Pre-RetroFest show
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative
pamwrightlji@gmail.com
A mini-classic car show at John McGregor Secondary School brought out the maximum in enthusiasm recently.
Put on as a scaled-down version of RetroFest, in honour of Chatham’s iconic
event, the gathering showcased 30 classic cars, as well as food, music and a vintage clothing costume contest. A collaboration between the school, the Historic Downtown Chatham BIA and the Kent Historic Auto Club, the car show came together in just three weeks’ time, according to JMSS visual arts teacher Jenn McQuade.
McQuade said she met BIA executive director Katie Goulet by chance last month. During their talk, Goulet told her finding volunteers for RetroFest was somewhat of a challenge, but the two came up with a solution they hope will encourage young people to volunteer and take part in the event.
“I thought it would be a really good opportunity for us to get involved in the community and RetroFest, “McQuade said in an interview, noting she hopes the event will act as a bridge between RetroFest and local volunteers.
The teacher said the community quickly came together “to show up for us,” to pull the classic car show together, noting every department at JMSS pitched in to help.
“Today was a celebration, but I was so moved by the sense of pride everyone felt there,” McQuade said at the April 14 event. “I talked to alumni and heard car owners
talk of family legacy and touching memories.”
Another aspect of the show was the opportunity for student artists to sketch, paint and shoot photos of vehicles heralding from the era of their grandparents and beyond. Student Jordan Holland designed the event’s T-shirt logo in his first ever attempt at digital artwork, transforming the claw marks of the school’s panther mascot into tire tracks, while Chloe Tetrault served as the school’s photographer.
Replete in top hat and mustache, student Solomon Prince claimed first prize in the costume contest.
Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice
Beckie and Kylie Goulet enjoyed the vintage cars at the first annual mini-RetroFest held last week at John McGregor Secondary School.
Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice
Makenna Mifflin uses a Lincoln Continental as the subject for her art at the JMSS classic car show
Doug Ford dumps on Dresden
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com
The Ford government wants to protect Ontario against Donald Trump’s tariff threats – but not the community of Dresden.
That’s the conclusion reached by the head of a citizen’s group opposed to the revitalization and expansion of a landfill near the southwestern Ontario community.
Dresden Citizen’s Against Reckless Environmental Disposal chair Stefan Premdas, following the news that the province wants to fast-track the reactivation of a long-idled dump without an environmental assessment, was furious.
nounced April 17 it has tabled legislation to remove the EA requirements for York1 Environmental Waste Solutions’ proposal to “resume landfill operations and expand waste handling, processing and transfer operations” at the former Dresden Tile Yard
on Irish School Road. It sits less than a kilometre north of the community.
The provincial statement said the project will instead be subject to environmental permits.
According to the province, “roughly 40 per cent” of waste generated by On-
tario businesses is exported to the United States.
“With the continued threats of border interruptions and tariffs, we can no longer afford to depend on the U.S. for this critical function, which is why we are building the capacity we need here at home, quickly, on a site that has been historically used for waste disposal.”
“Doug Ford is using the threats of Donald Trump to destroy our town,” Premdas said, but admitted he’s not surprised.
According to Premdas, federal trade deals exclude waste from trade and tariffs, as it is seen as a necessity.
“This has never been brought up by Trump, so why is the premier taking such an extreme measure that will harm agri-busi-
ness and their international trade partners,” he questioned, adding it will also as damage the community and quality of life.
“I’ve been fearing this all along,” Premdas added.
“How dare the premier say that we don’t have to have this if we don’t want it, and use this weak excuse to backtrack on his own words and legislation.”
Last March, Ford, speaking to a reporter in Windsor on the issue, said, “If the people like something, we do it. If they don’t, we don’t do it. It’s about as simple as that.”
Prior to Thursday’s announcement, Premdas said workers were on sight on Irish School Road putting up orange marker flags around Molly’s Creek earlier in the day.
nouncement, under the Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, 2025, is the latest development in a 14-month long controversy pitting the community against Mississauga-based York1. A grassroots uprising has vaulted the project into the environmental spotlight with groups such as Environmental Defense Canada coming to Dresden’s aid.
The original proposal laid out by York1 would see the construction of a recycling facility, a leachate ponding system and an expansion of the existing landfill. If approved, the York1 project would run 24/7 with as many as 700 trucks coming to the site daily.
The Ministry of Energy and Mines announcement came down at 2 p.m.
The Municipality of Chatham-Kent has affirmed it will fight. Following the announcement posted on the Environmental Registry of Ontario, Chatham-Kent issued a press release stating the mayor, council and administration are “prepared to fight” the waste facility proposal, noting expert lawyers and engineers have already been retained.
“We are extremely concerned about the recently announced direction the province is considering regarding environmental assessments,” said Mayor Darrin Canniff, adding he wants to make it clear Chatham-Kent will “continue to fight with every tool available.”
The province’s an-
Along with Chatham-Kent, the Township of Dawn-Euphemia and Lambton County are all strongly opposed, as is Nature CK.
As a result of public pressure last year, Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks Andrea Khanjin said a full-scale environmental assessment will be conducted on the York1 proposal. Ironically, the provincial report states the landfill proposal is being made by York1 Environmental Solutions Ltd. However, in February 2025, the property was sold to Whitestone Fields Ltd. However, Whitestone is linked to York1, as one of the owners is listed as Brian Brunetti, York1’s current COO.
A 30-day comment period on the proposed legislation is open until May 17.
Hero gathering effort continues
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com
Marshall DeJaegher’s bravery in the Second World War is a story for the ages.
The Chatham resident was part of the Allied Forces that stormed the beaches of Normandy, France in 1944. A tank driver and mechanic, the 20-year-old was chosen for the mission because he knew how to handle a Sherman tank.
On June 6, 1944 – D-Day – DeJaegher found himself on Juno Beach under heavy fire from German forces. The 10-kilometre stretch of beach was the site of a major Canadian assault, in which the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division and 2nd Armoured Brigade seized the beach and surrounding villages. Originally, DeJaegher was supposed to land on Juno in a floatable tank. But the armoured vehicle sunk in 50 feet of water and the young soldier found himself swimming to shore.
For a time, he was pinned down on the beach by enemy fire, but managed to find another tank whose driver had been injured. He survived, becoming part of the contingent that pushed the Germans back amongst some of the most brutal fighting in the war.
There were heavy casualties, as 1,096 Canadians died at Juno Beach. A mechanic, who enlisted in Windsor at age 17, DeJaegher was part of the 54th Light Aid Detachment which was attached to the 1st Hussars. During this period, the 1st Hussars won 72 decorations, certificates or mentions in dispatches – more than any other unit in the 1st Canadian Army.
The young soldier stayed in Europe until 1946 and then returned to Canada. He married Sheila Scratcherd, raised a fami-
anywhere. We want this website to be maintained going forward.”
The Kent IODE has been focusing on digitizing records for the last eight to 10 years, she added, and members are looking forward to bringing their expertise to the gatheringourheroes.ca cache of information.
The stories are what makes the site stand out.
“It is pretty amazing when you hear the stories,” Argenti said. “What amazes me the most is how fast it all came together. The war machine went bang and it came together so quickly.”
contributed to the GOH project that was started to mark the IODE’s 100th anniversary. Other partners include local historian Jerry Hind of the Search Goes On; Abstract Marketing; and the Chatham-Kent Museum.
To learn more, visit gatheringourheroes.ca.
ly and retired from Navistar before passing away at the age of 90. Sheila continues to be a member of the Kent IODE to this day.
DeJaegher’s name is but one of 10,111 listed in the Gathering Our Heroes Chatham-Kent World War I and World War II Enlistments website (GOH).
Founded by the Chatham-Kent IODE (Imperial Order of the Daughters of the Empire), the online “heroes directory” details the names, and, if available, the experiences of every Kent County resident who served in either of the World Wars.
In the works since 2013, the GOH project has a new partner. The IODE is teaming up with the Kent Branch of The Ontario Genealogical Society (Ontario Ancestors Kent Branch) to share information, expand the site’s reach and digitize all records.
Kent IODE member Garna Argenti, who is the GOH project co-ordinator, said welcoming the
Ontario Ancestors Kent Branch into the fold increases the strength of the project, ensuring it remains a “strong genealogical tool in our community for many years to come.”
Argenti, who is co-president of the IODE Kent chapter with Bonnie Verfaille, explained the site is open to all.
“It’s available for anyone to use,” she said.
“It’s a genealogical, historical research tool. We get inquiries from all over the world.”
According to Argenti, the site is accessed by a wide range of people, from students to professors, with inquiries coming from as far away as Malaysia.
Colleen L’Abbe, chair of tech support for the
Ontario Ancestors Kent Branch, said the group is very impressed with what they’ve seen so far.
“Obviously the sources on this website are priceless; you’re never going to find that anyplace else,” L’Abbe said. “It’s this massive database of names, pictures and stories and that’s something you just don’t get
L’Abbe agreed, noting people learn valuable history stories, rather than facts and figures.
“It helps when everyone is united,” L’Abbe said of the effort.
“When everyone is like, ‘yes we have something we need to do,’ I think that that makes a big difference.
Many have
Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice
IODE Kent chapter co-president Garna Argenti, Ontario Ancestors Kent Branch member Colleen L’Abbe, and long-standing IODE member Sheila DeJaegher display some of the documents related to a new partnership between the two groups to enhance the Gathering Our Heroes project. The GOH website is an extensive database with details on every Kent County citizen who enlisted in the First or Second World Wars.
Opinion
Get out and vote
It’s as simple as the headline states. Take the time to exercise your democratic right in the federal election.
If you did not vote in the advanced polls over the weekend, head to your designated polling station on April 28 and cast your ballot. Every vote does matter. We’ve seen it countless times. Whether it was in a close race, or even in lopsided victories – the number of people who did not vote, had they turned up and voted en masse for one particular candidate or party, could have contributed to a very different outcome. Also, take the time to become informed. Don’t just vote for a candidate, party or leader because your parents said he, she, it, or they are the best choice.
and follow your principles. They are yours and yours alone. But we ask you to make an informed decision. Take the time to research. And, for the love of God, don’t rely on social media, especially the memes that are very likely created by social media bot farms halfway around the world, regardless of which leader or party they are criticizing.
Traditional news sources are trusted news sources. Some may lean a bit one way or another, but overall, they provide by far the best news information.
Certain online outlets are extremely biased and seem to never let the facts get in the way of whatever spin they’re placing on content.
First off, decide if you are voting for a party, a leader, or a local representative. In Canada, federally and provincially, you vote in a candidate to represent your respective riding, and the party with the most seats has the opportunity to form government, placing their leader in as prime minister federally, or as premier provincially.
Choose which matters most to you
For those voting for a local candidate here in Chatham-Kent–Leamington, this issue of The Voice may be your one-stop shopping point for information.
Read what the candidates said at the all-candidates meeting put on by the Kent Federation of Agriculture.
Take the time to see what they had to say in our Questions to the Candidates section as well.
Every vote matters.
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.
The Chatham Voice reserves the right to edit letters to the editor for brevity and clarity. All letters need to be signed.
Chatham Voice advertising policy
The publisher of this newspaper, CK Media Inc., 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. Liability for errors or non-insertion is limited to the amount paid for the cost of space occupied by the error. Claims of errors must be made prior to the next publication date.
Make them answer
Editor: Re: “Funding for C-K falling short,” The Chatham Voice, April 17.
Like everyone else in Chatham-Kent, I have heard the repeated cries and woeful pleas from the mayor and council that we are not receiving our legitimate share of funding from both the federal and provincial governments when it comes to Ottawa and Toronto’s downloaded programs. Their collective moan is that their requests for fair funding are not heard on high. Our local government cannot get answers.
Politely worded, repeated inquiries fall on deaf ears in both the Ontario Legislature and Parliament Hill.
What I cannot comprehend is why our local government (and journalists as well) do not ask our elected representatives why we are being denied money that should be coming our
way?
Our mayor says he asks, he requests, both our federal MP (Dave Epp) and provincial rep (Trevor Jones) explain our being financially short shifted, but he receives no succinct answer from either of them.
I have always believed that the role of any elected representative is to advocate for the people in their riding (Chatham-Kent–Leamington) and not fall silent when their constituency is negatively impacted and truly needs them.
Who is to say?
This may be the right time to demand answers from both of them. Literally, call them to the Civic Centre podium. Have them actually appear (no Zoom, no Face Time, no texts, letters or emissaries) before council to explain where their efforts are in advocating for us, or perhaps have
an answer as to why we are not receiving our proper entitlement. At least, then we will all know! If they show, that is great. If not, that tells a tale in itself. It would seem to me that Trevor Jones, currently in Doug Ford’s cabinet, should be able to get some direct answers by asking the premier sitting at the same table right across from him. As far as incumbent Dave Epp is concerned, during this federal election campaign, it might be the time for someone from the city to publicly ask what he has done on our behalf with regard to securing money to fund programs imposed on the municipality.
Just looking for accountability and answers.
Dan Kelly Chatham-Kent
Tougher rules are needed
Editor: Well it’s that time again to vote for a new leader. So are we ready for another five years of lies? We were promised better health care. Look what we have now. Bob Rae did away with a lot of hospital beds. I guess he is a Liberal now. Then they had too many nurses, so they laid them off.
that was inhumane to hang them –never mind what they did to their victims.
We have kids going to school hungry and people having to go to food banks, so do you think that the criminals should be fed three square meals a day in sometimes luxury settings?
After that came the doctors. They can only have a certain amount of patients and can make only so much money. So a lot of our doctors and nurses went south of the border.
Chatham had two hospitals, so did Sarnia. Who knows how many other cities lost one. They were all busy and you didn’t have to pack a lunch to go to the ER. In the meantime, they build resort-style prisons for our criminals to keep them comfy. At one time, if you killed someone you were hanged or got a life sentence of 25 years minimum. They figured
They want to take the guns away from honest hunters and sport shooters because it’s easy picking (registered) so it makes it safer for the criminals so they won’t get shot in a home invasion! After all they have their rights that you and I don’t have. Bring back capital punishment and make Canada safe again like it once was. Feed those violent criminals bread and water for long-term prison sentences if capital punishment is not an option. Make your vote count.
B. J. Mulder Chatham
Sign shuffle angers reader
Editor: Recently I posted two signs supporting our local Liberal candidate, Keith Pickard, on my intersection at the corner of Pain Court Line and the Jacob Sideroad facing different directions. A day later, some sneak moved one of them down the road to my driveway.
I believe not only is this breaking the law, but also underhanded.
I’m sure the other candidates will be mortified at this kind of support. To the perpetrators, just get your own signs. So disappointing.
Sharon Jubenville Pain Court
FORM 6
SALE OF LAND BY PUBLIC TENDER
The MUNICIPALITY OF CHATHAM-KENT
Take Notice that tenders are invited for the purchase of the land(s) described below and will be received until 3:00 p.m. local time on May 27, 2025, at the Municipality of Chatham-Kent Civic Centre, located at 315 King Street West, Chatham, Ontario, N7M 5K8. The tenders will then be opened in public on the same day as soon as possible beginning at 3:15 p.m. at the Council Chambers of the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, located at 315 King Street West, Chatham, Ontario, N7M 5K8. Tune into our Municipal Facebook page or the Chatham-Kent YouTube channel for a virtual event where the tenders will be opened live beginning as soon as possible at 3:15pm.
Description of Land(s)
All lands are in the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, the following are the geographic descriptions and municipal addresses.
1. 1. ROLL #3650-080-002-13900 - LT 7, BLK 15, PLAN 355 TILBURY
Being 9 Poplar St., Tilbury
P.I.N.: 00795-0069 (LT)
According to the last returned assessment roll, the assessed value of the land is $116,000.00.
2. 2. ROLL #3650-080-006-16400 – LT 6, PLAN 447 TILBURY
Being 42 Ella St. S., Tilbury
P.I.N.: 00805-0063 (LT)
According to the last returned assessment roll, the assessed value of the land is $91,000.00.
3. 3. ROLL #3650-110-007-19405 - PART LOT 8, CONCESSION 13, GEOGRAPHIC TOWNSHIP OF RALEIGH, DESIGNATED AS PT. 5, 24R5662; CHATHAM-KENT
Being A.D. Shadd Rd., Raleigh
P.I.N.: 00864-0102 (LT)
According to the last returned assessment roll, the assessed value of the land is $7,700.00
4. ROLL #3650-140-006-79400 - PT LT 19, S KENT ST, PLAN 109 AS IN 366423 HARWICH
Being 76 Kent St., Shrewsbury
P.I.N.: 00939-0267 (LT)
Minimum Tender Amount
$13,990.21
$16,238.95
$6,823.73
According to the last returned assessment roll, the assessed value of the land is $91,000.00. $14,672.77
5. 5. Roll #3650-360-002-12650 - PT LT 13 CON A CAMDEN AS IN CA18410 EXCEPT 302190, 463624, 657195, S/T 302190 & 657195; CHATHAM-KENT
Being Dew Drop Rd., Thamesville
P.I.N.: 00723-0165 (LT)
According to the last returned assessment roll, the assessed value of the land is $24,500.00. $8,289.41
6. 6. Roll #3650-410-002-13900 - PT LT 10 CON 1 CHATHAM AS IN 536095; CHATHAM-KENT; SUBJECT TO AN EASEMENT IN GROSS OVER PART 1 ON 24R10646 AS IN CK206332
Being 9877-9879 Longwoods Road
P.I.N.: 00736-0117 (LT)
According to the last returned assessment roll, the assessed value of the land is $466,000.00 REDEEMED $142,510.78
7. Roll #3650-410-012-02900 - PT LT 24 CON 2 CHATHAM GORE AS IN 658457; DESIGNATED AS PART 2, PLAN24R9372; S/T INTEREST IN 658457; CHATHAM-KENT
Being 8409 North River Line, Chatham
P.I.N.: 00592-0062 (LT)
According to the last returned assessment roll, the assessed value of the land is $232,000.00.
7. 8. Roll #3650-420-002-03400 - PT LT 35 BLK N PL OLD SURVEY AS IN 605818; CHATHAM-KENT
Being 186 Colborne St., Chatham
P.I.N.: 00503-0052 (LT)
$43,517.04
According to the last returned assessment roll, the assessed value of the land is $133,000.00. REDEEMED $20,195.95
8. 9. Roll #3650-420-018-04900 - LT 12 BLK B PL 10; CHATHAM-KENT
Being 37 Gray St., Chatham
P.I.N.: 00507-0030 (LT)
According to the last returned assessment roll, the assessed value of the land is $87,000.00 $14,687.89
9. 10. Roll #3650-443-005-20400 - PT LT 13 CON 1 CHATHAM GORE; PT LT V PL 418 AS IN 609734; CHATHAMKENT
Being 445 Murray St., Wallaceburg
P.I.N.: 00554-0314 (LT)
According to the last returned assessment roll, the assessed value of the land is $238,000.00
$47,289.70
Tenders must be submitted in the prescribed form and must be accompanied by a deposit in the form of a money order, bank draft, or cheque certified by a bank or trust corporation payable to the municipality (or board) and representing at least 20 per cent of the tender amount Except as follows, the municipality makes no representation regarding the title to or any other matters relating to the land to be sold. Responsibility for ascertaining these matters rests with the potential purchasers.
This sale is governed by the Municipal Act, 2001 and the Municipal Tax Sales Rules made under that Act. The successful purchaser will be required to pay the amount tendered plus accumulated property taxes and any taxes that may be applicable such as the land tra nsfer tax and HST The lands do not include mobile homes situate on the lands. The municipality has no obligation to provide vacant possession to the successful purchaser. Purchasers must retain a lawyer to complete the purchase of any property for which their tender is accepted.
A copy of the prescribed form of tender is on the Municipality of Chatham -Kent website, www.chatham-kent.ca and on the website of the Government of Ontario Central Forms Repository under the listing for the Ministry of Municipal Affairs. For further information regarding this sale and a copy of the prescribed form of tender contact:
Title
Amy McLellan, Manager Revenue or Matthew Torrance, Deputy Treasurer
Address of Municipality or Board
315 King Street West, P O Box 640, Chatham, Ontario, N7M 5K8
Name of Municipality or Board
Municipality of Chatham-Kent
www.chatham-kent.ca
Personal information contained on this form, collected pursuant to the Municipal Act will be used for the purposes of that Act. Questions should be directed to the Freedom of Information and Privacy Co -ordinator at the institution responsible for the procedures under that Act.
Planting support for victims
By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com
Kate do Forno hopes to plant the seeds of support and understanding this spring.
The executive director of Chatham-Kent Victim Services said Garden of Giving is a spring-
themed gala that will celebrate strength and resilience, but also educate.
Keynote speaker at the June 13 event is Dr. Lori Haskell, a Chatham native, Order of Canada recipient, and a renowned authority on the neurobiology of trauma. do Forno said Haskell is
“one of the best speakers I have seen.”
Haskell’s work aids police in learning how to treat victims of violence so they are not re-traumatized, do Forno said.
do Forno said non-profit groups are increasingly seeing a need to seek outside revenue streams to augment government funding. And the gala is one option.
“It’s really about the whole picture,” do Forno said of fundraising. “We need to grow and need to support the community the way we need to.”
pandemic. As we came out of it, the numbers dipped, but they are on the rise again.
“People are angry right now. It’s easy to be caught up in the world of anger and the 24-hour news cycle with what is going on down south,” she said. “We’re seeing it play out in our communities, our schools.”
months ago. It requires manpower to run it. It’s been hugely successful,” do Forno said. “The bracelets are for people at risk of wandering. If they did wander off, police can hone in on that frequency. Usually, they find the person within 30 minutes.”
and are available at canadahelps.org/en/charities/chatham-kent-victim-services/events/ gardenofgiving/ do Forno would like to see the Garden of Giving become an annual event.
For Victim Services, community needs are growing.
do Forno said domestic violence and sexual assaults peaked during the
Victim Services also provides additional community support. do Forno pointed out the success of Project Lifesaver, where a resident wears a bracelet with a unique radio frequency. If that person goes missing, police can quickly discover their location.
“Project Lifesaver launched about eight
Victim Services hope to sell between 150 and 200 tickets for the Garden of Giving, which features dinner, dancing and a silent auction as well as the address by Haskell, and a talk by Cristina Ruscica, a local practitioner and wellness advocate who will discuss harnessing the subconscious for healing.
Tickets for the event at Retro Suites are $100 each
Do you feel safe
With an eye to enhancing safety, health and well-being, Chatham-Kent has released a survey pinpointing local concerns.
The survey, which saw 350 responses over four weeks in March,
Accountable and Accessible. Dave has held 108 public meetings in 4 years, attends hundreds of community events, and sends regular communications to keep you informed.
The list goes on ... the man should too!
& Doors
indicates C-K respondents have a 90-per-cent confidence level in the community.
However, many respondents say they are concerned about rising crime, with 79 per cent believing crime rates have increased in the past four years.
Substance use, criminal activity, mental health, physical activity, poverty, education and employment were identified as top priorities for improving safety and well-being in Chatham-Kent. However, others say they feel safe, with 65 per cent of respondents saying they feel safe, or very safe, walking alone in their neighbourhood after dark.
“I’m excited about this. As an executive director, we don’t just want this to be a new gala for the community. We want it to be a celebratory event… in springtime, around growth, healing and resilience,” she said. do Forno said organizers are also looking for sponsors, as well as organizations willing to donate items for the silent auction. To do so, reach out at 519-436-6630 or by email at info@ckvictimservices.com.
in C-K?
Other key findings:
• 70 per cent reported feeling a sense of belonging in their community.
• 81.7 per cent reported positive relationships with their neighbours.
• Nearly 25 per cent identified as parents to children aged five to 12, with over half expressing concerns about allowing their children to play outside unsupervised.
According to a municipal media release, the survey is part of the Chatham-Kent’s Community Safety and Well-Being Plan expected to be completed this summer. The plan is part of a broader approach mandated in 2019 through Ontario’s Community Safety and Policing Act. The act addresses complex social issues by fostering proactive, collaborative approaches rooted in community strengths and resources.
C-K’s survey results will be combined with comprehensive data from Statistics Canada, Public Health Ontario, as well as other local agencies, according to municipal officials.
The Chatham Voice
Prepping for the boys of summer
Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice
Chatham’s Fergie Jenkins Field has turned into a construction zone in preparation for the 2025 baseball season. Much of the work includes building a new clubhouse for the Chatham-Kent Barnstormers, as well as the installation of bleachers that will add 544 new seats at the field. Following a networking lunch on April 17, Barnstormer owner Dom Dinelle and sales manager Mike Stull headed to the field to get a first-hand look at the progress. The Barnstormers are heading into their second season, following a successful inaugural season that saw them make the playoffs. The Barnstormers take on the Kitchener Panthers in their home opener May 17.
Fentanyl took this ‘Jewel’ from her family
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative
Jewelya Suzanne Hanov died of a fentanyl overdose July 11, 2024, just the day after her 26th birthday.
Since her death, her father has been immobilized by grief.
“I can’t look at the pictures,” said Chatham resident Michael Hanov, gesturing toward family photographs hanging on the wall while averting his eyes. “I can’t open her bedroom door.
“I have a hole in my heart” he continued.
“When I go to her grave, I bawl my eyes out. I’ve got to go see my daughter at
a cemetery...that’s where I have to talk to my daughter because of fentanyl.”
According to a coroner’s report, Jewelya died in the basement of a Park Avenue residence in Chatham. She was found to have 20 milligrams of fentanyl in her system, along with cocaine, methamphetamine and clonazepam. A blood level of 3 mg. of fentanyl is considered fatal.
The day before she died, Hanov said his daughter overdosed on fentanyl behind Canadian Tire.
Jewelya was resuscitated with Narcan and taken to Chatham-Kent Health Alliance. Shortly before midnight, she was released, somehow making
Michael Hanov sits outside the door of the bedroom of his adult daughter, Jewelya Hanov, who died of fentanyl drug poisoning last summer. He still can’t open the door.
her way to her final destination.
Hanov is despondent that he didn’t get a chance to connect with his daughter on her last day on earth, wishing he would have known she was hospitalized. However, he acknowledged his relationship with his daughter was strained.
Continued on page 12
Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice
‘I can’t go into the room’
Continued from page 11
That was the case in the seven weeks before her death following an altercation between the two.
The details around her death are murky, he added, and he knows he will never know what really happened.
“Before midnight, the hospital let her go,” Hanov said. “ I didn’t know that my baby girl was at the hospital and had OD’d. I wish I would have known.”
Although Jewelya struggled with substance abuse since she was a young teen, her father said she was “so much more” than the drugs. In the last two years of her life, she com-
pleted the two-year Community Justice Services course online through Algonquin College. Studying addictions was part of the course.
“Jewel wasn’t doing drugs all the time,” Hanov explained. “ She got with the wrong people and fell back. I couldn’t save her.”
Born in Windsor, Jewelya grew up with her mother and stepfather in Cedar Springs. However, she lived with her father for the seven years prior to her death, successfully working in customer service with a telecommunications company.
Hanov said holding his newborn daughter in his arms when she was born was the “best moment of my life,” adding that he rocked her in a chair for the first two hours.
“I told her, that was the
best thing that ever happened to me,” he said.
Sadly, Jewelya’s death is not an anomaly and is part of the what’s being called a national crisis.
Since 2016, when opioid deaths started being recorded, close to 50,000 Canadians have died from opioid overdose.
According to Chatham-Kent Public Health’s most recent Opioid Surveillance Report, there were 23 confirmed/ probable local opioid poisoning deaths in the period from January to November 2024. The report states the majority of the deaths were males between 25 to 44, with fentanyl directly contributing to all deaths.
Provincially, there were 2,087 in the same time frame, with one in five of the opioid deaths occurring in the homeless population.
Current opioid toxicity deaths in Ontario, according to statistics from the Office of the Chief Coroner, indicated there were 220 suspected drug-related deaths reported in March 2025, and 653 suspected opioid related deaths in the three months prior.
Hanov, in recovery from addiction for many years himself, has first-hand experience with the danger and wants others to know they are not alone. Along with private counselling, he’s taking part in a new grief program for people who have a child or loved one experiencing fentanyl additiction or addiction to other substances.
Part of Reach Out Chatham-Kent (R.O.C.K.) Mission’s outreach, the program is called Holding Hope. Created by Ca-
nadian non-profit Moms Stop the Harm and facilitated by those with lived experience, the group provides a safe space for support, connection and information.
R.O.C.K. Missions executive director Renee Geniole said Holding Hope is a welcome addition and will be held bi-weekly at 39 Richmond St. in Chatham.
“A lot of family members reach out to us,” Geniole said. “We recognize there is a grief to having a family member who is living the life. It’s nice to be able to share with people who say ‘I totally get it.’ To be able to share that grief sometimes helps.
“There’s a shame and stigma associated with drug use,” she said, noting there’s an open invitation to community members to come and check it out.
Hanov hopes family and friends impacted by the substance use of a loved one will take advantage of the new group and he’s willing to help.
“If there’s anybody out there who has lost a child or family member or loved one, feel free to contact me,” he said.
“I didn’t want to be wrapped up in this, God help me. This is the worst thing that ever happened in my life.”
As for opening the door into Jewelya’s room, Hanov isn’t sure when that will happen.
“I can’t go in the room,” he said. “I just can’t...it’s just the way she left it.”
For those interested in finding out more, contact mikehanov64@gmail.com online or Chatham@holdinghopecanada.org.
Help send kids to camp
The seasons are changing and summer day camp is on the horizon.
So, in order to provide the opportunity to as many children as possible, the YMCA of Southwestern Ontario has launched its annual Fill the Bus campaign. The goal is to raise $250,000 – enough to fund 1,250 youngsters across the region.
“Every child deserves a summer filled with fun, friendships and new
experiences,” said Andrew Lockie, CEO for the YMCA of Southwestern Ontario in a media release. “At the same time, parents need a trusted, affordable option for summer care. Our camps provide both – helping kids grow while giving families peace of mind.”
Area businesses are already stepping up to help, with Mainstreet Credit Union leading with a $35,000 donation that will send 175 children to camp.
In Chatham-Kent, RSD
Maintenance and General Contracting stepped up with a $5,000 donation recently.
The YMCA is inviting interested community
members to be part of the effort. Each donation of $200 will send one child to camp. To learn more, visit ymcaswo.ca/fillthebus.
The Chatham Voice
Contributed image
Chatham-Kent YMCA general manager Timarra Milmine, child and youth supervisor Sydney Hawryluk and development officer Art Stirling accept a donation for $5,000 from Dustin Ryan of RSD Maintenance & General Contracting, branch sponsor of the Y’s Fill the Bus campaign for 2025.
The art of the draw
Ridgetown losing its Thrift Store
By Michael Bennett Local Journalism Initiative
The Ridgetown Independent
The Salvation Army Thrift Store in Ridgetown is closing its doors after regular hours on April 25.
“Following a strategic review, The Salvation Army’s Ridgetown Thrift Store will no longer be operational effective April 25, 2025,” the a social media post read. The post also stated donations will no longer be accepted after the closing date at the location.
The Salvation Army Chatham-Kent Ministries and the Salvation Army Canada jointly decided to close the popular second-hand store for financial reasons.
Billy Canning, manager of marketing and communications for Salvation Army Canada, responded to an email from The Ridgetown Independent News requesting more information, including the future of the food bank and other services provided to Ridgetown and East Kent residents by the Thrift Store.
“The Salvation Army Community and Family
Services, including food bank operations, will not be impacted,” read the reply.
“With gratitude and appreciation, we express our sincerest thanks for your patience and understanding throughout this process.”
Major Larry Bridger, Pastor of the Salvation Army Chatham-Kent Ministries, provided more clarity.
“We will continue to operate out of the same location for the time being,” Bridger said.
“We are actively seeking a smaller satellite office from which to operate, as we do in Blenheim,” he said.
The Blenheim food bank and its services operate in the Blenheim Baptist Church basement on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons.
Becky Hebblethwaite operates the food banks in both communities and oversees the various Salvation Army services, such as housing support, utility assistance, guidance and referrals to other agencies and supports.
Bridger said operation hours for its food bank and services will likely change down the road.
Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice
basket
goodies to be drawn June 1. Here, The Studio Art Gallery owner Pamela Smith displays a painting by Wallaceburg artist Carrie Rose.
Some pan-seared succulence
Have you ever had a steak cake?
Well, what we created at home recently certainly looked like one.
My wife, Mary Beth, picked up a huge steak (it said “roast” on the packaging) on a recent shopping excursion. Our daughter, Brenna, and I handled the cooking of said hunk of meat.
Normally, I’d have fired up the Big Green Egg for such an undertaking, but the weather was not co-operating, so we turned to Plan B. And that plan was particularly delicious. It started as expected – a heavy dose of seasoning both sides of the steak and letting it sit in the fridge for a time.
We then pulled it out to bring it up to temperature and planned around our cooking of this colossal offering of red meat. Brenna, the air fryer expert, planned out when to put in the fries, as I was occupying the stovetop and the oven with the meat.
We put the burner on high heat (seven out of ten), let the cast-iron pan heat up with garlic-infused olive oil already in it, and carefully put in our steak. I swear, it was a good eight or nine inches in diameter and about an inch and a half thick.
We seared it on both sides for about two and a half minutes and then sent it into the oven at 425 F for five minutes. That was my error. It was not long enough. When we pulled it out,
Bruce Corcoran
I cut off a “slice” of steak cake and saw it was Pittsburgh blue – not cooked enough for our tastes. So it went back in for another seven minutes. What came out was medium rare and full of flavour.
Combined with the fries and a salad, it served the three of us well. And our daughter said it might have been the best steak she’d ever eaten.
Plus, we had plenty of leftovers.
Those leftovers got worked over pretty well a couple of nights later when we made steak bites. We took a baguette, sliced it up, and topped it with cheese, garlic spread, a balsamic glaze and arugula before putting them in the oven to get toasted.
Four of us ate our fill, and we still had leftover steak.
And then two steak and cheese sandwiches the next day, followed by one steak and cheese on a bagel the next morning.
Ten meals from one $16 “roast.” I’ll take it.
I love our Big Green Egg, but I’m getting my eyes opened to other ways to cook meat. Panseared steak in good cast iron certainly locks in the flavour.
I can do the same on the Egg, either in a cast-iron pan or directly over the charcoal. I think I’ll have a cooking comparison this year… with two steaks. One in a small cast-iron pan on the Egg, and the other right on the grill. High heat to start to sear in the flavour, a switch to indirect heat to create the oven-like cooking environment, and we’ll see what we get. Of course, both will have something the steak cake didn’t – the smoky flavour from the Egg.
Catching up I don’t get out like I used to. The pandemic changed so much of that for me. It’s not a fear of public places, but rather an enjoyment of home. But I recently caught up with a couple of old friends who I had not crossed paths with in several years. We met at Red Barn Brewing for a few cold suds, reminisc-
Bruce Corcoran/The
Cooked to perfection, thanks to a cast-iron pan, and some Corcoran experimentation.
ing, and a lot of laughs. Two and a half hours of just chatting makes one realize we should all treasure face-to-face time with other folks.
Too often in our conversations that night, one of us brought up friends and family who have passed on. But we created more
memories and plan on gathering again. It will be my turn for a pitcher of refreshments. Thanks for the beach glass, Nate!
Chatham Voice
Volunteers Make Waves Together, we create ripples of change
#VolunteersMakeWaves #NVW2025
The theme for National Volunteer Week 2025 is Volunteers Make Waves. It highlights the power, impact and importance of individual and collective volunteer efforts across Canada. Like a wave, volunteering is movement building.
Water is in constant motion, always flowing, shifting, and transforming with every powerful wave or quiet ripple. And so is each volunteer’s contribution toward creating impact in our communities.
Each individual volunteer contribution, big or small, creates momentum and has the power to influence and inspire, joining a wave of positive change.
Building on the tides sent out before us, waves swell with each generation of volunteers. Our actions ripple out to broader community benefits,
like improved well-being, increased social cohesion, and enhanced resilience in the face of change and uncertainty.
Each wave is unique and brings something vibrant and new to the ecosystem.
During National Volunteer Week 2025, we come together to recognize and celebrate all the ways volunteers make waves from coast to coast to coast. Together we create ripples of change. And through the power of our amplified impact, Volunteers Make Waves.
The sharing of time, skills, empathy, and creativity is vital to the inclusivity, strength, and well-being of our communities. By coming together, committing support, and increasing our collective efforts and impact, volunteers contribute exponentially to the quality of life we all strive for.
National Volunteer Week is a chance to highlight the value of volunteers and their positive impact on society.
#NVW2025 #VolunteersMakeWaves
Find the right volunteer opportunity for you
Giving back to one’s community can provide a sense of purpose and improve an individual’s overall well-being.
Volunteerism also produces additional benefits, including boosting one’s positive perception to others. Human resources executives attest that contributing to a nonprofit can improve leadership skills.
By understanding the value behind volunteer work — for the people or organization on the receiving end as well as the volunteer — more individuals may decide to donate their time and services.
However, finding the right volunteer opportunity may take some trial and error. The following are some tips for finding the right fit.
• Consider skills and interests. Before choosing a volunteer opportunity, make a list of activities that you enjoy. This may help guide volunteer choices. For example, if you like hiking, you may volunteer to clean up a local park.
• Assess your skill levels. Is there something you are particularly adept at doing? For example, if you are a certified public accountant, you may be able to volunteer by mentoring young accounting students, or doing taxes or book
keeping tasks for the elderly or less fortunate.
• Think about commitment level. Figure out how much time you can spend volunteering. Maybe you only have the weekends or a few hours in the evenings? Understanding how much free time you have can help you choose opportunities that fit within these parameters.
selecting opportunities. Defining a goal can help you maintain the motivation to volunteer and see a project through to completion.
• Research potential organizations. Not all nonprofit groups are created equal. Utilize resources that vet charitable groups to determine if they are trustworthy.
• Define your goals. Have goals in mind when
Volunteering can bring joy to a person’s life, especially when individuals find an inspiring opportunity.
• Start small. Wade into a volunteer opportunity slowly to see if it is the right fit. This may include volunteering one day a week or month. Increase the time you spend volunteering once you’ve found the right place for you.
Dave Epp, Conservative
The
Questions to the Chatham-Kent–Leamington Candidates Seamus Fleming, New Democrat
Tell our readers a little bit about yourself and why you are qualified to serve as MP.
Dave Epp is a common sense conservative Member of Parliament representing the Southwestern Ontario riding of Chatham-Kent–Leamington.
Dave’s extensive business background includes being the chair/ vice-chair/board member of Agricorp (Schedule III Provincial Agency), serving as Ontario/ Quebec regional representative for the Canadian Foodgrains Bank; Ontario Agricultural Commodity Council; as
well as having served as chair of Ontario Process Vegetable Growers. Since becoming a Member of Parliament in 2019, Dave has served as Deputy Shadow Minister for Agriculture and AgriFood as well as a member of the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food. Currently, he sits on the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development, and is heavily involved in inland waters’ issues Dave continues to be a very strong and accessible local representative, having held more than 108 public meetings across his constituency in his first five years as MP.
Dave is a former single-engine pilot who enjoys fastball, hockey and golf; and loves a good choir. Dave has a post-secondary degree from CMU, and has been married to his wife, Charlene, for over 39 years. They have four grown daughters.
Continued on page 23
Tell our readers a little bit about yourself and why you are qualified to serve as MP.
I’m Seamus, I am a master’s student researching farmers and rural ridings in politics.
I am a teaching assistant, meaning I teach the undergrads tutorials and mark their assignments.
Last year, I worked as an intern for parliament for two semesters. I’ve helped with health-care legislation, mainly lowering the age of free breast cancer testing starting at age 40, as well as bringing testing to rural areas. I also met with health stakeholders, who brought issues
forward like lung health, brain injuries and Alzheimer’s.
I’ve also helped in my community creating a tenant’s guide, especially for seniors losing their apartments for demolition or people facing illegal evictions. I actually helped house people in the last summer in a non-profit and I volunteer regularly at the food bank.
I think it’s important regular people who face inflation and changes in the market run for office.
What is the most pressing issue facing Chatham-Kent right now?
The most pressing issue is tariffs and potential layoffs. We have a robust manufacturing industry.
We need to make sure that if there’s subsidies, there can’t be layoffs. We can’t go easy on companies like Amazon who want to lay off an entire province of their workforce because of unionization.
The government should not pursue contracts with American companies who threaten our jobs.
Continued on page 23
Chatham Voice
Dave Epp
The Chatham Voice
Seamus Fleming
Trevor Lee, People’s Party
The Chatham Voice
Tell our readers a little bit about yourself and why you are qualified to serve as MP.
My name is Trevor Lee, born and raised in Winnipeg, originally moved to Ontario in 1999, and moved to Southwestern Ontario in 2022. I have two teen children, five step kids, and one granddaughter. I have worked in the transportation and logistics field for 35 years in supervisory and management roles.
I have been following politics for the last two decades, and with my ability to listen, and understand concerns from my staff, and to come up with solutions, I feel that I have what it takes to listen, learn, and stand for the people in the Chatham-Kent–Leamington riding and take action to make sure their voices are being heard in Ottawa. What is the most pressing issues facing Chatham-Kent right now?
At this particular moment, I feel that most of the attention has been drawn to the current tariff dispute with the United States. The People’s Party solution is not to get into a heated tariff dispute, and match tariffs with tariff retaliatory measures, but instead remove all tar-
iffs, and sit down with the current U.S. administration, and have open talks. Put everything on the table, and come to an agreement that everyone can benefit from.
Canada cannot win a tariff war with the U.S. And in the end, it is our manufacturing, and citizens who will suffer, as more jobs will be lost, and prices for goods to continue to rise. It would then be fiscally irresponsible for the Canadian government to then have to subsidize business due to their actions of having this tariff dispute. The real issue I believe will be the tariffs imposed on us by China, which has not gotten much press. This will hurt the agriculture sector of our riding. This needs to be addressed ASAP. Any other issues of note?
I believe another serious issue at hand is our current housing crisis, and job market. This stems from poor governance, but more importantly, poor immigration policies. We are having jobs that would typically go to our Canadian youth, who are in high school, or college/university, being given to immigrants who are being bussed in from larger cities like London.
The main reason is for the
subsidies the current government is giving to the large corporations to hire immigrant workers and the government covering up to 70 per cent of their wage. This is unfair to the youth looking for these types of jobs. These same poor immigration policies are the main reasons for the housing shortages. We don’t need the government to spend billions of dollars to build houses which will only go to the immigrants that they have agreed to bring into our country. Paid for by the Canadian tax payer.
Once again, we see poor policies destroying our country, culture, and hopes of our youth and next generations.
How can the federal government better address the homeless issue in C-K?
I have noticed during the early days of my campaign the homelessness issues facing communities in C-K.
Continued on page 25
Keith Pickard, Liberal
Tell our readers a little bit about yourself and why you are qualified to serve as MP.
I was born in Chatham and chose to raise my family in Leamington. I’m a proud business owner and community advocate dedicated to building up the place I call home.
As the founder of a number of businesses, I have decades of experience in manufacturing, distribution and trucking and I know first-hand the challenges being shaped by the cross-border trade dispute with the United States.
This area is best represented by a member of the
CHATHAMVOICE.COM
government, not a critic in opposition – we have been absent of a strong advocate in Ottawa for far too long.
What is the most pressing issue facing Chatham-Kent right now?
Chatham-Kent–Leamington is the front lines of the trade war and we need a leader who is best suited to dealing with the U.S. president and supporting workers during this uncertain time. Mark Carney has already committed to support programs that are targeted towards industries and workers most affected by the tariffs imposed on Canada. Pierre Poilievre hasn’t. Instead, we’ve gotten slogans but so far
there has been no commitment to anything specific that would actually help workers in our area. Any other issues of note?
The cost of living is also a crucial issue for people in our riding and a Mark Carney government has already made it easier for Canadians to weather uncertain times.
Continued on page 25
The Chatham Voice
Trevor Lee
Keith Pickard
Questions to the Chatham-Kent–Leamington Candidates
Continued from page 20
What is the most pressing issue facing Chatham-Kent right now?
The cost of living, including the cost of housing, continues to be the most pressing concern. For many, with the threat of tariffs impacting many of our businesses, this adds precarity to employment, as well as exacerbating the cost of living as tariffs work their way into everyday consumer goods. This is evidenced
Dave Epp, Conservative
in Chatham-Kent–Leamington through exponential increased use of food banks, and the difficulty of first-time home buyers to secure their first home. Across Canada, there were over two million visits to the food bank last year alone.
Any other issues of note?
The volatility and angst created by the unpredictability of our long-time reliable trading partner the U.S. has amplified the
Seamus
Continued from page 20
To support Canadian auto workers, we want to give tax rebates for people leasing Canadian cars, especially electric cars. We make a lot of electric car parts in Ontario. Grocery prices are the most immediate concern for people in C-K–Leamington. We all know they aren’t going to lower prices even if gas is cheaper. The Loblaws stock has more than doubled since the pandemic, big shareholders are impressed with their profits. Grocery profit margins have doubled in the past decade, according to economist Isabella Webber. We need to investigate what they charge to suppliers and
farmers.
concerns of Canadians that were there BEFORE Donald Trump took office. Government corruption, waste, and overspending, coupled with excessive regulation, have negatively impacted the climate for investment, leading to lower productivity at the business level, and inflation at the consumer level. How can the federal government better address the homeless issue in C-K?
Very seldom is homeless-
ness caused by only one issue or concern. Often it is the result of the loss of employment due to other factors including mental health issues, and, in particular, addiction. Increasing the supply of opioid drugs through so-called safe supply will not address the underlying root causes of addiction. Only recovery options will. And so, the Conservative party has committed to creating 50,000 new recovery spaces to facilitate
a true addiction response.
Fifty thousand lost Canadian lives to opioid drug overdoses, is 50,000 too many.
If elected, what will you do to best represent your constituents?
Common sense says that if one commits to taking the voices of Chatham-Kent–Leamington to Ottawa, one first must listen and be available to the constituents. While that was difficult to accomplish in the first two
years of my mandate, due to pandemic-related gathering restrictions, I have hosted 106 of my 108 public events in the three years following the lifting of gathering restrictions. It is a continued commitment to be available – through competent and excellent constituency staff – and through continue personal engagement through availability through public meetings, that I can best represent the voices of C-K Leamington.
Fleming, New Democratic Party
The Liberals and Conservatives both voted against an investigation on charges for consumers and suppliers. I think local farmers deserve help from the government, not big grocery. Any other issues of note?
Mark Carney is signaling to his corporate buddies that he is not on our side. He did not even give us a labour minister. How are we supposed to negotiate trade with the U.S. if workers aren’t at the table?
The Conservatives want to cut the social safety net. That is counterproductive if workers could get laid off. They already threat-
ened Canada Pension and employment insurance in the House of Commons. If regular people lose their jobs and have no support, the whole economy will fall apart, that is not smart thinking. Workers are the backbone of the economy, not collateral damage. How can the federal government better address the homeless issue in C-K?
The federal government has a role in building housing. It was actually Chrétien who cut the federal housing program. The government used to
Serving Chatham and Area Families Since 1946
Hours: Mon. - Fri. 9am til 4pm After hours by appointment
7 Maple Leaf Dr., Chatham 519-354-3930 smythmem@gmail.com
build 15,000 units of affordable housing per year. It’s been 32 years, and we are 500,000 units short. Today, people live in the homes that were developed after the Second World War. We want to develop affordable housing on government land. Also, some people who are homeless are strug-
gling with mental illness and that is a health-care issue. We want real mental health care and services for people struggling. If elected, what will you do to best represent your constituents? I represent regular people. People paying their rent or mortgage, people paying for groceries and
who just need a decent wage. I will also represent farmers; they need much more attention and support. I will make sure people have good jobs and good wages, especially with the route of unionization, that is directly correlated with a living wage and pension.
The Wallaceburg Campus of the Chatham-Kent Family Health Team reached their fundraising goal of $100,000 for physician recruitment for Wallaceburg. Once again the Wallaceburg Community has come through on an important cause for our community. We would like to thank the corporate sponsors: Fairway Wealth Management at National Bank Financial, Aarkel Tool & Die, St. Clair Technologies, NAPA Auto Parts, Wallaceburg Sports Hall of Fame, Murray Financial Services and Insurance, Clock Tower Dental, No Frills Customer “Ask at the Till Program” (Mark & Sarah Popieul), Riversite Realty, Haycock-Cavanagh Funeral Home, Oaks Retirement Village, Kinsmen Club, The Farming Community (many farm businesses supported our cause), CKXS and The Chatham Voice. All those we did not mention we appreciate your support as well and anonymous donors representing 25% of total donations - you know who you are and we thank you.
Also thanking our team members: Pete Allaer, Dr. Denis Atoe, Jason Bartell, Jim Blake, Kyle Charlton, Eric Gaudreau, Aaron Hall, Greg Hetherington (co-chair), Noelle Heyink, Sharon House, Joan Hackett, Karen Kirkwood-Whyte, Carmen McGregor, Alison Mills, Steve Outridge, Dr. Judy Peters, Bill Pollock, Marcia Simpson, Rob Watson (co-chair) and Jeff Wesley.
Community Events
Thursday, April 24, 2025:
• Afternoon Jamboree with all singers & musicians welcome 1–4pm at the Merlin Legion. Come out and enjoy good music and great company. Donations welcome. Call 519-350-8937 for info.
• 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 starts at 1:00pm. Everyone welcome.
Friday, April 25, 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 from 4:00–6:00pm. No orders after 5:30pm. Tonight’s specials are liver & onions or fish & chips, $14.00 (HST included). Take out also available by calling 519-351-8733 or 519-351-5639. At 5:15pm is our weekly Catch-The-Ace draw (tickets can be purchased at the bar). Fun Darts start at 7:00pm. Everyone is welcome.
• Join us at the Merlin Legion for a Liver Lover/Liver Hater dinner! Liver with onions, potato & coleslaw or Chicken burger, fries & coleslaw. Both dinners include dessert for $12.50 – tax included. Served 4:30–7pm. Take outs also available. Contact 519-689-4884 for more information.
Saturday, April 26, 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.
• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 10:00am–9:30pm. Line Dancing lessons 10:00am-12noon. Meat draws at 3:30, 4:30 and 5:30pm. Kitchen open 3:00 pm–5:30pm. Come and check out our menu. Entertainment by the D.A.M. Band 4:30-9:30pm. Everyone welcome.
• The Wallaceburg Concert Band presents On With The Show at 7:00pm. Free admission, free will donations accepted. W.D.S.S. Webber Auditorium, 920 Elgin St., Wallacebug. Doors open at 6:15pm. For more in: wallaceburgconcertband. ca.
Sunday, April 27, 2025:
• Merlin Legion Classic Country Jamboree from 1:30pm-5:30pm followed by a lasagna dinner for only $15. No Frills meal & hamburgers also available. Bring your dancing shoes and don’t miss this fun event. Contact 519-476-5870 to book your spot. Take outs also available. $5 entry with musicians/singers free.
Tuesday, April 29, 2025:
• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am-9:30pm. The kitchen is open to serve lunch from 11:00am-1:30pm. Today’s special is Spaghetti with meat sauce. Come play Euchre at 1:00 or spend the evening playing Shuffleboard or Euchre starting at 7:00pm. Everyone is welcome.
• T(w)een Tuesdays at the Blenheim branch of the CKPL offers teens and tweens ages 10 to 18 the chance to try cool activities and meet new friends. Drop-in April 29, May 27, and June 24 from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
Wednesday, April 30, 2025:
• 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 7:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome.
Thursday, May 1, 2025:
• Afternoon Jamboree with all singers & musicians welcome 1–4pm at the Merlin Legion. Come out and enjoy good music and great company. Donation welcome. Call 519-350-8937 for info.
Saturday, May 3, 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.
• Annual Yard Sale Supporting Youth Group Program: 8am -1pm at the Kent Cloverleaf Conservation Club, 9092 English Line, Chatham. Something for everyone! Kitchen Open for Breakfast & Lunch, Bar Open, Details on Facebook at “Kent Cloverleaf Conservation Club”- Donations Accepted- donations plz contact secretary@kccc.ca.
• CK EarlyON Child and Family Centres is hosting a FREE community event for all parents and caregivers with children aged birth to 30 months! Bright Beginnings Expo for Infants and Toddlers is an interactive information fair to support our families in Chatham-Kent with their little ones. Parents and caregivers will have the opportunity to meet community professionals and collect information about child development and local services, with plenty of opportunities for little ones to engage in interactive play stations. Join us at Queen Elizabeth Public School in Chatham (in the Gymnasium) from 10am-12pm. You do not need to register, just show up! There will be door prizes and give-aways! For more information about the Bright Beginnings Expo or any of our other FREE EarlyON programs, please visit www.chatham-kent.ca/EarlyON or call 1-866-720-7975.
Chatham Branch Spring Book Sale, 120 Queen Street. Chatham Branch Community Living Café. Monday, May 12 to Saturday, May 17. During Library hours. This is a great opportunity to stock up before heading out to the beach or a day out to the park, as we have a large selection of adult fiction! Please bring your own bag. Prices vary. All proceeds go to support the library program and services.
Niagara Falls Casino Bus Trip, Wed., May 14, 2025, $60/person & $35 free play returned. Get your receipt at Br, 642 Legion, 39 William St. N., Chatham, 519-351-8733; leave Chatham 8:30 am; leave Casino 4:30 p.m.; park in curling club lot. No refund unless the trip is cancelled; Join us and have fun.
Are you affected by someone else’s drinking? Al-anon can help! Call - leave message - 519-350-3462
Alcoholics Anonymous, we can help! Information Line 519-360-5246.
Submit your coming events to bruce@chathamvoice.com or michelle@chathamvoice.com
Fun Stuff
64. Ethiopian river
65. Excessive fluid accumulation in tissues
66. Acquire by one’s efforts
67. Irish goddess
68. Hungarian village
69. Cereal grasses CLUES DOWN
1. Currency
2. Ceramic jar
3. Reagan’s Secretary of State
4. God worshipped in Kanesh
5. One thousand cubic feet (abbr.)
6. Semitic
7. About blood
8. Benign tumors
CLUES ACROSS
1. McCarthy acolyte Roy 5. Ancient Korean chiefdoms 10. Not soft 14. Jai __, sport 15. Philosophy 16. Do what you’re told 17. Gaffe 18. Widely known and esteemed 19. Amusement park attraction 20. Popular comic strip Viking 22. Usually has a lid 23. American sportscaster 24. Lung fibrosis 27. General’s assistant (abbr.)
30. Pouch
31. Upset 32. Partner to hem 35. Astronomy unit of distance 37. Witch
38. Gradually disappear
39. Regions
40. Possesses
41. Body parts
42. A way to comprehend 43. Defraud
44. Sandwich type
45. Expression of disappointment
46. Popular Dodge truck model
47. The 17th letter of the Greek alphabet
48. Soviet Socialist Republic
49. Songs to a beloved 52. Custom
55. Partner to cheese
56. West Indies trees
60. Member of a Semitic people
61. Plant that originated vegetatively 63. Squandered one’s money
9. Move one’s head
10. Hours (Spanish)
11. Hebrew calendar month
12. Advise someone
13. Colors clothes
21. The sun does it
23. Concealed
25. City of Angels hoops team (abbr.)
26. Droop
27. Away from one another
28. Challenges
29. A harsh scraping sound
32. Attaches to a wall
33. Capital of Ethiopia: __ Ababa
34. German river
36. Disappointed
37. Star Wars character Solo
38. Supervises flying
40. Not massproduced
41. Nonsense
43. Automobile
44. Hogshead (abbr.)
46. Soak in water
47. Flower cluster
49. Romanian city
50. A parent is often one
51. Fencing sword
52. Body part
53. Region
54. Farm building
57. Ali’s surname at birth
58. Waxy bird beak covering
59. Stiff bristles
61. VCR button
62. Small amount
Questions to the Chatham-Kent–Leamington Candidates Trevor Lee, People’s Party of Canada
Continued from page 21
But I’ve also seen it in many other communities in our riding. We need to address the problems at hand.
Jobless rates are high. A steady flow of illegal drugs, and the despair
Continued from page 21
He’s done this by putting more money in their pockets. By cancelling the “carbon tax,” we have already lowered the price of gas by an average of 18 cents per litre and are delivering on middle class
of our Canadian citizens who have lost jobs, homes, or feel that their government has forgotten them in favor of foreign policies.
The amount of money being sent to continue endless wars that have
no effect on Canada, and should be redirected to issues at home.
Creating more jobs, having services available to help the people who have fallen victim to highly addictive drugs, and to increase the fight against
the illegal drug trade with harsher penalties, jail time, and/or deportation. If elected, what will you do to best represent your constituents?
If elected, my main priority is to the people of this riding, foremost. I will be
ever present in the riding to answer questions and concerns, while making sure I am also present in the House of Commons to voice those concerns, and to vote on the pressing issues facing the riding and country. This is
Keith Pickard, Liberal
tax cuts that will save families hundreds of dollars a month.
How can the federal government better address the homeless issue in C-K?
Large-scale affordable and supportive hous-
ing initiatives as well as expanding the National Housing Strategy are important initiatives that will be a priority during a Mark Carney government. It’s also vital that we address the root causes of that lead to home-
lessness such as income inequality and better safety nets for our most vulnerable.
If elected, what will you do to best represent your constituents?
The last government did not do a good enough job
SPRING SPRING SPRING
of listening to the public, particularly on the carbon tax. I believe this area needs to have an MP who is a member of government, not a critic in opposition. By electing a member of the government, constituents will have an
not an appointment I take lightly. This is a full-time, 365 day a year job. If the people of Chatham-Kent - Leamington put their faith in me, then I must uphold my responsibility to them. I want them to hold me accountable.
advocate with a clear path to those that serve as key decision makers in government.
Candidates talk tariffs too
By Pam Wright
Local Journalism
Initiative
pamwrightlji@gmail.com
How to protect Canadian agriculture from Donald Trump’s tariffs dominated the talk at the Kent Federation of Agriculture’s all candidates meeting April 17.
Around 150 people attended the event at the Retrosuites Derby Room to hear from five candi-
dates vying to become Chatham-Kent–Leamington’s next Member of Provincial Parliament. And while the submitted questions ranged from affordability to infrastructure to supply chain management, the discussion kept circling back to Trump.
Candidates speaking at the one-hour session included incumbent Conservative MP Dave Epp; Seamus Fleming for the
Keith Anderson
79, Sunday, April 13, 2025 Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Russell Modien
61, Tuesday, April 8, 2025
Alexander & Houle Funeral Home
Leslie Wood
83, Tuesday, April 15
Alexander & Houle Funeral Home
Rob Sarson
Tuesday, April 15
Alexander & Houle Funeral Home
Maurice Bernier
Sunday, April 13th, 2025 Life Transitions
Margaret Watson 82, Saturday, April 12, 2025 Life Transitions
Barbara Gore
90, Sunday, April 13th, 2025 Life Transitions
245 Wellington St. W., Chatham 519-352-2710 alexanderandhoulefuneralhome.ca
NDP; People’s Party of Canada candidate Trevor Lee; Liberal candidate Keith Pickard and Green Party representative James Plunkett.
The staid older crowd was mostly quiet, with the loudest applause coming in response to comments from Pickard that Mark Carney is the man to lead Canada through the turbulent Trump years.
The mostly civil meet-
OBITUARIES
Michael Gordon Newham 79, Tuesday April 15th, 2025 Life Transitions
Shelley Walsh 63, Monday, April 14, 2025 Kendrick Funeral Home
Martin Laurence Patrick Jackson 74, Saturday, April 12, 2025 McKinlay Funeral Home
Debbie Malcolm Saturday, April 12, 2025 McKinlay Funeral Home
Evelyn Lorraine Goodal 93, Monday, April 14, 2025 McKinlay Funeral Home
Dorothy Marie Dark 95, Monday, April 14, 2025 McKinlay Funeral Home
Mary Ann Dykema 82, Sunday, April 13th, 2025 McKinlay Funeral Home
(519) 352-2390
kendrickfuneralhome.com
ing that saw candidates answer seven prepared questions took a slight turn at the end as Epp and Pickard took shots at each other’s parties.
“This election by far is the most important election of our lifetime, “ Pickard told the crowd.
“As I said in the beginning our sovereignty is at stake. We need a strong government. And Mark Carney is the person to
negotiate a trade deal to support Canada. Without a doubt Poilievre will not be able to garner the respect that Carney will get with Trump. You will not get the same trade deal.”
Pickard never missed an opportunity throughout the meeting to point out that dollars flow to the candidate that has a sitting member of the governing party in power.
Brian Harvey Buchanan
61, Sunday, April 13th, 2025 McKinlay Funeral Home
Albert Wayne Barrette Friday April 11, 2025 Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home
Belarmino Victor de Oliveira 80, Thursday April 10, 2025 Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home
Alphonse Ouellette 72, Friday, April 11, 2025 Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home
Bob Johnson 84, Thursday, April 10, 2025 Badder Funeral Home
Todd Shuttleworth 57, Sunday, April 13th, 2025 Badder Funeral Home
Paul Dalton 66, Wednesday, April 16, 2025 Badder Funeral Home
See full obituaries at chathamvoice.com/ obituaries
“It’s essential that we tell the story of Chatham-Kent–Leamington and bring those funds back,” Pickard said.
Citing a decade of “Liberal ineptness,” Epp countered that “common sense says you don’t put the arsonist back in charge of the fire that they lit.”
Using Pickard’s words that dollars flow to the governing party representative, Epp called the practice “pork barrelling” consistent with Liberal “corruption.
“Make no mistake, I’ll advocate for good business, sound policy for this region and for any region,” Epp said, pointing out the Liberals “never talk about” their fiscal record or their record in agriculture.
“Why? Canadians need hope and to be put first for a change,” he added.
Lee echoed Epp’s comments.
threat posed by U.S. economic policy. Epp said the Conservatives would look at removing inter-provincial trade barriers, institute a robust plan to train 350,000 apprentices, maintain Canada’s agri-business supply chains and facilitate an east-west energy corridor.
“We need to improve our position and our ability to trade and build on our strengths with other countries so we can face Trump’s tariffs,” Epp explained.
However, Pickard said the Liberals will remove all inter-provincial trade barriers by July 1 and focus on expanding agri-business across the board.
All of the candidates laid out plans for protecting agriculture, with Fleming saying the NDP will ban foreign speculation on farms and increase spending and long-term loans to the agri-business sector.
Fleming said the Chatham-Kent area has been “let down” by government, particularly in the area of rural health care.
“This election is not just about tariffs, it’s about making way for the next generation of farmers,” he said, noting the federal government has supported big grocery corporations such as Loblaw Companies Ltd.
Lee said the farming sector needs to eliminate inter-provincial trade barriers, return to a smaller, more sustainable farming model and get rid of supply chain management.
“I agree with Dave, we need hope,” he said. “It’s not good here in Canada. Families are split, people are struggling to put food on the table. People can’t find or buy homes. We need to get Canada back to a position where we’re strong internationally and nationally. And fight for everybody and our neighbours... the People’s Party will do that. “
With the exception of Lee, who said retaliatory tariffs would just make things more expensive, the candidates agreed that strong measures are needed to counter the
Plunkett said Canada needs to hold back the resources the United States needs until Trump drops the tariffs, which will help farmers.
He said the Green Party will also focus on clean energy and affordability for all, reducing the use of chemicals to protect citizens and farmland.
Obituary
Margaret Ann Watson (Foster), a loving wife and mother passed away peacefully with her family by her side on April 12, 2025, at the age of 82. Born in Chatham, Ontario to the late John Foster and Doris Atkinson (Foster), Margaret is survived by her husband of 63 years Robert Watson (Bob), her children Pastor Bradley Watson and his wife Netty, Brenda Tiffin and her husband Carl, her sister Jean Smith (Rusty) and sister-inlaw Rose Foster as well as many nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews. She was predeceased by her sister Dorothy Hoy (Jenner) and brother Robert (Buck) Foster. Margaret was a woman of unwavering strength and grace, always putting her family first. She was a devoted wife, a nurturing mother and loyal friend to many. She worked as an administrative office clerk for many companies over her employment years. She was very active throughout her life. In her earlier years, she enjoyed boating, fishing, attending dinners and dances and family get togethers. She never missed a piano recital for her daughter or a hockey game for her son and special great nephew Tyson Carr. In her retirement years, she spent her winters at her trailer home in Florida with her good friends whom she met over the years. She spent her summers touring around in her 1939 Ford Convertible attending parades and car shows and she enjoyed sitting on her front porch visiting with her neighbours and her special fur baby Lilly. She will be sadly missed by everyone who knew her. As per her wishes, Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of her life will be planned at a later date. As expressions of sympathy, and in lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society (where she volunteered for over 20 years), or a charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated. Online condolences are welcome at lifetransitions.ca.
Classifieds
Property for Sale
PROPERTY FOR SALE BY TENDER
LEGAL DESCRIPTION: Willow Island (Mitchell’s Bay), Dover, subject to debts in 540168, subject to debts in 513222, subject to Execution 01-0000467, if enforceable, Municipality of Chatham-Kent, all of PIN # 00764-0115 (LT).
ACREAGE: Containing 0.9 acres more or less.
TERMS OF TENDER: Packages are available by email or pick up by interested buyers at Douglas A. Sulman Professional Corporation at the address below. Packages will include the Agreement of Purchase and Sale.
Sealed tenders must contain a signed Agreement of Purchase and Sale plus a $5,000.00 bank draft or certified cheque payable to Douglas A. Sulman Professional Corporation, in trust, no later than May 22, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. Unsuccessful tender cheques will be returned. The Vendors are not obligated to accept the highest or any tender. If applicable, HST shall be in addition to the purchase price.
The sale of the property is to close on or before June 30, 2025 or such earlier or other time as may be agreed to by the Parties thereto.
All offers, inquiries, and requests must be delivered to:
Douglas A. Sulman Professional Corporation 870 Park Avenue West Chatham, Ontario N7M 6M1
Contact: 519-352-0190 x203
Email: cbedford@lawojs.com
Estate Sale
Estate
For Sale
Native Crafts
Open Thursday - Saturday 11am-4pm Cash only, no debit 14911 River Line, Delaware Nation
Announcement
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
Maurice Bernier passed on Sunday, April 13, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Val D’Or, Quebec, Maurice was the son of the late Donoza and Cecile Bernier (nee Faucher). He was the cherished spouse of Penny Marianchuk, beloved father of Brigitte Lang (Joe), Daniel (Jody), Richard and Alain (Tina Martizon). He was the proud grandfather of Mitchell Lang (Kristin), Natalei Baert (Matthew), Christina Bernier (Josh), Nolan Bernier (Monika), Kenadi Bernier, and Tyler, and the great-grandfather of Teagan Lang, Nora Lang, and Aubrey Baert. Maurice is also survived by his siblings Roger, Raymond, Jocelyne, Gerald, Denise, Jacqueline, Diane, Michel, Noel, Noella, Suzanne, and Nicole. Predeceased by brothers Andre, Rene, Real, and Jacques. Moe enjoyed going back to Val-D’or, Quebec to visit his family. He loved playing golf and listening to country music. The family would like to give special thanks to the staff at Tilbury Manor for their compassionate care. There will be a Celebration of Life to be held at a later date. If desired, donations in Moe’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society.
Loans
MORTGAGES / LOANS
week’s puzzle answers. Puzzles on page 24
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
Love Seat, Treadmill, Exercise Bike, Rowing Machine, computer desk, office chairs (black and blue), 2 heavy chairs (blue), sewing machine in cabinet, Kenmore. Call 519-4010495.
Wanted to Buy: Antiques, costume jewellery, gold, silver, coins, military, furniture, tools. We Buy All - Paid Cash. 519-7278894.
Wanted: Scrap air conditioners, dehumidifiers. Phone 226-2292614. Wanted Help Wanted
