Chatham Voice
do Forno’s legacy is immortalized
By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com
Antonio do Forno may be gone, but he will never be forgotten.
The longtime Chatham residents passed away last fall, but was recently enshrined in the Portuguese Canadian Walk of Fame in Toronto.
Paul do Forno, the youngest of eight children, spoke to The Chatham Voice on the honour.
from Valpaços, Portugal. He co-founded the Portuguese-Canadian Social Club in Chatham in 1971, a club one of his sons, Dom, helps oversee to this day.
Antonio, born in 1935, came to Canada in 1966
On top of the club, Antonio helped other people emigrate from Portugal to Canada. He represented Portuguese Canadians for more than 20 years on the Conselho das Comunidades Portuguesas, rising to president for Ontario and Manitoba, and was ap-
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pointed Honorary Consul of Portugal in Canada in 1998.
Recognizing the importance of heritage, he established Portuguese language programs across Chatham and surrounding communities, securing funding from both the
Portuguese and Canadian governments.
Despite the litany of accomplishments, it was a long road to get the elder do Forno recognized by the Walk of Fame, Paul said.
“I found out about it (the walk) about eight
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years ago. I thought my dad had done a lot and I put a whole presentation together,” he said. “I submitted it for seven or eight years in a row.”
But he never gave up, even after his father passed away.
“When this year came up, I thought I’d try one more time.”
Paul said he was “pretty happy and proud” to learn his father was to be recognized in the builder category.
Antonio worked construction initially, but also saw a need to create a haven of sorts for anyone who followed his family here.
“He helped start the club. But more so, with all of this, when people came (from Portugal), he had a door open,” Paul said. “Probably about 100 Portuguese stayed with my family when they first got here.”
It became a family affair. At one point, Antonio became a Notary Public – specifically to help newcomer Portuguese complete their paperwork coming to Canada. Meanwhile, Paul’s older siblings served as translators.
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The organizers behind the Portuguese Canadian Walk of Fame can be pretty Toronto centric, he added. His father was the first Portuguese Canadian from southwestern Ontario to be recognized by the walk.
“There are significant Portuguese Canadians between London, Strathroy, Leamington, Wheatley and Windsor too,” he said.
Paul said Antonio was a pioneer of sorts.
“When my dad came to Canada in 1966, he didn’t have any money; he didn’t speak the language,” he said. “He came with seven kids.”
“He (Antonio) helped the community. He wasn’t a rich guy. He did that because he cared,” Paul said. “He did this (Notary Public) for 40 years.” Paul said he will be forever proud of his father.
“I felt he was a great representative. I think we need to have more people who help their fellow citizens without the want of getting paid. He was a great example,” he said of Antonio.
Contributed image
Paul do Forno, centre, accepts the builder award from the Portuguese Canadian Walk of Fame on behalf of his late father, Antonio do Forno.
Antonio do Forno
Tenants win their fight
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative
pamwrightlji@gmail.com
After months of tension, Terrace Forty residents are heaving a sigh of relief.
That’s because their landlord’s attempt to end their tenancies at the Chatham apartment building – based on fears around asbestos and lead – have come to an end.
Chatham-Kent Legal Clinic housing stability worker Jeff Wilkins delivered the official news to tenants last week, ending months of anxiety for the mostly senior tenants.
“Congratulation guys, it’s been one helluva run,” Wilkins told the group to applause. “You guys did this. You stood up and showed them, ‘We’re not going to put up with this crap.’ Way to go guys. We are done.”
Built in 1960, the eight-storey high rise was sold last December after its owner passed away. In January of this year, new owner Rex Brondial issued N-13 notices to tenants saying they needed to vacate their apartments for at least eight months to mitigate so-called “dangerous” asbestos and lead. All of the residents were
offered a $5,000 cash-forkeys deal to leave permanently.
The news sparked fear among residents, with many believing they were being evicted. One resident, a 96-year-old woman who has now passed away, had lived in the building for 31 years. She and many others were worried about where they were supposed to go.
But Chatham councillors and the legal clinic stepped up to help and guided the residents through the legal process.
A total of 32 residents opted to stay put and fight the unlawful N-13 notices, with only a few taking the
cash-for-keys offer.
The N-13 notices officially expired on May 31.
Gord Harvey, who helped his fellow residents fight against the questionable N-13 notices, called it a “really good
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day” for Terrace Forty.
“There are just so many times when you don’t hear stories where people stood up for themselves and are successful,” Harvey said. “The systems always seem to be against
us regular people just trying to live the way they want to live.”
Continued on page 5
Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice
Residents at Terrace Forty Apartments are staying put following a months-long battle against an N-13 eviction attempt by the new landlord. A total of 32 tenancies were saved as a result of residents banding together in the effort.
A long road to theatre
Local film to air July 18 at red carpet event; available now on Fibe TV
By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com
Local filmmaker Robert Bellamy delved into his past in writing his latest work, which has been featured on Bell’s Fibe TV and is literally coming soon to a theatre near you...if you live in Chatham.
To be fair, “A Long Ride Home” actually aired this past weekend at the Cineplex in Chatham, but it was a private showing.
Bellamy – who, along with Kristina Garant, runs JX3 Media, a Chatham-based film production company – said he channelled pieces of his
past to help shape the work of fiction that is A Long Ride Home.
The film – that Fibe TV had made into a series – tells the story of Mick Gale, who grew up in the biker lifestyle, but left home as a teenager due to having an abusive father. But Gale gets a call, telling him his father, the vice-president of the motorcycle club Demons of Aries, was killed in jail. The story revolves around Gale coming home to help his mother, and to confront his “Demons.”
Bellamy said the concept evolved out of personal experience, to some
extent.
“When I was writing it, I tapped into a lot of stuff I grew up with. There are some elements of my life in there. But it’s not autobiographical,” he said. “Some people in my family were into that biker
element. Some parts of my history is what I drew on.”
Bellamy described A Long Ride Home as “definitely a drama. There are a couple of dark spots. I think it is a story of self-discovery, and that not everything you see is what is real. When Mick left home, he was 16, and he didn’t look back for 20 years. When he finally goes back, it’s a lot of discovery.”
Bellamy said about 80 per cent of the film was shot in Chatham and Chatham-Kent. He said it’s a great location to shoot.
“We pretty much film everything in Chatham-Kent. It’s where we live,” he said, adding the diversity of the communities and the landscapes is appealing. “From the villages like Erieau or the cityscape of Chatham, or the plain fields, it offers a lot.”
Most of the cast and crew is also from the Chatham area.
Bellamy said the biker gang in the film is fictional, as are the characters. Well, all but one. Ed Hooft plays police officer Rob Herder, named after the longtime Chatham-Kent police constable, who passed away in 2020.
His wife, Mary Ellen Herder, plays Betty Jane Gale in the movie.
The JX3 team has been filming in and around
Chatham for various projects since 2012 and got to know Rob Herder.
“This is our tribute to him. While we were filming, his wife, Mary Ellen, was our special effects person and she’s also in this movie. He would bring her everywhere,” Bellamy said.
A Long Ride launched on Fibe TV in late February and Bell had the rights exclusively for three months.
In that time, Bellamy returned the piece to its movie format and prepared to show it locally. It is slated to air at a red carpet event at the Chatham Capitol Theatre on July 18. There is an afterparty at Sons of Kent, where the band The Long Lots, who did most of the music for the movie, will be performing.
Legal session set for June 22
The Chatham Voice
June is Seniors’ Month in Chatham-Kent, a time dedicated to celebrating the contributions of older adults.
Throughout next month, the Municipality of Chatham-Kent and Chatham-Kent Public Library are
hosting activities throughout the month.
At the library, there will be a free Real Estate for Seniors legal information session presented by local lawyer Brad Langford of Langford Law Offices.
The presentation takes place June 22 at 6 p.m.
Contributed image
“A Long Ride Home” from local production company JX3 Media, is featured on Bell Fibe TV and is coming to the Capitol Theatre for a special event July 18. Here, we see a young Mick Gale and young Lowell Gale. The story revolves around Mick, as an adult, coming home to deal with his demons in the wake of his father’s death.
‘Inspired’ journey brings Eyong to Chatham
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com
Rev. Wilson Eyong says his journey to Chatham is divinely inspired.
The newly minted pastor recently took over the leadership of Chatham’s First Presbyterian Church, left vacant when Rev. Mike Maroney retired 20 months ago.
Eyong is looking forward to the challenge.
“My goal is to trust God to do what God wants to do in Chatham-Kent,” Eyong said in an interview with The Voice.
“Scripture says, ‘If the builder builds without the Lord, you build in vain. But if the builder builds with the Lord, then you build the house.’”
As someone who has seen the world, Eyong took a circuitous route to Chatham-Kent. Born in the African county of Cameroon he emigrated to the Republic of Ireland where he lived for 20 years. Prior to his decision to come to Canada to study, he worked as a social worker in Kilkenny.
According to Bruce Davidson, a member of a 10-person selection committee at First Presbyterian, the church conducted a Canada-wide search for a new leader. Eyong was chosen from 19 applicants from as far away as Venezuela while finishing up
his three-year program at The Presbyterian College in Montreal. He was ordained three months ago.
Eyong said his passage to Canada to study was “spirit led,” noting he could have studied to become a minister in Ireland for free, so his mentors were puzzled why he wanted to come to
Canada.
The pastor said he was moved by God to come.
“I came to Canada to take my studies, believing God was sending me,” he said, adding that through an unusual turn of events, a significant portion of his education fees were covered.
Win a team effort
Continued from page 3
Harvey also attributed success to Chatham councillors getting involved, as well as “excellent legal advice” from the legal clinic.
“What we learned from this is the importance of a renoviction bylaw,” he added. “What I’m really hoping is that a renoviction bylaw is passed so no one has to go through the extreme amount of stress and uncertainty that every tenant here had to go through.”
Harvey pointed out those opposing an N-13 bylaw cite Ontario’s Bill 60 and Bill 97 as adequate to cover the issue, but neither bill would have helped residents at Terrace Forty. The vote for a made-in-ChathamKent N-13 bylaw is expected at council June 22. If passed, a new bylaw would support the creation of rules and guidelines aimed at stop-
ping bad actor landlords from evicting tenants surreptitiously in order to raise rents.
Landlords looking to raise profits in buildings where long-term tenants are paying modest rent sometimes issue N-13 notices advising tenants that renovations are needed and that they will have to vacate the building. Many offer cash for keys to encourage people to end their tenancies.
If adopted in Chatham-Kent, an N-13 bylaw, such as those adopted in other jurisdictions like Hamilton and Toronto, would involve municipal oversight and enforcement, as well as renovation applications and permit fees.
Wilkins commended the tenants for putting up a fight, noting their example helped trigger the push for a local N-13 bylaw.
“So that was amazing,” Eyong explained.
Eyong believed the “Lord was calling him” when he got a second interview with the Chatham congregation.
First Presbyterian has a long history of supporting the community and has served a free breakfast every Saturday morning for the past 25 years. The congregation also supports an annual backyard mission where members choose a property and help spruce it up.
“My desire is for God to bring change,” Eyong said of his work, his hope is that joy and happiness will “bust through the walls into the community. I’ve come to be among men and women doing amazing work, so I am asking God how I can blend in.”
“He was the best of the lot,” Davidson said of Eyong.
“Then it’s like a marriage,” he joked, noting the committee conducted lengthy interviews with Eyong.
“There’s courting. We chatted quite a bit and had questions that we asked,” he said.
One of Chatham-Kent’s first churches, the original First Presbyterian congregation began in Chatham in 1834 when the settlement had only 300 residents.
Founded by Scottish immigrants, First Presbyterian grew over the years, occupying two different buildings in the downtown area before the current structure was built.
The land for the impressive brick building was purchased by the congregation in 1891 for $8,000, carrying a mortgage of $12,000. The finished church officially opened on May 21, 1893 at a total cost of $35,000.
Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice
Rev. Wilson Eyong stands within the sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church in downtown Chatham.
Opinion
Read your damned emails
As a newspaper editor, I don’t like to be hoodwinked. On May 29, four councillors held a press conference in regard to information on the public-private partnership project to deliver an anaerobic waste digester to Chatham.
to be more than 2.4 times larger than what council had agreed upon.
The digester is to utilize waste from Greenfield Global and Chatham wastewater to create renewable natural gas, from which Greenfield and the municipality would profit. The digester project was agreed upon April 27 by council in a 14-4 vote. The four naysayers – Amy Finn, Michael Bondy, Alysson Storey and Rhonda Jubenville – wanted more public consultation on the matter at the time.
And a month later, here they were holding a press conference across the road from Greenfield. They said there was a discrepancy in the numbers between what council agreed to and what appeared on the Environmental Registry of Ontario’s (ERO) website. That much we agree on. It was pointed out to them that on the ERO website, the project appeared
According to the ERO, “The facility will be designed to receive and process an average of 802,464 metric tonnes, up to a maximum of 900,000 tonnes of waste per year.”
The only “facility” mentioned on the ERO listing is for “an anaerobic digestion processing facility” – the waste digester. It does not say in the ERO posting that only 370,000 metric tonnes will go through the digester a year, which is the figure council had approved.
However, Darren Galbraith, head of the PUC, said council has always known that there would be some added materials and wastewater coming from Greenfield Global to the Chatham wastewater treatment plant.
“I don’t think we ever talked to council directly about the tonnage of the wastewater coming from Greenfield Global to the wastewater treatment plant. They knew there was some,” he told The Chatham Voice. Continued on page 7
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Only time will tell
Editor: I’ve been reading The Voice regularly. As usual, it’s full of news and really good articles. But in the May 21 issue, what you couldn’t miss was the photo of drug alley.
Some councillors are not in favour of closing the King Street Alley off, but others are. I’ll go with the latter group.
It’s been a problem for a long time; sleeping; yes, drugs; and garbage. I believe at one time it was full of weeds.
Editor: I read on some social platforms that Canadians are increasingly taking out loans to help pay for their groceries and living expenses. Thank God our munic-
I don’t think anyone needs access to it.
Also in that week’s Voice, the piece on Meadow Park Nursing Home – I can’t say I know the ins and outs for the issue. But it sure needs to be put to good use.
But to help house the homeless, I believe is a never-ending situation for far too long.
They mention it is close to Ursuline College Chatham and also the
Chatham-Kent Women’s Centre. There was no mention to it being close to a retirement home where we have already had homeless wandering the grounds and a few residents who like to walk with a walker are worried. Are they going to be safe if the wrong ones access Meadow Park? As usual, time will tell.
Ruth Draper Chatham
ipal councillors in Chatham-Kent had the prescience to give themselves a 20-per-cent raise in salary so they wouldn’t have to do the same. I sure wish we pensioners had the same option, eh?
Bryan Marino Chatham
Bruce Corcoran
Email trail shows they had the information
Continued from page 6
Storey, one of the Naysaying Four, said at the press conference they did not receive information from administration to clear up the matter.
“We’re hoping for some additional information to clarify the discrepancy,” Storey said May 29. “But we haven’t had that yet. We really need the public to be aware what was approved by council April 27 is not what’s being applied to with the province.”
However, The Voice received a copy of an email that was circulat-
ed to council and top C-K admin mere hours after the end of the May 25 council meeting where the digester matter resurfaced.
That email, corroborated by another anonymous source on council, explained things.
“I understand there was still confusion on the sizing of the AD (anaerobic digester). It is approximately 370,000 tonnes per year (TPY) as reported in the April 27 report to council,” Quinton wrote in his email, dated on May 26 and timestamped at 12:16
a.m., three days before the press conference.
“The ERO submission was for 900,000 TPY, accounting for the 450,000 TPY of lowstrength wastewater from the Greenfield Global ethanol distillery flowing to the backend of the AD site for treatment before disposal to the Chatham-Kent sewer system. The AD is sized for 370,000 TPY with room for future expansion of up to 450,000 TPY. So total potential flowing in from all directions is 900,000 TPY.”
That’s pretty straight-
forward in our eyes. There was no change in the size and scope of the project. And this was explained days prior to the Naysayer Four’s press event.
The ERO did not distinguish between the two numbers, true. It appears the councillors holding their little spotlight event chose to focus on that fact, rather than the information supplied by Quinton three days earlier.
How did that info wind up on the ERO’s site? The Ministry of Environment, Parks and Conservation
(MECP) opted to place the matter there after receiving a 600-page report from Greenfield’s consultant.
So, these councillors had this information and yet they went and told the public they did not.
Did they not check their email from municipal staff for three days or did they choose to ignore it?
As a councillor, it is your responsibility to seek out the information you think you need. Read your damned emails.
They call election time “silly season” for
a reason. But this is not the standard we expect from our elected officials.
At best this is just being irresponsible. At worst, this was a blatant attempt to manipulate the facts.
This is not internet gossip. They used the media to attempt to spread disinformation. It doesn’t meet the standards of acceptable conduct from our elected officials.
This smacks of dishonesty. It calls into doubt everything they’ve been saying and everything they’re going to say.
Answer the call. Volunteer with Ontario Corps.
Chamber doles out the hardware
that helps the community thrive.
The Chatham-Kent Chamber of Commerce handed out the 2026 Business Excellence Awards hardware last week, recognizing the outstanding achievements and contributions of local businesses and leaders.
At the awards ceremony at the Capitol Theatre, new C-K Chamber chair
Amanda Clark thanked the businesses, stakeholders, and citizens of Chatham-Kent for their resilience, entrepreneurial spirit, and the dedication
“Tonight’s Business Excellence Awards brought our purpose to life celebrating the businesses and leaders who are engaging, empowering, and inspiring others while creating lasting impact across Chatham-Kent,” Clark told the crowd. “Each nominee reflects the strength of a connected business community working together to expand opportunity, drive prosperity, and shape a vibrant future for our region.”
Drawn from a list of
more than 60 nominees, the awards winners are as follows:
ATHENA Leadership Award, Megg Lyttle; Business of the Year (Medium) Enviroshake; Small Business of the Year, Engineering For Kids; Large Business of the Year, Aarkel Tool And Die; Community Investment Award, Sons of Kent Brewing Company; Customer First Award (Business) Gianni’s Tile Gallery; Customer First Award (Individual) Sydney Lewis; Diversity Award, Cutie Patootie Studios; Down-
town Business of the Year Award, Crow City Barbers; Emerging Leader, Erin Genge; Entrepreneur of the Year, Denny Vervaet; Innovation Award, Greenfield Global; New Business Award, Top Shelf Indoor Golf; Newcomer Entrepreneur, Ashley Purrington; Non-Profit Business of the Year Award, Ridgetown Area Adult Activity Centre; Rising Star, Samantha Beecroft; Sustainability Award, Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers; Visionary Award, Tina Hodgson.
CKHA patient traffic edges, ages upwards
The Chatham Voice
“We’re aging.”
That’s the word from Adam Topp, head of the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance in regard to high patient traffic through the organization’s two campus sites over the
past two months.
The traffic is not normally this heavy at this time of the year, the president and CEO of CKHA said.
“The hospital has been extremely busy over the last two months,” he told reporters recently. “It’s normally very busy over
the respiratory illness period in January and February. Our population in Chatham-Kent is older. There is not anything else to attribute it to.”
Topp added that as people age they “use the health-care system exponentially more.”
The increase in patient visits by seniors has been building over time, he added.
“Really, the business of the hospital is a reflection of that aging population,” Topp told the media at a recent online discussion.
The Chatham Voice
Waiting for care
By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com
Wait times at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (CKHA) are a product of our total health-care system.
That according to Adam Topp, president and CEO of the CKHA.
He’s aware they aren’t getting shorter, and remain an ongoing concern.
“Waiting for care is not ideal. We’re working to create an environment where they (patients) wait as little as possible,” he said.
He said it’s not an easy task, as outside forces are at play.
Some wait times are correlated to long-term care, to home care, for example. The emergency department times are correlated to post-acute-care wait times, Topp said. That includes nursing homes, supportive housing and
long-term care areas in the health-care system. If there’s a back-up in any of these elements, it can impact the hospital.
“We’ve got about 30 patients a day here at the hospital waiting for care (elsewhere),” he said.
That is something CKHA officials cannot control.
What they can control, however, is making use of provincial money to address wait times elsewhere, including diagnostic imaging. Topp said the $1 million recently provided by the Ontario government to help increase the operational capacity of computer tomography (CT) scanning.
“By increasing our operational hours, we are making a clear commitment to reducing wait times and ensuring our patients receive the care they need, when they need it, and where they need it,” Topp said.
Keeping things fresh and vibrant
Leslie Waddell performs some deadheading at Veterans’
in
The volunteer, who is a regular face in the park, said she’s looking forward to the completion of the shoreline improvements still underway along the north side of the Thames River nearby.
Bruce Corcoran/The Chatham Voice
Tribute Garden
Chatham recently.
Battle raises $14K
The Chatham Voice
Chatham Kent’s first ever Battle of the Badges is in the fundraising books.
The event brought together frontline responders from Chatham Kent police, OPP, Chatham Kent Fire & Rescue, EMS, and First Nations police for a “friendly, high energy competition in support of Chatham Kent Crime Stoppers,” according to a media release.
Hosted at the Rondeau Rod & Gun Club, the event featured a full slate of challenges, including rifle, archery, trap, skeet, and action handgun competitions. Teams from
across emergency services and a civilian team showcased their skills, teamwork, and camaraderie in a day designed to celebrate partnership and community spirit.
C-K’s top cop Kirk Earley said the event was a hit.
“Battle of the Badges was an outstanding success and a proud moment for all emergency services in Chatham Kent,” he said in a media release. “Together, we raised more than $14,000, which will be invested directly into community safety initiatives that benefit every service and every resident we serve.”
The funds raised will support Crime Stoppers’ ongoing efforts to enhance public safety, encourage anonymous reporting, and strengthen community driven crime prevention
Property update: It’s a buyer’s market in Chatham-Kent
The Chatham Voice
After a strong April in terms of home sales in Chatham-Kent, the real-estate roller coaster took a dip last month.
According to figures from the Chatham-Kent Association of Realtors (CKAR), the number of residential properties to change hands – 123 – was down more than 17 per cent compared to May of 2025
That tally is 8.6 per cent below the five-year average for May home sales and 13.4 per cent down
from the 10-year- average. Through the first five months of 2026, overall numbers are not so grim. Sales are down just under four per cent from the same period in 2025. Carrie Patrick, president of the CKAR, remains optimistic.
“Sales activity declined on a year-over-year basis but we’re still seeing strong monthly trends, especially after demand bottomed out at the beginning of the year,” she said in a media release.
Plus, it is certainly a buyer’s market.
“Sellers are out in greater force than ever, posting more than 300 new listings for the first time in any May. This was also the third highest new listings count on record behind last month and June 2025,” she said. The number of new listings was up nearly 12 per cent from May 2025. There were 313 new residential listings in May 2026. This was also the largest number of new listings added in the month of May in history.
New listings were 11.6 per cent above the five-
year average and 29.5 per cent above the 10-year average for May. And with home prices
somewhat stagnant, now is the time to buy, Patrick added. “This would be an ex-
cellent time to get into or re-enter the market for those seeking a new place to call home,” she said.
across Chatham Kent.
Contributed image
The Battle of the Badges recently raised more than $14,000 for Chatham-Kent Crime Stoppers.
Chatham Skin Clinic is offering NEW skin cancer screening services to Chatham
Rates of skin cancer and melanoma detection continue to rise across Canada. While this may sound concerning, it also reflects important advancements in medicine as physicians are becoming better at detecting melanoma earlier with significantly improved outcomes.
Dr. Queenette Asuquo, a licensed physician, ER doctor, and GP Dermatologist, recently opened Chatham Skin Clinic on Keil Drive South, Chatham. This clinic specializes in advanced melanoma screenings and comprehensive dermatological care to those in Chatham-Kent and the surrounding area. As people are getting outside more, She wants to bring awareness around early skin cancer detection.
To assist in early detection and monitoring of suspicious skin lesions or melanoma, Chatham Skin Clinic is proud to offer the latest in dermatological technology - Automated Total Body Mapping (ATBM). To the best of Dr. Asuquo’s knowledge, Chatham Skin Clinic is currently the only clinic in CK offering this type of advanced body mole mapping.
Previously, patients seeking this level of screening often had to travel to Toronto or other larger cities. Now, they can access advanced physician-led mole mapping and skin cancer screening close to home.
“Patients are often told to monitor their moles at home, but this can be difficult, especially for lesions on the back, scalp, or other hardto-see areas,” says Dr. Asuquo. “Total body mapping provides a much more reliable way to monitor the skin over time and supports earlier detection of potentially concerning changes.”
Using high-resolution cameras and polarized imaging, the ATBM system captures detailed photographs of the skin’s surface and helps to identify pigmented lesions that may require closer evaluation. During the examination, patients are guided through a series of standardized poses while comprehensive images are obtained.
Dr. Asuquo then carefully reviews the images and evaluates any spots of concern using dermoscopy and clinical expertise. If a lesion appears suspicious, a biopsy may be recommended. Other lesions may simply require ongoing monitoring where the ATBM tracks changes over months or years using it’s software to assist in identifying new lesions or subtle changes that may go unnoticed.
“Patients are often amazed by the technology,” says Dr. Asuquo. “It gives many people peace of mind knowing that their skin has been thoroughly examined and digitally monitored from head to toe.”
Melanoma can affect people of all ages, and early detection still remains one of the most important factors in successful treatment outcomes.
There are several known risk for melanoma and skin cancer, including:
• Family history of melanoma
• Personal history of skin cancer
• Having many moles or atypical moles
• Fair skin, light eyes, blonde or red hair
• Significant UV exposure from the sun or tanning beds
Dr. Asuquo encourages patients to become familiar with the ABCDE warning signs of melanoma when checking their skin at home. These signs do not automatically mean melanoma, but they should prompt medical assessment.
Asymmetry: One half of the mole does not match the other
Border irregularity: Edges are uneven, scalloped, or poorly defined
Colour variation: Multiple shades or uneven colour within the lesion
Diameter: Lesions larger than 6 mm may be concerning
Evolving: Change in size, shape, colour, or symptoms
Summer Company season
Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice Young entrepreneurs from across Chatham-Kent are getting a head start this year thanks to Chatham-Kent’s Summer Company Program which provides support services and a $3,000 grant to help youth kick start their summer businesses. Celebrating the launch are Mayor Darrin Canniff, Rain Crow of Crow Trees in Ridgetown; economic development officer Anne Marie Fortner; Lilly Authier of Lil’s Creations in Merlin; Linden Sabourin of Swim Possible in Muirkirk; Logan Johnston of Logix Digital in Chatham; Jack Primeau of Jack’s Lawn & Landscape in Pain Court; Stuart McFadden, director of economic development services for Chatham-Kent; and Bruce McAllister, C-K’s general manager of development services. Cole Vaillancourt of Sunshine Outdoor Services was absent from the photo.
At Chatham Skin Clinic, their goal is to combine advanced technology with physician expertise to provide comprehensive, high-quality skin cancer screening and dermatological care for the Chatham-Kent community.
Meet Dr. Asuquo and the Chatham Skin Clinic team during their Open House. They will be giving clinic tours and demonstrations of their new ATBM.
CHATHAM SKIN CLINIC OPEN HOUSE
125 Keil Drive South, Chatham Tuesday, June 23rd 12pm -7pm
See you There!
Dr. Queenette Asuquo
Habitat breaks ground in Dresden
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com
Chelsey Labelle and her daughters Hillary and Maddy have long dreamed of having a dining room table where they can sit together as a family.
Now their wish is coming true as the trio will be moving into Habitat for Humanity Chatham-Kent’s 10th build at 273 Main St. in Dresden.
“One of the number one things I’m looking forward to is having a dining room table with four chairs we can sit down at,” an emotional Labelle told reporters gathered at the build’s groundbreaking ceremony May 27. “So that is something that is going to be really important to us.”
The single mother expressed her gratitude to everyone involved in the project, noting the new home will create “generational stability” for her family.
“It’s going to feel like we’re home now,” the Chatham
resident added. “I can’t wait for Dresden to be that home. ‘Thank you’ doesn’t even begin to cut it ... I’m so grateful to be part of a compassionate community.”
The three are counting down the days when they can have their own firepit. Hillary, 12, and Maddy, 10, are excited about the prospect of having and decorating their own rooms.
Getting a new bed frame and putting up posters is on Hillary’s mind, while Maddy is happy she won’t be sleeping in a bunkbed.
The project, which is expected to be completed this fall, is a true joint effort, with numerous sponsors and volunteers stepping up to facilitate the build.
That includes the Municipality of Chatham-Kent which donated the lot at the corner of Main and Metcalfe streets.
Mayor Darrin Canniff said the property was acquired in a tax sale, noting it made sense to donate it to Habitat.
“Habitat for Humanity fills a major gap in our community and it’s so important,” Canniff said. “It’s a community effort to make a difference. And council as a whole, is proud of what is happening here.”
According to Anne Taylor, director of partnerships and stakeholders for the local Habitat chapter, becoming a partner family is “no easy task.
Taylor said the process requires “a lot of work and commitment” from families that are chosen, as the agency has to de-
termine if the applicant is capable of carrying a mortgage. No down payment is required and the interest-free mortgage cannot exceed 30 per cent of the applicant’s income.
“We ask a lot of hard questions and we have a lot of hard conversations,” Taylor said.
“Chelsey has put in the hard work and that hard work will result in a fresh start in a home that is affordable and will pro-
vide her and her girls the foundation that they need in order to thrive in the coming years.” Habitat homeowners are also expected to kick in volunteer hours as part of the agreement, either on the build or in the community as part of what’s termed “sweat equity.”
Along with the mayor, councillors Amy Finn, Rhonda Jubenville and Alysson Storey also attended the ceremony.
Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice Dignitaries, sponsors and volunteers gathered in Dresden recently to take part in a groundbreaking ceremony held to mark the start of Habitat for Humanity Chatham-Kent’s 10th build. Chelsey Labelle and daughters Hillary and Maddy will be the new residents at 273 Main St. when the home is completed in the fall.
Days of discovery at CKHA
The Chatham Voice
First-year medical students received a firsthand look at how the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance provides care. It was all part of the 28th annual Discovery Week. Held from June 1-5, it provided an opportunity for aspiring health-care practitioners to experience medicine on the front line in a real-world environment.
Students, from the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry at Western University were part of the initiative that sees medical students’ team up with doctors in an immersive experience. They are paired with physicians across a range of specialties to shadow care teams throughout the hospital.
At CKHA, students gained a “deeper understanding” of rural and regional medicine.
In addition to clinical shadowing, students also take part in interac-
tive skills-based learning sessions, including simulation-style activity
blocks such as casting workshops and CPR competitions, giving them a
chance to practice foundational clinical skills in a supportive environment. Contributed image
As part of the 28th annual Discovery Week, a group of students from the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry at Western University shadowed health-care professionals at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance last week to get a close-up view of front-line health care.
Be Bold: Age with Attitude
What is Abuse of Older Adults? Abuse of older adults refers to actions that harm an older person or jeopardize the person’s health or welfare. Abuse of older adults is also known as senior abuse or elder abuse. Abuse can be physical (e.g. hitting), emotional, verbal (e.g. name calling), financial (e.g. taking money or property), sexual and spiritual. Some types of abuse of older adults involve violation of their rights. Financial abuse is considered the most common form of abuse of older adults. Neglect can be part of abuse. Neglect involves not doing something, such as not providing the older person with food, shelter, medication, or care. If you know someone who is being abused, you can help:
• Believe the abused older person. Do this even if the abuser seems nice, or if the abuser is your friend. Do not deny or underestimate what is going on. Abuse is never acceptable and should never be ignored.
• Listen without judging. Let the abused person know that you care and have respect for their decision making. Listen to them first and talk to them about how you might assist.
• Encourage the person to seek support and assistance.
• Do not confront the suspected abuser. This could put you or the person who is being abused in danger.
MORTGAGES / LOANS
The Seniors Safety Line (SSL) is
“senior friendly” service with a live counsellor available to help navigate difficult systems, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
If you’re being abused, you should know:
• you do not deserve to be abused
• you are not to blame for the abuse
• you have a right to live without fear
• you have the right to a safe, healthy environment and healthy relationships
• abuse often gets worse over time
• you have the right to control your own life and make your own decisions
• you are not alone - others have experienced abuse and many have found ways to deal with these situations
You may or may not want to leave the situation or take action, but it is important to know your options and that help is available.
To seek help, you should:
• tell someone you trust what is happening to you
• Believe the abused older person. Even if the abuser seems nice, or if the abuser is your friend. Do not underestimate what is going on. Abuse is never acceptable and should never be ignored.
• ask others for help if you need it
• turn to the police for help if someone is hurting you or you do not feel safe
• talk with people to learn more about resources and services available in your community find out your options to take care of your personal needs and financial security
• make a safety plan in case you have to leave quickly
Safety planning checklist
You may want to consider putting together an emergency kit with:
• emergency phone numbers written out and stored in a safe place emergency money (e.g. for a taxi, hotel or payphone)
• extra clothing
• list of medications, name and phone number of pharmacy, and at least three days’ worth of medications
• Listen without judging. Let the abused person know that you care and have respect for their decision making. Listen to them first and talk to them about how you might assist.
• glasses, hearing aids and other assistive devices such as cane, walker or wheelchair
• a safe place to go in the event of an emergency (both in and outside your home)
• an escape route from your home
• keys for your home, car, and safety deposit box copies of relevant documents, including:
• identification (e.g. birth certificate)
• marriage certificate or record of common-law relationship
• notice of assessment from most recent income tax return
• cheque books and credit cards
• lease, rental agreement, or house deed
• Educate yourself. Realize that abuse and neglect exist in your own community. Learn about local resources.
• Encourage the person to seek support and assistance.
• bank book and recent statements
• health card
• Social Insurance Number
• passport
• immigration papers
• Do not confront the suspected abuser. This could put you or the person who is being abused in danger.
Additional funding for Riverview Gardens
$813,700 boost from the provincial government to address future lifecycle projects at the seniors’
residence. Council gave unanimous approval to the allocation at its May 11 meeting. Pri-
or to the vote, West Kent Coun. Lauren Anderson said she wanted to give props to Riverview staff
for their work on achieving the funding.
“It’s really nice to get some good news and getting some provincial funding for us to expand our programs is always really great,” she said.
Recounting the influence of Robert Gray
On a number of occasions I have been asked who I think the most important person in Chatham history would be. There would be a number of candidates, but at the apex of my list would be just one person, and that would be Robert Gray.
Robert was born at Chatham on Feb. 5, 1862 and was the son of William Gray, who was born in Scotland in 1824 and came to Chatham to found a blacksmith shop circa 1853. William was killed in a train accident, at Guelph Junction in 1884. Robert’s mother was Barbara Helen Scott, who was born in Scotland in 1832 and died at Chatham on Feb. 18, 1896.
At the time of Robert’s father’s death, the family was operating a small wagon and buggy factory at the southwest corner of Wellington and William streets; it had 24 employees. Within 15 years, the William Gray and
5th
John Rhodes
Sons Carriage Works, under Robert’s control, had nearly 400 employees and a substantial factory that took up the entire block bounded by Wellington Street, William Street, Park Street and the CPR right of way.
In 1916, Robert clearly saw that the day of horse-drawn vehicles was soon to be at an end and with this as consideration, he made a deal with Josiah Dallas Dort, of Flint, Mich. to assemble Gray Dort automobiles at Chatham. The body plant would be
at William and Wellington; the assembly building would be on the north side of Colborne Street, between Adelaide and Princess streets; and the stamping plant would be in the former Blondi furniture plant at the southwest junction of Thames and Dover Streets (Harvey’s Restaurant).
The combined employment of the three factories would reach 800 persons.
Sales went well until Dallas Dort became ill, stepping down and passing away in 1924 after which both the American and Canadian operations collapsed.
A division of Gray Dort, known as Motor and Coach, survived as a specialty wood body manufacturing entity until it was made obsolete by the onset of all steel car bodies in the mid-1930s.
Robert Gray died March 31, 1929 and reposes in the family plot, Old Ward A, Maple Leaf Cemetery.
mayoral candidate announces
The Chatham Voice
As of June 5, five local residents are vying to become Chatham-Kent’s next mayor with Ryan Gow putting his name on the ballot. He’s facing off against West Kent Coun. Lauren Anderson; Chatham Coun. Michael Bondy, Wallaceburg area farmer Nelson Burm and incumbent mayor Darrin Canniff. Those running for a councillor’s seat in Chatham include:
Ward 6 (5 candidates, 2 seats): Ben Labadie, Brian Machado, Sheila Moir-Martin, Karen Montgomery and incumbent Alysson Storey.
Ward 7 (9 candidates, 2 seats): Steve Adkins; Michael Fife; incumbent Amy Finn; Dustin Gawne, Larry Hutchins, Steve Kenney, Marc King, Jason Reynolds and Doug Robbins.
Ward 8 (8 candidates, 2 seats) San-
dra Dorner, Ryan Drouillard, John Duquette, Andy Fisher, Rick Nicholls, Stephani Shill, Scott Thompson and Luke Van Der Vliet.
Continued on page 21
Contributed image Robert Gray.
Community Events
Thursday, June 11, 2026:
• Nominations and elections for Local 127 Retiress will be held at the Unifor Local 127 Retired Workers Chapter Meeting – the perfect opportunity to enjoy coffee and baked goods and visit with friends and former workers that you may not have seen for some time. Keep up to date with things going on in the Community, pensions, benefits and the information provided from informed leadership and guest speakers. Spouses are welcome.
• Come join us at The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham from 11:00am-9:30pm. The kitchen is open to serve lunch from 11:00am-1:30pm. Come check out our daily specials. Senior Euchre starts at 1:00pm. Members & non-members welcome.
• Lunch at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St from 11am-1:30pm. Daily specials and menu items available. Everyone welcome.
Friday, June 12, 2026:
• The second summer Ghost Walk will leave from Cross St to hear about Bridget, a singing child and another who may have suffered a cruel fate, a stained glass window and a repairman’s puzzle. We meet a former worker at the Capitol Theatre with some truly hair-curling experiences to tell. Visit www.eventbrite. com to order tickets. $15 for an Adult ticket and $10 for a Child’s ticket (12 and under) We go rain or moonshine! See our Facebook page, “Ghost Walks of Chatham-Kent” for more info.
• Come join us at The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham from 11:00am-9:30pm. The kitchen is open to serve lunch from 11:00am-1:30pm. Supper will be served from 4:00-6:00pm. No orders after 5:30pm. Tonight’s specials are Chicken Parmesan or Fish & Chips, $15.00(HST included). Take out is also available by calling 519-351-8733 or 519-351-5639. At 5:15pm is our weekly Catch-The-Ace draw (tickets can be purchased at the bar). Fun Darts start at 7:00pm. Members & non-members welcome.
• Lunch at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St from 11am-1:30pm. Daily specials and menu items available. Friday night supper is a Chicken Parmesan dinner with pasta, salad and a bun. Dine ins $14 and pickup $15. All meals are served at 6pm. Please call 519-3528291 to order. Everybody welcome .
Saturday, June 13, 2026:
• Mitchell’s Bay 12th Annual Car, Truck, Tractor & Motorcycle Show. 9:00am3:00pm. Children’s Tractor Pull, door prizes, vendors, food concession, beach splash pad. See Mitchell’s Bay Car Show facebook page for more info.
• Saturdays at 7 at St. Andrew’s presents “I’m Still Standing” at 7pm at St. Andrew’s United Church. Saturdays at 7 will close its 13th season with Music Director, musician extraordinaire, Devon Hansen at the piano! This concert looks into his musical career from his early roots to where he is now. Donations at the door (suggested $20.00/person) support the music program at St. Andrew’s. Doors open at 6:30pm. For further info www.standrewschatham. org/events or call 519-352-0010.
• Come join us at The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham from 11:00am-9:30pm. There will be meat draws at 3:30, 4:30 and 5:30pm ending with a 50/50 draw. The kitchen is open from 3:00pm-5:30pm. Come check out our menu. Entertainment by Cornerston from 4:30-9:30pm. Members & non-members welcome.
• ACWAM (Active Christians with a Mission) Yard Sale. 8:00am-2:00pm. Knox Presbyterian Church, 251 Duncan St., Wallaceburg. Hot dogs, hamburgs plus beverages. Come on out and support Mission Work in Haiti. www.acwam.ca.
Sunday, June 14, 2026:
• Tilbury and District Horticultural Society celebrates 40 years. Garden Tours from 10:00am-4:00pm. Tickets $30 pp. Advance tickets available at 8 Carlyle St. or at the Tilbury Legion day of the tour, 4 Stewart Ave. Map of the gardens available day of the tour at 9:30am at the Legion. Ticket must be shown to receive a map. Strawberry Social Tea to be held at the Legion from 2:00-4:00pm.
• 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.
• Two Creeks welcomes Walker Crown to its stage at 6pm. A blend of rock, blues, country and more with Canadian-themed lyrics. No admission, but we do pass the hat. Lots of parking, 1km north of Wheatley.
• Breakfast at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St from 9am until Noon. All meals are cooked to order. Everyone welcome.
Tuesday, June 16, 2026:
• Come join us at The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham from 11:00am-9:30pm. The kitchen is open to serve lunch from 11:00am-1:30pm. Today’s special is Spaghetti with meat sauce. Come play Euchre at 1:00pm or spend the evening playing Shuffleboard or Euchre starting at 7:00pm. Members & non-members welcome.
Wednesday, June 17, 2026:
• Chatham-Kent Coin Club meeting, John McGregor Secondary School Library (7pm-8pm). 300 Cecile Ave Chatham. New Members and guests welcomed. Come to a meeting and meet others with similar interests. We have members that collect Canadian, USA, and World coins and paper money. Gain knowledge and trends of the hobby. For more info contact President Jim Austin (President@CKCoinClub.com) (226-6276789) ckcoinclub.com.
• Wabash Women’s Institute Euchre parties. Wabash Hall – 1 pm. Admission $5. Prizes/lunch/fun.
• Heart Buddies Meeting. 3rd Wednesday of every month, 465 Grand Ave, W, 6:30 pm. For more info call 519 354 0070.
• Come join us at The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham from 11:00am-9:30pm. The kitchen is open to serve lunch from 11:00am-1:30pm. Our daily special is meatloaf Dinner. Come check out our other daily specials. We have Fun Darts at 7:00pm. Members & non-members welcome.
Thursday, June 18, 2026:
• Come join us at The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham from 11:00am-9:30pm. The kitchen is open to serve lunch from 11:00am-1:30pm. Come check out our daily specials. Senior Euchre starts at 1:00pm. Members & non-members welcome.
• The Chatham-Kent Quilters’ Guild meets the third Thursday of each month at St. Paul’s Congregational Church, 450 Park Ave W, Chatham. Doors open at 6:00 for socializing and shopping. The meeting starts at 7:00pm. Everyone is welcome to join us, but the fee for non-members will be $10 per meeting. Come and enjoy our presentations, guest speakers and all of the other fun at our meeting. Our membership fee is $50 per year and this entitles you to our newsletter and all of our regular meetings free of charge. You are welcome to contact us through our Facebook page or our website at www.ckquiltguild.com for more information.
Vendors Wanted for the Merlin Legion car show, Sunday July 19th. $25 a table. Please contact Lori at 519-476-5870.
Are you affected by someone else’s drinking? Al-anon can help! Call 1-888-425-2666 or Al-Anon.org
Alcholics Anonymous Chatham-Kent. Call or Text 519-360-5246 or see our website aachathamkent.com.
Submit your coming events to bruce@chathamvoice.com or michelle@chathamvoice.com
Fun Stuff
64. Move swiftly and lightly CLUES DOWN
1. Scottish island 2. River in the Netherlands 3. Asian people 4. Fuzzy fruit 5. Ninth month (abbr.)
6. An idealistic social reformer
7. What you owe 8. Colorless mineral
9. Overjoyed
10. Rattling breaths
CLUES ACROSS
1. Sealed with a kiss
5. Large sandwich
8. Swiss city
12. Japanese persimmons
14. When you hope to get somewhere 15. Wings
16. A name of God 18. Elected official (informal)
19. Abnormal breathing 20. “Seinfeld” character 21. Yearly tonnage (abbr.)
22. Something for sale 23. Gets rid of 26. One who touts 30. Blemished 31. Less than exciting
32. Born of
33. N. German town
34. Notes
39. Move away from land
42. Vulcanite
44. More ignoble
46. Child actor Kirk
47. Written works
49. Sea vessel
50. Residue
51. Engraved
56. Having sufficient skill
57. One and only
58. Erase
59. Broad inlets
60. Nightmarish street
61. Play again
62. Formerly (archaic)
63. Add a color to change the color
11. Tropical Old World tree
13. A citizen of Senegal
17. Greek mythological beauty
24. Wrath
25. Instrument to measure wind speed
26. Luxury carmaker
27. Bitterly regret
28. Not or 29. Google certification
35. Midway between northeast and east
36. Space station
37. Relating to the ears
38. Congressman
40. Yelled at
41. Rudely assertive
42. Defunct European money
43. Shared one’s soul
44. Onion rolls
45. A way to state clearly
47. Relating to a lobe
48. Underlying message
49. Hollywood pig
52. Indicates pitch
53. Filament of a feather
54. Small ornamental ladies’ bag for small articles
55. Diminish
Hansen’s still standing on Saturday
The Chatham Voice
Local pianist and arts leader Devon Hansen will reflect on a life in music through an evening of performance and storytelling as Saturdays at 7 wraps up the 20252026 season with I’m Still Standing.
The show takes place Saturday at 7 p.m. at St. Andrew’s United Church in Chatham.
In I’m Still Standing, pianist Hansen invites audiences to join him for an evening of music and storytelling that explores
the experiences, relationships, and opportunities that shaped his journey in music.
“Everyone has songs that mark the chapters of their lives: The music that reminds us where we’ve been, the people we’ve met, the challenges we’ve faced, and the moments that changed us forever,” he said.
Through a combination of live performance, personal stories, photos, and video, Hansen explores the moments and relationships that shaped his life in music. While the con-
New wheels
The Chatham Voice Chatham-Kent council has approved the purchase of a new-to-the-municipality fuel truck for Chatham’s airport. But the buy won’t impact taxpayers, as the cost is being covered through fuel service surcharges for airport users.
Council made the decision after hearing an administrative report stating staff had sourced out
a used fuel truck at a cost of $254,000. There are limited opportunities to purchase used fuel trucks in Canada, council heard. The same meeting also saw council greenlight the purchase of a firefighting decontamination trailer. The cost of the equipment, described as a “mobile car wash” for firefighters” is $162,514. It will be covered through an Office of the Fire Marshall fire protection grant.
Election update
Continued from page 19
Wallaceburg and area: (6 candidates, 2 seats) Two new faces have joined the Burg race this week, including Loree Bailey and Chris Young. Also on the ballot are Brendan Authier, Jay Debuck, Zac Nicholson and Dave Hyatt.
West Kent’s Ward 1: (four candidates, 2 seats) Mark Authier, Michael Bond, Andrea Palmer and Gerhard Taves.
South East Kent’s Ward 2: (five candidates, two seats): Chad Carnie; Matthew Giffin, Matt Lamarche, Brad Snobelen and Hassan Tariq. North East Kent’s Ward
cert follows his personal journey, it is ultimately a tribute to the communities, mentors, colleagues, students, friends, and family members whose encouragement and support made that journey possible.
“None of us get where we are on our own,” he said.
“When I look back on my life in music, I see teachers, mentors, colleagues, family members, volunteers, audience members,
and friends who believed in me and opened doors along the way. This concert is an opportunity to celebrate those people and the role that community has played throughout my life. The title, I’m Still Standing, reflects more than perseverance. It is a tribute to the support systems that sustain us through challenges, encourage us to pursue our passions, and remind us that our greatest ac-
Jean Shoemaker
87, Friday, May 29, 2026
Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Grace Wick
76, Friday, May 29, 2026
Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Lawrie Maris
66, Monday, June 1, 2026
Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Alice James
84, Monday, June 1, 2026
Alexander & Houle Funeral Home
Gordon Joseph Knight
85, Wednesday, May 27, 2026 Life Transitions
Linda Karen Nichols
58, Sunday, May 31, 2026 Life Transitions
Marylu Ann Ebere
64, Sunday, May 31, 2026 Life Transitions
3: (three candidates, 1 seat): Cory Couture, Emery Huszka and Matthew Pietens.
North West Kent’s Ward 4: (three candidates, 1 seat): John Cummings, Kirk Hooker and incumbent Rhonda Jubenville. Nominations for the Oct. 26 municipal election are open until Aug. 21. Anyone interested in running can access all the information on the Municipality of Chatham-Kent’s webpage.
Editor’s note: This is the list of candidates available on the municipality’s webpage as of press time June 4.
245 Wellington St. W., Chatham 519-352-2710 alexanderandhoulefuneralhome.ca
complishments are rarely achieved alone.”
The program offers solo piano performances that span classical, musical theatre, film and jazz standards, including everything from Elton John and Billy Joel to Tchaikovsky and John Williams mixed with stories and reflections from along the way.
The evening will include with the official launch and announcement of next season’s Saturdays at
OBITUARIES
Brenda Diane Campbell 68, Wednesday, June 3, 2026 Life Transitions
Brenda Ross 75, Thursday, June 4, 2026 Life Transitions
Frank Dalgleish 84, Wednesday, May 27, 2026 Cavanagh Funeral Home
Bobby Rhea
76, Saturday, May 30, 2026 Kendrick Funeral Home
Wayne Waller
67, Saturday, May 30, 2026 Nicholls Funeral Home
Peter Thomas 65, Monday, June 1, 2026 Nicholls Funeral Home
Anthony "Tony" Ouellette 82, Wednesday, June 3, 2026 Nicholls Funeral Home
kendrickfuneralhome.com
7 lineup. All are welcome. Doors open at 6:30 pm. Donations are gratefully accepted at the door (suggested $20 per person) to support the music program at St. Andrew’s. Hansen serves as director of music at St. Andrew’s United Church, where he has led the thriving community music program since 2013, and is the owner of Chatham Music Academy.
Beverley Dutton 86, Sunday May 31, 2026 McKinlay Funeral Home
Eula Marie Thomson 94, Monday, June 1, 2026 McKinlay Funeral Home
Sherry Johnson 70, Thursday, May 28, 2026 McKinlay Funeral Home
Reina Feyen 100, Wednesday, May 27, 2026 McKinlay Funeral Home
Rita Brink 67, Saturday, May 30, 2026 McKinlay Funeral Home
Brian Walker King 73, Saturday, May 30, 2026 McKinlay Funeral Home
Wayne Edward Evans 79, Thursday, May 28, 2026 Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home
Youth volunteers honoured
The Chatham Voice
The list of winners for the third annual Youth Community Recognition Awards Celebrate Local Youth Volunteers is as follows:
Andy Baker, Tilbury District High School; Ava Bass, Thamesville Area Public School; Abi Brosseau and Brooklyn Druer, St. Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Elementary School; Colton Browe, Zone Township Central School; Emmersyn Caron and Cassie Outhouse, St. Angela Merici Catholic School; Jaxsyn Dauphin, Harwich Raleigh Public School; Myrah DeClerk, Good Shepherd Catholic School; Judah Fitch and Tyler Van Kesteren, Chatham Christian School; Carter Formosa and Abigail Kriegar, Ursuline College Chatham; Orion Fraser, Blenheim
Yard / Garage Sale
total of 41 of Chatham-Kent’s
District High School; Vylette Gallagher, St. Joseph Catholic School, Tilbury; Ainsley Gray, Dresden Area Central School; Andrene Hamilton, Makena Lockhart and Kasee Silverman, John McGregor Secondary School; Emma Hoekstra and Sibgha Tahir, Indian Creek Road Public School; Dorha Hussien, King George VI
MULTI FAMILY YARD SALE
Zircon Place, Chatham June 13 - 8am-noon
Glassware, kitchen items, garden decor, tent & accessories, jigsaw puzzles, games, etc.
10 & 19 NIGHTFALL - YARD SALE
Saturday, June 13, 2026 Vinyl Records, wood decoys, antiques. 8:00am - 12:00pm
Public School; Max Jones and Cole Pryor-Beaumont, Monsignor Uyen Catholic School; Teagan Lang, École élémentaire catholique Saint-Francis; Jaida Langstaff and Brynn Williams, Wallaceburg District Secondary School; Daphne Lassaline, École élémentaire catholique Sainte-Marie; Aubrey Leveille and Macy Snel-
grove, McNaughton Ave. Public School; Riley Malott, Lambton Kent Composite School; Leah Martens, Naahii Ridge Public School; Connor O’Neil, St. Elizabeth Catholic School Wallaceburg; Patrick O’Rourke, St. Michaels Catholic School Ridgetown; Avery Orr and Madison Owen, Chatham Kent Secondary School;
Classifieds
Yard / Garage Sale
TRILLIUM VILLAGE PARKING LOT YARD SALE
Saturday, June 27, 2026 Spaces available 519-351-0003 BBQ for Journey’s Recovery House
Announcement
Chatham Baptist Chapel
Help Wanted
Naomi Paradis, Tecumseh Public School; Hudson Parrish, AA Wright Public School; Patience Raymond; Holy Family Public School; Fiona Rutledge and Alex Stirling, Ridgetown District High School 7&8; Amelia Shadd, Merlin Area Public School; Indica StJacques, École secondaire catholique de Pain Court;
Luke Turner, St. Anne Catholic School; Blakely Van Damme, Christ the King French Immersion Catholic School; Beckett Wysman, Winston Churchill Public School.
Editor’s note: The Chatham Voice ran a list of winners in the May 28 paper, however the information we received was incorrect.
Silk Cemetery
Saddle Arrangements. Everyday/ Holidays. Readyto-go. Many colours available.
$40. 519-3543411
Wanted For Sale
Wanted to
Buy: Antiques, costume jewellery, gold, silver, coins, military, furniture, tools. We Buy All - Paid Cash. 519-7278894.
“Come out, All Are Welcome” Sunday Services 11am and 7pm Wednesday Bible Study 7pm Go to www.chathambaptistchapel. com to watch sermons.
EXPERIENCED PART-TIME COOK NEEDED Available to work Tues to Saturday. Needed immediately. Call 519351-8733. Email contact information & resume to legionbranch642@ gmail.com
Mortgage Money Available Private lender offering private mortgages at reasonable rates. For more info call 519-436-7229.
Mortgages Services
Handyman Services
Eavestrough cleaning & repair. Junk removal, grass cutting & other small jobs. Call 519-352-5414 or 226-627-5414.
MORTGAGES / LOANS
CONSOLIDATE DEBTS LOWER YOUR PAYMENTS Difficult Situations Accepted WE ALSO ARRANGE UNSECURED LINES
Contributed image
A
volunteer-oriented youth are showcased here, after being honoured recently at the Youth Community Recognition Awards
by
while raymond is in chatham reporting on the Retrofest for ‘The Voice’, maria pasqua, the designer of Raymond’s conduit costume has discovered a potentially deadly oversight!
when i created raymond’s new costume, the data assumed his powers were complete.
the suit was designed to better handle his new abilities under the assumption of a state of stasis not growth.
but new data shows that ray’s powers are in a state of constant change.
since raymond gained his powers, i’ve been modifying suits that help him channel his energy transfers in the hope of finding our classmate, jakob.
the suit’s hybrid circuitry integrates ray’s unique biology with neuromorphic chip technology effectively merging him with the outfit.
the conduit’s costume could detonate like a huge nuclear bomb destroying all in its vicinity... and raymond!!
it would take an almost incomprehensible surge, but the suit could be combustible if pushed beyond the capabilities of 2nm semi-conductors.
O
n that foreboding note, let’s switch scenes to the villainous, preston todd who has paired with the thames gang to flood the entire city...
‘gunner’ menard thinks I am flooding chatham to enable his quest. but the underworld there has been following madame methusela for decades and i think it might be time the thames gang got new leadership... ME!
‘gunner’ will soon learn that preston todd is nobody’s lackey. i’m raising chatham’s water level and i won’t stop until i get what I want!
tony gray
THE INCREDIBLE CONDUIT™ and all characters©2026 by Tony Gray and GlassMonkey Studios
*jakob has been missing since the accident.
Our plan to protect Ontario is fighting for every auto job
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