Santa Arrives at Mall

Santa Claus arrived by fire truck at the County Fair Mall on Saturday December 3, 2011. Santa will be at the mall the next two Saturdays from noon until 4 p.m. and also Thursday December 22, 3-8 p.m. and Friday December 23 from 11 to 4.

Graffiti blemishes fairgrounds

The Leamington Fairgrounds grandstand is apparently not immune to vandalism. The facility was tagged with several vulgarities and graffiti last week. The gym building was also affected in this spree. Anyone with information on this crime should call the O.P.P. or the fair board office. A reward is being offered for information leading to the apprehension of those responsible.

Author signs War of 1812 book

As the 200-year anniversary of the War of 1812 quickly approaches, interest in the local investment in the war is picking up steam. On Friday, December 2, 2011, former Leamington resident and author, Sandy Antal, sitting, spoke about his latest book, "Invasions", which depicts the Essex County involvement in the famous war between the British and the Americans. Antal spoke about the strategies and promises that lead to the local militia being thrust into the middle of the war to defend their land. Much of what happened in the war shaped the county as we know it today. Here, Antal signs a copy of his book for Carolyn Coad and Nellie Jenkinson. The presentation and signing was held at the Pelee Days Inn and was hosted by the Essex County Historical Society.

Lions girls hockey

The Leamington District Secondary School Lion's girls' hockey team is enjoying a perfect start to this season. On Thursday, Dec. 1, 2011, the young ladies made it 3-0, with a 5-1 win over Lajeunesse. Shailyn Waites led the Lions' offence with two goals, with Jillian Iles, Erin Reid and Alyson Skidmore adding singles. Alissa Reid, above, with saves like this, earned the win in net.

Legion News

We would like to thank everyone for precipating in the Remebrance day services. It was very much enjoyed to see the

Leamington High School all there, the choir, the band, the hospitality and the students that paraded with the names

of all the service men names on the cenotaph.

We still have the Friday night darts, starts at 8 pm. cost $2. The sign up sheet for Zone Euchre on December 17th in

Essex. Put in a team, cost is $5 per person.

The members X-mas party is December 10th at 2pm. There will be a raffle for two very nice X-mas prizes, tickets on sale now.

There are still tickets for both Xmas dinners for the Seniors on December 14th. Times are 1 pm to 4 pm and 5 pm to

8 pm, cost id $7, with Gord Ciliska playing.

The next two General meetings are December 7th and January 4th at 7 pm. The executive meeting December 21th at 7pm.

Pet of the Week - Desiree

Another young girl looking for her forever home, Desiree is a one-year-old German Shepherd/Terrier mix with stunning brindle markings. Described as a very quick learner who is calm and has very good manners, we think she'd make a beautiful addition to any home. If you agree, please come visit Desiree at the Humane Society today. Photo Courtesy of Angie Chauvin Photography.

Toys For Tots Radio Auction

92.7 Max FM is getting ready to once again host the Leamington and area Toys for Tots radio auction. A half-dozen different gift packages will be auctioned off during the event on Friday, December 2 from 7 am to 10 am. with all the proceeds going to Toys for Tots. Volunteers will use the money to buy gifts for older children who usually don't receive as many gifts in the drop boxes.

"It's one of those community efforts that doesn't get as much publicity as it probably should, so the auction is a great way to shine a light on the fine work done by the group," said Max FM Program Director Cordell Green. "Usually we raise about $4,000 during the auction. However, this year Toys For Tots is getting a large number of requests so we're hoping to top our normal total." Items up for auction include hotel stays across Ontario, a BBQ, and packs of gifts for kids include build-a-bears, Too-Too and wand from "Young and Fabulous" in LaSalle, and a gift certificate from the Jean Academy.

"We're hoping businesses get involved in the event as well. It's a good way for businesses to help a good cause and get a little exposure at the same time."

People can listen during the auction to hear which items are up for bid, and then place a bid by calling 519-326-6171.

Bach’s Christmas Oratorio an almost authentic first hand report

by Lloyd Brown-John

It was late in December in 1734 in the city of Leipzig, Germany. It was a snowy, cold, evening and Johann Sebastian Bach (know to his intimates as "J S") had been working for days on a new musical composition. "JS" was looking for another hit after his success with his "Magnificat in D" of 1723.

The family was all gathered around the open fireplace, smoke permeated the room, candles burned in the windows and all awaited "JS's" return after his promise of a great new piece of music for the family that very evening.

Eventually J S Bach entered the room and proudly announced (this is translated more or less from the original German transcript of his conversation), "Hey Guys, have I got a great new Christmas Oratorio for you!"

"Wow, Dad!", said Johann Christian Bach (he was the 11th and youngest son among "J. S. Bach's 18 children–Hey, great composers can take time out from music now and then!). "Wow", exclaimed J. C. Bach, "a new Christmas Oratorio just for us?"

"Well, not quite Son #11, I actually wrote it so the Windsor Symphony Orchestra could perform selections from it in Leamington, Ontario, Canada," on Saturday, December 10th, 2011, at 7:30pm".

"Where's Leamington, Ontario, Dad?"

"Son, it's just down the road from Kingsville or–if you prefer–up the road from Wheatley".

"That's very generous of you Dad, but maybe you had better explain this ""Oratorio" music thing."

"Oh come on JC, you know what an Oratorio is–Handel wrote one his is called the 'Messiah'–mine is probably better and should do well in Christmas sales. But, in case you've forgotten, an Oratorio is religious music for singers, orchestra and chorus. It tells a story Son. This one I've written for the WSO's Leamington concert is based upon the biblical story of the Nativity."

"Yeah, OK, Dad, singing you say, but who is singing in Leamington?"

"Well, funny you should ask, it being December 1734, I wasn't sure until I checked out the WSO online and found that Soprano Virginia Hatfield, Mezzo-Soprano Maria Soulis, Tenor Joseph Schnurr, and Baritone Giles Tomkins. And, the Conductor–coming from way up north in Toronto –that's also in Canada. He is considered to be one of the best Conductors of mystyle of music in Canada, Kevin Mallon. And, because they are so splendid, I'm bringing in Joel Tranquilla and the Windsor Classic Chorale. This is going to be one cool Christmas Oratorio performance my Son– Hey, get your finger out of the plum pudding!"

"Well Karl was scooping plums out a few minutes ago, Dad! Oh, and by the way where in Leamington is the Oratorio to be performed?"

"Great place–I've had some of my best music performed there before–the Leamington United Mennonite Church on Oak St. East. The Conductor's baton will be raised at 7:30pm".

"How much is the show in old gold marks?"

"Tickets are 10 gold marks or $30 for Adults ($25 for Seniors and $15 for Youths). There should be a few tickets at the door but Maestro Mallon anticipates a sell-out for this spectacular event".

"Sounds great Dad–your Christmas Oratorio in Leamington, Ontario—but, hold on-- has Canada been discovered yet? And, Oh! Now, can I have spoon for the plum pudding?"

"By the way, if Bell invents the telephone in time you will be able to call the Windsor Symphony for tickets at: 519-973-1238."

Saturday, December 10th, 7:30pm. Leamington United Mennonite Church for Bach's "Christmas Oratorio. "Be There!" (To be said in a deep, tough, raspy, 'monster truck' male voice).

"Hey Dad, this pud's got brandy in it!"

Town hopes for meeting with ministries, MPP on processing waste in fields

by Mike Thibodeau

Special to Leamington Post

Leamington council has said it will do all it can to get provincial officials to meet to discuss the problems of vegetable waste dumping on farm fields.

Last week council was told the situation on a Mersea Road 6 site is as bad as it has ever been with flies and smell.

And resident, Angie Gabriele, said efforts to get any provincial authorities to act have been fruitless.

If it were to happen in the urban area, the town would act, said Gabriele.

About 25 residents were in support of Gabriele's efforts at council.

He said he cannot understand in view of the huge piles of waste sitting in the field, that the ministries involved, ednvironment and agriculture, can issue permits approving it.

Mayor John Paterson told the residents the municipality too "runs into the same brick wall" in trying to get the agencies responsible to act.

He suggested that newly elected MPP Rick Nicholls may be able to "work through the bureaucracy."

"We are dealing with people who do not have a social conscience," said Deputy Mayor Charlie Wright.

"It's a constant frustration ...the ministry of agriculture sets all the rules...they have the trump card" said Councillor Hilda Macdonald.

She also indicated that another approach taken was to contact the processors who produce the waste about the problem of its disposal.

"They just say they'll move out of town," she added.

But two local processors were credited with taking action on where their vegetable waste goes.

"Heinz and SunBrite have complied," said Paterson.

Processing and other waste is not just limited to that one site. Councillor Rick Atkin said residents on the 10th concession "are also experiencing the same problem."

Council was told that another farm site on County Rd. 34 between Leamington and Wheatley has a pile of agricultural-related refuse and that a local waste hauler has recently been sent to jail on a related charge and the company heavily fined.

Andrew Banar continues to ‘Rock On’ for charity

What started as a means of earning money for college has taken on a life of its own for Andrew Banar.

The young man, who has Down Syndrome, was looking for a way of combining his love of drawing and music to earn a little extra money to attend college when he graduates from Cardinal Carter Secondary School.

So with the help and support of his mom, Karen Pickle, Andrew turned one of his now famous 'Rock On' drawings into a design for a few dozen t-shirts.

The business, Group Hug Apparel, has grown into a fund raising business — responsible for donating thousands of dollars to local hospitals and charities.

Karen said it was Andrew's own health-related challenges, and his time spent in various hospitals, and the support from many community organizations that convinced the family to give back to the community that has offered so much care and support to Andrew and the entire family.

Because of this, Andrew was recently honored as one of the 'difference makers' by the Rick Hansen Relay during the Windsor leg of the journey.

He had a chance to meet other 'difference makers', as well as see the medal and gloves worn by the Canadian hero 25 years ago during the original 'Man in Motion' journey.

Andrew recently presented donations to We Care for Kids, Community Living Essex County, Hotel Dieu and Windsor Regional Hospital.

He also branched out and his line of Group Hug Apparel is now available locally at the 'Love Bug Children's Shop'.

Karen said the store will carry a select assortment of his rock inspired apparel in toddler sizes.

For further information visit www.grouphugapparel.com.

Task force looks for suggestions to Pelee Island health care dilemma

By Pat Bailey

Sylvia Pearce was disappointed in the turnout for the Erie St. Clair LHIN's meeting on Pelee Island health care Wednesday night at Leamington District Memorial Hospital.

"I'm sure this will be translated as a lack of interest," she said. Instead, she blamed a lack of advertising for the poor turnout.

With an audience of about a dozen, members of the Pelee Island Health Care Task Force were linked electronically with a similar meeting being held simultaneously on the island — one seeking public input on options to provide health care to the island residents.

While Pearce is not a year-round resident on the island — she does own a cottage there. As a senior, Pearce said she is concerned about her own health and the welfare of her family members when they are visiting the island.

"I'm getting older," she said, "if I had a stroke or a heart attack I want to be able to get off the island."

Ideally, Pearce said she would like the health care service on the island return to how it was before the summer's interruption.

"It's not brain surgery," said Pearce. "We don't need to reinvent the wheel."

Pearce said the system they had in place worked well on the island — with a nurse available eights hours a day, seven days a week.

But Pelee Island Mayor Rick Masse said with changes in health care "we need to look to the future".

The current nurse serving the island, Marlene Pierce, came out of a short-lived retirement until Dec. 31, when they hope a solution has been found to care for the islanders and visitors.

And those heading up the meeting all agreed that Pierce was an extraordinary nurse who went way above the call of duty.

Dr. Todd Sands said it's not realistic to expect an individual to work the number of hours required to staff the clinic.

He said that's why the 19-member task force worked so hard to come up with viable options to help resolve the health care dilemma on the island.

At Wednesday night's meeting, members of the committee presented several of the 50 options discussed by the committee.  To read more go to www.leamingtonpostandshopper.com.

Homestead’s Handmade Holiday Gifts! Unique Items Available for Sale

Looking for some unique items for this year's holiday giving season? Consider giving local, handmade items from the John R. Park Homestead. The Homestead is taking their gift shop on the road, and for one special day, will be available for purchase at the Essex County Civic and Education Centre in Committee Room A. Select items will be available for purchase including many unique, high-quality, locally handmade items. A few of the featured items will be: hand woven scarves and rugs, hand spun and hand knit toques, mittens, and slippers, woven baskets, holiday cards, wooden toys and games.

Persons wishing to browse the wares can come to the Essex County Civic and Education Centre on Monday, December 5th from 11:30am – 1:30pm. The travelling trunk of goods will be on display in Committee Room C. Purchase your gifts with cash, credit, debit or cheque.

"Buying locally is the ultimate in 'green' giving!" exclaims Janet Cobban, Homestead Curator. "It supports local businesses, artists and crafts persons, reduces your carbon footprint and helps the local economy."

As another alternative to traditional gift-giving, consider breaking away from the ordinary and giving a gift of nature?

These gifts of nature not only provide you with an opportunity to purchase meaningful, responsible gifts during the holiday season, they help protect and restore the environment right here in Windsor, Essex County, and Pelee Island.

Gift giving options include the Gift that Honours, supporting local restoration, the Deed to the Greenway, supporting local trail development, and Friends of Conservation, a monthly donation of being green 12 months a year! Gifts of Nature are also available online at www.ourgreenlegacy.org.

Bounty of the County Trade Show A Big Plus for South Essex

By Bill Gay

Its been said on occasion that Canadians seem to have a permanent inferiority complex, especially in comparison to our enthusiastic friends south of the border. We have much to be proud of and the recent Bounty of the County annual trade show is the type of event that builds confidence and points the way to future success. Make no mistake, our solution to remake our battered economic is found in two sectors, agriculture and automotive. The Bounty of the County put on by organizers at the Essex County Associated Growers highlight to industry watchers and the public in general the advances in the greenhouse industry that will keep Leamington number one in North America. I'm tired of MBA educated witch doctors who advise our senior politicians and encourage wrong decisions like reneging on providing the power the area needs to bring increased prosperity and strengthen our local food production.

Our farmers are the most productive, most open to new ways of doing business than any other. What we need is a voice along the lines of former agriculture minister Gene Whelan, to tell the world just what we can grow here. Groups like the Essex County Federation of Agriculture are on the move with initiatives like the Buy Local campaign guiding consumers to buy directly on the farm. Farmers markets in downtown Windsor and Amherstburg are first class success stories. Farm tours give urban residents the opportunity to see just how sophisticated our farming community is. Supporting our local farmers is good for our the local economy and makes life better for everyone. However, many times when farm groups show senior levels of government problems that need to be addressed the response is "Lets park that idea for a while and get back to it later". Later often never comes.

Our automotive industry is coming back splendidly. Have you ever wondered why our Big 3 automakers get such a rude reception by people in high places? Author Arthur Hailey in his best selling novel Wheels gives this description of the automotive capital of Canada. "on the Canadian side, across the river, grimy Windsor matches in ugliness the worst of its U.S. senior partner." Enticing, isn't it? The media also suffers on close analysis. Despite posturing that always comes with a contract year, too much attention is given to incidents like the recent exchange between Chrysler Chairman Sergio Marchione and the Canadian Auto Workers leadership. Make no mistake an equitable collective agreement will be reached and there will be no strike. Demand for Chrysler's hot selling line-up, like the Windsor built minivan, is just too good to fool with. Back in another time of trial for the automakers, then Chrysler chairman Lee Iacocca went on television with the message that North American manufacturers can build quality to compete with foreign makers. Iacocca looked America right in the eye and stated, "if you can buy a better car, buy it." Locally about the same time, I was at an organizational meeting for the "Buy the cars your neighbours help to build campaign." This initiative was common sense thinking then, even better economic strategy now. There is something invigorating to see an industry get its act together with a benefit to all.  To read more go to www.leamingtonpostandshopper.com.