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The day the Music died Organizer shutters CKHA fundraiser

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

Kyle Wicks/Special to The Chatham Voice

The sun sets over Mitchell’s Bay. This amazing image was captured by local photographer and periodic Chatham Voice contributor Kyle Wicks, whose images always impress. To view more of Wicks’ work, visit Instagram.com/k_wicksy.

A successful grassroots fundraiser geared to funneling supplies to mental health patients at Chatham-Kent Health Alliance is no more.

Music for the Mind, which in two years raised in excess of $92,000 for the adult in-patient mental health ward at CKHA, has played its final note and raised its final dollar.

Event creator Elisha Banks said she shuttered the fundraiser after realizing the funds the organization had raised in two years were gathering dust in a Foundation of CKHA bank account.

Banks wants to let her donor base know that the money she gathered did not go where she intended it to land.

“They deserve to know the truth; they deserve to know that the money they donated for the purpose of purchasing supplies for the patients on the unit

will not be used for that. I definitely owe them that,” she said.

Banks said there was miscommunication with hospital officials and what she called a “breach of trust” with the Foundation.

“For two years, I believed the money was going to purchase supplies, but it wasn’t. It was left sitting at the foundation but not being used,” she said.

Mary Lou Crowley, executive director of the Foundation, said privacy legislation prevents her from discussing the details of individual donor agreements.

“We do have a signed agreement. It was clearly written out where the proceeds were to be directed with the signing off on the agreement,” she said. “There was never a miscommunication on the Foundation side with the signed agreement.”

Continued on page 4

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News

Local couple wins $533,000 The Chatham Voice

A local Chatham couple has more than half a million reasons to smile after a recent Lotto Max draw.

Sharon and Robert Nicholson of Chatham won $533,748.30 to put toward their dreams after winning a Lotto Max second prize in the Jan. 7 draw.

The married couple said they are regular lottery players, and it was Sharon who discovered their big win.

“I handed the ticket to the store clerk, and Big Winner appeared on

the terminal with a lot of numbers,” said in a media release. “I didn’t think much of it until the clerk said, ‘You’re a big winner!’ I stood there in shock.”

When Sharon went home to share the news with Robert, they both stood there in silence staring at each other.

When the retirees each had the cheque in their hands, they laughed with joy. “This feels great – fantastic.” said Robert.

The pair said they will share this money with their children and grandchildren and do some

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2022

Council approves new ’Burg complex

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

Contributed image

Sharon and Robert Nicholson of Chatham show off their winnings from a January lottery.

work around their house.

“This is a family win.”

The winning ticket was purchased at Real Cana-

dian Super Store on St. Clair Street in Chatham.

Addiction support unit approved Provincial government OKs CKHA’s residential withdrawal management unit

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

It’s official – funding for the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance’s residential withdrawal management (RWM) unit has been approved.

CKHA president and CEO Lori Marshall made the announcement at a municipal press conference last week, confirming the province will contribute $1.3-million to fund ongoing operations at the 10-bed unit.

region without a detox fa- prospect. cility. In the 2020-21 fiscal “I have seen an outyear, 186 Chatham-Kent pouring of support from residents were the community admitted to RWM with respect to units in Windsor this partnership,” or Sarnia.

Marshall said, In the same timeadding she beframe, 562 palieves the foundatients were seen tion will be able in either the Chato address the tham or Wallacegaps in funding. burg emergency The Municidepartments with pality of ChaLori Marshall a primary diagnotham-Kent resis of substance cently approved use disorder. a $500,000 contribution Officials said the new towards the renovation in RWM unit will help alle- its 2022 budget. viate the presMarshall said renovation DRAW DATE: sure wrought by work on the project has WEDNESDAY addicted people already begun, with comon the health- pletion slated for June.

MARCH 2 care system.

In the interim, a three2022 @ The hospital, bed unit will be operated 1:00PM in conjunction within the hospital and with the CKHA will begin accepting paONLiNE: CKCHARiTY5050.COM F o u n d a t i o n , tients in March.

CHATHAM still needs to The new unit will be raise approxihoused in the former T LAS FEB 24 mately $600,000 mental health service P U P 1:00 to 4:00 PM PO to revamp the building on Emma Street, N CTC FOUNDATION iO T LOCA yment 300 Lacroix St., Unit 5 building, but along with the hospital’s Ticket Pa rcard Marshall isn’t Rapid Access to AddicVisa/Maste Only SPONSORED BY: daunted by the tions Medicine clinic.

The Ministry of Health proposal has received the announcement also in- green light and operationc l u d e d al funding $100,000 in from Ontar“I am so pleased one-time io Health,” funding to that our proposal has Marshall provide for received the green said, addequipment light and operational ing it aland fur- funding from Ontario lows CKHA nishings. to take the M a r s h a l l Health.” next steps called it - CKHA’s Lori Marshall towards esa “sigtablishing nificant milestone” for a residential withdrawal the hospital and Cha- management unit. tham-Kent with regard to It’s a service that’s badly evidence-based addiction needed in the community, care and recovery. as Chatham-Kent is the “I am so pleased that our only municipality in the

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A new Wallaceburg apartment complex – the first to be built since the 1970s – has taken another step forward.

At a recent municipal planning meeting, Chatham-Kent council approved a change to the official plan, paving the way for a 5.4-acre parcel of farmland to be rezoned for high-density residential use.

Located near the intersection of Baseline Road and Highway 40 (Murray Street) the Royal Ridge Residences development is located in behind a used car dealership and a home design company.

Ryan Jacques, director of planning for the municipality, said the site may eventually be home to three separate buildings.

He said the development will be constructed in phases, one structure at a time.

When actual construction will begin is still unknown, Jacques said, as further approvals and design adjustments are ongoing.

Initial plans call for a five-storey, 82-unit structure comprised of oneand two-bedroom apartment units, featuring amenities such as an onsite gym.

Wallaceburg Coun. Aaron Hall said the project is good news.

“It’s an incredibly positive and exciting project for the community of Wallaceburg,” Hall said, “something the community hasn’t seen for many years.”

Hall went on to say there’s a strong demand for growth in the community, adding he sees the new build as the “first domino” to fall on the path to further growth.

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2022

THE CHATHAM VOICE

News

PAGE 3

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Random fun, random kindness Family Service Kent challenges PIB to friendly kindness duel

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

There’s nothing like a little friendly competition to make people smile.

That’s what happened Feb. 17, when Programmed Insurance Brokers employees went head to head with Family Service Kent staffers to see which organization could generate the most random acts of kindness in a 24hour period.

Handing out coffee cards to strangers and dozens of other good old-fashioned deeds were part of the community endeavour.

Calling it “friendly fire,” FSK community support service manager Jyl Panjer, said the challenge was issued to mark a week’s worth of events during Canada’s first ever Kindness Week.

The event came into being last summer after it was introduced by a Canadian senator and then tabled by Conservative MP Michael Barrett.

The entire third week of February will now be known as Kindness Week, with the Random Acts of Kindness Day to be held on one of the weekdays.

Panjer said the kindness initiative couldn’t come at a better time.

“We need a general mood boost right now,” Panjer explained. “Right now

Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice

Family Service Kent and Programmed Insurance Brokers personnel blow a behind-the-masks kiss to mark Canada’s first Random Acts of Kindness Day.

I think the world is obsessed with rhetoric and divisiveness and random acts of kindness counteracts that. Plus, it’s a fun thing to do.”

PIB account executive Chris Ovecka and his colleagues agree. With only 16 local employees between its offices in Blen-

heim and Chatham versus the Family Service contingent of 43, PIB was badly outnumbered.

But it didn’t stop the enthusiasm.

Ovecka said to “bring it on.

“People are going through a lot right now,” he added. “This is a way

to bring everyone together positive right now,” Saun- “It puts the focus back on and a way to think about ders said. what people can control other things.”

Besides making others and what they can do to PIB co-worker Julianne feel good, random acts of make themselves feel betSaunders said it’s good kindness have plenty of ter.” timing for RAK, as people benefits for the doer.

Photos from the local seem to be defensive and “It positively influenc- random acts can be found on high alert. es our overall health and online on each organiza“I totally agree we need wellbeing,” Panjer said. tion’s webpages. something A Warm, Accessible Space to Say Good-Bye

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 4

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2022

News

‘A miscommunication,’ CKHA’s Marshall says Continued from page 1

Banks begs to differ. She said not once in two years was she told the funds would not be used for supplies. What she saw when she visited the unit last July surprised her.

“Prior to me going up there as a visitor, I believed that the money I was donating was being used to purchase supplies for the patients as that was the purpose for which it was donated,” Banks said. “During my time as a visitor, sitting in a friend’s room that was directly across from the inventory room, I saw patients turned away on three separate occasions because the unit did not have the supplies in stock. I am sure you can imagine how that made me feel considering the amount of money we had donated to the unit for the purpose of purchasing supplies.”

At that point, Banks said she reached out to the Foundation and the alliance to find “some much-needed answers.”

Lori Marshall, president and CEO of the CKHA, however, said while she can’t speak in regard to the Foundation, admitted there was a hiccup in communication between Banks and hospital administration, and is grateful Banks brought matters forward.

“There was a miscommunication. I am forever grateful for her to have brought the issue to us.

Had she not, we might not have realized there is a gap here,” Marshall said of the funding shortfall for the needed items.

“I had believed that we had communicated following that (the first Music for the Mind fundraiser where administration learned of the shortfalls in funding for the unit),

but I didn’t have direct communication.”

Marshall said Banks’ dedication to supporting the in-patient mental health ward helped point out problems related to supplies in the ward, and added the matter has been addressed.

“I am forever grateful to Elisha for bringing attention to this issue through her efforts with the Music for the Mind, and also in connecting with the community on it,” Marshall said. “Essentially when she began the fundraising, it was identified that hospital staff were purchasing, on their own, supplies for patients in the adult mental health unit. I don’t think we realized that, as a hospital, this was happening.”

Marshall said all the supplies Music for the Mind gathered have either been utilized on the unit floor, or will be as

needed.

Going forward, the purchase of supplies is now in the hospital budget.

“What we’ve done since then is made sure that there is an allocation in the budget for these items on an ongoing basis. We don’t want our staff to feel they have to purchase, and we don’t want the public to feel they have to donate,” she said of the supplies.

Administration has budgeted $10,000 annually to purchase the supplies.

Marshall said she personally went into the mental health unit and reviewed the situation.

“It’s clear they now have a process to make sure the items are replenished on a regular basis,” she said of things such as toothbrushes, toiletries, feminine hygiene products, and even clothing.

“Ultimately this is a hospital responsibility. We

Contributed image

Elisha Banks, creator of the Music for the Mind fundraiser for the in-patient mental health unit at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, has ended the program after raising more than $92,000 over a two-year period.

want to be able to provide for our patients.”

Banks stressed she has nothing but respect for staff on the in-patient mental health ward. Her disagreements were with hospital management

and the Foundation.

However, she is heartened to know the funds will, according to Marshall, be utilized to help pay for other needs in the ward.

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2022

THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 5

News

Virtual meeting for new hydro line project The Chatham Voice

Hydro One is hosting two virtual community open house sessions for the new St. Clair Transmission Line to share details about the project, answer questions and gather community feedback.

As part of the Class Environmental Assessment, Hydro One has identified five viable route alternatives for the new transmission line.

Officials ask for public feedback.

The live discussions will be held on March 9 and 10 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

“It takes years to build electricity infrastructure, and Hydro One is committed to ensuring power is available in the southwest region when and where it is needed,” said Daniel Levitan, vice-president of stakeholder relations for Hydro One, in a media release. “Indigenous community knowledge and

regional insight are critical to the success of this project. We are committed to ensuring local feedback is reflected every step of the way.”

This new St. Clair Transmission Line will be located between the Lambton Transformer Station in Lambton County and the Chatham switching station.

This project is part of a network of infrastructure projects identified in the region by the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), the organization responsible for planning for the province’s future energy needs.

According to the IESO, agricultural electricity demand in the Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent areas is expected to quadruple by 2035.

This project will help meet the rapidly growing electricity demand in the area.

The new transmission line is expected to add 400 megawatts of

Subdivision coming The Chatham Voice

A new housing development to be built adjacent to Lynnwood Estates in southeast Chatham is moving ahead.

The 21.64-acre site, dubbed the “Countryside Subdivision,” will one day be the site of 61 new homes.

Chatham-Kent’s most recent planning meeting saw council approve a request from the developer to change the front yard housing setback from 11 metres (36 feet) to eight metres (26 feet.)

Municipal planning director Ryan Jacques said the approval gives the developer the option of creating a

bigger home or backyard on each lot.

The initial question of the setback came before council Nov. 15. A total of 31 deputations were presented before council at the meeting, primarily from residents living near the proposed development.

Most contained strongly worded opposition to the new subdivision, saying it will ruin Lynnwood Estate’s rural atmosphere.

However, the current council has no say on whether the new housing project can go ahead. In 2008, the issue was brought before the Ontario Municipal Board by a previous owner and approved.

Funds will aid in improvements in mental health ward

Continued from page 4

“After the meeting with Lori Marshall in January, she assured me that, while the money is not going towards the supplies as it was supposed to, it will stay on the unit and will still be used to help the patients in need, just in other ways, as well as help to make some necessary improvements on the unit which, at the end of the day, is what is most important,” Banks said.

Marshall credited Banks and Music for the Mind for making a “significant financial contribution” to the Foundation. She said plans are in the work on how the Music for the Mind financial donation could be used in the mental health unit.

“There is going to be an announcement about where those funds will be allocated,” she said.

Hospital and Foundation officials thanked Banks for her efforts.

“She has done an amazing job in both fundraising and raising awareness in an area that traditionally does not receive a lot in donations,” Marshall said.

Crowley agreed.

“Elisha has done an amazing job.

Kudos for her,” Crowley said.

Banks became interested in supporting the patients in the ward after she spent 50 days there as a patient herself in 2019.

Banks said once she learned of shortages of personal hygiene products, art supplies, and clothing, she pledged to send support to the ward.

But after two years of effort, she learned the funds raised weren’t spent.

Her only options were to remain signed up with the Foundation and raise funds over which she had no control over their destination, or sever ties. She chose the latter.

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PAGE 6

Have you relaxed?

Did Feb. 17 feel any different for you?

We aren’t talking about the freezing rain, ice pellets and horizontal snow. This is about the relaxation of a number of COVID-19 restrictions by the province just ahead of the Family Day weekend.

For most of us, the answer was no.

Life continued pretty much as it did before – masks, sanitizer, and social distancing.

But for small business owners, they likely felt cautious optimism, being able to experience a sense of normalcy with no capacity limits.

Health-care officials likely felt the same way, hopeful. Surgeries and other procedures – on-again, offagain victims of pandemic needs – are on again. It’s hard to run operating rooms when the expertise of health-care personnel is needed in the ICU helping to keep COVID-19 patients alive.

But as ICU and overall COVID-related hospitalizations wane, those staff can return to the OR, meaning needed procedures are being performed once again.

The cautious element of the optimism comes due to the fact we’ve seen this before. As previous waves of COVID-19 waned, the province relaxed restrictions...and look what ultimately happened.

We can’t blame “the science,” as it is constantly evolving. Viruses mutate; efforts to curtail infection rates and protect as many people as possible change.

We have Freedom Convoy supporters claiming support for the relaxation of the restrictions, while the Doug Ford government said back in December that when it felt the numbers were dropping, it would gradually open things up again.

Did the protesters sway the government? Let’s just let each side claim victory here if it helps reduce the divide this country is experiencing.

The bottom line is we should all be doing whatever we can to help keep as many people out of hospital with COVID-19 as possible. Regardless of if you are pro-vaccination or anti-vaccination, that means helping to reduce the chance of exposure to older citizens and the immunocompromised.

For a pro-vaxxer, make sure you’re boosted, keep up with the hand washing, wearing your mask and remaining socially distanced wherever possible.

For the anti-vaxxer, respect the rest of us...the 80-plus-per-cent of the nation that is vaccinated and adhering to government rules.

All of us, however need to do our part to support our Chatham-Kent small businesses any way we can.

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).

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.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2022

Opinion

Better access needed for supports Editor: According to the Centre for Addictions and Mental Health, 20 per cent of Canadians experience a mental health or addiction problem.

The pandemic has highlighted how fragile and inadequate our mental health support system is.

People were confined to their homes for weeks at a time and our individual and collective mental health suffered for it.

During this time, access to mental health services,

including both medical interventions and counselling, grew longer and longer.

We must do better.

If we are truly calling it “health” care, it must focus on the health of the entire body and person. This must include comprehensive mental health supports, including access to therapy and counselling.

Currently, absent private drug coverage,

people must rely on community organizations or the goodness of their therapist in order to access therapy.

Therapy is not cheap, running more than $100 for most one-hour appointment times.

It is time psychotherapy and mental health counselling services become more accessible by providing coverage through the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

Next year, Ontarians head to the polls to decide who should govern Ontario.

We would be wise to call on our leaders to do more to support the mental health of all Ontarians. We do not need more patchwork solutions; we need full access to mental counselling for every Ontarian that requires it.

Editor: Well here we are now still fighting over these COVID mandates and vaccine passports.

How many lockdowns have we endured and has it solved anything?

The virus is still being spread, by the vaxxed and unvaxxed, interesting when 80 per cent of the population are the ones vaccinated.

We started out by locking everyone down, then went on to try and get

everyone vaccinated.

Next they tried to use coercion, then to force the issue with firing the unvaccinated.

One genius even talked about imposing a health tax.

A national newspaper took a survey of Canadian citizens and 27 per cent agreed that jail time would be OK for the unvaccinated. Absolutely unbelievable.

Since Justin Trudeau is hiding in his bunker and unwilling to at least talk to some of his constituents, even if it is informing them he cannot concede to their demands, nothing will change. He will – and is – using force to get his way; the fear being generated by the assumption the protest would turn violent.

So much for even trying

to unify the country.

Every strike with unions end by face-to-face conversation. Every problem between countries ends with face-to-face dialogue.

Hopefully our PM will climb down off his high horse and at least pretend to listen to their concerns.

Jason Brown Chatham

What has this nation come to?

Merle Knutson Chatham

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2022

PAGE 7

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PAGE 8

News

’Burg fire kills 3

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

A tragic fire that gutted a historic Wallaceburg landmark has claimed three lives.

Chatham Kent Fire Service Chief Chris Case said Wallaceburg firefighters responded to the blaze shortly after 2 a.m. in the early morning hours of February 17.

The Station 3 crew was on scene in just three minutes, Case said, and in a “rapid attack” pulled a man and woman from the home.

However, the male was pronounced dead at the scene. EMS transported the woman to hospital where it was determined she had perished.

Later in the day, a third death was reported. The fire service said a de-

ceased person was located in the basement.

It was not known by press time if the person was male or female.

The chief commended the quick actions of the first responders who made entry in a difficult situation pulling the people out in “very challenging circumstances.”

It appeared that the expansive Arts and Crafts style home, located on Elgin Street two blocks from Wallaceburg’s downtown, was gutted by the blaze.

Built in 1926 by former mayor and MPP Arthur St. Clair Gordon, it was unique to the town. In 1954, it was purchased by Jim Burgess, an MP and war hero.

Known colloquially as “The Mansion,” the house had fallen from its former glory and was

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2022

Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice

Chatham-Kent firefighters comb through the burned hulk of a house in Wallaceburg Feb. 17, hours after fire broke out overnight. Three bodies were recovered from the site of the blaze.

currently used as a rooming house that included a number of small apartments.

Investigators with the Ontario Office of the Fire Marshall were on site assessing the scene, but the

cause of the blaze has yet to be determined.

Firefighters from Station 2 in Chatham also re-

sponded to the fire, along with volunteer firefighters from both Wallaceburg and Chatham.

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 9

News

Omicron wave in steep decline: Colby He expects the accuracy of the reported cases to continue to decay, as the public can pick up rapid antigen tests at many retail outlets free “It ain’t over till it’s over.”

That’s a famous quote from leg- of charge now and “they are not unendary baseball catcher and man- der any obligation to report to us,” ager Yogi Berra, and also a line he said.

Colby stressed being vaccinated Chatham-Kent’s medical officer of health used when talking about is still the best defence against the COVID-19 and the omicron variant. virus.

He said while the Chatham-Kent Dr. David Colby told the board of health on Feb. 16 that all signs Health Alliance continues to see a point to us being well on the down- mix of people vaccinated and unward side of the omicron wave that vaccinated in the hospital, it is decrashed ashore around the world in ceiving.

“The vast majority of people, esearly December.

“There were 1,500 new cases (in pecially our vulnerable, older contingent, are vaccinatOntario Feb. 16), ed. The proportion of that’s a substantial “There is no question people that end up in decline from the highs we are in the extreme hospital who are unwe’ve seen during the omicron surge,” downside of the wave.” vaccinated is much higher than those he said. “There is no - Dr. David Colby who are vaccinated. question we are in the The vaccine is extremely effective extreme downside of the wave.”

As of Feb. 16, he said 1,550 people at preventing serious outcomes,” were in hospital in Ontario due to Colby said.

He stressed being triple vacciCOVID-19. A month ago, that number sat at nearly 4,200. In provincial nated provides the best defence intensive care units, 400 COVID-19 against omicron, as the three dospatients occupied Feb. 15, down es provide about 90-per-cent protection against severe outcomes if from 579 a month ago.

“As the incidence of new cases they catch the variant and are about drops, it takes a while for the hos- 60-per-cent effective at protecting pital cases to reflect that and even someone from contracting omicron.

However, he said it appears vaclonger for the ICU cases to show that,” Colby said. “It takes people cinations start to lose their maxihospitalized and in the ICU longer mum protection levels after about 10 weeks. to recover.”

“We have a lot of people waiting As of Feb. 15, nearly 415 million cases of COVID have been reported for a six-month period to get their around the world, with almost six third dose (provincial mandated delay) when they really could benmillion deaths.

“For people who say this is just a efit from it sooner,” he said. “I hope little flu, I don’t think so,” Colby to see some revisions in the time between the second and third shots.” said.

Down the road, he sees vaccines Here in Canada, Colby said we’ve seen 3.2 million cases and more policies as evolving further, as residents of long-term care and rethan 35,000 deaths.

In Ontario, those numbers are tirement homes will be eligible for more than one million and 12,000 another booster five months after respectively. And in Chatham-Kent, receiving their third shots.

Those people who are immunowe’ve seen more than 6,600 reported cases since the start of the pan- compromised are eligible for a third demic “definitely an understate- dose just eight weeks after their secment,” Colby said, along with 56 ond jab.

Colby said the next steps for CK deaths.

Overall, another 1,250 positive Public Health is to getting the third cases in the municipality were re- doses into the vulnerable populaported since the January board of tions – people over 50 and those who are immunocompromised. health meeting.

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

T:13"

Ontario is getting stronger Across the province, more workers are joining the skilled trades as resources and industries in the north become part of the future of clean steel and electric vehicles.

More jobs are being created by building new bridges and highways, expanding public transit and constructing new homes—all for a growing province. Home-grown businesses are manufacturing more of the things we rely on.

Ontario’s economy is getting stronger.

See what’s happening at ontario.ca/stronger

Paid for by the Government of Ontario

THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 10

HUMAN TRAFFICKING

Human sex trafficking is one of Canada’s fastest growing crimes, and is a complex and often hidden crime that involves treating victims like possessions that can be bought and sold.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2022

It happens in our communities.

And it’s happening here in our own community of Chatham-Kent,

where traffickers target vulnerable teens through luring, coercion, manipulation and exploitation – promising money, opportunity, love, stability and popularity. It is referred to as “The Game.”

Traffickers move their victims along the busy Highway 401 corridor to avoid detection.

According to Statistics Canada, the number of human trafficking incidents reported in 2019 marked a 44% increase from the previous year and Ontario reports highest number of police-reported human trafficking incidents. 95% of victims of police-reported human trafficking were women and girls, and overall, 89% of victims were below the age of 35, 43% of victims were young women aged 18 to 34 and just over 22% were women aged 5 to 34.

Someone might be a victim of human trafficking if they: • are not allowed to speak for themselves and their activities are controlled by someone else • are under 18 and involved in prostitution or sex work • are unpaid or paid very little to work and seem to be treated poorly (long or unusual hours, not allowed breaks or forced to live in poor conditions) • are repaying a large debt through labour or sex • seem fearful, anxious, depressed, submissive, tense, nervous or paranoid (they may avoid eye contact or seem fearful around police) • show signs of abuse, such as bruising, cigarette burns or fractures • have tattooing or branding symbols, particularly names • don’t have their own belongings or money, and don’t control their own passport or other documents • seem malnourished or lack medical care • move frequently and may not know their surroundings well • have been reported missing People at risk of sexual human trafficking Anyone can be at risk of being trafficked, however there are some risk factors that can make someone more vulnerable.

People who are at higher risk of being sex trafficked are: • women and girls (though boys, men and people who are LGBTQI2S are also targeted) • homeless and marginalized youth • youth who struggle with self-esteem, bullying, discrimination, poverty, abuse, isolation and other social or family issues • Indigenous women and girls • people with addiction, mental illness and developmental disabilities There are cases where none of these risk factors are present. In those cases, traffickers often target very young people, identify and fulfill their needs, and then use that dependence to control and exploit them.

Improving the status of women through service and advocacy

Someone might be being groomed for sex trafficking if they: • are withdrawing from family and friends • are being secretive about their activities • have a new boyfriend, girlfriend or friend who they won’t introduce to friends and family • suddenly spend time with an older person or people • begin staying out more often and later • are absent from school or there is a decline in school performance • begin wearing more sexualized clothing • have new clothing and jewellery that they can’t afford to buy • suddenly have a new or second cell phone with a secret number Labour trafficking - Language like “forced labour,” “servant” and “servitude” are sometimes used when talking about labour trafficking. There have been labour trafficking cases involving construction, manufacturing, mining, hospitality, salons, agriculture, domestic work, sales and other industries. Labour traffickers often take away passports and other documents, and sometimes control where the person stays. Debt bondage is a form of labour trafficking where a person is told they must work to pay off a large, unexpected and illegal debt. People in other countries and newcomers may be recruited by someone from their home country or from Canada who makes false promises about what a job is and how much it pays. The person may not know their rights in Ontario, may not know how to get help and may fear reporting to police.

People who are most at risk of labour trafficking include: migrant workers newcomers to Canada people with uncertain immigration status people who are homeless people who do not speak English or French

Chatham-Kent Sexual Assault Crisis Centre Website: cksacc.org Facebook Search: @CKSACC Instagram Search: cksacc

Everyone Can Help End Human Trafficking

For help or information about sexual assault / harassment / abuse / exploitation or to request a virtual presentation please call the Crisis Line Number during business hours.

zontachathamkent.org

If you are a victim/survivor of forced prostitution or forced labour, or think someone is, we can help.

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If you suspect a person may be a victim of human trafficking, please use the following to help: Chatham-Kent Police Service: 519-436-6600 or 9-1-1 in case of emergency Crime Stoppers: 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) Victim Services: 519-436-6630 Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or online www.kidshelpphone.ca Chatham-Kent Women’s Centre: 519-354-6360 Chatham-Kent Sexual Assault Crisis Centre: 519-354-8688

Chatham-Kent Police Service Police Headquarters 24 Third St. PO Box 366 Chatham, Ontario N7M 5K5 519-352-1234

24 Hour Crisis Line: 519-354-8688

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2022

PAGE 11

Life/The Arts

Need a little ice for your beverage?

Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice

The ice is plenty thick on the St. Clair River at Port Lambton and could be perfect the perfect material for an igloo. However, these chunks were being removed recently to make way to install boulders to halt erosion on the shoreline.

Mary Webb Centre set to reopen for spring concerts The Chatham Voice

For nearly two years, volunteers of The Mary Webb Centre for the Arts in Highgate have been frustrated over the pandemic’s off-again, onagain pendulum swing.

Prior to one concert with Molly Johnson this past December, the centre’s most recent concert was in March of 2020.

Marketing director Peter Garapick had nine concerts scheduled for this winter and spring. The marketing committee had spent a great deal of time getting things organized

to run all of these events, only to have the further restrictions imposed in early January.

As a result, some concerts have been rescheduled for various dates from now until June, while others have been postponed until the fall of 2022, or perhaps late this summer.

As the province relaxes its COVID-19-related restrictions, the centre’s first concert of 2022 is slated for March 19 when the Mudmen, a five-piece Celtic band, takes the stage.

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centre’s website at marywebbcentre.ca. Officials said it has been updated and contains all of the lat-

est information on all of the upcoming concerts, as well as how and where to buy tickets.

Centre overseers remain hopeful many of the community activities, from art classes and guitar

sessions to a card-making group, will be up and running soon.

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 12

Community Events Friday, February 25, 2022: • The Chatham Legion,corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham is open for take-out meals only from 4:00pm 6:00pm. Supper will be served from 4:00pm - 6:00pm. No orders after 5:30pm. Tonight’s specials are liver & onions or fish & chips. $12.00 tax included. Please call 519-351-8733 or 519-351-5639 after 11:00am on Friday.

We apologize for the inconvenience.

• Our dinner at the Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St, will be chicken cacciatore over egg noodles with salad and a bun. $12 for dine in at 5:30pm or $13 for drive through pickup at 6:00pm. Call daily from 1:00pm-4:00pm to place your order. 519-352-8291 Tuesday, March 1, 2022: • Like to sing? We want YOU! The CK Singers community choir will be starting practice again at St. Andrew’s United Church, 85 William St South Chatham on Tuesday, March 1st from 7:00pm to 9:00pm. We especially wish to welcome back former members and extend a welcome to new members—no auditions are required. We sing a variety of music-Broadway tunes, spirituals, popular, folk and adaptations of modern numbers and perform wherever we are asked including at nursing homes, volunteer recognition dinners and charitable events of all kinds. Practice will be in the Friendship Hall with the entrance off of William St. We will be wearing masks and doing contact tracing as long as required by the church or other regulations. This is a choir where our main aim is have fun and enjoy ourselves and spread the joy of music. Sound like something you’d enjoy too? Come out and give us a try. No strings attached.

For more information contact, Director Nancy Tapley at nancytapley2@gmail. com or phone (519) 354-0463.

• IT’S TIME TO SING! Got Tuesday nights free? Then come and check out Jubilee Chorus and help make a joyful noise unto the Lord! Rehearsals at St. Andrew’s United Church (85 William St. S, Chatham), 7 – 9 pm. Safety protocols will be in place, vaccination required and masks must be worn but that won’t dampen the fun and joy of being together making musical memories happen! New in town, or still unsure? That’s ok, try us for a week, see how it feels.

Call Cynthia at 226-229-1533 if interested or needing more info. Established in 1961, Jubilee Chorus is a mainstay in the Chatham-Kent area and known for its great repertoire, family atmosphere and polished performances. Come, you’ll be glad you did!

Thursday, March 3, 2022: • St. Vincent De Paul Thrift Store, 80 King St. W. Open 10-5 Sat. 9-4. March 3,4, and 5th. All clothing $1.00 Saturday, March 5, 2022: • Morning Breakfast Program at First Presbyterian Church (corner of Fifth St. and Wellington). A delicious nutritious breakfast served free of charge from 9:30am-11:30am. This will be a TAKE OUT only.

• Mark your calendar! Chatham-Kent 4-H Association will be hosting Rally Night on March 5, 2022 at the Morpeth

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2022

Fun Stuff

Community Centre, beginning at 6:30 pm. Come out and see what clubs plan to run this year and sign up to participate. Registration payment will be payable online again this year through the 4-hontario.ca website. Please note that masks are required and social distancing will be implemented.

Tuesday, March 8, 2022: • Like to sing? We want YOU! The CK Singers community choir will be starting practice again at St. Andrew’s United Church, 85 William St South Chatham on Tuesday, March 1st from 7:00pm to 9:00pm. We especially wish to welcome back former members and extend a welcome to new members—no auditions are required. We sing a variety of music-Broadway tunes, spirituals, popular, folk and adaptations of modern numbers and perform wherever we are asked including at nursing homes, volunteer recognition dinners and charitable events of all kinds. Practice will be in the Friendship Hall with the entrance off of William St. We will be wearing masks and doing contact tracing as long as required by the church or other regulations. This is a choir where our main aim is have fun and enjoy ourselves and spread the joy of music. Sound like something you’d enjoy too? Come out and give us a try. No strings attached.

For more information contact, Director Nancy Tapley at nancytapley2@gmail. com or phone (519) 354-0463.

• IT’S TIME TO SING! Got Tuesday nights free? Then come and check out Jubilee Chorus and help make a joyful noise unto the Lord! Rehearsals at St. Andrew’s United Church (85 William St. S, Chatham), 7 – 9 pm. Safety protocols will be in place, vaccination required and masks must be worn but that won’t dampen the fun and joy of being together making musical memories happen! New in town, or still unsure? That’s ok, try us for a week, see how it feels.

Call Cynthia at 226-229-1533 if interested or needing more info. Established in 1961, Jubilee Chorus is a mainstay in the Chatham-Kent area and known for its great repertoire, family atmosphere and polished performances. Come, you’ll be glad you did!

Wednesday, March 16, 2022: • Kent Coin Club meeting from 7:00pm8:00pm. Boardroom at Memorial arena, (80 Tweedsmuir Ave Chatham). Fully Vaccinated and masking required. For more info contact President Paul Robb (probb1@cogeco.ca).

Saturday, March 19, 2022: • Morning Breakfast Program at First Presbyterian Church (corner of Fifth St. and Wellington). A delicious nutritious breakfast served free of charge from 9:30am-11:30am. This will be a TAKE OUT only. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

CLUES ACROSS 1. Constrictors 5. Abounding in rocks 11. Speed 14. German city 15. Lacking sympathy 18. Visionaries 19. Wastes away 21. One precursor to the EU 23. Nursemaid 24. Unconsciousnesses 28. Baby’s word for father 29. Equal to 64 US pints (abbr.)

30. Senses of self-importance 32. Midway between south and southwest 33. When you hope to get there 35. Electronic data processing 36. Passports and drivers’ licences are two

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2. Devices that alert pilots (abbr.)

3. Grocer 4. One point east of southeast 5. Subjects to hostility 6. Work unit 7. Atomic #56

8. British thermal unit 9. “Elusive Butterfly” singer 10. Fastened over animal’s neck 12. Device 13. Rechargeable power source 16. Ancient sage 17. Consist of two elements 20. “Pygmalion” writer 22. “The Centennial State” (abbr.)

25. Of I 26. Get older 27. Brotherhoods 29. Buzzing insect 31. Sunscreen rating 34. Brew 36. Leader 37. Indigo bush 38. Burn with a hot liquid 40. Junior’s dad 43. Horse mackerels genus 45. Morning 48. Unit of linear measurement (abbr.)

50. Double curve 51. Small, twisted bunch 53. Developed 54. Mars crater 55. Humanistic discipline 57. Word element meaning ear 58. Last or greatest in an indefinitely large series 59. Wood residue 61. It cools your home

Sudoku 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes.

To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box.

Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box.

Are you affected by someone else’s drinking? Al-anon can help!

Call - leave message - 519-350-3462 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Submit your coming events to bruce@chatham­voice.com or michelle@chathamvoice.com

Answers found on page 15

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2022

THE CHATHAM VOICE

Sports

Macleod excels on the pitch, in the books

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

Chatham’s Brooke Macleod, even in such a stressful time, has found balance.

The 19-year-old student-athlete turned heads with her play on the soccer field in 2021, as well as in the classroom.

Taking human kinetics at the University of Windsor, Macleod held down an 85 per cent average.

This while playing soccer for two teams.

Macleod has come a long way from her youthful days playing house league soccer in Chatham at the fields near the Chatham Courthouse, and attending Our Lady of Fatima School.

She made the jump to the

Chatham Strikers travel soccer club, and eventually sought more challenges, joining the Windsor East Side Kickers so she could play the sport she loved year round.

Today, Macleod is a member of Tecumseh SC, which plays in the province’s women’s premier league, as well as the Windsor Lancers women’s soccer team.

Macleod is ensconced at left back.

While with Tecumseh SC, Macleod earned second team all-star honours.

In her rookie season with the Lancers, she started every game, playing a staggering 871 minutes out of a possible 900.

Macleod doesn’t find any difficulty in managing her busy school

PAGE 13

Contributed image

Chatham’s Brooke Macleod, seen here competing for the Windsor Lancers women’s soccer team, has managed to find great balance between her athletic endeavours and her academic efforts while at the University of Windsor.

being recognized as an academic all-Canadian.

Macleod, who has run track and cross country in the past, said she loves soccer.

“I just like playing it and being in the team culture,” she said. “With soccer, everyone’s on a team with a common goal. I also like running and endurance sports.”

schedule with full sports schedule.

“I find it’s more of a balance. When I take breaks, my breaks most of the time is soccer practice,” she said. “I like the social aspect and it’s a stress release.”

That balance earned more accolades.

With her nose in her books, that turned into

Playing for the teams takes Macleod across the province. Tecumseh is in a division that goes up against clubs in the Toronto area, so there is no shortage of travelling for Macleod and her teammates.

Macleod has no plans to hang up her cleats anytime soon. She has four years of eligibility left

with the Lancers, and she hopes to use all of them.

Following her human kinetics program, Macleod wants to enroll in teacher’s college at Windsor.

As for when she eventually leaves post-secondary education, she hopes soccer remains in her future to some extent and will “go wherever the jobs take me.”

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2022

News/The Arts

Nicholls decides to seek re-election

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

Chatham-Kent–Leamington MPP Rick Nicholls has announced he’s seeking a fourth term in Queen’s Park.

But this time the former Conservative politician will be flying the Ontario Party banner.

“We are a true conservative party,” Nicholls said in a recent announcement, adding his new political home supports the tenets of fiscal responsibility, truth, transparency and

“faith and famicontinued to use ly.” his voice to share Nicholl’s third his beliefs about term representing the COVID-19 local constituents vaccine on multihas been mired ple social media in controversy. platforms, calling The former deputhe immunization ty speaker of the “an experimental Ontario legisladrug,” a stateture was kicked ment refuted by Rick Nicholls out of the Consernumerous health vative caucus last experts locally, August by Premier Doug provincially, nationally Ford after he refused to and around the world. take the COVID-19 vacNicholls said he’s recine. mains concerned about But that didn’t silence the effect of pandemic Nicholls. safety protocols on chilThe veteran politician has dren, especially when it

comes to wearing masks.

He has vowed to work on abolishing masking mandates if elected.

After being ousted from the Conservative caucus last summer, he said he had no intention of running in the upcoming June election.

His decision is an about face from his earlier plan of retiring at the end of the term.

Nicholls said he decided to seek a fourth after careful consultation with his wife.

“I sat back for about three months after serving

as an independent thinking I was going to retire,” Nicholls said. “Doug Ford made it clear I couldn’t run as a Conservative.”

But then the Ontario Party reached out asking for help. Nicholls said he then assisted the party with writing its vision, mission and value statements.

Nicholls has also been continuing to spread his anti-COVID-19 vaccine messaging, spreading his views far and wide.

Throwing his hat in the ring mints Nicholls as the first sitting Ontario Party MPP to seek election.

Following his expulsion

by Ford, Nicholls continued to sit as an Independent before joining the Ontario Party led by Derek Sloan last December.

Sloan, a former Conservative MP who represented Hastings-Lennox and Addington was booted from the Conservative Party caucus by former leader Erin O’Toole after it was learned he had received a donation from a white supremacist.

Sloan, a lawyer, has also been criticized for being racist and for his stance on LGBTQ issues.

first exhibit.

It traces the story of the National Unity Association’s crusade for justice and its determination to end segregation practices in Chatham-Kent and Ontario.

It also tells the story on the ongoing fight for equity in Canada.

on display was created

by Mariah Alexander, a great-grandchild of Arthur H. Alexander, a founding member of the NUA. The exhibit runs from to April 16.

The museum and gallery will be open for prebooked visits Wednesday

to Saturday, between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Visit www.chatham-kent.ca/ CKMuseum for more information or to book a visit.

Families looking for a little extra, will be able to check out new interactives at Imagination Station, located on the sec-

ond floor of the museum.

It features light cubes, a LEGO wall and much more.

Celebrating ties with kin is the focus of three new exhibitions at the Thames Art Gallery/ARTspace.

To book a visit, access www.chatham-kent.ca/ TAG.

C-K Museum, art gallery open again The Chatham Voice

The doors of the Chatham-Kent Museum and Thames Art Gallery are open once again.

“Let Us March on Till Victory is Won: The Struggle for Racial Equity in Chatham-Kent and Ontario” is the museum’s

The exhibition was produced by the museum in partnership with Buxton National Historic Site and Museum, Uncle Tom’s Cabin and Historic Site, the Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society and Buxton’s Next Generation.

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Difficult Situations Accepted Borrow $50,000 for $213.90/mth $100,000 for $427.81/mth $150,000 for $641.71/mth $200,000 for $855.61/mth $250,000 for $1069.52/mth

Dolores Elaine Price Bowles (Jones)

WE ALSO ARRANGE UNSECURED LINES OF CREDIT/LOANS

with INTEREST ONLY payments at 2.45% (P+0%) Borrow $5,000 for $10.21/mth $10,000 for $20.42/mth $25,000 for $51.04/mth

For qualified borrowers. First mortgage based on 2.09%/yr fixed rate, 5 yr term, 25 yr amortization.

On approved credit, & subject to borrower qualification.

Rates & terms subject to change without notice.

Sample of payments if you qualify

Call John at 519-252-6953 - 24 hours or email john@unimorcapital.com UNIMOR CAPITAL CORPORATION Brokerage Lic.#10675

Heather Blake February 22, 2015 Love is a link death cannot sever.

Always in our hearts, Love Jim, Brett, Jimmy and Shannon

This week’s answers. Puzzles on page 12

Rental

SENIORS APARTMENTS

Studio or 1 Bedroom Includes: • housekeeping • laundry • meals • cable TV • phone • access to on-site pool For a tour, call us at 519-627-9292 80 McNaughton Ave. Wallaceburg, ON

Dolores at the age of 73 passed away peacefully in Arizona on Friday January 28 after at short battle with cancer with her family at her side. Even though a terrible illness took her from this world her loving and giving heart left a strong ray of light in the hearts of those who loved her.

Dolores is survived by her husband Ed Jones of Arizona and her mother Rosetta Travis Pryor of Chatham.

She is also survived by her sisters Brenda/Roger Copeland of Florida and Phyllis Downer of Peterborough and brothers Don/Ute of Toronto and Gary and Wayne of Chatham.

She also has many nieces and nephews who loved her very much.

There will be a celebration of life at a later date.

For Sale

Wanted

Silk Cemetery Saddle Arrangements.

Everyday/ Holidays.

Ready-to-go.

Many colours available. $35.

519-354-3411

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

We Buy All Paid Cash. 519727-8894.

THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2022

PAGE 15

Classifieds OBITUARIES IT’S YOUR

In Memoriam

In Memoriam

BONNIE JINKS

March 11, 1951 - February 24, 2021

One year ago I lost My teenage girlfriend My best friend My wife for almost 50 years The mother of our two sons The grandmother of our two grandsons The love of my life My Soulmate A sister to Lois and Janet

Lovingly remembered by Murray, Alan, Elizabeth, Matthew, Colin, Mark and Dawn

We serve as your voice, so let us hear yours!

519 397-2020

Happy Birthday Happy Birthday Terry Vanderheide The best mom & nana in the world! xxx ooo

Obituary

Obituary

John Chambers 78, Wednesday, February 16, 2022 McKinlay Funeral Home

Stephen V. Andrusiak 86, Monday, February 14, 2022 Kendrick Funeral Home

Yvon “Joe” Aucoin 77, Sunday, February 13, 2022 McKinlay Funeral Home

Gerald Murphy Tuesday, February 15, 2022 Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home

Claude Moody 92, Sunday, February 13, 2022 McKinlay Funeral Home

Wilf Ellison 73, Tuesday, February 15, 2022 Life Transitions

Henrica De Lyzer Sunday, February 13, 2022 McKinlay Funeral Home

Joeby “Joeb” Babb 43, Tuesday, February 15, 2022 Life Transitions

Deborah Ruth Anne Miller 67, Monday, February 14, 2022 McKinlay Funeral Home

Robert Hall 65, Monday, February 14, 2022 Life Transitions

Carol Ann McAllister 78, Tuesday, February 15, 2022 McKinlay Funeral Home

Al Ashton 62, Tuesday, February 15, 2022 Life Transitions

Randy “Pops” Kenny 64, Sunday, February 13, 2022 McKinlay Funeral Home

Elizabeth Wojcik 95, Wednesday, February 16, 2022 Life Transitions

Marion Frances Kenny 77, Monday, February 14, 2022 Nicholls Funeral Home

James Lozon 68, Wednesday, February 16, 2022 Life Transitions

Jeffrey Melvin Hanson 53, Wednesday, February 16, 2022 Nicholls Funeral Home

Joseph DeSilva Brago 76, Monday, January 24, 2022 Life Transitions Claire Kernohan 82, Monday, February 14, 2022 McKinlay Funeral Home

Aucoin, Yvon Joseph

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Yvon Joseph “Joe” Aucoin on February 13th, 2022 at the Chatham Kent Health Alliance at the age of 77. Joe was born in Cheticamp, Novia Scotia on November 21,1944.

His parents were Joseph Aucoin and Marie Emma Aucoin of Cheticamp, Nova Scotia. Predeceased by his wife Stella Marie (2015). He is survived by his beloved companion Ruth Spirk who they shared over 5 years together. Loving father to Raymond Sterling (Racheal Perrault), late Gary Sterling Jr. (2015), Loretta Storey (Ed), and Darren Aucoin-Goeree. Proud Pepe of Nicholas Sterling (Karly), Tyler Sterling (Victoria Lumley), Christopher Sterling-Murphy, Kayla Miranda Larade (Rene Collette), Letosha Marie Sterling, Joshawa Storey and many great-grandchildren.

Dearly missed by his siblings Edouard Joseph “Eddie Joe” (Therese), Patrick “Davy” (Catherine Mae) and Laurent Edmond (Gelina), and brothers-in-law Joseph Hubert, Richard Lalumiere (Mary Ann Lewis) and their children.Remembered by nieces, nephews, extended family and many friends. Predeceased by siblings Marie Julie (2015), Carmella (2015), Georgie (1995), Joseph Gordon (1995) and sister-in-law Jean (2007).

Joe loved to sing country music and his D28 Martin guitar. Visitation was Friday, February 18th, 2022 at McKinlay Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham.

Following Joe’s wishes, cremation will take place with a graveside service in the Spring. If desired, memorial donations to the Dementia Society are appreciated by the family. Please share a condolence online at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com

Albert Postma Thursday, February 17, 2022 Blenheim Community Funeral Home

4 Victoria Ave, Chatham (519) 352-2390 Serving Kingsville, Wheatley & Chatham kendrickfuneralhome.com

Richard Kenneth Reissner Jan 16th 1971 to Feb 6th 2022

It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our eldest son, Richard Kenneth Reissner, Sunday Feb. 6, 2022 at his home in Williams Lake, BC. Son of Ray and Joyce [Ondrovcik], loving husband of Wendy [Schachtel], and father of Kiara [Daniel], Pippa [Benn], Sophie and Norah. Also survived by brother Dennis, sister RaeAnne Renaud, brother-in-law Al, nephew Drue. Will be missed by his aunts and uncles, Cathy & Rene Carron, Nancy & Terry Greaves, Wendy Ondrovcik, Anne Ondrovcik, Margaret Ondrovcik, Mike Ondrovcik & David Butler, Tim Ondrovcik & Nancy Davis, Robert Laidlaw-Ondrovcik, and many cousins.

Pre-deceased by Grandparents Lloyd and Jean Reissner, Tony and Marie Ondrovcik, Uncle & Aunt Wayne & Roberta Reissner, Uncle James Ondrovcik, Uncle David Ondrovcik, and Cousin Ashley Ondrovcik. Rick grew up in Chatham graduating from Chatham Colligate Institute, attended McDonald College in Montreal. One summer he went to British Columbia to try tree planting and fell in love with the area and never moved back except to attend Sheraton College from 2002 to 2005 for a degree in Furniture design. Rick loved the outdoors, fishing, gardening and pets. He loved all kinds of music especially Jimmy Buffet. Cremation has taken place and a celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations to Westover Treatment Centre, Chatham-Kent Hospice, or a charity of your choice would be appreciated.

Generations of Families Continue To Place Their Trust With Us 156 William St., Chatham | www.peseski.com | 519.352.5120

lifetransitions.ca • 519-351-4444

60 Stanley Street, Blenheim (519) 676 – 9200 blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com

A Part of Wallaceburg since 1943.

519.627.2861 ericnichollsfuneralhome.com

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

alexanderfuneralhome.ca

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

HOW TO PLACE YOUR AD IN THE CHATHAM VOICE IN PERSON: 71 Sass Rd. #4, Chatham CALL: 519-397-2020 EMAIL: MICHELLE@CHATHAMVOICE.COM.

Classified ads starting at only $6.00 for items for sale for 15 words.

Announcement ads starting at $44.00. All ads include colour!

THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 16

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2022

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