The Chatham Voice, Feb. 02, 2023

Tax hike trimmed to 5.58% so far

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

The budget committee of Chatham-Kent council behaved as one to open 2023 budget deliberations, trimming 0.77 percent off the proposed tax increase this year.

The committee met Jan. 26, unanimously approving two proposals that ultimately

dropped the proposed tax increase to 5.58 per cent from 6.35 per cent.

In less than 60 minutes of deliberations, the committee had shaved about $1.3 million off the proposed increase.

And less than an hour later, the Chatham-Kent Police Service budget added back onto the total, as the committee approved a police budget hike of 3.3 per

cent, which equates to a tax impact of 0.64 per cent.

The night began with a quick proposal from South Kent Coun. Anthony Ceccacci to alter proposed plans for funding increases to address infrastructure lifecycle spending. Instead of sitting at a proposed six-percent increase, council downgraded that to four per cent.

In a unanimous 17-0 vote, council approved Ceccacci’s motion, cutting proposed increases to infrastructure spending by about $1.3 million. He said changes to anticipated impacts of inflation made it possible to make the reduction.

“I’m finding it very challenging to find cuts and savings in this budget. My hope is we don’t see as significant a rise in inflation,” he said. “I think that in speaking with staff, this is a number that might not be perfect, but it is a number they are at least palatable with.”

Gord Quinton, the municipality’s chief financial officer, agreed.

“In June (when admin-

istration first brought the sixper-cent figure forward), we had no idea where inflation was headed, but the cost was going up,” he said. “Everything was out of control at that time. But in the last three months, a lot of the supply issues have normalized. Taking a third of the request off the board…we hope will have less of an impact than we thought in June.”

Quinton, with support from Chris Thibert, director of engineering for the municipality, said how this works out will not be known immediately.

“When we put out our requests for road contracts or other infrastructure contracts, and begin hearing back, then we can inform council. Once we can get into the actual specifics of each project, we’ll be able to come back to council with that information,” Thibert said.

Chatham-Kent mayor Darrin Canniff called the reduction “a reasonable reduction to the budget.”

The initial plan was to add $4.067 million to the infrastructure spending. The change drops the additional funding to $2.711 million.

Chatham-Kent Police Chief Gary Conn told the committee

that the Police Services Board settled upon a budget of in excess of $35 million, which includes an increase of 3.3 per cent, representing a tax impact of 0.64 per cent.

Conn told the committee the per-capita costs for policing in Chatham-Kent is the lowest in the province, at $284. The provincial average is $374.

He added that most of the expenditure increases were essentially untouchable. In regard to benefit increases, salary increases in collective bargaining agreements, corporate provisions, fleet and facilities, “I have very little discretionary authority in those areas,” he said.

While Chatham-Kent faces a 3.3-per-cent hike to the police budget, Conn presented figures to the committee illustrating the provincial average for police budget increases this year is more than seven per cent.

“I can assure council with our overall budget ask, this is a barebones budget,” he said. “Although it is barebones, it is still attainable while ensuring adequate and effective policing.”

Chatham Coun. Marjorie Crew defended the police budget. She sits on the board.

“We sent them back a few times to sharpen their pencils; they did just that and came back with more savings,” she said of police administration. “But we still have a police service that can serve our community the way we need to be served with community safety in mind.”

The committee unanimously accepted the police budget as is, with a 16-0 vote. East Kent Coun. John Wright declared a conflict.

Next week’s budget deliberations will begin on Tuesday with operational budget matters.

Intrepid travellers carry a Voice from home

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

Steve and Janet Doolan bring new meaning to the term “carry the news.”

The intrepid Chatham couple recently completed a 10-day expedition to Antarctica and they brought along a copy of The Chatham Voice.

“Since you are the voice of Chatham, we wanted your voice to travel with us to the far reaches,” Janet explained. “It’s like taking a piece of home with us.”

Antarctica is the seventh continent these globetrotters have explored, and they did it to mark their 40th wedding anniversary, with Steve planning it on the downlow as a surprise. In a telephone interview with the pair from El Calafate, Argentina, both called the trip to the most remote part of the world “mind blowing.”

“We thought it would be pretty neat to celebrate in Antarctica,” Steve said, adding it also marks the 100th country the two have visited.

“It’s not really a country, it’s a continent,” he added, “but we thought it was a great way to mark the occasion.”

Travelling more than 15,000 kilometres without taking direct flights is no easy task. Not your typical snowbirds, the Doolans like to get off the beaten track, and experience the people and culture of the countries they visit.

They set out from Chatham last November and headed to Fort Lauderdale where they caught a reposition cruise (a cruise that’s ending its season) to Rio de Janeiro, stopping in Barbados, St. Lucia and Antigua before arriving in Brazil. They then flew to Iguazu Falls where the borders of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay intersect.

The Doolans then made their way to the southern tip of South America, sail-

ing on the 140-metre M.S. Fridtjof Nansen from Jan. 8 to Jan 18. The 500-passenger boat carried a wide array of travellers, including scientists and researchers from around the world.

They learned about climate change and how melting ice affects the world.

According to the Doolans, the rules are strict when visiting Antarctica. A special parka issued by the expedition had to be worn. As well, clothing had to be vacuumed twice before passengers could get off the ship, and boots went through a two-step decontamination process.

“It’s all about safety and the environment,” Janet explained. “They have very strict rules about making landings. They don’t want anything left behind.”

The Doolans said the

landscape and views were spectacular, featuring massive blue and turquoise ice formations. They also discovered the Chinstrap and Gentoo penguins to be natural comedians performing some hilarious moves.

“They come towards you and just stand still,” Janet said, adding travellers had to stay 50 metres away from them. “Sometimes they try and steal each other’s pebbles to make nests which is very funny.”

Whales, unending vistas and glacier water “so clear you can drink it” were also part of the experience.

The Doolans, both 62, are no strangers to adventure. The pair spent 12 years working and teaching overseas and have lived in England, France, Mexico and the Sultanate of Oman.

Steve, who is original-

ly from Brantford, and Janet, who hails from Toronto, relocated to Chatham-Kent nine years ago. They bought their house in Chatham sight unseen while in Oman, after previously visiting friends in Dresden.

“We love our century home,” Janet said, adding she’s looking forward to gardening and sleeping in her own bed.

Is a visit to the North Pole on their agenda? The Doolans hope so, but first they will be touring southern Europe next winter. The couple will be pet sitting at various homes as part of their travels.

Steve said the two have a philosophy they follow, one that changed as they aged.

“We used to say, ‘go with the flow.’ Now we say, ‘do what you can while you still can,’” he added.

Image courtesy JB Photos

The cold, hard beauty that is Antarctica.

Image courtesy JB Photos Penguins provide comic relief for the Doolans.

Blackbirds to take flight in ’24

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

Bienvenue, Chatham-Kent Blackbirds.

The official name of the new Intercounty Baseball League team was unveiled Friday, amid a smiling crowd at the Red Barn Brewing Company.

The winning name was chosen following some 600 entries in a municipal-wide Name That Team contest.

Caress-Lee Carpenter, Brandon Leonard, Brett Mill, L. Brown and a mystery man named “Uncle Jarod” all submitted the winning name.

The four runner-up monikers submittted included the Chatham-Kent North Stars, Legends, Wheat

Kings and Field Kings. All will receive tickets to the inaugural 2024 home opener at Fergie Jenkins Field. “Uncle Jarrod,” snagged a family season ticket pass in a draw by Red Barn’s Denny Vervaet.

Team owner Dom Dinelle is happy with the name, saying it relates to the “whole community,” both urban and rural.

“You’ve got those birds all over the place,” Dinelle said. “The whole community is relating to it. It’s cool, it’s a bird like the Jays, so we can have a great mascot. The kids will love it, the family will love it, we will love it.

“I think the bird will be really fun.”

Management said the Blackbirds concept was

Valentine’s Menu

adopted due to the bird’s prominence in Chatham-Kent and crow-related names were a popular theme in the online contest. With a nod to C-K’s feathered friends, the executive believes the name will foster a fun, family-friendly atmosphere.

“We want this to be a team for the whole community of C-K,” Dinelle added. “We now have an identity. And now the real work begins.”

Friday marked another big announcement for the team, with Harry Muir being named as the Blackbirds’ general manager. The London resident spent four years with the Toronto Blue Jays in their minor league system in the 1990s. He also etched his name in the record

books by becoming the first Canadian to throw a no-hitter in internation-

al play. Muir won a gold medal representing Team Ontario at the Canadian

Nationals in 1990. Continued on page 5

Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice Chatham-Kent Blackbirds owner Dom Dinelle holds the jar while Denny Vervaet of the Red Barn Brewing Company draws a name for a family season pass for the new team’s inaugural season. A mystery man known only as “Uncle Jarrod” was the winner.

McGraill named to ROMA board

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

For the first time in a long while – possibly ever – Chatham-Kent has an official seat at the Rural Ontario Municipal Association’s table.

At the recent ROMA convention in Toronto, North Kent Coun. Jamie McGrail was elected Zone 1 director. She’ll be representing five municipalities south and west of London, including Chatham-Kent, after

besting six other candidates for the position. Only councillors and mayors were eligible to vote.

McGrail said she hopes to bring rural issues to the forefront, seeking solutions to problems common to all rural municipalities including attainable housing, expanding rural Internet, recruiting doctors to rural areas and bringing mental health

supports to rural settings. Rural infrastructure needs and the downloading of provincial services to municipalities is also a concern.

“We all struggle,” McGrail said following the conference. “But we (various municipalities) all have different challenges and issues within these topics.”

Affordable or “attainable” housing as McGrail prefers to call it, is affect-

ing every city and municipality in the province, and McGrail said solutions need to be found.

“Attainable should be the word we use,” she added, as it covers the full housing market gamut including geared-to-income housing.

“We need to build up, not out,” the veteran councillor emphasized, noting farmland needs to be protected and preserved.

But she said higher tier governments will need to provide incentives to make such proj-

ects happen.

McGrail said the ROMA conference is a great venue to show the provincial government that while rural municipalities are not big cities, they have critical issues that need to be addressed.

“These issues may be similar in nature, but very much unique to our individual municipalities,” she said. “One size does not fit all.”

ROMA is the rural arm of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario.

Chatham-Kent pockets $400K from OLG

Making money off local gamblers continues to be profitable for the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) and the Municipality of Chatham-Kent.

Third quarter host payments to the municipality from the OLG due to Chatham-Kent hosting the Cascades Casino totalled $406,210.

So far, during OLG’s fiscal

year (April 1, 2022 to March 31, 2023), Chatham-Kent has received $1,265,216.

Since the gaming site opened in April 2001 – initially as the Slots at Dresden Raceway –Chatham-Kent has received $15,719,147.

These payments to host communities are based on a formula consistently applied across all gaming sites in Ontario using a graduated scale of gaming revenue at the hosted site.

“Payments through OLG’s Municipality Contribution Agreement provide host gaming communities with the support they need to fund programs and critical infrastructure to improve the lives of residents and families,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance, in a media release.

“With these revenues,

Muir tabbed as inaugural GM

Continued from page 4

He was invited to join Team Canada for the World Junior Championships, where in Cuba he pitched the historic no-hitter.

Dinelle, who hails from Trois Rivieres Que., made the connection with Muir when they were both part of the London Majors coaching staff in 2006.

The team’s first fundraiser was also announced Friday. In conjunction with Red Barn Brewing, a special stand-up comedy night will be held at the venue April 6, featuring comic Scott Falconbridge.

The Blackbirds corporate sales team was also announced. Led by Mark Jackson, sales manager and executive assistant to the president; it includes Allan Cameron of Dresden, Anthony Clark of Sarnia, Laura Kalika of Merlin, Gregg Ross of Ridgetown and Matthew Speed of West Lorne.

Victory Ford and Victory Lincoln in Chatham were named as the team’s first corporate sponsor, and

well-known radio host Jay Smith was named as the club’s vice-president, executive of media relations and marketing director.

An official mascot and logo are expected to be

unveiled in the spring. For more information or to inquire about becoming a sponsor, follow the Chatham-Kent Blackbirds on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @ iblchatham.

municipalities are able to build better communities with more opportunities to live and work.”

Jamie McGraill

The Chatham Voice

Opinion

It’s a start

When the budget committee of Chatham-Kent council met Jan. 26, in less than one hour, they removed $1.3 million in proposed tax increases.

An hour later, the unanimous passing of the police budget cut into that considerably.

At the end of the night, they’d managed to cull 0.77 per cent off the initial proposed tax increase of 6.35 per cent, dropping it to 5.58 per cent.

It is a start, but it might just be very close to the finish as well. We hope it is not.

South Kent Coun. Anthony Ceccacci proposed lowering the increases to lifecycle funding for infrastructure, due to lower than initially anticipated inflationary pressures.

Administration agreed it could work with the new number, and the committee voted 17-0 to trim.

Along came the police service. Chief Gary Conn spent 40 minutes detailing increased pressures in number of calls, massive geographical area patroled, etc., etc. To folks viewing the budget proceedings each year, it does get repetitive.

But he’s not wrong.

And Conn is also not wrong about delivering the lowest cost per capital policing in the province. The Cha-

tham-Kent Police Service’s price per person for providing policing for 2022 sat at $284, 24-percent-below the provincial average. One quarter cheaper than the average, to us, sounds pretty darned good.

The budget committee passed the police budget unanimously as well. It’s hard to fault them, especially when the increase to the police budget is 3.3 per cent when the average for police budgets hikes this year elsewhere in the province is at 7.1 per cent. Again, it is hard to see fault when the increase is less than half what other police services, on average, are putting forward.

So, after the first day, it’s easy to see how the budget committee arrived to the 5.58 per cent point.

What will be difficult is shaving further. Inflationary pressures are still tangible throughout the budget. Operating costs were to be discussed Tuesday night.

Difficult, however, does not mean impossible. It is incumbent upon this council to dig deep to look for savings wherever possible. Perhaps equipment replacement gets delayed. There is time to review, time to tighten the belt wherever possible. We urge the committee to take that time.

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Stop underfunding our health care

Editor’s note: This is an excerpt from a presentation to the provincial Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs, made on Jan. 23.

About 25-30 years ago, Ontario had a vibrant, progressive, and inclusive public health-care system. Many of you and your families benefited from this strong medical system. Then came the austerity budgets from all the provincial political parties, which have now left Ontario ranked last among Canadian provinces for public hospital funding, with spending now at 2.37 per cent of Ontario’s GDP.

The current average of other provinces is 3.45 per cent(CIHI 2019) of their GDP. Funding per capita in Ontario is last among the provinces at $1,568.96, while the average of the other provinces is $1,962.69. (CIHI 2019).

All health-care sectors are experiencing chaos:

catastrophic bed and staffing shortages, long wait times, staff dealing with mental breakdowns, increased patient and family violence, and insufficient staff wages This has led to resignations, or to the necessity of juggling multiple jobs to help with daily living expenses. In short, Ontario’s public health system has too few beds, too few qualified workers, sporadic shortages of medications and equipment, and sadly, no realistic plans to remedy any of these now chronic problems.

Since taking office, Premier Ford has been leaning towards privatization of our health services; actually, he is almost halfway there. He has awarded 30-year contracts for new LTC beds to private, for-profit LTC businesses. Some of these LTC businesses were recognized by the Canadian military as

having the poorest responses to the COVID pandemic throughout the province.

Premier Ford has announced funding for private, for-profit, surgical clinics, and diagnostic centres, while not properly funding public hospitals. It is true that our public health system needs help, but it doesn’t need “help” from the private, for-profit sector.

The priority in private, for-profit health care businesses is profit, not patient care.

Their outcomes are often worse than the public system, and of course favours those who can pay extra fees so they have quicker access to treatment.

The already under-sourced staff will be divided into two streams, leaving the public system with worse staff shortages, and lengthening wait times.

Continued on page 8

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Fund our health care system

Continued from page 6 Instead of funding for-profit businesses, the government should be re-opening existing surgical suites and medical-surgical beds, as well as cancelling their appeal of Bill 124. The Ontario government is appealing the court’s decision that struck down this controversial bill that limited wages for public sector workers since 2019. Elimination of this bill would make

it more lucrative for hospital staff to return to work in the health- care system, and with other front-line workers, help the government develop a realistic human resource plan. The $1 billion that was not spent on health care, last year, would provide the money to sustain and improve Ontario’s health-care system.

Shirley Roebuck Chatham-Kent Health Coalition

Hip, hip delay

Well, folks, as my hip replacement date rapidly approached and we planned around it with some home renovations, I got a call recently from the office of my orthopedic surgeon, Doc Turnbull. They cancelled my surgery.

“Cancelled?” I replied into the phone. Surely they meant “delayed,” or “postponed.”

Not really. The staffer calling said because they did not yet have a new date for me, it was termed cancelled. Due to hospital bed shortages, backlogs of surgeries/ procedures, it was cancelled.

“I hung up the phone and cursed. I contacted my wife, and she cursed. Back in November, I met with Dr. Turnbull. At that time, his staff said there were openings in February, three months away, and we worked out an optimal date for my hip surgery. He and his team were great to deal with. So, off I went armed with the knowledge that my hip would be repaired in a little over three months’ time.

I had pushed off addressing my hip through the pandemic, but by late summer, it could be ignored no longer.

And then it got worse.

I went from limping, to needing to use a cane this summer, initially on the advice of my family doctor, and by October, thanks to a back issue, I needed it to just get around the house.

My last public outing other than to go to work and back, get chiropractic treatment or see my doctor, was to see Leave Those Kids Alone

Bruce Corcoran

perform at a fundraiser at Sons of Kent.

Since that time, it’s been a case of hobbling to the truck, from the truck to the office, and then back again.

In less than two weeks, however, Turnbull’s office was able to get me a new surgery date, for March 9, less than a month later than my initial appointment.

It could be worse. I accepted.

And so, the clock is ticking once again. But will it count down to zero, or will I receive another phone call, or, worse, show up the morning of to be told it won’t take place?

My wife and daughter, and the staff at The Voice, have been amazing through all this.

I can’t make dinner, can’t do the dishes, can’t really carry anything as I have to walk with a cane, can’t do laundry, etc., etc.

At the office, everyone is picking up my slack, thankfully. Pam is taking photos and writing stories I should be doing, while Peter and Jeanine are dropping items off to clients as needed.

And Michelle, well, Michelle is being Michelle. Amazing. She faces every new challenge with a smile.

Shadd celebrations highlight Black History events

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

This fall, Oct. 9 to be exact, will mark the 200th anniversary of the birth of Mary Ann Shadd.

The peerless legacy of the woman with strong

ties to Chatham will be highlighted throughout 2023, kicking off during Black History Month Feb.

1. According to Samantha Meredith, executive director and curator of the Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society & Black

Mecca Museum, the entire month is jam-packed with activities and tours celebrating Black History. “Our calendar is nearly full for the entire month,” Meredith said in an interview with The Chatham Voice.

Continued on page 11

LEARN THE LEGACY SHARE THE PRIDE CELEBRATE OUR HERITAGE

Black History Month is a time to celebrate and pause as we recognize the many achievements of Black Canadians who through history have done so much to make Canada the diverse place it is today. It wasn’t until December of 1995 that the House of Commons officially recognized February as Black History Month in Canada, following a motion introduced by Jean Augustine, the first Black Canadian woman elected to Parliament.Once considered a destination for freedom seekers, Chatham-Kent is home to some of the most successful Black settlements in Canadian History. It is important to recognize Chatham-Kent’s significant Black historical figures and our role in the Underground Railroad. Chatham-Kent will be celebrating Black History Month with a flag raising at the Civic Centre on February 1 at noon.

Buxton Museum

The Buxton Museum is Ontario’s second largest national historic site, which is home to one of the last standing school houses, an 1852 log cabin, an 1853 barn, church, cemetery, Liberty Bell, and museum. The Buxton Museum will be holding a Black History Jeopardy event at Red Barn Brewing Company on Feb. 9 at 6:30pm. Buxton’s Next Generation is hosting a Night with Jamaal Cody on Feb. 14 also at Red Barn Brewing at 7pm. Please visit http://www.buxtonmuseum.com for information and virtual tours.

Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History is an open-air museum in Dresden that documents the life of Josiah Henson, the history of slavery, and the Underground Railroad. The historic site is situated on the grounds of the former Dawn settlement established by Henson; a former slave, abolitionist, and minister. From February 7-10, in person general tours will be held at the museum located at 29251 Freedom Rd. in Dresden at 10am, noon and 2pm. Visit: www.heritagetrust.on.ca/en/ properties/josiah-henson-museum

Contributed image

A bust of renowned abolitionist and Canada’s first Black female newspaper publisher Mary Ann Shadd (Cary) stands in tribute at B.M.E. Freedom Park in Chatham. Shadd was the founder of The Provincial Freeman, which was published in Chatham for a time prior to the American Civil War.

Activies abound in February for Black History

Continued from page 10

“We have a lot of activities and tours planned, including activities acknowledging Mary Ann Shadd.”

A special story-time and activity of Shadd’s achievements will be held at the Chatham branch of the Chatham-Kent Public Library Feb. 11, led by the CKBHS and the Black Mecca Museum. Pre-registration is required and can be done by contacting the library.

Shadd, a tireless advocate, was the founder of

The Provincial Freeman, becoming the first black female newspaper publisher in North America and the first female publisher in Canada.

Born free in Delaware in the U.S., Shadd was an anti-slavery activist, journalist, teacher and lawyer, in addition to her publishing acclaim.

Shadd founded the paper in Windsor in 1853 and moved it to Chatham in 1855. It became an important vehicle in carrying the anti-slavery message and was renowned across

North America. After the American Civil War, Shadd returned to the United States to work for racial equality.

A bust to commemorate Shadd’s legacy stands in Chatham’s B.M.E. Freedom Park located at the corner of Wellington and Princess streets.

Black History Month will feature a noon-hour flag raising to mark the month at the Chatham Civic Centre Feb. 1.

The Black Mecca Museum at the W.I.S.H. Centre will be open for tours Fri-

day, Feb. 3, 10, 17 and 24, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The museum will be closed other days due to offsite presentations. From Feb. 7 to 10, in-person general tours will be held at the Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History located at 29251 Freedom Rd. in Dresden. The museum will host guided tours at 10 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m. on those dates. Advanced booking is required for groups of 20 or more and can be made at jhm@heritagetrust.on.ca.

The Buxton National Historic Site & Museum is holding a Black History Jeopardy event at Red Barn Brewing Company at 20466 Lagoon Rd., Blenheim on Feb. 9, at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 and include a beverage.

Buxton’s Next Generation is hosting a Night with Jamaal Cody on Feb. 14, also at the Red Barn, beginning at 7 p.m. Tickets are $35 and include refreshments.

A Discover the Black Mecca presentation will be held at the C-K Public

Library, Chatham branch, beginning at 7 p.m. on Feb. 15.

A free virtual tour of the Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History will run from 2 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. on Feb. 28.

Throughout the month, recorded virtual tours are available for viewing as well as episodes of Beyond the Underground Railroad. These can be accessed on the museum website and social media. Classroom resources and materials are available.

LEARN THE LEGACY SHARE THE PRIDE CELEBRATE OUR HERITAGE

Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society and Black Mecca Museum shares the emotional journey of Chatham’s Black community from the end of the 18th century to present day. The Black Mecca Museum at the W.I.S.H. Centre will be open for tours Friday, Feb. 3, 10, 17 and 24 from 9am-2pm. The museum will be closed other days due to offsite presentations. Visit us at: www.ckbhs.org for information and virtual tours.

Douglass Day 2023 is an amazing opportunity for you to get involved with history right in the comfort of your own home or office. This year they will be transcribing newly digitized documents from Mary Ann Shadd. Did you know 2023 marks the 200th birthday of Mary Ann? Every Valentine’s Day, we invite you to a birthday party for Frederick Douglass. Although Douglass never knew his birthdate, he chose to celebrate every year on February 14th. We celebrate this date as a moment for creating Black history together. If you’d like additional information on Douglass Day 2023 or would like to register for the event, sign up for transcribing, etc. you can do so at the following link: https://douglassday.org #DouglassDay #DouglassDay2023 #MaryAnnShadd

Follow the North Star

Have you ever seen this sign and wondered what it means? Placed along highways, roads and streets this metal sign symbolized ‘Follow the North Star’. Much like the slaves of the past who followed the North Star to Freedom, these road signs will lead you to various Underground Railroad sites.

CK Museum

Let Us March On till Victory is Won: The Struggle for Racial Equity in CK and Ontario is live! This virtual exhibit traces the courageous story of the National Unity Association’s crusade for justice and their determination to end practices of segregation within Chatham-Kent and Ontario, and the ongoing fight for equality in Canada. Visit: https://vitacollections.ca/ckmuseums/620/exhibit/.

- Black History Month Storytime at the Chatham Branch. Saturday, February 11 at 10:00am. Celebrate the 200th birthday of Canadian icon, Mary Ann Shadd, the first Black female newspaper publisher in Canada. Enjoy a special storytime and activity. All ages. Registration required.

The Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society & Black Mecca Museum

The Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society & Black Mecca Museum

177 King Street East, Chatham ON, Inside the WISH Centre www.ckbhs.org - 519-352-3565 - ckblackhistoricalsociety@gmail.com

177 King Street East, Chatham ON, Inside the WISH Centre www.ckbhs.org - 519-352-3565 - ckblackhistoricalsociety@gmail.com

Discover the city of Chatham's Black history, heritage and legacy. Open year round, please check our website for the most accurate hours and special events.

Discover the city of Chatham's Black history, heritage and legacy. Open year round, please check our website for the most accurate hours and special events.

Local audio production garners U.S. awards

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

The voices in the wind that originate in Chatham aren’t just getting heard around the continent; they are receiving accolades.

David Farquhar, the man behind Voices in the Wind Audio Theatre, said the organization’s most recent audiobook, Winnie the Pooh, was selected by U.S.-based AudioFile Magazine as one of the Best Audiobooks of 2022 – Children and Family Listening. Plus, it received AudioFile’s Earphones Award for exceptional presentation.

The audiobook was read by Golden Voice narrator Barbara Rosenblat of New York City and directed by award-winning director and writer George Zarr of Chicago.

Farquhar said he was surprised to

learn of the recognition from AudioFile, as there are some major audio publishing firms out there.

“It’s one of those things you hope for but never expect. When it does happen, it’s pretty thrilling,” he said of the selection. “There’s a lot of competition. What makes all this very significant is we were up against the big publishers of New York and other narrators. We competed against some of the best. To be selected is quite an honour.”

The audiobook market is growing rapidly in the United States and in the larger urban centres in Canada, Farquhar said. As the market grows, so do the names of people putting their voices to stories.

“When you think about it, Rachel McAdams, she’s done audio books. Natalie Portman has too.”

Continued on page 13

AudioFile backs the book

Continued from page 12

“Barack and Michelle Obama record their own audiobooks,” he said. “Audiobooks in the United States are now a billion-dollar industry. You get top-name actors and actresses doing them.”

Farquhar said it’s a way for actors to supplement their incomes between films or between live performances on Broadway.

This is just Farquhar’s second audiobook. In the past, Voices in the Wind has focused on fullcast dramatizations.

The first audiobook endeavour was Emily of New Moon, in which Farquhar managed to obtain the services of Megan Follows, who played Anne Shirley in the Anne of Green Gables television adaptations.

Lucy Maud Montgomery wrote the books, and penned Emily of New Moon as well.

“The first really big one was Emily of New Moon, and this one is winning all these awards. I was really fortunate to work with Barbara and Megan,” Farquhar said. He found Rosenblat incredible to work with and amazing to listen to.

“Barbara is such a gifted narrator. It’s amazing how she can put a voice to all these different characters. When I was listening to it (the audiobook), I swore there were other people in there,

but that’s just how good she is,” he said. “She masterfully delights in and embodies wonder, innocence, and imagination.”

Rosenblat did her work out of her in-home studio in New York, where friend Zarr would visit during trips to The Big Apple, his hometown, Farquhar said.

For Voices in the Wind, Farquhar has seen technology make advancements that have helped him, but he’s also experienced a retro element to the business’ success. Many of his dramatizations are akin to radio dramas that were popular more than 70 years ago.

He said it’s largely younger folks who are taking an interest in the audio performances.

“When I speak to younger people – aged 18 to 21 – and I mention I do audiobooks, they mention they just listened to one last week,” he said. “It’s great that they like to supplement their reading with audiobooks.”

The portability and ease of consumption are attractive for folks.

“That’s what makes it so popular – you could be out for walks and listening. I’m really surprised how many people have their ear buds in,” he said. “Also, in the car, parents love getting audiobooks for their kids for long trips.”

Farquhar said a decade ago, he was worried audio dramas and

such were closing in on their best-before date. Fortunes have changed.

“I was doing things 10 years ago and was worried it was all going to die out. But now, there’s an explosion when it comes to podcasting. People are creating their own fiction and serializing it on their own platforms,” he said. “Ten years ago, it was really big getting something on the radio. And audiobooks didn’t have the stature they do now.”

Technology has also allowed Farquhar to connect with talent around North America.

“It’s amazing to be working with people in New York, Chicago, L.A. and Toronto,” he said. What the market will next get from Farquhar and company is a return to full-cast dramatization.

He said Alice Through the Looking Glass – the follow up story to Alice in Wonderland (a performance he produced several years ago) – is in postproduction, with a release set for May. In the meantime, Winnie the Pooh will be a part of a major marketing campaign launched by AudioFile Magazine to promote the audiobook across the United States.

Contributed image Voices in the Wind’s Winnie the Pooh, was selected by U.S.-based AudioFile Magazine as one of the Best Audiobooks of 2022.

Denomy’s: Great service for 75 years

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

Although technology is light years from what it was in 1948, the values of old-fashioned service from the era remain the same.

That’s the word from Chris Denomy, third-generation owner of Denomy’s Audio Video Unlimited in Chatham.

Founded by his grandfather Francis after he returned from the Second World War, the store has been a mainstay of the community for 75 years.

“My grandpa was a radio servicing technician in the war,” the younger Denomy said. “That’s what he did, and he brought that skill home with him.”

Francis started the original shop on St. Clair Street, first selling radios and then televisions. It was – and remains

– a multi-faceted business that includes sales with a focus on good customer service.

“Grandpa definitely stressed the little things,” Chris said, noting it’s a tradition the Denomy family upholds to this day.

Francis’ son Jude joined his father at the store, and the two worked alongside each other for 40 years. Chris joined the father and grandfather in the business full time at age 19 after finishing school. His brother Bryon, who he calls his “right-hand man,” is also part of the business.

Going the extra mile pays dividends, Chris noted, adding his business helps cus-

Road work on King St.

The Chatham Voice Construction on King Street in Chatham will force some traffic rerouting for more than a month.

Municipal officials said the eastbound lane is to be closed at Sixth Street, the site of the cenotaph, until Feb. 24.

Through traffic will have to divert to Wellington Street in the meantime. The westbound lane will remain open during the construction. The reason for the construction is due to a Bell Canada contractor replacing an underground chamber.

tomers solve problems.

“We do installations and we guarantee our pricing will match bigger stores, apples to apples. Some people think a small independent store can’t compete with big, box stores,” Chris said.”We absolutely can. We enjoy our clientele, and the little things are priceless.”

He said that while he knows his store can’t get all the local business, they’d like to have the chance.

“It’s great to support small mom and pop shops as they are few and far between,” Chris said “We want to keep the tradition alive and my goal is to keep the store going for 100 years.

“We offer peace of mind.”

Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice

Chris Denomy shows off some technology of yesteryear including a statue of RCA mascot Nipper and a 1930s gramophone atop a General Electric television from the early 1950s.

HGTV star McGillivray gives local realtor thumbs up

Local real estate agent Deb Rhodes recently met HGTV’s Scott McGillivray and his team in Toronto to discuss everything real estate.

“Being chosen to work with Scott and the McGillivray Trusted team is a huge honour,” Rhodes said in a media release.

McGillivray, the award-winning HGTV celebrity, executive producer and real estate/renovation expert and broker of hundreds of real estate investments over the past two decades, said he knows firsthand about the value a knowledgeable, connected, and dedicated real estate agent brings to the buying and selling process.

“Partner with the agent I trust!” he said.

“Selling a home can be a complex process, so it’s important to use an experienced agent that knows your market,” advises McGillivray. “It’s important to partner with an agent with a strong marketing strategy that creates demand and gets your home sold for top dollar.”

Real estate agents in the Scott McGillivray Trusted Agent Program have been selected based on a combination of their excellence in client satisfaction, depth of experience, marketing, and delivering results.

“I am proud to have been recognized as the exclusive McGillivray Trusted Agent for the Chatham-Kent market. I was born in and am native to Chatham,” Rhodes said.

She has been helping clients buy and sell homes in Chatham-Kent, for more than 30 years.

To find out more information about Rhodes, visit her website debrhodeschathamhomes.com.

Made-in-C-K effort draws interest

An inclusivity marketing campaign put together by Chatham-Kent Economic Development Services is gaining recognition.

The “Supporting 2SLGTBQ+ People in the Workplace” has been chosen as a finalist for an Award of Excellence from the Economic Developers Council of Ontario.

The campaign was created in collaboration with the municipality’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice team; with help from the CK Gay Pride Association and other community partners such as the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance.

The initial campaign was launched during CK Pride Week to raise awareness as to how local business can best support 2SLGTBQ+ in the workplace.

New deal for Maple City staff

Employees at Maple City Residence in Chatham have ratified a new contract.

The three-year deal gives the employees wage increases and other improvements, according to CLAC officials.

The employees are represented by Southwestern Ontario Healthcare and Service Workers Union, CLAC Local 303. The union has represented Maple City Residence employees for 40 years come this May.

The new contract provides a $1 per hour wage increase for all classifications in the first year, backdated to

Oct. 1, 2022 (which works out to a 5-to-6.5-per-cent increase), and three per cent increases in each of years two and three, which works out total wage increases over the term of between 11 to 12.5 per cent.

In addition, the uniform allowance increases to 10 cents per hour, weekend premium increases to 45 cents per hour, part-time premium in-lieu-of-benefits premium increases to 65 cents per hour, and the incharge premium/UCP increases to $1.55 per hour.

Maple City Residence employs 29 Local 303 members working as health-care aides, personal support workers, unregulated care providers, housekeeping and dietary aides, cooks, and maintenance staff.

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

The Chatham Voice

Contributed image

Chatham-Kent resident Regina Stockus poses next to a massive Tohatsu outboard motor, on display at the Toronto Boat Show recently. Stockus made sure to visit Chatham Marine.

Community Events

Thursday, February 2, 2023:

• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. open 11:00am–9:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch from 11:30am.–1:30pm. Euchre at 1:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome.

Friday, February 3, 2023:

• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. open 11:00am–9:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch from 11:30am.–1:30pm. Supper served from 4:00–6:00. No orders after 5:30pm. Tonight’s specials are ham & scalloped potatoes or fish & chips. Take out is also available by calling 519-351-8733 or 519-351-5639. Fun Darts start at 7:00 p.m. Everyone welcome.

Saturday, February 4, 2023:

• Morning Breakfast Program at First Presbyterian Church (corner of Fifth St. and Wellington). A delicious and nutritious breakfast served free of charge from 9:30am-10:30am. Take out only.

• Chatham-Kent 4-H Association will be hosting Rally Night at the Morpeth Community Centre. 6:30pm-8:30pm. Come see what clubs plan to run this year and sign up to participate. Please note membership fee must be paid online at www.4-hontario.ca to participate in clubs. For more information email: chathamkent4h@gmail.com

• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. open 11:00am–9:30pm. Meat draw at 3:30, 4:30 and 5:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch 3:00pm–5:30pm. Entertainment by Barker & Wicks from 4:30-9:30. Come check out our menu. Everyone Welcome.

Sunday, February 5, 2023:

• Brunch at the Chatham Granite Club, 41 William St. N. All you can eat. Adults $15. Children 4-10 $6. Under 4 are free. The bar will be open and Mimosa’s will be available. Brunch will be served from 10:30am-12:30pm. Come and enjoy!

Fun Stuff

Cameron film

Monday, February 6, 2023:

• Dresden and District Horticultural Annual Banquet at Rotary Wheelhouse at 6:30pm.Tickets are $25, includes membership of $5. Burn’s is catering a roast beef dinner. Larry Cornelis, from Sydenham Naturalists, guest speaker. Contact lizkominek22@gmail. com Or Karen Melton 519-3591976 karenmelton111@gmail.com or Lynda Weese 519-436-1754 lyndaweese12@gmail.com.

Tuesday, February 7, 2023:

• Do you live with a Chronic Health Condition or are a Caregiver for someone who does? Join us and learn how to take control of your health! Access virtual programs using any computer, tablet, or smartphone. All workshop materials are provided free of charge. Master your chronic pain.

Tuesdays - February 7 - March 14, 2023. 6:00pm-8:30pm. Register at https://myhcp_feb7.eventbrite.ca.

• Chess Club at Chatham Branch of CKPL. 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm. Drop in program. Great opportunity to learn new strategies by playing with different players. All ages and all skill levels are welcome.

• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. open 11:00am–9:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch 11:30am–1:30pm.

Today’s special is Spaghetti with meat sauce. Euchre at 1:00 or spend the evening playing Euchre or Shuffleboard starting at 7:00pm. Everyone is welcome.

Wednesday, February 8, 2023:

• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. open from 11:00am–9:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch 11:30am–1:30pm. Our daily special is meat loaf dinner. Fun darts at 7:00pm. Everyone is welcome.

Thursday, February 9, 2023:

• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. open 11:00am–9:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch from 11:30am.–1:30pm. Euchre at 1:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome.

• Do you live with a Chronic Health Condition or are a Caregiver for someone who does? Join us and learn how to take control of your health! Access virtual programs using any computer, tablet, or smartphone. All workshop materials are provided free of charge. Master your health diabetes. Thursdays - February 9 - March 16, 2023. 1:30pm-4:00pm. Register at https://myhdiab_feb9.eventbrite. ca.

• Retired Workers Chapter Meeting are the perfect opportunity to enjoy coffee and baked goods and visit with friends and former fellow workers. Keep up to date with the community, pensions, benefits and info provided from informed leadership and guest speakers. Spouses are welcome. 10:00am at the Unifor Local 127, 405 Riverview Dr., Chatham.

Friday, February 10, 2023:

• Do you live with a Chronic Health Condition or are a Caregiver for someone who does? Join us and learn how to take control of your health! Access virtual programs using any computer, tablet, or smartphone. All workshop materials are provided free of charge. Diabetes, healthy feet and you. 9:30am12:00pm. Register at https:// dhfy_feb10.eventbrite.ca.

• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. open 11:00am–9:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch from 11:30am.–1:30pm. Supper served from 4:00–6:00. No orders after 5:30pm. Tonight’s specials are cheeseburg & fries or fish & chips. Take out is also available by calling 519-351-8733 or 519351-5639. Fun Darts start at 7:00 p.m. Everyone welcome.

Are you affected by someone else’s drinking? Al-anon can help! Callleave message - 519-350-3462

Alcoholics Anonymous, we can help! Information Line 519-3605246.

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

CLUES ACROSS

1. Shed tears

5. Luxury jewelry designer

10. Goddess of wisdom

12. Convert into a particular form

14. Working-class people

16. It borders Canada (abbr.)

18. A princess can detect its presence

19. Red-brown sea bream

20. Defunct retail empire

22. Vase

23. Demeter’s equivalent

25. Monetary unit of the Maldives

26. French and Belgian river

27. Small amount

28. High schoolers’ test

30. Animal’s foot

31. Some is red

33. Per __: each

35. Swedish jazz pop duo

37. Plate for Eucharist

38. Train line

40. Russian pop duo

41. Stake

42. Plant by scattering

44. Female sibling

45. City of Angels hoopsters (abbr.)

48. Popular cookie brand

50. Group of Niger-Congo languages

52. A team’s best pitcher

53. Vomits

55. 19th letter of Greek alphabet

56. Men’s fashion accessory

57. Its capital is Pierre (abbr.)

58. Expensive cut of steak

63. Popular James

65. A __: relating to knowledge gleaned from deduction

66. Kids’ snow toys

67. Flip side to yin

CLUES DOWN

1. Global public health agency

2. Snake-like fish

3. Midway between northeast and east

4. Dabbed

5. TV show

6. Folk singer DiFranco

7. Canadian flyers

8. Of the dowry

9. Commercial

10. The act of imitating

11. Equipment used to broadcast radio or TV signals

13. Lands of an emir

15. Swiss river

17. Island

18. Monetary unit of Afghanistan

21. One who surrenders under agreed conditions

23. Garfield is one

24. A baglike structure in a plant or animal

27. Small boats used in the Black Sea

29. Small savory Spanish dishes

32. Body part

34. Touch lightly

35. Popular grilled foods on a stick

36. __ Hess: oil company

39. Antelope with a reddish coat

40. Pharaoh of Lower Egypt

43. Pink Floyd’s Roger

44. Short and thick

46. Small, sac-like cavities

47. Performer __-Lo

49. Entrails of animal used as food

51. __ King Cole, musician

54. Where construction is done

59. Chap

60. Investment vehicle

61. Often mixed with tonic

62. Holiday beverage egg

64. Against

Geraldine “Geri” Marilyn Butler

1942 - 2019

Obituaries

Mr. Thomas Howe

At Cooper Terrace Nursing Home on Tuesday January 24th, 2023, Thomas Howe of Chatham passed away in his 89th year. Beloved husband of the late Ruth (2022). Loving father of Christopher Howe of Parry Sound and predeceased by his son Todd Gordon Howe. Dear brother of Bill and Ruth Howe of Chatham. Tom worked at Libby’s for many years, and later Tom and Ruth would own and operate the Lakeside Motel in Parry Sound for 36 years. On their 50th anniversary they decided to return to Chatham where they had met and married. Tom and Ruth were able to spend 18 winters in Florida. The family would like to thank all the staff of Copper Terrace for the loving care they have given both Tom and Ruth. Cremation has taken place. A graveside service will be held in Listowel at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to the Alexander & Houle Funeral Home, 245 Wellington St. West, Chatham, 519-352-2710. On-line condolences may be left at www.alexanderandhoulefuneralhome.ca

Loans

Ministry

OBITUARIES

Ronald “Bucky” Hill 70, Tuesday, January 23, 2023

Blenheim Community Funeral Home

Larry De Smit

60, Saturday, January 21, 2023

Life Transitions

Wesley Smids 57, Tuesday, January 24, 2023

Life Transitions

Renee Morrison

Wednesday, January 25, 2023

Life Transitions

Eleanor Jenkins 73, Wednesday, January 25, 2023

Life Transitions

Thomas Howe 89, Tuesday, January 24, 2023

Alexander & Houle Funeral Home

Les Keskeny

519-352-5414 or 226-627-5414.

Classified ads start at only $6.00. Phone 519-397-2020

Puzzles on page 18

Healing Love Ministry is an all night prayer line with counsellors available from 12:00am7:00am. Also, a male support group for those struggling with sexual addiction. A home based ministry, private and confidential. 519-354-3532.

For Sale

Silk Cemetery

Saddle Arrangements. Everyday/ Holidays. Ready-to-go. Many colours available. $35. 519-354-3411

Coins

BUYING coin collections and silver coins. Any questions call Paul 289228-2817.

60, Wednesday, January 18, 2023

McKinlay Funeral Home

Rick Malott 70, Monday, January 23, 2023

McKinlay Funeral Home

Bruna Argenti 97, Sunday, January 22, 2023

McKinlay Funeral Home

Robert Dickson 82, Monday, January 23, 2023

McKinlay Funeral Home

Terry Cox 73, Monday, January 23, 2023

McKinlay Funeral Home

Verna Letourneau

89, Monday, January 16, 2023

McKinlay Funeral Home

Rick Bechard

73, Wednesday, January 25, 2023

McKinlay Funeral Home

Sharon Ann Thievin

Saturday, January 21, 2023

Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home

Shirley Marie VanPuymbroeck

83, Friday, January 20, 2023

Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home

Elizabeth “Liz” Chinnick

75, Sunday, January 22, 2023

Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home

Elsa Helen Tengelis

89, Wednesday, January 25, 2023

Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home

Patricia Thibeault

76, Wednesday, January 25, 2023

Nicholls Funeral Home

James Douglas Gallerno

85, Thursday, January 26, 2023

Nicholls Funeral Home

Full obituaries at chathamvoice.com/obituaries