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THE CHATHAM VOICE
PAGE 2
Food bank demand continues to rise
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com
In 2025, 1,000 new families sought help from Chatham’s Outreach for Hunger. That number has the
THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026
food bank’s long-time executive director concerned as we head into the new year. “It’s a really tough situation right now,” Brenda LeClair told The Voice. “We see an increase every year, but this year, we’ve
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The Chatham-Kent 4-H Farm Toy Club recently presented Chatham Outreach for Hunger with a cheque for $8,500 from the proceeds of the 2025 Chatham-Kent Toy Show & Sale. Members of the club have been preparing their 1/64th scale farm toy displays for the upcoming 23rd Annual C-K Toy Show taking place January 18 at the John D. Bradley Convention Centre. Farm Toy Club leaders and members making the presentation are, from left, Julie Sterling, Matt Sterling, Jackson Knight, Emmett Childs, Carl Sterling, Nolan Chalcraft, Cullen Carvell, Connor Jack, Alex Stirling, Brenda LeClair of Outreach for Hunger, Tommy Mervin, Katrina Sterling, and Rob Sterling. Local food banks expect the need to continue to grow.
Ontarians who accessed a food bank in the past year – an estimated 8.7 million See Our New Fall / Winter Line Up! times. According to Feed 519-355-1142 Ontario’s Hunger Report Enjoy Walking chatham@bioped.com 2025: Hunger Hurts OnEvery Step #7-455 Grand Ave E. tario, one in three were You Take! Chatham children under age 18; Open: Monday-Thursday 8am-5pm • Friday 8am-4pm one in three had disabilities, and one in four were employed but still struggling financially. There are twice as many seniors using food banks 459 St. Clair St., Chatham now compared 519-351-2040 76 Main St. E., Ridgetown 141 Park St., Blenheim to five years ago, 519-674-3141 519-676-3451 the report said, and three in five • Funerals • Grief Support were social-as• Celebrations / Receptions • Memorial Forest sistance recipi• Immediate Cremations • Alt-urn-atives ents. • Pre-planning • Estate Services These statistics are reflectwww.mckinlayfuneralhome.com seen a lot more families. “In November alone, we served more families and more children than we have in any given month. It’s disturbing...very disturbing.” Chatham-Kent’s new users are among 1 million
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ed locally. As of the end of November, Outreach for Hunger served 3,500 children and 5,000 households for a total of 11,000 individuals. LeClair said the charity registered 955 new families in the first 11 months of 2025. December numbers weren’t available at press time. It doesn’t look like it’s going to get easier in 2026, LeClair said. Canada’s Food Price Report estimates grocery prices will rise between three and five percent over the next 12 months. The jump is expected to cost the average family $800 to $1,000 annually. “Costs just keeps going up and up, but wages aren’t going up,” LeClair explained. “For the fam-
ilies we see, spending an extra $1,000, it’s just not going to work for them. They can’t make ends meet now as it is.” Increasingly, LeClair said, she’s hearing from food bank patrons that they are having to make tough calls such as having to choose between paying for a utility bill or rent or a car repair versus buying food. LeClair, who likes to stay ahead of the game, never waits until the Outreach shelves are empty before she does an “ask” for supplies and donations, noting she’s lucky to be in Chatham-Kent because the community “doesn’t always wait for the ask.” Continued on page 3 Office Hours: Monday - Friday 9:15am - 3:30pm
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THE CHATHAM VOICE
THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026
Baby arrives 5:53 a.m. Jan. 1
The Chatham Voice
Chatham-Kent’s
New
Year’s baby has arrived.
The newborn girl – the first child of Kabita Basnet and Anara Dahal – made her way into the world at 5:53 a.m. Jan. 1. The baby, whose name had not been chosen as of press time weighed in at 6 lbs. 2 oz., according to her father. She was born at 39 weeks following an induction. “Mom is doing well and the baby is doing well,” Dahal told The
PAGE 3
Voice, noting he was feeling “proud and happy and a bit nervous. “You hope everything goes smooth and when everything is OK, you’re happy for that.” Dahal, who works in the automotive industry immigrated to Chatham-Kent five years ago from Nepal. His wife Basnet followed him two years ago.
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Kabita Basnet and Anara Dahal hold their new daughter – the first child to be born at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance in 2026. The infant, weighing 6 lb. 2 oz. arrived just before 6 a.m. on New Year’s Day.
Need for food support growing
Continued from page 2
“People here are aware of what’s going on and they want to help,” she said. “They see food as a basic need and that’s one way they’ve never let me down.” At the Salvation Army, which operates four food banks in Chatham-Kent, it’s a similar story. According to Lt. Jamie Anstey, there’s been an increase in the number of folks who need food. “I know we’ve seen an increase but we’re not sure of the final stats yet,” said Anstey, who along with his wife Capt. Lana Anstey,
shares the pastorship of the Salvation Army Chatham-Kent Ministries. “I don’t expect it will be kind going into the new year.” According to Jamie Anstey, Salvation Army workers and volunteers worked “full force” into late afternoon Christmas Eve, emphasizing the agency can’t do its work without the community’s generosity, including money from the Red Kettle campaign. All of the dollars raised stay in Chatham-Kent. “We also say no matter what, we can’t do our work
without our donors and we want to say thank you,” Anstey said. Over at FreeHelpCK, director Geri Hughson said she’s also expecting tougher times in 2026 due to higher food costs. “It’s going to be bad,” Hughson said, adding she saw a significant increase in food insecurity in 2025. FreeHelpCK, which specializes in helping the elderly, saw volunteers prepare and deliver 467 meals on Christmas Eve to folks without families or friends to share with at Christmas.
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THE CHATHAM VOICE
Top images of 2025
THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026
Judy Woodrow/Special to The Chatham Voice
Kites of all sizes and shapes take to the skies above Erieau in October.
Butch Dompierre/Special to The Chatham Voice
Workers assemble a transmission tower on Base Line Road near Wallaceburg in the fall.
Andrew Thompsett/Special to The Chatham Voice There were sights, shopping and photo opportunities galore at the Dresden Night Market held in November.
Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice
Everest Beneteau assists Chatham-Kent Secondary School student Riya Deo as she tries her hand on a welding machine simulator at the Chatham-Kent Job Fair held in early March. More than 1,400 students and other job seekers turned out March 5 to connect with employers and explore their options.
Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice
Members of the Ontario Marine Heritage Committee take a hard look at the partial shipwreck that washed up on the shore in Erieau in December 2024. Volunteers from the non-profit came to the lakeside community in early July to document the wooden wreck in the hopes of identifying it. Buddy Steele and Doug Holmes got into the water to take measurements, while Patrick Folkes records the statistics. No word on if they were successful.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026
THE CHATHAM VOICE
Top images of 2025
Andrew Thompsett/Special to The Chatham Voice
Street performer Bella Magic wows the kids during Cherryfest in July. Thousands attended from July 17-19 in downtown Blenheim to take in the food, entertainment, fun, rides and shopping.
PAGE 5
Image courtesy of Ann Goslin/Facebook
The Fair Jeanne, a Canadian Tall Ship, slipped into port in Erieau in July. The 110-foot-long vessel moored at Erieau Marina overnight before sailing deeper into the Great Lakes. The ship is part of Tall Ship Adventures, and people can book excursions aboard her.
Sarah Schofield/Special to The Chatham Voice
Julia Parron Laflamme from Montreal was one of many buskers who performed at this year’s Crowfest in September. The four-day event, which included local vendors and musicians, saw the buskers provide thrilling performances throughout downtown Chatham’s King Street West.
Image courtesy Lisa Campbell Photography
Bowen Couture heads towards the finish line of the Kids Dash portion of the Children’s Treatment Centre of Chatham-Kent’s annual Run for the Kids event, held in June. Bowen may have been the last to cross the finish line, but he received the biggest ovation.
PAGE 6
THE CHATHAM VOICE
Opinion Dysfunction junction
Chatham-Kent residents who regularly follow council wouldn’t be out of line in seeking a tax rebate for mental health therapy after trying to understand the machinations of our elected officials. A few months ago, council finally reached the finish line on what seemed to be a never-ending saga of relocating the decrepit Civic Centre to the former Sears building. The issue was met with much wailing and gnashing of teeth as round after round of debate took place regarding the costs of the new facility versus remodelling the nearly 50-year-old current building, which had been left to decay under successive councils. The issue became distorted with wild claims of financial ruin, removal of services from the community and intimidation of those in favour of the project. In the end, those councillors opposed to the plan threw everything but the kitchen sink in opposition, seeking more and more information until it was revealed that they already had the information being sought, if only some had read their reports. Contrast that with last month’s report concerning the soon-to-be-dead
Public Utilities Commission. Council ordered a consultant’s report on the PUC’s future, the results of which mirrored the conclusion favoured by members of municipal administration for years, that being the dissolution of the PUC. The report also included courses of action, including retaining the status quo and forming a separate municipal service corporation. PUC Chair Carmen McGregor forced a vote on delaying a decision on the report until February so that councillors can digest information on the 40-plus page report. It passed by a narrow 9-8 margin, with some council members noting that taking the time won’t change their votes. McGregor even had to fight to get a seemingly unwilling council to share the report with the PUC so those officials could provide some context to council. To be clear, this issue affects more than $1 billion in spending, but some councillors were determined to push it through in one night. Either those councillors have suddenly reached an unprecedented level of clarity in decision-making, or they don’t think anyone is watching.
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71 Sass Rd., Unit #4, Chatham, ON, N7M 5J4 Tel: 519-397-2020
THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026
The C-K Hub, based on Crydermath Editor: Based on industry standards for Canadian municipal buildings, having the Chatham-Kent Community Hub follow standard life cycle patterns, the total cost to taxpayers over 50 years isn’t $52.8 million; it is closer to $210M to $260M when factoring Hub initial build ($52.8M), operations (at 2.5 X initial build cost for $132M), maintenance and capital renewal (1.5 X initial build for $79M), for a total 50 year cost of $263M. The debate surrounding the Chatham-Kent Community Hub reveals a staggering divide between image and fiscal reality. Coun. Bondy’s recent statements suggesting the true costs could land between $90M and a $100M are not merely an opinion; they represent a responsible accounting of the variables currently
being clouded by administration. While the mayor maintains a ”full stop” budget of $52.8M, that figure is a pro-forma snapshot that fails to account for the chain reaction of costs this project sets in motion. Most significant is the fire hall. By moving the Civic Centre, we trigger the need for a new $15M-$20M fire facility that was previously intertwined with existing infrastructure. (Editor’s note: Plans were in the works to move the fire hall before the Hub proposal came forward.) Factoring in debenture-interest (roughly $7-10 million over 20 years) and construction contingencies not truly revealed, Bondy’s $90-million-plus figure is a much truer account of what taxpayers will even-
tually sign for. The administration’s claim that renovating the existing buildings is more expensive relies on an arbitrary “Hub standard” comparison. Had we sought a simple renovation for code compliance, not invested $10M in a Hub study, not moving council chambers to the first floor and advantaged C-K’s provincial 2.0 study showing adequate room at the Civic Centre, the cost would have been a mere fraction of the Hub’s price tag. Instead, we are building a Toronto-style operation 52-per-cent larger than our current municipal government that guarantees significantly higher annual operating costs and “forever costs” for the life of the Hub building.
Continued on page 7
THE CHATHAM VOICE
THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026
PAGE 7
Dead body found on Walpole Island The Chatham Voice
One person is dead and another is in custody following a shooting-related death on Walpole Island First Nation (WIFN) on New Year’s Day. According to an OPP news release, officers were called to Squirrel Island Road just after 8 a.m. following a report of a disturbance involving a firearm.
When police arrived, they found a deceased 29-yearold Walpole resident, a victim of apparent gunshot wounds. One individual was taken into custody without incident, police said, and is slated to appear in court in Sarnia Jan. 7. The investigation is ongoing under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch in con-
junction with WIFN police, the Lambton OPP crime unit, the Office of the Chief Coroner and the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service. No further details were available at press time. Anyone with info on this matter can contact
Lambton OPP at 1-888-
310-1122 or Crime Stop-
pers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
Just who benefits?
Continued from page 6
We must also ask who truly benefits from the Hub expansion project (besides the investors, but good for them). Under local Job Evaluation Committee rules, larger departments having more responsibilities often trigger salary reviews. By consolidating into a more elaborate massive facility, are we inadvertently paving the way for higher senior administration salaries and increased pension payouts, calculated on their highest paid five consecutive years to receive 70 per cent of their gross salaries for an annual pension. We have already sunk nearly $10M into Hub research alone. When you add the $4.7M riverbank reclamation liability that stays with taxpayers regardless of who owns the former Sears building, the math clearly favors maintaining what we have. Council members voting for the Hub actually breached our social
contract by failing to represent the will of the majority of the taxpayers who said no to the Hub. (Editor’s note: There was a group of people who very loudly opposed the Hub project, but that is no indication those voices represent the majority.) In the late 1970s, Chatham council of the day tore down Harrison Hall to build the Downtown Chatham Centre. Today we’re tearing down part of a failing mall to rebuild a municipal hall. Coun. Bondy is right to be skeptical. In a municipality facing a billion-dollar infrastructure gap, “image” must take a back seat to accountability. Voters should look closely at council members to determine which are protecting our long-term financial health of Chatham-Kent and those who are simply trying to leave a legacy at the expense of taxpayers.
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THE CHATHAM VOICE
THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026
Toy show returns Jan. 18
By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com
Chatham Voice file photo
Five-year-old Chase Chittim enjoyed a number of intricate scale dioramas on display at the 22nd Annual Chatham-Kent Toy Show & Sale last January. The show returns to the Bradley Centre on Jan. 18.
Anticipation is building for the 23rd annual Chatham-Kent Toy Show & Sale. The Jan. 18 event will feature hundreds of vendors and a variety of displays, attracting toy and collectible enthusiasts of all ages from C-K and beyond. Rob Sterling, one of the show’s organizers, said the past two years have each seen about 2,400 people attend the event, and he anticipates similar numbers, or better, this
year for the Bradley Centre-hosted event. The lineups to get in actually begin before 7 a.m., not at 10 a.m., when the show opens. Sterling said vendors are ready to enter the Bradley Centre when the doors open for them three hours before show start time. “We open the doors for set up at 7 a.m. It’s a bit of organized chaos right at the get go,” he said. Once the tables are set up, they’re open for the duration of the show, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Continued on page 10
THE CHATHAM VOICE
THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026
to the Winners of MPP Jones’ Christmas Colouring Contest, Chatham-Kent!
The Office of MPP Jones is thrilled to announce the winners of this year’s Christmas Colouring Contest!
Ages 4-6: 1st Place: Emma Blonde 2nd Place: Clarke Suni 3rd Place: Sloane Herbert
Ages 7 - 9 1st Place: Peya Ostropolec 2nd Place: Maya Deline 3rd Place: Ashley Papple
Ages 10 - 12 1st Place: Hridya Patel 2nd Place: Ayesha Atif 3rd Place: Lorelai June
Thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s Christmas Colouring Contest! We were truly overwhelmed by the number of entries and the incredible creativity shown by each young artist. Every submission was unique, thoughtful, and full of holiday spirit, making it a very difficult task to choose our winners. Your hard work and imagination brighten our community, and we want you to know how proud we are of each and every participant. We can’t wait to see even more of your creativity in the spring! Thank you again, and congratulations to all our talented artists
from MPP Jones and the entire team
MPP Trevor Jones
Chatham-Kent _ Leamington
PAGE 9
THE CHATHAM VOICE
PAGE 10
THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026
Big crowd expected for toy show
Continued from page 8
Sterling said vendors have been lining up online to be part of the show. Last year, he anticipated they’d have 215 vendors, but the number swelled to about 230. He hopes for a similar number this year.
“Applications for (vendor) tables seems to have ramped up earlier. They are filling up faster than we had previously,” he said. That (230 tables) is essentially our capacity for the room. We’re working towards that again
this year.” Vendors offer a large variety of items, as the show features farm toys, trains, sports cards, trucks, construction toys, model ships, books, planes, cars, action figures, dolls, collectibles, coins and more,
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Sterling said. planes. The 2025 show saw “There’s great variety. Home Depot will have $8,500 awarded to OutEvery year, model kits reach. we seem to “Whether you’re a kid for children “We’re hoping for anget in a few or an adult who likes to build other successful year and new ven- to collect, we really try something hope to provide a donadors,” he on site. tion in that range again,” said. “It will to ensure there are This year, Sterling said. “We’ve be much vendors that span that the Cha- worked with them for a the same as whole spectrum.” tham Barn- number of years. That what peo- - Rob Sterling s t o r m e r s need seems to be conple have will be there stantly growing. We’re seen in retoo with glad to be able to support cent years, but just more their masthem.” of it. Whether you’re a cot. To d a y ’ s “We’ve worked with kid or an adult who likes The en- them (Outreach for size and to collect, we really try to try fee revariety for Hunger) for a number ensure there are vendors mains at $5 the event is that span that whole spec- for adults, of years. That need a long way trum.” $2 for stu- seems to be constantly from where The 4-H Toy Club, Cha- dents, with growing. We’re glad the show tham Model Railroad kids aged to be able to support began, SterClub and the Chatham six and unling said, Aeronauts will all be on der admit- them.” as it began hand with displays of ted free of - Rob Sterling primarily toys, trains and model charge. as a farm Proceeds will again go toy show. It started with to the 4-H Toy Club and about 40 tables in one of Chatham Outreach for the conference rooms at the former Wheels Inn. Hunger.
THE CHATHAM VOICE
THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026
PAGE 11
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THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026
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THE CHATHAM VOICE
THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026
Support looks pretty in pink The Chatham Voice
Pretty in Pink, a women’s group from Dover, recently presented a donation of $25,000 to the Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation. “In the fall of 2014, we heard about community fundraising initiatives for a hospice in Chatham-Kent. We knew right away that this was something we wanted to be a part of as a group,” said Kelly Waddick, a Pretty in Pink Member, in a media release. “It’s a peaceful place for families to get the care and support they need in the end stages of
life. Every one of us have had a family member or friend that has used this facility, and hear great things about the care and programs offered, so we keep it close to our hearts and continue to fundraise to help keep it in our community.” Brock McGregor, executive director of the Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation, said the support is appreciated. “We are so grateful to the members of Pretty in Pink and the community who support their events throughout the year. This donation will fund 42 days of care for a res-
PAGE 13
The Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation’s Brock McGregor accepts support from members of Pretty in Pink.
idence and their family, allowing us to continue to provide compassionate end-of-life care at no-cost to individuals and fam-
ilies in our community,” he said. In the past 11 years Pretty in Pink has gifted more than $222,400 to ensure
local families have access to care navigation at the time of diagnosis, residential hospice care, as well as grief and bereave-
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THE CHATHAM VOICE
PAGE 14
Art provides sense of peace at CKHA The Chatham Voice
A new art installation created by artist Miranda Andrews has been unveiled at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance. The pastel-coloured mural – depicting a lotus flower in the palm of a hand – was commissioned by the hospital’s Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Treatment Centre with the aim of bringing comfort and dignity to survivors. Located within the hos-
pital’s emergency department, the centre provides round-the-clock care and support for individuals of all ages and genders who have experienced sexual assault, domestic violence or human trafficking. According to a recent media release, the mural’s installation is part of CKHA’s “ongoing commitment” to creating a dignified therapeutic environment for survivors offering a “visual” sense of peace and hope to those receiving care.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026
Tara Greenway, team lead of the sexual assault/domestic violence centre at CKHA, said Andrew’s mural is all about healing, noting the centre offers critical and compassionate care during a survivor’s darkest time. “Miranda’s mural is more than just art; it is a piece of healing that transforms our space. It provides a visual reminder of hope, tranquility and resilience, which is Contributed image essential for the survivors Members of the CK Women’s Centre, artist Miranda Andrews, and Chatham-Kent Health T:10.25" who come through our Alliance staff gather to celebrate the completion of a new mural. doors,” Greenway said.
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THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026
PAGE 15
It’s really his world, not ours We have three people living in our household… yet we had five stockings for Christmas. I expect we are far from alone in this situation. Our daughter added a stocking for her boyfriend, which is totally
understandable. And then there is an equal-sized stocking for another individual. Bob. Our cat. Yep, our daughter got the cat his own stocking. Heck my wife bid
on a cat basket during the recent Music for the Mind online auction. She didn’t win. I had visions of the little cat having more toys and treats than he’d ever know what to do with. That’s the case already. This is our daughter’s cat, so, in a way, it’s our grand-cat-son…or something like that. And he’s spoiled under our roof. The dude has cat tunnels, a cat tree, cat hammock/ platform, his own ball pit, and toys galore. And being the cat he is, he ignores a lot of it. But he does make good use of certain items. His tree in the basement allows him to peer out into the backyard from ground level. Or sleep with visions of squirrels dancing before him. In our living room, he’s got an oval hammock/ platform that’s at the perfect height for looking out our front window. Or for sleeping while squirrels actually come up to the window and ht launnA 02look right at Mary Beth Corcoran/Special to The Chatham Voice him. tnfurry eK-mahtahC As is the case in countless households with pets, this Of course, befella rules the Corcoran household. ing a cat, he also
Bruce Corcoran has other preferred slumber spots. The top of the couch is a great location. Or when he wants to hide from the world, the chair in the office. My wife has to check her seat before using her computer. Bob rules our house, obviously. It’s his world and we’re just living in it. And we are living furniture. He loves sleeping on my wife when she’s on the couch. Or on our daughter. But not me. I’m the treat guy. He comes to me each evening for cat treats. I toss them into the kitchen or into his ball pit to chase down or find. It entertains me and keeps
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Toy Show & Sale 20th Annual
Chatham-Kent
Toy Show & Sale
Come and See: Farm Toys, Trains, Sports Cards, Trucks, Construction, Model Ships, Books, Planes, Cars, Action Figures, Dolls, Collectibles, Coins and more!
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chuck it across the living room, where it lands with a loud thunk before it springs to life chirping and flapping. And, of course, this occurs after most everyone has gone to bed. I’ve heard sounds at night in the house and got up to see what it is… It’s invariably a cat toy sounding off in another room.
23rd Annual Chatham-Kent
elaS & wohS yoT
Food and friendship
him hunting. As we opened his stocking this year, there was a new supply of treats for the little ball of fur. And new toys to play with for a bit before ignoring them…until it’s the middle of the night. A couple of the ones we have, such as a mechanical fish and bird, are battery operated. He’ll dig that bird out of the ball pit and
Come and See: Farm Toys, Trains, Sports Cards, Construction, Model Ships, Books, Displays and hands-on activities fromTrucks, many local organizations. Planes, Cars, Action Figures, Dolls, Collectibles, Coins, and more!
Sunday January 18th, Displays and hands-on activities from many local2026 organizations 10:00am - 3:00pm Sunday January 15th, 2023 woleb pam ees – NO ,mahtahC ,.tS dnomhciR 565 John. D. Bradley Convention Centre The Chatham Voice friendly conversation, and a wel 10:00 am to 3:00 pm coming atmosphere. More than just Richmond St., Chatham, ON 5$ - stludA :NOISSIMDA 565 John D. Bradley Convention Centre Designed to ensure no one feels mp 00:3 ot ma 00:01 ertneC noitnevnoC yeldarB .D nhoJ
alone during the holidays, 75 Blenheim-area residents enjoyed good food and company on Dec. 20. Put on by the Homecare On Wheels Foundation GON, the meal took place at the Blenheim Royal Canadian Legion. The not-for-profit community initiative brought seniors and adults with disabilities together for a free Christmas dinner. Guests enjoyed a warm meal,
a dinner, the gathering offered a 2$ - stnedutS 565 Richmond St., Chatham, ON – see map below sense of belonging and reminds eerF - reatdnu dna 6 nerdlihC tendees that they arewan ohsyimportant otkc/moc.koobecaf.www :etisbeW :ofni roF ADMISSION: Adults $5, Students $2 oc.liamtoh@wohsyotkc :liamE part of the Chatham-Kent m commuADMISSION: Adults - $5 Children 6 and under - Free 5638-253 )915( :enohP nity, organizers said. Students - $2 This free dinner was planned for :ot sdeecoChildren rP 6 and under - Free bulC yoT mraF H-4 tneK-mahtahC 60 adults, but 75 showed up and reFor www.facebook.com/cktoyshow regnuH rof hinfo: caertuO Website: mahtahC dnaFor info: www.facebook.com/cktoyshow ceived a meal. Email: cktoyshow@hotmail.com Email: cktoyshow@hotmail.com The event is made possible thanks Phone: (519) 352-8365 to the support and partnership of Phone: 519-352-8365 Proceeds to: the Chatham-Kent Community Chatham-Kent 4-H Farm Toy Club and Chatham Outreach for Hunger Foundation grant through the BlenProceeds to Chatham-Kent 4-H Farm Toy Club and Chatham Outreach for Hunger heim United Church.
PAGE 16
THE CHATHAM VOICE
Community Events
Thursday, January 8, 2026: • Bill’s Place Community Space Drop-In. Come spend some time in a 2SLGBTQIA+ safe space 48 Centre St., Chatham. Hang out and have a chat, have a coffee, do your homework, ask a question, read a book, or find out about our programs and upcoming events. No RSVP needed! Come & go as you please. All ages & allies welcome. 3:30-6:30pm.
• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am-9:30pm. The kitchen is open to serve lunch 11:00am-1:30pm. Come check out our daily specials. Senior Euchre at 1:00pm. Members and non-members welcome. • Join us every Thursday afternoon from 1-4 at the Merlin Legion for a Music Jam. Donations welcome. Bring out your singing voice and instruments to have a great afternoon!! Friday, January 9, 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 salisbury steak or fish & chips, $15.00(HST included). Take out available by calling 519-351-8733 or 519-351-5639. 5:15pm is weekly Catch-The-Ace. Fun Darts at 7:00 pm. Members and non-members welcome. • Merlin Legion Scrumptious Merlickin’ Pork Chops $17.50, scallop potato & side, plus dessert. Served from 4:30–7pm at Merlin Legion. Contact 519-689-4884 for more information. Take outs also available • Tilbury Legion, 4 Stewart St. Open 3-10pm. Darts and Pool 7pm. Saturday, January 10, 2026: • The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 10:00am-9:30pm. Line Dancing lessons 10:00am-12noon. There will be meat draws at 3:30, 4:30 and 5:30pm ending with a 50/50 draw. The kitchen is open 3:00pm-5:30p.m. Come check out our menu. Entertainment by Side Effects from 4:30-9:30 pm. Members and non-members welcome.
• Tilbury Legion, 4 Stewart St. open 10:30am-11:00pm. Euchre 11:00am, Meat Draw 3-5pm, Kitchen open 2:30-8:00pm. Karaoke 7-11:00pm.
Meeting time is 7:00pm, doors open at 6:45pm. Refreshments served. Call (519) 350-1672 for further information and if you have questions
Sunday, January 11, 2026: • Calling all Veterans. The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham will be hosting a Buddy Check for all Veterans from 10:00am –12:00pm. Come enjoy a coffee and talk to other Veterans. This venue is for Veterans Only.
Wednesday, January 14, 2026: • The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am–9:30pm. The kitchen is open to serve lunch 11:00am-1:30 pm. Our daily special is meatloaf dinner. Come check out our other daily specials. Fun Darts at 7:00 pm. Members and non-members welcome.
• Join our Laughing Club at 1:11 at the River Vibe Wellness Centre, 106 William St N Chatham and I will be happy to teach you some easy and fun exercises that you can practice by yourself everyday and get your power back on your own health and feel happier and younger! Free (Donations accepted) claudiasworkshops@gmail. com. 226-229-2283. • All you can eat brunch at the Tilbury Legion. 4 Stewart St. 10:00am1:00pm. Everyone welcome. Monday, January 12, 2026: • Pepper at the Tilbury Legion, 4 Stewart St. 7pm. Tuesday, January 13, 2026: • Adult Learn to Curl – Tuesday evenings from January 13 – February 17, 2026. $165+tax. Led by certified instructors, learn essential techniques and strategies in a supportive environment. Bonus! 5 weeks of free Tuesday night curling in the new players league following the end of lessons! Call or text Mike at 519-7849539 or email chathamgraniteclub @ gmail.com. Visit chathamgraniteclub. org for more details. • The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am-9:30pm. The kitchen is open to serve lunch 11:00am–1:30pm. Today’s special is spaghetti with meat sauce. Euchre at 1:00pm, evening playing shuffleboard or euchre at 7:00pm. Members and non-members welcome. • The Chatham Camera Club will be hosting a ZOOM Meeting by Susaan Magnano at the Fellowship Hall, Grace Christian Reformed Church, 255 Tweedsmuir Ave West, Chatham.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026
Fun Stuff
• Tilbury Legion open 5:30-10:00pm. 4 Stewart St. Kitchen open 5:30-8:00 pm. Pool League 6 pm. Thursday, January 15, 2026: • Bill’s Place Community Space Drop-In. Come spend some time in a 2SLGBTQIA+ safe space 48 Centre St., Chatham. Hang out and have a chat, have a coffee, do your homework, ask a question, read a book, or find out about our programs and upcoming events. No RSVP needed! Come & go as you please. All ages & allies welcome. 6-9pm. • The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am–9:30pm. The kitchen is open to serve lunch from 11:00am – 1:30pm. Come check out our daily specials. Senior Euchre starts at 1:00 pm. Members and non-members welcome. • Join us every Thursday afternoon from 1-4 at the Merlin Legion for a Music Jam. Donations welcome so bring out your singing voice and instruments to have a great afternoon!!
CLUES ACROSS 1. Lakes 6. Electromotive force 9. Invests in little enterprises 13. Longtime Utah Jazz coach 14. Small sailboat 15. Actor Idris 16. Mild yellow Dutch cheese made in balls 17. System that detects objects under water 18. Harsh, grating noise 19. Steward 21. A fencing sword 22. Infections 23. Actress Ryan 24. Sodium 25. Swedish castle 28. A lump of slime 29. African antelope 31. Insurance providers 33. Choosy
36. Ringworm 38. Unpolished 39. Drenches 41. Pant style 44. Son of Noah 45. Spiritual being 46. Upton Sinclair novel 48. Journalist Tarbell 49. Popular sports highlight show 51. Born of 52. Rich tapestry 54. S. China seaport 56. State of being unclothed 60. Surrounded by 61. Residue 62. Away from wind 63. Dried-up 64. Visionary 65. A very large body of water 66. Garden tools 67. Screen type
• The Chatham-Kent Quilters’ Guild meeting at St. Paul’s Congregational Church, 450 Park Ave W, Chatham. Doors open at 6:00, meeting at 7:00pm. Everyone welcome, the fee for non-members is $10/meeting. Come and enjoy our presentations, guest speakers and all of the other fun at our meeting. You are welcome to contact us through our Facebook page or our website at www.ckquiltguild.com for more information. • Tilbury Legion open 2:30-10:30pm. 4 Stewart St. Seniors Day Euchre 1:00pm.
Ask about our Move In Special • 24 Hour Health Care Supervision • Delicious Home Cooked Meals • Scheduled Activities
68. Ancient Scandinavian poet CLUES DOWN 1. Millisecond 2. Spanish city 3. A sudden very loud sound 4. “The Indiana Jones of beer” 5. Tin 6. Sea eagles 7. Volcanic crater 8. Type of coat 9. Women’s apartments in Ottoman palace 10. Divulge a secret 11. Norwegian playwright 12. “It’s a Wonderful Life” director 14. Poisonous perennial plant 17. 18-year astronomical period 20. Clothes 21. Places to sit 23. Family of regulator genes 25. New York ballplayer 26. Impressive in size or scope 27. Jacques __, French biologist 29. One from the Big Apple 30. Genus of woolly lemurs 32. Songs to one’s beloved 34. Indigenous person of N.E. Thailand 35. Supplemented with difficulty 37. Farewell 40. Investment account (abbr.) 42. One from Utah 43. Begets 47. A male child 49. Break apart 50. Brief appearance 52. Partner to “oohed” 53. A light informal meal 55. Fabric with smooth, shiny surface 56. One billionth of a second 57. Ancient Italian-Greek colony 58. Close tightly 59. Mail out 61. Language 65. Computer characteristic Answers on page 19
Come for a tour and receive a
FREE LUNCH
97 McFarlane Ave., Chatham | Contact us at 519-354-7111 for your personal tour.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026
THE CHATHAM VOICE
PAGE 17
Some tech support for Linck
The services supports children and youth from birth to 23 years, along with their caregivers.
The Chatham Voice
Contributed image
From left, board members of the Linck Foundation of Chatham Kent Joel Johnson, Gary Edwards, Baily Cumming, Chris Hatt (of Windsor Detroit Bridge Authority), Jasmine Miller and Margery Muharrem celebrate the donations of nearly two dozen laptops and a number of cell phones from the authority to Linck recently.
The Windsor Detroit Bridge Authority has delivered $5,000 in computers and cell phones to Linck – Child, Youth and Family Supports. Chris Hatt, associate vice-president of business solutions for the authority, made the donation of 23 laptops and 17 cell phones “It’s very rewarding to be able to contribute to the success of our local youth,” Hatt said in a media release. Linck is a multi-service agency dedicated to supporting the well-being and safety of infants, children, youth and families of Chatham-Kent. Linck delivers a wide range of best-practice services in child and youth mental health, child development, youth justice and child welfare. The
BROOKS
Sip the Season
agency has the demonstrated ability to ensure that infants, children/ youth and their families have access to the right service at the right time.
Mixologists around the municipality worked their magic as part of the Sip the Season: Holiday Edition. Continued on page 19
This Year . . .
Enjoy NEW DENTURES! All Denture Services Available • Fast • Affordable • High Quality
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We accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan Rings | Engagement Rings | Wedding Bands
New & Used Tires
Stop in for your Winter Tire Changeover now with minimal wait times!
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Custom Tree Service Removal, Trimming and More!
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THE CHATHAM VOICE
PAGE 18
THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026
OBITUARIES Francis John Rottier 74, Tuesday, December 23, 2025 Nicholls Funeral Home
Bernice Chandler 96, Monday, December 22, 2025 McKinlay Funeral Home
Dorothy Esther Paul 84, Tuesday, December 23, 2025 Badder Funeral Home
Barbara "Barb" Suitor 69, Friday, December 19, 2025 Life Transitions
Wilhelm "Bill" Thiessen 74, Friday, December 26, 2025 Nicholls Funeral Home
Marguerite Martin 92, Tuesday, December 9, 2025 McKinlay Funeral Home
Randy Shepherd 64, Sunday, December 21, 2025 Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Henriette De Smit 85, Friday, December 19, 20255 Life Transitions
Shirly Doris Hazlett 86, Saturday, December 27, 2025 Nicholls Funeral Home
Marguerite Leveille 100, Friday, December 26, 2025 McKinlay Funeral Home
Michael Smith 64, Thursday, December 18, 2025 Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Martin Bratt 95, Saturday, December 27, 2025 Nicholls Funeral Home
Mary Ellen Lusk 86, Monday, December 29, 2025 McKinlay Funeral Home
Catherina Boogaart 91, Friday, December 26, 2025 Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Murray "Charlie" McCarthy 84, Wednesday, December 24, 2025 Nicholls Funeral Home
James McLagan 84, Wednesday, December 31, 2025 McKinlay Funeral Home
Susana Klassen 78, Wednesday, December 24, 2025 Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Jamie Newham 60, Sunday, December 28, 2025 McKinlay Funeral Home
Michael Wade Siddall 60, Thursday, December 25, 2025 Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home
John Uher 85, Saturday, December 27, 2025 Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Deb Wink 69, Tuesday, December 23, 2025 McKinlay Funeral Home
Jacqueline Viola "Jackie" Sosnowski 70, Sunday, December 21, 2025 Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home
Helen Scott 102, Sunday December 21, 2025 Alexander & Houle Funeral Home
Cori Lynne Sheppard 46, Tuesday, December 16, 2025 McKinlay Funeral Home
Lorraine May Wheeler 88, Saturday, December 27, 2025 Badder Funeral Home
Calvin Carrothers 66, Monday December 22, 2025 Alexander & Houle Funeral Home
Peter Koning Wednesday, December 17, 2025 McKinlay Funeral Home
Donna Louise Perry 76, Monday, December 22, 2025 Badder Funeral Home
Charlie Bellamy 86, Friday December 26, 2025 Alexander & Houle Funeral Home
Joyce Moon 79, Thursday, December 18, 2025 McKinlay Funeral Home
Vivian Farnsworth 92, Tuesday, December 23, 2025 Badder Funeral Home
Archie Morrison 88, Saturday December 27, 2025 Alexander & Houle Funeral Home
Jim McNeilage 84, Thursday, December 18, 2025 McKinlay Funeral Home
George Cieslar 86, Wednesday, December 24, 2025 Badder Funeral Home
John Hatch 91, Tuesday, December 30, 2025 Alexander & Houle Funeral Home
Robert Wayne Hotham 70, Monday, December 29, 2025 Life Transitions
Eileen Richards Saturday, December 20, 2025 McKinlay Funeral Home
Clifford Chandler 83, Thursday, December 25, 2025 Badder Funeral Home
Marlene Ann Watson 92, Wednesday, December 17, 2025 Life Transitions
Katherine Lee 97, Friday, December 19, 2025 Kendrick Funeral Home
Cynthia Moody 68, Saturday, December 20, 2025 McKinlay Funeral Home
Naquan Shamar Darby 29, Friday, December 12, 2025 Badder Funeral Home
Jacqueline Berneida Haines 96, Thursday, December 18, 2025 Life Transitions
Barbara Ann Webber 85, Thursday, December 25, 2025 Kendrick Funeral Home
A Part of Wallaceburg since 1943.
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Isabella Anderson Clogg 74, Saturday, December 20, 2025 Life Transitions William Oscar James Randle 86, Sunday, December 21, 2025 Life Transitions Morley Jackson 93, Sunday, December 21, 2025 Life Transitions Bonnie Fay Winger 74, Sunday, December 21, 2025 Life Transitions Penny Ann Lang 71, Monday, December 22, 2025 Life Transitions Shirley Ann Allen 88, Tuesday, December 23, 2025 Life Transitions Gladys Dominguez 85, Friday, December 26, 2025 Life Transitions Robert Dennis Teeter 75, Saturday, December 27, 2025 Life Transitions Maria Augustyn 73, Sunday, December 28, 2025 Life Transitions
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Funerals and Cremations 156 William St., Chatham | www.peseski.com | 519.352.5120
60 Stanley Street, Blenheim (519) 676 – 9200 blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com John C. Badder Funeral Home Thamesville - 519-692-4222 Badder Funeral Home & Reception Centre Dresden - 519-683-4444 Badder & Robinson Visit us: Funeral Home badderfuneralhome.com Bothwell - 519-695-2716
Serving Kingsville, Wheatley & Chatham kendrickfuneralhome.com
lifetransitions.ca • 519-351-4444
THE CHATHAM VOICE
THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026
Classifieds Obituaries
Loans
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
David Eskritt 03-07-1957 - 01-07-2023 (3 years)
Born on February 18, 1952 in Helmond, The Netherlands, Maria “Marie” Hendrica, Cornelia Augustyn was the youngest child of Henk and Grace. Predeceased by her parents, her brother Dirk, her brothersin-law Bert and Stu, great-nephew Justin, and great-great nephew Charles. Survived by her sisters, Mary and Liz, and more than 50 nieces and nephews who all knew and loved her as Aunt Mie. Marie loved her family and she adored her dogs, and probably not in that order. She was always excited to hear updates and see pictures of the latest friend and family happenings and additions, both 2 and 4-legged. Marie was content to live a simple life. She was one of the few people who avoided a smartphone or the internet – she just needed her landline, a large window to watch the neighbourhood … and satellite TV. Marie worked as a cook at Copper Terrace for more than 30 years, serving up thousands of meals with a smile, a joke, and the occasional smartass comment. Marie retired early in order to provide full-time care to her mother. Marie passed away on December 28, 2025 at Riverview Gardens. The family wishes to thank the Riverview staff for the care Maria received, as well as to recognize her good friend Eunice who was such a faithful visitor. A Celebration of Marie’s life will take place on Saturday, January 10, 2026 from 10-11 am at Life Transitions Burial and Cremation Service Inc., 397 McNaughton Ave. W. Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Marie are asked to consider the Pet and Wildlife Rescue (PAWR).
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In Memoriam
WE ALSO ARRANGE UNSECURED LINES OF CREDIT/LOANS
Whether you are looking to purchase a home, refinance your mortgage, or consolidate debt, it’s important that you are making an educated decision and receiving professional unbiased advice.
For qualified borrowers. First mortgage based on 3.99%/yr fixed rate, 5 yr term, 30 yr amortization. On approved credit, & subject to borrower qualification. Rates & terms subject to change without notice.
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CHATHAMVOICE.COM Puzzle Answers
We remember you everyday Missing you never goes away There is always heartache and many tears but our precious memories stay with us all the years. Love always Your wife Judy, your children, grandchildren and families. xoxo Announcement Chatham Baptist Chapel New Children’s Sunday School Has Opened! 11am each Sunday. **Free ride pick up available if needed. Call 519-354-1999. chathambaptistchapel.com
For Sale
Duct Cleaning
Silk Cemetery Saddle Arrangements. Everyday/ Holidays. Readyto-go. Many colours available. $40. 519-3543411 Entertainment Corner Cabint. Complete: fireplace, TV, surround sound bar, am/fm. $450.00. 519-352-8651. Set of 4 Used Winter Tires. Mounted on steel rims (5 stud). Size 215 / 60 R17 96T. Asking $500.00. Phone 519-3518379. (from 2017 Escape or Lincoln)
Local carpet cleaning, grout cleaning and Yes, duct cleaning. Alec - 25 Years Experience. 226-229-0451. Remove dust, pet hair, bacteria and viruses.
Wanted
Wanted to Buy: Antiques, costume jewellery, gold, silver, coins, military, furniture, tools. We Buy All - Paid Cash. 519-7278894. Wanted: IHC Corn Binder. Call 519-357-3399.
PAGE 19
Super sippers earn accolades
Continued from page 17
The glasses have been raised, the votes are in for the event, which celebrated creativity, community, and some unforgettable holiday sips. Created and presented by dougthefoodie, the contest invited local mixologists to shake, stir, and pour their most festive creations while the public helped decide the winners. Taking top honours in the Cocktail Category is Sam, mixologist at Forte Resto-Lounge, whose Gingerbread Espresso Martini captured hearts (and taste buds) with its rich holiday spice and bold espresso kick. In the Mocktail Category, Marcus and Sydney claimed the win with their crowd-pleasing creation, Nice List, proving that festive flavour doesn’t need alcohol to shine. “This event came together as a way to spotlight local talent, encourage people to explore our food and drink scene, and celebrate the holidays in a fun, interactive way,” said Doug Robbins, creator of dougthefoodie, in a media release. “The response from the community was incredible, and the creativity we saw from participants was next-level.” Support for Outreach for Hunger
After another year of rising food insecurity and food bank use across the province, the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Lo-
cals 175 and 633, on behalf of 70,000 members, once again donated $180,000 to food banks and charitable organizations across the province this holiday season. “Our executive board members know that our local union is well-positioned to offer this support, and I remain deeply proud of their ongoing commitment to the communities across the province where they live and work,” said Kelly Tosato, President of UFCW Local 175, in a media release. Recently, union representative Skip Pavlick presented a cheque for $3,000 to Chatham Outreach for Hunger. Members are making donations to a total of 60 organizations in cities across the province this year including Windsor, Sarnia, Leamington, and London as well. “I am delighted to have this opportunity to thank UFCW Locals 175 & 633 for this wonderful donation,” said Brenda Leclair, executive director of Outreach for Hunger. “As many more of our neighbours are struggling with food insecurity, this donation will go a long way in meeting their need for nutritional food as the holidays approach. Thank you to everyone who makes this possible.” • Business Voice is a bi-monthly column in The Chatham Voice. Send your information to bruce@ chathamvoice.com.
Have non-restricted firearms? Fully licensed collector will pick-up - preserve history, don’t destroy it! Estates/private transactions welcome. Call 519-359-8705. Find what your looking for in the classifieds!
Contributed image
From left, office manager Coral Hoekstra and executive director Brenda LeClair from Outreach for Hunger, and union servicing representative Skip Pavlick of UFCW.
THE CHATHAM VOICE
PAGE 20
THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026
~ New Year ~
New Floors - New Lighting Hardwood
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Luxury Vinyl
1
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Ceiling Fans
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Starting at $ 89/sq.ft.
Outdoor Lighting
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Starting at
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Tile Starting at
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Hardwood, Laminate, Luxury Vinyl, Carpet, Tile 701 St. Clair St., Chatham | 519.354.6121 www.sacwalflooringcentres.com Hours: Mon. - Fri. 9AM - 6PM, Sat. - 9AM - 5PM, Closed Sunday
Undercounter Lighting
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Floor / Table Lamps
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Indoor & Outdoor Lights, Lamps, Fans, Mirrors and Home Decor 699 St. Clair St., Chatham | 519.354.6141 www.thelightingshoppe.ca Hours: Mon. - Fri. 9AM - 6PM, Sat. - 9AM - 5PM, Closed Sunday