Southpoint Sun March 31, 2010

New shuttle part of $3M announced for Point Pelee National Park

By Sheila McBrayne

Chatham-Kent Essex Member of Parliament Dave Van Kesteren was at Point Pelee National Park on Friday, March 26 to announce the government’s $3 million investment in the local national park. Van Kesteren, on behalf of the Honourable Jim Prentice, Canada’s Environment Minister and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, announced the investment, which is delivered through the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund of Canada’s Economic Action Plan. “This investment of up to $3 million at Point Pelee National Park will ensure that the natural wonder of this unique and treasured place will be maintained for future generations while generating important economic benefits for our local community,” stated Van Kesteren.

The $3 million will be used for improved exhibits, signage, an upgraded sewage system, resurfacing of roads and a new in-park shuttle transportation system. The small crowd who came to hear the MP’s announcement broke out into applause at the mention of a new shuttle system. The current shuttle is a 1982 Ford Bronco which pulls the shuttle carts. Van Kesteren pointed out, as an example, that upgrading from a 1986 to a 2006 model is 36 times less polluting. “The new shuttle will be green, it’ll be environmentally friendly and should be here this year,” said Van Kesteren. A decision on the selection of a shuttle is close to being completed and once the order is placed, delivery takes approximately 20 to 28 weeks.

“We all know how great Pelee is, but when new people come for the first time we want to make that more enjoyable,” said Van Kesteren. “That ride to Point Pelee is an important part of the experience,” he said. Point Pelee National Park welcomes approximately 200,000 visitors a year. Van Kesteren stated that local workers would be used to carry out the work when possible.

Little Tomato Theatre presents Seussical Jr.

In its ninth season of providing fantastic local entertainment and talent, Little Tomato Theatre presents Seussical Jr. which features 93 youth from across Essex County between the ages of 6 to 18 years old. Pictured here, in back, from left to right, are Amber Dubois (Gertrude), Shawna Wiznuk (Mayzie), Kim Morin (Cat in the Hat) and Hope Forman (Jo Jo). Front and centre is Caulin Moore as Horton.

Director Terry Raisbeck and the cast have been practising since January and invites everyone to enjoy this sensational musical being presented at UMEI (United Mennonite Educational Institute) auditorium on April 9, 10 and 11. Shows are Friday at 7 p.m.; Saturday at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; and Sunday at 2 p.m. All seats are $10, children 5 and under are $6. Call 519-322-1896 for tickets.

(Sun Photo)

Flyers Awards Banquet

Listen Saturdays at 6pm and Sundays at 1pm to the Mix 96.7 Hit List. Email hitlist@mix967.ca to vote for the song you think should be #1! This WeekLast Week ArtistSong Title

LambertWhattaya Want From Me

GaGaBad Romance Your chance to win Barenaked Ladies Tickets at the John Labatt Centre in London happens all this week on Mix 96.7!

Listen Sunday at 2 pm & 8 pm for this week’s hottest songs in Country Music! This Week Last

Stork Stork R R eport eport

Baker - Catherine and Jeff of Kingsville, a girl on March 16, 2010.

Giesbrecht - Anna and Jake of Leamington, a boy on March 17, 2010.

Baker - Julie and Mike of Kingsville, a boy on March 18, 2010.

Sanchez - Carolina Sanchez and Alfredo Trejo of Kingsville, a girl on March 18, 2010.

Kreeft - Amy and Ryan of Kingsville, a boy on March 18, 2010.

Friesen - Katharina and John of Leamington, a boy on March 22, 2010.

Davidson - Angela and Adam of Leamington, a girl on March 23, 2010.

The Stork Report is sponsored by

Leamington Police were called to the Public Meeting held by SouthPoint Wind at the Princess Centre on Saturday, March 27. The large crowd who came to hear about the more than 700 wind turbines planned to be placed in Lake Erie in the Leamington and Kingsville area had to be turned away as the maximum fire code capacity was reached quickly after the 3 p.m. start. A Leamington Police Constable was placed at the elevator to stop any more people from entering before police had a chance to talk with organizers and get the number of people in attendance under control. The turbines are part of SouthPoint Wind’s proposal to start with 15 turbines south of Kingsville and Leamington with the goal of getting approval to build 700 more turbines in Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair. There were several Public Meetings planned in the area. The “talk” among those held at bay from the Leamington meeting was that they planned to attend the meeting later that day in Harrow.

St. John The Evangelist

APRIL1 - 7:00 pm

Maundy Thursday - Holy Eucharist and stripping of the Altar

April 2 - 12:00 pm

Good Friday - Meditation of the Cross

April 3 - 7:00 pm

Easter Eve - Great Vigil of Easter

April 4

The Sunday of the Resurrection: Easter Day 8:30 am - Holy Eucharist 10:30 am - Holy Eucharist 4:00 pm - Easter Dinner for those who are alone or go without

Call to register. No charge. Meals delivered to shut-ins and rides provided.

(Sun Photos)

Join in the Green Revolution!

Discovering the companies that are leading the charge in green and sustainable products is the focus of the Essex Region Conservation Foundation Enviro-Expo April 15 - 18 at Caesars Windsor, sponsored by the Government of Ontario, Engineered Systems, and Essex Energy Corporation. The show will feature local and international exhibitors with products and services to make your life a little greener from earth-friendly products to alternative sustainable solutions and technologies.

John Omstead, President of ERCF said, “We are proud to host this event. I hope everyone will come out to this great venue, get a hands-on feel for what is happening in green technologies and services, and enjoy the great forums and displays.”

The event will showcase a wide range of fun, interactive displays focusing on the environment, including an extensive Home and Garden Show featuring some of the newest and best green products for home and living. This section will demonstrate the latest on green roofing, home climate control products, and building products. A feature of the Home and Garden Show will be the debut of the cutting edge innovation of ‘Recharge Mower’. One of the first riding electric lawnmowers, the Recharge Mower can make your lawn truly green. Designed by Windsorites, it will hold up to 3 hours of continuous operating power between charges with no gas, no oil and zero emissions.

Enviro-Expo is being opened by the 42nd President of the United States, President Bill Clinton, on April 15. His remarks on to the environment and the role we all have in making a difference will be the opening keynote address. For ticket information please go to www. enviro-expo.org.

From practical and simple solutions for your energy bills, to the hottest green products, you will find it at the Enviro-Expo 2010. Visitors can also gather information from seminars, presentations, and demonstrations throughout the expo. This show is sure to be the onestop shop for all things green!

The Essex Region Conservation Foundation has been working with the Essex Region Conservation Authority to raise the funds to protect and improve our local environment and water quality in the Great Lakes. Protecting existing natural areas, planting trees and building trails are just some of the successes that the Foundation has realized over the past three decades.

Daffodil Days in Leamington

Volunteers from the Essex Branch of the Canadian Cancer Society were at various locations throughout Leamington for Daffodil Days, March 25-27. Last year $96,000 was raised across Essex County from the daffodil sales. Organizers were aiming to reach $100,000 for this year. Pictured here at the United Communities Credit Union (UCCU) in Leamington are, from left to right, Dana Liebrock, UCCU, Jo-Anne Epp, UCCU, and volunteers Mary Anne Beeson, Marilyn Leary and Carol Vlanich. Volunteer canvassers with the Canadian Cancer Society will be conducting their door-to-door campaign during April which is Cancer Awareness Month. “Join the Fight!” (Sun Photo)

Bill Clinton

By Dean Ware

THURSDAY, APRIL1:

Storytime at Leamington Library at 10:30 a.m. For ages 3 -5 and caregiver. Register at the library.

The Learning Disabilities Association of Windsor - Essex County 7th Annual Fundraising Dinner at the Fogolar Furlan Club, 1800 EC Row North Service Road, Windsor. The buffet style dinner will be served from 6:00pm - 8:00pm. Everyone is invited to attend. Tickets cost $20.00 each, a raffle will be held and there are door prizes to be won. For more information or to purchase a ticket please contact the office at 519-252-7889. More information is available at www.ldawe.ca.

Alpha Course Dinner, Video and Discussion, exploring the meaning of Christian Faith. 6:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m. at Meadow Brook Fellowship, 219 Talbot St. E., Leamington. Register by calling Church office at 519-326-3605.

Baby Storytime at Leamington Library at 9:15 a.m. For ages 0 - 18 months and caregiver. Register at the library.

FRIDAY, APRIL2:

"Rock On" shirts and "Rock On Kingsville" shirts for sale from 3:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. at Naked Fish Market, 313 Main St. E., Kingsville. Proceeds from this event will benefit the Kingsville Food Bank.

SATURDAY, APRIL3:

Kittenaide Easter Book, Video, & CD Clearance Sale to Support Cat Rescue, from 10:00 a.m.3:00 p.m. at Leamington Fairgrounds, Erie St. N. at Wilkinson Drive. Free Admission. Many vendors. To donate items phone 519-324-2729. Proceeds go to Spay & Neuter Fund for rescued cats.

All kids and parents are invited to an Easter Eggstravaganza, from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 noon at FGTFamily Church, 285 Talbot St. E., Leamington. There will be an egg hunt for kids aged 2 to 11, plus face painting, prizes and entertainment. Free admission. For more information, call 519-322-2316.

Leamington Police hockey team will play the Leamington High School All Stars at 6:00 p.m. at Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex. This will be a team comprised of the best hockey players from both high schools in town. Joining the police lineup for this special game will be two time Olympic Gold Medal Champion, and Most Valuable Player in Women’s hockey for the gold medal winning Team Canada, Meghan Agosta. Admission will be $3 and all proceeds will be donated to the Ontario Law Enforcement Torch Run for the Special Olympics.

SUNDAY, APRIL4:

Listen to Country 92.7 CJSP for more events happening in Leamington and Essex County during the Community Calendar 6 times daily or visit www.country927.com for a complete listing OpenThurs- Sun 857 Point Pelee Dr. Leamington 519-326-1292 fishplc@wincom.net

The Southwest Outdoors Club is presenting its 5th annual Big Buck and Bull Day Saturday, April 10. Last year’s five-hour show was a huge success with attendance of over 400 outdoor enthusiasts. There was an estimated 100 deer racks and approximately 30 moose racks entered in the show for scoring.

Easter Dinner for those who are alone or will go without, at 4 pm, St. John’s Anglican Church, 60 Erie St. N., Leamington. Call to register by April 1st, 519-326-3111. No charge. Meals delivered to shut-ins. Rides provided.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL7:

1:30 - 3:00 pm regular monthly meeting of the Wheatley and District Friendship Club. Come and support the Wonder Broads Dragon Boat Team of Windsor & Essex County in their endeavours to promote breast cancer awareness. Apasta fest is to be held at the Fogolar Club from 5-7:30 pm. Adults $12, children 5-12 yrs $7, four and under free. For info call 519969-2584.

SATURDAY, APRIL10:

When arthritis strikes, we can help you fight back! The Arthritis Society is offering a course to help you deal with your chronic pain. It will be held from 9 am - 12 pm for 6 consecutive Saturdays, at the United Communities Credit Union, 147 Talbot St. N., Essex. The cost is $35. Registration is required, please call 519-9652561. Don’t want to commit to a 6 week course at a time? Then come to the Chronic Pain Management Workshop on Wednesday, June 9, 2010, 7 pm - 9 pm at the Alzheimer Society of Windsor office, 2135 Richmond St., Windsor. The course is FREE but registration is required. Call 519-965-2561.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL14:

“LAERC” - the Leamington Area Ecumenical Refugee Committee will meet at 6:30 pm at Knox Presbyterian Church, Leamington. We are looking and hoping for more Churches & individuals to join our team of welcoming refugees to a safe new home. Can’t attend our monthly meetings? Please help with a financial donation. For further info, please contact Carolyn Reid 519326-6776.

SATURDAY, APRIL17:

Annual Comedy Night & Dinner Fundraiser will be held at the Rhine Danube Club. Doors open at 6; Dinner at 7; Show at 9. Tickets $40.00. All proceeds will go to Sun County Crows Lacrosse. Call today to reserve your tickets 519-326-5507. The Essex County Purple Martin association will meet at 1963 County Rd 42 (just before Woodlands Golf Course & Hwy 401) in Woodslee at 9 am. All are welcome. Refreshments. For more into please call 519-776-5777.

Leamington-Mersea Historical Society 1950’s/’60’s/’70’s Sock Hop Fundraiser for the Restoration of the Michigan Central Railway Station, MCR Dr., Leamington, Saturday, April 17, 7:30 – 11:30 pm, Kinsmen Complex. For tickets call Bill Sherk 322-1551 or Scott Holland 326-0533. Cost: $10 per person.

SUNDAY, APRIL25:

Silent Walk & VIgil. Meet at the South Point Community Church, 55ATalbot St. W. (next to Gabriele’s)in Leamington at 3:15 pm. Walk beegins at 3:30 pm to Leamington District Memorial Hospital to express concern for abortion. Rain or shine. Inquiries: Leamington Area Right to Life 519-325-0929.

This year the event will take place in the larger venue of the Tilbury Arena and the show time has been extended from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is $5. Trophies and prizes will be presented for Typical Whitetail, Non-Typical Whitetail, Moose, Sheds, Black Bear and Wild Turkey. The members of FROW (Foundation for Recognition of Ontario Wildlife) will conduct the scoring. At last year’s event, FROW presented a score that ended up being a Non-Typical Ontario record.

Guest speakers include: David Goodison, host of the TV show The Canadian Wingshooter; The Beasley Brothers, co-hosts of the TV show Canada in the Rough; Holly Simpson, a Biologist from the Ministry of Natural Resources, discussing deer, moose and bear diseases and what hunters and the general public should be aware of, and much more.

Also on display will be the 1917 Jack Miner buck as seen in the February issue of Ontario Out-of-Doors Magazine. This buck is one of only two mounts known to exist from the hundreds of mounts Miner had to sell to help pay for feed for the thousands of Canada Geese that called Jack Miner Bird Sanctuary home.

Last but not least, there will be a sponsored Kids Trout Pond – kids fish for free!

The Southwest Outdoors Club is quite new to the outdoor community that extends throughout Ontario. It was created by a group of citizens who shared concerns for environment, conservation and our outdoor heritage, including hunting and fishing. Established in 2003, the club now boasts a membership of 260. The club was founded with the help of Spyros Chyrsochou of the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters.

Southwest Outdoors Club is involved in several community endeavors that include Kids, Cops, and Canadian Tire Fishing Day that attracts 300 young anglers at Wheatley Harbour, the Big Boyz Fishing Tournament that attracts 500 anglers to Wheatley, the wild turkey re-introduction in the Wheatley area, and an ongoing wood duck box program with the Wheatley Scouts.

If you are interested in attending the Big Buck and Bull Day or if you have racks to show off, please visit www. swoc.ca for further details.

per person

Dales receives 70-year-jewel from Rebekahs

70 years at Erie Lodge and Peachland Lodge

On Friday, March 26 the Rebekahs of Peachland Lodge of Leamington and the former Erie Lodge of Wheatley presented a 70-year membership jewel to Hazel Dales. Hazel joined Erie Rebekah Lodge #319 on March 26, 1940. The jewel presentation took place exactly 70 years to the day since Hazel became a Rebekah.

Hazel and her late husband, Willis, were very active, involved members of Erie Rebekah Lodge of Wheatley all of their adult lives. Hazel held numerous offices through the years, culminating in the positions of Vice-Grand, Noble Grand and District Deputy President, but her favourite position was as Degree Captain, when she planned and executed many intricate, appropriate drills to symbolize Rebekah emblems and annual themes. As Degree Captain she was responsible for the Installation Staff, who each fall visited every lodge in the District to install the respective officers into their chairs. Hazel’s many years of teaching held her in good stead as she taught novice marchers to not only “put their best foot forward”, but to “ALWAYS start with your left foot”. Many members enjoy fond memories of a wellloved voice saying “left, left” when they got out of step during practice.

When Erie #319 closed, Hazel continued her work as a Rebekah and transferred her membership to Peachland #45 in April of 2004. She was given a Life Membership honour in April of 2006.

Approximately 30 people were in attendance at the presentation of Hazel’s 70-year-jewel, presented by Carole Dibbley, District Deputy President of Leamington District #20 of Rebekah Assembly of Ontario. A beautiful rendition of “May the Good Lord Bless and Keep You” was dedicated to Hazel.

Mrs. Dales graciously thanked all those attending for sharing a lovely afternoon with her. “I have always enjoyed my association with the Rebekahs,” said Hazel. “We lost our Wheatley one and joined up with the Leamington one and I’ve really enjoyed it.”

Peachland Rebekah Lodge member Hazel Dales, left, was presented with her 70-year jewel by Carole Dibbley, District Deputy President of Leamington District #20 of Rebekah Assembly of Ontario.

(Sun Photo)

Vice Grand Beverly Leroux (left) is pictured with Hazel Dales (centre) and Noble Grand Anne Marie Nash at the presentation of Hazel’s 70-year jewel on March 26.

(Sun Photo)

Accessibility awareness 25 years after Man In Motion Tour

It’s hard to believe, but it’s been 25 years since Rick Hansen and his team started their journey across Canada with the Man In Motion Tour to make communities more accessible and inclusive for all and to raise funds for spinal cord injury research.

The tour returned to Vancouver, two years, two months, and two days later and had raised an incredible $26 million for spinal cord injury research. Today, Rick Hansen is President and CEO of the Rick Hansen Foundation. Under Rick’s leadership, the Foundation has been successful in bringing the spinal cord injury community together to find innovative solutions and accelerate progress towards a cure. The Foundation has generated $200 million towards the tremendous advancements in the areas of research and quality of life for people with spinal cord injury and related disabilities.

McThoughts McThoughts

It was 1985 when Rick started his journey and it was right around the time that a good friend of mine became paralyzed from the waist down. We used to ride our bikes and swim at the local pond, which was conveniently located on her road. She always had a great sense of humour and that never changed. I often wondered if I could have been so positive if it were me who suddenly found myself in a wheelchair… I like to think so.

I used to work at the corner store and sometimes she’d wheel down for a visit. I used to go outside to talk and sometimes we’d pick her up – chair and all – and bring her in the store for a visit. Times have changed. Today business owners are much more conscious of being accessible and ensuring that would never happen today. I don’t say it would never happen today because every business is accessible, but because there are choices. If you choose to make your business accessible, then they may choose to support your business.

I’m amazed at how much has changed in 25 years, mostly in terms of increased accessibility and awareness. My friend lives independently in her own house, works in communications and plays wheelchair basketball. I admire her.

In the spirit of the original tour, Rick Hansen recently announced the creation of the Rick Hansen Institute, which is positioned to grow globally through the 25th anniversary. The Institute will connect people and countries around the world in order to make significant contributions towards SCI research and care. The Rick Hansen Foundation will support the Institute and is launching an ambitious $200 million 25th anniversary campaign to generate resources for the Institute and other innovations that support the cause.

A very Cherry memory to cherish

Hats off and everything like dat, the Don Cherry Movie was a beauty. Jared Keeso, the young actor who played Don in the two-part bio-pic “Keep Your Head Up Kid”, did such a wonderful job as the irrepressible player, coach and commentator that the movie had an actual documentary feel to it.

The movie had a bit more special meaning for me because of my fortunate acquaintance with both the Man and the young man who portrayed him in the film. Along with our morning radio personality, I had the pleasure of interviewing Jared Keeso a few weeks back. He was fun and easy to talk to, not a lick of ego. His roots and folks back in Listowel have served him well; a very grounded young

man.

In the late 1980s and into the early ’90s, I got to know Don Cherry fairly well. He and I conspired to produce a syndicated weekly newspaper column called The Wrath of Grapes. Don would submit his thoughts, mostly rants and ramblings, and I would edit his words before sending the column out to 18 newspapers in Canada. I kept 25% of the billings and the Grapes would retain 75%. And though I had to do the editing, shipping, billing and collecting, I still believe that I got the better part of the deal. I got to speak to Cherry weekly, and over time come to know his family a bit too.

His wife Rose was a sweetheart. She was always so

friendly and genuine, and nobody, Blue aside, would advocate more for Don than his longtime wife. She’d get “on his butt” when he was past his column deadline, and if something was needed to auction off at a charity event, it was Rose who would dig into her husband’s closet and ship off an ugly tie. Perhaps you noticed a particularly (Continued on Page 7)

S Soouutthhppooiinnt t S Saayyss. . ....

Texting has become a common way of communicating. Does it bother you when someone responds to a text message while talking to you, or do you think it’s just an indication of how society is changing?

Location: Out and about around town

Nicole Vanderveer Seacliff Park

“It bothers me. I think it is quite rude and that it ruins the feeling of personal contact you should have when you’re talking to someone.”

Shirley Lehn Shortt Cutts

“My only opinion about texting is with driving and texting, and I don’t think it should be done – ever. It is against the law and people are still doing it. It’s dangerous.”

Scott Simpson Simps Skate Shop

“It does bother me because they’re not paying attention to you, right? They’re only half paying attention. It’s really rude.”

A very Cherry memory to cherish

(Continued from Page 6)

garish piece of neckwear in the movie, a wide brown tie with big white polka-dots. Cherry wore it on his return to the Boston Gardens after leaving for Colorado. I had the original version, but sold it at a sports auction in Wallaceburg. I can’t recall what it sold for, but I suspect it was for a mitt full. Tim Cherry, who is the executive producer and writer of the movie, is someone I spoke to a few times when I would call the Cherry house. By that time, Tim was already making his mark, working on the Grapevine show, a hokey weekly interview show that Grapes recorded in Hamilton. Funny thing about Tim, his dad’s voice is gruff and baritone and his son’s voice is a polar opposite, soft and high-pitched.

I would also talk dog grooming with Don’s daughter, who ran a grooming business down the street from her dad’s home. The entire family couldn’t have been friendlier.

I was in Maple Leaf Gardens with my father-in-law one particular Saturday night and dropped down to the Hockey Night in Canada set to pick up some videotape for a media presentation. It was an opportunity to drop by the “green room”, the prep/waiting room adjacent to the set of Coaches Corner. As advertised, the room offered a soothing green tone and was dark, with comfy furniture and lots of television monitors. I introduced Don to my father-in-law Tony, and Grapes couldn’t have been more accommodating. With the Cherry flair and an outstretched and oversized paw, he bellowed, “Tony eh? Gotta love a guy called Tony, put ’er there Tony.” Tony was pretty thrilled and you knew that the boys at his steel fabricating business were going to hear all the details the next day. The same night at the Garden’s, Don introduced me to a feature writer from Sports Illustrated who took some information from me about the Wrath of Grapes column that eventually found its way in a big spread on Don. My name wasn’t mentioned in the article, and this of course minimized my bragging rights.

Don and I exchanged a few favours over the years. I would send him military and aviation books from some authors in my area and he’d agree to do a special “not for broadcast” Coaches Corner segment with Ron McLean. It was incredibly done. The full-blown segment, music and all, would feature a discussion between the two about NHL players that would be appearing at the sports banquets I was involved with. It blew my mind that they would go to the bother of producing this ten-minute production every year that I asked. The dinner guests were always amazed when we rolled the tape and played the segment on the television monitors in the hall. “Hello to our friends in Wallaceburg tonight, getting ready for their Hall of Fame dinner,” Ron McLean would say “… and Don guess who is on the bill tonight? Our ol’ friend Dennis Hull.” Grapes would jump in “Hey, my buddy Dennis Hull, the hardest, fastest shot in NHL history and the funniest man alive, God love ’em and everything like that. I remember one night at the Boston Gardens when Dennis was flying down the left wing…” Good guy that Don Cherry… still swinging away with his words while his big heart pounds for “the guys in our military, young hockey players, Bull Terriers and Bobby Orr.” Thumbs up to the movie.

Stephanie Hodgson Uniquely Yours

“Yes, it does bother me. I feel that it is rude and that if someone is speaking to you they should be giving you their undivided attention, not having a conversation during our conversation.”

Lines of wisdom and aches of worldliness are earned

Many of us find exercise is the last item on our list, bottom of our barrel and most likely just not going to happen! Excuses.

Our days are full, our health is failing, and we know healthy eating and exercise should be our priorities. Instead we ignore all of our knowledge in this field. This past week I discovered the reason why I should never swim lengths again.

I am sure it did not happen out of the blue, but I suddenly noticed the indents the swim goggles leave around my eyes! It can’t be my improved eyesight, since within the last year I’ve resorted to using magnifying glasses for night-time reading. Last Christmas, I asked one of my daughters to give me a lighted, magnifying mirror for the removal of hair that my “dear” friends had ignored (NEGLECTED) telling me about! Love ya’ll too!

The orthotics in my runners are pretty well dilapidated and it now feels as if I am running barefoot, so perhaps it is best to not run at all. Lately, I was also instructed by an aesthetician to place scotch tape between my eyes and on my forehead while running to prevent the setting in of lines caused by squinting, from the pain. Pain? Lines? With this in mind, I have to ask myself if the drawbacks of exercise outweigh the benefits. No matter what, I am not going to be caught dead running through Wheatley or anywhere else with tape on my face!

Consequently, I have decided to continue running and will splurge on new, more-cushioned runners. I will never give up the peacefulness of the park. When the birds begin to chirp and the frogs croak with the warmth of the spring, there is no place I’d rather be!

I have chosen to become an elderly woman some day. The lines on my face will share the fact that I enjoyed the outdoors and pushed my body to its limits. My feet will ache and I may need a new hip or knee eventually. It will be worth it, of that I am sure!

“Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely, in one pretty and well-preserved piece, but to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, worn out and defiantly shouting, ‘Geronimo’!”

Police pursuit in Kingsville

On Sunday, March 28 at approximately 5 p.m. Kingsville OPP observed a vehicle drive through a stop sign on Road 7 East in Kingsville. Police attempted to stop a blue Pontiac Sunfire with activated emergency lights and was unsuccessful. The vehicle was travelling at high rates of speed approximately 140 km/hr in 80km/hr zone.

The pursuit continued on Hwy. 77 in Leamington through Mersea Rd. 8 and was terminated on Rd. 7, where the suspects fled on foot. Two youths were seen exiting the vehicle and fled to a nearby house party. Police attempted to locate the youths amongst approximately 100 party-goers with negative results and no co-operation.

The owner of the vehicle attempted to report the car as stolen, but further investigation indicated that the car was borrowed by a youth (18) from Kingsville. The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact Kingsville OPP at 519-733-2345 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Windsor male arrested for million-dollar fraud

On March 10, Essex County OPP were dispatched to investigate the report of a fraud at a business located in Tecumseh. Police advised that fraud occurred over a 26-month period involving three separate fake vendors with losses in the milliondollar range. The suspect was the general manager at the business and had been an employee for the past 13 years.

Essex County OPP Criminal Investigation Unit arrested and charged Nicola (Nick) DICIOCCO (32) from Windsor with multiple counts of Fraud, Over $5,000. He was released on a promise to appear and undertaking with an April 27, 2010 9:30 a.m. court date in Windsor Courts.

The investigation is continuing and further charges and arrests of other suspects are pending. Anyone with information is asked to contact Essex County OPP Criminal Investigation Unit at 519-723-2491 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Wheatley man charged in thefts

On Friday, March 26 Essex County OPP Criminal Street Crime Unit concluded a 3-month investigation of theft of machinery, tools, trailers and fuel in the Essex County, Chatham, Leamington and Windsor areas, resulting in 26 charges.

Police arrested and charged Mark LAPORTE (37) from Wheatley with:

1. Possession Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000 (3)

2. Possession Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000 (8)

3. Mischief Under $ 5,000 (4)

4. Theft Under (3)

5. Theft Over (4)

6. Fraud – Under $5,000 (3)

7. Fail to Comply – Undertaking

The estimated value of stolen property is over $150, 000 in which police have recovered $110, 00 worth of property. There were 15 Essex County OPP, 4 Leamington Police Service, and 1 Windsor Police Service occurrences that were cleared with the arrest. Anyone that has purchased items from the accused or has information is asked to contact Essex County OPP Property Crime Unit at 519-723-2491 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Driving while susupended

On Tuesday, March 23 at approximately 9 p.m. Essex OPP conducted a routine traffic stop on Highway 3 in Essex. Police advised that a Cottam male (41) was driving a 1999 Chevrolet Corvette while suspended. Police seized the driver’s licence, issued a 3 day suspension notice and several tickets for drive no insurance, use plate not authorized for motor vehicle, and drive without current validated permit.

Trailer stolen in Kingsville

On Wednesday, March 24 at approximately 3 p.m. Kingsville OPP responded to a theft in the 1900 block of Setterington Drive in Kingsville. Police advised that sometime in the last 6 weeks unknown suspect(s) stole a black 2001 U.S cargo trailer model 612. The plate on the trailer is Ontario marker Z61337 and the approximate value is $3,000. Anyone with information is asked to contact Essex County OPP Property Crime Unit at 519-723-2491 or Crime Stoppers 1-800-222-8477.

Smashed window at Cottam business

On Tuesday, March 23, Kingsville OPP responded to a mischief in the 100 block of County Rd. 34. Police advised that sometime overnight unknown suspect(s) smashed the front window of a business in Cottam, estimated cost of the window was $2,500.

Provincial budget has reasonable plan to eliminate deficit, says Hoy

It’s a fair, realistic and responsible plan to eliminate the deficit, by moving forward in key areas for families and postsecondary education, said Chatham-Kent-Essex MPP Pat Hoy in response to the Ontario government’s seventh budget.

“We have invested wisely to lessen the impact of the global recession on local residents, including a record $44.5 million in Chatham-Kent for infrastructure projects, and a historic $25.3 million just for Leamington,” said Hoy. “Without these key investments, the recession would have hit our area even harder.”

“Ontarians value and appreciate the contributions of those who deliver their public services, and they also expect those who are paid by tax dollars to do their part to help sustain public services,” Finance Minister Dwight Duncan said Thursday in his budget speech.

The government won’t propose mandatory days off and it will honour existing collective agreements, he said. “However, the fiscal plan provides no funding for incremental compensation increases for any future collective agreements.”

The McGuinty government promises the following austerity measures:

• Two more years of a salary freeze for MPPs (already frozen for the past year).

• Freeze the pay of non-bargained political and Legislative Assembly staff for two years.

• Freeze compensation for non-bargained employees of Ontario government workers and the broader public service for two years, affecting about 350,000 people.

The government pegs those savings at $750 million, but it is planning to spend $115.9 billion on programs in this budget year, with a forecast deficit of $19.7 billion.

Duncan said the government plans to cut the deficit in half within five years and to eliminate it in eight years. The goal for program expense growth after 2012-13 is just 1.9% per year.

He noted that rising health expenditures are a significant cost pressure. Within 12 years, it could account for 70% of government costs, up from 46% today. Health is budgeted to cost $45.4 billion. Hospitals will get a 1.5% increase this fiscal year

The government said it also plans to reduce the cost of generic drugs and make health professionals and executives more accountable for improving patient care.

New investments include:

• $310 million to add 20,000 spaces to colleges and universities this September

• Full-day learning program begins in September. In the next two years, the government plans to spend $245 million on capital grants for implementation.

• Added $63.5 million in cancelled federal funds to preserve about 8,500 childcare spaces. In Chatham-Kent, this investment will save 265 childcare spaces.

“We will continue to work to create jobs, economic growth and prosperity. Working together, Ontarians improved our schools, hospitals and infrastructure before the global recession hit. That progress has helped us through the global recession. Now we have to do more to make our province even stronger,” said Hoy.

Earth Hour results

The Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) tonight reported that compared to a typical Saturday in late March, demand for electricity in Ontario fell by approximately four per cent or 560 megawatts (MW) as a result of Earth Hour. This drop is equivalent to the average peak energy needs of a city the size of Brampton.

“More than anything, Earth Hour gives people a chance to think about their energy use,” said Paul Murphy, President and CEO of the IESO. “Ontarians have become keenly aware of the need to conserve electricity - not just during Earth Hour, but at other times of the year as well.”

Quilters host pattern designer at March meeting

The March meeting of the Erie Shores Quilters Guild welcomed the quilters with warm sunshine and May-like breezes. Eighty members and one guest attended.

The guest speaker of the night was Brenda Miller of “Among Brenda’s Quilts”. Brenda is a quilter and designer of patterns. Her patterns are geared to projects that can be entirely made with a home sewing machine, from quilts to handbags. Brenda’s patterns usually include more than one project with coordinating pieces such as a table runner or placemats to go along with a wall-hanging pattern.

Handbags are a major part of Brenda’s pattern line, and she has a great following of quilters who have made one or more of her stylish bags: Out & Out Bag, Bistro Bag, Bag-ette, Yoga Girl Bag, Messenger Girl Bag, etc.

One of her newest best-sellers is the Home Cooking Casserole Cover. With this project you not only create a great looking casserole cover, but the cover turns into two table runners to sit your casserole on when you get to the party. It makes a wonderful gift-giving idea.

Brenda’s patterns are being sold on Nancy’s Notions website (Sewing with Nancy), they have been featured in Mark Lapinski’s Quilting Home Magazine, and are being sold as far away as Australia. You can find out more about Brenda’s patterns at www.amongbrendasquilts.com.

The next meeting of the Erie Shores Quilters Guild will be Tuesday, April 20 at their new meeting location, the Kingsville Arena. Guest speaker will be Licia Cipkar talking to the group about machine appliqué.

Branch 84 Legion news

By Pat Simpson PRO Br. 84

The Winston and Jean Wales Annual Dart tournament (Mixed Teams and Doubles; $10 per event) will be held April 3.

The next Seniors dinner is April 14, so come out and enjoy an afternoon of music and dinner.

The winners of fun darts on March 19 were Barb Schmidt and Jim Simpson (1st round) and the winners of the second round were Rose and Bill Hills.

The Junior Dart players are competing in the District Dart Tournament on March 27 in Tecumseh. A list of winners will be included in the next Legion news.

The final evening of Zone Sports was held at Branch 84 on March 25. The Leamington team of Tim Moore, Albert Harrison, Tim Nantais and Larry Doan won first and lead the league as the season comes to a close. The wind-up day will be held at Branch 201 in Essex on April 24.

Fun darts are held every Friday evening at the Branch – come out and join in the fun. General Meeting: April 7 at 7; Executive Meeting: April 21 at 7.

Spring showers certainly may bring flowers, but they can also bring something very valuable for many homeowners -- an easy and inexpensive way to offset your water bills and your eco footprint while keeping your landscape green.

Arain barrel harvests rainwater that flows off of your roof and through your home's downspouts. The amount of water that can be collected is astounding. A1000 square foot roof feeding a downspout can produce up to 600 gallons of collected rainwater from a one-inch rainfall. That's enough water to fill an average hot tub.

Harvesting rainwater is a viable option if you're looking to save money and reduce your eco-footprint. Collected water can be used to water plants and lawns, which is a boon if you're a gardening enthusiast who often has to contend with no-water drought restrictions and the fear of a shriveled, brown landscape. In addition, collected rainwater is naturally low in sodium and chlorine, making it a healthier option for plants. Rainwater can also be used to wash your car or take care of minor cleanup tasks outside of the home.

The money saved by using rainwater in lieu of municipal water for some applications can quickly add up. Who wouldn't want to find a reduced water bill in the mail, especially during these trying economic times?

Many people are interested in harvesting rainwater but think a collection barrel could be an unattractive option in their yard. Others worry about overflow and potential water damage to their home. Fiskars has developed a series of rainwater harvesting systems that offer peace of mind and aesthetic appeal for the landscape.

These smart rain barrels by design feature a distinctive and decorative design with a worry-free downspout connector. The downspout connector kit allows rainwater to flow from the downspout into the barrel. Once the rain barrel is full the water is diverted automatically back down the downspout away from the home's

foundation as it is meant to -- no risk of overflow.

The attractively designed rain barrels rest flush up against your home in neutral colors that blend seamlessly with the landscape and most home exteriors. Ahandy threaded spigot located on the front of the barrels is at the perfect height to easily fill a standard watering can or connect a garden or soaker hose.

Just a small investment of time and money is needed to add a rainwater harvesting system to your landscape. The reward is a reduction in your ecofootprint, healthier plants, and a savings on your utility bill over time.

For more information on Fiskars Rainwater Harvesting Systems, visit www.rain-barrel.com.

Brenda Miller - “Among Brenda’s Quilts”

Achieving Comfort With Central Air Conditioning

Blame it on global warming or overpopulation, but the increasingly hotter temperatures leave much to be desired for many people. As a result, we seek out cooler areas for a respite from the sun and heat. Generally the oasis is an air conditioned building.

However, those who have wrestled with a cumbersome, heavy and leaky window air cond-

tioning unit know how inconvenient window units can be. Perhaps you've considered installing central air conditioning in your home, but think it might prove too difficult and costly? Think again.

Homeowners with a forced-air heating system already in place have the majority of the framework done for an air conditioning addition. Typically, the

system can be added by two technicians in a mere two or three days. For a 2,000 square-foot home, the average cost may be between $3,000 and $4,000.

If there is no ductwork in place, the cost will increase and it'll likely take twice as long for the job to be completed. But don't worry about your home being destroyed. A competent contractor experienced in doing this sort of retrofitting can hide ductwork in closets, attics and behind walls without having to tear up the home.

Once you've decided on adding a unit, there will be certain procedures to follow.

1. The contractor will have to do calculations for the anticipated load on the system based on how much heat gain your home receives. This will

help determine the size of the unit needed to cool the home efficiently. A unit that is too small may have to work harder and never completely cool the home. Aunit that is too large may cool the rooms too quickly and not be able to properly assess humidity levels -- shutting off before humidity is reduced.

2. Next you'll decide on a unit. There are package units that pair all the equipment into one piece that attaches to ductwork. Then there are split systems that have the condenser outdoors and the fan and coils inside.

3. Placement of the unit will be your final consideration. You don't want to place a unit next to a window or doors if you are bothered by noise. Even quiet units will make noise. Also, you don't want to restrict air flow around the condenser. It needs to exhaust warm air. You can, however, camouflage the unit with landscaping; just don't cover it up.

4. You may need to have your ductwork inspected to ensure it can meet the capacity of the cooler forced air for efficiency.

5. As you would with heat, a programmable thermostat ensures you cool the house when needed and don't waste energy.

LWHL celebrating 10 years of hockey fun

The Leamington Women’s Hockey League celebrated its 10th anniversary this season. On the final night of play on Monday, March 29 the players from all six teams gathered at centre ice for a group photo. In the final game it was Sun County defeating C.A. Bailey 2-0. Because the standing were so close during the playoff round-robin play that loss put C.A.

spot. So, winning the league and playoffs was the solid team of Sun County. In second place was Source for Sports, third was Pearce Trucking, fourth was Sun Parlour Locksmith, fifth was C.A. Bailey and sixth place was Body Kneads. Another fun season wrapped up upstairs with pizza and goodies. The LWHL executive had a table of door prizes that were handed out and each team awarded players with Most Dedicated, Most Sportsmanlike and Most Improved awards. (Sun Photo)

Southpoint Bantam AEs eliminated from playoffs

Southpoint Capitals Bantam AE hockey team’s last Bluewater playoff game came down to win and make the playoffs or lose and be eliminated.

Playing shorthanded due to injuries and sickness, the Capitals faced the Tecumseh Eagles, a team they hadn’t defeated all year.

At the end of the first period, the Capitals found themselves down 1-0. During the second period, both teams had several good scoring chances but it was Tecumseh who scored with 38 seconds remaining in the period to take a 2-0 lead into the third period. Southpoint finally scored in the third with 9 minutes remaining when Devon Belte scored on a goalmouth scramble. Austin Thompson and Kyle Dama earned assists. Unfortunately the Capitals couldn’t get any closer and lost the game 2-1.

Southpoint goaltender Matt Chamberlain was outstanding in net.

Women’s Monday Night Hockey League

(FINAL PLAYOFF STANDINGS)

Soccer, baseball, golf, whatever your sport - let the Sun know so we can share with 10,600 readers.

LDMBA to hold baseball clinics in Wheatley

Leamington District Minor Baseball Association (LDMBA) is conducting a couple indoor baseball clinics this Saturday, April 3 at the Wheatley Baptist Church. The clinics are open to all players registered with LDMBA for the 2010 baseball season. “These clinics are like a ‘spring training’ after a winter away from the game,” said Chris Lamotte, LDMBA board member. “They are especially beneficial for those players who are moving up to a new division or those playing for the first time.”

The clinic for Mosquito-aged players (born in 1999 and 2000) will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. The Peewee clinic (players born in 1997 and 1998) will run from 3 to 5 p.m. Cost to participate is $5. Anyone with questions can contact Chris Lamotte (Mosquito) at 519-326-3082 or Doug Wales (PeeWee) at 519-890-5602.

Leamington Laker Peewee

Major Travel Baseball Tryouts

Attention all 1997 and 1998 baseball players

APRIL 1 @ 6:15 p.m. on Diamond #4 at the Kinsmen baseball diamonds

APRIL 3 @ 3:00 p.m. at the Wheatley Baptist Church gymnasium

APRIL 6 @ 6:15 p.m. on Diamond #4 at the Kinsmen baseball diamonds

APRIL 8 @ 6:15 p.m. on Diamond #4 at the Kinsmen baseball diamonds

APRIL 10 @ 3:00 p.m. at the Wheatley Baptist Church gymnasium

Anyone interested in trying out for the team, please attend! Any questions or concerns please call Doug Wales at 519-890-5602. All outdoor tryouts subject to weather and will be cancelled if rain is present.

Bailey in fifth

REGISTRATION FOR SPRING PROGRAMS SPRING PROGRAMS

Flyers Volunteer of the Year

27 at the Rhine Danube Club.

Golden Years mini golf

Forty-nine players met for mini golf Thursday, March 25. Coffee and donuts were enjoyed by the group, compliments of Anne Marie Millette of Kingsville Court.

Top Flyers recognized

Several players from the Leamington Flyers won individual awards for the 2009-2010 season. Pictured here, in back, from left to right, are Jonathon Woelk - 3D Award for Determination, Drive, Dedication; Brett Babkirk - Best Defense Award & MVP regular season; Cody Quick - Rookie of the Year; and Cheyne Matheson - MVP Playoffs & Lead Scorer. In front, from left to right, are Kyle Andrian - 3 D Award, and Dylan Solecki - Unsung Hero. Missing was Nick Butts - Most Sportsmanlike. (Sun Photo)

The first place team, Team 5, shot a 12 under par 228 with Gary Honey, John Murphy and Gerry Wilkinson. The second place money went to Team 2 with a 3 under par 237 by Lloyd Honey, Murray Knox and Julia Kos.

Third place cash went to Team 3 and Team 16 with 4 over 244s by Stan Vickery, Eleanor Ferguson, Anne Marie Bondy and Bill Taylor, and Rose Taylor, Doug Bradley and Barry Sweet.

The low round, a 70 total, was a pair of 35s by Gerry Wilkinson. Barry Sweet shot a 75, while 76s showed for Bill Mayville, Stan Vickery and John Murphy, a 77 for Murray Knox, a 78 for Art Sweet and Cami Keith, and 79s for Doug Vickery and Julia Kos.

John Murphy led the field with his 6 holes-inone, 5 dropped for Barry Sweet, and 4 for Ralph Butler, Rose Taylor and Doug Bradley. Three aces showed for Tom Hyatt, Gerry Wilkinson, Kathy Bradley, Iggy Arner, Marg Graham, Bill Mayville, Art Sweet and Linda Walsh. Two fell for Tom Bondy, Lloyd Honey, Bill Taylor, Darrel Gibbons, Doug Vickery, Gerrit Vriesen, Barb Arner, Fred and Eve MacVoy, Winnie Moore, Carolyn Daudlin and Ethel Ferguson.

Come out and join the fun on Thursday, April 1 at 9:30 a.m. at Colasanti’s.

The Southpoint Bantam Major A team wrapped up their season posting 1 win and 2 losses in Bluewater league playoffs. The team was defeated 6-2 by Chatham and 6-3 by Riverside and downed Essex by a 6-0 score.

Goal scorers for the Caps in the three games were Tyler Lamb, Mitchell Prudence (2), Ryan Zsebok (2), Ian Faubert (2), Taylor Omstead (2), Derek Toews, Hayden Loveless and Branden McKeen. Assists went to Cale Phibbs, Eric Taylor, Tyler Dyck, Brian Whaley, Lamb, McKeen, Loveless (2) Deryck Badz, Ty Scratch and Jared Adams. Alex Tokarewicz and Bryan Bradley shared the goaltending duties.

Southpoint completed the Bluewater league playoffs with a disappointing 2 wins, 4 loses and 1 tie record, which was not good enough to advance to the Day of Champs. The Caps finished the season posting a 25-22-4 record in league, playoff and tournament games.

Cheryl Issell was presented the Volunteer of the Year award by Doug Scaddan at the Leamington Flyers Awards Banquet held on Saturday, March

Spring shoppin’

Ah...spring. The birds are back singing (or maybe its just that we are outside more to hear them), there’s the sounds of splashing pools, the smell of freshly chopped grass and that seasonal ritual – shopping for new clothes. Don’t get me wrong, winter can be fun, what with skiing, sledding, ice fishing and masking your body flaws with three layers of sweaters and frumpy snow pants.

I enjoy shopping for clothes.

Okay, there was that

ONE time

Keri Keri with a “K” with a “K”

when I went shopping at one of those lingerie shops with my 12-year-old daughter in tow. I don’t know what was worse – the wide-eyed amazement as she picked up items smaller than her iPod or her giggling at my bumbling attempt to explain what they were.

Now with a fresh new season, it’s time to start thinking about short sleeves and bright colours. It’s funny how my direction has changed over the years when it comes to clothes. My taste hasn’t changed, it’s just the realization that I might not look as great as I once did in a certain style.

I think that’s a part of growing up. Not ‘old’, just up (ahem). I still yearn for those sleeveless tops, but ever since my arms started waving back when I flag down a taxi, I have decided to leave them for others.

Many times I will walk around a store, my eye catching a cute blouse depicted on a giant poster on the wall. It’s then that I discover the marketing ploy at work. The model wearing it is a 21-yearold. Teeth flashing, surrounded by friends. A closer look and I see her college emblem on her backpack. Obviously the wrong piece of clothing for me at this point in my life, but not necessarily the wrong store, because somewhere in there I know I will scrounge up something that will look fantastic.

Sure, it was great when I was younger and I felt everything looked dynamite on me, but I have discovered how to enhance what I like about myself and work with my ‘ups and downs’ (unfortunately many parts of my body are rapidly succumbing to the ‘down’ effects of gravity). I enjoy the challenge now, and will continue to search for those pieces, because it’s fun when you finally find that top that makes you feel good, no matter what your age or figure.

Now, when it comes to bathing suits... well, that’s a completely DIFFERENT story.

Flashback

Hub are Men’s hockey champs

Monday, March 29 was the Leamington Senior Men’s Hockey League Championship game on the Heinz ice at Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex. Hub International faced off against Gillett Sheet Metal.

It was all Hub as they dominated play to finish the game 7-3. Congratulations on a great season.

REC ROUND-UP REC ROUND-UP

Cardiac Rehab Maintenance Program: For those people who have experienced heart concerns or heart surgery in the past, the Complex offers a 6-month program where a kinesiologist guides you through an exercise routine to give you peace of mind while you get yourself feeling tip-top.

First Aid Courses: Become certified in Standard First Aid/ CPR “C” and recertification courses. Classes for individuals as well as corporate bookings to have your staff meet WSIB requirements.

Registration for the Spring Session begins on Mon. Apr. 6: The Complex has all sorts of Youth Programs and Adult Programs. Get yourself in motion this spring!

Recreational Adult Swimming and Lane Swims are available on a daily basis so check out the Complex pool schedule and come for an energetic swim in our salt-water pool. What a refreshing work out!

Complex Birthday Parties: Bring the kids for a splashing good time in the pool, or an energetic skate on the ice, followed by a pizza party! Your house stays clean, and the kids LOVE all the fun that a Complex Activity Party offers them.

Complex Weight Room: It’s good to see how many people are using the weight room on a regular basis. The Complex is accessible and features Braille weight room equipment. 7 personal trainers and personal nutrition and wellness coaches to help you reach your goals.

Over 50 Fitness & Aquafitness classes per week: The Complex has a very strong following to all of our classes, as the fitness instructors really give you a good work out and challenge you to reach the next level!

We have something for every...body!

The picture shows Sturgeon Creek bridge as it was in 1963. In the background is Casper’s roller rink and on the left side of the picture is where Towlies is now. Many thanks to Terri Marentette for sharing this photo.

Cribbage Tourney

The Leamington Half Century Centre held its first Cribbage Tournament at the Centre on Thursday, March 25. Convenor Barbara Booker said 32 players from Essex, Kingsville, Harrow, Windsor and, of course, Leamington, enjoyed playing as well as a hot lunch. Tournament winners were Dick Baker and Peter Garrod with the low score of 27. In second place was John MacIsaac and Don Parker with 55; third place was Chris Brennan and Bill Chaplin with 56; and fourth place went to Priscilla Bastien and Frank Gates.

(Sun Photos)

BROADS ON BROADWAY

B3: The

Broads

For two years in a row, Broads On Broadway has entertained over 600 people and raised $4,200 for Breast Cancer Research and Awareness.

On April 24 and 25, when the Kingsville BIA paints the town pink, Stephanie Allen Santos, The Wonderbroads and Cast are attempting to make it a three-peat performance!

Just like Broads and Broads II, B3 will feature about 20 women and men from the community and beyond. Accompanied by a fabulous four-piece band led by Patti Hopper and emceed by Melanie Deveau from Country 92.9FM, the cast will take the audience on a journey from “Little Girls” to “WOMAN” featuring Broadway classics new and old. And yes, the Wonderbroads will again join the cast on stage for a couple of show-shopping numbers!

are back in town

All profit from this event will be going directly to Breast Cancer Research and Awareness through the Wonderbroads Dragon Boat Team, Seeds for Hope and the Canadian Breast Cancer Association.

For this special performance, organizers have chosen to stay with a more intimate arrangement with cabaret table seating, giving guests the option to purchase single tickets for $30, tables of 4 for $110 or $27.50 each, and tables of 8 for $200 or $25 each. Not only will each performance offer first-class entertainment, there will be complimentary appetizers on the 24th by Fire House Catering, and Simply the Best desserts on the 25th.

Seating is limited to 300 guests per performance and tickets are available at Kingsville Office Pro, 30 Main St. East, Kingsville, or by calling 519-733-8357.

Migration Hall ready for 2010 season

Migration Hall is very excited to be celebrating its 16th year in operation as a part of the Municipality of the Town of Kingsville and the Greater Essex County District School Board. Opened in 1994, Migration Hall provides a dual function for the community: an additional teaching space for KDHS and a community facility available for arts and culture and recreational events. Over the past 16 years, Migration Hall has been a venue for many professional and community artists and this year will prove no different.

APRIL

April 24 and 25, the Broads are back in town for the Kingsville BIA’s Paint the Town Pink and the 3rd year presenting Broads on Broadway: B3 The Broads are Back in Town fundraising concert for Breast Cancer research and awareness. With only 300 seats and two consecutive sold-out years, tickets are sure to sell quickly! April will also be time to audition for the fall musical Fiddler on the Roof! Dates, times and audition info will be available in early spring.

MAY

In May, Stuart McLean and the Vinyl Café will be making their return to Migration Hall May 13th where his monologue will feature Point Pelee and the Tomato Capitol of Canada, and the live taping will be aired three times in the next two years on CBC Radio.

JUNE

June 11-13, Migration Hall Productions is presenting You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown (revised), directed by Joel Lewsaw (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat), musical direction by Mike Karloff and featuring six talented actors from Windsor/Essex County.

JULY

July and August are traditionally quiet; however, we’ll be deep in preparation for ‘Fiddler’ throughout the summer and Kingsville Class Basketball hosts a weeklong basketball camp early in July.

OCTOBER

September will see the school returning as well as rehearsals for the musical which takes place in October. Migration Hall Productions will present the musical classic Fiddler on the Roof, opening Migration Festival weekend (Oct. 15, 16, 17) and running for two weekends (October 21, 22, 23, 24). This is Migration Hall’s fifth consecutive musical in as many years, building on the five years previous by the late Kingsville Repertory Players. There is no sign of slowing down as plans for 2011 will already be in motion as well as a 10 Year Celebration of Musicals in Kingsville.

NOVEMBER

November: The 7th Annual Kingsville Home Tour will take place the weekend of November 20-21, leading into the Christmas season with John McDermott returning to the Migration Hall stage on November 28.

DECEMBER

December brings us the joy of the holidays as Migration Hall Productions will present White Christmas in Concert from December 10-19 with dinner/show packages available for the first time in many years.

The Migration Hall board is very excited about the upcoming season. This month is the official launch of their new logo and website at www.migrationhall.ca featuring Facebook and twitter pages, a newsletter and loads of information about Migration Hall, their past, present and future!

The box office is at Kingsville Office Pro, 30 Main St. East, Kingsville, or by phone at 519-733-8357. Online ticket sales will be available in the very near future. Migration Hall is located at 170 Main St East in Kingsville, adjacent to Kingsville District High School. There is enough drama in everyday life: everyone needs a bit of theatre now and again! Come on out and enjoy the experience at Migration Hall!

Canadian CrissCross

Word that tells exactly how many

Eye part

3. Starting place for each hole on a golf course

4. Not concerned with religion

5. Police officer’s truncheon

6. As recently as 7. Spanish word for wave

8. Main food of the Giant Panda

9. Sergeant fish

11. Ballroom dance

12. John ___ (former premier of Nova Scotia)

14. Mobutu ___ Seko (former president of Zaire)

17. Chocolate filling

20. Light red colour

21. At a low temperature

Arabian tea

One who yells, “Play ball!”

38. Christmas

39. Spongy-looking rock

40. Desert-dwelling rodent

42. Share in the ownership of a business

44. French word for snow 45. Changes direction 46. National Park in British Columbia

47. Not in danger

23. Put in an out-of-the-way place

24. Canadian brand of bread

26. “Roses are red, ___ are blue”

27. Dance variation of the twist

28. Unit of luminous flux

29. Fish-eating hawk

31. Of horses

32. Inflatable boats

33. Live for a while, as a guest

35. Log-rolling competition

38. Near

39. Horseracing track

41. Life prefix

43. In the capacity of

The officers of Xenophon Lodge #448 A.F. and A.M. Wheatley for 2010 are, back row left to right: Allan Ascott, Treasurer; Doug Scaddan, J.S.; Bruce Jackson, I.G.; Fraser Marshall, Secretary. Middle row: David

Historian; William A. Atkinson, B.G.P.; Robert Grieves, S.D.; Howard Walker, Chap.; Thomas Easton, J.D.; Allan Wright, D.C.; John McKinlay, S.W.; Peter Quiring, S.S. Front row: Murray Reid, I.P.M.; Wayne Drummond, J.W.; James Pirie D.D.G.M.; Mark Beaupré, W.M.; William Kent, O.G.

AT RIGHT: Worshipful Master Mark Beaupré (left), newly installed Master of Xenophon Lodge #448 Wheatley, receives his new gavel from Installing Master, Right Worshipful Brother David Derbyshire. The gavel was made by Very Worshipful Brother Wayne Stickney and presented in lodge by Right Worshipful Brother Bert Overholt.

Derbyshire,

Seeking submissions for music video contest

The Windsor Music Video Contest, presented by the Windsor International Film Festival (WIFF) and WAMM Magazine, has announced a call for music video submissions. The competition is open to filmmakers, musicians and music video directors in Windsor and region, as well as Detroit, Michigan.

Participants are invited to submit a three- to five-minute short film created for a piece of local music. The deadline is April 30, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. EST.

Submission forms and information regarding eligibility for the 2010 Windsor Music Video Competition are available at www.wmvc.ca. Entries will be judged by a panel of industry professionals and the winner will be awarded a $1,000 prize package.

“The Windsor Music Video Contest increases the visibility of local filmmakers and musicians and enhances awareness of their talents and skills,” said Mark Boscariol, WIFF Chair. “The contest magnifies the role of music in independent film.”

The sixth annual Windsor International Film Festival (WIFF) will be held November 4-7. The festival is a presentation of the Windsor International Film Festival Group (WIFFG), a registered not-for-profit cultural organization committed to debuting critically acclaimed independent Canadian and world film in Windsor.

The partners of COLLINS BARROW LEAMINGTON LLP

take pleasure in announcing the addition of JASON MELO to their team of accounting professionals.

A native of Essex, ON, Jason has spent the previous 6 years with National accounting firms, both in the assurance and taxation departments. He specializes in advising clients in a wide variety of both personal and corporate income tax matters, including corporate reorganizations, cross border taxation, estate and retirement planning and family business succession planning.

A four year Academic All Canadian and Lancer hockey alumni, Jason obtained a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) degree from the University of Windsor. He is a Chartered Accountant, Certified Public Accountant (Illinois) and is also a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional.

He is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ontario, the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants, the Canadian Tax Foundation, and presently serves on the executive of the Essex Kent Chartered Accountants Association.

Chatham-Kent Essex Member of Parliament Dave Van Kesteren was at Point Pelee National Park on Friday, March 26 to announce $3 million in funding for Canada’s most southern park. (Sun Photo)

Slalom skier shares Olympic experience at Erie Glen

Olympian skier Julien Cousineau was in Leamington at Erie Glen Manor on Tuesday, March 23 for a return visit with his local fans.

Cousineau, sponsored by Diversacare Canada, talked to residents before he ventured to Vancouver and returned to talk about his Olympic experience. He is a member of the Canadian alpine ski team. The 29-year-old slalom skier from Montreal finished 8th in Vancouver. An injury kept Cousineau from the 2006 Olympics in Turin, Italy, so Vancouver was his first Olympics.

“I can tell you how lucky I feel to have represented Canada at the Olympics in Canada. It was a very proud time for me,” he said.

Cousineau started skiing when he was three years old. “I would wrap my dad’s old ski bibs around me and said I wanted to be a ski racer,” he said. One resident asked about the opening and closing ceremonies and what that was like. “It’s an unbelievable feeling when your national anthem is played in your country, with the entire place singing along,” he said. Cousineau is confident he will have more Olympic performances ahead of him. “Definitely one more and maybe two,” he stated.

Cousineau was returning home to have shoulder surgery. He told the residents and guests that he had been battling a torn tendon and had put off surgery until after the

ERCA: Last chance for restoration projects this spring

The Essex Region Conservation Authority is putting out a last call for landowners who wish to restore a portion of their property and receive up to 90% of the costs in grants. Do you own land that you would like to convert to forest, wetland or other wildlife habitat at very low cost? Do you know of someone (or an organization) that does? If so, the time to act is now!

“With only 7.5% of Essex County in natural areas, ERCA partners with landowners in order to achieve the community’s goal of 12% natural areas cover,” explains Matthew Child, ERCA’s Director of Watershed Restoration.

Enjoy nature walks and watch wildlife flock to the area as the habitat develops over time. Profit from the increase in land values that result from naturalizing a portion of your property. Feel

pride in knowing that you’re helping to improve the region’s environmental health in many ways, including cleaner water and air.

“Talk to your neighbours and friends,” Child encourages. “If you or anyone you know is interested in planting trees or restoring other types of habitat on at least one acre of property, ERCA’s Clean Water~Green Spaces grants are available to fund up to 90% of the project cost.”

For grant information and an application form, please go to the following link: http://www.erca.org/ downloads/clean_water_ green_spaces.pdf or contact Kathryn Arthur, Restoration Biologist, at 519-776-5209 ext. 303 or karthur@erca. org. The final deadline to confirm a project for this spring is Thursday, April 1, but contact us at any time

to arrange a site visit and receive our technical guidance.

Olympics. After eight weeks of rehabilitation, he intends to be off his skies until August when he flies to New Zealand for four weeks of training.

Olympian skier Julien Cousineau was in Leamington at Erie Glen Manor on Tuesday, March 23 for a return visit with his local fans. He is pictured here with residents Verna Shilson, left, and Louise Fox, right. (Sun Photo)

A bridge by another name is called the Honeymoon Bridge

Buildings, statues and bridges are an important part of history; they speak of the world in a different time. Even bridges that may not be standing anymore can still tell a story.

The Honeymoon Bridge (HB) in Niagara Falls is the subject of this article.

The Honeymoon Bridge (also known as Upper Steel Arch Bridge or Fallsview Bridge) was constructed in 1897 and opened for traffic in 1898. It was the fourth bridge on the site in 50 years.

The span of the bridge was 840 feet. The bridge decking was wooden, and was designed to support the weight of railway cars operating on the Great Gorge Scenic Railway.

Although well designed for its time, the HB was prone to sway under certain conditions (heavy winds, bands marching in step, etc.), not unlike the suspension bridges it replaced.

Doubts about the bridge’s longevity surfaced as early as 1925.

On June 8, when a parade commemorating the installation of new searchlights on Niagara Falls concluded on the bridge, it began to sway wildly with the added weight.

Attention was also called to the bridge frequently in the 1930s, when the deteriorating bridge railing allowed some automobiles to crash through them easily. These events were a sign of things to come.

In January 1938, a severe ice storm hit the Niagara Falls area, flooding the lower river with ice. The bridge stood on supports built close

to river level, and the ice pressed against them, damaging them until they failed in a grand collapse of the structure on 4:10 p.m. January 27, 1938. The thickness of this ice supported the weight of the wreckage until the final three pieces sank in April 1938.

There were no injuries in this spectacular crash and sightseers flocked daily to see what the forces of nature had created. When the mild weather arrived, this mighty

structure sank to the bottom of Niagara.

In 1941, the new Rainbow Bridge was built just north of the Honeymoon Bridge. To ensure its safety,

the girders were situated much higher above the level of the Niagara River.

For those who hunger for Canadian history, this is an important part of our history, our country.

Eating well on a budget

Healthy eating doesn’t need to cost more money. There are many ways to enjoy the benefits of healthy eating on a budget. Try these money saving tips to plan healthy meals and snacks for you and your family.

• Plan ahead. One of the most important benefits of

menu planning is that it will help you to provide healthy meals while staying within your budget. Plan your meals for the week and make a grocery list based on your plan. Having a plan and a list can keep you from buying pricier less nutritious foods on impulse.

• Purchase no-name brands. No-name brands are often exactly the same product as the brand names, but for less money. You can compare products by looking at the Nutrition Facts label and ingredient lists.

• Cut down on convenience foods. It doesn’t take much time to shred your own cheese, cut your own vegetables and fruit or add water to frozen juice concentrate, and it will save you money.

• Make your own. By planning and preparing meals, you have better control over your diet. Try not to rely on too many preprepared packaged foods or restaurant meals which cost more money. Taking the extra time to prepare your own

food can save money and will be better for you!

• Serve meatless meals. One of the easiest ways to save on your grocery bill is to start replacing meat with meat alternatives. Try fibrerich meat alternatives such as dried beans, peas, lentils, nuts and seeds. Eggs, peanut butter and tofu are also low-cost meat alternative options. Some examples of meatless meals are bean burritos with rice and salad, bean casseroles with vegetables or tofu vegetable stir-fry on rice noodles.

• Buy in-season local fruit and vegetables. Stay away from costly out-ofseason produce. Instead, choose less costly canned or frozen items during the winter months. During the local growing season try freezing or canning foods for the winter months.

If you set time aside to plan for and prepare meals using the above tips, you will be able to eat healthier AND save money on your grocery bill.

Mildred Stein

Mildred Joan (Siel) Stein, 72 years, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 28, 2010 at London Health Sciences, University Campus.

Late of Leamington, she was the beloved wife of William. Dear mother of Judy and her husband Gary Moody of Wheatley, Mark and his wife Michelle of Wheatley, and Mike and his wife Sandra of Ruthven. Loving Oma to Brent Moody, Mathew and Marissa Stein, and Lindsey and Bailey Stein.

Also survived by sisters Marg and husband Joe Gadal of Hudson, Mary and husband Al Russell of Boulter, Betty and husband Bob Ives of Windsor, and Audrey Ives of Wheatley. Predeceased by a brotherin-law David Ives.

Visiting at the Hammond Funeral Home 318 Erie Street South, Leamington (519-326-8423) on Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, April 1, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. from St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 311 Sherk Street, Leamington. Rev. Daniela Mertz officiating. Interment Erie Memorial Gardens, Leamington.

Memorial donations may be made by cheque to the Salvation Army of Leamington, Canadian Liver Foundation, or the Leamington District Memorial Hospital Foundation.

www.hammondfuneralhome.ca

OBITUARY NOTICE

Adele Thomas

Adele Thomas passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with cancer on Friday, March 26, 2010. Adele has been reunited with her son Louie (1980). Beloved wife of Paul.

Dear mother of Patty Elters (Camille), Sharon Obeid (David), Mary Ann Thomas, Jennifer Thomas-Hage (Alek).

Loving grandmother of Danielle and Jeremy Baldwin, Marika, Louis and Chantelle Elters, Stephanie and Joshua Obeid, Noah and Devon Hage.

Dear sister of Antoine Daraiche (Warina), Tamam Youssef (the late James), the late Yvette Tannous (the late Sam), Camille Peters (Diana), Morris Peters, and sister-in-law of Elias Aziz (Lulu), Backous Aziz (Mahbouba), the late Max Aziz (the late Elaine), Jamila Mikhail (the late Boula), Asma Khalil (Karim), Charlie Aziz (Theresa), Aziz Aziz (Foula). Loving niece to Boutros Daraiche. Many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends also survive. Predeceased by her parents Joe and Shariffa Peters-Daraiche.

Visitation was held at the Reid Funeral Home & Reception Centre, 14 Russell Street, Leamington (519326-2631) on Saturday 7-9 p.m. and Sunday 2-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Funeral Mass to celebrate Adele’s life was held from St. Anthony’s Parish, 280 Talbot Street East, Leamington, on Monday, March 29, 2010 at 10 a.m. with Fr. Elie Zouein officiating. Interment Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or Mass Intentions at St. Anthony’s Parish. Friends may send condolences at www.reidfuneralhome.ca.

FOR RENT SERVICES

Two bedroom apartments in Wheatley. Phone 519-3268259. tf

Available in Wheatley: upper one bedroom apartment with den, $500 per month plus hydro. Also 1 bedroom apartment in 4-plex $495 per month, all inclusive. First & last month and references required. 519-322-5567. tf Large 2 bedroom apartment with living room and family room, redone with new kitchen and bath, $650 per month plus utilities. Deposit required. Call 519-326-9261. tf

Upper one bedroom apartment close to town and Superstore. $395 per month plus utilities. Call 519-3225567. tf

RENOVATIONS:

Eavestroughing, decks, siding, windows, complete renovations, Gutter Cleaning Systems, furniture refinishing. Call Bill Siddall 519-8253931 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

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

Income Tax Preparation, $30 per return, includes e-filing, 30 years experience. 519326-2770. mar24-31

HOME REPAIRS

SELFSTORAGE - Inside and outside storage, 24 hour access and security. Asize for every need. Pay for 6 months, get 1 month FREE. 16 First Concession Line, Wheatley 519-791-1464. 12-21

T.O.P.S. - Take Off Pounds

Sensibly. Group meets every Monday 6 p.m. at Wheatley United Church. Call Elaine at 519-825-7993 or visit website: www.TOPS.org. Everyone welcome. tf

Larry’s Home Repairs: renovations, flooring, drywall, painting, plumbing, electrical, decks powered washed and sealed, 30 years experience. 519-326-2770. mar24-ap7

ASHOWFORTHE WHOLEFAMILY - Little Tomato Theatre presents “Seussical The Musical” at UMEI Auditorium, April 9-11. Call 519-322-1896 for tickets. Cost is $10/ticket. mar10-ap7

Rational CPC102 ClimaPlus Combi Oven (electric), QTE probe, 10 stainless steel shelves, 10 perforated baking sheets, self cleaning, dry steam cooking. Call 519796-6322. mar24-ap14

Potatoes - red, white, yellow, russet. Onions and other vegetables. Also white and brown eggs. Mac James, 815 Road 4, Leamington. 519-326-7115 mar31-31

GIFT BASKETS

Easter Baskets are now available for all ages. Please call 'How U Doin'? Gourmet Gift Baskets at (519) 8183218 or (519) 322-1561. Gift Baskets are also on display at Oak Farms Ltd. 94 Oak St. W., Leamington mar24-31

ARIES - Mar 21/Apr 20

Aries, start thinking about what you want to achieve in the next few weeks. Form a schedule and a plan of attack. Promise that you'll stick to the plan.

TAURUS - Apr 21/May 21

Taurus, living in truth is crucial this week. If you were thinking about deceiving someone or telling a fib to get by, think again. There's more to a relationship than first appears.

GEMINI - May 22/Jun 21

Gemini, be careful with your words this week to avoid saying the wrong thing. You might simply be trying too hard, so stop and think before saying something you might regret.

CANCER - Jun 22/Jul 22

Cancer, you have the ability to conjure up a fantasy of how things should develop in your mind. The trouble is, fantasy is not reality. You may be heading for a letdown.

LEO - Jul 23/Aug 23

Leo, sarcasm won't hide cynicism and you have to watch your tongue this week. You may inadvertently hurt someone and the consequences will run deep.

VIRGO - Aug 24/Sept 22

Virgo, take the time to ask your friends and coworkers what they think before assuming that you know all the answers. Incorporate the results into your weekly plans.

LIBRA- Sept 23/Oct 23

There will be hard work ahead of you, Libra, but you are not ready to dive in just yet. Resolve a nagging situation before taking on any new projects.

SCORPIO - Oct 24/Nov 22

Scorpio, your optimism returns this week, but you are still cautious because you don't want to set yourself up for disappointment. Sound logic is the way to proceed.

SAGITTARIUS - Nov 23/Dec 21

Sagittarius, the power of positive thinking can take you far.

But don't put all of your eggs in one basket. You still need to work hard to achieve what you desire.

CAPRICORN - Dec 22/Jan 20

Staying connected to the larger picture should make navigating the next few days that much easier. Live in the moment instead of a fantasy that you've set for yourself.

AQUARIUS - Jan 21/Feb 18

Aquarius, it will prove tempting to get pulled into your dreams this week, but your resistance is strong enough to keep you on the ground. There will be time for daydreaming.

PISCES - Feb 19/Mar 20

Pisces, don't be afraid to set your goals high. You need to be challenged in order to do your best work. Harmony arrives this week.

FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS

MARCH 28 - Lady Gaga, Singer (24)

MARCH 29 - Lucy Lawless, Actress (42)

MARCH 30 - Celine Dion, Singer (42)

MARCH 31 - Christopher Walken, Actor (67)

APRIL1 - Susan Boyle, Singer (49)

APRIL2 - Emmylou Harris, Singer (63)

APRIL3 - Alec Baldwin, Actor (52)

Come for the experience. Stay for the adventure!

“Our family spent 2 years researching and planning for a reunion that would host up to 300 people in the Windsor, Essex County Region. We discovered that Pelee Days Inn was the only facility that had everything that we were looking for. It is designed so that we felt that we were in contact with each other at all times. The water park and pool were a definite plus for children of all ages. We were able to have a banquet on site for a reasonable price. All venues were wheelchair accessible. The breakfast was very good and included in the price of the room. We met several times with Denise Gaffan who assisted us with

accommodation of all the events of the weekend.

All participants raved about the the reunion and commented on how perfect the facility was for this purpose. The only complaint was from those who chose to stay only one night - they wished they had come for both nights.

In addition to the facility we were able to access attractions such as golf, restaurants, Point Pelee National Park, Goofy Golf, Go-Cart Racing and Canoeing. The majority, however chose to stay indoors and enjoy one another and the facilty.”

Ceremony - Reception – Fine Cuisine - Accomodations Our in-house event planner will assist with everything from chair covers to chosing a local wine. Call for an appointment.

Days Inn & Conference Centre Leamington (commonly known as Pelee Days Inn) has been a popular destination for birders, family vacations, professionals and tourists, but it’s also a local destination for Dinner Theatre, fine dining, special events, weddings, anniversaries and so much more. Having partnered with local attractions (golf, park, wineries and others) to create packages to encourage visitors to explore the area and take home a little of what Leamington has. With the times and economy, everyone is looking for a little added value to their getaway .Whether it’s business or pleasure that brings you here, we feel confident that we can provide a little something for all.

The hotel is also the perfect setting for weddings. The Days Inn & Conference Centre has an event coordinator that will help make your special day just that – special. The facility has everything to offer for the brides and grooms, everything under one roof from your ceremony to the reception. “Weddings here have been extremely successful and we look forward to continuing this service,” said Denise Gaffan, Manager. “We invite all future brides and grooms to come for a tour and see how we can help make your wedding plans a little less stress free”.

The Days Inn is a full service hotel with a completely renovated dining room called the Chateau Pelee open to the public and our hotel guests Monday to Saturdays from 5-9. This Tuscan themed casual fine dining atmosphere offers French and Italian cuisine prepared by Chef Mike Ingratta.

Located in an area that has a beautiful array of fruits and vegetables, having 7 out of the top 10 greenhouses in North America, Chef Mike likes to incorporate all the local flavor Leamington has to offer. Recently introducing a special new feature called the 100 mile menu created with local ingredients found within the surrounding area which makes each dish unique in its own way. If you are looking for something a little more on a culinary experience, you may want to book a Chefs Mystery Night. This dining experience is second to none, each dish is created and designed full of flavor and presentation you can’t wait to see what the next course is that comes to your table. Compliment your Mystery Night with local wines from our very own wineries,14 in all. Seniors receive 20% off their entrees every night in the dining room.

Days Inn & Conference Centre is one of the few facilities in Essex County to offer Video Conferencing and Teleconferencing for the business community here and afar. With meeting space for groups of 8-300 conventions, conferences can be assured all their business needs can be addressed in one area. We welcome new corporate clients daily and provide them with the comforts of home by including free breakfast daily and free corporate dinner daily. The hotel also provides complimentary high speed secured wireless internet, and newly added fitness area. Be sure to ask about other added features to ensure your business trip is complete and hassle free.

Nilesh Trivedi is entering his fifth year at the Pelee Days Inn as General Manager. During his five years he has implemented many changes, upgrades and remodeling. To commemorate his anniversary, the Chateau Pelee will be introducing specials throughout the month of April. Be sure to watch for this and other anniversary specials. If you haven’t been out here is a while, please stop by and check it out. One of our staff we be pleased to take you on a tour. Visit our new website at www.peleedaysinn.com and join us on face book. Remember “Come for the experience stay for the adventure!”