Backlog puts tenants in tough predicament
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com
It appears Ontario’s Landlord Tenant Board (LTB) is broken.
According to a lengthy report released by provincial ombudsman Paul Dube May 4, a huge backlog of cases has clogged the system, leading to long delays and putting tenants in precarious – sometimes life-threatening – positions.
The report also found that small landlords face financial ruin if they don’t get paid rent or can’t get rid of a problematic tenant, In the report, which included 61 recom-
mendations, Dube said the present system is “fundamentally failing” to bring justice in a timely manner.
Currently there are 38,000 cases in the queue, which for a tenant can mean a two-year wait. Landlords appear to get their matters heard sooner, in five to eight months, but the report said landlord complaints comprise 90 per cent of the issues brought before the tribunal.
The report is old news to Chatham-Kent Legal Clinic housing stability worker Jeff Wilkins.
Continued on page 5
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art
Winning ‘Works of Heart’
Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice Aspiring cartoonist Emma Fogarty, 17, shows off some of her colourful work at the Panther’s Palette event at John McGregor Secondary School May 4. The awards night featured
an
show and music. Fogarty is the winner of the Thames Art Gallery Graduation Art Scholarship of $1,000. In September, she plans on entering the 2D/3D animation program at St. Clair College in Windsor.
National Day of Awareness
Register now for summer rec programs
Registration for summer recreation programs from the municipality opened this week.
Officials said the programs feature a wide range of activities for all ages and abilities.
“Whether you’re looking to stay active with our swimming lessons, explore the outdoors with our summer camps, or just have fun with friends, CKRecreation has something for everyone. Our experienced summer squad is dedicated to providing an engaging environment for all,” CKRec staff said in a media release.
This summer, in addition to StayN-Play camps, the popular KIDventure summer camp returns. KIDventure offers all the joy of the Stay-N-Play camps with the bonus of a fun field trip each week.
“We’re thrilled to be offering such a diverse lineup of programming this summer,” said Kelly Bachus, supervisor of recreation services and community engagement. “Our team has worked hard to provide fun and meaningful activities that are affordable and barrier-free for Chatham-Kent residents to stay active and social.”
Free rec swims will also be returning this summer. Free swims will be offered at all seven outdoor pools and two indoor pools starting in July. Due to high demand, participation will be on a first come, first serve basis.
To register for summer programming, visit chatham-kent.ca/recreation, call 311, or visit a municipal centre.
View the complete summer program guide at chatham-kent.ca/ recreation.
FOOD
We
THE CHATHAM VOICE PAGE 2 THURSDAY, MAY 11, 2023 News 71 Sass Rd Unit #4, N7M 5J4 519-397-2020 Bruce Corcoran General Manager- Ext.227 bruce@chathamvoice.com Michelle Owchar Graphics - Ext.226 michelle@chathamvoice.com Jeanine Foulon Sales - Ext.228 jeanine@chathamvoice.com Peter Zubyk Sales - Ext. 225 peter@chathamvoice.com Pam Wright Reporter - Ext.232 pamwrightlji@gmail.com Office Hours: Monday - Friday 9:15am - 3:30pm Deadlines for booking ads: Friday prior to publication date 12:00pm Give us a call at our local office today! Happy Mother’s Day Treasure Every Moment & Memory Serving Chatham and area since 1904 156 William St., Chatham | www.peseski.com | 519.352.5120 • FLEXIBLE/AFFORDABLE PLANS CLEARLY OUTLINED UPFRONT • and Cremations Family Serving Families
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The Chatham Voice
Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice Crimson dresses swing in the breeze at Bleak House on King Street West in Chatham to mark Red Dress Day May 5. The National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit People, honours those who have been killed or gone missing.
Latest well testing raises toxicity concerns
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com
Concerns that water wells in Chatham-Kent may be toxic to human health continue for residents in Dover and North Kent.
That’s according to Christine Burke of the Wallaceburg Area Wind Concerns group and geologist Keith Benn who recently obtained test results from nine area wells.
The analyses were performed by an independent laboratory in Livonia, Mich, known for its role in the Flint Michigan water crisis. The lab personnel examined levels of heavy metals in the fine sediment suspended in the well water. The sediment is likely to be partially comprised of a formation known as Kettle Point black shale that underlies the aquifer in North Kent.
The tests found levels of several heavy metals including arsenic, cadmium, nickel and lead that may potentially be bio-accessible – carcinogens that could cause a host of health problems for
those drinking the water.
Burke said people with fouled wells are discouraged and disillusioned.
“My tears have run dry,” Burke told The Voice in a recent interview. “I’m hoping and praying that the government takes care of us. This has turned our lives upside down and it’s been going on for a long time.”
Burke and her husband Terry – who have been living with dark, murky well water for more than a decade – say they want to see the Ontario government and the Municipality of Chatham-Kent step up to help.
She said she’s worried – not only about the results from her own well but for other residents who may be affected.
Earlier this year, Burke led a GoFundMe drive to raise money for independent well testing, a process that isn’t cheap. It raised $12,000 in short order which covered the cost of testing for nine wells.
Benn, a local geologist who served on the expert panel that advised the recent Ministry of Health all-haz-
ard study of well water in the area of the North Kent 1 wind complex, agrees the results are concerning.
“What we found is potentially toxic,” Benn explained, adding the level of toxicity may depend on the concentration of metals and also the grain size of the sediment.
Upon reviewing the results of the independent tests, Benn said he considers the testing results to be “fairly homogenous” in the nine wells, but noted they’re not all the same.
“I can identify several metals that could potentially be dangerous or amongst the most dangerous,” Benn explained.
The Burke well was the first to be tested, Benn said, and the results from the other wells experiencing turbidity are similar – meaning possible contamination appears to be widespread.
Benn added it’s currently unknown if the heavy metals might enter human cells and the bloodstream instead of being excreted by the body.
Continued on page 5
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Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice Geologist Keith Benn and Wallaceburg Area Wind Concerns member Christine Burke display the results of fine-sediment testing of nine wells in North Kent. The results show that heavy metals found in the wells may be bio-accessible and harmful to human health.
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Trail time Province ‘dropped the ball’: geologist
Continued from page 3
Benn said the recent all-hazard water well investigation in North Kent fell short as there was no analysis of the ultra-fine sediment in 61 well samples that were studied.
He said the government “dropped the ball,” as the presence of sediment in the well water was, in fact, the main motivating factor for the all-hazard investigation.
Benn is quick to point out he’s not a toxicologist, but he “suspects the very small sediment particles might have more bio-availability of the associated metals than would the coarser particles.”
The independent analysis is the most recent action taken by property owners who
believe their wells are contaminated because of wind turbines in the areas of Dover and the former Chatham Township.
The North Kent 1 wind farms consists of 34 wind turbines and the East Lake St. Clair Wind Farm near Mitchell’s Bay has 55 turbines in operation. There are another five turbines operated by Boralex on Marsh Line in Dover.
Area residents have long complained their water wells were ruined when the wind farms came into play. They’ve brought their concerns forward repeatedly to Lambton-Kent-Middlesex MPP Monte McNaughton since 2011 and even to Doug Ford prior to his being elected pre-
mier in 2018.
At the time, Ford promised a health hazard study, however that was changed to an all-hazard study. When the all-hazard testing was carried out, only wells in the former Chatham Township were sampled. No Dover area wells were tested.
Benn said he learned there was no sediment testing by the provincial probe after the fact.
The geologist said he is hoping to bring the new information forward to Chatham-Kent council sometime in May to outline the latest test results.
“Government is ultimately working for us,” Benn stressed.
Virtual element contributes to mega backlog: Wilkins
Continued from page 1
He’s witnessed plenty of horror stories in regard to the tribunal lag issues leading to many finding themselves on the streets.
“The report is very telling and it’s not surprising at all,” Wilkins told The Voice. “I have tenants who are waiting 18 months for a hearing.”
Wilkins said “most people” associated with the LTB say the hearings should go back to an in-person format, which pre-pandemic could normally be scheduled in a matter of days.
“Even though pre-pandemic, in-person hearings were nowhere perfect, it was much more efficient than it is now,” Wilkins said. “The problem pre-pandemic was that there weren’t enough adjudicators and they are now doubling the number of adjudicators. If they would have done that pre-pandemic with in-person hearings, there would be no backlog.”
A paralegal, Wilkins said that while switching hearings to a virtual format during the pandemic was supposed to help, it had the opposite effect with indigent and mentally challenged tenants unable to scale the digital wall.
Wilkins said he has had more than one client who didn’t have a cell-
phone trying to access their hearing from a payphone, only to be forced to feed coins into the phone while waiting to get online.
The province has admitted there was already a backlog prior to the pandemic, with 20,000 cases stacked up, which in three years has nearly doubled. Dube said the situation was aggravated by the pandemic, a change in government, procedural inefficiencies – including a lack of trained adjudicators – and two moratoriums on evictions that occurred due to COVID-19.
The report was initiated before COVID-19 hit, but was delayed by the pandemic.
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Behave like adults, please
Chatham-Kent council and administration should be taking note of a policy for delegations recently developed by Essex County council.
Officials in Essex passed what are essentially three “good conduct” policies after being forced to cut a meeting short due to shouting and disruptive behaviour regarding an issue that wasn’t even on the agenda. In that case, the spread of disinformation resulted in a mob mentality by enough members of the delegation to make it unsafe to have any meaningful discussion.
Chatham-Kent council has seen its share of heated issues over the years as council chambers have been filled with those intending to inform, educate or intimidate (depending on your stance on the issue of the day). When audience members find it difficult to hear their elected officials or those with opposing views speak, no one wins.
At a time when council members have the ability to weaponize their social media followers or to spread disinformation to push their own
personal agenda, council needs to have a tool to ensure that orderly discussion of issues is the norm.
Given that less than one in three voters cast ballots in last fall’s municipal election, we run the risk of turning local government over to those who can yell the loudest.
Is that what we want?
Bridgework completed early?
Those of you who follow the progress of municipal construction projects could be forgiven for thinking there were two moons in the sky recently when repairs to the Murray Street Bridge in Wallaceburg were completed a week earlier than the date on detour signs.
It was a welcome change from the “someone didn’t order the guardrails” or “who knew there could be cables under the bridge” scenarios that have plagued recent projects. We don’t know if this is a feather in the cap of new GM Edward Soldo, but someone should be taking a bow.
Our letters to the editor policy
The Chatham Voice welcomes letters to the editor. Our preferred method to receive letters is via e-mail to bruce@ chathamvoice.com (use “Letter” in the subject line).
You can also drop them off or mail
them to us at The Chatham Voice, 71 Sass Rd., Unit 4, Chatham, Ont, N7M 5J4.
The Chatham Voice reserves the right to edit letters to the editor for brevity and clarity. All letters need to be signed.
Chatham Voice advertising policy
The publisher of this newspaper, CK Media Inc., reserves the right to clarify or refuse any advertisement based on its sole discretion. The publisher reserves the right to reject, discontinue or omit any advertisement without notice
or penalty to either party. Liability for errors or non-insertion is limited to the amount paid for the cost of space occupied by the error. Claims of errors must be made prior to the next publication date.
Editor: I am writing The Voice, to let the residents of Chatham-Kent know, if they need help from MP Dave Epp’s office, save your foot-steps, your gas and your time.
I went to his office on April 17 to find out why my climate change rebate wasn’t deposited in my bank account this time. I should mention, I am a senior citizen.
The woman sitting at her computer didn’t even get out of her chair to come to the front desk to
see why I was there.
I was greeted with “what do you want.” I told her why I was there, all I got from her was a very snobbish answer, “If your income tax wasn’t in by March 24, you would not get one. I can’t help you.”
She didn’t take my name and was unwilling to look into the problem. I am a senior, not stupid. The Conservative Party talks a good game to gain power, knocks
down other political parties that are trying to help and are interested in Canadians. I find this party rude, impolite, snobbish, and inconsiderate of the public needs.
They need a few lessons on how to greet and to be polite in serving the public. They may find these lessons in the swamp at the North Pole.
Linda Weaver Chatham
Editor: A day after her arranged marriage, Mira Dean (not her real name) suddenly realised that there had been a big mistake. Her husband had a problem with addiction. Having been raised in a conservative family, she had learned to honour
her wedding wows. For 15 years, she made every effort towards her husband’s rehabilitation, but every effort failed. He was not co-operating. He became a chronic source of financial and emotional
exhaustion. Mira often wondered how much longer she could continue honouring her wedding vows, or should she give up and move on with her life.
Continued on page 9
THE CHATHAM VOICE PAGE 6 THURSDAY, MAY 11, 2023 Opinion
71 Sass Rd., Unit #4, Chatham, ON, N7M 5J4 Tel: 519-397-2020 The contents of this newspaper are protected by copyright. No material from this edition may be reproduced without expressed written consent of CK Media Inc.
Epp staffer was rude and of no help: reader
Never give up...really!
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Community Living Month
The Chatham Voice Community Living Chatham-Kent Kicked off Community Living Month with a flag raising and barbecue at the Civic Centre in Chatham recently.
Ron Coristine, executive
director of Community Living, provided greetings to those assembled.
“Community Living month is a month to celebrate the skills and talents of all people, and it is also a month to acknowledge that every person is a val-
ued citizen of this municipality,” he said in a media release.
Mayor Darrin Canniff said the organization is a big part of the community. “Community Living is amazing for what they do in the community.”
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Accept what you can’t change
Continued from page 6
During Mira’s early schooling, she learned a motivational message about never giving up and always trying until the goals were accomplished. This was the secret of success in life. Her parents also reinforced the message of perseverance.
Mira’s teachers gave her a couple of examples. The first example pertained to their country getting its freedom from the colonizers. The ‘freedom fighters’ kept on fighting for more than 100 years against the colonial rulers. Eventually, the rulers gave-up. Mira’s country got its freedom.
In the second story, a king was running away from the battlefield. While hiding in a cave, he observed a spider trying to climb on the wall. The spider kept on falling but it did not give up. Eventually, the spider made it to the top. Seeing the spider’s victory, the king returned to the battlefield and kept on fighting with his solders. Finally, he won. I too believed in such motivational quotation, until, I came across Tim Jones (not his real name) who was going through a no-win situation. He was working for a boss who was perceived as a “kamikaze leader.” He took credits for all the successes and blamed his subordinates for the failures.
The kamikaze leader apparently had his own psychological is-
sues of insecurity, and inferiority complex. His threshold for fear/ anxiety was low. Furthermore, he was not going to move or retire soon. After discussing a number of options with Tim, I suggested, “why don’t you move on to another organization where you may be appreciated for your knowledge, experiences and skills rather than continue to work for someone who is emotionally wounded?” What was any value in maintaining his seniority if he eventually got burned out?
My second encounter was with one of our investment advisors who had education, training and many years of experience in dealing with the stock market. Her advice was, “we should always have an exit strategy.” This meant that even before investing in any stock, we should have a plan to exit from it before we end up incurring greater level of losses.
Looking at it from the point-ofview of mental health, one may find that winning a war at any cost is not necessarily the answer to a happy outcome. Accept what you can’t change. Leave the battlefield and learn to live with peace within. Abandoning the battlefield is not a sign of weakness, but a smart strategy.
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Solid April for home sales in C-K
of CKAR, sees the market in rebound.
The drop off in home sales in Chatham-Kent may have stabilized.
In April, Chatham-Kent Association of Realtors (CKAR) stats indicate 135 units changed hands, down just three sales from the same month in 2022. More telling, home sales were 10.3 per cent above the five-year average and 10.6 per cent atop the 10year average for April sales.
Matt Bechard, president
“In a very short amount of time home sales have turned a corner and have rebounded to above-average levels. In fact, sales activity in April notched one of the best levels for this month in history,” he said in a media release.
“The rebound in sales has occurred despite a lack of new listings coming to the market. This has had the effect of putting a stop to the rise in the overall stock of listings on the
market, tightening the balance back in favour of sellers, and causing stronger price growth.”
New listings in April were down slighting from
the same month last year, by 6.4 per cent. They were still nearly eight per cent ahead of the five-year average, however.
Active residential list-
ings numbered 308 units on the market at the end of April, more than double the levels from a year earlier.
On a year-to-date basis,
home sales totalled 356 units over the first four months of the year. This was a decline of nearly 30 per cent from the same period in 2022.
Garden contest underway in C-K
There are beautiful gardens aplenty in Chatham-Kent and now there’s a contest for them to be recognized.
A joint partnership between Chatham’s Glasshouse Nursery and the municipality, the contest is accepting nominations for gardens anywhere in the municipality. The owner of the garden that’s
selected could win a gift card from the Glasshouse, as well as a yard sign recognizing the garden’s beauty.
The contest is part of Mayor Darrin Canniff’s Celebrating CK in May
initiative that’s focusing on the many positives found in Chatham-Kent. To nominate a garden, send a photo, including the address, to theletstalkchatham-kent.ca/growing-together.
THE CHATHAM VOICE PAGE 10 THURSDAY, MAY 11, 2023 News
Mayor Darrin Canniff
On behalf of Chatham-Kent Council
The Chatham Voice
The Chatham Voice
Casino coin drops into C-K budget
By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com
The funds received by the municipality for hosting a casino continued to be funnelled into the same place: the overall Chatham-Kent budget.
Mayor Darrin Canniff said the latest instalment –$427,620 – the funds from Jan. 1 to March 31 of this year, followed its predecessors.
“The money goes into the general budget. It’s not designated to anything in particular,” he said. “Any over or under is reported at the end of the year as a surplus or a deficit.”
The over-under point is $1.5 million, as that’s what the municipality budgets for. For the previous fiscal year, which ended March 31, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation paid the municipality more than $1.692 million for hosting the Cascades Casino for the past fiscal year, April 1, 2022 to March 31, 2023.
“It’s great to see the casino doing well and the municipality certainly benefits from it,” Canniff said.
Since the Slots at Dresden gaming site opened in April 2001, Chatham-Kent has received $16,146,767. The casino shifted to Chatham in
2019.
Payments to host communities are based on a formula consistently applied across all gaming sites in Ontario using a graduated scale of gaming revenue at the hosted site.
“OLG’s Municipal Contribution Agreement payments are building strong communities where people and families can enjoy a high quality of life,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance, in a media release. “These revenues help support local program and critical infrastructure, making a real difference for gaming host municipalities.”
Cascades Casino open again
By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com
Cascades Casino in Chatham reopened recently after going dark for more than two weeks.
Closed since mid-April after parent company Gateway was the victim of a cyber attack, the Richmond Street facility reopened May 4.
Match Eatery reopened the same day as well, but with a limited menu.
Gateway was hit with a ransomware attack in April, which forced the closure of their operations across Ontario.
“We responded to a cyber incident and we made the decision to err on the side of cuation and close all 14 of our sites,” Rob Mitchell, director of communications for Gateway, told The Voice.
The company working with its regulators, opted to take a graduated reopening effort, reopening several casinos each day rather than all at once, he said.
Mitchell said Gateway officials are quite relieved to be back operational. He added that officials believe no private information was accessed in the cyber attack.
“We’ve notified relevant privacy
officials, law enforcement and government regulators. We will continue to keep them apprised,” Mitchell said of the attack. “To the best of our knowledge, we’re not aware of any private information being compromised.”
THE CHATHAM VOICE THURSDAY, MAY 11, 2023 PAGE 11 News 519-397-4244 450 Grand Ave. E., Chatham, ON across from Service Ontario info@maplecitysmiles.ca www.maplecitysmiles.ca “Love Your Smile, With Maple City Smiles” Angelo Tourlas, DD ALL DENTURES SERVICES AVAILABLE • Complete Dentures • Partial Dentures • Digital Dentures • Implant Dentures • Repairs / Relines SAME DAY SERVICES & YOUR NEW DENTURES! OPEN 6 DAYS A WEEK! * FAST * AFFORDABLE * HIGH QUALITY All Insurance Forms Accepted Including OW/ODSP Now Offering the Ontario Senior Dental Care program Smile Like You Mean It with confidence 217 Queen St., Chatham 519-358-7373 | info@mcgregornd.com MOM MEANS SO MUCH Nothing compares to the way only Mom can make her loved ones feel. On Mother’s Day and every day,we salute the women whose love and tireless devotion to
children make the world a more beautiful place. Wishing Moms Everywhere a Very Special Mother’s Day! Caring Loving Teaching. Nurturing Protecting Comforting
their
CANADA ROAD SAFETY WEEK - May 16 - 22, 2023
Canada Road Safety Week is an enforcement-driven initiative led by the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP), and more specifically by the CACP’s Traffic Safety Committee. It is designed to increase public compliance with safe driving measures in order to save lives and reduce injuries on our roads.
Being a safe and responsible driver takes a combination of knowledge, skill and attitude. To begin, you must know the traffic laws and driving practices that help traffic move safely. Breaking these “rules of the road” is the major cause of collisions.
But you need to do more than just obey the rules. You must care about the safety of others on the road. Everyone is responsible for avoiding collisions. Even if someone else does something wrong, you may be found responsible for a collision if you could have done something to avoid it.
Because drivers have to co-operate to keep traffic moving safely, you must also be predictable, doing what other people using the road expect you to do. And you must be courteous. Courteous driving means giving other drivers space to change lanes, not cutting them off and signalling your turns and lane changes properly.
You must be able to see dangerous situations before they happen and to respond quickly and effectively to prevent them. This is called defensive or strategic driving. There are collision avoidance courses available where you can practice these techniques.
Defensive driving is based on three ideas: visibility, space and communication.
Visibility is about seeing and being seen. You should always be aware of traffic in front, behind and beside you. Keep your eyes constantly moving, scanning the road ahead and to the side and checking your mirrors every five seconds or so. The farther ahead you look, the less likely you will be surprised, and you will have time to avoid any hazards. Make sure other drivers can see you by using your signal lights as required. Managing the space around your vehicle lets you see and be seen and gives you time and space to avoid a collision. Leave a cushion of space ahead, behind and to both sides. Because the greatest risk of a collision is in front of you, stay well back.
Communicate with other road users to make sure they see you and know what you are doing. Make eye contact with pedestrians, cyclists and drivers at intersections and signal whenever you want to slow down, stop, turn or change lanes. If you need to get another person’s attention, use your horn.
This and more information can be found at www.ontario.ca
THE CHATHAM VOICE PAGE 12 THURSDAY, MAY 11, 2023
New & Used Tires BROOKS Have Your Tires Checked! 10 Indian Creek Rd. East • 519-351-3636 Top Notch Service That’s Just How We Roll! MORTGAGES / LOANS CONSOLIDATE DEBTS LOWER YOUR PAYMENTS Difficult Situations Accepted WE ALSO ARRANGE UNSECURED LINES OF CREDIT/LOANS Borrow $50,000 for $283.50/mth $100,000 for $567.00/mth $150,000 for $850.50/mth $200,000 for $1134.00/mth $250,000 for $1417.50/mth Call John at 519-252-6953 - 24 hours or email john@unimorcapital.com UNIMOR CAPITAL CORPORATION Brokerage Lic.#10675 For qualified borrowers. First mortgage based on 4.74%/yr fixed rate, 5 yr term, 25 yr amortization. On approved credit, & subject to borrower qualification. Rates & terms subject to change without notice. Whether you are looking to purchase a home, refinance your mortgage, or consolidate debt, it’s important that you are making an educated decision and receiving professional unbiased advice. ROAD TIPS TO PROTECT WORKERS GIVE WORKERS EXTRA ROOM SLOW DOWN AS YOU APPROACH WORKERS BE PREPARED TO STOP entegrus.com Specialized Pest Management for the Agri Food sector! Thamesville • 519-692-4232 sgspestmanagement.ca Rodent Management TRAINING FOR SUCCESS! 1005 Richmond St, Chatham 519-355-0077 otds.com We Raise Sunken Concrete 519-360-9657 • www.soulliereconcrete.ca Guaranteed Work • 20 Years Experience Chatham-Kent Police Service Police Headquarters 24 Third St. PO Box 366 Chatham, Ontario N7M 5K5 519-352-1234 ALERT TODAY ALIVE TOMORROW DRIVE SAFELY 4 Victoria Ave, Chatham (519) 352-2390 Serving Kingsville, Wheatley & Chatham kendrickfuneralhome.com ���������������� ��������������� ������� ���������������� ���� ���������������� ������� ���������������� ������������������ ������������������ ���������������������� ��������������������������������������������������� ������������� ��������������������� ����� ������ ������� ���������� —�����— �he decisions you �a�e� and the conse�uences of your actions don’t just affect you. �hey i��act your fa�ily and co��unity too. CANADA ROAD SAFETY WEEK 2021 May 18 -24, 2021 �ncoura�in� safe dri�in� �eha�iours with a �oal to �a�e Canada’s roads the safest in the world. This and more information can be found on The Canadian Association Chiefs of Police website. www.cacp.ca
Indoor fun park coming to Chatham
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com
There’s a new reason to jump for joy in Chatham-Kent.
A state-of-the-art trampoline park is coming to Chatham and officials couldn’t be happier.
Located in the former YA call centre on Richmond Street, the Flying Squirrel Sports facility not only features trampolines, it includes a rock-climbing wall, an arcade, a zipline, slides, a restaurant and space for special events such as birthday and dance parties.
“It’s going to be nearly an acre of fun,” said Don Tetrault, of the Tatro Group of Companies, at the official announcement May 1.
“I’m excited to see the joy this facility will bring to the children, teenagers, young adults and caregivers in our community,” Tetrault said of what will be a 43,000 sq-foot facility.
“We’ve researched this, we’ve been looking to do this for about a year now,” he added.
“Flying Squirrel was one of the best to partner up with.”
Mayor Darrin Canniff was all smiles at the announcement, noting the park is his “first reveal” in his month-long bid during May to accentuate positivity in Chatham-Kent. He’ll be unveiling something new about the municipality every business day.
“This is music to my ears,” Canniff told the gathering. “As we all know our community has really been looking for a facility like this. I’ve talked to people who drive to Windsor and London, leaving the community, because there’s no facility like this.
“This is going to be a huge operation,” the mayor added.
“It’s going to be attracting people from all over.”
Canniff said Chatham-Kent’s “steep incline” in growth means there’s a distinct need for more family-orientated activities in the community.
“The investment by Flying Squirrel and Tatro Group is an exciting development for the future of C-K,” Canniff said, noting it will be a place to make memories.
Another unique aspect of the project is a partnership with the Chatham-Kent Children’s Treatment Centre, which will see the creation of a calming high-tech sensory room – the first of its kind for the Flying Squirrel Group.
“This really adds to this whole tech piece,” Canniff agreed, adding it will allow people of all abilities to enjoy the new space.
Renovations are ramping up, with September as the target to open the doors to the public.
According to Jarryd Poole, Tatro Group controller, the new indoor park will create around eight new full-time jobs and between 35 to 40 part-time jobs.
Cross Something Off Mom’s
Gift
THE CHATHAM VOICE THURSDAY, MAY 11, 2023 PAGE 13 News into the world, weighing 8 pounds, 6 ounces. Everyone is healthy and our brood is ecstatic! Special thanks to Dr. Chilopora and the amazing nursing staff at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance for their excellent care. On May 1, 2023 at 1:51 pm, we welcomed Cohen Gregory McKinlay Trust the Professionals. 459 St. Clair St., Chatham - 519-351-2040 76 Main St. E., Ridgetown - 519-674-3141 141 Park St., Blenheim - 519-676-3451 www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com 837 Gregory Dr., Chatham, N7M 5J7
Bucket List!! A Horse Connection trailride on our scenic woodland trails on gentle trustworthy horses and patient knowledgable guides. We also offer an amazing horse experience for non riders too. We’ve even gotten 99 yr old grannies on a horse! Call for a horse experience that best suits you and your Mom!
Certificates Available
Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice There were smiles all around at the official announcement of Chatham-Kent’s new Flying Squirrel Sports Indoor Trampoline Park on May 1. The one-acre site will feature a host of activities, including rock climbing, an arcade and a special sensory room.
Parney’s dedication recognized
By Michael Bennett Local Journalism Initiative
The Ridgetown Independent
Will Parney recently received one of the highest honours bestowed by the Ontario Plowmen’s Association.
The Ridgetown area farmer and former municipal politician was named an OPA Honouree Inductee for his more than 50 years of dedication to the association and the International Plowing Match
and Rural Expo.
Parney was presented with his award, which only a select few ever receive, at the recent OPA annual convention in Cobourg.
“It was a very big honour for him and the family. It was really nice,” his wife Linda said.
Parney got his start in plowing in the early 1970s but quickly moved to the administrative side of the sport.
“He tried plowing a
couple of times, but that wasn’t for him,” Linda said. “But he loved being a part of everything.”
Parney was involved with the Chatham-Kent Plowing Association and was an OPA Director from 1974 to 1989, including President in 1985.
During that time, Parney played a big role as a director at the 1979 International Plowing Match and Rural Expo held on Maynard Line in Harwich Twp.
He attended but was not a part of the committee at the 2018 IMP in Pain Court.
The entire Parney family has been involved in plowing, as Linda and Will’s daughter Melissa reigned as the Ontario Queen of the Furrow in 1991-92, and daughter Mary was named the Kent County Queen of the Furrow. Their son Jeff also tried his hand at plowing at the Chatham-Kent-hosted IPM.
THE CHATHAM VOICE PAGE 14 THURSDAY, MAY 11, 2023 News Support the local businesses who help support our community! Advertise here for only $35/week! Call today! 519-397-2020 8-12oz IQF Pickerel Fillets 11 lbs. for $110/box Yellow Perch IQF Fillets 11 lbs. for $240/box Fish S peciaL Please visit us at 10417 Front Line, Blenheim 519-676-2030 trishstuart@aamarinefoods.com 519-351-3636 • Mon-Fri 8-6; Saturday 8-4 10 Indian Creek Rd. East, Chatham (Just E. of Queen) Dripless Oil Sprays Seasonal Tire Changeover JUST GO TO BROOKS New & Used Tires juncturaconstruction.ca 226-312-2222 15 Maple Leaf Drive Chatham, ON N7M 6H2 property@junctura.ca junctura group Construction S E NIORSHEL P INGSENIO R S SHS NO JOB TOO SMALL Call Mike: 519.355.5494 • HOME REPAIRS • DECKS / FENCES Remove / Rebuild / Replace • GRASS & TREE TRIMMING • GUTTER GUARD & CLEANING SENIORS HELPING SENIORS 670 Irwin St., Chatham Tel: 1.519.351.9501 Toll free: 1.844.93TITAN (1.844.938.4826) info@titanlifttrucks.com www.titanlifttrucks.com Electric Fork Lifts Walk-behind Pallet Jack Stand-behind Pallet Jack Frozen homemade meals, Made right here in Chatham! We do all the shopping and prep for you . . . Just add Heat! Individual and family sized meals, soups and desserts. Come fill yourfreezertoday!! 519-351-7905 6 Lowe St., Chatham (Just off St. Clair) UNLIMITED AUDIO VIDEO DENOMY’S 40 Grand Avenue East, Chatham. 519-352-2120 Chris Denomy 75 years Shop Local! Continue to for LIQUIDATIONS BINS ChathamKentLiquidation.ca EVERYTHING IN THE BINS IS THE PRICE OF THE DAY FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR UPDATES AND SNEAK PEAKS Facebook.com/ChathamKentLiquidation 540 PARK AVE. E. Enter from Siemens Dr. Beside PeaPod Storage OPEN Saturday - Tuesday 10am-6pm SAT $25 TUES $1 MON $5 SUN $10 A NEW BARGAIN HUNT BEGINS EVERY SATURAY!!! 735 Richmond St., Chatham 519-352-9000 www.chathamnissan.com CHATHAM NISSAN Open for Sales & Service NEW STOCK ARRIVING WEEKLY! CK Boomers On The Move Downsizing & Decluttering ckboomersonthemove.ca ckboomersonthemove@gmail.com 519-354-1836
Image courtesy Ridgetown Independent William Parney holds the certificate he received from the Ontario Plowmen’s Association. Pictured with Will is his wife, Linda.
Let there not be light
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com
Chatham-Kent has moved forward with pro-active new rules governing light emissions from commercial greenhouses.
The new bylaw, which drew on legislation from Kingsville and Leamington, requires growers to install blackout curtain systems to limit the amount of light generated by the operation.
The curtains are required on the sidewalls, end walls and ceilings of each structure.
In 2020, municipal council passed a motion rec-
Knights gallantly support Salvation Army
ognizing that agriculture operators be able to be successful while “simultaneously promoting the existence of dark night sky in the Municipality of Chatham-Kent.” Administration was directed to probe the matter, which included gaining input from stakeholders and researching how other regions have coped with the issue.
The bylaw mandates the use of blackout curtains between the hours of sunset and sunrise if greenhouse lights are used during those times. However, it includes allowances for increased light emissions for ceiling venting.
The Local Knights of Columbus, Council 1412, were out in force recently, raising support for the Salvation Army. From left, Council 1412 members Steve Brent and John Koppes are shown with Nichole Shaw of the Salvation Army, along with Council 1412 members Lawrence Daniel Renaud, the Salvation Army’s Angela Pourquet and Beth Reeve, plus Council 1412 members Franco
THE CHATHAM VOICE THURSDAY, MAY 11, 2023 PAGE 15 News Support the local businesses who help support our community! Advertise here for only $35/week! Call today! 519-397-2020 Custom Jewellery Design Specialist Diamond Broker Repair Services On-Site Appraisal OPENING VERY SOON!! 83 King St. West .| Chatham | N7M 1C7 | (226) 217-3114 FINE JEWELLERY AND BRIDAL Here to serve ALL of your jewellery needs! 519-676-7673 519-676-7673 • Residential • Commercial • Agricultural • Industrial Your Solution is Simple. • Residential • Commercial • Agricultural • Industrial Your Solution is Simple. • Residential • Commercial • Agricultural • Industrial Your Solution is Simple. Complete Tree Removal, Trimming and More! 519•359•9876 customtreeservice.ca 519-352-GROW (4769) 241 1/2 Grand Ave. East, Chatham (corner of Van Allen) OPEN 10am - 6pm Sat. till 2 Closed Sun, Mon Authorized dealer of GROW IN YOUR HOME 365 DAYS A YEAR Follow us on Facebook or stop in the store to see our indoor plants growing, as they would in your home! 2 Sizes 5 Finishes Great for growing herbs, veggies, and leafy greens Great Reviews 4 Comes assembled 4 Very little maintenance 4 No need to disassemble for cleaning 4 Does not fade or crack & split like other PVC units Comes with our Produce Payback Promise • Vegetables can grow in water and produce twice as fast. • Use 90% less water, more efficient • Climate controlled. ALL YEAR LONG Right from The Vine to the Table!
Contributed image
Lazzarin and Al Boulley. The Knights presented a donation of $4,351.13 following two days of collecting from the public at Food Basics and The Real Canadian Superstore in Chatham as part of the Knights’ Faith in Action fundraiser.
Community Events
Thursday, May 11, 2023:
• Retired Workers Chapter Meeting, enjoy coffee and baked goods and visit with friends and former fellow workers. Keep up to date with the community, pensions, benefits and info provided from informed leadership and guest speakers. Spouses are welcome. 10:00am at the Unifor Local 127, 405 Riverview Dr., Chatham.
• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open from 11:00am-9:30pm. Lunch served 11:00am-1:30pm. Senior euchre at 1:00pm. Everyone is welcome.
• Wooden Sign Making with Farmhouse Comfort Designs – 4 designs to pick from. $40.00 ($5.00 deposit, $35.00 the day of the event). Call to register your spot. Active Lifestyle Centre. 20 Merritt Ave, Chatham. 519-352-5633. Please see our website and Facebook page for flyer information. Open to all ages.
• Community Creative Expression
Antibullying Murals with Shannon Rose Artist & Photography at Come Together CK, Downtown Chatham. 11am-2pm.
• Chatham-Kent Tourism is excited to announce the return of the annual Tourism Brochure Swap. The goal of this event is to support your local tourism business by providing a free way for tourism operators in Chatham-Kent to get their brochures distributed across the municipality for free, while also networking and learning about the robust tourism offerings in our area. This event is free to attend with pre-registration required. 5pm – 6pm. PABC Parking Lot, 25 Creek Road, Chatham. Register here: https://www.eventbrite. ca/e/brochure-swap-ck-2023-tickets-565155153277.
• Jam Session at the Merlin Legion Br. 465. 1-4:30pm. Bring your instruments, singing voice or dancing shoes and clap the afternoon away. $2 donation. 519-689-4884 for info. Panzerotti Night $14.25 tax included.
Friday, May 12, 2023:
• Adult Colouring at the CKPL Chatham Branch Community Living Café. 2:00pm until 4:00pm. Come and connect with people of all ages and skill levels while colouring away the stress of the day. Come alone or bring a friend. No registration required, come and go as you please.
• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open from 11:00am-9:30pm. Lunch served from 11:00am-1:30pm. Supper served from 4:00–6:00. No orders after 5:30pm. Tonight’s specials: cabbage rolls or fish & chips. Take out is also available by calling 519-351-8733 or 519-351-5639. Fun darts at 7:00pm. Everyone Welcome.
• Baby-Back Ribs at the Merlin Legion, Br. 465. $15.50 tax included. Includes fries, veggies, bun & dessert +menu available. Please call to reserve if possible. Walk-ins are always welcome. 519-689-4884 for info.
• Kent Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society in person meeting at 7:00pm. Topic: You Wore What?
Identifying Photos through Your
Ancestors Clothes and Fashion. Join us as local historian and author Lisa Gilbert speaks about how to identify the age of a photograph by looking at the clothes in the picture. Free and everyone is welcome to attend. There will be cake and comradery.
McKinlay Funeral Home Reception Centre, 365 St. Clair St., Chatham. Please park in the Hakim Optical parking lot. Look for the signs.
• As part of Community Living Wallaceburg’s month long effort to raise awareness and celebrate an inclusive community, we are pleased to invite the community to a FREE movie night showing of Zootopia at the fully accessible Jeanne Gordon Hall, upstairs inside the Wallaceburg & District Museum. While attendance is free, donations to Community Living Wallaceburg in support of mental health first aid training are appreciated. A variety of snacks will be available for purchase. Our colorful wristbands will also be available at the event! Doors will open at 6:30 pm and the movie is set to start sharply at 7:00 pm.
Saturday, May 13, 2023:
• Morning Breakfast Program at First Presbyterian Church (corner of Fifth St. & Wellington). A delicious and nutritious breakfast served free of charge from 9:30am-10:30am. Take out only.
• EECS Spring Market + Plant Sale 8am - 12:30pm. Amazing local vendors, perennials & annuals, baked goods, plus fresh hot waffles! Coffee stand proceeds will go to Chatham Hospice. A great morning out at Eben-Ezer Christian School (485 McNaughton Ave E).
• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am-9:30pm. Meat draw at 3:30, 4:30 and 5:30pm. Lunch served 3:00pm-5:15pm. Entertainment by Unity Station from 4:309:30. Come check out our menu. Everyone Welcome.
• Merlin Legion Br. 465 kitchen opens at 3pm. 2pc chicken $10.50 tax included; 3pc chicken $13.50 tax included + menu. Pool table; dart board; cards and cribbage ready to be used. 519-689-4884 for info.
Sunday, May 14, 2023:
• Creekside Church - 10:00 a.m Sunday’s at the Adult Lifestyle Centre, Merritt Ave. Haven’t been to church in a while? Come find community with us. creeksidechurch.ca.
• Mother’s Day Brunch at the Merlin Legion Br. 465. $13.00 tax included. 10:00am-1:00pm. Includes hash browns, bacon, sausage, peameal, and all you can eat pancakes, french toast, coffee, tea, orange & apple juice. 1:00pm-5:30pm Jamboree, sweet & sour pineapple chicken. Call Lori 519-476-5870.
• Chess Club at Chatham Branch of CKPL. 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm. Drop in program. Great opportunity to learn new strategies by playing with different players. All ages and all skill levels are welcome.
• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am–9:30pm. Lunch served from 11:00am–1:30pm. Today’s special is spaghetti with meat sauce. Euchre at 1:00pm. Shuffleboard at 7:00pm. Everyone is welcome.
Wednesday, May 17, 2023:
•Kent Coin Club meeting at the Active Lifestyle Center (7pm – 8pm), 20 Merritt Ave, Chatham. New Members and guests welcomed. Come to a meeting to see what we’re about. Gain knowledge and trends of the hobby. For more info contact President Paul Robb (probb1@cogeco.ca) (289-228-2817).
• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open from 11:00am–9:30pm. Lunch served 11:30am–1:30pm. Daily special is meatloaf dinner. Check out our other daily specials. Fun darts at 7:00pm. Everyone is welcome.
• You are invited to the Ridgetown & District Horticultural Society Meeting at 7:00pm at the Church of the Advent Parish Hall, 16 Church Street, Ridgetown. Amy Osborne, Branch Head for Chatham-Kent Public Library’s Ridgetown, Highgate and Bothwell branches will present the CKPL Grow Seed Library and more. Society Seed Harvesting bags will also be available at this meeting. Social time and refreshments will follow. Everyone Welcome!
Thursday, May 18, 2023:
• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open from 11:00am–9:30pm. Lunch served 11:00am–1:30pm. Senior euchre at 1:00pm. Everyone is welcome.
• Jam Session at the Merlin Legion Br. 465. 1-4:30pm. Bring your instruments, singing voice or dancing shoes and clap the afternoon away. $2 donation. 519-689-4884 for info. Panzerotti Night $14.25 tax included.
• The Chatham-Kent Quilters’ Guild meeting at St. Paul’s Congregational Church, 450 Park Ave E, Chatham. Everyone is welcome to join us, including non-members. Non-members can visit us once free of charge, however, subsequent visits 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.
Are you affected by someone else’s drinking? Al-anon can help! Callleave message - 519-350-3462
Fun Stuff
CLUES DOWN
1. An involuntary and abnormal muscular contraction
2. Philly’s rail service
3. Leaves a place
4. No longer be a part in
5. Guitar players use them
6. Cease to exist
7. General’s assistant (abbr.)
8. Shaking of the earth
9. Strong winds
10. For each one
11. A bog
Monday, May 15, 2023:
• To mark the beginning of Victims and Survivors of Crime week CK Victim Services will be hosting a short flag raising ceremony at the Civic Centre in Chatham at 12:00pm.
Tuesday, May 16, 2023:
Alcoholics Anonymous, we can help! Information Line 519-360-5246.
Submit your coming events to bruce@chathamvoice.com or michelle@chathamvoice.com
CLUES ACROSS
1. Midway between south and southeast
4. Fathers
9. Wine grape
14. Al Bundy’s wife
15. Organic compound
16. Venezuelan state
17. Interest term
18. Experts
20. Central cores of stems
22. Smooth and glossy
23. One-time S. Korean city
24. One from Damascus
28. Short message at the end of an email
29. It cools your home
30. Oh, God!
31. Intestinal pouches
33. Men
37. Popular English soccer team (abbr.)
38. Former CIA
39. Arrange in steps
41. A baglike structure in a plant or animal
42. The Great Lake State
43. Dog-__: to mark a page
44. Stop moving
46. Ancient Dead Sea region
49. Of I
50. Clerical vestment
51. Songs sung to a lover
55. Charges
58. Popular design program manufacturer
59. Where to park a boat
60. One who values reason
64. Slang for cigarette
65. Sailboats
66. Actress Zellweger
67. Screen material
68. Country music legend Haggard
69. Puts together in time
70. When you hope to arrive
12. The creation of beautiful or significant things
13. Affirmative
19. Pie _ __ mode
21. Nonclerical
24. Inspirational football player Hamlin
25. Learning environment
26. Khoikhoi peoples
27. Bring out or develop
31. Shows up
32. Theatrical device
34. Loads
35. Popular Hollywood alien
36. Distinguishes
40. College dorm worker
41. Secondary or explanatory title
45. Resembling wings
47. One who delivers a speech
48. In the middle
52. Loop with a running knot
53. Airborne (abbr.)
54. Beloveds
56. Ordain
57. Breed of small cattle
59. Very small period of time (abbr.)
60. Revolutions per minute
61. They __
62. Longtime ESPN anchor Bob
63. A place to stay
Puzzle
Answers can be found on page 19
THE CHATHAM VOICE PAGE 16 THURSDAY, MAY 11, 2023
The Arts
LGTBQ protagonist comes to life for local author
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com
A character that’s been growing in J.B. Knowles’ consciousness for some 30 years has finally made her way to the page.
Elven Katya Greenleaf, who has taken a blood oath to hunt down and eliminate evil, is the star of his new sci-fi fantasy book titled Oathtaker: Broken. It’s the first in a new Oathtaker trilogy – a LGTBQ sci-fi fastpaced fantasy book that’s brimming with adventure.
A fan of fantasy literature, the successful author, whose real name is Brian Knowler of Chatham-Kent, had a long career in justice and mental health, authoring several successful books on the topics. However, Katya and the Greenleaf family’s stories have long existed in the back of his mind, as he created them in high school.
Knowles was finally able to bring the world of Katya to life in print during the pandemic.
Writing his book Broken also helped him escape the travails of COVID-19.
“With some time and inspiration, I was able to find the time to breathe new life into these characters and their adventures, that I’d been creating in my head for over 30 years,” Knowles said in a recent media release. “Once I sat down and started writing, the words just flowed onto the page non-stop.
I’m so excited to share this book with the world.”
To launch Oathtaker: Broken, Knowles approached Chatham’s Turns & Tales book and games store. His request was enthusiastically received and the official unveiling will take place at the King Street store May 18 at 7 p.m.
The free event will include a public reception, author’s talk
and book signing, as well as special themed beverages – alcoholic and non-alcoholic – and snacks.
“The staff at Turns & Tales have been amazing since hearing about my book,” Knowles said. “They’re so supportive of local authors and they’re also supporters of cosplayers in our community.
“I’m thrilled to be able to combine my interests in cosplay and fantasy, my book, and launching Katya Greenleaf and her 2SLGTBQIA+ story into the world.”
Knowles said he’s also looking forward to seeing the costumes and outfits people wear to the event, as cosplayers, role-playing groups, Dungeon & Dragons groups, as well as the public, are welcome.
The new book is available in hard copy at Turns & Tales and online at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Indigo and iBooks.
THE CHATHAM VOICE THURSDAY, MAY 11, 2023 PAGE 17
VOLUNTEER • DONATE • VOLUNTEER DONATE • VOLUNTEER • DONATE New Furniture or Appliances coming? Beds, Mattresses and Box Springs EXCLUDED 4 4 4 Need to get rid of your old stuff? No rips, tears or stains Working condition On the main floor Call to arrange pick-up 519-351-3817 A Full Day of Fun • Free Parking • Free Admission • Complimentary Lunch • Entertainment • Lots of Exhibits • Door Prizes/Giveaways • Education and information JUNE 9TH 2023 • 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM Retirement • Health • Home Travel • Leisure • Community • Lifestyle Call: 519-676-3894 More info: blenheim55@gmail.com www.blenheimseniorcentre.ca BLENHEIM ARENA, 199 KING STREET, BLENHEIM, ON Activities: Card Games, Shuffleboard, Aquafit, Bowling, Computers, Crafts, Choir, Wednesday Lunches, Holey Board, Darts, Exercise/Dance, Trips, Birthday Pot Luck Suppers & More! Sales • Service • Parts 134 Inshes Ave., Chatham www.chathamopp.com • 519-354-3990 UPSAVE TO$150 MOWER SALE ON NOW Count On It!
Contributed image
Brian Knowler, whose pen name is J.B. Knowles, has recently released his first novel in a fantasy series. He is shown here in a cosplay outfit.
The Arts
Another award winner to perform in Chatham
The Chatham Voice
Juno award-winning singer-songwriter Crystal Shawanda is coming to town May 13, as part of the Canada South Blues Society’s slate of performances.
Marie Argent
“Growing up, all of my favourite music had these breadcrumbs that led me to the blues,” Shawanda said in a media release. “I often quote Willie Dixon: ‘Blues is the roots and everything else is the fruits.’
OBITUARIES
74, Wednesday, May 3, 2023
Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Steven “Moe” Anderson
68, Wednesday, April 26, 2023
Life Transitions
Kathleen McKeever (Corrin)
Saturday, April 29, 2023
Life Transitions
Bruce Parrent
Saturday, April 29, 2023
Life Transitions
June Lawrence (Crouchman)
92, Monday, May 1, 2023
Life Transitions
David Morris
64, Wednesday, May 3, 2023
Life Transitions
Barry Bishop
64, Sunday, April 30, 2023
McKinlay Funeral Home
Bob Kelly
84, Friday, April 28, 2023
McKinlay Funeral Home
Ruth Williston
70, Wednesday, May 3, 2023
McKinlay Funeral Home
Ruth Cleveland
Sunday, April 30, 2023
McKinlay Funeral Home
Tyler Sidney McMichael
24, Wednesday, February 15, 2023
McKinlay Funeral Home
Mitchell Joseph John Dawson (Barylewicz)
25, Monday, May 1, 2023
Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home
Johan Unrau
77, Wednesday, May 3, 2023
Kendrick Funeral Home
Tim Teilmann
83, Thursday, April 27, 2023
Nicholls Funeral Home
Murray Isaak Dierx
94, Thursday, April 27, 2023
Nicholls Funeral Home
Full obituaries at chathamvoice.com/obituaries
Even today’s pop music, there’s all this influence that derives from the blues. I was just always really attracted to the rawness and the realness of the blues.”
Raised in Wiikwemkoong First Nation, Shawanda was introduced to the blues by her eldest brother and to old-time country by her parents.
“I was also into other styles of music that led me to the blues,” she said, citing everything from Elvis Presley’s “Hound Dog,” written by Big Mama Thornton, to R&B-pop star Monica’s “Misty Blue,” by Dorothy Moore.
“I was one of those kids who read the liner notes,” she said. “I wanted to know everything, who are the songwriters, the musicians, the producers, the engineers. I’m always wanting to know who are the originators, who are the mothers of invention, who inspired all of us?
I’m a purist at heart, so I was always diving back to learn from the masters, like Etta James, as far as vocalists; Muddy Waters, as far as feeling; and Buddy Guy, as far as stylists who have a lot of swagger.”
Shawanda will perform at the KBD Club on Byng Avenue in Chatham. Show time is 8 p.m. For tickets, head to the KBD Hall, Blenheim Decorating, Tony’s One Stop, Kakoon Spa, or ticketscene.ca/events/44350.
Soil Superheroes exhibit coming
60 Stanley Street, Blenheim (519) 676 – 9200 blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com
A Part of Wallaceburg since 1943.
519.627.2861
MUNICIPALITY OF CHATHAM-KENT HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE DAYS
lifetransitions.ca • 519-351-4444
4 Victoria Ave, Chatham (519) 352-2390
Serving Kingsville, Wheatley & Chatham
kendrickfuneralhome.com
There is a new bilingual exhibition on loan from the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum coming to the Chatham-Kent Museum.
The Municipality of Chatham-Kent in conjunction with Waste Connections of Canada Ridge Landfill will be holding eight Household Hazardous Waste Days between April and November in 2023. The events will be held: Location: Veolia Environmental Services 141 Prosperity Way, near Chatham
Discover the secrets of soil science and conservation in the interactive exhibition. Soil Superheroes will bring awareness to soil health and sustainability – a critical issue that affects food security, climate, health, and the overall quality of life of Canadians.
Soil Superheroes provides visitors with an underground perspective on the importance of our soil, according to a museum press release.
September 9, 2023
October 10, 2023
- 1:00pm
Tuesday, November 14, 2023 8:00am - 1:00pm
For more information please visit www.chatham-kent.ca, your nearest Municipal Centre or call 311 or 519-360-1998. This event is provided by Waste Connections of Canada’s Ridge Landfill and the Municipality of Chatham-Kent.
“Come meet the star players – such as Captain Clay, The Mole, and Wonder Worm – and learn how their superpowers not only provide humans with food and medicine, but also clean the water we drink and protect our climate,” the release stated.
Soil Superheroes will run May 17 to Sept. 10.
The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with extended hours Thursdays.
THE CHATHAM VOICE PAGE 18 THURSDAY, MAY 11, 2023
459 St.Clair St., Chatham • 519-351-2040 76 Main St. E., Ridgetown • 519-674-3141 141 Park St., Blenheim • 519-676-3451 www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com 156 William St., Chatham www.peseski.com | 519.352.5120 Generations of Families Continue To Place Their Trust With Us Funerals and Cremations 245 Wellington St. W., Chatham 519-352-2710 alexanderfuneralhome.ca
ericnichollsfuneralhome.com
Day: Time:
8:00am
1:00pm Tuesday,
8:00am
1:00pm Tuesday,
8:00am
1:00pm Tuesday,
8:00am
1:00pm Saturday,
8:00am
1:00pm
8:00am
Saturday, May 13, 2023
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June 13, 2022
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July 11, 2023
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August 8, 2023
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Tuesday,
Contributed image
Crystal Shawanda, a Juno award-winning artist, is coming to Chatham to perform May 13 at Chatham’s Kent-Belgian-Dutch Canadian Club.
The Chatham Voice
It is with heavy hearts and great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Mitchell Joseph John Dawson.
Born in Chatham on August 11th, 1997. Loving son of Joe Dawson, and Dearest brother to Lee Dawson. Cherished great-grandson of the late Donald and Marion Dawson Sr. (Shova). Sadly missed by grandparents Donald and Barb Dawson Jr. (Bergsma), his Great Uncle Larry Dawson and late wife, Pat (Kirk), Uncle Al Dawson, and Aunts, Patty McKay (Dwayne), Cyndi Dawson, Marion Dawson, and Jenny Mathewson (Kyle). Also remembered and loved by close cousins, Cassie, Donnie, Amanda, Christian, Nicholas, and many other cousins, family and friends.
Mitchell grew up fishing and hanging out with his Dad at the horse races. Mitchell enjoyed going for drives and often found himself singing a self orchestrated father and son song, that started with, “We’re father and son, we do it all!” They were always laughing about their inside joke of “Uncle Joe”. His dad and family will always remember the great times they had with Mitchell, those are just a few. Mitchell will leave a heavy void in many hearts. “Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.” We will always love and miss you Mitchell!
Notice
NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND OTHERS
All claims against the Estate of Teddy Charles Orval Ritchie (also known as Ted Charles Orville Ritchie and Edward Charles Orval Ritchie), late of the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, who died on or about the 18th day of September, 2022, must be filed with the undersigned personal representatives no later than May 31, 2023, after which date the estate will be distributed having regard only to the claims of which the Estate Trustee then shall have notice.
DATED at Chatham-Kent, this 21st day of April, 2023.
Edward Charles Phillip Ritchie & Charles Leroy Ritchie Estate Trustees With a Will by their lawyer Hinnegan Law Professional Corporation 75 Thames St., Box 428 Chatham, Ontario N7M 5K5
In Memory On Mother’s Day Hazel Marguerite Steer
We miss you every single day, Perhaps today more than any other. We were blessed as blessed can be, To have called you our Mother, And though you are not with us, Your light here still shines on, So long as we live and breathe, You’ll never be truly gone. How we wish we could hold you, So that you could hear us say, Just how much we love you, Mom
This year on Mother’s Day!
Terry, Heather, Daphne and families
TYLER CLARK BRITTON
Dec. 20, 1992May 10, 2017
Six Years Have Passed
There is always a face before us A voice we would love to hear A smile we will always remember Of a son, we loved so dear Deep in our hearts lies a picture More precious than silver or gold it’s a picture of Tyler Whose memory will never grow old Love Mom and Dad
I’ll tell you all about it when I see you again, We love you and miss you
Love Mom, Dad, Taylor, Gary, Kinsley Tara, Trisha, Hilton and Hendrix
Puzzle answers. Puzzles on page 16
Ministry
Healing Love Ministry is an all night prayer line with counsellors available from 12:00am7:00am. Also, a male support group for those struggling with sexual addiction. A home based ministry, private and confidential. 519-354-3532.
Wanted
Come
Yard Sale
Garage/Yard/ Moving Sale
23 O’Brien St., Chatham May 13, 8am-2pm. Furniture, tools & more! Everything must go!
For Sale
For Rent For Rent
2 bedroom condo with new kitchen cupboards, new living room flooring and new paint. Available June 1, 2023. $1799 inclusive. No pets, first and last required. Please call 226-626-5622. Serious inquires only please.
Advertise your Garage Sale! Only $10 plus tax for 20 words!
519-397-2020
2 - 1 bedroom apartments on main floor. Different sizes, different prices. No smoking, no pets. Available May 1 or June 1. First and Last required. Please call 226-6265622.
Silk Cemetery Saddle Arrangements. Everyday/ Holidays. Ready-to-go. Many colours available. $40. 519-354-3411
12 ft Kayak. includes paddles, life jacket and anchor. $1000. Phone 519355-1925. Sell your items in the classifieds for only $6.00+tax!
Asphalt
BUYING: coin collections and silver coins. Any questions call Paul 289-2282817.
Wanted Wanted: scrap air conditioners and electric motors. Will pick up anything. Phone 226-2292614.
Wanted to Buy: Antiques, costume jewellery, gold, silver, coins, military, furniture, tools. We Buy AllPaid Cash. 519727-8894.
Wanted to rent or buy 3 or 4 acres of land in Chatham-Kent area. No buildings or utilities needed. Rural area preferred. 519-352-5414 or 226-6275414.
THE CHATHAM VOICE THURSDAY, MAY 11, 2023 PAGE 19
Obituary In Memoriam Anniversary
Classifieds
Celebrate the 65th Wedding Anniversary of Cy & Elaine Addley at an Open House on Sunday, May 14th 1:00pm-6:00pm at the Imperial Club, 22 Payne St., Chatham.
Goods & Cash Bar No Gifts! Loans MORTGAGES / LOANS CONSOLIDATE DEBTS LOWER YOUR PAYMENTS Difficult Situations Accepted WE ALSO ARRANGE UNSECURED LINES OF CREDIT/LOANS Borrow $50,000 for $283.50/mth $100,000 for $567.00/mth
for $850.50/mth
for $1134.00/mth
for $1417.50/mth Call John at 519-252-6953 - 24 hours or email john@unimorcapital.com UNIMOR CAPITAL CORPORATION Brokerage Lic.#10675 For qualified borrowers. First mortgage based on 4.74%/yr fixed rate, 5 yr term, 25 yr amortization. On approved credit, & subject to borrower qualification. Rates & terms subject to change without notice.
you are looking to purchase a home, refinance your mortgage, or consolidate debt, it’s important that you are making an educated decision and receiving professional unbiased advice.
Appetizers Baked
$150,000
$200,000
$250,000
Whether
ROBERT OUELLETTE ASPHALT SEALING INC. • Hot Asphalt • Pot hole repairs • Catch basin repairs • Hot rubber crack repairs • New driveways, parking lots, etc. • 24 inch Milling Machine We carry premium oil based sealer! BACKHOE, MINI EXCAVATOR, TRUCKING & BOBCAT SWEEPER SERVICE 519-354-9157
THE CHATHAM VOICE PAGE 20 THURSDAY, MAY 11, 2023