The Chatham Voice, March 7, 2024

High praise for Homecoming

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

Provincial recognition for Buxton’s 100th anniversary of Homecoming proved to be the icing on the cake for the centennial event.

Held over the Labour Day Weekend last September, the event drew several thousand

people from around Ontario and parts of the U.S. to celebrate their heritage, their roots, family history and the Underground Railroad.

During Black History month, the Ontario Heritage Trust and the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario presented organizers of Buxton’s Homecoming with an Excellence in Conservation

Award.

According to provincial officials the award was handed out “for demonstrating community leadership by driving heritage tourism in 2023 to one of the province’s most significant historical Black communities, and for their commitment to doing so over the previous 100 years.”

Michelle Robbins, curator of the Buxton National Historic Site, said the award put folks on cloud nd to be nominated in the first place. It was definitely a surprise, but a great

feeling,” she said. “We were just so proud of everything that has come before us and all the people who have planned homecoming year after year.”

Robbins said the North Buxton community works hard to make Homecoming the success it is.

“It is definitely a community effort. The amount of time and effort that goes into planning this is a lot,” she said. “We start planning in January for the September event.”

Despite the workload, people are happy to do it. Robbins credits the volunteers for mak-

ing it possible.

“We do it with open arms. We have an amazing committee of volunteers,” she said. “It really goes to show how important the history of this community is.”

The reward for the hard work is immediately seen on the faces of those who attend.

“The amount of descendants who have never been here before and have never met other relatives, it was amazing to watch every person just smiling and happy and full of life,” Robbins said.

Dog park considered for Tilbury

There may be more happy, happy dogs in West Kent if a new off-leash dog park comes to fruition.

To that end, Chatham-Kent

is currently accepting public comment to create a dog offleash recreation area (DOLRA) in the community of Tilbury.

A DOLRA is a fenced area where pet owners can exer-

cise their dogs off leash within a controlled environment with contravening municipal bylaws. The proposed location is at Kirkham Park on Lyon Avenue, on the site of the former ball diamond.

Contributed image Buxton Homecoming and municipal officials accept their Excellence in Conservation award recently in Toronto, presented by the Ontario Heritage Trust and the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario.

The Chatham Voice

Consultant to review size of council

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

When it comes to Chatham-Kent council, size matters.

So do boundaries and proper representation of rural and urban residents.

That was the collective decision of council Feb. 26, following a lengthy discussion on a motion brought forward by North Kent Coun. Rhonda Jubenville.

The motion, decided upon after a couple of friendly amendments, directs a third-party consultant to examine various options for the makeup of council in the future, possibly redrawing C-K’s ward boundaries. At present, council has 17 councillors representing six wards, plus the mayor.

South Kent Coun. Ryan Doyle, who seconded the motion, said his constituents also brought up decreasing the size of council when he was campaigning.

While some councillors, as well as Mayor Canniff, agreed council should periodically examine its governance similar to the provincial and federal governments, others were strongly opposed.

Veteran South Kent Coun. Trevor Thompson said that while he thought the motion was well intentioned, it doesn’t do anything to “alleviate the issues.”

“I feel we need to do better as a council formation to reflect our unique situation and move forward with a better plan to eradicate the rural/urban divide that exists in Chatham-Kent.”

- Coun. Rhonda Jubenville

When asked by Thompson, how much it would save taxpayers by cutting five councillors, municipal clerk Judy Smith said it would save the average C-K resident $4.50 a year.

In her original motion, Jubenville sought to decrease the number of councillors to 12 but that detail was walked back after fellow Ward 4 Coun. Jamie McGrail said the municipality shouldn’t be giving the consultant a directive.

“I’m a little worried telling the experts what to do,” McGrail said. “I think we should leave it open for the expert’s opinion.”

Jubenville said she brought the matter forward as it was something she heard repeatedly on the campaign trail. She also compared C-K council to London and Windsor, which have 12 and 10 councillors respectively. She also used the example of Greater Sudbury. It has a larger landmass than Chatham-Kent and a population of 166,000 residents compared to C-K’s 104,315. The northern Ontario community has 12 parttime councillors representing 12 wards, plus a mayor.

“I feel we need to do better as a council formation to reflect our unique situation and move forward with a better plan to eradicate the rural/urban divide that exists in Chatham-Kent,” Jubenville said.

ing, he added, but agreed the municipality does need to examine the issue from time to time.

Prior to amalgamation, Thompson said the area was represented by 45 politicians. Another downside of a smaller council is that it makes its easier for politicians to consolidate votes and power, he said.

“It’s a lot harder to wrangle 17 of us, isn’t it?” Thompson said, noting the “more eyes” you have on an issue, “the better.”

East Kent Coun. Steve Pinsonneault, whose ward is the largest geographically in C-K, said blending rural and urban wards could lead to a Chatham-centric vote, calling it a “recipe for disaster.”

should include consideration of respecting communities of interest, and options to ensure both rural and urban voices are represented and included in each ward, as well as other potential options taking into account community consultation and best practices.

Council also heard that time is of the essence, as the report and recommendations would need to be in place before the next municipal election in 2026.

Several councillors agreed the

undertaking won’t save any money. According to chief administrative officer Michael Duben, the most basic review will cost around $60,000.

Jubenville isn’t the first councillor to raise the issue. Downsizing the number of C-K councillors, has come before elected officials a few times since amalgamation in 1998.

C-K administration will begin the process of finding companies that do the type of work required.

Thompson noted that while cities such as Windsor have a larger population, its landmass is small compared to Chatham-Kent.

“This is a big council, I won’t deny that,” he said. “There’s a lot of different views. That’s because we’re so geographically separated from each other.”

Figuring out boundaries to include representation by population (45 per cent of C-K residents live in Chatham) with a blend of rural/urban voters in each ward would be challeng-

“I go to all the events and it’s a lot of area to cover and if it ends up being one person covering the whole thing, you will end up with a fulltime councillor,” Pinsonneault said. “There’s no cost savings.”

Split into two after plenty of input, the first part of the motion narrowly passed in an 8-6 vote. It stated that a consultant reviews the existing size of council membership to decrease the size of council, providing various options.

The second half of the motion, which passed 11 to 3, said the review

30-year fix chosen for Talbot Trail

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

The long-awaited fix to reopen an erosion-ravaged section of Talbot Trail is a go.

At its Feb. 26 meeting, Chatham-Kent council

approved a recommendation to spend $4 million to create a new section of roadway to facilitate the reopening of the lakeside road between Coatsworth Road and Stevenson Road.

The decision was met with applause from spectators attending the meet-

ing, many who dressed in red as a show of support for administration’s plan.

Both West Kent councillors voiced their support for the plan.

Coun. Melissa Harrigan recalled the “frustration” felt by the community when the road was closed in 2019, calling it one of the “first tragedies” to affect Wheatley area residents.

“We really need to be thinking of the broader community and the links between our communities when we’re making these choices,” Harrigan said, noting Chatham-Kent faced some hard decisions on the matter.

Coun. Lauren Anderson said she’s “honoured” to be part of the solution to the inconvenience posed by the detour area residents have experienced

since the Talbot Trail section was detoured.

“Ultimately, this is the best solution,” said Anderson, noting she doesn’t see another alternative that makes more common sense.

A total of nine deputations on the matter were presented to council at the meeting, but not all were in favour of the plan. Some of the residents who spoke urged the municipality to continue with a proposal supported by the previous council that would have moved the road inland.

Dr. John Mann, a retired engineer who helped lead the charge against that option, commended staff and council on being open to an alternative solution. His farm would have been bisected by the original proposal.

He told council the majority of residents are in full support of the latest recommendation.

“The Talbot Trail is a historic heritage highway,” Mann said in his comments. “It doesn’t just belong to those who live there or along it, it belongs to everyone in Chatham-Kent who uses it.”

That original plan – referred to as the 100-year fix – was estimated to cost $40 million and would have led to the expropriation of privately owned farmland and woodland.

It recommended building a new two-lane rural arterial roadway from Ellerbeck Road to Stevenson Road, following the existing 2nd Concession Line.

By contrast, the approved fix is being called the 30year solution. It moves

the highway 72 metres away from the shore and requires purchasing property from only two landowners.

The affected section of Talbot Trail was closed by the municipality in July 2019 due to safety risks posed by slope and road failure due to the unstable bluff along Lake Erie. Since that time, traffic has been rerouted away from the lake around a greenhouse operation.

Because of the closure, C-K launched a Class Environmental Assessment study in February of 2020 that was completed in May of 2023.

Following council’s endorsement, the EA study addendum will be finalized and notices will be sent to all property owners within the study area.

‘They don’t

Public peppers York1 officials with questions over proposed landfill

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

Kerry Mall isn’t satisfied with the response he got from York1 officials at a March 1 public information regarding the proposed expansion of a landfill near Dresden.

“They don’t have any answers,” the local businessman told The Chatham Voice at the session attended by hundreds of area residents. “We are not happy with that; the community is not happy with that.

“You can see it here,” Mall said as he gestured towards the noisy packed hall at the Ken Houston Memorial Agriculture Centre.

Mall, who had a heated exchange with York1 vice-president of environmental George Kirchmair, got straight to the point.

“Why are you even coming here?” Mall asked Kirchmair. “Why do you want to disturb a small town?”

York1, a large Mississauga-based firm specializing in demolition and the recycling of soil and construction waste, currently has two applications before the Environmental Registry of Ontario to expand the scope of an existing permit at the site located just north of the community at 29831 Irish School Rd. The applications ask the province to allow a “regenerative recycling facility” that would bring in 6,000 tonnes of non-hazardous waste per day for recycling, with additional capacity for 1,000 tonnes to be landfilled, and that the site be used for waste disposal, with a capacity for 1.62 million cubic metres, averaging 1,000 tonnes per day.

The Friday meeting was the second public information session put on by York1. There was no seating available at the event. Instead, attendees filled into the hall in a long line to speak with company representatives at separate information tables.

Both York1 proposals ask for

permission to run the facility around the clock, seven days a week. Local residents fear the effect truck traffic will have on the community, as well as impacts to water wells and to the sensitive Sydenham River watershed that’s home to several species at risk.

Critics estimate that there will be upwards of 150 trucks a day travelling to the site.

When responding to questions from Mall and others about why Dresden was chosen, Kirchmair said York1 was contacted by former owner Mark Smith, who operated Waste Wood Disposal Ltd. since 1991. It’s reported that Smith sold the business to the company in October 2023 for more than $2 million.

According to a York1 information handout, the province issued the original landfill permit to the Town of Dresden in 1970. Historically, the site was used as a tile yard to make clay tiles.

When responding to Mall and others, Kirchmair admitted the proposal is asking for a “high” amount of waste tonnage.

“That is the amount we’ve ap-

plied for operational flexibility,” Kirchmair told Mall.

“When you make an application to amend an existing application permit, you don’t do them every day. You don’t do them every year. You apply for flexibility looking far into the future,” he said. “We bought an existing recycling facility that’s been here for 50 years.”

While tensions ran high inside the meeting, outside a spirited crowd lined North Street, waving homemade signs bearing the “Say no to the dump” message.

Among them were Mike and Angie Richards, who own a 164acre property abutting the York1 site, directly to the east.

The couple said they were approached by real estate agents to sell the land last fall, but despite being offered “millions,” they’ve vowed never to sell to York1.

According to Angie, who is a trustee for the Lambton Kent District School Board, the pair

was offered $35,000 an acre for the land, whereas similar farmland was selling for $21,000 an acre.

“We realized there was more to it because the price was so high,” Angie explained. “That tells you there is something else going on.”

The couple, who have a son who farms, wants to keep the land in the family.

The Richards say they won’t stop fighting the proposal.

“Our kids, our community, our land, our waterways are way more important,” Angie said.

Two farms already changing hands. York1 officials have said

these will be used as a part of a buffer zone for the facility.

Following a unanimous decision to and vehement opposition by C-K council Feb. 26, Mayor Darrin Canniff has fired off a letter to Ontario Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks Andrea Khanjin Feb. 29, asking the government to reject York1’s proposal. However, if the government okays it, Chatham-Kent wants the province to place the proposal under the Environmental Assessment Act and undertake a full assessment to ensure impacts are “fully evaluated before a decision is made.”

Do they have the guts for this?

Here is our prediction on what will occur in terms of a re-examination of the size of Chatham-Kent council: nothing.

Nada.

Zilch.

Sure, council has asked a consultant to examine the format that features 17 councillors and one mayor. But that report will eventually come back before council, where it will be killed.

councillors at the time preferred to retain their own fiefdoms.

At least this time around North Kent Coun. Rhonda Jubenville got the matter in the hands of a consultant, and has several other rural councillors backing her.

Why? Think of the last time you saw politicians make a decision that could potentially put them out of work?

For us, the only one that immediately jumps to mind was back in 1996 in Australia. Following a horrific mass shooting, the conservative federal government stepped in to quickly enact strong gun-control laws.

Many politicians there paid the price for doing what was right (Australia has not seen any mass shootings since).

But here in North America, it is all about job preservation. Too often, it trumps doing what is best for the public.

That was the case in 2015 when then-Chatham Coun. Derek Robertson brought forward a motion to cut back on council size and have all councillors represent a mix of rural and urban constituents. He wanted a consultant to review it, but all rural

Still, we remain very skeptical. The job-security-seeking naysayers were quick to state it would save only a little money for each ratepayer.

Some councillors said they were concerned Chatham, with 45 per cent of the population, could have too much of a say if council were to be overhauled and reduced.

None of them made mention of the fact Chatham has essentially been underrepresented around the table since amalgamation. Six of 17 equates to about 35 per cent.

That disparity has left us with no tree-cutting bylaw, despite having the lowest forest cover in the province, and a lower agricultural land tax rate than most of the rest of the province, despite the fact we boast some of the most fertile land.

Certain interest groups appear to have the ears of certain rural councillors. A shift in council size and representation could change all that, and put some of these councillors out of a very well paying part-time job.

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Editor: Patience: Having such a trait could end up being a training program in our schooling system. That’s to say if current incidents continue to carry on and possibly grow. Practically every recorded message one encounters when contacting many businesses, health care and government agencies includes a warning to behave yourself. I’ll combine these three groups people contact under the acronym BHG (business, health, government).

omit any advertisement without notice or penalty to either party.

Liability for errors or non-insertion is limited to the amount paid for the cost of space occupied by the error.

member of:

These message warnings cite consequences that many befall you launching a verbal attack on the employee who answers your call. And rightly so. It is appalling and disgusting to have to incorporate warnings in society today. Anger issues are multi-generational. We all need to take a deep breath and be calm during interactions. To lose one’s patience and blast an employee

who just happens to answer your call is childish and idiotic. If you’re not satisfied with treatment or results following a calm discussion, then move up the ladder to the person’s supervisor. Sure, it takes time, but if you are justified, keep moving up the ladder if necessary.

auto messaging prior to the wait time for someone to answer.

When I eventually spoke to someone to book “doc time,” I asked about the warning’s inclusion. She told me anger issues have arose beyond acceptance.

It’s so easy to lose patience and allow anger to flame in many cases today. But for the number of such anger incidents to instigate warnings throughout the BHG, that’s beyond frightening.

This “me-me-me first” trend needs to be curtailed. People have to use a brain cell or two to understand others are in line as well.

I recently contacted my family doctor’s clinic. Shock shook me when for the first time an anger warning had been included in the initial

One patient had been removed from the clinic registry due to unnecessarily flying off the handle.

The clinic personnel also stated how it made no sense to them. It is difficult to obtain a family doctor in Chatham-Kent. Why would anyone push anger limits to the point of losing access to a health clinic?

A recent visit to Chatham’s Life Labs displayed a staff of dedicated, friendly professionals. When asked, the nurse working on me stated the lab received far too many impatient patients.

C-K seeks to cut our trash output

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

Chatham-Kent is moving towards a green bin program to divert organic waste from landfills.

It’s good news for the environment, as local residents are generating more waste than ever.

In an information presentation to municipal council recently, the municipality’s manager of waste management outlined next steps towards achieving the provincially mandated directive to divert at least 50 per cent of urban-generated organic waste by 2025.

Huda Oda told council the goal is “very ambitious” considering the fact the municipality is in the feasibility study phase. This year, staff will examine the development of a curbside green bin program, investigate a backyard composter program and explore a rural organics diversion system. Recommendations will come back to council by year’s end, Oda said, and this may include procuring two green bins for

each urban household, one for indoors and one for the curb.

The report outlined the fact that C-K has generated 25 per cent more garbage in 2021, compared to 2015.

When asked why by Chatham Coun. Alysson Storey, Oda said it’s believed “the increase is due to consumption.”

The figure is sobering as landfills are rapidly filling up across Ontario.

“If we continue at the same rate to generate waste – if we don’t do anything major – then we’re going to require about 16 new landfills,” Oda told council, to cover the province’s garbage output for the next 30 years.

Starting a landfill from scratch takes 10 years, she added.

Oda explained that about a third of Ontario’s waste is organic. Organic waste consists of leaf and yard waste, food waste and some personal hygiene waste, Oda said. Converting organic waste away from landfill is usually done through anaerobic digestion or composting, and the recycled material

Drop the anger

Continued from page 6

I’ve been told the same anger attacks have been directed at pharmacy personnel as well.

What’s next? Installing warnings on personal home messaging receivers?

Anger is a trait human beings all share to some degree. Yet, how it’s handled obviously varies. The BHG individuals are human, too, but are expected to control themselves with each and every call.

As stated before, there are steps one can take if not satisfied with treatment from BHG workers.

is primarily used by the agricultural community.

In previous years, the municipality offered backyard composters but the program was discontinued because of a lack of popularity.

Oda said neighbouring municipalities are on

board with the provincial mandate. London launched its city-wide program in January of this year and Essex-Windsor is preparing for the same in 2025.

An estimated 98 per cent of Ontarians have access to a curbside leaf

and yard waste program and around 78 per cent have access to a curbside “green bin” pickup program for organic waste. Chatham-Kent falls into the group of municipalities who do not.

Oda said all of the garbage collected in Cha-

tham-Kent ends up in the Ridge Landfill.

C-K collects leaf and yard waste at the curb from eight communities and offers depot collection at nine locations. There are also eight municipal waste drop-off depots (transfer stations).

Such steps take time (and patience). Yet a complaint process can create long-term benefits for oneself and others. When it comes to rants and childish verbal attacks, there is no excuse. People need to mature and remember they are one of many seeking services of some type. Who would have ever thought a piece of history from Second World War Britain would become so relevant in current world society – Keep calm and carry on.

Randy Coote Chatham

Public can book Camp Vincent

By Michael Bennett Local Journalism Initiative

The Ridgetown Independent

Camp Vincent is re-opening this summer as a rental facility, with plans of returning as a youth summer camp in 2025.

The camp, located on Longwoods Road south of Bothwell, has not operated since the summer of 2019. COVID-19 pandemic restrictions forced the camp’s closure from 2020-22 and an attempt to re-open last summer was unsuccessful due to a lack of registrants and staff.

“Our kids are too important. We feel we should give it another try,” said Patricia Pook, president of the St. Michael’s-St. Paul’s (Ridgetown and Thamesville) Conference of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Particular Council Kent Deanery. “We can’t do enough for the kids who need help and a place to go.”

“Camp Vincent is a place where they learn leadership skills and how to be confident .... and to have fun,” Pook said.

The camp committee, however, felt it was best

to regroup and develop a solid plan to revamp the youth summer camp program that the local St. Vincent de Paul Society has provided since 1971.

To help raise funds to support the summer camp’s return, the committee is opening its 67-acre facility for family and group rental camping this

spring and summer.

“We’re open to anyone who wants to rent it – families or small groups – for week or weekend camping, special events, day camps, even if someone wants to run a sports camp.”

- Patricia Pook

“We’re open to anyone who wants to rent it – families or small groups –for week or weekend camping, special events, day camps, even if someone wants to run a sports camp,” Pook said.

She said the committee is in the process of establishing packages and pric-

MPP Trevor Jones

Chatham-Kent-Leamington

HAPPY MARCH HAPPY MARCH

ing, which will be posted on the camp’s website. Renters will have full use of the camp’s amenities, including 10 well-ventilated cabins, each with a washroom, and each sleeps eight.

The camp also features a recreational hall, kitchen and dining halls, new washroom and shower facility, craft building, canoe pond, saltwater swimming pool and a huge open playing area with a baseball diamond, volleyball and soccer fields.

The 67-acre property, located on the Thames River’s north shore, features several walking trails through its forest area.

The campgrounds have previously been rented out to families and groups for special events. Pook said past renters will be contacted to make them aware of the camp’s availability this season.

The camp will be open for rent from May through September.

While the camp has not operated since 2019, St. Vincent de Paul has still had to pay taxes, insurance, utilities, and maintenance over the last four seasons.

“There is a group of people who have worked really hard through this, volunteering at the camp and working on getting the buildings in perfect condition,” Pook said. But with no revenue

from the four-year closure, the Society has felt the impact of the financial crunch.

St. Vincent de Paul was forced to sever and sell off two parcels of land last year in order to pay off the mounting expenses with limited income.

The Society is investigating available grants and will contact past individual and business donors to bring them up to date about the reopening plans, with hopes of renewing their donations.

There is a GoFundMe online account that people can visit at www. gofundme.com and type in Camp Vincent in the search icon to donate.

Pook said the next order of business is to hire a maintenance manager to oversee the camp’s physical needs and then hire a camp director.

“The first thing we’re trying to do is get enough money to keep the camp going. The next step will be hiring a camp director,” she said.

The camp director will begin working on a business plan to welcome kids back to the camp in 2025, which will include hiring staff, developing programs, raising funds and attracting campers.

Anyone interested in renting a cabin or the campgrounds for a larger group activity this summer can visit campvincent.ca.

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TJ Stables to grow its agri-biz

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

Chatham-Kent has approved a zoning amendment that will allow TJ Stables to expand its agri-tourism services.

At the Feb. 26 council meeting, officials approved a change that will allow the facility to offer fundraising events and festivals, weddings, Indigenous tours and programs, and retail services including a farmer’s market and overnight stays, including sleeping in bunkies or camping.

The landmark equine facility on Gregory Drive East in Chatham has offered horse-backing riding and lessons, therapeutic ‘Acceptional’ riding programs and summer

camps for almost four decades. It’s also the home of the renowned Canadian Cowgirls Elite Rodeo Style Drill Team, and in recent years has offered a unique Indigenous Spirit Horse encounter.

According to Terri Jenkins, who shares the business with partner John Basden, the change allows TJ Stables to diversify.

“John and I are getting near retirement age,” Jenkins told The Voice recently. “We’ve got a wonderful trained staff and this will help the business grow going into the future.”

Jenkins said the couple will still be involved.

“We’ve been horsing around for 38 years,” Jenkins joked. “We want TJ Stables to be as successful as it can be.”

Chatham Voice file photoe

Aislynn Bourdeau made some new friends at TJ Stables during the 2023 March Break Day Camp, including Spirit Horse Animiki, the one she is riding. Council has approved zoning that will allow the stable to expand its agri-business.

Evans acquires Harold North

The Chatham Voice

Evans Wholesale has recently scooped up Harold North Trucking.

These two Chatham operations have a long tradition of excellence in service with strong community ties.

Both Evans and Harold North are valued employers in Chatham-Kent.

Founded by Harold North in 1972, the latter has been operating for the past 25 years by brothers Tim and Rick North.

As Harold North has been in the direct store distribution business, it makes them the ideal fit for Evans.

Over the last six months, Evans has initiated an aggressive restructuring program to remain com-

petitive in today’s evolving distribution landscape.

In addition to the amalgamation of the two companies, they have appointed a new president and CEO, Bill Mathewson.

“Mr. Mathewson brings a new vision and team to the company that will lead Evans in rapid growth and expanded commercial footprint to the operation,” as company founder Andrew Evans said in a media release. “I am excited about the vision of growth and

opportunities that are in front of us.”

Evans Wholesale has launched a new website as well as a customer online ordering portal.

With the acquisition, Evans will now offer outbound and inbound refrigerated U.S. freight, as well as express refrigerated freight services.

Highgate firm receives boost Meat processing in East Kent is getting a boost from Canada and Ontario.

According to recent media release from Chatham-Kent-Leamington MPP Trevor Jones, Highgate Tender Meats Ltd. is receiving up to $76,000 as part of the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural

Partnership. A joint effort between the federal and provincial governments, the funding aims to help meat processing businesses and abattoirs undertake upgrades to increase production, efficiency and food safety. As part of the Meat Processors Capacity Improvement Initiative (MPCII), the cost-sharing funds will go towards purchasing a slicer, sausage mixer, hot dog stunner, mixer, sausage stuffer, new doors, freezer coils and doors, a saw, humidifier, and meat smoker cart.

A total of 151 meat processors are receiving

cost-sharing MPCII funds with a goal of improving the meat processing system.

Dawson named to NPSOA

Dave Dawson of Instant Print in Chatham has a new feather in his business cap.

Dawson, 52, was recently elected as a director at large for the National Print and Sign Owners Association (NPSOA).

Like many NPSOA members, Dawson is a second-generation print owner. His father started the business in 1978.

“Being a print owner wasn’t a “longtime

dream,” but when I graduated, an opportunity came up within the business. I took a little while, but I now love the business and the industry and couldn’t imagine being anywhere else,” Dawson said in a media release. Dawson is the first Canadian director to serve on the NPSOA Board.

• Business Voice is a bi-monthly column in The Chatham Voice that highlights some of the achievements made and efforts underway in Chatham-Kent’s business community. Send your information to bruce@chathamvoice.com.

Straight Talk with Nathan McKinlay

In our column, we often share the insights, stories and encounters experienced at the Funeral Home and beyond. We are blessed to be able to help families of all different faiths, backgrounds and walks of life through their grief journey. At a time of loss, people are often either at their best or at their worst, and families tend to either come together or come apart. Working with grief and death day in and day out can be challenging. It is certainly not a job for everyone and not everyone can cut it. We are fortunate to have been able to hone and train a team of compassionate and passionate, authentic and hard-working professionals to serve our families. Our greatest asset is our team. As such I only felt it appropriate to highlight some of the individuals that I am fortunate enough to work with.

- Nathan

Last week we were out celebrating the birthday of a very key member of our team - Mary Ellen Myers. I am prone to telling anyone who will listen that I have the best mother-in-law in the world and by publishing this here I am simply being consistent on a larger scale. Mary Ellen is a ‘Drew’ from Merlin and married Bob Myers from Prairie Siding. In addition to birthing and raising her daughter (thanks for that) and being an amazing grandmother to our four boys, Mary Ellen has a tireless work ethic that was clearly passed on to her children.

As a Reception Team Leader, Mary Ellen helps us coordinate the funeral lunches at our Chatham and Blenheim reception centres and helps coordinate the logistics for offsite receptions at any number of locations throughout Chatham-Kent. When she is not working receptions, she can be found working visitations and is often deep cleaning any one of the funeral homes, usually before the sun comes up. Every morning during the pandemic, she would come in early and sanitize the buildings before anyone else came in to work (and I do mean every morning). She did have Christmas off though - the grandkids were pretty insistent. Thank you, Mary Ellen, for letting me into your family and for everything you do for us. We love you!

Trust the Professionals.

International

Women’s Day

International Women’s Day (IWD) was started in 1911, and remains an important moment for working to advance women’s equality with the day belonging to everyone, everywhere. InternationalWomensDay.com

International Women’s Day celebrates the broad spectrum of achievements in every area by women around the world. It also serves as a call to action for propelling progress toward gender equality.

Purple, Green and White are the colours of International Women’s Day

Purple = justice and dignity

Green = hope

White = purity

The colors originated from the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU) in the UK in 1908

1. Thank the women who have a positive impact on your life

2. Support a woman-owned business

3. Donate to an organization that supports women

4. Host a Learning Session

5. Make Creative Thank You videos

6. Share uplifiting International Women’s Day quotes

7. Send thank you cards

8. Catch up for coffee

The campaign theme for International Women’s Day 2024 is Inspire Inclusion.

When we inspire others to understand and value women’s inclusion, we forge a better world. And when women themselves are inspired to be included, there’s a sense of belonging, relevance, and empowerment. Collectively, let’s forge a more inclusive world for women.

World-renowned feminist, journalist and activist, Gloria Steinem, reportedly once explained: “The story of women’s struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor to any one organization but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights.”

So together, let’s all help fight the good fight. All IWD activity is valid, that’s what makes IWD so inclusive. Join in and make IWD your day by doing what you can to support and advance women.

Organizations, groups, and individuals worldwide can all play a part - in the community, at work, at home, and beyond.

On an individual basis, it’s important to understand, value and seek out the inclusion of women and girls. Additionally, sharing this knowledge, support and encouragement with others is key.

To truly include women means to openly embrace their diversity of race, age, ability, faith, body image, and how they identify. Worldwide, women must be included in all fields of endeavour.

Collectively, let’s #InspireInclusion for women and girls everywhere.

“I AM WOMEN”

March 8 & 9th

Chatham Armoury

ZONTA CLUB:

“I AM WOMAN” MARCH

March 8 - 4:30pm

Meet at the clock downtown (King & 5th) Walk to Sweet C’s to enjoy a treat cross at 3rd and return to Cenotaph cross the bridge to the Armoury. Bring a friend. Wear purple. Make some noise. No Cost to particpate!

“I AM WOMAN” CELEBRATION

March 8 - 5:00pm

Selected interactive booths/vendors

Wear comfortable clothing and footwear that allows you to move and dance! 6:00pm: Welcome & inspirational message. Dance class. Party, lip sync battle and networking to follow! $5 minimum donation at the door.

SHELEADS: VENDOR EXPO

March 9 - 10:00am-2:00pm

Support women led businessess, local charities and organizations. Interactive booths and vendors Food and drinks options for sale. $5 minimum donation at the door. Proceeds benefit Chatham-Kent Women’s Centre.

Community Events

Thursday, March 7, 2024:

• The 62nd Annual Lenten Noon Hour Interdenominational Service at Christ Church, 80 Wellington St. W., Chatham 12:10-12:35pm, followed by a sandwich luncheon in the parish hall. The theme this year is “The Peace That Passes All Understanding.” The speaker this week is The Rev. Mike Maroney, First Presbyterian Church. Free will offering to help Outreach within our community.

• Merlin Legion Br. 465. 519-689-4884. Jam Session from 1-4:30pm. All are welcome to attend with a donation of $2. 4-7pm: New 1lb Wing Special with Fries $8.85+tax= $10.00. Homemade Panzerotti + Menu available.

• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham from 11:00am-9:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch 11:00am-1:30pm. Come check out our daily specials. Senior Euchre starts at 1:00pm. Everyone is welcome.

• New Circuit Training class at 1pm. Active Lifestyle Centre. $3 for members $5 for non-members.

Friday, March 8, 2024:

• Merlin Legion Br. 465. 519-689-4884. Delicious 5pc Perch or 3pc Merlickin Chicken or Combo (3pc Perch & 2pc Merlickin Chicken). Served 4:30-7pm. Serving every Friday during Lent.

• Kent Branch of the Ontario Genealogy Society meeting 7:00pm-8:00pm.

Speaker: Cameron Alam. Title: Storytelling Our Ancestors: Genealogy in Fiction. For more info on the history behind the novel, visit: https://www.cameronalam. com/ Link to Register: kent@ogs.on.ca.

• St. Ursula Knights of Columbus Council 9551 Fish Fry (yellow perch). 4:30-6:30pm. $25 per person. 7-12 years $15. Under 7 free. Tickets at St. Agnes Church office on Croyden St or call 519-401-8260. Limited tickets at the door. Maximum 150 meals per event. Proceeds to Special Olympics coming to Chatham.

• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am-9:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch 11:00am–1:30pm. Supper served 4:00-6:00pm. No orders after 5:30pm. Tonight’s specials Meat Loaf Dinner or Fish & Chips, $13.00. Take out is also available by calling 519-351-8733 or 519-351-5639. Everyone Welcome.

• I A M W OMAN M ARCH . Celebrate International Women’s Day with a walk down King Street. Meet at 4:30pm at the clock on the corner of 3rd Street and King, ends at the Armoury with party and fun.

Saturday, March 9, 2024:

• Morning Breakfast Program at First Presbyterian Church (corner of Fifth St. and Wellington). A delicious and nutritious breakfast served free of charge from 9:30am-11:00am, serving indoors, no take out. Wheelchair accessible.

• Merlin Legion Br. 465. 519-689-4884. Merlickin Chicken plus menu served 4-7pm & appetizers from 7-9pm. Entertainment 7-10pm “The Marquis”. Entry is free with appetizers available for purchase call 519 476-5870 for info.

• 5th Annual Friends of Chatham Gathering starts at 12:00pm until ?. KBD Club, 34 Byng Ave., Chatham. Free Admission. Come out and help support The Chatham-Kent Hospice.

• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am–9:30pm. Meat draw at 3:30, 4:30 and 5:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch 3:00pm.–5:30pm. Entertainment by Unity Station from 4:30-9:30. Everyone Welcome.

Sunday, March 10, 2024:

• Kiwanis Club of Chatham-Kent is sponsoring a free skate at Memorial Arena from 10-11:30am.

Tuesday, March 12, 2024:

• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am–9:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch 11:00am–1:30pm. Today’s special is Spaghetti with meat sauce. Euchre at 1:00. Evening Shuffleboard or Euchre starting at 7:00pm. Everyone welcome.

• Chatham-Kent Public Library’s Wallaceburg branch is excited to announce a special March Break ‘Learn to Curl’ storytime in partnership with the Sydenham Curling Club (SCC). 2:30-3:30 pm, directed toward children ages five to eight, but all are welcome. For more info or to register, call 519-354-2940 or contact your local library branch.

Wednesday, March 13, 2024:

• NEW Macramé class at the Active lifestyle Centre 9am Wednesdays. Registration required Contact (519)352-5633.

• Come join us at The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham from 11:00 a.m.– 9:30 p.m. The kitchen is open to serve lunch from 11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Our daily special is meat loaf Dinner. Come check out our other daily specials. We have Fun Darts at 7:00 p.m. Everyone welcome.

Thursday, March 14, 2024:

• Retired Workers Chapter Meeting are the perfect opportunity to enjoy coffee and baked goods and visit with friends and former fellow workers. Keep up to date with the community, pensions, benefits and info provided from informed leadership and guest speakers. Spouses are welcome. 10:00am at the Unifor Local 127, 405 Riverview Dr., Chatham.

• Bill’s Place Community Space Drop-In. 330-630pm. Come spend some time in a 2SLGBTQIA+ safe space 48 Centre St., Chatham. Hang out, have a coffee, do your homework, ask a question, read a book, or chat about life or what we’ve been working on. Get some clothes from our Out of the Closet program, use the Community cupboard & more! No RSVP needed! Come & go as you please. All ages & allies welcome.

• The 62nd Annual Lenten Noon Hour Interdenominational Service at Christ Church, 80 Wellington St. W., Chatham 12:10-12:35pm, followed by a sandwich luncheon in the parish hall. The theme this year is “The Peace That Passes All Understanding.” Speaker this week is The Rev. Paul D. Shaw. Free will offering to help Outreach within our community.

• Merlin Legion Br. 465 – 519-6894884- Join us for a fun filled afternoon with the Jam Session from 1 to 4:30pm. All are welcome to attend. A donation of $2. From 4 to 7. NEW - 1-lb Wing Special with Fries $8.85 + tax = $10.00 Homemade Panzerotti + Menu available.

• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am-9:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch 11:00am.–1:30pm. Senior Euchre 1:00pm. Everyone is welcome.

• NEW Circuit Training class every Thursday at 1pm at the Active Lifestyle Centre. $3 for members $5 for non-members

Send your events to michelle@chathamvoice.com or bruce@chathamvoice.com

Fun Stuff

53. Unwise

54. Most supernatural

56. “Dennis” is a famous one

57. Ointments

58. Exam

59. Leaked blood

CLUES DOWN

1. Baseball managers assemble it

2. Revised

3. Mountain is a popular kind

4. Takes to civil court

5. Pouches

6. A type of veil

7. Chants

CLUES ACROSS

1. Chaps

5. Currently fashionable

9. Collision

11. More slim

13. European city

15. Implicitly

16. The side of something that is sheltered from the wind

17. The Mount Rushmore State

19. Gold or silver wire cord

21. Muscles along insects’ diaphragm

22. Trent Reznor’s band

23. Sweet juicy gritty-textured fruit

25. Broken branch

26. Indicates ten

27. Expression of annoyance

29. Brings together

31. Ancient city in Thrace

33. Sailors’ spirit

34. Looked into

36. Muckraking woman journalist Rheta

38. A type of cast

39. One’s responsibility

41. Where golfers begin

43. Make a mistake

44. Semitic Sun god

46. Ancient Italian-Greek colony

48. Beheaded

52. A place to stay

8. Boston hoopster

9. Elongated appendage

10. Sailboat

11. 2017 Oscar -winning film

12. Actor Gosling

14. Monetary units

15. Assembly

18. Russian pop duo

20. Embellished with expressions

24. Infrequent

26. Temperature unit

28. Hydrophilic amino acid

30. Honk

32. Legislative body

34. Swinish

35. Russian assembly

37. Take over for

38. Put in advance

40. Satisfy

42. Felt

43. Dutch cheese

45. Witnesses

47. Strong insects

49. Gasteyer and de Armas are two

50. Ancient people of Scotland

51. Cheerless

55. Sick

Puzzle answers found on page 15

Classifieds

Happy Birthday

Vendors Needed

VENDORS NEEDED:

Mother’s Day

Michael Badder

54, Thursday, February 22, 2024

Life Transitions

Events

Chuck Wranich

93, Friday, February 23, 2024

Badder Funeral Home

Marie Groleau

91, Sunday, February 18, 2024

Robert Covemaker

75, Wednesday, February 28, 2024

Life Transitions

Karen Spanswick

Thursday, February 29, 2024

Badder Funeral Home

Mary Jane Day

69, Saturday, February 24, 2024

Wanted to rent or buy 1 or 4 acres of land in Chatham-Kent area. No buildings or utilities needed. Rural area preferred. 519-3525414 or 226-6275414.

Life Transitions

Garry Jinkerson

82, Tuesday, February 27, 2024

Nicholls Funeral Home

Raymond Ingram

72, Wednesday, February 28, 2024

McKinlay Funeral Home

Eunice Stirling

96, Monday, February 26, 2024

McKinlay Funeral Home

Audrey McPhail

77, Thursday, February 22, 2024

Ministry

Redeemer of Love Ministry has a Christian male support group for males struggling with sexual addiction. Coffee and bible study weekly. Prayer line open 12am-7pm daily and a fellowship pot sharing meal on Sundays at 6pm. A house based ministry call Doug for more info 519354-3532, if not in, leave a message, your call will be returned.

Nicholls Funeral Home

Vendor Sale Extravaganza. May 11th, 2024. St. Ursula Parish, parking lot, Chatham, ON. Cost for spot $30 up to March 18th, and $35 after March 18th. Contact 519-352-7175 or 519-436-0738.

For Sale

Wanted to Buy: Antiques, costume jewellery, gold, silver, coins, military, furniture, tools. We Buy All - Paid Cash. 519-727-8894.

Fernanda Dos Santos Lopes (Evans)

75, Saturday, February 24, 2024

Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home

Bob Wilton

78, Friday, February 23, 2024

Blenheim Community Funeral Home

Colleen Buchan

McKinlay Funeral Home

Daniel Beecroft

80, Thursday, February 22, 2024

McKinlay Funeral Home

Sharon Ruth Pritchard

66, Thursday, February 22, 2024

McKinlay Funeral Home

Jim Cooper

Silk Cemetery Saddle Arrangements. Everyday/ Holidays.

Wanted Lessons

Beginner Guitar

89, Tuesday, February 27, 2024

Blenheim Community Funeral Home

Darryl Bell

80, Saturday, February 24, 2024

McKinlay Funeral Home

Richard Carter

Lessons. Call 519917-2339.

Handymand Needed for a number of smalls. Hourly.

Chatham 519-3970928.

Help Wanted Rentals

Mature candidate only. 2 bedroom in split level. No pets, no smoking. $1600.

More info call 519355-1395.

Sell your items in the classifieds.

Starting at only $6.00 plus tax! Call today 519-397-2020!

This week’s puzzles found on page 14

Ready-to-go. Many colours available. $40. 519-354-3411

Difficult Situations

73, Wednesday, February 21, 2024

Kendrick Funeral Home

Winston Smith

84, Wednesday, February 21, 2024

Kendrick Funeral Home

John Plamondon

71, Tuesday, February 27, 2024

Alexander & Houle Funeral Home

Janet Cunningham

67, Saturday, February 24, 2024

Alexander & Houle Funeral Home

Joan Pollock

97, Saturday, February 24, 2024

Alexander & Houle Funeral Home

Julia Moutain

78, Friday, February 23, 2024

Alexander & Houle Funeral Home

Bryan Burgess

79, Friday, February 22, 2024

Alexander & Houle Funeral Home

Thursday, February 22, 2024

McKinlay Funeral Home

James Roby

82, Friday, February 23, 2024

McKinlay Funeral Home

Michael Volkes

77, Saturday, February 24, 2024

McKinlay Funeral Home

Marilyn Stoffyn

81, Monday, February 26, 2024

McKinlay Funeral Home

John Michael Nikitiuk, Sr

88, Saturday, February 24, 2024

McKinlay Funeral Home

Oliver McCollum

86, Wednesday, February 28, 2024

McKinlay Funeral Home

Sherry Gobert

68, Wednesday, February 2, 2024

McKinlay Funeral Home

Thamesville - 519-692-4222

Badder Funeral Home & Reception Centre

Dresden - 519-683-4444

Badder & Robinson Funeral Home

Bothwell - 519-695-2716 Visit us:

John C. Badder Funeral Home