The Chatham Voice, March 9, 2023

Cenotaph vandalism ‘shameful’

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

Len Maynard is fed up with the disrespect and damage directed at Chatham’s cenotaph.

Last week, the King Street memorial was defaced by an errant spray painter who left two blue swastikas and the letters “CMB” on the stone monument.

“It’s damn shameful,” the president of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 642 said the following day. “I’m outraged. Something has to be done.”

A 30-year veteran with the Canadian Armed Forces, Maynard lived in a lot of places throughout his career before returning to his hometown in

Chatham. But he said he’s never lived anywhere where the community’s cenotaph is vandalized as much as the one in Chatham’s downtown.

Maynard said he’s approached the municipality and members of council many times about better security at the site, noting spotlights and cameras should be installed to better protect the war memorial.

“I’ve been asking for five years,” he added. “How many times do my brethren have to be subjected to this? There’s no more time for talk – something has to be done.

“I want something to be done,” Maynard stressed. “I’m a former soldier, not a politician.”

Continued on page 4

Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice Adin Klaasen works to clean off a swastika spray painted recently on the Chatham Cenotaph. An unknown person painted two of the Nazi symbols on the King Street cenotaph, along with the tag CMB. Klaasen works for Sarnia-based Memorial Restorations.

C-K seeks noms for top seniors

The Chatham Voice

June will soon roll around and that means it’s time to honour Chatham-Kent’s deserving seniors.

A joint effort between the mayor and Chatham-Kent council, a special awards ceremony is being held to mark Seniors’ Month to formally recognize

the achievements of older adults.

It’s the 36th year for the annual tradition, designed to commemorate and honour older adults, 60 years and over, who have accomplished significant goals and made outstanding contributions to the community.

However, the municipality

needs local citizens to step forward and submit names for the nominations.

“We are requesting the public’s assistance,” said Mayor Darrin Canniff. “Everyone knows someone who has lent a helping hand, whether it be as part of a group or as an individual.

“Here is your chance to let us know about that person so we can recognize their contributions.”

Since the tradition began in the 1980s, more than 1,000 seniors have been honoured to date. Nominations forms are available at all C-K municipal centres (Chatham, Blenheim, Dresden, Ridgetown, Tilbury and Wallaceburg), at all local library branches and all 11 senior centres in the municipality. A PDF version can be requested by e-mailing ckmayor@chatham-kent.ca and nominations

can also be made on Let’s Talk CK (on the municipality’s website.)

The 2023 Senior of the Year will be announced during the broadcast of the Chatham-Kent Celebration of Older Adults on June 1 on Facebook and YourTV. All nominees will be recognized during this virtual event.

Deadline for nominations is April 5.

Beach to get new name?

What’s in a name?

Plenty – especially when it’s not the one everyone uses.

Dover Beach Park, colloquially known as Mitchell’s Bay beach, may be getting a name change if a request from the Mitchell’s Bay Area Association is approved by council. North Kent Coun. Jamie McGrail said people are tripped up by the Dover Park Beach name considering it’s located in the heart of Mitchell’s Bay.

“Dover beach is not what people call the beach,” McGrail said, noting the name also poses a safety issue as it can be confused with Dover Centre or other parts of Dover.

“In an emergency, that can be really import-

ant,” McGrail stressed.

McGrail, herself a resident of Mitchell’s Bay, said the name change would also help streamline tourism marketing and grant funding.

The request is expected to go before council on March 27.

A survey is also posted on the municipality’s website on Let’s Talk CK to garner public input on the issue..

Deputations on the matter are also welcome at the council meeting.

Check out a laptop

The Chatham Voice Narrowing Chatham-Kent’s digital divide is the aim of a new Connect CK laptop initiative.

Thanks to a joint venture between the Chatham-Kent Public Library, Chatham-Kent Ontario Health Team and Chatham-Kent Employment and Social Services, local residents can now check out Google Chromebooks at the library. The data-enabled mini-laptops will allow those without home Internet to access the service. The Chromebooks can be checked out for a period of 21 days.

The laptops are available to adult patrons aged 16 and up, who have a valid library card. They are available at 11 CKPL branches.

The Chatham Voice

‘Medical day care’

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

The revitalization of Wallaceburg’s hospital has taken another step forward.

March 2 marked the official opening of the site’s new “medical day care” that’s already providing a host of outpatient treatment services to local patients.

Bright and airy, the space houses big comfy chairs where patients can relax and receive treatments

such as blood product transfusions, phlebotomy blood draw procedures and other minor procedures.

The unit is equipped with two modern treatment rooms for privacy and there’s a third treatment room with a washroom that will eventually be used for urology clinics.

The medical day care space is already being put to good use. According to Dr. Pervez Faruqi, Chief of Staff at the Chatham-Kent Health Alli-

ance, some 1,500 patient visits have been made at the site since the end of 2021.

The site’s Rapid Access to Addiction Medicine (RAAM) clinic has had 346 visits in the same time frame, even though it’s only open one day a week.

Faruqi said the medical day care typically services oncology patients, obstetric patients and patients referred by a family physician. Minor surgical procedures that don’t require anesthetic will be

performed there.

“We are pleased to open this updated and modern space which will enhance the delivery of safe, high-quality care at the site,” the doctor told the gathering of dignitaries.

George Vieira, who received an infusion treatment just prior to the ribbon cutting, is one patient who is grateful for the medical day care service provided at Wallaceburg.

In 2020, the former CKPS officer suffered a blood clot that led him to be hospitalized for five months.

Since that time, the Chatham resident has relied on CKHA’s outpatient services and has received treatment at the Wallaceburg site many times.

“I think people in Chatham-Kent need to realize how lucky we are,” Vieira told the crowd. “I mean, we’re a big municipality. We’re very lucky to have two campuses that we can utilize.”

The retiree said many people in Ontario have to drive a long way to get to a hospital, which is not the case in Chatham-Kent. The revamp of the original hospital’s former cafeteria into the new centre was made possible through the Ontario government’s Health Infrastructure Renewal Fund. A total of $780,000 was invested in the Wallaceburg Campus over the past two years to create the medical day care space,

a medication room and a physician space.

Significant asbestos abatement was required prior to the construction and repurposing of the space.

CKHA president and CEO Lori Marshall said the opening reaffirms the organization’s mission of “one team – two sites: serving Chatham and rural Kent.

In order to meet the health-care needs of the community in the future, CKHA has assembled a comprehensive redevelopment plan that will see a new and modern facility. It will be anchored by a

24-7 emergency room; six medicine beds, including one palliative care bed; and diagnostic imaging, including X-ray and ultrasound and laboratory services.

Marshall said next steps include community input, which can be accessed online at OurHospitalOurFuture.com.

Officials attending the ceremony lauded the determination of the community to retain the hospital and Lambton-Kent-Middlesex MPP Monte McNaughton was singled out for his efforts to keep the hospital in Wallaceburg.

Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice Chatham-Kent Health Alliance patient navigator Darlene Smith and patient George Vieira discuss the importance of medical day care services at the official opening of the Wallaceburg unit last week.

‘Elements of hate,’ cops say

Continued from page 1

According to a Chatham-Kent Police Service media relations officer Sgt. Lynette Hodder, the Intelligence Unit has taken over the investigation, with the crime being investigated with “elements of hate.”

The police have no knowledge as to what CMB tag might stand for, Hodder said in an e-mail. Defacing the cenotaph appears to be a recurring problem.

It was marred just prior to last year’s Remembrance Day ceremonies, and a Memorial Restorations crew had to be called in to clean up the mess before the event.

Last week Memorial Restorations employees returned to scrub away the paint. Many who were passing by paused to comment about the graffiti and express their disgust.

Chatham roads supervisor Corey Crow, who was on site, said that telling Maynard in the morning about the latest round of graffiti was a call he didn’t want to make. “It’s sad,” Crow said. “But when it’s a hate crime, you have to do your due diligence.”

Besides the Nazi swastikas, CMB was also sprayed on. Crow said

CMB is being seen in other vandalism incidents in Chatham-Kent, but no one is sure what the letters mean or what they represent.

“I’ve seen it spray painted on stop signs, for example,” Crow explained.

The Chatham cenotaph was built in 1923 to honour the soldiers who lost their lives in the First World War that raged in Europe from 1914-1918. Additional names have been added throughout the years following conflicts, including the Second World War and the Korean War.

The site is also acknowledged as the only cenotaph in Canada where actual battle occurred. The War of 1812 took place along the Thames River in what is now known as Chatham, and Chief Tecumseh was reportedly injured there.

Anyone with information or video that may help with this investigation is asked to contact Const. Fraser Curtis online at fraserc@ chatham-kent.ca or by calling 519436-6600.

Anonymous callers may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477.) Tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward.

Murray Street Bridge to close

The Chatham Voice

For the next few months Wallaceburg’s Murray Street Bridge is a no go for motorists.

Beginning March 8, the crossing will be closed to all vehicular traffic until May 1. However, one sidewalk for pedestrians will remain open for the duration of the project. Two detours will be set up. The first includes Murray Street, McNaughton Avenue, Wellington

Street and Margaret Avenue. The second detour includes Murray Street, Queen Street, Gillard Street, McNaughton Avenue, James Street, Margaret Avenue and Wellington Street.

During the revamp, the Murray Street Bridge will not be operational for lifting for larger boats, but smaller vessels will be able to navigate it.

Landform Civil Infrastructures Ltd. has been working on the rehabilitation of the structure, which spans the Sydenham River, since December of last year.

The bridge is expected to be fully operational by May 15.

Run for the Kids seeks participants

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

A new fundraising initiative for the Children’s Treatment Centre of Chatham-Kent (CTCCK) is off and running.

Registration has opened for the Run for the Kids, an inclu-

sive event slated for June 25 in Rondeau Provincial Park.

The goal for the inaugural event is $50,000.

Erin Genge, community engagement co-ordinator for the foundation, said Run for the Kids is part of the reconfigured slate of fundraising initiatives

put on by the foundation this year and heading forward.

“The CCT Foundation has really redesigned our events this year, and focused on raising community awareness and funds,” Genge said. “We’re looking at our kids and our families and how we can support them.”

With the shift in fundraising –the foundation is no longer running the Festival of Giving, for example – events are geared to be more family-focused in general.

“Looking at a race was something we thought would be a really good fit,” Genge said. “This gets our families out to do something we all enjoy, in the beauty of Rondeau.”

Kevin Owen, vice-chair of the foundation, race captain and an ultra-marathon runner, sees the run as a good fit.

“It’s great that CTC Foundation has created a new event that focuses on our CTC kids and the health and well-being of our community,” he said in a media release. Run for the Kids will encourage participants to run/walk/wheel and enjoy the beauty of nature while raising funds for the CTC Foundation.

Genge said it is very inclusive, with options for

people of all ages.

“People can move their bodies in whatever way they can – walking, running, in a wheelchair, with strollers,” she said. “It’s all about coming together and supporting the CTC. We’re looking to have people come out for the 5K event to walk or run, and we’re inviting families to come out and have their kids take part in a Kiddie Run of 200 metres.”

The 5K is also open to children as well, she stressed.

“It’s for anyone who wants to come out,” Genge said. “This is open to all abilities and paces. We have a finisher party that is going to be bringing up the rear. Their job is to make sure everyone is having a great time.”

Participants can join the Run

for the Kids by registering, collecting pledges and coming out for a day of family fun and movement.

“Because it’s a CTC Foundation event, you can be sure it will be lots of fun,” Owen said.

“And Rondeau is the ideal place to walk, run, or wheel through, while raising money to support the important therapies that CTC offers one out of five kids in Chatham-Kent.”

Not all services at the CTC are covered by government funding. Programs such as social work, therapeutic recreation services and music therapy are all funded by the CTC Foundation.

More details about the Run for the Kids can be found at the CTC Foundation website.

Contributed image Kevin Owen, vice chair of the Foundation of the Children’s Treatment Centre of Chatham-Kent, left, and Mike Genge, president of the foundation, are ready to Run for the Kids this year. The new fundraising event for the centre takes place June 25 in Rondeau Provincial Park.

More protection for cenotaph

The latest episode of vandalism at the downtown Chatham cenotaph is both an example of how far elements of our society have fallen and also how impotent our local officials seem to be in doing anything about it.

The Sixth Street memorial dedicated to Canadians who paid the supreme sacrifice in both world wars, Korea and Afghanistan was defaced by an errant spray painter who left two blue swastikas and the letters “CMB” on the stone monument.

During the past few years, such disrespect has become so commonplace that Len Maynard, President of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 642 called it “damn shameful.”

We couldn’t agree more.

Legion officials have advocated for increased lighting or security cameras without success. The much-ballyhooed Chatham-Kent police downtown camera surveillance approved by council almost three years ago hasn’t helped.

The pattern is predictable. The centotaph is damaged, local

leaders decry the incident, no one is charged or convicted and the cycle repeats itself. Protecting the cenotaph seems to be everyone’s responsibility but no one’s duty.

For those who aren’t familiar, the cenotaph features a soldier with his rifle and bayonet raised skyward, symbolizing the effort and sacrifice it took to uphold the freedoms we enjoy today.

It’s time that our civic leaders realize that the cenotaph isn’t a prop.

It’s not a place for them to march to once each year, wear a poppy, lay a wreath and have a photo op.

It’s a sacred place – one located on a battlefield no less – that deserves protection and respect, if not by the criminals who deface it, at least by those who should be stopping such actions.

It’s often said the individuals and organizations devote time, effort and resources to what they think is important.

If that is true, where does the cenotaph rank?

Our letters to the editor policy

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

You can also drop them off or mail

Enough is enough with cenotaph vandalism

Editor: Weekly we read or hear on the news about a cenotaph, war memorial, or cemetery being rudely defaced or damaged. Enough is enough! It’s time we lobby our elected officials to change the penalties from a slap on the wrist to severe jail

time.

Too often, we read about Chatham cenotaph or the “holy roller” tank in London being vandalized. These are war memorials and should be treated with dignity. The damage to the cemeteries, either

them to us at The Chatham Voice, 71 Sass Rd., Unit 4, Chatham, Ont, N7M 5J4.

The Chatham Voice reserves the right to edit letters to the editor for brevity and clarity. All letters need to be signed.

Chatham Voice 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.

defacing the stones or knocking them over is the lowest of all crimes. Perhaps some time in a cell would curb this stupid attitude of some people.

Bruce Thompson Chatham

Amputee issue not addressed

Editor: Recently, the Ontario government touted a win when it announced that recipients of the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) could now earn more money from working, without their ODSP support being affected.

But for Ontarians with the most severe disabilities, including amputees, it’s status quo amidst the skyrocketing cost of living.

What the government misses completely is that amputees receiving ODSP simply cannot work – let alone work more – without the artificial arms or legs needed for basic tasks such as

walking, dressing or holding objects. Thanks to outdated funding models from the Ontario government, these crucial artificial limbs are often impossible to afford for ODSP recipients, leaving amputees literally without a leg to stand on.

While Ontario’s Assistive Devices Program (ADP) states “75 per cent coverage” for artificial limbs, this coverage is based on outdated prosthetic costs. In reality, ADP covers only about 20 per cent of the cost of an artificial limb for the average Ontarian.

As a first step to alleviate this double whammy

against amputees, ODSP must be increased to be on par with other provinces. At a maximum of $1,228 per month, Ontario lags behind Quebec ($1,463), BC ($1,358) and Alberta ($1,685). Better still, the government must recognize that this amount is well below the poverty line and provide a living wage to all persons with disabilities and increased coverage for artificial limbs – it’s the least we owe to Ontario’s most vulnerable and in need.

Annelise Petlock Director of Advocacy for The War Amps

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Rust Valley team coming to C-K News

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

Avery Shoaf and Cassidy Mceown live out the

dreams of classic car buffs everywhere.

The pair, stars of the Canadian documentary series Rust Valley Restorers, is coming to Chatham’s Rims and Ribs festival in May to share their enthusiasm about the vehicles of yesteryear.

Event co-organizer Chris Glassford said bringing the two to Rims and Ribs

is a perfect fit.

“As celebrity guests, their appearance dovetails with the event,” Glassford said.

“As celebrity guests, their appearance dovetails with the event.”

- Chris Glassford

Fans of the show, based in Tappen, B.C., will be familiar with the methods the two engage in bring-

ing old vehicles back to life.

The series appears on both the History channel and Netflix.

Glassford said both will be at the car party in the downtown Friday night in honour of Rims. On Saturday to mark Ribs,

Shoaf will be a rib judge and has already informed Glassford he’ll be sending “those bad boys back” if they aren’t any good.

Mceown and Shoaf will also be at the Sunday night VIP gathering at Sons of Kent during the Rims and Ribs weekend.

Shoaf, who worked as a manager for Mike Hall, owner of Rust Brothers

Restoration where the show was based, continues to operate Wild Man Restoration and works with Mceown, a Red Seal autobody expert.

Glassford said Shoaf is working on a new online interview project that has yet to be announced.

Rims and Ribs 2023 is set to take place May 26-28 in downtown Chatham.

Climate change art show opens

The Chatham Voice Artists from across Chatham-Kent will present their views on climate change as the focus of a six-week exhibition opening at the ARTspace Gallery opening March 10.

Art + Climate = Change is a community arts initiative open to all residents of Chatham-Kent. Submitted works will be on view at ARTspace located at 165 ½ King St. W.

According to Phil Vanderwall, curator of the

Accolades for CKHA

The Chatham Voice Chatham-Kent Health Alliance has been recognized for the care it provides to stroke-impacted patients.

The hospital recently received accreditation for “Distinction in Stroke Services” for 2022 to 2026.

The designation is bestowed by Accreditation Canada’s Stroke Distinction program.

The program recognizes organizations that demonstrate clinical excellence and outstanding commitment to leadership in stroke care.

As a site of the Southwestern Ontario Stroke Network, CKHA was one

of nine stroke centres that applied for the Stroke Distinction award.

CKHA president and CEO Lori Marshall said she was proud of the hospital’s “entire team” across the continuum of stroke care.

“This achievement speaks volumes to their commitment in enhancing stroke care and improving outcomes for patients and families,” Marshall said in a media release.

The assessment was made in November 2022.

CKHA met 100 per cent of the standards and expectations set out by Accreditation Canada during the on-site survey.

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Thames Art Gallery, the exhibition “offers a platform for artists of all skill levels in Chatham-Kent to creatively engage with this issue and visualize how we might arrive at a better understanding of our current situation and

how it impacts life right here at home.”

An opening reception will take place Friday at 7 p.m.

Three Awards of Merit will be presented at the opening, with winners receiving season passes

to local conservation areas through a donation of the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority.

In addition, a People’s Choice award of $200 will be presented as the exhibition ends on Earth Day, April 22, by William

Street Café. Visitors are encouraged to cast their votes at the gallery over the course of the exhibition.

Admission to the exhibition is free. For more information, visit www. tagartspace.com.

Tourism support

The Chatham Voice Chatham-Kent tourism is getting more than $1 million from the federal government to boost the local tourist industry.

The revamping of Chatham’s Mud Creek pathway is receiving $750,000 to replace the existing path with a wider, more accessible multi-use walkway.

In East Kent, the Ridgetown District Agriculture Society is getting $155,000

to construct a new pavilion at the Ridgetown District Pavilion.

Eelunaapeewi Lahkeewiit is getting $65,000 to improve the Fairfield Museum near Thamesville by displaying historical items. The money will also be used to provide tours and programming. The government has committed close to $6 million to improve community infrastructure and tourism. A total of 26 projects are being funded.

Overseas aid

Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice

Members of the Kent Sikh Society (KSS) and Chatham’s T’s & Sweats store are doing their part to assist the victims in Turkey and Syria impacted by a devasting earthquake that has killed more than 46,000 people to date. The store has donated $8,000 worth of clothing to KhalsaAid International and is still accepting donations. KhalsaAid is founded on the Sikh principle of “recognize the whole human race as one.” The collected goods have been shipped to Toronto and will be flown to Turkey free of charge by Turkish Airlines. Helping package up the clothing recently were KSS members Satinder Singh Chopra, Harpreet Singh Hanzra, Gurmeet Singh and store owners Inder and Jarnail Gahunia.

Coldest Night event raises $75K

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

Organizers of the Coldest Night of the Year (CNoY) estimate this year’s event raised about $75,000 for NeighbourLink.

The organization helps Chatham-Kent’s most vulnerable citizens and does not receive regular government funding.

But it certainly receives the support of the people of Chatham-Kent.

CNoY took place Feb. 25, as 182 participants took part in a 5K walk in Chatham, beginning and ending at the Indwell on Croydon Street.

The funds raised exceeded the target goal of $60,000, said Al Baker, managing director of NeighbourLink.

“We’re pretty happy. We had some people just come in and take part. We had a lot of unexpected people,” he said of the event. “This was also the first year (in the past three) we could all gather in the hall and eat. There was lots of chili and soup consumed.”

The 2021 and 2022 events were held virtually, and without the opportunity to gather together indoors after the events, Baker explained. The funds raised go to-

wards the operations of NeighbourLink, Baker said.

“NeighbourLink is supported by 33 local churches. We still need to fundraise, as we don’t get any regular government funding; everything is fundraised.”

NeighbourLink helps provide practical help to those in need by linking them to supportive volunteers or existing services.

Area churches have been operating together through NeighbourLink since 2005. Numerous volunteers donate thousands of hours each year to meet the needs of many, including the most vulnerable in

our com- munities.

Bruce Corcoran/The Chatham Voice

Participants prepare to embark on a 5K walk for the Coldest Night of the Year recently. The fundraiser netted about $75,000 for NeighbourLink.

Music for the Mind goal in sight

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

The popular Music for the Mind fundraising project is well on its way

to its goal to raise more than $50,000 for local mental health supports.

According to founder and organizer Elisha Banks, the campaign, expected to run until the summer, has already donated $40,000 to two programs at Family Service Kent.

Banks and her crew aren’t done yet.

“We’ve got four months left to see what we can do,” Banks said recently, adding another major event is in the works for June 24 at Sons of Kent.

Banks said the details are still being ironed out,

but she’s hoping to have at least three bands on the playbill.

Music for the Mind held a successful sold-out music concert at The Kent in February, which raised more than $15,000.

Banks said 350 tickets were sold with 328 people turning up in person.

“It was a packed full house,” Banks said, adding the non-profit’s nine-member volunteer team that helped her was “small but mighty.”

On top of the money raised at The Kent event, $500 was gathered for local musician Jesse Ver-

leye through donations. Verleye was seriously injured in a car accident in late January.

Money raised by MFTM is split between two causes. Half of the funds go to Family Service Kent to assist with counselling fees for those age six and up, with the remainder going to the Kid’s Team Program to pay for psychological assessments for children.

Banks said parents are expected to pay out of pocket for assessments, which range from $2,000 to $4,000.

“We want to try and

help cover the costs of assessments for children up to age eight,” Banks said. “There is no government coverage for the service. Hopefully we can help kids who might fall through the cracks by eliminating financial barriers.”

Music events are not the only way MFTM raises funds, with many local donors stepping up to pitch in. Silent auctions, can collecting, auto detailing, sign painting and 50-50 draws are some of the other ways the charity collects cash.

Virus killing local crows: Colby

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

Something is continuing to kill off crows in our area. Reports surfaced last week of quantities of crows being found dead along Riverview Drive between Keil Drive and Bloomfield Road.

Local health and wildlife officials said they’re aware of the issue and are keeping an eye on what is transpiring.

“We have heard quite a few people complain about it,” said Myriam Armstrong, operations manager at Pet and Wildlife Rescue. “We did send several birds for testing. Some of the birds came back positive. “The avian flu is in Chatham-Kent. We don’t know for certain if all the birds are dead because of the flu, however.”

practical guide for women working towards and well-being.

The dead birds go to the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative (CWHC) for testing.

Dr. David Colby said the ailment that is predominantly responsible for the dead crows is orthoreovirus. He said the virus is of minimal concern to humans.

“There is no evidence that this virus is zoonotic (capable of jumping to humans),” he said in an e-mail response to The Voice. “H5N1 avian influenza (which has zoonotic potential) has been circulating in wild birds in North America for well over a year. It is occasionally detected in our crows but seems to be more of an incidental finding.”

Brian Stevens, a wildlife pathologist with CWHC, confirmed the orthoreovirus is

the big killer.

“We received a number of crows from the Chatham-Kent region since December. The majority of them have been dying from an orthoreovirus infection, which is a common cause of death of crows during the winter months (especially when they flock together in large groups),” he said.

However, it has been some time since any dead crows from C-K were tested by CWHC.

“We haven’t brought in crows in the past month or so from that area as it is likely that any additional deaths are the result of this orthoreovirus infection, but we continue to receive calls and reports from the area,” Stevens said.

Continued on page 15

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ssions, presented weekly. Commitment of attendance to all 4 sessions is required.

CHATHAM

St Andrew's United Church 85 William St South Chatham, ON

March 23rd

St Andrew's United Church

85 William St South

Chatham, ON

Thursdays 6:30-8:30pm

CHATHAM Thursdays 6:30-8:30pm

March 23rd

March 30th

March 30th

April 6th

April 6th

April 13th

April 13th

To register visit westovertreatmentcentre.ca/courage-to-change

To register visit westovertreatmentcentre.ca/courage-to-change

In recent years we have had more and more families asking about companion urns. A companion urn is an urn which is large enough to contain two separate sets of cremated remains or consists of two separate urns that rest together side by side. Often, one will select a companion urn if one spouse wishes to keep the other’s cremated remains at home until they themselves pass or if they are both planning on going into a columbarium niche. If they select the niche, often the entire urn will go into the niche until the second spouse passes away. Once the second spouse passes, we would retrieve the urn from the columbarium niche, so the other spouse could be placed inside. If used for a niche, the size of the urn is extremely important as the width, height and depth of the urn can be no larger than 11.5” to fit in most niches. Companion urns will also be buried at cemeteries after the second spouse passes away.

WESTOVERTREATMENTCENTRE.CA

WESTOVERTREATMENTCENTRE.CA

Chatham Voice file photo Crows snack on garbage in this file photo. Several hundred crows have been found dead in the municipality this winter, and experts say it’s mostly due to orthoreovirus, and that it is not a virus of concern for humans.

Public Utilities Commission for the Municipality of Chatham-Kent Environmental Assessment Study

Wallaceburg Water Treatment Servicing Study

Notice of Completion

Public Utilities Commission for the Municipality of Chatham-Kent Environmental Assessment Study Wallaceburg Water Treatment Servicing Study

Public Utilities Commission for the Municipality of Chatham-Kent Environmental Assessment Study Wallaceburg Water Treatment Servicing Study

The Public Utilities Commission for the Municipality of Chatham-Kent (CK PUC) initiated the Wallaceburg Water Treatment Servicing study to identify and evaluate alternatives for the existing Wallaceburg Water Treatment Plant (WTP) to meet the current and future needs of the Community of Wallaceburg and neighbouring communities while also satisfying industrial demands. The following aspects of the water supply infrastructure were evaluated in this study:

Notice of Completion

Notice of Completion

The Public Utilities Commission for the Municipality of Chatham-Kent (CK PUC) initiated the Wallaceburg Water Treatment Servicing study to identify and evaluate alternatives for the existing Wallaceburg Water Treatment Plant (WTP) to meet the current and future needs of the Community of Wallaceburg and neighbouring communities while also satisfying industrial demands. The following aspects of the water supply infrastructure were evaluated in this study:

 Wallaceburg WTP

The Public Utilities Commission for the Municipality of Chatham-Kent (CK PUC) initiated the Wallaceburg Water Treatment Servicing study to identify and evaluate alternatives for the existing Wallaceburg Water Treatment Plant (WTP) to meet the current and future needs of the Community of Wallaceburg and neighbouring communities while also satisfying industrial demands. The following aspects of the water supply infrastructure were evaluated in this study:

 Wallaceburg WTP

 Raw water intake and low-lift pumping station for the Wallaceburg WTP

• Wallaceburg WTP

Raw water intake and low-lift pumping station for the Wallaceburg WTP

 Water availability at Chenal Écarte to meet the projected future water demand

 Water availability at Chenal Écarte to meet the projected future water demand

• Raw water intake and low-lift pumping station for the Wallaceburg WTP

 Water supply to the Dresden Water Distribution System (WDS), a potentially new service area to the Wallaceburg Water Supply System

• Water availability at Chenal Écarte to meet the projected future water demand

 Water supply to the Dresden Water Distribution System (WDS), a potentially new service area to the Wallaceburg Water Supply System

 Water supply to support potential greenhouse development in the expanded service area

• Water supply to the Dresden Water Distribution System (WDS), a potentially new service area to the Wallaceburg Water Supply System

 Water supply to support potential greenhouse development in the expanded service area

• Water supply to support potential greenhouse development in the expanded service area

Figure

This study was carried out as a Class Environmental Assessment (Class EA) in accordance with the planning and design process for “Schedule C” projects under the Environmental Assessment Act as outlined in the Municipal Engineers Association’s Municipal Class Environmental Assessment document (2000, as amended in 2007, 2011, 2015 and 2019). Subject to comments received as a result of this notice and the receipt of the necessary approvals, the CK PUC intends to proceed with the design and construction of the preferred solution identified in this Class EA. At this time, an Environmental Study Report (ESR) has been completed to document the Class EA process, which identifies preferred solutions and design concepts for the Wallaceburg water supply strategy, raw water supply, and treated water transmission to meet future water demands through 2070. The ESR is available for review at the link below:

Ostomy support growing in Chatham

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

Local residents who live with an ostomy are no longer alone.

Thanks to the efforts of Katherine Verrall and registered nurse Lori Zozzolotto, the Chatham Ostomy Support Group has been formed to help those who live with the condition.

This study was carried out as a Class Environmental Assessment (Class EA) in accordance with the planning and design process for “Schedule C” projects under the Environmental Assessment Act as outlined in the Municipal Engineers Association’s Municipal Class Environmental

Interested persons may provide written comments to the Project Team by March 25, 2023. All comments and concerns should be sent directly to Dhana Niriella at the CK PUC or to Tom Mahood at Jacobs at the addresses provided below.

In addition, a request may be made to the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks within 30 calendar days of this notice being issued for an order requiring a higher level of study (i.e., requiring an individual/comprehensive EA approval before being able to proceed), or that conditions be imposed (e.g., require further studies), only on the grounds that the requested order may prevent, mitigate or remedy adverse impacts on constitutionally protected Aboriginal treaty rights. Request on other grounds will not be considered. Request should include the requester contact information and full name.

Requests should specify what kind of order is being requested (request for conditions or a request for an individual/comprehensive environmental assessment), how an order may prevent, mitigate or remedy potential adverse impacts on Aboriginal treaty rights, and any information in support of the statement in the request. This will ensure that the ministry is able to efficiently begin reviewing the request.

The request should be sent in writing or email to:

Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks

777 Bay Street, 5th Floor Toronto, ON M7A 2J3 minister.mecp@ontario.ca

and

Director, Environmental Assessment Branch Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks

135 St. Clair Avenue West, 1st Floor Toronto, ON M4V 1P5 EABDirector@ontario.ca

Requests should also be copied to Dhana Niriella and/or Tom Mahood by mail or by email. Please visit the ministry’s website for more information on requests for orders under section 16 of the Environmental Assessment Act at https://www.ontario.ca/page/class-environmental-assessmentssection-16-order.

Your feedback is important to us.

To provide comments, request additional information, or if you have any issues accessing the document for review, please contact a member of the Project Team:

Dhana Niriella, Ph.D., P.Eng. PE

Project Manager, Chatham-Kent Public Utilities Commission - Engineering & Compliance

325 Grand Avenue East

Chatham, Ontario N7L 1W9

Telephone: 519-360-1998

Email: dhanan@chatham-kent.ca

Verrall, who acquired an ileostomy due to ulcerative colitis 25 years ago, said it’s always been a dream of hers to create a safe space for people to share about living with an ostomy.

After undergoing the surgery in London and receiving an ileostomy, Verrall said she returned to Chatham feeling scared and “completely alone.”

She said she felt isolated after the surgery, with no supports except for her husband.

Verrall hopes the group will change that for others.

An ostomy is a medical term for an opening in the body – usually in the stomach wall – that’s created during an operation such as a colostomy, ileostomy or gastrostomy. The surgical procedure, which sometimes includes the total removal of the large colon, and is performed due to trauma or a disease such as cancer.

Tom Mahood, P.Eng.

Project Manager, Jacobs Engineering

72 Victoria Street South, Suite 300

Kitchener, Ontario N2G 4Y9

Telephone: 519-579-3500 extension 73241

Email: Tom.Mahood@jacobs.com

If there is no request received by March 25, 2023, the CK PUC will proceed with design and construction of the new raw intake, low lift pumping station, water treatment plant, raw and treated water transmission main, as presented in the ESR. All personal information included in a submission, such as name, address, telephone number, and property location, is collected, maintained, and disclosed by the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks for the purpose of transparency and consultation. The information is collected under the authority of the Environmental Assessment Act or is collected and maintained for the purpose of creating a record that is available to the general public as described in Section 37 of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Personal information you submit will become part of a public record that is available to the general public unless you request that your personal information remain confidential. For more information, please contact the Project Officer or the Ministry of the Environment’s Freedom of Information and Privacy Coordinator at 416-314-4075. This Notice of Completion was first issued on February 23, 2023.

Those who have had the procedure wear a pouch under their clothing that collects waste exiting the body. This requires specific care. However, Verrall said that with the right approach, ostomy care is clean and discreet.

Verrall said the feeling to create a support group never left her, and, following her retirement, a series of events transpired that led her to create the group with Zozzolotto, who has specific training in wound and ostomy care.

Verrall said the having the group is key because the ostomy topic isn’t something people usually talk about.

Continued on Page 18

Figure 1: Study Area

1: Study Area

ESR link: https://www.letstalkchatham-kent.ca/wallaceburg-water-treatment-servicing-study

$15K in support for ’Burg food pantry

The Chatham Kent Community Foundation’s $15,000 in support to the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul (SVDP) in Wallaceburg has proven to be a boon.

The funds, donated last fall to help fund the Wallaceburg Food Pantry program, helped SVDP serve the people of Wallaceburg and Walpole Island.

The grant was funded in part by the South Kent Wind Community Fund, which is a donor advised fund of the Chatham Kent Community Foundation.

SVDP runs the Food Pantry Program for those in need in the Wallaceburg

and Walpole Island area. Families who need assistance are able to come once every 30 days for a box of non-perishable food and PC Gift Cards for perishable items. In 2021 they assisted 472 families. Last year, that number rose to 654 families.

“Society of Saint Vincent de Paul received this generous grant at a time when we were making some difficult decisions about our Food Pantry Program. With the increase in the number of families requiring assistance and the ever-rising cost of food we are very concerned about having

A few birds have H5N1

Continued from page 13

“From what are hearing, the death toll in the region is in the hundreds (with at least two separate areas having close to or more than 100 crows dead this winter),”

Colby added there have been no reported human cases of H5N1 locally. He advises the public to stay away from any dead birds they may find.

“We do not recommend that the public handle sick or dead wildlife. If people need to clean up carcasses, we recommend wearing PPE (disposable gloves, surgical mask and eye protection) as a precaution. Cases of sick wildlife can be reported to local wildlife rehabilitation centres,” he said.

Armstrong said if you spot dead birds, contact PAWR. If the carcass is on public property, Public Works will send personnel to pick up the remains.

Armstrong said PAWR sent a bald eagle and two owls to CWHC for testing in December. The eagle and one of the owls came back positive for “avian flu.”

Two crows were sent for testing at the same time, with one of them coming back as positive for avian flu as well, she said.

Stevens confirmed one of the crows they’ve tested did show positive for the H5N1 avian influenza virus.

Stevens said he’s not familiar with the PAWR raptors that were sent for

testing, “but I know at least one great horned owl that had come from them through another rehabilitator tested positive for avian influenza virus. We don’t have confirmatory results from the CFIA on the strain of virus that affected this owl, but based on the preliminary testing, we suspect that it was infected with the H5N1 strain as well.”

enough funds to sustain our program. This grant enabled us to keep our doors open in order to serve the many families in our community,” said

Kim

The CKCF is a volunteer-driven, philanthropic organization.

The Chatham Voice

VanDamme, treasurer, SVDP, in a media release.

Contributed image Kim VanDamme, treasurer, Society of Saint Vincent DePaul, left; and Barb Wysman, secretary, Society of Saint Vincent DePaul, accept a $15,000 donation from Chris Pegg, executive director, Chatham Kent Community Foundation.

Community Events

Thursday, March 9, 2023:

• Retired Workers Chapter Meeting are the perfect opportunity to enjoy coffee and baked goods and visit with friends and former fellow workers. Keep up to date with the community, pensions, benefits and info provided from informed leadership and guest speakers. Spouses are welcome. 10:00am at the Unifor Local 127, 405 Riverview Dr., Chatham.

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

• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open from 11:00am-9:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch from 11:30am-1:30pm. Come check out our daily specials. Senior Euchre at 1:00pm. Everyone is welcome.

• Tap Dancing - did you used to tap dance? Beginner/easy tap dancing at the ALC at 10am. Call Val 519401-2043.

Friday, March 10, 2023:

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

• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open from 11:00am–9:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch from 11:30am–1:30pm. Supper will be served from 4:00–6:00. No orders after 5:30pm. Tonight’s specials are pork loin with dressing or fish & chips. Take out is also available by calling 519-351-8733 or 519351-5639. Fun darts at 7:00pm. Everyone Welcome.

• Kent Branch OGS (Family History) Zoom presentation at 7pm with our guest speaker Kenneth R. Marks. TOPIC: Online Newspaper Research - Tips & Techniques for Better Results. He will offer his tips and techniques of obtaining better results when searching online newspaper collections. Free and open to anyone to join. Kent Branch is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Link to Register: https://us02web.zoom. us/meeting/register/tZAlfuChqzItH9ICgk3yWSkAdKXewVr0VY0p.

Saturday, March 11, 2023:

• Morning Breakfast Program at First Presbyterian Church (corner of Fifth St. and Wellington). A

delicious and nutritious breakfast served free of charge from 9:30am-10:30am. Take out only.

• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham. Due to a District L.A. Sports function the Branch will not open to the public until 5:00pm. Entertainment for the evening T.B.A. Everyone Welcome.

Sunday, March 12, 2023:

• Classic Country Jamboree, 1 - 5 pm. Merlin Legion - music by The Marquis. Dinner of lasagna, salad, garlic bread & dessert at 5pm. $20 includes entry - pick up dinners available for $13 but must call ahead to order. Jamboree only $7. Please join us for an afternoon of dancing, good music, great food and fantastic company!! Call Lori at 519-476-5870

• Creekside Church - 10:00am

Sunday’s at the Adult Lifestyle Centre, Merritt Ave. Haven’t been to church in a while? Come find community with us. creeksidechurch.ca

Tuesday, March 14, 2023:

• Chess Club at Chatham Branch of CKPL. 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm. Drop in program. Great opportunity to learn new strategies by playing with different players. All ages and all skill levels are welcome.

• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open from 11:00am–9:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch from 11:30am–1:30pm. Today’s special is spaghetti with meat sauce. Euchre at 1:00 and 7:00pm. Shuffleboard at 7:00pm. Everyone is welcome.

Wednesday, March 15, 2023:

• Kent Coin Club meeting at Active Lifestyle Center (7pm-8pm), 20 Merritt Ave, Chatham. New Members and guests welcome. Come see what we’re about. Gain knowledge and trends of the hobby. For more info contact President Paul Robb (probb1@cogeco.ca) (289-228-2817).

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

• Creative Expressions Workshops - paint up-cycled vintage record bowls with positive inspirational words and colours. Hosted by Phoenix Rose Art and Photography at Sati Hall. Kids Workshop 2-4pm. $25/participant. Reserve by emailing satihallchatham.21@ gmail.com.

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

check out our other daily specials. Fun darts at 7:00pm. Everyone is welcome.

• You are invited to the Ridgetown & District Horticultural Society Meeting at 7:00pm at the Church of the Advent Parish Hall, 16 Church Street, Ridgetown. Harry Wyma will present: A Small Town Jewel – T.R.E.E.S Memorial Forest (Transplant to Repair our Environmental and Ecological System) Social time and refreshments will follow. Everyone Welcome!

Thursday, March 16, 2023:

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

• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open from 11:00am–9:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch from 11:30am.–1:30pm. Come check out our daily specials. Senior Euchre at 1:00pm. Everyone is welcome.

• The Chatham-Kent Quilters’ Guild meeting in person at St. Paul’s Congregational Church, 450 Park Ave E, Chatham. Hybrid meetings continuing until further notice with live Zoom. Everyone is welcome, including non-members. Non-members pay a $5 fee per meeting and enjoy our presentations, guest speakers and all of the fun at our meetings. Membership fee is $50 per year and entitles you to our newsletter and all regular meetings free of charge. You are welcome to contact us through our Facebook page or our website at www.ckquiltguild.com for more information.

• Music for Lent & Easter at 12:15pm at Holy Trinity-St. Paul’s Anglican Church, 81 Selkirk St., Chatham. Lots of parking. Featuring guest organists Dr. Wayne Carroll & John Wolsley, cella. Come and go format, bring your lunch if you wish and stay for one piece or as many as you like! Freewill donations gratefully accepted.

• Tap Dancing - did you used to tap dance? Beginner/easy tap dancing at the ALC at 10am. Call Val 519401-2043.

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

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

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

Fun Stuff

7. The absence of mental stress

8. Supplemented with difficulty

9. Stop for good

10. College dorm worker

11. Bones

12. Most supernatural

16. Spanish island

17. Unlimited

18. Where golfers begin

22. No charge

25. Print errors

CLUES ACROSS

1. Half-conscious states

8. Unnatural

13. Deep regret

14. Rogue

15. Taken without permission

19. An alternative

20. After B

21. Partner to flowed

22. Weekday

23. Body part

24. World’s longest river

25. One of the Greats

26. Make clean

30. C. Canada indigenous peoples

31. Japanese seaport

32. Most unclothed

33. Small grouper fish

34. Soluble ribonucleic acid

35. Distinguishing sound

38. French realist painter

39. Popular beer brand

40. Views

44. God depicted as a bull

45. Relieve

46. Residue after burning

47. Habitation

48. Poe’s middle name

49. Japanese title

50. TV series installation (abbr.)

51. Beloved country singer

55. Single unit

57. Genuine

58. Develop

59. Traveled through the snow

CLUES DOWN

1. Clues

2. Do again

3. Current unit

4. Neither

5. Corporate exec (abbr.)

6. Second sight

27. Professional drivers

28. Kiss box set

29. Short, fine fibers

30. Administers punishment

32. Czech city

34. Normal or sound powers of mind

35. The academic world

36. Crustacean

37. Currency

38. Pastoral people of Tanzania or Kenya

40. Cloth spread over a coffin

41. Grouped together

42. On land

43. Glistened

45. A type of extension

48. One who assists

51. College sports conference

52. Zero

53. Midway between northeast and east

54. Type of screen

56. The 13th letter of the Greek alphabet

Puzzle answers found on page 19

OBITUARIES

Minnie (Hazel) Nishizaki

Thursday, February 23, 2023

Alexander & Houle Funeral Home

Rosemary Kevany

88, Monday, February 27, 2023

Alexander & Houle Funeral Home

Fred Postma

89, Wednesday, March 1, 2023

Alexander & Houle Funeral Home

Laurie Ann Labadie

59, Tuesday, February 21, 2023

McKinlay Funeral Home

Anne Marie McDonnell

87, Friday, February 24, 2023

McKinlay Funeral Home

John Spence

63, Sunday, February 26, 2023

McKinlay Funeral Home

Barbara De Waal

76, Sunday, February 26, 2023

McKinlay Funeral Home

Dorothy May Sedgman

97, Monday, February 27, 2023

McKinlay Funeral Home

Mary Elizabeth Sinclair

94, Wednesday, March 1, 2023

McKinlay Funeral Home

Debra Lynn Ladd

64, Monday, February 13, 2023

Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home

Joyce Neal

98, Tuesday, February 21, 2023

Kendrick Funeral Home

Chuck Corlett

45, Friday, February 24, 2023

Kendrick Funeral Home

Life, News

Irene Primeau

86, Saturday, February 18, 2023

Nicholls Funeral Home

Peter Parks

83, Thursday, February 23, 2023

Nicholls Funeral Home

Daniel “Danny” Whitty

62, Sunday, February 26, 2023

Nicholls Funeral Home

Tess Veenstra

29, Tuesday, February 28, 2023

Blenheim Community Funeral Home

Helen Hazlett

94, Wednesday, March 1, 2023

Blenheim Community Funeral Home

Maria Zhuk

99, Monday, February 20, 2023

Life Transitions

Paul Carver

Thursday, February 23, 2023

Life Transitions

Christopher “Chops” Paterson

63, Friday, February 24, 2023

Life Transitions

Margareta Harten (Sawatzky)

Saturday, February 25, 2023

Life Transitions

Renee Wilson (Van Gassen)

Monday, February 27, 2023

Life Transitions

It’s my hip, tragically

As some of you read this, I (hopefully) will either be under the knife, or in recovery from hip surgery.

The hip replacement is slated for March 9, barring another postponement. I was to have the work done Feb. 14, but that got pushed back.

In recent weeks, I’ve met with an internist, who gave me the thumbs up, and had my pre-surgery visit at the hospital with the physio team, pharmacy, radiology and a pre-surgery screening nurse.

You’ve heard of gut checks? Well, I had a butt check.

The Chatham-Kent Health Alliance has had a couple of outbreaks of C.diff, a nasty bacteriological ailment that gives you the scoots.

I also had a nasal swab done and I’m glad they didn’t mix up the swabs.

The visit began with a physiotherapist going over a host of details, making sure we had all booked our post-surgery physio appointments (thanks, Peach Physio!), reminding us what we need for our brief hospital stay, how to perform athome exercises after surgery, be sure to rent a walker in advance, etc.

After that, we headed off individually to talk to someone from the pharmacy

department, who checked out all medications and went over any drug allergies. It turns out, when I had a bad reaction to something during recovery a day after my right hip replacement back in 2015, it was oxycodone.

From there, a nurse checked on our blood pressure, again in a one-on-one format, drained numerous vials of blood, booked us for X-rays, and sent us on our way. Oh, she’s the one who took the nasal swab and requested a couple of swabs from the other end.

At this point in time, the nurse could tell I was in a fair bit of discomfort from trudging around this part of the hospital, so she hooked me up with a porter to get me into a wheeled chair to expedite my visit and to minimize pain. Really appreciated. Nice fellow who whipped me down to the pharmacy, helped hook me up with swabs and stuff there before whisking me to diagnostic imaging. A brief stop there got me, uh, “recognized.” The gentleman I was parked beside knew who I was. He asked if I was there for my hip, and mentioned he knew it was for my second hip replacement. At that point I realized I had encountered a loyal reader of The Voice.

Bruce Corcoran

We chatted about hospital stays, funding and other details briefly before an imaging student grabbed me to take me right into the X-ray suite. Chest X-rays were taken as I hugged the machine, followed by a stint on the cold, unforgiving X-ray table.

I was done in no time and headed to the front of the building.

All in all, the pre-surgery event was more than four hours long, but the staff at CKHA were awesome. So too were the visitors I encountered.

I was back at the hospital just three days later, to visit briefly with an anesthetist. She went over how they’d be handling knocking me out for the surgery.

All in all, a very nice woman who explained everything in detail and answered all my questions. If all goes well, I’m home on Saturday. Fingers crossed!

Group meets to offer education, support

Continued from Page 14

“Whatever the situation, we don’t care, we just want to be able to provide a safe place for people to share,” Verrall explained. “Whatever the case, I want people to know this group is here, and there are others out there living their best life now.”

The group is open to those who have had the surgery or who may be facing it in the future.

Meetings of the group take place at Christ Anglican Church in downtown Chatham, the second Wednesday of the month. Those who want to attend must pre-register by joining the Chatham Ostomy Support Group Facebook page that operates under the Ostomy Canada Society, or via e-mail at ostomychatham@gmail. com.

Privacy and confidentiality

are important, Verrall noted, so members feel free to attend the group and share.

At the group’s March 8 meeting, a medical representative from ConvaTec was to speak about ostomy supplies, and at the April 12 gathering, a registered dietician will speak on the topic of nutrition.

Christ Church is located at 80 Wellington St. The group meets from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Classifieds

In Memoriam Obituary In Memoriam

In Memory of my mom

Verna

In Memory of George Fletcher March 11, 2020

Your

Ministry

For Sale

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

Loans MORTGAGES / LOANS

Wanted

Wanted to Buy: Antiques, costume jewellery, gold, silver, coins, military, furniture, tools.

We Buy AllPaid Cash. 519727-8894.

Wanted to rent or

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3 or 4 acres of land in Chatham-Kent area. No buildings or utilities needed. Rural

Renee Susanna Martha Wilson (nee Van Gassen) passed peacefully with loved ones at her side on Monday, February 27, 2023 at Chatham-Kent Health Alliance. Born 82 years ago to Ed and Aline Van Gassen. Longtime partner of 35 years to Gary O’Hara. Mother to Annette Everett (Arron), Janice McFadden, Wayne Van Hyfte (Michelle), Lonnie O’Hara and the late Gary Van Hyfte (Debbie). Grandmother to Shannon Sproule (Ryan), Ashley Ennis, Tyler Richer, Steven McFadden, Katherine Stinson (Spencer), Victoria Van Hyfte, Nolan Van Hyfte, Jarrod Van Hyfte, Sam O’Hara, Jack O’Hara, Jesse O’Hara, Ben O’Hara, Darby Moore, Shelby Marcovich, Tristan Marcovich and Ethan Marcovich. Great grandmother to Braydon Sproule, Hayleigh Sproule, Keaton Sproule, Aurora O’Neil-Everett, Chanell Ennis, Lochlan Stinson, Barrett Stinson, Ethan Schrank, Kaiden Schrank, and Lilly Schrank. Predeceased by husband Glenn Wilson (1987), brothers Rodger, Edgard and Roy Van Gassen. Survived by brother in law Ross O’Hara (Cathy). Also survived by many nieces and nephews too numerous to mention as well as many, many friends who she maintained contact with over the years. Renee had the most beautiful smile that could light up a room. She was always ready to welcome anyone who came her way. She connected quickly and easily with so many people. Her door and deck were always open for conversation, laughter and perhaps a glass of wine - White was good and Red was bad. She loved her river property, taking in many peaceful evenings with Gary. She also enjoyed many Friday night dinners at the Moose Lodge over the last 10 years. Renee especially loved Elvis, she was said to have “gotten that look in her eyes” for exceptionally good impersonators. Renee will be remembered as someone with a strong work ethic, she knew how to do a job well and was a valuable part of each team she worked with. She enjoyed and was proud to work as office manager for several companies over the years; Victoria & Gray, Metropolitan Trust, Bekaert Industrial, Omnitech, LOEB, Zehrs and Konal Engineering. Her love of life and love of family will be part of her lasting legacy. All are welcome to attend a Celebration of Renee’s life on Friday, March 10, 2023 at 1pm at Moose Lodge, Chatham (850 Richmond Street). A special thank you to the caring team of doctors, nurses, PSWs and others at Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, Windsor Regional Hospital and the Windsor Cancer Clinic. Those wishing to make a memorial contribution are asked to consider the Canadian Cancer Society. Arrangements entrusted to Life Transitions Burial and Cremation Service Inc.

Healing Love Ministry is an all night prayer line with counsellors available from 12:00am-7:00am. Also, a male support group for those struggling with sexual addiction. A home based ministry, private and confidential. 519-354-3532.

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