Volume 134 TUESDAY, MARCH 9, 2010 No. 10
A Division of Canwest Publishing Inc.
Joe Frei returned from Vancouver recently after working as the skate sharpener for Olympic hockey teams. Pictured, Joe (right) and Rob Taylor of The Naked Fish Market display the Olympic flag signed by many of the players. The flag will eventually be displayed in the Kingsville Arena.
A job well done has earned Joe Frei a ticket to Russia. The Kingsville native has been asked to be NHL-great Jaromir Jagr’s personal skate sharpener.
Jagr, currently plying his trade in Russia’s Kontinental Hockey League, will fly Joe to Russia and provide him with lodging.
Joe spent the month of February in Vancouver where he was responsible for the skate sharpening of all the Olympic ice hockey teams. It was the second straight Winter Olympics Joe had been asked to work at the games.
“We did a lot of work for the Czech team,” said Joe of his early involvement with Jagr. “He was so impressed, he wanted to fly me out to Russia.”
Joe is currently working on getting his Russian work Visa and hopes to know by the end of the week if he will make the trip overseas.
It’s an exciting time for Joe who will be taking time away from work at Brian’s Custom Pro in Windsor. He says he’ll be back at the end of the hockey season, but as for the future, it’s unclear.
“There’s a possibility Jagr might come back to the NHL next year,” said Joe. Opportunities like this are coming frequent for Frei who is widely regarded as the best at what he does.
Closer to home, Joe travelled to Vancouver with an Olympic flag, presented to him by Rob Taylor, owner of The Naked Fish Market.
Many local residents initially signed the flag. In Vancouver, many members of Olympic hockey teams from all countries signed the flag. It will now be framed and displayed in the lobby of the Kingsville Arena.
“A lot of people came in and asked if they could sign it,” explained Joe of the flag. “We had it laid out in the room and it got a lot of interest.”
Being a part of such a successful Olympic Games on Canadian soil is something Joe will always value. He’ll also never forget where he was when Canada won hockey gold.
“Seventh row to the right of the U.S. bench,” he replied. “I’ve never heard an arena that loud.”
Being good at what he does has already provided Joe Frei with many rewards. At 31, he has many years ahead as his reputation continues to grow.
Joe Frei’s work leads to overseas offer
Jim Shean announces candidacy for Mayor
By Steve I’Anson
Jim Shean last week became the first person to throw their name in the pot for the 2010 Kingsville municipal election. Shean, 65, a retired OPP police officer, is seeking the position of Mayor.
Jim was born in and educated in Kingsville before attending St. Clair College, Canadian Credit Institute, OPP College, Ontario Police College and Canadian Police College.
Though he has never served on a municipal council, Shean has lots of experience on committees and in management. He has chaired several committees including the Ontario Cancer Society Ride and Stride in 2000.
He has received several commendations for his efforts over the years, including being recognized by the OPP and Governor General of Canada.
“I’m running because I believe it’s important to offer people a choice and I welcome as many candidates as want to be there,” said Shean. “I’m open-minded, a good listener and I will be very accessible.”
Shean has a background in retail management and business, having worked for several financial institutions. He worked as an OPP officer and is a life member of the Police Association of Ontario.
Jim has stated he will run a relatively low-key campaign.
“My campaign will be discreet and modest with no lawn signs and to telephone solicitations,” he said. “I will not interrupt, intrude or inconvenience the solitude of residents by knocking on doors.”
Shean stated he will be advertising and sending out mailouts regarding his stance and issues.
Among the causes Shean supports are punctual attendance for elected officials, fiscal responsibility of tax dollars and scrutinized spending. He supports freezing the Mayor’s salary during the 2010-2014 term and a two-term limit for the Office of Mayor.
Jim is also fully supportive of an effective physician recruitment program, student employment, maintaining three community libraries, and preserving the Carnegie Building to promote local art and culture.
“There’s a lot of talent in Kingsville,” said Shean. “I think we can expand on that and give it a place to shine.”
Jim will also push for a Driver’s License and OHIP renewal office in Kingsville and an effective community and neighbourhood watch program.
Among the issues Shean is opposed to are wind farms in Lake Erie, elected officials controlling their salary increases and the Harmonized Sales Tax. Shean vows to lobby the province to lower the PST from eight per cent to five per cent.
“I enter the 2010 campaign with the enthusiasm of participating with others in offering a choice,” he said. “I will give my best effort in working to offer cost-effective, community-spirited programs for our residents.”
Serving Kingsville and Area since 1876
Mailing Address
17 Chestnut St.
Kingsville, Ontario
N9Y 1J9
Phone Number 519-733-2211 Fax Number 519-733-6464
Email Contacts
News and Sports: NSantos@canwest.com
SI’Anson@canwest.com
Advertising: RSims@canwest.com
IN THIS WEEK’S EDITION ON NEWS STANDS:
Retiring EMS chief lauded
Sandy McIntyre to run for Council
Emerson Drive coming to Migration Hall
ATI business feature
