Southpoint Sun January 19, 2011

Leamington Council

Bill Chaplin, Municipal Correspondent

Gord Meuser

Addresses Council

Local architect and builder Gord Meuser appeared before council Mon day night, January 17, primarily for the benefit of the new council members, to remind council of the opposition there is to the sighting of any wind turbines in Pigeon Bay. You will remember that Mr. Meuser was spokesperson for the group that successfully lobbied all local gov ernment bodies to oppose a proposal to site turbines off the shore of Leaming ton, Union-on-the-Lake and Kingsville last year. Although the immediate threat seems to be passed, it was his desire to ensure that Leamington council was still unified in its desire to keep the western basin of Lake Erie free of wind turbine generators.

Confirming his success, Deputy-May or Charlie Wright moved that council “go against any kind of wind turbines in the western basin of Lake Erie”, which mo tion was passed unanimously.

What it Costs to Cut the Grass

Elmer Frederisy named Lifetime Honorary Maytag Man

A report was presented to council estimating what it costs to have town employees cut the grass in various locations around town, as opposed to hiring a private contractor to do the work. This report was requested at budget time last year with a view to determining what (if any) savings might be realized by contracting out turf maintenance.

Cost estimates included staff and equipment costs, and appeared to be very thorough, although there are so many variables involving the time needed to travel to the work, to do the work, and to move on to the next job that at best the estimates are just that: estimates. Interestingly, the costs in the report match very closely the cost estimates provided by a private contractor who already does some (Continued on Page 2)

On Friday, January 14 Elmer Frederisy celebrated his 100th birthday with an Open House at Leamington Court. Born January 14, 1911 in Illinois, he moved to Wheatley in 1930 with his family.

Celebrating with Elmer were his wife Mildred, who he married in 1936, and their children Elenor Boltinghouse and Doug Frederisy. Elmer and Mildred have 6 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, and 2 greatgreat grandchildren. Their great-great grandchild, one-year-old Sophia, was the youngest family member at the 100th birthday celebration.

Also in attendance at the birthday celebration were MPP of Chatham-Kent Essex Pat Hoy, DeputyMayor of Leamington Charlie Wright, Leamington Councillors Chris Chopchik and Larry Verbeke, Mayor of Chatham-Kent Randy Hope, several family members, friends, former customers and plenty of media. Longtime friend and neighbour Joe Hickson of Wheatley was in attendance to wish his former boss and friend best wishes.

Elmer was a Maytag sales and service man in the region with a shop just outside of Wheatley for 40 years. Maytag sent their birthday wishes to him as well. They are thrilled to have a representative that is a living example of the company’s slogan, “Built Strong to Last Long!” Maytag sent Elmer a Maytag salesman hat and t-shirt and a plaque designating Elmer as the first ever Lifetime Honorary Maytag Man – Built Strong to Last Long! Elmer retired 40 years ago (when he turned 65).

2011 is a very special year for Elmer. In addition to his 100th birthday, he and his lovely wife Mildred will celebrate their 75th wedding anniversary in August.

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 11Pink Raise Your Glass

22One RepublicSecrets

37Plain White T’sRhythm of Love

45UsherDJ Got Us Falling In Love

54Bruno MarsJust The Way You Are 68Katy PerryFirework 73Taio CruzDynamite 86Neon TreesAnimal 99Train Marry Me 1011RihannaOnly Girl In The World 1117ScriptFor The First Time 1214Sick PuppiesMaybe 1320Nelly Just A Dream 1413Maroon 5Give A Little More 1512Taylor SwiftMine 1620Katy PerryTeenage Dream 1715Enrique IglesiasI Like It 1822 Bruno Mars Grenade 1919LifehouseAll In 2023KeshaWe R Who We R Jay & Denise broadcast live from Jamaica all this week!

MUSICAL BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK

Anita Pointer of the Pointer Sisters turns 63

Steve Perry of Journey turns 62

Dolly Parton and Billy Ocean both turn 61

Steve Earle turns 56

Anita Baker turns 53

Susanna Hoffs of The Bangles turns 54

John Michael Montgomery turns 46

Shabba Ranks turns 45

Trey Lorenz turns 42

Kid Rock turns 40

Everything from ABBA to ZZ Top

Emma Lee Bunton AKA "Baby Spice" of the Spice Girls turns 35

A.J. McLean of the Backstreet Boys turns 31

MUSICAL EVENTS

53 years ago - Elvis Presley was drafted into the US Army but was allowed a 60 day deferment so he could finish the film "King Creole".

47 years ago - The Beatles' 1st appear on the Billboard Charts (with "I Want to Hold Your Hand")

42 years ago - Led Zeppelin released their debut album while Cream released their last album "Goodbye."

41 years ago - Billy Stewart died in a car accident

39 years ago - Highway 51 South in Memphis, TN, was renamed Elvis Presley Blvd.

37 years ago - Stevie Wonder played his first show after a near deadly auto accident 5 months earlier.

35 years ago - The Beatles turned down an offer of $30 million to reunite.

33 years ago - The Bee Gees' "Saturday Night Fever" album goes #1 for 24 weeks. Meanwhile, Terry Kath (of Chicago) died after accidentally shooting himself in the head with a pistol he didn't know was loaded. He was 32 years old.

29 years ago - Ozzy Osborne bit the head off of a bat in concert and was hospitalized for rabies.

25 years ago - Chuck Berry, James Brown, Ray Charles, Domino, Everly Bros, B Holly, J L Lewis and Elvis Presley became the 1st inductees of the Rock 'N' Roll Hall of Fame

22 years ago - James Brown was sentenced to 6 years in jail for leading police on a chase through 2 states.

18 years ago - Fleetwood Mac reunited to perform at Bill Clinton's inauguration.

17 years ago - The Partridge Family's Danny Bonaduce beat Donny Osmond in a charity boxing match

16 years ago - Courtney Love appeared in Australian court on charges of abusing a flight attendant.

15 years ago - Lisa Marie Presley filed for divorce from Michael Jackson 9 years ago - EMI bought out their contract with Mariah Carey Listen to

Kinsmen Present Final Cheque

At Monday’s council meeting, representatives of the Kinsmen Club of Leamington presented Mayor John Paterson with a cheque for just under $5000, representing the final installment of their quarter million dollar fundraising commitment to the Kinsmen Arena. Pictured above from left to right are Amanda Smith, manager of the Complex, Brenda Fischer, recreation communications and public relations spokesperson, Steve Ingratta, president of the Leamington Kinsmen, Tyler Hicks, pastpresident and arena fundraising chairman, Harry Garbarino, fundraising chairman, and Mayor John Paterson accepting the cheque.

Leamington Council notes

(Continued from Front) grass cutting for the town.

Concerned that new members of council may have missed the point of requesting this information, councillor Rick Atkin spoke to the issue at some length. He agreed that “within the context of this narrow area [grass cutting] savings may be limited”, that was not the main focus. Rather, the municipality is “continuing to expand our involvement in additional services”, such as the $3 million improvement to Seacliff Park and the new soccer pitch, and the municipality needs to study how to provide existing and new services without forever expanding its workforce.

“What does the community want?” With that question Councillor Atkin moved that the question of contracting out grass cutting services be deferred to January of 2012 to provide council time to study the entire question of service provision and what role (if any) contracting out has in that. In addition, his motion included a ban on purchasing any

Appetizer... choice of

new, large mowing equipment until after that date. His motion was carried.

Development Proposal for Robson Road

Municipal council was presented with an application for site plan control to develop the vacant property on the north side of Robson Road just east of Erie Street. The proposal is to build a commercial building in two phases and to provide two dozen parking spaces to accommodate the development.

Janitorial Tenders Awarded

Administration presented council with a report on the tendering for janitorial services for its various buildings again on Monday. (The report prepared for council last week was withdrawn, reconsidered, and revised for this week. It was decided not to award a contract for the new municipal building until closer to its completion rather than accept a tender (Continued on Page 3)

Leamington Tree Legacy

Project – call for entries

Following the tornado on June 6th, 2010 which devastated many parts of Leamington, 68 trees were destroyed or damaged to the point that they had to be removed from Seacliff Park. A “Tree Legacy Project” has been initiated to transform the three large tree trunks that are left at the park into unique art that will serve as a reminder of Leamington’s remarkable strength and the renewal that has taken place since the tornado.

The tree carvings will be a legacy for years to come and will stand tall amongst the trees that are being replanted in the park. Interested artists are asked to contribute their talents to the project.

The goal of the tree sculpture legacy project is to create a lasting, outdoor public art experience whereby chainsaw carvers and wood sculptures will transform the remaining oak tree trunks into beautiful carvings. A partnership between the South Essex Arts Association and the Windsor Woodcarving Museum, along with the Municipality of Leamington, has been established and a planning committee to select the woodcarvers, the concept drawings for each tree trunk and to assist with planning a community-wide event is well on the way to making the Tree Legacy Project a reality. A call for entries is open from now until April 1, 2011. Interested woodcarving artists are invited to pick up an entry form from the Leamington Arts Centre or Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex. Copies can also be downloaded by visiting www. leamingtonartscentre.ca.

Leamington Council news - January 17 meeting

(Continued from Page 2) before the bidders could even view the building.)

Successful bidders were Kleenway, a Toronto company starting up in this area, for Community Services, the fire hall, the public works building and the Pollution Control Centre, and Green Tech, a local company for the police building and the water department. The company currently responsible for the Town Hall will continue its services until the municipality moves out of the building and takes up residence on Erie Street in the new Municipal Building.

East Side Arterial Road Finishing Touches

Since the east side arterial road will not be designated as a County Road for a little while yet, a report was presented to council Monday night to establish municipal speed limits along its entire length now that construction is completed. Eventually it will be designated a County Road and County Council will set the speed limit. Until then, be aware that 60 km/h is all you can legally do. (Resist the temptation that the big, new road presents if you are a speed demon.)

While the report and its recommendation were passed with ease, mention of the road spurred Councillor Jacobs to state that he would like to see a study done in the spring on the volume and nature of the traffic using this road to help council address the concerns that have been raised by residents on Antonio Court. Mayor Paterson reminded him that the past council had requested just such a study that would also include noise monitoring, while John Tofflemire, Director of Community Services, pointed out that, while Leamington could certainly do the study, by that time it would be a County Road and the responsibility for monitoring would actually be on the shoulders of the County Road Department. When the time comes for the study, Mr. Tofflemire would like to consult with the County about it.

Mayor Paterson added that, come budget time, in all likelihood a decision to install any kind of barrier – safety or sound – would be a political one, since it would be too soon for traffic volumes to come even close to levels that are usually used to justify barriers.

Miscellany

Councillor MacDonald asked if there was still time to install security gates at the foot of each dock at the marina. She has been told that many consider them quite important for the protection of the valuable boats that are moored there. Councillor Jacobs reinforced that idea with the statement that many of the resident boaters think gates are so important they are tempted to install them at their own expense. Although administration admitted that there is no plan at the moment to install security gates (in the past the matter was debated and the decision made to go with a night watchman instead), they agreed to investigate the matter further.

Councillor Verbeke asked that consideration be given to installing lights at the intersection of Sherk and Ellison Streets. With three schools and the Complex all emptying onto Ellison, the intersection has become an accident waiting to happen. He was assured by administration that signalization of the intersection would be costed out for budget time. Councillor Verbeke added that perhaps lights at Clark and Erie should be considered, and then added that perhaps the lights just installed on the new section of greenway at Oak and at Talbot could be used in these locations to better effect. Director of

Community Services John Tofflemire stated that the new ‘crosswalk’ lights were acquired and installed because of the “substantial” subsidy the municipality was able to get, and that their effectiveness and utility would be constantly monitored to see if they are a benefit or a hindrance.

A condensed look at the world...

If we could shrink the earth’s population to a village of precisely 100 people, with all the existing human ratios remaining the same, it would look like the following. There would be:

• 57 Asians, 21 Europeans, 14 from the Western Hemisphere, both north and south, 8 Africans

• 70 would be non-white, 30 would be white

• 52 would be female, 48 would be male

• 70 would be non-Christian, 30 would be Christian

• 89 would be heterosexual, 11 would be homosexual

• 6 people would possess 59% of the entire world’s wealth and all 6 would be from the United States

• 80 would live in substandard housing

• 70 would be unable to read

I like my paycheque in my hand

• 50 would suffer from malnutrition

• 1 would be near death, 1 would be near birth

• 1 (yes, only 1) would have a college education

• 1 would own a computer

I’ve never had direct deposit. I’m not against it, I’d probably love the convenience of it, but I’ve just never worked anywhere that I didn’t have my paycheque handed to me each week. That’s right, every week. I’ve also never been paid in a two-week cycle.

When one considers our world from such a compressed perspective, the need for acceptance, understanding and education becomes glaringly apparent.

Something else to ponder...

• If you woke up this morning with more health than illness... you are more blessed than the million who will not survive this week.

• If you have never experienced the danger of battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation... you are ahead of 500 million people in the world.

• If you can attend a church meeting without fear of harassment, arrest, torture or death... you are more blessed than 3 billion people in the world.

• If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep... you are richer than 75% of this world.

• If you have money in the bank, in your wallet and spare change in a dish someplace... you are among the top 8% of the world’s wealthy.

I’ve worked for small independent companies all my life. From the general store at McKay’s Corners throughout my teenage life, to small offices like the Ridgetown Independent News and now the Southpoint Sun. It may seem a little old school, but there really is something to be said for having an actual paper cheque in your hand. How often do actually deposit a cheque in the bank anymore? Tax returns, health insurance claims – anything where you actually get money is always direct deposit.

I know, we could probably save 9¢ a cheque (times by 8 employees) by going to direct deposit and by paying on a bi-weekly schedule, but I think most of us enjoy to receiving our cheques. And as a part owner in the company I like the fact that we have almost perfect attendance on Thursdays (paydays).

Many years ago I worked with a lady who would “collect” her paycheques and would end up depositing them about once a month, which annoyed everyone from the accountant to the rest of us who were living cheque-to-cheque.

Another enjoyable aspect of receiving your cheque is going to the bank. I walk in every Thursday (sometimes Friday) and see the “girls” at the bank. We usually exchange some witty conversation about local happenings or a casual conversation about the weather. My column topics often come up and I’m sure this week’s will be especially liked. Whatever the case, it’s refreshing to be able to interact with a person and not a machine. It’s not too often that I have to wait in line, but when there is a line I don’t think anyone begrudges a little small talk by the person in front of them.

It may seem like a simple gesture from times gone by, but I enjoy it. It’s bad enough to follow all the auto withdrawls, I don’t want to have to monitor the deposits as well.

Maija Hodgson Age 9

“Yes, because I like the snow and I like to go ice skating and I like building a snowman.”

S Soouutthhppooiinnt t S Saayyss. . ....

Do you enjoy winter?

Erik Hodgson Age 6

“Yes but my favourite season is summer. I like skating with my cousins in the winter.”

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

Slow down or move over

for emergency vehicles

The Ontario Provincial Police would once again like to remind motorists that when passing an emergency vehicle stopped with its emergency lights activated in the same direction of travel, either in a lane or on the shoulder of a road or highway, to slow down and pass with caution. If the road has two or more lanes, the motorist must move over into another lane, if it can be done safely.

The legislation regarding passing emergency vehicles was enacted in April of 2003 in order to improve safety for the public and emergency personnel who must work on the side of busy highways. The impetus for the legislation was a roadside accident near London, Ontario, which claimed the life of one police officer and injured two others. Members of the public have also been killed or injured during traffic stops or emergency operations.

Failing to slow down or move over can result in the following:

• First offence: $400 to $2000 fine, plus 3 demerit points upon conviction and a possible drivers licence suspension for up to 2 years.

• Subsequent offence (within 5 years): $1000 to $4000 fine, possible jail time of up to 6 months and a possible licence suspension for up to 2 years.

Police officers and emergency personnel put their lives on the line every time they make a traffic stop or provide emergency services. They shouldn’t have to worry about irresponsible drivers who disobey the law.

Cassidy Rousseau Age 10

“Yes. I like to play in the snow, and go tobogganing and skating with my friends.”

Mikey Rousseau Age 8

“A little. I like tobogganing but I like summer a little better because it’s not cold and I like to go swimming.”

Just be

Coincidentally, one of my siblings is in Bangkok, Thailand, at the same time I am reading a chapter about Thailand in my book. The same one I was reading a month ago. It’s not that I’m not enjoying it, but when I finally find time to read I am lucky to get through a couple of pages before falling asleep.

Thailand sounds very interesting to say the least, and I imagine my sister gliding across Bangkok on the Sky train with a smile on her face, taking in all the sights from the Erawan Shrine to the multitude of shopping malls. Like many of the large cities in the world, they have it all.

I wonder if my sister knows what her smile says to any Thai person? In Thailand a smile can mean more than it does here, and it can mean less as well. We typically think a smile relates to happiness, but in Thailand it is a mask that signifies anger, doubt, anxiety and grief as well. So how do you tell the difference? Well a true or real smile does not centre on the mouth area but the eyes. Hence our lovely smile lines that we should wear proudly. Only with a genuine smile do the ‘orbicularis oculi’ muscles get to work.

Sounds like a lot of thought goes into the reading of one’s face, but in actuality thinking too much is frowned upon in Thailand. Perhaps in our western pursuit of happiness through self-help books and needless introspection, we miss the boat. (Speaking of which, I hope I don’t miss mine in the next couple of days.)

“Happy people have no reason to think: they live rather than question living.” Well doesn’t that quote provoke some thought? Oh, I must stop this and try instead to adopt the Thai word “mai pen lai” meaning, “never mind” into my life.

Imagine your day – care full and worry free – and have fun. “Sanuk”, the Thai word for fun, is a Thai motto for life: “If it’s not fun, it’s not worth doing.”

I love to read and will take advantage of my vacation time to get through the next chapter of my book. Can’t you just picture me with my thoughtless smile as I mindlessly nod off again.

Photo contest entries on exhibit at Arts Centre

“Anything’s Possible: 2011 Amateur Photo Contest” submissions are now on display Leamington Arts Centre. The exhibit opened January 5 and will close January 29. A reception and awards night was held Friday, January 14.

Amateur photographers were invited to submit their work in two different categories. Adults 18 years of age and up were asked to submit their photos depicting the seasons, architecture or still objects. Youth 17 years and under entered their photos of pets, funny faces or anything fun. The photo contest was sponsored by Photography and Framing by Anna.

Judges Ken Friesen, Anna Boudreau and Mary Jane Nohra faced a difficult task in picking the winning photographs. Of the 76 entries, the following are the award winners:

Adult – Still Objects

• 1st Ann Cotter – “Yarn Basket”

• 2nd Roberta McCarty – “Abandoned Bicycle”

• 3rd Melissa McCarty – “Rochester Lake”

Adult – Seasons

Upcoming Leamington Council meetings

The Leamington Council Meeting for Monday, January 24th, 2011 is cancelled. The next meetings of Leamington Council will be Monday, February 7, 14 and 21, 2011.

• 1st Terra Koop – “Kopegaron Woods”

• 2nd Susan Reddkopp – “A Mother’s Love”

• 3rd Amanda Condon – “Ladybug Morning Dew” Adult – Architecture

• 1st Melissa McCarty – “Sunset in Venezia”

• 2nd Melissa McCarty – “Doge’s Palace”

• 3rd Audrian Hutchinson – “Untitled”

Youth – Anything Fun • 1st Rebecca Mullin – “Let Go”

Youth – Pets • 1st Rebecca Mullin – “Murphy”

The People’s Choice winners, selected by those in attendance at the reception, were Roberta McCarty for “Aban-

doned Bicycle” and Diane Riley for “Feeding Frenzy”. Congratulations to all.

One-on-one with

pharmacists

The provincial MedsCheck program has been expanded, giving more people access to consultations with their local pharmacist to ensure they are using their medications safely and effectively.

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Pharmacists play a vitally important role in our health care system. Under the program, eligible Ontarians receive a one-on-one consultation with a pharmacist to discuss the safe and appropriate use of any combination of prescription, overthe-counter and alternative medications they may be using.

Three more services now available to ensure that more Ontarians will benefit from a consultation are:

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DO YOU KNOW:

DO YOU KNOW:

• MedsCheck for Diabetes: for Ontarians living with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.

• MedsCheck Long-Term Care: for residents of longterm care homes.

Studies by Environment Canada prove that uninsulated crawl spaces can account for up to 23% of single story homes’ heating cost?

Studies by Environment Canada prove that uninsulated crawl spaces can account for up to 23% of single story homes’ heating cost?

• MedsCheck at Home: for people who are homebound and have difficulty traveling to a community pharmacy, a community pharmacist will visit the person in their home for the review.

If

Does the snow melt around your homes foundation?

Does the snow melt around your homes foundation?

If it does, you are wasting money!

For FREE ESTIMATES call Brad Cobby 519-825-7610

More than 650,000 Ontarians have received a MedsCheck consultation since the program was launched in 2007. A MedsCheck consultation with the pharmacist does not require a referral from a doctor. All consultations are done in person with the patient.

The award winners of Anything’s Possible: 2011 Amateur Photo Contest, from left to right, are Diane Riley, Audrian Hutchinson, Rebeccah Mullin, Amanda Condon, Ann Cotter, Roberta McCarty and Melissa McCarty.

Support needed for charity canning operation

Mennonite program helps feed the world’s hungry

By Andy Comber

Volunteers and support are being sought for the upcoming cannery operation, which will provide much-needed food to families of poor or war-ravaged countries.

The Mennonite Central Committee will operate its mobile meat canner at the HJ Heinz tomato grading station, on Sherk Street in Leamington, from April 18 to 21. It is the 13th year of canning in Leamington, and 9th year of canning turkey.

Just as last year, the local canning operation plans to process 30,000 pounds of turkey thighs – with the help over 700 area volunteers.

Qualified canner operators supervise the volunteers, who from various area churches and high schools, as they stir, put the turkey meat into cans, cook, wash and hand-label the finished cans. The cans are then sent to a warehouse before being shipped to supply hunger-stricken countries.

Last year, MCC meat shipments totalling more than 519,000 cans were made to 14 countries around the world. That included 33 tons of canned turkey sent to Haiti in response to the Jan. 12, 2010 earthquake. Turkey meat is a high source of protein, often a missing component in many diets overseas.

The public can help with the meat canning operation by volunteering or donating money through their local church or at any Mennonite Savings and Credit Union. The MCC also welcomes the opportunity to speak to groups about the canning operation.

To volunteer or to support the operation, contact Jake Neufeld at 519-825-7173, Gene Forshaw at 519-326-6058, Pat Quenneville at 519-687-2505, or Marlene Schmidtgall at 519-326-7709.

The MCC mobile canner has been in operation in the United States since 1946 and in Canada since 1997. This year, a four-person crew will visit 13 U.S. states and two Canadian provinces during the canning season, which runs from October through April. This year’s canning crew includes George Wieler of Wheatley, Peter Reimer of Tolstoi, Manitoba, Steven Bricker, of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, and Ryun Lawrence of Goessel, Kansas.

The Mennonite Central Committee is a relief, service and development agency under the North American Mennonite and Brethren in Christ Churches.

The idea for the canning program developed during World War II among the Mennonites. The war left countless people homeless and hungry. Responding to the need, a Virginia business built and operated a portable canner in the area, processing food for relief overseas. A relief committee was formed in Hesston, Kansas, to respond to the needs, and they built a canning unit. Today, the canning unit is mounted on a flatbed trailer, enclosed with fold-up sides.

Volunteers packed turkey at the MCC mobile meat canner in Leamington last spring.

(File Photo)

Free registered disability savings plan information sessions

Community partners from Windsor-Essex are hosting three FREE information sessions on the Registered Disability Savings Plan for individuals and families planning for their family member with a disability.

The RDSP sessions will be presented by Brendon Pooran. One will be held in Kingsville on February 1st at 6:30 p.m. at the Youth and Family Resource Network of Essex County, 23 Mill Street West. Two others will be held in Windsor on February 2nd at 9:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. at Place Concord, Richelieu Room, 7515 Forest Glade Drive.

Pre-register online at clwindsor.org OR email rcpwindsor@autismontario.com OR phone 519-250-9410. Funding for these sessions is provided by the Government of Canada. Visit www.rdspontario.ca for one-to-one telephone consultations, webinar and tele-seminars.

Warm thoughts of winter escapes

It’s that time of year again. We’ve had it up to here with snow (literally) and our minds begin to warm to southern climes, white sandy beaches, tall drinks by the pool, and the feel of a warm breeze across your face. Sounds heavenly, doesn’t it?

Weese’s Pieces Pieces

Scrap metal thieves

On Jan. 17 Tecumseh

Travel companies are circling over us like buzzards over roadkill. Canadians are easy prey. We’re vulnerable and they know it, and their cash registers are ringing and dinging. As sure as the swallows returning to San Juan Capistrano yearly, Canucks who have the time and means to travel south will not think twice.

Travel for many of us is medication. More than actually basking in the glow of a hot sun, travel provides sunshine to our mood and allows many of us to more cheerfully pursue our new year’s resolutions or to commit to our daily chores. It may even lighten that load on the end of our snow shovels. “Hope” as Confucius said, “is its own reward.”

OPP received a report of an ongoing problem of scrap metal being stolen from a business property near the 1840 block of Blackacre Dr., Tecumseh.

Description of the suspect: male Caucasian, 30-35 years old, approx 6’2”, thin build, 170 pounds, unshaven, short brown hair, receding hair line on both sides, black jacket, jeans

Suspect vehicle: Chevy Venture minivan, 2002, boxstyle, windows all around.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers 1-800-222-8477 or Essex County OPP Criminal Investigation Unit 519-7232491.

According to a British psychologist there’s more than a “gut feel” to our winter of discontent, says Dr. Cliff Amail, whose research and calculations have determined that January 24th is officially “The Most Depressing Day of the Year”.

If travel is your preferred method of surviving the most depressing day (and period) of the year, the following are some suggested destinations.

What is the number one place in the world for folks to travel? (Drum roll please...) Orlando, Florida. Gee, I wonder why? Guess I’m not the only parent who will take out a second mortgage just to keep the kids happy. I’ve been to Orlando a couple of times over the past 10 years. First, with the family to Disney World and the second time to a hotel convention in the name of business. Yes, they were vastly different experiences. Work, work, work… you know.

Las Vegas is high on the list, too. In fact it comes in seventh. Vegas, as many of us can attest, can either be one of the greatest values for travel experiences or it can be the most expensive trip you’ll ever encounter. I’ve been to Vegas a couple of times. If you time it right with the weather gods, Vegas can be a wonderful poolside treat. Lots of palm trees, over-the-top service, pretty people, et all. However, the last time I was there, and it was in late January, we got frost and coat-wearing weather. Thank goodness there were plenty of interesting buildings and stage shows for us to visit and enjoy.

Way down on the list, at spot number 63 of favourite destinations, is Cancun, Mexico. No doubt some of the news reports of crime in Mexico are causing some hesitation in the minds of travelers. Good news for bargain hunters I suspect, as we can look forward to some terrific deals on travel to that part of the world.

For those who pine for an escape but lack the budget, there is an option. Warm temperatures, lush greenery, exotic birds and the ability to run around in your shorts is just down the road and it will barely cost you any money at all. To boot, you won’t even need a passport. With two kids away at school this year, there’s a good chance that this destination will be my winter blues remedy. Meet you at Colasanti’s.

Province

reducing, merging websites

MPP Pat Hoy says the provincial government is making it easier to get information and services online and saving an estimated $1.3 million of taxpayer money over the next two years.

Hoy pointed out that more than 200 websites were reviewed and over 65 sites were selected to be eliminated or merged with other sites by March 2012. Money will be saved through consolidated technology, infrastructure and maintenance costs as result of these changes. Internal government websites are also being reviewed, beginning with a freeze on developing new ones. Changes underway have already provided over $300,000 in additional savings.

“As part of the Open Ontario Plan, the government is committed to providing access to online information such as finding a doctor or registering a birth,” said Hoy. “And eliminating waste and finding savings will help protect services in schools and hospitals that are important to Ontario families and help reduce the deficit and eliminate it completely by 2018.”

In just over 2 weeks will be the first annual WindsorEssex Loves Talent Showcase! An idea from 11-year-old Ally Dimenna has turned into an exciting fundraising event that will be held February 3 at L’Essor High School and will feature talent from young people between the ages of 8-21 years old.

Auditions were held in November 2010 and there are 40 acts ready to perform. Talent ranges from song, dance and karate to piano, guitar and theatre.

The fundraiser to support children and teens who have a disability to be active and included in their community, especially during the summer months, to maximize opportunities for social interaction, sport and recreation, and community involvement. There is a myth that government provides a lot of funding to families when indeed the opposite is true, especially during the times when school is out. Families struggle to get enough support for their children and it can be very stressful without it, for both child and family.

For optimal health and well-being, it’s important for all children to be active and involved in community activities. This is a pure example of kids helping kids.

Also featured will be visual artwork from students throughout the community. Young people from the community will be up front and centre at this event.

There is capacity to hold up to 600 people and hopefully it will be a sell-out event! Tickets are $10 each and available online at www.communitylivingessex.org and www.ensembleunderstands.com. Tickets are also available locally in Leamington at CR Music Room, 275 Talbot St. W. (519-322-4937); and in Kingsville at Ernie’s TV, 29 Main St. E. (519-733-5262) and United Community Credit Union, 328 Main St. E. (519-733-6521). For more information call 519-776-6486 ext. 225.

Leamington Flyers players were out playing some good old fashioned pond hockey in Wheatley recently. (Photos by Jeff Lobman)

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

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

MONDAY NIGHTS - The Windsor Classic Chorale is looking for new members, especially tenors and basses. The choir is made up of 20-25 auditioned musicians who love singing and can read music. Rehearsals are Monday nights from 7:00 - 9:30 p.m. in South Windsor. We perform 3 - 4 concerts a year. If you are intersted in sharing your love of music with one of the premier choirs in Southwestern Ontartio, call the director at 310-292-8444 to set up an audition.

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

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

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 19 - IRIS House presents a Thai Cuisine luncheon from 12 p.m.-1:30 p.m. at 1280 Ouellette Ave., Windsor (parking at rear). Luncheon includes Thai cucumber soup, basil rolls with hoisin peanut sauce, California flank steak, Thai chicken satays, jasmine rice, rice noodles, stir fry vegetables, assorted desserts and coffee/tea. Price is $8 per person, take-out available. Proceeds benefit IRIS Residential Inns and Services, a family-driven, charitable, non-profit corporation which provides supportive housing for those with a persistent serious mental illness (PSMI).

National Popcorn Day at Kingsville Library, from 4 p.m.-5 p.m. for ages 7 and up. Call 519733-5620 to register.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 20 - Free information session to learn more about registering your special needs child for kindergarten takes place from 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. at Youth and Family Resource Network of Essex County, 23 Mill St. W., Kingsville. Session includes presentations by parents and professionals. For more info, or to pre-register, contact Windsor Essex Family Network at 519-974-1008.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 21 - Bingo at Essex Retirees Social Club, 32 Russell St., Essex at 7:15 p.m. For info, phone 519-776-6689.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 22 - Windsorʼs First Indoor Garage Sale of the Rich & Famous, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Rose City Ford, 6333 Tecumseh Rd. E., Windsor. High-end, highquality items donated by well-known local celebrities, families and respected businesses. Items include furniture, appliances, sports memorabilia, home decor, gym equipment and much more. Food and refreshments while you shop. Kids welcome – Clairol the Clown to entertain. Cash, debit and credit accepted. Proceeds benefit the Windsor/Essex Childrenʼs Aid Foundation.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 23 - Kittenaide Fundraiser at Cabin Fever Flea Market 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., 37 Beach (Unico Hall), Kingsville. For more info call 519-324-2729.

MONDAY, JANUARY 24 - 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. Leamington United Church, 9 John St., welcomes all who are alone or having trouble making ends meet to their monthly Leamington Food and Fellowship Supper. No charge.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 30 - Sunparlour Bluegrass gathering at Comber Legion, 2:005:00 p.m. An afternoon of bluegrass music with performances by groups of local bluegrass pickers.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 1 - Community partners from Windsor-Essex are hosting three free information sessions on the Registered Disability Savings Plan for individuals and families planning for their family member with a disability. One will be held in Kingsville on February 1 at 6:30 p.m. at the Youth and Family Resource Network of Essex County, 23 Mill St. West. Two others will be held in Windsor on February 2 at 9:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. at Place Concord, Richelieu Room, 7515 Forest Glade Drive. Pre-register online at clwindsor.org or email rcpwindsor@autismontario.com or phone 519-250-9410.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 5 - St. Maryʼs Family Learning Centre presents Trivia Night. An interactive fun evening. Munchies, prizes, draws. 7:30 p.m. at the Folgolar Furlan Club of Windsor, Dante Costa hall, 1800 North Service Road East. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. Cash bar. Tickets $10 each or $70 for a table fo 8. For tickets call 519-252-9696. Proceeds to suppport St. Maryʻs Family Learning Centre.

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.

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 free-will offering.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 16 - The Arthritis Society Windsor-Essex County offers a 2 hour Chronic Pain Management Workshop that shares ways in which it is possible to minimize your chronic Arthritis pain. 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at Knights of Columbus Hall, 152 Lesperance Rd. Refreshments provided. Workshop is FREE. A friend, partner or family member is welcome to come with you. Must register, call 1-800-321-1433 or 519-965-2561.

Cardinal Carter edges LDSS in boys basketball action

It was the battle of the Leamington teams on Thursday, January 13 as the Cardinal Carter Cougars senior boys basketball players were visitors at Leamington District Secondary School. In the senior match it was the Cougars over the Lions 00-00. And in junior action the Cougars edged the Lions 47-43. Pictured here are the seniors during the first half of the game.

Pack a winter driving survival kit

Although the Sun Parlour of Canada enjoys some of the best weather conditions, it’s still a good idea to be prepared for inclement conditions.

After this winter’s ordeal of more than 300 motorists being stranded on the 402 between Sarnia and Strathroy, all drivers should be thinking of packing up a winter driving survival kit to keep in your vehicle. Having essential supplies can provide some comfort and safety for you and your passengers should you become stranded.

The Ministry of Transporation issued this list of recommended items for a survival kit:

Ice scraper/snowbrush

Shovel

Sand or other traction aid

Tow rope or chain

Booster cables

Road flares or warning lights

Gas line antifreeze

Flashlight and batteries

First aid kit

Fire extinguisher

Small tool kit

Extra clothing and footwear

Blanket

Non-perishable energy foods – e.g., chocolate or granola bars, juice, soup, bottled water Candle and a small tin can matches

(SUN Photo)

The Leamington District Secondary School girls’ hockey team beat L’Essor 4-1 on Thursday, January 13 at the Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex, Unico Arena. The first two periods saw the girls tied 1-1. The LDSS Lions came alive in the third scoring three goals and shutting out L’Essor. Scoring for LDSS were single markers to Ashley Clifford, Shelby Davison, Kaitlyn Pinch and Kayla Lindsay. Carleigh Manning earned the win in net for LDSS.

(SUN Photos)

Ice jam at Lighthouse Cove

Ice and debris pushed by heavy water flow has jammed the mouth of the Thames River at Lighthouse Cove. The ice jam has caused about two-dozen homes on Harbour Drive and Admiral Road to flood. When the ice subsided it left a frozen wake of house damage. This ice jam has renewed the call for dredging at the mouth of the Thames, but not all officials believe dredging alone is the answer. The Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority held an ice management meeting with representatives from Lakeshore, Chatham-Kent and the LTVCA engineer to discuss the situation and decide a course of action.

(SUN Photo)

Atom Majors oust St. Thomas in 4 games

Reid Funeral Home Atom Majors played three great games of hockey this past weekend.

In Friday night’s game it took an overtime goal to tie up the series to one apiece. Trailing 1-0 in the first period, the Caps struck twice in the second frame for a 2-1 lead. Spence Wiebe scored the first, unassisted and shorthanded. Joseph Alfano got the second two minutes later from Gow and Jackson. In the third the Stars again took the lead 3-2 but with four minutes left Alfano found the back of the net for his second of the night. Assists were from Jackson and DiCiocco. Wiebe got the game-winner three minutes into overtime on a beautiful pass from DiCiocco to ice the game.

The Caps traveled to St. Thomas on Saturday for game three. The Stars again took a first period lead 1-0 and again the Caps replied in the second with a goal by Gioia DiCiocco, unassisted. In the third the Caps took charge with a twogoal lead. Wiebe and Tyler Zsebok provided the goals with Reid and Travis collecting assists. Wiebe put the game away with an empty netter with only seconds left in the game, winning 4-2.

This set up game four at home for the Caps. The Stars enjoyed and 2-0 lead in the second, but the Caps found the twine late in the second to cut the lead by one. Wiebe again started things rolling with assists going to Kir and Thomas. The Caps tied the game up in the third when Mason Gow, with a heads-up play, took Alfano’s rebound and made a nice move around the Stars goalie to tie the game 2-2. This

Flyers Sign Mattson

The Leamington Flyers have made another addition to the roster by signing forward Austin Mattson.

The Livonia, Michigan native played for the Plymouth Whalers of the Ontario Hockey League in 2009/2010 and at the start of the 2010/2011 season. Most recently, he was playing with Sioux City in the USHL. Mattson made his debut on Wednesday, January 12 in London. He wears the #9 jersey.

Girls volleyball action

sent the game into overtime again. It took only two minutes into overtime for Jeron Kir to seal the victory with a pass from Wiebe, who then set up the screen on the Stars goalie for the gamewinner. This gave the Caps six points and they will now advance to play Amherstburg.

The Leamington District Secondary School senior and junior girls volleyball teams were at the other end of town at Cardinal Carter Secondary School. The Cougars took three straight matches against the Lions in both divisions. In the junior matches the Cougars won 25-16, 25-19 and 2518. The senior games were exceptionally close as the Cougars edged the Lions 25-23, 25-16 and 25-23. (SUN Photos)

YOUTH PROGRAMS: Red Cross Swim lessons, Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Indoor Soccer, Youth Floor Hockey, Jr. Racquetball, Youth Basketball, Babysitter Training Course, Home Alone Course, P.A. Day Camp, March Break Day Camp, NEW! March Break Kirk Bowman Hockey Camp, Youth Triathlon Camp

ADULT PROGRAMS:

Fitness & Aquatic Fitness – over 52 Classes per week, Weight Room & Cardio Fitness, Indoor Walking/Jogging Track, Adult Karate & Tae Kwon Do, Scuba Diving Lessons, Masters Swimming, Personal Trainers & Nutrition & Wellness Coaches, Racquetball League, Squash, Basketball, 55+ Badminton, Red Cross First Aid & AED Training, Prevention Program, NEW! Half Marathon Clinic, Triathlon/Duathlon Training, Attn: New Moms: Stroller Fit Class & Mom & Tot AquaFitness class (have your baby close by as you take an exercise class!)

By Melissa McCarty

On Wednesday the Flyers faced the London Nationals, who have sat in first place in the Western Conference for the majority of the season. The Flyers had been unable to beat London in the previous four matchups and Wednesday’s game was no different as they lost 5-1.

Kody Polin was the lone goal scorer for the Flyers with assists to Matt Ogden and newcomer Austin Mattson. Goaltender Colin Greeley made 20 saves in the first two periods before being replaced by Zakk Olvin, who made two saves in the third.

Flyers assistant coach Jamie McDermott said he thought Wednesday’s loss had a lot to do with where the two teams sit in the standings. “From my standpoint it seemed like we went into that game with the mindset that we were playing against the first place team,” McDermott said. “We didn’t come with our game face on to prove that they need to look out for us come the playoffs.”

2011 FLYERS UPDATE

In their two wins last week the Flyers outscored their opponents 19-1 and outshot them 130-36… The Flyers made another move last week when they signed forward Austin Mattson. The Livonia, Michigan, native had spent some time with the Plymouth Whalers of the Ontario Hockey League over the last two years and most recently he was playing with Sioux City in the USHL. Mattson will wear #9… Kody Polin leads the Flyers with 28 points (8 goals and 20 assists).

flyers biggest win of the season

The very next night there was a drastically different outcome. Just 24 hours after playing first-placed London, the Flyers faced the Lambton Shores Predators who have spent the entire season in the basement of the Western Conference with only four wins. The Flyers took advantage of the struggling team and got their biggest win of the season, knocking off the Predators 12-1. Chris Scott led the Flyers with a hat trick and one assist, Cheyne Matheson and Nick Nicodemo each had two goals and two assists, Kody Polin, Austin Mattson and Jared Dennis each had one goal and one assist with Alex Seguin and Ryan Crevatin adding singles. Kyle Bowman chipped in with four assists and Eric Mayor had three assists. Zakk Olvin earned his sixth win in net making 20 saves. McDermott said the win was a combination of redemption from the previous night’s loss and playing hard to prevent a close-call like they had against Lambton Shores last Saturday when they edged them 5-4 in a shoot out. “We knew we better come ready to play and fortunately we did,” McDermott said.

Flyers vs Sarnia

“Getting a hat trick is something every forward looks to do and I just feel really lucky that I got my first one as a sixteen-year-old,” Scott admitted.

While the Flyers have often struggled this season to play strong for the full 60 minutes, rookie forward Chris Scott said that Thursday’s game proves what the Flyers are capable of doing when everyone gives 100%. “We know we need to play like this for the rest of the season and into the playoffs,” Scott said. “We definitely have the talent here to win a championship.”

Scott got the Flyers first hat trick of the season and it came on the same day it was announced that he would be receiving the Mickey Renaud Award from the Sun County Minor Hockey Association.

On Saturday the Flyers offensive barrage continued as they blanked the Sarnia Legionnaires 7-0. In only his second game with the team, newly acquired forward Austin Mattson scored twice. Brett Babkirk and Kyle Bowman each had a goal and two assists, Nick Nicodemo had a goal and one assist while Jared Dennis and Alex Seguin added singles. Colin Greeley made 16 saves earning his 13th win and third shutout of the season.

The Flyers had been trailing Sarnia by two points in the standings so the win forced the two teams into a tie for sixth place. The Flyers will travel to LaSalle to face the 3rd place Vipers on Wednesday, and on Thursday they host the 8th place Chatham Maroons.

FLYERS FLASHBACKS

PLAYER PROFILE

Flyers forward Scott receives Mickey Renaud Award

Special to The Sun by Melissa McCarty

Last week it was announced that Leamington Flyers rookie forward Chris Scott was the recipient of this year’s Mickey Renaud Award, an honour that is presented by the Sun County Minor Hockey Association to a player from the previous midget-minor season who best demonstrates determination, dedication and leadership on and off the ice.

The award is named for former Sun County Panther and Windsor Spitfire Mickey Renaud who passed away suddenly at the age of 19 due to an undetected heart condition.

“When Mickey passed away, it shocked me,” Scott said. “I always looked up to him and I even wore #18 in Sun County because of him.” Renaud wore #18 when he captained the Windsor Spitfires and Scott also wears that number with the Flyers.

“This award is very special to me because he was such a great leader on and off the ice,” Scott said.

Flyers assistant coach Jamie McDermott said that Scott is a very deserving recipient of this award.

Chris Scott

“Chris is a great kid who works very hard,” McDermott said. “He plays very well as a 16-year-old in this league. You wouldn’t know his age by watching him play.”

But McDermott said the award isn’t just an indication of how Scott plays on the ice, it’s also a testament to the person he is off the ice. “This is a great honour for Chris and it speaks volumes about the type of kid he is.”

In addition to receiving the award, Scott received further acclamation when it was announced that he would be playing in the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League Prospects Game that took place in Guelph on Monday. It is a chance for scouts and recruiters to see some of the best players in the league who are fully eligible to play major junior hockey and attend U.S.-based schools.

Prior to the game, Scott said he was looking forward to playing in it but didn’t want to think too much about everyone who would be watching.

“It definitely put a smile on my face when I found out that I was going,” Scott said. “Ultimately I think a scholarship would be really special but I just want to go have fun and work hard and see what happens.”

So far this season Scott has 10 goals and 13 assists in 38 games, including a hat trick last week against Lambton Shores. When asked if he had set any goals for himself this year, Scott admitted that his most important goal at the beginning of the season was simply to make the team.

“I wasn’t even sure if I’d be playing on the team this season, but I was very excited when I found out that I had made it,” Scott said. “I had some consistency issues early on but I’m working on that. I’m motivated to work hard and I’m ready to do whatever the coach wants me to do.”

Kittenaide in the running to win Pepsi grant

Kittenaide/Linda Merle is in the third position to win a $10,000 Pepsi grant for their project idea and need the community’s support.

The Kittenaide program is operated by a local group of citizens who are making a difference in the lives of abandoned and homeless felines. The program is not funded and the money needed to pay medical expenses is raised by yard and bake sales as well as private donations.

In less then five years, over 5000 kittens and cats plus 50 dogs have been rescued, thanks to this program. The animals are placed into foster care after being vet checked and receiving any medical attention required. They are found in traps, on the streets, in the fields, in empty buildings and even in garbage dumpsters. Some are cats that need to be relocated due to an owner’s death, illness, allergies, and various other reasons.

To show support for Kittenaide/Linda Merle, simply log on to http://www. refresheverything.ca/kittenaideprogramessexcountyontario, register and vote for Kittenaide/Merle in the 10K neighbourhood. You can cast your vote every day until February 28, 2011.

Midget AEs win over Belle River and Windsor

The Bob Dick Plant Farm Midget AEs had a very good weekend picking up a pair of wins with opponents that are fighting for second overall position in the league standings.

On Saturday evening the Caps played host to the Belle River Jr. Canadiens and came out on top with a 3-2 win.

The Jr. Canadiens scored late in the first period to take the lead. Brian Travis responded 20 seconds later with assists to Taylor Omstead and Evan Nash. The first period ended in a 1-1 draw.

The boys came out banging in the second period and took control as Brendan McGivern and Jared Adams fired goals to put the Caps ahead 3-1 entering the third period. Scott Robinson and Brian Travis added assists.

Southpoint played a close checking defensive third period and limited the Belle River team to one goal late in the period. Matt Chamberlain shut the door the rest of the way and the Caps emerged with the 3-2 win.

On Sunday evening the Caps travelled to Windsor to take on the team just ahead of them in the standings. The Caps and the Jr. Spits played to a scoreless first period with both goaltenders making big saves.

Windsor scored first midway through the second to take a 1-0 lead. Wheaton Mouck scored the equalizer 30 seconds later with an assist going to Taylor Omstead.

The team really picked up the pace and the intensity resulted in three unanswered goals as the Caps took a commanding 4-1 lead into the third period. Andrew Penner, Brian Travis and Mouck scored the goals for the Caps. Assists went to Scott Robinson and Davey Watson. Windsor scored early in the third on a power play before Mouck with his third of the night put the game out of reach. With time running out, Windsor added another goal and the final score was 5-3 in favour of the Caps. Tyler Jackson was strong in net for Southpoint and picked up the win.

Live the Suite Life...

Limo ride, suite tickets, a roomful of friends, the Windsor Spitfires.

These are the things that make the Suite Life. Southland Insurance Brokers Inc. has launched its “Live the Suite Life” contest where one lucky winner will receive:

• 8 free tickets to the Southland WFCU suite to see the Windsor Spitfires play on March 10th.

• A limo ride to and from the arena by VIP Windsor Shuttle Services.

• Food and refreshments in the suite.

• Eternal gratitude from the friends invited along.

It’s easy to enter!

1. Go to SouthlandOnline.com.

2. Click the “Live the Suite Life” button.

3. Fill out the entry form. Entrants can then sit back and begin drawing up the list of friends to invite. Southland Insurance lives by its motto “Above and Beyond”.

Meet Jack Glennie…

Jack Glennie was born in London, Ontario, in 1945 and has been living in Windsor since 1988. He is a fivestring bluegrass banjo player and currently plays with Dale Butler and Friends. Jack also plays guitar and percussion.

Music Music

Profiles... Profiles...

Jack’s introduction to music was at about age 10 when his mother bought him a ukulele. He started to play along with the records of the Kingston Trio and other folk groups of the late 50s and early 60s. Jack had several aunts and uncles who were musicians playing in dance bands and his father played saxophone with the Royal Canadian Air Force Band. Jack took up the saxophone in public school as well as having private lessons. He also played in the High School Concert Band and Jazz Band, and the School Dance Band.

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

SALES –SERVICE –PARTS

WINTER SERVICE SPECIAL

Including pick up on ALL makes and models of lawn tractors

• Pick up and delivery service available

• Authorized warranty and service dealer for MTD Products

• Essex County’s biggest selection of used lawn tractors

TAKE NOTICE that the Council of the Corporation of the County of Essex will be commencing their deliberations of the proposed 2011 Budget on Wednesday, February 2nd, 2011 at 4:00 p.m. at the Holy Name of Jesus Church Hall, 146 Talbot St. S., Essex (due to Council Chamber renovations).

THE FINAL proposed budget will be considered by Essex County Council for adoption on Wednesday, February 16th, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers, 2nd Floor, Essex Civic Centre, 360 Fairview Avenue W., Essex.

COPIES OF the proposed Budget will be available beginning Friday, January 21st, 2011, at the County Administration Office, Essex County Civic Centre, Suite 202, 360 Fairview Avenue W., Essex between 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. or can be downloaded from the County website at http://www.countyofessex.on.ca. Alternative formats are available upon request.

WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS relating to the proposed Budget will be accepted until 4:30 p.m., Thursday, January 27th, 2011 by the undersigned.

Robert Maisonville

Director of Corporate Services/Treasurer

County of Essex

Tel: 519-776-6441 Ext. 328

TTY: 1-877-624-4832

Fax: 519-776-4455

rmaisonville@countyofessex.on.ca

a vinyl LP in Kingsville at the old Salem Studio that was run by Dirk Lucas in the old Salem schoolhouse.

In 1982 Jack opened his own music store called Pickers Parlour, located on Richmond Row in London. It was a boutique music store catering to the working professional acoustic musicians. The store also had studios for private music lessons in guitar, banjo, upright bass and fiddle, as well as vocal lessons. Onsite repairs to stringed instruments were also done at the store.

After graduating high school, Jack got a job at Chapman & Hewett Music Store on Wellington Road working in the school band woodwind and percussion department, dealing with all the school music programs. While at the store he got to meet a lot of musicians and was exposed to some great banjo players including Vic Mullin (the banjo player on the Don Messer Show), Alan Munde (who played 5-string banjo with bluegrass band Country Gazette from the USA), and Tony Trishka (also from the USA). They were all great influences on Jack, who then became the bluegrass banjo player deluxe that he is today.

Jack started his own band in 1976 and they were together until 1981. The band was called New County Line and they performed regularly across Ontario at bluegrass festivals and at a few bars that featured bluegrass music. They recorded

Jack left his music business behind in April of 1984 and started selling insurance with London Life, then transferred to Windsor as a sales staff manager with the company. After retiring he started teaching private lessons on banjo and began to perform with some local musicians. He then hooked up with Dale Butler, Marcel Beaulieu and Gord Harwood in June 2006 at the UMEI Community Sale, and we’ve been playing music together and having fun ever since that gig.

Type of music: Jack describes his music as a combination of Scruggs and Allen Munde style of banjo playing, but it is his own interpretation of how he feels as he performs. It affects the attack of the instrument; how loudly or quietly to make each song unique in performance. But most importantly, music is a direct expression from within the heart.

Time spent practicing: Jack says he has the banjo out 3 or 4 times a week for about an hour each time. He gets most of his practice while he is teaching his students because it is one-on-one and you have to analyze the intricate fingering and rolls involved in banjo pickin’. You slow it down so they can learn it slowly and then pick up speed as they master the song.

Most interesting place played: Collingwood, Ontario, at the Blue Mountain Bluegrass Festival to an audience of 10,000 people. Jack and the band opened with a song he had written called New County Line. It was amazing to look out at that huge audience and hear them clap along as the song started out. It was just a great feeling.

Most significant performance: The Harrow Bluegrass Festival in 1980. Jack was the promoter of the show. He hired all the bands including the Dixie Flyers from London, the Country Gazette from U.S.A., and Jack’s band, the New County Line. To finish the show off, all 3 bands performed together and it was the highlight of the show. Jack was so honoured to have played with all these great musicians.

Brush with fame: Jack had the pleasure of meeting Canada’s own Gordon Lightfoot at Chapman & Hewett Music Store in London. Jack helped Gordon with his purchases of musical supplies. When Gordon called the store he would ask for Jack, and it would make his

(National Alliance on Mental Illness) in association with Leamington District Memorial Hospital is pleased to offer this program again this year.

THE FAMILY TO FAMILY EDUCATION PROGRAM

The program is designed for the families and friends of individuals with, or exhibiting signs or symptoms, of a serious and persistent mental illness for example: schizophrenia, major depression, bipolar illness, panic disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder or borderline personality disorder.

The 11 week course starts Tuesday, February 8, 2011 from 7:00 to 9:30 p.m. There is no charge for those who participate.

Participants in the program last year described it as: empowering, enlightening, insightful, encouraging, comforting, and changed my life!

Register by calling 226-946-5806

Registration is limited to 18. www.namiontario.ca

day to get a call from such a great Canadian legend of the music industry. At his concerts in London, Gord would recommend the store and to go see Jack.

Recordings to date: New County Line (1980 LP); Banjorita: The Music of Jack Glennie (2009); and about 6 CDs and DVDs with Dale Butler and Friends. In 5 year’s time: Jack wants to still be playing music and writing his own instrumental banjo songs. He wants to continue to teach and pass on the art of the 5-string bluegrass style of playing the banjo. So if you’ve always wanted to play the 5-string banjo, you can contact Jack Glennie at jackglennie@sympatico.ca.

Helping make wishes come true

Southpoint Minor Hockey raises $23,000 for Make A Wish Foundation

By Sheila McBrayne

The Southpoint Capitals Cup Challenge hockey tournament has been a well-known local tourney for the past 10 years, but this year organizers decided to team up with the Make A Wish Foundation and run a fundraising tournament.

And, WOW, what a great idea! The tournament, which welcomed 25 peewee, bantam and midget teams from across southwestern Ontario, raised an amazing $23,000! Tournament convener Greg Liebrock and his wife Tara were especially happy to be able to present the cheque to representatives from the Make A Wish Foundation of Southwestern Ontario on Thursday, January 13.

The number on the cheque reads $22,546, but the total keeps growing as more dollars trickle in. The total is now over $23,000! The money raised will grant three wishes for three children suffering from a life-threatening disease. One of those wishes will be granted locally to five-yearold Kate who wishes to go to Disney to the Give Kids The World Village.

Greg and Tara were ecstatic with the results. “You set a target that you want to raise and then you get nervous watching the numbers roll in… we wanted to have five divisions, but there were other competing tournaments for the novice and tyke divisions,” said Greg.

The Capitals Cup Challenge is held in honour of Grandpa Kirk, Jerry Brooks and Fred Epplett. Southpoint Minor Hockey President Wayne

Representatives from the Make A Wish Foundation of Southwestern Ontario were

Complex on Thursday to accept a cheque for $22,546, which was raised from

held November 26-28. The money will grant three wishes.

and Development,

Greg and Ben Liebrock; Wayne McKeen, Southpoint Minor Hockey President; and

Foundation.

McKeen welcomed the Liebrocks’ idea to make the annual tourney into a charity event. Teams were asked to collect pledges and were entered into special draws. “The Dorchester peewees brough in $10,000 themselves… everyone was just great,” said McKeen.

Agris Co-Op

Brimida Pac Ltd.

Bobby Orr

The Liebrocks recently welcomed six-month-old Ben to their family. “It’s because of him. We had a hard time conceiving him and we were just so thankful… we just wanted to do something for the children,” said Greg. “It’s kind of kids giving back to other kids… We found out we were

Thank You

Southpoint Minor Hockey Association would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our Capitals Cup Challenge tournament sponsors. Because of your support and contributions, this tournament was a huge success. Your participation was very much appreciated.

Bowman Pro Sports

CF Greenhouses

Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens

Counter Effects Surface Specialists

Community Muffler

Dr. Derrick Beleutz Chiropractor

Dermal Fix

Four E Farms Inc.

Gabriele Floor & Home

James Taylor Fishery

John Sciacca

Jose’s Noodle Factory

Ken Marley - Lawyer

Leamington International Trucks

Leamington Pool

McDonald’s

Mastronardi Produce

Metro

the

pregnant right when we were beginning to organize this, so it seem like a good match,” said Greg.

The Liebrocks and Southpoint Minor Hockey are already looking forward to next year’s tournament scheduled for the last weekend in November.

Patrick Sonoski - Lawyer

Pepsico

RBC Wheatley

Reis Appliances

Retco Advertising

Seacliff Inn

Simps Skate Shop

Source For Sports

Katzman, Wylupek LLP

Southpoint Ford

Sports Management Group Inc.

T.G. & G. Mastronardi

Toronto Maple Leafs

Uni-Fab

Uptown Sports Management

Walmart

Wharram’s Jewellery Ltd.

Windsor Family Credit Union

Winmar Restoration

Windsor Spitfires

Zehrs Greatfood

Thank you for helping us raise $22,546.49

at

Leamington Kinsmen Recreation

the Capitals Cup Challenge hockey tournament

Pictured here, from left to right, are Stephanie Field, Manager of Communications

Make A Wish Foundation; Erin Latam, Special Events, Make A Wish Foundation; Tara,

Lori Quick, Executive Director, Make A Wish

(SUN Photo)

Local swimmer to compete in Glasgow this summer

Wheatley swimmer and LDSS student Cody Lavoie has been selected to compete in Glasgow, Scotland, in August 2011. He will be part of an 8-swimmer contingent representing Canada (4 males, 4 females) at the International Youth Games.

Cody will be competing in the 50m, 100m and 200m backstroke events, as well as the 100m breaststroke and 200m individual medley.

As part of a four-member boys squad, he will also be swimming in the medley and freestyle relays. This relay team is the fastest 14/Under boys relay team ever, from this region. Other team members are Alex Liu, Andrei Kukurozivic and Andrew Binder, all of Windsor.

Cody will be looking to area service clubs and businesses as he begins his fundraising efforts. He needs to raise approximately $2000 by April 1st.

Anyone wishing to help support Cody may contact him directly at 519825-9751, e-mail swimfamily@sympatico.ca, or by regular mail to Cody Lavoie, 21269 Klondyke Road, Wheatley, N0P 2P0.

Cody will be travelling to Ottawa in February to compete at the Provincial Championships and then to Sudbury in April for Provincial Team Championships.

Anyone wanting to offer “good luck” can meet up with Cody at the Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex pool any Wednesday and Friday at 6:30 a.m. where he does supplementary training to his 6 times per week in Windsor.

Good luck, Cody, and congratulations!

Temperatures dip, but men’s virtual golf league tees off

On Monday, January 10 the Southshore virtual golf men’s league played on the Nine Dragons Resort and Golf Club in China. Scoring is based on individual handicaps using the Stableford Scoring System. The following are the results:

• 18-Hole Division: T-1st Frank Dick – 31 points (+11); T-1st Sam Chacko – 38 points (+11); 3rd Raoul Morin – 39 points (+6).

• 9-Hole Division: 1st Vic Tiessen – 13 points (+6); T-2nd Ed Pump – 12 points (+1); T-2nd Roger Cote – 11 points (+1).

Relay swim team members (left to right) Alex Liu, Andrei Kukurozivic, Andrew Binder, all of Windsor, and Cody Lavoie of Wheatley will be representing Canada in Glasgow, Scotland, at the International Youth Games. Cody will also compete in several individual events.

Redneck Mixed Bonspiel

The Sun Parlour Curling Club held a fun bonspiel over the weekend, January 15 and 16. The Redneck Two-Day Mixed Spiel welcomed teams from southwestern Ontario and from across the border as they played and enjoyed southern food. Some of the southern specialties prepared by Judy included catfish, grits, gumboil, a full BBQ pig, pecan pie, and even a shot of moonshine. Organizers of the spiel were Kevin and Janan Alles and Rob and Lou Ann Bigley. Teams had fun dressing up and enjoyed home entertainment at the Chans. (SUN Photos)

The Southpoint Sun and the following businesses wish to welcome Essex County’s first baby of 2011, Cassandra Harder Falk: Setterington Gifts & Books

Family Kitchen

Willabee’s

Leamington Shoppers Drug Mart

Wheatley Harbour Flower & Gift Shop

Capri Pizza Oak Farms

Leamington couple has Essex County’s New Year’s Baby

Cassandra Harder Falk was born at exactly 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, January 1, 2011. The eight-pound, nine-ounce baby girl was the first baby born in Essex County making her the official New Year’s baby.

Proud parents are Lidia and Wilhelm Falk of Leamington. This is the Falks’ second child. Cassandra is a baby sister for 18-month-old Daisy. Cassandra was born at Windsor Regional Hospital’s Met Campus.

Lidia was induced on the Friday and delivered her second daughter just after midnight. The Falks received a gift basket from W.E. Care For Kids at the Windsor Hospital. Several merchants in Leamington pulled together to create a wonder basket of baby items and gift certificates as well. The basket was delivered on Friday morning to their Sutton Drive residence. “Thank you so much, it’s wonderful,” said Lidia.

How U Doin Gift Baskets C C A A S S S S A A N N D D R R A A H H A A R R D D E E R R F FA A L L K K

It’s not too late to get your flu shot

Ontarians are being encouraged to get immunized as flu activity continues to increase across the province. This year’s fly shot includes the H3N2 strain, which is the main circulating strain in Ontario.

Flu activity is currently higher than at this time in previous years and hospitals are reporting that they are treating an influx of flu patients.

The flu is a serious, acute respiratory illness that is easily transmitted person-to-person or even through direct contact with surfaces contaminated by the influenza virus. The good news is that it can be easily avoided with a simple vaccination. People are further encouraged to follow other infection-prevention behaviours, such as washing hands thoroughly and often, sneezing and coughing into your sleeve, and staying home when you’re sick.

Stolen Yard Ornament

On Jan. 14, Leamington OPP received a report of a homemade lighthouse ornament which had been stolen from a front yard on Fox Street. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers 1-800-222-8477 or Leamington OPP 519-3265373.

Pot, Oxycontin, Results In Charges

On Jan. 15 a Leamington OPP officer and an Essex County Community Drug Action Team officer were on foot patrol on Russell Street when they observed two men standing next to a parked vehicle. Upon approaching the men, police observed an open beer can on the ground beneath the vehicle and one of the men appeared extremely intoxicated. A can of beer was also observed in his left coat pocket. Upon further investigation, the officers located marijuana and a baggie of suspected oxycontin of various strengths. The intoxicated man, a 41-year-old from Thamesville, was arrested. He was charged with possession of oxycontin, being intoxicated in a public place and having open liquor in other than licenced premises.

Keys Stolen From House

On Jan. 15, between 1:30 and 2:00 a.m., two drunken males were heard outside an area of Mill Street. One of the drunken males entered a house in the 80 block of Mill Street and the resident’s keys were stolen. The suspects are described as Caucasians between 16-20 years of age wearing dark puffy jackets. They were last seen walking eastbound on Mill Street near Whitwam.

B&E on Marlborough Street

On Jan. 16, Leamington OPP responded to a break and enter at a residence near the 10 block of Marlborough Street East. Sometime overnight a shed was broken into. The shed had not been locked but was kept shut with a compressor and appeared to have been pried open. Items that were taken include a red 16” x 8” Canadian Tire brand compressor (value $99), black Eliminator battery charger with cart (value $200), and two dark-coloured cases containing power tools (unknown makes – value $200). Upon investigation, police noticed several footprints from the shed and alongside the residence to the sidewalk on Marlborough. Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers 1-800-222-8477.

Three Charged With Possession

On Jan. 16 at 10:00 p.m., Leamington OPP officers conducted a vehicle stop of a 2004 Dodge on Westmoreland Ave. All 3 male occupants of the vehicle were arrested and charged with possession of marijuana. The driver was additionally issued a 3-day licence suspension. The accused Leamington males were: two 18-year-old males and a 20-year-old.

Arrested For Public Intoxication

On Jan. 16 at 9:00 p.m., Leamington OPP located an intoxicated elderly man (77) from Leamington walking in the middle of Talbot Street. He was arrested for public intoxication. He was cold and wet, and as a precautionary measure the officers transported him to Leamington hospital. He was released to police and transported to Leamington OPP. He was released unconditionally when he sobered up.

Snowmobiler Hits Trailer

On Jan. 15 at 11:15 p.m., Essex County OPP responded to a collision involving a snowmobile. The driver, a 38-year-old Essex man, was operating his 2007 Yamaha RX1 snowmobile in an open field in the 1100 block of Dunn Road, Essex. The driver was travelling at a high rate of speed across the flat snow-covered field when he collided with the trailer portion of a stationary vehicle which had been parked in the open area. The driver suffered minor injuries to his right leg. Officers detected an odour of alcohol and the driver was arrested and charged with impaired operation of a motorized snow vehicle and driving with over 80 mgs of alcohol.

Fails To Provide Breath Sample

On Jan. 16 at 3:50 a.m., Kingsville OPP received a report of a possible impaired driver operating a Ford Explorer on Highway 3, Kingsville. OPP stopped the vehicle and the driver, a 30-year-old Windsor man, was charged with failing to provide a breath sample and driving while under suspension. He has a Feb. 24 court date.

In particular, those at higher risk of influenza related complications are strongly encouraged to get the flu shot. These include the elderly, young children, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems. The flu shot is a safe and effective way of keeping you and your family healthy.

In the past, seasonal flu has resulted in approximately 19,000 hospitalizations every year in Ontario, as well as 300 deaths annually. Studies have shown that flu shots decrease the incidence of pneumonia, hospital admission and death in the elderly. Physician visits, hospitalization and death in high-risk persons less than 65 years of age are also reduced.

This is the eleventh year that Ontario has committed to protecting the health of everyone and their families by offering, at no charge to the public, the influenza vaccine for anyone over six months old that lives, works or attends school in Ontario.

Increased support for Canada Summer Jobs program

The Government of Canada has announced a significant investment in the Canada Summer Jobs program that will create more job opportunities for students.

“Starting this year our government is permanently increasing the budget for Canada Summer Jobs by $10 million,” said Member of Parliament for Chatham-Kent Essex Dave Van Kesteren. “This additional funding will create as many as 3,500 more student jobs next summer across Canada, some of those here in Chatham-Kent Essex.”

Funding will be available to not-for-profit organizations, public-sector employers and small businesses to create high-quality summer job opportunities for young people aged 15 to 30 years who are full-time students and intend to return to school in the next school year.

The total budget for Canada Summer Jobs will be distributed across the 308 federal constituencies, with Members of Parliament consulted and encouraged to provide input to determine specific priorities in their communities.

Applications will be available on February 1, 2011 and must be submitted by February 28, 2011. Interested employers can apply online at www.servicecanada.gc.ca/csj2011 or at their local Service Canada Centre.

REC ROUND-UP REC ROUND-UP

New Year Shape-Up Special for $109 plus HST - the most affordable membership around to help you exercise during these cold winter months.

• Meet with a personal trainer or nutrition and wellness coach and reach new goals!

• Youth swim/gym. Skate pass - kids love to be in motion!

• The Complex student memberships are very affordable and very popular among the teenage and student crowd!

It’s time for you to get into a healthy routine - living your life in motion!

Red Cross First Aid & AED Training: The Complex offers individual training dates as well as corporate bookings to meet WSIB and Health & Safety requirements.

Red Cross Babysitting Courses for youth ages 11-15: Next two courses offered are on Sat. Jan. 29 and Fri. Feb. 11 (a P.A. Day from school).

Home Alone Course Sat. Feb. 5 to help build your child’s self confidence and sense of responsibility while home alone.

Register in advance for all Complex programs.

Rock ’n Swim: Fri. Jan. 21 from 7 - 9 p.m. Bring the whole family for a splashing good time in the Complex pool.

Kirk Bowman Hockey School: Register now for Session 5 Camp - “Power Skating and Puck Handling”, which runs on Mondays from Feb. 14 to Mar. 14. Group A - ages 7-9 years from 5 - 6 p.m.; Group B - ages 10-15 from 6 - 7 p.m. See Kirk Bowman Hockey School now on Facebook!

Registration for the Winter Two Session begins on Mon. Jan. 24, so check out the new Activity Guide. Stop by to pick up your guide in the Complex brochure rack or visit us online at www.leamington.ca, link to recreation, link to the Activity Guide to see all the specific details. Come for a tour and start your year in motion! at the Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex.

The buzz is all around town! The Complex offers over 50 assorted fitness and aqua fitness classes per week and our instructors are phenomenal! Come tour the weight and cardio training rooms to see all the latest equipment. Whether you’re just beginning or if you exercise to an advanced regimen, the Complex offers one compact fee with no enrollment or initiation fees.

Golden Years mini golf

There were 51 players out to play mini golf on January 13 at Colasanti’s.

The first place team (#6) of Bill Ward, Tom Hyatt and Katy Bradley had a 4 over 244. Second place toonies went to Team 4 – Carolyn Daudlin, Ralph Butler and Milt Taylor – with a 248. In third place were the Kings (Team 13), Lloyd Honey, Stan Vickery and Gayle Hyatt, shooting a 249 for their two-round total.

Low score for the day’s single round was 36 shot by Gerry Wilkinson and Tom Hyatt. Tom Bondy and Iggy Arner had 37s, and Cami Keith and Bill Taylor had 38s. A score of 39 showed for Gerry Wilkinson, Carolyn Daudlin, Ralph Butler, Gary Honey, Audrey Knox, Bill Ward, Liz Scratch’s Phantom and Eleanor Wilkinson. Even par 40 was shot by Murray Knox, Bill Ward, Barry Sweet, Gary Honey, Bill Mayville, Ethel Ferguson and a pair for Stan Vickery.

The low TOTAL was a 75 by Gerry Wilkinson, followed with a 77 by Tom Hyatt. Bill Ward & Gary Honey came in one under, and even par 80s counted for Audrey Knox, Carolyn Daudlin and Stan Vickery.

Gerry Wilkinson topped the holes-in-one show with 4 to his credit. Three were carded by Iggy Arner, Shirley Thiessen, Ralph Butler, Kathy Bradley, Barb Arner, Lloyd Honey, Gayle Hyatt, Ethel Ferguson, Ernie Vanderberg, Eleanor Wilkinson and Stu Folster. A pair of aces dropped for Donna Bilett, Carolyn Daudlin, Milt Taylor, Tom Hyatt, Andy Orsini, Don Ribble, John Murphy, Bryon Walker, Audrey Knox, Bill Taylor, Stan Vickery, Mary MacRae and Marg Graham. A single ace counted for Murray Knox, Colleen Pearse, Betty McManus, Gary Honey, Wayne Reid, Bill Ward, Barry Sweet, Kerr, Gerrit Vriesen, Bill Mayville, Anne Marie Bondy, Art Sweet, Doug and Mary Ann Vickery, Julia Kos and Donna Wiebe. We’ll do it again on Thurs. Jan. 20 at 9:30 a.m. Join us at Colasanti’s for a good time.

Paying down debt and planning for retirement top the list of current financial priorities for Canadians

Paying down debt is a top priority for Canadians, according to a recent CIBC poll conducted by Harris/Decima, but there’s a significant difference in priorities depending on age with retirement planning top of mind for Canadians aged 45 to 64.

When asked to name their top financial priority, the top three responses from Canadians were:

• Paying down debt (14%)

• Retirement planning (13%)

• Managing day-to-day spending and budgeting (12%)

Among 25 to 44 year-olds, 20% named paying down debt as their top financial priority right now, followed by getting the right advice about their mortgage (13%) and working to build savings for the future (13%).

Those 45 to 64 have a strong focus on getting their plans and savings in place for retirement (24% named this their top financial priority) followed by paying down debt (14%).

Managing day-to-day spending and budgeting was also a key theme in the survey across all age groups. Those 65 and over placed a particular emphasis on this, with 22% of those surveyed over age 65 naming this as their number one financial priority.

“It’s no surprise to see that the financial needs of Canadians vary at different stages of life, which speaks to the need for individual financial advice based on your personal financial situation and your goals,” said Victor Dodig, Executive Vice-President of Retail Distribution & Wealth Management, CIBC Retail Markets. “Clearly younger Canadians are focused on staying on top of their monthly cash flow and working to pay down their mortgage and other debts they may have, while Canadians in mid-career or closer to retirement are more focused on retirement planning.”

The survey also revealed that Canadians may be missing opportunities to get advice about their financial priorities. When asked what comes to mind when they think about a conversation with a financial advisor, most Canadians mentioned Retirement Planning (27%) or Investment Advice (22%). While paying down debt was identified as a priority in the poll, only a small percentage thought about debt reduction (4%) or cash flow management (5%) as the topic of a conversation with a financial advisor.

“An advisor can certainly help many clients with their retirement or choosing the right investments, but we’re also seeing advisory conversations every day across our branch network on topics related to managing their cash flow using free budgeting tools, or developing strategies to pay down their debt,” added Mr. Dodig.

Mr. Dodig commented that taking an integrated view of your finances is critical to accomplishing goals such as paying down debt. “One of the first steps to making progress in reducing your debt is taking a broad view of your finances and looking at strategies that can help you reduce your debt faster.”

HIGH QUALITY LICENSED CHILD CARE

Offered at 4 schools in Leamington & Kingsville. Ages 18 months - 12 years 6:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. • Subsidy available. For details call 519-733-8202 www.discoverychildcareschools.com

OBITUARY

Albert Edward “Bud” Bradley

Albert Edward “Bud” Bradley, 86 years, passed away peacefully on December 21, 2010, with his devoted family by his side at Hotel Dieu Hospital in Windsor.

Beloved husband of 55 years to the late Hazel (Latam) (1997). Dear father of Ken (Wheatley), Doug and Kathy (Kingsville), Tom (Leamington), Alex and Marlene (Wheatley), and Beth and Harold Adams (Wheatley). Also survived by brothers Larry and Jack (Leamington).

Predeceased by a brother Joe, and sisters Mary Rieve (Snooks), Jeanette Quick, and Isabelle Galloway. Beloved grandfather of 7 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Bud farmed in the Leamington area for over 30 years. Upon retiring from farming, Bud and Hazel moved to the small town of Temagami outside of North Bay where they owned and operated an outfitting camp known as Papa Johns for over 15 years.

As per our Dad’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a private family graveside service was held at Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery in Leamington.

To have an obituary notice placed in the Southpoint Sun, contact your Funerl Director.

ABOVE: Friday, January 14 was a Professional Activity Day for school children in Essex County. Fahrhall Home Comfort Specialists rented the Unico rink at the Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex. Local children enjoyed the free skate from 1 to 3 p.m. Pictured here, in back, from left to right, are Tony Coppola, Home Comfort Specialist, and Marina Mouat, Marketing Coordinator. Middle row: Abbie Mikkelsen and Jacey Foster. In front are Evan Gualtieri, Kailey Foster and Adrian Gualtieri.

(SUN Photo)

ABOVE RIGHT: Ciara Claro and Faith Lewis of Kingsville are pictured with representatives of Fahrhall Home Comfort Specialists who sponsored the free skate on Friday, January 14 at the Unico rink at Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex. In back, from left to right, are Marina Mouat, Marketing Coordinator, Tony Coppola, Home Comfort Specialist and Doug Brink, Health and Safety Trainer.

(SUN Photo)

One year ago God called you to your heavenly home. You are missed so much by us all. But we know that we will all be together again in the eternity that is yet to come. Our hearts are filled with memories and love for you always. Love - The Masters Family

SUTTON PLACE APARTMENTS

SOUTHPOINT SUN

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

SPACIOUS 1 BEDROOM upper apt. in Wheatley. $440 plus hydro and gas. Fridge and stove included. No dogs, no smokers. References, first and last required. 519-324-0258. tf

BUSINESS OPPS.

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

80% COMMISSION TRAVELONLY has 500 agents across Canada. Business opportunities with low investment, unlimited income potential, generous tax/travel benefits. Run your travel company, full-time, parttime from home. Register for FREE seminar, www.travelonly.ca, 1-800608-1117, Ext. 2020.

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Energy Drinks = LIQUID PROFITS!

Distribute our hot selling, allCanadian, pro endorsed energy drinks. Exclusive retail/vending opportunity, limited areas. Investment required. Free samples/information package. 1-800-267-2321. Peak distributors.com.

JEWELLERYSALES OPPORTUNITY! NEW to Canada, trendy, affordable! Work from home, Earn GREAT money & vacations. Contact Curt for catalogue and business information. ckjewellery@shaw.ca

AUTOS FOR SALE

100% AUTO FINANCING APPROVAL

- We can get you approved for an automobile no matter what your circumstances are. Drive a little and save a lot. Over 300 vehicles to choose from. Apply online www.gabies.ca. GABIES AUTO SALES, 250 Springbank Dr., London, ON, Toll-Free 1-888-474-8815 / 519472-8815.

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

BUSINESS SERVICES

LOOKING FOR NEW BUSINESS and added revenue? Promote your company in Community Newspapers across Ontario right here in these Network Classified Ads or in business card-sized ads in hundreds of wellread newspapers. Let us show you how. Ask about our referral program. Ontario Community Newspapers Association. Contact Carol at 905639-5718 or Toll-Free 1-800-387-7982 ext. 229. www.ocna.org Browse www.thoughtfulangels.com and contact us for details on how to win an ANGELPIN of your choice. Thousands of Angels and other products on display.

CAREER OPPS.

CANADA'S LARGESTGM DEALERSHIP, CMP(Calgary, AB) is hiring General Automotive Technicians. GM/Saturn experience preferred. Offers superior wages, benefits, new equipment, clean/productive work environment, great support staff & plenty of work. Moving expenses available for right candidate. Email Resume: bblevins@cmpauto.com

COMING EVENTS

FREE COUPONS! Attractions Ontario offers savings on Ontario's best attractions! Call 1-800-ONTARIO to receive your Passport filled with coupons or download them at www.attractions ontario.ca/ocna.

EMPLOYMENT OPPS.

ENSIGN ENERGYSERVICE INC. is looking for experienced Drilling Rig, & Coring personnel for all position levels. Drillers, Coring Drillers $35.$40.20.; Derrickhands $34., Motorhands $28.50; Floorhands, Core Hands, Helpers $24. - $26.40. Plus incentives for winter coring! Telephone 1-888-ENSIGN-0 (1-888-367-4460). Fax 780-955-6160. Email: hr@ensignenergy.com.

FINANCIALSERVICES

$500$ LOAN SERVICE, by phone, no credit refused, quick and easy, payable over 6 or 12 installments. Toll Free: 1-877-776-1660. www.money provider.com.

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FOR SALE

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CAN'TGETUPYOUR STAIRS?

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HOMES FOR SALE

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MORTGAGES

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A-Z DRIVERS WANTED

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OWNER OPERATORS - McArthur Express, based in Cambridge, ON, has opportunities available for both Regional and Highway O/Ops with a clean driving record & FASTeligible. Competitive pay packages with fuel surcharge, all licensing, & permits paid. For more details call Ken @ 1-800-668-9691 x217.

AUTOMOTIVE

MOTOR VEHICLE dealers in Ontario

MUSTbe registered with OMVIC. To verify dealer registration or seek help with a complaint, visit www.omvic.on.ca or 1-800-943-6002. If you're buying a vehicle privately, don't become a curbsider's victim. Curbsiders are impostors who pose as private individuals, but are actually in the business of selling stolen or damaged vehicles.

CAREER TRAINING

MEDICALTRANSCRIPTION is rated #2 for at-home jobs. Train from home with the only industry approved school in Canada. Contact CanScribe today! 1-800-466-1535. www.canscribe.com. info@canscribe.com.

LEGALSERVICES

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PERSONALS

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