The Chatham Voice, Feb. 29, 2024

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2024

News

Environment concerns remain: leaders

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

How can a proposed expansion a Dresden landfill proceed without a provincial environmental assessment?

That’s what many are asking after plans by Mississauga-based York1 to revive the dormant site on Irish School Road were un-

veiled recently.

The plan for York1 is to accept non-hazardous waste to repurpose for the building industry 24/7.

The proposal means there could be an estimated 120-plus transport trucks travelling local roads around the clock. Concerns about noise and water pollution, stress on infrastructure and quality of life for nearby

residents have been raised.

Because Lambton County isn’t too far up the road, The Chatham Voice reached out to its leadership to find out their views on the matter.

Lambton County Warden Kevin Marriott said he finds it “hard to believe” that the government could approve the necessary zoning changes without an environment assessment.

“There has to be an environmental assessment,” Marriott said. “Everything will hinge on that.

But if that’s not the case I would hope we can arrange a meeting with the environment minister, even if it’s just by Zoom.”

Marriott pointed out that while the site is already approved for a landfill, that approval was granted more than

Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice

The entrance to a property on Irish School Road north of Dresden, where a company has proposed to install a 24/7 recycling/landfill operation.

40 years ago.

“You can’t tell me this (current proposal) is anywhere near what they were considering back then,” he said.

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Dawn-Euphemia Mayor Al Broad agrees there are still too many unknowns around the proposal.

“Right now, we have no idea of what exactly they have planned,” Broad said. “It’s definitely not a good idea. I’m as curious as anyone.”

Meanwhile, Chatham-Kent Mayor Darrin Canniff said he’s happy to support what the community of Dresden wants, noting he’s dismayed by the “total lack of information” on the project.

“I’ve yet to talk to a single person about this in Dresden and the surrounding area who supports this and wants to see it,” Canniff said. “So that’s the will of the people and we need to respect that. I respect the opinion of the people of Dresden and I will fight accordingly.”

When asked about his views of the Dresden landfill expansion, Chatham-Kent–Leamington MPP Trevor Jones said he doesn’t normally comment on issues outside his riding and advised that the province would be reaching out to The Voice directly.

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2024

PAGE 3

News

Hot housing starts rewarded

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

When it comes to housing starts, Ontario’s Associate Minister of Housing says Chatham-Kent is setting a fine example.

“Chatham-Kent and all other municipalities that have met or exceeded their housing targets should be proud of the work they have done to get shovels in the ground faster,” Rob Flack told a gathering at a new house on Ironwood Trail in Chatham.

As part of Ontario’s Building Faster Fund to support the province’s goal of building 1.5 million new homes by 2031, Flack came bearing a $440,000 cheque to reward C-K for meeting – and exceeding – its target.

The municipality has done so in spades. In 2023, local build-

ers smashed the province’s designated target of 81 homes by creating 522 new housing starts, exceeding C-K’s goal by 544 per cent.

“Chatham-Kent will be front and centre of everything I say,” Flack quipped to reporters, noting C-K was the first stop he made outside the GTA to hand out Building Faster Fund cash.

C-K Mayor Darrin Canniff said Chatham-Kent has been setting records for a few years now and 2023 was no exception.

“The beauty is that people want to be here, and housing is so critical,” the mayor said. “Our builders – everyone stepped up to make this happen. It’s huge because people are recognizing Chatham-Kent and the funds we are going to be receiving from the province will be reinvested to creating

more demand for homes.”

It’s not yet determined how C-K will spend its windfall, but Canniff said it will be used to incentivize people to buy homes.

The mayor noted that the area’s major utilities are working together to create needed infrastructure.

“We’re fortunate we have utilities for the next few years but we need to be thinking ahead to make sure that we have those utilities in place when people want to build,” Canniff said.

By exceeding its goals, Chatham-Kent unlocked an additional $146,667 in funding.

Chatham-Kent-Leamington MPP Trevor Jones thanked his colleague for bringing the cheque and praised Chatham-Kent for “hitting it out of the

park.”

According to Flack, Ontario housing starts have been the highest in the last three years since the 1980s, noting he hopes the federal government will get on board by bringing down interest rates – the main roadblock to purchasing a home in Ontario.

“We’re encouraging our friends in Ottawa to talk to the Bank of Canada to let off a little pressure,” Flack explained.

“I think it’s time to get back to some normalcy and get people back into the affordability side of housing.”

In the coming weeks, the province will announce rewards for all municipalities that met, exceeded or achieved 80 per cent of their targets. If municipalities fail to meet their targets, that money will go back into the fund for disbursement to communities that met their goals.

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From left, Chatham-Kent–Leamington MPP Trevor Jones, Ontario Associate Minister of Housing Rob Flack and C-K Mayor Darrin Canniff gather at a new build in Chatham on Friday. Flack came to town to present the municipality with a cheque for $444,000 from the Building Faster Fund, acknowledging Chatham-Kent exceeded the housing start target for 2023 as laid out by the province.

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2024

News

Health units opt against merger

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

After review, Chatham-Kent Public Health has decided not to voluntarily merge with its counterpart in Lambton County.

The decision was announced Feb. 22, following a report from Roving Capacity, an independent consulting firm that probed the notion of joining the two health units.

According to a municipal media release, the independent report was presented to both boards earlier this month. It indicated that while the move would be a “merger of equals,” both boards turned down the idea,

citing the fact there’s “no compelling reason for the two health units to undertake a merger at this time.”

However, the review highlighted ways Chatham-Kent and Lambton County can work together to support each other to deliver health programs for all citizens.

“Our vision is for everyone in Chatham-Kent to have the opportunity to reach optimal health and high-quality of life,” said Chatham Coun. Brock McGregor, chair of the Chatham-Kent board of health, “We do this by working with the community to deliver evidence-informed, equity-focused programs and services that protect and promote the health of all residents.

“While we have made

the decision not to move forward with a merger at this time, the review demonstrated the desire for ongoing partnership and collaborations with Lambton Public Health as we support each other to reach the vision for our communities,” McGregor stated.

The release stated that participating in the review process provided an opportunity for both health units to review how each agency operates, the relationships they have with one another, and the benefits of being part of their respective municipalities.

Both organizations have directed administration to explore potential partnerships and increased collaboration between the two.

Lambton County Warden Kevin Marriott, who serves as chair of the Lambton board of health, said the review process “affirmed a great deal about our shared communities of interest with Chatham-Kent and will

continue to advocate for local connectedness and a visible presence in our communities.”

In 2019, the Ford government proposed the consolidation of health units throughout the province but this was put on hold

due to the pandemic. In 2021, the idea was floated to join the health units of Windsor-Essex, London-Middlesex, Chatham-Kent, Lambton County and Elgin County into one public health agency.

Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice

CK Public Health will not be merging with Lambton Public Health, following discussions.

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 5

News

Opioid overdoses on the rise

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

As in many other Ontario communities, potent fentanyl continues to kill in Chatham-Kent.

According to Renee Geniole, executive director of R.O.C.K. Missions, five residents the outreach regularly worked with have died in 2024 as the result of suspected fentanyl overdose.

But the number doesn’t begin to tell the whole s t o r y, Geniole said, noting the pervasive use of the drug – and other opioids – is impacting families in every corner of the municipality.

“It’s getting bad out there,” Geniole told The Chatham Voice in a recent interview. “We’ve lost five friends since Jan. 1. The increase in overdoses has us worried. It’s astounding really.”

While all drugs are dangerous, fentanyl is the current king. The drug, like other opioids, offers pain relief and euphoria, but it can also depress respiration, causing a person t o

stop breathing. However, drugs such as naloxone can be administered to counter the effects of opioid overdose and save lives.

An innate fear of police and authority compounds the problem, Geniole said, adding that when someone overdoses in a drug house, their peers will administer naloxone to reverse overdose.

They do this rather than calling 911, Geniole said, even though the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act p ro v i d e s some

legal protection for those who call an ambulance or help someone who is overdosing.

The news comes on the heels of several communities in the province declaring an emergency and warning opioid users of increased toxicity of the lethal drug. In neighbouring Lambton County on Feb. 2, the health unit issued a public advisory warning of the drug’s lethal effects following spikes in suspected opioid related overdoses and deaths.

Lambton OPP is also warning people that opioids – primarily fentanyl – are taking a toll, with many unknowingly ingesting drugs cut with fentanyl – meani n g t h e y have no idea

Five people are facing drug trafficking charges following a joint investigation by the Walpole Island Police Service and Lambton County OPP. According to an OPP media release, the suspects were arrested during several traffic stops Feb. 15, as part of a drug trafficking investigation.

Following searches by police, suspected fentan-

dealers who are not band members from the Island, building an addictions treatment centre, increasing opportunities for youth, providing more teaching in the traditional culture, and offering land-based traditional healing for addictions were some of the points brought forward.

Elder Bev Williams, who helped lead the meeting, emphasized that WIFN has declared a “state of emergency” and everyone needs to pitch in to address the problem.

“We do want to see action and we need to come up with some ideas of what we can do,” Williams said. “The council can’t do it by themselves.”

A recent drug bust that saw five people charged with trafficking was directly tied to selling drugs on Walpole Island.

“We need more policing to intercept the drugs,” said one woman in the audience. “We have to stop them from killing our people.”

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they’ve consumed fentanyl.

Bkejwanong Territory Walpole Island First Nation (WIFN) is also seeing an increase in opioid overdoses, with leaders again emphasizing the extreme danger that is part and parcel of drug use.

Walpole Island declared an opioid-related state of emergency in 2021 and they are again sounding the alarm, with leaders – including respected grandmothers – ramping up the community’s war on drugs.

A meeting on the subject was held at the Walpole Island Community Cultural Centre arena Feb. 22, drawing some 100 people.

The gathering saw residents – many who have lost loved ones to overdose – brainstorm ways to combat the problem.

A myriad of ideas, ranging from increased police presence, resuming checkpoints at the bridge connecting Walpole Island to the mainland, banishing known drug

yl, cocaine, ammunition and distribution materials were discovered.

A 30-year-old Chatham man, a 25-year-old Wallaceburg man, a 32-year-old St. Clair Township woman, a 34-year-old Wallaceburg man and a 24-yearold Windsor man all face charges of possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking.

The 34-year-old Wallaceburg man and 32-year-old woman also face charges

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 6

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2024

Opinion We can do more At what point will our governments wake up and recognize the serious impact opioids are having on Canadian society?

Sure, politicians talk of how deadly fentanyl and other opioids can be, as well as how terribly addictive they can be as well. But that chatter tends to be in generalities.

It is past time for the federal and provincial governments to take a stand and fund anti-addictions programs at the grass roots level. Put the funds in the hands of the people who deal with the addicts on a daily basis.

It will save lives.

Here in Chatham-Kent, R.O.C.K Missions executive director Renee Geniole, whose staff and volunteers aid the homeless and the drug addicted – there is certainly a crossover – on a regular basis.

So far this year, she said five of R.O.C.K.’s regular clients have died of opioid overdose.

We’re not even out of February yet.

Overall, she said overdoses have increased, and the death toll does not tell the full story.

Opioids are generally derivative drugs from opium, produced from poppies. So too are non-addictive drugs such as codeine.

The plant has yielded useful medi-

cines, for sure, but the addictive nature of so many of the drugs and narcotics created from the poppy are concerning.

There are some synthetic drugs as well.

Opioids are freely used to battle chronic pain, exposing people from all walks of life to the medications.

It goes from improving quality of life short term to destroying it.

Funding education and addiction treatment more earnestly could seriously help in the battle against addiction.

Our children have to understand the true horrors of addiction, especially through opioid use.

We have to provide programs that offer immediate help for those who are trying to get clean from these drugs. It’s a bold step for an addict to come forward and admit they have a problem, but it can be fleeting. If that person is granted immediate access to treatment programs, the chance of success is exponentially greater than being placed at the back of the line for a long wait to be considered for such treatment.

We can, and must do better in the fight against opioids. Much of that starts with funding to establish consistent supports.

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

You can also drop them off or mail

them to us at The Chatham Voice, 71 Sass Rd., Unit 4, Chatham, Ont, N7M 5J4.

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

Company should do its own meter reading Editor: Enbridge states they have been unable to visit my address to read “their” meter. Enbridge wants me to use my time to read the Enbridge meter attached to my home no matter the weather conditions and supply that information to them at no charge, using my own Internet or phone ... and I get...nothing.

Enbridge’s claim is refreshingly transparent.

Does Enbridge list all the reasons they can’t read their meter? No, because there are none.

There is no snow covering their meter, the path to their meter is not blocked by snow drifts, their meter has never frozen, the road and sidewalks are clear of snow.

It would seem there is no

reason they or their meter reading representatives are able to visit their meter at this address.

Announcing the layoff of hundreds of employees days before requesting I perform an Enbridge business function for free reeks of hypocrisy.

Some economically vulnerable customers may feel coerced into this if they get on a rollercoaster of too high, too low estimates and the bills that come with them.

What reason does Enbridge have to not retain employees or contract a company to read Enbridge meters? If they’re adverse to paying people, remote meters could be installed. The last place I

lived installed them more than a decade ago.

Could it be that their bonuses are more important than their customers and employees, or the company is poorly run, or they can’t think ahead?

Is their net operating cash situation so dire that they must treat their customers like someone picking up a bag of chips to go through a self checkout? Except the chip buyer is warm and dry and doesn’t have to go online to report their purchase for tally.

Enbridge makes the people in a 10-cart line up at Walmart feel valued by comparison.

Continued on page 7

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2024

THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 7

Opinion

Wait for weight check for shelves of books Editor: I am alarmed that Chatham-Kent taxpayers may be purchasing a building that just won’t work to house the contents of the Chatham branch of the Chatham-Kent Public Library.

Has a library building consultant been engaged to study the ability of the former Sears building to house the library? If not, push “Pause” now.

In the Library Building Planning course I took as part of my Master of Library and Information Science degree at Western University, I heard many horror stories of what happens when people unfamiliar with the needs of libraries start building them -- they build floors that are not strong enough to support the tonnes of books that will be on them, they leave out adequate space for shipping and receiving, they oversupply or undersupply space for programs, technologies or spaces

that may have been big hits at another library, but don’t match current or projected library users’ needs of the this library.

My course instructor, renowned library building consultant Dr. Margaret Beckman, told us good architects always engage a library building consultant to work with staff, patrons and the public in general to understand community needs and devise a list of requirements for the library building.

Then the library building consultant and architect work together to turn the list of needs, e.g. program space for baby time, into the building elements needed to deliver it, e.g. storage space for toys, easy access to diaper change and hand washing area.

Once this list of building needs (building program) has been compiled, it can be used as a checklist to evaluate a

Continued from page 6

paying this quarter’s dividend.

In closing, Enbridge has many options to retrieve sales information from “their” meters. None of those need involve Enbridge customers doing that job for them.

proposed alternate building.

I especially remember Beckman’s story of a city which decided to move its library into a recently vacated downtown department

store, figuring its wideopen three floors would be perfectly adaptable to new configurations of space for library programs and collections. Fortunately, a library building program consultant was engaged,

and the city was advised -- before purchasing the building -- that only the ground floor would be usable for collection space, unless costly reinforcements and reconstruction were done.

Has Chatham-Kent

done such a study? If not, save taxpayers money and don’t buy the building until you have.

Kae Elgie Member, Chatham Kent Authors Waterloo, Ont.

Surely creative financing can save meter readers

The senior executive group and the board of directors could take decreases in their stipends, expense accounts, benefits and stock options for non-performance. That group might go to the shareholders and say sorry, we’re not doing such a great job so we aren’t

Vaughn Pfaff Chatham-Kent

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 8

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2024

News

Hike for Hospice May 5

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

The eighth rendition of the Chatham-Kent Hike for Hospice will take place May 5, and organizers are putting the word out seeking participants.

The hike, which will take place at Mud Creek Trail in Chatham, raises funds to support end-of-life hospice care in Chatham-Kent. In the previous sev-

Paul and Kristie Card, owners of Battery Boy, and their family participate in the 2023 Hike for Hospice.

raised more than $785,000. That includes the record-setting $150,000 raised by more than 600 participants in 2023.

That hike marked the return to an in-person event, which followed three years of isolated participation due to the pandemic.

Ginny Hawken, chair of the special events committee for the hospice, said the return to an in-person event in 2023 was inspiring.

“Just to see the sea of people all wearing the hospice colours leaves me kind of in awe,” she said. “It was really great to see everybody back in person and we had a really good turnout.”

Hawken has laced up her running shoes and Enjoy Daily Activities - Chef Inspired Dining participated in the hike since 2018.

“I walk on a team, Lou’s Crew, in memory of Louane McFadden, who was a good friend of mine,” she said. “The en years, the annual event has

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This year’s goal is $140,000.

Hawken sees it as aggressive, but achievable.

“I think we can do it. Every year, the community just seems to come together and amaze us,” she said. “I would challenge Chatham-Kent to see if we can surpass that goal.”

On top of the $150,000 raised in 2023, the hike brought in $129,000 in 2022, and $143,000 in 2021.

Hawken encourages people to come out and enjoy the day, while supporting the hospice.

“It’s a wonderful facility for anyone who has been there,” she said. “The ability to raise money for the hospice through the hike is just a great experience. It’s a great afternoon.”

On top of the walk along Mud Creek Trail, Hawken said the committee has activities planned prior to the trek, which was the case last year as well.

“We had some music playing. We’re doing that again this year,” she said. “We have some yard games planned as well.

We just really want to encourage people to come out ahead of time with their teams and their families and enjoy the space. Make it a whole afternoon event.”

Participants are encouraged to bring a picnic and join the pre-hike activities that will get underway starting at noon. On

Rich Barry/Special to The Chatham Voice

top of the live music and lawn games, there will be memorial activities, kid’s activities and more.

Hawken said the hike has some great supporting businesses, and singled out Battery Boy as its longstanding main sponsor.

“I would like to thank Battery Boy. They have been our tried and true sponsor for this event year after year,” she said.

Although the main event takes place May 5, participants are also welcome to hike the Mud Creek Trail at their convenience between April 29 and May 4.

Memorial signs will be set up along the trail beginning April 29. Hikers may also submit pledges online and participate remotely.

For more information or to register and begin collecting pledges, visit hikeforhospiceck. com.

The Chatham-Kent Hospice is a 10-bed residential facility that offers care for residents facing end of life and support for their loved ones. The hospice provides comfort, support and specialized pain and symptom management in a home-like setting.

Since opening in April 2016, Chatham-Kent Hospice has served more than 1,300 families. In order to offer these services at no cost to residents or their families, Chatham-Kent Hospice relies on donations from the community.

THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2024

PAGE 9

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Ron Collins* 519-401-8464

Jeff Godreau* 519-365-4852

June McDougall* 519-358-5199

Meg Palin* 226-627-2078

Chris Polley* 905-903-0505

Chris Spafford* 519-917-2635

Tori Winters* 226-881-0334

Megan Canniff* 226-626-7133

Adam Deseure* 519-350-5787

Darren Hart* 226-627-8580

Sylvia Moffat** 519-355-8189

Chris Papple* 519-350-1402

Scott Poulin* 519-350-5320

Kate Stenton* 519-436-8377

Lisa Zimmer* 519-365-7325

CHATHAM OFFICE 425 McNaughton Ave. W. 519-354-5470

*Sales Representative **Broker

BLENHEIM OFFICE 59 Talbot St. W. 519-676-5444

THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 10

Free prom, grad clothes The Chatham Voice

The people at FreeHelpCK are back in action in preparation for this year’s prom and grad seasons.

For the fifth year, the organization will have a slew of garments available for students at no charge.

“At FreeHelpCK, we believe that everyone deserves to feel their absolute best on their prom night and graduation day, regardless of their financial circumstances,” organizers said in a media release.

To that end, the group has more than 500 dresses, suits, shoes, and jewelry items ready to be given away to those who may not be able to afford these items.

The items will be available in the Downtown Chatham Centre begin-

ning March 15.

The FreeHelp crew also has a day planned in May where professional makeup artists and photographers will be available to help complete the transformation.

“It’s incredible to witness the impact this initiative has had over the years. Being able to help students celebrate and cherish these important milestones without worrying about the financial burden is truly rewarding,” organizers said. “We owe our gratitude to our kind-hearted donors, volunteers, and businesses who have made this event possible year after year.”

Organizers ask that if anyone has clothing or jewelry they’d like to donate to contact FreeHelpCK at freehelpck.ca.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2024

News

Contributed image

FreeHelpCK is once again giving out dresses, suits and shoes for prom and graduation events around Chatham-Kent.

THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2024

PAGE 11

News

Friends to gather again March 9

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

Three long-term Chatham buddies are up to

their usual hijinks.

For a fifth year, Howie Morton, Ray O’Phee and Mike Dorner are putting together the “Friends of Chatham Gathering.”

To be held at the KBD Club in Chatham March 9, the annual event is a chance to bring Chatham residents together, while raising funds for Cha-

tham-Kent Hospice.

This year the free event will feature musician Chris Bird, open mic sessions, door prizes and plenty of light-hearted fun. Pulled pork is on the menu.

According to Dorner, more than 700 people came through the doors in 2023, raising $11,700 for hospice. All told, the Friends gathering has raised more than $28,000 to assist people and their families with end-of-life care.

The “friends” come from far and wide.

“We’ve had former Chatham residents come from

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The idea for the Friends of Chatham Gathering was hatched between Morton, O’Phee and Dorner after they kept meeting at the funerals of other friends. The trio decided it would be better to celebrate life together in person, rather than meeting at someone’s death.

“We’d like to see everybody there,” Dorner said.

While providing a forum for friendship, the event

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also serves to commemorate those who have passed on. A moment of silence will be held at 4 p.m. to honour those who have been lost.

Dorner said nametags will be provided for attendees, as many people don’t recognize each other due to the passage of time.

The Friends of Chatham Gathering starts at noon and runs until closing time if the party is still going.

The KBD Club is located at 34 Byng Ave. in Chatham. While there is no cover charge, freewill donations are encouraged.

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 12

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2024

The Arts

Blues Society continues to deliver

crowds.”

Polowick added today’s blues are much different than early blues music.

If you head out to the KBD “There’s a misconception that Club in Chatham for one of there’s only sad songs in the the shows presented by the blues, but that couldn’t be furChatham-Kent Chapter of the ther from the truth,” he said.

Canada South Blues Society, “There’s been a lot of evolution you will see a joint that is really in this music over the last 100 years. While we A Warm, Accessible Space to Say Good-Bye still respect where this truly American music came from, it has expanded to encompass many styles and moods.

The Chatham-Kent Blues group, which holds most of its shows at the KBD, is in place to raise awareness of blues Thank you for voting us Funerals and roots music; a genre Best of Chatham-Kent Celebrations that sits as the foundafor the 8th year Immediate Cremations tion of many different types of music, from pop to country to folk to Trust the Professionals. rock ’n’ roll. Most of the 459 St. Clair St., Chatham - 519-351-2040

By John Gardiner Special to The Chatham Voice

jumpin’.

“It’s such a fun environment,” said Blues Society organizer Aug Polowick. “Ask anyone who has been to one of our shows and they’ll tell you what an exciting night out our shows are. There’s fantastic music, lots of fun, dancing and great

music we listen to in our culture has been based on the blues for many decades.

“We want to present a great live music experience in a fun social environment,” Polowick said, “along with our mandate of creating awareness about the blues through community, social media and keeping this amazing genre of music alive.”

The organization has been operating for more than a decade and is a non-profit run by volunteers.

It is an affiliate of the Blues Foundation based out of Memphis, and is funded by memberships, corporate patrons of the blues, along with ticket sales.

It has presented local, regional, national and international blues and roots acts, including Grammy nominees and Blues Hall of Fame acts.

“These are some of the best acts

that the blues/roots genre has to offer and we are privileged to bring them to Chatham-Kent” said Polowick. “They consistently win some of the biggest awards in the industry.”

As an example of that, the group’s next show on March 2 at the KBD will present Selwyn Birchwood, who has four nominations at the upcoming Blues Music Awards in Memphis, Tenn., including Band of the Year.

Tickets are available now.

“Pretty well everything we listen to comes out of the blues,” Polowick said. “It really is music for everybody...and these bands we bring in from all parts of Canada and the U.S. are amazingly good and crazy fun.”

Tickets are available online at ticketscene.ca or call Bob Christmas at 519-676-9150 for more info or to reserve tickets.

76 Main St. E., Ridgetown - 519-674-3141 141 Park St., Blenheim - 519-676-3451

www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com

NOTICE OF THE PROPOSED ROAD CLOSING Notice is hereby given that at a meeting of the Council of the Municipality of Chatham-Kent on March 4, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers, Civic Centre, 315 King Street West, Chatham, Council will consider, and if approved, may pass a by-law to stop up and close part of the road allowance from Sinclair Rd in the community of Tilbury: •

Part of Property Identification Number 00790 0081, Plan of Survey of Part of the Road Allowance Between Lots 6 & 7 Concession 3 Geographic Township of Tilbury East, Municipality of Chatham-Kent, being Part 1 of Part of PIN 00790 0081 as depicted in 24R11328.

At this meeting, Council will hear any person or their solicitor or agent, who claims that their land will be prejudicially affected by the by-law and who provide a written submission by email to the Clerk’s office (ckclerk@chatham-kent.ca) by 3:00pm on March 4th. For further information, please contact Amy McLellan, Manager, Revenue at 519-360-1998, Ext 3185.

Bruce Corcoran/The Chatham Voice

Blues Music Awards nominee Selwyn Birchwood is slated to play the Kent-Belgium-Dutch Club in Chatham on March 2, brought in by the Canada South Blues Society.

THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2024

PAGE 13

News

‘I AM WOMAN’ to roar March 8-9 Two-day event will celebrate International Women’s Day locally

The Chatham Voice

International Women’s Day will be marked with a unique two-day celebration in Chatham-Kent March 8-9.

A collaboration between Zonta, SheLeads and Armoury Special Events, the “I AM WOMAN” event honours the spirit of International Women’s Day by shining a spotlight on the incredible women-identifying folks who call the municipality home.

The event begins with a women’s march on March 8 at 4:30

p.m. Participants ed to an array are invited to don “This collaboration of activities inthe colour purple, represents our colleccluding interaccreate signs and tive commitment to tive booths, food wield pom poms

by Taste by Tiff, empowering women during the inclubeats spun by DJ sive demonstra- in our community and Courtney Wells, tion which kicks supporting the essena meditation and off at Sweet C’s tial work of the Chasound bath faon King Street in tham-Kent Women’s cilitated by Lisa Chatham. All are Uher, a dance tuinvited to join in. Centre.” torial by Lisa LesFollowing the - Lisa Lester ter and a fun lip march, I AM sync battle.

WOMEN continues at the ArOn March 9, a wommoury, with doors opening at an-owned-and-operated ven5 p.m. Attendees will be treat- dor expo will run from

Ex-United Way staffer charged with fraud The Chatham Voice

Already facing a civil suit, a former United Way of Chatham-Kent employee is now charged with fraud.

Police initiated an investigation in late September into the misappropriation of funds from the United Way of Chatham-Kent (UWoCK).

As a result of a thorough investigation, which included analysis of records dating from Oct. 8, 2021, to Oct. 20, 2022, an arrest was made.

Veronica Whittal, 48, of Tilbury, is charged with fraud over $5000.

Maureen Geddes, interim CEO for UWoCK, declined to comment on the arrest.

“We are taking all reasonable actions available to us to ensure accountability and recover the funds, including criminal and civil action against the individual,” she told The Chatham Voice.

The civil suit was laid back in October. More than $290,000 went missing, sparking the investigation.

Drugs, guns seized, 2 charged The Chatham Voice

A stolen vehicle investigation led to so much more for Chatham-Kent police recently, resulting in two people facing a slew of drugand firearm-related charges.

Police raided a home on Vanier Drive on Feb. 20. As they searched the residence, officers found two firearms and a Taser, as well as a quantity of suspected ecstasy, fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, oxycodone, hydromorphone and clonazepam.

A 35-year-old man and a 30-yearold woman, both of Chatham-Kent, are charged with seven counts of possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking, two counts of careless storage of a firearm, two counts of possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, two counts of unauthorized pos-

session of a prohibited firearm, possession of stolen property over $5,000, carrying a concealed weapon, unauthorized possession of a weapon, two counts of possession of a prohibited firearm in a motor vehicle, and possession of a prohibited firearm with ammunition.

June 23, 2024 Rondeau Provincial Park 10:00am: 200m Kids Fun Race followed by 5km Race

www.ctcf-ck.com/runforthekids/

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Armoury. The expo provides a platform for women-identifying entrepreneurs to showcase products and services, fostering empowerment and community support.

A minimum $5 donation is required at the door for both Friday and Saturday, with the proceeds going to the Chatham-Kent Women’s Centre.

Organizer Lisa Lester of Armoury Special Events, said she’s “thrilled” to join forces with SheLeads and Zonta to

honour International Women’s Day. “This collaboration represents our collective commitment to empowering women in our community and supporting the essential work of the Chatham-Kent Women’s Centre,” Lester said, noting it’s an opportunity to showcase the incredible talents of local women, while inspiring others and having fun.

For more details, visit sheleadsck.com or contact Lester at 519-380-5970.

The SKW Community Fund Advisory Committee Has Positions Available We are currently seeking applications from community-minded volunteers interested in accepting, reviewing, and evaluating grant applications received from charitable and qualifying non-profit groups in Chatham-Kent.

Committee members are required to meet twice annually to review applications received in the spring and the fall of each year. Members of the advisory committee commit to serving for two years.

To apply, please email your answers to the questions below, with “SKWCFAC App” in the subject line, to info@chathamkentcommunityfoundation.ca.

1. Please provide your name, address, phone number & email.

2. Why are you interested in serving as a South Kent Wind Community Fund Advisory Committee member?

3. Please share with us an outline of your previous volunteer involvement and any work you have provided in service to your community.

4. Please list other committees of which you have been a member.

The deadline for application submission is March 15, 2024

Since its inception in 2013, the SKW Community Fund has contributed over $6 million to the Chatham Kent Community Foundation. Over $3 million has flowed through in the form of grants to community organizations dedicated to making a difference in Chatham-Kent. The remainder has gone into an endowment to continue giving back to the community in perpetuity.

THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 14

Sharks take a bite at Provincials

The Chatham Voice

The Chatham Y Pool Sharks made a splash recently at the winter provincial level competitions in Toronto.

This year, five swimmers qualified to attend at two provincial meets. Caleb VanDooren, 14, competed at his first Ontario Youth Junior Championships at the Markham Pan Am Centre.

Competing at the Etobicoke Olympium for Winter Festivals were Francis Cooper, 9, Jake Leigh, 11, Declan Walters, 8, and Malakai Walters, 11.

Head coach Colleen Yee congratulated the swimmers on their hard work.

“Each year, the qualifying times have big differences, especially at eleven years old. These swimmers practiced hard to attain their goals and proved so, with many personal best times at the events,” she said.

“Two swimmers are aging up before our next provincial meet in the summer. They will need to push for these new times, in order to attend. We will work hard to give them the opportunity to qualify again,” Yee continued.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2024

Sports

Curling and stories The Chatham Voice

Contributed image

Swimmers with the Chatham Y Pool Sharks enjoyed success in recent winter competition in the GTA.

Chatham-Kent Public Library’s Wallaceburg branch is partnering up with the Sydenham Curling Club to offer a Learn to Curl Storytime.

This program will take place at the Sydenham Curling Club, located at 7379 N River Line in Wallaceburg.

An interactive storytime will be followed by an opportunity for kids to learn the basics of curling on the ice with an SCC’s Little Rocks instructor.

The event will take place on March 12 from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., and is directed toward children aged five to eight, but all are welcome.

Only children over the age of five, with a signed waiver, will be permitted on the ice.

Children who are going on the ice must have clean indoor shoes and a helmet.

To register, call 519-354-2940.

THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2024

PAGE 15

THE CHATHAM AUTO SHOW

JOHN D BRADLEY CONVENTION CENTRE 565 Richmond St, Chatham

Friday, March 1 4:00pm-8:00pm

Saturday, March 2 10:00am-5:00pm

Sunday, March 3 11:00am-3:00pm

Over 25,000 sq. ft. of Cars,Trucks, SUV’s and More!

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Admission: A Canned Good

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100% of proceeds will support the Food banks of CK

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The Chatham Auto show returns this weekend, featuring about 100 vehicles for visitors to peruse. See story on page 17.

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 16

2024 Ram 1500

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2024

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Taos Highline Engine: New 2.0 turbocharged TSI® engine HP & Torque: 269 hp, 273 lb-ft Transmission: 8-speed automatic transmission with 4MOTION® Fuel efficiency (combine L/100km): 10.8 Warranty: 4-year / 80,000 km new vehicle limited warranty

Atlas Peak Edition Engine: 1.5 TSI® Turbochard Engine HP & Torque: 158 hp, 184 lb-ft Transmission: FWD 8-speed automatic transmission DSG® 4MOTON® All-Wheel Drive Fuel efficiency (combine L/100km): 8.4 (City) / 6.5 (Highway) Warranty: 4-year / 80,000 km new vehicle limited warranty

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2024

THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 17

News

Time to kick the tires at auto show

this year. There will be about 100 different vehicles to examine. Limited The cars, trucks and inventory access is preSUVs are rolling back into venting full participation, the Bradley Centre this Hetherington said.

The dealers love the atweek, just in time for the mosphere at the car show, Chatham Auto Show.

The event runs March he added.

“They do a really good 1-3.

The show, organized job being there to answer

by CKXS’ Greg Heth- all the questions,” he said.

“It’s not erington, about sellhas been in “It’s not a sale. It’s an ing a car. action for information-gathering It’s a very more than session. It allows the casual ata decade. It mosphere offers po- people to see all the to just be tential car dealers in one spot.” able look at buyers the - Greg Hetherington all the cars, chance to window shop and check sit in them, check out the out the features of a host trunk space.”

That said the show genof vehicles, all under one erally leads to a “busy roof.

“The people that are week” at the local dealerlooking for a car love the ship in the week followconvenience of one-stop ing.

Hetherington said the shopping, where you can ask all your questions,” show also is a way of urging people to stay in Chahe said.

On top of that, there are tham-Kent to purchase no high-pressure sales their next vehicle.

“We encourage people to pitches.

“It’s not a sale. It’s an in- shop at home. Buy your formation-gathering ses- next car in Chatham,” sion,” he said. “It allows he said. “Buying local is the people to see all the huge. The more cars a dealership sells, the more dealers in one spot.”

Nine of the 10 Chatham they give back to the comauto dealers will have munity.”

Admission to the show is vehicles on display again

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

by cash donation or a donation of a non-perishable food item.

“Whatever people want to give, 100 per cent of that goes to the food banks,” Hetherington said.

The auto show supports the Salvation Army and Outreach for Hunger food

banks, as well as R.O.C.K. Missions.

There will be a community room at the event, as a number of non-profit groups will be showcasing their activities, while a few businesses will have displays there as well. Also on display will

be several classic cars, Hetherington said.

Last year, more than 3,000 people attended the Chatham Auto Show.

Hetherington said poor weather on the Friday led to a slow start, however, the Saturday and Sunday traffic was solid.

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He hopes for good weather this time around.

The Chatham Auto Show runs from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday at the Bradley Centre, located on Richmond Street in Chatham.

Take advantage of this offer by quoting “PIECE OF CAKE” when you order. Call 1 (844) 221-6383 today to order.

Offer available by phone only. One redemption per customer.

Hungry for more choices? Ask us for our My Menu to browse all 200+ meals, soups and desserts. Or visit us online at HeartToHomeMeals.

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2024

Community Events

Thursday, February 29, 2024: • The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am-9:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch 11:00am-1:30pm. Come check out our daily specials. Senior Euchre starts at 1:00pm. Everyone is welcome.

• The 62nd Annual Lenten Noon Hour Interdenominational Service will be held at Christ Church, 80 Wellington St. W., Chatham (beside the bus depot) beginning at 12:10pm until 12:35pm and will be followed by a sandwich luncheon in the parish hall. The theme this year is “The Peace That Passes All Understanding.” The speaker this week is The Rev. MJ Meinzinger, MuchJoy Ministries. Free will offering to help Outreach within our community.

• Merlin Legion Br. 465. 519-689-4884.

Join us for a fun filled afternoon with the Jam Session from 1-4:30pm. All are welcome to attend with donation of $2. From 4 to 7. New: 1-lb Wing Special with Fries $8.85 + tax = $10.00 Homemade Panzerotti + Menu available.

• Volunteer Orientation & Information Session at the Ridgetown Area Adult Activity Centre at 1:30 pm. Make a difference in your community and learn about volunteer opportunities and ways to lend a helping hand at the Centre.

Enjoy light refreshments. To RSVP call 519-674-5126 or email programs@ ridgetownadultcentre.com.

• Jewelry Swap at the at the Ridgetown Area Adult Activity Centre from 7:009:00pm. Swap and “shop” second hand treasures. Drop off your items for the swap between Feb. 8-26 to the Centre.

Purchase your ticket for $5 and enjoy light refreshments and participating in the swap. Call 519-674-5126 or email programs@ridgetownadultcentre.com.

• If you have completed jigsaw puzzles, trade them for a new-to-you puzzle at Chatham-Kent Public Library’s (CKPL) Jigsaw Puzzle Swap! Ridgetown Branch of CKPL will host a jigsaw puzzle swap from 12:00-8:00pm and Friday, March 1 from 12:00-5:00 pm. Participants will receive a voucher for each puzzle they drop off during library hours. Puzzles must have no missing pieces and be in good condition. Children’s puzzles in good shape are also welcome. Vouchers can be redeemed to “buy” a new puzzle on February 29 or March 1. Only voucher holders will be allowed to participate in the Jigsaw Puzzle Swap. Any puzzles that are not selected by the end of the event will be put in the Ridgetown Branch Book Sale, where the proceeds will go towards future programs.

• New Circuit Training class at 1pm at the Active Lifestyle Centre. $3 for members $5 for non-members Friday, March 1, 2024: • Friday night supper at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St is a Roast Pork dinner with potatoes, vegetable, salad and a bun. Dine ins $13 and pickup $14. All meals are served at 6 PM. Please call 519-352-8291 to order. Everyone welcome.

• Comedy Night Fundraiser: $45 per person, includes dinner and show. Contact the Active Lifestyle Centre at (519) 352-5633 for more information.

• Merlin Legion, 2 Stanley Street. 519689-4884. Delicious 5pc Perch or 3pc Merlickin Chicken or Combo (3pc Perch & 2pc Merlickin Chicken). Serving from 4:30-7 pm every Friday during Lent. Entertainment Jeff Parker from 7 to 11pm.

• Bill’s Place Community Space Drop-In. Come spend some time in a 2SLGBTQIA+ safe space 48 Centre St., Chatham. Hang out, have a coffee, do your homework, ask a question, read a book, or chat about life or what we’ve been working on. Get some clothes from our Out of the Closet program, use the Community cupboard & more! No RSVP needed! Come & go as you please.

All ages & allies welcome.

• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am-9:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch 11:00am-1:30pm. Supper served 4:00-6:00pm. No orders after 5:30pm.

Tonight’s specials are ham & scallop potatoes or fish & chips, $13.00. Take out available by calling 519-351-8733 or 519-351-5639. Fun Darts at 7:00pm.

Everyone welcome.

Saturday, March 2, 2024: • Morning Breakfast Program at First Presbyterian Church (corner of Fifth St. and Wellington). A delicious and nutritious breakfast served free of charge from 9:30am-11:00am, serving indoors, no take out. Wheelchair accessible.

• Merlin Legion Br. 465. Call 519689-4884 for details. Join us for our delicious Merlickin Chicken plus menu serving 4 to 7pm.

• The Chatham Legion Branch 642 corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am-9:30pm. Meat draw at 3:30, 4:30 and 5:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch 3:00pm-5:30pm. Entertainment by the Good Old Boys from 4:309:30. Everyone Welcome.

Sunday, March 3, 2024: • Jamboree at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St. from 1 to 5 PM, $5. Come listen, dance and enjoy the music of Hired Hand.

Tuesday, March 5, 2024: • The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am-9:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch 11:00am-1:30pm. Today’s special is spaghetti with meat sauce. Euchre at 1:00 or evening shuffleboard or euchre at 7:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome.

Wednesday, March 6, 2024: • The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am-9:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch 11:00am–1:30pm. Daily special is meat loaf dinner. Come check out our other daily specials. We have Fun Darts at 7:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome.

• New Macramé class at the Active lifestyle Centre 9am Wednesdays. Registration required Contact (519)352-5633.

Fun Stuff

Thursday, March 7, 2024: • New Circuit Training class every Thursday at 1pm at the Active Lifestyle Centre. $3 for members $5 for non-members • The 62nd Annual Lenten Noon Hour Interdenominational Service will be held at Christ Church, 80 Wellington St. W., Chatham (beside the bus depot) beginning at 12:10pm until 12:35pm and will be followed by a sandwich luncheon in the parish hall. The theme this year is “The Peace That Passes All Understanding.” The speaker this week is The Rev. Mike Maroney, First Presbyterian Church. Free will offering to help Outreach within our community.

• Merlin Legion Br. 465. 519-689-4884.

Join us for a fun filled afternoon with the Jam Session 1-4:30pm. All are welcome to attend with donation of $2. From 4-7pm: New 1-lb Wing Special CLUES ACROSS with Fries $8.85 + tax = $10.00 Home- 1. Home of Iowa made Panzerotti + Menu available.

State University

5. __-fi (slang)

• The Chatham Legion, corner of 8. Mottled green and William & Colborne St. Chatham open yellow fruit 11:00am–9:30pm. Kitchen open for 12. Capable of lunch 11:00am–1:30pm. Come check thinking and out our daily specials. Senior Euchre starts at 1:00pm. Everyone is welcome. expressing

oneself clearly

Friday, March 8, 2024: 14. Sports • Merlin Legion Br. 465. 519-689-4884. broadcaster Eagle Join us 4:30-7pm for our delicious 5pc Perch or 3pc Merlickin Chicken or Com- 15. Midday bo (3pc Perch & 2pc Merlickin Chicken). 16. Kinsmen Serving every Friday during Lent.

18. Cable network

19. Simpleton

• Kent Branch of the Ontario Genealogy 20. Brunch beverage Society meeting from 7:00pm-8:00pm.

Speaker: Cameron Alam. Title: Story- 21. Fed telling Our Ancestors: Genealogy in Fic- 22. European capital tion. Cameron Alam will bring us along 23. Native inhabitants on her journey to discover the ancestor 26. Mechanical who would become the fictionalized device protagonist in her book, Anangokaa. For 30.

Rare geese native more information on the history behind to Hawaii the novel, please visit: https://www.

31. Bedroom cameronalam.com/ Link to Register: kent@ogs.on.ca. furnishing

32. The products of

• The Chatham Legion, corner of human creativity William & Colborne St. Chatham open 33.

Mass transit 11:00am-9:30pm. Kitchen open for option lunch 11:00am-1:30pm. Supper served from 4:00-6:00pm. No orders after 5:30 34. Made a mistake pm. Tonight’s specials are meat loaf 39. Sacred sound dinner or fish & chips, $13.00. Take out symbol available by calling 519-351-8733 or 42. Large N. American 519-351-5639. Everyone Welcome.

reindeer

• I Am Woman March. Celebrate International Women’s Day with a walk down King Street. Meet at 4:30pm at the clock on the corner of 3rd Street and King, ends at Armoury with party and fun. Sponsored by the Zonta Club of Chatham-Kent.

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

Call - leave message - 519-350-3462 Alcoholics Anonymous, we can help!

Information Line 519-360-5246.

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

44. Dull and flat 46. Partner to huffing 47. Written works 49. Monetary unit of Serbia 50. Midway between east and southeast 51. Peninsula of southwestern Asia 56. Widely used multiuser OS 57. Aggressive dog 58. Varnished 59. Hindu queen 60. Time units, abbr.

61. Farm animals 62. Capital of Latvia 63. Where golfers begin 64. Takes to civil court CLUES DOWN 1. One who graduated 2. An inspired holy person 3. Electronic counter-counter measures 4. A place to store things 5. Indian instrument 6. Spanish saloon 7. Whole number

8. Not fastened 9. Gives a boost 10. Lounges about 11. Interested in 13. Remove salt 17. Type of sword 24. Naturally occurring solid material 25. Gets involved without being invited 26. Feline 27. Bobby __, NHL champ 28. “Kill Bill” actress Thurman 29. Hawaiian dish 35. Moroccan coastal region 36. Baseball statistic 37. Long period of time 38. Moved earth 40. Central Netherlands city 41. Take stock of 42. Central processing unit 43. Distinctive qualities one generates 44. Getting stuck 45. Loss of bodily movements 47. Veranda 48. Abrupt 49. What cats do 52. Expresses pleasure 53. Type of cheese 54. Professional STEM organization 55. Automatic data processing systems

Puzzle answers found on page 19

PAGE 18

THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2024

Classifieds

In Memoriam

In Memoriam

SEVEN YEARS HAVE PASSED August 8-1961 February 28-2017

IN LOVING & FOREVER MEMORY SON & BROTHER

KEVIN W. R. ALLISON

FOREVER OUR ANGEL IN HEAVEN

Altho’ your earthly life was short , Your Memory will remain You touched so many Hearts while here, Our lives forever changed

YOU taught us unconditional LOVE, And tho’ we hurt inside We know we will be together again, On the other side.

So rest easy now ..our SON & BROTHER, For your in pain no more And we will see you in a short while When we meet at HEAVENS door.

Birthdays

LOVINGLY FOREVER REMEMBERED, YOUR MOM, Brother James....

Sisters: Maichelle, Cindy, Valerie & Glenda Nieces & Nephews.

Ministry Redeemer of Love Ministry has a Christian male support group for males struggling with sexual addiction. Coffee and bible study weekly.

Prayer line open 12am-7pm daily and a fellowship pot sharing meal on Sundays at 6pm.

A house based ministry call Doug for more info 519354-3532, if not in, leave a message, your call will be returned.

Obituary

Happy Birthday

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of

Terry Vanderheide

on Sunday, February 18th, 2024.

Larry “Doug” Price

He will always be remembered by friends and family, his mother, brother Kevin and Lori. Doug was a retired chef who still had a passion for cooking, playing guitar and his cat Peanut. We wish to thank all who cared for him during his lifetime. Cremation has taken place.

In lieu of flowers, please consider sending a donation in his memory to the CK Hospice.

Once again, thank you all, the Price Family

Love all your family xxoo

Loans

This week’s puzzles found on page 18

MORTGAGES / LOANS

CONSOLIDATE DEBTS LOWER YOUR PAYMENTS

Difficult Situations Accepted Borrow $50,000 for $268.04/mth $100,000 for $536.08/mth $200,000 for $1072.16/mth $300,000 for $1608.24/mth $400,000 for $2144.32/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.

PAGE 19

For Sale

Wanted

Wanted

Lessons

Silk Cemetery Saddle Arrangements.

Everyday/ Holidays.

Ready-to-go. Many colours available. $40. 519-354-3411 Electric Sewing Machine for sale. $38. 519-436-8821 call afer 5pm.

Wanted to rent or buy 1 or 4 acres of land in Chatham-Kent area. No buildings or utilities needed. Rural area preferred. 519-3525414 or 226-6275414.

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

519-727-8894.

Beginner Guitar Lessons. Call 519917-2339.

OBITUARIES

Winnifred Alice (Ouellette) Gillier 92, Saturday, February 17, 2024 Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home

Doug Price 64, Sunday, February 18, 2024 McKinlay Funeral Home

Beth Clements 71, Friday, February 16, 2024 Kendrick Funeral Home

Raymond Burggraaf 66, Monday, February 19, 2024 McKinlay Funeral Home

Helen Sellars (Oliver) 94, Wednesday, February 21, 2024 Kendrick Funeral Home

Kathleen Smith 93, Tuesday, February 20, 2024 McKinlay Funeral Home

William Funston 74, Friday, February 16, 2024 Alexander & Houle Funeral Home

Linda Jane Sales 76, Wednesday, February 21, 2024 McKinlay Funeral Home

Isabella Anne Poppe Wednesday, February 14, 2024 Badder Funeral Home

Richard William Carter Thursday, February 22, 2024 McKinlay Funeral Home

Richard Wesley Wright 77, Tuesday, February 20, 2024 McKinlay Funeral Home

Dale Gray 67, Thursday, February 15, 2024 Life Transitions

Douglas Newsham 50, Saturday, February 17, 2024 McKinlay Funeral Home

Annie Mertz (Dickinson) 80, Monday, February 19, 2024 Life Transitions

Jose Ferreira 68, Thursday, February 15, 2024 McKinlay Funeral Home

519.627.2861 ericnichollsfuneralhome.com

Generations of Families Continue To Place Their Trust With Us

Funerals and Cremations

Brokerage Lic.#10675

Stay in the loop and receive daily news updates right to your inbox Visit chathamvoice.com/subscribe

lifetransitions.ca • 519-351-4444

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

156 William St., Chatham | www.peseski.com | 519.352.5120

www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com

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

Call John at 519-252-6953 - 24 hours UNIMOR CAPITAL CORPORATION

See full obituarie at chathamvoice.com/obituaries

A Part of Wallaceburg since 1943.

For qualified borrowers. First mortgage based on 5.04%/yr fixed rate, 5 yr term, 30 yr amortization.

On approved credit, & subject to borrower qualification.

Rates & terms subject to change without notice.

or email john@unimorcapital.com

Chatham Voice Proud to be a Locally Owned Business

Sell your items in the classifieds.

Starting at only $6.00 plus tax!

Call today 519-397-2020!

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

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

alexanderfuneralhome.ca

WHO IS WATCHING YOUR HOMEWHO WHEN YOU CAN’T? IS WATCHING YOUR THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 20

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2024

HOME WHEN YOU CAN’T?

WHOYOUR ISWATCHING WATCHINGYOUR YOUR WHO IS WHO IS WATCHING HOME WHEN YOUCAN’T CAN’T??

HOME WHEN HOME WHEN YOU CAN’T ? YOU

Walk-behind Pallet Jack

Stand-behind Pallet Jack

7260 Seventh Line W, Chatham Tel: 1.519.351.9501 www.titanlifttrucks.com Toll free: 1.844.93TITAN (1.844.938.4826)info@titanlifttrucks.com

LEAVE YOUR IN GOOD HANDS! LEAVEHOME YOUR HOME IN GOOD HANDS!

Rings | Engagement Rings | Wedding Bands

Complete Tree Removal, Trimming and More!

FINE JEWELLERY AND BRIDAL Custom Jewellery Design Specialist

Here to serve ALL of your jewellery needs!

Diamond Broker • Repair Services • On-Site Appraisal Custom Jewellery Design Specialist Complimentary Cleaning • Repurposing Diamond Broker Repair Services On-Site Appraisal 83 King St. West | Chatham | N7M 1C7 | (226) 217-3114 83 King St. West .| Chatham | N7M 1C7 | (226) 217-3114 Earrings | Pendants | Bracelets | Charms | Anklets

519•359•9876 customtreeservice.ca

Call 519-351-5303 Ian Hunter

www.themortgagehunter.ca

12 School St., Chatham • ian@themortgagehunter.ca

Chris Denomy

The YES! Man in Chatham-Kent

YES! WE PRICE MATCH YES! WE DELIVER YES! WE INSTALL YES! WE CARE YES! WE SUPPORT LOCAL

DENOMY’S AUDIO VIDEO

Specializing in Greek / European Pastries Over 30 Local Artisans Lavender & Honey lavender_honey_chatham

Café & Gift Shop

25 King St. E. 226.296.0164

10 Indian Creek Rd. East, Chatham (Just E. of Queen)

BROOKS

New & Used Tires

We’ll keep you rolling along . . . without breaking your budget

UNLIMITED

40 Grand Avenue East, Chatham. 519-352-2120

Seasonal Tire Changeover

PUT THE MORTGAGE HUNTER TO WORK FOR YOU!

Agent for Bax Mortgage Group Inc. Lic.11046

TUINA CENTRE

Scheduled Inspections Scheduled Inspections (Massage & Foot Reflexology) LEAVE YOUR HOME INGOOD GOODHANDS! HANDS! LEAVE YOUR HOME LEAVE Photos YOUR HOME IN GOOD HANDS! orLogs Video Logs IN orPhotos Video Tuina works by applying pressure to acupoints, ScheduledInspections Inspections Scheduled Scheduled Inspections Mail Collection Mail orCollection Photos VideoLogs Logs Photos ororVideo Photos Video Logs meridians and groups of muscles or nerves to Snow Removal / Lawn Maintenance MailCollection Collection Mail Snow Removal Lawn Maintenance Mail / Collection free the flow of Qi energy throughout the body.

Standard Repairs SnowRemoval Removal/ /Lawn LawnMaintenance Maintenance Snow Snow Removal / Lawn Maintenance Standard Repairs • Lessen stress & tension • Relax mind and body Full Concierge Service Standard Repairs Standard Repairs Standard Repairs Full Service Full ConciergeService Service Concierge Bonded andFull Insured • Improve blood circulation • Improve quality of sleep FullConcierge Concierge Service Bonded andInsured Insured Bonded and Bonded and Bonded andInsured Insured Locally Owned and Operated • Reduce fatigue and boost energy • Improve overall physical health LocallyOwned Ownedand andOperated Operated Locally Locally Owned and Operated • Relieve muscle pain/sciatica/frozen shoulder • Remove toxic wastes Locally Owned and Operated NOW• SERVICING CHATHAM 226-347-5800 • eyesonsite4u.com 226-347-5800 eyesonsite4u.com Appointments Monday - Saturday 9am-6pm 226-347-5800 ••eyesonsite4u.com 226-347-5800 eyesonsite4u.com 226-347-5800 226-347-5800 • eyesonsite4u.com 18 Witherspoon, Chatham • 519-401-9210 eyesonsite4u.com

Dripless Oil Sprays

Electric Fork Lifts

Advertise here for only $39/week!

Call today!

519-397-2020

519-351-3636 • Mon-Fri 8-6; Saturday 8-4

Now Selling Costco Cat and Dog Food • Restaurant & Baking Supplies • Cleaning Products • • Disposable Plates & Cutlery • Costco Coffee • Bathroom Tissue • Paper Towels • Facial Tissue •

DAILY - WEEKLY - MONTHLY - ANNUALLY

Many makes and models to choose from to suit all terrains Free Delivery on select items

12 Indian Creek Rd E. (beside Brooks Tire)

Propane • Diesel • Electric

Monday - Friday 8:30-4:30

519-351-9455

mattspaper.ca Frozen homemade meals, Made right here in Chatham!

We do all the shopping and prep for you . . .

Renovation Kings Kitchen • Bathrooms • Garages Cement • Gravel • Potholes Fences • Decks • Gutters • Clean Up Flooded Basements “Our Specialty”

Call Mike: 519.355.5494

Just add Heat!

519-351-7905

6 Lowe St., Chatham (Just off St. Clair)

Individual and family sized meals, soups and desserts.

Come fill your freezer today!!

Open 10am-6pm • Sat. till 2pm Closed Sun, Mon

519-352-GROW (4769)

241 1/2 Grand Ave. East, Chatham rick@thegreatindoorsstore.com

BRING THIS COUPON IN FOR

! 10% OFF YOUR PURCHASE of $100 or more!

!

RENTAL • SALES • SERVICE