register at the library, or call 519-326-3441.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 12 - Leamington O.P.P. vs. the Legendary Hockey Heroes, including Hockey Hall of Famers Marcel Dionne, Bryan Trottier, Steve Shutt and Billy Smith, as well as Theoren Fleury, Rick Vaive, Chris Nilan, Craig Muni, Dennis Maruk, Tim Taylor, Laurie Boschman, Dave Ellett, Gary Leeman, Igor Kravchuk, Jimmy Mann and others. Featuring The Hansen Brothers. Game will be played at 6 p.m. at the Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex, 249 Sherk St., Leamington. All advance tickets $5 (kids 5 and under free) – available at Walmart, Scotiabank, Sports Den, Bowman Sports, Source for Sports, and Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex locations in Leamington. Tickets available on game day for $10; seniors & students $5; kids 5 and under free. Proceeds to W.E. Care for Kids.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 12 - Kittenaide's "Have a Heart" Catfood Drive and Flea Market will be held 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. at 37 Beech St.,(KFC Plaza) Kingsville. Many vendors, kitchen open, homemade chili & hotdogs. Donate dry or canned cat/kitten food/$$ and have your name entered into appreciation draw. Net proceeds to Kittenaide program for abandoned cats & kittens.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 12 - Valentine’s Day Dinner and Dance at Canadian Transportation Museum & Heritage Village, 6155 Arner Townline, Kingsville. Cash bar open at 5 p.m., seven course meal served at 6:30 p.m. Entertainment by Claudette Pinard. Tickets are $25, call 519-7766909.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 13 - Eduard Klassen, internationally known harpist and speaker, will be performing a variety of Christian harp music from South America and Europe, interspersed with personal testimony from his life in Paraguay to present. The event takes place at 10:45 a.m. at First Baptist Church, 3 Fox St., Leamington. There will be a freewill offering.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 13 - Valentine’s Bingo to benefit Kingsville Food Bank, Leamington Hospital Foundation and the Lions Foundation of Canada for dog guides for the blind. Doors open at 12:30 p.m., bingo starts at 2 p.m. at Lions Community Hall, 23 Mill St. W., Kingsville. Prizes include certificates for groceries and special door prizes. Children accompanied by an adult are welcome. In the spirit of Valentine’s giving, attendees are asked to bring a non-perishable food item for the Kingsville Food Bank.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 14 - Valentine’s Day Perogie and Cabbage Roll Fundraiser at First Baptist Church, 3 Fox St. Leamington 519-3265491.Take home – pre-ordering is appreciated, but not necessary. Perogies $8. per dozen, Cabbage Rolls $10. per half dozen. Pickup 9 am-5 pm. Dine in – 11 am-2 pm. Cabbage roll, perogie, coffee or tea and dessert. Net proceeds will go to local school breakfast program.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 15 - The Leamington & District Half Century Centre is having a Valentine Pot Luck Lunch at 12:00 p.m. Followed by music performed by Dale Butler and Paul Jones. Euchre and Pepper. The cost for lunch and cards is $3 and for just the cards $2. There will be door prizes. All proceeds from this event go towards the costs of maintaining the Centre’s programs and activities. Please join us for some good food, music, fun and games. All are welcome!

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 16 - The Leamington Horticultural Society will hold its monthly meeting at The Leamington United Church, John St. at 7:30 p.m. Chuck Pronger, a certified aquascape contractor will discuss water harvesting techniques and how to landscape for the preservation of water. Attendance is free and light refreshments are served.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17 - Eldercollege: Regional Feasibility Public Forum 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., Pelee Island Winery, Kingsville. Explore educational opportunities for persons over age 55. Canterbury College and Pelee Island Winery sponsors. SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 20 - Roast Beef Dinner 6:00 p.m. at Knox Presbyterian Church, Erie Street South, Leamington. $13 per person. Advance tickets, 519-326-4541.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 22 - The Essex County Farm Safety Association is holding “Think ahead and plan to avoid respiratory hazards on the farm”, a free information evening for farmers, at 7 p.m. at Essex Legion. Guest speaker is Dan Metcalf of EMS Essex County, who will speak about respiratory issues on the farm, the results of exposure to airborne particulates, using a respirator on the farm and how to fit it properly. Farmers in attendance will receive several free N95 particulate respirators. Farm families in attendance will also be able to trade in two old SMV signs for free new ones.

Exhibition features works of W.F. Stidworthy

Leamington Arts Centre is currently featuring “Selected Works 1936-1975” by W.F. Stidworthy (b. 1889 – d. 1977), a touring exhibition of 100 paintings. The exhibit opened February 2.

Born in Torquay, Devon, England, in 1889, Stidworthy took advanced art training at Torquay School of Art and the Polytechnic School in Chelsea, England.

In 1912 in British Columbia, he studied under William Beatty, Ralph MacMillan, Carl Schaefer and Franz Johnston of the Group of Seven.

Since 1937 there has been a number of Stidworthy’s oneman shows. His work has also been included in exhibitions in several major Canadian cities. In 1935 he was awarded first prize for watercolours at the Canadian National Exhibition in Toronto.

“Selected Works 1936-1975” by W.F. Stidworthy will be on display at the Leamington Arts Centre until February 26. Gallery hours are Tuesday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 12 to 4 p.m.

“Take a Deep Breath” – free info evening

for farmers

The Essex County Farm Safety Association is once again hosting an important evening for farmers. This year’s theme is “Think ahead and plan to avoid respiratory hazards on the farm.”

Dan Metcalf with EMS of Essex County will speak about respiratory issues including soil dusts, animal dander, moulds, welding fumes, gases and air-borne particulates on the farm. Exposure can cause immediate and long-term respiratory illnesses such as farmers’ lung, asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis as well as other irreversible and incurable ailments. The best way to protect your lungs is to use a respirator and learn how to fit and use it properly. Every farmer attending the evening will receive several free N95 particulate respirators and will have the opportunity to have a “fit test”.

Also, every farm family attending will be able to trade in two old SMV signs from their farm equipment and receive two new ones free of charge at the end of the evening, courtesy of the Essex County Farm Safety Association. This important event will take place at the Essex Legion (at the tracks in Essex) on Tuesday, February 22 beginning at 7:00 p.m. Refreshments will be served. Take responsibility for your safety. Protect your lungs for life.

Stork Stork Report Report

Nohra - Alice and Mouris of Kingsville, a girl on January 26, 2011.

Pare - Erica and Nick of Windsor, a girl on January 27, 2011.

Goudreau - Michelle and Tom of Harrow, a girl on January 31, 2011.

Friesen - Tina and Frank of Leamington, a boy on January 31, 2011.

Schmitt - Margaret and Abe of Leamington, a boy on February 1, 2011.

Hillier - Jessica and Steve Taylor of Leamington, a boy on February 2, 2011.

The Stork Report is sponsored by

Paul Bunett-Jones to lead fundraising effort for historic train station

Nellie Jenkinson, President of the Leamington Mersea Historical Society, is pleased to announce that Paul BunnettJones will be team leader for corporate fundraising for the historic Michigan Central Station.

Paul came to Leamington in 1977 and since then has been involved in a variety of campaigns for non-profit groups. He has been the recipient of the Alf Bennie Award by the Leamington Chamber of Commerce for community work and also the Howard Caine Memorial Award for public service participation by a broadcaster.

The station is owned by the Municipality of Leamington and is located in the new trails system at MCR Drive and Talbot Street West. It was built in 1887 and is symbolic of the railway’s contribution to the development of the town.

Leamington Mersea Historical Society meets

A meeting of the Leamington Mersea Historical Society took place at the Museum on January 22. President Nellie Jenkinson welcomed 10 members and 2 guests. Committee reports were given by Karen McCarty, Bob McCracken, Nellie Jenkinson and Bill Gay. Nellie Jenkinson reported on activities in the past two months. On November 5 the “Canada Remembers” service was held. On November 27 Henrietta O’Neill gave a talk on her book “Finding Bill”, which is about a young Canadian soldier billeted with her family in Holland during World War II. On December 5 the Christmas Past Soup and Sandwich

Luncheon was held, and on December 28 and 29 there was Open House.

On Sat. Feb. 26 and Sun. Feb. 27, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., there will be a Train & Toy Show at the Essex District High School. Members were encouraged to attend. Bill Gay talked about encouraging community interest and support for the MCR Station

From Jan. 17 to Feb. 21, there is a Hidden Treasures Display at the Essex Civic Centre, organized by Janet Cobban, Curator of John R. Park Homestead. The Heritage Society’s entry is a Heritage Awards plaque crafted by Bob McCracken and presented to Dr. Bob and Bess McGirr for their contributions to the Society. On Jan. 17, three of the members took part in a photo opportunity with the Essex County Council.

The next meeting of the Leamington Mersea Historical Society (Annual Meeting) will be a potluck lunch held at 12 noon on Sat. March 5 at the Museum, just a short drive from Leamington. Come and see the displays at 121 Essex County Road 14.

Rotary Club presents cheque to NAMI

Incoming President of the Leamington Rotary Club, Bruce Peacock (right), presented a cheque for $1500 to Earl Fletcher (left) of National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Leamington. This donation covered the expenses for training two new instructors, Stacey Eaton and Dario Bencich (also pictured above).

Previously, Rotary contributed $2500 for NAMI trainees. The club has been a generous sponsor for NAMI, which offers a program in Leamington for family members of persons who suffer from a mental illness. To date, some 175 people from the Leamington, Kingsville and Wheatley area have graduated from this program.

Persons who think the program might be of interest to them can call Earl Fletcher at 3249498 for information. The next program begins on February 8. NAMI Leamington is very grateful for the help that the Leamington Rotary Club has been to the people who have had some of their needs met by attending these classes.

Featured Rug: Karina, Light Green

Featured Hardwood: Chimney Rock, Trail

Southpoint wins Midget B Silver Stick!

The Rhine Danube Southpoint Stars Midget Girls Travel coaches discussed strategy prior to this past weekend’s International Silver Stick tournament in Sarnia. Each agreed that the girls – most in high school – had been preoccupied and consumed in the weeks prior with studying and midterms. Each also agreed that this team, away from the distractions of everyday life, had the potential to medal at this year’s premier event. The team was fit, focused, disciplined and ready to roll.

The weekend’s route to the podium would require six games. Not necessarily six wins but definitely a first or second finish in their pool of four teams to advance to the quarter-finals.

The Stars met MarkhamStouffville Friday afternoon and introduced their Toronto-area opponents to the Storm from the South. Seven Stars each scored in the inaugural match-up, including Charlee Cabral, Shay LeClaire, Kim Goyeau, Shailyn Waites, Kaily Zack, Amanda Stasko and Kayla Lindsay. The end result was a strong 7-1 finish and confidence boost. The Stars’ Carleigh Manning and Sam Mearow shared netminding duties, holding Markham to just one.

On Friday evening Shailyn Waites led the scoring as the girls faced their regular season rivals – Forest area’s Lambton Shores. Jillian Iles and Kim Goyeau added to the tally, matching their opponent’s efforts. The 4-4 tie would prove to be the closest the Stars would come to a defeat all weekend.

On Saturday morning the Midget girls faced off against a team with history – a history of winning. Walkerton, a town often better known for the water contamination scandal that put a black mark on their quiet community, has the distinction of having captured the Midget “B” division championship at the annual Sarnia Silver Stick event three of the past four years. Adding to the pre-game jitters was a quiet, circulating rumour that this year’s Walkerton entry had not yet been defeated in regular season play, leading some fans to wonder, “Is there something (Continued on Page 20)

above are the members of the Rhine Danube

Makey (Coach), Tamara Stasko (Manager), Amanda

Lindsay, Jim Heyens (Coach) Connie Waites (Trainer). Middle row, left to right: Kaily Zack, Charlee Cabral, Mackenzie Heyens, Dana Peltier, Karissa Ricci, Jessica Gray, Dave Manning (Head Coach). Front row, left to right: Sam Mearow, Jessica Prudence, Carleigh Manning.

Pictured

Midget B Girls after winning the Silver Stick in Sarnia. Back row, left to right: Scott

Stasko, Kim Goyeau, Kayla Di Schiavo, Jillian Iles, Shailyn Waites, Shay LeClaire, Kayla

Time to get together a team for

LDMBA’s Trivia Night 12

Is your team ready? Gather up your friends, strap on your thinking caps, brush up on your trivia and get ready to enter Trivia Night 12. The annual competition will be held Wednesday, February 23 at the Portuguese Club in Leamington. Action begins at 7:00 p.m.

Teams of four will test their knowledge in a wide variety of subjects. The format will consist of 120 questions (12 rounds of 10 questions) ranging from geography, Canadian history, entertainment, arts, sports and much more.

The evening is hosted by the Leamington District Minor Baseball Association (LDMBA)

Leamington Women’s Hockey League

(As of January 31) Team W L T Pts Body Kneads 11 4 3 25

County 5 7 6 16 C.A. Bailey 5 8 5 15 Source for Sports 4 10 4 12 (Based on stats from Leamington

with all proceeds to support minor baseball.

“Teams compete for cash prizes and bragging rights,” says Sue Holiga, LDMBA President. “We have door prizes and light refreshments. The whole evening is a lot of fun and a lot of laughs.”

The cost to participate in Trivia Night 12 is $100 for adult teams, and $60 for high school and elementary school teams.

Teams can register by calling Jeff Lamotte at 519322-1379, by picking up a registration form at Fletcher’s Cleaners in Leamington or from any LDMBA board member.

REC ROUND-UP REC ROUND-UP

3-Month New Year Shape-Up Special $109 plus HST: The most affordable membership around to help you exercise during these cold winter months. No enrollment or initiation fees.

11th Annual Home & Garden Tradeshow: Mar. 4-6. There are still a few vendor booths available. Contact bfischer@leamington.ca for an application form if you’re a home renovation, décor or landscaping specialist. Home Alone Course: Sat. Mar. 5 from 1-5 p.m. This course helps your child to build self-confidence and a sense of responsibility while home alone.

P.A. Day At School Fri. Feb. 11:

• Enroll the kids for the Complex Day Camp program.

• There’s a P.A. Day Pool Party from 2-4 p.m. for those youth not taking part in the Day Camp program.

• Red Cross Babysitting Course for youth ages 11-15.

Rock ’n Swim: Fri. Feb. 18 and Fri. Mar. 25 from 7-9 p.m. Bring the whole family for a splashing good time in the Complex pool. Thanks to Lakeside Bakery for sponsoring the music!

Mon. Feb. 21st is the Family Day Holiday and the Complex is OPEN:

• Open swim 2-4 p.m. and 8-9 p.m.

• Public skating 1-3 p.m.

• Open rec gym from 12 noon-5 p.m.

• An exciting family fitness class of Drums in Motion from 1-2 p.m. You must register in advance for Drums in Motion as equipment is limited.

Kirk Bowman Hockey School: Register now for Session 5 Camp, “Power Skating and Puck Handling”, which runs on Mondays from Feb. 14-Mar. 14. Ages 7-9 years and 10-15 years.

Winter 2 Session Begins This Week!: Visit us online at www.leamington.ca, link to recreation, link to the Activity Guide to see all the specific details. Come for a tour and get your life in motion!

We have something for every...body!

Peewee A’s advance to next round of playdowns

The Southpoint Capitals Peewee “A” squad, sponsored by Gabriele Floor & Home, skated by the Riverside Rangers on their way to the next round of the 2011 OMHA playdowns.

After the first 3 games the Capitals were down two games to one and facing elimination in game four, played at the WFCU Centre, this past Thursday night.

The boys played like a team facing elimination with a strong game, going into the third period with a 2-1 lead. The team held on for a 3-1 win, forcing game five on home ice. Goals were scored by Eric Prudence, Kody Epp and Noah Santos with assists from Brett Enns, Brayden Klemens, Ryan Wall and Eric Prudence.

In the fifth and deciding game of the series, the scene shifted to a snowy winter’s day with snow-covered roads and a good old-fashioned hockey game in a single pad arena with fans airing their strong opinions to those wearing stripes.

The scene only got more energetic with a quick goal from Noah Santos in the first minute of play, set up by a face-off win from Eric Prudence. The horns were blowin’ and blowin’ loud. A few minutes later, Kody Epp found the twine with a feed from Quinn Bowman to put Southpoint up 2- 0 after the first period.

The second period saw Kody Epp net his second of the game with help from Matthew Taylor. The Capitals were not only leading 3-0, they had not even let Riverside record their first shot of the game. Southpoint was outshooting Riverside 25-0 after two periods of play.

As anticipated, the third period became a more chippy affair with some penalties called, which at one point gave the Rangers a power play in which they finally snuck one by goaltender Tyler “THE WALL” Wall. After the Rangers pulled their goalie with hopes of making it a game, the Caps finished them off with an empty netter from Noah Santos, making the final 4 -1.

Now Southpoint awaits the winner from the Niagara District Hockey League to see who their opponents will be for Round #3 of OMHA Playdowns.

Golden Years mini golf

Forty-six Golden Years mini golfers showed up to play on Thursday, February 3. The number of aces dropped by 29 to 65, as did the general scoring. The weather perhaps?

Team #14 – Linda Walsh, John Murphy and Julia Kos – was in first place with 246. In second spot was Team #6 – Angus MacRae, Neil Quick and Lloyd Honey – with a 251 count. Tied for third with 253 was Team #1 – Barb Murphy, Andy Orsini and Ralph Butler. Low single round tally was a 36 by Andy Orsini, Art Sweet and Stan Vickery. Best combined totals went to Cami Keith with his 37 + 39 = 76, 4 under par, matched by Andy Orsini with his 40 + 36. Stan Vickery came in one back with 41 + 36 = 77, as did Bill Ward and Lloyd Honey. Tom Hyatt had a pair of 39s and Iggy Arner a 79. Even par 80s went to John Murphy, Art Sweet and Ralph Butler. The most unusual tally for one team: each player had a pair of 44s, 46s and 51s.

Five aces fell for Stan Vickery and Lloyd Honey, and 4 for Cami Keith and Art Sweet. Three dropped for Bill Ward, Iggy Arner, Tom Hyatt and John Murphy. Two showed for Barb Murphy, Andy Orsini, Mary MacRae, Ralph Butler, Gerrit Vriesen, Marg Graham, Mary Ann Vickery, John Vlodarchyk, Neil Quick, Donna Wiebe, Bill Mayville, Gary Honey, Madeline Butler, Barb Arner, Ruth Slote, Kathy Bradley and Winnie Moore. Single aces scored for Marg Ross, Annie Mae Leslie, Tom Bondy, Wayne Reid, Betty McManus, Ernie Vendenberg, Rose Taylor, Stu Folster, Ethel Ferguson, Linda Walsh and Eleanor Brook.

Try your luck on Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. at Colasanti’s.

Swimming in the fast lane!

Maddy Lavoie

Cody Lavoie

Local swimmers Maddy Lavoie (10) and Cody Lavoie (14) recently swam to some great placings in a Toronto swim meet.

Maddy placed first in the 10/under division in the 50m butterfly, 200m individual medley, 50m breaststroke, and the 800m freestyle. Both the 800m freestyle and the 50m breaststroke were new team records for girls 10/under.

Cody, a grade 9 student a L.D.S.S., placed first overall in the 100m backstroke, the 50m backstroke, and the 400m individual medley. His times in each event were Jr. National age-group qualifying times.

Cody then travelled down the road to compete at the Western Ontario Regional Swim Championships being held in Brantford. In the 1500m freestyle, Cody placed first overall, with a new team record of 17 minutes 34 seconds. This time was a 16 year old boys Jr. National qualifying time, and Cody is only 14 yrs old.

Next stop for these two swimmers is the Provincial Swim Championships in Ottawa, Feb. 23-26.

Cody Lavoie now has a website up and “swimming” in his quest to raise funds for his competition in Glasgow, Scotland. Cody will be representing Canada at the International Youth Games in August 2011. Please visit www.CODYLAVOIE.com to make a donation. Cody is seeking the support of area businesses and/or service clubs.

Atom majors bow out of OMHA playdowns

Reid’s Funeral Home Atom Majors forced a game 5 by way of a win on Friday night in Wheatley. The Caps took a one-goal lead into the second period of this game. Mason Gow got the first goal unassisted. The Stars replied with the a goal midway in the second frame, but the Caps answered back seconds later from Gow to Spencer Wiebe making no mistake and slamming Gow’s pass home. Joesph Alfano gave his team a two-goal lead in the third with the assist going to Gioia DiCiocco. Tyler Zsebok found the loose puck from Kiera Jackson’s point shot and give the Caps a two-goal lead. The Stars added a late goal in the third, but it wasn’t enough and the Caps skated away with a 4-3 win. With the series at an even four points each, the Caps headed to Amherstburg for game 5. The Caps jumped out to a two-goal lead in this game with goals by DiCiocco and Matt Travis. Assists went to Gow and Zsebok. At the end of the second frame the Stars found the back of the net twice and the two teams headed into the third tied.

The third was a wide-out affair with a total of 7 goals being scored between the 2 teams. The bad part is the Caps only got 3 of the 7 and fell to the Stars 6-5. Joesph Alfano scored two and DiCiocco picked up her second of the night with assists going to Brett Thomas and Alfano. The team worked as hard as any coach could ask of a team. Every player left it all on the ice in this game. The team shook the Stars players hands at the end of this hardfought series. All the best to them as they advance to the quarter-finals.

By Gordon Wonnick

Curling notes

On Saturday, February 5 the Sun Parlour Curling Club had another “New Meets Old Bonspiel”. These bonspiels are designed to mix new members with longer term members so that they get to know each other better and also to give the new inexperienced curler the opportunity to experience bonspiel competition. It was a really great time with 56 curlers participat-

ing. Curlers were encouraged to have a fun time and that was certainly accomplished.

In the early morning draw, the team of Roy Paine, skip, and Leslie Keene, George Buschman and Teresa McDonald finished in first place. The Bill Hewitt team with Bill, Shelley Bondy, Rob Johnson and Carol Russelo were the runners up. The late draw was won by Rob Squire, skip, with

Gerri Cassels, Jim Nixon and Paul Couvillon finishing in first place. Second place was taken by Tim Stevenson’s team. Tim had Gayle Hyatt, Bill Westdrop and Paul Murracas helping him. This coming Saturday is another one Fun Night, which is open to the public. Come and join the Sun Parlour Curling Club for some curling, music, fellowship and pizza.

A 5-week program, Right Weigh, is a great beginning to a lifestyle change. You need to combine healthy eating along with exercise to lose weight the right WEIGH and keep it off. Once a week (every Monday) you will meet for an hour and a half with Kelly for 45 minutes for nutrition and then the following 45 minutes will be with Rosie for the exercise. Each client will leave with a written exercise program that’s easy to follow at home!

Rosie Salive is a Certified Personal Trainer and Fitness Instructor through Can Fit Pro with over 10 years of experience. Her job is very rewarding and she enjoys helping her clients achieve their fitness goals. According to Salive, “You don’t have to spend hours at a gym to get results, it’s what you do with the time you have.” Consistency, along with good eating habits will give you results!

Kelly Fleming is a Registered Dietitian and Registered Nurse who has been educating the public about food, nutrition and wellness for over 25 years. We all know that certain foods are good for our health and we know that our bodies need certain amounts and varieties of these foods every day. However, trying to understand all of the components of healthy eating and incorporating them into our busy lifestyles can often be overwhelming. This plan provides a flexible, interchangeable menu and great tasting recipes that balances required nutrients, and calories.

Some of the topics covered in the nutrition program include:

• healthy eating choices in the supermarket aisles and how to become label able when reading food labels

• serving sizes

• fat,fibre,sodium, and sugar

• knowing your numbers

• restaurant eating

• overcoming obstacles

Fatal collision claims Leamington man

A fatal motor vehicle collision that occurred on Thursday, February 3 at approximately 3:00 p.m. claimed the life of a Leamington man.

The collision occurred at the intersection of County Road 46 and Rochester Townline in the Town of Lakeshore. A Mercury Cougar operated by Eric Briggs, age 24 of Leamington, was traveling with a male passenger northbound on Rochester Townline when he failed to stop for the stop sign at the intersection of County Road 46. The Mercury was struck by a westbound Ford F-150 pickup truck operated by Gilbert Nelanson, age 46 of Lakeshore, who was traveling with a female passenger

The passenger of the northbound Mercury Cougar, Danny Abdul-Massih, age 30 of Leamington, was transported to Hotel Dieu Grace Hospital where he was pronounced dead. The other three occupants in the vehicles were not injured.

The roadway remained closed for several hours while Traffic Collision Investigators collected evidence from the scene.

Lakeshore OPP is requesting assistance from the public. Anyone who witnessed the collision and hasn’t spoken with the OPP, or who has information about the collision that could provide assistance with the investigation, is asked to contact Lakeshore OPP at 519-728-1810.

The investigation continues and charges against Briggs are pending.

Man arrested following attempted robbery

Snowmobiler rescued by U.S. Coast Guard

On Monday, February 1 at approximately 10:30 p.m., three snowmobiles carrying four people were traveling on Lake Erie, approximately 1.5 kilometres offshore between Colchester Harbour and County Road 23, when they broke through the ice.

Two of the three snowmobiles fell through the ice. All four individuals fell into the water but were able to get back onto the ice. Unfortunately one of the riders, a 45-year-old Essex man, got out of the water on the opposite side of the ice break and started to float south, away from the shore. The crack in the ice was initially 20 feet wide but within minutes had spread to over 100 feet wide.

The remaining three people headed back to shore to get help. At approximately 11:20 p.m., Essex OPP officers responded to assist the stranded man. Kingsville Fire, Essex Fire and EMS also responded to the scene to assist.

Kingsville Fire searched with their rescue boat, with negative results. The search was called off due to blizzard conditions such as extreme blowing winds and snow squalls. A U.S. Coast Guard Cutter and RCC Trenton responded to the scene as well, and the Canadian Coast Guard was dispatched from Sarnia.

The three people who made it to shore – ages 54, 35 and 34, also from Essex – said that they were heading home when they fell through the ice. They were cold but in good condition, and were treated by EMS.

On Feb. 2 at approximately 8 a.m., a U.S. Coast Guard vessel located the missing Essex man. He was walking on the ice when he was spotted by the Coast Guard. He was transported to hospital for treatment.

Police apprehend erratic driver

On February 4 at 10:06 a.m., Essex OPP received information from Chatham-Kent OPP of a silver Honda Prelude clocked on radar traveling 189 km/hr on Highway 401 westbound near Tilbury. The vehicle was observed traveling in an erratic manner, changing lanes and weaving in and out of traffic.

Essex County OPP officers responded and observed the Honda Prelude at Highway 401 westbound and Puce Road. The officers immediately activated all emergency equipment but the Prelude failed to stop for police. The Honda continued to drive westbound on the 401 in a dangerous manner and at an extremely high rate of speed.

The Honda Prelude was eventually stopped at 10:19 a.m. when the vehicle became blocked in traffic on Highway 3 and Huron Church Line, Windsor.

The lone driver, a 33-year-old Brampton man, resisted arrest. He was eventually apprehended. The accused driver faces numerous charges

Southpoint wins Midget B Silver Stick!

(Continued from Page 17)

in the water?” Offensively the Stars’ Shailyn Waites was ready to drain Walkerton’s tank, finding the back of the net twice. Sam Mearow was spectacular in net – never waivering, steady and calm. Amanda Stasko added a third goal and when the buzzer signaled the Zamboni, Southpoint had handed Walkerton their first loss of the season, their second win of the tournament and cemented a place in the quarter-finals.

On Thursday, January 27 at approximately 10:30 a.m., Leamington OPP received a report of a break and enter at a residence near the 115 block of Talbot Street West in Leamington. During the break-in the residents were assaulted by the suspect. The Essex County OPP Criminal Investigation Unit investigated the incident. It was determined that a snowmobile drove in the alley that runs parallel to Talbot Street West. The accused parked the snowmobile in the alley south of the residence then proceeded through the back yard and kicked in the back door. The accused then entered wearing a black motorcycle helmet and assaulted two victims, demanding cash. When a third resident contacted police the accused attempted to flee. While running through the dining room, one of the residents unsuccessfully attempted to apprehend the accused. The accused assaulted the resident and exited through the back door, mounted his snowmobile and drove west down the alley.

As a result of the investigation conducted by Essex County OPP Criminal Investigation Unit, the suspect has been identified, located and charged. The accused, Jimmy Elias, age 33, was apprehended on February 4. He was held for a show cause hearing, and charged with the following: break and enter into a dwelling – commit an indictable offence; robbery with intent; and disguise with intent. Elias was remanded into custody.

Lakeshore woman killed in snowmobile accident

On Saturday, February 5 a 19-year-old female was driving a Bombardier snowmobile with her boyfriend, also 19 years old, as a passenger. They were taking part in a Poker Run and had recently left the Legion in Dresden, which was one of the stops for the run.

The pair was travelling westbound on the Sydenham River at when they collided with a tree that had fallen from the riverbank and was partially suspended over the river. The tracks from the snowmobile showed no deviation in path of travel leading up to the point of impact. Another snowmobile rider taking part in the event called police at 3:29 p.m. to report the collision. Although he did not witness the accident, the river was busy with traffic and this is believed to be the approximate time it occurred.

The driver, Megan Sylvestre of Lakeshore, suffered life-threatening injuries and was transported to hospital in Wallaceburg where she was pronounced dead at 4:53 p.m. The passenger, a Wallaceburg man, received injuries to his tissues in extensive bruising, and was unconscious at one point.

The consumption of alcohol is not believed to be a factor in the investigation. The accident remains under investigation by the Traffic Management Section of the Chatham-Kent Police. The snowmobile was seized by members of the Traffic Section and will be expertly examined by a mechanic this week.

Canada met the U.S. Saturday night when Mt. Clemens, Michigan’s team, went headto-head with the undefeated Stars. Jillian Iles dressed for the occasion. Her hat-trick and Charlee Cabral’s single in the third guaranteed Southpoint a place in the semis on Sunday. The Stars rose early Sunday morning and the anticipation of a crack at the championship in the afternoon loomed. The plan: stay the course, trust your instincts and never panic. Shailyn Waites and Jillian Iles shared the credits. With two goals each, their total dashed the dream of a hopeful Goderich opponent. The 4-2 final bought the Stars a date at the big dance – no, not that Bowl game on Sunday, but the Silver Stick championship dubbed the Silver Bowl.

The Stars had amassed a 4 win, one tie record prior to the announcement of their final opponent. One team had also made an impression – Walkerton would not go away. They came to defend their title and wanted another shot at the team that had stunned them the day before.

LEAMINGTON MINOR BASEBALL INDOOR CLINICS

All players must be registered to participate in these clinics. Registration will be available at front doors before clinics. There is a $5 fee for each clinic.

ROOKIE

(PLAYERS BORN IN 2002-03)

Dan Dominguez (HEAD COACH) 519-322-0012

THUR. MAR. 3 6-7:30 Wheatley Baptist Church

THUR. MAR 10 6-7:30 Wheatley Baptist Church

THUR. MAR 17 6-7:30 Wheatley Baptist Church

THUR. MAR 24 6-7:30 Wheatley Baptist Church

THUR. MAR 31 6-7:30 Wheatley Baptist Church

BANTAM

MOSQUITO

(PLAYERS BORN IN 2000-01)

Ed Grieve (HEAD COACH) 519-825-3259

WED. FEB. 23 6-7:30 AUD U.M.E.I. WED. MAR. 23 6-7:30

TUE. APR. 19 6-7:30

TUE. APR.26 6-7:30

PEEWEE

(PLAYERS BORN IN 1998-99)

Chris Lamotte (HEAD COACH) 519-326-3082

FRI. FEB. 18 6-7:30 GYM U.M.E.I.

THUR. FEB. 24 6-7:30 Wheatley

(PLAYERS BORN IN 1996-97)

Doug Wales (HEAD COACH) 519-890-5602

THUR. MAR 17 7:30-9PM Wheatley Baptist Church

TUE. MAR. 22 7:30-9 AUD U.M.E.I.

THUR. MAR 24 7:30-9PM Wheatley Baptist Church

THUR. MAR 31 7:30-9PM Wheatley Baptist Church

MIDGET (PLAYERS BORN IN 1994-95) Rick Wright (HEAD COACH) 519-322-5369

The final did not disappoint. End-to-end action, flawless goaltending by the Stars’ Carleigh Manning and her Walkerton adversary kept the fans guessing throughout the first, the second and most of the third. Not until the 2:30 mark of the third would the outcome be revealed when Kaily Zack fired a rocket past the stunned Walkerton protector. The roar of the crowd was soon hushed by the disciplined play of the Stars’ final two minutes. Jillian Iles closed out an exceptional performance with an opennetter. Manning’s precision netminding would earn her a classic shutout no one in attendance will soon forget. This is the second International Silver Stick the Southpoint Girls program can boast. The first came in 2008 at the Belleville International event. Many of this year’s players were also members of that winning team.

Sunbrite Atoms pass The Cup

The Southpoint Atom Sunbrite team won the Christmas Hockey Moms Tournament in Leamington. The Atoms won all 6 games to capture this championship cup which they were able to show off during Saturday night’s Leamington Flyers home game.

(Shelly Quick Photos)

OPP vs hockey legends in Oldtimers Challenge

The Leamington OPP face off against legendary hockey heroes in the annual Oldtimers’ Hockey Challenge Classic this Saturday night, February 12, at 6 p.m. at the Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex.

Hockey Hall of Famers Bryan Trottier, Marcel Dionne, Steve Shutt and Billy Smith, as well as Theoren Fleury, Rick Vaive, Chris Nilan, Craig Muni, Dennis Maruk, Tim Taylor, Laurie Boschman, Dave Ellett, Gary Leeman, Igor Kravchuk, Jimmy Mann and others are slated to take on the local police department. The evening also features a special appearance by the Hanson Brothers.

Tickets are available at Walmart, Scotiabank, Sports Den, Bowman Sports, Source for Sports and the Kinsmen Recreation Complex. Advance tickets: adults $5, students/seniors $5, age 5 and under free. Tickets will also be available at the door on game day: adults $10, students/ seniors $5, age 5 and under free.

Proceeds go to W.E. Care For Kids. In the 10 years the event has been held in Leamington it has raised $190,000. The money raised stays in the community.

It’s been eight months since Ray Bezaire opened Just Cork-It on Seacliff Drive, Leamington, and the entrepreneur is very happy with the local support.

“We’re here to stay. We’ve had a lot of previous customers come in and we’ve certainly had our share of first-time wine makers who have become repeat customers,” said Bezaire.

Just Cork-It allows the client to choose from a wide variety and price range of wines. Selection includes reds, whites, blushes and fruit wines. And packages range from $84.99 to the premium wines at $180. If you do the math, that’s between $3 to $6 a bottle (30 bottles per batch). That includes corks, labels and shrink caps. You can bring your own bottles, or bottles are available for sale.

Bezaire opened his first Just Cork-It wine making store in Amherstburg six years ago and decided to branch out to Leamington. “A lot of my customers were from Leamington, so we thought we’d come to them... Word of mouth has been great too with clients telling friends and families about their positive experience here,” said Bezaire.

After adding the yeast, most wines are ready for bottling in four to six weeks. “It’s

and groups of friends who have come in and

corking process,” said Bezaire.

Pictured here from left to right are Gala Comittee members, John Ingratta, Lauri Ricci, Rina Moauro, Lorraine Sabga, Priscilla Iacobelli, Mary Catherine Stevenson and Melissa Mucci. In back, from left to right, are Amy Allan Ingratta, Deeanne Cervini and Ross Barnwell. The Gala was held Saturday, February 5 at the Roma Club.

Frank and Joan Ingratta

Mayor John and Betty Paterson

Wayne and Evelin Wharram

Tyler and Jennifer Hicks

Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Lewis

Reines and Lisa Neumann

Dr. Angelina Chan and Charles LeBlanc

Southpoint Sun Photos by Sheila McBrayne

The week of January 31 to February 6 the Southshore Virtual Golf Men’s League played the Huzhou Golf Club in China. Scoring was based on handicaps and the Stableford Scoring System.

Winners in the 18-hole division were: T-1st Bill Manery, 32 points for +5; T1st Fred Klassen, 34 points for +5; 3rd place Kevin Shaften, 25 points for +1.

The 9-hole division winner was John Penner, 12 points for +1.

For information on virtual golf, please call 519-3264231 ext. 29.

Midget AEs eliminated from OMHA playdowns

The Bob Dick Plant Farm Midget AE’s quest to advance to the next round in the OMHA playdowns ended quickly. The team suffered two defeats in the tournament style format and were eliminated.

In the opening game Southpoint faced off against LaSalle and held their own for two periods, trailing 2-1 entering the third period. The Sabres scored three unanswered goals in the third and won the game by a 5-2 score. Jared Mastronardi led the attack scoring both goals for South-

point. Scott Robinson and Brian Travis picked up assists. Matt Chamberlain was in net for the Caps.

The next game had the Caps in a must-win game against Amherstburg. Southpoint came out strong and had an early two-goal lead. Jared Adams and Hayden Loveless scored the early goals with assists going to Jonathan Augustine, Branden McKeen and Jared Mastronardi. The Caps ran into penalty trouble and the Stars scored three times to take a 3-2 lead into the third period. Southpoint scored to tie the

game 10 seconds into the third. The game was back and forth until late in the period when the Stars scored on a scrambled play to take the lead. With goalie Tyler Jackson on the bench in favour of the extra attacker, the Caps had several good scoring chances but could not capitalize. The Stars won 4-3 and advanced to the next game in the tournament format.

The Bob Dick Plant Farm returns to Bluewater league play to contend for the yearend Day of Champs title.

Flyers

three players who will be graduating at the end of this season. From left to right: Ryan Crevatin with parents Rob and Laura, Eric Mayor with parents Dave and Dina, and Jeff Lobman with parents Matthew and Marjori and brother Steven. (Shelly Quick Photo)

Meet Dorothy Andersen… & Friends

Dorothy Andersen was born in Montreal on Jan. 1, 1939 in the west end of the city, an only child. Dorothy’s father played the piano in church and also for Gilbert & Sullivan shows at the local movie theatre. Her family always had a piano in the house. Her father died when she was 6½ years old. At the age of 8 she got her first piano and took dance lessons. She studied piano till the age of 13, learning the classical style of music which she didn’t enjoy. So she switched to popular music, playing chord-style piano, and enjoyed playing songs more familiar to her. Dorothy would play at home for sing-a-longs and at parties. She still plays piano with a childhood friend from Ottawa, who sings every time they get together for a visit.

classic rock & roll band for your next event, festival or party call Brian 519.825.7925 bwcobby1@aol.com

Dorothy’s stepfather, a Danish man, came into her life in 1949-1982. She got involved in the Danish community and met her husband-to-be, Andy (Anker) Andersen. Dorothy would play piano for the Danish Canadian Society in Montreal, at the children’s Christmas parties and at Senior Social luncheons, etc.

In 1991, Dorothy, Andy and her mother moved to Kingsville and settled in the area. At this time Andy and Dorothy started singing with the Merry Makers, then in 1994 Dorothy’s mother moved to Erie Glen Seniors Residence and Dorothy would go and visit and play the piano for her and the residents. It was there that she met Harlan and Anne Nash. They sang together and that was the start of a musical friendship.

Dorothy said that Harlan has been an inspiration to her in this musical journey and they have played together as Dorothy & Friends for the last 10 years. This group has played at senior homes across Essex County. The group usually has 12 members, with a few less in the winter with the “lucky snowbirds” off to Florida. They perform every Thursday year-round. The members are Dorothy Andersen (piano), Jan Bonkink (harmonica and clarinet), Bob Hanson (trumpet), Garry Morin (guitar), Jim Murphy (clarinet and recorder), Erle Nash (saxophone), Harlan Nash (flute, violin and ukulele), Richard Poisson (guitar and vocals), Evelyn Rigg (mandolin), Wilbur Rigg (tuba and vocals), Art Squire (trombone), and

Clem Windsor (saxophone). Previous members include Richard Beneteau (banjo), Ed Gresik (banjo), George Pringle (banjo), Ed Petersen (clarinet), “gone but not forgotten” Marcel Beaulieu (violin and fiddle), Terry Green (banjo), Ken Smith (mandolin), Lettie Williams (drums), and Peter Wink (trumpet). This fine group of musicians are all from Leamington, Kingsville, Harrow and Windsor. They range in age from 64-94 years young.

Dorothy Anderson

Dorothy spends her Tuesdays playing at the Franklin Gardens birthday parties, plays bi-monthly on the 2nd Floor at the Leamington District Memorial Hospital, as well as at the Sun Parlour Home together with Richard Poisson (guitar) and Gerry Dawson (leading) at the monthly sing-a-longs. They have also played at 75th, 80th and 100th birthday parties, at church services, wedding anniversaries, senior luncheons, fundraisers, and one wedding.

Type of music: Dorothy describes the music as old-time music from the early 1900s up to the 1950s. They play a wide variety of styles plus a few hymns – “Amazing Grace” to the “Beer Barrel Polka”. Their songbook has 230 songs in it.

How often do you practise?: “Not enough.” The group gets together once a month at the Epworth United Church in Kingsville and they learn a few new songs and put shows together for different occasions that come up.

Most interesting place played: Dorothy says that each time they play is the most interesting. Each show is a gift and being with this fine group of fellow musicians and friends means so much to her.

Music Music Profiles... Profiles...

Most significant performance: Dorothy says that was when she started playing again after the loss of her dear husband Andy. Prior to Andy’s death, she reluctantly gave up playing to look after him, feeling that she was letting the group down. But she feels it’s a blessing to be back playing music and it is important in the recovery of her loss of Andy. He was her #1 fan (and critic) and attended most outings. Dorothy has fond memories of Andy dancing with ladies in the audience at their shows.

Brush with fame: Dorothy’s brush with fame was when she went to Branson, Missouri, on her 25th Anniversary. She and Andy were dancing at the Lawrence Welk Show, and she got asked to sit at the piano by the band leader. He wanted her to tinkle the ivories on the piano keys to distract the guest conductor, also from the audience. It was great fun and she’s got a photo to remember this experience. She has been a fan for years and still watches the show on Saturdays at 6 p.m.

If your could play with anyone, who would it be?: She would love to play piano with the Glenn Miller Orchestra or the Lawrence Welk Orchestra, but she feels her musical dreams have come true and it is a privilege and a pleasure to lead this talented group of musicians who have become her musical family – “Dorothy & Friends”

Future plans: The group hopes to continue playing as Dorothy & Friends for as long as possible, bringing joy to others with their Golden Oldies. That’s “music-wise” and “musician-wise”.

Eldercollege: “brain food” for those over age 55

By C. Lloyd Brown-John

Voluntary, creative, innovative, exciting and fun –”brain food” for those over age 55 – that is the idea behind Eldercollege. An Eldercollege Feasibility Public Forum will be held on Thursday, February 17, 2:00-4:00 p.m., at Pelee Island Winery.

Borrowed from a 20-year program at Capilano University in North Vancouver, the Eldercollege concept offers shortterm, innovative and diverse courses for persons over age 55 in locations and at hours designed to convenience those participants.

Eldercollege is a volunteer based, non-profit, educational idea. Courses are short term, ranging from half a day to 5 or 6 sessions. Courses could be on anything from birds in Point Pelee to how many ways heroines can die in grand opera. These are creative and innovative courses with no exams or assignments, just interactive learning and social activities designed to stimulate the mind and keep one’s social life blooming.

So, you always wanted to know about the rocks on the beaches at Point Pelee – what are they and where did they come from? Well, there is probably somebody out there with the knowledge to offer an Eldercollege course on rocks, or maybe a course that “rocks” (say 1950s music!).

Canterbury College of the University of Windsor has offered to host Eldercollege in Windsor and Essex County. BUT, before the College is willing to take on the work, both it and the University of Windsor want to find out if an Eldercollege program is feasible anywhere in the county.

Costs? Organizers are lobbying for “bridging finance” from the provincial government and have met with local MPPs Pat Hoy and Bruce Crozier, as well as local Cabinet Ministers Sandra Pupetello and Dwight Duncan. The response has been positive, but they too need proof of a need for such a program for those of us over 55.

Canterbury College, as a non-profit college affiliate of the University of Windsor, has no independent funds. And while courses are facilitated by volunteers, there will have to be fees per course or for multiple courses at reduced rates.

Canterbury College is interested in learning:

1. Whether there are enough motivated senior-type people interested and willing to participate in a full-fledged Eldercollege program of diverse courses in Windsor and Essex County, which would also include Tilbury and Wheatley in Chatham-Kent.

2. Are there agencies and organizations such as seniors residences and libraries willing to host courses should their facilities be needed and available?

3. Are there organizations such as seniors residential management companies, restaurants and other businesses interested in offering support either in terms of a facility or even a bit of financial support? Businesses that might have those over age 55 as prospective clients and/or customers might also wish to consider how they can play a role in building an Eldercollege program.

Canterbury College and the University of Windsor need to know: Are there sufficient numbers of dedicated people in the Leamington, Kingsville, Wheatley, Harrow and Essex areas willing to join in the creation, inception and development of an Eldercollege program of innovative and creative “brain-food” courses for those who are curious and seeking to continue enjoying creativity and life after age 55?

Pelee Island Winery, in support of the Eldercollege feasibility idea, has offered their facility for the Feasibility Forum on Feb. 17. The Winery has also offered coffee or a glass of wine for those in attendance.

If you feel you have a role to play or a contribution to make to the development of Ontario’s first-ever Eldercollege program, then please join me and Canterbury College, and our hosts Pelee Island Winery, on Thurs. Feb. 17 at 2 p.m. at the Winery, 455 Seacliff Drive, Kingsville.

This is an open public feasibility forum designed to explore the potential for developing a full-fledged Eldercollege program. Please bring along your thinking caps!

Free income tax clinic for low income

The Canada Revenue Agency is sponsoring a free Income Tax Clinic at the Leamington Half Century Centre during the months of March and April.

The clinic has been held for about 20 years with volunteers from the community who spend hours filling out the paperwork to file claims for low income residents. Those earning up to $25,000 (single) or $35,000 (couple or single parent with child) are eligible for the free income tax return service.

Volunteers are from the community, some are retired tax preparers and others just volunteer their time to help out. The volunteers take a training course from the Canada Revenue Agency which familiarizes them with the short form that must be filled out to process the claims and the software for processing claims. Training night for volunteers is February 16 at the Centre. Approximately 15-20 volunteers will be working throughout March and April during regular Half Century Centre hours, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

“This is for anyone in this tax bracket. We have people from Leamington, Wheatley, Kingsville and some from Essex,” said Helen Goerzen, Half Centry Centre Board Past President. Last year 231 returns were filed through this program. “We’re not professionals, we’re only volunteers, so the returns must be simple… a basic T-4 and rent receipts, we don’t get into RRSPs and all that. We also don’t do businesses or self-employed claims,” said Goerzen,who has been a volunteer with the program for 15 years.

The volunteers take the information and prepare a summary for the client to show what they owe or how much of a refund they can expect. The tax returns are also e-filed straight to Canada Revenue Agency. “A basic return like this can cost about $60, that’s $60 that might as well stay in their pocket - $60 can go a long ways for basic necessities,” said Goerzen.

For more information about the free income tax clinic for low income claims, please contact the Leamington Half Century Centre at 519-326-2521.

Ice hut registration required on area lakes

To protect the environment and ensure safety, anglers on Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair must register new or previously unregistered ice fishing huts on area lakes. This applies to the permanent all-season structures that are not brought in daily. Tent-style portable ice huts made of cloth or synthetic fabric that have a base area of 7 square metres (75.4 square feet) or less when erected do not need to be registered. They should, however, be removed from the ice at the end of the day.

Registration is free and helps prevent anglers from littering or abandoning their huts at the end of the season. Abandoned huts can end up in waterways when the ice thaws.

Huts must be registered before being placed on the ice. Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair are both in Zone 19 in the Aylmer District. To register your ice hut in this zone, call the Aylmer District office at 519-773-9241. Generally, registration may be done over the telephone. Once registered, an ice fishing hut can be used anywhere in Ontario. Registration numbers on ice huts must be at least 6.3 centimetres (2.5 inches) in height and clearly displayed on the outside of the hut.

It’s a good idea to place huts on wooden or concrete blocks to make it easier to remove them at the end of the season. Ice hut owners must keep the area around their huts clear of garbage.

Anglers must remove ice huts from the waters of Zone 19 by March 15. It is an offence under the Public Lands Act to leave an ice hut out after ice break up, regardless of whether registration and removal dates apply.

Roses and Valentine’s Day

Since the Roman Empire to the Victorian times in England, roses have become the symbol of love and passion. Now you may be considering showing how much you love roses by growing your own rose bushes. No doubt you’ve heard a lot about how to take care of roses, from the diseases to pruning them. My rule of thumb is once the forsythia start blooming in the mid to late spring, that is the time you should dig out your well-sharpened pruning shears, keeping in mind that it is very hard to kill a rose with bad pruning. Some experts will disagree, but most mistakes will grow out very quickly. It is better to make a good effort at pruning roses than to let them grow wild.

Rose Pruning Basics

• Use clean sharp tools

• Begin pruning from the base

• Prune to open the centre of the plant to light and air circulation

• Make clean cuts at a 45-degree angle, about a quarter inch above a bud

• Remove dead, dying or diseased wood

• Branches that look dry, shriveled or black – cut until the inside of the cane is white

• Remove weak or twiggy branches thinner than a pencil

• Remove sucker growth below the graft at the base of the plant

The Churches of Leamington and District Welcome You

ANGLICAN

St. John The Evangelist

60 Erie Street N., Leamington 519-326-3111

Sunday Worship Services

8:30 & 10:30 a.m.

St. Mary’s Church

East West Road, Pelee Island

1st & 3rd Sundays from June to September at 10 a.m.

Calvary Church

North Shore Road, Pelee Island 1st & 3rd Sundays from October to May at 10 a.m.

BAPTIST

Calvary Baptist Church

475 Bevel Line Road, Leamington 519-326-0876

Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m.

First Baptist Church

3 Fox Street, Leamington 519-326-4372

Sunday Worship 10:45 a.m.

CONGREGATIONALIST

Faith Everlasting

Congregational Church

589 Hwy 77, Leamington 519-322-2994

Sunday Worship 11 a.m.

LUTHERAN

St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

311 Sherk Street, Leamington 519-326-3966

Sunday Worship Services

9 a.m. (German), 10:30 a.m. (English)

MENNONITE

Faith Mennonite Church

269 Sherk Street, Leamington 519-326-6391

Sunday Worship Services

10:50 a.m. (Summer 10 a.m.)

Leamington Evangelical Mennonite Mission Church 1408 Deer Run Rd, Leamington 519-326-9734

Sunday Worship Services

9:15 a.m. (German), 10:45 a.m. (English)

Leamington Evangelical Mennonite Church 108 Mersea Rd 3, Leamington 519-322-9915

Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m.

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

Sunday Worship 9:45 a.m.

Summer Worship Services

9:30 a.m. (German), 10:15 a.m. (English)

Meadow Brook Fellowship 219 Talbot Street East, Leamington 519-326-3605

Sunday Worship Services

9:30 a.m. & 11 a.m.

North Leamington United Mennonite Church 625 Mersea Rd 6, Leamington 519-326-7928

Sunday Worship 10:20 a.m.

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

Sunday Gatherings 10 a.m.

Leamington Mennonite Home 35 Pickwick Drive, Leamington 519-326-6109

NON-DENOMINATIONAL

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

Sunday Worship 6:30 p.m.

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

PENTECOSTAL

FGT Family Church

285 Talbot St. E., Leamington 519-322-2316

Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m.

Leamington Christian Centre

98 Elliott Street, Leamington 519-322-1504

Sunday Worship Services 10:30 a.m., English/Spanish 6:30 p.m.

Templo Christiano De Leamington

39 Talbot St. E., Leamington 519-325-9654

Sunday Worship Services 3 p.m.

Mount Zion Full Gospel Tabernacle

6 Mill Street, Leamington 519-252-0031

Sunday Worship 7:30 p.m.

United Pentecostal Church

312 Erie St. St., Leamington 519-326-7056

Sunday Worship Services 11 a.m.

Presbyterian

Knox Presbyterian Church

58 Erie St. S., Leamington 519-326-4541

Sunday Worship Services 11 a.m.

ROMAN CATHOLIC

St. Michael’s Parish

29 Elliott Street, Leamington 519-326-2643

Sunday Worship Services

9 a.m., 11 a.m., 7:30 p.m.

Sunday Spanish Worship Services 2:30 p.m. (February to November)

St. Joseph’s Church

310 Sherk Street, Leamington 519-326-2643

Sunday Worship Services

9 a.m. (Italian, English), 11 a.m. (Portuguese, English)

St. Anthony’s Parish (Maronite Rite)

280 Talbot Street East, Leamington 519-322-2282

Sunday Masses 9:30 & 11 a.m. (Lebanese, English)

SALVATION ARMY

The Salvation Army Citadel 88 Setterington Street, Leamington 519-326-4901

Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m.

UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA

Leamington United Church

9 John Street, Leamington 519-326-9461

Sunday Worship Services

11 a.m. (Summer 9:30 a.m.)

Mersea United Church

1301 Mersea Road 8, Wheatley 519-825-4157

Sunday Worship Services 9:30 a.m.

for several hours in water, then cut the tips of the roots and you are ready to plant.

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

There are hundreds of different rose bushes that you can choose from. When you are planting a rose bush that is a bare root, this should be done in mid to late spring. First you will soak the roots

OBITUARY

However, if you purchase a rose bush that has already been grown in a planter, you will want to plant during the spring. Simply remove from the container by not disturbing the root ball and place the plant 1-inch higher than the ground level. Top dress with a good mulch to retain moisture. Summer planting is not recommended on new plants. New rose bushes will require about an inch of water each week. If you notice drooping leaves, you will need to add more water. If the leaves are falling and turning yellow, you are giving them too much water.

Roses will usually all bloom well in the first spring flush, but roses that aren’t well fertilized won’t bloom well for the rest of the season.

Danny Abdul-Massih

Danny Abdul-Massih, 30 years, passed away suddenly on Thursday, February 3, 2011.

Beloved son of Chehade and Evelyn Abdul-Massih. Loving grandson of Freida Abdul-Massih (the late Daniel) and the late Sourya and Saleh Zeiter. Dear brother of Najet Jacobs (Tony), Diana Abdul-Massih, Charlie Abdul-Massih (Nicole). Loving uncle of Max and Denise Jacobs. Dear boyfriend of Brianne Gendreau.

Danny loved the outdoors, camping, fishing and astronomy. He will be sadly missed by his many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends, as well as his buddy Tyson.

Visiting was at the Reid Funeral Home & Reception Centre, 14 Russell Street, Leamington (519-3262631), on Sunday from 2-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m.

Funeral Mass to celebrate Danny’s life was held from St. Anthony’s Parish, 280 Talbot Street East, Leamington, on Monday February 7, 2011 at 10 a.m. with Fr. Charles Saad officiating. Entombment at Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery. Friends may send condolences at www.reidfuneralhome.ca.

OBITUARY

Kathe Warkentin

Kathe Warkentin, 88 years, passed away peacefully with her loving family by her side at the Leamington Mennonite Home on Tuesday, February 1, 2011.

Roses will thrive better if you use NPK (nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium) in ratios of about 1-2-1 that is more phosphorous than nitrogen or potassium. Too much nitrogen will promote more leaf growth than bloom growth. It is important that your fertilizers don’t just sit on top of the soil. They must be mixed in the soil and moist in order to be able to be absorbed in the root system. Don’t over fertilize, make sure the pH of the soil is around 6.5. This will enable the plant to use the correct mixture of minerals and nutrients effectively. If you are using chemical (liquid) fertilizers, always follow the dilution amounts on the label.

And do I need to say this again? Don’t overfeed! This can kill or damage your roses.

Start now by preparing your compost and manure for next fall. Never use fresh compost or manure, as it has a lot of acids that can damage your plant. Let this mixture sit around during the summer then apply it for over-wintering.

Beloved wife of the late Henry J. Warkentin (1999). Loving mother of Arthur and wife Erna, Paul and wife Ruth, Gary and wife Eleanor, Kathy Driedger and husband Rob, Dennis and wife Ellen. Cherished Oma of 16 grandchildren and proud Great-Oma of 19 great-grandchildren. Dear sister of Agatha Dick (late John), Henry Driedger (late Mary), late Jake Driedger (Margaret), late Ernie Driedger (Anita). Survived by many nieces and nephews.

Visitation was held at the Reid Funeral Home & Reception Centre, 14 Russell Street, Leamington (519326-2631).

Funeral Service to celebrate Kathe’s life was held from the Leamington United Mennonite Church, 78 Oak Street, Leamington, on Friday, February 4, 2011. Interment at Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery.

As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations made by cheque to U.M.E.I. or the Leamington Mennonite Home would be appreciated. Family and friends are invited to share words of comfort and remembrance, or make a charitable donation at: www.reidfuneralhome.ca

Roses are mostly successful in conveying your message in the best possible way to that loved one. The red rose has been the messenger of love for ages.

Bill Plumb is a 5th generation horticulturist. He started his journey as an independent grower and wholesaler in 1971, joining the family business in Leamington going back to his father, uncle and grandfather to 1922. During that time he developed multiple retail flower and garden centres including a landscaping company with his brother. After selling that part of the business, Bill continued growing seedlings and potted nursery stock, developing a successful mail order business. Email: bpmarketing24@yahoo.ca.

SOUTHPOINT SUN

2 bedroom apartments available. Fridge, stove, dishwasher, security building with elevator. Call 519-326-8746 or 519-990-8681 tf

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

RENOVATIONS: Small jobs a specialty. Eavestroughing, decks, siding, windows, Gutter Cleaning Systems, furniture refinishing. Call Bill Siddall 519-825-3931. tf

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

MEETING

T.O.P.S. - Take Off Pounds

Sensibly. Group meets every Monday 6 p.m. at Wheatley United Church. Call Elaine at 519-825-7993 or visit website: www.TOPS.org. Everyone welcome. tf

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