Southpoint Sun March 7, 2012

Leamington Council keeps budget increase at .6%

By Sheila McBrayne

The proposed 2012 Draft Municipal Budget, which was presented to Council asked for a .62% increase in taxes this year. After two days of giving and taking during budget deliberations on Monday and Tuesday, February 27 and 28, Council finished very close to its original forecast.

“What can I say, administration brought us a great budget. There really wasn’t any wiggle room... I just wish people knew how much work administration puts into it, which makes Council’s job much easier,” said Mayor John Paterson.

On a house assessed at $150,000 in Leamington, the .6% increase equates to approximtaely $16. The total budget for Leamington’s municipal spending is $23.6 million.

Council was asked to support several new grant expenditures, including $30,000 for for the Leamington Chamber of Commerce to create a mobile tourist booth by purchasing a bus or RV, which would travel to various events across the county promoting Leamington. The Chamber was granted a slight increase to their annual $8,500 grant, but no funds for the mobile unit.

Council also eliminated $30,000 from the budget, which was penciled in for paving the parking lot at the fire department. “We’re going to have to do something at the fire station in the near future anyways. They’re running out of space,” said the mayor. “We’ll tie it in then.”

Leamington completed major projects in 2010 and 2011 as part of the government partnership initiative funding as well as all the restoration projects post-tornado 2010.

The 2012 budget will see $100,000 spent on sidewalk repairs/replacements; $1.1 million on rural drains; $3 million on watermains and a new pumping station; and almost $1 million on upgrades at Kinsmen Recreation Complex, Leamington

Seacliffe Park and Warren Park.

Chilifest raises $10,000 for SECC Transit Bus

Goldie and Henry Penner (above) were among the 450 people who came out to support the annual Chilifest on Wednesday, February 29. In addition to the 450 who attended, another 100 takeout orders helped to raise approximately $10,000 for the South Essex Community Council Transit Bus. There was a wide variety of chili from mild (one pepper) to super hot (four pepper) and two soups.

(SUN Photos)

Members of Leamington Fire Department attended Chilifest on Wednesday, February 29. Although there were some very hot mouths, the firemen didn’t have to put out any fires… Pictured here, from left to right, are Inspector Derrick Clark, Sandra Bradt and Deputy Chief Mike Bradt.

Everything you wanted to know about Mayor John David Paterson

And more...

By Sheila McBrayne

Some call him Your Worship, or Mayor John, while a select few refer to him as Pitter (as in pitter-patter). Call him what you will, Leamington’s Mayor John Paterson is a man who loves his family and his job.

Paterson, who turns 58 on March 25, has been grinning from ear-to-ear since October 25, 2010 when he won the mayor’s seat in his hometown of Leamington.

“I can’t help it, I really, really enjoy what I’m doing,” he said. John is the third of

four children born to Donald and Joyce Paterson. The order is Margaret, 62, Bill, 60, John, 58, and Carol, 54. Leamington’s mayor is married to wife Betty for 29 years with twin daughters Tessa and Chelsea who will be 22 this year and of course, Keenan, their fouryear-old black lab. Tessa recently graduated from Sheridan College in Visual Marketing and Chelsea is in Human Kinetics at University of Windsor. “The timing was right for me to run for mayor,” said John.

Paterson is a Leamington District Secondary School graduate who went on to receive a diploma in Business Administration, majoring in Marketing from Lambton College in 1972. Paterson worked at Omstead Foods in sales right out of college. He worked in the office at Rockwell in Tilbury before buying into the family business – Paterson Dry Goods – in 1978. This Leamington business was started by John’s great-grandfather at the corner of Erie and Talbot streets in 1922. John partnered with his father for 11 years. Through a devastating fire in 1967, the family business moved several times but remained a Leamington retail store until 1989. “It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. I had to make the terrible decision to shut it down,” said John. With increased competition from big box stores and US markets, he decided it was time.

the internet.

When it comes to professional sports, sigh, wait for it, he’s a Toronto Maple Leafs fan. He doesn’t really watch baseball (gave up on them after the last strike) and doesn’t follow the NFL, but loves the CFL and his team is the Hamilton Tiger Cats.

The last book he read was, wait for it, Municipal Knowledge by George Cuff. “Geez, I am boring, aren’t I?” The last book he read for fun… it was a while ago… The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown.

2012 WASTE COLLECTION CALENDARS YOUR DATES HAVE CHANGED!

The 2012 Municipal Waste Collection Calendars are available at the Municipal office or for down loading from the Municipality’s web site. Please note: As of Feb. 5th, Collection Routes changed. CONSULT THE CALENDAR!

PROPERTY TAXES

Interim property taxes are due April 11. All residents who are not on the monthly payment plan option should have received a tax bill. If you have not received a tax bill and are not on the monthly payment plan please contact the tax clerk at 519-3265761 ext 1213.

LEAMINGTON KINSMEN RECREATION COMPLEX

Home & Garden Trade Show-March 30, 31, April 1st. Don’t drive all over the county to 5 or 6 showrooms, when all the vendors are here under one roof for Leamington’s 12th annual Home and Garden Tradeshow!

There’s a whole new LOOK to this year’s Display, plus you can Win! BBQ’s, Kelcom Phone and a $2,500 gift certificate from T-Murr Exteriors. Check out the magnificent rock wall being created by Jobin Rock Farms and qualify to win the $10,000 in prizes sponsored by Gabriele Floor & Home.

RECREATION NEWS

March Break Day Camp runs March 12 – 16. Ages 4 – 7 & 8 – 12. A different theme each day, swimming, skating, crafts & games galore & ‘You’re the Chef’ program for the 8 – 12 yr. old group. Register early!

DOG REGISTRATION (TAGS)

2012 Dog Tags for Male or Female dogs are now available at the municipal office for a fee of $18.00 per dog tag.

A late fee of $18.00 will be included on the cost of the dog tag as of Monday, April 2, 2012. Every dog owner shall keep up to 2 dogs per dwelling unit.

Failure to purchase a licence may result in a fine of up to $500.00.

For general dog information in Leamington please contact the Clerk’s Office at (519) 326-5761 or email the Clerk’s Office at clerks@leamington.ca.

GENERAL BROCK IS COMING TO TOWN!

Did you know during the early days of the War of

1812 General Brock made camp for one night at Point Pelee? During 2012-2014 the Essex County region is anticipating thousands of visitors anxious to explore our region’s rich 1812 history. Have you thought of ways your business can use this unique celebration to promote itself?

Leamington is planning some celebrations of its own including a Sail Away and General’s Dinner on July 28th. Stay tuned for more details!

COMMUNITY EVENTS CALENDAR

Advertise your upcoming not for profit community events on our web site at no charge. Send your info to amiskovsky@leamington.ca

UPCOMING EVENTS:

March 17-18: IODE Antique Show and Sale. Kinsmen Complex

March 23-24: Skate Canada Synchro Skating Competiion. Kinsmen Complex

March 30: Chamber After Five. Kinsmen Complex

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME

Daylight Savings Time begins March 11th. Be sure to turn your clocks ahead one hour when you go to bed Saturday night and remember to replace the batteries in your smoke detector. Stay Safe!

. UPCOMING COUNCIL MEETINGS

March 12, 19. April 2, 16, 23 Council Chambers 7:00 pm.

Note: The Municipal office will be closed Friday, April 6th and Monday, April 9th.

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

ENVIRONMENTAL TIP: RECYCLE ALUMINUM FOIL PRODUCTS.

Paterson Dry Goods closed on August 15, 1989 and on August 16, 1989 he began the career he continues to enjoy today at Canada Life Business Services. Although today he’s an independent advisor, he remains dedicated to helping people make their money work for them.

Something you may not know about Leamington’s mayor is that he is a musician. He is formally trained in piano and then took up the electric guitar in high school. He played in a small band in his early high school days and then switched to acoustic guitar – 6 and 12-string. He’s modest, but he’s also quite a crooner. Another claim to fame is that he’s also a songwriter, having put pen to paper and wrote a few songs. When asked when and where we could hear the singing mayor, he modestly says, “Yeah, Dale [Butler] has tried to get me out to the Coffee House, but no…”

What does the mayor do in his spare time? “Golf, I love golf.” The mayor used to be quite a racketball, squash and badminton player in his day. He won WECSSAA and SWOSSAA championships for LDSS. His sport of choice was soccer. “I played all five years and I think we were county champions every year,” he recalled. His proudest moment at LDSS was the year he held the weight lifting title for squats – 10 reps of 407 pounds. “But then Gary Baker beat me by about five pounds the next year, so it was short-lived,” he joked. He’s not golfing as much as he used to, but still manages to sneak in a few games. What he does make time for is his monthly poker group. “I have a group that play fun poker about once a month –nickels and dimes - it’s just for fun,” he said. He’s also been known to play a mean hand of Texas Hold ‘Em on

The last big vacation the mayor took was four years ago for his 25th anniversary when he took the family to Mexico. “Wow, we’re boring… we just haven’t had time,” he said. The mayor and his wife do like to take long weekend getaways to the historical inns of Ontario. “One of my favourite inns is Breadalbane in Fergus; Elora Mill, Ben Miller… Travelling the inns of Ontario is something we enjoy. I love the character of other towns, but it’s always nice to come home,” he said. Home for John and Betty is Mersea Road 2, near Hillman Marsh. “I hated history in high school, but I love it now, Canadian and Scottish history… that’s another book I’m reading, How the Scots Made Canada.” John acquired his political taste from his dad. Donald Paterson, served as the Liberal MPP for Essex South from 1964 to 1971. John served as Councillor for the Town of Leamington from 1982-85 and again 2006-2010, before taking the Mayor’s seat. “Why? Because I was frustrated… This town has so much to offer, I wanted to raise the bar,” he said. “As a young businessman in the 80s, I ran for Council to promote more business… They were referring to Leamington then as a retirement town and a business can’t survive as a retirement town… There was so much more opportunity for Leamington,” he said. It was during this time and after that the Sherk Complex, Marina and industrial park were brought to life.

And in 2010 he decided that the girls were grown and he could once again make a difference in his community. “I didn’t want to sit back and complain, but rather make change happen,” he said. On his wish list is a revitalized uptown core and a new industrial park.

Although the mayor is completely happy with his personal and professional life, there’s one thing he’s always wanted to do… ride a motorcycle. “I want to get my motorcycle licence… I’ve always wanted a motorcycle, but my mom said no and my wife says no, so I don’t have one,” he said, still grinning ear-to-ear.

MARCH 7, 2012

Council retains ownership of Gregory building

A report was received by Leamington Council recommending extending the lease of the Arts Centre (the former Federal Building) to the South Essex Arts Association until 2025. That is not particularly newsworthy, but what is of interest is the long-term future of the two buildings associated with the Arts Centre: the Gregory Building that fronts on Mill Street, and the small commercial building associated with it. The properties were purchased by the Municipality for $150,000 in 2004 and would have been demolished in order to construct a Performing and Artistic Centre, however, these properties are no longer needed for a performing arts theatre as the Municipality has transferred the former Bank of Montreal building to the Sun Parlour Players theatre group for $1.00 to provide a performing arts theatre at 10 Erie St. South. Thus, their long-term use (and usefulness) is uncertain.

The Arts Association has two tenants as approved by the Manager of Recreation and Culture, including a tattoo artist at 62 Talbot Street West, and a legal assistance office for migrant workers located within one office of the 64 Talbot Street West property (Gregory Building). On November 2, 2011 a letter was received from Maureen Sutherland, President of the South Essex Arts Association, with regards to the properties and the future use of these buildings. The SEAA is requesting to remain as the “landlord” for the properties, providing renovations are completed at the Gregory Building and with financial support from the Municipality.

After the report was presented by Amanda Smith, Leamington’s Manager of Culture and Recreation, Council heard

Remuneration Committee to look at Council’s pay

Bill Marck, Leamington’s CAO, has recommended to Leamington Council the formation of a ‘Remuneration Committee’ to review the pay received by members of Council, and the other paid positions of Leamington’s boards (the Committee of Adjustment and the Police Services Board).

His report was prompted by Council not voting themselves an economic adjustment for 2012 after having declined a raise in 2011 right after they were elected. It was the consensus of Council that remuneration should be reviewed by a committee of ratepayers to ensure transparency and to achieve a responsible decision on rates paid.

Consequently, Council has voted to establish a committee under the direction of the CAO to be made up of two homeowners, one retail business representative, one agricultural representative, and one representative from the manufacturing sector of Leamington’s economy. Advertisements for volunteers will appear in the local newspapers.

from Maureen Sutherland, the President of the Arts Association. She pointed out that as things now stand the rented properties actually represent a drain on the Arts Centre budget. In 2011 they accounted for a $1500 loss.

“We don’t mind keeping them,” Ms Sutherland said, “but they have to be viable and look good to rent them.” A further catch is taxes. The municipality owns the properties; the Arts Centre itself is deemed to be used for municipal purposes, so MPAC has allowed it to be municipal tax exempt. Since the other two properties are rented to third parties by the leasee (the Arts Association) they are not tax exempt. Leamington council was presented with two options for the properties: sell them now, or leave the status quo until the Community Improvement Plan is complete and make a decision at that time. All members of council who spoke on the matter agreed that the wise course of action for the time being would be to see what is identified in the Community Improvement Plan, so that is the course of action they voted to take.

Manulife Bank’s Tax-Free Advantage Account is a perfect way to save. You will earn this great rate of interest on every dollar in the account. And you can access your savings at any time for any purpose, without incurring fees or taxes.

Jennifer MacLellan is a registered dietician with the Windsor Essex Health Unit. March is Nutrition Month, and

at the Monday, March

BILL CHAPLIN Municipal Correspondent

And a John Deere sign to brighten up the room...

They call my generation (approximately 30 to 50-yearolds) the sandwich generation. We are sandwiched between raising children and caring for aging parents. Both tasks can be daunting in their own right.

he’d be interested in, he participates in all the time. Movies in the activity room, trivia night and guest singers, he has his chair wheeled up and is raring to go. Visits to the nursing home aren’t like visits home.

My dad is 85 and a recent resident of a nursing home. He was lucky enough to have secured a semi-private room, which may not seem like a big deal to some, but in the world of nursing homes, it’s great. In a ward setting there are four people living in one room. That was okay in college, but at 85, after living a fully independent life, I don’t think many seniors long for the dorm life atmosphere.

There’s so much to be said about the peace of mind knowing that he’s in the nursing home and not trying to cook and clean for himself. After 85 years, he deserves to be cared for. Dad didn’t get out much and hasn’t driven for the past few years, so the nursing home has opened up a whole new social life for him. It’s nice to see him chatting with other people at dinner and in the hallways.

Of course, nothing can compare with going home, but the nursing home is his home now and it’s great to see him enjoying the time he spends with others.

The activities at the nursing home, which I didn’t think

It’s a long and tough love

We’ve added some pictures and a John Deere sign to make him feel more at home and it seems to be working. He loves his John Deere sign and his Oliver tractor sweatshirt. After 50 years of farming, if he considers a tin John Deere sign art, then so be it. After all, it’s his room to decorate.

“Making the decision to have a child is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body.” – Elizabeth Stone

“No one tells you how hard this is all gonna be. Which part? All of it: marriage, being a parent. It’s the hardest job in the world and nobody prepares you for that. Nobody tells you how much you have to give up.”

of walls or needing to encourage the children back into the cave at bedtime was never a feature on the front cover of the magazines.

“My mom used to say it doesn’t matter how many kids you have… because one kid will take up 100% of your time so more kids can’t possibly take up more than 100% of your time.” – Karen Brown

These lines are from the movie ‘Marley and Me’. I as watched it again for the third or fourth time, the words that Jennifer Aniston’s character spoke really rang true. Yes that is something I can relate to. I know what that means. Nothing in my life to this point, including school, parenting courses or the myriad of jobs have prepared me to become a parent, a good parent. My parents tried to tell me and, thankfully or not, many skills were learned through osmosis. While growing up though, I never gave it a second thought as to the importance of what I was learning.

Parenting is a tough job, but knowing I am not alone is a bit comforting. From the moment I found out we were expecting, I turned to magazines and books in search for the recipe for perfect parenthood. How unrealistic was that? I am quite certain that there is no such thing.

Humans would be much better off if we held on to some of the ‘tribal hood’ rituals, like storytelling and listened more intently to the wisdom of our elders. Even a trip to the zoo would have been educational and a more realistic example of family life. Cleaning nits out of hair, washing fecal paint off

This past Sunday at yoga, I learned a new word. ‘Stum’, means just because or a state of just being. This is a very difficult state to reach, and in yoga it is a part of the ‘eighth limb’. Ironically, parents not only give up a bunch of limbs and their minds once in a while, I am certain we must have nine lives as well!

It is very easy for me to get entirely wrapped up in my children’s lives that include bumps, bruises and breaks, job résumés, food, sporting and homework schedules and lots of drama. I am left with little or no time for ‘stum’. Too busy being a parent and spouse to focus on who I am, was or have become.

My mother recently injured her knee, and for the first time in my life I have needed to care for her. This has not been an easy role reversal for either of us, but I am suspecting, especially for her. After many apologies, I am hoping that I have convinced her that she has cared for and continues to care for her children and it is time to let us reciprocate.

Caring deeply for a child or parent leads to many emotions that thankfully are “wonder full”. In reality, an overwhelming number of emotions can bring us to our knees with a heaviness in our chest, a pit in our stomach and a catch in our throat, like no other.

If I was to ask my mother or myself whether or not we would trade those feelings for a ‘day on the beach’ or a ‘walk in the park’, we would no doubt answer, “heck yes, for a moment but not for a lifetime.” And by the way, no one told me parenting is for a lifetime!

Essex countryside - Photo by Roberta McCarty

SHEILA McBRAYNE

McThoughts

École Saint Michel says NO to bullying!

By Sheila McBrayne

Girls gossip; boys hit – it’s all forms of bullying. Ontario Provincial Police Constable Kevin O’Neil talked to the students in grades 7 and 8 at École Saint Michel on Wednesday, February 28 about what bullying is and how to stop it and not contribute to it. “Bullying is not an accident. It is always on purpose,” said Const. O’Neil. He explained that if someone pushes you in the schoolyard once – just horsing around – that’s not bullying. If they continue to push you after you’ve made it clear that you don’t find it

funny, that’s bullying.

“School is hard enough; your attention should be on learning, not trying to figure out how to survive… Try living every day in their life...”

- OPP Const. Kevin O’Neil

“How many of you have a nickname?” asked Const. O’Neil. About half the class raised their hands. “How many of you don’t like your nickname?” he asked. About half of the original half raised their hands. O’Neil explained that nicknames can sometimes be hurtful, and can also be a form of bullying if the nickname is derogatory.

Const. O’Neil challenged the students to help be part of a solution, and not the problem. “Even if you’re not the bully, you give them more power by standing by and doing nothing,” he said. Bullies tend to pick on those who they know won’t fight back or speak up. “You can be their voice,” he said. In a newspaper clipping about the recent school shooting in Ohio, it stated how others knew the person was bullied…

Const. O’Neil pointed out that as a kid he was the victim of bullying as well, because he was small. “I know what it’s like. I was the smallest kid in my class. I was pushed into lockers and picked on just because of my size,” he shared with the students. Whether you are being bullied because of your size, appearance, disability or colour of your skin, all reasons for bullying are hurtful.

“School is hard enough, your attention should be on learning, not trying to figure out how to survive… Try living every day in their life. Imagine showing up every day to the name-calling. Imagine being picked on and bullied every day. Would you even want to go to school? It’s hard to learn at school when you’re being threatened or teased… Do something to help,” said Const. O’Neil.

Another form of bullying which has escalated in recent years is cyberbullying. Derogatory emails, videos, pictures, or postings about someone is referred to as cyberbullying. “When I started doing this eight years ago, cyberbullying didn’t exist – the word didn’t even exit – and now it’s one of the largest forms of bullying,” said Const. O’Neil.

As part of Anti-Bullying Day, each classroom at École Saint Michel participated in various activities, which stressed the importance of not bullying and reporting bullying.

École Saint Michel held an Anti-Bullying Day on Wednesday, February 29 as part of Anti-Bullying Week. Leamington OPP Constable Kevin O’Neil talked to the grade 7 and 8 classes about bullying.

(SUN Photo)

Leamington Chamber’s Vine & Dine attracts 200

Participating

restaurants included:

• Breaktime Corner Café

• Cavendish Farms

• Chateau Pelee at Pelee Days Inn

• Coffee & Cream

• Freddy’s Cocktail Lounge & Restaurant

• Gilligan’s

• Lakeside Bakery

• Lebanese Village

• Mongolian Grill

• Ray’s Ribhouse

• Shoeless Joe’s

• Thai Palace

• T.J’s

Second Saturday Songwriters Series this weekend

This month’s Second Saturday Songwriters Series will be held this Sat. March 10 at Wheatley Legion, 27 Erie St. N. Doors open at 7 p.m. and show time is 7:30.

Each month four local, regional or national songwriters sit in with hosts John and Michele Law “in the round”, a style similar to the famous Nashville Bluebird Café series. Each musician performs original songs for the audience in an intimate setting. The series is already a hit, with featured performers playing to a full house. The event is sponsored by Royal Canadian Legion Br. 324 Wheatley and RBC.

This Saturday the Laws will be welcoming Borealis recording artist Eve Goldberg, Canada’s traveling troubadour Jay Allen, David Light from the legendary Keywees, and southern fresh soulster Billy Raffoul for a stellar night of entertainment you won’t want to miss.

Admission is a suggested donation of $5. Second Saturday Songwriters Series is committed to inspiring and promoting creativity within the community. Musicians give of their time and talent and the proceeds from the event support music programs for Wheatley area youth in need.

Steve Mitchell, Sales & Marketing Associate with Sprucewood Shores Estate Winery is pictured here pouring a glass of red wine for one of the 200 who attended the event.

Winemaker Rori McCaw, right, from Cooper’s Hawk Vineyards poured a glass of red for Jody Raffoul who played throughout the evening.

Krista MacQuarrie, Culinary Lab Technician, with Holland College. The Culinary Institute of Canada was at the first annual Vine & Dine presented by the Leamington and District Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, February 29. Krista was kept busy preparing appetizers from Cavendish Farms.

Leamington Chamber of Commerce General Manager Sally McDonald is pictured here during the evening.

CHROME DOOR HANDLES CHROME MIRROR CAPS

US Citizens in Canada: IRS ISSUES GUIDANCE

By Jason J. Melo, CA, CPA, CFP

Given the prominent media attention garnered in 2011, many reading this article have likely been informed of the onerous tax reporting requirements of US Citizens living in Canada.

To provide a brief summary, all U.S. persons (U.S. citizens and green card holders) regardless of residence are required to file annual U.S. personal income tax returns and are subject to tax on worldwide income. In addition, other filings may be required such as disclosing interests in foreign bank accounts (Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts – “FBAR”), Canadian RRSPʼs, registered education savings plans (RESPʼs) and certain interests in Canadian private corporations.

To alleviate the burden of double taxation (as Canada will also tax income earned by individuals “resident” in Canada), the Canada – U.S. Tax Convention provides rules that establish the right to tax certain sources of income and also allows for taxes paid in one jurisdiction to offset taxes owing to the other country. In most cases there is no ultimate U.S. income tax liability as exemptions are available for individuals residing in Canada and due to the fact that Canadian personal income tax rates are slightly higher than those of the U.S.

Failure to file any of the above noted returns can generally subject individ-

uals to significant monetary penalties.

As an example, failure to file FBAR forms can potentially result in penalties of up to $10,000 per violation.

That said, in December 2011 the IRS issued a fact sheet (FS-2011-13) outlining information for U.S. citizens or dual citizens residing outside the U.S and clarified the basis for avoiding the penalties for not properly filing income tax returns or submitting the appropriate FBAR forms. In the fact sheet, the IRS states that penalties would not be imposed in all cases of non-compliant persons.

The IRS indicated that taxpayers who owe no U.S. tax (e.g., due to the application of exclusions or foreign tax credits) will not be subject to penalties for failure to file income tax returns. In addition, no FBAR penalties apply to violations that the IRS determines were due to “reasonable cause”, based on a consideration of the facts and circumstances.

For those individuals who are delinquent in filing the appropriate returns, it is advisable to consider getting up to date given the recent guidance and the considerable uncertainty moving forward as the IRS attempts to extend its reach and obtain more and more information on U.S. persons with undisclosed foreign assets.

The deadline to file a 2011 U.S. Personal Income Tax Return is April 17, 2012. The relevant FBAR reporting is required by June 30 each year.

Jason J. Melo, CA, CPA, CFP is a Tax Principal with Collins Barrow Leamington LLP. He specializes in advising clients in a wide variety of both personal and corporate tax matters, including cross border taxation, succession planning and estate and retirement planning. Please contact Jason at 519-326-2666 should you require assistance with these or any other U.S. tax matters.

Collins Barrow

Chartered Accountants

Jason J. Melo, CA,

East Mersea Public School students from grades 4-8 held their Oral Communications Contest recently. Pictured are the classroom representatives, front row left to right: Daniel Schmitt, Cassidy, DeGroote, Braeden Epp, Nicholas Driedger. Back row: Brandon Klassen, Kyle Dyck, Erika Simpson, Tanya Peters, Dennis Dyck, Camden Driedger. Representatives from East Mersea attended the Regional Contest at Ruthven Public School on March 1 and Wheatley Legion’s Speaking Contest held March 4.

Free CA tax clinics to help low-income residents

Volunteer Leamingtonarea Chartered Accountants are holding a series of Free CA Tax Clinics for residents with low incomes during March.

As part of their commitment to the community, Chartered Accountants are working with the South Essex Community Council in Leamington to help people by doing their taxes free of charge.

To qualify for this free tax return assistance, total household income must be less than $35,000 with dependents or less than $25,000 without dependents. People who qualify

can book an appointment at these clinics by contacting Noreen Wiebe at 519-3268629 ext. 381. Free CA Tax Clinics are a tradition for Chartered Accountants that dates back to 1969. Today, they’re held across Ontario from midFebruary until the end of March. Last year, hundreds of volunteer Chartered Accountants and their associates helped low-income people receive much-needed tax credits and refunds by preparing almost 13,000 income tax returns.

These Free CA Tax Clinics operate in co-operation with a variety of agencies – including food banks, charities, hospitals, senior centres and homes, community centres, social service agencies and libraries. The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ontario offers additional support to these agencies by providing them with an honourarium based on the number of tax returns prepared. This helps the agencies carry out their valuable work.

FREE CLINIC DATES

• Thursday, March 8 from 9 a.m. to noon

• Tuesday, March 13 from 6 to 9 p.m.

• Thursday, March 15 from 9 a.m. to noon

• Tuesday, March 20 from 1 to 4 p.m.

• Wednesday, March 21 from 6 to 9 p.m.

• Tuesday, March 27 from 6 to 9 p.m.

Leamington Council Shorts

Re-zoning Application

A property that stretches between Mersea Road 2 and Deer Run Road, currently zoned Hobby Farm, has had a public meeting scheduled so that it can be split into three residential lots. Two of the lots will face Deer Run Road while the third will face Road 2. Since the property is already identified in the Leamington Official Plan as Rural Residential, no objection is anticipated. The date set for the public meeting is Mon. Apr. 2.

1812 Planning

BILL CHAPLIN Municipal Correspondent

Administration has recommended to council the creation of a Bicentennial Art of Peace Garden at the marina to “commemorate, celebrate and ensure a lasting legacy to 200 years of peace between the United States of America and Canada, through specially designated gardens and cultural programming between 2012 and 2014”. In addition, they recommend an event on July 28th that they call “General Brock’s Sail Away & The Officer’s Mess”.

Since the money for these initiatives was included in the budget (and approved during budget deliberations), council approved the recommendations. More about the public events will be forthcoming as the date draws nearer.

Emergency Shelter at Rec Complex

The Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex is designated as the Evacuation Centre should a state of emergency be declared within the Municipality. This designation is included in the Emergency Plan for the Municipality. Now, it is proposed that the LKRC be designated as the emergency evacuation centre for Cardinal Carter Secondary School should the school need to be evacuated during the school day. Historically, the Municipality has not permitted organizations to designate the LKRC as an evacuation site for their staff and visitors. For example, long-term care facilities and private businesses must have their own evacuation plan in place which does not include use of municipal property.

When questioned about this proposal, the Fire Chief explained to council that the plan is to only use the LKRC in a school emergency, not a municipal emergency. It would be used to remove students from an unsafe situation at the school, debrief students as necessary, and ensure their safe transportation to their homes. “This is something that was brought up by Cardinal Carter as part of their emergency planning,” said Chief Chuck Parsons.

After discussing the matter, Leamington Councillors agreed that it represents an intelligent approach to emergency planning—especially having it based on a written agreement where limits, duties and responsibilities are all spelled out—and passed the recommendation.

If you can ask a question clearly, you’re two thirds of the way toward getting a decent answer.

March Break

Challenge the adventurer in you and bring out your creative side, all while you spend time with your family in the forests of Point Pelee National Park.

The Visitor Centre is the hub of activity throughout the March Break. The Ecokids Craft Corner offers a different earth friendly craft each day, suitable for all ages.

Going a little stir crazy after a long winter? A park interpreter will be on hand daily at 11 a.m. to lead the ‘Spring has Sprung’ hike to look for the first hints of the new season to come.

Want to challenge yourself? The Family Scavenger Hunt is a great way to work as a team and explore the trails around the Visitor Centre. Look for clues and answer fun trivia questions in the quest to complete your adventure and earn your prize!

March Break schedule: Monday, March 12 – Friday, March 16.

Park hours: 7:00 a.m.7:00 p.m. daily.

Visitor Centre hours: 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. daily. Eco-kids Craft Corner

& Family Scavenger Hunt: 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. daily.

Spring Has Sprung Nature Hike: 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. daily.

Pre-registration required.

All activities start at the Visitor Centre and are included in park admission. Don’t forget to purchase your annual pass during the 25% off pass sale, which ends March 31, 2012. For reservations and additional information, please call 322-2365 ext. 0.

Requiem for red leather pants

Listen Saturdays at 6 pm and Sundays at 1 pm to the Mix

Hit List. Email hitlist@mix967.ca to vote for the song you think should be #1!

It’s sad stuff. Who could blame music lovers for dabbing their eyes and snuffing their noses last week. It may not be “the day the music died”; however, there’s plenty to mourn. I count three significantly sad occurrences of late. We learned earlier last week that the lead tambourine jangler and pixy-like lead singer for the Monkees died suddenly of a heart attack. Davy Jones was only 66. In the words of a colleague: “Now I’m a bereaver.”

In the “back forty” of Midwestern Ontario, during a golden era of Country Music Radio and Television, few stars shined as brightly as Ernie King. Over the airwaves of CKNX radio and television, Ernie’s warm, gentle personality and incredible singing voice endeared him with audiences from Owen Sound to Exeter on Circle 8 Ranch. Later he opened Ernie King Music stores in Wingham and Goderich, keeping his name relevant to new generations. Ernie died last week. He was 82.

The third candle to light this week? Loverboy is still on tour. Yes, it’s true. I saw them with my own two eyes. I heard them scream out live versions of the early ’80s hits with my own ears. They weren’t busking in front of Union Station either. They performed before a few thousand fans who crammed inside the concert hall at Casino Rama.

To be honest, not all has survived with Loverboy. R.I.P. red leather pants. Thank goodness too. I’m not saying the lead singer has “turned himself loose” at Mandarin Gardens, but if he were to excessively rub his thighs together in those red leather pants today, he’d resuscitate a cow.

For fun, I “YouTubed” (yes, it’s a verb now) Loverboy from their 1981 appearance on American Bandstand with

Dick Clark. If you get a minute, look it up. I’m sure they were a bit nervous that pinnacle moment 31 years ago, but they came off dumber than a bag of hammers as Dick gently asked them questions. The guitar player couldn’t recall the name of the top music award they won in Canada (the Juno) but compared it to “the Oscar or Emmy in the States.” Dick corrected them. Thank goodness Ben Johnson shinied up our reputation around the world a few years later.

Lover(old)boy has also had a falling out with their scalps since American Bandstand. Once one of the pacesetters in the ’80s rock world of hair bands, they are now pacemakers in the red hat society. The lead singer has swapped his little white headband for a bad-ass, black, wide bandana. If I were to take a wild guess, I’d say he’s collecting some forehead. The guitar dude was wearing a backwards beret, the drummer a sports ball cap twisted 180 degrees, just like how the kids are rocking it today. The two “otherboys” may be sporting heart-shaped butt cheeks and tumbleweed chest hair, but they still have lots of hair on their heads and love to flop it around… the showoffs.

While they may be merely a larger shadow of themselves from their hit-making hay days, Loverboy continues to bring out the Cougar Contingent. The 40 and 50 somethings were in full force, in full warpaint and ready to turn back the clock, at least mentally. For 90 minutes they could virtually escape their potbellied husbands, entitled kids, crappy jobs and dusty minivans to hoot ’n’ holler and shake their asses like 1985.

And Loverboy? Who can blame these baby boomers for attempting to keep the music playing? The fat lady has yet to sing… but damn that lead singer is making it close. Loverboy, April Wine, Trooper and the like are in no more of a hurry to “give it up” than we are to closing the chapter on our sense of youthful exuberance, and “we’re lovin’ every minute of it.”

Make

FRIDAY, MARCH 9 - How about a Nice Hot Bowl of Chili? 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., Knox Presbyterian Church, 58 Erie St. S., Leamington. Dessert and beverage included. Adults $7, children $3. Takeout available.

MONDAY, MARCH 12 - Ladies: You and a friend are invited to a dinner evening at 6:30 p.m. at Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens. Tickets $16. Guest speaker and soloist is Maria Carl. Theme: Heartfelt Songs of My Life. Special feature: presentation by Brenda Fischer from the Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex. For reservations call Sharon 519-326-0421 or Darlene 519-733-5595 by Fri. Mar. 9.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14 & TUESDAY, MARCH 20 - FREE Breastfeeding Information Session, Windsor-Essex County Health Unit 1005 Ouellette Ave., Windsor, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Breastfeeding is a wonderful and healthy way to feed your baby. If you are thinking of breastfeeding and would like easy and helpful tips, join us for a free information session. Everyone is welcome. All classes are taught by public health nurses. To Register, call 519-258-2146, ext. 1340.

FRIDAY, MARCH 16 - Fundraiser for LAERC. Irish Stew Luncheon 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at Leamington United Church. $9 at the door.

SATURDAY, MARCH 17 & SUNDAY, MARCH 18

- 47th Rt. Hon. Sir Winston Churchill Chapter IODE Antique Show on Saturday, March 17 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sunday, March 18 from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex. $5 admission. Leading Canadian dealers. Handicapped accessible.

MONDAYS, MARCH 19 - JUNE 4 - “Alpha Course”. Dinner, video and discussion, exploring the meaning of the Christian Faith. Every Monday, 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. at Meadow Brook Fellowship, 219 Talbot St. E., Leamington. To register call 519-326-3605.

THURSDAY, MARCH 22 - Prime Rib Dinner at St. John the Evangelist, 60 Erie St. N., Leamington, 6:00 p.m. Tickets $25, available from church office 519-326-3111 or by calling 519-326-4042.

SATURDAY, MARCH 24 - Wild Game Dinner & Silent Auction, with Italio Labignan from the Canadian Sport Fishing Network on TSN, at 6:30 p.m., Kingsville Community Church, 1860 Division Rd. N. Special guests: the Kingsville Jazz Quartet a.k.a. Ron’s Relics. Tickets $18 in advance, $20 at the door, available at Kingsville Community Church 519-733-5693 or FGT Church, 285 Talbot St. E. in Leamington 519322-2316. Limited seating. Proceeds to KCC Men’s Ministry.

SUNDAY, MARCH 25 - Benefit Pancake Breakfast for Lainie Sallmen, at Mersea United Church, located on Mersea Rd. 8 east of Blytheswood (corner of Roads 8 & 12). Serving from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Cost: by donation. For info contact Ken 519-825-7300 or church office 519-825-4157.

SUNDAY, MARCH 25 - 11am - 2pm, Spring Brunch at Olinda-Ruthven, 1907 Queen Blvd, Ruthven. Adults $10, children 6-12 $5, children 5 and under free. Support persons for people with Special Needs ~ FREE.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 28 - Farm Safety annual meeting at Calasanti’s at 6:00 p.m. $15, everyone welcome. Call 519-776-7476 for more info.

SATURDAY, MARCH 31 - 4:30 - 7:00 pmRoast Beef Dinner at Trinity, New California, 1005 Road 2 West, Kingsville. Advance tickets only. Call Bonnie at 519-733-2590. Tickets: adults $15; children 6-12 $6; children under 6 free. Support persons for people with Special Needs ~ Half Price. Limited accessible. Takeouts available.

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

SUNDAY APRIL 1 - 2:00 pm, “April Foolishness” - Spring Fling for Guestwood Camp at Olinda-Ruthven, 1907 Queen Blvd, Ruthven. Admission $10 per person/$25 per family, support persons for people with special needs ~ FREE. Refreshments at intermission. All proceeds for GessTwood.

APRIL - Show people facing cancer that they are not alone by supporting the Canadian Cancer Society’s 2012 Daffodil Campaign. Call 519-254-5116 to volunteer or go to www.cancer.ca/windsor.

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

FRIDAY, APRIL 13 & SATURDAY, APRIL 149:00 am - 1:00 pm Indoor Yard & Bake Sale at Trinity United Church, New California,1005 Road 2 West, Kingsville. Something for everyone. Limited accessible.

SATURDAY, APRIL 21 - Voices of Youth in Community (VOYC) is hosting an e-waste collection event in support of Computers For Kids at the Leamington Recreation Complex, 249 Sherk St., from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Donate our old computer equipment, television sets, cell phones and electronics. Do your part for the environment and help support the youth of your community. For more information visit www.cfkcanada.org or call 253 KIDSor visit VOYC on facebook for details.

JOHN WEESE

Weese’s Pieces...

My Anniversary

Another year has come and gone. Incredibly, this year has passed even faster than my first year. To what am I referring? Why, my career as a print journalist, of course; my dream of becoming the Jimmy Olsen to whomever is the Southpoint Sun’s Clark Kent and Lois Lane. (I even wear a bow tie to many of the Leamington Council meetings so I don’t forget my goal.) It has been a lot of fun for me to write ‘all the news that’s fit to print’, and then not stopping, but consciously adding bits that aren’t fit.

BILL CHAPLIN

Just my thoughts...

I have some thanks I would like to express, if you will indulge me. Foremost is my thanks to you, the readers who have perused my municipal news and cared enough to either say a kind word to me or take exception to what I have written. Either way I am very pleased that I am helping my friends and neighbours to be aware of Leamington’s municipal government and the many ways that council and the town employees strive to make this a really great place to live (while relieving us of a substantial enough amount of money that getting into mischief and possibly harming the town’s reputation is made that much more difficult).

My thanks to my wife, Liz, who encouraged me to ‘give it a try’; without her encouragement I would never have taken the risk. (Even though I know that it was mainly to keep me busy so I wouldn’t cause so much trouble at home.) Thanks to my editor Sheila McBrayne who gave me the chance and who has encouraged my efforts. (She even gave me a raise—most of you would say I still work for peanuts, but now they are the jumbo, salted kind that I really like!) Thanks also to the staff at global headquarters in Wheatley. They are wonderful, warm, welcoming people. (Since most I either taught or taught their children, nieces, nephews, or cousins, that makes their kindness even more remarkable. It appears time really does heal.)

I would also like to thank the paper’s publisher, Jim Heyens. I would like to, but I cannot. You see, I remember Perry White of the Daily Planet: he chewed cigars, yelled at everyone, made outrageous demands on the staff, and constantly refused raises. So, I carefully avoid the man, just in case.

Now I’m ready to start year three. I hope you will join me. How long will it last? As long as I remain interested and enjoy writing municipal news, or until Jim reads the paragraph above. (I’m betting on the first one.)

Building Code changes for 2012

By Bill Chaplin, Municipal Correspondent

The new Ontario Building Code (OBC) was first established along with regulations in 2006. Effective January 1, 2012 amendments have been made to ensure all residential buildings intended for occupancy on continuing basis during the winter months meet the energy efficiency and occupancy permit requirements.

Energy efficiency requirements have been in the OBC since 1976. The recent changes to the regulations set out a higher level of energy efficiency, however they offer builders different ways (performance and prescriptive methods) to accomplish the task. The ultimate goal of the OBC is to have energy neutral buildings as a standard in Ontario. The changes are just one step in the many to get to this goal (goal date of 2031).

Under the performance method, computer modelling software is used to assess energy consumption of a proposed house design. After the house is built, a blower door test confirms air-tightness. In order to comply with the OBC, the house must meet or exceed a score of 80 on the EnerGuide scale.

The prescriptive method, on the other hand, allows builders to choose from 37 methods outlined in accompanying tables in the Code. For a gas-heated house in our geographic area, there are 13 prescriptive methods available. Using a prescriptive method means the house meets the OBC standard and is deemed to have an equivalent of EnerGuide 80 without the need to provide backup documentation or airtightness verification.

Occupancy amendments require an inspection to be made and a permit to be issued, prior to people occupying certain new residential buildings. Here are some example criteria that must be met prior to the occupancy permit being issued:

While almost none of us are contemplating building a new, custom house, seeing the changes that are recommended may make us take a critical look at the snugness (and air-tightness) of our own homes.

Both the Mayor and Councillor Rick Atkin agreed that the report represents cause for concern. “This is definitely a red flag report,” stated Councillor Atkin, suggesting that it would inevitably lead to more staff, higher costs, and other headaches for the municipality. “This is just another example of downloading,” he concluded.

It’s not all bad, however. Councillor MacDonald was very happy to see that lot grading was explicitly mentioned in the new regulations, since problems have arisen many times in the past with this aspect of housing development.

Simona Lehan Owner Designer

GAME 1 - Thursday, March 1st

Strathroy 3 – Flyers 2 (OT)

The Flyers dropped game one of the series on Thursday losing 3-2 in overtime.

Tyler Quigley and Tony Spidalieri each scored powerplay goals for the Flyers who had to play catch up twice in the game after allowing the Rockets to take a 1-0 lead in the 1st and a 2-1 lead in the 2nd. Spidalieri’s goal tied the game at 2-2 midway through the 3rd and the game winner came from Strathroy’s Derek Nap just over four minutes into overtime.

“We just didn’t come out ready to play and we were too nervous in OT,” said veteran forward Tyler Quigley.

The Flyers registered 55 shots on Rocket’s goalie Dalen Kuchmey and head coach Tony Piroski said the loss wasn’t due to a lack of effort.

“It’s not like we weren’t trying but I thought we were a little up tight, a little tentative in OT,” Piroski said. “We’ll bounce back though.”

GAME 2

Saturday, March 3rd Flyers 4 – Strathroy 1

TThe Flyers bounced back in a big way in game 2 but waited until the final minutes of the game to put a stranglehold on the Rockets.

Strathroy scored a shorthanded goal 8 minutes into the 1st and held the 10 lead until Chris Scott evened it up 6 minutes into the 3rd.

With the game tied at 1-1 heading to the final minutes of regulation the Flyers put together an incredible surge scoring 3 goals in the last 3 minutes of play.

Tyler Quigley got the go ahead goal and game winner with 2:56 to go and in the last minute of play Nick Nicodemo and Tony Spidalieri (empty net) scored 34 seconds apart to make it 4-1.

Goaltender Colin Greeley got the win making 33 saves. It was the Flyers first win in Strathroy since October 23, 2010.

GAME 3 – Sunday, March 4th Strathroy 8 – Flyers 2

In one of their worst defeats all season the Flyers lost 8-2 on Sunday, giving the Rockets a 2-1 series lead. It was 3-0 at the end of the first period and the Flyers came back briefly in the second getting goals from Kyle Bowman and Tony Spidalieri to make it 3-2 but it was all Rockets after that with Strathroy getting three goals in the second period and a pair of goals in the third to make it an 8-2 final.

AWARD WINNERS

The Flyers had four award winners at last week's GOJHL Western Conference Banquet in Chatham. Goaltenders Darien Ekblad and Colin Greeley shared the award for Lowest Goals Against Average, Greeley and Ron Soucie were named to the 1st All-Star Team, Soucie was named Defenceman of the Year and longtime Flyers volunteer and statistician Scott Holland was named Volunteer of the Year. From left to right: Darien Ekblad, Colin Greeley, Ron Soucie and Scott Holland.

UPCOMING GAMES

The Flyers frustrations were evident as they racked up 68 minutes in penalties compared to Strathroy’s 26 minutes. The Rockets went 5 for 12 on the powerplay while both Leamington goals also came on the powerplay.

Darien Ekblad started the game in net and was replaced by Colin Greeley late in the 1st period but Ekblad was put back in with just over 2 minutes to go in the 2nd and he finished the game.

GAME 4 – Tuesday, March 6th in

Strathroy

Game results were not known at press time.

Update on Jamie MCDermott

Flyers assistant coach Jamie McDermott left Sunday’s game with chest pains and was rushed to Detroit for emergency heart surgery. McDermott’s surgery was successful and he remains in hospital in Detroit continuing to recover. The Flyers will have a giant card at Thursday’s game for fans to sign to send their well wishes to Jamie.

Game 5: Thursday, March 8th in Leamington – 7:10pm

Game 6: Saturday, March 10th in Strathroy – 7:30pm (if necessary)

Game 7: Sunday, March 11th in Leamington – 7:10pm (if necessary

Western Conference Playoff Update (as of press time)

Sarnia (1) vs Lambton Shores (8): Sarnia leads series 3-0 London (3) vs LaSalle (6): London leads series 2-1 St. Marys (4) vs St. Thomas (5): St. Marys leads series 3-1

NOTES: Mitch Amante and Adam Hughes returned to action on Sunday after serving four game suspensions…Leamington native JP Grineau continues to see action with the Flyers. The Windsor Jr. Spitfires AAA defenceman has been in the lineup since February 18th. He will celebrate his 17th birthday this Friday, March 9th.

Strathroy goalie Dalen Kuchmey makes a save on Flyers forward Eric Leardi during game one.

(photo by Shelly Quick)

The Southpoint Minor Bantams have taken a four-point lead in their six-point OMHA Semi-Final Playdown series against Oakville Minor Oaks. Southpoint won a 3-2 decision on Saturday, March 3 in Wheatley and came back with a 2-0 win on Sunday, March 4 in Leamington. Pictured here, Southpoint puts one in high past the Minor Oaks goalie. Next games are in Oakville this Friday and Saturday. Game five would return to Southpoint on Sunday.

(Photo by Stacey Omstead-DiNiro)

The Southpoint Minor Bantams had back-to-back wins in OMHA Semi-Final Playdowns against Oakville Minor Oaks on the weekend. (Photo by Stacey Omstead-DiNiro)

Novice Majors win, lose, tie

The last five games for the Southpoint Novice Major Division have resulted in 2 wins, 2 losses and a tie.

Fri. Feb 24 the Capitals defeated Chatham at home with a 2-0 victory. It was a tough match between the two teams with no scoring until the middle of the third period. Thomas Jennings scored both of Southpoint’s goals a minute apart. The first goal was assisted by Caleb Babkirk and Austin Neufeld and the second goal was assisted by Adam Zylstra. Defenseman Nathan Pilmer was named the team’s Captain for their next game and earned the Hard Hat for successfully defending his goalie, making it quite difficult for Chatham to get a point on the scoreboard.

Sat. Feb. 25 the Capitals gave it their all as they battled it out against Tecumseh. Unfortunately, it was a fluke goal that gave the Eagles a 1-0 win. Dawson Collison earned Southpoint’s Hard Hat/Captain title. He played some great offense, taking many shots on the Eagles goalie to try and tie up the game.

Sun. Feb. 26 the Capitals headed to the WFCU Centre to play against the Riverside Rangers on the AM 800 Rink. These two teams have always been evenly matched and this day proved no different as they went head to head with no scoring until the third period. Riverside got their goal at 7 minutes, 59 seconds into the third.

Everyone was on the edge of their seats as the battle to tie it up ensued. With only 1:32 left on the clock, forward Michael Vida scored Southpoint’s goal resulting in 1-1 tie earning him the team’s Hard Hat and title of Captain for the next game. His goal was assisted by Luke Tatomir and Alex Jadischke.

Fri. Mar. 2, Southpoint met up with LaSalle for an evening game at the Vollmer Culture and Recreation Complex. Another exciting game displaying great plays both offensively and defensively and a couple of penalties with some pretty intense power plays. However, it wasn’t enough for the Capitals as the final score was 2-0 for the Sabres. Defenseman Thomas Chauvin was a force to be reckoned with as he battled with the Sabres offense while they tried taking shots on net. He earned the team’s Hard Hat/Captain title for the next game.

Sat. Mar. 3 the Capitals went on the road to Bothwell to meet up with Chatham once again for an exhibition game. The Chatham team did not make the game an easy one for Southpoint after losing 2-0 a week prior; however, it was the Capitals who after a fierce match went home with a 6-4 win. Alex Jadischke scored the first goal in the first period assisted by both Luke Tatomir and Michael Vida. The remaining 5 goals were scored in the third as follows: Jaydon Tannous, assisted by Troy Tiessen and Dawson Collison; Austin Neufeld unassisted; Michael Vida, assisted by Caleb Babkirk; Thomas Jennings, assisted by Brennan Pulley; and Thomas Jennings, assisted by Thomas Chauvin.

It was definitely a team effort; however, Jaydon Tannous was recognized for scoring his first goal of the season and earning the team’s Hard Hat/Captain honours. He will lead Southpoint in their next game against Amherstburg on Sun. Mar. 18.

REC ROUND-UP REC ROUND-UP

Over 50 assorted Fitness & Aqua Fitness classes per week

• Did you know the Complex offers NOON HOUR fitness classes? Come for a 30 minute Pilates Tummy Tuck class on Mondays and Wednesdays, and come for Fit in 30 with Rosie on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Exercise made easy in 30 minutes from 12:15-12:45 on your lunch break!

• Complex weight and cardio training rooms are full of equipment. Whether you’re just beginning or if you exercise to an advanced regimen, the Complex offers one compact fee and no enrollment or initiation fees.

• Youth can purchase a swim/gym/ skate pass and be in motion all winter long!

• Student memberships are very affordable and very popular among the teenage crowd!

• Adults can meet with a personal trainer or nutrition and wellness coach to help them reach new goals!

• Swimming Theme Day: Spring Fling takes place on Sun. Mar. 25 from 1-3p.m. Lifeguards will lead fun games like an Easter Egg Hunt and Egg Relays on the pool deck!

• March Break is fast approaching – Mon. Mar. 12 to Fri. Mar. 16 – and if you aren’t headed south then the Complex is the place to be! March Break Activities include daily public swimming from 3-5 p.m., daily recreational gym from 1-3 p.m., and daily public skating from 1-3 p.m.

• March Break Day Campfor ages 4-7 and 8-12. Camp runs from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. with a different theme each day to keep the kids entertained and active! There’s swimming, skating, crafts and games galore, plus ‘You’re the Chef’ for the kids ages 8-12. Register early, as Day Camp fills up quickly.

• The 12th annual Home and Garden Tradeshow takes place Mar. 30, 31 and Apr. 1. Leamington’s Home & Garden Tradeshow is the place to come for all your spring garden and home renovation projects. Don’t drive all over to 5 or 6 showrooms when you can visit with all the vendors under one roof and be informed on all the latest products and services and pricing. Plus you can WIN over $15,000 in prizes at the Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex Tradeshow!

www.leamington.ca link to recreation and Activity Guide

We

Great Amusing Race to raise money for minor hockey

The love of hockey has no age limits and if members of Southpoint Alumni can help it, money won’t limit children’s ability to play hockey either.

Southpoint Alumni is planning its first ever Great Amusing Race to raise money for first-time Southpoint Minor Hockey Association players of all ages who may not be able to afford to play hockey. The Great Amusing Race will feature teams of four players who will compete in a daylong series of activities, similar to the popular Amazing Race. Points will be awarded for each competition, as well as points for the amount of money each team raises. Entry fee is $150 per team, plus a minimum $600 in pledges. All pledges over $600 will be rewarded extra points (1 point for every $1).

Organizer Steve Tuffin says the entire day is about having fun. “I did one a few years ago with friends and raised money for the Children’s Safety Village and it was so much fun. Whether you’re helping at an event or on a team, everyone has fun,” said Tuffin.

Tuffin and about a dozen former Southpoint Minor Hockey Association Board members banded together in 2010 to create the Southpoint Alumni group. The group has been working on acquiring its non-profit standing and is now looking forward to being able to run one fundraiser a year for Southpoint Minor Hockey.

“Anyone who participates will have a great time,” said Tuffin.

Each of the activities or tasks will be worth up to 100 points. Each team is responsible to have its own vehicle for the team (1 vehicle per team). The race is held within Essex County and teams will be traveling approximately 130 kilometres during race day, so make sure you fill up with gas first. At the end of the day, teams will meet at the Rhine Danube Club for dinner, awards and a dance.

Each team will receive t-shirts, four tickets to the awards dinner and dance at the Rhine Danube, and a chance to win a trip for four to Las Vegas from Shoreline Travel & Tours. Participants must be 16 years of age to participate.

The Amusing Race is slated for Saturday, April 28. The first 25 teams will be accepted to participate with an entry deadline of April 20.

For more details or to ask questions email thegreatamusingrace@gmail.com. You an also register at this email address.

Golden Years mini golf

On March 1, 38 golfers gathered at Colasanti’s and combined for a total of 73 aces over 36 holes. Moe Scratch led the way with 5 aces followed by Barb Arner, Carolyn Daudlin, Marg Graham, Laurie Hylton, Lloyd Honey, Ernie Vandenberg and Mary Ann Vickery with 4 each. Three each dropped for Kathy Bradley, Barb Murphy and Bill Taylor. Recording 2 each were Jim Accan, Ethyl Ferguson, Cam Keith, John Murphy, Andy Orsini, Neil Quick, Don Ribble and Bill Ward. One each went to Cheryl Allan, Pete Daudlin, Gary Honey, Bill Mayville, Annie Mae MacLeslie, Angus MacRae, Al Stockwell, Barry Sweet, Art Sweet, Shirley Thiessen, Doug Vickery, Donna Wiebe, Iggy Arner, Dorothy Johnson and Julia Kos.

Lowest total of 16 for 9 holes was shared by Andy Orsini, Moe Scratch, Doug Vickery and Lloyd Honey, followed closely by Marg Graham and Carolyn Daudlin with 17.

Condition

ADP

Low score over 18 holes went to Andy Orsini and Lloyd Honey with 34, followed by Carolyn Daudlin and Laurie Hylton with 36.

Low score for 36 holes went to Lloyd Honey with a 73 and Andy Orsini with 75.

First place with 233 was captured by Team 2 with Andy Orsini, Don Ribble and Bill Taylor. Second place with 234 went to Team 5 with Moe Scratch, Fran Clifford and Bill Ward. Coming in third with a 242 was Team 6 with Mary Ann Vickery, Iggy Arner and Laurie Hylton.

New tile should make for a dryer soccer season in Wheatley

By Sheila McBrayne

Wheatley Minor Soccer players, coaches and referees can look forward to a lot dryer season this year! No one can predict the rain, but after installing new drainage tile in the soccer field, even if it does rain the field will be able to drain away the excess water.

Record spring rainfall last year forced the more than 225 Wheatley Minor Soccer players to play on the adjacent school field. “I think eight weeks of the ten-week season was played on the school field,” said Wheatley Minor Soccer co-ordinator Christine Hopper.

“This should be a much drier season. In September the field was tiled and we did some leveling and re-seeding,” said fellow Wheatley Minor Soccer co-ordinator Chris Renwick. The tiling project was a threeway partnership between the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, Wheatley Minor Soccer and the Lambton-Kent District School Board. In addition to the three partners, financial support was received from Renwick Farms, Setterington’s Fertilizer Service, Mills Farm Drainage, Dundas Excavating and the Wheatley Yacht Club. The project was funded through the Chatham-Kent Partnership Fund.

The tiling of the field was completed in September of 2011. Four-inch plastic tile was systematically tiled throughout the field and in very close proximity to the oval of the track that surrounds the entire field.

Wheatley Minor Soccer had 22 teams last year and is in the process of this year’s registration. Teams are divided into Senior, Intermediate, Junior, Tyke and Micro. Local businesses sponsor the teams, supplying each player with a t-shirt, shorts and socks. The fee includes a team photo, year-end awards and barbecue. “The sponsors help keep the registration costs down so that all kids can be involved. I think we’ve kept the same registration price for the last three years - $50 per player; $90 for two; and $125 for three or more children,” said Hopper.

The teams play Monday to Friday nights, starting at 6 p.m. or 7 p.m. Rained out games are played on Saturday. Registration forms are available at local schools, the Wheat-

ley Library (where they can also be returned to) and at the bottom of this page.

Registration deadline is Friday, March 16.

New this year will be a Communication Board on the soccer field, which was sponsored through donations from the Wheatley Yacht Club and memorial donations in the name of the late Don Johnston.

There is a Soccer Camp planned for April as well as a refereeing clinic.

There will be a coaches and referees meeting held on Wednesday, March 7 at 6:30 p.m. at Wheatley Area Public School.

For all those social media buffs, you can follow Wheatley Minor Soccer on Facebook this year. The 2012 season starts Monday, April 16 with the final night scheduled for Saturday, June 23.

Rib’s Aqua In Motion

“Great Aerobic & Resistance Workout”

Water Art Fitness is the new wave to aqua fitness with a low impact.

Move... what you can, how you can, when you can.

For more information call Shirley: 519-825-9892 or email: ribb@mnsi.net Pool available all year round. Let’s Get Wet!!!

LDSS girls lose in OT

February Frolic

2-day

bonspiel attracts 16 teams

Curling Notes by Gordon Wonnick

These are pretty busy times at Sun Parlour Curling Club and I open this article with a report on the ladies bonspiel as written by Linda Patkau, President – Ladies Section.

Desserted Island Spiel Becomes a Sweet Success… The Ladies Division of the Sun Parlour Curling Club recently hosted a successful 16th Annual February Frolic 2-Day Bonspiel with two full draws of 16 teams with 64 curlers. The theme for the weekend was Desserted Island with a dessert from each team on the Saturday evening dessert buffet, which created great excitement as the ladies lined up for tasting. Previous to this, the Pelee Island Winery offered a display of wines and tastings which also created some fun and enjoyment. Later that evening, the barbershop quartet Desperate Measures sang to the ladies and was a big hit.

ary 29 in Leamington. The girls lost game one of the series 4-1 on Monday, February 27, but rallied to beat L’Essor 4-3 on Tuesday in Tecumseh. Wednesday’s third and deciding game ended in a 1-1 tie after three solid periods of end-toend action and some great goaltending at both ends. With 1:55 left in the five-minute sudden death overtime, LDSS lost when a L’Essor winger snuck in behind the defense and slammed home the winner.

(SUN Photo)

The curling wrapped Sunday afternoon with two Sun Parlour teams vying for top place in the “A” or “Apple Pie Event”. The winner was the Julie Armstrong team with Joan Kettle, Darlene Graham and Brenda Ruiter. The runner-up team was Bonnie Hyatt, Krista Rickeard, Jana Alles and Janice Dawson. The “A Consolation” was won by Sun Parlour’s Cathy Moncur team with Sheila Kerrigan, Deb Willoughby and Dawn Price over the Chatham Granite Curling Club team of Mary Robertson, Jayne Broughton, Patty Croft and Linda Brown.

The “B” or “Butterscotch Sundae Event” was won by the Roseland team of Gayle Annett, Gail Grosjean, Ann Matassa and Sandra Bell who defeated the Sun Parlour team of Amy Belanger, Gerri Cassels, Deb Vilag and Sue Markham. The “B Consolation Event” was won by Sun Parlour’s Linda Patkau team with Carol Quinn, Kelly Jakob and Joanne Julien over the Beachgrove team of Anna Mae Spooner, Kathryn Mc Gregor, Maureen Dorion and Barb Delisle.

The “C” or “Chocolate Chip Cookie Event” was won by the Sun Parlour team of Gemma Bowman, Sherry Wenzler, Jill Jakob and Mary Henderson over the Beachgrove team of Elaine Voisin, Lynne Kanters, Brenda Clark and Laurie Graf. The “C Consolation Event” was won by the Chatham team of Ginny O’Neill, Jill Slaughter, Mary Thompson and Margo McGeorge over the Sun Parlour team of Diane Parkinson, Sharon Stevenson, Andrea Jacobs and Liz Jackson.

The “D” or “Devil’s Food Cake Event” was won by Sun Parlour’s Gloria Adamson team with Shauna Bezaire, Marlene Sinclair and Suzanne Stefura over the Bowling Green team of Joanne Hipp, Sarah Filipchuk, Cary Brown and Joan Girard. The “D Consolation” was won by Roseland Curling Club’s team of Terri Hooft, Vicki Tardif, Alex Hooft and Kristine Nohavicka over the Kingsville team of Shelly Kwiat, Sandy Pilon, Daphne Derbyshire and Norene Chevalier.

The Bonspiel Committee was very pleased with the success of the weekend and consisted of Cathy Moncur and Linda Patkau as co-chairs with committee members Carol Quinn, Lorraine Hodgson, Gerri Cassels, Mary Kay Olteneau, Suzanne Stefura and Erna Wright.

Our Youth Make Us Proud… Recently a team representing Leamington District Secondary School (who also curls in our youth program) won the Bronze medal in the area high school competition. The members of the team are Duncan Morden, Derrick Moyes, Darren Taylor and Mark Wright. Good going guys.

On the Bonspiel Circuit… In the recent bonspiel held in Glencoe the Sun Parlour team of Doug Scott, Lionel Aasen,Ron Kettle and Doug Uyesugi were the winners of the first draw. Nice going.

Other Activities… Sturling, the new game, is really starting to catch on and a fun bonspiel is planned for March 17. Sessions are still being held at 10:30 a.m. each Tuesday morning. Everyone is welcome and it’s free.

The Sun Parlour Curling Club hosted a couple of Ontario Curling Association regional championships in provincial competitions. The results will be reported next week.

Healing Through Art exhibition at Arts Centre

An opening reception was held Friday night, March 2 for the Healing Through Art: Reflections exhibition on display until March 24 at the Leamington Arts Centre.

Approximately 70 people attended this amazing and powerful exhibition that features over 20 selected pieces by local artists whose stories of healing are told through their artist statements and artworks.

“The Leamington Arts Centre is proud to host this exhibition and partner with the Canadian Mental Health Association,” said Chad Riley, Gallery Director at the Arts Centre. “The artists themselves, their families and friends as well as many members of the community came to show their support for this powerful and moving show.”

“This year’s event is also very special, as booklets of the exhibition were created that include photographs of the artwork and the statements themselves,” added Riley. “These booklets are available at the Arts Centre for a donation of $5 to the CMHA.”

The Healing Through Art exhibit has been going strong for seven years within Windsor-Essex County. This year marks the first time that the CMHA has introduced this event as stand alone from the Black & White Event and exclusively exhibited at the Leamington Arts Centre.

The 2012 theme, Reflection: Inner Thought and Creativity Come Together, was developed to provide a platform that encourages mental health and well being through creative artistic expression. The Healing Through Art initiative also promotes and supports resilience and recovery of persons experiencing mental illness.

This exhibition is a way to battle stigma and build mental health awareness through the use of art and community partnership and collaboration. These connections enhance positive participation, inclusion and contribute to the betterment of the community as a whole.

It’s better to speak with a full heart and an empty head than with a full head and an empty heart.

Exhibiting artist John Larsh and “Saxophone”.

(Danielle Shaw photo)

Artist Gerry Gagnon with his work entitled “Lamp Lady”.

Kerri Coolen of Cavendish Farms and Amanda Condon, Arts Centre Gallery Assistant, take in and enjoy the Healing Through Art exhibition. (Danielle Shaw photo)

Lakefront property available for recreational parkland

By Sheila McBrayne

Elsa Koop would like to see her house and surrounding properties on Kay Avenue turned into recreational parkland with a clubhouse in the centre.

Koop has lived in the area for more than 30 years (22 in the current house), which is surrounded by several other lots running north, south and west of her house. In total there are 18 lots (not all are hers, but all are for sale), including the lots which run parallel to Wheatley Harbour and are frequently used by sport fishermen to park their trucks and trailers.

“I’ve never charged anyone for using it and I tried to get the governments to buy it… They all think it’s a great idea, but no one has any money to pay for it,” said Koop who is now looking for an investor. “Whoever buys it can put their name on it, as a park or recreational area,” she said.

Koop has also approached Leamington Mayor John Paterson about the possibility of the Municipality developing this lakefront parkland. In a letter from Mayor Paterson dated February 2, 2012 he stated: “The Municipality has some general guidelines it follows when developing parks (i.e. size, location, etc.) and should you wish to consider donating some of your property to Leamington for parkland purposes, we would gladly accept the donation…”

However, Koop says she’s finished with giving her properties away. The Koop family donated the 50 acres now known as Kopegaron Woods, owned and operated by the Essex Region Conservation Authority. That parcel of land was donated back in 1975. “It took me 10 years to do Kopegaron,” she said. Kopegaron Woods is named for her family: Ko (Koop) pe (Peter, her husband) ga (Garry, her son) and ron (Ron, her son).

“I’m not giving this away… I’m tired of eating bologna

and so’s my family… I’m not getting any younger,” she said.

The idea is for a large corporation to buy the properties, put their name on it, and then turn it over to the municipality or the other levels of government to maintain.

In a prepared release, Koop states: “As Canada is only 138 years old, we realize that there is a shortage of outdoor water view recreational space. The home on this property would lend itself ideally as a clubhouse with six washrooms, office space, large open area with two fireplaces and large triple glass windows over-

looking Wheatley Harbour, Lake Erie and Point Pelee…

This exciting opportunity and/or idea of a forever public space, for the enjoyment of many, in agreement with the townships of Leamington, Chatham-Kent and the Koop family, is not valid until discussed and signed by all parties…”

The value of the property varies depending on the number of lots purchased. No dollar amount is listed on the properties because the lots are all separate, but could be a package deal. For more information call 519-825-7955 or 519-8257045.

Stork Stork Report Report

Chapman-Vank - Crystal & Dwayne of Harrow, a girl on February 13, 2012.

Buckley - Amanda & Andrew of Leamington, a girl on February 13, 2012.

Neuman-Symons - Shelby & Chris of Kingsville, a girl on February 18, 2012.

Fogarty-Houston - Jessica & Andre of Leamington, a girl on February 19, 2011.

Klassen - Melise & Kevin of Ruthven, a boy on February 25, 2011.

Ordonez-Vallcillo-Ramos - Yheizzi & Fabian of Leamington, a boy on March 1, 2012.

Najim - Joanne & Dominic of Leamington, a boy on March 3, 2012.

The Stork Report is sponsored by

It’s the ideal time to grow shamrocks

Cold temperatures and short supply of sunlight creates a difficult growing time, unless of course your crop of choice is shamrocks.

When planted now, the winter months represent the ideal time for indoor growing. After seeding, your shamrocks will pop up within 2-3 weeks with temperatures in the average of 21º Celsius or 70ºF just in time to share the green.

Once you receive your seeds, remove them from their packaging and place in the refrigerator (not the freezer) for 24 hours. By doing this, you trick the seeds into thinking they have gone through winter. This will also promote a quicker germination.

Select a pot or bowl to plant your seeds. I prefer a plain garden clay pot, not painted or oven glazed. This type of clay container is best for allowing the roots to breath and also helps control moisture.

Always choose a container with a proper drainage hole in the bottom for water. Depending on the seed company, some seeds are coated with lime for extra weight. Otherwise, an uncoated seed is virtually weightless and can easily be blown away by simply breathing on them.

Sprinkle the seeds on the moist soil, covering them lightly with another layer of soil. Press down with the base of a drinking glass or your fingers. Keep the soil moist and place the pot in a bright area but not in direct sunlight. Use a clean mist bottle of water and mist regularly.

Once mature, the shamrock will produce white or yellow flowers after 6-8 weeks. At this time your plant will become extended by growth. Cut it back with clean sharp scissors to shape the plant. Also, keep the soil moist to continue growth and put the plant in a brightly lit area, but again, not in direct sunlight.

There are many varieties of shamrocks, from annuals to perennials, and they can be purchased as seed or bulb cores. Always research the type of plant before planning your garden design, as some are more aggressive then others.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

No harmful fumes or odors and does not

• Easily moves from room to room • Controls contaminates on surfaces • Covers up to 1,000 square feet

BILL PLUMB

In the back yard...

The sales staff and friends at the Southpoint Sun volunteered to serve chili on Wednesday, February 29. From left to right, are Melissa McCarty, Anna Matheson, Shannon Matheson and Erin Squance. (SUN Photo)

Part of the fun of ChiliFest is that local volunteers donate their time to serve the chili to those attending the event. Pictured here are servers, from left to right, Leamington Deputy-Mayor Charlie Wright, Catherine Riediger and Georges Groulx. (SUN Photo)

Woman with Alzheimer’s located by Project Lifesaver

On March 1 at 4:16 p.m., Kingsville OPP officers responded to a report of a 77-year-old female who had been missing for 30 minutes from her apartment in a large complex in Kingsville.

The female is afflicted with dementia and there was considerable concern for her safety. She had been outfitted with an electronic tracking bracelet from Project Lifesaver that emitted an identifiable signal which could be used to track her.

On-duty, specially-trained, electronic search specialists with the Essex County OPP Detachment attended the scene and used the tracking equipment, locating the woman within 8 minutes. She had wandered into another apartment complex.

Inspector Rick Derus of the Essex County OPP credits the Project Lifesaver Program with the quick and successful resolution of this search.

“Project Lifesaver is a valuable program that provides the police with the tools necessary to help protect the most vulnerable of society,” said Inspector Derus. “Locating quickly those that have medical conditions with a tendency to wander offers an extra safety net to caregivers and saves valuable police resources normally expended for a search of this urgency.”

Project Lifesaver has been in existence in Essex County since 2006 and is administered in partnership with the OPP through the charitable agency WindsorEssex Project Lifesaver. At risk individuals enrolled in Project Lifesaver wear a small personal transmitter around the wrist or ankle that emits an individualized tracking signal. If an enrolled client goes missing, the caregiver notifies the police who respond to the scene with specialized tracking equipment. Most who wander are found within a few miles from home and search times have been reduced from hours and days to minutes. Recovery times for Project Lifesaver clients average 30 minutes or less, which is 95% less time than standard operations. To date, missing Project Lifesaver clients have been successfully located 2,493 times.

What to expect this spring

The Weather Network has just released its outlook for the months of March, April and May. Following an exceptionally warm winter, Canadians can expect a normal and gradual warm-up this spring.

The unusually warm winter can be attributed to several factors, one of which is the jet stream that stayed further north than usual during the winter months, keeping the coldest air bottled up over the Arctic. The deeper cold and heavier snow normally attributed to a Canadian winter has instead been felt over parts of Europe and Asia. While we can expect a near-normal spring in most of the region, cold temperatures are expected for the northern Prairie Provinces, Yukon and Northwest Territories, with above normal temperatures for southern Manitoba. Precipitation is expected to be near-normal for most of Western Canada, with the exception of Southern Alberta, where below-normal precipitation is forecast.

From the Ontario/Manitoba border east to Atlantic Canada, near-normal temperatures and precipitation are expected for most regions. Wetter than normal conditions are predicted for Central Ontario and southeastern areas of the province, with near normal conditions elsewhere.

Canadian CrissCross

OBITUARY

Ada Clerici

Ada “Nonna” Clerici, 87 years, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family at Leamington District Memorial Hospital on Saturday, March 3, 2012.

OBITUARY

Betty Mackenzie

Beloved wife of Joe Marcovecchio and the late Adamo Clerici (1999). Loving mother of Gabriele Clerici and wife Connie. Cherished Nonna to Adam, Ashley (Yiannis Soumalias). Dear sister to the late Gina Puglia (Bernardo), and the late Rolando D’Antonio (Clara). Ada will always be remembered by her extended Clerici, Puglia, D’Antonio and Marcovecchio families.

Rejoicing in God’s constant love, the family of Betty Elaine (Wiper) Mackenzie share the sadness of her passing on Wednesday, February 29, 2012 at Leamington District Memorial Hospital.

Thank you to Mom’s special caregiver Susie Cervini for her care and compassion.

Visitation was held at the Reid Funeral Home & Reception Centre, 14 Russell Street, Leamington (519-3262631).

Funeral Mass celebrating Ada’s life was held at St. Michael’s Church, 21 Elliott Street, Leamington, on Tuesday, March 6, 2012. Fr. Patrick Beneteau and Fr. Pat Fuerth officiated. Entombment at Erie Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations made by cheque to the Leamington District Memorial Hospital (ICU) would be appreciated.

Family and friends are invited to share their words of comfort and remembrance at www.reidfuneralhome.ca

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.

CONGREGATIONALIST

Faith Everlasting

Congregational Church 589 Hwy 77, Leamington 519-322-2994

Sunday Worship 11 a.m.

220 Erie St. N., Leamington 519-322-1644

Saturday Services: Bible Study 9:30 am Worship 11:00 am

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)

Sonshine Lutheran

194 Talbot St. E., Leamington 519-398-8179

Thurs. Bible Study 7 p.m.

3rd Sat of mth Worship Sercvice 6:30 pm

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

Sunday Worship 9:45 a.m.

Summer Worship Services 9:30 a.m. (German), 10:15 a.m. (English)

Meadow Brook Fellowship 219 Talbot Street East, Leamington 519-326-3605

Sunday Worship Services

9:30 a.m. & 11 a.m.

North Leamington United Mennonite Church 625 Mersea Rd 6, Leamington 519-326-7928

Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m.

South Point Community Church 55A Talbot St. W., Leamington 519-322-1858

Sunday Gatherings 10 a.m.

NON-DENOMINATIONAL

Iglesia La Buena Semilla

269 Sherk Street, Leamington 519-733-0342

Sunday Worship 6:30 p.m.

Leamington District Memorial Hospital

194 Talbot St. W., Leamington 519-326-2373, Chaplain’s Office ext. 4443

PENTECOSTAL

FGT Family Church

285 Talbot St. E., Leamington 519-322-2316

Sunday Worships 9:15 & 11 a.m.

Leamington Christian Centre

98 Elliott Street, Leamington 519-322-1504

Sunday Worship Services 10:30 a.m.

English/Spanish 6:30 p.m.

Templo Christiano De Leamington

39 Talbot St. E., Leamington 519-325-9654

Sunday Worship Services 3 p.m.

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: 7:30 a.m. (English) 10:30 a.m. (English/Children’s Liturgy) 10:30 a.m. (OLBS, Wheatley, English), 3 p.m. (Spanish), 7 p.m. (Youth)

St. Joseph’s Church 310 Sherk Street, Leamington 519-326-2643

Saturday Mass: 5 p.m. (English)

Sunday Masses: 9 a.m. (Italian, English), Noon (Portuguese, English)

St. Anthony’s Parish (Maronite Rite)

280 Talbot Street East, Leamington 519-322-2282

Sunday Masses 9:30 & 11 a.m. (Lebanese, English)

SALVATION ARMY

The Salvation Army Citadel 88 Setterington Street Leamington 519-326-4901

Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m.

UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA

Leamington United Church 9 John Street, Leamington 519-326-9461

Sunday Worship Services 10:30 a.m.

Mersea

Beloved wife of Robert for 64 years. Loving mother of Randy (Penny), Robin MacKenzie-Hepburn (Bill), the late Rick (1999), the late Marianne (2007). Cherished grandmother of Matthew, Caitlin Hubber (Rick), Heather Jackson (Matt), Andrew, Christopher, Stephen, Amanda, Graham, and proud great-grandmother of Grant, Sophia, Alex, Henry and Sydney. Dear sister of Elva, Sylvia, Dwain, Ruth, Jean, Lloyd, Pat, John, Whitney, and predeceased by Murray, Bob and Jim. Betty will always be remembered by her extended Mackenzie families.

Visitation was held at the Reid Funeral Home & Reception Centre, 14 Russell Street, Leamington (519-3262631).

Funeral service celebrating Betty’s life was held at Meadowbrook Fellowship, 219 Talbot Street East, Leamington on Monday, March 5, 2012. Interment at Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made by cheque to The Downtown Mission (Windsor), the Windsor Essex County Humane Society or The Salvation Army (Leamington). Family and friends are invited to share their words of comfort and remembrance at www.reidfuneralhome.ca

4-H Mad Hatters make baby hats, learn to decrease

By Juliana Willemsma

The members of the Mad Hatters 4-H Knitting and Crocheting Club held their third meeting on Feb. 27. Emma opened the meeting with the 4-H Pledge. Jessica gave the secretary’s report followed by the treasurer’s report given by Samantha.

The members broke into their groups. The crochet group started to make baby hats. The members will single crochet for about 10 rows. Then it will be folded in half and stitched with a yarn needle. The top will be scrunched up and then the hat will be complete. The members completed about 3 rows at the meeting. The knitters learned how to decrease. This is when you take 2 stitches and turn it into one. Miss Mary taught the members to combine to balls of yarn together.

The members were split into 3 groups for a fun game, and then enjoyed a snack of chocolate bars and juice.

4-H Quilting Club working on square rag quilts

By Danielle Pear

This year’s 4-H Quilting Club will be making flannel square rag quilts. At a recent meeting, members enjoyed picking out material in a variety of prints, including solid colours such as red, brown, blue and purple, as well as heart, flower and animal prints. Christmas prints and cartoon characters were also picked out. Altogether, 9 metres of fabric are needed, along with 1 meter of batting and notions to piece it together, sew and rag the quilt.

The members are all looking forward to seeing the completed quilts. Squares from everyone’s material will also be sewn together to make a quilt which later will be raffled off as a fundraiser for the club.

4-H Safety Club helps out at farmers’ meeting

By Hanna Willemsma

The 4-H Safety Club helped with the Essex County Farmers’ meeting at the Essex Legion on Feb. 28. Hanna put pens, respirators and pamphlets about safety on each of the tables for the farmers to take home with them. Hanna and Miss Mary put refreshments on the tables. Nic greeted the farmers on their arrival. Miss Bonnie opened the meeting.

Constable Stephanie and Constable Dan talked to the farmers about farm security. Some important information included: don’t set booby traps on your farm because you are liable if someone is injured, and call the police if you hear prowlers. They also discussed road safety. Report license plates to the police of vehicles driving unsafely around farm vehicles. Then they answered questions.

After refreshments the farmers could replace two old slow moving vehicle signs for two new ones. Six farmers received stick-on reflective strips. The members helped clean up after the meeting. The next meeting is on March 15 at the Essex Civic Centre.

Eldercollege at the Point

by C. Lloyd Brown-John

If you’ve been down near the tip of Point Pelee in recent months, you may have noticed a number of areas where brush has been slashed down and endless numbers of trees are festooned with assorted colored ribbons. This is a massive project designed to assist nature and Point Pelee to recover the habitat with which it was originally blessed.

In a half-day course offered on March 1 by Eldercollege, in partnership with Parks Canada and Point Pelee National Park, participants were introduced not only to the project but also to some of the technology being employed to restore a classic Point Pelee natural ecosystem.

Point Pelee is home to 5 distinct ecosystems or, if you will, 5 distinct natural habitats. The Point has no fewer than 63 species at risk in the Park, giving the Park the unique honor of having more species at risk than any other national park in Canada.

Roughly 25% of the species at risk are located in one of Point Pelee’s two Savannah ecosystems. If you are wandering in the Park and notice pink flags, these indicate an “at risk” species probable location.

The Eldercollege course was facilitated by two Park staff members, Jenny Kehoe and

Sanjay Tawari. Course participants were offered insights into the complex process whereby decisions were made to remove invasive species, re-introduce native species, and re-establish – by mimicking nature – the Lake Erie Sand Spit Savannah Habitat.

Students at Cardinal Carter High School in Leamington have been involved in the project through native species seed collection, propagation at the school’s greenhouse, and planting in the Park.

The project has been in the planning stage for almost 3 years because every aspect, ranging from controlled burns to use of eco-friendly growth deterrents to timing of restoration work, is critical. For example, the window within which physical work can be undertaken is very small. Work cannot begin in autumn until species have had opportunities to reproduce. And work cannot be prolonged into the spring once bird migration begins.

The Eldercollege course consisted of three parts: 1. An outline of the project and of the planning process; 2. An introduction to some of the technology being employed to monitor the restoration project; and 3. A short hike into the field with those involved who explained the work on site and all the coloured ribbons and yellow plastic butterflies.

Point Pelee National Park and Jenny Kehoe and Sanjay Tawari provided an absolutely first-rate introduction to an incredibly complex habitat restoration and monitoring process. It was blustery along the West Beach during the hike, but the rewards were numerous as course participants realized and appreciated the enormity of the project and what it means for future generations who will always be able to enjoy the National Park jewel at Point Pelee.

For more information on Eldercollege courses, including a forthcoming spring walk in the Kopegaron Woods and all the other great Eldercollege courses being offered, contact Eldercollege’s co-ordinator Catherine Fettes at 519-2533000 ext. 4944 or visit listings at www.uwindsor.ca/canterbury/eldercollege

Hockey tournament raises $4000 for ChildCan

The 19th Annual ChildCan Hockey Tournament held at Wheatley Arena Feb. 17-19 saw the Sunday Morning Blacks defeat Sunday Morning Reds 3-2 in a shootout in the Men’s Rec B Division. In the Men’s Rec A Division, Clarkies beat Kaiser Construction 3-0. Quick’s Auto lost 4-3 in overtime to Seacliff Hunt Club in the Men’s Open Division. The Blenheim Girls won over Goal Diggers 2-0 in the Women’s Division Final.

A donation in the amount of $4000 will be made to ChildCan from the proceeds of the event on behalf of the Wheatley Sharks organization and the Wheatley District Optimist Club. The money will support ChildCan’s mission to provide responsive and compassionate services to families facing the journey through childhood cancer, from diagnosis, treatment, recovery or bereavement.

Saturday, March 24th & 25th

Deveau/Winfield Synchronized Skating Invitational - Heinz Rink, Leamington

Tuesday, April 10th

County Regional Sr. Badminton

8:30 am- Leamington Kinsmen Rec. Complex

Thursday, April 12th

County Regional Jr. Badminton

8:30 am- Leamington Kinsmen Rec. Complex

KINGSVILLE - 27 Main St. East 519-733-5032

LEAMINGTON - 34 Talbot St. East 519-322-2802

ESSEX - 76 Talbot St. North 519-776-6340

TILBURY - 20 Queen St. S. 1-519-682-3180

held Feb. 17-19 at Wheatley Arena

The organizers would like to thank all the many volunteers who work to make the annual event a success:

Wheatley Optimist

Wheatley

Participating Hockey Teams Referees

Timekeeper: Justin Church

Game sheet attendants: Mike Epplett, Wes

Bartenders

Ticket Sellers

Southpoint Peewee Majors

Southpoint Bantam Minors

Wheatley Home Building Centre

Wheatley Arena Staff

All the volunteers who contribute in some way to make the event happen whose names may not appear on this list, your contributions are appreciated.

Thank you to the public for coming out and watching the games and supporting the event throughout the weekend.

The Childcan Hockey Tournament Committee, Tom Hyatt, Coordinator, and Larry McDonald, President, Wheatley Optimists.

Wright, Caleb Beaupre, Paul Gilbert, Joe Pinch

Sanjay Tawari, naturalist at Point Pelee National Park, demonstrates to a group of Eldercollege participants how to set up a camera on a photo post.

Eldercollege participants Lila and Heinz Schrade, of Wheatley, are pictured in discussion with naturalist Sanjay Tawawri about the massive project going on at Point Pelee National Park.

4-H Rolling Stones learning lots about curling

By Juliana Willemsma

The Rolling Stones 4-H Curling Club held their third meeting on Feb. 26 at the Kingsville Curling Club. Hanna opened the meeting and the members recited the 4-H Pledge. Then they went out onto the ice where they practiced sliding and throwing rocks.

The group then went upstairs and warmed up with a cup of hot chocolate. Juliana gave the secretary’s report. Miss Glenda and Nic gave the members a true or false curling quiz. They got most of the questions right.

Back on the ice the members learned to curl with a stick. The stick is used by curlers who have back or knee problems and can’t bend or slide. The group learned about the 2 measuring sticks. One is used to measure if a rock is in or out of the outer ring. The other instrument measures to see which rock is closer if you can’t tell by looking at it.

“I

Andrew and Nic showed the members the equipment used to care for the ice. They explained what each item was used for and the order they were used in. They demonstrated how they worked. Finally, Andrew explained what the skip’s calls mean.

The members broke into groups of two and played a 4-end mini game. Mini games help develop strategy. After the game the members did a draw to the button to see who could get their rock the closest to the button.

The group enjoyed hot chocolate and cookies and Emma adjourned the meeting at 4:10 p.m.

The next meeting will be held on March 11.

Leamington author helps readers bring their dreams to life

Kelly MacLellan believes we all have a purpose and the ability to bring this purpose to life. Her new book, Follow Your Heart to Discover Your Life Purpose, is a step-by-step way of getting there.

As children we dream easily of the life we will create for ourselves, but as we move into adulthood, striving to balance our many roles and responsibilities these dreams often fade away into obscurity; the voice of our desires falls silent.

Follow Your Heart to Discover Your Life Purpose helps to answer the question, “What do you want from your life?” MacLellan states we each have a life purpose and the ability to bring this purpose to life. Using a variety of exercises and activities, readers are encouraged to pierce the silence of their imagination, reconnecting once again with the voice of their desires. Following that voice, readers are able to create a clear vision for their lives, allowing them to work towards making that vision a reality.

In 2007, MacLellan herself faced the question, “Is this all there is to my life?” Realizing a need for change, she left all that was familiar to her in Canada and created for herself the life of her dreams—to live in the Caribbean! MacLellan knows firsthand that anything is possible if you put your heart and soul into it.

“In 2007, I transformed my life! I faced my fears, developed self-trust and followed my dream of living in the sun and moved to the Caribbean! I lost 20 pounds and loads of stress!! My life was a good life; one that many people referred to as “perfect” but it didn’t feel perfect and I knew intuitively that I needed something different. I tried so hard to make it work but I knew I could no longer continue down the same path. I found my voice and within six months, I was on a plane to the Caribbean! Several years have passed since I began this journey and I am truly joyful! I have discovered my life purpose and am living accordingly. I ended the struggle,” states MacLellan on her website.

A formal launch of Follow Your Heart to Discover Your Life Purpose will take place on March 28, from 7 to 9 p.m., at the Leamington Arts Centre. The book is available for order at Chapters/Indigo, Barnes & Noble and Amazon. It is also available online: http://embraceyourlife.ca/book/. A portion of the proceeds from sale of the book will go to the Foco Foundation supporting Café con Leche, a school in the Dominican Republic that provides an education to some of that country’s most impoverished and marginalized children.

Kelly MacLellan M.Sc., author, certified life and career coach, facilitator, has spent over 12 years developing career plans. Sharing knowledge she has gleaned from the experience of recreating her own life, MacLellan creates a safe place for people to explore and voice their dreams, helping them create lives they love.

Kelly grew up in Leamington and went to Queen Elizabeth and Leamington District Secondary School. She moved back about three years ago to be closer to her parents.

OPP issue warning for teens on dangers of irresponsible texting

Once it’s out there, you can’t get it back. That’s the message the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is putting out to teens across the province. A mistaken belief that their texted messages and images shared among peers will remain private and secure puts them in real danger of becoming victims of their own words and actions.

Teens frequently engage in relationships with peers through the use of their mobile devices and computers that lead to “self-peer exploitation” (also known as sexting). As a result of misbelieving that they can remain anonymous, they often also engage in this type of behaviour with individuals whom they don’t know but have only ever met online.

Teens need to become aware that this kind of risky activity has very real dangers associated with it that includes many unintended consequences and permanent long-term threats to their identity and their reputations.

Every day, thousands of teens are photographing and videotaping themselves in suggestive and compromising photos and sending the images through electronic devices to their peers. Quite often, this type of conduct can quickly become a dangerous game, as those images never stay with the one intended to receive it. Instead, they are frequently mindlessly passed along by the recipient to friends, who pass it on to other friends who continue this cycle of distribution, while some post them to social networking sites and download them onto the internet.

The resulting shame and embarrassment that is experienced by the teen who is now a victim of their own actions as a result of their realization of what has occurred can have very tragic results.

Officers are increasingly seeing more teens that are unable to cope with the self-inflicted personal shame and embarrassment that they have unknowingly created from what they had previously believed to be “harmless fun”.

There is also a real criminal risk for those individuals who receive these images and redistributes them. Often unknowingly, by sending the images to others and posting them, these individuals are engaging in the distribution of child pornography and could face criminal charges.

Parents, guardians and educators need to learn more about this serious social issue. They should recognize the significance of this problem, discuss it with their teens and monitor their social media activities. Reminding teens about the short and longterm consequences of their social media behaviours will have a positive impact on this public safety risk.

Inspector Scott Naylor, Manager of the OPP Child Sexual Exploitation Unit, says, “Self-peer exploitation has become a big social issue that no one has been adequately prepared to manage. Those with a vested interest in the protection of children need to get involved and learn how to protect them from permanently damaging their lives. Understand what self-peer exploitation is, and find out what to do about it. There are ways to intervene.”

As part of a newly developed instrumental music course being offered at UMEI Christian High School, students stepped out of their identity and assumed that of a famous musician with a particular emphasis on the stringed instruments. They gathered together in the classroom, had their pictures taken and signed autographs before settling into a breakfast meeting where each musician asked questions of the others and answered those directed at him or her.

This special “bruncheon” marked the completion of a unit of study focussed on famous musicians in the stringed instrument world. Students were graded based on their visual representation and ability to stimulate and maintain relevant conversations with the other musicians represented at the meal.

The group of musicians was under the direction of their teacher Miss Mallory Schwengsbier, who also participated in this event as the conductor of the group. This event sparked a lot of enthusiasm from the students and will become a permanent portion of the course.

PRESENTS

OPEN�TO�ALL�AGES! KELLY�CLARKSON with special guest Ma� Nathanson Thursday, March 8

ELVIS�COSTELLO &�THE�IMPOSTERS Saturday, April 21

GLADYS�KNIGHT Saturday, April 28

JOHNNY�REID Friday, May 4

CELTIC�CROSSROADS World Fusion Tour Thursday, March 15

KENNY�ROGERS Saturday, March 17

BURTON�CUMMINGS Friday, March 23

THE�O’JAYS Saturday, March 31

FRANK�SINATRA�JR� Saturday, April 7

THE��TH�DIMENSION Thursday, April 12

KEVIN�COSTNER� &�MODERN�WEST Friday, April 13

TRANS-SIBERIAN� ORCHESTRA Saturday, May 12

IL�DIVO Friday, May 18

BOBBY�VINTON Friday, June 1

LISA�LAMPANELLI Friday, June 8

THE�PRICE�IS�RIGHT�LIVE June 27-30 Tickets on sale now!

Pictured here, in back from left to right, are Miss Schwengsbier (conductor), Serena Huy (Johnny Cash), Will Wuerch (Elvis Presley) and Alec Brown (Eddie Van Halen). Middle row, from left to right, are Vanessa Thiessen (Itzhak Perlman) and James Wiebe (Yo-Yo Ma) and in front is Samuel Dyck (Slash). (Photo submitted)

SUTTON PLACE APARTMENTS

1 bedroom available. Fridge, stove, dishwasher, secure building with 24 hour surveillance & elevator. Call 519-326-8746 or 519-564-5772 tf

SOUTHPOINT SUN

HOUSES FOR SALE

COUNTRY ESTATE FOR SALE

$399,900

BRING THE FAMILY! 4+ BR, 3 bath home in between Leam. & Wheatley on app. 5 AC.  Licensed dog kennel. Great for B&B, horses or home business. 2nd building with living quarters & large office. Owner relocating. www.excel.on.ca for virtual tour.

EXCEL REALTY CORP. 519-326-6875

IN MEMORIAM

We thought of you today, but that is nothing new. We thought about you yesterday, and days before that too. We think of you in silence, We often speak your name, All we have are memories and a picture in a frame. Your memory is a keepsake, from which we’ll never part. God has you in His keeping. We have you in our hearts.

Loveyouforever-Don,Jill, Kevin, Lisa, Lauren, Megan

ANTIQUES

IN MEMORIAM

When the world is fast asleep I take a walk down memory lane With tears upon my cheeks. Remembering you is easy I do it every day

But missing you is the heartache That never goes away. Your memory is my keepsake In which I will never part God has you in his keeping And I have you in my heart. ImissyouandIwillloveyouforever, YourlovingwifeBettyandfamilies. Please Recycle This Paper

FINANCIALSERVICES

FOR RENT INLeamington, April 1st, 2 bedroom basement flat, fridge and stove, laundry hook up, fenced yard, NO PETS, Utilities included $775 per month. Call 519-326-3467 fe15-tf

!!! TOYLOANS !!! Preapprovals, by Positive Promotions. ATV's 6.25%, Snowmobiles 6.25%, RV's 5.5%, Marine 5.49%, Automobiles 5.99%. oac. Have FINANCING SECURED before you shop. 1-877-976-3232. www.positivepromotions.ca

$$$ MONEY$$$ FOR ANYPURPOSE!!! WE CAN HELP- Decrease payments by 75%! 1st, 2nd & 3rd Mortgages & Credit lines. Bad credit, tax or mortgage arrears OK. Ontario-Wide Financial Corp. (LIC# 10171), Toll-Free 1-888-307-7799, www.ontario-widefinancial.com. MoneyProvider.com. $500 Loan and +. No Credit Refused. Fast, Easy, 100% Secure. 1-877-776-1660.

MORTGAGES

$$$ 1st, 2nd, 3rd MORTGAGES - Tax

Arrears, Renovations, Debt Consolidation, no CMHC fees. $50K you pay $208.33/month (OAC). No income, bad credit, power of sale stopped!! BETTER OPTION MORTGAGES, CALL1-800-282-1169, www.mortgageontario.com (LIC# 10969).

AS SEEN ON TV - 1st, 2nd, Home Equity Loans, Bad Credit, SelfEmployed, Bankrupt, Foreclosure, Power of Sale or need to Re-Finance? Let us fight for you because "We're in your corner!" CALLThe Refinancing Specialists NOW TollFree 1-877-733-4424 (24 Hours) or click www.MMAmortgages.com (Lic#12126).

1st & 2nd MORTGAGES from 2.90%

VRM, 3.29% 5 YR. FIXED. All Credit Types Considered. Let us help you SAVE thousands on the right mortgage! Purchasing, Re-Financing, Debt Consolidation, Home Renovations... Call 1-800-225-1777, www.home guardfunding.ca (LIC #10409).

WANTED

WANTED: OLD TUBE AUDIO EQUIPMENT. 40 years or older. Amplifiers, Stereo, Recording and Theatre Sound Equipment. Hammond organs. Any condition, no floor model consoles. Call Toll-Free 1-800-947-0393 / 519853-2157.

LARGE MAIN FLOOR apartment in fourplex for rent in Wheatley, perfect for quiet couple. Coin laundry on site. First, last & references required. $825 per month. Call 519-322-5567. ja4-tf

HELPWANTED

DIRECTSALES REPRESENTATIVES. Canada's premiere home automation and Security Company is NOW hiring April-August. No experience necessary. Travel Required. E-mail resume kkurtze@vivint.com. Visit: www.vivint.ca

EARNING 25-55k WORTH MUCH MORE? Company seeking experienced people in B2B, Non-for-profit, Trainers. Quarterly bonuses to qualified individuals. 519-564-6477 Tim, timmotruk@hotmail.com. SUPERINTENDENTCOUPLERequired immediately, mature couple for a residential apartment complex in London. Must live on-site. Exceptional customer service, cleaning skills required. Duties include - rentals, minor maintenance, cleaning, rent collection. Apply with resume to the attention of Arnsby Property Management. Fax (519) 455-1380 or email info@arnsby.com.

LEGALSERVICES

CRIMINALRECORD? Guaranteed record removal since 1989. Confidential. Fast. Affordable. Our A+ BBB rating assures employment/travel freedom. Call for free information booklet. 1-8-NOW-PARDON (1-866972-7366). RemoveYourRecord.com.

VACATION/TRAVEL

IRELAND CIRCUMNAVIGATION: May 4 - 14, 2012. Cruise around the Emerald Isle in the 118-Passenger Clipper Adventurer with Adventure Canada's team of top-notch lecturers. www.adventurecanada.com, 1-800363-7566.

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.

STEELBUILDINGS

STEELBUILDINGS FOR ALLUSES! Spring Deals! Make an offer on sell-off models at factory and save thousands NOW! Call for FREE Brochure1-800-668-5111 ext. 170.

47TH ANNUAL IODE ANTIQUE SHOW & SALE - Saturday, March 17, 2012, 10:00 a.m.5:00 p.m. Sunday, March 18, 2012, 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex, one block west of Heinz Corp. Admission $5. Leading Canadian dealers, handicapped accessible. Sponsored by Sir Winston Churchill Chapter. mr7-14

CAREER TRAINING

MORE JOBS THAN GRADUATES! Employers seek out CanScribe Medical Transcription graduates. New Course! New Low Price! We need more students! Enroll Today! 1-800-466-1535. www.canscribe.com. admissions@canscribe.com.

DRIVERS WANTED

AZ DRIVERS (2 Yrs. Exp.) AND OWNER-OPERATORS REQUIRED IMMEDIATELYfor U.S. Cross Border, Domestic. Company Paid Benefits, Bonus & Paid Orientation. Call Bill @ 1-800-265-8789 or 905-457-8789 Ext. 299, Email: willemk@travelers.ca. AZ TRUCK DRIVERS! Westcan has openings for SEASONAL, ROTATIONAL& FULL-TIME professional truck drivers to join our teams in: Edmonton/Calgary/Lloydminster/Sask atoon & Moose Jaw. You have: Minimum 2 years' AZ experience; Btrain experience/Extended trailer length experience; Anhydrous Ammonia/Asphalt or other bulk product experience an asset; Clean driving/criminal record; Pre-employment medical/drug screen. Westcan provides: Competitive wages, travel to/from employment location, Good Operations Bonus and more! Interested? APPLYONLINE AT: www.westcanbulk.ca under the Join our Team link OR phone Toll-Free 1888-WBT-HIRE for further details. Committed to the Principles of Employment Equity.

PERSONALS

ALONE ON THE COUCH AGAIN? Put down the remote & Call MISTYRIVER INTRODUCTIONS. Ontario's largest matchmaking service with 15 years experience in bringing singles together with their life partners. CALL(519) 658-4204, www.mistyriverintros.com. TRUE ADVICE! True clarity! True Psychics! 1-877-342-3036 or 1-900528-6258 or mobile #3563. (18+)

$3.19/minute; www.truepsychics.ca.

DATING SERVICE. Long-term/shortterm relationships, free to try! 1-877297-9883. Talk with single ladies. Call #7878 or 1-888-534-6984. Talk now! 1-866-311-9640 or #5015. Meet local single ladies. 1-877-804-5381. (18+)

MEETING

- 6:45

LESSONS

meeting from 6:45 pm - 7:30 pm every Monday at Wheatley United Church. Call Cheryl at 519825-9194 or Ellen at 519326-0730 or visit website: www.TOPS.org. Everyone welcome. tf MUSIC LESSONS at Rebel Cowboy in Wheatley. Call 519-825-3330. jn8-tfc

AUTOMOTIVE

Vehicle buyers are ONLYprotected by OMVIC and Ontario consumer protection laws when they buy from registered dealers. There's no protection if you buy privately and you risk becoming victim of a curbsider. To verify dealer registration or seek help with a complaint: www.omvic.on.ca or 1-800943-6002.

AUTOS FOR SALE

100% AUTO FINANCING APPROVAL

- We can get you approved for an automobile no matter what your circumstances are. Drive a little and save a lot. Over 300 vehicles to choose from. Apply online www.canadianautogroup.ca. CANADIAN AUTO GROUPINC., 250 Springbank Dr., London, ON, Toll-Free 1-888-474-8815 / 519-472-8815.

BUSINESS OPPS.

TRANSFORM YOUR LIFE.. Positions available in the wellness industry for motivated hard working individuals looking for a secure financial future. Apply at www.globalwealthcoach.com.

SUPPLEMENTYOUR INCOME. Do you have 10 hrs/wk you'd like to make productive? Work from the comfort of your home office. Free training & support. www.fromgreen2green.com.

BE YOUR OWN BOSS with Great Canadian Dollar Store. Franchise opportunities now available. Call today for details 1-877-388-0123 ext. 229 or visit our website: www.dollarstores.com.

FOR SALE

#1 HIGH SPEED INTERNET$28.95 / Month. Absolutely no ports are blocked. Unlimited Downloading. Up to 5Mps Download and 800Kbps Upload. ORDER TODAYAT www.acanac.ca or CALLTOLL-FREE: 1-866-281-3538. SAWMILLS from only $3997 - MAKE MONEY& SAVE MONEYwith your own bandmill - Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship. FREE Info & DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills.com/400OT 1-800-566-6899 Ext:400OT.

EMPLOYMENT OPPS. Full-Time AZ FASTApproved Company and Owner-Operator Drivers Wanted - Home throughout the week, Competitive rates & benefits, Incentive Program, Paid waiting time & border crossing. Recent Graduates will be considered. TOLL-FREE 1-800-567-2609 ext. 230, ext. 208 for OwnerOperator Inquiry. Fax: 519-644-9059, www.elginmotorfreight.com.

LICENSED HD Mechanic & Class 1 Drivers required for full-time work with construction company in west-central Alberta. Wage based on experience. Fax resume 780-539-3536. SERVICE MANAGER required for busy 9 bay shop, soon to be 16 bays. Jerry Ford Sales in Edson is located between Edmonton and Jasper in a thriving oil, gas and forestry based economy. Earning potential up to $160,000.+, benefits, pension plan and moving allowance. Email resume to: cathy@jerryford.com. All inquiries will be kept confidential. PART-TIME JOBS - Make your own schedule, sell chocolate bars to make $$$, decide where and when you sell, start and stop when you want. Tel: 1-800-383-3589.

BUSINESS SERVICES

LOOKING FOR NEW BUSINESS and added revenue? Promote your company in Community Newspapers across Ontario right

SOUTHPOINT SUN

In light of our continued growth and the anticipated expansion of our greenhouses, we require the following: GROWER

Responsibilities:

• Oversee 30 acres T.O.V. productions.

• Operate and maintain equipment used in greenhouse operations including irrigation, fertilization, weed and pest monitoring and control, etc.

• Identify plant needs and indications of disease.

• Maintain detailed computerized records.

• Maintain inventory control through continuous information gathering and documentation.

Qualifications:

• Minimum 5-years of experience as a Grower in a high-tech glass greenhouse environment.

• Familiarity with Priva computer software.

• Must have a strong understanding of plant growth and interaction with varying environmental conditions and requirements.

• Ability to communicate effectively (written, oral and spoken) in English.

• Flexible working hours including weekends.

• Post secondary education in a related field will be considered an asset.

• Must live in Kingsville or Leamington in order to quickly respond to alarms and emergencies.

Mail, fax or email résumé, stating your position of interest and your salary expectation to: Mucci Pac Ltd. 1876 Seacliff Drive Kingsville, ON N9Y 2N1

Fax: (519) 326-6397 Email: mcornellier@muccifarms.com

NOW HIRING ALL POSITIONS... SERVERS

AND KITCHEN HELP

Apply in person with resume at: Freddy’s 655 Point Pelee Drive, Leamington 519-325-1257

The Human Resources Office will receive resumes for the above noted position. Under the direction of the Manager of Engineering Services, the Engineering Assistant will be responsible for: typing, filing and scanning of documents and assist with the maintenance of the filing system. Receive and review requests for maintenance of existing drains. Assist with circulation of information to staff, engineers, lawyers, real estate agents and general public. For complete details regarding this position’s duties, qualifications and salary please visit our website at www.leamington.ca

APPLICATION DEADLINE is: 4:00 p.m. Friday Marcfh 16, 2012

RICK NICHOLLS, MPP OPENING LEAMINGTON OFFICE

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Responsible for assisting with the efficient operations of our Leamington office and responding to constituent issues and concerns in a timely and professional manner.

QUALIFICATIONS:

- Political Science Degree (preferred) or extended experience in similar field

- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal

- Passion for excellent customer service

- Analytical and organization skills

- Research skills

- Ability to multi-task and prioritize

- Strong Microsoft Office skills

- Knowledge of Ministry functions

- Bilingual (preferred)

- Confidentiality statement required

Please

ANTENNAS

JACK RICCI ANTENNA SPECIALIST - HDTV antenna systems, satellite dishes, aiming & accessories, specialty and non-denominational free religious programming. TBN 3ABN 7th Day, etc. on G19 satellite, burglar alarms, telephone, paging, intercom and background music systems. Sales and service. Prewire your new house. 519-326-8973, ricci@mnsi.net. mr7-28c

SERVICES

INCOME TAX PREPARATION - $30 max, 2 slips. 25 years experience. Pick up and delivery extra. 689 Middleton Line, Wheatley, 519-825-9065. mr7-ap18

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

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

We have over 44 vehicles here, and coming, that we have waived the $1500 freight fee. This means when these vehicles are sold, the exact same vehicle without the freight waived, will be $1500 more 2. $500 LEAMINGTON CHRYSLER ANNIVERSARY BONUS On every new vehicle purchased and delivered by March 16, 2012

If you plan on buying a new vehicle this year, you can save $500 if delivered by March 16, and another $1500 if it is a free freight unit. That’s $2000 in savings plus taxes = $2260 for buying byMARCH