The Chatham Voice, June 1, 2023

50/50 FUNdraiser is back!

The Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Foundation’s (CKHAF) Igniting Healthcare 50/50 FUNdraiser, sponsored by MCH Homes, is back with more prizes than ever before. This year’s initiative will include three Early Bird

draws, featuring a trio of prizes for three lucky winners.

The first Early Bird draw for $1,000 cash will be held at the CKHAF office on June 2.

The second Early Bird draw on June 16 will see the winner take home a Broil King Keg Charcoal Smoker/BBQ. The draw is to be held at Home Hardware, 124 Keil Dr. S. in Chatham.

The third draw will take place at Wallaceburg Canadian Tire, 74 McNaughton Ave. in Wallaceburg on June 30. The lucky winner will paddle away with a Pelican Magna 100 Packaged one-person kayak. The grand prize will be held

July 12 at 1 p.m. Last year’s 50-50 raised $253,680 and saw Chatham’s Mike Veres and his wife Wendy take home a cool $126,840 cash prize.

Since its inception in 2019, the fundraiser has raised more than $1-million in total ticket sales, awarding a jackpot of over $100,000 each year.

Proceeds from this year’s event will support the purchase of a Sterrad Unit for the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance.

Once again, MCH Homes is playing an integral role in supporting the Foundation’s 50-50 draw.

There are four ticket-pricing

options for this year’s campaign. The public can choose to buy 10 numbers for $10; 60 numbers for $20; 200 numbers for $50; or for best value, 350 numbers for $75.

Tickets can be purchased at the CKHAF office at 9 Ursuline Ave. in Chatham, Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or online at ignite5050.ca. Community events where tickets will be sold are also in the works.

To learn more, follow the campaign on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for updates and to find out where tickets will be sold.

The Chatham Voice

Contributed image

Mary Lou Crowley, left, of the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Foundation hands a cheque to Wendy Wright and Mike Veres for their lucky ticket in the 2022 Igniting Healthcare 50/50 FUNdraiser.

Auctioning off experiences

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

It’s a strange marriage, but all parties are very happy, and fundraising is what unites them. We’re talking about Community Living Wallaceburg (CLW) teaming up with Porsche Centre London and Red Barn Brewing Co. for a summer of fundraising and fun.

Porsche Centre London offered up a number of special experiences for silent auction for CLW, while Red Barn has produced a special Community Living branded beer and will host spe-

cial events for CLW and the luxury car dealership.

In regard to the branded beer, consumers can scan the QR code on the can and make a donation to CLW.

Sonia-Michelle De Souza of Porsche Centre London said the dealership is happy to support CLW. The partnership began last year at the CLW golf tournament, but is escalating this year.

“It’s fabulous. I love that we get to help the local community. This is in our area,” she said. “We always like to partner with charities that are part of our

beliefs. Our beliefs are that at Porsche we’re dreamers; dream big and dream different and dream on.”

Events up for auction through CLW include two VIP tickets July 12 for Rock the Park in London, access to test drive new 2024 Porsche models on the racetrack at Grand Bend Motorplex, being in a pace car for the Porsche Fun Run from London to Red Barn on Sept. 16, as well as multiple events and pampering for a Sept. 29 golf tournament at Maple City Country Club.

For more details, and to bid, visit getintocommunityliving. com/porsche. Some of the items are already available for bid, while a second phase of the auction will begin in late July.

De Souza said giving people a chance to bid on rare experiences is more fun than just committing a specific dollar amount.

“We have a bunch of really cool things happening. Let’s

build this auction. I can help them raise more,” she said. “It’s very rare that you can come to a Porsche event that is built for clients and go test drive the brand new Taycan that’s coming out. Or be part of the Fun Run where you get to be in the pace car, a 911 Carrera. Or how about attending our VIP Lounge at Rock the Park?”

Continued on page 4

Bruce Corcoran/The Chatham Voice Community Living Wallaceburg has joined forces with local craft brewery Red Barn and Porsche Centre London for a summer of fun and fundraising. From left, Jamille Ekram of Porsche Centre, Red Barn’s Denny Vervaet, Community Living’s Patricia Peters, and Porsche Centre’s Sonia-Michelle De Souza and Brad McGonigle.

Silent auction of Porsche participations

Continued from page 3 Meanwhile, Red Barn, which hosted a special

CLW gathering May 25 with singer Crystal Gage on hand, is proud to sup-

port CLW and to be involved in events with Porsche Centre London.

De Souza and Red Barn co-owner Denny Vervaet met as sponsors at the CLW golf tourney last year. They got along and respected each organization’s spirit.

A match between a rural craft brewery and a city luxury car dealership resulted.

De Souza said Red Barn created a custom beer for Porsche Centre London last year.

“Usually when I have events at our place, we’re able to showcase that,” she said.

Vervaet said he’s been a Porsche fan since he was a kid.

“The Porsche brand has been a favourite of mine since I was young,” he said. “And now, when the brand Porsche can work with a brand like ours, we are very humbled.”

The partnership is going a step further. As Porsche releases the EV Taycan, they are also establishing EV charging stations across the country, including two at Red Barn. Vervaet said the stations should be up and running soon, allowing EV owners to recharge their vehicles as they relax and recharge their mental batteries at the brewery.

CLW’s Patricia Peters said the collaboration is all about dreaming.

“It’s a powerhouse. We all have a similar idea – to dream,” she said. “Porsche recognized that last year when we met them at the golf tournament.”

Peters added she’s worked with Red Barn on multiple occasions.

“This all feels like a really good fit. Red Barn is hip, cool, entrepreneurial,” she said. “We’re looking forward to a really good summer.”

DenomyJude DenomyChris DenomyByron Denomy

Contributed image “Dream. Believe. Overcome. Achieve.” That’s the message on cans of Red Barn Brewing’s Home Farm Ale these days, as the cans feature support for Community Living Wallaceburg. The brewery, along with Porsche Centre London, is working with Community Living on a host of events and fundraisign efforts this year.

A hotbed of activity

“There’s nothing to do in Chatham-Kent.”

Who here has not heard that before?

It’s a question that should evoke laughter from those of us who actually pay attention.

Nothing to do where? In what sense? A specific location or area of interest? Time of day?

The comment on lack of activities and interest is especially laughable during the summer months. Plus, more and more business and events are cropping up all the time. Basically from mid-May through September, there are multiple options of great events and activities for people in Chatham-Kent. For those who take the time to look, it’s more of a matter of having to pick and choose rather than trying to find something to do.

Interested in classic cars? Take your pick of hot spots and hot events, including in Chatham this past weekend with RetroFest, or Blenheim, Mitchell’s Bay, Bothwell, Erieau and Wallaceburg.

Love boats? Wallaceburg’s WAMBO is the place to be.

How about a day at the beach? Try Erieau or Mitchell’s Bay for starters. Or Rose Beach, or Erie Beach or Wheatley or Rondeau.

Live music? Food? Summer delivers outdoor music at so many events, as well as outdoor markets, food festivals.

How about a beverage and a meal

with friends on a patio with a scenic view?

Axe throwing?

Golf? Courses abound in our region.

Bicycle routes? In town and along rural routes, the flat land of Chatham-Kent offers excellent bike options. Rondeau Provincial Park is a particularly awesome spot to pedal. Heritage? We’re rich in Black history, with areas of interest in North Buxton, Chatham and Dresden. The War of 1812 has numerous key points of significance here.

Hunting? Lake St. Clair offers excellent duck hunting options

Fishing? Do we even have to explain?

Arts and culture? We have museums, art galleries, music and theatre venues galore.

Birding? Sit in the backyard and listen. Better yet, throw out some seed and watch. Next thing you’ll know, you’ll be down at Rondeau observing migration routes!

Don’t believe us? Stop in at visitck.ca and learn more.

Furthermore, for those with transportation options, Chatham-Kent is a great base in the sense that if you want to travel to a larger urban centre to experience different festivities and sporting events, London, Windsor and Detroit are not far away. OHL hockey, professional baseball, football and hockey, are all close by, not to mention major concerts. Nothing to do? Please.

Our letters to the editor policy

Editor: I for one was glad to see so many people helped find somewhere for those homeless under the Third Street Bridge to go, for their sakes, but also to see our city getting a little belated spring cleaning.

At first I only thought there was one man there since the bridge was re-opened. But by May 9 it was cleaned up. There had been up to 10 people and more came to visit

Chatham

for the day.

We certainly don’t need clusters like that popping up again.

They say it was probably that they were moved because Prince Michael of Kent was coming to town. Maybe it was or maybe not, but if so, let us have more princes come. for the homeless’ sake, and to tidy up our city.

I must add that R.O.C.K.

Missions and especially the municipality’s Polly Smith seem to have done an excellent job. Let’s hope they can keep it up. Not letting the homeless make encampments is the first start maybe. Amazing where they can get all that material to start one up in the first place.

Ruth Draper Chatham

Marco Acampora* 519-784-4348

Ashley Amato* 519-365-5677

Dane Appleton* 519-436-7195

Kelly-Anne Appleton* 519-365-7155

Megan Canniff* 226-626-7133

Stephen Carroll* 519-355-9774

Anna-Marie Clark* 519-354-7890

Ron Collins* 519-401-8464

Lisa Everaert* 519-330-8548

Eric Fitzgerald* 519-436-4865

Michael Gibbons* 519-365-5634

Jeff Godreau* 519-365-4852

Darren Hart* 226-627-8580

Michelle Hetherington 519-401-2635*

Gwen Liberty* 519-784-3646

Wayne Liddy* 519-436-4810

Krista Mall* 519-365-7462

June McDougall* 519-358-5199

Sylvia Moffat** 519-355-8189

Ghassan Najjar** 519-355-8668

Heather Najjar** 519-355-8666

Cass Opiela* 519-355-7804

Meg Palin* 226-627-2078

Chris Papple* 519-350-1402

Brian Peifer** 519-436-2669

Elizabeth Peifer* 519-436-8959

Patrick Pinsonneault** 519-360-0141

Chris Polley* 905-903-0505

Scott Poulin* 519-350-5320

Katherine Rankin* 226-542-2964

Deborah Rhodes* 519-401-5470

David Smith* 519-350-1615

Michael Smyth* 519-784-5470

Chris Spafford* 519-917-2635

Kate Stenton* 519-436-8377

Carson Warrener* 519-809-2856

Cindy Weaver** 519-360-0628

Ashley Wilton* 519-437-7564

Elliot Wilton* 519-358-8755

Tori Winters* 226-881-0334

Lisa Zimmer* 519-365-7325

C.M. Wilson could host proposed water park

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

Two locations for a proposed inflatable water park are being floated in South Kent.

At a press conference held in Erieau Tuesday, the C.M. Wilson Conservation Area near Chatham was put forward as an alternative choice for Aqua City if the Erieau Beach site doesn’t meet approvals.

“Erieau is my preferred choice,” Aqua City own-

er/operator Sam Tudorica told the gathering, but when it comes to the project’s overall “safety and accessibility” aspects, the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority location is “a preferred choice.”

Earlier in May, the Municipality of Chatham-Kent announced the park would be coming to Erieau Beach, but that was before approvals were fully explored.

South Kent Coun. Ryan Doyle said Tuesday’s media briefing was held

to provide more details about the project, as the initial announcement was “rather quick.”

According to Doyle, it’s unclear if Aqua City will go forward at the Erieau or C.M. Wilson, with the final decision resting with the owners, pending government rules.

“Because we did get a little bit of pushback in Erieau, it didn’t look like we had any other options,” Doyle explained, but then someone brought the C.M. Wilson idea to light.

However, Doyle said there is support for putting the amenity at Erieau. “It’s definitely not a one-sided argument,” Doyle explained. “Everyone has got their opinion.”

Plus, he noted, if you go outside Erieau “a lot of

people want this.”

The water park, consisting of slides, trampolines and obstacle courses, needs at least nine feet of water to be operational. It has capacity for 60 people, and those using the amenity must be 18 or older. Participants must sign a

waiver.

Younger participants, aged 10 to 17 years, would need signed permission from a parent or guardian. Outside of operational hours, security and video surveillance will be ongoing.

Continued on page 9

Image courtesy lowerthames-conservation.ca

The pond at C.M. Wilson Conservation Area is also being considered as a potential location for an on-the-water obstacle course. Erieau Beach is the preferred location by developers.

Pushback to Aqua City in Erieau

Continued from page 8

Aqua City could also be rented out for private occasions, Tudorica said. Several questions about the project were answered at the meeting. It was learned the water on the bay side of Erieau is too

shallow to locate Aqua City there safely and that Mitchell’s Bay is also too shallow.

If Erieau Beach is a go, the water park would be located at an area adjacent to the pier near the baseball diamond, held in

place by 1,000-pound cement anchors. It would be between 100 and 150 feet offshore.

If located at Erieau, Tudorica said there would be a constant monitoring of weather and wave action, adding Aqua City

would be placed where the undertow wouldn’t be an issue.

Tudorica said she got the idea of bringing Aqua City to the region after going to similar park in Barrie four years ago.

“Why don’t we have

one?” Tudorica asked, noting she’s done her research on the issue. “I kind of just jumped on it.”

Tudorica said she networks with other inflatable water park owners in the province and is connected on the issues.

In the meantime, the LTVCA is conducting water quality testing at the C.M. Wilson pond to ensure it’s safe for swimmers.

Aqua City was to be on the council agenda May 29. The outcome was not known at press time.

The MUNICIPALITY OF CHATHAM-KENT

FORM 6 SALE OF LAND BY PUBLIC TENDER

Municipal Act, 2001, c 25, s. 379 (2) O. Reg 181/03, s. 5(1), Form 6

Take Notice that tenders are invited for the purchase of the land(s) described below and will be received until 3:00 p.m. local time on June 22, 2023, at the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, Civic Centre, 315 King Street West, Chatham, Ontario, N7M 5K8.

The tenders will then be opened in public on the same day as soon as possible after 3:00 p.m. at the Council Chambers of the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, 315 King Street West, Chatham, Ontario, N7M 5K8.

Description of Land(s)

All lands are in the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, the following are the geographic descriptions and municipal addresses.

1. Roll # 3650-010-001-01302 PT LT 1, BROKEN FRONT CON, GEOGRAPHIC TWP OF ROMNEY, PT OF THE ROAD ALLOWANCE BETWEEN ESSEX COUNTY & KENT COUNTY AS CLOSED BY BY-LAW R011904, DESIGNATED AS PTS 2,3 & 4, 24R6266; CHATHAM-KENT. Being Erie St S., Wheatley P.I.N. 00846 0448 (LT) Assessment: IX 1,500

2. Roll # 3650-010-001-66250 PT LT 10 OR 212, CON 1 OR TALBOT RD AS IN 143215 (3RDLY); DESCRIPTION MAY NOT BE ACCEPTABLE IN FUTURE AS IN 143215; ROMNEY. Being Cemetery Rd., Wheatley. P.I.N. 00847 0086 (LT) Assessment: RTP 39,500

3. Roll # 3650-080-003-47401 DAVID STREET, PLAN 619 TILBURY. Being Elizabeth St., Tilbury P.I.N. 00802 0163 (LT). Assessment: RTP 22,500

4. Roll # 3650-110-004-10102 PT LT 9, CON 8 (RALEIGH) DESIGNATED AS PARTS 3 AND 4, 24R-5875 RALEIGH. Being Clinton St (North Buxton). P.I.N. 00872 0184(LT).

PT LT 171-172 PL OLD SURVEY AS IN 189221; CHATHAM-KENT. Being 405 Park St., Chatham ON N7M 3S7 P.I.N. 00503 0205 (LT)

22. Roll # 3650-420-043-05850 BLK A PL 578; CHATHAM-KENT. Being Victoria Ave, Chatham ON P.I.N. 00545 0182 (LT) Assessment: RTP 2,100

23. Roll # 3650-442-008-06300 LT 21 PL 352; CHATHAM-KENT. Being 75 Dell St., Wallaceburg P.I.N. 00584 0094 (LT) Assessment: RTP 17,400

Tenders must be submitted in the prescribed form and must be accompanied by a deposit in the form of a money order, bank draft, or cheque certified by a bank or trust corporation payable to the municipality (or board) and representing at least 20 per cent of the tender amount.

Except as follows, the municipality makes no representation regarding the title to or any other matters relating to the land to be sold. Responsibility for ascertaining these matters rests with the potential purchasers. This sale is governed by the Municipal Act, 2001 and the Municipal Tax Sales Rules made under that Act. The successful purchaser will be required to pay the amount tendered plus accumulated property taxes and any taxes that may be applicable such as the land transfer tax.

The lands do not include mobile homes situate on the lands.

The municipality has no obligation to provide vacant possession to the successful purchaser.

A copy of the prescribed form of tender is on the Municipality of Chatham-Kent website, www.chatham-kent.ca and on the website of the Government of Ontario Central Forms Repository under the listing for the Ministry of Municipal Affairs.

Tune into our Municipal Facebook page for a virtual event where the tenders will be opened live beginning at 3:20 p.m. Further details are available by visiting www.chatham-kent.ca.

For further information regarding this sale and a copy of the prescribed form of tender contact:

Title

Amy McLellan, Manager Revenue or Matthew Torrance, Deputy Tresasurer

Address of Municipality or Board

315 King Street West, P O Box 640, Chatham, Ontario N7M 5K8

Name of Municipality or Board

Municipality of Chatham-Kent

www.chatham-kent.ca

Personal information contained on this form, collected pursuant to the Municipal Act will be used for the purposes of that Act. Questions should be directed to the Freedom of Information and Privacy Co-ordinator at the institution responsible for the procedures under that Act.

Outdoor education area unveiled

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

There are babes in the woods at St. Clair College’s Thames Campus. Young pupils, teachers and aspiring early childhood educators (ECEs) are there too.

Last week marked the grand opening of the school’s new outdoor education lab. Located in a shady grove of maples beside the Mary Uniac building, the welcoming space features native plants, a small wooden teepee and canoe, a circle made of log stools where youngsters can gather, raised garden beds and an outdoor obstacle course. Leading educators and politicians attended the ribbon cutting, with many championing the benefits of nature and the outdoors on a child’s developing brain.

“The benefits are really two-fold,” said St. Clair College ECE professor Brenda Huff, adding out-

door education benefits adult learners as well as children.

Spending time in natural spaces helps reduce stress and enhance wellness for people of all ages, Huff said, allowing the individual to be “connected back to nature.

“Our students are able to make the connection back to the land and they report a lot of health benefits,” Huff added. “Compared to a traditional classroom indoors, we’re doing a lot of instructional teaching out in a space where we can do experiential learning.”

Some of the ECE courses incorporate land-based Indigenous teachings as well, Huff said.

Kelly Emery, director of community and human services/child care for the municipality, said nurturing children’s brains with nature-based experiences is essential.

“Early brain development pays back an investment for years and years to come,” Emery told the

gathering. “We need to remember that. Early years are the cornerstone of our economy. Let’s keep that in mind as we move forward.”

Emery said the type of learning occurring in the outdoor lab is vital, as skilled ECEs are needed

throughout the province “more than ever.”

The St. Clair College outdoor education lab is one of 10 at colleges in Canada affiliated with an Okanagan College Applied Faculty Research project aimed at exploring research and practices

Bowl-a-thon to help Hope Haven

The Chatham Voice Chatham-Kent lawyers are looking to strike out hunger at the Feed the Hungry Bowl-a-thon June 17. Running from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., the first-time event will help provide food and support for community partner Hope Haven.

In a media release, the group said local lawyers are trying to help those who may be struggling due to the alarming cost of living, with some having to choose between paying for housing and basic needs or putting food on the table. Some of the proceeds from the event will also go towards the homeless, whose needs are even more dire.

The event, to be held at Chatham Bowlerama, will feature 10 lanes and 60 bowlers.

The group is taking registrations for teams of six but if you can’t at-

tend, there are other sponsorship opportunities.

Individual tickets are $50 to regis-

ter which includes bowling shoes. Registration can be made online.

associated with outdoor pedagogy. Huff is one of the faculty on the initiative.

St. Angela Merici Catholic School has also partnered with the college on the new space, bringing their kindergarten students to the lab on a rotat-

ing basis. The new outdoor lab received funding from three partners, including the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, the Chatham-Kent YMCA Foundation and the St. Clair College Alumni Association.

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of Linck Child, Youth and Family Supports will be held on

Tuesday, June 27, 2023 at the hour of 4:00 p.m.

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

Contributed image

Officials and educators gathered to mark the grand opening of the Early Childhood Education Outdoor Education Lab at the St. Clair College Thames Campus in Chatham.

In This

Fundraising continues for Music for the Mind

The fundraising group Music for the Mind is hitting the stage later this month for its final event of their “tour,” and organizers hope to hit the right note.

A good turnout at June 24’s Singing into Summer outdoor concert will get Music for the Mind past its target of raising $50,000 in its 2022-23 fundraising season.

“We’re close, but not there yet,” Music for the Mind’s Elisha Banks told The Chatham Voice recently. Music for the Mind is raising funds for Family Service Kent and the KIDS (Kent InterDisciplinary Support) Team, which operates through Family Service Kent.

“Fifty per cent is going to be used by Family Service Kent to provide minimal-fee or free counselling for people six years of age and older,” Banks said. “And for the KIDS Team program, their portion will help cover the costs of psychological assessments for children and youth up until the age of 18. These assessments can run a parent anywhere from $2,000 to $4,000. It’s just not a cost that most people can afford.”

In the past, Music for the Mind had partnered with the Foundation of the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, raising funds to support people in the adult in-patient mental health

ward at CKHA, but Banks pulled that support in early 2022 after learning the funds the group had raised were sitting in a bank account rather than being spent to purchase supplies the patients in the ward needed at the time.

In two years, Banks had raised about $92,000 for the foundation. After switching organizations and gears, Banks has been aggressive with her $50,000 fundraising target. She hopes the concert will put her over the mark.

“I’m very excited about this event. It’s been a lot of work, but it will be worth it in the end,” Banks said. “Hopefully, we’ll go out with a bang on the drum.”

Singing into Summer takes place outside at Sons of Kent. Six bands – Dirt Country, Southwind Buoys, Cellar Door, 40 Hours Over, Paper Jam, and DTX: The Dave Trinca Xperience – will entertain from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. Gates open at 2 p.m. Banks said it’s a family-friendly concert. In fact, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., there will be a face painter on hand. Furthermore, there will be food trucks, vendors and outdoor games taking place as well. For tickets, visit facebook.com/ musicforthemindck or call 519-4375254. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Children aged 12 and under are free.

JDRF walk set for June 4 in Chatham

The Chatham Voice

Kylee Eltervoog, 11, has once again been chosen as ambassador of the annual Chatham Sun Life Walk to Cure Diabetes for JDRF on June 4.

The Blenheim youngster

was the area’s top fundraiser for the event in 2022 and has been working hard on raising even more money for diabetes research this year

Held at Kingston Park in Chatham, registration begins at 11 a.m. with the

World Environment Day on 5 June is the biggest international day for the environment. Led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and held annually since 1974, the event has grown to be the largest global platform for environmental outreach, with millions of people from across the world engaging to protect the planet.

The world is being inundated by plastic. More than 400 million tonnes of plastic is produced every year, half of which is designed to be used only once. Of that, less than 10 per cent is recycled. An estimated 19-23 million tonnes end up in lakes, rivers and seas. Today, plastic clogs our landfills, leaches into the ocean and is combusted into toxic smoke, making it one of the gravest threats to the planet. Not only that, what is less known is that microplastics find their way into the food we eat, the water we drink and even the air we breathe. Many plastic products contain hazardous additives, which may pose a threat to our health.

kickoff taking place at noon.

A kid’s zone play area will also be featured along with refreshments. Many community groups are stepping up to help. Lunch will be provided free of charge

thanks to the generosity of the Chatham Optimist Club. As well, new community partner Starbucks will be providing food and drinks.

Special guests at the event include Mayor Darrin Canniff and Chatham

resident Laura Sabourin, who will both make remarks. Plus, Sarah Hale will lead a Zumba warm up. The walk’s purpose is to collect donations for type 1 diabetes research.

Income tax receipts are

available for any donations made.

Anyone who wishes to walk the route must register for liability reasons. Interested participants can register online at or on site prior to the event.

Canadians throw away over three million tonnes of plastic waste every year. That’s as heavy as 25,000 blue whales! Only 9 percent is recycled while the rest ends up in our landfills, waste-to-energy facilities or the environment. Plastic waste and marine litter threaten the health of our environment including our wildlife, rivers, lakes and oceans. Here are eight tips on reducing your plastic waste:

• Use reusable products like mugs, food containers and shopping bags

• Refuse single-use cutlery, straws and individual packets when ordering food

• Support businesses that are reducing their plastic footprint

• Wash and reuse plastic containers and resealable plastic bags

• Many products containing plastic microbeads, such as cleansers and toothpaste, are now banned in Canada. Avoid purchasing them from elsewhere since they are toxic to water ways, wildlife and people

• Use your purchasing power to buy products that can be reused, repaired or repurposed

• Learn about what can be recycled in your municipality

• Organize or join a clean-up project in your community

Did you know?

The same properties that make plastics so useful - their durability and resistance to degradation also make them nearly impossible for nature to completely break down. Most plastic items never fully disappear; they just break down into smaller and smaller pieces. Those microplastics can enter the human body through inhalation and absorption and accumulate in organs.

’Burg residents mourn crash victims

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

The community of Wallaceburg is reeling following a catastrophic crash on the long weekend that claimed three young lives and injured two others.

According to Chatham-Kent police, Victoria Baertsoen, 24, Matthew Cousins, 24, and Shae-Lynn Bachus, 23, perished in the collision. Selena Bushey, 22, sustained non-life-threatening injuries, while Mackenzie Vandroffelaar, 25, is in serious, but stable condition.

The collision occurred at the intersection of McNaughton Avenue and Wallace Street on May 21, shortly before 10 p.m. It involved a car and a tanker truck.

A makeshift memorial has cropped up at the site of the accident, as flowers, hockey and lacrosse sticks and other items have been left at the roadside.

Mayor Darrin Canniff called the news “heartbreaking.

“As a community, we sit in shock and grief, thinking of the families, friends and C-K staff who are suffering an unthinkable loss,” Canniff said in a media release Tuesday.

“Our thoughts also extend to the driver of the tanker truck as well as our first responders who attended at the scene and provided exemplary service,” he said.

Flags were flown at half-staff in honour of the young lives at the Wallaceburg Municipal Centre last week.

Regional park for Bear Line?

Voice

St. Clair College could be donating land on Bear Line to the municipality for the development of a regional park.

The issue was to come before council on Monday.

If approved, the design for the park would begin immediately and is expected to provide a space for a variety of recreational activities.

“We are thrilled to have this land donated from St. Clair College for this project,” said Mayor Darrin Canniff in a media release.

“We are happy to work with Chatham-Kent on this donation and to have the opportunity to contribute to the community through this great project,” said Patti France, president of St. Clair College.

Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice

People place flowers among the makeshift memorial that went up at the site of the fatal crash May 21 on McNaughton Avenue in Wallaceburg.

The Chatham

Community group seeks new facility

The Chatham Voice

After two years operating out of the Downtown Chatham Centre, The Community Shop is searching for a new home. The shop is part of ComeTogetherCK (CTCK), and the parent organization is in the hunt for a new space overall.

The registered non-profit organization seeks a building to accommodate its growing needs and amplify its impact within the community, officials said.

Since its establishment in 2020, CTCK has worked towards building community, unleashing untapped potential in residents and enriching lives across the

municipality.

CTCK is a volunteer-led, incorporated not-for-profit entity that was instrumental in the creation of The May 16th Miracle food drive and The Gift annual Christmas gift/food drive, as well as several other initiatives designed to support the community.

As well, over the past two years, one of the initiatives the group has facilitated is the establishment of the ComeTogetherCK Community Shop. The shop operates as a workshop and pantry space to support members of the community. It operates with a volunteer group of more than 20 people who do whatever is needed.

Since The Community Shop was started, initiatives have included large downtown clean up days designed to clean debris and assist in beautification efforts in the downtown core, and more.

CTCK officials are looking for a new space with

increased capacity and improved accessibility and convenience.

“As the demand CTCK’s services has grown, there is an urgent need for a larger facility that can accommodate additional volunteers,” CTCK officials stated in a media release. “This will enable the organization to serve a greater number of individuals and families

within the community.”

CTCK looks to expand existing programs and develop new initiatives in a new space as well.

Location for the building is important too. Officials said being centrally located will “ensure equitable access to services, making it easier for individuals from all backgrounds to benefit from the organization’s programs.”

CTCK’s executive director Brent Wilken thanked

the owners of the DCC for letting them establish The Community Shop there.

“We are extremely grateful to the owners of the Downtown Chatham Centre,” he said. “The owners gave us space for The Gift 2021 as a distribution site and from there, The Community Shop was born. Had they not supported our vision and the work we do, The Community Shop may not exist today. We thank them for believing in us and giving us space to dream big.”

Now, CTCK is looking for about 20,000 square feet, with sufficient parking, with potential for future expansion.

To contact CTCK, Wilken can be reached at 519-784-2800 or by e-mail at info@cometogetherck.com.

Chatham Voice file photo

At the Come Together CK Community Shop at the Downtown Chatham Centre, Gerald Roebert, Curly Peterson and Justin Barnier cut the Plexiglas doors for a little library that was installed at Mitchell’s Bay in 2022. The shop, and parent organization ComeTogetherCK, are looking for a new location.

Hobbling, but more mobile

The cane is parked.

At least most of the time.

A bit of foreshadowing came on a recent morning when I hopped in the pickup and headed off to work, forgetting my cane, a prop I’ve used for almost a year now.

It began as my left hip deteriorated and my doc advised me to get one to steady my walking. I used it periodically at first, and then relied on it by last fall.

But on May 24, I left it at home. I had been only using it periodically for a number of days prior to that, yet continued to bring it with me.

I turned around and retrieved the cane, as I had physiotherapy at Peach Physio that day, and Yolla, my awesome physiotherapist, pushed me on my previous visit to the point I needed the cane to walk out of there.

It’s not that she pushed me too hard, but that some stepping exercises left my leg and back fatigued. However, this time, I performed all exercises without an issue. I could feel the muscles being stronger than they were on my last visit.

I have not been a model patient, as I have not been 100 per cent committed to my home physio exercises, but I have been moving around a great deal more, and the strength continues to build.

Yolla thinks I might only need one more physio visit and she can send me on my way to continue to improve at home.

I have to admit, I feared at some point, I’d be relying on that cane for the rest of my life, but my muscles have responded well.

I’m at the point now where my lower back is my problem, as the hip pain is all but gone.

Then again, I’m still on blood thinners for months to come, due to the clots that had formed in my lungs as a complication from surgery, but one thing at a time.

Some of that activity is doing more around the house and yard. Family came in and did some great work recently helping get our yard in order, and I mostly watched. But during the initial phases of the backyard clean up, Brenna, our

daughter, and I were cleaning up the patio. OK, she was doing the work and I attempted to help out where I could.

We cleaned any leaves out from around the venerable and seemingly indestructible old beverage fridge I have on the patio. The bits of wood I had under the front legs of the fridge to level it had rotted away, but not this fridge.

I purchased this small refrigerator off a neighbour at least 19 years ago. He had acquired it at a yard sale, so I have no idea how old it is.

Regardless, when Brenna plugged it in, the old thing fired up right away and started chilling!

I used to put the fridge in the shed over the winters, but that stopped at least five years ago. I figured back then it was on its last legs. But it proves me wrong year after year, and has served many a chilled beverage to many a visitor.

It provided cold pop to the teenagers on clean-up day recently, and frosty adult beverages a weekend later on a fine afternoon of relaxation and barbecuing in our backyard.

One day, this dedicated fridge will cease to function, but I have appreciated every cold beverage I have pulled from it over the years.

Speaking of cleaning up the patio, the effort to pressure wash the area became an endeavour of futility. When we went to turn on the pressure washer, it blew the hose connection to the wand right off the unit. It turns out, the connection had cracked, likely due to frost.

Three of us stood staring at the water shooting out of the bottom of the pressure washer for a few seconds before anyone responded.

I’d have paid money to see the look on all our faces.

Bruce Corcoran

Rivait doesn’t let diagnosis slow her down

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

Amanda Rivait truly lives one day at a time.

The 29-year-old carries the gene for Huntington Disease (HD) – a progressive fatal brain disorder that robs those afflicted of their speech and motor skills.

However, even though Rivait is showing signs, it isn’t stopping her from living life to the fullest.

“I take life as it comes,” the Chatham resident explained stoically.

Rivait, one of six children, found out she had the inherited gene five years ago. She lost her mother Donna White to the illness in 2021. Chil-

dren with a parent who has HD have a 50-percent chance of inheriting the disease that affects one in 7,000 Canadians.

Last October, her Toronto neurologist diagnosed her with early symptoms, such as twitching in her hands, sleeping problems and pain and discomfort in her legs.

“They say it’s like having ALS, dementia and Alzheimer’s all in one,” Rivait explained. “It attacks everything.”

As HD progresses, physical, emotional and cognitive functioning are increasingly affected, with the person less able to control movements, recall events, make decisions and regulate emotions.

But Rivait is not one to

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sit around and wait. She’s doing all she can to inform others about the disease. After her diagnosis, she launched an online Facebook group which has 60 members and she knows of four other people who are affected in Chatham-Kent.

Rivait also spearheads flag raisings, attends national conferences, posts research, attends events such as the annual HD walk in Sarnia, and lends a listening ear.

“I like to spread awareness and meet other people who have HD,” Rivait explained. “We support each other.”

None of Rivait’s siblings have been tested for the illness – a fact she understands.

“Lots of people don’t want to know,” she acknowledged. “They’d rather live their life and if it happens, it happens.” But Rivait, who works as a line cook at the Central Tavern in Pain Court, said she’s someone who likes

to plan ahead. “I like to know things,” she said. “I’d rather be able to plan and know what’s going to happen.”

Rivait is married to her wife Carrie Young and helps parent two step-children. She is also

an avid volunteer who helps cook and distribute meals with the Salvation Army, along with her HD awareness activities. The Facebook group is called People Affected by Huntington Disease in Chatham-Kent.

Contributed image

Amanda Rivait and her mentor Celine Payne of Sarnia are pictured at the recent flag raising at the Chatham Civic Centre that marked May as Huntington Disease awareness month in Chatham-Kent.

Community Events

Thursday, June 1, 2023:

• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am-9:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch from 11:00am1:30pm. Senior euchre at 1:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome.

• Jamboree at Merlin Legion, 2 Stanley Street. 1:00-4:30. Entry $2 donation. Bring your instruments, singing voices or simply come and clap & dance along to the music that’s created. Kitchen opens at 4pm. Panzerotti special or menu available. 519-689-4884.

Friday, June 2, 2023:

• Adult Colouring at the CKPL Chatham Branch Community Living Café. Every Friday. 2:00pm until 4:00pm. Are you looking for a creative outlet? Need some time to escape the everyday? Come and connect with people of all ages and skill levels while colouring away the stress of the day. Come alone or bring a friend. No registration required, come and go as you please.

• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am-9:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch 11:00am-1:30pm. Supper served from 4:00-6:00. No orders after 5:30pm. Tonight’s specials are ham & scallops or fish & chips. Take out is available by calling 519-351-8733 or 519-3515639. Fun Darts at 7:00pm. Everyone Welcome.

• Friday night supper at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St. Turkey dinner with potatoes, stuffing, vegetable, salad and a bun. Dine ins $15 and pickups $16. Please call 519352-8291 to reserve or to place an order. Everyone welcome.

• Merlin Legion 2 Stanley Street, opens at 4 pm. Merlickin pork chops served with fries or homemade potato salad + veggies 13.72 + tax = $15.50 call to reserve your meal if possible. 519-689-4884

Saturday, June 3, 2023:

• 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-10:30am. Take out only.

Fun Stuff

• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham meat draw at 3:30, 4:30 and 5:30 pm. Kitchen open from 3:00 pm5:15pm. Entertainment by The Good Old Boys + 2 from 4:30-9:30. Come check out our menu. Everyone Welcome.

Sunday, June 4, 2023:

• Creekside Church - 10:00 a.m Sunday’s at the Active Lifestyle Centre, Merritt Ave. Haven’t been to church in a while? Come find community with us. creeksidechurch.ca.

• The annual Chatham Sun Life Walk to Cure Diabetes for JDRF will be held at Kingston Park, 91 Paxton Drive, Chatham. Registration for the event at 11am and the kick-off to the walk at noon. The event includes a Kid’s Zone and refreshments.

• Memorial Day Service at St. Thomas Anglican Church, 7077 Grand River Line. 11:15am.

Tuesday, June 6, 2023:

• Chess Club at Chatham Branch of CKPL. 6:00pm-8:00pm. Drop in program. Great opportunity to learn new strategies by playing with different players. All ages and all skill levels are welcome.

• Diabetes, Healthy Feet & You, 6:00pm-8:30pm. Join us and learn how to take control of your health! Access virtual programs using any computer, tablet, or smartphone. All workshop materials are provided free of charge. Free registration by using link: https://dhfy_june6. eventbrite.ca.

• Master Your Health Chronic Conditions, Tuesdays, June 6-July 11, 2023, 9:30am-12:00pm. Join us and learn how to take control of your health! Access virtual programs using any computer, tablet, or smartphone. All workshop materials are provided free of charge. Free registration by using link: https://myhcc_july12. eventbrite.ca.

• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am-9:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch from 11:00am-1:30 pm. Today’s special is Spaghetti with meat sauce. Euchre at 1:00. Evening shuffleboard starting at 7:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome.

Wednesday, June 7, 2023:

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

Thursday, June 8, 2023:

• Chatham-Kent Public Library (CKPL) is collaborating with Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to provide the interactive webinar “Be Scam Smart.” This virtual information session will take place from 3:00 to 4:00 pm. Join the webinar virtually via Zoom or attend the live session being shown at CKPL’s Blenheim, Chatham, and Dresden branches and the Ridgetown Adult Center. During this information session, a CRA representative will provide information on:recognizing various CRA-related scams, steps you can take to protect yourself from scams, what to do if you’re a victim of a scam and helpful services and tools. Participants will also be able to ask questions. Register for this free information session in-person at your local CKPL branch or by contacting Ask CKPL: Phone: 519-354-2940. Text: 519-401-7174. Email: cklibrary@chatham-kent.ca. Facebook Chat: @ckplibrary.

• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am-9:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch from 11:00am-1:30 p.m. Senior Euchre at 1:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome.

• Jamboree at Merlin Legion 2 Stanley Street 1:00-4:30. Entry $2 donation. Bring your instruments, singing voices simply come and clap & dance along to the music that’s created. Kitchen opens at 4pm. Panzerotti special or menu available. 519-689-4884.

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

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

Submit your coming events to bruce@chathamvoice.com or michelle@chathamvoice.com

CLUES ACROSS

1. Sloping position

5. Descendant of a notable family

10. Following accepted norms

12. Root vegetable

14. Having a shape that reduces drag from air

16. Integrated circuit

18. Records electric currents of the heart

19. Used to anoint

20. Japanese city

22. After B

23. Muffles

25. Pass over

26. Vase

27. Soft touch

28. A baglike structure in a plant or animal

30. Patti Hearst’s captors

31. Israeli politician

33. Degrade

35. Type of wrap

37. Polyurethane fabric

38. Avoids capture

40. Vegetarians avoid it

41. Decay

42. Soviet Socialist Republic

44. Vessel to bathe in

45. Inches per minute (abbr.)

48. Frosts

50. Dipped into

52. Controversial replay system in soccer

53. Comforts

55. Needed for yoga

56. Ands/__

57. South Dakota

58. Printing system

63. Dramatic works set to music

65. Highest points

66. Social division

67. Used to treat Parkinson’s disease

CLUES DOWN

1. Hill or rocky peak

2. Initial public offering

3. Type of light

4. Test

5. Flaky coverings

6. Former NFLer Newton

7. Part of the eye

8. Roman god of the underworld

9. Negative

10. Indiana pro basketball player

11. Replaces lost tissue

13. Denotes one from whom title is taken

15. Historic college hoops tournament

17. Hut by a swimming pool

18. Defunct European monetary unit

21. Feeds on insects

23. Adult male

24. Melancholic

27. Sheets of glass

29. Slang for famous person

32. Not good

34. “Ghetto Superstar” singer

35. The “World” is one

36. Used to make guacamole

39. Midway between south and southwest

40. Wet dirt

43. Ancient Egyptian name

44. Set of four

46. Strips

47. Wife

49. More dried-up

51. Socially inept person

54. Clusters on fern fronds

59. Bar bill

60. Prefix indicating “away from”

61. Very important person

62. Fiddler crabs

64. Special therapy

Distillers seek to sell spirits in grocery stores

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

The head of Spirits Canada has a burning question for the Ontario government to sip on.

“Why do consumers have greater access to beer and wine made in foreign countries over spirits made by Ontario distillers, using 100-per-cent locally grown grains?” is the inquiry Jan Westcott keeps asking as president and CEO of the trade association representing Canadian distillers.

Westcott paid a visit to Chatham recently, making a stop at the John D. Bradley Centre to talk to farmers and political leaders, regarding the ongoing dilemma faced by the industry. He said it’s time to change the conversation and spark change at the political level.

Beer and wine can be sold at local grocery stores, but spirits or liquor can only be purchased at an LCBO (Liquor Control Board of Ontario) outlet and West-

cott says that’s not fair.

“We want the legislation to change to be able to compete,” he said, noting “it’s time to go out and shake the tree to put some pressure on Queen’s Park.

“We need to arm our MPPs with the information and the public needs to let them hear about it,” Westcott said. “Products made in Ontario should be sold in Ontario.”

Spirits Canada has been working hard to effect change. In February, they submitted a letter to Ontario Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy prior to the provincial budget, asking the minister to support Ontario’s distilled spirits industry by initiating a modest pilot project to examine the sale of spirits in grocery stores selling beer and wine, and to extend the current offering of beer and wine in grocery stores to include ready-to-drink spirits and coolers.

No dice.

“We’ve heard from members of the legislature that they support this,” Wescott added,

“but nothing happens. We’ve grown tired of the excuses. What’s going on? We hear ‘buy local’ but instead Ontarians are supporting jobs and businesses elsewhere, instead of their own province.”

Ontario’s distilling industry is a big player on the agricultural stage. It is the fourth largest buyer of corn and largest purchaser of rye, eating up between 225,000 and 250,000 tonnes per year. Westcott likes to point out the industry doesn’t buy as much grain as feedlots and ethanol producers, but producers “pay the highest price” for quality.

That’s why Spirits Ontario is taking their awareness campaign on the road, talking to the folks who farm the land. There’s another bright spot for grain producers relating to the industry. In St. Clair Township, north of Wallaceburg, Diageo is building a 400-acre distillery and warehouse complex to produce Crown

Royal Canadian Whiskey. The $245-million carbon neutral project is the first new distillery to be built in Canada in 50 years. Kathleen Wynne was premier of Ontario when it became legal to sell beer and wine at grocery stores, and Spirits Canada was hoping to see a change under the Ford government, but noth-

ing’s happened. Currently, beer and wine are sold at 450 grocery stores in the province,

400-plus beer stores and there are an additional 272 private businesses where wine is sold.

Angelo Tourlas, DD info@maplecitysmiles.ca www.maplecitysmiles.ca

On behalf of the “Friends of Chatham Gathering” 2023, Ray O’Phee, Mike Dorner & Howie Morton, we would like to thank the individuals and the community for the success of another Hospice event. Together we raised over $11,000 for the Chatham-Kent Hospice. Special thanks go to Julie Dorner & Kim Toulouse for putting on a delicious meal of pulled pork and donating 100% of the proceeds ($700). Other special thanks go to the KBD Club (Fred Dierickx) for hosting the venue and The Southwind Buoys for the music. Once again the community has shown their support through the generous donations that were used to raise money through door prizes. Thank You: O’Phee Mechanical, QPS Heating and Cooling, Denomy’s Audio, Red Barn, FX Display, Sweet C’s, Pie-Zano’s, Industry Salon, Frank Parker Jr., Pizazz! Flowers, What’s 4 Dinner, Molson Labatts, Floating Therapy, Craves Poutinerie, Quo Vadis Pizzeria, Retro Suites Hotel, Maple City Bakery, FGI Fort Garry Indsutries, Schinkels Gourmet Meats, Traylor Parker Real Texas BBQ, KBD Hall, Rubies Inc, BAJA Café, Ross Farms, Mike’s Place, Peavy Mart, All Canadians, Holland Optical, Original 2 Pizzas, Frick’s Fish & Chips, M&M Food Market, Augie’s Barber Shop, Back Yard Iron Works, Sarah’s Farm Market, Sons of Kent Brewing Company, Chilled Cork Restaruant and Lounge, Cunningham Sheet Metal Works Inc., Crazy Carpets, Just Pop on In, Backyard BBQ, Mike’s Car Toys, Canadid Chaos, Valet Car Wash, The Stubby Goat, Dempsters Bread, Waddick’s Fuel - Petro, Vavoline Express Care, Tony’s One Stop Music, Maple City Marine Ltd., APC Auto Parts Centres, Great Canadian Super Store, Lenvoer’s Family Meat Market, Hidden Hills Golf & Country Club, and of

Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice Spirits Canada president and CEO Jan Westcott speaks to farmers in Chatham recently at the John D. Bradley Centre. The trade association for liquor distillers wants the Ontario government to lessen restriction on the sale of spirits in Ontario.

Mayor looks through ‘investment lens’

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

Mayor Darrin Canniff says the

David Valente DaCosta

73, Sunday, May 21, 2023

key to Chatham-Kent’s success is planning for the future. That means big-time infrastructure investment, embrac-

OBITUARIES

Donald “Bill” Cragg

88, Monday, May 22, 2023

ing diversity, and creating a top-notch quality of life.

Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home

Barbara Janina Polewicz

74, Thursday, May 18, 2023

Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home

Gary Keith Keane

70, Wednesday, May 10, 2023

Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home

John Neff

60, Wednesday, May 17, 2023

Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home

Sr. Mary Frances Dorschell

Monday, May 22, 2023

Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home

Abram Friesen

65, Friday, May 19, 2023

Kendrick Funeral Home

Kim Roy Chauvin

69, Wednesday, May 24, 2023

Nicholls Funeral Home

Melissa Copeland

44, Monday, May 15, 2023

Life Transitions

Frederick Andrews

80, Sunday, May 21, 2023

Life Transitions

David Harris

61, Sunday, May 21, 2023

Life Transitions

Serving Kingsville, Wheatley & Chatham kendrickfuneralhome.com

Life Transitions

Jacoba Nydam (Leegwater)

94, Wednesday, May 24, 2023

Life Transitions

Steven Arnold

42, Monday, May 22, 2023

McKinlay Funeral Home

Jerry Vandenberg

99, Monday, May 22, 2023

McKinlay Funeral Home

Annie Hough

74, Wednesday, May 24, 2023

McKinlay Funeral Home

Wayne Howes

78, Wednesday, May 24, 2023

McKinlay Funeral Home

Una Ann Campbell

91, Sunday, May 22, 2023

McKinlay Funeral Home

Anna Deshaw

92, Thursday, May 25, 2023

McKinlay Funeral Home

“I want my kids and grandkids to want to live here,” Canniff said at the recent 19th annual Chatham-Kent Chamber of Commerce Mayor’s Address at Retro Suites. “I want a community that people are saying ‘I want to live here because of the quality of life.’”

According to Canniff, every step the municipality takes is being put through “an investment lens.

“That’s the most important job we have as council,” the mayor told the group. “The things that we decide on today set the tone for the years to come.”

As part of his talk, Canniff laid out eight ways to attract new residents

and business to Chatham-Kent. Business partnerships, recognizing achievement and engaging with local youth are on the mayor’s list.

“There are currently 700 jobs listed on CK Jobs,” Canniff stressed, adding he wants every youth in the community to be aware of those opportunities to help build on the reasons why young people want to stay and put down roots in Chatham-Kent.

Planning for the future includes getting commercial and industrial lands serviced and shovel ready, which could necessitate borrowing money, Canniff added, but noted it would all be worth it.

“Chatham-Kent is a big place,” the mayor said. “We have a lot of industrial land; it’s not serviced. So, we need to start tak-

ing those priority areas and start making sure we’re investing in the water and wastewater infrastructure.”

He stressed that the municipality needs to invest a “significant” amount on infrastructure moving forward, but noted the costs will be borne by new industry, not the taxpayer.

Ensuring there is an adequate power supply is another key piece, Canniff said, as is bringing unique public art and cultural projects – things that “make people smile.”

Canniff, who thanked municipal staff for their work in moving Chatham-Kent forward, said the municipality must remain proactive in order to access federal and provincial funding – something that’s become tougher to obtain in recent years.

New environmental awards for C-K

The Municipality of Chatham-Kent is collaborating with Can-Am Recycling of Tilbury to sponsor a new environmental award program, the Go Green Awards.

The program will allow residents to nominate companies, classrooms, and individuals for a variety of environmental awards, with winners receiving a plaque and recognition for their efforts.

The Go Green Awards is an initiative aimed at recognizing and promoting environmental stewardship in the community. The awards will be evaluated by other environmental stakeholders, such as the local conservation authorities, CK to the Power of Young People Advisory Group, and the Chatham-Kent Chamber of Commerce.

Lawrence Pazner said the company is happy to be involved.

“At Can-Am Recycling, we’re committed to promoting environmental sustainability in everything we do,” he said. “That’s why we’re proud to sponsor the Go Green Awards, an initiative that recognizes the individuals, organizations, and businesses who are making a real difference in the fight against climate change.”

Nominations for the Go Green Awards will be open to all residents of Chatham-Kent. The awards will

recognize a wide range of environmental efforts, including waste reduction, energy conservation, sustainable transportation, and environmental education.

The awards will also recognize efforts to protect and restore natural areas and wildlife habitats in the community.

Pazner said he thinks the awards are a great way to celebrate environmental success stories.

The Go Green Awards program is a part of the Municipality’s commitment to environmental sustainability and promoting a green economy in the region.

• Business Voice is a bi-monthly column in The Chatham Voice that highlights some of the achievements made and efforts underway in C-K’s business community.

The Chatham Voice

Can-Am Recycling owner

Darrin Canniff

John Neff

It is with great sadness, that we announce, the passing of John Fredrick Neff, age 60, of Chatham, on Wednesday May 17, 2023. Born in Chatham in 1962, loving son of Donna (Grocott) Neff and the late William “Bill” Neff (May 5, 2023). Dear brother of Deb (Art) Strohm, Sandy (Trevor) Richardson, Michael (Tammy) Neff and Sally Neff. He is also survived by his aunts, Mary Joyce (Aldeo) Rossignol and Mary Jane (Ralph) Pyne and several cousins. Proud uncle to several nieces and nephews and their children. John was a true lover of nature and the outdoors. He took great pride, in the care and maintenance, of the grounds, at Indian Creek Golf Course. In recent years, he was a welder, at Pioneer (Corteva). Our memories of John, will forever be, his hearty laugh and his impish smile. We take great comfort, in believing that he and Dad are now together. Special thank you, to John’s caring nurses and doctors, in ICU and the incredible Trillium staff, who helped fulfill John’s wish, of being a successful organ donor. Cremation has taken place and a graveside service took place in St. Anthony’s Cemetery on Friday May 26, 2023 at 1 PM. Donations to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home, 156 William St. S., Chatham (519-352-5120). Online condolences welcomed at www. peseski.com

For Sale

Silk Cemetery

Saddle Arrangements. Everyday/ Holidays. Ready-to-go. Many colours available. $40.

519-354-3411

Wanted

Wanted to rent or buy 3 or 4 acres of land in Chatham-Kent area. No buildings or utilities needed. Rural area preferred. 519-352-5414 or 226-6275414.

Vandenberg: Gerrit (JERRY)

A resident of Chatham, Jerry Vandenberg passed away at Riverview Gardens on May 22, 2023 at the age of 99. Born in Ermelo, Jerry was the son of the late Cornelius and Geertruida (née Schipper) Vandenberg. Beloved husband to Elena (née DeVries). Loving Father to Case & Ticky Vandenberg of Blenheim, John Vandenberg (2018) of Chatham, George & Linda Vandenberg of Chatham, and Hans & Laura Vandenberg of Blenheim. Beloved grandfather to Annie, Christopher, Leah, Jeff, and Shawn. Loved and missed by eight great grandchildren. The family would like to offer a special thank you to Jerry’s circle of friends at Church for their ongoing support of Jerry. A special thank you is also extended to the staff at Revera, Riverview Gardens and the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance for the special care they gave dad. Cremation has taken place. Memorial donations made in memory of Jerry to the Alzheimer Society or Calvary Christian Reformed Church would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com

Ministry

Healing Love Ministry is an all night prayer line with counsellors available from 12:00am7:00am. Also, a male support group for those struggling with sexual addiction. A home based ministry, private and confidential.

519-354-3532.

Bungalow for Rent. 720 sq ft & small backyard. 2 small bedrooms, 3pc bath, laundry, kitchen stove, fridge, kitchen island with 4 bar stools, driveway for cars. Contact 647.639.4528.

Looking For

Obituary Obituary Happy Birthday

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YARD SALENIGHTFALL COURT, PRESTANCIA

June 3rd, 8am. Antiques, vinyl records. Rain date June 10.

Wanted

Yard Sale For Rent

Wanted to Buy: Antiques, costume jewellery, gold, silver, coins, military, furniture, tools. We Buy AllPaid Cash. 519727-8894.

Wanted: scrap air conditioners and electric motors. Will pick up anything. Phone 226-229-2614.

BUYING: coin collections and silver coins. Any questions call Paul 289-2282817.

Shared Accommodation

Seeking compatible senior, 70-years-plus to share a luxury 2-bedroom apartmetn in Chatham. Congenial person, non-smoker, social drinker, with a good sense of humour. For more information please call 519397-4784.

519-354-9157

This Weeks Puzzle answers. Puzzles on page 20