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Local organizations and businesses had fun creating their elaborately decorated and lit-up floats for this year’s Santa Claus Parade in downtown Chatham on Nov. 17. Excited onlookers of all ages lined King Street, getting into the holiday spirit by waiting to catch a glimpse of Santa with Mrs. Claus. Here, children greet the crowds from the Chatham-Kent Fire & Rescue float.
THE CHATHAM VOICE
PAGE 2
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2023
News
Service restoration continues By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com
The work continues to restore systems and services at Chatham-Kent Health Alliance and other hospitals in the region following a devastat-
ing ransomware attack that compromised the privacy data of both employees and patients. At a special media conference Friday, the heads of the five hospitals affected by the breach provided an update detailing what’s being done to remedy the problem and get ser-
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vices back on track. All of the hospitals including CKHA, Bluewater Health, Hotel-Dieu Grace Healthcare, Windsor Regional Hospital and Erie Shores Healthcare, share services with TransForm Shared Service Organization. At CKHA, where the database of 1,446 employees as of Feb. 2, 2021 was stolen – including social insurance numbers – those affected have been offered two years of free credit monitoring. However, CKHA president and CEO Lori Marshall said no banking information was stolen. Affected staff will be notified over the next two weeks, she said, with the hospital reaching out to individuals that are no longer employed. Marshall said she’s “extremely proud” of staff pulling together “to continue to provide exceptional care to patients, even during the most challenging time.” She also thanked the Chatham-Kent community for its patience. “Please know that we are working diligently to get our systems back up safely and securely,” Marshall said. According to Marshall, the restorative efforts are regionally co-ordinated and prioritized and then locally executed. The restoration efforts include a review of each system, Marshall explained, to examine whether a server was impacted, and if it was, to enact a series of steps to ensure data is backed up, re-
Contributed image
Services are being slowly restored at five regional hospitals, including CKHA, in the wake of last month’s ransomware attack.
stored, scanned, repaired and placed behind a new firewall. Marshall said when bringing the systems back online, critical care patients will be the first priority. She expects that to be operational by mid-December. In the first few days after the attack, Marshall said patient appointments were rescheduled, but care has now returned to “much more normal volumes.” In the interim, Marshall said oncology patients receiving treatment are being referred to the London Health Sciences Centre and will be transitioned back to Chatham when systems are restored. Imaging for cancer patients has also been referred to London. The ransomware attack has limited CKHA’s ability to provide care for stroke patients, Marshall added, so those patients are being transferred to LHSC or Windsor Regional Hospital by ambulance. “Our patients have always been our first priority and
will continue to be,” Marshall said. “The impact of the cyberattack extends far beyond the digital realm. It has not only disrupted our daily lives but has affected our sense of security and trust.” As for other diagnostic imaging, Marshall said CKHA is relying on its community health-care partners for now. At Bluewater Health, the data of some 267,000 patients was stolen. “These past few weeks have truly tested us “ said BWH CEO Paula Reaume Zimmer. “The fact that this attack followed on the heels of a hardfought pandemic is sickening. We want to acknowledge how unsettling it must be for our patients to have their personal health information comprised. I sincerely apologize for the concern this has raised.” The investigation is ongoing. The OPP, FBI, Interpol, local police and all relevant government regulators are involved in the probe.
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THE CHATHAM VOICE
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2023
PAGE 3
News
Drive safer this holiday season By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com
When Rachel Mattsson lost her mother in a hit-and-run accident last fall, she faced a choice of being bitter or better. The 49-year-old decided on better, and is now channeling her energy towards raising awareness to help prevent traffic accidents that cause injury or claim lives. “There’s a lot of anger and frustration out there,” said Mattsson in a recent interview. “Instead of putting an-
ger out, I’m trying to raise awareness.” According to previously published reports, Wendy Clark, 66, was struck on Ridgetown’s Main Street while crossing the road to go to a local pharmacy in the early afternoon of Oct. 19, 2022. Clark was airlifted to a Windsor hospital and died two days later. A 38-year-old man is facing a number of charges in connection with the incident, including leaving the scene of an accident. The matter is still before the courts and a publication ban is in place.
“My mom had just stepped out of her car when she was hit,” Mattsson explained. “My voice might make people think, ‘Oh wow, this could happen to me.’” As part of her healing work, Mattson has lent her voice to C-K’s National Day of Remembrance for Road Crash Victims for two years in a row. The event, held Nov. 15, pays homage to all who have been seriously injured, disabled or lost their lives on the road. The Day of Remembrance also marks the start of Chatham-Kent Police Services’
RIDE campaign. When it comes to the impaired driving rates in Chatham-Kent, the statistics are sobering. Const. Kristen Charron, a CKPS collision investigator, said there’s been a 13-per-cent increase this year compared to 2022. Between Jan. 1 and Nov. 2 of this year, officers have made 105 impaired arrests, which translates to about one every three days.
Charron said many of the arrests occurred after a crash. “Thirty-three of this year’s impaired arrests involved a non-life-threatening motor vehicle collision,” she said. “Of the 17 major collisions that were investigated by our traffic management division this year, impairment by drugs or alcohol was a known factor in six of them.” Continued on page 4
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THE CHATHAM VOICE
PAGE 4
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2023
News
Ratepayers face huge tax hikes By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com
The average Chatham-Kent homeowner is facing proposed property tax increases of nearly $1,200 over the next four
years. That is the starting point municipal administration has handed Chatham-Kent council. And that works out to a cumulative increase of more than 31 per cent.
This will be the first dive by council and administration into multiyear budgeting, and from 2024-27, early projections – before council potentially uses its trimming scissors – sees an average
increase of 7.82 per cent. Next year’s proposed increase is the most palatable, at 6.57 per cent. For 2025, the hike spikes at 8.69 per cent, falling to 8.29 per cent in 2026 and then 7.76 per cent in 2027.
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Municipal administration, as well as Mayor Darrin Canniff and budget committee chair Brock McGregor sat down with local media Nov. 15 prior to that night’s initial budget unveiling session with council to go into details behind the multiyear planning, as well as the pressures facing C-K finances. For 2024, Gord Quinton, chief financial officer for the municipality, said inflationary pressures account for four per cent of the 6.57 per cent proposed increase. Infrastructure funding adds 1.5 per cent, policing will add an estimated 0.8 per cent, while other operational needs account for 0.27 per cent. McGregor said the big factor council and administration face is obviously the cost of inflation, and is something all municipalities in the province are feeling.
Infrastructure lifecycle funding has been underfunded essentially since amalgamation. McGregor said C-K is only funding about half the needed infrastructure maintenance work at this time. Canniff said we’re not alone. “This is what every municipality is looking at. We collectively have been lobbying heavily to the (Ontario) government,” he said. “Everybody is saying, ‘We need infrastructure help.’” Officials lamented the funding system for certain services in Ontario, with what they said was an unfair burden on property taxes. Quinton again pointed to social services as a big concern. Social service costs in other provinces are not usually on the property tax base. That’s not the case in Ontario.
Continued from page 3
driving unsafely or erratically. The winner takes home $500, and Mattsson is hoping to expand it to other area schools. “I found out students are not very comfortable when it comes to speaking up,” she said, noting the contest is a step towards changing that. Mattsson, who again joined the kickoff for C-K police RIDE program, said she plans to continue to do her part to make local roads safer. “These accidents are needless and preventable,” she stressed. “People are in too much of a hurry these days and they need to slow down. People need to think about what they’re doing.”
Continued on page 5
Use safe driving habits
“And of these six collisions, they resulted in the deaths of eight people.” Besides bringing a face to the Day of Remembering campaign, Mattsson has launched other projects to honour her mother’s legacy. Her daughter Isabella, 16, came up with a slogan that says “Drive Safe – Someone Loves You.” The message has been emblazoned on silicone keychains, which are being sold to raise money to support a new essay contest at Ridgetown District High School. Students in Grades 10 to 12 are asked to pen an essay outlining what to do if they found themselves in a vehicle with someone who was
THE CHATHAM VOICE
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2023
PAGE 5
News
C-K brass lauds 4-yr. planning By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com
In terms of the municipality opting to take a multi-year look at the annual budget process, top budget brass say it helps with long-term planning. Gord Quinton, the chief financial officer; and Steve Brown, director of budget and performance services for the municipality, said addressing the budget in four-year chunks assists with long-term planning and has been in place in other jurisdictions for years. The shift to a multi-year process came from a notice of motion from council back in 2020. Quinton said it’s a good concept. “The idea of a multi-year budget is all based on the strategic priorities that council has outlined for the whole term. Some of the things they’ve asked us to do might not take effect until 2026,” he said. Brown said by looking at the budget process over four years rather than one year at a time, it can increase efficiencies, and help put long-term planning in better focus. Mayor Darrin Canniff agreed. “We need as a council to understand the impacts of our decisions, not just for the next year, but over longer terms,” he said. “It really helps encourage
long-term planning, which is short-term spending issues that we would consistently deal what council should be doing.” could arise. with long-term decisions that It’s not like the budget for the It is not in effect for 2024, but were made in the short term to next four years will be finalized does represent 0.5 per cent in- chase a specific number. That at the end of this month – there creases in the 2025, ’26, and ’27 doesn’t always lead to great will be a series of budget meet- budgets. decision making four or five ings taking place at the end of Quinton said the reserve will nights into the budget process.” November – for the next four be in place for “unknowns,” Canniff, who years ago was years. Rather, the heavy lifting using the fact council’s funding part of a group of councillors will be out of the way this year, plans for the homeless shelter determined to deliver a zeroand there will be time allocated is in place until May of 2025, per-cent tax increase to the taxfor modifications as needed in but what occurs after that is not payers, said looking back, he the years to come. known at this time. regrets the decision. The fact that the four-year proMunicipal budget chair Brock “I was part of the zero per cent cess straddles an election year – McGregor said having the long group. I thought, ‘Wow, that’s 2026 – was intentional, Quinton view afforded by the four-year a great thing.’ I look back now said, rather than mirroring the budget planning will help and realize it wasn’t,” he said. term of office. councillors realize the impact “We as a community, if we had “Year Four will come after the decisions made for one year been thinking longer term, it next election (2026). The coun- can have down the road. would have made sense to put cil will be elected in October “There’s certainly an oppor- in a two-per-cent increase. We and will deal with the budget a tunity to look through a longer would have more in the budget month into their term,” he said. lens at the process. In the past, right now.” “In the past, for newly elected people it was extremely tough for them to understand what they were responsible for and to make decisions with no information. They had not been exposed to the different issues going on or the cost pressures.” Included in the four-year budget is a tax rate stabilizaWe sell all shapes, sizes, qualities and prices. tion reserve which is intended to help offset any unexpected
Tax system needs revamping
Continued from page 4
“There is the concept that the property tax system in Ontario is broken. and needs to be looked at. Things that are happening in society out there, in Ontario, are being forced on the property owners only to pay for,” he said. Canniff said paying for the homeless shelter should not fall solely on the backs of property owners. “It’s not in our mandate, last time we checked, to
pay for affordable housing on the property tax dollar, but that’s what’s happening,” he said, adding it cannot be ignored. “We have to address it. Homelessness exists and it is going to get worse before it gets better.” Community consultations will take place online on Nov. 22 at noon and Nov. 23 at 7 p.m. on Facebook. Budget deliberations begin Nov. 28 at 6 p.m. in council chambers.
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THE CHATHAM VOICE
PAGE 6
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2023
Opinion
Council must stop living in the present We here at The Chatham Voice have long preached fiscal responsibility when it comes to spending by the municipality. Well, beyond the municipality for that matter. And look where we are. Ratepayers face a proposed 31-per-cent tax hike over the next four years. That’s right, what administration has proposed is to see property taxes on the average C-K home leap by about $1,200 by the end of 2027. That’s nearly a one-third increase in your property taxes in just four years. Why? Inflation, administration says, is to blame for a good chunk of it. It’s true. We have all seen how inflation is impacting us every time we fill our gas tank or shop for groceries. It hits everywhere. What has not kept up during inflation, even in the pre-pandemic years, is funding from senior levels of government. The gas tax from the feds, for example, has been static for the past decade. Yet the cost of road infrastructure projects has doubled thanks to inflation. No councillor who was around last decade when they sought zero-percent tax increases, or went cutting
from the budget for the sake of cutting and trying to purchase votes, should be remotely smug when looking at the proposed budget numbers. Granted, no one had a crystal ball that could have predicted the pandemic, what happened in Wheatley or along Erie Shore Drive, but it would have been a smart move to at least attempt to plan for the unknown. A two-per-cent increase when council forced it down to zero would have had a cumulative impact from that point moving forward. It would have meant millions more in the budget already, meaning a lower bump this year and into the future. Lifecycle funding to keep up our roads, bridges and buildings has been slaughtered in the budget process essentially for more than two decades, to the point that only half of the maintenance work that should be carried out on roads annually is done. Inflation may have put we ratepayers in a hole, but previous councils came armed with shovels to dig it deeper rather than put us in a place to climb out. Short-term gain invariably leads to long-term pain.
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Voice articles tough on local homeless Editor: We are writing on behalf of the Peer-2Peer Group and R.O.C.K. Missions to address the recent articles published in The Chatham Voice regarding our community’s most vulnerable people. While we appreciate the opportunity for open dialogue on important issues, we are deeply concerned about the hurtful language and lack of understanding and compassion. The articles in question perpetuate harmful stereotypes and can contribute to the stigmatization and discrimination faced by people experiencing homelessness and people who use substances. Rather than promoting a constructive conversation about addressing
these issues, they only serve to widen the divide and hinder progress. On the front page of The Chatham Voice published on Nov. 2 there is a photo of an individual and where they are currently residing. There was no consent provided by this individual to be on the front page of the publication, and doing so places this individual at risk. It is crucial to remember that the individuals we work with are some of the most vulnerable in our society, facing complex challenges that often stem from systemic issues beyond their control. Every resident in Chatham-Kent deserves
empathy, support, and understanding, not stigmatization. The Peer-2Peer Group and R.O.C.K. work tirelessly to provide vital support and resources to the community, including access to harm-reduction supplies, food, mental health services, and more. We kindly request that The Chatham Voice considers the potential impact of the language used in articles related to homelessness and substance use. We believe in the power of the press to influence positive change in our community. The R.O.C.K. Missions Peer-2-Peer Team
THE CHATHAM VOICE
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2023
PAGE 7
News
Group unveils Health Hub dream By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com
A concerned group of citizens, with the support of a number of Blenheim health-care professionals, hope to establish a Health Hub in the South Kent community. Members of the Blenheim Medical Health Foundation (BMHF) recently unveiled plans to develop a Hyland Drive building into the Health Hub, and forsee doctors, nurse practitioners, and diagnostic imaging personnel working under one roof. The former headquarters for The Andersons, an agri-business company, 2 Hyland Dr. has been donated to the foundation by Blenheim citizens Peter and Annie Timmermans. Cathy Smith, BMHF secretary, said it’s a 26,000sq. ft. building, with plenty of room, and plenty of need for renovation. According to a media release from the BMHF, “the organization’s purpose is to ensure sustainable health care through the provision of facilities that attract and retain health-care providers and to support the residents of South-Kent and broader Chatham-Kent with a centralized hub of comprehensive and integrated health and wellness programs and services.” Smith said the BMHF
hopes the Health Hub will one day be home to a one-stop shop of sorts for people requiring various levels of health-care treatment. “If you expand out the family health team (of the Blenheim Medical Centre) and bring in more nurse practitioners, trainees and residents, that’s what we want. Our Phase One goal is the integrated piece, including diagnostic imaging and lab services,” she said. Smith added there could even be potential for emergent care in the form of a 24-hour walk-in clinic, as well as a pharmacy. She added there is still space nearby for support offices, which could include psychiatric and physical therapy. Furthermore, a facility such as this could help attract additional specialists to the municipality, Smith said. “There are some core specialist medical services we just don’t have in Chatham-Kent. Maybe we can attract some so people don’t have to go to Windsor or London,” she said. Nothing will occur overnight. Smith said the facility needs significant renovations to be morphed into a medical facility. The foundation’s goal is to finish those renovations by the end of 2024 and have some occupancy in the building in 2025.
In between, community fundraising, to the tune of multi-millions of dollars will need to be done. “We have to raise the money to do it,” Smith said.
The organization will be working with the community to raise funds to “make the Health Hub the kind of state-of-theart facility that can attract health-care providers to
Tired of your old holiday decorations? The Chatham-Kent Public Library has a swap meet for you. The library is hosting an ornament swap on Dec. 9 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the meeting room of the Chatham branch.
Drop off your ornaments in clean and good condition between Dec. 4 and 8 and library staff will give you a voucher to “shop” for an equal number of new-to-you ornaments on Dec. 9. Any ornaments left at the end of the event will be donated to Goodwill.
ovate and equip this great building to have a viable, strong health-care presence in the community for now and the future” Ed O’Brien, chair of the BMHF, said.
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THE CHATHAM VOICE
PAGE 8
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2023
News
Narcissism, addiction a tough combo By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com
Treating problematic personality disorders – such as narcissism – may be the next frontier in the successful treatment of addiction. That’s the message Dr. Ramani Durvasula delivered to frontline workers and clinicians at the Chatham-Kent Addictions Awareness Conference in Chatham Nov. 16. The California psychologist and author, an expert on the impacts of maladaptive personalities, said narcissists have been with us since the dawn of humanity, and treatment needs to shift to address the issue.
According to Durvasula, current treatment methods tend to focus on the symptoms of addiction, rather than personality types. “When we have the conversation about addiction, we often wonder why people aren’t staying sober” Durvasula said. “We need to treat the maladaptive personality.” To date, the problem of narcissism hasn’t been part of the conversation, the psychologist concluded, noting most therapists aren’t trained to deal with it. “We still aren’t there,” Durvasula stressed, noting clinicians usually focus on symptomology that’s “most problemat-
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ic.” She compared the current methods of treating an addict to buying a house, with people focusing on the doors, windows and the interior, rather than checking the foundation. “Personality is a constant backbeat that plays in the symphony of a person’s life,”Durvasula noted. “By understanding personality, clinicians can better understand how the addict reacts and copes with life. That understanding can inform treatment.” Durvasula said it’s hard to “move the needle” on narcissistic personalities, as they pertain to addiction, noting healthy personalities are flexible like trees that bend in a wind storm, whereas rigid maladaptive personalities are the “trees that break. “Their personality may not change, but at least we might be able to give them some tools to deal
Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice
Dr. Ramani Durvasula, a California-based psychologist, recently led a training session about narcissism and addiction at the Chatham-Kent Addictions Awareness Conference held at the Everest Centre in Chatham. Durvasula has authored several books on the matter and advises those treating addiction of the need to address personality disorders. A total of 178 people attended the event.
with some of the most acute and problematic factors,” Durvasula said. Frontline clinicians have their work cut out for them, she added, as treating the addicted narcissist is an “uphill climb.” Society and governments need to step up and make high quality
mental health and addiction supports more accessible – something that is sadly lacking across the board, Durvasula said. Living in the era of social media, where young people think life will be great if they become “influencers or become famous” is an accelerant
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THE CHATHAM VOICE
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2023
PAGE 9
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Carson Warrener* 519-809-2856
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THE CHATHAM VOICE
PAGE 10
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Wyma takes over running libraries The Chatham Voice
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There’s a new face at the helm of the Chatham-Kent Public Library. Veteran employee Heidi Wyma has been appointed as CEO and chief librarian, according to a news release from the municipality. Wyma, a native of Chatham-Kent, brings more than 25 years of experience in library systems to the job. She’s held the post of manager of support systems for CKPL for the past 13 years. CKPL board chair Robert Clarke said Wyma is well prepared for her new job. “Heidi has a strong foundation of people and
Heidi Wyma
library management skills that are well suited to this position,” Clarke said. C-K’s director of community culture and connections Audrey Ansell also acknowledged Wy-
ma’s expertise. “Heidi’s experience at both CKPL and the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, as well as her connections with the wider public library community, mean she is knowledgeable of the climate within which public libraries operate today,” Ansell noted. Wyman holds a Master of Library and Information Science from Western Ontario University and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Ottawa. The new CEO will take on the role Dec. 1, replacing Tania Sharpe who is retiring after 30 years of service to the Chatham-Kent’s library system.
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THE CHATHAM VOICE
PAGE 11
News
Dresden’s night market returns By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com
Downtown Dresden is set to twinkle at the Christmas Night Market Nov. 25. It’s the sixth rendition of the popular event and this year will feature a new Festival of Trees addition that will see some lucky winners take home a beautiful Christmas tree just in time for the holiday season. According to co-organizer Morena McDonald, the glittery fundraiser will feature a display of decorated trees at the Dresden Sidestreets Youth Centre on Main Street. Tickets will be sold for a draw to win the trees.
“This is something new for the Christmas Night Market,” McDonald said, adding that all funds raised from both the tree draw – and the market itself – are funneled towards paying for operations and programs at the youth centre. McDonald said visitors to the night market can look forward to more of everything – including food trucks, music and vendors. In addition, the layout of the market will be changed to keep it “fresh,” McDonald said, with a change in the location of the pop-up bar area. Plus, Santa Claus will be walking amongst the crowd during the event.
Businesses will also be open late, providing an opportunity for visitors to shop to their heart’s content. McDonald said the market attracts tourists to the area and is a venue to showcase what Dresden has to offer. “We find that a lot of our guests are from out of town,” she said. “This is a great opportunity to learn new things about our town.” Dresden’s Christmas
Night Market continues to build on success. Earlier this year, it was given the nod by Festival and Events Ontario for being
in the top 100 for market events in the province. The event is organized and staffed by volunteers, with all profits returned
to charity. For more information visit night-market.ca or on Instagram at #nmdresden.
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THE CHATHAM VOICE
PAGE 12
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THE CHATHAM VOICE
PAGE 13
News
Polar plunge set for Jan. 20
into an ice-cold pool, the free outdoor festival will feature food, music, fire pits and fun activities for Organizers are gearing families. Prizes will be up for a fundraising chill handed out to top fundthrill – the seventh annu- raisers and those who al Polar Plunge to be held come decked out in the best costumes. Jan. 20. “Last year was magnifiTaking place at the Sons of Kent Brewing Com- cent,” said Hunter, noting pany for the second year Polar Plunge 2022 was running, the event is the among the largest events premiere fundraiser for to ever take place at the brewery. the Special O l y m p i c “It’s a lot of fun. There’ “ O n c e at O n t a r are a lot of like-minded again the Sons io School of Kent, Champion- individuals that just we’re hapship Games, want to raise as much py to host slated to be money as they can for the event,” held in Cha- Special Olympics.” H u n t e r tham-Kent - Organizer Jason Herder said. “We’re on June 10a very com12 next year. All funds raised are used munity-driven business to support Special Olym- and it’s great to be part of pic athletes, defraying it.” Herder said relocating costs for traveling, accommodation and food, and the games to the craft associated medals to take brewery was a good move, contributing to the part in the games. At a media announce- best-ever plunge, noting ment held Nov. 13, event that after two years of virchair Chatham-Kent Po- tual campaigns because lice Service Sgt. Jason of the pandemic, people Herder and Sons of Kent were “really excited” to co-owner Doug Hunter get back to an in-person unveiled plans for the event. The change of venue was plunge. Organizers are hoping “huge for us,” Herder exto beat last year’s tally of plained, noting it’s a great $88,500 that saw 150 peo- collaboration. “One of the things that ple take the leap. With inkind donations added in, we always thought we the grand total came to needed was more space logistically,” Herder $104,000. C-K’s event was third in said, adding it was time the province for fundrais- to “grow into a bigger ing, bested only by Peel home.” The fact that the School Region and Windsor. Games “Our goal for 2024 is Championship to meet that number or will be held in Chaexceed it,” Herder said, tham-Kent for the first stating the plunge has time since 1997 is another its sights set on a $50,000 huge driver, Herder said. The municipality is supgoal. Along with participants porting the games with a brave enough to jump $25,000 contribution, apBy Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com
proved by council earlier this month. C-K staff and administration are also helping co-ordinate sites for the games and with transportation. Herder said alternative indoor sites have to be on the ready in the event of inclement weather. People can sign up to take the chilly dip at polarplunge.ca by clicking on Chatham-Kent. Folks can pay an individual registration fee of $40 but that fee can be waived by raising more than $100. Corporate sponsorships are also available at gold, silver and bronze levels. Herder said C-K’s Polar Plunge is the first to take place in Ontario each year, “setting the bar” for other plunges. There’s a “come catch us” healthy competition when it comes to fundraising, he said. “It’s a lot of fun,” Herder added. “There’s a lot of like-minded individuals that just want to raise as much money as they can for Special Olympics.” It costs an estimated $400,000 to host the summer games, with 800 out-oftown athletes expected to attend. Athletes will be housed at Ridgetown University of Guelph campus, where bocce ball and basketball competitions
Chatham Voice file photo
Cora Holt, right, and her grandmother Melanie Simpson ‘experienced’ the freshness of freezin’ for a reason, as they took part in this year’s Polar Plunge in January to help raise funds for Special Olympics Ontario. The event returns Jan. 20, as Chatham-Kent will play host to the Special Olympic Ontario School Championship Games next summer.
will take place. Track and field events will be held at
Chatham-Kent Secondary School, while floor ball
and soccer will be hosted at St. Clair College.
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THE CHATHAM VOICE
PAGE 14
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2023
National Hospice Palliative Care Month
How you can help local families: • Make a general or memorial donation • Become a Hospice Volunteer • Join our Monthly Giving program • Arrange a gift in your Will • Organize a Fundraising event Offering care support for individual needs. 190 Stanley Ave., Chatham • www.edenvilla.ca
519.354.CARE (2273)
Hospice volunteers are an important part of our team and give a priceless gift to those who are affected by end-of-life challenges. They are ordinary people who make an extraordinary difference!
In order to provide these services to our community at no cost, we rely on donations. The Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation must raise on average $121,000 every month to meet Hospice’s operating needs.
For more information or to donate, visit www.chathamkenthospice.com or call 519-354-3113 ext. 2403
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THE CHATHAM VOICE
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2023
PAGE 15
National Hospice Palliative Care Month
Living with a life-threatening illness, or providing care for a loved one as they near end of life, can be very difficult. At Chatham-Kent Hospice we are here to help. We provide residential hospice palliative care that focuses on comfort, quality of life, and supporting the precious moments families share with their loved one during their final days together. Our Mission - We provide end-of-life care and grief support that nurtures relationships for all.
Our Vision Together, we create a community where the best possible end-of-life care and grief support are available.
The hospice includes ten fully furnished suites, with state of the art medical equipment and room for family members to stay overnight if they wish. Additional spaces in the hospice include family gathering and meal spaces, a bereavement support area, courtyard, resource library and meeting rooms. The overall design allows us the flexibility to grow new outreach programs and play a role in developing a centre of learning for healthcare providers and the families of Chatham-Kent.
Chatham-Kent Hospice also offers grief & bereavement support to anyone in the community that has experienced a loss. Living with a life-threatening illness, or providing care for a loved one as they near end of life, is very difficult. Chatham-Kent Hospice is here to help! By reaching out to us at the time of diagnosis or anytime throughout your illness, we can support you to navigate the healthcare system and help you get the care you need, including no cost residential hospice end-of-life care.
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THE CHATHAM VOICE
PAGE 16
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2023
News
Giving evolves out of tragedy By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com
The family of Noelle Pacquette is certain the beloved kindergarten teacher is dancing in the afterlife. “I think she would be thrilled,” said mom Lynn Paquette following a recent donation to be shared between the English Catholic board and public school board. “Nicole did so much for her students while she was here. We want to keep on doing the things that mattered to her.” Lynn, joined by Noelle’s
sister Nicole, made the comments following a $188,500 donation from Noelle’s Gift – the charity founded in honour of the popular St. Clair Catholic District School Board teacher who was slain on New Year’s Eve in 2013. The money will be split between schools across the district in both Sarnia-Lambton and Chatham-Kent. The 2023 $188,500 gift surpasses the $155,000 donation made by the charity in 2022. Since its inception, Noelle’s Gift for Children has raised a total of $3.5 million to help young-
sters in need. The charity has assisted many children and families individually, as well as supporting numerous causes such as school-based nutrition programs and reading and literacy efforts. SCCDSB director Scott Johnson said Noelle’s Gift has made a powerful impact providing barrier-free assistance to children. “There are no hoops and hurdles for them to have to go through,” said Johnson of the youngsters who benefit. “It’s no questions asked. As a result, our students are able to focus on their learning.”
Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice
Noelle’s Gift continues to impact the lives of school children across Chatham-Kent and Sarnia-Lambton thanks to generous donations made to children in need. Lambton Kent District School Board education director John Howitt, left, and St. Clair Catholic District School Board education director Scott Johnson accepted a $188,500 donation from Nicole and Lynn Pacquette recently. Nicole and Lynn are Noelle’s sister and mother, respectively.
Lambton Kent District School Board education director John Howitt said the efforts made by the
volunteer-based agency are “incredible. “We want to say a huge thank you to Noelle’s Gift
and to the community,” For more information or to volunteer, visit noellesgift.ca.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2023
$300,000 boost
THE CHATHAM VOICE
PAGE 17
News
McGeachy group donates to help fund new treatment centre
By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com
The McGeachy Charitable Foundation provided a large boost in the quest for a new facility for the Children’s Treatment Centre (CTC) recently. The McGeachy group donated $300,000 to the Butterfly Building Campaign. The donation was made in celebration of National Philanthropy Day and in honour of the late Lynn McGeachy Schultz, a passionate advocate for the welfare of children. The CTC provides therapy and services to children with special needs, developmental delays, and disabilities. To expand their services and accommodate the growing number of children in need, the CTC needs to erect a new building. They’ve outgrown their facility on Lark Street in Chatham and have acquired property nearby on McNaughton Avenue West. The McGeachy Charitable Foundation donation of $300,000 will make a significant impact on the capital project, according to CTC officials, helping to ensure the new treatment centre can continue delivering services and therapies to children in
need. “Our Foundation is dedicated to supporting local causes, and we believe in the mission of the Children’s Treatment Centre,” said Scott McGeachy of the McGeachy Charitable Foundation in a media release. “This donation is a reflection of Lynn’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of children; she started her career at the centre and helped to both improve and expand programs.” Mike Genge, Children’s Treatment Foundation president, said the McGeachys were eager to help. “They’re really excited about doing this,” he said. Kevin Own, chair of the CTC Foundation board, said the support is appreciated. “We are incredibly grateful to the McGeachy Charitable Foundation for their momentous donation,” he said. “Their support will help us create an innovative and inclusive space that will positively impact the lives of countless children and their families for years to come.” The new Children’s Treatment Centre will feature a range of amenities, including a dedicated gym, therapy rooms, and an updated pool that will be accessible to both cli-
Contributed image
Mike Genge, Children’s Treatment Foundation president, left; and Kevin Owen, foundation chair, accept a donation from Scott McGeachy of the McGeachy Charitable Foundation.
ents and the wider community. Increased office space will enhance the working environment for staff and provide improved charting capabilities. The centre will also be compliant with Ontario’s accessibility standards, ensuring that it is fully inclusive and accessible to all. As for the overall fund-
raising effort for the new building, Genge said the foundation has raised bout $9.5 million. “We need another $500,000 to finish the campaign. We’re looking at doing a community campaign next year. We haven’t finalized the date on that and when we’re going to do it,” he said. There is no planned
start date for construction as of yet, but the centre has sent out a tender request for qualifications for contractors, seeing what companies qualify to do the scope of the work needed on the project.
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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2023
Conagra ramps up production in Dresden By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com
Conagra is investing in its Dresden facility, allowing for increased tomato processing, along with new products. The Voice delved into the issue with Dresden operations manager Jon LeRoy to find out more about what’s new for the plant. Q. How did the 2023 tomato season compare to other years? A. Dresden produces the country’s favourite and biggest tomato brands: Aylmer, Hunt’s and now RO*TEL, so every year is busy. This year, we’ve seen exceptional growth since adding the RO*TEL line, installing a new evaporator and upgrading our software, which has increased our output by 25 per cent. Q. What is the estimated tonnage of tomatoes processed annually in Dresden and how many farmers and acres does it entail? A. This year, we’re expecting to process around 140,000 tons, which come from just under 3,000 acres of tomatoes. Q. What physical and mechanical changes are planned for the Dresden facility and when will these be incorporated? A. The upgrades that have been implemented, and include upgraded software to streamline
production and supply chain operations; a new, state-of-the-art evaporator to increase production of tomato paste ; and the addition of a RO*TEL line to support Canadian volume. Q. What is the size of the investment? A. This is a multi-million-dollar investment made to create more jobs, increase our capacity and ultimately meet the changing needs of our consumers, employees and those in the communities in which we live and work. Q. What new products have been launched? How many different products does the Dresden facility provide? A. The Dresden facility has added the RO*TEL line to support Canadian volume. RO*TEL is a beloved U.S. brand with an array of diced tomato and green chili blends that will “bring the bold” to your food. The plant also produces Aylmer and Hunt’s, two of Canada’s favourite tomato brands. Aylmer is celebrating its 120th anniversary this year; this Canadian treasure offers Ontario-grown tomatoes that go from field to can in just 24 hours. Hunt’s: Grown, prepared and packaged in Canada, offering tomatoes at the absolute peak of freshness. Several varieties include whole, tomato sauce and tomato paste. Q. How important is the
THE CHATHAM VOICE
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Business
Bruce Corcoran/The Chatham Voice
Conagra’s Dresden facility is expanding to increase tomato processing and deliver new products.
Dresden processing plant to the Conagra brand? A. Dresden is one of Conagra Brands largest processing facilities in Canada and has been preserving Ontario’s local produce for over 75 years. The facility not only plays a critical role in Conagra Brands operations, but is a pillar in the Dresden community and
surrounding area for both residents and farmers. Q. How many seasonal and full-time employees at the Dresden plant? What are the quantities produced (roughly)? A. We employee approximately 425 people during the fresh pack season and produce hundreds of thousands of tomato products every year.
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PAGE 20
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2023
News
Santa to help light up Blenheim By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com
Santa, with the help of local organizers, is going to light up Blenheim on Dec. 1. Well, first the jolly old big man will take part in the community’s annual Santa Claus parade that evening. But afterwards, he will help turn on the Christmas spirit at Talbot Trail Place.
Cathy Smith, one of the the whole month of Demain organizers of the cember.” event, invites everyone to The Festival of Lights stop by. was initially to take place “After the parade, ev- in 2020, but the pandemic eryone will hit. Public h o p e f u l l y “Santa is going to health conbe at the flip the switch and the cerns depark. Sanlayed things ta is going whole park is going to until this to flip the light up.” year, Smith switch and - Organizer Cathy Smith said. the whole “We were park is going to light up,” in discussions that began she said. “It will be lit up before covid, trying to do
something at Talbot Trail Place at Christmas,” she said. “We managed to pull together key organizations and we’ve been working together for the past year to make this happen.” Smith said organizers reached out to the Blenheim Youth Centre and Blenheim District High School for support, as well as other community groups. “It’s a community event,
a whole cast of characters, a bunch of groups and people involved,” she said. Blitzen Pro Lighting, a local company that specializes in holiday lighting, is heading up the task of placing the lights. Smith said the organization, with the help of Rotarians, lit up two of the buildings in the park last year, and will have help from the youth centre to expand
this year. “It’s safe to say the whole park will be lit up. The stage will have its own theme. The fountain will be lit. It’s a small park with a lot of lights,” Smith said. Talbot Trail Place is located at the Y junction of Chatham Street and Marlborough Street just south of the downtown. The Santa Claus Parade begins at 7 p.m.
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THE CHATHAM VOICE
PAGE 21
News
‘Nepotism impact hiring: report
By Blake Ellis Local Journalism Initiative The Petrolia Independent
Nepotism and favouritism is embedded in the culture of the Lambton District School Board. That’s just one of the findings in a 124-page equity audit report commissioned by the board. Earlier this year, LKDSB hired Turner Consulting Group to conduct an equity audit, in an effort to strengthen inclusion, diversity and champion an anti-oppressive education. The stated goal of the report – released at a recent board meeting – is to “increase diversity, develop equitable policies and practices and create a truly inclusive organization.”
And while the recommendations are there to reach the goals, the audit shows there is a long way to go, particularly in the minds of the board’s own employees. Employees interviewed by the consultant said it was not uncommon to work beside the child of a senior administrator, and they felt the board was only going through the motions to appear to be equitable and inclusive. The equity audit involved consultant-led focus groups, an online workplace equity and inclusion survey, and oneon-one interviews with nine senior leaders and four union representatives. In total, 650 employees participated in these consultations, represent-
ing about 20 per cent of the board’s approximately 3,300 employees. “At this level of participation, there is a high level perspective of the board’s policies, practices and organizational culture and their impact on employees,” the report stated. It found that the public board employees felt there are “gaps in the representation of Indigenous peoples, racialized people, persons with disabilities and 2SLGBTQ+ individuals in the LKDSB workforce. Employees also shared their concern that the board’s workforce does not reflect the diversity of its students.” Employees also believe “nepotism and favouritism impact hiring and ad-
vancement at the LKDSB and that they are in fact pervasive in the organization’s culture. “In addition, many shared their perception that the hiring process is unfair, difficult to navigate, and creates barriers to the hiring of candidates from Indigenous communities and the equity-seeking groups. Some felt the nepotism and favouritism was so embedded within the culture of the board that these employees believe ‘that’s what the board is known for.’” The report found many believed because the board is smaller in size, it is easier for these relationships to become known by staff and those in the community. Some employees also
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excluded from social networks at the public board. The consultants also found LKDSB staff said the administration does not listen to its employees. Employees feel disrespected and are upset that decisions are made without consulting with the workforce. The equity audit also found there are employees who are not supportive of the board’s equity efforts, believing it is wasteful and unnecessary and divisive in the workforce. The consultants made 83 recommendations to the board, including calls for LKDSB to develop an employee equity strategy, particularly in hiring practices, which will diversify the workforce.
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believe being a former student at LKDSB or having family or another personal relationship had a positive impact on their ability to secure a position at the board. “In addition, Indigenous and racialized employees also noted that while working in small communities is a positive, they are perpetually seen as outsiders and are not always welcomed in the community or within all LKDSB work environments.” People who do advance feel the focus is on building relationships rather than skills and knowledge. This is a disadvantage to Indigenous and racialized employees who may not be in the same social circles or may be
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THE CHATHAM VOICE
PAGE 22
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2023
News
Top cops calls for more staff By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com
Over the next four years, the Chatham-Kent Police Service is hoping to add 43 new faces to its roster. In 2024, the request is for 16 new employees including nine sworn officers and seven civilians, five of whom are new emergency communication officers. All told, next year’s police budget is set at around $36 million. It’s a $1 million increase over 2023, accounting for a proposed 0.8 per cent increase of Chatham-Kent’s overall budget. Those are the numbers Chatham-Kent council will consider when deliberating the 2024-27 multiyear budget. In a special media conference last week, CKPS Chief Gary Conn told reporters the push to add more personnel is supported by an independent audit by the Toronto
firm Deloitte. Conducted earlier this year, the fourmonth probe found the CKPS to be understaffed recommending that it hire 48 new personnel by 2027. However, CKPS senior staff whittled the number down to 43, Conn said. Based on the independent audit, at 142 officers per 100,000 population, Chatham-Kent’s policing ratio is “extremely low.” The provincial average in Ontario is 173 officers per 100,000, while the Canadian average is 183 per 100,000. CKPS currently has 176 sworn members, however, not all are available as 22 officers are off on leave due to long-term disability or illness. That makes staffing tough. A minimum of 14 officers are required to be on the job 24-7 Sunday to Wednesday, and 15 from Thursday to Saturday. But that’s been difficult to achieve, necessitating
the use of overtime to fill the gaps. Both Conn and Deputy Chief Kirk Earley say that’s not sustainable in the long term and the shortfall has resulted in “reactive” rather than proactive policing. Earley, who acted as the department’s liaison with Deloitte, said the CKPS needs more officers. “We are running on what I would refer to bare bones,” Earley said. “We are a completely reactive service at this time. Some of the stats gathered by Deloitte show that 53 per cent of the time we are usually at minimum or below. We require overtime to augment our zones.” The number of calls is also on the rise. When the service was formed 25 years ago, it received around 17,000 calls per year and that has climbed to 80,000 in 2022. Plus, the calls have become increasingly complex, leading police to a “default
Chatham Voice file photo
Top brass at the Chatham-Kent Police Service want to hire 43 new people over the next four years, saying a consultant has advised them to hire even more.
position” where they have to address problems related to poverty, addiction and mental health. A total of 80 per cent of calls relate to social issues and 20 per cent are criminal. According to Earley, senior staff have been discussing the need to add officers for some time, and the pandemic led to further delays. “Many of the things we wanted to do were put on the backburner,” Earley explained. If the multiyear budget is approved, an
additional 16 staff will be hired in 2025. Six will be added in 2026 and another five in 2027. Across Ontario, the cost of policing is ballooning. Sarnia Police Service recently approved a 10-percent budget increase; Halton Region police saw a 9.6-per-cent hike, while police in Sudbury are looking at 14.3-percent rise. If C-K council approves the new hires, officers will be added to each of the service’s major units. It will also facilitate the creation of a new train-
ing and recruiting unit, something that’s fallen on the desks of multiple officers for years. Conn is expected to officially present the budget to council Nov. 28, but CKPS put out the audit report early, as there is a lot of material to digest. It can be found on the municipality’s website. “It provides an opportunity for council to wrap their head around it, as it is a lot of information,” Conn said. The budget increase averages out to 6.95 per cent annually.
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n Authority l Board River ol Board Charlie Anstice Srilakshmi Aravindhan Ted Arbeau Colleen Babkirk Paige Barnwell Sheila Bateman Owen Bateman David Bates Kerry Beattie Ken Bechard Stew Bechard Jean Marc Beribeau Preksha Bhavsar Anusha Bindu Amanda Blain Kaitlyn Blonde Donna Blue Taylor Bourque Mindy Bowls Scott Braun Alyssa Broeders Jessica Brown Carri Burk Tamara Burton Bonnie Carey Dennis Carnegie Kally Casier Todd Casier Lorraine Chambers Genevieve Champagne Chris Chandler Luc Chaput Greg Chivers Carol Christopoulos Nicole Clark Bill Collard Sarah Cook Jessica Cook Ron Coristine Sue Coristine Larry Cornelis Kaylee Coverdale Greg Cowan Sue Cumming Doug Dawes Lisa Delange Heather Dunlop Chris Durand Ismay Earl Colin Elgie Paige Emery John Everett Jan Everett Matt Faas Kathy Flanagan Leslynn Flegel Diane Flook Dan Foster Joanne Fuller Donna Gaumond Adam Gibb Ben Gignac Kim Gledhill Linda Goldsmith Ron Graves Rick Gray Carolynn Gregory Ken Gregory Lianne Guertin Alan Guzman Lucy Haggeman John Haggeman Mari-Lynn Harper Stephanie Hartford Adam Hayes Don Hector Joanne Hector Dave Henderson LJ Hines Kyan Holland Jason Homewood
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THE CHATHAM VOICE
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Tom Mountain Mike Moynihan Spencer Myers Yamila Nahar TH TH Paul Nairn TTHH TH Blair Newby Chatham-Kent Children’s Water Festival Chatham-Kent & Lambton Children’s Chatham-Kent & & Lambton Lambton Children’s Water Festival Water Festival Jonny Ngai Hunter Orvis ""C E L E B R AT I N G O U R 1 1 T H " " C E L E B R AT I N G O U R 1 1 T H " C E L E B R AT I N G O U R 1 1 T H " Tyler Ouellette Shawn Park Ridge Landfill CommunityTrust Trust Ridge Landfill Community Marni Parker Together Fund Together CKCK Fund Dave Paulovics GREAT LAKES Paige Pavic Friends of the St. Clair River GREAT LAKES Friends Trust of the St. Clair River GREAT LAKES Ridge Landfill Community Mark Peacock Ridge Landfill Community Trust Ridge Landfill Community Trust Lower Thames Valley ConservationAuthority Authority Lynda Peacock Ridge Community Trust Lower Thames Conservation Ridge Landfill Landfill Community Trust Valley Together CK Fund Together CK Fund Together CK Fund Isabelle Pepper Lambton-Kent District School Board Together CK Fund Together CK Fund Lambton-Kent District Friends of the St. Clair River School Board Brody Pepper Friends of the St. Clair River Friends ofSt. the St.River Clair River Friends of Clair St. Clair Catholic District SchoolBoard Board Jasen Pidlisnyj Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority Friends of the the St. Clair River St. Clair Catholic District School Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority Kim Pierce Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority Lower Thames Valley Conservation Lambton-Kent DistrictAuthority School Board Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority Sarah Pike Lambton-Kent District School Board Lambton-Kent District School Board St. Clair Catholic District School Board Lambton-Kent District School Board Lambton-Kent District School Board Joe Pinnsonneault St. Clair Catholic District School Board TD Friends of the Enviroment Luke Pinsonneault St. Clair Catholic District School St. Clair Catholic District School Board St. Clair Catholic District School Board TDWATERSHED FriendsBoard of the Enviroment Nick Pinsonneault Chatham-Kent Community Foundation TD Friends of the Enviroment WATERSHED Kathy Potvin Chatham-Kent Community Foundation WATERSHED Rotary Club of Chatham Sunrise Chatham-Kent Community Foundation Josh Ralston TD Friends of the Enviroment Rotary Club Chatham Sunrise TD Friends of the Enviroment TD Friends of the Enviroment Rotary Club of Chatham Sunrise Darrell Randell TD Friends ofof the Enviroment St. Clair Region Conservation Authority TD Friends of the Enviroment Chatham-Kent Community Foundation TD Friends ofSt. the Enviroment Chatham-Kent Community Foundation Cathy Reaume St. Clair Region Conservation Authority Clair Region Conservation Authority Chatham-Kent Community Foundation Chatham-Kent Community Foundation Rotary Club of Chatham Sunrise Chatham-Kent Community Foundation TD Friends of the Enviroment TD Friends Lawrence Ribey Rotary Club of Chatham Sunrise Chatham-Kent Community Foundation RIVER Rotary Club of Chatham Sunrise Jennifer Robinson St. Region Conservation Authority Rotary Club of Chatham Sunrise Rotary Club of Chatham Sunrise St. Clair Clair Region Conservation Authority Chatham-Kent Community Foundation Chatham-Kent Rotary Club ofClair Chatham Sunrise Howard Mutual Foundation Captain Garnet Bracken I.O.D.E. Ryan Robinson Howard Mutual Foundation Captain Garnet Bracken I.O.D.E. St. Region Conservation Authority St. Clair Region Conservation Authority St. Clair Region Conservation Authority LindsayRotary Ross RIVER Howard Mutual Foundation Captain Garnet Bracken I.O.D.E. Kiwanis Club of Chatham-Kent Ahcom Shrine Club Chatham Sunrise Club Kiwanis Club of of Chatham-Kent Ahcom Shrine St. ClairRotary Region Conservation Authority RIVER Hunter Rumble Conseil scolaire Catholique Providence Howard Mutual Foundation Captain Garnet Bracken I.O.D.E. Club of Chatham-Kent Ahcom Shrine Conseil scolaire Catholique Providence Howard Mutual Foundation Captain Garnet Bracken I.O.D.E. St.Kiwanis Clair Region Conservation Authority St. Clair Region Gracie Rup Chatham-Kent Public Utilities Commission Kiwanis Ahcom Shrine Kiwanis Club Club of of Chatham-Kent Chatham-Kent Ahcom Shrine Laura Schauer Conseil scolaire Catholique Providence Chatham-Kent Public Utilities Commission Dillon Consulting Howard Mutual Foundation Captain Garnet Bracken Conseil scolaire Catholique Providence Howard Mutual Foundation Captain Garnet Bracken I.O.D.E. Jeff Schauer Conseil scolaire Catholique Providence Howard MutualChatham-Kent Foundation Captain Garnet BrackenI.O.D.E. I.O.D.E. Howard Mutual Foundation Captain Garnet Bracken I.O.D.E. Dillon Consulting Public Utilities Commission Howard Mutual Foundation Captain Garnet Bracken I.O.D.E. Campbell Toyota Captain Garnet Bracken I.O.D.E. Chatham-Kent Public Utilities Commission Alison Seidler STREAM Kiwanis Club of Chatham-Kent Ahcom Shrine Chatham-Kent Public Utilities Commission Kiwanis Club of Chatham-Kent Ahcom Shrine Kiwanis Club of Chatham-Kent Ahcom Shrine Dillon Consulting Kiwanis Club ofMutual Chatham-Kent Ahcom Shrine Bracken Kiwanis Club of Chatham-Kent Ahcom Shrine Scott Shepherd Dillon Consulting Howard Foundation Captain Garnet Howard Mutual Foundation 4H Club of Chatham-Kent Chatham-Kent Environmental Services Dillon Consulting Kent Tent Kiwanis Club ofI.O.D.E. Chatham-Kent Conseil scolaire Catholique Providence Conseil scolaire Catholique Providence Mike Shore Dover Rod & Gun Club East Kent Vintage Tractors Association Conseil scolaire Catholique Providence Conseil scolaire Catholique Providence Conseil scolaire Catholique Providence Kiwanis Club ofKent Chatham-Kent Ahcom Shrine Chatham-Ken Donof Shropshire 4HConseil Club of Chatham-Kent Chatham-Kent Environmental Services Kiwanis Club Cloverleaf Conservaion Club Commission Kent Federation of Agriculture STREAM scolaire Catholique Providence Chatham-Kent Public Utilities Commission Chatham-Kent Public Utilities STREAM Chatham-Kent Public Utilities Commission Chatham-Kent Public Utilities Commission Rick Siddall Lee Environmental Education & Consulting Maple City Citizens on Patrol Dover Rod & Gun Club East Kent Vintage Tractors Association Chatham-Kent Public Utilities Commission 4H Chatham-Kent Environmental Services Conseil scolaire Catholique Providence Conseil scolai 4H Club Club of of Chatham-Kent Chatham-Kent Chatham-Kent Environmental Services 4H Club of Chatham-Kent Chatham-Kent Dillon Consulting Dillon Consulting Chatham-Kent Utilities Commission Ontario Federation of Agriculture Public Ontario NativeScapeEnvironmental Services Onkardeep Singh Dillon Consulting Dillon Consulting Dover Rod & Gun Club East Kent Vintage Tractors Association Kent Cloverleaf Conservaion Club Kent Federation of Agriculture Dover Rod & Gun ClubChatham-Kent East Kent Vintage Tractors Association Consulting Public Utilities Commission Chatham-Kent P St. Dillon Clair College Border Services and Police Foundations Dover Rod & Gun Club East Kent Vintage Tractors Association Donna Small Kent Club Kent of Lee Environmental Education & Consulting Maple City Citizens on Patrol Dillon Consulting TekSavvy Solutions Inc. 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Our sincere appreciation to our 500 community supporters that made our 12th Annual Water Festival a Ontario Federatio huge success. A Special Thanks to the volunteering students and staff at Chatham-Kent Secondary School, St. C École Secondaire Catholique de Paincourt, John McGregor Secondary School, and Ursuline College Chatham on behalf of the 2023 Festival Committee.
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PAGE 24
THE CHATHAM VOICE
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2023
News The beet goes on
Regina Stockus/Special to The Chatham Voice
Crews collect beets on the farm of Rob VanDam recently in North Kent. There are more than 11,000 acres of sugar beets grown in Chatham-Kent and Lambton County each year.
It’s time to move into Park Place Chatham! Park Place luxury rental apartments in Chatham have a few NEWLY AVAILABLE units for this winter! With a small selection of 1-bedroom, 1-bedroom +den, and 2-bedroom units coming available soon, now is your time to make the move! When you submit your rental application, and sign your lease between November 1 and December 15th, for all move-ins up to February 29, 2024, you could be eligible to receive a $500, $750, or $1000 amazon gift card!* Contact our leasing office today at 1.888.292.2010 or at info@parkplacechatham.com to book your tour today!
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THE CHATHAM VOICE
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2023
PAGE 25
News
Communication without speach is a challenge The Chatham Voice
The Let’s take AACtion fundraising campaign is all about communication. Thanks to this year’s effort, a team of six participants raised $1,700 for the Augmentative Communication Services Department at the Children’s Treatment Centre of Chatham-Kent. That’s where many local children learn to communicate with Augmentative and Alternative Communication devices. To date, 19 participants have taken part, raising more than $8,265 for the initiative. During the month of October, each participant went without
the use of verbal speech, using an AAC device instead, helping to create a better understanding of the challenges facing those who use the devices. Kaitlyn Smoke started the Let’s Take AACtion effort five years ago to raise awareness and funds for ACC awareness month. AAC is close to Smoke’s heart as her older sister Alyson used head switches to communicate with others and she believes it is important to help individuals have a voice. “I often found people didn’t know how to interact with my sister Aly,” Smoke said in a me-
dia release. “My goal has been to help educate others and understand more about ACC, so they can be more accepting and willing to engage with all
members of our community.” CTC-CK staffer Melissa Gillett was excited to participate in this year’s event, making it her sec-
ond time. Gillett said the fundraising day has become one of her favourite days of the year. “I love that Kaitlyn has
found this incredible way to honour her sister while spreading awareness for people who rely on alternative ways to communicate,” Gillett said.
runs to midnight Dec. 12. The draw will take place Dec. 15 at 1 p.m. “Help is needed from the Chatham Kent community to make this campaign a success by participat-
ing and purchasing raffle tickets,” the club said in a media release. May Court’s portion of the proceeds will be used to help fund their various community projects.
The club is dedicated to addressing needs in the community, primarily those of women and children, through volunteerism and fundraising. Their efforts support
the Breakfast Program at Queen Elizabeth II School in Chatham, the Emergency Lunch Box Program at 19 schools across Chatham-Kent, and help to supply hats and mit-
tens for school-aged kids in C-K. To purchase tickets, visit the club’s Facebook page or website, maycourtchatham.ca.
Contributed image
From left, Donna Litwin-Makey, Melissa Gillett, Erin Genge, Kaityn Smoke, Tracy Koehler and Lindsay Dienesch of the Children’s Treatment Centre of Chatham-Kent celebrate funds raised for the Augmentative Communication Services Department. Gillett, Genge, Smoke and Dienesch took part in the an awareness-raising challenge
May Court’s 50/50 fundraiser is underway The Chatham Voice
The May Court Club of Chatham is holding its second 50/50 draw. The online fundraising effort opened Nov. 15 and
Pick us up every week at any of these locations! Chatham: Anne’s Smoke Shop, Downtown Chatham Centre, Legion Branch 628, Maple City Bakery, Active Lifestyle Centre, Wimpys, Royal LePage, Pharmasave, Schinkels, Lenovers, Betty Brite, Real Canadian Superstore Wallaceburg: Shoppers Drug Mart, 99.1CKXS, Taylor’s Variety, Black Goose, No Frills, Hometown Deli Dresden: MacTavish Pharmacy, Godfathers Thamesville: Fast & Fresh, Movie Den, Studio 519
Delivered each week to every home in the city of Chatham.
Blenheim: McIntyre I.D.A. Pharmacy, Jim’s Barber Shop, Blenheim Seniors Centre, Blenheim Variety, Blenheim Municipal Service Centre Erieau: Eau Buoy, Bayside Brew Pub Pain Court: Pain Court Market, Central Tavern Mitchell’s Bay: Mitchell’s Bay Variety, Dover Duds Merlin: Merlin General Store Tilbury: Ashley’s Place Charing Cross: Post Office/Bert’s Plumbing Wheatley: Circle K Store, Jack’s Restaurant
Also online at chathamvoice.com Have a story idea or question? Want to place an ad? Give us a call at 519-397-2020
THE CHATHAM VOICE
PAGE 26
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2023
Fun Stuff
Community Events
Thursday, November 23, 2023: • The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. open 11:00am-9:30 pm. Kitchen open for lunch 11:00am-1:30 pm. Senior Euchre at 1:00pm. Everyone welcome.
• Santa for Seniors Boston Pizza Fundraiser from 11am-11pm. For more information on this event, or if you’d like to support Santa for Seniors, email us at santaforseniors@ teksavvy.ca to find out how! • Jam Session 1-4:30pm. All welcome to attend – donation of $2 required. For more details call Mike at 519-350-8937 or the Merlin Legion 519–689-4884. • Line Dancing at 11am at the Ridgetown Area Adult Activity Centre. $3 for members or $6 for first time non-members. Call the Centre at 519-674-5126 to learn more. Friday, November 24, 2023: • Adult Colouring at the CKPL Chatham Branch Community Living Café. 2:004:00pm. No registration required. • The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am-9:30 pm. Kitchen open for lunch 11:00am-1:30 pm. Supper served 4:00-6:00. No orders after 5:30pm. Tonight’s specials are kiver & onions or fish & chips, $13.00. Take out available by calling 519-351-8733 or 519-351-5639. Fun Darts start at 7:00 p.m. Everyone Welcome. • Santa for Seniors: Steak BBQ Fundraiser at the Imperial Club in Chatham with social at 5pm. Dinner 6 pm (tickets are limited). For more info on this event, or if you’d like to support Santa for Seniors, email us at santaforseniors@teksavvy.ca to find out how! • The Chatham Granite Club at 41 William Street North, invites everyone to try curling on Friday night at 7 and 8:30pm. No experience necessary, just come out and give it a try. Singles $15, couples $25. • Fabulous 3 pc Merlickin Chicken or 5 pc perch dinner or Combo 3pc Perch & 2 pc Chicken includes mashed or fries, coleslaw, bun & dessert. Entertainment; The Accousticats with Jesse Black. Merlin Legion 519-689-4884. • Beginners Tai Chi at 10am at the Ridgetown Area Adult Activity Centre for adults ages 45 and up. $3 for members or $6 for first time non-members. Call the Centre at 519-674-5126 to learn more. • Friday night supper at the Chatham Moose Loddge, 850 Richmond St. Honey garlic chicken dinner with potatoes, vegetable, salad and a bun. Dine in $12, pickup $13. All meals served at 6pm. Please call 519-352-8291 to order. Saturday, November 25, 2023: • Morning Breakfast Program at First Presbyterian Church (corner of Fifth St. and Wellington). A delicious and nutritious breakfast served free of charge from 9:30am-11:00am, serving indoors, no take out. Wheelchair accessible.
• Serving 2 or 3 pc Merlickin Chicken 4-7pm following with appetizers from 7-9pm at the Eurchre Tournament in Memory of Veterans. Kitchen opens at 11:30. Registration 12:15 pm, play time 1:00pm!! Entertainement by the well-known Ray Whalings. • CWL of St. Michael’s Parish in Ridgetown Annual Taste of Home Bazaar. 1:00pm2:30pm. Find fresh home baking, fresh cabbage rolls, frozen home-cooked meals & soups, frozen home baking and more... Follow the signs to the Parish Hall on Maple Street South. Shop early for best selection.
• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am-9:30 pm. Ladies Auxiliary hosting their final meat draw. There are additional prizes to be won. Draws start at 2:30 and continue until 5:30 pm. Kitchen open for lunch 3:00pm-5:30 pm. Entertainment by Cornerstone from 4:30-9:30. Everyone Welcome. • Bill’s Place Community Space Drop-In. 11am-3pm. Come spend some time in a 2SLGBTQIA+ safe space 48 Centre St., Chatham. Get some clothes from our Out of the Closet program, use the Community cupboard & more! No RSVP needed! Come & go as you please. All ages & allies welcome. • The Mary Webb Centre for the Arts in Highgate welcomes Brock Stonefish at 8pm. Playing the guitar, singing the blues, or writing songs has been a daily ritual for the past 30 years for Lenape musician Stonefish of Moraviantown in SW Ontario. More info for tickets at marywebbcentre.ca. • Chatham-Kent Animal Rescue Christmas Yard Sale. 9am-2pm. 270 Inshes Ave., Chatham. Pay by donation! Also donations thankfully accepted throughout November! Sunday, November 26, 2023: • Creekside Church - 10:00 a.m Sunday’s at the Active Lifestyle Centre, Merritt Ave. Haven’t been to church in a while? Come find community with us. creeksidechurch.ca. • Classic Country Jamboree at the Merlin Legion. 1:30-5:30pm. Music by The Marquis with delicious lasagna dinner to follow!! Call Lori to book your spot 519 476 5870. • Brunch at the Chatham Granite Club, 41 William Street North. All you can eat. Adults $15, children aged 4 to 10 $6 and children under 4 are free. Bar open and mimosa’s will be available. Brunch is served from 10:30am until 12:30pm. Come and enjoy. Monday, November 27, 2023: • Annual Pennysale: St. Joseph’s C.W.L. Penny Sale at 7:00pm in the Spirit and Life Centre, 184 Wellington Street West, Chatham. Penny Prizes, 50/50 draw, baked goods and craft table. Doors open at 6pm. • Social Card Games at 1pm at the Ridgetown Area Adult Activity Centre for adults ages 45 and up. $3 for members or $6 for first time non-members. Call the Centre at 519-674-5126 to learn more.
• Play Pickleball at 7:30pm at Ridgetown District High School. Open to adults ages 45 and up. Beginners and experienced pickleball players are welcome. Paddles provided. $3 for members or $6 for first time non-members, after that become a member to keep the fun going! Call the Centre at 519-674-5126 to learn more. • Tilbury Leisure Centre is hosting a coffee and tea social from 11:30am-1:30pm with Andrea from Encore Clothing, selling clothing, jewelry and more. Come join the fun!! Tuesday, November 28, 2023: • Chess Club at Chatham Branch of CKPL. 6:00-8:00 pm. Drop in program. Great opportunity to learn new strategies by playing with different players. All ages and all skill levels are welcome. • The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colbourne St. Chatham open 11:00-9:30pm. Kitchen open 11:00am-1:30pm. Todays special is spaghetti with meat sauce. Euchre at 1:00pm. Evening Shuffleboard or Euchre CLUES ACROSS at 7:00 p.m. Everyone Welcome.
1. Nocturnal S. American rodent • Sewing, Knitting & Crochet Club at 1pm at 5. Requesting the Ridgetown Area Adult Activity Centre for adults ages 45 and up. Bring a project 11. Give temporarily you’re currently working on or one you’ve 12. Happiness been wanting to start. $3 for members or 16. Military branch $6 for first time non-members. Call the 17. -__, denotes past Centre at 519-674-5126 to learn more. 18. Middle Eastern city • ALC Carpet Bowling, 12pm–3pm. $3 mem- 19. Air hostesses bers $5 non-members. Make new friends 24. Partner to Pa and have fun! 25. Percussion instrument Wednesday, November 29, 2023: 26. Popular computers • The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am-9:30 27. Decrease light pm. Kitchen open for lunch 11:00am-1:30 28. Valley in the Osh Region pm. Daily special is meat loaf dinner. Come check out our other daily specials. We 29. “To __ his own” have Fun Darts at 7:00 p.m. Everyone is 30. Absence of welcome. difficulty 31. Notice announcing • Carpet bowling from 2-4pm at the Ridgeintended marriage town Area Adult Activity Centre for adults read out in church ages 45 and up. Beginners and experienced bowler’s welcome. You can participate by 33. Trims by cutting standing or sitting. $3 for members or $6 34. Impact for first time non-members. Call the Centre 38. Military member at 519-674-5126 to learn more. 39. A French river 40. Member of Thursday, November 30, 2023: prehisoric people • The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am-9:30 in Mexico pm. Kitchen open for lunch 11:00am– 43. Messenger 1:30pm. Senior Euchre starts at 1:00 p.m. ribonucleic acid Everyone is welcome. 44. Musician Clapton 45. Greek sophist • Merlin Legion Jam Session, 1-4:30pm. 49. Largest English All welcome to attend – donation of $2 dictionary (abbr.) required. For more details call Mike at 519350-8937 at the Merlin Legion 519–68950. Narrow valley 4884 51. A way to disentangle • Line Dancing at 11am at the Ridgetown 53. Indicates not an Area Adult Activity Centre. $3 for members issue (abbr.) or $6 for first time non-members. Call the Centre at 519-674-5126 to learn more.
This week’s puzzle answers found on page 27
CHRISTMAS VENDOR MARKET
COMMON GROUNDS CAFE
Daily Specials • Yummy Beverages
Open During the Christmas Market 9-2pm
CLUES DOWN 1. Colorless fluid part of blood 2. Of a main artery 3. Photographic equipment 4. Confirms a point 5. Developed over time 6. Not the leader 7. __ Lang (country singer) 8. Adults need one 9. Nests of pheasants 10. Antelopes
It’s Time for the ALC
The Active Lifestyle Centre Coffee Shop
Great Friends! Everyone Welcome!
54. Recommending 56. Genus of legumes 58. Friend to Larry and Curly 59. Off-Broadway theater award 60. Fencers 63. Small Eurasian deer 64. Denoting passerine birds 65. Separate by category
13. One quintillion bytes (abbr.) 14. Japanese three-stringed lute 15. Type of cat 20. Cools your home 21. The ancient Egyptian sun god 22. Pouches 23. Trigraph 27. Form of Persian spoken in Afghanistan 29. __ route 30. Body part 31. Bridge building degree 32. Indicates position 33. Political action committee 34. Tasty snack 35. Part of a quadruped 36. Locate 37. Pitching statistic 38. Of I 40. City in Utah 41. Football players in the trenches 42. Hammer is one 44. A “nightmarish” street 45. Performers 46. Slang for cut or scrape 47. More breathable 48. Most slick 50. Provokes 51. Home to college’s Flyers 52. Sodium 54. Large fish of mackerel family 55. Zero 57. __ and behold 61. The Palmetto State 62. Popular Tom Cruise movie franchise (abbr.)
We offer programs & services for older adults 50+. Stop in for a tour or see the program line up at activelifestylecentre.org 519-352-5633 • 20 Merritt Ave., Chatham
Saturday, December 2nd 9am-2pm Come Visit 50+ Vendors Arts Crafts Food
THE CHATHAM VOICE
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2023
Classifieds
In Memoriam
Announcement
For Sale
Remembering you with Love Danny McGaffey
YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE HISTORIC DOWNTOWN CHATHAM BIA ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Full-length silver mink coat for sale. Must See! Phone 519-352-4572.
Nov. 23, 2018 - Nov. 23, 2023
Five years ago you left us. Remembering you is easy, we do it everyday. Missing you is the hard part, it never goes away. There will always be a heartache and many silent tears. But always precious memories, that will last throughout the years.
Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2023 8:00am at the Satellite Restaurant 145 King Street W. Chatham, ON
Lovingly remembered by wife Mary Jane, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
RSVP by November 20th, 2023 via email: downtownchathambia@gmail.com or call 519-352-8387.
Services Offered
Birthday
Wanted
Wanted: Scrap air conditioners and misc. Phone 226229-2614. Wanted to Buy: Antiques, costume jewellery, gold, silver, coins, military, furniture, tools. We Buy All - Paid Cash. 519-727-8894.
NEED SOME ROOMS PAINTED FOR CHRISTMAS? Give Don a call at 519-351-9416.
Happy Birthday Kwalin McLay! November 22
Christmas Trees
Christmas trees
Miller Christmas Trees! Located on Hwy#2 at the former Travellers Motel (7715 Queens Line). 500’ West of Bloomfield Rd. 11:00am-7:00pm. Call 519-437-1008 for more info. Christmas pots also available.
Love all your family!
MORTGAGES / LOANS
CONSOLIDATE DEBTS LOWER YOUR PAYMENTS
Difficult Situations Accepted Borrow $50,000 for $283.50/mth $100,000 for $567.00/mth $150,000 for $850.50/mth $200,000 for $1134.00/mth $250,000 for $1417.50/mth
Leonard Armstrong Thursday, November 9, 2023 Life Transitions
Sharon Mary Meyerink 66, Sunday, November 12, 2023 McKinlay Funeral Home
Enes Renaud (Cisilino) 94, Friday, November 10, 2023 Life Transitions
Ron Vince 74, Monday, November 13, 2023 McKinlay Funeral Home
Barbara Warner (Gifford) Saturday, November 11, 2023 Life Transitions
Barb Troyer 99, Monday, November 13, 2023 McKinlay Funeral Home
David Turner Thursday, November 16, 2023 Life Transitions
Brian Tibor Karsai 35, Tuesday, November 14, 2023 McKinlay Funeral Home
Michael Elliot 58, Friday, November 10, 2023 Alexander & Houle Funeral Home
Diane Mariconda (nee Matteis) 91, Tuesday, November 14, 2023 McKinlay Funeral Home
Terry Smith-Rhodes 68, Saturday, November 11, 2023 Alexander & Houle Funeral Home
George Mouissie 94, Wednesday, November 15, 2023 McKinlay Funeral Home
Nancy McCormick 87, Sunday, November 12, 2023 Alexander & Houle Funeral Home
Neil Warnock 71, Friday, November 10, 2023 Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home
Marta Mielczarek 90, Sunday, November 12, 2023 Alexander & Houle Funeral Home
Janet Dubuque 68, Sunday, November 12 2023 Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home
Shirley Travnicek 85, Sunday, November 12, 2023 McKinlay Funeral Home
Maria Eugenio 87, Wednesday, November 15, 2023 Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home
Clifford Hall 85, Monday, November 13, 2023 McKinlay Funeral Home
Matthew Peto 89, Tuesday, November 7, 2023 Nicholls Funeral Home
Betty Van Haren 83, Sunday, November 12, 2023 McKinlay Funeral Home
Wilhelmina Gatzke 73, Tuesday, November 7, 2023 Nicholls Funeral Home
Mark Sandercock 64, Tuesday, November 14, 2023 McKinlay Funeral Home
Peter Leslie Spalding 84, Friday, November 10, 2023 Nicholls Funeral Home
Bessie Kominek 93, Tuesday, November 14, 2023 McKinlay Funeral Home
Joshua Philip Mills 37, Sunday, November 12, 2023 Nicholls Funeral Home
Doug Cunningham 79, Friday, November 10, 2023 McKinlay Funeral Home
This week’s puzzles found on page 26
Loans
PAGE 27
Victoria Pinard 78, Friday, November 10, 2023 McKinlay Funeral Home
WE ALSO ARRANGE UNSECURED LINES OF CREDIT/LOANS
Whether you are looking to purchase a home, refinance your mortgage, or consolidate debt, it’s important that you are making an educated decision and receiving professional unbiased advice.
For qualified borrowers. First mortgage based on 4.74%/yr fixed rate, 5 yr term, 25 yr amortization. On approved credit, & subject to borrower qualification. Rates & terms subject to change without notice.
Call John at 519-252-6953 - 24 hours or email john@unimorcapital.com UNIMOR CAPITAL CORPORATION
A Part of Wallaceburg since 1943.
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CHATHAMVOICE.COM
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459 St.Clair St., Chatham • 519-351-2040 76 Main St. E., Ridgetown • 519-674-3141 141 Park St., Blenheim • 519-676-3451
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Generations of Families Continue To Place Their Trust With Us
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PAGE 28
THE CHATHAM VOICE
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2023