The Chatham Voice, March 21, 2024

LOOKing for your listings

Al’s

LAWN & GARDEN See our Lawn Programs on Page 21 • Sodding • Lawn Cutting •Lawn Programs • Irrigation Systems • Landscaping

352-4955

www.alslawnandgarden.ca

I would love to help you buy or sell your home

BARB PHILLIPS, BARB PHILLIPS, Real Estate Brokerage

YOUR Independent Community Newspaper Vol. 11 Edition 12

WHERE DREAMS COME HOME THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2024

FREE!

519-359-8588 email: phillba@mnsi.net

70 Acres of Black Loam

ba

Real Estate Brokerage

519-359-8588 email: phillba@mnsi.net

7544 Lewis Line W

Putting on a show

t t e r y b o y. c a SYSTEMICALLY TILED. CALL BARB FOR DETAILS

LAWNMOWER BATTERIES STARTING AT

6999

$

+taxes

230 COLD CRANKING AMPS FOR EVERY MAKE AND MODEL

THINKING OF BUYING OR SELLING? PLEASE CONSIDER GIVING BARB PHILIPS A CALL.

COUNTRY LIVING DESCRIBES THIS QUIET AND SERENE PROPERTY SURROUNDED

BY FARMLAND, FEATURES A ONE FLOOR RANCHER WITH 3 BEDROOMS, 2 BATHS, LARGE UPDATED KITCHEN DINING AREA, FAMILY ROOM OVERLOOKING LARGE DECK AND BACK YARD, MUDROOM, ATTACHED GARAGE PLUS A 40 X 64 FT HEATED SHOP WITH COMPRESSOR AND HOIST 14 FT DOORS, IDEAL FAMILY OR RETIREMENT HOME.

barbphillipsrealestatebrokerage.com

PLUS: FARM • RV • BOAT • MOTORCYCLE • GOLF CARTS & MORE 131 Park Ave. E., Chatham

519-354-4127 Family owned for over 30 years!

Hours: Mon. - Fri. 8am-5pm Sat. 9am - 12pm • Sun. Closed

KEY FOB BATTERY INSTALLED $4.00* including tax * Cost per battery.

Certain key fobs require multiple batteries.

Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice

Oliver Fraser, 2, was an enthusiastic participant during a Monsterpiece Theatre puppet play at the Chatham-Kent Public Library Chatham branch March 15. Monsters were the theme of a host of activities that took place at libraries across the municipality during March Break.

Love Your Lights!

We want you to love the lighting in your home, you can start by falling in love with ours!

SAVE THE Tn AX

o Models All Floor

20% OilFinFg Fans

All Ce

20% OFtFdoor All Ou g Lightin

699 St. Clair St. Chatham | Mon.- Fri. 9:00am-5:00pm • Sat. 9:00am-3:00pm | 519.354.6141 | dakota@lightingshoppechatham.com | www.thelightingshoppe.ca

THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 2

THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2024

News

Apprenticeship network celebrates skilled trades

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

Worried about a shortage of skilled trade workers in Chatham-Kent?

Never fear – there’s a group of dedicated employers hammering at the problem.

Part of the Southwest Apprenticeship Network (SAN), AWC Manufacturing is one of those employers. Recently, the Tilbury company received the organization’s industrial leader award for its role in fostering the next

generation of welders.

According to Joel Van Bynen, an associate dean at Sarnia’s Lambton College who helps guide the effort, SAN was formed to spur involvement in the trades.

“We’re trying to focus on what employers can do to attract and train apprentices,” Van Bynen told The Chatham Voice, noting smaller and midsize businesses can benefit from training and tax incentives offered by the government.

SAN tries to set its sights on companies with 100

employees or less, he added, as the larger companies are well-supported in their apprenticeship programs.

Bringing on apprentices also helps companies with their bottom line, Van Bynen said.

“We have really good data that if you train apprentices, it’s good for business,” he stressed, adding companies are apt to see a return on their investment.

Providing apprentices with local training opportunities is also important, Van Bynen explained,

March 25 to April 7, 2024

Generosity meets

great taste!

All day any day, no strings attached.

Chatham 595 St. Clair 519 351-3333

Contributed image

The Southwest Apprenticeship Network is working hard to fuel the skilled trades in southwestern Ontario.

noting Lambton, St. Clair and Fanshawe colleges work hand-in-hand to offer the educational component for apprentices.

“There’s a mass shortage of skilled trades workers

in Ontario and we are doing our best to solve the shortage,” Van Bynen said.

SAN is a network of 27 businesses and organizations. Formed in 2019, the

agency marked its third year of operation with its annual awards gala on March 7 at Hidden Hills Golf and Country Club.

Continued on page 4

FREE regular coffee

THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2024

THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 3

News

No nonsense, all giving for Bientsman

the Chatham-Kent Secondary to Kaleena Cryderman of Tek- Savvy.

School graduate said she didn’t always have ~ THANK YOU FOR an outgoing personality.

SHOPPING LOCAL ~ “I was shy and afraid When it comes to volunteerof my own shadow,” she ing in the community, Susan explained. However, she Bientsman gets down to busigradually came out of ness. her shell after moving to A familiar face locally, BiKingston. entsman can be found every Bientsman later reWednesday morning serving turned to C-K to work food at May Court’s Queen *Valid Thursday, March 21st - Wednesday, March 27th in the dietary departElizabeth II Public School ment at the Southwest breakfast program, Bientsman Easter Feast Regional Centre from has been named Citizen of Portuguese where she retired. the Year by the Chatham-Kent • Black Forest Hams Style Custard Bientsman, along with Chamber of Commerce.

Squash • Semi Boneless other award winners, “If I can help, even if it’s just a Frozen Tarts Football Hams will celebrate their aclittle bit, I can do that,” Bients6 x 75 gm 1 kg bag complishments at the man told The Chatham Voice in • Spiral Sliced $ $ 136th annual Business a recent interview. “If I’m availHoney Hams Excellence Awards April able, I’ll do it.”

• Roasting Chickens 11 at the Everest ConThe energetic 70-year-old Elite Sweet Turnip • Lamb Loin Chops vention Centre in ChaChatham resident has been volFrozen Tiramisu tham. unteering at the breakfast pro• Crown Roast of 600 gm Pam WrightThe Chatham Voice 1 kg bag Dr. Maxwell Abraham gram for the past seven years Pork $ helping provide nutritious Susan Bientsman has been named of Abraham Orthodon$ Citizen of the Year for the Cha- tics has been named Pre-order! food to around 160 children.

But she said there’s more to it tham-Kent Chamber of Commerce. Young Business Individfor them.” ual of the Year, as well as than filling tummies.

Alaskan The Chatham May Court club Young Entrepreneur of “Some of the kids come for Pollock socialization,” Bientsman said, food program isn’t the only the Year.

Lake Erie The Entrepreneur of adding she helps teach some of initiative benefitting from Bi(Frozen, I.Q.F.) Pickerel them to say “please and thank entsman’s tireless efforts. She the Year Award goes to • Lake Erie worked as an usher at the Ki- Tina Hodgson of Neighyou. wanis Theatre bourly Care. Neigh“I’ve had some Yellow Perch for more than 30 bourly Care also got the kids come back “If I can help, even if • Pickerel later to say that it’s just a little bit, I can years and works nod for Business of the charity events Year (large.) they remembered • Battered and bingos for The small Business of me,” she added. do that.”

Haddock Limit 5 lbs. various organi- the Year Award goes to “I tell them that - Susan Bientsman •Shrimp While quantities last. zations including CKSX 99.1 FM. The raI will treat them $ $ with respect but I expect re- the Boys and Girls Club (for- dio station is also receiv• Frog Legs mally Big Brothers Big Sisters.) ing the Corporate Citispect in return.”

The plain-spoken straight-to- zen of the Year Award.

She hopes her example will Year Round: Gift Cards • Meat Packages • Fundraising Program The Paper Bride/Style carry a message of hope to the-point Bientsman said she Reg Hours: Mon-Thurs 9am-5pm; Fri till 5:30pm; Sat till 5pm, Sun 11am-4pm youngsters who may be strug- was shocked to hear she was Co. has been awarded *While quantities last receiving the award. the Business of the Year gling.

519-352-6630 “I’m dumbfounded really,” award (medium), while “I just want kids to see there’s more to life,” Bientsman said. she added.

BEFORE the Business Individual AFTER Quality Meats & Seafoods Ltd. 525 Park Ave. E., Chatham Born and raised in Chatham, of the Year award goes “I like them to see there’s hope See our freezer packs on our website: www.lenovermeats.com

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

Weekly Specials

Now Taking Orders For Easter

Specials

8.49 ea.

3.99 ea.

8.50 ea.

4.99 ea.

FRESH

13.99 /lb

4.99 /lb

Lenovers

Thinking About NewBEFORE Windows orAbout Doors?

BEFORE Thinking YOU BUY,

New Windows or Doors?

THINK GIVE windowschatham.ca THINK 460 St. Clair St. elitewindowschatham.ca A TRY! 9-351-5100 Chatham FREE ESTIMATES

519-351-5100

460 St. Clair St. Chatham

FREE ESTIMATES

AFTER

THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 4

THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2024

News

Ford on York1: ‘..first I’ve heard...’

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

Ontario Premier Doug Ford said he has no knowledge of the changes proposed for the landfill at Dresden.

His comments came during a press conference in Windsor recently when he came to announce millions in funding for

road infrastructure.

During the media scrum following the announcement, Ford was questioned by a CBC journalist about plans by Mississauga-based York1 to expand landfill capacity at Irish School Road and build a regenerative recycling facility.

“You know something, I’ve got to apologize; this is the first I’ve heard about it,” Ford told

Download the new recycling app Find your collection day, what’s recyclable, receive service alerts and more!

Learn more: circularmaterials.ca/app

the reporter. “I’m sure Trevor (Jones, Chatham-Kent–Leamington MPP) knows all about it,” he said.

Ford told the reporter he “would get back to him” on the matter saying he would sit down with Jones, “have a chat, and “see if we can get some answers there.”

When speaking to the matter, the premier said he “believes in the people.

“If the people like something, we do it,” Ford said. “If they don’t, we don’t do it. It’s about as simple as that.”

Ford’s comments come on the heels of a highly publicized outcry against plans to revive the dormant landfill.

The protest has coalesced into a wave of opposition, transcending all political stripes.

A community group called Dresden Citizens Against Reckless Environmental Disposal (CARED) has been created to mobilize against the project.

Signs against the York1 plan line the roads into the North Kent commu-

nity.

Local residents are worried about around-the-clock truck traffic and the effect the proposal will have on water wells and species at risk in the nearby Sydenham River.

North Kent Coun. Jamie McGrail said she’s looking forward to the premier’s next steps regarding the proposal.

“If he can and he will, let’s just stop this in its tracks right now,” she said.

Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice

Dresden-area residents have put up signs showing their displeasure over the proposed operations at a now-dormant landfill site just north of the community.

Fuelling thirsty industries with skilled trades people

Continued from page 2

It currently operates under the umbrella of the Sarnia Lambton Workforce Development Board but reaches into Chatham-Kent because of the territory encompassed by the Lambton Kent District School Board and the St. Clair Catholic District

School Board.

AWC Manufacturing wasn’t the only C-K business to be recognized. The service award went to Chatham’s Children’s Village Daycare Centre, while Handy Bros.

Home Comfort and Wright’s Electric were the co-winners of the construction award.

Other Chatham-Kent businesses nominated for the 2024 awards include Gillanders Heating & Cooling; Drakkar Logistics; Triple G Auto; Honey Electric Ltd.; Maple City Marine Ltd. and Odyssey Heating and Cooling Inc. Office Hours: Monday - Friday 9:15am - 3:30pm

71 Sass Rd Unit #4, N7M 5J4

519-397-2020

Bruce Corcoran General Manager- Ext.227 bruce@chathamvoice.com

Pam Wright Reporter - Ext.232 pamwrightlji@gmail.com

Jeanine Foulon Sales - Ext.228 jeanine@chathamvoice.com

Peter Zubyk Sales - Ext. 225 peter@chathamvoice.com

Michelle Owchar Graphics - Ext.226 michelle@chathamvoice.com

Deadlines for booking ads: Friday prior to publication date 12:00pm Give us a call at our local office today!

THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2024

News

C-K hires its FLiCK promoter The Chatham Voice

Ashley Renders is ready to get things rolling in Chatham-Kent.

The new hire will take on the fledgling role of economic development officer for Filming Locally in Chatham-Kent (FLiCK), promoting C-K as a film industry destination.

A native of Chatham-Kent, Renders recently returned to the municipality, bringing with her a wealth of experience in film and film production. For the last decade she’s worked on a host of international and domestic films, including 2023’s Longing starring Richard Gere, and 2023’s Priscilla, directed by Sofia

Coppola.

Renders said she’s thrilled to bring her film industry knowledge back to her hometown.

“Chatham-Kent has so much potential and I’m eager to uncover new economic opportunities for our community and to help highlight everything that our beautiful region has to offer,” Renders said in a recent media release.

Stuart McFadden, director of Economic Development and Tourism Services for the municipality said he’s delighted to have Renders on board, noting she’s uniquely positioned to navigate the complexities of the film industry, while promoting

PAGE 5

Contributed image

Chatham-Kent native Ashley Renders has accepted the economic development officer position for the Filming Locally in Chatham-Kent branch of municipal services.

the interests of the municipality.

“We look forward to working with and learning from Ashley over t h e ce -

We have MOVED to our New

Location at: Chatham-Kent’s Business Park (401 / Bloomfield)

7620 Seventh Line W. Chatham, ON N7M 5J3

LIFTING THE FUTURE Tel: 1.519.351.9501 www.titanlifttrucks.com Toll free: 1.844.93TITAN (1.844.938.4826) info@titanlifttrucks.com

next year as we explore the possibilities ahead,” McFadden said.

OPEN HOUSE

ea at p living h ut w ctive e! ck o d & a ks lik e h C min y loo of- reall

Sun. March 24th , 2024 11AM- 2PM ALL UNITS INCLUDE:

• All kitchen and laundry appliances • Storage locker located on the same floor as the suite

THE

Announced in July 2023, FLiCK will offer film production companies a range of services.

• Individual temperature control and furnace located in every unit • Convenient year-round access to St. Andrew’s Residence covered by indoor walkway

BALMORAL

95 PARK STREET | UNIT 206| 962 SQ. FT

285,000

$

• Spacious living / dining room • Large master bedroom • Comfortable den or guest second bedroom • Large bathroom • Storage/ Laundry room • Balcony with western exposure • Separate storage area with indoor parking space • Building has a controlled entrance • Two Elevators • Common Room

For more information, please contact: Mindy Jenner | mjenner@standrewsresidence.com

99 Park St., Chatham ON • 519-354-8103 • www.standrewsresidence.com

THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 6

THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2024

Opinion What to believe and how to react “I’ve got to apologize, this is the first I’ve heard about it.”

Those are the words from Premier Doug Ford when asked last week about his thoughts on what York1 wants to do with its property on Irish School Road.

The proposal is to run a recycling centre there 24/7, and have the ability to dump 1.6 million cubic metres of waste on site.

That has residents in and around Dresden up in arms.

It also has Chatham-Kent councillors irate, as they unanimously oppose the proposal.

So too do nearby politicos such as Dawn-Euphemia Mayor Al Broad and Lambton County Warden Kevin Marriott.

It has been reported Broad took the matter to Sarnia-Lambton MPP Bob Bailey, and Chatham-Kent–Leamington MPP Trevor Jones has been asked about the issue repeatedly.

Yes, the riding in which the site is located, Lambton-Kent-Middlesex, is without a sitting MPP after Monte McNaughton resigned last year, but that’s two area MPPs receiving an earful.

We find it very hard to believe these guys have not taken this matter up the pipe.

We also find it difficult to believe the

government’s web watchers have not clipped stories on this to present to the premier.

Yet, there was Ford saying he knew nothing of what is planned.

Something smells here, about as unpleasant as rotting garbage.

One thing Dresden-area residents can do, however, is take additional comments Ford said and stuff them in their back pocket.

“If the people like something, we do it. If they don’t, we don’t do it.”

If, for whatever reason, York1 gets its approvals prior to the yet-to-beannounced by-election for Lambton-Kent-Middlesex, anyone in that riding who is against York1’s plans should not vote Conservative.

Sorry, Steve Pinsonneault, even though you have publicly stated you are against the proposal, as the Conservative candidate, you would be the message.

Now, should the matter be delayed until after the election, that’s a tougher route for voters to follow. We might have to wait until 2026, the next full provincial election, to send a much louder message.

Of course, there is still the chance Ford and the Conservatives listen to the people, as the premier claims he does.

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).

All letters need to be signed.

Chatham Voice advertising policy The publisher of this newspaper, CK Media Inc., reserves the right to clarify or refuse any advertisement based on

its sole discretion.

Liability for errors or non-insertion is limited to the amount paid.

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

A member of:

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

Compare apples to apples Editor: Municipal administration quoted $37 million to upgrade the current Civic Centre but apparently failed to supply a detailed costing that would verify to council and the taxpayer a level of legitimacy of that price tag.

One wonders if council made the decision to move to the downtown location without comprehensive and verifiable facts.

On Jan. 26, a Freedom of Information request was filed, asking for a detailed costing breakdown of bringing the Civic Centre to code. The municipality wants $120 to provide the requested information to taxpayers, citing it will take four hours to find at $30 per hour.

This information should have been readily available for council to have made any decisions, and, for the sake of transparency, to the public before a move downtown. The municipality doesn’t seem

to have, nor did they submit to council, complete, accurate and comprehensive records verifying that costs have doubled in four years to renovate the Civic Centre.

Municipal staff have requested more than 30 additional days to gather information; information that should have been readily available and provided to council. Yet again it looks like council made a decision based on administration’s say so.

We understand ROA architects, a local Chatham-Kent firm retained by the municipality, did the three costings on the Civic Centre for 2017, 2018 and 2023. The estimates were $14.4M in 2017 and $18.1M a year later. Both proposals would have upgraded the Civic Centre to current building codes and moved council chambers to the main floor.

The Civic Centre was designed to be an office

building; the Sears building was designed to be a department store.

Council should never have allowed anything other than an independent company, free of any inherent bias, to oversee both quotations – renovating the Civic Centre and revamping the Sears building to handle C-K operations, the museum and the library – to ensure that both quotes use the same market assumptions, calculations and values. Quotes received from contractors can vary significantly.

The Sears proposal supposedly increases the library square footage by 50 per cent for more programs and was recommended by the Library Association of Ontario based on C-K’s population rather than using data generated by current Chatham-Kent library users.

Continued on page 8

THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2024

PAGE 7

Opinion

Big-city problems land in Chatham Just what the heck is happening in downtown Chatham?

We’ve got teenaged kids swarming bystanders... repeatedly.

There are folks sleeping in lobbies and even elevators of buildings.

We’ve had an occupation of the band shell in Tecumseh Park by the homeless.

People built shanties on public property.

We’ve had parking lots turned into campgrounds.

Some residents are reportedly afraid to go out of their building after dark, even for a walk to a nearby restaurant in our downtown.

Some say it’s the homeless. Others say teenagers are to blame.

Well, both are correct; and yet both are inaccurate.

There has been an uptick in occurrences in the Tecumseh Park neighbourhood since the homeless shelter went in on Murray Street.

I’ve seen some pretty disturbing video... be it from a teenager’s cell phone capturing a swarming by teenagers in Tecumseh Park as they knocked a man to the ground and put the boots to him, or from security cameras on the front porches of Murray Street residents late at night as wastoids go wandering by.

Don’t blame the people who own the shelter.

Blame it on a lack of police presence.

Those who have beds in the shelter aren’t out after hours, so it is tough to blame them for any late-night crime.

The municipality opted to put the emergency shelter there, at least until May of 2025.

Surely municipal staff

Bruce Corcoran

along the abandoned railway tracks can easily get over here.

As for the downtown, maybe it’s time to step up patrols in the core and in Tecumseh Park area after dark. And if

police say they’ve done that, then, step things up a little more. Park a cruiser in the Cultural Centre parking lot as an officer does paperwork, or behind the band shell on the west end of Stan-

ley Avenue.

Perhaps more CCTV cameras should be installed in the downtown core as well, especially in Tecumseh Park.

Or maybe, just maybe, police can walk a beat

through the downtown once again.

More needs to be done to deter teens from gathering in numbers and assaulting innocent people.

Continued on page 8

SteevesSteeves & Rozema & Rozema Group Group SENIORS SENIORS LIVING LIVING

spoke with the police in advance of this decision, and surely the Chatham-Kent Police Service stepped up patrols in the region as a result, right?

We aren’t saying all homeless folks are criminals. But there are enough that a taint is placed upon an entire group of people. Heck, we at The Voice have had two wheeled plastic garbage totes stolen from our property so far in 2024...all because there is a steady stream of homeless coming to a nearby business to dumpster dive and grab nearly expired food and drink that has been discarded.

We have photos of smiling folks going through the bin. Some have offered to seek out our stolen bins, but we’ve declined the offers, due to the potential for them to just steal some other business owner’s or homeowner’s garbage tote and drag it back over here.

When we first learned of the dumpster diving, we thought it was winwin, as folks in need get nourishment and hydration, while less material is sent to be landfilled.

But then the totes went missing. And then someone torched the dumpster.

We aren’t in the downtown core, but we are close enough to areas where homeless people who don’t want to live in the shelter and prefer to camp in the wooded areas along the river and

CHECK CHECK US US OUT! OUT!

Pro on S motion ele – Go ct Suite s ing F ast!

ere the h t e r e e Wh Wh

CALL TODAY CALL TODAY to arrangetoa arrange a personal visit. personal visit.

FUN FUN

! gins! s n i g e e b b

Independent Independent Living Living Supportive Supportive Care Care Enriched Enriched Care Care

Village on the Thames 850 Grand Avenue W., Chatham

519-351-7220

To explore our To explore villagesour callvillages call

www.srseniorsliving.ca www.srseniorsliving.ca

THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 8

FORM 6

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

SALE OF LAND BY PUBLIC TENDER The MUNICIPALITY OF CHATHAM-KENT Take Notice that tenders are invited for the purchase of the land(s) described below and will be received until 3:00 p.m. local time on April 18, 2024, at the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, Civic Centre, 315 King Street West, Chatham, Ontario, N7M 5K8.

The tenders will then be opened in public on the same day as soon as possible beginning at 3:15 p.m. at the Council Chambers of the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, located at 315 King Street West, Chatham, Ontario, N7M 5K8. Tune into our Municipal Facebook page or the Chatham-Kent YouTube channel for a virtual event where the tenders will be opened live beginning as soon as possible at 3:15 p.m.

Description of Land(s) Minimum Tender Amount All lands are in the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, the following are the geographic descriptions and municipal addresses.

1. Roll # 3650-110-004-10315 - PT LT 10, CON 8 (RALEIGH) AS IN 399716 RALEIGH. Being Elizabeth St., North Buxton. P.I.N. 00872-0094 (LT)

$11,114.36

2. Roll # 3650-140-002-30901 - PT LT 9 CON 1 RIVER THAMES SURVEY HARWICH PT 1, 24R4232; CHATHAM-KENT. Being 9641 Fairview Line., Chatham. P.I.N. 00886-0059 (LT)

$19,477.45

3. Roll # 3650-240-002-51903 - LT 1 PL 807; CHATHAM-KENT. Being 42 Richard St., Ridgetown.

P.I.N. 00693-0001 (LT)

$27,234.43

4. Roll # 3650-260-001-16550 - RDAL BTN LT 16 CON 16 AND INDIAN RESERVE #47 ORFORD; PT RDAL BTN CON 15 AND CON 16 ORFORD AS IN OR4398; CHATHAM-KENT. Being River Trail, Bothwell. P.I.N. 00648-0002 (LT)

$11,808.33

5. Roll # 3650-260-005-16300 - PT LT 6 CON NORTH MIDDLE ROAD ORFORD AS IN 467957; CHATHAM-KENT. Being 19816 Duart Rd., Duart. P.I.N. 00662-0194 (LT)

$14,162.68

6. Roll # 3650-360-002-35910 - PT LT 14 CON 1 CAMDEN AS IN CA15643, NE OF PT 5, 599767 EXCEPT PT 1, 380728 AND 601465; DESCRIPTION MAY NOT BE ACCEPTABLE IN FUTURE AS IN CA15643; CHATHAM-KENT. Being Station Rd., Thamesville. P.I.N. 00731-0077 (LT)

$10,986.16

7. Roll # 3650-410-005-47810 – PT LT 8 CON 12 CHATHAM PT 1, 24R7356; S/T 133536 AS AMENDED BY 160075; S/T CH32289 CHATHAM-KENT. Being 9576 Bush Line, Tupperville.

P.I.N. 00754-0095 (LT)

$28,718.17

8. Roll # 3650-420-027-08200 - PT LT 8 S/S HARVEY ST PL OLD SURVEY AS IN 498561; CHATHAM-KENT. Being 110 Harvey St., Chatham. P.I.N. 00506-0125 (LT) 9. Roll # 3650-420-028-19002 - PT LT 80 PL OLD SURVEY AS IN 396059 (THIRDLY); S/T EXECUTION 95-0000689, IF ENFORCEABLE; CHATHAM-KENT. Being Jahnke St., Chatham.

P.I.N. 00504-0075 (LT) CANCELLED

$16,505.67

$13,311.83

10. Roll # 3650-442-004-05300 – LT 55 PL 119; CHATHAM-KENT. Being 35 Hiram St., Wallaceburg.

P.I.N. 00576-0041 (LT)

$36,403.91

11. Roll # 3650-480-002-17300 - PT LT 5 PL 428 AS IN 661564; CHATHAM-KENT. Being 24224 Winterline Rd., Pain Court. P.I.N. 00784-0137 (LT)

$9,999.99

12. Roll # 3650-480-008-37200 - LT 45 PL 769 S/T 498816, 666058, 274685, 643051, 318206, 663844, 388313, 396731, 400913, 664880, 668566; CHATHAM-KENT. Being Dunlop Cres., Mitchells Bay. P.I.N. 00764-0382 (LT) This parcel is submerged under water.

$6,501.69

Tenders must be submitted in the prescribed form and must be accompanied by a deposit in the form of a money order, bank draft, or cheque certified by a bank or trust corporation payable to the municipality (or board) and representing at least 20 per cent of the tender amount.

Except as follows, the municipality makes no representation regarding the title to or any other matters relating to the land to be sold. Responsibility for ascertaining these matters rests with the potential purchasers.

This sale is governed by the Municipal Act, 2001 and the Municipal Tax Sales Rules made under that Act. The successful purchaser will be required to pay the amount tendered plus accumulated property taxes and any taxes that may be applicable such as the land transfer tax.

The lands do not include mobile homes situate on the lands. The municipality has no obligation to provide vacant possession to the successful purchaser. Purchasers must retain a lawyer to complete the purchase of any property for which their tender is accepted.

A copy of the prescribed form of tender is on the Municipality of Chatham-Kent website, www.chatham-kent.ca and on the website of the Government of Ontario Central Forms Repository under the listing for the Ministry of Municipal Affairs.

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

Name of Municipality or Board

Amy McLellan, Manager Revenue or Matthew Torrance, Deputy Tresasurer

Municipality of Chatham-Kent

Address of Municipality or Board 315 King Street West, P O Box 640, Chatham, Ontario N7M 5K8

www.chatham-kent.ca

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

THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2024

News

Arlington still has life

By Michael Bennett Local Journalism Initiative The Ridgetown Independent

The Chatham-Kent building development services department continues to work with the owners of the Arlington Hotel in Ridgetown.

Municipal engineers went through the Main Street building recently to investigate the progress made by the owners since they announced their intentions on Feb. 21 to repair the 129-year-old building.

Paul Lacina, director of building development services, said the owners had requested additional

information on their repair requirements.

The building, which opened in 1885 and closed in 2019, has fallen into disarray with serious structural issues.

The municipality boarded up windows and placed cement barriers around the property on Feb. 11 for the safety of pedestrians and vehicles at the Main Street East and Albert Avenue intersection after bricks fell from an exterior corner.

Lacina said the municipality will work with the owners and will hold off on any demolition orders “as long as they’re moving forward and working towards a solution.”

Enforce the law Continued from page 7

Additional efforts can be made to deter the establishment of tent communities in our parks. Sure, police brass will say there is legal precedent elsewhere that prevents them from tearing down homeless

clusters, but there are laws in place they can utilize to thwart attempts to squat in public places.

Do we have law enforcement personnel or keepers of the peace?

It all depends on who is leading the service.

Have same firm handle both cost estimates

Continued from page 6

Expanding the library would be the wishes of library people, which is understandable. Library programs may be better served if overseen by our education system rather than the municipality anyway.

An open market competition on both the Civic Centre and Sears building would be the fairest and most responsible means to make an informed decision.

Stay in the loop and receive daily news right to your inbox

Additionally, the Sears building renovation sets groundwork to expand local government when we should be in a direction to minimize government size, especially when the citizenry will be hit with ever-increasing costs supporting a runaway government system at all levels.

John Cryderman Chatham

Visit chathamvoice.com /subscribe

THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2024

PAGE 9

’re We c a l Lo

Complete Tree Removal, Trimming and More!

+ 60 a rs 519•359•9876 Ye C-K in customtreeservice.ca

Amber Pinsonneault Broker of Record Cell 519-784-5310

Kristen Nead Broker Manager Cell 519-784-7653

@ROYALLEPAGEPEIFER

BROKERAGE - INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED

141 TWEEDSMUIR • $324,900

156 PARK LANE • $439,900

304 IRONWOOD • $509,900

11750 ROSE BEACH • $1,499,000

Updated bungalow. 2br, 1 bath, rec room, lots of storage space. Call Jeff Godreau or Chris Spafford.

3br, 1 bath, open concept. Call June McDougall

OFFER PENDING

Future brand new. 2br, 2 bath, rear porch, concrete driveway. Call Katherine Rankin.

Lavish and super modern. 3br, 2 full bath custom ranch with beach rights. Call Elliot or Ashley Wilton.

43 PAISLEY • $414,990

11568 PINEHURST • $995,000

78 ALEXANDRA • $384,900

Quiet cul-de-sac. 3br, 1.5baths, full basement, close to park, playground.

Call Marco Acampora.

OFFER PENDING

Truckers/mechanics dream. 3br, 2.5 baths, Great South side neighbourhood. 4br, 1 bath, large living room. Call Eric Fitzgerald.

2 acres, wrap around porch. Call Krista Mall

BOB N BUOY’S IN MITCHELL’S BAY

GRAVEDIGGERZ’ IN HIGHGATE $319,000

108 FIELDER • $2,600/MTH

Restaurant, 3 loft style apartments and a coin operated car wash.

Call Jeff Godreau or Katherine Rankin.

Highgate Variety & Restaurant. Charm and character. Call Chris Spafford or Jeff Godreau

Brand new with 3brd, 2.5 bath, open concept, large patio. Call Marco Acampora

304 HOMESTRETCH, ST. CLAIR $673,000

Build in 2012. 5br, 2 bath, rec room, gas fireplace, 2-tired deck. Call Krista Mall.

26 KENDALL • $1,500/MTH

Upper level walk up unit. 2br, 1 bath, open kitchen. Call Darren Hart.

CHECK OUT ALL OUR LISTINGS AT WWW.ROYALLEPAGECHATHAMKENT.COM

Carson Warrener* 519-809-2856

Ashley Amato* 519-365-5677

Stephen Carroll* 519-355-9774

Lisa Everaert* 519-330-8548

Michelle Hetherington 519-401-2635*

Ghassan Najjar** 519-355-8668

Brian Peifer** 519-436-2669

Katherine Rankin** 226-542-2964

Cindy Weaver** 519-360-0628

Dane Appleton* 519-436-7195

Terry Chauvin* 519-437-8498.

Eric Fitzgerald* 519-436-4865

Wayne Liddy* 519-436-4810

Heather Najjar** 519-355-8666

Elizabeth Peifer* 519-436-8959

Deborah Rhodes* 519-401-5470

Ashley Wilton* 519-437-7564

Kelly-Anne Appleton* 519-365-7155

Anna-Marie Clark* 519-354-7890

Michael Gibbons* 519-365-5634

Krista Mall* 519-365-7462

Cass Opiela* 519-355-7804

Patrick Pinsonneault** 519-360-0141

David Smith* 519-350-1615

Elliot Wilton* 519-358-8755

Sarah Callow* 509-809-5446

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

Marco Acampora* 519-784-4348

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

THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2024

News

Home sales keep rising

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

Chatham-Kent’s roller coaster ride of a housing market continues to tick upward, a trend that one realtor believes will continue into the spring.

In February, home sales were up more than 36 per cent from the same month a year ago. That follows January, where sales were also up compared to January of 2023.

Carrie Patrick, president of the Chatham-Kent Association of Realtors (CKAR), thinks the market is a sign people are sick of waiting on a dip in interest rates.

“From where I sit, it’s an indication people are still in the market to buy homes,” she said. “I feel it is going to be a good market in the spring, but

time will tell. It could be a tell-tale (sign) that people are still anxious to buy. Also, maybe they are tired of waiting for the interest rates to come down.”

So far through the first two months of 2024, home sales were up 22 per cent for the same period a year ago.

“Home sales and new listings are both leading the recovery in our local market, with sales activity marking a particularly strong comeback from last year’s 10-year low,” Patrick said.

Despite the uptick in February, CKAR figures show February’s total of 83 units changing hands was still about 10 per cent below the five-year average for the month of February.

The back-to-back

months of increased sales followed three months of lower sales.

The average price of homes sold in February 2024 was $409,027, down a little over four per cent from February 2023.

The more comprehensive year-to-date average price was $404,978, a modest decline of 2.4 per cent from the first two months of 2023.

However, the dollar value of all home sales in February 2024 fell just shy of $24 million, up by 30.3 per cent from February of 2023.

New listing also jumped, by more than 18 per cent, compared to February 2023. There were 169 new residential listings in February 2024.

This was the largest number of new listings added in the month of February

in more than a decade.

New listings were 16 per cent above the fiveyear average and nearly 30 per cent above the 10-year average for the month of February.

“As a result of demand

and new supply rising in tandem, overall inventories haven’t really shifted much in the past few months,” Patrick said.

Active residential listings numbered 316 units on the market at the end

of February, up about six per cent from the end of February 2023. Active listings haven’t been this high in the month of February in more than five years.

THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2024

PAGE 1A

March, 2024

Spring Home Improvement Guide

lawn • garden • home

A Special Supplement to

Your guide to local professionals specializing in all aspects of home improvement.

Keep this section for future projects!

HOMESHOW 2024 Mohawk Luxury Vinyl Plank 5mm pad attached 2 colours

After the Homeshow . . .

NAF Aqua Tile

VISIT OUR SHOWROOM Large selection of Hardwood, Vinyl Plank, Laminate, Tile, Carpet and Mosaic *While quantities last

Yes We Install!

281 Grand Ave East, Chatham 519-351-8080

Open 9:00am - 5:00pm Mon-Fri Sat. 9:00am-2:00pm Closed Sun.

Pad attached 5 colours

See Janet!

sqft

sqft

NAF Engineered Hardwood 3/4” - 3 colours

Porcelain Tile starting @

All Remnants

1.69 $ 2.49 $ 3.99 $ .69 $

sqft

sqft

50% OFF ticketed price

THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 2A

THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2024

We are now a

Cast-Iron Transmission

Bolo® Tines

Just One Hand® Operation

Lifetime Guarantee on Cast Aluminum Gearbox

MS 170 Chainsaw MSRP $29999

SALE $ 21999

BG 50 Leaf Blower

SALE $ 19999

MSRP $23999

FS 38 Gas Timmer MSRP $22999

SALE $ 17999

Spirng Sale Home Show Promo

Rototillers

Spirng Sale Home Show Promo

DEALER

BUY HERE. SERVICE HERE.

SAVE up to on a NEW Zero-Turn Mower

134 Inshes Ave., Chatham • 519-354-3990

www.chathamopp.com

Sales • Service • Parts

660

$

THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2024

Turn your backyard into your own relaxing respite

Backyards have long been places to unwind and enjoy some peace and quiet surrounded by nature. Thanks in part to financial instability brought on by rising inflation and measures to tame it, homeowners may decide to forgo traditional vacations in favor of staying home this season. There’s no better time to invest in a home, particularly outdoor spaces, to make them welcoming respites. The following are some ways to accomplish that goal.

Incorporate a water feature The sound of trickling or bubbling water can make surroundings more serene. A low-maintenance water feature can help to create a calming ambiance. A fountain that does not require a collection pond will reduce the chance it becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Locating the fountain out of the sun can keep algae growth at a minimum.

Add lights for ambiance Outdoor lighting options include professionally installed, hardwired lights on the home itself or accent lighting that draws attention to trees or architectural structures on the property.

It also may include twinkling lights, which some consider a must-have for any outdoor retreat. Lights come in all types and price points. Hang them on porches, pergolas or cement posts inside decorative planters and then string lights between the posts. This way the lighting can be moved around as desired.

Lounging spots A comfortable outdoor loveseat or chairs may be a focal point of the yard, but build in some additional cozy spots specifically for lounging around. Nestle a hammock in a quiet corner of the yard, or enhance a chaise lounge with throw pillows and a large umbrella for napping poolside.

PAGE 3A

Add lushness with plants Plants can transform any space. Use a combination of planted varieties around the yard, then enhance certain areas with potted plants as needed. Plants can make an area more warm and inviting, plus they give butterflies, bees and hummingbirds places to stop by and visit. Consider the help of a professional landscaper to bring a vision of a lush, plant-filled retreat to life.

Add some music Thanks to wireless speakers that rely on Bluetooth technology, it’s easy to have music piped right into the backyard.

Set up a wireless speaker in an inconspicuous spot, such as inside a planter or in the rafters of a gazebo.

Turning a backyard into an oasis can provide the respite many people look for on their properties.

Blend in the pool or spa With some unique landscape architecture, the pool or hot tub can be built right into the landscape, making it a cohesive part of the design. This can make the yard seem even more like an oasis, especially when the pool is flanked by a waterfall or bubbling fountain.

Check Us Out at Booth 328 for Home Show Specials!

JRB ELECTRICAL SERVICE 519-351-5304 ext 214 www.jrbgenerators.com

Chatham & Sarnia

519-512-2732

COME SEE WHY WE WERE VOTED #1 FOR 10 YEARS IN A ROW SERVING SOUTHERN ONTARIO FOR 21 YEARS

2022

• QUARTZ • GRANITE • LAMINATE

300 Merritt Ave, Chatham (519) 354-3434 countertopsunlimited2.ca

Come see us at the Chatham Home Show!

THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 4A

CK Boomers On The Move Downsizing & Decluttering

Visit uS at the home show booth 411

519-354-1836

ckboomersonthemove.ca Service you can feel.

VISIT US THIS WEEKEND

AT THE CHATHAM HOME SHOW MARCH 22-24TH BOOTH 301

SCRATCH & SAVE EVENT HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS IN SAVINGS AVAILABLE SCRATCH & SAVE EVENT ON WHILE SUPPLIES LAST. LIMITED QUANTITIES AVAILABLE.

fahrhall.com

519.480.0488

THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2024

Renovations that help sell homes

Certain home features can tip the scales in favor of sellers. In fact, various renovations can help sell homes more readily. And these renovations need not cost a fortune.

• A fresh coat of paint: Although painting is relatively inexpensive and a job that some do-it-yourselfers can tackle, it’s not a task relished by many. Painting is messy, it takes time, and requires moving furniture. But fresh coats of paint can create a strong first impression. Choose a neutral color and get painting.

• Minor bathroom remodel: Remove dated wall coverings, replace fixtures, consider re-glazing or replacing an old tub, and swap old shower doors for fast fixes in a bathroom.

• Redone kitchen: The kitchen tends to be the hub of a home. This room gets the most usage and attention of any space, and it’s a great place to focus your remodeling attention. Buyers want a functional and updated kitchen. Trending features include drawer-style microwaves and dishwashers, commercial ranges, hidden outlets, and even wine refrigerators.

• Updated heating and cooling system: Heating, cooling and ventilation components are vital to maintain. You don’t want buyers to be taken aback by an older system, and many millennial buyers are not willing to overlook old mechanical systems.

• Fresh landscaping: A home’s exterior is the first thing buyers will see. If they pull up to a home with eye-catching landscaping and outdoor areas that are attractive yet functional, they’re more likely to be intrigued.

Improving a home’s chances to sell quickly and at a higher price often comes down to making smart improvements that catch the eyes of buyers.

THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2024

Signs it’s time to repair or replace your deck

Spring is a season of rejuvenation that compels millions across the globe to quit hibernating and get back to enjoying the great outdoors. Spring also marks a great time to assess a home’s exterior, namely those areas like a deck where people will spend a lot of time in the warmer months to come.

• Wobbly underfoot and in hand: Wobbly planks and railings are one sign of a deteriorating deck homeowners won’t recognize as they hide from winter weather indoors.

But these tend to reveal themselves rather quickly when examining a deck after winter. Wobbly planks in the middle of the deck can be inconvenient, but wobbly steps and railings can be dangerous. A local decking professional can assess the extent of the rot in railings and elsewhere and determine the best course of action. If the rot is isolated to an area or two, a simple repair may be all that’s necessary.

• Faded paint: Many homeowners paint their wood decks, and that paint will not last forever. Faded paint can turn an otherwise lovely deck into an eyesore, and paint can fade over the winter. Thankfully, a local painter can address a faded deck and may recommend some additional strategies to safeguard the deck against fading next winter and beyond.

• Holes in the wood: Many a homeowner has encountered curious-looking holes in their deck. This could be a sign of insect infestation. Termites, carpenter ants and carpenter bees are among the various types of insects that can bore holes through wood. Homeowners who notice holes throughout their deck are urged to call a deck professional and/or pest control firm to assess the holes and offer a solution. Though small issues may be addressed with repairs, a deck littered with holes caused by insects may need a full replacement.

WE PAY THE TAX March 22 to March 24

PAGE 5A

• Rust: Wood decks may be made of wood, but they can still exhibit signs of rust, namely in the nails and metal connectors that hold the deck together. If screws have rusted to the point where they are no longer holding the deck together, a full-scale replacement could be in the cards, as the deck could have substantial structural damage. Like other issues that can reveal themselves during a springtime inspection of the deck, rust necessitates a thorough examination by an experienced decking professional.

Many people do not use their decks during winter, which only underscores the significance of a full deck inspection in spring.

Specialized Pest Management for the Agri Food sector!

Thamesville • 519-692-4232 Rodent Management sgspestmanagement.ca

BOOK YOUR

Spring Renovations

AND TAKE UP TO

20% Off

SELECT PRODUCTS AND SERVICES!

Present this Ad to an associate at the Home Show to redeem!

Can’t Make the Home Show?

SCAN HERE & USE CODE

HOMESHOW20

TO REDEEM YOUR DISCOUNT

Southwestern Ornamental Concrete 21126 Bloomfield Rd. 519.351.2696 southwesternornamentalconcrete.ca

Siding Installations Soffit, Fascia & Eavestrough Column Wraps & Trims Window Replacements

Entry Doors & Patio Doors Deck Design & Construction Fence Construction Gemstone Lighting Solutions *actual discounts may vary, see a store associate for details.

THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 6A

THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2024

“Home Comfort Done Differently”

Ultimate Home Comfort Low Monthly Cost!

Get a ‘Top of the Line’ Hybrid Heat Pump System for as low as $135.00 a month!

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THESE INCREDIBLE COUPON OFFERS!

99.99 SALE!

$

END-OF-SEASON

A/C

WAREHOUSE

CLEARANCE

EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE (DON'T PAY FOR 12 MONTHS OAC)

67-POINT FURNACE OR AC INSPECTION/TUNE-UP

SAVE $50

No expiry, one per customer

A/C

WAREHOUSE

SALE!

FREE SERVICE CALL (DON'T PAY FOR 12 MONTHS OAC)

CALL FOR DETAILS!

NOW UNTIL SEPT 30TH, 2022 WHILE SUPPLIES LAST!

FREE

END-OF-SEASON

END-OF-SEASON

EQUIPMENT A/C NOT WORKING? CLEARANCE

(226) 605-0101 WWW.HANDYBROS.COM

WAREHOUSE

CLEARANCE

ENERGY S AAUDIT! LE!

WITH PURCHASE OFC A L L F O R D E T A I L S !

(226) 605-0101 (226) 605-0101 QUALIFYING SYSTEMS (DON'T PAY FOR 12 MONTHS OAC)

CALL FOR DETAILS!

NOW UNTIL SEPT 30TH, 2022 WHILE SUPPLIES LAST!

$98.00 VALUE No expiry, one per customer

WWW.HANDYBROS.COM

NOW UNTIL SEPT 30TH, 2022 WHILE SUPPLIES LAST!

WWW.HANDYBROS.COM

QUALIFY FOR A 10 YEAR/0% GOVERNMENT LOAN, ON APPROVED CREDIT.

$800.00 VALUE No expiry, one per customer

226-499-9779 WWW.HANDYBROS.COM

View QR Code for terms and conditions

THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2024

PAGE 7A

Features to consider for a relaxation-themed bathroom remodel

Homeowners want to view their homes as a respite from all that goes on outside their doors. Indeed, turning a home into a residents-only retreat can ensure everyone looks forward to walking through the front the door at the end of the day.

One of the more popular ways to turn a home into one’s own personal retreat is to upgrade the bathroom. A renovated bathroom can completely transform how individuals feel about their homes. The following are some features to consider when remodeling a bathroom with relaxation in mind.

• Open shower: An open shower is a visually stunning addition to any bathroom. Such showers give a bathroom a more open look, thanks in part to the fact that these modern features do not feature a door or require the use of a shower curtain. The result is a clean look that many people associate with a luxury hotel. When speaking with a contractor about an open shower install, homeowners can ask about a half-wall to safeguard against water splashing out of the shower. In addition, a heat lamp can help ensure residents stay warm until they’re ready to leave the bathroom.

things are more suggestive of relaxation than a soaking tub. A long day at school or the office or a day when winter winds are howling outside is made much better with a good a soak. The National Kitchen & Bath Association notes that luxury bathrooms featuring soaking tubs are wildly popular, and that vaunted status is undoubtedly due to the relaxing benefits of a good soak.

• Skylight: Even if the goal of a luxury bathroom is to leave the outside world outside, allowing some natural light inside is a great way to add a little extra calm to the room.

Floor-to-ceiling windows may seem appealing in brochures or advertisements, but such features do not create the sense of privacy many people prefer in their bathrooms.

One or two skylights can create that sense of privacy and still allow for natural light to enter the room, making this an option that provides the best of both worlds.

These features and more can help homeowners transform their bathrooms into luxurious, relaxing respites from the outside world.

• Heated features: Additional features to keep everyone calm and warm can be considered when upgrading the bathroom. Radiant flooring can ensure everyone’s toes remain toasty, and the installation of such a feature can eliminate the need for floor mats and bath mats that some homeowners may not like. Commit further to the heat theme with a heated towel rack, which is another feature associated with luxury hotels that can be just as enjoyable at home.

• Soaking tub: An open Build a Strong shower creates an instant Foundation for Your Home feeling of luxury, but few • Basements, walls, and floors • Foundation repair • Sinking foundations • Underpinning

Specializing in waterproofing, slabjacking, reinforcing, and underpinning services for residential, commercial, and industrial clients.

• Wall reinforcing • Slabjacking • Concrete contractor • Concrete levelling • Foundation contractor

Guaranteed Work • 20 Years Experience

519-360-9657 • soulliereconcrete.ca

Free In-home Consultation or Visit Our Showroom Serving Chatham-Kent and surrounding area

KITCHEN • BATH • LAUNDRY • CLOSET • CUSTOM

We Offer Kitchen Cabinetry • Bathroom Vanities Refacing Cabinetry • Refinishing Cabinetry Closet Organizers • Laundry Room Storage Countertops • Hardware & Accessories European & Traditional Design We help create the kitchen, bathroom or laundry room of your dreams:

From floor to ceiling with a small town friendly feeling.

519-317-8746 www.daveyanddaveycabintery.ca

THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 8A

Contractors Know Us . . .

BEST TO SHOP LOCAL for Product & Service

THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2024

VAN HOOF

SAME DAY DELIVERED

Siding Place PVC DECKING Get To Know Our Products EAVESTROUGHS EXTERIOR DOORS EXTERIOR DOORS

WINDOWS

CASEMENT WINDOWS No other window opens so wide.

Catch that spring breeze.

FREE EXTERIOR

IT’S BACK

BY POPULAR DEMAND Get a FREE Exterior Color Upgrade on all North Star Windows and Patio Doors, plus get 50% off standard exterior color on entry doors.

SINGLE HUNG TILT WINDOWS Ideal for multilevel homes or residential buildings.

BAY WINDOWS Adds more light and space to a room.

ARCHITECTURAL PICTURE WINDOWS Highlights your home and your view.

MIDNIGHT BLACK

ANTHRACITE

ESPRESSO

COCOA

SABLE

HICKORY

Offer applies to new orders only.

8COLORS SANDALWOOD

IVORY

STUNNING

VISIT OUR SHOWROOM

Free exterior color on North Star windows & patio doors and 50% off exterior color for entry doors. Offer applies to new orders within North America*. All orders must be delivered or picked up as soon as they have been completed.

Orders cannot be dated out further than the week of July 24, 2023. Cannot be combined with any other offer or promotion. Color applies to standard color offering only, custom and stained are not included in this promotion.

Our website open 24/7 • Showroom open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm www.vanhoofsiding.ca • 747 St. Clair St., Chatham • 519-354-0368

THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2024

How to recognize when it’s time to replace your windows

Replacing windows is a job that requires advanced skill, and this is not a do-it-yourself project. There are many qualified professional window installation companies that will work with homeowners to measure, order and install windows that will fit with the style of a home and local weather, all while providing features the homeowner desires.

For those wondering when to replace windows, here are some guidelines.

• Difficulty opening and closing windows. If windows are sticking shut or cannot be securely closed, it’s probably time for something new.

• There’s apparent window damage. Accidents happen, and if a rock is kicked up from a lawnmower and cracks a window or if spring baseball practice has gone awry with an errant throw, windows may require replacement.

• Drafts in the window are common. If heating and cooling systems are working overtime, drafty, poorly insulated windows could be to blame. Various agencies can perform energy efficiency tests in a home. Windows that are determined to be the weak spots should be replaced.

• Dated windows are present in the home. Older windows may pose safety hazards, especially those in older homes.

Dated windows also may simply look “old” and compromise the aesthetics of a home.

• Fading indoors is noted. Windows that do not feature low-emissivity (Low-E) glass coatings will not block UV rays.

Those rays can cause fading to wood floors and furniture or

INTERNET + TV + PHONE

PAGE 9A

pretty much anything the sunlight touches.

Window replacement may be necessary when existing windows are showing signs of aging or damage.

PAGE 10A

THE CHATHAM VOICE

How to create an outdoor living retreat

Al fresco entertaining has taken off in recent years. It’s much more common today to find homeowners who want to extend living spaces to the outdoors in meaningful ways that go beyond a few lawn chairs and a stand-alone grill. Dream backyard living rooms mirror similar spaces indoors and contain features like cozy corners, lush furniture and televisions or movie projectors. Plus, they often abut additional outdoor luxuries like fully functional kitchens.

DIRECT RESPONSE MEDIA GROUP 240 Wyecroft Road, Oakville, ON L6K 2G7 1 866 993-0600 drmg.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2024

Homeowners have various options when designing outdoor living spaces. Above all else, spaces should be created with the goal of encouraging people to get together. Here are some ideas.

Poolside retreat - Homeowners with pools and other water features likely want this area to be the star of the entertaining space. Furniture will be more of the lounging variety, with comfortable chaises and spots to catch the sun. If a swim-up bar isn’t possible, a rolling bar cart can be stocked with essentials for cocktails or mocktails for the kids. Furniture near the pool will be exposed to a lot of sun, so look for durable, sun-resistant fabrics.

Fireside nook - Gathering around an outdoor fireplace or fire pit is a treat when the weather cools down. Mirror the look of the same setup indoors by arranging outdoor sofas so they flank the fireplace. Add some ottomans or side tables for stowing mulled cider or hot chocolate. A mantel above the fireplace can hold pots of greenery or candles that add to the ambiance.

Consider a custom banquette - Unused corners on a patio or rooftop retreat can utilize a custom-made banquette that provides the functionality of a sofa sectional outdoors. Have a contractor design it to the exact specifications of the area, and add a rug to ground the space.

DOCKET: 278613-Bath Vary the flooring - Depending on the entertaining space, a balance of soft grass, pavers or other hardscape will be necwill need to be hard enough for chairs Sideareas 2 SOLOessary.

CARDCertain PROOF DATE: PROOF #: and other furniture, particularly for those who are including 10.875”w x 5.25”h Mar 6, 2024 278613-Bath Fitter Windsor-03-24-Mar-Solo Card-01 an outdoor dining table in the design.

Create some privacy - Some homeowners are lucky enough PLEASE NOTE: This is a preliminary low-quality version of the document called PROOF. Please don’t modify to have natural barriers that offer privacy in their entertainit without informing our client service team to ensure the best quality output for the final PRESS PROOF. ing spaces. When there isn’t enough, tall shrubs, inexTemplate updated NOVEMBER 2023 pensive bamboo fencing or trellis can provide a blind that makes an outdoor living area more cozy and private. Consider placing tall, potted plants on rolling casters to improve privacy as the need arises.

Bath Fitter does showers?

THAT’S RIGHT! We offer a wide selection of beautiful and functional showers, in all shapes and sizes. We can even convert your bath into a shower! With our seamless, one-piece walls and hundreds of design options, you’ll get a beautiful new shower to fit your needs, guaranteed for life. Join

SAVE 250

UP TO

$

*

on a complete Bath Fitter system.

over 2 million happy Bath Fitter customers!

OUR ADVANTAGES

Virtually Maintenance Free

Seamless Wall For a Watertight Fit

Call for your FREE in-home CONSULTATION

Lifetime Warranty†

SCAN TO SEE THE TRANSFORMATIONS

519-979-2228

VISIT OUR SHOWROOM 7950 ANCHOR DRIVE, WINDSOR, ON

BATH FIT TE R .COM

Registered trademark of Bath Fitter Franchising Inc. Bath Fitter Franchise. Independently owned and operated by 1904742 Ontario Inc. *Special offer good on the purchase of a bathtub or shower, wall and faucet kit. Discount is $250 off. One offer per customer. Discount applies to same day purchases only. Previous orders and estimates excluded. Offer valid only at the above location. †Lifetime Warranty on Bath Fitter® - manufactured acrylic products. See Warranty terms at Bathfitter.com/ warranty. Offer expires 11-30-2024. ‡Most Bath Fitter tub installations are completed in one day. Some exceptions apply. See location for full details. 1. May contain imported components in limited quantities.

278613-Bath FlyersFitter Mailed Windsor-03-24-Mar-Solo

by DRMG.ca • 1 (844) 723-4411 Card-01

THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2024

THE CHATHAM VOICE

g n i r p S s ’ t I e m i T g n i t n i Pa

PAGE 11A

NOW BOOKING SPRING Al’s

Make a Grand Entrance

Lawn Care Programs *Based on 4000 sq.ft.

“AL’S SPECIAL”

to every room of your home

6 Applications

Voted Best Provider

• Tree & Shrub Work • Aeration Seeding •Fertilization • Weed & insect control Call now to schedule your free consultation and estimate!

519-352-4955

Al’s

LAWN & GARDEN • Landscaping

1. Spring Core Aeration 2. Spring Granular Fertilizer 3. Spring Crabgrass Management 4. Spring Weed Management 4. Fall Granular Fertilizer 5. Fall Weed Management Consistent Watering Guarantees Results

Price $325plus HST

*

“Super Turf” 8 Applications 1. Spring Core Aeration 2. Spring Granular Fertilizer 3. Spring Crabgrass Management 4. Spring Weed Management 5. Summer Granular Fertilizer 6. Summer Crabgrass Management 7. Fall Weed Management 8. Fall Granular Fertilizer Consistent Watering Guarantees Results

Price $425plus HST

*

“ULTIMATE” 10 Applications

• Patio Stones • Groundskeeping

When only the best will do . . .

• Residential and Commercial

1. Core Aeration 2. Premium Granular Fertilizer 3. Spring Crabgrass Management 4. Spring Weed Management 5. Premium Granular Fertilizer 6. Summer Chinch Bug Management 7. Summer Crabgrass Management 8. Premium Granular Fertilizer 9. Fall Weed Management 10. Premium Granular Fertilizer Consistent Watering Guarantees Results

RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL

~ Serving Chatham-Kent Since 1972 ~ Builders trust us / Home owners love us

Phone: 519-358-6707

• Outdoor Kitchen & Patios

“Let the professionals at

Price $525plus HST

*

Al’s Lawn & Garden

Since 1981

take the guess work out of lawn care” See our website for all of our services

www.alslawnandgarden.ca

PAGE 12A

THE CHATHAM VOICE

40th Annual 40th 40th Annual

40th Annual 40th Annual 40th Annual OVER 100EXHIBITORS EXHIBITORS OVER 100

OVER 100100 EXHIBITORS OVER 100 EXHIBITORS 40th Annual OVER EXHIBITORS

FOR ALL YOUR HOME NEEDS & MORE FOR ALL YOUR HOME NEEDS & MORE MORE OR ALL YOUR HOME NEEDS &

OVER 100 EXHIBITORS March 22nd, 23rd, 24th 2024

FOR ALL YOUR HOME NEEDS MORE FOROVER ALL YOUR HOME NEEDS &&MORE arch 22nd, 23rd, 24th arch 22nd, 23rd, 24th 100 EXHIBITORS FOR ALL YOUR HOME NEEDS2024 & MORE

JOHN D.HOME BRADLEY CENTRE March 22nd, 23rd, 24th 2024 FOR ALL YOUR NEEDS & MORE March 22nd, 23rd, 24th 2024 JOHN D. BRADLEY CENTRE JOHN D. BRADLEY CENTRE MarchJOHN 22nd, 24th 2024 565 Richmond 23rd, Street Chatham ON D. BRADLEY CENTRE

March 22nd, 23rd, 24th JOHN D.Street BRADLEY CENTRE 565Richmond Richmond Street Chatham ON 2024 565 Chatham ON Admissions $7/person JOHN D. BRADLEY CENTRE 565 Richmond Street Chatham ON

565 JOHN Richmond Street Chatham ON BRADLEY CENTRE 16D. years & Street under free 565 Richmond Chatham Admissions $7/person Admissions $7/person Admissions $7/person ON

Richmond Street Chatham ON Admissions $7/person 16565 years &under under free 16 years & free 16 years & under free March 22nd, 2024 / 2pm-7pm Admissions $7/person

16 years & under free Admissions 16 years &$7/person under free

23rd, //free 10am-6pm 22nd, 2024 2pm-7pm 16 years2024 & under MarchMarch 22nd, 2024 2pm-7pm March 22nd, 2024 // 2pm-7pm March 22nd, 2024 ///2pm-7pm March 24th, 2024 10am-4pm March 23rd, 2024 10am-6pm March 22nd, 2024 / 2pm-7pm March 22nd, 2024 / 2pm-7pm March 23rd, 2024 / 10am-6pm March 23rd, 2024 / 10am-6pm March 23rd, 2024 / /10am-6pm March 24th, 2024 10am-4pm March 23rd, 2024 / 10am-6pm For more information visit : March 23rd, 2024 / 10am-6pm March 24th, 2024 March 24th, 2024 // 10am-4pm March 24th, 2024 /10am-4pm 10am-4pm www.chathamkenthomeandgardenshow.com

March 24th, 2024/ 10am-4pm / 10am-4pm For more information visit : March 24th, 2024 www.chathamkenthomeandgardenshow.com Forcourtneyb.opsp@gmail.com more information visit :: For more information visit : For more information visit Formore moreinformation information visit For visit : : courtneyb.opsp@gmail.com ww.chathamkenthomeandgardenshow.com www.chathamkenthomeandgardenshow.com w.chathamkenthomeandgardenshow.com www.chathamkenthomeandgardenshow.com www.chathamkenthomeandgardenshow.com

courtneyb.opsp@gmail.com courtneyb.opsp@gmail.com courtneyb.opsp@gmail.com courtneyb.opsp@gmail.com courtneyb.opsp@gmail.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2024

THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2024

The Arts

Toe tapping to the moonlight The Chatham Voice

The mystery and beauty of night skies and the moon and stars are the focus of the March 23 St. Andrew’s Saturdays at 7 concert.

Titled “Into the Moonlight,” the thematic concert, planned and directed by Devon Hansen, will be performed in the United Church’s sanctuary located at 85 William St. in Chatham.

The program will showcase familiar favourites such as Moon River and Blue Moon, to newer selections like Sure on This Shining Night and Stars and the Moon.

Many locals will be featured including Paige Kiosk, Georgia Craven, Victo-

ria Kimmerly and Nohl Egan, as well as some surprise performers.

The highlight of the evening will be a presentation of Howard Goodall’s Eternal Light Requiem for choir, soloists and chamber orchestra directed by Hansen. This work will be a first for Chatham-Kent and features St. Andrew’s Concert Choir, members of the C-K Chamber Orchestra, harp, piano and more.

Soloists for the work include soprano Chelsea Van Pelt, tenors Andrew Derynck and Colin Bell,

PAGE 11

Contributed image

The St. Andrew’s Concert Choir will be a big part of Saturday’s “Into the Moonlight” show at St. Andrew’s United Church.

and baritone Nohl Egan.

As a 21st century requiem, Goodall pairs many of the traditional Latin texts with contempo-

rary poetry by modern composers such as John McCrae’s haunting war poem In Flanders Fields.

Other famous texts are

drawn from Francis Quarles, Mary Elizabeth Fry and Ann Thorp.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

The suggested donation is

$20 and will be accepted at the door, with proceeds going to the St. Andrew’s music program. All are welcome.

Straight Talk with Nathan McKinlay

You’re in good hands.

Celebrate the power of words and local homegrown news. Purchase the Champions book at championsofthetruth.ca

In our column, we often share the insights, stories and encounters experienced at the Funeral Home and beyond. We are blessed to be able to help families of all different faiths, backgrounds and walks of life through their grief journey. At a time of loss, people are often either at their best or at their worst, and families tend to either come together or come apart. Working with grief and death day in and day out can be challenging. It is certainly not a job for everyone and not everyone can cut it. We are fortunate to have been able to hone and train a team of compassionate and passionate, authentic and hard-working professionals to serve our families. Our greatest asset is our team. As such I only felt it appropriate to highlight some of the individuals that I am fortunate enough to work with.

- Nathan Brian Carney was made for customer service. Following his time with the Irish military, Brian has worked throughout his professional career in many customer service jobs, both on the front lines and in supervisory roles. He has a sincere desire to serve the public, which makes him a perfect fit for our team. Brian is wonderful with families, and can find common ground with just about anyone. When he is not serving the families at the Funeral Home, he focuses his efforts on the team. It is not unusual for him to bring in freshly baked cookies or treats to the team, to the detriment of our waist lines. On top of being a father and a husband, Brian finds the time to get involved with the community. He is an active member of the Parthenon Lodge in Chatham and is grooming his facial hair to align with the spirit of his WW1 Reenactment Group. Thank you Brian for your around-the-clock dedication to the families we serve!

Trust the Professionals.

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

myliferetirement.ca

THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 12

THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2024

Business

LUVLOCAL hugs C-K businesses “We’ve been working hard to keep up with inquiries from local small businesses.” – LUVLOCAL’s Morena McDonald

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

A made-in-CK digital marketing tool called LUVLOCAL is getting the affection it deserves.

According to Morena McDonald, one of the initiative’s partners, the platform has welcomed a host of new businesses

recently following a soft launch over the Christmas holidays.

“We’ve been working hard to keep up with inquiries from local small businesses,” said McDonald in a recent media release, adding organizers have been busy visiting small business owners in their homes or studios.

The approach includes

taking photos of owners and their products and learning about their processes and stories.

“Each is truly inspiring,” McDonald said, and “so worth it to see their hard work showcased on LUVLOCAL.” According to McDonald, selling on the platform is just the start. Participating businesses continual-

ly receive assistance with product photography, video content for social media, and business advice as they experience the daily struggles of running a small business.

“I haven’t seen this kind of support and collaboration before,” said Connie Marion, owner of Dip Dip Hooray, adding the LUVLOCAL team shows up

and oversees every aspect of the business process, even picking up and delivering the product all over Chatham-Kent.

Set to expand, LUVLOCAL is inviting the C-K community to join the movement by browsing online business storefronts to see the wide variety of products made and available right here at

home.

“Shopping local is more than a tagline,” McDonald stressed. “It’s exploring what products are made here, listening to the stories of small business owners and making the choice to purchase an item from local hard-working, talented entrepreneurs.

LUVLOCAL makes it easy to do all of that.”

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

Call Mike: 519.355.5494

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 UNLIMITED

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

Still Hand Nail 50 Years Experience FREE ESTIMATES 519.397.9383

Garages Additions Decks Siding

Personal, Business and Farm Tax Returns 639 North Street, Dresden 519.683.1633 www.farmgate.net

Call Scott today 519-437-2154

Electric Fork Lifts

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

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

Café & Gift Shop

25 King St. E. 226.296.0164

WHO IS WATCHING YOUR HOMEWHO WHEN YOU CAN’T? IS WATCHING YOUR

HOME WHEN YOU CAN’T?

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

HOME WHEN YOU CAN’T? WATERPROOFING - SPRAY FOAM - SUMP PUMPS - ATTIC WATERPROOFING - SPRAY WATERPROOFING - SPRAY WATERPROOFING - SPRAY WATERPROOFING - -SPRAY FOAM SUMP PUMPS - ATTIC INSULATION FOAM - SUMP PUMPS - ATTIC INSULATION FOAM PUMPS - ATTIC FOAM- -SUMP SUMP PUMPS - ATTIC 1-866-277-1277 1-866-277-1277 1-866-277-1277 INSULATION INSULATION

INSULATION

Contact Us for a FREE Quote!

1-866-277-1277 Contact Us forUs a FREE Quote!

1-866-277-1277 Contact for a FREE Quote!

1-866-277-1277 Contact Us for a FREE Quote!

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

Scheduled Inspections Scheduled Inspections Contact Us for aVideo FREE Quote!

LEAVE YOUR HOME INGOOD GOODHANDS HAND LEAVE YOUR HOME LEAVE Photos YOUR HOME IN GOOD HANDS! orLogs Video Logs IN orPhotos Scheduled Inspections Scheduled Inspections Scheduled Inspections Contact Us a FREE Quote!

Mail Collection Mailfor Collection Photos or Video Logs

PhotosororVideo VideoLogs Logs Photos

Snow Removal / Lawn Mail Maintenance Collection Mail Collection Snow Removal Lawn Maintenance Mail / Collection Standard Repairs Snow Removal LawnMaintenance Maintenance Snow Removal / /Lawn Snow Removal / Lawn Maintenance Standard Repairs Full Concierge Service StandardRepairs Repairs Standard Standard Repairs Full Concierge Service Full ConciergeService Service Concierge Bonded andFull Insured Full Concierge Service Bonded andInsured Insured Bonded and Bonded and Bonded andInsured Insured Locally Owned and Operated LocallyOwned Ownedand andOperated Operated Locally Locally Owned and Operated Locally Owned and Operated NOW• SERVICING CHATHAM 226-347-5800 • eyesonsite4u.com 226-347-5800 eyesonsite4u.com 226-347-5800 ••eyesonsite4u.com 226-347-5800 eyesonsite4u.com 226-347-5800 226-347-5800 • eyesonsite4u.com eyesonsite4u.com

THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2024

PAGE 13

News

School start times to change in Dresden, and Ridgetown The Chatham Voice

Elementary school-aged kids will be heading to school in Dresden a lot earlier starting next school year. So too will some grade 7 and 8 students in Ridgetown.

According to Lambton Kent District School Board officials, Dresden Area Central School (DACS) students will have their school days begin at 8 a.m. and end at 2:20 p.m. Currently, classes begin at 9:15 a.m. and end at 3:35 p.m.

Meanwhile, start and end times at Lambton

Kent Composite School (LKCS) would be pushed back five minutes to 8:05 a.m. and 2:15 p.m. respectively.

This will allow kids from kindergarten to Grade 12 to ride the buses together, according to school board officials.

DACS students will continue to have seating assignments planned at the front of the bus and seats at the rear of the bus will be open for LKCS students.

But stop locations will remain unchanged, and school board officials said average riding time

changes would be minimal.

As was the case in Dresden, the LKDSB will change the bell times at two Ridgetown schools in the fall.

However in this instance, not all students will be impacted at one of the schools.

Ridgetown District Elementary will see bell times of 8 a.m. and 2:10 p.m. for start and finish of the school day, but just for grades 7 and 8.

The same bell times will be in effect for Ridgetown District High School.

The change is being

Contributed image

School start times will change for a number of elementary school-aged children in Dresden and Ridgetown starting in the fall.

made to develop the grades 7-12 integrated bus service model. All students who ride the bus to and from those

schools from grades 7-12 will share the bus.

The grade 7 and 8 kids will have seating assignments at the front of the

bus.

Bell times at Naahii Ridge Elementary School will remain the same next fall.

BROOKS

New & Used Tires

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

Seasonal Tire Changeover

Dripless Oil Sprays

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

519-351-3636 • Mon-Fri 8-6; Saturday 8-4 Frozen homemade meals, Made right here in Chatham!

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

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!!

PUT THE MORTGAGE HUNTER TO WORK FOR YOU!

DAILY - WEEKLY - MONTHLY - ANNUALLY

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

Propane • Diesel • Electric

519-351-9455

RENTAL • SALES • SERVICE

Advertise here for only $39/week!

Call today! 519-397-2020 Now Selling Costco Cat and Dog Food

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

Now is the time to start germinating your seeds for your outdoor garden.

Representing Hawthorn or West Coast Both Non GMO and Organic

519-352-GROW (4769)

• Restaurant & Baking Supplies • Cleaning Products • • Disposable Plates & Cutlery • Costco Coffee • Bathroom Tissue • Paper Towels • Facial Tissue •

12 Indian Creek Rd E. (beside Brooks Tire)

Monday - Friday 8:30-4:30

mattspaper.ca

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

Rings | Engagement Rings | Wedding Bands

Call 519-351-5303 Ian Hunter

FINE JEWELLERY AND BRIDAL Custom Jewellery Design Specialist

Here to serve ALL of your jewellery needs!

Agent for Bax Mortgage Group Inc. Lic.11046

www.themortgagehunter.ca

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

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

Please visit our New Location!

-Right off Mill St/#2-42 Highway

75 Lyon Ave N, Tilbury Open Mon - Fri, 9am - 5pm www.aamarinefoods.com 519 - 676 - 2030

We offer a variety of freshwater fish and seafood!

Come by to pick up Perch or Pickerel fillets by the lb. or case

THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 14

News

Strange patching explained

THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2024

Tag your dogs

by March 31 The Chatham Voice

Bruce Corcoran/The Chatham Voice

If you come across a manhole cover that has been all but covered by a topping of cold patch, such as this one shown here on Valley Road in Chatham, municipal officials say it’s a temporary stopgap.

The patching levels the manhole with the rest of the road until spring repair crews can come along and raise the manhole up to be flush with the road again.

Dog owners in Chatham-Kent have until March 31 to purchase their 2024 municipal dog tag and avoid a late fee and possible fine.

The fee for a spayed or neutered dog is $29, or $39.50 if your pet hasn’t been spayed or neutered.

A $10 late fee applies after March 31.

Owners of dogs without tags could face a $240 fine.

If a dog is lost, the information on the tags is used to help reunite the pet with its owner.

Funds raised from dog tags helps

to offset the cost of shelter operation, animal control and adoption services for pets.

Dog tags can be purchased online through PAWR’s website, over the phone by calling 311, in person at any municipal office or the PAWR shelter on Park Avenue East in Chatham, or by mail.

For the latter, just complete a dog tag licence application form and send by mail to PO Box 640, Chatham, Ontario N7M 5K8 together with a cheque payable to Municipality of Chatham-Kent. A dog tag and receipt will be mailed to you.

NEW Availability at Park Place Chatham!

Previously 100% occupied, there are new units coming available THIS SPRING at Park Place Chatham!

Don’t miss your opportunity to live in Chatham’s most desirable rental apartment building.

Every suite features granite countertops in the kitchen and bath, in-unit laundry, NO carpets, private balconies, and suitecontrolled thermostats.

PLUS...all utilities are included in the monthly rent. With rents on available units starting at $1,695 they will go fast!

PARK PLACE II

Book your tour today!

550 & 570 Park Ave West, Chatham ON

1.888.292.2010

www.parkplacechatham.com

THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2024

PAGE 15

News

1 in 5 struggle to pay for food The Chatham Voice

Food insecurity continues to plague 20 per cent of local residents.

According to recent data from CK Public Health, one in five households in Chatham-Kent do not have enough money and must decide between paying bills or buying food.

Wallaceburg Coun. Carmen McGregor, chair of the Chatham-Kent Food Policy Council, said people are facing tough

choices and the rising cost of food is making the issue worse.

However, McGregor said the root cause is a “lack of adequate and secure income” rather than price increases.

CKPH recently released an infographic outlining the latest statistics.

McGregor’s words are echoed

by Dr. Shanker Nesathurai, C-K’s acting medical officer of health, noting it’s a community-wide problem, as not having enough money to pay for food

negatively impacts physical and mental health, increasing the risk of diabetes, heart disease, anxiety and depression.

“Food insecurity is a complex issue that affects many households in Chatham-Kent,” Nesathurai said. “We need to come together to raise awareness and advocate for healthy public policies.”

For those wondering what they can do to help, CKPH recom-

mends learning more about food insecurity; talking to friends, family and colleagues about the true cause of food insecurity and advocating for

income solutions to food insecurity.

For more information about food insecurity visit ckphu. com/foodinsecurity.

Fixing Tilbury ‘s flood issues

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

West Kent Coun. Melissa Harrigan is hoping Chatham-Kent can remedy ongoing flooding in Tilbury.

At a recent council meeting, Harrigan brought forward a motion outlining the need to “support immediate concerns” to ensure the ongoing operation of local pumping stations when there is a power outage.

A Tilbury stormwater master plan with 15 projects has been approved, but it could be some time before they are

implemented.

The motion calls on staff to prepare a report this spring, examining a way to provide backup for the pumping stations this year, including costs and a timeline.

Harrigan said Tilbury residents have made her aware that providing backup to the pumping stations may be a “low-cost solution with very high impact” to the community. A similar solution could be adopted across Chatham-Kent Harrigan told council, adding she would like the infrastructure and engineering department to examine the issue before im-

Assaulted, left to burn The Chatham Voice

A Chatham man, 28, faces arson and attempted murder charges after someone apparently beat up another man and tried to burn down his home.

Chatham-Kent police say emergency crews got the call shortly after 8 a.m.

March 10 for a fire on Park Street in Chatham.

Crews learned a tenant was still inside the burn-

ing building. Firefighters found the man, unconscious, and pulled him out safely.

Police say he had suffered life-threatening injuries that weren’t related to the fire, and he was taken the hospital.

That’s when the Criminal Investigation Branch took over the investigation. Detectives identified a suspect, and on March 11 they made an arrest.

plementation.

As well, said Harrigan, there’s a petition on Change. org supporting a plan for a power backup fix and the overall stormwater master plan. The petition calls on the province and Hydro One to ensure any stormwater assets are maintained to support proper drainage. It has 229 signatures.

Harrigan acknowledged that the issue is “complicated” and frustrating for Tilbury residents.

“I’m hoping this report will give solutions that will impact people in a positive way,” she said.

Chatham-Kent’s ONLY Not-For-Profit Retirement Home.

Experience the Difference.

Book Your Tour Today!

99 Park St. Chatham, ON N7M 3R5 | www.standrewsresidence.com | 519.354.8103 |

THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 16

THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2024

Community Events Thursday, March 21, 2024: • The 62nd Annual Lenten Noon Hour Interdenominational Service at Christ Church, 80 Wellington St. W., Chatham (beside the bus depot) 12:10-12:35pm, 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. Dr. Marg Moriyama. Free will offering to help Outreach within our community.

5126, visit us 40 Erie St S, Ridgetown, or programs@ridgetownadultcentre.com.

• Friday night supper at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St is a Shepherds Pie dinner with salad and a bun. Dine ins $13 and pickups $14. All meals are served at 6 pm. Please call 519-352-8291 to order. Everyone welcome.

• Join us for a fun filled Jam Session 1-4:30pm. All are welcome to attend ($2 donation). 4-7pm: 1lb wing special with fries $8.85+tax=$10.00. Merlin Legion Br. 465. 519-689-4884.

Saturday, March 23, 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.

• 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.

• Euchre Tournament - In Memory of Faye Zimmer. Kitchen opens at 11:30; Registration @ 12:15 and Play @ 1pm.

Join us from 4-7pm for our delicious Merlickin Chicken plus menu. Merlin Legion Br. 465. Call 519-689-4884.

• New Circuit Training class at 1pm at the Active Lifestyle Centre. $3 for members $5 for non-members.

• March into Spring Giant Indoor Vendors Sale at the Wallaceburg & District Museum, 404 King St., Wallaceburg 8am-1pm. Crafts, antiques, collectibles, household items, baby items, jewellery, bake table, raffles and so much more.

For more info please call Leesa 519-6278962 or email museumpr@kent.net.

• Floor Essentrics at 12 pm. $3 for members, $6 for non-members. The Centre, 40 Erie St S, Ridgetown.

• CK Library - Bookshelves & Beyond: a presentation on making the most of the library at 3:00pm. Free to attend. The Centre, 40 Erie St S, Ridgetown.

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

7:00pm. Everyone is welcome to join us, including non-members. Non-members can visit us once free of charge, however, subsequent visits will be $10 per meeting. You are welcome to contact us through our Facebook page or our website at www.ckquiltguild.com.

Friday, March 22, 2024: • Join us 4:30-7pm for our delicious 5pc Perch or 3pc Merlickin Chicken or Combo (3pc Perch & 2pc Merlickin Chicken). Merlin Legion Br. 465. Call 519-689-4884 for details.

• 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.

Specials are liver & onions or fish & chips, $13.00. Take out available by calling 519-351-8733 or 519-351-5639. Fun Darts at 7:00p.m. Everyone Welcome.

• St. Ursula Knights of Columbus Council 9551 Fish Fry’s (yellow perch).

4:30-6:30pm. Cost is $25 per person.

7-12 years $15. Under 7 free. Tickets available at St. Agnes Church office or call 519-401-8260. Limited tickets at the door. Proceeds to Special Olympics.

• Valdy, a Canadian Folk Icon comes to the Mary Webb Centre for the Arts in Highgate. Tickets are $30 in advance, $35 the day of the concert, taxes in.

More info re tickets at marywebbcentre.ca. Door to concert hall opens at 7pm. The concert is at 8:00pm.

• Abstract Painting Workshop at 1:30 pm. Celebrate spring with an abstract painting workshop! $20 for members, $25 for non-members. Call 519-674-

• Easter Cookie Exchange at the Wallaceburg & District Museum. Exchange starts at 10am. Every person will bring cookies or squares. You MUST register so we know how many cookies or squares we are to bake. Looking for participants! To register or if you have any questions please call Leesa at 519-6278962 or email museumpr@kent.net.

• Saturdays at 7 at St. Andrew’s United Church, 85 William Street S., Chatham presents Into the Moonlight. An array of choral and instrumental performances will take the audience into the enchanting world of darkness and night. Donations (suggested $20) at the doors which open at 6:30 pm. All are welcome! For info call 519-352-0010 or www.standrewschatham.org/music.

• The Chatham Legion, 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 Exit 31 from 4:30-9:30. Come check out our menu. Everyone Welcome.

Sunday, March 24, 2024: • Brunch at the Chatham Granite Curling Club, 41 William Street N. from 10:30am-12:30 pm. All you can eat. Adults $15, children 4-10 $6 and children under 4 are free. Come and enjoy our last brunch of this season. We accept cash, credit card or debit.

• Classic Country Jamboree from 1:305:30. Merlin Legion Br. 465. Cabbage roll dinner follows. $20 includes entry or $5 Jam only. Call 519-476-5870.

• Breakfast at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St from 9 AM to Noon. All breakfasts are cooked to order. Everyone welcome Tuesday, March 26, 2024: • The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am-9:30pm. Kitchen open for

Fun Stuff

lunch 11:00am-1:30pm. Today’s special is spaghetti with meat sauce. Euchre at 1:00. Evening Shuffleboard or Euchre at 7:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome.

• Cozy Craft Night at the Chatham Branch of the CKPL. 6:30pm. Learn how to make the viral origami stars you’ve seen on TikTok. Supplies provided.

Open to teens 12-18 years. Registration required. Phone 519-354-2940. Text 519-401-7174. Email cklibrary@chatham-kent.ca. Facebook @ckplibrary.

Wednesday, March 27, 2024: • Kent Coin Club meeting at the Active Lifestyle Center (7-8pm). 20 Merritt Ave Chatham. New Members and guests welcomed. Come to a meeting and meet others with similar interests. Gain knowledge and trends of the hobby. For more info contact President Paul Robb (probb1@cogeco.ca) (289-228-2817).

• Bill’s Place Community Space Drop-In. CLUES ACROSS 330-630pm. Come spend some time in a 2SLGBTQIA+ safe space 48 Centre St., 1. Small Eurasian deer Chatham. Hang out, have a coffee, do your homework or chat about life. No 4. Irish county RSVP needed! Come & go as you please.

10. A major division All ages & allies welcome.

of geological time

• The Chatham Legion, corner of 11. Broadway actor William & Colborne St. Chatham open Lane 11:00am-9:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch 11:00am-1:30pm. Our daily spe- 12. Canadian cial is meat loaf dinner. Come check out province (abbr.) our other daily specials. We have Fun 14.

Human gene Darts at 7:00pm. Everyone is welcome.

15. Two

• New Macramé class at the Active 16. A famous one is lifestyle Centre 9am Wednesdays. Regisblue tration required Contact (519)352-5633.

18. Utter repeatedly

Thursday, March 28, 2024: 22. Ring-shaped • The 62nd Annual Lenten Noon Hour objects Interdenominational Service at Christ Church, 80 Wellington St. W., Chatham 23. Spoils (beside the bus depot) 12:10pm24. Occurs 12:35pm followed by a sandwich 26. Commercial luncheon in the parish hall. The theme this year is “The Peace That Passes All 27. Near Understanding.” The speaker this week 28. Products you is The Rev. John Maroney, Christ Church may need Chatham. Free will offering to help 30.

Pledge thrown Outreach within our community.

down as a • Join us for a fun Jam Session 1-4:30 challenge pm. All are welcome to attend ($2 31.

TV network donation). New: 4-7pm 1lb wing special 34. Silk or cotton with fries $8.85+tax = $10.00 Homemade Panzerotti + Menu available. garments 36.

Soviet Socialist • The Chatham Legion, corner of Republics 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 at 1:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome.

37. Retired American football coach Dean 39. Hot dish 40. A type of gin 41. Atomic #84 42. Sawhorse 48. About ground 50. Medicine man 51. Seedless raisin 52. Capital of Albania 53. Appendage 54. OJ trial judge 55. By the way (abbr.)

56. Bicycle parts 58. Barbie’s friend 59. Moved one’s neck to see 60. Commercials CLUES DOWN 1. Make up for 2. Baltimore ballplayer 3. Salary 4. Influential world body 5. Engravers

6. Declared as fact 7. One who steals 8. Jewelry 9. Hospital employee (abbr.)

12. Nonsense (slang) 13. Town in Galilee 17. Value 19. A fake name 20. Sheep in their second year 21. Town in Surrey, England 25. Appropriate for a particular time of year 29. Creative works 31. Recesses 32. W. Pacific island group 33. Tolkien character 35. Ancient symbol co-opted by the Nazi party 38. Pioneer 41. Scribe 43. Painted a bright color 44. Lowest members of British nobility 45. Actress Thurman 46. Type of sugar 47. Crest of a hill 49. N. American people of British Columbia 56. Device 57. The Mount Rushmore State

• Abstract Painting Workshop at 7 pm.

Celebrate spring with an abstract painting workshop! No experience needed. $20 for members, $25 for non-members. Sign up: Call 519-674-5126, visit us at 40 Erie St S, Ridgetown, or email programs@ridgetownadultcentre.com.

• Floor Essentrics – Essentrics is a fun exercise that helps you become more flexible, strong, and balanced. 12 pm. $3 for members, $6 for non-members.

The Centre, 40 Erie St S, Ridgetown.

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

Puzzle answers found on page 19

THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2024

PAGE 17

Business

Knapp hired to help businesses in Wheatley The Chatham Voice

The Municipality of Chatham-Kent has hired an economic development staffer specific to Wheatley.

Kyra Knapp is on board thanks to funding from the provincial government.

She’s inked to a two-year contract to spearhead that community’s economic revitalization in the wake of the 2021 explosion that hit the downtown, and the fire last year at the water treatment plant.

The recovery and development strategy, fully funded by the province, comes with a budget of about $450,000.

Knapp’s accolades include being named one of EDCO’s Top

10 Economic Development Professionals in 2021 and securing a spot in Business Elite’s 2023 Top 40 Under 40 in Canada.

Her role will focus on project management for the Wheatley Task Force, driving projects aligned with the municipal-provincial agreement to foster economic growth, supporting business retention and expansion, engaging with community business leaders, and acting as Wheatley’s ambassador.

“We are grateful for the provincial support and for the opportunity from Chatham-Kent to have participated in the se-

lection process,” said Wheatley Task Force Chair Howard Gabert in a media release. “We felt that Kyra’s professional background and leadership attributes made her the ideal candidate to take on this important role. We are confident that she will bring significant momentum to Wheatley’s recovery and help the community move forward in a progressive and positive way.”

Stuart McFadden, Chatham-Kent’s director of economic development, echoed this sentiment.

“We’re confident that this position and Kyra’s leadership will

add significant momentum to Wheatley’s recovery. The future of the community is bright and we know that this position will go a long way in helping the community move forward in a progressive and positive way,” he said.

Advanced acquires Peak

Chatham’s Advanced Basement Systems has added a key piece to the company puzzle. It purchased Peak Insulation.

Advanced was started in 2003

by Martin and Julie Bates. The company’s focus has been on basement and crawl spaces to improve the quality of a person’s home. Foundation repair, water proofing, sump pump systems and air filtration were

Kyra Knapp

all services offered by the company.

However, with the acquisition of Peak, whose focus was on attic insulation, Advanced can expand what it offers to clients beyond what they, and Peak, could do individually.

On the menu now are services such as spray foam, wall injection and improvements to home comfort.

Continued on page 18

THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 18

Ivory Elizabeth De Clerk 4mths, Wednesday, March 13, 2024 Badder Funeral Home Jean Cameron 91, Sunday, March 10, 2024 McKinlay Funeral Home Kelly Bathurst 44, Wednesday, March 6, 2024 McKinlay Funeral Home Christopher Bernard Browne 67, Saturday, March 9, 2024 McKinlay Funeral Home Ann Maria Meurkes 93, Thursday, March 14, 2024 McKinlay Funeral Home Donald Braddon 84, Saturday, March 9, 2024 McKinlay Funeral Home Janet Lee Provenza Tuesday, March 12, 2024 McKinlay Funeral Home Sharon Harshaw 78, Thursday, March 7, 2024 Life Transitions Donald Webster 94, Thursday, March 7, 2024 Life Transitions Yvette Marie Trahan 79, Tuesday, March 12, 2024 Life Transitions Andre Michaud 72, Tuesday, March 12, 2024 Life Transitions James “Uncle Jimmy” Blair 75, Friday, March 8, 2024 Nicholls Funeral Home Terry Lee Withers 63, Thursday, March 7, 2024 Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home Darylann Taylor 71, Saturday, March 9, 2024 Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home 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

Colette Lucier 75, Tuesday, March 12, 2024 Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home Patrick McManus 94, Saturday, March 9, 2024 Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home Joan Dulong 82, Friday, March 8, 2024 Blenheim Community Funeral Home Jane Hope 82, Monday, March 11, 2024 Blenheim Community Funeral Home David Friesen 69, Friday, March 8, 2024 Kendrick Funeral Home Katharina Neufeld 66, Wednesday, March 13, 2024 Kendrick Funeral Home Danny Olsen 72, Wednesday, March 6, 2024 Alexander & Houle Funeral Home Christopher Blommestyn 58, Thursday, March 7, 2024 Alexander & Houle Funeral Home Joan Wilkins 88, Saturday, March 9, 2024 Alexander & Houle Funeral Home Diane Giroux 75, Sunday, March 10, 2024 Alexander & Houle Funeral Home Norma Jean Rumble-DeTurck 83, Monday, March 11, 2024 Alexander & Houle Funeral Home Ronald Peel 59, Monday, March 11, 2024 Alexander & Houle Funeral Home Kathrine Prout 90, Monday, March 11, 2024 Alexander & Houle Funeral Home Paricia Frederick 81, Wednesday, March 6, 2024 Alexander & Houle Funeral Home

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

alexanderfuneralhome.ca

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

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

lifetransitions.ca • 519-351-4444 A Part of Wallaceburg since 1943.

519.627.2861 ericnichollsfuneralhome.com

kendrickfuneralhome.com

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

Generations of Families Continue To Place Their Trust With Us

Funerals and Cremations

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

THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2024

Business

Contributed image

Advanced Basement Systems’ Ben Bates celebrates the company’s recent acquisition of Peak Insulation with Peak’s Michael Gray.

More than basements

Continued from page 17

“Advanced Basement Systems is thrilled to announce that we have acquired Peak Insulation, and are expanding into attic installation! We are so excited to have (Peak’s) Michael Gray joining the team to run our insulation division and all the expertise he brings to the table,” Advanced’s Ben Bates said. “He is a licensed energy advisor, certified home inspector, and has been working for over 15 years in civil and residential construction.”

CLAC ratifies deals

Employees of Eden Villa and Village on the Thames in Chatham have new contracts.

At Eden Villa, the employees ratified a three-year agreement that provides them with annual wage increases and other improvements.

Retirement and Assisted Living in Chatham, Ontario, voted 78 percent in favour of ratifying a three-year collective agreement providing them with annual wage increases and many other improvements.

The wage increase equals 10 per cent over the length of the deal. Additionally, gains were made in shift-premium pay and advancement up the wage grid.

Service employees of Village on the Thames also have a new three-year deal.

The new deal provides 9.5 per cent in wage increases over the life of the contract, as well as improved benefits and additional statutory holidays.

Both groups are represented by Southwestern Ontario Healthcare and Service Workers Union, CLAC Local 303.

Local farm benefits from Y-drop effort

A Y-drop system on a hi-boy sprayer is helping a Dresden area farmer optimize nitrogen application and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Greg Devries, who owns and operates Cedarline Farms with his family, applied for cost-share funding through the Ontario OnFarm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF) after seeing others use a Y-drop system.

“Corn is a very expensive crop to grow and fertilizer has been very expensive, so we’re trying to utilize as much of the nutrients as possible,” he said in a media release. “We’re not actually putting any more nitrogen on when it comes to using the Y-drops, but we’re putting it on in the areas that have the best productivity.”

The system, which attaches to the sprayer boom and connects to the distribution system so the liquid can be applied directly to the base of the plant, allows Devries to apply nitrogen into standing corn later in the season than under his previous program.

The overall goal at Cedarline Farms is to be successful and sustainable by protecting the environment and enriching the soil.

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

THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2024

In Memoriam In loving memory of Richard “Dick” Gilbert March 24, 2023 His smiling way and pleasant face Are a pleasure to recall; He had a kindly word for each, And died beloved by all.

Some day we hope to meet him, Some day, we know not when, To clasp his hand in the better land, Never to part again.

Missing and loving you always, Ruth Ann and family.

Thank You

The family of Michael Volkes wishes to thank friends and family for the cards, flowers, charitable donations, support and prayers we have received. Thank you to all who aided and cared for Michael; Chaps who were a blessing when we needed them; his many Doctors and the staff and residents (especially Dale) of Copper Terrace who made him feel at home.

A special thanks to the staff of 2 East for their kindness and understanding and his beautiful ones whom he looked forward to seeing daily.

Also to Rev. John Maroney of Christ Church who unquestionably came and anointed oil and prayers for Michael and presided over a memorial service to send him on his way.

Thank You. Roberta and family.

Obituary Bathurst: Kelly Elizabeth

A resident of Chatham, Kelly Elizabeth Bathurst passed away on March 6, 2024.

Born in Chatham on January 31, 1980, Kelly was the daughter of Bill and Brenda (née Lester) Bathurst.

She was the beloved mom of Casey Bathurst. Kelly will be missed by her brother Brian Bathurst. She leaves behind several aunts, uncles and cousins.

She will be cherished by her many friends.

Kelly was a kind spirit who battled medical and mental health issues during her lifetime.

Cremation has taken place. A private family service will be held at a later date according to her wishes. Donations made in memory of Kelly to the Canadian Mental Health Association or Salvation Army would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com

Check us out!

CHATHAMVOICE.COM

PAGE 19

Classifieds

Obituary

Obituary

Colette Lucier

Peacefully surrounded by family at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Chatham Campus, on Tuesday March 12, 2024, Marguerite “Colette” Lucier, age 75, of Chatham, beloved wife of Leonard Lucier. Born in Chatham in 1948, daughter of the late Eva (Schram) and Raoul “Ralph” Martin. Loving mother of Bernadette Delrue (Tim O’Neil) and Lisa Lucier. Cherished grandmother of Josh and Zoë and great grandmother of Josiah and Willow. Dear sister of Suzanne (Bob) Emery, Raymond Martin (Anna Soudant) and Phil Martin. Sister-in-law of Karolyn Martin and Diane Martin-Gardiner. Special mom to Mary D’Souza and her daughter Emma. Predeceased by sisters; Dorothy Lanoue and Jeannette Shaw and by brothers Maurice and Victor Martin. “She had a beautiful heart, was so kind and thoughtful. She will be remembered as tiny but fierce.” Friends and relatives may visit at the Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home, 156 William St. S. Chatham (519-352-5120) on Friday March 15, 2024 from 11:00 AM - 12:45 PM. A Funeral Mass will then be celebrated in Blessed Sacrament Church at 1 pm.

Burial will be in St. Anthony’s Cemetery. Donations to the Diabetes Association or the Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation would be appreciated. Online condolences welcomed at www.peseski.com.

Patricia Frederick

Surrounded by her family, peacefully at the Chatham-Kent Hospice on Wednesday March 06, 2024, Patricia Frederick of Chatham passed away in her 82nd year. Cherished daughter of Orville and Olive (Iles) Mills.

Beloved wife of Robert for 63 years. Loving mother of Brad (Cathy) of London, Tracy Vandevenne (Brian) of Frankenmuth, MI, Jeff of Chilliwack, BC, and Chris (Insook) of Chilliwack, BC. Proud grandmother of Ryan (Alexis), Dana (Jenna), Krysta (Bryan) and Mel. Dear sister of Graham Mills (Greg O’Neill), and Wendy Scott, and predeceased by her brother Randy Mills.

We would like to thank the hard-working staff of Chatham-Kent Hospice, VON, and London Health Sciences for their incredible care and kindness.

Family and friends are invited to the Alexander & Houle Funeral Home, 245 Wellington St. West, Chatham, 519-352-2710, on Wednesday March 27th, 2024, with a time to gather and celebrate Patricia’s life from 4 to 8 pm. Cremation has taken place. Friends planning an expression of remembrance are asked to consider the Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation. On-line condolences may be left at www.alexanderandhoulefuneralhome.ca

Lessons

For Sale

Beginner Guitar Lessons. Call 519917-2339.

Silk Cemetery Saddle Arrangements.

Everyday/ Holidays.

Ready-to-go. Many colours available. $40. 519-354-3411

Loans

Ministry

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

Birthday

WE ALSO ARRANGE UNSECURED LINES OF CREDIT/LOANS

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

For qualified borrowers. First mortgage based on 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.

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

This week’s puzzles found on page 16

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.

PLEASE JOIN US FOR A BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION HONOURING

Lillian McMath

Saturday | March 30th | 2 - 5 pm at Smitty’s-Aristo’s Banquet Room 307 Grand Ave West, Chatham.

Best wishes only please.

Wanted

Wanted

For Rent

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.

1 1/2 bedroom apartment in Wallaceburg on water.

10 min to Walmart or downtown. $1200/mth plus heat & hydro. Suitable for woman (& child). Quiet, safe, clean. Furnished or not. 905-520-5552.

Auction

AUCTION SALE - LIVING ESTATE OF DANIEL & THERESA VAILHORA Saturday, April 6th 16325 Lakeshore Rd. 301

Preview: 8:00am, Auction Starts: 9:00am

Farm 50 Acres (plus or minus)

Machinery, farm, house, and all contents. Ultramat Grizzly 600 Yamaha 4 wheeler 7460 km, John Deere 54” riding lawnmower, 17ft. inboard outboard Volvo engine, John Deere 4 row planter, Mastercraft tool box, Mastercraft mitre saw, Cockshut hammer mill, steel wheel barn scale, ski do trailers, beaver table saw, 5 new tires 9;00 -20 galaxy rock mine lug, large quantity lumber boards & planks, horse drawn Cockshut plow on steel wheels, and Mccormak cultivator on wheels, grass catcher, lawn roller, lawn sweeper, compressor, chicken feeders, 1500 gallon plastic water tank, radial alarm saw, 2-1/2 ton floor jack, hand cultivators, hand water pumps, sprayer, large cast iron kettle, farm wagon, drag harrows, clay tiles, deep freezer, old ditchers, chain falls, aluminum patio set, 5 ft. chopper, bicycles, cement garden animals, piano, 9 pc dining room set, treadle sewing machine bedroom set, electronics, crocks, antique dresser, canning jars, gas water pump, planner, hacksaw, drill press, fiberglass tanks & sprayer, barrels, ladders, garden tools, fully galvanized gas cans, table & chairs, large rug, electric vices & grinders, and so much more!!

Farm to be sold at 11 o’clock with reserve bid.

TERMS FOR THE FARM IS $50,000 DOWN DAY OF SALE. CASH OR CHEQUE AND BALANCE OWING IN 30 DAYS. PAYABLE TO MURRAY KNAPP

Go to this website for pictures and more information www.murrayknappauctions.com TERMS: CASH OR CHEQUE WITH PROPER I.D. NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ACCIDENTS DAY OF SALE

MURRAY KNAPP AUCTIONEER 519-727-8894

THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 20

Biyork 5mm Luxury Vinyl Plank

$

1.99

$

ON CURRENT DESIGNER FLOORS IN EVERY CATEGORY!

sq. ft.

Biyork Hardwood Wide Plank

4.69

sq. ft.

Porcelain Polished 24” x 24” Tile

$

1.99

sq. ft.

THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2024

ON THOUSANDS OF QUALITY, AFFORDABLE LIGHTING CHOICES

Ceiling Fans 20% OFF

Outdoor Lighting 20% OFF Table/Floor Lamps up to 50% OFF

CARPET • HARDWOOD • LAMINATE • VINYL • CERAMIC TILE

FANS • LAMPS • MIRRORS • LIGHTING • ART

Thousands of square feet in stock • Cash & Carry or Delivery Available

Thousands of styles • Cash & Carry • Delivery Available

Do-it-yourself or we install for you!

Hundreds of in-stock items, with the best blow out prices!

701 ST. CLAIR STREET, CHATHAM • 519-354-6121 • Monday - Friday 9am-5pm, Saturday 9am-3pm•

SACWALFLOORINGCENTRES.COM

699 St. Clair St. Chatham • 519-354-6141 Mon.- Fri. 9:00am-5:00pm • Sat. 9:00am-3:00pm

www.thelightingshoppe.ca