Southpoint Sun January 26, 2011 by Southpoint Sun

County pulls plug on aquatic centre, regional transit

Treasurer aims for ‘zero’ tax increase

By Andy Comber

Essex County treasurer Rob Maisonville presented a 1.1 per cent decrease in his preliminary budget review to county councillors at their meeting, Jan. 19. But that was just the subtotal.

Maisonville said the tax rate would need to increase about 13.5 per cent, if the county approved new program considerations –mostly of a regional nature. They included regional transit, countywide active transportation infrastructure, and economic development fund, a regional aquatic centre, and support of the International Children’s Games.

“I am looking for some direction,” Maisonville said. The new program considerations would add about $10.2 million to the county budget, with some requiring funding spread over several years, affecting future budgets.

The county is still recovering from the economic downturn, and councillors made it clear that residents do not want to see tax increases – especially in the double digits.

“That is absolutely unacceptable,” said Tecumseh Mayor Gary McNamara. “There is not one resident in our communities who would accept that.”

McNamara won support for a recommendation to pull the plug on funding for the development of a regional aquatic centre and a regional transit system. Estimates said the aquatic centre would cost at least $40 million, with at least $1.5 million to maintain it each year.

Maisonville was directed to provide cost scenarios for a zero to modest one per cent tax increase, in order to add funding in support of the county-wide active transportation plan and participation in the 2013 International Children’s Games with Windsor.

Essex Deputy Mayor Richard Meloche noted that city came to the county “after the fact” in asking for a partnership in the Children’s Games bid. But the city was more likely to benefit from the visit by the expected 1,500 athletes, with their supporting coaches and families, he said. “They have the hotels.”

Councillors wanted more information on the economic development fund, a job creation initiative proposed by Windsor Mayor Eddie Francis.

Kingsville Mayor Nelson Santos suggested the county open up more dialogue with the city on the issue. County council was not ready to move on the information it has now he said.

“We have to understand what we are taking on. You heard tonight, there is no appetite for this.”

The county did give advance approval to the 2011 rehabilitation program with an estimated value of $4.7 million, as presented in a comprehensive report by county engineer Tom Bateman. The county has realized significant cost savings with pre-budget commitments, introduced in 2005, for the early development and release of tenders associated with bridge, culvert and road projects.

The county did receive some good news in support of the local economy.

Windsor and Essex County has been named one of the top seven intelligent communities in the world, by the Intelligent Community Forum. A decision on the top community is expected in June, said county CAO Brian Gregg. “This puts us on the map internationally. Investors do recognize this.”

Snowboarding fun

Eleven-year-old Bethany Torode makes snowboarding look easy as she glides down the hill at Seacliff Park on Monday afternoon, January 24. Bethany has been snowboarding for about one year and enjoys getting outside to try out her board. Bethany is a student at Gore Hill Public School. She is the daughter of Bill and Mary Anne Torode of Leamington.

(SUN Photo)

M Mo o n n eey y M Maattt teerrss

RRSP income-building strategies

Make your kids money smart

By Keith Damsell

(NC)—The concept of Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs) is fairly simple. You put money in, get an immediate tax deduction each year up to your annual contribution limit, and your money grows in a tax-deferred environment.

“An effective RRSP strategy also includes taking advantage of all the options available to you to maximize the power and potential of your RRSP,” said Debbie Ammeter, a retirement planning expert at Investors Group. “These options can include the retiring allowance, pension adjustment reversal and RRSP beneficiary designation.”

If you leave a long-time employment position and receive a severance or retiring allowance, you are entitled to transfer into your RRSP an amount equal to $2,000 for each year of service before 1996, and an additional $1,500 for each year before 1989, in which you did not earn a vested pension benefit.

When you leave a company pension plan or deferred profit sharing plan, you will receive a pension adjustment reversal (PAR) if the total value of your past pension adjustments exceeds the benefit you receive out of the plan. The PAR restores lost RRSP contribution room and, if you have changed employers in the last year, getting professional advice on your potential PAR-room can pay off, Ammeter noted.

In most provinces, you can designate a beneficiary on your RRSP – and most people automatically designate their spouse. If your beneficiary is your spouse, your RRSP is transferred on a tax-deferred basis to your beneficiary’s registered plan. There can be instances, however, when it is more beneficial to name your estate as the beneficiary of your RRSP instead. This allows some of the proceeds to be taxed in the hands of the deceased and the remainder to be taxed in the hands of the spouse. And, by naming your “estate” and granting your executors the authority to make tax-deferred rollovers, you may be able to reduce taxes payable on other assets.

(NC)—For many families, money is a delicate subject. The adults make it, the kids ask for it, end of story.

Derek Bilokraly H.BSc. 519-712-9406 derek.bilokraly@sunlife.com www.sunlife.ca/derek.bilokraly

Yet understanding cash and credit is important if children are to build a sense of financial responsibility.

“Educating your children about money is a great way to give them a head

Ronald Bilokraly CFP RHU 519-326-9652 ron.bilokraly@sunlife.com www.sunlife.ca/ron.bilokraly

start in life,” says Stephen Reichenfeld, a wealth counselor at Fiduciary Trust Company of Canada, a subsidiary of Franklin Templeton Investments Corp. “Preparing them for the time when they will assume the financial and emotional responsibilities of wealth is one of the greatest gifts you can give.”

RRSP checklist

By Kaleigh Sainthill

(NC)-Planning for retirement can be overwhelming so it's important to know the fundamentals:

The buck starts and stops with you

Your RRSP is an important part of your overall retirement plan and estate plan. To be sure you make the right choices that keep your RRSP on track for your benefit, and to maximize your legacy to your heirs, seek the advice of a professional financial advisor.

When it comes to money, you are the primary source of information and money management habits for your children. Talk to them about money and keep those lines of communication open. While they are young, money may feel like only an immediate concern

As a CIBC

Your investments, your way

(NC)—We all do things differently, and oftentimes have different approaches to the same situation. It’s no different when it comes to investing. Depending on your financial goals and lifestyle, you might find you have a different strategy than your neighbour or friend.

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

chequing account and debit card for him or her.

If you’re the type that tends to like to do things your own way, perhaps do-it-yourself investing is for you. This service is gaining traction around the globe for its convenience of trading online from your home computer at your own discretion.

Living with an allowance

“DIY investing is suited to people who are independent minded and like to take control of their portfolio. It allows you to manage your investments the way that you want, anytime from anywhere,” says John See, president of TD Waterhouse Discount Brokerage. “And just because you are ‘doing-it-yourself’, doesn’t mean you have to go at it alone. TD Waterhouse, for example, provides an extensive selection of independent research tools and offers 24/7 telephone support to help investors make informed decisions with confidence,” he adds.

Review the monthly statements and expenditures together. This will help them track where the money goes and become aware of the costs associated with convenience.

Build self-sufficiency

age 16 is a major step towards self-sufficiency and beginning to build an independent life. Let your teenager learn about the realities of working outside the home and your family's influence. Let them experience a minimum wage paycheque and the regular deductions.

Your financial goals will determine which investment vehicles best suit your needs. For short-term purchases like a car, you can open a TFSA. For long-term goals like saving for retirement, you can consider stock-based investments inside an RRSP

Having a job by about

Starting a child as young as six on an allowance gives them a hands-on opportunity to manage money. Encourage your child to divide the allowance into three areas: savings, spending and charitable donations. This gives them a structured approach to budgeting money.

The Power of Plastic

Are we destined to work in our retirement?

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

“It’s also important to know the tax deadline. To take advantage of possible tax savings this year, you must invest in your RRSP before March 1, 2011,” says See. Do-it-yourself investing is ultimately up to you; you can steer the direction of your investments while achieving your financial future, your way.

(NC)—Many Canadian seniors continue to work past their retirement age. According to a 2010 Statistics Canada report, 23 per cent of Canadians between 70 to 74 years of age have chosen to remain in the workforce. While many seniors choose to work in order to stay active, others do it to maintain or enhance their retirement lifestyle. As Canadian baby boomers reach the age of retirement, they are finding that they need more monthly income to enjoy life on their terms.

To maintain or even enhance their lifestyle, many choose to continue working. But there are other options available to Canadian seniors. For homeowners, tapping into home equity via a secured line of credit or a mortgage has always been a viable option. For seniors aged 60 and over, however, there is another way to access their home equity and supplement monthly cash flow – without making ongoing interest payments.

Service Financial Advisor, I can show you how a Tax-Free

Account (TFSA) can fit into your

plan and help you achieve your goals

With a CIBC Tax-Free Savings Account, you don’t pay tax on interest or other income you earn within the account. That means you can maximize your savings and keep more for yourself.

Start early. Even a few dollars can make a difference to your overall savings plan. Start by contributing what you can afford to begin growing your Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP).

I can advise you on a wide range of solutions, including mutual funds, managed portfolios, savings accounts and GICs for investment in your TFSA.

Find a financial advisor. An experienced advisor can remove worry and confusion and guide you to the best financial option. More information on finding an advisor is available online at www.franklintempleton.ca.

Top up contributions. “Maximizing annual contributions to your RRSP is the best way Canadians can generate tax-free savings to meet their retirement needs,” says Don Reed, president and CEO of Franklin Templeton Investments Corp.

Automate deposits. Set up a savings plan where you make automatic, regular investments into your RRSP. The price of investments like a mutual fund can fluctuate with the markets, so regular contributions can help lower the average cost. Diversify and allocate. Your advisor can help you diversify your RRSP contributions according to your goals and risk tolerance. Take your time and choose what's best for you.

CHIP Home Income Plan (CHIP) offered by HomEquity Bank allows senior homeowners to access out up to 40 per cent of their home equity with no credit, income or medical qualifications. Since the full amount of interest and principal only becomes due when the home is sold, or if both homeowners move out, CHIP meets the needs of seniors looking for a long-term solution designed to maximize cashflow in retirement. So, are we destined to work in our retirement? Not unless we choose to. With the number of financial options at the disposal of Canadian senior homeowners, the key is to have a financial plan that meets our objectives. Remember, pick a solution that allows you to enjoy life on your terms.

HomEquity Bank offers CHIP Home Income Plans at low rates. You can obtain more details online at www. chip.ca, toll-free at 1-866233-2989, or from your financial advisor or mortgage broker.

M Mo o n n eey y M Maattt teerrss

Will you be financially fit in 2011?

Living longer in retirement

Make your kids money smart

By Keith Damsell

(NC) - Getting a handle on your personal finances may be a priority in 2011, so where do you start? A good first step is turning to a financial advisor, who can help you to create a plan.

“Like physical fitness, the key to staying financially fit is to work with a good coach who will not only motivate you, but provide you with a customized plan that makes sense for you,” says Carol Bezaire, vice-president of tax and estate planning at Mackenzie Investments. “Financial advisors have the knowledge to provide customized advice that includes the right product choices and investment strategies for each individual.”

Bezaire lists several ways in which financial advisors can help your financial fitness:

Develop a savings plan: Afinancial advisor can help navigate through a wide array of financial products to arrive at appropriate, tax-efficient solutions that are the best fit with your personal lifestyle.

Promote good savings and investment behaviours: Studies have shown that investors who use advisors have higher savings and make higher contributions. In fact, 80 per cent of Canadians who work with an advisor feel good about their financial health at retirement. Provide an impartial, informed view: By looking at the investor’s overall circumstances, as well as his or her risk tolerance and future financial needs, advisors can help build wealth through an appropriate asset mix. And, while the advisor obviously cares about your investment performance, he or she may also have enough distance to avoid common investor mistakes. In other words, they may help take the emotions out of investing and help you stick to a strategy.

“While most Canadians are likely aware of the benefits of financial fitness, some may need that extra push to get out there and get going,” adds Bezaire. “We encourage them to take the first step by seeking professional financial advice.”

(NC)—For many families, money is a delicate subject. The adults make it, the kids ask for it, end of story.

(NC)—Canada’s aging population is a reality with many spending decades in retirement. For the average Canadian, it may seem difficult to imagine living in retirement a longer period of time than some careers but longevity is a key factor to your retirement plan. Retirement is not a single phase of your life, but a series of stages and living longer does not necessarily mean living the same. RBC suggests considering the following:

chequing account and debit card for him or her.

Yet understanding cash and credit is important if children are to build a sense of financial responsibility.

“Educating your children about money is a great way to give them a head

RRSP checklist

By Kaleigh Sainthill

(NC)-Planning for retirement can be overwhelming so it's important to know the fundamentals:

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

Start early. Even a few dollars can make a difference to your overall savings plan. Start by contributing what you can afford to begin growing your Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP).

• Your personal health can impact your enjoyment of your retirement years. So, it’s important to think about how your health will affect your retirement decisions?

• What can you do today to maintain healthy aging throughout your retirement life?

Living with an allowance

• What changes in your housing might be necessary in the future as your life changes? A home in the country can seem wonderful, but reduced access to services, activities, family could impact your quality of life in retirement.

Review the monthly statements and expenditures together. This will help them track where the money goes and become aware of the costs associated with convenience.

• How can you make sure that the people you love and the causes you support can benefit from your estate when you are gone?

Build self-sufficiency

Knowing what decisions need to be made and what factors need to be considered is half the battle.

Having a job by about

Tax talk

Here’s the answer to one of the most frequently asked questions:

Q. Can I claim my 14-year-old daughter’s gymnastics program for the Children’s Fitness Credit?

The Power of Plastic

A. The Children’s Fitness Credit is designed to help get kids active, and a program has to meet certain requirements before it qualifies. The program needs to be at least an hour per week in length and run for a minimum of eight weeks. The classes need to be supervised, and a tax receipt should be issued by the organization running the program.

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

Polar Bear Dip a frigid frolic to warm your heart

If you have ever been witness to a child who has had to deal with cancer and all the treatments that go with it, you would never question supporting the Polar Bear Dip.

The 11th annual Polar Bear Dip is this Saturday, January 29 at 1 p.m. at Cedar Beach, Kingsville. Teams of communityminded people will be taking the plunge into Lake Erie’s fridgid waters as a fun way to raise money for Childcan and the Youth & Family Resource Network. Last year’s event raised $60,000 in team pledges and the dinner and dance held afterwards. Over the past 10 years, the event has grown into one of the most successful Polar Bear Dips for charity in Ontario, and with the generous support of the community raised over $460,000 for both organizations.

Childcan helps children and their families cope with the diagnosis of cancer by providing financial, social, and emotional support, ensuring the child remains the sole focus as they face their cancer journey.

Childcan presently supports Paediatric Oncology families diagnosed at Children’s Hospital, London Health Sciences Centre, London, and includes those living in Essex, Kent, Middlesex, Elgin, Haldimand-Norfolk, Huron, Perth, Lambton, Grey and Bruce counties.

Childcan works with the Children’s Hospital, London Health Sciences Centre, Paediatric Oncology teams, satellite clinics, Windsor Regional Hospital, POGO, and various community agencies and childhood cancer organizations to enhance quality of life for those children affected with childhood cancer and their families.

Dippers will be pushing to fill their pledge sheets this week, so as the temperature dips around -15, be generous.

How did we ever survive?

Anyone who knows me and who was in the hockey dressing room on Sunday night will know exactly what this article is about.

I’m not sure how we started to talk about it, but somehow the conversation went to our childhoods growing up on a farm and with brothers… Needless to say we might be a little rougher and tougher than most girls, and I’m not talking about our hockey game.

I was relieved to hear of some stories worse than mine… When I was five years old I was run over by harrows and packers. Harrows are a bed of spikes and packers, well, packers pack the ground down after it’s been harrowed. Yes, I was run over by them. My saving grace was that I fell in a furrow (furrows are the deeper trenches left in a plowed field). Needless to say, I was a little worse for wear. Many stitches and several broken bones later, I was fine. It’s amazing how well you can heal when you’re young.

That was a major accident. Thankfully, Children’s Services were not as prompt 35 years ago as they are today or my parents may have had to answer for that incident - why was a five-year-old riding on a tractor in the first place?

This was an accident, but our day-to-day lives on the farm were also filled with fun and some dangerous games that I’m sure none of us would let our kids do today. Let’s see, we used to jump out of trees into mounds of pillows and blankets. This was fun until we turned the game up a notch and decided to use tractor tire tubes as cushions… We may have inadvertently invented the first trampoline right in our own back yard.

Apparently we liked jumping because we also used to jump from the top of the hay mow into the bales of straw. We used to open up a few bales to make a pile of loose straw and then jump from the beams that framed the barn. This was fun until one time I managed to slip through the bales and was buried about four or five bales deep. My brother and our neighbour friend pulled me out with a hockey stick. It’s almost scary to think of all the dangerous – but very fun – games and things we did as kids.

We had dirtbikes and snowmobiles as well. You can almost imagine the fun we had with them. I re-broke my collar bone that I broke when I was run over. I was just shifting fourth to fifth gear when a bird flew out from the bush right in front of me. If you think bugs hurt on a motorcycle, try getting a bird in the face! Needless to say I lost control and down I went. The worst part was that I had to walk from the bush up to the house with my broken collar bone. At least this time I was 13 years old and not five.

There are so many stories to tell, but again, my point to all this rambling is that there were others in the dressing room with similar stories and games from their childhoods growing up on the farm. I’m just glad my brother and I never thought of them at the time, or I’d probably have a few more scars and aches and pains.

S Soouutthhppooiinnt t S Saayyss. . ....

What do you do to beat the winter blahs?

Pete Mathies

“What winter blahs? I just sit there and put jigsaw puzzles together.”

Lana Brockman

“Go to the Legion and socialize after I pour hot water on my car door.”

Parks and paying for them

There are a few ways parks in Leamington have come into existence. In the case of the ball complex, the land was donated to the town. In the case of the new soccer pitch, the town purchased farmland and developed it. There is another way, however, that generates a park in a residential area where a small, local park is needed. That is by way of simply taking it using the authority of the Planning Act.

Section 42 of the Planning Act specifically deals with the conveyance of land to the municipality for park purposes. It empowers municipalities to demand 2% of the land a developer proposes to use for any commercial or industrial purpose, and “in all other cases 5% of the land”. Those ‘other purposes’ mean residential subdivisions. So if a developer buys 10Ha of vacant land to construct a subdivision, the municipality is automatically entitled to 0.5Ha of land for a park. That’s a park that is 50m by 100m – about the size of a regulation soccer field or football field. That’s the way the park on Alterton came into existence: construction of the Bennie Subdivision.

But what if there’s already a perfectly good park nearby and another is not needed? In all cases the municipality can accept cash instead of land – an amount of money that is equivalent to the value of the land it would otherwise be entitled to. More often than not, this is what our municipality does. If a developer wants to build a commercial building and parking lot on a vacant lot that is, for example, 20m by 20m what good is 2% of the land for a park? (2% of 400m2 is a square about the size of a small bedroom.) But if the developer paid $60,000 for the land, 2% of the land is worth $1200, and that can be used to put a new playscape in a neighbourhood park, or to fix winter damage to the parking area in a regional park. So, the municipality takes cash in lieu of parkland. Moreover, by taking cash in lieu of parkland, the developer can cover the entire lot with his development: win-win! This is one of the items that is usually handled in the site plan process that must occur whenever construction takes place in our municipality

The municipal planning staff are intimately familiar with the planning act and advise council how new development can help pay for the new stresses it will put on municipal infrastructure. Through development charges and other means, new development ‘buys in’ to Leamington’s existing amenities (like drinking water, sewers, police, fire protection, etc.) and contributes toward their future expansion. Through Section 42 of the Planning Act, residential subdivisions provide their own parks, and commercial and industrial development help to equip and maintain them.

This summer, when you go down to Seacliff Park and marvel at how beautiful it is after a $3 million facelift, think about the cash in lieu of parkland charges that helped pay for its beautification and then go patronize local businesses so even more development will occur.

Karen

Robertson

“Plan a spring vacation – somewhere warm. We’re going to Africa.”

Jerry

Vandergaag

“Go out and socialize. Get out and play… go do something.”

“Set an open course for the virgin

sea” -

Styx

It is a beautiful breezy morning on the stern of our boat Amethyst. A perfect sailing day. Our captain ensures us that we are unlikely to experience the doldrums because of the trade winds in this area of the Caribbean that offer a consistent easterly breeze. Yesterday, around midday, we arrived at the docks where we were able to view our home for the next 7 days. We passed our neighbours, Midnight Tide, Island Time, Fuego and Mistral. Boats of all sizes, ranging from 31-foot mono haul sailing vessels to 50-plus foot catamarans with 2 large hauls, some with both power and sails.

Luckily, we were able to stow our bags on board while we headed out to secure our provisions for the week. Two hours later we were laden with grocery bags that included yummy cheeses, cans of salmon, juices, eggs, bananas, wine and water, and an island favourite, mangoes, both au natural and in the form of chutney.

Feeling a little weather-beaten, we headed out to a ‘local’ restaurant at dusk. Through a dockyard and along narrow dark streets, strangers ‘limin’ in their backyards navigated us along. They obviously knew we were strangers and our purpose for wandering their streets was to find a little hidden gem. One young teen on his bike escorted us to the entrance that we never would have found on our own.

Many Caribbean restaurants please not only the meat and fish eaters but the vegetarians as well. Ribs are popular and each place has it’s own signature sauce, but the fish is what is a treat for me. Grouper was the recommended dish offered and one that did not disappoint.

Presently, I sit with my fellow crew on Cooper Island sipping a mojito, the beverage special of the day. It was approximately a three-hour sail, but not as the crow flies because we were passed by ‘salts of the sea’. We are confident that someone is on our side because as we set out the satellite played “Come Sail Away” by Styx. Moments after arriving and attaching to our mooring ball, we witnessed a pod of dolphins.

From there on it was ‘under the sea’ where we floated like mermaids and mermen and enjoyed the needlenose, spiny urchins, yellow jacks, and I think I even saw Nemo. Even though the water temperature was roughly around 82º, I had goose bumps when I pulled myself back up into the dingy. The barracuda 7 feet away helped me get in a little quicker.

It’s now 5:20 BVI time, which is one hour ahead of home. From where I hold my fingers up, the sun is 2 inches of a palm tree from setting, or “43 minutes” says my captain, and no one questions the captain!

Well, except for his wife, his brother-in-law and me!

Soup Guru makes soup at Mill Street Public School

Students at Mill Street Public School students enjoyed homemade chicken noodle soup last week made by Bill Dunn, the Soup Guru. The school has soup day every Wednesday, made with canned soup. Dunn decided to give the students fresh soup. Pictured here, from left to right, are Isaak Thiessen, Michael Nguyen, Dunn and John Hoy, Mill Street Public School Vice Principal. Dunn made the soup with help from Joe at Breaktime Corner who let him make the soup in his facility. Dunn said he doesn’t mind doing the first batch for free, but needs sponsors (for the ingredients) if he was to do it every week. “I’ve told the schools I’ll do the first one free,” said Dunn. According to the two taste-testers, the soup received two thumbs up from Isaak and Michael who said the soup was “really good” and “awesome”!

Appetizer...

choice of Calamari, Tempura Shrimp, Meat Rissois, Shrimp Rissois or Chourico Entrée...

includes Soup or Salad, Potato or Rice & Vegetable Choice of...

Bife Cervejeira, Chicken Madeirense, Seafood Crepes, Pan Fried Grouper

Dessert...choice of Créme Caramel, Chocolate Mousse or Ice Cream Crepe

Special Occasions...consider our Elegant Facilities for functions of up to 100 seating

Southwest Spray Foam

County supports resolution to remove HST on energy bills

By Andy Comber

Essex County council unanimously supported a resolution calling for the removal of the HST from water, electricity and heating bills. The resolution was brought forward by Essex councillors Randy Voakes and Sherry Bondy, Windsor councillor Joanne Gignac and LaSalle councillor Sue Desjarlais.

Voakes said residents were not left with much to spend once all the essential bills were paid. The province has recently given residents a 10% cut on electricity, but that came after the 13% HST was added, and no cuts have come on other utility bills, he said.

of single story homes’ heating cost? For FREE ESTIMATES call Brad Cobby 519-825-7610

“The time has come to fight these increases.”

The councillors said they were alarmed at what they were hearing from their constituents concerning the cost of utilities.

“What it is doing to their budgets is terrible,” Gignac said. “That worries me a lot.”

Energy costs were a common concern expressed by residents during the municipal election campaign, Bondy said. “I saw the panic on people’s faces.”

The resolution has also been forwarded to the Association of Municipalities of Ontario and Federation of Canadian Municipalities, requesting their support.

(SUN Photo)

Merle Derbyshire set to celebrate 105 years!

By Sheila McBrayne

It’s hard to track for sure, but Merle Derbyshire is believed to be one of Leamington’s oldest living residents, as she prepares for her 105th birthday on February 7. Actually, she’s the second oldest. After placing phone calls to several Leamington nursing homes, we found one lady who celebrated her 106th birthday in December, but she wishes to remain anonymous.

Merle was born Merle Dorthea Dawson in 1906 in Romney Township to parents Cyrus Harry and Fanny Mae (Pickle) Dawson. She grew up on a farm with her four brothers and three sisters – Rex, Max, Glen, Ray, Leta, Gladys and Norena. Merle has lived through two World Wars, the Great Depression and so many changes in technology, and what’s truly remarkable is that she remembers all of it. That’s right, Merle – who likes to do word puzzles and crosswords to “keep her mind sharp” – recalls her life with great fondness.

So, what’s the secret to living for 105 years? Well, she doesn’t have any secrets…

“The Lord’s been good to me. I can’t do anything about it. I love the Lord and He loves me,” said Merle.

In her youth Merle remembers living at home on the Campbell Sideroad. It was during World War I that her brother Rex Dawson left for war. Merle took over his chores on the family’s 200acre farm. “I did my brother’s chores and fed the horses,” she recalled. “He drove a team of mules with ammunition to the front lines… He returned one year to the day he left,” she said. Merle stayed on the farm and helped care for her sick mother when she was young. Merle married Seth

Derbyshire in 1938. She raised his three children –Ruth, Mac and Don – and then they had two children, Bill and Ann (Grimes).

The Derbyshires moved to Southwold (near St. Thomas) where they owned and operated the Post Office and general store. Merle’s husband passed away and she and the children returned to Romney Township. “I never really left… I’ve been back for 60 years,” she said. Merle and her family lived at 118 Erie St. North in Wheatley. She lived there until she was about 98 or 99 when she moved into town at the Leamington Mennonite Home.

Stepson Don Derbyshire served in World War II as a pilot. “Don was shot down overseas and we were told he was killed, but they never found a body so he was missing,” recalled Merle. It was after the war ended that her other stepson Mac received a letter in Tilbury from a stranger in Germany. The letter informed the family of Don Derbyshire that his body was found near a river. A German man found his body and found his identification along with a picture of his sister Ann. The German man wanted his family to know that he was not lost and returned the picture along with a letter. “He said he waited until after the war to inform us, because he would have been killed if they knew he had it. In his letter he wrote: “I don’t hate you and you don’t hate me. It’s just the higher-ups who want to get more territory.”

Merle, the proud grandmother of 6 and greatgrandmother of 4, recalls her school days at S.S. #5 Romney. She fondly remembered all the good teachers they had in the one-room

schoolhouse. “The Lord gave me good memory. I still remember things from when I was a child. I praise God for my good health. He gets all the glory,” she said. How good is her memory? Well, she told me that she used to make butter tarts to send overseas to Don, then she paused and said –

“I don’t know why they call them butter tarts, there’s only one spoonful of butter in them. And the recipe calls for those raisins, those sultana raisins. I don’t like them...”

How’s that for a great memory!

Merle gets around the retirement home, either by walker or wheelchair, depending how she feels that day. “One thing I miss is my church (Wheatley Baptist). I used to go every Sunday. Now I watch on TV, but it’s not the same as being there and seeing all your friends and neighbours… Ann takes me when she comes,” said Merle. “Ann calls me every day and my son is close by so he stops in… I have a great family. The Lord has blessed me,” she said. Merle has marveled over the years at inventions like automobiles, motion pictures, telephones, television… the list is vast. After her husband died, Merle bought a blue and white Plymouth Savoy for $1,000. “The first little automobiles were like little carts. I can remember – I don’t know what make it was – the ra-

diator was always red. You could see it coming for miles. The car was made in a little factory in Tilbury,” she recalled.

Merle expects she’ll have a quiet birthday this year with friends and family. “My son threw a big party for my 100th… I was there at Christmas and I think I’m still full from that,” she joked. Happy birthday Merle!

In Ontario the oldest living resident will turn 112 on January 30. The second oldest is 110 years, 182 days. Both are women. The oldest person to live in Canada was MarieLouise Meilleur who was born in 1880 and died in 1998 at the age of 117 years, 230 days. Sorry men, only two gentlemen were listed in Canada’s top 40 oldest residents. George Frederick of British Columbia lived to be 111 years, 146 days and Joseph Saint-Amour of Quebec lived to be 110 years, 18 days.

Sweet Potatoes,

Merle Derbyshire

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

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 26 - Mayorʼs Breakfast at Flamingo Family Restaurant, 319 Erie St. South, Leamington, from 8 a.m.-9:30 a.m. Featuring Leamington Mayor John Paterson speaking on the 2011 Economic Forecast. Cost is $20. To register, or for more information, call the Leamington & District Chamber of Commerce at (519)-326-2721, or email wendyp@leamingtonchamber.com.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 27 - Trying to lose weight, but donʼt know where to start? Attend a 2 hour “Show Me the Weigh” Workshop, led by a Registered Dietitian, to help you get started on your weight loss journey. It will be held from 1:30 p.m.3:30 p.m. at 1400 Windsor Ave., Windsor. Free of charge and open to the public. To register, please call Tania McNamara at 519-255-9940, ext. 111.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 28 - Beat the Winter Blues with a “Souper Skate” from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at Charles Clark Square and All Saintsʼ Church in downtown Windsor. Pay $5 in advance or $7 at the door and enjoy all you can eat soup, salad, plus dessert. Plus, skate at Charles Clark Square. Tickets are available at City Hall, 350 City Hall Square; Human Resources, 171 Goyeau St.; 400 Building; Parks & Rec. Main office, 2450 McDougall; Windsor-Essex County Health Unit –519-258-2146 and All Saintsʼ Church, 330 City Hall Square West. All proceeds to help support the free skate lending and learning program organized by All Saintsʼ Church.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 29 - The North American Black Historical Museum, in conjunction with the 2nd Annual Freedom Landing Festival, presents a concert at St. John the Baptist Church, 225 Brock St., Amherstburg, starting at 8 p.m. Hartford Memorial Baptist Church Male Chorus and jazz singer Shahida Nurullah and Good Company will be featured, performing songs of Amherstburgʼs own Shelton Brooks (1886-1975). For further information, call the Museum at 519-736-5433, or 1-800713-6336.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 29- “Feelin” Frosty” at Leamington Library – ages 4-8, at 2 p.m. Register at the library, or call 519-326-3441.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 29- 11th Annual Polar Bear Dip at Lakeside Park, Kingsville. Register individually, or as a team, and help raise funds for ChildCan and Youth and Family Resource Network of Essex County. And, that evening, itʼs an evening of Fire and Ice, featuring sizzling treats and cool beats at the Lakeside Park Pavilion in Kingsville. Food catered by Just Jeffʼs and entertainment by the Sellouts. Tickets are $35. For information, call 519-733-8983.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 30 - Sunparlour Bluegrass gathering at Comber Legion, 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. An afternoon of bluegrass music with performances by groups of local bluegrass pickers.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 30 - “A Breast or Knot” Survivor Dragon Boat team annual Burger Bash Fundraiser at Rack ʻN Roll, 3087 Forest Glade Dr., Windsor, from 1 p.m.-7 p.m. Tickets are $12 and include a 6 oz. burger, salads and desserts. Raffles and 50/50 draws. For tickets and information call 519-254-6614. Tickets can be purchased at the door.

MONDAY, JANUARY 31 - Friendship Dinner at Knox Hall, corner of Setterington St. and Erie St. S., Leamington, at 5:30 p.m. Free home cooked meal with dessert and beverage. For more details, call 519-326-4541.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 1 - Learn more about the Registered Disability Savings Program (RDSP), a new tool to help plan for the financial well-being of a relative with a disability. Free in-person sessions will be held at the Youth and Family Resource Network of Essex County, 23 Mill St. W., Kingsville, from 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m. Learn the numerous advantages of the RDSP, including the significant financial contributions you may be eligible for. Pre-register by January 31 by registering online at www.clwindsor.org; calling 519-250-9410 or emailing rcpwindsor@autismontario.com.

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 519-2509410.

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 (512) $4; 5 and under free. All you can eat and takeout 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 freewill 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.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 20 - Roast Beef Dinner

6:00 p.m. at Knox Presbyterian Church, Erie Street South, Leamington. $13 per person. Advance tickets, 519-326-4541.

By Lisa Cowen-Tehonchuk

Last week was the first Seniors Dinner in the new building. There was a great turnout. The next Seniors Dinner is Feb. 9 from 3 p.m.-6 p.m. We will be serving chicken and salads, and music will be by Gord Ciliska. Seating is limited.

In sports, our boys were in London this past weekend. Hopefully they did well.

The past two week’s winners for Friday night darts on Jan. 7 were Paul Groggins and Betty Fitzpatrick, and on Jan. 14 were Moose and Betty Fitzpatrick. The public is more than welcome to come join. Play starts at 8 p.m. and cost is only $2. All monies are returned as prizes.

On Jan. 29, sports officer Tim Nantais is holding a Ladies Only dart tournament. Doubles and teams – $5 for each per person. Register your teams at 11 a.m. and play starts at noon. You do not have to be a member to play in tournament, so ladies… grab some friends and come on out. All monies returned for prizes.

Our youth and education officer has announced the winners for the poster contest:

• Primary – Colour: 1. Zoe Chopchik, 2. Sophie George, 3. Samantha Edh. (All from St. Michel.)

• Junior – Colour: 1. Kameron Wall (St. Louis), 2. Jessica DeSantic (St. Michel), 3. Sukana Zaidi (St. Michel). • Intermediate – Colour: 1. Gerardo Ortiz, 2. Rachelle Habre, 3. Chad LeCoure. (All from St. Michel).

• Intermediate – Black & White: 1. Katrina Petahtegoose, 2. Emma Lockley, 3. Belar Haiabi. (All from St. Michel).

Congratulations to all the winners.

Service Officer Bruce Peacock will be heading to London in February to visit the vets in Parkwood and play some bingo. Also, Randy Groundwater will be coming later that month.

The next General Meeting is February 2 at 7 p.m. The next Executive Meeting is February 16 at 7 p.m.

Dresden’s tractor parade is a world record

A six hour tractor parade that saw 1,231 tractors drive to the Dresden fair grounds last July 24 has been officially declared a world record event.

Organizer Ken Richards got the word from Guiness late Tuesday. The “Greatest Tractor Parade: Farmers Driving Out Cancer” drew participants from across North America, and raised more than $100,000 for the Cancer Society. The parade included antiques and the latest models. A number of participants were cancer survivors, others drove in honour of loved ones they had lost to the disease.

- From CFCO

Farms to Food Banks Program delivers 32,000

At a giant “food drop” held January 19, United Communities Credit Union distributed $15,000 worth of local apples, potatoes and beef to 20 Windsor and Essex County Food Banks through its Farms to Food Banks Program. The Salvation Army and Ministerial Food Bank on Setterington Street here in Leamington is a member of the WindsorEssex County Food Bank Association.

To date $226,000 has been donated, which has purchased over 415,000 pounds of food for Essex, Huron and Perth Counties.

“We worked with local farmers to obtain reduced prices for apples, potatoes and beef to provide to area food banks,” said Jim Lynn, President and CEO of United Communities Credit Union. “It’s been four years since we created this program and it has been truly rewarding to not only assist those in need but to see so many people come together to help out. This program not only brings nutritious food to local tables but also brings hope.”

The Credit Union also has an Employee Gift Matching Program which recognizes staff volunteerism by donating dollars to charities of their choice. Four employ-

Essex playground gets funding

Aviva Canada Inc. is pleased to announce the recipients of the second Aviva Community Fund competition, and this year ten worthy ideas representing communities nationwide have been chosen. A total of $1,000,000 will be awarded to these diverse local projects, including a special hockey team in Ontario, an animal shelter in the Northwest Territories, a therapeutic garden in Quebec, and much-needed community playgrounds across three provinces. This unique competition created by property and casualty insurer Aviva Canada aims to lead, empower and support community initiatives across the country.

Neighbouring Essex was one of the ten community projects chosen. This rural community is home to Essex Public School, a special education centre. Funding from the Aviva Community Fund will allow the school to build the first fully accessible playground area for children and adults with special needs.

ees chose three area food banks and presented $1,000 to them.

“Our staff continues to be extremely generous with their time and their money, and our Gift Matching Pro-

gram gives us a meaningful way to recognize this,” says Liz Arkinstall Manager of Community Relations.

The Ontario Credit Union Charitable Foundation (OCUCF) donated $2,500

to further support the food banks in our communities.

In total OCUCF has contributed $30,000 in matching funds this winter to Credit Unions across Ontario.

“The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul is truly grateful for United Commu-

nities Credit Union’s Farms to Food Banks Program,” said Pam Baksi, Public Relations Coordinator at the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul Windsor-Essex. “This donation has tremendous value to those in need, and we are sincerely grateful.”

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

23Plain White T’sRhythm of Love 32One RepublicSecrets

46Katy PerryFirework

54UsherDJ Got Us Falling In Love

65Bruno MarsJust The Way You Are 79Train Marry Me

810RihannaOnly Girl In The World 97Taio CruzDynamite 1012Sick PuppiesMaybe 1111ScriptFor The First Time 128Neon TreesAnimal 1313Nelly Just A Dream 1418 Bruno Mars Grenade 1514Maroon 5Give A Little More 1616Katy PerryTeenage Dream 1720KeshaWe R Who We R 1817Enrique IglesiasI Like It

1922Pink Perfect

2019LifehouseAll In

Listen to Luke on Mix 96.7 for your chance at Hockey Night in Tampa & tickets to a Detroit Red Wings vs. the Tampa Bay Lightening!

MUSICAL BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK

1941 - Aaron Neville is 70

1947 - Warren Zevon is 64

1957 - Eddie Van Halen (Van Halen) is 54

Everything from ABBA to ZZ Top

1958 - Anita Baker (ìGiving You the Best That I Gotî) is 53

1963 - Andrew Ridgeley (The other half of Wham) is 48

1956 - Peter Schilling (ìMajor Tomî) is 55

1968 - Sarah McLachlan is 43

1959 - Jody Watley of Chic is 52 MUSICAL EVENTS

8 years ago - Billy Joel was airlifted to hospital after his car smashed into a tree. 22 years ago - Bobby Brown was arrested for an overtly sexually suggestive performance after a show in Columbus; and fined $652

22 years ago - Madonna started divorce proceedings from actor Sean Penn

25 years ago - Allen Collins, guitarist from Lynyrd Skynyrd crashed his car, paralyzing him from the waist down. Collins had survived a plane crash in 1977 that killed two other band members.

28 years ago - Allman Brothers bassist Lamar Williams died of lung cancer age 34. He joined the band in 1972 after the death of original bassist Berry Oakley.

30 years ago - Steve Tyler of Aerosmith was hospitalized after being involved in a crash on his motorbike.

31 years ago - a billboard was erected on Sunset Strip, West Hollywood, California to promote Pink Floydís new album The Wallí. Every day workmen added another brick to the wall until it was finished.

32 years ago - the Clash released their first single in the US, 'I Fought The Law'

40 years ago - David Bowie arrived in the US for the first time; he couldn't play live because of work permit restrictions, but attracted publicity when he wore a dress at a promotion event.

51 years ago - the original cast recording of 'The Sound Of Music 'started a 16-week run at No.1

55 years ago - Elvis Presley's single, Heartbreak Hotel was released by RCA Records, who had just purchased Presley's contract from Sun Records for $35 000. It became Elvis' first Gold record.

Paul Watson will seek provincial Liberal nomination

Chatham lawyer Paul Watson has announced that he will be seeking the nomination of the Chatham-Kent-Essex Provincial Liberal Association to be the next Liberal Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) for the riding.

Watson spent 15 consecutive years in Municipal politics including 9 years as Alderman for the City of Chatham and 6 years as Councillor for Chatham-Kent before retiring from Municipal Council in 2004. He has been active with the Liberal party all of his adult life, holding executive positions in local Liberal constituency associations at both the Provincial and Federal level. Watson has been active with various community organizations including the Big Brothers Association, Kinsmen, the General Hospital Board, the St. Joseph’s Hospital Board and the local Health Board. He is currently a member of the Chatham Rotary Club, the Knights of Columbus and the Chamber of Commerce.

In explaining his reason for seeking the nomination, Watson says: “I am dedicated to the people of ChathamKent-Essex. I intend to use my experience in helping people as a lawyer and as a municipal councillor to continue to serve the people of Chatham-Kent-Essex.”

Watson, who is a lifetime resident of Chatham-Kent, has two adult children, Megan and John. Watson can be contacted at 351-7721 or 354-6392 by those who wish to vote at the nomination meeting.

Stork Stork

Report Report

Biggley - Helena and Andrew of Leamington, a girl on December 28, 2010

Ecker - Lindsey and Jason of Kingsville, a boy on December 29, 2010

Fast - Sarah and Tyler French of Leamington, a girl on December 29, 2010

Hamm - Judit and Peter of Wheatley, a girl on December 30, 2010

Harms - Tina and Neil of Leamington, a girl on December 31, 2010

Segedin - Lyndsey and Rich of Leamington, a boy on January 5, 2011

Williams - Judith and Berris of Ruthven, a girl on January 7, 2011

Dyck - Anna and John of Leamington, a boy on January 8, 2011

Foster - Beverly and Brent of Woodslee, a girl on January 11, 2011

Tomko - Kristal and Ron Williams of Leamington, a boy on January 12, 2011

Giesbrecht - Sara and Abram of Leamington, a girl on January 12, 2011

Hildebrand - Sara and Henry of Leamington, a boy on January 14, 2011

Banman - Sara and Jacob of Kingsville, a girl on January 16, 2011

McCombs - Robina and Leeford Bailey of Leamington, agirl on January 20, 2011

The Stork Report is sponsored by

More health care options for Ontarians

With the simple click of a mouse or the touch of a smart phone, Ontarians can get to know the health care options in their communities even better.

The province has re-launched the health care options website, which will help all Ontarians locate the health care services that are closest to home, including:

• Family Health Teams – include doctors, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, social workers and dietitians working together as a team to provide seamless access to health care.

• Telehealth Ontario – a free, confidential, round-theclock telephone service people can call to get health advice or general health information from a registered nurse.

• Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinics – provide ongoing care while promoting disease prevention and healthy living.

• Urgent Care Centres – provide immediate care for non life-threatening conditions such as eye injuries, sutures and casts and also provide access to x-rays and laboratory services.

• Walk-In Clinics – provide care in non-emergency situations.

The redeveloped website also includes other user-friendly tools that will make it easier for Ontarians to get the health care they need, such as Health Care Connect, which helps people find a doctor or nurse practitioner in their community, and a searchable tool to determine local ER and surgical wait times.

In addition, the website provides information to help newcomers to Ontario learn how to navigate the province’s health care system, provided in 26 different languages.

Knowing their options will allow Ontarians to choose the best health care service for their needs, reducing pressure on emergency rooms. Approximately 40% of all visits to the emergency room are related to less urgent or non-urgent conditions that may be treated elsewhere.

NOTICE

Annual Membership of the Leamington District Memorial Hospital Corporation is effective from April 1 in one year to March 31 in the following year.

According to the Leamington District Memorial Hospital By-Law No. 16, a person is eligible to be an Annual Member when he or she pays to the Corporation the annual membership fee of $5.00, provided at the time of the payment of fee, the person must:

(i) Be over the age of eighteen (18) years; and

(ii) Have been a resident of the Catchment Area* for a continuous period of at least (3) months immediately prior thereto: or

(iii) Be employed in the said Catchment Area or counties for a continuous period of three (3) months.

Any person who wishes to join membership in the Leamington District Memorial Hospital Corporation for 2011/2012, please contact Linda Harfmann, 519-326-2373, ext. 4101 for an application. Applications must be received by the Board no later than March 11, 2011 in order to be eligible to vote at this year’s Annual Meeting in June.

*Catchment Area: Leamington, Kingsville, Wheatley, Pelee Island, Essex and Lakeshore

Want to retire? Lend

me your ear…

Weese’s Weese’s Pieces Pieces

Roman gladiators weren’t allowed to retire. They had no choice but to keep fighting until they were killed. Kind of a brutal way for the empire to avoid paying out the old age pension, but it did keep people working I suppose. It no doubt provided incentive for wrinkled up Romans to work out too. Kill or be killed – with that proposition, I’d run the 100-metre dash in 10 seconds, pump weights and order one of those Jack LaLanne juicer things from the television.

In a much more humane way, the “work till you die” program may be making a bit of a comeback after 2,000 years. When you factor inflation, the flogging our investment plans have suffered, the extended lifespan of people today, the elimination of forced retirement at 65 and the job vacancies that will exist in the next few years, you’ve the got the ingredients of “haul your butt grandpa”.

Recently, I sat down with a financial planner to review my portfolio. This process included using a formula to determine whether my current program will be enough for me to retire at age 65. The outcome – surprise, surprise – indicated that I need to invest more money each month to make this happen. Well, there was one other option if I didn’t buck up – keep working past 65. Considering my current cash flow, I will be humping it till 70 or 75 or whatever. Hopefully my dentures won’t chatter when working the takeout window in the winter.

Not just a pretty Facebook…

Gotta love Facebook friends. Surely, you’re on Facebook – everybody’s getting on board with it, or so it seems. Grandpa’s now on Facebook and he’s pushing 90. Grandma’s on Facebook and she’s pushing Grandpa.

I’ve got 171 Facebook friends now. In the world of Facebook, that’s not many. Our rock station’s morning show at 94.5 FM The Bull has well over 5,000 friends. Compared to the amount of friends they have, I must be an obnoxious nerd with body odor. Truth is, I really don’t want more F.F.s. It’s tough enough to manage what I have now.

If I were to do a bit of a purge of pals, I’d start with those who send me updates on their virtual farms or whatever the heck that game is. Next, I’d move onto those who love to notify the entire world that their “coffee tastes good this morning” or share some other mundane bit of information that belongs in the W.G.A.F. file.

Leamington Lions Club President Don Nicholson (centre) presented cheques for $1,000.00 each to Leamington Mersea Goodfellows, represented by Henry Hildebrandt (left), and The Salvation Army, represented by Fraser Leer. These donations are generated from the Lions Club annual Christmas cake sales and are made in support of the Goodfellows and the Salvation Army Christmas Hamper programs.

Next on the ex-files, it would be those who have suddenly rediscovered me after going the last 35 to 40 years since our last encounter. “Hey Johnny, are you still a funny guy?”… Thanks, Billy. Gee it’s so nice to talk to you since what… grade 3 or something? Yes, I’m still a funny guy Billy. In fact, I’ve been a regular riot to a dozen bosses, a half-dozen girlfriends and an ex-wife. What about you Billy? Do you still um… wear shoes?

Who I do love to hear from on Facebook are people with whom I’ve enjoyed a wonderful relationship at one time, but because of the way our lives have developed we’re now miles apart. They could be old friends from school, the neighbourhood, old jobs, or family. Facebook allows me to talk in real time on the chat box or to view their family pictures or just to offer some support or to share an interesting anecdote.

On that note, I’ve gotta run to peel some potatoes and would you like to trade your goat for six geese? L.M.A.O.

By Melissa McCarty

The Leamington Flyers continued their strong offensive play last Wednesday in LaSalle but the Chatham Maroons shut them down on Thursday and they lost again on Sunday in Strathroy.

On Wednesday the Flyers were in LaSalle where they had beaten the defending Sutherland Cup Champions twice earlier in the season. However, the Vipers had since won both matchups in Leamington, including handing the Flyers their worst defeat of the season when they won 92 on December 2nd. The Flyers were coming off two substantial victories the week before and the offensive power continued as they beat the Vipers 7-2.

2011

FLYERS UPDATE

The Flyers now sit alone in seventh place with 42 points. They trail Chatham by one point in the standings and are three points ahead of Sarnia… During the three-game winning streak against Lambton Shores, Sarnia and LaSalle, the Flyers outscored their opponents 263 and outshot them 160-69… The Flyers currently have the best penalty kill percentage in the Western Conference with 84.98%... Matt Ogden lead the Flyers with 29 points (17 goals and 12 assists).

flyers win 1, lose 2...

LaSalle had a 2-0 lead midway through the first period but the Flyers mounted an impressive comeback scoring seven unanswered goals. Cheyne Matheson led the Flyers with a pair of goals (one shorthanded) and singles went to Eric Leardi, Nick Nicodemo, Kyle Bowman, Jared Dennis and Tony Spidalieri. Defenceman Ron Soucie chipped in with four assists and goaltender Zakk Olvin made 31 saves.

The Flyers had been in a three-way tie for sixth place with Sarnia and Chatham but the win over LaSalle pulled them two points ahead. However on Thursday the Flyers hosted Chatham and unfortunately the offensive power ran out as the Maroons won 3-1.

Matt Ogden got the Flyers lone goal, scoring shorthanded with two minutes remaining in the third.

“We started taking steps forward the last couple games but obviously we took a step back in this game,” Flyers head coach Tony Piroski said. “We were slow to start and their goalie made some big saves.”

Flyers captain Nick Nicodemo said the loss was particularly frustrating because of how well the team had been playing and the importance of the two points that were on the line.

“With our last couple wins we were starting to get recognition in the league,” Nicodemo said.

“But obviously Chatham was more ready for us then we were for them.”

PLAYER PROFILE

The loss to Chatham snapped the Flyers three-game winning streak and put the two teams back into a tie for sixth place in the Western Conference. Despite the loss, coach Piroski said he is happy with the direction the team is going in and he’s pleased with how the team has been playing since the recent addition of defensemen Ron Soucie and Eric Mayor and forward Austin Mattson.

“The loss to Chatham is disappointing but overall I like what we we’ve been doing lately. We’re going to keep competing like we have been and make a run in the playoffs.”

On Sunday the Flyers travelled to Strathroy to take on the first place Rockets. With no score at the end of regulation the game went into overtime and Strathroy scored 2:25 into the extra frame. The Flyers had 43 shots and Colin Greeley made 33 saves in net for the Flyers.

The Flyers next game will be on Thursday when they will look to get redemption against Strathroy.

FLYERS FLASHBACKS

Back row

Mike Epplett, Jamie Stickney, Tim Towle, Terry Quick, Ken Cobby.

Middle row: Rob Bowman, Dave Whitsell, Ted Haningan, Jim Butcher, Jim Bradley, Carl Stadler, Dave Couture, Dennis Miner. Front row: Gene Biekx, Bruce Hall, Brian Plumb, Tim Omstead, Rick Gulliver, Jim Ferguson, Wayne Beneteau. (Photo courtesy of Bob Platsko)

Sharks climbing ranks in Junior C hockey action

By Sheila McBrayne

The Wheatley Sharks have had a great 2011 as they sit in third spot in the South Division of the Great lakes Junior C Hockey League, only one point from second place. The first game of the New Year brought another victory for the Sharks and increased the winning streak to three. The Sharks downed the Essex 73s 5-3. Quigley scored two goals with single markers to J. Tremblay, Kevin Swatzky and Carnevale. Romeril earned the win in net.

The Sharks went on the road to Alvinston on Friday, January 7 where the Sharks added another win downing the Flyers 3-2. Quigley was the first star of the game netting all three Wheatley goals. B. Johnson had two assists and one to J. Tremblay. Marc Tremblay earned the win in net.

The Sharks were at home on Monday, January 10 and downed the Kingsville Comets 6-2. The Sharks were led by Andy Stevenson and Jardine with two goals each, and single goals to Lauzon and Quigley. Tremblay earned the win.

The Sharks were in Kingsville on Saturday, January 15 where they kept the opponent away from their end. The Sharks won 7-5 with goals to K. Ouellette (2) and single markers to Stevenson, Jesse Martin, Trevor Grieve, A. Stankiewicz and J. Tremblay. Romeril had the win in net and also registered an assist on the final goal.

The Wheatley Sharks played three games last week and collected three points to bring their total points to 41, just three points shy of second place in the South Division of the Great Lakes Junior C Hockey League.

The Sharks played a great game on home ice on Monday, January 17 as they faced the number one team, Belle River. The game was scoreless until second period, which ended 1-1 with a goal by Andy Stevenson. The third period also ended in a draw 2-2 as K. Sawatzky added a goal. The game ended 2-2 after the regular time and also finished 2-2 after the five-minute overtime period. Belle River claimed the overtime win in the shootout. In net for the Sharks was Marc Tremblay, who kicked out 35 of the 37 shots on net. Tuesday, January 18 the Sharks were in Essex where they dominated the game 4-1. Scoring for Wheatley were D. Cosford, K. Ouellette and Josh Tremblay with two. Shawn Quigley had three assists in the game. Friday night, January 21 the Sharks were in Belle River where they lost 3-0. Monday night’s home game (Jan. 24) saw the Sharks beat Blenheim 2-1.

(As of January 25)

Atom majors win game one

The Reid Funeral Home Atom Majors took the first game of their six-point series against Amherstburg. Mason Gow and Jeron Kir added the punch for the Caps with a goal an assist each in the team’s 4-3 win. Joesph Alfano and Spencer Wiebe added a goal each with Gioia DiCiocco and Myles Thiessen collecting assists.

The Caps had many scoring opportunities and had pressure on the Stars’ goalie most of

REC ROUND-UP REC ROUND-UP

3 month New Year Shape-Up Special - $109.00 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 & 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 & student crowd!

It’s time for you to get into a healthy routine - living your life in motion! 11th Annual Home & Garden Tradeshow - March 4-6th. Still a few vendor booths available. Contact bfischer@leamington.ca for application form if you’re a home renovation, décor or landscaping specialist.

- Red Cross First Aid and AED Training - individual training dates and corporate bookings to meet WSIB and Health & Safety requirements.

- Red Cross Babysitting Courses for youth ages 11 – 15 - Sat. Jan. 29th or Fri. Feb. 11th (a P.A. Day from school.)

- Home Alone Course - Sat. Feb 5th - build your child’s self confidence responsibility while home alone.

Rock ‘n Swim - Fri. Feb. 18th and Fri. March 25th from 7 – 9 pm. Bring the whole family for a splashing good time in the Complex pool. Thanks to Lakeside Bakery for sponsoring the music!

Kirk Bowman Hockey School – Register now for Session 5 Camp –“Power Skating and Puck Handling” which runs on Mondays from Feb. 14th – March 14th. Group A – ages 7-9 years from 5 – 6 pm; and Group B -ages 10 - 15 from 6 - 7 pm. Register Now for the Winter 2 Session - Stop by to pick up your Guide in the Complex Brochure Rack or visit us online: www.leamington.ca link to recreation, link to the Activity Guide to see all the specific details. The buzz is all around town - the Complex offers over 50 assorted Fitness & 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 and no enrollment or initiation fees.

the game. Great team effort, not just in the goal department but in the defensive end of the ice. The Caps limited the Stars to very few chances and played most of the game in the Stars end of the rink.

Game two goes Tuesday night in Amherstburg at 7:00 p.m. Good luck team, and we have the snake on the ground.

Peewee A’s sweep first round of OMHA playoffs

The Southpoint Capitals Peewee A’s, sponsored by Gabriele Floor & Home, swept past the St. Thomas Stars in round one of OMHA playoffs. With scores of 6-1, 6-1 and 3-2, the squad played well and advanced to take on the Riverside Rangers in round two.

In the first game of round two the boys played hard and outshot Riverside 36-21. Southpoint, however, could not find the back of the net often enough and ended up losing the first game in overtime.

In the midst of the OMHA playoffs, the regular season still continued to be contested, with a game in LaSalle this past Sunday. Even though the game does not mean anything towards the OMHA playoffs, it still has implications towards the Bluewater championship. After a quick goal by Brayden Klemens for Southpoint, the Sabres of LaSalle took over and went on to win the game 6-1.

The Peewees play against the Riverside Rangers on Friday night at Heinz arena where they look to tie up the series before heading to Riverside on Saturday

Rivalry ends in tie for midget girls

By Mackenzie Heyens

Friday, January 21 the Rhine Danube Southpoint Stars B played their final game against the Lakeshore Lightning BB on Wheatley home ice. As usual, the two rivaling teams made for an exciting game. Kayla Lindsay scored within the first 48 seconds of the game, with the assist by Jessica Prudence. After a trip during a clear breakaway, Kim Goyeau approached the penalty shot with a comfortable tone. She then faked out the tender, easily throwing the puck over the goalie’s left shoulder, just under the cross bar. The Lakeshore Lightning came back later in the game, despite the many penalties for both teams. The final score was 2-2, finishing the rivalry in a tie.

The next day, the Rhine Danube Southpoint Stars travelled to Forrest to play Lambton Shores. After a slow first two periods, the Lambton Shores girls were beating the Stars with a 3-0 lead. Kayla Lindsay then scored the first goal for the Stars with 1 minute and 30 seconds left in the second period with the assist by Shailyn Waites. This quickly changed the Stars’ game around, picking up their pace and playing their usual aggressive game. Amanda Stasko followed the goal with 14 seconds left in the second, with the assist by Lindsay. Though the atmosphere of the game had changed with the Stars putting pressure on the opposition, the girls just didn’t have enough time left to tie up the game. The final score was 3-2 for Lambton Shores.

For the team’s full schedule, please visit www.southpointminorhockey.com.

Golden Years mini golf

Forty-five players met for Golden Years mini golf on January 20.

In first place was Team #10 – Lloyd Honey, Steve Vigh and Gary Honey – shooting a 1 over 241. In second place was Team 8 – Stu Folster, Julia Kos and the Phantom – scoring 245, as did Team #13, the Kings, consisting of Carolyn Daudlin, Gerry Wilkinson and Murray Knox. Third place cash prize was taken by Team 7 – Andy Orsini, Iggy Arner and Doug Vickery – with their 248 total for two round.

Low score for single-round shot was a 35 by Gerry Wilkinson and Andy Orsini, followed by 36 for Don Ribble, 37 by Betty McManus and Bill Taylor, 38 for Lloyd Honey and a pair for Julia Kos. A score of 39 showed for Audrey Knox, Carolyn Daudlin, Gerry Wilkinson, Cami Keith, Iggy Arner and Mary Ann Vickery. Marg Graham, Ralph Butler, Bill Taylor and Stan Vickery had even par 40.

The best two-round number was Gerry Wilkinson with a 74. Julia Kos had 76, Bill Taylor 77, Lloyd Honey 79, and even par was shot by Audrey Knox.

Holes-in-one totaled 86 for the group with 5 for Don Ribble, Bill Taylor and Gerry Wilkinson. Four dropped for Barb Arner and Betty McManus. Three aces were counted on the cards of Ethel Ferguson, Bill Mayville, Andy Orsini, Stan Vickery, Julia Kos, Ralph Butler, John Murphy, Carolyn Daudlin and Marg Graham. A pair of aces fell for Colleen Pearse, Art Sweet, Mary Ann Vickery, Rose Taylor, Milton Taylor, Madeline Butler, Linda Walsh, Kathy Bradley, Stu Folster, Cami Keith, Neil Quick, Shorley Thiessen and Mary MacRae. Single one-shot holes were by Iggy Arner, Wayne Reid, Lloyd Honey, Gary Honey, Steve Vigh, Angus MacRae, Pete Daudlin and Murray Knox.

The welcome mat is out, so come join the Golden Years mini golfers. No experience or equipment needed. Next round starts Thursday, January 27 at 9:30 a.m. at Colasanti’s.

Curling notes

By Gordon Wonnick

These are busy times at the Sun Parlour Curling Club with bonspiels and playoffs deciding first half champions having just been completed. There seems to be a lot of enthusiasm and interest at the club, which makes everything more exciting.

The weekend of the 15th of January our annual two-day mixed bonspiel took place with the theme “Redneck”, which was enjoyed by all participants. The winning team was Dave Neufeld, Janice Dawson, Roy Armstrong and Ruth Slote.

On January 22 the Don Emerson Memorial Bonspiel for seniors 55 and over took place, and I have covered this in a separate article.

The Monday Night Men’s League crowned their new 1st half champions, Geoff Snider, Ted Dube, Rob Squires (skip) and Tim Stevenson.

Wednesday Night Ladies League also crowned their 1st half champs, Bonnie Hyatt, Debbie Tetzlaff, Mary Wilson, and Melanie Houchen. Ann Boughazale, representing sponsors Reid Funeral Home, was on hand to present the trophy.

The winning team of the two-day “Redneck” bonspiel were, from left to right, Dave Neufeld, Janice Dawson, Roy Armstrong and Ruth Slote. (Photo submitted)

Monday Night Men’s League 1st half champions are, from the left, Geoff Snider, Ted Dube, Rob Squires (skip) and Tim Stevenson. (Photo submitted)

The Bonnie Hyatt rink won the Reid Funeral Home trophy for winning the A Event (Championship) for the first half of the Ladies Business Wednesday Night League. Pictured here, from left to right, are Amy Boughazale of Reid Funeral Home presenting the trophy; Bonnie Hyatt, skip; Debbie Tetzlaff, vice; Mary Wilson, second; and Melanie Houchen, lead. (Photo Submitted)

TV Theft

On Jan. 19, Leamington OPP received a report of a theft of a TV that had been stolen from an unlocked residence near the 40 block of Marlborough St. West. Anyone with information is asked to contact Leamington OPP Crime Unit at 519-326-5373 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Tools Stolen in Break-In

Sometime overnight on Jan. 19, a large quantity of tools were stolen from a business on Milo Road, Wheatley (in the Municipality of Leamington). Culprits entered a vessel at this location by smashing a skylight window. Once inside, several bins of tools were stolen.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Leamington OPP Crime Unit at 519326-5373 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Complaint Results in Arrest

On Jan. 23 at 7:30 p.m., Leamington OPP received a traffic complaint about a 1999 Chevrolet Malibu, grey in colour. The officer located the vehicle and the driver. A 36-year-old Leamington man was arrested and charged with impaired operation of a motor vehicle, driving with over 80 mgs of alcohol and failing to comply with his undertaking. He was held for a show cause hearing.

Attempted Robbery in Kingsville

On Wed. Jan. 19, 2011 shortly after 8:00 p.m., a suspect male entered a Gas Station at 84 Division Street North, Kingsville. The suspect approached the counter and threw the staff a white plastic bag and then brandished a kitchen knife and told the victim to “empty the till”. The employee had some conversation with the suspect and he eventually grabbed the plastic bag and fled the scene heading southbound on foot.

The Emergency Response Team and K/9 attended and conducted a search with negative results.

Description of the suspect: Caucasian, approximately 20 years old, clean-cut brown hair, 5’8” – 5’10” tall. The suspect was wearing a red winter coat with a red plaid coat underneath. Suspect was also wearing loose fitting baggy jeans with no belt and spoke with an immature voice. The suspect had also attended the business earlier the same day.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Leamington OPP Crime Unit 519326-5373 or Crime Stoppers 1-800-222-8477.

Break-In Attempt at School

On Jan. 23 at 2:28 a.m., Lakeshore OPP responded to a glass break alarm at a school located at 840 Comber Side Road, Lakeshore. The OPP officers found that one of the exterior windows had been broken. Nothing appeared to be stolen. As a result of the investigation, two male youths (both age 15) were located. One of the youths was diverted through the diversion program. The other youth had already been charged with a similar offence and therefore he was charged with break and enter.

Radar Stops Net Charges

On Jan. 23, Tecumseh OPP conducted radar enforcement on Highway 3 near County Road 34 and County Road 19 and County Road 46. Results: 5 vehicle stops, 3 Highway Traffic Act charges, 1 alcohol test and 3 warnings.

OPP vs hockey legends in Oldtimers Challenge Classic

Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex is the place to be Saturday, February 12 at 6 p.m. when the Ontario Provincial Police face off against legendary hockey heroes in the 22nd annual Oldtimers Hockey Challenge Classic. Hockey Hall of Famers Bryan Trottier, Marcel Dionne, Steve Shutt and Billy Smith, as well as Theoren Fleury, Rick Vaive, Chris Nilan, Craig Muni, Dennis Maruk, Tim Taylor, Laurie Boschman, Dave Ellet, Gary Leeman, Igor Kravchuk, Jimmy Mann and others are slated to play. The evening also features a special appearance by the Hanson Brothers.

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

Leamington man charged in connection with bomb threats

Sunday, January 16, Leamington OPP was alerted when several concerned parents and students advised that there was an anonymous person posting web-based bomb threats on www.Formspring.me. The threats were aimed for Monday, January 17, 2011 at both Cardinal Carter High School in Leamington and Kingsville District High School.

Leamington and Kingsville OPP officers attended the schools Monday and worked in conjunction with school staff to ensure safety of the students. The schools were searched while classes proceeded as usual with the added police presence. Members of the Essex County OPP Crime Unit worked behind the scenes conducting interviews and performing online tracking of the suspect.

The suspect was identified as a 20-year-old Leamington man. He was arrested Tuesday, January 18. The accused has been charged with: 1. Utter threat to cause death or bodily harm Sec 264.1(1)(a) of the Criminal Code; 2. Public Mischief – report offence which had not been committed Sec 140 (1)(c) of the Criminal Code.

The accused was released on a Promise to Appear with a first appearance date scheduled for February 3 in Leamington.

Students and citizens alike are reminded that threats, bullying and illegal online activity will not be tolerated and will be aggressively investigated. No online post is ever anonymous – there is always a way to track and trace an individual’s online movements.

SALES –SERVICE –PARTS

House League hockey:

Weekend of Jan. 21

MITES

Hammond Funeral

Home 14

Century 21 5

Hammond’s Funeral Home had a goal fest with Century 21 on Saturday morning with a total of 19 goals scored.

Hammond’s came out on top with a score of 14-5. Mathew Thomas, Nolan Ford, and Ben Omar led the way with 5, 4, and 2 goals respectively. The other goals scorers for Hammond’s were Travis DeGroote, Chelsea Andary and Ryan Cronheimer, with helpers going to Ryan Goyeau, Tyler Heinz, Sajan Brouwer and Eric Heinz.

The scorers for Century 21 were Matthew Enns (4) and Ryan Schiller with assists going to Joshua Chauvin, Hailey Chalut, Liam Toews, Hunter Enns, Cole Knopp, Jude Mercer and Ethan Hill.

NOVICE

Timbits Blue 3

Timbits White 2

•

Zachary Steeman and Aidan Morris led Timbits Blue over the Timbits White with three goals and two goals respectively. Tyler Kent and Kodie Gaffin had the other goals for the 7-0 win. Helpers went to Nash Perry, Evan Robert, Bobby McKinlay, and Chloe Ryder.

Timbits Maroon 2

Timbits Red 2

In a well-played game, Timbits Maroon and Timbits Red tied 2-2 on Saturday morning. Ryan Durocher had both goals for the Maroon team with Hanna Chacko and Jay Epp having assists. For the Red, Colton Ippoliti and George LeClaire did the scoring.

ATOM

Sunbrite vs Tilbury

Sunbrite Canning battled Tilbury after giving up the first three goals to come within one, but an empty net goal put it away for Tilbury. Scoring for Sunbrite were Devon Leili and Aiden Rodrigues with assists going to Jordan Blake and Ryan Cherneski.

Fox Ready Mix vs Harrow Harrow was just too much for Fox Ready Mix, jumping out to a fourgoal lead. Tara Rahm and Stephen Nesbitt scored to bring it within two, but Harrow answered back with another. Stephen Nesbitt scored one more, but that wasn’t enough. Helpers for Fox Ready Mix went to Nicholas Klassen, Ben Zylstra and Trevor Dyck.

K of C hosts successful free throw championship

The Knights of Columbus Free Throw Championship was held Monday, January 17 at Cardinal Carter High School. Boys and girls age 9-14 were invited to participate in the local level of competition. The winners move on to district, and if they qualify at that level will progress to provincial and then international competition. All contestants at the local level were recognized for their participation in the event. Last year more than 344,000 sharpshooters participated in over 4,700 competitions.

The basketball free throw winners are listed as follows. Participating schools were St. Louis (SL), École St-Michel (ESM), Margaret D. Bennie (MDB) and East Mersea (EM).

GIRLS DIVISION

9 years: Emma Douma 1st (MDB), Christina Catalano 2nd (SL), Gabriella Haifa 3rd (ESM).

10 years: Kelsey Almasi 1st (EM), Angelica Friesen 2nd (MDB), Erica Taylor 3rd (MDB).

11 years: Estelle Mouawad 1st (ESM), Jocelyn Oliveira 2nd (SL), Sara Foote 3rd (EM).

12 years: Kelsey Babkirk 1st (ESM), Rebecca Daoud 2nd (ESM), Alyssa Fratarcangeli 3rd (ESM).

13 years: Taylor Babkirk 1st (ESM), Marla Stanton 2nd (MDB), Arielle DiMenna 3rd (ESM).

14 years: Valeria Cabrera-Ortiz 1st (ESM), Mary Anne Peters 2nd (MDB).

BOYS DIVISION

9 years: Adam Jeffery 1st (ESM), Kristian Pelling 2nd (ESM), Trevor Dyck 3rd (SL).

10 years: James Hiebert 1st (SL), Mark Jraiche 2nd (MDB), Myles Thiessen 3rd (SL).

11 years: Andy Duong 1st (SL), Andrew Saad 2nd (ESM), Sam Daher 3rd (ESM).

12 years: Noah Santos 1st (ESM), Kiefer Simpson 2nd (SL), Ryan Fehr 3rd (MDB).

13 years: Joshua Elias 1st (SL), Dillon St. Bernard 2nd (SL), Michael Garnett 3rd (MDB).

14 years: Jon Mallery 1st (EM).

16 teams compete in Don Emerson Memorial Bonspiel

Curling Notes by Gordon Wonnick

The Southwestern Ontario Senior Curling Association agreed to give Sun Parlour Curling Club a date on the curling calendar which for 2011 was January 22. The club was very pleased to get this date and even more excited when Udo Renner Insurance and Financial Services came forward as a sponsor for the Don Emerson Memorial. Udo is a sonin-law of the late Don and Betty Emerson.

To say that this bonspiel got off to a roaring start would be putting it mildly. There were 16 teams competing with 11 of those teams from out of town. There were teams from Detroit, Windsor, Chatham, Tillsonburg, London and Kingsville. The competition was keen and the curling was at a very high caliber. In the early draw the winner was the Ireland team from Tillsonburg. This team was also had the highest score of the day. In second place in the early draw was Sun Parlour’s own Earl Dunmore team. In the late draw the Les Kovacs team from Kingsville and the Gary Merszak team from Sun Parlour ended up tied with the best score.

The Southshore Virtual Golf men’s league played on the Heather Golf Course in Michigan the week of Jan. 17-23. Scoring was based on individual handicaps using the Stableford Scoring System. The following are the results. 18 Hole Division: 1st Phil Larade – 34 points (+11); 2nd Norm Beattie – 41 points (+8); T-3rd Raoul Morin – 41 Points (+5), and Tim Tiessen – 34 Points (+5) 9 Hole Division: 1st Dave Stockwell – 10 Points (+3); 2nd Vic Tiessen – 9 Points (+1); 3rd Roger Cote – 10 Points (E). For information on joining the league please contact Southshore Virtual Golf at 519-326-4231 ext. 29.

A highlight of the day was the Emerson family joining the group for lunch and taking in some of the curling activity. Many of the curlers were keenly interested, as many remembered Don Emerson from when he participated in these types of events and also for the many examples of him working

for a good cause. Don was also a charter member of the Sun Parlour Curling Club.

The day featured fine curling, great food, nice prizes and – most important – terrific fellowship.

This will become an annual event and the cub anticipates many of this year’s participants will be back.

Math Fair at UMEI

Math students at UMEI Christian High School in Leamington hosted the second annual Math Fair on Tuesday, January 18. The students, from classes in Grade 10, Grade 11 and Grade 12, created dynamic displays and interactive activities for the rest of the school and the public to experience. The purpose of the Math Fair is to engage students in mathematics and make connections to fun and interesting applications in the real world. The exhibits were extremely well done, with topics including finding functions in amusement parks, modelling quadratics at rock concerts, calculating statistics in game shows, applying mathematical models to health care, and using linear systems in nutrition planning. Congratulations to all the students for making math fun!

(Photos Submitted)

Minor Lacrosse will help out food bank at Jan. 30th skills clinic

The Sun County Crows Minor Lacrosse Association is gearing up for another season. With each start to the lacrosse season, the Crows have put on a series of Lacrosse Skills Clinics for its players to brush up on their skills, and more importantly, introduce new players to the sport. The clinics are free of charge to all who attend thanks to the help of the Rhine Danube Club, who has covered the cost of the gym rental for the past 3 years. Typically the players and their families make a small donation of a loonie or toonie to help cover the cost of balls and loaner sticks.

“This January 30th is our first clinic of the season and we are looking to do something dif-

ferent,” explains Ken Jolly, longtime president of the association. “This month we lost one of our volunteers to illness and in support of the family’s wishes we will be taking donations for the Leamington and Area Food Bank in lieu of a loonie or toonie.”

“As a non-profit association, we are always looking for the help of our community both financially and through volunteerism and as an association we need to give back,” says Jolly. “It is these positive goals and sense of community that we pass on to our youth both through sportsmanship and community involvement.”

On Sunday, January 30 the Sun County Crows Lacrosse Association, along with the help of the Salvation Army and the Leamington Food Bank, will be taking your donations of canned goods and non-perishable food items at the Kinsmen Recreation Complex from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

If you are attending the clinic or just wish to stop by and make a donation, the Sun County Crows will be more than happy to accept any and all donations.

For more information please check out www.crowslacrosse.ca

Neil & Claudette Barnier, of Chatham, Ont., will celebrate a milestone of fifty years married on January 28, 2011. We wish you both many more years of health and happiness to share. Your accomplishments through your years of marriage are admired and an inspiration to us. With great pride to say you are our parents, we wish you “Happy Anniversary” Love Tammy & Dan Todd & Maryann Theresa & Frank Tony & Sharron Your Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren

Taylor Hamm, Elyse Epp

Leah Toews, Tess Huy, Mat Suta

Tess Huy, Mat Suta, Leah Toews

Tess Huy

Leamington Arts Centre exhibits work of local artist

Mary Jane Nohra

“LIJNA”, a beautiful exhibit featuring the work of local artist Mary Jane Nohra, is on display at the Leamington Arts Centre. The exhibit opened January 5 and runs to January 29. An opening reception was held January 14.

Born and raised in Leamington, Mary Jane’s work is inspired by nature, family and spirituality: nature brings forth obscure shapes and colour, family is the core, and spirituality is the unknown – the mysterious and divine ways of life.

Mary Jane’s medium is painting and drawing. “To begin, I allow for first accidental marks to dictate the direction of my piece,” said Mary Jane. “I begin usually with black charcoal because I love the way it can manipulate, shade, and give depth to an object. I really enjoy working against the grain of the canvas, brushing and scraping off paint. I will usually work on a piece for hours at a time, I have conversations with the work, and I will let the work tell me where it wants to go.”

“I am currently experimenting with many different genres,” said Mary Jane. “I have allowed myself to be freer with the brush. This has opened up my ability to create conceptual pieces that I have not been able to in the past. Also, I have been creating a lot, more than usual, because I feel a great energy in the air and my work has definitely been affected by this feeling. My work is mostly based on momentary feelings. I try to work whatever idea or emotion I have into the art piece, allowing it to transform and change as I physically work through it.”

Mary Jane enjoys all aspects of creating an art piece. “I enjoy making insignificant moments significant,” she said. “I love the labor and determination involved in the creation of a new concept. At times, I become dissatisfied with lines and textures. I enjoy bargaining with forms. It is somewhat of a give and take relationship. My work forms and moulds me. Finally, my work offers me a quiet place where I can speak, a place where I am able to hear myself.”

About the artist: Mary Jane received a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree – Honours in 2007 from the University of Windsor, and has a Minor in Spanish. She is semi-fluent in Spanish, French and Arabic, and currently works at South Essex Community Council in Leamington, promoting programs such as the Immigrant Settlement and Adaptation Program. She facilitates presentations to the community, assists newcomers with the adaptation and integration into Canadian society, and provides interpretive services. She is also an art instructor at Windsor Regional Children’s Centre where she prepares curriculum for the Healing Arts Program and educates students on the subject of art and expression.

Her community involvement includes volunteer work with the Bulimia Anorexia Nervosa Association. She is a member of the Jazz Up the Arts Committee and recently became a new member on the board of directors at the Leamington Arts Centre.

When not creating beautiful art pieces, working or volunteering her time to help others, Mary Jane enjoys traveling, reading, networking, painting and photography

To view Mary Jane Nohra’s work, visit the Leamington Arts Centre at 72 Talbot Street West. The gallery is open Tuesday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Saturdays from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Chocolate Lovers

Valentine Dance

February 11 • 4:30 to 8:00 pm

With Gord Ciliska Chocolate, Punch, Treats, and Sweethearts!

Pub Night

February 25 • 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

With Terry Raisbeck

Join us to socialize, sing, dance if you like!

1 Henry Avenue, Leamington 519.322.0311

Artist Mary Jane Nohra is pictured Francis Bacon, one of her favourite pieces.

Research Connections: How can access to research be improved for farmers

The University of Guelph is conducting a survey of Essex County agricultural growers to understand how information sharing between researchers and producers works and if there are ways that it can be improved. It is important that information developed by universities, government and other organizations be widely available and useful to producers. Ideas presented should be applicable to

local conditions and practical for landowners to implement. An online questionnaire is now available. Your input is needed and important, so please take some time to provide your experiences and ideas. The survey will take approximately 10 minutes and will remain anonymous and confidential.

The survey can be found at: https://surveys.ccs.uoguelph. ca/limeSurvey/index.php?sid=87656&lang=en

Or through the University of Guelph website: http://www.uoguelph.ca/research/omafra/partnership/ KTT_Program/ResearchResources/KTT_researchresources.shtml

For more information on the survey or to obtain a copy of the questionnaire feel free to contact: Logan Juffermans, University of Guelph; Phone: 519-826-3801; Fax: 519-826-3841; Email: ljufferm@uoguelph.ca

“Raising Positive Kids in a Negative World”

On Thursday, January 27 the Wheatley Optimists Club is hosting “Raising Positive Kids in a Negative World”, a program presented by Rick Nicholls. Proceeds from the evening will go to 1st Wheatley Scouts.

“Raising Positive Kids in a Negative World” is more about parenting than the kids we are raising. Parenting in today’s world isn’t for cowards! And the best ways to raise positive kids is to start by becoming a positive parent. The solid, sensible, common-sense, loving steps we take, the greater the chances of helping our children become the kind of children we want them to be and wish we had been when we were growing up. It’s never too late to change our attitudes towards self, family and life’s situations.

In this entertaining evening you will learn:

• Raising positive kids is simple – not easy.

• Successful parenting means consistently identifying success qualities in their kids.

• Positive parenting requires positive steps to developing positive kids.

• Love is spelt T-I-M-E.

• 6 do’s and don’ts for building a healthy self-image in kids.

• The power of FORGIVENESS.

• Why discipline is the key to a positive kid’s greatness.

When and Where: This fascinating and informative program is open to the public and will be presented Thursday, January 27 from 7-9 p.m., upstairs at Wheatley Legion. Tuition is $10 per person. Tickets are available from Larry McDonald (825-4576), Sue Adamson (825-3360), Ken Snider (825-7872) or downstairs at Wheatley Legion.

About the speaker: Rick Nicholls is a professional speaker, teacher, trainer who has addressed audiences across Canada and the USA. Besides “Raising Positive Kids in a Negative World”, he also has a teen program, “Success Strategies for Youth”, and a couples program called “After the Honeymoon”.

Meet Merrill Mills…

Merrill Mills was born Jan. 12, 1945, at home in a farmhouse at Ragged Reef, Nova Scotia, near the village of Joggins. This area is famous for its Fossil Cliffs, which have become a heritage site. This area is also known to have the highest rise and fall of the tides – 38 feet.

At the age of 6, Merrill started to play an old hand-me-down guitar that was hard to play because of high string height and it had a cracked back. He started to learn the songs of the Carter Family and Lee Moore.

At age 13, he heard his first electric bass guitar at a concert and knew that was the sound he liked, so he tuned his guitar an octave lower and started playing the bass parts to songs. His first electric bass guitar was a 1961 Kent bass.

During high school Merrill had a band called the Silvertones, then he joined the Viscounts band in Amherst, Nova Scotia. They played the music of the British Invasion – The Beatles, The Kinks, etc. He left Nova Scotia with the Vicounts and ended up in Windsor, playing in the bars of Windsor and Detroit. He played with the Windsor band the Windsor Tunnel, with Ron Patrick on lead guitar, Rene Caron on guitar, John Domias on drums and Merrill on bass. This band got to open up for big music acts like Canadian rock band Rush and Richie Havens and the Spirit to name a few.

Merrill played in many bands in Windsor over the years. In 1972 he moved to Farmington Hills for about 3 years. He continued to play professionally until disco music came out and the bars switched over to deejays and lighted dance floors, and there just wasn’t enough work for the live bands.

At this time Merrill became a small engine mechanic and moved to Colchester, where he started his own repair shop called Sunshine Works. He still operates this business today –“outdoor power equipment sales and service.” He currently is playing with several bands in the Essex County area and playing in his church band as well as the Blues Jam at the Victoria Tavern on Thursday nights in Windsor. He is a member of the Eccentric Band. He also plays bluegrass, gospel, country, blues and jazz styles of music. “I’m a bass player for hire,” says Merrill.

Merrill can be heard at the Last Friday Coffee House in Leamington and also at Windsor Folk at McKenzie Hall. Having played and recorded with Merrill over the years, I can tell you that he is well known for wearing his famous bowler hat. He also dances while he plays the bass and it’s lots of fun to watch him at work.

Time spent practicing: Merrill runs over new music once a week and the Eccentric band gets together once a month. The best musical lessons are live on stage while the band is together and in the moment.

Most interesting place played: Olympia Stadium in Detroit, Michigan. Merrill played

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.

in the warm-up band for Richie Havens in 1970, one year after Havens opened the 1969 Woodstock Festival.

Most significant gig: Merrill’s weekly Sunday morning “Breakfast Church” at New Song Church on Drouillard Road in Windsor. It is open to all people to come for a free breakfast at 8:30 a.m. and a church service at 9 a.m. Merrill says the food keeps on coming out and the band plays along with Pastor Kevin Rogers. “A church with the heart of a mission.”

Music Music Profiles... Profiles...

CDs or recordings to date: The band Windsor Tunnel had a five LP record deal but only recorded one. Band members were Dan Thibodeau (lead guitar), Clayton Moore (keyboards), Ron Patrick (guitar), Merrill Mills (bass) and John Dominas (drums). Merrill has worked as a studio musician on many local CDs over the years (Nicole Barron, Dale Butler, Linda Girrard, Skye Blue, etc.).

If you could play with anyone, who would it be?: Merrill would love to play with country legend singer and songwriter Willie Nelson. He’s the real deal and he plays from the heart.

Future plans: Merrill just wants to keep playing music, pulling the strings on his bass guitar. He wants to keep jamming with his fellow musicians and friends, and to keep on learning by exploring all styles of music.

Website: www.theeccentricband.com.

Kyle Nash of Leamington, son of Dale and Luanne Nash, married Shannon Teahen, daughter of David and Holly Teahen of Elmira, on August 7th at St. Louis Parish in Waterloo. Following a honeymoon cruise to Bermuda, the couple is residing in Toronto, where Shannon is pursuing her PhD studies and Kyle is the web designer for the Canadian Cancer Society

2011 Two Creeks Summer Concerts

From old favourites like The Laws and Dale Butler to newcomers like Tannis Slimmon and Patrick Mullin, the Two Creeks Summer Concert Series for 2011 will have something for every musical taste.

The series kicks off June 5 with Leamington District Secondary School’s bands and chorus and will end Sept. 4 with Early Cash. In between will be everything from Celtic music to blues to bluegrass to classic rock ‘n’ roll.

The concerts, held Sundays beginning at 6:30 p.m., are outdoors in the natural amphitheatre at Two Creeks Conservation Area just north of Wheatley on Kent Road 1. In case of inclement weather, they’re held in the large pavillion on the site.

The concerts are always free, but the hat is passed by volunteers from the Two Creeks Association. Funds collected defray the cost of bringing in performers and help care for the 85-acre site and its 15 kilometres of hiking and biking trails.

For more information, contact Rick Taves at 519-3246988, e-mail info@twocreeks.ca or visit the website at www.twocreeks.ca.

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Here’s an idea for any trees still left downed from the June tornado. This picture was snapped by a Southpoint Sun reader who was touring near the border of Austria and the Czech Republic, which shows a tree trunk, which was made into a bike stand. (Photo submitted)

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

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

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