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Eloise Bergsma, 5, had a very deep conversation with Santa at the Children’s Treatment Centre of Chatham-Kent’s Christmas get together at the Chatham Armoury. The building was aglow with twinkling lights, sparkly trees and smiling faces as part of the Merry Magic CK Holiday Event.

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 2

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023

News

Council settles on 5.53% tax hike

ministration to cover potential hikes to construction costs was too high. It was recommended at 2.3 per cent above the ConFive-point-five-three per cent. sumer Price Index, he said.

That’s what three nights of The councillor put forward a deliberations from the budget motion to drop that cushion to committee of council got Chaone per cent above CPI. tham-Kent ratepayers.

Gord Quinton, municipal chief The 5.53 per cent is the tax infinancial officer, said that would work out to about $953,000 less in the lifecycle budget.

“That could be less kilometres of roads resurfaced,” he said.

Ceccacci had strong support, as the motion passed.

Chatham Coun. Michael Bondy supported Ceccacci. In fact, he believed the starting point for budget deliberations was not reasonable.

“The proposed draft budget is completely unacceptable,” he said. “If you want to talk about unhoused people (there were three deputations addressing the homeless shelter on the night), we’re going to have a lot more of them because we’re going to tax people Scheduled Inspections ScheduledInspections Inspections out of their house with Scheduled Inspections Scheduled Photos or Video Logsor Video Logs these kinds of numbers.”

Photos Photos or Video Logs Photos or Video Logs Mail Collection Brock McGregor, chair MailCollection Collection Mail Mail Collection of the budget commitSnow Removal / Lawn Maintenance SnowRemoval Removal/ /Lawn LawnMaintenance Maintenance Snow Snow Removal / Lawn Maintenance tee, stressed that even Standard Repairs StandardRepairs Repairs Standard though the motion Standard Repairs Full Concierge Service passed, there is still more FullConcierge ConciergeService Service Full Concierge Service Full Bonded and Insured money being allocated to Bondedand andInsured Insured infrastructure spending.

Bonded Bonded and Insured Locally Owned and Operated LocallyOwned Ownedand andOperated Operated Locally Locally Owned and Operated Council then debated at great length, but ultimately passed the police budget, which contained a $2.15 million increase.

That evening’s efforts

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

crease they’ll face in 2024.

Going into the deliberations last week, the committee faced a proposed increase of 6.57 per cent.

South Kent Coun. Anthony Ceccacci began the trimming the first night, Nov. 28. He believed the cushion put in place by ad-

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trimmed the increase to 6.03 per cent.

The following night, Ceccacci led the way again. He successfully proposed to move an additional $400,000 from the anticipated 2023 budget surplus into the 2024-27 budget, adding $100,000 to each of the next four years.

Council, again led by Ceccaci, opted to reduce and delay tax increases intended to fill up municipal reserves.

Despite lauding the idea of adding 0.5 per cent in tax increases annually to add to reserves, council ultimately opted to delay reaching that level of commitment.

Instead, they saved more than $900,000 in increases over the four years of the budget by shaving points off the increases in the coming years.

“This is just slowing the practice down a bit. We’re still putting extra in. It’s just going up a little slower,” Ceccacci said.

At that point, following more than an hour in closed session, numerous councillors thought they were done. They’d gone through their budget binders and had no more expected items to bring forward.

They were wrong. Nine councillors were not satisfied at 5.76 per cent and voted to take the effort to a third night.

So on Nov. 30, the committee met again.

In the span of eight minutes, and early on in that night’s session, Mayor Darrin Canniff successfully put forward a trio of proposed shifts; covering $25,000 of the 2024 budget with additional revenues from Cascades Casino, adding $50,000 by effectively delaying the hir-

ing of new staff, and reducing the increase to asset management funding by half a percentage point.

The approvals ultimately made up the entirety of the changes to the 2024 tax increase from Thursday’s gathering.

The biggest attempt for cuts on the night came from South Kent Coun. Ryan Doyle.

He moved to yank $10.4 million out of municipal reserves and slap it down to cut the 2024 tax increase to zero.

“I’m just thinking about the people who are hurting at home. If we end up taxing people to the point we move more people into homelessness… we’re going to have a bigger issue than we have right now.”

The notion was not well received by other councillors.

West Kent Coun. Lauren Anderson said such a proposal to zero the tax hike by dipping into reserves would make the 2025 budget process daunting.

“If we take this down to zero, in 2025, they’re going to be coming at us at 14 per cent,” she said of administration. “This is not thinking about long-term anything.”

Melissa Harrigan, who also represents West Kent, said she looks at municipal reserves as saving for the future for big needs.

“We have all these different projects we know are in the future. If we don’t save appropriately for these projects, they are going to hit us very hard,” she said.

Doyle’s motion failed 12-3.

He tried to shave more funds from asset management increases, but that motion was also unsuccessful.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023

PAGE 3

News

Gentry Manor hit by Grinchy thief

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

The illegal quest for copper wire has led to an unwelcome visit by the Grinch to Gentry Manor.

The Chatham business, known for its artistic flair – both in and out of the building – has witnessed an influx of vandalism in recent weeks.

One early morning incident stands out. On Nov. 21, an unmasked thief brought some tools to cut wire from Gentry Manor’s Christmas display. At 3:30 a.m. a lone male cut wires

and extension cords, destroying hundreds of dollars’ worth of holiday lights.

According to co-owner James Lizotte, the thief ruined the connections to four elegant scrolls that light up, and it’s unclear if they can be fixed.

“They cut the wire right at the base,” Lizotte said. “We’re looking into fixing them but we’re not sure if we can.”

Lizotte said the scrolls he purchased 10 years ago have been ruined for a paltry bit of copper wire.

“Do we bother fixing them and putting them up again?”

Lizottte asked. “I don’t know.”

be able to do something,” Lizotte added. “The thieves have to be selling this copper wire somewhere. Somebody’s buying it. Do the police know?”

Lizotte said early morning visitors around the shop are nothing new, as people are “coming and going” at all hours. He said he’s heard similar stories from other business owners in the area of Queen Street and Park Street, complaining about

Lizotte said the incident has been captured on video by the business’ security cameras, and the evidence has been turned over to the Chatham-Kent Police Service.

Normally, Lizotte and partner Thomas Smith, who live upstairs in the building, are alerted to trespassers by their surveillance system. But on the night in question, the system wasn’t operating as it normally does due to a software update.

Lizotte is hoping police will increase patrols and make an arrest.

“They (police) should

people roaming the streets and setting off alarms during the night.

The incident has cast a pall on the holiday spirit at Gentry, particularly as around $3,000 worth of Christmas trees and decor were added to boost Gentry Manor’s holiday look this year.

“People love to come and see the Christmas displays,” Lizotte said.

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The Grinch paid a visit to Gentry Manor recently, cutting wires and ruining the business’ Christmas display. Here co-owner James Lizotte stands with one of the elegant scrolls that graces the shop’s exterior.

Hundreds of dollars’ worth of extension cords and electrical wires have been ruined due to vandalism.

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PAGE 4

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023

News

Hope Haven offers warm space The Chatham Voice

Chatham Hope Haven will once again open its doors to house people overnight this winter on particularly cold nights.

Municipal officials said when conditions reach -5C for sustained periods, Hope Haven will offer the accommodations.

“On any given night, 75 households are in emergency housing in Chatham-Kent, with several more waiting for a bed to become available,” a municipal press release said.

Hope Haven’s normal hours are from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day, allowing people to come in, get a hot meal, shower, do laundry, and get warm in the

winter or cool in the summer.

But when the cold weather hits, it will extend its hours to 24/7 during deep freezes where temperatures are consistently below -5C, officials said.

Chatham Hope Haven is located at 183 Wellington St. W., Chatham.

Transportation can be arranged for those that are outside of the downtown core, including other areas of Chatham-Kent, by contacting the Homeless Response Line at 519354-6628.

Municipal offices in Blenheim, Chatham,

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Ridgetown, Tilbury, and Wallaceburg will offer space for people to stop in, sit, and warm up during regular business hours as well (Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.).

Additionally, Employment and Social Services will offer the same service at their main

office lobby located on the first floor of the Community Human Services Building at 435 Grand Ave. W. in Chatham.

During extreme cold weather, residents are encouraged to call or visit friends and neighbours who may be at risk, and keep pets inside.

Remember your loved ones at Christmas with a Christmas Memorial in The Voice.

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 5

News

Council seeks assurances over well water safety

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

The Municipality of Chatham-Kent wants to know how Hydro One will protect water wells in North Kent during the construction of the new St. Clair transmission line.

After discussing the matter at its regular meeting Nov. 27, council voted to send a letter to ask the utility what it plans to do to keep water wells – some that are already compromised – safe.

The original motion, put forward by North Kent Coun. Rhonda Jubenville, asked Hydro One to undertake baseline water quality testing before, after, and during construction. But after discussion and a friendly amendment by North Kent Coun. Jamie McGrail, council settled on sending a letter asking for more information and how it will ensure the “integrity” of wells is protected in all of its local projects.

Jubenville told council she brought the motion forward because “we are all well aware of the history of the water wells and aquifer issues in Ward 4 North Kent. I just want to be proactive in the potential of future issues that could occur to the integrity of the wells along the transmission line corridor,” Jubenville said.

“Many families in North Kent have already lost their wells and the possibility of it happening again is frightening to many of these families, “ she added. “Everyone of us

deserves access to clean water for all personal and household uses.”

Jubenville pointed out there is no specific reference to water wells in the draft report from Hydro One, but it does specifically reference items such as farmer’s lands and tile drains.

Chatham Coun. Michael Bondy questioned the change in the motion that called for testing, adding he thought the amended motion “seem to lose its teeth.”

Chatham Coun. Brock McGregor and Wallaceburg Coun. Aaron Hall said they both supported the amendment.

Hall stressed that council has received a deputation from Hydro One that said the utility is “working with well owners in the area already.

“They’re already connecting with community members in the area that are impacted by this,” Hall said.

Mayor Darrin Canniff said he wants the public to know that Hydro One has committed to not pile drive or touch the aquifer.

“Those are points they are looking at to have further meetings with groups to look at the best solution possible,” Canniff said.

The new St. Clair transmission line is one of several major projects Hydro One has planned to boost the region’s power supply. It begins south of Courtright in St. Clair Township, extending through Chatham-Kent with part of the route traversing a section of the former Chatham Township.

The 230-kilovolt line

will connect the Lambton transmission station with the Chatham transmission station.

New towers will be installed and significant upgrades will be carried out at the Lambton, Chatham and Wallaceburg transformer stations.

Part of the 62-kilometre line routes through a section of farmland where property owners have already witnessed the deterioration of water wells said to be

caused by the operation of wind turbines. Some of the wells can no longer be used, spewing brackish water unfit for human consumption.

Those in the affected area maintain their wells were ruined by the construction and use of wind turbine farms, including those operated by the North Kent Wind Farm.

Two in-person deputations from property owners in the former Chatham Township

were presented to council at the start of the meeting.

Water Wells First members Calvin Simmons and Kevin Jakubec asked the municipality to push Hydro One to conduct a groundwater baseline test to ensure water wells along the route are protected.

According to Jakubec, the decision to ask for baseline well testing is based on recommendations from an expert panel.

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PAGE 6

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023

Opinion C-K council ran out of gas It was the best they could do.

Under the circumstances.

We’re talking about Chatham-Kent council approving a tax increase of 5.53 per cent for 2024.

Council began their deliberations last week staring at a 6.57-per-cent hike as proposed by administration.

The civil servants handed councillors nearly 1,600 pages in budget reports to sift through between the draft capital budget and the draft budget.

Following three nights and a combined nearly 11 hours of deliberations, council passed the budget.

The first night, all 4.5 hours of it, saw 0.54 pulled off the proposed increase.

Night two, another 4.5-hour slog through the budgetary bog, saw a further 0.33 removed.

And the third night, which lasted one hour and 47 minutes, saw an additional 0.23 trimmed.

Councillors were clearly done at that point. Not only had they been through everyone’s initial motions and proposals, they revisited areas and found new options.

We have long suggested councillors look deeper and ask to break down ex-

penditures in specific categories of their own interest. More savings could undoubtedly be found.

However, after what council collectively endured last week, we understand why they threw up their hands and voted.

So much of the agreed-upon cuts took place in a tight time period each night.

Consider this: Every element from the cuts the final night of deliberations came in an eight-minute span. They met for 107 minutes. The other 99 were essentially spent trying to explain to a handful of councillors that pulling $10.4 million from reserves and slapping it down against this year’s increase would leave council looking in 2025 for ways – and this is before the rest of the budget process – to make up that $10.4 million.

The starting point for 2025 by administration is based on what comprises the budget in 2024. You build on top.

And any use of reserves is one-time coverage. It’s not there to build upon the next year.

Yet some councillors had a hard time seeing that.

In the end, those who watched were left rubbing their eyes.

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

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A member of:

71 Sass Rd., Unit #4, Chatham, ON, N7M 5J4 Tel: 519-397-2020

Can we trust our municipal government?

Editor: The recent fouryear budget proposed

by Chatham-Kent administration has brought chills to most of us in the community. We have been told that the majority of the increase is due to inflation. One needs to ask how an annual tax increase averaging 7.8 per cent each year is justified when inflation is expected to end the year at 3.1 per cent?

Chatham-Kent council, endorsed by administration, continually promotes an open and transparent government.

Let me give you a few examples of why our office has some real concerns about this mantra and the ethical management of our property taxes.

Back in 2020, with the risk of a projected budget deficit occurring due to Covid-19, council directed administration to investi-

gate savings opportunities to achieve a 2021 budget target of zero per cent. A task force consisting of local business people was formed. Reports dated August 2020 and October 2020 produced a list of action items intended to bring savings to the municipality. However, none of the ideas proposed in the reports that followed were adopted by council.

One report that was originally accepted, the repurposing of an underutilized arena, was overturned at the next council meeting. A slap in the business community’s face, and three years of lost savings.

It’s easy to spend tax dollars, but difficult to cut.

Our office went back and reviewed these 2020 savings reports. Good

ideas were presented, however, we found one report that was not responded to by the November 2020 deadline, namely, savings to retiree benefits. For those of you who don’t know, the municipality has a very generous retiree benefit plan that is substantially funded by tax dollars, benefits that you and I pay for but cannot have. An existing incentive for government management is to increase their salaries to fit a “best five-year highest wage earnings” window, which determines their retirement package for life.

The police chief and CAO will receive about $175,000 yearly when they retire, and this amount will increase annually with inflation.

Continued on page 7

THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023

PAGE 7

Opinon

Allocate funds responsibly, reader says Editor: While Chatham-Kent talks about more affordable housing (unaffordable housing), they want an exorbitant rise in property taxes.

This only makes housing less affordable.

Don’t they realize that this not only affects homeowners – stretched by rising mortgage rates and the rising cost of living – but also renters whose rents have jumped by hundreds of dollars a month in the last three years? Landlords’ taxes are only passed down to tenants in increased rents.

How can our municipal leaders look at themselves in the mirror when they give their nod to foolish spending while the most valuable asset in this municipality –our people – go hungry with increasingly rising dependency on food banks?

And there are homeless people living in tents while we dither on where to put them.

Was it not possible for council to review programs and services that are not operating effectively and efficiently in order that these taxes can be reduced?

Our city budget is no longer about delivering value for taxes spent; it’s about funding a laundry list of “emergency” pet projects.

The wages of a lot of people in this municipality remain flat while rent, groceries, heating and gasoline prices have skyrocketed. Many people will face the unacceptable choice of feeding their children or heating their homes – the result of decisions made by a supposedly caring city.

We need to stop listening to consultants and administration and start listening to councillors. They are the ones with their fingers on the pulse of the municipality.

I encourage everyone to call or e-mail their council members and make sure that your priorities are

Deeper digging needed Continued from page 6

Further investigation has revealed there is no record of administration ever responding to proposed savings in retiree benefits.

A recent October 2023 report to council entitled “previous council action items” does not list the retiree benefit report on either the list recommended to remain or to be removed.

In accordance with the laws of governance, once a motion is approved, it stands and can only be removed by a vote of council.

There is no evidence showing this step ever took place with respect to retiree benefits, and we are now in the fourth year since the original motion was approved.

Why isn’t council holding admin-

THE CT FE PER IFT G MAY 21 - JUNE 1

THE BEAVER CLUB

BY BARB SCHEFFLER

istration accountable to respond to every motion that they create and approve?

How can we possibly trust their four-year budget figures? Why will C-K not provide details of how they spend money within our 10 municipal departments and 21 divisions?

There is no way council or the citizenry can responsibly scrutinize where tax dollars are going based on the current budget format.

We know that our office is not popular with the municipality, but we speak with facts.

The public will find millions of tax dollars spent in a fashion they will likely find appalling.

John Cryderman Chatham

heard, ensuring your hardearned tax dollars are allocat-

Public Utilities Commission for the Municipality of Chatham-Kent Municipal Class Environmental Assessment Water and Wastewater Master Plan (Approach #1) Notice of Master Plan The Public Utilities Commission for the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, through its consultant AECOM has completed a Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (MCEA) Master Plan study to develop strategies for water and wastewater servicing to accommodate existing service areas and future growth.

The study documented existing conditions, population forecasts, water, and wastewater modeling, engaged key stakeholders and the general public, and evaluated short- and long-term alternative water and wastewater servicing strategies over the next 30 years at 5, 10, 20, and 30 year intervals, including high level cost estimates.

The Process This study was undertaken in accordance with the master planning process of the Municipal Engineers Association MCEA document as amended in March 2023. The water and wastewater master plan followed Approach 1 of the MCEA Master Plan process, which ends at the completion of Phase 1 and 2 of the Environmental Assessment process, providing a basis for future investigations for Schedule B and C MCEA projects. A Master Plan report has been prepared to detail the work completed and the recommended water and wastewater projects that may be implemented over the 30-year planning period to the year 2051.

An electronic copy of the Water and Wastewater Master Plan report is available for public review at the Let’s Talk Chatham-Kent webpage (link below) between November 20th, 2023, and January 10th 2024. https://www.letstalkchatham-kent.ca/chatham-kent-water-and-wastewater-master-plan How to get involved The PUC invites anyone with an interest in the study to review the Master Plan report and provide feedback. To provide feedback or request more information please contact us at: Dhana Niriella, PhD., P.Eng, P.E. Project Manager Chatham-Kent PUC 226-312-2025 x4338 dhanan@chatham-kent.ca

Comments and questions can be received until January 10th, 2024.

With the exception of personal information, all comments will become part of the public record of the Study.

This Notice was Issued on November 20th, 2023.

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 8

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023

News

Zonta says ‘No!’ Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice

Activism is a family affair for Finn and Miles Tate and mom Erin Tewinkel. The trio hoisted placards while taking part in the awareness walk to end violence against women Nov. 29.

Organized by the Chatham-Kent Zonta Club, in collaboration with the Chatham-Kent Co-ordinating Committee to End Violence Against Women, the event saw participants brave a brisk wind to carry its message. Held on the Third Street Bridge, the walk marked International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023

PAGE 9

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 10

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023

Opinion

Sears vs. Civic Centre, a tale of the tape When will municipal council decide on the future home of the brain centre of municipal operations?

Bruce McAllister, gen-

eral manager of development services, said the Imagine Chatham-Kent issue is slated to return to council sometime in early 2024.

In October, council sent administration off to explore two possibilities, staying put, or moving the Civic Centre, Chatham Library and

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Chatham-Kent Museum operations into the Sears building in the Downtown Chatham Centre.

Both options come with significant price tags.

Staying put would cost an estimated $37 million in renovations, according to administration. And that, McAllister said, does not include the cost of renting a temporary location and moving Civic Centre staff off site during the work.

He said that had not been considered at this point, adding that option was not the “current direction of council, so these exploratory calculations haven’t been made.

“If council gives us this direction in the future, we will work to identify a timeframe, location for staff, and associated

Bruce Corcoran costs,” he said.

Rob Myers, one of the owners of the DCC, said he estimates the cost to relocate staff during the extensive renovations could have a price tag “well in excess” of $1 million, and thinks staff would be displaced for upwards of two years.

Moving operations into the former Sears comes with a price tag of an estimated $53 million.

However, factoring the value of the library building and the Civic Centre,

properties that administration estimated in October would fetch about $9.3 million, then the disparity between patching up the Civic Centre and moving into a fully renovated Sears building is about $6 million.

I had the opportunity recently to sit down with Myers and Don Tetrault, two of the owners of the Downtown Chatham Centre. They, along with Jessica Myers, Ron Nydham and Jim Bullock, purchased the DCC in early 2022 and developed a concept, Imagine Chatham-Kent, with the idea to see the municipality consolidate Civic Centre, museum and library operations under one roof in the old Sears location.

Continued on page 11

THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023

PAGE 11

Opinion

Sears offers more space, options Continued from page 10

The developers have long stated they aren’t doing this for the money, but rather because they think it makes good sense for the municipality in the long run.

Myers reiterated what he has said publicly in the past: He is not involved in the Imagine Chatham-Kent project to get rich.

“I don’t make a living here. I employ a lot of people here,” the face of RM-Sotheby’s said. “But I’m not trying to make money here. I said that in public at the council meeting. I’m happy to donate any profit I make to the museum.”

Tetrault said by the municipality moving

into the Sears building, the area around King and Fifth streets would continue its rejuvenation.

And when the Civic Centre is transformed, the west end of the downtown would see new life as well.

Myers said a move to the Sears building also solves the lack of space at the library and the museum.

“Our current library and the expansion plans for it have been discussed for years, but we’ve seen for a long time nothing has happened,” he said.

“Currently our C-K Museum that should be displaying C-K’s agricultural history, native heritage and a host of other historical issues cannot

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since there is simply no space currently to have any impactful exhibition areas to do so.”

He added that by placing the library and museum into a space with municipal operations, added parking and sharing of meeting spaces are a couple of areas that would benefit all three elements, and lead to cost savings.

Myers said to address the desires of expansion at the current library footprint on Queen Street would come with a $20 million price tag, and there isn’t space on the property to make it happen.

There are a number of unanswered questions for some people. For

the museum and municipal operations from the Civic Centre all into the Sears building. They say it doesn’t have the room.

However McAllister gave us the tale of the tape.

The Sears building has 100,000 square feet of space, he said.

To put that into perspective, the Civic Centre (43,500 sq. ft.), the Chatham Library (22.969 sq. ft.) and the Cultural Centre (18,980 sq. ft., not including the Kiwanis Theatre) occupy a combined 85,440 sq. ft.

In other words, there’s nearly 15,000 sq. ft. in room for the library and the museum to grow in the Sears building.

The DCC owners are

in the process of planning around the Sears building. They recently re-signed tenant Goodlife Fitness to a 10-year lease, and hope to ink other businesses as well. However, with the unknown of what will transpire at the Sears end of the facility, it has slowed them down.

“We’re ready to go. It’s a great thing for this town.

I really believe it,” Myers said of a move by the municipality into Sears.

He added one thing the DCC owners will not go for is turning the location into a homeless shelter, something that was mentioned in a recent letter to the editor to The Voice, calling the suggestion “foolish.”

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example, should council choose to shift operations away from the Civic Centre, one question that comes up immediately is where would the fire station located on the south side of the Civic Centre end up?

McAllister said that would be handled in the upcoming fire master plan.

“It will determine the optimal location for the fire hall; Fire Hall 1 would stay where it is until a more suitable location is identified and available for use,” he said.

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 13

News

Santa, pancakes return

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

Santa’s coming to Chatham for pancakes on Dec. 9, and everyone is welcome to join him.

East Side Pride’s Breakfast with Santa returns to the WISH Centre on Saturday, beginning at 10 a.m. The event runs until 11:30 a.m. and is free.

The annual event has been running for nearly a decade, but it is the first one since 2019 due to the pandemic.

“It has grown every year to over 400 people for breakfast, holiday celebrations, music and a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus,” officials said in a media release.

Bev Webster, chair of East Side Pride, said they fill the gym at the WISH Centre with people for the event.

Firefighters, police and EMS personnel volunteer to cook and serve the food.

There will be events for the children, including a colouring station and a cookie decorating area.

Santa is expected to sneak down the chimney about 11 a.m., Webster said.

To help cover expenses, the East Side Pride crew is back in the WISH Centre that evening for a turkey/ ham bingo, she added.

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Pastor Mike Koppes of Praise Fellowship Church, who was also a chaplain with the Chatham-Kent Police Service, acted as “toastmaster general” during the 2019 version of Breakfast with Santa fun at the WISH Centre. After three years away due to the pandemic, the breakfast is back on Saturday.

The bingo begins at 6 p.m. Cards are $10 for a two-strip book and specials are $1 each.

There’s also a raffle table, where tickets are $2 each or three for $5.

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 14

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023

Habitat breaks ground

PAGE 15

Business

The Chatham Voice

Construction is underway on the future home of Habitat for Humanity Chatham-Kent’s ReStore.

Members of the board of directors gathered recently to break ground at 55 Junction Ave. just off Park Avenue East in Chatham.

This new facility will be approximately 12,000 sq. ft. and will continue to house the affiliate offices.

The new ReStore represents a fresh start for the affiliate where they

will have the opportunity to build a home for themselves.

The ReStore has been open since 2014 at its present location at 566 Riverview Dr., and has enjoyed success due to the generosity and support of local residents and businesses.

Continued on page 16

Contributed image

Habitat for Humanity Chatham-Kent board members Megan VanderEnde and Amy Adams, along with staff Mike Coyne and Anne Taylor, were joined by Jonathon Van Kesteren from Jayden Construction to officially break ground on the new Habitat ReStore facility on Junction Avenue in Chatham.

Receive 2 months free rent on a 1 yr lease with occupancy prior to Jan. 1, 2024. Offer subject to credit check on approved applications, no cash value.

THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 16

Support for RMH

Continued from page 15

Acuity Brands Lighting – a North American lighting provider with Canada-wide offices and agencies – has developed a program called EarthLIGHT Initiative, aimed at encouraging customers to make a positive impact in their communities.

As part of this initiative, Electrozad Supply Company – with locations in

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023

Business

London, Windsor, Chatham, and Sarnia – was winning distributor in Canada this year. As the winner, Electrozad chose Ronald McDonald House as the recipient of a $10,000 donation from Acuity Brands. Electrozad then joined forces with Wharton Sales Company Limited and each company gave another $5,000.

Continued on page 17

Electrozad, Accuity and WSC personnel celebrate $20,000 in donations to Ronald McDonald House.

Contributed image

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023

PAGE 17

Business

CLAC offers Naloxone training Continued from page 16

CLAC Training has partnered with the Ontario government’s Workplace Naloxone Program to provide free workplace naloxone training to all eligible employers in Ontario.

Naloxone can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose, allowing time for medical help to arrive.

All employers who are required under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) to make naloxone available in their workplace, as well as to ensure someone in the workplace is trained in its use are eligible for the training.

New naloxone requirements came into effect on June 1 and the free train-

ing is available until Feb. 28, 2024, for up to two workers per worksite per eligible employer.

CLAC’s Workplace Naloxone Training is open to all eligible employers in Ontario – regardless of sector or union affiliation.

To learn more and to sign up for this training, visit clac.ca/naloxone.

Mrs. Bell is on the move

Mrs. Bell’s Tea Room owner Wanda Bell said the building her business is located in may be in the process of being sold, but the business will continue to operate.

The tea room will remain at the location at 11 Third St. until the end of December before taking its tasty treats and tea to 241 Grand Ave. E. in the new

year.

The new location will feature on-site parking and will be wheelchair accessible Uber Eats drives into town

The food delivery arm of Uber has arrived in Chatham.

Uber Eats joins the likes of Skip the Dishes and Door Dash as an option to

order delivery from local restaurants, or beverage suppliers or convenience stores.

• Business Voice is a bi-monthly column in The Chatham Voice that highlights some of the achievements made and efforts underway in Chatham-Kent’s business community.

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 18

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023

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Straight Talk with Nathan McKinlay In our column, we often share the insights, stories and encounters experienced at the Funeral Home and beyond. We are blessed to be able to help families of all different faiths, backgrounds and walks of life through their grief journey. At a time of loss, people are often either at their best or at their worst, and families tend to either come together or come apart. Working with grief and death day in and day out can be challenging. It is certainly not a job for everyone and not everyone can cut it. We are fortunate to have been able to hone and train a team of compassionate and passionate, authentic and hard-working professionals to serve our families. Our greatest asset is our team. As such I only felt it appropriate to highlight some of the individuals that I am fortunate enough to work with.

- Nathan We were fortunate enough to get to know Venetia Moor late in 2021.

Venetia had previously worked as a Medical Office Administrator for Dr. Adrian Verburg up until his retirement and had also worked as a florist throughout her career. Venetia is incredibly organized, but also very creative which are two skills that do not always go together. Venetia diligently runs our Chatham office, keeping all of the files (and in turn, Funeral Directors) organized.

Venetia’s true passion is card design, which she has a true knack for.

She is always bettering herself, continually taking online courses for the numerous graphic design programs in the Adobe Suite. If you call us on the phone, there is a great chance Venetia will be the one to pick up first. Venetia is not only highly skilled but is a very warm and patient person. Thank you, Venetia!

Trust the Professionals.

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Lawsuit filed over hospital cyberattack The Chatham Voice

A $480-million class-action suit has been filed in a Sarnia court against five regional hospitals and IT provider TransForm Shared Service in relation to the Oct. 23 cyberattack.

Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, Bluewater Health, Windsor Regional Hospital, Hotel-Dieu Grace Healthcare and Erie Shores HealthCare

are named in the document filed by Sarnia resident Robert Smith.

The document states that Smith has been a patient at Bluewater Health over the course of his life.

In a joint media statement, the hospitals and TransForm said they are “in receipt” of a lawsuit related to the attack.

Because the matter is before the court, none of the affected parties will be making any

further comment about it.

According to the lawsuit, the ransomware attack breached the personal information of some 267,000 people.

The CBC has reported the cybercriminal group Daixin has claimed responsibility for the attack and has published some of the stolen data on the dark web.

The hospitals did not pay a ransom.

Ontario’s commitment to assist with rebuilding Wheatley and restoring the town’s business economy.

It’s estimated to cost $225,000 over the two years.

According to a report from administration, the province has provided $9.8 million in emergency funding to date, with around $7 million being dispersed to affected businesses, commercial landlords and not-for-profit agencies.

Earlier this year, the provincial government announced $11 million

in continued support to the municipality to assist with ongoing emergency management, investigation and community recovery expenses related to the blast.

West Kent Coun. Lauren Anderson thanked municipal staff for moving forward on the hire and she also commended Wheatley Task Force members for their “dedication and patience” throughout the process of recovery.

“I really look forward to this opportunity and what we can accomplish in two years,” Anderson said.

On Aug. 26, 2021 a devastating explosion rocked downtown Wheatley. It destroyed two businesses, injured 20 people and forced the evacuation of 23 residential and 13 commercial properties.

Support for Wheatley

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

Wheatley’s post-explosion economic recovery is getting a significant boost.

At a recent meeting, C-K council approved the hiring of an economic development officer for the community for a two-year term.

The position is to be funded by the province as part of

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023

PAGE 19

News

Heritage committee sticks around

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

Although it hasn’t been active for some time, C-K’s Natural Heritage Committee of the Whole will endure.

Discussion about the committee’s fate was raised at a recent council meeting following a motion by North Kent Coun. Rhonda Jubenville to dissolve it.

However, following input from other councillors and administration, Jubenville withdrew the motion.

She said she brought the matter forward after constituents reached out to her to find out what the NHCOTW is for and what the body is actively doing, after seeing it on the municipality’s website.

She said she learned from administration the committee was designed to develop a natural heritage strategy but that work is done and the committee is no longer needed at this time.

“I just felt that having it on the (municipal) website is disingenuous to our constituents thinking we have a committee we are actively work-

ing on, that we’re not really working on,” Jubenville said.

“I thought we should remove it, and if the time comes to approach it again, that we can easily do so.”

Other members of council disagreed.

West Kent Coun. Melissa Harrigan said environmental sustainability – specifically natural heritage – is one of council’s “priority items” for 2022 to 2026.

“Perhaps it’s better for us to hold a meeting to revisit it to identify council’s priorities,” Harrigan said, adding it’s important the information be updated online to avoid confusion.

“I do not think that the NHCOTW should be dissolved at this time,” Harrigan said.

East Kent Coun. Steve Pinsonneault also chimed in, stating he felt the Natural Heritage Committee should stay in place.

“We should enhance it,” Pinsonneault told council.

“Granted it is a committee that’s not used very often. It’s been around since 2014 and I believe it has worked. It’s easier to keep it in place right

w e t s e h . t e l s i i s m Thi ings a s r b t a th

now, than it is to try and reinstate it later.”

Council heard that the committee had not met since prior to the last election in 2022.

Wallaceburg Coun. Aaron Hall, NHCOTW chair, explained why the committee had been inactive.

“My intention was to wait until we approved our strategic plan to begin NHCOTW discussions again,” Hall said, adding he had planned to touch base with staff to get the meetings restarted.

However, when council opted to repeal the temporary tree cutting bylaw in September in a narrow 9-8 vote, Hall said the decision “halted” the process.

The NHCOTW was formed in 2014, largely driven by the agricultural community in response to a proposed tree-cutting bylaw. The discussion led to wide-spread clearing of trees in Chatham-Kent, sparking an ongoing rift between rural property owners and those opposed to clearing forests in C-K. The now defunct temporary tree cutting bylaw was approved in April 2021, but had no end date.

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 20

3 ways alcohol impacts your ability to drive 1. Inhibitions are lowered, affecting judgment and coordination, even after one drink.

2. Reaction times are slowed, even after two beers.

3. Vision, balance, speech and movement are adversely affected.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023

The ratio of alcohol to blood in the body is called the Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC).

Two people drinking the same amount of alcohol can have drastically different BACs. Body weight, drink strength, amount of food in the stomach, time between drinks and even gender can all affect a person’s BAC and level of impairment.

While a BAC of .08 is typically the legal limit, any level of impairment significantly increases the likelihood of a traffic crash, putting your life and the lives of others in danger.

The bottom line? If you plan on drinking, getting behind the wheel is always a bad idea.

If you see a driver you suspect is impaired, pull over and call 911.

When hosting this season host thoughtfully: • Offer a mocktail, alcohol-free beer or other nonalcoholic beverage for guests choosing not to drink.

• Ask guests who are drinking if they have a designated driver or transportation plans.

You are not safer when you are high Cannabis affects your judgment, coordination and reaction time, and increases your chances of being in a collision. In 2016, 74 people were killed in collisions involving a driver under the influence of drugs in Ontario according to police reports.

Celebrate Responsibly • Agree on a designated driver before you go out for the evening.

• Save the number for several local cab companies in your phone if you plan to drink, or make sure you have a ride-share app downloaded to your phone.

• If someone has been drinking and might drive, offer your couch as a place to sleep. • Ask a friend if you can crash on his or her couch for the night if you’ve had too much to drink.

• Help guests who have been drinking arrange transportation through a ride-share app or taxi service.

• If you’re attending a party and are concerned you may drink too much, give your keys to the host at the start of the evening, so he or she can hold on to them unless you are sober.

Think Before Your Drink:

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DRINKING & DRIVING CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE IN JUST ONE SHOT Hand Over Your Keys.

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Drinking and driving can take away everything that matters most to you: your freedom, your job, your reputation, your future and even your life.

Choosing sobriety is the wise and responsible choice.

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023

A seasonal Sat. at 7 The Chatham Voice

St. Andrew’s United Church will present its annual Saturdays at 7 Christmas concert on Dec. 9 at 7 p.m. at the Capitol Theatre.

Devon Hansen, director of music at St. Andrew’s, will direct this annual event. This is an opportunity for one and all to come in from the busyness of the season to see a show that features more than 100 local performers.

This year’s concert, with the theme “Seeing is Believing,” celebrates the spirit of Christmas in Chatham-Kent. The program will feature nostalgic Christmas music presented by the St. Andrew’s Concert Choir, a 60-voice choir, conducted by Han-

sen, and the Bel Canto Choir School, directed by Christine Baribeau.

The St. Andrew’s Chamber Orchestra will add magic to the program with its performances and accompaniment.

The program will also feature local singers Colin Bell, Andrew Derynck, Victoria Hoshowsky and Nohl Egan as well as other talented local musicians.

It wouldn’t be Christmas without the tradition of dance from The Nutcracker which will be presented by Ascension Dance.

Tickets ($25) are available from the Cultural Centre Box office on William Street or from www. cktickets.com. Children 12 and under are free.

Arts/Sports

St. Andrew’s United Church music director Devon Hansen leads the orchestra and choir.

Chatham-Kent is ready to play ball with the Chatham Minor Baseball Association for another decade.

Council voted to enter into an agreement with the association for a 10year lease. It will allow the CMBA to use the canteen and washrooms, the CMBA storage shed and

the indoor training facility on Tweedsmuir Avenue in Chatham.

According to a report from administration, there’s the possibility of building another 2,000 sq.ft. structure that would house changing facilities, showers and a coach’s room for the use of CMBA, guest teams and potentially the new Intercounty Baseball League team.

The nurses made it clear to Mom that she could call in at any time, so she did. Twice a day. First thing in the morning and just before she went to bed. This allowed her to get a good night’s sleep.”

- Shared by Sue and the Hoskins family in memory of Bob.

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Christmas Dinner

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The Chatham Voice

PAGE 21

Call to order 519-352-5633

Pick Up December 21 • 11am-3pm • 20 Merritt Ave., Chatham

THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 22

Community Events Thursday, December 7, 2023: • Blue Christmas Service. 7:00pm at St. Paul’s Congregational Church, 450 Park Ave. W. If you are navigating grief and loss this Christmas, join us to be encouraged, strengthened and refreshed. For more info call 519-436-0255.

• Merlin Legion Br. 465. Come be entertained by Dan Knight from 7-11pm.

Merlickin Chicken plus Menu served from 3-7pm.

• Merlin Legion Br. 465 afternoon Jam Session. 1-4:30pm. All are welcome to attend with a donation of $2. Homemade Panzerotti + Menu available from 4-7pm.

Call 519-689-4884 .

• Saturdays at 7 at St. Andrew’s presents “Seeing is Believing” at the Chatham Capitol Theatre at 7 pm. Tickets ($25) available at the Cultural Centre box office or online at www.cktickets.com.

Children 12 and under are free. For more information www.standrewschatham.org/ music or call 519-352-0010.

• Line Dancing at 11am at the Ridgetown Area Adult Activity Centre. $3 for members or $6 for non-members. Games Room Open House from 1-3pm. Come check out the awesome billiard games we have available! Call the Centre at 519-6745126 to learn more.

• The Chatham Legion Branch 642 corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am-9:30pm. There will be a meat draw at 3:30, 4:30 and 5:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch 3:00pm-5:30pm. Entertainment by Unity Station from 4:30-9:30.

Everyone Welcome.

Friday, December 8, 2023: • Adult Colouring at the CKPL Chatham Branch Community Living Café. 2-4:00pm.

No registration required, come and go as you please.

• East Side Pride Breakfast With Santa!

Free for everyone at the Wish Centre at 10am. East Side Pride Turkey Bingo and Raffle at the Wish Centre. $10 for booksSpecials $1. 6:30pm. Doors open at 5:30 pm. Must be 18 to play.

• Merlin Legion Br. 465 Delicious Xmas Turkey Dinner. RSVP 519-689-4884 ASAP. Be Entertained by our one and only Dean Robert a fine musician from 7-11pm.

• Bi-Monthly Movie Nights with CK Pride.

Join us a Bill’s Place (48 Centre St., Chatham) for a 2SLGBTQIA+ themed holiday film, “Single All the Way” (2021).

• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. open 11:00am-9:30pm.

Kitchen open 11:00am-1:30pm. Supper served from 4:00-6:00. No orders after 5:30pm. Tonight’s specials: Roast Beef or Fish & Chips, $13.00. Take out available by calling 519-351-8733 or 519-351-5639.

Fun Darts 7:00pm. Everyone Welcome.

• Active Lifestyle Centre Wrapping Party Fundraiser. Can’t find time to get everything done before Christmas? Leave your wrapping to us! Proceeds go towards creating programs for the ALC 50+ community! Drop your items between 9am-4pm at 20 Merritt Ave, Chatham.

• Beginners Tai Chi at 10am at the Ridgetown Area Adult Activity Centre for adults ages 45 and up. $3 for members or $6 for non-members. Call the Centre at 519-6745126 to learn more.

• Friday supper at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St. Breaded Pork Chop with potatoes, vegetable, coleslaw and a bun. Dine ins $12. Pickups $13. All meals are served at 6pm. Call daily 519352-8291 to order. Everyone welcome.

Saturday, December 9, 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.

Sunday, December 10, 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.

• Join Locally Unique Markets at Red Barn Brewing Co. in Blenheim from 12pm-4pm for our Christmas at Red Barn Vendor Market. Support Outreach For Hunger by bringing non-perishable food or personal hygiene products that will be distributed to those in need.

Tuesday, December 12, 2023: • Chess Club at Chatham Branch of CKPL. 6:00 pm until 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.

• ALC Carpet Bowling, 12pm–3pm. $3 members $5 non-members. Make new friends and have fun!

• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am9:30 pm. Kitchen open for lunch 11:00am1:30pm. Today’s special is spaghetti with meat sauce. Come play Euchre at 1:00 or spend the evening playing Shuffleboard or Euchre starting at 7:00pm. Everyone is welcome.

• Karaoke and Cocoa Fundraiser in The Common Grounds Café at The Active Lifestyle Centre from 12-3pm. $8 - Chocolate Stix, Cinnamon Stix, Sprinkles, Marshmallows oh my! Specialty Flavor shots available at the bar. Support your 50+ Recreation today! 20 Merritt Ave Chatham.

Open to everyone!

• Essentrics Class at 11am at the Ridgetown Area Adult Activity Centre for adults ages 45 and up. $3 for members or $6 for non-members. Call the Centre at 519-6745126 to learn more.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023

Fun Stuff 9. Lay about 10. Intestinal

• Free, informative presentation on Fisheries Management in the Great Lakes by Brian Locke from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources & Forestry. Open to the public. Free at the Ridgetown Area Adult Activity Centre at 3:30pm.

• Wanda Bell, owner of Mrs. Bell’s Tea Room, will explore the history of Afternoon Tea as well as Victorian Christmas Traditions. Visit the Chatham Branch of Chatham-Kent Public Library at 7:00 pm for this tea-lightful event!

Wednesday, December 13, 2023: • The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am–9:30 pm. Kitchen open for lunch 11:00am–1:30p.m. Our daily special is meat loaf dinner. Come check out our CLUES ACROSS other daily specials. We have Fun Darts at 1. Spiritual leaders 7:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome.

7. Salt

13. Fortified wine • Join the monthly Men’s Social Club at 14. Edible mollusk Sons of Kent in Chatham for a holiday pint! Gay, bi, queer, questioning etc wel- 16. It begins with them come. Reservations: Nathan.Dawthorne@ 17. A way to compare ckpride.com.

19. Governmentt

lawyer 20. Back parts 22. 8th month (abbr.)

23. Very willing 25. __ ex machina 26. Satisfies Thursday, December 14, 2023: 28. Quebec river • Retired Workers Chapter Meeting are 29. A doctrine the perfect opportunity to keep up to 30. Popular pickup date with the community, pensions, truck benefits and info provided from informed 31. Dekagram leadership and guest speakers. Spouses are welcome. 10:00am at the Unifor Local 33. Naturally occurring solid material 127, 405 Riverview Dr., Chatham.

34. Company officer • Bill’s Place Community Space Drop36. Villains In. 3:30-6:30pm. Spend some time in a 38. Cricket frogs 2SLGBTQIA+ safe space 48 Centre St., Cha- 40. German founder of tham. Hang out, do your homework, ask a psychology question, read a book. Get some clothes from our Out of the Closet program, use 41. Endured 43. A female domestic the Community cupboard & more! No RSVP needed! Come & go as you please. 44. A “place” to avoid All ages & allies welcome.

45. Cigarette (slang) 47. Canadian politician • The Chatham Legion, corner of Josephine William & Colborne St. Chatham from 48. French ballet/ 11:00am–9:30 pm. Kitchen open for lunch acting dynasty 11:00am–1:30pm. Senior Euchre starts at 51. Employee stock 1:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome. ownership plan • Christmas Dinner at 6pm at the Ridge- 53. Belonging to the town Area Adult Activity Centre. Join us bottom for a joyous evening of caroling, good 55. Sound • Carpet bowling from 2-4pm at the Ridgetown Area Adult Activity Centre for adults ages 45 and up. $3 for members or $6 for non-members. Call the Centre at 519-674-5126 to learn more.

56. Yankees’ slugger Judge 58. Dickens character 59. More wise 60. Flash memory card 61. Exposing human vice or folly to ridicule 64. Atomic #79 65. Longtime Braves pitcher Julio 67. Humor 69. Shawl 70. Preliminary assessment of patients CLUES DOWN 1. Animal disease 2. Commercial 3. Craft supply 4. Storage units 5. Investment vehicle 6. Colorado Heisman winner 7. In a way, sank 8. Post-birth brain damage (abbr.)

company, and a Christmas Dinner with dessert, wine, or sparkling beverage, prepared by the Turin United Church Women! This week’s puzzle Tickets are $40/pp. Call 519-674-5126 or visit the Centre to learn more and get your answers found on page 23 tickets.

Ask about our Move In Special • 24 Hour Health Care Supervision • Delicious Home Cooked Meals • Scheduled Activities

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11. The opposite of yes 12. Caused to be loved 13. Messianic in Islamic eschatology 15. Showing since conviction 18. Not safe 21. The number above the line in a fraction 24. Yard invader 26. Pouch 27. Swedish krona 30. Start anew 32. While white or yellow flower 35. Fourteen 37. Graphical user interface 38. Up-to-date on the news 39. Campaigns 42. Touch softly 43. “Boardwalk Empire” actress Gretchen 46. Violent seizure of property 47. One who supports the Pope 49. Anxiety 50. Body fluid 52. Phony person 54. Title of respect 55. Chilean city 57. City in central Japan 59. Silk garment 62. Draw from 63. Automobile 66. Man 68. Legal bigwig (abbr.)

THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023

Classifieds

Christmas Trees

Legal Notice

Christmas trees

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND OTHERS Claims against the Estate of Robert Charles Harris, late of the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, Province of Ontario, deceased, who died on or about the 12th day of June, 2021, must be in our hands

by December 14th, 2023, after which date the estate will be distributed having regard only to those claims which have been duly filed.

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.

Services Offered

NEED SOME ROOMS PAINTED FOR CHRISTMAS?

DATED at the Municipality of Chatham-Kent this 22nd day of November, 2023 Anderson Law Group Barristers & Solicitors 619 James Street P.O. Box 409 WALLACEBURG, Ontario N8A 4X1 Solicitors for the Estate Trustee

Auction

Give Don a call at 519-351-9416.

Wanted

Help Wanted

Wanted to Buy: Antiques, costume jewellery, gold, silver, coins, military, furniture, tools. We Buy All - Paid Cash.

519-727-8894.

Wanted to rent or buy 1 or 4 acres of land in Chatham-Kent area.

No buildings or utilities needed.

Rural area preferred. 519-3525414 or 226-6275414.

For Sale

Set of Winter Tires on rims. Five hole pattern for Ford Focus. $400. Phone 519-354-5056.

Sell your unwanted items in the classifieds!

519-397-2020

Part Time Afternoon Cleaning Staff Wanted Must be able to work different hours as needed. Involves weekend cleaning.

The candidate must also be able to cover shifts for the other cleaner. Experience would be an asset. Involves some heavy lifting.

Call 226-229-0098 for an interview.

For Sale Full-length silver mink coat for sale.

Must See! Phone 519-352-4572.

Set of styled wheels with tires.

Five hole pattern.

For Ford Focus $400. Phone 519354-5056.

LARGE AUCTION Saturday, December 16th

St. Simon & St. Jude Parish Hall 267 Meunier St., Belle River

Preview: 8:00am, Auction Starts: 9:00am T3 tikka rifle with scope brand new, pellet & bb guns, beer trays, sterling coins .999, car ornaments, royal crown derby animals, tins, marbles, stamps, coins, costume jewelry, crystal, pink depression, lg quantity of fishing rods & tackle, featherweight sewing machine, dinky cars, war books, campfire book, auto harp, violin in case, coca cola tray, apple peeler, brass scale, model trucks & cars, electronics, blue mountain pottery, Thorens automatic music box, nut crackers, royal crown derby vine dish set 100 years old, train set with tracks, lg quantity of rings, cranberry epurine,, coalport Indian tree dishes, cups & saucers, Carleton ware, cranberry lamps, glass propeller, duck goose caller, lots of old toys, radio tubes, Motorola radio, street sign, neon signs, royal albert dishes, 2 sets of dishes, royal doulton toby mugs, flat irons, wooden planes, wooden bowls, jack knives, Chinese umbrellas, pocket watches, gun holsters, pyrex, tiffany hanging lamp, shell bottle, beaver jar, oil lamps, cruet set, candlestick phone, miniature sewing machine, glass cane, pop up tent with cover, crocks, old compass, depression glass Go to this website for pictures and more information www.murrayknappauctions.com TERMS: CASH OR CHEQUE WITH PROPER I.D. NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ACCIDENTS DAY OF SALE. 10% Buyers Premium

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PAGE 23

Dorothy Beaubien 100, Saturday, November 18, 2023 Kendrick Funeral Home Clifford Marchand 89, Friday, November 24, 2023 Kendrick Funeral Home Irene Druer 84, Saturday, November 25, 2023 Nicholls Funeral Home Daniel Charles Vermast 63, Sunday, November 26, 2023 Nicholls Funeral Home John Daniel Murphy 61, Sunday, November 26, 2023 Nicholls Funeral Home Eva Handy 97, Sunday, November 26, 2023 Blenheim Community Funeral Home Gary Fraser 85, Wedesday, November 29, 2023 Blenheim Community Funeral Home Frances Arnold 82,Thursday, November 30, 2023 Blenheim Community Funeral Home Robert Jones Thursday, November 23, 2023 Life Transitions William “Bill” McInnes 88, Friday, November 24, 2023 Life Transitions Norman Scott Saturday, November 25, 2023 Life Transitions Harold “Hal” Saddington 73, Sunday, November 26, 2023 Life Transitions Russell Todd Smith Monday, November 20, 2023 Alexander & Houle Funeral Home Mary Aitken 83, Thursday, November 23, 2023 Alexander & Houle Funeral Home Ethelda Timers Friday, November 24, 2023 Alexander & Houle Funeral Home John Jordan Friday, November 24, 2023 Alexander & Houle Funeral Home Beatrice (Marie) Delaney 91, Saturday, November 25, 2023 Alexander & Houle Funeral Home

Richard Gilbeault 88, Sunday, November 26, 2023 Alexander & Houle Funeral Home Gayle Cumming 71, Tuesday, November 28, 2023 Alexander & Houle Funeral Home Ted Fields 61, Tuesday, November 28, 2023 Alexander & Houle Funeral Home Jim Debenham Wednesday, November 29, 2023 Alexander & Houle Funeral Home William Darcy McKeaough Wednesday, November 29, 2023 Alexander & Houle Funeral Home Audrey Ameel 95, Thursday, November 23, 2023 McKinlay Funeral Home Brian Bulckaert 70, Friday, November 24, 2023 McKinlay Funeral Home Emily North 89, Saturday, November 25, 2023 McKinlay Funeral Home Betty Krisza 85, Friday, November 24, 2023 McKinlay Funeral Home Marisa Joy Sloan 33, Saturday, November 25, 2023 McKinlay Funeral Home Giséle Cléroux 72, Saturday, November 25, 2023 McKinlay Funeral Home Mary Jean White Sunday, November 26, 2023 McKinlay Funeral Home Lenard Dubuque 66, Tuesday, November 28, 2023 McKinlay Funeral Home Liz (Isabel) English 78, Wednesday, November 29, 2023 McKinlay Funeral Home Donna Jean Ouellette 89, Wednesday, November 29, 2023 McKinlay Funeral Home 4 Victoria Ave, Chatham (519) 352-2390 Serving Kingsville, Wheatley & Chatham kendrickfuneralhome.com

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PAGE 24

THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023