Bird flu impacting one million birds across Ontario
By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com
Avian flu outbreaks are a reality in Ontario, but as of last week, they had yet to infiltrate Chatham-Kent.
According to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) seven commercial poultry locations in Southwestern Ontario have been affected by a highly conta-
gious avian influenza since the middle of December.
Those seven outbreaks are in North Middlesex, Oxford County and Strathroy. All outbreaks are at commercial poultry operations, according to CFIA data, and impact more than one million birds.
Brad Snobelen, president of the Kent Federation of Agriculture, said the concern over bird flu is serious in Cha-
tham-Kent.
“There are over a million hens in our area that produce over 29 million eggs each year with a farm gate value of $78 million annually,” he said. “As well, pullets for egg production, broiler chickens, broiler breeders, turkeys and ducks are vulnerable to avian influenza.”
Snobelen maintains that an area of particular worry is
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with backyard chickens, something the KFA opposed as the matter went before council. Chatham-Kent council in November opted for a two-year trial project for the backyard birds, allowing rural and village residents to raise up to 10 hens on their property.
“Research has shown that contamination of commercial flocks can originate from urban backyard chickens,” Snobelen said in his letter to council. “When AI is detected in a commercial flock, that flock must be euthanized, the facilities thoroughly cleaned and disinfected and a withdrawal period must be observed. The result is crippling to that farmer – the financial, mental and emotional stress that accompanies this situation can be devastating.”
He added that the first detection of bird flu in 2023 in Ontario occurred in a backyard cluster of hens right here in Chatham-Kent.
A British Columbia teen contracted the H5N1 avian flu strain in November and was hospitalized.
The virus also spread to dairy herds in the U.S.
Avian influenza reported in Southwestern Ontario are variations of the H5N1 bird flu that has been persisting in wild birds internationally for more than two years, said Scott Weese, an infectious diseases veterinarian and professor at Ontario Veterinary College at the University of Guelph.
Weese said the virus is circulating “in wild birds fairly effectively and that means spillover risk of infection into domestic animals” such as poultry and mammals, “especially mammals that will catch and eat birds.”
The virus poses “multiple levels of concern,” Weese said, such as the virus’s potential to “jump between species and adapt.
“It doesn’t spread very well person to person, or spread at all person to person,” Weese said of the virus, but warned it could be problematic if that changed, especially into a transmissible infection that humans haven’t encountered previously.
• With files from Brian Williams, Local Journalism Initiative reporter with the London Free Press.
Chatham Voice file photo
Avian flu outbreaks in
have cropped up to the east of Chatham-Kent.
C-K looking for new bureaucrat
Job posting placed online for deputy chief administrative officer
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative
pamwrightlji@gmail.com
A bid to hire a new deputy chief administrative officer for Chatham-Kent isn’t sitting well with at least one elected official. The job will pay anywhere from $196,000 to $240,000 a year, according to an online job posting that describes the role as an assistant to current CAO Michael Duben, helping with many duties of the top administrator’s position.
However, Chatham Coun. Michael Bondy said the optics around the hire are poor as it comes at a time when the municipality is facing financial strain.
“We were told about this, we weren’t asked,” the veteran councillor told The Voice, noting he’s getting plenty of negative feedback from the public regarding the job posting. “It’s insane. We are not asked for approval... all we do is approve things that are put forward.
“The powers of council are slowly eroding,” said Bondy, who plans on running for mayor in 2026. “Considering the rising cost of everything, this is a terrible look.”
In December, a motion from Bondy asking that all non-union municipal hires paid $100,000 or more annually be approved by council was voted down. His original motion called for a $50,000 annual wage ceiling, but the amount was changed to $100,000 following an amendment from West Kent Coun. Lauren Anderson.
Bondy said that a new may-
or would be able to “right the ship” to bring high staffing costs in line, noting he receives many complaints from constituents on the matter.
The CAO position is the only senior manager that council hires directly. Duben came on board in September 2022, and in 2023 was C-K’s highest paid official in the municipal sector.
At an annual wage of $319,227 in 2023, he’s one of the highest paid CAOs in Ontario and is solely responsible for managing and hiring the rest of the C-K’s senior team.
When contacted by The Voice, Duben explained the proposed deputy CAO position is part of succession planning and does not bring any new costs to the taxpayer.
There’s money in the budget to cover the role, he said, because the manager of corporate initiatives position has been vacant for a couple of years, saving some $200,000. He said he’s also planning to consolidate some of the jobs of the senior management and won’t replace the next general manager who retires from the executive management team.
Duben said he wants to ensure senior managers are crosstrained in a number of disciplines, noting it’s difficult for anyone seeking a CAO position if they are only trained in one field.
“I think that my responsibility to the taxpayer and to council is that we are always planning for the future,” Duben said. “We want people to be able to step in and take on senior roles when
the time comes.”
He added he has no plans to step away from the CAO role for at least four more years.
Duben said the deputy CAO would be heavily involved in lobbying for funding from upper-tier governments to ensure “Chatham-Kent is at the forefront” of funding and grant applications.
Chatham-Kent’s executive management team is currently comprised of Duben; Edward Soldo, general manager of infrastructure and engineering services; Jodi Guilmette, general manager, health and human services; Cathy Hoffman, general manager, of corporate services; Bruce McAllister, general manager of community development; Dave Taylor, director of legal services, Chatham-Kent Fire & Rescue Chief Chris Case; and chief financial officer Gord Quinton.
When other councillors were asked if they approve of hiring a deputy CAO, most were reluctant to speak because the matter had only been discussed in closed session. This despite the fact the position is being advertised online.
Chatham Coun. Alysson Storey agreed in principle that succession planning is important for any organization, especially one the size of Chatham-Kent.
“We all want qualified
and capable people in a role like the CAO who is responsible for administering close to a half a billion dollar budget,” Storey explained. “I also think, due to the importance of the role, council needs to be kept in the loop throughout the process. I’d also feel a lot more comfortable with a detailed financial breakdown of the position and whether or not this is a temporary or permanent role. It’s more important than ever to ensure we’re keep-
ing a close eye on any increased costs.”
North Kent Coun. Rhonda Jubenville said she supports the new position, as succession planning is important, as long as it doesn’t bring any new costs to the municipality.
When contacted by The Voice, Mayor Darrin Canniff said he’s deferring questions about the new position to Duben as it’s not council’s responsibility.
The job posting closes Jan. 31.
Early warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease
Alzheimer’s disease is an insidious illness that slowly robs individuals of their memories, personalities and relationships. The Mayo Clinic says Alzheimer’s is a progressive neurological disorder that causes brain atrophy and cell death, which contributes to continuous decline in thinking, behavioral and social skills. This eventually affects a person’s ability to live independently. The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease and while there currently is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, there are strategies that can help mitigate symptoms. An ability to recognize dementia symptoms early can help millions take proactive steps to improve quality of life.
Here are some early warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease, courtesy of notable health organizations, including MJHS® Health System, the Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s New Zealand, and the Mayo Clinic.
What is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month?
Every January, Alzheimer Societies across Canada raise awareness around key issues in the dementia journey, including diagnosis, stigma, caregiving and support. For more information about Alzheimer’s disease and all of the services provided by the Alzheimer Society of Chatham-Kent please visit www.alzheimer.ca/chathamkent or call 519-352-1043.
• Recent memory loss that affects daily life. While it is normal to forget where you left keys, names or even telephone numbers from time to time, a person with dementia may have difficulty remembering recent events or where they live.
• Personality changes. Individuals may begin to show subtle differences in their personalities, including mood swings. For example, a person who is easygoing may become reluctant to interact with others.
• Difficulty with familiar routes. A person with dementia may have regular difficulty driving familiar routes or finding the way home.
• Trouble finding the right words. Finding words to converse freely can be difficult for people with Alzheimer’s. Such individuals may experience particular difficulty finding the right words to express their thoughts or identify objects.
• Disorientation with time. Someone with Alzheimer’s disease may be confused about the time of day and what is appropriate for that time.
• Decreased or poor judgement. Individuals with dementia may make consistently poor decisions and may start paying less attention to their physical appearance.
• Difficulty following a plan. A person with Alzheimer’s disease may have challenges solving problems, such as working with numbers, following a recipe or keeping track of finances.
Early signs of dementia may be confused as normal age-related changes. However, when such signs present themselves, it is critical to speak with medical professionals to get a clear diagnosis.
Winter chills out home sales
The Chatham Voice
Following months of increases, home sales turned rather stagnant in December, as just 54 units changed hands in the month.
That’s down marginally compared to December 2023, to the tune of two sales.
Looking back, home sales, according to the Chatham-Kent Association of Realtors (CKAR), were 34.6 per cent below the five-year average and
30 per cent below the 10-year average for the month of December.
Looking at 2024 overall, home sales totaled 1,275 units over the course of the year, an increase of 8.6 per cent from 2023.
Barbara McCaughrin, president of CKAR, said 2024 was a solid recovery period.
“The year 2024 marked a year of strong and sustained recovery in home sales supported by even stronger growth in listings coming onto the
50/50 draw nets $65K
The Chatham Voice
A Thunder Bay man is $65,200 richer as the winner of the Igniting Healthcare Holiday 50/50. Matthew Baumann’s number came up in the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Foundation fund-
raiser draw Jan. 9. The goal of the 50/50 is to raise money to purchase a new fluoroscopy machine for the hospital’s imaging department.
Ironically, it’s the second lottery type win for Baumann in a year’s time.
market from motivated sellers,” she said in a media release.
Despite the sluggish December in terms of sales, McCaughrin points to the number of properties on the market having grown substantially as a good sign.
“Inventories are sitting at higher levels now than they were at the end of 2023, providing ample opportunities for buyers who are making their re-
turn into the market as interest rates continue to move lower and new mortgage rule changes introduced in December provide more support to demand,” she said.
The number of new listings was up by 14.9 per cent from December 2023. There were 108 new residential listings in December 2024.
New listings were 12.3 per cent above the fiveyear average and 27.7 per
cent above the 10-year average for the month of December.
Active residential listings numbered 369 units on the market at the end of December, an increase of 20.6 per cent from the end of December 2023. Active listings haven’t been this high in the month of December in more than five years.
As for the price of homes, the average price of houses sold in December 2024
was $441,428, up 4.3 per cent from December 2023.
Looking at 2024 overall compared to 2023, the annual average price was $428,501, edging up 0.1 per cent from all of 2023.
“Price gains are currently very modest and aren’t expected to show much in the way of gains in the short term until the market has had a chance to work through its above-average supply levels,” McCaughrin said.
Opinion
CAO’s ‘Mini Me’
Succession planning. That’s the reasoning given by Chatham-Kent CAO Michael Duben for the municipality seeking to hire a “Mini Me” version of Duben.
A job posting for a deputy chief ad ministrative officer for C-K surfaced recently on the employment website Indeed.com, with a salary structure of between $196,000 to $240,000.
top job. Ditto for Joe Pavelka, the inaugural CAO of Chatham-Kent.
That’s pretty rich money for being the number two person of a municipality of about 110,000 people.
It’s also a new position. As mentioned, Duben said it’s for planning for his eventual replacement. Is it necessary?
That salary level translates to the taxes from more than 60 average homes in Chatham-Kent.
Let’s look back on the past CAO situation in C-K. Prior to Duben’s hiring, we had – briefly – Thomas Kelly, who was previously the general manager of infrastructure and engineering. Kelly was hired… until he wasn’t, a mere months after accepting the job. Details were not forthcoming over the breakup. Prior to Kelly, Don Shropshire led the municipality as CAO for a decade. He too was promoted from within, having been the general manager of community development.
Rob Browning predated Shropshire, coming from out of town to take the
So we’ve had a mix of hirings from within and without in our nearly three decades of existence as a municipality. There was no Mini Me position in place. One trend that cannot be ignored, however, is salaries. Duben was paid nearly $320,000 in 2023. Just one year prior, Shropshire was paid nearly $258,000 for doing the same job. What changed in a year? Why did Duben receive $62,000 more in compensation? That’s a pay hike of 24 per cent, unheard of numbers. And now, Duben’s Mini Me could come in at a salary of $240,000, nearly as much as Shropshire made as boss upon his retirement just three years ago.
The spending on salaries is baffling. A municipal job went from decent pay with great benefits to great pay with great benefits. And it all comes at the expense of taxpayers.
Proponents of such compensation say the municipality has to pay top dollar for top people. But we have the seventh-highest paid CAO in Ontario, according to 2023 figures. We’re not even in the top two dozen most-populous municipalities in Ontario, but we pay like a top-10 one. And we’re adding overseers. Something is very wrong with that picture.
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Scrap the roundabout idea at Merlin Road
Editor: Well they got another fiasco regarding the roundabout suggestion at Merlin Line.
It’s $6.6-million blunder. Why do we need a roundabout there? I travelled that road for 10 years on a weekly basis and never had a problem. So what was my secret, you ask? I left my house in good time to get to work in order not to speed. I did not text or talk on a cell phone.
Editor: I would like to take a moment to thank the nurses and all staff at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance for the exceptional care that I have
I paid attention to what is in front of me including stop signs.
If you don’t see a stop sign, what is stopping people driv ing straight through the roundabout?
the expense of a roundabout. Keep the stop sign and deal more harshly on both drunk driving and careless driving, thereby saving tax payers money.
Two people got killed in that particular area, which is devastating. Do some people even care about drunk driving on a daily basis?
So, in my opinion, forget
received on my stays this previous year.
Editor’s note: Work began on this contentious project in November and picks up again soon.
You are a special group of people and we are very fortunate to have such great people. All the best in 2025.
Curtis Carter Chatham
Bert Mulder Chatham-Kent
A thank you to Jimmy Carter
The passing of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter gave me pause and made me realize how the actions of one individual, however famous, can affect the humblest among us.
Jimmy Carter gave me my first promotion in the newspaper business.
The day after his inauguration as the 39th President, he issued a pardon for thousands of Americans who had chosen to leave the country rather than enter military service during the Vietnam War. The next year I would be working as a rookie reporter in the Wallaceburg Bureau of the Chatham Daily News for Phil, a man who had come to Canada under those circumstances. Even a presidential edict can take time to implement, but the die was cast and the repatriation process began.
Phil was a good man and fine writer, a patriot whose father had served with distinction in the U.S. armed forces, but he refused to participate in what he believed was an
unjust conflict.
He loved his country and took advantage of the pardon to head home, with his Canadian wife and a daughter who had been born in Wallaceburg. He continued a distinguished career and retired in the Midwest several years ago.
I was chosen to replace him as “bureau chief,” a term of some significance for a 20-something reporter who, only months before, had worried about his future after attempting to take several photographs without the benefit of film in his camera.
The night of my mistake, I called Phil in a panic, offering my resignation, sure that I simply wasn’t cut out for newspaper work. In his soft, slightly southern U.S. Midwest-
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ern accent, he told me everything would be all right. He arranged for retakes on the photos and I have never forgotten his kindness.
Jimmy Carter’s kindness in offering pardons wasn’t based on partisan politics. Its purpose was to help heal America’s deep wounds caused
by the war. Carter was roundly criticized by supporters of the war as being disrespectful of veterans and condemned by anti-war protestors because his amnesty didn’t include deserters.
The president believed he was doing the right thing as much as Phil believed his forgiveness
was the proper course of action. Both, in their way, were acts of compassion. In an era where politics has devolved to the point where “pleasing your base” and vilifying opponents with vulgarity is the norm, we need to remember that there is another way. We can choose healing
and kindness as Jimmy Carter did for my friend and mentor Phil and as Phil in turn did for me, or we can choose hate for those who don’t share our opinions. When we spew hatred, we say much more about ourselves than we do about the person we’re attacking.
Jim Blake
Increased accountability welcomed: mayor
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com
The province’s plan to introduce a tough, universal code of conduct for municipal council members who defy the rules is being welcomed by Chatham-Kent Mayor Darrin Canniff.
Tabled in the Ontario legislature in December, Bill 241 would usher in Municipal Accountability Act 2024, creating a framework that would allow misbehaving elected officials at the municipal level to be removed and possibly disqualified from running in future elections.
The legislation comes in the wake of problems at nearby Sarnia city council, as well as in Pickering’s,
where councils have been forced to meet online due to the egregious behaviour of some members.
In Sarnia, councillor Bill Dennis was recently chastised for his latest angry outburst in December where he called Mayor Mike Bradley a “loser” and “cokehead.” In the same tirade, he referred to another councillor, who is an ordained minister, as a “fruitcake.” Dennis let loose with other vulgar comments as well, telling the mayor to “**** off” and “kiss my ass.”
In Pickering, it appears that councillor Lisa Robinson is the problem child, espousing anti-Islamic rhetoric and calling other Pickering officials pedophiles who deserve to suffer violence.
Continued on page 10
Drum time at Capitol
Japanese masters of percussion take the stage at the Chatham Capitol Theatre on Saturday.
Yamato: The Drummers of Japan will perform their show, Hito no Chikara – The Power of Human Strength.
The Taiko troupe has reached nearly eight million people globally in more than 4,000 performances throughout its 32-year history.
In every program, the drummers play 35-40 different Japanese drums.
“Yamato believes that the drumbeat, like the heartbeat, is the very pulse of life and the epitome of the Japanese spirit,” the troupe’s founder and artistic director Masa Ogawa said in a media release The show begins at 8 p.m. on Jan. 18.
For tickets, visit www.cktickets. com or call 519-354-8338.
The Chatham Voice
Misbehaviour in Sarnia, Pickering
Continued from page 8
On Jan. 9, OPP launched an investigation into Robinson’s behaviour to decide if Robinson’s altright actions have crossed over into illegality.
Both Dennis and Rob-
inson have been docked three months’ salaryRobinson twice – for past bad behaviour. It’s the heaviest penalty currently available to municipal councils. But according to Canniff, the financial
penalty doesn’t appear to be working.
“Three month’s pay means nothing to them,”
Canniff said. “It’s not enough to stop some people.
“Sarnia and Pickering
are now forced to have their meetings online,” he added, noting the poor behaviour of elected officials makes a mockery of the democratic process and “undermines” local government.
“It’s very important that we hold elected officials to a certain level,” Canniff explained, adding everyone has the right to express their opinion as long as it’s done “professionally.”
accountability,” he said, pointing out a case in Ottawa where a councillor offered a staffer money to perform a sexual act, among other things.
In 2021, Orleans Liberal MPP Stephen Blais attempted to bring in a private member’s bill to stop abuse at the municipal level, but it was ignored by the Ford government.
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Chatham councillors Brock McGregor and Marjorie Crew both said they agree with making the penalties of code of conduct breaches more severe.
McGregor said it’s about time.
“I think there has been a lot of discussion about this topic and some really serious examples of bad behaviour with no real
Marjorie Crew said harsher penalties are needed because some people aren’t concerned about the money.
“Words matter and a lot of damage can be done to people and the democratic process,” Crew said. “I do believe we need to hold people accountable.”
However, one councillor who has been docked three months’ pay over social media posts she made, doesn’t agree stiffer penalties are needed. North Kent Coun. Rhonda Jubenville said councillors should only be removed if they are convicted of a criminal charge or breach the human rights code. They will get their comeuppance at election time, Jubenville said, adding the “best way to penalize someone is at the ballot box.”
But even if Bill 241 is approved, a number of steps must be taken before an elected official is removed or disqualified. This would only occur upon the recommendation of the municipal integrity commissioner, a concurring report from Ontario’s integrity commissioner, and a unanimous vote of council with the exception of the person under review.
Independently Owned & Operated
Local Grits say it was time to move on
By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com
Local politicos agree it was time for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to step aside.
Trudeau, prime minister since 2015, announced on Jan. 6 he would resign once a new Liberal leader is chosen.
To guarantee there is time for his replacement to be selected, he prorogued Parliament until March 24.
off and give new leadership a chance.”
Saiyed said the announcement was not surprising, as Trudeau’s popularity waned.
However, there are people who disagree with how Trudeau handled his exit. Lianne Rood, MP for Lambton-Kent-Middlesex, is one of them.
“If your popularity decreases, it’s time to back off and give new leadership a chance.”
- C-K–L Liberal Ike Saiyed
That means we won’t see an election until late spring, at the earliest.
Ike Saiyed, vice-president of the Chatham-Kent–Leamington Liberal Riding Association, said it was a wise move for Trudeau to step aside. A growing number of Liberal MPs had publicly stated he should let someone else lead.
“We’re embracing change. The party has decided,” Saiyed said in an interview with The Voice.
“If your popularity decreases, it’s time to back
“Conservatives have been calling for Justin Trudeau to resign and give Canadians a carbon-tax election,”
she said in a prepared statement.
Rood added the proroguing of Parliament to wait until the Liberals select a new leader is scandalous.
“I have stood in parliament and named over 68 Liberal scandals involving Trudeau and the Liberal party since 2015; this makes one more,” she said in the release. “Canadians deserve better. They deserve an election now, not having to wait and suffer from further NDP-Liberal incompetence over the coming months.”
O’Brien Sulman Law Offices
Douglas A. Sulman, KC. and Jerry F. O’Brien wish to announce the appointment of Gregory W. McGivern as a Justice of the Ontario Court of Justice.
Justice McGivern will be located in Windsor where he will deal exclusively with criminal court matters.
Our congratulations go out to Justice McGivern and we wish him well in his new role in the Ontario justice system.
At the same time, we welcome Ashley Lavigne and Anthony Andreopoulos to our law office. Both are graduates of the University of Windsor Law school.
Ms. Lavigne’s area of practice is family law and she has practiced for over 10 years.
Mr. Andreopoulos’ area of practice is criminal law and he has practiced for over 13 years.
They can be reached at the O’Brien Sulman Law Offices
870 Park Avenue West, Chatham, Ontario 519-352-0190
Despite repeated attempts to speak directly to Rood, her office staff told The Voice she was unavailable.
Dave Epp, MP for Chatham-Kent–Leamington was also listed by his staff as unavailable to comment.
Proroguing Parliament is nothing new. It has been
done repeatedly over the years by Liberal and Conservative prime ministers. Trudeau himself prorogued Parliament in 2020 during the pandemic and amidst the WE Charity scandal.
Stephen Harper, Conservative prime minister, also prorogued Parliament in 2008 to fend off a non-con-
fidence vote.
Add Liberal Jean Chretien and Conservative Brian Mulroney to the list of past prime ministers to play the prorogue card.
Saiyed defended Trudeau’s time as prime minister, saying he had “respect and gratitude” for Trudeau, who led the party and the country for
nearly a decade.
“He was very strong and brought the country forward,” he said of Trudeau. “We appreciate his leadership role, but it’s time for a new leader.”
There is no announced candidate as of yet for the Liberals in C-K–L, but Saiyed said that will soon change.
SENIORS LIVING
Friday,Feb7,2025 11:00AMto12:30PM
Feb
Feb
Feb
LOTTERY CALENDAR
Date Name Tic#
April 1 Sherry Beselaere 1998
April
April
April 4 Pierre and Eddie 96 $20.00
April
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April 6 Bernice Chartrand 1530 Bowlerama Family
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April
April
April 13 Jennifer Jones 1643 $20.00
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April
April
April
April 18 Chris Hogg 930 $20.00
April
April
April 21 Byron Hodgson 1642 $20.00
April 22 Nancy Hrytzak 1641 FX Decorating Gift Card
April 23 Linda Schmoldt 1097 Mamma Maria’s Gift Card
April 24 Lois Bachynski 1098 $20.00
April 25 Bernadette Belanger 1298 Wallace-Kent Sprinkler $50.00
April 26 JP Brown 1297 $20.00
April 27 Joyce Simmons 1511 $20.00
April 28 Chris Laprise 1508 $20.00
April 29 Anne-Marie Ethier 227 VOXX Life Gift Card
April 30 Jen Fargnoli 1163 VOXX Life Gift Card
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May 6 Matt Reaume 1754 $20.00
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May 9 Jerry Corso 270 Taste Gift Card
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May 12 Scott Caron 468 Chatham Nissan $200.00
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July 11 Christine / Remi Valuquette 1855 Taste Gift Card
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Aug 11 Karen + Warren Williams 562 $20.00
Aug 12 Gordy MacDonald 1656 North Kent Wind Tim Card
Aug 13 Mike + Donna Normandin 644 $20.00
Aug 14 Trevor Sterling 1314 $20.00
Aug 15 Louis Pinsonneault 1837 MC Business Solutions Gift Card
Aug 16 Ryan Toland 402 CLC-K Wellness Pack
Aug 17 Amber Marchand 348 $20.00
Aug 18 Ruth Towton 1658 $20.00
Aug 19 Shannon Sturdevant 667 $20.00
Aug 20 Rosemary Emms 1771 Turns & Tales Gift Card
Feb
Feb
Feb
Feb
Feb
Feb
Feb
Mar 3 Pauline Bolohan 0277 $20.00
Mar 4 Christina Currie Reid 1815 $20.00
Mar 5 Carol Allison 0201 South Kent Wind Tim Card
Mar 6 Deb Murphy 0717 $20.00
Mar 7 Liz Zantingh 1632 $20.00
Mar 8 Debbie Boughner 1151 Norwex Gift Card
Mar 9 Sherry & Ken Delrue 1057
Mar 10 Christine Matte 1139 $20.00
Mar 11 Jamie McGrail 0903 North Kent Wind Tim Card Mar 12 Marlena Goncalves 1832 $20.00 Mar 13 Carly Christian 1911 $20.00
May 22 Steven Caron 467 Willow Ridge $20.00
May 23 Jack Kemp 368 Willow Ridge $20.00
May 24 Lenny Moore 1103 Wallace-Kent Sprinkler $50.00
May 25 Beth Bechard 1793 $20.00
May 26 Glenn Schnekenburger 1457 $20.00
May 27 Nancy Blonde 1362 North Kent Wind Tim Card
May 28 Deb McGrail 1371 $20.00
May 29 Alaina + Ken Francis 649 $20.00
May 30 Kerry Jack 1746 $20.00
May 31 Lauren Edwards 1552 VOXX Life Gift Card
June 1 Bill Clark 1420 Bowlerama Family Pass
June 2 Betty Morrell 1821 $20.00
June 3 Mary Lynn Featherstone 0337 $20.00
June 4 David Hope 0831 South Kent Wind Tim Card
June 5 Erick Skillings 0433 Planet Print $30.00
June 6 Shelley Craig 0439 Imperial Eyewear Sunglasses
June 7 Sheryl Inns 1713 The Health Depot Samsung Tablet
June 8 Stephen Larsh 0136 $20.00
June 9 Brian Hearns 1669 $20.00
June 10 Terry Tedford 0174 North Kent Wind Tim Card
June 11 Craig Walker 0259 $20.00
June 12 Kelsey MacPhee 1725 $20.00
June 13 Mary Richardson 0513 $20.00
June 14 Vic Regnier 1129 Norwex Gift Card
June 15 Jan Watson 1206 $20.00
June 16 Andy Charron 1995 Tom’s Appliances $200.00
June
June
June
June
June
June
June
June
June
June
Aug 21 Tom & Julie Smith 236 $20.00
Aug 22 Jennifer Moir 1218 $20.00
Aug 23 Ben Gordon 378 Willow Ridge Pub $50.00
Aug 24 Amy Finn 1466 Willow Ridge Pub $20.00
Aug 25 Tracey Postma 152 Willow Ridge Pub $20.00
Aug 26 James Benoit 745 $20.00
Aug 27 J Bruhlman 736 $20.00
Aug 28 Sarah Giorgetti 665 $20.00
Aug 29 Lillion Rota 12 $20.00
Aug 30 Debbie Dewar 942 $50.00
Aug 31 John + Bernice Nadolski 1621 VOXX Life Gift Card
Sept 1 Richard Malott 1231 $20.00
Sept 2 Sandy Couture 85 Iron Workers Local 700 $200.00
Sept 3 Herman Moore 1307 South Kent Wind Tim Card
Sept 4 Wendy Ritchie 949 $20.00
Sept 5 Patty Laprise 1805 $20.00
Sept 6 Laurie Frain 1291 The Health Depot Samsung Tablet
Sept 7 Matthew Malott 1702 Bowlerama Family Pass
Sept 8 Henry Ameloot 1861 $20.00
Sept 9 Ryan Kalp 751 North Kent Wind Tim Card
Sept 10 Tanya + Dan Steel 357 $20.00
Sept 11 Randy Newham 704 $20.00
Sept 12 Laura Whittal 1994 Taste Gift Card
Sept 13 Paul + Annie Gilbert 1615 Norwex Gift Card
Sept 14 Sue / Jean Marc St. Pierre 939 $20.00
Sept 15 Derek + Brett Gore 200 $20.00
Sept16 Nancy Blonde 1362 $20.00
Sept 17 Jeremy Smecnk 1977 $20.00
Sept 18 Kathy Huff 815 Rubies Gift Card
Sept 19 Michael Betty 1288 $20.00
Sept 20 Gail Blonde 302 CLC-K Wellness Pack
Sept 21 Joseph Presutto 312 $20.00
Sept 22 Ernie Moynahan 418 $20.00
Sept 23 Paula Beattie 1182 North Kent Wind Tim Card
Sept 24 Chris Schram 100 $20.00
Sept 25 Catherine McCrae 1756 $20.00
Sept 26 Mark Hare 8 $20.00
Sept 27 Chery Buitenhuis 1228 $50.00
Sept 28 Brittany Rylett 231 $20.00
Sept 29 Barry Denomme 1305 $20.00
Sept 30 Susan Whitlock 1917 VOXX Life Gift Card
Mental Health Matters
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2025
Self-Care Activity
On Bell Let’s Talk Day, Canadians can give $5 by text with Bell matching all donations up to a total of $1 million.
The largest-ever corporate commitment to mental health in Canada, Bell Let’s Talk is focused on 4 key action pillars – Anti-stigma, Care and Access, Research and Workplace Leadership – and is a driver of Bell for Better. To learn more, please visit Bell.ca/LetsTalk.
LET’S CREATE REAL CHANGE
Too many Canadians continue to struggle with their mental health. This year Bell Let’s Talk Day is putting a spotlight on the growing youth mental health crisis in Canada. Youth mental health is in serious decline with increasing rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation.
1.25M young people need help in Canada 1 in 2 young people in Canada aren’t getting the help they need 1 in 4 young people in Canada have considered suicide
How to start a conversation
Mental illness affects one in five Canadians and has a profound impact on individuals and families. When people do not feel they belong, when they live in fear of violence or bullying, or if they are worried about how they are going to feed and shelter their families, their mental health is often affected. Anxiety and depression can mean less productivity at work, greater use of alcohol and drugs, and can contribute to the risk of chronic physical disease. This month, challenge yourself to complete as many self-care activities as you can. For each activity completed, fill in the square!
•Pick a circled number and open in alternate directions that amount of times
•Pick a blue number and open alternately that amount of times
•Pick your final number, open flap and start your conversation
•Pick a circled
•Pick your final number, open flap and start your conversation Join in to help create
•Pick a blue number and open alternately that amount of times
Kind To Your Mind
Maroons set to Face
Off for Mental Health
By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com
When the Chatham Maroons take to the ice Sunday night in green warmup jerseys, they’ll be doing so knowing teammates, parents and fans will benefit from their efforts.
The jerseys, which will be removed before the Maroons take on the St. Thomas Stars that night, are to be auctioned off as part of the Face Off for Mental Health program. Funds raised from the jerseys and other auction items will support the program as it aims to raise awareness of mental health supports in Chatham-Kent.
Spokespeople for the Maroons and the Mental Health Table that have organized the Face Off for Mental Health program, said working together was an obvious match.
Maroons executive member Tom Heath said mental health concerns are very close to home for the organization, recalling that it was less than a year ago that former assistant captain Craig Spence died in a car crash. The team had to come to grips with the sudden loss.
When the Mental Health Table approached the organization about raising awareness for mental health through a regular season hockey game, Heath said the Maroons jumped at the opportunity.
and Blenheim Blades alike. But the needs goes beyond one incident, however tragic.
“I’ve been involved in sports all my life. Back in the day, we didn’t talk about mental health issues,” he said. “But when you start reading about some of the stats, how many are dealing with mental health issues, it’s scary. It’s especially scary when you’re talking about kids.”
Cathy DeBresser Knowler, chair of the Mental Health Table, said having worked with the Maroons last year when the table rolled out the BeSafe app to Chatham-Kent set the stage for Sunday night. BeSafe is a free mobile app that allows users to quickly access local mental health resources.
“The response we got on that (BeSafe) was incredible,” DeBresser Knowler said. “We see them (the Maroons) as being role models to all the younger (hockey) players.”
She said the Maroon players last year were first class when working with the Mental Health Table.
“They were so welcoming of the thought of bringing mental health into sports,” she said. Heath said support for players is important. He noted the loss of Spence impacted the Maroons
Those statistics are “staggering,” according to DeBresser Knowler. Prior to the pandemic, an estimated one in five youths suffered from a mental illness. Post pandemic, it’s closer to one in three.
“In hockey terms, that’s at least one player on each line, a coach, many parents, and a significant percentage of the fans,” DeBresser Knowler said.
At the Jan. 19 game, there will be activities designed to raise awareness and foster community engagement over mental health concerns. They include the jersey auction; a moment of silence in tribute to those impacted by anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, and many other mental health challenges; a mental health pledge wall; the sale of supportive green ribbons; and more.
Continued on page 18
CMHA Lambton Kent provides services and facilitates access to the resources people need to maintain and improve their mental health. We provide programs such as Case Management, Crisis Support, Housing, Justice Supports and many more. No referrals are necessary and all services are free.
100-240 Grand Ave. West, Chatham, ON N7L 1C1
Phone: 519-436-6100
The Youth Wellness Hub provides the right to services to youth (ages 12 - 25 years) and their families, at the right time and in the right place. We support youth in caring for their mental and physical health, and in addressing concerns such as of housing, employment and substance abuse.
Services are:
• Free
• Easy to Access
• Youth Friendly
• Co-created with youth
• Connected with other community resources
If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health or you would like support accessing resources, our 24/7 Mental Health Response Team is available to you. We provide telephone crisis intervention, referrals and family support. Healthcare providers are also welcome to reach out.
This service is staffed by Mental Health Professionals and is available 24 hours per day, 365 days per year.
For more information about youth services contact us:
140 King Street West Chatham, ON N7M 1E2
Phone: 519-437-6329
Email: ck@youthhubs.ca
Social Media: @ckyouthhub
We travel to one location per day on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Our hours of operation are 9:30am - 3:00pm.
Currently travelling to Dresden, Walpole Island, Chatham, Thamesville, Wallaceburg, Blenheim, Delaware Nation, North Buxton
Our schedule is available at: www.mobilecareclinic.ca @mobilecareck 1-866-299-7447 (7:00am-7:00pm)
Donate Here
Giving that WORKS.
When you give to CMHA Lambton Kent, you’re helping people you care about. Your donations empower vital programs like Mental Health First Response, YWHO, and MobileCare, providing vital support to people you care about, right here in our community.
Delivering mental health message
Continued from page 16
Heath said a stick autographed by all the Maroons will also be up for auction, as well as items donated by local businesses. A print of Bobby Orr scoring “THE goal” is also up for grabs.
“We’re hoping that we raise a significant amount of money that will go to
the local Mental Health Table to support the programming and services,” Heath said.
DeBresser Knowler said the Face Off game is hoped to help break what may be self-perceived barriers.
“One really big job is breaking the stigma to mental health. Some kids might not be OK, but they
don’t want to say anything out of fear they might be benched,” she said. “They put so much pressure on themselves.”
DeBresser Knowler said there are supports in place in Chatham-Kent for youth and young people. However, not everyone knows what’s available.
“There are so many tools
out there that people don’t realize. Mental health support can be very, very expensive, but people don’t realize we have a lot of supports in Chatham that are free of charge for youth as well as adults,” she said. “It’s OK not to be OK and to reach out for help.”
The BeSafe app helps
showcase what supports are in place.
“When a person struggles, they can open up that app and it will tell them where they need to go to get the help they need,”
DeBresser Knowler said.
Heath said he would like to see the Face Off for Mental Health idea spread leaguewide.
“We hope we’re just kind of a starting point. This is not just for GOJHL (Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League), but for everyone who comes to watch,” he said. “It will start these conversations.”
The Face Off for Mental Health game takes place at 7 p.m. Jan. 19 at Memorial Arena in Chatham.
•
Ridgetown girls roar for Lions
By Michael Bennett Local Journalism Initiative The Ridgetown Independent
Two young Ridgetown area girls recently experienced the thrill of a lifetime – cheering for the Detroit Lions right on the Ford Field turf.
Seven year olds Natalie Hoskins of Ridgetown and Brinley Simon of Duart were among 395 girls who attended a Junior Lions cheerleading clinic hosted by the Detroit Lions cheerleaders in December.
The Lions Cheerleaders put the girls through a number of drills and dance moves while learning a routine during a four-hour clinic at Ford Field.
The girls returned to Ford Field to perform their routine during halftime of the Lions’ game
against the Buffalo Bills on Dec. 15.
“They loved it,” said Jennifer Hoskins, Natalie’s mother.
“We didn’t want to tell them they would be performing in front of such a big crowd,” Jennifer said of the sold-out crowd of more than 66,000 fans. “But they had a great time; it was a real confidence booster.”
So, how did the two Grade 2 students at St. Michael’s Catholic School end up cheerleading at a Detroit Lions game?
Jennifer Hoskins, who grew up in Waterford, Mich., is a former dancer with the Automotion, the Detroit Pistons’ cheerleading team, from 2004-07.
When the Lions announced they were adding an official cheerleading team in 2016, Rebecca Girard-Smoker, formerly
the director of Automotion, was hired as the coach.
“Rebecca was my coach when I danced for the Pistons, and when she became the coach for Detroit Lions’ cheerleaders, I was hired on as a corner coach for the first two seasons,” Jennifer said.
Jennifer said she has stayed in contact with Girard-Smoker and other members of the Lions’ cheerleading team, which was how she found out about the junior clinic.
“The girls turned seven this year, which is the minimum age for the clinic, so I asked Brinley’s mother (Colette), and she thought it was a great idea; the girls were really excited,” said Jennifer.
Natalie and Brinley have been friends since the age of two.
DOWNTOWN DENTAL
Saruna
Adel
Contributed image
The girls are pictured with their moms - Colette and Brinley Simon on the left, Natalie Hoskins and Jennifer on the right.
Community Events
Thursday, January 16, 2025:
• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am-9:30pm. Kitchen open to serve lunch 11:00am-1:30pm. Come check out our daily specials. Senior Euchre at 1:00pm. Everyone is welcome.
• Afternoon Jamboree with all singers & musicians welcome 1-4pm at the Merlin Legion. Come out and enjoy good music and great company. Donation welcome. Call 519-350-8937 for more info.
• The Chatham-Kent Quilters’ Guild meeting at St. Paul’s Congregational Church, 450 Park Ave W, Chatham. Doors open at 6:00. The meeting starts at 7:00pm. 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. You are welcome to contact us through our Facebook page or our website at www. ckquiltguild.com for more information.
• Join us for January’s special Messy Thursday from 4:30-7:30pm at the Merlin branch of the CKPL. We’ll be getting messy crafting with cardboard. Ages 5+, Drop in. No registration required.
Friday, January 17, 2025:
• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am-9:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch 11:00am-1:30pm. Supper will be served from 4:00-6:00. No orders after 5:30pm. Tonight’s specials are Salisbury Steak & Onions or Fish & Chips, $13.00. Take out is also available by calling 519351-8733 or 519-351-5639. Fun Darts start at 7:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome.
• Scrumptious perch and/or chicken dinner at the Merlin Legion with choice of potato & coleslaw plus dessert. Served 4:30-7pm. 5pc perch $20; perch/ chicken combo $20 & 3pc chicken $15.50. Contact 519-689-4884 for info. Take out available. 2 Stanley St., Merlin.
• Friday night supper at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St is a roast beef dinner with potatoes, vegetable, salad and a bun. Dine ins $14 and pickups $15. All meals are served at 6pm. Please call 519-352-8291 to order. Everyone welcome.
Saturday, January 18, 2025:
• Euchre at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St starting at 1pm. Lunch served starting at Noon-1pm.
• 7:00pm. St. Andrew’s Performing Arts presents- Mark Payne & Friends - Then Sings My Soul. Mark Payne, Petrolia’s Victoria Playhouse Music Director returns to St. Andrew’s stage with friends to captivate the audience. Tickets are $30.00, available at the Church office or online at www.standrewschatham.org/ tickets or call the office at 519-352-0010 for further information.
• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 10:00am-9:30pm. Line Dancing lessons from 10:00am-12 noon There will be meat draws at 3:30, 4:30 and 5:30pm. The kitchen is open to serve lunch from 3:00pm-6:00pm. Come check out our menu. Entertainment by Back-to-Back from 4:30-9:30. Everyone welcome.
• Join us at the Merlin Legion for Karaoke Bob. 7-11pm. Meal special with 1 lb wings, burger or jumbo hot with beer or alcoholic drink $11.50. Call 519-6894884 for info. 2 Stanley St., Merlin.
• Plant Swap from 11am-2pm. Who doesn’t love free houseplants?? Bring your extra/propagated houseplants and join us at Bill’s Place 48 Centre St, Chatham. Tea, snacks and chats included! Don’t have any plants to bring? New to plant care? That’s okay! We will have lots, so please feel welcome to come connect and take some plants home!
Sunday, January 19, 2025:
• 22nd Annual Chatham-Kent Toy Show & Sale. Come and See: Farm Toys, Trains, Sports Cards, Trucks, Construction, Model Ships, Books, Planes, Cars, Action Figures, Dolls, Collectibles, Coins, and more! 10am to 3pm. John D. Bradley Convention Centre, 565 Richmond St., Chatham, ON. Adults $5. Students $2. Children 6 and under - Free. www. facebook.com/cktoyshow, cktoyshow@ hotmail.com. 519-352-8365.
• Breakfast at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St from 9amNoon. All meals are cooked to order. Everyone welcome.
• Jamboree at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St from 1-5pm, $5. Come, listen and dance to the sweet sounds of Hired Hand.
Tuesday, January 21, 2025:
• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Col borne St. Chatham open 11:00am-9:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch 11:00am-1:30pm. Today’s special
is spaghetti with meat sauce. Euchre at 1:00 or Shuffleboard & Euchre starting at 7:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome.
• The multi-generational tale, “Rooted and Remembered” by C.J. Frederick is a historical fiction debut novel based in Southwestern Ontario and set at the turn of the last century. 6:30pm at Ridgetown Branch of the CKPL. Books will be available for sale for $20.
• Reduce Reuse Craft from 6:30-7:30pm at the Blenheim branch of the CKPL. Use recycled materials to create a castle for cats, a musical instrument, marble maze or more! Ages 5+, Drop in. No registration required.
• Family Game Nights starting at 4:30pm at the Merlin branch of the CKPL. Stop by the Merlin Branch to play board games. Bring your own or use one of the library’s. Fun for the whole family. All ages, no registration required.
Wednesday, January 22, 2025:
• Kent County Stamp Club meeting at the Active Lifestyle Center, 20 Merritt Ave. Chatham. 7:30pm - 9:00pm. New Members & guests welcome. Our members collect Canadian, USA, World Stamps, Covers & Postcards. For info: President Dennis Marek (drsam2945@ gmail.com) (519-627-1429).
• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Col borne St. Chatham open 11:00am-9:30pm. Kitchen open to serve lunch from 11:00am-1:30pm. Our daily special is meat loaf dinner. Come check out our other daily specials. Fun Darts at 7:00pm. Everyone is welcome.
• “Café Capers”. Join us for a different caper each week. Some activities will be challenging, others will get you crafting and still others will be relaxing and fun! This week share a funny or heart-warming story. Registration not required. Drop by the Library Café from 10:00am -11:00am. To find out more about CKPL services, programs, and collections, visit www.ckpl.ca.
• Preschool Storytime at 10:30am at the Blenheim branch of the CKPL. Join us for songs, rhymes, and stories! Best suited to children 5 years and younger. Drop-in. No Registration required.
Send your events to bruce@chathamvoice.comcom or michelle@chathamvoice.com
Fun Stuff
62. Facial body part
63. Russian river
64. Urinates CLUES DOWN
1. Partner to “oohs”
2. Scaly water dweller
3. Pueblo people of New Mexico
4. Music producer Teo
5. Greek mythological goddess
6. Got together to discuss
7. Acquires
8. Involve
CLUES ACROSS
1. This regulates cortisol production (abbr.)
5. People of northern Vietnam 8. Employee stock ownership plan 12. Regions 14. The center of a city 15. Hindu serpentine deity 16. Roared 18. Sun up in New York 19. “Sir” in Malaysian 20. Shrimp dish 21. Muckraker Tarbell 22. Apex 23. Harmonic effects
26. One of Babe Ruth’s nicknames
30. Groups in organic chemistry
31. More pleasant-tasting
32. Spring forward
33. Noted writer
34. Building occupied by monks
39. “The world’s most famous arena”
42. Colorless liquid hydrocarbon
44. Long or fast speech
46. Things you can eat
47. Substance in which magnetic moments are not aligned
49. Actor Idris
50. I (German)
51. Taxes
56. Indonesian island
57. Nuisance (slang)
58. Shawl
59. Digits
60. Moved on foot quickly
61. “For goodness __”
9. Some are tomato-based
10. Old Irish alphabets
11. A sheet of glass in a window or door
13. Blood poisoning
17. A moon of Saturn
24. Neither
25. Sums
26. They follow “A”
27. Satisfaction
28. People of southeastern Burma
29. Small amount
35. Guy (slang)
36. Sound unit
37. Midway between northeast and east
38. Affirmative
40. Almost at the top
41. Extremely slow
42. Pearl Jam’s debut album
43. Influential mid-century playwright
44. Martens
45. Approval
47. Dallas-adjacent Texas city
48. African nation
49. Dark brown or black
52. A place to get caught
53. Large-headed, elongated fish
54. Type of sword
55. Scottish tax or levy
Aid to provincial food banks
The Chatham Voice
Canada’s largest independent fertilizer supplier is helping to put food on the shelves of dozens of food banks around Ontario, including here in Chatham-Kent.
Sylvite in late 2024 handed out $30,000 to help purchase food for food banks around the province.
Here in Chatham-Kent, the Blenheim Food Bank, Chatham Outreach for Hunger and the Salvation Army each received $1,000 cheques from local Sylvite branches.
The Pain Court branch donated to Blenheim, while the Kent Bridge operation sent funds to Outreach for Hunger, and the Blenheim team supported Salvation Army.
The 2024 contribution brings Sylvite’s donations to help food banks to $130,000.
The fertilizer supplier has 15 locations throughout Southwestern and
Central Ontario.
“Supporting our neighbours is a responsibility we take seriously,” Sylvite CEO Hugh Loomans said in a media release.
“Food security affects so many working families, and we hope this year’s donation makes a meaningful impact.”
• Business Voice is a bi-monthly column in
The Chatham Voice that highlights some of the achievements made and efforts underway in Chatham-Kent’s business community. Send your information to bruce@chathamvoice.com.
Contributed image
The Blenheim Food Bank was just one of dozens of food banks in Ontario that benefitted in 2024 from $1,000 in support from Sylvite.
David Foster
OBITUARIES
James “Jim” Clarke
76, Thursday, January 2, 2025
Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home
Hilda Nauta
93, Sunday, January 5, 2025
Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Wayne Smith
57, Monday, January 6, 2025
Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Bertha Case
78, Monday, January 6, 2025
Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Lois Thelma Johnstone
91, Monday, December 30, 2024
Badder Funeral Home
Ed Ovecka
85, Friday, January 3, 2025
Badder Funeral Home
Dorothy Gwendolyn Taylor
87, Tuesday, January 7, 2025
Badder Funeral Home
Byron Richardson
64, Monday, January 6, 2025
McKinlay Funeral Home
John Van Every
61, Monday, January 6, 2025
McKinlay Funeral Home
Nancy Kominek
87, Friday, January 3, 2025
McKinlay Funeral Home
Mary Barbara Lacina
98, Monday, January 6, 2025
McKinlay Funeral Home
79, Wednesday, December 31, 2024 Life Transitions
Robert Kereluik
78, Tuesday, December 3, 2024 Life Transitions
Morris Brooks Wednesday, January 1, 2025 Life Transitions
Joseph Geleynse
90, Wednesday, January 1, 2025 Life Transitions
Thomas Trudell
82, Sunday, January 5, 2025 Life Transitions
Marion Hillman (Jinkerson)
93, Sunday, January 5, 2025 Life Transitions
Elisabeth Tetreault (Mosey)
82, Tuesday, January 7, 2025 Life Transitions
Joanne (Van Asseldonk) DeBruyn 65, Thursday, January 2, 2025 Nicholls Funeral Home
Donald “Don” James Labadie
83, Sunday, January 5, 2025
Nicholls Funeral Home
Anna Allen
100, Friday, January 3, 2025
Alexander & Houle Funeral Home
Cathy Garber
75, Friday, January 3, 2025
Alexander & Houle Funeral Home
Clarence Nicholson
93, Sunday, January 5, 2025
St. Andrew’s to deliver the Payne
The Chatham Voice
Mark Payne, music director of Victoria Playhouse Petrolia, and friends who regularly perform with him, are coming to the stage of St. Andrew’s United Church as part of the Performing Arts at St. Andrew’s 2024-2025 series of concerts.
Payne and company will perform on Saturday at 7 p.m.
Church officials said the performance will “captivate the audience with an evening of inspirational music including favourites such as ‘You Raise Me Up,’ ‘Some-
where Over the Rainbow’, ‘Ain’t No Mountain’ and ‘Don’t Stop Believing.’”
Payne is a multi-faceted pianist, singer and conductor from London, Ont. Joining him that evening will be Brian Barber, Michael Vanhevel, Alex Baerg, Callandra Dendias, Erik Larson, Jesse Grandmont and Dan Baerg, all of whom are talented musicians.
Local residents will remember their performances in various shows at Victoria Playhouse.
Obituary
As a conductor, repetiteur and chorus master, he serves as the pianist/music director for the Anglican Church of the Ascension and is co-conductor for the Amabile Primus Men’s Choir in London.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets ($30) can be obtained from St. Andrew’s church office or online at www.standrewschatham.org/tickets. All proceeds go to support the music program at St. Andrew’s.
Payne adapts music from different genres for all the productions there. He also has presented many freelance performances as an entertainer.
Classifieds
Thank You
Alexander & Houle Funeral Home
Rose Walker (nee Pakanec) 1940-2024
With her loving family by her side, Rose, a long-time resident of Chatham-Kent, ON passed away at “The Hamlets” Long-term home in Vernon, BC on Thursday December 19th, 2024; two days after her 84th birthday. Rose fought a courageous battle against a debilitating and unknown rare neurological disorder. Rose was born on the family farm in Howard Township, the youngest of five daughters of Peter and Kristina Pakanec. Rose was never a stranger to hard work. At age 17, Rose married and continued to farm with her first husband, Andy De Coninck for 13 years while working at Southwestern Regional Center initially as a Nurse’s Aid. Rose’s third job was maintaining the family home. She cooked, gardened, canned, lovingly knit and made clothes in those early years. Rose worked at the Regional Center for the physically and mentally challenged until 1995, finishing her career as a Purchasing Officer. Bereaved and sorely missed by her daughter, Michelle De Coninck (Brian Kuzemchuk), and granddaughters, Kira (Brodie) and Corrin Kuzemchuk. Left to mourn are Rose’s stepchildren, whom she viewed as her own, Jamie Walker and Margaret Browne plus grandchildren, Jennifer Walker, Gary & Jennifer Browne, and several close nieces and nephews. Mom was pre-deceased by her husband Robert “Bob” Walker in 1997, whom she enjoyed 13 years of marriage. Departed from her life were her sisters and their husbands, Sophia Pakanec, Antonia Semkovich (Fred), Mary Capek (Frank), and Helen Van de Hogan (Joe). Rose also lost her cherished friend, Charlie Ivan with whom she knew as a family friend growing up in the Slovak/Czech community and Mull Church. Travelling, dancing, attending the casino, and playing cards were Mom’s favourite activities. She would have a twinkle in her eye and would try to suppress a laugh when she won any game. Always competitive and with horseshoes hanging in her favour! As per Rose’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Visitation will take place on Friday, January 17, 2025, starting at 9:00am for visitation at St. Joseph Parish in Chatham. The funeral will commence at 10:00am. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation would be appreciated. Funeral attendance and donations can be made through McKinlay Funeral Home. McKinlay Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham. 519-351-2040.
Thank You
On behalf of the late Romain Lannoo our family would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for the continuous comfort and support. Thank you for the online condolences, so many kind words were read. We would like to give thanks for the donations, cards, planters, text messages, phone calls and food and so many kind gestures that meant so much. Special thanks to Morgan Treacy for his support, prayers and comforting words. Thank you to the staff at Life Transitions for their professional care, comfort and support to all our family needs. We have been experiencing grief and now were challenging another. We feel comfort in our hearts, to know, together Ray is with Marcella, resting in peace.
Sincerely Rick, Debbie, Annette & family.
Classifieds
Johannis “Joe” Geleynse June 27, 1934 - January 1, 2025
A long time resident of Chatham, Johannis “Joe” Geleynse, passed away peacefully with his family at his side on Wednesday, January 1, 2025 at the age of 90. Born in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, Joe was the eldest child of the late Bartel and Wilhelmina “Mies” (neé Van Oord) Geleijnse. Married for 69 years, he is survived by his wife, Jeanne (Marie-Jeanne Pinsonneault), his children Bryan and Michele Lawton (Stan), his two grandchildren, Zach (Emma) and Alex (Taryn) and his four great-grandchildren, Charlie, Sophia, Elyse and Jack. Dear brother to Benjamin Geleynse (late Sharon), Wilhelmina Ross (late Gavin) and Wyn Geleynse (Lucretia). Joe’s early years were formidable. As he aged, he started to share some of these formative experiences with his family. Surviving the Dutch famine, known as the Hunger Winter of 1944 -1945, Joe was ever grateful and unrelenting in his resolve never to forget being liberated by the First Canadian Army in 1945. Eight years later, his entire family would immigrate to Canada and call this country their home. Before emigrating from the Netherlands to Canada, Joe worked on a coaster ship, the MS Luctor carrying and receiving exports and imports from Western Europe down to the Western Coast of Africa and further afield to the Caribbean. In 1952, he left his post on the MS Luctor. His parents had messaged him while the ship was moored - if you want to go to Canada with us, you need to leave this evening and come home as the plane leaves tomorrow morning. Decades later, Joe read that his ship had foundered months after he left and three crew were lost. Joe felt he skirted death again. Once in his newly adopted country, Joe immersed himself in being a Canadian. He worked hard, learned to speak English, trained and became a Master Plumber, a vocation he enjoyed and in which he worked for over 45 years. Thankful for his apprenticeship and early work life at Bedard Plumbing and Heating in Chatham, Joe also learned how to speak English from Mrs. Bedard. He waxed her kitchen floor and she taught him English. Joe eventually left Bedard Plumbing and chose the entrepreneurial path establishing Geleynse Plumbing and Heating around 1976. In time, Joe married Jeanne, started a family, and became a Canadian citizen. He took great pride in being appointed Second Lieutenant in Her Majesty’s Canadian Armed Forces. Assuming his regimental duties with gravity and responsibility, Joe helped train local Army Cadet Corps affiliated with the Essex and Kent Scottish Regiment. Joe loved nature, his shelf of National Geographics, the Public Broadcasting Service channel and the hunting and fishing television shows of Red Fisher, Michigan Outdoors with Jerry Chiapetta and the Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom with Marlin Perkins. He was a voracious reader with a vast memory for history. He delighted in describing the bicycle trips to the different countries of his youth, travels on the coaster ship and his trips in Ontario and Quebec. He always looked forward to the numerous fishing trips with his family and the buddy trips to Kipawa, Quebec. In recent years, Joe loved family bbq’s and time spent with his grand and great grandchildren. Joe and Jeanne always had kind-hearted, generous and supportive neighbours around them. Their warmth and presence enriched their lives. They were, and still are, deeply appreciated and more so than they’ll never know. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the nursing and palliative care staff, hospitalists and physicians at Chatham-Kent Health Alliance. They showed great kindness and compassion caring for Joe and his family. Joe’s remains will be laid to rest at a later date. A private celebration of Joe’s remarkable life will follow. Those wishing to make a donation are asked to consider a memorial contribution to the Alzheimer’s Society of Chatham-Kent or the Royal Canadian Legion Dominion Command Poppy Trust Fund supporting national veteran programs and veterans and their families. All donations are appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to Life Transitions Burial and Cremation Service Inc.
For Sale
Native American Crafts
Jewellery, Dream Catchers, Moccasins
Open Thursday - Saturday 11am-4pm Cash only, no debit 14911 River Line, Delaware Nation
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.
Michael Richard Matak, IRONMAN
IRONMAN 70.3 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
TAUPO, New Zealand
Swim 1.2 miles Bike 56 miles
Run 13.1 miles
119 countries represented Age Wave: 45 - 49
Placed 97 of 510
Overall 1,210 of 3,831
Time 4:50.28
Mom, Myrna & Stewart Dolson accompanied Michael.
Announcement
Chatham Baptist Chapel “Come Out, Join Us” Sundays 11am and 7pm. Wednesdays 7pm, Friday 7pm. Old Hymns and KJV Preaching Go to chathambaptistchapel.com to watch sermons.
Busy Law Firm looking for a Law Clerk/Bookkeeper
Will pay cash for Elvis DVDs. Phone 519-9172339
Wanted to Buy: Antiques, costume jewellery, gold, silver, coins, military, furniture, tools. We Buy All - Paid Cash. 519-7278894.
to replace existing employee that is retiring after 15 years. This is a full time position and to start as soon as possible. Salary will be based on experience. Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook, Word Perfect is required. Knowledge of Sage Accounting and PC Law is preferred. Experience in accounting is preferred but training will be provided. Experience in real estate is necessary with knowledge of Unity and Teraview preferred. Please send resume to info@rhodeslawfirm.com
January 19, 2025 2:00pm Imperial
22 Payne St., Chatham
Newly Renovated 2 bedroom unit on the second floor at 104 Park St., Chatham. Utilities and appliances included, shared laundry in building. No smoking. $1400. Call 519-7777099.
For Sale
Silk Cemetery Saddle Arrangements. Everyday/ Holidays. Readyto-go. Many colours available. $40. 519-3543411
Classified ads start at only $6 plus tax. 519-397-2020
