The Chatham Voice, May 23, 2024

Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice

Co-owners

Con.

Scaman

Warwick Jasper Smids

$54,000

The effort put a smile on everyone’s face. Local residents enjoyed tasty treats earlier this month while helping raise funds for the Children’s Treatment Centre of Chatham-Kent (CTCC-K), purchasing Smile Cookies at various Tim Hortons outlets in the municipality.

From April 29-May 5, the restaurant chain

ran its Smile Cookie Campaign, supporting charities in communities across the country. The treatment centre was one of 550 charities to benefit.

Thanks to cookie purchases at outlets in Chatham, Wallaceburg and Dresden, the event raised $54,618 this year.

Local Tim Hortons owners Mike and Paula Grail, and the Pritchard family, directed funds raised from their outlets to support the CTCC-K.

This year’s campaign saw community members and CTC staff come together to contribute their time and efforts. More than 150 volunteers from the community assisted with baking and decorating Smile Cookies at the Chatham Armoury kitchen.

Throughout the course of the 7-day campaign, volunteers baked in excess of 29,000 cookies to assist in bulking up the supply that could be sold to the public.

The CTCC-K, which serves thousands of children each year, continues to benefit from the funds raised through this annual campaign.

Contributed image

Local Tim Hortons owners Jessica Pritchard, left, and Paula Grail, right, celebrate raising more than $56,000 for the Children’s Treatment Centre of Chatham-Kent with the centre’s foundation president and CEO Mike Genge.

The Chatham Voice

Get ready for RetroFest weekend

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

RetroFest returns with a roar to Chatham this weekend.

Vehicles 25 years and older will once again line the downtown streets on Saturday, but there is so much more in Chatham’s core this weekend during RetroFest, which ranks in Festival Events Ontario’s top 100 events across the province.

The Historic Downtown Chatham BIA and the Kent Historic Auto Club fire up the RetroFest engine Friday night with the Parking Lot Party in the Downtown Chatham Centre Parking lot from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Katie Goulet, office and project co-ordinator with the BIA, said the party sets the tone for the weekend.

“We’re going to have an escape

room this year. Honda will be doing some giveaways and offer chances for a test drive,” she said.

“We’ll have a DJ. Old cars and new cars are welcome. Everyone is welcome.”

RetroFest offers gear heads with newer vehicles the chance to showcase the alterations

they’ve made to their rides. Continued on page 16

Visitors flocked to Chatham’s core last year for the Rims and Ribs weekend. This year, RetroFest is once again its own entity, and officials say the schedule is jam packed with fun.

Chatham Voice file photo

Lindsey Turato/Special to The Chatham Voice Mason and Rowan Turato-Wright, under the watchful eyes of mom Lindsey Turato, deliver copies of the May 16 Chatham Voice. The brothers are very excited to be part of our carrier team.

McDonald appointed to council

Fills East Kent seat vacated due to Steve Pinsonneault’s MPP ascension

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

After much debate, Chatham-Kent council voted to appoint Morena McDonald to fill the empty councillor’s seat in East Kent.

McDonald, who placed third in the last election in Ward 3 behind Steve Pinsonneault and John Wright, will likely assume the post at the May 27 council meeting.

Thamesville’s Pinsonneault, who represented East Kent for 17 years, was recently elected as MPP for Lambton-Kent-Middlesex in a May 2 by-election.

A handful of deputations – including one from agriculturalist Bill Parks – lobbied hard at the council meeting May 13 in favour of holding a by-election to replace Pinsonneault. Other members of the Kent Federation of Agriculture stepped up to the podium pressing for a by-election.

The councillor said she was “perplexed” that administration became involved in the political process. The motions came forward following a report from the municipal clerk’s office.

“If we wanted someone to come in on popularity, we should have East Kent voters decide that.”

- Coun. John Wright

“In my opinion, this was very biased and should be the sole decision of council in how we proceed with filling the empty council seat,” Jubenville said.

Several councillors – including East Kent’s Wright – also pushed for a by-election, saying it was necessary to uphold democracy.

Wright stated the issue was becoming a “popularity contest.

“If we wanted someone to come in on popularity, we should have East Kent voters decide that,” he said, adding he has nothing against McDonald as he does not know her personally. But Wright said if she did get appointed “the people will be hard on her.”

South Kent’s Ryan Doyle and North Kent’s Rhonda Jubenville both advocated for holding a by-election to in order to uphold democracy.

“I’m here to speak up for democracy,” Jubenville stated, adding council should take every opportunity to do so, “at any cost.”

In the end Wright’s motion to hold a by-election failed in a 10-5 vote, clearing the way for a motion to appoint McDonald to the chair, which passed 11-4. McDonald, a former radio reporter known for her role in founding and promoting the popular Dresden Night markets, captured 1,161 votes in the 2022 municipal election,

bested by Wright with 1,727 votes, and Pinsonneault with 2,049 ballots.

Council also heard from municipal clerk Judy Smith who explained that appointing nextin-line candidates from an election is a common practice in Ontario.

proach the vacancy “is to respect” the results of the 2022 election.

“Obviously, I have a lot to learn. I’ve been on the other side of it (working in media) so it will be interesting to learn how things work around the horseshoe.”

- Morena McDonald

According to an administrative report, holding a by-election would cost an estimated $75,000, something some councillors didn’t find palatable. Wallaceburg Coun. Carmen McGregor said she’s heard from constituents that “a lot of people don’t want to spend the extra money to do a by-election when there is a very viable strong candidate,” that can be appointed.

North Kent Coun. Jamie McGrail, who represents Chatham-Kent on Southwestern Integrated Fibre Technology (SWIFT), said she’s heard from her contacts around the province that appointing someone to fill a vacant council seat is what the majority of municipalities do.

Chatham Coun. Brock McGregor said the most democratic way to ap-

“All of us around this table ran in that 2022 election. If we appoint the thirdplace finisher that also ran in the 2022 election, it was a free and fair vote,” McGregor said.

Mayor Darrin Canniff said that he had spoken with McDonald prior to the council meeting to make sure she was still interested in taking on the

post.

When contacted by The Chatham Voice following the meeting, McDonald said she is eager to get started.

“Obviously, I have a lot to learn,” the Ridgetown-area resident said. “I’ve been on the other side of it (working in media) so it will be interesting to learn how things work around the horseshoe.

“I’m looking forward to getting sworn in,” the 36-year-old continued, adding she remembers what she heard from constituents when on the campaign trail and wants to bring that to her political decision making.

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Morena McDonald

Opinion

McDonald belongs on council

Welcome to the horseshoe, More na McDonald. We hope you feel (mostly) welcome.

We cannot say entirely, because as an appointed member of municipal council, you have some folks who aren’t in favour of you being there.

Oh, they’ll say they just wanted a by-election to let the electorate choose a successor for Steve Pinsonneault, who is now MPP for Lambton-Kent-Middlesex. And they’ll say if you were to win such a by-election, they’d be fine with such a decision. But would they?

Chatham-Kent council made the smart move on May 13 by choosing you as Pinsonneault’s successor. It was by appointment, but you were the next-closest candidate in the 2022 election. After Pinsonneault and John Wright, the public did select you.

However, members of the Kent Federation of Agriculture spoke at council to seek a by-election.

Five municipal councillors, including your new pal in East Kent, Wright, wanted a by-election.

However, that attempt failed, and 11 councillors voted to appoint you, Morena. Good for them.

The opponents say that was not

democracy in action. We beg to differ.

Point 1 – you finished third in the municipal election just two years ago. The people saw you as the third-best choice. With the top choice now serving at Queen’s Park, it makes sense to opt for you.

Point 2 – council, a democratically elected body entrusted with carrying the wishes and needs of the municipality in general – not one ward –voted pretty darned heavily in favour of choosing you, at 11-4. That’s more than 73 per cent of the decision makers favouring you.

That’s good enough for us.

Plus, council wisely saved an estimated $75,000 by not holding a by-election.

If East Kent is so supposedly hell bent on having an election, then they can do just that in two years’ time when the next municipal election takes place.

One cannot help but wonder what has people spooked by your presence. You are a woman, a Filipino-Canadian, young, and a person with strong commitments to C-K. Surely, none of those realities should be held against you; instead all should be considered positives for adding diversity to council.

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Healthy option: stop drive-thrus

Editor: Well, I never thought I would be writing about EV cars, especially since I have given up driving since 2011.

But, as usual, a good column from The Voice’s Bruce Corcoran in the May 9 paper, “EV users get gold-plated service,” made me think.

I saw how much free charging they are getting at taxpayers’ expense.

I got interested. Even a rent payer is paying these taxes also.

So glad that I would not

be possibly forced into buying an EV car, and could not get it charged to take me far enough.

We’ve heard about nothing else but the environment, it seems, forever. So this gives me a chance to bring up an issue I wrote about a few years ago. The authorities that could be involved failed to do so. Cars running their engines nearby all day long at drive-thru restaurants. There are

many in our community of Chatham. This was never banned to save the environment. Plus, there was all the talk about exercising and there still is. Yet people are still getting eats and drinks served at their cars and – from what I see with most lineups – it is no quicker than walking in to get what you want.

Ruth Draper Chatham

Editor: Re: “When guards are not enough,” the editorial in the May 9 Chatham Voice.

When, during a recession and skyrocketing taxes, our esteemed council is spending money like drunken sailors, getting catered meals (what happened, did one

pass out or die from hunger?), I find it hard to fault people for being confrontational.

But isn’t that why we have police? Not to mention an armoured car. Now they want security guards at the meetings. Will they be unarmed as

well? I expect next they’ll want personal bodyguards and armoured limousines. If it’s too hot for them, perhaps they should leave.

Bryan Marino Chatham

Council to expand CCTV initiative

By Pam Wright

Local Journalism Initiative

pamwrightlji@gmail.com

Closed circuit television surveillance cameras equipped with state-of-the-art artificial intelligence (AI) are coming soon to all of Chatham-Kent’s downtown areas.

Following a presentation from Chatham-Kent Police Chief Gary Conn May 13, municipal council approved the project that will cost just under $1 million to get off the ground.

Dubbed “Bird’s Eye View,” the initiative will see the installation of cameras in the core areas of Wallaceburg, Blenheim, Ridgetown, Tilbury, Dresden, Wheatley and Thamesville, as well as additional cameras in Chatham, building on a two-year pilot project that saw cameras in-

stalled in the downtown in July 2023.

According to Conn, the Chatham cameras have proved to be a valuable tool in identifying suspects and witnesses, leading to arrests in several cases, including one involving a knife-wielding suspect, as well as a bank robbery, mischief at the cenotaph and a serious swarming attack involving six youth.

“These are just a few actual examples where CCTVs have been invaluable for us and our community,” Conn told council.

Moving forward from the current “passive” system, Conn said the new advanced AI can identify potentially suspicious behaviour, like a person getting too close to a business or loitering near a vehicle, sending alerts to po-

lice allowing them to respond in real time.

The new cameras will also be equipped with automatic licence plate readers but there is no mugshot recognition within the new AI system. However, the system will use biometrics to determine what Conn calls “facial likeness.

“AI – artificial intelligence –brings us capabilities like we have never seen before,” the chief said. “Instead of finding the incident manually, the system gives us extensive smart options to pro-actively alert to situations as they arise in real time.”

The cameras, which utilize wireless cellular technology, are strategically placed on light poles in areas based on statistics compiled in a recent crime analysis.

Continued on page 8

Image courtesy Metro Creative Graphics

CCTV

Chatham-Kent communities

More cameras coming

Continued from page 7

“When you consider the ability to respond quicker, potentially deter criminals who know they are being recorded and give our citizens and businesses a new level of safety, the costs pale in comparison to the benefits,” Conn said.

Chatham Coun. Marjorie Crew, who also sits on the police service board, moved the recommendations forward with an amendment to include Dresden, Wheatley and Thamesville, in addition to the original plan of installing cameras in Blenheim, Tilbury and Ridgetown, Wallaceburg and more for Chatham.

“This is an excellent tool and I look at it as something that is pro-active,” Crew said, adding she didn’t want any communities to be excluded.

“I believe that we all deserve the same level of service. We are Chatham-Kent. It’s expensive but there’s no getting out of it. How do you put a price tag on your feelings of safety in your community?”

She agreed with other councillors who said “more boots on the ground” are needed, noting the cameras give police another tool.

However, some councillors questioned the cost and scope.

North Kent Coun. Rhonda Jubenville wanted to know why the CCTV expansion wasn’t included in the last police budget.

“With that being said, could we not postpone this and ask us again in the in the next budget deliberations?” she asked.

The chief said it wasn’t in the budget because it was still a pilot project, but noted it needs to go ahead as “time is always of the essence.”

Another councillor thought the proposal too extensive. South Kent Coun. Ryan Doyle said he could see funding Chatham and Wallaceburg, but not the smaller centres.

To date, the CKPS has been successful in procuring more than a $100,000 in provincial funding for the pilot project. Conn said he anticipates the project will continue to receive government funding. However, to pay capital costs for the project, money will need to be pulled from the strategic reserves. Ongoing costs will need to be incorporated into the capital budget.

Information from the cameras is extensively encrypted and stored in Amazon government web cloud storage. Only personnel that have undergone extensive training will be allowed to access the footage, which is stored for 30 days, but can be held longer if necessary. Conn said the CKPS promises to adhere to privacy regulations.

Image courtesy Metro Creative Graphics CCTV cameras in Chatham-Kent will be installed in many a downtown area.

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Splash pads open across C-K

The Chatham Voice

Splash pad fun is again available to local families across Chatham-Kent. The parks were set to open May 18. These following splash pads will be in operation straight through to Labour Day weekend in September.

Locations include:

• Optimist Park, 356

Oaks St. in Bothwell

• Kingston Park, 91 Paxton Dr., Chatham

• Kinsmen’s Communi-

Independently Owned & Operated

ty Park, 760 Tecumseh St., Dresden

• Mitchell’s Bay Beach Park, 5 Main St., Mitchell’s Bay

• Kiwanis Park, 5 George St., Ridgetown

• Ferguson Park, 32 Wallace St., Thamesville

• Knights of Columbus Park, 49 Bond St., Tilbury

• Colwell Park, 300 Running Creek Dr., Wallaceburg

Ashley Wilton Sales Rep 519-437-7564

Elliot Wilton Sales Rep 519-358-8755

• Jaycee Park, Larkwood St., Wallaceburg

• Wheatley Area Recreation Complex, 196 Erie St. N., Wheatley Officials want the public to take note that the splash pads at Blenheim’s Talbot Trail Place and Merlin’s Kinsmen Park are independently operated and their opening dates may differ.

Chatham Voice file photo Many a splash pad has opened in the municipality, for families to enjoy some fun and cooling time.

Friday, May 24

Tecumseh Park 3pm 11pm

• VENDORS • ACTIVITIES* • BEVERAGE GARDEN

• LIVE MUSIC STARTING AT 5:30PM

*Ziplines, Kid Zone, Paddle Boats, Nerf Arena end at dusk DCC Parking Lot

“NEW GEN/OLD GEN” CAR PARTY • 4 - 8PM

Continued from page 3

Goulet said registration for the Saturday showcase has been

strong, and she expects about 600 cars to be on hand, depending on what Mother Nature de-

livers.

A reminder to folks looking to navigate around the event to be aware that much of the downtown will be cordoned off for pedestrian traffic only on Saturday. For anyone looking to show off their vintage vehicle, but has not registered yet, Goulet said you can do so online

at downtownchatham.com/ events/retrofest/ and click on the registration link. However, registration can be done on Saturday morning as well, as the BIA and the auto club will have personnel on site as early as 7 a.m.

Just don’t expect to be the first vehicle on site. Goulet said some of the proud car owners show up as early as 5 a.m. to get

their preferred location. Remember, to be displayed, a vehicle must be a minimum of 25 years of age. That means model years of 1999 and earlier qualify.

Also taking place on and around King Street on Saturday is the Junior Judges, where kids observe the classics and cast their votes on their favourites.

Continued on page 17

Chatham Voice file photo

RetroFest events galore

Continued from page 16

Event awards are handed out about 3 p.m., Goulet said.

Not everything happens on King Street. Aside from the Parking Lot Party Friday behind the DCC, Goulet said Tecumseh Park will be rocking with fun all weekend long.

Starting at 3 p.m. Friday and again at 11 a.m. Saturday, vendors will be open to sell their wares. There will be live music each evening as well, along with a beverage tent to slack everyone’s thirst. Activities for all ages –including zip lines, paddleboats and a Nerf arena – take place during the daylight hours.

The Miss RetroFest Pageant returns on Saturday as well. It takes place from noon to 2 p.m.

The Optimist Club will be holding a soapbox derby Saturday morning on William Street too.

Something that Goulet said is drawing a lot of

interest online is the closing event of the weekend. RetroFest’s Busker After Party takes place Sunday, from 1 p.m. to 5 pm. at The Garden on King. Tickets for the event are free. There will be live entertainment and free appetizers.

Goulet said to keep an eye out for raffle ticket sales people, as R.O.C.K. Missions will be the beneficiary from the weekend raffle effort.

If you want to get a head start on the raffle, you can visitrafflebox.ca/raffle/ rockmissions to buy tickets online.

This is Goulet’s first RetroFest as co-ordinator, having taken over from Connie Beneteau earlier this year.

“Everything’s been great. Connie was very thorough so I have lots to look back on and check to make sure I’m on track,” Goulet said. “There are always some last-minute details to iron out.”

Chatham Voice file photo

Crowds stroll down King Street to check out the varied vintage vehicles on display in 2022.

Boundary review again sought

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative

pamwrightlji@gmail.com

The issue of ward boundaries is again coming before Chatham-Kent council.

At a recent meeting, North Kent Coun. Rhonda Jubenville announced she will bring a motion forward May 27 that would kickstart a review of municipal boundaries

prior to the next municipal election.

Jubenville said she hasn’t given up on pushing the issue forward even though a similar motion in late April failed in an 8-8 vote.

The motion, made on April 29, included the possibility of reducing the size of council, whereas the new motion would look at ward boundaries only.

$45K drug bust

The Chatham Voice

A West Lorne man had his vehicle impounded on May 16 and must now answer to drug trafficking charges following a traffic stop in Chatham.

Chatham-Kent police say they pulled a vehicle over on Grand Avenue East in Chatham as part of an ongoing drug trafficking investigation.

A search during the arrest revealed the man was in possession of fentanyl, cocaine and methamphet-

amine, with an estimated street value over $45,000, police say. He was also in possession of digital scales, packaging materials, and approximately $2,500 in Canadian currency. On top of that, officers said he didn’t have a valid driver’s license.

A 27-year-old West Lorne man is charged with three counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking and four counts of operating a motor vehicle while prohibited.

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of Linck Child, Youth and Family Supports will be held on Tuesday, June 25, 2024 at the hour of 4:30 p.m.

In accordance with the Agency’s By-Laws and Policies and Procedures, the agenda will include a) the reading of the financial reports; b) the election of officers; c) the appointment of auditors; and d) any other business that may properly be brought before the meeting. It is further stated that all General Board Meetings of Linck Child, Youth and Family Supports are open meetings and are held the first Tuesday of each month. Audited financial statements are available upon request. Anyone interested in attending this meeting or any open meeting is asked to contact the Recording Secretary by email at Board@linck.org

“We want to strictly focus on ward boundaries and I hope this will be favourable to council,” Jubenville told The Chatham Voice.

According to the councillor, the issue needs to

be looked at again because Chatham-Kent has changed dramatically since the original boundaries were drawn at the time of amalgamation in 1998, and “rural and urban voices” need to be

represented equally.”

Based on the current wording, if approved, the review would be paid for out of strategic reserves.

Even though the April motion failed, the process saw administration

recommend council approve the hiring of Strategy Corp to undertake the process at a cost of $68,000.

Chatham-Kent has six wards with 17 councillors, plus a mayor.

Catholic board targets student vaping

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

Officials with the St. Clair Catholic District School Board are hoping a new program will help reduce rates of student vaping.

Dubbed “Quash,” the initiative is being launched ahead of World No Tobacco Day May 31. It utilizes a cutting-edge mobile app to assist students with behavioural changes to steer them away from vaping and nicotine addiction.

The project, a collaborative effort between

the Ontario Ministry of Education and the Lung Health Foundation, involving six provincial school boards, was developed with funding from Health Canada.

Based on science and input from youth, the app includes support from adult facilitators to empower youth to identify and overcome triggers, reward progress towards quitting, and ultimately help vapers regain control over addictive vaping behaviours by prioritizing health and well-being.

According to Lung

Health Foundation (LHF) statistics, Canada has one of the highest vaping rates in the world with an estimated 750,000 people under 30 taking part in daily vaping.

The LHF calls this vaping addiction a “dangerously discreet” practice – something that may go unnoticed by parents and teachers.

In another study undertaken by the Canadian Tobacco and Nicotine Survey, 69 per cent of the teens who vaped in the last month have never smoked. However, sev-

eral other studies have found that young people who vape are much more likely to start smoking in the future, compared to

youth who never vaped.

As vaping continues to become more mainstream, the LHF wants to underscore the urgent

need for awareness and intervention to break the cycle, particularly during the developmental years of teens who vape.

Image courtesy Metro Creative Graphics

St. Clair Catholic District School Board has a new program it hopes will help cut student-vaping rates.

No C-K licence for mushroom shop

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

There is no municipal business licence for a shop that opened in downtown Chatham recently selling magic mushrooms.

Fun Guyz, an operation with stores in other Ontario locations, such as Toronto, London and Windsor, did not file for a business licence with the Municipality of Chatham-Kent. In fact, municipal officials said the store didn’t need to.

“The municipality only licenses certain types of businesses (restaurants, tobacco shops, etc.),” officials told The Chatham Voice. “They (Fun Guyz) may have a provincial license, but we’re not privy to that information.”

“The

Municipal-level licences are required for such sectors as food and beverage, overnight accommodation, adult entertainment, payday loans, retirement homes, and salvage yards. Generally, the only retail outlets that have to register a business licence with C-K are places that sell tobacco or vaping products.

While police were raiding the shop, the Fun Guyz were advertising for a retail sales person on the municipal website.

municipally only licenses certain types of businesses (restaurants, tobacco shops, etc.).”

- Municipal staff

For several days, the position appeared on a Google search related to “Fun Guyz” and “Chatham-Kent.”

Municipal officials worked to pull down the posting as of

According to information gleaned from the municipal website, “The main goal of a municipal business licence is to protect the health and safety of the public who use the service.”

The grey area, however, is that magic mushrooms are illegal in Canada. Municipalities don’t issue business licences or have departments, other than the police service, available to regulate such activity.

As such, Chatham-Kent police raided Fun Guyz twice earlier this month, confiscating an estimated $32,000 in product.

On the same page.

As for why it went up on the municipal site in the first place, Guilmette said individuals and employers can post jobs automatically, and at the time of the initial posting, the shop had yet to put any of its product on display for sale.

May 7, according to Jodi Guilmette, general manager for health and human resources. While a Google search no longer produced the job posting, a refreshing of the initial web address The Voice had obtained lingered into last week. This prompted municipal IT officials to scour their systems and make changes.

Bruce Corcoran/The Chatham Voice This King Street magic mushroom shop remains open despite two police raids.

Tree-saving effort cut down

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

A Chatham councillor’s bid to preserve Victoria Avenue trees slated for the chopping block has fallen flat.

At a recent council meeting, Michael Bondy asked his fellow councillors to support him in having municipal staff take a second look at 30 trees public works have determined should come down.

His motion failed 6-8. “All I wanted was a second opinion,” Bondy said following the meeting. “I don’t understand it.”

The councillor’s motion sought to hire a local arborist with an emphasis on preservation to re-examine the trees that public works intends to cut down on the stately Chatham street.

“All I wanted was a second opinion. I don’t understand it.”

The original motion also included trees on Erieau’s boulevard, but that portion was withdrawn as residents in the Lake Erie hamlet support the removal of what are mostly poplar or cottonwood trees.

- Coun. Michael Bondy

The motion, which ended up being split into four parts, also sparked debate about whether or not the municipality is promptly replacing

the trees it cuts down as per a municipal policy that was adopted in 2022.

Bondy, who lives on Victoria, said it’s not happening on his street.

“There’s the will to do this but maybe there’s not enough money,” he said. “It’s not where I’ve looked, just so we’re clear.”

According to public works director Ryan Brown, the assessment of trees on Victoria Avenue and Erieau – the only two locations studied – was a

pro-active measure rather than the traditional reactive complaint-based approach to deal with trees.

Brown said staff spent a great deal of time cleaning up trees on Victoria after last summer’s ferocious wind storm.

Tuckered-out calves

Leave your empties and support literacy

The Chatham Voice Let your empties help encourage young children in Chatham-Kent to read.

The Kiwanis Club of Chatham asks residents on May 25 to leave their refundable bottles at the end of their driveway at 9 a.m. for pickup by volunteers.

The club has partnered with the Dolly Parton

Imagination Library to foster children’s literacy. This Bottles for Books fundraiser is the latest effort by the club to support the program. Residents are invited to participate by donating any empty liquor and beer bottles. These donations will directly contribute to providing books for children in Chatham-Kent. “The power of read-

ing and imagination in a child’s life cannot be overstated,” Jennifer Paradis, membership chair for the Kiwanis Club of C-K, said in a media release. “By supporting Bottles for Books, not only are you recycling and contributing to a cleaner environment, but you’re also giving children the gift of education and imagination.”

Jeanine Foulon/The Chatham Voice

Calves lounge in the field at Buis Farms in Chatham, as a farmer prepares a nearby field for planting.

Community Events

Thursday, May 23, 2024:

• Come join us at The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham from 11:00am-9:30p.m. The kitchen is open to serve lunch from 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 1-4:30pm. All are welcome to attend with a $2 donation. 4-7pm: Homemade Panzerotti + Menu available. Merlin Legion, 519-689-4884.

Friday, May 24, 2024:

• Come join us at The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham from 11:00am–9:30pm. The kitchen is open to serve lunch from 11:00 am–1:30pm. Supper will be 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.

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

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

• Friday night supper at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St is a Pork Tenderloin dinner with potatoes vegetables, salad and a bun. Dine ins $13 and pickups $14. All meals are served at 6 PM. Please call 519-352-8291 daily from 1 to 4 PM to order. Everyone welcome.

Saturday, May 25, 2024:

• Bill’s Place Community Space DropIn. 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.

• Giant indoor yard and bake sale 7am-1pm at First Reformed Church Chatham Indian Creek & Lacroix St. Something for everyone,lunch available.

• 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.

• Canadian Wartime Homefront at the Backus-Page House Museum. Join us for interactive stations, educational booths and book signings. Discover wartime livelihood throughout this event, everything from Rationing, Red Cross Efforts, Farmerettes, to Entertainment, Miss War Worker Pageant, and a Wartime Wedding. 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.

• Come join us at The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham from 11:00am-9:30pm. There will be a meat draw at 3:30, 4:30 and 5:30 p.m. The kitchen is open to serve lunch from 3:00pm5:30pm. Entertainment by Back to Back from 4:30-9:30. Come out and check out our menu. Everyone is welcome.

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

Sunday, May 26, 2024:

• Classic Country Jamboree from 1:30-5:30pm. Merlin Legion, 2 Stanley St with Pickerel dinner to follow. Hamburgers also available. Music by The Marquis. Bring your singing voice and your dancing shoes and join us. Call Lori at 519 476 5870.

• Canadian Wartime Homefront at the Backus-Page House Museum. Join us for interactive stations, educational booths and book signings. Discover wartime livelihood throughout this event, everything from Rationing, Red Cross Efforts, Farmerettes, to Enter-

tainment, Miss War Worker Pageant, and a Wartime Wedding. 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!

Tuesday, May 28, 2024:

• Come join us at The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham from 11:00am–9:30pm. The kitchen is open to serve lunch from 11:00am–1:30pm. Today’s special is Spaghetti with meat sauce. Come play Euchre at 1:00 or spend the evening playing Shuffleboard or Euchre starting at 7:00pm. Everyone is welcome.

Wednesday, May 29, 2024:

• Come join us at The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham from 11:00am–9:30pm. The kitchen is open to serve lunch from 11:00am–1:30pm. Our daily special is meat loaf Dinner. Come check out our other daily specials. We have Fun Darts at 7:00pm. Everyone is welcome.

• Art 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.

Thursday, May 30, 2024:

• Come join us at The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham from 11:00am–9:30pm. The kitchen is open to serve lunch from 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 1-4:30pm. All are welcome to attend with a $2 donation. 4-7pm: Homemade Panzerotti + Menu available. Merlin Legion, 519-689-4884.

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

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

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

Fun Stuff

ACROSS 1. Lunatic 7. Doctor of Education

10. Able to make amends

12. Tight-knit group 13. Gland

14. Intestinal pouches

15. Fungal spores

16. Erstwhile 17. Engine additive 18. Nasal mucus

19. Fit a horse with footwear

21. Consumed 22. Settle

27. Larry and Curly’s pal

28. Basketball’s GOAT

33. Exclamation of surprise

34. Made tight 36. Before

37. Actor Nicolas

38. Not hot 39. Talk

40. Pledge 41. Abandon a mission

44. Trims by cutting 45. Aspects of one’s character

48. Boxing GOAT’s former surname

49. Holy places

50. Body art (slang) 51. Attributes

1. How one feels

2. American Nat’l Standards Institute

3. Information 4. Licensed for Wall Street

5. Keyboard key 6. Born of 7. Choose to represent 8. Small European freshwater fish

9. Everyone has their own 10. Line from the center of a polygon 11. Lebanese city

12. Type of watercraft

Month

Word formed by rearranging letters

32. Nullifies

35. Young woman ready to enter society

36. Unemployment

38. Weight unit

40. Formal party

41. Computer language

42. Residue formula in math

43. Duty or responsibility

44. Part of (abbr.)

45. Time zone

46. Body part

47. Nucleic acid

Puzzles answers on page 27.

CLUES

CLUES DOWN

14. A way to twist 17. Soviet Socialist Republic 18. Greek island 20. Medical practitioner 23. __ DeGaulle, French President 24. Partner to “oohed”

Atomic #52

Santa’s helper

Rapper __ Rule

Cancer diagnosis changes doc’s viewpoint

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

When ER doctor Anthony Dixon was diagnosed with cancer, his life changed. So too did his approach to the patients he sees who are also facing a cancer diagnosis.

“Before I had sympathy,” the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance doctor told The Voice in a recent interview. “Now I have empathy. It was quite a shock going from physician to patient.”

Two years ago, the symptom-free 54-year-old learned he had prostate cancer following a routine blood test that detected abnormal PSA levels, a harbinger of the illness.

“The PSA test saved my life,” Dixon said, noting he immediately began treatment and underwent surgery just two months later. Now the survivor is sharing his story, using his experience to help others facing a cancer challenge, as well as working for change at the national level. Dixon is now a Canadian Cancer Society volunteer advocate and recently attended a twoday symposium in Ottawa, calling on the federal government to improve cancer care.

In honour of Daffodil month

– held each April to promote cancer awareness – advocates from across Canada travelled to Parliament April 8-9, to share their stories and press MPs to improve the health-care system for cancer patients and caregivers alike.

During an Awareness Day on the Hill event, Dixon and others shared their experience with MPs from four different parties, advising them of some of the changes needed to improve the journey for cancer patients and their loved ones.

Although he was given his diagnosis by a colleague, who was also a friend, Dixon said he had to navigate the health-care system just like everyone else. It was an eye-opener.

Dixon said that while he knew a lot about the “medicine” aspect of cancer, he wasn’t aware of the “bigger picture,” including the strain of manoeuvring the system,

Time

or of the critical importance of the support of family and friends.

Even though he was surrounded by people who cared for him, including the people he worked with, Dixon said it was still tough.

“I needed a lot of help,” he added. “I had knowledge of how the system worked but it was still difficult to navigate.”

Statistics indicate that rates of cancer are increasing, meaning that nearly half of all Canadians will face a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime, impacting their loved ones and caregivers, as well. It’s estimated caregivers currently save Canada’s healthcare system approximately $26 billion per year.

A change in the eligibility criteria for the Canadian Caregiver Tax Credit is one of the goals of the CCS.

Continued on page 26

to Get Your Ducks in a Row

Contributed image

Chatham-Kent Health Alliance emergency room physician Anthony Dixon, centre, has become a volunteer advocate for the Canadian Cancer Society. He is shown here in Ottawa with volunteer advocate Paramjot Gogia, left, and CCS advocacy manager Hillary Buchan-Terrell.

Mary Richard

OBITUARIES

69, Saturday, May 11, 2024

Alexander & Houle Funeral Home

Sheyla Carney

82, Tuesday, May 14, 2024

Alexander & Houle Funeral Home

Douglas N. Couture

80, Wednesday, May 15, 2024

Alexander & Houle Funeral Home

Elwood “Mac” MacEwan

96, Wednesday, May 15, 2024

Alexander & Houle Funeral Home

Elaine Hook

87, Thursday, May 16, 2024

Alexander & Houle Funeral Home

Peggy Warden

80, Tuesday, May 7, 2024

McKinlay Funeral Home

Ian Osborne

79, Saturday, May 11, 2024

McKinlay Funeral Home

Douglas Parsons

61, Friday, May 10, 2024

McKinlay Funeral Home

Sharren Eveland

73, Saturday, May 11, 2024

McKinlay Funeral Home

John Cunningham

Saturday, May 11, 2024

McKinlay Funeral Home

Nancy Lynn McDowell

63, Wednesday, May 15, 2024

McKinlay Funeral Home

George Balan

91, Wednesday, May 15, 2024

McKinlay Funeral Home

Julie Kealey (Rogers)

Tuesday, May 7, 2024

Life Transitions

Eileen Fitzpatrick

66, Wednesday, May 8, 2024

Life Transitions

Sandra Bridekirk

74, Wednesday, May 8, 2024

Life Transitions

Karen Jolicoeur (Pascall)

64, Friday, May 10, 2024

Life Transitions

Joyce Myers (Urbanski)

59, Monday, May 13, 2024

Life Transitions

Beryl Repergel

88, Wednesday, May 15, 2024

Life Transitions

Ruth Ann Bossence

82, Wednesday, May 15, 2024

Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home

Kathleen “Kate” Elizabeth Laprise

74, Friday, May 10, 2024

Nicholls Funeral Home

Daniel Dumais

63, Wednesday, May 15, 2024

Nicholls Funeral Home

Robert Bayly

84, Monday, May 13, 2024

Blenheim Community Funeral Home

Claude Tiffin

89, Sunday, May 12, 2024

Kendrick Funeral Home

Katharina Banman de Dyck

62, Sunday, May 12, 2024

Kendrick Funeral Home

Jake Peters

60, Monday, May 13, 2024

Kendrick Funeral Home

See full obituaries at chathamvoice.com/obituaries

Doc advocates on behalf of cancer patients

Continued from page 25

According to Dixon, it’s currently difficult for the people who need it most to access the tax credit, placing an especially heavy burden on single females who are the sole providers. The tax credit change would cost taxpayers $300 million.

Including all cancer medications in Canada’s pan-pharma program is another change the CCS is lobbying for, Dixon said. Traditionally, chemotherapy treatments have been administered at hospitals but improvements that see medications in pill form generally have to be paid for by the patient de-

livering an out-of-pocket hit during an extremely vulnerable time.

Dixon said he met one woman whose cancer drugs cost $8,000 a month.

CCS advocates are also lobbying to remove enticing flavours from vaping, and to raise awareness about the increased risk of cancer to those who have more than three drinks of alcohol a day. The organization also wants to see the creation of a national database to highlight what treatment and services are available in every community in Canada.

With a nationwide decrease in availability of family doc-

tors, cancer diagnosis has become part of emergency medicine, Dixon said, adding he’s called on to tell people they have cancer on a weekly, sometimes daily, basis.

Nowadays, since his own diagnosis, he offers them more time.

“I’m more aware,” he said, adding he’s cognizant of other challenges patients may face, such as not being able to speak English.

“My colleagues tell me I’ve changed in the way I deal with people,” Dixon said. Dixon advises those facing cancer to reach out to the Canadian Cancer Society, noting it’s a good starting point. He also urges every Canadian male 50 years and older to have the simple PSA blood test.

“The CCS has excellent information and can help you access services, even if it’s just getting a ride to treatment,” the doctor said. “It’s a great cause and I’m proud to be a part of it.”

Obituaries

Classifieds

Obituaries

Yard Sale

Heaven has gained another angel, Beryl Lorraine Repergel (nee Collins), surrounded by her loving family on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance at the age of 88. Born in Jersey, Channel Islands, United Kingdom. Daughter of the late John and Marie Collins (nee Hurel). Beloved wife of the late Frank Repergel (2011). Dear mother of Colleen & the late Bryan (2023) Green of Dresden, Mike Repergel & Heather Sowinski of Chatham, Steve & Kathy Repergel of Welland and the late Cassandra Bouwmeester (2009). Proud grandmother “Grandma Shemp” of Jennifer (Devin), Jason (Jill), Cassandra (Joe), Colin (Jessica), Sabrina, Jacquelyn, and Andrea. Great-grandmother “GG” to Izzy, Abby, Milo, Sophia, Miranda, Rowan, Carter, Chloe, Aidan and Brooklyn. Predeceased by siblings Barbara, Myra, Mary, John and Peter. Survived by sister Janet. Dearly missed by several nieces and nephews as well as her fur baby, Buddy. Beryl loved boating, shopping, telling jokes, and a good laugh. Everyone enjoyed Beryl’s iconic Christmases. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. The Repergel family extend their heartfelt thanks to Dr. Stronks, Dr. Logan and her team at the London Cancer Clinic, Dr. Tran, the team at the CKHA, The March of Dimes, and the staff at The Maples Retirement Living. In memory of Beryl, donations to the London Cancer Clinic or P.A.W. would be appreciated. Online condolences and cherished memories may be made at www.lifetransitions.ca.

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 Malinda 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

Obituary of George Balan

Tutor Wanted

Lessons

Beginner Guitar Lessons. Call 519917-2339.

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

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

Peacefully, a resident of Chatham, George Balan passed away at the Copper Terrace Long Term Care Home on May 15, 2024 at the age of 91. Born in Wood Mountain, Saskatchewan, George is predeceased by his parents John and Gladys (née Donison) Balan. Beloved Husband of 61 years to Donna (née Morgan). George will be forever remembered by his two Sons, Jeff Balan, and Greg (Dawn) Balan. Beloved Grandfather to Josh Balan (Haleigh Norton), Abby Balan, and Hannah Balan. Cherished Brother to Ann Balan of Chatham, Minnie 2009 (Moe, 2014) Stoyanovich of Windsor, Mary, 2022 (Charles) Samuelson of Traverse City, Michigan, Brother-in-law to Ron Morgan, 2017 of Chatham. George is survived by many nieces, nephews, friends and extended family. George had a zest for life and pursued his passions with enthusiasm. A proud fisherman, spending countless hours by the water, casting his line, and embracing the tranquility of nature. His love for sports extended to the tennis court, where he displayed his competitive spirit. George also found peace in taking long walks, appreciating the beauty of the world around him. One of George’s simple pleasures was savoring a cup of Tim Hortons coffee. But above all, George cherished his family. He was a devoted family man, always there to support and care for his loved ones. His presence, love, and guidance will be deeply missed. The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the staff of Copper Terrace for their devoted care and compassion during George’s time there. As per George’s wishes, Cremation has taken place. Family received friends at McKinlay Funeral Home, 459 St Clair Street, Chatham on Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at 11:00 am until a Memorial Service at 12:00 pm. Rev. John Maroney to officiate. Donations made in memory of George to Christ Anglican Church, Chatham would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com. McKinlay Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham. 519-351-2040

Wanted to Buy: Antiques, costume jewellery, gold, silver, coins, military, furniture, tools. We Buy All - Paid Cash. 519-727-8894. Wanted: scrap air conditioners, dehumidifiers and misc. Phone 226229-2614.

19 Nightfall Court, Chatham. May 25 - 8am. Rain date June 1. Vinyl records, antiques, household items, duck decoys.

5834 Queens Line Yard Sale. May 24 & 25 - 9am-4pm. Household items, clothing, tools. Come out & see us!

National Range Day

John McGregor

Secondary School

Class of 1974 & 1975 Reunion

Saturday, June 15, 2024

Open House for Students and Staff 3:00pm - 11:00pm Group photo at 5:00pm Sons of Kent Brewery 27 Adelaide St. S., Chatham Food Trucks • Live Entertainment Bring lawn chairs and memorabilia Please RSVP to jmss2024reunion@gmail.com

Wanted Wanted

Classified ads start at only $6! Call today 519-397-2020

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.

Saturday, June 1st. Kent Cloverleaf Conservation Club, 9092 English Line, Chatham. Families, work groups, community groups, bring a group from school because EVERYONE is WELCOME, FREE EVENT, 12 year and up. Try archery, trap, along with indor and outdoor range events. Pre-register - nrd@ kccc.ca. Find us on facebook for more info!

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

Open House