Letttoers Sa&nta
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157 Talbot St. E. Leamington
519-322-2555
www.petespaint.ca
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Vol. 9, Issue 48
IT’S
FALL
FURNACE
MAINTENANCE
TIME
• PLUMBING • HEATING • • HVAC SERVICES • 1 Iroquois Rd., Leamington
519-326-6054
Wednesday, December 19, 2018
Section A
FREE
In the spirit of giving Several members of the Southpoint Capitals Bantam Major hockey team played Santa on Saturday, Dec. 15, volunteering at the Talking Over Turkey giveaway. From left to right: Mitchel Bierer, founders Deanna and Mike Diab, Logan Munger and Seth Olson. (Southpoint Sun Photo)
Talking Over Turkey giveaway helps 609 area families By Pat Bailey
Windows & Doors CANADIAN MADE
• EAVESTROUGH • SIDING • • INSULATION •
LEAMINGTON – The Highbury Canco property on Sherk Street became much more than just another parking lot on Saturday, December 15. It became a ‘judgment free’ zone — one reserved for merriment and community spirit. There were Christmas carols wafting through the air, lots of holiday greetings and heartfelt thanks that made the chilly winter day just a little warmer. While many were busy doing their last minute shopping, more than 45 volunteers were Talking Over Turkey to make sure 609 area families will be well fed for Christmas. For Mike and Deanna Diab of Ruthven, what started as an exercise in ‘paying it forward’ two years ago has snowballed from 50 turkeys to more than 600 turkeys plus the fixings. The couple couldn’t wipe the silly grins off their faces. While they had worked hard to secure donations, storage, transportation and packaging of the family feasts, the results made it oh so worth the effort. In the giveaway they dubbed Talking Over Turkey, slated to kickoff Saturday at 11 a.m., the
lineup began about two hours earlier. There were no stipulations to the giveaway — just having a need. And Mike said the term ‘need’ is very subjective, and they just hoped it will help local residents enjoy a family dinner on Christmas Day. For the Diabs, it was all about family and fellowship. While much of the behind the scenes work began long ago, the Diabs arrived onsite with the food about 7:30 Saturday morning. By 9 a.m., Deanna said a line began to form. They began the giveaway a little earlier than expected in an orderly, cordial fashion. The Diabs said they were overwhelmed by the generosity of the community, whether it was by donating turkeys or other food items, making financial contributions, providing freezer space to store the turkeys, assisting with the transport of goods, packing the boxes or volunteering at the giveaway itself, it was just one more example of the community stepping up for those a little less fortunate. Southpoint Capitals jerseys stood out in the crowd. Young men, many donning Santa hats,
were busily carrying crate after crate to the cars of the recipients. About 15 members of the Bantam Major team took time out of their day to lend a helping hand. Coach Kevin Gale beamed with pride as the young men shared the team-bonding exercise of volunteering in their community. Gale said one of the hockey moms suggested they assist with the event and Gale said everyone was immediately on board with the idea. With a game scheduled for later in the day, Gale said events such as this offer the young athletes a perfect opportunity for a team-bonding experience. The line moved swiftly as volunteers hoisted box after box of the holiday meals. Before 1 p.m., all 609 turkey dinners had been picked up. The Diabs were a little disappointed that a few people showed up after the last dinner had been spoken for, walking away emptyhanded. While the Diabs felt bad about that, they were ecstatic about the success of the event and the number of volunteers and donors who came together to offer a chance for more than 600 families to share in a special meal on Christmas Day.
Leamington Council opts in for cannabis stores By Mike Thibodeau
1964 Rd. 3 East, Kingsville
519-326-8551 (west of the new roundabout)
Mon-Fri 8:00am-4:00pm • Sat & Sun CLOSED
www.tmurrexteriors.com
LEAMINGTON – Unlike other local municipalities, Leamington Council has “opted in” to be approved for a cannabis store. But that decision by town Council on Monday
night, Dec. 17, was overtaken by another recent announcement from the provincial government that said it would not allow any licenced stores in municipalities of populations under 50,000 at this point. Council’s decision came following a lengthy discus-
sion that featured numerous speakers, both for and against the move. The province had told municipalities they must make a decision by Jan. 22 if they wanted to opt in to allow stores. Municipalities that opted out could opt-in later, although the province
has said it will only allow 25 stores to open at first. Several councillors indicated that in view of the province’s population rule, Leamington should simply delay any decision. “It will give us some breathing room,” suggested Councillor John Jacobs.
But Councillor Tim Wilkinson said he still wanted to hear from the delegates at the meeting. Pastor Dan Tamburo told councillors he was aware of the economic benefits, but asked if the town (Continued on page A5)
14 Mill Street East Leamington, Ontario, N8H 1R7 519-322-2251