Goodfellows deliver for 70th year
The Chatham Voice
Thanks to strong community support, the Chatham Goodfellows, for the 70th year, fed families and provided toys for hundreds of children in Chatham.
The 70th campaign saw more than $205,000 raised from the community, with in excess of 1,600 food hampers delivered and 1,360 toy packages dropped off.
“The board of directors of Chatham Goodfellows would like to
thank the corporate sponsors, private businesses large and small, service clubs, churches, schools, all of the volunteers, and the citizens of Chatham-Kent who helped in making this labour of love possible for those in need in our community,”
the organization said in a media release.
The board knew it was going to be a high-demand year, according to the release.
“Citizens continue to struggle to make ends
meet,” said the Goodfellows. “The cost of living is out of control and we are only going to see people needing more assistance for years to come.” Thanks to the care and generosity of local corporations, large and small businesses, service clubs, churches and citizens of Chatham-Kent, the Goodfellows were able to deliver.
The Porchlight campaign raised $57,000 and the street sales campaign raised $31,475. Thanks to other contributions, the Chatham Goodfellows estimated funds collected as of Dec. 31, reached $205,290.
The funds helped purchase toys, food, and boot and shoe certificates for children.
Contributed image
Dinal Peramune, left, and Azhar Choudhr, right – owners of 255 Lark St. where the Chatham Goodfellows toy packing took place – are pictured with Goodfellow Tim Haskell.
Waiting for answers
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative
pamwrightlji@gmail.com
Another year has passed and Wallaceburg Area Wind Concerns (WAWC) members are still waiting for answers from the province.
The advocacy group, as well as affected landowners, are continuing to push the Ministry of Health, Ontario’s Ombudsman and Lambton-Kent-Middlesex MPP Steve Pinsonneault for action.
They want to know if the government is going to officially probe the potential health effects of toxic metals found in the sediment of private wells in North Kent.
According to Denise Shephard, a volunteer director with WAWC, officials continue to sidestep the concerns of residents whose wells produce dirty black water.
“This is an important issue as the effects of this water impacts the health of many people,” she told The Voice in a recent interview. “This can’t be swept under the rug again.”
In a fight that’s spanned the better part of a decade, rural residents in North Kent claim their wells became fouled when industrial wind turbine developments took shape in Chatham-Kent. Many homeowners in the former Chatham Township and Dover areas say their well water turned murky and black, clogging pumps and filters and making it unfit to use and drink – a problem that continues to this day. Studies have determined the industrial turbines have been
constructed on an aquifer comprised of Kettle Point Black Shale known to carry toxic metals. It’s still unknown if the metals are bio-accessible and potentially harmful to humans.
Along with her husband Terry, Christine Burke is one of the well owners who has been dealing with a fouled well for years, making it necessary for the couple to haul water.
“I’m not just worried about me, I’m worried about my neighbours,” said the Mitchell’s Bay area resident, noting one man is in a wheelchair and the task of procuring clean water is very difficult for him.
In 2023, Burke and WAWC members fundraised to have nine North Kent wells tested by an independent lab. The water analysis found significant concentrations of arsenic, barium, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, lead, and nickel. Mercury was found in two cases. Later in 2023, a motion was brought forward by North Kent Coun. Rhonda Jubenville asking the Ministry of Health to test the sediment for health hazards.
Two letters requesting the testing be done have been sent to the MOH on behalf of Chatham-Kent, but no response has been received to date.
Jubenville said she’s disappointed with the government’s inaction.
“There’s no reason they can’t support the families that are affected,” Jubenville said. “Supporting those families would be a drop in the bucket to the province.”
Local geologist Keith Benn, who sat the expert panel for
Ontario’s all-hazard study in 2021, said the lack of acknowledgment from the province is astounding.
“It’s mind blowing,” Benn said. “Every single well analyzed has some sort of metals in it. But they haven’t reached out. The fact that they will not respond to a municipality is deeply concerning.”
In January 2024, Burke and Benn filed an official complaint about the need for the MOH to conduct sediment testing with the Ontario Ombudsman’s office, but no action has been taken. According to Burke, the ombudsman is waiting on the MOH for reports.
In the meantime, WAWC is reaching out to Pinsonneault for help.
Shephard said the group is hoping the MPP will present a 1,400-signature petition to the Ontario Legislature calling on government to expand the scope of the 2021 all-hazard study to “properly” analyze the metals in the sediment of the wells.
However, they’ve been unable work out the details with Pinsonneault.
Shephard said the rights of Chatham-Kent’s country folk are being ignored.
“If this was happening in Prestancia or Victoria Avenue in Chatham, something would be done,” she added. “But in North Kent, it is out of sight, out of mind.”
Chatham Voice file photo
Water well owners in North Kent continue to wait to see how the province will handle their water issues, a problem they’ve endured for years.
Baby Addison rings in 2025
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com
Paige Weierstall didn’t even think she was in labour when she arrived at the hospital at 12:30 a.m. New Year’s Day.
But Addison Alexandra Maria Pickering had other ideas and made her debut at Chatham-Kent Health Alliance about seven hours later at 8:48 a.m.
As C-K’s first baby of 2025, the infant is 19 inches long and weighs in at 7 lbs. 7 oz.
The new mom, who was 38 and half weeks pregnant, thought she was simply having Braxton Hicks contractions – a common type of contraction soon-to-be
moms experience as a warmup for the real thing.
“I didn’t know I was in labour,” Weierstall told The Voice later in the day. “So, I decided to go just to see and I found out I was already two centimetres dilated.
“It was actually pretty smooth,” the mother of two said of the birth experience, adding she and partner Tim Pickering are also parents to an 18-monthold boy named Emerson.
According to Weierstall, the baby’s big brother doesn’t know what to think of his sister and “just stares at her.”
The Dresden couple picked the name Addison because they liked it. Alexandra is also Weierstall’s second name, and the
name Maria comes from Tim’s mother.
Ironically, baby Addison was believed to be a boy based on a blood test and this was announced at a gender reveal to 45 people when Weierstall was 14 weeks pregnant.
The couple found out later when getting ultrasound pictures done at Bump View in Chatham that the baby was a girl.
“She checked over and over just to be sure,” said the new mom.
Baby Addison is one of three babies born at CKHA on New Year’s Day. A second was born 30 minutes after her and a third came into the world later in the afternoon.
Contributed image
Addison Alexandra Maria Pickering is Chatham-Kent’s New Year’s Baby for 2025. The infant girl weighed 7 lb. 7 oz. and was born shortly before 9 a.m. on Jan. 1.
Polar dip set for Jan. 18
By Michael Bennett Local Journalism Initiative The Ridgetown Independent
Registration is open for the eighth annual Chatham-Kent Polar Plunge, the annual fundraiser for Special Olympics Ontario.
Individuals and teams will take a dip in the cold January pool waters on Jan. 18 at Sons of Kent in Chatham.
This year, there will be just one plunge at 4 p.m., as opposed to offering separate afternoon and evening dips for the first seven years.
Chatham-Kent police Sgt. Jason Herder said the organizing committee decided to go with a later afternoon plunge only based on feedback from participants last year.
“We always had a good contingency for the first jump, but we’d get maybe 20 ... 30 if we’re lucky ... for the jump at night,” Herder said. “There was the same energy for the night jump, the atmosphere was always great with the
lights and the fire pits, but we didn’t have a lot of jumpers.”
“We spoke to a lot of people last year, and the response we heard is that when the sun goes down, it’s a lot colder, even though the pool water temperature is the same,” Herder said.
So, for this year’s plunge, there will be a bigger buildup throughout the afternoon, with a live band, vendors, food trucks, and beverages leading up to the 4 p.m. plunge.
After the final jumper, the band will continue playing, and the outdoor venue will remain open until around 6 p.m. when the party will continue inside Sons of Kent.
This will be the third Polar Plunge at the craft brewery as the first four events were held at St. Clair College Thames Campus.
“This is a perfect venue; I think we have one of the best atmospheres around,” Herder said of the number of Polar Plunges across the province.
Participants raised more than
OPEN HOUSE EVENTS
Thursday January 23 - 6 pm
519-354-1225
$70,000 in last January’s Plunge, and 100 per cent of the proceeds stayed in Chatham-Kent to host the Special Olympics School Games last July in Ridgetown and Chatham.
“Last year, we were riding the high of the Summer Games coming to town, and the year before, it was our first event after Mike Currie’s passing,” Herder said of the former head of the Chatham-Kent Special Olympics, who died in the fall of 2022.
This year’s goal is to raise $50,000 to go to Special Olympics Ontario.
“It’s an aggressive goal, but I believe it is very achievable,” Herder said.
The entry fee is $40 per person, which will be waived by raising $100 in pledges. Registration is open online at www.polarplunge. ca/chatham-kent where information is also available for businesses and organizations to sign up as a team.
Incentives for team registration will also be available online.
519-354-2913
Chatham Voice file photo
Mike Cassidy of Illinois screams as he leaps towards the cold water of the seventh annual Polar Plunge last January. The plungers return on Jan. 18 to raise money for Special Olympics.
Opinion
Double the ‘fun’
Are you ready for two elections in 2025?
We believe the premier might not be, at least after his timing plans took a hit.
Heck, Chatham-Kent’s own Steve Pinsonneault, just elected to the Ontario Legislature last spring might not be either. It will be two elections in one year for him. But, alas, expect to go to the polls this year for federal and provincial elections.
ed to a second term. Heck, people were just waiting for him to implode. But then he was a solid leader during the pandemic and emerged in time to win a majority government.
Premier Doug Ford was all set to call a spring election – a year ahead of his mandate – to seek re-election and a possible third majority government. And it appears federal parliament will implode with a non-confidence vote to push Justin Trudeau out of power. His bitter breakup with now former Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland has all but doomed his government to an early election. Poll numbers indicate the Liberals will get kicked to the curb.
At least there was to be a federal election this year regardless. It was to happen on Oct. 20.
As for the provincial election, it’s an attempt to take advantage of the current political landscape for Ford to retain power.
Prior to the pandemic, it seemed inconceivable Ford would be re-elect-
After that, pandering to donors led to the Greenbelt scandal, and Ford looked vulnerable. Add to that the fact we were years removed from the Wynne and McGuinty Liberals’ 15 years of rule. These were the people who force fed wind turbines on this part of the province and whose actions jacked up the price of electricity for the average consumer.
But recently, kickback cheque to taxpayers aside, Ford has again taken on a leadership role, this time standing up to Donald Trump, the next U.S. president. Trump has babbled about instituting tariffs against a host of his country’s trading partners, and Ford has fired back, threatening to cut off the supply of energy to the U.S. from Ontario.
In 2023, this province sent enough juice south of the border to power up 1.5 million U.S. homes.
So Ford stood up while Trudeau visited Trump in Mar-a-lago and was dubbed governor of the U.S.’s 51st state.
Get ready to head to those polls in the spring, and probably fall, whether you want to or not.
Our letters to the editor policy
The Chatham Voice welcomes letters to the editor. Our preferred method to receive letters is via e-mail to bruce@ chathamvoice.com (use “Letter” in the subject line).
The Chatham Voice reserves the right to edit letters to the editor for brevity and clarity. All letters need to be signed.
Chatham Voice 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.
Helping the homeless is complicated
Editor: In support of the editorial, “No easy fix,” relating to the homeless issue, congrats. It was well written, researched and documented. Get the addicted off drugs and into rehab, get the mentally ill the help they need, and get those who are able to work the needed support schooling or trades.
When the 12 mayors asked for legislation for guidance over the homeless, it was granted by the province.
Municipalities have
always complained about downloading from the provincial and federal governments (highways, social services, etc., etc.) because it becomes solely our cost. When we ask for this legislation, we receive financial funding. However, two or three years down the road, will these two governments say, “You asked for it, now you solely fund it?” Just asking.
that letter to the province, one would think it had council’s endorsement. Some reports claim otherwise. (Editor’s note: Canniff said he did it on his own.)
I truly believe that a request such as this needs council’s approval in the minutes. There is no better place to live than Chatham-Kent and the Maple City.
When Mayor Canniff and the other mayors sent
Editor: I fell on the ice under the snow on the path at the northwest corner of Keil Drive and Grand Avenue West on Jan. 2.
Passersby saw my plight and were at my side instantly with blankets to
cover me up while they called 911. They all stayed with me until the paramedics took me into the ambulance. Sorry, I didn’t get their names; they were awesome. Many thanks.
Thanks also to paramedics Erin and Ryan who checked me out. It appears to be badly pulled muscles.
Jon Wood Chatham-Kent
Curtis Carter Chatham
Ensure family members have a will
Editor: I just lost my youngest daughter at the end of October. If her physical loss wasn’t enough, I’m now dealing with all the paperwork that has to be cleaned up. Ordinarily, these things can be dealt with fairly swiftly by the executor who is appointed in a person’s last will and testament.
Unfortunately, my daughter had no will and thus had not appointed
an executor. By birth, her living daughter should assume that role. But agencies and financial establishments do not recognize her officially in that role.
Even with a death certificate, I was unable to access my daughter’s bank account, adjust her auto insurance or transfer her auto ownership over to her daughter.
Reader misses Russell the Crow
Editor: It is interest ing to hear local differing points of view that broaden our insight. When I first saw the statue of Russell the Crow, I was driving by as the sun lit up the carving. Immediately, my mind fancifully made an image of a young native dancer
in regalia springing into a dance of welcome to the crows passing overhead. Every time I passed by in my car, I smiled.
I liked it. I miss it.
Janet Mills Chatham
It took me a frustrating month of “sorry, there’s nothing we can do” moments before I realized I would have to acquire a legal document to assume an executor role.
I contacted a lawyer and filled out the necessary
documents, one of which was a letter signed by my granddaughter that gave me permission from her to assume the role.
That document, including references, goes from the lawyer to the courts to be approved and certified.
The process takes about
30 days.
My hope is that, as official estate trustee, I can finally begin to deal with all the things that tied my daughter to society.
If you are a parent of adult children, I urge you to get them a will kit or a lawyer’s business card.
Most people think, “I’m
35. I’m not going to die.” My daughter was 47 and hadn’t planned on dying either.
My wish for you is that you don’t have to go through what I am enduring.
Rick Nisbet Chatham-Kent
Provincial accountability for local politicians?
The Ontario government is looking to strengthen municipal governance and accountability across the province.
Introduced in December, the Municipal Accountability Act 2024, if passed, would enable the creation of a standardized municipal code of conduct, a consistent integrity commissioner process and mandatory code of conduct training for council members and some local boards. The biggest change would include a mechanism that would allow for penalties and the potential removal of
an elected official from office if in serious violation of the proposed code. However, removal and disqualification could only occur upon the recommendation of the municipal integrity commissioner, a concurring report from Ontario’s integrity commissioner, and a unanimous vote of the municipal council, with the exception of the person under review. Currently, there is no process available to municipal councils to remove elected officials found to be in serious violation of the proposed code.
Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Paul
Calandra said the new rules would support accountability.
“We had to make sure we got this right, which is why we worked with Ontario’s Integrity Commissioner to find the best path forward to create a standardized code of conduct process across the province,” Calandra said in a media release. “This process will support consistent accountability across our municipalities.”
The new legislation would replace the existing patchwork system that requires all of Ontario’s 444 municipal councils to write and set their own codes of conduct.
The Chatham Voice
Deck the Shelves
The Chatham Voice again teamed up with giving advertisers to help Deck the Shelves of two Chatham food banks recently. With the support of Hyundai of Chatham, Excel Realty, Chatham Chrysler, Mamma Maria’s, Community Futures Chatham-Kent, Sundowner Truck Accessories, Edward Jones on St. Clair Street, Hinnegan-Piseski Funeral Home, and Titan Forklifts, we were able to donate $1,200 to Outreach for Hunger and Salvation Army. Left, Brenda LeClair of Outreach for Hunger accepts a cheque from The Voice’s Peter Zubyk.
presents a check to
Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice
Right, Zubyk
Maj. Larry Bridger.
Popular toy show returns Jan. 19
By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com
There’s something for every toy fan or collector at the 22nd annual Chatham-Kent Toy Show on Jan. 19 at the Bradley Centre.
In fact, organizer Rob Sterling said there is so much “something” that the show can’t expand any further. Vendors and displays will take up 215 tables.
The show features farm toys, trains, sports cards, trucks, construction toys, model ships, books, planes, cars, action figures, dolls, collectibles, coins and more, Sterling said.
Today’s size and variety is a long way from where the show began, Sterling said.
“I’ve been part of it since Day 1. I’m 37 now,” he said. “When we started, I think we had about 40 tables set up at one of the conference rooms in the Wheels Inn. What we’re up to now, it’s quite a change.”
It started out primarily as a farm toy show, but it has expanded into so much more.
Sterling said there really is something for every toy or collectible fan.
“It’s the range of items
– everything from highly collectible items right down to kids’ play toys,” he said.
The variety of items for sale includes 3-D printed items, comic books, baseball and hockey cards and so much more.
Plus, there are displays from local groups.
The Chatham Aeronauts will showcase some of their members’ scale-model aircraft.
There will be two train displays, courtesy the Chatham & District Model Railway Club.
The show will also feature several hands-on kids activities. Sterling said those are being finalized.
However, a popular activity is locked in, thanks to the Chatham Home Depot.
“The Chatham store has always been great at supporting us. They’re bringing in their building kits,” Sterling said.
The event today maxes out the 25,000-plus square-feet of the Freedom Hall in the Bradley Centre.
By New Year’s Eve, all display tables had been spoken for. Sterling said vendors are still looking for spots at the popular event.
“The requests keep com-
ing in, but we keep telling them no at this point,” he said.
The organizing committee has considered expanding, but Sterling said it would just be too much.
“It’s a lot to manage with what we have. We’re happy with the size we have,” he said. “We do this as a once-a-year event, as a fundraiser, and there’s a limit to what we’re ready to take on.”
The toy show runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults, $2 for students, and free for children aged six and under.
Funds raised support Outreach for Hunger food bank and the 4-H Toy Club.
Last year’s event saw about 2,400 visitors attend. Organizers hope for a similar number this year.
Chatham Voice file photo
Displays, such as this one from the Chatham Model Railroad Club, are always popular at the Chatham-Kent Toy Show. The event, which features displays, vendors and hands on activities, takes place Jan. 19 at the Bradley Centre.
Community Events
Thursday, January 9, 2025:
• Retired Workers Chapter Meeting at 10:00am is the perfect opportunity to enjoy coffee and visit with friends and former workers. Keep up to date with things going on in the Community, pensions, benefits, the information provided from informed leadership and guest speakers. Spouses are welcome. Unifor Local 127, 405 Riverview Dr., Chatham (lower board room)
• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am-9:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch 11:00am -1:30pm. Come check out our daily specials. Senior Euchre starts at 1:00 pm. Everyone welcome.
• Afternoon Jamboree with all singers and musicians welcome 1 - 4pm at the Merlin Legion. Come out and enjoy good music & great company. Donations welcome. 519-350-8937 for info.
• Bill’s Place Community Space Drop-In from 3:30-6:30pm. Come spend some time in a 2SLGBTQIA+ safe space 48 Centre St., Chatham. Hang out, have a coffee, do your homework, ask a question, read a book, or chat about life or what we’ve been working on. Get some clothes from our Out of the Closet program, use the Community cupboard & more! No RSVP needed! Come & go as you please. All ages & allies welcome.
Friday, January 10, 2025:
• Come join us at The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham from 11:00am-9:30pm. The kitchen is open to serve lunch from 11:00am-1:30pm. Supper will be served from 4:00- 6:00. No orders after 5:30pm. Tonight’s specials are Smoked Sausage & Perogies or Fish & Chips, $13.00. Take out is also available by calling 519-351-8733 or 519-351-5639. Fun Darts start at 7:00 pm. Everyone is welcome.
• Delicious Merlickin Pork Chops at the Merlin Legion with all the fixings including dessert $16.50 all in. Served from 4:50-7pm. Call 519-689-4884 to book your meal. Take outs also available. 2 Stanley St, Merlin.
• Friday night supper at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St is a Ham and Scallop Potatoes dinner with vegetable, coleslaw and a bun. Dine ins $13 and pickups $14. All meals are served at 6 PM. Please call 519-3528291 to order. Everyone welcome.
Saturday, January 11, 2025:
• Come join us at The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham from 10:00am-9:30pm. Line Dancing lessons from 10:00am to 12 noon. There will be meat draws at 3:30, 4:30 and 5:30pm. The kitchen is open to serve lunch from 3:00 pm-6:00pm. Come check out our menu. Entertainment by The D.A.M. Band from 4:309:30. Everyone is welcome.
Sunday, January 12, 2025:
• Calling all Veterans. The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham will be hosting a Buddy Check for all Veterans from 10:00am -12:00pm. Come enjoy a coffee and talk to other Veterans. This venue is for Veterans Only.
• Breakfast at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St from 9amNoon. All breakfasts are cooked to order. Everyone welcome.
Tuesday, January 14, 2025:
• Adult Learn to Curl at Chatham Granite Club, 41 William St. N. Tuesdays Jan. 14-Feb. 18; 8pm -9:30pm. Great activity for individuals, friends and to meet new people. Bonus of 5 free weeks of league play following the end of the learn to curling program. Cost $165+GST. Call or text Mike at 519-784-9539. Facebook.com/ChathamGraniteClub. chathamgraniteclub.org
• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Col borne St. Chatham open from 11:00am-9:30pm. The kitchen is open to serve lunch from 11:00am1:30pm. Today’s special is Spaghetti with meat sauce. Come play Euchre at 1:00 or spend the evening playing Shuffleboard or Euchre starting at 7:00pm. Everyone welcome.
Wednesday, January 15, 2025:
• Chatham-Kent Coin Club meeting at the Active Lifestyle Center (7pm – 8pm), 20 Merritt Ave, Chatham. New Members and guests welcomed. We have members that collect Canadian, USA, and World coins and paper money. Gain knowledge and trends of the hobby For more info contact President Paul Robb (probb1@cogeco.ca) (289-228-2817).
• Heart Buddies - A monthly get together. A chance to talk and share your experiences of Heart Surgery, Heart Issues, matters of the Heart. For more info call 519-354-0070 or visit www. thamesviewfht.ca.
• Come join us at The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham from 11:00am-9:30pm. The kitchen is open to serve lunch from 11:00am-1:30pm. Our daily special is meat loaf Dinner. Come check out our other daily specials. We have Fun Darts at 7:00pm. Everyone welcome.
• Bill’s Place Community Space Drop-In from 3:30-6:30pm. Come spend some time in a 2SLGBTQIA+ safe space 48 Centre St., Chatham. Hang out, have a coffee, do your homework, No RSVP needed! Come & go as you please. All ages & allies welcome.
• Games Night at Bill’s Place, 2SLGBTQIA+ Community space, 48 Centre St., Chatham. 6:30pm. You are welcome to bring a game to see if others want to play or play what we have.
Thursday, January 16, 2025:
• Come join us at The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham from 11:00am-9:30pm. The kitchen is open to serve lunch from 11:00am-1:30pm. Come check out our daily specials. Senior Euchre starts at 1:00pm. Everyone welcome.
• Afternoon Jamboree with all singers and musicians welcome 1-4pm at the Merlin Legion. Come out and enjoy good music and great company. Donations welcome. 519-350-8937 for more info.
• The Chatham-Kent Quilters’ Guild meets the third Thursday of each month at St. Paul’s Congregational Church, 450 Park Ave W, Chatham. Doors open at 6:00 for socializing and shopping. The meeting starts at 7:00 pm. Everyone is welcome to join us, but the fee for non-members will be $10 per meeting. Come and enjoy our presentations, guest speakers and all of the other fun at our meeting. Our membership fee is $50 per year and this entitles you to our newsletter and all of our regular meetings free of charge. You are welcome to contact us through our Facebook page or our website at www.ckquiltguild.com for more information.
Send your events to bruce@chathamvoice.com or michelle@chathamvoice.com
Fun Stuff
CLUES DOWN
1. Variety of Chinese 2. Boxing’s GOAT
3. Japanese classical theater
4. Prayer 5. Inspire with love 6. Ballplayers’ accessory
7. Retailer payment system
8. More raw
9. Atomic #81
10. Fencing sword
11. Hostilities
13. Sea dweller
CLUES ACROSS
1. Hand (Spanish) 5. Siskel and __, critics
10. Seaman 12. Chemical weapon 14. One who eliminates 16. They precede C 18. Baseball stat 19. Americans’ “uncle” 20. Cassia tree 22. Surround 23. Crisp and Pebbles are two 25. A sudden very loud sound 26. Affirmative 27. Disadvantage 28. Corpuscle count (abbr.)
30. OJ trial judge 31. New York art district
33. Become more bleak
35. Upstate NY city
37. Clarified butters
38. One who witnesses 40. Condemn
41. __ juris
42. Natural 44. Prohibit
45. Swiss river
48. Greek war god
50. 5 iron
52. New Zealand mountain parrot
53. Scandinavian surname
55. Follows sigma
56. Doctor of Education
57. Spanish be 58. One that feeds on bugs
63. Tooth issue 65. Get into 66. Lumps of clay
67. Overly studious student
15. Resinlike substance secreted by certain insects
17. Businessmen
18. Rest here please (abbr.)
21. Loud devices
23. Make a soft murmuring sound
24. One point west of due south 27. Trout
29. Type of grass
32. South American plant
34. Letter of the Greek alphabet
35. Not secure
36. Traveler
39. Sweet potato
40. Period after sunrise and before sunset
43. Some are choppy
44. Asian country
46. Genus of mosquitoes
47. Cool!
49. Shrill, wailing sound
51. A baglike structure in a plant or animal 54. Within 59. Unhappy
60. Decorate a cake with frosting
61. Videocassette recorder
62. Largest English dictionary (abbr.)
64. It cools a home
Ambulance deal runs through ’29
The Chatham Voice
Chatham-Kent has inked a new deal to provide ambulance services for the municipality over the next five years.
The contract, which commenced Jan. 1, 2025, will see Medavie provide
the service through to the end of 2029 at a cost of just under $83 million. According to an administrative report to council, the municipality currently owns and operates 14 land ambulances, three support vehicles and three vehicles that are uti-
lized by the community paramedicine program. At present, Medavie Chatham-Kent employs one full-time general manager, four full-time managers, four full-time supervisors, five parttime supervisors and one staff member at the
Chatham headquarters as well as 123 unionized staff, made up of 87 fulltime paramedics and 36 part-time paramedics.
The Ministry of Health provides 50 per cent of the Medavie cost.
There are six ambulance stations in C-K including
Chatham, Wallaceburg, Tilbury, Thamesville, Ridgetown and Blenheim.
David Lewis
51, Saturday, December 28, 2024
Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Karen Gillespie
75, Tuesday, December 31, 2024
Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Paul Hould
80, Thursday, December 26, 2024
Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Susan Tierney
69, Thursday, December 26, 2024
Badder Funeral Home
Roger Marcel Ramandt
94, Sunday, December 29, 2024
Badder Funeral Home
Gordon Lester McBrayne
98, Saturday, December 28, 2024
Badder Funeral Home
Ellen Elizabeth Hard
76, Tuesday, December 31, 2024
Badder Funeral Home
Howard Ivan Ramsdale
91, Thursday, December 26, 2024
McKinlay Funeral Home
James Thomas Seney
89, Saturday, December 28, 2024
McKinlay Funeral Home
Gloria Amerlinck
75, Tuesday, December 31, 2024
McKinlay Funeral Home
Cindy Lee VanDerMolen (nee Rumble)
66, Thursday, December 26, 2024
McKinlay Funeral Home
Robert John Dakin
72, Wednesday, December 25, 2024
McKinlay Funeral Home
Louis Roland “Lou” Lucier
80, Sunday, December 29, 2024
McKinlay Funeral Home
Donna McClatchey
90, Sunday, December 29, 2024
McKinlay Funeral Home
Ron Arnold
86, Monday, December 30, 2024 McKinlay Funeral Home
Brock Chapman
92, Tuesday, December 31, 2024
McKinlay Funeral Home
Edward Lyons
57, Wednesday, December 25, 2024 Life Transitions
Jean “Noel” Lachance
Friday, December 27, 2024 Life Transitions
Barbara Torra (Rylett)
85, Friday, December 27, 2024 Life Transitions
Jacqueline Carter (Lockett)
Friday, December 27, 2024 Life Transitions
Pierre Dumay
93, Wednesday, January 1, 2024 Life Transitions
Carol Thompson (Walton)
72, Wednesday, January 1, 2024 Life Transitions
Mark Blackburn
64, Wednesday, December 25, 2024
Alexander & House Funeral Home
John “Jack” Haddock
82, Sunday, December 29, 2024
Alexander & House Funeral Home
Dianne Caudle
80, Wednesday, December 25, 2024
Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home
Attilio Meriano
81, Friday, December 27, 2024
Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home
Vittorio Todino
91, Sunday, December 29, 2024
Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home
Joseph Korpan
93, Monday, Decewmber 30, 2024
Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home
Michael Anthony Brown
55, Sunday, December 29, 2024
Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home
Jerry Bechard
60, Monday, December 30, 2024
Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home
Special events rocked in 2024
Last year was a busy one for special events in Chatham-Kent with a total of 186 processed by the municipality.
That’s up by 16 from the previous year, according to a report to council from the chief administrator’s office.
At 68 per cent, the majority of events were put on by local organizations, businesses or service clubs, with most taking place from May to November. Four new cultural events were added during the year, including Nagar Kirtan, ONAM, CK Welcomes and Taste of Chatham-Kent.
One of the highlights of 2024 was the addition of the Mainstreet Stage, the report said. The new portable stage has led to a great deal of positive feedback, officials said, with many noting the new amenity has enhanced events. A more detailed report on the stage is coming to council later this year.
Buy a calendar, support Field Naturalists
The Sydenham Field Naturalists (SFN) have launched their first-ever fundraising calendar.
Part of the group’s 40th anniversary celebrations, this
limited-edition calendar supports the expansion of the Mud Creek Demonstration Garden. The calendar is filled with fun tidbits, quotes, and nature days. Photos were captured by SFN members, showcasing the beauty of the area.
For more information or to purchase your calendar, email info@sydenhamfieldnaturalists.ca. Calendars are $20 each.
The Chatham Voice
The Chatham Voice
In Memoriam
David Eskritt
03-07-1957 - 01-07-2023 (2 years)
We remember you everyday Missing you never goes away There is always heartache and many tears but our precious memories stay with us all the years.
Love always
Your wife Judy, your children, grandchildren and families.
Obituary
Michael Brown
For Sale
Tire Sale: 4 Firestone 225 50R17.
$300.00 Phone 519-397-0928
Silk Cemetery Saddle Arrangements. Everyday/ Holidays. Readyto-go. Many colours available. $40. 519-3543411
CASH CASH CASH Will pay cash for Elvis DVDs. Phone 519-917-2339 Looking For
Passed away on Sunday December 29, 2024, Michael Anthony Brown, age 55, of Chatham. Born in Chatham on May 15, 1969, son of the late Mary Brown and Roger Brown. He will forever be loved and missed by his children and grandchildren. Dear brother of Bridget (Kerry) Brown, Talisha Brown, Amber Brown, Rodney Brown, Dana (Bethany) Brown and Rodger (Ashley) Brown. He will also be sadly missed by several nieces and nephews. Friends and relatives visited at Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home, 156 William St. S., Chatham (519-352-5120) from 11 AM until the time of a chapel service at 1 PM on Monday January 6, 2025. Burial in Maple Leaf Cemetery. Donations to ROCK Missions would be appreciated. Online condolences welcomed at www.peseski.com
Years
Carol Diane Thompson passed away peacefully on January 1, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Born on October 21, 1952, she was a devoted wife, cherished mother, proud grandmother, and beloved friend. Carol married Bruce Burton Thompson on April 15, 1989, sharing 35 years of love and partnership. Carol was predeceased by her son, Adam Joseph Armstrong (June 7, 1999) and was a loving mother to Sarah Armstrong Baribeau (Jacques) and stepmother to Marianne Willson and Terry Thompson. She was the proud grandmother of five: Mathew, Arielle, Sarah, Emily, and Eleanor. Carol was predeceased by her mother, Helen Walton McCann (2024), her father, Kenneth Walton (1988), and her stepfather, Hugh McCann (2016) and her first husband (Larry). She is survived by her brothers Murray Walton (Dianne), Marty Walton and Mike Walton. She will be deeply missed by her step-sister, Darlene Bateman (Doug) and step-brothers, Rob McCann, and Bill Ballantyne, along with her extended family and friends. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate PSWs and nursing staff from Bayshore, as well as the dedicated doctors and nurses in the Emergency Room and ICU at the Chatham Kent Health Alliance, for their exceptional care and kindness. A celebration of Carol’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of your choice in her memory. Carol will be remembered for her warmth, resilience, and unwavering love for her family. She leaves behind a legacy of cherished memories and an enduring impact on the lives she touched. Arrangements entrusted to Life Transitions Burial and Cremation Service Inc.
Announcement
Chatham Baptist Chapel “Come Out, Join Us” Sundays 11am and 7pm. Wednesdays 7pm, Friday 7pm. Old Hymns and KJV Preaching Go to www.chathambaptistchapel.com to watch sermons.
Help Wanted
Golf Pros Needed: for two courses N.E. Ont. 519-397-0928.
Typist Needed: for R.E. offers. Paid per offer. 519-397-0928.
Handyman Needed: for numerous smalls, paid hourly, Chatham. Phone 519-397-0928.
Active Lifestyle Centre 20 Merritt Ave., Chatham
Dan Jones B.A.B.Ed 519-818-1805 House calls available for larger amounts.
Wanted
Wanted to rent or buy 1 or 4 acres of land in Chatham-Kent area. No buildings or utilities needed. Rural area preferred. 519-352-5414 or 226-627-5414.
Wanted to Buy: Antiques, costume jewellery, gold, silver, coins, military, furniture, tools. We Buy All - Paid Cash. 519-7278894.
Siding Company Needed: for upper storey siding repair. Chatham. Phone 519-397-0928.
Electrical Company Needed: to replace an attachment on a Chatham house. Phone 519-397-0928.
Chatham:
Anne’s Smoke Shop, Downtown Chatham Centre, Legion Branch 628, Maple City Bakery, Loads of Love, Active Lifestyle Centre, Wimpys, Pharmasave, Schinkels, Lenovers, Betty Brite, Real Canadian Superstore, Library
Wallaceburg:
Shoppers Drug Mart, 99.1CKXS, Taylor’s Variety, Black Goose, No Frills, Hometown Deli, Library Dresden:
MacTavish Pharmacy, Godfathers, Dresden Meat Packers, Library
Thamesville:
Fast & Fresh, Movie Den, Studio 519, Library Blenheim:
McIntyre I.D.A. Pharmacy, Jim’s Barber Shop, Library, Blenheim Variety, Blenheim Municipal Service Centre, Erieau: Eau Buoy, Bayside Brew Pub
Pain Court: Pain Court Market, Central Tavern
Mitchell’s Bay: Mitchell’s Bay Variety, Dover Duds Merlin: Merlin General Store, Library
Tilbury: Ashley’s Place, Library, Rosie’s, Tim Hortons, Foodland
Charing Cross: Post Office/Bert’s Plumbing
Wheatley: Circle K Store, Jack’s Restaurant, Library
Bothwell: Library Highgate: Library Ridgetown: Library
