Local harm reduction option?
‘We don’t need to reinvent the wheel,’ Coun.
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com
“What we are doing is not working.”
That sums up what North Kent Coun. Rhonda Jubenville has to say regarding the way addiction, mental health and homelessness are handled locally.
Supported by fellow councillor Ryan Doyle, Jubenville was expected to bring a motion forward at the Aug. 25 council meeting asking staff to explore the possibility of establishing a treatment facility in Chatham-Kent, as well as a specialized supportive housing centre. The result was not available by our press time.
The motion also asks staff to explore potential partnerships and bring a report back to council with recommendations and cost estimates to address the “addictions and mental health crisis in Chatham-Kent.”
Rhonda Jubenville says
people from outside the municipality to get a spot.
like to see a committee formed to address the trio of issues that would include representatives from all of the agencies ¬that deal with addictions, mental health and homelessness.
“I’d like to see some kind of facility, even if it is an extension of what already exists that only caters to Chatham-Kent residents. We could tag on five to 15 extra beds, but we (the municipality) would have to fund those.”
“Let’s just explore the idea,” Jubenville said.
“I’d like to see some kind of facility, even if it is an extension of what already exists that only caters to Chatham-Kent residents,” Jubenville told The Voice. “We don’t need to reinvent the wheel. We could tag on five to 15 extra beds, but we (the municipality) would have to fund those.”
Rhonda Jubenville
Both Jubenville and Doyle say they are concerned about lengthy waitlists for addiction treatment beds, as well as the fact that C-K residents who need help are forced to compete with
Jubenville’s motion stems in part from problems associated with homeless encampments that have reared up this summer. In July, the encampment in downtown Chatham moved to the greenspace at the Chatham water treatment plant on Grand Avenue East, igniting a firestorm of protest from residents in the neighbourhood.
“People getting out of detox have to wait, sometimes as long as six months for a treatment bed. That’s too long for a lot of these people. “If what we’re doing isn’t working, we need to change that.”
“Let’s start the conversation. We need everybody at the table, including police.”
According to Doyle, waiting for treatment is a serious problem that needs to be addressed, as people who complete withdrawal management at Chatham-Kent Health Alliance are left out in the cold.
At the very least, both Jubenville and Doyle said they would
- Ryan Doyle
“Ideally, we’d like to make an easier path for Chatham-Kent residents seeking treatment,” Doyle explained. “People getting out of detox have to wait, sometimes as long as six months for a treatment bed. That’s too long for a lot of these people.
“If what we’re doing isn’t working, we need to change that,” he added. “We want to make an easier pathway for people in Chatham-Kent to get help.”
The Ontario government earmarked funding for 27 Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) hubs. Chatham-Kent was not approved for a hub, however Sarnia, London and Windsor received funding.
Rhonda Jubenville
Ryan Doyle
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative
pamwrightlji@gmail.com
The executive director of the Westover Treatment Centre says local resources are in place to help the addicted in Chatham-Kent.
But it doesn’t mean the folks who need them will use them.
tham-Kent council by North Kent Coun. Rhonda Jubenville
Aug. 25. The motion is requesting that municipal staff investigate ways to improve treatment options for C-K residents – with the goal of helping circumvent lengthy wait times.
“A lot of people have no desire to get into recovery just because the services are there.”
- Westover’s Laird Brush
“A lot of people have no desire to get into recovery just because the services are there,” Laird Brush told The Voice in a recent interview, stressing it’s “naive” to believe every addict or alcoholic wants help.
The comments from Brush come in response to a motion that was expected to be brought forward to Cha-
The result of the meeting was not known by press time.
The motion from Jubenville, who has been working on the matter with South Kent Coun.
Ryan Doyle, comes on the heels of two lengthy council meetings where the subjects of addiction and homeless encampments have dominated. Both issues have been front and centre since the encampment in downtown Chatham relocated to the C-K Public
Utilities Commission property on Grand Avenue East in July. Brush, who has been at the helm of Westover since 2020, said the 30-bed substance use disorder program isn’t always full, as people don’t show up or get sent home after testing positive for drugs when they arrive. Wait times for the 24 provincially funded beds at Westover range from six to eight weeks, while the wait for a private bed is three to four weeks. Cost for a private bed is $10,000, and there are six available.
When speaking to the issues of homeless encampments and social disorder, Brush said the problem is extremely
complex, encompassing the issues of mental health, addic-
tion and deep poverty. Continued on page 5
Contributed image
There are addiction recovery options available in Chatham-Kent and nearby for local residents dealing with addiction.
Openings remain for treatment
Continued from page 3
It should be noted, he added, that not everyone living in the encampments is affected by all of those issues.
“There’s not an easy answer,” Brush said regarding a solution to thhe problem, noting the province’s decision to close psychiatric hospitals (such as the now-levelled Southwest Regional Centre in Cedar Springs) putting the mentally ill on the streets has been growing for decades. The move to deinstitutionalize care for persons facing intellectual disabilities started in the 1970s-80s, accelerating in the 1990s under the Mike Harris government.
“It took a long time to get to this point,” Brush said. Traditional methods of dealing with addiction through harm-reduction means, such as handing out needles and naloxone kits, isn’t helping either. Instead, Brush said, it keeps people sick.
“We’re enabling addicts to use and we’re keeping people stuck in their addiction,” he said. “It’s keeping people alive, but it doesn’t help them live.”
At the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, where many start their recovery, services are in place. Meant to be easily accessible, the Rapid Access to Addiction Medicine (RAAM) Clinic has been providing a range of psycho-social supports for seven years.
Ten beds in withdrawal management services where people can safely detox from substances have been operational for the past three years.
A stay in the withdrawal management unit normally lasts three to 10 days, depending on the substance.
According to Caen Suni, CKHA vice-president of clinical programs and operations, people seeking help can self-refer by calling 519-352-6400 ext. 6740.
“We are meant to be low barrier and we have capacity,” Suni explained, noting the services are there if people are willing. Westover Treatment Centre in Thamesville currently offers a 19-day co-ed residential treatment program for substance use disorder; a seven-day residential program for relapse prevention; a six-day residential program for
family and friends affected by someone with addiction and a 24-hour crisis line that runs 365 days a year.
Treatment options in Windsor are open to Chatham-Kent residents as well, including the House of Sophrosyne, which offers residential treatment for women.
In Chatham, Journey Recovery Home offers faith-based residential treatment for up to 12 men, covering a range of modalities including cognitive behaviour therapy and life skills programming.
A third private treatment centre located near Rondeau is in the works. When it opens, it will provide co-ed residential treatment for up to 10 residents. Plenty of assistance is also available through the Canadian Mental Health Association at 240 Grand Avenue West in Chatham, Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
We’re Moving!!
At Meadow Park Chatham, our recent Friday Pop-Up Flower Shop was a blooming success! Thanks to our wonderful partnership with local floral shop, The Purple Pansy, we were treated to gorgeous seasonal bouquets that sold out in just over an hour. This resident-led initiative not only brings beauty and joy for both residents and staff, but also helps raise funds for our much-loved quarter bingos. We’re so grateful for the community support and can’t wait for our next pop-up experience on September 5th!
Watch for our New Home St. Angela’s Meadow Care Centre 575 McNaughton Ave. W., Chatham Coming Spring 2026
CMHA services, which include partnering with other agencies, provide first point-ofcontact crisis intervention, mobile health care and addiction and housing supports with the goal of providing continuum of care.
CMHA’s crisis intervention line can be reached at 1-866-2997447.
Pictured: Resident, Carol-Anne with team members Karen and Kim, and Purple Pansy employee, Jessica.
Contributed image
Some addicts don’t want to seek treatment, while others need immediate access when they make the decision to get help.
Should municipal councillors be able to say whatever they want?
Of course not.
However, there should be latitude to speak one’s mind on issues.
At the same time, they should not cloud facts.
However, that is the political game these days, isn’t it? And it’s fatiguing. There are some politicians, and political parties, that spew out misinformation galore. The leading candidate is running our southern neighbour these days.
But we’ve seen it at home. At its meekest, it’s called spin. At its worst, it’s outright lies. Push out questionable information to appeal to a voter base.
At the provincial or federal level, elected representatives unfortunately all too often vote along party lines, rather than what is best, or right, for constituents. Rex Crawford, your unflappable values are sadly missed, God rest your soul.
But at the council level, there are no true political parties. Oh, sure, there are belief structures in place for everyone at the table. We all have them. Some lean left, some right. Many councillors speak passionately about issues, for or against, and that’s
Opinion
Stick to the code York1 site needs close monitoring: reader
encouraged. Good dialogue is vital.
But at some point, that dialogue, especially after matters are settled, can be undermining to the direction of council. A councillor may be vehemently opposed to an issue, but once the vote is made, the decision by the majority of council needs to be supported.
We’ve seen frustration spill over after meetings. We’ve witnessed a laptop sent spinning down a hallway by one irate councillor. Councillors are human. Passion can be worn, at times, on one’s sleeve. But there is a fine line. And that’s where the integrity commissioner comes into play. Councillors are to adhere to a code of conduct. The need for such a code is outlined in the province’s Municipal Act. It’s law.
An integrity commissioner is a third party who does not do the bidding of municipal administration or council; they are independent.
So when the commissioner makes a ruling against one or more members of council, it’s not done with malice in mind. The commissioner is too far removed from the matter to be biased. They rule based on the code of conduct.
But, like councillors, they are human. And humans aren’t perfect.
Our letters to the editor policy
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You can also drop them off or mail them to us at The Chatham Voice, 71 Sass Rd., Unit 4, Chatham, Ont, N7M 5J4.
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Sass
519-397-2020
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.
Editor: I am writing as a deeply concerned resident and stakeholder regarding the York1 landfill site located at 29831 Irish School Rd., north of Dresden, a site with a documented history of industrial clay extraction, unofficial waste disposal, fly ash dumping, and ongoing environmental contamination.
Recent independent testing conducted by Grounded Engineering Technology and others has confirmed the presence of groundwater contamination and methane emissions associated with historic and possibly ongoing landfill activities on the site.
These contaminants include (but are not limited to) hazardous heavy metals, organic leachate constituents, and methane gas –all of which pose serious risks
to public health, local ecosystems, and the integrity of the Sydenham River floodplain.
Given that the site lies within a provincially recognized floodplain, the risks of contaminant migration into surface water, groundwater, and sensitive habitats are significantly elevated. Moreover, the generation of methane gas introduces additional hazards, including explosion risk and contribution to greenhouse gas emissions.
While York1 claims to be actively removing waste and monitoring site conditions through a third-party company, there is a concerning lack of publicly available information regarding:
The absence of transparent, independently verified information severely undermines community trust and impedes informed public and municipal decision-making. We need the immediate release of all environmental assessments, groundwater and gas monitoring data, remediation plans, and any compliance or enforcement records related to the York1 site. This information must be accessible in user-friendly formats on official municipal and ministry websites.
Continued on page 7
• The scope and extent of waste removal activities; detailed environmental site assessments; comprehensive groundwater and methane monitoring data; the existence and rigor of any formal, ministry-approved remediation plan; and independent verification of the effectiveness of remediation efforts.
Ship them to CM Wilson: reader
Editor’s note: This letter is addressed to Chatham-Kent council.
This sounds like a crazy idea to me, but you might consider it seeing as so many people seem to want to get rid of the homeless encampments in Chatham.
I mean, does anybody have a better idea, rather than moving the home-
less from one end of Chatham City to the other?
Help move homeless encampments out of Chatham to CM Wilson Conser vation area, between Chatham and Blenheim.
I think it might be far enough away from most populated housing and if the proper amenities
Investigate
Continued from page 6
The province should commission a third-party, independent environmental consulting firm with no ties to York1 to conduct a thorough audit of current remediation efforts and monitoring programs. The scope should include site history review, contamination characterization, remediation effectiveness, and ongoing risk evaluation. The audit findings must be publicly released.
The Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks, in co-ordination with Chatham-Kent’s environmental services, must rigorously enforce all applicable provincial and municipal environmental regulations. This includes imposing substantial penalties for any non-compliance and issuing binding remediation orders as needed.
A committee comprised of local residents (particularly adjacent landowners), experts, municipal officials, and Indigenous representatives should be formed to ensure continuous oversight, facilitate transparent communication, and serve as a forum for community concerns and information exchange.
In regard to long-term monitoring and reporting, the province should mandate that York1, or the responsible party, un-
are supplied, such as washing and cleaning facilities, porta-johns and the like, with some round-theclock security to protect The Children’s Safety Village from vandalism and theft, it might work. Also, R.O.C.K. Missions
and social service agencies could be providing meals and other food and fresh water bottles as well. Transportation could be arranged to take the homeless to medical and legal appointments.
If this works out, perhaps some tiny homes
or cabins could be built there, for permanent housing, year around. Again this is only a suggestion, but possibly worth exploring the merits of such a proposal.
Does anyone have a better idea, especially seeing how many people in Chatham-Kent,
don’t want the homeless encampments in or near their neighborhoods?
This and similar ideas, should be the focus of future discussion within our rural and urban government.
Frank Doyle Chatham
dertake comprehensive long-term environmental monitoring, including groundwater, soil gas, and surface water under independent supervision. Monitoring results and remediation milestones must be published at least quarterly for the duration of the remediation and post-closure periods. Given the significant public health and environmental risks, the municipality and province should explore the feasibility of expropriation to enable direct municipal management or transfer to conservation authorities for effective brownfield restoration and floodplain protection. The residents of Dresden and the wider Chatham-Kent community deserve transparent, accountable, and effective environmental stewardship concerning the York1 site. Failure to provide rigorous oversight and openness jeopardizes public health, harms critical ecosystems, and erodes public confidence in government institutions.
I urge you to treat this matter with the utmost urgency and to take decisive actions to safeguard our community’s environmental and social well-being.
Ken Bell
Chatham-Kent
Rotary completes its $250K pledge
By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com
It’s all about the kids, inside and out.
The new Children’s Treatment Centre of Chatham-Kent (CTCCK) received the final instalment from Chatham Rotary recently – $80,000 of its $250,000 pledge – with the focus on the outdoors. Specifically, an accessible playground.
Tania Sharpe, outgoing Rotary president, said the club is proud to be involved in the new build, which will double the size of the centre.
“It’s a significant project. As always, the Rotary Club of Chatham likes to be front and centre supporting the community,” she said. “What better way
to support our community than supporting our kids, who are our future?”
Donna Litwin-Mackey, executive director of the CTCCK and incoming president for the Rotary Club of Chatham, said donations such as what the Rotary Club has committed to the centre’s project turned heads, including in Toronto.
“I think it (community commitment) is what led to the ministry funding our project. They could show that was evidence of the community support,” she said.
The playground commitment will be appreciated by local families, Litwin-Makey said.
“For this exact project, our outdoor play space is something we wanted to
do more of, and a better job of, and have way more opportunities,” she said.
“We worked with youth and families and they had a lot of input. They really want true accessibility. It can be out of reach when you’re doing a backyard playground. So this will be their spot to come and have fun and have way more options for kids of all diff types of needs.”
Inside, the new 55,000 sq. ft. building essentially doubles the space of the old treatment centre.
The need is there.
“One in five children in Chatham-Kent depends on CTC’s services,” said Mike Genge, CTCCK Foundation president.
“And the completed Rotary contribution signifies more than financial support – it embodies hope and connection for the children we serve.”
Completion date for the new facility is not set in stone as of yet, but Lit-
win-Makey said it will be move-in ready sometime next year.
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Bruce Corcoran/The Chatham Voice
From left, Donna Litwin-Mackey, executive director of the Children’s Treatment Centre of Chatham-Kent (CTCCK) and incoming president of Chatham Rotary; Brett Smith, Rotary treasurer; Tania Sharpe, outgoing Rotary president; Jennifer Hill, a former Rotary president; and Mike Genge, president and executive director of the CTCCK Foundation, celebrate the Rotary Club’s commitment to the new facility, which is under construction on McNaughton Avenue West in Chatham.
33,000 acres; one drainage system
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative
pamwrightlji@gmail.com
The Rivard Pumping Works isn’t popular with tourists or the public, but its importance to Chatham-Kent can’t be understated.
Located in the former Dover Township close to Lake St. Clair, the Rivard system is said to be the largest pumping scheme by area in Canada. It drains 33,000 acres (13,335 hectares) of an area encompassing Chatham’s north side and critical
farmland all the way east to Louisville.
As part of increasing awareness about the importance of the Rivard, and other municipal drainage infrastructure – the Kent Federation of Agriculture organized a recent tour of the station.
Hosted by Rivard Pumping Works commissioner Kevin Bagnell, participants got a close-up view of a system few people know about, but many rely on.
Bagnell, who has been looking after the Rivard works since 2015, said
preventing flooding requires ongoing surveillance.
“It’s a constant monitoring of what’s needs to be done,” Bagnell said during the tour. “When it needs to be done, we get on it to get rid of the water that’s on the farms.”
Constructed in 1988 at a cost of around $900,000, the Rivard was built following a petition to the former Dover Township from farmers and residents worried about the effects of high water on the land. Flooding has long been a concern in the
flat lands of the municipality.
A total of 59 pumps and 140 miles of drains feed
into the Rivard site, as well as pumps on private property. It’s part of a complex system of 4,000
drains throughout Chatham-Kent which run on for 4,200 kilometres.
Continued on page 11
Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice Rivard Pumping Works commissioner Kevin Bagnell describes the system responsible for draining 33,000 acres in Chatham-Kent.
Proposal could see system double in capacity
Continued from page 10
That is compared to 3,400 kilometres of roads in the municipality.
Bagnell, a farmer and co-owner of an agricultural spraying company, was mentored by former commissioner Bob Goudreau who tended the Rivard pumps for more than 20 years.
He still does things much the same way as his predecessor, looking after the two 400 HP Caterpillar engines. Bagnell still uses a measuring pole Goudreau devised and he keeps a close watch on the weather. If storms come, he’s on the scene.
Draining the land by pumping the water off is critical, Bagnell explained, noting timing is every-
thing, particularly for sowing vegetable crops like peas and carrots.
“It’s an extremely vital part of agriculture,” Bagnell explained. “I think it’s more important than having the right equipment to put the crop in the ground, because if we don’t have the conditions to plant at favourable times, without the water being removed from the soil, we’re not going to get the crops in on time.”
To date, the Rivard pumping system has held up for decades and there’s never been a mechanical failure. Someone, including several staff members, is always at the ready to deal with rainfall events, which have become more extreme in recent years.
“My whole focus is to keep it running as it does,” Bagnell said. That comes easier when Lake St. Clair water levels are low compared to the effort required when lake levels are high, he explained.
Investment by Chatham-Kent to enlarge
and modernize the Rivard works is being considered, Bagnell told the gathering, which would double the capacity. It’s currently estimated the project would cost $6 million.
But it won’t materialize any time soon.
“If it happens, it’s go-
ing to be a very intense undertaking,” Bagnell stressed.
Pumps at the Rivard are currently powered by diesel fuel, however these would likely be changed to electric with a backup generator system.
According to C-K drainage superintendent Ellen
Sinclair, there is an ongoing engineering report for the Rivard pump where doubling its capacity is being considered.
In an email message, Sinclair said there are many other factors being looked at as well, but a final design has not been determined at this point.
Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice
Kevin Bagnell in front of the huge drainage ditch that helps drain many acres of farmland and north Chatham.
CKHA uses AI on stroke victims
Artificial intelligence (AI) is getting into your head at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance.
At least that’s the case with patients who suffer stroke-like symptoms.
CKHA officials said RAPID AI will help diag-
nose and treat patients, as the software quickly analyzes brain scans and helps doctors make faster, more accurate treatment decisions.
One of the key tools RAPID AI provides is an automated ASPECTS score. This score helps physicians understand
how much of the brain may have been affected by a stroke, officials said. The ASPECTS score helps guide treatment decisions and can determine if a patient is a good candidate for certain life-saving procedures, such as removing a blood clot from the brain.
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“Time is absolutely critical when treating stroke,” said Dr. Stacey Speer, chief of radiology at CKHA, in a media release. “RAPID AI gives our team fast, reliable information. It highlights areas of the brain that are in trouble and shows whether blood flow is
being blocked. That allows us to make quicker, more confident decisions about how to treat our patients.”
The introduction of RAPID AI was made possible thanks to funding from the CKHA Foundation.
“This is exactly the kind of impact our donors hope to make,” said Christine Mitchell, President and CEO of the CKHA Foundation. “We’re thrilled to fund the implementation of this AI technology. It’s improving patient care in a very real, immediate way – and helping our hospital stay at the forefront of stroke care.”
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The Chatham Voice
It’s finally official
Dr. Shanker Nesathurai gets the gig
Following two years serving in an “acting” role, Dr. Shankar Nesathurai has finally been rubber stamped into the role of medical officer of health.
Announced as acting medical officer of health on Sept. 5, 2023, the board of health stated last week Nesathurai was approved by the Ministry of Health to serve in the position.
“ This appointment has been formally approved by the Minister under the Health Protection and Promotion Act, following Dr. Nesathurai’s dedicated service in the acting role over the past two years,” the board said in a press release.
During his tenure, Nesathurai has demonstrated a commitment to advancing public health priorities across the region, according to the release.
“A key focus of his leadership has been addressing stigma on the health of individuals as well as the community overall. He continues to speak openly about how negative attitudes and assumptions can create barriers to care, discourage help-seeking, and deepen health inequities,” board officials said in the statement.
“I am honoured to continue serving the people of Chatham-Kent,” said Nesathurai. “Public health is about creating conditions where every person has the opportunity to live a healthy life. This is advanced
Correction
In our Aug. 21 story “Anti-bullying group turns 20 this year,” we had an incorrect email address for people to use to purchase tickets to the Make Children Better Now gala.
The three email addresses to use are neutsmike@gmail.com; tony. drouillard@hotmail.com; or davarobichaud59@gmail.com.
The Voice regrets the error.
by confronting stigma, listening to communities, as well as building systems that promote dignity and equity.”
Chair of the board of health, Brock McGregor, said Nesathurai aligns well with the board’s desired direction for CK Public Health.
“Dr. Nesathurai has been a steadfast advocate for improving health outcomes in our community,” he said. “We are pleased that the province has confirmed his appointment as medical officer of health for the Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit.
The board of health looks forward to continuing our work alongside Dr. Nesathurai and deeply values his leadership and insight as we address the important public health challenges facing Chatham-Kent.”
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Dr. Shanker Nesathurai
The Chatham Voice
Getting students Back on Track
A new program that’s a joint effort from the local YMCA and Catholic school board is hoped to help some students over unexpected hurdles faced at school.
Beginning this September, the Chatham-Kent YMCA and the St. Clair
Catholic District School Board (SCCDSB) are launching Back on Track by the YMCA – “an innovative academic suspension program designed to keep students in grades 7 through 12 connected to learning, supported in their well-being, and set on a path toward suc-
cess,” according to a joint press release.
This new program has been made possible through a grant to YMCA of Southwestern Ontario from The Joyce Family Foundation.
“For some young people, a school suspension can feel like an ending – a
moment of isolation and uncertainty. But Back on Track is built on a different belief: that with the right guidance, this moment can be a powerful turning point,” according to the release.
The program provides a safe, supportive space where students can re-
flect on challenges, strengthen social skills, and develop strategies for moving forward.
Each student’s plan is customized to address the root causes of their suspension and build both academic and personal skills. youth support workers engage closely with parents, guardians, and schools, maintaining daily communication.
Thomas R. Maxwell III Student Bursary
Thomas R. Maxwell, “Max” passed away Monday, July 3, 2023, at the age of 68. He was a co-founder of The Sandwich Guys and for over 17 years, who helped by feeding people every week who were often homeless, using substances or having trouble getting on their feet. Thom openly shared his journey of substance use and recovery. He felt strongly about helping others in need as someone once did for him. He has first hand experience of how judgement and words hurt and was committed to making change and offering hope. Thom was a pioneer for Harm Reduction work and was the leader of many community initiatives including, CK Aids Support, CKHarm Reduction Program, and the CK Needle Exchange. He educated everyone he knew and tirelessly put everything he had into meeting people where they were in their journey and breaking down barriers. Thom made lasting connections and worked to bridge the gaps in service while encouraging others to follow his example and lead with empathy.
CKDAC is dedicated to supporting a student who is looking to work in the field of substance use and recovery, or a related human service and justice-related, with a financial contribution. All students who meet the application criteria will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, citizenship, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
Students who attend a full-time program in Fall 2025 or Spring 2026 are eligible for $1000, and those who attend part-time will be considered for $500. The bursary award will be disbursed each year to one student. Students can apply each year until a program is completed, however students must show evidence of still being actively enrolled & attending their program, to receive funding in subsequent years. Money can be used towards education expenses for tuition, books, childcare, personal living expenses, supplies, and equipment.
• Only ONE (1) bursary will be given out each school year.
• Those who have expressed interest or experience working in Harm Reduction and/or street-involved individuals are encouraged to apply and will be given priority.
• Candidates with who have lived expertise with substance use, must be in recovery for at least 1 year, with supporting letters from employers, family or health/service professionals who can attest to efforts made in recovery.
Application Criteria and Expectations:
1. Applicants meet all admission requirements to their program of choice and show evidence of their acceptance.
2. Applicants must be residents of Chatham-Kent, with submission of recent ID or document verifying address.
3. Write a short statement (200-500 words) about their financial need/benefit from the scholarship.
4. Students are expected to write a short application essay (200-500 words) about their personal connection to substance use and recovery & include any contact info for any volunteer experience.
All applications must be submitted by: September 5, 2025 (Recipient to be notified by September 19, 2025) Applications can be submitted to info@ckdac.net
Generously supported by grant received from Chatham Kent Community Foundation, inclusive of funding from the South Kent Wind Community Fund
confidence, skills, and sense of belonging they need to thrive. And we’re incredibly grateful to our donor, The Joyce Family Foundation, for their generosity in support of this initiative.”
Lisa Demers, director of education for SCCDSB, said partnerships such as this are critical to student well-being.
“Back on Track is a powerful example of what happens when charities, educators, and philanthropic partners come together to support youth,” said Andrew Lockie, CEO of YMCA of Southwestern Ontario, in a media release. “Youth engagement is a key focus for the Y and we’re proud to partner with St. Clair Catholic to help students turn setbacks into comebacks – giving them the
“Life brings both highs and lows for all of us –and our students are no exception. Back on Track is proof of what we can accomplish when we work alongside community partners who share our commitment to every young person’s future,” she said. “Together, we are creating opportunities for students to learn, grow, and find hope, even in difficult moments.”
The Chatham-Kent YMCA will be the home of Back on Track.
Here comes Caitie!
Caitie’s Super Simple Songs Surprise Party is coming to Chatham Sept. 21.
The popular Canadian entertainer, who has more than 44 million subscribers on YouTube, is bringing a live show, featuring music, storytelling and real-time interaction with youngsters, to the Capitol Theatre.
A former teacher, Caitie’s comforting, educational approach is appreciated by children and parents alike. Through the YouTube channel,
called Super Simple Songs, the friendly face behind Catie’s Classroom has garnered more than 57 billion views worldwide.
According to a media release, the show will feature characters such as Finny the Shark, the Bumble Nums and Noodles & Pals. They’ll be onstage reaching out to the audience to sing, dance and be part of the story. The show begins at 5 p.m. A meet and greet with Caitie will take place at 3 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at supersimple.com.
Check us out!
The Chatham Voice
The Chatham Voice
Provincial champions
The U-18 Chatham Diamonds shone bright recently, capturing the Ontario Baseball Association crown. Here, the Diamonds battle Tillsonburg
Fergie
played twice, with Chatham winning the first 3-2 and the second 7-6.
Judy Woodrow/Special to The Chatham Voice
at
Jenkins Field. The teams
Pumping up health care in C-K
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com
Rural residents currently living without primary health care in Chatham-Kent may be in luck.
That’s thanks to nearly $1.4 million in provincial funding received by the Chatham-Kent Ontario Health Team (CKOHT). The money will be used to support the expansion of team-based primary care in order to connect 3,000 people to a family doctor or nurse practitioner.
Currently between 25,000 to 30,000 C-K residents do not have primary care and are forced to go a clinic or the emergency room if problems arise.
According to CKOHT executive transformation lead Melissa Sharpe-Harrigan, residents living in an area with a postal code beginning with NOP will be prioritized as the
program rolls out.
“The province has really specified that this funding really be targeted towards rural patients,” she said.
“The reason for that is there is a higher unattachment rate than other areas in the province.
“We’re excited to think about health equity and access to family physicians across our small towns in Chatham-Kent,” Sharpe-Harrigan said, adding it will help fill a gap in care.
“Giving somebody access to primary care really helps them take control of their health,” she said, adding it boosts preventative health care.
“This is a great start, but we definitely have a lot more work to do.”
Sharpe-Harrigan said the money will facilitate hiring support staff as part of a “team-based” approach that will allow physicians and nurse practitioners to roster more patients.
Continued on page 17
Your Trusted Neighbourhood Automotive Service & Repair Shop
Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice
Local health-care leaders gathered recently to celebrate the announcement of close to $1.4 million in provincial funding that will enable 3,000 Chatham-Kent residents to access primary health care. Marking the occasion are lSheri Saunders, Dr. Sheri Roszell, Denise Waddick, Chatham-Kent-Leamington MPP Trevor Jones, Dr. Andrew Su, Melissa Sharpe-Harrigan and C-K Mayor Darrin Canniff.
$1.4 million for primary care
Continued from page 16
The funding will be distributed to four primary care sites within the municipality, as wells as the Rapids Family Health Team north of Wallaceburg.
“This funding is a much-needed boost for our community,” said
family physician Dr. Andrew Su, CKOHT physician co-chair. “It means thousands of residents will now have access to a trusted primary care provider who knows them, understands their health history, and can guide them through their health journey.”
Chatham-Kent–Leamington MPP Trevor Jones, who made the announcement at the Thamesview Family Health Team on behalf of the Ford government, said he was “proud to share” another step towards strengthening local health care.
“Primary health care
is the front door for our health system,” Jones said. “This ensures patients get the right care, at the right time with the right provider.”
Jones said he knows there’s much more work to be done, adding he will “stand beside” the residents of Chatham-Kent.
The Interprofessional Primary Care Team initiative is part of $213 million in provincial funding to create or expand up to 80 primary care teams across Ontario. Officials say it is part of a broader strategy to invest more than $1.8 billion in primary care in order to
connect an additional two million Ontario residents to publicly funded primary care services within four years.
The government said Ontario is hoping to ensure all residents have access to a family doctor or nurse practitioner by 2029.
Exploring Retirement Living? Take Your Time and Take a Look Around.
At St. Angela’s Meadow, you’re always welcome to drop in. Choosing a retirement community is one of life’s big decisions, but exploring your options shouldn’t feel like one. At St. Angela’s Meadow Retirement Lodge, we believe the first step should feel easy, open, and entirely on your terms. That’s why we’ve removed the barriers and banished the pressure. No need to call ahead. No scheduled tour required. Just walk through our doors and
say hello.
We’re proud to be a warm and friendly community where curiosity is always welcome. Whether you’re just beginning to explore retirement living or actively searching for the right fit, we invite you to visit us. Not for a pitch, but for a genuine experience. Stroll through our bright, comfortable spaces. Meet the people who live and work here. Ask questions. Or simply sit down and soak in the
atmosphere. There’s no rush and no commitment, just an open door and a team that’s happy to show you around, answer your questions, and help you feel at ease.
We know that making a move into retirement living is about more than amenities and floor plans. It’s about feeling a sense of belonging. It’s about connection, comfort, and care. And most of all, it’s about knowing that when the time is right, you’ll feel confident in your
decision because you’ve had the time and space to make it.
So, if you’ve been wondering what retirement living is really like or if St. Angela’s Meadow might be the right fit for you or a loved one, we encourage you to come by. Because sometimes, the best way to find out if something feels right… is simply to walk through the door.
Stop by St. Angela’s Meadow Retirement Lodge today at 20 Merici Way in Chatham-Kent. We’d love to meet you.
FOR THE CHILDREN’S TREATMENT CENTRE
How to get students excited about a new school year
A relaxing and largely obligation-free summer vacation can be tough to give up, as can mornings without alarm clocks. Parents recognize that kids might not be enthusiastic about the return of early mornings and sessions in the classroom. In such instances, parents can try the following strategies to get kids excited about a new school year. • Make the first day special. First days can be challenging regardless of a person’s age. Professionals with years of experience in their field still feel first-day jitters when they begin a new job, so youngsters can be excused if what seems like a lack of excitement is really just nervousness about a new school year. Parents can calm those nerves by doing something to make the first day special. Skip the standard cereal and prepare a homecooked breakfast or let kids buy lunch at the school cafeteria instead of packing a PB&J in their lunchbox. A little something special on the first day can go a long way toward getting kids excited about going back to school.
• Emphasize new subjects. As children advance through school, they’re typically exposed to more engaging subjects or challenged in ways that helps them build on previous years’ work. Emphasizing new subjects or opportunities can increase kids’ excitement to get back in the school year swing of things. If a youngster likes
playing an instrument, emphasize how the new school year is an opportunity to get better, play alongside other students and take a talent to new heights. If students are old enough to take subjects they’ve long been interested in, such as a foreign language, make a point to emphasize how that opportunity has finally arrived.
• Create a school calendar. Schools typically make their yearly schedules available prior to the first day of school. Parents can peruse those schedules alongside their children and make a calendar noting special days. Mark down field trips, special events involving parents and students, school performances where kids get to act or sing on stage, and other notable moments during the school year. Kids are bound to grow more excited about a new year when they see a year’s worth of fun events marked down on a calendar.
• Host a late summer get-together with friends. A late-summer pool party or play date with various friends can remind youngsters that they’re about to see their friends every day. That might be enough to make young students jump out of bed on the first day of school. Students might be less than excited about the end of summer vacation and the dawn of a new school year. But there’s much parents can do to get kids excited about going back to school.
TITLE SPONSOR SPONSORS
Bullying can affect both children and adults. Being the recipient of bullying never feels good, and it is something that should not be tolerated in schools, businesses or other settings. There are many different types of bullying, so much so that it can be difficult to discern what constitutes bullying and distinguishes it from good-natured teasing. Here’s a look at some of the forms of bullying that can cause pain and distress. Physical bullying - This type of bullying involves any assault on a person’s body, which can include hitting, kicking, pushing, tripping, stealing personal possessions, or breaking an individual’s belongings. Very well Mind says that males are more inclined to engage in physical bullying than females.
Verbal bullying - Verbal bullying takes place when someone engages in name-calling or using cruel words that are disrespectful or full of vitriol. Verbal bullying may be employed to attack a person’s beliefs, mock a disability, disparage someone’s appearance, and more.
Social bullying - This type of bullying can include excluding others from a group or getting others to exclude, gossip or spread rumors. Setting another person up to look
foolish in front of others or damaging reputations or relationships are additional examples of social bullying. Sometimes this bullying is called emotional bullying. Cyberbullying - As the name implies, cyberbullying is bullying behavior that takes place through electronic means, says Stomp Out Bullying. Cyberbullying occurs in chat rooms, over social media, through email, and more. It has become a large problem for school-aged children in recent years, as the bullying can follow a child home through their devices. Research by the Cyberbullying Research Center shows that 15 percent of 9- to12-year-olds and 37 percent of 13- to 17-year-olds have experienced cyberbullying at some point in their lives.
Racist bullying - Uttering racial slurs, mocking a person’s cultural customs, making offensive gestures, and spray painting graffiti with offensive, racially charged images or words are all forms of racist bullying. Bullying can lead to isolation, depression and anxiety and can even contribute to thoughts of suicide. Taking prompt action and asking for help if bullying is suspected can get individuals the assistance they need.
IN-KIND SPONSORS
Parents, make sure kids travel to and from school safely with these tips for taking the bus.
Arrive at the bus stop at least five minutes early to avoid rushing, and never run to or from the bus.
When waiting at the bus stop,stand at least five giant steps away from the curb. -----------------------------
Wait until the bus comes to a complete stop, the door opens and the driver gives you the okay before approaching the bus. -----------------------------
If you drop something near the bus, don’t try to pick it up. Tell the bus driver instead. -----------------------------
Drivers, slow down and remain alert in school zones and near bus stops. Prepare to stop when you see flashing yellow or red lights from a school bus, and never pass a stopped school bus that is picking up or unloading students.
When riding the bus, stay in your seat facing forward whenever the bus is moving. Keep the aisles clear, and keep your head and hands inside the bus.
Make sure the bus driver can see you. Always take at least ten giant steps forward before crossing in front of the bus, and never cross behind it.-----------------------------
Always look left, right and left again before crossing the street. Cross at crosswalks or corners whenever possible, and never cross from in between parked cars. -----------------------------
Use the handrails when entering or exiting the bus to keep your balance, and never push or shove.
Talk quietly on the bus, so you don’t distract the bus driver, and always follow his or her instructions.
Setting Their Sight On Success
Eighty per cent of classroom learning is visual. An annual comprehensive eye exam can identify vision problems and treatment options to help students reach their full potential.
Children who have trouble seeing can encounter difficulties at school because their motor skills, social development, attention span and ability to read, write and learn may be affected.
Some conditions such as lazy eye are most effectively treated at a young age. The Ontario Association of Optometrists recommends that every child have their first eye exam at 6 months of age to ensure proper vision development, again at 2 to 3, and subsequently every year thereafter.
Contact your optometrist if you have concerns about your child’s vision or notice any of the following behaviour:
Does not make eye contact • Closes or covers one eye
Squints or frowns when looking far or near
Rubs or touches their eye(s) a lot
Blinks more than usual • Reacts strongly to light
Turns or tilts head when viewing objects
Trips, falls or bumps into things often.
To ensure your child gets the best start to learning, Ontario is encouraging parents to schedule their child’s annual eye exam at the beginning of each school year. OHIP covers annual eye exams by an optometrist or physician for anyone under the age of 20.
Visit Ontario.ca for more info
Back at School
by Steve Ross
Michelle Owchar/The Chatham Voice Erieau is a hot spot during the summer months. Here, visitors trek to the end of the breakwall, while an angler tries his luck fishing on the beach side of the breakwall. Speaking of the beach, it was packed with visitors as well on a recent Sunday.
He’s deceptively fast...for a hound
For the second year in a row, the fastest
Judy Woodrow/Special
in Ontario is from
and-a-half-year-old purebred, outran more than 30 other dogs to win the annual Fort Erie
a
Hound Races. Buddy who is owned by Deanna and David Paulovics, finished third in his qualifying heat and then breezed to the finish at a muddy Fort Erie racetrack Aug. 17. Deanna released Buddy at the start while he ran the 25-metre race toward David at the finish line. “He was locked in on Dave from the beginning,” Deanna said. Buddy won a year’s supply of food, other prizes, and had his photo taken with many in the crowd of several hundred who came out to watch.
No investigation into Ford on political donations
A request to Ontario’s integrity commissioner to probe conflict-of-interest allegations between the Ford government and donors associated with the owners of the York1 Dresden landfill isn’t going ahead.
Last week, Ontario MPP Ted Hsu released a letter from integrity commissioner Cathryn Motherwell, stating media reports on the matter weren’t enough to substantiate an investigation.
Hsu, who serves as the Liberal critic for rural and agricultural affairs, asked for the investigation in May. His complaint, naming Premier Doug Ford, former Environment Minister Andrea Khanjin, Energy Minister Stephen Lecce and current Environment Minister Todd McCarthy, was based on reporting by the news agency The Trillium.
An investigative report by The Trillium detailed finan-
cial contributions to the Ontario Progressive Conservative Party by the owners of York1 and associated family members.
Prominent developers Andrew and Daniel Guizzetti, along with York1 COO Brian Brunetti, purchased the dump property in December 2022. When plans for the landfill were uncovered, residents and politicians in both Lambton and Chatham-Kent called for a full environmental assessment of the project located less than a kilometre from the community. Khanjin agreed, just two weeks shy of a byelection in the riding, which includes Dresden.
Hsu, MPP for Kingston and the Islands, said that while he’s disappointed by Motherwell’s decision, he
YOUTH BOWLING CANADA
Saturday, August 23, 2025 • 9:00am - 1:00pm Wednesday, August 27, 2025 • 5:30pm - 8:00pm
bag of
Smurfs - 3 & 4 yrs old
Born in 2021, 2022 Saturdays: 9:00am
Supervisor: Aaliyah Alexander
PeeWees 5, 6 & 7 yrs old
Born 2018, 2019, 2020 Saturdays: 9:00am
Supervisor: Dan Devolder
Bantams 8, 9 & 10 yrs old
Born 2015, 2016, 2017 Fridays: 6:15pm
Supervisor: Garry Pask Saturdays: 11:00am
Supervisor: Bill Mifflin
Juniors 11, 12, 13 & 14 yrs old
Born 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 Fridays: 6:15pm
Supervisor: Garry Pask Sundays: 6:15pm
Supervisor: Harold Moninger
Seniors 15, 16, 17, 18 & 19 yrs old
Born 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 Sunday Nights: 6:15pm
Supervisor: Jenn Hager
5-Pin Program Director Roger Martin 519-352-4725
will continue to fight for the community. He was expected to attend a public meeting in Dresden Aug. 22.
to The Chatham Voice
Basset Hound
Chatham. Buddy,
six-
Basset
The Chatham Voice
Pulling at the threads of life
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com
Chatham artist Jodi Edwards Wright uses an uncommon process to create unique, whimsical art.
Now at age 65, the retired educator has launched her first show at ARTspace. Dubbed “Storybook Realism” the event showcases the three-dimensional embroidered animal masks Wright creates using thread and a water-soluble type of fabric. It’s an unusual method. Wright embroiders layers on a hoop of fabric with a sewing machine. When the machine can no longer penetrate the fabric, she switches to hand embroidery, adding in varying degrees of thickness.
At some point during the process, she runs the piece under water, dissolving the fabric to leave behind the threaded creation.
Items such as feathers and fur are added to finish the piece.
“I call it Storybook Realism because it is very much inspired by the artwork of a number of children’s illustrators,” the former public-school teacher told The Voice, noting she’s always been a lover of children’s literature.
Wright points out her art is
“anthropomorphic,” bringing human characteristics, such as smiles and human eyes, into the animals she creates.
“Each one has a name and a unique personality,” the artist said, noting she remains inspired by the children she encountered throughout her career.
Wright, who had never formally studied art, said her first foray as an artist began 12 years ago when she decided to make a simple rag quilt for her young grandson.
She learned more about quilting and then started making lace keepsakes out of wedding dresses.
Eventually, at the start of the pandemic, she delved into fibre art, also known as sculptural embroidery, studying with Australian textile artist Meredith Woolnough online.
Wright has continued to refine her technique, noting she may be the only person in the world that uses her particular method.
But she said she’s mostly selftaught.
“I started doing art quilts and I just fell in love with art quilts,” Wright explained, noting she was using her embroidered pieces to attach to the quilts. Eventually, she said she was
“talked into” creating standalone sculptural embroidery art. People responded to her first work – a fox – which spurred her on to do more.
At university, Wright studied English and history. She also writes poetry which she incorporates into the show.
Storybook Realism runs at ARTspace, 165 King St. in Chatham to Nov. 15. A public reception to formally introduce Wright’s work will be held at the venue on Sept. 19 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
It’s a family-friendly show with part of the exhibit lowered so children can see it.
Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice
Chatham fibre artist Jodi Edwards Wright prepares for her first show at ARTspace running to Nov. 15. The family-friendly exhibit, dubbed ‘Storybook Realism,’ showcases Wright’s process that utilizes embroidery and layering on dissolvable fabric to create whimsical animal masks such as Fergus the Highland cow
Community Events
Thursday, August 28, 2025:
• Blenheim Summer Concert Series featuring After Midnight – rain or shine. Starts at 7:00pm. Lawn chairs recommended. Talbot Trail Place, 24 John St. W., Blenheim.
• Afternoon Jamboree with all singers and musicians welcome 1–4 pm at the Merlin Legion. Come out and enjoy good music and great company. Donations welcome. Starting at 4pm is bike night come out for drinks and pool. Call 519-350-8937 for more info.
• Come join us at The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am–9:30pm. Kitchen open 11:00am–1:30pm. Come check out our daily specials. Senior Euchre starts at 1:00pm. Everyone welcome.
• Community Meal @ St. Paul’s Congregational Church Park St. West Chatham. 5:30 to 6:30. Everyone Welcome.
• Lunch at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St from 11am to 1:30pm. Daily specials and menu items available. Everyone welcome.
Friday, August 29, 2025:
• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00 am–9:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch 11:00am–1:30pm. Supper served 4:00– 6:00pm. No orders after 5:30pm. Tonight’s specials are liver & onions or fish & chips, $14.00(HST included). Take out available by calling 519-351-8733 or 519-351-5639. 5:15pm. is weekly CatchThe-Ace draw (tickets can be purchased at the bar). Fun darts at 7:00pm. You will be entertained by Big City from 7:00pm-10:00pm. In the event of bad weather, entertainment will move inside. Everyone welcome.
• Join us at the Merlin Legion for a BBQ dinner! Spare Ribs for dinner includes dessert. Chicken strips and fries are also available. Served 4:30–7pm. Take outs also available. Contact 519-689-4884 for more information.
• Lunch at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St from 11am to 1:30pm. Daily specials and menu items available. Friday night supper is a meat loaf dinner with potatoes, vegetables. coleslaw and a bun. Dine ins $15 and Pickups $15. All meals are served at 6pm. Everyone welcome. Call 519-352-8291 to order.
Saturday, August 30, 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 11:00 am–9:30pm. Meat draws at 3:30, 4:30 and 5:30pm., ending with a 50/50 draw. Kitchen open 3:00pm-5:30pm. Come out and check out our menu. Entertainment by Unity Station band from 4:30-9:30pm. Everyone welcome.
Sunday, August 31, 2025:
• The Mudmen are back at Two Creeks at 6pm. These guys are always entertaining and are definitely unique. They arrive with a blast of Celtic energy. The members are characters, both on stage and off. No admission, but we do pass the hat. Food and drink from the Scouts. A huge pavilion in the event of rain. Lots of convenient parking. In a beautiful woodland setting. We thank the Swans for their support.
• Breakfast at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St from 9am until Noon. All meals are cooked to order. Everyone welcome.
Tuesday, September 2, 2025:
• Come join us at The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St., Chatham from 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 1:00pm or spend the evening playing Shuffleboard or Euchre starting at 7:00pm. Everyone welcome.
Wednesday, September 3, 2025:
• Come join us at The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham from 11:00am–9:30pm. The kitchen is open to serve lunch from 11:00am–1:30pm. Our daily special is Meatloaf Dinner. Come check out our other daily specials. We have Fun Darts at 7:00pm. Everyone welcome.
Thursday, September 4, 2025:
• Blenheim Summer Concert Series featuring Big Shiny Toons – rain or shine. Starts at 7:00pm. Lawn chairs recommended. Talbot Trail Place, 24 John St. W., Blenheim.
• Come join us at The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham from 11:00am–9:30pm. The kitchen is open to serve lunch from 11:00am–1:30pm. Come check out our daily specials. Senior Euchre starts at 1:00pm. The Popular L.A. Bingo starts at 7:00pm. Everyone welcome.
The CK Singers community choir invites you to come out and give us a try on Tuesday, September 9th from 7 pm to 9 pm at First Presbyterian Church, 60 Fifth St Chatham, N7M 4V7. No requirement to read music or have an audition—just love to sing and we provide the music and a warm welcome. We perform a variety of songs according to the season for nursing homes, retirement homes, special dinners and other events as requested. If your club or group is looking for some fresh entertainment, we’d like to oblige. For more information about joining or booking our group to sing at your event, please contact Director Nancy Tapley at (519) 354-0463 or nancytapley2@gmail.com or President Bob Mann at(519) 397-2942. Singing together is proven to boost immunity, calm the heart rate and release the “feel good” chemicals in our bodies. Not only the hills “come alive to the sound of music.” You will too!
It’s TIME TO SING beautiful and timeless Christmas carols and songs with the Jubilee Chorus! Consider joining us in celebrating our Lord through fabulous choral music! This fall, our Festival of Lessons and Carols will be presented Sunday, December 14 at 7:00 pm. Only 15 rehearsals - a short commitment - so come, sing new and favourite carols with us. We are looking for new, eager singers in all parts ages 14 and up, no audition necessary! Come find community and experience all the benefits of joy-filled singing! Rehearsals are on Tuesday nights starting September 2 at Chatham Christian School from 6:529:00 pm. Call Cynthia at 226-229-1533 for more information and to register.
Niagara Falls Bus Trip, Taylor Park Fundraiser, cost $60 with $35 free play! Wed., Oct. 15/25, get receipts at Br. 642 Chatham Legion, 39 William St. N., park in Curling Club parking lot off Colborne St., please bring your Receipt & I.D. , for info, call 519-351-8733.
Send events to bruce@chathamvoice. com or michelle@chathamvoice.com
Fun Stuff
62. U.S. leader during much of WW2
63. Lair
64. Fibrous material
CLUES DOWN 1. Home of “60 Minutes” 2. Expression of sorrow or pity
3. __ fide: legitimate
4. Immune response
5. Assistance and support
6. Glared
7. Spanish saloon
8. Pitch black
9. S-shaped lines
10. Statistical test
CLUES ACROSS
1. Taxis 5. Space Systems Command
8. Plant seed by scattering
11. Alliances 13. Fiddler crabs 14. Heroic tale 15. Yemen capital 16. Misleading gesture 17. Cain and __ 18. Simple shoe 20. Hundredweight 21. Children’s toy in the snow 22. Gets rid of 25. Free of deceit
30. Performed a dance 31. Chinese philosophical principle
32. Exaggerated
33. Refrain from inflicting
38. A doctrine
41. Can be subdued
43. A place to bathe
45. Land used for pasture
48. Curved piece of iron
49. Automobile
50. Fencing sword
55. Breezes through 56. Child
57. NBA legend Iverson
59. Horsley and Iacocca are two
60. Midway between northeast and east
61. Spiritual leader of a Jewish congregation
12. __ Paulo, city
14. Graduation garb
19. A way to record
23. Not good
24. Weather events
25. A pituitary hormone
26. Jamie Foxx film
27. Rocker’s accessory
28. One point east (clockwise) of due north
29. One who obtains pleasure from another’s pain
34. Consume
35. Licensed for Wall Street
36. Sick
37. Israeli city __ Aviv
39. Removed the husk
40. Mass of rocks and sediment
41. Two-year-old sheep
42. Area units
44. Prison overseer
45. Walked
46. Wartime escort aircraft carrier
47. Tax
48. 50 percent
51. Swiss river
52. Tattle
53. Actor Idris
54. Resist authority (slang)
58. Egg of a louse
Support sought for taking back the night in C-K
All of Chatham-Kent is being invited to fight back against gender-based violence against women and girls Sept. 19.
That’s the date the second annual Take Back the Night march and rally will take place in Chatham.
According to a media release from the Chatham-Kent Sexual Assault Crisis Centre, rates of sexual assault continue to rise both locally and provincially, with women aged 15 to 24 years facing the highest levels of victimization.
Local agencies are also reporting growing demand for support services, counselling and emergency shelter access.
Linda Soulliere, executive
director of the centre, said community support is critical.
“Now more than ever, it’s important that we show up –for survivors, for each other, and for the future of our community,” Soulliere said. “Gender-based violence impacts everyone, and a large community presence at events like this sends a clear message: we will not tolerate it.”
While the event centres around the experiences of women and gender-diverse people, the Chatham-Kent Sexual Assault Crisis Centre is encouraging men and male-identifying allies to attend in support, emphasizing that the fight against gender-based violence cannot be fought alone.
“We need everyone – especially men – to stand with us and help shift the culture,” Soulliere said. “It’s not enough to say you’re against violence. We need people to show up.”
Soulliere points to Statistics Canada that while sexual assault numbers continue to rise, that’s only part of the picture, as the majority of survivors still don’t feel safe coming forward.
“Events like this are about reclaiming space, building community, and making it clear that we must be loud and unignorable,” Soulliere stressed.
For more info, access @CKSACC on all social media, email cksacc@cksacc.org or call 519-354-8908.
Our 2025 Performing Arts Summer Camp took place August 11-15. It was absolutely amazing. It always starts with our Music Director Crystal St. Denis and our staff of Taylor, Skylar and Makaela. Thanks also to our 3 official volunteers Kaylyn, Harper and Sailor and the Warren family from Windsor. Special thanks to St. Paul’s Congregational Church for the use of their marvellous facilities. Thanks to our facilitators of our lunches, drinks, snacks and T-shirts. As usual, our Respect Revolution participants played a huge role in our music. Thanks to all of you!
May Court support
Bruce Corcoran/The
Abigail King, a graduate of John McGregor High School, earned the May Court Ann-Marie MacLennan Scholarship for the Arts 2024-2025. Giving her the $2,500 scholarship is May Court convener Shirley Loyer. King is pursuing a career in the Performing Arts in acting as well as directing/managing roles. She will attend Guelph University in the fall.
Chatham Voice
The Chatham Voice
Protecting folks from themselves
Call me jaded. Maybe this is my “old man yells at clouds” moment for August.
Seeing first-hand a portion of the Port Huron Float Down event held on the St. Clair River recently, I can’t help but think of how many tax
Frances Coates "Fran" O'Brien
96, Wednesday, August 20, 2025 Hinnegan Peseski Funeral Home
Charles John Caron
87, Saturday, August 16, 2025 Hinnegan Peseski Funeral Home
Diana Lynn O'Mara
74, Tuesday, August 19, 2025
Hinnegan Peseski Funeral Home
Jean Simmons
89, Monday, August 18, 2025 Hinnegan Peseski Funeral Home
Norb King
76, Saturday, August 16, 2025 Hinnegan Peseski Funeral Home
Roy Burke
78, Saturday, August 16, 2025
Hinnegan Peseski Funeral Home
Garth Lowther
89, Thursday August 14th, 2025
Alexander & Houle Funeral Home
Henry Renders
78, Thursday August 14th, 2025 Alexander & Houle Funeral Home
dollars were spent – on both sides of the border – to protect people from themselves.
Every year people get together for the event, which is unsanctioned, and hop in the water in Port Huron and Sarnia on inflatable rafts and
OBITUARIES
Lynne Lorenzen
87, Friday August 15th, 2025
Alexander & Houle Funeral Home
Charleen Malott
82, Friday August 15th, 2025
Alexander & Houle Funeral Home
Bob Suter
86, Friday August 15th, 2025
Alexander & Houle Funeral Home
John McDonald
82, Wednesday, August 13, 2025 Life Transitions
Garry Thomas Sadler
80, Thursday August 14, 2025 Life Transitions
Robert Neil Drury
51, Friday August 15, 2025 Life Transitions
Melvin Douglas Friesen
70, Sunday, August 17, 2025 Life Transitions
Robert John Miller 82, Tuesday, August 19, 2025 Life Transitions
such, and let the current take them down the river about a dozen kilometres. In past years, as many as 4,000 people took part. This time around, the number was in the hundreds.
My wife Mary Beth and I took a drive to Sarnia
for some fries under the Bluewater Bridge, and enjoyed the scenic route up the river and back to get there. Naturally, a stop at the Sugar Shack in Wallaceburg for some dole whip in a waffle corn was in order.
James Arthur Milson
77, Wednesday, August 20, 2025 Life Transitions
Francis John Durston
58, Friday, August 15, 2025 Nicholls Funeral Home
Charles "Charlie" McCormick
76, Monday, August 18, 2025 Nicholls Funeral Home
Eileen Moody
92, Wednesday August 13, 2025 McKinlay Funeral Home
Catharina de Leeuw
91, Friday, August 15, 2025 McKinlay Funeral Home
Bryan Charles Parker Friday, August 15, 2025 McKinlay Funeral Home
Colleen O'Neill 93, Saturday, August 16, 2025 McKinlay Funeral Home
Bill Edwards 90, Sunday, August 17, 2025 McKinlay Funeral Home
But I digress. I found a perfect parking spot under the bridge at Waterfront Park in Sarnia. We grabbed some fries and a hot dog from Archie’s, the chip truck there, and enjoyed the view.
The current and the wind were very strong that day. Sheriff’s vessels, border services boats and the OPP’s boat all had to remain in gear to just stay in place as floating folks went by.
To think that the authorities shut down this stretch of the St. Clair River to commercial and pleasure boat traffic for about seven hours for this event is ludicrous.
It’s unsanctioned.
And it is an event police say is very dangerous, given the currents and the fact a good portion of participants are boozing it up.
where winds blew about 1,500 U.S. floaters onto the Canadian shoreline, most, if not all, without any identification. Had that happened this time around, I would have loved to see them rounded up and treated in the same manner that the U.S. is currently treating illegal immigrants (and a hell of a lot of legal immigrants and even U.S. citizens, actually). Lock them up without traditional rights. A taste of their own medicine; a whiff of what they voted for.
On our side of the border, members of the Canadian Border Services, RCMP, OPP, Sarnia Police Service, Sarnia Fire Rescue, and Lambton EMS were all involved that day.
See full obituarires at chathamvoice.com /obituaries
It was pretty clear the authorities were trying to keep folks on their respective sides of the river. They did not want a repeat of something that happened in the past
Some folks will say these floaters should be able to do what they want. It’s their choice. Well, what about forcing the closure of the river to commercial and pleasure boater traffic. Is it the choice of a freighter captain to not use this vital passage? Or for a family to go boating on a Sunday afternoon? Or do we just let it all happen in chaos and watch floaters get sucked into the wash of a 1,000-foot-long freighter?
Bruce Corcoran
In Memoriam
Violet L Carey
April 20/46 - August 28/23
Wife, Mother, Nana, Great Nana
Classifieds
In Memoriam In Memoriam
In loving memory of a dear wife, mother and grandmother who left us 10 years ago, Marian Spears, Feb.15, 1942 - Aug. 31, 2015
8871 Doyle Line - Lots of Variety! All weekend long - 9am4pm. Tools galore, pots, pans, bicycles. Come & see, you’ll be surprised!
We think about you always We talk about you still You have never been forgotten And you never will. We hold you close within our hearts And there you will remain To walk with us through our lives Until we meet again.
Obituary
Always in our Hearts, Sweet Dreams, With all our love, ‘til we meet again, Love Paul
Ruthe Beemer (nee Zimmer)
Remembered by husband John, daughters Michaelanne and Shandra and granddaughter Ashley
June 15, 1952 - August 30, 2018
RIPLEY
In loving memory of a dear father Karl (August 9, 1996) and a dear mother Mary Jane (August 28, 2017)
Still always missed, always loved forever, Dan
Card of Thanks
Sincere thanks to Dr. Hundt and Dr. Igdinoba for services rendered. Also to the staff on the second and third floors of CKHA for the great care. Blessings to all.
Mildred M. George
“Come Out, Join Us” Sundays 11am and 7pm. Wednesdays 7pm, Friday 7pm. Old Hymns and KJV Preaching Go to chathambaptistchapel.com to watch sermons. Announcement
This month recalls memories of two loved ones gone to rest, And those who think of them today, are those who loved them best. We think about you always We talk about you still You have never been forgotten And you never will.
Forever loved and always remembered by your children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
Chatham Baptist Chapel
Wanted
Wanted to Buy: Antiques, costume jewellery, gold, silver, coins, military, furniture, tools. We Buy All - Paid Cash. 519-727-8894.
Gladstone Farms Farm Help End of August to early October on board the Sweet Potato Harvester. Call 519-6768984. Located across from Willow Ridge Golf and Country Club. Hospital bed. paid $1400. Asking $800 obo. 519-692-4456.
Senior Healthy Chatham Lady interested in meeting gentleman between 75-80 for companionship/relationship with interest in wintering in Florida, walking, biking, dancing, traveling and wants to spend some quality time and enjoy the senior years. Send responses to PO Box 1063, Chatham PO Main, ON N7M 5L6.
Melvin Douglas “Doug” Friesen age 70 of Chatham. Born in St. Catharine’s ON in 1954. Passed away surrounded by family and friends. Son of Eva Madeline Friesen and the late Melvin Friesen. Beloved life husband of the late Glenda Jean (Leeson) Friesen (September 10, 2019). Cherished father of Sarah Lynn Friesen of London, ON and the late Brion Friesen (September 16, 2020) of Prince George B.C. Doug is also survived by his loving grandson Kayleb James Gervais Friesen of Wembley Alberta, his sisters Barbra Corelli (Mario) and Beverly Ferrante (Joe) of St. Catharine’s and many nieces and nephews. A special thanks to Lee Ann of Boland, Branford, ON and Chad Weston of Chatham, ON for their years of friendship and loving support through the difficult times. Doug dedicated his life to family, friends and community. In lieu of flowers please donate to Special Olympics Ontario or the charity of your choice. Arrangements entrusted to Life Transitions Burial and Cremation Service Inc.
456 Victoria Ave., Chatham. Saturday, August 30th, starts at 8:00am. Books, ladies clothes (10-12), electronics, fabric, folding tables & covers, framed Frank Jordan print, furniture, linens, double bed quilts, vintage hats, xmas, misc. Help Wanted For Sale
Milson, James Jim passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at the Chatham Kent Health Alliance. Cherished husband of Annette for 40 years. Beloved father of Tammy Hynes (Bryan), James (Kelly Graham), Laura Butler (Aaron) and late Brandon and late Colleen. Jim was a proud grandfather of Devon, Victoria, Chloe, Ali and Austin and great-grandfather of Jaxon. Jim happily worked at the Royal Canadian Legion (Branch 28) for many years where he maintained many great friendships. He was also a member of the Colour Guard where he proudly served the Veterans. He was kind and generous and had a great sense of humour, making friends with everyone. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him. Cremation will take place and the family will be having a Celebration of Life at a later date.
blulighttaxi2017@gmail.com
The Chatham Kent Labour Council wishes ALL workers a Safe & Happy Labour Day weekend.
The Chatham-Kent Labour Council (CKCL) has very generously donated $2,000 to United Way’s BaCK to School program. This program provides assistance with school supplies for families in need to ensure kids start the school year off right!
“For many years the Chatham Kent Labour Council has been a supporter of not only Labour members within the Unionized environment, but organizations that strive to make a positive impact on people’s daily lives. The CKLC is proud to be able to provide much needed assistance to the United Way of Windsor-Essex Chatham-Kent for their upcoming Back to School Program.” Eric Ricciotti
Labourers built our country and this is a day dedicated to those workers from the past as well as the workers of today. We honour all of you and encourage you to continue to work safely.
The Chatham Kent Labour Council continues to support ALL workers and encourages those of you who are unionized to join us on our Board or to attend General Membership meetings. Keep informed on what is going on in the Labour Community, have opportunities to discuss health & safety issues, share stories and support our communities.
Want to join a Union? We can help with that too.
The Labour Council Executive Board meet every month. Enjoy your special weekend and be safe out there!
Chatham Kent Labour Council & Affiliates
President – Linda Reaume
