Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice
Anglers poised to compete at The Bay
By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com
The 12th annual Mitchell’s Bay Open is just around the corner, and it appears more big name anglers are headed here to take part.
Co-chair Tom Beaton sat down with The Chatham Voice recently to talk about the tournament, which will see 85 boats and 170 anglers take part July 10 and 11. Word of mouth, especially when that mouth belongs to
a well-respected angler, has helped bring high-profile professional anglers to the tournament.
Steve Clapper, veteran American professional angler who is in the United States Fresh Water Hall of Fame, had fished the event for years, and Beaton said he continues to spread word of how enjoyable the Mitchell’s Bay tournament is to other bigname American anglers.
“Steve did retire two years ago. But he talked us up so well
back in the States that others are coming this year,” Beaton said. They include Alex Redwine.
“Alex, that’s his permanent job – fishing in the Bass Master’s Pro Elite Series” Beaton said.
“He’s 25 years old and he’s already made a quarter of a million dollars in that series.”
He’s not alone. Beaton said when you factor in Jeremy Reese, Mark Modrak, and Mike Trombly, “between the four of them coming to our tournament, they have over $750,000 in winnings in the Unted States.”
As for Clapper, he’s going to take part as well. There has been periodic grumbling over the high-profile competitors taking part, but Beaton brushes it aside.
“For the first two years, we had 20 boats. So we kept it up and it grew to what it is,” he said. “We do not solicit pro anglers, nor do we review registrations that come in. If you register for our tournament, you are in our tournament.”
He added that local anglers, by and large look forward to the challenge of competing against out-of-area pros. And the locals tend to fare well.
“Steve Clapper, fresh water fishing hall of fame. He’s fished our tournament now for eight years. He’s never been in the money,” Beaton said. “Bob Izumi came in. Bob hasn’t been in the money. But Bob says this is his most favourite lake to fish for bass in all Ontario.”
Lake St. Clair has a way
of levelling the competitive fishing field. There are no consistent hot spots; no areas of underwater structure where fish may cluster.
“Mitchell’s Bay makes it even for everybody. You can go out and spend two days a half a kilometre off shore and come back with two good catches of bass. You never know,” Beaton said.
But the event is an open tournament. Competitors can floor it and head into the Detroit or St. Clair rivers, or even out into Lake Erie or Lake Huron. They just have to be back on time for their weigh in.
More women are heading out on the water to compete than ever before, Beaton said.
“We’re very proud of the fact we’ve attracted many females to fish. That was another exciting chapter in our development
history,” he said.
It is said it takes a village to raise a child. That also applies to running a bass tournament featuring 170 anglers. Beaton said there is a team of 120 volunteers on hand to ensure the event runs as smoothly as possible.
As successful as the tournament has been, there is a grey cloud hanging over it. The tournament and its organizers are in the middle of a lawsuit in the wake of a boating accident involving two bass boats last year. No criminal charges have been laid to date in the matter. Beaton said he could not speak to the issue due to the court proceedings.
The tournament, which saw 97 per cent of fish caught last year returned safely to the lake, raises funds for the Mitchell’s Bay Area Association.
Chatham Voice file photo
Aaron and Natalie Hathaway showcase two of their catch during the 2025 Canadian Tire Mitchell’s Bay Open.
High Tea fundraiser at TJ Stables
More than 100 guests attended, helping raise in excess of $8,000 on June 17 at TJ Stables’ High Tea. The funds will help support the Acceptional Riders program at TJ Stables. Members of the Acceptional Riders program were on hand as well.
There were performances by the Sisters of Choice to go with the afternoon tea and lunch, as well as carriage rides, and more. Many in attendance dressed up for the occasion, as an ode to afternoon teas enjoyed by the high society of Britain nearly two centuries ago.
Regina Stockus/Special to The Chatham Voice
Terry Jenkins and John Basden, owners of TJ Stables, were impeccably dressed at the recent high tea fundraiser. The event, held to assist the Acceptional Riders program, raised $8,000.
Good things grow at Habitat
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com
Habitat for Humanity
Chatham-Kent’s community garden is on the grow.
The project, now in its second year, recently expanded, thanks to a contribution from the Hydro
One Community Fund courtesy of Mayor Darrin Canniff and councillors Conor Allin and Brock McGregor.
Launched last year thanks to seed money through a Chatham-Kent Community Fund grant, this year’s $4,743 in funding paved the way for the installation of six new
raised beds, making it more accessible for volunteers who pitch in with weeding and harvesting.
“We thought we would bring in large raised beds,” said Anne Taylor, Chatham Habitat’s director of partnerships and stakeholder relations.
“That way, everybody could participate. That’s
really where the idea came from. We’re kind of piggybacking off of last year’s grant and making the garden better.”
Taylor said Habitat recognized the garden is an excellent way to engage individuals and organizations, helping them learn as they participate in growing free produce for
local food banks and tiny pantries.
According to Taylor, Habitat’s Junction Road pantry is a busy spot.
“We’ll make sure that’s always stocked with fresh vegetables so that will get used up very quickly,”
Taylor explained. “Just as fast as it goes in, it leaves just as fast.”
At the recent unveiling of the project, McGregor said projects like the raised beds are important as the community gains big benefits from modest investment.
“One of the great parts about the (Hydro One)
funding is that the ideas come from community groups that have a vested interest in particular projects,” he said, adding it’s not a “top-down approach.”
“There’s a real passion for this project,” Canniff said of the garden. “Look at how many volunteers are coming together. The Hydro One funds open the door to tap into the passion of our community.”
The Hydro One Community Fund has helped out with 170 projects in the municipality to date.
Continued on page 5
Senior centres receive support
The Chatham Voice Five senior centres in Chatham-Kent are benefitting from an infusion of funds through Ontario’s Seniors Active Living Centres (SALC) Program.
The SALC funds, announced by Chatham-Kent–Leamington MPP Trevor Jones, will go to the Active Lifestyle Centre in Chatham, the Blenheim & Community Senior Citizens Group, Morpeth Heritage 60+ Club, Ridgetown and Area Adult Activity Centre, and the Tilbury and District Seniors Adult Centre Association.
The Ridgetown centre topped the list with $57,602. Next up was Blenheim at $56,839, followed by the ALC in Chatham with $56,770, Morpeth at $55,528, and Tilbury with
$55,000.
“Seniors Active Living Centres play an important role in helping older adults stay active, engaged, and connected within their communities,” said Jones said in a media release. “This investment will ensure that more seniors in Chatham-Kent–Leamington have access to programs and services that support healthy, independent living while fostering meaningful social connections close to home. Our government remains committed to supporting seniors and enhancing quality of life in communities across Ontario.”
This year marks the 60th anniversary of the first six Elderly Persons’ Centres, established under the Elderly Persons’ Centres Act, 1966.
Habitat garden
Continued from page 4
In 2022, Chatham-Kent signed a 10-year agreement with the utility, allocating $550,000 annually. The mayor gets $125,000 to allocate each year and each councillor has $25,000.
A number of local busi-
nesses have pitched in to help the Habitat gardening project this year, including Pebbles Gravel and Topsoil and Jayden Construction who helped with the soil. As well, the owner of Gypsy King planted the ground-level plot.
Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice Habitat for Humanity Chatham-Kent’s Mike Coyne talks with Chatham-Kent Coun. Conor Allin, Habitat’s Anne Taylor, Mayor Darrin Canniff, Habitat board member Lutz Plotzke and Coun. Brock McGregor about the latest development at the non-profit’s community garden. Six raised beds were recently installed through the Hydro One Community Fund. Allin, Canniff and McGregor each contributed a portion of their annual allotment to the project.
Opinion
Thank you
In a time where the uber rich seem more intent on counting their billions at the expense of their employees and most everyone else, it is heartening to see the actions of the likes of Peter and Cathy Quiring.
And they are just what Chatham-Kent needs.
Instead of counting their coins and flaunting their wealth a la Scrooge McDuck and the U.S. tech oligarchs, the Quirings, through their foundation, seek to help the downtrodden. They’re based in Leamington but have extended their philanthropic outreach into Chatham at the former St. Agnes Church. The foundation recently opened the Chatham Community Hope Centre at the Croydon Street location.
The centre is designed to aid local citizens who are living in the grey –lost in addiction and homelessness.
“The Hope Centre’s work is built around supporting the whole person through four key pillars – physical, mental, social and spiritual,” project manager Spencer Dawson said. “We are offering a safe welcoming space for people to come as they are.”
The Chatham Community Hope Centre is not the Quiring Foundation’s only philanthropic endeavour. The farming family’s foundation also runs nearly 120 support beds in Windsor-Essex.
The hope centre in Chatham seems
to be the first step for the foundation in helping citizens of Chatham-Kent as well. Representatives of the foundation were to address council on Monday night over the potential to operate residential services at 110 Sandys St., which the municipality owns.
Help for those in need can come from many directions, and these days, all directions are needed to address the burgeoning addiction/mental health/homelessness situation that is plaguing communities around the province and country.
That’s why efforts from philanthropists Peter and Cathy Quiring are so welcome. Senior levels of government are dithering over how to help municipalities deal with the grim reality of homelessness. City, town and municipal councils can’t go it alone.
So, to the Quirings, thank you.
Thank you for bringing your foundation and its supports to Chatham-Kent; thank you for being people of wealth being so willing to use some of your resources to help others.
Meanwhile, with Elon Musk flirting with trillionaire status, and Venice still recovering from Jeff Bezos’ $50 million wedding, plus with Mark Zuckerberg’s social media operations continuing to suck up cash and allow people to spew out lies and hatred, we challenge those who can to please do more to help others.
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Impatient drivers are everywhere
Editor: In a recent column, Bruce Corcoran bemoaned the lack of a faster north-south route through Chatham, commenting that it can take an extra five minutes plus to drive north-south compared to east-west, arguing this increases the frustration of impatient drivers.
Really? Five minutes? Ten minutes?
Impatient drivers are the
same everywhere in the U.S. and Canada, especially in larger towns and cities. Having been an over-theroad trucker most of my life, travelling through 48 states and Canada many times, some two and a half million miles, I speak with much experience.
drivers. Is it such an egregious violation of their driving “ethic” to obey a stop sign or town speed limits?
To many, a stop sign is merely a suggestion; some barely slow down. Perhaps they’re from Montreal, Toronto, or L.A?
Chatham is no exception; we have our share of bad, ill-tempered
Bryan Marino Chatham
Changes needed at cemetery
Editor: I am writing this letter to know if anyone else is experiencing the problem I have run into at Arnold Cemetery. For the second year in a row, my effort to honour my mother and sister have been ripped out. It did not used to be this way. I do not know who the hell is running this place, but there needs to be accountability. It is like a barren wasteland now. My father remarried and
is buried in Maple Leaf Cemetery. It is a beautiful cemetery with bright floral displays and solar-powered units, which I have put on my father’s grave. I am not sure what can be done legally (do we not own the plots?). Perhaps a class-action lawsuit to force ownership to change to the municipality is in order.
buried in Arnold Cemetery and it is like we are not allowed to honour them anymore. This needs to change.
I hope the municipality will give serious consideration so that Arnold will be beautiful again like Maple Leaf Cemetery.
A lot of my relatives are
Rick Labadie Chatham
Giving hope to the community
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com
A hand up, not a handout.
That’s the philosophy behind the new Chatham Community Hope Centre housed at 52 Croyden St. in Chatham. It’s housed in the former St. Agnes Catholic Church – a freshly revamped space to assist people living on the margins.
As of its fourth day of operation June 18, the recovery-based centre, aimed at helping the unhoused and addicted, had already served 200 people with 56 individuals coming in the first day.
“The Hope Centre’s work is built around sup-
porting the whole person through four key pillars – physical, mental, social and spiritual,” Spencer Dawson told those gathered at a media launch.
“We are offering a safe welcoming space for people to come as they are.”
Dawson, who serves as project manager for the Leamington-based Quiring Foundation, said the local effort is a joint collaboration between Chatham’s Community Hope Centre and the Foundation of Hope Recovery Community. Both groups come under the umbrella of the Quiring Foundation founded by Peter and Cathy Quiring to help free people from homelessness and addiction.
Peter Quiring, a highly
successful entrepreneur and farmer, has been helping the less fortunate through the foundation for the past seven years and currently operates 119 beds in Windsor-Essex. A total of 90 of the beds are dedicated to a 90day trauma recovery program, with the remainder allocated to a transitional housing program that lasts anywhere from 12 to 18 months.
“While our organizations have different roles and different functions, we share a common goal to support people with dignity, compassion and practical help,” Dawson explained. “As the Hope Centre grows, we anticipate more people will come through its doors.
And its team is prepared and ready to help those in need.”
The drop-in, which runs
from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week, offers a hot meal, a pantry with clothes, food and hygiene
products in addition to a host of professional and peer-driven supports.
Continued on page 8
Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice
The Chatham Community Hope Centre is up and running at the site of the former St. Agnes Catholic Church in Chatham. At last week’s official media launch, emergency needs co-ordinator Casie Price and operations director Vince Scott showcased some of the goods offered in the facility’s pantry. The agency is offering a wide range of supports to help lift people from homelessness and addiction.
Quiring Foundation delivers aid, hope
Continued from page 7 Foundation members, as well as volunteers will be onsite as well, advocating to help those struggling with recovery and housing. Plans are in the works to offer volunteer-led Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings on site as well as a weekly worship service designed for “those who don’t do church.”
According to Dawson, Foundation and Hope Centre officials are eager to work with other agencies and have already consulted with 25 community partners including the Canadian Mental Health Association Lambton-Kent, the Chatham-Kent Ontario Health Team and representatives associated with the Chatham-Kent Com-
munity Drug Strategy.
“The last thing we want to do is pretend we have all the answers,” Dawson told the gathering.
“Our vision is to support and offer a full continuum of care and a defined path for people in recovery, walking with them through every part of their journey.”
Outreach, immediate connection, trauma recovery programs, transitional housing, life skills development, aftercare support, peer support and long-term community support are intertwined in the Hope Centre’s approach.
“We want to be clear that we are not here to duplicate services that already exist,” he added. “We know there are incredible organizations doing
important work and we are grateful for the opportunity to work alongside them.”
Specifically, Dawson said, the new-to-Chatham-Kent organizations are looking to fill “gaps” identified in the community drug strategy. Officials are already talking with the Municipality of Chatham-Kent about potential programming.
“We recognize homelessness is a complex issue,” Dawson said, “and no single organization or program can address it alone. At the Foundation of Hope, we believe recovery is about more than stopping substance use; it’s about addressing the trauma beneath the addiction.”
There’s also talk of the foundation entering into
an agreement with Chatham-Kent to operate residential services at the municipally owned property at 110 Sandys St. At its June 8 meeting, council agreed to pause a contract with Architecttura Inc. to
develop the former Meadow Park nursing home into a supportive housing facility. Quiring Foundation representatives were expected to communicate their vision about 110 Sandys St. and the for-
mer St. Agnes school site to council at the June 22 meeting. It’s expected that the Chatham Community Hope Centre will need between 200 to 250 volunteers to operate.
Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice Turkey soup was on the menu at the Chatham Community Hope Centre one day last week, with volunteers Anna Klassen and Nancy Pardy cooking up a storm. The centre serves a hot meal every evening, seven days a week.
Teamwork makes the dream work
By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com
More than 40 volunteers swarmed 112 Semenyn Avenue in Chatham June 13, revitalizing the yard, making it their Backyard Mission to do so.
For the past 17 years, the congregations of First Presbyterian and First Christian Reformed Church have sent volunteers into the yard of one fortunate homeowner to help spruce things up. This year, volunteers from Grace Christian Reformed Church joined as well.
Pastor Nate Vandenend of First Christian has been part of the effort since he first arrived in Chatham nine years ago, and loves to see people helping oth-
ers.
“It just freshens things up. Sometimes, things just pile up; you start to feel overwhelmed,” he said of a homeowner in need of a little help. “You just need a whole bunch of people to come in and reset the whole situation. That’s where we come in and that’s what we want to do for people.”
Vandenend said the Backyard Mission Project is a high point for many involved.
“It’s a highlight for a lot of people in the congregations,” he said. “I think they look forward to this day. There are some people who have been doing it for the 17 years, since the very beginning.”
The volunteers this year
only spent one day at the address, ripping out old bushes, levelling a patio and addressing wear and tear issues on the front steps.
Rev. Wilson Eyong, newly minted pastor at First Presbyterian, said taking part in the project was an incredible experience.
“It’s amazing. It’s beautiful. All my time in Montreal, I did not work with a congregation that had this type of vision,” he said.
“To know the number of years they’ve been doing it and still doing it and to physically experience it today, God bless the likes of Pastor Nate.”
Vandenend said the cando attitude – and numbers – can accomplish a lot.
“When you get a group of people like this, who are here to work, you just get stuff done,” he said.
Bruce Corcoran/The Chatham Voice Volunteers level the ground under a backyard patio on Semenyn Avenue in Chatham as part of the annual Backyards Missions Project organized by multiple local church congregations.
The Voice provides a little HELP
By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com
The Chatham Voice is teaming up with the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (CKHA) to help keep patients connected to the community while they are recovering in hospital. It is part of CKHA’s Hospital Elder Life Program HELP.
“It’s a delivery and prevention program,” explained Jackie Doyle, an elder life specialist at CKHA. “It services our elderly patients on our medicine unit.”
Doyle added that a team of volunteers support the program.
“The volunteers are trained on specific tasks that they do with patients to keep them oriented, socially engaged and aware of their surroundings and able to recover successfully so they can return back home,” she said.
Between eight and ten patients are in HELP at any given time, Doyle said.
Adding The Voice to
the engagement options is a bonus, according to Adam Topp, president and CEO of CKHA.
“Anything that helps engage some of our elderly patients with the community is a great way to do it,” he said. “If they’re stuck in the hospital, they don’t get to see what’s going on. Someone talking to them, or showing them what’s going on, they feel much more connected. And the more we can connect them with the community, the better.”
Lil Postma is one of the HELP volunteers. She loves what she does and believes adding The Voice to her cart of engagement options will help.
“They really appreciate us coming over, talking to them and keeping them engaged,” she said.
“I think they’ll appreciate the paper and seeing what’s going on in the community week to week.”
The Voice will be available elsewhere in the hospital as well, including the gift shop, and at other
Lanz Blvd, Blenheim ON
From left, Jackie Doyle, an elder life specialist at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance; Lil Postma, volunteer in the
Life Program (HELP); Jarrod Perieur, clinical director of rehab, stroke, medicine, therapy services and complex continuing care and chronic disease at CKHA; and Adam Topp, CKHA’s president and CEO, check out copies of The Chatham Voice just after they were delivered to the hospital June 17. The Voice and the hospital are teaming up to aid HELP patients remain connected to their community as the recover in hospital. Each week, Voice personnel will drop off papers to the hospital for patients and family members to peruse.
key areas. Jarrod Prieur, clinical director of rehab, stroke, medicine, therapy services, complex continuing care and chronic disease at CKHA, said the newspaper will be a good addition into the hospital’s delirium prevention kits, which are in every clinical unit at the hospital, including the emergency department.
Continued on page 13
Bruce Corcoran/The Chatham Voice
Hospital Elder
“Hostess
with the mostest’
By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com
For 25 years, Pat Warwick has lived in longterm care facilities in Chatham, and on June 15, she and members of her family celebrated with staff and passersby at Riverview Gardens (RVG).
Affectionately dubbed “Trouble” by folks at the facility, Warwick is quick to share a smile with everyone.
While The Voice stopped by the gathering, War-
wick, sporting a tiara, regal wand, and a “Hostess with the Mostest” shirt, said she was happy to mark the occasion of two and a half decades in local long-term care and “celebrate with as many people as possible.”
Her stepdaughter, Kathy Claeys, said Warwick went into long-term care shortly after she turned 60. A victim of three brain aneurysms, at 35, 55 and 58, Warwick ultimately had to be sent to longterm care after her hus-
band suffered a massive stroke and was unable to care for her.
She started out at Victoria residence, Claeys said.
“There are still a few staff members here (at RVG) who have been with her in one capacity or another for the 25 years,” Claeys said. “Before that, her mom was at Thamesview Lodge and she passed away at 1998. She knows all the staff at Thamesview too. She knows so many people.”
And she’s always meeting new ones. A regular on the main floor at RVG, Warwick
coming
the
Answer the call. Volunteer with
T:7"
greets people
through
doors and down the hallways. Continued on page 13
Bruce Corcoran/The Chatham Voice
Pat Warwick, 85, left, celebrates with friends and family, including her sister Shirley Willis, at Riverview Gardens. Warwick has been in long-term care in Chatham for the past two and a half decades and during her time at Riverview Gardens has come to know many residents, their family members, and staff.
Four more candidates step forward
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com
With just over four months to go, 55 individuals are seeking a seat on Chatham-Kent council when residents go the polls Oct. 26.
In the past week four new faces threw their hats in the ring.
Chatham’s Ward 8 has two new candidates. Paul Graciano and Debbie Martin are now on the ballot running for two available seats. They join Sandra Dorner, Ryan Drouillard, John Duquette, Andy Fisher, Rick Nicholls, Stephani Shill, Scott Thompson and Luke Van Der Vliet in the race.
In Ward 2, Spencer Stinson stepped forward, fac-
ing off against five other candidates including Chad Carnie; Matthew Giffin, Matt Lamarche, Brad Snobelen and Hassan Tariq. Two seats are available.
In the race for one seat in Ward 3, Kyle Carter has added his name to the ballot. He’s running against Cory Couture, Mark Huston, Emery Huszka, Matthew Pietens and James Plunkett.
It’s status quo for the remaining wards.
Chatham’s Ward 6 has five candidates battling for two seats: Ben Labadie, Brian Machado, Sheila Moir-Martin, Karen Montgomery and incumbent Alysson Storey. Ward 7 has nine candidates vying for two available seats: Steve Adkins;
CKHA’s HELP
Continued from page 11
“They’re new this year. I think this fits perfectly,” he said. “We’re always looking for more resources to add to these kits. Anything to engage patients and stimulate them is great. Being able to check the newspaper is great for them.”
Michael Fife; incumbent Amy Finn; Dustin Gawne, Larry Hutchins, Steve Kenney, Marc King, Jason Reynolds and Doug Robbins on the ballot.
In Wallaceburg’s Ward 5: Brendan Authier, Loree Bailey, Steve Burritt, Jay Debuck, Zac Nicholson, Dave Hyatt and Chris Young are the hopefuls
running for two available seats.
The contest for the mayor’s chair remains the same with five candidates: West Kent Coun. Lauren Anderson; Chatham Coun. Michael Bondy, Nelson Burm, incumbent mayor Darrin Canniff and Ryan Gow.
Ward 1 has four candi-
dates in the contest for two seats: Mark Authier, Michael Bond, Andrea Palmer and Gerhard Taves.
In Ward 4: John Cummings, Kirk Hooker and incumbent Rhonda Jubenville are vying for one available seat.
Nominations are open until Aug. 21. Anyone in-
terested in running can access the necessary 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 19. The list does not include school board candidates.
Topp said having the Voice on hand is a welcome sight.
“They (patients) will know what’s going on and won’t feel as out of touch. It’s really important, because it doesn’t take long to not even know what day it is in here,” he said.
Pat Warwick
Continued from page 12
“Even residents’ families – she’s always got a smile for them,” Claeys said. Claeys said Warwick has remained very positive over the years in longterm care.
“She’s always happy, always ready for a party.” And on June 15, Claeys and her family delivered.
Thank you
The Children’s Treatment Centre Foundation of Chatham-Kent is proud to share that the 4th Annual Run for the Kids raised an incredible $105,000 in support of local children and youth.
Thank you to our participants, volunteers, sponsors, donors, and supporters who helped make this event a tremendous
Every dollar raised helps provide essential programs, equipment, and opportunities for local kids and families.
Cruisers support Goodfellows
A local motorcycle group is revving its engines, seeking to raise funds for the Chatham Goodfellows and other projects.
The Chatham-Kent Chapter of Canadian Motorcycle Cruisers (CMC) are in the middle of a 50/50 campaign. From now until July 5, participants can enter to possibly win as much as $20,000.
All funds raised from the effort will support the Goodfellows.
Tickets are $5 each and are available from CMC members.
Also, on July 4, from noon until 4 p.m., the Cruisers are running a
Show and Shine in Tecumseh Park. Motorcycle owners can take part for $5 to enter in four different categories.
Proceeds will also go to the Goodfellows.
Later in the month, the CMC will run a poker run – on July 25 – which will feature a number of stops around Chatham-Kent. Proceeds again will support the Goodfellows.
On Sept. 27, the CMC will lead a ride through the municipality, stopping at various cenotaph locations. The proceeds from this endeavour will help support the Veterans’ Tribute Garden in Chatham.
The Chatham Voice
Food pantry has new look, better security
By Michael Bennett Local Journalism Initiative The Ridgetown Independent
The FreeHelpCK pantry at the Br. 243 Legion in Ridgetown is back up and running, providing free food to the less fortunate in the community after being down for about a month.
The original wooden structure had fallen into disarray and needed to be replaced.
“It took a little longer than we expected,” said Kim Scoyne, FreeHelpCK’s local representative, about the program’s return.
The new cabinet, featuring a Royal Canadian Legion theme wrap created by Impact Design, is located in front of Br. 243. The Legion also provides space inside for a refrigerator for FreeHelpCK to store donated food items such as milk and eggs. The cabinet is packed with non-perishable food items donated by individuals, businesses, and organizations, as well as food purchased by Scoyne through financial donations.
Scoyne also collects items from Foodland through Second Harvest, a food rescue organization that partners with local grocery stores to donate items nearing best-before dates to community groups, such as FreeHelpCK, instead of throwing them away.
Individuals who would like to donate non-perishable food can simply place their items in the cabinet at any time.
Donors are reminded to check the expiration date on their items.
Nicole Rumble, a local caterer, donates full meals throughout the week, which she has been doing since the fall of 2024 after learning about the FreeHelpCK pantry.
Community members are asked to take no more than four items per day, which is noted prominently on the new cabinet, along with a ‘Smile, You’re On Cam-
era’ reminder that the area is under surveillance.
Scoyne said there have been incidents in the past where individuals have taken large amounts of the food items –sometimes cleaning out the pantry – leaving others who need food with nothing.
“Hopefully this keeps people honest,” Scoyne said about the cameras.
When the surveillance camera captures persons who abuse the system, local volunteers use the tape to identify the individuals, who receive a visit to remind them of the food pantry’s purpose and limit.
Scoyne said the need for food assistance in the community is growing.
“I was filling the pantry last week and two people – one in a car and another walking – who I had never seen before, were picking up items,” she said.
“The need is really there.”
Geri Hughson, founder of FreeHelpCK, and Ward 6 Coun. Alysson Storey – who has a summer home in Rondeau Park – attended the reopening of the pantry. Hughson said the Ridgetown pantry is one of nine across Chatham-Kent that is operated by FreeHelpCK. She said the pantry is for non-perishable food only, not for clothing or other donations.
Hughson recently spoke at a Chatham Rotary Club meeting attended by Storey, where she learned of the Ridgetown pantry’s re-opening.
“Food insecurity is an issue that’s really important to me,” said Storey, who organizes an annual benefit concert during the Christmas holidays to support local food banks. “The food pantries across Chatham-Kent are critical to help keep people fed. I wish we didn’t need them, but there are a lot of people who are struggling.”
Photo courtesy The Ridgetown Indetpendent News
Kim Scoyne, Geri Hughson, Amy Smith, Alysson Storey, Anthony Schepanowski and Dustyn Lachine stand beside the newly replaced FreeHelpCK food pantry outside the Br. 243 Legion in Ridgetown.
Did you know?
The Canadian flag is an integral component of Canada Day celebrations every July 1st. The redand-white flag with a Maple Leaf prominently displayed can be seen waving from atop poles at municipal buildings and on private homes across the country. Canada Day celebrates the anniversary of Canadian Confederation, when Canada was created as a new, domestically self-governing federation on July 1, 1867. Despite Canada’s birthday occurring in 1867, a national flag did not accompany the creation of Canadian federation, with the Union Jack and other British flags still being seen as sufficient. The quest for a national flag gained steam in the early 20th century, but attempts to create a flag in both 1925 and 1946 didn’t see the light of day. A committee was formed in the 1960s to receive submissions of new national flag designs. Eventually George Stanley’s design, consisting of panels of red and white with a centered maple leaf, was chosen by a committee. The new Maple Leaf Flag became official by royal proclamation on February 15, 1965. The Maple Leaf already had emerged as a symbol of Canadian identity so it made sense that it should feature on the national flag.
Happy Birthday Canada!
Tuesday, June 30
5:00pm - 10:00pm.
Canada Day Celebration & Fireworks
Oaks Retirement Village, Wallaceburg
Parking is available at QuoVadis, Canadian Tire, Walmart
Dollarama and surrounding parking lots.
Water Table Play Station - 6pm - 8pm
Face Painting - 6pm - 8pm
2 Very Special Mascots - 6pm - 7pm
Wednesday, July 1
7:00pm - 9:00pm.
Summer Concerts in the Park
Tecumseh Park, Chatham
Bring your whole family and your lawn chair!
GENTRY MANOR
COLOUR ME CANADIAN
CONTEST RULES:
Drop off or send in by July 2, 2026 at 3:30pm to The Chatham Voice, 71 Sass Rd, #4., Chatham, ON. N7M 5J4 (open Mon-Fri 9:30-3:30) or email a copy to michelle@chathamvoice.com
The draw will take place on July 3 at 10:00am and the winner will be contacted by phone. Newspaper employees and their families may not participate in this contest.
Wednesday, July 1
Canada Day at Red Barn Brewing
12:00pm - 5:00pm.
20466 Lagoon Rd, Blenheim
20+ Vendors • Music & Food Trucks All Day
Wednesday, July 1
Canada Day at Glad Tidings Church
6:00pm10:00pm.
403 Chatham St., Blenheim
Admission is Free
• Games for kids
• Live Music
• Local Dance & Gymnastics Groups
• Food available
• Birthday Cake
• Fireworks!
Wednesday, July 1
Timber Ridge Event Centre, 11573 Ridge Line, Blenheim
5:00pm - 10:00pm
Admission is Free Venue opens to public at 5pm
• Live Music 6:00pm-10:00pm
• Philly Cheese Jakes • Riverside Ice Cream
• Face Painting • Balloon Twisting • Kids Zone • Bar will be open • Fireworks at 10:00pm
Wednesday, July 1
Canada Day at the Wallaceburg & District Museum
10:00am - 4:00pm.
505 King St., Wallaceburg
• Kids Games
• Bouncy Castle
• Baldoon Days
• Plinko • Fish Pond
• Bean Bag Toss
• Rope Making
• Storytelling
Notable moments in the history of Canada Day
Canadians celebrate the creation of Canada each year on July 1. Canada Day commemorates the union of the territories of Canada, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick into the Dominion of Canada. As Canadians prepare to celebrate Canada Day this July, they can consider the history of this beloved holiday.
• The British North America Act, 1867 is passed: Known today as the Constitution Act, 1867, this historic act created Canada and declared that the union it created would commence on July 1.
• Lord Monck asks all to celebrate, 1868: Lord Charles Stanley Monck was the last Governor-General of the Province of Canada and the first Governor General of Canada. The Government of Canada notes that Lord Monck signed a proclamation on June 20, 1868, requesting that all subjects of Her Majesty Queen Victoria celebrate the creation of Canada on July 1.
• Canada Day is formalized as a holiday, 1879: While many celebrated the creation of Canada upon Lord Monck’s request in 1868, July 1 was not established as a statutory holiday until May 15, 1879.
That day was initially designated as Dominion Day, which alluded to the characterization of the country as a dominion in the British North America Act, 1867.
• Canadian Confederation is celebrated in grand style, 1967: The 100th anniversary of Confederation was celebrated with Parliament Hill as the backdrop in grand fashion on July 1, 1967. Among those in attendance is Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who also attends the festivities 43 years later with His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh by her side.
• The holiday gets a new name, 1982: Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau wanted to change the name of Dominion Day to Canada Day after patriating the Canadian Constitution on April 17, 1982. While Trudeau was unable to pull that off before July 1, it wasn’t long before he got his wish. Nine days after celebrating Dominion Day on July 1, 1982, a measure to change the name made it through the House of Commons, and Trudeau announced the new name to cheers of applause that evening.
Canada Day is a day to celebrate Canadian culture and the nation as a whole.
Such celebrations may be even more meaningful for those aware of the history of this beloved holiday.
Stephenson switches from news to politics
I enjoy doing biographies on people that I believe have provided a great contribution towards the betterment of Chatham, and one such person was Rufus Stephenson. He was born at Springfield, Mass. in 1835 and came to Chatham in the early 1850s to apprentice, as a journalist, at the Kent Advertiser which eventually became what is now The Chatham News.
John
Stephenson’s job, as promised, was not forthcoming, so he then switched his allegiance to the Chatham Weekly Planet and it was probably at this
juncture that he developed his Conservative leanings.
In 1857, at the age of just 22, Rufus gained control of the Planet and held that interest until 1878 when he sold out to his son Sydney.
Rufus would gladly support any project, or proposition, that would create growth and jobs including plebiscites to bonus industrial projects and railway acquisitions.
During his early days in Chatham, he volunteered in just about every cause and organization including a stint as chief of the volunteer fire
department. He soon became a very popular citizen and this led to an elected position on town council.
He afterwards became the first three term mayor of the town, and in 1867, he defeated incumbent Archie McKellar to become the first post-Confederation MP for the federal riding of West Kent (Chatham-Kent–Leamington) and was to be the first three term MP for the riding.
He retired from politics in the latter 1880s – never having lost an election.
Late in his life, Rufus Stephenson received a federal patronage appointment as customs collector at Winnipeg. Rufus Stephenson died in 1901 and reposes in Old Ward F, Maple Leaf Cemetery.
Good news for Good Shepherd
Upgrades at the Thamesville’s Good Shepherd Catholic School will see the expansion of child-care programming in East Kent.
Awarded by the St. Clair Catholic District School
Board June 16, the $895,444 project includes mechanical, accessibility and washroom improvements, as well as the reopening of a closed classroom to create a new 24-space preschool room. It will feature its own dedicated outdoor play area and separate entrance. The contract has
been awarded to Agri-Urban Building Inc. in Dresden. The board is collaborating with the Municipality of Chatham-Kent and the Thamesville and Area Learning Centre child-care provider on the effort.
Funding will come from School Condition Improvement funds, accessibility funding and third-party support through the municipality directly supported by the Ministry of Education.
In a future Chatham Voice column, I will tell you about his remarkable son, Sydney Stephenson.
Sydenham River Slope Stabilization: Sydenham Street Municipal Class Environmental Assessment
Notice of Study Commencement and Public Information Centre
The Project
The Municipality of Chatham-Kent is undertaking a Schedule “B” Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (MCEA) to investigate the need for slope stabilization along the Sydenham River near 455 and 459 Sydenham Street in the community of Dresden. The Municipality has retained CIMA+ to complete the study in accordance with the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act (October 2000, as amended 2023 and 2024)
The study aims to improve safety by assessing the need for upgrades to existing road safety devices, addressing potential slope stability/erosion concerns, and examining the need for improved drainage and culvert replacement. The study will review available background information, identify and evaluate alternative solutions, and select a preferred alternative to support long-term road viability and safety.
Have Your Say and Learn More!
We invite you to join us at the Public Information Centre. The event will be a drop-in style session (no formal presentation) where we will have information on the study, emerging findings, and present the preliminary preferred solution.
Public Information Centre for the Sydenham River Slope Stabilization at Sydenham Street
Date: Thursday, July 9, 2026
Time: 5:30 to 7:30 PM
Location: Dresden Hall @ Ken Houston Memorial Agricultural Centre, Dresden
An online information package, including a copy of the information boards, will be posted to the study webpage following the event at https://www.letstalkchatham-kent.ca/sydenham-river. The purpose of this online engagement is to review and obtain public input on existing conditions, alternative solutions, and the selection of a preferred alternative. The comment period will be open until July 23, 2026.
If you have any questions, comments, or wish to be added to the study mailing list, please visit the Let’s Talk page to get in touch with one of the project managers listed below.
Chelsea Field Project Manager Municipality of Chatham-Kent ck311@chatham-kent.ca 519-360-1998
Michael Murray Consultant Project Manager CIMA+ michael.murray@cima.ca 289-288-0287 ext. 6836
Contributed image
Rufus Stephenson, publisher, mayor, MP for West Kent.
Rhodes
The Chatham Voice
Cultural nominations are open
The Chatham Voice
The CK Cultural Hall of Fame is 44 names long and growing, and it is looking for advice on who to add to it this year. The council wants the public to determine who is next. Nominations are open.
Now in its fifth year, this local award celebrates the impact people from Chatham-Kent have on global arts and culture.
The CK Cultural Hall of Fame is presented by the CK Arts Council (CKAC).
The Hall of Fame celebrates individuals whose passion and talent have
shaped not only our local landscape, but also Canadian and world culture.
Honourees include ShaeLyn Bourne, Michelle Wright, Sylvia Tyson, June Caldwell, Robertson Davies and many more.
“The number of world-renowned people who got their start in Chatham-Kent is staggering,” said Vicki McFarland, CKAC interim chair, in a media release. “However, the Cultural Hall of Fame is not just about the luminaries, it is also about recognizing the individuals who built our cultural organizations, nurtured and mentored the next gener-
Still time to nominate a senior
June is Seniors’ Month meaning it’s time celebrate older adults who contribute to the community.
To that end, the Municipality of Chatham-Kent is accepting nominations for the 2026 Senior of the Year award. The winner and others will be recognized at the Aging Well Conference set to take place at Hidden Hills Golf & Country Club Sept. 16. According to a municipal media release, Mayor Darrin Canniff and council wish to thank older adults aged 60 and beyond for their volunteer efforts in building Chatham-Kent, marking significant milestones and achievements.
“We are asking for the public’s help,” the mayor said in the release. “Everyone knows someone who has made a difference – whether through a group or as an individual.
ations, and invested their talent and passion into creating a cultural landscape rich with music, visual art, dance, performance, and writers.”
To access the nomination form online visit ckartscouncil.ca/nominationform.
“The Hall of Fame is
truly a community project,” says Lee Highgate, CK Cultural Hall of Fame committee chair. “Your direct input via the nomination process keeps the Cultural Hall of Fame relevant and vibrant. We are looking for recommendations of individuals and groups across six artistic
Lynn Walker
Wednesday, June 10, 2026
Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home
David Wayne Rulens
59, Monday, June 15, 2026
Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home
Laura Ayres
68, Wednesday, June 17, 2026
Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home
Anita Trepanier
84, Friday, June 19, 2026
Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home
Wanda Chesney-Travis
76, Saturday, June 6, 2026
Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Bonnie Swartz
This is your chance to tell us about that person so we can acknowledge their contributions.”
Dating back to the 1980s, the C-K senior awards are a long-standing tradition with more than 1,000 folks being recognized.
Nominations can be submitted on the Let’s Talk CK webpage until June 30. For people without a computer, call 519-360-1998 ext. 3001 for assistance. Nomination forms are also available at Chatham-Kent Municipal Centres located in Chatham, Blenheim, Dresden, Ridgetown, Tilbury and Wallaceburg, as well as all library branches. An impartial panel has been selected to judge the entries. For more information, contact Chatham Coun. Alysson Storey, C-K chair of the Celebration of Older Adults, at 519-3505689, or the mayor’s office at 519-360-1998 ext. 3001.
76, Sunday, June 14, 2026
Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Loretta Robertson
87, Thursday June 11, 2026
Alexander & Houle Funeral Home
Edmond Mailloux
81, Friday, June 12, 2026
Alexander & Houle Funeral Home
disciplines – dance, literary arts, music, theatre arts, visual arts, and cultural builders.”
The committee will select individuals from the six categories, and nominations can include living and deceased individuals who will be recognized as legacy recipients. Induct-
OBITUARIES
Edith Lane
Saturday, June 13, 2026
Alexander & Houle Funeral Home
Adolf Hoffman
92, Thursday June 18th, 2026 Alexander & Houle Funeral Home
Donald Frederick Smart
90, Monday, June 8, 2026 Life Transitions
Jennie Kachno 95, Wednesday, June 10, 2026 Life Transitions
Hughie Van Kesteren 77, Friday, June 12, 2026 Life Transitions
Dr. John Christopher Payne 78, Friday, June 12, 2026 Life Transitions
Elizabeth Mary McDougall 70, Sunday, June 14, 2026 Life Transitions
Frances Ann Patrick 92, Tuesday January 20, 2026 Life Transitions
ees will have their photo and biography mounted on a plaque to be on permanent display at the Chatham Cultural Centre. Awards will be presented at the CKAC’s annual CK Cultural Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony & Celebration scheduled for Oct. 22.
Mary Ellen Crow 88, Saturday, June 13, 2026 Cavanagh Funeral Home
Stella Janssens 72, Sunday, June 14, 2026 Cavanagh Funeral Home
David Nahdee 61, Monday, June 15, 2026 Cavanagh Funeral Home
Brad Green 68, Wednesday, June 10, 2026 McKinlay Funeral Home
T. Keith Browning 85, Monday, May 18, 2026 McKinlay Funeral Home
Mary Anne Chapple Sunday, June 14, 2026 McKinlay Funeral Home
Kate Maher 62, Sunday, June 14, 2026 McKinlay Funeral Home
Steve Nguyen 34, Tuesday, June 16, 2026 McKinlay Funeral Home
The Chatham Voice
Community Events
Thursday, June 25, 2026:
• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am–9:30pm. The kitchen is open to serve lunch from 11:00am–1:30pm. Come check out our daily specials. Senior Euchre starts at 1:00pm. Members & non-members welcome.
• Join us every Thursday afternoon from 1-4pm at the Merlin Legion for a Music Jam. Donations welcome. So bring out your singing voice and instruments to have a great afternoon!!
• Come join us for our monthly Community Meal @ St. Paul’s Congregational Church, 450 Park Ave W from 5:306:30pm. Everyone welcome.
• Lunch at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St from 11am-1:30pm. Daily specials and menu items available.
Friday, June 26, 2026:
• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am-9:30pm. The kitchen is open to serve lunch 11:00am-1:30pm. Supper will be served 4:00–6:00pm. No orders after 5:30pm. Tonight’s specials are Liver & Onions or Fish & Chips, $15.00(HST included). Take out available by calling 519-351-8733 or 519-351-5639. 5:15pm is weekly Catch-The-Ace draw (tickets can be purchased at the bar). Fun Darts at 7:00pm. Members & non-members welcome.
• Come and join us at the Merlin Legion for some amazing BBQ Brisket Dinner. Please call 519-689-4884 for more information.
• Running Creek Ministry Guest speaker: Joe Amaral. Joe is an influential speaker and bestselling author with 20+ years of studying Jesus through the lens of ancient history and culture. 7pm Everyone is welcome! Email: runningcreekministry@gmail.com.
• Lunch at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St from 11am-1:30pm. Daily specials and menu items available. Friday night supper is a Salisbury Steak dinner with potatoes, vegetable, coleslaw and a bun. Dine ins $14 and pickup $15. All meals are served at 6pm. Please call 519-352-8291 to order.
Saturday, June 27, 2026:
• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am-9:30pm. Meat draws at 3:30, 4:30 & 5:30pm ending with a 50/50. Kitchen is open 3:00pm-5:30pm. Come check out our menu. Entertainment by Unity Station band 4:30-9:30pm. Members & non-members welcome.
• Wallaceburg Baldoon Paddle Event. The Wallaceburg & District Museum invite you to a 20K race from Port Lambton to Wallaceburg or a recreational 5K paddle at Crothers Park. Post-race fun at Glasstown Brewery with music and pizza. Canoe, Kayaks & Paddleboards. Register online: https://wburgmuseumsite.wixsite.com/wallaceburg-baldoon.
• Join CKRecreation for Erieau Beachside Discovery Day from 10am–2pm at the beach pavilion. Enjoy sharing information and resources from local organizations, fun outdoor activities for all ages, yoga sessions at 11 am & 1 pm & pickleball happening all day. Whether you’re looking to move, learn, or just enjoy the shoreline, this is your day. Bring your friends and family and join the fun! No registration. No cost. Just show up and enjoy. Learn more: www.Chatham-Kent.ca/Recreation.
• Trillium Village Parking Lot Yard Sale. Spaces available 519-351-0003. BBQ for Journey’s Recovery House.
• Running Creek Ministry Guest speaker: Joe Amaral. Joe is an influential speaker and bestselling author with 20+ years of studying Jesus through the lens of ancient history and culture. 8:30am. Everyone is welcome! Men’s breakfast RSVP 519-328-5672 by June 20. Email: runningcreekministry@gmail.com.
• Bake / Yard Sale at Campbell AME Church, 104 King St. E., Chatham. 8:30am-Noon. Something for everyone! Come check it out!
Sunday, June 28, 2026:
• Dawn Valley United Church, 507 Dawn Valley Rd, Tupperville (Corner of Lambton Line & Dawn Valley Rd) Super Senior Sunday at 4 pm. 4 part harmony music program featuring award winning Gentlemen of Song, Resolution Quartet
Ontario, an cappella vocal group based out of Sarnia, ON. Light supper to follow. Freewill offering. Please wear red & white and join us for a time of fellowship & music.
• Classic Country Jamboree at the Merlin Legion from 1:30-5:30pm followed by a delicious beer battered fish dinner with 3 sides plus dessert. $20 include entry. Bring your singing voice and dancing shoes and enjoy a great afternoon! Call Lori at 519-476-5870 to book your spot
• Two Creeks welcomes Unity Station to its stage at 6pm. These talented musicians bring country music of the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s to our stage. No admission, but we do pass the hat. Food and drink by the Scouts. Lots of parking. twocreeks.ca.
• You are cordially invited to Canoes To Commerce: Wheatley’s Fishing History Plaque Unveiling at the Wheatley Harbour, Kay Avenue, Wheatley at 10:00am. Coffee, conversation and light refreshments begin at 9:00am before the ceremony and the day’s Wheatley Fish Festival events.
• Breakfast at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St from 9amNoon. All meals are cooked to order. Everyone welcome.
Tuesday, June 30, 2026:
• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am–9:30pm. The kitchen is open to serve lunch from 11:00am–1:30pm. 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, July 1, 2026:
• Canada Day at the Wallaceburg & District Museum. 505 King St., Wallaceburg. 10:00am-4:00pm. Kids’ Games – FREE. Bouncy castle & more. BBQ, cooling station, raffle tickets, free museum tours, freezies, popcorn, vendors and more!
SUGAR ROAD SUGAR ROAD
Written by Kristen Da Silva
Fun Stuff
64. Relating to passerine birds
65. Arrange systematically
CLUES DOWN
1. Colorless fluid
2. Of a main artery
3. Photographer’s tool
4. Blues Traveler hit “But __”
5. Grew older
6. Not the leader
7. __ Lang (country singer)
8. A driver’s license is one
9. Nests of pheasants
10. Wildebeests
13. Equal to one quintillion bytes
CLUES ACROSS
1. Nocturnal S. American rodent
5. Requesting
11. Give temporarily
12. Excitedness
16. Armed Forces branch
17. Actor Harris
18. Middle Eastern capital
19. Air hostesses
24. Partner to “Pa”
25. Percussion instrument
26. Popular computers
27. Reduce light
28. Asian mountain range
29. Every one of two or more
30. Absence of difficulty
31. A public announcement of a proposed marriage
33. Whittles
34. Impact
38. Serviceman
39. A French river
40. Prehistoric people
43. Messenger ribonucleic acid
44. __ Clapton, musician
45. Ancient Greek sophist
49. Largest English dictionary (abbr.)
50. Singer Hansard
51. A way to disentangle
53. Atomic #93
54. Manifesting approval
56. Indigo bush
58. Former AL MVP Vaughn
59. Off-Broadway theater award
60. Fencers
63. Small Eurasian deer (pl.)
14. Japanese three-stringed lute
15. Type of cat
20. It cools your home
21. The ancient Egyptian sun god
22. Pouches
23. German trigraph
27. Form of Persian
29. Measurement unit
30. Body part
31. Bridge building degree
32. Indicates position
33. Political action committee
34. Snack food
35. Front part of a quadruped
36. Locate
37. Pitching statistic
38. __, myself and I
40. City in Utah
41. They play in the trenches
42. “Can’t Touch This” rapper __ Hammer
44. Type of tree
45. Performers
46. Slang for mistake
47. More open
48. Most slick
50. Needles
51. University of Dayton
52. Atomic #11
54. Large fish of the mackerel family
55. Not any
57. __ and behold
61. Popular sports highlight show (abbr.)
62. “The Great Lakes State”
Classifieds
Please join us for a CELEBRATION OF LIFE in honour of...
Keith Wellwood
Saturday, June 27th, 2026
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
MERLIN COMMUNITY HALL
150 Aberdeen Street, Merlin, ON
Guests are invited to enjoy a light luncheon at 1:30 pm, followed by a short presentation of remembrance and reflection at 2:30 pm. Casual attire.
MORTGAGES / LOANS
Dan Toth June 28, 2013
There are two moments I’ll carry with me forever. The day we met, and the day I lost you. One filled my heart with love. The other left it filled with longing. And ever since the day I lost you, a part of me has been missing too. I smile when I remember the love we shared but my heart still aches for the moments we’ll never get to have. Until we meet again, I will carry your memory, your love, and the emptiness you left behind. Love always, your wife, Carol.
For Sale
Good year donut spare tire & rim $100. Retail $200. Delonghi Electric stand up oil filled radiator heater $25. Danby portable dehumidifier.
Dan Toth - June 28, 2013
In Loving Memory
Robert “Rob” McKinley
November 11, 1967 - June 26, 2025
In Our Hearts
We though of you today. But that is nothing new. We thought about you yesterday. And days before that too. We think of you in silence. We often speak your name. Now all we have are memories. And your picture in a frame. Your memory is our keepsake. With which we’ll never part. God has you in his keeping. We have you in our heart.
There’s a part of me that’s still just a daughter who didn’t get enough time with her Dad. Not enough “I love yous”, not enough conversations, not enough life lived side by side and that kind of loss . . it doesn’t tie itself up neatly, it lingers, it echoes, it says unfinished. People like to talk about closure, but when someone you love leaves too soon, there is no clean ending. Just a lifetime of missing what should of been. Miss and Love You Daddy, Tammy, xoxo
June 30th, 2024 ~ 2 years ago
Our lives go on without you
But nothing is the same
We have to hide our heartache
When someone speaks your name Sad are the hearts that love you Silent are the tears that fall Living without you is the hardest part of all
Capacity pints 55 / liters 26. $100. Retail $200 plus. Phone 519-3597973.
The special years will not return When we are all together But with the love in our hearts You walk with us forever.
Coming Events ALL
COINS
Silk Cemetery Saddle Arrangements. Everyday/ Holidays. Readyto-go. Many colours available. $40. 519-3543411
Wanted
WE BUY GOLD! Best prices paid. Call for Free Estimates 519-4367229. Wanted to Buy: Antiques, costume jewellery, gold, silver, coins, military, furniture, tools. We Buy All - Paid Cash. 519-7278894.
Call to place your ad in the classifieds! Phone 519-397-2020.
Silver Canada, USA World Coins for Sale? FREE ESTIMATES BUYING
Wednesday, July 1 • 9am-4pm Wallaceburg Museum 505 King St., Wallaceburg
Wednesday, July 15 • 9am-4pm Blenheim Legion 34 Catherine St., Blenheim Thursday, July 16 • 9am-4pm Active Lifestyle Centre 20 Merrit Ave, Chatham
Appointments available GOLD SILVER ALL COINS ALWAYS PAYING MORE THAN THE BROCHURE FROM QUEBEC BEST TO DEAL LOCAL!
House calls available. Dan Jones B.A.B.Ed 519-818-1805 TOP PRICES PAID
Help Wanted
HIRING - Forklift Technician and Sales Representative. J. Adams Industrial Forklifts. Call for details 519-3519455. admin@ adamsforklifts. com.
CARRIERS NEEDED in the following areas: Craven Coatsworth Cantebury McNaughton W Chippewa Tanser Contact Michelle michelle@ chathamvoice. com for more info!
June 27, 2026 Spaces available 519-351-0003 BBQ for Journey’s Recovery House
Announcement
Chatham Baptist Chapel “Come out, All Are Welcome” Sunday Services 11am and 7pm Wednesday Bible Study 7pm Go to www.chathambaptistchapel. com to watch sermons.
Handyman Services. Eavestrough cleaning & repair. Junk removal, grass cutting & other small jobs. Call 519-352-5414 or 226-627-5414. Services
Mortgage Money Available Private lender offering private mortgages at reasonable rates. For more info call 519-436-7229. Mortgages
Always loved by Tammy, Mom, Brandi, Shelby, Aarron, Cody, Donna, Randy & Your Family
Obituaries
Donald F. Smart
Classifieds
Obituaries
Obituaries
passed away peacefully on Monday, June 8, 2026 at the age of 90. A boating lover at heart, Don is survived by his wife Dinah, daughter Deborah Froats (Paul), granddaughters Ashley Weiss (Joe), Courtney Parker (Travis), and Kimberley Froats (Kyle). He is loved by his great grandchildren Jack, Charlie, and Eleanor Parker. Also survived by his brother Dave (Jan), and nephews Sean (Kim), Brad (Kathy), and Brian (Jennifer). Don is also loved by his great nephews Kevin, lan, Adam, and Aidan, and his great niece Elyssa. Cremation has occurred. Don’s family will be remembering him privately.
Edith Lane
Edith was a caring, persistent and boundlessly generous woman. She was born in 1930, and met the love of her life, Jim (James) Lane, in a dance hall at the age of 19. She said of the dance hall, and we assume in life, “for some reason or another, we always ended up together.” They were married 76 years. Throughout her life she gardened religiously, saying that she enjoyed watching small things grow. She also loved to sew, a skillset she learned quite young and used to ensure her loved ones were remarkably dressed-in one case to the surprise of a doubting sewing teacher who did not believe she would be able to finish a tweed jacket for her son. That teacher later showed off Edith’s work as her prized student. In her youth she played a variety of sports, transitioning into golf and curling in adulthood. Her competitive nature facilitated her rise to infamy as the family card shark, instilling either relief or fear depending on which game was afoot, and if you were lucky enough to be her partner. As retirees, Edith and Jim travelled extensively, leading tours all over the world and oftentimes returning with travel tales only the most experienced of jet-setters could share. She is survived by her husband Jim, her four children, Linda (Reno), Deborah, Bradley (Charlotte) and Kelly (David), six grandchildren, and six great grandchildren. We will remember her caring nature, her honesty, her careful forethought, and the example she set to always be the best that she could be. “If you’re going to do something, do it right”, she would say. Together we learned from her how to build a beautiful life. We learned how to weave a fierce, expansive love into every day. We learned what it means to show up…for yourself, for your family, for your community. She worked very hard all her life. She has earned her time to rest. Family and friends are invited to St. Ursula’s Parish, 205 Tweedsmuir Ave W, Chatham, on Thursday July 2nd, 2026, with visiting from 10 am to 11 am. A memorial mass will follow at 11 am. Cremation to take place. Arrangements entrusted to the Alexander & Houle Funeral Home, 245 Wellington St. West, Chatham, 519-352-2710. Friends planning an expression of remembrance are asked to consider the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Foundation or Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation. On-line condolences may be left at www.alexanderandhoulefuneralhome.ca
At the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, Marie “Aline” Walker passed away peacefully at the age of 89. Born in Ruscomb, Ontario in 1936, she was the cherished daughter of the late Bernadette (Tremblay) and Lawrence Bissonnette. Lynn is now reunited with her beloved husband of 59 years, William “Bill” Walker (2018). Loving Mother of: Richard “Rick” (Lisa) Walker and Maureen (Kevin) Fischer. Cherished Grandmother of: Cole, Dove, Zoe, Rosie, and Sawyer. Dear Sister of Dennis Bissonnette and Pete (Sharon) Bissonnette. Predeceased by her beloved sons Brian, Billy Joe, and Tom; her sisters Margaret (Jerry) Joyal, Martha Bissonnette (John Duke) and Rose Bissonnette and her brothers Ted (Debbie) Bissonnette, Frank Bissonnette and Henry Bissonnette. Lynn was a devoted caregiver for most of her life. She trained as a nurse at Hôtel-Dieu Hospital in Windsor, graduating in 1958. She began her career there all while raising her five children. When the family moved to Chatham, Lynn continued her nursing career at St. Joseph’s Hospital and later at Copper Terrace. Even after retirement, Lynn’s nurturing spirit never wavered. She became a full-time caregiver to her sister Martha and Bill’s mother, Ivy, in the big house on Victoria Ave. Later, she poured that same love into caring for her grandchildren. Together, they went on countless adventures to the park, yard sales, and the Wednesday Market. Lynn loved using her “Nana Card” to spoil them, which often included ice cream before dinner! Distance didn’t diminish her bonds; she always looked forward to her calls out west to chat with Sawyer and hear all about her life. Lynn was an incredibly talented cook, known for canning vegetables, baking delicious shortbread, and hosting giant family meals. She also spent many quiet hours crocheting cozy afghans for those she loved. For fun, she loved visiting the Windsor Casino to play the slots and win some cash. Lynn spent five happy years at the Grand Retirement Living, where she reconnected with old friends and made many new ones. While there, she enjoyed exercise classes, crafting, and making cards for every occasion. She spent her final days at Copper Terrace, returning to the very place where she once took care of others, now receiving that same tender care from their lovely staff. We want to thank all the staff who cared for Lynn while she lived there. Lynn and Bill loved to travel together. Over their 59 years of marriage, they went to Florida many times, enjoyed a cruise to Alaska, visited Bill’s family out west, her sister Margaret in Michigan, and took trips to Alberta to see Maureen, Kevin, and Sawyer. Lynn loved to celebrate birthdays. After singing, she would always enthusiastically wish the guest of honor, “...and many more!” We now wish her “many more” happy days in heaven, reunited with Bill, Brian, Billy Joe, and Tommy. As per the wishes of the family, cremation has taken place. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. John The Evangelist Catholic Church (Woodslee) on August 1, 2026 at 11 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation would be greatly appreciated by the family.
James Richard “Rick” Ball July 31, 1953 – June 10, 2026 It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of James Richard “Rick” Ball on June 10, 2026, in Sydney, Nova Scotia, at the age of 72. Rick was born on July 31, 1953, and was a man whose quiet strength, kindness, and generosity touched the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know him. He spent more than 30 years working at Navistar in Chatham, Ontario, where he was respected for his dedication, strong work ethic, and willingness to lend a helping hand. Outside of his career, Rick worked alongside his father on the family farm for many years, a role that reflected his love of hard work, family, and the simple values that guided his life. To know Rick was to know kindness. He was the type of person who would stop what he was doing to help someone in need, never expecting anything in return. He offered his time freely, listened without judgment, and gave generously of himself. His gentle nature, quiet humour, and unwavering loyalty will be deeply missed by all who loved him. Rick leaves behind his beloved wife, Janet Deneau; his sons, Jason Ball and his wife Lori, and Stephen Ball; his mother, Ruth Ball; and his sisters, W.J. Leah Hanes and Tamara McAllister. He was a proud grandfather to Taylor, Rebekah, Chloe, Wyatt, and Averie, and a cherished stepfather to Janet’s children, Jonathan, Nikki, and Charles. He was also a loving step-grandfather to Hailey, Ethan, Roxanne, and Sydney. Rick will be fondly remembered by his nieces and nephews: Jami and Whitt Wagner; Elliott and Julie Hanes; McKenzie McAllister and Ian Driver; and Chase and Alexis McAllister. He also held a special place in the hearts of his great-nieces and great-nephews, Hollis Wagner, Otto Wagner, Rayne McAllister, Ethan Driver. He was predeceased by his father, Lyle Ball, whose example of hard work and family devotion helped shape the man Rick became. Although our hearts are broken, we take comfort in the countless acts of kindness Rick shared throughout his life and in the memories of a man who always put others before himself. His legacy is not found in grand gestures, but in the everyday goodness he showed to family, friends, neighbours, and strangers alike. Honouring Rick’s wishes, there will be no funeral service. A Celebration of Life will be announced and held at a later date, allowing family and friends the opportunity to gather, share memories, and celebrate the remarkable man he was. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has offered support, prayers, and compassion during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Rick’s memory may be made to New St. Andrew’s Church, 8314 St. Andrews Line, N7M 5J8, or to Outreach for Hunger Chatham. Forever loved, deeply missed, and always remembered.
maria! it’s ray. are you hearing my internal wiFi Com?
by tony gray
synopsis:
‘Gunner’ menard and ‘Cigarette’ mousseau have given the retrofest less than 8 hours to give up the AL pachismo 1928 vintage cadillac or the thames gang will flood all of chatham. raymond cole (the conduit) who was at the unveiling of the auto has a plan to thwart the nefarious plan... if maria pasqua can confirm the plan’s viability...
if you read me, i need to know how much energy it would take to displace 16 Inches of water covering a two mile radius?
will i be able to clear up a flood the size that i described? i know that i am pushing it, but i did used to bench 300 pounds in high school!
if we convert the water’s volume to weight that’s over one billion pounds. that would require 16.8 billion joules of energy to move it. way more than yo’ve ever handled.
a 5 Hour energy drink isn’t going to cut it! you’re going to need serious energy boosters to pull this off. luckily, i know just a guy who can help you out!
i have you on my speaker phone. i’m glad that you called. i’ve been trying to reach you.
your current outfit has done its job to keep your powers under control, but you may be outgrowing its capabilities.
HA! when you first gained your powers, we wrongly thought they were incredible, but static. my latest data indicates that your powers have increased many times since then. your current suit is not capable of handling that level of stress. but, fortunately, i sent an upgraded suit that’s waiting for you at your new apartment.
send me the guy’s contact info as soon as possible i only have about eight hours to keep this city above water!
and all characters©2026 by Tony Gray and GlassMonkey Studios
