The Chatham Voice, Feb. 16, 2023

Remembering Myles Neuts, 25 years later

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

Myles Casey Benson

Neuts loved deeply in his 10 years on earth, with Newfoundland dogs and sports cars on his list of favourite things.

His parents Mike and Brenda Neuts discovered two of their thoughtful son’s wishes upon reading his journal following the boy’s shocking death 25 years ago in a bullying incident at the former St. Agnes School in Chatham.

The incident, which became the subject of an intense police investigation and a coroner’s inquest, occurred on Feb. 6, 1998. An unconscious Myles was discovered hanging by his shirt collar and a

necklace on a hook on the back of a door in a washroom stall.

He died after he was removed from life support six days later.

The family’s pain was raw and all encompassing.

“We couldn’t bring ourselves to read the journal until a couple of months later,” Mike said in a recent interview with The Chatham Voice. “We found out he wanted us to rescue another big, black Newfoundlander. His other wish was for his mother to get a sports car and drive him to school with the top down.”

The couple has done their best to honour Myles’ wishes. They are on their fourth Newfoundland rescue pup and they also bought a Pontiac Sol-

stice for Brenda to drive.

“It’s kind of our way of keeping a promise to Myles,” Mike explained.

But the couple has honoured their beloved firstborn in a much larger way. Mike began telling Myles’ story at area schools. In 2005, Mike and Brenda founded the Make Children Better Now charity. The acronym for the non-profit aligns with Myles’ initials.

For more than two decades, Mike has carried his son’s story out into the world, bringing its anti-bullying message to more than 200,000 children across Canada.

He’s received nearly 20,000 letters and cards from children and teens detailing how Myles’ story touched them.

Continued on page 3

Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice George Pryor-Beaumont threw in some gymnastic moves while playing on the slides at Kingston Park as brother Cole waits for his turn at the top. A sunny afternoon last week brought many youngsters outdoors to local parks for a breath of fresh air.

21,000 residents without a doc

By Bird Bouchard Local Journalism Initiative

The Ridgetown Independent

Despite successfully attracting six new doctors to the municipality last year, the Chatham-Kent Family Physician Recruitment and Retention Task Force says it needs dozens more. According to the Cha-

tham-Kent Ontario Health Team, they need to hire at least 33 more family physicians over the next several years. Currently, 60 family physicians are practicing in Chatham-Kent. However, some areas require more attention than others, as Chatham has 34 physicians, Wallaceburg and Walpole Islands have eight, Tilbury has

six, Blenheim five, Ridgetown three, Dresden with two and Thamesville and Wheatley each have one.

In a report that went before council recently, the Health Team noted nearly 21,000 residents are currently without a primary care provider.

“Talent attraction and retention continues to be a priority area of focus into 2023 and beyond,” director of community attraction and promotion Audrey Ansell said in her report. “Workforce shortages are noted across many sectors, including health care.”

The task force recruited six family physicians to the area in 2022 and is hopeful for funding to continue their recruitment efforts.

Since 2020, COVID-19 has impacted the ability of the Task Force to execute some planned in-person outreach and attraction activities. As a result, a small, positive cash balance is currently reported by the Chatham-Kent Family Health Team, which administers finances on behalf of the task force. Additionally, the task force also hired a family physician recruitment co-ordinator to support the task force’s work and act as the lead for family physician engagement and retention.

At the latest council meeting, the task force went before council to ask for council to continue to fund the Chatham-Kent family physi-

cian recruitment and retention task force at the current rate of $100,000 per annum in support of ongoing efforts to ensure Chatham-Kent residents have access to a primary health-care provider. It has received $300,000 from the municipality in the last three years.

tham-Kent.

“Based on the past year, we have been successful,” she said.

- C-K’s Audrey Ansell

In the 2019 budget, council agreed to allocate one-time funding to the family physician recruitment and retention initiative in the sum of $100,000.

In the 2021 budget, council agreed to one-time funding for a two-year period, in the sum of $200,000 ($100,00 per annum in each of 2021 and 2022). The Chatham-Kent Family Health Team holds the funds, acting as administrator on behalf of the task force.

“In terms of the future, we would like to focus on continued physician incentives. Each new full-time family physician that is recruited to C-K would receive a $10,000 incentive to get their practice running,” said Denise Waddick, executive director, Thamesview Family Health Team and co-chair of the family physician recruitment task force. While many councillors agreed the need for family physicians is extremely important, they had many questions.

South Kent Coun. Trevor Thompson asked for an explanation of the impact the money would have on the overall health-care system.

According to Waddick, the past year has been successful. She added the money is being put to good use, as several doctors are now residents of Cha-

“Looking at the residents that are choosing to come to Chatham-Kent is another way we can quantify. The money is actually being put to good use. In addition, we can also provide a report on the number of visits and/or contacts when we reach out for recruitment fairs. That’s another report we can provide to council.”

Ultimately, Thompson said he believes contributing to the Task Force is very important.

“It was a 0.06-per-cent tax impact, and I think that’s money well spent,” he said.

West Kent Coun. Lauren Anderson also questioned how the $100,000 would be spent.

“When we talk about this $10,000 incentive, if you want to recruit 10 people and give them $10,000 each, is that enough,” she questioned.

Waddick said historically, the $10,000 incentive seems to be a key number.

“It allows the new physician to get comfortable and situated within the first few months. There sometimes tends to be if you give them too much, they’re coming for the wrong reasons, but if you don’t give them enough, they need a bit more support to get situated,” she said.

In a perfect world, Fannie Vavouvilis, co-chair of the family physician recruitment task force, said they would recruit 33 new physicians in 2023. However, she noted if they’re able to recruit four to five, it will be a successful year.

“Workforce shortages are noted across many sectors, including health care.”

Back on track helping other kids

Continued from page 1

Some said Mike’s message stopped them from taking their own lives.

MCBN has expanded and grown. Experts, including university professors, lawyers and accountants, have pitched in, with scores of other volunteers stepping up to help with fundraising.

The charity’s list of accomplishments is long. It includes bursaries, donations to local projects and causes, with an estimated $125,000 having been dispersed.

Members also founded a ground-breaking children’s program called Respect Revolution. The musical group travels to schools and venues, delivering an anti-bullying message in song.

MCBN also sponsored the development of the Henkel Hook to be used in schools that gives way when the weight on it exceeds 26 pounds.

Several major events regarding police and children’s mental health have also been held in Chatham-Kent as a result of Myles’ story, including the first international symposium for police on the subject of young children in conflict with the law, with a focus on interviewing and profiling.

Neither Mike nor Brenda ever dreamed of the powerful reach their son’s story would have.

“It’s unbelievable,” said

Brenda. “When it first happened, I didn’t think 25 years could ever come.”

She said the first 15 years after Myles’ death were devoted to raising his brother Dane, who was six when Myles died.

“All our concentration was on Dane,” she added. “He had his own goals.”

Dane, now 31, managed to achieve many of the things he set out to do. He became a chef and lived and worked in Australia and New Zealand for a few years before putting down roots in Banff, Alta.

Back on track after being derailed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Mike is again taking Myles’ story on the road and is heading to Montreal next week to speak at a school.

He’s looking forward to the lift it gives him.

“I get my batteries charged when I speak to kids and with activities such as the Respect Revolution, which promotes dignity, respect and love,” he said. “When I’m in the schools, I get that same kind of value returned to me. I’m in my strength. Where does that strength come from? Maybe there’s a little angel sitting on my shoulder.”

Neuts said he’s been told by more than one of the children he’s engaged with that Myles is present in the room when he talks, with some

saying Myles is surrounded by a “green aura.”

Green was Myles’ favourite colour, Mike said.

No definitive answers or conclusions were ever reached regarding how Myles came to be hanging on a bathroom door. The police had no grounds to lay charges against the two boys said to be involved in the incident, and the inquest’s ruling was undetermined. The inquest did, however, make 24 recommendations the couple continues to push for. Thirteen have been accomplished to date.

Mike plans on continuing his advocacy work and speaking to youth. But he also has advice for adults when they relate to kids.

“You need to ask them how things are going and really listen,” he said. “That can make a huge difference.”

Mike said he realizes that Myles death hit everyone hard, not just his own family.

“It happened in school and that’s not supposed to happen,” Mike said. “It didn’t just slap us; it slapped the whole community. It was a terrible case of bullying gone wrong.”

Operating with a board of directors MCBN welcomes new members. Fees are $10 the first year and $5 annually thereafter. For more information, you can access the organization’s website or e-mail mike.neuts@sympatico.ca.

Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice Mike Neuts stands in his yard on the Thames River near Thamesville with mementos from the life of his son Myles and a family photo. The totem pole, erected in tribute to Myles, comes from the Peace Garden at the former St. Agnes Catholic School, as does a large rock marker. Myles was a history buff, enthralled with the War of 1812 and First Nations history. Father and son had worked together helping build the garden.

Council seeks feedback on hens

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

A bylaw to allow backyard chickens in urban and semi-urban areas in Chatham-Kent is still up in the air.

At its Feb. 6 meeting, council voted to send the issue to administration for further study, including undertaking a public survey on Let’s Talk C-K.

Staff is also directed to seek input from Chatham-Kent Public Health and Pet and Wildlife Rescue and to explore how other municipalities handle the issue. The report is to come back to council in May.

The issue surfaced again recently following a motion by South Kent Coun. Anthony Ceccacci to examine the issue.

Ceccacci said he’s received input from constituents from “both sides” adding a “data-driven decision” by council must be based on what’s best for all of Chatham-Kent.

Adequate input from the public hasn’t been gathered, Ceccacci said. “I think what we haven’t done in the past is to give the forum to the community to allow for their consultation,” he told council.

Ceccacci said that while there has been some discussion over “immediate amendments” to the bylaw, the process isn’t simple and will come with additional costs which need to be examined.

Under the current bylaw, backyard chickens are only allowed on land zoned for agriculture. Five deputations, including an 1,800-signature petition, were presented to council at the start of the meeting in favour of allowing back-

yard chickens.

One Shrewsbury man, in danger of losing his birds if the bylaw isn’t changed, asked council to amend the bylaw, as he and his wife want to pass on the values of chicken rearing to their children.

Agriculturist Ken Walton also made the case for the backyard chickens, saying it’s a way to preserve natural farming heritage, while providing fresh and locally sourced meat and eggs.

West Kent Coun. Lauren Anderson said that after talking with the public and other councillors, further consultation probably won’t change anyone’s mind.

“I don’t think any study is going to sway anyone’s decision, one way or another,” Anderson said.

East Kent Coun. Steve Pinsonneault said he’s hearing that “a lot” of people want to be allowed to raise chickens, and agreed public input is necessary.

However, he cautioned that loud roosters can’t be part of the equation.

East Kent’s other councillor also chimed in. John Wright said the wording in the motion should be changed from chickens to “hens” to ensure no loud roosters are allowed.

Chief Administrative Officer Michael Duben said administration will look at what other municipalities are doing, including the costs associated with enforcing a new chicken-related bylaw.

It’s not the first time local politicians have tangled with the chicken issue. Most recently in 2020, council turned down the idea, citing potential problems of odour, waste and vermin as reasons for the no vote.

Detour in South Kent

Culvert replacement has closed a portion of Charing Cross Road immediately south of that community for more than a month.

Municipal officials said the road will be closed until end of the day March 24.

The impacted stretch of Charing Cross Road runs from Middle Line to 13th Line, officials said. The closure is a result of construc-

tion work to replace the culvert under the road for the Lewis Drain, officials said.

Local traffic will be permitted up to the work zone in each direction. The primary detour route is Middle Line into Blenheim and back onto Talbot Trail.

The local detour on gravel roads – is Middle Line to Erieau Road to Drury Line.

Bowling Thunder raises $10,000

The Chatham Voice

Chatham-Kent Victim Services bowled a perfect game with their inaugural Bowling Thunder fundraiser on Feb. 5, as the event raised in excess of $10,000.

Businesses, organizations, and community members came out in droves for an afternoon of bowling at Chatham Bowlerama.

Organizers said the fundraising far exceeded expectations.

“We are very grateful to

people in Chatham-Kent who donated, sponsored, and attended our first-ever Bowling Thunder fundraiser,” Jason Brown, volunteer and community engagement co-ordinator with Victim Services, said in a media release. “The generosity of people in our community was fully displayed on Sunday afternoon. The funds raised will help us continue offering dedicated, trauma-informed support to those impacted by crime and traumatic situations in ev-

ery community across Chatham-Kent.”

Victim Services provides short-term emotional support, crisis intervention, practical assistance, and community referrals to those impacted by crime, tragedy, and traumatic situations. They also offer trauma-informed community education on a variety of topics. Every year, Chatham-Kent Victim Services supports over 1,400 people in our community with their healing and recovery.

C-K could purchase Wheatley properties

Eleven properties located within the Wheatley blast zone could become the property of the municipality.

The idea is part of a conceptual mitigation plan for the community rocked by an explosion in the downtown core in August of 2021.

Dave Taylor, Chatham-Kent’s director of legal services, cautioned that the possible real estate exchange

is only an “exploratory conversation at this point.

“We’ll be reaching out to the owners of the 11 properties,” he said. “This is a potential step we could take.”

Taylor said purchasing properties located in the evacuation zone would allow the municipality to be able to continue to operate safety monitoring equipment, and it would help affected property owners move forward. No final decisions have

been made by the municipality about purchasing any properties, as the final decision is to be made by council.

The municipality, in conjunction with the Ministry of Natural Resources, is holding a public meeting March 1 to reveal the findings of the latest engineering investigations.

Taylor said the meeting will allow for public input as a way for the community to rebuild and heal.

Contributed image

Bowlers and businesses came out in strong support of Chatham-Kent Victim Services recently, raising more than $10,000 in the Bowling Thunder event.

The Chatham Voice

Opinion

Sharing, caring

Mike and Brenda Neuts are incredibly strong people, and the rest of us are better off because of them.

The Chatham-Kent couple lost their son 25 years ago due to a bullying incident at St. Agnes School. No kids were ever charged by police, so in some ways, the couple never got proper closure.

However, they persevered and made it their passion to help other parents and children, delivering the anti-bullying message across the country and raising awareness on school safety.

It started with Mike speaking in local schools, telling Myles’ story and how he was found hanging from a coat hook in a washroom.

Mike and Brenda expanded the messaging in 2005, founding Make Children Better Now – MCBN. Their late son’s initials were M.C.B.N. –Myles Casey Benson Neuts.

To date, Mike’s spoken to more than 200,000 kids at countless schools. A good number of those children and teens have reached out to let Mike know of the incredible impact he’s had with them – with several saying his message ultimately stopped them from committing suicide.

MCBN has had a profound impact financially as well, as the orga-

nization has disbursed about $125,000 to aid area projects and causes.

Symposiums on policing and children’s mental health have taken place locally as a result of what happened to Myles, attracting experts from far and wide.

The pandemic slowed the anti-bullying effort to a crawl, but Mike and Brenda are back at it, spreading the word to schools.

It’s very tragic how Myles died in 1998. But he will forever live on in Mike and Brenda’s hearts, and in the stories and messages delivered by Mike, other members of the MCBN, and the Respect Revolution.

Other kids have persevered and continued with their lives after being uplifted due to the speaking and performing effort. School safety initiatives have been altered in the wake of how Myles passed away –and the very dogged effort of Mike and Brenda – as the Henkel Hook was widely adapted in schools. The hook releases if the weight it holds exceeds 26 pounds.

The weight of Myles’ death could have forever burdened their hearts, but Mike and Brenda opted to share Myles’ story, and in a way, we have all helped share their burden.

Our letters to the editor policy

The Chatham Voice welcomes letters to the editor. Our preferred method to receive letters is via e-mail to bruce@ chathamvoice.com (use “Letter” in the subject line).

You can also drop them off or mail

How about ‘Galaxy?’

Editor: The new name that should be considered for the baseball team in Chatham is the “Chatham Galaxy.” Baseball has a rich heritage in Chatham. The first all-black team that won the Ontario Amateur Championship twice was the Chatham Coloured All Stars. They, as you know, were recently inducted

them to us at The Chatham Voice, 71 Sass Rd., Unit 4, Chatham, 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.

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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

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member of:

into the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame.

Out of that rich baseball heritage came Fergie Jenkins, whose father played on that team. The name Galaxy honours the All Stars in name, but does not take away from its fame. Galaxy suggests an expansion of that racist

baseball culture to the present where fully integrated teams are a reality.

The original logo was a star within a “C.” The new logo might be a “C” with a cluster of stars, one of which would be black. Just a thought.

Glen Wright Woodstock

E-mail issues at city hall?

Editor: I am sending this by mail as a last resort.

On Nov. 18, I sent an e-mail addressed to the mayor’s office, South Kent Coun. Trevor Thompson and South Kent Coun. Anthony Ceccacci in regards to the baseball team.

On Nov. 29, I received an e-mail from Mr. Thompson and Mr. Ceccacci stating my e-mail had gone to their junk folder. If this was the case, was the IT department contacted to find out what happened? Why did it happen and what will be done to correct the problem?

On Jan. 13, I sent another e-mail to the office of the

mayor and the two councillors, this time in regards to housing. Although I have not heard from the councillors, I did receive an automated reply from the mayor’s office: “Thank you for your e-mail. Your message is important to me. I will do my best to respond to you as soon as possible. Please note this inbox is only monitored during business hours. Darrin Canniff, Mayor, Municipality of Chatham-Kent. This communication may be confidential and subject to the Municipal Freedom

of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (Ontario). Unauthorized use is strictly prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please delete this e-mail immediately.”

This is a lie. I have not heard from anyone. The municipality has a problem with communications. Either they don’t receive e-mails or they just ignore them.

What I am left with is municipal government without representation!

Bruce Thompson Chatham

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Home sales continue to plod along in C-K

The Chatham Voice

The real estate market in Chatham-Kent was ice cold in January, as just 57 units changed hands, a deep dip of more than 44 percent from January 2022. Home sales were 34 per cent below the five-year average and 19.4 per cent below the 10-year average for the month of January

Matt Bechard, president of the Chatham-Kent Associa-

tion of Realtors (CKAR), said January continued the trend established in the latter stages of 2022.

“Much to nobody’s surprise we are starting 2023 off where 2022 finished, with sales activity remaining at historically subdued levels,” he said in a media release. “It appears that the Bank of Canada may have topped out its interest rate increases for now, but there is still a lot of catch-

ing up to do in terms of absorbing the multiple rate hikes from last year. Given the climate of economic uncertainty and the time it will take for the impact of the rate hikes to fully pass through, it may be the case that we see a relatively more subdued spring uptick than we are used to seeing in the past.”

The price buyers are paying for homes continues to drop as well. Bechard said the average price of homes sold in January 2023 was $402,156, a sharp decrease of 12 per cent from January 2022.

Bechard said one good sign from the market is the increase of available homes to purchase.

“Overall inventory levels have gained back a healthy amount of supply and the market is firmly positioned in favour of buyers, so the incentive for sidelined buyers to return is out there,” he said.

The number of new listings saw a jump of 45.7

per cent from January 2022. There were 153 new residential listings in January 2023. This was the largest number of new listings added in the month of January in more than five years.

New listings were 38.8 per cent above the five-

year average and 28 per cent above the 10-year average for the month of January.

Active residential listings numbered 284 units on the market at the end of January, rocketing up 323.9 per cent from the end of January 2022.

23 Churchill Park

Infographic courtesy CKAR

“Overall inventory levels have gained back a healthy amount of supply and the market is firmly positioned in favour of buyers, so the incentive for sidelined buyers to return is out there.”

- CKAR’s Matt Bechard

$100K win for local man

The Chatham Voice Playing Instant Bingo has paid off big time for John Harris of Dresden.

The father and grandfather discovered his $100,000 win while playing the scratch game at home.

“I saw the number 32 and thought I may have a big win. I kept scratching and I was so shocked to find out I matched all

Bothwell to get mobile health-care clinic

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

A new mobile health care clinic is coming to Bothwell.

At its Feb. 6 meeting, Chatham-Kent council inked a four-year deal with CarePartners/Community Nursing Services to provide health care at the Bothwell Arena at 860 Main St. N.

The municipality has agreed to lease a portion of the parking lot for $750 a month. Under the agreement, CarePartners will set up a fully accessible 55-foot trailer that will include one full-sized treatment room, a washroom and possibly an IV treat-

ment room.

“I think this is good for Bothwell,” East Kent Coun. Steve Pinsonneault told council. “They’ve been underserviced for a lot of years.”

Pinsonneault said the community of Thamesville recently learned the town’s long-time physician, Dr. Stephen Jones, has announced his retirement which will leave the town without a healthcare provider.

“We’re still hoping the recruitment program finds us a doctor,” Pinsonneault said, adding a mobile clinic could possibly be an option for Thamesville.

“This is a positive for the area and it’s going to help a lot of folks,” he said of

the new clinic. “There’s a lot of seniors in that town. It’s great.”

West Kent Coun. Lauren Anderson said that while a mobile walk-in clinic can’t take the place of a primary care doctor, it’s still a great option, particularly for migrant workers.

“I think anytime we can prevent anyone from getting really sick, that’s a really great option,” she said.

Community Services general manager Dr. April Rietdyk said CarePartners is “willing to have conversations” about a similar service in other Chatham-Kent communities, but noted it does not take the place of a primary health physician.

the numbers,” Harris said in a media release. “I couldn’t sleep that night because I was so excited! The next day was my birthday, so I went to the store to have my ticket checked. It was a great birthday present.”

The retiree told OLG officials when he picked up his cheque in Toronto that he’s been a daily lottery player since the 1980s.

Harris is planning to

spend some of his winnings on home renovations and he’s also going to buy the new iPhone. Plus, he’s going to share his win with his daughter and grandchildren.

“I will have a great time celebrating my daughter’s wedding in Costa Rica,” he said.

The winning ticket was purchased at Rosco’s Mini Mart on North Street in Dresden.

Contrubuted image Dresden’s John Harris shows off his smile and his winnings from

In 2007, two boys from Nova Scotia took a stand against local bullies and started a movement. When a classmate in their high school was harassed for wearing a pink shirt on the first day of school, David Shepherd and Travis Price decided to do something about it. The teens bought over 50 pink shirts and handed them out to their classmates, creating a “sea of pink” in support of the boy who’d been bullied. That was the first Pink Shirt Day, an event that has since made its way across the country and is now recognized on the last Wednesday of February every year.

Here are seven ways we should all strive to treat each other every day.

1. Be kind. Treat everyone with kindness and empathy, regardless of how you feel about them. Everyone deserves to be treated with respect, even those you don’t like.

2. Be inclusive. Make it a point to be friendly with everyone you know, even the people who are different from you. You’ll make others feel good and could even make an unexpected friend.

3. Check in. If you know that someone in your life has recently gone through a hard time call or text periodically to make sure they’re doing okay.

4. Listen. Be a sounding board for friends who need to talk. However, don’t offer advice unless they ask for it. Sometimes, people just need to share what they’re going through in order to come up with their own solutions.

5. Think before you speak — or post. Sometimes we can hurt people without meaning to. Before you say

or post something on social media, think about how others may perceive it, and keep your comments to yourself if you think someone might be hurt by them.

6. Don’t gossip. Though it’s easy to get drawn into discussions about other people, these types of conversations are best avoided. Even if what you say isn’t meant to be hurtful, it’s unkind to discuss others without their knowing it.

7. Speak up. If you see someone getting bullied, don’t just stand there and watch. Instead, say something. Most bullying incidents stop within ten seconds of someone intervening. Bullying in schools is an ongoing problem, but teaching young people how to treat others is a step in the right direction.

In Memory of Myles Think of Peace and Respect

This Pink Shirt Day, and everyday, let’s lift each other up!

For bullied kids, it can be hard to know where to turn. But a helping and supportive hand can make a world of difference! Remember that whether it’s sending a check-in text, calling out bullying behaviour when you see it, or simply offering your support, there are so many ways we can all help and connect with people being bullied.

Over 75% of people say they’ve been bullied. Over 90% of bullying incidents have peer witnesses. But when those peers intervene, most incidents are over within 10 seconds. Bullying could be happening to someone you know and care about – take a stand against bullying, and let your peers know that it is not okay.

Show kindness, empathy, and compassion, and speak out!

With one in five students affected by bullying, chances are that you or someone you know is being impacted. If you’re not sure what to do, reach out to someone who can help. And remember, kindness and compassion can go a long way.

forms abuse. www.ursulines.org

Does your child meet the following criteria? Between ages 6-15; Low self esteem, trouble making friends, lonely, in need of something more; Willing and able to develop a new relationship. 519-351-1582 | holly.larivee@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca

We can help. Contact us:

Municipal garage price skyrockets

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

Skyrocketing inflation has caused the cost of a building a new public works garage in Chatham

to more than double.

At its Feb. 6, meeting Chatham-Kent council approved a motion to construct the new building on Creek Road at a cost of $6.1 million.

The amount is more

than twice the original estimate of $2.7 million.

Several councillors took issue with the spending hike.

“Why the big pay increase now?” Chatham Coun. Amy Finn asked.

Ryan Brown, Chatham-Kent’s director of public works, blamed the increase on rampant inflation and the fact that some of the services, such as the installation of new hydro meter, were not

factored in.

“The biggest driver of the cost increase, compared to the original estimates, is the ongoing inflation,” Brown told council.

East Kent Coun. Steve Pinsonneault questioned why the $450,000 architectural design fee was so high, but Brown said that an estimated 10 per cent of a project is the standard cost.

Hello ALC and Community Members!

The Board of Directors and the staff of the Active Lifestyle Centre would like to assure you that we are up and running with over 30 programs and services. While we still have some work to do, we are very proud of how far we have come. We have introduced some evening programs for those of you that can’t come during the daytime hours. We have revamped our website, check it out at:

activelifestylecentre.org

(You can also find us on Facebook and Instagram)

We have posted our program schedule. Keep checking in as we expect to introduce new programs each month. We continue to look for new programs and instructors using our community survey results to guide us. Social events and trips are on the near horizon as we plan for the upcoming year! If you have never been to the Active Lifestyle Centre located at 20 Merritt. Ave., stop in for a tour, one of our great staff would love to show off the Centre.

Be assured that the staff have the full support of the Board of Directors and decisions are being made in the best interest of ALL of our members. We are trying to balance the needs of our members with our current financial status. The objective is to maintain programming, offer services and still make it affordable for our members to enjoy a home away from home. Pre-pandemic we had to raise $200,000 annually (after all of the grants) to keep our member fees affordable, pay the bills and offer exceptional programming. We expect that this will be an ongoing requirement.

We are excited to introduce memberships for the 2023/2024 fiscal year. We will begin offering them in March for $60 and they will be good until March 31st 2024. In addition we have introduced a six month membership for $30. The daily user fee will be $3.00 for members in addition to the annual fee. The user fee for ALC evening classes will be $4.00.

We have an amazing facility offering diverse, all-inclusive programming for the senior population of Chatham-Kent. Thank you for supporting us as we strive to continuously improve.

ALC Board of Directors.

20 Merritt Ave., Chatham

For info please call 519-352-5633 or visit our website: activelifestylecentre.org.

Facebook Pages: Active Lifestyle Centre or ALC Friends

Council originally approved the project in 2020, but the pandemic and problems hooking into services delayed the construction.

East Kent Coun. John Wright expressed concern over the high cost and the delay.

“I can’t understand why this has taken so long and why it’s more than doubled in price,” Wright said.

Brown said the pandemic and unforeseen issues

contributed to the slowdown.

“We did have to reroute and plan for new gas lines,” Brown said.

Up to $2.6 million will be transferred from the asset management plan for bridges, with the funds to be replaced in the 2024 capital budget with no impact on future bridge projects.

A portion of the new garage was financed through the sale of municipal property at 540 Park Ave. East to Onbelay Automotive for $750,000.

Council also learned that the public works employees that used the garage that was sold have had to do some of their work and store equipment out of doors since the sale.

The tender from Windsor-Essex based Barrineti Construction Ltd. was the lowest of nine received by the municipality.

Helping Monarchs

The Monarch butterfly may be getting some love in Chatham-Kent following an idea from South Kent. Coun. Trevor Thompson.

At the Feb. 6 council meeting, Thompson put forward a notice of motion for administration to

investigate what actions can be taken by the municipality to assist the public in helping the prolific pollinator. The population of the colourful insect is in decline, Thompson said, due to loss of habitat and use of herbicides.

The motion will come before council on March 6.

The Chatham Voice

River slope stabilization approved

A project to stabilize the slope of the Sydenham River east of Tupperville has been approved by

Chatham-Kent council. A $600,000 contract to complete the work along Glasgow and Short Lines has been awarded to Matrix Solutions Inc.

Four separate sites have been identified, affecting more than a kilometre of the riverbank.

According to a report from the municipality’s

transportation and engineering department, slope stability and bank erosion along the Sydenham and Thames rivers are ongoing concerns for

Chatham-Kent.

Early in 2019, the federal government, through Infrastructure Canada, awarded Chatham-Kent funding through its Di-

saster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund. Chatham-Kent is receiving $16.5 million over a 10-year period, which began in 2019.

Toddler recovering from near drowning

By Michael Bennett Local Journalism Initiative The Ridgetown Independent

A GoFundMe account has been set up to assist Garth Saunders – who has family in Ridgetown – and Gillian Burnett in paying for expenses while their toddler recovers from a near drowning.

Waylon Saunders, 20 months old, is back at home after being hospitalized in Victoria Hospital in London after he fell into an outdoor pool at a home daycare in Petrolia.

Waylon was underwater for approximately five minutes before he was pulled out of the pool.

Firefighters and paramedics immediately performed CPR on Waylon before rushing him to the Petrolia hospital, where the Emergency Room team took turns performing compressions for over three hours

Thanks to the work of the ER staff, Waylon regained a heartbeat. He was transferred to Victoria Hospital, where he was put on a ventilator and placed into a medically induced coma.

“Waylon is a little fighter. Against many odds, he survived the night,” said Liana Gammage, as doctors prepared the family for the worst.

Waylon is the great-grandson of Rita Saunders, grandson of Cari Saunders and grandnephew of Paul and Liana Gammage, all of Ridgetown.

Waylon remained in the Critical Care Unit until he emerged from the coma and began breathing on his own.

While he continues his miraculous progression, Waylon still has a long road to recovery while his parents face a significant financial burden.

“They are working parents who give everything they have to their children,” Liana said.

She said Gillian and Garth are fortunate to have family and friends from their hometown of Brigden and here in town who have made the trip to London, despite the inclement weather, to provide basic needs such as clothes and toiletries.

“Although we know Waylon is the strongest 20-month-old out there, it is still impossible for doctors to predict the outcome,” stated Lia-

the road ahead will be a long one. “He is going to require an extraordinary amount of extra care, which his amazing parents will give him at the sacrifice of themselves.”

The family are hoping the community can offer support.

““We are reaching out to friends and the community as we hope to ease some of the burden on these wonderful parents in such tragic circumstances,” Liana said.

The Go Fund Me account can be found at gofund. me/82d52b3c and type in ‘Waylon Saunders’ in the search window.

REQUEST FOR QUOTATION

Chatham-Kent Municipal Airport Agricultural Land Lease

Quotations sealed in an envelope which shall be clearly marked as to contents, will be received by the Purchasing Officer, Municipality of Chatham-Kent, First Floor, Civic Centre, 315 King Street West, Chatham, Ontario until 1330 h (Local Time) on Thursday, March 9, 2023.

THE MAJOR ITEMS CONSIST OF:

Quotations for the lease of approximately 329.53 acres of property at the Chatham-Kent Municipal Airport to be used for agricultural purposes. The Municipality intends to enter into a three year lease agreement with the selected bidder with an option for two additional one year renewals, based on the needs of the Municipality.

All offers are to be presented on the specific forms provided for this quotation and are subject to specific conditions, both of which are available by contacting the Chatham-Kent Public Works Department by phone at 519.360.1998 x3980, or by email at ckpw@chatham-kent.ca.

More information is available on the Chatham-Kent website at: www.chatham-kent.ca/airportlease.

The Corporation reserves the right to reject any or all quotations if the Corporation’s funding is insufficient or becomes unavailable for any reason.

For questions:

Marion Smith, Airport Manager

Z3 Aviation (519) 676-3455 info@z3aviation.com

This cute little fellow, Waylon Saunders, had a tragic accident recently, falling into an outdoor pool. He will have a long road to recovery, so a GoFundMe account has been set up to help out.

na. “Yet, we all know that whatever the outcome,

More than $20,000 has already been raised.

“We are beyond thankful for the amazing teams of doctors and nurses at both hospitals, and we thank all of you for anything you can do to help,” said Liana.

Contributed image

Handy support for the children

The Chatham Voice Handy Bros Home Comfort employees recently presented the Children’s Treatment Centre Foundation with a donation for $20,500 in support of their Butterfly Building Campaign.

Over the past year, employees made donations through payroll deductions and decided to give to the Foundation.

The Children’s Treatment Centre provides services to one in five

children and youth in Chatham-Kent, with 1,300 children on a waiting list for services.

The CTC-CK’s Butterfly Building Campaign will support building a more extensive, state-of-the-art facility to better accommodate the growing caseload.

“Our staff felt that getting involved with the CTC and the new build was good for our community,” Mitch White from Handy Bros said in a media release. “We are

continually community focused and felt this was an important project to support.”

The CTC-CK is the only organization in Chatham-Kent with more than 70 years of experience providing specialized, quality therapy to children and youth with special needs

in our community. Collaboration from groups such as Handy Bros ensures that the CTC-CK can continue helping Chatham-Kent children and youth participate in life to the fullest.

Art and Heirloom turning 5 Chatham’s funkiest art gallery, the Art and Heirloom Shoppe, is celebrating its fifth anniversary in March.

Located at 137 King St. W. in downtown Chatham, the shoppe houses a wide selection of unique pieces from 55 local and

regional artists.

Sue Rumball, Betty Hebert and Chris Ford, will be on hand March 8 to welcome people and mark the celebration with a special five-year anniversary viewing and visit with the mayor.

“These five years have really wonderful for us and we have proven the need for an accessible gallery to sell and exhibit all of the talent in southwestern Ontario,” Ford said in a media release. “Our customers are coming from near and far to see the contents of this gal-

lery. It’s the really amazing work that keeps them coming back.”

The store offers customers a wide range of artwork including pottery, sculpture, fabric and glass arts, paintings, pen and ink designs, jewellery and photography. As part of the seasonal refresh, the store has restocked the walls and shelves with new pieces from a collection of familiar and upand-coming local talent.

The shope is open Wednesday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Continued on page 17

Contributed image

Employees from Handy Bros Home Comfort present a donation to Children’s Treatment Centre of Chatham-Kent Foundation President, Mike Genge recently.

Support for outdoor activities, conservation

Continued from page 16

The Desjardins Foundation is supporting young people through the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority by awarding $3,000 for their Chatham-Kent & Lambton Children’s Water Festival 2023. The Water Festival has been delivering a variety of water-themed topics to elementary school children in the Chatham-Kent and Lambton County areas since 2007. The festival delivers hands-on interactive activities covering five water themes: water science, water technology, water conservation, water protection and water attitude each year during a three-day event at the CM Wilson Conservation Area.

Local Desjardins agent Scott Stanley said supporting the program just made sense.

“The Desjardins Foundation prizes help school staff and youth workers fund school and community projects for preschool, elementary and high school students. Teachers and youth workers are tremendously dedicated to motivating and inspiring young people, and they know better than anyone how to engage kids. The financial aid provided through this program helps turn their ideas into reality,” he said in a media release

Antiquated Joys comes through for nature

Sarah Evans, owner of Antiquated Joys in Blenheim, supports the people and the planet over profit by pledging one per cent of her annual sales to the Sydenham Field Naturalists (SFN).

Antiquated Joys is inspired by Fair Trade textiles, Canadian-made and artisanal hand-crafted products and has now embraced the Planet Impact Fund and named SFN as fund recipients.

The SFN is a local not-for-profit volunteer organization dedicated to habitat preservation and protection of native species.

• Business Voice is a bi-monthly column in The Chatham Voice that highlights some of the achievements made and efforts underway in Chatham-Kent’s business community. Send your information to bruce@chathamvoice.com.

Contributed image

Scott Stanley of Desjardins Insurance, right, presents a cheque for $3,000 to Don Hector, festival co-ordinator of the Chatham-Kent & Lambton Children’s Water Festival.

Community Events

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 meeting at St. Paul’s Congregational Church, 450 Park Ave E, Chatham. Live Zoom available for members who wish to enjoy the meetings that way. Everyone is welcome to join us. Non-members pay $5 per meeting and enjoy our presentations, guest speakers and all of the fun. Membership is $50/year. You are welcome to contact us through our Facebook page or our website at www.ckquiltguild.com for more information.

Friday, February 17, 2023:

• Join us and learn how to take control of your health! Access virtual programs using any computer, tablet, or smartphone. All workshop materials are provided free of charge. Master your health, chronic conditions. Fridays - February 17 - March 24. 9:30am-12:00pm. Register at https://myhcc_february17. 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 roast beef or fish & chips. Take out is also available by calling 519-351-8733 or 519-351-5639. Fun Darts start at 7:00 p.m. Everyone welcome.

• Adult Colouring at the CKPL Chatham Branch Community Living Café. Every Friday. 2:00pm until 4:00pm. Come and connect with people of all ages and skill levels while colouring away the stress of the day. Come alone or bring a friend. No registration required, come and go.

Saturday, February 18, 2023:

• Grand Opening of SheepDog Animation Workshops and Exhibits at 18707 Kent Bridge Rd., New Scotland from 11:00am-4:00pm. Stop by, check us out and register for Animation and Art Workshops for ages 10 years old and up www. sheepdoganimation.com.

• 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 D.A.M. Band from 4:30-9:30. Come check out our menu. Everyone Welcome.

• Buxton Museum Special Storytime at the CKPL, Chatham Branch at 11:00am. Interactive family storytime focusing on the book “Barefoot, Escape on the Underground Railroad”. Drop in.

• Black History Month Kids Trivia (Virtual) from 9:30am to 5:00pm. A special kids trivia game that celebrates Black heritage and culture will be posted on CKPL’s Facebook page.

• Community Creative Expression Workshops - paint an up-cycled vinyl record bowl with positive inspirational words and colours. 1:00pm. Book your spot at hippieshanni@ gmail.com. $25 with $5 donated to the Acceptional Riders Therapeutic riding program.

• A Superhero Adventure in Chatham-Kent! Local author, JL Meredith will host a book reading and signing of his superhero novel, Guardian Into the Light of Day at 1pm at the New Game Master’s Emporium, 55 St. Clair St., Chatham. Free.

• Family Fun Day Small Business Market at the John D. Bradley Convention Centre, 11am-5pm. Free admission, donations being collected for CK Animal Rescue (monetary, food, toys). 35+ vendors, bouncy castles, free kids workshop by The Home Depot & more!

Monday, February 20, 2023:

• Visit CKPL’s Chatham Branch from 10:00am-5:00pm to try out the library’s new collection of storykits. Storykits are themed totes that contain a variety of books, puzzles, games and toys that promote literacy through play. Themes include social-emotional learning, animals, transportation, medical visits, and community. This is an all-ages event. No registration required.

Tuesday, February 21, 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, 10am11:30am 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 22, 2023:

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

• Beginner Salsa Group Classes at 7:30pm. $20/person, $30/couple. 106 William St. N. (Bigwhite house across from the park) For more info on the classes visit our website www.londonsalsaacademy. ca or send us and email to info@ londonsalsaacademy.ca.

• Ukulele group meets Wednesdays, 1:30-3:pm at the ALC. Come out and have fun! Call Nancy 519-352-7921.

Thursday, February 23, 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.

• Black History Month Family Storytime at the CKPL Blenheim Branch from 11:00am to 11:30am. Celebrate Black History Month at the library by joining us for our monthly before-opening-hours Family Storytime! This event is geared towards participants between the ages of 0-5, though older siblings are welcome.

• The 60th Annual Lenten Noon Hour Interdenominational Service will be held at Christ Church, 80 Wellington St. W., Chatham (beside the bus depot) beginning at 12:10pm until 12:35pm and will be followed by a sandwich luncheon in the parish hall. The theme this year is “Peace and Reconciliation.” The speaker this week is The Rev. Greg Simpson, St. Andrews United Church. Free will offering to help Outreach within our community.

• We Can Create at CKPL.February: Spring Floral. 6:00 pm. Paint bright floral artwork to welcome spring. All materials provided. Please register as seats are limited, please register with library staff by phone 519.354.2940, by text 519.401.7174 or by email cklibrary@chatham-kent. ca. Open to ages 16+.

Friday, February 24, 2023:

• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. open 11:00am–9:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch from 11:30am.–1:30pm. Supper served from 4:00–6:00. No orders after 5:30pm. Tonight’s specials are liver & onions or fish & chips. Take out is also available by calling 519-351-8733 or 519-3515639. Fun Darts start at 7:00 p.m. Everyone welcome.

• Adult Colouring at the CKPL Chatham Branch Community Living Café. Every Friday. 2:00pm until 4:00pm. Are you looking for a creative outlet? Need some time to escape the everyday? Come and connect with people of all ages and skill levels while colouring away the stress of the day. Come alone or bring a friend. No registration required, come and go as you please.

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.

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

Fun Stuff

8. Head honcho

9. Goddess of wisdom

10. Part of a play

11. Get rid of

13. Applicant

17. Bowling alleys have many

24. Explosive

25. “The Say Hey Kid”

26. Ultrahigh frequency

27. No (Scottish)

28. Make a mistake

29. Credit card term

35. Keyboard key

36. Woman (French)

37. In the middle of 38. Score perfectly

CLUES ACROSS

1. River in Tuscany

5. A way to represent

8. Rocker’s guitar

12. Civil Rights group

14. Brew

15. Scratch

16. W. Asian country

18. The Eye Network

19. Clarified butter

20. Part of the Cascade Range

21. Downwind

22. A way to steer 23. Loop

26. Not ingested 30. Swampy coniferous forest

61. Border river along India and Nepal

62. It’s what’s for dinner

63. Consume

64. Christian __, designer

CLUES DOWN

1. Cuckoos

2. Skin issue

3. City in central Japan

4. Sorrels

5. Twinned diamond

6. Canadian province

7. Monetary units

40. Coat a metal with an oxide coat

41. Deadly disease

42. A place to dock a boat (abbr.)

43. Belch

44. Member of U.S. Navy

45. “In __”: separate from others

47. Examine extensively

48. Adjust

49. Tattle

52. Actor Pitt

53. Gulls

54. Within

55. Exceptionally talented performer

Classifieds

Obituaries

Guy, Beatrice (Wright)

Surrounded by her family, Beatrice Guy passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 5, 2023 at Blenheim Community Village at the age of 96. She was the daughter of the late Ivan & Areta (nee Russelo) Wright. Reunited with her late husband, Watson (2001). Beloved mother of Ivan Guy (Diane) and Grant Guy (Peggy). Dear grandma of Jody Merritt (Robert), Krista Fife, Greg Guy (Kelly), Tim Guy & Jonathan Guy. Great-grandmother of Jared, Kyle, Jordan, Justin, Nathan, Nicholas, Rowan & Natalie. Predeceased by two greatgrandchildren, Connor Merritt & Sydney Guy. Sister of Douglas Wright (Bertha) and sister-in-law of Melvin Guy. The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the staff of Blenheim Community Village, Dr. Tom Perkins & Eric Skillings for their care and compassion. A Private Family Interment to take place at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society, Canadian Breast Cancer Society or to the South Buxton United Church Memorial Fund in memory of Beatrice. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com. McKinlay Funeral Home, 141 Park Street, Blenheim. 519-676-3451.

Obituaries

RANDELL ROY CAREY

OBITUARIES

Benjamin Klassen

81, Monday, January 30, 2023

Kendrick Funeral Home

Ruth Malott

Shirley Wood

79, Tuesday, February 7, 2023

Alexander & Houle Funeral Home

Lorna Alexander

79, Saturday, February 4, 2023

Kendrick Funeral Home

James Colquhoun

85, Sunday, February 5, 2023

Kendrick Funeral Home

Wayne Knight

64, Monday, January 30, 2023

Nicholls Funeral Home

Dollie Tanguay

92, Saturday, February 4, 2023

Blenheim Community Funeral Home

Marlene Warren

86, Friday, February 3, 2023

Blenheim Community Funeral Home

Donna Warren

93, Tuesday, February 7, 2023

Blenheim Community Funeral Home

Dini Woudenberg

84, Tuesday, February 7, 2023

85, Tuesday, February 7, 2023

Alexander & Houle Funeral Home

Allan Egbert Edgar Verbrugge

85, Sunday, February 5, 2023

McKinlay Funeral Home

Michael Hewson

56, Monday, January 30, 2023

McKinlay Funeral Home

Betty Oestreicher

96, Wednesday, February 1, 2023

McKinlay Funeral Home

Chuck Lindsay

Saturday, January 28, 2023

McKinlay Funeral Home

Deborah Marie Bechard

Tuesday, February 7, 2023

McKinlay Funeral Home

Kathleen Krieger

76, Wednesday, February 1, 2023

LARGE AUCTION SALE

Saturday, February 25, 2023

St. Simon & St. Jude Parish Hall

267 Meunier St., Belle River

Preview: 8:00am, Auction Starts: 9:00am

NO BUYERS PREMIUM

Moorcroft, bow front curved glass cabinets, large quantity of fishing lures & tackle, fishing rods & nets, wooden oars, large quantity of rock & roll records, bow & arrows, Pride scooter like new, waders, large amount of tools, pine corner cupboard, wooden decoys, large quantity of coins and stamps, old clocks, costume jewelry, cap and ball double barrel shotguns, dishes & collectibles.

MUCH MUCH MORE

Go to this website for pictures and more information www.murrayknappauctions.com

TERMS: CASH OR CHEQUE WITH PROPER I.D.

NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ACCIDENTS DAY OF SALE

MURRAY KNAPP AUCTIONEER

519-727-8894

Auction Loans

MORTGAGES / LOANS

$50,000 for $283.50/mth $100,000 for $567.00/mth $150,000 for $850.50/mth $200,000 for $1134.00/mth $250,000 for $1417.50/mth

Call John at 519-252-6953 - 24 hours

The world has lost a good man. Randell (Randy) Carey died unexpectedly of Covid, on December 14, 2022, at the age of 76, while on vacation in Sydney, Australia. Randy was raised in Port Stanley, Ontario by (predeceased) parents, Arthur and Eleanor Carey. After graduating from Waterloo (B. Math), he and his wife, Irene (Lizun) raised two wonderful children, Julie (Steve Jarrell) and Michael Carey, in Chatham, Ontario. Randy is survived by: his sister, Dorinda (Fred) Ford; brother Rowland (Patti) and their sons, Ryan and Brendan; brother-in-law Nick Lizun (Barb); and many nephews and nieces. Randy’s career initially focused on information technology and later included entrepreneurial endeavors. Over the years, he pursued many interests: racquet sports, sailing, volunteering, duplicate bridge, ancestry, reading, film, music appreciation, the stock market, and travel. Although he valued his friendships deeply, Randy’s love for his family came first. He fostered the pursuit of knowledge, love of nature and sports, and independence in both Julie and Michael. He and Irene cherished their 53 years of marriage. Randy did everything with honesty, kindness, and integrity. He loved to laugh and enjoy life. A great meal with a nice glass of wine or a craft beer was a must. He is deeply loved and missed. A Celebration of Life is planned for April for friends and family.

Ministry

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

For Sale

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

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.

Wanted

Wanted to Buy: Antiques, costume jewellery, gold, silver, coins, military, furniture, tools. We Buy AllPaid Cash. 519727-8894. Sell your unwanted items in the classifieds for only $6.00+tax! Phone 519-397-2020!

Blenheim Community Funeral Home

Ron Reader 56, Tuesday, February 7, 2023

Blenheim Community Funeral Home

Kerry Robinson

Wednesday, February 1, 2023

Life Transitions

Margaret Newham (nee Devlaminck)

77, Saturday, February 4, 2023

Life Transitions

Robert Howard 61, Saturday, February 4, 2023

Life Transitions

Velina Sheehan (Belair)

100, Saturday, February 4, 2023

Life Transitions

Olive O’Brien

89, Sunday, February 5, 2023

Alexander & Houle Funeral Home

McKinlay Funeral Home

Victoria Lynn McIntee

57, Friday, February 3, 2023

McKinlay Funeral Home

Beatrice Guy

96, Sunday, February 5, 2023

McKinlay Funeral Home

Jessica Lee Bocchino

29, Wednesday, February 1, 2023

Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home

See full obituaries at chathamvoice.com/obituaries