NOW BOOKING FOR 2022
Al’s
LAWN & GARDEN
www.alslawnandgarden.ca
352-4955
YOUR Independent Community Newspaper
26662 Bearline Rd. 519-355-1201 www.doverduds.com
THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022
Vol. 9 Edition 12
FREE!
Shhh!
Tie one (or a thousand) on
Former CKHA fundraiser told to clam up
By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com
Mary Beth Corcoran/Special to The Chatham Voice
Many thousands of railroad ties line the western side of Maple Leaf Drive in Chatham. The piles extend for hundreds of metres along the road and along the border of Maple Leaf Cemetery. The land is owned by CSX, but is leased to CN Rail. Neither CSX nor CN got back to The Chatham Voice by press time, but Stuart McFadden, director of economic development for the municipality, said the stockpiling is likely earmarked for a rail tie replacement program in the region. He said the ties are placed on a side spur of the main rail line, a perfect place to stockpile the ties.
Kelly, municipality part ways The Chatham Voice
Four months ago, Thomas Kelly was heralded as the new CAO of Chatham-Kent; today he no
longer employed by the municipality. In mid-November, after Kelly spent nine years as general manager of infrastructure of engineering,
Mayor Darrin Canniff announced he was taking over the CAO position as a replacement for Don Shropshire, who was retiring.
Days after the announcement, the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development received a harassment complaint, with the employer named
as the Municipality of Chatham-Kent. Previously published reports said the complaint was against Kelly.
Continued on page 2
Not only has the music stopped playing for the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Foundation, but the organization is seeking to press the mute button altogether on the organizer of the Music for the Mind fundraisers. The relationship between the foundation and Elisha Banks – who worked to raise more than $92,000 for the foundation in a twoyear period spearheading Music for the Mind – has deteriorated to the point a big Bay Street law firm is involved. The Foundation hired Douglas Smith of Toronto law firm Borden Ladner Gervais to send Banks a letter March 18 advising her not to communicate with members of the Foundation board, CKHA personnel – including president and CEO Lori Marshall – or speak to the news media in regard to Foundation staff. The letter alleges a recent e-mail from Banks contained defamatory statements. Continued on page 2
Chatham
635 St. Clair Street P: 519.354.4000
THE CHATHAM VOICE
PAGE 2
THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022
News
Woman receives cease-and-desist letter
Continued from page 1
The e-mail was sent to Marshall and members
of the Foundation. It was dated March 11 and “contained statements that are
untrue and defamatory of CKHA Foundation staff, and we demand that you
immediately cease and desist from making any such further statements in the
PUT THE MORTGAGE HUNTER TO WORK FOR YOU!
Call 519-351-5303 Ian Hunter
Support the local businesses who help support our community!
www.themortgagehunter.ca ian@themortgagehunter.ca
Frozen homemade meals. We do all the shopping and prep for you . . .
Just add Heat! 519-351-7905
vwchatham.com
(Just off St. Clair)
S p e ci a
junctura group Construction
L
Please visit us at 10417 Front Line, Blenheim
Come fill your freezer today!!
6 Lowe St., Chatham
519-352-8890 | 90 Keil Dr. N, Chatham
sh Fi
Individual and family sized meals, soups and desserts.
226-312-2222 15 Maple Leaf Drive Chatham, ON N7M 6H2 property@junctura.ca
4-6oz Pickerel Fillets
519-676-2030 jennford@aamarinefoods.com
11 lbs. for $120/box
juncturaconstruction.ca
For All Your Building or Renovation Needs
We are open for SALES AND SERVICE Tollfree: 1�844.93TITAN (844�938�4826) www.titanlifttrucks.com
QUALITY
RELIABILITY
735 Richmond St., Chatham
519-352-9000 www.chathamnissan.com
STRENGTH
All Titan ProductsCreek meet and B56-1 (Just and CSA B35Queen) Standards 10 Indian Rd.exceed East,ASME Chatham E. of
Time for Spring ! Switch Overs
BROOKS New & Used Tires
519-351-3636 • Mon-Fri 8-6; Saturday 8-4
71 Sass Rd Unit #4 519-397-2020
Seasonal Tire Changeover
Dripless Oil Sprays
CHATHAM NISSAN
DEALERS WANTED
Economy Series. Brand New, Low Cost Forklifts.
DENOMY’S AUDIO VIDEO UNLIMITED
FAMILY
Owned and Operated Since 1948
- TV SALES & SERVICE 40 Grand Ave. East Chatham Tel. 519-352-2120 denomystv.ca
Bruce Corcoran General Manager- Ext.227 bruce@chathamvoice.com
Pam Wright Reporter - Ext.232 pamwrightlji@gmail.com
Board members, Marshall and at least one additional CKHA staffer. “The Foundation was concerned with certain statements made by Elisha Banks about Foundation staff, and, accordingly, we sought out and received legal advice,” Crowley said in an e-mail to The Voice. “The matter is now with our lawyers and in accordance with legal advice, we will not comment further on the issue.” Banks, the founder of Music for the Mind, spent two years raising funds, totalling about $92,000, with the idea of it being spent on needed items in the adult in-patient mental health ward at CKHA. Banks told The Chatham Voice in a February interview she shuttered the fundraiser after realizing the funds Music for the Mind had raised were gathering dust in a Foundation of CKHA bank account. Banks became interested in supporting the patients in the ward after she spent 50 days there as a patient herself in 2019. Bob Hockney, chairman of the board of the Foundation, did not reply to a request for comment by press time.
Kelly no longer with C-K
of the municipality. Instead of being formerly Through it all, counnamed as Shropshire’s re- cillors and municipal placement, the Kelly issue officials remained tight stretched on. Shropshire lipped about the matter. told The Voice in late 2021 Little has changed. one thing he knew for “We understand that sure – he would there may be be retired by the questions about time budget dethis matter. The liberations rolled Municipality of around in late Chatham-Kent January. has a responsiLate January arbility to respect rived, and Shropthe privacy of shire was still our employees. here as CAO, a The municipality position he conwill not be maktinues to occupy Thomas Kelly ing any further today. comments at this Kelly, on the other hand, time,” officials stated in a after successive weeks of media release. in-camera special meetAs for finding Shropings by municipal council, shire’s replacement, it’s is no longer in the employ back to the drawing board. Continued from page 1
Monday - Friday 7:30am - 6:00pm Saturday 9:00am-3:00pm Sunday Closed
670 Irwin St., Chatham, ON N7M 1�519�351�9501 5J5 Tel: 1.844.938.4826 Telephone:
future via e-mail, in the news media or on social media,” the law firm said in the letter The law firm said it is attempting to lock Banks out of any further direct e-mail communication with Foundation board members and CKHA personnel as well. “We have recommended that your e-mail be blocked on the CKHA and CKHA Foundation e-mail server in order to prevent further defamatory statements being made by you to CKHA and CKHA Foundation,” it states. “Any further defamation of CKHA Foundation staff by you will be dealt with by way of proceedings in court in which CKHA Foundation and staff will seek damages and an order enjoining you from making any further defamatory statements. We trust that this will not be necessary.” Banks declined to comment at this time, but will be seeking legal counsel of her own. Mary Lou Crowley, president and CEO of the Foundation, said the Foundation believed it needed to seek out legal advice after Banks sent an e-mail to Foundation
~ Open ~ Daily 9 - 5 Saturday 9 - 2 Closed Sundays
Jeanine Foulon Sales - Ext.228 jeanine@chathamvoice.com
Peter Zubyk Sales - Ext. 225 peter@chathamvoice.com
Michelle Owchar Graphics - Ext.226 michelle@chathamvoice.com
THE CHATHAM VOICE
THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022
PAGE 3 ur Tr y O
News
Walk ins Welcome
+tax
~ Locally Owned ~
As the relentless Russian invasion of Ukraine continues, so to does the boots-on-the-ground humanitarian work of Loads of Love. Ed Dickson, overseas director with the Chatham-based charity, said Loads of Love has assisted 5,000 families in the war-torn country since the conflict began. Thus far, none of the charity’s staff or volunteers have been harmed. “It’s like a miracle,” Dickson said late last week, adding the hands of many volunteers are assisting Loads of Love in Ukraine, helping distribute food, medicine and
other necessities. Dickson sets his alarm and connects with staff at 2 a.m. Chatham time when it’s daylight in Eastern Europe. According to Dickson, no one in his adopted homeland – he’s lived there for 25 years –wants war, and neither do his contacts in Russia. “Everyone is terribly afraid,” he stressed. But, as in the rest of the world, Dickson said misinformation is impacting the conflict. State-sanctioned media, which is calling the Ukraine invasion a “military operation,” is skewing the way most Russians see the war. “A big percentage of the Russian people are drinking the Kool-Aid,” Dick-
BARGAINS
Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice
Loads of Love volunteers Miriam Randall and Penny Stull cram soft goods into all the nooks and crannies of a flat of hospital beds destined for Ukraine.
son noted. “And they only have one flavour of KoolAid.” Aside from the obvious issues of death and destruction, there’s worry Ukrainian farmers – the country is a major wheat producer – can’t plant
their crops which they should be doing right now. Another issue, he said, is the toll on children as the constant sound of sirens and bombs is causing extreme trauma. Dickson is quick to point
out the work couldn’t go on without the recent influx of cash donations from Canadians. “I’m amazed and overwhelmed by the generosity,” Dickson told The Chatham Voice. “This is the real spirit of Canada
BARGAINS
20% off SAVE
20% off From March 24 – April 6
Until stock lasts, see paint counter for details.
sico.ca *Applies to Sico Muse and Sico Evolution Interior Latex Paint, 861-5XX, 863, 866, 867, 991 & 992 series, 3.78 L size only. Offer valid from March 24 - April 6, 2022, while quantities last. Offer valid on regular prices, see store for details. Sico, Sico Muse and Sico Evolution are registered trademarks of the PPG Group of Companies. © 2022 PPG Industries, Inc. All rights reserved. 838256
The Wednesday Market thewednesdaymarket.com • 519-351-9688
*
ON SICO MUSE® and SICO EVOLUTION ®*
ON HOME APPLIANCES, BEDDING, ACCESSORIES, PARTY SUPPLIES, MEN-WOMEN-CHILDRENS CLOTHING
thewednesdaymarket@gmail.com
*
From March 24 – April 6
50% to 70% OFF
9877 Longwoods Rd., Chatham
Continued on page 4
ON SICO MUSE® and SICO EVOLUTION ®*
SATURDAY, MARCH 26 • 10-3
Fresh Cut Porkchops 10 for $20 • Fresh Cut T-bones 2 for $12
coming out. Helping people in trouble is what we do.” Dickson, who is married to a Ukrainian national, with whom he shares four daughters, has spent 25 years working in Ukraine.
SAVE
BARGAINS
BETTER SAVINGS THEN THE BIG BOX STORES
! To day
647 Grand Ave W 519-351-2432 www.petvalu.ca
More support headed to Ukraine
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com
10
$
703 St. Clair St. • 519-351-8500 • idealdecorating.ca • Until stock lasts, see paint counter for details.
sico.ca *Applies to Sico Muse and Sico Evolution Interior Latex Paint, 861-5XX, 863, 866, 867, 991 & 992 series, 3.78 L size only. Offer valid from March 24 - April 6, 2022, while quantities last. Offer valid on regular prices, see store for details. Sico, Sico Muse and Sico Evolution are registered trademarks of the PPG Group of Companies. © 2022 PPG Industries, Inc. All rights reserved. 838256
THE CHATHAM VOICE
PAGE 4
THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022
News
C-K sunshine club grows by six
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com
Six new names were added to the municipality’s sunshine list this past year, meaning there are now 300 employees being paid more than $100,000 per year. Chatham-Kent Police Service employees accounted for more than a
third of the list, with 131 employees hitting the mark. Police Chief Gary Conn led the way, making $237,895 for the year along, with $14,117 in taxable benefits. Chatham-Kent Fire Service and Emergency Services accounted for 58 names in the $100,000 club with Chief Chris Case at the top. He took home $200,048 plus
$1,365 in taxable benefits. Overall, the municipality’s highest-paid employee in 2021 was CAO Don Shropshire, who made $254,985, with 10,649 in taxable benefits. Municipal department heads were also top earners. Dr. April Rietdyk, general manager of community health services and the CEO of Chatham-Kent Public Health
pocketed $226,138 in salary and $7,016 in taxable benefits. Chatham-Kent’s medical officer of health Dr. David Colby earned $235,887 with no taxable benefits. Thomas Kelly, general manager of infrastructure and engineering, who parted ways just last week with the municipality, took home $213,214 in wages along with $10,725
in taxable benefits last year. Chief Financial Officer Gord Quinton was paid $198,768 in 2021, along with $7,016 in taxable benefits. Cathy Hoffman, general manager of corporate services and chief human
resources officer, banked $201,001 last year, along with $7,016 in taxable benefits. Revealing the names of employees earning more than $100,000 is part of a provincial mandate under the Public Sector Salary Disclosure Act.
Continued from page 3
packets, blankets and even some teddy bears. Stull said the organization is able to purchase most needed goods because of cash donations. Currently, Stull said Loads of Love is unable to ship donated items such as clothing. “Giving cash is the best thing that people can do right now,” Stull said, adding Loads of Love works closely with other Canadian charities such as Cambridge-based Ontario Christian Gleaners, Southwestern Ontario Gleaners in Leamington, Jabez Blanket Ministries and Burlington-based Sew on Fire. At present it costs around $8,000 to ship each container. The containers are trucked from Chatham to Toronto and then shipped by rail to Montreal. There they are loaded on a ship where they travel by sea for 40 days to a port in Poland. They will then be trucked overland to Ukraine. Donations can be made to Loads of Love by cash, cheque or e-transfer of which 100 per cent goes for supplies. Online donations can also be made through Canada Helps, which keeps a small administration fee. For more information visit loadsoflove.ca.
2 containers to ship out shortly
He said his wife’s family has been moved away from the fighting and is safe for now. Dickson said Ukrainians are still feeling disbelief with what has happened. He said he’s proud of Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Zelensky, noting he has risen to the challenge. Zelensky spoke directly to the governments of many Western countries last week, including Canada’s. “I’m extremely inspired by what he’s doing and his message,” Dickson said. “I think you can tell he’s not a politician, but a strong leader.” In the meantime here in Ontario, Chatham’s Loads of Love volunteers are hard at it. The team is working to prepare two 40-foot shipping containers that will leave for Ukraine within the next two weeks. According to Loads of Love container co-ordinator Penny Stull, one of the containers will be filled to the brim with a dehydrated bean and vegetable soup mix, while the other will carry medical supplies including hospital beds, personal hygiene
On any given day in Canada, more than 3,000 women and 2,500 children are living in an emergency shelter to escape violence. The violence children witness and hear has devastating effects on them.
Licence#1717051
YOU CAN END THE CYCLE OF VIOLENCE IN OUR COMMUNITY. Call the Chatham-Kent Women’s Centre today! French Language Services available on site by le Réseau-Fremme du Sud-Ouest de l’Ontario (519) 351-9144 or toll free 1-800-265-0598
Information about Réseau_Femmes du Sud-Ouest de l’Ontario - Services are FREE and CONFIDENTIAL offered in French • Counselling • Transitional Support • Housing Support • Personalized Support • Workshops for Women’s Empowerment • Support Groups
May 13 - 16 - Ottawa Tulip Festival . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $679 dbl . June 26 - 30 - 30,000 Island with 1,000 Island . . . . . . . . . $995 dbl . July 29 - August 11 - Atlantic Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2959 dbl . DAY TOURS: May 28th - St. Jacobs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Please Call June 10 - Sarnia Cruise & Casino . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $112 STRATFORD FESTIVAL SERIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $205 Chicago - June 17 • Richard III - June 21 • Little Women - June 28 All taxes included
Shoreline Tours
Phone: 519-322-2855
Join us on
388 Erie St. South, Leamington, Ontario N8H 3E5
Website: www.shorelinetours.com
THE CHATHAM VOICE
THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022
PAGE 5
News
New site proposed for shelter
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com
A vacant school in Chatham’s east end may turn out to be the perfect location for the municipality’s emergency homelessness shelter. At Monday’s planning meeting, Chatham-Kent council was expected to consider a recommendation to locate the shelter at 185 Murray St. The former Victoria Park Public School has been purchased by a group of local investors and is being offered to the municipality for a fee of $1 per year. Chatham Coun. Karen Kirkwood-Whyte said relocating the emergency shelter to Murray Street provides an opportunity to all sectors of the community to come together to “test pilot” solutions to Chatham-Kent’s home-
lessness problem. The Ward 6 representative said that no matter where the shelter goes, the concerns of nearby residents need to be addressed. Neighbours of the proposed shelter location have contacted her, Kirkwood-Whyte said, and she wants to ensure their voices are heard. “It is clear that wherever the emergency shelter is located, there will be neighbours who will want reassurance that their concerns and fears are addressed,” Kirkwood-Whyte said. A champion for the vulnerable, Kirkwood-Whyte said the municipality needs to “create an opportunity for people in the neighbourhood to have their “specific questions” answered. The councillor said she’s heartened by the response from the community to
the shelter issue, adding it takes the involvement of many different sectors to find solutions. “Collaboration is key in solving this issue,” she said. According to the report, the lease at the former school would run until May 2025. If council approves the proposal, it’s anticipated that $100,000 worth of ren-
ovations to refit the building would come out of the municipality’s economic downturn reserves. These funds are already approved in the 2022 budget. This latest proposal comes on the heels of an earlier recommendation to relocate the emergency shelter to Hope Haven on Wellington Street. However, the Hope Haven idea proved to be
y
nit u t r o pp
O
controversial, with many downtown merchants and business owners opposing the location. Many cited vandalism and fears about the behaviours of addicted and mentally ill people, saying a shelter in the core would negatively impact the ongoing rejuvenation of Chatham’s downtown. Downtown businessman Andrew Thiel spearhead-
!
ling l a C is
Saturdays at 7 concerts resume The Chatham Voice
The Saturdays at 7 concert series at St. Andrew’s United Church returns for a ninth season, beginning this weekend. The Steel City Rovers from Hamilton perform March 26 at 7 p.m. at the church Organizers said Celtic music lovers will be enjoy this performance. The band offers a unique composite of traditional Celtic music and North American styles, including bluegrass, folk and roots. The concert will be presented to live and virtual audiences. Tickets are not required for those attending in person. Masks are optional. The concert can also be viewed on Face-
book Live at www.facebook.com/standrews/ live. Donations (suggested $15) will be accepted at the door or online to support St. Andrew’s music program. All are welcome. The ninth season of Saturdays at 7 will continue with three more concerts. On April 23, the Ottawa Guitar Trio will come to Chatham to perform. The Simply Sondheim concert on May 14 will celebrate the life of one of the greatest musical theatre composers of our time. On June 11, A Time to Celebrate concert will close off the ninth season. For further information, visit www.standrewschatham.org/music.
LOCALLY OWNED
FREE QUOTES CHATHAM-KENT
Protect your territory
• Box Elder Bugs • Spiders • Ants • Wasps and more
graywolfpestcontrol.com 519-819-4574
ing:
Hir s i w o
ead
's M a l e g n
al c i t c a Pr d e r e t N) P Regis R ( es Nurs at: y a d to Apply om c . e t t rle a j . w ww call! e h t r
St. A
e
Answ
ed a petition against putting the shelter at Hope Have that drew close to 500 signatures. The Hope Haven proposal was pulled at the last minute at the March 7 meeting, pending the new option from the investor group. The lease with the Travelodge, where the shelter is currently located, expires at the end of May.
THE CHATHAM VOICE
PAGE 6
Heavy handed We’ve met Elisha Banks. She’s incredibly passionate about raising funds to help people with mental health issues. Until recently, that fundraising effort was through her Music for the Mind program, and supported the in-patient mental health ward at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance through its Foundation. But Banks and the Foundation had a falling out. She felt misled by the Foundation after learning her fundraising – to the tune of about $92,000 over two years – was not being spent on items of need for those patients. She claims there was a miscommunication, something CKHA president and CEO Lori Marshall openly admitted to last month, and added CKHA officials altered budgeting to take care of the item needs for the patients, allocating $10,000 a year for that. But Mary Lou Crowley, head of the Foundation, said there was no miscommunication. The falling out continued, and Banks sent an e-mail off to the Foundation board, as well as Marshall and at least one other CKHA administrator. It contained some strong wording; a sign of the passion Banks carries for the fundraising effort. We have seen the e-mail, but won’t go into any details. Why? Because the Foundation hired a big Bay Street law firm to pen a cease-and-desist letter to Banks, which was delivered on Friday. The letter from Borden Ladner Gervais alleges her e-mail “contained statements that are untrue and defamatory of CKHA Foundation staff, and we demand that you immediately cease and desist from making any such further statements in the future via e-mail, in the news media or on social media.” So, the CKHA Foundation used an out-of-town, big corporate firm to deliver a strong message to Banks, who herself is a former patient on the mental health ward at CKHA. We can only guess the stress levels this Goliath-like effort delivered to Banks. To say the response seems heavy handed would be an understatement. Granted, the Foundation is well within its right to take such action, but one would think open dialogue to an individual that spearheaded an incredible fundraising effort in such a short time would have been a simpler and preferable option for everyone involved. Banks’ biggest fault, if you can call it that, is that she cares.
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).
Advertising policy
The publisher of this newspaper, CK Media Inc., reserves the right to clarify or refuse any advertisement based on its sole discretion. The publisher reserves the right to reject, discontinue or omit any advertisement without notice or penalty to either party. Liability for errors or non-insertion is limited to the amount paid for the cost of space occupied by the error. Claims of errors must be made prior to the next publication date.
THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022
Opinion
Roundabouts improve safety Editor: In response to The Chatham Voice’s March 17 editorial, “Round we go,” and its stance regarding a roundabout proposed for the Queens Line/Merlin Road interchange, I whole heartedly support roundabouts as unique way to reduce costs and provide more safety. As a former regular commuter to Colling-
wood, I can truly say the placement of roundabouts on Highway 26 just outside of the town limits on a highway with 90-km/h speed limit has worked beautifully. In what is regarded as a one of the most dangerous roads in that region within a high snow belt area, the roundabouts
slow traffic in the intersection. This area where whiteouts and icy/snow-covered roads are common, makes going through a green light very dangerous at higher speeds with traffic turning left or right. It has proven to be a safe and cost-efficient alternative while saving lives.
Our children, mothers, fathers, etc. use these roads, and roundabouts slow traffic to a point that makes the odd minor fender benders a minor inconvenience compared to the higher-speed crashes going through these intersections. Steve Walley Chatham
Roundabouts can work on highway Editor: My experience with roundabouts in other jurisdictions is that traffic flows very well, speed limits are set appropriately as you approach them, and they have to be sized correctly.
When there is a lot of traffic, some vehicles have to stop, but the majority don’t have to. I have seen four vehicles in the Keil Trail North/Dale roundabout
all moving at the same time as they navigate the roundabout correctly. My comments are based on experiences in other Ontario jurisdic-
tions and in the United Kingdom. Just drive at an appropriate speed and follow the signage. Jon Wood Chatham-Kent
The Chatham Voice is printed by: One of Canada’s 50 Printers The contents of this newspaper are protected byTOP copyright. No material from this edition may be reproduced without expressed written consent of CK Media Inc. 800.465.1662 705.687.6691
1 Langford Dr. Box 1018, Bracebridge, Ontario P1L 1V2
71 Sass Rd., Unit #4, Chatham, ON, N7M 5J4 Tel: 519-397-2020 A member of: A division of CK Media Inc.
THE CHATHAM VOICE
THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022
PAGE 7
Residential, Commercial and Farm
Mortgages!
5-year fixed rates from 1.89%
519-351-SAVE Our Family Taking Care of Your Family
THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022 Amber Pinsonneault Broker of Record Cell 519-784-5310
Kristen Nead Broker Manager Cell 519-784-7653
Peifer Realty Inc.
@ROYALLEPAGEPEIFER
BROKERAGE - INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED
We’ve got the home for you! 184 LORNE • $329,000
226 WELLINGTON • $599,000
Move-In-Ready! 3 beds, 1 bath, nicely updated. Call Patrick 519-360-0141.
D L SO
31 RANDOLPH • $349,000
Multi-family, 3 units, lots of parking. Call Patrick 519-360-0141.
Tastefully renovated. 3 beds, 2 baths. Call Elliot 519-358-8755 or Ashley 519-437-7564.
330 RICHMOND ST • $2,500,000
150 PARK AVE #306 • $198,000
20,000 sq.ft. in a high traffic location! Lots of parking. Call Kristen 519-784-7653 or Amber 519-784-5310.
Well kept bungalow! 3 beds, 1 1/2 baths. Call Kelly-Anne 519-365-7155 or Dane 519-436-7195
11591 LONGWOODS, KENT BRIDGE • $389,900
117 ELIZABETH, BLENHEIM $299,900
81 LANCEFIELD • $499,900
D L SO
Vacant condo! 1 bed, 1 bath, well kept and clean. Call Lisa 519-365-7325.
96 MAIN, RIDGETOWN • $799,900
Beauty! Above ground pool, 4 beds, 2 baths. Call Chris Papple 519-350-1402 or Wayne Liddy 519-436-4810.
Character galore! 2 beds, 1 bath, 1 1/2 storey home. Call June 519-358-5199.
One-Of-A-Kind! 3 businesses in 1. Call Elliot 519-358-8755 or Ashley 519-437-7564.
CHECK OUT ALL OF OUR LISTINGS AT WWW.ROYALLEPAGECHATHAMKENT.COM Marco Acampora* 519-784-4348 Dane Appleton* 519-436-7195 Kelly-Anne Appleton* 519-365-7155 Michael Bondy* 519-352-4284
Stephen Carroll* 519-355-9774
Michael Gibbons* 519-365-5634
Wayne Liddy* 519-436-4810
Ghassan Najjar** 519-355-8668
Elizabeth Peifer* 519-436-8959
Brandice Smith* 226-626-4838
Cindy Weaver** 519-360-0628
Anna-Marie Clark* 519-354-7890
Darren Hart* 226-627-8580
Krista Mall* 519-365-7462
Heather Najjar** 519-355-8666
Patrick Pinsonneault** 519-360-0141
David Smith* 519-350-1615
Ashley Wilton* 519-437-7564
Ron Collins* 519-401-8464
Cynthia Hiatt* 519-354-1836
George McDougall* 519-360-7334
Cass Opiela* 519-355-7804
Chris Polley* 905-903-0505
Ron Smith* 519-360-7729
Elliot Wilton* 519-358-8755
Eric Fitzgerald* 519-436-4865
Brian Keenan* 519-365-6090
June McDougall* 519-358-5199
Chris Papple* 519-350-1402
Katherine Rankin* 226-542-2964
Michael Smyth* 519-784-5470
Penny Wilton** 519-360-0315
Evan Gaiswinkler* 519-401-5213
Gwen Liberty* 519-784-3646
Sylvia Moffat** 519-355-8189
Brian Peifer** 519-436-2669
Deborah Rhodes* 519-401-5470
Carson Warrener* 519-809-2856
Lisa Zimmer* 519-365-7325
CHATHAM OFFICE 34 Raleigh St. 519-354-5470
*Sales Representative **Broker
BLENHEIM OFFICE 59 Talbot St. W. 519-676-5444
THE CHATHAM VOICE
PAGE 8
THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022
News/Life
Group rages against tree cutting
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com
And the sign said: “Stop CK Deforestation.” Popping up all around Chatham-Kent, the pro-environment placard campaign is the brainchild of the Raging Grannies environmental group. For a $5 donation, the anonymous group of volunteers will supply a sign. Sometimes delivery is included. Sarah Fraleigh-Bulckaert is one of the residents who saw the campaign on the CK Forest Defenders Facebook page. The Dresden homeowner called up and promptly ordered a sign. The issue of protecting trees is personal, Fraleight-Bulckaert explained. Growing up in Dawn Township, she said she spent “a lot of time rambling around in the country.” Although she now lives in town, Fraleigh-Bulckaert said she continues keeps nature close by working to naturalize her yard and spending as much time outdoors as possible. She wants to see nature and trees conserved for everyone, not just for herself. “I’m always super grateful for
Contributed image
Two members of the Raging Grannies environmental activist group pose with Sarah Fraleigh-Bulckaert as she shows off her new sign.
trees and nature,” Fraleigh-Bulckaert noted. “It’s always a bit sad to see trees come down.”
As part of their ongoing campaign to raise awareness of forest cover and tree cutting, the
Festival starts March 28 The Chatham Voice
One of the area’s most beloved musical traditions will begin its 76th year of operation next week. The Chatham Kiwanis Music Festival starts March 28 running until April 6. For the second year in a row, the event will be virtual.
The festival is welcoming two new co-chairs this year to replace outgoing chair George Service. Sue Lowther and Julie Collins are sharing the lead this year. “We feel fortunate that we are able to carry on this important tradition that has been run by dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers over the years,” Lowther said in a
recent media release. Video submissions are due by March 25, with adjudicators making the evaluations until April 6. There are 281 registrations to be judged so far. The festival concludes with a Grand Concert at the Kiwanis Theatre on April 26. Admission is $10 for adults and students are free.
A Warm, Accessible Space to Say Good-Bye
Thank you for voting us Best of Chatham-Kent for the 8th year
Funerals Celebrations Immediate Cremations
Trust the Professionals. 459 St. Clair St., Chatham - 519-351-2040 76 Main St. E., Ridgetown - 519-674-3141 141 Park St., Blenheim - 519-676-3451
www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com
Raging Grannies continue to press on. The group has distributed
around 200 signs thus far, in addition to campaigning face to face. On Sunday, members knocked on doors in Ridgetown to spark discussion about protecting Chatham-Kent’s tree cover. Member Rageen Granny said the group wants to make residents aware of the recommendations coming from Chatham-Kent council’s natural heritage strategy committee. A new report, which was set to go before the committee Monday, lays out a number of strategies the committee could adopt to protect woodlots, including incentives and regulations. The report, compiled by Gabriel Clarke, Chatham-Kent’s manager of growth and sustainability, is recommending the municipality undertake a second round of public consultation on the matter. The woodlot preservation options and consultation would be posted on www.letstalkchatham-kent.ca for a period of 30 days. It’s also recommending that deputations on the matter be received before the next natural heritage committee meeting takes place April 11. Local residents who are interested in getting a sign or T-shirt may contact raginggranniesCK@gmail.com online.
Rob McLandress fund taking applications The Chatham Voice
The Rob McLandress Make a Dream Come True Fund is accepting applications. The fund was made possible through a bequest to Community Living Chatham-Kent by the late Father James Williams. Williams was an ongoing sup-
porter of the work of Community Living Chatham-Kent, and his bequest was made in honour of McLandress, whose family he was very close to. The fund will accept applications until April 15 from persons who have diverse abilities to assist them to make a dream a reality for them.
Pick us up every week at any of these locations! Chatham: Anne’s Smoke Shop, Downtown Chatham Centre, Legion Branch 628, Maple City Bakery, Active Lifestyle Centre, Wednesday Market, Royal LePage, Pharmasave, 7-11, Schinkels, Lenovers. 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 Blenheim: McIntyre I.D.A. Pharmacy, Jim’s Barber Shop, Blenheim Seniors Centre,
Blenheim Variety, Blenheim Municipal Service Centre Erieau: Eau Buoy, Bayside Brew Pub Pain Court: Pain Court Market, Central Tavern Mitchell’s Bay: Mitchell’s Bay Variety, Dover Duds Merlin: Merlin General Store Tilbury: Ashley’s Place Charing Cross: Post Office/Bert’s Plumbing Wheatley: Circle K Store, Jack’s Restaurant
Delivered each week to every home in the city of Chatham. Also online at chathamvoice.com Have a story idea or question? Give us a call at 519-397-2020
THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022
THE CHATHAM VOICE
PAGE 9
Business/News
Heritage Savings merging with FirstOntario
By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com
Plans are in the works for the merger of a local credit union with a much larger provincial counterpart. Shawn Newman, CEO of Heritage Savings & Credit Union, told The Chatham Voice the financial institution will merge with FirstOntario Credit Union. Newman said the merger should be a seamless one for Heritage customers, and after the fact, improved options would be available. “After the merger, we would have all the products and services that FirstOntario provides, including full wealth management products such as mutual funds, insurance, securities; full digital capabilities, full service ATM and Personal Assisted Teller which provides transaction services to members at extended hours; local car dealers would have access to a Dealer Finance Centre; local mortgage brokers would have access to a Mortgage Broker Centre; much higher
mortgage limits and more competitive rates; commercial lending and small business services; a full credit card suite; and more,” he said. The improved slate of services is the driving force behind the merger, Newman said. “We take our responsibility of doing what is in the best interest of our members very seriously. This merger will allow us to offer our members a much wider array of financial products and services, stronger rates, more digital solutions and many other benefits,” he said. He added connecting with FirstOntario strengthens the credit union, for its members and employees. “Keeping pace with rising costs, the speed of change in the financial industry and the necessary investments in digital banking solutions has become increasingly challenging for credit unions our size. Our members, employees and community will benefit,” he said. Newman said the Heritage Savings branch in Chatham isn’t go-
Camp Vincent re-opening signals a return to normal
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com
After a two-year hiatus, Camp Vincent is back in action. Closed because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the popular children’s camp near Bothwell will welcome youngsters again this summer. Connie Badour, president of the Kent Deanery of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, said things are looking up for the organization hard hit by COVID-19 and vandalism. “We’re very, very hopeful,” Badour told The Chatham Voice recently. “We’re hoping for 560 kids this summer.” After two years of teetering on the edge, donations from the Chatham-Kent Community Foundation and South Kent Wind have allowed the camp to move forward. Organizers have been able to fix a portable unit needed for staff housing. “We’ve got it partially done,” Badour added. “We’re still working getting things done and bringing buildings up to code.” A summer rite-of-passage for youth from across Southwestern Ontario, Camp Vincent has welcomed some 30,000 children and 500 staff in its 51 years of operation. Yet challenges lie ahead, with increased operating costs due to inflation and high gas prices. Badour said the camp’s food sup-
pliers are predicting a 30- to 40-percent increase, which will impact the cost to campers. However, Badour said organizers may plant a garden to help offset costs and provide an activity for campers. “This is one the ideas we are tossing around,” Badour said. Two new staff members have also been hired. Dan Richards is the new camp administrator, while Jess Van Hal will serve as the summer camp director. The weeklong residential camp is set to open July 10, ending on Aug. 26. The camp will be hosting two volunteer days on April 30 and May 14. Everyone is welcome to come out and clean, weed and dust to help get the place back in shape. A public open house will also be held June 4, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Badour said high school students can complete community hours on the volunteer days if they wish. The mailing address for St. Vincent Camp is SSVP, 80 King Street East, Chatham, ON N7M 3M8. The phone number is 519-354-1885 and e-mail is info@campvincent.ca. Information can also be accessed on the camp’s recently upgraded webpage.
ing anywhere, adding it’s an important element, for the
company and of course its members.
FirstOntario has 32 locations in Ontario.
Great Things are Happening
20 Merritt Ave., Chatham • 519.352.5633
OPERATING HOURS: MONDAY TO FRIDAY 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
2022 - 2023
Pandemic Membership Extended
NO MEMBERSHIP FEE!! Daily User Fee $2.50 Evening User Fee $3.50
Membership & programs under review upon completion of survey done in partnership with the Municipality of Chatham-Kent. Watch for the Survey coming soon. We appreciate your input!
THE FOLLOWING PROGRAMS ARE RUNNING: EXERCISE • CHAIR YOGA • CARDIO & WEIGHTS • ESSENTRICS • EXERCISE WITH STEVE • YOGA DANCE • BELLY DANCING • LINE DANCING
CARDS • BRIDGE • EUCHRE • PEPPER SPECIALTY • ART CLASSES • BILLIARD ROOM • CARPET BOWLING • WREATH MAKING
• DJEMBE DRUMMING • FITNESS ROOM • LADIES WOODWORKING CLASSES • MAKING GREETING CARDS • WOODSHOP
• • • NEW CLUBS • • • SCRAPBOOKING • FISHING CLUB • RUMMOLI
WATCH FOR TAKE OUT THURSDAY RETURNING SOON! For more information please call 519-352-5633 or visit our website: activelifestylecentre.org Facebook Pages Active Lifestyle Centre or ALC Friends
THE CHATHAM VOICE
PAGE 10
Community Events Thursday, March 24, 2022: • Come join us at The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham from 11:00am – 9:30pm. The kitchen is open to serve lunch from 11:00am – 1:30pm. Come check out our daily specials. Everyone is welcome. • Come join us at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St. for lunch from 11am to 1:30pm every Thursday and Friday. Everyone welcome. Friday, March 25, 2022: • Come join us at The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham from 11:00am -9:30pm. The kitchen is open to serve lunch from 11:00am-1:30pm. Supper will be served from 4:00 – 6:00pm. 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 519-351-5639. Fun Darts start at 7:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome. • Friday night supper at The Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St. will be a meatloaf dinner with potatoes, vegetable, salad and bun. Dine in is $12 and we serve at 5:30pm. Pickup is at 6:00pm for $13. Please call daily from 1:00pm4:00pm at 519-352-8291 to place your order. Saturday, March 26, 2022: • Saturdays at 7 at St. Andrew’s United Church, Chatham is delighted to present the Steel City Rovers at 7:00pm. The Steel City Rovers perform Celtic and North American styles of music including bluegrass, folk and roots. They provide engaging entertainment with their powerful vocals and performance on replicas of historical instruments. The concert will be presented to live and virtual audiences. Seating is limited for the live audience and will be dependent on current public health guidelines. The virtual concert will be streamlived via Facebook Live at www.facebook.com/standrews/ live. Suggested donation $15. All are welcome! For further information www.standrewschatham.org/ music or call 519-352-0010. • Come join us at The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham from 11:00am – 9:30pm. There will be a meat draw at 3:30, 4:30 and 5:30pm. The kitchen is open to serve lunch from 3:00pm – 5:30pm. Entertainment by Classic Country from 4:30-9:30pm. Come check out our menu. Everyone is welcome.
Sunday, March 27, 2022: • Classic Country Jamboree at the Merlin Legion from 3:00pm to 7:00pm. Host band is The Marquis Jamboree with dinner - $20 - chicken with sliders, salad, roll, dessert & pop/water. Jamboree only $5. Registration required to comply with Covid rules & plan dinner. Call Lori at 519-476-5870. So dust off your dancing shoes, tune up your guitar and hone your singing voice in order to join us for an afternoon of great fun, great music and great company!!! • Come join us for breakfast at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St. Breakfasts are cooked to order. Everyone welcome. Tuesday, March 29, 2022: • Come join us at The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham from 11:00am – 9:30pm. The kitchen is open to serve lunch from 11:00am – 1:30pm. Today’s special is spaghetti with meat sauce. Come play Euchre at 1:00pm or spend the evening playing Euchre or Shuffleboard starting at 7:00pm. Everyone is welcome. Wednesday, March 30, 2022: • Come join us at The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham from 11:00am – 9:30pm. The kitchen is open to serve lunch from 11:00 – 1:30pm. Our daily special is meat loaf dinner. Come check out our other daily specials. We have Pepper at 1:00pm and fun darts at 7:00pm. Everyone is welcome. Thursday, March 31, 2022: • Come join us at The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham from 11:00am – 9:30pm. The kitchen is open to serve lunch from 11:00am-1:30pm. Come check out our daily specials. Everyone is welcome. • Join us for a free mental health workshop with the Do More Agriculture Foundation; a half day interactive workshop dedicated to those involved in agriculture. 530 Victoria Street, Chatham. 12:304:30pm. Light refreshments will be served. Register online: https:// www.eventbrite.ca/e/talk-ask-listen-ridgetownchatham-on-tickets-247281855687. • Chatham-Kent Metal Detecting Club. Meetings held the last Thursday of each month at Erickson Arena, side door. 7:00pm. All Welcome.
Saturday, April 2, 2022: • 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-11:30am. Take out only. • Come join us at The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St., Chatham from 11:00am9:30pm. There will be a meat draw at 3:30, 4:30 and 5:30pm. The kitchen is open to serve lunch from 3:00pm-5:30pm. Entertainment by Good Company from 4:30-9:30pm. Come check out our menu. Everyone welcome. Tuesday, April 5, 2022: • Come join us at The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St., Chatham from 11:00am9:30pm. The kitchen is open to serve lunch from 11:00am-1:30pm. Today’s special is spaghetti with meat sauce. Come play euchre at 1:00 or spend the evening playing euchre or shuffleboard starting at 7:00pm. Everyone welcome. Wednesday, April 6, 2022: • Come join us at The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St., Chatham from 11:00am9:30pm. The kitchen is open to serve lunch from 11:00am-1:30pm. Our daily special is meat loaf dinner. We have pepper at 1:00pm and fun darts at 7:00pm. Everyone welcome. Thursday, April 7, 2022: • Come join us at The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St., Chatham from 11:00am9:30pm. The kitchen is open to serve lunch from 11:00am-1:30pm. Come check out our daily specials. Everyone welcome. Are you affected by someone else’s drinking? Al-anon can help! Call leave message - 519-350-3462 Submit your coming events to bruce@chathamvoice.com or michelle@chathamvoice.com
Owned
FUNERALS & CREMATIONS
FLEXIBLE PLANS CLEARLY OUTLINED
Fun Stuff
Friday, April 1, 2022: • Come join us at The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St., Chatham from 11:00am9:30pm. The kitchen is open to serve lunch from 11:00am-1:30pm. Supper will be served from 4:00pm-6:00pm. No orders after 5:30pm. Tonights specials are ham & scallops or fish & chips. Take out is also available by calling 519-3518733 or 519-351-5639. Fun darts at 7:00pm. Everyone welcome.
Generations of families continue to place their trust with us.
Locally
THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022
156 William St. S, Chatham, ON 519.352.5120 Email: info@peseski.com
CLUES ACROSS 1. One who regrets 5. Time zone 8. Subway dweller 11. Bend in a river 13. Alias 14. Isodor __, American Nobel physicist 15. Very (music) 16. Zero 17. Phil __, former CIA 18. Competitions 20. Unwell 21. Puts in place 22. Gets rid of 25. Allows light to pass through 30. Climbed quickly 31. We all have it 32. There’s a North & South 33. Emaciation 38. Supervises flying 41. Very dark colors 43. Unwanted 45. Grants 48. Three visited Jesus 49. Wife of Amun 50. Broadway actress Daisy
55. A Spanish river 56. I (German) 57. French opera composer 59. Six (Spanish) 60. Last letter 61. Spiritual leader of a Jewish congregation 62. A curved shape 63. Make a mistake 64. Tall plant CLUES DOWN 1. Computer memory 2. “Et __”: “And wife” (Latin) 3. Ancient Syrian city 4. College army 5. Cassava 6. Talented 7. Capital of Estonia 8. Finger millet 9. In a way, assists 10. Men’s fashion accessories 12. Misery 14. Skin disorder 19. Selling at specially reduced prices
23. Good friend 24. Stationary portion of a generator 25. Expression of disappointment 26. The 17th letter of the Greek alphabet 27. Where birds fly 28. Midway between north and northeast 29. Chaotic states 34. Comedic actress Gasteyer 35. Kids’ dining accessory 36. Snakelike fish 37. Midway between south and southeast 39. Assign lifelike qualities to 40. One who cites 41. Midway between east and southeast 42. North wind 44. One or the other 45. Cavalry sword 46. Of the Hungarian language 47. Life stories 48. Flat tableland with steep edges 51. Swiss river 52. Plant that makes gum 53. French cleric 54. One point east of northeast 58. Free from
Sudoku 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box.
Answers found on page 11
THE CHATHAM VOICE
THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022
Classifieds Birthday
EASTER CRAFT EVENT! OVER 20 VENDORS! Saturday, April 9, 2022. Facebook: Easter Craft / Vendor Event.
Saturday, March 26 • 8:00am - 5:00pm Dorner Transport 276 King St. E., Chatham Business Closing, Mechanic Retiring Tools & Garage Equipment, Complete Tool Boxes “Metric & S.A.E.”, Surplus Shop Supplies, Truck Parts & Accessories (Chrome), New & Used Parts for Mack Trucks, Tanker Tanker parts - 4” Hose Couplers & Reducers, P.T.O.s, Flatbed Trailer Accessories, Chains & Binders, Hub Pilot Aluminum & Steel Rim 22.5 & 24.5. EVERYTHING MUST GO - BUILDING SOLD!
To such a special person You’re One Hundred Years Today
Now it’s time to celebrate All that life has brought your way! Obituary
In Memorium
Bechard: Geraldine Johanna (nee Marchand)
A resident of Merlin, Geraldine Bechard passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Chatham on March 15, 2022 at the age of 85. Born in Tilbury, Geraldine Bechard was the daughter of the late Eugene and Leone (nee Simard) Marchand. Beloved wife of 67 years to Roger. Dear Mother to Michelle Harper, Renee Belanger (Russell), Roger E. Bechard, Marcel Bechard (Roxanne), Shawn Bechard (Teresa) and Nanette Magaluk (Jim). Predeceased by her daughter Karen Bechard (2020) and son-in-law Ron Harper (2016). Proud grandmother of 16 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. Dear sister to Pierre Marchand (Valerie) and Robert Marchand (Sue). Predeceased by her brother Donald Marchand, her sister Doreen and brother-in-law Charles Webb. Geraldine will also be dearly missed by many nieces, nephews and friends. In keeping with Geraldine’s wishes, cremation has taken place, family and friends gathered on Tuesday, March 22, 2022 at the Funeral Home, 459 St.Clair Street, Chatham from 1:00 p.m. until the Memorial Service to celebrate her life at 2:00 p.m. Donations made in memory of Geraldine to COPD Canada or Parkinson Foundation would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com
For Sale
Jimmie Heath July 27, 1960 - March 24, 2019
Silk Cemetery Saddle Arrangements. Everyday/ Holidays. Ready-to-go. Many colours available. $35. 519-354-3411
New Members Welcome
In loving memory of a very special brother Jill, Judy & Darryl
Wanted
Wanted
BUYING COIN COLLECTIONS and Silver Coins Any? Call Paul 289228-2817.
Wanted to Rent or Buy: 3 or 4 acres of land in Chatham-Kent area. No buildings or utilities needed. rural areas preferred. 519352-5414 or 226-627-5414.
Wanted: Scrap air conditioners, electric motors and electrical wire. Phone 226-229-2614.
Kent Coin Club is welcoming new members. Adults, teens and children. Call Paul 289228-2817. Wanted to Buy: Antiques, costume jewelery, gold, silver, coins, military, furniture, tools. We Buy All Paid Cash. 519727-8894.
For Rent
MORTGAGES / LOANS
SENIORS APARTMENTS
WE ALSO ARRANGE UNSECURED LINES OF CREDIT/LOANS
with INTEREST ONLY payments at 2.45% (P+0%) Borrow $5,000 for $10.21/mth $10,000 for $20.42/mth $25,000 for $51.04/mth
For qualified borrowers. First mortgage based on 2.09%/yr fixed rate, 5 yr term, 25 yr amortization. On approved credit, & subject to borrower qualification. Rates & terms subject to change without notice.
Sample of payments if you qualify
Call John at 519-252-6953 - 24 hours or email john@unimorcapital.com UNIMOR CAPITAL CORPORATION Brokerage Lic.#10675
Liz Roberts 94, Sunday, March 6, 2022 Life Transitions
Teresa Dymock 64, Saturday, March 19, 2022 McKinlay Funeral Home
Sandra Dries 81, Tuesday, March 15, 2022 Life Transitions
Paul Moon 56, Monday, March 14, 2022 Alexander & Houle Funeral Home
Shirley Gawne 80, Monday, March 14, 2022 McKinlay Funeral Home
Yvon Joseph St. Amour 66, Sunday, March 13, 2022 Nicholls Funeral Home
Mary Richardson 87, Tuesday, March 15, 2022 McKinlay Funeral Home Marie St. Pierre 93, Thursday, March 17, 2022 McKinlay Funeral Home Fred Vangorkum 78, Monday, March 14, 2022 McKinlay Funeral Home Geraldine Bechard 85, Tuesday, March 15, 2022 McKinlay Funeral Home Marion Campbell 78, Wednesday, March 16, 2022 McKinlay Funeral Home Terry Johnston 97, Thursday, March 17, 2022 McKinlay Funeral Home David John Easton 67, Thursday, March 17, 2022 McKinlay Funeral Home Jayne Marie Smith 71, Thursday, March 17, 2022 McKinlay Funeral Home
Wanted
Loans
Difficult Situations Accepted Borrow $50,000 for $213.90/mth $100,000 for $427.81/mth $150,000 for $641.71/mth $200,000 for $855.61/mth $250,000 for $1069.52/mth
Coming Event
OBITUARIES
Ruth Conliffe
CONSOLIDATE DEBTS LOWER YOUR PAYMENTS
Coming Event
10am-3pm. The Wednesday Market. 9877 Longwoods Road.
Garage Sale
Happy 100th Birthday
PAGE 11
Studio or 1 Bedroom Includes: • housekeeping • laundry • meals • cable TV • phone • access to on-site pool For a tour, call us at 519-627-9292 80 McNaughton Ave. Wallaceburg, ON
459 St.Clair St., Chatham • 519-351-2040 76 Main St. E., Ridgetown • 519-674-3141 141 Park St., Blenheim • 519-676-3451
www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com
Julian “Whitey” Misson 84, Sunday, March 13, 2022 Nicholls Funeral Home Lavern Walter Hobden 61, Wednesday, March 16, 2022 Nicholls Funeral Home Patricia Wardle 81, Monday, March 14, 2022 Blenheim Community Funeral Home Julianna Osborne 35, Thursday, March 17, 2022 Blenheim Community Funeral Home Gwendolyn Dianne Marr 73, Friday, March 18, 2022 Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home Margaret Ann Phillips 84, Monday, March 14, 2022 Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home
lifetransitions.ca • 519-351-4444 Generations of Families Continue To Place Their Trust With Us 156 William St., Chatham | www.peseski.com | 519.352.5120
4 Victoria Ave, Chatham (519) 352-2390
245 Wellington St. W., Chatham 519-352-2710
alexanderfuneralhome.ca
Serving Kingsville, Wheatley & Chatham kendrickfuneralhome.com
A Part of Wallaceburg since 1943.
519.627.2861 ericnichollsfuneralhome.com
60 Stanley Street, Blenheim (519) 676 – 9200 blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com
This week’s answers. Puzzles on page 10
THE CHATHAM VOICE
PAGE 12
Life
Rotarians donate to food bank
By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com
It began with one man’s idea, and quickly spiraled into a $7,000 donation to a local food bank. Chatham Sunrise Rotarians teamed up with Schinkels’ Gourmet Meats, and Schinkel’s Legacy Meats to place needed items on the shelves of Outreach for Hunger. Rotarian Roger McRae spearheaded the program, after an anonymous member came forward with a wish. “One of our Rotarians suggested he was going to get some cash for Christmas from his family members. He wanted to donate to the Rotary Club for a donation to the food
bank,” McRae said. “That member doesn’t want any recognition, so we picked up the project from there.” He added that when a club member donated, the Sunrise club would match the donation. And then the Schinkels family got involved. “We went to Schinkels’ Gourmet Meats and John (Schinkel) boosted it up by getting some suppliers to kick in. Then Schinkel’s Legacy donated a bunch of hams to the project,” McRae said. John Schinkel, a fellow Sunrise Rotarian, said a quick phone call to Brenda LeClair, executive director of Outreach for Hunger, helped tailor the donation to what the food bank really needed.
Contributed image
Outreach for Hunger’s Brenda LeClair accepts a $7,000 donation from the Chatham Sunrise Rotary Club that began with a $500 donation from a club member who wished to remain anonymous. Presenting the funds were project organizer Roger McRae, member John Schinkel and club president Ken Bechard.
“We raised some money and I called and asked her what they needed. I then went to my suppliers and told them what we were doing,” he explained. Schinkel also reached out to his nephews that run Schinkel’s Legacy, and the next thing they knew, 40
NOW OVER 45% RENTED! PARK PLACE II
THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022
hams were part of the donation. “We topped it up with about 750 pounds of hamburger,” he said. LeClair was amazed at the tally, which reached an estimated $7,000 in value. “It’s good quality protein,” she said of all the
donated meat. “This was very generous. It was wonderful when they all pulled up here. The hamburger and hams are a special treat.” The timing is great as well, LeClair added, as inventory was in decline. “We had a great Christ-
mas, but our numbers are really escalating,” she said of the need in the community. “We’re going through food pretty fast.” McRae said the final tally from a 24-member club was impressive. “I was amazed at how members stepped up.”
The second phase of Park Place Chatham - opening October 1, 2022 - is now OVER 45% Rented! Chatham’s NEWEST luxury rental apartment building features a variety of different floorplans to choose from, including certified barrier-free units. Don’t delay, units are renting fast! To find out why contact our sales team at: info@parkplacechatham.com for more information and to book your tour!
What are you waiting for? 570 Park Ave West, Chatham ON • parkplacechatham.com • 1-888-292-2010