The Chatham Voice, April 18, 2024

Tiny cabin site picked in Chatham

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

Chatham-Kent council

has paved the way for a new 50-cabin, tiny-home emergency shelter complex.

At the April 8 meeting,

council passed a number of recommendations connected to the development, with a focus on providing community sup-

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ports to those in need. Dubbed the Emergency Transitional Cabin Program, the project will be located on a vacant 0.83acre property owned by the municipally at the intersection of Park Street and Hyslop Street in Chatham. The site is directly north of the Pet and Wildlife Rescue property and will include a communal building for washrooms and a kitchen, as well as the individual cabins.

that are needed to change their future. The first thing we need to do is we need to listen.”

According to an administrative report, more than 25 municipally owned sites were considered in an “exhaustive search,” with the decision based in part on the location not being adjacent to an elementary school, splash pad or wading pool or licensed daycare centre.

The site is also close to a convenience store, bus stop and within a kilometre and and a half from a laundromat, Outreach for Hunger, ROCK Missions and Hope Haven. The complex will also have 24/7 security.

are supportive,” Crew said, including neighbours of the new site.

“They understand transitional housing. When people are down and out, we usually don’t count them out,” Crew said. “We try to help them out.”

She said that while nobody wants shelters, homelessness is a reality the municipality must deal with.

“Human issues are very expensive issues,” she told council.

Chatham Coun. Alysson Storey said the municipality cannot afford to “wait any longer” on the issue, noting the voices of the most vulnerable need to be heard.

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Next steps for the shelter project include consulting. with neighbours so the municipality can best accommodate their needs moving forward.

“With council’s approval, municipal staff will be launching this important housing program as quickly as possible,” said Josh Myers, C-K’s director of housing services. “This program will give C-K residents who are experiencing homelessness, the opportunity to heal, learn new skills and be connected with other supports

Next steps approved by council entail pre-site development work; hiring a project manager to assist with the cabin project which includes working on other affordable housing initiatives, as well as issuing requests for proposal for both construction and security services.

Council has also entered into agreements with ROCK Missions, Canadian Mental Health Association Lambton-Kent and Hope Haven to provide support and housing outreach services. A Chatham-Kent Legal Clinic housing stability worker will be hired as well.

The contract at Victoria Park Place on Murray Street ends in May 2025.

Chatham Coun. Marjorie Crew said that while the cabin project won’t reach everyone – particularly those who don’t trust government – “Most people

Mayor Darrin Canniff said the cabin plan is a great step forward.

“This is progress; this is Chatham-Kent looking to implement a progressive solution to a very difficult issue,” he said, calling housing a “fundamental need.”

The transitional cabin project caps off a tumultuous period that saw C-K’s homelessness crisis deepen as a result of the pandemic. Council has recognized that the need for emergency shelter continues to mount and as a result directed municipal staff to come up with a plan for the future.

Since Chatham-Kent started providing shelter services two and a half years ago, 491 people have accessed the services, with 28,072 overnight bed visits provided, the report said.

Continued on page 3

Mayor reiterates support against York1

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

Mayor Darrin Canniff has reaffirmed Chatham-Kent’s commitment to the battle against the York1 landfill expansion at Dresden.

“We, together as Chatham-Kent, will fight this until this is no longer an issue and it’s done,” Canniff told the crowd gathered at the second public meeting put on by Dresden Citizens Against Reckless Environmental Disposal (CARED). “It’s not going to happen.”

The comment was met with loud applause from around 100 people who attended the session at the Ken Houston Memorial Agricultural Centre April 11.

“I expect Dresden to step up in the way they have, as they do in every other thing, good or bad,” the mayor said, adding his thanks to Dresden CARED and the community.

“I want to thank you for what you’re doing here,” Canniff said. “The key is understanding

the facts and getting together. We want all of Chatham-Kent fighting with you.”

Canniff said he has sent a text to Doug Ford communicating C-K’s opposition, and has also spoken with Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks Andrea Khanjin to let her know the York1 landfill project is unwanted.

According to Canniff, the municipality has hired a “highend” lawyer to deal with the issue and it isn’t going to be cheap.

“Council is behind you and we’re not going to be restricted by funds,” he said. “Make sure you get everyone you know to make submissions. It’s critical that we get an environmental assessment.”

The mayor’s comments are the latest salvo to be fired in the battle against GTA-based York1 Environmental Waste Solutions’ bid to revive and expand an old landfill on Irish School Road just a kilometre north of town. The company wants to build a regenerative recycling waste facility to repurpose

demolition waste and soil from construction sites.

York1, to date, has three applications before the province that would see up to 6,000 tonnes of waste transported to the site each day.

The company is looking to piggyback on an existing landfill approval made over 40 years ago, as landfill approvals are difficult to obtain.

The York1 proposals, which only came to light at the end of January, has evoked a furious response from the community.

In response to the backlash, the province is also seeking public comment on the York1 proposal on the Environmental Registry of Ontario. Khanjin has publicly committed to undertaking a comprehensive environmental assessment at the site.

Those wishing to make comments regarding an environmental assess-

Housing for the homeless

Continued from page 2

A total of 162 people have secured permanent housing following their shelter stay. Council heard that folks staying at the cabin site must sign a participation agreement, whereby they agree to co-operate with a community worker to set goals which ultimately will lead them to permanent housing. If they don’t want to follow the plan, they will have to leave.

“Our goal is to end homelessness as quickly as we can,” Myers said, noting that making services more available helps alleviate difficult problems such as homeless encampments.

He emphasized that the new development is designed to provide transitional housing, not to build a permanent community.

Two deputations were presented to council at the meet-

ing.

PAWR operations manager Myriam Armstrong told council PAWR staff are stressed about security concerns, adding the location of the tiny cabin development is a “poor choice.”

ROCK Missions executive director Renee Geniole also spoke on the issue, saying the entirety of ROCK Missions is excited about the tiny cabin plan.

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Music fest rebounds postpandemic

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

The 78th edition of the Chatham Kiwanis Music Festival has ended on a high note.

The popular competition, that sees youth up to the age of 19 put on their best musical and vocal performances, has rebounded from the pandemic with more than 300 performers registered in this year’s event. According to festival co-chair Julie Collins, an instrumental choir category was added back in for 2024.

Other categories included musical mainstays such as piano, strings, a number of vocal categories and musical theatre. “We have stabilized our numbers,” Collins said on the final day of the competition, adding a significant number of performers from the Windsor area travelled to compete in Chatham.

The accomplishment is significant. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic forced the event’s cancellation. The festival was held virtually in 2021 and 2022 before returning to live performances last year.

Adjudicators for this year’s festival included Linda Fletcher (vocal); Jennifer Smele (ju-

nior piano); Lance Ouellette (strings); Marion Abbott (musical theatre and speech arts) as well as Chatham native Benjamin Smith, also an adjudicator, in the junior piano category.

Now that the festival has concluded, organizers are gearing up for the Grand Concert April 29 at the Kiwanis Theatre. The evening will also see awards, trophies, plaques and scholarships handed out to deserving performers.

“It’s a really nice night,” Collins said. “We try to pick from all of the categories so they are all well represented.”

The 78th Kiwanis Chatham Kiwanis Music Festival is one for the books, and plans for the April 29 Grand Concert are underway. The event saw some 300 youth perform in a variety of categories including strings, vocals, musical theatre, speech arts, piano and instrumental band. Here, violinists Zoe Thompson and Henry and Hayden Hill showcase their talents on the festival’s final day at Holy Trinity/St. Paul’s Anglican Church.

The Grand Concert begins at 7 p.m.

Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the door. Students and children are free.

Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice

Opinion

two cents

We offer up a bit of food for thought this week on several topics.

• Chatham-Kent’s tiny cabins for the homeless

Well, this is one topic where everyone knows such an effort is needed, but no one wants it in their backyard.

Talk to people in the downtown core or in the Tecumseh Park neighbourhood and you will hear about issues of mental health, intoxication by drug and/or alcohol being all too regular and problematic.

And since local police executives seem allergic to the idea of having officers walk the beat in the downtown, it is truly better that the future shelter complex will be located further away from Chatham’s core.

The site is still located close enough to needed amenities for the people who make use of the tiny cabins that they can reach them with relative ease.

In short, the site seems to be the best option.

To the municipality’s credit, it’s personnel looked at more than two-dozen options.

• What to do if he wins

With East Kent Coun. Steve Pinson-

neault seeking a seat at Queen’s Park for the Progressive Conservatives, there is a very, very real chance he will win. Questionable decisions Premier Doug Ford has made since his re-election don’t matter much.

A look back to the McGuinty-Wynn years likely scares enough votes Pinsonneault’s way, coinciding with the traditional Conservative support in this region. No one should be surprised that come May 3 there is an open seat on municipal council. There are options for filling the vacancy, but the simplest, smartest and least expensive move, should Pinsonneault win, would be to appoint the person who placed third in East Kent in the last election. That would be Morena McDonald, who would bring more youth to council chambers. Not a bad option at all.

• At the back of the bus?

OK, is it just us, or is it just wrong that the likeness of two famous abolitionist and Black citizens, Mary Ann Shadd and Josiah Henson, are represented at the back of the new decorated transit bus? It was vital that they were included on the moving mural, but surely the location could have been improved.

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Editor: This is in response to council’s decision to build the 50-unit shelter for displaced persons on Chatham’s east side. Yay! Once again, without any input from residents. Than again, it’s just the east side, right

Mr. Mayor?

Thanks for the headache on our doorsteps and right next to Henry Weaver Park, where children play.

Darrin Caniff you should be ashamed of

yourself, but it’ll be a great photo-op, huh?

Thanks, mayor, and thanks, council. This is just what we needed.

Al Laforet Chatham

Fire hall relocation needed

Editor’s note: This letter was sent to the mayor and council in mid-January, nearly three months ago. Of the 18 elected officials who could have contacted the writer, only one did.

newspaper

I appreciate the opportunity to express my thoughts re: the proposal to purchase the former Sears portion of the Downtown Chatham Centre.

The area now being considered pales in comparison to that which was initially offered. I don’t

think it should be considered.

Let’s suppose:

• We close the fire hall at the Civic Centre and move it to an overcrowded EMS facility, which was originally designed to accommodate both ambulances and fire trucks. Fire trucks located there would provide fire protection for those of us south of the CP rail line in Chatham. Should a 200-car train be passing through, or there

be an accident/fatality – that means going west to Bloomfield Road or east to Communication Road for hours, and we in the south are essentially cut off.

• Moving the fire hall would provide space – as may be required – for some of the renovations for the Civic Centre.

After that, it could be the ground-level space for the museum relocation. Continued on page 7

CKHA 50/50 raffle returns

The Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Foundation (CKHAF) has lit its proverbial fundraising torch once again.

The Igniting Healthcare 50/50 Fundraiser is back, with more prizes to be won than ever before.

The Foundation’s first ever Spring 50/50 launched on April 2, with one lucky winner set to take home the grand prize jackpot on May 3.

Proceeds from the Spring 50/50 will be designated towards the highest priority needs at CKHA, allowing the foundation to continue to invest in life-changing equipment and facility upgrades in its local hospital sites.

“In our current health-care landscape, the greatest needs and priorities of our hospital are always changing, which makes it so important for our foundation to remain responsive and adaptable in our commitment to meet these evolving needs,” Christine Mitchell, CKHAF president and CEO, said in a media release.

Tickets can be purchased online now at www.ignite5050.ca. In person ticket sales will also be available at the CKHAF office (9 Ursuline Ave, Chatham), Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Tickets can only be purchased by Ontario residents over 18 years of age.

For more information, visit www. ignite5050.ca.

Move fire hall

Continued from page 6

• If we relocate the fire station on Sandy Street, we could do so to provide space for some of the EMS vehicles, as well as the fire trucks.

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The Chatham Voice

Rise House still operational in strife-torn Haiti

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

You can hear the emotion in Emily Caron’s voice when talking about what is transpiring nearly 2,800 kilometres away.

Caron, formerly Emily Hime, heads Rise House, which runs a home just outside Port-au-Prince, Haiti’s capital.

Haiti has been in turmoil since early March. Gangs went on the rampage when then-Prime Min-

ister Ariel Henry, was out of the country. The gangs blocked his return and forced him to give up his power.

“It’s pretty scary right now. The gangs have pretty much overtaken the country,” Caron said. “Our kids have missed a lot of school this year.”

The airport in Port-au-Prince and the port are blocked, preventing needed food fom reaching the masses. An estimated 40 per cent of the population doesn’t have

enough to eat.

Furthermore, there has been rampant unrest since 2021, when Jovenel Moise, who was the president at the time, was murdered in his residence.

“It’s been difficult the last couple of years, just due to the violence,” Caron said. “I haven’t been able to go back down there. Inflation is bad there as well.

It’s costing more to buy food, buy gas, buy all the things we need to run the place.”

charity.

That transitioned into Rise House in 2019, as Hime shared the responsibilities with a board of volunteers.

In terms of fundraising, Caron said it’s been a challenge to keep the cash flowing to the home.

“It’s pretty scary right now. The gangs have pretty much overtaken the country. “Our kids have missed a lot of school this year.”

tions are targetted just because they (the gangs) assume there’s money there,” she said.

Caron, despite the struggle, does not want to close down the house.

“We don’t want to just abandon our projects down there. I know a lot of other organizations are pulling out because of the violence and corruption down there,” she said. “I have an emotional connection to Haiti, to these kids and to our staff. I feel like we owe it to them to pull through the tough times.”

- Emily Caron

The home, which she said was downsized last year, is host to a couple of families, children and staff. Currently, there are about 14 people living in the home. Caron has had a passion for helping children in Haiti since 2011 when she first visited the Caribbean country. She wound up moving down there in 2012 and took over a children’s home, establishing the Hime for Help

“A lot of it is due to the fact I’m not down there. When I was down there, I was constantly taking photos and posting updates,” she said, and that was helping to keep people in Chatham-Kent and beyond updated on how the home was doing.

“We’re trying to hang on through all the turmoil,” Caron said. “I’m still in contact with our staff.”

But Caron doesn’t want to utilize social media to post images of the home or the children right now, out of fear the gangs will see an opportunity.

“I know a lot of organiza-

To help keep the funds flowing, Rise House continues to run trivia nights at Sons of Kent Brewery once a month. As well, Rockathon, another fundraiser for Rise House, returns May 4 to the beer hall.

“We have a bunch of local bands that will be playing at Sons of Kent all day. It’s a really fun day,” Caron said. “Entry is by donation. We usually have a really good turnout.”

There will also be a silent auction that day as well.

Contributed image

The children of Rise House in Haiti are seen here, but their future is unknown given the extreme turmoil in the country. Rise House founder Emily Caron of Chatham is trying to keep funding flowing to keep the kids fed and the home running.

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Number of homes for sale on the rise

The Chatham Voice

Home sales in March mirrored those of the same month one year ago.

This past month, 106 homes changed hands, according to the Chatham-Kent Association of Realtors (CKAR).

However, that number sits nearly 17 per cent below the five-year average and almost 10 per cent below the 10-year average for sales in the month of March in Chatham-Kent.

Despite that fact, so far this year, the first three months have seen 258 units change hands. That’s actually up more than 13 per cent from the same period a year ago.

Carrie Patrick, president of CKAR, said the market is getting stronger as warmer – and busier –months approach.

“Although home sales and new listings were flat on a year-over-year basis, both of these measures are showing a steady im-

provement on a monthly basis and continue to strengthen heading into what is traditionally the busiest time of the year,” she said in a media release.

The average price of homes sold in March 2024 was $407,197, a dip of two per cent from March 2023.

Looking at sales from the first three months of the year, the average price sat at $406,275, also a drop of about two per cent from the first three months of 2023.

People listed 225 homes for sale in March. That number is 16 per cent above the five-year average and more than 24 per cent above the 10-year average for the month of March.

“Overall supply levels are at historical norms and still rising as sellers

eagerly continue to list their homes in anticipation of what now feels like the long-awaited return of demand,” Patrick said. “Once buyers decide to return to the market, they will find that ample choice awaits them, and we will likely see a period of modest price growth as this

inventory is gradually absorbed.”

Active residential listings numbered 388 units on the market at the end of March, up by 9.6 per cent from the end of March 2023. Active listings haven’t been this high in the month of March in more than five years.

Pinsonneault on leave from council

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

East Kent Coun. Steve Pinsonneault is taking a temporary leave of absence from C-K council as he campaigns to become a member of provincial parliament.

According to a letter submitted to council recently, Pinsonneault said his four-week unpaid leave will allow him to focus on becoming Lambton-Kent-Middlesex’s next MPP in the upcoming May 2 by-election.

“I realize that I don’t have to take a leave of absence under the municipal rules, however, I intend to put my full attention to the election process and don’t feel that Chatham-Kent taxpayers should pay for my time away,” Pinsonneault’s statement said.

The by-election will see a total of seven candidates face off to fill the seat left vacant by long-time MPP Monte McNaughton who stepped

away from politics last fall. Pinsonneault, a Ward 3 Chatham-Kent councillor for the past 17 years, was named as the Progressive Conservation candidate in January.

It’s not yet clear how the municipality will fill Pinsonneault’s seat on council if he is elected. A by-election could be called, or the person next in line from the 2022 election could step forward, meaning Morena McDonald would become a Ward 3 councillor.

Currently, there are nine female councillors and nine male councillors on council, as well as Mayor Darrin Canniff. If McDonald fills Pinsonneault’s empty chair, it means that female councillors will outnumber male councillors – 10 to eight – for the first time in the municipality’s history.

According to the municipal clerk’s office, both options will be presented to council at the May 13 council meeting if Pinsonneault is successful.

Leaf and yard waste programs could change

Changes are being proposed for Chatham-Kent leaf and yard waste collection programs and the municipality is seeking the public’s input.

One of the changes for consideration is transitioning from a clear bag to a paper one for waste pickup in mandated communities. The shift aims to reduce environmental impact by minimizing plastic waste and to promote sustainability through the use of biodegradable materials.

As well, the municipality is look-

ing at closing the Tilbury Leaf & Yard Depot. According to a media release from the municipality, operating challenges associated with this site have prompted the recommendation.

Tilbury residents currently benefit from weekly brush, grass and leaf pick-up services at the curb during spring, summer and fall months. However, “mounting operational pressures and costs” have led to possible closure.

Residents are invited to participate in a brief three-question survey to provide insights on the possible changes.

The Chatham Voice

Mobile stage unveiled

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

Chatham-Kent’s Mainstreet Stage is ready to rock.

The imposing $260,000 mobile stage – the flatbed base is towed by a truck – was unveiled to an enthusiastic crowd at the J.D. Bradley Centre April 9. Mayor Darrin Canniff credited CAO Michael Duben with the idea of procuring such a stage.

“He’s the one who said we should have this,” Canniff told the gathering, adding that when the municipality called on Mainstreet Credit Union with the proposal the organization jumped on board.

“For a really inexpensive price, we’re able to create a whole other level of professionalism in Chatham-Kent,” Canniff said, noting Mainstreet has been an “amazing partner.”

“Chatham-Kent is grow-

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ing, our population is growing,” Canniff noted, adding it is “a great piece of the puzzle” and will be another reason to take notice of what’s happening in C-K.

Duben, who worked for the City of Windsor earlier in his career, said he

saw the addition of a portable stage there 20 years ago and it made a big difference to events. Upon arriving in C-K around 20 months ago, Duben said he attended a No Child Left Behind event in Wallaceburg. The presenters could

barely be seen and heard, he said.

“It was such a great event and I thought, ‘You know what, we need one of these,’” he said.

“Chatham-Kent deserves this,” Duben added. “I’m looking forward to seeing all of our events.”

The stage, equipped with state-of-the-art lighting and sound system, can be set up in an hour and taken down in an hour. Several public works employees are trained in putting it up and tearing it down.

Mainstreet Credit Union has contributed $100,000 to the project, with the remainder coming from the Hydro One Community Fund. There is zero cost to the taxpayer.

According to Mainstreet president and CEO Chris

Inniss, funding community initiatives is part of the credit union’s mandate.

“Community events are a key piece of what Mainstreet is involved in and we’re really, really excited for this stage opportunity,” Inniss said. “I think that the public-private partnerships we are trying to build are a great idea.”

The stage’s first booked event is the Special Olympics games in June.

Fees to rent the stage are $816 for the first day for non-profits and $405 for each additional day. For private and for-profit events, the cost is $960, with a $450 fee for each subsequent day. Anyone wishing to inquire about renting the stage can contact ckspecialevents@ chatham-kent.ca.

Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice Chatham-Kent Mayor Darrin Canniff, Mainstreet Credit Union president and CEO Chris Inniss and municipal CAO Michael Duben show off the new $260,000 portable stage now available to rent. Equipped with state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems, the stage can quickly be assembled and taken down. Mainstreet donated $100,000 for the asset with the remainder coming from Hydro One’s Community Fund.

Gala delivers fun and funds

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

The taste buds remained dazzled days after the Gala for the Kids event.

The gala, which took place at the Chatham Armoury, saw about 150 people attend, and raised more than $200,000 for the Foundation of the Children’s Treatment Centre of Chatham-Kent.

Mike Genge, president of the foundation, said the night was a “fantastic” hit with guests.

“What a night. It was one of those nights where everything just went perfect,” Genge said of the masquerade ball-themed event. “Everybody dressed up and everybody had masks on.”

He credited event-goers for getting into the spirit of the gala. “They came ready to experience an event,” Genge said. “As soon as they walked in, we had an almost-circus-like act. We had jugglers, guys on unicycles, guys balancing chairs on their heads –just all kinds of stuff.”

And then came the dinner, put on by Len and Tina Acampura. Genge

described it as an Italian Renaissance affair.

With people opting to consume less alcohol these days, Genge said the event featured a mocktail bar that was also a hit.

No foundation event is complete without a live and silent auction, which helped gather the funds raised. Genge said the live auction, featuring trips to Burgundy, Italy, Florida and Las Vegas, raised almost $90,000 on its own.

The evening also included dancing to a DJ and a midnight buffet, for anyone who wanted a succulent snack.

Genge said the gala would not be possible without the help of supporting businesses.

“It’s just incredible the support we get every year from our sponsors. They step up every year. They are just great people,” he said. “I have a lot of respect for them.”

Last year, the event raised in excess of $350,000, but $250,000 of that was attributed to a donation from local Rotarians.

In the wake of this year’s gala, Genge believes the event is gathering steam

LIQUIDATION

and interest.

The pandemic delivered a change for the foundation. The long-running and popular Festival of Giving, where upwards of 800 people gathered to party together at the Bradley Centre, had to be held virtually for several years.

What emerged from the pandemic was the gala, involving fewer participants in a more intimate setting.

The gala supports various programs and services provided by the Children’s Treatment Centre.

One in five children in Chatham-Kent access services.

The next big – and mobile – fundraiser for the foundation is the Run for the Kids, slated for June 23 in

Park.

Rondeau Provincial

Contributed image

Mike Genge, president of the Foundation of the Children’s Treatment Centre; Kevin Owen, foundation board chair; and Greg Hetherington, event auctioneer are pictured here at the start of the Gala for the Kids event, which raised more than $200,000.

Mobile mural bus unveiled

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

Municipal officials revealed what Mayor Darrin Canniff said is the first piece of “movable art” recently – a CK Transit bus wrapped in images from around Chatham-Kent.

Impact Graphics wrapped the bus in the scenes at no cost to taxpayers. Images adorning the bus, which will operate on the route to and from St. Clair College, include identifiable buildings and people, top pastimes such as fishing, tourist attractions and events and a salute to local agriculture.

“Impact Graphics

stepped up big time. People are going to ask, ‘How much is this going to cost the taxpayers?’ Zero. Impact Graphics sponsored this wrap,” Canniff said. “We had it designed internally, so there is no cost to doing this.”

The mayor said unveiling the bus was the final stage in a two-month process where organizers solicited feedback to try to ensure all municipal wards were featured on the bus.

“We wanted to just have fun with it and make it all about C-K,” he said.

Canniff said this is the first of what he hopes are many C-K buses to be adorned with images.

“We’d love to have basically the whole fleet of Chatham-Kent buses wrapped like this in some way,” he said. “I’d like to see all sorts of different themes.”

Canniff said he will encourage the public to provide input into future themes and work with local media to determine what people would like to see.

“We then start finding champions to run with it and finding sponsors that are willing to step up, add their name and pay for it,” he said.

Why stop at transit buses? Canniff sees other municipal vehicles getting

treated as well. “Buses are one thing. We want to look at a lot of other vehicles. We want to see what we can do with those as well over time,” he said.

Canniff said he believes the wrapped vehicles will create a buzz factor in several ways, brightening up people’s days.

“This is a travelling art show. It’s part of how we beautify our community and we want to start doing a lot more of that,” he said. “This will put a smile on someone’s face.”

Bruce Corcoran/The Chatham Voice

Chatham-Kent Mayor Darrin Canniff, right, and Impact Graphics’ Dustyn Lachine hop aboard a CK Rides bus that Impact has wrapped to showcase the rich diversity of the municipality.

Let’s recognize and celebrate every volunteer and each contribution they’re making to strengthen inclusivity and wellbeing in our communities. Now more than ever, Every Moment Matters!

#NVW2024 #EveryMomentMatters

The theme for National Volunteer Week 2024 is Every Moment Matters. It highlights the importance of every volunteer and each contribution they make at a moment when we need support more than ever. The sharing of time, skills, empathy, and creativity is vital to the inclusivity, strength, and wellbeing of our communities.

Volunteers are fundamental to meeting this challenging moment. By coming together, committing support, and increasing our collective efforts and impact, we contribute exponentially to the quality of life we all strive for.

It’s in these moments, and the relationships between them, that we find greater purpose and a sense of belonging. By connecting and engaging with community, we come to know our importance. Volunteering matters. And by sharing these moments, we co-create the neighbourhoods, culture, and society we want to live in.

Right now, whatever we can contribute is needed and valued. From assisting programs that feed and house Canadians or helping with recovery efforts after a climate emergency, to peer mentoring a refugee family or holding space for community grief – moment by moment we can move collectively from surviving to thriving again.

During National Volunteer Week 2024, we come together to recognize and celebrate the importance of each and every volunteer’s impact from coast to coast to coast.

Here are a few ways you can applaud your volunteers and celebrate National Volunteer Week:

1 - Give a shout-out to your volunteers on social media. You can highlight individuals, teams or projects that have helped further your mission.

2 - Bring your volunteers together so they can socialize with each other.

3 - Nominate a superstar volunteer for a local or national award to formally recognize their efforts.

4 - Handmade cards from the community members you work with is a special thank you gift for volunteers. Plus, the creative time can be fun, even therapeutic, for service recipients.

5 - Start a private group on social media and invite volunteers, staff and community members to join. Set a time to gather

for a virtual party and share videos, images and stories about the impact volunteers have had.

6 - Volunteers love to see that the work they do is making a difference to the lives of others. If they are able, invite community members to write or dictate letters to the volunteers who have really made a difference in their lives.

7 - We don’t always see volunteers in action. Ask volunteers to share stories about their fellow volunteers. Are they constantly impressed by someone’s positive attitude? Have they seen a fellow volunteer diffuse a challenging situation?

8 - Have a favorite coffee shop in town? Do you love to share gourmet chocolates or tasty treats from your local bakery? Yummy gifts and gift cards don’t collect dust, and you’ll support other local businesses by giving your volunteers a sweet gift that they can enjoy with family and friends.

Giving back to one’s community can provide a sense of purpose and improve an individual’s overall well-being.

Volunteerism also produces additional benefits, including boosting one’s positive perception to others. Human resources executives attest that contributing to a nonprofit can improve leadership skills.

By understanding the value behind volunteer work — for the people or organization on the receiving end as well as the volunteer — more individuals may decide to donate their time and services.

However, finding the right volunteer opportunity may take some trial and error.

The following are some tips for finding the right fit.

• Consider skills and interests. Before choosing a volunteer opportunity, make a list of activities that you enjoy. This may help guide volunteer choices. For example, if you like hiking, you may volunteer to clean up a local park.

• Assess your skill levels. Is there something you are particularly adept at doing? For example, if you are a certified public accountant, you may be able to volunteer by mentoring young accounting students, or doing taxes or book

keeping tasks for the elderly or less fortunate.

• Think about commitment level. Figure out how much time you can spend volunteering. Maybe you only have the weekends or a few hours in the evenings? Understanding how much free time you have can help you choose opportunities that fit within these parameters.

• Research potential organizations. Not all nonprofit groups are created equal. Utilize resources that vet charitable groups to determine if they are trustworthy.

• Define your goals. Have goals in mind when

selecting opportunities. Defining a goal can help you maintain the motivation to volunteer and see a project through to completion.

• Start small. Wade into a volunteer opportunity slowly to see if it is the right fit. This may include

volunteering one day a week or month. Increase the time you spend volunteering once you’ve found the right place for you.

Volunteering can bring joy to a person’s life, especially when individuals find an inspiring opportunity.

family tradition in the Janssens family.

the encouragement of his wife Margaret, Jake became involved with Meals on Wheels upon his retirement over 20 years ago.

Jake’s wife Margaret passed away two years ago, family members readily jumped in and continued the tradition of Volunteering with Meals on Wheels. Meals

UCC students to return to the stage

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

For the first time in five years, the curtain will rise on an Ursuline College Chatham musical production.

The school is presenting the popular “Matilda” - the story of a brilliant five-year-old girl who overcomes obstacles to become her best self.

The bookish youngster faces down neglectful and abusive parents, and a tyrannical notso-nice school headmistress, in a quest for justice and self-realization.

Producer Jordan Matteis, said everyone involved in Matilda has basically “started from scratch,” as the Covid-19 pandemic spelled an end to live performance at the school.

“It’s been a learning curve,” said Matteis, who leads UCC’s guidance department. “This is our first production since the pandemic and we are thrilled to be back. It’s going to be a great show. Everything else has slowly come back from Covid. This is the last piece we were hoping to get back.”

Some 75 students are taking

part in the show, with Olivia Gregory playing the lead as Matilda Wormwood. The cast is comprised of 25 students, there are 25 students behind the scenes, along with a 12-piece student orchestra.

Construction and visual arts students have assisted with set building and painting. The school has been working on the production since September. Four performances of the show will be held in the UCC Theatre at 7 p.m. May 1 to 4. For ticket information, visit the UCC box office at ucctheatre.sccdsb.net/ ticket-info.

Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice Rehearsals are ramping up for Ursuline College Chatham’s production of Matilda set to run May 1-4. Olivia Gregory, centre, plays Matilda, with Audrey O’Hara, left, as Miss Honey. Holly Krogman, right, plays Agatha Trunchbull.

Chatham’s T3 Tenors return

7 event April 20.

These Three Tenors – Andrew Derynck, Xander Bechard and Colin Bell – are all natives of Chatham-Kent and are graduates of Chatham Kent Secondary School where they performed in school choirs and musicals, including Phantom

of the Opera, Wizard of Oz and Fiddler on the Roof. They pursued vocal training with local voice teachers who recognized their talent and potential. All of them have won Chatham Kiwanis Music Festival awards.

On Saturday, the tenors will present their Back in Harmony concert in the church’s sanctuary. The program will include solos, duets and trios of varied repertoire, from the Beatles to opera.

Director of music at St. Andrew’s, Devon Hansen, will accompany them on St. Andrew’s Yamaha concert grand piano. A lasagna dinner will be

served at the church at 5 p.m. before the concert. Tickets for the dinner ($25) are available at the church office.

Tickets ($30) for the concert are

available at the church office, online at www.standrewschatham.org or at the church door. All proceeds support the music program at St. Andrew’s.

The Chatham Voice

Chatham’s trio of tenors will perform at St. Andrew’s United Church’s Saturdays at

Contributed image

Andrew Derynck, Xander Bechard and Colin Bell are performing on Saturday at St. Andrew’s United Church as part of the church’s Saturdays at 7 concert series.

Community Events

Thursday, April 18, 2024:

• Join us for a fun filled Jam Session 1 to 4:30pm. All are welcome to attend with a donation of $2. 4-7pm: Homemade Panzerotti + Menu available.

Merlin Legion 519-689-4884.

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

• The Chatham-Kent Quilters’ Guild meeting at St. Paul’s Congregational Church, 450 Park Ave W, Chatham. Doors open at 6:30. Meeting starts at 7:00pm. Everyone is welcome to join us, but the fee for non-members will be $10 per meeting. Our membership fee is $50 per year and this entitles you to our newsletter and all of our 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.

Friday, April 19, 2024:

• Join us for our delicious 5pc Perch or 3pc Merlickin Chicken or Combo (3pc Perch & 2pc Merlickin Chicken).Merlin Legion 519-689-4884.

• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am-9:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch 11:00am-1:30pm. Supper will be served from 4:00–6:00. No orders after 5:30pm. Tonight’s specials are Chicken Parmesan or Fish & Chips, $13.00. Take out available by calling 519-351-8733 or 519-351-5639. Fun Darts at 7:00pm. Everyone Welcome

• 630pm: Movie Nights with CK Pride. Join us at Bill’s Place (48 Centre St., Chatham). More information available at ckpride.com/calendar.

• Western Line Dance Pub Night. Come join us for a night of Western fun! There will be different line dancing, snacks and prizes for best costume, cowboy hat and more! 6:30-9pm, $10 a ticket! Call the ALC to get your ticket now!

• Friday night supper at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St is a meat loaf dinner with potatoes, vegetable, coleslaw and a bun. Dine ins $13 and pickup $14. All meals are served at 6 PM. Everyone welcome. Please call 519-352-8291 to order.

Saturday, April 20, 2024:

• Morning Breakfast Program at First Presbyterian Church (corner of Fifth St. and Wellington). A delicious and nutritious breakfast served free of charge from 9:30am-11:00am, serving indoors, no take out. Wheelchair accessible.

• Join us for our delicious Merlickin Chicken plus menu serving 4-7pm and Appetizers from 7-9 pm Entertainment: Karaoke Bob 7-11 pm. Merlin Legion 519-689-4884.

• The Performing Arts at St. Andrew’s United Church, 85 William Street S., Chatham presents Chatham’s Three Tenors: Back in Harmony at 7pm. Tickets $30 at the door or online at www. standrewschatham.org/tickets. For further information call 519-352-0010 or www.standrewschatham.org/music.

• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am-9:30pm. There will be a meat draw at 3:30, 4:30 and 5:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch 3:00pm-5:30pm. Entertainment by the Marquis from 4:309:30. Everyone Welcome.

• Amanda Martinez is coming to the Mary Webb Centre for the Arts in Highgate. Internationally renowned in Latin/Jazz. Canadian singer-songwriter. Tickets are $40 in advance, $45 the day of the concert, taxes in. More info at marywebbcentre.ca. Door to hall opens at 7pm. The concert is at 8:00pm.

• Spring Fling Bazzar and Craft Sale 9.00am-2.00pm. Lots of home baking, knitted baby clothes and knitted animals, crocheted Items, Afghans, Doilies, Painted Wooden decor. Diamond art, framed paintings,Come check it out! 40 Trillium Village in the Activity Room.

• Euchre at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St. $10. Lunch available from noon to1 PM.

Sunday, April 21, 2024:

• 25th Anniversary Thames River Cleanup, Chatham. Rain date April 28th. Gloves and garbage bags supplied. High school students – collect your volunteer hours! Everyone welcome; families, friends, sports teams, work groups, neighbours, church, service groups, come as a team or join one. Chance to win a canoe. To register or for more info contact: Tamara Burton, tamara. burton@corteva.com, 519-401-8242.

• Jamboree at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St. $5. Come enjoy the music from Hired Hand and dance the afternoon away.

Tuesday, April 23, 2024:

• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am-9:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch 11:00am-1:30pm. Today’s special is Spaghetti with meat sauce. Come play Euchre at 1:00 or spend the evening playing Shuffleboard or Euchre starting at 7:00 p.m. Everyone Welcome.

• Looking for a FUN workout? Zumba is a great upbeat, latin-inspired class that improves stress levels, muscle tone, heart health, and coordination! If you are interested in an Evening Zumba class come on out on Tuesdays starting, April 23rd from 6-7pm, for $10.

Wednesday, April 24, 2024:

• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am-9:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch 11:00am-1:30pm. Our daily special is meat loaf Dinner. Come check out our other daily specials. We have Fun Darts at 7:00pm. Everyone Welcome.

• Dart Night Tournament at the Merlin Legion. 519-689-4884. Special: 1lb Wings + 12oz Draft $10 +tax.

Thursday, April 25, 2024:

• Join us for a fun filled afternoon with the Jam Session from 1 to 4:30pm. All are welcome to attend. A donation of $2. From 4 to 7. Homemade Panzerotti + Menu available. Merlin Legion 519-689-4884.

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

Taking early registrations for Merlin Legion. Antique Car, Truck, Tractor & Motorcycle Show. Sunday July 21st from 10 – 3 pm. $10 so book today as you do not want to miss out on this great event that supports our veterans and our community. Call Lori at 519-476-5870 or email lori.s.parker@gmail.com.

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

Fun Stuff

of Babism 32. Indigenous person in parts of Asia 33. Sea eagle 37. Leave behind

Time of day 39. Colorless crystalline compound

They lay out course requirements 41. A diamond has three

Algerian coastal city 43. Remove cover

Rechristened

Distinctive practice 48. Defunct phone company 49. Turkish officer of high rank 51. Eliminate from the body 52. Witness 53. Soviet Socialist Republic

58. Founding Father Franklin

Stephen Campbell, None of the Above

Why are you running to represent the riding of L-K-M?

I am running because the old parties are not balancing the budget. They are not listening to the people of their district, and they are bringing in policies that the people do not want. They listen to their party leader instead of the people.

I would like to cut the pay of MPP’s salaries and make their salaries with a base salary and then have incentives such that they could only increase their salary if for instance they balance the budget. Then this would tie them to being responsible with the taxpayers’ money.

What are the biggest issues facing the riding?

Homelessness is now a problem in our district with people living in tents in small towns.

The provincial government needs to look into temporary shelter for these people in the winter.

The Dresden dump is a problem and any dump from Toronto should not be with in a close vicinity to our towns. Petrolia, Watford and other dumps should have never happened. They now vent the methane gas and there is no way these should even be allowed to be close to a population base. Toronto needs to recycle and deal with their problem, not dump it on rural Ontario.

There are many more issues that need addressing like the lack of grain mills in our area, forcing farmers to drive greater distances to get their grain to a mill.

Do you feel rural Ontario is getting overlooked? If elected, what if any steps will you take to remedy that?

Recently, Doug Ford said he would have a referendum on the Carbon Tax. Six Conservative MPPs have left their positions. This would have been a perfect time to have a referendum on the Carbon Tax as people go to the polls to vote. Yet they have let us down again.

If I cannot get referendums to take place, I would have random polls in the district so that I would be representing individuals and not a party.

In 2022, the whole agriculture and agri-food system employed 2.3 million people. It provided one-in-nine jobs in Canada. The Ontario government is overlooking a key indus-

try that could be doing so much more if the Ontario government would only invest in their own people.

You would think since the rural people have the majority vote with the PC party, they would actually help the people that voted in this government.

What are your goals as a Member of Provincial Parliament?

Since I am with the None of the Above Party, I am an independent representative and I would like to see more referendums on issues that currently divide people. The SOGI Curriculum, the Carbon Tax, Farm Land Protection, etc. My goals are to listen to the people of LKM, and take our concerns of LKM to Queen’s Park and not be tied by party politics. Being in the None of the Above Party I can do that.

Please share some personal details about yourself.

I grew up on a farm in North Ekfrid. I played fastball in Melbourne and hockey in Strathroy and Glencoe.

I graduated from Fanshawe College with a Business Diploma and an Information Systems Diploma.

Continued on page 22

• Probate and Estate Information Return

• Taxation on death

• Joint ownership issues and the restraints on preparing a will

• Being prepared for an unexpected death while travelling

• Saving money through an Eligible Funeral Arrangement

• Ensuring your wishes are understood and carried out

The Chatham Voice

Stephen Campbell

William “Bill” Teslak

61, Thursday, April 9, 2024

Hinnegan-Peseski

Ann Pickering

86, Thursday, April 4, 2024

Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home

Pat Crone

69, Thursday, April 4, 2024

Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home

Gloria Ripley

80, Saturday, April 6, 2024

Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home

Melvyn Broughton

85, Tuesday, April 9, 2024

Blenheim Community Funeral Home

David Langstaff

80, Wednesday, April 10, 2024

Blenheim Community Funeral Home

Mark Warring

72, Saturday, April 6, 2024

Kendrick Funeral Home

Lois Bachynski

85, Monday, April 8, 2024

Kendrick Funeral Home

George Janssens

84, Thursday, April 4, 2024

Alexander & Houle Funeral Home

June Marie Herbison

98, Friday, April 5, 2024

Badder Funeral Homes

George Douglas McGuire

90, Tuesday, April 9, 2024

Badder Funeral Homes

Abbie Louise Northcott

93, Tuesday, April 9, 2024

Badder Funeral Homes

Shirley Cammile Louise Fraser

88, Friday, April 5, 2024

McKinlay Funeral Home

Fred Bateman

68, Thursday, March 28, 2024

McKinlay Funeral Home

Jack Powell

96, Friday, April 5, 2024

McKinlay Funeral Home

Florence Boggs

84, Monday, April 8, 2024

McKinlay Funeral Home

Wallace Hynes

77, Friday, April 5, 2024

McKinlay Funeral Home

Robert “Bob” Bromley

73, Saturday, April 6, 2024

McKinlay Funeral Home

Karla Ertel

77, Tuesday, April 9, 2024

McKinlay Funeral Home

Ray Roy

60, Wednesday, April 3, 2024

McKinlay Funeral Home

Margaret Farmer

89, Thursday, April 11, 2024

McKinlay Funeral Home

Ronald Bellefleur

71, Sunday, April 7, 2024

McKinlay Funeral Home

Marko Prole

74, Thursday, April 4, 2024

Life Transitions

Linda Benn (Keller)

75, Thursday, April 4, 2024

Life Transitions

Zora Lauc

91, Tuesday, April 9, 2024

Life Transitions

Mary “Ruth” Lauzon

Monday, April 8, 2024

Life Transitions

Alan Baart

65, Monday, April 1, 2024

Nicholls Funeral Home

See full obituaries at chathamvoice.com/obituaries

Kong Barbell opens

The Chatham Voice

Kong Barbell is doing some heavy lifting on Riverview Drive.

The powerlifting gym recently opened and offers a variety of training.

Gym owner Kaiden Bushy said he opened the facility because, as a lifter himself, he saw a dearth of powerlifting gyms in the province.

interests. From beginner to professional, we have it all covered here,” Bushey said.

Public school board, teachers reach deal

“I thought, ‘Why does Chatham not have this?’ We have big, strong farmers all over the place, so why not have a strength gym,” he said in a media release.

The gym operates 24 hours a day to accommodate everyone’s schedules. However, not every hour is supervised. Check kongbarbell.ca for details.

“This gym was designed to be comfortable, friendly, inviting, and the main focus is to have a team of like-minded people that share the same

Recently, the Lambton Kent District School Board (LKDSB) and the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF) District 10 reached a local tentative agreement. The agreement is subject to ratification by both parties. Details will be available following ratification.

“We are very pleased to reach this tentative agreement with OSSTF,” said Chair Randy Campbell in a media release. “The ongoing commitment that our OSSTF staff have towards supporting student achievement and well-being is recognized and so greatly appreciated.”

Recognition for Abraham Orthodontics

After many years of serving

families in Windsor-Essex from Leamington, Abraham Orthodontics expanded their services into Chatham-Kent.

A ribbon cutting was recently celebrated with Mayor Darrin Caniff and the Chatham-Kent Chamber of Commerce.

Dr. Maxwell Abraham is also an award winner for Young Entrepreneur and Young Business Individual for the Chatham-Kent Chamber of Commerce business excellence awards.

“Our team went above and beyond to deliver the heavy task of transitioning to two locations, growing our team, and still exceeding the experience families have expected from us since day 1,” Abraham said in a media release.

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

Stephen Campbell, None of the Above

ball League and run a men’s fastball team out of Delaware.

I am on the Melbourne Agricultural Societies board as a vice president. Also, I run an event called the Melbourne Tractor Fest.

Contributed image

Members of Holy Trinity/St Paul’s Anglican Church in Chatham took part in a Lenten outreach where monies were collected to help support the Adopt a Senior outreach through FreeHelpCK. People of all ages joined together to help FreeHelpCK continue its mission to feed seniors in our community who are in need. From left are FreeHelpCK’s Dave Tull, Holy Trinity/St. Paul’s Heather Kingham, FreeHelpCK’s Renee Grogan, Chris Ladd and Geri Ann Hughson.