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Protesting pandemic restrictions in Chatham
Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice
Chatham-Kent’s supporting version of the Freedom Convoy took place in Chatham Saturday with participants driving a pre-arranged route through the city. Here, a volunteer named Cynthia directs members of the convoy at the corner of Pioneer Line and Baldoon Road, while waving a large Canadian flag. The event was held for people who couldn’t make it to Ottawa. See story on page 3.
COVID takes its toll on health-care staff
By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com
The cost of COVID-19 is being felt at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, and it could continue to be felt long after the pandemic is one day over. With another death re-
ported Sunday at the hospital, Lori Marshall, president and CEO of the CKHA, said staff losing patients can take its toll, and that toll has been staggering. “The number of deaths we’ve seen even since
January has certainly been significant. It is something we find very difficult,” she said. “There is not only the impact of COVID-19 on the individuals we’re caring for, but also there is the morale; the distress of knowing
the patients we aren’t able to care for right now.” Marshall said the suspension of elective surgeries is impacting lives. Such surgeries may be scheduled procedures and not listed as emergency procedures, but
that does not mean they are not required. Because staff are needed to tend to COVID-positive patients, there simply isn’t the manpower to open the surgical units at this time. The surging death toll
from COVID-19 locally should tell everyone how much more deadly the virus is compared to the flu. “There is no comparison. The impact of COVID has been significant and sustained,” Marshall said.
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Serene scene Jake Trudell/ Special to The Voice
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“And I would say it has changed the face of health care and health-care workers forever.” Alan Wildeman, CKHA board chair, agreed. “In terms of the flu versus omicron, if you look at the actual data, the Centre for Disease Control has calculated that the flu has caused 1.8 deaths per 100,000 people over a 20-year period between 1999 and 2019. COVID is causing 215 deaths per
1,000 people. People who keep on saying it’s no worse than the flu...they’re simply wrong,” he said. Wildeman said the impact will be felt for some time to come. “The effects on staff are orders of magnitude greater typically than what’s been experienced by the flu. This is a long-lasting effect on people working in the health-care system,” he said. Marshall predicts when the pandemic eventually wanes,
we will see a good number of health-care professionals leave the industry due to the toll it has taken on them. “Hopefully, health-care professions remain an important aspiration of our youth,” she said. “The impact with respect to the morale of health-care workers over the course of the last two years has been very difficult and it is something that is going to take a long time for us to recover from,” she added.
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Mini freedom rally held in Chatham By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com
Temperatures were low but spirits were high during Chatham’s version of the Freedom Convoy on Saturday. An estimated 60 vehicles, including pick-ups, SUVs, cars and a handful of big rig cabs, flew Canadian and American flags as they made their way through Chatham. The mood was celebratory, with participants and supporters blowing their horns in support of the cause. Many sported signs calling out Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for an end to vaccine mandates. “My body, my choice” and “F*$!* Trudeau” were the two most common themes. Participants marshalled at the Walmart parking lot at 10 a.m. before making their way through the city, completing the route four times.
The Voice spoke to several supporters outside the 7-Eleven store at the corner of St. Clair Street and Grand Avenue, mere steps away from the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance’s COVID-19 testing centre. A woman and man stood on the corner is a show of solidarity with the protestors. A woman, who wished to only be identified by her first name, said she was in full support of Saturday’s convoy. “I think it’s amazing what they’re doing,” Vanessa said. “I think it’s unfair what government is doing. Look at the mandates and look at what these truckers are fighting for.” Vanessa said she’s not an anti-vaxxer, but is against mandates. “I’m in full support of the traditional Canadian values of freedom,” she added. Her travelling companion, who asked to be iden-
Mark Benoit/Special to The Chatham Voice
A Freedom Convoy supporter expresses her appreciation for truck drivers headed to Ottawa. This image was captured Jan. 27 on the Harwich Road overpass as elements of the convoy rolled east on Highway 401.
tified as Garfield, said he is also not opposed to vaccines, emphasizing he’s “pro-choice” when it comes to getting vaccinated against COVID-19. Cynthia, who stood for an-hour-and-a-half directing traffic at the corner of Pioneer Line and Baldoon Road, remained cheerful despite the cold.
She said most of the people passing by honked in support of the Freedom Convoy, but added she did “get the finger” a couple of times. At the same time, the freedom movement’s darker side also emerged. One well-dressed man driving a late model black car rolled down the win-
dow to offer his opinion to Cynthia as she waved an oversized Canadian flag. “I hope there’s someone up there in Ottawa with a good rifle,” the man said. Chatham-Kent police
were on hand to supervise the event. Posts on social media indicate the event was organized by Zoe Buck, who did not respond to a request from The Voice for comment by press time.
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News
Celebrate Black History Month
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com
February is Black His-
tory Month and thanks a change in pandemic protocols, the doors of Chatham-Kent’s important
Black history sites are set to reopen. According to Buxton Museum curator Shannon
Image courtesy Dudek Photography
North Buxton’s Chris Prince, right, experiences what it’s like to be put in a slave collar by Camryn Dudley.
Prince, the Buxton Historical site is once again hosting live tours. “We are so pleased we can welcome people back in,” Prince said. Face-to-face tours will again be offered, but by appointment only. Although COVID-19 has shuttered the doors on and off throughout the pandemic, Prince said the online connectivity has allowed visitors to reach out and learn about the site virtually. Prince said Buxton has teamed up with the Driftscape tourism app that allows for virtual tours, highlighting aspects of the site and surrounding area. “It’s an excellent app,” Prince noted, adding it allows Buxton to have a bigger audience. “Even though we’ve been open and shut, we’ve still been reaching people. We’ve still been busy, despite being shut down.” Prince said the importance of Black History Month cannot be over-
stated. “We thank you for sharing Black history with us as a reminder that Black history is our history,” she said. “We love to celebrate the trailblazing Black men and women who built Chatham-Kent. Without them, the community wouldn’t be what is today.” A month’s worth of activities are planned for the Buxton National Historic Site and Museum, The Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society and Uncle Tom’s Cabin and
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Historic Site. The municipality’s tourism department is squarely behind Black History Month, actively promoting all virtual and in-person activities associated with the month. “We are honoured to share the important part in Canadian history that Chatham-Kent played as we commemorate Black History Month,” said Shannon Paiva, supervisor of Tourism Development and Community Attraction and Promotion for the municipality.
THE CHATHAM VOICE
PAGE 6
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2022
Opinion Divided locally; divided nationally Once again, we are a nation divided. Misinformation through social media can be crushing. We have long thrived as a country with a division of ideals, but a consensus of pride. Yes, there are groups in the west feel we in the east don’t listen to their concerns. Separatist elements in Quebec have at times sought to break away from the nation in general. But now...now have fact versus fiction. Algorithms on various social media platforms only care about engagement – keeping eyeballs on their web platforms for as long as possible. They have mastered the terrible art of showing their members and viewers material that keeps them reading or watching. In so many cases, that material slides towards one extreme or another. People have gone from merely questioning the vaccine and its safety to being convinced their way of life is under attack. At the other side we have people who began the pandemic concerned about the impact of catching COVID-19, either for themselves or giving it to a loved one. They aren’t even in a high-risk category for complications, nor are their immediate family members or circle of friends. However, as time passes and they peer at the world through social media, they become afraid to go out-
doors, scared to interact with others out of fear of catching COVID. It’s impacted their lives. They’ve been double vaxxed and then boosted, but they still stay glued to their couches, ordering online and undermining their local economies by letting their fears win out; fears that were supported and augmented by those algorithms. We need to stop acting on these extremes. We need a return to even-tempered discussion on issues, including masks, vaccines and the virus. This has all divided us to the point we are all correct: the pandemic is ruining our regular ways of life. Not every person opposed to the vaccine is a violent protester. Very few are. Most are willing to mask up and go into stores to get what they need and go home. And not everyone who is fully vaccinated is pointing fingers at anti-vaxxers, accusing them of being extremely selfish. We need to realize this. There is a great deal of middle ground. For every person who said to Freedom Convoy supporters that they hoped someone took a rifle with them, and for every individual who gave protesters the finger – events that took place in Chatham this weekend, witnessed by Voice personnel – there are thousands who are just plain frustrated and are looking for a way to vent.
Respect public safety Editor: Is your life really worth this? I went to Blenheim Thursday morning and encountered a large mob of vehicles and people on the Communication Road overpass above Highway 401.
It was not only dangerous to passing traffic but also to the people wandering on the travelled part of the road. This was taking place with no organization or police control.
I am surprised no one got killed by such action. Yes, protest, but do it in a way that is safe for both public and vehicular traffic. Bruce Thompson Chatham
Letters to the editor policy The Chatham Voice welcomes letters to the editor. Our preferred method to receive letters is via e-mail to bruce@ chathamvoice.com (use
“Letter” in the subject line). You can also drop them off or mail them to us at The Chatham Voice, 71 Sass Rd., Unit 4, Cha-
Advertising policy
The publisher of this newspaper, CK Media Inc., reserves the right to clarify or refuse any advertisement based on its sole discretion. The publisher reserves the right to reject, discontinue or omit any advertisement without notice or penalty to either party. Liability for errors or non-insertion is limited to the amount paid for the cost of space occupied by the error. Claims of errors must be made prior to the next publication date.
tham, Ont, N7M 5J4. The Chatham Voice reserves the right to edit letters to the editor for brevity and clarity. All letters need to be signed.
What just happened? Editor: They boarded their trucks and cars in B.C., did up their seat belts, drove on the right side of the highway, adhered to reasonable speed limits and obeyed a myriad of laws and regulations on their way to Ottawa. These laws and regulations, like vaccine mandates, are freedoms they are asked to sacrifice in a civilized society, in the name of protecting all. When they got to Ottawa, they carried
Confederate flags. They draped their propaganda messages on the statue of a real Canadian hero – Terry Fox. They danced and displayed signs on a monument to thousands who made real sacrifices for the freedoms in this country – Canada’s War Memorial. They desecrated a real symbol of tyranny – the yellow star the Nazis used to identify Jews during the horrific Holo-
caust. Along the way they were endorsed by such political luminaries as Donald Trump, senior and junior, Don Cherry and Maxime Bernier. Who are these people? They certainly are not the Canadians I have been proud to share this beautiful country with for more than seven decades. Dennis Makowetsky Chatham
Actions wake Canadians Editor: The Prime Minister of Canada has done what nobody in Canada has done in a long time. He has woken up thousands and thousands of Canadians all across Canada, some of whom have been drinking beer and sitting on the couch in front of the television for years. To actually get these people to travel in Jan-
uary in the land of ice and snow is remarkable. With the pending federal election, which now appears to be sooner rather than later, most must wonder how many federal seats will change hands by the hundreds and thousands of silent voters who have sat on the shelf per riding and didn’t vote before.
When people are talked down to and actually get off their butts to say something, right or wrong on vaccine, carbon tax or any other issue in Canada, nobody should call them fringe, but perhaps silent majority. Or Canadians. Wayne Robertson Chatham
The Chatham Voice is printed by: One of Canada’s 50 Printers The contents of this newspaper are protected byTOP copyright. No material from this edition may be reproduced without expressed written consent of CK Media Inc. 800.465.1662 705.687.6691
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THE CHATHAM VOICE
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2022
PAGE 7
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Cold temps, warm hearts in Dresden By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com
January’s icy grip couldn’t stop the warmth from spreading at Park St. Place in Dresden last week. On Thursday, community members took a special stroll around the retirement residence to bring some cheer to residents currently confined to their rooms due to a COVID-19 outbreak. “It was an exceptional day for residents,” said Park Street recreation director Sue Farrar. “They enjoyed people coming to say hello.” Entitled the PAWS-ITIVITY STROLL, the walk drew a wide array of participants. “We had dogs, kids, school children and kids from the nursery school – it was really nice,” Farrar
said. Resident’s were also treated to Tim Hortons coffee, muffins and doughnuts thanks to family members pitching in the funds. The respite was a welcome one for residents, as the facility has been in outbreak since Jan. 12, with 31 residents affected by the highly transmissible omicron variant. Park Street is but one of four long-term care and retirement homes in COVID -19 outbreak as of late last week. Fairfield Park in Wallaceburg, Village on the Ridge in Ridgetown and St. Andrew’s Residence in Chatham are also in outbreak. Despite being extremely careful for the past two years, Farrar said omicron finally found its way into Park Street. Farrar said it’s the first time COVID-19 has affected the residence,
Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice
Park St. Place residents got a cheerful boost Thursday when local residents –young, old and canine – got together to take a PAWS-ITIVITY stroll. The walk around the retirement residence was designed to bring a smile to the faces of those isolating due to a recent outbreak of the omicron variant. Here, Lynn Vandeweghe, Brian McCabe, Fran Martin and Mary Jane Lawson say hello to Toni Cajka who is peering out the window.
adding they’ve managed to to keep the delta variant
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at bay. However, she said residents appear to be stable and on the mend.
“Most of our residents are doing well,” Farrar added. “I think we are seeing the light at the end of
the tunnel. “It’s definitely getting brighter.”
The Chatham Voice
Memberships and passes are back, and swim times have returned to normal (meaning more time in the pool), and fees have returned to normal. Vaccination QR codes are required to attend. Winter H20 swim lessons, including semi-private and private lessons, will also be available starting Feb. 7. Lessons are available at both locations. CK Recreation’s regu-
larly scheduled spring session is now available online with registration opening Feb. 14. Pool operations will continue to abide by all provincial and local COVID-19 regulations, including reduced capacity, and face covering requirements. Registration can be completed online at chatham-kent.ca/recreationswimming or by calling 519-360-1998.
Pools to reopen Monday
Beginning Feb. 7, local recreational swimmers will again be able to make a splash. Chatham-Kent Recreation has plans to reopen their indoor pools in Blenheim and Wallaceburg at 50-per-cent capacity. The recreational swimming schedule is now online with registration open one week prior to the respective swim time.
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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2022
PAGE 9
News
Budget hike down to 2.99% By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com
The budget committee of Chatham-Kent council used a proverbial chainsaw to whittle down the 2022 budget increase in its first two nights of deliberations. The committee cut what started as a 4.74-per-cent increase down to 2.99 per cent. It is scheduled to meet as many as three days this week to continue the process. Infrastructure spending and lifecycle allowances have been left bloodied. The committee lopped, snipped and amputated from numerous areas of lifecycle spending, including shoreline issues, previously pledged cash to top up shortfalls, asset management and even to funds set aside to cover anticipated inflationary costs to such processes as paving the roads. In a hotly debated effort, the committee voted 10-8 to cut its 2022 commitment to fund shoreline issues by $650,000. It still pledged $1.25 million towards future projects along the Lake Erie shoreline. Storm sewer lifecycle funding took a $650,000 slicing as well, while asset management funding endured a $676,000 hacking. The committee didn’t like administration’s recommendations to cover the cost of inflation on capital projects as well, and made another nearly $442,000 in cuts there. And that was just the first night. After making $2.3 million in reductions, the committee then trimmed off another $650,000 the second night on funding to address needs to handle the growth of the municipality. It even debated taking $250,000 out of the police budget. Budget chair Brock Mc-
Gregor said the process is not over, and it has not been an easy one. “We’ve got a few things left to hash out,” he told The Chatham Voice. “Land ambulance service is still an issue. If we decide to increase that service, that’s an added cost that could have an impact. It is still one of the big areas to discuss.” McGregor said the committee went into the budget process knowing it had limited options when it came to making cuts. “If you look at the proposed budget, council set that direction in the spring of last year. When you look at the budget, the only areas of increase were infrastructure spending and areas of inflation.” And both areas have experienced the cut of the knives of the budget committee. Despite all the knives and all the slashing, McGregor said it will certainly stop at some point. Usually, that’s at the end of the budget binder, when all areas have been addressed. “When we get to that budget binder, after a lot of people have the same areas highlighted, as a chair, you can see there are no hands left coming up (with questions or motions),” he said. McGregor said seeing the short-term budgetary gains that could lead to long-term pain for the municipality underscores the need to look at a bigger picture rather than a one-year budget snapshot. “It demonstrates why a multi-year budget makes some sense. That offers more opportunity to be a lot more detailed and to understand how costs should be more focused on more than one year,” he said. This is McGregor’s fourth and final year as
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chair of the budget committee. Will he fall to the ‘curse’ of his three predecessors? Tom McGregor, Art Stirling and Derek Robertson preceded McGregor as budget chairs. In each case, they were not on municipal council for the next term. McGregor and Robertson are school board trustees – with McGregor first making an unsuccessful run at mayor – while
Stirling was not re-elected. McGregor will not say if he will seek re-election. ‘It’s still early. I’m focused on getting through this next little bit of budget,” he said. “It’s been a challenging couple of years, with COVID. This is something I’ll have to decide when we get closer to this (election) time.” The committee was to be back at budget deliberations Feb. 1.
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PAGE 11
News
COVID volumes lead to spike in deaths By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com
Chatham-Kent’s recent spike of COVID-19 deaths — 20 of the 47 occurred in January — can be attributed to the sheer number of people who are infected. Medical officer of health Dr. David Colby said the highly transmissible vi-
rus is disproportionately affecting people who suffer from co-morbidities. Chatham-Kent’s relatively low number of deaths earlier in the pandemic corresponds to the lower number of cases. But omicron changed everything. Colby said Public Health is now focused on harm reduction, which includes vaccination against the illness.
At a weekly municipal media conference, Colby said that while vaccination does not prevent getting the virus, it normally prevents severe illness. Some deaths are inevitable he said, because not everyone is vaccinated. “We are dealing with a large number of people that are infected that are of advanced age,” Colby explained.
The way health experts are dealing with COVID-19 has changed. Contract tracing – an earlier mainstay of controlling the pandemic, has been abandoned – with only high-risk cases being tracked. Eventually, few will be able to evade omicron, Colby explained, with everyone becoming infected over time.
Co-op options for Ridgetown students The Chatham Voice
tant dean of academic, called the programs a “win-win for student and employers,” providing a paid industry-related work experience. “We know this new opportunity will enhance students’ experiential learning and networking opportunities, along with building valuable transferable skills for any career,” Lachance said in a media release. Those interested in the co-operative education option are invited to contact
Prospective students at the University of Guelph Ridgetown Campus have threenew co-operative education options slated for fall 2022 programs. Students studying in the new co-op options will complete one co-op work term in the summer semester between year one and year two of their studies. The option will be offered in the Agriculture, Horticulture and Equine Care and Management diploA Warm, ma programs at ontariocolleges. ca. Dr. Simon Lachance, assis-
“In terms of how to avoid the infection, that’s going to be very, very hard,” he said. “The virus is not going to be gone,” he added. “It could disappear but it probably will continue to circulate.” That could mean citizens would need to get vaccinated against COVID-19 every year. Another recent devel-
opment, Colby said, was a fresh supply of Pfizer vaccine – a drug some Chatham-Kent residents have been holding out for. Colby said people have adopted a “peculiar brand loyalty” with the Pfizer shot similar to how the public chooses beer or cars, even though Moderna has proved to be just as effective.
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sico.ca * Applies to Sico Muse and Sico Evolution Interior Latex Paint, 861-5XX, 863, 866, 867, 991 & 992 series, 3.78 L size only. Offer valid from February 3rd to 16th, 2022, while quantities last. Offer valid on regular prices, see store for details. Sico, Muse and Sico Evolution are registered trademarks of the PPG Group of Companies. © 2022 PPG Industries, Inc. All rights reserved. CA820706
Do you know someone between the ages of 6 - 17 who is making a difference within their community? Nominate them for an
40TH
ONTARIO JUNIOR CITIZEN AWARD DEADLINE IS FEBRUARY 11, 2022
ANNIVERSARY
NOMINATIONS WANTED
Nomination forms are available from this newspaper, and at www.ocna.org/juniorcitizen. Email jr.citizen@ocna.org for more information.
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THE CHATHAM VOICE
PAGE 12
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2022
News
‘Raging Grannies’ protest deforestation By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com
Bearing witness. That’s what’s behind a pair of protests that saw the Raging Grannies group picket two rural properties in East Kent Sunday where recent tree cutting has occurred.
“It’s so alarming,” said member Rageen Granny. “It doesn’t take much to take down a woodlot. “We’re just trying to make a point,” she said, adding members were “bearing witness” to the degrada“It’s so alarming. It tion of the forest. doesn’t take much to Group members, take down a woodlot. who never identify themselves publicly, We’re just trying to have been active over make a point.” the past year, taking - ‘Rageen Granny’ a stand to protect
Chatham-Kent’s dwindling forest cover. Spokeswoman Rageen said 10 people braved the cold on Botany Line and Zone Road 2 near Thamesville recentlyto quietly protest the clearing of trees.
She said she hoped the municipality will take action and also criticized the fact there’s no preventative legislation in place. “What’s the sense in having a bylaw if you don’t enforce it?” Rageen asked, adding
landowners should need permission before clearing trees on their land. Chatham-Kent does not have a permit process in place governing tree cutting and clear cutting.
Continued on page 13
A Perfect Ten Judy Daley of Chatham is seen with Luce Cools picking up her new 2021 Jeep Cherokee Limited, fully equipped. This is Judy’s 10th vehicle she has purchased from Luce over the years. Thank you for supporting local and enjoy your new vehicle this year!
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Contributed image
Four members of the Raging Grannies group hoist signs near a Botany Line property near Thamesville. Trees were recently cut down on the East Kent land, prompting complaints that Chatham-Kent’s temporary clear cutting has been violated. The municipality is now investigating.
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THE CHATHAM VOICE
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2022
PAGE 13
News
Tree cutting continues in rural C-K extended it twice. It remains in effect until April 30. The bylaw states anyone found guilty of contravening the bylaw could be fined up to $100,000. The municipality announced Monday it is investigating complaints that woodlots in East
Continued from page 12
However, there is the temporary bylaw passed by Chatham-Kent council last year prohibiting landowners from clearing trees in woodlot areas more than 0.2 hectares (half an acre) in size. Originally passed in April 2021, council has
LEARN THE LEGACY
Kent are being cleared of trees, possibly in violation of Chatham-Kent’s temporary bylaw. In a Jan. 24 media release, Paul Lacina, director of building development services (BDS) and bylaw enforcement stated officers are looking into the issue.
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. Please visit http://www.buxtonmuseum.com for information and virtual tours. On Thursday, February 10th at 5 pm, join a FREE webinar to hear Funké Aladejebi, as she shares insight into her recently released book,’Schooling The System: A History of Black Women Teachers’. Through oral interviews, and lived experiences, Funké will tell the story of black access and education in Ontario from the 1940s to the 1980s, Black women
Uncle Tom’s Cabin Uncle Tom’s Cabin Historic Site is located on the Sydenham River near Dresden, Ontario. Uncle Tom’s Cabin Historic Site takes its name from Harriet Beecher Stowe’s 1852 novel Uncle Tom’s Cabin, which was loosely based on Josiah Henson’s life. Henson is a significant historical figure and was an important leader for Canada’s growing Black community. Visit us at: www.heritagetrust.on.ca/en/properties/uncle-toms-cabin Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society and Black Mecca Museum The Black Mecca Museum shares the emotional journey of Chatham’s Black community from the end of the 18th century to present day. Visit us at: www.ckbhs.org for virtual tours. Follow the North Star Have you ever seen this sign and
Kent Branch x314
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CK Museum Let Us March On till Victory is Won: The Struggle for Racial Equity in CK and Ontario is now 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. This in-house exhibit was created in partnership with the following organizations: Buxton Museum, Uncle Tom’s Cabin Historic Site, Ontario Heritage Trust, Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society & Black Mecca Museum, Buxton’s Next Generation. The original artwork in this exhibition was created by Mariah Alexander.
Self Guided Tours available year round
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SHARE THE PRIDE
Chatham Kent Public Library CKPL is hosting a Virtual Author Talk with Brock Greenhalgh, author of ‘Hard Road to Victory: The Chatham All-Stars Story’. In the fall of 1934, more than a decade before Jackie Robinson broke baseball’s colour barrier, a team of Black athletes blazed a trail for others to follow and earned the opportunity to compete for a major baseball championship. Brock will discuss how the Chatham All-Stars overcame societal hurdles that still persist today. Join Brock on Thursday, February 10 at 9:30 a.m. Brock’s presentation is approximately one hour and best suited for children 8 years and older. Adults are also welcome. Register to attend this virtual author talk at your local CKPL branch or through Ask CKPL: Phone: 519-354-2940. Text: 519-401-7174. Email: cklibrary@chatham-kent.ca
Kent Branch
Visit our family history collection Visit our family history collection 2nd floor of the 2nd floor of the Chatham�Kent Public Library, 120 Queen StreetLibrary, 120 Queen Street. Chatham-Kent Public Wed�Sat 1PM � 5PM
ting bylaw contact building development services at 519-360-1998 or e-mail shellyb@chatham-kent. ca. Landowners who plan to selectively harvest trees are urged to contact the municipality prior to undertaking the work.
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.
teachers encountered gender barriers, and systemic racism. Funké has empowered these women’s voices – those who made such great strides and contributions within the educational system - to be heard. You can join the webinar using this link: https://utoronto.zoom. us/j/81334421930
& Preservation
Website: http://kent.ogs.on.ca Website: http://kent.ogs.on.ca Email: kent@ogs.on.ca Phone: 519�354�2940Email: x4873 orkent@ogs.on.ca 855�697�6687 x314 Phone: 519-354-2940 x4873 or 855-697-6687
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ed, as it is an ongoing investigation. Several tree-cutting incidents have been reported to the municipality since the bylaw was enacted, but no charges have been laid to date. To report an incident or for further inquires on the temporary clear cut-
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 the 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.
Family Education Family HistoryHistory Advocacy,Advocacy, Education & Preservation
“BDS can confirm that these latest allegations of clear cutting at the end of last week have been reported to the municipality and bylaw enforcement staff are investigating these matters further,” Lacina said. No further comment will be provided, he add-
Specialized Pest Management for the Agri Food sector!
Thamesville • 519-692-4232 Rodent Management sgspestmanagement.ca
Spring, Summer and Fall we offer guided walking tours of the neighbouring area.
Celebrating Black History Month Rick Nicholls, MPP Chatham-Kent-Leamington
“Accessible And A “ACCESSIBLE AND ACCOUNTABLE ” ccountAble”
CHATHAM CHATHAM OFFICE OFFICE LEAMINGTON OFFICELEAMINGTON OFFICE 1111 11 Heritage RoadRoad, 1Suite 15 Erie 100 Street North115 Erie Street North, Unit Heritage Suite 100 519-351-0510 Unit B 519-326-3367 519-351-0510 519-326-3367 rnicholls-co@ola.org rnicholls-co@ola.org
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CHATHAM-KENT BLACK HISTORICAL SOCIETY
& Black Mecca Museum
177 King Street East Chatham, Ontario www.ckbhs.org info@ckblackhistoricalsociety.org
THE CHATHAM VOICE
PAGE 14
Community Events
Fun Stuff
Friday, February 4, 2022: • Friday night supper at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St will be a chicken parmegian dinner with spaghetti, caesar salad and a bread roll for $12. This will be for dine in at 5:30pm and pickups at 6:00pm. Please call daily 1:00pm to 4:00pm at 519352-8291 to place your order. Everyone welcome. • The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham is open for take-out meals only from 4:00pm - 6:00pm. Supper will be served from 4:00pm - 6:00pm. No orders after 5:30pm. Tonight’s specials are roast beef or fish & chips. $12.00 tax included. Please call 519-351-8733 or 519-351-5639 after 11:00am on Friday. We apologize for the inconvenience. Saturday, February 5, 2022: • Morning Breakfast Program at First Presbyterian Church (corner of Fifth St. and Wellington). A delicious nutritious breakfast served free of charge from 9:30am-11:30am. This will be TAKE OUT only. Friday, February 11, 2022: • Ontario Ancestors Kent Branch Educational Presentation at 7:00pm. Remembering Their Legacies: Stories from Chatham-Kent’s Black Community. The Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society and Black Mecca Museum archives hold over 400 family histories of local Black families. Though some families have more extensive information then others one thing rings true, the stories you’ll discover here are often unexpected and extraordinary because they are so often left out of history. Join Dorothy Wallace and Samantha Meredith who will share just a tiny handful of some of the hidden stories of a few local families from our Black community. Free and open to everyone. Please join us online on our Zoom platform. Simply register then join the evening of the presenation with the link sent to your email. Link to Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYodu2vpzssGdcKl-B3rLhEjvtlyK53WTNp • Friday night supper at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St. will be a BBQ Rib dinner with a baked potato, baked beans, coleslaw and a bread roll for $15. Please call daily from 1:00pm to 4:00pm at 519-352-8291 to place your order. Dine in will be served at 5:30pm and pickups will start at 6:00pm. Everyone welcome. Are you affected by someone else’s drinking? Al-anon can help! Call - leave message - 519-350-3462 There is no place like home on a cold winter day! Let Chatham-Kent Public Library entice you to come out as you participate in our Winter Reading Contest. This contest runs until March 31 for ages 16+. To participate, pick up a punch bookmark at your local library branch and receive a punch for every visit you make to the library, 3 (three) punches will get you the opportunity to enter our contest! Each branch will have a ‘snow-tastic’ winter prize pack featuring warm and fabulous locally featured items. Bundle up and visit your local library today! To find out more about programs and events at Chatham-Kent Public Library, visit www.ckpl.ca. Submit your coming events to bruce@chathamvoice.com or michelle@chathamvoice.com
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2022
CLUES ACROSS 1. __ de Mornay, actress 8. Surrenders 13. Omission 14. The white poplar 15. They become butterflies 19. Used to chop 20. Select 21. Volcanic craters 22. Consumer price index 23. Utilize 24. “True Blood” actress Paquin 25. Got up 26. Sank in 30. Retail 31. Giants 32. Most bald 33. Changes color 34. Unit of loudness 35. Undresses 38. Fathers 39. Learned skill 40. Remove qualification 44. Covered with frost 45. Speak up 46. Nowhere to be found 47. Part of surgery (abbr.) 48. Type of wrap 49. Church seating 50. Mathematical figure
51. College football conference 55. Turkish officer title 57. Organized body of knowledge 58. Smooth and glossy 59. Left
CLUES DOWN 1. Get back 2. Pass or go by 3. Having a sharp taste 4. Midway between east and southeast 5. Cairo Regional Airport 6. Peace officer 7. Brings to life 8. Automotive vehicles 9. One point south of due east 10. Football position 11. Goes by 12. Most attractive 16. Road divisions 17. Not the sea 18. Small, faint constellation 22. Cabbage 25. Least frequent 27. Change slightly 28. A country in NE Africa 29. Metric units of measure 30. More coherent 32. Make uninteresting 34. Nausea 35. Institution of Oceanography 36. Of little value 37. Hindu model of the ideal man 38. Biblical exclamation 40. You throw it at a board 41. Be about to happen 42. Brutal 43. Opened one’s mouth widely 45. 19th letter of Greek alphabet 48. Saturate 51. The woman 52. Someone who is highly skilled 53. A way to launch an attack on 54. Where golfers begin 56. Atomic number 58
Answers found on page 15
Sudoku 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box.
THE CHATHAM VOICE
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2022
PAGE 15
Classifieds Personal
Obituaries
Will the gentleman with the sweet tooth please meet the lady with the sweet tooth in the same aisle at the same place at 10:00am, Saturday, February 5.
Lowes: Frederick Gerald “Gerry” A resident of Chatham, Gerry Lowes passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance - Chatham on January 23, 2022 at the age of 91. Born in Camden Township, Gerry was the son of the late William and Sarah Lowes. Beloved husband of 69 years to Gloria (nee Airriess). Dear father to Deborah, Timothy, James, Holly, Thomas, Theodore and Robert. Proud grandfather to Christopher, Matthew, Jason, Codie, Sebastian, Joel, Jesse, Andrew, Kristian, Michael, Austin and Ryan; great-grandfather to 9. Dear twin brother to Geraldine Mallott. Predeceased by his brothers Clair, Jack and Glen Lowes. Gerry was a Veteran of the Korean War where he served with the Princess Pats. Gerry was an employee of Canada Post for the majority of his career where he served as a Postal Clerk in Chatham. Gerry also had many other part-time jobs through out his life. A Funeral Service to celebrate Gerry’s life was held in the Funeral Home on Friday, January 27, 2022. Interment followed at Maple Leaf Cemetery, Chatham. Donations made in memory of Gerry to the Brain Injury Association or Chatham-Kent Hospice would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com
New Members Welcome Kent Coin Club is welcoming new members. Adults, teens and children. Call Paul 289228-2817.
Wanted
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In Memoriam
Geraldine “Geri” Marilyn Butler
1942 - 2019
Geri - my love It’s been 3 years since God called you home and took your pain away, but my love for you and missing you just gets stronger. I will always love you with all my heart (The one you’re looking after) Until we meet again, all my love, as always, Al! xoxoxoxoxoxox
Check us out!
CHATHAMVOICE.COM Notice
NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND OTHERS
All claims against the Estate of Mark Michael McLaughlin, late of the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, who died on or about the 6th day of January, 2022, must be filed with the undersigned personal representatives no later than February 28, 2022, after which date the estate will be distributed having regard only to the claims of which the Estate Trustees then shall have notice. DATED at Chatham-Kent, this 28th day of January, 2022. Mary Elizabeth Lachine and Martha Loyson Estate Trustees With a Will by their lawyer Hinnegan Law Professional Corporation 75 Thames St., Box 428 Chatham, Ontario N7M 5K5
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Mark Charles Calhoun
November 1, 1958 - January 7, 2022 It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Mark Charles Calhoun a resident of Springfield, Illinois after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Chatham, Ontario. Mark owned and operated Calhoun Remodelling in Springfield. Survived by two sons, Jeremy and Joshua. Son of Kay Calhoun and the late Len Calhoun (2010). Brother to Allen (Irene), Janice (Dave), Scot (Tracey), Kevin (Karon), Kim, Alison (Wade), also many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews in Ontario and New Brunswick and a very special Aunt Betty Brown. Cremation has taken place and a private burial in Maple Leaf Cemetery will take place at a later date. Donations in Mark’s memory can be made to Chatham-Kent Hospice.
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OBITUARIES Bill Myslawchuk 83, Saturday, January 22, 2022 Life Transitions
George Frederick 91, Thursday, January 27, 2022 Alexander and Houle Funeral Home
Edward “Ted” Olmstead 92, Wednesday, January 26, 2022 Life Transitions
Lorna McGill 95, Wednesday, January 19, 2022 Nicholls Funeral Home
Gloria Clarke Saturday, January 22, 2022 Life Transitions
Carl Armstrong 86, Sunday, January 23, 2022 Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Ross Johnson Tuesday, January 25, 2022 Life Transitions
Vern Brown 81, Sunday, January 23, 2022 Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Mary Wild 63, Wednesday, January 26, 2022 Life Transitions
Roger Cartwright 81, Saturday, January 22, 2022 Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Paul Edwin Phillips 73, Sunday, January 23, 2022 McKinlay Funeral Home
Edith Pearl Armstrong 102, Wednesday, January 26, 2022 Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Mary Gregory Tuesday, January 25, 2022 McKinlay Funeral Home
Matthew ‘Doc’ Ramsden 65, Wednesday, January 26, 2022 Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Gudny Eldor Turkington 94, Sunday, January 23, 2022 McKinlay Funeral Home
Gary Holmes 81, Friday, January 28, 2022 Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Gerry Lowes 91, Sunday, January 23, 2022 McKinlay Funeral Home
Helena “Lina” Wiebe 10, Friday, January 28, 2022 Kendrick Funeral Home
Helen Hegan 93, Wednesday, January 26, 2022 McKinlay Funeral Home
Jospeh Kominek 94, Monday, January 24, 2022 Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home
Ken McCully 84, Wednesday, January 26, 2022 McKinlay Funeral Home
Jozefa Jankowski 94, Tuesday, January 25, 2022 Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home
Linda Benoit 79, Wednesday, January 26, 2022 McKinlay Funeral Home
Charles “Albert” Wellington 81, Tuesday, January 25, 2022 Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home
Alex Polowick Monday, January 24, 2022 McKinlay Funeral Home
Shirley Zruna 85, Saturday, January 29, 2022 Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home
Bill Rosser 73, Monday, January 24 2022 McKinlay Funeral Home Wilhelm Unger 57, Friday, January 28, 2022 McKinlay Funeral Home
459 St.Clair St., Chatham • 519-351-2040 76 Main St. E., Ridgetown • 519-674-3141 141 Park St., Blenheim • 519-676-3451
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PAGE 16
THE CHATHAM VOICE
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2022
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