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Mowed down

Chatham resident told not to trespass in Lark Park

By Pam Wright Contributing Writer

Pam Wright/Special to The Chatham Voice

It was the first day without training wheels for Piper Voros of Blenheim. Her mom Tawnya Henderson gave the youngster a round of applause as Piper learned to balance on the bicycle for the first time at Mitchell’s Bay recently.

A Chatham man, who organizes a sports league for local youth, has been flagged by the municipality.

Jason Reynolds, who keeps a portion of the grass at the city’s Lark Park cut for a flag football league, has been issued a no-trespassing order from Chatham-Kent’s legal department.

He’s forbidden to bring a lawnmower into the park and could face a $2,000 fine and possible arrest if he violates the order.

A quick search of the Internet reveals widespread support for Reynolds and the league, which he’s been operating for the past 30 years.

As a result, the #FREElarkPARK movement has started, complete with bright red T-shirts.

The slogan on the back of the shirt reads #KIDSoverPOLITICS. The issue was expected to be brought forward at Monday’s council meeting and is the subject of a 21-page report from administration.

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The report cites a number of issues relating to Reynolds and the league’s use of the park but it mainly centres on liability issues relating to the operation of a lawnmower on municipal property without proper insurance.

Chatham Coun. Michael Bondy said it’s unfortunate the issue has ballooned into a David and Goliath situation, but he’s certain the problem can be solved.

“Jason’s heart is in the right place,” Bondy noted, adding the municipality’s stance may be a little “heavy handed.”

A new approach is needed, he added.

“Basically I think we should push the reset button,” Bondy said. “Everyone wants the league to move forward.”

Bondy said there are 104 leagues successfully operating on municipal property and there’s no reason the flag football league can’t work.

Reynolds said the issue has put him in a Catch-22.

He’s part of the Under Armour sports apparel company’s Under the Lights football sponsorship.

Continued on page 2

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 2

THURSDAY, MAY 13, 2021

News

Insurance ‘Catch-22’ situation

of sports for youth.

“There’s always room for discussion,” McGregor said, adding there needs to be a balance.

Reynolds, who has been running a flag football league for about 30 years, said he can’t understand why there can’t be a dialogue between the two parties.

“It’s unfortunate,” Reynolds told The Voice. “There really is a disconnect between council and the public with regard how things need to be taken care of.”

The grass has to be cut because of safety concerns, he said.

“There is no other reason.”

The municipality’s report also states the park has been damaged during flag football tournaments and games, creating problems with noise, parking and public urination.

A number of Chatham residents have condemned the no-trespassPam Wright/Special to The Chatham Voice ing order, many speakMother’s Day. It can be seen as a day of brunches and family gatherings, as well a day of Jason Reynolds has been told to not cut the grass in Lark Park in Chaing out on Reynolds’ reflection and loss. It can be a mixed bag of emotions, with many who have lost their own tham, to the point he’s been threatened by the municipality with trespass behalf. mothers taking time to acknowledge their wives, daughters and granddaughters in their roles Reynolds, who lives charges. He says he’s just trying to create a safe space for kids to play as mothers. flag football. right beside Lark Park, This year, Mother’s Day, a day to acknowledge the roles mothers play in all of our lives, feels said he does his best to league costs $40 per person but don’t want them to be excluded particularly warranted. With stay-at-home orders, online schooling, and the expectation to keep the cost low for the players pay for their own jer- because of price.” keep on marching despite it all, this year has really showcased the strength, love and sacrifice Reynolds said he’s saddened two leagues he runs. seys. involved in being a mother. This year has also forced many household structures to adjust, His youth league, Reynolds is paid a $15 per by the fact he can’t maintain the giving many fathers a new appreciation for the mothers in their lives! which has between 80- person administration fee but field and while he understands Amanda, for instance, does the bookkeeping from home. She has worked around the clock 100 youngsters, costs he said he puts that money to- the liability issue, he doesn’t see while somehow managing to facilitate online schooling for the two boys, and keep the home in $150 per year, with the wards fees for upkeep of the why it’s any different from city some semblance of order. Oh, and did I mention she is 7 months pregnant? residents who volunteer to cut price including an Un- field.

Her organizational skills and ability to multi-task continue to amaze me! der Armour jersey.

The Chatham native said he municipally owned areas such With the stay-at-home order in The five-team adult grew up poor in an underpriv- as rights-of-way. place, this Mother’s Day certainly Reynolds said he doesn’t have ileged family and it’s a goal of felt strange. My own mother has his to keep the league open and an issue with paying fees, but been in Mexico for most of the he does want to know if the affordable to all. winter, and only arrived home He wants to give youth some- municipality will properly maintain the field. recently. She quarantined for 14 thing to do.

“There’s a 21 page report, but “I’ve seen a lot of people who days, only to move into lockdown. have talent go down the wrong there’s no mention of whether So, while we were able to chat on road because they have no op- they are going to cut the grass,” the phone, her lack of physical portunities,” Reynolds said. “I Reynolds said. presence was particularly noticed.

She has been here in spirit, but, psychologically, that is not quite the same.

It certainly gives me more admiration for people whose mothers have passed on, or those who, due to certain lockdown Do you have a passion for your community? Are you interested in inspiring financial restrictions, have been unable to see their mothers for long durations. For those of us who happiness and growing prosperity in southwestern Ontario? Want to be part of a are fortunate enough to still have their mothers with them, I hope this feeling will help us to remarkable team? We’d like to hear from you! Libro has an exciting opportunity in our appreciate the mothers in our lives all the more when life returns to some sort of normal.

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Continued from page 1

It offers $2-million in liability coverage.

However, the company won’t grant him insurance until he has a contract for the playing field, but Chatham-Kent won’t provide the space without proof of insurance.

Reynolds, who maintains an active social media presence, said the issue is personal. He blames an unnamed municipal employee for getting upset after he criticized the municipality.

The post sparked a feud that has culminated in the no-trespassing order, he explained.

Originally, Reynolds criticized

the municipality about not keeping up with the grass cutting as often as needed.

According to Reynolds, Chatham-Kent workers have been cutting the grass twice a month, but he maintains it must be cut at least once a week to keep it safe for players.

The report said the park is eligible for 36 cuts a year.

Chatham Coun. Brock McGregor said he’s hopeful council can resolve the issue, saying it’s extremely important that community sports activities be maintained.

McGregor said the pandemic has heightened the significance

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Group comes together for tomato giveaway

By Pam Wright Contributing Writer

One tomato, two tomatoes, three tomatoes, has turned into 25,000 tomatoes, give or take.

That’s how many of the delicious red orbs Come Together C-K volunteers have distributed throughout the municipality in the past week.

According to Brent Wilkin, a spokesman for the grassroots group, volunteers decided to capitalize on the offerings being made by Platinum Produce.

Rather than let a ripening

crop go bad, the Verbeek family, owners of the Blenheim-area greenhouse, decided to offer flats of tomatoes for only $5, which later increased to $10.

The effort become an Internet sensation as folks from near and far decided to help out by purchasing tomatoes and giving them away.

“As residents of Chatham-Kent, these are our tomatoes,” Wilkin said. “It was a good reason to reach out and help others.”

The initial giveaway started in Shrewsbury, expanded to Cha-

Pam Wright/Special to The Chatham Voice

Come Together C-K’s tomato giveaway is going strong across the municipality thanks to financial donations and the hard work of volunteers. In Wallaceburg, Dave Morrison of PuroClean Restoration was busy handing out the fruit Saturday to Phil Souligny of Grande Pointe, one of many locals who benefitted from the effort.

tham and then to Wallaceburg, Mitchell’s Bay and Dresden.

Donors stepped up to help pay for tomatoes that were then given away free to resi-

dents.

Plans are in the works to share the bounty with other C-K communities, Wilken said.

Wilken gives credit to the

many volunteers who have helped.

“It’s just like the Miracle and The Gift,” Wilken said. “It’s a great opportunity to share.”

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 4

What is MS? Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the most common diseases of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). Today, 2.8 million people around the world have MS. MS is an inflammatory demyelinating condition.

It is caused by damage to myelin – a fatty material that insulates nerves. In MS, the loss of myelin affects the way nerves conduct electrical impulses to and from the brain.

Symptoms can include blurred vision, weak limbs, tingling sensations, unsteadiness, memory problems, and fatigue.

World MS Day is officially marked on 30 May. It brings the global MS community together to share stories, raise awareness and campaign with everyone affected by multiple sclerosis (MS). World MS Day activities take place throughout the month of May and in early June. The campaign offers flexibility for individuals and organizations to achieve a variety of goals.

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MS Connections challenges social barriers that leave people affected by MS feeling lonely and socially isolated. It is an opportunity to advocate for better services, celebrate support networks and champion self-care.

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Tell the world about your MS Connections and raise awareness this World MS Day. From April 2020, share the campaign posters and animation to start a conversation about #MSConnections. You can even give your Facebook and Instagram a World MS Day makeover with the brand new #MSConnections profile frames.

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THURSDAY, MAY 13, 2021

PAGE 5

News

Your turn is coming soon.

Contributed image

Harbour Technologies co-owner David Glover inspects an isolation gown like the ones to be manufactured in the new Chatham plant.

Windsor company expands to Chatham The Chatham Voice

Windsor’s Harbour Technologies is expanding into Chatham-Kent, and officials said they are bringing about 80 new jobs with them.

Harbour, a company that pivoted its nuclear and aerospace capabilities to make automated equipment for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) manufacturing at the height of the pandemic, will set up shop on Richmond Street in Chatham.

“The plan is to add production capacity with 11 robotic lines for isolation gown manufacturing in a 38,000-square-foot facility we’ve leased on Richmond Street in Chatham,” said Andrew Glover, Harbour’s co-owner and engineering manager, in a media release. “Once the plant is fully operational, we’ll need about 80 full-time, skilled employees to help us meet growing demand for our products.”

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value, comfort and durability, company officials said.

The move places Chatham on the front lines of domestic PPE manufacturing, critical to rebuilding Canada’s pandemic response capabilities.

“Chatham-Kent has a proud tradition of quality manufacturing,” Mayor Darrin Canniff said. “As a community we welcome Harbour Technologies. It is gratifying that we have been chosen for this investment and we’re excited to be home to a firm producing such a vital product.”

Chatham-Kent director of Economic Development Stuart McFadden echoed the sentiment.

“I would like to welcome Harbour Technologies to Chatham-Kent and take the opportunity to thank Fred Naclerio and his team at Apollo Property Management and Developments for their role in securing this investment in our community.

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 6

Litigation mitigation It’s all about the money.

Unfortunately, that is too often the case.

Local flag football league co-ordinator Jason Reynolds was given a warning that if he kept cutting the grass at Lark Park, he would receive a trespassing charge.

Reynolds for the past five years has run adult and kids flag football out of the park, located on Lark Street in Chatham. And like most every other park in Chatham-Kent, municipal contracts have the grass getting cut there every other week.

Have you ever tried to run in long grass? Not fun.

And fun is the name of the game for children, while safety is the parental priority.

So Reynolds for some time now has taken it upon himself to mow the grass in the park to give the kids a better spot to play.

Apparently, staff in the municipality aren’t fans of the idea. They say it’s because Reynolds doesn’t have insurance to operate a mower on municipal property.

Because, after all, it’s never about what is best for our children anymore, it’s all about litigation mitigation; cut down on your chance of getting sued and have insurance in case it happens.

The issue was to come before council Monday.

Municipal staff had a 21-page report for councillors prepared. It documented the concerns over mowing liability, said the park is “eligible” for 36 cuts a year, and added the field has been damaged by flag football play.

Heavy field use can certainly chew up an athletic field. So too can playing on it in soggy conditions.

And it’s typically the middle of the field, the middle ground, that gets the most traffic.

But there appears to be no middle ground between the municipality and Reynolds, which is unfortunate. All parties need to work this out, for the benefit of the players.

Right now, there are no team activities; sports are suspended due to the pandemic. Reynolds really doesn’t even need to be on there at this point in time with his mower.

But sometime this summer, sports could return.

Let’s hope something can be worked out by then.

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.

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, MAY 13, 2021

Opinion

Smooth vaccination process Editor: We received our first shot of the Covid-19 Pfizer vaccine at the Bradley Centre recently.

Registering for our vaccine was easy. We spoke with a Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit staff member on the telephone and were offered the opportunity to call for an appointment or register online. We chose to register online, which was quick and easy.

Following the completion of our online application, we received a confirmation e-mail with our first vaccination date.

When the awaited vaccination day arrived,

so we were off to the Bradley Centre, slightly before our designated time. We were warmly greeted by a masked volunteer who provided hand sanitizer and directed us to the registration station where we were instructed to present our health cards.

As we made our way through each phase, very capable staff and volunteers greeted us and led us through the registration area, medical screening area, injection site and checkout area.

We received our injection from a very pleasant

retired nurse who asked us a series of questions and explained we were receiving the Pfizer vaccine. She explained the process and informed us that we may experience some minor side effects, including a sore arm from the injection of the vaccine.

We were required to wait 15 minutes to ensure we had no adverse effects. While we waited, volunteers checked on our progress to verify we were not having an adverse reaction and to answer any questions that we may have.

Prior to exiting the building, we were directed to the “checkout area” where we received a hard copy receipt with our vaccine confirmation and instructions regarding booking our second vaccine. Based on our authorization, an e-mail copy of our receipt was forwarded to our e-mail.

From start to finish, the process was less than 25 minutes and very professionally done.

The vaccination process in Chatham-Kent is a seamless efficient process with no barriers.

Deb and Tim Mifflin Chatham

We live in strange times indeed Editor: I was talking to a friend of mine about the recent anti-mask protests that have been going on in our province, more specifically, the ones that take place in parks, such as Tecumseh Park in Chatham recently.

For all the drone and other camera footage that municipal authorities and police are using to identify people breaking the current mask up and stay-athome orders, I wonder if

they are able to see that there are people in those parks, just passing through, perhaps walking their dogs, and have no idea what they are going through?

I hope the authorities

don’t ticket or arrest people just passing through with no idea of what is going on.

We really are in strange times aren’t we?

Frank Doyle Chatham

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THURSDAY, MAY 13, 2021

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THURSDAY, MAY 13, 2021

News

Huggins embraces can-do attitude

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

JP Huggins just likes to help others.

It’s in his DNA. He doesn’t do it for the recognition, but rather the good feeling it gives him.

Yet, the Chatham-Kent Chamber of Commerce took notice. Huggins is the 2021 Citizen of the Year.

The AutoLiv employee said he never considered being thought of as citizen of the year material, but others felt differently.

“A few people said stuff over the years, like, ‘You should be citizen of the year.’ In the back of my head, I said, ‘Suuurrre.’

But then I got nominated a couple of months ago and I was super excited about the nomination,” he said.

“When they told me I’d won, I didn’t know what to say.”

Huggins is the defacto chair of CherryFest in Blenheim, organizes events such as Trot to the

Beach, a fundraising race that supports the Blenheim Youth Centre and Word of Life soup kitchen, and most any other event that comes along.

He was a key organizer in the Blenheim area for last year’s May 16th Miracle as well.

Huggins said he doesn’t help people for recognition.

“I just love to serve people. I love to help people.

I don’t know if I’m just wired different. Some people are just natural hockey players, some are great musicians or entrepreneurs,” he said. “I wake up in the morning and thoughts roll around in my head. ‘How can I help people today?’ It’s brought me a lot of joy and happiness.”

South Kent Coun. Trevor Thompson has known Huggins for years. He said Huggins is an key part of the Blenheim community.

“JP is a guy. He’s just a community-minded fam-

ily man who is always, always there,” Thompson said. “He never asks for recognition. He loves his family and loves his community.”

Huggins has tried to involve his teenaged boys in the giving spirit too.

“I am happier and filled with more joy than I could have ever imagined to have. This is something I really wanted to portray to my kids,” he said.

“Money and possessions and different things don’t fill your life and make you happy. There’s nothing wrong with having lots of money, but what’s truly going to make you happy and bring you joy is serving other people and helping them out.”

His kids are part of his giving experience and, for the most part, he said they are on board.

“Sometimes when I wake them up at 3:30 a.m. to set up the Trot to the Beach or something like that, sometimes they’re a little

cranky,” he joked.

To see Huggins receive such widespread recognition through the Chamber of Commerce brings a smile to Thompson’s face.

“He puts in an extraordinary amount of work for the community. He’s just a regular guy. To see

him win an award like this is something special,” Thompson said.

Still, Huggins shrugs it off, explaining he does what he thinks needs to be done, including just being an ear on the other end of the phone for someone needed to talk.

“This pandemic has been super tough on people.

Some are lonely. They get laid off. And some people just called and needed someone to talk to. Others have asked for help with grocery shopping. Whatever we can do is what we do,” he said.

say Whittal + Company Law Firm (WCLF) has put down roots. But as part of the company’s celebration of its first decade in business, it is showing just

how deep those roots are by pledging $250,000 over the next 10 years to help C-K’s homeless.

Rachel Schwarz Whittal said the company has committed the funds with its At Home campaign to aid Indwell in its development of supported housing for the homeless in the municipality.

The firm will use its strengths to organize campaigns that raise awareness and financial support for organizations who have proven track records

of success in addressing homelessness, including Indwell.

“Indwell is honoured to partner with Whittal + Company Law Firm as they make this significant commitment to reduce homelessness in Chatham-Kent,” Jeff Neven, executive director of Indwell, said in a media release. “As Indwell explores how we can contribute to ending homelessness in the area, Whittal’s pledge demonstrates their leadership and vision for their

community.”

Working with Indwell just makes sense for WCLF, Schwarz Whittal said.

“Everybody who is part of the leadership decision making at the law office thinks it is really important for the corporation that relies on the community for business to make sure we are giving back as well,” she said. “We were able to make a bigger commitment. We wanted to address a big concept.”

Getting involved to help

address the homeless issue is a natural fit for the firm, Schwarz Whittal added.

“Housing is something we work in. One of our biggest practice areas is real estate. We help people get into their homes,” she said. “And now a portion of every real estate transaction that we do is going into this project.”

Schwartz Whittal said the firm has come a long way from its humble beginnings in the basement of the home of she and husband Daniel Whittal, the CEO of WCLF a decade ago, shifting to a one-room office on Park Avenue, then moving to Victoria Avenue and now into the former Libbey’s building on Richmond Street.

On top of growth in Chatham, two years ago the firm added a satellite office in Ridgetown. This year, they will add another office in Wallaceburg.

“It’s all about convenience of clients and ease of access. When people need lawyers, they need lawyers. They need to access them in their community,” Schwarz Whittal said.

Contributed image

JP Huggins, shown here performing for Word of Life Church, is Chatham-Kent’s Citizen of the Year.

Law firm pledges $250K to combat homelessness

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

After a decade serving the residents of Chatham-Kent, some might

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, MAY 13, 2021

5 face charges The Chatham Voice

A total of five people now face charges in connection with the April 26 Freedom Rally in Chatham.

Two people were initially charged, but Chatham-Kent bylaw enforcement officer Travis Maxwell told The Chatham Voice the event was still under investigation and other charges were in the works.

Charges may be brought for up to six months following the event.

The municipality currently has seven bylaw

officers working Monday to Friday during office hours, responding to complaints.

COVID-19 issues are keeping bylaw officers “fairly busy,” Maxwell said.

After hours and on weekends, the Chatham-Kent Police Service takes on the task.

Municipal officials have stated publicly that they prefer taking an educational approach to deter people from breaking COVID-19 safety protocols, rather than issuing tickets.

Suspects found in Thunder Bay The Chatham Voice

Chatham-Kent police say the final two suspects sought from a late-January shooting in Chatham are in custody.

The shooting took place Jan. 26 on Harvey Street.

Two people were hit and were taken to hospital. A third person was shot at but wasn’t hit. A dog was killed as well.

Through investigation, multiple suspects were

identified. Three of the five suspects were located and taken into custody within days of the incident.

Canada-wide warrants were subsequently issued for a 19-year-old man and 17-year-old youth.

On May 6, the pair was located in Thunder Bay and arrested on the outstanding warrants.

Both have been charged with three counts of attempted murder.

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

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

PAGE 9

News

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 10

THURSDAY, MAY 13, 2021

Fun Stuff

Community Events Friday, May 14: • 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 Cabbage Rolls or Fish & Chips. Please phone 519-3518733 or 519-351-5639 to place your order. Take Out Orders Only. Everyone Welcome.

• Friday night pickup supper at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St. Is a Chicken Fettucini Alfredo dinner with garden salad and a bun for $10. Please call daily at 519-352-8291 between 1 and 4 P.M to order.

Friday, May 21: • 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 519-3518733 or 519-351-5639 to place your order. Take Out Orders Only. Everyone Welcome.

• Friday night pickup supper at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St will be a Breaded Pork Chop dinner with applesauce, potato, vegetable, salad and bun for $10. Please call daily at 519-352-8291 between 1 and 4 P.M to place an order Thursday, May 27: • Chatham-Kent Public Library (CKPL) will be hosting bestselling author, Sheena Kamal, for a virtual author talk at 7:00pm via Zoom. Sheena Kamal holds an HBA in Political Science from the University of Toronto.

She was awarded a TD Canada Trust scholarship for community leadership and activism around the issue of homelessness. She has also worked as a researcher on crime and investigative journalism for the film and television industry. Her debut novel, “The Lost Ones” was inspired by her experience. Please register to attend this free online author talk through Ask CKPL: By phone – 519.354.2940 By text – 519.401.7174 By email – cklibrary@chatham-kent.ca By Facebook chat - @ckplibrary. To find out more about CK Reads programs and events, visit www.ckreads.ca.

Friday, May 28: • 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 519351-8733 or 519-351-5639 to place your order. Take Out Orders Only. Everyone Welcome.

Saturday, May 29: • 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. ~~~~~~~~~~ Submit your coming events to bruce@chatham­voice.com or michelle@chathamvoice.com

Sudoku CLUES ACROSS 1. Large, flightless birds 5. Lifts and moves heavy objects 10. Hyundai sedan 12. Wear away by erosion 14. Arranged alphabetically 16. Top prosecutor 18. __-de-sac: Short dead-end street 19. Digital audiotape 20. Linguistics pioneer 22. Singer DiFranco 23. Arms of the sea 25. Near-reach weapon (abbr.)

26. Ballplayer’s accessory 27. You get one at the beach 28. U.S. founding father 30. W. Australia indigenous people 31. Amounts of time 33. Put on the shelf 35. Russian dynasty member 37. City along the Elbe River 38. A peninsula between the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf 40. Actor Damon 41. __ King Cole, musician 42. Company that rings receipts 44. Scatter

This week’s answers

Saturday, May 15: • 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.

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.

45. Basics 48. Part of a door 50. Indicates silence 52. Moved quickly on foot 53. Monetary units 55. A place to crash 56. Many subconsciousses 57. Group of countries 58. About line of latitude 63. Female follower of Bacchus 65. A dentist can treat it 66. Dull brown fabrics 67. Int’l nonprofit CLUES DOWN 1. Midway between northeast and east 2. Partner to cheese 3. One from Utah 4. A way to move 5. Playing cards 6. Baseball stat 7. Long river in western Asia 8. Grandmothers 9. Entertainment legend Sullivan 10. Steam bath room 11. One who kills 13. Food 15. Swiss river

17. Fleet 18. Taxi 21. Working class 23. More (Spanish) 24. High schoolers’ test 27. Large heavily built goat antelope 29. Murdered in his bathtub 32. Tease good-naturedly 34. Morsel 35. Cause persistent resentment 36. A radioactive element 39. Perform in a play 40. Witty remark: Bon __ 43. A great place to kayak 44. Conclude by reasoning 46. In an unfavorable way 47. Complex of nerve tissue (abbr.)

49. Machine for making paper 51. Feline 54. Yugo’s hatchback 59. Check 60. Press against lightly 61. Wind-pollinated plants 62. __compoop 64. Commercial

THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, MAY 13, 2021

Birth Announcement

Classifeds

Birth Announcement

Daniel Jozef Stonehouse Born April 27, 2021 6lb. 13 oz.

Son of Jake & Magda Stonehouse Brother to Jeromy Great Grandson of Jim & Doreen Stonehouse

You will be my own special treasure. Exodus - 19

Notice NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND OTHERS

DATED at Chatham-Kent, this 26th day of April, 2021.

Bert John Van Zetten, Estate Trustee With a Will, by his lawyer Hinnegan Law Professional Corporation 75 Thames St., Box 428 Chatham, Ontario N7M 5K5

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND OTHERS

All claims against the Estate of Sherry Marie Remington, late of the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, who died on or about the 15th day of March, 2016, must be filed with the undersigned personal representative no later than June 21, 2021, after which date the estate will be distributed having regard only to the claims of which the Estate Trustee then shall have notice.

DATED at Chatham-Kent, this 27th day of April, 2021.

Louise Jeanette Lalumiere, Estate Trustee With a Will, by his lawyer Hinnegan Law Professional Corporation 75 Thames St., Box 428 Chatham, Ontario N7M 5K5

Asphalt

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Rentals

Loans

7 piece oak bedroom set.

Queen headboard & frame, 2 night tables, 5ft wide dresser with 6ft high armoire. Call 519-351-0528.

SENIORS APARTMENTS

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Silk Cemetery Saddle Arrangements.

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Obituary

All claims against the Estate of Allan John Van Zetten, late of the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, who died on or about the 30th day of March, 2021, must be filed with the undersigned personal representative no later than June 14, 2021, after which date the estate will be distributed having regard only to the claims of which the Estate Trustee then shall have notice.

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PAGE 11

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

Sell your unwanted items in the classifieds!

519-397-2020

SINCLAIR: Larry Leroy A resident of Chatham, Larry Sinclair passed away at Riverview Gardens with family at his side on Wednesday, May 5, 2021 at the age of 78.

Born in Chatham, Larry was the son of Archie and Augusta (DeLaet) Sinclair. Beloved husband of 37 years to the late Georgean (nee Tasker) (2018). Loving father to three step-sons, Brian Patrick (Carrie) of Eberts, Ken Patrick (Zuzana) of Stoney Point and Wayne Patrick (Marg) of Leamington, sons, Edward Sinclair (Joanne) of Dover Centre and Shawn Sinclair. Proud grandfather of Zachary, Caitlin (Tye); Derrick (Dani), Tereza (Murray); Jeremy (Mellissa), Brad (Stacy), Stephen; Alicia (Chris) and Ethan. Great-grandfather of Brennen, Justin, Megan, Hayden, Emily, Xavier and Ellie. Brother to Rosemary Grinage of Chatham and Julie Simpson (Kevin) of Wallaceburg. Predeceased by his siblings Gerald Sinclair, Ronald Sinclair and Linda McCathern. Larry will be missed by his sisters-inlaw, Ellen Tasker, Ruby Tasker & Dorrine Phaneuf.

Remembered by special nephew Bud as well as many nieces, nephews, friends and extended family. Larry retired from Navistar after over 30 years of service. He loved fishing and boating with his wife Georgean and family. Larry was a living example of how family is more than blood.

Cremation will take place with a private family service to be held at Maple Leaf Cemetery at a later date.

Donations made in memory of Larry to the Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation would be appreciated.

Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com McKinlay Funeral Home 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham 519-351-2040

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OBITUARIES Susan Solomon 63, Monday, May 3, 2021 Life Transitions

Joanne Foster 63, Saturday, May 1, 2021 Blenheim Community Funeral Home

Linda Suwala 59, Thursday, April 29, 2021 Life Transitions

Dave Cooper “Coop” 70, Thursday, May 6, 2021 Blenheim Community Funeral Home

John Knight 59, Friday, April 30, 2021 Life Transitions

Robert Goudreau Tuesday, May 4, 2021 Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home

Denise Reinhart Friday, April 30, 2021 Life Transitions

Clara May Ball 78, Wednesday, May 5, 2021 Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home

Mr. Zbigniew “Zibi” Piesiak 69, Tuesday, April 27, 2021 Alexander & Houle Funeral Home

Rose-Marie Koekuyt 58, Friday, May 7, 2021 Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home

Dr. John Arthur Roe 88, Wednesday, May 5, 2021 Alexander & Houle Funeral Home

Katie Congo 72, Tuesday, May 4, 2021 McKinlay Funeral Home

Mrs. Stella Bird 94, Monday, May 3, 2021 Alexander & Houle Funeral Home

Amanda Myers Sunday, May 9, 2021 McKinlay Funeral Home

Mrs. Joan Kivell 95, Monday, May 3, 2021 Alexander & Houle Funeral Home

Larry Leroy Sinclair 78, Wednesday, May 5, 2021 McKinlay Funeral Home

Elise Tuffin 83, Thursday, May 6, 2021 Kendrick Funeral Home

Peggy Parker 77, Wednesday, May 5, 2021 McKinlay Funeral Home

George Guyett 81, Sunday, May 2, 2021 Blenheim Community Funeral Home

Madeline Campbell 78, Thursday, May 6, 2021 McKinlay Funeral Home

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 12

THURSDAY, MAY 13, 2021

ADVERTORIAL

Transitions, Not Transactions

James and Lee-Ann MacNeil, owners of Life Transitions Burial and Cremation Service Inc. in Chatham, started their funeral business five years ago with the intent on focusing on the people they serve.

The idea was to shape the funeral to best fit the desires of each family, rather than put them through a cookie-cutter process.

“Our style seems to really work with families. People say they feel very relaxed around us,” James said. “Our approach is to be honest and transparent. We partner with our families as we walk them through a difficult transition.”

Having served more than 1,000 families in the area, Life Transitions has recently expanded at their location at 397 McNaughton Ave. W. in Chatham.

The new space has proven to be the perfect space for smaller family viewings, intimate send-offs and private family funerals. The MacNeils are adamant about paying attention to cultural changes. “The added space is just another response to the wishes of clients

397 McNaughton Ave. W., Chatham 519-351-4444 lifetransitions.ca

and the evolution of the funeral process,” Lee-Ann said. The Life Transitions concept has caught on.

“We have seen that the culture continues to move away from traditional funeral ideas. We realize that ours is a very new and different approach to funerals and funeral planning, however we are confident, and have been encouraged by our client families, that this is a much needed positive change.”

“Life Transitions has installed a system that allows live streaming for any service. This accommodates family members and friends who are unable to attend. The stream can be accessed live or recorded,” James said.

The expansion and the positive feedback from clients tell the MacNeils they have found their niche. “We’re top of mind for many families.” James said Life Transitions keeps it simple. “It’s about the wishes of the family. We are absolutely the most contemporary, and modern version of a funeral home.” The versatility could see a family opt for any variety of scenarios. Life Transitions has conducted funerals at local churches and

“James & his team are the best at what they do. They help make a horrible time easier to deal with.

Very caring & helpful, don’t force you to do anything you are not willing to do. Take their time with you, to do what you want. Their prices are really reasonable. I recommend to everyone.” - Diane D

halls with upwards of 1,000 people attending – to very intimate gatherings in their own facility, and smaller venues, including family homes. “We can facilitate any type of funeral.”

James said the idea is intended to match a family with a venue and a service that works specifically for them.

“We’re able to tailor the size of the service to their needs and also partner with local businesses, which is a nice win-win,” James said.

That flexibility is appreciated, Lee-Ann said. “We’re not restricted by our building. Our building isn’t our focus; our families are the focus. Every aspect of making funeral arrangements is tailored to what is convenient for our families.

Meeting in our office after a loved one has passed is not essential.” She said James will do house calls or arrange as much as possible online or over the phone.

“Many families we’ve served have never once been into the office. For whatever reason, it’s often easier for me to come and make arrangements in their home,” James said. “We can have a conversation around your kitchen table, no problem.”

It is all about what is most convenient for the family during what is possibly one of the most difficult times of their lives.

Life Transitions will continue to help families say goodbye to loved ones in whichever style they’d like.

“We’ve been able to take one of the worst situations in someone’s life and have them reflect positively on it,” Lee-Ann said. “That’s why we are honoured to do what we do.”

“The experience that I had with James and the staff at Life Transitions was truly a blessing. The knowledge and experience they exhibited was absolutely a comfort.

The flexibility in my mother’s final arrangements made for a very unique interment gathering. She would have wanted it exactly as it played out.”

- Steven L.

“I rarely leave reviews online but felt compelled to leave one for James and his team at Life Transitions. I cannot recommend Life Transitions enough - if I could give more stars I would. They made the entire process of planning my father’s funeral extremely easy for us - always working within our timeline and always answering our questions promptly no matter what time it was.” - J.H.

YOUR FAMILY. YOUR TERMS. FAIR PRICE.