The Chatham Voice, April 22, 2021

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Small-town essentials 300,000 on wait list for driver testing in Ontario

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Pam Wright/Special to The Chatham Voice

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Janine Blair wants to know why road testing for an Ontario driver’s licence isn’t considered an essential service.

The Port Lambton woman’s frustration level is off the charts in regard to her 17-year-old son’s pending G2 road test.

Because of provincial lockdowns, Ian’s Blair’s test has been cancelled twice, and because Drive Test doesn’t prioritize cancelled appointments, the Grade 12 student has been shunted to the back of the line each time.

“I don’t understand why they can’t do the test,” Janine said. “It’s an essential service. You can’t work or go to school without a licence.”

Ian said the delay is having a negative impact on his life.

“It’s not fair to me or others who missed their licences during (the) lockdown,” Ian explained.

“We have no control over this and should get the first appointments as soon as it opens back up.”

Ian said he wants to work and save up money for college.

“I don’t want to depend on others giving me a ride.”

So parents and friends must continue to ferry him back and forth to his part-time job at a Wallaceburg grocery store.

Ian isn’t alone. According to the Ministry of Transportation, his test is among the 292,400 Ontario road tests currently backlogged.

The number is more than the population of Chatham-Kent and Sarnia-Lambton combined.

By the time Ian gets behind the wheel this October to take his test, he will have waited 11 months all told.

Janine also called the system unfair. She wonders why Drive Test doesn’t prioritize cancelled road tests to allow prospective drivers access to a nextin-line test.

Instead, aspiring drivers have to start over in the online system.

Ian’s test was scheduled for April 27, but was cancelled because of the lockdown.

A check of Drive Test’s online booking systems shows how clogged the system is.

Continued on page 3

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 2

News

THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 2021

Threat of fines forces business to revert to curbside only

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

Chatham Voice file photo

Julie Krieger, owner of Rachel’s Room in downtown Chatham, vowed two weeks ago to keep her doors open through the lockdown and stay-at-home orders ... until the COVID police showed up and warned her if they found anyone in her store she would be facing excalating fines that began at $880. She’s back to curbside only.

71 Sass Rd Unit #4 519-397-2020

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

Jenna Cocullo Reporter - Ext.232 jenna@chathamvoice.com

A visit from authorities on Thursday morning quelled a one-person COVID restriction rebellion.

Julie Krieger, owner of Rachel’s Room in downtown Chatham, very publicly vowed to keep her doors open, despite the lockdown and stay-at-home orders from the province. She thought that by letting just one customer in at a time and sanitizing afterwards, she offered a safer environment than any big-box store could.

The difference is authorities view big-box stores as essential, and Krieger’s small-business ladies wear store as not-so essential.

“They came in this morning,” she said of the visit from municipal staff on April 15. “If I had anyone in the store, they’d fine me. I asked what the fine would be and they said it starts at $880 and goes up to $100,000.”

It was that top-end number that scared Krieger.

“If it was going to be $800, I probably would start over again tomorrow,” she said of opening her doors to her Fourth Street business. “But it’s a fight I just can’t win right now.

I’m only one person. It would have been different if everyone downtown was open at the same time.”

According to municipal officials, they have issued one fine for a gathering during the current lock down, have inspected 35 business and issued seven educational warnings, as of late last week.

While other businesses may not have followed Krieger’s lead, she said the feedback she received online and in person from the public has been rewarding.

“Business has been really good.

People heard I was open and they made a point of coming in and supporting,” she said. “It has been very interesting in that way. People had been coming in and buying.”

Krieger believes small businesses are being robbed of their competitive advantage by the pandemic restrictions. The face-to-face customer

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

Sarah Schofield Sales - Ext.225 sarah@chathamvoice.com

service is tossed into the trash bin along with used paper masks and other discarded personal protective equipment.

“I have a lot of relationships with 90 per cent of the people who come in here,” she said. “They know they are going to get a smile. The human interaction is part of what they want.

It’s a scary time we are living in right now. But as a little person (small business owner), we just don’t have enough clout, sadly.”

Krieger doesn’t understand why the provincial government is targeting small businesses so harshly.

“Small businesses aren’t the problem. Hairdressers aren’t the problem. We’re not the cause. We have a lot of control over who comes in,” she said. “Big business really doesn’t.”

Krieger said Red Zone restrictions were manageable, as she limited how many people could come into her store each time. Those who shopped usually did so with a purpose; there were few browsers.

“Ninety-five per cent of people who walked in here left with something in their hands. Those are pretty good odds,” she said.

But the provincial “emergency brake” soon followed, along with the stay-at-home order.

“It seems the momentum just gets going and, boom, we’re shut down again,” Krieger said. “But these are the rules I have to live by for the next few weeks at least.”

Municipal officials said they are also aware of a planned event later this month encouraging local businesses to open their doors in defiance of provincial orders.

“The Chatham-Kent Police Service, Public Health Unit and bylaw enforcement are actively monitoring this event as it unfolds and will conduct inspections of the businesses associated with the event and charges will be laid, if warranted,” officials said in a media release.

Officials said the COVID snitch line is still open. To report a concern, call 519-360-1998, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, or e-mail Covid19enforcement@chatham-kent.ca.

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 2021

PAGE 3

News

Drive test delays impacting jobs, local economy

Continued from page 1

There are no available road test slots at the Chatham-Kent Drive Test for the remainder of the year.

However, a recent e-mail received from the Ministry of Transportation said people need to keep checking the website as more tests become available.

Ontario road tests are managed by Drive Test — a private company that’s part of the SERCO corporation. The giant multinational company, whose clients include the U.S. military, has been managing the province’s road tests since 2003.

SERCO was awarded a 10year contract, followed by a second 10-year deal in 2013.

Each prospective driver pays a fee of $120, which Drive Test keeps until the final road test. The amount relating to back logged tests equates to about $35-million.

According to the MTO e-mail, Drive Test has hired 35 new driver examiners — out of a proposed 84 — to help clear the backlog.

The new driver examiners are currently in training.

On the SERCO website, the company has dozens of help wanted ads for Drive Test examiners.

When contacted about the lengthy wait times for road tests in Chatham-Kent, two of the municipality’s top officials say the lag has a negative effect on a local economy that depends on transportation.

Chatham-Kent’s Economic Development Director says the province needs to take another look at the issue.

“If this isn’t an eye-opener for government, I don’t know what is,” Stuart McFadden explained. “There are many sectors that are affected. If it’s backlogged that much, it tells me the system

needs to be re-evaluated.”

Polly Smith, Chatham-Kent’s director of Employment and Social Services, said having a licence is critical to the local job market.

“Young people need to be able to get to jobs and school,” Smith said. “We know that a lack of available transportation is a problem in Chatham-Kent.”

Smith says young people aren’t the only group affected by the backlog, adding new Canadians also need to take tests.

As far as the Blairs are concerned, the Drive Test system is broken.

“It’s not fair,” Janine said.

“We can keep liquor stores open, but can’t provide PPE to keep this very essential service going. We can get marijuana and alcohol, but can’t get a driving test. It doesn’t make sense.”

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Janine Blair and her son Ian are frustrated driver’s tests aren’t considered essential during the pandemic.

Happy Retirement, Heather!

Heather Tremblay has been part of our Chatham Pharmasave family since 2012.

She has been a remarkble Pharmacy Assistant for a total of 50 years.

What an achievement!

The Marie Kondo of our pharmacy, she makes sure to follow her daily task list tucked in her scrubs pocket. A creature of habit, she loves to follow a routine every time she works.

Not a day has gone without the ‘pop’ sound of opening her favourite Coke Zero once or twice daily, which she calls her energy drink to get through the daily pharmacy rigors.

We will miss you, Heather! At the same time, we are all delighted that you get a chance to live your bucket list whether it is reading books, organizing your home, chilling at your favourite local restaurants, and of course visiting your son and his wife when it is safe to travel.

It might be a while before you get used to being retired, so please feel free to visit your pharmacy family every now and then. We promise not to put you back to work!

All the best, Your Chatham Pharmasave Family (Ashlea, Connie, Darlene, Dori, Eric, Francis, Janine, Jannette, Joan, Justina, Kayla, Leo, Miranda, Tom and Sky)

Chatham Pharmacy. Ph: (519) 352-0404

THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 4

No clotting here so far

THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 2021

News

Nearly 30,000 doses delivered; no problems

By Pam Wright Contributing Writer

While some COVID-19 vaccines have received bad press, Chatham-Kent’s Medical Officer of Health said the benefits far outweigh the risks.

According to Dr. David Colby, there have been no “hemotological” or blood clotting disorders associated with the nearly 30,000 vaccine doses distributed in Chatham-Kent.

Colby said the blood clot side effect is an “extreme rarity,” and the danger of dying from COVID-19 is much greater.

“The benefit-to-risk ratio is very much in favour of the vaccines,” he told a municipal press confer-

ence last week.

Colby likened taking the shot to travelling in a car, saying there is always a chance you can get into a serious or fatal crash.

That doesn’t stop people from driving, he explained, adding the “tiny” number of adverse vaccine reactions should not deter the majority from getting the shot.

Chatham-Kent Public Health keeps a close eye on vaccine side effects.

Every adverse reaction is documented and reviewed by Colby.

Reactions to the vaccine – similar to flu-like symptoms – are experienced by some as the body builds immunity to the virus.

The AstraZeneca vaccine, which is being distributed at some phar-

Image courtesy Pixabay/Paul McManus

AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine will be available at select pharmacies for people aged 40 and up, a change from the aged 55 and up restriction that was in place federally. Public Health reports no clotting complications locally to date.

macies and medical offices, came under fire earlier this year, after it was linked to blood clotting disorders – some fatal – in younger women in Europe.

As a result, Health Canada mandated AstraZeneca only be given to Canadians aged 55 and up.

Ontario changed that on Tuesday, and doses will be available to anyone aged 40 and up.

As of Friday, the United States still had not approved AstraZeneca and it had also paused distribution of the one-shot

Johnson & Johnson vaccine, because of a possible link to blood clotting.

As the third wave of the pandemic bears down hard upon Ontario, the push to vaccinate is a top priority for government.

Officials said vaccines are the ticket back to a normal way of life.

But it’s too early to tell when that will happen.

Colby is loath to make predications, adding it all depends on vaccine availability.

Chatham-Kent’s vaccine rollout of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccine through

the mass vaccination centre and mobile clinics has been highly successful so far.

There’s another vaccine development that should benefit Chatham-Kent.

The Ontario government has decided to offer vaccines to temporary foreign workers upon arrival at Toronto’s Pearson Airport.

“This is a tremendous step forward,” Colby said.

However, the health unit will have to play catch up with workers that are already here. The details re-

garding vaccinating farm workers have yet to be worked out, Colby said.

In Ontario, the “dire” third wave is being fuelled by the more easily transmitted mutations called Variants of Concern.

Like the rest of the province, the majority of Chatham-Kent’s COVID-19 cases are now the B117 strain, also known as the U.K. variant.

Colby said laboratories have confirmed the U.K. variant in 90 per cent of local cases.

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 2021

PAGE 5

News

High marks for C-K Maclean’s rates C-K as 27th best community in Canada

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

Chatham-Kent is soaring up the charts these days.

No, it’s not Casey Kasem’s Top 40, but instead it is Maclean’s Magazine’s list of Canada’s Best Communities.

After placing 126 on the list of more than 400 communities in Canada last year, Chatham-Kent, leapt up 99 spot to 27th this year.

The hike has Mayor Darrin Canniff smiling.

“I’m extremely happy. I had not idea it was coming. This is awesome,” he said. “We have people outside the community recognizing the quality of life we have here in Chatham-Kent.”

The mayor said the outside recognition goes a long way in helping to attract new residents and business.

“I can tell everyone that Chatham-Kent is a great place, but when somebody outside of here recognizes it...,” he said, adding it is obvious to municipal officials people are seeing the benefits of being in Chatham-Kent.

“We can tell by the development. There has been a lot of interest from the business community perspective. Hopefully,

there will be a lot of other great news coming.”

Of our immediate neighbours, only Windsor was rated higher than Chatham-Kent on the Maclean’s list, placing 16th. London arrived at 40th, Leamington 45th and Sarnia 128th.

In the article, the top three factors rating in Chatham-Kent’s favour were Internet access, weather and access to amenities. Canniff said recent fibre investment in C-K is paying dividends.

“A massive investment is being made in Chatham-Kent on that. Over $100 million on fibre is being spent or has been spent recently through TekSavvy – our local company – along with the other big players,” he said.

“That (Internet) is as important as water and hydro these days.

We’re hoping in the next two years, 90 per cent of the people in Chatham-Kent will have access to fibre.”

The sun has long been shining down on the municipality.

Maclean’s report indicates we enjoy an average of 246 days a year with the temperature above 0C and 132 above 20C. “Mother Nature is wonderful to us. Our climate helps an aw-

Chatham woman wins $100K The Chatham Voice

A Chatham woman is $100,000 richer after playing a scratch lottery recently.

Lola Demars, a 40-year-old mother of three, said she played her ticket in her car and saw right away that she was a winner.

“I waited two days before going to the store, because I wanted to wait until the store owner was there to experience the win together,” she said in a media release.

Demars purchased her ticket at Lacroix Variety in Chatham.

The administrative assistant plans to use her winnings to pay students loans and invest. “I told my children they can all redecorate their rooms,” she smiled. “This is unbelievable!”

Pam Wright/Special to The Chatham Voice

Ray Lozon of Chatham tries his luck at Mitchell’s Bay casting for perch on April 13. Access to amenities, such as open spaces, is one of the reasons Maclean’s Magazine ranked Chatham-Kent as one of the top 30 communities in Canada.

ful lot,” Canniff said in attracting new residents.

One area where we are only slightly ahead of the provincial average is Crime Severity Index. The national average receives a 73 rating, and we sit three points back at 70.

“That’s a measure of total crime. In terms of violent crime, we are way down on the scale.

So that’s another good thing,” Canniff said.

Even with the high ratings in various areas, he said one element that does not get ranked in the Maclean’s article is our biggest asset – the people.

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“We do live in a great community. People who move here tell me how great a community we have here. The climate’s great, but it’s the people,” he said on

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 6

Panicked at the wheel What a difference a year makes. Ontario Premier Doug Ford earned high praise in the early going for navigating the province through the COVID-19 pandemic. It seemed he was an expert pandemic rally driver.

Oh how times have changed. These days, he’s fishtailing all over the place. One wonders if his ever-changing habits will spray more pandemic gravel in the faces of residents in municipalities such as Chatham-Kent.

He clutched at the emergency brake earlier this month, careening down the pandemic highway, then spun the wheel by ordering everyone to stay at home regardless of active COVID case numbers in their regions. The Greater Toronto Area numbers, as well those in as places such as Ottawa, climbed, but residents in other municipalities seemed to have social distancing, hand washing and mask wearing more or less ingrained in their everyday habits.

Yet we are all penalized for the hot spots.

On top of that, Ford out and out panicked late last week, initially giving police broad measures to randomly stop people out walking, or driving in vehicles, to check their addresses and to see if they are complying with COVID restrictions.

Talk about playing into the hands of the conspiracy theorists.

Police services across the province balked at the idea of such Draconian tactics. Here in Chatham-Kent, our police service urges everyone to follow the rules and stressed its officers will not be doing random stops.

Kudos to police services across the province for using cooler heads.

What will Ford do in terms of potentially prioritizing vaccines to slow the rising case counts in hot spots, which happen to be vote rich? Will he divert vaccines from places such as Chatham-Kent?

How do you tell a high-risk person here over the age of 50 that they aren’t as important as a Toronto resident?

Truth be told, vaccinating people in areas of lower income in the GTA, where families cluster in high numbers and many work in essential retail jobs or in factories, would make sense.

But would that diversion actually occur, or would the privileged hop to the front of the line?

We think you know the answer.

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).

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

All letters need to be signed.

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, APRIL 22, 2021

Opinion

Province lacking in leadership Editor: The Ontario government under Doug Ford is failing our entire province and our community.

Ontarians need leadership that is decisive and provides hope that better days are ahead. Vaccine deliveries are increasing, and C-K is doing an outstanding job getting our citizens vaccinated quickly and efficiently.

CK Public Health and our local pharmacy teams deserve high praise for this.

A premier and a government need to lead in times of crisis.

Nothing the premier does these days projects confidence that he or his team have a handle on the crisis before our province.

The premier deserves credit for listening to public health experts early in the pandemic, but in the last several months, the wheels are falling off and we do not seem to

know where we are heading – well at least the government does not.

It was plain as the eye can see that the third wave was coming and that it was going to be bad. Yet, in February, the government made the decision to open our province, even going so far as to announce that salons and other businesses could open for service in Grey lockdown zones.

It was an opening that small businesses prepared for but never came.

Then the province initiated the “emergency brake,” fancy government lingo that no one could explain exactly.

Then came the second stay-at-home order with no explanations on what items are considered essential and non-essential. Many people remain confused and, rightly, angry.

The worst one yet – Education Minister Lecce was loud and clear – schools are safe, and schools will stay open. He said this repeatedly for weeks. Then, they close schools, giving students and educators no notice, saying it is for their safety. Which is it?

Are schools safe or not?

It has been a year since experts from around the province have spoken about the safety of schools, calling for smaller class sizes, increased investments for improved ventilation and rapid testing. There has been little movement to date from the Ontario government, other than to take credit for money from the federal government.

Frontline workers need access to paid sick days, so they can stay home when sick, and prevent the spread of the virus, but again the premier

said this is not a priority.

Nobody is saying that the crisis we are facing could have been prevented by the Ontario government alone, but the constant open-close with lockdowns and half-measures have certainly extended the crisis and hurt our communities, small businesses, and our seniors.

The lack of preparedness from the first wave to the second ravaged our longterm care homes and our seniors. The people who built our communities – we failed them.

The lack of preparedness from the second wave to the third is hurting our province.

It is time for the premier to step up and lead and provide clarity.

Can the real leaders please stand up? We deserve better.

Jason Brown Chatham

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 2021

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The National Volunteer Week theme for 2021, The Value of One, The Power of Many, reflects on the awe-inspiring acts of kindness by millions of individuals AND the magic that happens when we work together towards a common purpose. This past year, we have seen people supporting family, friends, neighbours, and strangers, people standing up to systemic racism, and people sharing insights on how to create a more just and equitable society. We recognize the value of the caring and compassion that each one has shown another, and we recognize the power of people, organizations, and sectors working together.

The power of people working together can bring about monumental change. We have seen people work together on legislative changes related to impaired driving, same sex marriage, and assisted dying.

The theme is a nod to our past, a reflection of our present, and a wink to our future. The Value of One, the Power of Many, was the theme for National Volunteer Week in 2001, The International Year of Volunteers.

It beautifully reflects the individual and collective efforts we have seen during the pandemic, and it sets the tone for re-imagining the next 20 years as the value of one act and the power of many enables us to thrive together.

The Value of One. The power of many.

Though there are many reasons volunteers donate their time and expertise to the people and organizations that need them, every individual has their own motivation. Here are just a few good reasons to volunteer.

TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE: Many people are motivated by a desire to make an impact on the world. Whether they volunteer at home or abroad, with people, animals or the environment, they’re driven by passion and want to make a difference.

TO GIVE BACK: Those who grew up in homes that relied on food banks or who got through a serious illness thanks to the help of a charitable organization often give back when they’re no longer in need.

TO GAIN EXPERIENCE: Volunteering is a wonderful way for young people to gain valuable work experience that will help them in their future careers. They can learn new skills, enhance those they already have and make important personal connections with future employers.

VOLUNTEERS BRING CHANGE

TO MEET NEW PEOPLE: Retirees and those who relocate to a new city often volunteer to make social connections. Their work allows them to form ties with their community and make friends with similar passions.

Thanking all of our community volunteers!

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Thank you to our compassionate volunteers!

Thank You to All of Our Volunteers “There is nothing more beautiful than someone who goes out of their way to make life beautiful for others.” Mandy Hale 21205 Pier Rd., Wheatley, ON

34 Wellington Street East, Chatham 519-354-3113

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Thanking our community volunteers.

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PAGE 9

vous faites

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and dedication!

Promoting Respect and Equality

If you are in Crisis please call the

Website: cksacc.org Facebook: @CKSACC • Instagram: cksacc 24 Hr Crisis Line:

ckha.on.ca

CKSACC is funded by the Province of Ontario. Views expressed here are not necessarily the views of the Ontario Government.

519-354-8688

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And The You Make.

Thank you to our volunteers and our community for the support through generous donations.

Please consider making a monetary or food donation.

20 Merritt Ave., Chatham 519.352.5633 activelifestylecentre.org To schedule an appointment or for information about sexual assault / harassment / abuse, call CKSACC during business hours.

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Here are a few ways you can virtually applaud your volunteers and celebrate National Volunteer Week: 1 – Give a shout-out to your volunteers on social media. You can highlight individuals, teams or projects that have helped further your mission.

2 – Email your volunteers a personalized thank you that highlights the impact of their individual contributions.

3 – Add a questionnaire to your onboarding process to gather information about volunteers’ motivations and preferences so you can tailor their roles and how you recognize them where possible.

4 – Gather thank you messages from your clients and pass them on to the volunteers who have made a difference in their lives.

5 – Nominate a superstar volunteer for a local or national award to formally recognize their efforts.

6 – Bring your volunteers together on an email chain or communications platform so they can virtually socialize with each other while practicing social distance.

7 – We don’t always see volunteers in action. Ask volunteers to share stories about their fellow volunteers. Are they constantly impressed by someone’s positive attitude? Have they seen a fellow volunteer diffuse a challenging situation?

8 – Start a private group on social media and invite volunteers, staff and community members to join. Set a time to gather for a virtual party and share videos, images and stories about the impact volunteers have had.

Above all, customize your volunteer recognition Thank you to all of our Volunteers. to the individual. Everyone is different, We appreciate you! so while one volunteer may like public or formal recognition, others may not. #Volunteers And whatever you do – BringChange be sincere and authentic when you 495 Grand Avenue West, Chatham applaud your volunteers for all they do.

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Thank you to our amazing volunteers!

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 10

No random COVID checks The Chatham Voice

Chatham-Kent police have no plans on randomly stopping vehicles and pedestrians as a result of the province’s new COVID-19 restrictions.

This from Chatham-Kent Police Service (CKPS) Chief Gary Conn.

“During these challenging and concerning times, the expansion of these new measures are necessary,” he said in a media release.

“The CKPS wishes to emphasize that our primary objectives over the next six weeks will be to educate, limit mobility, limit contact and enforce only when necessary with no random vehicle or pedestrian stops.”

Conn added police realize the entire community is experiencing “COVID fatigue” and they are taking that into consideration.

However, they asked that every-

one respects the new provincial measures.

“We hope that everyone will do their part by complying with the new stay-at-home orders, as this current third wave of the pandemic poses an extraordinary threat to both public health and our citizens,” Conn said.

Chatham-Kent police have joined their Windsor and London counterparts in deciding to not conduct the random stops.

On Saturday, the Ford government pulled back some powers it had given police just a day earlier, as there was pushback from numerous police services and community groups. The government has altered its order so police are to only stop vehicles or people if they are suspected of participating in an organized public event or social gathering.

STRAIGHT TALK

Jacob Rowe

with

“Constitutional Monarchy” is a term straight from the humdrum of history class.

For many of us, the British Monarchy is far removed from our day to day.

We occasionally see a colourized photo, mounted in an ornate frame in a public hall or Legion; or put the debit card down and take notice of the ever-evolving etched portraits of the Queen, minted on our pocket change. Elizabeth II is our Head of State, and in 1953, a Canadian law, the Royal Style and Titles Act, formally conferred upon her the title of “Queen of Canada.”

This past Saturday I witnessed, for the first time in my lifetime, the Queen as a familiar character. A wife, of more than seven decades, garbed in black and mourning.

On even-keel with all of those who face grief; a human and shared experience.

Her Royal Highness began a journey of learning to live without a husband, friend, faithful Consort, and Servant to the Commonwealth – His Royal Highness The Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh. The service was humble, and High-Church, with lessons, collects, and a commendation.

Prince Philip had been involved firsthand in the creation of a Land Rover Carriage, to transport his casket, arguably the clearest sign of opulence. The pandemic limited the attendance to 30, a strong reminder that restrictions have few, if any exceptions.

Our team is coming to see an intimacy in these private gatherings. That shy granddaughter might find the bravery to share a poem in front of her parents, aunts, and cousins. A eulogy may be a little less “censored,” and laughter a little louder. It is different, without a doubt. As saddened as we are for the Queen, or our neighbour, for what we cannot do, I am proud to share the opportunities, support, and healing our profession offers to everyone, prince or pauper, even now.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 2021

News

Chatham Voice file photo

Council was to vote Monday on a report recommending the municipality not apply late fees to unpaid property taxes during the pandemic.

Will late tax fee forgiveness expand to all properties?

By Jenna Cocullo jenna@chathamvoice.com

Municipal staff is recommending that Chatham-Kent waive late payment charges on all property classes for 2021 property tax arrears, after council moved to send a report back to staff that previously included only business.

Councillors said they wanted to provide more fairness to all tax classes.

On April 7, the province declared a third provincial emergency, resulting in another lockdown, as a result of rapid COVID-19 transmission having further impact on businesses.

As a result, during the April 12 municipal council meeting, staff brought forward a recommendation that the municipality waive late payment charges for current year tax arrears through July 31.

The first draft recommend-

ed that late fee forgiveness be on a request basis for businesses that proved a loss of income from the provincially imposed COVID-19 restrictions. The properties these businesses operated out of would have had to have been in the commercial or industrial classes and assessed to be valued at less than $2 million.

Chatham Coun. Michael Bondy then amended the motion to include relief for residential properties paying late taxes.

“It’s the small business people that go home and have these expenses. This is where the relief is needed and necessary,” he said. “I think we also have to apply that same relief to that person that goes home and opens up their mail and has a residential tax bill.”

Wallaceburg Coun. Carmen McGregor noted that business owners who rent were excluded from the motion

and moved to defer back to staff for a clearer recommendation.

The report was then referred back to staff, with direction to provide more options.

Last year, the municipality provided temporary relief to property owners by amending the second instalment of the 2020 interim tax levy and waiving late payment charges.

“Despite the deferral of the tax due date, as of May 1 which was the original due date for the second interim instalment, 80.5 per cent of taxes were still paid by property owners. It is expected that a similar trend would occur based on this recommended deferral and therefore not have a significant effect on cash flows,” reads the new report to council.

The new report was set to be discussed at this past Monday’s council meeting.

THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 2021

PAGE 11

News

C-K home sales soar in March The Chatham Voice

Home sales in Chatham-Kent set yet another record recently, as 175 units changed hands in March.

That’s a new record for the third month of the year, and was up 75 per cent from March of 2020.

“March was another record-breaking month for our association,” said Laura Tourangeau, president of the Cha-

tham-Kent Association of Realtors (CKAR), in a media release.

For the first three months of 2021, 389 units were sold. That’s up 37.5 per cent from the same period of a year ago.

Tourangeau said the number of sales in March wasn’t the only record achieved.

“Resale home sales set both a new March and a new all-time monthly record this past month,”

she said.

Inventory, which has been all but depleted in recent months, saw some relief as well, as more homes came onto the market.

“We also saw an uptick in the number of resale properties newly listed in March, which helped to shore up inventory.

An early spring, coupled with a depleted overall inventory, continues to put upward pressure on

prices,” Tourangeau said.

The average price of homes sold in March 2021 was a record $419,577, up 56.2 per cent from March 2020.

The more comprehensive year-to-date average price was $395,587, rising by 46.5 per cent from the first three months of 2020.

In terms of actual dollars spent on homes in C-K in March, CKAR figures show $73.4 million doled out in March of this year, up 173.4 per cent from the same month a year ago.

This was a new record for the month of March and was also the largest dollar value of homes sold for any month in history.

As mentioned, inventory rebounded. The number of new listings was up by 83 per cent from March 2020. There were 194 new residential listings in March 2021. This was the largest number of new listings added in the month of March in more than five years.

Still, with 83 homes listed on the market at the end of March, that’s the

Arena funding set aside

By Jenna Cocullo jenna@chathamvoice.com

Chatham-Kent’s arenas may be getting an upgrade up worth more than $880,000, despite “failure in the future” for the aging infrastructures.

Chatham-Kent’s staff presented council with a report at its most recent meeting recommending that it’s facilities, some as old as 70 years, get upgrades.

The 2021 Arena Capital Asset Lifecycle projects are valued at a total of $888,950. The report does not include the cost for each individual arena’s renovation in order to ensure a competitive bidding process for contractors.

With no luck on provincial funding for Chatham-Kent’s multi-sports complex concept with a twin-pad arena, the municipality is stuck with what it’s got for the time being.

At the meeting, East Kent Coun.

Anthony Ceccacci asked staff how the aging arenas would hold up in catastrophic failures and if there were contingency plans in place.

“We’ve gone through that in great detail with all of our arenas. And we have a number of concerns that over the next 10 years we estimate in order to keep these facilities running we’ll have to spend in the neighbourhood of $19 million. So that’s about an average $2 million per

arena,” said Thomas Kelly, general manager of Infrastructure And Engineering Services.

The oldest arena in need of an upgrade is Wallaceburg Memorial, built in 1948. The youngest arena is the Chatham Thames Campus built in 1991.

Kelly said the biggest concerns are the concrete in seven of the 10 arenas with potential repairs that could run in excess of $1 million.

The repairs would come out of the assess management plan which is currently underfunded, Kelly said.

“We will have a situation where one day the concrete floor will fail.

And as a result we’ll have to replace the entire structure. So, when that happens, we will definitely have our facilities down, and the option to avert that is to proactively start to take the floors, one at a time every year,” Kelly said.

lowest number of homes for sale in the third month

of the year for more than three decades.

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

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 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 make a difference, please consider donating or volunteering.

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

HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS? ASK AN MS NAVIGATOR. MS Navigators are available Monday – Friday to anyone in Canada from 8am – 8pm ET. 1-844-859-6789 msnavigators@mssociety.ca mssociety.ca/msnavigators

The Salvation Army Chatham-Kent Ministries

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 12

THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 2021

Life

C-K Hospice celebrates 5th anniversary The Chatham Voice

Staff and volunteers with the Chatham-Kent Hospice recently marked the fifth anniversary of the facility.

For five years, the hospice has been offering residential hospice care to people at end of life. To date, they have cared for more than 860 residents and their families.

The project to build and operate a residential hospice started in 2013 when

operating funds were secured for a 10-bed residential hospice.

A capital campaign was launched in 2014 to raise $5 million to build as well as set up a sustainability fund. The community rallied and raised almost $6 million and construction began in April of 2015.

Almost a year to the day, the Chatham-Kent Hospice accepted it’s first resident and family.

The hospice receives

partial funding from the provincial government which covers approximately 50 per cent of the annual operating budget.

The balance of the budget is covered through donations from the community.

The hospice utilizes close to 200 volunteers to extend its impact.

Recently, grief and bereavement support has been added to the services offered at hospice.

Contributed image

Chatham-Kent Hospice recently celebrated its fifth anniversary. Clockwise from top left, Jennifer Wilson – Founding Board Chair, Jessica Smith – Executive Director, Margaret Anderson – Current Board Chair, Rick Nicholls – MPP Chatham-Kent Leamington; Darrin Canniff – Mayor, Chatham-Kent; Jodi Maroney – Executive Director – Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation; Aileen Murray – Board Chair – Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation.

WHAT IS ANIMAL CRUELTY? Animal cruelty generally falls into two categories: neglect, or intentional cruelty. Neglect is the failure to provide adequate water, food, shelter, or necessary care. Examples of neglect include: starvation; dehydration; inadequate shelter; parasite infestations; failure to seek veterinary care when an animal is in need of medical attention; allowing a collar to grow into an animal’s skin; confinement without adequate light, ventilation, space or in unsanitary conditions; and failure to trim hoofs or nails resulting in excessive growth (e.g. hoofs curling upwards).

Equally disturbing as neglect is the brutality of intentional cruelty, involving deliberate physical harm or injury inflicted on an animal. Regretfully, cases of animals being beaten, burned, poisoned or stabbed to death are not uncommon. In some cases neglect or cruelty is the result of people using animals as tools for commercial profit, such as in the cases of puppy mills, dog fighting, cock fighting and illegal slaughterhouses.

How to recognize animal cruelty: Look for these common signs of neglect or intentional cruelty: • Wounds on the body.

• Severely overgrown nails (often curling under) or hooves (often curling upwards).

• Patches of missing hair.

• Extremely thin, starving animals with ribs or backbone protruding.

• Infected eyes that have been left untreated.

• Limping.

• Animals who are repeatedly left alone without food and water. Often they are chained up in a yard.

• Animals who have been hit by cars and have not received veterinary attention.

• Animals who are kept outside without shelter in extreme weather conditions.

• An owner kicking, hitting or physically abusing an animal.

• Severe flea or tick infestations left untreated.

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• Animals who cower fearfully or act aggressively when their owners approach.

• Animals left in a car on a hot or cold day.

• Reptiles with dull, darkened skin, tremors, gaping mouth and excessive saliva, or experiencing difficulty climbing.

• Aquatic and amphibious creatures kept in tanks with murky water.

• Illegal trapping of wild animals or animals left for extended periods in traps.

• Excessive scratching of the head area, shaking of the head and dirt or discharge in ears indicative of a possible ear infection.

• Chronic diarrhea or vomiting.

• Animals kept in dirty conditions including being forced to stand in their own urine and excrement.

• Swellings, such as tumors or abscesses, left untreated.

• Rabbits with a severe head tilt.

Perpetrators of animal cruelty often portray themselves as kindly animal lovers, making it difficult for people to believe them capable of abuse. From the “friendly” neighbour who mistreats his pets behind closed doors, to the “respected” community member who operates a puppy mill or substandard zoo – there is no one identifying feature that marks a person as capable of committing such unfathomable crimes. Abuse of any animal is upsetting, not only for the pain and suffering inflicted on the animal, but for the fact that animal abuse is often a precursor to human-directed violence and an indicator of family crisis. Untreated, any type of abuse can escalate.

Fortunately, if people witness animal cruelty and neglect and report it to organizations with cruelty investigation authority, legal action can be taken. Federal, provincial and municipal laws cover animals.

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 2021

PAGE 13

Life

RetroFest goes virtual for 2021

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

Contributed image

Jodi Rich, president and CEO of Howard Mutual Insurance, shows off the $20,000 commitment the company has given to the Mobile Market.

$20K boost for Mobile Market The Chatham Voice

A local insurance company has helped ensure the Mobile Market will remain open.

Howard Mutual recently donated $20,000 to fund the Mobile Market.

The funds from this do-

nation will ensure the market can remain affordable and continue to support small farmers across Chatham-Kent.

As Mobile Market moves into the summer months and local produce becomes more readily available, the majority

of this donation will go towards the purchase of produce from small local farmers who have been hardest hit during the pandemic.

“We want to support the small local farmers,” said Heather Tulloch, community food connector.

RetroFest is switching to virtual this year.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, the Historic Downtown Chatham BIA opted to run the classic car festival online this year rather than in person.

Last year, the pandemic cancelled the event all together.

Organizers said they are following recommendations of the municipality and public health.

As a result, there will be a Live Stream Cruise and Car Show May 21 and 22.

The BIA is teaming up with several partners to produce a multi-social media event in an effort to connect the community with downtown Chatham businesses and RetroFest sponsors with an interac-

tive online celebration, all while remaining safe and Covid-19 compliant.

The BIA’s Connie Beneteau said the BIA looked at several options before opting to go virtual.

“We looked at the possibility of moving it to September, but we had no idea if it would still be able to be run then,” she said, given all the unknowns associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. “We wanted to keep the same date, so we looked at virtual options.”

“Instead of a car show downtown, registration and the car show lineup will be on social media on our Facebook page,” Beneteau added.

She said Saturday will feature more information and will stream “some of the more interesting vehicles” online.

The hope is the stayat-home order works

and COVID-19 numbers drop across the province enough for the Ford government to lessen restrictions.

“If we go back to Red (Zone), we can allow 50 people to gather outdoors.

Then we can have a band at an undisclosed private location and live stream it,” Beneteau said.

If that can’t happen, then much of the event will simply be pre-recorded and streamed May 21 and 22.

Junior Judges, Ms. RetroFest competition, and other elements will return this year, along with the Live Stream Cruise Party, Car Show and awards.

There will be activities from May 1 up to and including the RetroFest weekend.

Check us out!

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 14

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Fun Stuff

Community Events

50. Men’s fashion accessory 51. Political action committee 52. Unhappy

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.

• Friday night pickup supper at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St is an Enchilada Pie with Mexican rice, garden salad and bun for $10. Please call daily from 1 to 4 P.M at 519-352-8291.

Saturday, April 24: • Grief Group at 2 pm in Dresden. Call 519-598-1111 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: • 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.

• Grief Group at 2 pm in Dresden. Call 519-598-1111 to register for this free group. Share your grief for better emotional health.

Submit your coming events to bruce@chatham­voice.com or michelle@chathamvoice.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 2021

CLUES ACROSS 1. Ocean surface indicator (abbr.)

4. American time 7. Satisfaction 8. Diving duck 10. Very small amount 12. Metrical units 13. An ignorant or foolish person 14. Sino-Soviet block (abbr.)

16. It may sting you 17. Turn outward 19. Perform on stage 20. “CSI” actor George 21. Localities 25. Make a choice 26. Indicates position 27. One of Thor’s names 29. Indian musical rhythmic pattern 30. “The Raven” author 31. Take in solid food 32. Legendary QB 39. Sorrels 41. Organization of nations 42. Texas pharmaceutical company 43. Mathematical term 44. Expression of disappointment 45. Abba __, Israeli politician 46. Hide away 48. Salad restaurant 49. Daughters of Boreas (mythology)

CLUES DOWN 1. Make unhappy 2. Heard the c onfession of 3. Capital of Taiwan 4. Fiddler crab 5. Brazilian dances 6. Fit with device to assist breathing 8. Brother or sister 9. Pastries 11. “Lone Survivor” director Peter 14. Boat type (abbr.)

15. Apertures (biology) 18. Suffix 19. Creative endeavor 20. Icelandic poem 22. Spanish dances 23. Town in Central Italy 24. Cars need it 27. Mimics 28. Rocky peak 29. Cigarette (slang) 31. One point south of due east 32. Soap actress Braun 33. Large domesticated wild ox 34. Island nation 35. Appear 36. Addictive practices 37. Loss of control of one’s body 38. Type of poster 39. Greek mountain 40. Funny person 44. One and only 47. Pouch

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.

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Give us a call at 519-397-2020

Chatham: Anne’s Smoke Shop, Downtown Chatham Centre, Legion Branch 628, Maple City Bakery, Young’s Variety, Active Lifestyle Centre, Wednesday Market, Royal LePage, Pharmasave, 7-11, Schinkels’, Lenovers, Lynnwood Subdivision, Mighty Jims’ Wallaceburg: Shoppers Drug Mart, 99.1CKXS, Taylor’s Variety, Black Goose, No Frills, Hometown Deli, Napa Mobil Gas Dresden: MacTavish Pharmacy, Godfathers Pizza Thamesville: Fast & Fresh, Movie Den

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: Remax, Ashley’s Place Charing Cross: Post Office/Bert’s Plumbing Wheatley: Circle K Store, Jack’s Restaurant

THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 2021

Obituary Florence Parker Peacefully, at Parkwood Hospital in London on Sunday, April 11, 2021, Florence Ann Parker, age 65.

Born in Chatham in 1955, daughter of the Mary Jean Seaton and the late Leslie Peck. She is survived by son Dennis Parker and daughter Margo Lynn Parker. Grandmother of Kaylee and Deacon Parker and Kyla Howe. She will also be missed by her siblings; Diane Lodge, Cathy Doey, Betty Joy Peck, John Peck, George Peck and many nieces and nephews. Cremation has taken place.

Donations to Canadian Mental Health Association would be appreciated.

Arrangements entrusted to Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home, 156 William St. S. Chatham (519-352-5120).

Online condolences welcomed at www. peseski.com

Rental

SENIORS APARTMENTS

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

Welcome Home

THE CHATHAM VOICE

Classifeds In Memoriam

Happy Birthday in Heaven Bill Kouyzer Sr. 1948 - 2015

Wishing you were here today for even just a while . . .

So I could say Happy Birthday and see your loving smile.

Miss you and the laughs we shared during our ongoing projects.

Your wife, Donna.

I Y my Guardian rental

property management YLeasing YHouse Sitting

237 Wellington St W • 519-512-2731

puzzles on page 14

This week’s answers

chathaminfo@grem.ca

For Sale

Home Cooked Meals

Asphalt

Honey . . .What’s 4 Dinner

ROBERT OUELLETTE

Just add Heat!

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

For Sale 2006 Honda Civic 2 door, dark grey, standard, 260,000 km. $3000 obo.

519-359-1721.

In memory of our brother

ARTHUR WILSON who passed away 4 years ago, April 25.

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

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Nothing can ever take away The love our heart holds dear.

Fond memories linger everyday, Remembrance keeps you near.

Bert Fields 66, Monday, April 12, 2021 Blenheim Community Funeral Home

King Terry 97, Thursday, April 15, 2021 McKinlay Funeral Home

Bonnie Hood 77, Wednesday, April 14, 2021 Blenheim Community Funeral Home

Joyce Corinne Patterson 93, Friday, April 16, 2021 McKinlay Funeral Home

Margaret Warren 87, Wednesday, April 14, 2021 Blenheim Community Funeral Home

Dennis Watson 52, Saturday, April 17, 2021 McKinlay Funeral Home

Florence Parker 65, Sunday, April 11, 2021 Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home

Donald Robert Stirling 93, Saturday, April 17, 2021 McKinlay Funeral Home

Willie John Lamothe 77, Tuesday, April 13, 2021 McKinlay Funeral Home Gord Robertson 39, Wednesday, April 14, 2021 McKinlay Funeral Home

We love and miss you, Your sisters.

Joanne Kemp 88, Thursday, April 15, 2021 McKinlay Funeral Home

Loans

Silk Cemetery Saddle Arrangements.

Everyday/Holidays. Readyto-go. Many colours available. $25. Call 519-354-3411.

OBITUARIES

Lori Smith (nee Carlsen) 59, Wednesday, April 14, 2021 Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home

Pamela Jenner Thursday, April 8, 2021 Life Transitions Colleen Marie French 70, Thursday, April 15, 2021 Life Transitions Mr. Giuseppe Cannella 83, Saturday, April 17, 2021 Alexander & Houle Funeral Home See full obituaries at www.chathamvoice.com/obituaries

PERSONAL LOANS

4 Victoria Ave, Chatham (519) 352-2390

$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

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YHouse & Apartment Rentals YResidential & Commercial

PAGE 15

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

A FAMILY BUSINESS THAT CARES

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

alexanderfuneralhome.ca

That’s it!!

Call John at Unimor Capital Corp.

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Wanted Wanted to Buy: Antiques, costume jewelery, gold, silver, coins, military, furniture, tools. We Buy All - Paid Cash. 519-727-8894.

Wanted

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

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

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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.

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CHATHAMVOICE.COM

THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 16

THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 2021

News

CKHA’s Marshall earns award The Chatham Voice

The Chatham-Kent Health Alliance’s top administrator was named one of five Lerners Healthcare Champion Award Recipients in Southwestern Ontario.

Lori Marshall, president and CEO of the CKHA,

was nominated

by CKHA Foundation for the special healthcare recognition initiative, created

by Lerners LLP. In winning the award, it’s a sign of recognition for Marshall’s com-

Lori Marshall

mitment to the Chatham-Kent community throughout the past few years, and specifically for her inspirational leadership over the past 12 months in response to the

COVID-19 pandemic.

“I am thrilled to see Lori being recognized as a Lerners Healthcare Champion,” Mary Lou Crowley, CKHAF president and CEO said in a media release.

“Her extraordinary passion for health care in our community demon-

SUPPORT LOCAL

strates the true essence of this award.”

The Lerners Healthcare Champions challenge was created to identify and reward individual professionals or teams of professionals in Southwestern Ontario who work in the areas of healthcare and rehabili-

Nominate a

tation, and who go above and beyond the call of duty to assist members of their communities.

“I am incredibly humbled to have been named as one of the Lerners Healthcare Champions award recipients.” Marshall said.

Nominate a local frontline worker who has gone above and beyond for you or our community through the challenges of the pandemic!

Support the local businesses who help support our community!

Visit our website for all products and gift ideas willys420.com

We are here to help keep your pets safe from Monday - Friday 8:30am-6:00pm Saturday 9:00am-2:00pm Closed Sundays Open daily 11am - 7pm • Sundays til 6pm 163 King St. W. | Downtown Chatham

IT’S A MORTGAGE JUNGLE OUT THERE. PUT THE MORTGAGE HUNTER TO WORK FOR YOU!

Let Us Find You Your Best Mortgage

Ian Hunter www.themortgagehunter.ca 519-351-5303 ian@themortgagehunter.ca

222 Grand Ave. West, Chatham • (519) 354-0222 grandwestvet@gmail.com • www.grandwestvet.com

EUROPLUS FOODS Your Local Europe + 488 Riverview Dr., #8, Chatham-Kent https://www.facebook.com/europlusfoodschatham

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Aerus Mobile stays with you, reducing pathogens, odours and contaminants wherever you go.

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

Send the name and contact info of your nominee with the reason why you are nominating them to michelle@chathamvoice.com

by April 30. Valued at $300.

Disinfects surfaces and air 24/7 without chemicals or ozone.

To all of our front line workers, until April 30th, with the purchase of one of our in Home Purifiers* we will also include one our our Mobile Units at no charge! (*Guardian Air / Pure & Clean) Local Rep: Rick Wismer • aerusofwindsoron.com Cell: 519-355-9565 Store: 519-944-7800

Currently Offering Curbside Pick-up vwchatham.com

Downtown Blenheim 519.676.5144 fordandmac.com

519-352-8890 | 90 Keil, Dr. N, Chatham Spring Is Finally Here, Time To Switch Over Your Tires From Winter to Summer!

BROOKS New & Used Tires

10 Indian Creek Rd. East, Chatham Just East of Queen 519-351-3636 • Mon-Fri 8-6; Saturday 8-4

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We are open for SALES AND SERVICE by appointment!

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