Final tally22 candidates vying for 7 seats in Leamington Municipal Election
Election Day is Monday, October 25, but Leamington voters can expect to receive their mail-in voter’s ballots in the mail during the first week of October.
The largest pool of candidates is for the five councillor seats. In total there are 17 candidates who have filed for this position. Candidates include Rick Atkin, Carol Bell, Wes Brookes, Chris Chopchik, Rick Cowan, John Crump, Herb Enns, Frank Friesen, Ron Haley, John Jacobs, Keith Klassen, Hilda McDonald, Bruce Peacock, Dan Santos, Robert Tatomir, Ken Thoman and Larry Verbeke.
In the race for the mayor’s seat there is a three-way contest. Current Mayor John Adams and Councillor John Paterson, as well as Ted Wigfield are vying for the municipality’s top position.
Incumbent Deputy Mayor Rob Schmidt has competition for his seat as deputy-mayor. Charlie Wright has put his name forward for the second-in-command position.
Two candidates have filed for the position of Trustee for the Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board (English) for Leamington, Essex, Kingsville, Pelee Township – Mary DiMenna and Richard Kniaziew.
Three candidates have filed for the one available seat on the Greater Essex County District Board Trustee – Aleksandra Navarro, Allan Simpson and David Taves.
A candidate for municipal office must, upon nomination, be a qualified municipal elector and fulfill all of the following requirements: be a resident of or the owner or tenant of land in the Municipality of Leamington or the spouse of such a person; be a Canadian citizen; be at least eighteen (18) years old; not be legally prohibited from voting; and not be disqualified by any legislation from holding municipal office. A candidate, if nominated, must remain qualified throughout the election and, if elected, throughout the term of office.
Vote By Mail Kits will be delivered by Canada Post beginning Friday, October 1 to all Leamington Electors on the Voters List. If you have not received yours in the mail by Friday, October 8, call the Municipal Office.
All Candidates Night planned
The Leamington and District Chamber of Commerce is holding a Candidates Night on Wednesday, September 29 at Cardinal Carter Secondary School at 7 p.m. All members of the public are welcome to attend. Candidates will be allowed to address the public and answer questions.
SEE PAGES 6 & 7 FOR PROFILES OF MAYOR AND DEPUTY-MAYOR CANDIDATES.
A gesture of respect for fallen soldiers
By Sheila McBrayne
Every time a Canadian soldier dies in Afganistan one Leamington man and his wife lower their Canadian flag to half mast for three days to show respect for the loss of a Canadian soldier’s life.
The last time Raymond and Dorothy Burrell lowered their flag on Erie Glen Crescent was September 5 when Warrant Officer Richard Nolan was killed in combat that weekend. He was the 154th Canadian casualty in Afganistan. Raymond is not a veteran himself, but not for lack of trying. He comes from a long line of family members who have served and are currently serving. Raymond had uncles, brothers, nephews and grandsons who have served Canada in World II, Boer War and the Gulf War. Lowering the flag is just one way the couple honours all soldiers through this patriotic action.
Raymond’s two older half brothers Wilbur and Gordon served in World War II. As soon as Raymond was old enough in March of 1945 he
too signed up for active duty. After 70 days in training he was told, “Go home boy, we don’t need ya’.” The war ended six days later. “I was mad I couldn’t go, but I was glad the war was over,” said Raymond.
Both of Raymond’s half brothers came home safely… well, except for Wilbur who served as a front line cook and had a minor injury to report. Once while in France a shell was dropped near the cookhouse and the explosion caused him to cut himself with his knife. “We teased him about that for a while,” said Raymond. His other half brother Gordon came back from the war, but suffered many difficulties that were not as treatable in 1945 as in 2010. He died in 1983 in Sick Soldiers Hospital.
Wilbur on the other hand, came home from the war with a personal mission. A fellow Canadian soldier, dying from war injuries, had given him a letter to deliver to his wife he was leaving behind. As soon as Wilbur got home safely he went to New Brunswick to deliver the dying gift to his fellow soldier’s widow. They married two years later. Six children and a lifetime of good memories later, Wilbur died in 1982.
When Raymond was told to go home because the war was over, he started a new life in his hometown of Moncton, New Brunswick. He worked at Marvin’s Biscuit factory until he left in 1953 for Ontario. He worked briefly as a mechanic in Toronto and then moved to the Sun Parlour where he worked as a service manager at a dealership in Essex. In 1958 he opened his own garage in Windsor called Ray’s Texaco Service. In 1973 Raymond bought into a trucking company in Windsor until 1985. From that time until 1996 Raymond and his wife Dorothy lived on a small farm and ran a trucking company. It was in 1996 that Raymond and Dorothy retired to Leamington. In their retirement years they have enjoyed traveling North America in their RV. “It’s easier to say where we haven’t been than the places we have been,” said Raymond. (Continued on Page 3)
Flyers Win Home Opener 3-1 Page 21
Two Culture Celebration Page 9
Leamington Council Briefs from September 13
Consensus Reached on Elliott Street
The people living on Elliott St. whose homes and lifestyles have been suffering due to heavy truck traffic and businesses who have legitimate needs to have their trucks use the street have worked together to reach an amicable compromise regarding traffic restrictions.
Back on July 12th, Leamington Town Council voted to ban heavy trucks from that street in response to a delegation and petition from the residents. Then, on August 9th, a delegation of business owners pointed out to council the hardships this ban would cause them, so council instructed the town administration to hold discussions with both sides to see if a compromise solution could be worked out. That solution was endorsed by Town Council at Monday night’s meeting: tractor-trailer semi’s will be banned from the street, but not medium-duty stake trucks. In addition, the speed limit on the entire street, from Wilkinson Drive at the north end to Talbot Street West at the south end, will be reduced to 40 km/h from its current 50. It is hoped with strict enforcement of these changes safety and comfort will be improved without disrupting businesses that rely on this important north-south street.
In introducing the results of the discussions, Brian Sweet, Director of Corporate Services said, “People on both sides have been very reasonable... It has been a pleasure dealing with both sides.”
Historic Value Worth an Extra $15,000
Leamington Council approved spending $35,000 on a new cedar shake roof for the old MCR train station just south of Talbot St. W. Council also approved the design drawings prepared by the Ventin Group Ltd. Architects for the entire train station restoration, although only the roof is to be repaired this year. Without roof repairs the rate of deterioration of the station would make all future restoration much more expensive.
Only $20,000 had been approved in the 2010 budget for the roof, based on using ordinary asphalt shingles, however the architects’ research showed that the original building had cedar shakes. Since the building has been designated under the Ontario Heritage Trust, council felt spending extra on the roof from the Cultural Arts Reserve was justified.
Rail Trail Tender Awarded
In a related piece of business, Town Council awarded the tender to construct the walking trail from Talbot St. W. to Ellison to Fullerton Construction. Their tender at $614,329.57 was the lowest of four bids on the job. This will include the installation of railroad track in the decorative stone walkway by the old train station.
Municipal Municipal Correspondent Correspondent
Town Administration had been so concerned about getting the project in under the upset limit of $750,000 (because of the federal and provincial funding involved) that they segregated three ‘provisional’ items that could be dropped if the bids came in too high. Fortunately for the town’s plan, the three are included in the low tender award. One of these three is the realignment of the L.D.S.S. student parking lot entrance to improve traffic safety on Talbot near MCR Drive where the walkway begins. When he found out that this item would cost $26,000, Councillor John Paterson asked if the school board could be approached to contribute to the improvement.
Mistrust and Concern Over the ESAR Drain to Sturgeon Creek
A delegation at the end of August asked for a moratorium on the construction of the storm water drain for the East Side Arterial Road based on flooding experienced around County Road 20. Back on July 23rd about 52mm of rain fell in a 5-hour period followed by about 45mm in a 2-hour period on July 25th. This resulted in localized flooding and high water that took a very long time to drain away via the Sturgeon Creek drain, prompting local residents and farmers to approach council with their concern that adding even more storm water with new construction would only make a bad situation worse.
At the time, council instructed engineering to report on this matter at the earliest possible opportunity. In response Allan Botham, manager of engineering services for the town, Monday night had representatives of Stantec Consulting, the engineers for the arterial road project, present a report to town council addressing the concerns. Phil Bartnik and Alain Michaud, professional engineers with Stantec, went through a presentation that explained the storm water management approach being used for the new road and the lands to the East that are served by the proposed drain, their understanding of the causes of the flooding experienced at the end of July, and the capacity of Sturgeon Creek to handle more storm water.
After their presentation, residents and local farmers were invited to ask questions and present concerns that had not been addressed to their satisfaction. This was a lengthy and (Continued on Page 15)
Dream comes true for Leamington massage therapist
For local therapist Christina Kish, it was an experience of a lifetime and a dream
true.
Kish has just returned from the 2010 GE Edinburgh ITU Duathlon World Championships in Scotland – the most prestigious duathlon ever staged in the United Kingdom. As one of four therapists chosen, Kish offered preand post-race treatments to many of the 1,000 athletes representing over 30 countries, including Canada.
“It’s been a dream of mine since graduating from massage therapy school,” says Kish. “To work and interact with some of the best athletes from around the word is an incredible experience. It was an honour to represent Canada at such a high level competition and to proudly wear my Canadian swag as I cheered on our local Leamington and Canadian athletes who qualified.”
The World Championships afforded Kish the opportunity to assist far more people than she imagined who suffer from wear-and-tear and minor injuries that naturally occur with strenuous movement.
“For the athletes, this is the most stressful time of their lives; it’s a wonderful feeling aiding in the recovery of their injured and weary bodies. Knowing the treatments I provided were so appreciated by the athletes was the most rewarding part of this adventure.”
Kish has been practicing Massage Therapy locally since 1996 and has been operating Body Kneads Massage and Wellness Centre for over nine years.
In addition to massage therapy, Body Kneads also provides various other forms of therapeutic treatments and offers a growing line of researched alternative products.
“This memorable experience provided me with a unique opportunity to learn new skills to bring back home for the betterment of service to local clients,” said Kish.
A gesture of respect for fallen soldiers
(Continued from Front)
Raymond and Dorothy gave up their RV travelling, and now simply enjoy retirement life in Leamington. They follow the lives of their grandsons and nephews who serve very interesting careers in the Canadian Navy and auxiliary services. Grandson Ryan Burrell of Kingsville is a deep sea diver in the Canadian Navy. Ryan patrolled the coast of British Columbia, guarding the coast during the 2010 Olympics. He was also in the waters off Africa and was involved in the takedown of one of the infamous pirate ships. Another grandson, Christopher Balen, originally from Windsor, is now in the Navy stationed in Halifax. And a nephew Shawn serves in the auxiliary in Ottawa.
It was a neighbour across the way in the Bayview Condos who called the Southpoint Sun last week and told about this cute older couple who always lower their flag for the fallen soldiers. Raymond and Dorothy describe it as just a symbolic gesture and were glad to hear that someone noticed and realized the meaning behind it.
Pictured here in the middle is Christina Kish with fellow message therapists from Italy (left) and England (right). (Photo submitted)
A full fall lineup
I love fall leaves, colours and cool nights, but what I like best about fall is the new television lineup. After a summer of re-runs and pathetic attempts at reality shows, I’m so ready for a new season of Glee, How I Met Your Mother, Criminal Minds, The Office and Law & Order SVU.
Another highlight that I’m looking forward to PVR’ing every day is the 25th anniversary and final season of Oprah. I can only imagine the guests she’ll have over the season. I heard her first guest is going to be John Travolta. I wonder who will be on the very last Oprah Winfrey Show?
McThoughts McThoughts
Not only are my old favourites returning, but there’s also a new lineup of shows set to begin. It certainly doesn’t hurt to add some new shows to the favourites.
Another bonus of this time of year is the overlap of the professional sports leagues. Major league baseball is at its peak with some very close runs in each of the divisions to see who will make the playoffs. The National Football League started last week with what appears to be another great year of hard-hitting action. I’ve got to say I do look forward to Sunday afternoon football.
Just to clarify, I’m not really a couch potato. I love fall for its beautiful weather and colours and do take time to enjoy some fall golf and spend time outdoors going for long walks and doing yardwork.
MOM… keep out!
I don’t think I’m a misogynist. There are plenty of women in my life who I love and respect. In fact, I tend to agree with my former CHEER radio general manager who once enlightened me with his belief that “girls are smarter than boys.” I find this especially true when it comes to matters of the heart, emotion, perception and social instinct.
Woman are also good at organizing stuff: family finances, sock drawers, filing cabinets, drawers, etc. That being said, there are plenty of things too that women suck at. Let’s start with the ability to parallel park or let things go after an argument.
I love women. I love them being around, just not in the dressing rooms at the local hockey rink. My kid is out of the house now, so I’ve kind of lost touch with what was going on at the rink, ball yard or gym these last few years. Well, up until my lady friend asked me to help with her little boy at hockey practice. Wowza! Things have definitely changed since the last time I entered the dressing room. My lord – there are women in the room! Mostly moms, but Granny is sometimes there too.
That’s just wrong. Why? Because it just is, that’s why! Come on! Surely somewhere in the English speaking society there remains at least one last bastion for boys. Allow the boys to learn to interact, pick up on social cues from other boys, learn the “Cup a Fart” game, talk about girls, whatever.
Again, don’t get me wrong. I love women and I’m not suggesting that we return to the Neanderthal period or align with the Taliban. Noooooo, not at all. But let’s not go from the sublime to the ridiculous either.
In the last number of years, women have cracked the once “male only” service clubs. At
our service club, we had men leave the club the day they accepted a female member. That was a number of years ago, and for the longest time only a couple of women belonged to the club. Today, our club is about 50-50 in gender and there’s a disproportionate amount of gals on the club’s executive. In fact, some might say that many woman love to organize, run and control things. True, there are too many lazy guys in organizations who fail to put their hands up when help is needed. While a few may resent the gumption of the girls, it’s a distant second to their desire to sit on their collective butts and let the women do all the work.
Weese’s Weese’s Pieces Pieces
Women are now engaged in masculine vocations, from working in the trades to racecar driving, policing to politics, etc. I’m cool with this. What I’m not cool with is having Mom “hanging around” the boys hockey team.
I get the sensation of having bugs crawl on me thinking about the stuff I see at our rink and this is especially true with all the Triple A stuff. There’s mom heading up the Parents Advisory Council. Parents Advisory Council? Oh yeah, they exist and they have to be a coach’s nightmare.
(Continued on Page 8)
S Soouutthhppooiinnt t S Saayyss. . ....
How did you spend your summer vacation?
Location: Mill Street Public
School
Duha Alrekabi
Gr. 5, Age 10
“I went to Canada’s Wonderland. I went on this loopde-loop thing that goes really fast and my sister started crying, and she puked then. She did it at the fair too. She has this disease that she gets sick when she goes on rides.”
Delaney
Hansen
Gr. 5, Age 10
“Well I went to Port Stanley for a week and I also went to Harrow Fair at the end plus my sister had a little bit of a virus so she stayed in the hospital for a little bit.”
Sydney Inghelbrecht
Gr. 6, Age 11
“My dad took me to Niagara Falls and Marineland and my mom took me to Wally World and Port Burwell. I had a good summer – lots of fun.”
Jordan Bradt
Gr. 4, Age 9
“I played around and went through old stuff and had lots of fun. It was such a blast. I think summer vacation went by way too fast.”
Geoffrey Stanton
Gr. 5, Age 10
“We went to Marineland and we practically did everything there. It was really fun. I liked feeding the bears, the Sky Screamer, the Dragon Rollercoaster, the Big Walrus Ride and the Castle Ride. And we got frozen yogurt.”
E-LETTERS
If you would like to send us a quick e-mail to express your opinion - good, bad or indifferent - e-mail us sun@mnsi.net
Dear Editor,
I read with interest your recent article by Sheila McBrayne, McThoughts, about the debt retirement charge on hydro bills.
Further to your investigation, I would like to add that apparently since I have signed to buy my hydro from Direct Energy (which by the way charges me considerably more per kwh than Hydro One at 8.49 cents per kwh. Their explanation is that I am not under the time of use restrictions of the smart meter allowances), I am now obligated to pay a further charge as a ‘provincial benefit’ which runs at 2.3621 cents per kwh. I also pay the debt retirement charge along with the provincial benefit. I tried to get an explanation of why I would pay this provincial benefit, but wasn’t able to get anything clearly defined!
I would assume that I am being penalized for purchasing my hydro from an independent distributor.
I’m not sure how many people realize that they have this additional charge, but I can imagine if they are aware, they would be totally ticked off like I am.
Just thought I would pass this information on to someone who seems to care as I certainly do not get that impression from Hydro One or Direct Energy.
Thanks for letting me blow off steam.
Have a good day, Lorraine Cowan
Parking permits for volunteers
Dear Reader,
I was a volunteer at the Music Camp held at Leamington United Church. On Tuesday, August 24, I was backing out of a parking space at the church and crashed my car into the church. It was entirely my fault and I paid for all the damages to my car.
Obviously, I have a depth perception problem, so the next Tuesday I parked on the municipal lot across from the church. When I left the camp at 4 p.m., there was a ticket on my car. I hadn’t realized that there was a time limit for parking there, even though there is a sign indicating that that is the case. I am not blaming the parking attendant who gave me the ticket.
However, I felt that when her supervisor at the Leamington Town Hall heard that I was spending the day as a volunteer, and about my previous difficulty parking in the church lot, the ticket would be revoked. No such luck.
I was encouraged to buy a parking permit. When I explained that it made perfect sense for a person who works and receives pay to buy a parking permit, it didn’t make sense for a person who spends her day volunteering to be forced to buy a parking permit.
Perhaps a volunteer permit could be issued free of charge to volunteers. Until our municipal lots are filled to capacity, it seems like a good idea. I live in Wheatley. I drive to Leamington to volunteer. Are any of the people running in the election open to the idea of VOLUNTEER parking permits? If so, how lovely it would be to have people at City Hall showing compassion.
Sincerely, Ruth Owens
Rob Schmidt Charlie Wright
“I am a 63 year old life-long resident of Leamington. I have been married to Karen for 39 years and we have 3 sons, 1 daughter-in-law and a granddaughter. I have farmed my whole life and also have 15 years of firsthand small business experience in construction. I am a graduate of the University of Windsor, majoring in History and Economics and also with post graduate work in Business Administration.
I was raised to give back to our community and worked alongside my dad on Church and community projects. I have been involved with volunteer work my whole adult life and will give just a few of the my many involvements:
• 10 years as Chair of the Board of the Leamington Mennonite Home providing a full continuum of residential, personal and health care to over 300 seniors
• 3 years as President of the Essex-Windsor Unit of the Canadian Cancer Society
• worked on 2 Habitat for Humanity projects
• worked on the Together in Caring hospital fundraising project that raised $40 million dollars for Leamington and Windsor hospitals
• 4 years on the Board of Leamington Non-Profit Housing
• 3 years on the old District Health Council
• 3 years on Kingsville-Leamington Social Planning Council
• Point Pelee Advisory Committee.”
Why am I running for Council?
“Because I care about Leamington and its residents. Leamington has been a great place for me to grow up and raise a family and now, in return, I want to continue to contribute to our community’s present and future well-being. Municipal leadership, like leadership in any organization, demands relevant experience and training, and my record shows that I have both.”
Qualifications
“I have extensive municipal leadership experience and training including 22 years of trusted municipal service; 6 years on Mersea Council, 7 years as Mersea Mayor, 9 years Leamington Deputy-Mayor; 16 years on Essex County Council, Essex County Warden, Essex County Deputy-Warden, chaired all major county committees (Essex County has the lowest tax rate and highest credit rating of any county in Ontario). I have taken numerous courses and sessions on Municipal issues, mandates and responsibilities, finance, land use planning.”
Top Three Issues for Leamington
Financial sustainability – Whatever we do must be affordable both in the short term and long term. We have started and we must finish our long term sustainable financial model which will include a lifecycle costing of capital assets and a balanced self sustaining funding model for municipal operating and capital expenditures.
Environmental sustainability – Whatever we do must not harm the environment but we must also improve on those areas of environmental concern. We must complete the final phases of our pollution control plant, continue on our sewer separation program, and extend sewers to those areas that need them.
Quality of Life – Our quality of life is what defines our community and makes it unique. It not only keeps our minds and bodies active and healthy, it also makes our municipality attractive to tourists, investors and new residents. Projects like uptown revitalization, trail expansions, park and recreation upgrades all add to our quality of life.
Charlie Wright has been a resident of Leamington for the past 34 years and has lived at 69 Alderton St. for the past 32 years.
He is married to Carolyn Wright, who is a practicing Occupational Therapist within the south shore of Essex County – company is called “Wright Therapy Services.”
The couple has two children – David Wright and Heather Wright.
Wright received an Honors Bachelor of Physical and Health Education from the University of Toronto in 1976. He also received a Bachelor of Education from the University of Windsor in 1977.
“I am a retired teacher from the Greater Essex County District School Board . I taught for 31 years, retiring from L.D.S.S. in June 2008 as Department Head of Social Sciences – Geography and History, and have a specialist teaching accreditation in three subjects – Phys. Ed., Geography and Special Education. I’m currently office manager for Wright Therapy Services.”
Community Involvement
• Past Chairman of the Leamington – Mersea Recreation Committee
• Past President of St. John’s Anglican Church’s B.A.C. – Brotherhood of Anglican Churchmen
• Present Parishioner of St. John’s Anglican Church in Leamington
• Chairman of the citizen’s committee for the development Lloyd Wilkinson Park on Alderton Street 1988 -1991
• Chairman of the Plumbrook / Bennie Subdivision citizen’s committee 1997, for the connection of Alderton St. with Danforth Ave. Presented to Leamington’s Municipal Council a 585 signature petition for connecting Alderton Street which occurred in 1998.
• Member of the citizens committee against the New Municipal building and introductory speaker of the committee’s presentation to Leamington Municipal Council - June 2009
• Assisted with the Goodfellows Christmas Food Basket Campaign for the last 2 years since retiring.
Why are you running for this position?
“I feel it is a time for a change in leadership. I’m an open, innovative and approachable person who listens to others and respects their varying opinions and perspectives. I look at problems and issues from a common sense, practical viewpoint. I’m a community activist who has assumed leadership roles in all aspects of my life – professional, sports, service club, church and community “grassroots” campaigns. I have experienced success in bringing my visions to life.”
What changes or improvements would you like to see happen in Leamington?
1. Transparent planning for present and long term building priorities and infrastructure replacement.
2. Enhancement of Leamington as a tourist destination such as designating a Heritage Walkway Tour that highlights our historical homes and buildings and reflects our multicultural nature.
3. Focus on healthy lifestyles such as expanding bike paths and pedestrian walkways. List the top three issues that you see in Leamington, in order of importance.
1. Many taxpayers have expressed that recent major decisions do not reflect their wishes.
2. Leamington has one of the highest property tax rates and lot levies in the County. To retain and attract investment we need to be more tax competitive.
3. The aging infrastructure protecting the farmland and homes in the southeast area of Leamington is of critical importance and will require municipal leadership to advocate for the taxpayers in this area.
Municipal Election 2010
Meet your mayoral candiDates 7 7
John Adams John Paterson
John Adams was born in Windsor. His family moved to a Leamington farm on Concession 5 at the age of 6 months. He attended local public school and graduated from Leamington District Secondary School.
He worked in Windsor as a tool designer for 2 years and returned to Leamington to farm. He is married to Rose and they have 2 sons and 4 grandchildren.
Adams has been involved in various farming organizations for several years and has been involved in municipal politics for more than 25 years. Adams has been the Mayor of Leamington for the past 8 years.
Why are you running for this position? What qualities and qualifications do you feel you would bring to this position?
“I have a good relationship with senior levels of government...need to finish projects of Eastside Arterial Road...resolve issues of Southeast Mersea shore residents...revive uptown Leamington core...bring new industry into Leamington.”
What changes or improvements would you like to see happen in Leamington?
“Work with local developers to entice retirees and tourism to our community. Strive for a drug-free municipality.”
Top three issues for Leamington
1. Aging infrastructure
2. New developement
3. Commercial and green energy
I BELIEVE IN THE FUTURE OF LEAMINGTON
John Paterson was born and raised in Leamington 19542010, son of Don and Joyce Paterson. He has been married 27 years to Betty (Maedel) Paterson and is the father of twin daughters Tessa (Sheridan College) and Chelsea (University of Windsor).
Paterson is a graduate of Lambton College, Business Administration, Marketing Major. He is the past co-owner of Paterson Dry Goods retail store established in Leamington 1922-1989. He is a self employed Financial Advisor 19892010.
Paterson has been a volunteer coach (18 years) of a ladies slo-pitch team. He is Past President and all chairs of the Leamington and District Chamber of Commerce, past Treasurer of the Leamington Gymnastics Club, past President and all chairs of the Leamington Badminton Club, past member of the Leamington BIA and a founding member of Promotion Sunparlour tourism committee.
Paterson was a Councillor for the Town of Leamington from 1982 to 1985 and has served as Councillor for Municipality of Leamington 2006-2010.
Top three issues for Leamington
Top of the list for me is the expansion of our Industrial and Commercial base. First of all for employment opportunities and secondly, to help offset property taxes. When I was on Council in 1982-1985 we established the light/heavy industrial park off Seacliff Drive and the developers involved were quite successful in attracting industries to occupy it. We currently have one large parcel of undeveloped land which is designated for industrial/commercial development but the owner has not been anxious to make it ready. Council has an opportunity to form a public/private partnership to get the ball rolling.
Second is our Uptown core business area. By using the new CIP rules, Council can grant funds, alter taxation and remove development charges to help attract improvements and new development in the area. Great success has been had by other communities which are already employing these new tactics. Not only has it benefited the merchants, but new industry and residential development has occurred as a direct result.
Third is South East Leamington. In my opinion this area is far more valuable to Leamington, the Province and Canada in its current state of use than it is as a proposed green space. It generates millions of dollars of income to all levels of government and society. Every year the landowners pay taxes directly to Leamington, the Province and to the Federal government. The farmers employ local people who pay taxes and spend their income here. They purchase their farm machinery locally which in turn employs people who then spend their income here. Farmers are some of our greatest promoters of land preservation, conservation and their crops do more for our environment in a natural way than any manmade connection could ever do. This area must not be subjected to the heavy-handedness of past or current conservationists any longer and deserves the financial support of our upper levels of government to make it a “sustainable” area.
My list also includes recapturing our lost new home starts to neighbouring communities, waterfront development for tourism purposes, controlling and if possible lowering property taxes, continued replacement of sewer infrastructure, expanded trails and bicycle lanes, historical designations, and the list goes on.
Ted Wigfield
I am 49 years old, married to Margaret and have 3 children, Mark 21, Amanda 19 and Scotty 11. I was born and raised in Leamington and the Wigfield Homestead is in Wheatley.
Why are you running for this position? What qualities and qualifications do you feel you would bring to this position?
The position of the Mayor is of course the area where leadership and vision is vital to secure the economic prosperity of Leamington and to honor the commitment of community and family. Over the years I have stood on the sidelines watching the town of Leamington continue this downward spiral (economically and socially) which affects each and every citizen, directly or indirectly, in a negative way. The people of Leamington are pleading for change and new ideas which will benefit everyone and help revitalize the Municipality of Leamington to its full potential and not just status quo.
I believe the complacency of the town and its development needs a spark of encouragement, dedication and commitment that will enable us all to work together as one community and stop creating this division of rural and urban. The municipality stretches from sign to sign on the outskirts of Leamington and not just the inner or outer core. We must work together to create a community that welcomes visitors and newcomers and at the same time maintain our population at hand.
The Municipality of Leamington needs a leader who recognizes that we are not even close to what we use to be, what we can be, and realize we are falling fast. The residents and business owners of the town are tired of carrying the burden of paying for trial and errors and mistakes that are costly to the town (related taxes). We need a leader with clear vision and new positive ideas which will assist in eliminating the mistakes and create accountability.
I must add that the young people of our community are leaving the area for post secondary school and/ or work and are NOT returning. Why? Because there is no future here for them as it stands. As a leader of the town I need to create that future for the youth and
provide a town with work, play and entertainment. This focus will allow them to stay here close to their families, thus creating that sense of community again. The students must feel they belong, are welcomed and have a voice. The young people of the community are our future and if we lose them to other communities we will be in trouble. The future of Leamington is grim without them.
Three of the main issues that need to be addressed
1. Economic Development (or the lack of)
2. High development charges preventing growth in the municipality which creates the highest tax base in the area, and
3. The commitment of the Provincial and Federal government in the municipality. We must prevent them from stripping the residents in the community of their land and hard work that has been developed over the past generations (South East Shores). We cannot continued to be bullied by the ones with the power which will have a negative effect, but be willing to work together to make this the great community it is and shall continue to be.
• Working together is the KEY for the success of the Municipality, whether it is with the Provincial or Federal Government, Rural or Urban, or within our own Municipal office between Council and Administration.
• A good leader will be able to create this positive working relationship between all parties and create motivation, which in turn shall bring this Municipality out of the rut that it is in and create a community of trust and belief. A good leader will give the community of Leamington clear direction and hope for a prosperous future.
Mom... keep out
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In my mind, there’s lots about running a hockey team that is cut and dried. If you’re a great player, you play a great amount. If you try hard and you’re a good guy, you’ll stick with the team. If the coach doesn’t like you, there’s likely a reason. Problem is, Mom doesn’t get it and a tsunami of emotion broadsides the organization each time a little boy gets cut from the team or benched or spoken to by the coach.
The moms get all dolled up to go the rink now. My mom wore a housecoat and dropped me off at the road. And my mom sure in heck didn’t carry my team-issued personally monogrammed hockey bag back and forth to the “VAN” (the very vehicle with the kid’s name and number on the back window). This Triple A stuff is amazing. The kids are treated better than the pros. Surely there has to be some warped little egomaniacs in the back of those vans.
Bad enough that Mom is in the stands screaming the most incessant and annoying barrage of “Get it out of there!” or “Go Jimmy! Go Jimmy!” If this is you Mom, here’s what you need to know: not only does your kid not want to hear you, literally he can’t! If he could, do you think he’ll skate faster? Or “get it out of there!”?
Then there’s the jabbering jaws of Mom, her face turned to the person’s next to her and away from the play. “You won’t believe what Jimmy said over breakfast,” or “Jimmy’s equipment smells,” or some other mundane Jimmy fodder. Mom, not only does this further remove you from hockey credibility, it brings you closer to getting a puck in the head from not paying attention to the play. Still, I can live with the stuff in the stands. After all, I can physically move and enjoy the company of those who respect and know the game best – the silent types watching from the corner of the rink.
ANNE SPAUNBURGis celebrating the “BIG ONE!” on October 18th.
Celebrations started August 9th when Cec arrived and again on August 20th when Margie came home. Mom “Everyday” is a gift. Love, Theresa.
Mom, you are more than welcome to bring home the bacon and fry it up in the pan, and if you really want to smoke a big cigar you have my blessing. But please, I beg you, stay the heck out of the boys dressing room!
The magic of migration at Point Pelee
As autumn air brings cooler temperatures and the leaves begin to change, birds and butterflies are in flight at Point Pelee National Park. For a moment in time, Point Pelee becomes the temporary home to thousands of Monarch butterflies on their 3000 km journey south to the mountains of central Mexico, not to mention migrating birds, dragonflies and bats.
The trails at the Point will lead you down to the Tip for a very personal glimpse at this natural phenomenon, or partici-
pate in one of the fall migration programs. Each will leave you amazed! Discover Monarchs is a live exhibit showcasing the extraordinary lifecycle of the Monarch from egg to caterpillar to chrysalis, and finally to adult butterfly. The exhibit is on display now through September 30 at the Visitor Centre.
Daily Monarch Counts are underway and continue until September 30. Join an interpreter on a hike to the Tip and see how many you can spot. Hundreds? Thousands? If you can’t make it to the park you can follow the migration on Twitter. Park staff will be “tweeting” daily Monarch numbers and other migration highlights throughout the fall. Visit www.parkscanada.gc.ca/pelee or www.twitter.com/PointPeleeNP for the latest information.
Remember, Monarchs roosting at the Tip in the evening will still be at the park in the morning. Be sure to arrive early, however, as they will take flight as soon as the sun warms their wings.
The shuttle to the Tip runs at 8 a.m. for early morning migration until October 12. Explore this awe-inspiring moment at Point Pelee National Park and let your sense of wonder flutter!
Marijuana Behind Ear Leads to Search, Charges
On Friday, September 3 around 1:00 a.m., Lakeshore OPP conducted a R.I.D.E program at Old Tecumseh Road in Lakeshore. Police stopped a vehicle and detected a strong smell of marihuana. Police spoke to the occupants of the vehicle and observed a marijuana cigarette tucked behind one of the male’s ears. Essex County OPP Canine Unit conducted a consent search of the vehicle and found several other marijuana cigarettes. Four males were charged with Possession Schedule II Cannabis Marijuana under 30 grams. A fifth male on alcohol conditions was additionally charged with Fail to Comply with Undertaking. The males were aged 19, 21, 22 and 26. All were from Lakeshore and Tecumseh. They were released on an appearance notice with an October 15 court date.
Thief Steals Meth and a Kitten
On Sunday, September 5 around 6:30 p.m., Lakeshore OPP responded to a break and enter in the 20 block of Regina Street in Lakeshore. Police advised that sometime between 1:30 and 6:30 p.m., unknown suspects entered a residence and stole eight 130 ml bottles of methadone and a black and white kitten. Anyone with information is asked to contact Essex County OPP Criminal Investigation Unit at 519-723-2491 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-999-8477.
Cash Stolen From Unlocked Vehicle
On Sunday, September 5 10:30 a.m., Tecumseh OPP responded to a theft from vehicle in the 100 block of Chene Street in Tecumseh. Police advise that an unknown suspect entered an unlocked truck sometime overnight. A quantity of cash was taken. This was the fourth time that the vehicle was entered in two years. Police remind citizens to remove all property and lock it up.
Crash Sends Motorcyclist to Hospital
On Tuesday, September 7 at approximately 6:25 p.m., a 32-year-old Harrow man was riding his 2009 Yamaha R6 motorcycle northbound on County Road 11 (Walker Road) north of County Road 8 when a 1975 Ford Ranger made a left turn, crossing the path of the motorcycle. The Ford pickup was being driven by a 35-year-old Tecumseh man, who was attempting to pull into a private driveway.
The two vehicles collided and the rider of the motorcycle was catapulted into the east ditch of County Road 11. Tecumseh OPP, Tecumseh Fire & Rescue and paramedics attended the scene and provided emergency services to the victim, who was transported to hospital in serious condition with a fractured femur, pelvis and arm. County Road 11 was closed for approximately 3 hours during the investigation of this crash. No alcohol was involved. The driver of the pickup truck is charged with making a left turn not in safety, contrary to the Highway Traffic Act of Ontario. The driver of the pickup was not injured.
Any witnesses to this crash are asked to contact the investigating officer at Tecumseh OPP Detachment or Crime Stoppers.
Peaceful Outcome After Man Brandishes Firearm
On Friday, September 10 at approximately 10:10 a.m., a 65-year-old Essex man approached construction workers who were doing “locates” on his property. The male was irate with the workers for being on his property, and he was brandishing a rifle while verbally abusing the workers. The male returned into his unoccupied residence, while the workers fled the area and called police.
OPP officers from Essex County, the K-9 team and Emergency Response Team attended the scene. The South Malden Road residence was surrounded by OPP officers and the neighbourhood was cordoned off for public safety. Phone contact was subsequently made with the male party and within half an hour he turned himself into police without incident.
The man was taken into custody and the investigation is continuing. A pellet gun was seized from the scene.
Special Council meeting to discuss provincial land use policy
Leamington Town Council met in a special session on Tuesday, September 7 to discuss their input to the Provincial Land Use Policy Statement. The matter had been brought forward from the regular council meeting of August 30 to allow councillors time to thoroughly study the town planner’s suggestions and to formulate clearer statements of their priorities and concerns. These Provincial Policy Statements are of great importance because of the teeth the Ministry of Municipal Affairs has given them. In the final section of the policy are the requirements:
“4.2 In accordance with Section 3 of the Planning Act… a decision of the council of a municipality… in respect of the exercise of any authority that affects a planning matter, “shall be consistent with” this Provincial Policy Statement.
4.3 This Provincial Policy Statement shall be read in its entirety and all relevant policies are to be applied to each situation.
4.6 The policies of this Provincial Policy Statement represent minimum standards.” In essence, the town must construct its Official Plan and Zoning By-law to comply with all of the statements of policy that are in the document. This is where problems have arisen that need to be brought to the attention of the bureaucrats in Toronto.
One of the big areas of importance relates to agricultural lands. For the most part, the Province insists they be protected exclusively for agriculture:
“2.3.1 Prime agricultural areas shall be protected for long-term use for agriculture. Prime agricultural areas are areas where prime agricultural lands predominate. Specialty crop areas shall be given the highest priority for protection.” In case you are wondering what a ‘specialty crop area’ is, the policy spells that out too in its definitions: “Specialty crop area: means areas...where specialty crops such as tender fruits (peaches, cherries, plums), grapes, other fruit crops, vegetable crops, greenhouse crops, and crops from agriculturally developed organic soil lands are predominantly grown, usually resulting from: a) soils that have suitability to produce specialty crops, or lands that are subject to special climatic conditions, or a combination of both; and/or b) a combination of farmers skilled in the production of specialty crops, and of capital investment in related facilities and services to produce, store, or process specialty crops.”
Now we get into a local dilemma. “Organic soil lands” refers to drained marshland such as we enjoy in Southeast Leamington. Now remember, we must give it the “highest level of protection”. However, given that it is drained marsh, it is prone to flooding. What does the Provincial policy say about flooding? “3.1.2 Development and site alteration shall not be permitted within:
c) areas that would be rendered inaccessible to people and vehicles during times of flooding hazards, erosion hazards and/or dynamic beach hazards, unless it has been demonstrated that the site has safe access appropriate for the nature of the development and the natural hazard;” As this currently reads, regardless of how farming technology changes, farmers in the marsh are prohibited from building anything for the farm, even if this places the long-term use for agriculture in jeopardy, unless the municipality can prove that the roads accessing the farms cannot flood.
This same policy section also puts the ratepayers of Marentette beach in an untenable situation: “3.1.2 Development and site alteration shall not be permitted within: a) the dynamic beach hazard;” The Town, the County and the Conservation Authority must forbid any new development and oppose any alterations.
During the course of the hour an a half our town council spent discussing these and other matters affected by the way the existing policy statements are worded consensus was reached to direct the planner to express our concern where unique local circumstances need amendments to the Provincial Policies. It will be interesting to see what the Province brings back as proposals for the new policy statement.
Re-elect Deputy Mayor Rob Schmidt
Leadership
Leadership
Leadership
Leadership that is working for Leamington’s future, for seniors, for our children and for our grandchildren.
Meet Brad and Lynn Bailey
Brad Bailey is 68 years young. He was born and raised in Leamington. Brad worked at Heinz for 20 years and is now retired from work but not from playing music. Lynn Bailey is also 68 years young. She was born in Leamington and raised on Marlborough Street. She grew up in the Moran home, was married at home, and later on lived in the same house for many years. Brad and Lynn met at the Leamington arena at public skating.
Brad took lessons from age 10-16 years old with the bandmaster of the Leamington Boys Band, Mr. Jack Lougheed. He started on clarinet, then at age 14½ switched over to the saxophone. Brad played in the concert band and the marching band. They travelled to London, Ontario, and played in competitions. Brad and the band were in many parades all over the county. At age 14 Brad played in his first dance band at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Tilbury and his mother had to drive him to the show.
Lynn started piano lessons when she was 8 years old. Her teacher was Gladys Wharram. She studied at the Royal Conservatory and achieved her grade 8 piano, grade 2 theory, and grade 1 harmony. Lynn also got to study organ lessons from Mr. Allison Brown. She played at church and in the mid 1960s started playing in a dance band.
Both Brad and Lynn played for years in a dance band called Four Jacks and a Jill. They played every weekend at dances, but after about 15 years they quit playing because they were getting tired of the travel and the smoke-filled halls. Even with the smoke-eaters in the club you came home smelling like an ashtray, so they hung it up for a while.
In 1998 Brad got asked by Max Moran to play at church. Well, Brad dusted off his old horn and played with Pat Jewel on piano. Right then and there he realized that there were many great gospel songs to be played, so Lynn would practise the new songs and arrangements with Brad. She sat
in on the piano at church and then other members joined the group.
In 2002 when Brad retired, he and Lynn would go out and volunteer to play at different nursing homes for birthday parties and special music days, etc. Group members:
Brad and Lynn have four different groups.
Connection is Brad Bailey (vocals, tenor sax, clarinet), Lynn Bailey (vocals, keyboards, piano), Jack Sumner (lead guitar), Brian Bailey (vocals, alto sax, clarinet), Bill MacKenzie (bass guitar), Darrin Manley (drums), Kim Wharram (vocals) and Janis Willan (vocals).
Brad, Lynn and Jack is their three-piece band, which is Brad and Lynn Bailey with Jack Sumner.
Muscial Mates is their two-piece group – Brad and Lynn Bailey.
Gold Tones is their Florida group down in Bradenton, Florida, with Brad and Lynn Bailey plus southern friends Keith Young on bass guitar and Chet Kloka on drums.
Venues: You can hear Brad and Lynn play their music at the Leamington Marina every Monday evening from 6:30 p.m. till 8 p.m. throughout June, July and August. Bring a lawn chair or umbrella and mosquito spray. The Connection group can be heard at their spring and Christmas concerts at the First Baptist Church Leamington. They can also be heard around the county at different seniors homes.
Most significant show: Also in 2008, the Baileys decided to do a special Gospel Night at the Goldtree Resort in Florida. They didn’t know how many people would come out, so they set up 60 chairs. 200 people showed up. It was a very memorable night with everyone singing along. On this night, Lynn’s brother Bob Moran came down from Largo, Florida, and played along on the drums and his wife June played the guitar. Since that night, they have been asked to do a gospel show every year.
CDs to date: 2004 – “The Connection & Friends” (Spring Gospel Sing), “Raised on Faith” (First Baptist Church), 2008 – “First Love” (The Connection).
If you could play with anyone who would it be?: Lynn said she would love to sing and play with Bill and Gloria Gaither and the Gaither Band. Brad would like to play with the Chatham Concert Band.
Musical note: In 1972, when I was 16 years old, I had the pleasure of working with Brad and Brian Bailey and the Decission Group. We loaded up the van and went to Detroit and recorded an album and an 8-track tape. It was my first real studio recording session, and here we are 38 years later still having fun making music. If you get a chance, look for the wonderful music of the Baileys. Enjoy and share in their love of music.
Ecumenical service to dedicate trees in Two Creeks Memorial Grove
Two Creeks Conservation Area’s annual Memorial Sunday will be Sept. 19 at 2 p.m.
Anyone can attend the ecumenical service, which will dedicate trees planted in the Memorial Grove both this year and previously.
The service, held under the pavilion, will feature inspirational music by well-known area singer-songwriter and recording artist Nicole Barron (www.nicolebarron.com).
Names of those for whom the trees are planted are read aloud.
The grove commemorates important events and people in the lives of residents, and helps with the reforestation of the conservation area by planting native Carolinian tree species (www.carolinian.org/index.htm).
Marjan Willett, who co-ordinates the program, said more trees need to be planted everywhere, and Two Creeks provides “yourself, our community and future generations with a beautiful and useful Memorial Grove. Furthermore, trees generate clear air, provide climate control and watershed management and are a haven for wildlife.”
“And last but not least, trees are beautiful.”
For more information: Marjan Willett, 519-825-7369. On the Internet: www.twocreeks. ca. E-mail: info@twocreeks.ca.
I have previously outlined my long (but admittedly intermittent) association with Leamington. I guess I have always understood the strengths (as I see them) of this place, but perhaps not so maturely or clearly as I have since my wife and I most recently returned here in 1999. Of equal importance, I see this municipalityʼs strong agriculturally based economy and the quality of life it affords to both its rural and urban residents as the greatest of the many positives. As a young boy growing up in urban Leamington on Georgia Avenue, I looked forward to the late summer/early fall aromas from the Heinz plant two blocks away. At the same time, I realized that the sounds of the tomato wagons and trucks going by my open bedroom window would make sleep more difficult for the next few weeks. Nevertheless I believe I had an early appreciation that those noises signaled prosperity for the area. I canʼt say for sure but I suspect that tomato delivery traffic through that neighbourhood has been considerably lessened with the relocation of the delivery yard to the west side of Sherk Street. I see this as just one example of the rural/urban co-operation/compromise which has enhanced this community, and which must continue in the years ahead.
About fifteen years ago, while enjoying a summer vacation in
Northern Ontario, and beginning to see our retirement years approaching, my wife and I took a day trip to Elliott Lake, Ontario, which hails itself as a great place in which to retire. On that lovely summer day, we were charmed by the place, but we also knew that the year-round weather in Leamington is more appealing than that of Elliott Lake. To this day, Elliott Lake promotes itself as an inexpensive place to retire through the use of a billboard immediately north of Toronto and through other advertising. At this point, I have no idea of the extent to which our municipality promotes itself as a retirement destination. I do know, however, that for most of the more recent Leamington residents with whom I have talked, our municipality, through its amenities, has spoken for itself (weather, location, proximity to Point Pelee National Park, the Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex, and the marina and associated parklands to name just some of the attractions). However, the quality of life is not just limited to those of retirement age. I canʼt help but be envious of our children and young people who have such amenities as the Kinsmen Baseball Complex, the currently developing soccer complex, the programmes run by and held at the aforementioned Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex, and such cultural opportunities as the Lit-
tle Tomato Theatre Players and the Youth Choir, none of which were available when I was growing up here.
The two things that Elliott Lake may have in comparison to Leamington are a different kind of beauty (the beauty of Northern Ontario) and lower taxes.
Before deciding to enter the election race and since I have, one of the main complaints Iʼve heard from people is about the level of municipal taxes that we have to pay here. My first thought is that I too would like to pay less taxes, but I have to ask myself as follows: “What is the price that we have to pay for the quality of life that we enjoy here?” and “How do our municipal taxes compare to other places in Ontario and Canada?” In my previous “ letter to the vot-
ers”, I said that I feel that the days of “expansionism” and “enhancement” need to be at an end. While I believe the majority of those paying municipal taxes will agree with this statement, I also believe those same municipal taxpayers understand the need to maintain and slowly and steadily upgrade the municipal
assets that we already have, so as to maintain the quality of life that we have here. While I was employed during my work career in three distinct corporate types (small retail partnership, municipalities, and a large utility corporation), I see a municipality as a “ specialized” corporation/business which needs to live within its means just like the others. “Living within its means” denotes something different for a municipality than it does to an individual household, or a small
or large business corporation. In the case of a municipality, it means holding the line on tax increases or keeping tax increases to a minimum, by spreading out expenditures to maintain and improve assets over longer periods of time since the majority of the “means” come from municipal taxes not revenues as in the other cases. Another important factor in municipal financing is timely applications for funds from grant programmes administered by upper levels of government, a factor which has played a large role in developing the quality of life which we already enjoy here.
While I am on the subject of taxes, one last point. Some candidates have already come out advocating the pursuit of economic development as a solution to the issue of taxes. The theory, of course, is that by attracting more industry/commercial development the tax base will be broadened, and the burden on residential taxpayers lessened. While I donʼt totally disagree with those candidates advocating the pursuit of economic development, I have the following misgivings: 1) As the fall municipal elections approach across Ontario, I suspect that there will be few municipalities the size of Leamington and larger (and many smaller ones), who wonʼt have multiple candidates who are advocating the pursuit of economic develop-
ment. Needless to say all of these municipalities canʼt and wonʼt be successful in attracting industry/commercial development, which leads me to believe that a pursuit of industrial/commercial development without accompanying controlled spending that addresses maintenance and slow and steady improvement of municipal assets is too one-sided. 2) Not too many years ago I attended a Council meeting during which a delegation of residential property owners appeared to complain about paint fumes from a nearby industry. That Council meeting led me to believe that we need to be careful about what we wish for as we attempt to attract industrial/commercial development (confine the pursuit to light industrial/commercial?) while we pursue the sometimes incompatible goals of economic development, lower taxes, and the maintenance of quality of life. In conclusion, I would appreciate your consideration of my name as a Municipal Council member for the next term as the election draws near, and when you mark your ballot. As I said in my previous “letter to the voters” I am not much of a fan of election signs, but I have appreciated the number of people who have agreed to or have volunteered to allow me to put a
on the
THANK YOU.
Stan Balakowsli met with Ross Barnwell from the Hospital Foundation to donate a wheelchair to Leamington District Memorial Hospital on behalf of the Knights of Columbus. (Photo submitted)
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16:
Listen to Country 92.7 CJSP for more events happening in Leamington and Essex County during the Community Calendar 6 times daily or visit www.country927.com for a complete listing
Golden Years Mini Golf League will resume play on Thursday, 9:30am, at Colasantiʼs Tropical Gardens, all welcome, no experience necessary.
Barbeque from 11 am-1:30 pm at Charles Clark Square, downtown Windsor. On the menu - hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, soft drinks, water. All proceeds will go to support the “Windsor Lawyers Feed the Hungry” program.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 17:
Sunparlor Home Auxiliary Pasta Dinner at Colasanti's Tropical Gardens, 5 -7 pm. Music by Riverlights Harmony Chorus. Door prizes and dessert. Price is $12 for adults, $8 for children 5-12. Tickets available from any Auxiliary member or at the Sunparlor Home Kozy Korner Shop. Auditions for "Godspell" from 6-9 pm at Theatre Intrigue Society, 1441 McDougall Ave., Unit 3, Windsor. Come prepared to sing your favourite song(with accompaniment or acappella). You may also present a monologue(2 minutes). Bring your sheet music and a recent photo of yourself. Call 519-252-3244 or 519-945-6870 to book your audition time.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18:
The Essex County Purple Martin Society will meet on Saturday at 9 am at Orchard View Golf Course, 1357 County Rd. 32, west of Ruthven. Members are asked to bring their “Colony” stats for the year. The public is welcome. For further info please call 519-776-5777. Arthritis Society offers a course on managing chronic, arthritis pain, 10 am till noon for 6 consecutive Saturdays, in Leamington at United Communities Credit Union, 141 Erie Street South or in Windsor at Motor City Community Credit Union. 6701 Tecumseh Rd. E. Cost $35. Must register, call 1-800-321-1433.
"The Mom Show", 10 am-3 pm, 146 Talbot St. S., Essex. Free admission. Visit the website at www.themomshow.ca. Heart & Sole Stroll 11 am at the Pelee Island Winery. Walk, Bike or Run. At the end of the route receive a complimentary lunch and two glasses of wine. Entertainment is provided. Prizes awarded to those who raise the most money. Register individually or as a family. A minimum of $30 of sponsors for individuals or $50 for a family. Help support Cardiac Equipment at Leamington Hospital. Registration forms available at the Foundation office - 519-326-2373 EXT. 4143 or 4300.
Learn why Point Pelee is considered a migration magnet on the "Marvels of Migration" hike at from 8-9:30 a.m. Walk with a park interpreter and search for migrating birds, dragonflies, bats and Monarch butterflies. Starting point is the Visitor Centre. For ages 8 and up. Cost is $14.70 per person. Preregister by calling 519-322-2365, ext. 0. Are your children curious about migration? Explore the Tip of Point Pelee for dragonflies, hawks and butterflies with a park interpreter on the Family Migration Hike. Starts at the Visitor Centre and takes place from 2-3 p.m. Cost is included with park admission, no registration required. Art in the Court Expo at Leamington Court Retirement, 1 Henry Av., from 1 – 4pm. This event will feature many local artists and galleries. Admission is $5, all proceeds to the Arts Council Windsor and Region. Refreshments, hors dʼ oeuvres, entertainment and some great prizes to win. Broasted Chicken Dinner at Olinda-Ruthven, 1907 Queen Blvd, Ruthven, from 4:30-7pm. Adults $13.50, Children $6, under 5 free. Take out available. Call 519-326-2506/ 519326-4570. Yes, we are air conditioned.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 19: Essex County Orchid Society meeting at our new location, St. Stephensʼ Church Hall, 5280 Howard, Windsor, south of Hwy 3. An experienced hobbyist will inform you on “Dealing with Uninvited Guest on your Orchids”. Starts at 1:30 pm, open to the Public. New members welcome: single membership $20, $25 for a couple. Refreshments. For more info call Julie 519-727-6343 or visit www.essexcountyorchidsociety.webs.com
The Kidney Foundation of Canadaʼs Give the Gift of Life Walk at Colasantiʼs Tropical Gardens. Registration at 9 am, walk begins at 10 am. Visit www.kidney.ca/ontariowalk for details or call 519-977-9211.
Learn why Point Pelee is considered a migration magnet on the "Marvels of Migration" hike from 8 - 9:30 am. Walk with a park interpreter and search for migrating birds, dragonflies, bats and Monarch butterflies. Starting point is the Visitor Centre. Suitable for ages 8 and up. Cost is $14.70 per person. Preregister by calling 519-322-2365, ext. 0.
Are your children curious about migration? Explore the Tip of Point Pelee for dragonflies, hawks and butterflies with a park interpreter on the Family Migration Hike. Starts at the Visitor Centre and takes place from 2 - 3 pm. Cost is included with park admission, no registration required.
The Ruthven Apple Festival Steering Committee 18th annual Apple Bowl at Empire Lanes in Ruthven at 1pm. Put together your own group of four or five friends collect a minimum of $20 each in pledges and bowl. Great prizes for top pledges collected, 2 games of bowling and refreshments. For more info or to register your team, call Tony DeSantis, Manager of Community Relations with Community Living Essex County at 519-776-6486, ext 246.
The Kingsville Arts and Culture Development Association presents "NiteFlite", a nine piece classic rock band, including several musicians from the Chatham Community Orchestra. Concert held outside beside the Carnegie Building, 28 Division St. S., Kingsville from 4-6 pm. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Wine & finger foods available for purchase, a silent auction will be held. Donations will be applauded. The Essex County Federation of Agricultureʼs 17th Annual Farm Hiker Tour 10 am to 5 pm with five stops in central Essex County. This is a free, self guided driving tour of farms and other agri food operations in Essex County: a family operated fresh market vegetable farm, an orchard with winery, a historical museum, a second generation cash crop farm with sheep and a solar generation system as well as attend a community horse show. Maps, available at most large grocery stores allow you to choose which farm to visit first. Signs along the route will direct you to the next stop. All you need is a car, your hiker map and an open mind to truly enjoy the day. For more info call the ECFA office at (519) 776-5159 or visit www.ecfa.ca.
Two Creeks Conservation Area's annual Memorial Sunday, at 2 p m, north of Wheatley on Kent Rd 1. Anyone can attend the ecumenical service, which will dedicate trees planted in the Memorial Grove both this year and previously. The service, held under the pavilion, will feature inspirational music by well-known area singer-songwriter and recording artist Nicole Barron. Names of those for whom the trees are planted are read aloud. The grove commemorates important events and people in the lives of residents, and helps with the reforestation of the conservation area by planting native Carolinian tree species.
30th Anniversary Terry Fox Run is taking place at two locations in Essex County: Tecumseh - Green Acres Optimist Park, 13731 St. Gregoryʼs Road. Registration starts at 8 a.m. Windsor - Ford Test Track, 1700 Chandler Rd. Run is open from 8 a.m.to 2 p.m. Opening Ceremonies at 9 a.m. For more information, visit www.terryfox.org.
Motorcycle Ride for Multiple Sclerosis, to benefit MS Society Windsor-Essex Chapter. Registration takes place at 8am at Dominion Golf Restaurant, 6125 Howard Avenue, Windsor. Start time is 10:30am. $20 Rider/$15 Passenger, includes full course dinner following the ride, prizes, 50/50 & more.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 20:
The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit is offering a two hour Parenting Your Preschooler workshop on helping preschoolers develop coping skills for life. Held at the Essex Civic Centre, 360 Fairview Ave. W,, Room C, Essex, from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Workshop is led by a Public Health Nurse and is free, but registration is required. Register online at www.wechealthunit.org or call 519-258-2146 ext. 1340.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23:
Foster Care and Adoption Information Night from 7 pm - 9 pm. Ontario Early Years Centre, 47 Talbot St. W.. Wheatley. Registration: Windsor - Essex Children Aid Society 519-2521171 ext 2740.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24:
Girlsʼ PJ Party hosted by the Talbot Trail Theatre Company. Come dressed in your favourite pyjamas and enjoy a night filled with food, music & fun. , 5-9 pm, Wheatley Baptist Church, 47 Talbot St. E., Wheatley. Ages 6-12. Karaoke, nail painting, fun music, hot dogs & more! Cost is $15 per child. Reservations strongly suggested. Call 519-825-7433.
SATURDAY & SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 & 25: Treasure Hunting & Flea Market, 9 am - 5 pm. Donation $3, children under 12 free. Free parking, refreshment. Held at the Heritage Village, 615 Arner Townline, County Rd. 23, Essex. 519-776-6909, 1-866-776-6909. www.swoheritagevillage.ca.
“If You Could Read My Mind” Gordon Lightfoot
Vanilla cake with chocolate mocha icing, ice cream cake, chicken or fish. These are the personal preferences of our two children who happen to share the same birth date, two years a part.
Lifestyles Lifestyles
From a very early age, we make choices that set us a part as individuals. As parents, we have a huge influence on our children, but in the end we sit back in awe as we watch who they are becoming!
This past weekend, our eldest daughter turned 21 and our son 19. Milestones to say the least! Where has time gone?
One quote that I read suggested that the first 21 years of your life are the longest. In terms of time, it certainly has not seemed long, but in reference to the personal growth both mentally and physically, it has been endless.
“At 19, everything is possible and tomorrow looks friendly.” – Jim Bishop
This stage of our young adult’s life brings about many challenges, not only for the child but for us as well. “Just like a paperback novel”. We may wish it were as easy as reading and following the script we have subconsciously written for them. Playing the part that we have envisioned sounds idyllic but is as unlikely to work for us, as it did for our parents.
Year after year, birthdays symbolize the rewriting of our child’s life, changing the script along the way. The princess and pirate themed parties have given way to a new cast of characters. Their lifelong friendships and goals are being established.
We have taught them endless lessons that include colouring within the lines, learning to skate and trying to be kind, to mention a few. The rest is up to them. We will always be there to make the cake and serve up some advice. Some things never change.
“Now the story’s played out like this
Just like a paperback novel
Let’s rewrite an ending that fits Someday, somehow.” – Nickleback
Rev. Henry Dueck
Rev. Henry T. Dueck, 79 years, passed away on Saturday, September 11, 2010 at the Leamington Mennonite Home.
Beloved husband of Helga (Driedger). Dear father of Marvin and Audrey, Paul and Linda, Ken and Marion, Elaine and Matthew Derksen, Luci and Hartmut Driedger. Loving grandfather of Elisa and Chad, Kristina and Adam, David, Angela, Emily, Sandra and Al, Stephanie, Peter, Timothy, Rachel, Esther, Hannah, Naomi, Miriam and 3 greatgrandchildren. Dear brother of Helga and Neil Voth, Lorie and Ken Mulroy, Victor and Chris Dueck, the late John Dueck and wife Win, and stepbrother of Anna Jantz. Henry will be missed by many nieces and nephews.
Rev. Henry Dueck faithfully served the Mennonite Church and agencies for over 55 years.
Visiting at the Reid Funeral Home & Reception Centre, 14 Russell Street, Leamington (519-326-2631), on Wednesday from 2-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m.
Funeral service to celebrate Henry’s life at Leamington United Mennonite Church, 78 Oak Street East, on Thursday, September 16, 2010 at 11 a.m. Officiating Pastors are Darrell Fast, Bernie Wiebe and David Dyck. Interment Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made by cheque to the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), UMEI or LUMC Building Fund. Friends may share memories at www.reidfuneralhome.ca.
On Sunday, September 12 at 10:30 a.m., St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Leamington held a special worship service called “Golden Confirmation Celebration” led by Pastors Thomas and Daniela Mertz. It was a holy communion service honoring all of the men and women who were confirmed at St. Paul’s between 1957 and 1967. There were 31 former confirmands in attendance. Pastor Daniela delivered a beautiful message entitled “Your Faith Journey in Life”. Each guest received a certificate and a special blessing was bestowed on them. The choir of St. Paul’s, directed by Liz Baumann, and accompanied by Frank Lasi (violin) and Pastor Daniela (flute), sang I Know Who Holds Tomorrow and Go Now In Peace for the service. Following the worship service, a dinner and fellowship was enjoyed by all. (Photo Submitted)
Council Briefs from Monday, September 13
(Continued from Page 2) sometimes heated process, since it is counterintuitive that adding even more water downstream will not worsen the upstream flooding that has already been experienced. It was apparent that there was agreement on some aspects: drain maintenance issues – in part due to the tornado – probably contributed to the flooding, the dense growth of Phragmites (an invasive species of grass-like reed that has expanded explosively in the area over the past couple of decades) is probably impeding drainage, and silting in both the Sturgeon Creek Drain and its tributary drains as well as in Sturgeon Creek itself may be contributing to the problems.
Finally, Leamington council decided to continue with the construction of the new drain, but instructed administration to immediately get to work on a report outlining all that can be done under the Drainage Act to address the perceived bottlenecks in the drainage watershed.
This issue will certainly continue to dog council until the end of their current term of office, but there appears to be consensus that the problem will be addressed and improvements made.
Firefighters “Fill the Boot” Campaign Gets the Go Ahead
This year the Leamington Volunteer Firefighters will be conducting their annual “boot drive” to raise funds for the Salvation Army on Saturday, November 6th (rain date Saturday, November 13th). At three intersections – Talbot St. W. and Elliott St., Talbot St. E. and Lutsch Ave., and Pulford Ave. and Erie St. S. – the firefighters will be soliciting motorists to contribute to this worthwhile charitable effort. Last year the volunteers were successful in raising about $10,000 for the Leamington Hospital Foundation. Let’s
Easy Feta Cucumber Salad
Crisp cucumbers and feta cheese tossed with Greek dressing - fast and delicious topper for any grilled meats or to serve as a side.
Makes 6 – 8 servings
8 SUNSET® Mini Cucumbers
4 oz crumbled feta cheese (about 1 cup)
1/4 cup of your favorite Greek dressing
1 (2.25 oz) can sliced black olives or 1/4 cup sliced Kalamata olives
1/4 cup chopped parsley
1/2 cup chopped roasted red peppers (optional)
Slice the cucumbers and combine in a medium bowl with remaining ingredients. Toss to mix evenly.
hope they are as successful this year.
Final Matters
At the end of the Town Council meeting a selection of items were mentioned and quickly dealt with. As the result of an in camera session earlier in the evening, council voted to permit Essex Power to allow Essex Energy to invest in shares in another enterprise. In a recorded vote, only Councillor Herb Enns was opposed. Councillor MacDonald did not vote on the matter, having declared a financial interest. This vote was necessary since Leamington is one of the shareholders of Essex Power.
There is a template available for the vision impaired to use to vote in the upcoming municipal election. This is merely one of a number of initiatives the town has taken to facilitate participation by individuals with physical limitations. For more information, just phone the town hall.
The town Chief Administrative Officer, Bill Marck, updated council on the various major projects the town has underway. For the most part they are on track, and all appear to be staying within budget.
The public is reminded that Friday, September 17, is Sports Jersey Day and people are encouraged to wear the team sweater of their favourite sport. Also, admission to the Sports Complex on Saturday, September 18 will be a mere 25¢ as part of the 25th anniversary celebration of the complex.
*Rebate amount will vary depending on the number of GE Profile™ Series Appliances purchased up to a maximum of $1,400. See claim form for a complete list of qualifying models. The promotion is only applicable to one (1) product within a product category. Additional purchases within a product category do not qualify for a rebate. Values based on pre-tax total spend on GE Profile™ Series major appliances as reflected on the retailer invoice. Manufacturer Rebate Offer. See a participating retailer for details.
Shelley Gabriele Gale & Rick Gale Owners
Two Culture Celebration/ Fiestas Patrias Festival
The Migrant Worker Community Program and community held the “Two Cultures Celebration / Fiestas Patrias” on Queen Street in uptown Leamington on Sunday, September 12. The “Two Cultures Celebration / Fiestas Patrias” festival is an annual event celebrating both the Mexican culture, native to the large majority of migrant seasonal workers and the Canadian culture of their host communities. The year 2010 marks two significant milestones in Mexican history - the Bicentennial of Mexican independence and the Centennial since the Mexican Revolution. Activities included live music including a Mariachi band, food, giveaways and a celebration of Mexican and Canadian cultures.
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The Henry Collection on display at the Arts Centre
An opening reception was held Thursday, September 9 at the Leamington Arts Centre for what is known locally as “The Henry Collection”. One of the most unusual legacies ever given to any community has to be one this one, provided to the Leamington Library just over a half century ago.
In 1968 the library, from the estate of Mrs. Caroline Henry, was given $100,000 plus over 350 artifacts. These artifacts were not simply the collection of items of historical Canada. For many years the Henrys travelled the world and collected artifacts from places even remote by today’s standards – India, China and Southeast Asia. And they also purchased from North American artists as well, mainly paintings and sculpture.
For decades the artifacts have simply been known as the Henry Collection by Leamington residents. Many of its well-known pieces decorated the upper shelves and walls of the Leamington Library for years.
In 2000 the Henry Collection became the property of the municipality and a home for the majority of the items was established at the Leamington Arts Centre.
In 2007 an expert evaluated every painting, jade, ivory and bronze sculpture, silverware, porcelain figurines, postcards and letters, and gave the collection an approximate value of $160,000.
Flower and Vegetable Show cancelled
The Tilbury & District Horticultural Society’s Annual Flower and Vegetable Show that was scheduled for Saturday, September 18 at Darrel S. Moffat United Church Hall in Tilbury has been cancelled. Due to the heat over the summer, entries for the show were very poor. The members decided at their Sept. 8 meeting to cancel the annual event.
Caroline Henry was a strong supporter of the arts and was an accomplished artist herself, witnessed in some of her own paintings in the collection including scenery from Essex County and Pelee Island. But she also appreciated fine art and bought paintings of value from European, Canadian and American artists. Some depicted North American scenes from the 19th century.
Other items from the Henry collection, particularly dresses and costumes, are on display at the Leamington-Mersea Historical Society’s facility on County Rd. 14 at Albuna.
You are invited to celebrate at the Open House for Carol Kreps’ 90th Birthday on Sunday, Sept. 19, 2010 at the Roma Club, 19 Seacliff E., Leamington from 2 pm to 4 pm. Best Wishes Only!
Leamington Arts Centre Director Chad Riley shows off two of the varied and valuable items of the Henry Collection.
(SUN Photo)