The Chatham Voice, March 31, 2022

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Residents irate over shelter location home because it’s located in a “pretty little neighbourhood.”

But she’s convinced a Stefanie Stefan isn’t im- recently approved homepressed with the fact Cha- less shelter at 185 Murray tham-Kent’s new home- St. will exacerbate proplessness shelter is moving erty crimes and devalue real estate. next door.

S t e f a n So much “I’m not staying if this said she’s so, she’s not alone. thinking of is coming.” selling her - Neighbour Stefanie Stefan She’s taken it upon herhome as well as taking legal action self to canvass the neighagainst the municipality bourhood with a petition for allowing the Murray and is getting an earful.

Some neighbourhood Street development to go residents have already forward.

“I’m not staying if this decided to sell, she added, with a couis coming,” ple of brand Stefan told “What’s concerning new real The Chaestate signs tham Voice, us is the safety issue. appearing noting her I know if they open it in the last corner lot up, the problems will week. on Lans- increase.”

“What’s downe is - Stephanie Stefan concerning only sepaus is the rated from the homeless shelter by a safety issue,” Stefan said.

“I know if they open it row of trees and a fence.

The retiree, who moved up, the problems will into Chatham from Mount crease.”

Elgin three years ago, Continued on page 3 said she chose her historic

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

Bruce Corcoran/The Chatham Voice

A large red-tailed hawk prepares to take off after examining nearby fields for lunch on March 24 on Fargo Road. The large hawk seemed oblivious to the fact it occupied territory of a pair of mating bald eagles that nest in a nearby woodlot.

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 2

News

Homeless shelter deal not finalized

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

The deal has yet to be finalized but plans are already in the works to reinvent a vacant school into Chatham-Kent’s new emergency shelter for the homeless.

According to Polly Smith, Chatham-Kent’s director of employment and social services, building permit applications will be submitted as soon as the sale of the former Victoria Park school is complete.

“It’s in the process of closing,” Smith said late last week, adding renovation work will be able to start immediately as materials and labour are readily available to the new owners.

A group of local businessmen has agreed to buy the building and lease it back to the municipality for a three-year period at a cost of $1 per year.

The businessmen behind the venture include Fred Naclerio, Don Tetrault Sr., Don Tetrault Jr. and Ron Nydam. Two other owners wish to remain anonymous.

Futureskills Inc. had owned the building since 2016 before the group purchased it.

Council’s decision to locate the shelter on Murray Street has come under heavy fire.

Council made the decision March 21 following a lengthy presentation that included more than 20 deputations strongly opposing the move.

Most, including one from

Contributed image

While council has picked a location for a new homeless shelter, the sale of the property to the investors offering up the Murray Street building for lease to the municipality has not been completed.

a local emergency room doctor and another from the Darul Uloom Islamic School, expressed concerns the homeless shelter will make the neighbourhood unsafe for residents and children.

Many were also very upset with the way the information was made public, with the majority of residents learning about it

from media only three days before the decision was slated to come before council.

Some of the deputations also expressed concern that Muslim residents could face increased violence from shelter clients on the streets.

Smith, however, wants to assure residents staff is aware of potential prob-

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

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

lems and will stay on top of the issues.

The director went on to say the shelter will be monitored at all times, adding shelter “stayers” won’t be wandering at night as they must adhere to a 10 p.m. curfew.

Smith said the shelter, which runs 24-7, will be offering food twice a day onsite and other assistance such as mental health and addictions care will be offered.

Smith agreed the behaviour of residents is something officials will need to “manage internally.”

However, she said that “by and large,” nearby residents won’t even know the shelter is operating.

“We’ve learned a lot in the last two years about running a shelter,” Smith explained.

The municipality has operated an emergency shelter throughout the pandemic at both the Bradley Centre and the Travelodge.

Looks can be deceiving, she added, noting there is “a lot of misinformation out there.

“There are people who are homeless who don’t look homeless and there are people who look homeless that are not homeless,” she said.

“Those that are homeless

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

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

are people too and they have a right to be here,” she said.

To start, the 50-bed shelter will only use half of the school, Smith said.

Stayers will sleep in gender-specific dormitories, and other rooms will be used for administration as well as community meeting rooms.

“We are trying to help and to offer a safe space,” Smith said of the site, adding it will be nice to “gather and have meals together.”

Chatham-Kent is running on a very tight timeline as the existing contract with Travelodge – where the emergency shelter is currently housed – expires at the end of May. Two public information meetings to discuss the Murray Street shelter will be held at Studio One at the Chatham Cultural Centre, March 29 and April 6 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

“We want residents in the area to be able to come to the meeting, provide input and ask questions about how the shelter will operate,” Smith said. “We understand that the issue is moving quite rapidly, and we want to make sure people have the facts.”

The discussion sessions will be moderated and feature a number of municipal panellists.

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

THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2022

News

PAGE 3 ur Tr y O

Stefan, who calls herself a night owl, said she’s chased many a potential thief away from neighbouring homes during the day and night.

Another reason why people are upset, she said, is the fact that the municipality moved forward on the decision without consulting any of the neighbours.

Most learned about the news a couple of days before the committee of the whole meeting, she added.

“We were blindsided,” Stefan noted. “They (municipal officials) did it without even speaking with us.

“They should have at least knocked on our doors,” she said. “Some people didn’t even know about it.

“They are aghast and alarmed.”

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Shelter issue catches neighbours off guard

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Stefan said there are also questions with the fact the shelter was shunted to Chatham’s east side after downtown business owners rallied against it being located at Hope Haven in the downtown.

She said she’ll be seeking legal advice with the possibility of getting an injunction until the municipality proves “our neighbourhood will be absolutely safe.”

Stefan, a former machinist, said she knows about homelessness as she found herself in that position when she was a teenager in Toronto.

And while she understands the need for a shelter, she said the behaviour of its residents can’t be guaranteed.

“It sounds good on paper, but you can’t predict what a person will do,” she said.

Currently, the emergen-

cy shelter is located at the Travelodge motel on Chatham’s western edge, but the lease expires in May.

Chatham-Kent council approved the shelter May 21. The matter was deferred by council on March 7 pending infor-

mation from local developers who informed council of alternative options to Hope Haven.

Two public meetings on

the issue will be held at Studio One in the Chatham Cultural Centre, March 29 and April 6 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

to be there at the end of the year.

That’s the word form CN Rail. A spokesman for the company said the ties are

stockpiled for planned tie replacement in the region this year.

“This program is part of CN’s annual investment

into its infrastructure to ensure continued safe and efficient movement of goods,” according to CN. It’s estimated the work

will take several months and is planned to be completed by the end of 2022.

Residents in the area have complained about the

smell of creosote near the stockpile, which is located between two large green spaces, Henry Smyth Park and the cemetery.

Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice

Stefanie Stefan stands in front of the proposed homeless shelter location on Murray Street in Chatham. Stefan’s home is only a few doors down, and she had concerns.

CN Rail improvements pending for area The Chatham Voice

Don’t expect the huge piles of new railroad ties near Maple Leaf Cemetery

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 4

THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2022

News

C-K presses reset on CAO search Municipality of Chatham-Kent, as it has retained Waterhouse to keep looking for a new CAO. It’s the same company

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that was originally hired last year in the first attempt to replace the wanting-to-retire Don Shropshire, current municipal CAO.

“Waterhouse is a well-regarded firm with a proven track record in executive recruitment,” Mayor Darrin Canniff said in a media release.

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“It’s the same company that did the search that resulted in Thomas (Kelly) being selected,” Shropshire said. “They’re continuing to work with us.”

Council chose Kelly as Shropshire’s replacement back in November, but earlier this month, he and the municipality parted ways.

Kelly spent nine years as general manager of infrastructure of engineering.

Instead of being formerly named as Shropshire’s replacement, the Kelly issue stretched on.

Days after the November announcement, the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development received a harassment complaint, with the employer named as the Municipality of Chatham-Kent.

Previously published reports said the complaint was against Kelly.

Meanwhile, Shropshire said he’s not going any-

where just yet, but the clock is ticking.

“I made a commitment to council when I announced my retirement that it would be a smooth transition. I’m not moving out of the municipality,” he said. “I wanted to make sure the handover was responsible. And smooth. It’s taking longer than I thought. It is what it is.”

Shropshire said he has suggested several names to council as possible replacements for him, but it’s in the early stages.

Kelly’s abrupt departure has also created a void in the executive management team. Chris Thibert, director of engineering and transportation services, will take the reins as general manager of infrastructure of engineering on an interim basis.

Ryan Brown, director of public works, is also taking on increased responsibility.

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

ing Wheatley’s natural gas explosion and emissions continue to mount.

According to a recently released municipal expense sheet, the Wheatley disaster has cost Chatham-Kent $5.5-million.

Fire and emergency services account for $1.9-million, of which $1 million are wages.

Infrastructure and engineering fees total $1.4 million, with contract and consulting costs totalling $1.2 million.

Police service wages total $351,200.

Ontario has only committed $2 million to the municipality for mitigation thus far, however, Mayor Darrin Canniff said talks are ongoing with the province to procure more funding for expenses not covered.

A state of emergency was declared in Wheatley June 2, and a serious explosion followed in late August, levelling a couple buildings and damaging others.

Drilling work continues in Wheatley

Work to ensure downtown Wheatley is safe from future explosions is stepping up.

Chatham-Kent Fire Service Chief Chris Case said local residents may experience extra noise and activity as workers re-drill what is known as the Tait (APEC 2) well located in the municipality’s downtown parking lot.

Case told a municipal press conference last week large equipment is on site and there may be some gas flaring.

The well is being redrilled to collect gas samples and analyze the existing structure while preparing for re-abandonment.

Two other wells, known as APEC 1 and 3 will also probed, with the work to commence once APEC 2 is finished.

In the meantime, costs associated with mitigat-

THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2022

News

Spring storm knocks down 26 poles on Base Line Rd.

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

Hydro One crews had a busy time of it last week, replacing 26 hydro poles that blew down in March 23’s storm and left approximately 150 customers near Wallaceburg without power.

Sean Corbett, front line manager for Hydro One, spoke to The Chatham Voice from Base Line Road March 24, where the poles came down.

“It started out with some heavy winds and rain coming through. A couple (of poles) started to go down towards Prince Albert Road. It became a domino effect,” he said.

The poles all came down,

one after another, along Base Line Road between Prince Albert and Highway 40, he said.

Wet ground and a high water table contributed to the poles falling over.

“It was just the wind and the weight of the top of the poles once they start going over,” Corbett said.

The downed poles knocked out power into Wallaceburg, but Entegrus was able to reroute power to its impacted customers.

Corbett said crews began working on the problem Wednesday night, but the repairs began in earnest early Thursday morning.

Power was restored to all late that evening.

He said none of the lines

Contributed image

It was all hands on deck as over 100 Hydro One power line workers replaced 26 wood poles following severe weather in Wallaceburg last week.

broke when the poles came down.

“The power lines all remained intact,” Corbett said. “There are 10 dif-

ferent lines on the same poles.”

TekSavvy fibres up Dover Centre as latest ’Net expansion

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

Dover Centre is the latest Chatham-Kent area to get a high fibre Internet, courtesy of local provider TekSavvy.

According to the company, 55 homes and businesses in the North Kent community have access to fibre-to-thehome plans as part of the Southwestern Integrated Fibre Technology (SWIFT) regional broadband program.

“TekSavvy is pleased to deliver high-speed unlimited fibre Internet service to Dover Centre,” Charlie Burns, chief technology officer at TekSavvy, said in a media release.

C-K Mayor Darrin Canniff is happy to see the expansion as well.

“Dover Centre is in the heart of one of the richest agricultural areas in Chatham-Kent,” he said. “Since we grow for the world in Chatham-Kent, we need to be connected to the world.”

As part of the SWIFT

PAGE 5

upgrades, TekSavvy has helped connect homes and businesses in Chatham, Pain Court, Mitchell’s Bay, Grande Pointe, Blenheim, Cedar Springs, Bothwell, and Stoney Point.

According to a TekSavvy spokesperson, they’re running fibre optics Internet cables all across the municipality and other parts of southwestern Ontario.

“No community is too small just because it’s small. There are many factors to consider when planning and building networks. Size is one factor, but we are very happy to be able to connect even small communities like these,” the spokesperson said.

“We’re proud to partner with TekSavvy and the Municipality of Chatham-Kent to further expand broadband service throughout the region and are pleased to see that as a result of the expansion project that many more homes, farms and businesses within the community of Do-

ver Centre now have access to fast, reliable Internet service,” said Barry Field, executive director, SWIFT. TekSavvy is Canada’s largest independent Internet service provider (ISP), and is headquartered in Chatham.

The high-speed fibre network will deliver Internet speeds up to one Gigabit per second (Gbps). All TekSavvy fibre plans come with unlimited bandwidth so customers can work remotely, stream, game and surf as much as they want.

To see if TekSavvy’s fibre service is available for you, visit teksavvy.com.

Straight Talk with Nathan McKinlay

Normal feels good.

This seems to have been the ongoing theme over the past couple of weeks. Spring has sprung, the robins are out, and restrictions in most settings have been lifted.

While normal feels good everywhere, normal has special significance for us at the Funeral Home. No longer are we tracking, counting, and policing guests. We have returned to greeting them. Our job was always to put people at ease when they enter the Funeral Home and that has been hard over the past two years. The change has been tangible. You can feel the tension melt away. People are able to honour the dead like they used to, and they are showing up in droves. Service clubs are providing honour guards. Legions and churches have been putting on funeral lunches. Guests can sit together and have a coffee or tea in our coffee lounges again. The crowds have been coming to visit, and it feels good. It feels healthy. You can see it in the faces of the families we serve. I want to thank everyone for their patience over the past couple years as we have navigated the everchanging restrictions.

There were many of you who were not able to honour your loved one in the way you wanted to. There were many of you who were denied the public’s embrace when the restrictions were at their worst. It is my hope that in getting out and visiting others during their time of loss, you will in some way be able to mend your own hearts.

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 6

No perfect answer The bottom line is our homeless shelter has to go somewhere, and the clock is ticking.

With the lease at the Travelodge set to expire at the end of May, the municipality has two months to finalize a new home for our homeless.

After administration proposed establishing the site at Hope Haven on Wellington Street, downtown business owners rallied against the idea.

Council, upon receiving last-minute word there could be other options, deferred the matter.

That’s when word of the former Victoria Park School, located on Murray Street in Chatham’s east side, surfaced as a possible location. A group of local developers, some with downtown properties, negotiated to purchase the building. They offered it to the municipality for a $1 lease for the next three years.

The issue came to light for most residents in the area on March 18, as news broke in local media that it would be on the municipal council agenda.

As residents scrambled to voice their opposition, the motion passed just three days later, and now the shelter is earmarked for a residential neighbourhood, albeit at the end of the street with no neighbours to the immediate east.

Residents are, just as downtown merchants were, concerned about safety. With many homeless suffering from mental health and addiction problems, there is concern over public and property safety.

However, municipal officials said they will keep a close eye on things.

Small promise for a host of worried parents and property owners.

How did we get here? How did the merchants seemingly have a bigger say than a cluster of ratepayers?

As mentioned, the clock is ticking. Something had to be done.

But when did the clock begin to tick on this project? Did council or administration drop the proverbial ball on the matter and the issue got punted around the Civic Centre for a time?

We can’t forget we are coming out of a lengthy pandemic. Add onto that the situation in Wheatley over hydrogen sulphide gas leaks and a vacated downtown. Significant municipal resources were tied up elsewhere.

To reiterate, we need a shelter. Somewhere. If not Murray Street, where?

Most everyone agrees a homeless shelter is badly needed, but no one wants it in their neighbourhoods.

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.

Advertising policy

The publisher of this newspaper, CK Media Inc., reserves the right to clarify or refuse any advertisement based on its sole discretion. The publisher reserves the right to reject, discontinue or omit any advertisement without notice or penalty to either party.

Liability for errors or non-insertion is limited to the amount paid for the cost of space occupied by the error. Claims of errors must be made prior to the next publication date.

THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2022

Opinion

Hospital staff efforts appreciated Editor: We would like to send a very heartfelt thank you to all staff at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Hospital.

We received such incredible, kind care from all

staff during some recent health scares and would especially like to thank the Emergency Department, the Stroke Unit and a specific

team member named Nell.

We would also like to thank the Alzheimer’s Association and the Red Cross for all their

continued assistance; we are very appreciative.

Bill Harvey Pam Harvey Chatham

Residents feel ignored in decision Editor: Chatham Kent council and staff have published their core values on how they will interact with the citizens of Chatham-Kent. It states they will demonstrate respect, honesty, integrity, open communications, along with equality.

The mayor often talks about positivity as a priority for the municipality.

However, it is very apparent with the new location of the homeless shelter, that unless you have the money to solve a complicated situation, then your concerns and

questions are meaningless and the core values are just words on paper.

Council decided to ignore a request from the Tecumseh Park neighbourhood to defer a decision on the location of the homeless shelter. It voted to proceed with the location at 185 Murray St., which was the former Victoria Park School. This decision was made without any input or consultation with the neighbourhood, despite receiving multiple deputations asking for a

deferral.

City staff has been aware since the summer of 2021 that they have to move the shelter from the temporary location at the Travel Lodge (on Bloomfield Road) by May 31.

They looked at the former CAW Hall on Merritt and after discussions with area residents and Winston Churchill School officials, this location was rejected.

The next consideration was Hope Haven in the downtown core. How-

ever, business owners submitted a petition to stop this move despite knowing administration supported this site.

At the March 7 council meeting, a deferral was allowed to address the business owner’s petition. The merchants were concerned with assaults, property damage, sleeping on the streets, panhandling and a general feeling of not being safe.

Suddenly, a group of local investors were offering 185 Murray St. as a new shelter site.

Continued on page 9

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2022

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Ron Smith* 519-360-7729

Elliot Wilton* 519-358-8755

Michael Bondy* 519-352-4284

Evan Gaiswinkler* 519-401-5213

Brian Keenan* 519-365-6090

June McDougall* 519-358-5199

Chris Papple* 519-350-1402

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Penny Wilton** 519-360-0315

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 8

THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2022

News

Woodlot issue delays expected

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

It appears Chatham-Kent may turn back the clock when it comes to handling its woodlot preservation strategy.

Following a complicated Natural Heritage Committee of the Whole (NHCOTW) meeting March 21, councillors took no official action.

Instead, they sent recommendations back to ad-

ministration to probe the feasibility of hiring a third party unbiased facilitator to oversee the woodlot strategy.

Administration has also been asked to explore the feasibility of hosting a face-to-face public meeting on the issue April 11.

The tight timeline means a NHCOTW decision on woodlot preservation – including the possible creation of a tree-cutting bylaw – will fall to the next council.

A report from administration was slated to come before council Monday night.

South Kent Coun. Clare Latimer, an ardent supporter of the farming community, was responsible for bringing forward the requests.

Initially, Latimer put a motion on the floor to specifically hire Bryan Boyle and Associates to facilitate and oversee the current process.

The motion failed 8-8,

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however a second motion, that omitted a specific name for a third party hire, was put on the floor

by South Kent Coun. Anthony Ceccacci who said he wanted to support Latimer’s efforts.

The motion passed 10-6.

But Ceccacci then withdrew the motion, saying he did not want to “unravel” all the good work that’s been done by the committee so far.

Instead, East Kent Coun.

John Wright put it back on the floor and it was approved.

“We’re selling our farmers short here and we need to let them speak up,” Wright said.

Latimer stressed she’s hearing that farmers and rural landowners don’t believe they are being heard.

“The reason I brought this forward is because of my constituents,” Latimer told the committee.

“They – whether we agree with them or not – perceive they have not been heard,” she said, adding they say the “science-based information”

they’ve presented hasn’t been taken into consideration.

“Another perception is that our municipal staff is directing this process,” Latimer said, adding Boyle would be a good choice as a facilitator as he helped shepherd the process in 2013 and is trusted by farmers and rural landowners.

“They (farmers) don’t feel we understand the information that they provided to us,” Latimer said, stressing she is “pleading” with the committee to consider the recommendations.

But as for the logistics, Chatham-Kent’s general manager of community development Bruce McAllister said it will take at least three months before the hiring process can be completed, adding it will take until July before a new person can be brought on board.

There was plenty of agreement to slow the process down. South Kent Coun. Trevor Thompson and Chatham councillors Amy Finn and Doug Sul-

man all chimed in saying more time is needed to make the best decision.

Hosting a public meeting on a short timeline may also be problematic.

Both McAllister and municipal clerk Judy Smith said it may be difficult to hold a public meeting April 11 at the Bradley Centre as some rooms are already spoken for.

A hybrid-style meeting, which would blend in-person and online Zoom appearances for councillors and participants, is untested by the municipality and could present unforeseen challenges.

According to council archives, Boyle was the consultant who helped form the municipality’s Natural Heritage Strategy back in 2013.

Answers to the questions posed at the March 21 meeting were expected to part of a report to council March 28.

Chatham-Kent bears the status of having the lowest tree cover in all of Ontario at less than four per cent.

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2022

PAGE 9

Opinion

Kudos to developers over homeless shelter Editor: I was happy to read articles about the establishment of a permanent homeless shelter on Murray Street in the former Victoria Park Public School.

However; what surprised me even more was the number of people protesting against this initiative by some local investors.

As investors, I am sure they have a long-range plan for this site, but I will leave this speculation for another time. Suffice to say it’s very nice of them. We needed a group like this with vision to push ahead and be proactive and finally do something concrete for this growing situation in Chatham.

What both puzzled and also peeved me was that these protestors (Not-In-My-Backyard mindsetters) were miffed that they were not consulted about this project.

The implication of being consulted means in fact you want to find an excuse to make this thing go away.

The homeless problem is not a new phenomenon to Chatham and region. And as our economic situations worsen, post-pandemic and global crisis worsens and prices of homes increase making them unaffordable for many, a solution of this kind using empty buildings is not only creative but also timely.

You’re dammed if you do and you’re dammed if you don’t; as the saying goes. Meaning council gave the go-ahead decision because it has been an issue that has been crying for solution for decades.

I was thinking on this more and

reflected on the many, many, many organizations that deal with the homeless.

You have ComeTogetherCK, 100 Men Who Care, 100 Women Who Care, The United Way, Hope Haven, sandwich distribution volunteers, soup kitchens, church organizations, R.O.C.K. Missions, Indwell, Maple City Homes, the municipality, Tim Horton’s, and many ad hoc homeless shelters, just to name a few.

Chatham is a very generous community. We are lucky to live here.

Again, do we want to find a solution? Or is this an attempt to make us feel warm and fuzzy during the holidays as we give an hour or two of our time and then go back to our warm homes, to our comfortable lounge chairs, sipping on our wine or beer while enjoying Hockey Night in Canada on our 72-inch TV screens?

So when a generous creative group makes an effort, we protest?

Some homeless have mental issues, but not violent issues, instead they are more self-destructive ones, loss of self-esteem, loneliness, abandonment and abuse. We take better care of our homeless animals than we do our homeless humans.

Instead of condemning the project, I feel we should see how we as a community can make that shelter even more successful and better.

By creating this pilot project with sustainability and adherence to rules and regulations and municipal responsibility enforced; as we all have to living in Chatham; none

Not enough time to act Continued from page 6

The recommendation was released in the media on March 18 and council decided on March 21 to proceed.

The only one to address the concerns of the neighbourhood was Coun. Mike Bondy who asked for a deferment to allow consultation. This was vetoed by an 11 to 5 vote.

Business owners were granted a deferment when requested, but blindsided citizens were denied.

My view on the entire process is that city staff has procrastinated since last summer on the whole process and at the 11th hour had to find a quick solution. A group of investors popped up to buy them out of this problem and council took that route.

Council did not perform due diligence. I think they ignored the deputations asking councillors to delay the vote and consult with the residents.

They did not question this project as to costing, a detailed budget and viable time frame for the site to be fully functional by May 31.

There was minimal concern from council that no consultation had taken place with the neighbourhood or nearby daycare and school

staff.

We realize a shelter is necessary for individuals who are dealing with addictions and mental health issues, however, the same issues the downtown merchants identified in their petition are still relevant if the shelter is moved to our residential neighbourhood.

The majority of the neighbourhood wanted to hear how the shelter would operate and how concerns and issues would be dealt with and resolved. Both council and city staff felt this was not necessary and proceeded without any further discussion.

Council is not likely to reverse this decision even though Hope Haven has confirmed they will continue to serve their vulnerable clients at their downtown location.

We want the people of Chatham-Kent to see how this administration and council work.

All we can do now is vote for some new councillors who will uphold their own values and ethics in this fall’s election.

Sorry, Mayor Caniff, but we are not feeling very positive today.

Dale & Beth Koehler Chatham

of the fears voiced by those protesting will come to frui-

tion. I am confident of that.

Regina Stockus Chatham

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2022

PAGE 11

Life

Explorer to speak at local banquet

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

Professional explorer Adam Shoalts would rather face a polar bear than a spreadsheet any day.

The acclaimed author and adventurer is living his best life journeying deep into Canada’s wild spaces.

The Fenwick, Ont. native wouldn’t have it any other way.

“I love the solitude and to be able to look at an endless horizon,” Shoalts said in a recent interview from his home near Long Point. “It’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but it is what I love.

“If I had to deal with traffic, e-mail and spreadsheets I wouldn’t like it.

“I feel sorry for those people,” he added.

“Dealing with nature is a stress-free job.”

Named one of the “greatest living explorers” by Canadian Geographic, Shoalts has completed many expeditions, including crossing Canada’s Arctic in 2017.

The 4,000-kilometre canoe trip across the north took four months.

He’s led and completed many other wilderness trips, including leading expeditions for the Royal Canadian Geographical Society and Mountain Equipment Co-op.

Shoalts, who holds a PhD from McMaster University, said he’s been hired to look for those

Contributed image

Modern day explorer Adam Shoalts knows how to paddle his own canoe. The acclaimed author and adventurer is set to speak at the Sydenham Field Naturalists’ annual spring banquet in Chatham on April 9.

who are lost, finding archaeological ruins and to track down some of Canada’s rarest species.

Between trips, the 36-year-old is a professional speaker, giving talks from coast to coast.

On April 9, the intrepid Shoalts will make his first trip to Chatham to speak at the Sydenham Field Naturalists’ annual spring banquet.

Shoalts plans on discussing his latest book about an expedition to

Walking bridge stays closed for now The Chatham Voice

Public safety issues surrounding Wallaceburg’s L.O. Stonehouse Memorial Bridge will see the pedestrian walkway closed for another year.

In order to address the concerns that led to the bridge’s closure last fall, Chatham-Kent’s engineering department is recommending a $1.6-million refurbishment.

The proposal is set to come before Chatham-Kent council for approval March 28.

If given the go-ahead, the municipality will contract Dillon Consulting to undertake a complete

assessment of the bridge.

Construction will follow, with completion slated for 2023.

According to engineering records, the original bridge was built in 1910 to span the Sydenham River. The crossing was converted to a pedestrian walkway bridge in 1983, providing a connecting link between the north and south sides of the town.

Labrador. Titled ‘The Whisper on the Night Wind,’ the book details his journey and probes a long-standing legend surrounding mysterious animal tracks.

He’ll also be discussing timely environmental issues including the perils of natural resource ex-

traction.

“Humans have an insatiable appetite for resources and the footprint is growing larger every year,” Shoalts said.

Habitat destruction, including clear-cutting trees, dam construction and mining are also on the agenda. Shoalts said

raising awareness about “alarming” trends is his mission.

“In my own small way, when I speak or write a story, I try to let the people see the wilderness through my eyes,” he said.

“You can’t put a dollar figure on it. Nature is so

important to our well being.”

The banquet will take place at the Everest Convention Centre (formerly Club Lentinas). Tickets are $40 and can be purchased online at sydenhamfn@hotmail.com.

Doors open at 5:30, followed by dinner at 6 p.m.

MUNICIPALITY OF CHATHAM-KENT HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE DAYS The Municipality of Chatham-Kent in conjunction with Waste Connections of Canada Ridge Landfill will be holding eight Household Hazardous Waste Days between April and November in 2022. The events will be held: Location: Veolia Environmental Services 41 Prosperity Way, near Chatham Day:

Time:

Tuesday, April 12, 2022 Saturday, May 14, 2022 Tuesday, June 14, 2022 Tuesday, July 12, 2022 Tuesday, August 9, 2022 Saturday, September 10, 2022 Tuesday, October 11, 2022 Tuesday, November 8, 2022

8:00am - 1:00pm 8:00am - 3:00pm 8:00am - 1:00pm 8:00am - 1:00pm 8:00am - 1:00pm 8:00am - 3:00pm 8:00am - 1:00pm 8:00am - 1:00pm

For more information please visit www.chatham-kent.ca, your nearest Municipal Centre or call 311 or 519-360-1998.

This event is provided by Waste Connections of Canada’s Ridge Landfill and the Municipality of Chatham-Kent.

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 12

Community Events Thursday, March 31, 2022: • Come join us at The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham from 11:00am – 9:30pm. The kitchen is open to serve lunch from 11:00a. – 1:30pm. Come check out our daily specials. Everyone is welcome.

• Join us for a free mental health workshop with the Do More Agriculture Foundation; a half day interactive workshop dedicated to those involved in agriculture.

530 Victoria Street, Chatham.

12:30-4:30pm. Light refreshments will be served. Register online: https://www.eventbrite. ca/e/talk-ask-listen-ridgetown chatham-on-tickets247281855687.

• Chatham-Kent Metal Detecting Club. Meetings held the last Thursday of each month at Erickson Arena, side door. 7:00pm. All Welcome.

Friday, April 1, 2022: • Come join us at The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St., Chatham from 11:00am-9:30pm. The kitchen is open to serve lunch from 11:00am-1:30pm. Supper will be served from 4:00pm-6:00pm.

No orders after 5:30pm. Tonights specials are ham & scallops or fish & chips. Take out is also available by calling 519-351-8733 or 519-351-5639. Fun darts at 7:00pm. Everyone welcome.

Saturday, April 2, 2022: • 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-11:30am. Take out only.

• Come join us at The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St., Chatham from 11:00am-9:30pm. There will be a meat draw at 3:30, 4:30 and 5:30pm. The kitchen is open to serve lunch from 3:00pm5:30pm. Entertainment by Good Company from 4:30-9:30pm.

Come check out our menu.

Everyone welcome.

Tuesday, April 5, 2022: • Come join us at The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St., Chatham from 11:00am-9:30pm. The kitchen is open to serve lunch from 11:00am-1:30pm. Today’s special is spaghetti with meat sauce.

Come play euchre at 1:00 or spend the evening playing euchre or shuffleboard starting at 7:00pm. Everyone welcome.

Wednesday, April 6, 2022: • Come join us at The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St., Chatham from 11:00am-9:30pm. The kitchen is open to serve lunch from 11:00am-1:30pm. Our daily special is meat loaf dinner. We have pepper at 1:00pm and fun darts at 7:00pm. Everyone welcome.

• Virtual Volunteer Fair at CKPL at 3:00 pm. Looking to complete your volunteer hours for school, recently retired and want to fill in some of your time, or maybe you want to contribute to your community but don’t know where to start? Registration is required. Please contact Ask CKPL by phone 519.354.2940, by email cklibrary@chatham-kent. ca, enter “volunteer” at search. ckpl.ca, or visit your local Library Branch and ask staff to help you register.

Thursday, April 7, 2022: • Come join us at The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St., Chatham from 11:00am-9:30pm. The kitchen is open to serve lunch from 11:00am-1:30pm. Come check out our daily specials. Everyone welcome.

Friday, April 8, 2022: • The Women’s Institute of Ontario is celebrating 125 years of supporting women in Ontario and around the world. Many of us are familiar with the Tweedsmuir Community History Books which captured and preserved local community history. These books and records hold a wealth of local history which are valuable to genealogists. Irene Robillard will join us to discuss the Women’s Institute, their digital collections and the Tweedsmuir Books of Kent County. Link to Register: https://us02web.zoom. us/meeting/register • Come join us at The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St., Chatham from 11:00am-9:30pm. The kitchen is open to serve lunch from 11:00am-1:30pm. Supper will be served from 4:00pm-6:00pm. No orders after 5:30pm. Tonight’s specials are meat loaf or fish & chips. Take out is also available by calling 519-351-8733 or 519351-5639. Fun darts at 7:00pm.

Everyone welcome.

Saturday, April 9, 2022: • Come and join us for a chicken and sliders lunch for $8 from 12:00pm to 1:00pm at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St. Everyone welcome.

Takeouts available. Call 519-3528291.

• 2 man Euchre tournament at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St. Entry fee is $10 per person. Doors open at noon. Play starts at 1:00pm.

• Come join us at The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St., Chatham from 11:00am-9:30pm. There will be a meat draw at 3:30, 4:30 and 5:30pm. The kitchen is open to serve lunch from 3:00pm5:30pm. Entertainment by D.A.M. Band from 4:30-9:30pm.

Come check out our menu.

Everyone welcome.

THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2022

Fun Stuff

Sunday, April 10, 2022: • Bingo at the Ridgetown Legion.

2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. $10.00 admission includes 4 cards. Jackpot $200. Sponsored by the Legion Ladies Auxiliary.

Tuesday, April 12, 2022: • Come join us at The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham from 11:00am – 9:30pm. The kitchen is open to serve lunch from 11:00am – 1:30pm. Today’s special is spaghetti with meat sauce.

Come play Euchre at 1:00pm or spend the evening playing Euchre or Shuffleboard starting at 7:00pm. Everyone is welcome.

Wednesday, April 13, 2022: • Come join us at The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham from 11:00am – 9:30pm. The kitchen is open to serve lunch from 11:00 – 1:30pm. Our daily special is meat loaf dinner. Come check out our other daily specials. We have Pepper at 1:00pm and fun darts at 7:00pm. Everyone is welcome.

Thursday, April 14, 2022: • Come join us at The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham from 11:00am – 9:30pm. The kitchen is open to serve lunch from 11:00am – 1:30pm. Come check out our daily specials. Everyone is welcome.

Friday, April 15, 2022: • Come join us at The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St., Chatham from 11:00am-9:30pm. The kitchen is open to serve lunch from 11:00am-1:30pm. Supper will be served from 4:00pm-6:00pm. No orders after 5:30pm. We will be serving fish & chips only for our Good Friday Special. Take out is also available by calling 519-3518733 or 519-351-5639. Everyone welcome.

Saturday, April 16, 2022: • 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-11:30am. Take out only.

• Come join us at The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St., Chatham from 11:00am-9:30pm. There will be a meat draw at 3:30, 4:30 and 5:30pm. The kitchen is open to serve lunch from 3:00pm5:30pm. Entertainment by D.A.M. Band from 4:30-9:30pm.

Come check out our menu.

Everyone welcome.

Are you affected by someone else’s drinking?

Al-anon can help! Call leave message - 519-350-3462 Submit your coming events to bruce@chatham­voice.com or michelle@chathamvoice.com

CLUES ACROSS 1. Hillsides 6. A way to ingest 9. Large number 13. Southeastern Minnesota city 14. Cronies 15. Having sufficient skill, knowledge 16. Supplements with difficulty 17. Former VP nominee Palin 18. Cambodian monetary unit 19. Where coaches work 21. Secret political clique 22. A type of lute 23. Tan 24. Empire State 25. Where golfers begin 28. For each 29. Muslim inhabitants of the Philippines 31. Bird genus 33. Popular Dave Matthews Band song 36. Domesticates 38. “Boardwalk Empire” actress Gretchen 39. Asian antelope 41. One who takes

apart 44. Kin 45. Dresses 46. Says something about you (abbr.)

48. Doctor of Education 49. One quintillion bytes (abbr.)

51. Overcharge 52. Sailboats 54. Indian musical patterns 56. Predisposition to a condition 60. Share a common boundary with 61. Wide 62. Skin disease 63. Monetary unit of Samoa 64. Source of the Blue Nile 65. Instrument 66. Red deer 67. Unidentified flying object 68. Bar or preclude CLUES DOWN 1. Flying insects 2. Strong alcoholic spirit 3. Old 4. Moves in slowly 5. Symbol for tin 6. Having certain

appendages 7. Expression of sorrow or pity 8. Type of hormone (abbr.)

9. One with an unjustified mistrust 10. Hebrew calendar month 11. Pure 12. LSU football coach 14. Unbroken views 17. Fathers 20. Part of a

race 21. Hairstyle 23. Fifth note of a major scale 25. Body art 26. Amounts of time 27. Designed chairs 29. Sensational dramatic piece 30. Arrangement of steps 32. Classifies 34. Young child 35. Oh, no!

37. Astronomical period of about 18 years 40. Not or 42. Poke fun at 43. Consisting of roots 47. “__ Humbug!”

49. A way to remove 50. A confusion of voices and other sounds 52. Keyed instrument 53. Varnishes 55. Unpleasantly sticky substance 56. Unable to hear 57. A short erect tail 58. Indicates interest 59. Flow or leak through 61. British thermal unit 65. Iron

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

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

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

Answers found on page 14

THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2022

Turning back the calendar

PAGE 13

The Arts

‘Calendar Girls’ two years in the making for theatre group

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

Two years between rehearsals is a long time.

But that’s what happened to Theatre Kent’s production of Calendar Girls that’s coming to the Kiwanis Theatre April 22 and 23.

The first version of the beloved play was set to run May 9, 2020, but then COVID-19 rolled in.

Director Melissa Bristow said production was six weeks out when the pandemic was declared.

“This is Calendar Girls 2.0,” Bristow joked when discussing the two-act play that features a cast of 13.

“We’ve been sitting on it since 2020 and while we’ve retained a lot from the first version, this is definitely a stronger show,” she said.

Eric Bristow is the show’s producer and there are 13 backstage production members.

The British play that was made into movie staring Helen Mirren, retells the true story of a group of middle-aged women who belong to a local Women’s Institute. They decide to pose nude for a calendar to raise money for cancer research.

The idea for the calendar came into being after one of the Women’s Institute members loses her husband to leukemia.

Now there’s a local twist on the theme.

Besides bringing live theatre back to Chatham-Kent, the cast of Calendar Girls decided to create their own calendar to raise money for cancer research.

Proceeds from the sales will be split evenly between the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance oncology department and the Windsor Cancer Foundation.

Cast member Ruth Brown said that posing for the calendar was emotional for everyone in-

Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice

Angel Vilagot and Ruth Brown rehearse a scene from Calendar Girls.

volved as it drove home the play’s message.

The Renaissance-inspired photos of the diverse group of cast members were tastefully shot by local photographer Angela Speller.

“There’s a difference between being naked and being nude,” Brown said.

The experience brought the Calendar Girls message home.

“The story became more poignant for us and it makes you realize tomorrow is not promised,”

Brown said. “We took our robes off so cancer patients can put their robes on.”

A portion of the money raised from the calendar has been earmarked to purchase specially made “dignity robes” for cancer patients receiving treatment.

According to Brown, shooting the calendar was a “gift,” with actors giving a more authentic performance after the experience.

Bris-

tow concurred.

“The show is about how far an idea can take you,” Bristow noted. “This is a better, stronger show – we’ve been galvanized by the last two years.”

The first 300 calendars have been sponsored, with 100 for sale to the public. They can be purchased from cast members or at the theatre.

Calendar Girls will kick off April 22 at 7 p.m. Two performances will be held

April 23, at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.

All tickets are $28.50 and can be purchased at the Chatham Cultural Centre box office, 75 William St, N. in Chatham during business hours or online through CKtickets.com.

Local Business Buying Locally Guspro’s Les Herman and Al Moon are seen with Luce Cools picking up the company’s new 2021 Ram Crew Cab Big Horn.

This is one of numerous vehicles Guspro has purchased from Luce over the years. As a returning and faithful client, thank you Guspro for always choosing to keep your business local!

Chatham

351 Richmond St., Chatham • 519-352-4937 • • 519-354-8000 •

www.chathamchrysler.com

THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 14

THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2022

The Arts/Life

It’s all in the eyes

Walk for Alzheimer’s has options

ARTspace hosting exhibit

The Chatham Voice

The Chatham Voice

ARTspace in Chatham has a new exhibition opening April 1.

Artist Tracy Root’s work will be on display, specifically her “Prism of Perception” work.

Root, a respected member of the London art scene for many years, moved to Chatham-Kent during the height of the pandemic.

The opening reception takes place April 1 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

As a new resident arriving during the isolation of the lockdowns, Root responded to these chal-

Contributed image

Artist Tracy Root’s “Prism of Perception” exhibit opens this week at ARTspace.

lenges by dedicating herself to her studio practice.

During this time, she created paintings that evoke a sense of longing, loss, and acceptance.

Through her highly refined painting style, she perceives the world as a

Help Wanted

The Chatham Voice is looking for permanent carriers in these areas: 1 - Robertson, Edna, Thelma, Buckingham, Phyllis, Crystal 2 - Inshes, Lorne, McDougall, Patteson Carriers have Wednesday & Thursday each week to have the papers delivered to all of the houses on their route.

kaleidoscope of geometric patterns, lively composition, and vibrant colours.

Everyone is invited to this free and family-friendly event.

The artist will be present to speak about her work.

ARTspace is located at 165½ King St. W. in Chatham and is open from noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.

For more information, visit www.tagartspace. com.

The Alzheimer Society of Chatham-Kent (ASCK) is inviting the Chatham-Kent community to walk with their hearts and soles for this year’s IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s.

During the last two years, the walk was strictly virtual due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

ASCK is doing things a little differently this year to bring the C-K community together once again.

Weekly outdoor walks are being offered during the month of May and throughout C-K. Participants can enjoy leisurely strolls on various walking paths in Tilbury, Blenheim, Wallaceburg, and Chatham. These weekly walks are drop-in style so participants can

Classifieds

choose when and where they walk.

A memorial garden will be on display exhibiting the faces of local citizens living with dementia and those lost to the disease.

Participants can also capture memories of their support behind an enlarged photo frame as well as pick up free swag items from on-site ASCK staff members.

The details of the weekly walks are as follows: • Northside Park Trail (Tilbury) – May 11 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

• Be-Fit Trail (Blenheim) – May 18 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

• Crothers Park Trail (Wallaceburg) – May 25 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

• Kingston Park Trail (Chatham) –May 28 10:30 a.m. to noon.

Loans

For Sale

Wanted

Wanted

Wanted

MORTGAGES / LOANS

45” Round glass top table with 4 chairs.

519-352-9316.

Wanted: small printer to copy and scan in black and colour. Favor Canon possibly. Unopened box with cable connect. Less gadgets the better. Would consider other brands. Phone 519-354-7241.

Wanted: Scrap air conditioners, electric motors and electrical wire. Phone 226-229-2614.

BUYING COIN COLLECTIONS and Silver Coins Any? Call Paul 289228-2817.

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

We Buy All Paid Cash. 519727-8894.

Wanted to Rent or Buy: 3 or 4 acres of land in Chatham-Kent area.

No buildings or utilities needed. rural areas preferred. 519352-5414 or 226-627-5414.

CONSOLIDATE DEBTS LOWER YOUR PAYMENTS

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

WE ALSO ARRANGE UNSECURED LINES OF CREDIT/LOANS

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

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

On approved credit, & subject to borrower qualification.

Rates & terms subject to change without notice.

Sample of payments if you qualify

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

Silk Cemetery Saddle Arrangements.

Everyday/ Holidays.

Ready-to-go.

Many colours available. $35.

519-354-3411

Check us out!

CHATHAMVOICE.COM

This week’s answers. Puzzles on page 12

HOW TO PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIED AD IN THE CHATHAM VOICE Call Michelle today 519-397-2020, ext.226 or email michelle@ chathamvoice.com

IN PERSON: 71 Sass Rd. #4, Chatham CALL: 519-397-2020 EMAIL: michelle@chathamvoice.com Classified ads starting at only $6.00 for items for sale for 15 words.

Garage Sales starting at $11.00 for 20 words.

Announcement ads starting at $44.00.

All ads include colour!

THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2022

THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 15

Classifieds

Coming Event

Obituary

Anniversary

Anniversary

WYLIE, Isabelle “Issy” (nee McRoberts) In the early morning hours of Sunday, March 20 2022, Isabelle “Issy” Wylie (nee McRoberts) passed away peacefully at the Chatham-Kent Hospice on a perfect Scottish day. Daughter of the late William and Sarah McRoberts.

Wife of the late Dugald William “Bill” Wylie (2020) for over 56 years. Mother of Bill Wylie Jr. (Laurie Wylie), Robert Wylie (Annies Cadotte), Isabell Fawcett (Scott Fawcett) and predeceased by daughter Anne Colbourne (Ted Colbourne).Grandmother of Michael, Sarah and Emma Wylie, Felecia, Kadie and Derrick Cadotte, Brandon Wylie, Joshua Kendall, and Cathrinia and Connor Fawcett. Great grandmother of Kohen Cadotte. Sister of Morag (Sarah) Stewart and Margaret Hill.

She will be dearly missed by many nieces and nephews as well as extended family and friends all over the globe.

Issy’s pride and joy was always her family, but especially her grandchildren. The family spent summers at the trailer in Grand Bend, creating beautiful, lasting memories. She also enjoyed gardening, with the first spring blooms coming to the surface the day of her passing. Issy’s family will be remembering her privately.

The family wish to thank Jennifer Demars, Community Paramedics, Helen Slater, Janet Bleaume, Shannon the PSW, as well as all the staff at Chatham-Kent Hospice and Life Transitions, for all of their assistance over the last few years of Mom’s life. In memory of Issy, donations may be made to the Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation.

Arrangements entrusted to Life Transitions Burial and Cremation Service Inc.

Happy 65th Anniversary Dick and Ruth Gilbert April 6, 1957

Happy 50th Anniversary

Carol Bonita Miller Words cannot express our profound sadness at the sudden passing of our beloved mother on Wednesday March 23, 2022 at the age of 90. Born in Halifax, Nova Scotia on December 31, 1931.

Daughter of the late William and Rita (Carmichael) Morton. Dearly loved wife and best friend of 62 years to the late Carmen “Jack” Miller (2016). Loving and treasured mother of Heather Miller, Kim (David) Boismier, Michael (Sharon), Dawn (Sammy) Myers & Jackie (Alan) Labadie all of Chatham. Cherished grandmother of Carmen (Linda) Boismier, Brandy (Tim) Dezan, Stephanie Miller (Richard), Mitchell, Amanda, and Stefan Miller and Taylor and Sydney Labadie. Beloved great-grandmother of seven.

Dear sister of Marion Morton of Windsor, Nova Scotia. She will be sadly missed by sisters-in-law Diane Miller of Chatham and Janet Murdock of California, as well as her loving fur baby Jiggs. Predeceased by her brother Ken Morton, brother-in-law Robert “Bob” Miller and sisterin-law Carol (Al) Horvath. Carol grew up in Halifax, Nova Scotia and left home at the age of 17 to work at the historic Nova Scotian Hotel in Halifax. Carol loved to dance and spent most evenings at the dance hall where she met the love of her life, Carmen (Jack) Miller, a Seaman in the Royal Canadian Navy. They wed after a short 3 month courtship and soon started a family, deciding to return to Ontario where Jack’s family was to raise their children. Carol was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother whose family were her pride & joy, her favourite times were times spent with family. Her and Jack loved the horse races and spent many vacations at the race track. She loved to decorate her home for every season and holiday, loved to garden, was an avid reader (biographies her favourite), and loved crosswords and Scrabble. In keeping with Carol’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a private family service will follow. Friends planning an expression of remembrance are asked to consider the Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation or the Pet and Wildlife Rescue (PAWR). Arrangements entrusted to Hinnegan Peseski Funeral Home (519)352-5120.

Dwight & Margaret Anderson March 30

EASTER CRAFT EVENT! OVER 20 VENDORS! Saturday, April 9, 2022.

10am-3pm. The Wednesday Market. 9877 Longwoods Road. Facebook: Easter Craft / Vendor Event.

Estate Sale

Love your family

New Members Welcome

Love your family In Memoriam In Memory of Dolores Summerfield March 29, 2021 Love and miss you everyday.

Your sons, John & Dan and your sister, Sally Bear.

Pick us up every week at any of these locations!

Chatham: Anne’s Smoke Shop, Legion Branch 628, Downtown Chatham Centre, Maple City Bakery, Royal LePage, Active Lifestyle Centre, Wednesday Market, Pharmasave, 7-11, Beckers, Schinkels, Lenovers, Betty Brite Wallaceburg: Shoppers Drug Mart, 99.1CKXS, Taylor’s Variety, Black Goose, No Frills, Hometown Deli Dresden: MacTavish Pharmacy Thamesville: Fast & Fresh, Movie Den, Studio 519 Blenheim: McIntyre I.D.A. Pharmacy, Jim’s Barber Shop, Blenheim Seniors Centre, Blenheim Variety, Blenheim Municipal Service Centre Erieau: Eau Buoy, Bayside Brew Pub Pain Court: Pain Court Market, Central Tavern Mitchell’s Bay: Mitchell’s Bay Variety, Dover Duds Merlin: Merlin General Store Tilbury: Ashley’s Place Charing Cross: Post Office/Bert’s Plumbing Wheatley: Circle K Store, Jack’s Restaurant

Kent Coin Club is welcoming new members. Adults, teens and children. Call Paul 289-228-2817.

OBITUARIES

April 1 - 10am4pm & April 2 - 8am - 1pm.

Tools, household, BNIB Gazebo, lawn chair, propane heater - no tank, weed wacker, gas cans. 266 Merritt Ave., Chatham.

Carol Bonita Miller 90, Wednesday, March 23 2022 Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home

Dorothy Brown 91, Monday, March 21, 2022 McKinlay Funeral Home

Delbert Knight Saturday, March 19, 2022 Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home

Barbara Morrow 88, Thursday, March 24, 2022 McKinlay Funeral Home

Isabelle “Issy” Wylie Sunday, March 20, 2022 Life Transitions

Garry Oulds Thursday, March 24, 2022 Alexander & Houle Funeral Home

Regina “Gina” Jackson Stinnett 66, Sunday, March 20, 2022 Life Transitions

Lloyd Coleman 70, Tuesday, March 22, 2022 Blenheim Community Funeral Home

Dennis Spiers 64, Friday, March 18, 2022 Life Transitions

Mary Ellen Siddall (McBrien) 77, Tuesday, March 22, 2022 Blenheim Community Funeral Home

Marie St. Pierre 93, Thursday, March 17, 2022 McKinlay Funeral Home

Bonnie McGhie 94, Wednesday, March 23, 2022 Kendrick Funeral Home

Fr. Sam Johnston 94, Thursday, March 24, 2022 McKinlay Funeral Home

David L. Armaly 92, Thursday, March 24, 2022 Kendrick Funeral Home

Frances Clark 94, Friday, March 25, 2022 McKinlay Funeral Home Laddie Spiruda 82, Friday, March 25, 2022 McKinlay Funeral Home

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

4 Victoria Ave, Chatham (519) 352-2390

lifetransitions.ca • 519-351-4444

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

www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com

Serving Kingsville, Wheatley & Chatham kendrickfuneralhome.com

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

A Part of Wallaceburg since 1943.

Also online at chathamvoice.com

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

alexanderfuneralhome.ca

519.627.2861 ericnichollsfuneralhome.com

PAGE 16

THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2022

LILM I IMTIED STSUT U T E D DIDOISO A V AVAI A I L LABA B LS LE E

A new beginning for...

A new beginning for . . .

ST. ANGELA'S MEADOW ST. ANGELA’S MEADOW

LIFEFOR FOR YOU YOU TO . . . ...A A LIFE

DISCOVER! DISCOVER!

Chatham's NEWEST Retirement Lodge Don't miss out, inquire now!

519-352-5225