The Chatham Voice, Aug. 10, 2023

Pugh celebrates 40 years leading concert band

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

Conducting the Chatham Concert Band has turned into a 40-year gig for Vaughn Pugh. And that’s on top of the 20 years he spent playing various instruments as a band member of what has become an iconic Chatham institution.

To mark four decades of Pugh leading the concert

band’s popular summer concert series, the veteran musician was surprised with a commemorative baton Aug 2 by fellow band member Bill Patterson. The presentation marked the re-creation of a picture taken by reporter Bob Boughner in 1984 showing the two dark-haired mustachioed young men in suits, with Patterson replete in retro aviator glasses. The back-to-the-past re-

make at the Tecumseh Park bandshell saw Pugh accept the baton a second time.

The local lawyer, a proficient musician who plays several instruments, has now earned the distinction of serving as the Chatham band’s longest-reigning music director in its 96-year history. Longevity seems to come with the turf. Pugh replaced Phil Carney, who held the post for 24 years.

Carney followed in Sid Chamberlain’s footsteps, who served as the band’s conductor for the first 31 years.

CCB president Mark Broadbent said Pugh “always advocates for the band and is the public face of the band,” noting he and the band are “ef-

fectively synonymous.

“He is a talented and learned musician on trumpet, flugelhorn, French horn and piano,” Broadbent said. “He has a strong understanding of

a variety of musical styles and genres, everything from classical, rock, jazz, big band and funk.

“Band members certainly benefit from his deep understanding of music.

Pugh, who came to the band as a youngster by way of its free music makers education program, is married with two children and a granddaughter.

Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice

Chatham Concert Band conductor Vaughn Pugh accepts a ceremonial engraved baton from fellow bandmate Bill Patterson on Aug. 2 in Tecumseh Park. The two recreated a photograph taken in 1984 when Pugh took on the role of conducting the iconic Chatham band.

Cars, bikes, boats, more at WAMBO

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

The 35th rendition of the Wallaceburg Antique Motor & Boat Outing kicks off on Friday.

Chair Bill Wolsing said interest is overflowing for the event.

“We are good to go. We have over 200 cars on display this year, plus a wide range of old Harleys and other motorcycles,” he said. “We are doubling our boat display (from last year). We’ve got some American boats coming over. We are expecting about 45 to 50 boats.”

That includes The Welland, an 80-foot tugboat that will come up the Sydenham River to take part in WAMBO this year.

On top of the cars, motorcycles and boats, Wolsing said there will be a gathering of antique fire trucks on the south side of the river on Wallace Street.

“It will be a massive fire truck display,” he said. “I think they’ll be drawing water from the Sydenham and shooting it back into the river, showing how fire trucks work.”

An ongoing hurdle WAMBO organizers have had to deal with is the closure of the L.O. Stonehouse Memorial Walking Bridge. Out of commission for two years, the bridge was a handy link for residents crossing the river.

With events on both sides of the Sydenham, Wolsing said WAMBO organizers are running shuttle wagons over the course of Saturday.

“WAMBO is as big as it can get. The south side is a big part of WAMBO. The walking bridge is traditionally our connection,” he said. “We’ve revamped our people mover system. We’re basically having a 24-person covered wagon moving people around.”

Events and displays on the south side include the fire trucks, activities at the museum, a Canadian Armed Forces display and the soapbox derby. As much as the loss of the walking bridge is an obstacle, COVID-19 was a full-on roadblock.

“I’m really happy that COVID is over and we can really start moving forward. It really set us back a bit,” he said of WAMBO organizers.

WAMBO kicks off with boats arriving over the course of the day Friday.

The Knights of Columbus will be running their barbecue at the K of C Hall and will feature live music.

The Terry Glover Memorial Cruise embarks from Canadian Tire at 7 p.m., travelling to Dresden and back.

Cold South, a southern rock

tribute band, hits the main stage downtown about 7:30 p.m. Friday. Saturday features the vehicle displays along Main Street, and the fire trucks on Wallace Street.

Continued on page 5

Chatham Voice file photo WAMBO is sure to impress visitors to Wallaceburg this weekend, with a variety of classic and antique sights.

North Kent councillor says she’s ‘just speaking up’ for the people

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

Chatham-Kent Coun. Rhonda Jubenville believes in freedom of speech and in representing her constituents.

And even though she’s facing recommended sanctions from the municipality’s Integrity Commissioner for violating the code of conduct for elected officials, Jubenville says she was just doing her job.

“Chatham-Kent is a conservative and Christian-based community and these are the values and views that I represent,” Jubenville told The Voice in a recent interview, noting she has received an abundance of support from the community regarding the issue.

“In a nutshell, what I’m doing is speaking up for the constituents of Chatham-Kent,” Jubenville explained. “It makes sense that I am receiving support from this community.”

A recent probe by C-K Integrity Commissioner Mary Ellen Bench determined Jubenville was in violation of two sections of the Code of Conduct, in regard to social me-

Sounds of Motown

dia posts largely relating to flying Pride flags on municipal and a school’s property.

In a 47-page report, Bench said she had received “many complaints” about social media posts and related behaviour between April and June of this year, stating Jubenville had used “her influence as a public official” to intimidate others, utilizing “bully tactics to silence her critics.”

Bench recommends that Jubenville’s remuneration for serving on council be suspended for three months, which is the harshest penalty that can be given. Her fellow councillors will vote on the matter at the Aug. 14 council meeting, following a presentation by Bench, as well as a deputation by Jubenville’s lawyer Michael Alexander.

Jubenville said she’s not yet sure if she will be taking legal action on the issue. But whatever the outcome, the councillor said it won’t interfere with her commitment to represent the people of Chatham-Kent.

“Silencing the people of the municipality is very scary, if that does happen,” Jubenville said. “If they silence me, they’re silencing the peo-

ple who support me. This is about freedom of thought, freedom of opinion and freedom of religion.”

Jubenville said she understands diversity and would not want a council “full of conservatives and Christians.

“I appreciate that everyone on council has different beliefs...we all bring something different to the community.”

Even if her colleagues vote to dock her pay, Jubenville said it won’t affect her role as a councillor.

“It’s not going to be an issue, I’m still going to do my job, “ Jubenville said. “I’m still going to represent constituents.”

Earlier this spring, Jubenville tried unsuccessfully to get council to adopt a policy that would see only government flags flown at municipal sites, saying those represent “everyone.” The move came after a flag for Life in Motion – the educational arm of Right to Life Kent wasn’t raised at the Chatham-Kent Civic Centre.

Jubenville said that all special flags should fly on municipal flag poles or not none at all. Chatham-Kent does not currently have an official flag policy. As it stands, the mayor’s office is responsible for which flags are flown on

property.

Plenty of fun, sights at WAMBO

civic

Rhonda Jubenville

Continued from page 3 Art in the Park takes place downtown near the library. Vendors will showcase their wares all day long.

Rope making, face painting,

giant Plinko and a dunk tank are part of the fun set up at the Wallaceburg & District Museum.

Soapbox races take place on the south side at 1 p.m.

The fire trucks go on parade about 3 p.m.

Strange Magic, an Electric Light Orchestra tribute band, will entertain downtown that evening.

Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice Sounds of Motown members Kenni Hite, Toni Anderson and George St. Kitts brought the Motown sound to Emancipation Day celebrations at the Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History in Dresden.

Can’t have your cake and eat it too

Well, we knew it was going to happen, and it finally has. Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has started blocking Canadian news from its social media platforms. Why did one of the world’s richest companies decide to take this drastic step? In short, it doesn’t like the fact that after making money from the hard work of Canadian journalists for almost 17 years that they’re now required to fairly compensate the content creators. It basically wants to have its cake and eat it too – Facebook wants to make money from news, but is unwilling to provide the financial resources to ensure that reliable, trustworthy news can be created. But wait a minute, don’t newspapers choose to post their content on Facebook and Instagram? Why should they be able to make use of the social media tools for free and then expect payment for items that they themselves chose to share? Isn’t this just a case of newspapers not adapting to the times?

Hogwash.

What newspapers are doing on

social media is the same thing that’s been done for decades with print editions. Many titles have long histories of distributing copies, often free of charge, to local coffee shops, libraries and seniors’ residences in order to improve access to their content and to keep locals informed of the important community news of the week. Now, imagine that those coffee shops, libraries and seniors’ residences turned around and sold or rented those copies to patrons and residents and kept all the money for themselves. That doesn’t seem right, does it? Well, that’s exactly what Facebook, Instagram and Google are doing when they sell ads based on the traffic that quality community journalism brings to their sites. So, rather than helping to promote democracy and civic inclusion, as well as preventing the growth of unchecked misinformation on their platforms, the online giants have decided to place their bottom lines ahead of what’s best for their users.

Continued on page 7

Our letters to the editor policy

The Chatham Voice welcomes letters to the editor. Our preferred method to receive letters is via e-mail to bruce@ chathamvoice.com (use “Letter” in the

The deafening silence

Editor: In July 2019, the Ministry of Health launched an all-hazard investigation of well water in Chatham-Kent in response to concerns expressed by residents regarding the deterioration in the quality of water sourced from their private wells.

and/or the sediment contained potentially toxic substances.

subject line).

The Chatham Voice reserves the right to edit letters to the editor for brevity and clarity. All letters need to be signed.

Chatham Voice advertising policy

The publisher of this newspaper, CK Media Inc., reserves the right to clarify or refuse any advertisement based on its sole discretion. The publisher reserves the right to reject, discontinue or omit any advertisement without notice

or penalty to either party. Liability for errors or non-insertion is limited to the amount paid for the cost of space occupied by the error. Claims of errors must be made prior to the next publication date. A member of:

During construction and operation of several industrial wind turbine complexes in northern Chatham-Kent, residents noted the increased turbidity and discoloration of their water as well as the increased presence of sediment (very fine solid particles) in the water. Notably, it was feared that some of the sediment might be composed of a black shale that is known to be enriched in heavy metals.

Objectives of the investigation therefore included sampling and chemical analysis of both water and sediment to determine whether the water

An expert panel, of which I was a member, was tasked with providing advice and expertise to the investigation and also with submission of a report on the findings. In the report submitted in December 2021, the expert panel noted that although sampling and the full suite of analytical work was completed for water from 57 wells, the investigation failed to collect sediment from any of the wells. As a result of that failure, the expert panel recommended further work to sample sediment using properly adapted techniques, and to analyze those samples for potentially toxic substances.

In the absence of any signal from the Ontario Government that studies of the sediments would proceed, several local res-

idents decided to get the work done on their own wells. Sampling and analytical work were paid partly by well owners and partly with generous donations through a GoFundMe campaign. The results received between November 2022 and April 2023 revealed the presence of significant concentrations of heavy metals in the sediment from each of the nine wells sampled. The metals in question included, in varying amounts, arsenic, barium, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, lead, nickel and mercury.

As recommended by the expert panel, it remains to study the bioavailability of the metals in the sediments to determine whether those metals pose a health risk to residents who source their domestic water from private wells in the area.

Continued on page 8

Gordon Cameron

Newspapers simply seek fair share

Continued from page 6

However, despite protests to the contrary, I think they’re going to discover just how important the presence of local news content on their sites is to them.

Several large advertisers have already pledged to stop advertising on the platforms, and, if I were a betting man, I’d wager that the amount of time that Canadians spend actively engaging Facebook (one of the company’s key success metrics) will also go down as readers look elsewhere for the news and information they crave. Fortunately, since Facebook, Instagram and Google don’t create news, the news they’re hiding from you is still being

produced by the same local journalists you’ve come to know and trust.

You can start by visiting chathamvoice.com. This contains all the same stories that you would have previously seen on social media or Google, only without the middleman. And just like Facebook, if you check back often you’ll find new content waiting for you to read.

There is content on chathamvoice.com that does not appear in the print version.

For those who still wish to receive their news via social media, the paper’s Twitter account @chathamvoice is still active and will continue to send out links to the online versions.

And of course, you can always get your news from the print edition, which is delivered to you each week. If you live in an area where The Voice is not delivered to your door, reach out to the paper to see where you can pick up a copy.

Those of us who have chosen to make a career in journalism and newspapers understand the duty we have to keep our communities informed, to ensure that those with power don’t abuse it and to help promote a sense of belonging and pride in the places we call home. However, we can’t do it for free and we shouldn’t have to sit by while others earn money from our passion and efforts while contributing nothing to the cost of its creation.

It’s like believing that as long as we’re paying the grocery stores, the farmers can get nothing.

In that world, we’d all starve. In the world that Facebook, Instagram and Google seem to want to create, we’d all be starved for credible, reliable local news.

• Gordon Cameron is president and interim executive director of the Ontario Community Newspapers Association. g.cameron@ocna.org

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519-397-2020

Cabin to be a mental health haven

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

In a leafy clearing in Dawn-Euphemia Township, the spirit of Dalles Bergsma lives on.

That’s where his family

is building a respite cabin to honour the legacy of the young farmer and volunteer firefighter who took his own life in 2020.

“Everyone was blindsided by it,” his mother Diane Bergsma told The Voice in a recent inter-

view. “No one had any clue Dalles was suffering.

“All we saw was his smile.”

In response to the devastating loss, the Bergsma family has launched an ambitious project to help members of the ag-

ricultural community and first responders deal with mental health issues.

Dubbed the “Three Oaks Respite Cabin,” the effort will provide a safe haven for people to rest and regroup from stress or trauma that impacts – even

threatens – their lives.

With the official opening set for this November, Three Oaks will not only provide respite, it will offer self-directed mental health programs at no cost. The space will be made available to host groups and plans are also in the works to provide follow-up therapy.

The Bergmas are working with the National Farmer Mental Health Alliance and trained therapists to develop programming.

According to Diane, providing the service free of charge helps reduce the obstacles faced by those needing help.

“That’s the whole point,” Diane said. “We want to remove the barriers.”

To help fund the initiative and raise awareness about mental health in the farming and first responder communities, organizers are putting on Shifting Gears, a tractor parade, on Aug. 12. It begins at 887 Shetland Rd. near Florence, goes

around the country block and ends at the Florence Community Centre.

Registration for the event is by donation and the Bergsmas are hoping spectators will come out to line the parade route in a show of support.

The one-of-a-kind 1,400 sq. foot, three-bedroom, two-bathroom log cabin, is located on a 50-acre woodlot in Dawn-Euphemia north of Dresden. It’s a collaboration between Diane, her husband Al, and Dalles’ six surviving siblings.

Diane said the family is “compelled to share their story,” having had no idea of the threat of completed suicide as it relates to men in agriculture.

“We saw Dalles daily in our day-to-day farming operations,” explained Diane, adding Dalles and his wife were part of the family’s joint farming business.

To register for the event or learn more about the project visit threeoakscabin.com/shifting gears.

Waiting to hear from the province

Continued from page 6

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chatham@bioped.com

#7-455 Grand Ave E. Chatham

Open: Monday-Thursday 8am-5pm Friday 8am-4pm

On May 29, having been informed of the results obtained by the privately funded work, Chatham-Kent municipal council unanimously passed a resolution put forward by Coun. Jubenville of Ward 4 calling for the municipality to “strongly encourage” the Ministry of Health to proceed with the investigation of the potential health hazard associated with the sediment in well water within the footprints of industrial wind complexes in northern Chatham-Kent. Shortly thereafter, a letter was

addressed the Minister of Health notifying her of that resolution.

Bravo to the Municipal council for taking that action. The ball is now in the ministry’s court. Sadly, there has been no signal from the Ministry of Health that the unfinished work of the all-hazard investigation would proceed as requested by the municipality. The deafening silence thus far from the Ministry and also from the local MPP is terribly disappointing.

Keith Benn Chatham-Kent

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Golf tourney tops $70,000 in support of R.O.C.K. Missions

The Chatham Voice

Organizers of the Steve Bilodeau Memorial Golf Tournament put their best fundraising foot fore-ward recently.

The tournament, which took place earlier in the summer at Maple City Country Club, had 150 golfers on hand. The event raised more than $70,500.

R.O.C.K. Missions and

the James Street Drop-In Centre in Wallaceburg benefitted from the proceeds.

Bilodeau was born and raised in Wallaceburg, and always took great pride in supporting the community and operating businesses in Wallaceburg.

This community always held a very special place in his heart, and he was always looking for

ways to contribute and strengthen the town he loved so much.

One of Bilodeau’s final wishes before he died in 2022 was to see a homeless shelter continue to grow in the Wallaceburg community.

The money raised from the tournament will be used for future projects at the Centre in Wallaceburg located on James Street.

Renee Geniole, from R.O.C.K. Missions said the support is appreciated.

“This money will help us continue the work with the homeless in the community of Wallace-

burg, and offer more services to the community,” she said in a media release.

Contributed image

Renee Geniole of R.O.C.K. Missions, second from left, accepts a cheque of the proceeds from the Steve Bilodeau Memorial Golf Tournament from Bilodeau’s children Chelsea Bilodeau, Chantelle Seton, (wife) Cheryl Bilodeau, and Tyler Bilodeau.

New home for R.O.C.K.

R.O.C.K. Missions staff and volunteers are celebrating the move to a new address, one they say will help them better fulfil their mandate of supporting some of Chatham-Kent’s most vulnerable citizens as well as continue work on the expansion of their peer-topeer project.

R.O.C.K. is now located at 39 Richmond Street in Chatham. The move from their previous offices at the Chatham-Kent Nonprofit Centre comes after many months of program expansion, including the opening of the James St. Drop-In Centre in Wallaceburg last year and a large federal grant to continue their successful peerto-peer project across CK. “We were bursting at the seams,

which is great in terms of the growth of our organization, but it will be nice to be able to spread out a bit and have the space to work without wondering where all the donations should go,”

R.O.C.K. Missions’ operations co-ordinator Renee Geniole said in a media release.

The new offices do not have set hours as of yet, as they are still assessing the needs of in-house staff.

The most important aspect of the move, said Geniole, is that “it allows us the capacity for more in-depth collaborative work with community partners to see what deeper work we can do in the community.”

R.O.C.K. Missions had previously been located at 425 McNaughton Ave. West in Chatham.

The Chatham Voice

Contributed image

Michelle Gilbertson and Renee Geniole of R.O.C.K. Missions are pictured in front of one of several storage areas at the organization’s new home on Richmond Street in Chatham.

WAMBO 35th ANNUAL

Friday, August 11

All Day Arrival of boats on the Sydenham River

WAMBO (Wallaceburg Antique Motor and Boat Outing) is one of Canada’s largest transportation shows. The show features Antique Boats, Antique, Classic & Specialty Cars, Fire Trucks, & Motorcycles. Other popular displays include Models & Toys, Art in the Park and Product / Direct Sales.

Enjoy your choice of entertainment at various locations around town of Live Music, Karaoke, a Soap Box Derby & Fire Truck Parade as well as a Dream Cruise of Classic Cars.

Refreshments are plentiful with food, snacks and beverages all around town and a licensed tent at the main stage.

WAMBO has something for everyone and ADMISSION IS FREE!

4:30pm Knights of Columbus Chicken Dinner BBQ at the K of C Hall with live music. 5pm Opening Ceremonies & bell ringing at Wallaceburg Civic Park (near fountain)

5pm-9pm Terry Glover Memorial Cruise 5pm gathering at Canadian Tire (74 McNaughton Ave). Cruise at 7pm to Dresden and back.

7:30pm Cold South live on the Main Stage in downtown Wallaceburg. Be sure to bring lawn chairs!

Saturday, August 12

8am-5pm Boats along Sydenham River

8am-11am Knights of Columbus Breakfast at the K of C Hall

8am-5pm Cars & Motorcycles on James St.

9am-5pm Fire Truck Show reg. till noonWallace St., east of Hope St. & WAMBO Tour Wagon Stop

9am-5pm Art in the Park / Crafts, grassy area next to Wallaceburg’s Adult Activity Centre/Library

9am-5pm Product / Direct MarketingTables

9am-5pm Wallaceburg & District Museum

Rope making, face painting, giant plinko and dunk tank.

10am-1pm Soap Box Racing Practice and Time Trials

1pm Soap Box Racing on South Side

12pm

Midnight Refreshment Tent

- James St. Municipal Parking Lot.

12pm-6pm Karaoke tent by the Wallaceburg Library with DJ’s Mike & Melody Shepley.

1pm TBS live James St. municipal parking lot.

1pm Lawn Tractor Pull

- 6750 Baseline Rd.

2pm Participants BBQ draw

- Radio station

3pm Fire Truck Parade

4pm-5pm Awards Ceremonies for Cars

– there will be a People’s Choice Ballot Box available for spectators.

7pm Strange Magic, an Electric Ligh tOrchestra tribute band.

Sunday, August 13 10-11:30am Interdenominational Church Service James St. Municipal Parking Lot.

If you are considering a move, give us a call! We would love to chat! 519.627.9933 519.627.9333 • 1.877.500.9933

RJCK program aims to reach 550

Grant pumps up Restorative Justice Chatham-Kent program

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

Genuine. Respectful. Trust. Non-judgmental.

Those are some of the ways local youth describe their interaction with Restorative Justice Chatham-Kent.

“Judgment is a theme,” said executive director Andrea Robertson as she read out comments from among the 438 young people who have benefitted from the agency’s early intervention Positive Strides program.

Made possible by a $239,300 Ontario Trillium Foundation Grow Grant, the free eight-module program is available to children or youth ages seven to 17, across Chatham-Kent. By the time the OTF funding concludes in January 2024, Robertson said Positive Strides is on track to reach 550 youth.

The grant was celebrated at the agency’s recent annual general meeting, with Robertson noting many at-risk youths wouldn’t have been helped without it.

According to Robertson, the one-on-one individual-

ized Positive Strides Program deals with “real-life issues that children and youth are struggling with.

“We are able to see firsthand the desired outcomes of the amazing program every day,” Robertson said. “A very warm thank you to the Ontario Trillium Foundation Grow Grant for this granting opportunity, and the opportunity to support at-risk children and youth in our community. It truly is an honour and a privilege.”

Working Through Worries is one of the initiatives that came out of the funding in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Robertson said, as it was discovered the concerns of children and youth were mounting due to the isolation and restrictions wrought by the pandemic.

Board chair Emily Robert also expressed her gratitude to OTF, saying that in her work, she sees the “positive impact” programs such as Positive Strides have in the community, particularly during the pandemic.

“COVID created an emerging need during the life of this grant, which we were

able to meet due to the funding that was provided by OTF,” Robert said, noting it allowed RJCK to expand its resources.

“We saw a pretty big gap in youth struggling with isolation and coming back from that,” she said as youth grappled with the “unknowns” of the pandemic.

“The Working Through Worries program was very successful in meeting them and closing that gap,” Robert explained, adding the funding decreased and sometimes eliminated waitlists for those needing help.

“Being able to have the capacity of an additional staff really alleviated the wait list for the Positive Strides program,” she said, noting that it not only allowed more young people to get help quickly, it also helped create partnerships with other agencies and services in the community.

“RJCK is committed to continuing the success that this funding has built long past the life of the grant to impact many youths in Chatham-Kent,” Robert told the gathering.

RJCK received the OTF al-

location in 2020 and the money allowed the agency to increase staffing by 2.6 positions.

Robertson said games, activities, conversations and online platforms are some of the tools RJCK uses to assist youth, noting staff are again able to go to schools and other community agencies to meet with young people face-to-face.

“We try and make our services as accessible as possible,” she said. The organization had to “pivot” and provide online services be-

cause of COVID-19, said Robertson, something that wasn’t easy to do as young people were already overwhelmed with attending school online.

Over the course of the 2022-2023 fiscal year, RJCK saw a 24-per-cent increase over the previous year in the number of youths impacted. A total of 35 young people were served in Youth Justice Programs with RJCK providing a total of 205,205 minutes in programming.

Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice Restorative Justice Chatham-Kent executive director Andrea Robertson shakes hands with Ontario Trillium Foundation volunteer Tricia Khan while RJCK board chair Emily Robert looks on. At its recent annual general meeting, the agency outlined the success of its Positive Strides program made possible by a $239,300 grant from the OTF.

Community Events

Thursday, August 10, 2023:

• Community Creative Expression Antibullying Murals with Shannon Rose Artist & Photography at Red Barn Brewing Company, 20466 Lagoon Road, Blenheim. 7pm-9pm.

• Come join us at The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham from 11:00am-9:30pm. The kitchen is open to serve lunch from 11:00am.–1:30pm. Senior Euchre starts at 1:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome.

Friday, August 11, 2023:

• Adult Colouring at the CKPL Chatham Branch Community Living Café. 2:00pm-4:00pm. 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. The kitchen is open to serve lunch from 11:00am-1:30 pm. Supper will be served from 4:00-6:00. No orders after 5:30pm. Tonight’s specials are Cabbage Rolls or Fish & Chips. Take out is also available by calling 519-351-8733 or 519-351-5639. Fun Darts start at 7:00 p.m. Everyone Welcome.

• Friday night supper at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St is chicken fettucine with a Caesar salad and garlic toast. Dine ins $12 and pickups $13. Please call daily from 1 to 4 to order at 519-352-8291. Everyone welcome.

Saturday, August 12, 2023:

• Morning Breakfast Program at First Presbyterian Church (corner of Fifth St. and Wellington). A delicious and nutritious breakfast served free of charge from 9:30am10:30am. Take out only.

• Come join us at The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham from 11:00am-9:30 pm. There will be a meat draw at 3:30, 4:30 and 5:30 pm. The kitchen is open to serve lunch from 3:00pm.

–5:30pm. Entertainment by Unity Station from 4:30-9:30. Come check out our menu. Everyone Welcome.

• Resident Council Indoor Yard Sale at the Chatham Retirement Resort, 25 Keil Dr. N., Chatham. 10:00am2:00pm. Furniture, tools, clothing and much more!

Sunday, August 13, 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 Torchmen will perform for the Dresden Christian Concerts on the property of Total Grain Systems (1233 North St. in Dresden). Rain location is Dresden Christian Reformed Church. Starts at 6:30pm. Listen from your vehicle or bring your lawn chairs. The concert is free but an offering will be taken.

• Classic Country Jamboree from 1:30-5:30pm at the Merlin Legion - Music by The Marquis. Dinner of pulled chicken or pork on a bun, potato salad, coleslaw, dessert & coffee/tea $13.00 or no frills option for $10.00. Pickup dinners also available. Jamboree entry $5.00 with musician/singers free. Call Lori at 519-476-5870 to book your spot. Bring your best singing voice, your dancing feet and biggest smile and enjoy a great afternoon/ dinner.

• Euchre Tournament at Br. 642 Legion, $20 for a 2-person team, pre-registration at the Branch or call 519-351-8733, 39 William St. N., Chatham. Maximum 32 tables; registration 12:00 noon, play at 1:00 pm., lunch starting at 11:30 am. All are welcome.

Tuesday, August 15, 2023:

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

• Come join us at The Chatham Legion, corner

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

Wednesday, August 16, 2023:

• Come join us at The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham from 11:00am9:30 pm. The kitchen is open to serve lunch from 11:00 am-1:30pm. Our daily special is meat loaf Dinner. Come check out our other daily specials. We have Fun Darts at 7:00pm. Everyone is welcome.

Thursday, August 17, 2023:

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

• The Chatham-Kent Quilters’ Guild meets on) at St. Paul’s Congregational Church, 450 Park Ave E, Chatham at 7:00pm. Everyone is welcome to join us, including non-members. Non-members can visit us once free of charge, however, subsequent visits will be $10 per meeting. Come and enjoy our presentations, guest speakers and all of the other fun at our meeting. Our membership fee is $50 per year and this entitles you to our newsletter and all of our regular meetings free of charge. You are welcome to contact us through our Facebook page or our website at www.ckquiltguild.com for more information.

Friday, August 18, 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.

• Powerful Tools for Caregivers, Fridays, August 18—Sept 22, 2023, 9:30am—11:00am. Do you live with a Chronic Health Condition or are a Caregiver for someone who does? 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://ptc_aug18. eventbrite.ca.

• Come join us at The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham from 11:00am- 9:30pm. The kitchen is open to serve lunch from 11:00am-1:30pm. Supper will be served from 4:00 – 6:00. No orders after 5:30 pm. Tonight’s specials are Ham & Scallops or Fish & Chips. Take out is also available by calling 519-351-8733 or 519-351-5639. Fun Darts start at 7:00 p.m. Everyone Welcome.

• The final SUMMER GHOST WALK will take be leaving from the Centennial Clock at the corner of Fifth and King St in Chatham at 7:30 pm, 8:00 pm and 8:30 pm if demand warrants. This walk will explore the downtown core and includes a special visit from people who have their own paranormal story to tell. Tickets are available at www.eventbrite.com and cost $15 for Adults (plus Eventbrite fees) and Children $10 ( 12 and under) plus Eventbrite fees. The walks will proceed rain or moonshine. Visit “Ghost Walks of Chatham-Kent” on Facebook for updates.

Are you affected by someone else’s drinking? Al-anon can help! Call - leave message519-350-3462

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

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

Fun Stuff

CLUES ACROSS

1. A way to pick up

5. Presents

10. Type of guitar

14. Actor Idris

15. A citizen of Iran

16. Creative

17. Harness

18. Weight unit

19. You better call him

20. Utterly devoted

22. Male cat

23. Spiritual leader of a Jewish congregation

24. Risk-taker

27. A team’s best pitcher

30. Cool!

31. Women’s __ movement

32. Georgia rockers

35. Step-shaped recess

37. The princess could detect its presence

38. Type of truck

39. Butterhead lettuces

40. Angry people see it

41. Lines where two fabrics are sewn together

42. Soviet city

43. Carpet

44. Traveled all over

45. Thin, straight bar

46. Body art (slang)

47. Congressman (abbr.)

48. No seats available

49. Breaks apart

52. Arabic name

55. Ballplayer’s tool

56. Type of sword

60. Baseball team

61. Upper bract of grass floret

63. Italian Seaport

64. Ancient Syrian city

65. Shoelace tube

66. The Miami mascot is one

67. South American nation

68. Popular video game “Max __”

69. Body part

CLUES DOWN

1. German courtesy title

2. Ancient Greek City

3. Ancient Hebrew calendar month

4. Long-legged frog family

5. Photo

6. Delivered a speech

7. Lute in classical Indian music

8. Decorated

9. Take a seat

10. Belonging to a bottom layer

11. Member of a Semitic people

12. Part of a ticket

13. Defunct Guinean money

21. Challenges 23. Popular BBQ food 25. Subway dweller

By way of

Shady garden alcove 28. Egyptian city 29. Partner to “flowed” 32. Widens 33. Old Eurasian wheat

34. Act incorrectly 36. European pipeline 37. Al Bundy’s wife

Ocean

Root eaten as a vegetable

Sound units

Style of music

A way to drench

Hot beverage

A cotton fabric with a satiny finish

Puzzle answers can be found on page 19

Indigenous artwork on display at CKHA

The Chatham Voice

A vibrant painting by Indigenous artist Mariah Alexander that symbolizes healing now graces the emergency room at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Wallaceburg campus. Called “Revitalizing River,” the piece depicts sturgeon and flowers in the deep blues of the Syne River, which Alexander said aims to “connect”

people to their land and family.

“On top of an image I captured of the Syne River, sturgeon and flowers flow into one another,” the Walpole Island resident said in a recent media statement.

“Sturgeon represent depth and strength, as well as connection to ancestors and teachings,” Alexander explained. “The florals symbolize regen-

Chief

eration. The strength of our ancestors, loved ones, and the land flows within you.”

Alexander’s painting was chosen as part of the

CKHA’s Innovation Grant Program. The program offers staff, physicians, volunteers and patient advisors the opportunity to bring forward ideas to

spur positive change at CKHA that either benefits patients, or improves the quality of the workplace for employees.

Earlier this year, the hos-

pital’s WeRCKHA Staff Engagement Council voted on the grant submissions and Indigenous artwork was selected as one of seven recipients.

SPONSORS

• A1 SIGN RENTAL • ARCTIC GLACIER CANADA INC. • BOB N’ BUOYS BAR & BOIL

• BROWNS AUTO SUPPLY • CENTRAL TAVERN • CHAPPLE FUELS LTD.

• COMMERCIAL COPY CENTRE • DOG DAYS SOUTHERN BBQ

• DOVER CORN PRODUCTS • DOVER KINSMEN & KINETTES • DOVER ROD & GUN CLUB • DRESDEN MEAT PACKERS • FARM CREDIT CANADA

• IN MEMORY OF SAWYER TETRAULT – FROM FRIENDS OF SAWYER

• LAPRISE FARMS LTD. • MITCHELL’S BAY MARINE PARK

• MITCHELL’S BAY VARIETY & BAIT • OIL GARD - CHATHAM

• PAIN COURT MARKET LTD. • PARKSIDE CABINS

• PREFERRED BUILDING PRODUCTS LTD.

• RON PELTIER TRUCKING LTD. • THE MUFFLERMAN - CHATHAM

• TILBURY CHRYSLER • TOM’S APPLIANCES OF CHATHAM

CLASSIC SPONSORS

• A-1 CHINESE FOOD RESTAURANT (WALLACEBURG) • A BEACH AFFAIR – JAMIE McGRAIL

• ALLAN LUCIER, PIONEER SALES REPRESENTATIVE • BILL’S INTERNATIONAL PIZZA

• CAA STORE - CHATHAM • COGGHE’S MARINE SERVICE • DEGOEY’S NURSERY & FLOWERS

• DOVER DUDS • DOVER REFRIGERATION HEATING & COOLING • HENRY HEYINK CONSTRUCTION LTD.

• HIDDEN HILLS GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB • KUCERA GROUP CHATHAM • LENOVERS QUALITY MEATS

• LEON’S FURNITURE • MAISON GRAND WELLNESS DAY SPA • MARK & SARAH’S NO FRILLS

• McFADDEN HEATING & COOLING - DRESDEN

• McNAUGHTON FAMILY DENTAL - DR. MICHAEL CHO-YOUNG & ASSOC.

• NAPA AUTO PARTS (WALLACEBURG) • NATURE’S HEALTH SHOPPE • PARTSOURCE (WINDSOR)

• PATTERSON MOTORS LTD • PERFORMANCE FITNESS • PRINCESS AUTO (WINDSOR)

• RAE ANNE RENDERS-RMT, CRP • REXALL DRUG STORE (CHATHAM) • RUBIES INC.

• SEINT MAKEUP (TAMMY PEATS) • SHAMANIC & CRYSTAL HEALINGS BY BARB SMITH

• SHOPPERS DRUG MART (WALLACEBURG) • SMILINGSMITTY INC. • SMITTY’S FAMILY RESTAURANT

• SOL KITCHEN

• SWEET TREE CAFE (WALPOLE ISLAND) • TACQ’S GARDEN MARKET

• THE BEADED LOOK - NANCY FOSTER • THE BLACK GOOSE GRILL

• TIM HORTONS

– PAULA & MIKE GRAIL • VITESCO TECHNOLOGIES • WADDICK FUELS

• WALLACEBURG COLLISION CENTRE • WALLACEBURG EYE CARE CENTRE - DR. STEVEN ACANNE

• WALLACEBURG HOME HARDWARE

TO OUR VENDORS: Thank you for your participation and we hope to see you again in 2024. The success of any event comes from the generosity and hard work of the volunteers. Thanks to all of you for your time and support. We look forward to seeing everyone at next years

Contributed image

Dan Miskokomon of Walpole Island First Nation and CKHA Board Member; Mariah Alexander, artist; and Lori Marshall, President and CEO, CKHA enjoy this painting by Alexander that now hangs in the Wallaceburg emergency department.

OBITUARIES

Scott Jay

43, Thursday, July 27, 2023

Life Transitions

Peggy Bardoel (Gedischk)

88, Thursday, July 27, 2023

Life Transitions

Larry Solomon

66, Friday, July 28, 2023

Life Transitions

Audrey Robinson (Hodgson)

90, Friday, July 28, 2023

Life Transitions

Gary O’Hara

77, Saturday, July 29, 2023

Life Transitions

Brian Blakey

75, Saturday, July 29, 2023

Life Transitions

Frederick Parachnowitsch

73, Wednesday, August 2, 2023

Life Transitions

Garth Wright

92, Thursday, July 27, 2023

Alexander & Houle Funeral Home

Marlene Hines

Saturday, July 29, 2023

Alexander & Houle Funeral Home

Gordon “Ted” Beattie

98, Friday, July 28, 2023

McKinlay Funeral Home

Dona Mae Waite

90, Friday, July 28, 2023

McKinlay Funeral Home

Dan Burnie

80, Sunday, July 30, 2023

McKinlay Funeral Home

Sandra Little

75, Thursday, July 31, 2023

McKinlay Funeral Home

Geraldine Cornwall

89, Thursday, July 31, 2023

McKinlay Funeral Home

Carold Ann Laevens

76, Thursday, July 31, 2023

McKinlay Funeral Home

Tiffany Lynn Seed

38, Tuesday, August 1, 2023

McKinlay Funeral Home

Robert “Bob” Hoskins

75, Wednesday, August 2, 2023

Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home

Benedict “Ben” Mallette

96, Wednesday, August 2, 2023

Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home

Johan Wall

62, Thursday, July 27, 2023

Kendrick Funeral Home

Gordon Richard Brookes

89, Tuesday, July 25, 2023

Nicholls Funeral Home

Darryl Williams

60, Friday, July 28, 2023

Nicholls Funeral Home

Darrel Paine

77, Saturday, July 29, 2023

Blenheim Community Funeral Home

Chris Barnett

40, Tuesday, August 1, 2023

Blenheim Community Funeral Home

See full obituaries at chathamvoice.com/obituaries

Canadian Cowgirl

Music, celebs and beverages at Aug. 19 event

The Chatham Voice Beverages, entertainment and sports memorabilia are getting mashed together this month in Chatham.

Beers & Bands & Cards will take place Aug. 19 at The Garden on King and River Rock Social House next door. It’s an all-ages event.

Headliners will be Cuff the Duke, a Juno-nominated band from Oshawa. In support are The Cory James Mitchell Band, locals Truckstop Super Friends, and Ron Leary.

Patrons can listen to live music and visit vendor tables, purchase band merchandise, and enjoy cool drinks and a custom menu.

Organizers said to expect celebrity guests as well.

Meet and greets will take place for the likes of WWE Hall-of-Famer “Cowboy” Bob Orton, pro-wrestling legend Lisa Marie Varon (WWE “Victoria” / TNA “Tara”), and wrestling superstars from Impact Wrestling.

Beers & Bands & Cards kicks off Aug. 19 at 4 p.m.

lifetransitions.ca • 519-351-4444

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

A Part of Wallaceburg since 1943.

4 Victoria Ave, Chatham (519) 352-2390

Serving Kingsville, Wheatley & Chatham kendrickfuneralhome.com

Jeanine Foulon/The Chatham Voice Canadian Cowgirl trick rider Kylee Nevills on her horse Apache entertained the crowd at T.J. Stables on July 29. Hundreds of spectators showed up to take in the Cowgirls’ show.

Classifieds

For Sale

Angela Clare Cadotte

September 2, 1952 - July 31, 1968 and joined by her father Don, September 2, 2000.

After 54 years, our Angela, is forever loved, missed and remembered by Mom, brother Greg, sisters Donna, Constance, Catherine and Michele.

Asphalt

519-354-9157

Stump Removal

For Rent

Bungalow for Rent. 111 Van Allen. 2 small bedrooms, 3pc bath, laundry, kitchen stove, fridge, kitchen island with 4 bar stools, driveway for cars. Contact 647.639.4528.

Wanted

Wanted to Buy: Antiques, costume jewellery, gold, silver, coins, military, furniture, tools.

We Buy AllPaid Cash. 519727-8894.

Wanted

Wanted: scrap air conditioners and electric motors. Phone 226-229-2614.

Wanted to rent or buy 1 or 4 acres of land in Chatham-Kent area. No buildings or utilities needed. Rural area preferred. 519-352-5414 or 226-6275414.

205/55R16 Motor Master Winter Edge with steel rims. Phone 519354-1160.

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

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.

Call today to place your ad 519-397-2020!

Help Wanted

Property Maintenance Worker

Legion Villa & Villa View

Legion Villa/Villa View is a 48 unit senior’s apartment complex in Blenheim Ontario.

Location: Legion Villa/Villa View- Non Profit Housing, 330 Catherine Street, Blenheim ON N0P 1A0 legionvilla185@bellnet.ca

Purpose of this Position:

Working under the direction of the Board of Directors and Property Manager, the Maintenance Worker position maintains the day-to-day operations and assumes responsibility for maintaining the physical asset of the property.

Major Responsibilities:

The main responsibilities for the Property Maintenance Worker include, but are not limited to:

• Accountable to the Board of Directors but under general supervision of the Property Manager

• Maintains accurate and complete maintenance service and repair orders

• Ensure vacant units are prepared for rent in a timely manner

• Report items that require repair and/or maintenance immediately to the Property Manager

• Monitoring supplies and utilizing materials

• Assisting in the scheduling and inspection of units

• Assist in monitoring all work being performed by outside contractors

• Monitor and maintain all building systems

• Physically inspects, identifies, and corrects unsafe conditions in and around property

• Maintains grounds in a neat and orderly manner (landscaping, laundry rooms, etc…)

• Performing move-out cleaning and maintenance

• Maintain all building common areas, cleaning, vacuum, etc.

• Being aware of emergency maintenance and fire safety procedures and executing requirements of Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHIMIS)

• Performs additional duties as assigned.

Position may involve some travel so a reliable vehicle is required.

A basic set of tools is also a requirement.

Desired Skills and Experience

The successful candidate will have the following experience, skills and education:

• Maintenance of two (2) years or more

• Strong interpersonal communication skills

• Working knowledge of the Building Code, Fire Code, and the Occupational Health & Safety Act of Ontario

• Ability to lift 50 pounds

• Knowledge in a variety of trade areas common to the field of building maintenance

• Knowledge of the use and operation of hand tools, power tools, and equipment

• Carpentry, basic plumbing, drywall work, painting and commercial kitchen equipment repair skills are an asset

• Must possess good oral and written communication skills

• A reliable vehicle and basic set of tools is required

Position will also require the completion of a Criminal Record Check.

Schedule: 24 hours per week.

Submit resumes to legionvilla185@bellnet.ca or Legion Villa/Villa View, 330 Catherine Street, Blenheim, N0P1A0

This Weeks Puzzle answers. Puzzles on page 16.