For the second time in just over a month, two people have been found dead in their homes in quiet neighbourhoods in Leamington. Mohssen Tannous, 71, and Hinda Tannous, 64, were found at their home at 18 Worchester Avenue early Sunday morning, March 7. Leamington Police released the names of the deceased on Tuesday, March 9. The Leamington Police Service and the Ontario Provincial Police Criminal Investigation Branch under the direction of A/Detective Inspector Paul McCrickard are currently investigating the deaths.
In a brief statement released Tuesday afternoon, Police stated “there is no concern for public safety at this time.”
It was reported that the man’s body was discovered in the driveway in a pool of blood by a passerby. Police got the call around 7:30 a.m. and were on the scene with an ambulance. Upon arrival, the second body was found inside the house. A neighbour walking her dog early Sunday afternoon, not wanting to be named, described the couple as, “nice, just a quiet older couple.”
Just over one month ago, on February 3, an eerily familiar scene was found at 62 Bennie Avenue when Miguel Sousa, 39, was also found dead in his driveway surrounded by blood and his wife, Lorena Sousa, 36, was found dead in the basement of the house.
These two deaths make four homicides for Leamington in 2010.
Transportation Museum hits bump in financial road
By Sheila McBrayne
If you attended elementary school in Essex County, you’ve probably been on a field trip to the Canadian Transportation Museum & Heritage Village, but did you know that this gem in our own backyard is facing financial difficulties?
The Museum and Village have been a part of Essex County’s landscape since 1974, growing and expanding from a one-building museum on a 46-acre parcel to Canada’s official Transportation Museum including 25 historically significant buildings on 100 acres of land. Where else can you find the Olinda General Store from 1840; a 1930’s barber shop; the 1854 Tecumseh Train Station; a 1920s Supertest gas station; the EMS museum; and the ancestrial home of Jack Miner?
“We’re so fortunate to have all this here in Essex County, but we are not financed by any of the local municipalities. We are a registered non-profit charity,” explained Mikey Moulder, Vice Chair of the Museum Board. The Museum and Village have a yearly operating expense budget of about $400,000 and have annual revenues of $350,000. Do the math. “We can’t keep operating at a loss. It’s only about $50,000 a year, which isn’t a lot if it was divided up,” said Moulder.
The Museum receives $29,000 per year from the provincial government and $10,000 federally to subsidize summer student wages. The Museum also does not pay property taxes. “Everything else, we raise ourselves. We have car shows, antique shows and we rent out our hall
for receptions and special events,” said Moulder. “There’s no money in museums; it’s all our side businesses that allow us to operate the museum and heritage village,” said Moulder.
“We rely so heavily on our volunteers and they are so crucial to our success. From teens to retired seniors, everyone helps out, but volunteers are getting to be fewer and fewer,” said Moulder. “I can’t help but think where we might be, or not be, in 10 years with no funding and fewer volunteers… It’s the old adage of you don’t know what you have, until it’s gone,” said Moulder.
The Heritage Village aspect of the Museum has long been a destination for school children. “Children spend time in a one-room school house and experience what school was like in 1907… I have my willow switch (I don’t really use it). It’s quite authentic – backs straight, feet flat on the floor and lefties have to sit on their left hand and write with their right hand,” explained MaryAnn Perry, Education Co-ordinator. “I wear period dress and encourage the kids to dress in costumes as well… This is a chance for them to experience what they learn in school,” she said. The Grade 3 curiculum includes Pioneer Days. “Instead of reading about how the Pioneers made so many things, we actually make hand-dipped candles and homemade butter. You can tell them, but this is living it,” said Perry.
“There’s no where like it… We’re a miniature Henry Ford Museum right here in Essex County. If we didn’t exist, where would our automotive footprint be? There is a ton of history here, where can you find this? What we do is (Continued on Page 3)
Mikey Moulder, Vice Chair of the Canadian Transportation Museum and Heritage Village, looks back fondly on the 36 years that the museum has brought to life the centuries of Essex County history. The Museum promises to put its best foot forward as it
(Sun Photo)
Listen Saturdays at 6pm and Sundays at 1pm to the Mix 96.7 Hit List. Email hitlist@mix967.ca to vote for the song you think should be #1!
This WeekLast Week ArtistSong Title 19LadyAntebellumNeed You Now 21Train Hey Soul Sister 32LifehouseHalfway Gone 43John MayerHeartbreak Warfare 54Kris AllenLive Like You Were Dying 65DaughtryLife After You 76OrianthiAccording To You 810Michael BubleHaven’t Met You Yet 912Lady GagaBad Romance 1013The ScriptBreakeven 1111KeshaTik Tok 128Rob ThomasSomeday 137ShinedownIf You Only Knew 1416Barenaked LadiesYou Run Away 1517LaurellCan’t Stop Falling 1619One RepublicAll the Right Moves 1715NickelbackNever Gonna Be Alone 1822K NaanWaving Flag 1918Kelly ClarksonAlready Gone 2014OwlCityFireflies
Listen for a chance to see and meet Michael Buble when he comes to the Palace of Auburn Hills, Thursday, March 25th!
Listen Sunday at Noon & 8 pm for this week’s hottest songs in Country Music!
This Week Last Week Artist Song Title 12Josh TurnerWhy Don’t We Just Dance 22Billy Currington That’s
Parents, police and teens come together for Drug Education Night
Educate, Empower, Eliminate
On Monday evening, March 1, the Leamington Police along with Leamington District Secondary School, Cardinal Carter Secondary School, Kingsville District Secondary School and the Public Health Unit hosted a Drug Education Night for parents and their kids.
Guest speaker for the evening was Paul Christie. Paul is a recovering addict who now speaks to parents and kids about substance abuse and decision making. Christie, a recovering addict and alcoholic, changed his life more than a decade ago. Since 2004 he’s shared his story and his “Be Real” program with parents and students.
Christie has been a guest speaker at more than 400 schools and ranked Leamington’s turnout at the Portuguese Club as one of the largest. “I can tell you that the kids who are here tonight with their parents have a 99 percent success rate of not developing a drug addiction,” said Christie. “Leamington is top of the charts for parents coming out to support.”
When dealing with teens and drugs, Christie told parents that tough love is the way to go. “My poor parents. They lost everything – their house, their marriage – everything because of me,” he said. “My dad tried the tough love, but my mom would always give me money and caved in.”
“I believe in tough love… I have a teenaged son and I’m not going to contribute to my son’s drugs or death,” said Christie.
Sherry Scott and her daughter Christine Renaud also made a very hard-hitting presentation of how drugs can change the lives of an entire family, not just the user. Sherry’s son and Christine’s brother, Brian Scott, was murdered in Leamington in 2006. It was learned through investigation that drugs played a key part in his death. Sherry and Christine have recently started speaking about losing a son and brother, and, are hoping their message will prevent other people from getting involved in drugs. “No parent should ever outlive their child,” stated Scott.
Over the past couple of years we have heard and read more and more about drugs and other illegal substances in our communities. Drugs are found in every community. Over the past two years, the Leamington Police have recognized this concern and stepped up enforcement of drug related occurrences and offences. Many petty crimes, such as vehicles being broken into and shoplifting, are drug related.
Police efforts culminated in October 2009 with ‘Project Alford’, an 18-month joint Leamington Police and Ontario Provincial Police operation that saw 68 people being charged with 266 Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and Criminal Code charges, along with cash and assets being seized.
“In order to rid our communities of drugs we need not only strong enforcement but just as equally strong education, not only from our schools and the police, but at home,” stated Leamington Police Constable Kevin O’Neil.
In 2008 a committee comprised of the Leamington Police, Leamington District Secondary School, Cardinal Carter Secondary School and the Public Health Nurse was created, which was called Educate, Empower and Eliminate. Empower, Educate and Eliminate drug information days for students were held March 1 and 2 at the three secondary schools.
Leamington Police Service Constable Kevin O’Neil
Guest speaker Paul Christie
Christine Renaud talks about her brother’s death while her mother Sherry Scott looks on. A photo of her slain son sits in the background.
(Sun Photos)
Transportation Museum hits bump in financial road
(Continued from Front Page) try to preserve the past to enhance our future,” said Moulder. “We have saved many buildings and historic structures from demolition,” he added.
The 50’s Diner is one of those side businesses that takes you back in time to the nostalgic 50’s era. The diner menu includes the classic cheeseburger and soda floats. Listen to 50’s music from a vintage jutebox in the vintage diner. Another revenue generator is the Gift Shop with all kinds of knickknacks and souvenirs.
Every year the Museum and Heritage Village have a major fundraiser, which is the draw for a vintage car. This year’s draw is for a 1966 Pontiac Parisienne Convertible. Tickets are $10 each or 3 for $20. Proceeds go towards the Children’s Education Program. Tickets are on sale throughout 2010.
MaryAnn Perry, Education Co-ordinator
Another big event held at the Transportation Museum is the Military Muster planned for August 14 and 15. This event has more than 100 vehicles from World War 1 and II and includes a flyover. For more information about this event check out www.militarymuster.org.
The Museum also hosts about 10 car shows throughout the year and has weekly driveins on Thursday nights.
If you haven’t been to the Canadian Transportation Mueum and Heritage Village since you were a kid, it’s time to go back and take your kids. The Museum is open WednesdaySunday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed Monday and Tuesday from Nov. - April). For less than the price of a movie ticket, you can take your kids back in time and share part of Essex County’s history.
To show your support for the Museum there is an all-you-can-eat pasta dinner with entertainment by Gord Ciliska from 6 p.m. on and remember, they are licenced. Tickets are only $10 for adults and $6 for kids 12 and under, under 4 is free! The Museum is located at 6155 Arner Townline. For more information go to www.ctmhv.com.
CAs holding free tax clinics
Volunteer Chartered Accountants are holding a series of Free CA Tax Clinics for residents with low incomes in Windsor and Essex County during March. As part of their commitment to the community, the Chartered Accountants’ clinics will help people by doing their taxes free of charge.
To qualify for this free tax return assistance, total household income must be less than $25,000 with dependents or less than $17,000 without dependents. Appointments are necessary.
Free CA Tax Clinics are a tradition for Chartered Accountants that date back to 1969. Today, they’re held across Ontario from mid-February until the end of March. Last year, hundreds of volunteer Chartered Accountants and their associates helped low-income people receive much-needed tax credits and refunds by preparing over 11,500 income tax returns. These Free CA Tax Clinics operate in co-operation with a variety of agencies – including food banks, charities, hospitals, senior centres and homes, community centres, social service agencies and libraries. The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ontario offers additional support to these agencies by providing them with an honorarium based on the number of tax returns prepared. This helps the agencies carry out their valuable work.
A free tax clinic is being offered in Leamington at the South Essex Community Council, 215 Talbot Street East, on March 11, 17, 24 and 31 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., and March 12, 19 and 26 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. Appointments are necessary. Call 519-326-8629.
THE BRA CLINIC
Leamington rocked by second double homicide
Leamington Police Service continues to investigate the second double homicide within a month after two bodies were found Sunday morning, March 7 at 18 Worchester Street. A 71-year-old male and a 64-year-old female were found dead at the house. Details and names have not been released by police at press time.
WHAT TYPEOF WOMAN ARE YOU?
Cool, Warm or Universal attend your "Free Colorfit Makeover" Find the best colors to harmonize with your skin, hair & eyes
Handy compact for home or travel, every kit includes: 3 eyeshadows, 1 eyeliner pencil, l lipstick, l lip liner pencil, 1 blush with brush & eyeshadow applicator 1/2 hour appointment required
Wednesday, March 24 11:00 am - 7:00 pm
(Sun Photos)
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10:
Listen to Country 92.7 CJSP for more events happening in Leamington and Essex County during the Community Calendar 6 times daily or visit www.country927.com for a complete listing
South Essex Community Council presents Chilifest 2010, 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at the Leamington Portuguese Club, 217 Talbot St. W. Over 2 dozen chilis donated by local restaurants and clubs. Fresh veggies, dinner rolls, drinks, dessert and more. Take-out available by advance order (call 519-326-8629). Tickets are $7 in advance, $8 at the door. Tickets available at Century 21, United Communities Credit Union and SECC Offices, call 519-326-8629 for more information. Proceeds to benefit the SECC Erie Shore Community Transit New Bus Fund.
ACultural Event Fundraiser for Haiti - an event at the Teutonia Club of Windsor featuring food and entertainment from different cultures (Caribbean, German, Polish, Romanian, Slovak, and South Asian). From 11am to 8pm. Ethnic performances by choirs and bands and a silent auction. Proceeds to help rebuild the Le Foyer des Filles Chretiennes Orphanage for girls in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Tickets are $10. For more info, call 519-255-6315.
The Canadian Mental Health Association is proud to present "Timeless Transitions" - The Healing through Art Exhibition, at the Arts Centre in Uptown Leamington, 72 Talbot St. W. The Arts Centre is open Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. and Saturday from 12:00 pm-4:00 pm Exhibition continues until March 24.
THURSDAY, MARCH 11:
Mayor’s Breakfast, from 8:00am –9:30am at Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens, Ruthven. Leamington Mayor Adams & Kingsville Mayor Santos will be discussing the 2010 economic forecast. Cost is $20.00. Call the Leamington & District Chamber of Commerce reserve your spot at 519-326-2721, or Fax: 519-326-3204.
The Learning Disabilities Association of WindsorEssex County is hosting an event with guest speaker, Dr. Atilla Turgay, entitled "ADHD Facts & Myths: Focusing the Energy." To be held at the Caboto Club, Parent Ave. and Tecumseh Rd., Windsor, from 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. This event is open to the public and is FREE to attend. Seating is limited. To reserve your seat, register online at www.adhd-canada.ca or call the Learning Disabilities Association at 519-252-7889 today! For more details, visit www.ldawe.ca.
Alpha Course Dinner, Video and Discussion, exploring the meaning of Christian Faith. 6:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m. at Meadow Brook Fellowship, 219 Talbot St. E., Leamington. Register by calling Church office at 519326-3605.
The Wearin' O' The Green Luncheon at Leamington United Church, 9 John St., 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Featuring beef stew, crusty bread, cabbage salad, variety of pies, tea and coffee. $7, takeout available, call by 12:00, 519-326-9461.
FRIDAY, MARCH 12:
Brooke NIcholls, a Chatham native, is a smalltown girl with a big city sound and will be performing on stage at the Chatham Cultural Centre. TIckets are $25 per person and can be purchased at www.cktickets. Check out Brooke’s website at www.brookenichollsmusic.com. Listen to her new single “If wishing were forever” featuring Jhevon Paris, now available on itunes.
Southern Trinity Parish invites you to Lenten Lunch at St. Andrews, 210 King St. E., Harrow from 11:00 a.m.1:30 p.m. Eat in or take out. Love offerings accepted. For more information, call 519-738-4362.
Come celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with an old fashioned, Wearin’o’the Green Irish Ceili, at St. Simon & St. Jude Parish Hall, 267 Meunier Street (behind the church) in Belle River. Irish Buffet Dinner and Live Entertainment for the whole family. Celtic Harp by Anita Leschied and Friends and Celtic Song by Linda Bellaire with Celtic Dancing, Music and Storytelling. Children (Ages 6–10) $10. – Children (Ages 11-17) $15 – Adults $35. For ticket information, call Linda at (519) 728-0157. Proceeds to aid the St. Simon & St. Jude Building Restoration
Fund.
Chili lunch at Knox Presbyterian Church, 58 Erie Street South, Leamington from 11am to 2pm. Dessert and beverage included. Cost is $6 for adults, $3 for children. Take out available. For more info call 519-326-1761.
SATURDAY, MARCH 13:
Fish Banquet at the Roma Club, Seacliff Drive, Leamington. Cocktails at 5:00 p.m. and dinner at 6:00 p.m. Music by Sixth Avenue. Tickets are $55, available at the Roma Club office.
The Essex-Kent Junior Farmers would like to welcome the entire community, young and young at heart, out for a free skate at the Kingsville Arena, Jasperson Lane, Kingsville from 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. Everyone in the community is invited as the Junior Farmer’s way of saying “thank-you” for your support. This event is absolutely free, however if you so choose, canned goods will be collected to be donated to the Essex Food Bank. March Break Scavenger Hunt at Windsor's Community Museum, 254 Pitt Street West, Windsor. 10:00 a.m.5:00 p.m. Explore the exhibits "Why's That in a Museum in Canada?" and "Canada, ANation in Change" for clues, discover the activities in the Hands-on History Room and design your own currency. For more information, call 519-253-1812.
All You Can Eat Pasta Dinner Fundraiser, noon until 8:00pm. at Canadian Transportation Museum and Heritage Village, 6155 Arner Townline, Kingsville. Music starting at 6:00 p.m. by Gord Ciliska. Licensed bar is available. Cost is $10 for adults; $6 for children, 4 and under free, beverages not included in price. For more information, call 519-776-6909. Afundraiser for the Canadian Transportation Museum and Heritage Village.
SUNDAY, MARCH 14:
The University of Windsor School of Music invites you to a very special Spring Concert by the University Singers and Chamber Choir at 3:00 pm in Assumption University Chapel, 400 Huron Church Rd., Windsor. Programme features Requiem by Gabriel Fauré, Vincent Persichetti’s Celebrations performed by the University Singers conducted by Jeffrey Walker and a selection of works performed by Prof. Richard Householder’s “secret” Chamber Choir ranging from spirituals to R. Murray Shafer’s Epitaph for Moonlight. Tickets are $10 for Adults/Seniors and $5 for students (with ID). Order by phone at 519-253-3000 ext. 4212; or purchase online at www.uwindsor.ca/music. Tickets will also be available for purchase at the door 45 minutes prior to the performance.
SATURDAY, MARCH 20:
The Essex-Kent Bluegrass, Oldtime & Folk Music Association 2010 Concert Series presents Loraine Jordan & Carolina Road, opening band is Prairie Siding, 50/50 Charity Draw, at Belle River K of C, Emeryville, ON, 1303 County Road 22. Doors open at 6:30 pm, concert starts at 7:30 pm. $18 in advance, $22 at the door. Call 519-776-8716. Transit Bus available to Lakeshore Seniors (55+). Call 519-728-1435.
SATURDAY& SUNDAY, MARCH 20, 21:
45th Annual IODEAntique & Nostalgia Show & Sale, Sat.,March 20/10,10 am - 5 pm. Sun., March 21/10, 11 am - 4 pm, Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex. Admission $5. Leading Canadian Dealers. Lunches available - Tea Room &Goodies. Handicapped accessible. Sponsored by Rt. Hon. Sir Winston Churchill Chapter IODE.
MONDAY, MARCH 22:
5:00 - 6:00 pm, Leamington United Church,9 John St., welcomes all who are alone or having trouble making ends meet to their monthly Leamington Food and Fellowship Supper. No Charge.
SATURDAY, MARCH 27:
Leamington-Mersea Historical Society. Bring your lunch and join us for our monthly meeting at the museum, 121 Essex Rd 14, Albuna.
Council Shorts
from March 1 meeting
By Bill Chaplin, Municipal Correspondent
Want a memento of the 2010 Olympics? The Leamington Council may have just what you want. The municipality has been given permission to dispose of the banners that were installed on hydro poles throughout the town for the Olympic torch relay. They are proposing to sell them off for $22 each on a first-come-first-served basis. If you are interested in having one of these banners as a keepsake, you can put your name in for one by contacting Brenda Fischer at the Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex. Just phone her at 322-2337.
ERCA budget poses increase to Leamington
Toward the end of Monday’s council meeting, Councillor Rick Atkin reported to Council on ERCA’s proposed budget. It currently stands at $13.9 million, of which $2.5 million would be locally funded. This represents a levy increase of about $108,000, or about 4.7%. The Conservation Authority Board has asked administration to go back and try to trim this increase back closer to 3%. He also pointed out that, because of re-assessment and changes in the tax base of the municipality, the current budget would see Leamington’s portion of the levy rise from its 2009 level of $128,000 to $145,900, a 17% increase.
No more gold watches...
Council has agreed to a change in its policy recognizing long-term employees. Recipients of the 25 year service award have been honoured by Council at the annual Recognition Awards Banquet with a wrist watch and a gift certificate for dinner at a Leamington restaurant. Now it will be possible for the token of thanks for long service to be something other than a quartz watch. For years Leamington has tied the monetary value of its long-service recognition to what Heinz offers its employees. In fact, the original wording of the policy identified the gift as a “Bulova” quartz watch so as to be identical to what was given to Heinz workers.
New policy for good and services to persons with disabilities
Leamington Council has adopted a new policy with regard to providing goods and services to persons with disabilities. This is in response to the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act 2005 whose Accessibility Standards for Customer Service came into effect January 1, 2010. As part of the new standards, all municipal employees will receive 11/2 to 2 hours of instruction in compliance with the law. This includes all members of municipal Council. The goal of the law and the new policy is to ensure there is nothing in the way they provide customer service that constitutes a barrier to anyone with a disability.
ERCA seeking submissions for Earth Day 2010 writing contest
The Essex Region Conservation Authority and Earth Day Canada are inviting kids to think about how one person can make a difference. How one person can start a movement. How one person can be a catalyst for change. How a clean, green, natural environment can be a fun and healthy place to live. What will you and your friends do to save our environment? Take ERCA on your environmental journey and send them your contest submission, either as a picture, an essay, a poem or a video. If you go to school in Essex County, you are eligible to enter. Be sure to include your name, address, phone number, email address, parents’ name, your grade, and the name of your school with your submission. Submissions should not be copyright; by making your submission you are granting ERCA the right to use it on its website or as a part of other ERCA publicity. For other guidelines, please visit the website at www.erca.org
Entries will be divided into five categories ranging from Kindergarten to Grade 12. The deadline for submission is April 9, 2010. The winning entry from each category will receive a cool prize package and be honoured for their achievement at Earth Day Tree Planting Celebrations at Malden Park in Windsor on April 25. Earth Day Tree Planting Celebrations will take place from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 25 at the Matchette Road Entrance to Malden Park. From the EC Row Expressway, exit on Matchette and head north. Malden Park is located right across the road from Mic Mac Park.
Leamington churches come together for World Day of Prayer
Eighteen churches from Leamington area came together on Friday, March 5 at 2 p.m. for the World Day of Prayer service held at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church on Sherk Street.
This year’s theme was “Let everything that has breath praise God” and is written by the women from Cameroon.
The Republic of Cameroon consists of more than 240 local languages from its 240 ethnic groups. With a total surface area of more than 475,000 square feet, it is comparable in size to Papua New Guinea or the State of California in the United States.
It is bordered by Nigeria in the west, by Lake Chad in the north and Chad in the northeast, by the Central African Republic in the east, and by Congo Brazzaville, Gabon and Equatorial Guinea in the south.
During prayers with the women of Cameroon, participants learned about the country’s intricate cultures and social challenges including concerns about the exploitation of children and the spread of HIV/AIDS.
On the World Day of Prayer, all people of faith were welcomed to worship together, to join the women of Cameroon in Christ’s unity.
Christians in more than 170 countries all around the world came together to learn more about Cameroon and its unique culture and heritage, and 2,000 communities across Canada gathered on the World Day of Prayer to pray and act in solidarity with the people of Cameroon.
Erie Shores Quilt Guild News
Fiber Artist Inspires Quilters
The February snowflakes followed the quilters to the last meeting with 68 members in attendance. Workshops have been lined up for the next few months, along with some out-of-town guest speakers, including Sylvia Pippen, from Hawaii, in May.
Fiber artist Michelle Dobrin was the guest speaker of the night – what an interesting and creative person. Michelle learned how to quilt from her supervisor at school when going through for her Masters in Biology in Prince Edward Island. She is now a biologist at the University of Windsor and her love of bugs is reflected in her many artistic quilts. Michelle uses lots of texture in her small, art quilts and finds her textures in all sorts of places – cheese cloth, dryer sheets, shop towels, Tyvek, tea bags, yarns and printing images on fabric. Michelle inspired the group with a power point presentation of all the different kinds of quilts she has made over her 12 years of quilting – Representational Quilts using raw edge appliqué, free motion quilting and embellishments, Photo Landscape Quilts – using a photo printed on fabric in the center of the quilt and expanding upon that photo with quilt piecing techniques and embel-
lishments, Thread Sketched Landscape Quilts landscapes designed using thread painting, Silk Flower Quilts – using petals of silk flowers in a quilted design, Abstract Quilts an arrangement of fabric bits and pieces with embellishments and free motion quilting, and Fabric Bowls – just for fun or to represent a flower.
Michelle has been featured in Quilting Arts Magazine and Quilting Arts Calendar (2008 and 2009). She was also a part of the CQA National Juried Show in Saskatchewan in 2009.
Michelle truly inspired the guild to expand their quilting horizons in a smaller, artistic way.
The next meeting will be Tuesday, March 16 at RuthvenOlinda United Church with guest speaker Brenda Miller, a quilt pattern designer.
401 speeders
On Saturday, March 6 members of the Chatham OPP Traffic Unit and Western Region Highway Enforcement Team took advantage of the springlike weather and conducted traffic enforcement along the 401 Highway in Essex and Kent County. Operation Baby Jack targeted aggressive drivers on the westbound lanes of the 401. Police issued 37 speeding tickets; most drivers were travelling 130-140 km/hr in a posted 100 km/hr zone.
Representatives from 18 of Leamington’s area churches joined together for a interdenominational service
World Day of Prayer held March
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.
(Sun Photo)
Sidelined for eight weeks
I have come to realize that I am not one to sit on the sidelines. I have a torn MCL (Medial Collateral Ligament) and have been sidelined for the last three weeks and for the next five weeks, and can I just tell you all, it sucks.
I never realized how vital one knee is to your whole being. Walking is lamented. I watch 80 or 90-year-olds walk with much more skip in their step. One knee is crucial for walking, stairs and oh yes, the most awkward and painful – getting in and out of the car. It must be at just the right angle and movement because it’s a very painful manoeuver.
I never realized how much I move around in my sleep. I get myself all nicely tucked in with a pillow to prop up the knee to a comfortable 60-degree angle and quickly fall asleep. It’s not long before I subconsciously roll over, sending sharp shooting pain to the knee. Okay, so the most comfortable position is on my back, but a person can’t sleep on their back all night without a killer backache by about 4 a.m.
I am sleeping much better now that the swelling has subsided and I have been religiously icing and doing my stretching and bending. At least I thought I was getting better. I had a bit of a setback. Again, it happened while I was sleeping… I awoke at 2:33 a.m. to the worst pain ever! Charley horse! If the Charley horse wasn’t painful enough, of course the sudden cramp made me jerk my bad knee. And it’s not like I could jump out of bed and walk it off, so I had to stay in bed and rub my calf and let the knot slowly subside… the most uncomfortable few minutes ever.
The next morning, not only did I have favour my left knee, but I could still feel a knot in my “good” leg. I was really starting to feel much older than my 41 years, not wiser, but older.
If you happen across a size 11 black dress shoe, call me. My yellow lab should have a clue. Boomer is the lead suspect in this loafer lifting. This dog, like so many of his breed as I’ve come to discover, love to greet my houseguests by sinking his teeth into available footwear at the front door. He then prances around the entire house with it in his mouth as if it was prize trout. We’ve since looked high and low for this darn shoe; no sign or smell of it anywhere – outside, under beds, all rooms, nothing. And Boomer’s not talking.
The shoe is only the most recent item on my lifetime Lost List. Someday, perhaps after my final breath, a giant door to a grand-sized closet will swing open and viola! there will be my shoe, and a dozen or so other pairs from my past. Most of these shoes were lost at childhood, some as a mindless teenager.
Also in this magic closet: a car (I’ll explain), a couple or more wrist watches, two or three bicycles, clothes, my hair, a handful of jobs, a few girlfriends, and sadly some good friends and family members too. Lost, vanished. Ironically, I lost a girlfriend and a car during my time in Leamington. Tomato Town was ripe for many of my “first and lost” experiences. Maybe it was my age. As the Minimum Wage
The lost list
Rage, breaking hearts and spinning the hits for the mighty Cheer Radio, I was like 19 or 20 years old. Outside of my brain and skill level, everything else was pretty much developed at that time. Man, I made some interesting choices back then. I’d like to think that I’ve come a long way since then.
The lost car? Easy. I was still living in the Leamington area, in a rented house somewhere in Mersea Township, and I had to drive into Windsor. I had accepted a new job at CKWW radio and this was my first day. As I recall, I was running way late – likely slept in (it was a noon shift after all) – and I was beating it down the 401 highway like a madman. Close to Manning Road turnoff, my engine started to blow up. I tried to keep going for as long as I could, but the rapid deceleration and barrels of smoke provided me a hint that I was experiencing some car trouble. I wheeled my brown Volkswagon Rabbit to the side of the road and hitchhiked my way into Windsor. A lovely older couple took me right downtown Windsor to the old Viscount Building, where the CKWW studios were back then, and with a minute or two to spare I was on the air.
Considering the events of that morning, and being that it
was a new job, I did cut myself a bit of slack for coming out of the gates on my new job a bit wobbly. Unlike most jobs, being a radio broadcaster doesn’t provide for a quiet transition on our first day. Jimmy can break in with IBM, screw up his first photocopy and only the redhead in H.R. will know about it. On the other hand, screw up on your very first air shift and a few thousand folks will instantly think you’re a complete idiot. And I did screw up, and wasted no time doing it either. The very first time I flipped on the switch to greet my new audience on CKWW, I closed my ad-lib by saying the old (and competitors) call letters: “… and here’s the Doobie Brother’s Michael McDonald on CHYR! Oooch! I knew instantly that I screwed up, and thank-goodness the song title was “I Kept Forgetting”. I turned my gaff into a bit. (Continued Page 7)
Sheila McBrayne
Cervini
S Soouutthhppooiinnt t S Saayyss. . ....
Leamington has a lot to offer. Is there anything you think it needs that it doesn’t already have, or any improvements you would like to see?
“Yes, I do - a bike path along Highway 18. We’ve needed it for years. My husband and I are triathletes and it would be nice to have a path to bike, run or even just to walk on. It’s very dangerous along there.”
Location: Leamington Marina Boardwalk
“No, we love it here, and our favourite spot is the marina. We can’t wait till summer. We get our work done early, bring our coffee and sit at the marina every day. It’s so beautiful and peaceful. We are very fortunate to have this – we love it.”
“I would like to see more recreation for senior citizens other than Tim Hortons. Seniors need a place to shoot pool or play cards or whatever, that isn’t a club you have to join or something – just a place to hang out.”
“I’m new to the area, but one thing I would like to see are upgrades at the Seacliff Park area. We have a beautiful walking trail along the lake and it would be nice to see the park cleaned up a bit.”
The game of life: own it
E-MAIL
OLYMPIC FLOWERS
In case you’re wondering what those green bouquets of flowers are that were handed out to Olympic medalists, here’s the answer: The (odd-looking?) bouquet of flowers presented to each medalist on the podium - 1,800 in all - are all the same, made up of green spider mums with hypericum berries surrounded by leather-leaf fern, monkey grass, and aspidistra leaves.
What’s really interesting? They’re all made by ‘Just Beginning Flowers’, a non-profit company in Surrey that employs women who are just out of prison, abused, fighting addiction, or with special needs, and teaches them how to be florists.
If you would like to send us a quick e-mail to express your opinion - good, bad or indifferent - e-mail us sun@mnsi.net
The lost list
(Continued from Page 6)
Almost forgotten that day was the car. Following my first show on the new station, I had to figure out how to get back to Leamington and what to do with the broken Rabbit that I left abandoned on the side of the highway. The ride was easy – I phoned a friend. I made arrangements for the car in a similar, easy, careless sort of way – I called Porky’s Towing in Leamington and instructed Porky to hook it up and drag it back to his yard. Truthfully, I haven’t seen the car since that day in 1982. You could say I was a lost soul back then. Today I’ve got it together much, much better… though a lost soul remains. Just where the hell is my shoe?!
While travelling the “Carefree Highway” one morning on the way to work, Gordon Lightfoot had to pinch himself. He had just heard on the radio that he’d passed away. Thankfully, he was able to report that he was alive and kicking, but at the same time he was very aware of the fact that his songs were suddenly being played more often on the radio playlist than he’d heard in a long time.
In the past weeks, we have also taken the rollercoaster ride led by the media. The Olympic athletes, similar to our Canadian artists, strived to perform their best. Their rigorous training was sometimes only recognized by the media when they “owned the podium” or “twittered” away. Unfortunately, “The hero would be me but heroes often fail,” were words that exemplified their efforts.
Did we “believe”? In fact, as proud Canadians we tend to quietly rejoice, not only with our athletes but with our artists as well. It may have taken the chugging of a beer on the main streets of The Olympic Village for the media to take note, but we were tipping our hats long before.
The day of Lightfoot’s “death”, I heard a multitude of his songs. They created many flashback moments: happy, sad and reflective times with my brother, a true fan.
Twittering has proven to be an unreliable source of the truth. How quickly these messages spread then melt like the snowflakes of a text message, leaving no worthwhile memory
It’s the quiet support of the red maple leaf mittens and the growing crescendo of a country “facing off” that builds the lasting memories. When we are brought up against the loss of either a loved one or perhaps of an impossible dream, we Canadians tend to step up and celebrate life. The life that was and the life that still can be.
At a funeral wake, we gather with family and friends to celebrate the gift of one’s life by playing music and showing pictures of our times together. In our day-to-day life we tend to be more complacent with our emotions. “Just like a paperback novel”, perhaps we are anticipating a good ending, taking it for granted.
I’m sure Lightfoot has seen better days than the one he experienced when he found out he’d passed away, but it could have been worse. It might have been true!
Throughout the Olympics, while the media may have lost faith in our liveliness, we Canadians pinched ourselves and awakened the world to the fact that we are still alive and kicking. The impression we left them with will last forever. “I Believe” in a song and pictures, but most of all “I Believe” in the memories we gave the world.
Silent Revelry.
SUE O’HARA
KEN MCKINNEY
WAYNE LEVESQUE
DAWN TETSTALL
Theft from car at Essex Arena
On Tuesday, March 2 at approximately 2:30 p.m. Essex OPP responded to a theft from a vehicle in the 40 block of Milne St. in Essex. Police advised that on Sunday, February 28 between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. unknown suspect(s) entered a 1999 Plymouth Breeze parked at the arena and stole an Apple iPod and a quantity of cash. Police are conducting extra patrols. Anyone with information is asked to contact Essex County OPP Criminal Investigation Unit at 519-723-2491 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
100% compliance in Essex R.I.D.E. program
On Tuesday, March 2 at approximately 11 p.m. Essex OPP conducted a R.I.D.E program on Talbot Street in Essex. Police checked 190 vehicles with 100% compliance.
Kingsville - Lock it or lose it!
On Tuesday, March 2 at approximately 8:30 a.m. Kingsville OPP responded to a theft from a vehicle in the 20 block of Viola Cr. in Kingsville. Police advised that sometime overnight an unlocked vehicle was entered and unknown suspect(s) stole a wallet containing credit cards and personal identification. Police remind citizens to lock their vehicles and remove all valuables from their vehicles.
Copper wire stolen in Tecumseh
On Tuesday, March 2 at approximately 8:40 a.m. Tecumseh OPP responded to a break and enter to a business in the 3000 block of Odessa Drive. Police advised that sometime between Sunday, February 28 and Tuesday, March 2 unknown suspect(s) cut the lock off a trailer and stole spools of copper wire, worth approximately $10,000. The Essex County OPP Property Crimes Unit is investigating the theft, and anyone with information is asked to contact Essex County OPP Criminal Investigation Unit at 519-723-2491 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Cat deliberately beat in Essex?
On Wednesday, March 3 at approximately 11:30 a.m. Essex OPP responded to an animal complaint in the 190 block of Harvey St. in Essex. Police advised that an 18-month-old male orange calico cat came home with major facial injuries. The cat suffered a broken nose and jaw, believed to have been deliberate in nature. Anyone with information is asked to contact Essex OPP at 519-738-3796 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Kingsville youth attacked
On Friday, March 5 at approximately 2 a.m. Kingsville OPP responded to a break and enter in the 1400 block of Oxford Ave. in Kingsville. Police advised that the victim heard the door inside the garage being opened. The victim opened the door and saw an unknown male standing on the garage step. The victim was attacked by a second male with a weapon and sustained non-life threatening injuries to their upper arm.
The unknown suspects are described as: white male, approximately 16-18 yrs, 5’6”-5’8”, 160 lbs., wearing a dark-coloured hoodie; black male,15-18 yrs., 5’4”, 120 lbs, big ears, wearing yellow jogging pants, gray/white sweatshirt and white gloves.
Essex County OPP ERT and Canine Unit attended and conducted a track. Forensic Identification Unit attended the scene and seized evidence left behind by the suspects. Essex County Criminal Investigation Unit is currently investigating and anyone with information is asked to contact Essex County OPP at 519-723-2491 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477
Variety of thefts in Leamington
The following are the reportable occurrences for the Leamington Police for the period of March 1 to March 8.
March 1: A yellow Champion generator still in the box was stolen out of the trunk of a vehicle that was parked on Danforth.
March 3: A 24-year-old Leamington woman received a cheque for $5,200 in the mail made payable to her. She deposited the cheque into her account. Unknown persons, according to the victim somehow gained access to her account and took the money.
March 4: Sometime between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m., someone entered a residence on Orange St. and stole a laptop and a quantity of Oxycontin.
March 6: Sometime since mid December, someone broke into Point Pelee Karting on Bevel Line Rd. and stole 3 go-cart chassis.
Fill a Freezer helps fill a Food Bank
The Fill a Freezer promotion at Leamington Sears brought in a surprising amount of donated food items for the Salvation Army Food Bank. Chris and Jen Drummond of Sears came up with the local initiative as a way to help the Food Bank, which serves Leamington and Essex County.
Captain Corvin Vincent of the Leamington Salvation Army was pleasantly surprised when he came to the Sears Store on Seacliff Drive to pick up the donated food. “I had to call back to get more help to load the food,” said Captain Vincent. “Leamington is truly blessed. While other food banks are very low, we’re not full, but we’re getting stocked up,” he said. “We’re lucky to have such generous supporters of the Salvation Army like Sears and Heinz and the local union here, UFCW (Local 459), we have tremendous support and have been able to help other food banks,” he said.
Customers who donated food items during the month of February received a ballot for a draw on a 7 cubic foot Kenmore freezer. The winner was John Watkins of Leamington. A second prize of a DVD player and movie night gift basket was won by Gino Piroli. Nancy Garraway won a $50 gift card.
The Leamington Food Bank is supported through the Leamington Ministerial and run by the Salvation Army.
“We were really happy with the results and may do something again like this later this year, maybe before Thanksgiving,” said Chris Drummond.
Senior Safety Presentation by OPP in Lakeshore
On Friday, March 19 at 2 p.m. officers from the Essex County OPP and staff from Victim Services of Windsor and Essex County will attend the Lakeshore Recreation Centre to speak to about Senior Safety.
The guests will be there from 2 p.m. and will deliver a short presentation and some tips on how to stay safe. There will also be an opportunity to speak to the guests and ask questions.
The OPP and Victim Services work together assisting residents of Essex County to be safer in their community. The OPP and Victim Services will provide light refreshments to those who attend the presentation and there will be an opportunity to win some great prizes that will help you stay safe! Inspector Rick Derus from Essex County OPP will be the special guest.
Pictured here is Captain Corvin Vincent, left, and Chris Drummond of Leamington Sears with the filled freezer of food which was donated during the month of February. (Sun Photo)
Cardinal Corner - Busy week at Cardinal Carter
The staff and students of Cardinal Carter extend huge congratulations to alumna Meghan Agosta on her awesome performance at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. With an Olympic MVP award and her second gold medal as part of the Canadian Women’s Hockey Team, Meghan is an inspiration to many young athletes. The halls of Cardinal Carter were adorned with banners cheering Meghan on to Gold, and her former teachers could not be more proud of her accomplishments. Welcome home, Meghan, and best of luck in your future endeavours!
In basketball news, Cardinal Carter congratulates Matthew Raffoul as he has been selected by league coaches to play for the First Team All-Stars, and to David Younan on being selected for the second All-Star Team.
Also, congratulations to Marc Beneteau and Samantha
East Mersea P.S. in Canadian Chess Challenge
On Tuesday, March 3, 17 students from East Mersea attended the Canadian Chess Challenge at the Ciociaro Club in Oldcastle. The students played several games with students in their grade levels from area public and separate elementary schools. Four East Mersea Mustangs received medals. Finalists were, rear left to right, Cody Kroeker, silver; Spencer Klassen, bronze; Isaac Wiebe, silver; and (front) Brandon Turnbull, bronze. Other Chess Club members participating in the challenge were Peter Martens, Nick Leipold, Jonathan Altenhof, Kieran Almasi, MaryLena Bartsch, Thomas Dyck, Kevin Coggans, C.J. Church, Alyee Church, Gage Gabriele, Noah Weber, R.J. DeMelo and Matt Foster. Pictured is Spencer Klassen competing against another student from a local elementary school at the Canadian Chess Challenge. (Photo Submitted)
Keller on their fine performances at the OFSSA swim meet. Marc finished 5th in 100-metre freestyle and 8th in 50-metre backstroke. Samantha achieved an impressive goal of qualifying and competing in OFSSA each of her 4 years at Cardinal Carter.
What else are we up to at Cardinal Carter?
On Mar. 1, Cardinal Carter welcomed nationally recognized speaker Paul Christie. Mr. Christie gave a moving presentation on the realities of drug and alcohol addiction to the entire student body. His message, and his own harrowing experiences with addiction, resonated with students. Mr. Christie was also a featured speaker at a public presentation at the Portuguese Club on Mar. 1 as part of the Triple E initiative (Educate, Eliminate, Empower) that partners local
high schools, law enforcement and the Public Health Agency to raise awareness of addiction issues in youth.
Our cafeteria was filled with early-risers on Thursday, March 4, as grade 9 students who achieved a 75% average or better in first semester were joined by their parents for Cardinal Carter’s annual “Great Start Breakfast”. The event, organized by staff and students, was well received by the close to 100 people in attendance.
This week brought the Trillium Gift of Life Organ Donor Awareness presentations on Tues. Mar. 9, as well as the much-anticipated Cardinal Carter talent show on Wed. Mar. 10.
Have a great March Break, everyone! Classes resume Mon. Mar. 22.
LDSS Semi-Formal Masquerade On A Golden Carpet
Saturday, February 27 at Roma Club
Jynx Dresser and Nikki Santos.
Carleigh Manning and Jessica Prudence
Pictured above, from left, Tate Garant, Taylor Tiessen and Brendan McGivern.
(Sun Photos)
Windows are a great way to bring light into the home, but unfortunately walls and doors often stop that light from moving throughout the house.
To continue daylight's natural flow in the home, designer Sherry Mitchell, IIDA, recommends incorporating acrylic block panels, door inserts and partition walls throughout rooms in the house.
"Daylight adds energy and warmth to a home, so why stop it from penetrating the entire house?"
says Mitchell. "I've specified Hy-Lite/U S Block Window acrylic block products for many projects when homeowners desire natural light in hallways and interior rooms. These lightweight products add a decorative style to the interior of the home while promoting the flow of light."
In addition to brightening the interior of the home, moving daylight through the house can also help save on energy bills. The natural lighting that comes into the home through energy-efficient windows can reduce the use of electric lights in the home's interior, thus saving on energy costs.
Mitchell believes the
addition of "positive diffused daylight" into the home can be achieved with acrylic block products that help reduce homeowner energy needs while also protecting the privacy of the home's occupants. "You can have an acrylic block door insert in a home office that keeps the room private but allows the light to softly diffuse into the hallway," says Mitchell. "I've also seen room dividers created out of acrylic block panels that provide a distinct barrier between the dining room and kitchen, but still allows natural light to flow through."
Lush Lawns
The spring and summer seasons are popular times for homeowners to put their houses on the real estate market. How do you set yours apart from the rest and help ensure it will sell faster?
Estimates from the Professional Landcare
Network and real estate agents reveal that landscaping can add up to 15 percent to property value.
Creating a lush lawn and vibrant garden are some of the areas on which to focus. They can help your home appear to be a premium property.
Investments in accent lighting, paving stones and ornamental water features are other touches that can project your home in a positive light.
Because maintaining your landscape can be time-consuming work, it could pay to hire a landscaper or lawn service to keep on top of mowing and other maintenance until your property is sold.
Fix-Up Tips for Apartment Dwellers
Homeowners often see spring as a time to tackle improvement projects they've been planning throughout the winter. But spring isn't only a time homeowners can improve their living space. There's also host of things apartment dwellers can do to give their place some new life. Before doing anything, apartment dwellers should consult their lease or even call their landlord. Just like a homeowner must obey zoning laws before adding on, an apartment dweller should be certain any changes he or she plans to make are within their rights. After determining what can and can't be done, apartment dwellers can begin to address some things around their apartment that might give the room a new feel.
* Give window treatments some personality.
Apartment complexes often want the entire complex to appear the same. That can make altering the window treatments somewhat difficult. However, renters can double up on window treatments by hanging neutral blinds that can be viewed from outdoors while giving some personality to the windows on the inside with bold draperies and blinds.
* Consider new wallpaper. Oftentimes, landlords forbid removing wallpaper. However, wallpaper borders might be right up a renter's alley so long as the landlord allows. There are self-adhesive, removable varieties, that make it easy to change any design scheme on a whim, or remove the border before moving out of the apartment.
* Re-paint the apartment. Landlords prefer neutral tones because they tend to make it easier to rent and maintain an apartment. However, some landlords are perfectly fine with tenants re-painting the walls so long as
the walls are returned to their original colors when the tenants move out. If the landlord does not allow the walls to be repainted, it's still possible to add some life to an otherwise bland wall. Accessories and wall hangings can make a room appear more lively. Oversized artwork that's bold and colorful can give a room more life, as can more boldly colored couches, chairs or additional furnishings. Also consider colored light bulbs or shades to create lighting that casts a hue in the room.
* Fix the floors. If carpeting has become dirty or grimy, ask the landlord to replace the carpeting, either with new carpets or attractive wood flooring. If wood flooring is installed, it's easy for apartment dwellers to lay down some colorful throw rugs to give a room a new feel, and such an addition takes very little effort. Some don't want a permanent improvement like carpeting to be made, since it requires tacking or nailing into a subfloor.
It's also possible to purchase carpeting kits that interlock and are not attached to the floor. Working like puzzle pieces, these kits can even be removed and taken to your next residence. More permanent changes, such as changing kitchen tiles or other flooring alterations, should be discussed with the landlord before beginning.
* Bring some plants and flowers into the apartment. Few things can
bring a room to life more than a colorful bouquet of flowers or a new plant. What's more, there typically are not floral or plant restrictions on apartments, meaning all renters can utilize flowers and plants as they attempt to bring their place to life.
Bantam AEs split pair
The Southpoint Capital Bantam AE hockey team split a pair of Bluewater playoff games this past week.
Last Tuesday the Capitals took on the Riverside Rangers and jumped out to a 4-0 lead with 5 minutes left in the second period, but then they let the Rangers back into the game.
For the next 15 minutes the Rangers dominated the game, narrowing the score to 4-3 Southpoint. The Capitals finally put the game away when they scored their fifth goal with only 40 seconds remaining in the third.
The goal scorers for the Capitals were Austin Thompson (2), Nick DiNiro, Derek Johnston and Travis Fehr, with assists earned by Brennan Mastronardi (2), Joel Klemens, Justin Church, Brandon Turnbull, Fehr and Thompson.
Last Saturday the LaSalle Sabres came to town and this time the fans were treated to 3 games in 1.
LaSalle took advantage of a lacklustre Capital team and opened a 4-0 lead 15 minutes into the game.
The Capitals finally hit the scoreboard at the 10-minute mark of the second period and scored three more times within the next 8 minutes to tie the score at 4-4, and took that score into the second period break.
When the third period started, it once again was the Sabres who came out hustling and scored three consecutive goals before Southpoint scored to make it 7-5 LaSalle.
With a late game push and their goaltender pulled for an extra skater, it was the Sabres who scored an empty-net goal to make the final LaSalle 8, Southpoint 5.
Scoring the Capitals’ goals were Spencer Klassen, Kyle Dama, Church, Thompson and Fehr, while assists were earned by Dama, Church, Thompson and Klassen.
The Bluewater playoffs continue for the Capitals this week with another pair of games, Tuesday at 7 p.m. vs Windsor at Unico Arena, and Wednesday at 8 p.m. in Essex.
Visit the team’s website at www.southpointminorhockey.com for all game results.
REC ROUND-UP REC ROUND-UP
March Break Day Camp: There’s a different theme each day to keep the kids enthused and coming back for more. Ages 4-7 and 8-12. NEW! March Break Hockey Day Camp: Ages 8-12 years. Register early as camps always fill up quickly!
March Break Activities for Youth and Adults: Daily rec. gym 1:00-3:00 p.m.; daily public skating 1:00-3:00 p.m.; daily public swimming 3:00-5:00 p.m.
Cardiac Rehab Maintenance Program: For those people who have experienced heart concerns or heart surgery in the past, the Complex offers a 6 month program where a kinesiologist guides you through an exercise routine to give you peace of mind while you get yourself feeling tip-top.
First Aid Courses: Become certified in Standard First Aid/ CPR “C” and recertification courses. Classes for individuals as well as corporate bookings to have your staff meet WSIB requirements.
REGISTRATION for the Spring Session begins Mon. April 6: The Complex has all sorts of Youth Programs and Adult Programs. Get yourself in motion this spring!
Complex Birthday Parties: Bring the kids for a splashing good time in the pool or an energetic skate on the ice, followed by a pizza party! Your house stays clean, and the kids LOVE all the fun that a Complex Activity Party offers them.
Complex Weight Room: It’s good to see how many people are using the weight room on a regular basis. The Complex is accessible and features Braille weight room equipment, 7 personal trainers, and personal nutrition and wellness coaches to help you reach your goals.
Over 50 Fitness & Aquafitness classes per week: The Complex has a very strong following to all of our classes, as the fitness instructors really give you a good work-out and challenge you to reach the next level!
We have something for every...body!
Canadian Racquetball Classic in Leamington
In Women’s Open/A, it came down to Brittany Nelson of Windsor and Nicola Klassen of Leamington. It was a tight game with Nicola winning in the tie-breaker.
The Men’s Pro/Open division was also a nailbiter with Lee Connell (Saskatoon, SK) going to a 5th game with Eric Durocher (Anacaster, ON). In the end, Lee came out victorious, taking home the $400 first prize (Eric won $300). On a side note, Eric was Lee’s ride back, so we’re now speculating on how much Eric might charge for gas!!
The semi-finalists in Men’s Pro/Open were Anthony Barraco (Leamington) and Conrad Cole (Belle River).
The Men’s A played a round robin division with Cory Cole (Belle River), Kris Marentette (Kingsville) and Paul Bateman all ending up with 2 wins and 1 loss. After going through a number of tie-breaking exercises, Cory Cole was awarded 1st place, Kris Marentette 2nd, and Paul Bateman ended up 3rd.
Men’s Pro Champions
AT RIGHT TOP: Cheque presentation - Lee Connell (1st - $400) and Eric Derocher (2nd - $300) in the Men’s A/Open Division.
Ladies Champions
AT RIGHT: Cheque presentation - Brittany Nelson ($50) & Nicola Klassen ($100) Ladies Open/A) with Paul Bateman and Terry Nelson.
In the forefront is Conrad Cole of Emeryville during his semifinal match against Lee Connell. Conrad played for Canada in the Dominican Republic Jr. Nationals, 18 and under. Lee went on to win in the finals.
(Sun Photo)
Cheque presentation - Anthony Barraco (Leamington) and Conrad Cole (Open semi’s)$150 each.
Langille kids have raised $20,000 for Sick Kids Hospital
By Sheila McBrayne
Three Leamington kids have earned front row seats at this year’s Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship being held in Toronto March 13. Ryan, 13, Chase, 13, and Bayley, 7, Langille have spent their spare time collecting donations for the MX for Children, Inside Line Experience. The three Leamington youths have raised $7,655 for Toronto’s Sick Kids Hospital, supporting research for treating hy-
drocephalus - the #1 cause of brain surgery for children. These efforts help improve the lives of kids that must endure multiple brain surgeries to live.
Chase started the fundraising campaign four years ago by himself and raised $2,100. The next year, he got a little more aggressive and started asking more businesses for donations to this cause. The second year Chase almost doubled his efforts and raised $4,100. Last year that total was met and surpassed when Chase and his brother and sister worked together to raise $6,148! Chase has been named the top individual fundraiser for three years.
“We really want to thank all the people who donated and the businesses who gave us what they could,” said Chase’s mom Stephanie Langille. “This is the fourth year they have done this, raising more each year. They are really grateful to all the people who have supported them over the years. Many of the businesses have increased their contributions each year… I find it amazing with the economy so bad they did so well,” said Stephanie.
In the past four years Chase and his family have raised $20,000 for Sick Kids Hospital! The Langilles have been invited to a special press conference on Thursday, March 11 at the Rogers Centre where they will meet some of the riders and organizer Paul Gross.
“It’s pretty cool that MX for Children raises money for such a good cause,” said rider Ryan Villopoto. “I can see all the hard work they put in every time I meet them at the race, they are always a dedicated group and always big dirt bike fans.”
The Langille family are all involved in motorcross. Father Craig rides a dirtbike and Chase rides and competes in the US circuit for motorcross. Young Bayley doesn’t ride a bike yet, but loves to go to the shows and meet the riders. Ryan and Mom Stephanie are also enthusiasts.
Chase rides competitively in the United States. Last year was his second year competing and he finished third overall in the beginner series and ninth overall in the intermediate division. Chase competes at Milan Drag Strip in Michigan and Delta, Ohio, and plans to ride more in Ontario venues. Chase been riding since he was six, following in the footsteps of his father.
“We just want to make sure we thank all the business who supported us, it really does add up and it’s for a great cause. It’s not usually a matter of if they will or not, it’s how much they will give,” said Stephanie. The three kids also set up a table to accept donations at RONA, Real Canadian SuperStore and PriceChopper where they collected mostly loonies and toonies which added up to almost $2,000. “We went to Wheatley for sponsors and the businesses there were excellent. I don’t think we got a no, everyone gave something, what they could, and we just want to make sure they know how much it’s appreciated and that it all adds up,” said Craig.
Chase Langille, left, Ryan Langille, right, and Bayley Langille have raised $20,000 over the past four years for Sick Kids Hospital through the MX for Children, Inside Line Experience. (Sun Photo)
Langilles pictured with some of their favourite riders.
Monday Night Women’s Hockey
Individual player statistics
(As of March 1)
Flyers out of playoffs
The Leamington Flyers ended their 2009/2010 season with the final two losses in a best-of-seven playoff series against the London Nationals. The Flyers were swept four games straight: 7-0, 8-1, 9-1 and 8-2. (Sun file photo)
Southpoint Stars lose two
By Mackenzie Heyens
March 6, the Southpoint Stars Rhine Danube girls team played South Huron in Wheatley in what was expected to be a tough game. After losing the first time the two teams met, the Rhine Danube girls knew the game would be tough, as it proved to be.
After South Huron netted one in the first, Jillian Iles reciprocated with an assist from Charlee Cabral in the second period to tie up the score. Shortly after though, South Huron scored another, forcing the Rhine Danube to pull their goalie in the last minute of play.
The girls battled hard but the opposition managed a shot on the empty net, making the final score 3-1. The Southpoint Stars played a hard game, coming back from the previous 7-4 loss.
The Southpoint Stars Rhine Danube girls travelled to Forest on March 7 to play the Lambton Shores girls team.
The Rhine Danube just didn’t have the fire to get them going, and after the first controversial goal it was all downhill from there. The Stars just did not play to their full potential and the score showed it. The game ended in a 6-0 loss for the girls, knocking them out of the WOGHL league playoffs.
The girls play again on Thursday, March 11, 2010 at 8:30 p.m. in Wheatley. Come out and support your Stars!
Be SAFE Plan Ahead
Farming is one of the most dangerous industries in Canada. Preplanning can prevent potential accidents and fatalities from happening. Safety is sometimes compromised in the farming industry because of repetition of tasks performed each day. Safety should never be taken for granted. Even with familiar tasks, vigilance in spotting, assessing and rectifying all potential risk must come first.
March 14th to 20th is National Farm Safety Week. Canada Safety Council encourages all Canadians in the farming industry to be safe and plan ahead. Planning ahead and having measures in place to ensure safety and prevent injury is vital to the success of your business.
According to the Canadian Agricultural Injury Reporting program, there are an average of 115 fatalities and at least 1,500 are hospitalized from farm related incidents each year in Canada. In 2006 a total of 13,801 Canadian farms reported one or more medically treated or lost time injuries, reports
Statistics Canada. The most frequent cause of farm-related injuries includes the unsafe use of equipment or materialhandling practices. Make sure that you and all your employees are trained to use all equipment safely and properly. Go over safe farming practices a few times a year to keep it fresh in everyone’s mind.
Safety must be your top priority. The best measure you can take to ensure your farm is safe and remains cost-effective is to eliminate the risk before it happens. Predict problems and then take necessary actions to eliminate or minimize the problem. Use the SAFE module to help you plan for safety.
Spot Hazards
Both employers and employees need to regularly check for hazards. Procedures should be put in place to have this done on a regular basis. By involving your workers in the process of identifying hazards and developing safety solutions, they will be more committed to making the solution work. Have your workers inspect and identify hazards in the workplace along with you.
Assess Risk
Risk concerns the expected value of results of a situation or event. The value of those results may be positive or negative. In the farming industry, the measure of risk can be rated as high, medium or low. Once the
risk has been assessed, through your regular safety checks, employers can determine whether to take immediate action of a hazard or identify those that can be monitored and fixed at a later time. Regular assessment can help with budgeting time and resources for immediate or future repairs.
Find Safer Ways
Once the hazard has been spotted and the risk assessed, you can now implement ways or develop controls to reduce the risk. If you are able to control a hazard at its source, do so. This will ensure you eliminate the risk from the workplace and ensure your workers safety. Controlling a hazard at its source could require substitution of a material with non-hazardous ones, isolation of hazards, addition of safety features to existing
equipment, redesign of the work processes, or purchase of new equipment. If the hazard cannot be removed or controlled, personal protective equipment (PPE) should be used as the last line of defence. Oftentimes, the safer way may be a combination of controls.
Everyday
Perform regular safety checks on a daily basis. Once appropriate measures have been taken to rectify a safety hazard, monitor the situation and inspect it regularly. Make sure that the solutions used are working and not creating any further risk. Safety must be everyone’s top priority in the farming industry. Make changes now for better outcomes tomorrow. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
When carts collide
I enjoy grocery shopping. I really do. What I don’t like is the people I bump into.
Seeing someone at the checkout is no problem, whether it’s a coworker, a neighbour or a friend you haven’t seen in ages. It’s when you run into someone early on in your list that the trouble begins, since you are then left with the possibility of meeting up with them again during the same trip.
Keri Keri with a “K” with a “K”
$10,000 Family Room Makeover winner
Now, one would assume that you’ve already said all you wanted to say to them the first time, so what do you do when you are face to face (or cart to cart) once more? What is the proper protocol when you’ve exhausted all your topics early on? In the produce section you’ve no doubt covered family, weather, work and discussed the recipes you’re shopping for, so what happens when you see them again at the basmati rice?
To help, I have thought of a few helpful hints to guide you through your next shopping excursion. (If only reading labels was this easy!)
Stall and browse items so the person gets further ahead, but be forewarned that this tactic can get expensive or embarrassing, depending on what products you have to peruse. Standing around and staring at dried prunes might not be a good strategy.
Completely ignore them. Although not number one on my list, a friend of mine swears by this. (I told her that was rude but she ignored me, so I guess she has that trick down pat.)
Each aisle you see this person at, be prepared to stop and say something witty and clever. This is especially good for those of you who have funny material left over that you didn’t get to try out at the family or work Christmas function. However, if you do stop make it brief. Otherwise by the time you end up chitchatting on every aisle, you may find your coupons have expired.
Failing all that, try turning around and following them so you are not on opposing paths. Or better yet, start backwards. Do your groceries in reverse. Sure the ice cream may have melted by the time you go to pay for it all, but it’s worth its weight in dark roast coffee when it comes to avoiding the awkwardness!
here, from left to right, are Laura Carney, Country 92.7 CJSP, Brenda Fischer, Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex, Mark and Annette Thomas, winners of the $10,000 Family Room Makeover, Shelly Gabriele-Gale, Gabriele Countrywide Floor & Home, and Cordell Green, Country 92.7 CJSP. Annette was the grand prize winner of the elimination draw of 76 qualifiers held on Sunday, March 7 at the 10th Annual Home & Garden Showcase held at the Complex. Annette already has ideas on how to spend the prize.
(Sun Photos)
Pictured
Olympics on muted
Just My Just My Thoughts... Thoughts...
Like almost all of you, I have watched the Olympics and enjoyed the excitement of them. Seeing the finest athletes in the world compete at levels that are all but unimaginable for me has been inspiring. Granted, I think that anyone that wants to slide down a bobsled run at over 120km/h on a little sled called a skeleton with his or her face a hand span away from the surface
is insane, but I have enjoyed watching. That said, there are two things that I hated about these Olympic games.
Foremost is the poisonous expression ‘Own the Podium’ for our Government’s funding of the Canadian athletes over the past few years. Whoever came up with that one should be deported, perhaps to the United States where there may be people to whom it appeals. I think that turn of phrase is downright un-Canadian. Spending money in the aggressive pursuit of trinkets – with the only goal being the ideal that he who ends up with the most is the winner – is not how I was raised, and is not the way right-thinking people should behave. Yes, I wanted Canadian athletes to win medals. Yes, I wanted them adequately funded to have a chance to compete successfully on the international stage. No, I don’t want to own the podium. I want to own the satisfying feeling of other nations acknowledging that Canadians are ardent competitors and good sports. That’s it. Gold, silver and bronze, especially when they represent mere tenths of a second, are largely irrelevant.
The second irritant that spoiled some of my viewing was the victory-focused commentator. I appreciated it when a former competitor helped me to understand and appreciate the technical brilliance of the sports, and the flaws that made the difference in an athlete’s performance. I got angry at the other ‘talking faces’ who seemed to be there only to emphasize which Canadian ought to have won gold, should have performed better, or failed to live up to the pre-Olympic hype. I didn’t need it and I didn’t want it. I can recognize the ‘thrill of victory and the agony of defeat’ (to borrow a good expression from an old TV program) as well as the next person. I do not need some stranger carping on how disappointing a result has been, especially when the achievement under discussion is so far above what any one of us could ever even imagine.
I thoroughly enjoyed the Olympics (with my finger at the ready on the mute button to take care of those commentators), and I have rooted for our Canadian athletes regardless of their chances of winning a medal, and have celebrated the efforts of athletes from other countries because of their brilliant efforts. Think about it. Remember the joy on the faces of winners from Korea, China, and (yes even) the United States? I wouldn’t want an ‘own the podium’ mentality to have stolen their moments of glory. In a good Olympic Games, there’s enough to share. That’s Canadian.
Congratulations Canada!from Sandusky
In days of so much negativity, it is so great to receive a warm letter from my counterpart from across the creek. I met John about 20 years ago when I first started working for Leamington Chamber. The Moldovan’s have been coming and participating in our Tomato Festival for years.
Chamber Chamber
Briefs Briefs
John is the executive director of the Erie County Chamber Commerce that is located in the city of Sandusky. Sandusky is our Sister City and has been since 1991.
We also would like to say congratulations to all our athletes – you did us proud. Megan, you are amazing. You go girl!
Hi Chris!
I’m a few days late in sending this, but I wanted to write and congratulate Canada on a very entertaining Winter Olympics!
When one has friends in Canada, as we do here, I find that I root for the Canadians almost as much as I do our team. If we had to lose a hockey game, I’m glad it was your team to whom we lost. Kathy’s comment was that it was almost like an intramural game. I’m not much of a hockey fan, but that was a very entertaining game.
Hey, I even watched a little curling... and still don’t understand it. Perhaps the next time we’re in Leamington we can visit the curling club, and get to know the sport better.
I hope you’re surviving winter ok. Say “hi” to Steve and all of our friends there, and take care. - John
Leamington Branch 84 Legion news
Leamington Legion Branch 84 members played Zone Darts in Kingsville on February 20. Qualifying for District Mixed Darts to be held April 10 in Leamington is the team of Jim Simpson, Lisa Turner, Doug Innis and Anna Dwyer (third), and Marie Pinch and Tim Nantais (second) in doubles.
The Junior Dart teams participated in the Zone Junior Dart Tournament on February 13. Here are the results.
Seniors: Singles – Dave Weil 1st. Doubles – Courtney Symons and Bryan Torode 3rd. Teams – Connor Paton, Courntney Symons, Dave Weil and Bryan Torode 2nd.
Intermediate: Teams – Amber Hutchins, Dylan Ives, Austin Carey and Tyler Symons 2nd.
Juniors: Singles – Kendall Turner 1st, Kaden Wille 2nd, Bethany Torode 3rd. Doubles – Kaden Wille and Bethany Torode 1st, Kendall Turner and Kenny Blemings 2nd. Teams – Kaden Wille, Bethany Torode, Kendall Turner and Kenny Blemings 1st.
Congratulations to all of the junior dart players and good luck at your district tournament.
The seniors social for February had to be cancelled because of bad weather. Our apologies for the inconvenience, but safety was our first concern. There will be a corned beef dinner in March and fish dinner in April. Thank you to all the seniors who join us every month.
Fun darts are held every Friday evening at the Branch –come out and join in the fun.
Randy Groundwater, Provincial Service Officer, will be at the Branch to meet with veterans on Friday, March 26 at noon. Please call Jim Simpson if you would like to meet with Mr. Groundwater.
Executive Meeting: Wednesday, March 17 at 7 p.m.
General Meeting: Wednesday, April 7 at 7 p.m.
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 350° F. Heat oil in a skillet set over medium-high heat. Cook onion, celery and pepper until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in Ketchup. Remove pan from heat and divide sauce mixture in half.
- Combine one half of the sauce with ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix gently.
- Pat mixture into a lightly greased meatloaf pan. Bake for 1 hour or until an instant-read thermometer reaches 165 F.
- Rest meatloaf for 5 minutes. Reheat the
Wes McDowell and Scott Makey celebrate the winning goal in overtime scored by Sidney Crosby as Team Canada claimed a gold-medal victory over Team USA on Sunday, February 28 at the Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex. (Sun Photo)
Held at The Portuguese Club
Friday, February 26 held at The Gallery
Chad Everaert
Mike Beggs
Ken Parks
Sarah Hiltz
Nicole Barron
Tyler Wagner and friends
Maddy Lavoie with a white dove.
Cheryl Zakoor and Sylvia Ippoliti of Jackson’s Fine Gifts.
A group of ladies discuss design at Diemer Designs.
Six-year-old Myah Matschulat tries the chocolate fountain. Karin Martens and Jeremy Bennett were one of many couples getting married this year who enjoyed the show.
Photography by Gen-X Photography
FOR RENT
Two bedroom apartments in Wheatley. Phone 519-3268259. tf
Available in Wheatley: upper one bedroom apartment with den, $500 per month plus hydro. Also 1 bedroom apartment in 4-plex $495 per month, all inclusive. First & last month and references required. 519-322-5567. tf
Large 2 bedroom apartment with living room and family room, redone with new kitchen and bath, $650 per month plus utilities. Deposit required. Call 519-326-9261. tf
Upper one bedroom apartment close to town and Superstore. $395 per month plus utilities. Call 519-3225567. tf
WANTING TO RENT
Looking for a house to rent in Wheatley area. May consider rent to own. Call Deb 519-329-2527 or 519825-4210. mar3-10
HOUSE FOR SALE
Four bedroom house, town water, gas heat, $650 with garage, $600 without garage, plus utilities. 519825-4738. mar10-17
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
RECYCLING SERVICES
SELF STORAGE
SELFSTORAGE - Inside and outside storage, 24 hour access and security. Asize for every need. Pay for 6 months, get 1 month FREE. 16 First Concession Line, Wheatley 519-791-1464. 12-21
KAHLRECYCLING
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
CLEANING SERVICE
Do you need your house to be cleaned? Call 519-8191865 ask for Anna. mar10-10
DAYCARE
Experienced Early Childhood Educator opening daycare in her home. Programming and crafts daily. Lunch and snacks provided. Call 519-825-3945, 519-359-8768. mar10-17
ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS BIRTHDAYS
The staff and management of the Southpoint Sun are pleased to have Sue O’Donovan as part of their team. Sue brings 20 years print advertising experience in Essex County to Leamington’s newest weekly community newspaper.
Let Sue’s knowledge of the local market and her advertising background merge with your businesses’ goals. Sue will create a program that will help you reach your target market while staying within your advertising budget. Sue can be reached at 519-825-4541.
We come to you and haul away your junk. Metals and appliances are free. Everything else has a fee. Kall Ken 519-326-8559. mar3-24
COMING EVENTS
ASHOWFORTHE WHOLEFAMILY - Little Tomato Theatre presents “Seussical The Musical” at UMEI Auditorium, April 9-11. Call 519-322-1896 for tickets. Cost is $10/ticket. mar10-ap7
SERVICES OFFERED
“1/2 OFF 2nd CHILD”. Loving ECE/CPR teacher has part/full time openings. Shiftwork welcome. Meals, snacks, outings, crafts & more. Excellent references/ rates. Receipts. mar10-10
Canadian CrissCross
MEETING
T.O.P.S. - Take Off Pounds Sensibly. Group meets every Monday 6 p.m. at Wheatley United Church. Call Elaine at 519-825-7993 or visit website: www.TOPS.org. Everyone welcome. tf
The Staff and Management of the Southpoint Sun are pleased to welcome Shannon Matheson to their team. Shannon is a well-known life-long area resident. Her extensive business knowledge comes as a result of her entrepreneurial endeavours. Shannon originally joined the Southpoint Sun on a casual basis through the introduction of her weekly lifestyles column. More recently she has joined our staff on a more permanent basis working with area business owners to achieve their advertising goals. Shannon would welcome the opportunity to discuss the advantages of reaching the Southpoint Sun’s readers through a creative advertising program. She can be reached at 519-825-4541.
