The Chatham Voice, Feb. 9, 2023

Par-Tea time!

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

In 1850, the United States Congress passed the Fugitive Slave Act.

The law, nicknamed the “bloodhound bill,” meant that Blacks who escaped slavery by fleeing to free northern states could be recaptured.

According to Steven Cook, curator at the Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History, the act is what “put the steam” into the exodus of Black slaves to Canada via the Underground Railroad.

“I want to say we’ve come a long way since then, but we still have a long way to go,” Cook told a large crowd of supporters gathered for the Black History Month flag raising at the Chatham Civic Centre recently.

The long-time historian said recent events, including the name change at Uncle Tom’s Cabin and the dropping of the Blackbirds name from C-K’s new baseball team (see page 8), highlight the need for more education and discussion of Black history.

“I’ll be real with you,” Cook told the crowd. “Six months ago, we changed the name of our museum from Uncle Tom’s Cabin. The response from the community was not very welcoming, or very open to that change.”

Similar to the about face made by the baseball team, both name changes sparked a backlash of comment on social media. Cook said one of the Black history sites even received an e-mail in relation to the Blackbirds’ decision.

Continued on page 3

Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice

A frigid February PA day was the perfect time for a Teddy Bear tea party and this family went all out at Mrs. Bell’s Tea Room in Chatham Friday. Rosemary Rowe, left, her grandma Janice VanDommelen, younger sister Eve Rowe and mom Jacqueline Rowe shared fancy sandwiches, tea and a little hot chocolate.

‘We still have a long way to go’

Summit steps in to run fair

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

There won’t be a Kinsmen Fair this summer.

But thanks to Chatham-based Summit Shows Canada, the business behind the Chatham Ribfest, and Wallaceburg’s Family Time Amusements, the Chatham-Kent Fair will be held in its place.

According to Summit

Shows Canada owner Chris Glassford, the new fair is a one off, put on as a temporary solution after the Chatham Kinsmen Club announced it was cancelling the fair, due to contract and scheduling problems with its midway providers.

Glassford said he had the blessing of the club to create the event before moving forward.

“The Chatham Kinsmen club has done amazing work over the past few decades providing the fair and services for our community,” Glassford said, adding that after hearing the fair was cancelled, he

knew it was time to “step up and help in a big way.”

Similar to all service clubs, the Chatham Kinsmen have faced some membership challenges, Glassford noted, adding organizing the fair is a lot of work.

Having the year off will give the club time to regroup, he said.

Glassford said the event will look a “little different” this year, noting “it will be a little bit fair, a little bit festival and a little bit circus.

“We hope to have things like people walking around on stilts and plenty of children’s en-

tertainment and activities to keep kids amused,” Glassford said.

Also, he said, there will be fewer rides than usual and youngsters will be sold all-day ride bracelets rather than individual tickets.

“We’re looking to mix it up a bit,” Glassford explained. “It will have more of a festival feel.”

Chatham-Kent Fair organizers plan to honour the Kinsmen throughout the events and will donate to the club in honour of their years of dedication in Chatham-Kent. A date for the fair has yet to be selected.

Chatham Voice file photo

The Kinsmen Fair is on the shelf this year, but Summit Shows Canada is bringing in a replacement for the year.

Racism still alive and unwell

Continued from page 1

It said, “Chatham-Kent is a conservative community and we don’t care what you think.”

The terms “Uncle Tom” and “blackbirding” are both slurs against the Black community. An “Uncle Tom” refers to a Black caricature of a person who caters to whites, while “blackbirding” involves coercing people through deception or kidnapping into slavery.

“So don’t tell me we don’t have a long way yet to go, because we do,” Cook said, noting people don’t know terms have racial undertones until they’re made aware.

However, Cook said he’s heartened by the progress he’s seen, pointing out the swift action taken by the Intercounty Baseball League team’s management.

“We really are impressed with how quickly and decisively the executive made the name change and we’re going to work with them to hopefully bring about a name that’s going to be welcoming and all-encompassing to the community,” Cook explained.

Cook said the negative response on social media came as no surprise.

“I’m not going to say I was surprised,” he said. “I was disappointed in how very little support there was for hearing the opinion of the Black community as to why this was the wrong choice.”

But on the upside, Cook said change is possible, citing the larger than normal crowd that turned out to raise the flag.

“Seeing the support that I see in this circle here – I know that we can bring about the change that needs to come,” Cook stressed. “Your support means a lot to us.”

Cook said Chatham-Kent’s place in Black history is unparalled in Canada, noting the City of Chatham, the Elgin settlement at Buxton and the Dawn settlement near Dresden were places of refuge for fugitive slaves.

“Throughout the entirety of Canada, you’re not going to find the same kind of Black representation you’re going to find here in Chatham-Kent,” Cook said. “So, let’s be proud of that and shine a light

Voice February is Black History month in Canada and members of the community came together at the Chatham Civic Feb. 1 to raise a new flag commemorating the event. Sharing the duties were Mayor Darrin Canniff; Buxton National Historic Site & Museum curator Shannon Prince; South Kent Coun. Anthony Ceccacci; Chatham Coun. Marjorie Crew; Jackie Bernard and Whitney Belovicz of the Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History; Samantha Meredith, executive director of the Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society & Black Mecca Museum; Steven Cook, curator of the Henson Museum; and Michelle Robbins, assistant curator at the Buxton site. The month is filled with numerous activities throughout Chatham-Kent at all three Black history sites.

on that and let the world know what we have got.” Cook’s comments were echoed by Mayor Darrin Canniff.

“Chatham-Kent was a historic destination of refuge for those fleeing slavery and oppression,” the mayor said. “Our communities are founded on hope.”

Making people aware of C-K’s Black history is the

Pam Wright/The

goal, Canniff said. “Education is powerful. We need more education, but the good news in this is that the vast majority of people in Chatham-Kent are very supportive and very much on the good side of things.” Both officials hope local residents will celebrate Black history in this month and throughout the year.

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Chatham

C-K council passes 5.64% tax hike

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

In about seven hours’ time, over three nights, the budget committee of Chatham-Kent council appeared to run out of gas, and ideas, and

passed a 5.64-per-cent tax increase for this year.

It was far from unanimous, narrowly going through in a 9-8 vote.

The three nights were a roller coaster ride of sorts, at least in terms of the proposed increase. Fol-

lowing a little over two hours of deliberations on the opening night, the initial 6.35-per-cent proposed increase had been trimmed to 5.58. The committee trimmed one third off anticipated inflationary expenditure needs for

infrastructure projects. However, last week, the tax hike went in the other direction, climbing to 5.61 per cent after the second night, and to 5.64 following the third.

The committee reached that point Feb. 1 after two

hours of deliberations that night, took a 15-minute break, and appeared set to return for additional discussion. That didn’t happen.

Rookie Coun. Lauren Anderson made an immediate motion to approve the budget at that point, and eight other councillors agreed.

Budget chair Brock McGregor said this year was not an easy process.

“Even after reviewing the initial draft budget, it was pretty clear what the challenges were,” he said. “There were significant inflationary pressures, pressures to fix our aging infrastructure, and, again, a reduction in our provincial funding.”

With lower transfer payments from the province, the local ratepayer will feel it in their property taxes.

“There wasn’t a lot of discretionary room. We found a few areas where we could get some savings, but at the end of the day, it was a number higher than we were used to,” McGregor said. One area that caused some confusion and consternation was a section in the budget binder for committee members entitled “Items Not Recommended” by administration. In many cases, included on this list were items the previous council had directed to the 2023 budget process and deemed important.

CFO Gord Quinton said in such a difficult financial year, administration could not recommend the items, but stressed council could certainly bring the issues back into the budget.

“Perhaps we chose a poor title in ‘Not Recommended,’” Quinton said. “They really become council decisions. They are things we know council feels passionate

about, but we really feel it should be council’s decision to add them to the budget.”

CAO Michael Duben suggested a better title might have been “Maybe Consider in a Better Year.”

McGregor said in the past, these items would have just been included in the draft budget, resulting in a higher initial starting point. The committee would have pulled items from this area, whereas this year, they added items back into the budget.

A key area where the committee ultimately added $120,000 in spending was to help service parks, cemeteries and trails.

The previous council had directed administration to add nearly $250,000 to this area, but the item fell into the “not recommended” list.

The committee went into detailed discussion with Rob Pollock, director of parks, recreation and cemeteries, over bringing elements back into the budget to increase spending for cemeteries, trails and parks.

Pollock discussed how all facets have seen increased use since the start of the pandemic. In cemeteries, people use them as parks, coming to walk, walk their dogs or go for a run.

He added usage of trails and parks were up as well, and that they all were important due to the collective increase in usage.

The committee also identified the need to give the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance $4.5 million over five years to help rebuild the Wallaceburg hospital. That amount is half the public portion of funding the CKHA needs for the rebuild.

The project did not impact the budget.

Familiar faces join CKHA board

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

With one meeting completed already, the former head of the Save Our Sydenham (SOS) group is amazed at the different culture with the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance.

Jeff Wesley, who along with Walpole Island Chief Dan Miskokomon, are the latest appointments to the board overseeing the CKHA. He is also a former chair of the Sydenham hospital board when three different boards once tried to lead the CKHA, but fell into dysfunction. The in fighting between the boards, involving top administration, resulted in the province appointing a super-

visor, Rob Devitt, in 2016 to overhaul the alliance.

Devitt began holding regular transparent meetings with local media, brought in current CKHA president & CEO Lori Marshall, and eventually handed her the reins. Devitt left, but the transparency remained, something Wesley has noted for years. He said he came back at the request of people at the CKHA and sees it as an opportunity to come full circle.

“The point for me to be there really is to finish off a job we all started – the SOS, the community – in regards to the Sydenham District Hospital,” he said. “I’m a huge fan of Lori Marshall. I’m a huge fan of the current board.

They’ve been moving this process forward. That’s why I decided to go back on the board.”

The process, as Wesley termed it, is ensuring the Sydenham site stays right where it is, and offering an emergency department and other critical

services to Wallaceburg and area.

Commitments by the hospital board, administration and the province, rebuilding elements of the hospital, are a clear indication the facility is not going anywhere. Its future was in doubt

nearly a decade ago.

“If you go back to when all this stuff was going on, there is not a single person left in administration or on the board. All that is gone,” Wesley said. “We’ve turned the page. We’re all trying to work together. Now it is so different and so refreshing.”

Miskokomon comes to the board with a dozen years, on and off, of experience leading Walpole Island First Nation (WIFN) as chief.

He has also held previous roles of First Nation manager for WIFN and Moravian of the Thames, co-manager for Munsee-Delaware Nation, and economic development programs planner for WIFN.

Miskokomon also previously served on CKHA’s board of directors from 2018 to 2021.

Alan Wildeman, chair of the CKHA board, said the board is happy to see Miskokomon and Wesley join.

“Through his storied executive and operational experience, he brings with him a wide range of management, financial, administrative and strategic planning skills,” Wildeman said of Miskokomon in a media release. “Mr. Wesley has an extensive track record of serving the Wallaceburg area and working with multiple stakeholders and community groups. His skills and knowledge will be a great addition to our board.”

In 1948 our grandfather Frances Denomy started his business. Our father Jude worked alongside him for 40 years. Now we, Chris and Byron Denomy are happy to be the 3rd generation here at

Jeff Wesley Chief Dan Miskokomon

Name change makes sense

Chatham-Kent’s Blackbirds may not be singing in the dead of night (to quote The Beatles), and that’s a good thing.

Kudos to the new Intercounty Baseball League team for immediately doing an about-face on the initial name for the ball team, the Blackbirds.

As soon as it was brought to the attention of ownership and management that the name actually has racial overtones, they pulled the moniker and hit the reset button.

Historically, the term “blackbirding” involved the coercion of people through deception or kidnapping to work as slaves or poorly paid labourers in countries distant from their native land.

It may not be a household term in Chatham-Kent, or much of Canada for that matter, but it is offensive to some.

And in that regard, given today’s times, yanking the name immediately was the correct thing to do.

A quick reminder that Chatham is the home to the Coloured All-Stars, an all Black baseball team that won a provincial title back in the 1930s.

We have a rich and proud Black history, being the terminus of the Underground Railroad. Hate has no place here. Nor should hateful terms.

The matter has educated us all.

The timely change should be welcomed, not criticized. No one in the community bought a T-shirt, jersey, or anything “Blackbird” related. No one has been rooting for that name for years. There is no collective affectation for the team’s name.

Therefore, there should be no blowback on the change.

Yet, there was. And that is sad, as social media came to ugly life in the wake of the name redaction announcement, with people tossing about such terms as “woke.”

Look to Cleveland and Washington, for example, where sports franchises dragged their feet when First Nation groups for decades expressed disdain over the use of “Indians” and “Redskins” as team nicknames in baseball and football respectively. Finally, in their place, we now have the Guardians and the Commanders – solid names and ones that are not derisive. Surely we can do that here.

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Goodfellows thank public for support

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Editor: The Chatham Goodfellow’s 68th “No Child Without a Christmas” campaign has wrapped up. The board of directors of Chatham Goodfellows would like to thank the corporate sponsors, private businesses large and small, service clubs, churches, schools, all of the volunteers, and the citizens of Chatham-Kent who helped in making this labour of love possible for those in need in our community.

At the beginning of the campaign, the board of directors realized that this year was going to be like previous years, with a high demand for assistance as citizens continue to struggle to make ends meet. In the end, we provided food and toys for more than 1,600 families; and over 1,300 children

were taken care of this year.

The cost of living is out of control and we are only going to see people needing more assistance for years to come.

The care and generosity of local corporations, large and small businesses, service clubs, churches and citizens of Chatham-Kent continues to humble the Chatham Goodfellows board. The Porchlight Campaign raised $62,178, including E-transfers, and the street sales campaign raised over $27.499.

In the end Chatham Goodfellows raised in excess of $205.514 for this year’s campaign from many businesses, community groups and citizens. This money is used for many things like toys, and food. As

well, boots and shoes certificates have been given to each child. Everything we buy is used for our toy and food hampers. Special thanks to the St Clair Catholic School Board for partnering with us and allowing us the use of former Monsignor Uyen School for our toy packing and delivery; this is truly appreciated.

The Chatham Goodfellows board of directors is indebted to all of the media people in Chatham-Kent who provide invaluable coverage of Goodfellow events throughout our campaign.

Tim Haskell on behalf of The Chatham Goodfellows board of directors

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Team drops ‘Blackbirds’ nickname

Club moves quickly after learning moniker has racial undertones

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

Au revoir, Chatham-Kent Blackbirds.

After a scant three days, Chatham-Kent’s new addition to the Intercounty Baseball League abruptly decided to drop its newly adopted nickname.

According to a press release from team management, the decision was reached following community feedback outlining the derogatory use of the terms, “blackbird” and “blackbirding.”

Historically, the term “blackbirding” involved the coercion of people through deception or kidnapping to work as slaves

or poorly paid labourers in countries distant from their native land.

may have caused.”

Buxton National Historic Site & Museum curator Shannon Prince, said “Blackbirds” was an unfortunate choice.

ing was unbeknownst to them.”

among Chatham-Kent’s Black and racialized communities.

In an official statement Jan. 30, the club announced it is changing its name to “better reflect” the diverse cultural history of the community.

-

“As an organization, we welcome all conversations and discussions that help us to grow, foster and nurture our team in a manner that evokes a feeling of inclusion and pride consistent with the community and the rich tradition of baseball. We regret any harm the chosen name

“I don’t think that the name was well thought out,” she said. “I wasn’t a fan when I heard it. They (the committee) should have done a bit more research and people should have been consulted. They should have done their due diligence and thought this through. I know they had good intentions rolling out this new program...the mean-

Prince said the Chatham-Kent North Stars, a name that made the top five list, would have been a much better choice as it reflects the cultural significance of the Underground Railroad.

“This history is deeply embedded in this community,” Prince added. “We want the name to be positive to promote the area and attract visitors. We need to embrace what we have.”

Chatham sports writer Ian Kennedy, author of “On Account of Darkness: Shining Light on Race and Sport,” said the Blackbirds’ moniker raised “immediate concerns”

Kennedy said that while the name could have been avoided, it wasn’t, but to the organization’s credit the name was dropped immediately when officials learned of the harmful meaning of “blackbirds” and “blackbirding.”

“They want Chatham-Kent to be proud of this franchise, and it showed a true commitment to the people of Chatham-Kent to see how quickly and enthusiastically the change was made,” Kennedy explained.

The Blackbirds’ name was announced to much

fanfare at the Red Barn Brewing Company, with special draws taking place for a family season pass in conjunction with the winning name, as well as tickets to the inaugural opening game slated for 2024. At the media conference Jan. 27, team owner and president Dom Dinelle said 600 entries were received with some 400 names submitted in a public naming contest. The name was chosen he said, because of the prevalence of crows in Chatham-Kent, adding it was “fun” choice, comparable to the Toronto Blue Jays. But now, Blackbirds are grounded and the Chatham-Kent team is headed back to the naming board.

“I know they had good intentions rolling out this new program...the meaning was unbeknownst to them.”

Buxton’s Shannon Prince

Local foundation helps dole out federal funding

The Chatham Voice

The Chatham-Kent Community Foundation is working with community foundations across Canada as part of the Community Services Recovery Fund (CSRF). This fund is a collaboration between Canadian Red Cross, Community Foundations of Canada, and United Way Centraide Canada. The collaboration will provide funding to community service organizations including non-profit organizations, Indigenous governing bodies and registered charities located in Canada. The CSRF responds to what charities and non-profits need right now and supports organizations as they adapt to the long-term impacts of the pandemic.

“Charities and non-profits are at

the forefront of addressing communities’ needs, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, many of them are struggling to recover and adapt their services to the changing needs of the Chatham-Kent community. Through the CSRF, the Chatham Kent Community Foundation will be able to give organizations the support they need to serve our community,” Chris Pegg, executive director of the C-K Community Foundation, said in a statement.

Community service organizations can apply from now until Feb. 21 for support. Visit www.communityservicesrecoveryfund.ca to find out more about how to apply, explore resources for applicants, and sign up for upcoming webinars.

Chatham home achieves Net Zero status

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

This zero is a trail-breaking hero in Chatham-Kent. The home at 124 Grassland Grove in southwest Chatham is a zero – a Net Zero Ready home, that is.

Built by MCH Homes, the house is a commitment to combatting climate change.

Robb Nelson, president of MCH, said that’s where the future lies, but why wait?

“Look at the building codes for 2030. New homes will need to be Net Zero Ready,” he said. But what does Net Zero mean? Net Zero Ready is a labelling program backed by the Canadian Home Builders Association (CBHA) for homes designed to install a re-

newable energy system that will offset the home’s energy consumption.

“You can take external energy, in our case it would be solar panels, and you put just as much energy back into the grid as you are using,” he said. “You are not ultimately using any energy

from the grid itself.”

“You can take external energy, in our case it would be solar panels, and you put just as much energy back into the grid as you are using. You are not ultimately using any energy from the grid itself.”

- MCH’s Robb Nelson

The Net Zero Ready designation is a sign that a home is up to 80 per cent more efficient than standard building codes and that it has been inspected by a registered energy advisor recognized by both the CHBA and Natural Resource

Canada to ensure it meets the strict requirements for the program.

The home on Grasslands has also received an Energy Star rating. Homes that have been certified with the blue Energy Star symbol are generally more air sealed than a typical new home and this helps to reduce drafts and cold spots. It also helps to reduce dust, pollen, and pests from getting inside.

“We build the tightest homes in southwestern Ontario,” Nelson said. “We’re going to give you

a high-quality home and it’s one of the most energy efficient homes you can buy.”

A&J Energy Consultants awarded MCH for having the number one detached home in air tightness in Ontario in 2022.

The home on Grassland Grove is the first Net Zero Ready build, but certainly not the last, for MCH Homes.

“We’re going to start incorporating them into a lot of our builds,” Nelson said. “It’s the right thing for the environment.”

HUMAN TRAFFICKING

Human sex trafficking is one of Canada’s fastest growing crimes, and is a complex and often hidden crime that involves treating victims like possessions that can be bought and sold.

where traffickers target vulnerable teens through luring, coercion, manipulation and exploitation – promising money, opportunity, love, stability and popularity. Traffickers move their victims along the busy Highway 401 corridor to avoid detection. According to Statistics Canada, in 2021 Ontario had a 2.3% higher rate of human trafficking than the national rate and 62% of all human trafficking incidents were reported in Ontario.

The relatively high number of incidents in Ontario may be attributed to the concentration of urban areas in the province as well as the high volume of land border crossings.

If you suspect a person may be a victim of human trafficking, please use the following to help:

Chatham-Kent Police Service: 519-436-6600 or 9-1-1 in case of emergency

Crime Stoppers: 1-800-222-TIPS (8477)

Victim Services: 519-436-6630

Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 • www.kidshelpphone.ca

Chatham-Kent Women’s Centre: 519-354-6360

Chatham-Kent Sexual Assault Crisis Centre: 519-354-8688

The Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-833-900-1010

far away from us.

Human Trafficking happens in Chatham-Kent

And it’s happening here in our own community of Chatham-Kent

New doctor joins CKHA team

The Chatham-Kent Health Alliance welcomes a new gastroenterologist, Dr Ahmed Almradi who is joining the Internal Medicine Department.

“We are delighted to welcome Dr. Ahmed Almradi to our clinical team and the community of Chatham-Kent,” said Dr. Pervez Faruqi, Chief of Staff, CKHA, in a media release. “His contri-

butions to our services will be a great addition to CKHA and help us further our commitment to delivering Patient and Family Centered Care.”

Almradi has completed an advanced clinical Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Fellowship program, in 2020, from Western University and University Hospital in London. He then worked for two years as a gastro-

enterologist consultant and site lead for the Internal Medicine Department at the James Paton Memorial Regional Health Centre in Gander, Nfld. Contact your family doctor for a referral, as Almradi is currently accepting. His scope of practice includes general gastroenterology, IBD, diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy and colonoscopy, as well as liver disease.

HUMAN TRAFFICKING

Someone might be a victim of human trafficking if they:

• are not allowed to speak for themselves and their activities are controlled

• are under 18 and involved in prostitution or sex work

• are unpaid or paid very little and seem to be treated poorly (long or unusual hours, not allowed breaks, forced to live in poor conditions)

• are repaying a large debt through labour or sex

• seem fearful, anxious, depressed, submissive, tense, nervous or paranoid (they may avoid eye contact or seem fearful around police)

• show signs of abuse, such as bruising, cigarette burns or fractures

• have tattooing or branding symbols, particularly names

• don’t have their own belongings or money, and don’t control their own passport or other documents

• seem malnourished or lack medical care

• move frequently and may not know their surroundings well

• have been reported missing

Who is at risk of sexual human trafficking

Anyone can be at risk of being trafficked, however there are some risk factors that can make someone more vulnerable.

People who are at higher risk of being sex trafficked are:

• women and girls (though boys, men and people who are LGBTQI2S are also targeted)

• homeless and marginalized youth

• youth who struggle with self-esteem, bullying, discrimination, poverty, abuse, isolation and other social or family issues

• Indigenous women and girls

• people with addiction, mental illness and developmental disabilities

There are cases where none of these risk factors are present. In those cases, traffickers often target very young people, identify and fulfill their needs, and then use that dependence to control and exploit them.

Someone might be being groomed for trafficking if they:

• are withdrawing from family and friends

• are being secretive about their activities

• have a new boyfriend, girlfriend or friend who they won’t introduce to friends and family

• suddenly spend time with an older person or people

• begin staying out more often and later

• are absent from school or there is a decline in school performance

• begin wearing more sexualized clothing

• have new clothing and jewellery that they can’t afford to buy

• suddenly have a new or second cell phone with a secret number

Labour trafficking -

Language like “forced labour,” “servant” and “servitude” are sometimes used when talking about labour trafficking. There have been labour trafficking cases involving construction, manufacturing, mining, hospitality, salons, agriculture, domestic work, sales and other industries. Labour traffickers often take away passports and other documents, and sometimes control where the person stays. Debt bondage is a form of labour trafficking where a person is told they must work to pay off a large, unexpected and illegal debt. People in other countries and newcomers may be recruited by someone from their home country or from Canada who makes false promises about what a job is and how much it pays. The person may not know their rights in Ontario, may not know how to get help and may fear reporting to police. People who are most at risk of labour trafficking include:

• migrant workers • people who are homeless

• people with uncertain immigration status • newcomers to Canada

• people who do not speak English or French

Chatham-Kent Sexual Assault Crisis Centre

Over 90% of human trafficking victims in Canada come from within Canada.

“Grooming” is something traffickers might do to win the trust and loyalty of their victims.

Help End Human Trafficking!

24 Hour Crisis Line: 519-354-8688

To schedule an appointment, book a presentation, or for information about sexual assault / harassment / abuse / exploitation, please call the crisis line during business hours.

Website: cksacc.org • Facebook: @CKSACC • Instagram: cksacc

Ken Bell/Special to The Chatham Voice

What does the fox say? Well, this vixen isn’t saying much while enjoying a cozy spot to nap in the sun near Rondeau Park. Perhaps “leave me alone” would be appropriate.

The Chatham Voice

Realty firm to share space with United Way

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

In an example of a private/ non-profit sharing of space, Royal LePage Peifer Realty has purchased the Chatham-Kent Nonprofit Centre.

The deal closed Jan. 31, and the realty company hopes to move in by March 1.

Meanwhile, the United Way of Chatham-Kent and its subtenants won’t be going anywhere, as the non-profit groups will occupy one

side of the building and become tenants, while Peifer Realty takes over ownership and occupies the other half of the building.

Kristen Nead, broker/managing partner for Peifer Realty, said the team is looking forward to the new location. They’ve been on Raleigh Street for about 45 years – longer than Nead has been alive.

“We’re really excited about the move. We’re happy to be sharing our space with the United Way of Chatham-Kent. They’re going to be community partners moving for-

ward,” she said. “We really enjoyed our time on Raleigh Street, but we have over 45 realtors. Parking at times is a bit of an issue here.”

Add to that the fact Peifer Realty is not only the largest realty firm in C-K, but also does the most business, meaning traffic in and out with clients can create added congestion.

With the spot on McNaughton Avenue West, Nead said the new location also offers a higher profile space.

“We wanted a more prominent space. And it provides us with a better layout for a collaborative space,” Nead said.

Nead said Peifer Realty hopes to be in the new loca-

tion March 1. There will be some renovation work needed, followed by painting. She wished to remind the public the United Way and its non-profit subtenants aren’t going anywhere.

“We’re just changing the name of the building. It’s not like they are not going to operate anymore,” she said.

According to UWOCK officials, they have operated out of the building for “many” years, and in 2018 changed the building’s name from The 425 to the Chatham-Kent Nonprofit Centre.

What is changing is the availability of space for external rentals.

“The catalyst for the change were changes in community

needs and how we use the space,” UWOCK CEO Barb Palace said in a media release. “The change also enables us to concentrate on the core work of the United Way in our community.”

She added the change will allow UWOCK personnel to “focus on our work supporting community, and away from the building maintenance required as a landlord.

Royal LePage Peifer Realty is a wonderful community partner who understands and supports the work that United Way and the other tenants will continue to do from these offices. We look forward to sharing their new home.”

Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice Royal LePage Peifer Realty recently purchased 425 McNaughton Ave. W., home of the United Way.

Busy night slated for ARTcrawl

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

There’s nothing like a splash of colour and some deep perspective to bring light to winter’s gloom. Both will be in abundance during the Chatham’s downtown Winter ARTcrawl slated for Feb. 10.

According to Thames Art Gallery director and curator Phil Vanderwall, a host of activities are planned for the annual event, which kicks off at ARTspace at 6 p.m. and concludes at TAG at 9 p.m. Vanderwall said the annual mini-crawl has expanded this year, incorporating a new passport, which if you get all locations stamped, will be entered in a draw for a $100 prize.

“Everyone is welcome to this free, family-friendly event,” Vanderwall said. “So,

take advantage of this opportunity to support your local art scene and experience the vibrant artistic community in Chatham-Kent.”

The crawl features a strong exhibit by Pain Court’s Leonard Jubenville, one of C-K’s premier artists. His What Lays Beneath show at the Thames Art Gallery is a must-see retrospective of his work, comprised of colour, composition and the skilled applications of paint.

On exhibit at ARTspace is the Colour of Emotion by artist Vicki McFarland. These elegant and emotionally charged canvases feature McFarland’s unique paint-pouring processes. The artist will be at the Feb. 10 reception at 6 p.m. She will also give a talk and live painting demonstration on Feb. 11 at the Chatham Cultural Centre from 1 to 2 p.m.

The Friday ARTcrawl will

The Colour of Emotion, featuring vibrant and emotionally charged canvases by artist Vicki McFarland, is the title of an exhibit of McFarlane’s work currently on display at ARTspace. The artist will be present at the reception on Feb. 10 at 6 p.m. and she will also be giving a talk and a live painting demonstration at the Chatham Cultural Centre Feb. 11 from 1 to 2 p.m. Pre-registration is required.

also feature Clair Culliford’s Thames River Review at Turns and Tales Board Game Cafe & Bookstore between 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

The Art and Heirloom Shoppe invites you to experience the artistry of Dava Robichaud and The Co., fea-

The SKW Community Fund Advisory Committee Has Positions Available

We are currently seeking applications from community-minded volunteers interested in accepting, reviewing, and evaluating grant applications received from charitable and qualifying non-profit groups in Chatham-Kent.

Committee members are required to meet twice annually to review applications received in the spring and the fall of each year. Members of the advisory committee commit to serving for two years.

To apply, please email your answers to the questions below, with “SKWCFAC App” in the subject line, to info@chathamkentcommunityfoundation.ca

1. Please provide your name, address, phone number & email.

2. Why are you interested in serving as a South Kent Wind Community Fund Advisory Committee member?

3. Please share with us an outline of your previous volunteer involvement and any work you have provided in service to your community.

4. Please list other committees of which you have been a member.

The deadline for application submission is March 15, 2023

Since its inception in 2013, the SKW Community Fund has contributed over $6 million to the Chatham Kent Community Foundation. Over $3 million has flowed through in the form of grants to community organizations dedicated to making a difference in Chatham-Kent. The remainder has gone into an endowment to continue giving back to the community in perpetuity.

Contributed image

turing Max Johnston, Kassie Wade and Tina Naemsch.

Kent Ag Hall of Fame seeks 2023 nominations

Do you know someone in Chatham-Kent who has demonstrated unselfish commitment to

agriculture and the rural community during their lifetime?

Now is the time to nominate them for induction into the Kent Agricultural

Hall of Fame.

The KAHF association is welcoming names, living or deceased, of a family, friend, neighbour, co-worker, who has met

the high standards of the achievement over their lifetime or career.

Names are to be submitted by March 31 to be considered by a committee

of the Kent Agricultural Hall of Fame Board of Directors.

For more information and a copy of the nomination form, go to the

KGHOF website www. chatham-kent.ca/aghof or call Kathryn Vanek at 519-683-2929 or online at jvanek@ciaccess.com.

Downsizing

The Arts

Hyprov brings some hilarity to Chatham Feb. 18

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

Basically anyone can be an improvisational comedian, according to Colin Mochrie and Asad Mecci.

All it takes is a little hypnosis.

The duo brings hilarity and audience participation to the Chatham Capitol Theatre Feb. 18 with the show Hyprov.

Think of a theatre full of potential improv comedians. Then narrow it down to 20, and then again cut it down to five.

Mochrie is an improv master who has performed with the likes of Robin Williams, Drew Carey, Wayne Brady and Ryan Stiles during his time on the popular television improv show “Whose Line is it Anyway?”

Mecci, in the meantime, has more than two decades of performing under his belt, doing comedy hypnosis and serving as a motivational coach.

It may seem like a strange pairing, but it works. They’ve been performing together since 2015. Mecci developed the idea and reached out to Mochrie. After meeting for coffee, they joined forces and took it for a test run at Second City in Toronto.

“We really didn’t know what to expect, but it was great. The crowd was going bonkers,” he said.

That was more than seven years ago.

And the show has evolved a great deal.

“We really didn’t know how much they could do,” Mochrie said of the people who get hypnotized. “I thought it

was going to be me directing traffic and being sort of a puppet master, but they are contributing great ideas and making a scene work. It’s exciting.”

Mecci said one of the bits they do is a radio play – an old-school radio drama. Mochrie plays a police detective, and one of the audience members plays every other character involved that the detective interviews.

“There’s always one volunteer that seems to be like the superstar in the show,” Mecci said.

Of course, the audience provides the topic of the scene.

Mecci is the proverbial conductor of this comedic orchestra.

“When people are hypnotized, they just carry out their ideas,” Mecci said.

“Hyprovizers never hesitate, never say ‘uh.’ They just immediately react.”

And they often are on par with Mochrie in terms of delivering the laughs.

“They’re carrying out my suggestions without hesitations or suggestion. They’re keeping up with Colin, which is hard.”

The challenge for Mecci is to keep doing his job during performances.

“I have the front-row seat to the best improv show in the world. Half the time I have to push myself to remember where I am and try to focus,” he said.

For two experienced performers, they are quick to admit they love doing the show in smaller communities, such as Chatham.

“The exciting thing about performing in small towns is everybody knows everyone. The audience recognizes that person on stage,” Mecci said. “It just makes it so much more entertaining for the crowd, as soon as they know someone who is up on stage.”

The two said audience participants come from all walks of life. Participation can be life changing as well.

“We had one woman who said she had crippling social anxiety,” Mochrie said of a participant who chatted with them after one show. “She said ‘it was the best hour of my life. I never felt so relaxed.’ She wanted to start taking improv classes.”

Continued on page 17

Open House

Image courtesy Aaron Cobb

Asad Mecci, left, and Colin Mochrie bring the laughs and the hypnotism with them to the Chatham Capitol Theatre on Feb. 18.

Community Events

Thursday, February 9, 2023:

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

• Retired Workers Chapter Meetings 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.

• 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 10, 2023:

• Do you live with a Chronic Health Condition or are a Caregiver for someone who does? Access virtual programs using any computer, tablet, or smartphone. All workshop materials are provided free of charge. Diabetes, healthy feet and you. 9:30am-12:00pm. 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.

• Adult Colouring at the Chatham Branch of Chatham-Kent Public library on Friday afternoons in the Community Living Café from 2:00pm-4:00pm. We will have all the supplies available for you to sit and colour. This is a great opportunity to connect with people of all ages and all skill levels while colouring away your stress of the day. No registration required, open to all ages and all skill levels, come and go as you please. To find out more about programs and events at Chatham-Kent Public Library, visit www.ckpl.ca.

• The Thames River Revue is a lively variety show coming to downtown Chatham. It will be at Turns & Tales, 213 King St W, from 7pm to 8:30pm. The Revue will feature stories, a short audience participation play called “Tecumseh In Chatham,” a Loud Whistling competition with prizes, a quiz about Chatham-Kent, and much

more. There’s more info at https:// theverandapresents.ca.

Saturday, February 11, 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.

• 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 the Unity Station from 4:30-9:30. Come check out our menu. Everyone Welcome.

• 200th Birthday Party for Black Icon Mary Ann Shadd at the CKPL Chatham Branch 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 is required.

Sunday, February 12, 2023:

• Classic Country Jamboree at the Merlin Legion. 1:00-5:00pm.

(PLEASE NOTE TIME CHANGE) Perch dinner with fries or baked potato, coleslaw, beans and dessert - $20 for 3 pc or $24 for 5 pc which includes entry. Jamboree only $7. Pickup dinners ($13 and $17) available but must call to pre-order.

• Bingo at the Ridgetown Legion 2:00pm to 4:00pm $10.00 admission includes 4 cards. Jackpot $200. Sponsored by the Legion Ladies Auxiliary.

Tuesday, February 14, 2023:

• 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.

• Did you used to do clogging? Easy/Beginner classes on Tuesdays, 10am-11:30am at the ALC. Call Nancy 519-352-7921.

• Black History Month Puzzles (Virtual). Head over to CKPL’s Facebook page for a new virtual puzzle each week that celebrates the rich history of Chatham-Kent’s Black community.

Wednesday, February 15, 2023:

New Members and guests welcome. Come out to see what we’re about. Gain knowledge and trends of the hobby. For info contact President Paul Robb (probb1@ cogeco.ca) (289-228-2817)

• 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.

• Ukulele group meets Wednesdays, 1:30-3:pm at the ALC. Come out and have fun! Call Nancy 519352-7921.

• Discovering the Black Mecca at the Chatham Branch of the CKPL at 7:00 pm. Join us for a presentation honouring and celebrating Black History in Chatham-Kent with our guest speaker from the Chatham-Kent Black History Society & Black Mecca Museum. No registration required.

• You are invited to the Ridgetown & District Horticultural Society Meeting at 7:00pm at the Church of the Advent Parish Hall, 16 Church Street, Ridgetown. Leo Sylvestri will present How to Attract Monarchs in Your Garden. Social time and refreshments will follow. Everyone Welcome! Website FYI: www.savethemonarchbutterfly.ca.

• Beginner Salsa Group classes at 7:30pm. $20 per person or $30 per couple. 106 William St. N.(big white house across from the park).

Thursday, February 16, 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.

• The Chatham-Kent Quilters’ Guild is back to meeting in person at St. Paul’s Congregational Church, 450 Park Ave E, Chatham. We will until further notice with live Zoom available for members who wish to enjoy the meetings that way. Everyone is welcome to join us, including non-members. Non-members pay a $5 fee/meeting Our membership fee is $50 per year. You are welcome to contact us through our Facebook page or our website at www.ckquiltguild. com for more information.

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

Alcoholics Anonymous, we can help! Information Line 519-360-5246.

• Kent Coin Club meeting at the Active Lifestyle Center (7pm –8pm), 20 Merritt Ave, Chatham.

Fun Stuff

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

CLUES ACROSS

1. Functions

5. Records electric currents associated with contractions of the heart

8. Trigonometric function (abbr.)

11. Secret political clique

13. Type of gibbon

14. Nocturnal S. American rodent

15. Famed American playwright

16. Mesopotamian goddess

17. Abba __, Israeli politician

18. Long ridge of gravel and sediment

20. A place to stay

21. Actor Idris

22. One who behaves in a rebellious way

25. A way to measure movement

30. Distinguish oneself

31. Type of drug (abbr.)

32. Basketball great Baylor

33. Masses of salivary matter

38. Calls balls and strikes

41. Plant that grows along the ground

43. A recreational activity in the air

45. Consumes too much

47. Island nation

49. Pistol

50. Mixtures of soul and calypso

55. Ancient Greek City

56. Similar

57. Roughly trimmed tree trunk used in a Scottish game

59. Semitic fertility god

60. Born of

61. Frogs, toads, tree toads

62. School in the north east (abbr.)

63. Soviet Socialist Republic

64. “__ the Man” Musical, baseball player

CLUES DOWN

1. Fiddler crabs

2. Discount

3. Partner to “flows”

4. Ethnic group of Laos

5. Beloved “Seinfeld” character

6 .Book of tickets

7. The last name of “Hermione”

8. Type of TV package

9. Helps to heal a cut

10. Town in Galilee

12. Actor Horsley

14. “Hocus Pocus 2” actor Ed

19. Bird-loving group (abbr.)

23. They respond when someone is sick

24. Emerged

25. Midway between south and southeast

26. Monetary unit of Afghanistan

27. Unit of work or energy

28. Indicates near

29. Famed river

34. For each

35. News organization

36. CNN’s founder

37. They __

39. Areas off to the side

40. Satisfies

41. A spare bed

42. Legendary singer Diana

44. Frothy mass of bubbles

45. A kind of sorcery

46. River in South Africa

47. Philippine Island

48. County in China

51. S. American plant

52. Beverage containers

53. Edge

54. Protein-rich liquids

58. Moved quickly on foot

Puzzle answers found on page 19

Sharing love at the hospice

The Chatham Voice Palliative care patients at Chatham-Kent Hos-

pice have a new tool that will allow them to cuddle with loved ones at the end of life.

Thanks to a grant from the South Kent Wind Community Fund, and a donor-advised fund in

the Chatham Kent Community Foundation, the hospice was able to purchase a new “cuddle bed”

for residents.

The bed is a regular size but it can be extended to 48 inches in width and up to 7-feet in length.

Sally Jenkins, manager of clinical operations for the hospice, said the new equipment is a welcome addition.

“We are very excited to have a cuddle bed in house,” Jenkins said in a media release from the Chatham-Kent Hospice

Foundation, noting the bed will provide more comfort for residents and their families.

Jenkins said it will allow a husband and wife who have been married for years to lay together, or for a grandma or grandpa to be able to have their grandchildren snuggle with them.

The bed can also be used for bariatric patients as well.

Hyprov a freeing experience

Continued from page 15

Mecci said the hypnosis is uplifting in a way.

“They just carry out my suggestions. It causes them to be free on stage.”

Mochrie said Hyprov involves no mocking of audience members, unlike some hypnosis shows.

“We don’t make fun of them. They’re part of our improv group. They’re there to perform,” he said. “You’ll never see us make them cluck like a chicken.”

He added that when the hypnosis ends, they don’t forget a thing.

“They’re aware the entire time. It’s just like everything Asad said sounded like a really good idea,” he said.

Mochrie and Mecci spoke to The Chatham Voice just prior to the start of the Canadian Tour. Mochrie was finishing taping Whose Line is it Anyway in Los Angeles, while Mecci was in Chicago, preparing to

head to Halifax where a sold out Light House Arts Centre was awaiting them.

They had also recently wrapped up a 70-show stay off Broadway and were well received by critics and fans alike.

Mecci calls Hyprov “the ultimate

interactive comedy show.”

Mochrie said it is also family friendly, although you do have to be 18 or older to get on stage.

Hyprov hits the Capitol Feb. 18. For tickets, see CKtickets.com.

Contributed image

Staff members demonstrate how two people can easily be accommodated in the Chatham-Kent Hospice’s new cuddle bed.

Seasonal flu pressure waning at CKHA

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

Mariette Cornelius

Sixty-two. That’s the number of procedures

OBITUARIES

98, Friday, January 27, 2023

Nicholls Funeral Home

Noreen Manion

83, Sunday, January 29, 2023

Nicholls Funeral Home

Elizabeth Pharazyn

88, Monday, January 30, 2023

Nicholls Funeral Home

Thomas Fletcher

81, Thursday, January 26, 2023

Blenheim Community Funeral Home

Margaret Reid

81, Monday, January 30, 2023

Blenheim Community Funeral Home

Christena Osborne

66, Sunday, January 29, 2023

Blenheim Community Funeral Home

Jack Phillip McKillop

55, Wednesday, February 1, 2023

Blenheim Community Funeral Home

Mary Taschereau

97, Wednesday, February 1, 2023

Blenheim Community Funeral Home

Randy Myers

51, Tuesday, January 31, 2023

Life Transitions

James Sheeler

91, Tuesday, January 31, 2023

Life Transitions

Deborah Lee Deneau

70, Friday, January 27, 2023

McKinlay Funeral Home

Betty Poole

92, Friday, January 27, 2023

McKinlay Funeral Home

Albert Castein

95, Sunday, January 29, 2023

McKinlay Funeral Home

Janet Maynard

80, Monday, January 30, 2023

McKinlay Funeral Home

Beniamino “Ben” Turato

86, Friday, January 27, 2023

Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home

Ronald Ladd

54, Sunday, January 29, 2023

Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home

Sybil Kaer

90, Saturday, January 28, 2023

Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home

Deanna Lynn Swan

46, Saturday, January 28, 2023

Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home

Margaritha Elias

63, Friday, January 27, 2023

Kendrick Funeral Home

Benjamin Klassen

81, Monday, January 30, 2023

Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home

the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance had to cancel over the final nine months of 2022.

Caen Suni, vice-president of clinical programs and operations, said a lack of available hospital beds, for various reasons, led to the cancellations.

COVID outbreaks at the hospital were part of it. So too was the impact of people delaying coming to the hospital as a result of the pandemic. When they did come in, often their stay was longer, as their conditions became more acute.

Suni said the surgery delays here are significantly below the provincial average, where about 48 per cent of people who are in need of surgery experience a longer than expected wait time to have the procedure.

“It’s 12 per cent here at CKHA. We’re really just making sure we can look after those caseloads, ensure surgeons’ offices are working with their patients, and when clinically possible to focus on long-wait patients first,” he said.

Suni said the previous two months put pressure on the hospital system, as surging cases of seasonal illnesses –such as the flu and RSV – ate up hospital bed space, which in turn left a shortage in space for surgical patients in terms of recovery.

However, that surge is waning. Visits to the emergency departments in Chatham and

Wallaceburg have been down in recent months, but in the later part of 2022, patients showed up with more serious symptoms. As a result, two-three more patients a day than average were being admitted, despite the lower number of emergency department visits.

However, in recent weeks, a great deal has changed, Suni said. The emergency departments saw a 50-per-cent decline in pediatric cases, and a 33-per-cent drop in adult cases in January as compared to December.

During times when there were not enough available beds to accept scheduled surgery patients that were slated for overnight stays, procedures continued, but the focus shifted to day surgeries.

“A common strategy was if you had (COVID) outbreaks or had to close specific units or just had too many admissions, you tried to perform outpatient procedures,” he said. “Same-day surgeries replaced others.”

As well, where possible, joint replacement surgeries will see patients leave the hospital without an overnight stay.

“We’re ramping up hip and knee replacement procedures so they can go home the same day. Of course, this depends on an individual’s conditions going in, but often it gets them home faster,” he said.

Meredith Whitehead, vice-president of transforma-

tion, and chief nursing executive for the CKHA, said any staffing shortages are not to blame for procedural cancellations. In fact, the alliance is ahead of the province in terms of staffing. Openings here are at about 7.4 per cent, whereas the Ontario average is at 10.7 per cent.

“I can say we have not had to shut down surgeries or any other piece because we don’t have staff,” she said. “Do we sometimes have to move staff around? Absolutely. But we have not had to do that due to the pandemic in probably eight months.”

Whitehead said the big factor regarding staffing now is fatigue. The past three years have been very trying times for health-care personnel, and some have suffered burnout to the point where they are leaving the industry. Others are retiring.

“Our staff stepped up and our past staff stepped up through the pandemic and have been amazing,” she said. As well, there have been opportunities through the province for nursing school students to help out and get hands-on experience.

“We’ve been very, very lucky. The province has been very good to us. We have an extra program for paramedic and nursing students. They can come and work as a PSW (personal support worker) if they’re in a placement program,” Whitehead said.

Contributed image

The Chatham Legion, Branch 642, recently donated $5,000 to the Chatham-Kent Hospice. From left, John Grosvenor, Catch the Ace lotto chairperson; branch president Len Maynard; second vice-president Firmin Pigeon; and executive director of Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation Jodi Maroney.

Classifieds

Obituaries Obituaries

Castein: Albert Frank

A resident of Chatham, Albert Castein passed away peacefully with family at his side at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance - Chatham Campus on January 29, 2023 at the age of 95. Born in London, England Albert Castein was the son of John Albert and Olive (née Rossiter) Castein. Beloved husband of the late Mary Castein (née Rogers)(2009) with whom he shared 60 years of marriage. Dear father to Julie (Brian) Sharp, Susan Crow, Rob (Paul) Castein and Ruth (Dave) Simmons. Father-in-law to Donna Castein. Predeceased by his son Michael Castein. Proud grandfather to 16 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren and several great-great grandchildren. Predeceased by his brother John Castein and his maternal Aunt Rube Rossiter. Family and friends were received at the Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham on Thursday, February 2, 2023. In keeping with Albert’s wishes there will be no funeral service. Cremation to follow. Special thanks to Bayshore Health, Care Partners and the Community Paramedic Program for their tremendous care and support. Donations made in memory of Albert to the Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation and would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com. McKinlay Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham. 519-351-2040

Beniamino Turato

Peacefully surrounded by family at his residence in Chatham, on Friday January 27, 2023, Beniamino Rinaldo Turato, age 86, of Chatham, beloved husband of the late Diana (Parker) Turato (2019). Born in San Michele di Postumia, Yugoslavia in 1936, son of the late Kristina (Samsa) and Rinaldo Turato. Ben worked in construction all of his life until he retired, was a member of Blessed Sacrament Church and the Moose Lodge. Loving father of Nerina Hoffman (Bill Kinlin), Jackie (Gary) Reeks, Kristina Turato (Mario Bosazzi), Liana (Myke) Parent, Michele Turato , Beni K. Turato (Nicole Harmsworth) and the late Mark Turato (2022). Sadly missed by numerous grand and great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Dear brother of Rinalda Satti Turato and Joseph Turato. Friends and relatives visited at Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home, 156 William St. S. Chatham (519-352-5120) on Wednesday February 1, 2023 and again on Thursday February 2, 2023 until the time of funeral service in the chapel of the funeral home. Cremation will follow. A Celebration of Life will also be held on Saturday, February 25, 2023 at 3 PM at the Moose Lodge in Chatham. Donations to the Charity of One’s Choice would be appreciated.

Loans

MORTGAGES / LOANS

Elsa Tengelis

Peacefully surrounded by her family at Riverview Gardens on Wednesday January 25, 2023, Elsa Helen Tengelis, age 89. Beloved wife of the late Eugene Tengelis (2021). Born in Chiliwack, BC in 1933, daughter of the late Helen (Vali) and Michael Erdie. Loving mother of Patricia Tengelis, Gerald Tengelis, Linda (Dave) Caron, James (Trish Koufes), and the late Christopher Tengelis. Dearest grandmother of Alyssa, Daniel and Ethan. She is survived by her sisters Margaret Litschko, Liz (Clark) Reid and Ida Toth and her nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her son Bobby (1973) and brother Emile Erdie. A private family service will be held at a later date in the Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home, 156 William St. S. Chatham (519-352-5120). Interment will be in St. Anthony’s Cemetery. Donations to the Pet and Wildlife Rescue (PAWR) would be appreciated. Online condolences welcomed at www.peseski.com

Deanna Swan at Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Chatham Campus on Saturday January 28, 2023, Deanna Lynn Swan, age 46. Born in London in 1976. Beloved daughter of the late Christine and Sam Basacco. Loving mother of Kelsey (Jake), Chloé, Samuel, Daniel and Emmy. Predeceased by her son Jacob (2000). Dearest grandmother of Jakob and Tali. Cherished partner of Gerald Jacques. Dear sister of Becky (Gary), Ben (Kelly), Randy (Cheryl) and Shawn (Crystal). She will be lovingly remembered by her grandparents Arthur and the late Glenna Stenning and many nieces and nephews. As per Deanna’s wishes cremation has taken place. Donations to SIDS Foundation or Charity of Choice would be appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home, 156 William St. S. Chatham (519-352-5120).

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Chatham:

Wanted Wanted

Wanted to rent or buy 3 or 4 acres of land in Chatham-Kent area. No buildings or utilities needed. Rural area preferred. 519-352-5414 or 226-627-5414.

Ministry

For Sale

Michele Coleman and Sharon Hills were the winners of 2 tickets each to see The Queens Cartoonists at the Chatham Capitol Theatre!

Hope you enjoyed the show!

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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.

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.

David McFadden and Kim Vandersluis were the winners of 2 tickets each to see Blackburn at the KBD Hall!

Hope you enjoyed the show!

CHATHAMVOICE.COM

Anne’s Smoke Shop, Downtown Chatham Centre, Legion Branch 628, Maple City Bakery, Active Lifestyle Centre, Wednesday Market, Wimpys,Royal LePage, Pharmasave, 7-11, Schinkels, Lenover, Betty Brite Wallaceburg: Shoppers Drug Mart, 99.1CKXS, Taylor’s Variety, Black Goose, No Frills, Hometown Deli Dresden: MacTavish Pharmacy, Thamesville: Fast & Fresh, Movie Den, Studio 519 Erieau: Eau Buoy, Bayside Brew Pub

Wanted to Buy: Antiques, costume jewellery, gold, silver, coins, military, furniture, tools. We Buy AllPaid Cash. 519727-8894. Puzzles on page 16

Charing Cross: Post Office/Bert’s Plumbing Blenheim:

McIntyre I.D.A. Pharmacy, Jim’s Barber Shop, Blenheim Seniors Centre,Blenheim Variety, Blenheim Municipal Service Centre

Mitchell’s Bay: Mitchell’s Bay Variety, Dover Duds

Pain Court: Pain Court Market, Central Tavern

Tilbury: Ashley’s Place

Merlin: Merlin General Store

Wheatley: Circle K Store, Jack’s Restaurant

Delivered each week to every home in the city of Chatham.