The Chatham Voice, May 26, 2022 by Chatham Voice

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Down by the river

In-person event back after 2 years By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

RetroFest 2022 is ready to roll into downtown Chatham this weekend. The post-pandemic version of the renowned classic car show is set to fire on all cylinders, returning after two years to an in-person event. The event was cancelled in 2020, with an online version featured in 2021. Connie Beneteau of the Historic Downtown Chatham BIA is grateful the event can get back to normal. “Thanks God we are all able to get together once again, live and in-person,” Beneteau said, adding the classic car show is back, as well as “everything retro-fun and in between.” According to Beneteau, 300 cars from across the region and Michigan have already pre-registered and more are expected by way of registrations through the Kent Historic Auto Club.

Continued on page 13

Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice

Stephan Mason, Joanne Guy and Stacy Molton were among the many local residents taking advantage of a perfect spring weather recently to try their luck fishing at the Thames Grove Valley Conservation Area.

THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 2

THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2022

News

Meet the candidates, Lambton-Kent-Middlesex The Chatham Voice

Editor’s note: The Chatham Voice asked each candidate to submit a short bio and to comment on what they believe is the most important issue this election for the people of Chatham-Kent. Here’s what we received for the candidates of Lambton-Kent-Middlesex. Bruce Baker, Liberal

Life Transitions - Families Helping Families 397 McNaughton Ave. W., Chatham 519-351-4444 • lifetransitions.ca •

Bruce Baker is an academic, an advocate, and a change maker. Throughout his academic career, Baker created societies to address gaps in representation, developed management and logistics skills through leading the publishing of two academic journals, and fostered an atmosphere of perBruce Baker

sonal and political development by leading one of the country’s largest political campus clubs. Professionally, Baker has worked in both the private and not-forprofit sector, handling corporate accounts in tech and data analysis with the Social Development Council. Baker is looking to provide the voters of Lambton-Kent-Middlesex with a choice this election, and believes he can effectively implement the changes needed to bring Ontario into a brighter tomorrow. Most pressing issue: While many issues, like protecting our agriculture industry and increasing access to high-speed internet, are critical to the people of LKM, at this point in time affordability is so pressing that it needs to be addressed first among all. Whether its gas swelling to over $2 a litre, food rates climbing so fast hundreds of local families are at risk of becoming food insecure, or people looking to settle down here and buy a home, affordability issues are everywhere in people’s lives. The new Ontario Liberal plan recognizes the urgency of this affordability crisis, and has a costed, ambitious plan to help everyday Ontarians. David Barnwell, New Blue Party

Did not respond by press time. Vanessa Benoit, NDP

Vanessa Benoit is a library worker, singer-songwriter and a private music educator. She’s active in the community, having served on the planning committee of the Alvinston Arts and Music Fest and the Friends of A. W. Campbell Park. Benoit is pas- Vanessa Benoit sionate about making sure we invest in the services that rural families rely on, like our public schools and health care. She lives in Alvinston with her

71 Sass Rd Unit #4 519-397-2020

Bruce Corcoran General Manager- Ext.227 bruce@chathamvoice.com

Pam Wright Reporter - Ext.232 pamwrightlji@gmail.com

Jeanine Foulon Sales - Ext.228 jeanine@chathamvoice.com

husband Jason and son Bruce. Wanda Dickey, Green Party Did not respond by press time. Dean Eve, None of the Above Party

Dean Eve is Owner/Operator of Total RE Investment Management. He manages investment income properties both residential and commercial, and does renovation and repairs, having been in business for 29 years. Eve and his wife Roslynn moved to Chatham over five years ago Dean Eve from Cambridge. Two and a half years ago, they bought their dream property in Bothwell on Longwoods Road. Roslynn is an artist who hopes to open a art gallery, jewelry and crystal store. In the past several years, Eve has become increasingly disappointed and frustrated by the behaviour of politicians, their parties and the political system, both provincial and federal. Most pressing issue: The three Rs of Direct Democracy. Real reform to electoral, legislative and accountability laws and practices to give voters transparency and control of politicians and their parties during and between elections. Referendum: Important issues voted on by the people for their interests. Recall of politicians who are virtually immune from real public accountability so that they pay for errors in their conduct the same way all others do with penalties, including immediate termination with a loss of all severance pay, pensions, or other benefits, for any dereliction of duty and other improper conduct. Monte McNaughton, PC (incumbent)

Did not respond by press time. Aaron Vegh, Ontario Party

Did not respond by press time.

Peter Zubyk Sales - Ext. 225 peter@chathamvoice.com

Michelle Owchar Graphics - Ext.226 michelle@chathamvoice.com

THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2022

PAGE 3

News

Meet the candidates, C-K–L

The Chatham Voice

A first-generation Canadian, I was born in Leamington and raised on a family farm near Wheatley. F o l lowing element a r y and secondary school in the r iding, I gradu a t e d Audrey Festeryga w i t h distinction from McMaster University and then Queen’s University Law School. A mother of two, I am a lifelong member of the Leamington Oak Street Mennonite Church. In addition to being a lawyer in Leamington, I own and operate a farm in the riding with my brother, Martin Rahn. Growing up in rural poverty as a youth and having defeated cancer as

an adult, I have overcome adversity with faith and hard work. Most pressing issue: At the door, and on the streets of Chatham Kent, residents indicate that the cost of living is the most pressing issue. The Liberals have a fully costed plan that will grow the economy and create an Ontario that people can afford to live in while still balancing the Budget by 2026-27. For me, the primary issue is that for far too long Chatham-Kent has been neglected, and I’m here to change that. My NDP opponent, who is on municipal council, and the incumbent MPP have had years to obtain much-needed federal and provincial investment for Chatham-Kent; they have failed to do so. Trevor Jones, PC

Trevor Jones was born and raised in Leamington. He received h i s Bachelor of A r t s in Political Science a n d History Trevor Jones in 1997 and his Master of Arts in 2001

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from the University of Windsor. In 2002, he became a constable with the Ontario Provincial Police, working in both the Chatham-Kent and Essex County detachments before being promoted to sergeant in 2009. After 16 years of honourable service in law enforcement, Jones joined Mastronardi Produce Limited in Essex County as Director of Procurement and then Senior Director of Emerging Operations. Jones and his wife Najet have three children, and they reside in Leamington. Rhonda Jubenville, New Blue Party

Born and raised in Chatham, Rhonda Jubenville learned the fundamentals of running a business at a young age by being p a r t R. Jubenville of her family’s local 43-year-old building supply/lumber yard. She knows what it takes to operate a successful, grassroots business from the ground up. Jubenville has two adult

children and has been active in her community for many years. From serving in various positions with the Catholic Church she attends, to serving on the Chatham Figure Skating Club’s board for 14 years, she loves serving the people in her community. Jubenville has observed the slow decline in our province and was frustrated by how the pandemic highlighted the state of our health care, long-term care, education and small businesses. The mishandling of these essential services and ministries inspired Rhonda to step out and make a difference for the people of Chatham-Kent–Leamington. Most pressing issue: The New Blue Party of Ontario will fight for the residents of Chatham-Kent– Leamington to restore our province both financially and socially. We will grow Ontario’s economy at five per cent annually by taking down industrial wind turbines, which have now proven to be a colossal economic failure along with harming human life and wildlife. This will reduce electricity rates and save Ontarians $750 million to $1 billion annually. We will provide tax relief with a three-per-cent cut in the HST.

We will remove all divisive and “heavy” teachings like critical race theory, gender identity theory and the existing sex education from the public schools and replace with age-appropriate teachings involving respect, acceptance, tolerance and kindness to all. Brock McGregor, NDP

Brock McGregor was born and raised in Chatham-Kent and calls the community home with his wife and four children. During two terms on m u nicipal council, McG re g o r has advocated for smart growth, investm e n t s Brock McGregor in community infrastructure, and support of the vulnerable. He introduced tougher regulations on payday lenders, and fought to build a more equitable community. McGregor was instrumental in bringing the first rainbow crosswalk to Chatham-Kent, updated regulation on puppy-mill prevention strategies, and has been a vocal advocate

for harm reduction in the community. McGregor was an executive board member of the 2018 International Plowing Match, and is the long-serving president of the board for Rise House International, a charity operating a women’s safe haven in Haiti. Most pressing issue: Affordability. Housing, fuel, groceries – prices are rising and its getting more difficult to keep up in Ontario. While the other guys take the side of big grocery, big oil, and big developers, we put people over profit. We will bring in rent control legislation, regulate fuel prices, and decrease auto insurance rates by 40 per cent. We will spur new home development, and penalize speculators. You shouldn’t have to decide between heat or a visit to the dentist, or paying the mortgage and getting mental health services. Those are choices of a broken system. We can fix what’s broken. Rick Nicholls, Ontario Party (Incumbent)

Rick Nicholls has been serving the riding of Chatham Kent Leamington for 11 years. He is married to Dianne, has three children and five grandchildren.

Continued on page 5

4,500 Ontario seniors died of COVID . . . most in for-profit nursing homes.

Now Doug Ford is privatizing thousands of new nursing home beds for 30-years . . .

UNLESS WE STOP HIM Authorized by the Ontario Health Coalition

ONTARIOHEALTHCOALITION.CA

June 2: Vote PUBLIC Health Care

THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 4

THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2022

Meet Audrey Festeryga Meet Audrey Festeryga

Farmer. Mother. Lawyer. Farmer. Mother.Mennonite. Mennonite. Lawyer.

A first-generation Canadian, bornininLeamington Leamington raised a family farmWheatley. near Wheatley. After A first-generation Canadian,Audrey Audreywas was born andand raised on aon family farm near After attending EastEast Mersea Public District Secondary, Audrey graduated the honours highest honours attending Mersea PublicSchool Schooland and Leamington Leamington District Secondary, Audrey graduated with thewith highest from from McMaster University and UniversityLaw Law School. Audrey put herself through university McMaster University andthen thenQueens Queens University School. Audrey put herself through university working working various summer jobs, includingas as a member Gate Staff at Wheatley Provincial Park. Park. various locallocal summer jobs, including memberofofthe the Gate Staff at Wheatley Provincial A mother of two grown children,and andaa lifelong lifelong member thethe Oak St Mennonite Church, AudreyAudrey is a farmer, A mother of two grown children, memberofof Oak St Mennonite Church, is a owning farmer,and owning and operating property in Chatham Kent Leamington with her brother, Martin Rahn. Also a lawyer operating a small business operating property in Chatham Kent Leamington with her brother, Martin Rahn. Also a lawyer operating a small business in Leamington, Audrey has significant experience as a Human Resource Specialist at the Leamington District Hospital, and in Leamington, Audrey has significant the Leamington Mennonite Home. experience as a Human Resource Specialist at the Leamington District Hospital, and the Leamington Mennonite Home. An active member of Leamington community, Audrey is a past chair of the SECC, a past Co-Chair of the CIBC Run for

An active member of Leamington community, Audrey Day is aCare, past and chair ofoccupied the SECC, a past Co-Chair of the CIBC Run for the Cure, past member of the Board of the Lighthouse has various voluntary positions at the Oak Street MennoniteofChurch. the Cure, past member the Board of the Lighthouse Day Care, and has occupied various voluntary positions at the Oak Street Mennonite Church. Growing up in challenging financial circumstances, and as a Breast Cancer survivor, Audrey has faced and overcome adversity with faith, conviction and hard work. Growing up in challenging financial circumstances, and as a Breast Cancer survivor, Audrey has faced and overcome adversity with faith, conviction and hard work. to every endeavour and will be a strong voice and advocate Audrey brings character and diverse experience representing the unique needs and diverse interests of Chatham Kent Leamington residents, businesses and the

Audrey brings character diverse community at large at and Queens Park. experience to every endeavour and will be a strong voice and advocate representing the unique needs and diverse interests of Chatham Kent Leamington residents, businesses and the community at large at Queens Park.

Pat Hoy, FORMER MPP FOR CKL

Pat Hoy

Joan Crozier

“I have had the privilege of knowing Audrey Festeryga for a number of , FORMER MPP FOR CKL years, primarily in the seniors healthcare field. Audrey understands the challenges faced by our CKL residents. She will have a positive impact “I have had the CKL, privilege of has knowing Festeryga for a number of representing and she my fullAudrey support.”

elect

years, primarily in the seniors healthcare field. Audrey understands the challenges faced by our CKL residents. She will have a positive impact representing CKL, and she has my full support.”

audrey

Meet Audrey Festeryga

Authorized by the Official Agent

Joan Crozier

“Having had an opportunity to enjoy for many years, I endorse Audrey as t intelligent and compassionate, and I k “Having had an opportunit the Liberal Candidate.”

for many years, I endorse A intelligent and compassiona the Liberal Candidate.”

festeryga

Farmer. Mother. Mennonite. Lawyer.

A first-generation Canadian, Audrey was born in Leamington and raised on a family farm near Wheatley. After attending East Mersea Public School and Leamington District Secondary, Audrey graduated with the highest honours from McMaster University and then Queens University Law School. Audrey put herself through university working various local summer jobs, including as a member of the Gate Staff at Wheatley Provincial Park.

As Your MPP For Chatham Kent Leamington

A mother of two grown children, and a lifelong member of the Oak St Mennonite Church, Audrey is a farmer, owning and operating property in Chatham Kent Leamington with her brother, Martin Rahn. Also a lawyer operating a small business in Leamington, Audrey has significant experience as a Human Resource Specialist at the Leamington District Hospital, and the Leamington Mennonite Home.

audrey4CKL@gmail.com

91 Talbot St W Leamington, ON N8H 1M7

An active member of Leamington community, Audrey is a past chair of the SECC, a past Co-Chair of the CIBC Run for the Cure, past member of the Board of the Lighthouse Day Care, and has occupied various voluntary positions at the Oak Street Mennonite Church. Growing up in challenging financial circumstances, and as a Breast Cancer survivor, Audrey has faced and overcome adversity with faith, conviction and hard work.

ontarioliberal.ca

Audrey brings character and diverse experience to every endeavour and will be a strong voice and advocate representing the unique needs and diverse interests of Chatham Kent Leamington residents, businesses and the community at large at Queens Park.

Audrey at the Family Farm near Wheatley with her Mother Jutta Rahn

Pat Hoy, FORMER MPP FOR CKL

Joan Crozier

“I have had the privilege of knowing Audrey Festeryga for a number of years, primarily in the seniors healthcare field. Audrey understands the challenges faced by our CKL residents. She will have a positive impact representing CKL, and she has my full support.”

“Having had an opportunity to enjoy Audrey’s company and work with her for many years, I endorse Audrey as the next MPP for CKL. Audrey is highly intelligent and compassionate, and I know Bruce would be proud Audrey is the Liberal Candidate.”

THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2022

PAGE 5

News

COVID numbers keep improving

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

Three more Chatham-Kent residents have died due to COVID between May 11 and 18, but public health officials said all signs are trending in the right direction. In her presentation to the Chatham-Kent board of health May 18, Laura Zettler, epidemiologist and program manager with CK Public Health, said the number of hospitalized cases, volume of patients in Ontario ICUs, daily number of new cases and even wastewater testing all show signs of having flattened out or being in decline. “We just recently changed our reporting frequency. It had been three times a week, but we changed it to report weekly. This is a sustainable way to move forward and get a sense of the trends,” she said. “We’ve seen stable vol-

umes the last few weeks.” The average daily number of new cases has been consistent at about 21. Between May 11 and 18, there were about 150 new cases, similar to recent weeks, Zettler said. With the three deaths, Chatham-Kent’s total since the beginning of the pandemic more than two years ago sits at 75. There were eight new areas of outbreak reported. Included in there were two units of the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance – which have since been delared over – three group homes, two congregate living settings and Riverview Gardens. Still active are outbreaks at Copper Terrace and Blenheim Community Village, and two group homes. Zettler said most outbreaks contain only small numbers of active cases. Of those in hospital with COVID, and there are more than 20 people with

Meet the candidates

Continued from page 3

He served for 10 years with the PC Caucus and last August was removed because he personally believes in freedom of choice. H e n o w serves as the Deputy Leader of a true conservative p a r t y, Rick Nicholls the Ont a r i o Party whose foundational pillars include truth, transparency, faith, family, freedom and fiscal responsibility. He has unintentionally become the voice of millions throughout Ontario, Canada, and other countries because he

has stood up against the mandates. Most pressing issue: Affordable housing and cost of living are the issues that are of most concern at this time in our riding. The Ontario Party will introduce urban planning reform to adjust single family zoning in Ontario’s most housing-deprived areas. Property owners will be given more freedom to construct two- and fourunit residential buildings amidst neighbourhoods traditionally reserved for single-family homes. We will establish an Ontario-focused foreign purchasing ban on residential homes. Jennifer Suerus, Green Party

Did not respond by press time.

the virus there, just three are there primarily due to COVID-19, and none are in the ICU. In terms of vaccinations, in excess of 84 per cent of the eligible population has received at least one dose; with 81 per cent having received two doses, and about 50 per cent having been jabbed three times. Just eight per cent, mostly folks aged 60 and up, have

had four doses of the vaccine. CK Public Health officials finally believe they are at a point where they can begin to think about life after the pandemic. Teresa Bendo, director of Public Health, said after about 25 months of responding to the pandemic, work is being done to prepare to move Public Health back to its non-pandem-

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each time, the pandemic changed gears and forced a refocus on dealing with COVID-19 as the primary concern for Public Health. Bendo said the return to regular programming won’t occur overnight. “We expect this recovery to take multiple years as we move forward,” she said. “We will focus on things we can realistically implement.”

20 Merritt Ave., Chatham View our variety of programs at activelifestylecentre.org or stop in for a tour!

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ic protocols in aiding in improving the overall wellbeing of the people of Chatham-Kent. “It’s our duty to start shifting our focus a little more to recovery from the pandemic,” she told the board. This has been attempted before, however. Bendo said such work began in August of last year and again in December, but

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 6

Summer fun times Are you revved up for this summer? We are. With plateaued or declining COVID figures, we’re seeing a return to in-person events. And that is so much a part of life in Chatham-Kent. For two years, we’ve seen event after event cancelled, or held virtually. While the virtual events were better than no event at all, social interaction is best enjoyed face-to-face, albeit, these days, at arm’s length whenever possible. A huge sign of things to come is the return of RetroFest to downtown Chatham this coming weekend. The cruise rolls out Thursday night through the downtown core, and people are once again encouraged to bring their lawn chairs to sit and watch all the classic vehicles on mobile display. The next day follows with the static displays of vehicles throughout the downtown. As well, fun and music return to Tecumseh Park, and shops are gearing up to greet the many passersby this event will be sure to generate. We encourage people to follow whatever protocols for COVID with which they are comfortable, and not judge others in their decisions. Just enjoy the fun, people! This is the first big Chatham-Kent outdoor event of the spring/summer and judging by the vibe we’re feeling, folks are really looking forward to the gatherings. It’s also great to see RM Auto Restoration bring back Cars & Coffee for three events this summer. More on that in next week’s paper, but suffice it to say, stopping in to visit the facility and to see a collection of local and regional classics is nice, but peering into the shop and museum to see the very special vehicles up for auction or in for repairs should interest most everyone gear head and average person alike. The big events are back. From the Thamesville Threshing Festival in late June, to Cherry Fest in Blenheim in July and onto WAMBO and Opti-fest in August, and everything in between. Chatham-Kent residents will hopefully responsibly embrace and support the many events that are offered. It could be a summer to remember!

Letters to the editor policy The Chatham Voice welcomes letters to the editor. Our preferred method to receive letters is via e-mail to bruce@chathamvoice.com (use “Letter” in the subject line). You can also drop them off or mail them to us at The Chatham Voice, 71 Sass Rd., Unit 4, Chatham, Ont, N7M 5J4. The Chatham Voice reserves the right to edit letters to the editor for brevity and clarity. All letters need to be signed.

Advertising policy

The publisher of this newspaper, CK Media Inc., reserves the right to clarify or refuse any advertisement based on its sole discretion. The publisher reserves the right to reject, discontinue or omit any advertisement without notice or penalty to either party. Liability for errors or non-insertion is limited to the amount paid for the cost of space occupied by the error. Claims of errors must be made prior to the next publication date.

THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2022

Opinion

Camp Vincent is back for ’22 Editor: Camp Vincent was closed from 20202021 due to COVID and renovations. We are working hard toward our new look and updates this year. We are having a grand re-opening starting with

our open house with refreshments on June 4, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Staff and camper applications are now available on our website. Please apply ASAP at www.campvin-

cent.ca, with our opening week July 10. Camp weeks will operate until Aug. 26. We are looking forward to hosting campers from all over Southwestern Ontario with a new

staff and wide range of activities. For more information contact Connie at badourcon@gmail.com. Connie Badour Chatham

Questions over landscaping at shelter site Editor: We noticed recently that the municipality had a large crew of Public Works employees on site at the Victoria Park School property. They were removing shrubs from the front of the building and trees from the side that borders the rail line. Sad to see this as we were among the parents of the chil-

dren who attended this school and fondly remember when we assisted the kids in planting these in a project to beautify and do a part in environmental conservation. During the public meetings with municipal representatives, we were told that the “Good

Samaritan” property owners would be doing work that was necessary to operate the proposed shelter and that the municipality would pay for this work at cost. As taxpayers, we demand to know how the work done to remove shrubs and trees can be

justified as necessary to operate a shelter. It strikes us that it seems more likely that the administration is using our tax dollars to clean up the “Good Samaritans’” property for its use after the three-year agreement is complete. Calder & Louise Morrison Chatham

The Chatham Voice is printed by: One of Canada’s 50 Printers The contents of this newspaper are protected byTOP copyright. No material from this edition may be reproduced without expressed written consent of CK Media Inc. 800.465.1662 705.687.6691

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2022

PAGE 7

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 8

2 candidates show to discuss well water issues By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

Dave Lusk really misses his well. Dug in 1965, the well at his Greenvalley Line farm supplied pure, cold water for some 53 years before it failed in 2018. Lusk believes the well was spoiled as the direct result of the impact of wind turbines on the aquifer. “This is green energy,” said Lusk, “but if it takes away something as important as our water…is it really that green?” Lusk is among the property owners who banded together as part of the Water Wells First (WWF) group dedicated to finding solutions for property owners with ruined water wells. Last week, WWF held a

press conference at Lusk’s farm to raise awareness on the issue with organizers inviting all candidates seeking election in the Lambton-Kent-Middlesex riding. WWF co-founder Kevin Jakubec showed off a cupful of powdery grey dust said to come from Lusk’s well. A video of the well from July 2018 was also played. It shows discoloured water and gas belching from the top of the well pipe. Jakubec said well problems have been ongoing for Dover area residents since 2012, when the East St. Clair Wind Farm was built. Residents in the former Chatham Township have been having issues since the construction of North Kent Wind I began in 2017. Jakubec said property owners remain concerned,

saying a recently released provincial health study on the water well problems fell short. He’s now calling on incumbent MPP Monte McNaughton to host a town hall meeting to address problems associated with the Ministry of Health’s All Hazard Investigation. “The Ford government has failed us,” Jakubec said, adding many constituents feel “short changed,” as affected Dover area residents were excluded from the study. As a member of the opposition, McNaughton took up the cause for water wells in 2017. While campaigning in 2018, McNaughton promised affected constituents a health study on the well water. The Ministry of Health report, completed by a five-member expert panel,

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None of the Above Direct Democracy Party candidate Dean Eve, Walpole Island knowledge keeper Corinne Tooshkenig, Water Wells First co-founder Kevin Jakubec, farmer Dave Lusk and NDP candidate Vanessa Benoit stand in from of a capped water well in the former Chatham Township.

was released last month. It examined water well quality in North Kent, near the North Kent 1 wind farm. A synopsis of the 2,201-paged document stated water quality in the area was poor as indicated by “numerous exceedances,” adding quality declined between 2017 and in 2021 when the investigation took place. The North Kent wind farm was built in 2017 and went operational in 2018. The Ministry of Health study did not directly point at the wind farm as the cause of the problem, but it also did not absolve the construction and operation of the turbines. The report did back up claims of fouled wells by property owners, adding it was consistent with interference that could “potentially” be connected to wind turbine construction. Jakubec said the report misses the mark on health

risks. “We need to know the maximum level of sediment that can’t be exceeded,” Jakubec explained. “If we know that, we can adequately filter the water.” The safe limits of heavy metals, sediment and gases needs to made available, Jakubec added. Only Vanessa Benoit of the NDP and Dean Eve of the None of the Above Direct Democracy Party attended the press conference. Both Benoit and Eve said they’d get to the root of the problem if elected. “This is a prime example of what we are trying to stand up for,” Eve said of the water well issue. Benoit said it was “completely unacceptable” the water well issue has dragged on so long. Benoit told Lusk and Jakubec that they have her word. Lusk said his well failed

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at the same time construction crews were pile driving while building the 34-turbine North Kent Wind Farm 1. Since 2018, he’s been hauling municipal water for personal consumption and use at his own expense. “My well water has Kettle Point black shale in it,” Lusk said, admitting the experience has scarred him. “We used to be able to get a cold drink out of the tap on a hot day,” he added. “Those days are over.” Lusk, who was not among the 61 property owners to take part in the investigation, said he didn’t trust the company who did the water study, noting they’re associated with the wind turbine company. He’s fed up. “Lie after lie,” Lusk said. “How long will they try to cover this up?”

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RetroFest roars into Chatham on Friday

Continued from page 1

The auto club and the BIA work together to make RetroFest happen, Beneteau said. A part of the fabric of Chatham-Kent since 2001, RetroFest has drawn as many as 30,000 visitors to Chatham’s core over the course of the two-day event. Beneteau said there’s plenty on tap for everyone to enjoy in 2022. Friday night will feature the Maple Mutual Insurance Classic Car Cruise. Beneteau said cars will start lining up at the Bradley Centre at 6 p.m. in preparation for a celebratory ride that loops through the city, including the length of King Street downtown. “We want everyone to come downtown and bring their lawn chairs and check out their favourites,” Beneteau said. The afternoon will also feature free fun events at Tecumseh Park from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sponsored by the Lally Auto Group, the activities include a 21-foot slide, a six-person boot camp and even paddle boats. At the band shell, musical acts sponsored by TekSavvy will delight audiences from 5:30 pm. to 11 p.m. Big Shiny Toons and Jeremy’s Rejects will play prior to Toronto-based band 80’s Gone Wild. On Saturday, cars will begin lining up at sunrise on King Street, in preparation for the Kent Historic Auto Club Classic Car Show. At 9 a.m. the Optimist Club of Chatham has organized a Soap Box Derby

to take place on William Street. For a second day, the Lally Auto Group will sponsor a host of fun-filled activities in Tecumseh Park from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Events at the band shell will kick off at 1 p.m. with the crowning of Miss RetroFest. The South Wind Buoys band will also be playing. A magic show will follow at 2:30 p.m. RetroFest 2022 awards for participating classic vehicles will be presented at 3 p.m. in the square in front of the Downtown Chatham Centre. Then it’s back to the band shell for more music, sponsored for a sec-

ond day by TekSavvy. Jacklyn Wills will take the stage at 4:30 p.m., followed by the All Nighters at 5:30 p.m. and Guns and Roses tribute band Dust n’ Bones at 7 p.m. Feature band Crued – a Motley Crew tribute group – will entertain from 8:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. Beneteau said organizers are appreciative of the ongoing community support RetroFest receives, including sponsors RM Sotheby’s, Engie and Waste Connections of Canada. In 2019, RM Sotheby’s marked 40 years or operation, sponsoring a host of activities that raised more than $250,000 for local

charities.

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RM revving up the Retro BBQ have a barbecue for them – a free burger or hot dog and a soft drink if they’re registered for the show,” he said. Morreau said he loves what the Historic Downtown Chatham BIA and Kent Historic Auto Club

TROFEST2022

do over RetroFest weekend. “It’s great. RetroFest is a big event. I’ve been to a lot of area car shows. I give credit to the Chatham Downtown BIA,” he said. “They put on a really

good event, starting with the cruise Friday night

and the show on Saturday.”

Welcome to RetroFest 2022

ars Runn Ye i

RM Auto Restoration personnel are such big fans of RetroFest, they’ll have staff in downtown Chatham for the day on Saturday.

Ernie Morreau, shop manager at RM Auto Restoration/RM Sotheby’s, said RM employees will be cooking burgers and hot dogs at Sons of Kent to feed entrants of the RetroFest car show. “All the entries, we’ll

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

NCHATHAM.COM

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Chatham Voice file photo

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A sign the dog days of summer are just around the corner is the return of RetroFest to Chatham’s downtown this weekend.

PRESENTS

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End the Retrofest cruise with us at Sons of Kent at the RM Drivers Lounge for a drink, live music, and feature car presentation

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Secured parking for all classic cars. Located at the back lot of Sons of Kent.

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2022

PAGE 15

News

Grass cutting behind schedule in C-K

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

After a slow start, local contractors are out in full force mowing down overgrown grass on municipal properties. On Friday, the municipality posted an apology on the Chatham-Kent website asking for the public’s patience while contractors play catch up on unkempt areas. According to the statement, several locations are behind in their scheduled cuts, however, municipal officials are working closely with contractors to address the backlog. The issue of overgrown grass on municipal properties came before council May 16, with several councillors saying they’ve received complaints. Maple Leaf Cemetery is a special area of concern. Acting general manager of Infrastructure and Engineering Chris Thibert told council the current problem arose after fiveyear municipal grass cutting contracts expired in December 2021. In March 2022, council approved a one-year ex-

Pam WrightThe Chatham Voice

Grass and weeds grow unchecked in Maple Leaf Cemetery on Friday. Some municipal grass cutting is behind schedule as new contractors are hired for the job.

tension for all of the grass cutting contractors, but 35 per cent of the companies declined to renew for another year. “A fair amount of them were not able to perform the duties we were looking for,” Thibert said. It left officials scrambling to cover off areas and having to let out tenders for new companies to take over. Currently, there are 10 different contractors providing grass cutting for the municipality with a total budget of $1,019,493. The 2022 grass-cutting budget is seeing an overage of $30,501.

Thibert gave kudos to the administrative team that scrambled to get new businesses on board. “It was very challenging as we had a number of contractors submit bids and then back out,” he told council. Thibert said the municipality was able to ink oneyear deals with 55 per cent of its contractors who were “lined up and ready to start right away.” But Thibert admitted, “there’s a lot of areas that have been neglected over the last couple weeks.” South Kent

Coun. Anthony Ceccacci said he hoped fire halls, cemeteries and sports fields would be a top priority, adding he’s received several complaints about neglected grass. Ceccacci said he checked out the Chatham cemetery himself and found it to be unkempt. “It was significantly overgrown,” Ceccacci told council, adding a number of families are concerned about conditions. Chatham Coun. Doug Sulman who also went to investigate the overgrown grass at Maple Leaf Cemetery, said he’s heard complaints about mowers blowing grass onto tombstones. Ceccacci told council he’s concerned about grass cutting contracts being awarded so late in the year. At the May 30 meeting, he’ll be bringing forward a notice of motion that will see municipal grass cutting consolidated under one department

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 16

THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2022

News

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PAGE 17

Having secured better pricing on materials and trade contracts, MCH is giving back to the local community in the best way they can - by addressing new home supply and skyrocketing prices. Starting prices have been reduced by $80,000 and are now $599,900. This fixed pricing with no bidding wars means buyers can know exactly what they can afford. “Leading ESG focused initiatives keeps us grounded and connected to the community. This is our home too and we want to make it as strong as we can,” Robb Nelson, Broker, CEO.

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 18

THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2022

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THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2022

THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 19

News

NDP question candidate’s support papers

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

Local NDP candidate Brock McGregor said something is wrong with the nomination forms for another candidate, and he wants Elections Ontario to look into the matter. McGregor and the NDP are accusing the Liberals of registering Chatham-Kent–Leamington (C-K–L) candidate Audrey Festeryga with what they said appeared to be fraudulent documents at the registration deadline May 12. Festeryga was a last-second replacement for Alec Mazurek, who was acclaimed at a May 7 meeting and then fired several days later after it was learned he had used homophobic slurs eight years ago on social media. Festeryga’s paperwork went in just before the deadline, and McGregor said he was curious. “We went and took a look at the nomination forms, which they submitted something like 15 minutes before the dead-

line,” he told The perfectly valid.” Chatham Voice. Del Duca at “We looked and a Wednesday saw a couple of morning press inconsistencies. conference in I recognized the GTA, fielded names on there questions from and contacted a reporters on the name and they matter. Howevsaid they had er, he would not signed the form Audrey Festeryga say if fraudulent for the first cansignatures were didate (Mazurek), used. but they did not “I think it is a sign the form for really sad time the new candiwith 16 days left date.” in this campaign Candidates that (NDP leadmust submit 25 er) Miss (Andrea) signatures of Horwath and the electors living NDP have resortwithin the riding ed to desperation supporting their Brock McGregor tactics,” he said. nomination. The “I’m disappointNDP believes the Liber- ed to hear Miss Horwath als appear to have instead and her team want to consubmitted the original tinue to focus on attacking names, addresses and sig- me and Ontario Liberals.” natures collected by MaA reporter sought clarifizurek, and attached them cation. to Festeryga’s nomination “Was the candidate papers. signed up with fraudulent Andrew Ernesaks, press signatures,” she asked off secretary for the Ontar- camera. io Liberal party, said the “I’m not going to stand party is “confident the here and engage in this nomination of our candi- petty back and forth with date Audrey Festeryga is Andrea Horwath and her

team,” Del Duca replied. According to the NDP, the signatures utilized in Festeryga’s nomination package are dated May 11, a day before the Liberals tried to nominate Festeryga. The NDP said they confirmed the signatures were witnessed by Mazurek, the former candidate, and at least one document was dated May 8. The NDP wants Festeryga disqualified. McGregor, a Chatham-Kent councillor, accused the Liberals of cutting corners and not being straight with the voters of C-K–L. “It’s consistent with the (Steven) Del Duca Liberal sense of entitlement that they don’t have to follow the rules,” he said. “I’ve been in municipal politics for eight years, showing up every day. I certainly felt at times this riding does not get very much attention. This is another case of a major political party ignoring Southwestern Ontario.” He added he thinks Del Duca, the Liberal leader,

owes the people of C-K–L an apology. “We here want to see in-

dividuals involved in politics who won’t cut political corners,” he said.

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 20

THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2022

The Arts

Author examines racism’s impact on sport

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

Ian Kennedy’s passion for sports and writing, combined with some added spare time due to a global pandemic, led to the local educator penning his first book, “On Account of Darkness.” Each chapter uses the

story of a local athlete to shine a light into the dark corners of racism in sport. “We have this rich history of Black, Indigenous and Japanese-Canadian athletes getting into sport, but it was not easy. There were so many barriers in place that we don’t talk about,” Kennedy said. “This book looks

at all those social issues through the lens of sport. It’s showing that sport, just like everything else, played a role in holding and dividing the lines. But it also gave some of those athletes the opportunity to overcome and escape those barriers because of their talent.” Kennedy, an educa-

tor and a life-long Chatham-Kent resident, said his writing for his website, CKSN, as well as other outlets over the years exposed him to stories of racial injustice on the playing fields and in the rinks. “I came to discover stories about athletes and teams that I really hadn’t grown up knowing,” he

said. “Whether that was the Chatham Coloured All-Stars, or the Wakabyashi family and people like that. And when the pandemic hit, live sports stopped, so I had time to explore those unique stories; the ones we hadn’t always heard in Canada, whether it’s about Black, Indigenous or Japa-

nese-Canadian athletes in Canada, and put together the stories that I had started into a larger project.” The Chatham Coloured All-Stars are the first all Black team to win a provincial title in Ontario. They did so in the 1930s, facing severe racism on the road. Continued on page 21

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2022

PAGE 21

The Arts

‘We have to be actively anti-racist’ Continued from page 20

People such as Fergie Jenkins Sr. were on that club. The Wakabyashis came to Ontario during the Second World War, as Japanese-Canadians who were interned in the province during the war. The family moved to Chatham in 1950, and their children Herb and Mel, became local sporting legends, excelling in multiple sports. Initially, Kennedy said Proof #1 he planned to self publish, but circumstances Proof #1 changed that. “I was actually sitting in Proof #1 the Black Mecca Museum here in Chatham researching for my own project, and Sam (Samantha Meredith, executive Proof #1 Proof #1director of the museum) got an of #1 e-mail from a publishing Bruce Corcoran/The Chatham Voice company asking, ‘Is anyChatham-Kent writer and educator Ian Kennedy has written of #1 one locally writing about the Chatham Coloured his first book, “On Account of Darkness,” a recounting of stoAll-Stars?’ She called over ries of athletes and the relationship between race and sport and said, ‘Ian, you’re do- in North America. ing this,’” he said. “With- issues as other countries ’30s, ‘40s and ‘50s are still in five days, I had a meet- in the world. That’s real- impacting athletes today.” Kennedy said racism in ing with Tidewater Press ly not true,” he said. “We have the same history of sports stopped careers in and was signed.” As Kennedy researched slavery and Residential their tracks, or before they his subjects, he learned Schools and Japanese even got started. “If your grandfather just how rampant racism internment. We kind of wasn’t allowed to skate in was in this part of On- gloss over that. “Those issues are still an arena because he was tario, despite the fact we were once the terminus pervasive in sports today. Black, then he wasn’t as of the Underground Rail- Some of these things have likely to teach his kids to gone away, but the truth play,” he said. “And they road. “In Canada, we portray of the matter is the lasting didn’t teach their kids to ourselves as this mul- effect, the generational play hockey.” And while some may ticultural country that trauma, the barriers that doesn’t have the same were put in place in the have never taken to the

ice, others had hockey used against them in multiple ways. Kennedy said he was bothered by the role that hockey played in Residential Schools. “Hockey was introduced to make Indigenous youth feel more Canadian and for them to identify as Canadian rather than as their fundamental identification as Indigenous persons,” he said. “And then it was used as a discipline. When Indigenous youth started loving the game, it could easily be taken away.” Kennedy hopes “On Account of Darkness” makes people think…and talk. “Hopefully the book kind of gives the opportunity to begin the discussion of who we actually were, where we actually are and where we go next,” he said. “We have a long way to go, definitely. We’ve come a great distance, but the same systems that oppressed and the same systemic issues are still there, they are just right under the surface,” Kennedy added. “To ignore the truth of our history is to foster the cycle to continue.” As for what the future holds for Kennedy, the immediate future sees several local events promoting the book. They start with a book signing and reading at Turns

and Tales May 28 on King Street West in Chatham. He follows that up a week later with a signing and launch party at Sons of Kent, and a talk and another signing June 11 at Buxton. Following that, he said

he has other books in the planning stages. He is still writing for The Hockey News and Yahoo Sports. And he’ll continue to do his part to battle racism. “It’s not enough to not be racist, we have to be actively anti-racist.”

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PAGE 22

Community Events Thursday, May 26, 2022: • Chatham-Kent Metal Detecting Club. Meetings held the last Thursday of each month at Erickson Arena, side door. 7:00pm. All Welcome. • 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. Everyone is welcome. • Panzerotti Night at the Merlin Legion, 2 Stanley St., Merlin. $12.75 tax included. Deluxe or customize. 4:30pm-7:00pm. 519689-4884. Call to reserve your meal. • The WISH Centre has drop in pickleball from 8:00—10:00am. Cost for drop in is $5 per session. Pickleball membership at the WISH Centre is only $30 per month! Contact the WISH Centre for details at 519-354-5248. Friday, May 27, 2022: • 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. Supper will be served from 4:00pm-6:00pm. No orders after 5:30pm. Tonight’s specials are liver & onions or fish & chips. Take out is also available by calling 519-351-8733 or 519-351-5639. Fun darts starts at 7:00pm. Everyone welcome. • Homemade burgers or hot hamburger at the Merlin Legion, 2 Stanley St., Merlin. $12.50 tax included. (fries or mashed, coleslaw or veggies, and dessert). 4:30pm-7:00pm. 519-689-4884. Call to reserve your meal. Saturday, May 28, 2022: • 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-11:30am. Take out only. • 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 5:30pm. The kitchen is open to serve lunch from 3:00pm5:30pm. Entertainment by CornerStone from 4:30-9:30pm. Come check out our menu. Everyone welcome.

• Merlin Legion, 2 Stanley St., Merlin kitchen open from 1:00pm-7:00pm. • Wallaceburg Legion Branch 18 - Loaded Baked Potatoes, salad, crusty bun and dessert - Music by The Celtic Hillbillies, 50/50 and meat draw. $20.00 for music and dinner. $5.00 for music. Music starts at 6:00pm - meat draw at 5:00pm. • Giant Indoor Yard and Bake Sale, 7am-1pm at First Reformed Church corners of Indian Creek Rd and LaCroix. Something for everyone, Lunch available. • Broasted Chicken Dinner with Wheatley Car Barn Chicken at the Ken Houston Memorial Agricultural Centre, Dresden. 3:30pm to 6:00pm. Advanced tickets - Adults: $20.00. Children 6-12: $8.00. Preschoolers free. Eat in or take out available. For tickets call 519-683-4150 or 519 683-4949. Tuesday, May 31, 2022: • 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 1:00pm or spend the evening playing Euchre or Shuffleboard starting at 7:00pm. Everyone is welcome. • The WISH Centre has drop in pickleball from 8:00—10:00am and 5:30-8:00pm. Cost for drop in is $5 per session. Pickleball membership at the WISH Centre is only $30 per month! Contact the WISH Centre for details at 519-354-5238. Wednesday, June 1, 2022: • The Bluewater Ensemble is looking for singing voices. We meet every Wednesday from 1:30-3:30 at St. James Church in Wallaceburg. Thursday, June 2, 2022: • The WISH Centre has drop in pickleball from 8:00—10:00am. Cost for drop in is $5 per session. Pickleball membership at the WISH Centre is only $30 per month! Contact the WISH Centre for details at 519-354-5248. Saturday, June 4, 2022: • Camp Vincent Open House from 11-2 at 15142 Longwoods Road outside of Bothwell. There will be tours of the facility and refreshments. For more information call 519-354-1885.

This week’s answers.

THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2022

Fun Stuff

• Wallaceburg Legion Branch 18 (rain date June 5) - 4th annual Brian Lee Memorial Golf Tournament - Hidden Hills Golf Club tee off 10:30am. Steak BBQ 5:00pm. $100.00 entry fee - $90 if bought by May 28th. For more information or registration please call 519-627-6663. • Document Shredding Event from 10:00am-3:00pm at Maple City Storage, 7690 Queens Line, Chatham. Bring your documents to be shredded for curbside pickup. Banker size boxes - $10 donation. Regular grocery bag $5 donation. 100% of the profit is put right back into the community! Call 519-354-1836 or info@ chathamlionsclub.ca for info. Tuesday, June 7, 2022: • The WISH Centre has drop in pickleball from 8:00—10:00am and 5:30-8:00pm. Cost for drop in is $5 per session. Pickleball membership at the WISH Centre is only $30 per month! Contact the WISH Centre for details at 519-354-5248. Wednesday, June 8, 2022: • The Bluewater Ensemble is looking for singing voices. We meet every Wednesday from 1:30-3:30 at St. James Church in Wallaceburg. Thursday, June 9, 2022: • Unifor Local 127 Retirees Meeting at 10:00am. 405 Riverview Dr., Chatham. • The WISH Centre has drop in pickleball from 8:00—10:00am. Cost for drop in is $5 per session. Pickleball membership at the WISH Centre is only $30 per month! Contact the WISH Centre for details at 519-354-5248. Are you affected by someone else’s drinking? Al-anon can help! Call - leave message - 519-350-3462 Now taking registrations for Merlin Legion Car/Motorcycle/ Truck/Tractor Show Sunday July 10th from 10am to 4pm. Registration at 9am. Call 519-476-5870 or email lori.s.parker@gmail.com to register. Submit your coming events to bruce@chathamvoice.com or michelle@chathamvoice.com

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2022

Classifieds Obituaries

Yard Sale

It is with profound sadness that our family announces the passing of Gerald Stuart “Stu” Tiffin, at the age of 82.

Stu died peacefully with family by his side at Chatham-Kent Hospice, on May 18, after a brief but brave battle with cancer. He leaves behind Joyce, his loving wife of more than 62 years. Also survived by his beloved children Todd (Joel) and Lisa. Adored grandfather of Jenna (Andrew), Mackenzie (Brooks), Evan and Mitchell Koetsier, and great grandfather of Ellie, Claire and Lilah. Fondly remembered by sisters-in-law Marie Myers, Gail Kolthoff (Bob) and Donna Quinn (Dennis) and brothers-in-law Sam Martin (Ilene) and Ray Martin (Marilyn), as well as many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his father Gerald (1947), mother Norma (1992), stepfather Paul Reaume (1997) and sister Bonnie (1980). Stu was a proud firefighter with the Chatham Fire Department for thirty-five years, retiring as a captain. He was an avid sports buff, and a diehard Detroit Tigers and Red Wings fan. “GOOOO TIGERS!!” In the past, he enjoyed playing slow pitch and hockey in Chatham with his fellow firefighters. Fishing was a lifelong pastime. Many years living on the river, and later at Lighthouse Cove, allowed Stu to boat and fish as often as possible. In retirement, after moving back to Chatham, he continued to fish regularly on Lake St Clair for many years. There were sometimes stories about “the one that got away” but also the pride of landing a trophy, including a large muskie in Lake St. Clair and a sailfish while deep sea fishing in Mexico. Stu was a very social person. In his younger years, he was both a Sertoma Club and Moose Lodge member, and carried great memories and friendships forward from the time spent with these organizations. In more recent years, every day began with an early morning visit to the gym to hit the treadmill, do a workout and chat with the guys, followed by a stop at Tim Hortons for a visit with his coffee buddies. Above all else, Stu was a man who loved his family. He was a devoted husband and a proud father. He cherished his grandchildren and beamed whenever he saw his young great granddaughters. He will be missed by all who knew him, especially close friend of over forty years, Larry Claeys, and brother fireman and boating friend, Jim Brodie. Special thanks to Dr. Kate Bailey and VON home care nurse, Mary Beth. Thanks also to the staff and volunteers at Chatham Kent hospice for providing wonderful care, and support to our family, during Stu’s time there. You provided such a warm, comfortable environment for him to spend his final days. Cremation has taken place. The family is planning a celebration of life at a later date. For those wishing to make a donation in Stu’s memory, please consider Chatham-Kent Hospice. Arrangements entrusted to Life Transitions Burial and Cremation Service Inc.

Loans

MORTGAGES / LOANS

CONSOLIDATE DEBTS LOWER YOUR PAYMENTS

Difficult Situations Accepted Borrow $50,000 for $213.90/mth $100,000 for $427.81/mth $150,000 for $641.71/mth $200,000 for $855.61/mth $250,000 for $1069.52/mth

WE ALSO ARRANGE UNSECURED LINES OF CREDIT/LOANS

with INTEREST ONLY payments at 2.45% (P+0%) Borrow $5,000 for $10.21/mth $10,000 for $20.42/mth $25,000 for $51.04/mth

Sample of payments if you qualify

Call John at 519-252-6953 - 24 hours or email john@unimorcapital.com UNIMOR CAPITAL CORPORATION Brokerage Lic.#10675

Wanted

Wanted to Buy: Antiques, costume jewelery, gold, silver, coins, military, furniture, tools. We Buy All Paid Cash. 519727-8894.

Wanted

FREE

BUYING COIN COLLECTIONS and Silver Coins Any? Call Paul 289228-2817.

FREE: to be removed. 3 step concrete step. 4ft wide x 2ft high. Phone 519-354-8917.

Check us out!

CHATHAMVOICE.COM

176 Norway Maple, Chatham. Fri. May 27 - all afternoon. Sat. May 28 until 1:00pm. Various items,tools, household, decor,. Everything must go!

Obituaries

Edgar Perreault

Peacefully at the Chatham-Kent Hospice, on Monday May 16, 2022, Edgar Joachin Perreault, age 72, of Chatham, beloved husband of 49 years to Rolande (Gaudreau) Perreault. Born in Grand Falls, New Brunswick in 1949, son of the late Melvina (Castonguay) and Joseph Perreault. Dear brother of Anne Marie (late Aurel) Rossignol, Jacinthe Michaud and Claudette Laforge-Perreault. Predeceased by sisters Pauline Oullette, Julia Beaulieu and brothers Levite, Andre and Gaetan Perreault. Edgar will be remembered for his love of hunting. As per Edgar’s wishes cremation has taken place. Friends and relatives may visit at Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home, 156 William St. S. Chatham (519-3525120) on Saturday May 28, 2022 from 9:30am until the time of funeral service at 11:30am. Donations to Outreach for Hunger or the Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation would be appreciated.

Thank You A big thank you for

Ruth Ball’s 91st birthday.

To my daughter Tamara for planning the party, and my son Rick and his wife Jan for helping with the plans. Thanks for my daughter Leah coming from California for the weekend. Lots of thanks to those who came bringing flowers to adorn my front porch. And many special gifts and beautiful cards. I love you all for making my day so special. We could not do this on my 90th, so this was extra special. Thanks to all who sent messages on Facetime and sang to me on the phone. The 91st was the best party ever. Thanks again!

Asphalt

ROBERT OUELLETTE ASPHALT SEALING INC.

We carry premium • Hot Asphalt oil based sealer! • Pot hole repairs • Catch basin repairs BACKHOE, • Hot rubber crack repairs MINI EXCAVATOR, • New driveways, TRUCKING & BOBCAT parking lots, etc. SWEEPER SERVICE • 24 inch Milling Machine 519-354-9157

For Sale

Looking for

Silk Cemetery Saddle Arrangements. Everyday/ Holidays. Ready-to-go. Many colours available. $35. 519-354-3411

Lady looking or a lady travel companion, around my age (75) for a bus tour to Gaspe Peninsula, August 11th19th. Phone 519436-8821.

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Thank You

Help Wanted

T&L MP CHOPPERS STU We would like to thank everyone for your support and trust in our Company, T&L Stump Choppers, for the last 36 years in business of removing stumps. It has been interesting and rewarding. Our daughter, Karen Falconer, and our grandson, Aaron DeRidder, have purchased the Company. We hope you will support them as well as you supported us. Thank you again for your business and patronage. Ralph & Mary Lou Ford

Help Wanted

Imagine the Possibilities

Revera is looking for a Sales Consultant! For further information on this and other opportunities, please visit us at: https://careers.reveraliving.com/ Chatham Retirement Residence 25 Keil Dr N, Chatham-Kent, ON, N7L 5J9

ReveraLiving.com Revera: Canadian owned for 50 years with over 250 locations.

MANAGER WANTED Sombra, ON Bar/ Restaurant. Needed Now. Bar / Restaurant for sale / lease on US Border. Sombra / St. Clair River between Chatham & Sarnia. Boaters, trailer park & residential customers. Ideal for bartender or cook. Owner/ operator. Possible accommodations available. Possible financing available. Phone 905616-6101.

OBITUARIES

Alice Verkaik 88, Sunday, May 8, 2022 Kendrick Funeral Home

Rick Hornick 53, Monday, May 16, 2022 McKinlay Funeral Home

Martha Bissonnette 82, Friday, May 6, 2022 Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home

Anthony Ceccacci 51, Tuesday, May 17, 2022 McKinlay Funeral Home

Edgar Perreault 49, Monday, May 16, 2022 Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home

Pauline Boyle 81, Tuesday, May 17, 2022 McKinlay Funeral Home

Gerald Stuart “Stu” Tiffin 82, Wednesday, May 18, 2022 Life Transitions

Michael Carr 58, Wednesday, May 11, 2022 Alexander & Houle Funeral Home

Lucy Nesbitt Saturday, May 14, 2022 McKinlay Funeral Home

Robert Elley 81, Monday, May 16, 2022 Alexander & Houle Funeral Home

R. Lee Montgomery 88, Sunday, May 15, 2022 McKinlay Funeral Home

Lucas Ferguson 31, Saturday, May 7, 2022 Alexander & Houle Funeral Home

Kathleen Browne 65, Monday, May 16, 2022 McKinlay Funeral Home Carol Roszell 83, Monday, May 16, 2022 McKinlay Funeral Home

Generations of Families Continue To Place Their Trust With Us 156 William St., Chatham | www.peseski.com | 519.352.5120

4 Victoria Ave, Chatham (519) 352-2390 Serving Kingsville, Wheatley & Chatham kendrickfuneralhome.com

60 Stanley Street, Blenheim (519) 676 – 9200 blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com

A Part of Wallaceburg since 1943.

519.627.2861

lifetransitions.ca • 519-351-4444

ericnichollsfuneralhome.com

459 St.Clair St., Chatham • 519-351-2040 76 Main St. E., Ridgetown • 519-674-3141 141 Park St., Blenheim • 519-676-3451

245 Wellington St. W., Chatham 519-352-2710

www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com

alexanderfuneralhome.ca

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2022

LIM

A new beginning for...

ITE D STU DIO S REM AIN !

ST. ANGELA'S MEADOW Join us: Open House on June 11th, 1pm-4pm!

Classic cars, live music, BBQ foods, and more, free of charge!

Don't miss out, call Michele now!

519-352-5225