The magic number is 45. That’s how many kilometres Lynda Hawkins and Steve Moore will cover Sept. 14 to mark the 45th anniversary of the Terry Fox Run.
Elite marathoners, the longtime Chatham running mates are hitting the pavement to honour one of Canada’s most beloved heroes.
A native of Dresden, Hawkins, 56, has supported the community’s celebrated Terry Fox Run for 20 years. Lacing up her shoes to raise money for cancer research is deeply personal for her as she lost her father Bob Hawkins to the illness 21 years ago.
“The Dresden Terry Fox Run is near and dear to my heart,” Hawkins told The Voice in a recent interview. “My dad was sick so I needed to do something. I started out walking and I walked a marathon. Then I
switched to running. It means a lot because of him.”
As a self-described running addict, the Enbridge employee has dozens of marathons under her belt.
“I’ve done the six major marathons (including Boston, New York, Tokyo, London, Berlin and Chicago) and have run in six out of seven continents,”
Hawkins said. “And I’m still working on it, so yeah, I’m definitely an addict.
“I’ve seen the world and it’s been good.”
Hawkins met her running partner Moore by chance at Chatham’s Up and Running Club, and they’ve been running together ever since. Plus, their families, including Hawkins’ husband Greg Caron and Moore’s wife Hazel, all knew each other as their children played team sports together.
Moore, a 56-year-old Global Greenfield electrician, said he began running in 2009 for “health reasons and to stay in shape.”
The lap of luxury
He hasn’t looked back, also completing the six major world marathons. Recently Moore ran 13.5 hours in the Last Man Standing trail race ultra-marathon in London Ont.
The two runners said they continue to be motivated by Fox’s extraordinary example.
“Terry Fox is a total hero to me,” Hawkins said. “As a runner, knowing what he did with that horrible prosthetic leg, it’s amazing. He’s always been a huge inspiration to me.”
“Terry Fox’s story is awesome,” echoed Moore. “What he went through, his determination...I think a lot of runners feel inspired by him. He inspires people of all ages and at all different levels.
“Not just in running, but in life. I’m just in awe of what he did. He was out there by himself with a small crew bringing awareness. We need to try and live up to it.”
The pair has been pre-
paring for the Terry Fox Run for the last month, Moore said, noting the two are always training for upcoming runs or marathons depending on the year and season. As of press time, they hadn’t decided on the final route but will finish the run’s last five kilometres on the Dresden Raceway track – the spot where the very first Dresden Terry Fox Run was held in town. Organizers decided to return to the site to mark the 45th.
Moore credits Hawkins for choosing 45 for 45.
“She’s definitely the driver be-
hind this,” he said.
Both runners will be joined by their spouses and families at Dresden to complete the final leg. That includes Hawkins’ mother Shirley, now 86, another long-time participant in the Dresden Terry Fox Run.
“We always try to have a crew of our family join her,” Hawkins said.
Along with Dresden, Terry Fox Runs in Chatham-Kent will be held in Wallaceburg, Tilbury and Blenheim. To find out more access the Terry Fox Foundation website.
Contributed image
George Denkers reads his copy of The Chatham Voice, while the family dog, Ted, gets in a little lap time, and some street watching.
Opening the book on injustice
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com
Gabriel Allahdua had high expectations when he came to Canada to work in a Leamington greenhouse in 2012. But his hopes were dashed when he discovered the realities of life as a temporary foreign worker.
“I thought I was going to a place where everything was right and just,” Allahdua told
The Voice in a recent interview.
“Canada presents itself on the world stage as a champion of human rights. Little did I know I was entering a culture of silence.”
Allahdua, author of a book called ‘Harvesting Freedom: The Life of a Migrant Worker in Canada,’ is bringing his justice-seeking message to Chatham-Kent Sept. 15. He’s giving a talk at the Chatham Cultural Centre beginning at noon. As part of his presentation,
Allahdua will explore themes surrounding the hidden costs in Canada’s food system, highlighting the importance of sustainability throughout all phases of agriculture, noting the process should “nourish” everything from workers to the land.
“As a migrant farm worker in Canada, I was called essential – but treated as disposable,” he explained. “I was tied to a single employer, denied basic human rights, and excluded from the
protections other workers take for granted, I laboured in fields that feed this country while being made vulnerable by law.”
Born on the island of St. Lucia in the Caribbean, Allahdua worked under the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP) for four seasons. In 2015, he left the program to seek permanent residency here.
Now a leader in the migrant worker justice movement, Allahdua works for Justicia for Migrant Workers and is an outreach worker with The Neighbourhood Organization, providing services to migrant workers across southwestern Ontario.
In his home country, Canada isn’t thought of as just a country, it was a “standard,” Allahdua said.
However, Allahdua said he was “shocked” by what he found. Workers often work 14 to 16 hours a day from sunrise to sunset, but are excluded from overtime pay.
Being tied to one employer is another big problem, he said, as workers have to be invited back each year by employers, which leads to workers going “above and beyond” to please their bosses, and that can negatively impact health.
Allahdua said the current terms of the SAWP is a “gift” from the Canada government, allowing employers to exploit and profit off of
workers, leading to the creation of a “vulnerable workforce.”
In order to change the system, Allahdua said the rules must change.
“We’re not saying that all employers are bad...we just want to put pressure on politicians to change unjust rules and policies,” he said.
Continued on page 7
Contributed image
Activist Gabriel Allahdua will be bringing his message of social justice for migrant workers to Chatham Sept. 15. The former temporary foreign farm worker has written a book called Harvesting Freedom: The Life of a Migrant Worker in Canada.
Opinion
It’s broken
That sound you heard on Friday was the proverbial drop in the bucket.
We’re talking about the story that appears on page 8 of this week’s paper, “Flack flicks
$440,000 to C-K.”
Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Rob Flack was in Chatham to hand municipal officials an oversized cheque for $440,000 to support housing construction.
The funds will go towards ongoing affordable housing projects, according to Mayor Darrin Canniff.
As well it should.
But let’s be real. The cash is a pittance. Not that any dollars from the province aren’t appreciated, but in housing terms, $440,000 basically covers the cost of the sale of one average home in C-K. Our story on home sales on page 11, “Home prices up, but sales slide,” will tell you the average price of homes sold through the first eight months of the year was $433,520.
So, one home.
This despite the municipality shattering housing targets. The bullseye sat on 92 new homes for 2024, when there were 311 new housing starts.
Compare that to Sarnia, which received $400,000 from the same
program. The city of 72,000 did well, nearly doubling its target, breaking ground on 164 new homes last year.
So, C-K is bigger by population and essentially doubled what Sarnia did in new home starts last year, but only received $40,000 more.
Something in the funding formula is broken.
There was also something missing on Friday. Or someone, rather.
Doug Ford was on hand for similar grip-and-grin moments in London, Windsor and Sarnia, but his Chatham-Kent allergies apparently got the better of him yet again, as he left Flack on his own – well, with a team of handlers that outnumbered the reporters attending the announcement.
Our premier, basically ever since York1 announced its intentions to force a landfill site down our throats just outside Dresden, has been conspicuously absent.
Then again, Chatham-Kent has two MPPs and Steve Pinsonneault was also absent on Friday.
It’s Pinsonneault’s riding that is saddled with the York1 initiative, one for which Ford’s Bill 5 removed the need for an environmental assessment.
Oh, those allergies, Doug…
Our letters to the editor policy
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).
You can also drop them off or mail
them to us at The Chatham Voice, 71 Sass Rd., Unit 4, Chatham, Ont, N7M 5J4.
The Chatham Voice reserves the right to edit letters to the editor for brevity and clarity. All letters need to be signed.
Chatham Voice advertising policy
The publisher of this newspaper, CK Media Inc., reserves the right to clarify or refuse any advertisement based on its sole discretion. The publisher reserves the right to reject, discontinue or omit any advertisement without notice
or penalty to either party.
Liability for errors or non-insertion is limited to the amount paid for the cost of space occupied by the error. Claims of errors must be made prior to the next publication date.
Put the homeless to work; get them housed
Editor: It seems to me that the way municipalities are handling the homelessness problems plaguing our cities and towns is not working. Instead of simply moving them from one area to another, trying to keep them out of sight is like a dog chasing its tail.
Perhaps a more viable solution would be to increase their benefits/ welfare to enable them to afford housing?
But this must not be “free.” This must require work of some kind for the
community, as well as attendance in an addiction program if applicable. I agree this won’t work for all of the people involved, but if it rehabilitates a large percentage, it would be worth the effort.
accrue credits. They might even be put to work assisting seniors, cutting grass or shovelling snow, to earn their benefits.
Removing litter in the streets might be one avenue, and removing graffiti another. I’m sure our municipal works department could suggest other ways to employ these people, even if only on a volunteer basis to
It seems to me a much better solution to the begging on the street problem that we have now. I’m sure that will still be an issue but we have to start somewhere. What we’re doing right now is clearly not working.
Bryan Marino Chatham
Editor: What is going on at city hall with the blatant attempt to curtail free speech by way of the weaponization of the integrity commissioner’s office?
It would appear that getting slapped with a $20,000 costs award by
the court in a previous fiasco involving Ms. Jubenville has had no effect on whoever is stoking these investigations. Why not? It is the taxpayer who stands to get fleeced again.
In my opinion, it is not coincidental that these steps are being launched in an effort to silence two strong voiced women.
Bob Stevens Chatham
More reasons to support local businesses
patronage.
Now, more than ever, every purchase is a vote for Chatham-Kent’s economic future.
That from the Chatham-Kent Chamber of Commerce.
In response to the Trump administration’s abrupt cancellation of the $800 “de minimis” exemption for cross-border shipments, the chamber urges residents to support local businesses, events, and producers.
With every Canadian shipment to the U.S. – large or small –facing significant new customs costs and compliance hurdles, Chatham-Kent businesses that depended on those sales must adapt rapidly, seeking new markets and innovative solutions in a race against time.
“Yet transition takes months, and our local economy needs immediate support from those who know and love it best: our own community,” chamber officials said in a media release.
This fall, the chamber urges everyone to make a difference by supporting the abundance of Chatham-Kent and Ontario fall fairs, festivals, and markets. Discover farm-fresh produce, handmade goods, and one-of-a-kind gifts while connecting with the people whose livelihoods depend on local
“Every dollar spent at a fair or farmers’ market not only fills your basket with quality, but also delivers hope and stability to Chatham-Kent families,” chamber officials said. Whether it’s your weekly groceries, Thanksgiving decorations, or holiday shopping –put Chatham-Kent first.”
Many local businesses offer online shopping, delivery, and curbside pickup.
“Before clicking ‘buy’ on Amazon or another multinational site, take just a moment to search for Chatham-Kent goods online. Prioritize those who invest in our streets, sponsor our teams, and employ our neighbours,” the release stated.
Every local purchase protects local jobs and keeps money in our community, helps businesses weather international uncertainty and celebrates Canadian innovation and quality
“In times like these, standing up for Chatham-Kent means buying Chatham-Kent,” said chamber board chair Sarah Molnar. “Choose local merchants, local markets, and local online shops first. Let’s show the world how a community pulls together – come out to the fairs, shop our markets, support our businesses, and let’s keep Chatham-Kent strong.”
Gov’t rules need
changing: author
Continued from page 5
“We want a food system that is healthy and sustainable. We want it to be just for both sides, including consumers.”
Beefing up the nation’s food security policy is an issue government needs to tackle, he said, as it is increasingly putting the system “into the hands of a few CEOs.”
Put on by CK Local Immigration Partnership and the Chatham-Kent
Public Library, the free event is open to all and no registration is required.
Funding for the program was made possible by the Rotary Club of Chatham in celebration of Welcome Week.
Copies of “Harvesting Freedom: The Life of a Migrant Worker in Canada” are available to borrow from Chatham-Kent Public Library.
The Chatham Voice
Flack flicks
$440,000 to C-K
The funds will help fuel affordable housing project
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com
An affordable housing project in southeast Chatham has received a $440,000 boost from the province.
That’s thanks to a cash injection from Ontario’s Building Faster Fund –aimed at rewarding municipalities for exceeding housing targets.
Us For Our New Are you a senior looking for a little fun? We know how to party!
Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Rob Flack offered words of praise for C-K’s leadership when making the official announcement in Chatham Sept. 5. Flack thanked Mayor Darrin Canniff, council and staff for “getting the job done.
“We all know, and I think there’s no secret in this, that we are in the midst of a generational housing crisis,” Flack told reporters, as housing starts have not kept pace with Ontario’s growing population, which is now at 16 million people.
“As a result, we are seeing more first-time house buyers, families and seniors being pushed out of the housing market because they cannot afford a home,” the minister said. “This has to change. As a government, and governments, it is our collective responsibility to
create conditions to get homes built.
“Our goal is simple...to help people own their own piece of Ontario,” Flack said. “It’s the quintessential Canadian dream.”
When it comes to hitting housing targets, Chatham-Kent is surpassing the mark in spades. In 2024, C-K broke ground on 311 new homes, exceeding its target of 92 by 338 per cent.
While grateful for the funding, Canniff said he’d like to see more cash flow to the municipality, noting the Building Faster Fund is based on a formula that focuses on historic averages.
Prior to the growth experienced in the last five years, Chatham-Kent was only building 20 homes per year, Canniff said, noting he’s asked the province to take another look at the process.
“Certainly, we’d like to see a bigger piece of the pie,” he said.
However, despite an overall slowdown in Ontario housing starts, including Chatham-Kent, Canniff said the number of housing permits has picked up in the last couple of months.
“But we’re confident that with all the things Chatham-Kent offers, we’ll be having a lot of people
coming here in the next several years,” he said, noting a new 774-unit build by York Developments planned for Chatham is one of the biggest investments ever.
“They recognize it’s the place to be,” Cannif said. “They’re putting a lot of money into building more housing units.”
The Redwood Crescent and Eugenie Street affordable housing project to benefit from the additional funding will see two rowhouses built on vacant parkland. One of the structures will contain six family units, the other will house five family units with mixed affordability. Some are classed as affordable, some deeply affordable and some at current market rent values.
The $5.2-million project went out for tender earlier this year. The federal government has kicked in more than $1.1 million and the province made an earlier commitment of $480,000.
The foundation for both structures has been poured, with completion set for the end of 2026. Announced in 2023, the Building Faster Fund is a three-year, $1.2-billion program with a goal of encouraging municipalities to cut red tape and speed up approval processes.
Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice
Ontario Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Rob Flack, Chatham-Kent–Leamington MPP Trevor Jones and Chatham-Kent Mayor Darrin Canniff stand with an oversize $440,000 cheque from the province Sept. 5. Flack travelled to Chatham to make the announcement as part of the Ontario’s Building Faster Fund. The money will be used for a new affordable housing project in southeast Chatham.
The (magic) power of song
The Chatham Voice
The Sammies, St. Angela Merici Catholic School’s student choir, are stepping into the national spotlight.
On Sept. 7, under the leadership of music specialist Jacquelyn McGlynn, the choir was to perform live with Rik Emmett of Triumph and acclaimed guitarist Donna Grantis at the Mississauga Music Walk of Fame.
For The Sammies, this milestone is the latest chapter in a remarkable journey. Over the past year, they have performed across southwestern Ontario, appeared in the national Music Monday video with Emmett, and earned top honours in the 2025 CBC Canadian Music Class Challenge. Their creativity and pas-
sion were also recognized when McGlynn received the national Outstanding Teacher Award, which helped bring steel pan drums into their classroom and onto the stage.
“This invitation is a tribute to Jacquelyn’s extraordinary musical leadership and to the talent and perseverance of our students,” said Lisa Demers, director of education with the St. Clair Catholic District School Board. “Through the Sammies, Jacquelyn has inspired a love of music that has resonated across our system. We are truly blessed to have her guiding our students as they achieve such remarkable milestones.”
The Sammies are embracing what McGlynn calls a dream come true.
“The Sammies are very deserving of this hon-
our. I am truly proud of their talent, passion, energy and dedication” she said. “To stand on stage
performing live with Rik Emmett and Donna Grantis is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and
is an experience we will never forget. Music holds the secret to connection and belonging, and I have seen how it empowers our students to dream big, work hard, and believe in themselves.”
Contributed image
St. Angela Merici Catholic School’s choir, The Sammies, was to perform on the weekend at the Mississauga Music Walk of Fame awards.
Home prices up but sales slide
The Chatham Voice
Home sales in Chatham-Kent tumbled in August, but the price of homes that did sell was up.
According to Chatham-Kent Association of Realtors (CKAR) figures, sales dipped by more than 17 per cent compared to
August of 2024, as 111 units changed hands. That was more than 15 per cent lower than the five-year average for August sales, and about 20 per cent lower than the 10-year average.
Year to date, the first eight months of 2025 saw 838 properties sell, down
about five per cent for the same period last year.
Barbara McCaughrin, CKAR president, said while sales are down, selection is up, and it’s a buyer’s market as a result.
“While August MLS home sales came in lower than expected for this time of year, market con-
$449,900
11 Crocus Crt., Chatham
$549,900 $539,900
One level living at its finest! Located in sought after Prestancia subdivision. Call ***Tricia Weese @ 519-365-7435
$159,900
9078 Broad Line, Tupperville
OPEN HOUSE Sept 14 1-3pm
$887,900. Welcome to this riverfront country retreat located on just over 2 acres. Features 4 bdrms and 2.5 baths with quaint country charm throughout and stunning views of the river. Includes 3 outbuildings. Call ***Tricia Weese @ 519-365-7435.
ditions in our region continue to offer buyers more choice and negotiating power,” she said in a media release. “The number of newly listed properties eased from July, but the number of homes currently available is still well above the historical norm for August. As a
result, our local market is full of opportunities for those ready to step in off the sidelines.”
In terms of pricing, the average for homes sold in August rang in at $420,127, up by 2.3 per cent from August 2024.
The more comprehensive year-to-date aver-
age price was $433,520, a modest gain of 1.7 per cent from the first eight months of 2024.
The number of new listings did see a notable decline of 19 per cent, as McCaughin indicated, from August 2024. There were 222 new residential listings in August 2025.
25 Duskridge Rd.
OPEN HOUSE Sept 13 12-2pm
Starting at $539,900 Executive semi-detached ranch in Prestancia with basement walk-out. Call **Bill Myers @ 519-365-2094
48 Cherry Blossom Trail
OPEN HOUSE Sept 13 12-2pm
$749,900 Executive ranch in sought after Prestancia subdivision. Offering high quality finishes, exquisite craftsmanship and attention to detail. Call ***Tricia @ 519-365-7435
$624,900.
Call *Laurie DeHaw @ 519-809-0513
150 Park Ave. E. #212
$185,000. Maintenance free 2 bedroom condo in secure building with elevator. One of the larger units at 841 sq.ft. end unit. Call **Bill @ 519-365-2094.
626 Gregory Drive East
$2,499,999. Exquisite custom built rancher sitting on over 11 acres on the edge of Chatham. This spectacular 13 year old home is surrounded by 67 varieties of trees, 2 ½ acres of mature woodlot and lovingly chosen native trees and plants. What an opportunity for a nature enthusiast -- birds, butterflies, deer and PRIVACY. But that’s not all --The 4224 sq. ft. steel shop with three 16’ x 14’ doors is partially insulated, heated and cooled and is a dream of its own! Call *Laurie DeHaw @519-809-0513
NEW
Car show set for Saturday
By Michael Bennett Local Journalism Initiative
The Ridgetown Independent
The Thamesville Crossroads Car Show will honour the contributions of the town’s volunteer fire department at their annual event.
The fifth annual Thamesville Crossroads Car Show, hosted by the Thamesville Improvement Association
and Thamesville Sertoma Club, takes place Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Vehicles will be parked along London Road as well as Lemuel and Ann Streets for auto enthusiasts to enjoy.
There will also be a special area in front of the town hall where fire trucks from Thamesville Station 8 will be on display, along with vintage
apparatus from across Chatham-Kent.
The salute comes in advance of Thamesville’s 150th anniversary of its volunteer fire department, which will take place in 2026.
“It’s in recognition of our local volunteers because they help us out with so many things,” said Susan Smith, who, along with husband Brad, is a co-
chair of the Crossroads Car Show. “They provide guys to help direct traffic for the car show and pretty well anything Sertoma and TIA does in town throughout the year.”
“It’s a special gratitude for all they do for the town,” Smith said.
There will be educational activities, and Sparky, Chatham-Kent Fire & Rescue’s mascot, will be
Sign of the times
By Michael Bennett Local Journalism Initiative
The Ridgetown Independent
Chatham-Kent has recently posted new signs on local rural roadways where off-road trails cross main thoroughfares.
Signs have been installed on rural roads such as Kent Bridge Road, Scane Road, Victoria Road and Kenesserie Road.
These yellow diamond signs include images of a person walking and a bicycle, with a second
sign underneath with the word “CROSSING.”
These signs have been installed to caution motorists about the potential of pedestrians and cyclists waiting to cross the roadway as they continue on the trails. Vehicular traffic is not
required to stop if a person or cyclist is waiting to cross at these uncontrolled crossings.
Pedestrians and cyclists are required to yield to vehicles on the roadway and wait for a safe gap in traffic before crossing safely.
These signs follow the provincial-wide standard approach as set out in the Ontario Traffic Manual.
These crossings differ in regulation from controlled crosswalks in a town or city where vehicles must stop when lights are flashing, or at the new style of pedestrian crossings in downtown areas where motorists are required to stop if they see a person waiting to cross.
on hand for the kids.
For the car show itself, organizers are anticipating more than 200 vehicles.
Last year’s show drew a record 270 vehicles and an estimated crowd of 4,000 people.
The entry fee is $10 per vehicle, as all participants will be eligible for draw prizes and a limited number of dash plaques.
This is an open show as there are no year restrictions on vehicles.
The Thamesville Sertoma Club will have a food booth, while downtown restaurants and the Thamesville Legion Branch 367 will be open for food and beverages. Merchants will welcome visitors to come inside and do some shopping while they’re in town.
Image courtesy The Ridgetown Independent News New signs have been installed on Chatham-Kent rural roads to caution motorists of trail crossings.
CKCools chills out
By Saeed Akhtar Local Journalism Initiative
The Tilbury Times
In a demonstration of community leadership and collaboration, the Municipality of Chatham-Kent has announced the successful completion of the first year of CKCools, a legacy project of the Leadership Chatham-Kent program that provided air conditioning units to 125 low-income households during one of the region’s hottest summers on record.
The initiative was launched in response to increasingly frequent and severe heatwaves across Southwestern Ontario, which pose serious health risks – especially to seniors, children, and individuals with chronic illnesses. According to Environment Canada, Chatham-Kent experienced 17 days of temperatures exceeding 30C this summer, with heat warnings issued for nearly half of July. For many vulnerable residents, access to cooling is not a luxury—it’s a necessity.
CKCools was designed and led by Leadership Chatham-Kent participants Steve Brown, director of budget & performance for the Municipality; Tiffany Irwin, school-age service manager at the Children’s Treatment Centre of Chatham-Kent; and Christina Bonneau, director of finance at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance. Their goal: to create a lasting, community-driven solution to heat-related hardship.
“With Chatham-Kent experiencing longer periods of extreme heat, the CKCools initiative was created to provide important support for people to safely shelter at home,” said Brown.
“The CKCools team would like to extend a sincere thanks to our community partners NeighbourLink and Grand Avenue Home Hardware for their support. This initiative will undoubtedly have a positive impact on our community for years to come.”
The program was made possible through a part-
nership with NeighbourLink, Grand Avenue Home Hardware, and Chatham-Kent Employment & Social Services, who helped identify eligible households and co-ordinate distribution.
Units were provided on a first-come, first-served basis, and while demand exceeded supply, the program’s impact was immediate and profound.
One recipient, a single mother of two living in Wallaceburg, shared that the air conditioner “changed everything” for her family.
“We were sleeping in the basement and using wet towels to stay cool. Now my kids can sleep comfortably, and I don’t worry about heat exhaustion.”
CKCools is part of a broader effort to address climate resilience and social equity in Chatham-Kent.
The Leadership Chatham-Kent program, launched in 2024, is a nine-month leadership development initiative that brings together professionals from across sectors– education, health
care, nonprofit, construction, post-secondary institutions, and municipal services – for monthly sessions focused on community impact, collaboration, and innovation.
Legacy projects such as CKCools are a cornerstone of the program, empowering participants to design and implement initiatives that leave a lasting mark on the region.
Other legacy projects from the 2024 cohort include youth mentorship programs, mental health awareness campaigns, and rural transportation pilots.
For residents who did not qualify or missed this year’s intake, the municipality has confirmed that CKCools will return in 2026, with updates to be shared through community partners and the municipal website.
As climate challenges grow and community needs evolve, CKCools stands as an example of what happens when leadership meets compassion—and when a simple air conditioner becomes a lifeline.
SCAN FOR THE FULL SCHEDULE & full list of sponsors
Contributed image
Katrina Nydam (NeighbourLink), Al Baker (NeighbourLink), Tiffany Irwin (Children’s Treatment Centre), Steve Brown (Municipality of Chatham-Kent), Christiana Bonneau (CKHA), Polly Smith (C-K), Fran Ward (Home Hardware) and Les Wolfe (HH) celebrate the CKCools initiative that saw air conditioning provided to several low-income households this summer.
up to be healthy, successful, and active participants in society.
READY, SET, THRIVE!
Ready, Set, Thrive! is a seven-session in-school program (run once a week for 1 hour per session) to entire classrooms. The program is primarily designed for youth in grades 4/5 but can be adapted to suit the needs of classrooms from grades 3 – 8. During the seven sessions, students learn about the importance of healthy active living, communication, respect, teamwork, decisionmaking, positive sense of self, healthy relationship building skills and more.
We currently have a Memorandum of Understanding with the Lambton-Kent District School Board. If you would like to register your classroom, please fill out the form below or email emily@bgcck.com!
C.O.R.E. CLUB AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM
The C.O.R.E After-School Program is named after its main themes of Connections, Opportunities, Recreation and Empowerment. Everyday after school, children and youth enrolled in the program will be invited to take part in recreational based programming. Once entering the program each day, youth will be provided with a healthy snack to fill their bellies after a long day of learning and get them energized and ready for some fun, engaging games and activities. This program is offered through registered schools, be on the lookout from your child’s school for an invitation!
WATCH FOR MORE INFO ON OUR COMING EVENT: Celebration Expo- March 14, 2026 WATCH FOR OUR NEXT 50 /50 DRAW: www.big5050foryouth.ca
CORE VALUES BELONGING
We welcome everyone in a safe, accepting environment based on belonging and positive relationships.
RESPECT
We ensure that everyone - children, youth, families, volunteers, staff - is heard, valued, and treated fairly.
ENCOURAGEMENT AND SUPPORT
We encourage and support every child and youth to play, learn, and grow to achieve their dreams.
WORKING TOGETHER
We work together with young people, families, volunteers, our communities, and government.
SPEAKING OUT
We speak out for children, youth, and families so that we can make our world better.
BGC Member Events
Youth enrolled with BGC Chatham-Kent will be invited to take part in exclusive events above and beyond the programing that they have enrolled in. Make sure to check out our newsletters for these special opportunities!
New rec master plan is in the works
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com
Chatham-Kent’s upcoming parks and recreation master plan has some ambitious goals.
In a presentation to council Aug. 25, C-K’s manager of parks, recreation and cemeteries provided an overview of pending recommendations.
In his remarks, Ian Clark detailed some of the more “impactful” capital devel-
opments to be included in the plan.
“We’ve identified needs and service gaps across communities in Chatham-Kent,” Clark told council. “We’ve attempted to prioritize projects that will impact all corners of our communities.”
According to Clark, the direction Chatham-Kent takes on arenas will be among the most impactful, noting that after several years of declining use, there’s been a notice-
able demand for ice time, with an estimated 10 pads required by 2035.
Replacing Chatham Memorial and Erickson Arenas with a multi-use recreation centre with two ice pads is on the table, he said. Part of the long-term strategy includes further co-location of ice-pads while maintaining a minimum of one ice pad in Wallaceburg, West Kent and Southeast Kent.
“Council will also be faced with multi-mil-
lion-dollar decisions to maintain the status quo,” he said, noting expensive repairs will be needed in coming years.
Outdoor pools are also overserviced, Clark explained, noting the study found only four of C-K’s seven pools are needed, with the recommendation that Jaycee Pool, Walter Hawkins Pool and possibly a third be divested.
However, strong indoor pool demand exists. The municipality is looking
to partner with the Chatham-Kent YMCA to meet the demand for now, Clarke said, but in the future a new multi-use facility could include an indoor pool.
Chatham-Kent’s last parks and recreation master plan was last updated 15 years ago. If approved, the new plan would cover the next decade.
Clark noted the new plan dovetails with other municipal polices, including new spending on its assets
as well as divestments.
The master plan has been in the works for a year. A final public open house will be held Sept. 23 where more than 80 recommendations will be available for review and comment.
The drop-in session will be held at the John D. Bradley Convention Centre in meeting room 1A from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Staff will be on hand to answer questions and receive comments.
Holman first into new Ridgetown Hall
By Michael Bennett Local Journalism Initiative
The Ridgetown Independent
Dr. Margery Holman achieved several significant firsts during her highly decorated athletic and educational careers.
It is only fitting that Holman accomplishes another first as she will be the first inductee in the revised Ridgetown Hall of Excellence.
Holman will be the first person enshrined into the Ridgetown Hall of Excel-
lence at its new location in the The Centre, 40 Erie St. S., on Sept. 11. The Ridgetown District High School Hall of Excellence has inducted 45 former RDHS students who went on to achieve success in a variety of fields since its opening in 1999.
However, the display has been moved to the Adult Activity Centre, and the RDHS has been dropped in favour of the rebranded Ridgetown Hall of Excellence name.
Doug Johnston, the former RDHS principal who initiated the idea for the Hall of Excellence 26 years ago, said the display was moved at the request of school administration as space was required for a new art exhibit. Access for the public to
view the Hall of Excellence display was limited to times when the school was open, and even when classes were in session, doors were locked due to security regulations.
“About the only time people from the community could view the dis-
play was when the school was open for a basketball or volleyball game or other after-hours events,” Johnston said. He said the move to The Centre gives the public access to the Hall of Excellence anytime the facility is open.
“They’ve done a nice job putting the display in the hallway,” Johnston said. The Hall of Excellence features a main information sign along with plaques that contain pictures and short biographies of all 45 inductees. Continued on page 17
THE RIDGETOWN TREES COMMITTEE
Extends a warm invitation to all to a Service of Dedication in memory of those for whom a Tree lives at
The Trees Memorial Forest
Sunday, September 14, 2025
Gathering 1:30pm • Service 2:00pm
53 Marsh St. South, Ridgetown
From a small beginning in 1988, The Trees Memorial Forest has grown to an area of 43 acres, encompassing both Howard and Ridgetown.
To date, over 2,400 trees have been purchased and planted, each recognizing a life that has been lived. Please bring a lawn chair.
A TREE GROWS IN MEMORY OF:
Amerlinck, Gloria
Beavis, Ronald
Beecroft, Jarod
Beenackers, Brooke
Benson, Karen
Brooks, Ed
Brush, Douglas
Chaffey, Ben
Chan, Kam-Ng
Charron, Evelyn
Clunis, Mike
Coatsworth, Barb
Crowe, Muriel
Cudmore, Clarence
Dark, Dorothy
Davis, Dennis
Delmege, Murray
Denike, Bill
Devereux, Mary
Duffy, Marion
Evans, Ethel
Fenton, Ray
Fowler, Allman
Gambeta, Agnes
Garrod, Marion
Goldhawk, Lyle Goodal, Evelyn
Gotelaer, Shirley
Gray, Ruth
Harris, Phil
Hatt, Joan
Helmer, Bob
Hibbs, Gail
Hills, Mildred
Hogg, Barry
Huff, Norm
Huisman, Casey
Irwin, John
Jackson, Martin
Jay, Thelma
Jenkins, Jim ‘Jimmy’
Jinkerson, Harry
Konecny, Cathy
Koopmans, Dirk
Lampman-Smits, Sherrie
Levine, Allan
Locke, Vera
Malcolm, Debbie
Marianchuk, Harry ‘Butch’
Mattice, Richard ‘Rick’
McKay, Sharon
McKinlay, Scott
Meyers, Nancy
Mieras, Nora
Minshall, Judy
Moore, Larry Clifford
Mortele, Marilyn
Okkema, Henry
Ouellette, Toni
Paine, Ronald
Paine, Scott
Preston, Bob ‘Captain’
Roberts, Lorna
Shaw, Jim
Sherman, Jack
Smits, Robert
Sokoll, Chuck
Spence, Robert ‘Bob’
Stefik, George
Stepniak, Henry
Stover, Jean
Szilvassy-Gaborne, Katalin
Van Der Aa, Marcel
Van Every, Gabby
Van Every, John
Villemaire, Theresa
Reynolds, Allen
Richardson, Byron
Wicks, Dorothy
Wright, David
New Hall of Excellence in Ridgetown
Continued from page 15
Expanded profiles are available on the Hall of Excellence website, while hard copies are available at the Ridgetown Library and in a binder maintained by the committee.
Johnston came up with the idea of a Hall of Excellence during a conversation with students who
“Why
were unaware of the history of the school, town and its people.
He put a committee together, starting with Jim Brown, publisher of the Ridgetown Independent News, and Rev. Kevin Babby, representative of the Ridgetown Ministerial Association, to come up with a plan to honour
RDHS grads who went on to become leaders in their profession.
“The Ministerial Association put up the money to make sure this was going to function because I didn’t have the budget for it at the school,” Johnston said.
The trio came up with an eligibility criterion for
former RDHS students to be considered for induction.
The committee came up with 11 different categories for induction – including medicine, politics, military, science, business, humanitarian, education, agriculture, law, media and athletics.
“When you start read-
ing through the bios, it’s absolutely overwhelming the contributions these people have made over the years, not just locally but nationally and internationally,” Johnston said.
Holman attended RDHS and played every sport offered to girls in the early 1960s.
Holman attended the University of Windsor from 1965-69, where she played basketball for one year and volleyball for three.
She enjoyed a decorated 42-year teaching career in the Department of Kinesiology at the University of Windsor, where she coached.
Fall is the Perfect Time to Explore Retirement Living”
As the air turns crisp and the trees begin their brilliant display of colour, fall in Ontario often feels like a breath of fresh air. After the heat of summer, September brings with it a comforting rhythm with harvests, cozy sweaters, and family gatherings. But for many older adults and their families, autumn is also a time of reflection. It’s the season where the questions begin to creep in: What will another winter mean for me or someone I love? The reality is that the beauty of fall is fleeting. Soon the days will be shorter, the nights colder, and the responsibilities heavier. For seniors living alone, this can mean increased risks: icy sidewalks that make a simple walk to the mailbox dangerous, worries about heating and home maintenance, and the loneliness that often grows as winter settles in. These are not small
concerns. They’re the real, everyday challenges that families often find themselves worrying about...sometimes too late.
That’s where St. Angela’s Meadow Retirement Lodge comes in. Located in the heart of Chatham, St. Angela’s offers more than just a lifestyle; it offers peace of mind. Here, residents enjoy the freedom of independence without the burdens of winter. Daily chores are taken care of, delicious meals are prepared by our culinary team, and most importantly, care and community are always close by. Instead of worrying about the “what ifs” of the season, our residents spend their days connecting with others, enjoying activities, and truly living life on their terms. But perhaps the most important thing to know is this: exploring retirement living does not mean making a com-
mitment, far from it. At St. Angela’s Meadow, we welcome families and individuals to come in for a friendly chat, take a tour, and ask questions— without pressure. It’s an opportunity to learn about who we are, what we offer, and how we may be able to support you or someone you love, now or in the future.
Many people wait until winter creates an emergency, whether it’s a fall, a hospital stay, or the growing strain of isolation, before considering retirement living. We encourage you not to wait for a crisis. By exploring your options in advance, you’ll have the time and clarity to make an informed decision, should the need arise. And if that time isn’t now, that’s okay. Our doors remain open, and our team is always ready to have another conversation down the road.
Fall is a season of preparation. Just as farmers bring in their harvest and families ready their homes for the months ahead, this is the perfect moment to prepare for your future.
Visiting St. Angela’s Meadow is simply one more way to do just that; a chance to see what life here could look like, to picture the comfort and security available, and to know you have options before winter’s challenges arrive. So, before the first snowfall catches you off guard, take the opportunity to reach out. Explore St. Angela’s Meadow Retirement Lodge. No pressure. No commitment. Just a conversation about what’s possible. Because the best time to plan for tomorrow is today.
Visit us at 20 Merici Way, Chatham, ON, or give us a call at (519) 352-5225. We’d love to get to know you.
I have just purchased my 10th consecutive Hyundai vehicle from the Hyundai of Chatham dealership on Richmond Street in Chatham. Mike Cartier and his team of specialists and professionals make every experience very top notch like any customer would expect. They go out of their way to give the best possible deal followed up with friendly, efficient, and knowledgeable customer service. Having dealt with this dealership for 30 years and 10 cars, I am extremely happy and feel like a true family member. They are everything that a #1 dealership should be and can look forward to my business when it’s time for car #11.
Thanks Hyundai Of Chatham. Tom Butler Greetings from Dingo’s Den.
Riley Wilson/Special to The Chatham Voice
People lined the streets in North Buxton recently for the annual Homecoming parade. This was the 102nd rendition of the Homecoming weekend, and it came with the theme of celebrating Buxton’s agriculture.
Community Events
Thursday, September 11, 2025:
• Retired Workers Chapter Meeting at 10:00am, perfect opportunity to enjoy coffee, visit with friends & keep up to date with things going on in the community, pensions, benefits and guest speakers. Spouses are welcome. Unifor Local 127, 405 Riverview Dr., Chatham (lower board room).
• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am-9:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch 11:00am–1:30pm. Come check out our daily specials. Senior Euchre starts at 1:00pm. Everyone welcome.
• Bill’s Place Community Space Drop-In. Come spend some time in a 2SLGBTQIA+ safe space 48 Centre St., Chatham. Hang out and have a chat, have a coffee, do your homework, ask a question, read a book, or find out about our programs and upcoming events. No RSVP needed! Come & go as you please. All ages & allies welcome. 3:30-6:30pm.
• Join us every Thursday afternoon from 1-4pm at the Merlin Legion for a Music Jam. Bike Night from 4-9pm. Donations are welcome so bring out your singing voice, instruments, and bikes. Come to have a great afternoon and evening!!
• Lunch at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St from 11am1:30pm. Daily specials and menu items available. Everybody welcome
Friday, September 12, 2025:
• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am-9:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch 11:00am-1:30pm. Supper served 4:00-6:00pm. No orders after 5:30pm. Tonight’s specials are chicken parmesan $15.00(HST included) or Fish & Chips, $14.00(HST included). Take out available: 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. 7pm-10pm: BBQ on the Patio, & you will be entertained by Chuck Fitzgerald. In the event of bad weather, entertainment will move inside. Everyone welcome.
• Merlin Legion Scrumptious Merlickin’ Pork Chops, scallop potato & hot veggie, plus dessert. Chicken strips and fries are also available. Served from 4:30-7pm at Merlin Legion. Contact 519-689-4884 for more information. Take outs also available.
• Lunch at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St from 11am-1:30pm. Daily specials and menu items available. Friday night supper at the Lodge will be
a Roasted Chicken dinner with potatoes, vegetables, coleslaw and a bun. Dine ins $14 and pickup $15. All meals are served at 6pm. Please call 519-3528291 to order. Everybody welcome.
Saturday, September 13, 2025:
• Morning Breakfast Program at First Presbyterian Church (corner of Fifth St. and Wellington). A delicious and nutritious breakfast served free of charge from 9:30am-11:00am, serving indoors, no take out. Wheelchair accessible.
• Chatham Kidney Walk at Mud Creek Park. Every step taken and every dollar raised helps provide support programs, fund research, and promote organ donation awareness within Chatham-Kent. Registration opens at 12:00pm. Walk begins at 1:00pm. Announcements & Recognition 2:10pm. You can sign up or learn more by visiting our website: https://kidney.akaraisin.com/ui/onwalks25/g/45122.
• 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 ending with a 50/50 draw. Kitchen open from 3:00pm -5:45pm. Come check out our menu. Entertainment by Timeless from 4:309:30pm. Everyone welcome.
• Join us for our 2nd annual Barks & Brews, a pet-friendly vendor market + fundraiser for CK Animal Rescue happening from 12-5pm at Red Barn Brewing Co. in Blenheim. Think local vendors, craft beer, live music, cute dogs, draws + prizes. Find more event information here: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Ayh4PXQ8Y/.
• The Power of Suffering. Why do we face trials, and how can they shape us?
The Baha’i Community of Chatham-Kent invites you to join us for a short presentation and an active conversation on this important topic. 1-4pm at the Chatham-Kent Public Library, 120 Queen St., Chatham. Bring your favourite potluck dessert. Tea and coffee will be served. All are Welcome!
Sunday, September 14, 2025:
• Dawn Valley United Church 136th Anniversary at 4pm. 507 Dawn Valley Rd (corner & Lambton Line). Join us for an afternoon gospel sing with special music by The Robinson Family. Freewill Offering. All are welcome.
• Calling all Veterans. The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham will be hosting a Buddy Check for all Veterans from 10:00am
-12:00pm. Come enjoy a coffee and talk to other Veterans. This venue is for Veterans Only.
• RUCK 2 REMEMBER: Serving those who served, 7 Ruckers will be walking from Windsor to Chatham arriving at our Legion, Branch 642 corner of William & Colborne at approximately 6:30p.m. Come out & help us great them and cheer them on.
• Breakfast at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St from 9am until Noon. All meals are cooked to order. Everyone welcome.
Tuesday, September 16, 2025:
• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am-9:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch 11:00am-1:30pm. Today’s special is spaghetti with meat sauce. Come play Euchre at 1:00pm or spend the evening playing Shuffleboard or Euchre starting at 7:00pm. Everyone welcome.
• The “Beat the Odds” team of Chatham Kent Community Health Centre is hosting a presentation at the Merlin Friendship Club from 11am-1pm. Learn about ways to improve your mental health, incorporate exercise into your regular routines, eat healthy, avoid diabetes and other diseases and learn about the Beat The Odds healthy lifestyle program. Lunch provided. For more information, email merlinfriendshipclub@ ciaccess.com or call 519-689-4943.
Wednesday, September 17, 2025:
• Heart Buddies - A monthly get together. A chance to talk and share your experiences of Heart Surgery, Heart Issues, matters of the Heart. For more info call 519-54-0070 or visit www. thamesviewfht.ca.
• 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. We have Fun Darts at 7:00p.m. Everyone welcome.
• Games Night Drop-In at Bill’s Place, 2SLGBTQIA+ Community space, 48 Centre St., Chatham. You are welcome to bring a game or play what we have. 6:30pm.
• Chatham-Kent Coin Club meeting at John McGregor Secondary School Library (7pm – 8pm) 300 Cecile Ave Chatham. New Members and guests welcomed. For more info contact President Paul Robb (probb1@cogeco.ca) (289-228-2817).
Fun Stuff
50. Longing or yearning
51. Creators’ social network
52. Boxing’s GOAT CLUES DOWN 1. Occur 2. Show up 3. Capital of Taiwan 4. Ocean 5. Givers and ___ 6. Gets ready 8. Ad __
9. Fit of irritation
CLUES ACROSS
1. Utilitarian fashion accessory
4. Engine additive
7. Macaws
8. Listens to 10. Self-righteously moralistic person 12. Made of wood 13. Chinese lute 14. Beginning military rank 16. Indicates near 17. Ties the score 19. Chum 20. Long ago 21. Localities 25. Midway between northeast and east
26. Make fun of
27. Tennis great Arthur
29. Construction location
30. Cow’s noise
31. Blue
32. One of the Fab Four
39. Formula 1 team
41. Dash
42. Lifting device
43. Basics
44. Keyboard key
45. Old Irish alphabet
46. Shaking of the Earth’s surface
48. Covered stadium
49. Sword handles
11. Criminal organization 14. Exclamation that denotes disgust 15. American state
18. Sensor hub 19. Before 20. The boundary of a surface
22. Witnesses 23. Singular
24. Type of meal
27. Music awards show
28. Former French coin of low value
29. A bag-like structure in an animal
31. Schenectady County Airport
32. Calm down
33. Partner to cheese
34. Cola brand
35. Stepped on
36. Japanese city
37. Type of coating
38. A citizen of Yemen
39. Popular breakfast item corned beef __
40. On a line at right angles to a ship’s length
44. First responders
47. Short-term memory
Bruce’s brisket falls short
When you screw up and the result of that mistake is incredibly tender meat, that’s OK, right?
Well, we smoked a brisket recently and I have to say I was unhappy with the results. It wasn’t my first brisket, and it was incredibly tender, but I have to adapt my process before I do it again. We picked up the brisket from Schinkels’ Friday afternoon, seasoned it that night and put it on the Big Green Egg about 8 a.m. Saturday morning. Low and slow was the plan. About 250 F for a long cook. However, I wanted a bark around this brisket, so I used less water in
the drip pan. That might have been mistake No. 1.
However, before I dabble in the mistakes, let’s talk about outcome.
The brisket reached 204 F after about 11 hours of cooking. We let it rest for an hour and then sliced it up for dinner.
It was very tender, yet was missing a few things. First off, there was no visible smoke ring, where
the first 1/8th of an inch or so was a visibly different colour than the rest of the meat.
Second was there was less flavour than I remember. We had used an Espresso BBQ Rub that we love on other beef we’ve done, but it didn’t seem to penetrate.
The next day’s meal was better, as we reheated slices of brisket in a dish with beef broth and barbecue sauce for about 30 minutes. The sandwiches we made were excellent! So, what to do next time? Well, first off, my wife thinks I should get up at 5 a.m. to cook it so everything is done earlier. But I am thinking this
becomes an overnight cook.
If I did that – put the
brisket on at say 9 or 10 p.m., it could come off the following morning,
and rest, and rest, and rest.
Continued on page 22
Bruce Corcoran/The Chatham Voice
The brisket looked great after 11 hours of smoking, with a nice bark, and was very tender, but Bruce said some flavour was missing.
Bruce Corcoran
Johan Banman
56, Sunday, August 31, 2025
Kendrick Funeral Home
Anna Driedger
79, Monday, September 1, 2025
Kendrick Funeral Home
Rick Rewitz
67, Thursday, September 4, 2025
McKinlay Funeral Home
Bill Lamond
92, Wednesday, September 3, 2025
McKinlay Funeral Home
David DeVogelaere
76, Saturday, August 30, 2025 Hinnegan Peseski Funeral Home
Norman Klinck
84, Sunday, August 31, 2025 Hinnegan Peseski Funeral Home
Maiko "May" Stacho
91, Wednesday, August 27, 2025 Hinnegan Peseski Funeral Home
OBITUARIES
Sherry Leah Fry
Saturday, August 30, 2025 Badder Funeral Home
Trevor Charles Jones
72, Wednesday, September 3, 2025 Badder Funeral Home
Arlene Van Goethem
76, Monday, August 25, 2025 Badder Funeral Home
Donald Hitchcock
75, Sunday, August 24, 2025 Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Jerzy “Jerry” Czerwieniec
78, Thursday August 28, 2025 Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Frank Fiala Jr.
59, Monday, September 1, 2025
Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Ruth Campbell
97, Tuesday, September 2, 2025
Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Lynn Erickson
Monday, August 25, 2025
Alexander & Houle Funeral Home
Peggy Myers
63, Wednesday, August 27, 2025
Alexander & Houle Funeral Home
Gerald Ernest Garrod
94, Tuesday, September 2, 2025 Life Transitions
Betty Jean Ramsden
66, Wednesday, September 3, 2025 Life Transitions
Glenn "Ron" Ronald Roy Labadie
84, Friday, August 29, 2025 Nicholls Funeral Home
Ward James "Jim" Charles McCrea
70, Sunday, August 31, 202
Nicholls Funeral Home
Rheta Regnier
81, Thursday, September 4, 2025 Nicholls Funeral Home
See full obituarires at chathamvoice.com /obituaries
Meating expectations
Continued from page 21
You see, letting the meat rest for an hour is the minimum recommendation for long cooks. The best is to let it sit for perhaps four hours, if not longer, at 140 F or so. This lets the juices properly redistribute back throughout the meat after retreating to the centre during the cooking process.
Now, there are two other options to help increase moisture. The first is to make sure there is more water in the drip pan so it is a more moist cook overall. But that could impact the bark on the outside of the brisket.
Or, we could pull off the brisket when it stalls during the cooking process (it sat at 160 F or so for probably two hours), wrap it in foil and cook it the rest of the way wrapped to lock in juices. Regardless, at the beginning of the cooking process, I am going to make sure to add more wood chips to increase
smoke and flavour into the brisket. I added a cherrywood disc, but it was over to one side of the charcoal, so I’m not sure how much impact it had on the flavouring. There’s a lot to mull over, but nothing to dwell on. Even a bit of a fail on my part turned into some pretty darned decent meat.
But I am hooked on striploins these days. We recently did some prime-grade steaks from Schinkels’ in the wake of our delicious Lenover’s steaks, and they didn’t disappoint. However, that means we had multiple red meat nights in a week, with two of brisket and one of steaks, and I’m sure dieticians might suggest adding more fish and chicken into the equation. No problem. Pulled chicken tacos were delicious this past week for more than one meal. Black beans make so much difference.
Bruce Corcoran/The Chatham Voice You can’t go wrong with striploins.
Obituary
Classifieds
Garage Sales
Auction
Rhyno: Dianna Marie (née Shufelt) Raised in Halifax, N.S. and a resident of Chatham for the past 62 years, Dianna Rhyno passed away at the Chatham-Kent Hospice on Thursday August 21, 2025 at the age of 82. Born in Montreal, Dianna was the daughter of the late Keith and Marjorie (née McKenzie) Shufelt. Dianna will be reunited with her beloved spouse and best friend, Fredrick “Freddy” Cuylle (2017) on his eternal fishing trip. Loving mother to Ken (Adrian Campbell) Rhyno and granddaughter Kierra Rhyno. Step-mother to Michelle Perreault, Vince Deacon, and Gerry Deacon. Predeceased by Sandra Cook. Sister to Spencer (Mary) Shufelt, Linda (Terry) Rose, Marjorie Shufelt, the late Keith Shufelt, and the late Sandra Conrod. Missed by many nieces, nephews, cousins, grandchildren, extended family, and friends. Dianna was a mother figure to many children that her and Freddy helped raise. Especially remembered by Chris Dorner and Harley Hornick. Dianna could be found crocheting, crafting, and painting at all times. Dianna and Freddy enjoyed their many drives out to Erieau to check on the swans. Special thanks to the staff at the Chatham-Kent Hospice and Pastor Paul McPhail for all their care, compassion, and support. Cremation has taken place. An interment will be held at Maple Leaf Cemetery on Saturday September 13, 2025 at 12:00pm. A Celebration of Life will follow at the McKinlay Reception Centre, 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham from 1:00pm - 4:00pm. Words of Remembrance will be held at 2:30pm. Donations made in memory of Dianna to the Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com. McKinlay Funeral Home. 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham. 519-351-2040.
MORTGAGES / LOANS
8871 Doyle Line - Lots of Variety! All weekend long - 9am-4pm. Tools galore, pots, pans, bicycles. Come & see, you’ll be surprised!
100 Eugenie St. Saturday, September 13 8am-2pm. Low Budget Yard Sale. House & home decor, garden items. $10 & under unless stated otherwise 624 Wallace St., Wallaceburg. Saturday, September 13 6am-2pm. Ote trailer, bike, band speakers, lots of variety.
LARGE AUCTION SALE ON SITE
1977 CTY ROAD 46, LAKESHORE (WOODSLEE) SAT., SEPTEMBER 20TH
Preview: 8:00am, Auction Starts: 9:00am Hanging cranberry hall lamp, lg quantity of wall & mantle clocks, oak icebox, step back cupboard, Mccoy cookie jar, milk glass, crocks, quantity of ruby glass, Victorian couch, china cabinet, Christmas dishes, lg quantity of oil lamps, daffodil telephone, china cabinet, French ivory, picture frames, handmade quilt, horse drawn cultivator, walking plow, steel wheel, cement eagle, wooden hand cart, outdoor ornaments, metal flamingos, cement dogs, lg angel bird bath fountain, drop leaf table & chairs, 11 piece white wicker set, round pedestal table & 7 chairs, hanging lamp w/prisms, miniature dolls, license plates, tools – sander Mastercraft, chainsaw Poulan, router table & router, 14” band saw, scroll saw, work table, green giant sprout phone, so much more
10% BUYERS PREMIUM
For more information and pictures go to - www.murrayknappauctions.com
CASH OR CHEQUE WITH PROPER I.D. NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ACCIDENTS DAY OF SALE. MURRAY KNAPP AUCTIONEER 519-727-8894
Announcement
Chatham Baptist Chapel “Come Out, Join Us” Sundays 11am and 7pm. Wednesdays 7pm, Friday 7pm. Old Hymns and KJV Preaching Go to chathambaptistchapel.com to watch sermons.
Help Wanted
Carriers Needed: The Chatham Voice is looking for carriers in the following areas: Keil Trail N/Dale, Patteson/Spencer, Lorne/West. Carriers have 3 days each week to deliver the routes. Great for exercise or some extra money! Great for kids and adults! Email michelle@chathamvoice.com for all the details!
Door-to-Door Delivery in Chatham and pick-up in convenient locations throughout Chatham-Kent
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, Real Canadian Superstore, Library Wallaceburg: Shoppers Drug Mart, 99.1CKXS, Taylor’s Variety, Black Goose, No Frills, Hometown Deli, Library
