Ethan comes home to Chatham
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative
pamwrightlji@gmail.com
Ethan Hunter has returned home to a hero’s welcome.
The youth, fighting a difficult three-year battle against a rare form of cancer, came back to Chatham July 22.
Upon his arrival, he was greeted by a host of friends and family on the front lawn, as well as members of C-K Fire & Rescue,
OPP and Chatham-Kent police, who provided a motor escort.
The crowd waved homemade signs, blew horns and even presented the 17 year old with a big chocolate ‘Welcome Home’ cake.
The teen, who has spent most of the last two years in hospital in London and Toronto, hit a ground-breaking milestone in his recovery. He’s in remission, defying the odds to become the first person in the world with
T-cell lymphoma to respond to a new trial drug.
At one point, doctors said he only had six weeks to live.
Awed by the attention, Ethan quietly took in hugs and greetings from well-wishers, his eyes smiling above a hospital mask.
Ethan’s mother, Shara Hunter, said the support the family and son has received is “incredible.
“We are very, very grateful for every single person,” Shara
said, “and the incredible outpouring of prayers.”
“I don’t even want to use the word ‘lucky,’ because it’s not luck. Ethan fought this hard. Ethan wanted to come home. God loves him.”
At age 14, Ethan was diagnosed with lymphoblastic lymphoma, a rare subtype of T-cell leukemia. He was treated but experienced a relapse that led to extensive treatment including blood transfusions and a
stem cell transplant.
Chatham-Kent has rallied around Ethan with dozens stepping up to be tested to become a stem cell match at various donor clinics.
A GoFundMe to support Ethan and his family is active for anyone who wants to donate.
Going forward, his mother said she plans on starting a foundation in Ethan’s name to help support others in similar medical situations.
Ethan
and
check out a welcome
made specially for the teen. Ethan returned to a hero’s welcome last week – complete with police escort – after being away from home in hospital while battling a rare form of cancer. Now in remission, Ethan is the first person in the world to respond to a new trial drug.
Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice
Hunter, his mom Shara Hunter
sister Sephora
home cake
More eco-friendly than cremation
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com
Aquamation, also known as cremation by water, will soon be available to residents of Chatham-Kent.
Offered by Life Transitions Burial and Cremation Service, the process uses a method called alkaline hydrolysis – a process using water and heat for the disposition of a deceased person. Inside a stainless-steel vessel, a body is broken down in just three hours’ time, leav-
ing behind bone that when processed is similar to the remains of a fire cremation.
According to Life Transitions co-owner James MacNeil, aquamation uses 95-per-cent pure water with about five per cent alkalide – an added amount of potassium hydroxide dependent on the weight of the deceased. Potassium hydroxide is a common substance found in many household products including soap and shampoo, MacNeil added, noting it alters the PH level. The fully automated machine,
with a 500-pound door similar to a submarine, utilizes hundreds of sensors and incorporates pressure and water flow.
Aquamation is more environmentally friendly than regular cremation and burial, as the water left behind is sterile, pathogen free and contains no DNA. The by-product is then returned to the eco-system.
“It’s viewed as gentler and it seems more natural,” said Lee-Ann Pe-
ters-MacNeil, Life Transitions co-owner. “The water process significantly reduces energy use and emissions and minimizes the use of chemicals.”
Continued on page 5
Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice Life Transitions co-owners Lee-Ann Peters-MacNeil and James MacNeil with the state-of-the-art stainless-steel machine that allows bodies to be broken down using alkaline hydrolysis otherwise known as cremation by water.
Influx of youth for Chatham-Kent
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com
Chatham-Kent’s official population count is on the rise, according to Statistics Canada.
Data gleaned from the census in the five-year period between 2016 and 2021 shows C-K’s population went up 2.3 per cent to 103,988 – a reversal from the 2.2-per-cent drop experienced between 2011 and 2016.
Based on Stats Can esti-
mates for the timeframe in between the census, Chatham-Kent’s population was 111,703 as of July 1, 2024 – a number not seen since 2006.
In a presentation to council last month, Jason Stubitz, outlined the various way C-K’s population is expanding, noting the benchmark is only 577 people shy from the highest recorded census number in 2001.
Dovetailing with a Chatham-Kent Workforce Planning Board initiative,
Stubitz serves as the municipal co-ordinator for planning and research related to local labour needs.
According to Stubitz, up-to-date population information ensures employers, stakeholders and planners can adequately prepare for future workforce needs, including the drive to attract and retain talent to the community.
A few noticeable trends stand out, he explained, noting 24 per cent of C-K residents are over 65.
However, in the last two years, the 25- to 44-yearold demographic grew 2.2 per cent. A total of 21 per cent of residents in the municipality are under the age of 20.
“This really highlights the importance of continued attraction and retention efforts, especially of younger residents to address future workforce shortages,” Stubitz told council.
The falling birth rate is another concern, he said. Beginning in 2014 the
number of deaths began to outpace the number of births, and in 2024, there were 462 more deaths than births in the municipality.
Immigrants and non-permanent residents continue to play an important role in driving population and workforce growth, Stubitz stated, with 293 immigrants and 489 non-permanent residents arriving in Chatham-Kent between July 2023
Operational by end of summer
Continued from page 3
Chatham’s aquamation machine is one of six in the province and the only one in southwestern Ontario, with the closest located in Peterborough.
The process garnered some international fame in 2021, when South African Bishop Desmond Tutu chose aquamation when he died.
Life Transitions is currently working to complete the installation of the unique machine with the hopes it will be operational by summer’s end.
“Once we’re up and running, we’ll be able to offer this to all of our clients, if they wish,” James explained. “You have choices and this is an extension of that.”
In parts of the U.S., aquamation has been used for years.
“We’re just offering something that’s tried and true and tested,” James explained, noting alkaline hydrolysis has been used for at least 40 years by medical universities in the United States such as UCLA, the Mayo Clinic and the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.
Currently, aquamation is legal in most of central and west-
ern Canada, but not in Atlantic Canada. In the United States, it’s been approved in 31 states, but not in Indiana where the machines are built. It was approved in Ontario in 2014.
The process is gaining in popularity, the MacNeils said.
“The transition from flame to water is already happening as we speak,” James added, with some funeral services in the U.S. going strictly to aquamation.
According to both owners, the Chatham-Kent Public Utilities Commission has been working hand in hand with Life Transitions to ensure the process falls in compliance with regulations.
“They were very helpful at the PUC,” Lee-Ann explained.
“They did their research.”
Getting the machine to Canada is the result of a year-long process the MacNeils
said, noting there were many regulatory hoops to jump through. But they had a lot of direction
from funeral services already using aquamation – including the one in Peterborough.
to 2024, a trend that’s been moving upward since the pandemic.
Inter-provincial migration has been the main source of C-K’s recent growth, Stubitz said, noting the data suggests that it’s young families who are moving to the municipality.
Opinion
They are human
“Sometimes people forget that the people living in these encampments are human beings. They’re somebody’s brother, somebody’s sister, son, daughter, mother, father.”
Jodi Guilmette, general manager of health and human services for the municipality, made that comment during a meeting between Chatham-Kent officials and the media last week.
She’s 100-per-cent correct.
What is perhaps the most tragic reality at play is the folks who occupy the encampment at times forget that they are people.
However, in First World countries, human beings are taught where to throw their garbage, that defecating or urinating in public is frowned upon, and that they should clean up after themselves.
Perhaps it is due to a mental illness. Or extreme drug use. Or being told by other people in society they are worthless so often that they actually started believing it themselves. There is a plethora of reasons why we have a homeless issue, and we’re not talking exclusively about Chatham-Kent.
Lack of affordable housing, mental health problems and addiction are the big three reasons people are home-
less.
The pandemic led to couch surfers across the country losing a place to crash. And during the pandemic, housing prices spiralled upwards, forcing more people out onto the streets.
Gone are the days of rooming houses – places where a person rented a room, but shared a bathroom and kitchen with other people. Such affordable housing vanished decades ago, but it did serve a purpose for people of all age groups.
Institutions such as the Southwest Regional Centre housed people with developmental disabilities. It closed in 2008, along with its sister institutions across the province. Sadly, there were numerous allegations of abuse made at the centre.
And we are left with people out in the street. When the tiny cabins open, some will move there, but not everyone at the encampment will choose or be able to move there.
What are we left to do? Affordable housing is woefully unaddressed at all levels of government. Give people a roof over their heads; help them rebuild their lives.
Some will, some will not. But those who do will become contributing members of society once again. After all, they are people too.
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519-397-2020
Better options for homeless location
Editor: We have lived on Windfield Crescent for 30 years, are retired and our yard backs onto the Chatham-Kent PUC property to where the homeless tent encampment has been relocated.
After working for many years and finally reaching our long-awaited retirement, we are now anxious about our safety and of people breaking into our yard and home. Needless to say, we are very angry, as is this entire neighbourhood. This is completely the wrong location, as we all know the serious types of behaviour exhibited by residents of these encampments, many of them drug addicted.
There are soccer fields, a tree-lined trail with park benches, a community garden and nice homes around the entire perime-
ter of this greenbelt.
The decision to encourage, steer and assist in moving encampment dwellers to our neighbourhood is infuri ating. However, we are also not unsympathetic to the plight of the homeless and we do understand the challenges in addressing this problem.
We believe there are better options though.
First and foremost, our city leaders desperately need to review and amend our Municipal Encampment Protocol so that it keeps tent encampments from setting up near our recreational areas and in close proximity to our homes.
We keep hearing from our leaders, “If only we had more dollars from higher levels of government we could do so
much more.” Those dollars haven’t come, so here is a proposal of how we can help ourselves. How about we abort the very unpopular community hub project and redirect the savings towards helping our homeless crisis?
One would think helping the homeless would be much more important than building an elaborate facility that is not an absolute need. Here is a specific idea for the millions of dollars that could be saved.
Perhaps we could locate and purchase a more suitable piece of property to create a designated Tent Encampment Zone. It must be away from our recreational areas and minimize effects on residents.
Continued on page 7
PUC property a better choice than downtown
Editor: I don’t think the homeless should be allowed to camp in Rotary Park on the Thames River in downtown Chatham.
I think the PUC property on Grand Avenue is a better solution because it will bother fewer citi-
zens. And it won’t be in the centre of the community. It is a shame for people in that area to lose the green space and the trail. It is, however, a given that a homeless camp is always going to bother some people.
Regulations need changing for cyclists
Editor: Just reading a letter from Kevin Jack “Cyclists can improve their habits too” in The Voice commenting on another letter that asked drivers to “Give cyclists their space” on the road.
the law for helmets, they should make a cyclist have a bell or a small horn.
It is problematic that the Grand Avenue site was a former cemetery. And there may be people still buried there.
Perhaps the camp should be pushed back more in front of the PUC building.
There is already a homeless camp behind Tepper-
mans.
But there is no place for a homeless camp in the downtown.
Rotary Park in our downtown on the Thames River was the bad decision made in the first place.
The homeless do not belong in our downtown.
I am asking you to not advocate for the return of the homeless to Rotary Park on Thames Street. I feel the new Grand Avenue location is a better spot for the homeless camp.
I am aware of homeless camps behind the Real Canadian Superstore on
St. Clair Street, behind Teppermans and as one homeless man told me sitting in front of the downtown LCBO, “I sleep in the forest behind Sobeys.” That’s private property.
Well, Kevin, there are not that many cyclists on the road compared to how many are on the pedestrians’ territory, as you have found out. I wrote a letter stating I understand that it is safer for a cyclist to be on a sidewalk than the road, but if authorities are going to allow them to ride the sidewalks, they should not only enforce
Just two weeks ago, I was crossing the street with a walker from the hospital in Chatham at the lights on Grand Avenue. As I approached, an E-bike came flying along from the direction of Emma Street. I just managed to see him out of the corner of my eye and stopped. I could have been badly hurt. Sorry, Kevin, I don’t think it’s going to change.
Ruth Draper Chatham
‘Nice to have’ vs. ‘must have’
Continued from page 6
It should have proper washrooms with running water and perhaps a building either on site or close by large enough to serve as a cooling/warming centre. Our R.O.C.K. Mission folks could perhaps have an office in the building offering support. Recognizing this proposal
would not be perfect it sure as heck would be much better than what is happening now. As one of our councillors recently said to us: “There is the nice to have and then there is the must have.”
Pat & Rose Vanthuyne Chatham
Diane Gilhula Chatham
Restored dome unveiled at MWC
tions of the dome, comprised of more than 2,500 individual pieces of glass, in June 2023. Restoration took two years.
Earlier this month, the performing arts centre unveiled the restored 104-year-old stained-glass dome.
The restoration was made possible with the help of the Ontario Trillium Foundation, which provided nearly $140,000 to restore the dome and carpet in the centre.
Chair of the dome committee, Cheryl Littlejohn, said the restoration was not a simple task. It was further complicated by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
After approaching several different companies, the board finally contacted Jeff Cofell from Magnolia Stain Glass in Blenheim, who had previously installed all the windows in the concert hall. He agreed to take on the project.
Kingswood Millwork in Waverly dismantled all nine sec-
The Chatham Voice
The cap is back on the Mary Webb Centre.
Contributed image
The stained-glass dome at the Mary Webb Centre received a facelift recently and it’s back in place at the iconic Highgate performing arts centre.
Two UCC grads receive Arts Council scholarships
Two Ursuline College Chatham grads have been chosen as 2025 recipients of Chatham-Kents Arts Council scholarships. Ryan Tetreault and Tara J. Wilson will each receive $1,500 Emerging Youth Artist scholarships. The scholarship was es-
tablished in 2024 to support two graduating or recently graduated high school students from Chatham-Kent enrolled in their first year of post-secondary studies in the arts and culture field.
The 2025 scholarship award is $1,500.
Tetreault will be studying in Sheridan College’s Bachelor of Music Theatre Performance program.
He has performed in shows through Brio Academy and Theatre Kent. His training encompasses multiple dance disciplines, vocal music, music theory, stage combat, improvisational theatre, and acting for stage and screen.
Wilson will be pursuing an Honours Bachelor of Arts in English in creative writing at the University of Ottawa with the goal of becoming a writer.
She is an accomplished writer of short and flash fiction with a love of
language and imagery.
Her work demonstrates a strong sense of place and creative love for language. She transitioned from visual arts to storytelling upon realizing it “was not the scenes which I loved to paint, but the vivid narratives behind them.”
“The Chatham-Kent Arts Council is delighted to support these outstanding young arts practitioners as they embark on their artistic journeys,” said Laurie Lang-
ford, chair of the CK Arts Council board of directors, in a media release.
“Practical encouragement like this is invaluable at this career stage and we wish our recipients much success in their academic and artistic journeys.” The recipients were selected through a community-based committee process. Scholarships are provided by the council through funds granted by the Municipality of Chatham-Kent and Hydro One.
The Chatham Voice
Tara Wilson Ryan Tetreault
Cash boost for 2 housing projects
By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com
Two municipal housing properties are receiving cash infusions.
Council decided recently to split the 2025 Building Faster Fund (BFF) between the 24 Redwood
Cres. and 179 Eugenie St. affordable housing projects.
The funds are awarded by the provincial government to municipalities that exceed housing targets.
According to a report to council from Ray Harper,
director of municipal housing and property development, funding from the BFF is intended to support further growth
“The use of the BFF funding toward the affordable housing projects meets MMAH program guidelines .”
- C-K’s Ray Harper
in housing supply, particularly through infrastructure that enables housing construction. That can include site servic-
ing, roads, and utilities, as well as other expenses.
“In reviewing the BFF program guidelines and the housing needs of the community, administration has determined the best use of the BFF funding would be toward the approved affordable
family housing projects,” Harper wrote.
“The use of the BFF funding toward the affordable housing projects meets MMAH program guidelines and will reduce the project’s final reserve financing requirements.”
Realtors dole out scholarships
The Chatham Voice
It’s scholarship season at the Chatham-Kent Association of Realtors (CKAR).
Each year, the organization awards scholarships to graduates from the families of members for post-secondary educa-
tion.
This year, three deserving recipients have each been awarded a scholarship to support their university studies in Ontario.
They are Alyssa Nead, daughter of CKAR member Kristen Nead; Georgia Pitblado, granddaughter of CKAR members
Jim and Judy Kovacs; and Brendan Szymanski, brother of Rachel Szymanski, also a CKAR member.
All three of these students have shown community involvement by volunteering, while maintaining a high-grade average, CKAR officials said.
FORM 6
SALE OF LAND BY PUBLIC TENDER
The MUNICIPALITY OF CHATHAM-KENT
“This is another way realtors care for their community, by giving back to the upcoming generation of young professionals,” said Barbara McCaughrin, president of CKAR, in a media release.
The scholarship program is open to members of CKAR who have a child,
Municipal Act, 2001, c. 25, s. 379 (2) O. Reg. 181/03, s. 5(1), Form 6
Take Notice that tenders are invited for the purchase of the land(s) described below and will be received until 3:00 p.m. local time on August 21, 2025, at the Municipality of Chatham-Kent Civic Centre, located at 315 King Street West, Chatham, Ontario, N7M 5K8. The tenders will then be opened in public on the same day as soon as possible beginning at 3:15 p.m. at the Council Chambers of the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, located at 315 King Street West, Chatham, Ontario, N7M 5K8. Tune into our Municipal Facebook page or the Chatham-Kent YouTube channel for a virtual event where the tenders will be opened live beginning as soon as possible at 3:15pm.
Description of Land(s)
All lands are in the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, the following are the geographic descriptions and municipal addresses.
1. 1. ROLL #3650-320-001-01300 - LT 184 PL 141; CHATHAM-KENT
Being 125 Oak St. W., Bothwell
2. P.I.N.: 00642-0103 (LT)
According to the last returned assessment roll, the assessed value of the land is $32,000.00.
2. Roll #3650-410-012-02900 - PT LT 24 CON 2 CHATHAM GORE AS IN 658457; DESIGNATED AS PART 2, PLAN24R9372; S/T INTEREST IN 658457; CHATHAM-KENT
Being 8409 North River Line, Chatham P.I.N.: 00592-0062 (LT)
According to the last returned assessment roll, the assessed value of the land is $232,000.00.
5. 3. Roll #3650-420-054-03800 - LT 8 PL 595; CHATHAM-KENT
Being 123 Coverdale Street, Chatham
6. P.I.N.: 00549-0201 (LT)
According to the last returned assessment roll, the assessed value of the land is $146,000.00.
Minimum Tender Amount
$27,256.49
$56,250.30
$20,095.78
Tenders must be submitted in the prescribed form and must be accompanied by a deposit in the form of a money order, bank draft, or cheque certified by a bank or trust corporation payable to the municipality (or board) and representing at least 20 per cent of the tender amount Except as follows, the municipality makes no representation regarding the title to or any other matters relating to the land to be sold. Responsibility for ascertaining these matters rests with the potential purchasers.
This sale is governed by the Municipal Act, 2001 and the Municipal Tax Sales Rules made under that Act. The successful purchaser will be required to pay the amount tendered plus accumulated property taxes and any taxes that may be applicable such as the land tra nsfer tax and HST The lands do not include mobile homes situate on the lands. The municipality has no obligation to provide vacant possession to the successful purchaser. Purchasers must retain a lawyer to complete the purchase of any property for which their tender is accepted.
Pursuant to the Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non -Canadians Act, S.C. 2022, c. 10, s 235 (the “Act”), effective January 1, 2023, it is prohibited for a non-Canadian to purchase, directly or indirectly, any residential property, as those terms are defined in the legislation. Contraventions of the Act are punishable by a fine, and offending purchasers may be ordered to sell the residential property. The municipality assumes no responsibility whatsoever for ensuring bidders/tenderers comply with the Act; and makes no repres entations regarding same. Prospective bidders/tenderers are solely responsible for ensuring compliance with the Act and are advised to seek legal advice before participating in this sale.
A copy of the prescribed form of tender is on the Municipality of Chatham -Kent website, www.chatham-kent.ca and on the website of the Government of Ontario Central Forms Repository under the listing for the Ministry of Municipal Affairs.
For further information regarding this sale and a copy of the prescribed form of tender contact:
Title
Amy McLellan, Manager Revenue or Matthew Torrance, Deputy Treasurer
Address of Municipality or Board
Name of Municipality or Board
Municipality of Chatham-Kent
315 King Street West, P O Box 640, Chatham, Ontario, N7M 5K8 www.chatham-kent.ca
Personal information contained on this form, collected pursuant to the Municipal Act will be used for the purposes of that Act. Questions should be directed to the Freedom of Information and Privacy Co-ordinator at the institution responsible for the procedures under that Act.
stepchild, grandchild, niece, nephew, or ward under legal guardianship who wish to apply.
Individuals must be accepted into an accredited college or university, community college, or recognised technical or trade school at the time the award is issued. The 2026 application will be available in mid-June 2026.
Anti-Bill 5 petition circulating in Dresden
A new petition has been launched to repeal Ontario’s Bill 5 and stop the York1 Dresden landfill.
According to Dresden C.A.R.E.D. (Citizens Against Reckless Environmental Disposal) chair Stefan Premdas, the group engaged with Ontario opposition leaders and environmental groups to “wordsmith” the existing petition.
The goal, said Premdas, is to block the Ford gov-
ernment from putting an environmental assessment back on the project in order for it to proceed.
“We don’t want Ford to do that,” he said, after consulting with party leaders including Green Party of Ontario leader Mike Schreiner. “We need to repeal all of Bill 5.” The survey can be found on the Dresden C.A.R.E.D. Facebook page. Copies can be dropped off at Magicbridge & Co. Wellness Boutique at 348 St. George St. in Dresden.
Contributed image
Alyssa Nead, left, Georgia Pitblado, second from right, and Brendan Szymanski, right, accept scholarships from Chatham-Kent Association of Realtors president Barb McCaughrin recently.
The Chatham Voice
Tree time in Chatham-Kent
By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com
NatureCK wants to hear about your favourite tree in Chatham-Kent.
The organization formerly known as Sydenham Field Naturalists is holding a Best Tree in Chatham-Kent con-
test.
Organizer Susan Jeffrey said it’s a celebration of memories and of keeping forestation in the front of people’s minds.
“I had been out at the cemetery. There’s a beautiful tree there, a big walnut tree. I thought, ‘What has this tree
seen?’ It just got me thinking about the different trees in Chatham-Kent,” she said of her inspiration for the contest.
“I thought we should give people an opportunities to tell us their tree stories,” she added.
In some cases, it could be in
Do you have a favourite tree in Chatham-Kent? If so, take a photo and let the folks at NatureCK know a little more about it and why it’s your favourite.
Fundraising a laughing matter
helped raise funds for a cause close to their hearts.
regard to a tree planted in memory of a loved one, or a celebration of a birth.
“They’re more significant in our lives than we notice,” Jeffrey said.
People have until the end of August to submit.
To nominate a tree, send a photo and fill out NatureCK’s entry form, explaining in 60 words or less why your tree is the best tree in C-K.
All entrees must be of a tree located in Chatham-Kent.
For more information, or to enter, email besttree@sydnhamfieldnat-
uralists.ca. Please provide your name, phone number, email address, along with a photo of the tree, and the location where the tree can be found.
A team of judges will review each submission.
Contest judges include ReLeaf C-K founder Mike Smith, conservationist Greg Van Every, Chatham Coun. Brock McGregor, and conservationist Larry Cornelis. Winners will be announced Sept. 21.
During a recent open house at Chatham Retirement Resort, residents Jackie and Bob Biltcliffe turned a personal story into a powerful act of giving.
Jackie, once a cartoonist for the Ontario Farmers Weekly, is known for her humorous and heartfelt comic strip “Jackie B,” which was later published as The Best of Jackie B. Now facing Parkinson’s disease and no longer able to draw, Jackie decided to offer her books by donation to support Parkinson’s research.
With Bob adding his trademark comic relief at the event, the couple
Image courtesy Shrewsburys Bait/Facebook
The Chatham Voice
Vehicle
Major Draws start Saturday at 3:30pm
Vehicle exits will be closed for 15 minutes following the major draws on Saturday. FIREMENS
at 4:00pm ($38,552 each way in 2024)
Riding for Goodfellows
Bike time in ’Burg
Cyclists of all stripes and abilities are invited to wheel around Wallaceburg Aug 7.
Dubbed the WAMBO 3Rivers Roll, the popular Community Living Wallaceburg event marks the kickoff of the 37th annual Wallaceburg Antique Motor and Boat Outing taking place Aug. 8, 9, and 10.
The slow-rolling cruise that will roll through the historic districts of Wallaceburg will begin and end at the Glasstown Brewing Company patio, with food and drinks available for purchase post roll.
Glasstown is partnering with Community Living Wallaceburg on the event, with a portion of sales to be contributed towards a new accessible van for the agency.
“The 3Rivers Roll experience offers cyclists a chance to explore the historic districts of Wallaceburg at a parade-pace, an opportunity that paired well with WAMBO,” said Community Living Wallaceburg communications spokesperson Andrew Dawson. “We were pleased to have the support of the WAMBO Committee.”
The ride will begin at 6 p.m. For more information visit getintocommunityliving.com/3rivers-roll/.
Southern Cruisers riding club held its first annual poker run recently, as well as having the band Boneyard
event with some classic rock hits. With raffles and the poker run, the Cruisers were
2025 Chatham Goodfellows campaign.
The Chatham Voice
Ridgetown losing Beer Store too
By Michael Bennett Local Journalism Initiative The Ridgetown Independent
Another East Kent community is losing its Beer Store.
After the announcement earlier this month that the Beer Store in Bothwell was closing, many local residents thought the Ridgetown outlet was safe.
After all, they couldn’t go without a Beer Store in the entire East Kent area, right? Wrong.
Everyone’s worst fears were realized when a sign was posted on the entrance door to the Beer Store stating: “Store Closing September 14... Thank you to the Loyal Customers.”
The Beer Store announced 10 more closings on July 9, and Ridgetown was among them.
Along with Ridgetown, the other stores slated for closure on Septem-
Straight Talk with Nathan McKinlay
Earlier this month, someone had passed away and I was called to do a transfer at Fairfield Park in Wallaceburg. Fairfield Park, along with a number of local nursing homes, have been actively pushing for dignified transfer experiences at the time of death. However, Fairfield, I feel, truly knocked it out of the Park. In the past, nursing homes would often try to make their resident’s final transfer a subtle one. They would have us go out the “back door”. The resident would be removed without ceremony, often to avoid their fellow residents being disturbed. The fellow residents were very aware of what we were doing, however, and I am sure it was the thought of many that they themselves would be carted off in secret one day. At Fairfield Park, the resident’s dignity was at the forefront of everyone’s mind. The PA system spoke to all of the staff and residents and let them know that a resident had passed away. They spoke kind words about the resident, and invited everyone to foyer to participate in an Honour Guard. A poem was read through the PA as we approached the foyer. When we arrived at the foyer, we were greeted not only by a team of staff but by a number of residents, some sitting on their walkers, honouring their friend as we passed by. You could see in the face of the residents that they knew when their day came, they would be shown the same respect. It was a beautiful thing.
I followed up with Richelle Lucier, Director of Nursing at Fairfield Park and asked her about the origin of the Honour Guard. She had this to say: “This initiative, developed collaboratively by nursing staff, environmental services, and personal support workers, was built with the resident’s dignity and best interests at heart. Over time, the significance of the Honour Guard has become deeply rooted in our culture, as staff from every department and home area come together in a shared moment of respect and remembrance. To ensure its continued impact, our palliative care champions conduct monthly rounds, gatheringfeedback and providing education so that new staff understandthe purpose and power of this tradition. It’s more than a program—it’s a reflection of our commitment to compassion, connection, and dignity at every stage of a resident’s journey.”
Thank you to the team at Fairfield Park for your commitment to dignity and excellence.
September.
ber 14 are located in Toronto, Scarborough, Unionville, Burlington, Hamilton, Ottawa, Sioux Lookout, Deep River and Northbrook.
The Ridgetown store will close permanently at the end of the business day on Sept. 14.
The previous announcement of store closures, including Bothwell, as its last day is Aug. 24.
The Ridgetown store has eight employees. The staff politely declined comment, saying questions must be forwarded to The Beer Store’s main office.
Two emails sent to the Beer Store’s media relations department, asking for more information behind the Ridge-
town store’s closure, have gone unanswered.
A similar email seeking more details about the Bothwell closing has also not been answered.
Ozzie Ahmed, Vice President of Retail at The Beer Store, commented on the latest round of closings in a media release dated July 14.
“The retail market for beer is changing in Ontario, and for The Beer Store, that means making the difficult decision to close some retail locations,” Ahmed was quoted in the media release.
“This is not an easy decision and not one we make lightly. Customers come to us for ice-cold beer, friendly customer service and a de-
posit return system that gets consumers their money back.”
Ahmed said The Beer Store recognizes the contributions its employees make to the business and to the communities where it operates.
“All efforts will be made to support employees through this process in alignment with commitments and agreements,” Ahmed stated.
With the latest closings, nearly 80 outlets have been shut down since the Ford government ended its exclusivity agreement with the Beer Store, which Molson, Labatt and Sleeman own. The only other outlets slated for closure in southwestern Ontario besides Ridgetown and Bothwell are the Goyeau Street and College Avenue stores in Windsor.
Ridgetown’s closings leave only five Beer Stores in Chatham-Kent – two in Chatham, one in Wallaceburg, and one in Tilbury and Blenheim.
The closures are part of a modernization plan that the Ford government enacted in the 2024 deal, which first allowed beer, wine, and mixed drinks to be sold in select grocery stores before expanding to convenience stores last year.
Photo by The Ridgetown Independent News With regards to the town of Ridgetown and Bothwell, The Beer Store is ‘out’. The store will close this
YMCA celebrating 80 years in C-K
By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com
What began as a program to support men and women returning to Chatham from the Second World War blossomed to serve people of all ages.
The YMCA of Chatham-Kent began humbly in 1945, according to Art Stirling, development officer with the Y.
Contributed image
Fundraising for the YMCA is non stop. The sold-out second annual Chuck’s Roadhouse Chatham Charity Golf Tournament was recently held at Hidden Hills Golf & Country Club and raised $11,000 for teen and senior programs and access at the Chatham-Kent YMCA. Committee members Jeff Young, Stuart McFadden and Jenn Beckstead, along with Chuck’s staff Lauren McDonald, John Rossi, Makaylah Caron and Dayna Duval, present the funds to Art Stirling, development officer at the local YMCA.
“A group of people got together looking for ways to support the returning men and women from service,” he said. “They explored the idea of bringing the YMCA philosophy to the area. They fundraised $12,000 that first year.”
The YMCA set up shop first on King Street, but later moved to the Masonic temple and then into several school and church gymnasiums.
The downtown facility for the Y, right beside the Civic Centre, opened in 1961.
Programs and membership continued to grow, and the organization needed a new home.
Fundraising began nearly two decades ago, and in 2011, the new Y opened on Courthouse Lane just off Grand Avenue.
Stirling said the Y has come a long way since 1945.
“We’ve offered a lot of different types of programming over the years. When it started, a lot of it was hobby clubs or Friday night dances,” he said.
Fitness programs, swimming, sports, overnight and summer camps, employment services, newcomer services, babysitting courses and lifeguard certification are some of the programs the Y runs or has run over the years.
Ditto for child care. Stirling said the Chatham-Kent YMCA was the first Y west of Toronto to open a licensed child care program…back in 1987.
“We really do offer a lot to the community and we’re very proud of that,” he said, adding the goal is to service everyone.
“Our charitable mission is everybody would be treated respectfully and equally.”
To that end, the Y fundraises so programs are available to people regardless of family income.
“We do a lot of fundraising to provide financial assistance so people’s level of income won’t be a significant obstacle to participating in our programs,” Stirling said.
Continued on page 18
Chatham Constituency Office 111 Heritage Dr., Suite 100, Chatham (519) 351-0510
Leamington Constituency Office 115 Erie St. N., Unit B, Leamington (519) 326-3367
Support
Contributed image NeighbourLink received two donations totaling $10,000 from the Chatham-Kent Community Foundation and the South Kent Wind Community Fund ($5,000 from each). The donations will go towards NeighbourLink’s aWAY Opportunities program, which pays for local kids from low-income families to attend a week of overnight/day camping at Kenesserie and Adullam camps. Pictured from left: Elaine Lewis, NeighbourLink volunteer; Katrina Nydam, NeighbourLink’s office administrator; and Rick North, director-at-large of the Chatham-Kent Community Foundation.
Y party set for Aug. 8
Continued from page 17
To celebrate all the accomplishments of the YMCA in Chatham-Kent over the last eight decades, the organization is throwing a party Aug. 8 at Sons of Kent. It’s an all ages event.
There will be music, food trucks, kids’ play areas, and familiar faces.
“It’s an opportunity to acknowledge the continuing involvement and
contribution of the Y to the Chatham-Kent community; a chance for people to get together and reminisce,” Stirling said. “It’s going to be a lot of fun. The Y has touched a tremendous number of people over the years here.”
Tickets are $20 in advance and $30 at the door. Visit ymcaswo.ca/cky80 for more information and to order advance tickets.
New faces join CKHA Foundation board
The Chatham Voice
The Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Foundation welcomed three new faces to its board of directors at its general meeting in June.
The trio includes Glenn Miller, Rose Northcott and Michaella Sarazin – all accomplished leaders in the community, according to a foundation media release.
“We are thrilled to welcome Glenn, Rose, and Michaella to the Foundation board,” said Rocky Gaudrault, newly appointed chair of the CK-
HAF board of directors.
“Each of them brings a unique perspective and a strong commitment to making a difference in our community,” Gaudrault said in a media release.
“Their professional expertise, life experience, and dedication to service will further strengthen the work of our Board and the impact of the Foundation.”
Miller brings more than four decades of senior roles in policing and national security work to the board. The Mitchell’s Bay resident worked with both
the Ontario Provincial Police and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service.
Northcott, a Dresden resident with more than 30 years’ experience in the financial sector, also joins the board.
“As we welcome new leaders and express our heartfelt thanks to those who are stepping away, we remain inspired by the strength and generosity of this community, and we look forward to the year ahead with energy and optimism.”
A long-time member and past leader of the Rotary Club of Dresden,
Northcott has undertaken many volunteer roles with Meals on Wheels, Dresden Shine and the food bank.
- Christine Mitchell, CKHA-F
Sarazin, a registered nurse, is the community health supervisor at the Walpole Island Health Centre. A champion for Indigenous health and preventative care, she
brings more than 10 years of experience to the board and is a powerful voice for equity, collaboration and wellness in local healthcare.
Other changes at the foundation board include Bob Hockney stepping down from the chair’s position and into the role of past chair. Gaudrault takes on the job of leading the board with Lindsay Anderson and Jason Gillett appointed as vice chairs. Lori Phillips is the newly appointed secretary-treasurer. Retiring from the board
are Jim King, Darren Lopes, Gaye Thompson and Adam Watson.
“We are deeply grateful to all past and present board members for their commitment to advancing our mission,” said Christine Mitchell, President & CEO of CKHAF. “As we welcome new leaders and express our heartfelt thanks to those who are stepping away, we remain inspired by the strength and generosity of this community, and we look forward to the year ahead with energy and optimism.”
Community Events
Thursday, July 31, 2025:
• Afternoon Jamboree with all singers and musicians welcome 1-4pm at the Merlin Legion. Come out and enjoy good music and great company. Donations welcome. 4pm is bike night come out for drinks & pool. Call 519-350-8937
• Blenheim Summer Concert Series featuring Voxx Vinyl - rain or shine. Starts at 7:00pm. Lawn chairs recommended. Talbot Trail Place, 24 John St. W., Blenheim.
• Dresden Summer Concert SeriesFree music at Rotary Park. Back Pages Music will perform at 7:00pm. BBQ at 6:00pm. In event of rain head to “The Wheelhouse”, 547 North St., Dresden.
• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St., Chatham open 11:00am–9:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch 11:00am–1:30pm. Come check out our daily specials. Senior Euchre starts at 1:00 p.m. Everyone welcome.
• Lunch at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St from 11am1:30pm. Daily specials and menu items available. Everyone welcome.
Friday, August 1, 2025:
• 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 ham & scalloped potatoes or fish & chips, $14.00(HST included). Take out available by calling 519-351-8733 or 519-351-5639. 5:15pm. is weekly Catch-The-Ace draw. Fun Darts at 7:00pm. Entertainment by Dean Roberts 7:00pm-10:00pm. Everyone is welcome.
• 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. No RSVP needed! Come & go as you please. All ages & allies welcome. 3:30-6:30pm.
• Join us for a delicious beer battered fish dinner ath the Merlin Legion. Fantastic food for $12.50 tax included. Served 4:30-7pm. Call 519-689-4884 to place your order. Take out also available.
• Lunch at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St. 11am-1:30pm. Daily specials and menu items available. At supper we will be serving a ham & scallops dinner with vegetables, coleslaw and a bun. All meals served at 6pm. Dine ins $14 and pickup $15. (HST included). Please call 519-352-8291 to order.
Saturday, August 2, 2025:
• Morning Breakfast Program at First Presbyterian Church (corner of Fifth St. and Wellington). A delicious and nutritious breakfast served free of charge from 9:30am-11:00am, serving indoors, no take out. Wheelchair accessible.
• Art on the Boulevard. 9am–4pm. Village of Erieau. FREE event to meet and purchase works of 100 artists from across Ontario. Local musicians DAM Band will be playing in the gazeboy. For more information visit our website at https://artontheboulevard.ca.
• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am-9:30pm. Meat draws at 3:30, 4:30 and 5:30pm ending with a 50/50 draw. The kitchen is open 3:00pm–6:00pm. Come check out our menu. Entertainment by Allen James from 4:30-9:30pm. Everyone welcome.
Sunday, August 3, 2025:
• The Ashley Lynn Experience hits the Two Creeks stage at 6pm. 1km north of Wheatley. No admission, but we do pass the hat. Food and drink from the Scouts. Lots of convenient parking. twocreeks.ca.
• Breakfast at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St from 9amNoon. All meals are cooked to order. Everybody welcome.
Tuesday, August 5, 2025:
• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am-9:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch 11:00am-1:30pm. Today’s special is spaghetti with meat sauce. Euchre at 1:00pm or evening shuffleboard or euchre at 7:00pm. Everyone welcome.
Wednesday, August 6, 2025:
• The Chatham Concert Band presents Summer Concerts in the Park 2025 with special guests all summer long. Free concerts at 7pm in Tecumseh Park.
• Point Edward Casino Bus Trip, $30/ person with $10 free play. Sponsored by Taylor Park. Get your receipt at the W.I.S.H Centre, 177 King St. E., Chatham, 519-354-5248. Please park in the Curling Club Parking Lot next to 642 Legion. Leave Chatham 10 am; leave Casino approx 4:15 pm.
• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am-9:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch 11:00am-1:30pm. Daily special is meatloaf dinner. Fun darts at 7:00pm Everyone welcome.
Thursday, August 7, 2025:
• Blenheim Summer Concert Series featuring Elyse Saunders - rain or shine. Starts at 7:00pm. Lawn chairs recommended. Talbot Trail Place, 24 John St. W., Blenheim.
• Dresden Summer Concert SeriesFree music at Rotary Park. La Fiesta Band will perform at 7:00pm. BBQ at 6:00pm. In event of rain head to “The Wheelhouse”, 547 North St., Dresden.
• Afternoon Jamboree with all singers and musicians welcome 1-4 pm at the Merlin Legion. Come out and enjoy good music and great company. Donations welcome. Starting at 4pm is bike night come out for drinks and pool. Call 519-350-8937 for more info.
• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00 am–9:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch 11:00am–1:30pm. Senior euchre at 1:00pm. “BINGO” -The Popular L.A. Bingo at 7:00 pm. Everyone welcome.
VON Chatham-Kent presents: Memorial Butterfly Release “Memories in Motion” at 6:00pm at VON Chatham-Knet, 190 Stanley St., Chatham. Releasing a live butterfly for a love-one is a special way to honour and remember them. Butterflies are $20 each. Please place your order by August 1st. Please bring your lawnchair. For more info or to order contact Erin Crow by phone 519-3525515 ext. 7081 or erin.crow@von.ca. Butterfly orders can also be made at the VON office, 190 Stanley Ave.
Send your events to bruce@chathamvoice.com or michelle@chathamvoice.com
Fun Stuff
CLUES DOWN
1. Earliest human form: __-Magnon man
2. Flavoring
3. Notion
4. Bundy and Fenwick are two
5. Qualities of sound
6. One who gets paid
7. Expresses surprise
8. O.J. trial judge
9. Pointed ends of pens
10. Shield bugs genus
12. Container for shipping
13. Upper body parts
CLUES ACROSS
1. Popular potato snack
5. Guards the Pyramids
11. Furnish anew
14. Herb 15. Preoccupy the mind continually 18. The lowest adult male singing voice 19. NATO commander (abbr.)
21. A major division of geological time 23. New Zealand parrot
24. Notions 28. Lump in yarn 29. Indicates position 30. Lose hold of 32. Hindu honorific
33. Former OSS
35. Electronic data processing
36. Cost per mile
39. Snake-like fish
41. They start the alphabet
42. Taylor Swift’s tour
44. Intermediate ecological stage
46. Scarlett’s home
47. Of he
49. Ohio city
52. Breakfast item
56. An evening party
58. __ Falls
60. Linked together
62. Mythological spirits
63. Small Eurasian deer
16. Closes tightly
17. Nigerian World Heritage Site
20. Volcanic island in Fiji
22. Commercial
25. -__: denotes past 26. They __ 27. Confraternities
29. A way to gain a point
31. Parts per billion (abbr.)
34. Brew
36. Badgers group
37. Sailing boat
38. __ Polo, explorer
40. Elder citizen (abbr.)
43. Frankish law code
45. Exclamation of surprise
48. Groan
50. It presses clothing
51. Do not allow
53. Gelatinous substance
54. Common Japanese surname
55. Present in nature
57. Electronic countermeasures
58. Last or greatest in an indefinitely large series
59. Commercials
61. News agency
CKHA brass unveil 5-year plan
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com
Extensive engagement led to the July 24 unveiling of the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance strategic plan for 2025-2030.
With a purpose statement of “our focus is you,” the five-year plan has six objectives with concrete plans to achieve each goal.
Compassion is a common thread throughout the plan, including the values statement which reads: “As your community hospital, we value easy-toaccess health care rooted in equity and kindness.”
According to Adam Topp, CKHA president and CEO, some 5,000 responses were received during the engagement process from both internal and external sources. That included 1,733 surveys, five focus groups, 22 community partner discussions, as well as individual feedback.
The overwhelming response, he said, is that people said they want to be able to access health care easily.
“That came out in all the various comments from people,” Topp said, noting kindness was
a common thread.
“That’s what our community said, in terms of when they come here, they want to be treated in an equitable manner and with kindness.”
Calling it a “grass roots” approach, Topp said a committee was formed at the start of the process in November 2024 and front-line staff were heavily involved in 93 internal engagement opportunities.
“The idea there was to really get a grasp and input in terms of the organization,” Topp said.
“What they wanted their hospital to be and what they wanted their values to be.”
Engagement went on for five months, he said, with the plan going to the CKHA board of directors for approval in May.
Not a fan of lengthy strategic plans that “sit on a shelf,” Topp said the one-page document will “feed the organization,” providing structure for its objectives.
“We wanted to make sure it was built from the engagement we went through,” he added.
“We want to enrich each person’s experience at every interaction. Coming here and getting good health care is certainly
what you want to achieve, but while you’re here, we want your experience to be fulfilling and to be a positive one.”
Timely access is another plank of the plan, Topp said, noting the hospital will look at ways to address waitlists.
Completing the Wallaceburg campus re-development and beginning work on the Chatham campus are another of the plan’s objectives, Topp said, explaining some departments such as the chemotherapy area and the emergency room are at capacity.
“We need to start that process,” he said, noting some sectors are “busting at the seams. We need some redevelopment here and if we don’t start thinking about it now, everything will be busting at the seams. We know that over the next 10 years, we’re going to need 60 more acute care beds to take care of our population.”
Topp said the planning process has begun and will continue over the next decade, as more
space will be need to meet the population’s demand as the community ages.
“This is a vision,” CHKA board of directors’ chairperson Deb Crawford said at the launch, “that’s going to move us forward in the next five years.”
Crawford pointed out the plan is simple, not a “top down” document.
“We are a community hospital and we’re very happy this plan
reflects that,” she stressed, noting it paves the way for a “positive future” for the hospital and community.
“We really feel this plan is grounded in the voice of Chatham-Kent,” Crawford said.
A total of 80 per cent of CKHA’s patients come from Chatham-Kent, and in 2024 the 200-bed hospital dealt with approximately 200,000 patient visits.
SENIORS LIVING SENIORS LIVING
Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice Chatham-Kent Health Alliance board of directors’ chair Deb Crawford and president and CEO Adam Topp unveiled the organization’s five-year strategic plan in Chatham last week. The plan was developed following an extensive engagement process with the public, staff, patients and community partners.
‘Some assembly (and patience) required’
It is said it takes a community to raise a child. That seems pretty accurate when you put together furniture yourself.
Purchase an item with instructions, and “some assembly required” on the box, and you’re likely in for a mental and physical workout. We recently acquired a new entertainment centre for the basement. My stereo cabinet that my brother built for me more than 40 years ago
was great for me for many years, but the evolution of home entertainment systems, as well as the fact our daughter now has her entire audio library on her phone, made it obsolete.
So we downsized. The completed product has plenty of space for an audio receiver, streaming module, and video game console.
OBITUARIES
Robert William Ashby
55, Wednesday, July 16, 2025 Life Transitions
Geertje Smids
92, Thursday, July 17, 2025 Life Transitions
Barbara Ann Lachance
71, Sunday, July 20, 2025 Life Transitions
George Sumner Bagnall
65, Wednesday, July 23, 2025 Life Transitions
Robert Clark Lewis
81, Wednesday, July 23, 2025 Life Transitions
Shirley June Templeton
90, Thursday, July 24, 2025 Life Transitions
Valerie Ann Park
74, Friday, July 18, 2025 Nicholls Funeral Home
But getting there…man, that was a struggle.
The box arrived innocently enough. We lugged it downstairs and cut it open, which in essence was opening a puzzle box.
Sure, such things come with instructions, which are essentially a list of parts and pages of images on how to put the unit together. Written
4 Victoria Ave, Chatham (519) 352-2390 Serving Kingsville, Wheatley & Chatham kendrickfuneralhome.com
Rose Burgess
91, Tuesday, July 22, 2025 Nicholls Funeral Home
Johan Elias
68, Thursday, July 24, 2025 Kendrick Funeral Home
Marilyn Borchiver
60, Friday, July 18, 2025 McKinlay Funeral Home
Alice Scheibli
90, Saturday, July 19, 2025 McKinlay Funeral Home
John "Jack" William Idler
88, Monday July 14, 2025 Hinnegan Peseski Funeral Home
Dwayne Joseph Deechan 58, Wednesday on July 16, 2025 Hinnegan Peseski Funeral Home
Katrina Ann Fryscok 34, Sunday July 20, 2025 Hinnegan Peseski Funeral Home
John C. Badder Funeral Home Thamesville - 519-692-4222
Badder Funeral Home & Reception Centre Dresden - 519-683-4444
Badder & Robinson Funeral Home Bothwell - 519-695-2716 Visit us: badderfuneralhome.com
Mary E. Badura
88, Tuesday, July 22, 2025 Hinnegan Peseski Funeral Home
Pasquale Melillo
76, Tuesday, July 22, 2025 Hinnegan Peseski Funeral Home
Heather Roberta Crumb
69, Thursday, July 17, 2025 Badder Funeral Home
Alecia Barnes
87, Thursday, July 24, 2025 Badder Funeral Home
Yvonne Carol Hyde
79, Friday, July 18, 2025 Badder Funeral Home
Heather K Hawken
79, Monday, July 21, 2025 Badder Funeral Home
Shirley Ann Bolton
70, Thursday, July 17, 20255 Badder Funeral Home
Lyle Edward Mann
96, Sunday, July 20, 2025 Badder Funeral Home
See full obituaries at chathamvoice.com/obituaries
instructions? A thing of the past.
In this case, each piece of this unit had a unique way of having other items attached to it. But installing it wrong was always an option. And we figured that out with hands-on experience.
It began with my daughter and I working on it, and ended with my wife and our daughter’s boyfriend involved.
First off, Brenna and I put the initial three pieces together. That was our first mistake. It turned out I didn’t see one of the predrilled holes and how one piece was to face prior to putting these things together.
Fixed that.
Next we added shelf brackets on two end frames. Two of those had gone on backwards.
Fixed that. Which caused a later problem.
Next, on went additional shelves and that seemed to go properly.
But when we went to put on the end frames, we came to realize the middle vertical pieces were backwards. Drawers would not slide in if we left it that way.
Fixed that. I must say, I believe the instructions were incorrect here, but my daughter said they were particularly confusing at that point.
To me, they were confusing throughout.
A caveman named Grog
could have done a better job writing these instructions in a scrawling on a wall.
With the help of Mary and Riley, we got everything in the right place and the unit looks great. Except for one thing. The audio receiver. I bought this Pioneer surround sound portal of power about 20 years ago. I had seven speakers attached to it, and it delivered incredible audio. But it is huge. The darned thing is too long for the entertainment centre, and not by a little bit. Try about seven inches too long. Front to back, this thing is about 18 inches deep. The shelf is under 12 in depth. Ooops.
The good news is I am re-inheriting my old receiver. Bad news is I will have to go shopping for speakers, and I am sure to get the furrowed-brow look from my wife when I inevitably crank up the sound.
Ozzy Osborne, however, would surely approve.
Bob, the cat, probably not so much.
Recipe tip If you have an air fryer and like hot dogs, this one is for you.
Jumbo hot dogs + 400 F + air fryer + turning once = perfect hot dog.
I’m not saying this is remotely healthy, but so efficient and tasty…if you like hot dogs.
The Chatham Voice
Paladin Security will handle parking bylaw enforcement in Chatham-Kent for the next three years.
The municipality accepted the company’s nearly
$480,000 offer to handle the task for Chatham and Wallaceburg, and, when needed, elsewhere in Chatham-Kent. Paladin was one of five companies to bid on the job.
Bruce Corcoran
Classifieds
Dwayne Deechan
Suddenly at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, Wednesday on July 16, 2025, Dwayne Joseph Deechan, age 58 of Chatham. Born in Chatham in 1967, son of the late Dorothy (Payne) and Douglas Deechan. Loving father of Amanda Dube (Troy), Brandy, Raven and Jacob. Cherished grandfather of Keegyn, Payton, Emma, Karsyn, Jarvon, Saurora and Kayson. Dear brother of Amanda, Dana, Jenny and Darryl. He will be sadly missed by his Aunts Clara, Linda and Kitty, Uncle Paul, many nieces, nephews and numerous cousins. Predeceased by his infant brother Norman. Dwayne was an avid fan of country music, a diehard fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs and WWE. A special thank you to Cassie Loyd. Friends and relatives visited at the Hinnegan Peseski Funeral Home, 156 William St. S. Chatham from 6-8 PM on Monday July 21, 2025. Chapel Service was conducted in the funeral home on Tuesday July 22, 2025 at 11 AM. Burial followed in Evergreen Cemetery, Blenheim. Donations to the Canadian Mental Health Association Lambton-Kent would be appreciated. Online condolences welcomed at www.peseski.com
MORTGAGES / LOANS
Difficult
$300,000
$400,000
Puzzle answers. Puzzles on page 20
Fryscok, Katrina
Suddenly in Chatham on Sunday July 20, 2025, Katrina Ann Fryscok passed away at the age of 34 years. Born in Chatham in 1991, cherished daughter of Cheryl Chauvin-Fryscok and Edward Fryscok. Loving sister of Cassandra Fryscok (Stephen) and Erik Fryscok (Alissa and daughters Megan and Gwen). Dear granddaughter of Marilyn Chauvin and predeceased by grandparents Larry Chauvin, Betty and Oldrich Fryscok. Also sadly missed by her Aunts and Uncles, Marie and Jim Broadbent, Helen and Wyatt Ebare, Nancy and Lonnie Labadie, Dan Chauvin and Melanie Mills as well as her cousins Lisa Labadie and Jill Labadie-Semaan (Charbel), Mike (Michelle) and Jeff (Stephanie) Waite, Jordan Ebare, Andrew (Christen) Broadbent and Christine (Ryan) Johnston. Throughout elementary and high school Katie was involved in many team sports, Volleyball, Basketball, Dance and Cheerleading team, and she loved competing in figure skating. She pursued her passion for education becoming a teacher for the Catholic School Board. Katie was a beloved French Immersion primary teacher at St. Anne’s in Blenheim, pouring her heart and soul into being an educator for young minds. Friends and relatives visited at the Hinnegan Peseski Funeral Home Ltd., 156 William St. S. Chatham from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM on Sunday July 27, 2025. A Funeral Mass was celebrated on Monday July 28, 2025 at 11:00 AM in St. Ursula’s Church, lunch was hosted in the parish hall after. Cremation followed the mass. Donations to Mental Health Kent or P.A.W.R. would be appreciated. Online condolences welcomed at www.peseski.com.
Yard Sale
3 DAY YARD SALE. Starts at 8am daily. Fri. Sat. Sun. Aug 1, 2,3. New and used items. 23521 Bearline Rd., Chatham. across from St. Clair College Hydro training Sight. Items added daily. Announcement
Chatham Baptist Chapel “Come Out, Join Us” Sundays 11am and 7pm. Wednesdays 7pm, Friday 7pm. Old Hymns and KJV Preaching Go to chathambaptistchapel.com to watch sermons.
Services Offered
One Year Since You Left
Frank VanOirschot
Oct 10, 1940 - Aug 3, 2024
It’s been 2 years You are missed and in our thoughts everyday!
For Sale
Silk Cemetery Saddle Arrangements. Everyday/ Holidays. Readyto-go. Many colours available. $40. 519-354-3411
1973 - 1988 Chevy Truck Parts. Call for info. 226-6279010.
Wanted
Wanted to Buy: Antiques, costume jewellery, gold, silver, coins, military, furniture, tools. We Buy All - Paid Cash. 519-7278894.
We think about you always, we talk about you still. You have never been forgotten, and you never will. We hold you close within our hearts, And there you shall remain, To walk and guide us through our lives Until we meet again.
Love to our happy sweet girl Grandma & Papa Jen, Ryan, Keely & Kadin
Love you dearly, Remembered by wife Bessie, son Alan, daughter Pam, Grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Strip of land donated to C-K
By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com
The municipality has a new piece of waterfront property.
A strip of land along the Thames Street property that houses Woodall Physiotherapy in Cha-
tham is being donated to the municipality.
The company, 1432297 Ontario Inc., is making the donation, which will allow the municipality to complete this slope stabilization work and provide access for future maintenance.
Marissa Mascaro Amyotte, director of engineering for Chatham-Kent, said it will go one step further.
“In addition, and as part of the project, the municipality intends to construct a pedestrian pathway connecting the
existing parks and parking lots fronting Thames Street,” she said in her report. “Future maintenance and responsibility for this new infrastructure will rest with the municipality.”
A donation receipt will be given to the donor
where an estimate of fair market value has been provided for the property.
As well, the donor will have a portion of the legal fees for the transaction covered by the municipality.
Furthermore, Woodall Physiotherapy will also
see a mural be added to the wall of the property that faces the river.
“This request has been reviewed with and will be co-ordinated through the municipality’s Community, Culture and Connections Division,” Amyotte said.
A Beautiful Bend in the Road: Rediscover Retirement Living at St. Angela’s Meadow
There’s a common misconception that moving into a retirement community means the journey is winding to a close. But what if that idea has it all wrong? At St. Angela’s Meadow Retirement Lodge, we believe retirement isn’t the end of the road; it’s just a beautiful bend in your journey. Once home to the Ursuline Sisters of Chatham, St. Angela’s Meadow has gracefully evolved into a welcoming, inclusive community that now opens its doors to all residents of Chatham
and beyond. Built on tradition but guided by the promise of possibility, it’s a place where each day is shaped by your choices, your rhythm, and your joy. Here, retirement is a new direction. One filled with friendship, purpose, and days that unfold just the way you like them. Whether you’re reconnecting with old passions, discovering new interests, or simply enjoying meaningful moments with others, life at St. Angela’s is about thriving on your terms.
If you’re curious but not quite ready to commit, our Short Stay Program offers the perfect introduction. It’s ideal for those recovering from a procedure, seeking a restful change of pace, or wanting to experience our lifestyle before making a longer-term commitment. We know that the decision to move can feel daunting, especially when shaped by outdated assumptions. But too often, waiting until a crisis means missing out on the very things
Retirement Living Isn’t the End...It’s Just a Beautiful Bend In The Road!
At St. Angela’s Meadow, retirement isn’t a destination; it’s a
So, ask yourself: What if the best parts of the journey are still to come?
that make this chapter so rich: connection, comfort, and the confidence to live life fully supported. So, ask yourself: What if the best parts of the journey are still to come? At St. Angela’s Meadow, we believe they are, and we’d be honoured to be part of the next leg of your journey.
To learn more about St. Angela’s Meadow Retirement Lodge, contact Tiffany at (519) 352-5225 or visit us at 20 Merici Way, Chatham, ON N7L 3L8. We can’t wait to meet you!
