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An impressive display of Christmas lights recently seen along Gregory Drive East near Victoria Avenue in Chatham is bound to put any Scrooges into the holiday spirit with a quick drive or walk to the area.

Reaching out for food assistance By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

While The Gift delivered food and toys to thousands of Chatham-Kent residents and helped fill Christmas hampers for a number of holiday charitable efforts, the shelves at one of Chatham’s food banks remain in need of filling.

Brenda LeClair of Chatham’s Outreach for Hunger said the huge need this year means that the food bank did not receive as much from The Gift as many people think. “We received two skids of boxes. Most of it was toiletries. There was very little food,” she said. “We really appreciated it, but we still have

a need. That’s the nature of the business.” LeClair said she was scheduled to stop by The Gift’s Richmond Street operation on Dec. 7, but a weekend giveaway to those in need left the shelves bereft of food. “I was scheduled to go to pick up our donation, but I was told it all went out the door,” she said, adding the need is

certainly there. “They got food out to the community; they did a great job.” But the pressure remains for Outreach for Hunger. “Our numbers have increased because of COVID. We have to keep up with that. We have to make sure people get fed,” LeClair said.

Continued on page 2

Of sidewalks and stiff competition By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

A local business owner wonders what $50,000 a year in property taxes gets her. In Rachel Schwartz’ mind, it’s a broken sidewalk in front of their Richmond Street building, and municipally run competition. Schwartz, who with her husband Daniel Whittal own 330 Richmond Street in Chatham, home of Whittal + Company Law, The Brio Academy and several other local businesses, said 2020 has been a challenging year. But it’s been more challeng-

ing due to the poor condition of the pedestrian sidewalk in front of the building on a main Chatham street, and branching out only to find a local competitor in the form of the Municipality of Chatham-Kent. The sidewalk, Schwartz said, is a serious safety issue. But it’s nothing new. “We’ve tried to maintain it as best we can. It gets worse every year,” she said. “I think the sidewalk itself is broken and it’s just sinking. It’s lower than the boulevard and our lawn. We have a river there most of the time.”

Continued on page 4

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 2

News

TJ Stables gets a boost By Jenna Cocullo jenna@chathamvoice.com

TJ Stables received an exceptional donation for its Acceptional Riders. On Friday, 100+ Men Who Care presented the Chatham-Kent equine facility with a cheque for $8,600. Every quarter, the men’s charity group chooses a community non-profit to donate funds to. The money will not go toward the overall business, but rather TJ Stables’ charitable therapeutic riding program for children to adults with disabilities, known as Acceptional Riders. “These kids are really going to benefit from this,” said owner Terry Jenkins.

Since the COVID-19 lockdowns began, TJ Stables had been struggling to secure a stable source of income which could pay for enough food for the horses and the staff that had to stay on to take care of the livestock. As a result, Jenkins had to sell off 20 of her horses, but managed to keep some of her programs running. “We saw the need here and loved the goal of the program and that’s why we chose to donate to them,” Dane Appleton, co-chair, 100+ Men Who Care. “I just love the mission of the program. To help kids who need a little bit of extra help, and what they’re doing is a unique way to give these kids confidence and a new

Jenna Cocullo/The Chatham Voice

Members of the 100+ Men Who Care group recently donated $8,600 to TJ Stables’ Terry Jenkins in support of the Acceptional Riders program.

way to learn.” Mayor Darrin Canniff, who is a member of the men’s charity, was the one who nominated TJ

Our kids remind us that during the holidays, and throughout the year, it is the little things that count. We hope their artwork helps spark your Christmas spirit.

Stables for the donation. “Kids just light up. (Acceptional Riders) takes kids out of wheelchairs and when you see them get in there, they just feel empowered. I’ve been touched by really this charity for

years,” he said. More than 130 kids are put through the program every year but because of COVID-19 precautions it has now been reduced to private sessions. Jenkins was able to open up at reduced capacity during the summer but

had to cancel camps. Recently she shook things up by starting new services such as the family farm tour. For anyone looking for last minute Christmas gifts, a two-for-one sale on a pony ride is on until Dec. 23.

Shelf support requested

Continued from page 1

She added the community support received so far is greatly appreciated. Items of need for the food bank are peanut butter, canned fruit, macaroni and cheese, pasta sauce,

“I thought maybe we could make a gingerbread house, and eat cookie dough, and go ice skating, and maybe even hold hands.” – Buddy the Elf

canned meat and fish, paper products, toiletries, cake mixes and oatmeal, LeClair said. Outreach for Hunger is open right up to Dec. 23. For more information, call 519351-8381.

Wishing all a Merry Christmas and a Healthy New Year

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2020

News

PAGE 3 We have you covered when it comes to protecting yourself, your home, car, recreational vehicle & more.

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Resident worried over woodlots By Jenna Cocullo jenna@chathamvoice.com

A Shrewsbury resident is lobbying to change Cha-

tham-Kent zoning laws in an effort to save more trees in the municipality. Ken Bell, a member of the Great Lakes Community

Eco Initiative, launched a Save our CK Forests petition on change.org a few weeks ago and has now reached more than 1,400

Bruce Corcoran/The Chatham Voice

Shrewsbury’s Ken Bell is lobbying for changes to municipal zoning bylaws over woodlots in Chatham-Kent.

signatories. The petition calls on the municipal government to protect Chatham-Kent’s natural habitats and the wildlife corridors that connect them. Bell’s main request is that council and administration rezone all significant woodlands over two hectares to Open Space designation for the purpose of conservation. Currently, they are designated for agricultural use, a loophole that was never remedied since amalgamation, according to Bell. “It’s like a loophole that’s existed for a long time,” he said. “Right now, the way things are is that a woodland or a bush is from a zoning perspective the same as a blank agricultural field, and they’re not. So when a forest is torn down by a landowner, for corn or something, accord-

ing to planning there is no landscape change. Even though it is pretty obvious that it is.” Bell said the zone change would force any potential landowners to go through a zoning application process which would allow for more transparency and a greater say for the public to have in conservation. “I would say a few small landowners do a lot of damage. But most farm owners are good stewards of the land,” Bell said. Chatham-Kent’s existing tree canopy cover is 3.4 per cent, according to municipal documents for the CKPlan2035. “As a result, there remain many areas in Chatham-Kent where tree planting can be expanded to increase the tree canopy cover to achieve the community’s desire for one million new trees,” the

2035 plan states. This is not the first time Bell has helped to bring this type of initiative to council. From 2012 to 2014, many trees were cut down for farmland as commodity prices soared, prompting a group of concerned citizens to propose a tree-cutting bylaw. Instead council passed a Natural Heritage Strategy in 2014. “The policy council implemented did not address deforestation, so it has continued on a lower level,” Bell said. Bell said there are several woodlands currently under threat in East Kent where contracts have already been signed, which prompted him to try again. This time he is going about it through rezoning, believing that another attempt at a tree-cutting bylaw would fail.

THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 4

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2020

News

This holiday season needs to be different.

Business owner unhappy with municipal effort Continued from page 1

The safest way to celebrate indoors is only with the people who live in your home. People who live alone can get together only with one other home. Gatherings with friends and extended family can carry an increased risk of getting and spreading COVID-19. Consider celebrating outdoors or virtually with others that are not part of your household. Know the gathering limits in your area before you choose to entertain with family and friends indoors. Indoor gatherings are not permitted in regions in Grey- Lockdown. For all gatherings with anyone you do not live with: • maintain 2 metres physical distance • wear a face covering • avoid potlucks or shared utensils • ensure everyone washes hands regularly, including before and after meals Self-isolate if you are sick, even if your symptoms are mild and ask guests to stay home if they feel unwell. Follow provincial and local public health advice to keep you and your loved ones safe this holiday.

That “river” and uneven cement even when dry, has pedestrians, scooter riders and cyclists choosing to either use the very busy street, or travel along the private cement walkway on the building’s exterior that links the property’s two parking lots with the main entrance. The problem is one of safety. “One of our teachers, who uses a walker, said she couldn’t get through there. And now the problem is people are now using our little sidewalk around the building,” Schwartz said of the general public. “We now have cyclists, pedestrians, anyone using motorized scooters cutting through our parking lot and using our sidewalk around our building. It’s not designed for cyclists. You can’t see around the corner of the building.” The Brio Academy runs dance, martial arts and performance classes for children. One of the building’s tenants works with people with special needs. Schwartz fears there will be a mishap on the property’s walkway. In an effort to get the municipal sidewalk fixed, Schwartz said she and her husband reached out to the municipality through normal channels, by calling municipal staff. “It’s what you’re supposed to do,” she said, but nothing came of the calls. When sidewalks were being repaired nearby, Schwartz said she asked if the sidewalk in front of their building could be replaced. “It was just up the street. We asked if they could just extend the project, and they just said no,” she said. But with nothing being done, Schwartz contacted municipal councillors via social media, seeking action. Schwartz said councillors saw her

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post and responded quickly, which she appreciates. “But you shouldn’t have to get councillors involved for the municipality to care about a safety issue,” she said. The sidewalk is not Schwartz’ only concern. With the COVID-19 pandemic, Brio Academy was shut down for several months earlier this year. They opened a new business, Sparks Toys, in an effort to generate revenue. “It’s an independent little toy store. We put a lot of work into designing these interactive camp kits, such as a mystery adventure,” Schwartz said. But Sparks had competition from a surprise source. “And then the municipality just competed with us. CK Recreation had the free camp boxes,” she added. “That was not what we needed, competition from our municipality. When your competition is where your municipality can take your tax dollars and run something at 100-per-cent loss, that’s not competition, that’s something beyond. It is sometimes hard to be in business in Chatham-Kent.” Schwartz realizes their business situation is not unique and issues have cropped up elsewhere, not just in Chatham-Kent. “I think we do things really well, and I think there are challenges that are quite unique to Chatham-Kent,” she said. “I know everyone is doing the best they can. No one gets up to go to work an idea to hurt businesses. But there is definitely a communications gap. When you pay $50,000 a year in taxes and you can’t get the sidewalk fixed in front of your building or you can’t be open, and the municipality competes with the little bit of business you can do, that is frustrating.”

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2020

THIS ND KE WEE

PAGE 5

“FORGET ME NOT”

1st Annual Christmas Art & Gift Show and Sale Fundraiser

December 17-20, 2020 • 11:00am - 6:00pm daily 750 Richmond Street, Chatham For R.O.C.K. Missions (Reach - Out - Chatham - Kent) Helping to Alleviate the Homeless Challenge in Our Community Hi folks. We are getting closer and closer to our FUNDRAISING EVENT. We want you there! We need you there! All NET proceeds from this event will be donated to R.O.C.K. Missions to help with their great work and effort in addressing and meeting the challenges of our Homeless. So, we will do what we can do! And we will do what we must do! Come join us. Support us.

We have unique vendors selling their Creative Crafts, Art, Service and Products. Lucky Draw This is a great pre-Christmas opportunity to buy something unique and special. Entrance for the public is FREE. Parking is FREE (Behind McDonald’s). But we encourage all those who attend to bring an item to be put into our GIANT SHARE BOX.

These could be gloves, socks, toiletries, ANY HYGIENE PRODUCTS, caps, scarves, blankets, thermos etc., which will be distributed to those in need. Starts on Thursday, December 17, 2020 and runs thru to Sunday, December 20, 2020. From 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily. ALL COVID 19 – Mandates will be adhered to.

Regina M. Stockus – President – Tradelinks Business Marketing Corp. (Event Organizers) Chatham is a generous and kind-hearted community. I’m blessed to be living here, working with all these wonderful groups whose dedication and mission is to help solve, assist, and maybe someday, optimistically, collectively eradicate our increasing HOMELESS CHALLENGE. R.O.C.K. MISSIONS, now under the dedication and guidance and leadership of Renee Geniole; Operations Co-Ordinator, together with Colleen Lewis; Chair of The Board, is helping to fulfill this important and vital mandate. Originally co-founded by Jeff Parker in 2019, the current R.O.C.K. organization actively work closely, symbolically intertwined with other important and similarly, focused organizations. Many volunteers work tirelessly together on this challenge. Groups such as The United Way, Neighbour Link, Street Friends, The Sandwich Guys, Chatham Goodfellows, Chris Couper Ministries, Hope Haven, Maple City Homes, Indwell, Scott Missions, Municipality of C-K Homeless Dept., Knights of Columbus along with many churches/parishes are all focused Christmas Gift Fair, Art Show & Sale on this crucial mandate. With this army of dedicated individuals, I’m optimistic Christmas Gift Fair, Art Show & Sale FREEFREE ADMISSION - FREE PARKING that together we will succeed on this great quest. ADMISSION – FREE PARKING Adhering toALL ALL “Covid” Mandates Adhering to “Covid Day’s” Mandates If you have any questions or wish to participate as a volunteer or vendor th 2020 , thru Sunday, Sunday, December 20th, Thursday, December 17 thru Thursday, December 17th December 20th, 2020 please contact; Daily from: 11:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Daily from 11:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Miss Regina M. Stockus – President – “Tradelinks Business Marketing Corp. 750 Richmond Street; Just Behind McDonalds’s 750 Richmond Street, Chatham; Just Behind McDonald’s (Event Organizers) E-mail: reginamariestockus@rocketmail.com. Cell: 226 229 2751 Stay Well! Stay Safe! BOOK YOUR SPACE NOW!!! An 8 x 8 foot space, only $50.00 for all 4 days. See You There! Don’t forget to Wear Your Mask.

“Forget MeNot,” Not” “Forget Me

A Special THANK YOU TO ALL OUR SPONSORS, CONTRIBUTORS, SUPPORTERS.

Let Us Share The Joy

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TATRO GROUP OF COMPANIES MCDONALD’S The Shady Pine Restaurant Birdie’s Nest Classic Nails Lee’s Piercings and Accessories Tradelinks International Indus Travel Group Moore Investments Goodfellows Organization R.O.C.K. Missions Volunteers MEDIA SUPPORT: The Chatham Voice Chatham-Kent This Week Blackburn Radio

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Net Proceeds to be��“Rock Donated to “ROCK MISSIONS” www.rockmissions.com Mission”… �� R�� R��M�� – �i�� soci�� is��ncin� ��in� �� o� being FUN, LUCKY DRAW, ENTERTAINMENT - With social distancing �� adhered to. For More Information to Attend or EXHIBIT contact �� – ��– �� Regina M. Stockus - Coordinator - Event Organizer - Cell: 226-229-2751 �� E-mail: reginamariestockus@rocketmail.com �� Table Top Displays - $50.00 for 4 days, $25.00 For One Day

THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 6

More can be done At a time when small businesses are suffering at the hands of COVID-19 restrictions, an ugly necessity for now, it is imperative that municipal staff and councillors do everything in their power to accommodate and respect those businesses. The vast majority are suffering through no fault of their own. Many had to close down for months on end; some are still shuttered, due to the pandemic and safety guidelines. Need we mention that all the corporate big box stores were considered essential and remained open? Have the small businesses seen tax breaks from the municipality? No. Conference halls are shut, but still taxed as if they are running at full capacity. An idled factory can receive a tax break. When a business pays enough for insurance, the last thing its owners want to see is potentially a claim against a mishap on their property, especially one that shouldn’t even take place. For example, the sidewalk in front of 330 Richmond Street in Chatham is a mess. It has buckled, heaved and cracked. Walking along it on a sunny day can be an ankle-twisting challenge. Electric scooters avoid it at all times. And when it rains or snows, forget it, as the area becomes a pond or skating rink. The options are to walk on the street or walk on private property – 330 Richmond. The building has a small concrete walkway that links both parking lots to the front entrance. It has become a pedestrian and cycling traffic point for general passersby due to the sorry state of the municipal sidewalk out front. The sidewalk is a public safety hazard, and the detour by the public onto the walkway is a safety hazard for anyone coming in and out of the building. This is all avoidable with repair of the stretch of municipal sidewalk. There is not much time to act before the cold weather means pouring concrete is just not possible until spring. Unfortunately, that very likely means nothing gets done until sometime in 2021. That means another winter of hazardous walking along a section of one of Chatham’s busier streets.

Letters to the editor policy The Chatham Voice welcomes letters to the editor. Our preferred method to receive letters is via e-mail to bruce@chathamvoice.com (use “Letter” in the subject line). You can also drop them off or mail them to us at The Chatham Voice, 71 Sass Rd., Unit 4, Chatham, Ont, N7M 5J4. The Chatham Voice reserves the right to edit letters to the editor for brevity and clarity. All letters need to be signed.

Advertising policy

The publisher of this newspaper, CK Media Inc., reserves the right to clarify or refuse any advertisement based on its sole discretion. The publisher reserves the right to reject, discontinue or omit any advertisement without notice or penalty to either party. Liability for errors or non-insertion is limited to the amount paid for the cost of space occupied by the error. Claims of errors must be made prior to the next publication date.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2020

Opinion

Drugs, the other pandemic Editor: It seem that we read almost weekly about another drug bust where people are charged with trafficking. This a second pandemic that is killing hundreds all across the country on a daily basis and touching everyone directly or indirectly. It is very frustrating to me to see the arrest of these drug dealers only to

be given a slap on the wrists and set free to offend again. The police are frustrated by this and I would go as far as to say so are the judges! The spin-off crimes from the drug dealing are immense; robberies, break-ins and the trickle of crime goes on. We need stiffer sentenc-

ing and deterrents for such crime. Mandatory jail time for repeat offenders, no more slaps on the wrists. We can’t blame the judges for this; they are bound by sentencing guidelines handed down to them. What we need to do, and I urge everyone to pass this on to all your friends

and neighbours, is to call, e-mail, or write your Member of Parliament to increase the guidelines and allow harsher penalties and do it again and again until we send a clear message to politicians and drug dealers that it is not acceptable. Bruce Thompson Chatham

C-K a regional government failure Editor: Come to Chatham and drive down Churchill Street and you will see a newly paved street with paved sidewalks on both sides and new concrete driveway extensions for everyone. Add in the multiple years of sewer construction from the end of Churchill to the court building and you are talking about millions of dollars spent, in a very small area of Chatham. Now, take a drive into

the rural areas around Chatham and you will see roads decaying, no new gravel for decades, bridges being designated for closure and an attitude of complete adversity towards any work requests whatsoever. And Chatham-Kent administration and council considered passing increases in rural taxation by the elimination of what they call area-based

tax categories. These were designed to help provide some relief to rural properties for municipal services not received. Farmland rightfully receives a major tax reduction – think about it; many farms receive no water, no sewer, minimal fire or police protection. Farm homesteads are already MPAC assessed at full market value and farm property value

assessments and corresponding taxes have risen tremendously – yet services received have been in decline for decades. Municipal taxation is supposed to be based on the provisioning of services. The area tax categories provided some, but nowhere near enough, relief for this discrepancy. Larry Yott Chatham-Kent

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2020

PAGE 7

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 8

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2020

Habitat trail blazer steps down

By Jenna Cocullo jenna@chathamvoice.com

Melaney Austin has retired from her role at Habitat for Humanity after 12 years of helping families put their home into a house. In 2006, a community group was formed in an attempt to launch a Chatham-Kent chapter of the non-profit housing organization. Austin heard about their endeavour and decided to join as one of the main founding members two years later. Since then, she has maintained many positions, most notably the chair of the Family Selection Committee. “One of our homeowners said, when we were doing the key turning ceremony, ‘You know my kids are getting older, but from now on, they will always know where home is, they will know where to come

back to even if they leave to go to school or whatever their circumstances are, they’ll always know where home is.’ And that says a lot,” Austin said. It’s reactions like those that drew her to join the organization. Her work on the committee included helping families with applications, a home-ownership education program, and helping them with the build process. “There are times when someone doesn’t qualify for a home and usually what we do is work with them to refer them to other agencies like social housing. Sometimes people don’t qualify because they have debt. And so we would go through and help them figure out ‘how do you pay off that debt so that you may qualify in the future?’” But some of the best moments are when families call in to tell Austin they snagged a regular

mortgage and no longer require her assistance. “That is a big thing for low income people to be able to save because they’re just trying to get through once-a-month kind of thing. Usually rent is high, utility costs are high and so it’s really hard to save that downpayment so it’s a big thing,” she said. “I’ve been doing this for 12 years; I’ve thoroughly loved it; I will always be a Habatitus, as we call it.” Austin tends to remain in other work roles, but had to step down from Habitat due to other work obligations. “I just couldn’t give it enough hours that I needed to in the last couple years I’ve been involved with a build, and it takes a lot of hours and I’m just not able to give that right at the moment.” When Habitat first started, there were only 10 people sitting around a table in an office United Way volunteered. Now in Austin’s time there, there are staff members, and six homes have been built in Chatham-Kent to date. This year would have brought the seventh Bohome, ok your however, due tour to the pandemic, plans todaywere & asdelayed. k about Austin is whomevour hoping aerllcarries -inclusthat ivthe e torch will continue rates! picking up the momentum and start and average builds of 1.5 homes per year. “I always like to tell

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Habitat for Humanity’s Melaney Austin, right, seen here with volunteer Ron McDowell, has stepped away from the volunteer organization after a dozen years aiding area families.

the story of what happened in a northern community: A family, quite a large family actually, their house burned down and Habitat came in and they were working with them to build a new house. One of the workers asked the little girl what it was like not to have a home and she replied ‘Oh, I have a home. I just don’t have a house,’” Austin said.

Still time to take part in Santa for Seniors The Chatham Voice

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99 Park St. Chatham 519.354.8103

“That’s pretty profound and that’s what we do.” Anyone who wishes to be a board member can contact Habitat for Humanity Chatham at (519) 352-4440. Residents who would like to apply for a Habitat for Humanity home can visit habitatchatham-kent. ca/home-ownership to see if they qualify and to get an application.

As COVID-19 cases rise and restrictions on gatherings tighten, many seniors are continuing to spend their days isolated from friends and family this holiday season. While many can’t have in-person visits from loved ones this year, a local group of volunteers is hoping to connect with every senior in Chatham-Kent in a unique way. Supported by TekSavvy, Santa for Seniors is a project that was inspired by many other food and gift drives that have happened recently in Chatham-Kent. “This year has been particularly challenging for so many

people in our community, and there have been lots of great ways to help with these challenges. Isolation is another challenge, especially for seniors, and we hope to brighten their day with some gifts and cards from every corner of Chatham-Kent,” co-organizer Dava Robichaud said in a media release. Robichaud is encouraging individuals and families to write Christmas cards and pack gifts for seniors as soon as possible before all cards and gifts are delivered later this month. Organizers say some items that can go in the boxes are: toiletries, cookies, tea, puzzles, hats, gloves, stationery, and other small gifts. If you don’t have an empty box, you

can pick one up at the TekSavvy Security Kiosk at 800 Richmond St., or at the Chatham-Kent Non-Profit Centre at 425 McNaughton Ave. W. in Chatham. “Boxes can be dropped off unwrapped to several locations across Chatham-Kent before including: TekSavvy Security Kiosk, Chatham-Kent Non-Profit Centre, the Ridgetown Adult Activity Centre, the Blenheim Youth Centre, United Way in Tilbury, and more locations which will be confirmed soon,” said co-organizer Emmalee Morton. Organizers and volunteers will be sanitizing all gifts before boxes are wrapped. Boxes and cards will be accepted until Friday.

THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2020

PAGE 9

News

CKHA buys COVID vaccine freezer

The Chatham-Kent Health Alliance has ordered a freezer to store the COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine, providing CK Public Health with the capability of locally receiving and storing it for distribution. “So we are well placed to be able to handle whatever we’re able to get,” said

Dr. David Colby, Chatham-Kent’s medical officer of health. The Pfizer vaccine needs to be stored at -70C. For reference, the average temperature in Antarctica during its winter months is -50C to -60C. Health Canada approved the Pfizer vaccine last Wednesday. The Moderna vaccine, which is next in line for approval, would

only require temperatures of -20 C. The freezer is expected to arrive by the end of December, according to Lori Marshall, president and CEO of CKHA. It can go down to -85C and store 400,000 doses. Each individual needs two doses of the vaccine, meaning Chatham-Kent would need more than 200,000 doses. “So definitely that would

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 10

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2020

Life

Another good man gone too soon The year 2020 continues to suck; it has taken another good person out of our community. This time, I’m talking about John Tomecek, the man behind the video camera. John attended most

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always smiling, with one hand on the unipod that held his camera steady. I first met John back in 2001 at my very first municipal council

meeting in early May of that year. I would see him everywhere. If there was a big municipal event, he’d be present, filming. John passed away

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 11

ADVERTORIAL

Transitioning to help more C-K families

James and Lee-Ann MacNeil, owners of Life Transitions Burial and Cremation Service Inc. in Chatham, started their funeral business five years ago with the intent on focusing on the people they serve. The idea was to shape the funeral to best fit the desires of each family, rather than put them through a cookie-cutter process. “Our style seems to really work with families. People say they feel very relaxed around us,” James said. But if a family is seeking a more traditional style funeral, the MacNeils understand. “There are families who are only going to be served in a traditional funeral home context and we’re never shy to refer people in that direction. There are great choices,” James said. “We are confident, however, the culture is moving away from that.” The Life Transitions’ concept has caught on. Having served more than 700 families in the area, Life Transitions has recently expanded at their location at 397 McNaughton Ave. W. in Chatham. Completed in late November, the new space includes a 400 square-foot family gathering area. Once COVID-19 restrictions end, James said they could seat upwards of 45 people there. But it has already been used for smaller family viewings. “We have had intimate send-off events for families saying goodbye to loved ones in

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

the past, but the new space offers an improved location,” James said. The added space is just another response to the wishes of clients and the evolution of the funeral process, Lee-Ann said. “It was becoming more frequent that people were needing a place for immediate family to spend some time together. We were modifying the office more and more regularly, but we needed a spot for small, intimate goodbyes,” she said. For family or friends who live too far away or for various reasons are unable to attend, Life Transitions has a video system installed that can broadcast the service via a private stream over the Internet to them. “We send them an e-mail with a link and they can watch it privately live. It’s not public,” James said. The expansion and positive feedback from clients tell the MacNeils they have found their niche. “If anyone thought this was experimental, we’re past that now,” James said. “We’re top of mind for many families. We’re a legitimate part of the Chatham-Kent funeral industry.” James said Life Transitions keeps it simple – it’s about the wishes of the family. “What we offer, we are absolutely the most contemporary, most modern version of a funeral home,” he said. “And we have the exact same licence as all the traditional funeral homes.” The versatility could see a family opt for a large-scale funeral in a church – Life Transitions has conducted a funeral at a local church with upwards of 1,000 people attending – to an intimate gathering, even at a family dwelling. “We’ve rented churches, we’ve had gatherings here,” James said of the company location on

“They took care of little things we never even thought of. You couldn’t ask or expect to receive more compassionate, professional and thorough service than what they provide.” K. McFadden

McNaughton Avenue West. “We’ve helped people at their own house with 20 people. There is no type of funeral we can’t facilitate.” That flexibility is appreciated. Lee-Ann said it is all about accommodating the clients. “We’re not restricted by our building. Our building isn’t our focus; our families are the focus,” she said. James said the idea is to match a family with a venue what will work for them. It could be a church, or it could be inside a privately owned facility or banquet hall. “We’re able to tailor the size of the service to their needs and partner with local businesses, which is a nice win-win,” James said. And when it comes to the difficult task of reaching out to contact Life Transitions to discuss funeral arrangements following the death of a loved one, James said he makes house calls if that is more convenient. “Many families we’ve served have never once been into the office. For whatever reason, it’s often easier for me to come and make arrangements in their home,” he said. “We can have a conversation around your kitchen table, no problem.” Additional communication can also be conducted via e-mail or even over direct messaging via various social media options. It is all about what is most convenient to the family. The people at Life Transitions will continue to help families say goodbye to loved ones in whichever style they’d like. “We’ve been able to take one of the worst situations in someone’s life and have them reflect positively on it. That’s huge,” LeeAnn said. “That’s why we do what we do. That’s why we’re doing it how we’re doing it.”

“James and his team have broken down costs and put it all on paper so you and your family are not surprised when it’s time to pay. My family really appreciated their hands on approach and transparency.” I. Wylie

“James presented himself as if one of the family, you immediately felt comfortable talking and listening to him. He was always concerned with what they could do for us.” G. Kellam

YOUR FAMILY. YOUR TERMS. FAIR PRICE.

THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 12

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2020

News

Lights out at the Bothwell Arena By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative The Thamesville Herald

Just five days after Chatham-Kent council voted to

keep the ice in the Bothwell Arena, 20 hockey players stood out in the cold after booking ice. Municipal staff, they say, never showed up to let them in. It’s a problem arena advocates

Thursday, December 17: • Come join us at The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St., Chatham from 11:00am-6:00pm. The kitchen is open to serve lunch from 11:30am1:30pm. Today’s special is Spaghetti & Meat Sauce with Garlic Bread. Everyone Welcome. • “Forget Me Not” 1st Annual Christmas Art & Gift Show and Sale Fundraiser. 11:00am-6:00pm. 750 Richmond St. All proceeds to R.O.C.K. (Reach Out Chatham-Kent) Friday, December 18: • Come join us at The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St., Chatham from 11:00am-6:00pm. The kitchen is open to serve lunch from 11:30am-1:30pm. Supper will be served from 4:00pm-6:30pm. Tonight’s specials are liver & onions or fish & chips. Seating is limited to 50, but take out is also available. Everyone Welcome. • Saturdays at 7 at St. Andrew’s United Church, Chatham annual Christmas concert “All I Want for Christmas” will be a nostalgic 1950’s special with music and recreated skits made famous by stars of that era. Tickets for the live audience will be available from the church office (85 William St. S) but are limited in number by current government guidelines. Tax deductible donations will be gratefully accepted ($15 suggested). For info check www.standrewschatham.org or call 519-352-0010. • “Forget Me Not” 1st Annual Christmas Art & Gift Show and Sale Fundraiser. 11:00am-6:00pm. 750 Richmond St. All proceeds to R.O.C.K. (Reach Out Chatham-Kent) Saturday, December 19: • Come join us at The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St., Chatham from 11:00am-6:00pm. There will be a meat draw at 3:30pm, 4:30pm & 5:30pm. The kitchen is open to serve lunch from 3:00pm-5:30pm. Come check out our menu. Everyone Welcome. • “Forget Me Not” 1st Annual Christmas Art & Gift Show and Sale Fundraiser. 11:00am-6:00pm. 750 Richmond St. All proceeds to R.O.C.K. (Reach Out Chatham-Kent) • Saturdays at 7 at St. Andrew’s United Church, Chatham annual Christmas concert “All I Want for Christmas” will be a nostalgic 1950’s special with music and recreated skits made famous by stars of that era. Tickets for the live audience will be available from the church office (85 William St. S) but are limited in number by current government guidelines. Tax deductible

say has happened before. On Nov. 23, Chatham-Kent council reversed a controversial decision to remove the ice in the Bothwell Arena. A group of young men say they booked two hours of ice time for a game of shinny in Bothwell on Nov. 28. They’re not sure donations will be what day they called to gratefully accepted book the ice. It’s not ($15 suggested). For clear if anyone from the info check www.stan municipality contacted drewschatham.org or the group to move the call 519-352-0010. request ahead. Sunday, December 20: More than 20 players • “Forget Me Not” 1st showed up that day, Annual Christmas Art & Gift Show and only to find the building Sale Fundraiser. 11:00am-6:00pm. 750 in darkness with no staff Richmond St. All proceeds to R.O.C.K. in sight. (Reach Out Chatham-Kent) Bothwell resident John Heyink, says two of his Sunday, December 20: sons were among the • Join us for breakfast at Merlin Legion, group. 2 Stanley St., Merlin from 10:00am“The ice was booked 1:00pm. Seating is limited to 50. Take Out available. but nobody showed up,” he says, adding the playWednesday, December 23: ers were fully dressed • Victoria Avenue United Church Food and only needed to put Shopping Card & Pantry Program on their skates. (please bring photo id, limited number The news comes as no of cards available) held at St. Andrew’s United Church (Memorial Garden Entrance - Wellington Street) Every Wednesday from 9:00am to 10:30am. Covid-19 provisions, contact tracing in place, masks required, hand sanitizer provided.

• Come join us at The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St., Chatham from 11:00am-6:00pm. The kitchen is open to serve lunch from 11:30am-1:30pm. Today’s special is meat loaf dinner. Everyone Welcome. Thursday, December 24: • Come join us at The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St., Chatham from 11:00am-6:00pm. The kitchen is open to serve lunch from 11:30am-1:30pm. Today’s special is Spaghetti & Meat Sauce with Garlic Bread. Everyone Welcome. Thursday, December 26: • Saturday Morning Breakfast Program at First Presbyterian Church (corner of Fifth St. and Wellington). A delicious nutritious breakfast served free of charge from 9:30am-11:00am. This will be a TAKE OUT only. Wednesday, December 30: • Come join us at The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St., Chatham from 11:00am-6:00pm. The kitchen is open to serve lunch from 11:30am-1:30pm. Today’s special is meat loaf dinner. Everyone Welcome. Thursday, December 31: • Come join us at The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St., Chatham from 11:00am-6:00pm. The kitchen is open to serve lunch from 11:30am-1:30pm. Today’s special is Spaghetti & Meat Sauce with Garlic Bread. Everyone Welcome. Submit your coming events to bruce@chathamvoice.com or michelle@chathamvoice.com

surprise to Bob Hamilton, head of the Bothwell Area Recreation Advisory Committee. “Things like that are always happening,” Hamilton says, adding user groups are continuously fighting a losing battle when it comes to accessing the arena. When contacted regarding the issue, Jeff Bray, Manager of Parks and Open Spaces, says someone had contacted the municipality about booking the ice, but the individual didn’t put down any money for the hours or pay any insurance. In an e-mail message, Bray says there was no record of any ice booked at Bothwell for Nov. 28. although someone had inquired about it Nov. 20. However, because there was no official transaction, staff did not book anyone to cover it. Bray adds that in the three years since he’s held the position, it’s the first he’s heard of someone booking the ice and staff not showing up at the arena to open the doors. He says he’d like people to get

in contact with him if that is a reoccurring problem. Hamilton and others says it is indeed a reoccurring problem, adding there’s definitely an issue with miscommunication between user groups and the municipality. Hamilton adds when Chatham-Kent council originally voted to remove the ice, council and municipal officials were under the impression only five hours of ice time was booked at Bothwell per week. That not the case, he says, as user groups were — and are — looking to book around 20 hours of ice time. But, he says, there’s trouble getting the message across. Hamilton says there are a number of user groups who are ready and willing to rent the ice, but there has to be a better process. “We have to stop these kinds of problems,” Hamilton says. “We can’t keep having this ongoing fight (threat of the arena closing) every three or four years.”

No ice this year for Thames Campus Arena

By Jenna Cocullo jenna@chathamvoice.com

In the latest on the to ice or not to ice trilogy, the Thames Campus Arena will now be used as a multipurpose facility. Council approved the decision on Monday night and as a result, community groups will

have a space to play non-ice sports. The decision was welcomed by sports clubs and more than 350 residents who signed a deputation to council. “The COVID pandemic has resulted in a large impact on the availability of indoor facilities for sports and recreation groups. This has left many community groups with no facilities available to rent this winter,” stated the Southwest United Soccer Club and Academy in the deputation. “By creating rental space for alternative recreation activities for the broader demographic, the arena facilities will be more financially viable and responsive to community needs.” Chatham Coun. Karen Kirkwood-Whyte, who brought the most recent motion forward, said there are already 87 dry-land hours that have either been booked or interest expressed in, out of the 119 hours of recreational time that are available. “I don’t know when was the last time we had that many hours in an arena,” said Jeff Bray, manager of Parks and Open Spaces, adding that pickleball, basketball, lacrosse, softball, tennis and soccer groups have all expressed interest. If the need exceeds the available booking times, the manager of the Bradley Convention Centre has offered up the space provided that it does not interfere with other bookings. Expenses related to adding protective netting and heating the area are expected cost about $25,000.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2020

THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 13

Life

C-K immigration survey now live tion (CAP) division in collaboration with the Chatham-Kent Local Immigration Partnership (CKLIP). The survey is an opportunity for all immigrant newcomers to

The Chatham Voice

Chatham-Kent’s first immigration survey is being released by the Municipality of Chatham-Kent’s Community Attraction and Promo-

have their voices heard and to help ensure that Chatham-Kent remains a welcoming community for all residents. Results from the survey will help the municipality, community

stakeholders and service providers understand the needs of immigrants in Chatham-Kent and work towards addressing those needs. To complete the survey, visit letstalk-

chatham-kent.ca/ chatham-kent-immigration-survey by Dec. 28. The survey is open to individuals 16 years of age or older and is available in English, French, Arabic, Spanish and Low

German. If assistance is needed to access or complete the survey in additional languages, the CKLIP team is available to help and can be contacted by e-mail at cklip@ chatham-kent.ca.

Meaningful ways to keep Christ in your Christmas 1. Give God one very special gift just from you to him - Maybe your gift to God will be to forgive someone you’ve needed to forgive for a long time. Perhaps your gift will be to commit to spending time with God daily. Or maybe there is something God has asked you to give up. Make this your most important gift of the season. 2. Set aside a special time to read the Christmas story in Luke 1:5-56 through 2:1-20. Consider reading this account with your family and discussing it together. 3. Set up a Nativity scene in your home. 4. Give a surprise gift of service to each member of your family. Jesus taught us to serve by washing the disciples feet. He also taught us that it is “more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35 (NIV) - Giving an unexpected gift of service to members of your family demonstrates Christ-like love and service. You might consider giving a back rub to your spouse, running an errand for your brother, or cleaning out a closet for your mother. Make it personal and meaningful and watch the blessings multiply.

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:7 (KJV)

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 14

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2020

Business

AgriRoots partners up to aid farmers

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

Local agricultural equity group AgriRoots Capital Management has teamed up with an investment

bank to create a $9-million credit facility earmarked to help the agricultural sector. Vancity Community Investment Bank (VCIB) and AgriRoots will use the

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Sandra DeKok, Audiologist

funds to help small- and mid-sized farms. It will be used by AgriRoots to extend loans of between $250,000 to $1.5 million to farms across Canada through the AgriRoots Diversified Lending Fund. AgriRoots’ CEO Rob Nelson said the company’s business model is to provide consulting support and bridge financing assistance to farm families. “We’re providing the agricultural sector across the county a very conscientious type of lending. We are very committed to helping farm families stay on their farms during tough times,” he said. The rapid expansion of a family farm can leave farmers without the skill set to run all aspects of a much larger operation, Nelson said. “We’re finding a lot of farmers, when a farm goes

from 100 to 1,000 acres over four or five years, the farmers maybe weren’t trained on the accounting side. These are $5-8-million business operations. Sometimes they need a little help.” Loans will undergo both AgriRoots and VCIB credit approval processes. This structure allows VCIB to benefit from AgriRoots’ expertise in agricultural lending while ensuring that each transaction meets VCIB’s standards for due diligence and values alignment. “We know that supporting domestic small farms both enhances our national food security and provides benefits to our rural communities,” said Vince Gasparro, VCIB’s Managing Director of Corporate Development and Clean Energy Financing. “We’re pleased to partner with AgriRoots to provide fi-

Contributed image

AgriRoots team members, front row, from left, Robb Nelson and Shawn Bustin; back row, Mat Alexander and Jean Marie Laprise recently announced they have teamed up with an investment bank to offer expanded financing to the agricultural community.

nancing options that will not only support domestic food supply chains at a challenging time but will also help small-scale farmers improve the sustainability of their operations.” Nelson said VCIB is the

Fun Stuff 64. Born of 65. Chemical substance 66. Supernatural powers 67. Clothes 68. Indy footballers 69. Moves forward 70. Midway between south and southeast

CLUES ACROSS 1. Popular pickup truck 4. Profoundly wise men 9. Camera company 14. Folk singer DiFranco 15. Passerine birds 16. Plum-shaped fruit used for preserves 17. Popular kids channel 18. Dodgers’ skipper 20. Removes 22. The Atlantic is one 23. Badgerlike mammal 24. Foulness 28. Luke’s mentor __-Wan 29. Commercial 30. A type of gin

31. Temptress 33. Shuts in an enclosed space 37. Milligram 38. Actress Adams 39. Strive to equal or match 41. Health insurance 42. A detective’s source 43. Small American rails 44. Alfred __, Brit. poet 46. Crest of a hill 49. Atomic #52 50. __ Caesar, comedian 51. Breaks apart 55. Register formally (Brit. sp.) 58. Worker 59. Chemical compound 60. Disgraced newsman

CLUES DOWN 1. Driver 2. Bone cavities 3. Menacing 4. Where coaches patrol 5. Greek mythological figure 6. War-based board game 7. Midway between northeast and east 8. 18-year period in astronomy 9. Mid-century term used to describe JapaneseAmericans 10. Large bodies of water 11. Eurasian ryegrass 12. Perform on stage 13. Greek island 19. 10th month of the year (abbr.) 21. One point east of southeast 24. Belgian city 25. Praise excessively 26. River in France 27. Edible lily bulbs 31. Quarterbacks take them 32. Organic compound 34. Tears down (Brit.) 35. Beloved Hollywood alien 36. Unconscious

40. Missouri 41. Firemen use them 45. Pig noise 47. Greatly dismay 48. Imitator 52. Moves by turning over 53. Boxing’s GOAT 54. Swarms with 56. Margarines 57. Feudal superior 59. As fast as can be done 60. Reciprocal of a sine 61. Chinese city 62. Tell on 63. United

first, but not last, investment partnership AgriRoots has lined up. “We’ve been out in 2020 talking to a lot of pension funds and credit unions. It’s a process. We will have a lot more to share in the new year,” he said.

Sudoku

9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box.

This Week’s Answers

THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2020

PAGE 15

CLASSIFIEDS Hot Cooked Meals

Loans

For Sale

Honey . . .What’s 4 Dinner

PERSONAL LOANS

Home Made Soups, Meals and Desserts Ideal for seniors, singles or families. whats4dinnerck.net 6 Lowe St. Chatham 519-351-7905

To alleviate anxiety and improve cash flow for homeowners due to Covid we have a 2nd mortgage product available at 8.99%/yr

Silk Cemetery Saddle Arrangements. Everyday/Holiday. Ready-to-go. Many colours available. $25. Call 519-3543411.

Just add Heat!

up to $60,000 with NO PAYMENTS for 12 months $

Borrow 20,000

for only $147.47/twice montly

Rental

• Must be a homeowner (no proof required) • This loan is NOT a mortgage • Normally no income proof required • Open Loan • 48hrs normally to approve • Funds directly deposited • No fund allocation - you do what you wish with the money ITEMS NORMALLY REQUIRED 1. ID, one of: license, passport, Canadian citizenship card 2. Void Cheque or PAD form

Make Your Move I Y my Guardian rental

$2,000 to $40,000

That’s it!!

Call John at Unimor Capital Corp. YHouse & Apartment Rentals YResidential & Commercial property management YLeasing YHouse Sitting

519-252-6953 - 24 hours or email john@unimorcapital.com Brokerage Lic.#10675

Sell your unwanted items for only $5 +tax in The Voice Classifieds!

237 Wellington St W • 519-512-2731

chathaminfo@grem.ca

Wanted BUYING FOR CASH. Old Gold, Diamonds & Jewellery. Highest Prices Paid. Call Lance 519-436-7229 Wanted to Buy: Antiques, costume jewellery, gold, silver, coins, military, furniture, tools. We Buy All - Paid Cash. 519727-8894.

Prayer Line

Healing Love Ministry has an all night prayer line. 12:00am7:00am with prayer partners to minister to you. Call 519354-3532. A community sharing meal at 6:00pm. Informal service at 7:00pm. Call for info.

Attention Parents, Grandparents and Caregivers! Show off your New 2020 Baby! 2col.x3” ad with colour and picture for $20 Running December 24, 2020 Deadline is December 18 at 12:00pm

HOW TO PLACE YOUR AD IN PERSON: 71 Sass Rd. #4, Chatham CALL: 519-397-2020, EMAIL: FATIMA@CHATHAMVOICE.COM

The Chatham Voice is not responsible for the contents of advertisements, in print or online. The Voice also 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.

Christmas Memorials

Remember your loved ones at Christmas with a Christmas Memorial. 2col.x3” ad with colour and picture for $20 or a 2col.x1.5” ad with colour for $10 Running December 24, 2020 Deadline is December 18 at 12:00pm

Call 519-397-2020 Email michelle@chathamvoice.com or stop in 71 Sass Rd, #4 Mon.Fri- 10:00am-3:00pm

OBITUARIES Cécille Alma Lachance 87, Monday, December 7, 2020 Hinngan-Peseski Funeral Home

Mark Everitt Tuesday, December 8, 2020 Life Transitions

Irene May Hart 100, Friday, December 4, 2020 McKinlay Funeral Home

Lisa Christine Williams 55, Thursday, December 10, 2020 Life Transitions

Ann Dieleman 86, Monday, December 7, 2020 McKinlay Funeral Home

Murray Deline 54, Tuesday, December 8, 2020 Alexander & Houle Funeral Home

Don Armstrong 76, Tuesday, December 8, 2020 McKinlay Funeral Home

Mr. John Tomecek 74, Wednesday, December 9, 2020 Alexander & Houle Funeral Home

Guenther Ruediger 89, Saturday, December 12, 2020 McKinlay Funeral Home

Cameron Askew 59, Monday, December 7, 2020 Blenheim Community Funeral Home

Judy Ann Carron 70, Friday, December 4, 2020 Life Transitions

Debbie Stapleton 63, Friday, December 11, 2020 Blenheim Community Funeral Home

Hinnegan-Peseski

FUNERAL HOME

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

A FAMILY BUSINESS THAT CARES

4 Victoria Ave, Chatham (519) 352-2390 459 St.Clair St., Chatham • 519-351-2040 76 Main St. E., Ridgetown • 519-674-3141 141 Park St., Blenheim • 519-676-3451

www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com

Call 519-397-2020 Email michelle@chathamvoice.com or stop in 71 Sass Rd, #4 Mon.Fri- 10:00am-3:00pm

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

lifetransitions.ca • 519-351-4444

Serving Kingsville, Wheatley & Chatham kendrickfuneralhome.com

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

alexanderfuneralhome.ca

THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 16

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2020

The safety of our patients is our top priority. We are fully open to service all your dental care and hygiene needs with the following safety measures in place. • New physical distancing standards in our waiting rooms. • Screening measures to be conducted both prior to and upon arrival at our office. Dr. Miguel Garcia, DDS

Dr. Rafael Garcia, DDS

• Enhancements made to our already strict hygiene and sterilization practices.

Wishing you all a safe and happy holiday season! t dS Q ue e

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166 Richmond St

Services: Family Dentistry • Preventative Care Cosmetic Dentistry • Dental Implants • Invisalign® (Clear Aligners) Nitrous Sedation • Emergency Services

garciadentalcare.ca Stay in Touch!

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A ark

575 Queen St

166 Richmond St, Chatham, ON, N7M 1P2

575 Queen St, Chatham, ON, N7M 2J7

519-354-8100 richmond@garciadentalcare.ca

519-351-0727 queen@garciadentalcare.ca