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Charity group’s Ed Dickson discusses his adopted home
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com
Ed Dickson and his friends never believed Russia would make good on its threat to invade Ukraine. “Everybody I was with did not believe there would be an all-out invasion,” Dickson said. “The idea was too insane.” But on Feb. 24, Russian president Vladimir Putin did just that, putting the lives of millions of innocent people in peril. Dickson, who has lived in the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv for the past 25 years, was in his adopted country only three weeks ago. At the time, there were widespread reports a Russian attack was imminent, Dickson said, but people just went on with their normal lives, not be-
lieving it would happen. The idea was too outrageous. Ukrainians continued their routines, he said, going to school and work and drinking coffee in cafes. Then the bombs began to fall. Dickson, who is married to a Ukrainian national, said his neighbours are now “hiding in basements. “They were completely caught off guard,” he said, adding he’s encouraging everyone to have faith “Jesus is with them” and to pray. As the overseas director with Loads of Love, Dickson has spent most of the last 25 years in the Ukraine, working for the Chatham-based charity. The agency, which has an extensive network in the Eastern European country, employs 50 peo-
Contributed image
Ed Dickson, who spent 25 years in Ukraine, is shown here holding daughter Stefi, with other daughters Michelle and Amy, and his wife Natasha.
ple full-time. As of Friday, the communication infrastructure was still intact and Dickson was still able to speak with staff and friends and family. He said, that while many are fleeing, Loads of Love employees have vowed to stay to continue their work. “Our staff are the real heroes,” Dickson said. “They have told me they want to stay and continue to be a light for the people around them. “Right now I’m just thanking God we still have open communication.” The Ukrainian diaspora in Canada is large with
1.5 million people connected to the Eastern European country. Dickson’s own grandparents, who were Mennonites, left the Ukraine in 1925, immigrating to Leamington. That’s where Dickson grew up before making his way to university where he earned a Masters degree in Agricultural Economics. Dickson was associate director at the University of Guelph’s George Morris Centre where he was working on international programs when he decided to go to Ukraine. Dickson was affiliated with the Evangel Community Church in Cha-
tham, which founded Loads of Love. Going to Ukraine was divinely inspired, he said. Dickson said he awoke one night in 1996 and decided right then to go to Ukraine. “You have that time once in your life when you decide to follow your heart or follow the money,” Dickson explained. When he arrived, he worked in an orphanage for kids with special needs where he was “overwhelmed” by the experience. From there it just “grew and grew and grew,” Dickson noted. He married Natasha seven years after moving
to Ukraine and the couple has four daughters. They returned to Canada so their eldest daughter could finish high school in Chatham, prior to heading to university. Dickson likens the current conflict to the biblical story of David and Goliath, adding Ukraine has always been the underdog. The country of 44 million was formed in 1991 following the collapse of the Soviet Union. Dickson said the country suffers from “ a hangover” from communist Russia, but citizens were beginning to understand freedom and democracy.
Continued on page 2
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PAGE 2
News
Living in the shadow of conflict Continued from page 1
Ukrainians have lived in the shadow of war for many years. A major revolution took place in 2014 when citizens kicked out the Soviet-affiliated leader. Dickson said Ukraine wanted to join the European Union, which infuriated Russian President Vladimir Putin. Another issue is an ongoing war in the rebel-controlled territories of Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine. That led to three million people fleeing the country. Dickson said Russia has been “building the narrative” that Ukraine is a threat for the past eight years, propagating lies that Ukrainians are re-
sponsible for genocide. While some Russians support the invasion, many do not. However, the truth has been muzzled as journalists are threatened with $60,000 fines is they report anything outside of the state’s party line. And Russians who speak out against the invasion are being jailed, Dickson said. “Anyone who protests or even looks like they are going to protest, they put them in jail immediately,” he added. “It is mindboggling to think that in this day and age things like that are still going on.” In the meantime, Loads of Love will continue to collect goods. However, Dickson noted it’s going to be “tough” logistical-
THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022
Contributed image
A recent photo of Loads of Love employees and volunteers in Ukraine.
ly to get shipping containers to Ukraine, even though there’s a great need for items such as winter coats and hats. However, Dickson said
financial donations are welcome and will be distributed by Loads of Love through churches. Anyone wishing to donate to help the Ukrainian
people agency org. People ask the ment to
can access the at loadsoflove.
The Chatham Voice
In the past, the large number of birds raised concerns in Chatham, with the municipality spending plenty of time and money to get rid of the crows. Despite being viewed by some as villains, the birds are said to represent luck or wisdom in most cultures. “We are really excited at
the possibilities this sort of festival brings to the table,” said Crowfest cochair Mayor Darrin Canniff in a media release. “Any citizen, business or group in Chatham-Kent can participate.” The event is slated for the weekend of Oct.1416. On the Friday night, a main event for youth will be held. The Saturday will see various family-friendly activities, followed by a live concert featuring “crow” themed bands.
can continue to federal governput pressure on
Russia to halt the invasion, Dickson said, but notes the Canadian government has “done a lot more than many other countries.”
Crowfest coming to Chatham
Chatham-Kent’s often-maligned crows are about to be cast in a new light. This fall will see the debut of the municipality’s first-ever Crowfest – a celebration of the clever black bird that tends to populate Chatham-Kent in large numbers.
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Downtown merchants are being invited to decorate storefronts and buildings; something cochair Andrew Thiel said should draw visitors. “I think we could have folks from around Southwestern Ontario that love that Halloween/Crow theme visit downtown Chatham,” Thiel said. Individuals interested in sitting on the steering committee, volunteering or judging can visit crowfestck.com.
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THE CHATHAM VOICE
THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022
PAGE 3
News
Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice
Dad Ted Hart keeps an eye on his son Connor, while daughter Alexis gets a helping hand from grandpa Tim Cogghe. Sunny skies over Mitchell’s Bay on Family Day provided the perfect opportunity for the little ones to make their ice fishing debut.
Family ice fishing expedition
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com
Connor Hart was pretty proud of his first ice-fishing catch. The Wallaceburg youngster was one of dozens who hit the ice on Family Day, enjoying the sport beneath brilliant blue skies on Mitchell’s Bay. The five-year-old didn’t have much to say about
the experience but he was hole. excited about showing Dad Ted Hart and a reportgrandpa er the lone “It’s the longest seaTim Coggrock bass son we’ve had in a few he, who he caught did all of years. We just never through the the heavy know.” ice. lifting, both His sister - Bass Haven’s Cathy Shaw said it was Alexis, 8, a “perfect was more interested in day” to bring the kids out examining the silvery for their first ice-fishing bait minnows than she experience. was in watching her fishIce fishing on Lake ing line in the augured St. Clair was almost a
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non-starter this winter with no cover on the lake until an Arctic blast settled over the region in mid-January. The numbing temperatures did the job. Now the ice on Lake St. Clair at Mitchell’s Bay is more than a foot thick. It’s classified as “fast ice” by meteorological services, meaning it’s connected to the shore. Although it came late,
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the ice was enthusiastically received by anglers and those who supply them. Cathy Shaw, co-owner of Bass Haven in Mitchell’s Bay, said the ice is “definitely welcome for our business. “It’s the longest season we’ve had in a few years,” Shaw said. “We just never know.” The tackle shop, which offers a range of services
for fishing and boating in all seasons, has been serving the public for 40 years. Shaw said business has been steady, noting that warm weather on Family Day was ideal for ice fishing. “It’s was such a nice day,” Shaw said. “Everybody got a chance to get outside and people and families really enjoyed it.”
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THE CHATHAM VOICE
PAGE 4
THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022
News
Celebrating farming, aiding food banks By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com
Boxes and baskets overflowed with food recently as part of the celebration of Canada’s Agriculture Day. Members of the Kent Federation of Agriculture (KFA) co-ordinated local food donations to the Salvation Army and Outreach for Hunger in Chatham-Kent on Feb. 22. Mary Anne Udvari, spokesperson for the KFA, said the annual event is a celebration and support opportunity. “It’s a day when we appreciate everything agriculture and farmers and farming do for us,” she said, adding organizations and individuals also brought items to donate to the food banks in Chatham. Participants dropped off fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as non-perishables. “The outpouring of generosity of this community is outstanding every
single year,” Udvari said. “We also use some of the monetary donations to provide ground pork. It’s an opportunity to provide protein.” Brenda LeClair of Outreach for Hunger said the donations are greatly appreciated. “Having fresh produce is such a treat for our families. We all know the cost of food is going up constantly at the grocery stores. To have this available to them is a real treat,” she said. But LeClair said celebrating Agriculture Day is more than just receiving the donated items. “This also gets the word out and gets the community aware the need is great,” she said. “And without agriculture, we wouldn’t have anything.” The KFA used to celebrate Food Freedom Day, the day where the average Canadian family has earned enough money to pay for their groceries for the year. But Udvari said that day is constantly
Bruce Corcoran/The Chatham Voice
Members of the Kent Federation of Agriculture, the Salvation Army, Outreach for Hunger, and municipal officials celebrate Agriculture Day Feb. 22. Fresh produce and other goods were donated to local food banks.
moving. “We know exactly where
Canada’s Agriculture Day is and can work around
that,” she said. Food Freedom Day for
2022 took place Feb. 8 this year.
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THE CHATHAM VOICE
THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022
New homes coming to Ridgetown
By Bird Bouchard Local Journalism Initiative The Ridgetown Independent
Ridgetown will soon see the most significant residential development in decades. The Municipality of Chatham-Kent, Apollo Property Management, and Clarke Developments announced a 131-home, $70-million subdivision recently. Construction of the Highland Subdivision, which will consist of mainly single-family homes, is expected to begin in late spring and will be done in two phases. The proposed project’s location is on a 23-acre bundle of farmland in the area of Warwick and Cecil streets. Mayor Darrin Canniff said the development is significant for the growth of Ridgetown, adding the community is going to be a very vibrant and growing town. “To put it into perspective, if you take the 131 homes and you put two people in each one, the population of Ridgetown will grow by about eight per cent,” said Canniff. “That’s a significant development.” Being a resident of Ridgetown, Apollo Group of Companies president Fred Naclerio said he looks forward to the community growing and welcoming newcomers to enjoy what he has, living in Ridgetown. He added he has already noticed much demand for the planned homes. Naclerio said it’s current-
ly impossible to accurately estimate the possible price tag of the homes due to the rising cost of materials and the volatility of the current housing market. “The market is going to dictate that. It changes every day. The cost of materials is going crazy right now,” said Naclerio. Also in attendance were East Kent councillors, Steve Pinsonneault and John Wright. Pinsonneault said this increases the assessment growth and has a positive ripple effect on the local businesses. “This will be extremely beneficial for the community of Ridgetown,” said Pinsonneault. “It seems every year we are fighting to keep the high school in place, and this population growth should improve the numbers there and make it more viable. We as councillors appreciate the Apollo group and Fred Naclerio moving forward with this project. It’s going to be nice to see the community grow and prosper.” Wright said the development represents a new phase for the community and will help Ridgetown move in the right direction. “I grew up in Ridgetown. There were 3,300 people. We’re at 3,400 now,” he said. “This will increase us more than in the last 50 or 60 years.” Pinsonneault, along with Wright, Canniff and the developers acknowledged concerns of some two-dozen residents and neighbours in attendance.
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Bird Bouchard/Local Journalism Initiative
Municipal officials and developers gathered Feb. 24 to announce a new 131-home subdivision for Ridgetown. From left, municipal councillors Steve Pinsonneault and John Wright, developers Fred Naclerio and Dan Vanderveen, and Mayor Darrin Canniff.
Canniff highlighted there would be time for public consultation before construction would start in the spring. “Lots of sunlight will be shining on this. We want your input, we want this to work, and we want everyone to be happy when we’re done,” said Canniff. Pinsonneault echoed the statement, adding it can be challenging to be living in the darkness of rumours. “I understand the concerns, as there will be
changes coming and more traffic. I realize that it’s going to be a bit of an inconvenience for you, but we are definitely going to listen to your concerns, and we will address them,” said Pinsonneault. Of the many concerns – including the value of homes being affected, dust, traffic, parking, the safety of children during construction, and the development timeline – one of the highlighted concerns from residents was whether the storm sewers
could handle the new subdivision. According to Clarke Group project manager Dan Vanderveen, his team did some investigation on the existing municipal drain at the proposed location of the development. “From what we saw, the pipe is in good condition. It’s just at the outlet that needs a little bit of work,” said Vanderveen. He added that the runoff from the site will be the same as what is around
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now and will be controlled. Regarding the two-year estimated timeframe for project completion, some neighbours were concerned the project would take longer to complete, adding their children would not have as many safe places to play. Vanderveen said the Clarke Group is currently working at a pace of approximately 100 homes per year, which would allow for the development to be done on time.
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PAGE 6
Power of perspective The end of January delivered a protest convoy to the streets of Ottawa. But what late February gave the world put things in perspective. Russian leader Vladimir Putin ordered the invasion of Ukraine. Bombs and rockets fell, combatants and civilians were killed and are still being killed. And here we had protesters demanding their “freedoms” be returned, honking horns for much of the protest at all hours, occupying the downtown of our nation’s capital, generally ticking off the people who live and work there. There were supportive protests that were largely much more respectful in other parts of our country, including here in Chatham-Kent. Everyone needs to take a collective breath and look to Ukraine. That’s where a despot is truly in action. Here in Canada, we had a prime minister that refused to meet with the protesters. Justin Trudeau eventually put the Emergencies Act into action, however briefly. Arrests were made three weeks after protesters arrived; they were allowed to disrupt Ottawa for that long – for whatever reasons. In Ukraine, Putin sent in his forces, bombed strategic Ukrainian assets and sent rockets into urban areas. He rolled his tanks in through Belarus to invade. That’s in the north. He claimed he was only going in to secure two southeastern provinces of Ukraine populated mainly by Russian-speaking citizens. So why roll in from the north? Because he has different plans than simply annexing a couple of provinces. To anyone in Canada complaining about having to wear a mask, or that a vaccine was required as a condition of employment, we advise you to look to Eastern Europe. That’s where true freedoms are under attack. And to the citizens of Ottawa who claim they are suffering PTSD from the incessant honking, we ask you to also look east. The honking of horns is an annoyance. The dropping of bombs, well that’s deadly. Survivors there may very well suffer PTSD from the harrowing experiences facing an invading army. Here in Canada, we all sometimes need a reminder of how good we have it.
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). The Chatham Voice reserves the right to edit letters to the editor for brevity and clarity.
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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 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 3, 2022
Opinion
Ice is nice, but is it feasible? Editor: Just trying to catch up on the local news here, about the study requested by Anthony Ceccacci regarding the creation of an outdoor skating rink. I remember skating on McKeough Park’s rink, off of Grand Avenue West and St. Clair Street in Chatham, roughly around 30 years ago. It was an open skating situation and there was only one other person with me on the whole rink. I think with our fluctuating temperatures, outdoor rinks in this area are very hard to maintain and keep from melting in
the winter sun, even if only for a few hours’ time. It sounds like a nice idea, but how much would it cost to start up and maintain? Plus, the number of people that would use it is questionable. Around the same time, we had a skating rink at the back of the civic centre and more recently there was a rink at the Thames Commons of The Downtown Chatham Centre. There were skaters at these rinks too but for how long or how often I do not know. I would guess not very often. All three rinks were
discontinued. As for putting rinks in the other towns and villages in Chatham-Kent, I don’t know how that would go as everyone experiences different outside weather conditions in this area. When it is bright and sunny in Chatham, it might be blowing snow in the Lake Erie area near Blenheim for instance. I think a number of residents in the municipality might build ice rinks on their own property, from what I remember on this subject of municipal outdoor municipal ice rinks. I remember when I was
a youngster, skating on creeks and frozen ponds on farm fields was the norm. The elementary school I went to in south Kent County had an ice rink one year, that lasted for about two good weeks of skating and it then melted away. Would council be putting a user fee on the outdoor rink to help pay for some of the maintenance costs? I think that is what the city staff do in Windsor at at least one of their outdoor rinks. Ultimately the choice is up to council. Frank Doyle Chatham
Remember where you put those pills? Editor: A while back when the idea of iodine pills was brought up for residents of Southern Ontario in the event of a nuclear issue, people probably thought it was
bizarre. Nobody seems to know much about the pills anymore and if they are just stored in a basement somewhere
unavailable if really needed. Putin moving the clock hands forward a bit on the threat of a nuclear issue now makes the
idea of those pills a bit more relevant. Somebody may have a crystal ball. Wayne Robertson Chatham
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THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022
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PAGE 8
THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022
Opinion
Approaching the great divide Pam Wright “Media is the Virus.” “Mainstream News Media” with a circle and a line drawn through it. “Fake News;” another sign with a circle and a line drawn through the lettering. Yep, just some of the signs at your average Freedom whatever protest in downtown Wallaceburg on a sunny Family Day. With everything going on in Ottawa, I thought I would stop and have a chat with protestors – to see if I could find a way across the deep divide now plaguing Canada, the nation I believe is the greatest country on Earth. It seemed like the perfect opportunity to explore what protestors were thinking, especially on the very day the federal
Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice
A group of protesters gathered recently in Wallaceburg sporting a variety of placards, clamouring for “freedom,” unmasking and more.
government was holding a vote on whether to enact the Emergency Measures Act. I thought I would ask once again as to what exactly the people are now protesting, as vaccine passports are about to be lifted. “Mandates,” members of the group said. They have to be gone and the people who refused the vaccines
and were fired should have their jobs back, I was told. I didn’t respond. Then there was the Justin Trudeau rhetoric. “Not my Prime Minister,” one woman said angrily, adding he should be removed as Canada’s leader. I said you can’t remove a democratically elected leader because that’s not
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how it works. The conversation devolved from there going off in a number of tangents I won’t bore you with because you’ve probably heard them all before. The discussion eventually swung around to the subject of false news. I explained I have been taken aback by the brazen aggression towards media; primarily what they call “legacy” or mainstream media. We have Donald Trump to thank for that. Most of the people that I know working in the news biz care deeply about the truth; at least the people I know and follow in Canada. American media, not so much. I am always freaked out when I watch the lies espoused on Fox News. Some recent coverage I saw on the Ottawa convoy was blatantly absent of facts and full of lies. But Fox wasn’t alone.
Even the New York Times and Wall Street Journal printed inaccuracies. So no American news for me, thanks, except maybe National Public Radio, which is similar to our CBC Radio. When I want a different perspective beyond the ordinary, I consult international news agencies. Ironically, I often learn more from them, than I do from any of the North American outlets. Back to the Wallaceburg fountain protest. One of the women said she was in Ottawa at the convoy protest, adding that what “legacy media” portrayed wasn’t true. I asked her about the very public white supremacist leanings of the convoy organizers. “Not true” she said. I asked her about the lack of people of colour at the Ottawa protest. “Not true – there were lots,” she said. Finally, I asked the woman, who was waving a
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Christian-themed placard around, where she gets her information. “Infowars,” she said. That’s when I lost hope. Infowars is an extreme far right American socalled news agency based in Texas. Founder Alex Jones is a prolific disseminator of conspiracy theories, including the one where he claimed the death of 20 elementary school students in the Sandy Hook mass shooting was faked. Jones was successfully sued for defamation in that case and while there’s lots more we can say about Infowars, that’s all the ink we are giving to this man and his deeds. It really does make you shake your head. Sad to say, but misinformation is now shaping policies, values and governments around the world. It’s also creating rifts within families and companies that may never heal.
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THE CHATHAM VOICE
THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022
PAGE 9
News
C-K defers to province over masking
Barring an unusual COVID-19 outbreak, Chatham-Kent Public Health will move in lockstep with Ontario’s mask mandates. Medical officer of health Dr. David Colby told a weekly municipal media scrum the municipality will “remain in alignment” with provincial rules. “I can’t imagine that I would do anything differently,” Colby said, noting there would have to be a “real surprise” such as a widespread local outbreak. The wearing of masks in public places will remain in place until the Ministry of Health officially lifts the mandate. The government hasn’t yet hinted at when it will lift the compulsory wearing of masks in public. It’s unknown when that will occur, but the rate of new cases of the virus and hospitalizations signals a steep decline in the number of infections. For the time being, masking will continue for students at the public and Catholic school boards, with both organizations following identical public health policies in Cha-
tham-Kent and Lambton County. St. Clair Catholic District School Board director of education Scott Johnson told reporters the board will be “piggybacking” on public health policy, as it does not have the authority to alter masking mandates. When the vaccine passport requirement ended March 1, unvaccinated students rejoined their vaccinated classmates to play sports. At the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, there are no imminent changes in COVID-19 protocols. Hospital president and CEO Lori Marshall said all staff, visitors and volunteers will still be required to be fully vaccinated, meaning they have been immunized with two doses of the vaccine. “We’re not making any changes at this stage,” Marshall said. The municipality is also shying away from making any immediate changes to its COVID-19 policies. CAO Don Shropshire said pandemic policies will stay in place until at least the end of March. When it comes to lifting COVID-19 restrictions, Shropshire said the changes are receiving “mixed reviews” from staff. “Some are seeing it as a
Help shape ’Burg transit The Chatham Voice
to impact the municipality’s workforce, he added, with 47 employees either sick or isolating due to ex-
posure. Chatham-Kent council has already rescinded the mask mandate at the mu-
nicipal level, ensuring local masking ends the minute the province changes the rule.
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The Municipality of Chatham-Kent is asking for feedback on an upcoming new public transit service to operate inside Wallaceburg. A survey is now available online at www.letstalkchatham-kent.ca or a paper copy can be filled out at the Wallaceburg Municipal Centre or Wallaceburg Library. A Wallaceburg urban public transit service would be open to all residents and visitors and operate on an on-request basis. This means, unlike a traditional fixed route bus service, riders will be required to book a trip between any two bus stops using a mobile app or by calling the transit tele-
phone line. Trips would be shared alongside other passengers. “We heard from residents during the development of the Driving Forward transit strategy that improved transit to get around Wallaceburg was a priority,” said Ann-Marie Millson, Manager of Transit and Capital Asset Management, in a news release. Current Wallaceburg accessible riders whose disability prevents them from accessing conventional transit bus stops would still be eligible for curb-tocurb service. Vehicles will be shared between services for efficiency. Inter-Urban Route A will continue to connect Wallaceburg residents with Dresden and Chatham.
sign of relief while others are anxious,” Shropshire said. The virus is continuing
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THE CHATHAM VOICE
PAGE 10
THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022
March 8, 2022
#BreakTheBias
International Women’s Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. Significant activity is witnessed worldwide as groups come together to celebrate women’s achievements or rally for women’s equality. Marked annually on March 8th, International Women’s Day (IWD) is one of the most important days of the year to: • celebrate women’s achievements • raise awareness about women’s equality • lobby for accelerated gender parity • fundraise for female-focused charities
#BreakTheBias
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Strike the IWD #BreakTheBias pose
Individually, we’re all responsible for our own Whether deliberate or unconscious, bias thoughts and actions - all day, every day. makes it difficult for women to move ahead. We can break the bias in our communities. Knowing that bias exists isn’t enough, action We can break the bias in our workplaces. is needed to level the playing field. We can break the bias in our schools, Are you in? Will you actively call out gender colleges and universities. bias, discrimination and stereotyping each time you see it? Cross your arms to to show Together, we can all break the bias your commitment to calling out bias, smash- on International Women’s Day (IWD) ing stereotypes, breaking inequality, and rejecting discrimination. and beyond.
Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women’s equality. Collectively we can all #BreakTheBias.
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THE CHATHAM VOICE
THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022
PAGE 11
Life
Wheatley resident wins $70K The Chatham Voice
Julia Reid of Wheatley is celebrating after winning a $70,000 prize through the OLG. Reid said she is a regular lottery player and loves to play instant tickets. “I won $400,000 a year ago with Instant Plinko,” she said in a media release. The fisheries industry worker said she checked her Instant Supreme 7 ticket while at the store and couldn’t believe what she saw. “I brought the ticket to the store
clerk and I was totally stunned,” Reid said. She shared the big news with her family right away. “My daughter knew something was up and she asked, ‘Did you win again?’” Reid said. “She gave me a big hug!” She has no big plans for this win at the moment. “I will put it aside for a rainy day.” Reid is still in disbelief that lottery lightning struck her twice. “This win feels like a huge blessing. How did this happen to me twice?” she said.
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Contributed image
Wheatley resident Julia Reid shows off her recent $70,000 lottery win.
Summer events could return
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com
Hot fun in the summertime is on its way back to Chatham-Kent. Steep declines in the number of COVID-19 cases are paving the way for a post pandemic resurgence of the municipality’s many festivals and outdoor community events. Chatham-Kent’s special event co-ordinator Genevieve Champagne said permit applications are coming in. “So far we are currently working with approximately 26 event organizers who are excited to bring their events back to Chatham-Kent,” Champagne said. WAMBO, Ribfest and Retrofest are all on the table, she added. “As restrictions lift over the next coming months, we do expect to see events returning to their past
event presence,” Champagne said. Prior to COVID, the municipality would see around 210 events per year. Champagne is encouraging all event organizers to review the municipal application process before getting started at least eight to 10 weeks before the event. After that, they are invited to reach out to municipal staff who will work with them to iron out the details, ensuring the application is processed in a timely manner by the department’s customer service team. Mayor Darrin Canniff said the return of community events is “great news” for the municipality. Chatham-Kent’s CAO agrees. According to Don Shropshire, the municipality is proceeding as long as it’s safe to do so. “If events are allowed and it’s deemed to be safe, we’re making our facilities available,” he said.
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PAGE 12
THE CHATHAM VOICE
THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022
Life
Contributed image
The Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation Imagine Canada accreditation team, clockwise from top left, Barb McEwan, Jodi Maroney, Marian Redford and Renée Bondy. Absent from the photo is Jo-Ann Patterson.
Hospice Foundation receives accreditation The Chatham Voice
T:13"
On the heels of Hospice’s accreditation announcement in December, the Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation has now received its own accreditation through Imagine Canada. The Imagine Canada Standards Program is designed to strengthen the practices of Canadian charities and nonprofits and increase public confidence in the sector’s work through demonstrated transparency and accountability. “It is important to us to illustrate our commitment to the community that we are responsible stewards of their generous donations. This accreditation process reviewed how we handle each donation to ensure we are accomplishing our mission and ultimately helping Hospice families through end of life and the
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loss of a loved one,” Barb McEwan, Governance Committee Chair for the Foundation, said in a release. In addition to demonstrating excellence in financial accountability and transparency and fundraising, the Imagine Canada Trustmark also recognizes our leadership in board governance, staff management and volunteer involvement. “This stamp of approval re-affirms the Hospice Foundation’s commitment to achieving our goal of ‘earning and keeping the community’s trust’ as outlined in our strategic plan,” said Jodi Maroney, Executive Director of the Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation. “We exist to provide our donors with the opportunity to be the ‘behind the scenes’ heroes to our residents and their families. All of the care provided at Hospice would not be possible without our donor’s support.”
Project lead hired for Treatment Centre build The Chatham Voice
The Children’s Treatment Centre of Chatham-Kent has a new lead to provide project management for its new capital building project. Officials announced Colliers Project Leaders will be at the helm overseeing the new build. Colliers has a reputable presence across the region and is well versed in all aspects of similar projects
having managed other children’s treatment centre capital projects from start to finish, officials said. Project manager lead Angela Strazzeri said Collier is “delighted” to be the partner who helps make the new centre happen. “This is an exciting project for Chatham-Kent, and with this comes great expectations from the community, children and youth, their families, staff and the public for a successful delivery of this project,” she said in a media release. CKCTC executive director Donna Litwin-Makey said that adding a project manager to the team “enables us to have a strong project plan in place and fulfill our commitment to the community.”
THE CHATHAM VOICE
THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022
PAGE 13
Life
Hike for Hospice set for late April By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com
It might not be Hike season just yet, but preparations for the annual Hike for Hospice are well underway. The event, which is a huge fundraiser for the Chatham-Kent Hospice, is slated for the week of April 25 to May 1 this year, back at Mud Creek Trail in Chatham. Last year, in the middle of the pandemic, supporters walked virtually and managed to raise more than $143,000. A year earlier, the first of the pandemic, and the first held virtually, hikers brought in $79,000. And in 2019, the last year of a mass one-day walk event, supporters raised in excess of $145,000 in near-perfect spring weather. Jody Maroney, executive director of the hospice, said this year’s event will also be a virtual one, held over the course of a full week, despite the recent
loosening of pandemic reMaroney believes the strictions. positive impact of the “We had to decide in hospice on families in January. We didn’t have need of end-of-life care the information we have for a loved one sparks the now,” she support. explained. “I don’t know if I’ll ever “ H a v “We also ing cared stop being amazed weren’t sure for almost what peo- at the public’s sup1,000 fample want- port. They are so very ilies in our ed. But this thoughtful. We always community, way, people get good response for most peocan walk in the hike with our walk- ple know groups if someone they want. ers and our families.” who has Those who - Hospice’s Jodi Maroney used the aren’t comhospice,” fortable doing that can she said. “They can see still walk on their own.” the benefit that the hosMaroney said the sup- pice has given their famport from the community ily or neighbours. That never ceases to amaze her makes all the difference. and she hopes 2022 will They want to help those be as great as 2021 for the families and they want hike. to make sure hospice care “I don’t know if I’ll ever is available should their stop being amazed at the family need it.” public’s support. They Despite the walk beare so very thoughtful,” ing spread out over the she said. “We always get course of a week, Marongood response for the ey said there will be signs hike with our walkers and memorials along the and our families.” trail again. The goal this year is set “We will do our memoriat $125,000. al signs again. We’re also
File image
The annual Hike for Hospice is back in 2022, with a virtual walk slated for participants the week of April 25 to May 1.
looking to increase the engagement as people walk along the trail. There will be some additions to the experience,” she said, declining to go into details. For folks unable to attend the site, you can still take part, event chair Giri Thommandram said.
Funds to fuel calming spaces The Chatham Voice
A new calm-centred therapeutic space will soon be created on the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance’s Inpatient Mental Health Unit. The new space is being made possible through a Chatham Kent Community Foundation donation of $10,000 to the CKHA Foundation. Design of the new rooms focuses on eliminating outside stimulus to the patient, allowing them an opportunity to recharge. “This specialized space will help patients reset and feel calm,” said Alan Stevenson, CKHA vice president of mental health and addictions, in a media release. “It offers privacy from other patients and provides a safe space for patients who require a decrease in stimulation.” Local mental health illnesses have increased in the past few years and have been exacerbated in the last 22 months by the COVID-19 pandemic.
CKHA has recognized a steep upward trend in acuity of mental health patients, highlighted by an
increase in high-risk events, with cases becoming more complex.
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“If you can’t make it out to Mud Creek, you can still participate remotely by completing your hike wherever you would like – on a different trail, in your neighbourhood, or even in your own house,” she said in a media re-
lease. Registration for the virtual event is free but participants will be able to purchase a commemorative T-shirt in addition to memorial signs. For more info, visit hikeforhospiceck.com.
THE CHATHAM VOICE
PAGE 14
Community Events Thursday, March 3, 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. • In-House Bingo hosted by Branch 642 Ladies Auxiliary, 7:00pm at 642 Legion, corner of William and Colborne St, 519-351-8733. • Come join us for lunch at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St. every Thursday and Friday from 11:00am to 1:30pm. Everyone welcome. Friday, March 4, 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 cabbage rolls or fish & chips. Take out is also available by calling 519351-8733 or 519-351-5639. Fun darts start at 7:00pm. Everyone Welcome. • Friday night supper at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St. will be a pork tenderloin dinner with potatoes, vegetables, salad and a bun.. Dine in at 5:30pm for $12 or pickup at 6pm for $13. Please call daily from 1:00 to 4:00pm at 519-352-8291 to place your order. Everyone welcome. Saturday, March 5, 2022: • Morning Breakfast Program at First Presbyterian Church (corner of Fifth St. and Wellington). A delicious nutritious breakfast served free of charge from 9:30am-11:30am. This will be a take out only. • 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 3:00 – 5:30pm. Come check out our menu. Entertainment by Unity Station from 4:30-9:30pm. Come check out our menu. Everyone Welcome. Sunday, March 6, 2022: • Come and join us for breakfast at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St for a cooked to order breakfast from 9:00am to noon. Everyone welcome. Tuesday, March 8, 2022: • Like to sing? We want YOU! The CK Singers community choir practices at St. Andrew’s United Church, 85 William St South Chatham from 7pm to 9pm. We especially wish to welcome back former members and extend a welcome to new members—no auditions are required. We sing a variety
of music-Broadway tunes, spirituals, popular, folk and adaptations of modern numbers and perform wherever we are asked including at nursing homes, volunteer recognition dinners and charitable events of all kinds. Practice will be in the Friendship Hall with the entrance off of William St. We will be wearing masks and doing contact tracing as long as required by the church or other regulations. This is a choir where our main aim is have fun and enjoy ourselves and spread the joy of music. Sound like something you’d enjoy too? Come out and give us a try. No strings attached. For more information contact, Director Nancy Tapley at nancytapley2@gmail.com or phone (519) 354-0463. • IT’S TIME TO SING! Got Tuesday nights free? Then come and check out Jubilee Chorus and help make a joyful noise unto the Lord! Rehearsals at St. Andrew’s United Church (85 William St. S, Chatham), 7 – 9 pm. Safety protocols will be in place, vaccination required and masks must be worn but that won’t dampen the fun and joy of being together making musical memories happen! New in town, or still unsure? That’s ok, try us for a week, see how it feels. Call Cynthia at 226-2291533 if interested or needing more info. Established in 1961, Jubilee Chorus is a mainstay in the Chatham-Kent area and known for its great repertoire, family atmosphere and polished performances. Come, you’ll be glad you did! • 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 9, 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. 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 10, 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. Friday, March 11, 2022: • Come join us at The Chatham Legion, corner of William &
THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022
Fun Stuff
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 meat loaf or fish & chips. Take out is also available by calling 519-3518733 or 519-351-5639. Fun darts start at 7:00pm. Everyone welcome. Saturday, March 12, 2022: • 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 the Marquis from 4:30-9:30pm. Come check out our menu. Everyone is welcome. Are you affected by someone else’s drinking? Al-anon can help! Call - leave message - 519-350-3462 Visit your local Chatham-Kent Public Library branch during March Break! Receive a free themed Grab & Go bag when you check out any library material. Grab & Go bags include book recommendations, activities, and a craft. The featured March Break collection is Playaways! Playaways are pre-loaded audiobooks that give you the portability and freedom to listen to audiobooks anytime, anywhere. All you need is a AAA battery and a pair of headphones. No wifi connection needed. Search “playaway” at search.ckpl.ca to browse the collection. March Madness for Teens at Chatham-Kent Public Library. Let the voting begin! CKPL has chosen the most popular teen titles from 2021 and are pitting them against each other in a battle royale! March Madness brackets are set and all that’s left to do is visit CKPL’s Instagram (@ckplibrary) and vote! Which book will be CK’s most popular teen title? Each Wednesday during the month of March, brackets will be announced on Instagram. Tell CKPL your favourites by voting in the comments. As the field narrows, the final showdown will be on March 30. The winning book will be announced April 4 on CKPL’s Instagram. Each vote counts as an entry into the contest. One random grand prize winner and two runner ups will be drawn at the end of March Madness. The more you vote, the better your chances at winning a prize! The contest is open to teens aged 13 to 18. To find out more about programs and events at Chatham-Kent Public Library, visit www.ckpl.ca. Send your coming events to bruce@chathamvoice.com or michelle@chathamvoicec.om
CLUES ACROSS 1. Neckwear 7. Fish parts 13. Cooking 14. Quality 16. Rural delivery 17. Popular superhero 19. Partner to Pa 20. Shivering fits 22. Wrath 23. Linguistics pioneer 25. Large integers 26. A way to prepare food 28. Group of badgers 29. Peyton’s little brother 30. Rock out 31. Danish krone 33. Take from with force 34. Baroque musical instrument 36. Zodiac sign 38. Hebrew alphabet letter 40. Independent member of a clone 41. Type of garment 43. Satisfy 44. One point south of due east 45. A way to wipe out 47. Moved quickly on foot
48. Bar bill 51. An idiot 53. Performed with the voice silent 55. Body fluids 56. Rhythmic patterns 58. “__ my i’s” 59. Type of wrap 60. It shows who you are 61. Carousel 64. Type of college degree 65. Molding 67. Closes again 69. Verses 70. Surface CLUES DOWN 1. Short, thick stick 2. Rhode Island 3. Animals of the horse family 4. Very important persons 5. Folk singer Di Franco 6. Boredom 7. Long speech 8. Footballer Newton 9. Expression of sorrow or pity 10. Linear accelerator 11. One quintillion bytes
12. Smallest interval in Western music 13. Box 15. Cheese dish 18. Make a mistake 21. Done by all people or things 24. Circumfer ence 26. Chum 27. Electrocar diogram 30. Sandwich chain Jimmy __ 32. Showed old movie 35. Important event on Wall St. 37. Where wrestlers work 38. Free from contamination 39. Eastern Canada coastal region 42. Slang for gun 43. High schoolers’ test 46. Fathers 47. Call it a career 49. Productive 50. Musical groups 52. Yellowish-brown 54. Lowest point of a ridge 55. Beloved late sportscaster Craig 57. Fill up 59. Cardinal number that’s the sum of 5 and 1 62. Frost 63. Jewel 66. Atomic #45 68. Top lawyer
Answers found on page 15 Sudoku 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box.
THE CHATHAM VOICE
THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022
PAGE 15
Classifieds In Memoriam
In Memoriam
In Memory of 5 Years in Heaven
Kevin W. R. Allison
August 8, 1961 - February 28, 2017 February 28, 2022
When Someone you LOVE becomes a Memory, that Memory becomes a Treasure, Missing YOU as much today, as the day YOU went away.
who passed away 9 years ago, March 6 You left me beautiful memories, Your love is still my guide. Although I cannot see you, Your always at my side. Love and miss you, Trish
In loving memory of Omer King
Passed away 35 years ago, March 7, 1987
Today recalls the memory Of a loved one gone to rest, And those who think of him today Are those who loved him best. The flowers we lay upon his grave May wither and decay, But the love for him who lies beneath Will never fade away.
Lovingly Always in Our Hearts, MOM & Your Family.
Obituary Catherine Daisy Cushman (nee Smith), of Wallaceburg, passed away February 22, 2022 at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance. Born in Chatham 96 years ago. Daughter of the late Herbert Smith and Lila (Dubeau) Smith. Predeceased by her loving husband Ross Cushman (1993). Mother of Craig Cushman (Valli), of Caldwell, New Jersey, Kerry Anderson (David), and Shawne Murphy of Chatham. Grandmother of Josh Murphy (Christina), of Columbus, Ohio, and Jordan Atchison (Scott) of Strathroy. Great-grandmother of Emerson, Elliot, Ayden, Charlotte, and Winnie. Catherine is also survived by several nieces and nephews. Special thanks to the caring staff at Chatham-Kent Health Alliance and Maple City Retirement and Residence. The family will be remembering Catherine privately. Arrangements entrusted to Life Transitions Burial and Cremation Service Inc.
This week’s answers.
Loans
Carriers Needed
Carriers Needed to deliver The Chatham Voice. We have routes available in the Inshes/ Patteson/ Lorne area, Patteson/ Spencer area and Norway Maple/Hedge Maple area. Delivery is once per week. If interested please call Michelle at 519-397-2020 or email michelle@cha thamvoice.com
Mary Sue Bechard 69, Sunday, February 20, 2022 Nicholls Funeral Home
Catherine Cushman 96, Tuesday, February 22, 2022 Life Transitions
Reginald Henry Rabideau 88, Thursday, February 22, 2022 Nicholls Funeral Home
Al Ashton 62, Tuesday, February 15, 2022 Life Transitions
Brian “Jarvy” Anthony Raymond 69, Thursday, February 24, 2022 Nicholls Funeral Home
Richard “Dick” Flanagan 85, Friday, February 25, 2022 Life Transitions
Ida DeBusschere 86, Sunday, February 27, 2022 Nicholls Funeral Home
Brian Leavy 75, Friday, February 18, 2022 McKinlay Funeral Home
Jim Tye 83, Saturday, February 19, 2022 Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Janet Horton 75, Saturday, February 19 2022 McKinlay Funeral Home
John Phillip Schneider 80, Monday, February 21, 2022 Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Wally Atwell 85, Thursday, February 24, 2022 McKinlay Funeral Home
Robert Siddall 77, Saturday, February 19, 2022 Kendrick Funeral Home
Mary Lou Carrothers 69, Thursday, February 17, 2022 McKinlay Funeral Home
James “Jim” Bongers 76, Monday, February 21, 2022 Kendrick Funeral Home
Rose Marie Goudreau 83, Monday, February 21, 2022 McKinlay Funeral Home
Susana Reimer 61, Thursday, February 24, 2022 Kendrick Funeral Home
Barbara Austin 89, Thursday, February 24, 2022 McKinlay Funeral Home
Adolfo Meriano 87, Sunday, February 20, 2022 Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home
Thérése Sylvain 91, Thursday, February 24, 2022 McKinlay Funeral Home
Beverley Warwick 86, Friday, February 25, 2022 Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home
Stewart McKeough Thursday, February 17, 2022 McKinlay Funeral Home
Connie Formosa 100, Friday, February 25, 2022 Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home
Gertrude Pickering 97, Tuesday, February 22, 2022 McKinlay Funeral Home
Richard McMahon 39, Wednesday, February 9, 2022 Life Transitions
Dorothy Mae DeWispelaere 95, Tuesday, February 22, 2022 McKinlay Funeral Home
Jason Gale 60, Saturday, February 19, 2022 Life Transitions Tom Fenton 79, Saturday, February 19, 2022 Life Transitions
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Puzzles on page 14
Love from Wayne & Mary-Joyce
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CHATHAMVOICE.COM
PAGE 16
THE CHATHAM VOICE
THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022
LILM I IMTIED STSUT U T E D DIDOISO A V AVAI A I L LABA B LS LE E
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