The Chatham Voice, May 30, 2024

Lots in works for C-K: mayor

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

A park honouring the legends of Chatham-Kent, an

presence along Highway 401, and a fresh marketing strategy to boost

C-K’s profile are among the projects currently in the works, according to Mayor Darrin Canniff.

The mayor, making his annual breakfast address to the Chatham-Kent Chamber of Commerce

May 23, outlined a host of initiatives designed to enhance the mu-

Contributed image

&

nicipality’s growth.

Around 5,000 new residents have relocated to the municipality in the past three years, he said, bringing the population past the 109,000 mark.

“We’re growing in Chatham-Kent” Canniff told the crowd, noting the municipality attracted 281 residents from other countries in 2023.

“People want to be here.”

When he announced that 11 new physicians have joined the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance so far this year, Canniff’s comments were greeted with applause.

“As we know, doctors have the pick of the litter,” the mayor said. “They can go anywhere but they’ve chosen Chatham-Kent.”

Canniff said part of the reason people are moving to C-K is an increase in amenities. That includes the addition of the Chatham-Kent Barnstormers IBL baseball team, two new indoor playgrounds, more public art, CCTV cameras in local downtowns, and a new park

on Bear Line that will house a cricket pitch and an indoor tennis dome.

Creating a new museum and library when the municipality moves its headquarters to the former Sears building is another plus for the community, Canniff said.

“These are the reasons to keep our kids and grandkids here, because there are cool things,” he added. “I’m constantly challenging people, using that word epic – are we being epic today?”

According to Canniff, a piece of property by the Third Street Bridge has been donated and is where Legends Park will be created.

“It’s to celebrate legends of Chatham-Kent,” the mayor said, noting it will honour those, such as Fergie Jenkins, who have put Chatham-Kent “on the map.”

A total of 20 acres have been sold in the Bloomfield Business Park, he added, creating a diverse array of small companies. All told, 300 new businesses were created in Chatham-Kent in

2023.

“Business is the lifeblood of Chatham-Kent,” Canniff explained. “If business prospers, so does Chatham-Kent. This renaissance would not be happening without business stepping in.”

But like every other Ontario municipality, Chatham-Kent continues to grapple with homelessness, the ills of addiction, and a chronic lack of affordable housing.

“There are issues, we’ll always have issues, we’ll never be perfect,” the mayor stated. However, he said C-K is making strides towards solving the problem, pointing out the construction of a 50-cabin tiny homes emergency shelter, and a total of 740 affordable housing units that are in the pipeline.

“If there was an easy solution, it would have happened by now,” Canniff said. “It’s a team effort, it’s not just the municipality. We need federal money, we need provincial money –there’s some big things that need to be changed.”

Chatham-Kent Mayor Darrin Canniff addresses members of the Chatham-Kent Chamber of Commerce at a breakfast gathering May 23.

Public display of homelessness

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

George Kyle says the trouble starts when he closes his eyes. Currently sleeping rough under a bridge in Chatham, Kyle said he’s afraid to rest because of what may happen.

“Whenever I go to sleep, something gets taken,” the 63-year-old told The Voice recently. “I’ve stayed awake for days on end and nothing happens. But when I close my eyes, I have had my bike taken, a tablet taken and my wallet has been stolen four times. I have to keep getting new ID. It costs a lot and I can’t afford it.”

Kyle, who didn’t mind giving his full name, is one of the regulars at Chatham’s Hope Haven. He goes there for lunch every day, sometimes grabs fresh clothes and a shower, and meets with workers who help him with his search for housing.

Originally, he was living in the small encampment that’s sprang up this spring in the municipal parking lot beside

Hope Haven, but moved on to the bridge saying it’s a better option.

“There’s too many shady people out there,” he said of the makeshift camp.

Without going too far into his background, Kyle said he moved to Chatham from London 20 years ago, working on farms and home renovation jobs. Today he suffers from asthma, COPD, eczema, low blood sugar and severe food allergies, conditions exacerbated by living on the streets.

Kyle said he fell into homelessness because of helping others, lending a hand to those down on their luck – including people suffering from addiction – but admits the approach backfired.

“All that got me was spending all my money, not paying my rent,” he said. “It got me broke and homeless.”

After spending time in the Victoria Park Place emergency shelter earlier this year, Kyle found a room for $750 a month but was evicted after disagreements with his landlord.

“Me and my landlord didn’t

get along,” he said. “I was only there two weeks. I don’t like arguing, I don’t like fighting.”

A lack of affordable housing is the number one problem relating to the encampment, says Hope Haven general manager Loree Bailey. So too is the need for immediate treatment for addictions and mental health beyond what can be provided at the 10-day detox program at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance.

Fentanyl use is a grave concern, she adds, with overdoses occurring outside Hope Haven’s doors on a regular basis. Bailey said she’s administered the opioid antidote Narcan “more times than she can count.”

Workers also give CPR to people overdosing and call emergency services, but people often refuse the help.

“We see them come out clean from the detox and they are ready for treatment,” Bailey explained. “But then they have to wait a long

time to get into a facility. That doesn’t work. They end up in the same environment and start using again and it’s actually more dangerous. They come out and their systems are clean, and if they use the way they were before they went in, we end up Narcaning them.”

Bailey, who has been working at Hope Haven for the past seven years, said she’s witnessed a change in the people who come to the centre. Today, she esti-

mates 90 per cent are affected by mental health problems and addiction, compared to 25 per cent when Hope Haven was launched in 2017.

Bailey said she’s well aware the public doesn’t want the homeless to be camped out downtown. People come down to the parking lot to take pictures and video of those living in the encampment – some even shout at the homeless living there.

Continued on page 4

Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice Hope Haven’s Loree Bailey speaks with George Kyle, a local homeless man who makes use of Hope Haven’s facilities. Between 60-85 people visit the centre daily.

Tents set up adjacent to support

Continued from page 3

She realizes that folks who are addicted and mentally ill can be scary, and some Hope Haven benefactors are even afraid to get out of their cars to drop off donations.

However, Bailey encourages people to come down to the site and see it firsthand.

“Come and see what we are doing, come talk to me,” Bailey implored.

“Because I don’t believe that anybody wants humans to live like this. I don’t believe that any-

body thinks this is OK. Nobody wants to live this way. Nobody grows up and says, ‘I want to be homeless.’”

A report on how to best deal with homeless encampments is expected to come before council in June. According to C-K housing director Josh Myers, recent caselaw has complicated encampment interventions and has obligated municipalities to balance human and Charter rights for unhoused persons.

Continued on page 5

Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice

This is but one of several tents that have sprouted up in a municipal parking lot adjacent to Hope Haven, a downtown facility that offers help to local homeless individuals.

Rood rant: Coffee cup lids are ‘woke’

By Brian Williams Local Journalism Initiative

A local MP is drawing ridicule after publishing an online video slamming the “woke” paper lids now on Tim Hortons coffee cups.

Lianne Rood, who represents Lambton-Kent-Middlesex, is shown in the video posing outside one of the chain’s ubiquitous coffee shops and ripping the change to coffee cups and, oddly, the addition of pizzas to its menu.

“Tim’s used to be for the little guy who wanted a quick coffee and a bite,” Rood wrote on a social-media post that included her video remarks. “Now they’re making pizzas and crappy little lids.”

She adds that she won’t go to Tim Hortons again “until they stop trying to push these woke paper lids that dissolve in your mouth.”

The video was posted on X, formerly Twitter,. It quickly drew several responses that ridiculed her reference to wokeness.

“Tim’s used to be for the little guy who wanted a quick coffee and a bite. Now they’re making pizzas and crappy little lids.”

- L-K-M MP Lianne Rood

“Wow, you’re really earning your $200,000 a year,” one person wrote in response.

“Hope your constituents are happy.”

Added another: “I’m surprised you didn’t blame Trudeau.”

X user August Murphy King suggested Rood’s reaction was outsized for the issue.

“Imagine being triggered by a coffee lid,” she wrote.

Another X user, Shawn Lawlor, wrote that he thought the video was a sketch on a legendary Canadian comedy show. “I legitimately thought this was a 22 Minutes bit.”

“Woke” is a term used to describe a heightened sense of attention to social issues such as racial discrimination. But it’s also become a watchword for right-of-centre politicians who frequently target businesses and corporations for decisions they believe prioritize so-called wokeness over common sense.

Rood appeared to be equating the recyclable coffee-lid materials as part of an overall environmental push that critics equate to wokeness. She’s far from the first politician to strike the woke chord. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has called everything from businesses to institutions “woke” as a criticism.

Camps can’t just be pulled down, officials say

Continued from page 4

The corresponding impact of any enforcement action must be considered before such action is taken.

“This does not mean that there is nothing that can be done about encampments, but it is not a simple process,” Myers said in an e-mail. “To come to this decision, with respect to appropriate actions, multiple municipal departments and partner agencies review the situation from a variety of angles.”

With respect to the encampment beside Hope Haven, Myers said officials meet regularly to discuss the risks, and municipal staff recently

pitched in to assist with a general cleanup. Currently, he said staff from Hope Haven, R.O.C.K. Missions and the municipality visit the site at least three times a day, advising those who stay there to remove all items not related to basic shelter needs.

“Staff and partners will continue to use this time to engage with individuals with the goal of determining why they are here and not accessing services and what it would take to access services again,” Myers said.

As for where Kyle is going next, he said he’ll take another room if he can find one.

When asked if he is scared

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on the streets, Kyle said he isn’t, but he knows others who are.

“There’s a lot of people that are really paranoid about being out there,” he said. “If I see somebody getting beat up, I’m jumping in there. I just wish everybody out there would stay safe and get together and try and figure something out. Something will work. “

Bailey said it’s not all doom and gloom for the homeless, as some do find housing and make their way back.

“We celebrate those success stories and they happen,” Bailey added, but concluded that “if people are dead, they can’t get better.”

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The London Free Press

Image courtesy of X (Twitter)

Lambton-Kent-Middlesex MP Lianne Rood recently posted a video to X (formerly Twitter) complaining about the fibre composition of Tim Hortons coffee cup lids.

Opinion

Strange comments

We recently observed local MP Lianne Rood’s social media video complaining about the “woke” lids used by Tim Hortons on their coffee cups.

Admittedly, we were speechless immediately after watching the clip. Our mouths were agape, but nothing was coming out.

Then again, too often, we have seen politicians with their mouths agape, and words spewing forth, but with nothing really tangible coming out.

We see that as the case with our Lambton-Kent-Middlesex MP in this instance. What prompted Rood to get angry over a coffee cup lid? She said the fibre-composed lid broke down as she drank her coffee.

It was the first time we’ve heard of such a ... tragedy.

In the video, we see a great deal of lipstick smeared on the lid that adorns the cup in Rood’s hand. Perhaps the chemical combo proved disastrous for the lid in question. We just don’t know.

But we don’t understand how Rood considers the paper lids – which are being tested at select Tim’s outlets –to be harmful to the environment. She said at least plastic lids are recyclable. And she is correct. They are...if they do get pulled off the cup, rinsed

and recycled. A fibre lid can be recycled too. But if it winds up in the trash, it would quickly break down in a landfill, or possibly under the hot breath of an angry politician.

If a disposable coffee cup lid is so offensive, then just remove it. Or utilize a reusable coffee container of your own. Simple. Problem solved. No public insulting of a cup lid required. We urge the MP to instead focus on more important issues at hand, such as ethics breaches, inflation, foreign interference...you know, federal issues.

But that’s enough about one of our politician’s public comments. Let’s switch to Chatham-Kent Mayor Darrin Canniff. In his speech to the local business community May 23, he listed a number of reasons why people are moving to C-K.

One was the addition of CCTV cameras to area downtowns.

We doubt police-controlled cameras are part of someone’s reasons-tomove-there list.

Not that they aren’t warranted in Chatham and Wallaceburg, however. Just not everywhere else.

But if the police chief wants it, council seems to capitulate.

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No car? Big problem seeing fireworks

Editor: Victoria Day is often filled with family activities, but one stands out in my mind: fireworks.

If you don’t own a car and live in Chatham, you are out of luck. This is something that is not an isolated situation. For those unlucky to not own a vehicle, the odds of going to watch fireworks are slim and that’s putting it kindly. Maybe luck will shine and you will catch a neighbour’s display if you have no

yard or ride along with someone else kind enough to squeeze you in. If not, do not expect to find any municipal events in Chatham as far as fireworks goes. I grew up in Chatham attending events such as the Festival of Trees, Festival of Nations, great fireworks displays held on Victoria Day, Canada Day, and even on New Year’s Eve. New Year’s Eve events held at our Downtown Chatham

Centre were all free to attend aside from vendor purchases.

Chatham is a great place to raise kids even now with many family events falling to the wayside. I write this surprised at the number of events held in nearby towns while Chatham has nothing going on.

Chatham, you are a disappointment. Kim Walsh Chatham

Editor: Tired of the noise?

Loud car noise, mufflers, radios or squealing tires? Why do we stand for it?

Recently, I learned that the Windsor police are launching the 2024 anti-noise campaign to

curb deliberate and excessive noise caused by loud cars, trucks, and motorcycles. The campaign will clamp down on motorists who intentionally rev engines, squeal tires,

blare loud music or produce other unnecessary noise pollutants.

Let’s bring this to Chatham-Kent. It’s long over due!

Bruce Thompson Chatham

Spots filling fast for Run for the Kids

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

It appears participants are running to register for the next fundraising event organized by the Foundation of the Children’s Treatment Centre of Chatham-Kent (CTCC-K). Run for the Kids.

The second annual edition of Run for the Kids takes place June 23 in Rondeau Provincial Park, and as of the middle of last week, more than 80

per cent of spots for the 5K event were already filled.

“We’re really trying to get it out that if you want to register, get it done now,” Mike Genge, president of the Foundation of CTCC-K, told The Chatham Voice.

Residents of Chatham-Kent historically support important community initiatives and events, but they do tend to have a habit to leave things to the last minute. In this instance, they

may not get one of the 300 spots.

Genge said the 5K will again feature three layers of participants, the dedicated runner, the average jogger, and families who are out to support the centre and just look to put one foot in front of the other until they complete the circuit.

“There’s a group of people who are 5K runners who come to run based on time,” Genge said.

Continued on page 8

Chatham Voice file photo

Participants in the 2023 Run for the Kids event head out on their 5K trek in Rondeau Park. The event returns this year on June 18.

Pop-up book sale

Pop-Up Summer Book Sale at its Chatham branch.

The book sale will take place in the Community Living Café between June 10 and 15 while supplies last.

Please bring your own bag. All proceeds from the sale will support library programs and services.

Continued from page 7

“We set them out front. They go first. Then we have the average people who can run a 5K. And then we have the families who are pushing strollers or wheelchairs. They’re doing it for their kids who have disabilities. It’s really a three-part deal.”

The foundation embraces all levels, and Genge offers advice to all of them.

“If you’ve registered, please go out and get pledges. This is how we raise money to go out and do our programs for our kids,” he implored.

There will very likely be more than 300 people out on the course for race day. Genge said at the family level, one parent typically registers, but the entire family will take part.

“It’s not meant to be a serious 5K run. If a family registers, say for their child or for one of the parents, the whole family can come out and participate. It’s a family event.”

With that in mind, there is also a 200-metre kids fun walk/run.

Genge said there will also be arts and crafts activities for the kids all morning.

On top of that, the folks at Enbridge Gas, the main sponsor of the event, will be bringing a portable barbecue unit to handle cooking for the day.

“They’re fantastic,” Genge said of Enbridge. “They also bring lots of volunteers.”

This year’s goal is to match the $80,000 raised last year, Genge said. Race time June 23 is 10 a.m. To learn more or to register, visit the CTCC-K Foundation website.

The Chatham Voice

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Chamber to Ring in new prez

The Chatham Voice

A new leader is set to take the helm of the Chatham-Kent Chamber of Commerce.

Beginning June 17, Rory Ring will step into the role of president and CEO of the organization, following the retirement of Gail Hundt, who held the post for 28 years.

Custom built immaculate ranch on a large manicured lot in well established southside location. Oversized great room w/gas fireplace & cathedral ceilings, living room, formal dining room/den leading to kitchen with granite countertops & backsplash. 3 bedrooms, primary having a 5pc ensuite. Main floor laundry. Partially finished basment with large rec/games room. Oversized two car gaage with work area.

No stranger to Southwestern Ontario, Ring has held many leadership roles in the field of business development, including heading up both the Sarnia-Lambton and Sault Ste. Marie Chambers of Commerce.

Ring was president and CEO for the Soo’s chamber for eight years. Prior to that, he led the Sarnia-Lambton Chamber for three years.

The former commercial banker, who holds an MBA from

Queen’s University, worked as the manager of business growth services for the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership, and in a business, retention and expansion program in conjunction with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs for Lambton County.

Ring has taken on other roles. He is the current chair of the Chamber of Commerce Executives of Ontario, is a current director of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce and past director of the Chamber of Commerce Executives of Canada.

According to a media release from the C-K chamber, Ring is known to be cognizant of the need for diversity and inclusivity, believing issues need to be dealt with holistically to better engage and support underrepresented groups within the business community. Continued on page 11

Car show commemorates lives lost

A special car show in memory of a beloved Shrewsbury resident will be held in the South Kent community next month.

The second annual Jaimee Doyle (Huckle) Me-

morial Classic Auto Show will take place at the Shrewsbury Community Centre on New Scotland Line on June 9. According to organizers, the free family event is being held to commemorate the lives of Jaimee and

her friend Nigel Sedge who were killed in a crash during the RetroFest 2022 classic car cruise.

Jaimee’s mother Ruth said her daughter had a passion for classic cars –especially old Volkswagen vans and bugs –¬

Hundt retires in June

Continued from page 10

He strives to meet challenges “head-on” to ensure welcoming workplaces for all, while addressing labour shortages to build economic prosperity.

Ring is a strong propo-

nent of building a sustainable community base, encouraging exporting and embracing a global philosophy.

“I am honoured to have been selected as the incoming president and CEO of the Chatham-Kent

Serving Chatham-Kent since 1980.

to

but

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Chamber of Commerce and I look forward to contributing to the growth and success of the members, local business community and the Municipality of Chatham-Kent,” Ring said in a media release.

and died doing what she loved.

“She just really loved classic cars,” her mom said recently. “Jaimee and Nigel are still cruising together.”

She had married Kyle Doyle just seven months

prior to her death.

Registration begins at 8 a.m. with the show running from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Donations will be accepted on behalf of Jaimee, including non-perishable food items for the Blenheim Word of Life Soup

Kitchen and Food Bank. A 50-50 draw will also be held, and T-shirts, hotdogs, chips and water will be on sale.

June 15 has been chosen as a rain date if necessary. For more info, call 519784-3030.

The Chatham Voice

New home for adult learning

The Chatham Voice

The Chatham Adult and Continuing Education Program is moving to a new location.

Beginning June 20, the program will be housed at 230 Faubert Dr. in Chatham, relocating from the John N. Given Learning Centre on Churchill Street.

To facilitate the transi-

tion, public program operations will cease from June 13 to June 19, prior to the reopening.

Operated by the Lambton Kent District School Board (LKDSB), the adult and continuing education program offers a wide range of diverse programs serving more than 1,200 adult learners aged 18 to 76 years. Credit program support is offered

at 11 sites, including First Nation communities, and Prior Learning Assessment Recognition (PLAR) is offered for mature students.

There are also literacy and basic skills programs, serving over 500 learners at seven sites, offering Skills for Success, PLAR and credit preparation, college, employment, trades and apprenticeship

preparation, soft skills and computer skills. Self-study online learning is also offered as well as adult SWAC and adult co-op.

International and Indigenous language elementary programs are part of the program serving more than 400 learners in eight languages. Summer learning programs which reach some 1,200 learners,

include online learning, co-op, horticulture, integrated arts and construction technology.

Paul Wiersma, system co-ordinator for alternative and continuing education for the LKDSB, said the move is an important step forward, “enabling us to better serve our community and expand our offerings.”

The Faubert location has

been used in recent years by the board’s IT department and housed the original Adult Education Centre from 1989 to 1993. The site is located on a major bus route, which officials say was a key component in choosing the location. There are currently 12 staff providing adult education programs through the centre.

Kids’ camp costs under review

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative

pamwrightlji@gmail.com

How the municipality funds and delivers its summer camp programs is now under review.

Following a motion brought forward by Chatham councillor Brock McGregor, C-K council directed staff to undertake a review of various camps with a report to

come back in the fall.

According to McGregor, there’s been “significant feedback” from the public regarding an increase in the cost of camps this year, as well as concerns about the registration process, noting the camps have been an important “low-cost re-

source” for local families to provide supervision for youth during the summer months.

“The goal is to get a broader view of what our camp system looks like.”

- Coun. Brock McGregor

“The goal is to get a broader view of what our camp system looks like,” McGregor told The Voice, adding the report will examine the cost structure

and attendance at various camps this season, along with data from the 2023 camp season.

Cost, revenue and operational budgets will be examined based on location; programming will be reviewed; options for registration fee changes will be looked at and forwarded to the C-K budget committee and the possibility of funding supports will also be part of the probe.

Earlier in April, the municipality approved fee hikes that led to some camps costing close to double what they did last year.

The weekly rate for the Stay-N-Play camps that take place in numerous communities around Chatham-Kent have risen to $135 from $61. KIDventure camps, held at the Erickson Arena in Chatham, will see rates shift up to

$205 per child per week, up from $127. It’s the first time camp rates have been increased in five years.

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Help fill buses with food on Saturday

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

CK Helping Hands asks for a little help from the community on June 1...filling school buses with food. The organization will set up buses outside a variety of grocery stores across Chatham-Kent from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. that day, collecting non-perishable food items to donate to area food banks.

CK Helping Hands’ Tim Haskell said the group has been doing it

since the onslaught of the pandemic in 2020, and found the effort had a two-pronged effect.

“It’s also bringing attention to the food banks,” he said, “as well as trying to fill them up.”

Initially rolled out in Chatham, Fill the Bus has spread to most communities in the municipality where there is a grocery store.

“After that first year, it went to a lot of different communities,” Haskell said. “We’re trying to get into some of the smaller communities,

help area food banks.

but if there isn’t a grocery store, we can’t really do it.”

On top of that, there are several Dollar Tree stores that collect food ahead of time.

“It will be nice to add that to the collection too,” he said.

In Chatham, Fill the Bus will be set up outside of Sobeys, Real Canadian Super Store, Giant Tiger, Food Basics, Dollar Tree and No Frills.

In Wallaceburg, there will be buses in front of No Frills and the Dollar Tree.

Tilbury will see a bus at No Frills, while Sobeys in Blenheim plays host, as does Foodland in Ridgetown. Meanwhile, in Dresden, the drop-off location will be North Dresden Baptist Church.

Donations will remain in

the communities in which they are collected.

Supporting organizations include Giving Hearts, Chatham Goodfellows, Salvation Army, FreeHelpCk Ridgetown, LaSertoma, R.O.C.K. Missions, Chatham-Kent Caring Citizens, Chatham Outreach for Hunger, Tilbury Help, Salvation Army Blenheim and North Dresden Church.

Sisters shared love of animals

The Chatham Voice

Two sisters killed on the Victoria Day weekend near Charing Cross perished while trying to save another life; the life of a turtle, according to previously published reports.

Teresa Suliga and her sister Elizabeth Seremak were struck by a northbound vehicle on Charing Cross Road near Horton Line short-

ly after 7 p.m. on May 19.

The lives of the women, aged 66 and 68, could not be saved, despite the efforts of local emergency services personnel.

The two, according to their obituaries, were not just sisters but best friends.

They shared a common love of animals.

“Teresa was ‘enamoured with the world.’ She loved to experience new things, to travel and garden. Teresa’s greatest love was her family and taking care of animals,” Suliga’s obituary reads.

“Elizabeth was known for her generous heart and helping spirit. She loved to spend time with her family and especially her treasured grandchildren. Elizabeth’s extended family and friends will miss her sense of humour and love of animals and nature,” Seremak’s obituary reads.

Suliga’s funeral took place on the weekend at Blessed Sacrament Church in Chatham. Seremak’s family will hold a private celebration at a later date.

Chatham Voice file photo

CK Helping Hands’ Tim Haskell, left, and Outreach for Hunger’s Brenda LeClair, right, are seen during the August 2023 Fill the Bus effort. Volunteers will be back in action on Saturday asking for donations to

Volunteerism recognized

By Jim Blake jim@chathamvoice.com

The importance of volunteerism to the community was recognized May 21 during the annual Ontario Volunteer Service Award Ceremony at the Retro Suites.

Seventy-nine individuals from across Chatham-Kent were nominated through their organizations for recognition through the Ontario Honours and Awards Secretariat of the Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism.

Laurie Raynor Langford, who served as the keynote speaker, said volunteerism was key to becoming part of the local community when she moved here from Toronto in 1996.

“I didn’t know anyone here other than my husband’s family so I became involved as a way of learning about Chatham,” she said.

Langford has made numerous significant contributions to the arts community since 1996, most

recently as the treasurer of the Chatham-Kent Arts and Culture Network. “I didn’t have experience as a treasurer, so it has allowed me to grow. Volunteering has made me a better person.”

Raynor Langford said she began in the Girl Guide movement, inspired by her grandmother from Prince Edward Island who was named the top volunteer in Canada for the Women’s Institute.

“My grandmother lived to be 104 years old and I think she was volunteering until she was 100,” she said. “Being involved and active contributes to a fuller life.”

Trevor Jones, MPP for Chatham-Kent–Leamington, who made presentations to the volunteers, lauded the importance of the volunteer sector.

“It was through my volunteer efforts growing up that I was recommended as a good candidate for the Ontario Province Police where I had a 20-year career,” he said. “Volunteering is the foundation of society. We all

have a unique story but our common goal as volunteers is to improve the lives of others.”

Nearly 1,700 years of volunteer service was celebrated during the ceremony, one of 46 held across Ontario.

Stay off those diamonds

nicipal staff of times when it should be fine to access the fields for grass cutting.

Municipal officials are asking for better co-operation from rogue ball players. They request people stay off baseball diamonds marked as permit-use only, unless, of course, they have the field booked at that specific time.

Officials said these baseball diamonds require regular maintenance to ensure they are properly prepared for permit holders such as minor associations and recreational leagues.

“We’ve had a few instances this season where our grass cutting contractors have been unable to cut the field because of the presence of unauthorized groups who refused to vacate,” said Ian Clark, manager of parks, recreation and cemeteries, in a media release. “If we cannot cut the grass on schedule then it results in poor facility conditions.”

Contractors are informed by mu-

Unauthorized infield activity on permit-use only diamonds also increases the labour burden on volunteers, coaches, and players who clean the infield prior to their bookings for a better quality of play, officials said.

SUNDAY,

Abbott, Laverne Page

Harold Carlsen

Charles Dale Carnahan

David Coatsworth

Lucille Marie Cooper

Morris DeDecker

Atkinson, Joseph ‘Larry’ Atkinson, Larry Gordon Bellemore, Roland Brown-Johnson, Ivy Chambers, Kenneth Charron, Sandra Coatsworth, David Cornwall, Geraldine Cromwell, Craig Day, Kathryn Faulkner, Chene Finn, Richard Gilbeault, Margaret Gresty, Linda

William Thomas Dillon Dan Dillon Betty Durden

Halliday, Diane Jones, Dave Lloyd, Madeleine Lucio, Daniel Mancell, Leslie Mandel, Gerald Martin, Marc Meurkes, Ann Mifflin, Linda Mifflin, Clark Monk, Frances ‘Fran’ Mouissie, George Mouissie, Gerrit ‘George’ Nead, Betty

Nicholson, Anne Parker, Debbie Perry, Bruce Ramsden, Clara Reid, Bob Schatz, Hildegard Henny Seney, Nancy Smit, Susie Stevenson, Betty Jean Trudell, Camilla Van De Wynckel, Kathleen Vince, Ronald Westguard, Jarmila Whittal, Marilyn Williston, Ruth

Trees planted at

Jim Blake/The Chatham Voice

The Ontario Volunteer Service Award Ceremony took place at the Retro Suites recently to recognize those who have given time and effort to community groups. Three of the volunteers have topped the 50-year mark with the respective organization are seen here with MPP Trevor Jones, right. They are Ken Oakley of the Canadian Red Cross, and Margaret Mohammed and Sue Kelly with the Girl Guides of Canada.

The Chatham Voice

Community Events

Thursday, May 30, 2024:

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

• Join us for a fun filled afternoon Jam Session. Bring your instruments or singing voices from 1-4:30pm. All are welcome to attend with a $2 donation. 4-7pm: Homemade Panzerotti + Menu.

• The Active Lifestyle Centre Essentrics Class from 10-11am. Open to the Public at 20 Merritt Ave! Essentrics dynamically combines strengthening and stretching to develop strength, while focusing on joint and muscle mobility! The class is also held on Tuesdays from 11-12. Daily User fees apply: $3 Members, $6 Non-Members. 519-352-5633.

• Friday night supper at the Chatham Moose Lodge , 850 Richmond St is Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs with potatoes, vegetable, salad and a bun. Dine ins $13 and pickups $14. All meals are served at 6 PM. Please call daily at 519-352-8291 to order. Everyone welcome.

Friday, May 31, 2024:

• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St., Chatham open 11:00am-9:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch 11:00am-1:30pm. Supper served 4:00-6:00. No orders after 5:30pm. Tonight’s specials: liver & onions or fish & chips, $13.00. Take out available by calling 519-351-8733 or 519-351-5639. Fun Darts at 7:00pm. Everyone Welcome.

• Running Creek Ministry is having tent meetings in Wallaceburg! We are hosting special meetings with Art Thomas Missionary-Evangelist-Author-Speaker at 7 pm. 29292 Running Creek Rd Wallaceburg, contact:519-328-5672, email: runningcreekministry@gmail.com.

• Join us from 4:30-7pm for spaghetti with salad and garlic bread. Merlin Legion, 519-689-4884.

• The Active Lifestyle Centre Chair Exercise Class from 11-12! Open to the Public at 20 Merritt Ave, Chatham! Are you looking to gain more strength and get moving again? Not sure where to start? This would be the perfect class for you! Chairs are provided and you are encouraged to go at your own pace! The class is also held on Tuesdays from 10-11. Daily User fees apply: $3 Members, $6 Non-Members -519-352-5633.

• The Active Lifestyle Centre Pepper! Open to the Public at 20 Merritt Ave, Chatham! This card group plays from 12-3pm, as well as on Mondays from 12-3pm. Daily User fees apply: $3 Members, $6 Non-Members -519-352-5633.

Saturday, June 1, 2024:

• Morning Breakfast Program at First Presbyterian Church (corner of Fifth St. and Wellington). A delicious and nutritious breakfast served free of charge from 9:30am-11:00am, serving indoors, no take out. Wheelchair accessible.

• ‘National Range Day’ at 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 years and up. Try archery, trap, along with indoor and outdoor range events. Pre-register: NRD@KCCC. CA. Find us on Facebook for more info.

• CK Pride and Pozitive Pathways is proud to bring back our famous Sex Toy Bingo, a fun night of learning about pleasure, safety & consent & win sex toys! 7pm. $20 tickets. No cards to bring. Bring a non-perishable item for Outreach for Hunger. For every item donated, you will receive a draw ticket for door prizes. Tickets can be purchased by contacting CK Pride at info@ckpride. com or during drop in times at Bill’s Place. This is an 18+ event.

• Saturdays at 7 at St. Andrew’s United Church, 85 William Street S., Chatham presents “Coming Together Chatham-Kent”. This concert showcases the talented performers from our community. Donations at the door (suggested $20). All are welcome! For further information 519-352-0010 or www. standrewschatham.org/music.

• Come join us bright and early at the Tilbury Leisure Centre (10 Canal St. W) as we will be joining the town of Tilbury for the town wide yard sale. We will also be having a BBQ. Hotdogs, hamburgers, pop and water.

• Running Creek Ministry is having tent meetings in Wallaceburg! Special meetings with Art Thomas Missionary-Evangelist-Author-Speaker at 3 & 7 pm. 29292 Running Creek Rd Wallaceburg, contact:519-328-5672, email: runningcreekministry@gmail.com.

• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am-9:30pm. Meat draw at 3:30, 4:30 and 5:30pm. Kitchen open for

lunch 3:00pm–5:30pm. Entertainment by Allen James from 4:30-9:30. Come check out our menu. Everyone Welcome.

• Chatham 642 Pipes & Drums is hosting a STEAK BBQ at the Imperial Club, 22 Payne St. in Chatham. It’s a fundraiser as we head for a national Legion parade in New Brunswick. $28.00 a ticket. Social from 5:00 p.m., BBQing shortly after! Cook your own supplied steak and enjoy all the generous fixins’ you can handle! Tickets can be picked up Thursday evening at our Chatham Legion band practise , or just call 519380-0140 or 519-436-6207.

Sunday, June 2, 2024:

• Running Creek Ministry tent meetings in Wallaceburg! We are hosting special meetings with Art Thomas Missionary-Evangelist-Author-Speaker @ 10:30 am. 29292 Running Creek Rd Wallaceburg, contact:519-328-5672, email: runningcreekministry@gmail.com.

• Its Almost MILLER TIME !!!!. Join Reverend Jim Miller for our Memorial Service at St. Thomas Anglican Church at 11:30 am. Let’s Remember our Past and Renew our Future Together

Tuesday, June 4, 2024:

• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am-9:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch 11:00am–-1:30pm. Today’s special is spaghetti with meat sauce. Euchre at 1:00 or Shuffleboard or Euchre at 7:00pm. Everyone is welcome.

Wednesday, June 5, 2024:

• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am-9:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch 11:00am-1:30pm. Daily special is meat loaf dinner. Come check out our other daily specials. We have Fun Darts at 7:00pm. Everyone is welcome.

Thursday, June 6, 2024:

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

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

JUNE 4 - JUNE 15

A Michael Bublé Tribute Show

It’s not just about the music—it’s about the experience! Join us for an unforgettable afternoon or evening of music that transcends generations, from classic crooner standards to modern pop favorites. Whether you’re a die-hard Bublé fan or simply love good music, this is an experience you won’t want to miss! Starring stage veteran Jay Davis & his 4 piece combo.

Fun Stuff

14. Type of vessel (abbr.)

15. Accept and handle

18. Sacrifice hit

19. One who buys and sells securities simultaneously 20. Month

22. Most thin 23. Naturally occurring material

CLUES ACROSS

1. Fashion accessory

4. Engine additive

7. Small, faint constellation

8. Gives a job

10. Self-righteous person

12. Caucasian language

13. Surinam toad

14. Sino-Soviet block (abbr.)

16. Former French coin

17. Levels the score

19. What stage performers do

20. Egyptian Sun god

21. Localities

25. Spherical body

26. Licensed for Wall Street

27. Perfect

29. It’s on many people’s heads

30. Boxing’s GOAT

31. Photo

32. Popular HBO show

39. Popular music awards show

41. Pouch

42. Lake in Botswana

43. Unruly group

44. One-fourth

45. Very eager

46. Edward __, author and writer

48. Flying insect

49. Dragged forcibly

50. Thus far

51. Not just “play”

52. Commercials

CLUES DOWN

1. Occur

2. Show up

3. Capital of Taiwan

4. Brother or sister

5. Secret get-togethers

6. Type of tea

8. Where the action is

9. Cast out 11. Crime group

24. Luke’s mentor __Wan 27. Post modernist Austrian “House”

28. Aquatic salamander

29. Baseball stat

31. Beginning military rank

32. Talk rapidly and unintelligbly

33. Paddle

34. Caregiver (abbr.)

35. Old Irish alphabet

36. Japanese city

37. In a way, acted

38. Things to see

39. Nursemaid

40. Type of tooth

44. To be demonstrated

47. Defunct European group

Two new doctors

One lucky fella

Dr. Kinza Ijaz has joined the department of internal medicine and Dr. Adaora Obi is a new addition to the psychiatry department.

In 2014, Ijaz completed her Bachelor of Science medical radiation therapy at Laurentian University before going on to earn her Doctor of Medicine from the University of Medical and Health Sciences in St. Kitts. In 2022, she completed her residency training in internal medicine at Wayne State University in Michigan.

“I’m excited to join CKHA to provide comprehensive acute care to our community,” said Ijaz in a media release. Before moving on to take core psychiatry training in the United Kingdom, Dr. Obi obtained her medical school degree in Ghana. She also went on to higher training in

the field of general adult psychiatry in Scotland. In Feb. 2020, Obi became a member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists. Obi said she has been warmed by the welcome she’s received at CKHA, noting the organization has gone “above and beyond” to ensure a smooth stress-free transition for herself and her family.

Obi’s office is located at 240 Grand Ave. in Chatham, and the intake team can be reached without a referral at 519-351-6144 ext. 5051.

Celebrating the talent of C-K

The Chatham Voice

The final program of the current season of Performing Arts at St. Andrew’s will close with the performance of another Saturdays at 7 concert, Come Together Chatham-Kent, on June 1 The performance takes place Saturday, at 7 p.m. in the sanctuary of St. Andrew’s Church.

As Saturdays at 7 closes off its 11th season, this concert’s goal is to highlight the magic of community and recognize the contributions of the C-K arts community.

Performing Arts programs at St. Andrew’s have featured many talented Chatham-Kent artists over the past 11 years, but this concert is planned to showcase some great

local artists who have not appeared in any of these concerts before.

Devon Hansen, director of music at St. Andrew’s, will announce the 2024-25 concert series on June 1 as well.

Donations (suggested $20 per person) will be gratefully accepted at the door and will go towards the music program at St. Andrew’s. All are welcome.

The Chatham Lions Club is partnering with CK Boomers and Maple City Storage to host a document shredding event. Bring your documents to be shredded For details call 519-437-9748. Banker size boxes - $10 donation. Regular grocery bag - $5 donation. Large bags - $7 donation. BBQ Hot Dogs for Sale!

100% of the profit is put right back into the community!

Contributed image

Steven Rhan of Chatham is $50,000 richer after playing Instant Crossword recently. The winning ticket was purchased at Charlie’s Variety Store on Park Avenue in Chatham.

Jake Peters

OBITUARIES

60, Monday, May 13, 2024

Kendrick Funeral Home

Elizabeth Seremak

Saturday, May 18, 2024

Alexander & Houle Funeral Home

Teresa Suliga

Saturday, May 18, 2024

Alexander & Houle Funeral Home

Norma Grace Elliott

87, Sunday, May 19, 2024

Badder Funeral Home

Fran Milne

92, Sunday, May 19, 2024

McKinlay Funeral Home

Evonne Bulckaert

94, Sunday, May 19, 2024

McKinlay Funeral Home

Marian Gamester

90, Friday, May 17, 2024

McKinlay Funeral Home

Norman Laity

98, Saturday, May 18, 2024

McKinlay Funeral Home

Pat Sigurjonsson

87, Saturday, May 18, 2024

McKinlay Funeral Home

Jacques Cartier

72, Tuesday, May 21, 2024

McKinlay Funeral Home

Dennis Holcombe

64, Friday, May 17, 2024 Life Transitions

CarolAnn Russell (Hebert)

Saturday, May 18, 2024 Life Transitions

Beverly Kelly (Board)

79, Saturday, May 18, 2024 Life Transitions

Annemarie Butzer

88, Friday, May 17, 2024

Nicholls Funeral Home

Frederick DeWeyn

87, Saturday, May 18, 2024

Nicholls Funeral Home

Thomas “Tom” Gordon Atkins

77, Monday, May 20, 2024

Nicholls Funeral Home

Genia “Genny” Ulicki

99, Monday, May 20, 2024

Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home

Marie Barnier

Wednesday, May 15, 2024

Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home

Jacqueline Dorssers

61, Wednesday, May 22, 2024

Blenheim Community Funeral Home

Doug Guttridge

77, Tuesday, May 21, 2024

Blenheim Community Funeral Home

Yard Sale

Street Sale - Zircon Place, Chatham. June 1, 8am-noon. Raindate June 8. Household items, antiques, sewing crafts, books, puzzles, games, boy’s bed set.

Lessons

Beginner Guitar Lessons. Call 519917-2339.

For Sale

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

Tutor Wanted

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

Wanted

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.

Event

KCCC

National Range Day

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!

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

Happy Anniversary

John & Terry Vanderheide May 30th

Wanted to rent or buy 1 or 4 acres of land in Chatham-Kent area. No buildings or utilities needed. Rural area preferred. 519352-5414 or 226-627-5414.

Summer Camp

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.

Classifieds

Obituaries

Genia “Genny” Ulicki

Peacefully, surrounded by her family at Riverview Gardens on Monday May 20, 2024 in her hundredth year. Beloved wife of the late Mike Ulicki (2010). Born in Poland in 1924, daughter of the late Powoskiewa (Skuvko) and Peter Simanowiec. Loving mother of Irene Duff (late Gordon) and Ann Peck and her husband Richard. Grandmother of Genny (Andrew) Thiel, Gord (Stephanie) Duff, Shawn Peck and Tasha (Tim) Sanford and 8 great grandchildren. After a happy childhood and adolescence in a picturesque village, Genny’s life took a dramatic turn during World War Two. She was taken from Poland and made to work in a slave camp in Germany. She was married in Germany after the war in a dress she made from parachute silk. She was such a talented seamstress that five other brides in the work camp subsequently wore her dress in their own weddings. She and Mike immigrated to Canada in 1950 speaking almost no English and with very little money. Mike worked on farms and later at Libby’s while Genny made a home for their family. She worked in the fields doing seasonal labor and later used her sewing skills in drapery and upholstery work. She was not afraid of hard work and instilled that in her children. Faith was important to Genny, she was a lifetime member of the Lady of Victory Church and sang in the choir. She enjoyed coming together with members of the Chatham Polish community, singing and dancing in the church hall. No one ever left her house hungry; she always had a fresh babka coming out of the oven. The family would like to thank the staff of Riverview Gardens, especially the staff of the fourth floor, for the wonderful care and attention they showed her during her time there. She will be missed and forever loved. Friends and relatives visited at the Hinnegan Peseski Funeral Home, 156 William St. S. Chatham from 7-9 p.m. on Wednesday May 22, 2024. A Funeral Mass was celebrated on Thursday May 23, 2024 at 11 am in Our Lady of Victory Church. Burial was in St. Anthony’s Cemetery. Donations to a charity of your choice would be appreciated.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Beverly Ann Kelly (nee Board).

Celebration of Life

She was born September 16, 1944 to the late Ronald and Wilma Board (1996, 2019) and passed away on May 18, 2024. Bev was dearly loved by her late husband Bob Kelly (2007). She will be greatly missed by her daughters, Susan and Bobbi-Jo and her son, Will. Sue and her husband Ken Smith of Hamilton will miss Mom, as will grandchildren, Erin (Ryan) Beasley and Kristen Smith (Michael Paiva) and great-grandchildren, Addison and Brody Beasley. Bobbi Rivers and her husband Henry Caza of Tilbury are also deeply saddened by the loss of Mom, as are grandchildren Randi Rivers and Ethan Caza and great grandchildren, Dominic Wigcherink and Seth Martin. She also leaves behind son Will Rivers (Rosie) of Paincourt. Bev will be missed by her siblings, Ken (the late Pat, 2020) of Crossfield, Alberta, Art and Nicole of Kingston, Mike and Glenda of Chatham, Brad and Lorrie of Timmins, and several nieces and nephews. Bev loved gardening and with her skills, her neighbour and friend Kathy Weber had one of the best gardens on McNaughton Ave. She was convinced that Bob came back as a hummingbird and would chirp at her whenever she bought too many plants. She also loved to crochet and do puzzles in the winter months. Bev’s green thumb was legendary - sorry Mom - Sue will probably end up killing most of your plants and Bobbi isn’t even going to try! Bev loved her furbabies and was saddened by the loss of Bailey in 2017 and her favourite 4-legged child, Abbie, will now live with Bobbi. We would like to thank the nurses on the 2nd floor of the surgical unit at the Chatham Kent Health Alliance, particularly Joanne, Tracy and Natasha. The nurses in the ICU were also wonderful. A special thank you also to Dr. Arminan and Dr. Tran for their wonderful care of Bev. Donations in Bev’s memory are welcome to the Canadian Cancer Society. We will gather to celebrate and remember Bev’s life in September. We will always love and miss you Mom.

Celebrating

the life of John Rountree

January 6, 2024

Sunday, June 9th, 2024

2:00pm - 5:00pm

Hidden Hills Golf Club

25393 St Clair Rd, Dover Centre

Silent Auction of 4 Prints of Johns Artwork with proceeds going to the Chatham Hospice.

A resident of Ridgetown and formerly of Chatham and the Blenheim area, passed away on May 19, 2024 at the age of 94. Born in Howard Township, daughter of the late Adiel and Eugenie Neutens. Beloved wife of the late Ben Bulckaert (2009). Loving mother of Allan and his wife Shelley Ripley-Bulckaert of London and the late Brian (2023) and his wife Toni (Goldhawk) of Ridgetown. Proud grandmother of Wendy Bulckaert-Chou and her husband Henry Chou, Jason Bulckaert and his wife Erika Nyyssonen, Lauren Bulckaert, Jordan Bulckaert and his wife, Stephanie Allard, and Amanda Bulckaert. Great grandmother of Gabriel, Miranna, Jennaya, Isabelle, Naomi, and Abigail Chou, Livia and Brielle Bulckaert, and Harlow Turner. Predeceased by her brother, Maurice Neutens, and her sister, Elsie Lucio. When Evonne was not busy caring for her family, she worked alongside Ben on the family farm, and was known for being able to pick 100 baskets of tomatoes a day. In addition, she worked for a time at Kysor (KSR) in Ridgetown. Cremation to take place with a private family burial at Evergreen Cemetery in Blenheim, Chatham-Kent, at a later date. The family thanks the staff, volunteers, and residents of the Village on the Ridge. where she was a resident for the past six years, for their friendship, kindness and compassionate care extended to her and to the family. Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com. McKinlay Funeral Home, 76 Main Street East, Ridgetown, 519-674-3141.

SIGURJONSSON: Patricia (nee Colbourne)

It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Patricia Sigurjonsson on Saturday May 18, 2024 in Chatham, Ontario at the age of 87. Pat was born in Bishop’s Falls, Newfoundland. Life took her to Toronto and eventually Chatham where she built her life with her family. However, Newfoundland remained close to her heart and she made numerous trips back to the “Rock”. Pat was a wonderful, loving wife, mother, sister, aunt and friend. She was an accomplished artist and many of her paintings can be found in private collections around Chatham and across Canada. She saw the world through an artist’s eye and had a keen fashion sense. Playing bridge with her friends and reading were some of her favourite activities. Pat had a wonderful sense of humour and easily connected with people who crossed her path. Pat will be lovingly remembered by her daughter, Enid, sisters Roma Boone (late Jim) and Phyllis Toms (late Roy), brother Bert Colbourne (Brenda), sister-in-law Enid Robinson (late Glen) and all of her cherished nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her daughter Jennifer, husband John, parents Eddie and Sadie (nee Lucas) Colbourne, brothers Don Colbourne (Audrey) and Bob Colbourne, sister Joyce Colbourne, son-in-law Geoff Palmer, sisters-in-law Tanis Sigurjonsson, Kay Sigurjonsson and Pat Rogers. According to Pat’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Pat preferred a small, private gathering and the family will announce details in the future on the funeral home website. Donations may be made to a charity of your choice. Online condolences and donations may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com. McKinlay Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham. 519-351-2040

Edward Joseph “Ted” Bell passed away on December 8, 2023 at Riverview Gardens in Chatham, ON. Ted was the dear husband of Susan Shriver, father of Ken (late Terri) and their son Michael, stepfather of Noelle (Alan) Shriver and their children Julia, Madeline, and Robert. Cremation was held in December. Family and friends are invited to Evergreen Cemetery in Blenheim for a graveside service on Saturday June 15, 2024 at 2:00pm followed by a Celebration of Life at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home from 2:30pm-4:30pm with words of remembrance at 3:00pm.

Happy Birthday

Happy 79th Birthday