The Chatham Voice, Aug. 24, 2017

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017

Vol. 5 Edition 34

Caught on tape

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A sea of yellow and green

By Mary Beth Corcoran mary@chathamvoice.com

In a recorded conversation between a well owner in the East St. Clair wind farm project area and the director of operations for the wind farm company, the official admitted wells were contaminated by turbidity during pile driving, and owners were given filtration systems to fix the problem.

Christine Burke, a well owner who has had black water issues since the East St. Clair turbines were constructed in 2012, called GDF Suez director of operations Augusto Di Maria on Aug. 18 to ask for help with her well issue. In the 30-minute conversation, Burke asked Di Maria if he was aware of well issues. He replied he was aware of issues in the pile driving phase of construction that was making the well water of “six to eight well owners, maybe more” murky.

“When you’re breaking through the earth, that’s a lot of force, I can understand that,” Di Maria said regarding why wells might go turbid during pile driving. “I did see well issues when we punched the piles through the earth, at that point in time there was a disturbance and that makes sense.”

Continued on page 2

Mary Beth Corcoran/The Chatham Voice

It’s been a great summer for growing in Chatham-Kent. Sunflowers, such as the ones shown here in full bloom on Maryknoll Road in Chatham, brighten up many a backyard. There’s a field of them on Allison Line near Blenheim as well.

Protesters blockade turbine construction

By Mary Beth Corcoran mary@chathamvoice.com

It looks like Chatham-Kent municipal council may finally be prepared to push the Ministry of the Environment regarding the con-

tamination of water wells in the North Kent Wind Farm project area.

Chatham-Kent Coun.

Leon Leclair came to a press conference Thursday at the home of Wayne and Valerie Brooksbank on Countryview

Line whose well is now clogged with sediment, one of three farms on Countryview that have filed complaints about a well contaminated with sediment.

A pile driver for North Kent Wind Farm was in

operation just east of the Brooksbank’s farm until Thursday when a blockade by Water Wells First members stopped construction crews from entering the site.

WWF spokesperson Kevin Jakubec said the

group blockaded three of the five turbine construction sites Thursday to try and stop any more wells from being contaminated with sediment, WWF’s main objective.

Continued on page 2

THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 2

THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017

News

Turbine director admits pile driving causes turbidity

Contrinued from page 1

Di Maria goes on to say that the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change (MOECC), as well as the Municipality of Chatham-Kent were informed of the well complaints back in 2012, and named the municipal contact he made aware of the complaints – Pat Bruette, director of public works at that time.

“We’ve had people reach out to the municipality; the municipality said, ‘Hey we got a complaint in the area can you go and take a look at it?’” Di Maria said.

He added that he spoke with Bruette as long ago as a year to discuss “some concerns” about the East St. Clair project.

Kevin Jakubec, Water Wells First spokesperson, who was given a copy of the conversa-

tion, said Di Maria’s comments prove both the MOECC and the municipality knew about pile-driving causing turbidity in wells in the East St. Clair project.

In a letter to Teri Gilbert, issues manager for the MOECC, Jakubec asked why the MOECC issued an REA permit to allow North Kent Wind to go ahead when they knew pile driving caused problems in the East St. Clair project to at least eight wells.

“Teri, it appears the MOECC and the Municipality of Chatham-Kent will both find themselves in civil lawsuits shortly if the North Kent Wind project isn’t immediately halted and a full investigation to determine the extent of the well damage in North Chatham-Kent is deter-

mined and proper effective remediation methods are sought to ensure the safety and reliability of the ground water for all families dependent on this water source,” Jakubec said in his e-mail.

He also calls out councilors and Mayor Hope who are only now asking the MOECC to investigate, when they knew all along pile driving has caused turbidity in at least one other project. East Kent Coun. Leon Leclair, at a press conference last week, said he is now concerned because “one well going bad was a fluke,” but with the four more in East Kent reporting turbidity, he was now convinced there was enough to look into.

Jakubec said council and municipal legal counsel John Nor-

ton did not do their due diligence and ignored concerns in

East St. Clair when investing $8 million into North Kent Wind.

struction until water well issues have been addressed, is concerned with recent testing discrepancies.

The water well tests taken by Jessica and Paul Brooks, on Brook Line in North Kent, before pile-driving be-

gan just north of their home, showed the turbidity (cloudiness) level at an average of 2.7 NTU (Nephelometric Turbidity Units), which the couple showed to media at a press conference at the end of July. That amount is below the Canadian

Drinking Water Standard level of 5 NTU. In a test taken by AECOM in February of 2017 of the Brooks well, the report stated the turbidity value as 6.2 NTU, as reported in technical memorandum to Chatham-Kent council

on Aug. 9. AECOM was contracted by the North Kent Wind Farm company to do base-line testing on wells in the project area. Tests taken by AECOM and the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change (MOECC) after the complaint by the Brooks that their well was clogged with sediment after pile driving began, however, differ in their amounts.

In the Aug. 9 technical memorandum, which makes no mention of the Brooks baseline testing results, AECOM reported the turbidity after pile driving to be 57.3 NTU, and the MOECC results at 86.8 NTU. When the MOEE was asked about the discrepancy in the results, and the preliminary report from AECOM to council that said the sample taken was “visibly clear,” Mark Smith, area supervisor at the MOECC office in Windsor replied to the Chatham Voice in an e-mail.

“The ministry takes concerns about groundwater quality very seriously,” he said.

Mary Beth Corcoran/The Chatham Voice

Wayne Brooksbank, a retired farmer on Countryview Line, holds up a cloudy water sample rife with sediment and a clogged filter that stops particles one micron and over from entering his tap water Thursday at a press conference with Water Wells First.

MOE spokesman skirts well water issue

By Mary Beth Corcoran mary@chathamvoice.com

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017

PAGE 3

Andrew Pereira

News

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C-K council finally taking notice of turbine problems?

Continued from page 1

Leclair said there is support around council, “more now today than yesterday,” for the North Kent residents and he wants to “move forward” and is “frustrated” with the issue of wells going bad for his neighbours, but would not commit to asking the company to halt construction.

“Other councillors support you. We’re not in the press. What we’re doing is behind closed doors. I have been in discussion with other councillors and I’m here to say we’re here to push for resolve in the water wells issue caused by windmill construction and the operation going forward,” Leclair said at the press conference.

He said at the upcoming Aug. 21 council meeting, Coun. Jeff Wesley was to put forward a notice of motion to ask council to contact the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MOECC), but would not say what the content of the communication to the MOECC would be.

“I supported the project, but it’s not my project,” Leclair said. “I was under the premise if there was ever an issue, somebody

was going to be here to deal with it pronto and not have all kinds of excuses.

Going forward, whatever I can do to put the feet to the fire of the MOE, I will.”

Leclair added the municipality was part owner of the project and Jakubec responded, saying, “Then you’re part liable for the problem.”

Jakubec added that WWF expressed concerns over well water safety a year ago, and for council to finally realize that WWF was right, action by council now was “a day late and a dollar short.”

Jakubec challenged Leclair to put forward a motion to halt construction on behalf of his constituents who were out on blockade lines “doing his job.”

At the press conference were the people whose wells have been affected in the North Kent Wind 1 project area – Theresa Pumphrey, Paul and Jessica Brooks, Valerie and Wayne Brooksbank, and a representative for Mark Moir (Countryview Line).

Visibly upset, the property owners talked about the impact on their families’ health and fear about the black shale that is visible in the water that is known to carry arsenic, mercury

and other harmful chemicals in it.

Jakubec said MOECC senior hydrogeologist Bruce Harman, who took samples at the Brooksbank well, was at loss to explain how the visible turbidity of the water samples taken was in contradiction to the AECOM report that indicated samples were “visibly clear.”

In water samples taken

by Bill Clarke, a licensed expert, of the Brooks well water, the results showed the turbidity (cloudiness) of their water averaged 2.7 NTU (Nephelometric Turbidity Units). The AECOM tests done in February of this year, showed the turbidity at 6.2 NTU. After pile driving began and the Brooks complained, AECOM took another sample of water the tester said was “visibly clear” in a report to Pattern Energy, but the turbidity level they reported was 57.3 NTU. Tests on the same well by the MOECC after pile driving showed the turbidity at 86.8 NTU, which Jakubec said was roughly 30 times the Canadian Drinking Water Standards of 5.0 NTU. Also, the AECOM lab report dated Aug. 9 had colour as one of the pa-

rameters of measure of the water sample. The Canadian Drinking Water Standard guideline for colour is no more than 5 TCU. Before pile driving, AECOM reported the colour at 27 TCU and after pile driving, 281 TCU. According to the standards, “a colour of 15 TCU can be detected in a glass of water by most consumers, and 5 TCU will be apparent in large volumes of water, such as in a bathtub; however few people can detect a colour level of 3 TCU.” Pumphrey, whose family was one of the first to speak out about her well

problem, was upset with Leclair, and said something has to happen now, not later.

“We were one of the first to speak out about this issue early to stop (the well problems) with Brooks, Brooksbanks and Moir from happening. That’s why we spoke up to share our story and council didn’t do anything. You say you’re concerned and we never heard from you,” Pumphrey said. “I reached out to Jeff Wesley when he made his motion at council and I got told I had a beef with municipal council and he

wasn’t my representative.

I got thrown under the bus when I reached out to him when he’s out in the public saying he’s there to support us.”

Jakubec said the well owners and WWF will not be satisfied with anything less than the halt of construction of the NKW1 project north of Chatham, given all the test results that prove the wells were fine before pile driving began.

“Don’t you dare go back to council with the attitude that there is no proof.

The facts are in,” Jakubec said to Leclair.

“As part of the ministry’s science-based approach, the proponent of the project (North Kent Wind) was required to conduct well water quality testing. Results of

the well water quality testing prior to construction showed that the turbid water is associated with naturally occurring groundwater.

WWF spokesperson

Kevin Jakubec, however, said these comments by Smith were “completely disingenuous.”

“The particles in the water have never been seen before. The aquifer does

sit on Kettle Point black shale, which is naturally occurring,” Jakubec noted. “Whether they are man-made or naturally occurring contaminants that are not nor-

mally seen obligates the MOECC to investigate.”

At press time, council was expected Monday night to ask the MOECC to investigate.

Mary Beth Corcoran/The Chatham Voice

Members of the grassroots activist group Water Wells First showed up at the North Kent Wind Farm construction site on Countryview Line at 6 a.m. Thursday morning to block workers from entering the site. WWF is demanding the halt of all construction for the NKW1 project and that the Ministry of the Environment investigate the contamination of five water wells in the area. WWF put up blockades at three of the five sites currently under construction in north Chatham.

MOECC defends companies’ water testing processes

Continued from page 2

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PAGE 4

THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017

News

Mayor Hope asks province for action on water well issue

By Mary Beth Corcoran mary@chathamvoice.com

Chatham-Kent Mayor Randy Hope sent a letter Friday to Ontario Minister of Environment and Climate Control (MOECC) Chris Ballard, asking for him to take immediate action on complaints from residents with bad wells in the North Kent Wind Farm (NKW1) project area.

Hope has been criticized extensively by the local group Water Wells First (WWF), which has been working for the past year to get all levels of government to listen to its concerns about Kettle Point black shale contaminating wells after construction of wind turbines

began. The group has called for the mayor and legal council John Norton’s resignation due to lack of action regarding complaints of contaminated wells.

“Water Wells First demands Mr. Norton and the mayor immediately resign from their offices. The members ask for widespread support from the municipality in demanding these resignations,” Kevin Jakubec, spokesperson for WWF said.

WWF alleges that the municipality, as 15-per-cent owner of the NKW1 project, had a conflict of interest in asking Pattern Energy employee Jody Law to release information Aug. 3 to the media about the testing re-

sults of Jessica and Paul Brooks’ well that contradicted evidence of contamination witnessed by several people at a press conference earlier that week.

The Brooks are one of five well owners to complain since work began on the NKW1 project.

The statement by Norton was made in an e-mail thread Aug. 2-3 between Coun. Leon Leclair, Hope, Norton and Law, which was copied to Jessica and given to WWF. At that time, the only information council had was what was relayed to them by Law, that “the sample was visually clear” and there was “no empirical evidence of an issue.”

Jakubec said his group will also being making complaints to the Ontario Ombudsman regarding the mayor and Norton.

In a phone interview with The Voice, Hope said, responding to 9:00am - 1:00pm WWF allegations of directing Pattern Energy 6:30pm - 8:30pm communications, said 6:30pm - 8:30pm the intent was to encourage the company to “convey information to the broader public.

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Chatham Voice file photo

A water filter in a family home in North Kent is clogged up due to turbidity in the well water.

as a reporter call me about details of a report, what would I be able to say other than what I’m reading,” Mayor Hope said.

“The corporation responsible under the REA, which is Pattern Energy, with this wind project, it is important to us that they communicate with the broader public and this is what John Norton has told Pattern and I’ll tell Otter Creek and have told them, since wind projects were coming here, that they need to communicate better with the residents.”

And Hope insists there is no conflict of interest.

“No there is no conflict of interest. Everything is done by scientific base under the REA

permit, when they made application for this project, certain compliance they would need to deal with. Government is the one that sets the rules and construction of the wind project are the ones responsible to reply,” Hope said.

Now, however, that conflicting information on the test results of contaminated wells has been made known to council, Hope has authored a letter to the MOECC and Leclair told North Kent residents at a press conference Thursday that a notice of motion was coming to council Aug. 21 to “put feet to the fire” regarding MOECC inaction on addressing residents concerns of the safety of their water.

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017

PAGE 5

News

Bountiful harvest

This family grows some really big vegetables

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

When your father-in-law has a green thumb and he’s willing to share his seeds, how can you say no?

That’s what happened for Paige Craievich, who saw huge success in her garden this year at her home on Pine Line.

It was the first year she got serious with vegetable gardening, and saw the results immediately.

Paige used the seeds from father-in-law Jake Craievich, whose Maryknoll Road garden in Chatham produced a

2.5-pound tomato last year, and was highlighted in The Chatham Voice.

Paige had hoped to top Jake, but she came up short, as the biggest tomato on her plants weighed in at 2.2 pounds.

“Jake seeded it,” she said of the tomato plant. “The seeds always trace back to the original plant.”

But Paige thinks she will soon be able to own family bragging rights, as her garden is in the rich soil of Dover Township, and she waters the vegetable garden with water from a nearby creek.

The combination paid off for the entire garden, as

she also had a 5.2-pound zucchini.

“I watched it grow,” she

said of the entire garden.

“Oh my God, it’s a jungle now.”

As for the family rivalry, it is about as friendly as they come. Paige said

Jake regularly pops out to check on her garden and offer pointers.

have lost a friend or family member recently. Klonteig said about 80 children are in the local program currently.

“Thank you for supporting Kids’ Circle and the release of their butterflies,” she said of Rotary.

“I think it brings hope and strength that they (the children) are not alone.

The community cares.”

The butterfly release isn’t just for the children, however, as other people will release butterflies for their lost loved ones as well.

“It’s just a nice community event to remember a loved one,” Klonteig said, adding individuals and

even retirement homes have purchased butterflies for Sunday.

For Klonteig, this will be her first release, as she joined the VON in April.

But it will hit close to home.

“I lost my mother-in-law 10 years ago. I think the outpouring of support from the community is just amazing.

You never forget your loved ones,” she said.

“In this world, it seems cancer

and diseases are taking over. It’s nice to see so many people remembering. It’s nice to see people

coming together to grieve, but also to celebrate life.”

Klonteig encourages the public to come out and en-

joy the event, supporting friends and family and even complete strangers.

Bruce Corcoran/The Chatham Voice

Paige Craievich showcases part of her bountiful harvest from her vegetable garden at her home on Pine Line. The tomato topped the scales at 2.2 pounds, while the zucchini weighed in at 5.2 lbs.

VON butterfly release set for Sunday

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

For the 10th straight year, the VON will host a butterfly release celebration of life.

This year’s event takes place Aug. 27 at 1 p.m. at Veterans’ Gardens on Thames Street in Chatham.

Blair Klonteig, fund developer and community relations co-ordinator for the VON in Chatham-Kent, said just over 100 monarch butterflies will be released in memory of lost loved ones.

The Rotary Club of Chatham sponsored butterflies for the VON’s Kids’ Circle, a bereavement group for children who

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 6

It’s about time If Chatham-Kent council actually goes ahead with action to put the “feet of the MOE to the fire” as promised by East Kent Coun. Leon Leclair regarding water well issues in north Chatham-Kent, a collective “it’s about time” cry will be heard far and wide.

Water Wells First, a group of frustrated farmers and well owners, have been on this topic for more than a year, begging council and the Ministry of the Environment to listen to their concerns about contaminated wells in Dover, and the potential for more with the North Kent Wind project currently under construction in North Kent.

Well, perhaps someone should have listened.

With five wells now contaminated due to turbidity, and the baseline testing done to prove it, how can anyone deny the pile driving construction currently underway is the culprit?

WWF even has the East St. Clair wind farm project director of operations on tape as saying pile driving was the cause of turbidity problems in more than eight wells in that project area that we know of. Some people have been afraid to come forward because of fear of their property losing value due to water problems.

And even if the people in East St. Clair were given filtration systems, WWF has proof that the sediment clogging at least one well contains black particles (shale) that in this area are known to carry heavy metals. In one well sample, 52 per cent of the particles were under one micron and filtration experts have said it very difficult to make filters that will remove particles under one micron.

So why won’t the MOECC take samples of the sediment in North Kent and tell these people whether even the filtered water they are drinking, bathing in, and giving their small children is safe or not?

And where are the public health officials in all this? Is contaminated drinking water, even in a private well, not a public health issue, particularly if we are talking about a whole underground water source?

The municipality needs to step up and demand answers from the MOECC and if they won’t answer, then councillors should stand in the blockade lines with the people in this community until they get them.

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017

Opinion

How safe is C-K’s $8M investment?

Sir: The mayor and council of Chatham-Kent invested $8 million of our tax dollars from the reserve fund in the North Kent Wind Farm a couple of months ago. I wonder how secure they feel that investment is now?

Did senior administration recommend this investment?

On Aug. 4, Jody Law, the project’s senior manager of development reported that an investigation to a complaint of water quality had been done. A landowner near one site where pile driving had taken place was experiencing severe reduction in water quality and filters were quickly clogging.

Pile driving is complete or under way on 20 of an expected 42 construction sites.

According to Mr. Law, the site was visited by an Aecom staff to sample and test the water. He said “that with no remedial work required, they were able to run a faucet continuously with no issues.

The sample was visually clear and colourless with no visible sediment. We have requested expedited

analysis from the lab but, at this point, there is no empirical evidence of an issue.”

On Aug. 2, a press conference was held on the Brook Line location of the problem well and individuals, as well as the press members, saw first hand the clogged filters and lack of water flow.

Did Mr. Law send his people to the correct location?

A Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MOECC) provincial officer collected a water sample on Aug. 1 and the resulting turbidity test showed a turbidity of 86.8 NTU. The Ontario Drinking Water Standard is 5.0 NTU. Tests prior to pile driving carried out by a hydrogeologist, following legal chain of custody requirements, revealed consistent turbidity values of 2.53 NTU, 3.02 NTU and 2.96 NTU with an average of 2.84 NTU. What made the turbidity go up so high, so quickly and how did Mr. Law’s representative from Aecom staff, which included licensed well contractors, come up

with clear water?

On Aug. 5, a water tank containing approximately 2,000 gallons of water from the Ingersoll PUC was delivered to the Brooks Line site. This was overseen by a representative of Pattern Development, a joint owner of the North Kent Wind Farm. Are they finally recognizing that it is their pile driving activities that are causing problems with water wells?

Now a fourth water well is experiencing water problems since pile driving for turbine footings was begun. Common sense would indicate that when pile driving occurred in Dover Township, water wells experienced problems. As pile driving is now occurring in Chatham Township, water wells are experiencing problems. What will you expect when pile driving occurs in the Wallaceburg area?

Is this representative of the “scientific approach” that Aecom takes in all of its monitoring? Will the vibration tests also fall short of requirements?

A test result is only as good as the protocol followed, the physical placement and the equipment used!

If the mayor and council of Chatham-Kent invested $8 million of our tax dollars in a company that seems to be misrepresenting some crucial facts, how accurate were the facts that made them take part in an investment of this magnitude?

If the wind turbines, which are ruining the aquifer, are so profitable for Chatham-Kent, I would suggest that the mayor and council allocate some of these resources to investigate and analyze all water wells and start protecting the aquifer and the health and welfare of the Chatham-Kent constituents. How many rural residents will mayor and council allowed to be harmed to protect this investment?

Do we have to get ready for another tax increase to replenish our losses from our reserve fund?

Peter J Hensel Dover Centre

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017

PAGE 7

Residential, Commercial and Farm Mortgages!

519-351-SAVE Our Family Taking Care of Your Family

THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017

Spectacular, 2 storey home with walk out fully finished garage/basement, effectively a 3 storey home with attached indoor inground pool. All located on manicured grounds, featuring wildlife pond, gazebo and decorator pond with waterfalls. Main floor entrance foyer, vaulted ceiling, curved staircase, to walkway, and open living room with gas fireplace overlooking the indoor pool. Four bedrooms up and a large master suite on the main floor. All 3 floors are serviced with a concord elevator. New metal roof in 2015.

Large rooms in this well cared for north side bi-level, ideal for the growing family in a quiet north side cul-de-sac. Main floor features an oak kitchen with eating area, living room and seperated dining room, 3 bedrooms up master with ensuite 3pc bath plus a 4pc main bath with skylight, many triple closets throughout the home, all new flooring. The lower level is fully finished, and has a 30 foot family room with gas fireplace, 3pc bath, 4th bedroom and a games room 14 x 21 plus utility room with rear exit. Private fenced yard with wood deck and shed, attached 2 car garage.

MARKET ANALYSIS CERTIFICATE THIS CERTIFICATE ENTITLES YOU TO A MARKET VALUE ANALYSIS OF YOUR PROPERTY BY DENNIS CRAIEVICH, YOUR REALESTATE PROFESSIONAL. CONTACT ME AND I WILL SHOW HOW MUCH YOUR PROPERTY IS WORTH IN TODAY’S MARKETPLACE.

Mobile Anytime: 519-436-3505 sold@chathamkent.net If your property is currently listed with a real estate broker, please disregard this offer. It is not our intention to solicit the offerings of other real estate brokers. We are happy to work with them and cooperate fully.

*Broker of Record

**Broker

***Sales Representative

www.remaxck.ca

THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 8

homes

Helping Habitat’s Blenheim build

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

When Libro Credit Union employees learned of a contest to give $5,000 to the charity of their choice, they jumped on the idea, and had just the recipient in mind: Habitat for Humanity.

The charity is building a home for a family in Blenheim, and to the employees, that seemed like the perfect destination for the funds.

The cash comes from the Helping Hands contest, put on by a credit card company that works with credit unions, Libro’s Jolene Turner said.

“We got narrowed down to three in the region.

We had 31 (credit union) branches on our side, though,” she said. “It’s nice to see a local family benefit.”

Turner said she and her family have also volunteered at the build site.

She and fellow Libro staffer Maddalena Vaughan penned a 500word essay, urging the Helping Hands contest committee to pick Habitat for Humanity.

“Community involvement is what makes Habitat for Humanity flourish and grow. It is the love, strength and compassion that everyone has to give

Bruce Corcoran/The Chatham Voice

Maddalena Vaughan, left, and Jolene Turner of Libro Credit Union in Blenheim hand a cheque for $5,000 to Habitat for Humanity officials Anne Taylor and Nancy McDowell.

to another out of the kindness of their hearts; and

SUMMERSET PLACE - OFF OF KEIL TRAIL NORTH SEMI DETACHED HOMES STARTING AT

THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017

$298,500

READY FALL 2017

seeing the joy in someone else makes it all worth it.

Habitat for Humanity has proven this through the strength it brings to communities and the stability and prosperity it brings to

Sat. Aug. 26, 1-3pm

families,” they wrote.

“Habitat’s philosophy of providing a ‘hand up, not a hand out,’ compliments what Libro is trying to accomplish, in that Libro’s philosophy that we

as employees coach and support our owners to be ‘Epic Humans’ by building prosperity for our collective families and communities in which we all live.”

This Weeks Open Houses

4750 Talbot Trail, Merlin $559,900 . . . . . Ron Smith, Royal LePage

1:30-3:30pm 2 Bruinsma, Chatham $189,900 . . . Andrea Okopny, Royal LePage 1-3pm

56 Shawnee, Chatham $429,900 . . . . . . David Smith, Royal LePage

1-3pm

20 Webb, Chatham $189,000 . . . . . . . . . Steve Carroll, Royal LePage

1-3pm

8892 Talbot Trail, Blenheim $429,900 . . Penny/Elliot Wilton, Royal LePage

1-3pm

17989 Bury Rd, Orford $369,900 . . . . . . Penny/Elliot Wilton, Royal LePage

Sun. Aug. 27, 1-3pm

30 Cumberland, Chatham, $189,900 . . . Penny.Elliot Wilton, Royal LePage

Serving Chatham-Kent Since 1978

JUST LISTED

IN COLLABORATION WITH TMC CONSTRUCTION AND GILLES MICHAUD CONSULTING Broker Protected

Showroom located at 356 St.Clair St. (Beside Tim Hortons) Call Tony Almeida at 519-350-6625

RESERVE YOUR HOME TODAY! maplecityhomes.ca

Mike Smyth Sales Rep.

157 Sheldon

Northside brick rancher featuring 3 bedrooms, family room plus 2 - 3pc. baths. Extra large lot 67x264.

Peifer Realty Inc.

BROKERAGE INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED

519-784-5470 34 Raleigh St.

519-354-5470

THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017

PAGE 9

homes Peifer Realty Brokerage Independently Owned & Operated 42 Talbot St. W., Blenheim

Penny Wilton, Broker

519-360-0315 • penny@pennywilton.com

Elliot Wilton, Sales Rep.

519-358-8755 • elliot@royallepage.ca FIND US ON

FACEBOOK

FOLLOW US ON

BROKERAGE INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED

BEST of Chatham-Kent

BEST

Cultivating the Best, Shore to Shore

Cultivating the Best, Shore to Shore

Reader's Choice

Peifer Realty Inc.

Reader's Choice

of Chatham-Kent

Andrea Okopny

Res:

Sales Rep. Bus. 519-354-5470

519-354-4714

Look what $189,900 buys!

TWITTER @ckrealtor

Open House - Sat. Aug. 26 1-3pm

Open House - Sun. Aug. 27 1-3pm

8892 Talbot Trail, Blenheim Sprawling 3BR, 2.5 bath ranch on beautifully landscaped lot. 2 attached garages and many unique & rare features. $429,900.

519-676-5444

Cell:

519-359-2482

30 Cumberland Cres., Chatham

5636 Talbot Trail, C-K

Lovely & Unique 3 BR, 2 bath. Nice size Fantastic, 2 acre lot overlooking beautiful bedrooms overlook living/dining with Lake Erie. Hydro, water & gas services at cathedral ceiling. Large rear deck backing the road. $79,900. onto schoolyard/park setting. $189,900.

Open House - Sat. Aug. 26 1-3pm

Open House

Open House 2 Bruinsma Saturday, August 26 1:30 - 3:30pm

17989 Bury Rd., Orford 148 Jane St., Blenheim

Cute 3 BR bungalow. Many upgrades & improvements. Newer kitchen and bath.

Nice sized yard! Call Now! $89,900.

Completely renovated 3+1 BR farmhouse on 3.91 acres. 3 outbuilding and a tranquil setting with outstanding views. $369,900

18125 Equus Trail, High Banks 4.6 acre horse farm with stunning 4 level 3 BR, 2 bath home. Completely renovated, attached garage and 30 x 50 barn.

Truly one of a kind! $895,000.

Super raised rancher featuring 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, spacious kitchen with separate dining area. Large family room for the kids, office, huge laundry - storage room, newer furnace and central air.

Great neighbourhood near parks and schools. See you there!

Enjoy the lake breezes in this custom 3 bedroom rancher!

19170 Douglas Rd. 444 Riverview Dr. #8/9, Chatham 2 commercial condos in excellent location.

Units can be split or kept as one. New furnace, AC & roof. Is zoned for dozens of varying businesses! $169,900.

106 William St., Merlin

Note the stone exterior!!! Separate 3 bay garage plus attached 2 bay. Beautiful oak kitchen with granite. Formal dining room, cedar strip ceiling, gleaming hardwoods and huge family room with gas fireplace. Enjoy the stunning 3 season room.

18 Cramar Cres., Chatham

Gorgeous executive 3 BR ranch. Great floor plan, massive kitchen & large living Awesome buisness potential plus living quarters plus seperate 3 BR moible home. room with fireplace. Oversized garage & beautiful patio with covered area.

All brick building seats up to 55 people $599,900. with many updates! $99,900.

Cell:

Jim McLachlin

519-358-3984

Broker

519-354-5470

Office:

Peifer Realty Inc.

BROKERAGE INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED

email: jm4homes@ciaccess.com • website:www.chathamontariohomes.com

Cell:

Steve Carroll

519-355-9774

Sales Rep.

519-354-5470

Office:

Peifer Realty Inc.

BROKERAGE INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED

PRICE

17 Oakgrove Lane

83 Smithfield

Professionally designed, open concept makes this a unique floor plan with no expense spared.

Hardwoods throughout the main floor and Windmill cabinets. 3 or 4 bedrooms and 3 full baths. Mainfloor laundry option. Compare and evaluate the ease of care and privacy here. Really sharp unit! $304,900.

A very clean 3 bedroom home in Prestancia.

This home has a fully finished basement, second floor laundry, huge master with matching walk-in closet, double garage, gas fireplace and is available for quick closing. Offered at $299,900.

Country

For Lease

2804 Kent Line

1000 sq. feet on perhaps the busiest street in the city. Lots of parking, low common fees and available now. You can’t miss with this exposure and signage is available at the road. $11.00.

New Listing - 143 King St. W. Great business opportunity in downtown core. Owner of Boyes & Herd Men’s Wear is retiring. The only cost will be the inventory and a lease arrangement with current owner. Great potential here.

21 Oxley - $129,000

Mint 2 bedroom brick bungalow, many updates, large partially fenced yard. Close to grocery store, drug stores and banks.

Great location!

725 St. Clair St.

Just like a new house and comes with a spectacular shop. This package is ideal if you like the outdoors and need to store your toys but need a nice home for the family. Updates everywhere including the master with en-suite bath. 3 good sized bedrooms, new kitchen, main floor laundry and natural gas heat.

Nice package for someone. $289,000.

Rare Building Lot

This is a bargain if you are thinking of building your own home. At only $32,500 you can’t find much at this price with location and services.

Located at 96 Sheldon Ave it is 30 x 110.

Drive by, check it out and give me a call!

OPEN HOUSE SAT. AUG 26 1-3PM

New Listing - 20 Webb - $189,000 4 Level split in a great north side area. Updates include kitchen, windows, roof and more. Upper level features 3 bedrooms & 4pc. bath. There are 2 family rooms + 1/2 bath on lower level. Must be seen!

23871 Winter Line Rd - $215,000 This 1 1/2 storey home sits on almost 2 acres of privacy just south of Paincourt. It features many updates as well as a combined (46x33) 2 1/2 vehicle garage & large shop.

A great property that must be seen.

THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 10

CHATHAM OFFICE

34 Raleigh St.

Peifer Realty Inc. BROKERAGE INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED

519-354-5470 BLENHEIM OFFICE 42 Talbot St. W.

519-676-5444

THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017

THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017

VISIT OUR BLOG! Stay up-to-date on home ownership.

www.royallepagechathamkent.com

Chatham-Kent MLS Sold Ends - First Seven Months of 2017.

We sell more houses than any other office in Chatham-Kent.

Royal LePage Peifer has 38.6% of the Y-T-D market share of the combined top 5 brokerages in Chatham-Kent.

Source: MLS Data, Chatham-Kent Real Estate Board, August 02, 2017.

PAGE 11

Serving Chatham-Kent Since 1968 Realtor On Duty

Monday-Friday 8:30am-6:00pm Saturday 9:00am-1:00pm

Brian Peifer Broker of Record Cell 519-436-2669

open house Ron Smith* 519-360-7729

Brandice Smith* 226-626-4838

David Smith* 519-350-1615

Larry Smyth** 519-355-8686

Michael Smyth* 519-784-5470

Patti Vermeersch* 519-355-6800

SATURDAY, AUGUST 26, 1-3PM 4750 TALBOT, MERLIN $559,900 AGENT: RON SMITH Beautiful 2br, 2 bath custom built home on Lake Erie.

Call Ron 519-360-7729 or Brandice 226-626-4838.

Elliot Wilton* 519-358-8755

Kelly-Anne Appleton* 519-365-7155

18125 EQUUS TR., RALEIGH • $895,000

4.6 ac horse farm with stunning 3br, 2 bath 4 level home.

Call Penny 519-360-0315 or Elliot 519-358-8755.

2 CRAMAR $519,900

Lovely 4br, 2.5 bath 2 storey in Berkshire Subdivision on a beautifully landscaped lot. Call Brian Peifer 519-436-2669.

920 CHARING CROSS $549,900

Magnificent 3br, 2.5 bath brick rancher. Call Brian Peifer 519-436-2669.

3br, 1.5 bath bungalow on 1.69 acre site backing onto the Thames River + lg metal implement shed.

Call Brian Peifer 519-436-2669.

877 CHARING CROSS $925,000

Everything you could want! 5br, 2 storey with a beautiful yard.

Call Brian Peifer 519-436-2669.

7 INDIAN CREEK W $539,900

4+1br, 3.5 bath 2 storey executive home with attached double garage. Call Gus 519-355-8668 or Heather 519-355-8666.

New Listing 71 MCFARLANE $189,900

335 TOWANDA, ERIE BEACH • $479,900 Beautiful year round 3br, 2.5 bath home fronting on Lake Erie with beach access. Call Brian Peifer 519-436-2669.

44 JOPLYN $879,900

Lovely 4br, 3.5 bath 2 storey in a wooded setting with i/g pool.

Call Brian Peifer 519-436-2669.

Beautiful & rare 2br, 2.5 bath new ranch style home on the Lake Erie Bluff. Call Brian K 519-365-6090 or Brian Peifer 519-436-2669.

17 OAKGROVE $304,900 3 or 4 br, 3 bath custom designed 1 floor townhouse with double car garage with all the extras.

Call Jim 519-358-3984.

Penny Wilton** 519-360-0315

20 WEBB $189,000

Great 3br, 1.5 bath north side 4 level side split with many updates.

Call Steve 519-355-9774.

23871 WINTERLINE PAINCOURT • $215,000 2br, 1.5 bath, 1.5 storey home with many improvements on a gorgeous very private lot. Call Steve 519-355-9774.

Attention Boaters

444 VICTORIA $164,900

4729 RIVERSIDE, PT LAMBTON • $345,000

1482 sq ft 3 br, 1.5 storey with many updates on a beautiful 1/4 ac lot.

Call Brian Preston 519-355-9868.

Beautiful double lot on Channel Ecarte with 80ft fronting on the water.

Call Bev 519-358-8805.

New Price 482 MCNAUGHTON W $169,900 3+1br, 2 bath 4 level home with newer kitchen & bath.

Call Gus 519-355-8668 or Heather 519-355-8666.

23 ENCLAVE $439,000

Custom built 4br, 2.5 bath executive brick 2 storey home.

Call George 519-360-7334.

23567 PRINCE ALBERT $649,000

Beautifully landscaped 4br, 3.5 bath executive brick rancher with many updates on 3.86 acres.

Call Steve 519-355-9774 or Brian 519-436-2669.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 26, 1-3PM 56 SHAWNEE $429,900 AGENT: DAVID SMITH 3+1br, 2 bath Vandersluis built south side rancher approx 1600 sq ft.

Call David 519-350-1615.

Commercial Lot

Ronald Franko** 519-355-8181

18360 MARINE PARK, C-K $548,000 Incredible 4br, 2.5 bath custom, modern, contemporary 2 storey home. Call Pat 519-360-0141.

Inventory & equipment incl. 60’x120’ all steel Vertec building on 4.77 acres at Hwy.401. 5 bay doors, 5 ton overhead crane. Call Ron 519-3607729 or Brandice 226-626-4838.

Sylvia Moffat** 519-355-8189

Ghassan (Gus) Najjar** 519-355-8668

Heather Najjar** 519-355-8666

Kristen Nead** 519-784-7653

Andrea Okopny* 519-359-2482

725 ST CLAIR $289,900

1 ac lot with 120’ frontage on St. Clair just south of mall. Zoned HC1. Call Bev 519-358-8805.

243 MERRITT $189,900

Chris Papple* 519-350-1402

Elizabeth Peifer* 519-436-8959

4br, 1.5 bath 4 level with fully fenced in yard. Call Amber 519-784-5310.

Improved price by $10,100 4 OPAL • $288,900

Well cared for 3br, 1.5 bath 2 storey with many updates and 18x36 i/g pool. Call Larry 519-355-8686.

Steve Carroll* 519-355-9774

20400 COUNTY RD 42, TILBURY • $1,400,000

Jim McLachlin** 519-358-3984

Quality custom built home on a beautiful river lot.

Call Brian Peifer 519-436-2669.

Cindy Weaver** 519-360-0628

New Price

June McDougall* 519-358-5199

New Listing

New Price

5084 TALBOT, MERLIN $695,000

George McDougall* 519-360-7334

7627 RIVERVIEW LINE $729,900

open house

Amber Pinsonneault* Patrick Pinsonneault** 519-784-5310 519-360-0141

Includes High Grossing Business

Eric Fitzgerald* 519-436-4865

507 RIVERVIEW $499,900

Offer Pending

Absolutely beautiful 3br northside rancher updated throughout.

Call Cindy 519-351-1952.

Carson Warrener* 519-809-2856

New Price

Offer Pending 12 OTTAWA $265,000 Gorgeous 3br, 1.5 bath 4 level side split with lovely heated i/g pool.

Call Mike S 519-784-5470.

25951 MCMURCHY, WEST LORNE • $519,900

135 BERRY $169,900

3br, 2.5 bath custom built 2 storey home on a 2.5 ac hobby farm.

Call Wayne 519-436-4810.

Well maintained 3br brick rancher with many updates. Call Deb R 519-401-5470.

Offer Pending 35 CHATHAM, BLENHEIM $139,000 Totally renovated duplex.

Total rents $1,350/mth + utilities.

Call Mike Smyth 519-784-5470.

21 OXLEY $129,900

Mint 2br brick bungalow that is totally updated. Call Steve 519-355-9774.

403 / 405 WALLACE, WALLACEBURG • $129,900 Duplex, both units have 2 bedrooms and views of the river.

Call Kristen 519-784-7653.

Brian Preston* 519-355-9868

Deborah Rhodes* 519-401-5470

open house Michael Gibbons* 519-365-5634

Catie Hawryluk* 519-809-4268

Bev Shreve** 519-358-8805

115 SMITHFIELD $339,900

Brian Keenan* 519-365-6090

Wayne Liddy* 519-436-4810

Fantastic 4br, 3 bath 2 storey in very good condition and offers good value.

Call Eric 519-436-4865.

104 LONDON, THAMESVILLE • $74,900 A very spacious 3br, 2 bath, 1.5 storey century home. Call Brian Peifer 519-436-2669.

155 GRAND AVE W. $199,900

Great business opportunity.

Fully leased.

Call Brian Peifer 519-436-2669.

8 HOMESTEAD $182,900

3br brick rancher, 2 baths, finished up and down.

Call George 519-360-7334.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 26, 1:30-3:30PM 2 BRUINSMA $189,900 AGENT: ANDREA OKOPNY 3+1br, 1.5 bath bi-level with some updates. Call Andrea 519-359-2482.

564 KING W $152,000

Nice 3br, 1.5 bath, 1.5 storey home in an excellent location.

Call Mike S 519-784-5470.

573 PARK W $134,900

2br one floor bungalow easy to maintain. Call Brian Peifer 519-436-2669.

10989 RIVER LINE $899,900

4br, 3.5 bath, 3500 sq ft executive ranch on 3.10 ac’s on the water.

Call Wayne 519-436-4810.

Broker** Sales Representative *

THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 12

THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017

News

Picking up sick animals not in the budget, PAWR says

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

Pet and Wildlife Rescue (PAWR) officials say they don’t have the funding to send personnel out to retrieve live animals for their care.

This in response to a recent letter to the editor in The Chatham Voice, and a host of online comments on a local social media site.

Racheal Smith, in an Aug. 17 letter to the editor, which was addressed to two municipal coun-

cillors, was surprised to learn PAWR didn’t pick up animals in distress.

She said PAWR personnel, once the animal was in their care, did a great job, but was upset the municipality didn’t provide funding for animal retrieval.

Online, PAWR took a beating from commenters on a local Facebook page, despite the fact Smith said in her letter, “I am NOT blaming PAWR.” PAWR spokesperson April Colby said the fund-

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ing just isn’t in place.

“With Pet & Wildlife, even the funds we receive for donations are going to caring for animals,” she said. “For us to pick them up, that would cut into our budget. We wouldn’t be able to do all our vet work and still maintain the care for all the animals.”

Since they took over from the OSPCA to care for strays, lost, and abandoned animals last November, PAWR has brought in nearly 2,000 cats, close to 400 dogs and about 60 other little critters, such as guinea pigs and rabbits.

Colby said the cats far and away are their biggest issue.

“Only 27 of the cats have been returned to their owners. That’s like one per cent. It makes me sad.

We definitely have a feral cat problem. We definitely

Bruce Corcoran/The Chatham Voice

PAWR’s Myriam Armstrong holds Maxine, a three-week-old Rottweiler-Bouvier mixed breed puppy, one of the animals the organization is currently caring for at its Park Avenue location.

PAWR officials say all their municipal funding is earmarked for the care of animals, but not to pick up injured or ill ones.

have a stray cat problem,” she said. “It’s in our contract to take in stray and feral cats.”

Of the 387 dogs PAWR has taken in, 167 have been adopted out and another 146 returned to their owners.

Colby said she and other PAWR officials can emphasize with the public over the issue of not picking up injured or ill ani-

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mals.

“We can definitely understand people’s frustrations when they see a sick or injured cat and they wonder why we don’t go and pick it up,” she said.

“But the municipality funds us to take in and care for stray cats, sick and injured cats and dogs and the little guys (guinea pigs, rabbits, etc.).

“We’re not funded by the municipality to go pick them up. If we do, we’re using funding for care and control of animals for something we’re not funded to do.”

Colby said the same is true when it comes to sick or injured wildlife, as the municipality doesn’t fund

for that either.

“If it’s something people want, they should be talking to their councillors.”

Colby said PAWR does occasionally send out volunteers to get animals, if those volunteers are available.

Despite having “wildlife” in their name, they don’t care for wild animals, only domesticated ones.

“Even if someone were to bring in a raccoon, we’d have to transfer it to a regulated wildlife rehabilitation centre, one authorized by the Ministry of Natural Resources,” Colby said.

Continued on page 13

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017

News

Finally, some wet relief!

PAGE 13

Funds for care

Continued from page 12

“We have lots of great organizations (in Chatham-Kent) who take in wildlife.”

Those include Maynard Avian Rehabilitation Centre for birds and Hope Haven Wildlife Centre, she added.

Colby said running the animal shelter is one element of PAWR, but not all of what the organization does, as it works closely with the other animal groups.

She admits taking over the shelter has been an eye-opening experience for PAWR. “We’ve had growing pains. We are coming from being a grassroots organization to taking in a level of animals we’d never worked with previously,” she said. “Plus, we are an organization full of volunteers.”

Colby said PAWR operates as a

“zero-target shelter,” meaning they do not euthanize animals just to create space at the shelter.

“We euthanize when animals are ill. Our goal is to not euthanize healthy animals,” she said. “We’ll transfer animals if we have to.”

Colby encourages anyone with concerns with how PAWR operates to contact the organization directly.

“The Internet can be a cesspool of bad information,” she said. “It’s so easy to go on Facebook and find information you believe to be true.”

Colby said people can contact PAWR by phone at 226-996-9969; via email through its website, pawr. org; or through its Facebook page at facebook.com/pawr.org.

“We’re an open-book organization. We encourage people to come in and visit. We are part of Chatham-Kent,” she said.

HOLD

THE DATE

Judy Woodrow/Special to The Chatham Voice

This young lad gets a soaking on Saturday at the official opening of the Wallaceburg Splash Pad. The weekend weather made for perfect conditions for families to enjoy the pad in Colwell Park.

SEPT 29th to OCT 1st 2017 Chatham Campus 1001 Grand Ave. West

TITLE SPONSOR:

Built on Reputation

Friday September 29th Chatham Campus 6:30pm – 8:30pm Tour the Campus Enjoy live entertainment

FREE refreshments and cash bar!

Dan

Jeff

OCAA SAINTS MEN’S BASEBALL DOUBLE HEADER Saturday September 30th Rotary Park, Fergie Jenkins Field 1:00pm & 3:00pm start times Cheer on the Saints!

FREE Admission FREE hot dog & pop

Ron

Offering a full range of services at competitive prices Serving Chatham & Area Since 1904 156 William St., Chatham | www.peseski.com | 519.352.5120

Saturday September 30th New Student Centre - Chatham Campus 5:30pm - Champagne Reception 6:30pm - Dinner, Dancing and more!

Casual Attire

Tickets: $39.50 (plated meal) Available at the cktickets.com

FAMILY FUN DAY

Sunday October 1st

Chatham Campus 10:00am – 2:00pm Bouncy castles, pony rides, wagon rides, clowns, face painting, free skating, loads of food vendors and much more!

Bring the family!

EVENT DETAILS & TICKETS: stclaircollege.ca/scc50/events

THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 14

THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017

Business

Pro/Am raises $40K for CKHA The Chatham Voice

The 12th Annual Pro/Am Golf Tournament for the Foundation of CKHA raised $40,000 recently.

The money is earmarked for the Diagnostic Imaging Equipment Renewal Campaign. To date, more than $4.5 million has been raised.

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As one of the Foundation of CKHA’s signature events, the tourney sold out and featured over 128 golfers and 33 club p ro f e s s i o n a l s from across Southwestern Ontario.

The event featured 18 holes of golf, games of skill, a cocktail reception and a silent auction featuring a private flight over Chatham-Kent, signed Auston Matthews and T.J. Brodie jerseys, as well as an assortment of golf packages.

“Our 12th Annual Pro/Am Golf Tournament was once again an entertaining day of golf,” says Barb Noorenberghe, Development Officer, Foundation of CKHA, in a release. “The energy from the volunteers, the golfers and the pros was unbelievable. We are very grateful for the support of this year’s event as everyone came together to raise funds for our DI Equipment Renewal Campaign.”

Contributed image

From left, Foundation of CKHA supporters, Mark Dorssers, Jack LeClair, Bill Dorssers, Brendan Seys (Wayne State University), and Owen Dorssers were named tournament champions at the Foundation of CKHA’s 12th Annual Pro/Am Golf Tournament recently.

Golf event raises money for safety village

The Chatham-Kent Children’s Safety Village benefitted recently from Pioneer’s annual charity golf tournament.

The tourney proceeds totalled in excess of $1,300.

The funds went towards Farm Safety Day for local children to learn farm safety Aug. 23, as well as during the January and February Farm Safety Programs for Grade 6 students.

4-H kids help the hungry

The 4-H Farm Toy Club presented a cheque for $3,400 to Chatham Outreach for Hunger during its Achieve-

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017

PAGE 15

Business

Take the safer road less travelled

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

The recent spate of accidents on Highway 401 led CK Tourism to remind motorists there are many other routes through Chatham-Kent.

On July 30, two people died and two others were seriously hurt in a six-vehicle pileup in the construction zone of the 401

near Dillon Road. A short time afterwards, there was another five-vehicle chain reaction in the construction zone as well.

Shannon Paiva, supervisor of tourism for the municipality, said their CKDetour campaign began as a way to urge people to get off the multi-lane highway, but added things have changed somewhat in the wake of the rash of

accidents on the 401.

“Really, what our campaign started for was to take the road less travelled. Enjoy that trip,” she said. “Unfortunately, there’s also the safety aspect. People can use these maps as an opportunity to avoid the delays and any unforeseen circumstances.

“We don’t want to make light of the loss of lives.

It’s tragic. But if we can

help by letting people know there’s an alternate route to take, please take it,” Paiva said.

With the 401 down to one lane in each direction, and concrete barriers making it feel more like a cattle chute than a highway at times, any mishap results in at least the closure of the eastbound or westbound traffic. Anyone in the construction zone be-

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hind an accident has no- available at the Civic Cenwhere to go and can be tre and all municipal sertrapped there for hours. vice centres, as well in On“We urge tario Tourist people to “Really, what our Information plan ahead. campaign started for Centres in Taking that was to take the road London, extra 20 less travelled. Enjoy Sarnia and minutes Windsor. (to take an that trip. Unfortunately, “We have a l t e r n a t e there’s also the safety people who route) could aspect. People can are having a c t u a l l y use these maps as an weddings save you opportunity to avoid the in the future time with and they’re the con- delays and any unfore- putting that struction,” seen circumstances..” map in as - C-K’s Shannon Paiva Paiva said. part of the And it invitations comes with added bo- for out-of-town guests,” nuses. First, each vehicle she said. “Eighty maps off the 401 helps cut the went yesterday alone.” chances of an accident ocThe maps are also availcurring, and second, peo- able for download from ple might just see some- www.visitck.ca thing they like.

Construction on the 401 “This also gives them is slated to continue into an opportunity to see November. something maybe they Meanwhile, the OPP rewouldn’t have. They may mind motorists to be extra come back. It’s an oppor- cautious while travelling tunity to realize there is along the 401, especially something here right off in construction zones. the 401,” she said.

They add that drivers Paiva said people in Cha- should expect delays and tham-Kent are making plan accordingly. use of the maps, which are

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PAGE 16

THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017

News

Thursday, August 24, 2017 • Open euchre at The Chatham Legion, William & Colborne St., Chatham at 1:00pm.

Friday, August 25, 2017 • Bike Fest! Love bikes and support Big Brothers Big Sisters Aug. 25 & 26! Pig roast, live bands, vendors, bike showcase, beer garden and more! Free! 5:30pm-11:00pm.

Sat. 9:00am-11:00pm.

• Karaoke with M&M Djing service from 6:00pm-9:00pm at Branch 465 Merlin Legion, 2 Stanely St., Merlin. Lasagna dinner from 5:30pm-7:00pm for $10.00.

• Meal and darts at The Chatham Legion, William & Colborne St, Chatham. Dinner from 5:30pm-7:00pm with choice of liver and onions, roast beef or fish and chips for $9.00. One meat draw. Fun darts starts at 7:30pm.

• Welcome back Terry Raisbeck - performing in the West Lounge at Meadow Park, Sandy St., Chatham. 2:00pm.

Saturday, August 26, 2017 • Saturday Morning Breakfast at First Presbyterian Church, Chatham (corner of Fifth St and Wellington). A delicious nutritious breakfast served free of charge every Saturday morning from 9:30am-11:00am.

Everyone is most welcome.

• Meat draw and dance at The Chatham Legion, William & Colborne St., Chatham.

Meat draw from 4:00pm-6:00pm. Dance from 4:30pm-9:30pm featuring Barker Brothers.

• Blood Donor Clinic from 9:00am12:00pm at the Polish Canadian Club, Inshes Ave., Chatham. Many open spots available. www.blood.ca or call 1-888-2-DONATE(1-888-236-6283) Sunday, August 27, 2017 • Free take away friendship meal from 4;00pm-5;00pm at St. Andrew’s United Church, 85 William St. S., Chatham. Hamburger & hot dogs and fixin’s with dessert.

All are welcome!

Monday, August 28, 2017 • Monday “Brown Bag” Lunch at Christ Church, Chatham (beside the bus stop).

A free nutritious lunch can be picked up every Monday in August from 11:30am12:30pm. Everyone is welcome.

• George Wilson will be performing during the Auxillary Ice Cream Shoppe at Meadow Park, Sandy St., Chatham at 2:00pm.

• Open euchre at The Chatham Legion, William & Colborne St., Chatham at 1:00pm.

Tuesday, August 29, 2017 • Mike & Melody will perform in the West Lounge at Meadow Park, Sandy St., Chatham at 2:00pm.

• Open euchre and open shuffleboard at The Chatham Legion,William & Colborne St., Chatham. Euchre at 1:00pm and shuffleboard at 7:00pm.

• Christ Church Chatham presents “Arias, Allegros & Andantinos in August”.

12:15pm-12:45pm. Doors open at 11:45) Bring your lunch, relax in the Church and listen to beautiful organ music. Free. 80 Wellington St. W., Chatham. 519-352-1640.

Wednesday, August 30, 2017 • Sing-along with Amelia and Deb in the main dining room at Meadow Park, Sandy St., Chatham at 2:00pm.

• Pepper and fun darts at The Chatham Legion, William & Colborne St., Chatham.

Pepper at 1:00pm and fun darts at 7:00pm.

Thursday, August 31, 2017 • Open euchre at The Chatham Legion, William & Colborne St., Chatham at 1:00pm.

PAWR at the animal shelter phone number for lost and stray pets and issues at the dog parks: 226-996-9969 daytime. Emergency and after-hours number: 519-784-6146.

Animal Cruelty and neglect cases call direct 310-7722 or 310-SPCA. Chatham-Kent Metal Detecting Club Meets last Thursday of the month. 7:00pm.

Kinsman Room. Erickson Arena, new members welcome!

The Thames River Revue has recitations, juggling, comedy, little plays, audience participation, games & more! This busking show is every Friday 5pm-8pm & every Saturday & Sunday from 12:30pm-2:30pm until Sept. 24. It’s in front of the Downtown Chatham Centre, 100 King St. W. Submit your coming events to bruce@chathamvoice.com or michelle@chathamvoice.com

Mary Beth Corcoran/The Chatham Voice

Finn the cat took an immediate liking to a present another cat sent him via Canada Post recently – a homemade mouse filled with catnip.

From one cat to another

Something happened recently that I have never before seen in my nearly 30 years in journalism: Our cat got a letter.

It was stamped and sent to Finn Corcoran care of our work address at 84 Dover St., Unit 2, Chatham.

I can only guess that the mail carrier reads the paper, as it didn’t say “The Chatham Voice” on the letter anywhere, was written in pencil, and had a drawing of a cat on it.

The letter as signed by “Dotty,” another cat. It reads: “Dear Finn, I made a very nice mousie for you to play with.

“Did your mommy name you after a fish or Huckleberry?

“You better stop being bad or you may have to go to the glue factory.

“I used to be an orphan, but not any more.

“Sometimes I bite. That’s bad.

“I don’t like tomcats very well.

They don’t smell very good.

“Yer friend, Dotty.”

And the letter did indeed contain a catnip-filled homemade mouse!

This had everyone in the office laughing last week. It’s classic!

For someone to take the time to

Bruce Corcoran pen the letter, let alone make a cat toy for Finn, I must say, we were floored by the effort.

I must thank “Dotty” and her owner for the kind effort. Again, I’ve never seen such a thing in all my years writing.

Our cat took one sniff of the mouse, snatched it up and went into his play tunnel to play with it – and rub it all over himself. He loved it!

Finn, by the way, got his name because it’s Irish, and rather unique.

But he still doesn’t answer to it like a dog would. But our daughter Brenna thinks it is because he is confused. She calls him Finn, while Mary calls him “Cat!” and I, while using “Finn” and “Cat” still often call him “Satan.”

Continued on page 17

THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017

PAGE 17

Life

So far, his head has not spun around Continued from page 16

He was in full “Satan” mode Sunday night, after our daughter returned from a weekend with her aunt and uncle and nephew near Goderrich. Finn likes to burn the midnight oil, but he was actually panting at times as he was so wired.

We double-checked on his water, but I think he was just over-stimulated. Efforts to calm the maniac down failed until he went after our front blinds.

He received a top-of-the-lungs shout from me. And of course I didn’t use his name. “Cat!” was followed by several expletives.

He stopped what he was doing and slinked away. I caught him, held him up for a face-toface chat, saw that he had finally started to calm down, and let him go. It’s as if he needs some form of intervention to shut off his turbocharger.

The ladies went off to the bedroom to continue chatting, while I closed my eyes in the recliner. Next thing I know, Finn quietly hops up and lies across my chest, purring, and we both fall asleep.

He’s soon due to be neutered.

I can only hope that trims away some of his upper-end insanity.

There are days I can play with him for 30 minutes in the evening and he’s ready to call it a night, and others, like Sunday, when his motor just keeps running, even after more than an hour of chasing stuff around.

why we use it and lump charcoal rather than a gas barbecue.

Don’t get me wrong. There is nothing wrong about cooking with gas. I used to do it for many years, and if I come across a small propane powered unit at the right price, I’d probably get one again for the quick burger and hot dog cooks, or to keep things warm in while food cooks on the Egg. But on Sunday, it was steak

time. We purchased a couple of wonderful strip loins from Schinkels’ Gourmet Meats on Friday. Mary seasoned them with Coffee Rub, also from Schinkels’.

So, with a light breeze blowing, I lit the Egg and let it warm up. Classic rock – Eric Burdon, Loggins & Messina, The Rolling Stones, etc.

– played as I had a beer and chilled. Great atmosphere just

relaxing as the barbecue heated up. I didn’t even try to speed the process, as if I want, I can generally get the Egg to heat up in about 10 minutes.

Instead, I drank my tall can of Moretti and enjoyed the time out back. On went the thick steaks at about five or six minutes a side at about 400 F. Off came two perfect medium rare steaks that were amazingly tender and full of flavour.

We enjoyed them with some potato salad (it is summer, after all) and some shrimp done in garlic and butter (in a frying pan, not on the Egg, although we often do them on the Egg. The only thing missing was a salad. Next time.

As for anticipated Egg cookings this week: chicken breasts and ballpark franks. Maybe we’ll sneak in some salmon too.

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It’s the little things that count

As most readers know, I enjoy the little things in life, and appreciate even nice gestures, big and small.

So, on a recent hot Thursday, while cruising through South Kent dropping off copies of The Chatham Voice and visiting various clients, I stopped in Merlin at the Erie Cafe & Variety, where I drop papers each week for folks to enjoy. As per usual, I walked to the back fridge to grab a cool beverage to stay hydrated for the rest of the trip back to Chatham.

But as I pulled out my wallet to pay, the kind, smiling owner looked at me and said she’d buy me the pop, as I was a busy delivery guy.

I left with a smile on my face, and a cold drink in my hand.

It’s the little things and gestures in life that one can and should really appreciate.

The gesture left me in a great mood for the rest of the day.

Back to the barbecue

OK, I admit it, I haven’t been barbecuing enough. And I haven’t been talking about the Big Green Egg and the yummy stuff that comes off it enough.

I fired it up Sunday and got the multi-faceted reminder of

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 18

ACROSS 1 Where Jesus changed water to wine 5 Knock 8 Envelope part 12 Neural transmitter 13 Ram’s mate 14 Toy block name 15 No skeptic

THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017

Fun Stuff

17 Microwave, e.g.

18 Nickelodeon-style gunk 19 Kind of movie glasses 21 Pinnacle 24 Rowing need 25 Courage 28 Elliptical

30 “Modern Family” network 33 Fire residue 34 -- so often 35 Sticky stuff 36 Muumuu accessory 37 -- Pak of the LPGA 38 Shaft of light 39 Kreskin’s claim 41 Story 43 Small flocks 46 Winning 50 Vicinity 51 With adroitness 54 Hair salon request 55 Be unwell 56 Not “fer” 57 Santa’s sackful 58 Ump 59 Lavish affection (on) DOWN 1 Urban fleet 2 Skating jump 3 -- me tangere 4 Inner selves, to Jung 5 Gun the engine 6 Shock and -7 Saucy

8 Plant life 9 Effectiveness 10 Screenwriter James 11 Small lake 16 Common Mkt. inits., once 20 Sacred 22 Relocate 23 Chris of tennis fame 25 Cowboy’s sweetie 26 Work with 27 Pickpocket’s crime 29 Met melody 31 Feathery neckpiece 32 Web address ending 34 Catch sight of 38 Decapitate 40 Some stockings have them 42 Restroom, for short 43 Team leader (Abbr.)

44 Sandwich treat 45 Wound reminder 47 Therefore 48 Came down 49 Measure of force 52 Whopper 53 Keebler employee?

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017

PAGE 19

CLASSIFIEDS

Yard Sale

In Memoriam

Decluttering and downsizing Numerous household items, tools, and farm collectables, box lots. No toys or clothing.

Something for everyone!

Saturday, Aug. 26 8:00am1:00pm. 88 Taylor Ave., Chatham.

In Memoriam - McCormick

In loving memory of my husband, Gary McCormick, who died suddenly but peacefully 7 years ago on August 28, 2010.

Hugs to our dear son Lance-Jeff, who has been gone 4 years (July 31, 2013).

“No time on earth is long enough To share with those we love Or to prepare our hearts For that last good-bye.”

(Alarie Tennille - poet)

Ministry

Healing Love Ministry Psalm 107: 20 John 3: 16&17 reaches out to men living with sexual addictions.

Private and confidential home-based ministry. 519354-3532. If not in, leave a message and your call will be returned.

Donna Musyj 52, Monday, August 14, 2017 Blenheim Community Funeral Home

Lillian Denomy 100, Monday, August 14, 2017 Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home

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Norine Snobelen 95, Wednesday, August 16, 2017 McKinlay Funeral Home

William Brown 86, Sunday, November 27, 2017 Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home

Eileen Hiscock 63, Tuesday, August 8, 2017 McKinlay Funeral Home

John Newkirk 66, Monday, August 14, 2017 Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home

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Help Wanted - Part time AZ Driver 4 hour trip from Bloomfield Truck Stop to Dresden hauling tomatoes.

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This week’s answers

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Notice Legal Notice Notice TO Kenneth Percival & Fredrick Kwok Owners of Unit #4-22220 Charing Cross Road and accordingly we are exercising our right to assume ownership of the above unit as stipulated in the Sub Lease. The above unit will be sold for accrued rents, taxes and other associated costs. The Co-operative is not responsible for any debts that are owing by Percival & Kwok. Accordingly you have 60 days to respond to this notice. The unit will be put up for sale after that date. The Board of Directors, Charing Cross Road Co-operative Inc., 22220 Charing Cross Road, Chatham, Ontario N7M 5V8

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

A FAMILY BUSINESS THAT CARES

Notice TO CLIENTS OF ROBERT K. RANKIN, Q.C.

Effective September 1, 2017, I will be retiring and closing my legal practice.

I am entrusting my estate files including Wills and Powers of Attorney to Mr. Daniel Whittal at 43 Victoria Ave., Chatham, Ontario, N7L 2Z9, phone 519-352-9136. Should you have any questions concerning these matters please contact him at the above telephone and address. He will also have access to files in my possession.

Mr. Whittal has been in practice in the City of Chatham now for over 7 years and has an extensive practice in real estate, estates, and corporate law.

I am sure he will handle your transactions with the utmost professionalism and I have every confidence that you will be pleased with the service he provides you.

I want to thank you for having allowed me in the last 50 years to be of service to you.

Robert K. Rankin, Q.C.

THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 20

THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017

Life

Parkinson walk set for Sept. 10

The Chatham Voice

The Parkinson Society Southwestern Ontario will host walkers from Chatham-Kent and area as they come together at Kingston Park on Sept.

10 to support those living with Parkinson’s disease at WALK-IT for Parkinson’s.

All funds raised at the event will remain in Southwestern Ontario.

With regular physical activity proven to slow progression of Parkinson’s symptoms, it is the WALK-IT for Parkinson’s mission to keep the Parkinson’s community active. At 1:30 p.m., pledged walkers will put on their pedometers and begin their 1km-5km walk to join the 5,000,000 Step Challenge across the region.

Shelley Rivard, CEO of Parkinson Society Southwestern Ontario, is excited to see the WALK-IT for

Parkinson’s events continue to grow and help local communities.

“WALK-IT for Parkinson’s encourages communities to focus on exercise and movement – not only through the event, but in participants’ daily lives.

Combine this with local fundraising, and we can make a positive impact for those affected by Parkinson’s in Southwestern Ontario,” she said in a release.

Carol Stemmler of Chatham knows full well of the impact a Parkinson’s diagnosis has on a person’s future.

“Being diagnosed with a neurodegenerative disorder like Parkinson’s disease before you’ve even turned 50 years old almost always comes as a shock.

At such a young age, this diagnosis disrupts your future physically, mentally, financially, socially and emotionally,” Stemmler said in a release.

When Stemmler was diagnosed with Parkinson’s 18 years ago, she was only 45 years old. But she decided that she would not let the disease get in her way. She felt that because she was younger than most that are diagnosed, she should do her part to help others affected by the disease.

Stemmler got involved with her local support group to meet more people in the community with Parkinson’s. She felt that information and services that were available through Parkinson Society Southwestern Ontario were the greatest resources, and she wanted to ensure that they would continue to be available for those who need them.

As she became more involved with the support group, she decided to join WALK-IT for Parkinson’s in Chatham in 2013 and make a difference through fundraising. She eventu-

ally became a part of the volunteer committee that runs the event.

“It felt good to be a part of the committee,” she explained.

Over the years, Parkinson’s has slowed Stemmler down, but it hasn’t stopped her. She can’t always speak very clearly, and she often uses a cane or a walker to get around. These aids definitely help her keep her balance.

Five years ago, she underwent a treatment called Deep Brain Stimulation, which involves planting a device in a part of the brain that improves the patient’s mobility.

Stemmler has remained optimistic, saying that “things do get better for people with Parkinson’s disease.”

Stemmler has become an integral part of the WALK-IT for Parkinson’s committee in Chatham.

She believes her treat-

ment, combined with her medications, has made the biggest difference to this day.

Parkinson’s is a slow, progressive neurodegenerative disorder, making activities of daily living difficult for someone who has the disease. Primary symptoms associated with Parkinson’s include tremor, rigidity, slow

movement, postural instability, loss of balance control, soft speech, and sleep disturbances. Other symptoms include depression, anxiety, dementia, memory problems and difficulty with communication.

To register or find out more information about WALK-IT for Parkinson’s, visit www. WALK-IT.ca

be held at the C-K Public Library Chatham Branch on Sept. 23 from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The public is invited to stop by the Chatham Branch meeting room to meet volunteers from Pet

and Wildlife Rescue and their furry friends. Join them for a cup of tea or coffee and play and snug-

gle with kittens while you learn about the work that the Pet and Wildlife Rescue does in the communi-

ty and how you can help.

Children 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Contributed image

Carol Stemmler of Chatham is taking part in the annual WALK-IT for Parkinson’s next month. She was diagnosed with the disease 18 years ago.

Chatham branch of library hosting a Cat Café The Chatham Voice

In partnership with the Pet and Wildlife Rescue, the Caturday Cat Café will

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