The Chatham Voice, May 2, 2024

Fight continues over tree preservation

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative

pamwrightlji@gmail.com

Chatham Coun. Michael Bondy said he thought World War Tree was over.

That’s what the Victoria Avenue resident has to say in response to a plan by the municipality to take down 16 mature

trees on his street this year.

“It will destroy Victoria,” Bondy told The Chatham Voice in a recent interview, noting the street is one of the nicest in Chatham.

“People come here in all four seasons to do stuff like walk their dogs,” the councillor said. “They don’t come here to see the houses; they come here to

see the trees. They tell us, ‘We just love Victoria.’”

Bondy said he became aware of the scheme when, as a homeowner, he received notice that C-K plans to cut down 16 trees this year, with another 14 on the “maybe” list. The recommendation from administration comes on the heels of a $4,000 report by a London-based arborist contracted to examine municipal tree cover and liability.

The reason behind the plan, Bondy said, is that the trees are dying or diseased and they pose a liability threat due to safety concerns.

But Bondy said that’s “total overreach” and calls it “totally insane.

“I’m not against taking trees down that are dying or diseased,” said Bondy, noting there are 187 trees on public property on Victoria. “But now we’re doing this because a stick may fall on me. There’s risk using

swimming pools and arenas... we all have to live with some risk.”

Bondy said he’s been informed

by the municipality that Chatham-Kent decided to take action following a ferocious storm that felled many trees and damaged buildings across Chatham-Kent last August. A number of Victoria Avenue’s mature trees came down as a result of high winds.

The councillor said he was to bring forward a notice of motion at the April 29 council meeting aimed at stopping the trees being cut down, pointing out that felling the trees doesn’t match up with the fact Chatham-Kent has declared a climate emergency.

“We’re supposed to be the Maple City,” Bondy said. “At least we were.”

Continued on page 3

Chatham Voice file photo

Victoria Avenue in Chatham, which is lined with trees and offers pleasant shade and atmosphere, could soon see some of its splendor cut down.

Erieau tree removal met with approval

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

A plan to take down problematic trees and limbs along Erieau’s main boulevard is being welcomed by the Erieau Community Association.

According to group chairperson Sharon Pfaff, the non-profit is currently working with the municipality to come up with a plan to remove trees and limbs that pose a risk to safety.

“We actually have a lot of concerns about the trees and what’s planted on the public property,” said Pfaff. “There are a lot of trees that are in bad shape and there are safety concerns. The last thing you need is a huge tree limb falling.”

Pfaff said downed limbs are a problem following wind and ice storms in the lakeside hamlet.

An additional concern, said Pfaff, is the fact residents have co-opted the public property between Mariner’s Road and Ross Lane, planting anything they want on municipal land.

“There’s no rhyme nor reason for what is planted on public property,” she said. “We need to manage this somehow and have a plan going forward.”

The trees and shrubs people are planting aren’t always compatible, she added, noting some are unable to mature as they are planted too close together.

The trees of Erieau are among those assessed in a new municipal report prepared by a

London arborist. The lengthy document also includes an assessment of trees along Victoria Avenue in Chatham and recommends taking down 16 mature trees, with another 14 on the maybe list. Chatham Coun. Michael Bondy is leading the attempt to save the trees, saying it will ruin the leafy beauty of the street.

A community forum to gather input from the public about Erieau’s trees is in the works, Pfaff said. A date for the meeting has not been set. However, those who are interested can watch for details on Let’s Talk

‘World War Tree’ – Bondy

Continued from page 2

The latest recommendation from staff isn’t the first time Victoria Avenue’s trees have been under attack. Prior to the pandemic, the municipality announced a plan to construct bike paths on the street which would have led to cutting down a number of mature trees. As a result, Victoria

Avenue residents banded together to form the group Save Victoria Ave. – Voices for Victoria. The group, which has 1,400 members on Facebook, launched a campaign that saw residents put up signs and wrap the street’s trees in orange ribbons in protest.

As part of a sewer upgrade, the municipality had pro-

posed road widening, a bike path, a roundabout at Gladstone Avenue and the removal of a number of historic trees.

However, it was determined there was some life left in the current sewer system, so the project was postponed. It appeared to fade away over the course of the pandemic.

website.

Chatham-Kent on the munici-pality’s

Chatham Voice file photo

Storm damage is seen here from last August, and is a reason cited for the need to culll some trees on Victoria Avenue.

Teardown set for Wheatley’s core

Talbot

site meetings over the next few days.

Demolition will begin no later than June 3 and could last for several months,

the release said. The designated buildings were affected in the Wheatley explosion in August 2021.

Dad, 2 kids have new Habitat home

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

Adam Ferren is glad he took his shot.

Now after going through the lengthy application process, the single dad has the keys to a new Habitat for Humanity home in Chatham.

“It’s like Wayne Gretzky said,” Ferren explained. “‘You miss 100 per cent of the shots you don’t take.’ I took my shot and I scored.”

Ferren, along with his two young children Adalynn, 6, and Maize, 4, are the proud owners of Habit’s latest build, calling one half of a duplex on Houston Avenue home. It’s

a bright and airy dwelling with a bathroom, a combined kitchen and living room space, as well as three bedrooms on the main floor. There’s also an unfinished basement with a bathroom, for a total of 1,150 square feet of living area.

Ferren said it’s a great opportunity for his kids who are used to apartment living. Now they’ll have a fenced-in yard with room to grow. The youngsters even got to pick the colours for their bedrooms.

Adalynn went with pink and blue, while Maize chose yellow and blue. That’s the colours of he and his dad’s favourite sports team – the Michigan Wolverines.

Continued on page 7

When: Saturday, May 4, 2024 Time: 1:00pm - 4:00pm Where: Chatham Resort Retirement

Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice Habitat for Humanity Chatham-Kent’s Anne Taylor shakes hands with Adam Ferren, the proud owner of half of a new duplex on Houston Avenue.

Opinion

World War Tree

It is sad how we have become a litigious society and sadder still how it puts people – and governments – in fear.

Fear of being sued.

The wind blows, tree limbs come down in a violent storm and soon enough, municipal officials dispatch the chainsaws.

Last August, a nasty storm ripped through southwestern Ontario. Trees were uprooted, with some hitting houses, in parts of Chatham-Kent.

The cleanup was extensive.

But now, in fear of future storms, or perhaps flying beavers gnawing at tree limbs above people and dogs out for a stroll down Victoria Avenue in Chatham, municipal administration wants to remove trees that an arborist thinks could be suspect.

Victoria Avenue is a gem of a street in Chatham-Kent. People drive and walk it to enjoy the shade and the majestic beauty that scores of mature trees provide.

Victoria Avenue’s trees have been under threat of hatchet, axe and saw before. Prior to the pandemic, a plan was in place to add in bike lanes and as a result remove trees that would have been in the way of the reshap-

ing of the street. It was suggested work for when sewers under the street were to be dug up and replaced. Fortunately, those sewers remain in decent shape and the plan was shelved.

However, now the municipal lumberjack wannabes are back, sharpening their chainsaws.

They fear 16 trees identified by the arborist might fall on someone out for a walk in the next terrible storm... because who in C-K does NOT go for a walk during seriously inclement weather?

So what if residents and users of Victoria wish to preserve the trees?

At least with the cutting of a number of trees along the boulevard in Erieau, it was done with residents’ approval.

In that case, the trees are very old scrub trees – poplar – that aren’t as hearty as the maples that line Victoria.

And why is it the only trees that are a danger to society exist in Erieau and on Victoria Avenue? What about within municipal cemeteries, another place people love to walk?

This smacks of tree/road elitism.

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Editor: There are a couple of topics that took my eye again in recent editions of The Chatham Voice.

On, the editorial in the April 18 edition, “Our two cents,” discussed the tiny cabins that are to be built to house the homeless, and where they will be built.

A letter from Al Laforet was very much against the location, stating it was next to Henry Weaver Park. It was said that sheltering locations would not be built near where children played.

Also, the location is in the east side... again.

But if the cabins stop people laying about all over Chatham and are well supervised, let’s go for it where it seems suitable.

The Third Street Bridge is becoming an encampment again. In recent weeks, I’ve seen three tents under there. Plus,

they are always hanging around the 7-Eleven at the corner of Grand Avenue and St. Clair Street.

So, if cabins are to be the answer, wherever, let’s go for it so we can have our streets back again and feel safe.

Another story that gets more amazing every year is the money municipal officials get paid, while others struggle. Then to read Thomas Kelly, whom they say got pushed out for doing something maybe he shouldn’t have been doing, getting paid for I believe two years, should never have been. We need money to fix our rotten roads right now – and a good many more things.

Can and will things ever change? It sure doesn’t look like it.

Ruth Draper Chatham

Second family moving into other half in summer

Continued from page 5

Ferren, who heard that Habitat for Humanity C-K was searching for families for the new build, said he decided he’d roll the dice.

“I thought, I’m never going to get a chance to own a home otherwise,” the 43-year-old fibre-optic worker explained. “So why not?”

“I thought, I’m never going to get a chance to own a home otherwise. So why not?”

Taylor said, as the payments on the 25-year mortgage equal 25 to 30 per cent of the applicant’s income. Debt also has to be factored in.

said. A privacy fence will be built to divide the backyard, and sod still needs to be laid.

- Homeowner Adam Ferren

It was an extensive process, he added, but said he got a lot of help from Habitat staffers Anne Taylor and Mike Coyne.

Taylor, who serves as the director of partnerships and stakeholder relations for Habitat C-K, agrees that it is a lengthy process to apply for homeownership with Habitat.

“We have to make sure it is feasible and we look for families who are able to handle the financial responsibility,”

“The last thing we want to do is make it too tight,” Taylor said “People need to have money left over to live. We realize it’s a process, but it has to be.”

It’s taken some time to find the right owners for the Houston Avenue dwelling, she added, however, the board of directors recently approved ownership for a single mother with three children for the other half of the duplex.

“People need to have money left over to live.

We realize it’s a process, but it has to be.”

Local companies that pitched in materials and man hours on the latest build include Mylen Custom Cabinets, CK Tubs and Taps, Sherwin Williams, Entegrus, AUBI, Sacwal Flooring Centres, Countertops Unlimited, Aurora Exteriors, MOJO Drywall, Waste Connections of Canada, The Shock Doctor, Dover Port-A John, McLean’s Painting Inc., and Handy Bros.

- Habitat’s Anne Taylor

Habitat builds are funded by sales from the ReStore, as well as other fundraising events.

The other family is expected to move in this summer.

More work on the property still needs to be done, Taylor

Eric Fitzgerald* 519-436-4865

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Sexual assaults on the rise in C-K

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

“We need to have Chatham-Kent understand that this is a problem here. It’s not somebody else’s problem.”

Those are the words of Linda Soulliere, executive director of the Chatham-Kent Sexual Assault Crisis Centre (CKSACC).

We are nearly a quarter of the way through the 21st century and sexual assaults are getting worse, not better.

“It’s the only violent crime that isn’t on a decline – sexual assault. It has actually increased 20

per cent year over year,” Soulliere said.

“We have a problem here. We have a problem with domestic violence; have a problem with rape and sexual assault; and with trafficked women,” Soulliere said. “We’ve had 27 women who have been trafficked from Chatham-Kent. It’s so overwhelming in this area, the amount of violence towards women.”

May is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and CKSACC personnel have a number of events planned, as well as a wish list.

Continued on page 11

Contributed image

Sexual assault, especially against young homeless women and transgendered people, is on the rise in Chatham-Kent.

Educating men and women the key

Continued from page 10

The recognition began with a flag raising April 30 at the Civic Centre. There will be an educational display at the Seniors Fair in Tilbury May 9, and similar displays at the CKHA May 23 and 30. One event offered by CKSACC during May is a self-defense workshop for women. It’s a hot ticket.

GIVING

ACALL.

ized by sexual assault.

“It’s about power and the imbalance of power,”

Soulliere said. “Unfortunately, only 10 per cent of all incidents get reported to police. Out of those, about one per cent end up in charges.

“Unfortunately, only 10 per cent of all incidents get reported to police. Out of those, about one per cent end up in charges. Women just don’t feel comfortable with police to report it.”

- CKSACC’s Linda Soulliere

“Women just don’t feel comfortable with police to report it.”

“We are almost at maximum capacity. We have had a lot of interest in it,” Soulliere said of the course, which takes place May 11 at the WISH Centre in Chatham. “They will be taught ways to immediately escape or how to get out of zip ties. The course is taught by a woman who is a survivor.”

The interest is there because the need is there, Soulliere said

Close to 30 per cent of all woman have experienced sexual assault sometime in their lives, Soulliere said. It’s even worse for homeless women and non-binary and transgendered homeless youth. Soulliere said more than 40 per cent of people in these groups are victim-

Soulliere said officers need to cease with any predispositions, and alter their thinking.

the tip of the judicial iceberg.

“In Chatham-Kent and London, over 50 per cent of cases that are reported are dismissed prior to charges being laid. They are considered unfounded. There is also victim blaming. Women are aware of it and are afraid of it. A lot don’t come forward.”

Soulliere said one in five victims of sexual assault experience victim blaming.

“Women don’t want to deal with police and they don’t feel they will be treated seriously.

Add to that the fact only about one per cent of sexual assaults end up with someone being sentenced for the crime, and that leads to victims feeling largely helpless.

“In Chatham-Kent and London, over 50 per cent of cases that are reported are dismissed prior to charges being laid. They are considered unfounded. There is also victim blaming. Women are aware of it and are afraid of it. A lot don’t come forward.”

- CKSACC’s Linda Soulliere

You can tell their (officers) attitudes when they attend the scene and the way they treat the victim,” she said. “It’s how they respond when they deal with a homeless woman, or someone who has been drinking. We really need to work on that.”

How police respond is

ria.

This sets the stage for a wish by Soulliere for later this year.

“We hope to be allowed into the high schools next fall to do some education,” she said. “We’re working on a workshop series we

hope to present in the high schools. It will be on topics like consent, respect and how to be an ally.”

The CKSACC is targeting our youth in an effort to better educate people on the problem.

“It’s pretty bad in the

COUNTRYLIVINGDESCRIBESTHISQUIET ANDSERENEPROPERTYSURROUNDED BY FARMLAND,FEATURESAONEFLOOR RANCHERWITH3BEDROOMS,2BATHS, LARGEUPDATEDKITCHENDININGAREA, FAMILYROOMOVERLOOKINGLARGE DECKANDBACK YARD,MUDROOM, ATTACHEDGARAGEPLUSA40X64FT HEATEDSHOPWITHCOMPRESSORAND HOIST14FTDOORS,IDEAL FAMILYOR RETIREMENTHOME.

“That’s not very empowering. The rapists know they probably won’t go to trial,” she said. “There needs to be some work to be more supportive to the victims.”

The displays in the cafeteria at the CKHA will be attempts to reach teenagers. Soulliere said a lot of students from Ursuline College Chatham (UCC) utilize the hospital cafete-

Paramedicine expands

The Chatham

Chatham-Kent will soon have two new emergency medical services SUVs. At the March 25 meeting, council approved the purchase of two vehicles at a cost of $141,532 as recommended by administration.

According to the staff report, the vehicles will be used in the field of paramedicine which helps residents get the care they need while safely remaining at home.

The aim of the emerging paramedi-

high schools right now,” Soulliere said. “We have to start with our young people. Educate people.”

In the meantime, sexual assaults continue. In the past year, more than 400,000 such complaints were filed in Canada.

cine field is to provide effective care at a lower cost, while allowing EMS to operate outside the framework of traditional services.

One of the new SUVs will replace a current vehicle that’s at its end of life, while the second will allow the service to double its treatment capacity.

Voice

Local Lions celebrate 75 years

The Chatham Lions club received its charter in March of 1949

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

For more than 75 years, the Chatham Lions Club has been helping others and helping complete projects around Chatham-Kent.

Choose a key community project and chances are the Lions were involved. Those endeavors include the W.I.S.H. Centre, C-K Integrated Children’s Services, the Active Lifestyle Centre, the Children’s Treatment Centre, Thames Campus Arena, the women’s shelter, and more.

The club has supported children’s sports leagues and teams, camps for kids, tree planting initiatives, Chatham Goodfellows, Legion poppy campaigns, R.O.C.K. Missions, TJ Stables’ Acceptional Riders program, and the list goes on.

“There is quite the passion.

As we do more and more things, it becomes more and more interesting. I’ve really enjoyed my time as a Lion.”

But it all goes back to March 24, 1949. Current club president Seppo Kuokkanen said that’s when the club earned its charter.

- Lions’ Seppo Kuokkanen

The first official meeting took place in early May of that year, with 16 members on hand. It expanded to 26 by the end of 1949.

From the beginning, the Club

was involved in local projects, raising funds to put back into the community.

Kuokkanen joined the Lions initially when he was a teacher in South Porcupine, Ont. He said a co-worker invited him to attend a meeting and has been a member ever since.

He moved to Chatham in the

fall of 2006 and switched his Lions membership early the next year.

Membership is by invite only. But being involved is rewarding, he said.

“There is quite the passion. As we do more and more things, it becomes more and more interesting,” Kuokkanen said. “I’ve really enjoyed my time as a Lion.”

Anyone looking to join can reach out to Kuokkanen or other club members and ask to attend a meeting. The club, currently comprised of 19 members, meets twice a month, except during the summer.

“We’d talk to see if they’d be worthy candidates,” Kuokkanen said of prospective new members. “We’d invite them to come

and visit the club for a meeting and hopefully for a project. That way they’d get a sense of what we do and who we are.”

The Lions Club also has an international flavour, as Chatham is twinned with clubs in Carpinteria, Calif. and Kathmandu, Nepal.

It hosts international students as well, with three slated to arrive in the near future.

“We provide activities to learn about what goes on in Canada and how things are done here. We’ve had people from Japan, South America, Europe and even Mongolia,” Kuokkanen said.

Regardless of location, Lions are here to help.

“We don’t stop fundraising and doing things,” he said.

Landfill battle heads to Queen’s Park

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

The controversial Dresden landfill expansion issue is on its way to the floor of the Ontario Legislature.

The NDP has started a parliamentary petition asking the province to halt the project, and Ontario NDP leader Marit Stiles, along with other members of the NDP caucus, have promised to bring the petition forward at Queen’s Park.

At a recent NDP campaign event in Strathroy, members of Dresden C.A.R.E.D. (Citizens Against Reckless Environmental Disposal), met with the Opposition leader to discuss the petition and make their concerns known.

hensive environmental assessment under the Environmental Assessment Act.”

It’s unclear if there is a timeline on the York1 proposal, however, some officials say a full environmental assessment could take at least three years.

“We would like to hold the premier accountable and not to forget what he said in Essex.”

- Dresden C.A.R.E.D.’s Stefan Premdas

For the past three months the fight against a planned landfill expansion by York1 Environmental Waste Solutions on Irish School Road has mushroomed. The issue came to light at the end of January when a proposed application by the company to expand the dormant landfill at Dresden was discovered on the Environmental Registry of Ontario website.

munity, including the pressure of up to 700 trucks a day, as well as the potential pollution of the Sydenham River watershed.

The Municipality of Chatham-Kent did not receive notice of any concrete plans from York1 regarding the expansion and has since pledged that it will not spare any expense to fight the proposal. Lambton County and Dawn-Euphemia are also officially opposed.

Since the start of the landfill debacle, Dresden C.A.R.E.D. has met with various candidates vying to become Lambton-Kent-Middlesex’s Member of Provincial Parliament. On April 26, Ontario Liberal leader Bonnie Crombie paid a visit to Dresden to hear the concerns of residents first hand.

According to Dresden C.A.R.E.D. spokesman Stefan Premdas, the petition, which is still being circulated, will be introduced to the legislature in batches as signatures come in. It’s all about holding Premier Doug Ford and the government to task, Premdas explained.

The petition calls on the provincial government to immediately put the project on hold and to investigate other methods and sites to dispose of the Greater Toronto Area and Southern Ontario’s waste.

May 9,

“We would like to hold the premier accountable and not to forget what he said in Essex,” Premdas said in reference to a statement Ford made at an infrastructure funding announcement March 11.

At the time, Ford said he was unaware of developer York1’s plans in Dresden when questioned by a reporter, saying he would look into it. He went on to say that he “believes in the people,” stating that if they don’t like something “we don’t do it.”

All told, York1 has made three applications on the ERO, that would allow 6,000 tonnes of waste to be trucked to the Irish School Road site every day. The company is seeking permission to build a regenerative recycling facility to repurpose construction waste and soil from demolition sites, as well as expand the site’s landfill capacity.

Local residents fear the impacts of the project to the com-

Editor’s note: Dresden C.A.R.E.D.’s meeting with Stiles and NDP candidate Kathryn Shailer took place prior to the May 2 Lambton-Kent-Middlesex by-election.

On March 15, Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks Andrea Khanjin announced on X (Twitter) she will be “taking steps to require this project to complete a compre-

Chatham Voice file photo

The NDP will take a petition to Queen’s Park and present it on behalf of Dresden C.A.R.E.D. and ask the province to put a halt to York1’s plans for a landfill on Irish School Road.

About sexual violence

Sexual violence is a broad term that describes any violence, physical or psychological, carried out through sexual means or by targeting sexuality.

Sexual violence takes different forms and can include: sexual abuse, sexual assault, rape, incest, childhood sexual abuse, rape during armed conflict, sexual harassment, stalking, indecent or sexualized exposure,degrading sexual imagery, voyeurism, cyber harassment, trafficking and sexual exploitation.

Facts about consent

• Consent should never be assumed or implied

• Consent is not silence or the absence of “no”

• Consent cannot be given if you are impaired by alcohol or drugs, or unconscious

• Consent can never be obtained through threats or coercion

• Consent can be withdrawn at any time

• Consent cannot be given if the perpetrator abuses a position of trust, power or authority

• Consent cannot be given by anyone other than the person participating in the sexual activity (your parent, brother or sister, girlfriend or boyfriend, spouse, friend and so on, cannot con sent for you or on your behalf)

Here are some examples of situations where there is no consent:

• You are tricked, bullied, pressured or threatened until you say Yes

• You are too scared to say No

• You are drunk or high

• You are asleep or unconscious

• The other person is a family member — for example, father, mother, grandfather, cousin

• The other person is a professional — for example, teacher, coach, doctor, interpreter, therapist — whose job it is to help you.

You have the Right to Change your Mind

Even if you have consented to sexual activity, you have the right to change your mind. If you have expressed by words, gestures or conduct that you do not want to continue, any and all sexual activity should stop!

No one has the right to make these choices for you.

Who is affected by sexual violence

May Is Sexual Violence Prevention Month.

2 in 3 females and 1 in 6 men in Canada have experienced some form of sexual violence in their lifetime. Sexual violence crosses all social boundaries, affects people of every age and cultural backgrounds. It has devastating impacts on the lives of survivors and their families.

If you have been sexually assaulted and don’t know whether or not you want to report to police, other community supports are available to you:

• Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Treatment Centre can collect and record evidence that can be frozen for 6 months to give you time to decide if you want police involvement. 519-352-6400 Ext. 6382

• Chatham-Kent Sexual Assault Crisis Centre will not encourage or discourage you from reporting to police. We will provide support to you regardless of your decision and, if you choose to report, we will accompany you to the police service if you wish.

How to Help

If you think that someone might be at risk of sexual violence, you can help by:

• getting them to a safe space

• asking the person directly if they need help or if they would like you to stay with them

• If someone tells you about an incident that sounds like sexual assault, listen to them and believe them. It is important that they are in control of what happens next. You can offer them options and resources but allow them to make their own choices.

• Learn about supports for people who are experiencing violence.

If you have been sexually assaulted, harassed, exploited or abused, the Chatham-Kent Sexual Assault Crisis Centre is here to help. 24 Hour Crisis Line – 519-354-8688

May 5th is Red Dress Day

Red Dress Day is set aside to pay respect to the victims, raise awareness of the crisis and call on governments to take action to address the racialized and gendered violence inflicted on Indigenous peoples in Canada. On May 5th wear red and hang red dresses from trees, statues and doors.

Schedule of Activities

Friday, May 3 - 11:45am

Gathering at the Civic Centre, 315 King St. W. 12:00pm: MMIWG flag raising at Civic Centre 12:20pm: Walk to Deshkan Ziibi, 495 King St. W. 12:30pm: Opening & Displaying the Red Dresses 1:00pm: Lunch 1:30pm: Lighting the Sacred Fire & Teachings Saturday, May 4 at 495 King St. W. 10:00am - 12:00pm & 1:00pm - 3:00pm: Bannock & Tea at Deshkan Ziibe.

Drop in & visit! Sunday, May 5 at 495 King St. W. 6:00pm: Vigil opening & drumming. 6:10pm: Giving of Tobacco. 6:20pm: Sharing Circle (Open Sharing) 7:00pm: Closing

Youth Artist Scholarship offered

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

One lucky local student headed to post-secondary arts or culture based education will benefit from a new scholarship program.

The Chatham-Kent Arts and Culture Network (CKACN) recently announced its Emerging Youth Artist Scholarship. The scholarship will provide $1,000 to a graduating or recently graduated high school student from any secondary school in Chatham-Kent pursuing fulltime studies in an arts and culture program at a recognized college or university.

James Snyder, chair of the selection committee, said candidates could be pursuing a wide range of areas of study. The student, aged 16 to 20, can be studying in any of the following disciplines: visual arts, music, performing arts, dance, literary arts, or culture building.

“If people want to go into a museum management program, they’d be eligible too,” he said. “We’re trying to give people an equal opportunity.”

Snyder said other groups such as the Thames Art Gallery have been doing youth scholarships. The CKACN expands on who might qualify.

He added continuous education would not be a requirement.

“If you’ve been off school for a year, you can still apply as long as

you can show you are going to college or university for one of the six categories,” he said. “This is just another way to support the arts.”

The $1,000 scholarship “can help with basic costs,” Snyder said.

“Anything helps.”

Eligible students must submit a portfolio of work to the CKACN by midnight, June 15. Portfolios must include a minimum of three works, and CKACN recommends submitting a variety of works in your area of expertise.

Completed application forms and accompanying portfolios are to be sent by email to jamessnyderp@ gmail.com.

May 23 at the Kiwanis Theatre.

Contributed image

Joe Duda (Charlie Brown), Spencer Simpson (Pigpen), Chatham Coun. Alysson Storey (Lucy Understudy), Mindy Bowls (Sally Brown), Talemon Bechard (Linus van Pelt), Sean Simpson (Shermy), and Sydney Hart (Snoopy) sing while Schroeder (Al Lozon) plays piano during rehearsal for Theatre Kent’s production of You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. The show opens

Bel Canto Choir performs Saturday

The Bel Canto Choir School’s Annual Spring Concert takes place May 4 at 7 p.m. in the sanctuary of St. Andrew’s United Church.

This 30-voice choir of singers aged eight to 18 will showcase the prog-

ress they have made over the 2023-2024 season.

The Bel Canto Choir School, hosted by St. Andrew’s United Church, was established in 2021 by Christine Baribeau, director of the Bel Canto Choir School, and Devon Hansen, director of music at St. Andrew’s who con-

tinue to provide leadership for the school.

The goal is to help young singers develop their natural talent in a safe environment. Composed of both junior and senior choirs, BCCS sings a variety of materials in all genres.

Recently the Bel Canto

SHOPLocal

Choir participated in the annual Windsor Choral Festival. Among 11 choirs and 300 singers of various ages, this choir stood out. The festival’s choral clinician was impressed by the energy and confidence in the performance of choir members.

Donations will be grate-

fully accepted at the door on Saturday and will go toward expenses related to the Bel Canto Choir School.

The Chatham Voice

Maple City Smiles turns 5

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

Angelo Tourlas always knew he’d return to Chatham.

And it’s a decision that for the past five years has literally put smiles on the faces of local residents.

Tourlas, a denturist and owner of Maple City Smiles Denture Care Clinic, said his roots brought him back.

“My family. My roots are here. I was always coming back,” he said.

“After finishing school and then gaining my experience, I knew I could come back and offer the

community a fresher perspective on the services.”

Tourlas spent time working in a denture clinic in London gaining that experience.

“It gave me a lot of confidence,” he said. “I can ensure I’m providing a lot of quality service to our clients.”

Since opening five years ago, Maple City Smiles has built up a strong client base.

“We continue to grow. The big thing is our clients appreciate that we take the time to listen to their needs,” Tourlas said. “Putting them first is what helps us grow.”

The pandemic threw many businesses a curveball, including Maple City Smiles, but Tourlas said it also helped control business growth.

“At times it made it difficult because of the lockdowns, but it did allow us to grow at a healthy rate and work out any growing pains we had,” he said.

Continued on page 21

TUINA CENTRE

(Massage & Foot Reflexology)

Appointments Monday - Saturday 9am-6pm 18 Witherspoon, Chatham • 519-401-9210

Bruce Corcoran/The Chatham Voice

Angelo Tourlas of Maple City Smiles says the company’s commitment to working closely with clients is what has helped grow the company since it opened in 2019.

Community Events

Thursday, May 2, 2024:

• Join the Kiwanis Club of Chatham-Kent as they are off to the Stratford Festival Theatre for “Something Rotten” and a visit to the Revival Restaurant. $215 includes Badder Coach from Chatham, prime theatre seats and one great meal at noon. For more info call Cathy Telfer at 519-359-1665 or email bustrips2024@chathamkiwanis.com.

• 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 is welcome.

• Join us for a fun filled Jam Session at the Merlin Legion, 519-689-4884. Bring your instruments or singing voices from 1-4:30pm. All are welcome to attend. Donation of $2. 4-7pm: homemade panzerotti + menu available.

Friday, May 3, 2024:

• Bill’s Place Community Space Drop-In. 2SLGBTQIA+ safe space at 48 Centre St., Chatham. Hang out, have a coffee, do your homework, ask a question, read a book, or chat about life or what we’ve been working on. Get some clothes from our Out of the Closet program, use the Community cupboard & more! No RSVP needed! Come & go as you please. All ages & allies welcome.

• 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 meat loaf or fish & chips, $13.00. Take out is also available by calling 519-351-8733 or 519-351-5639. Everyone Welcome.

• Join us for our delicious Merlickin Pork Chop Meal at the Merlin Legion, 519-689-4884. 4:30-7pm. Served with scalloped potatoes or fries, veggies, bun & homemade dessert. Entertainment: Musician Dean Robert 7–11pm.

• Friday night supper at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St is a Lasagna dinner with Caesar salad and garlic toast. Dine ins $13 and pickups $14. All meals are served at 6pm. Please call 519-352-8291 to order as this meal usually sells out. Everyone welcome.

Saturday, May 4, 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.

• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am-9:30pm. Meat draw at 3:30, 4:30 and 5:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch from 3:00pm-5:30pm. Entertainment by Unity Station from 4:30-9:30. Come check out our menu. Everyone Welcome.

• The Bel Canto Spring Concert at St. Andrew’s United Church, 85 William Street S., Chatham at 7 pm is A Chorus of Magic. The talented young singers of the Bel Canto Choir School will demonstrate their passion for music and the progress which they have made during 2023 – 2024. Donations at the door are appreciated with proceeds to the Bel Canto Choir School. For further information www.standrewschatham.org/music or call 519-352-0010.

• Join us for our delicious Merlickin Chicken plus menu serving 4-7pm at the Merlin Legion. 519-689-4884.

Sunday, May 5, 2024:

• Windsor Coin Club presents Canada’s Best One Day Coin Show. 9am-3pm. Caboto Club, 2175 Parent Ave., Windsor. Canadian & World Coins, paper money, tokens, gold, silver & More. Buy – Sell – Trade. Free Admission & Free parking on site. Free hourly door prizes. Contact Cathy Schmidt for more info! 519-915-4693.

• Calling all Veterans. The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham will be hosting a Buddy Check for all Veterans from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Come enjoy a coffee and talk to other Veterans. This venue is for Veterans Only.

• The CK Singers are pleased to present our springtime concert on at 2:30 pm at First Presbyterian Church in Chatham. Hear the choir take you through the decades with songs from each era starting in the 1910’s. Soloists Aimee Clifford, Ryan Nauta and Dave Pudwell will all add their special talents to the program which benefits a local charity. Freewill offering. All are welcome. For more information contact Director Nancy Tapley at 519-354-0463 or email nancytapley2@gmail.com.

• Branch 642 Legion Pipes and Drums is hosting a Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser from 4:00-6:30pm, at the Chatham Legion, 39 William Street North. Come enjoy meat or marinara sauce, Caesar salad, garlic bread and dessert for $20; children 12 and under $10; kids under 5 eat free. Eat in or take out. Door Prizes and Surprises! Walk-ins most welcome but best to get your tickets early from Pipe Band members, at the Legion, or by calling 519-380-0140.

• Jamboree at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St. $5. Come, listen and dance to the great sounds of Hired Hand. Everyone welcome.

Tuesday, May 7, 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 7:00pm. Everyone is welcome.

• Evening Zumba from 6-7pm at the ALC! It is open to the Public and $10 a class! Whether you are beginning your fitness journey or want to spice up your current fitness routine, Zumba is the perfect fix! Pammy has been instructing since 2011 and provides a fun and positive Zumba workout experience appropriate for all ability levels.

Wednesday, May 8, 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 is welcome.

• Art with John; 12-3pm at the ALC! Have a project you are working on? Looking to meet some new people? Come bring your art project and John will welcome you to the group! He will be there for guidance throughout the afternoon with whatever project you are working on.

Are you affected by someone else’s drinking? Al-Anon can help! Call – leave message – 519-350-3462

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

Send your events to bruce@chathamvoice.com or michelle@chathamvoice.com

Fun Stuff

19. Selfimmolation by fire ritual

23. Family of regulator genes

24. Surrendering

25. Political action committee

26. S. American plant

27. Long-term memory

28. Bark

29. Breathes in

34. Take hold of

35. Everyone has one

36. Valentine’s Day color

37. Drivers’ licenses and passports

CLUES ACROSS

1. Lions do it 5. In favor of 8. Rest here please (abbr.)

11. Pulpits

13. Leisure activity 14. Fertility god 15. Financial obligations

16. When you anticipate getting somewhere 17. Spanish river 18. Sporting events 20. Type of tree 21. Ceased to be 22. Persons 25. Synthetic resin 30. Relates to photochemical reactions

31. Father

32. Former Cowboys coach

33. City in Finland 38. Run batted in 41. Got through 43. They darken skin 45. In a harmful way

48. Form of weaving 49. City of Angels hoopster

50. Caucasian language 55. Syngman __, Korean president

56. Sun up in New York 57. Paddled 59. Fishes 60. Affirmative 61. Nimble

62. Doctor of Education

63. Soviet Socialist Republic

64. A small island CLUES DOWN

1. Cool!

2. Hebrew unit of measure

3. Swedish rock group

4. College army

5. Favor over another

6. Called it a career

7. Egg-shaped wind instrument

8. Israeli statesman

9. Hurries

10. Slog

12. Midway between south and southeast 14. Benedictine monk

39. Outer walls of castles

40. Enters with force

41. One thousandth of an inch

42. Deceased Chinese politician

44. Sugary secretion of plants

45. Expressed pleasure

46. Shelter

47. Utilizes

48 Forest resident

51. Fashion accessory

52. A sharply directional antenna

53. __ Kristofferson, actor

54. A bad place to end up

58. MLBer Gordon

Puzzle answers found on page 22

Staying current important: Tourlas

Continued from page 19

As for the future, Tourlas said he plans to keep learning to continue to best serve his customers

“Our number one priority is to continue learning and staying innovative in our profession. Staying up to date and current will allow us to bring new techniques into our office,” he said. Maple City Smiles is open six days a week. All work is hand crafted at the business’ in-house laboratory.

“It allows us to control quality and price,” Tourlas said. “And getting items to our clients at a faster rate as well.”

Maple City Smiles is located at 450 Grand Ave. E. in Chatham.

Van Hoof to expand Van Hoof Siding is growing.

Owner Brad McAuliffe announced the business, which has been serving Chatham-Kent since 1963, has expanded into the former RB Fabric store.

The expansion allows Van Hoof to have a more personal experience for customers, as well as have an expanded showroom.

The store is hosting a spring open house May 3 at the location at 747 St. Clair St. There will be a barbecue and free draws for the event. Everyone is welcome.

Smile Cookie campaign underway

It’s spring Smile Cookie time and Chatham-Kent Tim Hor-

tons outlets have funds flying in two worthy directions this year.

For people who frequent Tim Hortons in Chatham, Wallaceburg and Dresden, proceeds from the Smile Cookie sales will support the Children’s Treatment Centre Foundation of Chatham-Kent.

For patrons purchasing the chocolate chunk cookies topped with pink and blue icing smiles in Blenheim, Ridgetown, Tilbury and Thamesville, proceeds will support the VON’s Ontario Student Nutrition Program. OSNP provides funding and support to 41 schools in Chatham Kent.

The campaign runs to May 5.

New Life supports C-K Hospice Chatham’s New Life Thrift Store continues to give back.

In its latest donation, the Queen Street outlet gifted the Chatham-Kent Hospice $4,350 to be used to help patients and their caregivers.

The store is entirely run by volunteers, thereby allowing it to turn plenty of profit over to a number of deserving agencies.

New Life is looking to help even more. The store has expanded its hours of operation and will stay open late on Thursdays and Friday to 8 p.m.

General manager Doug Bruinsma said the business, which started during the pandemic, is going well. Ninety per cent of profits go to the Chatham

Christian School, with the remaining 10 per cent going to other charities and causes.

“We’ve been able to donate over $125,000 to different agencies since we opened,” Bruinsma said.

In May, R.O.C.K. Missions is New Life’s designated charity.

• 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.

Chatham Voice photo

New Life Thrift Store recently donated $4,350 to the Chatham-Kent Hospice. Here, store volunteer Marlene Van Raay presents Katherine Stinson, special events coordinator for the hospice with the cheque.

OBITUARIES

Douglas Renwick

79, Thursday, April 18, 2024 Life Transitions

Peter O’Brien

79, Saturday, April 20, 2024 Life Transitions

Richard Wigfield

75, Sunday, April 21, 2024 Life Transitions

Marion O’Neill

92, Monday, April 22, 2024 Life Transitions

Douglas “Doug” Lambert

83, Thursday, April 18, 2024

Nicholls Funeral Home

Ronald Lumley

94, Friday, April 19, 2024 Nicholls Funeral Home

Roy Van Damme

78, Tuesday, April 23, 2024 Nicholls Funeral Home

Herman Van Meerbergen

84, Saturday, April 13, 2024

Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home

Warren Guttridge

92, Saturday, April 20, 2024

Blenheim Community Funeral Home

Mary (Story) Hearn

90, Saturday, April 20, 2024

Blenheim Community Funeral Home

Horace Chase

87, Monday, April 22, 2024

Alexander & Houle Funeral Home

Ethel Grace McVean

105, Friday, April 19, 2024

Badder Funeral Homes

Marilynn Grace Shaw

87, Friday, April 19, 2024

Badder Funeral Homes

Kenneth Clarke

94, Wednesday, April 24, 2024

McKinlay Funeral Home

Charles “Chuck” Richardson

89, Wednesday, April 10, 2024

McKinlay Funeral Home

Gary Skidmore

82, Saturday, April 20, 2024

McKinlay Funeral Home

Bruce Perry

63, Tuesday, April 23, 2024

McKinlay Funeral Home

Ernie Cianfarani

Tuesday, April 23, 2024

McKinlay Funeral Home

Caroline Osborne

82, Tuesday, April 23, 2024

McKinlay Funeral Home

Roland Brent Dymerski

49, Tuesday, April 23, 2024

McKinlay Funeral Home

Funeral Home

Thamesville - 519-692-4222

Badder Funeral Home & Reception Centre Dresden - 519-683-4444

Badder & Robinson Funeral Home

Bothwell - 519-695-2716 Visit us: badderfuneralhome.com

Classifieds

Obituaries

In Memoriam

Mitchell Joseph John Dawson

August 11th 1997 - May 1st 2023

First you were my Son

Then you were my Best Friend

Now you are my Angel

Miss & Love you always

Your father Joe & The Dawson Family

Obituaries

John Joseph Vsetula

With heartfelt sadness, we announce the passing of John Joseph Vsetula at CKHA on April 14th, 2024, at 85 years of age. John was born in Chatham, Ontario on May 14, 1938, where he lived and farmed in Chatham-Kent his entire life. John had a strong, Czechoslovakian work ethic and loved to farm, almost as much as he loved his family. He had a youthful disposition, passion for life, persevering strength and was one of the most calm, gentle and loving souls you could meet. Some of John’s favourite past times were listening to his favourite Czech songs and visiting his friends at “Timmies”. John will be reunited with his beloved Father, John Vsetula; Mother, Elizabeth (Lacek) Vsetula; wife, Helen Josephine (Cibulka) Vsetula; niece, Janay Vsetula and sister-in-law, Marie Holmes. John was the proud father of Janice Ann Vsetula, Janelle Louise (Vsetula) McAlorum and John Joseph Gerard Vsetula. Loving Grandfather of Courtney Alexa (McAlorum) Guerin (Joel Lee Guerin) and Connor James McAlorum (Rebecca Lynn VanDonkersgoed). Dear brother of Bessie VanOirschot (Frank) and Charles Vsetula (Joan). He will be dearly missed by many in-laws, nieces, nephews, family, friends and neighbours. A Celebration of Life to be held at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to Hinnegan Peseski Funeral Home (519)352-5120.

Classifieds

Birthday

John Lawrence is turning 80!

Lorna, Doug and Lindsay invite John’s friends to Drop by Jazzbah

270 King St. W., Chatham

Saturday, May 18th, 2-4pm Enjoy

Lessons

Beginner Guitar Lessons. Call 519917-2339.

Ads start at only $6.00 in the classifieds! Call today 519.397.2020!

Loans

For Sale

Silk Cemetery Saddle Arrangements. Everyday/ Holidays. Ready-to-go. Many colours available. $40. 519-354-3411

MORTGAGES / LOANS

$400,000

Coming Event

KCCC QUARTER AUCTION

Friday, May 10, 2024 - Doors open at 6pm, Auction at 7pm. Cash bar, kitchen open, 50/50. Come help support the youth group while enjoying a fun filled evening. Bring your quarters or purchase quarter tickets! Kent Cloverleaf Conservation Club, 9092 English Line, Chatham. $5 entry = 1 bidder paddle. Extra paddles $2 each. Text or call 519-401-8242 (please leave message with name & number of tickets, and we will get back to you)

Redeemer of Love Ministry has a Christian male support group for males struggling with sexual addiction. Coffee and bible study weekly. Prayer line open 12am-7pm daily and a fellowship pot sharing meal on Sundays at 6pm. A house based ministry call Doug for more info 519-354-3532, if not in, leave a message, your call will be returned.

YARD SALE - 176 Norway Maple Saturday, May 4, 8am2pm. Household items, dishes, pots & pans, crystal, variety of tools.

Wanted

Wanted to Buy: Antiques, costume jewellery, gold, silver, coins, military, furniture, tools. We Buy All - Paid Cash. 519-727-8894.

For Rent

Apartment Available for rent in St. Andrew’s Terrace. One bedroom with 2nd den. Must be age 55+. Controlled entry, indoor parking space. Phone Ron 519-784-5107.

FARM PROPERTY FOR SALE BY TENDER

PT LT 13-14 CON B CAMDEN PT 1, 24R5631; CHATHAM-KENT containing 125 acres, 80 acres workable and 45 acres non-workable, more or less, with a Sandy Loam and Clay Loam soil. The property is partially tiled and includes a large implement shed, separate office and barn.

The non-workable land has a pit and bush. The property has been historically farmed with corn, soybeans and wheat. For information regarding the property please contact 519-360-6681.

The property is subject to an accepted Agreement of Purchase and Sale for a severance of land for a Janeway to the adjacent fertilizer plant with Agris Co-operative Ltd. (the “severance lands”). The successful Purchaser shall be bound by the terms contained therein and the proceeds from the sale of the severance lands shall remain with the Vendor. Particulars of the Agreement of Purchase and Sale can be obtained from the solicitor noted below. The property is currently rented for the 2024 season, with no ongoing lease subsequent to 2024. The crop planted in the field for 2024 shall remain with the current tenant. All rental payments subsequent to closing shall be assigned from the Vendor to the successful Purchaser.

All tenders shall be submitted in the prescribed form, available from the undersigned solicitor, and shall be delivered in writing, sealed, to Anderson Law Group, attention Lindsey A. Anderson, 44 William Street North, Chatham, ON N7M 5K1 (Chatham Armoury), no later than May 24, 2024 at 4:00p.m.

All tenders are to be accompanied by a certified cheque or bank draft for $10,000.00 payable to Anderson Law Group, in trust. Unsuccessful tender cheques will be returned.

The sale of the property is to close on or before June 30, 2024 or such earlier or other time as may be agreed to by the Parties thereto.

The Vendor is not obligated to accept the highest or any tender. HST shall be in addition to the purchase price.

To obtain the tender documentation please contact: Anderson Law Group, 44 William Street North Chatham, ON N7M 5K1 (Chatham Armoury)

Contact number 519-397-2889

Contact email: anderson@alglaw.ca

Help Wanted

URGENT NEED: An “Architecture Technology” STUDENT - looking for an AutoCad tutor in Chatham. 226-229-2751. Fee negotiable.

Money? Offering private first mortgages, res. or com., reasonable rate. More info 519-436-7229 or email tikidog18@ gmail.com

Pick us up every week at any of these locations!

Chatham:

Anne’s Smoke Shop, Downtown Chatham Centre, Legion Branch 628, Shaya Convenience, Maple City Bakery, Active Lifestyle Centre, Wimpys, Royal LePage, Dover Duds , Pharmasave, Schinkels, Lenovers, Betty Brite, Real Canadian Superstore, Hasty Market

Wallaceburg:

Shoppers Drug Mart, 99.1CKXS, Taylor’s Variety, Black Goose, No Frills, Hometown Deli

Dresden: MacTavish Pharmacy, Godfathers, Dresden Meat Packers

Thamesville: Fast & Fresh, Movie Den, Studio 519

Delivered each week to every home in the city of Chatham.

Blenheim:

McIntyre I.D.A. Pharmacy, Jim’s Barber Shop, Blenheim Seniors Centre, Blenheim Variety, Blenheim Municipal Service Centre Erieau: Eau Buoy, Bayside Brew Pub

Pain Court: Pain Court Market, Central Tavern

Mitchell’s Bay: Mitchell’s Bay Variety

Merlin: Merlin General Store

Tilbury: Ashley’s Place

Charing Cross: Post Office/Bert’s Plumbing, Variety Store

Wheatley: Circle K Store, Jack’s Restaurant

Also online at chathamvoice.com

Have a story idea or question? Want to place an ad?

Give us a call at 519-397-2020