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Squash, gourds and pumpkins abound at R & V Vegetable stand on McNaughton Avenue West near Prince Albert Road, a sure sign fall is here.

Tenants, landlord team up

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

The COVID-19 pandemic has taken away many elements of “normalcy” in Chatham-Kent, but in at least one case, it has helped bring people together.

At Belvedere Apartments on McNaughton

Avenue East in Chatham, the pandemic ultimately contributed to a closer group of tenants, a better relationship with the landlord, and a peaceful patio area on the back of the property.

Sharon Chapple, one of the tenants, said she is part of a group of tenants that began to sit outside,

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socially distanced, about four months ago.

“We started sitting outside in May, usually in the afternoons. It started out with two chairs, four chairs and we stopped at five,” she said.

The group began sitting around behind the building in a quiet section of the parking lot, but shift-

ed towards a small flower garden on the southwest side of the property.

“We decided to move to a grassed area near a flower garden. There were maybe six or eight of us,” she explained.

“The landlord stopped by and said, ‘You guys need a patio.’”

Continued on page 3

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

With nearly 680,000 pounds of food collected from the May 16 Miracle, why is it local food banks are looking for assistance five months later?

According to Miracle organizers and food bank officials, the answer is not a simple one.

It breaks out to supply and demand, but on a complex scale.

Brenda LeClair, executive director of Outreach for Hunger, said the Chatham-based food bank re-

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ceived several truckloads of support from the Miracle, but now it has some bare shelves, and winter’s coming.

She is worried, as she believes there is a misconception that Outreach for Hunger is teeming with food.

“My understanding is that there were a lot of pop-up food banks with the idea to distribute the food out into the community,” LeClair said. “The way it was distributed, it got out to a lot of people who needed it, I’m sure.”

Continued on page 2

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PAGE 2

May 16th donations mostly gone Continued from page 1

Brent Wilken, one of the organizers of the May 16 Miracle, said the food was ultimately distributed to 44 different organizations in Chatham-Kent that help feed those in need.

Wilken said on top of supporting the multitude of organizations, he believes the Miracle helped reach others in need who had not tapped into a food bank.

“Canada wide, as an average, only one in four people who need to use a food bank use it. The rest who are food insecure may be too ashamed, too proud to use a food bank,” he said.

But Wilken added the Miracle effort helped put food in the hands of many of those people in Chatham-Kent.

“The real miracle is how much we got to those other people. No questions

asked, people came and brought food to many others in need,” he said.

“Maybe we reached three out of four for a time, maybe half. That’s where the real miracle was.

And for the exceptional amount of people who went out and found those people in need.”

LeClair said people may not have realized the vast demand on the food donation system in Chatham-Kent.

“So many people assumed it was all coming to us. I don’t think it was clearly defined what agencies received the food or how the money raised was dispersed,” she said.

LeClair said she doesn’t want to sound critical of the Miracle, but rather wants to clear any misconceptions people might have had.

“I think the idea was fan-

71 Sass Rd Unit #4 519-397-2020

Bruce Corcoran General Manager- Ext.227 bruce@chathamvoice.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2020

News

Chatham Voice file photo

Volunteers sort through some of the food collected May 16 in Wallaceburg. Much of the food inventory has already been passed out to those in need, and more is needed for the winter.

tastic. It brought the community together in a very positive way,” she said.

“They did a great job, did a fantastic job trying to support the community and pulling it together in such a short time. I just don’t want the community thinking we are set and good.”

Capt. Stephen Holland of the Salvation Army in Chatham-Kent said the

Jenna Cocullo Reporter - Ext.232 jenna@chathamvoice.com

May 16 effort was indeed a miracle, but one with some limits.

“They did a wonderful job. It was so successful,” he said. “But that food, it’s not going to fill everybody’s belly for a full year. People have asked, ‘What happened to all the food collected in May?’ Well, it’s gone. People eat.

We recently put out a request for donations.”

LeClair added Outreach will need community support as the weather turns.

“We definitely need support going into the fall. This will definitely be an issue for all food banks in Ontario in the fall,” she said, expecting continued higher demand due to higher unemployment as a result of COVID-19.

“We’re seeing more people coming in now who have not

Jeanine Foulon Sales - Ext.228 jeanine@chathamvoice.com

been here in over a year.

They were able to get on their feet and get going, but suddenly they need the food banks again.”

Holland said his organization received a great deal of support in outlying communities, but only had so much space in Chatham in May. With outlets in Ridgetown, Blenheim and Wallaceburg, essentially most of the food raised in each area stayed in those areas.

“All the food in Ridgetown that was gathered was going into our food bank there. The rest we gave to the community there, with an open-door event,” Holland said.

“Our Ridgetown food bank couldn’t possibly have held all that.”

In Wallaceburg, Holland said the food came into the warehouse and it went onto the food bank shelves, to the point of overflowing.

“What we couldn’t use, we gave to some of the churches and sent some to Walpole Island as well,” he said.

The Salvation Army uti-

Sarah Schofield Sales - Ext.225 sarah@chathamvoice.com

lizes a church basement in Blenheim, and stocked it up with the Miracle, and donated supplies to a local soup kitchen, Holland said.

In Chatham, he said the Salvation Army had a good deal of food on hand in May, thanks to boxed deliveries from Food Banks Canada. But he knows there will soon be a need again.

“Come Christmas, I’m sure it will be a lot different. Everything’s unknown,” he said.

LeClair said Outreach benefitted from food hampers from Feed Ontario, but added they are about to come to the end of those donations, and then the food bank will be “relying heavily on whatever else is coming in.”

Wilken said the organizers of the May 16 Miracle are keeping tabs on what is taking place in the communities.

“We needed a miracle at that time (May 16). What does Chatham-Kent need next? We’re working on something,” he said.

Fatima Pisquem Distro/Class - Ext.223 fatima@chathamvoice.com

Michelle Owchar Graphics - Ext.226 michelle@chathamvoice.com

THE CHATHAM VOICE

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Landlord buys materials, tenants build their patio for a patio for a seating “He said if we would area, that’s when tenant supply the labour, he’d Grant Morgan, a carpensupply the material.” ter by trade, stepped forThe landlord, Raphael ward.

Leung, said he did some“I was a carpenter for thing similar at one of his over 30 years. I had a litapartment buildings in tle bit of knowledge. This Windsor. He admits it is isn’t my forte,” he said. an added cost to a land- “So we started out and lord, but the payoff is worked at it off and on very much worth it. for two months.”

“I just want to create a Morgan stressed it was a small comcommunity munity – effort.

“Everybody here everybody “Everyconsidering chipped in. That’s what body here this their you get from a commu- c h i p p e d home,” he nity working together.” in. That’s said. what you - Grant Morgan, tenant Leung said get from a it all began community at Belvedere with sever- working together.” al of the tenants wishing Morgan said others did to add flowers to a small some of the heavy work. garden.

“People did a heck of a “They were asking if lot of shovelling and rakthey could grow flowers ing for the screenings,” there. I told them if they he said of the gravel base promised to take care of below the large patio the flowers, then I’d have stones. no problems,” he said, Leung said he’s quite adding he purchased the pleased with the patio topsoil for the garden. and garden area and does “After that, I saw things not mind the added exgrowing really nicely. pense.

They were really tak“It is more expense for a ing care of it (the garden landlord, but I was lookarea),” Leung said. ing at it from the perspecWhen the landlord of- tive of the tenants. What fered to pay for materials would they like?” he

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2020

News

Ex-C-K woman sparks miracle in Montreal Inspired by C-K’s May 16th Miracle, Aitken leads effort in Montreal

By Bird Bouchard Local Journalism Initiative The Ridgetown Independent

More than 675,000 pounds of food has helped inspire a local woman to give back.

Despite now living in Montreal, Gillian Aitken, formerly of Ridgetown, is still giving back to her community.

Much like the Miracle in Windsor-Essex, which broke records by collecting more than two million pounds of food, Aitken was also asking all Montrealers to take part in the city’s biggest-ever food drive: the “Miracle du 13 Septembre” where she

took on the role of co-organizer.

Despite Windsor-Essex setting a record, Aitken admitted she was inspired by the tremendous efforts of her hometown, which raised more than 675,000 pounds of food on May 16. According to Aitken, she’s thankful for the many who helped mentor her in the Chatham-Kent area.

“This wouldn’t have happened without the number of relationships I’ve been able to develop in the Chatham-Kent area,” said Aitken. “I’m leading this project for people in this new city, co-leading this project, and it’s only happening because of the

Contributed image

Gillian Aitken, Organizing Committee member for the Montreal Food Drive, gives a two thumbs-up for the Sept.

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wisdom and mentorship that I’m getting from my hometown.”

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tembre was a success. Aitken and her 2,000 volunteers were able to raise more than 55,000 pounds of food as a city. According to Aitken, the food went to more than 80 food banks and 200 individuals and families.

“This project is beautiful because it asks every single person to step up if they want to, volunteer if they want to,” said Aitken. “When I started this project, it wasn’t about raising food. And that really resonated with the organizing team in Chatham as well. It wasn’t

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about raising food. It was about bringing the community together and inspiring people.”

Aitken hopes the miracles in Chatham-Kent, Windsor-Essex and Montreal can help inspire the rest of Canada.

“It has been amazing for me to share an idea with Montreal that originated in Chatham-Kent,” said Aitken. “Toronto might do this next. What Chatham-Kent has done has shown what a great idea it is and how it’s so replicable, which I think could really spread across the country, which is very cool.”

Chatham-Kent officials are encouraging residents to support local restaurants.

Mayor Darrin Canniff is a leading voice behind the movement. Despite patios becoming less inviting due to colder weather, he said there are still options for diners who want to help the hospitality industry during the pandemic.

“We need to support the restaurants,” said Canniff.

“Restaurants are a huge part of our community.”

According to Canniff, Chatham-Kent needs to step up and make an effort to get out to restaurants, even though it might be easier to sit at home.

Currently, restaurants and bars in Ontario can have up to 50 customers indoors, and physical distancing is required. Those restrictions aren’t expected to loosen any time soon, as Minister of Health Christine Elliott announced a four-week pause on the province’s reopening plans because of a rise in COVID-19 cases.

Chatham-Kent Chief Administrative Officer Don Shropshire said he has spoken with restaurants who are considering outdoor heaters to keep patios open for as long as possible. He noted it is only a temporary solution as winter is quickly approaching.

In June, the municipality set up a $200,000 small business grant recovery program to help businesses impacted by the pandemic. Successful applicants could receive up to $5,000. Shropshire also said

Chatham-Kent Council had made efforts to try and support local businesses.

“Council is continuing to monitor what the situation looks like for restaurants and all of our businesses,” said Shropshire. “Depending on how long things last and what sort of feedback we’re getting from the community, we might be going back to council to see what we can do.”

Shropshire said the municipality has very small windows on where they can actually provide support. He added the vast majority of the funding is really coming from the province and the federal government.

“At the same time, we’re trying to keep our property taxes low for the same group of people, not just restaurateurs but all of our taxpayers that have suffered financially.”

THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2020

PAGE 5

News

Spending questions over $5.8M COVID funding for C-K

By Jenna Cocullo jenna@chathamvoice.com

The Municipality of Chatham-Kent has yet to determine how it can spend COVID-19 bailout monies obtained from senior governments.

In August the provincial government announced more than $5.8 million for Chatham-Kent to help with the incurred costs from the pandemic. The funds came from a portion of the $7 billion the federal government allocated to Ontario to aid municipalities – who legally cannot run deficits – with their COVID-19 related expenses.

It is yet to be determined where Chatham-Kent’s projected $3 million deficit now stands, according to Don Shropshire, Chatham-Kent’s chief administrative officer.

Shropshire said there are certain “easy” expenses, such as personal protective equipment and hand sanitizer, which will certainly be charged to the senior government funding. Other shortfalls, such as the $1.6 million of loss revenue from Chatham’s closed Casino, are harder to predict.

“From the casino was revenue that helps pay for other services to the public,” he said. “Until we actually get the details as to what’s applicable and what’s not applicable as an expense, we really can’t charge that back against the budget, so we’re still in a bit of a holding pattern.”

Anything that’s left over from that first instalment of funds could be held over by the municipality and applied to other COVID-19 related expenses on a “go forward” basis, Shropshire said. The municipality could be eligible for Phase 2 of funding (another $5.8 million) if it can demonstrate a need.

With the budget looking up, South Kent Coun. Mary Clare Latimer put forward a motion to council Monday requesting a “return to full 2020 pre-COVID-19 approved budget service levels for all remaining services, for the remainder of 2020.”

Latimer said services that directly benefit women, children, residents with poor Internet services, as well as people with addiction and mental health needs are in high demand.

“It’s important to attempt to return to some normalcy within a safe context in a fiscally responsible manner where demand is evident for services,” she said.

The motion failed after April Riet-

dyk, general manager of community human services, recommended that staff come back with a report to get a sense of how their provincially funded programs will be impacted.

One of the programs that remains suspended throughout the fall is the Early Learning Program (ELP), funded through cost shared allocations.

Rietdyk said that there are “significant costs” associated with the reopening of childcare, such as extra cleaning and PPE. “We need to ensure what those overall costs are,” she said. “What I don’t want us to run into is starting programs back up, when we actually – due to all of the other regulations that we have to follow – don’t have enough budgeted dollars to ensure that they are viable moving forward.”

Staff must also first determine what facilities, and level of service, can actually reopen under the COVID-19 physical distancing restrictions.

Public demand will also

be taken into account, as more people are opting to stay home and forgo some programs in 2020.

Chatham-Kent will continue to spend funds to lighten up the community.

South Kent Coun. Anthony Ceccacci successfully moved a resolution to resume service for community beautification, such as banners, hanging flower baskets or holiday streetlights.

He said it was extremely important to maintain a sense of community culture during these “very trying times,” and pointed out that Remembrance Day, followed by Christmas, was right around the corner.

“A lot of (the legions) are struggling financially, due to COVID, and I think this is something to help them move the Remembrance Day services forward.

Many will be virtual, or very low key, so this is one way that we actually can help them recognize our veterans and help them get their signs up,” said Coun. Carmen McGregor.

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COVID vigilance As we write this editorial, COVID-19 numbers remain on the sharp rise in Ontario and Quebec, particularly in large urban centres.

Let’s all try to do our part to help minimize impact locally.

We’re looking squarely at the 20-39 age group, the category listed by provincial officials as the big spike in COVID-19 numbers.

In and around the Greater Toronto Area, it seems people in that category have too often forgotten COVID-19 guidelines, such as social distancing, trying to remain in your social bubbles, and repeated hand washing.

As a result, our COVID-19 numbers are on the sharp rise in the province.

At press time, Chatham-Kent was still in good shape, with only a handful of cases reported over the better part of a month.

That doesn’t mean we can ignore our social bubbling, our social distancing and our hand hygiene.

Just because few C-K residents are reported to have it doesn’t mean you won’t potentially be exposed to COVID-19. People from outside C-K come here, and there are still those of us here who opt to visit friends and family in the hot spots.

But if you perform your due diligence and stay distanced, wear a mask where distancing is not possible, and wash those hands, we can weather this with minimal new cases.

We all let our guards down. It happens. We’re human. The goal is to not ignore those guidelines altogether.

That’s what is happening elsewhere and what is contributing to the rise in cases.

In Ottawa, for example, 40 people somehow thought it would be a good idea to gather in a park for a big barbecue. Days later, the gathering is to blame for more than 100 new cases in our nation’s capital.

There are a lot of people who think COVID-19 is no big deal to them. But please think of others, people who are more susceptible to serious complications from COVID-19.

It’s not about you.

It’s about everyone.

Letters to the editor policy The Chatham Voice welcomes letters to the editor.

Our preferred method to receive letters is via e-mail to bruce@chathamvoice.com (use “Letter” in the subject line).

You can also drop them off or mail them to us at The Chatham Voice, 71 Sass Rd., Unit 4, Chatham, Ont, N7M 5J4.

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2020

Opinion

Surviving the meat stall I could spout on here for people between the ages of 20-39 to smarten up and respect social distancing guidelines, but I think most everyone has seen what has happened in the Toronto area in terms of COVID-19’s second wave.

Instead, I’ll talk about meat!

Brisket: For meat smokers, it’s the meat you love to hate.

For me, my Saturday was spent loving it, hating it and liking it.

I just wish I’d returned to the “love” level at the end.

Last week, I picked up a brisket – almost 10 pounds – from Mercato Fresh, as they were on sale.

On Friday, Mary Beth and I trimmed off the excess fat. It’s best to try to get the fat cap – there’s a good deal of fat on one side of the brisket – to about a quarter inch in thickness. That’s about half a centimetre in metric terms.

We then trimmed the

Bruce Corcoran piece of hard fat that divides the point of the brisket from the flat.

Next up, we hummed and hawed over what to use to season the big piece of beef. After much debate, we deferred to our daughter, Brenna, who walked up, smelled the three seasoning options we’d narrowed it down to and calmly advised us to go with the Cow Lick steak spice.

So we liberally applied the rub to all sides of the brisket, wrapped it and put it in the fridge for the night.

Saturday morning arrived, and it was cooking time! I prepped the Big Green Egg by filling the bowl about three-quarters full with lump charcoal, and lit a small

area in the centre. I only light one area for a slow cook because it’s easier to control the temperature that way. It does take longer to come up to temperature, but it’s a smart trade off.

We added some apple wood chips around the bowl, let it heat up, set it for indirect, and put on our brisket by just after 9 a.m.

I had a drip tray filled with water, something I always do for long cooks, under the brisket. It helps keep the meat moist and catches the drippings.

So, we went about our business Saturday morning, cutting the grass, doing chores, relaxing, and of course listening to classic rock, and the brisket cooked.

In the first 110 minutes, the temperature of the meat rose by 97 F. But I knew the stall was coming.

And it arrived shortly thereafter. For the next two hours, the meat only went up 17 degrees. We were sitting at 165 F,

squarely in the middle of the stall.

For large cooks of meat on a smoker, meat tends to stall. I’ve experienced it doing pork shoulders and briskets. It’s essentially when the meat reaches a point where it is cooling itself by evaporating some of its moisture. Having a drip tray adding moisture to the Egg also contributes to the stall.

Of course, higher temperature cooking will burn right through the stall, but you wind up with a very tough cut of meat.

So we had to wait it out.

And with briskets, the wait can be long indeed.

I’d cooked brisket before, but just the flat, and it was a much smaller cut.

I’d anticipated a cooking time of about 45 minutes per pound for this brisket, and after trimming, it was probably about eight or nine pounds. In other words, it should be done in six or seven hours.

Continued on page 7

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2020

Big Brother?

PAGE 7

News/Opinion

Cop cameras coming to downtown Chatham

With every move you make and every night you stay downtown, Chatham-Kent police will be watching you.

Six new surveillance cameras will be installed in Chatham’s downtown core, mainly along King Street.

Municipal council voted to install the CCTV (closed-circuit television) system at a recent meeting, following a presentation from Police Chief Gary Conn.

The vote passed with 78 per cent support.

“The CKPS CCTV program is a proactive, local solution modeled on successful networks in other municipalities to enhance community well being and assist the Chatham-Kent police service with solving crimes – both violent and nonviolent crimes – and complex social disorders,” said Conn.

The move for cameras comes after business owners, the Chamber of Commerce, and BIAs expressed concern about

“the negative aesthetics” of Chatham’s main shopping area, as well as safety concerns.

In 2017 there was a total of 683 calls for service in Chatham’s downtown area. That number rose to 798 and 789 in 2018 and 2019 respectively, and is expected to exceed 800 this year.

Fire chief Chris Case gave his blessing to the project after Conn’s presentation, noting that he has also utilized such images on a number of occasions to ascertain prosecutions and to deal with serious offenders.

“I would also stress that when I’ve looked at some of the privacy concerns, at the moment we’re not talking about active monitoring. So it’s not a person watching people walking down the street. This is only utilized if and when a crime is committed,” he said.

The total costs of the start-up for the project will amount to approximately $80,000. Half the funds are expected to come from a provincial grant Conn applied for.

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Continued from page 6

And then we’d wrap it for an hour to let the meat settle and relax, helping to preserve the juices.

That’s how it was supposed to go.

This brisket was stubborn. By 4 p.m., it was still stalled at about 167 F. It had gone up maybe two degrees in the past three hours. The backyard smelled divine, but our dinner was taking its sweet time finishing!

We cheated. We did what is called the Tex-

as Crutch. You pull the brisket off in the middle of the stall and wrap it in foil, all but preventing the moisture from evaporating.

Of course, when you do this, you prevent the meat from absorbing any of the smoke flavour, but our brisket had been on for nearly seven hours at this point.

It worked. In no time, the temperature started to rise.

We pulled it at about 196 F, a little early in some circles, as 200-205F is con-

sidered the temperature range at which to remove brisket from the heat.

But we wrapped it in towels and placed it in the oven (not on) to rest.

The meat actually continues to cook somewhat during this resting period as well.

Mary Beth made garlic smashed potatoes and roasted vegetables, and we ate dinner by 6:30 p.m.

The brisket was bursting with flavour and was quite tender, but I admit it wasn’t quite as moist

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as I wanted it. Mary Beth also made some homemade barbecue sauce, so it was quite delicious.

The brisket fairy made a delivery to friends Pete and Arlene that night, and they gave it two thumbs up, so we made out all right in terms of flavour.

Brisket always scares me. It’s an unforgiving cut of meat, I’m told. And with a Big Green Egg, you can generally cook out any such unforgiveness on most any other cut of meat.

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What’s for dinner? Brisket! When’s dinner? When the brisket tells us it’s done…

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 8

Virtual

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2020

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2020

PAGE 9

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Thanks to pandemic precautions, local school bus companies are taking ‘clean’ to the next level.

That’s the case at Badder Bus Lines in Wabash.

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tion manager Mike Badder, the new protocols are going well.

“The key people are cooperating,” Badder says, adding it’s just part of a day’s work.

“For us it’s not such a big deal,” he explains. “We’re already doing the cleaning, it’s just one added step.

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Amber Pinsonneault** 519-784-5310

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 10

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2020

homes

Powers recognized for years of contributions Senior dedicated to helping others

and alcohol education to welcoming newcomers, she has been there for her community.

Powers is one of 13 adults age 55+ honoured this year for achieving significant goals and making outstanding contributions as volunteers within Chatham-Kent.

More than 1,000 citizens have been honoured since the awards began in Blenheim 33 years ago.

Chatham-Kent Coun.

Mary Clare Latimer, Senior Expo Committee chairperson, said all the honourees share an important trait.

“The many seniors who volunteer in Chatham-Kent, and in particular those we are honouring, view their status as a senior as an asset,” she said. “They know the value of experience and they know they have a lot to give. They look at what they do as an ongoing gift to their fellow citizens.”

Bruce Corcoran/The Chatham Voice

Chatham-Kent Mayor Darrin Canniff, left, is pictured here with Carolyn Powers, Chatham-Kent’s Senior of the Year, and South Kent Coun. Mary Clare Latimer.

Hospice event raises $131K

240

The Chatham Voice

Residents from across Chatham-Kent and beyond tuned into the first Hearts Together for CK Hospice benefit broadcast on Sept. 24, and judging by the funds raised, it was a success.

Streamed lived on Facebook and YourTV, the program aimed to educate, entertain and inspire audiences to donate in support of hospice palliative

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continues to provide compassionate care to those at end-of-life and their families,” said Randi Bokor Caron, event chair, via a media release. “With over 50 per cent of the Chatham-Kent Hospice operating budget being covered by donations each year, these funds will be used to ensure hospice residents remain comfortable and connected to their families at no cost to them.”

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care in our community.

Donations received before and during the event totalled more than $131,000.

Additional donations are still being accepted.

“We are overwhelmed with gratitude for the generosity and kindness shown by donors in support of our hospice families. Even with the COVID-19 pandemic and the many restrictions associated with it, Chatham-Kent Hospice

3

Chatham’s Carolyn Powers was given her award as Chatham-Kent Senior of the Year recently during a brief presentation by Mayor Darrin Canniff and Coun. Mary Clare Latimer.

The award is traditionally presented during the Senior Expo held at the Blenheim Arena in June but that ceremony was cancelled due to COVID-19 concerns.

“We didn’t want to miss an opportunity to say thank you to Carolyn and provide recognition for her and all of the seniors who do so much for our community,” Canniff said in a media release.

Powers has been a community volunteer her entire life and continues to contribute to the community by devoting her time to a number of causes. From her nearly 60 years in Scouting, to service club work, to drug

2

The Chatham Voice

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2020

Business

Bothwell distillery making spirited progress

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative The Thamesville Herald

COVID-19 has turned into a double-edged sword for Michael Brnadic.

The Bothwell resident and owner of Bootlegger Distillery had his original business plan of creating locally branded spirits wiped out by the virus.

Instead, he began making copious amounts of food-grade hand sanitizer.

The first large batch, known as Nurse No. 9 — because it was a collaboration of nine businesses

and non-profit agencies — was a smash hit.

Produced to WHO specifications, it was widely distributed free of charge throughout Chatham-Kent. Approximately 1,500 litres were produced.

Now Brnadic is producing sanitizer on his own under the Bootlegger name, and it’s keeping him busy.

Plus, he’s back on track with his original plan of producing craft vodka and has worked out deals to distribute it as a house liquor to area bars and restaurants.

Bootlegger Vodka is now

PAGE 11

Pam Wright/Local Journalism Initiative

Michael Brnadic’s Bootlegger Distillery in Bothwell is a going concern. He recently completed his first batch of vodka and has been making sanitizer almost from the beginning of the pandemic.

in the LCBO and Brnadic has just finished a 1,000-litre batch.

“The quality is on par with Smirnoff and Absolute,” Brnadic says. “This product will stand up.”

A Bootlegger gin is next on the list, Brnadic says, to be followed by white rum, even though he will have to compete with the giant Bacardi label.

A transplant from Toronto about four years ago, the 33-year-old’s move

to Chatham-Kent is emblematic of someone opting for small town real estate prices. He sold his condominium and closed his tax company.

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He picked Bothwell while browsing the Internet and bought a house and a plot of land after only one brief visit.

Originally, Brnadic was

going to open a smoked meat curing business, but the onerous regulations ruled that out.

Instead he decided to make liquor.

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

Honouring

Courage Under Fire We Salute Our Firefighters.

When the alarm sounds, the men and women of our fire departments answer the call without hesitation, saving thousands of lives and homes from devastating fires. For the important role they play in protecting our lives and for their brave and selfless sacrifice, we thank the dedicated men and women of our nation’s fire departments. We gratefully recognize their service to our communities, and we honour the memories of those who have fallen in the line of duty. You are all heroes, and we thank you for all that you do.

For their courage, skill and dedication, we recognize the men and women whose work as first responders saves lives and protects the greater good. Thank you for your service to our communities!

Let’s hear it for all our police officers.

Being a paramedic is no small task!

Every day, they kiss their families good-bye, fasten their duty belts and head out to prevent crime before if happens without knowing if they’ll be able to do it all over again tomorrow.

It takes a special kind of courage to be a police officer. They help our kids when they’re lost. They’re on call at all hours of the night to mediate the worst domestic disturbances. They do all the legwork that drives a successful conviction when the law has been broken.

It’s not easy to be a crime-fighter and police officer. On a daily basis, officers witness the heart-wrenching destitution and violence experienced by the homeless, the mentally ill and the substance-addicted. They console the parents of missing children and investigate criminal acts. They see the tough side of life that wears people down and that many lucky people in our cities and towns never really have to deal with. But worst of all, they battle negative public perception in the very streets they patrol.

Let’s shout a big Woot! Woot! to the more than 68,000 Canadian police officers who carry the badge and swear to keep us safe.

Paramedics are there to ensure emergency medical care is given to those who are sick or injured as quickly as possible. Paramedics are front line workers who must be prepared to handle all sorts of situations - often at their own risk. Thanks to the professionalism and skills of our paramedics, lives are saved each and every day across Canada. When tragedy strikes, paramedics work in conjunction with families to do what is best for the patient and offer the best possible emergency healthcare. For their courage, skill and dedication, we recognize the men and women whose work as first responders saves lives and protects the greater good. Thank you for your service to our community!

5 Easy ways to show your appreciation.

1. Put together a plate of baked goods and bring it to your local First Responders. Be sure to include a card thanking them for their continued efforts.

2. Write a letter or an article thanking them for their continued dedication and service throughout the year.

3. Make a donation to a local organization.

There are many organizations and charities that collect funds to help those injured in the line of duty.

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4. Do something simple. If you see a First Responder at your local restaurant or café pay for their coffee of their meal.

5. Say thank you in person.

Nothing beats the personal touch of a heartfelt thank you when it comes to showing your respect!

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2020

Group donates to hospice The Chatham Voice

Starting off its fifth year in Chatham-Kent, 100 Women Who Care (HWWC) presented $12,000 to the Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation recently.

HWWC member Barb McEwan nominated the hospice as a recipient. She also sits on the hospice foundation’s board of directors, and presented this financial need to the HWWC group for its August meeting.

Unable to meet in person, to adapt to the current restrictions, HWWC nominations and voting took place online.

“Support from 100 Women Who Care will be used to continue to offer compas-

sionate, end-of-life residential hospice care to local families who, on top of dealing with a pandemic, are also dealing with the emotional turmoil of the illness and death of a loved one,” McEwan said in a media release.

“We are overwhelmed with the thoughtfulness of HWWC, especially during these uncertain times. Our hospice families have no choice but to deal with endof-life and the pandemic.

This means a lot to me and our hospice families that call hospice ‘home.’ Thank you,” said Jodi Maroney, executive director, Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation.

Since August 2016, HWWC Chatham-Kent has donated more than $180,000 across 16

PAGE 13

Life

Image courtesy Aimee Lynn Photography

Pictured presenting a cheque on behalf of 100 Women Who Care Chatham-Kent to Jodi Maroney, right, executive director of the Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation, is nominating 100 Women Who Care member Barb McEwan, left.

local charities and the May 16th Miracle.

Thursday, October 1: • Come join us at The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St., Chatham 11:00am-6:00pm. The kitchen is open to serve lunch from 11:30am-1:30pm.

Today’s special is Spaghetti & Meat Sauce with Garlic Bread. Everyone Welcome.

Friday, October 2: • Come join us at The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St., Chatham from 11:00am-6:00pm. The kitchen is open to serve lunch from 11:30am-1:30pm. Supper will be served from 4:00pm-6:30pm. Tonight’s specials are cabbage rolls or fish & chips.

Seating is limited to 50, but take out is also available. Everyone Welcome.

• Merlin Legion Br. #465 Friday Night Meal - pre-order ahead 519-689-4884. Served 5:00pm-7:00pm. Merlickin pork chops $15.20. 1 Merlickin pork chop $13.25 (includes baked or fries, veggies, bun & dessert) Saturday, October 3: • Come join us at The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St., Chatham from 11:00am-6:00pm. The kitchen is open to serve lunch from 11:30am-1:30pm. Come check out our menu. Everyone Welcome.

Contributed image

Front row, from left, Jessica Smith, executive director, St. Andrew’s Residence; and Barbara Noorenberghe, volunteer and service co-ordinator, Meals on Wheels. With them are members of the 100 Men Who Care C-K group.

Men’s group gives back The Chatham Voice

The 100 Men Who Care Chatham-Kent group recently chose Meals on Wheels as the charity of choice for the quarter.

As a result, the organization donated $8,200 to Meals on Wheels CK recently.

For many, Meals on Wheels is the first service that families, neighbours and friends seek to help their loved ones

stay in their own home and live independently.

Since 2009, St. Andrew’s Residence, a not-for-profit organization, has overseen the operation of the Meals on Wheels program.

The program has a long, rich history of providing healthy meals and social interaction to Chatham-Kent residents.

The program exists to provide nutritious, inexpensive meals which in turn promote

the independence and wellbeing of seniors, as well as support vulnerable members of our community.

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic brought the need for Meals on Wheels to the forefront. There has been more than a 20-per-cent increase in the number of meals provided per month, resulting in 2,576 meals delivered safely to seniors in C-K in June alone.

Wednesday, October 7: • Come join us at The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St., Chatham from 11:00am-6:00pm. The kitchen is open to serve lunch from 11:30am-1:30pm. Today’s special is meat loaf dinner. Everyone Welcome.

• Victoria Avenue United Church FOOD SHOPPING CARD & PANTRY PROGRAM will be returning to St. Andrew’s United Church (Memorial Garden Entrance on Wellington Street) from 9:00am-10:30am. Depending on Covid-19 provisions. Please bring identification. Limited number of cards available.

Thursday, October 8: • Come join us at The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St., Chatham from 11:00am-6:00pm. The kitchen is open to serve lunch from 11:30am-1:30pm. Today’s special is Spaghetti & Meat Sauce with Garlic Bread. Everyone Welcome.

It’s Time To Sing! Got Tuesday nights free? Then come and check out Jubilee Chorus and help make a joyful noise unto the Lord! Rehearsals begin September 22 at St. Andrew’s United Church (85 William St. S., Chatham), 7:00pm-8:30pm. Safety protocols will be in place and masks must be worn but that won’t dampen the fun and joy of being together making musical magic happen! New in town, or still unsure? That’s ok, try us for a week, see how it feels. Call Cynthia at 226-229-1533 if interested or needing more info. Established in 1961, Jubilee Chorus is a mainstay in the Chatham-Kent area and known for its great repertoire, family atmosphere and polished performances.

Come, you’ll be glad you did!

Submit your coming events to bruce@chathamvoice.com or michelle@chathamvoice.com

THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 14

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2020

News

Project Zero

Enbridge donates smoke/CO alarms The Chatham Voice

Enbridge Gas and Chatham-Kent Fire & Emergency Services (CKFES) announced recently they are working to improve home safety and bring fire and carbon monoxide-related deaths down to zero.

CKFES received 378 combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms through Project Zero – a public education campaign that will provide 7,500 alarms to residents in 35 municipalities across Ontario.

This year, Enbridge Gas invested $225,000 in Project Zero, and over the past 12 years, the program has provided more than 50,000 alarms to On-

tario fire departments.

When properly installed and maintained, combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms help provide the early warning to safely escape from a house fire or carbon monoxide exposure. Carbon monoxide is a toxic, odourless gas that is a by-product of incomplete combustion of many types of common fuels.

“Carbon monoxide is known as the ‘silent killer’ for a reason, and we have proof that prevention saves lives. We know that the best way to avoid carbon monoxide exposure is to eliminate it at the source by properly maintaining fuel-burning equipment, and that the alarms are a critical

Contributed image

From left, Chatham-Kent firefighter Eric Smith, public educator Whitney Burk, and assistant chief Ken Labonte show off combined smoke and carbon monoxide alarms that are being provided, with the help of Enbridge Gas, to residences in Chhtham-Kent, thanks to Project Zero.

second line of defense to protect against carbon monoxide poisoning,” Steven Jelich, director, Southwest Region Operations, Enbridge Gas,

said in a media release.

“The objective of Project Zero is to deliver combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to Ontario communities who

Fun Stuff 52. River in NE Scotland

CLUES ACROSS 1. They look out for kids 4. Play 7. Water (French) 8. Prayer leader 10. Small constellation 12. __ Carta: influential royal charter 13. Pressure unit 14. Extrasensory perception 16. A symbol of “Aloha” 17. Portion of the small intestine 19. Psychedelic amphetamine 20. Very long period of time 21. British overseas territory 25. Cereal grain 26. Car mechanics group 27. Wish harm upon

29. At a specific prior time 30. Peyton’s younger brother 31. UK firefighters’ union 32. Carroll O’Connor’s screen partner 39. Popular show honoring musicians 41. Basics 42. Honk 43. Trent Reznor’s band 44. Patti Hearst’s captors 45. Long-legged wading bird 46. Specialized biological grouping 48. A coin goes in it 49. Of the wind 50. One-time measure of length 51. A very large body of water

CLUES DOWN 1. Boston hoopster 2. A type of bribe 3. SE England county 4. Returned material authorization (abbr.)

5. “Hotel California” rockers 6. Italian province 8. Mischievous child 9. Popular street name 11. Boxing promoter Bob 14. Snakelike fish 15. Break into pieces 18. The Bay State 19. Time zone 20. Port city in Yemen 22. In name only 23. 007’s creator 24. No (Scottish) 27. Baseball’s Gordon and rock’s Snider are two 28. Pie _ __ mode 29. Don’t know when yet 31. Supervises interstate commerce 32. Make a ringing metallic sound 33. Helps little firms 34. Pound 35. Lilly and Manning are two 36. Put on the back burner 37. Baltimore ballplayer 38. Cuddle 39. Poker stake 40. Drinks to celebrate a birth (Spanish) 44. Pouch 47. Not around

need them the most,” said Jon Pegg, Ontario Fire Marshal. “It’s a program that fire departments can adopt to help educate their communities about

the requirement for all Ontario homes to have a CO alarm if they have a fuel-burning appliance or an attached garage.”

Sudoku

9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box.

Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box.

This Weeks Answers

THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2020

PAGE 15

CLASSIFIEDS Obituary

Maria DeCouto 1935 - 2020

Peacefully surrounded by her loving family at the Chatham Kent Hospice on Wednesday, September 16, 2020, Maria do Carmo Carreiro DeCouto, age 85, Beloved wife of Norberto DeCouto. Born in Sao Miguel, Azores in 1935. Daughter of the late Maria Ernestina Furtado and Manuel Carreiro. Loving mother of Mary (Chuck) Ponte of Connecticut, Joe Couto and Arthur Couto of Chatham.

Cherished grandmother of Jennifer Ponte, Jeremy (Andrea) Ponte, and Sonia (Ian Waddick) Couto and great grandmother of Vanessa Ponte, Ethan, Gavin and Jackson Waddick, and many nieces and nephews.

Predeceased by her brothers, Arthur and John Eugenio, Joe and Francisco Carreiro.

In Memoriam

For Sale

In Memoriam Debbie (Rivers) White

Clothing Suits 42-44, Pants 34, Shirts large, Coats 44, Shoes 10 1/2, Bedding, Entertainment Centre. Call 519-695-2142.

October 1, 1969 - January 11, 2020

Angels are near When feathers appear Remembered with love Aaron, Brandi & Mom In Loving Memory of a dear husband, father & grandfather who passed away 1 year ago.

You live in our hearts everyday.

Ron Shepley October 1, 2019 Your loving family Audrey, Bart, Bret, Brad and their families.

Prayer Line Healing Love Ministry has an all night prayer line. 12:00am7:00am with prayer partners to minister to you. Call 519-3543532. A community sharing meal at 6:00pm. Informal service at 7:00pm. Call for info.

Woodsplitter - Homemade, tractor-operated, hydraulic.

Ram size: 1 1/2 inches.

Stroke: 17 inches. $635.

519-626-9388 or 519-4019388.

5x8 area rug, leaf design, in beige, burgundy, cream and brown border $45. 36”x24” mantle mirror with gold trim. $35. Call 519352-7679.

Wanted

Hot Spring Hot Tub - Portable spa. Sovereign Classic. $2,000. Call 519-352-2150.

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

Fridge & stove. Apt. size. $150.00.

519-351-6899.

HOW TO PLACE YOUR AD IN PERSON: 71 Sass Rd. #4, Chatham CALL: 519-397-2020, EMAIL: FATIMA@CHATHAMVOICE.COM

The Chatham Voice is not responsible for the contents of advertisements, in print or online. The Voice also reserves the right to clarify or refuse any advertisement based on its sole discretion.

The publisher reserves the right to reject, discontinue or omit any advertisement without notice or penalty to either party.

Garage Sale

Home Cooked Meals

Looking For

Living Estate Indoor & Outdoor Garage Sale. Friday & Saturday 9th & 10th from 8:00am-?. at 6423 Riverview Line in Chatham.

Phone 519-397-1581. Great items including almost new couch & loveseat recliner (wall hugger) Beautiful dining room set, table & 6 chairs, buffet & china cabinet. 50 antique clocks, some 200 years old. Jacuzzi pool pump & sand filter. 10cu freezer, B&S 2500 psi pressure washer.

Many old dishes, Royal Doulton & other knick knacks, many lawn ornaments & tools, everything must go. Please wear a mask.

Honey . . .What’s 4 Dinner

Wanted to Rent or Rent to Own - small home with single garage OR a double-sized building (garage) ONLY. Building for storage. House for 1 person -(+) car & motorcycle. ALL buildings lockable with keys; and within one mile of Chatham city limits (perimeter). Details c/o Box 534, Stn: Main, Chatham, N7M 5K6.

Rentals

Make Your Move I Y my Guardian rental

YHouse & Apartment Rentals YResidential & Commercial property management YLeasing YHouse Sitting

237 Wellington St W • 519-512-2731

chathaminfo@grem.ca

Stump Removal

Just add Heat!

Home Made Soups, Meals and Desserts Ideal for seniors, singles or families. whats4dinnerck.net 6 Lowe St. Chatham 519-351-7905

Help Wanted Gentleman 28 or over wanted to help senior couple with various jobs around yard and possible organization of two sheds and attic. If interested, call for interview. 519-352-7679.

OBITUARIES Barbara Hopkins 77, Wednesday, September 23, 2020 McKinlay Funeral Home

Gary William Barton 79, Tuesday, September 22, 2020 Kendrick Funeral Home

Louella Yvonne Barnier 81, Wednesday, September 23, 2020 McKinlay Funeral Home

Dorothy Blommestyn 100, Tuesday, September 22, 2020 Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home

Lewis Charles Gray 90, Wednesday, September 23, 2020 McKinlay Funeral Home

Hanh Ngoc Phung 65, Thursday, September 24, 2020 Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home

Margaret Race 97, Thursday, September 24, 2020 McKinlay Funeral Home

Robert “Bob” Bridgen 61, Wednesday, September 23, 2020 Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home

John Franklin 73, Friday, September 25, 2020 McKinlay Funeral Home

Mr. Teddy Takahashi Saturday, September 19, 2020 Alexander and Houle Funeral Home

Canagam Gilgal Ponniah 100, Monday, September 21, 2020 McKinlay Funeral Home

Mr. Wayne Edwards 94, Wednesday, September 23, 2020 Alexander and Houle Funeral Home

R. Wayne Burk 91, Friday, September 25, 2020 McKinlay Funeral Home

Mrs. Anne Maine 101, Monday, September 21, 2020 Alexander and Houle Funeral Home

Annette Josette Lunnon 80, Saturday, September 26, 2020 McKinlay Funeral Home

Mr. Donald “Wayne” Alexander Wednesday, September 9, 2020 Alexander and Houle Funeral Home

Gerald Jakovac “Jerry” 77, Saturday, September 19, 2020 Life Transitions

Mrs. Edith Stark 89, Friday, September 25, 2020 Alexander and Houle Funeral Home

Yevonne Colley 74, Sunday, September 20, 2020 Life Transitions

See full listings at www.chathamvoice.com/obituaries

FREE ESTIMATES 519-678-3844 Highgate

Ralph Ford

Loans

PERSONAL LOANS $2,000 to $40,000

To alleviate anxiety and improve cash flow for homeowners due to Covid we have a 2nd mortgage product available at 8.99%/yr

up to $60,000 with NO PAYMENTS for 12 months $

Borrow 20,000

for only $147.47/twice montly

• Must be a homeowner (no proof required) • This loan is NOT a mortgage • Normally no income proof required • Open Loan • 48hrs normally to approve • Funds directly deposited • No fund allocation - you do what you wish with the money ITEMS NORMALLY REQUIRED 1. ID, one of: license, passport, Canadian citizenship card 2. Void Cheque or PAD form

That’s it!!

Call John at Unimor Capital Corp.

519-252-6953 - 24 hours or email john@unimorcapital.com Brokerage Lic.#10675

60 Stanley Street, Blenheim (519) 676 – 9200 blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com

Hinnegan-Peseski

FUNERAL HOME

156 William St., Chatham 519.352.5120 www.peseski.com

A FAMILY BUSINESS THAT CARES

459 St.Clair St., Chatham • 519-351-2040 76 Main St. E., Ridgetown • 519-674-3141 141 Park St., Blenheim • 519-676-3451

www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com

245 Wellington St. W., Chatham 519-352-2710

alexanderfuneralhome.ca

4 Victoria Ave, Chatham (519) 352-2390 Serving Kingsville, Wheatley & Chatham kendrickfuneralhome.com

lifetransitions.ca • 519-351-4444

PAGE 16

THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2020

Thank you!

With your support over $131,000 was raised through our Hearts Together for CK Hospice benefit broadcast to support families like Becky’s.

“Once settled in her room, Mom looked very much at peace.You could visibly see the weight lift from both of our parents. The care and compassion for not only Mom, but our entire family, was unbelievable. Hospice provided us with comfort, peace and took away the stress and worry we were experiencing during mom’s final days. The knowledge and compassion of both the staff and volunteers at Hospice was something that words cannot describe.”

Thank you to our generous broadcast sponsors!

Armstrong-Macko Automotive Ltd Dillon Consulting Limited Earthworks Garden Centre FargoRidge Boarding Kennel

Kent & Essex Mutual Insurance Sacwal Flooring Centre Whittal + Company Law Firm

Learn more about hospice care in Chatham-Kent by visiting www.chathamkenthospice.com