The Chatham Voice, April 15, 2021

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By Jenna Cocullo jenna@chathamvoice.com

Sarah Schofield/The Chatham Voice

Tyler Dam recently enjoyed some time at the Chatham Skate Park with his family, including daughter Willa, 3, who was enthusiastic to tag along for a ride on his skateboard.

A Chatham-Kent businesswoman is keeping her doors open as the province declared a third provincial emergency and stay-at-home order since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Julie Krieger, owner of Rachel’s Room, located on Fourth Street in Chatham, is not a COVID-19 denier or conspiracy theorist.

She’s simply had enough of the government’s lock-

down orders and thinks it’s time to prioritize the economy with COVID-19 seemingly not going anywhere anytime soon.

“It’s time. I can’t stay closed anymore. I think I have the right to earn my living and this is how I earn my living. Since COVID, I haven’t taken a paycheque,” Krieger said. “I understood why they were doing the first closures, but this time around I can’t do it.”

Continued on page 3

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THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2021

News

CKHA has flexibility with procedures

By Jenna Cocullo jenna@chathamvoice.com

The Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (CKHA) is ready to receive patients from elsewhere in the province and deploy staff to neighbouring hospitals, according to its president and CEO. On Thursday, Ontario Health requested that all hospitals across the province ramp down non-ur-

gent and elective care procedures as provincial COVID-19 cases continue to rise along with hospitalizations.

“This is really being done specifically because of the current critical care capacity issues across the province,” said Lori Marshall.

The changes were to come into effect April 12.

“We are well over 500 patients in critical care units across the province at this

stage. There is concern that we will not be able to respond as a province to those needs without dramatically making a change to care service.”

Noting that CKHA services are provincial assets, Marshall said it is CKHA’s responsibility to provide care to everyone.

“We will meet that responsibility if we are called upon to provide that.”

CKHA will be aiming to reduce its capacity to below 85 per cent. At this stage it will continue with day surgeries, ambulatory care, and diagnostic procedures. Emergency and urgent surgeries will continue regardless of where its occupancy stands.

Marshall said areas with a low-prevalence of COVID-19 were afforded more flexibility.

CKHA will continue with

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Marshall said CKHA is in the process of creating a survey to identify which staff would be interested in volunteering for redeployment, if necessary.

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Approximately 2,000 cases were backlogged last year when CKHA first ramped down its services, mainly from a hold on all elective surgical procedures as well as non-ur-

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Lockdown defiance

Continued from page 1

Rachel’s Room sees no more than eight customers at once on a normal business day when there are no special events or sales planned, Krieger said. She does not believe that shutting down a small local shop like hers will do anything to stop or spread the virus.

“We’re not a spreader at all.

(During COVID-19) I usually do one person at a time or a family comes in together. And everyone is very respectful of the space because of COVID. I am just too little to be a spreader and I can easily control it.”

Krieger still wears a mask, as do her customers who come in, and she has hand sanitizer placed by the entrance.

Under Ontario’s stay-at-home order, residents are only allowed to leave their homes for essential trips such as work, outdoor exercise, child care and school, grocery shopping or for medical reasons. The order was enacted on April 8, and is set to last for a minimum of 28 days.

This time around, big box stores, such as Wal-Mart, were told to rope off their non-essential items, but Krieger said the damage has already been done

to small businesses.

“It’s good they finally realized that they have to rope off non-essential items, but why didn’t they do that to begin with? All the money they’ve got, and small businesses got none of it. And I wouldn’t have (government) loans if I had just stayed open,” she said.

Stuart McFadden, director of Economic Development, is urging businesses to follow the guidance of the CK Public Health Unit and province.

“Right now, that guidance is effective. This is necessary to protect and save many people, so we do not support people opening up that shouldn’t be open. We don’t support anybody breaking the law, and I know it’s tough on everybody.

I understand that. We hear it all the time,” he said.

Krieger said she understands that the government wants to look out for people’s health, but argues that the mental health of business owners is suffering as the bills pile up.

“The stress of not bringing home the paycheque is overwhelming. We’re not destitute by any means, but still it’s such a stressful thing to know you

can’t support your family too,” she said. “And I am only one person; there are millions of stories like mine out there.”

Both senior levels of government provided support to businesses during the pandemic, but only so much can be kept and the rest does have to be paid back, she added.

Economic Development was also able to leverage provincial funds to help businesses move online, and the municipality provided businesses that slipped through the provincial and federal cracks with a $2,000 grant to help with COVID-19 expenses.

“Many businesses, they had to pivot, they figured out how to do curbside differently, they figured out how to go online.

Don’t forget those lessons that we learned last time we shut down and we just need to get through these next four weeks,” McFadden said.

The municipality is looking at ways to support local businesses again, but there is nothing definitively on the table yet.

Krieger hopes other

Jenna Cocullo/The Chatham Voice

Julie Krieger doesn’t believe that a small business like hers will do much to contribute to the stop or spread of the COVID-19 virus as her space is small and throughout the pandemic sha has only let in one customer, or family group, at a time.

businesses will stand with her and open during the lockdown.

“They can’t possibly fine us all,” she said.

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2021

3rd St. Bridge closes April 26

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

In less than two weeks, one of Chatham’s three downtown-area bridges will be out of action.

On April 26, the Third Street Bridge will be closed for months for reconstruction.

Last month, council approved $14 million in upgrades.

Some of the work to be done on the bridge includes the removal of the operator’s house and of the bridge superstructure, including all existing structural steel members, steel railings, steel decking, concrete deck, and concrete sidewalks.

PAGE 5

News

New steel girders will also be installed and the roadway on either side of the bridge will be partially reconstructed. The steel barriers and concrete sidewalks on both sides of the bridge will be replaced. Similar to the Fifth Street Bridge rehabilitation, the majority of the concrete piers above the water line will be removed and narrower piers will be constructed.

Brendan Falkner, manager of engineering with the municipality, said the plan is for this bridge rebuild to be much more efficient than what occurred several years ago with the Fifth Street Bridge. That bridge was

closed in July of 2017 and remained closed to vehicular and pedestrian traffic for nearly a year – about six months longer than anticipated – after construction delays pushed the project back through the winter.

“We definitely faced

challenges with the Fifth Street Bridge,” Falkner admitted. “But with this we tried to get the tender out earlier in the year. And there are no third-party issues like we faced with the Fifth Street Bridge.”

Bell Canada had cable

running under the Fifth Street Bridge. That isn’t the case on the Third Street Bridge.

Falkner said the goal for the Third Street Bridge is for one lane in each direction to be open for vehicular traffic by the end of the year, with full completion

set for the spring of 2022.

“So far, so good. Pre-construction meetings indicate they are ready to get on this,” Falkner said of contractor Toronto Zenith, the winning bidder on the project.

“They started ordering the materials already.”

on April 19 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“We know that for people without housing, the risk of COVID is very real,” said general manager Loree Bailey in a

media release. “The message of ‘stay home and stay safe’ applies to all of us. We know that this is a tool in the prevention of the virus. If you don’t have a home, you don’t

have this tool. We want to make sure that those experiencing homelessness have every possible opportunity to protect themselves.”

The clinic is open to all

who use the services of the Haven, regardless of age. A health card or other ID is not required. No appointment is required.

People are asked to come to the back door of

Hope Haven and access the shelter in the same manner that they always do. Once inside, local doctor Bob Mayo will be available to answer any questions people have.

Contributed image

Construction on the Third Street Bridge, which will close the bridge to vehicular and pedestrian traffic for months, is slated to begin April 26.

Vaccinations for the homeless to be administered on April 19 The Chatham Voice

Chatham Hope Haven will be hosting a vaccination clinic for those experiencing homelessness.

The clinic will take place

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PAGE 6

If only...

If only all Ontarians (well, all Canadians and all citizens around the globe for that matter) did their part in helping to prevent the spread of COVID. This is getting old.

Yes, we know people are complaining and are fed up with COVID restrictions. We hear you. And we also hear the governments and their efforts to curb the spread of the virus.

If only people followed social distancing guidelines, all the way along, and washed their hands regularly, or didn’t hang out in clusters with buddies.

If only our numbers had stayed lower. But mass family gatherings at Thanksgiving, as kids returned from urban areas rich with COVID to hug their mothers and fathers, delivering the virus with them and friends they reconnected with, sparked the upward crawl once again.

By Christmas, the second wave was well upon us, and we shut down the province again. People behaved, and COVID numbers plummeted.

The vaccines began to arrive, and many saw a light at the end of the tunnel.

If only someone didn’t push that light so much farther down the tunnel.

If only people didn’t travel for selfish reasons and instead respected guidelines to limit such excursions. How else did COVID variants gain such a foothold in Canada? Brazil, or the U.K. for that matter, are not our next-door neighbours.

If only the people of Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area didn’t consider themselves the be all and end all of the province. Shopping in mass numbers in malls? Mission unfortunately accomplished.

Crowding into parks the past two weekends with few masks evident? They covered that as well, hugging and partying with pals along the way.

If only the provincial government knew how to actually lock things down. Half-ass efforts yield half-ass results.

If only small business didn’t have their collective legs cut out from underneath them. Why did it take a year for the provincial government to apply similar curbside guidelines to big-box corporate giants as it did to small businesses?

If only people respected one another, rather than constantly putting their needs first, we wouldn’t be in this lingering limbo.

If only there was some consistency at all levels of government, as well as from the citizens, we might have never experienced a second or third wave.

Letters to the editor policy The Chatham Voice welcomes letters to the editor.

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

You can also drop them off or mail them to us at The Chatham Voice, 71 Sass Rd., Unit 4, Chatham, Ont, N7M 5J4.

The Chatham Voice reserves the right to edit letters to the editor for brevity and clarity.

All letters need to be signed.

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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, APRIL 15, 2021

Opinion

Doc respected in community: reader Editor: I have been following your coverage involving Dr. Chris Anjema and the Ontario College of Physicians and Surgeons.

Since the College now has extracted their pound of flesh, allow me to make a few observations. First and foremost, this community of Chatham-Kent and surrounding area have been very fortunate to have an ophthalmologist of Dr. Anjema’s calibre to be located right here in Chatham. For many patients that need the services of an ophthal-

mologist, travelling to larger centres such as London has been largely eliminated.

I was dismayed when the College announced that they were doing an investigation into the practice of Dr. Anjema, and that it seemed we, the public, quickly found him guilty in the court of public opinion. It seems one only has to hear about an allegation and the public is so quick to pre-judge the person. How sad that we would treat one of our

own professionals in this matter, let alone anyone else who finds themselves in a similar situation.

Dr. Anjema is not only a well-respected ophthalmologist, he also is a businessman who contributes in a number of ways to the health of the economy in Chatham-Kent, not to mention a host of charities that have benefited from his generosity.

I’m relieved that he can now put this matter behind him, and hope that he will continue to serve

the citizens of our community. We owe him our gratitude.

As far as a law firm, which advertises extensively locally, but is headquartered outside of Chatham, they should be ashamed of themselves for their unprofessional conduct in trolling, or “ambulance chasing” for alleged victims to support a class action. That law firm, in my opinion, paints a dismal picture of what otherwise is a reputable profession.

George Flikweert Chatham

Editor: For more than 70 years, the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) has celebrated the Daffodil Campaign in April. The daffodil is resilient, it is the first flower to bloom in the spring and for those living with cancer, it is a symbol of strength, courage and hope.

As we begin to emerge from a difficult year, we invite Chatham-Kent resi-

dents to rally around this symbol to provide hope to people affected by cancer in their community. Now more than ever, the daffodil’s sunny symbol serves as a meaningful reminder for us to come together and continue to look ahead to brighter days.

We’re calling on the people of Chatham-Kent

to join us and help make a meaningful difference for all Canadians affected by cancer.

Whether you donate online, create a digital daffodil in honour of a loved one or organize a virtual fundraiser, you’re helping create a future where no Canadian fears cancer. To show your support, visit your local

Pharmasave to buy a daffodil pin.

Donating to the Canadian Cancer Society Daffodil Campaign – especially during a pandemic – is the most impactful way to improve the quality of life of people affected by all cancers and bring them hope.

The Canadian Cancer Society Community Giving team

Support the Daffodil Campaign

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2021

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Cynthia Hiatt* 519-320-4190

Patrick Pinsonneault** 519-360-0141

Kelly-Anne Appleton* 519-365-7155

Brian Keenan* 519-365-6090

Katherine Rankin* 226-542-2964

Carson Warrener* 519-809-2856

Stephen Carroll* 519-355-9774

Gwen Liberty* 519-784-3646

Deborah Rhodes* 519-401-5470

Cindy Weaver** 519-360-0628

Eric Fitzgerald* 519-436-4865

Wayne Liddy* 519-436-4810

June McDougall* 519-358-5199

Heather Najjar** 519-355-8666

Chris Papple* 519-350-1402

Brandice Smith* 226-626-4838

Elliot Wilton* 519-358-8755

Michael Gibbons* 519-365-5634

Krista Mall* 519-365-7462

Sylvia Moffat** 519-355-8189

Andrea Okopny* 519-359-2482

Jackie Patterson* 519-436-9030

David Smith* 519-350-1615

Penny Wilton** 519-360-0315

Brian Peifer** 519-436-2669

Ron Smith* 519-360-7729

Lisa Zimmer* 519-365-7325

Elizabeth Peifer* 519-436-8959

Jolene Van Dyk* 519-809-1146

*Sale Representative **Broker Darren Hart* 226-627-8580

George McDougall* 519-360-7334

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Ghassan Najjar** 519-355-8668

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 8

THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2021

News

The push to loosen restrictions on gyms

By Jenna Cocullo jenna@chathamvoice.com

A Chatham-Kent gym owner, with support from the mayor and a local MPP, wants to see rules and regulations for gyms change after fitness clubs were forced to close their doors for a third time during last week’s lockdown.

Noting that Chatham-Kent’s rate of infection and active cases is

significantly lower than federal or provincial averages, Dave Miller, owner of Performance 360 Health and Fitness Club, said it’s time to treat gyms as essential services.

“There’s people who need facilities, whether it is mine or someone else’s, that need it for rehabilitation or mental health. Youth who are also missing out on training are going to be put behind the eight ball too.

Especially kids who have scholarship aspirations or to make a junior hockey team,” he said.

Prior to Ontario’s stayat-home order, gyms were already suffering with a 10-person indoor limit in the Red Zone. Currently, they are idled.

Miller recently sent an e-mail to Chatham-Kent Leamington MPP Rick Nicholls, Mayor Darrin Canniff and Medical Officer of Health Dr. David

Colby, urging them to lobby the government to change the rules.

“I’ve been advocating,

regarding the Ministry of Health, as to the importance of fitness for people, not just the physical

fitness but also the mental fitness as well,” Nicholls said.

Continued on page 9

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Jernna Cocullo/The Chatham Voice

Dave Miller, owner of Performance 360 Health and Fitness Club, says his space is large enough to accommodate more than 10 people when C-K is in the Red Zone for COVID-19 control. And as for stay-at-home/lockdown, he would like to see the definition of essential expand for gyms.

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2021

PAGE 9

News

Make gyms essential: gym owner

Continued from page 8

During the pandemic there have been multiple reports of gyms being hotspots for the transmission of COVID-19. Just last week one gym in Quebec City was linked to approximately 440 cases of COVID-19 spreading.

“I feel that locally, our gyms are doing an exceptional job of keeping things clean and sterile. On their end, they’re following the proper protocols for COVID,” Nicholls said.

Miller added that a lot of health clubs are opening for their current membership and will not accept any clients from outside the municipality, even students coming home for the holidays.

Throughout the pandemic the Ontario government has gradually relaxed restrictions on various industries, such as restaurants. Canniff said now that the public is more aware of how to prevent the spread of COVID-19, gyms should be the next area the government looks to expand on, especially for mental health purposes.

While Miller is glad to see restaurants gain extra leeway when in the Red Zone – with 50 per cent of their capacity allowed indoors with no more than 50 people – he feels that it is unfair to impose harsher restrictions on fitness clubs, who should follow the same rules.

He would at least like to see regulations change to follow the same percentage of capacity rule. His cardio space alone can fit 15 people spaced 10 feet apart, while some smaller gyms cannot accommodate that.

“There’s more than enough space

to spread everyone out. So it’s tough to swallow the rules being imposed because it’s not a one-size-fits-all,” he said.

Residents with a medical note from their doctor can use a gym for mental health purposes, but Miller feels with so many people feeling the effects of COVID-19, it is a bit “ridiculous” that everyone would have to seek permission from a physician to be allowed to exercise.

Some services, such as the cardiac rehabilitation program that runs out of his gym, are also allowed to remain open. From a business perspective, Miller would lose out if he staffed and opened the facility for such a small pocket of people. On top of that, two years ago he made renovations to expand the facility, with brand new equipment, costing him loans that would take a minimum of five years to pay off.

“When I made the investment into this 2.5 years ago I knew what I was able to carry to pay for my investments. I wasn’t banking on taking out $60,000 in government loans. I am appreciative of it but now I have to figure out what my game plan is in the next few years to pay it back on top of everything else I committed to. So it’s a double-edge sword.”

The government loans helped Miller through the seven months he was closed in the last year but it does not help his 18 employees who had to be laid off with just three days’ notice, he added.

“That has a big impact on people,” he said. “It’s tough for our staff who have young families. (Government grants) are nice but they don’t help our staff.”

2nd Generation Buyer Jared Grywacheski, his wife Stephanie and their two children Olivia and Weston of Komoka are seen with Luce Cools picking up his new 2020 Big Horn Crew Cab pick-up.

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Your turn is coming soon.

Ontario’s COVID-19 vaccine plan is helping to stop the spread and save lives.

Thousands of people across the province are getting vaccinated every day.

As vaccinations continue, we need to stay the course to protect those we love. Wear a mask. Wash your hands. Keep your distance.

Find out when, where and how to get vaccinated at ontario.ca/covidvaccineplan or call 1-888-999-6488 for assistance in more than 300 languages.

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 10

Honouring

Ways to Say Thank You

There are many ways to say thank you. Here are just a couple of our ideas:

Our First Responders For their courage, skill and dedication, we recognize the men and women whose work as first responders saves lives and protects the greater good. Thank you for your service to our communities!

Compassion. Support. Caring.

Healing. Commitment.

Understanding. Comfort.

1. Make a sign for your window or front yard Make someone’s commute to work brighter by posting a sign in your window or front yard telling essential workers how much they mean to our community. This is a great project for kids!

2. Be kind Essential workers who are keeping grocery, convenience and pharmacy stores open see large groups of people every day. When you must shop at one of these stores, be respectful of the people working there. Tell them thank you, wear a protective mask, keep your distance from employees and be kind to team members and other customers. These small acts can help workers feel appreciated and safer at their jobs.

3. Support them and their families Many frontline workers during COVID-19 are working longer hours. They’re serving us while their own family members are on their own at home. Help essential employees by supporting their family members. Pick up groceries for them when you do your own supply run. Or take that a step further and make some meals for the family so they have one less thing to juggle in their day. Another way to help support their families is simply reaching out to make sure they are okay. Give them a call so they can vent about their worries. Write a card or a letter letting them know you are thinking about them.

Words can’t begin to describe the life-changing contributions nurses make each and every day in our healthcare system. Nurses are the backbone of our health-care system, according to the Canadian Institute for Health Information, they account for almost half of the country’s medical workforce. We would like to take a moment to thank these dedicated men and women who follow the calling to make a difference.

Their tireless efforts and hard work as caregivers, advocates, educators and innovators make our community and our world a better place.

Being a paramedic is no small task!

THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2021

Paramedics are there to ensure emergency medical care is given to those who are sick or injured as quickly as possible. Paramedics are front line workers who must be prepared to handle all sorts of situations - often at their own risk. Thanks to the professionalism and skills of our paramedics, lives are saved each and every day across Canada.

When tragedy strikes, paramedics work in conjunction with families to do what is best for the patient and offer the best possible emergency health care. For their courage, skill and dedication, we recognize the men and women whose work as first responders saves lives and protects the greater good. Thank you for your service to our community!

4. Drop-off Meals Some members of the community have gone the extra mile to thank essential workers during COVID-19 by arranging for meals and baked goods to be delivered to hospital staff. If you plan to do this, you should coordinate it with the hospital so the delivery can be done efficiently and safely. Use local restaurants or bakeries who may be willing to donate some or all of the order if you can do the delivery yourself. If you want to do this, but can’t afford to do it on your own, get friends and family to contribute to the plan, so you all give back together. A lot of hospitals are receiving meal deliveries which is wonderful, but don’t forget other essential employees.

If you want to show your support, consider buying lunch or dropping off some doughnuts to your primary care doctor’s office staff, EMTs, police officers, firefighters, PSW’s, grocery clerks, restaurant workers, sanitary workers, etc.

5. Stay at home The most important thing you can do to thank frontline workers is to stay home. When we all stay home, we limit the spread of COVID-19. So, limit outings to essential trips to the grocery store, medical appointments, picking up prescriptions, walking pets and helping the vulnerable.

When outside, use social distancing to stay at least six feet away from others and wear a mask when appropriate.

Thank you, to our front line workers for all that you have done and continue to do.

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One local front line worker will receive AERUS ActivePure® Protection on the go!

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2021

Thanking

Our Responders OurFirst Essential Workers

Honouring

PAGE 11

Our First Responders Let’s hear it for all our police officers.

Grocery Store Employees

Restaurant Workers

Farmers

Healthcare Workers & PSW’s

Waste and Recycling Collectors

Correction & Security officers

Janitors

Every day, they kiss their families good-bye, fasten their duty belts and head out to prevent crime before if happens without knowing if they’ll be able to do it all over again tomorrow.

It takes a special kind of courage to be a police offer. They help our kids when they’re lost. They’re on call at all hours of the night to mediate the worst domestic disturbances. They do all the legwork that drives a successful conviction when the law has been broken.

It’s not easy to be a crime-fighter and police officer. On a daily basis, officers witness the heart-wrenching destitution and violence experienced by the homeless, the mentally ill and the substance-addicted. They console the parents of missing children and investigate criminal acts. They see the tough side of life that wears people down and that many lucky people in our cities and towns never really have to deal with. But worst of all, they battle negative public perception in the very streets they patrol.

Let’s shout a big Woot! Woot! to the more than 68,000 Canadian police officers who carry the badge and swear to keep us safe.

Postal Workers

Newspaper Carriers

Teachers

You deserve our applause, our thanks and our respect.

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Courage Under Fire We Salute Our Firefighters.

When the alarm sounds, the men and women of our fire departments answer the call without hesitation, saving thousands of lives and homes from devastating fires. For the important role they play in protecting our lives and for their brave and selfless sacrifice, we thank the dedicated men and women of our nation’s fire departments. We gratefully recognize their service to our communities, and we honour the memories of those who have fallen in the line of duty. You are all heroes, and we thank you for all that you do.

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 12

THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2021

News

An ear for Emmett

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

Little Emmett Gervason’s grandparents in Chatham hope people will help their little treasure receive a $250,000 medical procedure in California.

Emmett, 2, has Microtia

and Artesia. He was born with the congenital deformity of the ear, something about 1 in 10,000 babies are born with. It severely hampers his hearing.

Grandfather Dave Gervason said the boy’s parents, Aaron and Amanda Gervason, want to give him a special procedure

C-K’s Circle of Support These local organizations are here to support our community.

The Salvation Army Chatham-Kent Ministries

Community & Family Services provide assistance throughout CK

Thrift Stores Chatham, Wallaceburg and Ridgetown AFFORDABLE PRICES

Check out our website for more information: www.cksalvationarmy.org or call 519-354-8353 Chatham-Kent Victim Services provides a number of immediate services that include:

• helping victims cope with the impact of crime and tragedy • educating survivors on local resources and accessing appropriate support services in our community

to ensure he has a chance at a normal life. But OHIP won’t cover the cost of the surgery to reconstruct the ear and repair the ear canal.

Dave said the family will have to travel to California so Emmett can undergo a lengthy procedure, and remain there afterwards for eight weeks to ensure there are no post-operative complications.

“Three surgeons are required. Two do the inner ear and one does the outer ear,” Dave said.

“It’s an eight-to-10-hour procedure. They certainly sound like they know what they are doing.”

Unfortunately for the family, the procedure is not done in Ontario, nor does OHIP cover the cost of one out-of-country.

As a result, the Gervasons have been fundraising. To date, they’ve raised more than $87,000 through GoFundMe and other sources.

Amanda, Emmett’s

mom, contacted at their home near St. Catharines, said she’s hopeful the fundraising will be successful. She said the fundraising effort has been stressful.

“It’s an emotional rollercoaster. You have your highs and your lows,” she said. “I’m exhausted. I’m a nurse. I work full time.

I’m a full-time parent and a full-time fundraising chairperson. But there are no lengths you won’t go to for your kids.”

Amanda also hopes to raise awareness about Microtia.

“Until I had a child with Microtia, I had no idea what it was. The specialist, the pediatrician, they had only seen one such case in their practice. One in 10,000 births really isn’t that rare.”

If the fundraising tops $250,000, any leftover dollars will go into raising awareness, Amanda said.

To donate, visit the GoFundMe.com and search

“An Ear for Emmett.”

Alternatively, Amanda said donations can be made through the Niaga-

ra Peninsula Foundation for Children, and ask for the funds to be used to help Emmett.

The Chatham Voice

end of September.

“My decision to retire was not taken lightly, but I think the time is right,” Crawford said in a media release.

In a letter to staff, Crawford thanked all of the men and women who

work every day to support the mission of Catholic education and the schools, students and families of SCCDSB. Crawford began her career as a Catholic teacher with the Dufferin Peel Catholic District School

Board in 1983. She came to SCCDSB in 2001, and worked her way up the ranks, becoming a vice-principal in 2004, a principal in 2007, superintendent of education in 2008 and director of education in 2017.

Contributed image

Little Emmett Gervason, whose grandparents live in Chatham, is in need of a special surgical procedure that will cost upwards of $250,000. The family has a GoFundMe page running in an effort to raise the cash.

Crawford to retire in the fall

After 38 years as a Catholic educator, St. Clair Catholic District School board (SCCDSB)director of education Deb Crawford has announced her intention to retire, effective at the

To make a difference, please consider donating or volunteering.

For Information and Immediate Victim Assistance Please Call: 519-436-6630 info@ckvictimservices.com Looking for Help?

Our Agency Offers:

We are Here to Support You. Any of our services can be accessed by

Mental Health Counselling

calling 519-352-0440.

Crisis Counselling Services

Our Mental Health Services are also

Parenting Support

available via email at:

Development Services

mhdevintake@ckcs.on.ca

Child Protection Services

495 Grand Avenue West, Chatham 519-352-0440

Providing nutritious meals to families in crisis.

Supported through generous donations from our community, please consider making a monetary or food donation.

10 Wellington St., W. Chatham 519-351-8381 • outreachforhunger.com

Our caring and professional staff will help you celebrate life on your terms through services that are tailored to your family’s needs.

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2021

PAGE 13

Life

Blenheim woman wins Charity 50/50 draw The Chatham Voice

The Tommy Tutone song said 8675309 was Jenny’s number, but this year in Chatham-Kent, it is $52,735.

Jenny A. (she requested her last name not be released) won the CK Charity 50/50 raffle last week, taking home $52,735 in winnings. The Chatham-Kent Hospice and the Children’s Treatment Centre split the other half.

“I need a bit of time to think about

it but… do some house repairs, pay down some debts, and put it towards my husband’s retirement!”

Jenny in a media release in response to being asked how she planned on spending her winnings.

The CK Charity 50/50 Raffle launched Feb. 1 and almost 3,000 people purchased tickets.

The raffle was a joint effort between the Hospice Foundation and the Children’s Treatment Centre Foundation. The net proceeds from the

raffle will be divided equally between the two organiza-

tions and be used to support people in the community,

infants to seniors, who are served by the organizations.

Take Out Thursdays! at the

Thursday, April 22 Contributed image

Left, Jodi Maroney, executive director of the Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation, presents a cheque for $52,735 to raffle winner Jenny A. and her husband.

ActivePure donates purifier

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

In recognition of the efforts of Chatham-Kent’s first responders, ActivePure Technology is giving away one of its mobile air purification systems.

Rick Wismer of ActivePure said the unit weighs just eight ounces and can purify a 500 sq. ft. space, including your vehicle.

“It’s a mobile unit. If you are travelling, it plugs into your 12-volt outlet in your vehicle. You can also plug it into the wall at a hotel too,” he said. “This would be great for

anyone who spends a lot of time in their work vehicle or home vehicle.

It is easily transportable.”

He thought it would make sense to give one such unit away to a local first responder. Plus ActivePure is offering discounts to other first responders on their purifiers until April 30.

Wismer said ActivePure technology destroys all viruses, COVID-19 included.

“Our technology used a honeycomb matrix to distribute oxidizers that attack viruses in the air and on surfaces.”

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 14

519-351-9223

49. Of I 50. Institute legal proceedings against 51. Takes apart 55. Doorway 58. Long int’l river 59. Trailblazing athlete Gibson 60. Former CBS News host 64. Sign language 65. Badgerlike mammal

Friday, April 16: • The Chatham Legion Br. 642, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham will be taking orders after 12:00 p.m. for tonight’s supper.

Tonight’s specials are Roast Beef or Fish & Chips. Please phone 519-351-8733 or 519-351-5639 to place your order. Take Out Orders Only. Everyone Welcome

Friday, April 23: • The Chatham Legion Br. 642, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham will be taking orders after 12:00 p.m. for tonight’s supper.

Tonight’s specials are Chicken Parmesan or Fish & Chips. Please phone 519-351-8733 or 519-3515639 to place your order. Take Out Orders Only. Everyone Welcome.

Saturday, April 24:• Grief Group at 2 pm in Dresden. Call 519-5981111 to register for this free group.

Share your grief for better emotional health.

Friday, April 30: • The Chatham Legion Br. 642, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham will be taking orders after 12:00 p.m. for tonight’s supper.

Tonight’s specials are Liver & Onions or Fish & Chips. Please phone 519-351-8733 or 519-351-5639 to place your order. Take Out Orders Only. Everyone Welcome Saturday, May 1: • Grief Group at 2 pm in Dresden.

Call 519-598-1111 to register for this free group. Share your grief for better emotional health.

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

CLUES ACROSS 1. Pituitary hormone (abbr.)

4. Ceramic jars 9. Monetary units 14. Alias 15. “Superman” actor 16. Britonic tribe 17. Shorten 18. LA Dodgers manager 20. Hoarded 22. Theatrically portray 23. Noah’s grandson 24. Dependent 28. Peyton’s little brother 29. Cools the house 30. Principle part of 31. Type of wrap 33. Peels 37. Commercial 38. Make an attempt 39. Arrange in steps 41. U. Utah athlete 42. Old English 43. Trade 44. Nostrils 46. Ticket seller __Hub

This week’s answers

• Grief Group at 2 pm in Dresden.

Call 519-598-1111 to register for this free group. Share your grief for better emotional health.

Get Ready for a Weed-Free Lawn FREE Lawn Care Quote Seniors email: smittyswm@gmail.com Discounts

Fun Stuff

Community Events

Saturday, April 17: • Saturday Morning Breakfast Program at First Presbyterian Church (corner of Fifth St. and Wellington). A delicious nutritious breakfast served free of charge from 9:30 a.m. – 11 a.m. This will be a TAKE OUT only every other Saturday.

THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2021

66. Thin strips of wood 67. Brooklyn hoopster 68. Portents of good or evil 69. Footwear 70. When you think you’ll arrive

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.

CLUES DOWN 1. Batflower genus 2. Predatory seabirds 3. Fish farm 4. Arrangements 5. Go in advance of others 6. Bulgarian monetary unit 7. “__ Maria” 8. W. African ethnoreligious group 9. Wild Asian oxen genus 10. Vinegary 11. To this 12. Explosive 13. Female sibling 19. Orlando museum (abbr.)

21. Type of hoop 24. About Holy Father 25. Academic environment 26. Extremely angry 27. Surrenders

31. Swiss mountain pass 32. Sharp mountain ridge 34. Erases 35. Spielberg’s alien 36. Absurd 40. Dorm worker 41. Used to make pesticides 45. The sister of your father or mother 47. A way to let know 48. Can’t produce much vegetation 52. Small streams 53. Folk singer DiFranco 54. Weights 56. Start over 57. Black Sea resort city 59. Wimbledon champ 60. Corporate executive (abbr.)

61. Unskilled actor who overacts 62. Bravo! Bravo! Bravo!

63. Of or relating to ears

THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2021

Classifeds

Obituary

Obituary

Roos, Julius Peter July 3, 1937 – April 9, 2021 It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our Husband, Father, Grandfather and Great-grandfather at the C-K Hospice after a brief and brave battle with cancer, with Family at his side.

Devoted husband and best friend of Ruth for 41 years.

Loving father of John, Jennifer Reed (Allan) and Jane Cripps (Keith) Proud grandfather of Chantelle Pierman (Jake) Joshua Reed (Amy) and Allannah Kallonen (Benjamin). Adoring Great grandfather of Kaleb and Kinslie Pierman, Alivia, Peyton and Austyn Reed and Julian and Thomas Kallonen. Brotherin-law of Jean Coulson (late George) and Rob Gardner (Norma). Special companion to his puppy Sophie.

Peter will be fondly remembered for his love of clocks, particularly those that tick, and his fascination and love of numbers. If you were expecting a call from Dad, you best know your odometer reading beforehand, because he would know his and ask for yours. He loved to spend time playing cards, sharing laughs and telling stories with his family. During late night talks with Poppy, whether one on one, or in a group, there was sure to be laughter, sometimes tears, solid advice and comforting words of wisdom. His love of sports has always been shared with his son John, grandson Josh and son in laws and, providing many happy memories.

Peter was once described as a true gentleman. A very accurate description of a very gentle man. His passing leaves us each with a void that cannot be filled until we meet again. Peter often said, we all make choices in this life. Choose to be kind, and love one another.

Those wishing to make a memorial contribution are asked to consider the Chatham-Kent Hospice, where the care given to Him and all of us was nothing less than amazing, with the utmost of dignity and love, or the Charity of your choice.

Arrangements entrusted to Life Transitions Burial and Cremation Service inc.

Rental

Make Your Move I Y my Guardian rental

PAGE 15

YHouse & Apartment Rentals YResidential & Commercial property management YLeasing YHouse Sitting

237 Wellington St W • 519-512-2731

chathaminfo@grem.ca

Loans

PERSONAL LOANS $2,000 to $40,000

To alleviate anxiety and improve cash flow for homeowners due to Covid we have a 2nd mortgage product available at 8.99%/yr

up to $60,000 with NO PAYMENTS for 12 months $

Borrow 20,000

for only 147.47/twice montly $

• Must be a homeowner (no proof required) • This loan is NOT a mortgage • Normally no income proof required • Open Loan • 48hrs normally to approve • Funds directly deposited • No fund allocation - you do what you wish with the money ITEMS NORMALLY REQUIRED 1. ID, one of: license, passport, Canadian citizenship card 2. Void Cheque or PAD form

That’s it!!

Call John at Unimor Capital Corp.

519-252-6953 - 24 hours or email john@unimorcapital.com Brokerage Lic.#10675

Home Cooked Meals Honey . . .What’s 4 Dinner

Just add Heat!

Home Made Soups, Meals and Desserts Ideal for seniors, singles or families. whats4dinnerck.net 6 Lowe St. Chatham 519-351-7905

Yard Sale Yard Sale Saturday April 17th, 7:30am start. All Covid-19 rules will apply, maximum 5 people.

Masks much be worn. House moving sale.

44 Villa Court, Prestancia, Chatham.

On Monday, April 5th, 2021

Karl Thomas Lachine husband, father, son, and brother passed away at the age of 81 years.

Karl will be forever remembered by his wife and best friend of 60 years Madeline, and their precious children, Jody (Vicky) Lachine, Jackie (Russell) Campbell, and Paul (Debbie) Lachine.

Karl will also be fondly remembered by his four grandchildren, Katie (Colin), Michael, Jordann, Eryn and his two great grandchildren Calvin and Scottie. Karl is predeceased by his Mother (Minnie), Father (William), brothers and sisters, James, William Jr, Reg, Dorothy, Donald, Betty, Madeline, Robert, Harold, Stanley, Ruth, and Patricia. Karl will also be forever remembered by his numerous nieces, nephews and dear friends.

In his early years, Karl was an accomplished athlete in baseball, hockey, swimming and diving.

Later in life his interests varied and included sailing, running, and cycling.

In retirement Karl became a gifted woodworker and was often found in his shop creating keepsakes for his children and grandchildren. These pieces of fine furniture will be treasured as a reminder for all.

The family would like to extend thanks and gratitude to the personal support workers, and nurses of the Victoria Order of Nurses whom made his final days peaceful.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation to the Canadian Cancer Society or Victoria Order of Nurses would be appreciated.

Asphalt

ROBERT OUELLETTE ASPHALT SEALING INC.

We carry premium • Hot Asphalt oil based sealer!

• Pot hole repairs • Catch basin repairs BACKHOE, • Hot rubber crack repairs MINI EXCAVATOR, • New driveways, TRUCKING & BOBCAT parking lots, etc.

SWEEPER SERVICE

519-354-9157

For Sale

Silk Cemetery Saddle Arrangements. Everyday/Holidays.

Ready-to-go.

Many colours available. $25.

Call 519-3543411.

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

Alfons Hereygers 88, Friday, April 2, 2021 Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home

Douglas Cumming 71, Tuesday, April 6, 2021 Life Transitions

Karl Lachine 81, Monday, April 5, 2021 Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home

Dave Reid 77, Thursday, April 8, 2021 Life Transitions

Ghislaine Blondeel 91, Tuesday, April 6, 2021 Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home Tony Franssen 83, Friday, April 9, 2021 Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home Bert Huys 77, Monday, April 5, 2021 McKinlay Funeral Home Joseph Breynaert 86, Monday, April 5, 2021 McKinlay Funeral Home Leroy Gore 87, Tuesday, April 6, 2021 McKinlay Funeral Home Ralph Bisschop 75, Tuesday, April 6, 2021 McKinlay Funeral Home Leslie Varro 83, Tuesday, April 6, 2021 McKinlay Funeral Home

Julius Peter Roos 83, Friday, April 9, 2021 Life Transitions Frances Marchand 85, April, 2021 Life Transitions William “Bill” Wilbur 79, Thursday, April 8, 2021 Life Transitions Tom R. Harris 74, Friday, April 9, 2021 Life Transitions Mrs. Kathleen Croteau 78, Sunday, April 4, 2021 Alexander & Houle Funeral Home Mr. Francis Scott-Pearse 92, Tuesday, April 6, 2021 Alexander & Houle Funeral Home Mrs. Linda Russell Thursday, April 8, 2021 Alexander & Houle Funeral Home Mr. Michael Timleck 74, Wednesday, April 7, 2021 Alexander & Houle Funeral Home

Donna jean White 53, Friday, April 9, 2021 McKinlay Funeral Home

Michael Lamb 52, Thursday, April 1, 2021 Kendrick Funeral Home

Barbara Clackett 85, Friday, April 9, 2021 McKinlay Funeral Home

Robert Fitzgerald 78, Tuesday, April 6, 2021 Kendrick Funeral Home

Edith Dinga 85, Monday, April 5, 2021 McKinlay Funeral Home

Bob Eskritt 90, Thursday, April 8, 2021 Blenheim Community Funeral Home

Edward Carson 72, Saturday, April 3, 2021 Life Transitions

Donald McIntyre 85, Friday, April 2, 2021 Blenheim Community Funeral Home

Louise Vince 76, Monday, April 5, 2021 Life Transitions

See full obituaries at www.chathamvoice.com/obituaries

Hinnegan-Peseski

FUNERAL HOME

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

A FAMILY BUSINESS THAT CARES

60 Stanley Street, Blenheim (519) 676 – 9200 blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com 4 Victoria Ave, Chatham (519) 352-2390

Wanted

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

We Buy All Paid Cash. 519727-8894.

OBITUARIES

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

For your safety and the safety of our most vulnerable neighbours, please wear a face covering in public and practice social distancing.

lifetransitions.ca • 519-351-4444

Serving Kingsville, Wheatley & Chatham kendrickfuneralhome.com

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

alexanderfuneralhome.ca

HOW TO PLACE YOUR AD IN PERSON: 71 Sass Rd. #4, Chatham CALL: 519-397-2020 EMAIL: FATIMA@CHATHAMVOICE.COM Classified ads starting at only $5.00 for items for sale for 15 words. Garage Sale ads $10 for 20 words. Announement ads starting at $40.00.

All ads include colour!

PAGE 16

THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2021

St. Angela's Meadow "While it has been a year unlike any other, we take pride in the fact that St. Angela's Meadow continues to be a safe, supportive and connected community. You may think you know what we are all about but we invite you to experience the St. Angela's Meadow difference. Worry-free retirement living is possible right now and it could be for YOU!"

Colleen van Boxtel General Manager

IT'S WORTH A CONVERSATION! *Sign Your Contract Before April 30th, 2021 To Receive Your Move-In Month & 12th Month At NO COST!*

Discover St. Angela's Meadow Today

Call Colleen (519) 352-5225