Wish Tree campaign raises $140K
front of a hospital, does anyone pay attention?
Very much so, as the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Foundation (CKHAF) said the 36th Annual Christmas Wish Tree campaign raised more than $142,000 from the effort at the Chatham and Wallaceburg hospital sites.
The Christmas Wish Tree has long been a holiday tradition across Chatham-Kent, offering families a way to honour or remember loved ones while supporting local health care. This year, the campaign once again brought the community together with generosity, reflection, and compassion, foundation officials said.
“The generous support of this community continues to make a real difference to patients and families right here in Chatham-Kent,” said Christine Mitchell, CKHAF president and CEO, in a media release. “Every donation helps ensure that our hospital teams have the necessary tools and programs to provide exceptional care close to home. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to everyone who participated in this annual tradition and helped make it such an overwhelming success.”
Funds raised through the campaign will be directed toward hospital equipment and programs
that enhance patient care, comfort, and safety. From advanced diagnostic tools to innovative hospital programs, the contributions from the Christmas Wish Tree help ensure the community continues to receive high-quality care close to home.
Foundation officials said the success of the Christmas Wish Tree is also made possible by the generosity of local businesses who support this annual tradition.
“The Christmas Wish Tree is about more than fundraising,” added Mitchell. “It’s about honouring loved ones, celebrating memories, and coming together as a community. The love and support that our donors demonstrate each year allows us to continue providing care and comfort when it matters most.” All individuals honoured during the campaign are recognized on the Foundation’s Digital Honouree Wall and in a special Christmas Wish Tree Tribute Video, created to celebrate the lives remembered and the generosity shared throughout Chatham-Kent.
For more information about the Christmas Wish Tree campaign or the Foundation’s ongoing fundraising initiatives, visit ckhaf.ca.
The Chatham Voice If a tree is erected in
Boosting recovery @ home
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative
pamwrightlji@gmail.com
When it comes to recovering from illness, there’s no place like home.
To that end, the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance has launched an initiative aimed at providing comprehensive care to patients as they are discharged to return home. Dubbed the CKHA@ Home Program, it promises a “seamless” transition to assist with recovery, allowing patients to leave hospital sooner whilst freeing up much-needed hospital beds.
Chatham-Kent–Leamington MPP Trevor Jones was on hand to mark the announcement last week as CKHA@Home is being made possible now and in the future thanks to $1.3 million in provincial funding each year. The initiative is part of a $1.1 billion in additional funding from Ontario over three years to boost access to health care.
According to Jones, it’s wellknown that people recover faster at home.
“The $1.3 million investment at CKHA will help patients get home sooner with the right support in place, where they can recover with dignity and comfort,” Jones told the gathering. “By expanding the hos-
pital-to-home program, we’re putting patients first, freeing up hospital beds and strengthening our local health-care system so it’s there for seniors and families when they need it most. This investment and this way of thinking matters.”
In his comments, CKHA president and CEO Adam Topp stressed that returning home after a hospital stay can be challenging.
“The CKHA@Home Program is designed to reduce that stress by providing comprehensive, personalized support,” Topp explained. “This program ensures that patients receive the right care, at the right time, at home.”
The program has another major benefit. On an average day, CKHA currently operates 22 medical beds above capacity –which is 40 per cent more medical patient days than the alliance can support. CKHA@Home is one approach being taken to manage the problem.
CKHA patient navigator Mark Roth will lead CKHA@Home, working with patients and families to create a personalized health-care plan that includes the full spectrum of health-care workers through a partnership with ParaMed Home Health Care.
The integrated approach means patients benefit from
personalized assistance with medication management, follow-up appointments and connections to other services such as home-care resources with the Canadian Red Cross and Meals on Wheels.
The program is flexible, officials said, addressing a patient’s evolving needs through the program’s duration of eight to 16 weeks.
For patients requiring care beyond 16 weeks, the CKHA@Home team will assist in connecting with home-care services provided by Ontario Health at Home.
Anyone with questions about care is asked to call 519-966-5200.
Contributed image
Chatham-Kent Health Alliance president and CEO Adam Topp and Chatham-Kent–Leamington MPP Trevor Jones mark the recent launch of a new hospital-to-home-care initiative called the CKHA@Home Program.
Big changes coming to council
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com
It’s a ways out but the buzz around Municipal Election 2026 has begun.
Several incumbents on Chatham-Kent council are already on record that they’re running, while others said they are stepping away from political life.
In Wallaceburg, it means two seats will be coming open, as veteran councillors Carmen McGregor and Aaron Hall won’t be on the ballot this fall.
According to McGregor, she has really (for the most part) enjoyed her three terms on council, noting she learned a lot and made great friends along the way.
“I will always have the best interest when it comes to C-K and will continue to support my community regardless of my position,” McGregor said.
Hall, who has served two terms on council, said he’s completed his goal of representing Wallaceburg for two terms and will be moving on to other projects.
East Kent’s John Wright is another veteran councillor calling it quits.
“It’s time to retire,” Wright told The Voice. “I’m going to be 69 years old by the time the election’s done.”
Long-serving South Kent councillor Trevor Thompson is also hanging it up. “You couldn’t acclaim me,” Thompson messaged in a blunt email statement.
North Kent’s Jamie McGrail is also stepping away from the council limelight.
“I’m grateful for serving this last two terms,” she said. “The experience has been great and I’ll always hold Chatham-Kent and North Kent in the highest regard.”
Others, including Chatham councillors Amy Finn and Conor Allin
and North Kent’s Rhonda Jubenville, are saying yes to running for another term.
On the mayoral front, incumbent mayor Darrin Canniff said he’s undecided but if he does run he’ll continue to build on recent growth in Chatham-Kent.
“My focus will be on improving quality of life by investing in community services, infrastructure, arts and culture and opportunities that help residents and businesses thrive,” he said, noting “protecting affordability” will be top of mind.
Chatham councillor Micheal Bondy has publicly stated he will be running for the top job this fall.
Bondy said he wants to “get back to basics” and restrain the current administration’s “hold” on decision making.
“We must reign in unchecked spending, stop building shrines and do what we are meant to do: fix the roads and sewer systems, maintain our parks, arenas etc.” Bondy said in an online message.
He said he would also seek provincial approval to restructure Chatham-Kent into a two-tier municipality with Blenheim, Ridgetown, Wallaceburg, Dresden and Chatham as formal lower-level entities within C-K.
Several councillors are on the fence and not ready to commit. This includes Chatham councillors Marjorie Crew, Alysson Storey and Brock McGregor, East Kent’s Morena McDonald, West Kent’s Melissa Harrigan and South Kent’s Anthony Ceccacci and Ryan Doyle.
Ceccacci said he’s “carefully evaluating” his decision.
“Over the next several months, I will continue to receive feedback and engage in further discussions regarding my decision,” he wrote, adding he’s also weighing in on
ward boundary changes and the resulting loss of three councillors.
“I firmly believe that it is critical to ensure robust representation in our semi-urban communities and that is extremely important to me, “Ceccacci added.
Election 2026 will see the 18-member council re-
duced to 15 members (14 councillors and one mayor.) Under the new ward boundaries, North Kent will have one councillor instead of two; South Kent will have two councillors instead of three and East Kent will be drop to one councillor from two.
However, the number of wards will increase from
six to eight, with Chatham being divided into three wards, rather than one atlarge ward with six councillors. Ward 6 is Northwest Chatham; Ward 7 encompasses Northeast Chatham and Ward 8 includes south Chatham. Each of these wards will have two councillors.
The ward changes were
adopted by council following a comprehensive study and review in spring of 2025. The election takes place Oct. 26. The deadline to register as a candidate is Aug. 21 at 2 p.m.
West Kent Coun. Lauren Anderson did not respond to The Voice as of press time.
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We are a little over nine months away from the next municipal election. That seems like a long ways off, but in reality, it is time to consider options.
First and foremost is for candidates to plan. In this week’s edition of The Voice, you will see that we have asked every sitting member of council if they plan on running again. A good portion – five – said no.
Opinion
A year of change Reader questions housing renovation
That will alter the landscape of council. So too will the long-overdue restructuring of council. Last year, the folks around the Monday night horseshoe that is the Chatham-Kent council table opted to reduce the number of councillors from 17 to 14. Boundaries will be altered, but the viewpoint by some is that rural C-K will lose three councillors. With the high turnover and the new reduced number of seats, it’s extremely important for voters to deliver a group that can actually work together. The past three-plus years have been dysfunctional for the most part. Few issues went through smoothly. There were squabbles over issues big and small.
The adversarial attitudes are causing some councillors to step away, or
at the very least are among the reasons several are not seeking re-election.
The citizens are partly to blame as well. We elect people to serve us for a four-year term. Democracy in this timeframe is that we trust the majority of councillors to have our best interests at heart.
We don’t demand referendums; we lobby. We don’t spit on councillors. We don’t flay them on social media. It is one thing to disagree with what a municipal politician says; it is another entirely to go after them in such aggressive manners.
We have long advised to attack the issue, not the individual. Somewhere, for too many, that got lost. When the election takes place in October, we can only hope enough people come forward – armed with very thick skins – to collectively have the best interests of the majority of Chatham-Kent citizens at heart, and that the electorate is able to vote them into office.
Our voter turnout has been dismal for years. That has to change, or special interest groups could take over council.
Vote.
Our future is in all our hands.
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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: After more than 12 years as a stable tenant in Chatham-Kent, I am facing displacement. Not because of missed rent or misconduct, but because two occupied three-bedroom rental units are proposed to be divided into four one-bedroom apartments.
This proposal would remove two family-sized homes during a housing crisis, despite the fact that a three-bedroom unit on the same property was recently vacant and re-rented. That unit could have been held pending approval and renovated without displacing long-term tenants. The decision instead to proceed with occupied units raises questions about necessity versus choice. All affected tenants pay pre-Covid rents and have long histories of maintaining their homes and meeting their obligations. Equally concerning is how tenants learned about this proposal.
Notices were mailed to surrounding homeowners on neighboring streets, yet tenants living in the affected building did not re ceive notice by mail. The only notice posted for tenants was a document placed on a telephone pole at the front of the property. If not for a concerned neighbor bringing this to my attention, I would not have known that my home was at risk.
this arrangement would have consequences beyond housing, affecting health and family stability.
Housing policies often claim to protect tenants and preserve affordability, yet real-world outcomes increasingly tell a different story.
For those of us whose lives would be directly affected, this method of notification was inadequate and deeply unsettling.
My unit is also part of a shared family support system. My daughter and grandchildren live in the unit below me, and due to ongoing health challenges within our family, we rely on proximity to provide daily care, supervision, and assistance that cannot easily be replaced. Disrupting
Framed as renovation, this change would displace stable households while returning the same space to the market in a different form. The timing is notable. So is the outcome.
As rents rise and housing options shrink, the quiet removal of affordable, family-sized units – and the marginalization of tenant voices in the process – deserves public scrutiny.
Housing is more than square footage. It is infrastructure for families and community stability.
Laura Jasper Chatham
Park deserves these additions
Editor: It was good to read in a recent Chatham Voice that funding has been approved and work to start next spring on additions to the St. Clair Park, the land donated to the municipality by St. Clair College.
The addition of sporting activities at this venue will be a good thing.
Now, if only the federal and provincial governments would pitch in and build that long-awaited indoor large arena project in Chatham-Kent that has been long promised, but for one reason or another has never been approved or built.
Even if that arena project does become a reality, I still think that
Erickson arena can still be utilized by community groups and CKSS school (Public School Board), and Memorial Arena could be utilized for things such as the Kinsmen Fair, indoor walking circuit, things that it currently has, as well as other non-ice essential activities such as indoor ball hockey, badminton, pickle ball, indoor garage sales, and car shows, just to name a few things. This seems to be a better option than demolishing either one or both of Erickson and Memorial arenas. I don’t know that this is financially feasible, but seems more like
a better idea than destroying these buildings.
Ultimately, these decisions are up to council and C-K administration.
For the public of Chatham-Kent though, to not write or say anything about our wishes on these projects, does not give good guidance to C-K administration and council on what projects not to or what to proceed with in
the future.
Frank Doyle Chatham
The 7 stages of Alzheimer’s disease
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive and debilitating condition that slowly robs a person of their memories and personality. Alzheimer’s disease is a form of dementia that produces various symptoms that occur in stages, ultimately arriving at a point when a person can no longer live independently due to cognitive decline. The Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation says there are seven clinical stages of Alzheimer’s. Stages 1 through 3 are the pre-dementia stages, while stages 4 through 7 are the dementia stages. Here is a close look at what these stages entail:
Stage 1
There is no cognitive decline, nor noticeable symptoms.
Stage 2
A person may experience very mild cognitive decline. This can include one feeling like he or she is having memory lapses, but no symptoms of dementia can be detected by others, including medical professionals.
Every January, Alzheimer Societies across Canada raise awareness around key issues in the dementia journey, including diagnosis, stigma, caregiving and support. For more information about Alzheimer’s disease and all of the services provided by the Alzheimer Society of Chatham-Kent please visit www.alzheimer.ca/chathamkent or call 519-352-1043.
Stage 3
During stage 3, mild cognitive decline begins to become noticeable. Friends, family or coworkers begin to notice difficulties, which may include problems coming up with the right words or names; trouble remembering names; greater difficulty performing tasks; and losing or misplacing a valuable object.
Stage 4
A careful medical interview should reveal symptoms of moderate cognitive decline. Forgetfulness of recent events; difficulty performing complex tasks like planning a meal for guests or paying bills; forgetfulness about one’s own personal history; and becoming moody or withdrawn are possible.
Stage 5
Cognitive decline continues to progress to where it becomes moderately severe. Gaps in memory are noticeable and individuals likely will need help with
everyday activities. Some may be unable to recall their addresses or telephone numbers, while others may be confused about the day or where they are. Stage 5 is usually the stage when a person can no longer live without assistance.
Stage 6
Very severe memory loss, loss of communication skills and inability to recognize loved ones occurs during the severe cognitive decline stage. One will need total care.
Stage 7
This is the end-stage of the disease and is marked by profound cognitive impairment. Loss of mobility and effective communication typically occurs at this stage.
It’s important to note that these stages are general guidelines of what can be expected as Alzheimer’s disease progresses. Symptoms may vary among different people, and not everyone with Alzheimer’s will progress through these stages at the same rate.
50/50 = win/win
The Chatham Voice
The new year is off to a good start for Gale Eastman.
That’s because the Blenheim resident won the $52,110 jackpot in the Igniting Healthcare Holiday 50-50 draw recently.
Eastman, who spent $50 on a last-minute ticket the morning of the draw, was dumbfounded when she learned she’d won.
“For once I was truly speechless,” Eastman said in a media release.
“I’ve always believed in supporting our hospital and local health care, and mammography is such an important service for our
community. I was so happy I finally got around to buying my ticket and even happier knowing that it helps support care that so many rely on.”
The Igniting Healthcare 50-50 draw is a fundraiser for the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Foundation. Funds from the recent holiday campaign will be used to support services enabling early breast cancer detection through imaging right at the CKHA.
In her comments, CKHAF president and CEO Christine Mitchell said community support for initiatives such as the Holiday 50-50 have a “pro-
found impact on essential hospital programs like mammography.
“When we invest in modern equipment and services, we’re helping patients receive care close to home, supporting early diagnosis, and ensuring our hospital remains a place where strong programs, including the physicians and frontline staff behind them, can continue to deliver exceptional care,” Mitchell said.
The 50-50 campaign offered more than the grand prize draw. In addition, several Early Bird prizes were awarded including to Terry Rabideau, Kelly Medwid, John Beland, and Sean Edwards, who each received $1,000. Marnie Freer won $2,000, and
Dennis Lebert took home $4,000.
The CKHA Foundation
team travelled to Eastman’s home to surprise her with the
news.
Contributed image
Gale Eastman, right, is all smiles after receiving word she won the Igniting Healthcare Holiday 50-50 draw’s $52,110 jackpot.
It’s time to discuss menopause
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative
pamwrightlji@gmail.com
Every woman faces it, but most feel alone in their menopause journey.
Author Michaela Cummings is hoping to change that.
The Chatham-based writer, who has penned a book called “The Meno Change Diary,” is looking to bring a message of factbased hope to women dealing with the challenges menopause can bring.
“I was prompted to write the book because of my own menopausal experience,” Cummings said in a recent interview with The Voice. “It was a very difficult and challenging time.”
“I struggled for five years with symptoms,” Cumming stated, noting she was plagued by poor sleep, low mood and frequent urinary tract infections.
“It was like my world had ended.”
The timing wasn’t ideal either. Cummings began to experience menopausal symptoms during the pandemic which added another layer to her isolation as restrictions increased the difficulty of accessing health care.
Plus, said Cummings, menopause continues to be a taboo subject in society, which leaves women to struggle through it alone.
“It’s a natural phase in a woman’s life,” the author explained. “We talk about puberty, we talk about pregnancy, but I think there’s a resistance to talking about menopause.
Prior to writing the book, Cummings, 56, said she had a hard time coping with what’s been referred to in the past as “the change,” as she couldn’t find accurate information. It made her feel isolated and when she turned to social media for answers, she discovered that much of what she found turned out to be disinformation or sales pitches for products.
People think menopause is just a hot flash, but there’s so much more to it. Changes were taking place in my body but I had no idea what was going on.”
Cummings points out that the menopause experience is as individual as the women themselves. Some females have few, if any symptoms, while others experience hot flashes, insomnia, mood swings, vaginal dryness and erratic menstrual cycles. Others feel tired, out-ofsorts and out-of-tune, and some experience cognitive decline.
According to the Menopause Foundation of Canada, there are three stages of menopause, including peri-menopause; menopause and post-menopause, as well as 34 symptoms. Most women will experience the cessation of their menstrual cycle between the ages of 45 to 55, but one in 100 will begin menopause before age 40 and one in 1,000 will face it prior to age 30.
Three out of four women will experience symptoms that will affect them daily, the foundation said, and
one in four of those will have severe symptoms.
As well, statistics say menopause costs the Ca-
nadian economy millions as it prompts some women to leave their jobs.
Continued on page 13
Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice
Author Michaela Cummings, with a copy of her book “The Meno Change Diary,” is on a quest to educate women to help them cope with menopause. Cummings is hosting a social on the topic at Mrs. Bell’s Tea Room Jan. 27.
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Book details author’s experiences
Continued from page 11
“The Meno Change Diary,” which took Cummings four years to write, began with journal entries about what she was going through. In 2023 she decided to become an advocate for women, launched a website called themenochange.com and began speaking at events. The book was published in 2024.
Cummings will soon be
offering online support and Zoom sessions for women seeking answers.
She said it’s also been an uphill climb dealing with health-care providers, as menopausal symptoms are often downplayed.
“A lot of the time, clinicians and doctors have no skills,” she said. “Women need evidence-based information and care. I think it’s very important to share my knowledge. I
Get your calendar
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Calendars can be purchased at Rubies at 661 Grand Ave. E. or at CLCK’s offices at 650 Riverview Dr. for $20 each. For more information, visit clc-k.ca.
don’t want to see women suffer. Women suffer because of embarrassment and shame.”
Born in England, Cummings moved with her husband to Toronto 20 years ago, before relocating to Chatham-Kent two years ago. The couple was drawn to the area by affordable housing prices and the quiet pace of life.
“It’s a very pretty place and we like it,” Cummings said, adding she was happy to leave the chaos of the big city.
Education about menopause and sharing with others is key to changing the conversation around menopause, Cummings stressed.
“If you are informed you can prepare for this
time of your life and this transition,” she added.
“Menopause is not something to fear...we have been conditioned to fear aging.”
To kick off the new year and spread her educational message Cummings will be leading a “Menopause Social” at Mrs. Bell’s Tea Room in Chatham on Jan. 27. The
free event, running from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., is open to all women looking to share with others.
“My menopause experience was a very difficult experience,” Cummings concluded. “I want to shine a light on this for others because there needs to be so much more information out there. Knowledge is power.”
The Chatham Voice
Brackett continues to speak on behalf of area farmers
By Michael Bennett Local Journalism Initiative
The
Ridgetown Independent
Jim Brackett is pleased to begin a second term as president of the Kent Federation of Agriculture, continuing the conversations and lobbying on behalf of the farming community.
Brackett, an East Kent resident, was acclaimed president during the KFA’s annual general meeting at the Retro Suites
in Chatham on Dec. 18.
Kevin Bagnell returns to his role as vice president, while Dave Emery was promoted from director to vice president.
“I’m honoured members saw fit to help me return,”
Brackett said, as no one ran against him. “I really like helping farmers in Chatham-Kent and the ag industry. I have the time and the desire to do it.”
“I have support from a lot of farmers in the area, it’s nice to know they val-
ue what you do,” he said.
Brackett, 70, retired from farming three years ago but still lives on a portion of his Rondeau area farm that he sold.
“I’ve been trying to push a lot of things forward, so I’m happy to be back as president to try and continue with some of those things,” Brackett said.
“The main thing is to keep dealing with the municipality and other parts of agriculture across both the municipality and the
province, and working with the OFA (Ontario Federation of Agriculture) on behalf of provincial issues.”
The rural community lost one of its voices last February when Chatham-Kent council voted to dissolve the infrastructure bridge, culverts and roads innovation committee of council, which consisted of community experts, councillors and municipal staff offering input on innovations and investments related to bridges, culverts and roads.
At the time, Brackett suggested that a new committee could be formed to continue addressing rural infrastructure.
“We actually met with Edward Soldo (general manager of engineering and infrastructure) the same day as the (KFA) annual meeting,” stated Brackett. “We’re trying to form a more informal committee, like an ag advisory committee, not a committee of council.”
A new committee would help the agricultural committee weigh in on rural issues, such as providing input to ensure future roundabouts are suited for farm machinery and offering ideas on dust
suppressants for gravel roads.
The KFA and rural residents also had to unite for the fourth time in five years to oppose the municipality’s proposal to raise the farm tax ratio. Another rural controversy last year was the two proposed wind farms planned for Howard and Harwich Townships, which council denied.
The KFA, however, took a neutral stance because members were split on the issue: landowners are paid handsomely by companies to host a wind turbine on their property. In contrast, others did not want to risk potential health issues from contaminated well water, as experienced in North Kent.
The KFA did have a voice in several other initiatives in 2025, including working with Hydro One and the OFA on the new transmission lines from Longwoods to Lakeshore, reconnecting with the Chatham-Kent Chamber of Commerce through the Rural Urban Awards, and providing a farm tour to Rory Ring, Chamber president.
The KFA is also trying to connect with more lobbying groups.
Contributed image
Jim Brackett, second from right, was acclaimed as president of the KFA for a second term at the annual AGM in Chatham recently. Pictured are MPP Steve Pinsonneault, left, Maaike Campbell, Lambton Middlesex OFA Director, and MPP Trevor Jones.
As the New Year begins, many of us take stock of how we’re really feeling...
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It’s all possible right now at St. Angela’s Meadow Retirement Lodge.
Isn’t It Worth A Conversation?
St. Angela’s Meadow Retirement Lodge
20 Merici Way, Chatham, ON N7L 3L8
Community Events
Thursday, January 22, 2026:
• New Year is the perfect time to clear out the clutter & embrace a more organized lifestyle. 2-4pm at CKPL Chatham Branch Meeting room or online through Teams. You can bring a picture of your problem space to get advice and tips. Registration required, Teams link will be shared. Register by contacting Phone: 519-354-2940. Text: 519-401-7174. Email: cklibrary@chatham-kent.ca.
• Join us every Thursday afternoon from 1-4pm at the Merlin Legion for a Music Jam. Donations welcome so bring out your singing voice and instruments to have a great afternoon!!
• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am-9:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch 11:00am-1:30pm. Senior Euchre starts at 1:00pm. Member & non-members welcome.
• Tilbury Legion open 2:30-10:30pm. 4 Stewart St. Pool league 3-6:30pm.
• Free Community Meal at St. Paul’s Congregational Church 450 Park Ave. W. from 5:30-6:30. Everyone welcome. Entrance at back of church. 519-436-0255.
• Lunch at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St from 11am-1:30pm. Daily specials and menu items available. Everyone Welcome.
Friday, January 23, 2026:
• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am-9:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch 11:00am-1:30pm. Supper served 4:00-6:00pm. No orders after 5:30pm. Tonight’s specials are chicken parmesan or fish & chips, $15.00(HST included). Take out available by calling 519-3518733 or 519-351-5639. 5:15pm weekly Catch-The-Ace draw (tickets purchased at the bar). Fun Darts at 7:00pm. Member & non-members welcome.
• Come to the Merlin Legion for a lovely dinner of ham, scalloped potatoes and dessert for $15.
• Tilbury Legion, 4 Stewart St. Open 3-10pm. Chicken and sliders 5:006:30pm. Pool and Darts 7:00pm.
• Lunch at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St from 11am-1:30pm. Daily specials, menu items and fish & chips available. Friday night supper will be a lasagna dinner with a caesar salad and a bun. Dine in $14 and pickup $15. All meals served at 6pm. Everyone welcome.
Saturday, January 24, 2026:
• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 10:00am-9:30pm. Line Dancing lessons 10:00am-12 noon. Meat draws at 3:30, 4:30 and 5:30pm. Kitchen open from 3:00pm-5:30pm. Come out and check out our menu. Entertainment by Unity Station band 4:30-9:30pm. Member & non-members welcome.
• Join in on a fun day of cards at the Merlin Legion. We are starting our New Year with our monthly Euchre Tournament. Registration is at 11am and cards start at 12 noon.
• Tilbury Legion open 2-6pm. 4 Stewart St. Meat Draw 3-5 pm. Kitchen open 2:30-5:00pm.
• Mary Webb Centre for the Arts in Highgate presents Julian Taylor, Logan Staats and Jordon Hart. 3 incredibly talented singer-songwriters will put on a very special and unique concert. Free parking. Tickets in advance $45/$50 at the door. More info for re tickets at marywebbcentre.ca.
• Chatham-Kent 4H Association Rally Night Free Skate. See what clubs will be running this year, speak with leaders, sign up for club participation, learn about county wide events. 7:309:00pm. For more info 519-352-2950 or chathamkent4h@gmail.com. Bring a friend and your skates!
Sunday, January 25, 2026:
• Classic Country Jamboree at the Merlin Legion from 1:30-5:30 followed by a delicious Perch Dinner. 5pc $20 and 3pc $15! Bring your singing voice, dancing shoes & spend a great afternoon with friends. $5 entry and musicians/singers are free. Meat Draw and 50/50 draw at 4 pm plus door prizes!! Please call Lori at 519-476-5870 to book your spot to help plan dinners.
• Laughing for no reason?? This sounds crazy, right?! Studies have proven that the body makes no distinction between a genuine laughter or a fake one. Join our Laughing Club at 1:11pm at the River Vibe Wellness Centre, 106 William St N Chatham! Free (donations accepted) claudiasworkshops@gmail.com. 226229-2283.
• All you can eat brunch at the Tilbury Legion. 4 Stewart St. 10:00am-1:00pm. Everyone welcome.
• Breakfast at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St 9am- Noon. All meals are cooked to order. Everyone welcome.
Monday, January 26, 2026:
• Pepper at the Tilbury Legion, 4 Stewart St. 7pm.
Tuesday, January 27, 2026:
• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am–9:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch 11:00am-1:30pm. Today’s special is spaghetti with meat sauce. Come play Euchre at 1:00pm or spend the evening playing Shuffleboard or Euchre starting at 7:00pm. Member & non-members welcome.
• The Chatham Camera Club will be meeting at the Fellowship Hall, Grace Christian Reformed Church, 255 Tweedsmuir Ave West, Chatham. 7:00pm, doors open at 6:45pm. Learn how to use tips and tricks in Lightroom Classic and Photoshop to help with processing. Also, it’s Print Night bring in a print of any size, any subject, for display and discussion with the group. Call (519) 350-1672 for further information and if you have questions.
• Menopause advocate and author Michaela Cummings is hosting the first of many Menopause Socials to bring women together for open, honest conversations about menopause, perimenopause, and women’s health. Mrs. Bell’s Tea Room, 241 Grand Avenue East, Chatham. RSVP 226 627 0248 or just show up. 6–8pm. Free event—simply purchase a tea to support the host venue.
Wednesday, January 28, 2026:
• Kent County Stamp Club meeting at the Active Lifestyle Center, 20 Merritt Ave. Chatham. 7:30pm-9:00pm. New Members and guests are welcome. Our members collect Canadian, USA, and World Stamps, Covers & Postcards. Take this opportunity to learn and share knowledge of the Philatelic hobby. For more information contact President Dennis Marek (drsam2945@gmail.com) (519-627-1429).
• 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 meatloaf dinner. Come check out our other daily specials. We have Fun Darts at 7:00pm. Member & non-members welcome.
• Tilbury Legion open 5:30-10:00pm. 4 Stewart St. Kitchen open 5:30-8:00 pm. Pool League 6pm.
Fun Stuff
CLUES ACROSS
1. Mechanical lever
7. Rocky peak
10. Leave a country
12. Discount 13. D.C. ballplayer
14. Partner to “oohed” 15. Engine sound 16. Japanese ornamental box
17. Fido is one 18. Amounts of time
19. DiFranco and Phyo are two 21. Yearly tonnage (abbr.)
22. Make secret plans 27. “Tiny Bubbles” singer 28. “His Airness” 33. Morning
Perfected
Winger guitarist Beach
Abba __, Israeli politician 38. Self-immolation by fire ritual
39. A way to save money
40. Pulpit
41. Make ecstatically happy
44. Once more
45. Works on
48. Nocturnal S. American rodent
49. State again
50. Expression of disappointment 51. Type of door
Make poisonous
Popular beverage
Actress Lathan
Where planes land and depart 17. Political fundraising entity
18. The distinctive spirit of a people or an era
20. Buffer used in microbiology
23. Light, open carriage
24. Metrical feet
25. Email subject line feature
26. A street with lots of nightmares
29. Rapper Rule
30. River in Scotland
31. One who settles a dispute
32. Most chummy
35. We all have our own
36. Arab tribe
38. Slap
40. Ottoman military commanders
41. Scottish or Irish Gaelic language
42. Emit coherent radiation
43. Sun or solar disk (Egyptian mythology)
44. Inclined to 45. Olfactory reference syndrome
46. Chest muscle (slang)
47. Body part
Non-profit groups strut their stuff
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative
pamwrightlji@gmail.com
Strengthening community is what the BizConneCKt Not-for-Profit Showcase is all about.
The annual Chatham-Kent Chamber of Commerce event, held recently at Links of Kent, brought 41 non-profit, health-care and government agencies together to bring awareness to the myriad of volunteer opportunities and services that are available.
Chamber president and CEO Rory Ring said of the initiative, noting Chatham-Kent has a lot to offer in both its non-profit and business sectors.
The chance to network is essential, Ring said.
“It really goes to show the importance of con-
“It’s important to have this to make the connections in the community,”
necting the not-for-profit sector to the private sector,” he explained, noting that booths were set up by the non-profit organizations, the health-care sector and a handful of C-K municipal departments.
The BizConneCKt Notfor-Profit Showcase has been going for a number of years, however, Ring said the Chamber has made an effort to broaden the event. In 2025, 21 groups participated, but this year that number jumped to 41.
Continued on page 18
and
The
ed by Anjannette Sibley of Tilbury. The non-profit was among the 41 organizations that took part in last week’s Chatham-Kent Chamber of Commerce’s BizConneCKt Not-for-Profit Showcase at Links of Kent.
With over 140 skilled trades to choose from there’s more opportunity than ever to build a stable, secure future for you and your community.
T:10.25"
T:7"
Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice
Amy Smith
Geri Hughson of FreeHelpCK show off crocheted animals the organization gives out to youngsters experiencing difficult times.
cozy, washable keepsakes are craft-
Non-profits mix with businesses
Continued from page 17
As society changes and boomers age out, the competition for volunteers has increased, Ring said, so getting the word out about what’s available is critical.
Providing volunteer opportunities for high school students who need community hours is top of mind, he said, as well as opportunities for seniors and retirees who wish to remain active.
Stafford Michael Anthony Parent
43, Monday, January 5, 202 Life Transitions
Heather Eleanor Goodman
72, Tuesday, January 6, 2026 Life Transitions
Mariano Ochoa Leyva
47, Wednesday, January 7, 2026 Life Transitions
Kelly Lynn Skipper
63, Wednesday, January 7, 2026 Life Transitions
Charlotte Anne Weaver
83, Sunday, January 11, 2026 Life Transitions
Rosalie Dianne Cloutier
74, Sunday, January 11, 2026 Life Transitions
Audrey Johnston
69, Monday January 12, 2026 Life Transitions
Jon Michael Davis
77, Tuesday, January 13, 2026 Life Transitions
Victoria Ave, Chatham (519) 352-2390
Kingsville, Wheatley & Chatham kendrickfuneralhome.com
Going forward, Ring said volunteering will become increasingly important, as economic pressure bears down on Canadians. Financial constraints may make it difficult to make mone-
OBITUARIES
Mark Allan DeMars
68, Thursday, January 8, 2026
Nicholls Funeral Home
Thomas McLean Townsend
84, Thursday, January 8, 2026
McKinlay Funeral Home
Brian Lancaster
78, Wednesday, January 7, 2026
McKinlay Funeral Home
Hilda Millie
94, Wednesday, January 7, 2026
McKinlay Funeral Home
Nelly Kaspar
71, Saturday, January 10, 2026
McKinlay Funeral Home
Jamie Lovell
56, Tuesday, January 6, 2026
McKinlay Funeral Home
Bernie Price
87, Friday, January 2, 2026
McKinlay Funeral Home
Mary "Bes" Whitehall
93, Tuesday, January 13, 2026
McKinlay Funeral Home
badderfuneralhome.com
tary donations, however people can still choose to donate their time, and business owners can encourage volunteerism within their workforce.
Ring said networking events are important for
spreading awareness to newcomers in Chatham-Kent.
Individuals who want to find out more about businesses and services available locally are invited to contact the Chamber.
Brian Toll
64, Sunday, January 11, 2026
McKinlay Funeral Home
Peter McQuarrie
64, Sunday, January 11, 2026
McKinlay Funeral Home
John Forgeard
88, Tuesday, January 13, 2026
McKinlay Funeral Home
Maria Elvira DaCosta
74, Thursday January 8, 2026
Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home
Pierre Gilbert Vanpraet
91, Monday, January 12, 2026
Badder Funeral Home
Donna Jeanne Robinson
86, Friday, January 9, 2026
Badder Funeral Home
Helen Marie Meadows
80, Saturday, January 10, 2026
Badder Funeral Home
John Skipper
85, Friday, January 9, 2026
Alexander & Houle Funeral Home
David Huddleston
70, Sunday January 11, 2026
Alexander & Houle Funeral Home
See full obituaries at chathamvoice.com/obituaries
“If you have a particular interest, we can direct you to the agencies and non-profits that are here,” Ring said. “We are trying to build capacity.”
The BizConnectCKt Not-for-Profit Showcase was sponsored in part by Postma Heating and Cooling. The Chatham company paid for the participation fee for each group.
Upgrades for travellers and students
The Flying J travel centre in Tilbury recently received a slew of upgrades, and area students are benefitting as well.
Pilot Company, owner of the Flying J brand, completed the upgrades and also is donating $10,000 to the Lambton Kent District School Board (LKDSB).
The renovation effort is what Pilot calls a new “curb-to-counter remodel,” featuring a fresh look and enhanced amenities.
“We are proud to serve the Tilbury community with our upgraded travel center,” said Sam Edgmon, vice-president of operations business development at Pilot, in a media release.
enhanced beverage coolers for a wide selection of drinks; and refreshed and remodeled restrooms and showers for added comfort.
Through its Miles of Good initiative, Pilot supports the communities it serves by focusing on three key pillars: education, safety and veterans. As part of this ongoing commitment, Pilot’s $10,000 donation to LKDSB will fund Chromebooks for students.
“This contribution will be instrumental in supporting student learning by allowing us to purchase new Chromebooks,” said Paul Beasley, principal at Tilbury Area Public School. “These devices will be used in classrooms across all grades, directly enhancing our students’ access to digital resources and fostering a more dynamic and engaging educational environment.”
“These funds will specifically fund Chromebooks for student use in their math and science classrooms to promote the use of technology and increase student engagement,” said Bernadette Bruette, principal at Tilbury District High School. “We appreciate Pilot for ensuring that even more students have access to technology.”
Key updates to the travel centre, located at 19325 Essex County Rd. 42 include, a revitalized store interior with a fresh, modern design; a new kitchen to prepare fresh food offerings; a new hot and cold deli area;
• Business Voice is a bi-monthly column in The Chatham Voice that highlights some of the achievements made and efforts underway in Chatham-Kent’s business community. Send your information to bruce@chathamvoice.com
Classifieds
Obituary
Notice to Creditors
It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Charlotte Anne Weaver at the age of 83. After battling a short illness, Charlotte passed in her sleep at the Chatham Kent Health Alliance on Sunday, January 11, 2026. She was surrounded by loved ones in her final hours. Charlotte grew up in Raleigh Township on the family farm, with her grandparents Margaret Horne and John O’Rourke. She had uncles Reg, Clifford, Clarence, Jack, Carl, and Gerald O’Rourke, and Aunt Helen Hendrie to look out for her. Charlotte was predeceased by her late husband, Lloyd Weaver (2020), her cherished mother Patricia Leatherdale (2008), stepfather John Leatherdale (1986), and her father Stewart (Bill) Brooks. Charlotte leaves behind 4 children: Randy Weaver of Chatham, Tim (and Kerry) of Windsor, Terri (and Scott Edmondson) of Chatham, and Peter Weaver of Chatham. Charlotte also leaves behind many grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Stephanie, Kylie (daughter Evelyn Grace), Tieg (wife Mayala and daughters Shaylene and Aisla), Krystle (husband Matt and children Darrien, Khara and Conner), Dallas (wife Abby and children Brielle and Noah), and Shelby (husband Andrew). Charlotte loved her family, and was loved deeply in return. She favoured the Christmas season, sunsets on the water with her mom, long conversations, good movies, and any animal she encountered. She will be dearly missed. Cremation has taken place. Charlotte will be resting at Arnold Cemetery at 10280 Longwoods Road in the Municipality of Chatham Kent. A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date. If anyone would like to pay their respects in lieu of a service, the family encourages a donation in her name to their local animal shelter. All services entrusted to Life Transitions Burial and Cremation Inc. Online condolences and cherished memories may be left at www.lifetransitions.ca
MORTGAGES / LOANS
Difficult Situations Accepted
Borrow
$50,000 for $237.48/mth
$100,000 for $474.95/mth
$200,000 for $949.91/mth
$300,000 for $1424.86/mth
$400,000 for $1899.81/mth
NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND OTHERS
In the Estate of Flossie Nancy Pauline Hutchins Deceased All claims against the Estate of Flossie Nancy Pauline Hutchins, late of the Municipality of Leamington, who died on or about February 17, 2025, must be filed with the Estate named below on or before February 27, 2026; thereafter, the Estate Trustee will distribute the assets of the said Estate having regard only to the claims then filed.
DATED at Chatham, this 13th day of January 2026
Estate of Flossie Nancy Pauline Hutchins
50 Michener Rd.
Apt. 514
Chatham, ON, N7L 4T2
For Sale
Silk Cemetery Saddle Arrangements. Everyday/ Holidays. Readyto-go. Many colours available. $40. 519-3543411
“Tractor” Snowblower. 3 point hitch, 7 foot width, double augers; hydraulic-operated snow chute; cylinder & 2 hoses included. Good condition, priced reasonable. For details call 519401-7953 (live) emails, voicemail, text messages will not be answered here.
Carriers Wanted
Announcement
Chatham Baptist Chapel
“Come out, All Are Welcome” Sunday Services 11am and 7pm Wednesday Bible Study 7pm Go to www.chathambaptist chapel.com to watch sermons.
Duct Cleaning
CONSIGNMENT
OR BUY: Wanted: Coin collections and silver coins. Call Paul 289228-2817.
Have non-restricted firearms?
Fully licensed collector will pick-up - preserve history, don’t destroy it! Estates/private transactions welcome. Call 519-359-8705.
Scrap Air Conditioners dehumidiers. Phone 226-229-2614.
Deep steam carpet cleaning, grout cleaning and Yes, duct cleaning. Call Alec - 25 Years Experience. 226-229-0451. We are local Chatham-Kent Residents.
Wanted to Buy: Antiques, costume jewellery, gold, silver, coins, military, furniture, tools. We Buy All - Paid Cash. 519-727-8894.
The Chatham Voice is looking for carriers in the following ares:
• Adelaide N, Water, Ellwood, Stanley, 7th
• Lansdowne, Stanley, 8th, 9th, Sparks
• Wellington, Adelaide, Prince, Kirk
• Park, Princess, Duke
• Scane, Foster, Baxter, St. Patrick
• Henry O’Way, Briardene, Ardleigh & West Minister
• Craven, Coatsworth, Alden & Romney
• Northland, Ordon, Ottawa, Pembroke
Contact Michelle for all the info!!!
michelle@chathamvoice.com
Book dives into C-K’s history
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com
Another Chatham writer has penned a book about local history.
Dubbed “A Time in Maple City Maple Land,” the self-published book by Mike McDonald offers readers a host of vignettes about occurrences in the former City of Chatham and Kent County.
From a murder in Charing Cross in 1922 to a post-First World War concert at the Armoury to raise money to build Chatham’s cenotaph, McDonald offers 27 different stories.
According to the author, curiosity about the past pushed him forward on his journey. It led him into the Chatham-Kent Public Library where he spent hours on microfiche exploring old newspaper clippings and historical documents.
“I love to see how things were in the past and
how some things never change,” he said. “Newspapers are very important to me as they have a wealth of information.”
An added plus, he said, is that library staff were a “great help” to him when he did his research.
The book isn’t McDonald’s first foray into writing. He’s also a playwright, having penned “So Long Sweet Adeline,” which was performed in the 1990s.
He recently completed another play called “Rainbows and Wings,” telling the story of abolitionist John Brown and his connection to Chatham.
Retired from his work as a technician at Holland Optical, McDonald is an avid fan of the Chatham Maroons and member of the Chatham-Kent Writers’ Guild.
A Time in Maple City Maple Hand is available for purchase at Turns and Tales Board Game Cafe in Chatham.
Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice Chatham author Mike McDonald with a copy of his latest work about Chatham history titled “A Time in Maple City Maple Land.”
