Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice
Added support for victims
‘Ask for Angela’ a safe phrase for safe haven in certain supermarkets
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com
A program designed to help women in distress is taking shape in Chatham-Kent.
Dubbed “Ask for Angela” – in honour of a British woman who died as the result of femicide – the initiative has started thanks to collaboration between Loblaw Companies Ltd. and Chatham-Kent Victim
Services.
A first for Chatham-Kent, it will see workers in the Loblaw chain, including No Frills, Shoppers Drug Mart and Real Canadian Superstore, undergo training to be on the alert for anyone asking for Angela – code for “Help, I’m in trouble.”
stores as well, advising victims on how to seek help.
“This initiative will provide a vital resource for individuals who may find themselves in uncomfortable or dangerous situations while out in the community.”
- Kate de Forno
2
As part of the effort, staff will take women or girls who “ask for Angela” to a quiet safe space within the store and connect them with police or other appropriate services. There is signage up in the
According to Kate de Forno, executive director of Chatham-Kent Victim Services, the program is a first for Chatham-Kent and comes none too soon, as rates of violence against women continue to rise.
“We are thrilled to partner with Loblaw to bring the ‘Ask for Angela’ campaign to Chatham-Kent,” de Forno said.
“This initiative will provide a vital resource for
individuals who may find themselves in uncomfortable or dangerous situations while out in the community.”
Domestic violence is the number one crime that Victim Services deals with, she added, with sexual assault crimes second on the list.
“We’ve not seen a decrease in these crimes since the pandemic,” de Forno said in a recent interview. “This is part of a continuing trend, that’s neither healthy nor positive.”
But on the upside, de Forno said the program has been working well in other regions, even helping one young woman who was a victim of human trafficking.
may account for some of the increase.
“People can hide behind their keyboards and be part of communities of hate and negativity,” she said. “It’s part of the general political and social climate we’re currently seeing and it is seeping into our communities. We’re seeing a general increase in hate...how do we tackle this?”
de Forno thinks curbing violence against women lies in education, but noted the “political will” must be there.
“They were able to help her and brought her into the backroom to safety,” she added.
Although no one is certain why violent crimes against women are on the rise, de Forno said there are a lot of pressures in society, and social media
“We have to show kids that there is another way, that they don’t have to go down the path that leads to hate,” she said. “We need to be teaching young boys and young girls, around the ages of nine or 10, what healthy relationships and healthy sexual relationships look like.
“There need to be better supports for kids,” she explained. “The reality is that without a collective effort around this, it’s going to continue.”
Labadie to bowl for others
By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com
Chatham’s Bill Labadie is in training.
On May 10, the supporter of Community Living Chatham-Kent (CLCK) will hold his personal bowl-a-thon to raise money for the organization.
It involves bowling for seven hours straight for the cause.
“I just wanted to raise money for Community Living. It’s important. They helped me out a lot,” Labadie told The Chatham Voice. “I’m doing it for the kids.”
The avid bowler said the funds raised will help send children to camp and support programs for youth at CLCK.
“It makes me feel good too,” Labadie added. “It’s very important to me because I’m doing it for Community Living. It means a lot to me and I’m doing it for the community.”
Supporter Greg Gore said Labadie is on a mission.
“It’s a personal mission of Bill’s. When he was younger, he never got an opportunity to go to camp,” he said. “So the funds he raises go towards camping.”
That mission is pure focus on the day of the bowl-athon, according to Doreen Furness, another supporter.
“He never takes a break,” she said of his seven hours of bowling. “He doesn’t stop to drink anything or eat anything. He just goes. He’s on a mission.”
In 2019, his last time running his fundraiser, he bowled 50 games in seven hours, hitting 132 strikes and 170 spares in the process. More importantly, he raised $6,077.
To date, with pre-pandemic bowl-a-thons taking place in 2015, 2017 and 2019, Labadie
has raised more than $10,000.
Jenny McGregor, manager of community relations at CLCK, said Bowlerama has long supported Community Living and its clients.
“The thing we really strive for is to provide inclusive opportunities, and so doing this
Bill
is a perfect testament to that,” she said. “And the community rallies around Bill. It’s just incredible.”
To prepare for the extended bowling effort, Labadie can be spotted twice a week seeking to throw strikes and build stamina at Bowlerama.
“I just practise on my own,” he said.
Bowlerama doesn’t charge Labadie to practise, and they also donate two lanes the day of the event, Furness said.
“The thing we really strive for is to provide inclusive opportunities, and so doing this is a perfect testament to that. And the community rallies around Bill. It’s just incredible.”
“The alley really backs Community Living as well,” she said.
Labadie will take to the lanes for his bowl-a-thon from noon to 7 p.m. on May 10 at Bowlerama in Chatham.
- CLCK’s Jenny McGregor
Anyone wishing to support Labadie in his effort can drop off pledges at CLCK’s offices at 650 Riverview Dr. in Chatham or come to the event.
Bruce Corcoran/The Chatham Voice
Labadie prepares to let one fly at Bowlerama in Chatham, as he’s in training for his one-man bowl-a-thon May 10, raising funds for Community Living Chatham-Kent.
CHKA steps up for kids’ mental health
By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com
The Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (CKHA) is picking off where Linck left off.
According to a press release from Linck, it “has been unable to secure funding to sustain their hospital crisis programming” and it is now in the hands of the CKHA.
Caen Suni, vice-president of clinical programs and operations at CKHA, confirmed the hospital is running the program, effective April 1.
“It’s something we are picking up. We work with local providers for youth and mental health,” he
said. “The care will remain in play by our resources. No matter what is occurring, they (those in need of aid) will be receiving care.”
Linck received funding from the Erie St. Clair LHIN and then Ontario Health West to provide crisis services at CKHA 12 hours a day.
Over the years, Linck provided more than 1,020 assessments.
In the past five years, they experienced an 80 per cent increase in visits.
Linck worked with CKHA to transition services back to the hospital.
“We are incredibly disappointed to close our hospital crisis program, as we know it has been a crucial part of our system of supports over the past 10 years,” said Carol Moore, director of mental health, develop-
ment and quality at Linck, in a media release. “This program has been an ideal example of the care called for in the Ontario government’s Roadmap to Wellness. Unfortunately, due to stagnant funding, increased volumes, and inflationary pressures, the program was no longer viable. We will continue to provide crisis support in the community, with a reduced capacity.”
Adam Topp, president and CEO of CKHA, said hospital officials will seek to get the program back into the community.
“It’s really a community service,” he said. “Linck was not able to continue with that, so we’re taking it over for the next year.”
Linck is developing a new mental health program designed collaboratively with community partners to meet the needs of children, youth and families with intensive mental health needs.
The Intensive Outreach Program offers therapeutic approaches to provide children, youth and their caregivers with the skills needed to be successful in their environments.
Those services are offered, in the home, or in the community, as desired by the family, in order to best support them.
Led by a small, interdisciplinary team, the program delivers mental health treatment including individual and/or family therapy.
“Building on evidence-informed approaches from across the province, we are proud to have designed a program with our community partners that will meet a significant need in Chatham-Kent,” said Teri Thomas-Vanos, executive director at Linck.
“We have experienced an unprecedented need for intensive services in the past three years.”
Discover the best area shops, restaurants, services and offers right here in your local newspaper!
Hundreds in C-K bask in sunshine
By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com
The Ontario Public Sector Salary Disclosure list was recently released.
Better known as the sunshine club, the list is comprised of every person in the public sector from the province on down that made $100,000 or more in 2024.
There are 377,665 people on the list, including hundreds who work in Chatham-Kent.
Trevor Jones, MPP for Chatham-Kent–Leamington, made $136,469 in 2024.
At the municipality, there are 392 names on the sunshine list, topped by Chatham-Kent CAO Michael Duben at $335,885.
Dr. Shanker Nesathurai, acting medical officer of health ($317,850), was second.
Gary Conn, chief of police who retired in mid-June of last year,
walked away with wages of $284,544 for 2024.
His replacement, Kirk Early, made $277,549. He was deputy chief for the first half of the year.
Rounding out the municipality’s top five is Cathy Hoffman, general manager of corporate services at $243,985. She is to retire at the end of the month.
As for the mayor, Darrin Canniff, he grabbed a paycheque of $136,032, good for 100th place on the municipality’s top 100 wage earners for 2024.
The municipality has 132 police personnel, 168 non-union positions, and 59 fire staff comprising the majority of the list.
It is interesting to note one Chatham-Kent councillor earned more from public coffers than the mayor did in 2024. West Kent Coun. Melissa Sharpe-Harrigan, executive lead for the C-K Ontario Health Team, scooped up $153,945. That’s on top
Alzheimer walk set for May 24
raisers, along with prizes.
The Alzheimer Society of Chatham-Kent (ASCK) is inviting residents to make memories matter this May by participating in their annual IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s fundraiser.
The walk takes place May 24 at Kingston Park in Chatham from 10 a.m. to noon.
Participants will enjoy a morning of live music, door prizes, a petting farm, and more activities.
The annual Dawn Butler Memorial Awards will also be presented to the top Individual and team fund-
The fundraising goal for the event is $70,000, but ASCK offers different ways to support the event aside from the walk.
There’s a 50/50 raffle of at least $5,000. Tickets can be purchased online at www.asck5050.com or at the ASCK office.
Trivia nights will take place at Turns and Tales in Chatham on May 4 and a Red Barn Brewing on May 27.
To register and support this year’s Walk season, visit www.walkforalzheimers.ca.
Serving Chatham and Area Families Since 1946
of her $43,000 councillor pay. At the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, Lori Marshall, who retired in late June of 2024, took home $308,509 last year.
In total, 360 CKHA personnel made the list.
Aaron Ryan, vice-president and CFO ($243,291); Meredith Whitehead, vice-president and chief nursing executive ($199,000); Caen Suni, vice-president of clinical programs ($198,998); and Lori Paget, registered nurse ($182,903), round out the top five.
The Lambton Kent District School Board has 1,268 people in the sunshine club for 2024.
John Howitt, director of education, who is retiring at the end of the month, made $266,885 to lead the way.
Brian Mckay, associate director of corporate services ($217,440); Emily Dixon, superintendent of education ($197,661); Gary Girardi, superintendent of education ($193,555); and Benjamin Hazzard, superintendent of
education ($193,555) comprise the rest of the board’s top five.
At the St. Clair Catholic District School Board, there are 485 people on the list, led by director of education, Scott Johnson, who retired just last month. He made $237,000 in 2024.
Amy Janssens, associate director of corporate services and treasurer ($192,000); James Duff, executive manager of human resources ($178,292); Marcie Myers, manager of financial services ($178,171); and Antonio Montanino, manager of facility services ($177,842) make up the rest of the board’s top five.
Other notables in different parts of the public sector include Chatham-Kent Community Health Centres physician Dr. Vishal Chawla ($423,927); Michael Silvaggi ($316,826), president of St. Clair College; Rob
Congratulations
Hours: Mon. - Fri. 9am til 4pm After hours by appointment
7 Maple Leaf Dr., Chatham 519-354-3930 smythmem@gmail.com
to Justin Lowes of Kent Bridge, who was the recent winner of the 2024 McDonalds Monopoly Game. His prize was a $10,000 Shopping Spree at Leons. Shown in photo is Justin, centre with sales associates Michelle and Ava, who assisted in his selection. Justin tells us he had a late night craving one night , and came to Chatham for a burger and a coffee. He received two game pieces, and they were the two he needed to complete the 3 pieces needed to win. Justin informed us that the 3rd piece was a one in over 19,000,000 chance of winning, and to get two winning game pieces in one visit is phenomenal!!! Nice to see a local resident of Chatham- Kent and a Local Business in the spotlight.
MacDonald, crown attorney ($261,833); and Teri Thomas-Vanos ($183,014), executive director of Linck, Child, Youth and Family Supports.
The sunshine club is a list that was first reported in 1996. The threshold of $100,000 in annual salary has remained unchanged in the nearly three decades of reporting.
The Chatham Voice
As we type this, here is what we know about the April 28 federal election: Too little.
On a national scale, we know the leaders. They include Mark Carney, the Liberal prime minister that has not even been elected in a riding; Pierre Poilievre, Conservative leader and angry not-so-young man; Jagmeet Singh, leader of the flailing NDP; Yves-Francois Blanchet, boss of the Bloc Quebecois who only has the interests of a single province at heart; the two-headed confusion that is Elizabeth May and Jonathan Pedneault as co-leaders of the Green Party; and Maxime Bernier, leader of the seatless People’s Party of Canada.
Opinion
A campaign of confusion so far Information overload
Locally, at the time we type this, the ONLY confirmed candidate in Chatham-Kent–Leamington with Elections Canada – according to its website – is incumbent Dave Epp, Conservative. His team hit the ground running, splattering signs across the riding the day Carney opted to call the election.
After that, Seamus Fleming has said he’ll represent the NDP here, and the People’s Party of Canada will trot out Trevor Lee.
This past week, the Liberals announced Keith Pickard, son of the late Jerry Pickard, would run for them locally. Jerry Pickard served as MP for our area from 1988 to 2005.
One would think the party that called the election would have all its candidates lined up when the writ dropped on March 23. Epp had signs hammered into the ground that day, but no Liberal surfaced to oppose him until more than a week into the campaign period, thereby missing out on about 30 per cent of the election run. Also last week, it was announced that the Green Party had chosen James Plunkett to run in Chatham-Kent–Leamington.
Some polls have the Liberals ahead of the Conservatives, and others show the opposite. Again, more confusion. What is not confusing is the need for everyone who is eligible to vote. Get out there and take part in the democratic process. And please, please do your homework before casting your ballot. That doesn’t mean reading memes on social media website, but following, and trusting, traditional Canadian media sources.
Our 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. All letters need to be signed.
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519-397-2020
The sunshine club – the annual list of people who made $100,000 or more in the previous year – is information that has grown to be a massive database over the years. There are 377,665 names on the provincial list for 2024.
For years, we have advocated for keeping the list at the $100,000 threshold, which has been in place since its inception in 1996. After all, a $100,000 annual salary is still a lot of money to most people in Chatham-Kent, even today.
However, the sunshine club list is becoming untenable, made more difficult by the manner in which the province just dumps the information online.
The list has essentially become a roadblock as opposed to a boulevard
to information gathering for the average citizen. Sure, all the information is present, but it’s like pointing to a pile of paper in the back of a recycling truck, being told everything you are looking for is in there, and having to start sorting. You might be interested in the 392 names from the Municipality of Chatham-Kent that are on the list for wage grabbing in 2024, but you are searching through those 377,665 names.
Continued on page 8
Trade disparity information
Editor: I recently read an opinion piece (by the Calgary Herald’s) Chris Nelson where he looked at trade between Canada and the U.S. from a per-person perspective.
Last year, Canada imported $349.4 billion from the U.S. and our population is 41.5 million people. So, Canada imported approximately $8,500 per person from the U.S.
Last year, the U.S. imported $439.6 billion from Canada and their population is 341.9 million. That means the U.S. imported approximately $1,200 per person from Canada.
I hope the federal and provincial governments work together to eliminate the barriers hindering provincial trade. I
also hope everyone continues to make every attempt to buy Canadian. Finally, I hope all of the political parties and the various levels of government can work together to help Canada achieve its full potential.
Mike Sinclair Chatham
Bruce Corcoran
Info is there, but good luck finding what you want
Continued from page 6
For example, search “Municipality of Chatham-Kent” on the Ontario Public Sector Salary Disclosure page for 2024 and everything and everyone with “Kent” or “Chatham” in their name is included. Pages of peo-
ple with the first name “Kent” pop up, as do pages of people with the surname “Kent.” Nearly 18,000 names are revealed with that search.
You can search “salary paid,” “employer,” or job title, but the material comes at you in a vomit
of information. In most cases, it’s in alphabetical order. If you’re following the money only, you start with Kenneth Hartwick and his $2-million salary as top boss at Ontario Power Generation and work your way down. It’s a long way down from $2
million to C-K’s CAO Michale Duben at $335,885.
Downloading a spreadsheet is a better way to go in some ways, but searching for specific names can be challenging.
For starters, it’s a 26 mb document. No graphics, just names.
within that category. Another 32,830 names.
Hospital staff from around the province, municipal personnel and school board employees are all in there as well.
options.
Ashley Wilton Sales Rep 519-437-7564
Elliot Wilton Sales Rep 519-358-8755
59 Talbot St. W., Blenheim • 519-676-5444
And then there are the sub categories, another roadblock any way you search it. You see, “Crown Agencies” is a category. And inside that category are sub categories such as the Independent Electricity Operator, WSIB, LCBO, the Ontario Pension Board, etc., etc.
Under “Crown Agencies,” there are 18,724 names.
How about “Government?” Everything from judges to crown attorneys, to OPP staff and officers, MPPs, staff inside every cabinet position and beyond is contained
We downloaded all three options available from the provincial site to see if any of them were easier to sift through than the others. They all, quite frankly, sucked.
The average person who is not Excel savvy is left scrolling.
Thankfully, there are independent websites such as ontariosunshinelist. com, that are much easier to use. It allows you to even search an individual’s name, or employer. However, it too can be limiting. For example, if you want to see more than the top 100 names from a particular employer, good luck. That’s the limit of their pull-down
In short, there is no easy way to surf through the vast information provided. You can get snapshots, look at top 100s in various areas, or go down the proverbial rabbit hole and spend hours searching and searching – and you may still not get everything you are looking for.
That seems to be the way of government transparency these days. Provide one large information dump, declare everything is in there and not care about how useful the format provided. What started nearly 30 years ago by the Harris government ostensibly as a form of financial transparency has evolved into murk or at best, translucency. It’s not easy to spot what you are looking for, and that is certainly not government transparency.
2 new critical care beds online at CKHA
beds to 12 beds.
The intensive care unit (ICU) at Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (CKHA) has two new critical care beds.
Hospital officials said the added beds will ensure more patients requiring critical services receive care closer to home.
“This enhancement to the ICU marks a milestone for critical care services at CKHA,” said Dr. Brent Herritt, intensivist and head of ICU at CKHA, in a media release. “The expansion of the unit will not only enhance our ability to provide specialized life-saving care but also ensures patients can receive treatment locally. The extra beds will lessen the need to transfer certain patients to larger centres, enabling more people in the community to access specialized care.”
In the spring of 2023, the provincial budget included funding for CKHA to expand its ICU from 10
In August 2023, the two additional beds opened on the unit in a temporary space while renovations were completed for two new patient rooms. The two new private rooms are retrofitted for each bed with new headwalls, improved lighting, flooring and finishes with adherence to infection prevention and control requirements, according to hospital officials.
“We are pleased to open these additional beds in modern and refreshed rooms within our Intensive Care Unit,” said Caen Suni, vice-president of clinical programs and operations at the hospital. “The expansion of critical care beds within the ICU not only enhances CKHA’s service delivery, it also allows our team to look at expanding care models within the unit. This is a longer-term vision for our organization as we continue to look at how we can offer more types of care
to our community.”
CKHA’s critical care services also include 12 beds in the progressive care unit (PCU) for a total of 24 beds.
Some common ailments treated within CKHA’s ICU include respiratory failure, sepsis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart failure, arrhythmia, drug toxicity, pneumonia and diabetes.
The Chatham Voice
Crime Stoppers seeks links support
The Chatham Voice
Chatham-Kent Crime Stoppers are looking for people to tee off.
The organization’s second annual golf tournament is set to take place
June 21 at Hidden Hills Golf and Country Club. Crime Stoppers is inviting businesses and community members who may be interested in sponsoring the event and wish to support its efforts in community
All money raised from this event will go directly to C-K Crime Stoppers. The organization is a community-based program that brings local citizens, the media and the
police
Crime Stoppers relies on donations/sponsorships from private citizens and local businesses, as it receives no direct funds from government agencies. Entry fee for a foursome is $500. To sponsor a hole, it is $250.
Other sponsorship opportunities include refreshment cart ($500), prize/trophy ($250) and title sponsor ($5,000).
Accessibility awards open for noms
The Chatham Voice
Know anyone who is a local advocate for accessibility?
Now is the time to recognize their efforts by nominating them for an Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC) Award.
In a media statement, ACC chair Sara Ebare said the awards are a way to honour people in the community who “contribute to the independence of persons with disabilities.”
Mayor Darrin Canniff echoed Ebare.
“Accessibility is a keystone of a thriving community, and Chatham-Kent is making great strides to ensure that we’re as accessible as possible to everyone,” the mayor said. “I want to thank all of the nominees
and nominators in advance for the work they are doing to make Chatham-Kent a better place to live for everyone.”
The awards, a collaboration between the committee, Municipality of Chatham-Kent and council, are open to a business or individual in three categories.
The Veronica Vaughn Accessible Business Award will go to a business that stands out as an accessible facility and/or accessible customer service.
The Sheila Lindsey Powers Accessibility Advocate Award recognizes an
individual in the community who stands out as an advocate for the inclusion of people of all abilities.
The Syd Ebare Perseverance Award will be presented to a person who perseveres beyond their limitations to participate in the life of the community.
Deadline for receipt of the nomination forms is
April 30. Online forms can be found on the Let’s Talk Chatham-Kent webpage under accessibility awards. If a nominator wishes to access a paper form, they can be picked up at any local library branch or municipal service. They can be submitted to ckinfo@chatham-kent.ca or ck311@ chatham-kent.ca.
The 2025 Accessibility Awards will be presented at the June 9 council meeting.
WHAT IS ANIMAL CRUELTY?
Animal cruelty generally falls into two categories: neglect, or intentional cruelty. Neglect is the failure to provide adequate water, food, shelter, or necessary care. Examples of neglect include: starvation; dehydration; inadequate shelter; parasite infestations; failure to seek veterinary care when an animal is in need of medical attention; allowing a collar to grow into an animal’s skin; confinement without adequate light, ventilation, space or in unsanitary conditions; and failure to trim hoofs or nails resulting in excessive growth (e.g. hoofs curling upwards).
Equally disturbing as neglect is the brutality of intentional cruelty, involving deliberate physical harm or injury inflicted on an animal. Regretfully, cases of animals being beaten, burned, poisoned or stabbed to death are not uncommon. In some cases neglect or cruelty is the result of people using animals as tools for commercial profit, such as in the cases of puppy mills, dog fighting, cock fighting and illegal slaughterhouses. Perpetrators of animal cruelty often portray themselves as kindly animal lovers, making it difficult for people to believe them capable of abuse. From the “friendly” neighbour who mistreats his
pets behind closed doors, to the “respected” community member who operates a puppy mill or substandard zoo – there is no one identifying feature that marks a person as capable of committing such unfathomable crimes. Abuse of any animal is upsetting, not only for the pain and suffering inflicted on the animal, but for the fact that animal abuse is often a precursor to humandirected violence and an indicator of family crisis. Untreated, any type of abuse can escalate.
Fortunately, if people witness animal cruelty and neglect and report it to
1-833-9ANIMAL
Call this number 24/7 if an animal is in distress or being neglected. This includes animals that are injured, in pain, sick, suffering abuse or lack of proper care, water, food or shelter. If you report an animal that is in distress, being abused or neglected: The Ontario Animal Protection Call Centre will file an incident ticket and connect you with the appropriate local contact. Based on the location and nature of the incident, the call centre may flag the ticket for further investigation with the appropriate authorities, such as a provincial inspector or the local police. After the appropriate authority reviews the incident, they may investigate on-site or involve other authorities as needed. Authorities may contact you directly if they need more information.
organizations with cruelty investigation authority, legal action can be taken. Federal, provincial and municipal laws all cover animal cruelty.
HOW TO RECOGNIZE ANIMAL CRUELTY: Look for these common signs of neglect or intentional cruelty and report it:
• Wounds on the body.
• Severely overgrown nails (often curling under) or hooves (often curling upwards).
• Patches of missing hair.
• Extremely thin, starving animals with ribs or backbone protruding.
• Infected eyes that have been left untreated.
• Limping.
• Animals who are repeatedly left alone without food and water. Often they are chained up in a yard.
• Animals who have been hit by cars and have not received veterinary attention.
• Animals who are kept outside without shelter in extreme weather conditions.
• Tropical birds especially cannot tolerate cold temperatures.
• An owner kicking, hitting or physically abusing an animal.
• Animals who cower fearfully or act aggressively when their owners approach.
• Severe flea or tick infestations left untreated.
• Animals left in a car on a hot or cold day.
• Animals crammed into tiny cages in overcrowded conditions.
• Abandonment (often when pet owners move or by unprofitable farmers).
• Reptiles with dull, darkened skin, tremors, gaping mouth and excessive
saliva, or experiencing difficulty climbing.
• Aquatic and amphibious creatures kept in tanks with murky water.
• Illegal trapping of wild animals or animals left for extended periods in traps.
• Excessive scratching of the head area, shaking of the head and dirt or discharge in ears indicative of a possible ear infection.
• Chronic diarrhea or vomiting.
• Animals kept in dirty conditions including being forced to stand in their own urine and excrement.
• Swellings, such as tumors or abscesses, left untreated.
• Rabbits with a severe head tilt.
• Slaughter by untrained individuals.
Come in to meet the 2024 Platinum Award Winning Team in our state of the
Where your pet’s health is our
Community Events
Thursday, April 10, 2025:
• Retired Workers Chapter Meeting at 10:00am is the perfect opportunity to enjoy coffee and baked good and visit with friends and former workers that you may not have seen for some time. Keep up to date with things going on in the Community, pensions, benefits and the information provided from informed leadership and guest speakers. Spouses are welcome. Unifor Local 127, 405 Riverview Dr., Chatham (lower board room).
• Join us every Thursday afternoon from 1-4 at the Merlin Legion for a Music Jam. Donations welcome so bring out your singing voice and instruments to have a great afternoon!!
• The 63rd Annual Lenten Noon Hour Interdenominational Service held at Christ Church, 80 Wellington St. W., Chatham (beside the bus depot) beginning at 12:10pm until 12:35pm and will be followed by a sandwich luncheon in the parish hall. The theme this year is “The Power of Forgiveness.” The speaker this week is The Rev. Dr. Marg Moriyama. Free will offering with proceeds to CK Hospice.
• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am-9:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch 11:00am–1:30pm. Come check out our daily specials. Senior Euchre at 1:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome.
• Lunch at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St from 11am-1:3pm. Dine in specials or off the menu available. Everyone welcome.
Friday, April 11, 2025:
• The Chatham Legion, corner of William &a Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am–9:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch 11:00am–1:30pm. Supper served 4:00-6:00. No orders after 5:30 pm. Specials are Cabbage Rolls or Fish & Chips, $14.00(HST included). Take out is available by calling 519-351-8733 or 519-351-5639. 5:15pm weekly CatchThe-Ace draw (tickets can be purchased at the bar). Fun Darts at 7:00 p.m. Everyone welcome.
• Merlin Legion Scrumptious Perch and/ or Chicken Dinner with choice of potato & coleslaw plus dessert. Served from 4:30-7pm at Merlin Legion. 5pc perch $20 - perch/chicken combo $20 and 3 pc chicken $15.50. Contact 519-6894884 for more info. Take outs also available.
• Everyone welcome at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St. Lunch from 11am-1:3pm. Dine in specials or off the menu available. Friday night supper is BBQ Pork Chop with potatoes, Veggies, coleslaw and a bun. Dine ins $14 and pickups $15. All meals are served at 6 PM. Please call 519-3528291 to order.
Saturday, April 12, 2025:
• 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.
• Sydenham Field Naturalists 40th Anniversary Banquet. Cocktails at 5:30pm, Dinner 6:30pm. Retro Suites Hotel (Derby Suite), 2 King St. W., Chatham. $45/ person. Guest speaker: Kathy Johnson. Topic “Livers of the River”. Door prizes, silent and live auctions. Visit sydenhamfieldnaturalists.ca/events.
• Chatham-Kent Alanon – District 9 69th Anniversary. Doors open at 10am, program from 10:30am-3pm at The Active Lifestyle Centre - 20 Merritt Ave., Chatham. Tickets $10. e-transfers and cash accepted donate2afg@gmail.com. Security question response: district 9. *Please note your name if sending an e-transfer. Potluck lunch – bring your favourite cold dish or finger food to share. For more info call or email Bonnie 519354-9320 bonnieoagst@gmail.com.
• Kent Branch of The Ontario Genealogical Society invite you to join us as we visit the Old Thamesville Hall Museum and the Thamesville Library to learn about the history of Thamesville and view their resources and collections from 9am–2pm. We will carpool from Chatham at 9am and anyone is welcome to join us or meet us there. Note – there are stairs. For more details visit kent.ogs.on.ca or contact us at kent@ ogs.on.ca.
• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham from 10:00am–9:30pm. Line Dancing lessons 10:00am-12noon. Meat draws at 3:30, 4:30 and 5:30 p.m. ending with a 50/50 draw. Kitchen open from 3:00 pm5:30pm. Come check out our menu. Entertainment by Allen James from 4:30-9:30. Everyone Welcome.
• Evangel Community Church (76 Sandys Street Chatham) is hosting an Eggistravaganza, 10 am to noon. We will be having games, stories, music, and of course an egg hunt. This is free for
families from the community. You can register on the church website https:// www.evangelck.com/events
Sunday, April 13, 2025:
• Bingo at the Ridgetown Legion 2:004:00pm. Sponsored by the Ridgetown Legion Ladies Auxiliary Br. 243.
• Calling all Veterans. The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham will be hosting a Buddy Check for all Veterans from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Come enjoy a coffee and talk to other Veterans. This venue is for Veterans Only.
• Two Dollar Bill & His Bad Pennies’ Hootenany Revue. A night of Benny Goodman Hillbilly Punk & Olde Fashioned West End Hen House Jazz. 2:00pm. Two Creeks Indoors. Wheatley United Chruch, 59 Talbot St. West, Wheatley. Admission by donation.
• Breakfast at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St from 9 AM to Noon. All meals are cooked to order. Everyone welcome.
Tuesday, April 15, 2025:
• 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 or Shuffleboard or Euchre at 7:00 p.m. Everyone welcome.
Wednesday, April 16, 2025:
• Chatham-Kent Coin Club meeting at the Active Lifestyle Center (7pm – 8pm), 20 Merritt Ave, Chatham. New Members and guests welcomed. Come to a meeting and meet others with similar interests. We have members that collect Canadian, USA, and World coins and paper money. Gain knowledge and trends of the hobby For more info contact President Paul Robb (probb1@ cogeco.ca) (289-228-2817).
• Heart Buddies - A monthly get together. A chance to talk and share your experiences of Heart Surgery, Heart Issues, matters of the Heart. For more info call 519-354-0070 or visit www. thamesviewfht.ca.
• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am–9:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch 11:00am–1:30pm. Our daily special is meat loaf dinner. Come check out our other daily specials. We have Fun Darts at 7:00pm. Everyone is welcome.
Fun Stuff
CLUES DOWN
1. Popular Sunday dinner option
2. Oil cartel
3. Agile
4. Greek goddess of discord
5. Genetically distinct variety
6. Indicates badly
7. Popular Mr. T character
8. Consumed
9. Chinese dynasty
10. NFL great Randy
12. Within
13. Palm trees
CLUES ACROSS
1. Garden tool
5. A way to preserve
11. Gratitude
14. Domestic sheep
15. Simpler
18. Cavities containing liquid
19. Large fish-eating bird
21. Ocular protection index
23. Phil __, former CIA
24. Icelandic poems
28. Pop
29. Device
30. Actor Rudd
32. A pituitary hormone
33. Focus on an object
35. Corpuscle count (abbr.)
36. Young women’s association
39. Not shallow
41. Doctor
42. Furniture
44. Hindu male religious teacher
46. Highly spiced stew
47. A way to communicate
49. Almost last
52. Astronomer Carl
56. Small horses
58. A slender tower with balconies
60. A disrespectful quality
62. Fully shaded inner regions
63. Short convulsive intake of breath
16. Fungal disease
17. Tall, slenderleaved plants
20. Affirmative! (slang)
22. A passport is one
25. Two outs in baseball (abbr.)
26. Swiss river
27. Deferential
29. Where a bachelor lives
31. Portable computer screen material
34. A crying noise of a bird
36. Sticky, amorphous substance
37. Starchy dish of dried tubers
38. Type of acid
40. Partner to “Ma”
43. 16 ounces
45. The Bay State
48. A well-defined track or path
50. Substitution
51. Defined period
53. Group of toughs
54. Region
55. Famed Scottish Loch
57. Blood relation
58. Not around
59. Recipe measurement
61. Father to Junior
Cornucopia of weather
Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice Mary McIntyre and sidekick Lizzie were dressed last week for what they hope was winter’s final assault. The weather included everything from sleet to torrential rain to sunshine.
The Chatham Voice
The St. Clair Catholic District School Board has approved more than $2.5 million for several capital projects covering 20242025.
The funding is part of the board’s annual capital renewal strategy, supported by the Ontario Ministry of Education School Condition Improvement program. It’s designed to revitalize aging infrastructure to modernize school learning environments. Projects include asphalt and yard improvements at St. Anne Catholic School in Blenheim and St. Elizabeth Catholic School in Wallaceburg. A total of 17 smaller scale improvements are also on tap, ranging from accessibility upgrades
Play It Forward a hit
The Chatham Voice
Forty women spent the winter staying active, having fun and giving back.
The multi-sport recreational group, Play It 4Ward CK, has wrapped up another season, and combined forces to donate more than $2,400 to four local charities.
CK Dream field benefitted to the tune of $792, while Noelle’s Gift received $642, the VON Kids’ Circle $535 and Ronald McDonald House
$454. While Noelle’s Gift and Ronald McDonald House have been recipients in previous years, CK Dream Field and VON Kid’s Circle joined as new beneficiaries in 2025.
These contributions highlight the league’s ongoing commitment to supporting a diverse range of community causes.
Play It 4Ward CK is using its leftover funds to sponsor a youth soccer team and youth softball team this summer, the
Hazel Humphries (Wood)
99, Thursday, March 27th, 2025 Life Transitions
Lois Meredith
84, Thursday, March 27th, 2025 Life Transitions
James Guy
79, Tuesday, April 1, 2025 Life Transitions
Gilbert Ouellette
Tuesday, April 1, 2025 Life Transitions
George Houle
77, Sunday, March 30, 2025 Nicholls Funeral Home
John Sylvester Chortos Jr. 77, Thursday, April 3, 2025 Nicholls Funeral Home
second straight year the women have done this.
Play It 4Ward CK is made up of about 40 players, who are redrafted into different teams each week.
These four teams compete in a variety of sports, ranging from classics such as volleyball and basketball to gym-class favorites like dodgeball, soccer baseball, and floor hockey.
At the end of each game night, the winning teams earn donations for their chosen charities, with
OBITUARIES
Aron Wiebe
76, Friday, March 28, 2025 Kendrick Funeral Home
Murray Crawford
72, Friday, March 28, 2025 McKinlay Funeral Home
Walter Otto Repple
93, Wednesday, March 26, 2025 McKinlay Funeral Home
William “Bill” Hedley
77, Friday, March 28, 2025 McKinlay Funeral Home
Colin Rylett
39, Sunday, March 23, 2025 McKinlay Funeral Home
Jeffery Drummond
48, Wednesday, April 2, 2025 McKinlay Funeral Home
Ave, Chatham (519) 352-2390
Kingsville, Wheatley & Chatham kendrickfuneralhome.com
funds coming from a $100 player membership fee and contributions from local businesses that sponsor specific nights or activities.
“The charitable component of the league is, without a doubt, our favorite aspect. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see how much fun and teamwork can transform into meaningful contributions for our community,” Caress Lee, one of the team captains and organizers, said in a media release.
James Patrick Smyth 93, Tuesday, March 25 Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home
Jean Donna Elizabeth Markowski 80, Sunday, March 30, 2025 Badder Funeral Home
Anna Schives
91 ,Thursday March 27, 2025 Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Penny Wilton 70, Friday, March 28, 2025 Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Paul Therrien 93, Saturday, March 31, 2025 Blenheim Community Funeral Home
James Patrick “Pat” Kevany 94, Friday, March 28, 2025 Alexander & Houle Funeral Home
See full obituaries at chathamvoice.com /obituaries
For Sale
Native Crafts Moccasins, handmade necklaces, bracelets, dream catchers & more!
Open Thurs. - Sat. 11am4pm. Cash only, no debit. 14911 River Line, Moraviantown
Recruitment
People around you, maybe even your family, friends & neighbours are struggling with mental health & addiction challenges. As a Board Member, your expertise & perspective will make a difference in the lives of people who need help. Learn more by contacting Cheryl Riedstra, 519-337-5411 ext 3229 or at www.lambtonkent.cmha.ca
MORTGAGES / LOANS
Classifieds
Obituary
Surrounded by his family and knowing that he was loved, Paul Therrien passed away peacefully on March 31, 2025. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, and our mother, Elaine (Hammer) Therrien. He was the much loved father, pépé and grandpépé of Jim & Betty Lou Therrien with their children Alicia & Andrew (Spencer) and Tyler & Chrissie (Taner, Lance and Charlotte), Karen & Brian Whittal with their children Jason Whittal & Cheryl Glassford (Travis) and Michael & Brianne (Leah, Lauren, Heather and Benson), Lori & Willem Hummel with their daughter Amy & Brandon Vandehogen (Tessa and Stella), Mark Therrien & Mary Jane Tasker and Kevin & Kim Therrien with their children Kayla & John and Andrew & Kaitlyn. He was the last surviving child born to Calexte & Leah (Authier) Therrien, having been predeceased by Yvonne & Leo, Evelyn & Pat, Clara & Dona, Rosemary, Alcide, John & Margaret and Leo. He is survived by two sisters-in-law Cyrilla and Toni Therrien. Dad was a farmer…a man of the earth. He appreciated things that many others take for granted like a walk in the country, a gust of wind blowing through a cornfield, the sun and gentle rains. At night he would look to the sky, see the lights of heaven shining through the stars and thank God for all that he had been given. He walked this land for 93 years and made every one of them count. He was a long-time adherent of St. Patrick’s Church in Merlin, served on the cemetery board for many years and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. Visitation took place at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Thursday May 3rd. A Funeral Mass was celebrated in St. Patrick’s Church on Friday April 4, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. The interment followed in the Church Cemetery. Friends wishing to remember Paul with a memorial donation are asked to consider St. Patrick’s Cemetery or the Heart & Stroke Foundation.
William
J. “Willie” Peltier
Nov. 24, 1901 - Apr. 1970
Remembered by: Son, Roland Daughter-in-law, Violet Popoff Daughter, Clara Cleeve Daughter, Fern Gray
Peter Dierickse
February 11, 1941 - April 7, 2014
It’s been 11 years since you left us
May the winds of love blow softly On a quiet peaceful spot
Where the one we love is sleeping And will never be forgot. Remember him with a smile today He was not one of tears Reflect instead on memories Of all his happy years. Recall to mind the way he spoke And all the things he said His strength, his jokes, the way he laughed Remember those instead.
The good times he shared with us. wife Barbara, sons; Brad, Greg, Andrew & their families
Joseph “Joey” Wheeler
July 10, 1967 - April 11, 2019
Always In Our Hearts
Services Offered
ESTATE SALE: Saturday, April 12. 8am-1pm. 24031
Prince Albert Rd., Chatham. Beige love seat, brown recliner, Roxton coffee and end tables, lamps, TV console, antique arm chair, 3-drawer dresser, leather office chair, small desk, Roxton dining room table and 6 chairs, Roxton hutch, bedroom set (2 dressers, 2 night tables), Kenmore sewing machine and cabinet, hand weights, storage bench, curio cabinet, side table, oak shelves, toaster over, microwave.
To place your ad in the classified please give us a call at 519-397-2020! Sell your unwanted items! Classified ads start at only $6.00 +tax
listing, tons of antique furniture.
10% BUYERS PREMIUM For more information and pictures go to - www.murrayknappauctions.com CASH OR CHEQUE WITH PROPER I.D. NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ACCIDENTS DAY OF SALE. MURRAY KNAPP AUCTIONEER 519-727-8894
For Sale Grass Cutting Grass Cutting for Seniors! Reasonable rates, Chatham / Wallacebrug area. Call Ken 519-7846419. Silk Cemetery Saddle Arrangements. Everyday/ Holidays. Readyto-go. Many colours available. $40. 519-3543411
Wanted: Scrap air conditioners, dehumidifiers. Phone 226-2292614. Wanted
Announcement
February 9, 1935 - March 9, 2025
The family of Norm Huff would like to thank everyone who supported us during this difficult time. All the condolences, cards, food and care that we all received is so very much appreciated and such a comfort to all of us.
Wanted to Buy: Antiques, costume jewellery, gold, silver, coins, military, furniture, tools. We Buy All - Paid Cash. 519-727-8894.
Chatham Baptist Chapel “Come Out, Join Us” Sundays 11am and 7pm. Wednesdays 7pm, Friday 7pm. Old Hymns and KJV Preaching Go to chathambaptistchapel.com to watch sermons.
Services Offered
Phone 519-854-1355
We are a support agency providing care in Chatham-Kent. Seniors or adults with disabilities. Companionship, homemaking, meal preparation, light housekeeping, personal hygiene, nurse medication prescriber, etc. Confidential personal assessments. Call HOMECARE ON WHEELS. We are also hiring community caregivers, homemakers, PSW’s, RN’s and RPN’s. Phone 519-854-1355.
Bar & Dining Supervisor
Maple City Country Club, a private golf club in Chatham-Kent ON, is seeking an experienced Bar & Dining Supervisor to oversee the front of house operations of our bar and dining room. The ideal candidate will have a passion for the hospitality industry, exceptional leadership skills, effective communication skills, and a strong understanding of food and beverage service. As the Bar & Dining Supervisor you will be responsible for creating a welcoming atmosphere while ensuring high standards of service and quality. This is a seasonal full-time position, March to November.
Application Deadline: April 24, 2025 For further information about this opportunity, please visit our website at: www.maplecitycc.com
C-K focuses on waste diversion
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com
Chatham-Kent is about to embark on a new-to-the-municipality organic waste diversion program.
The three-pronged approach includes a backyard composter program; a standardized system of curbside leaf and yard waste collection and a pilot food waste digester program at the Harwich transfer depot.
Council approved the project following a detailed presentation by public works director Ryan Brown, based on a report from Huda Oda, C-K’s manager of waste management.
According to Brown, the program will be devel-
oped in three stages. The backyard composter project will commence in 2026 and interested residents will be able to buy the devices from C-K for $20.
A standardized curbside yard waste program will follow in 2027 – similar to what’s currently underway in Thamesville and Ridgetown. The food waste digester program will be added in 2028.
All told, capital costs for organic waste diversion are $4.27 million, plus an estimated $2.2 million in operating costs. These expenses will be funded through the 2024-multiyear budget and various reserves, with a portion of the costs coming from area-rated taxes. Only those who receive the service will pay the levy. Mandated by the prov-
ince, Ontario municipalities are required to divert at least 50 per cent of their organic waste by 2025. Chatham-Kent has been working on the issue for two years and has undertaken a comprehensive public engagement process. Chatham-Kent is producing 36,200 tonnes of waste annually, of which 48 per cent is organic waste.
Based on recent garbage audits, urban residents with curbside pickup are diverting 31 per cent of their organic waste from landfills, while rural households are diverting 39 per cent.
In response to a question from Coun. Alysson Storey about whether it would be more cost effective for C-K to contract the program out, Brown said
the robust program needs a dedicated staff.
“Our recommendation before you is to run this program internally,” Brown replied.
Council also learned there are few companies who supply the service.
Going forward, Chatham-Kent will hire a contract waste project manager April 1.
In 2027, seven permanent waste collector/equipment operator positions will be hired, as well as a dispatcher and a supervisor. The municipality will also buy four collection trucks and retrofit an existing building to accommodate the services. Two new weigh scales will be added.
In light of tariff turbulence, Storey said some of her concerns lie with
purchasing vehicles and services from the United States.
In his comments, South Kent Coun. Anthony Ceccacci expressed dismay that Chatham-Kent has to foot the bill for yet another downloaded cost from the province. The organic waste diversion program is double what the municipality had budgeted for, prompting Ceccacci to put forward an amendment asking the Ontario government for full funding.
“It’s an opportunity to advocate and ask,” Ceccacci said of the motion, but he acknowledged the request was unlikely to go anywhere.
Ceccacci pointed out Ontario’s landfills have only nine to 10 years of capacity left, noting around 30 per cent of the prov-
ince’s garbage is presently trucked to Michigan. This was confirmed by Oda. “I guess the concern is that we have to do our part, to do the best we can,” Ceccacci said, adding that the current tariff problems between the U.S. and Canada elevate concerns about mounting costs and the threat that the U.S. may refuse to accept the garbage.
Brown said buy-in support from the community is critical to the project’s success.
“A lot of it is about public engagement and community communication to make sure people understand this is what we’re offering and how best to use it,” Brown said, noting all of the approved programs include money for public education.
25042CE5-ON