The Chatham Voice, July 2, 2015

All NEW 2016 CX3

Wasps a Problem?

CALL 519-351-4471

Sale Price $22,784 All in + HST & Licence

YOUR Independent Community Newspaper

383 Richmond St., Chatham

519-354-1188

Toll Free 877-354-1118

www.chathammazda.com

THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2015

Vol. 3 Edition 24

Canada D’Eh! fireworks to return in ’16

FREE!

A fit farewell to school year

Lack of funding blamed for 2015 flameout

By Mary Beth Corcoran mary@chathamvoice.com

There were no fireworks in Chatham this year for Canada Day, but plans and fundraising are already underway for next year.

Canada D’Eh! committee chair Jeannette Smith said a lack of funding for the $6,000 needed for the fireworks was the problem, and takes responsibility despite health issues.

Community members stepped up to help try to get funds for this year, but Smith said the timeframe was just too short to get the money and a fireworks company in place.

“Many people called many places on Friday, and it just wasn’t going to come together for this year,” Smith explained.

“There are a lot of rules and regulations concerning fireworks displays that just couldn’t be done in time, even if the money was found.”

Chatham native Rachel Laidler spearheaded the start of a GoFundMe page to try and raise the money needed, and al-

though it didn’t work for this year, the page will stay up over the next year to raise funds for the 2016 event.

“When I read about it in the paper, I thought, ‘Wow, no fireworks this year?’ and figured we pull together for everything else, so let’s try to do something to get the fireworks,” Laidler said.

“Our community seems to come together better under pressure.”

Founder of the Creating Smiles Network to help the homeless, Laidler said she wants to do things to benefit her community.

“I try to do something to help in the community. I like it here,” she explained. “We’ll leave the (GoFundMe) page open and hope it gets going to have funds for next year.”

A Chatham company has already stepped up to help with funding next year’s fireworks in Chatham. According to Smith, Scribendi has offered to match funds raised and the money will be put towards next year.

To help out with funding, go to www.gofundme.com/xw997fg.

Jim Blake/The Chatham Voice

Youngsters wasted no time jumping on the newly dedicated fitness stations at the Tecumseh Public School Fit Trail on June 22. The one-kilometre trail was three years in the making. See story on page 3.

All NEW 2016 CX3 383 Richmond St., Chatham

519-354-1188

Toll Free 877-354-1118

www.chathammazda.com

Bold Performance & Styled Crossover

Sale Price $22,784 All in + HST & Licence

THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 2

THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2015

News

No demo of old jail just yet

By Jim Blake jim@chathamvoice.com

Reports that plans exist to demolish the 1950s era courthouse section of the former Chatham Jail complex are untrue, according to a provincial official.

Ian McConachie of Infrastructure Ontario said that doesn’t mean work isn’t being done at the facility, however.

Workers from a Windsor demolition firm spent last week removing kitchen equipment, capping plumbing and taking down razor wire in the 1850

www.customwindow.on.ca

A TRADITION OF PROVEN EXCELLENCE FOR ALMOST TWO DECADES AND THE TRADITION CONTINUES . . .

OUR CUSTOMERS SAY IT’S SO! BEST Reader's Choice

of Chatham-Kent

Cultivating the Best, Shore to Shore

Call or visit today for “SUMMER SAVINGS” on all products!

• NO Payments • No Interest Until Jan. 2016

O.A.C. Some conditions apply

• WINDOWS • DOORS • SUNROOMS

519-358-7301

84 Dover St. Unit#2 519-397-2020 Fax: 519-397-1177

section of the building, designated as a provincial historical site.

Robert Monaghan of Monaghan Demolition said the job was “routine” and designed to make sure the building was safe.

“There was a smell inside so the toilets were capped, the kitchen hardware was removed and the razor wire is just dangerous,” he said.

All materials will be recycled where appropriate.

The jail was decommissioned last July.

The building pre-dates Confederation by nearly 20 years. The project began in 1847 and one of the workers was Alexander Mackenzie who became the second Prime Minister of Canada. The two-storey limestone structure was opened in 1850.

Under provincial protocol, the structure is offered to various levels of government. If no interest is shown it is then offered to non-profit groups, adjacent property owners and eventually to the general public.

McConachie said no provincial entity has expressed interest and expects the building will be offered to the municipality of Chatham-Kent within the next few weeks.

Jim Blake/The Chatham Voice

Monaghan Demolition personnel removed kitchen hardware and capped water and sewer lines last week from the Chatham Jail.

“The building will be offered at market value but we haven’t completed a market value assessment yet,” he said.

“I expect that will happen soon, but we don’t have to have the assessment done before we offer the property.”

Chatham Coun. Doug Sulman said he is interested in hearing the province’s proposal 24121 Winterline Rd., Pain Court because he believes someone 519-351-5662 needs to step in and save the structure due to its historical July 4 significance.

“This building represents the $ very birth of Kent County,” he RESERVE NOW! said. “It’s far too important to let it fall by the wayside.”

July 11 Chatham-Kent-Essex MPP Rick Nicholls said he plans to check with the Minister of 5-8PM - RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED Economic Development, EmFinally the ball is in his court . . . come on out . . . sit, relax, have a cold one, and let Chef Marc and his team ployment and Infrastructure create you your dinner plate. Never know what he will to ensure the work doesn’t go feel like cooking up this night . . .steak, chicken, pasta, beyond what’s usually underseafood, a creation with all?? Only he knows till it’s taken. presented on your plate. How adventurous are you??

Hans Vanderdoe, a found(If you have allergies please stick to our regular menu) ing member of the Facebook group, Friends of the Kent IT’S ALL ABOUT THE BEEF AND SEAFOOD EVERY FRIDAY IN JULY County Courthouse, said he has grave concerns about the work being done.

July 25 “Things tend to happen $ which shouldn’t in cases such RESERVE NOW! as this,” he said. “When the courthouse closed in 2003, I found the province throwing Summer hours: out the books of Justice R.S. Mon-Saturday 11-am till 10pm or later.

Check us out Wood,” he said.

Sundays closed on Facebook!

Wood, an early jurist, left his

CENTRAL TAVERN PERCH

20

The Chefs Table

SHRIMP

Jim Blake Publisher - Ext.222 jim@chathamvoice.com

Bruce Corcoran Editor - Ext.227 bruce@chathamvoice.com

16

Mary Beth Corcoran Office Manager - Ext.221 mary@chathamvoice.com

Darlene Smith Sales - Ext.225 darlene@chathamvoice.com

Fatima Pisquem Distro/Class - Ext.223 fatima@chathamvoice.com

law library at the courthouse to be donated to the Kent County Law Library.

“Unless people doing the work are aware of the significance of what they’re dealing with, it’s easy to lose something valuable.”

Vanderdoe said those who want to preserve the jail have been denied access to it recently.

“I used to give tours of the jail but we’ve been told we can’t do that any more,” he said. “We haven’t been given answers as to why so it doesn’t give me a good feeling.”

Vanderdoe said it would be a shame to see the jail demolished as well as the courthouse, but it wouldn’t necessarily surprise him.

“We’ve been given a gift from our great-great-grandfathers,” he said. “It is a marker of where we came from. That building was constructed because we needed a jail and courthouse before we could become a political entity. Without it we could have been part of Essex or Lambton, but our forefathers took the step of building it to give us an identity. It served us for more than 150 years, and now we’re on the verge of losing it.

The Friends of the Kent County Courthouse was formed a decade ago in anticipation of the building becoming redundant but Vanderdoe said until recently there hasn’t been much activity.

The Facebook group has just over 60 members, and an online petition urging its preservation has attracted 17 signatures since it was posted a week ago.

“I’m worried that we will just wait until it’s too late,” he said.

Michelle Owchar Graphics - Ext.226 michelle@chathamvoice.com

Nadine Bax Feature Sales nadine@chathamvoice.com

THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2015

Estate Planning

PAGE 3

Mark Jackson

News

Andrew Pereira, Consultant 245 St. Clair St., Chatham Call or text: 519-365-4721 email: andrew.pereira@investorsgroup.com

mjackson@victoryford.ca

519-436-1430 • www.victoryford.ca

Partnerships make fit trail a reality School board, parent association, business and community groups band together

By Jim Blake jim@chathamvoice.com

For Shane McEvoy, the look on the children’s faces said it all.

Scores of laughing, smiling Tecumseh Public School students were lining up to take turns on the equipment at the official opening of the school’s fit trail June 22.

“I’m happy now that it’s open,” he laughed. “The children certainly seem to enjoy it.”

McEvoy, a physical education teacher at Tecumseh, was the initial driving force behind creation of the one-kilometre trail which has nine fit stations located around its perimeter.

“We had this space which we could use, and we all know that exercise and activity is good for children and adults,” he said. “It was just a matter of finding a project that worked.”

He researched a number of options in Europe before settling on the track and fitness station model.

Those using the trail can stop at the nine locations and use the equipment to strengthen various parts of their bodies.

It was also a matter of forming partnerships with the Tecumseh Home and School Association, Chatham Optimists, the Union Gas Helping Hands in Action program, the Chatham-Kent Greening Partnership and securing approvals and help from the municipality and Lambton-Kent District School Board.

“Without the help and co-operation of these groups and individuals, the trail wouldn’t be here today,” he said. “We had lots of support.”

The home and school association raised $8,000, and the Optimist Club chipped in $10,000 over two years. Other groups

also contributed, including Harris Brothers Construction which made sure the limestone-screened surface is comfortable and usable for walkers, joggers and cyclists.

Optimist spokesman Steve Tuinstra said the trail fits in with the club’s mandate of helping youth but is also a boon to the entire population.

“There are a lot of retired people who use the tennis courts (adjacent to the school) so I’m sure word is going to get around about how good the facility is for everyone,” he said.

The club raised funds by holding golf tournaments, the next one being held at Blenheim July 5.

Tecumseh Principal Darlene Penney said she’s proud that her school is the first in the area to have the trail.

“It supports our goals of community partnership

Jim Blake/The Chatham Voice

Ryelly Hill, a Grade 3 student at Tecumseh Public School, shows his muscles by doing a pull up on some of the equipment set out along the Fit Trail at the school.

and since the trail is free an accessible to everyone, it encourages physical activity.”

Kathryn Kielstra, a member of the municipality’s parks department, said the nine exercise options

Police items ready for online auction

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

The Chatham-Kent Police Service is going hightech with its annual auction of seized or found property, and expecting to raise more money in the process.

The Police Services Board recently approved the shift from live auction to online hawking of wares.

Const. Renee Cowell

said Police Auctions Canada (PAC) will handle the auction of the found and seized property.

Anticipated improvements to the bottom line are as much as $4,000 per year.

Net revenues from live property auctions in the previous two years for the police service were just under $2,200.

“Past live auctions were very labour intensive,” Cowell said. “We are one

of many services who are transitioning to this new format. With the current technology, this is the trend.”

Now, PAC personnel will come to Chatham-Kent to pick up items for auction.

“It’s their property and they put it up on their site for sale,” she said. “Every month, they reimburse us with 50% of what is sold.”

In late June, PAC stopped by police headquarters in Chatham and picked up

a load of items that will go up for auction. They included a gas-powered generator, a flat-screen TV, various power and hand tools, digital cameras, a guitar, numerous bikes, and even an iPad. The property will be posted on the PAC website, policeauctionscanada.com.

The shipping costs and payment options for items will appear in each listing description.

are placed in four pods along the length of the trail.

“It’s really an opportu-

nity for people to tailor their exercise program to exactly what they want,” she said.

Forsyth Travel ESCORTED TOURS Aug. 10-23/15 The Rockies & the West/Prairies to the Mountains .$3499.00* CAD Includes 13 breakfast, 1 lunch and 7 dinners! LAST CALL Sept. 8-12/15 New York City & Hudson River Valley . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1199.00 Sept. 16/15 East Coast Kitchen Party - Walters Family. . . . . . . . . . . . $149.00 Sept. 23/15 Stratford Festival - “Carousel” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $177.00 Sept. 29-Oct.1/15 Red, Orange & Gold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$579.00* Oct. 5-8/15 Autumn in Vermont . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$929.00* Oct. 12-15/15 Autumn Colours of Quebec . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$879.00* Nov. 7-8/15 Royal Winter Fair & Herongate Theatre . . . . . . . . . . . .$339.00* Nov. 7-8/15 Toronto a City of Many Choices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$289.00* Nov. 14-19/15 Christmas in Branson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1199.00*

Book your 2016 River Boat Cruise Now!

Take advantage of Early Booking Bonus and better cabin selection on Scenic, Viking River Cruise, Avalon, AMA Waterways, Uniworld and more.Call Forsyth Tavel Today!

519.352.1492 *Basis Double Room www.forsythtravel.com

HST Included in CAD Tours

THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 4

News

THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2015

Help is a call away

By Jim Blake jim@chathamvoice.com

Lance Babcock/Special to The Chatham Voice

An Entegrus lineman works to put out a fire atop a hydro pole Sunday. The fire caused a 3.5-hour power outage to about 1,500 Chatham customers.

Wet weather blamed for outage

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

Saturday’s heavy rain is being blamed as the cause of a power outage in Chatham Sunday afternoon.

Ken Taylor, supervisor of operations at Entegrus, said the damp conditions after 60 millimetres of rain fell Saturday is the likely cause of an insulator fail-

ure that resulted in a fire near the top of a hydro pole at the intersection of McNaughton Avenue and St. Clair Street.

Taylor said the power went out shortly after 3 p.m. for about 1,500 Entegrus customers.

“Electricity will find the quickest path to the ground. If an insulator is failing, the electricity

path will go through the weakened area. It will just continue to track,” Taylor said.

The tracking led to the fire, which, combined with Sunday’s high winds, resulted in the top of the pole snapping off and hanging by the hydro wires.

Crews had power restored to all but one cus-

tomer, the Shell station at the point of the outage, by 6:45 p.m. Power to that facility was restored just after midnight.

Taylor credited the efforts of Entegrus personnel with restoring power in a timely manner.

“The line staff and engineering support staff – a lot of those guys came in from vacation,” he said.

Your ga ming destinat ion!

Tap to play Taptix

ve-a-ways!

gi with additional

Come on in and have some real fun!

18+

If you’re a woman facing the stress of domestic abuse in Chatham-Kent, your life is full of uncertainty – uncertainty about your safety, that of your children, where you’re going to live if you leave, and how you will support yourself.

One thing of which you don’t have to be uncertain is that there is an organization that stands ready to help, said Darlene Smith, newly re-elected president of the Chatham-Kent Women’s Centre (CKWC).

“We don’t turn people away,” Smith said during Tuesday’s annual meeting of the CKWC. “For us, the need of our clients comes before everything.”

Smith said the organization receives funding for only 15 beds in the community but demand regularly exceeds that number.

“We have what we need to meet the needs of the community,” she said.

“Funding is an ongoing issue, so we need to fundraise on a constant basis.”

Executive Director Hal Bushey said during the last year the centre exceeded funded beds on 137 days.

“This translates into 396 people we would have had to turn away had we not had available our additional bed capacity. It means for 39% per cent of the year we were over capacity, or 2.5 days of every week. This costs us over $60,000, money we fundraise from a generous and kind community.”

Bushey said the centre is unique among agencies of its type.

“Our mandate is that we

will find a way to help,” he said. “It’s not always that way at every agency.”

On a budget of $1.5 million, (of which more than 80% is provincial funding) the agency ended the year with a $514 surplus that will be invested for future needs.

“We run things on a very tight basis,” he said.

Even though the centre doesn’t necessarily have direct programs for everyone who calls, no one is turned away.

“Where we can’t provide the necessary help or support we use our connections within the non-profit sector to make sure the client is taken care of,” Bushey said.

The centre is a founding partner of the Chatham Kent Non-Profit Network and is a United Way funded agency.

In addition to the residential occupancy program, the centre’s outreach program offers transitional housing, family court and witness support and school-based presentations.

One area that has increased is in counseling services for men, which has grown from four to 16 in the past three years.

“We receive no funding for that so it’s covered through our fundraising efforts,” Bushey said.

Joining Smith on the executive are Carol Emery, who will serve as vice-president; Shelley MacDonald, who is treasurer; and Terri Simmons, secretary. Board members include Christie Dawson, David Taylor, Libby Passmore, Gary Conn, Tammy McFadden, Jim Blake and Renee Tulloch.

CALDWELL PSYCHOLOGY professional corporation

K. Todd Caldwell

M.A. C.Psych.

Psychologist Member of the College of Psychologists of Ontario Providing Psychological Services In:

Individual, Marital, Couples & Family Counselling Psychological Assessments, Cognitive Behaviour, Psychodynamic & Brief Solution Focused Therapies

497 Riverview Drive, Chatham 519.351.3232 |www.riverviewbingopalace.ca

5 Raleigh Street Tel: 519-355-0282 Chatham, Ontario Fax: 519-355-0488 N7M 2M6 Email: ccc@mdirect.net www.caldwellpsychology.com

THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2015

PAGE 5

JMHI

News

nsurance Group

nsurance Group

COMMERCIAL, n s u r a n c e G r o u p OME, COMMERCIAL, HOME, AUTO, F ARM MORE COMMERCIAL, HOME, AUTO,&FARM & MORE

Gary K. Stewart Insurance Brokers Limited

Gary K.

Looking to the future of community healthcare systems and patient-centred care, the Chatham Kent Health Alliance (CKHA) announced the voluntary integration of two of the three boards of directors that make up the current governance model.

In 1998, Public General Hospital (PGH) and St. Joseph’s Hospital (SJH), and later with Sydenham District Hospital (SDH) joined to form the CKHA, each retaining its separate legal identity with its own board of directors, according to CKHA board chair Brenda Richardson. The board structure has not changed or evolved since the signing of the Alliance Agreement more than 17 years ago, even though since then, the hospitals’ operations became one entity.

“We need a governance model that will reflect best practice and is nimble and flexible enough to respond to the needs of today’s health-care system,” Richardson said after the annual report to the community. “Today is a significant step in the right direction.”

COMMERCIAL, HOME, AUTO, FARM & MORE www.jmhigroup.ca

info@jmhigroup.ca

info@jmhigroup.ca

Mary Beth Corcoran/The Chatham Voice

ganization,” Rumble said.

CKHA CEO and President Colin Patey agreed with the move, and said in today’s health-care system, there is a much greater collaboration between healthcare providers and community partners, with the patient at the centre.

“Now is not the time for competition and multiple organizations to turf protect,” Patey said.

“We have to co-operate and spend money more wisely.”

When asked about the absence of SDH board from the agreement, Patey said one corporation couldn’t obligate another corporation to join the integration.

“We want everyone to come to the table on their own accord and in their

519-351-7220

Call to book your furnished suite today!

• • • •

Wonderful Accommodations Marvelous Healthy Meals Unique Care Services Social Activities

• • • •

www.jmhigroup.ca

Brenda Richardson, CKHA board chair, celebrates with CEO Colin Patey and St. Joseph Health Services chair Gail Rumble at the announcement recently of a voluntary merging of the two boards into one entity.

“Residence on the Thames was able to accommodate us together. We have our own spacious, private suite along with all the other amenities the residence has to offer.”

W FIND OUT HO A E TO BECOM ER! B EM FRIENDS M

CALL FOR DETAILS

The process began in 2012, when the Alliance board decided to do something about the disconnect between three boards directing one operation.

The governance review concluded in the spring of 2014 that a new plan was needed, and an executive committee was set up to work on revising the board’s role, function, size, committee structure and bylaws.

“I’m proud of where we are in our journey, joining strategic leadership with courage and resolve,” Richardson said. “It is a path that is being created as we walk it.”

“It’s a personal journey for us and has always been about making a difference. In the last 10 years, I couldn’t have imagined the extent of change that has taken place,” she added. “To add value and to be relevant, we must put the patient first; and if not, it’s felt in the boardroom and at the bedside. When we put individual and personal agendas first, we fail patients.”

SJH board chair Gail Rumble stood united with Richardson.

“For over 17 years, I’ve seen this organization mature and become an exceptional community hospital,” Rumble said.

“But we are at a critical juncture.

We need to become a single or-

G I knesru nict e S ta er wy a rK t I.n S s utreaw n caerBt r o s rLa im edB r o k e r s L i m i t e d

www.jmhigroup.ca info@jmhigroup.ca AUTO, FARM info@jmhigroup.ca & MOREwww.jmhigroup.ca

Hospital boards merge

By Mary Beth Corcoran mary@chathamvoice.com

JMHI JMHI JMHI n s u r a n cHe G r o u p

Gary K. Stewart Insurance Brokers Limited

24 Hour Emergency Response Weekly Housekeeping & Laundry Friendly Caring Staff Furnished Suites & Complimentary Stays Available

www.myretirementliving.ca

own good time,” Patey said.

“The option is still open to the Sydenham board and we would welcome them.”

The next step said Patey is for the CKHA to send a letter

to the Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) stating that the two boards have voluntarily agreed to become one entity, but ultimately, the Ministry of Health controls the process.

Please Register Call Barb 519-351-7777 ext.526

THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 6

Take time to think Within the next few weeks, Chatham-Kent council will be expected to render a decision on whether or not it wants to assume ownership of the historic Kent County Jail and onetime Chatham courthouse.

The courthouse, a 1950s era facility, has been vacant since 2003; while the jail, which predates the courthouse by a century, was formally closed last year.

The historical significance of the building can’t be understated. It was a prerequisite for Kent County to become a political entity.

Without that sense of urgency, we may have become part of Lambton or Essex. Prior to the 1850s, the seat of local government for this area was Sandwich, now known as Windsor.

Despite its importance, there seems to be little appetite for taking on the jail as municipal property. The price hasn’t been set yet, but the consensus is that we have enough municipal initiatives of questionable financial benefit already to go seeking more.

There is always the possibility a private investor may have a use for the facility that both preserves its heritage and provides it with a future.

If such a creature exists, it would be hoped the municipality would be approached in confidence.

In the meantime there is nothing that stops the municipality, the Friends of The Chatham Courthouse and other local interested parties in pooling hopes, dreams and plans for the structure.

The time to do that is now.

The province, which owns the facility, has to follow protocol on building disposal, but at some point there will occur a hard and fast deadline.

If there is any hope of keeping the building from falling into disrepair and eventually being demolished, it lies in discussion and planning.

A logical business plan must be prepared in order to secure whatever funding may be available from senior levels of government.

It’s not as if such money doesn’t exist. The federal government spent $16 million in three months alone touting its economic action plan. Agriculture Canada handed a Brampton food company $826,000 to develop a sausage that wouldn’t pop open when cooked; and of course we have the Senate.

The truth (and the money) is out there.

Letters to the editor policy The Chatham Voice welcomes letters to the editor.

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

You can also send letters by fax, 519-397-1177, or drop them off or mail them to us at The Chatham Voice, 84 Dover St., Unit 2, Chatham, Ont, N7L 1T1.

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

All letters need to be signed and must have a phone number where we can reach you for verification.

Advertising policy

The publisher of this newspaper, CK Media Inc., reserves the right to clarify or refuse any advertisement based on its sole discretion. The publisher reserves the right to reject, discontinue or omit any advertisement without notice or penalty to either party.

Liability for errors or non-insertion is limited to the amount paid for the cost of space occupied by the error. Claims of errors must be made prior to the next publication date.

THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2015

Opinion

Let’s do things right for once Sir: Two ideas that have been on my mind for some time have recently, and quite coincidentally, been raised at council – the location of the cenotaph, and how we mark the 150th anniversary of Confederation.

Firstly, the cenotaph. I think it should be moved, but not across the river.

In its current location.

It has become a mini roundabout for cars wanting to turn left from

King Street onto the Fifth Street bridge during the hours that a left-turn ban is in effect.

You can’t turn left, so you loop around the Cenotaph and come back to Coffee Culture and turn right.

This is hardly showing respect for the fallen.

Secondly, the 150th anniversary. Let’s do something special to mark the 150th anniversary

of Confederation.

Let’s not just ask for money from the feds to fund a downtown beautification project that we are planning to do anyway.

I have a suggestion that addresses both issues.

Let’s purchase the land on the corner of Fourth and Wellington streets from Dan Warrener and Victor Boutin and create a town square - Confedera-

tion Square.

Imagine a tree-lined square, able to be used for parking during the week and on weekends the venue for a craft/ farmers market, festivals, music, etc.

This would be a great asset to downtown and would be the ideal, respectful, location for the cenotaph.

John Willatt Chatham

Will we move it AND lose it?

Sir: There has been quite a fuss in The Chatham Voice and other news media about Mayor Randy Hope’s suggestion we could move the war memorial into a more appropriate place.

I’m not concerned about Mayor Hope’s suggestion.

It was obviously thrown out as a trial balloon to gauge peoples’ reactions, But Chatham doesn’t have a very good record for keeping important

or historic artifacts.

Remember the historic 44-foot corn mural, made for Chatham’s 1979 International Plowing Match? It was thrown into a dumpster a few years ago because of an alleged misunderstanding between different members of city staff.

Remember the historic 25-year-old Chatham mural that was placed near the Downtown

Chatham Centre at considerable cost by retired farmers Henry and Lila Faubert? It comprised 350 pieces of clay and portrayed urban and rural life in Chatham with the River Thames a focal point. It’s in storage … somewhere.

Never mind. The municipality owns a rusty $3-million-plus 26.2-mile CSX rail corridor, including 180 acres of land, be-

tween Chatham, Dresden and Wallaceburg. Weren’t we told how this railway track will prove to be invaluable for businesses, which is probably why our mayor keeps dashing off to China? Probably he hopes the rusty tracks will persuade Chinese companies to locate in Chatham-Kent so they could utilize the railway.

OK. I am being sarcastic.

Stephen Beecroft Chatham

The Chatham Voice is printed by:

84 Dover St., Chatham, ON, N7L 1T1 Tel: 519-397-2020 Fax: 519-397-1177 A division of CK Media Inc.

The contents of this newspaper are protected by copyright.

No material from this edition may be reproduced without expressed written consent of CK Media Inc. A member of:

THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2015

News

Cops vs. college squad

MP happy he’s home in Chatham-Kent

concern our office tries to deal with it or pass it on to the provincial or municipal level if it’s in their jurisFor Chatham-Kent-Essex MP diction.”

He said Minister of International Dave Van Kesteren, the next few Trade Ed Fast would be visweeks are among his faiting the riding in August. vourite of the year.

“Business doesn’t take With the 41st session of the summer off and we’re Parliament ending June 18, working on a number of it meant the veteran MP projects and initiatives could spend the summer which will continue to meeting with constituents evolve over the next few and getting the pulse of the months,” he said. riding he has represented Regarding the federfor the past decade. al election expected in Reached at a passport clinic in Ridgetown, he Dave Van Kesteren mid-October, Van Kesteren said he won’t be doing any said he’s receiving positive feedback from constituents happy real politicking until the writ drops with the government’s economic and the date is official.

“I will tell you this,” he said. “I record.

“I enjoy being back home and honestly have dreaded past elecmeeting with people,” he said. “It’s tions, it’s the part of the job I haenergizing to see that what we do ven’t looked forward to, but this time I’m pumped for it. I look at in Ottawa has real effects locally.

“Generally people are happy with our record and I’m very proud of our policies, especially our tax mea- where we’ve come from and what 1 our 15-06-22 9:02 AM future involve. We plans for the sures,” heSP_Chatham_4.5x7.714_061715.pdf said.

“Where someone has a specific have a good story to tell.”

By Jim Blake jim@chathamvoice.com

Bruce Corcoran/The Chatham Voice

Members of the Chatham-Kent Police Service took on students and staff of St. Clair College in a charity softball game Friday. Here, Const. Dave Miller waits for a pitch. The score didn’t matter, as both sides had plenty of fun. But it was obvious more than a few of the officers play ball regularly and spend time in the gym. Admission to the event was two canned goods.

Save the Date You’re invited to join us at our

Grand Opening Friday, July 10, 2015 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm

✷ Cool off Summer with complimentary light refreshments and snacks ✷ Lots of Fun Games! Prizes for Everyone! Big Gifts to Win! ✷ No RSVP needed!

Ribbon cutting by Mayor of Chatham Mr. Randy Hope Bring A Friend To Book A FREE Hearing Test & Receive

A FREE Gift From Us! 735 St. Clair Street Chatham, ON N7L 0E9 RuleHearing_GrandOpening_Poster2015.indd 1

519-380-0907 2015-06-16 2:43 PM

PAGE 7

THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 8

John Cacciavillani, Sales Rep. Cell: 519-436-7430 Beth Compton, Sales Rep. Cell: 519-350-7021

N

EW

N

EW

THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2015

REPORT

Dennis Craievich, Sales Rep. Cell: 519-436-3505 Dale Groombridge, Broker Cell: 519-436-2954 Kirk Groombridge, Broker Cell: 519-350-6501 Teri-Lynn Harlick, Broker Cell: 519-355-5557 Michael Hastings, Broker Cell: 519-436-1441 Jennifer & Tony Hill, Brokers Cell: 519-784-7645 Dan Moon, Sales Rep. Cell: 519-437-1701 Nicole Morais, Sales Rep. Cell: 519-365-8752 Deb Moysiuk, Broker Cell: 519-809-1555 Bill Nightingale, Broker Cell: 519-359-3355 Richard Strain, Sales Rep. Cell: 519-358-5601 Laura Tourangeau, Broker Cell: 519-401-9743 Laura Van Veen, Sales Rep. Cell: 519-365-9647 Peggy Van Veen, Broker of Record Cell: 519-784-4295 Marcella Vesnaver, Sales Rep. Cell: 519-359-1667 Darcy Want, MVA-R, Broker Cell: 519-359-0533 Annita Zimmerman, Sales Rep., Cell: 519-358-6117

*Broker of Record

**Broker

***Sales Representative

www.remaxchatham.ca

THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2015

PAGE 9

News

Protester camps out at courthouse

leveraging their children in the have the life skills to process reasonable grounds to believe process. what is going on,” she said. that an offence has been com“Trying to navigate the court “They literally feel abandoned. mitted,” he said.

Const. Renee Cowell with the A cold night outside the Cha- system is exhausting. If you They feel nobody is listening to Chatham-Kent Police Service tham Courthouse only served to can’t afford a lawyer and don’t what they want.”

When allegations made in said when a person is found to solidify one advocate’s resolve qualify for legal aid, what do you do?” she said. “I’ve tak- family court are found to be be lying in the court system, it to battle for victim’s rights.

Gabrielle Stringer, 43, said en a look at these documents baseless, Stringer said there is will be up to the investigating she opted to camp out on the and I’ve gotten emotionally usually no fallout; the person officer and the Crown Attorcourt’s doorstep after trying tired from just looking at them. who knowingly lies faces no re- ney to decide whether or not charges are to be laid. and failing to get an emergen- You pretty much have to have percussions.

She said often a law degree to “It is a criminal cy motion from a what happens is a read these docu- offence to falsi- “They’re feeling very judge to have a lo- “Trying to navigate ments.” fy an affidavit. much in the middle. As victim of domescal lawyer return the court system is tic violence takes said This is part of our children, we love both files to her. exhausting. If you can’t Stringer the stand and he the use of the Criminal Code parents. They don’t Stringer, a Sar- afford a lawyer and or she recants earlegal system of Canada,” she nia woman, said lier statements. in this form is said. “But family have the life skills to she’s a long-time don’t qualify for legal “To re-victimize clogging up the court is the only process what is going advocate for social aid, what do you do?.” the victims (by system, and peo- court that allows on.” justice, but devel- - Gabrielle Stringer laying charges), ple are getting this to happen - Gabrielle Stringer oped a particular we just will not focus to support people who away with using their children with absolutely go there,” she said. no accountability.” have suffered forms of abuse against their exes.

But in other cases, when peo“Power and control. Children Brendan Crowley, a spokesperthrough the legal system.

“In the last two-and-a-half are being literally left in a posi- son for the Ministry of Attorney ple are found to be lying, there years, I’ve been advocating for tion where they were living two General, said there are a num- are charges.

“We do have cases where peopeople whose ex-spouses have lives; they’re alienated from the ber of Criminal Code offences a person could be charged with if ple are charged with public used the system as another other parent,” she said.

Stringer said children who they write a false affidavit, but mischief – where they’ve given form of domestic violence,” she wind up in the middle of such laying those charges is the job a statement and where we can said.

She said on June 24, after fail- a situation can often wind up of the local police sering to obtain her motion, which turning to drugs as a coping vice.

“It is the responsibility relates to paperwork for “some- mechanism, or doing self-harm.

“They’re feeling very much of the police to invesone involved in a domestic abuse situation,” she opted to in the middle. As children, we tigate and lay criminal hold a personal protest, decid- love both parents. They don’t charges where they have ing to camp outside the courthouse.

“I was not prepared to do this, but I camped out on the courthouse steps last night,” she said.

A call to a Chatham-Kent friend for a blanket and other support resulted in a steady flow of people heading to Why do I need a Power of Attorney for Property?

Stringer.

The first situation where a Power of Attorney for prop“People were dropping off doerty is useful is to assist if you are physically unable to nations of food and water and conduct your affairs for yourself. This may occur if you are out the country on a trip while your house is up for sale, or telling me their stories,” she if you are hospitalized and need someone to manage your said. finances until you are mobile again.

Stringer said people are taking The second and more important situation is to protect advantage of the legal system yourself and your family from the legal problems that by making unfounded allegaresult from mental incompetency. Incompetency frequenttions against ex-spouses, often

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

prove they’re actually lying.

They do get charged,” she said.

But when such things occur in family court, police aren’t present to witness it. Cowell said no officer is stationed in family court, only criminal court.

She understands some abuse of the system takes place, however.

“Unfortunately, it has come to a point where some people in society use children as pawns when marriages break down,” she said.

That hole in the legal system irks Stringer.

“A lot of people lose hope; a lot of people want to end their pain,” she said.

When allegations are brought forth, Stringer said it’s ultimately a he said-she said situation.

“It’s her word against his. Fathers’ rights have been stripped away many, many years ago,” she said. “I’m not pushing for new laws, but the enforcement of the laws that are already in place.”

Ask the Expert!

Paul D. Watson, Lawyer

We Make Cider & Beer as well!

ne. i W t a e r G ! y s a E e d Ma 350 Lacroix St., Chatham

(Near Park Ave on the South Side)

519-351-3985 • facebook.com/carafechatham

ly arises from illnesses such as a stroke or Alzheimer’s disease, but can also occur from motor vehicle accidents or from a fall that causes head injuries. Senility and severe depression can also lead to a loss of mental competence.

While the incompetency exists, bills and taxes must be paid, cheques deposited and investments tended to.

If a mental incompetency arises, and no Power of Attorney for Property is in existence, then your family will either have to deal with the Public Guardian and Trustee, or apply to the Court for an Order granting the necessary authority to act for you and to protect your assets. Neither of these are attractive options for either you or for your family.

The best solution is to ask your lawyer to prepare a Power of Attorney for Property that will authorize a person of your choosing to look after you and your assets should the need arise.

For all your legal needs contact:

Paul D. Watson - Law Office -

84 Dover St. Suite 1 • 519-351-7721 pauldwatsonlawoffice.com

A reflection of your style

GENTRY MANOR

9 Park St. Chatham 519-352-9420 info@gentrymanor.com

THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 10

THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2015

Business

Crows begone!

Trash hauler rolling out totes for every residence in Chatham

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

Bruce Corcoran/The Chatham Voice

Chatham-Kent Mayor Randy Hope gets a feel behind the wheel of one of Progressive Waste Solutions’ trucks during a press conference June 23. Progressive announced it will deliver 13,000 garbage totes to residences in Chatham-Kent in two weeks in July.

Don’t leave home without us...

Small pets welcome

The independence you value, the peace of mind you have been missing.

CALL FOR YOUR PERSONAL TOUR

519-354-7111

97 MCFARLANE AVE., CHATHAM ON

www.maplecityretirement.ca

The company that hauls away curbside garbage in the municipality announced Tuesday it will roll out thousands of trash totes to residents in July.

Progressive Waste Solutions officials said they plan to deliver 13,000 of the totes to residents of Chatham over a two-week period, beginning July 6.

It’s a move that was expected, but is one that still has Chatham-Kent’s director of waste and recycling services in shock.

“I was shocked to learn they were going to make this investment,” he said. “A good shocked. This holds our costs in check for the life of the contract. The cost of this service should remain the same for the next seven years.”

George South, area manager in central Canada for Progressive, said the main reason for the move is for the safety of Progressive personnel.

“At least on a weekly basis, we get driven into,” he said of the 5,000 Progressive trucks on the roads throughout North America, pointing to distracted driving as a big concern for staff safety. “This new automated

waste collection service will add convenience for residents and safety for our operators.”

The 15 curbside collection trucks in the Progressive fleet operating in Chatham-Kent operate with one person. The driver, who stands up on the righthand side of the cab of the truck, can quickly manipulate a hydraulic arm to pick up a garbage tote and dump it in the large hopper located at the front of the truck. When Do you have any supplements that will help me obtain healthy, glowing skin? the hopper gets full, the driver lifts Lorna Vanderhaeghe has a variety of products to obtain youthful, the hopper over the cab so it can radiant skin. The Collagen Plus product will help smooth the skin, dump its contents into the back of strengthen nails and bones and assist in growing thicker, stronger and healthier hair. One should also take GLA Skin Oil, which has the truck – all without getting out added benefits to ensure beautiful skin, retain calcium in bones, of the vehicle. treats eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis. Try the GLA challenge!

Currently, when a driver encounTake just 2 tablespoons of GLA per day, apply a small amount to any wrinkles on your face at bedtime and your friend’s will be ters traditional trash cans along a asking if you’ve had any “work done”! route, he or she has to exit the veDo you have a supplement that will help me get through hicle and empty the cans into the menopause?

Why do some women have no symptoms at menopause and hopper by hand. others struggle with endless hot flashes, night sweats, angry South declined to disclose the cost outbursts, insomnia and brain fog? The average age of a woman of the investment to Progressive, going through menopause being 52 years young, the answer is great functioning adrenal glands. While our ovaries take a rest adding “it’s significant, but someduring menopause, the adrenal glands are supposed to kick in thing we believe in very strongly.” and make testosterone, estrogen and other hormones but if South and Mayor Randy Hope under too much stress our adrenal glands can be too tired to transition to this role. Symptoms of exhausted adrenal glands agreed the totes will also keep the can be insomnia, salt and stimulant cravings and difficultly crows at bay. handling stress. Two products by Lorna that can help combat “Garbage is not going to be scatmenopause, is ADRENAsmart, which supports the adrenal glands to help deal with daily stressors and enhance hormone tered all over,” Hope said if the resfunction in order to achieve healthy adrenal function and idents utilize these totes. “And this MENOsmart Plus is a fast acting formula that raises progesterone is at no cost to the taxpayers.” naturally in order to control night sweats and balance moods.

How can I stop hormonal acne with supplements?

South said there are two sizes of Most commonly hormonal acne occurs mid cycle, lasting a few totes available, the largest being days and then clears only to reappear again. Not just a teenage able to handle the municipality’s problem, hormonal acne is an increase in testosterone in high amounts causing acne to appear on the face, hair line, chin, three-bag weekly waste limit per chest and back area. It is quite common to have hormonal acne household. But he realizes some during pre menopause years when ovulation is incomplete as one folks may want a smaller tote. heads towards menopause. ESTROsmart balances hormones naturally and also aids in effortless periods, controls “For those with physical limitaendometriosis and PCOS, as well as controls severe PMS. tions, there is a smaller cart,” he said.

Hope said that could be appealing for some of our seniors.

“We’re an age-friendly community. These carts are light-weight and easy to move,” he said. “No matter what age you are, you can mobilize 291 Grand Ave W., Chatham • 519-354-2910 the container.”

Ask the Expert!

THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2015

THE CHATHAM VOICE

Life

PAGE 11

Luncheon draws a crowd

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

Bruce Corcoran/The Chatham Voice

Const. Amy Finn, right, gets a big hug from Joey Reid, 11, at the annual community luncheon Friday as police dispatcher Brock Bechard dishes out the soup in the background. Members of the local police association, as well as East Side Pride put on the event.

CALLANDRA DENDIAS

Organizers say they had a solid turnout Friday for the annual community luncheon, put on by members of the Chatham-Kent Police Service and East Side Pride.

The event, which took place at the W.I.S.H. Centre, offered free soup and sandwiches, and was open to anyone.

Const. John Hicks said the timing was perfect, as it was a P.A. day at the schools, so kids were able to attend as well.

He sees the event as a great opportunity for police officers to connect with members of the community.

“It’s good community partnership. This is all

Women

LEAH GRANDMONT

about building bridges,” he said. “It lets people put a face to the name of an officer.”

Hicks, a veteran constable with the police service, said he saw a lot of familiar faces at the casual luncheon, adding, “I consider many of them friends.”

A good number of the people taking advantage of the luncheon are regular users of local soup kitchens, he said.

“I’ve met some of these people at my church soup kitchen,” the parishioner of Praise Fellowship Church said.

Hicks said a number of civilian staff at the police service managed to stop by to support the event, as off-duty personnel served up soup and sandwiches.

ELICIA MACKENZIE

ADELE MACKENZIE

“RED-HOT DIVAS and your favourite COUNTRY TUNES!”

JULY 7 - 26

STACEY KAY

Norm Foster’s OUTLAW Aug 4-16 I LOVE A PIANO Aug 19-30 The FIDDLER & The CROONER Sept 9-27

ALLI MANG

THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 12

THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2015

Life

www.victorylincoln.com Your Local Community Lincoln Dealer

Thursday, July 2, 2015 • Tilbury OEYC presents: Outdoor Parachute Fun! Please wear your running shoes! 11:30am12:00pm. 43 St.Clair St., Tilbury. No Registration • Stuffie Sleepover at the Chatham branch of the CKPL. Join us at 6:00pm. Read your stuffie a bedtime story and tuck them in with a goodnight kiss. Will they stay asleep or get into some mischief overnight? Come back on Friday and have breakfast with your stuffie at 10:30am to find out all about their sleepover. For more info about this program call 519-354-2940 or visit www.ckpl.ca.

Friday, July 3, 2015 • Meal and fun darts at The Chatham Legion, William & Colborne St., Chatham. Dinner from 5:30pm-7:30pm with choice of stuffed pork, roast beef or fish and chips for $8.00. One meat draw.

Saturday, July 4, 2015 • Meat draw and dance at The Chatham Legion, William & Colborne St., Chatham. Meat draw from 4:00pm-6:00pm. Dance from 4:00pm-10:00pm featuring Blast from the Past.

Sunday, July 5, 2015 • Dresden Christian Ministerial Association presents Sunday Evening in the Park at 7:00pm with The 5 Guys at Jackson Park, Dresden.

Tuesday, July 7, 2015 • Movies @ your library. The Chatham Branch of the CKPL will show Alexander and the Horrible . . . . at 2:00pm.

• Blenheim OEYC presents: Teddy Bear Picnic.

Join us for fun with books, songs, crafts and treats! 10:30am-11:30am. 182 King St., Blenheim. No Registration.

•Tilbury OEYC presents: “Meet me under the Reading Tree!” Join us for summer fun, outdoor play and literacy activities. 11:30am-12:00pm.

43 St. Clair St., Tilbury. No Registration.

• Bingo at The Chatham Legion, William & Colborne St., Chatham at 7:00pm.

Wednesday, July 8, 2015 • Fun darts at The Chatham Legion, William & Colborne St., Chatham starting at 7:30pm.

Thursday, July 9, 2015 • Newcomers and Immigrants: CK Community Health Centre will present cooking class. July 9-30 every Thursday from 10:00am-12:00pm @ Adult Language and Learning. 48 5th St. For more info 519-352-7424.

• Ridgetown OEYC presents: Baby Brain Games.

Games and activities to promote brain development! For parents/caregivers of infants 0-12mths. 10:30am-11:30am. 180 Main St. E., Ridgetown. Register at 519-358-1451.

Friday, July 10, 2015 • Meal and fun darts at The Chatham Legion, William & Colborne St., Chatham. Dinner at 5:30pm to 7:00pm with choice of meat loaf, roast beef or fish and chips for $8.00. One meat draw. Everyone Welcome.

Saturday, July 11, 2015 • Meat draw and dance at The Chatham Legion, William & Colborne St., Chatham. Meat draw from 4:00pm-6:00pm and dance from 6:00pm10:00pm featuring Don & Bonnie.

Sunday, July 12, 2015 • Dresden Christian Ministerial Association presents Sunday Evening in the Park at 7:00pm with The New Trademarks at Jackson Park Dresden.

• Beef BBQ at St. Andrew’s United Church, 6642 Middle Line South Buxton. Full course meal served from 4:30pm-7:00pm. Tickets: Adults $20, Children 6 to 12 $5.00. For tickets and information phone 519-689-7767 or 519689-4408.

• Bingo at Branch 243 Royal Canadian Legion, 75 Main St. E., Ridgetown, sponsored by Ladies Auxiliary from 2:00pm-4:00pm. Entry fee $10 includes 4 cards. Jackpot $200.

CHAP Volunteer DRIVERS Needed for Chatham-Kent. CHAP helps Seniors live independently at home! Drive seniors to appointments, groceries, banking, etc. in Chatham-Kent. Contact Marjorie for further info CHAP 519-354-6221 ext. 241.

Chatham-Kent Metal Detecting Club Meetings Last Thursday of the Month, 7:00pm at Evangel Community Church, 76 Sandy St., enter at the back door. Guests Welcome.

Toastmasters is a place where you develop and grow - both personally and professionally. Meetings are a learn-by-doing workshop in which participants hone their speaking and leadership skills in a no-pressure atmosphere. Guests are always welcome. Join the Chatham-Kent Toastmasters at Green Field Ethanol, 275 Bloomfield Road on Mondays from 6:30 – 8:00pm.

Royal Canadian Air Cadets 294 (Kinsmen) Squadron is looking for new members. If you are between 12 and 18 years of age and have an interest in aviation, camping or just meeting new friends visit us any Monday at 6:30pm at the Chatham Armoury 280 Bloomfield Rd in Chatham. Contact us at 519-352-7090.

What do chalk, mud, pool noodles, snakes and ladders, sandpaper and Minecraft all have in common? They are all part of CKPL’s Totally Terrific Tuesdays! Join us each Tuesday at 6:00 pm all summer long in the Chatham Branch, Children’s Room for fun! All ages are welcome and no registration is required. Come and see what fabulous activities are waiting for you!

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

The people behind the uniforms I had the good fortune to cover a couple of police-related activities Friday, and I must say the two are both great casual events.

The first was the annual luncheon put on at the W.I.S.H. Centre by the police association and East Side Pride. Each year, a number of off-duty cops team up with the East Side volunteers to put on the lunch.

It’s a great way for people in the community to interact with police officers in a casual and fun environment.

With Friday being a P.A. day at schools, there are a fair number of children who had the chance to attend as well.

I didn’t get a chance to sample the beef barley soup, chili or sandwiches being offered up, as I had to head across town to check out another group of off-duty officers in action.

This time, it was the Night Sticks taking to the ball diamond to play a group of St. Clair College students and staff in a charity three-pitch game.

There were about four or five hecklers in the audience, showing no mercy on each officer coming up to the plate. These guys all dressed the same as well, but weren’t members of any gang.

They were uniformed police officers, providing their buddies with some, uh, friendly advice.

And they weren’t alone. I’d say most of the police bench took part in fun ribbing.

Another thing I’d say is that it appears a lot of the cops are no strangers to the ball field, or the gym. Some of these folks pounded the snot out of the ball.

Chief Gary Conn suited up for the game, and he was a regular sight in the outfield.

I joked with one of the officers that often the person in charge would take a key spot on the diamond, such as shortstop. The officer laughed and replied, “He knows his limitations. That’s what makes him such a good boss.”

All in all, everyone had a good time at the game, and students got to see police officers off-duty and relaxed.

Hip, hip hooray!

I got the all clear from Dr. Stone, my orthopedic surgeon, last week.

He was as happy with the progress on my hip recovery as I am.

And he cleared me to drive again, bend past 90 degrees, you name it. I’m to continue working on my abductor strength, something the physiotherapists have targeted already.

So during downpour Saturday, we

Bruce Corcoran pulled the heightened seat off our upstairs toilet, and began shifting some of my personal stuff back downstairs. That included my shaver and beard trimmer.

With two ladies in the house, I like to spend as little time as possible in the main bathroom in the morning, for obvious reasons. Besides, the basement has long been my territory, with the bar and man-cave setup.

Speaking of soggy Saturday, I think we could have canoed around the backyard. Instead, we went for a boat ride/drive.

We pointed the truck east and headed to Delaware, just outside London. Canadian Outdoor Chefs were cooking a brisket on a Big Green Egg, and we wanted some tips.

Let’s just say when it’s raining, don’t take road trips.

We got there just fine, albeit at a very leisurely pace, thanks to the driving rain. But because of the crap-tastic weather, the folks at the shop hadn’t even put on the brisket when we got there around 10:30 a.m.

A quick browse around the store and acquisition of some spices, charcoal and other necessities, and we turned the truck around and headed for home.

We had planned on staying to learn tips and tricks to cooking brisket, as well as visit what I’m told is a great food store around the corner, but the driving rain encouraged us to cut our losses and return home.

Of course, with all the rain, that made for a lousy weekend for barbecuing. I managed to sneak in some burgers Sunday during the power outage and while cleaning off the back patio.

I forgot a few things outside Sunday. I forgot where I put my cane.

And forgot I should use the side door, with a railing for support, to come and go. Instead, I used the back steps without relying on the railing or the cane, to come and go between kitchen and barbecue.

I can get used to this feeling of forgetfulness – that is a good sign my hip is almost healed. I can tell you there is less pain than what I suffered prior to surgery.

THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2015

PAGE 13

Life/Sports

Lasting memories

By Jim Blake jim@chathamvoice.com

Jim Blake/The Chatham Voice

St. Vincent SK student Camden Arnold gets some help from Grade 6 student Evan Girard in building a birdhouse. Students at the school spent some time recently building the houses in memory of the husband of principal Nicole Stevens.

The sound of love can take many forms.

Recently it took the form of the very loud, raucous sound of more than 180 children at St. Vincent School hammering away, building birdhouses.

The spirit behind their actions was to love and honour the memory of Ron Stevens, the husband of St. Vincent principal Nicole Stevens.

Ron lost his 22-month battle with pancreatic cancer Feb. 16. Staff and students at the school had been praying for him since

he became ill in 2013.

Ron was fond of building birdhouses for students, and when asked what else they could do for him, he responded with a request that they build birdhouses.

After he passed, Ron and Nicole’s sons Ronnie and Justin cut wood and had it brought to the school.

“It’s a good day,” Nicole said, wiping away a tear as she watched the primary students build the birdhouses with the help of their older school buddies.

Students will be allowed to take the birdhouses home when finished.

Rugby club offers summer skills clinics

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

Thanks to an Ontario Trillium Foundation grant and some dedicated local coaches, the Kent Havoc Rugby Football Club is holding free rugby clinics this summer.

And depending on the public’s interest, Havoc spokesman Laverne Hanley said the club could also offer a summer league.

The target group is youth.

“Kent Havoc is pleased to announce that we are offering the youth of our community an affordable opportunity to safely learn the game of rugby from certified coaches during July and August,” Paul Mooney, head coach of the Havoc, said in a media release.

The club will host rugby FUNdamental sessions July 5, 12, and 19 for kids and teens from age eight to 18. The clinics will take place at the Havoc pitch, located on Landsdowne Street in Chatham. It used to be the athletic field at the former Chatham Collegiate Institute.

Hanley said registration each day begins at 9:30 a.m., with the clinics running from 10 a.m. to noon. Afterwards there will be a free barbecue lunch for all participants.

“The goal of the free rugby FUNdamentals sessions is to get kids up, out and active by both removing the cost barrier and providing structured training by qualified coaches,” Mooney said in a release. “We want to introduce and expand the game of rugby in a safe, affordable and fun way in the community.”

Hanley said there is no expectation on how many kids will

attend the clinics.

“This is really an outreach program. We’re getting the word out at the school age so when they get to high school they’ll be ready to play,” he said.

Hanley said the idea to hold the free clinics came as a result of community interest.

“This is something a lot of people have been asking for, so we’re responding,” he said.

“We’ve done clinics in the past, just one or two here and there.

We thought we’d put on a threeweek free clinic.”

And if there is interest afterwards, Hanley said the Havoc would set up a summer league, which would offer non-contact rugby to teach overall skills to elementary-aged kids, and full

contact for high-school-aged teens.

The summer league would run until the end of August, continuing with the Sunday morning routine. Six weeks of play would cost $25 per player.

And the post-game free barbecues would continue as well, Hanley said.

Hanley said there is a misconception that rugby is an overly violent sport.

“Rugby’s gotten a bad rap, but it is a contact sport,” he said. “We manage the game well with proper coaching and training. We spend a lot of time on training.”

He said rugby provides “no equipment; no false

sense of security. You have to full-wrap tackle.”

Parents are often surprised that there is a place for children of all sizes on the rugby pitch.

“I think it’s really interesting to see and hear the parents of young girls. The high school program has been running for almost a decade,” he said.

“They (parents) realize it is so

well managed and so well structured. There’s a spot for any size and shape.”

Larger kids may work inside in the scrums, but fleet-footed athletes are paramount for working the ball to the outside and down the field.

For more information on the summer programs, visit havocrugby.com.

Relay For Life in Chatham-Kent raised over

$116,000 and still rising!

The Canadian Cancer Society thanks the Steering Committee, Volunteers, Team Captains, Participants, Donors and Sponsors who supported Relay For Life 2015

Banking Sponsor

Event Sponsor

Food Sponsor

Media Sponsors

THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 14

THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2015

Fun Stuff

ACROSS 1 Taj Mahal city 5 Brat’s stocking stuffer 9 Hollywood trickery (Abbr.)

12 Upper palate 13 Formerly 14 Bygone 15 Caved in 17 See 41-Across

What is missing on this puzzle page. . . . ?

18 Sly 19 Big winds 21 Cellist Yo-Yo — 22 Michelangelo masterpiece 24 Wear a rut in the rug 27 Shack 28 TV’s talking horse 31 Pair 32 Exist

33 Mess up 34 Partner 36 Doctrine 37 6/6/44 38 Tureen accessory 40 U.S. soldier 41 With 17-Across, “Do the Right Thing” director 43 Spanish pre-euro money 47 Scuttle 48 Cool and calm 51 Exploit 52 Met melody 53 Loosen 54 Actor Beatty 55 Tax 56 Lip DOWN 1 Curved paths 2 Continue 3 Portrayal 4 Blazing 5 Mimic 6 Switch positions 7 Expert 8 Sill

9 Apprehended 10 Merriment 11 Mid-month date 16 Alias abbr.

20 $ dispenser 22 Prize money 23 Couple, in a gossip column 24 School org.

25 Piercing tool 26 Crashed 27 Greet 29 Historic period 30 Parched 35 Tibetan bovine 37 Olympic Frisbee?

39 Transfer 40 “Gosh!”

41 Stay away from 42 Sit for a shot 43 Stage presentation 44 Italian volcano 45 “Bill & — Excellent Adventure” 46 Fusses 49 Tramcar load 50 Tyler or Ullmann

YOU!

Let Us Be Your Voice!

519-397-2020

THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2015

PAGE 15

CLASSIFIEDS Announcements

Congratulations Nathan S. Babcock PhD in Quantum Physics

AP CONTRACTING Asphalt and Pothole Repair Crack Sealing Postholes

Chatham Call Andrew • 519-809-1113

Tree Care

Nathan graduated June 11, 2015 from the University of Calgary with his PhD in Quantum Physics.

Congratulations from his parents Carol Anne and Lance Babcock and Sonya Babcock for a job well done. Nathan has accepted a research position at Simon Fraser University in Burnaby, British Columbia.

Healing Love Ministry

A Home Based Ministry reaching out to those suffering with loneliness, depression, anxiety & sexual addiction.

Call Doug 519-354-3532 • Private & Confidential There is no charge for any of our services Potluck meal Sunday nights • Mid-week bible study

Painting

Hi! this is

Rob the Painter

Interior/Exterior Commercial/Residential Fully Insured

Over 25 year experience

Please call ROB 226-881-0305 Help Wanted

Gargage Sale

Contracting

A Job for Professionals

• Trimming & Pruning • Complete Removal • Crane Service 30+ Years Seniors Experience

Discount

519-359-9876

www.customtreeservice.ca

Auctions

Maple City Auction Services Decluttering, Liquidating Estate Effects Downsizing or need to Move old Inventory?

We can help! Our Bi-monthly Online Auctions are Quick, Easy and Profitable.

We are always accepting consignments.

Call or Visit our Website today.

www.maplecityauctionservices.ca Chatham, Ontario 519-365-2295

A N K LAVER EN VK V A U C T I O N S I N C. Clearing an Estate, Downsizing, Liquidating Inventory or Decluttering?

We can help. Call to sell your items for cash or by consignment Call John @ 519-845-3663

519-845-3663 • Wyoming, Ontario • www.vkauctions.ca •

78 & 82 Northern Pine. Off Gregory Drive E. Something for everyone! 8amnoon. RAIN OR SHINE!

Cleaning

Chatham-Kent Maintenance Cleaning Specials! Carpet $25.00 per room. Sectional $40.00. Sofa $30.00. Loveseat $25.00.

Chair $20.00.

519-358-7633.

Mortgages

Need Mortgage Money?

Offering private first mortgages, res. or com., reasonable rate. More info 519-436-7229 or email tiki@ sympatico.ca

Housekeeping Services

HOW TO PLACE YOUR AD IN PERSON: 84 DOVER ST. #2, CALL: 519-397-2020, EMAIL: FATIMA @CHATHAMVOICE.COM

OBITUARIES

Landis Gardner 62, Monday, June 22, 2015 Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home

Anne Maria Beuglet 69, Sunday, June 21, 2015 McKinlay Funeral Home

Georgette Skipper 74, Sunday, June 28, 2015 Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home

Howard Leslie Galbraith 69, Monday, June 22, 2015 McKinlay Funeral Home

Lois Hunter 94, Wednesday, June 24, 2015 Blenheim Community Funeral Home

Douglas Wayne Cornelious 64, Friday, June 26, 2015 McKinlay Funeral Home

Ken Green 69, Friday, June 26, 2015 Blenheim Community Funeral Home

Mr. Herb Osamu Wakabayashi 70, Tuesday, June 2, 2015 Alexander & Houle Funeral Home

Larry Pepper 73, Friday, June 26, 2015 Blenheim Community Funeral Home

Mr. Daniel Theriault 69, Monday, June 15, 2015 Alexander & Houle Funeral Home

Hinnegan-Peseski

FUNERAL HOME

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

A FAMILY BUSINESS THAT CARES

60 Stanley Street, Blenheim (519) 676 – 9200 blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com

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

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

www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com

alexanderfuneralhome.ca

Fun Stuff Answers Puzzles found on page 14

Housekeeping Services.

Monday - Friday.

Experienced and reliable. $15/ hr, references available. Call (519) 351-3580.

Ask for Linda.

Routes available in the following areas:

Chippewa Dr/Tanser Crt Cecile Ave/Mohawk Crt Bedford St/Gladstone Ave Tissiman Ave/ Allen St. Shawnee Trail/ Cherokee Cres.

Landing Pass/Cartier Pl Mary St/Emma St Park Ave W/ Molengraff Way Call Fatima today 519-397-2020 ext.223 or email fatima@chathamvoice.com

Sell What You Want To Sell . . .

When You Want To Sell It!!!!

Largest circulation for a weekly paper in C-K Full colour on every page Local Graphics Artist to Design Your Ad the way you want it!

Call today to start your advertising campaign!

519-397-2020

OUR READERS ARE

YOUR CUSTOMERS

Quality Counts!

84 Dover St., #2, Chatham 519-397-2020 chathamvoice.com

THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 16

THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2015

Time passes, things change.

Let us be there for your mom just as she’s always been there for you.

Call today for more information.

Or visit: oaksretirementvillage.ca

NOW OPEN Call today!

80 McNaughton Avenue Wallaceburg, ON Managed by Seasons Retirement Communities

Call 519.627.9292