The Chatham Voice, May 16, 2024

Self-care a key point of

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

Dwayne Morgan had an unconventional homework assignment for high school students attending the recent “Art, Identity and Belonging” symposium in Dresden.

The Scarborough-born author and motivational speaker said he wanted every student in the room to begin to love themselves deeply.

“As human beings, we live up to – or down to – whatever it is we choose to say to ourselves,” Morgan told the group. “Sometimes we are our own worst enemy. Sometimes the only thing standing in the way of where you want to be is you.”

As per the homework assignment, Morgan told students that the next time they get out of the shower, they should stand in front of a mirror, look

themselves dead in the eyes, and tell themselves, “You have got to be the hottest thing walking.

“I want you to fall deeply, passionately, magically in love with yourself,” the writer stressed. “It is the greatest love affair you are ever going to experience in your lifetime. We often don’t realize that the relationship we have with ourselves is the longest relationship we will have in our lifetime.”

The spoken word performance pioneer, poet, television host, entertainment producer and book author has been named to the Order of Ontario for 2024 in recognition of his contribution to gender and race equality. Morgan’s work has taken him around the globe and he has performed in front of world leaders, including former U.S. president Barack Obama. During his talk, the 49 year

old described what it was like growing up Black in a white culture. Citing the lack of toys and dolls that reflected Black faces, Morgan also used the example of the 64-crayon pack by Crayola that only had one crayon for “skin colour.” It was a peach flesh tone made for white people.

“What does that say to all the young people who aren’t that colour?” Morgan asked.

Morgan, who admitted he wasn’t much of a reader as a youngster, said his life changed when his uncle loaned him the autobiography of Malcolm X. He became a passionate advocate for reading – something he says young people are neglecting in the wake of social media.

“Reading is one the greatest tools to unlock your potential,” he said,

adding teenagers need to be reading more than just “captions on Instagram.”

Morgan said in today’s world of social media, young people are “so not present” with what is actually happening around them and they don’t realize how much power they actually have.

“A lot of young people forget the power of reading, the power of imagination. They’re so used to consuming information that they’re not really thinking

about creating,” he said. “I understand what a book did for my life.”

Students attending the symposium were chosen by principals from all 12 secondary schools within the Lambton Kent District School Board. This goal of the event, held at Lambton Kent Composite School, was to engage and empower area youth in front of the culturally rich backdrop of Chatham-Kent’s Black heritage.

Continued on page 4

Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice

Chatham-Kent Secondary School students Kamia Barnes, Bella Dunmore and Faith Mungwadzi were part of group of students who made cornbread as part of the Lambton Kent District School Board’s 2024 Youth Diversity Symposium. Held at Lambton Kent Composite School in Dresden, the “Art, Identify and Belonging” themed event drew students from across the district to engage youth against the backdrop of Chatham-Kent’s Black heritage.

‘You can’t pour from an empty cup’ – Morgan

Continued from page 3

Organized in conjunction with C-K’s Black historical sites, the symposium featured various breakout sessions and a trip to the Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History.

“As leaders who have been selected to be here today, I think it is very important that you understand that there’s a lot of pressure that comes with leading,” Morgan said.

“So self-care is very important for people who are leaders. And you have to be investing in yourself, as much or probably more than you would invest in those around you,” he continued. “We spend a lot of time looking externally, but all of the answers are internal, so I really want the young people to look into themselves, and realize how much power they actually have.

“You can’t pour from an empty cup.”

Chatham-Kent historian Shannon Prince and motivational speaker Dwayne

ing Morgan’s keynote address at the “Art, Identity and Belonging” summit held May 10

Composite School in Dresden.

Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice

Morgan share a hug follow-

at Lambton Kent

Shop draws cops, public ire

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

A new shop with “fun” in the name is creating headaches for concerned citizens and the police.

And the problem could mushroom.

Fun Guyz opened on King Street West in Chatham, right beside the cenotaph. It’s a magic mushroom shop.

Magic mushrooms, which contain the drug psilocybin, are illegal in Canada.

Fun Guyz has shops located in various cities in Ontario, including Toronto, London, Windsor and Kitchener-Waterloo. Many have been raided by police, but continue to operate.

Chatham-Kent police Sgt.

Jason Herder, a member of the intelligence unit, said of-

ficers raided the store on May 8. And again on May 10.

Members of the intelligence unit pulled 370 packages of suspected psilocybin out of the store May 8. Police say it’s worth about $20,000.

Another $12,000 was seized on Friday.

The Fun Guyz shop has garnered other attention as well.

For starters, numerous readers of The Chatham Voice

have called the paper expressing outrage.

And Stuart McFadden, head of economic development for the municipality, said not all development is welcome in Chatham-Kent.

“The reality is they are illegal,” he said of the shop. “We don’t support illegal business and/or businesses that are trying to use our community to stand on a soap box. There is no time or place for that.”

There is a case before the courts, brought on by the owners of Fun Guyz, to legalize psilocybin.

“They should be shut down,” McFadden said of the Chatham Fun Guys shop. “I don’t make the rules. I just play by them.”

But the Chatham location is far from an isolated shop. Herder said there are 23 other locations in the

province where shops attempt to sell magic mushrooms, as Fun Guyz is not alone. But it is all illegal, Herder said.

“It’s not legal even for medicinal purposes,” he said. “For lack of a better term, it (Fun Guyz) is a franchise in the province. They have stores in Toronto, Windsor, London, Kitchener-Waterloo...”

With police already having raided the storefront location, and the head of Chatham-Kent’s economic development department against the shop’s presence, the Municipality of Chatham-Kent’s Community Job Board web page strangely featured a job posting for Fun Guyz, seeking an “experienced retail employee,” as of last week.

Even after the raid, the posting remained on the municipal site.

Bruce Corcoran/The Chatham Voice

Fun Guyz, a magic mushroom shop, opened recently on King Street in Chatham. Days after it opened its doors, police raided the storefront. They hit it again on Friday.

Opinion

Waiting in the weeds

So far, the opening of a certain magic mushroom shop in downtown Chatham has not had a calming effect.

That stands in harsh contrast to what psilocybin advocates –magic mushrooms contain the hallu cinogenic – say nibbling on the mushrooms can do.

As of late last week, Chatham-Kent police had raided the Fun Guyz shop twice, seizing more than $32,000 worth of product.

For those who don’t know, psilocybin is illegal in Canada. Sure there are rare trials where its use is allowed, but good luck finding a doctor to prescribe magic mushrooms for you the way cannabis was used prior to its decriminalization (and is still used).

Advocates see how the quest to decriminalize magic mushrooms is following a very similar path that pot followed.

Heck, cross into Michigan and you can find numerous cities, including Detroit, that have already decriminalized psilocybin.

Unfortunately, for Canadian advocates, and the owners of Fun Guyz, it remains illegal. And we know how police like to crack down on illegal

activity.

Hence the raids.

The store is an easy target, a retail outlet that is openly challenging Canadian laws.

And with local police receiving more than 100 calls a day on average, plus the fact they are understaffed, well, you cannot blame them for going after the low-hanging fungus.

There are illegal dealers located all over the place in C-K. But they are harder to root out, as they are scattered and tend to not have bright coloured -posters advertising what they are selling in their front window.

Our problem with Fun Guyz, like that of some of our readers who called in last week, is twofold. First of all...illegal. Secondly, location. It is too close to the core, where a good portion of our homeless have ready access. Many are battling addiction or at the very least substance abuse.

Chatham-Kent is not isolated in its unwilling hosting of a magic mushroom shop. There are about two dozen, if not more, set up around the province. And that number will likely grow in the near future, as pressure is put on the government to legalize psilocybin.

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We must remember the positives in C-K

Editor: There are good things that happen in Chatham-Kent. The new proposed park area on Bear Line, for instance, on donated land from St. Clair College.

I think though, that the proposed indoor tennis court should also include an indoor pickle ball area, as this sport seems to be growing steadily.

The permanent use of restaurant patios for outdoors, every year during the good weather months is a positive thing.

Continued maintenance of our streets and sidewalks often doesn’t get enough attention.

Protests by our municipality, about the proposed garbage dump near Dresden is a good thing for not just the environment and citizens in that area, but to bring to other bigger cities, that Chatham-Kent is just a

convenient place to dump their trash.

The recent zoning of a sobriety house on Joseph Street, so it can continue as a permanent fixture, de serves applause, as does the construction of tiny homes for those homeless who can live by the rules and not be of concern and fear for their neighbours.

Continued use and upkeep of our local arenas is a good thing, especially Chatham’s Memorial Arena, as long as it appears that no one can finance or take on the operation of the long proposed twinpad arena complex.

Building new homes is important, as long as we can keep existing older homes in our communities from falling into disrepair or abandoned. It makes me sad to say that one of my late grandmothers’ houses in Chatham, where I also once was a boarder when I was younger, appears to have become a victim of such a sad fate.

These are just a few of the things that I can think of that are good things that go on in our municipality, that have the support of our municipal council.

I almost forgot to mention, Retro Fest, Rib Fest, Art in The Park, Canada Day festivities and various parades and other events as such in our municipality that are allowed to go on with support of our municipal council. Thank you all for making Chatham-Kent a good place to grow, and live in for all to be proud of being a resident!

Frank Doyle Chatham

The Chatham Voice

An Alberta man is facing five child pornography related offences thanks to the involvement of Chatham-Kent police in a sweeping investigation dubbed Project Aquatic.

Led by the Ontario Provincial Police, Project Aquatic saw a total of 27 Ontario police services participate in the far-reaching probe. Spearheaded by OPP Provincial Strategy to Protect Children from Sexual Abuse and Exploitation on the Internet, Project Aquatic involved multiple child sexual abuse investigations.

In the months leading up to the operation, each police service developed its own investigation in response to reports made through cybertip.ca and file sharing. Each service executed warrants during

the recent takedown, resulting in 348 charges against 64 people.

Over a 10-day period ending Feb. 29, investigators identified and arrested those making, possessing and distributing child sexual abuse material. The victims who were identified were provided victim support, and impacted children were safeguarded.

Along with the charges against the 60-year-old Albertan, Chatham-Kent police laid an additional 21 charges in partnership with the Windsor Police Service. Four search warrants in five locations in Chatham, Windsor and Amherstburg led to the seizure of 23 electronic devices.

Ten of the related charges were laid by C-K police and 11 were laid by Windsor police.

All told, Project Aquatic

$7.4 million

in

upgrades

The St. Clair Catholic District School Board is about to undertake $7.4 million worth of capital projects.

Trustees approved the spending at a recent meeting, with the bulk of the work to be funded through Ontario’s School Condition Improvement capital renewal program, aimed at revitalizing aging education spaces, as well as the School Renewal Allocation program.

A number of revamps, along with a handful of new developments, are slated to taking place across the district.

In Chatham-Kent, this includes cafeteria renovations at Ursuline College Chatham and entrance

identified 34 victims; 30 children were safeguarded and 607 electronic devices were seized. In addition, 82,082 investigations were completed between 2006 and 2023 by the provincial strategy.

Within that period, 29,025 charges were laid against 7,493 people.

Anyone with information regarding instances of child exploitation is asked to contact their local police. Report any

instances of online child abuse to police or cyberip.ca. If a child is being harmed, call 911.

Members of the public are invited to learn about how to keep children safe at Canadian Centre for

Child Protection or cybertip.ca.

The individuals arrested and charged were held for bail hearings and later released with future court dates.

accessibility upgrades at both St. Joseph in Tilbury and Holy Family in Wallaceburg.

A plumbing upgrade is slated for St. Anne school in Blenheim and the Catholic Education Centre in Wallaceburg is getting a fire alarm panel replacement.

Several site improvements are also on tap. Holy Family, and Chatham’s Monsignor Uyen and St. Angela Merici, as well St. Anne in Blenheim, are getting new naturalized outdoor play spaces. Fence upgrades are on the way for St. Elizabeth in Wallaceburg and St. Michael in Ridgetown. An outdoor learning space is also being created at St. Joseph, Tilbury.

The Chatham Voice

Bear Line park plans progressing

By Pam Wright

Line Regional Park taking shape.

At a recent meeting, Chatham-Kent council approved a $2.9-million tender to Gillier Construction Inc. to undertake the first phase of the park’s development.

According to a report from administration, the work by Gillier will see underground services installed in preparation for the park’s next phase, which is to include the construction of the tennis dome.

Sanitary and storm sewer access will also be installed, as well as hydro, gas and water servicing. Two access points to the park will also be built, along with a 204-car asphalt parking lot with lighting.

The work is set to begin this spring. A total of $2 million from the Hydro One Community Benefit Fund will be utilized along with $1.5 million from the municipality’s capital budget.

C-K has committed an additional $3.5 million to support the park development over the next couple of years.

The project was born when tennis aficionados Mark and Stephanie Chapados approached the municipality with the idea of building a year-round indoor tennis dome. The couple has spearheaded fundraising for the project, raising $200,000. In 2022, council lent its support, matching the donation.

Subsequently in May 2023, council approved the donation of a 19.5-acre parcel of land from St. Clair College to be used for the development of the park.

The tennis dome will be built in conjunction with Tennis Clubs of Canada who will operate the dome. The plan will also see the construction of a washroom facility, 10 pickleball courts, two multi-use sports courts, playgrounds, a cricket pitch, a soccer field with a washroom, and grassy areas.

Rob Pollock, C-K’s director of parks, fleet and facilities, said the goal is to have the tennis dome ready for use by the end of October 2024.

“We have our construction project, then Tennis Clubs of Canada is coming in to build the dome and the tennis courts,” Pollock told council, adding the municipality will be responsible for items such as snow removal and grass cutting.

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Home sales dip in April

The roller-coaster real estate market that is Chatham-Kent went from two months of climbing to begin the year, to a plateau, and now a drop

According to figures from the Chatham-Kent Association of Realtors (CKAR), the number of homes sold in April was down nearly 15 per cent compared to April 2023 sales.

A total of 117 units changed hands last month.

That was also about eight per cent below the

five-year average and 6.6 per cent below the 10-year average for the month of April.

On a year-to-date basis, 375 homes have sold through the first four months of 2024, up 10 sales, or nearly three per cent, from the first third of 2023.

Carrie Patrick, president of CKAR, said the market is still a bit sluggish in the wake of a cold fall of 2023.

“Sales activity has seen quite the turnaround since hitting a recent bottom last fall but still remains subdued when compared to historical

numbers for April,” she said in a media release.

However, Patrick said sellers have returned to the market in numbers.

The number of new listings saw a substantial gain of nearly 36 per cent from April 2023. There were 270 new residential listings in April 2024. This was the largest number of new listings added in the month of April in more than five years.

New listings were 34.5 per cent above the fiveyear average and 28.7 per cent above the 10-year average for the month of April.

“New listings, on the other hand, are rocketing upward as sellers have been eagerly bringing their listings to the market, perhaps in anticipation of a turnaround in demand,” she said. “However, that turnaround has not yet materialized.”

Patrick believes buyers

are tending to delay getting into the market until interest rates fall a bit.

Just when that happens remains up in the air.

“Buyers continue to be teased with the timing of the first interest rate cut, now expected in June, and appear to be holding out for now until stronger

evidence presents itself that this indeed will come to pass,” she said.

In terms of housing prices, Patrick said there are signs of improvement. The average price of homes sold in April 2024 was $454,979, up by 4.5 per cent from April 2023.

Continued on page 11

The Chatham Voice

Ag Society misses BASF bid

By Michael Bennett Local Journalism Initiative

The Ridgetown Independent

Highgate District Agricultural Society members are naturally disappointed they didn’t win the $25,000 prize in the BASF Agricultural Solutions’ Growing Home community contest.

Rather than being sullen, they are looking at the bright side.

“Of course, it’s disappointing we didn’t win it, but we had phenomenal support from the community,” said Cory Gosnell, secretary of the HDAS. “We’re all very, very pleased with the support and the awareness it brought to the Ag Society and the programming we do. We’re happy with the attention this has brought to our fair and its 170th anniversary; we’re super excited about that.”

Highgate District Agricultural Society Fair, which will take place on Sept. 28.

The HDAS was one of three organizations to make the final three for the first BASF Growing Home contest in Ontario.

Unfortunately, another of the nominees was about 15 miles to the north, and since individuals were only allowed to vote once, it forced residents to choose one over the other.

The Ag Society was hoping to use the $25,000 for this year’s milestone

And when the 27,701 votes for the Ontario portion of the Growing Homes contest were tallied, Three Oaks Respite Cabin in Florence finished first with 9,958 votes, while Norfolk Little People’s Day Care was second with 9,748. The Highgate District Agricultural Society finished third with 7,995 votes.

cations Specialist for the Calgary-based BASF Agricultural Solutions.

“It was pretty neat to see the community engagement,” Kistelski said.

Three Oaks Cabin, located north of Florence on Bilton Line between Bentpath Line and Lambton Line, is a respite for farmers and first responders built by the Diane and Al Bergsma family in memory of their son Dalles, a farmer and member of the Dawn Euphemia Fire Department, who died by suicide in 2020. The funding from the BASF Growing Home Contest will directly support mental wellness programming.

“It was a close race throughout the entire voting period,” said Kasia Kistelski, Communi-

ety and Norfolk Day Care Centre received a $1,500 consolation prize for being nominated.

“We’re looking forward to receiving that money and putting it to good use,” Gosnell said.

The Growing Home contest started in 2023 with contests in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba before expanding to Ontario this year. More than 600 nominees were entered as BASF officials narrowed the field to three entries per province.

The Highgate Ag Soci-

April home sales slow

Continued from page 10

Active residential listings numbered 450 units on the market at the end of April, an advance of 37.2 per cent from the end of April 2023.

Gosnell said the Ag Society is already working on its line-up for its Sept. 28 fair, which starts with the traditional parade at noon and leads to the fairgrounds. There, there will be a combination of enter-

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

Active listings haven’t been this high in the month of April in more than five years.

tainment, education, and activities for the kids.

The HDAS will also be putting together an application for the 2025 BASF Growing Home community contest to try their luck again.

Hike tops $167,500 this year

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

Mother Nature co-operated, but more importantly, so did Chatham-Kent Hospice supporters.

As a result, the eighth annual Hike for Hospice not only beat its $140,000 goal, but smashed it into little pieces, raising $167,500 and counting.

Jodi Maroney, executive director of the C-K Hospice Foundation, said the support is “amazing.

“We knew on Friday (May 3) that we at least hit the $140,000 mark. But we had no idea how much until we were adding everything up,” she said. “It’s quite remarkable. The community is just amazing.”

A little over 500 people registered for the event May 5 that took place along Mud Creek Trail, but Maroney said that was not indicative of overall numbers. Continued on page 13

Contributed image

Clair skips along Mud Creek Trail in Chatham during the 8th Hike for Hospice. She was hiking in memory of her Grandpa Grant.

Keil Dr. S. to see upgrades

The Chatham Voice

Crews from Henry Heyink Construction will be hard at it starting this week, upgrading a stretch of Keil Drive South in Chatham.

The municipality chose the firm to handle the road improvement project, aimed at enhancing safety and accessibility for pedestrians along Keil Drive South and Tweedsmuir Avenue West.

On top of that, the very uneven pavement starting around Bristol Drive and continuing past Chatham Christian School will be replaced. So too will

pavement up to and including the roundabout at Keil Drive and Tweedsmuir Avenue.

Other aspects include improvements to islands, crossing locations, and sidewalks at the roundabout to bolster pedestrian safety and introduce controlled pedestrian crossings.

Work at the roundabout includes the construction of new pedestrian crossovers (PXOs) where motorists are required to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians.

“The work we are implementing on Keil Drive is one of many steps we’re taking to implement our Road Safe-

ty Action Plan,” said Marissa Mascaro, director of engineering, in a media release. “It is our goal to reduce risk and ultimately make the streets of Chatham-Kent safer for everyone.”

Detour signage will be posted and access to all properties along the affected streets will be maintained at all times.

Access to the Chatham Christian School will be available throughout the project.

Four Ride CK bus stops on Route 4 will be out of service for the dura-

C-K Hospice hike marks eighth year

Continued from page 12

“Sometimes, it was one person per family that registered, so we probably had between 500 and 600,” she said of Hike day turnout.

On top of that, people were able to walk the trail a week prior to the event.

“We had the trail set up with signs the week before. Some did hike on their own during the week, and some hiked in their own area,” she said. “We did have a great turnout on the day of the event.”

Maroney said the Hike pivoted a bit this year, adding pre-event activities for the whole family. Those included games and a pre-Hike picnic opportunity.

“We tried to have more of a full day for all ages,” she said.

“A special shout out goes to Martinrea’s Marchers for

Miracles from Ridgetown, the winner of the Corporate Challenge. Along with the coveted Hike for Hospice trophy and bragging rights, they will also receive a free breakfast or lunch courtesy of Cora’s,” said Rhys Dulisch, Hike for Hospice Event Co-Chair. “Additionally, we want to thank our title sponsor Battery Boy and our family fun activity sponsor, Kent & Essex Mutual.”

The Hike raises funds to support end-of-life hospice care in Chatham-Kent. In the previous seven years, the annual event had raised more than $785,000. That includes the then record-setting $150,000 raised by more than 600 participants in 2023.

This year, the community raised the bar once

again.

The Chatham-Kent Hospice is a 10-bed residential facility that offers care for residents facing end of life and support for their loved ones. The hospice provides comfort, support and specialized pain and symptom management in a home-like setting. Since opening in April 2016, Chatham-Kent Hospice has served more than 1,350 families. In order to offer these services at no cost to residents or their families, Chatham-Kent Hospice relies on donations from the community.

tion of the project. One temporary bus stop will be installed on Bristol Drive adjacent to the walk path from Sherwood Court. For more information

on bus routes, visit the RideCK web page at chatham-kent.ca/ transit.

The project is slated for completion in late August 2024.

CANADA ROAD SAFETY

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

CANADA ROAD SAFETY WEEK

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.

How to reduce your risk of driving distracted

The prevalence of technology has ensured that many things are competing for people’s attention at any given moment. That includes when people are driving, which has contributed to a dangerous phenomenon known as distracted driving.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that there were nearly 36,000 fatal crashes involving distracted drivers in 2020. Such numbers are sobering, but it’s worth nothing that handheld cellphone usage by drivers declined significantly across all age groups between 2012 and 2021. NHTSA data indicates such usage declined from 5.9 percent in 2012 to 3.7 percent by 2021 among drivers between the ages of 16 and 24. Among drivers between the ages of 25 and 69, driver handheld cellphone usage dropped from 5.4 percent in 2012 to 2.5 percent by 2021.

But the work isn’t done, as the NHTSA notes that a significant uptick of driver handheld cellphone usage among drivers between the ages of 16 and 24 was reported between 2020 (2.8 percent) and 2021 (3.7 percent). With so much to gain from eliminating distracted driving, drivers of all ages can consider these strategies to avoid distractions while behind the wheel.

• Turn off notifications. According to the app industry resource BusinessofApps, the average smartphone user in the United States receives 46 app push notifications each day. Additional sources estimate that figure could be closer to 80 push notifications per day. There’s no denying the allure of such notifications, so drivers who find them too hard to resist can turn all notifications off prior to getting behind the wheel. This is quickly and easily accomplished through the settings function on a smartphone.

• Avoid making calls. Hands-free capabilities may make it easier to keep both hands on the wheel, but they don’t ensure drivers’ minds will stay on the road. Hands-free phone calls and voice-activated messaging apps take drivers’ minds off the road. When behind the wheel, resolve to stick to driving and driving alone by avoiding making phone calls or receiving and sending messages.

• Stay focused at stoplights. Red lights present another tempting chance to peruse text messages, emails and push notifications. But drivers can easily be drawn into conversations that continue long after a red light has turned to green. So it’s best to maintain your focus at stoplights by waiting patiently for the light to turn and avoiding your phone entirely.

• Utilize airplane mode if necessary. If none of the above recommendations are working, drivers can always switch their phones to airplane mode when driving. Doing so effectively blocks all incoming messages and distractions from being received by the phone until airplane mode is then turned off.

All accidents involving distracted driving incidents are preventable. Drivers can take simple and more extensive measures to reduce their vulnerability to distractions while behind the wheel.

C-K expat wins Igniting 50/50 draw

The Chatham Voice

A father of three and former McKay’s Corners resident has been awarded the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Foundation’s (CKHAF) Igniting Healthcare Spring 50/50 grand prize jackpot.

Jason Howes of St. Thomas took home the fundraiser’s $74,690 grand prize on May 3, and he wast-

ed no time in making the drive down to Chatham to pick up his winnings.

“I grew up in Chatham-Kent and just moved to St. Thomas last year for work, so I’ve always bought tickets for these 50/50s as a way to support this hospital that’s been so good to me and to my family,”

Howes said in a media release. “I never really thought that there was

Thomas resident

Spring 50/50 recently.

a chance that I would actually win, so when I got the call, I was definitely speechless. I’m still having a hard time believing that this is real.”

Howes purchased three online tickets and a total of 1,500 numbers for this year’s draw, including the lucky winning number CK-7052050.

He has supported the Igniting Healthcare 50/50 over the past few years, always considering his ticket purchases as donations in support of a cause close to his heart.

“My wife and I are getting ready for our son’s third birthday party over the

weekend, and once that’s done, I think we’ll be buying that new smoker that we’ve been keeping our eyes on,”

Howes said. “I also plan to use some of these winnings to finish my pilot’s license, and I’m very excited about that.”

CKHAF’s inaugural Spring 50/50 exceeded its goal, raising a total of $149,380 in ticket sales. Proceeds from this fundraiser will be designated towards the Highest Priority Needs at the CKHA.

“As we all know, the needs and priorities of our hospital are always changing, and it is so important for our foun-

dation to remain responsive and adaptable in our commitment to meet these evolving needs,” said Christine Mitchell, CKHAF president and CEO. “We were blown away by the support that our Spring 50/50 received from across our community and beyond, and we were so thrilled to be able to present Jason with a cheque that will have such a positive impact on him and his young family.”

In addition to the grand prize jackpot, four Early Bird prizes were awarded every Friday throughout the campaign.

Board to sell former school

By Blake Ellis Local Journalism Initiative The Petrolia Independent

Lambton Kent District School Board will be selling the John N. Given Learning Centre in Chatham.

Associate Director Brian McKay told trustees the sale of the Churchill Street property is due to the school board experiencing a deficit

in its current school year’s budget. This way the school board can deal with its deficit pressures without impacting students, he said

John N. Given Public School closed in 2018 with its Kindergarten to Grade 8 students moving to Tecumseh Public School while the French Immersion students in Grade 7 and 8 went to McNaughton Avenue Pub-

lic School. The building was then turned into the learning centre, as the adult and continuing education program and alternative special education programs, such as the positive alternative to suspension from school were brought together under one roof.

It costs $300,000 annually to operate John N. Given Education Centre, said McKay.

Contributed image

St.

Jason Howes is all smiles as he collects his winnings from the Igniting Healthcare

Supporting those with a mental illness

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative

pamwrightlji@gmail.com

Gordon Chandler is proof it’s possible to live your best life after a mental health diagnosis.

The Chatham resident, who lives with schizophrenia, hasn’t let the illness hold him back and has worked hard to achieve a meaningful and purposeful lifestyle.

“For those of you who don’t know me, I have come a long way in my journey. I live with schizophrenia but I don’t let that hold me back.”

According to Chandler, he spent time in the hospital and in group homes, but with the help of worker Kelly Gottschling, staff at Hope House and workers from the Canadian Mental Health Association and Community Living, he was able to make a recovery.

- Gordon Chandler

“For those of you who don’t know me, I have come a long way in my journey,” Chandler told a crowd while raising a flag at the Chatham-Kent Civic Centre to mark Mental Health Awareness Week. “I live with schizophrenia but I don’t let that hold me back.”

It’s the 13th annual flag raising for the initiative and this year’s focus is men’s mental health.

Chandler, 38, said he developed symptoms shortly after high school that were “difficult to live with.

“I saw scary things that weren’t there and struggled to get out of bed,” he said. “This was made worse by not being able to find the right medications straight away and having to live with terrible side effects.”

“I learned valuable life skills in the group home and at Hope House, like cooking, that set me up for success and independence,.”

- Gordon Chandler

Chandler said he began attending Hope House in 2006, where Gottschling advocated for him to get on the proper medication, while also motivating him to “get out of bed to participate in

activities.

“I learned valuable life skills in the group home and at Hope House, like cooking, that set me up for success and independence,” Chandler told the crowd. “I loved the socialization aspect of Hope House and met a lot of friends there.”

Continued on page 18

‘Being Prepared Made Simple’ seminar.

seminar, you’ll learn about:

• Probate and Estate Information Return

• Taxation on death

• Joint ownership issues and the restraints on preparing a will

• Being prepared for an unexpected death while travelling

• Saving money through an Eligible Funeral Arrangement

• Ensuring your wishes are understood and carried out

Contributed image

Chatham-Kent Mayor Darrin Canniff, Gordon Chandler, and acting executive director of the Mental Health Network of Chatham-Kent Jenny Jackson are pictured celebrating Mental Health Week.

Recognize the challenges: Jackson

Continued from page 17

“I believe the key to recovery from mental illness for men is pushing yourself to get up and face the day and seeking support.”

Chandler, who has been delivering newspapers for the past five years with the help of Community Living support worker Kim Walker, noted working and finding purpose and developing a positive attitude is also

critical to success.

“I have been lucky to have a family that has been there for me,” he told the gathering. “We did everything together. My friends are important too. You could say I have a natural talent for making friends and that I have a big heart. I know that with everyone’s support, I’m not alone. I would like to say don’t give up, don’t keep to yourself and don’t be afraid to ask for

help. I live with a mental illness, but it does not define me.”

Jenny Jackson, acting executive director of the Mental Health Network of Chatham-Kent, urged those in attendance to recognize the mental health challenges that men face, calling it an issue that “remains hidden in shadows.

“It’s time we recognize that mental health knows no boundaries, respects no gender and affects us

all in profound ways,” Jackson said, noting a stigma around men’s mental health continues to exist.

There’s an unspoken expectation that men should remain stoic, unaffected and unyielding in the face of their struggles, Jackson explained.

“That expectation, however, is not only outdated but dangerously harmful,” she added. “Today we send a powerful mes-

sage to every man, that it’s okay to not be okay, and that help is always within reach. We want you to know that vulnerability is not weakness, but rather a courageous act of self-awareness and self-care. If you are here today and struggling, please know that you are not alone. We are here to help.”

Jacksons urges everyone to offer “support without reservation,” and to be the

allies that our “brothers, sons and friends need.”

C-K Sikhs

SHOPLocal

Community Events

Thursday, May 16, 2024:

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

• Join us for a fun filled afternoon Jam Session. Bring your instruments or singing voices from 1-4:30pm. All are welcome to attend. A donation of $2. 4-7pm: Homemade Panzerotti + Menu available. Merlin Legion, 519-689-4884.

• The Chatham-Kent Quilters’ Guild meeting at St. Paul’s Congregational Church, 450 Park Ave W, Chatham. Doors open at 6:30 for socializing and shopping. The meeting starts at 7:00 pm. Everyone is welcome to join us, but the fee for non-members will be $10 per meeting. Come and enjoy our presentations, guest speakers and all of the other fun at our 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.

• The Active Lifestyle Centre invites you to our Weights and Cardio Class from 11am-12pm! Open to the Public at 20 Merritt Ave, Chatham! The class is also held on Mondays from 10-11am. Daily User fees apply: $3 Members, $6 Non-Members. 519-352-5633.

Friday, May 17, 2024:

• 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 5:30 pm. Tonight’s specials are BBQ Chicken Leg & Thigh or Fish & Chips, $13.00. Take out is also available by calling 519-351-8733 or 519-351-5639. Fun Darts at 7:00 p.m. Everyone Welcome.

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

• Summer ghost walk will take place leaving from the Historic Clock at the corner of King and Fifth in Chatham three times per night at 7, 7:30 and 8 pm. Tickets are $15 for Adults and $10 for Children (12 and under) and available at www.Eventbrite.com. Hear tales of a threatening mist, the return of a well-known former resident with big boots, a man in black and a blue boy some told by those who experienced them. Details can be found on our Facebook page Ghost Walks of Chatham-Kent. We go rain or moonshine.

• Come join us at the Tilbury Leisure Centre Friday’s for Euchre at 1pm.

• The Active Lifestyle Centre would love to have you join our Greeting Card Groups at 20 Merritt Ave, Chatham. Open to the public as a wonderful creative outlet! You are welcome to join anytime throughout the day to socialize and get crafty! Daily User fees apply $3 Members, $6 Non-Members. 519-3525633.

Saturday, May 18, 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. There will be a meat draw at 3:30, 4:30 and 5:30 p.m. Kitchen open for lunch 3:00 pm-5:30pm. Entertainment by Cornerstone from 4:30-9:30. Everyone Welcome.

• Join us for our delicious Merlickin Chicken plus menu served 4-7pm and appetizers from 7-9pm. Entertainment: Karaoke Bob 7-11 pm, 50/50 draw to take place - see bartender for tickets. Merlin Legion, 519-689-4884.

Monday, May 20, 2024:

• Come join us at the Tilbury Leisure Centre Monday’s (10 Canal St. W) for Exercise at 10am.

Tuesday, May 21, 2024:

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

• Come join us at the Tilbury Leisure Centre Tuesday’s (10 Canal St. W) for Theraband Class at 10am, Shuffeboard at 1pm, and Chair yoga at 5:30pm.

Wednesday, May 22, 2024:

• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am-9:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch 11:00am-1:30p.m. 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 Evenings at Dresden Library! Come in to make a craft using the supplied materials and following a tutorial! 5:00 pm in the Dresden Library basement. That’s after hours, so come in the side entrance! Ages 16+, registration not required. For more information, call the library at 519-683-4922.

• Come join us at the Tilbury Leisure Centre Wednesday’s (10 Canal St. W) for Pepper at 1pm.

Thursday, May 23, 2024:

• 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 afternoon Jam Session. Bring your instruments or singing voices from 1-4:30 pm. All are welcome to attend with a $2 donation. 4-7pm: Homemade Panzerotti + Menu available. Merlin Legion, 519-689-4884.

Friday, May 24, 2024:

• Join us from 4:30-7pm for Hot Dog or Hamburg plus 2 salads. Merlin Legion, 519-689-4884.

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

• Come join us at the Tilbury Leisure Centre Friday’s for Euchre at 1pm.

Saturday, May 25, 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.

• Bill’s Place Community Space Drop-In. 11am-3pm. Come spend some time in a 2SLGBTQIA+ safe space 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.

• Canadian Wartime Homefront at the Backus-Page House Museum. This is an event to bring awareness to what life was like on the Canadian Homefront and efforts made by Canadians to help during the war. There will be lots to see and tons to do! Bring the whole family out ! Adults are $15, Seniors are $10, and kids are free!

• 1940’s Wartime Dinner and Dance. Support your local Heritage Museum, Backus-Page House Museum by purchasing a Dinner & Dance ticket. Join us for a night filled with delicious food, live entertainment, Big Band music and Lindy Hop dance instruction. We strongly encourage 1940’s attire. Tickets are $125.

• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am-9:30pm. Meat draw at 3:30, 4:30 and 5:30 pm. Kitchen open for lunch 3:00pm-5:30pm. Entertainment by Back to Back 4:30-9:30. Everyone is welcome.

• Join us for our Euchre Tournament. Registration @ 11:15am and play time at 12 noon sharp. Kitchen open @ 11 am. Merlickin Chicken plus menu served 4-7pm. Kitchen open till 9 pm food menu / appetizers available. Entertainment 7:30 – 11:30pm Musician Jeff Parker. Merlin Legion 519-689-4884. –

• Giant indoor yard and bake sale 7am1pm @First Reformed Church Chatham Indian Creek & Lacroix St. Something for everyone, lunch available.

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

Fun Stuff

5. San __ Obispo, in California 6. Not healthy

7. Selfassessment questionnaire (abbr.)

8. Arugula genus 9. VIII 10. Makes a monarch 11. Tormentor

12. Commercials 13. Sprinkle 19. Make a mistake 21. Freshwater fishes

CLUES ACROSS 1. Geological time 4. Ooze

9. A set of eight 14. Obstruction 15. Swiss mathematician 16. Philosophy 17. The night before 18. A timid person 20. Unifies 22. Gangs 23. Alternative name 24. Acumen 28. Cathode-ray tube 29. Tantalum 30. Soluble ribonucleic acid 31. Humiliate 33. Earthy pigment 37. Air Force 38. Adult males 39. Stiff untanned leather

41. Before 42. Atomic #18 43. Beer mug 44. Nostrils 46. Type of chef 49. Midway between north and east 50. They __

51. Splits

55. Walk in a timid manner

58. Preserved animal skin with hair

59. Popular donut shop item

60. You smear it on bagels

64. Don’t know when yet 65. Equal to 10 amperes

66. Synthetic acrylic fiber

67. One point south of due east

68. Of mixed ancestry

69. Home of the Pyramids

70. A way to change color

CLUES DOWN 1. Excessive fluid accumulation in tissues

2. Untangle 3. One from the U.S.

4. Academic terms

24. Vermont town

25. Man-made device

26. Entrap

27. Places to store important things

31. Accumulate

32. Greek mythological nymph

34. Gregory __, American dancer

35. Denotes past

36. Becoming popular again

40. Indicates position

41. Came before

45. An extra seed-covering

47. Cheerful

48. Deli sandwich staple

52. Skateboarders love them

53. Mandela’s party

54. Sierra lake

56. Nickname for Elizabeth

57. Remove from record

59. Employee stock ownership plan

60. Former NFLer Newton

61. Relative biological effectiveness (abbr.)

62. Work unit

63. Town in Cambridgeshire

Puzzle answers found on page 22

Hip event raises $10K

The Chatham Voice

The first-ever concert inside the Chatham Armoury helped fuel a music therapy program for children.

In fact, the $10,000 raised from the sold-out show by Grace 2, a Tragically Hip tribute band, will support the special therapy programs of the Children’s Treatment Centre of Chatham-Kent (CTCC-K).

“When we were approached by Four Diamond Events and Grace, 2 about the concert, we were surprised and honoured that they were willing to share their time and talents to support our kids,” Mike Genge, president of the CTCC-K Foundation, said in a media release. “The concert sold out in about a week. It’s great when exceptional entertainment comes to town for people to enjoy and the kids are helped by it at the same time,”

Grace, 2’s Andy Wehrspann said that the band was happy to help C-K’s kids.

“To truly pay tribute to The Tragically Hip and honour Gord Downie’s legacy, we believe in using the power of The Hip’s music to raise

money and awareness for great causes, such as for kids with special needs,” he said.

Genge credited the strong support of local sponsors for raising so much money in one evening.

“Local businesses really stepped up to cover a lot of the costs,” he said.

This April concert was the first step in Sons of Kent’s “Road to Hipfest.” Hipfest will be held at

the brewery on Aug. 24. The next event for CTCC-K is the “Run for the Kids” on June 23, to be held in Rondeau Provincial Park. This family-friendly event is open to participants of all ages and abilities. It will include a paved 200m and 5km route accessible for strollers, wheelchairs and wagons. For more information on the Run, visit ctcf-ck. com.

Contributed image

From left, Sons of Kent’s Doug Hunter, CKXS’s Dan Maure, Four Diamond Events’ Lisa Lester, Children’s Treatment Centre Foundation president Mike Genge, and Foundation chair Kevin Owen celebrate the success of the recent Tragically Hip tribute concert.

OBITUARIES

Kristie Lee Brown

52, Friday, May 3, 2024

Badder Funeral Homes

Linda Joyce McDonald

80, Monday, April 29, 2024

Badder Funeral Homes

Andrew Kondraciuk

75, Wednesday, May 1, 2024

Badder Funeral Homes

Ted Schweitzer

67, Friday, May 3, 2024

McKinlay Funeral Home

James E. Shaw

79, Sunday, May 5, 2024

McKinlay Funeral Home

Bradley Ralph

Thursday, May 2, 2024

McKinlay Funeral Home

Sandy Coll

71, Saturday, May 4, 2024

McKinlay Funeral Home

Ioan Stefaniga

62, Thursday, May 2, 2024

McKinlay Funeral Home

Bonnie Morrison

35, Friday, May 3, 2024

McKinlay Funeral Home

Fran Johnson

72, Tuesday, April 30, 2024

McKinlay Funeral Home

RoseMarie Horton

65, Tuesday, May 7, 2024

McKinlay Funeral Home

John Williams

95, Thursday, May 2, 2024

Life Transitions

Peter Simpson

77, Friday, May 3, 2024

Life Transitions

William Robert Boylan

83, Friday, May 3, 2024

Life Transitions

Visit us: badderfuneralhome.com

John C. Badder Funeral Home

Thamesville - 519-692-4222

Badder Funeral Home

& Reception Centre

Dresden - 519-683-4444

Badder & Robinson Funeral Home

Bothwell - 519-695-2716

David Crawford

72, Friday, May 3, 2024

Life Transitions

William “Bill” Eugene Daniels

61, Wednesday, May 1, 2024

Nicholls Funeral Home

Mandy Cameron

61, Thursday, May 2, 2024

Nicholls Funeral Home

Tara Fendly

52, Saturday, May 4, 2024

Nicholls Funeral Home

Bernard “Bernie” Armstrong

79, Sunday, May 5, 2024

Nicholls Funeral Home

Sheila Julia Christine Findlater

94, Wednesday, May 8, 2024

Nicholls Funeral Home

Father William “Bill” Capitano

83, Wednesday, May 1, 2024

Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home

Keith Campbell

83, Saturday, May 4, 2024

Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home

Harold “David” Nagle

79, Tuesday, May 7, 2024

Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home

Molly Devolder

87,Wednesday, May 8, 2024

Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home

Bertha Wright

91, Saturday, May 4, 2024

Blenheim Community Funeral Home

Dave Klages

70, Wednesday, May 8, 2024

Blenheim Community Funeral Home

Douglas Powers

76, Thursday, May 2, 2024

Kendrick Funeral Home

Norma Crome

84, Sunday, May 5, 2024

Alexander & Houle Funeral Home

Classifieds

In Memoriam

TYLER CLARK BRITTON

Dec. 20, 1992May 10, 2017 Seven Years Have Passed

In memory of our wonderful son and brother who passed away seven years ago. You may be gone from sight, but you are never gone from our hearts. Your life was a blessing, Your memory a treasure. You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure. Remembering you is easy, we do it everyday, but missing you is a headache that never goes away.

Obituary

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 and Hendrix

Eileen Winnifred McIntyre-Bridges -Almas

Born September 15, 1921 Died May 21, 2010

Dear Mom; Life is not the same since you left. I miss the laughter, drinking coffee, gossiping about the crazy family and breakfast at our beloved restaurant. I think of you everyday. I have aged and told I look just like you . . . I know that will bring a laugh. Love, your daughter Pat (Patricia when I was in trouble)

Card of Thanks

Gerard “Gerry”

Bechard

August 13, 1936March 28, 2024

We would like to thank all for the many acts of kindness during the recent passing of our beloved husband/father. Special thanks to the CKHA, Dr. K Bailey, family, neighbours and friends. Also thanks to everyone who contributed to the beautiful Celebration of Life at St. Joseph’s Church.

Margo, Douglas, Allan Bechard and Kevin Wise

David Nagle passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his family on Tuesday May 7, 2024. He was born March 3, 1945 and was the son of Harold & Helen (McMullen) Nagle. He married his soul mate, Carol Handy, and they spent 20 happy years together. Children Brett Nagle/Katie Simmons, Andrew Nagle, Jason /Andrea Leach, Cheri Leach/Jason Gownlock. Grandchildren Ashana Robert, Gavin Nagle, Nash Nagle, Jessica Leach, Cody Flavell, Carter Woods, Jayla Gownlock. Brother of Carol (Geoff) Smith, Gerry Nagle, Pat (Stephany) Nagle, Mark (Mary) Nagle. Predeceased by sister Nancy and brother Mike. He was lucky to have a job that he loved as a technician for 30 years with Bell Canada. Most of those years were spent in London. He was always very athletic in his younger years. In high school he was on the volleyball, basketball and track and field teams. He owned a couple of boats during his lifetime and spent many hours on Lake Erie boating and skiing. He also loved scuba diving. He and a few friends formed the Aqua Rovers scuba diving club. Another sport he loved was tennis. He enjoyed playing pool at the KBD hall. He also liked a game of euchre, although one game could take a long time because he always had a story, or three to tell. He liked to be busy doing something and talking. He loved history and watching documentaries and war movies. In the winter months he and his wife & family spent many weeks on Fort Myers Beach. They had a trailer at Sunny Beach in Erieau for several years. Then they moved to Wildwood By the Lake Trailer Park, Morpeth. He loved being on or by the water. In memory of David, donations may be made to The Children’s Treatment Center or a charity of your choice. As per his wishes, cremation has taken place and a private family burial will be held at a later date. The Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home 156 William St. S., Chatham (519352-5120) is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences welcomed at www.peseski.com. Dave was a good friend, father, grandfather and a wonderful husband. We will miss you and all your stories. Rest in peace.

Card of Thanks

I want to thank everyone who came to my surprise 80th birthday party. Thank you for the flowers and gift cards.

A special thank you to my friend Helen who planned the party & to Velinda who made a beautiful birthday cake & the decorations for the party. It was nice to see old & new friends. It was a fun time, one I will never forget.

Julie Novak

This Week’s Puzzle Answers

Classifieds

Registration Coming Event

Garage Sales Garage Sales

Garage Sale: May 18, 8am-2pm. 82 Cecile Ave., Chatham. Household goods, home decor, Christmas decorations and outdoor items. Rain date June 1st.

Tutor Wanted

Garage Sale: May 18, 8am-12pm. 123 Crystal Drive, Books, housewares, electronics, toys, Jerseys.

Farm Tender

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.

Wanted

Wanted to rent or buy 1 or 4 acres of land in Chatham-Kent area. No buildings or utilities needed. Rural area preferred. 519-3525414 or 226-6275414.

Summer Camp ages 7 and up and ages 4-6 Little Britches. Monday to Friday 9am4pm. Horsemanship lessons, horseback/ pony riding, outdoor games, scavenger hunts, crafts, outdoor farm fun, water games and Camp Achievement Day to finish off the week, with family members welcome to attend. Register your child today, while opening are available. $499 per week plus tax per camper. Call 519354-7517.

Mortgages

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

Antiques & Collectables

Architecture Technology STUDENT URGENTLY looking for temporary AutoCAD tutor. Cell: 226-229-2751 - Chatham

YARD SALE: SATURDAY, MAY 18 8am-1pm. Rain date Sunday 19th. 24 Allen St., Chatham. Antique parlor tables, hutch, approx 30 unopened boxes Dragon Model Tank kits - 1/35 scale. all kinds. Old framed prints. Air brushes. Good stuff!

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.

Lessons

Beginner Guitar Lessons. Call 519917-2339.

Wanted

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

For Sale

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

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

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

Summer Camp