After a week and a half off in the OMHA Finals the series resumed this past weekend for the Southpoint Capitals Peewee A’s, sponsored by Gabriele’s Floor and Home. The Capitals took to the ice for the remaining 3 games in the series over the weekend.
Game one was played on Friday night in Wheatley. Cobourg won a very close 2-0 battle and took the series lead 4 points to 2.
Game two was Saturday afternoon on the Heinz rink in Leamington. With a huge crowd of support from hometown fans, all wearing white and waving their white towels, the boys played a great game. This game ended in a 2-2 tie after a 10-minute overtime period. Southpoint goals were scored by Noah Santos and Matthew Taylor, and assists went to Eric Prudence (2) and Kody Epp. This tie put the Capitals down in the 6 point series 5 points to 3.
The Capitals now found themselves in a familiar situation with their backs against the wall going into game 3 back in Wheatley on Sunday afternoon. A win would force a 6th game back in Cobourg Tuesday night and a tie or a loss would give Cobourg an OMHA 3-peat. Kody Epp from Eric Prudence and Quinn Bowman put the nearly 1000 fans on their feet and gave the Caps a 1-0 lead in the second period. With 30 seconds remaining in the game, Cobourg, with their goalie pulled, was able to tie the game. A seesaw overtime period settled nothing and the game ended in a 1-1 tie. Cobourg won the series 6 points to 4. The players showed their appreciation to the fans by saluting the crowd following the game.
“As disappointing as losing out in the OMHA Finals is for these young men, they have nothing to be ashamed of,” said coach Terry Symons. “They have developed great friendships and memories that they will carry with them for the rest of their lives.”
Season highlights and memories include winning the Woolwich Tournament back in Novemeber in a shootout, participating in the Annual Hockey Day in Symonsville Road Hockey Classic, collecting and delivering cans and food baskets for the Goodfellows, and their numerous comeback victories in the playdowns this season.
“On behalf of the players, coaching staff, and parents of these players, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all those who come out to support the team throughout their playoff run, especially this past weekend,”
Coach Symons added. “The coaching staff is extremely proud of these young men and wish them well in the future.”
After the final school bell rings at Mill Street Public School, the learning and activities are just beginning at the Zone Health Team after school program.
The Zone after school program is funded through the Ontario After School Initiative set out by the Ministry of Health Promotion and Sport. It runs Monday to Thursday from 3:15 p.m. - 6 p.m. The pilot program for Leamington started in September and runs until the end of June. “It’s never too late to join and the program is open to all girls and boys in grades 5 to 8. The program is free for everyone,” said Ashley Tuffin, who works for the Teen Health Centre. “They do not have to attend Mill Street, we have kids from Margaret D. Bennie. It’s a Leamington program, not a Mill Street program,” explained Tuffin.
The program offers grades 5-8 a healthy after school snack, homework help, arts and crafts,
healthy food choices and nutrition information, personal health and wellness information and promotes physical activity.
“We have lots of great upcoming events such as “Super Sports” theme week March 28 - 31 and Mexican fiesta cooking class at the Superstore on April 14,” said Tuffin. This April the Teen Health Centre Portable Ropes program will be visiting the school. The Ropes program is designed to promote team building, leadership, problem solving and cooperation. Also During April there will be starting a floor hockey league. Participants can sign up a team of four. Teams will create a team name and jerseys. Floor hockey teams will compete every Wednesday afternoon.
It’s easy to sign up. You can email atuffin@teenhealthcentre.com for more information and registration forms or you can attend the program at Mill Street Public School and sign up there.
Pictured here at left Rui Gerardo, instructor with the Zone Health Team high-fives
Delaney Hansen during a game of Play-Doh charades, while sister Cassidy Hansen looks on.
(SUN Photos)
County to raise taxes 1.5%
By Andy Comber
Essex County councillors voted to raise property taxes 1.5% to cover the requirements of a $70.5-million budget for 2011.
Treasurer Robert Maisonville said the tax increase amounts to an extra $12.61 on a property tax bill for a home valued at $200,000.
Maisonville’s budget report showed an increase of $2.3 million in the levy over last year. About $531,000 was set aside for extra operational expenses, and $1.84 million for new program considerations.
They include $1 million for development of county-wide active transportation infrastructure, such as trails, $100,000 to the International Children’s Games, and $740,000 divided between a rate stabilization fund and an economic diversification fund aimed at creating jobs.
Leamington Mayor John Paterson praised the work of the county administration in their efforts to balance the budget. He supported the budget, but not without concerns, he said. “I’m still not sold on the job fund.”
Paterson also said it was ironic that the county was trying to attract retirees and seniors to reside in the region, since many service delivery challenges are related to the aging population. Costs were going up because older residents require care that is more complex. There is a lack of physicians, hospital beds and long-term care beds. And the county also expanded emergency services by hiring 9 personnel.
“We’re running into more and more expenses,” Paterson said. “I think we’re putting the cart before the horse.”
Numerous challenges and “threats” to the 2011 budget, including wage and benefit adjustments, were identified by Maisonville. “Five of six collective agreements have expired.”
Kingsville Mayor Nelson Santos called for $250,000 to be placed in the rate stabilization fund to lessen the impact of collective agreements and winter control cost increases. That leaves $350,000 for the job fund and $140,000 was dedicated to pay for an Intelligent Community Forum site visit to the region, he said.
Councillors had no problem in supporting the funding for the Intelligent Community Forum site visit. The Essex County/Windsor region was named as a Top 7 community for its adaptation to the Broadband Economy.
“You really can’t get better publicity than that,” said Leamington Deputy-Mayor Charlie Wright.
Maisonville said the 2012 would be more of a challenge. He estimated an increase of 2.8% was needed to cover $1.9 million in known obligations. That was without adding to the budget for the job fund or active transportation.
This Musical Sucks
This past weekend several Leamington area youth performed a show
at the Kordazone Theatre in Windsor. An original musical
and situations from the pop hits Glee and Twilight, the show featured the talents of young actors age12-18 from across Essex County.
Pictured here is the cast of This Musical Sucks. In front, from left to right, are Jonathan Foster and Luca Cunial. Middle row, left to right are Gemma Cunial, Hope Forman, Lauren Abbott and Tyler Renaud. Standing in back are Becky Lashmar, Caulin Moore, Phoenix Ouellette, Tim Bradley and Sarahjei Campeau. (Photo submitted)
It’s Federal Election time... again!
Most Canadians do not support a Federal Election this spring, but that is exactly what they will have.
Monday, May 2, 2011 has officially been set for the next Federal Election. On Friday, March 26 a vote of non-confidence in the House of Commons set the ball rolling when the opposition did not support the budget and introduced a no-confidence motion for contempt of parliament. On Saturday morning Canada’s new Governor General, David Johnston, agreed with Prime Minister Stephen Harper and dissolved Parliament. What does all this mean? Well, it means that for the fourth time in seven years (2004, 2006, 2008, 2011) Canadians will be heading to the polls for a Federal Election. Political change (if there is any change) is a very expensive exercise in democracy. Political change doesn’t come cheap in Canada. Millions of dollars are raised by the political parties to fuel their campaigns, but there’s also the cost of the electoral process and the millions in reimbursements to parties and candidates all paid by us, the taxpayer.
Sometimes, it’s good to be proven wrong
Typically, I would like to think of myself as a person that enjoys a good debate and I can come away from one with more knowledge and an agreement to disagree.
Lifestyles Lifestyles
The cost of the 2004 election was $277 million, 2006 election was $277 and the 2008 Federal Election, which produced two results – a practically unchanged government and the lowest voter turnout in Canadian history – cost Canadians $300 million. That’s $847 million dollars… and no doubt this spring’s election will top the $1 billion mark total. Imagine what Canada could do with an extra billion dollars…
Back in February, I wrote an article sharing my concern that local sport’s teams were not getting enough support from our community. Approximately, two weeks later I received a letter in response that I would like to share.
“I read with interest and enjoyed your column in the Southpoint Sun which brought back memories of my own, and some observations which may be more intense than yours about the Flyers hockey of the past. The background is that I was a Flyer myself on the 1965-66 team, which won an Ontario Juvenile ‘A’ Championship that season. I was the spare/backup goalie.”
The writer went on to tell of his time not only playing with the team, but also being on the executive and then having a son play.
And why are we going to the polls?
• March 21, 2011: A House of Commons committee recommends that the Conservative government be found in contempt of parliament.
“Two of our 1965-66 teammates made it to the NHL (Randy Manery and Brad Selwood), and a number of others went on to play university and college hockey.”
• March 22, 2011: The 2011 federal budget is presented in the House of Commons. All three opposition parties state they will not support it.
• March 23, 2011: Michael Ignatieff introduces a no-confidence motion against the government on the contempt charge. Gilles Duceppe and Jack Layton say they will support it.
• March 25, 2011: The Liberal Party’s no-confidence motion passes the House 156-145, causing the Prime Minister to motion for the House to adjourn.
• March 26, 2011: Governor General David Johnston agrees to dissolve the 40th Canadian Parliament following a meeting with Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
And so the campaigning begins...
One of his jobs took him to the penalty box where he did some babysitting. “My most vivid memories of that experience were when the Dresden Kings came to town. The Kings had two ‘Crazies’ (Al Pray and Than Badder), who visited me regularly. On more than one occasion I thought I would come away with stitches from sticks being waved menacingly over my head in the direction of a Flyer on the other side of the penalty box.”
One of his best memories came from the 1989-90 season when his son, Matt, played for the Flyers and centered around the seventh game of a first round playoff series when Kingsville ousted Leamington from the playoffs. Unfortunately, his son and another teammate didn’t see much, if any, ice time but instead benefited by having one of the best seats in the arena for viewing the games: the bench. At the beginning of the third period of the seventh game something happened which he will never forget. His son’s teammate reached into his hockey pants and started to pull out chocolate bars, chips, and pop and then announced that if they weren’t going to get on the ice that night that they might as well have a party!
The feedback I receive from my columns is always of interest to me and this one certainly received an array of comments. The gentleman finished his letter as follows, “Whatever the reason, I’m relatively certain that Flyers teams will never again enjoy the fandom and support that they did in those past years.”
Others responded in a much different way by getting up off their couches and heading out to the arena. The Leamington Flyers had close to 1000 fans at their last game and both the Southpoint Peewee’s and Wheatley Sharks’ fans have overflowed the arena stands. Some may not be believers, but many of us have witnessed ‘fish flying’ and horns of plenty!
Dear sir, I am so happy that our community has proven you wrong and I am sure you are pleased as well.
‘GO SHARKS GO!’
S Soouutthhppooiinnt t S Saayyss. . ....
Earth Hour was observed worldwide on Saturday, March 26 from 8:30-9:30 p.m. What do you do throughout the rest of the year to conserve energy?
Linda Derbyshire
“In the fair weather I ride my bike to town instead of drive, we keep our heat down, recycle and try not to waste water, and we compost too.”
Trish Epplett
“I always turn off the lights I don’t need on and I do my laundry on off-peak hours.”
That you should vote I take as given. It is a privilege extended only to adult citizens and is the cornerstone of democracy. Our beautiful country achieved its current enviable status in the world (in part) because citizens like you and me took the time and effort to vote—and vote wisely— in the past. It is a tradition you must carry on. The problem you may face is who do you vote for? Here are some suggestions to try and help you solve your dilemma. You should try to limit the number of choices you have by deciding who you will not support. You can decide not to support a candidate or party for any number of reasons, and your reasons can be anything you want them to be. Maybe a local candidate punched you in a hockey game when you were both kids: now’s your chance to show him. Perhaps another sold you a car that caused you nothing but problems some years ago: another one off your list. Perhaps you object to a specific plank in a party’s platform: cross off
another candidate.
Lisa Derbyshire
“My son insists that we turn the tap off while we’re brushing our teeth.”
Having eliminated one or more choices (or, by accident, all of them) it now gets down to who you will support. A few basic truths should help you out now, and ease your concerns considerably.
First, regardless of the candidate you like, he or she will have no power. Political parties and Prime Ministers guard their powers more jealously than a dragon guards its gold. No one candidate, regardless of how overwhelmingly he wins the election, will ever be given enough authority to make a difference for his riding unless a number of faceless people in Ottawa who know absolutely nothing about the riding first agree to it.
That brings us to the second truth: appearances notwithstanding, political candidates do not lie. It’s just that because of truth number one, anything a candidate promises is subject to total control by outside forces completely indif-
Marion Case
“I recycle and I only turn a light on when I need it. I remember following my husband Paul around and shutting lights off behind him everywhere he went.”
ferent to your riding except for just before an election. Thus, voting for a candidate because of what he promises is like selecting the date for the family reunion in 2020 on the basis of being promised it will be a sunny day. Any promise beyond, “I will collect my paycheck” is probably delusional.
A third point: the one and only reliable thing about all political parties is their hunger for power. Taking any plank in a party’s platform as holy writ is naive. The only immutable fact is that all parties will do whatever it takes to gain control and to not lose power. The Green Party will clear cut Saskatchewan if that will get them a majority government. The NDP will endorse private, for profit health clinics to have Jack Layton in the Prime Minister’s seat enjoying the view with a hundred and fifty of his closest friends around him. To say a Liberal or Conservative Prime Minister would sell his soul to the devil to hang onto power is redundant, since history has more than enough examples to show it is more the rule than the exception.
Where does that leave you? Well, hoping that this has been a help, you may now see that the selection of the successful candidate for you should boil down to one of two considerations. Either ask a friend who you respect for whom he is voting and decide to support the same candidate too, or, find out what candidates everyone in your family is voting for and if one candidate’s name doesn’t come up, vote for that person so that regardless of the outcome of the election you can say your family supported the winner.
Good luck on election day.
ROADSHOW
Next Week in Leamington
We are pleased to give you an opportunity to showcase your wonderful items, at no cost! We continuously travel across canada purchasing a wide variety of antiques, collectibles and precious metals
Pre 1967 Silver Dollars, Half Dollars, Quarters, Dimes, Nickels, Large Cents, and all others.
tea sets, charm bracelets, jewelry, anything marked Sterling or 925.
WWI, WWII, War Medals, Swords, Daggers, Bayonets, Civil War Memorabilia, etc.
Toys, Train Sets, Dolls, Advertising, Cast Iron Banks, etc.
All denominations from all parts of the world, including Gold Olympic Coins. Broken Gold, Used Jewelry, Dental Gold, Rings, Necklaces, Chains & Charm Bracelets
Original Comics Books, Superhero Comic books (Superman, Batman, Marvel, etc.)
PAYING ON THE SPOT FOR ALL GOLD AND SILVER COINS
Any generous donation given during the promotion period† to the Heart and Stroke Foundation will be matched dollar for dollar by the Great Canadian Roadshow up to a maximum of $50,000 received in donations. The Great Canadian Roadshow reserves the right to further match any or all donations exceeding the aforementioned amount of $50,000.
†March 1, 2011 to February 28, 2012
™The
Directions: Located directly on Bevel Line Road, south of Seacliff Drive E
BREAKING NEWS: Gold is at a record high!
By: Michael Ross Great Canadian Roadshow
After many successful weeks in Ontario, the roadshow is heading to Leamington! So you better search through your attics and basements, go through your lock boxes and jewelry, because you may be sitting on a small fortune and not even know it! Roadshow experts are here to examine all your antiques, collectibles, gold, and silver.
During our show in Cambridge, a woman came in with a jewelry box that she had just inherited from her late aunt. “I don’t wear jewelry,” explained Cheryl Barnes, “so it was an easy decision to come down to the Roadshow to sell it”. She was very excited when she was able to walk away with a cheque for over $2,100 for jewelry she was never going to wear anyways.
Expert Cliff Edwards explains, “We have noticed a substantial increase in the amount of precious metals such as gold and silver coming to the Roadshow, which makes sense considering how high it’s currently trading at. He added, “The Roadshow is great because it puts money in people’s pockets, especially during such hard times. Lots of items that are just sitting around collecting dust in basements and jewelry boxes can be exchanged for money, on the spot! ”.
At another Roadshow event, a woman walked in with a tin full of hundreds of old coins that were given to her as a young child by her grandfather.
see what he had given her. She was ecstatic to learn she had coins dating back to the late 1800’s, some of which were extremely rare. Roadshow consultant Raymond Flack explains “We had uncovered an 1871 Queen Victoria 50 Cent piece, valued at over $2,000!! She also had a nice assortment of coins that were not rare dates, but she was able to sell them for their silver content”. All in all, Roadshow customer Linda Donaldson was able to cash in with $4,500! “I’m so happy, “Linda explains, “I never would have thought that my old tin of coins was kitchen.”
Experts at the Roadshow will evaluate and examine your items, FREE OF CHARGE, as well as educate you on them. The Roadshow sees hundreds of people during a one week event, and they have been travelling across Canada to different cities and towns, searching for your forgotten treasures.
Trains, dolls, toys, old advertising signs, pocket watches, porcelain and bisque dolls, pretty much everything can be sold at the Roadshow. Any early edition Barbie’s are sought after by Roadshow collectors, as well as a variety of Dinky Toys and Matchbox Cars. Lionel Trains and a variety of tin toys can also fetch a price, especially if they are in their original box or in mint condition. If a collector is looking for one of your collectables, we can always make an offer to buy it.
A man brought in a 1950’s Marx Tin Toy Robot, in fairly good condition, still in its original box. We within minutes, and that gentleman went home with over $700 for his Toy Robot and a few other small toys.
So whether you have an old toy car, a broken gold chain, or a Barbie sitting in the closet, bring it down to the Roadshow, we will take a look at it for FREE and it could put money in your pocket!
FOR CANADIAN COINS PRIOR TO 1967
†March 1, 2011 to February 28, 2012 NEXT WEEK THE ROADSHOW IS PAYING ON THE SPOT FOR ALL
Any generous donation given during the promotion period† to the Heart and Stroke Foundation will be matched dollar for dollar by the Great Canadian Roadshow up to a maximum of $50,000 received in donations. Great Canadian Roadshow reserves the right to further match any or all donations exceeding the aforementioned amount of $50,000.
And I quote from the Song of Solomon (and Ernie Harwell)… “For, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone; the flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land.”
This has to be the longest stretch of winter weather in my recent memory. We are just a few days away from April 1st. Appropriately, the foolishness of snow and bone-chilling winds continues to defy the calendar. I should be hitting golf balls by now, riding my bike around the neighbourhood, bundling my coats for the dry cleaner and using my Canadian Tire snow shovel to scoop the poop around my property.
Offered at 4 schools in Leamington & Kingsville. Ages 18 months - 12 years 6:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. • Subsidy available. For details call 519-733-8202 www.discoverychildcareschools.com
Happy 98th Birthday
Play Ball
The Detroit Tigers open their season next week, Friday, April 8th. For those planning to attend the game and not keep warm with flasks of alcohol, wear your long johns. You can bet the players will.
If it snows and blows at Comerica Park next week, it won’t be the first opener to experience such circumstance. Many of us can remember how winter weather crept into spring to add bewilderment to the Toronto Blue Jays inaugural opener, April 7th, 1977. The game was delayed by 18 minutes as the grounds crew shoveled and vacuumed up snow from the artificial turf at Exhibition Stadium. What a terrible joint that was to watch a ball game at. Then again I’m true blue Tiger guy, a bit a bias towards the ol’ lady on Trumbull and the new park.
Check out this link for an archive of that historic day in Toronto 34 years ago. http:// archives.cbc.ca/sports/baseball/clips/3862/.
Helen Moody
Please drop in on Sunday, April 3rd between 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. for an Open House to celebrate Helen Moody’s 98th birthday. At her home, 29 Lutch Ave. Leamington
Ski Poles and Election Polls
If there are two things Canadians could really do without right now is more snow and a federal election. By the way, who do you like in the big election vote on May 2nd? Do you prefer the incumbent, power hungry bully, the creepy looking, academic spender dude, the little Jack Russell terrier who heads the NDP, or a coalition that includes giving power and influence to a treasonist gang that exists to break up the country? Boy, those are some appealing options aren’t they?
The Grip of Master-Nation is Soon in Hand.
Golf season officially begins in earnest Aril 7th with the images of Magnolia Lane, Amen Corner, Rae’s Creek, Butler Cabin, cheesy piano music on the CBS telecast, and the awarding of the green jacket. It’s hokey, but I love it all.
The good ol’ boys who run the thing, Chairman (emphasis on the man) Billy Payne, along with Hootie and the blowhards who run the ultra-exclusive country club in Augusta, Georgia, are gearing up for yet another drama between the tall pines. You can never count Tiger out. He loves the course and the tournament, having won it four times. Judging by his play of late, he shouldn’t be the favourite.
Cardinal Carter corner
Welcome back from March Break! Hopefully staff and students alike enjoyed a safe and restful week off. Cardinal Carter is certainly wasting no time in getting back into a busy spring routine.
On Tuesday, March 22, CC presented a special parent workshop in our school library. As the result of a Parents Reaching Out grant and a Speaking Up grant, Cardinal Carter welcomed Mr. Joel Hilchey, a professional speaker from Hamilton led a workshop entitled “Creating Space for Student Success”. Joel spoke about developing student leaders by helping youth build skills such as taking responsibility, setting goals, prioritizing and time management, listening well, helping others, co-operation and teamwork, leading a balanced life and contributing to the greater community.
Grade 10 students are busy preparing for the upcoming Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT). The test will take place in the morning of Thursday, March 31. The test is a mandatory requirement for secondary school graduation and we wish students all the best. Congratulations to Grade 12 student, Sandra Esposito, who was selected to attend the Canadian Youth Forum in Ottawa. Sandra recently returned from the week-long event, which brought 60 students from across Canada together in the Nation’s capital for workshops and activities including sessions with MPs and senators.
We also welcome back the senior social science students, along with Mrs. Bateman and Mr. Antonuzzo, who recently returned from a whirlwind tour of Europe. From the Eiffel Tower in Paris to the Grimaldi Castle in Monte Carlo to the Coloseum in Rome, the students experienced a trip of a lifetime. Mr. Antonuzzo was overjoyed to stand on the same steps where Napoleon became Emperor, and students were impressed by the opportunity to experience historical monuments in person rather than just through a textbook. The Vatican and Sistine Chapel were cited as trip highlights, along with fantastic food, new languages and great memories.
On March 11, Cardinal Carter’s Figure Skating Team, “Cougars on Ice”, participated in the Western Ontario High School Invitational in Aylmer. The competition involved 37 schools and 157 skaters from Windsor to the Toronto area. Congratulations go out to Jorge Gutierrez for his 1st place finish in Preliminary Men’s Freeskate and to Maggie Aziz who finished 4th in Sr. Bronze Freeskate and 6th in Silver Interpretive. Special mentions go out to Haley Clark for placing 10th out of 25 in Preliminary Ladies Freeskate, Alexis Pedro for placing 13th out of 25 in Jr. Bronze Freeskate, and Jacqueline Foott for placing 9th out of 27
Earth Day 2011 contest for kids
Calling all kids! The Essex Region Conservation Authority and Earth Day Canada are inviting all students to get outdoors and find their special wooded area – either in their backyard, their neighbourhood, or at their favourite park or Conservation Area, and then submit a photo, essay or drawing telling why it is important to you, the community and the environment.
This year’s contest is honouring the 2011 International Year of the Forests, a global celebration of the many incredible roles forests play in our biosphere. Trees within our community provide us with improved health; they remove carbon from our air, and provide shelter for birds and wildlife.
If you attend 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. 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 submissions is April 21, 2011. 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 May 1 at 10 a.m.
Get creative, have fun and good luck!
in Gold Interpretive. Overall, the team placed 19th out of 37 teams. Way to make C.C. proud, Cougars!
Twelve senior social science students from Cardinal Carter enjoyed a historical tour of Europe. Pictured above, students pose in front of the Notre Dame Basilica in Paris.
jeff.hutchins@sympatico.ca
Residents can benefit this tax season
MPP Pat Hoy says local residents can benefit this tax season with a number of new and enhanced tax credits, part of $12 billion in reductions by the provincial government.
“Individuals and families in Leamington and ChathamKent may get extra money for filing their income tax return. Many may be missing out on benefits and credits because they don’t file a personal income tax return,” said Hoy. “To see if you qualify, file your income tax return – even if you did not earn any income.”
The Province is helping qualified individuals and families by:
• Providing up to $260 a year for each adult and child with the new Ontario Sales Tax Credit;
• Providing up to $900 for individuals and $1,025 for seniors through the Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit;
• Helping parents keep their kids active, from music and painting to sports and dance, with a refundable tax credit of up to $50 per child and up to $100 per child with disabilities.
Canadian CrissCross
SPONSORED BY
Secrets to compost
If you have been following my last several articles, you have probably noticed that I keep talking about healthy soil and water drainage. This is the golden rule to a successful garden, and there’s no better ingredient than compost. Compost increases fertility and buffers ph and improves soil structure. So here is my secret formula to compost. First thing, never use bones, meat scraps, dairy products, seedy weeds or diseased plants, or pet manure, especially kitty litter
In the In the Back Yard... Back Yard...
Community Program
By Andy Comber
In the fall, dried leaves, hay, straw, sawdust, woodchips, and shrub and tree prunings are acceptable, but will take a longer roasting period. Always cut larger material into 2-inch pieces or smaller; use a wood chipper if available. During the rest of the year, green matter breaks down the best. Fruit and vegetable scraps and grass clippings will promote heat, quickly breaking down the waste. Also coffee grounds, teabags and uncomposted manure from cows, goats and horses or poultry can be used. Compost this manure only if you combine it with lots of vegetable waste. Use a 3 to 1 ratio making the vegetable waste the greater amount. Cover the pile with straw.
County council received an overview of the Migrant Workers Community Program by Lorraine Gibson, chair and program supervisor of the organization.
Let the pile heat up for 10 to 15 days. When the temperature inside reaches 140º to 150ºF, pull off the straw cap and turn the pile by pushing it over and dividing it. Reassemble the pile and cover with straw. When the center temperature reaches 140º to 150º F turn again. Repeat this 3 to 4 times during a 6-month period. If necessary, add water if the material becomes dry. This also helps the process.
The more often you turn the pile, the quicker it will break down into compost. The smaller the pieces, the faster it will compost. I use my push lawnmower over larger pieces and leathery leaves before adding them to the pile.
A barbecue thermometer works well to check the compost temperature. If this is your first year, picking up bagged compost seems simple enough. The problem is, not all compost is created equally. Some manufactures use sewage sludge or bio solids. This material can be laced with virtually anything that homeowners, hospitals and industrial plants put down their sinks. Who wants to grow vegetables in that?
Municipal composting or store-sold bagged compost is best used for mulching and top dressing in flowerbeds. I prefer using my own homemade compost for the vegetable garden. The good news is sewage sludge is strictly banned in organic agriculture. However, many non-organic farmers do use it to grow food crops, as long as it passes government guidelines.
Composting household vegetable scraps and yard waste is a great way of making a dent in the problem of landfill and creating a healthier life style.
Bill Plumb is a 5th generation horticulturist. He started his journey as an independent grower and wholesaler in 1971, joining the family business in Leamington going back to his father, uncle and grandfather to 1922. During that time he developed multiple retail flower and garden centres including a landscaping company with his brother. After selling that part of the business, Bill continued growing seedlings and potted nursery stock, developing a successful mail order business. Email: bpmarketing24@yahoo.ca.
“Our mission is to provide a more positive balance to the life of the migrant worker by offering social, cultural, recreational, and communication opportunities,” said Gibson.
A wealth of information is provided to migrant workers through the program through safety, health and information workshops, festivals, newsletters, recreational programs and day trips, she said. “We make them aware of all the community services available to them.”
A small investment into the physical, mental and social well-being of employees is known to dramatically lower costs incurred by sickness, inability to work or replacement costs.
But the lack of adequate funding is one of the major challenges for the program, Gibson said. “It is stunting the growth and true potential of the organization.”
Antique show draws several hundred
By Allison Siddall
The Rt. Hon. Sir Winston Churchill Chapter I.O.D.E. held their 46th Antique Show and Sale at the Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex on Sat. Mar. 19 and Sun. Mar. 20. The show was very successful, with a combined attendance of more than 700 over both days. Twenty-seven dealers from Orangeville to Windsor and points in between showcased a wonderful array of antiques and nostalgia items.
In addition to the vendors, the I.O.D.E. bake table offered an assortment of mouthwatering goodies for purchase, as well as tea and dessert. Winners of the I.O.D.E.’s raffle
also because it is so well made.
prizes were Valerie Vriesen (patio set), Diane Howe (picnic basket), and Michelle Langlois (cooler bag).
The Rt. Hon. Sir Winston Churchill Chapter I.O.D.E. is comprised of members from Leamington, Ruthven, Kingsville, Cottam and Wheatley. They are dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for individuals through education support, community service and citizenship programs. Community contributions include bursaries, emergency lunch program at local schools, Boy Scouts, library, Salvation Army Food Bank, Goodfellows, blood clinic, Seacliffe Park project and Leamington Hospital Family Room.
David Simpson of Treasures of the Past was one of the dealers at the I.O.D.E. antique show at the Kinsmen Complex Mar. 19-20. His display included Royal Doulton, oil lamps, china and exquisite antique furniture.
Peter and Mary Beth Gibb of Gibb’s Antiques are pictured with part of the beautiful collection they had on display at the I.O.D.E. antique show. According to Mary Beth, the vintage jewelry is very popular with the younger people, partly because of the originality of the pieces and
Pictured above is an overview of the Sir Winston Churchill Chapter I.O.D.E. Antique Show held at the Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex Mar. 19-20.
Pictured above from left, Rory DiNiro, back Brayden Klemens, middle Brett Enns, holding trophy Bailey Loveless, and front Quinn Bowman.
Skaters compete at Futures West
Skaters from Skate Wheatley competed in the 2011 Futures West Invitational in Point Edward on March 5-6. The following are competition results.
Special Needs Level 3 Free Skate: Adelina Bailey-Lopes 1st.
WO Canskate, 6 & Under: Emma Barrette 1st, Paige Gabert 1st, Mallery Fischer 4th, Shannon Harris 5th.
WO Canskate, Age 7: Hanna Ribble 2nd.
WO Canskate, Age 8 & Over: Allison Kopinak 4th, Solagne Pimiskern 4th, Jessica Bailey-Lopes 6th, Shayna Harris 7th.
WO Pre-Preliminary A Ltd.: Mackenzie Grineau 1st, Madison Grineau 1st, Robyn Jadischke 1st, Averie Garant 2nd, Breanna Dyck 3rd, Jadyn Ryan 3rd, Jayden Garvey 5th, Hayley Keith 5th, Daniella Scurto 5th, Alyssa Beleutz 6th, Bryn Parent 6th, Kassidy Tiessen 6th, Kasia Dyck 7th, Marra Gualtieri 7th.
WO Pre-Preliminary A Ltd. Men: Owen VanOorschotFowler 3rd, Eric Lein 4th.
WO Pre-Preliminary B Ltd.: Krysten Garant 1st, Madisyn Clark 4th, Hailey Bazala 5th, Mykayla Tiessen 5th, Jordyn Clark 6th, Abigail Wigle 6th, Kendra Hancock 7th.
WO Preliminary A Ltd.: Haley Clark 1st, Michelle McClellan 1st, Meghan Mercer 3rd, Lauren Michaud 3rd, Kelsey Almasi 5th, Summer Ellis 5th.
Cardinal Carter - Cougars on Ice
Clark, and Maggie Aziz (front).
Skaters compete in High School Championships
REC ROUND-UP REC ROUND-UP
Spring is coming, and here’s what’s happening at the Complex: REGISTRATION for Spring Programs begins on Monday, April 4th at 7 a.m. Plan ahead and drop off your registration form in advance with proper payment in full (the application form is on page 11 in the Complex Activity Guide) or plan to phone-in or walk-in on April 4th for the best chance at getting registered for all the programs you want to take part in. Register your children/youth in:
Skate Wheatley’s year is winding down. Everybody is now working hard on the annual carnival being held Saturday, April 2 at Wheatley Area Arena. Show times are 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. with the theme being “Haunted”. The end of the year skating banquet will be held at the Rhine Danube in Leamington on Friday, April 15 at 6:30 p.m. There will be a pasta dinner with awards being presented to the skaters.
• Red Cross swimming lessons or Aquatic Leadership courses
• Youth karate or tae kwon do, youth triathlon camp, floor hockey or 4 on 4 spring hockey league
• Babysitter training or Home Alone courses
Student memberships are a very affordable and very popular option. Annual membership rates for students is very affordable, plus the Complex offers a summer membership special for students home from university or college.
Meet with a personal trainer or nutrition and wellness coach and they’ll help you reach new goals! Plus there’s Training for Two! Don’t be intimidated – get yourself and a friend over to the Complex, meet with a trainer and they’ll help to get you onto a whole new course of motivation and energy!
The Right Weigh To Lose It: NEW exercise & nutrition program led by Rosie and Kelly, who will help you reach your goals!
Prevention Program: Learn how to prevent or cope with a chronic health problem, e.g. heart, stroke, diabetes, lung COPD, knee or hip replacement, etc. This 6-month moderate exercise program led by Jaye will give the participant reassurance and motivation!
Attention Adults and Seniors: Are you concerned about falling and breaking bones? The Complex has 3 different classes to improve your balance and co-ordination.
Come check out the Complex weight room and cardio equipment: It’s a proven fact that regular exercise relieves stress and gives you more energy – it’s time to trim, tone and shape that body of yours! Come join the growing numbers of people who are working out at the Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex.
Skate Wheatley’s older skaters who attend the local high schools competed in the Western Ontario High School Skating Championships in Aylmer on March 18.
There was a total of 37 schools competing this year. Here are the results of the skaters from Skate Wheatley who competed.
The Cardinal Carter Catholic Secondary School Figure Skating Team, Cougars On Ice, competed in the Western Ontario High School Invitational. Team members are, back row left to right, Jorge Gutierrez, Alexis Pedro, Jacqueline Foott, Haley
Midget B girls Western Ontario championship series tied at 1-1
By Mackenzie Heyens
Saturday, March 26 the Rhine Danube Southpoint Stars travelled to Petrolia to play their first game for the Western Ontario league championships. Seeing as though the two teams had previously been rivals for the OWHA provincial qualifiers in which Petrolia beat out Southpoint, the Stars had a score to settle. The game began and it was evident that the two teams were hungry for the win. Petrolia scored the first and only goal of the game in the first period. The girls battled hard despite being off for two weeks with Southpoint crashing the net but just couldn’t get it in. Southpoint played a fabulous game with the shots 21-13 for the Stars, despite their loss of 1-0.
The next day the Rhine Danube Southpoint Stars played at home for the second game of the series. The game started in its usual battle, with Jillian Iles scoring the first goal of the game in the first 7 minutes of play, assisted by Amanda Stasko. The score remained 1-0 the rest of the first period. Kaily Zack then popped one in after a beautiful pass from Shailyn Waites. After a quick break after the second, the two teams were rested to begin the third period. Despite a goal by Petrolia, the Southpoint team held their win, and ended the game in a 2-1 win for the Stars.
The girls’ next game is Saturday, April 2, for the final game of the Western Ontario league championships series. Good luck, girls!
Golden Years mini golf
Forty-two Golden Years mini golfers met on March 24 at Colasanti’s. Team #4 took first spot with a 245 by members Andy Orsini, Ethel Ferguson and Madeline Butler, who each collected a $3 cash prize. Second prize went to Team #2 – Lloyd Honey, Barb Arner and John Murphy – who shot a 247. In third place with 248 were Teams #5 and #10 – Tom Bondy, Ralph Butler and Bill Ward; Tom Hyatt, Bryon Walker and Audrey Knox.
The best single round 18-hole tally was a 35 by Andy Orsini. Lowest TOTAL, a 73, went to Gerry Wilkinson, followed by a 74 for Andy Orsini and Murray Knox. Bill Ward and Pete Daudlin came in with 77s; Bill Mayville, Doug Vickery and Herb Ascott had 78s; and Lloyd Honey and Iggy Arner scored 79s. Madeline Butler and Liz Scratch had even par 80 for their 36-hole play. Holes-in-one totaled 68, which included 7 by Andy Orsini. Five were carded by Laurie Hylton, 4 for Murray Knox and Gerry Wilkinson, and 3 for Neil Quick, Wayne Reid and Madeline Butler. A pair fell for Pete Daudlin, Doug Vickery, Winnie Moore, Eva Kah, Audrey Knox, Bill Mayville, Kathy Bradley, Ernie Vendenberg, Carolyn Daudlin and Loretta Carter. One ace showed for Lloyd Honey, Barb Arner, John and Barb Murphy, Marg Ross, Carol Hylton, Ethel Ferguson, Ralph Butler, Tom and Anne Marie Bondy, Gerrit Vriesen, Herb and Caroline Ascott, Moe and Liz Scratch, Annie Mae Leslie, Tom Hyatt, Shirley Thiessen and Stan Vickery.
Skate Wheatley busy with test day, carnival prep
The following are Skate Wheatley’s test day results. Congratulations to all who passed.
Ontario N8H 2Z3 until 15 April 2011 and after 15 April 2011 at the Leamington Municipal Building at 111 Erie Street North, Leamington Ontario N8H 2Z9 until 3:00 p.m. local time on 27 April 2011. The tenders will then be opened in public on the same day as soon as possible after 3:00 p.m. at the Leamington Municipal Building at 111 Erie Street North, Leamington.
Description of Lands:
Roll No. 37 06 440 000 15900 0000; 996 Point Pelee Dr. Leamington; PIN 75104-0066(LT) Part Lot 51 Plan 1393 Mersea lying W of Pelee Dr, S/T beneficiaries interest in R1325939 if enforceable; Leamington. File 09-08
Minimum Tender Amount: $35,534.99
Roll No. 37 06 540 000 16900 0000; 5 Julien Ave. Leamington; PIN 75102-0390(LT) Lot 27 Plan 1218 Mersea; Leamington. File 09-09
Minimum Tender Amount: $10,938.30
Roll No. 37 06 590 000 07700 0000; 522 Mersea Rd. 3 Leamington; PIN 75135-0409(LT) Part Lot 5 Concession 2 Mersea as in R1133202; Leamington. File 09-11
Minimum Tender Amount: $110,286.22
Tenders must be submitted in the prescribed form and must be accompanied by a deposit in the form of a money order or of a bank draft or cheque certified by a bank or trust corporation payable to the municipality and representing at least 20 per cent of the tender amount.
Except as follows, the municipality makes no representation regarding the title to, crown interests or any other matters relating to the lands to be sold. Responsibility for ascertaining these matters rests with the potential purchasers.
This sale is governed by the Municipal Act, 2001 and the Municipal Tax Sales Rules made under that Act. The successful purchaser will be required to pay the amount tendered plus accumulated taxes and the relevant land transfer tax.
The municipality has no obligation to provide vacant possession to the successful purchaser. Note: HST may be payable by successful purchaser.
For further information regarding this sale and a copy of the prescribed form of tender visit www.OntarioTaxSales.ca, or if no internet available contact:
Ms. Cheryl Horrobin
Director of Finance & Business Services
The Corporation of the Municipality of Leamington
Until 15 April 2011: 38 Erie Street North Leamington, Ontario N8H 2Z3 (519) 326-5761 Ext. 279
After 15 April 2011: 111 Erie Street North Leamington Ontario N8H 2Z9 (519) 326-5761 Ext 1201 www.leamington.ca
Gas Bar Robbed
On March 22, Leamington OPP responded to a 9-1-1 call regarding a robbery at a gas bar on Talbot St. E. in Leamington.
A white male entered the employee area of the kiosk armed with a knife and demanded the female employee to open the safe. She could not open the safe, but the suspect was able to gain access and remove a large sum of money.
Essex County OPP K-9 searched the area for the suspect, who is described as a white male approximately 37 years of age, 5’6”-5’9”, slim build, with brown/reddish eyebrows and piercing blue eyes. He was wearing a black oversized hoodie, black shoes, gray or khaki pants, black gloves and a black balaclava with a single opening for his eyes.
The Leamington Detachment of the Essex County Crime Unit is actively investigating and asking anyone with information to contact the Crime Unit at 519-3262544 or Crime Stoppers 1-800-222-8477.
Possession Charges
On March 23, Leamington OPP conducted a traffic stop on Seacliff Drive East. As a result three adult males, ages 19, 20 and 32, and one 17-year-old female youth were arrested and charged for possession of 25 grams of marijuana.
Arrested For Impaired
On March 25, Leamington OPP received information about an impaired driver operating a Jeep Grand Cherokee. The vehicle was located and the driver, a 37-year-old Leamington man, was arrested and charged with Care and Control of a motor vehicle while impaired. He was released on a Promise to Appear with a future court date.
Break and Enter
On March 26 a break and enter occurred on Russell Street. Two stereo systems and an INQ cell phone were stolen.
Charged Under Tobacco Act
On March 28, Leamington OPP conducted a RIDE program on Erie Street North. 100 vehicles were checked and 4 Highway Traffic Act warnings were issued. Also, a 52-year-old Leamington man was charged under the Tobacco Tax for having 11 cartons of unmarked cigarettes in his possession.
Specific Locked Vehicles Targeted
The Essex County OPP Crime Unit has noted that thieves are entering locked vehicles, specifically the Pontiac Grand Am and Sunfire, as well as Oldsmobile Alero type vehicles. A wallet was recently stolen from the console of a locked vehicle. Police are reminding residents not only to lock their vehicles but to remove all valuables as well.
Cottage Break In
On March 22, Essex OPP responded to a break and enter at a cottage on Erie Aire Beach Road, Essex. It is unknown when the break-in actually occurred, but the cottage had been searched thoroughly and stolen was alcohol, a stereo and telescope. Point of entry was an insecure storm window.
Several items were also stolen from a shed, including a Honda 6.5 push mower and a 25 hp Mercury outboard motor.
Three-Vehicle Rear-End Crash
On March 25, Lakeshore OPP responded to a three-vehicle rear-end collision that occurred on County Rd. 22 and Commercial Blvd. Two vehicles were stopped westbound on County Rd. 22 for a red light at the intersection when a blue Ford Explorer struck one of the vehicles from behind. The impact caused the vehicle to lunge into the vehicle in front of it. The driver of the Ford Explorer, a 31-year-old Windsor man, was charged with careless driving and failing to provide a breath sample.
EMS making switch to electronic report system
By Andy Comber Essex-Windsor Emergency Medical Services
got the green light to adopt an electronic patient care report system. County council approved the move away from the current paper-based system during their March 16 meeting, as recommended in a report by EMS Chief Brian Bildfell.
Bildfell said the local EMS service is one of the last in the province to adopt an electronic patient care and ambulance call reports.
The new system brings many improvements, including greater efficiency, accuracy, security and the ability to quickly adopt new code procedures, Bildfell said.
“Paperwork can get lost,” he said. “In the computer age, these reports are never lost.”
Bildfell expects training on the system to be completed in four to six months.
In 2010 a local committee was formed, including paramedics, to consider what
electronic system should be
As a result, iMedic was chosen as the provider that best meets the needs of the region’s emergency services.
The initial cost of the new program is $141,836 (before taxes). To maintain the system, including software upgrades, it will cost about $68,800 (before taxes) annually, over a five-year term. Funding to adopt the system was in place in the 2010 county budget. Costs to maintain the system will be budgeted each year, Bildfell said.
EMS Chief Brian Bildfell talks to media about the planned switch to an electronic patient reporting system for local emergency medical services. (Andy Comber Photo)
adopted.
Committee recommends Lake Erie yellow perch
The Lake Erie Committee, a binational board of fishery managers from Ontario, Michigan, New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania, recommended a 2011 total allowable catch (TAC) of 12.651 million pounds of yellow perch and 2.919 million walleye. Yellow perch are allocated in pounds; walleye are allocated by number of fish. The yellow perch and walleye TACs are similar to last year’s levels.
These recommendations are based on extensive biological assessments and analyses by Canadian and American fishery agencies. For both yellow perch and walleye, the committee is moving forward on a revision of fisheries policies and guidelines for the future. The intent is to fully engage all stakeholders throughout that process.
“The relative constancy of both the walleye and yellow perch TACs reflects the committee’s interest in providing stability to fisheries as we develop revised walleye and yellow perch harvest policies, with input from stakeholders,” said Lake Erie Committee chair Don Einhouse of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. “We understand that in certain areas, the biological risk at these levels of harvest may increase, but will not threaten the sustainability of the resource as we transition to new policies.”
YELLOW PERCH
Overall, yellow perch stocks in Lake Erie are on the decline, though the stocks are stronger in the lake’s eastern part than in other areas of the lake. For 2011, the Yellow Perch Task Group estimates the presence of 130 million yellow perch in Lake Erie, a 28% reduction from 2010 and a reduction from more than 400 million fish in the mid2000s. The decline is due to a weak year class in 2009. The fishery is currently sustained by older fish from some good recruitment during the past decade.
Given the state of the Lake Erie yellow perch fishery, the committee recommended a 2011 TAC of 12.651 million pounds, a small decrease from last year’s allocation of 13.137 million pounds. The consensus among committee members is that weak year classes may lead to lower allocations in some management units in the future.
The five jurisdictions on the lake divide the lakewide allocation of yellow perch based on allocation formulas by management unit. For 2011, Ontario’s allocation is 6.182 million pounds, Ohio’s allocation is 4.991 million pounds, and Michigan’s allocation is 0.188 million pounds. New York and Pennsylvania will receive 0.246 million pounds and 1.044 million pounds, respectively.
In 2010, actual lakewide yellow perch harvest was 9.69 million pounds or 74% of the TAC.
WALLEYE
The Lake Erie Committee recommended a binational TAC for walleye in 2011 of 2.919 million fish, compared to the TAC of 2.200 million fish in 2010. Actual walleye har-
vest in 2010 was approximately 2.0 million fish, or 91% of the TAC. The Committee’s Walleye Task Group—comprising scientists and field biologists—reported that walleye recruitment in recent years has been moderate, particularly the 2007 year class. Fish from the 2007 year class and the exceptional 2003 hatch remain the major contributors to the fishery.
The increased TAC recommendation for 2011 reflects the committee’s consensus that walleye status in Lake Erie appears better than previously forecasted. The TAC is recommended by the Lake Erie Committee and is allocated to Ontario, Michigan and Ohio by an area-based sharing formula of walleye habitat within each jurisdiction in the western and central basins of the lake. Under a 2011 TAC of 2.919 million fish, Ohio will be entitled to 1.492 million fish, Ontario 1.257 million fish, and Michigan 0.170 million fish. The walleye fisheries of eastern Lake Erie remain outside the quota management area and harvest limits in that area are established by Ontario, Pennsylvania and New York.
Said Committee Chair Don Einhouse, “The Lake Erie Committee is aware that the 2011 TAC recommendation, while an increase from last year, is still lower than TACs of 5 to 10 years ago and substantially lower from TACs of the 1980s and 1990s. Abundance of walleye in Lake Erie today is estimated to be 21.2 million fish, compared to highs of between 70 and 80 million fish in the past.”
“The committee remains committed to promoting sustainable walleye fisheries while allowing for the careful allocation of the fish based on annual biological assess-
Random Trivia
Here are the Top 10 Best Selling Sodas along with their market share:
1. Coke Classic (17.2%)
2. Pepsi Cola (10.7%)
3. Diet Coke (10%)
4. Mountain Dew (6.6.%)
5. Diet Pepsi (6%)
6. Dr. Pepper (5.9%)
7. Sprite (5.6%)
8. Fanta (1.8%)
9. Diet Mountain Dew (1.6%)
10. Diet Dr. Pepper (1.6%)
ments, modeling, and deliberation among the jurisdictions, with continued input from our valued stakeholders,” added Einhouse.
The Lake Erie Committee comprises fishery managers from Ontario, Michigan, New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania. The committee’s work is facilitated by the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, a Canadian and U.S. agency on the Great Lakes. Each year the committee recommends a total allowable catch for walleye and yellow perch. Total allowable catch represents the number or weight of fish that can be caught by sport and commercial fishers without putting the stocks at risk. The individual agencies implement the recommended total allowable catch. For more information, visit the Lake Erie Committee online at www.glfc.org/lec.
Top Scorers: Kody Polin, owner Gary Langeman, Kyle Bowman
Most Gentlemanly Player: Assistant General Manager Kevin Hopper, Tyler Quigley
Rookie of the Year: Chris Scott, owner Jake Fehr
Graduating Players: Abe Fehr, Jeff Lobman, Ryan Crevatin, Eric Mayor, Gary Langeman, Jake Fehr
Playoff MVP: Scout Eddie Wheeler, Colin Greeley
Unsung Hero: Assistant Coach Mark Epplett, Koddi Quick
Hardest Worker: Dr. Lucas Szczepanik, Nick Nicodemo, Dr. Steve OʼNeil
Top Defenseman: Assistant Coach Jamie McDermott, Ryan Crevatin
Regular season MVP: Cheyne Matheson, owner Abe Fehr
It’s
do or die time for Sharks
Game 4:
Monday night’s game saw the Sharks back in Wheatley, but they came out weak against the Belle River Canadiens who controlled this game. Although the Sharks’ backs may appear to be up against a wall, the underdog Sharks have shocked several teams in the playoffs. Next game is Friday, April 1 at Belle River and the Sharks are hungry for a win - no foolin’...
Game 3:
Lack of discipline leads to Shark loss,
On Friday night at the Lakeshore Arena the Wheatley Sharks took on the Belle River Canadiens in the third game of the Great Lakes Junior C Hockey League Finals. Before 796 fans both teams started the first frame with some tentative moves. First one team and then the other would take turns in the opposition end.
Belle River opened the scoring on a power play goal by Mike Ditty, assisted by Scott Chauvin and Nik Dobrich. Just over a minute later Derek Haskell found the net for the Canadiens, assisted by Robert Ienna. At 11:21 of the second Andy Stevenson put the Sharks on the board when he broke in off of right wing and let a hard wrist shot go that got past Andrew Thompson in the Belle River goal for a power play marker. Assisting Andy’s goal were Trevor Grieve and Shawn Quigley. With Belle River short 2 men, Shawn Quigley tied
the game with assists going to Dylan Cosford and Shane Vienneau. Belle River then restored their 2-goal lead with two power play markers with Chris DiNatale, assisted by Scott Chauvin and Mike Ditty, getting the first. Shane Noel scored the second with assists to Scott Chauvin and Mike Ditty. At the 5:00 minute mark, Robert Ienna put thoughts of a comeback out of the Sharks’ heads when he scored from the slot assisted by Branden Larocque. With just over 3 minutes remaining in the game, Dylan Impens fired a marker from the slot that beat Marc Tremblay. Assisting on the final marker was Branden Larocque. Final - Belle River 6 Wheatley 2.
GAME NOTES: Refereeing was fairly consistent
all night. Coach Galerno has preached discipline, discipline, discipline all season but Friday night the boys’ heads were just not into it.
Game 2: Series tied at 1-1
The Wheatley Sharks evened up the championship series in the Great Lakes Junior C Hockey League on Wednesday, March 23 at Wheatley Arena.
Game 2 of the series saw the Sharks score in every period to take the 4-3 win. Dylan Cosford was the first player to light up the scoreboard. The second period started 1-1 and finished 2-2 as Trevor Grieves added a marker for Wheatley. Belle River tied the frame with a powerplay goal with 30 seconds left in the period.
Wheatley Sharks vs. Belle River Canadiens
Friday, March 18 @ Belle River (6-3 BR)
Wednesday, March 23 @ Wheatley (4-3 WH)
Friday, March 25 @ Belle River (6-2 BR)
Monday, March 28 @ Wheatley (5-2 BR)
Friday, April 1 @ Belle River 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, April 3 @ Wheatley 7:30 p.m.
Monday, April 4 @ Belle River 7:30 p.m.
Belle River edged ahead 3-2 with the first five minutes of the third. Halfway through the period Andy Stevenson scooped up an abandoned puck behind the Belle River net and tucked in the tying marker. It was Jordan Carnevale who came up with the game-winning goal late in the third period. Wheatley goalie Marc Tremblay had a lot of action in the last three minutes of the game, but turned away all attempts.
March Break was especially fun for these budding young artists who attended the “For The Art Of It” March Break Art Camp instructed by Katherine Burton. Sessions were held all week in the morning with a different them and technique each day. From charcoal drawing on Monday to watercolour, oil painting and t-shirt painting, the participants had fun all week. Pictured here working on their oil paintings are, from left to right, Sarah Vezina, Kalin Lougheed, Gabriella Mastronardi, Chloe Mills, Nicolas Lougheed and Lennon Tremblay.
The Churches of Leamington and District Welcome You
ANGLICAN
St. John The Evangelist
60 Erie Street N., Leamington 519-326-3111
Sunday Worship Services
8:30 & 10:30 a.m.
St. Mary’s Church
East West Road, Pelee Island
1st & 3rd Sundays from June to September at 10 a.m.
Calvary Church
North Shore Road, Pelee Island
1st & 3rd Sundays from October to May at 10 a.m.
BAPTIST
Calvary Baptist Church
475 Bevel Line Road, Leamington 519-326-0876
Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m.
First Baptist Church
3 Fox Street, Leamington 519-326-4372
Sunday Worship 10:45 a.m.
Victory Baptist Church
61 Windwood Dr., Leamington 519-322-5952
Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m.
CONGREGATIONALIST
Faith Everlasting Congregational Church
589 Hwy 77, Leamington 519-322-2994
Sunday Worship 11 a.m.
LUTHERAN
St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church
311 Sherk Street, Leamington 519-326-3966
Sunday Worship Services
9:30 a.m. (German), 10:30 a.m. (English)
MENNONITE
Faith Mennonite Church
269 Sherk Street, Leamington 519-326-6391
Sunday Worship Services
10:50 a.m. (Summer 10 a.m.)
Leamington Evangelical
Mennonite Mission Church
1408 Deer Run Rd, Leamington 519-326-9734
Sunday Worship Services
9:15 a.m. (German), 10:45 a.m. (English)
Leamington Evangelical Mennonite Church 108 Mersea Rd 3, Leamington 519-322-9915
Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m.
Leamington United Mennonite Church 78 Oak Street East, Leamington 519-326-2727
Eldercollege, sponsored by Canterbury College at the University of Windsor, had a very successful Feasibility Public Forum last month at Pelee Island Winery. Over 150 persons completed an Expression of Interest form for the proposed Eldercollege program in SE Essex County including Leamington, Kingsville, Wheatley, Essex and Harrow. Those completed forms now serve as a base upon which courses will hopefully be made available for persons over age 55 by September 2011.
A total of 36 distinct subject areas were identified by attendees at the Public Forum ranging from computers to photography to wine appreciation to gourmet foods, arts, technology, history, current events, arts, music, literature science and nature and much more. Interests are diverse and course offerings to reflect those interests will be diverse as well.
A Curriculum Committee to review, assess and approve prospective courses for the proposed Eldercollege program has been established, as has a Committee on sponsorships/ publicity and fundraising.
Over the next few weeks the program will be looking for course facilitators (those wishing to volunteer to lead or develop a course) and for locations where courses may be held. It is expected that some courses will be offered in partnership with the Essex County Library system and other courses in seniors residences and community facilities.
Facilitators are also welcome. They are volunteers who may have a specialty or hobby or specific interest they wish to share with persons over age 55 in the form of a course. Eldercollege courses can be as brief as one-half day or as long as six sessions over 2 or 3 weeks. Course may be offered in all communities in the SE Essex County region including Leamington, Kingsville, Wheatley, Essex and Harrow.
To facilitate administration of the Eldercollege program there will be two forms of membership: a one-course membership at approximately $75, or as many courses as you wish in one term for about $145. The membership fees have yet to be established, but they will be administered through Canterbury College.
Those who attended the Pelee Island Winery Public Forum and who indicated a desire to facilitate a course (and who have email) will soon receive a form for a proposed course.
Mount Zion Full TabernacleGospel
6 Mill Street, Leamington 519-252-0031
Sunday Worship 7:30 p.m.
United Pentecostal Church
312 Erie St. St., Leamington 519-326-7056
Sunday Worship Services 11 a.m.
PRESBYTERIAN
Knox Presbyterian Church
58 Erie St. S., Leamington 519-326-4541
Sunday Worship Services 11 a.m.
ROMAN CATHOLIC
St. Michael’s Parish
29 Elliott Street, Leamington 519-326-2643
Sunday Masses:
9 a.m., 11 a.m., 7:30 p.m.
Sunday Spanish Mass 2:30 p.m. (February to November)
Mersea United Church 1301 Mersea Road 8, Wheatley 519-825-4157
Sunday Worship Services 9:30 a.m.
Another Feasibility Public Forum was held March 23 at Hiram Walker’s Reception Centre in Windsor. About 60 persons were in attendance and presentations were made on Eldercollege and on the relationship between Eldercollege and Canterbury College as host to Eldercollege. In addition, a representative of CARP and of the City of Windsor’s Seniors Advisory Committee was on hand to offer comment on the role of Eldercollege from the perspective of CARP and on the long-term plans of the Seniors Advisory Committee.
The public forum resolved to establish an Eldercollege Curriculum Committee to begin development of courses to be delivered beginning in September. Canterbury College, which now officially hosts Eldercollege, will co-ordinate course registrations and scheduling from its offices at the University of Windsor. Once courses are in place, interested participants will be able to access them wherever they are held. Courses are not “taught” – they are “facilitated”, and facilitators need not be over age 55.
It is anticipated that a wide range of courses will be available both in Windsor and in the communities in southeast Essex County in September. There is now some information available on Eldercollege on Canterbury College’s website. If you are interested in Eldercollege, both in terms of taking courses and in respect to facilitating a course, contact Lloyd Brown-John at lbj@uwindsor.ca or telephone 519-322-4566.
TTh haan nkk Y Yo ouu! !
The 2011 Chilifest Committee together with the Board, Management and staff of South Essex Community Council would like to thank the following businesses for helping us reach our goal of $10,000 towards the purchase of a new Erie Shore Community Transit bus. SPONSORS
Thanks to those who donated chili, raffle prizes, produce, baked goods & other food services: Adamson Guardian Drug, Active Burgess Mould & Design, Amco, Bahama Mamma’s, Blondes Restaurant & Variety, Bowman Feeds & Supply, Brian’s Custom Sports, Buzek Chiropractic Clinic, Canadian Tire, Carquest, Chuck Reynolds DJ Service, Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens, Color Plus Salon, Costco, Dutch Restaurant, Epicure by Rae-Anne Scratch, Erie Shores Golf & Country Club, Family Kitchen, Finders Keepers, Fili’s Eatery, Freddy’s Park Stop, Gabriele Floor & Home, Gaspard’s Café, Gilligan’s, J & M Donais, Jack’s Gastropub & INN 31, Joey’s Only Seafood Restaurant, John & Evelyn Woelk, Jose’s Noodle Factory, King’s Landing, Kingsville Golf & Country Club, Kingsville Home Hardware, Knights of Columbus, Lally Southpoint Ford, Laser Looks, Lassonde Juices, LDMH Ladies’ Auxiliary, Leamington & District Chamber of Commerce, Leamington Flyers, Leamington Mennonite Home, Leamington Portuguese Community Club, Leamington Source For Sports, Lucky Wok Restaurant, Mastronardi Produce, Metro (former A & P), Mettawas Station, Municipality of Leamington, Naples Pizza, New Beginnings Rest Home, Northern Xposure, Oma & Opa’s Haus, Pam’s Place, Pelee Days Inn, Ray’s Rib House, Real Canadian Superstore, Reid Signs, Reis Appliances, Rhine Danube Club, Roma Club, Sherman’s Station, Shoeless Joe’s, Shoppers Drug Mart Leamington, Southpoint GM of Leamington, Southpoint Pest Control, Sun Life Financial, Sun Parlor Home for Senior Citizens, Sun Parlor Curling Club, Sunflower Country Store, Sweet Memories, Taylor Fish Company, The Main Grill & Ale House, The Town Shoppe, The Water Outlet, Tony Macaroni’s, Vernon’s Tap & Grill, Wendy’s Restaurant, Westmoreland Produce Top Line, Wheatley Home Building Centre, Your Home & Garden and Zippy Print.
OBITUARY
Maria Guenther
Maria (Zacharias) Guenther, 79 years, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family at 5:05 a.m. on Friday, March 25, 2011 at Franklin Gardens. Beloved wife of the late Frank Guenther for 60 years. Loving mother of Jake (Anita), Helen Koethler (Henry), Frank (Tina), Mary Letkeman (Peter), Peter (Helen), Sara Grass (Mike), Henry (Nancy), Susan Brooks, Anne, John, Abe (Susan), and George. Devoted grandmother of 37 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren. Dear sister of Peter Zacharias (Aganetha), John Zacharias, William Zacharias (late Trudy), Aaron Zacharias (Barbara), Suzanne Klassen (late Henry), Anna Redicop (Peter), Helena Schmidt (Peter), Aganetha Letkeman (Abe), and Sarah Krahn (Jake). Predeceased by a sister and several brothers. Special aunt to numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation was held at the Reid Funeral Home & Reception Centre, 14 Russell Street, Leamington (519326-2631).
Funeral service celebrating Maria’s life was held from Leamington Evangelical Mennonite Church, 108 Mersea Road 3, Leamington, on Monday, March 28, 2011. Pastor Bill Friesen officiated. Interment at Graceland Cemetery.
Family and friends are invited to share their words of comfort and remembrance at www.reidfuneralhome.ca
OBITUARY
Isabella Walker
Isabella Walker (nee Jolliffe), 91 years, passed away peacefully, Monday March 28, 2011 at Leamington District Memorial Hospital.
Beloved wife of the late Neil (1987). Dear mother of Robert Walker (Madonna), Ruth Anne Walker (Jack Pollitt), David Walker (Colleen). Loving grandmother of Kenneth, Norman, Shawn, Audrey, Justin and Jena. Nine great-grandchildren also survive. Dear sister of Georgina Bosman (Jack).
Visiting at the Reid Funeral Home & Reception Centre, 14 Russell Street Leamington (519-326-2631) on Wednesday from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m.
Funeral service to celebrate Isabella’s life held from the funeral home on Thursday, March 31, 2011 at 11 a.m. with Rev. Rob Henderson officiating. Interment Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made by cheque to the Trinity Anglican Church Cottam Memorial Fund or the Heart & Stroke Foundation.
Friends may send condolences or make a charitable contribution online at www.reidfuneralhome.ca.
Essex County Council Notes
By Andy Comber
To have an obituary notice placed in the Leamington Southpoint Sun, contact your Funeral Director.
Sharon Hooper
Sharon Rose Hooper (nee McKinnon), 55 years, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on Sunday, March 27, 2011.
Not Enough Money For Roadwork
Devoted wife and the sunshine of the late Robert Hooper (January 22, 2011). Cherished mother of Carrie and Bryon Morrison, Leamington; Shaunda Hooper, Sarnia. Loving grandmother of Levi, McKenzie and Frankie. Dear daughter of Gertrude and the late Don McKinnon (1981). Dear sister of Charlotte Parsons (Roland), Marion Tricker (Brian), Chuck McKinnon (Pat), Madeline Branquet (Marcel), Donna Maldeis (friend Richard Grubb), the late Judy McQueen (2003), the late Don McKinnon (1998) (Martina), Debbie Leckie (Paul), Trudy Gilbert (Denis). Several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends also survive.
Visiting at the Reid Funeral Home & Reception Centre, 14 Russell Street Leamington (519-326-2631), on Friday, April 1, 2011 from 6 p.m. until time of memorial service at 8 p.m. with Rev. Liz Chaplin officiating. Cremation.
Memorial donations may be made by cheque to Hospice of Windsor & Essex County or charity of your choice.
Friends may send condolences or make a charitable contribution online at www.reidfuneralhome.ca.
4-H Knitting & Crocheting Club learning new techniques
By Jessica Scherer
The members of 4-H Knitting & Crocheting Club packed up their supplies and headed to Knit One Purl One in Essex on March 23. Store owner Loretta Maynard helped the girls learn new techniques and improve some of the old ones. Some of those were learning new ways to make dishcloths, changing colours in the middle of a project, using round needles, and cabling in the round.
At the end of the meeting all of the members had a chance to look around the store and purchase a couple of items to take home. There were many types of yarn that were all different colours and textures.
The Knitting & Crocheting Club would all like to thank Loretta for showing the members these techniques and letting them meet in her wonderful store.
Essex County council endorsed a resolution from Amherstburg calling on the provincial government to return to a system of providing 50% funding on roadwork. Traffic volumes have increased substantially since the 1990s, deteriorating roads at a quicker pace than what municipalities can afford to repair.
Deputy Warden and Tecumseh Mayor Gary McNamara said every municipality in the region was struggling to find budget dollars for roadwork.
“We can never catch up – we are always falling behind.”
Solar Installation Setbacks
Essex County council agreed with a Lakeshore resolution calling on the province to adopt setback criteria for microfit solar power installations, to reduce the impact to neighbouring residential and rural homeowners.
Lakeshore Deputy Mayor Al Fazio said solar panels are being put right to the edge of property lines, due to the lack of setback requirements. In one case, a solar power installation was only three feet from a neighbouring playground, he said.
Municipalities have lost authority over setbacks for renewable energy systems, as dictated in the Green Energy Act.
Permit
required for open-air burning
IN MEMORIAM
In loving memory of a
Dear Wife, Mother, Nana, Sister & Aunt August 10, 1039 - April 4, 2010
B E T T Y J A N E
S P I T S E
Though her smile is gone forever, And her hand we cannot touch, Still we have so many memories, Of the one we loved so much. Her memory is our keepsake, With which we’ll never part; God has her in His keeping, We have her in our heart.
Joe, Susan, Todd, Tyler & Tabitha, Evelyn, Judy, Terry, Dennis & Laura
This is a reminder that there is a bylaw restricting open-air burning in the Municipality of Leamington. With the approach of milder weather, folks are anxious to get outside and clean up the remaining traces of winter such as dead flora, twigs and other debris that has collected in the yard.
In May of 2010 Leamington Council adopted Bylaw 34-10 restricting open-air fires within the Municipality of Leamington.
Open burning is any fire or smoldering (burning and producing smoke without flame) where any material is burned in the outdoor air, or in a receptacle other than a furnace or other equipment connected to a stack or chimney. Examples include
campfires and bonfires. All open-air fires require a permit issued by the Leamington Fire Service. All permits require inspection prior to the burn. There are different types of permits, depending on the type of burning that will be done. Open burn permits are $15.00. For further information about obtaining a permit for open burning, visit the Fire Department office at 5 Clark St. W. (8 a.m. - 4 p.m.) or call 519-326-6291.
Skaters compete in Windsor
The skaters at Skate Wheatley are having a very busy March. They competed in the Pat Abela-Lyle McPhedran Memorial Invitational in Windsor March 12-13 and are also practicing hard for the skating carnival on Saturday, April 2. Everyone who is involved in the carnival is putting in long hours getting ready for the ice show.
Congratulations to Kristen DiMenna, who placed 6th at the Trillium Championships (all Ontario) in Mississauga on March 12.
The following are the results for the Pat-Abela – Lyle McPhedran competition. Congratulations to all of the skaters.
WO Pre-Preliminary A Ltd.: Averie Garant 1st, Mackenzie Grineau 1st, Madison Grineau 1st, Ericka Hicks 4th, Autumn Jones 4th, Jayden Garvey 5th, Jaydn Ryan 6th, Kassidy Tiessen 8th.
WO Pre-Preliminary A Ltd. Men: Owen VanOorschot-Fowler 3rd, Eric Lein 6th.
WO Pre-Preliminary B Ltd.: Krysten Garant 1st, Jordyn Clark 2nd, Hailey Bazala 4th, Jessica Hicks 5th, Madisyn Clark 6th, Mykayla Tiessen 7th, Abigail Wigle 7th.
WO Preliminary A Ltd.: Kelsey Almasi 1st, Haley Clark 1st, Michelle McClellan 1st, Meghan Mercer 4th, Summer Ellis 5th, Delaney Ribble 8th.
WO Preliminary A Ltd. Men: Jorge Guttierrez-Calzada 4th.
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AUTOMOTIVE
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CAREER TRAINING
LEARN FROM HOME. Earn from home. CanScribe Career College offers online courses: Medical Transcription and Computers. Great work at-home opportunities. Enroll today! 1-800-466-1535. www.can scribe.com. info@canscribe.com.
COMING EVENTS
HAVELOCK COUNTRYJAMBOREE, LIVE COUNTRYMUSIC & CAMPING FESTIVALAug. 18-21/11. ANNOUNCING Martina McBride, Billy Currington, Sawyer Brown and more, over 25 entertainers... TICKETS 1-800-5393353 www.havelockjamboree.com.
EMPLOYMENT OPPS.
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EXCLUSIVE FINNING/Caterpillar Mechanic Training. GPRC Fairview Campus. $1000. entrance scholarship. Paid practicum with Finning. High school diploma, grade 12 Math, Science, English, mechanical aptitude required. Write apprenticeship exams. 1-888-999-7882; www.gprc.ab.ca/ fairview. September 2011.
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STEELBUILDINGS
DO-IT-YOURSELF STEELBUILDINGS PRICED FOR SPRING CLEARANCE - Ask about FREE DELIVERY to most areas! CALLFOR QUICK QUOTE and FREE BROCHURE - 1800-668-5111 ext. 170.
VACATION/TRAVEL
ST. LAWRENCE RIVER CRUISESWorld class cruising close to home. The hassle free way to travel. 2, 3, 5 or 6 nights in private Staterooms. Included: Shore excursions, great meals & nightly entertainment. TICO:2168740. 253 Ontario St., Kingston, 1-800-267-7868, www.StLawrenceCruiseLines.com.
MORTGAGES
AS SEEN ON TV - 1st, 2nd, Home Equity Loans, Bad Credit, SelfEmployed, Bankrupt, Foreclosure, Power of Sale and need to ReFinance?? Let us fight for you because we understand - Life Happens!! CALLToll-Free 1-877-7334424 or www.callmortgage brokers.com. The Refinancing Specialists (MortgageBrokers.com LIC#10408).
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SUTTON PLACE APARTMENTS
SOUTHPOINT SUN
1 and 2 bedroom apartments available. Fridge, stove, dishwasher, secure building with 24 hour serveillance & elevator. Call 519-326-8746 or 519-564-5772 tf
PLUMBROOK
MANOR APARTMENTS
Security Building Fridge & Stove Utilities included For viewing please call 519-322-1924 tf
NEWLY RENOVATED2 bedroom duplex. Available now. $550 plus utilities, 519818-0377. mr30-tf
SERVICES
PRINTING: Business envelopes, invoices, flyers, business cards, custom print jobs, whatever your printing needs, call Rick at The Wheatley Journal for quick and economical service. 519-825-4541. tf
RENOVATIONS: Small jobs a specialty. Eavestroughing, decks, siding, windows, Gutter Cleaning Systems, furniture refinishing. Call Bill Siddall 519-825-3931. tf
ELECTROLUX SALES & SERVICE: Complete line of vacuums and shampooers/ floor polishers. Will provide free estimate on Central Vac installations. Contact Dan Bailey. 519-825-7698. tf
INCOME TAX
PREPARATION- $30 per return, includes e-filing, 30 years experience. 519-3262770. mr30-ap6
those applicants selected will be called for the
SALES PERSONrequired for supplement store. Looking to work just one day a week. Must be available on Saturdays or every other. Knowledge or interest of supplements and nutrition an asset. Must have excellent customer service skills. Salary to be negotiated. Please bring resume to Spartan Nutrition, 127 Talbot St. W., Leamington. Only suitable applicants will be contacted. mr30
CARRIERS NEEDED
To deliver the Southpoint Sun. Contact Melissa at 519-915-8004 or email: melissa@advantage flyerdistribution.com tfc
COMPUTER SERVICES
REPAIRS- 519-818-8194. LCD monitors, laptops, screens replaced. www.discountcomputerrepairs.net. Repairs usually made within 24 hours. Open 9 a.m.
jewellery, household appliances, glassware, TV units, Canadian silver dollars, paper money, PGA Ryder Cup left handed golf club set (2 to Wedge Steel Shaft), washer, fridge with ice & water dispenser, retro fridge, electric stove & gas stove, water cooler, vacuum, rocker, lamps, reproduction hanging Tiffany lamps, video games, vintage record players, Detroit Tiger Tickets: 1st game played at old stadium & 1 st game played in new stadium. Much, much more! Come in & enjoy the experience of our auction! Chec sale. k our website daily for photo highlights of our am sharp to 9:30 am, Estate to follow Leamington Fairground
Coin Auction: 8:30
Morris Auctions Inc. Farm Machinery Auction Sale Saturday, April 9 at 10:00 am
For Mr. Wilbert Jones, Leamington, Ont. Sale will be held at Mr. Jones farm at 1531 Essex Cty. Rd. 20 (Seacliff Drive E). No Reserve. Farm is Rented. Tractors (4): M.F. 1085 dsl w/cab, 18.4x34 tires, has had tact replaced; M.F. 1085 dsl, open station, 5105 hrs., 18.4x34 tires; Ford 5000 gas, wide front end, 15.5x38rear tires; Farmall 130 gas w/new paint job, good rubber, cult. attach., side dresser; All tractors in good working order. Gravity Wagons (10) & Flat Racks: 9 gravity wagons from 200 to 250 bu. all on good chassis; one 135 bu. wagon; small flat rack wagon; flat rack grain wagon; Tillage: I.H. 12’ wheel disc; I.H. 11 ½’wheel disc; 12’ land leveler; 12’ sprocket packer; 11 ½’ sprocket packer; 3 ph 8 shank chisel plow; older JD 4 furrow semi mount plow; two 11’- 3 ph cultivators; JD 3 furrow 3 ph plow; AC single prong subsoiler; Planting: MF model 43- 23 run grain drill; Sprayer: 300 gal George White sprayer w/pump; Snow Blower: Hagedan 3 ph snow blower; Other Farm Machinery: N.I. trail type mower; 3 ph V-ditcher; drag harrows; 5’ Continental pull type stalk shredder; 3 ph boom; 6’ scraper blade; 3 section rotary hoe; good wagon tires; Farm Primitives: John Goodison corn sheller; one furrow plow; one furrow ditcher; potash kettle; old wooden wheelbarrow; pump; some old steel wheeled plows; platform scales; 3 ph buzz saw; Chain Saws & Shop Equipment: Poulan 14”like new chain saw; Stihl 028 chain saw; many hand tools; electric motors; & numerous other items.
Terms: cash, debit or personalized cheque day of sale. Owner or auctioneer not responsible for accidents day of sale. Lunch available.
Proprietor: Wilbert Jones, 519-322-2248
Auctioneer: Jack Morris, 519-687-2530 or 1-800-462-3561
Photos at www.jackmorrisauctions.com
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 MEETING
T.O.P.S. - Take Off Pounds
Jack
Anniversary cake
Palm tree of fruit
Carved watermelon
MP Dave Van Kesteren with lifelong Roma Club member Pat Incitti handing out commemorative lapel pins
Miracolo Mastronardi at the champagne fountain.
Sun Photos)
Roma Club of Leamington Choir
Fun backyard pool games
A day at the pool is one of the most fun times for kids and the entire family. The pool offers different kinds of fun that everybody will remember forever. Children love to play in the pool, that’s why pools should be designed to make various kinds of pool games possible. If you are planning to make your family’s stay at the pool fun and exciting, you can choose any of the following games.
Scavenger Hunt
One of the most favorite games to play in the pool is called scavenger hunt, or treasure hunt. This game is good for kids because the pool doesn’t have to be deep. Even waist-deep water is perfect for this kind of game. As the name suggests, the game involves “hunting” or “scavenging” at the pool. The organizer will strew different items in the pool. You need to be sure these items sink to the bottom. The kids will then compete against each other in retrieving as many items as possible under water. The kid with the most number of items retrieved wins. For safety precaution, organizers should be in the pool
in case children stay submerged more than necessary. This can also be played by team if you have plenty of children around, or when it is a party. You can divide the kids into groups of five.
Invisible Bottle
Invisible Bottle is another simple game that only requires a bottle filled with water. The bottle’s color should match the pool’s bottom. It should have a white cap and contain no markings, like a wrapper or sticker, so it will be difficult to spot under water. Divide the players into two groups. Each group must stay at the opposite ends of the pool, with their backs to the water. The organizer throws the bottle in the middle of the pool. On hearing the splash, the players turn around and dive to look for the bottle. While the game is so simple, the fun lies in the fact that the bottle is “invisible”. Whoever retrieves the bottle wins. The game even applies to two players only.
London Bridge Is Falling Down
London Bridge is Falling Down is another game that offers simple enjoyment that is ideal for kids. This wet take on an age-old childhood game is fun for all. The game requires two kids holding each other’s hands above the shoulders to form the “London Bridge.” The participants then have to pass the “bridge”. Every time the kids pass the bridge, the first two kids who are acting as the bridge lowers the bridge until such time that it is submerged in water and the participants have to swim under it to make it to the other side. Participants who hit the bridge will be eliminated and the last one standing, or swimming, wins.
The buzz on bees and wasps
When warm weather sets in, it’s usually our first instinct to head outdoors – but then you hear it… a soft buzzing sound that will instantly send you running back inside.
The panic that sets in when a bee or wasp buzzes nearby happens for good reason – they’re dangerous. Reactions to insect stings can cause infection at the site of the sting, difficulty breathing and severe to deadly allergic reactions.
While both bees and wasps are beneficial to the environment, clashes with humans can happen if the insects feel threatened. “Bees away from the hive aren’t likely to be aggressive, if left undisturbed,” says Bill Melville, a 35-year pest management veteran. “However, stay away from hive entrances as bees guarding food stores and young are much more likely to sting.”
Though bees do sting, people often confuse them with yellow jacket wasps. Unlike a bee, which can only sting once, yellow jackets can sting multiple times. Over time, some people can develop increased sensitivity to their stings, with future stings becoming life threatening.
To prevent run-ins with bees and wasps while outdoors, experts recommend limiting their access to any water and food sources, especially those containing sugar. When picnicking outdoors, keep food in tightly sealed containers and cover pop cans as yellow jackets often enter cans unseen.
Think about other potential food sources as well – for example, regularly empty and wash garbage cans, which can contain pest-attracting residues. Position flowering plants away from places you frequent, such as doorways, walkways, decks and mailboxes. Keep your lawn free of bee attractors like white clover and flowering weeds.
D
By Cheryl Grant Trends Consultant
Lots of helpful decorating hints, tips and rules have been published over the years. But for every rule written, someone has invariably decided against it and has had fantastic results.
Gone are the days of holding true to the line. You can wear white after Labour Day and you can break the rules of decorating.
Today’s interior design should be a personal statement. It should reflect who you are, what you love and how you want to live. Here are a few decorating rules from the past that can be ignored.
Old Rule: Wide-plank flooring is best suited for a larger open space. Wrong. Wide-plank flooring looks great in a large space, but it can also make a smaller room appear larger. Plank width should be selected according to the effect you want. Narrow plank (2” to 3”) offers a retro feel, adding significant texture to a décor. Wide plank (5” to 7” and up) adds large-scale drama, while providing a cleaner look through minimal texture.
Old Rule: Never paint over natural wood. Wrong. Often old wood paneling, wood trim or furniture pieces can look dated. No amount of stripping and refinishing will lend a clean, modern
edge. If you love your wood trim or moldings, but the wood stain depresses the overall décor, paint it white and watch the room come alive. Don’t tear down that paneling or throw out that old dresser. Refinish with a soft, matte, neutral paint. Add new hardware and voilà –you have a brand new look. Natural wood baseboards and door jams can break up the overall look of a room. Paint the wall trim to blend with the interior walls for better balance and flow.
Old Rule: Stick to one type of flooring for consistency. Wrong. You can mix different types of flooring to add character and texture to a room. Just ensure the colour matches to maintain a consistent flow and keep your space open. Cork, hardwood, leather, laminate, tile and broadloom combinations work well within the same space. Often extra large spaces (great rooms) need to
be “cozied up”. You can add that warmth and even define the use of the room by inlaying different types of flooring. Take a look at a Canadian flooring company, for flooring ideas. So go ahead and break a few rules. Create your own interior design statement. The results can often add that special wow you’ve been looking for.
Old Rule: Don’t mix interior design themes - Traditional, Country or Modern. Focus on one theme. Wrong. Today the gloves are off. You can mix elements of the three design categories with wonderful results. Mixing modern pieces into country or formal traditional rooms can add drama and make a unique personal statement. Richly textured cork or distressed, finished hardwood flooring, normally suited to a country home, will bring easy comfort to a traditional interior.
Old Rule: Small spaces demand light colours, while large spaces are best suited to a dark palette. Wrong. While a light colour does make a space appear larger, and a darker colour will warm up a large room, it may not support the final decorating effect you’re after.
A colour scheme should be selected based on the look and feel you want, regardless of the room size. Cozy, dramatic or strong décor statements can be attained with deep, rich colours. Light, airy and easy-living atmospheres are created from soft pastels or neutrals.
Is recycling really that important?
By Daniel Schwab
Cathie Griffin is often asked this question.
As the community relations co-ordinator for the Essex-Windsor Solid Waste Authority, Griffin has been telling inquiring young minds that recycling is not only important, it’s vital to the sustainability of a healthy environment and its people.
During presentations to grade schools Griffin proves her point to the youngsters by informing them that recycling five aluminum pop cans will produce enough energy to power their TV for five hours.
They’re told the recycling process turns junk mail into toilet paper, newspapers into roofing shingles, glass bottles into fiberglass insulation, pop cans into DVDs and water bottles into the green fuzz on tennis balls. And she tells them
it doesn’t have to be a burden.
“We tell people to think of 100 ways of how to conserve energy and then ask them to pick three,” she said. “It really does make a difference.”
Some of the easily applied household practices Griffin suggests include changing shower heads to low-flow models, turning off the lights after exiting a room and sending kids to school with “garbageless” lunches – using plastic sandwich containers instead of sandwich bags.
“It’s the little things that add up,” Griffin says.
For some folks, recycling is serious business. Harrow’s Gary Wright has been turning out recycled furniture for the past 13 years.
With his business, Pit Stop Enterprises, Wright constructs decks and chairs from extruded
high-density polyethylene, comprised of 76 per cent industrial waste destined for landfill and 24 per cent post-consumer waste (blue box materials). Wright says placing recyclables into a blue box and putting out for curbside collection is only a start.
For recycling to have its full effect, “end products” must be made available for consumers to purchase and reuse before another recycling process can start over
again.
“The biggest hurdle we have to overcome is consumer awareness and participation,” he said. Wright says one of his recycled Adirondack chairs represents about 240 one-gallon plastic milk jugs and will last more than 25 years.
By providing a product made from 100 per cent recycled material, he is confident about “closing the loop on recycling” and offering consumers more environmentally friendly lawn furniture.
For more information on recycling, visit the Essex-Windsor Solid Waste Authority’s website at www.ewswa.org.
RED BOX:
Use your Red Box for paper productsmagazines, newspapers, fine paper, boxboard, etc.
BLUE BOX:
Use your Blue Box for containersplastic bottles & jugs, cans, glass, etc.
• If you use only one blue box, place paper items on the bottom and the container recyclables on the top to keep the papers in place.
• Never put your recyclables in plastic bags (plastic bags are NOT recyclable in this area.)
• If you have too many paper products to fit in the Red Box then place the excess in a Blue Box but DO NOT MIX with containers.
Extra red or blue recycling boxes can be purchased at hardware stores and at our truckload sales events (spring & autumn, 1 day only sales).
Some helpful tips on how to reduce, reuse and recycle:
• Outdoor summer parties can be hugely wasteful; instead of using plastic cups and paper plates, rent party dishes or ask the guests to bring a set for themselves.
• Ice cream, cottage cheese and butter containers can be reused to carry just about any type of food, or to store nails or screws in the garage.
• Wet newspaper covered with bark creates a great method of controlling weeds in the garden.
• Last year’s calendar can be turned into a set of envelopes – all you need is a stamp and some glue.
• Wash and reuse plastic sandwich bags instead of throwing them into the trash.
• After Junior’s finger painting has been displayed on the fridge for a while, take it down and use it to wrap presents.
• Most importantly, tell others about the importance of recycling!
Outdoor decorating for outdoor living
A relaxing time together with the family is what most working homeowners usually look forward to after a long day’s work. Yet, when speaking of total relaxation, nothing comes close to the satisfaction, comfort, and privacy that one’s personal outdoor space could provide. As such, if you would like to maximize the relaxation and comfort that your garden, patio, deck, or sunroom could provide, you have to see to it that it is truly attractive to look and stay at, and you could do this by furnishing your outdoor space with cozy furniture pieces. A great idea you could use in order to achieve your desired results is the outdoor wicker sectional sofa.
Basically, an outdoor wicker sectional is a set of sofas composed of multiple sections of couches that include at least two pieces that are connected at 90 degrees angle or greater, and are either made from natural or synthetic fiber. This can also be referred to as a corner sofa, as it is commonly propped against the wall or other furnishings. One feature worth noting about this outdoor furniture is that it is inexpensive as opposed to other furniture used outdoors, but is equally at par when it comes to quality and aesthetics. Nonetheless, as almost all wicker sec-
tionals are handcrafted, they are highly individualistic, which means it would be difficult to find two pieces that look exactly the same.
You don’t have to worry about looking for the perfect outdoor wicker sectional sofa for your garden, as such furnishings are sold in most major home improvement stores and furniture shops. There is an assortment of options to choose from in terms of forms, designs, sizes, and finishes. You could even find wicker sectionals crafted from natural fibers like abaca, rattan, and banana, which are more preferable to use in gardens as they have the capability to preserve the natural appearance that such spaces exude. Definitely, you’ll find something that would complement the existing décor of your outdoor space.
Aside from making a relaxing alcove in your garden, you could also utilize your outdoor space as a dining area where you and your friends could enjoy hearty meals during weekends. Make your alfresco dining area the perfect place for meals by integrating wicker patio dining sets as a part of its design. Parallel to wicker sectionals, wicker dining sets are the most ideal furnishings that you could use to bring the sense and sight of nature to your own garden. Such furniture pieces will definitely transform the appearance of your garden and would make your meals more enjoyable and satisfying.
The marketplace is now full of contemporary wicker patio dining sets, with emphasis on sleek and clean designs. There are dining sets that could accommodate 4 to 10 people, and are available in differing colors, finishes, and shapes. Some manufacturers even develop cutting-edge designs that are truly worth adding in contemporary gardens such as the pod wicker dining set that is made up of a round table and several wicker chairs that can be folded into the shape of a pod.
Basically, when it comes to decorating your outdoor space, you have to make sure that you choose furnishings that would provide you comfort. Whether they are outdoor wicker dining tables for your outdoor dining space, or sectional sofas for your deck, do not forget that your furniture choice should suit the existing décor of your garden and patio and should not dominate the whole area or overpower your landscape. By taking all these things into account, you could easily create an outdoor space that would provide you with the relaxation you need to regain your energy that has been lost from the demands of your job.
As a busy homeowner, it is important that you have a comfortable space at home where you and your family can get together during weekends. Transform your garden into a relaxing haven by incorporating an outdoor wicker sectional as a part of its layout. Or, you could also make it a dining area where you could enjoy satisfying meals with your family. You could add wicker patio dining sets to achieve an alfresco dining area. It won’t be difficult at all to purchase outdoor wicker dining tables and chairs since they are widely available in most furniture stores.
Many people like to think of their lawn as their own personal putting green. But closecropped putting greens are among the most intensively managed— watered, fertilized, and chemically sprayed— patches of land in the world. Your grass will be much happier (and healthier and greener) if you loosen your stranglehold on it, and you’ll
be able to spend more time relaxing instead of working on your lawn. Taller grass has multiple benefits:
• The larger mass of grass blades makes the grass look greener overall, and problem spots will look less obvious than they did when you were mowing at puttinggreen heights.
• The extra green on top delivers more nutrients to the grass roots and helps them grow deep, giving the grass better access to wa-
ter and making it more drought-tolerant. Deeper roots also mean better access to soil nutrients.
• The thicker root mass and the taller green parts work to crowd out weeds by keeping weed seeds from germinating and crowding out any unwanted plant pests that do manage to germinate.
• Taller grass leaves help keep the sun off the soil, helping to preserve its water content.
• Your longer-cut lawn
TIP #2 - Mulch Those Grass Clippings
will require less mowing. (Cutting the grass short stimulates the plants to try to grow faster to make up for their lost greenery.)
While cutting higher is beneficial, certain fineleafed grasses tend to fall over or get pushed down by the lawnmower, resulting in uneven cutting. If you’re finding this is the case, try lowering the mower deck by a half-inch at a time until you find the preferred height.
Alternately, mowing your lawn a little more often may also help allow you to maintain a tall “cut height” but still avoid the falling-over problem. If only a few problem areas suffer from falling-over grass blades, doing a second or third pass over these areas can help touch them up. This usually works, especially when the additional passes are done at different angles.
Somehow the idea got started that leaving the cut grass on your mowed lawn will smother it. Well, put that sham lawn care tip on the compost pile! Remember that grass clippings are 10% nitrogen, and you know that nitrogen is a main component of lawn fertilizers, so... leave the grass clippings on your lawn to decompose and return their nitrogen to the soil for your lawn to reuse. Organic Gardening magazine notes that a season’s worth of grass clippings will contribute almost 2 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of soil—half of the lawn’s annual fertilizer needs. Mulched grass clippings also shade the surface of the soil and make it harder for weed seeds to germinate. Mulching your grass clippings will supply most of the food your lawn needs. By reducing or eliminating your use of chemical fertilizers, you’ll reduce the amount of polluting runoff that rains carry from your lawn to local waterways. Freshly mulched grass clippings are a feast for earthworms, who are instrumental in breaking down thatch and aerating soil.
er (and you) to cut the grass and, more importantly, will avoid tearing the grass and wounding the grass blades, which makes them more susceptible to infection and evaporative loss.
Your local powerequipment dealer or lawnmower shop can sharpen your blade for a small fee, as can many hardware stores, but investing in your own sharpening wheel will save you money in the long run. If you go this latter route, read up on the proper bevel angle for your mower blade before you end up grinding yours into a stiletto.
TIP #4 – Be Sweet To Your Soil
Most turf grasses prefer soil that is slightly acidic to neutral. Many weeds, on their other hand, prefer acidic or alkaline soils, so getting the pH balance right can optimize conditions for your grass and make them less favorable for weeds.
If you have naturally acidic soil, sweeten it with lime or wood ash. Hardwood ash has about 50% to 65% of the alkalinizing power of lime, so if you go that route, you’d use half again more of the ash.
TIP #3 – Sharpen Your Blade
It’s easy to wish that the only care a lawnmower needs is to check the oil once in a while and give it a tune-up once every decade. But the mower blade is something that needs attention at least once a season, and two or three times might even be necessary, depending on your use. Sharpening the blade will make it easier for your mow-
Before you use either, though, use a soil test kit to determine the pH of the soil under your lawn. It’s better to edge your way up to the desired pH over a few applications than to overshoot and then face the more difficult task of bringing the pH back down. Both lime and ash are best applied in the fall—this enables the material to break down over the winter so the soil is improved for the next season’s growth. But if you test your soil in the spring and it’s too acidic, go ahead and do an application.
TIP #5 – Aerate
It may be painful to see those big plugs of your sod coming up when you run an aeration machine over your lawn, but experts insist that doing this every couple of years allows air, water, and nutrients to get deep into the root zone of grasses. Aerating also helps eliminate thatch.
Ten tips to a great lawn
TIP #6 – Choose The Right Grass Variety For Your Area
Your latitude and average annual rainfall level will govern what type of grass you choose for your lawn. Those in the northern climes usually do better with “cool season grasses,” while those in the hotter southern region do better with “warm season grasses.” Those in the middle don’t have such clear-cut situations—your best bet is to ask your local nurseries, or even neighbors who seem to have goodlooking lawns.
TIP # 7
- Feed and Reseed At The Right Time
Cool season grasses such as perennial rye, Kentucky bluegrass and the fescues should be sown in mid-August to mid-September so the seeds have warm soil in which to germinate but the young grass shoots
have rapidly cooling air (in which they thrive). It is recommended to fertilize in the fall with an inch of compost, watered in; and, if you aren’t reseeding, some corn gluten meal, which will also help suppress fall weed germination.
Warm-season grasses like zoysia, Bermuda, and centipede should be sown and fed in the spring and summer but not in the fall. For feedings, use a natural, slow-release fertilizer or fine compost.
TIP #8 - Watering
Most lawns need about an inch of water per week. If not enough rain has fallen to quench your lawn’s thirst—a rain gauge can be useful here—use one long, soaking watering (rather than a shorter watering every day) to give your lawn its week’s worth of “rain.”
If you have to water, do it in the early morning. Watering in the evening invites disease.
TIP #9 – Clover
We don’t really know why people hate clover in their grass. Maybe we can persuade you to love it by summarizing its benefits:
• Clover fixes nitrogen from the air, providing free fuel for the turf grass with which it peacefully coexists.
• It adds to the greenness of your lawn (except, of course, for the relatively brief part of the year when clover flowers).
• The clover’s flowers provide an important source of nectar for honeybees, bumblebees, and other types of beneficial bees and pollinating insects.
• Earthworms, which are great for soil in general, like the presence of clover.
• Clover is diseaseresistant and avoided by most common turf pests.
• It’s drought-tolerant. Simply put, clover is part of a healthy lawn, adding to the stability of your “lawn system.”
TIP # 10 – Other Weeds
Not many people want a yard full of dandelion puffballs or crabgrass. But there’s a difference between not hav-
ing a weed-infested yard and having a lawn that has only one species of plant. Some weeds provide food or habitat for beneficial insects, which are good for controlling
pests in your lawn, garden, and other planted areas. As mentioned above, the “weed” clover fixes nitrogen from the air and helps fertilize your turf grass.
Getting rid of Spot’s spots in your lawn
When nature calls, dogs do what they must, where they must (after all, a pristine green lawn is a human invention, far beyond the comprehension of the canine brain). The brown spots caused by urine are simply the result of too much of a good thing--namely, an overconcentration of nitrogen, which burns the grass.
1. Consider the kind of maintenance your lawn gets. The soil beneath a highly fertilized lawn already contains large concentrations of nitrogen--and a little more, courtesy of a dog doing his duty, is enough to push the grass over the edge. (Female-dog urine is not more potent than that of males. It causes more trouble simply because females tend to urinate all at once in one spot.)
2. Turn on the hose and flood the spot if the deed has just been done. Even within a few days, a thorough flushing should head off any damage, and before long the grass will grow back as good as new.
3. In cases where the damage has been in place for a while, dig out the damaged turf and flush the soil with plenty of water to dilute the excess nitrogen.
4. Reseed or resod the spot.
How To Keep Laminate Flooring Clean
By Gina Hopkins
One of the best things about laminate flooring is that, when it’s new, it is wonderfully clean and visually appealing. Over time, dust, debris and dirt take their toll.
Despite your best efforts, troublesome stains and spills may occur. Instead of throwing up your hands and accepting a dull, unattractive laminate floor, you should set up a strict upkeep schedule and stick to it. Furthermore, you should educate yourself about the basics of handling common stains and spills.
Sweep or Vacuum Once or Twice Per WeekDon’t wait until laminate flooring clearly needs to be swept or vacuumed before doing so. By that time, all of that dust, dirt and debris has had a chance to work its way into cracks; it could even grind down the surface of your laminate floor. Instead, get yourself on a strict schedule for sweeping, vacuuming and mopping. Don’t be tempted to skip your weekly or twice-weekly vacuuming, sweeping or mopping just because the floor looks okay. By being strict about your floor’s upkeep, you will never have to see what it looks like when it’s truly dirty.
Mopping - You never want to get a laminate floor truly wet. However, mopping is necessary from time to time. The best course of action is to use a mop that is just a very tiny bit damp. Squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible before you begin. The goal here is to make it damp so that small specks of dust and debris stick to it - not to make it soaking wet. If you push your mop around and leave puddles in your wake, you are definitely using too much water.
Sweeping - Although the surface of a laminate
floor is sure to be durable, you shouldn’t push the envelope. Invest in a high-quality soft-bristle broom so that you don’t have to worry about inadvertently damaging the laminate flooring in your home. Make a point of being delicate with your sweeping - don’t thrash away at the floor with the broom. Lightly brush along the floor to create small piles of debris, and then whisk them away into a dustpan for disposal.
Vacuuming - Vacuuming is a great way to suck away all of those invisible yet annoying specks of dust from the surface of your laminate floor. Always use a special, soft flooring attachment in order to vacuum your laminate floors - don’t just use the regular vacuum cleaner. Otherwise, you could inflict wear and tear on your floor and scuff it up along the way.
Use Warm Water and Change it Frequently - When you mop your laminate floors, always use moderately warm water. That way, it will evaporate away a lot more quickly. That’s a good thing, since you do not want to leave standing water in your wake. Switch out the water in the bucket on a regular basis. Otherwise, you could end up spreading around icky, dirty water that will actually make your floor dirtier. Always keep in mind that standing water is the mortal enemy of laminate flooring.
Tips about Cleaning Products - Don’t just grab any random bottle of floor cleaner to take care of your laminate floors. Floor waxes and polishes, for instance, should never be used on laminate floors. They leave behind a sticky film that attracts even more dust, dirt and debris. On top of that, laminate floors that have been treated with waxes and
polishes usually look streaky and often have footprint marks on them. Never use steel wool, scouring powder, citrus oils or soap-based cleaners on your laminate floors, either.
Removing Common Stains - In the case of rubber heel marks, paint, oil, permanent marker and tar, apply a natural cleaner on a fresh, light-colored cloth. If that doesn’t work, you can try using an acetone-based fingernail polish solution or rubbing alcohol. Nine times out of ten, such techniques do the trick. Warm water, a natural cleaner and a lightcolored cloth can be used to remove stains like pasta sauce, blood, soda, wine, beer and juice from your laminate flooring. Gently apply the cleaner and the warm water until the stain is completely gone. If chewing gum or candle wax gets stuck to your laminate floor, freeze it solid with some ice. From there, use a piece of plastic to gently scrape the substance away. Wipe the area down with a warm, damp cloth and you should be good to go.
By keeping these simple yet effective tips in mind, you can keep your laminate floors looking spic and span no matter what happens.
Power, comfort and performance are just a few ways to describe the perfect 22 5 hp Massey Ferguson® sub-compact tractor Impressive features you would expect from big expensive tractors like hydrostatic power steering, 4-wheel drive, a rugged hydrostatic transmission, and a 3-cylinder diesel engine, but both versatile and affordable
Test drive the Massey Ferguson GC Series today at your local dealer, and let us show you what you ’ ve been missing.
How to paint a concrete floor
By Medha Godbole
There is a lot of satisfaction in doing something on your own, even if it is just making a simple, small greeting card for your friend. Further, if it is something related to your house, then I believe it is all the more gratifying to keep it spic and span and make sure that it looks good. A fresh coat of paint to the floor, for instance, will change the look of the room completely. It could be any area, the bedroom, kitchen, living room or even the basement. That does not matter. What matters is that it has been given a makeover, and that one thing can transform a boring looking area into a sparkling, jazzy one. So here is, for your perusal, how to paint a concrete basement floor.
Painting a Concrete Basement Floor
Infusing a new life into your basement is not really a gargantuan task. But of course it will not be a breeze too! You will need to put in the requisite efforts for painting concrete. Let’s see how it is done!
The Things You Need
Taking stock of what you are going to require to paint the basement flooring is inevitable. These things are:
Primer
Stain blocker
Latex paint
Paint trays
Paint rollers
Broom
Sandpaper
Scrub brush
Cat litter
Liquid detergent
Dehumidifier
The First Step
To begin with, the floor will have to be absolutely dry with not even a slight hint of moisture or dampness. Use a humidifier for getting rid of the dampness and if there are leaks anywhere consider getting professional help. Likewise, make sure that the floor is level. Sand the rough and uneven spots using sandpaper and make the surface as smooth as possible. Clear the residue after you are done with sanding. Basically, when painting a concrete basement floor these preparations are essential.
Some More Preparation
After sanding and removing the residue from sanding, before painting, you will need to clean the floor thoroughly. If the floor is too dirty, scrub using a detergent and brush. Soak the oil stains with the help of cat litter, and follow that by scrubbing the floor. Again, remember that the floor has to be completely dry before you go about applying the primer.
The Next Coat
Once cleaning is done, you can move on to the next step in painting the concrete basement floor. Apply a thin, even coat of a primer using a paint roller. It will take around 5 hours maximum to dry, so use a humidifier for speeding up the drying. Once it totally dries off, apply a second thin coat of primer to the floor. Let it dry.
Coat with Stain
At the end of painting the concrete basement floor, apply a coat of stain blocker, again with a paint roller. This will be helpful, letting the primer bond effectively with the latex paint. The stain application instructions will give you an idea as to how much time it takes to dry. In a few cases you can take the primer and simply add the stain blocker to the
primer.
The last step of how to paint a concrete basement floor involves applying a thin coat of latex paint using a roller. Once that dries, apply a second coat. Let it dry thoroughly before you start using the basement. This is absolutely essential.
If painting the basement is not your cup of tea, let a professional handle it!
*Offer
Who invited the mosquitoes?
haps there’s no bigger nemesis to the outdoorsman or woman than the pesky mosquito.
While other insects may buzz, swarm and occasionally sting, mosquitoes can pack quite a wallop with their bites. That’s why many homeowners are on an eternal quest to eradicate mosquitoes from their yards.
But is it possible to completely wipe out this pest? Probably not. However, every homeowner can do his or her part to reduce their numbers, and stay safer doing so.
In order to fight this foe, it’s first important to test your knowledge of the adversary.
Review these common facts and fictions about mosquitoes to better arm yourself for the attack.
Fact: or Fiction?
1. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in just about any water source.
FICTION: Mosquitoes only lay eggs in standing water, such as ponds, puddles or bird baths. They will not lay eggs in moving water, like that in streams or filtered pools.
The eggs lie in wait until the conditions are right and then hatch into larvae. Keeping the yard free of standing water sources (emptying buck-
ets, flowerpots, etc. after rain) can help cut the numbers of
2. Worldwide, mosquito-borne illnesses kill more people than any other single factor.
Fact: Diseases such as malaria, West Nile virus, and encephalitis can be transmitted to humans. For pets, heartworms can be passed to cats and dogs.
3. Mosquitoes feed on blood.
FICTION: Only female mosquitoes suck blood to help develop eggs. Their food sources are flower nectar, juices and decaying matter.
4. Mosquitoes can live anywhere from 3 to 100 days.
Fact: Female mosquitoes can live for that amount of time, whereas male mosquitoes live on average 10 to 20 days.
5. Mosquitoes have no natural predators.
FICTION: Many birds, bats and other insects feed on mosquitoes. You can help increase the chances of mosquitoes being consumed by attracting birds and bats to your yard by putting up bird/bat houses. They cannot consume enough to eliminate all mosquitoes, but will certainly do their part.
6. Mosquitoes don’t see very well.
Fact: These insects have poor vision. They track their “victims”
from the carbon dioxide exhalation from your mouth and the general heat of your body.
7. Hundreds of eggs can be produced from one female.
Fact: One female mosquito may lay 100 to 300 eggs at a time and may average 1,000 to 3,000 offspring during her lifespan.
8. Mosquitoes prefer sucking the blood of humans.
FICTION: Many mosquitoes just target what is most abundant in their breeding/living area. There are those mosquitoes that are more apt to track and target certain species of birds. For example, there are few people near the Arctic Circle, but millions and millions of mosquitoes.
9. Bug zappers are a good way to rid a yard of mosquitoes.
FICTION: Bug zappers may do more harm than good because they attract mosquitoes but do not kill them. Instead, larger insects, such as moths and butterflies - which eat mosquitoes - can be killed by zappers.
Additionally, bug zappers can illuminate water sources and make it easier for mosquitoes to find breeding areas. One last thing: zappers are designed to explode insects that come in contact with them. Therefore bits of pulverized insect matter could be let loose in your yard and inadvertently end up on your barbecued food the next time you’re dining alfresco.
10. Coils and citronella candles are pretty much ineffective.
Fact: While these two devices can repel mosquitoes slightly, you’d have to remain in their direct smoke or fragrance plume. All it takes is one light breeze to render them ineffective.
There are expensive products that lure insects with CO2 and heat that may work better, if you have the funds to spend. However, mosquitoes are not something you can completely eliminate.
How to grow a gardener
If you haven’t yet introduced your child to the joys of gardening, perhaps this is the year. Gardening combines two things kids love: the dirt and the outdoors!
Sunlight shows you how to nurture a lifelong passion in your kids. Let your child dig, plant and weed this summer, then watch a lifelong passion bloom.
Give them a personal patch
Even if it’s just a spot for your toddler to dig a muddy hole or for your nine-year-old to examine bugs, having their own garden gives kids a sense of adventure and pride.
Leave room for good old-fashioned digging
Don’t urge your child to fill in all the holes they inevitably dig. Holes make a great landscape feature. Kids can look for worms in holes, bury treasures or add water to attract water bugs, frogs and thirsty birds.
Guarantee kid gratification
Encourage kids to start some plants from seeds so they can see the growth cycle flowers are particularly kidfriendly and sprout within eight weeks; radishes within four). So they don’t lose interest in the meantime, visit a nursery and let your kids pick out blossoming plants, such as pansies that they can plant in the ground and enjoy now.
Break the rules
So what if the plant rows are crooked or your child has decided to put tomatoes next to the daisies? Remember that the real beauty of a child’s garden is his being able to say, “I did it myself.”
Find a fun theme
Get kids excited by planting a theme garden. Choose plants that attract butterflies, and you have a butterfly garden.
Choose chocolate cosmos for a chocolatey scent and chocolate mint for a minty scent, and you have an ice-cream sundae garden.
Find plants starting with the letters of your child’s first name, and you have a “name garden”.
Be inventive and create your own theme with your child. And remember, every grass stain tells a story. Discover a world of play at www. sunlightlaundry.ca.
