Southpoint Sun June 6, 2012

Leamington Fair celebrating 164 years!

By Bryan Jessop

Summer is officially just around the corner, as the Leamington Agricultural Society will present the 164th annual Leamington Fair June 15 to 17.

The fair will feature both the return of popular attractions as well as the introduction of new displays and events. Rides, games and treats will again be brought to Leamington Fairgrounds by Carter Shows Ltd., led by Jerry O’Neil.

“I wouldn’t want to have anyone else,” said Leamington Agricultural Society President Tammy Wiper of Carter Shows Ltd. “They’re very particular and they’re a class act. Safety and cleanliness mean everything to them.”

Friday, June 15

As in recent years, the Leamington Fair will feature several attractions, programs, displays and events, beginning with a 5:30 p.m. opening ceremonies on Friday, June 15. Harness racing will begin at 7 p.m., with a special doubleseat apparatus being brought to the facility that will allow spectators to take a ride around the track between races.

Friday will also mark the beginning of the weekend’s indoor art display, Southwestern Ontario’s largest school art show under one roof. About 10,000 pieces made by local students will be on display and judged professionally, with winners of each category receiving cash prizes.

Entries in the antique tractor show will also arrive Friday. Dan Wiper, husband of Tammy and Leamington Agricultural Society first vice president, is preparing to present his collection of 19 tractors for the show. Dan also volunteers his time for the conditioning of the grounds in preparation of the fair.

“We’re all volunteers,” said Tammy of the Leamington Ag Society, which was established in 1848. “None of us get paid a single penny — it really helps keep the total cost of the fair down.”

SATURday, June 16

One of Saturday’s new attractions will include aboriginal dancers from noon to 7 p.m. — some dancers are local to the Leamington area while others hail from the Sarnia area. Another new feature is the Egg-citing Mobile Egg Show, presented by the Ontario Egg Producers. The display is made up of a trailer that seats several chickens that allow fair goers to watch the entire production process — from the chickens laying eggs, to inspection and cleaning to packaging and shipping.

Saturday will be known as ‘Children’s Day’, with each attending child receiving a bike helmet and 20 winning a new bicycle. Prior to the fair, local schools handed out free tickets for the Saturday bike draw. Another 20 bike prizes will be drawn on Sunday, although tickets for this bonus draw will only be available from the grandstand. Tammy noted (Continued on Page 3)

Cardinal Carter clinches SWOSSAA title

By Bryan Jessop

Five days after denying the L’Essor Eagles a shot at revenge, the Cardinal Carter senior boys soccer team achieved some revenge of its own.

The Cougars defeated the visiting St. Christopher’s Cyclones in a SWOSSAA senior boys ‘AA’ tilt that required penalty kicks to solve a 1-1 stalemate that proceeded through two extra 10-minute sessions. Carlos Soares, who allowed the Cougars to reach overtime by intercepting a rolling ball just before it crossed the Cardinal Carter goal line in the second half, started the penalty kick tiebreaker with a goal. Cou-

gars goalkeeper Chris Dias stopped the first Cyclone penalty kick, followed by a goal by Jason Goncalves.

St. Christopher’s was successful on its second penalty kick, but were unable to stop Brad Dos Santos from making it three in a row for Cardinal Carter. Dias made another miraculous save on the Cyclones’ third kick, although teammate Chris Delgado narrowly missed the outer right post to seal the deal for Cougars.

St. Christopher’s buried its fourth penalty kick, but the Cyclone keeper was unable to stop Celso Carapau’s shot — the fifth and final for the Cougars. The visiting goalie reached far enough to partially deflect the ball,

only to watch its remaining momentum send it across the goal line and into the mesh.

“That felt awesome,” said Carapau, who also scored the host team’s regulation goal in the first half. “We lost this game last time, but the Man upstairs owed us one this time.”

Carapau didn’t see the need for his team to change its game plan for the OFSAA tournament, to be held at North Bay’s Steve Omischl Sports Complex June 6 - 9.

“We’ve just got to do what we’ve been doing all along,” he said. “We’ve got to keep up our fitness

(Continued on Page 22)

Cardinal Carter’s Carlos Soares hoists the senior boys ‘AA’ soccer SWOSSAA championship plaque amid a circle of celebrating teammates following a victory against the defending champion St. Christopher’s Cyclones of Sarnia. (SUN Photo)

Meet Hilda MacDonald: Making a difference in Leamington

By Bryan Jessop

Making a difference makes all the difference for Leamington municipal Councillor Hilda MacDonald.

Now serving her second term on Council, MacDonald’s interest in local politics began shortly after joining Leamington’s Business Improvement Association. She opened her own business, Strawberries Kitchen Shop, on Erie Street South in 1997, following 12 years as branch supervisor of the Essex County Library’s Ruthven branch.

Shortly after opening, MacDonald’s store became known as ‘The Hub,’ an establishment known as a gathering place for local residents, dignitaries and businesspeople to discuss the latest developments in and around town. Regulars included then-mayor Dave Wilkinson.

“That’s how I got involved with the BIA and (Leamington) Chamber (of Commerce),” said MacDonald. “From there, I built up more and more of an interest in the local level of government.”

About one year after joining the BIA, she became the

organization’s chairperson and had since won the Entrepreneur of the Year award. Along with fellow members such as Jan Bateman, she lobbied persistently to remove parking meters from the downtown area, explaining to council that it would be beneficial to Leamington’s business core. She also put considerable pressure on council to install new street lights.

“A few people really can effect change at the municipal level,” MacDonald said. “If lobbying is done strategically and smartly, you can make significant changes.”

One of the most successful segments of MacDonald’s shop was its cooking classes, a duty she described as ‘a labour of love’. A group of her students were representatives of the local CAA, with whom she booked a Mediterranean cruise with her husband, Doug MacDonald. Shortly afterwards, she was asked to join a 29-member CAA trip to Tuscany as hostess.

“I felt like I had just won the lottery,” Hilda said. “It was just a fantastic experience and a great, great trip.”

The MacDonalds continue to be avid travelers, making annual winter trips to Florida and a return trip to Italy. Hilda has also attended a CAA trip as hostess to southern France.

CELEBRATE THE WAR OF 1812!

GENERAL BROCK’S SAIL AWAY AND OFFICERS’ MESS

Join us for an entire day of fun, festivities demonstrations and more! July 28/12, 6:00 pm: Join General Brock in the officer’s mess for an 1812 themed dinner buffet. Cash Bar. Music and entertainment. Costumes encouraged! Tickets $35.00/person. Activities all afternoon! The marina lawn will be bustling with 1812 re-enactors fur traders, canoes, wagons and artifacts of the period. Fun for the entire family. Contact Ronan Oliver for tickets or more information. 519-326-0834 or roliver@leamington.ca

LEAMINGTON PEACE GARDEN DEDICATION

Official Dedication – June 15th, 10:00am. Leamington Marina. Everyone is welcome!

POOL FENCES

A Pool Enclosure is required for all outdoor swimming pools (including inflatable pools) capable of holding greater than 30 cm or 11.8 inches of water which are not emptied at least daily (By-law 50-99). Call the Municipal By-law Enforcement Officer at extension 1119 for further information on a Pool Enclosure Permit.

DOG REGISTRATION

Representatives of the Municipality are attending door to door selling dog tags. If you have not purchased dog tags, you may purchase them from the representatives or at the Municipal Office. The cost of a dog tag is $36.00 which includes the late fee. These representatives are identified with Municipality of Leamington picture identification name tags.

GARAGE/YARD SALES

Residents shall hold only 3 yard or garage sales per calendar year. Each sale cannot exceed 3 consecutive calendar days and shall only be within the hours of 8:00 a.m and 7:00 p.m. (By-law 629-05)

LEAMINGTON KINSMEN RECREATION COMPLEX

Hurry in and get the entire family registered to take part in summer programs: Red Cross Swim Lessons, Summer Day Camp, Youth Leadership Camp (ages 13 – 15).

ANNUAL MAYOR’S WALK-JUNE 11

Join Mayor Paterson in a healthy walk along our beautiful trails as part of the Municipality’s Wellness Week activities. Meet at the marina at 12 noon on June 11.

TRIOS COLLEGE INFORMATION SESSIONS

In partnership with the Economic Development Office. Find out how to get the training you need. Thursday, June 7. Two sessions: 2pm-4pm. 6pm-8pm. Town Hall, 111 Erie St. N. No registration required.

SCHOLARSHIP FUNDING AVAILABLE

MyUnited Credit Union is offering scholarships to local students for post secondary studies. The MyUnited Student Award recognizes local students who have balanced academic achievement with a demonstrated commitment to the social and environmental well-being on their school and community. Application deadline is June 15. Applications available at myunited.ca/studentaward.

UPCOMING EVENTS!

Farm Safety Day-East Mersea Public School, June 11

Leamington Fair-June 15-17

Arts at the Marina-June 30-July1

Canada Day Celebrations at the Marina-July 1

UPCOMING COUNCIL MEETINGS

June 4, 11, 18, July 9, 6, 23. Council Chambers 7:00 pm.

Note: The Municipal offices will be closed on Monday, July 2.

View Leamington’s latest council agenda at www.leamington.ca

ENVIRONMENTAL TIP: you can now recycle more types of plastic-see your collection calendar!

LEAMINGTON

ONTARIO CANADA

MUNICIPALITY OF LEAMINGTON 111 Erie Street North, Leamington ON N8H 2Z9 519-326-5761 www.leamington.ca

One journey included Hilda’s mother Eva on a Rhine Danube River Cruise. Hilda’s parents Eva and Henry Reidl, originally from Yugoslavia, moved to Austria following the arrival of Soviet communists and came to Canada after World War II.

The MacDonalds are both life-long Leamington residents. Doug’s mother Margaret Sherman-MacDonald also originated from Leamington while father Norris moved to the area from Manitoulin and later started MacDonald Electric. Doug’s grandfather, Jesse Sherman, was mayor of Leamington in the 1950s.

Hilda and Doug’s son Cameron married Leamington native Candace Hickson and now lives in Port Dalhousie, Ontario, a suburb of St. Catharines. Cameron is a sous chef in a Niagara-on-the-Lake restaurant.

The MacDonald’s daughter Laura — a branch assistant at the Leamington Library for the past eight years — is married to Tim Wilkinson and together are the parents of Hilda and Doug’s two grandchildren, four-year-old Maxwell and two-year-old Elise. The two children celebrate birthdays that are two days apart.

“They’re the loves of our lives,” said Hilda. “They’re both just tons of fun.”

Hilda MacDonald graduated from Leamington District Secondary School in 1972 and proceeded to take English courses at the University of Western. Having returned to Leamington during her first year’s ‘Slack Week’ (now referred to as March Break or Reading Week), she met Doug at a Leamington Flyers Great Lakes Junior ‘C’ game. They were married in 1974.

While working as a line man for Leamington Public Utilities, Doug was electrocuted on the job and lost his right arm and part of his right foot. He returned to the job eight months later and worked for another seven years before retiring in 2011.

“He’s an inspiration to all of us,” said Hilda. “He’s a very positive person and he’s always striving to improve himself — nothing turns him back.”

Doug taught himself to become left handed upon returning to his job, timing co-workers who were doing the same tasks with the intention of besting their speed. Despite his success in accommodating new challenges, Hilda lost her passion for the store, eventually leaving it permanently behind in 2006.

She did not, however, lose her passion for local politics. Although she took on a job working three days a week for optician John Penner, she was also able to devote time to campaign for a council position in Leamington’s 2006 municipal election. Hilda is now serving her second term, having finished first among candidates vying for a spot on council. She also continues to serve as a member of the BIA while also representing Union Water as its chairperson. Although she continues to focus on numerous issues —

(Continued on Page 3)

Hilda and Doug MacDonald with grandchildren Elise and Maxwell

JUNE 6, 2012

Leamington Fair celebrating 164 years!

(Continued from Front)

that 40 bicycle prizes were made possible by a special deal arranged with Canadian Tire.

“The whole thing is really about the kids,” said Tammy. “There are lots of things that adults will enjoy too, but the kids have always been our main focus.”

Other contests to be judged professionally will include a children’s poultry show and the popular ‘Hottest Tomato’ competition, which attracts both local and distant greenhouse growers.

“The Hottest Tomato contest needs more room, which is great,” said Tammy.

The mini rod pullers will also return to the Leamington Fair. Larger than riding lawn mowers yet smaller than farm tractors, the downsized tractor pull has proven another popular event at the fair.

“People love them,” said Tammy. “They kick up a lot of dirt and put on a great show.”

The weekend will also include a farmers’ market, vendors’ ally, petting zoo, 4-H Club animals, culinary arts and craft shows. Bob McCracken of the Leamington Historical Society will bring his to-scale replica of a 17th century boat, set atop a set of wheels in a fashion similar to how such vessels were sent across the land 400 years ago.

SUNday, June 17

Sunday’s main event will once again be the demolition derby, presented by Impact Motorsports. The derby will include a new class this year, set aside for 14- to 16-year-old drivers.

General entry into the Leamington Fair will be $7 per person (HST included), free to children 12 and under — parking at the Fairgrounds will be free. Tammy Wiper hopes to bring in the fair’s average of 10,000 to 12,000 patrons, which for this year will include a stop for The Pink Bus Tour — an awareness group for breast cancer.

Meet Hilda MacDonald: Making a difference in Leamington

(Continued from Page 2)

water rates for greenhouses, sewer system renewal and water line renewal among them — the well-being of southeast Leamington’s shores and the Uptown Community Improvement Plan stand among the forefront of her priorities.

MacDonald is concerned with a plan that would generate wildlife habitat by flooding areas in the southeast corner of the municipality. Although she appreciates the proposal’s intentions, she does not want to see residents of the area adversely affected.

“The idea sounds good on paper, but there would be too many homes and too much farmland lost,” MacDonald said. “I’d like to satisfy the needs of people in that area while moving forward at the same time.”

She noted that sand becoming caught up in the Wheatley Harbour is frequently dredged and dumped further into the lake, only to return to the harbour — requiring more dredging. MacDonald explained that the collected sand could instead be trucked and dumped to the narrow barrier beach area, within close proximity to Hillman Marsh. She was told the plan could be implemented three to four times per year, but noted that such a solution has not yet come to fruition.

“The erosion of beach sand in that area is a serious problem, including Point Pelee,” MacDonald said. “The twoprong approach (dredging and trucking sand) wouldn’t be as cheap, but it could be used to approach two problems at the same time.”

She also stated that repairs and structural improvements must be made to Mersea Road C.

The Uptown Community Improvement Plan is also a crucial strategy to MacDonald, who explained that ensuring Leamington’s core be granted the ability to flourish would benefit the area’s business owners and the community alike.

“I want to see this plan implemented to the fullest possible degree,” she said.

In addition to travel, Hilda continues to pursue her love of cooking and is an avid reader. She enjoys murder mysteries and books based on relationships, but is by no means a follower of mainstream publications.

“Just because it’s a best seller, it doesn’t mean it’s a good

book,” Hilda pointed out. “I’m a book snob. I like to look for something that’s a little different.”

One of her favourites, Jamie Ford’s The Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, focuses on the Japanese internment that took place on the west coast during World War II. Running In Place - Scenes from the South of France by Nicholas Delbanco is the selection she is currently reading.

“I’ve always got a book on the go,” said MacDonald, who also has an enormous collection of cookbooks. “I like to read about the places I’ve been.”

The MacDonalds continue to enjoy visits from their grandchildren while Doug spends time gardening and Hilda reads, cooks or listens to music.

“I love music, especially jazz,” Hilda said. “Or, as my children call it, elevator music.”

Despite a busy schedule (that also includes spending time with the family’s 11-year-old German Shepherd Griff), she explained that she looks forward to Monday night Council meetings.

“I love being part of finding a solution,” Hilda said. “It’s about teamwork, whether it’s working with council, municipal staff or residents. This is a remarkable group to work with. We have an excellent staff and (mayor) John (Paterson) is a really good leader.”

Production

Letters to the Editor

LDMH

“Danger, danger, Will Robinson”

Auxiliary expresses thanks for community support

Listening to the Lynn Martin show on AM 800 radio is part of my morning routine. It’s a great way to stay connected with area news and politics, and listen to a variety of individual viewpoints on a multitude of subjects. My circulation really gets going when specific topics fire me up! Thankfully, I refrain from calling the station, probably because being put on hold while you’re bursting with thoughts can be practically unbearable.

Think about it. Should the government restrict food portions at restaurants, control the amount of soda pop we’re allowed to drink, regulate the amount of time children spend being physically active, decide the types of social groups we’re allowed to accept, what we can name them, and more? Seriously?

cally, we live with them from birth until possibly upwards of 25 years. We meet innumerable people during those early years and for many after; people who instill the basics that influence us both positively or negatively. The choice is ours.

We would like to thank the communities of Leamington and Kingsville for their support in making the Leamington District Memorial Hospital Auxiliary’s Tag Days a success.

Special thanks to Metro Freshco, Shoppers Drug Mart, Walmart and Zellers who allowed us to tag in front of their establishments and to their patrons who were so very generous – we thank you.

One hundred percent of our donations go toward equipment for our hospital. Auxiliary volunteers in addition spend thousands of hours trying to make our small hospital a very caring and comfortable place for the ill and aging.

– Larry Gilbert, Tag Day Convenor

I am appalled when people stoop so low as to blame others for the choices and situations they got themselves in!

Time seems to be a deciding factor in so many of our decisions. Unlike past generations, people today are eating out frequently. We often choose to drive instead of walking or biking to the grocery store or to work. The cost of gas and the widening of our hips may be a costly side effect. ‘Time’ is an excuse I tend to use too often.

Knowledge can be discovered at our fingertips. I utilize Google daily to find recipes that use many popular, nutritious ingredients, such as kale, dandelion greens and quinoa. There are ‘apps’ for calorie counting, nutritional guides and tips for eating in restaurants, cholesterol managing and even a pedometer step counter. These helpful tools aid our quest for a healthy lifestyle, and they’re all free!

How liberating to know we can personally choose a lifestyle that leads to better health! No need to blame our government, our schools, our parents, etc., for taking away something we don’t want to give up. Obviously, our parents are key influences in the lifestyle that we initially adopt. Typi-

I’ve noticed a trend towards smaller meat dish portions and instead ones that include an array of vegetable, bean and grain dishes at the last couple of gatherings I’ve attended. Everybody seemed to thoroughly enjoy the colourful and flavourful dishes that filled their plates. One of the best parts of this new trend is being able to empty your plate and go back for guilt-free seconds. By filling your plate with healthy choices, you feel a lot better afterwards too.

Dessert is always popular. As the latest gathering was held at our house, I awoke Sunday morning to platters filled with left over tarts, squares and cupcakes. Initially, I didn’t fall prey to them, like Mark did when he engulfed his morning butter tart. Instead, I chose to savour one a bit later, after balancing it off with a little exercise. I enjoy food, cooking and the social aspect that embraces get-togethers. Oh yes! I’m a true believer of balance.

Honestly, I really hope that we choose to be a society made up of individuals, who wants to use our own brains, our common sense and our intuition when it comes to doing what is right for ourselves. Why suffer a slow painful death because ‘someone else’ didn’t tell us to eat less, exercise more, or stop smoking... because it kills?

What a heritage that will be for our children!

Turtle laying eggs at the side of Road 2 in Hillman Marsh.

(Photo submitted by Roger Dundas)

Marina opens 2012 season with blessing of the fleet

Leamington Marina officially opened their 2012 season on Saturday, May 26 with a Blessing of the Fleet and Flag Raising. Father Maciej Chibowski of St. Michael’s Parish opened the ceremony with a blessing for the marina, boaters, divers and the harbour, which was followed by a reading from Genesis by Leamington Coun. Larry Verbeke.

Trevor Theriault, of Erie Quest, said that there are 250 shipwrecks in the Pelee Passage, and Erie Quest has marked 50 of them. Roses were passed out to the guests and tossed in the harbour in remembrance of all who have been lost in the waters of Lake Erie, followed by a moment of silence.

The ceremony continued with the singing of the Canadian and American national anthems by Taylor Neufeld, and the raising of the flags of Canada, the Province of Ontario, the United States and the Municipality of Leamington by Leamington Councillor Hilda MacDonald, Leamington Fire Chief Chuck Parsons, Mike Hughes of Grosse Ile, Michigan (a regular U.S. visitor to Leamington Marina), and the Commodore of Leamington Yacht Club Jerry Brown.

Brief remarks were offered by Councillor MacDonald on behalf of Mayor John Paterson, Jerry Brown, Amanda Smith (Manager of Culture and Recreation Services), and Ronan Oliver (Marina Manager).

area women personally affected by breast cancer and the Leamington District Memorial Hospital Foundation have come together to make the donation of a gamma probe to our operating room and hospital. This latest technology helps to minimize postoperative complications that can be associated with breast cancer surgery. The Foundation is very grateful for the generosity of this group of ladies who came together to raise the $30,000 necessary to purchase the probe. Pictured here, in back from left are,

and Louise Wiens. Not present was Linda Regehr. (Photo submitted)

Nancy Moauro, Joan Glass, Kerry Dick and Mary Froese. Front row from left, Judy Bartel, Dr. Susanne Tracey

Father Maciej Chibowski, centre, blessed the marina, boaters, divers and the harbour at the ceremonial opening of Leamington Marina on Saturday, May 26. At left is Marina Manager Ronan Oliver, and at right is Councillor Larry Verbeke. (SUN Photo)

Mennonite Community Festival

42nd annual Mennonite Community Festival

Another Leamington Mennonite Community Festival has come and gone as a tremendous success.

The eight committee members of the Leamington Mennonite Community Foundation presented their 42nd annual festival at the United Mennonite Educational Institute on Mersea Road 6 Saturday, June 2 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event again featured a variety of children’s activities and games as well as booths offering domestic and ethnic foods, crafts, flowers and plants.

With nearly ideal weather conditions, the free-admission fair once again attracted between 2,000 and 3,000 patrons from across Essex County and beyond. Most guests make the trip from the area’s southern communities such as Harrow, Kingsville, Leamington and Wheatley, but also attracts residents from Windsor and surrounding areas.

“There’s always room to grow,” said Foundation chairperson Chris Konrad. “We’ve got a lot of competition with other community events going on at the same time, but we always seem to have a good crowd.”

Konrad explained that the website www.mennonitesale.ca and the media serve as ideal methods to spread awareness of the annual festival.

As some of the 25 booths throughout the fair have up to 10 volunteers, the entire event functions smoothly thanks in large part to the roughly 300 helpers who offer their time and effort without payment. For each of the previous few years, the fair has raised $42,000 gross (Continued on Page 11)

Volunteers display the quilt ‘Poinsettia and Irish Chain’, created by Edith Friesen, as part of the quilt auction in the UMEI gymnasium. The quits are made and donated by members of the North Leamington United Mennonite Church, who also conduct the auction.

Nicholas Resendes takes aim during a shooting game at the Leamington Mennonite Community Festival, hosted by UMEI Saturday, June 2. (SUN PHOTOS)

Omstead, Sherk among authors at En Vino Novellus

By Bryan Jessop

Good taste in books will soon take on a whole new meaning at Pelee Island Winery.

En Vino Novellus will arrive at 455 Seacliff Drive, Kingsville on Thursday, June 14, beginning at 7 p.m.

The event will feature readings from the books of four local authors, along with wine tasting sessions each paired to one of the four writers. The program will be based on a historical theme, as two of the four books feature topics relating to the War of 1812.

First up will be a reading by Bill Sherk on his book ‘Keep Up If You Can: Confessions of a High School Teacher’, a humourous and light-hearted approach to some of the author’s firsthand accounts throughout his career. Next will be Robert Lynch reading excerpts from his publication ‘Taking the ‘Lectric,’ a story about the electric street car system that carried commuters throughout Essex County in the early 20th century.

Following Lynch’s reading, musical performances by Butler’s Rangers will feature Dale Butler, Gord Harwood, David Light and Tim Logsdon. The group will play original songs centered on the War of 1812 as written by Butler and fellow Windsor Regional Writers Group member Peter Boyer.

Following the first of two sets from Butler’s Rangers (named after a group of British soldiers that fought during the Revolutionary War), focus will turn to Trevor Price, who wrote ‘Tecumseh,’ based on the accounts and details of Tecumseh’s early life and involvement in the War of 1812.

The last reading will be performed by Tom Omstead, author of the book ‘The Red Wing Sings.’ The recentlypublished story tells of an invasion of Canada by U.S. forces that puts an end to 200 years of peace between

the two North American nations. The central character of the novel discovers the diaries of Sir Isaac Brock and uses his strategies to push the instigators back.

The basis of Omstead’s book was inspired by a vivid dream. After waking up from the dream, he described it to his wife Sue, who suggested he write it down to avoid forgetting its details. Omstead did exactly that, filling two pages that he in turn shared with his mother Maeve OmsteadJohnston.

Maeve was impressed with the story and encouraged her son to transform it into a book.

“It was never planned at all,” said Omstead of his first-ever publication. “It just came out of nowhere. Taking it from two pages to a novel was just a matter of adding meat onto the bones.”

The publisher that Omstead presented the book to enjoyed the story, but explained that it could not be printed and completed in time to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812. Omstead decided to self-publish the story, which he completed in the autumn of last year. Proofreading and editing came courtesy of his wife, Sue.

Omstead borrowed the idea for En Vino Novel-

lus from friend and fellow author Jerry Auld, a Canmore, AB, resident who’s works are largely inspired by mountain climbing. Auld has hosted similar readings along with wine tasting in Canmore since 2010. With copies of The Red Wing Sings selling well at a Canmore bookstore, Auld approached Omstead — who visits the Alberta community every winter — and asked him to be one of six writers to offer a reading during a late-winter installment of En Vino Novellus.

Omstead enjoyed the event, and later asked for Auld’s permission to use the same title and template for a promotional poster to do an Essex County version, which Auld enthusiastically approved.

The local version of En Vino Novellus is being presented by Pelee Island Winery and Essex Region Literary Network, a charitable organization incorporated on Oct. 31 of last year. Omstead approached winery president Walter Schmoranz with the idea shortly after his involvement with the Canmore version — Schmoranz was eager to oblige.

Established to promote local writers, ERLN was brought to life by four local writers, including Leamington director of corporate services Brian Sweet. En Vino Novellus is the first

event for ERLN, which also has other programs in store.

“We just wanted to give local writers the opportunity to get their names out there,” said Sweet, who wrote the story ‘New Bridge,’ a fictional and humourous story about life in a small town along the Essex County shores of Lake Erie. “We would like to host at least one or two readings like this per year.”

Omstead decided to approach Sweet with the idea based on Sweet’s lengthy list of connections with local authors. Sweet has established a mailing list of about 40 local writers partly through the CFTV 34 program Storyteller, which he produced. En Vino Novellus will be emceed by Tina Wells, who also paired each writer to a specific vintage of wine. Wells was the host of Storyteller and CFTV’s weekend news.

The readings at Pelee Island Winery will be followed by another set of music from Butler’s Rangers, which in turn will be followed by the opportunity for those in attendance to purchase the books and wine of the program.

“It’s going to be fun,” said Sweet. “Admission is free — you can’t beat that.”

Air Cadets and Army Cadets hold joint Annual Ceremonial Review

The 535 Leamington Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron and the 2918 South Essex Scottish Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps held their joint Annual Ceremonial Review parade and awards ceremony at the Kinsmen Recreation Complex on Sat. May 26. The Review is the highlight of the cadet training year. It is the cadets’ opportunity to demonstrate to their families, friends and the public, the skills and prowess they have acquired during the year.

Approximately 70 cadets were formally inspected by Lieutenant-Colonel Brause, CD, the Commanding Officer of the Essex and Kent Scottish Regiment, in a militarystyle parade. The parade marked the formal end of the cadet training year, and is an annual tradition. Several cadets were recognized for their efforts, and the ceremony also included presentations of long-service medals. The Canadian Cadet Organization has a mandate to develop leadership and good citizenship, promote physical fitness and stimulate an interest in the Canadian Forces. The cadet program has succeeded in producing responsible, active, and engaged members of society. The cadet program’s core values are loyalty, professionalism, mutual respect and integrity.

One for the show

There are some activities in life that you can do on your own, and others that are best enjoyed as a couple. Then there are some activities that I’m bit unsure about. For example, a person has the option of golfing in a foursome, or in a threesome, or in a twosome, or all by themselves. Often while driving past a golf course I’ll see a party of one enjoying a late afternoon round. I’ve done that a few times myself, often before a tournament or after a bad round with the fellas. It gives me a chance to work on a few things, hit some extra balls and focus completely on my game.

JOHN WEESE

Weese’s Pieces...

Tennis, on the other hand, requires a partner. Bowling? I suppose a person could bowl on their own. It doesn’t sound like a lot of fun to me, but I suppose it’s possible. I prefer to go the gym on my own. There’s enough social interruption there without bringing your own distraction. As long as you have someone near to “spot” you while you’re bench-pressing, you are all you need in the pursuit of better health.

Having dinner by yourself sounds a bit lonesome, but having been on the road for business a number of times over the years, often it’s “dinner for one” or go hungry. Most times I would get take-out and eat in my hotel room, but occasionally I would pick out a nice restaurant and treat myself to a great meal and a cocktail or two. With breakfast I actually prefer to be on my own so that I can enjoy reading the newspaper.

One activity that I’m a bit reluctant to enjoy on my own is going to the movies. This is especially true in my own community. A number of years ago, while working in downtown Toronto (while my family was living back in Chatham), I would kill the odd evening by attending the movie theatre that was located just down the street from where I was staying. What the heck – I didn’t know anybody standing in line for tickets, and besides, once I was sitting in my seat and the lights were out, what’s the big deal? It’s not like you can socialize during the movie. The last movie that I saw on my own at the theatre was “Secretariat”. Being a racehorse fan as a young fellow and having watched Big Red win the Triple Crown on television all those years ago – 1973 to be exact – I was bound and determined to catch that flick before it left town. Gal pal Ellie had promised me that she would watch it with me, but when it came to the final showing of the movie at our local theatre she fell asleep after dinner. I was so determined that I swallowed hard and sheepishly stood in line. I was praying no one I knew would recognize me while I worked on a sellable alibi as to why I was in this “usual” circumstance.

What I discovered that night at the theatre was that there were a number of people who attend movies by themselves. To them it’s no big deal, and when you think about it, it’s really not that much different than watching a movie by yourself at home on your television or computer. The popcorn tastes better at the theatre, of course. What activities will you “do” or “won’t do” by yourself? Please let me know, unless you’re a pervert. You can keep those “to yourself”.

LDMH CEO resigns

Leamington District Memorial Hospital Chief Executive Officer John Stenger officially resigned his position on Tuesday, June 5.

Stenger had been on a leave of absence since February 2, 2012. Vice President of Corporate Services Terry Shields has been serving as the interum CEO since that time and will continue in this capacity while the LDMH Board reviews its options.

Cruise ship Yorktown to visit Leamington

Sunday, June 10

The Municipality of Leamington is pleased to welcome The Yorktown, a Great Lakes cruise ship specifically designed for North American coastal cruising. Operated by

Lakeshore Excursions, The Yorktown will carry 138 guests who will be introduced to Leamington through group leaders who will explain the natural environment and the past and present cultural landscape of the area.

The ship will arrive at the dock in Leamington at 12:00 noon. Passengers will then board buses for a trip to Point Pelee National Park, and then return to the Leamington Arts Centre, followed by a reception at the Gallery Restaurant. Pelee Island Winery will be on hand to talk about the region’s growing wine industry.

The media is invited to greet the ship and to join the passengers and crew, and Mayor and Council at the reception at 17:15 (5:15pm). Guests are not permitted to board the vessel.

Staff from the Department of Culture and Recreation and the Economic Development Officer have been working for over a year to secure this visit. This was no easy task as a number of approvals needed to be arranged with a variety of agencies including the Ministry of Transportation and Owen Sound Transportation Company.

It is hoped that Lakeshore Excursions will make Leamington a regular port in their cruise itinerary.

Quick action of neighbour contains Leamington house fire

A residential fire that broke out on Robinson Street caused approximately $10,000 in damage just after 10 p.m. on Sunday, June 3.

The cause of the blaze is undetermined, but is considered unintentional. The fire started in an enclosed porch at the front of the house and while the home owner called 911, a friend of a neighbouring resident broke out the front window and kept the fire under control with a garden hose. The neighbour’s friend works at a local greenhouse and was a firefighter in Mexico.

Fifteen Leamington firefighters arrived on the scene, where they spent an hour and 15 minutes subduing the fire. The incident did not result in any injuries or cases of exposure.

OBITUARY

Gaetano Mastronardi

Gaetano Mastronardi, born in Villacanale, Italy, immigrated to Canada in 1955. He passed away peacefully in his 100th year, surrounded by his loving family, at Franklin Gardens Long Term Care on Monday, June 4, 2012.

Beloved husband of the late Fiorina (Pannunzio) (2003). Loving father of Carmela DiMenna, Leamington, and husband the late Allen (1978); Vernaranda Mastronardi and husband Gemino, Kingsville; Libera Ingratta and husband Raffaele, Leamington; Maria Mucci and husband Tony, Kingsville. Loving nonno to 11 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and one great-greatgrandson. Predeceased by grandson Ken Dick and greatgrandson Kyle DiMenna (2008). Dear brother of Pierino Mastronardi and late wife Medina, the late Libera Mastronardi. Survived by his nieces and nephews. Visiting was at the Reid Funeral Home & Reception Centre, 14 Russell Street, Leamington (519-326-2631) on Tuesday.

Funeral Mass to celebrate Gaetano’s life was held at St. Michael’s Church, 21 Elliott, Leamington, on Wednesday, June 6, 2012 at 10 a.m. with Fr. Pat Fuerth officiating. Entombment at Evergreen Memorial Park followed. As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations may be made by cheque to the Leamington District Memorial Hospital Foundation.

Family and friends are invited to share their words of comfort and remembrance or make a charitable contribution at www.reidfuneralhome.ca

United Way services in Leamington

Lorraine Goddard and John Toth of the United Way came before Leamington Council Monday night, June 4 to report on the success of the 2011 United Way campaign locally, to sketch out some of the services provided locally in partnership with the United Way, and to ask for Leamington’s support in 2012.

Council coordinating tourism dollars

volved in the tourism effort. After their presentation, Anne Miskovsky, Leamington’s Economic Devel-

Last year municipal staff raised $1,700 and local businesses contributed a further $73,000 with the kind and active assistance of two local organizers, Amanda Smith and Erin Harris. Does this have an impact locally? You bet!

Of the 233,000 accesses to programs last year, one third were county residents, and 6,078 identified Leamington as their home municipality.

Goddard and Toth pointed out that funds raised are not used for self-promotion, so most people are unaware of the 16 funded strategies and programs in the county and of the funding partnerships the United Way has here in Leamington.

The list of specifics they presented to council was impressive, but secondary to the principal goal: they asked council to participate in the County United Way Kick-off this year, to fly the United Way flag, and to post temporary United Way signs around the municipality during the fundraising campaign. Council was quick and unanimous in its agreement.

As part of a promise made to Essex County Council last month, the CEO of Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island (TWEPI), Gordon Orr, and the Vice President of Tourism Programs and Development, Lynette Bain, made a presentation to Leamington Municipal Council as part of a visit to every municipality in Essex County. Their goal was to tell how their group has been reorganized and what its focus is. It was made clear that TWEPI is marketing the region on a product basis and not a geographic basis. For example, wineries and wine tours are marketed together, regardless of location in the County. Similarly, outdoor tourism opportunities such as birdwatching are marketed as a single entity, regardless of where the ‘hot’ spots are. Furthermore, unlike the former Visitors and Convention Bureau, they no longer search out convention business. If outside interests or organizations come to them with one they assist with support services, but have nothing to do with organizing (or spending money on) the convention. Spousal programs and tours do get their active assistance since they are essentially tourism. In response to Mayor John Paterson’s first question to them — “Is the turmoil over?” — they were able to answer an unqualified ‘yes’. Staffing issues have been resolved and they now have a full complement of specialists to create and execute the programs that are their mandate; governance issues are being addressed with the development of specific financial and procedural policies that will ensure good direction and accountability; with the completion of an extensive audit and the institution of fiscal policies similar to those of municipalities a full, detailed budget has been developed and is understood by everyone in-

BILL CHAPLIN Municipal Correspondent

opment Officer, reviewed with Municipal Council where and how much is spent on Tourism by the municipality. Municipal dollars flow to tourism, directly or indirectly, in six different paths: through the Economic Development Office (which has a $45,000 tourism budget), through municipal support to the Chamber of Commerce and

its Tomato Booth, the BIA and its uptown promotion and beautification programs, through Recreation and Culture where special events (such as the triathlon, hockey, and baseball tournaments) have tourism aspects, through autonomous organizations responsible for things like the Leamington Fair, the Farmers’ Market, and various Migrant Worker Cultural celebrations, and finally through its financial support of TWEPI. The final estimate of money spent on tourism and tourism-related projects is estimated to be about $198,000.

In light of the apparent overlapping responsibilities and hefty financial impact, the report recommended “That the Economic Devel-

opment Officer coordinate a comprehensive review with those involved in the delivery of tourism services (economic development, culture and recreation, and the Chamber) to develop a detailed ‘Leamington’ plan focusing on the many opportunities in Leamington; and

that these plans incorporate linkages to the work being undertaken by TWEPI at a regional level to strengthen Leamington’s position in the south Essex and regional tourism industry.” Council supported that recommendation without question.

schools in Leamington & Kingsville. Ages 18 months - 12 years

6:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. • Subsidy available. For details call 519-733-8202 www.discoverychildcareschools.com

Geraniums: a popular summer flower

Geraniums are an extremely colorful flower during the summer season. This multi-purpose flower is pleasantly perfumed and is excellent for potpourri.

Geraniums should be treated the same as any other bedding plant. Before transplanting, be sure to give them a good watering to reduce any shock. Carefully remove the plant from the pot, and tease or loosen the roots out carefully to encourage them to grow out of the root ball. Always be careful not to plant too deep, keeping the top of the root ball even with the top of the soil. Firmly press the surrounding soil down around the plant. Complete the planting with a suitable mulching material.

When mulching, especially around geraniums, keep the material away from the base of the stem because this will cause stem rot and encourage disease. A regular feeding with a general all-purpose plant food and removing dead flowers will ensure that the geranium flowers continually until frost.

Geraniums can be transplanted from the garden before frost and brought indoors, provided they are placed in a sun-

ny window. If there simply isn’t enough room in the house, you can prolong the life by removing it from the soil and hang it upside-down in the basement.

Years ago fruit cellars were commonplace; however, today it may not work in many basements because the temperature is too high and humidity too low. Since there is no way of knowing whether this will work in your basement, try it with several plants. If you decide to try this method, take the plants down occasionally and place the roots in water for several hours, then hang them back up. Do this several times during the winter to prevent them from drying out.

There are several methods of handling the plants over winter. One way is to take cuttings and root them in the fall. Stem cuttings should be 4 to 6 inches long. Remove the leaves on the bottom two inches and stick into coarse sand and perlite or well-drained potting soil. Cuttings will root faster if you use a rooting hormone powder. Stick the cuttings two inches deep in the soil and water thoroughly. Place in a north window or under grow lights until rooted. This normally takes 3 to 4 weeks.

Once the cuttings have rooted, plant them in individual pots and place in a well-lit area. Keep the soil moist and begin fertilizing monthly.

Whether you keep your geraniums over the winter or as young plants started from cuttings, keep them inside until after the last frost in the spring.

E-mail inthebackyard74@yahoo.ca

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

VOLUNTEER DRIVERS ARE NEEDED to transport people in Essex County and Chatham-Kent for dialysis treatments. Reimbursement of mileage is at .40 cents per km driven. We are in need of volunteer drivers to provide these essential appointments. To volunteer call 519728-1435, long distance 1-855-728-1433, or visit us at 499 Notre Dame St., Belle River. IF YOU HAVE PARKINSON and would like to join our group for information, exercise and support, come by Tuesday mornings at 10:30 a.m. to the Half Century Club, 160 Talbot St. E. Leamington.

THE LEAMINGTON KIWANIS CLUB IS A SERVICE ORGANIZATION. Meetings are held twice a month, the first and third Thursday. If you are a non-profit organization and would like a meeting place on weekdays, or if you are interested in learning more about our organization, or to have us involved in your community, please contact Leo at 519 325-0953.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6 - Leamington Blood Donor Clinic at the Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex, 249 Sherk St., from 1:007:00 p.m. Call 1-888-236-6283 for information or to book an appointment. Walk-ins welcome.

SATURDAY, JUNE 9 - Ruthven Pastoral Charge Broasted Chicken Dinner at Olinda-Ruthven, 4:30-7:00 p.m., 1907 Queen Blvd. Ruthven. Adults $14, children $7, under 5 free. Support persons for people with special needs – free. Takeout available. No tickets necessary. Air-conditioned. Call 519-326-2506 or 519-326-4570.

SUNDAY, JUNE 10 - 12pm to 2pm - Strawberry Social Luncheon at the Masonic Lodge in

Leamington, 3 John Street. $8 per person. Tickets available at the door or call 519-7333130 or 519-825-3360. Sponsored by Order of the Eastern Star.

SUNDAY, JUNE 10 – Leamington United Mennonite Church, 78 Oak St. E., 7 p.m. Heritage Choir Spring Program. Music in German and English. Offering will be taken for MCC Meat Canner.

MONDAY, JUNE 11 - Ladies, you and your special guest are invited to A Guest Dinner Evening at Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens at 6:30 pm. Tickets $16. Our guest speaker will be Mary Ann Barrett from Picton, Ontario and her theme is “Apple of His Eye”. The special feature will be Epicure Selections presented by Linda Cornies. And music for this evening by Bob Dawson. For invitations please call by Friday, June 8, Sharon, 519-326-0421 or Darlene, 519-733-5595. The evening is presented by Leamington Christian Women’s After 5.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13 - Leamington District Chamber of Commerce 19th Annual Chamber Cup Golf Tournament Phone 519-326-2721 or go to www.leamingtonchamber.com for more info.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13 - The Migrant Worker Community Program Annual General Meeting is from 6:30-8:30 p.m., 33 Princess Street, 3rd Floor Boardroom, Leamington. For more info contact 519-325-0876 or lorrainemwcp@mdirect.net

SATURDAY, JUNE 16 - Leamington Mennonite Home 10th Annual Golf Tournament at Erie Shores Golf and Country Club.

SATURDAY, JUNE 16 - Leamington Area Ecumenical Refugee Committee Golf Tournament. Roby Dyck 519-326-6868 or Carolyn Reid 519-326-6776 or register at Erie Shores.

SATURDAY, JUNE 16- Kids of Steel Triathlon & Adult Try-A-Tri & Do-A-Du 9 am - 12 noon, Kinsmen Recreation Complex.

SUNDAY, JUNE 17- Tomatoman Triathlon Championships , 7am - 12 noon at the Waterfront Promenade.

SATURDAY, JUNE 23- 2012 Jim Reid Memorial Golf Tournament at Erie Shores Golf Club. 8 am - Shotgun start. Proceeds go to Cystic Fibrosis. Contact Kevin at: reidfuneralhome.ca.

SATURDAY, JULY 14 -OVA Beach Volleyball Tour at Seacliff Park Beach www.velocityvollebyball.ca.

FRIDAY, JUNE 22 - Wheatley United Church Strawberry Social Smorgasbord, 59 Talbot St. W., 5:00-7:00 p.m. Buffet dinner and strawberry dessert. Advance tickets only. Adults $15, children 6-12 $6, 5 & under free. For tickets contact Cheryl 519-825-9194 or the office 519825-4157.

FRIDAY, JUNE 22 & SATURDAY, JUNE 23Giant Yard Sale to benefit the Leamington Area Ecumenical Refugee Committee (LAERC) at Jackson's Greenhouse on Seacliffe Dr. Come and shop for 2 days for all these neat items that are being offered! You'll find just what you've been looking for!

WEDNESDAY, JULY 4 - Leamington Blood Donor Clinic at the Portuguese Club, 217 Talbot St. W., Leamington, 12:00 noon - 7:30 p.m. Call 1-888-236-6283 for information or to book an appointment. Walk-ins welcome.

MONDAY, JULY 23 - The Kidney Foundation’s will present the 12th Annual HUB International Golf Classic, at Essex Golf & Country Club. 18 holes, lunch, registration prize and dinner. Lots of competitive prizes. Info at www.kidney.ca/ontariogolf or call 519-9779211 ext. 23.

Friesen - Lisa & Peter of Ruthven, a boy on May 16, 2012.

Snoei - Shealyn & Matt of Kingsville, a boy on May 23, 2012.

Lefaive - Amberly & Jamie of Wheatley, a girl on May 24, 2012.

Rodriguez-Santos - Lizet & Joao of Ruthven, a girl on May 30, 2012.

Neudorf - Susana & Pete of Kingsville, a girl on May 31, 2012.

The Stork Report is sponsored by

BILL PLUMB

42nd annual Mennonite Community Festival

(Continued from Page 6) and about $32,000 after expenses. Konrad explained that his committee was aiming for similar numbers this year.

Proceeds from this year’s festival will be donated to the Sun Parlour Pregnancy Centre, Leamington Mennonite Home, Mennonite Central Committee, UMEI and the Salvation Army.

The Foundation’s committee begins preparing for the fair in December and continues the planning process until the day of the event. During this time, the group brainstorms, establishes contact with booth owners and attraction providers and creates advertising. Each committee member is assigned a set of specific responsibilities and plays a key role in the organization of the festival.

“Communication is key,” said Konrad, who is serving his fifth year as the event’s chairperson. “When problems arise, I try to make myself available as soon as possible. People say it must be stressful, but it’s an honour to raise money for good causes.”

This year’s festival included a Kids’ Dash (300 m) and Fun Run (1 km) at 9:30 a.m., as well as pony rides, games and prizes, crafts, face painting, ‘train’ rides and a bounce mat to keep youth entertained.

Music In The Park, food booths, the quilt auction, a silent auction, flower and plant sales and fresh produce were among the favourite attractions for the event’s adults.

In its early years, the Leamington Mennonite Community Festival was hosted by the Leamington Arena located on Erie Street North, alongside Leamington Fairgrounds. The Foundation relocated the annual event to UMEI several years ago.

“Park at Dark” held at Shoeless Joe’s

By Mackenzie Heyens

On Thursday, May 31st, Shoeless Joe’s hosted its first ever “Park at Dark and Patio BBQ”. Classic cars from as late as 1933 to as early as 2012 filled the parking lot, making the event a huge success.

All proceeds went to the Leamington Salvation Army Food Bank ending the night with a total of $500 donated.

Even when the weather decided to take a turn for the worse, the party continued at full force indoors. Dozens of raffle prizes were won throughout the night, having been donated by many local businesses.

“There hasn’t been anywhere for local classic car owners to hang out in a long time.” said one classic car owner. “This is just what this area needs. People would be surprised at how many classic cars there are in this small town. I hope they do this again soon.”

Leamington man invents the unbarrel

By Bryan Jessop

A unique idea has unfolded into a great business opportunity for a Leamington man.

Ron Elliott, president of Elliott Energy Services Inc., has sent 36 of his innovative ‘Unbarrels’ to Home Depot’s three test market stores in London, Ont. Each store received 12 Unbarrels on Friday, May 25, following a pitch session that began in the autumn of 2011.

After discussing his product in Ottawa in December of 2011, Elliott signed a contract in January of this year to officially put the Unbarrel on the market. Meetings between Elliott and Home Depot served as part of the big-box chain store’s ‘Innovation for Sustainability’ program, conducted in collaboration with the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, the Quebec Ministry of Economic Development, Innovation and Export Trade and the Summerhill Group.

The Unbarrel, a rectangular cuboid measuring 60 cm x 60 cm x 90 cm before being attached to its frame, serves as a collapsable and easily storable rain barrel. With a frame and bladder made of UV resistant PVC, the device has been tested to resist weather conditions that frequently crack a standard plastic rain barrel. The bladder is made of food-safe materials, which allows it to serve as a storage unit for potable water

Elliott notes that the Unbarrel is ideal for gardeners, as it can hold up to 320 litres of rain, which it collects by having its screened opening placed under a drain spout — in an average rainstorm, the Unbarrel can be filled in 10 to 15 minutes. The invention can be used either with a drip line or employ gravity along with a length of garden hose. Two Unbarrels can be attached by utilizing threaded overflow openings.

During the gardening, camping or recreational ‘off season’, Unbarrel can be folded into a 60 cm x 50 cm x 20 cm ‘sheet’ for storage.

Elliott, who runs his business along with a part-time worker, plans to make weekly or bi-weekly trips to the London Home Depot stores to train staff and replace sold units, displayed with a price of $139.97 each and a limited warranty of three years. He has produced 60 Unbarrels thus far, waiting for an average of 30 days for the bags to be imported from California or China.

The Unbarrel can be folded up for storage in about five minutes and assembled for use in roughly two minutes without using tools. Unlike typical rain barrels, Elliott noted, the Unbarrel can rest on an uneven surface without ground preparation or the use of concrete slabs. It is also tip resistant while sitting on an angle of up to 30 degrees.

Elliott spent four years designing prototypes, testing and researching the Unbarrel before acquiring a Canadian patent in 2010. He received positive comments on the product from both the Canadian and U.S. military during a show in Detroit and has since established contacts with the Canadian military.

timbercreekestates.ca

Elliott also plans to approach local stores with his invention and has set up meetings with Home Hardware. He explained that some individuals who have seen the Unbarrel described it as ideal for camping, RVing and disaster relief situations.

“You could put several hundred Unbarrels on a plane to be sent to a community in a disaster situation, or about 50 rain barrels, where you’d mostly be shipping air,” Elliott said. He also touts the environmental benefits of his product, explaining that tap water is normally treated with chemicals such as fluoride and chlorine that garden foliage doesn’t need. By using rain barrels, their owners ensure that municipal sewer drainage becomes less overwhelmed by heavy storms — reducing the amount of mixed sewage that flows into local lakes and rivers. The Leamington native also noted that using a Unbarrel to water a garden reduces the user’s fees for water and sewage rates.

Elliott hopes to attain the technology necessary to mass produce the Unbarrel and manufacture it in Essex County.

“It was disappointing that I couldn’t find a manufacturer in Canada,” Elliott said. “Once we’re able to produce the parts ourselves, we’ll make everything here.”

The most local parts Elliott uses for his creation are the corners/elbows for the PVC frame sections, which are sent from Ohio.

Elliott designed and patented the Unbarrel himself, although his sons Peter and Andrew are partners in Elliott Energy Services Inc.

Ron Elliott displays a prototype version of the Unbarrel that has been subject to two consecutive winters without damage. Elliott, however, recommends storing the Unbarrel during winter months.

(SUN Photo)

LEAMINGTON BLOOD DONOR CLINIC

Wednesday, July 4

1:00 - 7:00 pm at the Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex

249 Sherk St.

Call 1-888-236-6283

Page 13

Montessouri closing after 32 years in Leamington

By Bryan Jessop

After 32 years of educating the community’s youngest students, the Leamington Montessori School is permanently closing its doors.

With enrollment numbers on a steady decline, school owner and teacher Penelope Gil decided to close the school shortly after Christmas of last year.

“We’ve seen the writing on the wall for the past year or so,” said Gil. “Our numbers have been going down since junior kindergarten started.”

At its peak, Leamington Montessori School took as many as 60 students under its wing at one time. When junior kindergarten was introduced in Ontario, this number was reduced by about one third and with the more recent installment of full-day kindergarten, the student head count fell even further. Currently, the busiest time of the day — mornings — includes about 20 students.

Leamington Montessori

has a staff of four teachers plus a cook during the busiest hours of the week and three teachers plus a cook for the remainder of each week. The parents of the school’s eight toddlers have made other arrangements for the 2012-’13 school year, including a new inhome daycare program being started by one of Gil’s current staff members. The remaining students, all of pre-school age, will enroll in junior kindergarten starting September of this year.

Gil explained that in an ideal Montessori environment, students range in age from two-and-a-half to six years, a scenario where older children can act as mentors for their younger cohorts. At the Leamington school, the age range is currently two-and-a-half to three-and-a-half.

Gil has lived in Leamington since she opened the town’s Montessori school in September of 1980, then located at the Baptist Educational Centre at the corner

of Russell and Fox streets. In need of a playground, she relocated the school to its current 60 Erie St. North location — inside St. John Anglican Church — in 1983.

Gil’s career as a Montessori teacher began in her home country of England in 1964, based in London. Five years later, she moved to Canada and began teaching in Toronto. After serving a three-year stint in the provincial capital, she moved to Windsor, teaching for another eight years before opening Leamington Montessori.

The last full day at Gil’s school will be Wednesday, June 27. The following day will be Picnic Days for families interested in attending, from about 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

One of the school’s most recent activity days was Monday’s (June 4) Royal Jubilee Day, a means of celebrating Queen Elizabeth II’s Royal Diamond Jubilee. The students and teachers dressed up for the occasion,

borrowing costumers from the Sun County Players. The students appeared as princes and princesses, decorating cookies, playing games and enjoying some royal party foods. Gil, who brought a Jubilee book that day to read to the children, got the idea after students began asking questions about a large Queen Elizabeth II painting at the school.

Henry, Emily and Matthew receive some assistance from Leamington Montessori School owner Penelope Gil in decorating their crown-shaped cookies as part of the school’s Royal Diamond Jubilee Day. (SUN Photo)

Local Questers hold inaugural meeting

Focusing on preservation and restoration

The county chapter of Questers had their inaugural meeting at the Windsor Family Credit Union on May 24th. The meeting started the usual way, exchanging names and describing what each collected. As expected, thimbles, figurines, furniture, spoons, glassware, Beleek and Cat Whiskers were mentioned.

Bev Cyr, District Parliamentarian, explained if you have three of the same things you have the beginning of a collection. District President Christine Fullerton informed the group of the history of the organization.

The importance of preservation and restoration was stressed by Gloria Jung, Past District President. She proudly stated the many projects Questers completed by the individual chapters and the District. For an example, recently Canadian Club Questers built a split log fence at JR Homestead Park.

Incoming District President Johanna Belanger had a display board with many pictures showing the actives of her chapter, Talbot Trails Questers.

During refreshments the participants agreed they wanted to form a chapter and a meeting date was set for June 24 at 7:30 p.m. The speaker will be Neil Bannister on “The Story of Belleek”. If you are interested in joining, call at Jackie 519-326-1361.

PRESENTS

LISA�LAMPANELLI

Friday, June 8

YANNI Friday, June 15

THE�PRICE�IS�RIGHT�LIVE™

June 27-30 New show added!

THE�TRAGICALLY�HIP

Thursday, July 5

DICK�FOX’S

Frankie Avalon Fabian

Bobby Rydell

Saturday, July 14

AMANDA�MARSHALL

Friday, July 20 HEART Saturday, July 28

HAPPY�TOGETHER�TOUR

The Turtles featuring Flo & Eddie, Gary Pucke� & The Union Gap, The Grass Roots, The Monkees’ lead singer Micky Dolenz and The Buckinghams Friday, August 3 REBA Saturday, August 11

TONY�ORLANDO Saturday, August 18

CELTIC�THUNDER Sunday, September 16

Tickets on sale June 9

October 27

UMEI launches Lightning on Line fundraising campaign

On Sunday, May 27, UMEI Christian High School launched the school’s Lightning on Line $500,000 solar fundraising campaign.

The celebration kicked off with a fundraising brunch, followed by science students demonstrating NASCAR-style solar car racing in the gym, the public launch of Lighting on Line and UMEI Spring Concert.

The student-designed racecars were a science project using solar panels to make the cars go. Radiant energy from the sun causes electrons to flow into a solar cell. Using 500-watt halogen lights, the students were able to produce 3-6 volts of electricity to power the cars.

Lightning on Line is a 75 kW rooftop solar project at UMEI designed to produce electricity in an environmentally-friendly manner. The fundraising campaign has been initiated to cover the capital costs for the project with an overall goal of $500,000; every dollar donated will generate an additional $3 in revenue for the school over the lifetime of the contract. Seventeen Project Ambassadors volunteered their time to spearhead the campaign by visiting with potential donors in advance of the public campaign kick-off. Through their efforts, a solid foundation of financial support for this project has been created.

UMEI students put last minute touches on their solar-powered racecars prior to the start of the race.

(SUN Photo)

UMEI’s Explore U camps will offer exciting experiences for kids

UMEI Christian High School is offering two exciting weeklong camp experiences for children this summer!

Camp “Explore U” is back this year, July 16-20 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., for children going into Grades 4 to 8. Camp Explore U offers children a week of fun games and activities with a focus on art, drama, music, and exciting approaches to learn about math, and science. Children will enjoy campfire time, lunches and snacks, and many other fun and interesting activities.

healthy, active living as well as develop skills in a range of popular sports including volleyball, basketball, soccer, baseball, and more.

Children will also explore various activities, such as archery, which will supplement their exciting experience at camp. Lunches and snacks will be provided.

While at camp, UMEI

leaders will help children build lasting friendships, develop their teamwork and leadership skills, and gain confidence in a Christian environment, all while having tons of fun! For more info or to register, contact the UMEI office at 519-326-7448, or visit the website at www.umei.ca for printable registration forms.

First year medical students from Western University’s Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry got a taste of what it’s like to work and live in rural and mid-sized communities throughout southwestern Ontario from May 28 to May 31. The 10 medical students visiting Leamington and surrounding area were participating in “Discovery Week,” a program organized by the Southwestern Ontario Medical Education Network (SWOMEN) to encourage future graduates to consider setting up practice in rural and underserviced areas.

“Discovery Week” had the students fanning out to Leamington District Memorial Hospital (LDMH), Leamington and Area Family Health Team and the Harrow Family Health Team and medical centres. For most, it’s their first hands-on medical experience, and it’s a much-anticipated finale to their first year of classes. Along with shadowing physicians and other healthcare practitioners, students visit local high schools, present to students from Grade 11 and 12 and answer questions they have about medical school.

“Our hospital sees this week as a recruitment opportunity for future physicians, so other than clinic time, they are shown area highlights that included a trip to Pelee Island,” says Dr. E. Ghumman, Chief of Staff, LDMH.

Sports Camp “Explore U” is a NEW weeklong camp, July 23-27 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., for children going into Grades 6 to 8. Here, children will learn about

First year medical students, from left, Matthew Galati, Jane Sham and Aidan Findlater.

First year medical student Melissa Machado and Dr. Rachel Park, Leamington and Area Family Health Team.

restore the park’s savannah habitat

Cardinal Carter students at Point Pelee Park

By Bryan Jessop

When it comes to helping Point Pelee meet its habitat goals, Cardinal Carter Secondary School is getting down to the root of the matter. After gathering, cleaning and growing the seeds of flora native to Point Pelee National Park, 90 students from the local high school returned to plant them on Friday, June 1. Using 100

trays of plugs donated by AMA Plastics, Cardinal Carter’s horticultural students grew the seeds in the school’s greenhouse after collecting them in the autumn of last year. Last week, they returned along with geography and art students — as well as AMA Plastics volunteers — to help regenerate Point Pelee’s savannah habitat.

The students — divided into three groups of 30 —

planted a variety of grasses and flowers including switchgrass, little bluestem, Canada wild rye, sand drop seed, evening primrose and Short’s aster.

After an area near the southeast shore of the park was cleared by employees, the two busloads of students planted 5,500 pods of the much-needed flowers and grasses. The half-dozen varieties are crucial as sources of nectar for several types of

butterflies and birds.

Representing various grades, the Cardinal Carter group arrived to a cloudy and wet Friday morning at the Point, but didn’t allow the adverse weather conditions to stop them from completing their objectives.

“The rain isn’t nice to plant in, but it’s great for the plants,” said Point Pelee National Park public outreach and education officer Jenny Kehoe. “That’s what this is all about — giving food and shelter to birds of this habi-

tat.”

Kehoe explained that the park is undergoing a sort of restoration process with steps that she describes as ‘The Three Rs’. The first step is ‘Removals’, clearing out invasive species of plants that could otherwise overrun native varieties.

Second is the ‘Reintroduction of fire’, a series of prescribed burns that began in March. Point Pelee employees have been trained to conduct prescribed burns because natural methods of

clearing thicker areas for new growth are no longer common. These processes include heavy storms, fireinducing lightning strikes and large ice jams.

The third R — ‘Re-establishment of native plant communities — was the purpose behind the visit from Cardinal Carter students.

The preparation process for planting the 5,500 plugs took more than two years. Park employees removed an abundance of invasive species and built them up into a pile — dubbed ‘Mount Brushmore‘ — that will later be burned. For planting, the three groups of students were represented by park employees acting as team leaders, placing colour-coded spikes and flags to let planters know which species were to be placed in which specific areas.

Kehoe organized the Cardinal Carter volunteer projecet along with teacher Paul George and former teacher Mike St. Pierre. St. Pierre taught horticulture at Cardinal Carter for 18 years before taking on a position with the Windsor-Essex County Catholic District School Board. The organizing group prepared the students for the project with a power point presentation before the seeds were collected last year.

“It’s about integration. We want to take the things these students have learned in the classroom and show them how to apply them to the real world,” said Kehoe.

Point Pelee’s five separate habitats across its 15 square kilometres of land makes it a unique wildlife region and the park with the most at-risk species. To assist the park’s restoration and preservation programs, call 519-322-2365 ext. 0 for volunteer opportunities throughout the summer.

Pablo Tannous and Samantha Dupuis, both Grade 10 art students at Cardinal Carter, get

started with planting native plants and flowers at Point Pelee Park. The local high school planted six varieties of plants and flowers as part of a program to

John Berg and Corny Katler, AMA Plastics employees, help Cardinal Carter students plant native flower and plant species at Point Pelee National Parks savannah habitat. AMA Plastics provided the school with ellepots that allowed students to grow the plants and flowers in the school’s greenhouse starting in the autumn of last year.

(SUN photos)

Fit week at LDSS

During Fit Week at LDSS, May 14-18, teacher Dylan Langlois carried the torch used for the Vancouver Olympics around the school track with a group of his students. It was then handed off to another staff member, until it finally made it’s way through the entire school. The torch was lent to the school by Kevin Reid of Reid Funeral Home. Kevin was a local Torch Bearer for the Vancouver 2010 games. He generously allowed the school to use it for Fit Week to host their own relay within the school. Said Kevin about lending the torch to the school for their event: “I’m happy to do it. The community chose me so I’m happy to provide the torch back to the community. If it brings some fun and excitement then it was worth it.” Pictured from left to are: Tyler Klassen, Maxine Janoki, Mr. D. Langlois, Ku Shee Wah, Devon Bergen. This is his Grade 11 College Preparation Math class.

Left, STEPS student Johan Guenther led Zumba Wii class during the lunchtime session. Participants managed to progress to level two and mastered the samba.

(Photos by Rafael Pena)

Teachers From South Africa Visit Leamington

The Leamington Rotary Club and Leamington District Secondary School had the honour of hosting six teachers from South Africa on May 22. The purpose of their visit was to experience how English is taught in our school system. This July, Mary Jean Gallagher will be the Team Leader of the Rotary District 6400 Vocational Training Team to South Africa where she and her team will work with the local South African teachers to improve the teaching of English to students so they can go on to college

or university. From the left, Mike Hawkins, Principal of L.D.S.S. is pictured with the teachers from South Africa – Peter Motrung, Helene Coetzee, Marlize Loubser,

JUNE 15, 16, 17, 2012

All Weekend Long...

5:30 pm - Opening Ceremonies (in front of the Janette Mulholland Building) 7:00 pm - Live Harness Racing Saturday, June 16 - Children’s Day...

10:00 am - Carter Shows Midway Opens Sheep Show at South Entrance Hottest Tomato Competition

12:00 pm - 40 Bike and Helmet Give-a-ways 7:00 pm - South Western Mini Rod Pullers - in front of Grandstand Sunday, June 17...

10:00 am - Carter Shows Midway Opens 1:00 pm - The Lyndy Wiper Antique Tractor Parade 2:00 pm - Demo Derby presented by

Elaine Galanakis, Renier Loubser (Team Leader from South Africa), Sue Albu and Sue Chanko.

(Submitted photo)

Parents voice support of Ruthven Public School

A strong sense of community, more student one-on-one time and a growing area were among the primary reasons parents and students want to see Ruthven Public School remain open.

The third public meeting regarding the Greater Essex County District School Board’s PARC study took place Wednesday, May 16 with almost 250 people in attendance. During the meeting, the PARC Committee presented three recommendations regarding the Kingsville family of schools. All three included the closing of Ruthven Public

Canadian CrissCross

School.

The first recommendation presented was for a JK to grade 12 school to be constructed. The building, which would house all students, would be broken down into to separate entities.

The second recommendation would see grade seven and eight students moved to Kingsville District High School, Kingsville Public School remain dual-track English and French, and Ruthven Public School close with students transferred to Jack Miner Public School.

In a strong sign of support for Ruthven Public School, siblngs Riley, Vanessa and Jasmine Andrade brought signs to last week’s PARC Study meeting. Ruthven is under the threat of closure in all three recommendations currently put forward by the PARC Committee. Several parents in a crowd of almost 250 people last week voiced their concerns should Ruthven Public School close its doors for good.

The third recommendation also includes grade sevens and eights to KDHS, with KPS and RPS closing, and all JK to 6 students moving to JMPS with an addition to the structure.

The only listed delegate to speak at the meeting was Kingsville Councillor Gord Queen. Mr. Queen provided a history of the schools in the area, before highlighting some of the impacts all schools have on the Kingsville community.

Events such as food drives and Raise-A-Reader campaigns are not only vital for promoting social justice and enhancing education, they have a huge impact on the community as a whole.

Queen asked that the board strongly oppose the closure of any schools within the community.

Parent Mandy Morris spoke at length at the impact Ruthven P.S. has had on her family and the wider community.

“The need to reduce the number of empty student spaces and improve the utilization rates within the family of schools is a clear message from our Superintendent,” she said. “I appreciate that the committee has worked very hard to present three recommendations in this PARC study however I cannot accept any one of these recommendations as solutions.”

CCO O M M M MUUN NIIT T YY AAW WAAR REEN NEES SSS: :

Supporting the organizations who provide support to our community

“Helping

Are you?... NEW TO CANADA or WANTING TO MENTOR A NEWCOMER?

Imagine what it would be like, coming from a foreign country with no family, no friends or contacts, no job, no idea of how to find employment and not being able to speak English or French.

These are some examples of struggles that Newcomers face every day.

The Welcoming Communities Program at South Essex Community Council offers a Mentoring Program for individuals who are new to Canada and are looking for someone to assist them in adjusting to a new life in a new Country. The Welcoming Communities Program staff will connect a Newcomer with a Mentor in the community who can assist the Newcomer with settlement issues that they may face. This may include meeting for coffee and just socializing, engaging in exciting planned community activities and events, setting up volunteer opportunities for the Newcomer in order to gain Canadian work experience, enhancing their life and giving them a feeling of belonging.

At South Essex Community Council, the Welcoming Communities Program has been busy setting up these mentoring matches. One recent match was made between two individuals where the Mentor was a Newcomer in the past. They are currently meeting on a regular basis and have become close friends.

“In my view, the recommendation to close Ruthven Public School should never have happened. This school not only provides value to the student but also to the community. Over the past three years, the trend of the Ruthven Public School EQAO test scores has been greater than Board’s average in both grade 3 and 6 reading and mathematics.”

Employment related mentoring is an opportunity for a Newcomer to meet with an employer and learn how to get started in a certain profession. This gives the Newcomer a chance to see what it is like to work in Canada and may result in a Volunteer placement in order to gain valuable Canadian experience.

Mentoring has been a positive experience for all individuals involved. It has allowed our volunteers to meet new people from different countries and allowed them to support the South Essex Community to become a Welcoming Community.

There are many opportunities to be a mentor in our Community. If you are interested in being a mentor, learning more and getting involved please call Goldie Penner at South Essex Community Council TODAY! 519326-8629 EXT. 374

Don’t forget to tell your friends and neighbours about us!

“Our community is growing. I believe it is critical to be mindful of the fact that 27% of the student population is currently within walking distance to the school and 15% are out of district. When you combine these numbers, nearly half of our school does not make use of board transportation.”

Morris recommendation is to build on a previously considered recommendation from the PARC Committee.

She recommends, the closure of KPS with English students split between Ruthven and Jack Miner and French to KDHS. The recommendation meets the mandate.

Advantages include an alignment match with KDHS and the elementary school culture is maintained. Challenges include capital investment, boundary adjustment and transporation.

Said Morris, “I believe this recommendation is better suited to reaching our goals of reducing the number of empty student spaces and improving the utilization rates within the Kingsville Family of schools. If we are examining the viability of buildings, then Jack Miner Public School and Ruthven Public School have similar potential that (Continued on page 19)

people. Improving lives.”

Ruthven Public school

(Continued from page 18)

Kingsville Public does not. Therefore, Kingsville Public should close and student groups will move as separate independent groups in keeping with the PARC committee philosophy to keep school communities intact.”

Ruthven Public School students Jasmine Saad and Josh Isley stated that since arriving at Ruthven after attending other schools, they have never felt so welcome and accepted.

Former student Josh Klassen, noted that after being the victim of bullying at another school, he always felt safe at Ruthven.

Dr. Rob Stapleton implored the Board to look again at closing Ruthven adding that in an informal survey of parents, almost half indicated they would send their children elsewhere, rather than remain with the Kingsville family of schools, should Ruthven close.

Brent Murray was concerned with the impact school closures would have on extra-curricular activities.

He stated that a Cross-Country team, for example, might have 40 members at each school, or 120 students in the Kingsville family. Close one school and that becomes 80 students. Close two schools and it’s down to 40.

Similar concerns were expressed with committees such as Student Council where there would be a loss of opportunities.

Amy Boughazale commented that in the end, the buildings are just brick and mortar, and it’s the sense of community that needs to remain intact.

May 30 PARC Meeting update

At the Wednesday, May 30 PARC meeting the committee dropped the third option. After one tied vote a second vote saw the third option eliminated from the three preferred options. The two remaining options will be presented at a Public Meeting on Thursday, June 7 at KDHS at 7 p.m.

Helen Andrade, one of two Ruthven parent representatives on the PARC committee is not pleased with the process. “The Committee part is done, so now I’m just a parent and I’m going to say what I really feel… I feel like the Ruth-

École St-Michel students share the joy of music

Guitar students from École St-Michel visited two local nursing homes to play for residents in late May. The grade 4-7 children have been taking lessons and practicing at noon hour since September and were able to present a half-hour program at Sun Parlor Home and Leamington Mennonite Home.

Music was the ‘international language’ that bridged the language gap. The students sang in French but the residents recognized and sang along in English with such well-known songs as He’s got the Whole World in His Hand, Brahms Lullaby, Where Have all the Flowers Gone?, and Kumbaya. From left to right are: Brooklyn

Leo Cabrera Ortiz, Hayden Epp, Iseonna Silliker, and Jessica De Santis.

ven voices were not heard. The Ruthven community has not given up and we do not support any of the recommendations put forward,” said Andrade.

Following this meeting, Director of Education Warren Kennedy will prepare his report, which must appear on the Board’s website for 60 days, not including summer holidays.

The final decision on the matter of Kingsville schools will be made by the Board of Trustees, likely in November.

“We haven’t given up. The Trustees make the final decision, so we will continue to contact them,” said Andrade.

A petition opposing the closure of Ruthven Public School circulated throughout the community and gathered more than 1,000 signatures of support before being presented to MPP Taras Natyshak.

July 7th from 11 to 4 pm 494 Talbot Road East Leamington (There's No place Like Home Antiques)

BBQ - proceeds going to Tailshakers Animal Care Crew pet aid for seniors Fido Fotos - have your photo taken with your pet for $5 with proceeds going to CK Animal Rescue

We are proud to have the wonderful volunteers with CK Animal Rescue, Tailshakers Animal Care Crew Pet Aid for Seniors and Cats Cry Too! Meet WEST BERTOZZI with his awesome racecar Our mission is to raise awareness for animals in need! Please come and support this important event!

Hughes, Morgan Pannunzio,

(Photo submitted)

Hardly Herd Kicks Off Two Creeks Concert Series

The Hardly Herd brings 20 years of experience and a strong acoustic music background to the stage.

The June 10 opening act of the Two Creeks Summer Concert Series features an eclectic mix of sounds – bluegrass, Celtic, blues, rock and original.

The group, which has released two CDs and appeared at Two Creeks in previous years, features Marty Rodger on mandolin and vocals; Mary Harbocian on bass, ukulele, and vocals, Tom Klassen on banjo, accordion and vocals and Ed Janzen on guitar, harmonica and vocals.

“Music has been a love affair for all of us,” Rodger says, adding that they’ve played all kinds of venues, including concerts, festivals and schools.

The Two Creeks concerts, held Sundays at 6:30 p.m. on the Weil Stage in the natural amphitheatre at the conservation area just north of Wheatley on Kent Road 1, continue throughout the summer.

Admission is free, but the hat is passed to defray the expense of bringing in performers and to continue the volunteer work necessary to maintain the site.

Refreshments are available from Wheatley Scouting. Bring lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy the atmosphere. In case of inclement weather, the concerts are held under the pavilion. You can also bring used household batteries for recycling.

For more information, visit www.twocreeks.ca, e-mail info@twocreeks.ca or call 519-324-6988.

Great season for LDSS girls slo pitch team

By Bryan Jessop

The Leamington District Secondary School girls slopitch team recently completed a heartbreaking yet successful 2012 season.

The Lions girls pushed St. Anne to extra innings in the WECSSAA championship game, but fell 9-6 to the City Division winners. The Lions appeared in the final by winning the County Division, eliminating Kingsville 12-5 in the semis and Belle River 13-10 in the division title game.

Leamington finished the regular season with an 8-1 record, two points ahead of Villanova and Belle River and four points ahead of Kingsville and General Amherst. The Lions scored 150 runs through the regular season while allowing 81 against.

“The girls were just on fire this season,” said Brenda Koop, who coached the team along with Lindsay Walker. “They just had a fabulous year.”

The LDSS squad was 1-1 after its first two games of the season, having started with a 21-9 victory over Harrow, followed by a 29-16 loss against Kingsville.

The County is usually a very strong division,” said Walker. “We knew we had potential at the beginning of the season, but we were fairly young. After we made some position changes after the loss to Kingsville, the girls all really found their game. It was a hearbreaker to lose the (WECSSAA) final — we were missing Shelby (Davison) for that game, which hurt us a bit.”

The remainder of the regular season was made up of mostly lopsided wins for LDSS, including 22-0 over UMEI, 20-6 against Villanova, 15-4 versus Cardinal Carter, 12-7 against St. Anne in their lone cross-divisional contest, 2412 over Belle River and 20-14 versus General Amherst. The final regular season game was forfeited by Essex.

The Lions were also extremely successful throughout the tournament segment if their season. Over the two-day span of May 4 and 5, LDSS was one of eight teams in the Sportsfest Tournament hosted by Windsor’s Ciociaro Club. Leamington finished second, losing 6-5 in extra innings against General Amherst. Kathy Bueckert of the Lions won Most Valuable Player honours, a $200 bursary.

On Friday, May 11, the Leamington girls took part in the annual Essex County Slo-pitch tournament, held at Co-An Park in McGregor. The Lions won the event for the third time in a row by claiming revenge against General Amherst in a 16-12 championship game.

The season’s final tournament for LDSS was their largest, a 32-team event featuring schools from across Ontario. The Slo-pitch Ontario tourney held in Dorchester included schools from Barrie, Kitchener, Toronto, London and eight WECSSAA squads.

Following a two game-apiece preliminary round, six of the eight local teams advanced to the ‘Triple A’ level by winning both games. Leamington won its quarter- and semi-final contests to face Kingsville in the Triple A final — the Lions won 9-4.

In the County versus City all-star game played Thursday, June 7 in Essex, Leamington was represented by Walker as coach and Rosella Bueckert and Shelby Davison as players.

For the 2012 season, Walker and Koop enlisted seven Grade 9 players. As only two members of the roster will move on via graduation, as many as 16 players may return for the 2013 WECSSAA Slo-pitch campaign.

“It’s hard to say how many we’ll have back next year,” said Koop. “There are a lot of spring sports that compete for players — soccer, badminton, track and field and slo-pitch.”

Erin Reid (#8) and Jillian Iles convert for an out at second base against St. Anne May 15. The Lions won 12-7, but lost the playoff final against St. Anne 9-6. (SUN file photo)

Rookie Laker Kanaan Gale ready to take off from 2nd base.

Rookie Lakers pull off 30-25 victory

The Rookie Uni-Fab Lakers visited Kingsville last week. They got off to a great start thanks to an awesome line drive catch by Nathan Pilmer. Though Leamington was off to a comfortable lead, Kingsville began to fight back and give them a run for their money in the latter innings of the game.

The Lakers managed to stay on top to pull off a 30-25 victory thanks to some exciting hitting including triples hit by Austin Neufeld and Brandon Friesen. Also notable was some fantastic fielding by Troy Tiessen with his fly ball catches.

LSCU U13 Boys Win WADSL Kickoff Cup

Leamington S.C. United Under 13 Boys soccer team won the U13 Boys 2012 Windsor & District Soccer League Kickoff Cup championship held May 26-27 in LaSalle. Team members are, front row left to right: Sebastian Dam, Luca Coppola, Griffin Robinson, Cristian Santos, Jason Tannous, Evan Stenger, Kale Ambrose, Liam Jeffery, Zachary Ingratta, Hunter Tiborcz. Back row: Chad Jeffrey, Gary Klemens, Brayden Klemens, Michael Moavro, Jade Vanoorschot, D’Artagnan Perovic, Nicholas DiCarlo, Jorden Fehr, Rory DiNiro, Deangelo Policella, Frank Coppola.

Hole-in-One at Erie Shores

Matt Quiring hit a hole-in-one on #13 at Erie Shores Golf Course on Thursday, May 24. He hit a 5 wood from 210 yards. Mike Glass, Dave Glass and Ralph Will were his playing partners.

Cardinal Carter SWOSSAA

(Continued from front page) and keep up our pace.”

Dias, who allowed the lone Cyclone regulation goal in the first half following a communication lapse with teammates, was equally ecstatic.

“It feels good, especially since this is the first win I’ve ever had in penalty shots,” he noted.

Dias admitted he was nervous as the round of penalty kicks began, but it was a feeling he adjusted to long before the contest reached

overtime.

“I was nervous since the beginning of the game, after the shot from (the Cyclones’) number 5. But we persevered and saved it.”

The Cougars drew first blood after a group of attackers lured the Cyclones’ goaltender out of his net early in the first half. Carapau made no mistake, sending a ground-level shot into the mesh.

St. Christopher evened the score about 10 minutes later, despite the Cougars’

REC ROUND-UP REC ROUND-UP

ability to maintain control of the ball for most of the opening 40 minutes. Although the home team kept up the pace in the second half, the two squads remained deadlocked at one apiece — neither side could find the back of their opposition’s net through 20 minutes of overtime, leading to penalty kicks.

“Our guys controlled 80 per cent of that game,” said Cougars coach Chris Mazar. “We dominated them (the Cyclones). It was a good ending, especially after they got us last year.”

Saturday, June 9

Flyers Golf Tournament

Erie Shores Golf & Country Club Steak BBQ to follow.

Wednesday, June 13

Leamington District Chamber of Commerce 19th Annual Chamber Cup. 519-326-2721 or go to www.leamingtonchamber.com

Saturday, June 16

Leamington Mennonite Home 10th Annual Golf Tournament at Erie Shores.

Saturday, June 16

Leamington Area Ecumenical Refugee Committee Golf Tournament. Roby Dyck 519-326-6868 or Carolyn Reid 519-326-6776 or register at Erie Shores.

Saturday, June 16

Kids of Steel Triathlon & Adult Try-A-Tri & Do-A-Du 9 am - 12 noon Kinsmen Recreation Complex

Sunday, June 17 Tomatoman Triathlon Championships 7am - 12 noon Waterfront Promenade

Saturday, June 23 2012 Jim Reid Memorial Golf Tournament @ Erie Shores Golf Club 8 am - Shotgun start Contact Kevin at: reidfuneralhome.ca

Saturday, July 14

OVA Beach Volleyball Tour at Seacliff Park Beach www.velocityvollebyball.ca

LACE UP LEAMINGTON for the CBC Live Right Now campaign!

Leamington is inviting everyone to walk - the trails, parks and waterfront promenade. Each Tuesday and Friday early morning 6:30 am - 7:15am, come join Councilor Hilda MacDonald as she leads the walkers! Meet at the Complex parking lot (straight out from the main front doors.)

Registration for the Summer Session begins this week. The Complex offers Red Cross Swim Lessons for all levels as well as advanced aquatic leadership courses. Swim lessons in the summer are available: daily for a 2 week period or once a week throughout the summer; with morning, evening or weekend options. Check out the Complex Summer Activity Guide at www.leamington.ca/recreation.

There’s a P.A. Day Camp on Friday, June 8th. Kids love all the fun: swimming, skating, crafts & games galore plus development Velocity Volleyball and You’re the Chef program (for the older group.) Register the kids ages 4 - 7 & 8 - 12 in advance to ensure Day Camp availability.

FREE Swim - sponsored by the Leamington Rotary Club - on Friday, June 8th while the kids are off of school for a P.A. Day. Bring the kids for a refreshing fun swim 2 - 4 pm!

Safari swimming theme day Sun. June 10th from 1 - 3 pm. Lifeguards will lead a safari scavenger hunt and crocodile caper swim for the Kids! It’ll be a Jungle of Fun!

Leamington’s Triathlon Weekend is June 16 & 17. Saturday is the Kids of Steel and Adult Try-a-Tri or Do-a-Du at the Complex starting at 9am - 12 noon; and Sunday is the Leamington Tomatoman Ontario Championships at the Waterfront Promenade 7am - 12 noon. Come cheer on the competitors!

The Complex has 4 certified Personal Trainers and 2 Nutrition & Wellness Coaches on staff to help you reach new Goals.

We have something for every...body!

The Cougars earned their SWOSSAA title-game appearance by defeating the L’Essor Aigles (Eagles) the previous Wednesday while the Cyclones finished off the Wallaceburg Tartans. Despite the loss to the Cougars, St. Christopher’s still has a chance to defend its OFSAA championship if it defeats L’Essor in a challenge game.

Last year, the Cougars earned an OFSAA appearance, where they were eliminated in the quarter finals with an overtime loss. The Cyclones won the 2011 provincial title by blanking a Guelph team 1-0 in the final.

Cardinal Carter will begin this year’s OFSAA event with a 9 a.m. game today (June 6) against an opponent that had yet to be determined by press deadline. From there, Pool A roundrobin games will continue with a noon match the same day, followed by 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. contests June 7.

The top two teams from each pool of five will qualify for quarter finals, to be played at 6 p.m. June 7. Quarter final winners will take to their respective pitches at 9 a.m. on June 8, followed by the bronze medal game at 1 p.m. and the gold medal game at 3 p.m.

To keep track of the Cougars’ results, visit the website http://www.ofsaa.on.ca/ boys-aa-soccer/schedulesresults/results.

Eliso Ramso of the Reis Appliances team races Malik Baylis of the Jose’s Noodle Factory team for a loose ball during a Leamington Minor Soccer U10 house league game Wednesday, May 30.

The Reis Appliances and Jose’s Noodle factory teams do battle on the pitch during a Leamington Minor Soccer U10 house league regular season game Wednesday, May 30.

Sharks keep a busy summer schedule

again gone out to prove that you can never start preparing too early for the next season of junior hockey.

The Sharks hosted their annual golf tournament at The Talbot Trail Golf and Country Club Saturday June 2, with a beyond-capacity participation rate of 105 golfers. Although last-minute dropouts have been a regular occurrence since the Sharks started the tournament in their expansion year of 1995-96, meeting the goal of maximum registration numbers has virtually never been a problem for the local Great Lakes Junior ‘C’ team.

“If they all show up, we’ll be happy and it looks like they’re all here,” said Sharks owner Bruno Carnevale moments before the tournament’s noon shotgun start. “It’s usually not an easy thing to prepare for, but it actually was pretty easy this year.”

With dropouts, last year’s tournament — the only one in team history that was not held on the first Saturday of June — hauled in a sum of 92 golfers, mostly from Wheatley, Leamington and surrounding areas. As has been the case practically every year, this year’s event included a waiting list of would-be participants. For the 2012 tourney, only two signees were unable to attend, because of employment commitments.

Participating golfers included about a dozen players, coaching staff and executive members of the Sharks. Manager Kevin Fisher could not hit the links as he attended an Ontario Hockey Association meeting in Kitchener while head coach Ken Gallerno attended a wedding.

This year’s tournament also raised funds through hole sponsors at $100 each and major sponsors for $500 apiece An even 100 local businesses and organizations signed up as hole sponsors (for which Carnevale posted signs around the Talbot Trail course) while 17 groups offered commitments as major sponsors.

Funds raised through the tournament will be used to offset typical expenses such as insurance, travel, ice rental and equipment. This year’s tournament, again based on fivemember teams playing a Texas scramble format, offered cash prizes for longest drive, closest to the pin and a puttputt contest — the latter which participants could enter for a fee of $5. Each member of the best-ball event’s winning team earned a new golf bag with the Wheatley Sharks logo embroidered on the front.

Next on the summer schedule for the Sharks will be a team mini camp at Tecumseh Arena June 8-10 — 80 skaters and eight goaltenders are expected to register. The first onice event designated as preparation for the 2012-13 season will feature four teams of Shark hopefuls and a skills evaluation on June 9. The first mini camp to be held at Wheatley Area Arena will likely take place the second-last weekend of August, depending on when the facility’s ice can be installed.

The Sharks will probably have to approach the upcoming season as a rebuilding year, as Carnevale expects only nine players to return from the previous year’s roster — normally, the number of returnees is 12 to 14. While some of last year’s players have gone beyond the over-ager limit others are expected to advance to Junior ‘B’ or even the OHL. Riley Babkirk, a Leamington native, has been invited to attend the Sarnia Sting’s pre-season camp this year. As a forward, he finished the 2011-12 Great Lakes Junior ‘C’ season with 27 goals and 17 assists, including 10 power-player markers and two game-winners.

“That’s our job — to help our players move up to the next level,” said Carnevale.

The Sharks’ coaching staff, however, will remain the same as last year — Fisher will return as general manager, Gallerno as head coach, Brad Hyatt and Aaron Setterington

as assistant coaches and Rob Beleau as goaltender coach.

Other off-season matters that the Sharks and the other eight teams of the Great Lakes league have been presented with included the application of an Amherstburg group to become the organization’s 10 team. All four members of the South Division — the Sharks, Kingsville Comets, Belle River Canadiens and Essex 73’s — rejected the proposal. Unanimous approval is required for the OHA to approve of an expansion team.

“There just aren’t enough players in this area,” said Carnevale. “It would be spreading the talent pool too thin.”

While the upcoming season will feature the same nine-team format that the league has operated under since 1999-2000, 201314 may include a slightly different set-up. With the OHA’s Junior ‘D’ organization to be dissolved after the 2012-13 campaign, its current teams will be permitted to join existing Junior ‘C’ leagues. For the Great Lakes group, this may translate into the Mt. Brydges Bulldogs joining the North Division while a current North team — most likely the Blenheim Blades — would move to the South.

Larry McDonald, Mike Epplett, Paul Anthony and Henry Wall look on as teammate Pete Anthony putts during the Wheatley Sharks annual best ball golf tournament at Talbot Trail Golf and Country Club. After each of his four teammates missed the shot, McDonald sunk the putt to avoid an extra stroke for the team. (SUN Photo)

Wheatley Sharks owner and director of hockey operations Bruno Carnevale prepares to tee off

the annual Sharks golf tournament,

(SUN Photo)

By Bryan Jessop

The Wheatley Sharks have once

Barons top Tecumseh U18 8-3

slides into 2nd base in the Baron’s 8-3 win over the Tecumseh U18 team. (Shelly Quick photo)

Jose’s Southpoint Men’s Softball League

The Leamington Barons Senior Men’s baseball team continued their strong play last Wednesday when they knocked off the Tecumseh U18’s 8-3 in front of a large crowd in their first home game of the season. The Barons were trailing 1-0 going into the bottom of the third when they exploded for 4 runs off five consecutive hits from Ryan Sellon, Koddi Quick, Jeremy Tiborcz, Taylor Tiessen and Brian Moore with additional insurance runs coming in the fourth and fifth innings.

The Barons got strong offensive play from Quick (3-4), Tiborcz (2-3), Tiessen (2-3, 2RBI) and Steve Avelar (2-4). Sellon, Moore and Dave Neufeld each had one hit while Neufeld made a spectacular over the shoulder catch running down the first base line to start the game.

Greg Mastronardi was the winning pitcher going 5 innings with 3 hits and 6 strikeouts. Brian Moore pitched the final two innings allowing two hits and getting one strikeout. Elder brother Koddi won the battle of Leamington’s Quick brothers as younger brother Keifer plays first base and pitches for the Tecumseh U18 team.

The Barons remain undefeated with a record of 4-0. Their next game is tonight (Wednesday, June 6th) at 7 p.m. on diamond 7 of the Kinsmen ball diamonds when they host the Amherstburg Juniors.

Johnston Electric shocked by Bashers in double loss

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Jose’s Southpoint Men’s Softball League’s game of the week featured the home team Don Johnston Electric (DJE) and the perennial power house Bashers. Game #1 was close until the 5th inning when the Bashers unleashed their offense with a rally inning. Despite the strong inning by the Bashers, DJE were able to keep their strong offense under control for most of the game with some pretty decent defense through the game.

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The strong defensive play by DJE included a strikeout by the pitcher Nick “Halliday” Chorba as he snuck a change-up that induced the Bashers ‘Big’ Benny to pull a third strike foul. Don Johnston Electric was even able to turn a double play from first to home late in the game hoping to carry the momentum into a big inning in the bottom of the 6th. All would be for naught as Don Johnston Electric was unable to tie both facets of the game together and scored only 2 runs, making the final after seven innings 7 to 2 for the Bashers.

Jose’s Southpoint Men’s Softball

Jose’s Southpoint Men’s Softball League Week 5

JSMSL’s game of the week featured the home team Don Johnston Electric (DJE) and the perennial power house Bashers.   Game #1 was close until the 5th inning when the Bashers unleashed their offense with a rally inning.  Despite the strong  inning by the Bashers, DJE were able to keep their strong offense under control for most of the game with some pretty  decent defense through the game.  The strong defensive play by DJE included at big Strikeout by the pitcher Nick  “Halliday” Chorba as he snuck a changeup that induced the Bashers ‘Big’ Benny to pull a third strike foul.  Don Johnston  Electric was even able to turn a double play from first to home late in the game hoping to carry the momentum into a  big inning in the bottom of the 6th.  All would be for not as Don Johnston Electric were unable to tie both facets of the  game together and scored only 2 runs making the final after seven innings 7 to 2 for the Bashers.  In game #2 the  Bashers got to DJE pitcher Terry Symons early and often.  One of the few turning points in the game occurred as a long  fly ball approached the Left Centre Fielder Al Grundner, he raced to make the catch, dove and decided to try and catch it  with his face rather than his glove.  He was pulled from the field to regain his composure (and hide from his shame) as  this allowed a few more Bashers runs to score.  Again despite a strong defensive performance by DJE they were only  able to score 1 run and lost the game in five innings of play as the Bashers mercied them 11 to 1.   Other highlights from  the game featured a foul ball strike out by Caleb Beaupre and a backwards ‘K’ by Teddy Bradley.

In game #2 the Bashers got to DJE pitcher Terry Symons early and often. One of the few turning points in the game occurred as a long fly ball approached the left centre fielder Al Grundner, who raced to make the catch, dove and decided to try and catch it with his face rather than his glove. He was pulled from the field to

Around the league; Saw Monkeys cleaned up the Dirty Farmers 11‐1 and 9‐4; Grinders shut out the Buds 15‐0 in game  one and Grinders squeaked out a close one in game two 8‐7; the Car Barn lost both to the Pirates; Desert Storm won  both against Colt 45s 9‐6 and 17‐7; and the Dawgz gave Guardian Pharmacy a dose of their own medicine by winning  both 14‐4 and 12‐6.

Jose’s Southpoint Men’s Softball

regain his composure (and hide from his shame) as this allowed a few more Bashers runs to score.

Stay tuned next week as Don Johnston Electric tries to  put both parts of their game together against the rival Buds

always a good time when you’re with Those Guys!

A league reminder that games in June begin at 6:30pm.

“STIHL Wheels” is now on tour and coming your way! Theyʼll be showing up with an impressive display of powerful, lightweight and versatile STIHL products designed to meet your every need. You will see a wide range of outdoor power equipment including chainsaws, trimmers, brushcutters, blowers, pruners and hedgetrimmers. Plus, you will have the opportunity to meet with STIHL factory representatives, take part in free product demonstrations and find out more about the latest promotions from STIHL. So, mark this event on your calendar. It will be pure excitement-guaranteed!

Again, despite a strong defensive performance by DJE they were only able to score 1 run and lost the game in five innings of play as the Bashers mercied them 11 to 1. Other highlights from the game featured a foul ball strike out by Caleb Beaupre and a backwards ‘K’ by Teddy Bradley.

JSMSL’s game of the week featured the home team  Game #1 was close until the 5th inning when the Bashers unleashed their offense with  inning by the Bashers, DJE were able to keep their strong offense under control  decent defense through the game.  The strong defensive play by DJE included at big Strikeout by the pitcher Nick  “Halliday” Chorba as he snuck a changeup that induced the Bashers ‘Big’ Benny to pull a third strike foul.  Don Johnston  Electric was even able to turn a double play from first  big inning in the bottom of the 6th.  All would be for not as  game together and scored only 2 runs making the final after seven innings 7 to 2 for the Bashers.   Bashers got to DJE pitcher Terry Symons early and often.   fly ball approached the Left Centre Fielder Al Grundner, he raced to make the catch, dove and  with his face rather than his glove.  He was pulled from the field to regai this allowed a few more Bashers runs to score.  Again de able to score 1 run and lost the game in five innings of play as the Bashers mercied them 11 to 1. the game featured a foul ball strike out by Caleb Beaupre and a backwards  Around the league; Saw Monkeys cleaned up the Dirty Farmers 11 one and Grinders squeaked out a close one in game two 8 both against Colt 45s 9‐6 and 17‐7; and the Dawgz gave Guardian Pharmacy a dose of their own medicine by winning  both 14‐4 and 12‐6. Stay tuned next week as Don Johnston Electric tries to  always a good time when you’re with Those Guys! A league reminder that games in June begin at 6:30pm.

Around the league: Saw Monkeys cleaned up the Dirty Farmers 11-1 and 9-4; Grinders shut out the Buds 15-0 in game one and Grinders squeaked out a close one in game two 8-7; the Car Barn lost both to the Pirates; Desert Storm won both against Colt 45s 9-6 and 17-7; and the Dawgz gave Guardian Pharmacy a dose of their own medicine by winning both 14-4 and 12-6.

A league reminder that games in June begin at 6:30 p.m.

Leamington catcher Ryan Sellon

Saturday for the Leam-

gave up two hits and struck out

Riverside Minors upset

Leamington 12-11

A 23-minute rain delay proved disastrous for the Leamington Mosquito Lakers as they dropped a 12 to 11 decision to the Riverside Minor Rangers on Saturday evening.

Leading 11 to 3 before the fourth-inning downpour interrupted the game, the Lakers gave up 7 runs in the final inning to hand Riverside the walk-off win.

Hayden Pilmer and Eric Willan led the Lakers with three hits and three rbi’s each. They both had a pair of doubles. Billy Friesen had two hits, Russell Derbyshire (double), Eric Dominguez and Kyle Fehr had single tallies.

“Walks, a couple bad bounces, some fielding errors and some mental errors proved costly,” said coach Dan Dominguez. “We just never bounced back from the delay. It was like two separate ball games.”

Friesen started on the mound and pitched a dominant three and a third innings, giving up only 2 hits and striking out 6. Willan, Derbyshire and Jonathan Fehr all came on in relief with Derbyshire recording the loss. AP Eric Tavares joined the Lakers for the game in Riverside and scored twice.

The team, sponsored by Domino’s Pizza, play their next home games on Thursday, June 7 against Essex and Tuesday, June 12 against Kingsville. Both games are at the Kinsmen Baseball Complex, first pitch is at 6:15 p.m.

Competition heating up at ladies ball hockey

By Emma Hannigan

The Journal ball hockey team t-shirts state: “The Wheatley Journal: Read all over”. On Monday, June 28, all of the teams were red all over. Both games were intense and each and every lady gave all they could to their team.

The first game was played between The Journal and Johnston Electric. Both goaltenders - Cindy Harris and Teresa McDonald - faced many shots, but they stood on their heads and earned shutouts. Great offensive and defensive play was displayed all around.

The second game was played between The Car Barn and An-

thony-Keats Marine. The first goal of the game was by Margot Gillespie (Mrs. Gillespie - as you can see, Margot is playing ball hockey. Her name is officially in the paper). The beautiful pass to Gillespie was from Sue Weaver. Gillespie scored her second goal in the second half from a pass from Elsie Leile and Angele Stammler. The Car Barn’s third and final goal of the game was scored by Leili, assisted by Nancy Policella and Gillespie. Congratulations to Car Barn goaltender Kristi Kennedy for her shutout as she stopped the numerous attacks from Anthony-Keats Marine.

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Billy Friesen started on the mound

ington Mosquito Lakers. He

six in just over three innings. (Photo by Claudia Burgess)

SC United U11 Boys made it as far as the finals in their first tournament. Team members are, front row left to right. Ethan Jeffery,

combe, Jordan Hassen, Matthew Klassen Nicholas Klassen, Erich Schnekenburger, Matt Schnekenburger.

LSCU teams show well at 2012 Kickoff Cup

Leamington SC United Soccer Club, representing Leamington, Kingsville, Wheatley and Essex County, participated in the 2012 Kickoff Cup held by Windsor and District Soccer League at the LaSalle Vollmer Complex last weekend.

Once again, LSCU showed up to win. The U11 boys got as far as the Finals in their first tournament as a team. The boys played well all weekend long with strong results along the way: Game 1 vs Future Pro Wolves 3-1 – scorers Cameron Symons (2), Ben Zylstra. Game 2 vs Tecumseh Warriors: 2-1 – Brayden Zuidema, Jordan Avelar. Game 3 vs Future Pro Wolves: 1-0 – Ben Zylstra. Shutout – Quinn Rodrigues.

Semi Finals vs Ciociaro 3-0 – Jordan Avelar, Max Rodriguez, Nicholas Klassen. Shutout Quinn Rodrigues Finals vs Tecumseh Warriors 0-3.

The U12 Boys also had a very good showing and made it as far as the Semi-Finals, defeating Future Pro Wolves 3-1 and 1-0, and the Tecumseh Warriors 2-1.

The U13 Boys won the WADSL Kickoff Cup Championship for the third year in a row. This year the U13 Boys will be competing in the Ontario Cup, going up against teams from all over the province to see who will be crowned champions. The competition starts June 16 in London.

The U14 Boys and U12 Girls also participated in the Kickoff Cup with some hard fought games and came out of it with some good experience and ready to start off the regular season.

Erie Shores Thursday night league sees record number of golfers

In spite of cool, blustery conditions, a record number of 101 golfers came out last week to Erie Shores Golf & Country Club to play in the Thursday Night League. Team Nelson picked up a perfect 12 points to finish the week on top and one ahead of Team Hogan who came in second with 11 points.

Team Watson and Team Jones both had a total of 10 points to finish tied for third place, one point in front of Team Player and another one ahead of Team Ballesteros who had 7 points.

The remaining six teams of Trevino, Nicklaus, Vardon, Snead, Palmer and Sarazen all finished with 6 or less points.

Although it’s still early in the season, in the overall standings, Team Watson appears to be shaping up as the team to win it all. In just three weeks, their 35-point total already has them 7 points ahead of Team Player who are in second place with 28.

Team Hogan is alone in third place with 26 points, while Team Nelson is next with 25.

In the individual events, closest to the pin winners included George Kir on the 3rd hole and Norm Beattie who was just a few feet away on the 5th hole. Longest drive honours went to Brendan Cornies, while David Glass sunk a 55-footer down hill on the 9th hole to win longest putt honours.

The lowest gross score of the day, a sizzling 4 under par 31, was shot by Brendan Cornies, while Greg Zimney and Brian Humphreys were just a stroke back with their rounds of 3 under par 32.

Skins winners included Geoff Dunmore, Kevin Babkirk, Larry Lucier, Matt Dick, Donny Pacheco, George Kir and Vic Penner.

This week’s team in the spotlight is Team Hogan, featuring Scott Wilkinson, Greg Dunmore, Charles LeBlanc, Gary McRae, Pierre Brisson, Trevor Theriault, Larry Stull, Jack Martin, George Bergen and Dennis Will.

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T.O.P.S. - Take Off Pounds Sensibly. Weigh in from 6 pm - 6:45 pm, meeting from 6:45 pm - 7:30 pm every Monday at Wheatley United Church. Call Cheryl at 519825-9194 or Ellen at 519326-0730 or visit website: www.TOPS.org. Everyone welcome. 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

QUALITY GUITAR REPAIR by Reese. Will service all stringed instruments. Over ten years experience, custom work available as well. Next day pickup upon request. Cell: 226-344-1142 Home: 519-825-4707. ma30-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

GARAGE SALE - June 9 & 10. 610 Essex Rd 37, Wheatley, 8am-3pm. Lots of children's clothes, toys, dbl jogger stroller, household items. jun6

GARAGE SALE - Fri. June 8, 9-6 & Sat. June 9, 9-5. Childrenʼs and adults clothing, household items, hockey skates and equipment, contractor tools, bedding and lots more. 16A Nicholas St. (off of Oak St. W.) Leamington. jun6

• Must have an interest in Home Decor and Collectables.

• Must be able to make bows OR willing to learn.

• Must have some basic knowledge about Dept 56 Collectables and/or Bradford Exchange.

• Job involves pricing product, cleaning and displaying.

• Part-time position or Full-time position available.

• Must be available to work weekdays, weekends and selected holidays.

• Shift times vary between 8am-6:30pm CONTACT hardgoods@colasanti.com Luann 519-326-3287 ext. 15

THREE POSITIONS FOR THE GOLF COURSE& RIDE DEPARTMENT

Now Hiring Senior Cashier for the Mini Golf & Ride Department, Cashier for Mini Golf & Ride Department and Ride Operator Student Position.

Visit our website www.colasanti.com for Job Descriptions.

CONTACT tourism@colasanti.com Adriana 519-326-3287 ext. 39

Fax:

Email: grossi@grossiplumbing.ca