The Chatham Voice, May 7, 2026 by Chatham Voice

Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice

a Bio-Tech experiment gone wrong has left student, raymond cole, with the ability to absorb And channel energy through his body. maria pasqua, is a mechanical engineer who has developed a suit to assist raymond in controlling his new powers. with his student lab in shambles after the explosion, raymond has been transferred to the chatham, ontario college campus to continue his studies... and his adventures as his heroic alter-ego, the conduit

This new outfit that maria designed gives more control over my powers than ever before, but the non-conductive fabric is no fun to wear in this heatwave!

who am i to complain? after the explosion, i expected to be expelled from school, not receive an offer to continue my studies and get a new job!!

I have a new start here in chatham, and for once, i won’t let the conduit blow it!

There’s no rest for the conduit as he moves to chatham and finds himself ‘up the river’ in the pulsepounding tale we’re calling...

tony gray

NEXT WEEK: Raymond Joins the team at The Chatham Voice!!

Tony Gray and GlassMonkey Studios

Superhero comes to The Voice

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

Comic artist Tony Gray and The Incredible Conduit are joining The Chatham Voice.

Gray, who has worked with the likes of Marvel and DC Comics, will see his superhero character come to life on the pages of The Voice.

The artist sees it as a great fit.

“I love newspapers,” Gray, a former prepress supervisor at several daily newspapers in Ontario, said. “

Gray, a Windsor native,

calls Chatham his home these days, or at least part of the time, as he still has his studio in Windsor.

As for The Conduit, Gray’s superhero, he is following somewhat in his artist’s footsteps.

Raymond Cole, The Conduit’s secret identity, has moved to Chatham after being in Windsor. After an explosion destroyed his student lab in Windsor, Cole shifts to Chatham to attend St. Clair College here, and work part-time as an investigative journalist for The Voice.

The Incredible Conduit will appear weekly in this

newspaper, starting with “Trouble on the Thames.”

His love of comics, specifically of The Amazing Spiderman, actually opened doors for Gray at an early age.

Gray said when he was 11, his mother took samples of his comic artwork to New York when she was on a group trip. Those drawings wound up in the hands of John Romita, the artist behind Spiderman.

“He sent it back with notes to help me get better,” Gray said. “Years later, after I began working in the industry and

was known enough to get called out to conventions, I got to know John. To me, I was that seven-year-old kid again. I was meeting my hero. He was a great guy to talk to, full of advice and kindness.”

But the years in between were not filled with drawings and comic success for Gray. He turned from art to music, playing in bands as a teenager, and gravitated eventually to working in newspapers in the pre-press department at the Windsor Star by the mid-1990s.

When the Star opted to revamp its comics page, Gray penned one of his own and threw it into the mix.

The strip, Saturday Afternoon, started appearing in late 2000. It was soon syndicated and ran for a time in 130 newspapers around North America.

Through it all, Gray remained “a superhero guy,” he said, and he pitched the idea of developing a Windsor-based superhero, and The Conduit was brought to life. Eventually, Gray teamed up with fellow Windsorite and comic artist David Finch and the two formed Glass Monkey Studios with the intent to diversify into film. But the work that came in remained in the print form, Gray said. Finch moved on and “took over the Batman strip” with DC Comics, Gray said, while Gray did freelance work with both Marvel and DC; work

that continues to this day. However, Gray took time off away from comics. It was to be a year. That turned into seven. He worked with the comedy duo Kenny Hotz and Spencer Ride (of Kenny vs. Spenny fame).

But when the pandemic hit, Gray pivoted and started drawing comics again. Now, he’s looking

to share his concepts once more with the public. Enter the Conduit. The feature will focus on Chatham-Kent locations and people. The hand-drawn elements will be unique to our municipality. The Conduit is not a graphic novel come to life on the pages of a newspaper.

Continued on page 4

Bruce Corcoran/The Chatham Voice

Artist Tony Gray is seen with his hero The Incredible Conduit, which will appear weekly in The Chatham Voice.

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

Thank You Contractors

Co-owners Dan Taylor and Brad McAulifte

would like to thank the contractors we deal with who joined in on our Contractor Appreciation Days recently.

The Incredible Conduit Upgrades coming to biz centre

A $6.5-million upgrade is being carried out at the municipality’s Park Avenue Business Centre.

At the April 27 meeting, council approved a contract with Oscar Construction Company Ltd. for the work, as well an additional $55,000 for consulting services fees to Architecttura Inc. Architects.

building, formerly housing the Fram Filter manufacturing facility, was converted into an office building. Aside from a new roof in 2014, the structure has not had any major upgrades and has outdated mechanical and ventilation systems.

Now for 60+ years Van Hoof Siding Place have had the local contractors continuing support. Very encouraging as we look forward to the future!

to Contractors

Council heard from engineering services director Marissa Mascaro Amyotte that the 1950s

Currently around 70 employees work out of the centre, the director said, including most of the engineering and infrastructure department; several divisions of public works; parks, recreation and cemeteries; as well as human resources staff and community culture and connections staff.

According to Mascara Amyo-

tte, employees will be relocated to the former John N. Given School for the duration of the contract. Field staff from the garage area will be temporarily moved to the adjacent Fleet building, and cemetery staff will be temporary moved to the Civic Centre

Some of the employees will eventually be relocated to the Chatham-Kent Community Hub when it’s completed, Mascara Amyotte said.

Funding for the renovations was budgeted in the 2025 multiyear budget. Work is expected to start shortly, with completion in 2027.

Continued from page 3 It is a throwback to the golden age of comics. Think of the Adam Westled Batman television show.

The bad guys are colourful, yet not always competent.

As Gray’s new endeavour lights up the pages of The Voice, readers will see the Thames Gang plan the heist of one of the cars in RetroFest. Will they succeed? Stay tuned.

His goal with the re-

vamped and relocated Conduit is to share his love of comics with today’s youth, and the youth of yesterday.

“I remember the impact comic books had on me, learning to read, learning to draw, learning vocabulary,” he said, adding that letting his Conduit come alive in a free publication such as The Voice is a great way to share his passion.

As for Chatham-Kent, Gray said he really likes

the municipality.

“I feel rejuvenated since I got to Chatham,” he said. “This is just nice to walk down streets. There aren’t thugs roaming about. There’s a sense of peace coming to Chatham that I haven’t felt since I was 13 or 14.”

YMCA awards

The Chatham Voice

Applications are now being accepted for the 2026 Chatham-Kent YMCA Celebration of Youth scholarship awards program.

Deadline is May 15.

Simon Smids

Daniel Burggraaf

Kim Cox

Todd Sparks

Abe Reimer

Brian Tallay

Greg Bolohan

HOOF Siding Place

Eleven scholarships valued at $1,000 each will be presented across a range of focused award categories, including science and technology, apprenticeship, volunteerism, health sciences and others.

For well over a decade now, the program has been assisting graduating high school students from across Chatham-Kent with the cost of higher education.

The awards are made possible through sponsorship support. Full award category descriptions and application forms can be found at ymcaswo.ca.

Ramsden, 103, lives

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

Born on the prairies to George and Annie Swain in 1923, Marg Ramsden is a living history lesson.

She was delivered on the kitchen table in a farmhouse near Macklin, Sask. No doctor was available so her father assisted with the birth.

“There was no hospital, so that’s what they had to do,” the feisty centenarian said about her entrance into the world.

Last week, the quick-witted Chatham Retirement Resort resident was recognized for turning 103. She was presented with a certificate from Chatham-Kent-Leamington MPP Trevor Jones for achieving the milestone.

A veteran of the First World War, her British father made his way to the Canadian prairies to work the land.

“He didn’t know zippo about farming, but he became very successful,” Ramsden said of her dad.

But the harsh Saskatchewan climate, coupled with the great crash of 1929, led to Ramsden’s move to Kent County in 1942. They chose the Ridgetown area as they were related to the owner of Swain’s Greenhouse.

her part. At age 18 she got a job at the Wallaceburg Brass Factory, helping make pins for grenades.

“I don’t know, it just happens. You just take it one day at a time” - Marg Ramsden, on reaching age 103

As the Second World War raged overseas, Ramsden did

“I was Rosie the Riveter,” she said proudly. She went on to have a 30-year career with Bell Canada in Chatham; married Kenneth Ramsden and raised two children, a daughter Twy-

la Atchison and son Zebina Ramsden.

The centenarian, who has lived at the retirement home since 2022, said she loves where she lives.

“I like it here,” Ramdsen said.

“People are good to me.”

Ramsden is known in the residence for spreading positivity, as she hands out inspirational quotes to others each day.

When asked about the key to longevity, Ramsden said she’s not sure why she’s made it beyond the century mark.

“I don’t know, it just happens,” the diminutive elder explained, adding she never drank or smoked.

“You just take it one day at a time.”

Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice Chatham Retirement Resort resident Marg Ramsden received a certificate from Chatham-Kent–Leamington MPP Trevor Jones marking her 103rd birthday. Ramsden is joined by daughter Twyla Atchison as she accepted the honor from Alexa Wade, assistant to the MPP.

Opinion

Screen time

Can someone please explain to us what some of our Chatham-Kent councillors think they’re being elected and paid to do?

In our democratic society, we vote for someone we believe will represent us fairly and have the best interests of the municipality as a whole at heart.

have saved more than $1 million. That’s a fact. But the quality of life down many a dirt road would have suffered greatly had council not done an about face on the matter.

They are elected and then paid for four years to carry out those duties. What they are not elected to do is to spend their time absorbing misinformation on social media, the land of false bread crumbs and conspiracy theories, where algorithms and skewed information lure people in as bad as any cult has done. They are elected to make decisions on behalf of the public; to read their information packages before council meetings, and ask questions of administration for sure.

Certainly, ratepayers should be able to speak to councillors on issues; that is essential in democracy. It is up to the councillors to filter through the information – and misinformation – to make the most informed decision on each issue. Sometimes what administration supplies to council is factually correct, but politically flawed. Case in point was dust suppression. Cancelling it would

But more often, the info from the public, seemingly more and more these days, is rife with misinformation. It has a rough foundation of facts, but then takes an opinionated side step.

To see such errors, councillors need to keep focused. Listen to all sides.

And for the love of God, during a council meeting, pay attention. Don’t scroll on your phone during a deputation; that’s insulting. And don’t bring up a constituent’s issue via a text message received in the middle of a meeting. There is a deputation process. Granting said constituent a voice via in-session text insults said process.

We have a suggestion to council for the rest of this term, and for the next iteration of council after the election: Put down your cellphones during sessions and just, please, stay off social media, especially during meetings. If you can’t ween off your social media addiction, how about limiting your screen time, just like you likely did or do with your own children?

It’s unhealthy, pure and simple.

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The Chatham Voice welcomes letters to the editor. Our preferred method to receive letters is via e-mail to bruce@ chathamvoice.com (use “Letter” in the subject line).

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Editor: Most residents would agree that Chatham-Kent is an ideal place to live and raise a family.

But did you know that C-K is also possibly the best place in Ontario to see and to photograph sunsets and sunrises without driving long distances?

Cell phone users and amateur photographers have an abundance of photos from this past winter season. Ask to see them!

Every season in Chatham-Kent presents enormous opportunities to

showcase what we offer throughout the municipality.

Such as winter scenes; nature; outdoor activities; spring planting of vege tables, fruits and grains; fall scenes of harvesting of same.

Plus, summer photos of the many activities we have – baseball, soccer, and the list goes on!

I would like to see a large wall at 100 King or the Hub – in a common area, using strictly C-K photos to “brag about Chatham-Kent.

This wall should not be

about people – that’s another idea. The initial cost would be the re-usable frames to accommodate seasonal photos that would be submitted by the public.

A committee of volunteers could keep the wall current.

The chosen photos would need to be enlarged, of course.

This wall presents endless opportunities.

Irene Woods Chatham-Kent

Waste-to-energy project approved

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

Chatham-Kent’s waste-to-energy project is a go.

The $160-million initiative, that will see the municipality partner with Greenfield Global Inc., was passed by council 14-4 at the April 27 meeting, with councillors Michael Bondy, Amy Finn, Rhonda Jubenville and Alysson Storey voting no.

Council spent more than two-and-a-half hours probing the issue that included a lengthy presentation from staff.

Councillors peppered chief financial officer Gord Quinton with questions throughout the session, mainly related to risk to taxpayers and around what some claim was as a lack of public input.

Patterned after a Greenfield Global anaerobic digester in Varennes, Que., the Chatham facility will convert industrial, commercial and institutional organic waste into renewable natural gas to be sold. In addition, digestate, a byproduct of the process will be sold as a high-quality, sustainable biofertilizer.

The public-private partnership will see Greenfield own 60 per cent, with Chatham-Kent owning 40 per cent.

How the Bloomfield Road project will be financed was spelled out in great detail.

Council heard repeatedly the project is an “investment” for Chatham-Kent. The venture is “conservatively” expected to reap $123 million in dividends over the next 30 years, Quinton said, providing a revenue stream for future infrastructure projects while offsetting wastewater rates.

“This is an investment on our balance sheet,” Quinton told council, stating the initiative will be of

“enormous benefit” to all of Chatham-Kent.

The federal government is stepping up with a total of $59.5 million to help fund the project. This includes close to $41 million in grants and $19 million in low-cost loans to be paid back over 10 years.

The province is providing a $25-million loan as well, to be paid back at 0.5 per cent over 15 years, and a $35-million loan is being procured through a commercial bank to be paid back over 10 years.

The overall cost of $160 million includes $23.5 million in contingency and cost escalation funds, Quinton explained. Chatham-Kent’s equity investment is $16 million, with Greenfield Global contributing $24 million.

To date, Chatham-Kent has spent around $2 million in preparation. In February of this year, council approved the creation of the Municipal Services Corporation (MSC), needed to allow Chatham-Kent to borrow from Infrastructure Ontario.

Staff said the project is unique as it will be built on Chatham-Kent Public Utilities Commission land adjacent to Greenfield Global, allowing for the seamless piping of product. As well, PUC general manager Darren Galbraith said the build will help offset $25 million in costs associated with sludge drying fields and other maintenance.

Along with creating temporary construction jobs, 30 full-time positions will be created when the facility is operational in 2029.

Four deputations were presented to council at the meeting. Chatham-Kent Agricultural Advisory Committee chair Jay Cunningham, and Chatham-Kent Chamber of Commerce president Rory Ring both spoke in favour of moving the project forward.

After another two-and-half hours spent discussing the matter,

project between the municipality and Greenfield Global that will

In his comments, Ring said the chamber supports public-private partnerships, noting revenue from the project will allow future councils to invest in other infrastructure projects.

On the flip side, Chatham residents Larry Hutchins and former provincial MPP Rick Nicholls asked for a postponement to address “red flag” concerns.

An independent assessment of the project by consulting firm Deloitte stated the project is beneficial for Chatham-Kent, recommending it proceed.

and 14th, 2026

6:45am - 11:30am 1:00pm - 4:00pm 5:00pm - 6:45pm

Image courtesy Metro Creative Graphics

Chatham-Kent council approved the public-private partnership

establish a waste-to-energy facility in Chatham.

Misinfo galore on social media

C-K councillors clash over social media use, info gathering and sharing

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

The topic of misinformation entered the chat at Chatham-Kent council April 27. It arose following an unsuccessful bid by Chatham-Kent Coun. Alysson

Storey to postpone final approval of the $160 million waste-to-energy Project.

During the meeting, Storey brought a motion forward to delay a decision until further public consultation could be conducted.

But the motion failed

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14-4, with Michael Bondy, Amy Finn, Rhonda Jubenville and Storey as naysayers.

Storey said she was concerned with the level of financial risk posed by the project and a lack of public input.

“Overall, we’ve received a lot of information but we haven’t included the public effectively in that process and I think we could,” Storey told council, adding she felt taxpayers weren’t being properly represented.

“The bottom line is that we didn’t do what we normally do with public consultation.”

Finn noted there was a lot of “misinformation” around the project, stating that wouldn’t have happened if information had been communicated to the public “in a way they can understand it.”

Melissa Harrigan decided to weigh in, stating council is put in a “difficult position” when motions to postpone a project are brought up – particularly in an election year.

“We live in a world of misinformation,” Harrigan stressed, adding con-

stituents have reached out to her with questions related to false information circulating on social media.

“Engagement is very important, but social media is also really filled with misinformation and I think if we’re always bending to comments that we’re hearing, that are fuelled by misinformation, we will, as a council, never make decisions,” she said.

Harrigan pointed out council has received numerous reports on the waste-to-energy project, adding councillors bear some responsibility relaying information to people in their wards.

“I’m voting no on this and I’m sure there will be some misinformation about voting no for this, but I think it is the right thing to do,” the councillor said, stressing the project benefits the community.

In her comments, Jubenville said she wanted to “clarify” that “opposing comments” made by councillors does not mean they are spreading misinformation.

“That’s what democracy is and we’re entitled to have different opinions,”

Jubenville said.

The back and forth continued, and Harrigan brought up a point of order.

“I was not speaking about anybody’s councillors’ comments,” she said.

“I was speaking more about misinformation on social media. I’d just like to make that very clear.”

“Thank you for clarifying,” Jubenville said.

Following a question from Marjorie Crew about the ramifications of delaying a decision, Quinton said that if postponed, the project would be dead in the water as the cutoff for one of the funding streams was mere days away.

Several councillors expressed enthusiasm for the project.

“Greenfield is an established partner in Chatham-Kent,” said Jamie McGrail. “This makes sense. This is what we’re supposed to do; we’re supposed to partner and move forward together and bring forth solutions that help everybody.”

Ryan Doyle said the project creates “a great revenue stream” for Chatham-Kent, adding many safeguards have been put in place to shield the municipality from any liability.

Trevor Thompson called the project a “great investment.

“I don’t view this as a gamble at all,” Thompson said. “When we look at all the information that’s been presented to us, strictly from an investment standpoint, this is more information than a shareholder ever gets.”

Thompson pointed out the Chatham project is not the first local anaerobic digester, as one has been operating successfully in Ridgetown for years.

Brock McGregor said the project solves issues the PUC is facing while providing revenue for the tax base. Plus, he said, the example of Entegrus, in which the municipality is a shareholder, serves as a successful model for the waste-to-energy investment agreement.

Crew called the project innovative, adding it wasn’t done in secrecy.

CHATHAM CAPITOL THEATRE

729 St. Clair St Chatham

Ken Bell/Special to The Chatham Voice

An eaglet pops its head up as its two parents scan the area around their nest, which is located near Shrewsbury.

A dog’s life

Dog-training club members enjoy camaraderie, success

By Jim Blake jim@chathamvoice.com

If you truly want to succeed at something, dive in, put in the work and let the results come later.

That could be the mantra of a group of dog lovers who have been coming together to train and show their dogs, and in the process, have evolved to become one of the top dog-handling facilities in Canada.

The Sydenham Valley Dog Training Club in Wallaceburg is home to no fewer than 17 dogs listed among the top 10 in Canada last year in their respective categories.

Club president Del Lunn said the group was founded in 1980 and has succeeded for so long because its members found much more than they may have been looking for.

Lunn, who also operates Goldunn Dog Training Centre in Wallaceburg, says the club has 26 members from across Southwestern Ontario centres, including St. Jacobs, Windsor and St. Thomas.

“We have a saying; that we’re involved in dog-showing, not dog-winning,” he said. “Every one of us has failed, but we stand with each other and move on.”

Dogs from the club take part in Canadian Kennel Club-sanctioned events in both rally and obedience categories, demonstrating their training, and are judged according to breed, group and overall levels, accumulating points in each show.

“You have to realize that at the end of the day, you and your dog are judged as a team,” Lunn said. “A well-trained dog is the result of about 60 per cent training and 40 per cent the animal’s interest. All dogs are individuals and they all have days where they just go goofy or spazzy. They’re dogs. It happens.”

Ann Staddon of Dutton has been a member for more than a decade and spends many weekends on the road showing her Portuguese water dog, Molly.

Staddon spends many weekends on the road at shows and jokes that “we tell our children their inheritance is going to the dogs.”

“We don’t talk about the money,” said her husband, Bill, smiling.

Ann Staddon and Jean Fisher of Chatham have become close friends over the years with Staddon joking that her devotion to dog training and showing is “all Jean’s fault.

“I started training my dogs with Del and I really started liking it,” she said. “I’ve been to many shows with Jean and she’s been a great friend and has helped me.”

Staddon ‘s dog Molly placed first in the Canadian Kennel Club categories of All Breed Rally, Breed Rally and Group Rally in 2024. Molly won the breed and group categories in 2023.

Fisher currently has a poodle named Jiggs, who won top honours in Breed Obedience and Non-Sporting Group Obedience in 2023 and 2024.

Both women said the club goes far beyond their pets. “It’s a great social community,” Fisher said. “We have Christmas dinners, we have pizza parties and we’ve even had sessions in pajamas.”

“It’s not about the ribbons, it’s about relationships,” said Staddon.

Both women credit Lunn and

his wife, Bev, with the club’s longevity.

“They love what they do, and it shows,” Jean said. “They make this fun.”

Del Lun has been training dogs for decades and has been an accredited judge in Canada and internationally for some 30 years. His dogs have won more than 120 ribbons in competition.

“I’ve been to Hawaii, and across Canada and the United States,” he said. “I’ve been able to make friends all over because of this.”

Jim Blake/The Chatham Voice

Ann Staddon and her Portuguese water dog Molly and Jean Fisher and her poodle Jiggs pose at the Sydenham Valley Dog Training Club in Wallaceburg.

New apartments planned

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

Housing for seniors is about to take shape in the former Victoria Park Public School in east Chatham.

At the April 27 meeting, Chatham-Kent council approved a zoning change allowing the creation of 31 small apartments within the structure.

In speaking to council about the application, C-K director of planning services Ryan Jacques said the units will range in size from 430 square feet to 740 sq. ft.

In response to a question from Chatham Coun. Alysson Storey about what’s proposed, Jacques said the application indicates the apartments will be rented at “affordable” market rent.

“It should not necessarily be assumed that market rent means top end of market,” Jacques explained. “It’s my understanding that the applicant intends to seek seniors as tenants, and it would be reasonable to assume that rents would be consistent with that demographic.”

Purchased by a group of local investors in 2022, the school was utilized by the municipality as the Victoria Park Place homeless shelter from 2022 to 2025. That led Chatham-Kent to seek an alternative solution, resulting in the creation of Pathways on Park. The 50-unit tiny cabin transitional housing complex on Park Street in Chatham now serves the homeless population.

The Victoria Park property is owned by a numbered company. Meanwhile, a zoning

change has paved the way for the construction of a new three-storey apartment complex at 178 William St. S. in Chatham.

Chatham-Kent council approved the measure at a recent meeting following an application from an Ontario numbered com-

pany. Located across the street from Terrace Forty apartments, the build will include six three-bedroom units;

and

apartment. The land is currently vacant.

Chatham Voice file photo

The site of the former temporary homeless shelter on Murray Street will be turned into 31 apartments for seniors following a recent council approval for rezoning.

three two-bedroom units

one studio

When Prince Edward visited

This photo is related to the royal visit of Edward, Prince of Wales, to the International Plowing Match staged at Chatham in September of 1919. I first showed you this photo several years ago with the observation that the picture had so much more of a story to tell, some of which I would like to detail here, but let me remind you of the original story line.

Prince Edward came to Chatham on his Canadian tour to visit the plowing match and was given a tour of the city in a new Gray Dort touring car which took him on an extensive tour of the city, mostly including drive by visits to city schools with one of those destinations being a southward route between St. Joseph School and the Central School as is indicated by the included photo.

When I wrote my book “Gray Dort, Class Of The Light Car Field” (1987) I made an attempt to find out what became of the Royal Gray Dort, but I was unable to learn of its fate.

I know that today, of the 24,000 Gray Dorts that were built between 1916 and 1924, approximately 25 to 30 still exist.

The photo I have included looks south, down Queen Street from Wellington Street, with Central School students at left and St Joseph School

students at right; all of them eagerly awaiting the arrival of the future king.

The Prince was to visit the plowing match site near the junction of the Gravel Road (County Road 10) and the English Side Road near the northwest corner of Harwich Township.

The visit of the Prince was a complete success.

Looking at the photo, I am delighted to know a bit about the two buildings to the left side of the photo.

At extreme left is the boot and shoe manufacturing and repair shop of Clarence Marriott Huson, who was born at Chatham on September 3, 1895.

In those times, boots and shoes were comprised of a quality that readily lent itself to repair rather than discard.

Clarence died at Chatham in 1951 and reposes in Maple Leaf Cemetery. His small store was eventually torn down and replaced by a gas station which, ultimately, was removed.

The Huson building property is now a municipal parking lot at the southeast junction of Wellington and Queen Streets.

The three-storey building to the right of the Huson building (85 Queen St.) is still there. It was, in that age, a multi-use building with the first floor being occupied by H.W. Smith who is listed in the Directory of 1920 as a cleaner. I will assume him to have been someone who removed nasty stains from carpets and clothing. Next south to him, at 89 Queen St., same building, was J.W. John who operated a laundry.

I am not sure what year this building dated from, but I do know that it is well more than 100 years in age and has recently been through a

major renovation.

In closing this story, I can’t help but comment on the beautiful asphalt brick street that can be seen in front of the camera.

At one time, most of

the interior streets of the core area were comprised of brick surfaces, but all were eventually lost to obsolescence.

It was not that the bricks could not stand up to the traffic, but was more a

matter of the subgrade being built to support horse and buggy vehicles rather than the heavy trucks of later decades. This is a great photo and I am glad I got to tell you more about it.

John Rhodes

Contributed image Queen Street, looking south from Wellington Street, September, 1919.

Province says no to B-exit

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

Zone’s Emery Huszka, despite being politely turned aside by a provincial cabinet minister, is happy with the awareness a group of volunteers has raised.

Huszka was one of the people who put together a petition asking that Bothwell and Zone Township be allowed to leave Chatham-Kent and amalgamate with Lambton County.

Robert Flack, the minister of municipal affairs and housing, said the province would take no

such action.

“Municipal restructuring is locally driven. Proposals must originate from the councils of the affected municipalities and require meaningful local engagement and consultation,” Flack said in his note to Huszka.

This despite the fact the

Mike Harris government forced amalgamation on Chatham and Kent County nearly three decades ago.

Still, Huszka is happy with what has transpired.

“We elevated the discussion. It got a lot of traction in this province. And the

discussion benefitted everybody,” he said. “Now, we’re hoping for discussion to take place during the (municipal) election process. I’m looking forward to some real debates coming out of this.”

And that was the goal of the petition – generating interest.

“More people getting engaged is a good thing. We need to draw on the strength of a lot of people in the community.

One person doesn’t have all the answers,” Huszka said.

He added he’s seen changes in how the mu-

nicipality looks at the rural sections of Chatham-Kent.

“Dust suppression is a tiny issue, but it meant a lot to rural residents,” he said. “The fact there was such a broad disconnect that we had to have a debate among the public indicates there is some tone deafness at council.”

In the fall of 2024, during council discussions over the 2025 municipal budget, administration lobbied to remove dust suppression from the budget in order to save more than $1 million annually. However, rural residents were

very outspoken on the matter and council opted to pivot and return to applying dust suppression on gravel roads around Chatham-Kent.

“We still need to ask council why aren’t they doing a better job meeting the needs of the residents,” Huszka said.

Huszka said he’s not anti-Chatham-Kent, but rather sees a lot of positives.

“I think the community has a lot of strengths. The rural part of Chatham-Kent adds a lot of value. It brings in a tremendous amount of

economic activity. That’s a huge strength for this community.”

He encourages everyone to work together in the future.

“There are some issues. But now that we’ve broken the egg, let’s make the omelette,” Huszka said. “I think there’s some good to be had from this.”

The petition effort began in the fall of 2024. It was delivered by Independent MPP Bobbi Ann Brady of Haldimand-Norfolk to the Legislature in late 2025, and Huszka finally got the reply in late April.

Answer the call.

T:7"

And so it begins

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

Friday marked the first day of nominations for folks running for a seat on Chatham-Kent council.

As of the close of business May 1, several hopefuls made it official by submitting nomination papers to municipal clerk Judy Shantz.

Election day is Oct. 26.

C-K councillors Lauren Anderson and Michael Bondy were among the first to file. Both lobbed their hats into the ring to run for mayor.

The 2026-2030 rendition of council will see fewer council members, downsizing from 18 to 15 members, including the mayor. As part of a comprehensive review, ward boundaries have been redrawn to better represent constituents. The changes were passed by council in March 2025.

The will be eight wards, up from six, with Chatham proper being divided into three separate wards.

• Ward 1 (South West Kent) includes Tilbury, Wheatley and surrounding areas. It was not affected by the downsize and will be represented by two councillors.

Andrea Palmer filed her papers Friday.

• Ward 2 (South East

Kent) includes Blenheim, Ridgetown and surrounding areas. It will be represented by two councillors, down from three.

As of the close of business Friday, Brad Snobelen, Matt Lamarche and Matthew Giffin declared their candidacy in the ward.

• Ward 3 (North East Kent) includes Thamesville, Bothwell and surrounding areas. It will be represented by one councillor, down from two.

Cory Couture and Emery Huszka have declared in this ward.

• Ward 4 (North West Kent) including Dresden, Mitchell’s Bay and surrounding areas, will be represented by one councillor, down from two.

• There is no change in Ward 5 (Wallaceburg). Two councillors will represent the community.

Brendan Authier has declared he is running. Chatham will continue to be represented by six councillors.

• Chatham’s Ward 6 (North West Chatham), to be represented by two councillors, covers the area west of St. Clair Street and north of the Thames River.

Alysson Storey has declared in this ward.

• Ward 7 (North East Chatham) will also be represented by two councillors. It includes the area east of St. Clair Street and north of Park Avenue.

Steve Kenney has declared in this ward.

• Two councillors will also serve Ward 8 (South Chatham).

Anyone interested in

running for a seat on council has until the Aug. 21 at 2 p.m. to file.

Nomination papers must be submitted to the clerk by appointment, along with 25 signatures of endorsement.

The filing fee to run as a candidate for council or a school board trustee is $100, and $200 to run for mayor.

Fees can be paid by cash (including debit), certified cheque, or money order.

Residents are reminded that candidates cannot raise funds or spend money on their campaign until their nomination has been officially filed.

Nomination forms can be found online or can be picked up at the Chatham-Kent Civic Centre.

Contributed image Coun. Michael Bondy shows off his nomination papers he filed Friday morning to run for mayor in the October election. Coun. Lauren Anderson also announced she’s seeking the mayor’s chair as well.

Municipal Act, 2001, c. 25, s. 379 (2) O.Reg. 181/03, s. 5(1), Form 6

FORM 6

SALE OF LAND BY PUBLIC TENDER

The MUNICIPALITY OF CHATHAM-KENT

Take Notice that tenders are invited for the purchase of the land(s) described below, and submissions will be accepted until 3:00 p.m. local time on June 10, 2026, at the Municipality of Chatham-Kent Civic Centre, located at 315 King Street West, Chatham, Ontario, N7M 5K8. The tenders will be opened publicly on the same day, starting 3:15 p.m. at the Council Chambers of the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, located at 315 King Street West, Chatham, Ontario, N7M 5K8. Please visit our Municipal Facebook page or the Chatham-Kent YouTube channel for a virtual event where the tenders will be opened live, starting at 3:15 p.m.

Description of Land(s)

All lands are in the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, the following are the geographic descriptions and municipal addresses.

Description of Land(s)

Author talk May 13

The Chatham Voice

REDEEMED

1.Roll #3650-080-001-02520- PART OF LOT 7, PLAN 793, PART 1 ON PLAN 24R-10767, TILBURY; SUBJECT TO AN EASEMENT IN GROSS AS IN CK217122 Being 67 71 MILL ST W, TILBURY P.I.N.: 00793-0075 (LT) Property Class: Commercial According to the last returned assessment roll, the assessed value of the land is $979,000.00.

All lands are in the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, the following are the geographic descriptions and municipal addresses.

2.Roll # 3650-110-007-19405 - PART LOT 8, CONCESSION 13, GEOGRAPHIC TOWNSHIP OF RALEIGH, DESIGNATED AS PT. 5, 24R5662; CHATHAM-KENT Being A D SHADD RD, MERLIN P.I.N.: 00864-0102

$ 7,086.78

Property Class: Residential According to the last returned assessment roll, the assessed value of the land is $7,700.00.

2.Roll # 3650-110-007-19405 - PART LOT 8, CONCESSION 13, GEOGRAPHIC TOWNSHIP OF RALEIGH, DESIGNATED AS PT. 5, 24R5662; CHATHAM-KENT Being A D SHADD RD, MERLIN P.I.N.: 00864-0102

3. Roll #3650-140-003-51205- PT LT 13 CON 3 RIVER THAMES SURVEY HARWICH AS IN 559079; CHATHAM-KENT Being 22935 HARWICH RD, CHATHAM P.I.N.: 00891-0010 (LT) Property Class Residential

Property Class: Residential According to the last returned assessment roll, the assessed value of the land is $7,700.00.

According to the last returned assessment roll, the assessed value of the land is $172,000.00.

4.Roll # 3650-140-006-66500- LOT 18, N ADELAIDE ST, PLAN 109; MUNICIPALITY CHATHAM-KENT Being 75 ADELAIDE ST, BLENHEIM P.I.N.: 00939-0781 (LT) Property Class: Residential

$ 15,369.26

3. Roll #3650-140-003-51205- PT LT 13 CON 3 RIVER THAMES SURVEY HARWICH AS IN 559079; CHATHAM-KENT Being 22935 HARWICH RD, CHATHAM P.I.N.: 00891-0010 (LT) Property Class Residential According to the last returned assessment roll, the assessed value of the land is $172,000.00. $ 15,369.26

According to the last returned assessment roll, the assessed value of the land is $94,000.00.

$ 44,530.87

Chatham-Kent Public Library invites the community to spend the morning with local author Yejide Kilanko May 13 at the Chatham branch.

Kilanko is a Nigerian-Canadian fiction writer living in Chatham-Kent. She will read from her latest book, “What the Eyes See.”

5.Roll # 3650-190-001-39900- LT 8, PLAN 755, EXCEPT ANY MINES, ORES, METALS, COAL, SLATE, MINERAL OILS, GAS OR OTHER MINERALS IN OR UNDER THE SAID LANDS AND PREMISES AS IN 340497,ERIEAU Being 3 NICHOLS AVE, ERIEAU P.I.N.: 00938-1011 (LT) Property Class: Residential

4.Roll # 3650-140-006-66500- LOT 18, N ADELAIDE ST, PLAN 109; MUNICIPALITY CHATHAM-KENT Being 75 ADELAIDE ST, BLENHEIM P.I.N.: 00939-0781 (LT) Property Class: Residential According to the last returned assessment roll, the assessed value of the land is $94,000.00. $ 44,530.87

According to the last returned assessment roll, the assessed value of the land is $260,000.00.

6. Roll # 3650-320-001-01300- LT 184 PL 141; CHATHAM-KENT

$ 23,863.86

According to the last returned assessment roll, the assessed value of the land is $260,000.00. $ 23,863.86

Being 125 OAK ST W, BOTHWELL P.I.N.: 00642-0103 (LT) Property Class: Residential

5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

6. Roll # 3650-320-001-01300- LT 184 PL 141; CHATHAM-KENT

According to the last returned assessment roll, the assessed value of the land is $32,000.00.

Being 125 OAK ST W, BOTHWELL P.I.N.: 00642-0103 (LT) Property Class: Residential

7.Roll # 3650-380-001-05500- PT LT 3 BLK E PL 144 AS IN 633210; CHATHAM-KENT

According to the last returned assessment roll, the assessed value of the land is $32,000.00.

Being 66 LONDON RD, THAMESVILLE P.I.N.: 00725-0059 (LT) Property Class: Residential

According to the last returned assessment roll, the assessed value of the land is $90,000.00.

7.Roll # 3650-380-001-05500- PT LT 3 BLK E PL 144 AS IN 633210; CHATHAM-KENT Being 66 LONDON RD, THAMESVILLE P.I.N.: 00725-0059 (LT) Property Class: Residential

According to the last returned assessment roll, the assessed value of the land is $90,000.00.

8.Roll # 3650-420-017-16000- PT LT 24 CON 2 EASTERN BOUNDARY RALEIGH S/T 573626, 591703, 386582, 419392, CI39374, 325381, CI22162, 594070, 427855, 609347, 613915, CI23490, & 393633; CHATHAM-KENT

Being PARK AVE W, CHATHAM P.I.N.: 00517-0467 (R ) Property Class: Residential

According to the last returned assessment roll, the assessed value of the land is $4,000.00.

8.Roll # 3650-420-017-16000- PT LT 24 CON 2 EASTERN BOUNDARY RALEIGH S/T 573626, 591703, 386582, 419392, CI39374, 325381, CI22162, 594070, 427855, 609347, 613915, CI23490, & 393633; CHATHAM-KENT Being PARK AVE W, CHATHAM P.I.N.: 00517-0467 (R ) Property Class: Residential According to the last returned assessment roll, the assessed value of the land is $4,000.00.

9.Roll #3650-420-028-06900- PT LT B N/S KING ST PL OLD SURVEY AS IN 638825; S/T 455833, 455834, 455835; CHATHAM-KENT Being 141 143 KING ST W, CHATHAM P.I.N.: 00505-0232 (LT)

Property Class: Commercial/Residential

According to the last returned assessment roll, the assessed value of the land is $240,000.00.

$ 32,759.44

$ 11,698.18

$ 6,804.04

Written as a picture book for children, the story explores themes of perception, empathy, and understanding that will resonate with readers of all ages, library officials said in a media release.

A conversation with the author will follow the reading, with opportunities for questions from the audience.

9.Roll #3650-420-028-06900- PT LT B N/S KING ST PL OLD SURVEY AS IN 638825; S/T 455833, 455834, 455835; CHATHAM-KENT Being 141 143 KING ST W, CHATHAM P.I.N.: 00505-0232 (LT) Property Class: Commercial/Residential

$ 55,623.15

10.Roll # 3650-420-044-12200- LT 76 PL 457; CHATHAM-KENT Being 487 ST CLAIR ST, CHATHAM P.I.N.: 00543-0106 (LT) Property Class: Residential

According to the last returned assessment roll, the assessed value of the land is $240,000.00.

According to the last returned assessment roll, the assessed value of the land is $139,000.00.

10.Roll # 3650-420-044-12200- LT 76 PL 457; CHATHAM-KENT Being 487 ST CLAIR ST, CHATHAM P.I.N.: 00543-0106 (LT) Property Class: Residential

According to the last returned assessment roll, the assessed value of the land is $139,000.00.

11.Roll # 3650-420-045-13200 - LT 7 BLK B PL 37; CHATHAM-KENT; TOGETHER WITH AN EASEMENT AS IN CK184922; SUBJECT TO AN EASEMENT AS IN CK184919 Being 257 ST CLAIR ST, CHATHAM P.I.N.: 00542-0314 (LT) Property Class: Residential

According to the last returned assessment roll, the assessed value of the land is $137,000.00.

$ 17,028.78

$ 18,223.96

This program is free to attend and offered with funding support from the Canada Council for the Arts through The Writers’ Union of Canada. No registration is required. Explore Yejide’s other books, including her adult fiction titles, “Daughters Who Walk This Path” and “A Good Name,” in the library’s catalogue at search.ckpl.ca. The event begins at 10 a.m.

12.Roll # 3650-441-004-11700- PT BLK A PL 654 BEING PARTS 5, 6, 14 & 15, 24R-1140; S/T 295293; CHATHAM-KENT Being SANDRA CRES, WALLACEBURG P.I.N.: 00561-0272 (LT) Property Class: Residential

According to the last returned assessment roll, the assessed value of the land is $137,000.00.

According to the last returned assessment roll, the assessed value of the land is $500.00.

12.Roll # 3650-441-004-11700- PT BLK A PL 654 BEING PARTS 5, 6, 14 & 15, 24R-1140; S/T 295293; CHATHAM-KENT Being SANDRA CRES, WALLACEBURG P.I.N.: 00561-0272 (LT) Property Class: Residential According to the last returned assessment roll, the assessed value of the land is $500.00.

$ 5,938.06

Tenders must be submitted in the prescribed form and must be accompanied by a deposit in the form of a money order, bank draft, or cheque certified by a bank or trust corporation payable to the municipality (or board) and representing at least 20 per cent of the tender amount Except as follows, the municipality makes no representation regarding the title to or any other matters relating to the land to be sold. Responsibility for ascertaining these matters rests with the potential purchasers.

This sale is governed by the Municipal Act, 2001 and the Municipal Tax Sales Rules made under that Act. The successful purchaser will be required to pay the amount tendered plus accumulated property taxes and any taxes that may be applicable such as the land transfer tax and HST. The lands do not include mobile homes situate on the lands. The municipality has no obligation to provide vacant possession to the successful purchaser. Purchasers must retain a lawyer to complete the purchase of any property for which their tender is accepted.

Pursuant to the Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act, S.C. 2022, c. 10, s 235 (the “Act”), effective January 1, 2023, it is prohibited for a non-Canadian to purchase, directly or indirectly, any residential property, as those terms are defined in the legislation. Contraventions of the Act are punishable by a fine, and offending purchasers may be ordered to sell the residential property. The municipality assumes no responsibility whatsoever for ensuring bidders/tenderers comply with the Act; and makes no representations regarding same. Prospective bidders/tenderers are solely responsible for ensuring compliance with the Act and are advised to seek legal advice before participating in this sale.

Trivia returns May 7

The Chatham Voice

It’s trivia time at the Chatham branch of the Chatham-Kent Public Library.

A copy of the prescribed form of tender is on the Municipality of Chatham-Kent website, www.chatham-kent.ca and on the website of the Government of Ontario Central Forms Repository under the listing for the Ministry of Municipal Affairs. For further information regarding this sale and a copy of the prescribed form of tender contact:

Pursuant to the Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act, S.C. 2022, c. 10, s 235 (the “Act”), effective January 1, 2023, it is prohibited for a non-Canadian to purchase, directly or indirectly, any residential property, as those terms are defined in the legislation. Contraventions of the Act are punishable by a fine, and offending purchasers may be ordered to sell the residential property. The municipality assumes no responsibility whatsoever for ensuring bidders/tenderers comply with the Act; and makes no representations regarding same. Prospective bidders/tenderers are solely responsible for ensuring compliance with the Act and are advised to seek legal advice before participating in this sale.

Title

Pursuant to the Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act, S.C. 2022, c. 10, s 235 (the “Act”), effective January 1, 2023, it is prohibited for a non-Canadian to purchase, directly or indirectly, any residential property, as those terms are defined in the legislation. Contraventions of the Act are punishable by a fine, and offending purchasers may be ordered to sell the residential property. The municipality assumes no responsibility whatsoever for ensuring bidders/tenderers comply with the Act; and makes no representations regarding same. Prospective bidders/tenderers are solely responsible for ensuring compliance with the Act and are advised to seek legal advice before participating in this sale.

Name of Municipality or Board

Amy McLellan, Manager Revenue or Matthew Torrance, Deputy Treasurer

Municipality of Chatham-Kent

On May 7 at 6 p.m., in-person trivia returns to the Library Café. Teams of four will take part in the event. Participants can come in a full team or as individuals to take part.

For further information regarding this sale and a copy of the prescribed form of tender contact:

Address of Municipality or Board

315 King Street West, P O Box 640, Chatham, Ontario, N7M 5K8 www.chatham-kent.ca

For further information regarding this sale and a copy of the prescribed form of tender contact:

Personal information contained on this form, collected pursuant to the Municipal Act will be used for the purposes of that Act. Questions should be directed to the Freedom of Information and Privacy Co-ordinator at the institution responsible for the procedures under that Act.

Registration is not required. There will be 3 rounds of trivia with a mixture of general knowledge and pop culture questions.

Brokenshire’s legacy to be celebrated

It’s a fitting location for a

CK Pride will host a community conversation on May 30 at Bill’s Place, recognizing the legacy of Bill Brokenshire.

As CK Pride marks 25 years since incorporation, the organization is creating space to reflect on the people, experiences, and moments that shaped the local community. Bill’s Place serves as both the office of CK Pride and a community hub where support, programming, and events are offered.

The space is named in honour of Brokenshire, a

former Chatham resident who passed away in 2018.

Through his will, Brokenshire established a trust fund for CK Pride, recognizing the importance of creating a dedicated space for the local 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

“Bill’s Place exists because someone believed this community deserved space to exist openly,” said CK Pride officials in a media release.

This event will focus on storytelling, and lived experience. It will be a facilitated conversation where attendees are invited to listen and reflect.

CK Pride will welcome Brokenshire’s longtime friends Frank Marshall, Amir Ha-

nusic, and Richard Sullivan, who are travelling from Toronto and Vancouver to share personal stories and reflections. Their perspectives offer insight into earlier generations of 2SLGBTQIA+ life, when community was often less visible and often built through informal networks and personal connection.

The conversation will explore both Brokenshire’s legacy and the broader context of what it meant to find and sustain community at a time when safety, support and visibility were limited.

The event takes place at 2 p.m. at Bill’s Place, 48 Centre St. in Chatham.

Chatham Voice file photo

Nathan Dawthorne and Marianne Willson hold a picture of Bill Brokenshire at Bill’s Place in Chatham. CK Pride is to host a community event later this month to recognize Brokenshire’s legacy.

May Is Sexual Violence Prevention Month.

About sexual violence

Sexual violence is a broad term that describes any violence, physical or psychological, carried out through sexual means or by targeting sexuality. Sexual violence takes different forms and can include: sexual abuse, sexual assault, rape, incest, childhood sexual abuse, rape during armed conflict, sexual harassment, stalking, indecent or sexualized exposure,degrading sexual imagery, voyeurism, cyber harassment, trafficking and sexual exploitation.

Facts about consent

• Consent should never be assumed or implied

• Consent is not silence or the absence of “no”

• Consent cannot be given if you are impaired by alcohol or drugs, or unconscious

• Consent can never be obtained through threats or coercion

• Consent can be withdrawn at any time

• Consent cannot be given if the perpetrator abuses a position of trust, power or authority

• Consent cannot be given by anyone other than the person participating in the sexual activity (your parent, brother or sister, girlfriend or boyfriend, spouse, friend and so on, cannot consent for you or on your behalf)

Here are some examples of situations where there is no consent:

• You are tricked, bullied, pressured or threatened until you say Yes

• You are too scared to say No • You are drunk or high • You are asleep or unconscious

• The other person is a family member — for example, father, mother, grandfather, cousin

• The other person is a professional — for example, teacher, coach, doctor, therapist — whose job it is to help you.

You have the Right to Change your Mind

Even if you have consented to sexual activity, you have the right to change your mind. If you have expressed by words, gestures or conduct that you do not want to continue, any and all sexual activity should stop!

No one has the right to make these choices for you.

MORTGAGES / LOANS

The Chatham Voice

Saturdays at 7 welcomes back Bells Ablaze and Bellissima Ringers May 9. These two profession-

al handbell ensembles will present Ringing into Spring at 7 p.m. in the sanctuary of St. Andrew’s United Church in Chatham.

Bells Ablaze, formed in 2004, is an advanced invitational handbell choir drawing from communities throughout southwestern Ontario. This

ensemble has performed in many concerts since its inception, including Canada’s national handbell festival and the Stratford Summer Music Festival, as well as with the Toronto Symphony. This group of ringers play challenging repertoire without a conductor, requiring not only a high degree of musicianship from each ringer, but a level of synergy and collaboration beyond that found in most ensembles.

Bellissima Ringers, founded in 1997 as a handbell quartet, enjoys a busy schedule of ringing at hundreds of concerts throughout southwestern Ontario and beyond, including in a CBC-TV production and at Roy Thomson Hall. They were honoured to be the “special guest small ensemble” at the American Guild of English Handbell Ringers Conference in Pennsylvania. Continued on page 22 Contributed image

Bells Ablaze and Bellissima Ringers will bring the sights and sounds of handbell performance to the stage at St. Andrew’s Church on Saturday night.

Council to spend $150K to market C-K

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

Funding for a new marketing campaign to promote Chatham-Kent’s downtown areas, community attractions and natural beauty was approved by municipal council

April 27. Brought forward by South Kent Coun. Anthony Ceccacci, the motion calls for spending $150,000 on the initiative. The money will be pulled from strategic reserves

According to Ceccacci, the communications campaign will focus on

“promoting, supporting, and driving revenue to Chatham-Kent’s unique communities, including their downtowns, tourism attractions, small businesses, and recreation and cultural assets.”

Ceccacci wants to reach out to “communities that surround us.

“It’s important that Chatham-Kent is recognized and I think that we are in a position now, we have a lot of very good things that are happening,” he added.

The councillor said he’s talked with many constituents in various sectors who are in favour of the

campaign since bringing the idea forward.

The councillor said a strategic communications plan is needed.

“I think that us as a community, if we can’t promote our community as a municipality, and promote our downtown cores, which is the absolute fab-

ric of our small-town communities, then I think we are leaving ourselves in a very difficult position,” Ceccacci said. “I think we need to do a better job investing in our community.”

North Kent Coun. Jamie McGrail said she loved the idea.

Handbells to be featured in Saturdays at 7 performance

Continued from page 21

To celebrate 10 years of ringing together, Bellissima Ringers released its first CD recording, Decade.

They have a wide range of repertoire for full handbell choir, handbell quartet and even solo ringing

that provides a unique music experience.

Both groups are directed by Susan Carscadden-Mifsud who has a

passion for handbells.

Based in Ingersoll, she is one of Canada’s most accomplished handbell soloists, a noted conductor

and a clinician who has shared her expertise and love of ringing with directors and choirs across Canada.

All are welcome. Doors open at 6:30 pm. Donations are gratefully accepted at the door (suggested $20 per person).

Big moves out of Blenheim

The Chatham Voice

Taylor’s Dance Academy (TDA) dancers delivered an award-winning performance at the recent Glow Dance Competition in St. Catharines.

The team earned numerous placements, special awards, and adjudicators’ choice recognitions which highlighted the dancers’ dedication to artistry and hard work.

The TDA team received two Afterglow awards, 19 Platinum Plus awards, and 16 Platinum awards.

A standout moment of

the weekend was the full-team performance of a dance titled Welcome to Bikini Bottom which was awarded Top Production of the weekend and the special award Sparkle + Shine. The performance, which was choreographed by Taylor Nethery and Mackenna Lyons, received praise from the adjudicator panel for its captivating energy, seamless costume and prop transitions, and the joy radiating from every dancer.

“It was such an honour to hear the judge’s feed-

back and tell the entire team that the performance made a strong connection with both themselves and the audience members,” Nethery said in a media release. “Our dancers are competing with studios from across the province and are making a name for themselves.”

In addition to full team performances receiving top marks, many individual, duo, and group performances also received top accolades. Two examples of this include performances called Depth Over Distance and Unsteady.

the Local Businesses that help Support Your Community! Advertise here for only $44/week

Contributed image

The competitive dance team from Taylor’s Dance Academy shows off some of the hardware won this season.

Community Events

Thursday, May 7, 2026:

• Join us every Thursday afternoon from 1-4pm at the Merlin Legion for a Music Jam. Donations welcome. So bring out your singing voice and instruments to have a great afternoon!!

• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am-9:30pm. Kitchen open 11:00am-1:30pm. Check out our daily specials. Senior Euchre 1:00pm. Members & non-members welcome.

• Do you have what it takes to beat The Librarian? In-person trivia at 6:00pm in the Library Café! Make a team of up to 4 people or come and make some new friends by making a team on the spot! Registration not required. 3 rounds of trivia with a mixture of general knowledge and pop culture questions. If you can beat the score of The Librarian a special prize awaits your team!

• Lunch at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St 11am-1:30pm. Daily specials and menu items available. Everyone welcome.

Friday, May 8, 2026:

• Ontario Ancestors Kent Branch and the CK Black Historical Society will cohost the presentation “Into the Light: The History and Legacy of a Black Canadian Community” by Marie Carter at 7:00pm. Join us at McKinlay Reception Centre, 463 St. Clair St., Chatham or register to attend at https://kent.ogs. on.ca/ or https://ckbhs.org/. Free and open to everyone.

• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am-9:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch 11:00am–1:30pm. Supper served 4:00–6:00pm. No orders after 5:30pm. Tonight’s specials $15.00(HST included). Take out is also available by calling 519351-8733 or 519-351-5639. 5:15pm. is 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 11am-1:30pm. Daily specials and menu items available. Friday night supper is a meat loaf dinner with potatoes, vegetables, coleslaw and a bun. Dine ins $14 and pickups $15. All meals are served at 6pm. Please call 519-352-8291 to order. Everyone welcome

• Merlin Legion Scrumptious Merlickin’ Pork Chops $17.50, scallop potato & side, plus dessert. Served 4:30-7pm at Merlin Legion. Contact 519-689-4884 for more info. Take outs also available.

Saturday, May 9, 2026:

• Yard Sale, Bake Table and Lunch Room at Christ Church, 80 Wellington St. W., Chatham from 8:00am to 1:00pm. Something for everyone!

• St. Andrew’s United Church in Chatham -“Ringing Into Spring” at 7pm. A joyful and uplifting celebration of music as The Bellissima Ringers and Bells Ablaze! Suggested donation of $20.00 per person at the door to support the music program at St. Andrew’s. Doors open at 6:30pm. For further information www.standrewschatham.org/ events or call 519-352-0010.

• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 10:00am-9:30pm. Line Dancing lessons 10:00am-12 noon. Meat draws at 3:30, 4:30 and 5:30pm. Kitchen open 3:00pm-5:30pm. Come check out our menu. Entertainment by Side Effects from 4:30-9:30pm. Members & non-members welcome.

• Tilbury & District Horticultural Society Plant Sale at Odette Library, 2 Queen St. Rain or shine. 8:00am-noon. Plant donations accepted until 6pm the night before the sale at the same address

Sunday, May 10, 2026:

• Calling all Veterans. The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham is hosting a Buddy Check for all Veterans 10:00am-12:00pm. Come enjoy a coffee and talk to other Veterans. This venue is for Veterans Only.

• Breakfast at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St from 9am until noon. All meals are cooked to order.

Monday, May 11, 2026:

• Ridgetown Branch will host a jigsaw puzzle swap from 12:00-5:00pm and Tuesday, May 12 12:00-8:00pm. Participants will receive vouchers for each puzzle they drop off during library hours until May 10. Vouchers can be redeemed to swap for new puzzles. Any puzzles that are not selected by the end of the event will be put in the Ridgetown Branch Book Sale, where the proceeds will go towards future programs.

Tuesday, May 12, 2026:

• The final meeting of the Chatham Camera Club for the 2025-2026 season will be a Live Meeting at Grace Christian Reformed Church, 255 Tweedsmuir Ave West at 7pm, with doors opening at 6:45pm. Awards for this season we presented and celebrated. Refreshments will be served. All those interested are invited to attend. Call (519) 350-1672 for info.

• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am-9:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch 11:00am-1:30pm. Today’s special is Spaghetti with meat sauce. Euchre at 1:00pm, evening Shuffleboard or Euchre at 7:00pm. Members & non-members welcome.

• Tilbury and District Horticultural Society Meeting at the Tilbury Legion, 4 Stewart Ave., Tilbury. 7:00pm. Guest speaker Huda Oda from the Municipality of Chatham-Kent. Composting and Recycling, everything you need to know. Everyone is welcome. There will also be an indoor plant exchange, bring a plant!

• All singers are warmly invited to join the Jubilee Chorus for our 36th presentation of Handel’s Messiah! Whether you’re a seasoned chorister or simply love to sing, we welcome all voice parts to be part of this inspiring musical tradition. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this uplifting experience! To register or learn more, please contact Elisabeth Enzlin, Conductor, at: thejubilee chorus65@gmail.com.

Wednesday, May 13, 2026:

• Peer support group for anyone living with or who will be living with an ostomy. Education for family, friends and public about ostomies. 2nd Wednesday of every month at 7pm. Wellwise Home Health and Wellness on the corner of St. Clair St. And McNaughton Ave. For info phone 1-226-627-8233 or by invitation to our private Facebook page ostomychatham or by email ostomychatham@hotmail.com.

• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am-9:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch 11:00am-1:30pm. Our daily special is Meatloaf Dinner. Come check out our other daily specials. Fun Darts at 7:00pm. Members & non-members welcome.

Fun Stuff

50. Google certification (abbr.)

51. Sturdy CLUES DOWN

Peruse quickly

Automobiles

genus

Consumed

A place to sleep 7. Small seeds 8. Legendary law man Wyatt

9. Female sheep

10. Indigenous peoples of eastern Siberia

CLUES ACROSS

1. Large dung beetle

7. Gambling game __-lo

10. Further along 12. Type of tobacco

13. Looked for 14. Silk fabric

15. Computer method to solve equations

16. As fast as can be done (abbr.)

17. Tear 18. Brews 19. “Famous” cookie baker

21. Women’s Army Corps

22. Front parts of an animal

27. It’s causing quite a stir

28. Beloved March holiday

33. 12th letter of the Greek alphabet

34. More impudent

36. Indicates center

37. Young woman (French)

38. A cause of distress

39. Santa’s helper

40. Hillside

41. Many wombs

44. Is afraid of

45. Popular baked goods ingredient

48. Popular computers

49. Conceiving of

11. A place ships dock

12. Reciprocal of sine

14. Discomfort

17. British Air Aces

18. Exit sleep

20. Solar energetic particle

23. Plagues characterized by starvation

24. Short musical composition

25. Trauma center

26. Habitual twitching

29. A place where checks are exchanged (abbr.)

30. Decameter

31. Hinged surface in a wing

32. Shouting

35. Sports official

36. Volcanic craters

38. Supportive device

40. It’s part of a rosary

41. Two-toed sloth

42. Body art

43. Let out

44. Foreign medical graduate

45. Nonprofit journalism organization (abbr.)

46. Couples say it

47. Bird’s beak

Razorbill

Bravo! Bravo! Bravo!

CKHA makes top employer list again

For the third straight year, Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (CKHA) has earned a spot on the Forbes list of Canada’s Best Employers.

Now in its 11th year, the Canada’s Best Employers awards recognize organizations that consistently foster exceptional workplace environments.

This ranking is presented in partnership with Statista, the world’s leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider.

To determine the 2026 recipients, Forbes and Statista conducted comprehensive research and an independent survey of more than 37,000 employees across the country.

Justin Turkingon, CKHA’s chief human resources officer, said nothing trumps teamwork.

“Focusing on our staff and fostering a positive work environment helps us build stronger teams, deliver better care, and

achieve lasting success,” he said in a media release.

“We are proud of the supports we have in place for our people – including wellness resources, opportunities for learning and growth, and a strong focus on both psychological and physical safety. When our teams feel supported and valued, it strengthens our ability to provide compassionate, high-quality care to our patients and families.”

To qualify for the award, companies were required to have a workforce of at least 500 employees.

Realtors raise cash for housing effort

The Chatham-Kent Association of Realtors (CKAR) rocked on for Habitat for Humanity recently.

The association held its annual Realtors Rock event.

This year’s effort supported Habitat for Humanity Chatham-Kent.

The event brought together local realtors, community members, and local supporters for an evening of music, connection, and giving back.

The night featured live performances from The Courtney Wells Band, Karaoke Bob, and a lineup of realtor performers who took to the stage to showcase their musical passion.

Through door donations, a silent auction, a 50/50 draw, and community generosity, the event raised $1,100 in support of Habitat for Humanity.

As 2026 marks a build year for Habitat, these funds will directly contribute to furnishing a

Chatham-Kent Health Alliance frontline staff are shown with CKHA president and CEO Adam Topp, right, and Justin Turkington, CKHA’s head of HR, middle, back.

new home, providing a fridge and stove for a local family and helping to turn a house into a home.

Carrie Patrick, 2026

CKAR president, said the night shows what teamwork can do.

“Realtors Rock continues to be a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish when we come together as a community.”

Continued on page 26

The Chatham Voice

Contributed image

Realtors Rock for Habitat

Continued from page 25

“Seeing our members and the public unite in support of Habitat for Humanity is incredibly inspiring,” she said in a media release. “This year, knowing our contributions will directly help furnish a home for a local family makes the impact even more meaningful.”

OBITUARIES

Jean Lindsay

78, Monday, April 27, 2026

Nicholls Funeral Home

Rachel Lee Hopkins

50, Sunday, April 26, 2026

McKinlay Funeral Home

Launa Marie Sparks-Hunter

52, Saturday, April 25, 2026

McKinlay Funeral Home

Allan Jones

79, Saturday, April 25, 2026

McKinlay Funeral Home

Carolyn Margret Brown

69, Thursday, April 23, 2026

Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home

William MacDonald

84, Tuesday, April 28, 2026

Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home

Carmela Toscani

90, Wednesday April 29, 2026

Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home

Nancy Jean Ellis

88, Wednesday, April 22, 2026 Badder Funeral Home

Nelson Allan Gall

80, Saturday, April 25, 2026

Badder Funeral Home

Phyllis June Hazlett

89, Sunday, April 26, 2026

Badder Funeral Home

Jim Boothe

74, Friday, April 24, 2026

Blenheim Community Funeral Home

Michael "Mike" Faubert

77, Saturday April 25, 2026

Alexander & Houle Funeral Home

Margaret Fodor

89, TTuesday, April 30, 2026

Alexander & Houle Funeral Home

John Wayne Stevenson

82, Saturday, April 25, 2026 Life Transitions

Mike Joe Buller

79, Saturday, April 25, 2026 Life Transitions

Judy Blake

78, Saturday, April 18, 2026

Cavanagh Funeral Home

Judy Soney

86, Sunday, April 19, 2026

Cavanagh Funeral Home

Connie Langstaff

79, Friday, April 24, 2026

Cavanagh Funeral Home

John Soney

86, Sunday, April 26, 2026

Cavanagh Funeral Home

Keith Kilbride

93, Tuesday, April 28, 2026

Cavanagh Funeral Home

John Gonyou

73, Tuesday, April 28, 2026 Cavanagh Funeral Home

Anne Taylor, director of partnerships and stakeholder relations for Habitat for Humanity C-K, said the support is appreciated.

“We are always grateful for the continued support and generosity of the CKAR community. Events like Realtors Rock not only raise important funds but also bring people together in support of helping local families build strength, stability, and independence through affordable homeownership,” she said.

Offering curious gifts

Since quietly launching online in November, The Curious Gift Co. has been finding its rhythm; one thoughtful order, one market conversation, and one carefully packed box at a time.

Founded by local entrepreneur Kate do Forno, The Curious Gift Co. is a Canadian literary gift shop rooted in connection – through stories, through place, and through the simple act of giving something that feels just right. Starting online wasn’t just practical, it was intentional.

The shop blends bookish goods with Canadiana and a growing collection of Chatham-Kent-inspired pieces.

The online model has allowed the business to grow steadily while building a community both locally and beyond.

The Curious Gift Co. is currently available online, shipping across Canada and the United States.

A century of innovation

One hundred seasons. One hundred harvests. Over the last century, the technology has changed, the tools have changed, but the heart of farming has stayed the same: the people who work the land, care for it, and pass it on to the next generation.

Pioneer marks 100 years globally and more than 80 years growing alongside Canadian farmers.

The Canadian story began here in Southwestern Ontario, with early Pioneer operations near Tilbury and later growth in Chatham. Generations later, that connection to this region remains as strong as ever, company officials said.

For more than eight decades in Canada, Pioneer has stood beside farmers through every season; through bumper crops and drought years, record yields and tough markets, quiet spring mornings and long harvest nights. Across the country, Pioneer representatives are neighbours, friends, and community builders.

“Launching this way let me test, learn, and grow at a pace that felt manageable,” do Forno said in a media release. “From shipping across Canada and the U.S. to meeting people at local markets, it’s helped me understand what people are really looking for – and how I can serve them better.”

• Business Voice is a bi-monthly column in The Chatham Voice that highlights some of the achievements made and efforts underway in Chatham-Kent’s business community. Send your information to bruce@chathamvoice.com.

Contributed image

From left, Habitat for Humanity’s Mike Coyne; Chatham-Kent Association of Realtors’ Danielle Simard, Janet Mader, Michelle Hetherington and Carrie Patrick; Habitat’s Anne Taylor; and CKAR’s Beth Compton and Ryan Jones celebrate funds raised from the recent Realtors Rock event held at The Fortress.

Classifieds

Dec. 20, 1992May 10, 2017 Nine Long Years Have Passed

Nine years have passed and memories remain as strong as every. A beloved brother, son and uncle, you are deeply missed and forever cherished in our hearts. Your laughter and kindness, and the moments we shared will never fade.

You

“Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day. Always remembered, always loved.

I’ll tell you all about it when I see you again,

In Memory Wanted

We love you and miss you. Love Mom, Dad, Taylor, Gary, Kinsley, Brinley, Xander, Tara, Trisha, Hendrix and Heaven.

Cleaning

Deep steam carpet cleaning, area rugs, and upholstery. WE WILL PICK UP YOUR AREA RUGS. Call Alec - 25+ Years Experience. 226-229-0451. greenandspotless@gmail.com. We are local Chatham-Kent Residents.

Grass Cutting Yard / Garage Sale

YARD & GARAGE SALE

8871 DOYLE LINE. 9:00am-5:00pm daily. Something for everyone.

Help Wanted

EXPERIENCED PART-TIME COOK NEEDED

Grass cutting for seniors. Spots open for 2 more customers. Call Ken 519-7846419.

For Sale

Available to work Tuesday to Saturday. Needed immediately. Call 519351-8733. Email contact information & resume to legiobranch642@gmail. com.

Active Lifestyle Centre 20 Merrit Ave., Chatham Tilbury Senior Expo Tilbury Arena, 49 Bond Ave. TYLER CLARK BRITTON

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.

Silk Cemetery Saddle Arrangements. Everyday/ Holidays. Readyto-go. Many colours available.

Wanted to Buy: Antiques, costume jewellery, gold, silver, coins, military, furniture, tools. We Buy All - Paid Cash. 519-7278894.

Wanted: Scrap air conditioners, a/c condensers, dehumidifiers. Phone 226-2292614. Coin Show

$40. 519-3543411

BUYING

ALWAYS PAYING MORE THAN THE BROCHURE FROM QUEBEC BEST TO DEAL LOCAL! Wed., May 6 • 9am-4pm Thurs., May 7 • 10am-1pm

House calls available. Dan Jones B.A.B.Ed 519-818-1805 TOP PRICES PAID Appointments available GOLD SILVER ALL COINS

Chatham:

Anne’s Smoke Shop, Downtown Chatham Centre, Legion Branch 628, Maple City Bakery, Loads of Love, Active Lifestyle Centre, Wimpys, Pharmasave, Schinkels, Lenovers, Betty Brite, Library, Spots Laundry, Chatham Valu Drug Mart, Real Canadian Superstore, Riverview Bingo Wallaceburg:

Shoppers Drug Mart, 99.1CKXS, Taylor’s Variety, Black Goose, No Frills, Library Dresden:

MacTavish Pharmacy, Dresden Meat Packers, Library

Kent Bridge: Kent Bridge Market Thamesville:

Fast & Fresh, Movie Den, Studio 519, Library Blenheim:

McIntyre I.D.A. Pharmacy, Jim’s Barber Shop, Library, Blenheim Variety, Blenheim Municipal Service Centre, Erieau: Eau Buoy, Bayside Brew Pub

Pain Court: Pain Court Market, Central Tavern

Mitchell’s Bay: Mitchell’s Bay Variety

Merlin: Merlin General Store, Library Tilbury: Ashley’s Place, Library, Rosie’s, Tim Hortons, Foodland

Charing Cross: Post Office/Bert’s Plumbing

Wheatley: Circle K Store, Jack’s Restaurant, Library Bothwell: Library Highgate: Library Ridgetown: Library

NEW

Louisville: Longwoods Rd at mailboxes