The Chatham Voice, Jan. 16, 2025

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 2

THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2025

Bird flu impacting one million birds across Ontario

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

Avian flu outbreaks are a reality in Ontario, but as of last week, they had yet to infiltrate Chatham-Kent.

According to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) seven commercial poultry locations in Southwestern Ontario have been affected by a highly conta-

gious avian influenza since the middle of December.

Those seven outbreaks are in North Middlesex, Oxford County and Strathroy. All outbreaks are at commercial poultry operations, according to CFIA data, and impact more than one million birds.

Brad Snobelen, president of the Kent Federation of Agriculture, said the concern over bird flu is serious in Cha-

tham-Kent.

“There are over a million hens in our area that produce over 29 million eggs each year with a farm gate value of $78 million annually,” he said. “As well, pullets for egg production, broiler chickens, broiler breeders, turkeys and ducks are vulnerable to avian influenza.”

Snobelen maintains that an area of particular worry is

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Chatham Voice file photo

Avian flu outbreaks in chickens have cropped up to the east of Chatham-Kent.

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with backyard chickens, something the KFA opposed as the matter went before council. Chatham-Kent council in November opted for a two-year trial project for the backyard birds, allowing rural and village residents to raise up to 10 hens on their property.

“Research has shown that contamination of commercial flocks can originate from urban backyard chickens,” Snobelen said in his letter to council. “When AI is detected in a commercial flock, that flock must be euthanized, the facilities thoroughly cleaned and disinfected and a withdrawal period must be observed.

The result is crippling to that farmer – the financial, mental and emotional stress that accompanies this situation can be devastating.”

He added that the first detection of bird flu in 2023 in Ontario occurred in a backyard cluster of hens right here in Chatham-Kent.

A British Columbia teen contracted the H5N1 avian flu strain in November and was hospitalized.

The virus also spread to dairy herds in the U.S.

Avian influenza reported in Southwestern Ontario are variations of the H5N1 bird flu that has been persisting in wild birds internationally for more than two years, said Scott Weese, an infectious diseases veterinarian and professor at Ontario Veterinary College at the University of Guelph.

Weese said the virus is circulating “in wild birds fairly effectively and that means spillover risk of infection into domestic animals” such as poultry and mammals, “especially mammals that will catch and eat birds.”

The virus poses “multiple levels of concern,” Weese said, such as the virus’s potential to “jump between species and adapt.

“It doesn’t spread very well person to person, or spread at all person to person,” Weese said of the virus, but warned it could be problematic if that changed, especially into a transmissible infection that humans haven’t encountered previously.

• With files from Brian Williams, Local Journalism Initiative reporter with the London Free Press.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2025

PAGE 3

C-K looking for new bureaucrat Job posting placed online for deputy chief administrative officer

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

A bid to hire a new deputy chief administrative officer for Chatham-Kent isn’t sitting well with at least one elected official.

The job will pay anywhere from $196,000 to $240,000 a year, according to an online job posting that describes the role as an assistant to current CAO Michael Duben, helping with many duties of the top administrator’s position.

However, Chatham Coun.

Michael Bondy said the optics around the hire are poor as it comes at a time when the municipality is facing financial strain.

“We were told about this, we weren’t asked,” the veteran councillor told The Voice, noting he’s getting plenty of negative feedback from the public regarding the job posting. “It’s insane.

We are not asked for approval... all we do is approve things that are put forward.

“The powers of council are slowly eroding,” said Bondy, who plans on running for mayor in 2026. “Considering the rising cost of everything, this is a terrible look.”

In December, a motion from Bondy asking that all non-union municipal hires paid $100,000 or more annually be approved by council was voted down.

His original motion called for a $50,000 annual wage ceiling, but the amount was changed to $100,000 following an amendment from West Kent Coun.

Lauren Anderson.

Bondy said that a new may-

or would be able to “right the ship” to bring high staffing costs in line, noting he receives many complaints from constituents on the matter.

The CAO position is the only senior manager that council hires directly. Duben came on board in September 2022, and in 2023 was C-K’s highest paid official in the municipal sector.

At an annual wage of $319,227 in 2023, he’s one of the highest paid CAOs in Ontario and is solely responsible for managing and hiring the rest of the C-K’s senior team.

When contacted by The Voice, Duben explained the proposed deputy CAO position is part of succession planning and does not bring any new costs to the taxpayer.

There’s money in the budget to cover the role, he said, because the manager of corporate initiatives position has been vacant for a couple of years, saving some $200,000. He said he’s also planning to consolidate some of the jobs of the senior management and won’t replace the next general manager who retires from the executive management team.

Duben said he wants to ensure senior managers are crosstrained in a number of disciplines, noting it’s difficult for anyone seeking a CAO position if they are only trained in one field.

“I think that my responsibility to the taxpayer and to council is that we are always planning for the future,” Duben said. “We want people to be able to step in and take on senior roles when

and capable people in a role like ing a close eye on any increased the time comes.”

He added he has no plans to the CAO who is responsible for costs.”

North Kent Coun. Rhonda step away from the CAO role for administering close to a half a billion dollar budget,” Storey Jubenville said she supports at least four more years.

Duben said the deputy CAO explained. “I also think, due to the new position, as succession would be heavily involved in the importance of the role, coun- planning is important, as long as lobbying for funding from up- cil needs to be kept in the loop it doesn’t bring any new costs to per-tier governments to ensure throughout the process. I’d also the municipality.

When contacted by The Voice, “Chatham-Kent is at the fore- feel a lot more comfortable with front” of funding and grant ap- a detailed financial breakdown Mayor Darrin Canniff said he’s of the position and whether or deferring questions about the plications.

Chatham-Kent’s executive not this is a temporary or per- new position to Duben as it’s not management team is currently manent role. It’s more important council’s responsibility.

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 4

THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2025

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Early warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease Alzheimer’s disease is an insidious illness that slowly robs individuals of their memories, personalities and relationships. The Mayo Clinic says Alzheimer’s is a progressive neurological disorder that causes brain atrophy and cell death, which contributes to continuous decline in thinking, behavioral and social skills. This eventually affects a person’s ability to live independently.

The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease and while there currently is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, there are strategies that can help mitigate symptoms. An ability to recognize dementia symptoms early can help millions take proactive steps to improve quality of life.

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• Recent memory loss that affects daily life. While it is normal to forget where you left keys, names or even telephone numbers from time to time, a person with dementia may have difficulty remembering recent events or where they live.

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 5

Winter chills out home sales

The Chatham Voice

Following months of increases, home sales turned rather stagnant in December, as just 54 units changed hands in the month.

That’s down marginally compared to December 2023, to the tune of two sales.

Looking back, home sales, according to the Chatham-Kent Association of Realtors (CKAR), were 34.6 per cent below the five-year average and

30 per cent below the 10-year average for the month of December.

Looking at 2024 overall, home sales totaled 1,275 units over the course of the year, an increase of 8.6 per cent from 2023.

Barbara McCaughrin, president of CKAR, said 2024 was a solid recovery period.

“The year 2024 marked a year of strong and sustained recovery in home sales supported by even stronger growth in listings coming onto the

50/50 draw nets $65K The Chatham Voice

A Thunder Bay man is $65,200 richer as the winner of the Igniting Healthcare Holiday 50/50.

Matthew Baumann’s number came up in the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Foundation fund-

raiser draw Jan. 9.

The goal of the 50/50 is to raise money to purchase a new fluoroscopy machine for the hospital’s imaging department.

Ironically, it’s the second lottery type win for Baumann in a year’s time.

market from motivated sellers,” she said in a media release.

Despite the sluggish December in terms of sales, McCaughrin points to the number of properties on the market having grown substantially as a good sign.

“Inventories are sitting at higher levels now than they were at the end of 2023, providing ample opportunities for buyers who are making their re-

turn into the market as interest rates continue to move lower and new mortgage rule changes introduced in December provide more support to demand,” she said.

The number of new listings was up by 14.9 per cent from December 2023.

There were 108 new residential listings in December 2024.

New listings were 12.3 per cent above the fiveyear average and 27.7 per

cent above the 10-year average for the month of December.

Active residential listings numbered 369 units on the market at the end of December, an increase of 20.6 per cent from the end of December 2023. Active listings haven’t been this high in the month of December in more than five years.

As for the price of homes, the average price of houses sold in December 2024

was $441,428, up 4.3 per cent from December 2023.

Looking at 2024 overall compared to 2023, the annual average price was $428,501, edging up 0.1 per cent from all of 2023.

“Price gains are currently very modest and aren’t expected to show much in the way of gains in the short term until the market has had a chance to work through its above-average supply levels,” McCaughrin said.

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 6

THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2025

Opinion CAO’s ‘Mini Me’ Succession planning. That’s the reasoning given by Chatham-Kent CAO Michael Duben for the municipality seeking to hire a “Mini Me” version of Duben.

A job posting for a deputy chief administrative officer for C-K surfaced recently on the employment website Indeed.com, with a salary structure of between $196,000 to $240,000.

That’s pretty rich money for being the number two person of a municipality of about 110,000 people.

It’s also a new position. As mentioned, Duben said it’s for planning for his eventual replacement.

Is it necessary?

That salary level translates to the taxes from more than 60 average homes in Chatham-Kent.

Let’s look back on the past CAO situation in C-K. Prior to Duben’s hiring, we had – briefly – Thomas Kelly, who was previously the general manager of infrastructure and engineering. Kelly was hired… until he wasn’t, a mere months after accepting the job. Details were not forthcoming over the breakup.

Prior to Kelly, Don Shropshire led the municipality as CAO for a decade. He too was promoted from within, having been the general manager of community development.

Rob Browning predated Shropshire, coming from out of town to take the

top job. Ditto for Joe Pavelka, the inaugural CAO of Chatham-Kent.

So we’ve had a mix of hirings from within and without in our nearly three decades of existence as a municipality. There was no Mini Me position in place.

One trend that cannot be ignored, however, is salaries. Duben was paid nearly $320,000 in 2023. Just one year prior, Shropshire was paid nearly $258,000 for doing the same job. What changed in a year? Why did Duben receive $62,000 more in compensation? That’s a pay hike of 24 per cent, unheard of numbers.

And now, Duben’s Mini Me could come in at a salary of $240,000, nearly as much as Shropshire made as boss upon his retirement just three years ago.

The spending on salaries is baffling.

A municipal job went from decent pay with great benefits to great pay with great benefits. And it all comes at the expense of taxpayers.

Proponents of such compensation say the municipality has to pay top dollar for top people. But we have the seventh-highest paid CAO in Ontario, according to 2023 figures.

We’re not even in the top two dozen most-populous municipalities in Ontario, but we pay like a top-10 one.

And we’re adding overseers.

Something is very wrong with that picture.

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.

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.

The contents of this newspaper are protected by copyright. No material from this edition may be reproduced without expressed written consent of CK Media Inc.

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71 Sass Rd., Unit #4, Chatham, ON, N7M 5J4 Tel: 519-397-2020

Scrap the roundabout idea at Merlin Road Editor: Well they got another fiasco regarding the roundabout suggestion at Merlin Line.

It’s $6.6-million blunder.

Why do we need a roundabout there? I travelled that road for 10 years on a weekly basis and never had a problem.

So what was my secret, you ask? I left my house in good time to get to work in order not to speed. I did not text or talk on a cell phone.

I paid attention to what is in front of me including stop signs.

If you don’t see a stop sign, what is stopping people driving straight through the roundabout?

Two people got killed in that particular area, which is devastating.

Do some people even care about drunk driving on a daily basis?

So, in my opinion, forget

the expense of a roundabout. Keep the stop sign and deal more harshly on both drunk driving and careless driving, thereby saving tax payers money.

Bert Mulder Chatham-Kent Editor’s note: Work began on this contentious project in November and picks up again soon.

Patient praises CKHA staff Editor: I would like to take a moment to thank the nurses and all staff at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance for the exceptional care that I have

received on my stays this previous year.

You are a special group of people and we are very fortunate to have

such great people.

All the best in 2025.

Curtis Carter Chatham

THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2025

PAGE 7

A thank you to Jimmy Carter The passing of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter gave me pause and made me realize how the actions of one individual, however famous, can affect the humblest among us.

Jimmy Carter gave me my first promotion in the newspaper business.

The day after his inauguration as the 39th President, he issued a pardon for thousands of Americans who had chosen to leave the country rather than enter military service during the Vietnam War. The next year I would be working as a rookie reporter in the Wallaceburg Bureau of the Chatham Daily News for Phil, a man who had come to Canada under those circumstances. Even a presidential edict can take time to implement, but the die was cast and the repatriation process began.

Phil was a good man and fine writer, a patriot whose father had served with distinction in the U.S. armed forces, but he refused to participate in what he believed was an

Jim Blake unjust conflict.

He loved his country and took advantage of the pardon to head home, with his Canadian wife and a daughter who had been born in Wallaceburg.

He continued a distinguished career and retired in the Midwest several years ago.

I was chosen to replace him as “bureau chief,” a term of some significance for a 20-something reporter who, only months before, had worried about his future after attempting to take several photographs without the benefit of film in his camera.

The night of my mistake, I called Phil in a panic, offering my resignation, sure that I simply wasn’t cut out for newspaper work. In his soft, slightly southern U.S. Midwest-

ern accent, he told me everything would be all right. He arranged for retakes on the photos and I have never forgotten his kindness.

Jimmy Carter’s kindness in offering pardons wasn’t based on partisan politics. Its purpose was to help heal America’s deep wounds caused

by the war. Carter was roundly criticized by supporters of the war as being disrespectful of veterans and condemned by anti-war protestors because his amnesty didn’t include deserters.

The president believed he was doing the right thing as much as Phil believed his forgiveness

was the proper course of action. Both, in their way, were acts of compassion.

In an era where politics has devolved to the point where “pleasing your base” and vilifying opponents with vulgarity is the norm, we need to remember that there is another way.

We can choose healing

and kindness as Jimmy Carter did for my friend and mentor Phil and as Phil in turn did for me, or we can choose hate for those who don’t share our opinions.

When we spew hatred, we say much more about ourselves than we do about the person we’re attacking.

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PAGE 8

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CHATHAMVOICE.COM

The province’s plan to introduce a tough, universal code of conduct for municipal council members who defy the rules is being welcomed by Chatham-Kent Mayor Darrin Canniff.

Tabled in the Ontario legislature in December, Bill 241 would usher in Municipal Accountability Act 2024, creating a framework that would allow misbehaving elected officials at the municipal level to be removed and possibly disqualified from running in future elections.

The legislation comes in the wake of problems at nearby Sarnia city council, as well as in Pickering’s,

where councils have been forced to meet online due to the egregious behaviour of some members.

In Sarnia, councillor Bill Dennis was recently chastised for his latest angry outburst in December where he called Mayor Mike Bradley a “loser” and “cokehead.” In the same tirade, he referred to another councillor, who is an ordained minister, as a “fruitcake.” Dennis let loose with other vulgar comments as well, telling the mayor to “**** off” and “kiss my ass.”

In Pickering, it appears that councillor Lisa Robinson is the problem child, espousing anti-Islamic rhetoric and calling other Pickering officials pedophiles who deserve to suffer violence.

Continued on page 10

Drum time at Capitol The Chatham Voice

Japanese masters of percussion take the stage at the Chatham Capitol Theatre on Saturday.

Yamato: The Drummers of Japan will perform their show, Hito no Chikara – The Power of Human Strength.

The Taiko troupe has reached nearly eight million people globally in more than 4,000 performances throughout its 32-year history.

In every program, the drummers play 35-40 different Japanese drums.

“Yamato believes that the drumbeat, like the heartbeat, is the very pulse of life and the epitome of the Japanese spirit,” the troupe’s founder and artistic director Masa Ogawa said in a media release The show begins at 8 p.m. on Jan. 18.

For tickets, visit www.cktickets. com or call 519-354-8338.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2025

THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 9

THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 10

THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2025

Misbehaviour in Sarnia, Pickering Continued from page 8

On Jan. 9, OPP launched an investigation into Robinson’s behaviour to decide if Robinson’s altright actions have crossed over into illegality.

Both Dennis and Rob-

inson have been docked three months’ salary Robinson twice – for past bad behaviour. It’s the heaviest penalty currently available to municipal councils. But according to Canniff, the financial

penalty doesn’t appear to be working.

“Three month’s pay means nothing to them,” Canniff said. “It’s not enough to stop some people.

“Sarnia and Pickering

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are now forced to have their meetings online,” he added, noting the poor behaviour of elected officials makes a mockery of the democratic process and “undermines” local government.

“It’s very important that we hold elected officials to a certain level,” Canniff explained, adding everyone has the right to express their opinion as long as it’s done “professionally.”

Chatham councillors Brock McGregor and Marjorie Crew both said they agree with making the penalties of code of conduct breaches more severe.

McGregor said it’s about time.

“I think there has been a lot of discussion about this topic and some really serious examples of bad behaviour with no real

accountability,” he said, pointing out a case in Ottawa where a councillor offered a staffer money to perform a sexual act, among other things.

In 2021, Orleans Liberal MPP Stephen Blais attempted to bring in a private member’s bill to stop abuse at the municipal level, but it was ignored by the Ford government.

Marjorie Crew said harsher penalties are needed because some people aren’t concerned about the money.

“Words matter and a lot of damage can be done to people and the democratic process,” Crew said.

“I do believe we need to hold people accountable.”

However, one councillor who has been docked three months’ pay over social media posts she

made, doesn’t agree stiffer penalties are needed.

North Kent Coun.

Rhonda Jubenville said councillors should only be removed if they are convicted of a criminal charge or breach the human rights code.

They will get their comeuppance at election time, Jubenville said, adding the “best way to penalize someone is at the ballot box.”

But even if Bill 241 is approved, a number of steps must be taken before an elected official is removed or disqualified.

This would only occur upon the recommendation of the municipal integrity commissioner, a concurring report from Ontario’s integrity commissioner, and a unanimous vote of council with the exception of the person under review.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2025

THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 11

Local Grits say it was time to move on

off and give new leadership a chance.”

Saiyed said the anLocal politicos agree it nouncement was not surwas time for Prime Minis- prising, as Trudeau’s popter Justin Trudeau to step ularity waned.

However, there are peoaside.

Trudeau, prime minis- ple who disagree with ter since 2015, announced how Trudeau handled his on Jan. 6 he would resign exit. Lianne Rood, MP for once a new Liberal leader Lambton-Kent-Middlesex, is one of them. is chosen.

“Conservatives have To guarantee there is been calling time for his for Justin r e p l a c e - “If your popularity Trudeau to ment to be decreases, it’s time to resign and selected, he back off and give new give Caprorogued nadians a Parliament leadership a chance.” carbon-tax until March - C-K–L Liberal Ike Saiyed election,” 24.

That means we won’t she said in a prepared see an election until late statement.

Rood added the proroguspring, at the earliest.

Ike Saiyed, vice-president ing of Parliament to wait of the Chatham-Kent– until the Liberals select a Leamington Liberal Rid- new leader is scandalous.

“I have stood in parliaing Association, said it was a wise move for ment and named over 68 Trudeau to step aside. A Liberal scandals involvgrowing number of Liber- ing Trudeau and the Libal MPs had publicly stated eral party since 2015; this he should let someone else makes one more,” she said in the release. “Canadians lead.

“We’re embracing deserve better. They dechange. The party has de- serve an election now, not cided,” Saiyed said in an having to wait and suffer interview with The Voice. from further NDP-Liber“If your popularity de- al incompetence over the creases, it’s time to back coming months.”

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

O’Brien Sulman Law Offices Douglas A. Sulman, KC. and Jerry F. O’Brien wish to announce the appointment of Gregory W. McGivern as a Justice of the Ontario Court of Justice.

Justice McGivern will be located in Windsor where he will deal exclusively with criminal court matters.

Our congratulations go out to Justice McGivern and we wish him well in his new role in the Ontario justice system.

At the same time, we welcome Ashley Lavigne and Anthony Andreopoulos to our law office. Both are graduates of the University of Windsor Law school.

Ms. Lavigne’s area of practice is family law and she has practiced for over 10 years.

Mr. Andreopoulos’ area of practice is criminal law and he has practiced for over 13 years.

They can be reached at the O’Brien Sulman Law Offices 870 Park Avenue West, Chatham, Ontario 519-352-0190

Despite repeated attempts to speak directly to Rood, her office staff told The Voice she was unavailable.

Dave Epp, MP for Chatham-Kent–Leamington was also listed by his staff as unavailable to comment.

Proroguing Parliament is nothing new. It has been

done repeatedly over the years by Liberal and Conservative prime ministers.

Trudeau himself prorogued Parliament in 2020 during the pandemic and amidst the WE Charity scandal.

Stephen Harper, Conservative prime minister, also prorogued Parliament in 2008 to fend off a non-con-

fidence vote.

Add Liberal Jean Chretien and Conservative Brian Mulroney to the list of past prime ministers to play the prorogue card.

Saiyed defended Trudeau’s time as prime minister, saying he had “respect and gratitude” for Trudeau, who led the party and the country for

nearly a decade.

“He was very strong and brought the country forward,” he said of Trudeau.

“We appreciate his leadership role, but it’s time for a new leader.”

There is no announced candidate as of yet for the Liberals in C-K–L, but Saiyed said that will soon change.

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Tic# 1517 0228 0462 1553 1432 1451 0111 0120 1863 1179 0020 0794 0180 0441 1225 0877 1116 0962 1801 0911 1753 1552 1102 1980 1659 0847 1946 1247 1490 1965 1207 1568 0187 1030 1573 0998 1442 0916 1403 0276 0007 1965 0381 0707 1027 0190 0980 0966 0943 0216 0021 0250 1710 0728 0323 0661 0412 1266 1148 1957 0529 0500 0277 1815 0201 0717 1632 1151 1057 1139 0903 1832 1911 0775 1717 0471 1556 0019 1898 1002 1437 0577 1996 1431 0099 1314 0618 0563 1504 0963 0166

Prize $1000.00 South Kent Tim Gift Card $20.00 $20.00 The Health Depot Samsung Tablet Bowlerama Family Pass $20.00 North Kent Wind Tim Card $20.00 $20.00 Taste Gift Card Norwex Gift Card $20.00 $20.00 $20.00 $20.00 Rubies Gift Card $20.00 CLC-K Wellness Pack $20.00 $20.00 North Kent Wind Tim Card $20.00 $20.00 Mamma Maria’s Gift Card $100.00 $20.00 $20.00 $20.00 $20.00 VOXX Life Gift Card $20.00 The Health Depot Samsung Tablet Bowlerama Family Pass $20.00 $20.00 South Kent Wind Tim Card Planet Print $30.00 $20.00 Norwex Gift Card $20.00 $20.00 North Kent Wind Tim Card Pizazz! Mixed Floral Bouquet With This Ring Gift Card MC Business Solutions Gift Card CLC-K Wellness Pack $20.00 $20.00 Gully’s Learning Ranch Gift Card $20.00 $20.00 $20.00 Wallace-Kent Sprinkler $50.00 $20.00 $20.00 $20.00 $20.00 $100.00 VOXX Life Gift Card The Health Depot Samsung Tablet Bowlerama Family Pass $20.00 $20.00 South Kent Wind Tim Card $20.00 $20.00 Norwex Gift Card $20.00 $20.00 North Kent Wind Tim Card $20.00 $20.00 Taste Gift Card CLC-K Wellness Pack $20.00 $20.00 $20.00 South Kent Wind Tim Card Rubies Gift Card $20.00 Pampered Chef Gift Card $20.00 $20.00 $20.00 $20.00 $20.00 $20.00 Waddick Fuels $200.00 VOXX Life Gift Card Float Therapy Gift Card

Date April 1 April 2 April 3 April 4 April 5 April 6 April 7 April 8 April 9 April 10 April 11 April 12 April 13 April 14 April 15 April 16 April 17 April 18 April 19 April 20 April 21 April 22 April 23 April 24 April 25 April 26 April 27 April 28 April 29 April 30 May 1 May 2 May 3 May 4 May 5 May 6 May 7 May 8 May 9 May 10 May 11 May 12 May 13 May 14 May 15 May 16 May 17 May 18 May 19 May 20 May 21 May 22 May 23 May 24 May 25 May 26 May 27 May 28 May 29 May 30 May 31 June 1 June 2 June 3 June 4 June 5 June 6 June 7 June 8 June 9 June 10 June 11 June 12 June 13 June 14 June 15 June 16 June 17 June 18 June 19 June 20 June 21 June 22 June 23 June 24 June 25 June 26 June 27 June 28 June 29 June 30

Name Tic# Prize Sherry Beselaere 1998 $100.00 Linda Sterling 169 South Kent Wind Tim Card John Lawrence 1873 Planet Print $30 Pierre and Eddie 96 $20.00 Helen LaMarsh 1095 The Health Depot Samsung Tablet Bernice Chartrand 1530 Bowlerama Family Pass Candace Russell 558 $20.00 Wayne Cowell 1203 North Kent Wind Tim Card Velma Bachtold 1475 Pizazz! Mixed Floral Bouquet Kevin B 298 $20.00 Tom & Meaghan Wright 700 MC Business Solutions Gift Card John Ford 1190 Norwex Gift Card Jennifer Jones 1643 $20.00 Valerie Delrue/Jeff Lalach 1060 $20.00 Diane Godreau 720 $20.00 Richard Wood 1158 $20.00 Tammy Rudorfer 1242 $20.00 Chris Hogg 930 $20.00 Ted Snake 113 CLC-K Wellness Pack Sandy Padbury 768 $20.00 Byron Hodgson 1642 $20.00 Nancy Hrytzak 1641 FX Decorating Gift Card Linda Schmoldt 1097 Mamma Maria’s Gift Card Lois Bachynski 1098 $20.00 Bernadette Belanger 1298 Wallace-Kent Sprinkler $50.00 JP Brown 1297 $20.00 Joyce Simmons 1511 $20.00 Chris Laprise 1508 $20.00 Anne-Marie Ethier 227 VOXX Life Gift Card Jen Fargnoli 1163 VOXX Life Gift Card Mathew Peltier 1927 $500.00 Renee Rush/Kyle Barnwell 127 $20.00 Jessica Rudorfer 1246 The Health Depot Samsung Tablet Rick DeBoer 1053 Bowlerama Family Pass Christine Turner 1468 $20.00 Matt Reaume 1754 $20.00 Thomas & Janice Myers 822 South Kent Wind Tim Card Gerry Thibodeau 1022 $20.00 Jerry Corso 270 Taste Gift Card Heather Vadovic 707 Norwex Gift Card Donna Whelihan 788 $20.00 Scott Caron 468 Chatham Nissan $200.00 Abe DeHaas 662 North Kent Wind Tim Card Susan Walker 71 $20 Kristen & Jason Laprise 570 Rubies Gift Card Dan Brissette 1827 $20.00 Anna Goldoni 978 CLC-K Wellness Pack Michael Ritchie 1416 $20.00 Steve Renaud 84 $20.00 Ernie Moynahan 416 Willow Ridge $20.00 Wayne & Harla Morten 631 Willow Ridge $20.00 Steven Caron 467 Willow Ridge $20.00 Jack Kemp 368 Willow Ridge $20.00 Lenny Moore 1103 Wallace-Kent Sprinkler $50.00 Beth Bechard 1793 $20.00 Glenn Schnekenburger 1457 $20.00 1362 North Kent Wind Tim Card Nancy Blonde Deb McGrail 1371 $20.00 Alaina + Ken Francis 649 $20.00 Kerry Jack 1746 $20.00 Lauren Edwards 1552 VOXX Life Gift Card Bill Clark 1420 Bowlerama Family Pass Betty Morrell 1821 $20.00 Mary Lynn Featherstone 0337 $20.00 David Hope 0831 South Kent Wind Tim Card Erick Skillings 0433 Planet Print $30.00 Shelley Craig 0439 Imperial Eyewear Sunglasses Sheryl Inns 1713 The Health Depot Samsung Tablet Stephen Larsh 0136 $20.00 Brian Hearns 1669 $20.00 Terry Tedford 0174 North Kent Wind Tim Card Craig Walker 0259 $20.00 Kelsey MacPhee 1725 $20.00 Mary Richardson 0513 $20.00 Vic Regnier 1129 Norwex Gift Card Jan Watson 1206 $20.00 Andy Charron 1995 Tom’s Appliances $200.00 Amanda Perini 1782 $20.00 Wayne Cowell 1203 Turns & Tales Gift Card Kayn/Stephane Loranger 0109 $20.00 Lisa Stone 1906 MC Business Solutions Gift Card Darlene Raaymaker 1858 CLC-K Wellness Pack Pierre & Eddie 0096 $20.00 11 JenniferNovember Moir 1218 $20.00 Carol Hornick 1026 $20.00 Hank Mouisse 0637 $20.00 Donna Burk 0531 $20.00 Christine Valuquette 1855 VOXX Life Gift Card Jean Smith 0952 Willow Ridge Pub $50.00 Lest we forget Carolyn Paling 0711 Willow Ridge Pub $20.00 Candise May 1776 Willow Ridge Pub $20.00

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Name Tic# Prize Jordan McGrail 1372 Earl E Austin $200.00 Brian Kelly 0999 South Kent Wind Tim Card Diane Voskamp 0783 $20.00 Paul Bechard 1794 $20.00 Karen Jubenville 0869 The Health Depot Samsung Tablet Toni LeBlanc 1064 Bowlerama Family Pass Jonathan Hooker 0812 $20.00 Matthew Peltier 1927 North Kent Wind Tim Card Dana and Al 1271 Pizazz Mixed Floral Bouquet Lucille & Henry Barrylewis 0461 $20.00 Christine / Remi Valuquette 1855 Taste Gift Card Steven Timmermans 0817 Norwex Gift Card Liz Perry 1471 $20.00 Leslie Shabley 1786 $20.00 Phil Mardling 1929 $20.00 Gwendales 1426 South Kent Wind Tim Card Wayne Carr 0954 Rubies Gift Card Patty Laprise 1805 $20.00 Keri Lynn Haggitt 1938 CLC-K Wellness Pack Ruth Aerson 1514 $20.00 Karen King 0158 $20.00 Ray and Sharon Goss 1989 Mamma Maria’s Gift Card Don Williamson 0888 $20.00 Dianne Flook 1146 $20.00 Jocelyn Tofflemire 1234 $20.00 Cora Van Brunschut 0188 Wallace-Kent Sprinkler $50.00 Michele Brent 1787 $20.00 Amanda Perini 1782 $20.00 John Donais 1283 $20.00 Julian Ansell 0290 $20.00 Pierre Monette 1165 VOXX Life Gift Card Pam Tanton 164 $20.00 Leslie Jenkins 219 The Health Depot Samsung Tab-let Tara + Jean Robitaille 247 Bowlerama Family Pass Erica Deboer 1054 $20.00 Ron Atkinson 908 Magna Homes $200.00 Denise Postma 1081 South Kent Wind Card Madeline Myers 827 Planet Print $30.00 Tim Southgate 835 $20.00 Dora Bechard 959 Norwex Gift Card Wayne Easterbrook 478 $20.00 Karen + Warren Williams 562 $20.00 Gordy MacDonald 1656 North Kent Wind Tim Card Mike + Donna Normandin 644 $20.00 Trevor Sterling 1314 $20.00 Louis Pinsonneault 1837 MC Business Solutions Gift Card Ryan Toland 402 CLC-K Wellness Pack Amber Marchand 348 $20.00 Ruth Towton 1658 $20.00 Shannon Sturdevant 667 $20.00 Rosemary Emms 1771 Turns & Tales Gift Card Tom & Julie Smith 236 $20.00 Jennifer Moir 1218 $20.00 Ben Gordon 378 Willow Ridge Pub $50.00 Amy Finn 1466 Willow Ridge Pub $20.00 Tracey Postma 152 Willow Ridge Pub $20.00 745 $20.00 James Benoit J Bruhlman 736 $20.00 Sarah Giorgetti 665 $20.00 Lillion Rota 12 $20.00 Debbie Dewar 942 $50.00 John + Bernice Nadolski 1621 VOXX Life Gift Card Richard Malott 1231 $20.00 Sandy Couture 85 Iron Workers Local 700 $200.00 Herman Moore 1307 South Kent Wind Tim Card Wendy Ritchie 949 $20.00 Patty Laprise 1805 $20.00 Laurie Frain 1291 The Health Depot Samsung Tablet Matthew Malott 1702 Bowlerama Family Pass Henry Ameloot 1861 $20.00 Ryan Kalp 751 North Kent Wind Tim Card Tanya + Dan Steel 357 $20.00 Randy Newham 704 $20.00 Laura Whittal 1994 Taste Gift Card Paul + Annie Gilbert 1615 Norwex Gift Card Sue / Jean Marc St. Pierre 939 $20.00 Derek + Brett Gore 200 $20.00 Nancy Blonde 1362 $20.00 Jeremy Smecnk 1977 $20.00 Kathy Huff 815 Rubies Gift Card Michael Betty 1288 $20.00 Gail Blonde 302 CLC-K Wellness Pack Joseph Presutto 312 $20.00 Ernie Moynahan 418 $20.00 Paula Beattie 1182 North Kent Wind Tim Card Chris Schram 100 $20.00 Catherine McCrae 1756 $20.00 Mark Hare 8 $20.00 Chery Buitenhuis 1228 $50.00 Brittany Rylett 231 $20.00 Barry Denomme 1305 $20.00 Susan Whitlock 1917 VOXX Life Gift Card

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Name Tic# Prize Tracey Lucio 820 South Kent Wind Tim Card Mark + Camille Rush 102 Planet Print $30.00 Nellie Venclik 1914 $20.00 Madeleine Myers 0827The Health Depot Samsung Tablet Shelley Deneau 1772 Bowlerama Family Pass Nellie Venclik 1914 $20.00 Ed Boggs 0430 North Kent Wind Tim Card Matt Landriault 1575Pizazz Mixed Floral Bou-quet Blair + Deb Elston 0589 $20.00 Clare Corchis 256 $20.00 Linda Knoblauch 0744 Norwex Gift Card Glen Gillis 0924 $20.00 Rory Scheunemon 806 $20.00 Jenny Neveu 1734 Oak Barrel $200.00 Doreen Bloom 1614 $20.00 Marjorie Walsh 647 $20.00 Judy Weston 503MC Business Solutions Gift Card Derrick Thibeault 320 CLC-K Wellness Pack Cheryl Buitenhuis 1228 $20.00 Wayne Carr 954 $20.00 Ernie Moynahan 418 $20.00 Lisa Vandermeer 452 Mamma Maria’s Gift Card Connor Cabral 1044 $20.00 Sherry Chevlier 617 $20.00 Al Farquher 734 Pampered Chef Gift Card Gina Blondeel 1503 $20.00 Patrick Ansell 287 $20.00 Dale Morris 260 $20.00 Elizabeth Barnet 1170 $20.00 Sherry Chevlier 617 VOXX Life Gift Card Virginia Scott 1136 $20.00 Lucky Holmes 853 The Health Depot Samsung Tablet Dennis Timothy 114 Bowlerama Family Pass Linda Gordon 283 $20.00 Dana Hendrickson 472 $20.00 Chris Brammall 1347 South Kent Wind Tim Card Rodger McRae 1872 $20.00 Kelsey Teare 1352 Taste Gift Card Cindy Stothart 352 Norwex Gift Card Terry + Sandy Shadd 1124 $20.00 Mike Beherill 1281 $20.00 Lisa Stone 1906 North Kent Wind Tim Card Tammy Ripley 742 $20.00 Steve Renaud 84 $20.00 Jeff Bultje 912 $20.00 Shanna McDonald 379 CLC-K Wellness Pack L Telheiro 622 $20.00 John Moore 323 $20.00 Stephen Larsh 136 $20.00 Debbie Murray 1002 $500.00 Jamie Moore 446 Rubies Gift Card Saaj Banga 691 $20.00 Chelsea Peachey 1981 $50.00 Jacquie Bruhlman 736 $20.00 Dr Donna Watterud 885 $20.00 Anjie Morel 796 $20.00 Caleb Denomme 1306 South Kent Wind Tim Card Sherrie + Dan Carson 0798 $20.00 Bonnie Roth 0484 $20.00 Roger Martin 702 $50.00 Margaret + Fred Sykes 0358 VOXX Life Gift Card Kevin Warwick 1289 $20.00 Laura Whittal 1994 $20.00 Elizabeth Levesque 981 South Kent Wind Tim Card Kevin Warwick 1289 Planet Print $30.00 Denise Postma 1801 $20.00 Ed + Bev Reaume 520 The Health Depot Samsung Tablet Lisa Nadolski 1630 Bowlerama Family Pass Phil Quenneville 1661 $20.00 Margaret + Fred Sykes 358 North Kent Wind Tim Card Aimee June 871 $20.00 Jennifer Hothi 39 $20.00 John Girard 1021 $20.00 Judy McCrone 585 Norwex Gift Card Jen + Kyle Blokzl 0799 $20.00 Shelley Holmes 1662 $20.00 Greg Beecroft 1155 $20.00 Sara Titius 0553 Turns & Tales Gift Pack Joseph Presutto 312 $20.00 Patricia Ann Galbraith 1174 MC Business Solutions Gift Card L Telheiro 622 CLC-K Wellness Pack Sandra Kent 1285 $20.00 Sarah Giorgetti 0665 $20.00 Mary Franceskluka 1875 Mamma Maria’s Gift Card Natalie Stokes 215 $20.00 Jennifer Howell 284 $1000.00 Amanda Perini 1782 First Choice DKI $200.00 Laurie Frain 1291 $50.00 Steve Swackhammer 1342 $20.00 Logan Graham 1357 $20.00 Lina Demattia 280 VOXX Life Gift Card Michelle Blonde 1897 $20.00

you do to you do to good mental take care good mental health mean take care health mean of your own to you? of your own to you? mental health?

THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2025

PAGE 15

What health How support for appears to be would struggling with a wouldor you yourself someone go about you say to you cared about? mental health issue? finding mental someone who health support for appears to be yourself or someone struggling with a you cared about? mental health issue?

Mental Health Matters Self-Care Activity How would you go about finding mental

Join in to help create positive change.

Join in to help create bell.ca/letstalk Onpositive Bell Let’s Talkchange.

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2025

Do you community? know what mental health supports and services are available in your community?

The largest-ever corporate commitment to mental health in Canada, Bell Let’s Talk is focused on 4 key action pillars – Anti-stigma, Care and Access, Research and Workplace Leadership – and is a driver of Bell for Better.

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What actions could you take to make a difference?

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What actions could you take to make a difference?

Too many Canadians continue to struggle with their mental health.

This year Bell Let’s Talk Day is putting a spotlight on the growing youth mental health crisis in Canada. Youth mental health is in serious decline with increasing rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation.

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

mental health?

conversation

~ Delicious Home •Cooked Pick aMeals circled number and in alternate directions ~open Scheduled that amount of times Activities

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PAGE 16

Be Kind To Your Mind Mental Health Matters

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Mental Health Matters

Maroons set to Face Off for Mental Health

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

When the Chatham Maroons take to the ice Sunday night in green warmup jerseys, they’ll be doing so knowing teammates, parents and fans will benefit from their efforts.

The jerseys, which will be removed before the Maroons take on the St. Thomas Stars that night, are to be auctioned off as part of the Face Off for Mental Health program. Funds raised from the jerseys and other auction items will support the program as it aims to raise awareness of mental health supports in Chatham-Kent.

Spokespeople for the Maroons and the Mental Health Table that have organized the Face Off for Mental Health program, said working together was an obvious match.

Maroons executive member Tom Heath said mental health concerns

MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2025

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are very close to home for the organization, recalling that it was less than a year ago that former assistant captain Craig Spence died in a car crash. The team had to come to grips with the sudden loss.

When the Mental Health Table approached the organization about raising awareness for mental health through a regular season hockey game, Heath said the Maroons jumped at the opportunity.

Cathy DeBresser Knowler, chair of the Mental Health Table, said having worked with the Maroons last year when the table rolled out the BeSafe app to Chatham-Kent set the stage for Sunday night. BeSafe is a free mobile app that allows users to quickly access local mental health resources.

“The response we got on that (BeSafe) was incredible,” DeBresser Knowler said. “We see them (the Maroons) as being role models to all the younger (hockey) players.”

She said the Maroon players last year were first class when working with the Mental Health Table.

“They were so welcoming of the thought of bringing mental health into sports,” she said.

Heath said support for players is important. He noted the loss of Spence impacted the Maroons

and Blenheim Blades alike. But the needs goes beyond one incident, however tragic.

“I’ve been involved in sports all my life. Back in the day, we didn’t talk about mental health issues,” he said. “But when you start reading about some of the stats, how many are dealing with mental health issues, it’s scary. It’s especially scary when you’re talking about kids.”

Those statistics are “staggering,” according to DeBresser Knowler.

Prior to the pandemic, an estimated one in five youths suffered from a mental illness. Post pandemic, it’s closer to one in three.

“In hockey terms, that’s at least one player on each line, a coach, many parents, and a significant percentage of the fans,” DeBresser Knowler said.

At the Jan. 19 game, there will be activities designed to raise awareness and foster community engagement over mental health concerns.

They include the jersey auction; a moment of silence in tribute to those impacted by anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, and many other mental health challenges; a mental health pledge wall; the sale of supportive green ribbons; and more.

Continued on page 18

THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2025

THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 17

24/7 Mental Health First Response Service Toll free: 1-866-299-7447 CMHA Lambton Kent provides services and facilitates access to the resources people need to maintain and improve their mental health. We provide programs such as Case Management, Crisis Support, Housing, Justice Supports and many more. No referrals are necessary and all services are free.

If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health or you would like support accessing resources, our 24/7 Mental Health Response Team is available to you.

We provide telephone crisis intervention, referrals and family support. Healthcare providers are also welcome to reach out.

100-240 Grand Ave. West, Chatham, ON N7L 1C1 Phone: 519-436-6100

This service is staffed by Mental Health Professionals and is available 24 hours per day, 365 days per year.

The Youth Wellness Hub provides the right to services to youth (ages 12 - 25 years) and their families, at the right time and in the right place.

We support youth in caring for their mental and physical health, and in addressing concerns such as of housing, employment and substance abuse.

Services are: • Free • Easy to Access • Youth Friendly • Co-created with youth • Connected with other community resources

For more information about youth services contact us: 140 King Street West Chatham, ON N7M 1E2 Phone: 519-437-6329 Email: ck@youthhubs.ca Social Media: @ckyouthhub We travel to one location per day on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

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PAGE 18

THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2025

Delivering mental health message on ice

Continued from page 16

Heath said a stick autographed by all the Maroons will also be up for auction, as well as items donated by local businesses. A print of Bobby Orr scoring “THE goal” is also up for grabs.

“We’re hoping that we raise a significant amount of money that will go to

the local Mental Health Table to support the programming and services,” Heath said.

DeBresser Knowler said the Face Off game is hoped to help break what may be self-perceived barriers.

“One really big job is breaking the stigma to mental health. Some kids might not be OK, but they

don’t want to say anything out of fear they might be benched,” she said. “They put so much pressure on themselves.”

DeBresser Knowler said there are supports in place in Chatham-Kent for youth and young people.

However, not everyone knows what’s available.

“There are so many tools

out there that people don’t realize. Mental health support can be very, very expensive, but people don’t realize we have a lot of supports in Chatham that are free of charge for youth as well as adults,” she said. “It’s OK not to be OK and to reach out for help.”

The BeSafe app helps

showcase what supports are in place.

“When a person struggles, they can open up that app and it will tell them where they need to go to get the help they need,” DeBresser Knowler said.

Heath said he would like to see the Face Off for Mental Health idea spread leaguewide.

“We hope we’re just kind of a starting point. This is not just for GOJHL (Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League), but for everyone who comes to watch,” he said. “It will start these conversations.”

The Face Off for Mental Health game takes place at 7 p.m. Jan. 19 at Memorial Arena in Chatham.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2025

PAGE 19

Ridgetown girls roar for Lions

By Michael Bennett Local Journalism Initiative The Ridgetown Independent

Two young Ridgetown area girls recently experienced the thrill of a lifetime – cheering for the Detroit Lions right on the Ford Field turf.

Seven year olds Natalie Hoskins of Ridgetown and Brinley Simon of Duart were among 395 girls who attended a Junior Lions cheerleading clinic hosted by the Detroit Lions cheerleaders in December.

The Lions Cheerleaders put the girls through a number of drills and dance moves while learning a routine during a four-hour clinic at Ford Field.

The girls returned to Ford Field to perform their routine during halftime of the Lions’ game

against the Buffalo Bills on Dec. 15.

“They loved it,” said Jennifer Hoskins, Natalie’s mother.

“We didn’t want to tell them they would be performing in front of such a big crowd,” Jennifer said of the sold-out crowd of more than 66,000 fans. “But they had a great time; it was a real confidence booster.”

So, how did the two Grade 2 students at St. Michael’s Catholic School end up cheerleading at a Detroit Lions game?

Jennifer Hoskins, who grew up in Waterford, Mich., is a former dancer with the Automotion, the Detroit Pistons’ cheerleading team, from 2004-07.

When the Lions announced they were adding an official cheerleading team in 2016, Rebecca Girard-Smoker, formerly

the director of Automotion, was hired as the coach.

“Rebecca was my coach when I danced for the Pistons, and when she became the coach for Detroit Lions’ cheerleaders, I was hired on as a corner coach for the first two seasons,” Jennifer said.

Jennifer said she has stayed in contact with Girard-Smoker and other members of the Lions’ cheerleading team, which was how she found out about the junior clinic.

“The girls turned seven this year, which is the minimum age for the clinic, so I asked Brinley’s mother (Colette), and she thought it was a great idea; the girls were really excited,” said Jennifer.

Natalie and Brinley have been friends since the age of two.

Contributed image

The girls are pictured with their moms - Colette and Brinley Simon on the left, Natalie Hoskins and Jennifer on the right.

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

Community Events

Thursday, January 16, 2025: • The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am-9:30pm. Kitchen open to serve lunch 11:00am-1:30pm. Come check out our daily specials. Senior Euchre at 1:00pm. Everyone is welcome.

• Afternoon Jamboree with all singers & musicians welcome 1-4pm at the Merlin Legion. Come out and enjoy good music and great company. Donation welcome.

Call 519-350-8937 for more info.

• The Chatham-Kent Quilters’ Guild meeting at St. Paul’s Congregational Church, 450 Park Ave W, Chatham.

Doors open at 6:00. The meeting starts at 7:00pm. Everyone is welcome to join us, but the fee for non-members will be $10 per meeting. Come and enjoy our presentations, guest speakers and all of the other fun at our meeting. You are welcome to contact us through our Facebook page or our website at www. ckquiltguild.com for more information.

• Join us for January’s special Messy Thursday from 4:30-7:30pm at the Merlin branch of the CKPL. We’ll be getting messy crafting with cardboard. Ages 5+, Drop in. No registration required.

Friday, January 17, 2025: • The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am-9:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch 11:00am-1:30pm. Supper will be served from 4:00-6:00. No orders after 5:30pm. Tonight’s specials are Salisbury Steak & Onions or Fish & Chips, $13.00.

Take out is also available by calling 519351-8733 or 519-351-5639. Fun Darts start at 7:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome.

• Scrumptious perch and/or chicken dinner at the Merlin Legion with choice of potato & coleslaw plus dessert.

Served 4:30-7pm. 5pc perch $20; perch/ chicken combo $20 & 3pc chicken $15.50. Contact 519-689-4884 for info.

Take out available. 2 Stanley St., Merlin.

• Friday night supper at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St is a roast beef dinner with potatoes, vegetable, salad and a bun. Dine ins $14 and pickups $15. All meals are served at 6pm. Please call 519-352-8291 to order.

Everyone welcome.

Saturday, January 18, 2025: • Euchre at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St starting at 1pm. Lunch served starting at Noon-1pm.

• 7:00pm. St. Andrew’s Performing Arts presents- Mark Payne & Friends - Then Sings My Soul. Mark Payne, Petrolia’s Victoria Playhouse Music Director returns to St. Andrew’s stage with friends to captivate the audience. Tickets are $30.00, available at the Church office or online at www.standrewschatham.org/ tickets or call the office at 519-352-0010 for further information.

• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 10:00am-9:30pm. Line Dancing lessons from 10:00am-12 noon There will be meat draws at 3:30, 4:30 and 5:30pm.

The kitchen is open to serve lunch from 3:00pm-6:00pm. Come check out our menu. Entertainment by Back-to-Back from 4:30-9:30. Everyone welcome.

• Join us at the Merlin Legion for Karaoke Bob. 7-11pm. Meal special with 1 lb wings, burger or jumbo hot with beer or alcoholic drink $11.50. Call 519-6894884 for info. 2 Stanley St., Merlin.

• Plant Swap from 11am-2pm. Who doesn’t love free houseplants?? Bring your extra/propagated houseplants and join us at Bill’s Place 48 Centre St, Chatham. Tea, snacks and chats included!

Don’t have any plants to bring? New to plant care? That’s okay! We will have lots, so please feel welcome to come connect and take some plants home!

Sunday, January 19, 2025: • 22nd Annual Chatham-Kent Toy Show & Sale. Come and See: Farm Toys, Trains, Sports Cards, Trucks, Construction, Model Ships, Books, Planes, Cars, Action Figures, Dolls, Collectibles, Coins, and more! 10am to 3pm. John D. Bradley Convention Centre, 565 Richmond St., Chatham, ON. Adults $5. Students $2. Children 6 and under - Free. www. facebook.com/cktoyshow, cktoyshow@ hotmail.com. 519-352-8365.

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

Everyone welcome.

• Jamboree at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St from 1-5pm, $5. Come, listen and dance to the sweet sounds of Hired Hand.

Tuesday, January 21, 2025: • The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Col borne 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 1:00 or Shuffleboard & Euchre starting at 7:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2025

Fun Stuff

• The multi-generational tale, “Rooted and Remembered” by C.J. Frederick is a historical fiction debut novel based in Southwestern Ontario and set at the turn of the last century. 6:30pm at Ridgetown Branch of the CKPL. Books will be available for sale for $20.

• Reduce Reuse Craft from 6:30-7:30pm at the Blenheim branch of the CKPL. Use recycled materials to create a castle for cats, a musical instrument, marble maze or more! Ages 5+, Drop in. No registration required.

• Family Game Nights starting at 4:30pm at the Merlin branch of the CLUES ACROSS CKPL. Stop by the Merlin Branch to play 1. This regulates board games. Bring your own or use cortisol production one of the library’s. Fun for the whole (abbr.) family. All ages, no registration required.

5. People of northern Vietnam 8. Employee stock ownership plan 12. Regions 14. The center of a city 15. Hindu serpentine deity 16. Roared 18. Sun up in New • The Chatham Legion, corner of York William & Col borne St. Chatham open 19. “Sir” in Malaysian 11:00am-9:30pm. Kitchen open to serve 20. Shrimp dish lunch from 11:00am-1:30pm. Our daily special is meat loaf dinner. Come check 21. Muckraker Tarbell 22. Apex out our other daily specials. Fun Darts 23. Harmonic effects at 7:00pm. Everyone is welcome.

26. One of Babe Ruth’s nicknames • “Café Capers”. Join us for a different caper each week. Some activities will be 30. Groups in organic chemistry challenging, others will get you crafting and still others will be relaxing and fun! 31. More This week share a funny or heart-warmpleasant-tasting Wednesday, January 22, 2025: • Kent County Stamp Club meeting at the Active Lifestyle Center, 20 Merritt Ave. Chatham. 7:30pm - 9:00pm. New Members & guests welcome. Our members collect Canadian, USA, World Stamps, Covers & Postcards. For info: President Dennis Marek (drsam2945@ gmail.com) (519-627-1429).

ing story. Registration not required.

Drop by the Library Café from 10:00am -11:00am. To find out more about CKPL services, programs, and collections, visit www.ckpl.ca.

32. Spring forward 33. Noted writer 34. Building occupied by monks 39. “The world’s most famous arena” 42. Colorless liquid hydrocarbon 44. Long or fast speech 46. Things you can eat 47. Substance in which magnetic moments are not aligned 49. Actor Idris 50. I (German) 51. Taxes 56. Indonesian island 57. Nuisance (slang) 58. Shawl 59. Digits 60. Moved on foot quickly 61. “For goodness __”

• Preschool Storytime at 10:30am at the Blenheim branch of the CKPL. Join us for songs, rhymes, and stories! Best suited to children 5 years and younger.

Drop-in. No Registration required.

Send your events to bruce@chathamvoice.comcom or michelle@chathamvoice.com

62. Facial body part 63. Russian river 64. Urinates CLUES DOWN 1. Partner to “oohs” 2. Scaly water dweller 3. Pueblo people of New Mexico 4. Music producer Teo 5. Greek mythological goddess 6. Got together to discuss 7. Acquires 8. Involve 9. Some are tomato-based 10. Old Irish alphabets 11. A sheet of glass in a window or door 13. Blood poisoning 17. A moon of Saturn 24. Neither 25. Sums 26. They follow “A” 27. Satisfaction 28. People of southeastern Burma 29. Small amount 35. Guy (slang) 36. Sound unit 37. Midway between northeast and east 38. Affirmative 40. Almost at the top 41. Extremely slow 42. Pearl Jam’s debut album 43. Influential mid-century playwright 44. Martens 45. Approval 47. Dallas-adjacent Texas city 48. African nation 49. Dark brown or black 52. A place to get caught 53. Large-headed, elongated fish 54. Type of sword 55. Scottish tax or levy

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2025

THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 21

Aid to provincial food banks

The Chatham Voice

Canada’s largest independent fertilizer supplier is helping to put food on the shelves of dozens of food banks around Ontario, including here in Chatham-Kent.

Sylvite in late 2024 handed out $30,000 to help purchase food for food banks around the province.

Here in Chatham-Kent, the Blenheim Food Bank, Chatham Outreach for Hunger and the Salvation Army each received $1,000 cheques from local Sylvite branches.

The Pain Court branch donated to Blenheim, while the Kent Bridge operation sent funds to Outreach for Hunger, and the Blenheim team supported Salvation Army.

The 2024 contribution brings Sylvite’s donations to help food banks to $130,000.

The fertilizer supplier has 15 locations throughout Southwestern and

Central Ontario.

“Supporting our neighbours is a responsibility we take seriously,” Sylvite CEO Hugh Loomans said in a media release.

“Food security affects so many working families, and we hope this year’s donation makes a meaningful impact.”

• 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.

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The Blenheim Food Bank was just one of dozens of food banks in Ontario that benefitted in 2024 from $1,000 in support from Sylvite.

THE CHATHAM VOICE

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OBITUARIES

David Foster 79, Wednesday, December 31, 2024 Life Transitions

James “Jim” Clarke 76, Thursday, January 2, 2025 Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home

Robert Kereluik 78, Tuesday, December 3, 2024 Life Transitions

Hilda Nauta 93, Sunday, January 5, 2025 Blenheim Community Funeral Home

Morris Brooks Wednesday, January 1, 2025 Life Transitions

Wayne Smith 57, Monday, January 6, 2025 Blenheim Community Funeral Home

Joseph Geleynse 90, Wednesday, January 1, 2025 Life Transitions

Bertha Case 78, Monday, January 6, 2025 Blenheim Community Funeral Home

Thomas Trudell 82, Sunday, January 5, 2025 Life Transitions

Lois Thelma Johnstone 91, Monday, December 30, 2024 Badder Funeral Home

Marion Hillman (Jinkerson) 93, Sunday, January 5, 2025 Life Transitions

Ed Ovecka 85, Friday, January 3, 2025 Badder Funeral Home

Elisabeth Tetreault (Mosey) 82, Tuesday, January 7, 2025 Life Transitions

Dorothy Gwendolyn Taylor 87, Tuesday, January 7, 2025 Badder Funeral Home

Joanne (Van Asseldonk) DeBruyn 65, Thursday, January 2, 2025 Nicholls Funeral Home

Byron Richardson 64, Monday, January 6, 2025 McKinlay Funeral Home

Donald “Don” James Labadie 83, Sunday, January 5, 2025 Nicholls Funeral Home

John Van Every 61, Monday, January 6, 2025 McKinlay Funeral Home

Anna Allen 100, Friday, January 3, 2025 Alexander & Houle Funeral Home

Nancy Kominek 87, Friday, January 3, 2025 McKinlay Funeral Home

Cathy Garber 75, Friday, January 3, 2025 Alexander & Houle Funeral Home

Mary Barbara Lacina 98, Monday, January 6, 2025 McKinlay Funeral Home

Clarence Nicholson 93, Sunday, January 5, 2025 Alexander & Houle Funeral Home 4 Victoria Ave, Chatham (519) 352-2390

Funerals and Cremations 156 William St., Chatham | www.peseski.com | 519.352.5120

60 Stanley Street, Blenheim (519) 676 – 9200 blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com John C. Badder Funeral Home Thamesville - 519-692-4222 Badder Funeral Home & Reception Centre Dresden - 519-683-4444 Badder & Robinson Visit us: Funeral Home badderfuneralhome.com Bothwell - 519-695-2716

459 St.Clair St., Chatham • 519-351-2040 76 Main St. E., Ridgetown • 519-674-3141 141 Park St., Blenheim • 519-676-3451

www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com

Serving Kingsville, Wheatley & Chatham kendrickfuneralhome.com

245 Wellington St. W., Chatham 519-352-2710

alexanderandhoulefuneralhome.ca A Part of Wallaceburg since 1943.

519.627.2861 ericnichollsfuneralhome.com

lifetransitions.ca • 519-351-4444

THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2025

St. Andrew’s to deliver the Payne The Chatham Voice

Mark Payne, music director of Victoria Playhouse Petrolia, and friends who regularly perform with him, are coming to the stage of St. Andrew’s United Church as part of the Performing Arts at St. Andrew’s 2024-2025 series of concerts.

Payne and company will perform on Saturday at 7 p.m.

Church officials said the performance will “captivate the audience with an evening of inspirational music including favourites such as ‘You Raise Me Up,’ ‘Some-

where Over the Rainbow’, ‘Ain’t No Mountain’ and ‘Don’t Stop Believing.’”

Payne is a multi-faceted pianist, singer and conductor from London, Ont. Joining him that evening will be Brian Barber, Michael Vanhevel, Alex Baerg, Callandra Dendias, Erik Larson, Jesse Grandmont and Dan Baerg, all of whom are talented musicians.

Local residents will remember their performances in various shows at Victoria Playhouse.

Payne adapts music from different genres for all the productions there. He also

has presented many freelance performances as an entertainer.

As a conductor, repetiteur and chorus master, he serves as the pianist/music director for the Anglican Church of the Ascension and is co-conductor for the Amabile Primus Men’s Choir in London.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Tickets ($30) can be obtained from St. Andrew’s church office or online at www.standrewschatham.org/tickets.

All proceeds go to support the music program at St. Andrew’s.

Classifieds Obituary

Rose Walker (nee Pakanec) 1940-2024

With her loving family by her side, Rose, a long-time resident of Chatham-Kent, ON passed away at “The Hamlets” Long-term home in Vernon, BC on Thursday December 19th, 2024; two days after her 84th birthday. Rose fought a courageous battle against a debilitating and unknown rare neurological disorder. Rose was born on the family farm in Howard Township, the youngest of five daughters of Peter and Kristina Pakanec. Rose was never a stranger to hard work. At age 17, Rose married and continued to farm with her first husband, Andy De Coninck for 13 years while working at Southwestern Regional Center initially as a Nurse’s Aid. Rose’s third job was maintaining the family home. She cooked, gardened, canned, lovingly knit and made clothes in those early years. Rose worked at the Regional Center for the physically and mentally challenged until 1995, finishing her career as a Purchasing Officer. Bereaved and sorely missed by her daughter, Michelle De Coninck (Brian Kuzemchuk), and granddaughters, Kira (Brodie) and Corrin Kuzemchuk. Left to mourn are Rose’s stepchildren, whom she viewed as her own, Jamie Walker and Margaret Browne plus grandchildren, Jennifer Walker, Gary & Jennifer Browne, and several close nieces and nephews. Mom was pre-deceased by her husband Robert “Bob” Walker in 1997, whom she enjoyed 13 years of marriage. Departed from her life were her sisters and their husbands, Sophia Pakanec, Antonia Semkovich (Fred), Mary Capek (Frank), and Helen Van de Hogan (Joe). Rose also lost her cherished friend, Charlie Ivan with whom she knew as a family friend growing up in the Slovak/Czech community and Mull Church. Travelling, dancing, attending the casino, and playing cards were Mom’s favourite activities. She would have a twinkle in her eye and would try to suppress a laugh when she won any game. Always competitive and with horseshoes hanging in her favour! As per Rose’s wishes, cremation has taken place.

Visitation will take place on Friday, January 17, 2025, starting at 9:00am for visitation at St. Joseph Parish in Chatham. The funeral will commence at 10:00am. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation would be appreciated. Funeral attendance and donations can be made through McKinlay Funeral Home. McKinlay Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham. 519-351-2040.

Thank You

T hank You

On behalf of the late Romain Lannoo our family would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for the continuous comfort and support. Thank you for the online condolences, so many kind words were read. We would like to give thanks for the donations, cards, planters, text messages, phone calls and food and so many kind gestures that meant so much. Special thanks to Morgan Treacy for his support, prayers and comforting words. Thank you to the staff at Life Transitions for their professional care, comfort and support to all our family needs. We have been experiencing grief and now were challenging another. We feel comfort in our hearts, to know, together Ray is with Marcella, resting in peace.

Sincerely Rick, Debbie, Annette & family.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2025

Obituary

THE CHATHAM VOICE

Classifieds Announcement

Johannis “Joe” Geleynse June 27, 1934 - January 1, 2025

A long time resident of Chatham, Johannis “Joe” Geleynse, passed away peacefully with his family at his side on Wednesday, January 1, 2025 at the age of 90.

Born in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, Joe was the eldest child of the late Bartel and Wilhelmina “Mies” (neé Van Oord) Geleijnse. Married for 69 years, he is survived by his wife, Jeanne (Marie-Jeanne Pinsonneault), his children Bryan and Michele Lawton (Stan), his two grandchildren, Zach (Emma) and Alex (Taryn) and his four great-grandchildren, Charlie, Sophia, Elyse and Jack. Dear brother to Benjamin Geleynse (late Sharon), Wilhelmina Ross (late Gavin) and Wyn Geleynse (Lucretia). Joe’s early years were formidable. As he aged, he started to share some of these formative experiences with his family. Surviving the Dutch famine, known as the Hunger Winter of 1944 -1945, Joe was ever grateful and unrelenting in his resolve never to forget being liberated by the First Canadian Army in 1945. Eight years later, his entire family would immigrate to Canada and call this country their home. Before emigrating from the Netherlands to Canada, Joe worked on a coaster ship, the MS Luctor carrying and receiving exports and imports from Western Europe down to the Western Coast of Africa and further afield to the Caribbean. In 1952, he left his post on the MS Luctor. His parents had messaged him while the ship was moored - if you want to go to Canada with us, you need to leave this evening and come home as the plane leaves tomorrow morning. Decades later, Joe read that his ship had foundered months after he left and three crew were lost. Joe felt he skirted death again. Once in his newly adopted country, Joe immersed himself in being a Canadian. He worked hard, learned to speak English, trained and became a Master Plumber, a vocation he enjoyed and in which he worked for over 45 years. Thankful for his apprenticeship and early work life at Bedard Plumbing and Heating in Chatham, Joe also learned how to speak English from Mrs. Bedard. He waxed her kitchen floor and she taught him English. Joe eventually left Bedard Plumbing and chose the entrepreneurial path establishing Geleynse Plumbing and Heating around 1976. In time, Joe married Jeanne, started a family, and became a Canadian citizen. He took great pride in being appointed Second Lieutenant in Her Majesty’s Canadian Armed Forces. Assuming his regimental duties with gravity and responsibility, Joe helped train local Army Cadet Corps affiliated with the Essex and Kent Scottish Regiment. Joe loved nature, his shelf of National Geographics, the Public Broadcasting Service channel and the hunting and fishing television shows of Red Fisher, Michigan Outdoors with Jerry Chiapetta and the Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom with Marlin Perkins. He was a voracious reader with a vast memory for history.

He delighted in describing the bicycle trips to the different countries of his youth, travels on the coaster ship and his trips in Ontario and Quebec. He always looked forward to the numerous fishing trips with his family and the buddy trips to Kipawa, Quebec. In recent years, Joe loved family bbq’s and time spent with his grand and great grandchildren. Joe and Jeanne always had kind-hearted, generous and supportive neighbours around them. Their warmth and presence enriched their lives. They were, and still are, deeply appreciated and more so than they’ll never know. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the nursing and palliative care staff, hospitalists and physicians at Chatham-Kent Health Alliance. They showed great kindness and compassion caring for Joe and his family. Joe’s remains will be laid to rest at a later date. A private celebration of Joe’s remarkable life will follow. Those wishing to make a donation are asked to consider a memorial contribution to the Alzheimer’s Society of Chatham-Kent or the Royal Canadian Legion Dominion Command Poppy Trust Fund supporting national veteran programs and veterans and their families. All donations are appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to Life Transitions Burial and Cremation Service Inc.

PAGE 23

Announcement

Happy Birthday

Michael Richard Matak, IRONMAN IRONMAN 70.3 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP TAUPO, New Zealand

90th Birthday Celebration

Swim 1.2 miles Bike 56 miles Run 13.1 miles 119 countries represented Age Wave: 45 - 49 Placed 97 of 510 Overall 1,210 of 3,831 Time 4:50.28

Cy Adley

January 19, 2025 2:00pm Imperial Club 22 Payne St., Chatham

Mom, Myrna & Stewart Dolson accompanied Michael.

Bakery

For Sale

Announcement

Native American Crafts Jewellery, Dream Catchers, Moccasins Open Thursday - Saturday 11am-4pm Cash only, no debit 14911 River Line, Delaware Nation

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.

Coins

Wanted

GOLD Silver ALL & COINS

Wanted to rent or buy 1 or 4 acres of land in Chatham-Kent area. No buildings or utilities needed. Rural area preferred.

519-352-5414 or 226-627-5414.

Sunday, January 19

4th Toy Show Bradley Centre 565 Richmond St., Chatham Just left of entrance

Booth 1

Dan Jones B.A.B.Ed

519-818-1805

Looking For CASH CASH CASH Will pay cash for Elvis DVDs. Phone 519-9172339

Wanted to Buy: Antiques, costume jewellery, gold, silver, coins, military, furniture, tools.

We Buy All - Paid Cash. 519-7278894.

This week’s puzzle answers, puzzles found on page 20

Help Wanted Busy Law Firm looking for a Law Clerk/Bookkeeper to replace existing employee that is retiring after 15 years. This is a full time position and to start as soon as possible. Salary will be based on experience. Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook, Word Perfect is required. Knowledge of Sage Accounting and PC Law is preferred.

Experience in accounting is preferred but training will be provided.

Experience in real estate is necessary with knowledge of Unity and Teraview preferred. Please send resume to info@rhodeslawfirm.com

My Little Sourdough Kitchen ~ In home Microbakery ~

Specializing in naturally leavened San Francisco style Sourdough breads and treats!

All orders baked fresh that day

Registered and Check it CK approved Pre-orders only ~ Open 7 Days a Week Phone 226-229-0873 my-little-sourdough-kitchen.square.site

Rental

For Sale

Newly Renovated 2 bedroom unit on the second floor at 104 Park St., Chatham.

Utilities and appliances included, shared laundry in building. No smoking. $1400.

Call 519-7777099.

Silk Cemetery Saddle Arrangements. Everyday/ Holidays. Readyto-go. Many colours available. $40. 519-3543411 Classified ads start at only $6 plus tax.

519-397-2020

Loans

MORTGAGES / LOANS

CONSOLIDATE DEBTS LOWER YOUR PAYMENTS

Difficult Situations Accepted Borrow $50,000 for $243.77/mth $100,000 for $486.33/mth $200,000 for $972.66/mth $300,000 for $1458.99/mth $400,000 for $1945.32/mth

WE ALSO ARRANGE UNSECURED LINES OF CREDIT/LOANS

Whether you are looking to purchase a home, refinance your mortgage, or consolidate debt, it’s important that you are making an educated decision and receiving professional unbiased advice.

For qualified borrowers. First mortgage based on 4.19%/yr fixed rate, 5 yr term, 30 yr amortization.

On approved credit, & subject to borrower qualification.

Rates & terms subject to change without notice.

Call John at 519-259-8209 - 24 hours or email john@uccmortgageco.com UNIMOR CAPITAL CORPORATION Brokerage Lic.#10675

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2025