The Chatham Voice, Aug. 17, 2023

Heart-felt discussions after heart surgery

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

Ian Cruickshank had questions, but no one to give any answers.

Cruickshank had triple bypass surgery in April of last year. At the time, the pandemic was still a serious concern, and getting appointments with doctors to answer questions was a challenge.

Now, he’s gone from having questions to providing answers...and support.

Cruickshank started a post-heart-surgery support group, Heart Buddies, with the goal to let people share their experiences and concerns, and to hear that they aren’t alone in their recovery process.

For Cruickshank, he experienced the realities of

surgery during the pandemic. He had his procedure delayed by five days, for starters.

Beyond that, everything went fine. Except for getting answers to how he was feeling and if that was normal.

Cruickshank said he had difficulty getting an appointment with his surgeon for the usual six-week post-operative checkup. He was left wondering if he was healing properly.

Enter Brenda Stevens, a social worker with the Thamesview Family Health Team.

Stevens put Cruickshank in touch with a local woman, Jen Padbury, who had open-heart surgery a decade earlier.

Continued on page 2

Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice

WAMBO boat manager Rob Dickson served as on-the-water greeter for Wallaceburg’s premiere summer event, WAMBO. Dickson, a life-long boater, used his 1973 Chris-Craft Catalina, ‘Knot Enough Time,’ as his headquarters for the 35th rendition of WAMBO. Some 40 boats travelled to the forks of the Sydenham River to take part this year, double the number that participated in 2022. An 80-foot tugboat called The Welland was also to make an appearance. Along with boats, there were 200 classic and antique cars and trucks, a variety of vintage motorcycles as well as a collection of antique fire trucks.

It’s a tough job, but...

Group offer post-surgery support

Continued from page 1

“Within 20 minutes of speaking with Jen, a lot of it made sense,” Cruickshank recalled. “What you’re feeling, your chest healing, the crazy little things.”

He said the cardiologist essentially dismissed any concerns about how the wound was healing, and “just said I was okay.

“Jen suggested I try a certain exercise. She had been there. She’s telling me things and I realize it’s not just in my head,” he said. “Talking with someone

who’s been there, it helped a lot.”

Cruickshank said there is a cardiac rehabilitation program run locally, and it’s great for retuning one’s body post-surgery. But it does not deal with one’s mental state or all of the questions that follow such serious surgery.

After meeting with Padbury, Cruickshank figured others could benefit from hearing details. With that in mind, he worked with Stevens to start Heart Buddies last November. The

group meets monthly.

Cruickshank said people don’t need to speak up. He found it extremely helpful to hear stories of what others went through.

He said the group waxes and wanes, as people come in seeking support and answers, and some leave when they get what they need.

wards of a dozen people at Heart Buddies meetings, “just hearing the stories and letting people speak.”

Stevens said Cruickshank has really worked hard to develop the support group.

“I think it’s really, really helpful. Part of the reason we started it was that Ian had all these questions and no one to talk about it. We figured there were other people in the same situation.”

Family Serving Families

they realize no one will force you to talk, but you might learn things, it’s relieving to hear that other people feel like you do,” she said. “You can see the relief on their faces.”

Cruickshank said hearing initially about Padbury and her experiences was helpful, but he added he continues to benefit from listening to others.

-

“We have people in the group who have had heart attacks, have stents put in, etc.,” Cruickshank said. “We talk about what we have been through – mentally, physically, the whole thing.”

They have had up-

“I think it’s really, really helpful. Part of the reason we started it was that Ian had all these questions and no one to talk about it,” she said. “We figured there were other people in the same situation.”

The social worker said she’s a firm believer in how support groups can help most everyone, even if they don’t speak up.

“Once people get there and

By Kristen Da Silva

“Just sitting and listening. All of a sudden, you feel for them,” he said. “I thought I had it bad, but then you hear some of the other stories. I just went through surgery. Others have died (and been resuscitated).”

The Heart Buddies meet at Thamesview Family Health Team’s offices on Grand Avenue West.

For more information on the group, contact the family health team at 519-354-0070, or visit thamesviewfht.ca.

Megabus pulls out of Chatham

The Chatham Voice

Megabus is skipping this stop. Well, at least the one in Chatham-Kent.

The company notified the Municipality of Chatham-Kent that due to the lack of ridership they were to discontinue the service at the downtown Chatham stop effective Aug. 16.

Megabus, operated by Trailways of New York, initially introduced a stop in Chatham in April, running two trips per day, seven days a week along a route from Toronto to Detroit.

Megabus is exploring the potential for an alternate stop location in Chatham-Kent closer to the 401.

“Within 20 minutes of speaking with Jen, a lot of it made sense. What you’re feeling, your chest healing, the crazy little things.”

- Ian Cruickshank

Brenda Stevens

Backyard Mission returns in Chatham

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

After a three-year pause, volunteers from two local churches returned to helping others through their Backyard Mission program.

The good folks at First Presbyterian and First Christian Reformed churches in Chatham got back to the task of improving the yard of a Chatham homeowner.

In past years, people sub-

mitted nominations and organizers sifted through them all to find the homeowner in most need. This time around, it was much easier. Mike Maroney, minister at First Presbyterian and one of the chief Backyard Mission organizers, said they simply picked the last person they chose, France Laprise.

“We were slated to do it in 2020 when everything went haywire,” he said of the COVID-19 pandemic. “We were just not

able to do it when things were shut down and we weren’t able to get people together.”

Fast forward three years, and the volunteers were ready to help once again. In the past, they have scraped and painted houses, built wheelchair ramps and fences, done general carpentry repairs, replaced eavestroughs, landscaped, and done general clean up around a house.

Continued on page 4

Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice Micah Vanuik and Steven Valade did some heavy lifting moving boards in preparation of building a new fence at the home of France Laprise. The Laprise residence was chosen in 2020 as the benefitting property from the Backyard Mission project from First Presbyterian and First Christian Reformed churches. However, the pandemic put that project on hold until this year.

Mission goal to help those in greatest need

Continued from page 3

This is done free of charge as an outreach of love and compassion to the homeowner.

“We just do it to bless someone else. It’s just such a wonderful feeling,” Maroney said.

He added people get nominated for the Backyard Mission for a host of reasons.

“It could be health issues, finances, changes in life that are hard to navigate,” he said. “As long as the person owns the home and can use the help, we do it free of charge.”

Maroney added there is no preaching taking place to the homeowner. “This is not an evangelistic tool,” he said.

It’s just people helping people. Backyard Mission evolved out of a previous mission effort that sent local youth south of the border to help on projects there. However, treatment by U.S. Customs officials at the border had organizers reassessing the endeavour. They opted to instead stay “in their own backyard” – Chatham – to help locally. That began in 2009.

Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice

Ethan and Laura MacPhee put their painting skills to the test Friday as part of the Backyard Mission program from First Presbyterian and First Christian Reformed churches.

Digital Main Street grants available again

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

Local businesses are being encouraged to take advantage of grant funding to enhance their digital footprint.

Applications are being accepted now by Economic Development Chatham-Kent for Digital Main Street grants.

Jamie Rainbird, manager of Economic Development for the municipality, said the program has been a big hit locally.

“We’ve done four rounds of it now. We’ve done a total of 250 grants for local businesses so far. That’s $625,000 given out to C-K businesses to help improve their digital footprints.”

The program, funded primarily through the provincial government, has paid each of the recipient businesses $2,500 to update their websites, improve social media, add payment options online, and more. “It’s outstanding. We’ve had a lot of businesses take advantage of it,” Rainbird said.

Irene Spisar, who handles the applications and works with businesses as they go through the process, said the types of businesses that have taken advantage of the program are quite varied.

“It’s a mix. We do have retail, restaurants, services as well, such as hair salons,” she said. “Physiotherapists and dental offices can apply too. They key is as long as they are not franchised, they can apply. You have to be one and only and unique.”

Spisar said the Digital Main Street grants were first offered in Chatham-Kent back in the fall of 2019. Initially, when the Digital Main Street grants first came available, they were targeted to a very specific geographical area.

“The criteria for it has greatly improved since the first round,” Rainbird said. “Back in the day, it was just for set downtown areas – typically

BIA (Business Improvement Area) areas. Today, as long as it’s a brick-andmortar business, they can talk to Irene and look to apply.”

Rainbird said Spisar can be of great help for small businesses.

“For those people who don’t have a Google listing, or anything like that, Irene can help get that all set up for you,” he said.

“She also has the equipment to take 3-D pictures in the stores. It’s all personalized response. She’ll come visit you for sure.”

Rainbird said for him, the funding is secondary, as business owners receive an education on digital marketing as well.

“The grant is the carrot. It gets people to learn. It’s forcing people to prepare marketing plans and working to use different ways to interact with clients, online and through social media,” he said.

“Through the training, we can update and train you on a variety of things, not just on how to spend the $2,500. It’s really the ed-

ucation, and getting people online and interacting with their customers that’s important.”

The education is a mandatory online course. Rainbird said it takes about two-and-a-half hours.

“It’s well worth the time. It’s a great source of education and learning,” he said. “It will help you get more customers, have a better electronic presence and you’ll be more educated yourself.”

This intake round allows for previous successful applicants to reapply, Rainbird said.

“As long as you haven’t received funding in the most recent selection period, you are allowed to reapply. In a sense, every second round, you could theoretically reapply as long as you show a good plan on how to utilize it (the funding),” he said.

Rainbird said Economic Development is accepting applications until Sept. 30. Call Spisar at 519-3509360, e-mail her at irenesp@chatham-kent.ca.

Bruce Corcoran/The Chatham Voice

Economic Development Chatham-Kent representatives Irene Spisar and Jamie Rainbird discuss the latest round of Digital Main Street grants available to qualifying C-K businesses. Applications are open until Sept. 30.

Enjoy C-K’s diversity

We’ve said it before, but it bears mentioning again: the notion that there’s nothing to do in Chatham-Kent is ludicrous. Take this past weekend for example. There was simply not enough time to enjoy what took place.

WAMBO – the Wallaceburg Antique Motor and Boat Outing – is a major summer event that entertained thousands. Vintage boats, cars, trucks, motorcycles and fire trucks were on display.

Plus, organizers offered up a host of other activities and a variety of live entertainment.

Also on the weekend, Bothwell hosted the Old Autos Car Show and Optifest. More great sights and sounds, as well as an ever-incredible 50/50 draw courtesy of area volunteer firefighters.

Agricultural enthusiasts were treated to a variety of farmers’ markets as well as the annual C-K Plowing match near Blenheim.

EauFest, part of the local craft breweries’ BrewFest CK, took place at Bayside in Erieau. Lots of live music, and a wide selection of beverages to enjoy responsibly.

An in Chatham, Pride Fest took place. The inclusive event featured

a parade in the downtown and events at Sons of Kent. Music enthusiasts had too much selection. Craft brewery supporters had too much choice.

And that’s a good thing.

Many of these events pulled out-oftown visitors into C-K, adding dollars in many facets of our community. Local businesses benefitted from additional traffic.

And if one of those events was not for you, no big deal, as there were so many other options to choose from. That’s the great thing about what is happening in Chatham-Kent. We aren’t so hard up for stuff to do that we need to cluster in a coffee shop and complain what other people are doing.

Why bother?

Instead, open one’s eyes to the diversity of events and entertainment offered within Chatham-Kent’s borders. Pick your favourite event and attend, and let others be.

That’s the best advice we can offer; enjoy what you enjoy, and let others do the same.

And together we can all be thankful for the diversity that is Chatham-Kent.

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

Drive, Chip & Putt event was a classic

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.

Editor: A big thank you to the members of the Chatham Sports Hall of Fame for their recent Drive, Chip & Putt challenge for the youth of Chatham-Kent.

It was a fabulous day at Maple City Golf Course. All the kids had a terrific time showing off their skills on the golf course. My granddaughter, who was visiting from Tampa, Fla., was thrilled to be able to take part in this event.

The day was very well organized by the Chatham Sports Hall of Fame. The kids were divided into appropriate age categories and all had the opportunity to hit three drives, three chips and three putts.

There was a volunteer with each age group, as well as many, many volunteers at each event, responsible for measuring distances of chips and putts, recording the scores, volunteers to ensure everyone crossed the road safely, volunteers at the registration desk, the list goes on.

Where would our community be without volunteer support? They are the backbone of so many events in Chatham-Kent.

Following the event, the families were invited to a complimentary barbecue hotdog luncheon, with the food donated by Maple City Bakery, Dover Corn and RSD Mainte-

nance.

There were other sponsors for this event as well, people who believe in supporting the youth of Chatham-Kent. Thank you to

John Dengel, Maple City Golf Course, Maple City Marine, Peak Athletics and Peach Physiotherapy. This day was provided free of charge for all the participants. What an amazing opportunity for our youth. It does take a village to raise a child. Thanks to the Chatham Sports Hall of Fame members and sponsors for highlighting this message.

Jennifer Cobb Chatham

Well owners worried over hydro project

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

Dave Lusk has questions.

The North Kent-area farmer wants to know if Hydro One’s new St. Clair Transmission Line is going to cause further harm to the aquifer that supplies water to his already fouled well.

“I’m always worried about my well,” the Green Valley Line resident told The Voice recently. “As it stands, I can’t even get water out of it now. I’m worried this new construction is going to hurt my neighbours’ wells.”

Plagued with undrinkable black water since nearby wind farms were constructed, Lusk is concerned the utility’s mega transmission project will create more damage.

“I’m not exactly sure how they build them,” he added, noting his well is only 44 feet deep. “With all the technology we’ve got now, they should be able to do something that doesn’t disturb the aquifer.”

As part of the new transmission line that will run from Lambton County to the Chatham Transmission Station, three existing towers need to be replaced on Lusk’s farm. He said Hydro One is looking for a 150-foot

easement through the width of the property.

Because nearby wells are shallow, the longtime farmer believes the threat is real. And while he’s given up on his own water, he wants others to be aware of the potential for problems.

Lusk is also hoping that Hydro One will conduct baseline water testing as is being recommended by veteran hydrogeologist Bill Clark. Clark, who is very familiar with the Chatham-Kent black water issues, said to be caused by the construction of wind turbines, has carried out numerous tests over the years of affected wells, including the Lusk well.

Sonny Karunakaran, Hydro One’s director of project delivery, said the utility is listening to concerns from residents along the line and will continue to engage with the public, as geo-technical studies of the area are ongoing.

Kevin Jakubec, co-founder of the Water Wells First water advocacy group, is concerned with the project. He said there are “well-founded concerns” within the professional hydrogeologist community with regard to the St. Clair Transmission Line footprint.

“There are concerns that any construction near or into the aquifer in Cha-

tham-Kent will result in the loss of water wells and contaminate additional wells with sediment known to contain heavy metals, including arsenic, lead and cadmium,” Jakubec said. The new Hydro One St.

Clair transmission line will be constructed in an area where the all-hazard water well investigation conducted by the Ford government in 2021 found that the water wells in Chatham township had deteriorated

significantly from 2017 to 2021 after the construction of the North Kent Wind farm.

“If Hydro One is confident in their foundation design, then they should want to establish a water well baseline test zone

to demonstrate proof to the public that no water wells will be impacted by the new transmission line,” Jakubec said. “Hydro One should show they are good stewards of the environment.”

Continued on page 8

Ready to deliver

Will work cloud nearby wells?

Continued from page 7

OFFICE SPACE FOR LEASE

While the route has been selected, utilizing 80 per cent of the original line’s footprint, Karunakaran said the construction plans have yet to be finalized.

“We’re at a stage where we continue to develop our design,” Karunakaran told The Voice, adding many factors must be considered, including the impacts on agriculture and species-at-risk.

Partnerships and open engagement with residents along the line’s corridor are “really important,” he added.

“We will continue to meet with residents,” Karunakaran said. “Hopefully we can allay any fears.”

The towers that need to be replaced, like the three that run through the Lusk farm, are nowhere near as heavy as the original towers that were erected more than 50 years ago, he explained.

Plus, Karunakaran said, the 30-metre towers – the majority of which have four legs – will be screwed into the ground as opposed to being pile driven like the wind turbines. “We use a small excavator so there is low ground disturbance,” Karunakaran said, noting proper depths of the tower bases depend on the types of soil where they are located.

“We’re confident we are able to construct this in a manner that doesn’t affect the groundwater sources,” he said.

The new St. Clair Transmission Line is one of five new lines to be constructed by Hydro One to improve access to clean energy throughout Southwestern Ontario. The new infrastructure will help boost industry and the agricultural community. The region’s electricity needs are expected to quadruple by 2035.

Peter Zubyk/The Chatham Voice

A fresh fleet of Canada Post delivery trucks were spotted recently near the Canada Post office in Chatham.

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Fill the Bus effort returns Saturday

As the new school year rapidly approaches, organizers are hoping local residents will step up to help Fill the Buses on Aug. 19.

On that date volunteers with FreeHelpCK will be collecting snacks and school supplies at various locations throughout Chatham-Kent.

“Our goal is to help many families in need as they get ready to go to school for their new year of learning,” said project volunteer Tim Haskell.

According to Haskell, everything that is collected in a particular community will stay in that

community.

Some of the requested items include lunch snacks, juice boxes, breakfast cereal and anything else a child or youth might need for school.

Haskell said volunteers will also be taking monetary donations on behalf of Outreach for Hunger so items can be purchased as needed.

In Chatham, buses will be stationed at No Frills, Food Basics, Giant Tiger, Sobeys and Superstore.

In Wallaceburg, the bus will be located at No Frills.

In Tilbury buses will sit at both No Frills and Foodland. Dresden and Ridgetown will also see

buses at their Foodland stores.

All school supplies will be forwarded to FreeHelpCK for the Operation Backpack program, which distributes new backpacks filled with school supplies that a child or youth needs for the coming year.

Haskell said the Fill the Buses initiative is a group effort that includes CK Giving Hearts, Outreach for Hunger, Chatham Goodfellows, FreeHelpCK, LaSertoma and R.O.C.K. Missions, among others.

Efforts like Fill the Buses “help make our communities a better place to live,” Haskell said.

Chatham-Kent home sales slip in July

A hot, moist July in Chatham-Kent did nothing to spur home sales in the area.

The Chatham-Kent Association of Realtors (CKAR) report only 99 residential properties changed hands in the municipality last month. That’s down nearly 15 per cent from July 2022, and 26.6 per cent below the five year average for home sales in the seventh month of the year.

So far this year, home sales remain well off what was sold in 2022, with a decrease in excess of 17 per cent reported. In total, 717

units have changed hands over the course of the first seven months of 2023.

Matt Bechard, president of CKAR, said things went “sideways,” despite the fact more homes are on the market.

“Home sales posted a decline from year-ago levels and continued trending sideways on a monthly basis in July,” he said in a media release “On the supply side, new listings are coming in at healthy levels and although somewhat lower compared to historical averages, overall inventories are higher than they have been in about seven years. With a well-supplied market that is

firmly in balanced territory.” Despite the balance, the numbers indicate it’s a buyer’s market at this time, as the price of homes sold last month was down by 16 per cent compared to July of

2020, at $414,110. Active property listings are about 50-per-cent higher than the five-year average. This despite the fact the number of new listings hitting the market in July was down

sharply by about 16 per cent from July 2022. There were 228 new residential listings in July 2023.

Active residential listings numbered 390 units on the market at the end of July.

‘Our Door is Open to Everyone’

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

And the sign says “Our Door is Open to Everyone.”

Those are the words that

surround a heart bursting with the rainbow-hued colours that represent the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

A joint project between the CK Gay Pride Association and the Municipality

of Chatham-Kent, some 1,000 signs have been created and are now available free of charge for Pride allies to post in their homes or business to mark Pride Week and beyond.

According to a media

release from the association and Chatham-Kent, the seed for the sign campaign was sown by Joel Emery, fund development and administrative co-ordinator of the Alzheimer Society of Chatham-Kent.

To mark CK Pride Week in 2022, Emery posted a queer-friendly sign at the entrance to the society’s Chatham office to let all members of the community know they are “welcomed, respected and encouraged.”

Emery’s vision has now been brought to life by way of a collaboration between Chatham-Kent and CKGPA, with both organizations approving and adopting a design crafted by Emery that’s ready to be shared with the world. The press release indi-

cates the time is ripe for the sign campaign with respect to the “rise in hate” towards 2SLGBTQIA+ persons, making it an “opportune time to allow businesses and residents to display their solidarity with this community in a unified way.”

Rebecca Haskell-Thomas, co-ordinator of diversity, equity, inclusion and justice for Chatham-Kent, said the municipality is proud to take part in the initiative to promote inclusion.

“It is important to us that everyone in our community feel safe, welcomed, and respected,” Haskell-Thomas said, adding it’s vital that “everyone work together.”

An explanatory brochure will be distributed with

the sign detailing its significance, as well as information about available resources and how to be a good ally.

Nathan Dawthorne, CKGPA vice-president, said CK Pride welcomes the initiative as part of a wider movement of anti-oppression work of “learning and unlearning, recognizing how words matter, and honouring the right to self-determination over one’s body, desires and needs.”

Those interested in obtaining a sign are invited to e-mail CK Pride at info@ckpride.com or visit any Chatham-Kent Municipal Service Centre.

CK Pride Week began Aug. 11.

Further details can be found online.

Removing horrendous discomfort

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

These days, Chord Jaques is a typical 10-year-old boy. And his parents, Tara and Ben Jaques, couldn’t be happier. It wasn’t always this way, as Chord suffers from a rare illness, Alagille Syndrome (ALGS).

For the Jaques, their “normal” came in the form of sleepless nights, with Chord suffering endless itching without relief. ALGS affects about 1 in 30,000

infants. Due to an impaired liver, children with the disease can’t process bile. Instead, it is absorbed into the skin, which causes uncontrollable itching and burning.

Tara said a new medicine, Livmarli, has worked wonders with Chord.

“His liver and heart have plateaued for the past couple of years. The new medicine has taken the itch away.”

Before that, Chord was in constant discomfort.

“He was itchy constantly. He

would scratch and dig. He was consumed by it,” his mother said, but there was no relief.

“His itch was internal. No matter how much he scratched, he could never get to it.”

This destroyed any quality of life. Tara said she and Ben had difficulty getting Chord to eat, or even sleep.

“He rarely settled. We were constantly trying to soothe and distract him. It was always there,” she said of the itching brought on by ALGS. “It wasn’t something we’d wish on anyone. Ever. You definitely feel helpless.”

The Jaques managed as best they could. But reaching out to talk to family and friends about the strange disease was not easy.

“We had people we’d talk to about it, but unless you were with him, and going on two or three hours of him screaming and scratching and he’s got himself covered in blood, you really can’t understand,”

Tara said.

People who did get it were families of other ALGS-afflicted kids.

Tara said they met others when they attended an ALGS symposium in the U.S.

A bond developed.

“We’ve stayed close to families as he’s grown up. We have Zoom calls with them,” Tara said.

“Chord still talks to them on the computer.”

As well, there is a group of ALGS families in Ontario. Tara said they try to get together annually.

“It’s very comforting when you get together with people who understand.”

A child who missed school be-

cause he was so exhausted due to ALGS is “not missing out on anything anymore.”

Chord benefitted from being part of the clinical trials for Livmarli, and just last month, Health Canada approved the drug for treatment of ALGS.

“We’re still so thankful,” Tara said.

Contributed image Parents Tara and Ben Jaques are just as happy as their son, Chord, for a new medication suppressing the symptoms of a rare illness he has, Alagille Syndrome.

Police encourage drivers to renew plates

By Michael Bennett Local Journalism Initiative The Ridgetown Independent

There is a misconception among Ontario motorists that you do not have to renew your

vehicle’s licence plates after the province eliminated the annual renewal fee and the requirement to have a plate sticker.

While the fees and stickers were eliminated in 2022, owners of passenger vehicles, light-duty trucks, motorcycles and mopeds must still renew licence plates every one or two years.

When you renew, law enforcement will be instantly aware your licence plate was renewed, which is important since many police services are now

equipped with Automated License Plate Readers in cruisers.

Plates can be renewed in person at any ServiceOntario centre or online at ontario.ca/ page/serviceontario

You will need your licence plate number, vehicle permit number and odometer reading to renew online. When you insert this information, you will be notified if your plate has expired. ServiceOntario will automatically check if your insurance is valid.

All outstanding defaulted driver fines must be paid before you can renew your licence plate.

You can renew your licence plate up to 180 days before it expires, as the expiry date is usually your birthday. You will have the option of renewing for one or two years, all at no cost, and can also sign up to receive free renewal reminders for your licence plate, driver’s licence,

health card or Ontario Photo Card.

The Chatham-Kent Police Service strongly encourages everyone to renew their licence plates on time.

The CKPS is currently conducting a trial on Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs) and has installed a select number of these devices in cruisers. Pending successful results from this pilot program, it is anticipated that all remaining cruisers will be equipped with ALPRs by this fall. The implementation of these readers aims to strengthen road safety and enforcement efforts within the CKPS jurisdiction.

ALPRs are designed to seamlessly capture and interpret license plate information in real time, converting it into digital text.

Driving with an invalidated permit is an $85 fine and a total cost of $110.

Dairy program receives $300K boost

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

The province is stepping up to ensure Ontario’s dairy industry is supported for years to come.

That’s thanks to a $300,000 cash infusion to make the Dairy Herdsperson Apprenticeship program readily available as a hybrid/distance diploma program option to those seeking employment in the sector.

The initiative – a joint project between the Dairy Farmers of Ontario and Ridgetown College/University of Guelph –was announced by Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development Minister Monte McNaughton at the East Kent campus on Aug. 9.

“Hard working people like dairy farmers are the men and women who keep our province running,” McNaughton told the gathering, noting the new program will help boost shortages.

“For two years, you’ve heard me talk about the labour shortage threatening Ontario,” McNaughton said. “It’s no different in agriculture as 3,700 jobs are going unfilled every single day which can contribute directly to the rising food costs families see.

“We need all hands on deck to build a strong Ontario,” McNaughton added, stressing the

Ford government is “on a mission” to ensure employers can find the skilled workers they need to grow the economy for everyone.

The new DHA program, slated to begin in 2024, will allow new students – and students who are already working in the industry – to further their education. The education piece includes 480 hours of classroom online training and 5,520 hours of on-farm training as part of a paid work placement.

Students learn about herd maintenance, nutrition and operating farm equipment, and hear directly from industry experts about all aspects of dairy farming.

“It allows farmers from as far away as Ottawa and Thunder Bay to benefit from Ridgetown students and grow their businesses,” McNaughton added.

Ontario’s dairy industry contributes $7.7 billion to the province’s economy annually, creating thousands of jobs with farmers supplying a host of healthy products for Ontario families.

McNaughton said the DHA program is but one of the programs Ontario has introduced to spur education and training, with the province spending millions on apprenticeship training. The DHA program is funded through the $700-mil-

lion-plus Skills Development Fund which supports programs that connect jobseekers with the skills and training they need to find well-paying jobs close to home.

To date, the Skills Development Fund has supported 596 projects, aiming to help almost 522,000 people take the next steps toward a career.

Chatham-Kent–Leamington MPP Trevor Jones, who serves as parliamentary assistant to Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Lisa Thompson, said the expansion of the program is a “testament” to the province’s commitment to nurture young talent by equipping them with the skills for success.

“This partnership signifies a brighter future for our youth, family farms, and the dairy sector, highlighting the boundless opportunities that lie ahead,” Jones said.

The Dairy Farmers of Ontario represent 3,270 dairy farmers, and the organization is the largest sector of the agricul-

tural industry, spurring some 70,000 jobs.

‘Very rare for a golf course to make 100 years’

By Michael Bennett Local Journalism Initiative The Ridgetown

Independent

Ridgetown Golf & Country Club broke 100 recently.

And while that may be an accomplishment for some golfers to see their score in double digits, members and staff at the Ridgetown Golf Club don’t mind reaching 100 at all – and are eager to keep that number growing.

The Ridgetown Golf & Country Club celebrated its centennial with a 100th anniversary golf tournament.

More than 80 golfers (including some who have golfed there for over 60 years) played in the 18-hole tournament.

“Congratulations, a hundred years is a big deal,” said Doug Breen, vice-president and supervisor for Golf North, the company that purchased the Ridgetown Club in 2016.

“I hope you realize what a great accomplishment this is,” he told golfers, guests and staff during the opening ceremonies before the tournament. “Few businesses make 100 years, and even fewer golf courses.”

The Golf North VP said the Ridgetown course making to 100 years is especially notable since it was a community-operated golf course for more than 90 years.

“It was never really owned by anyone; it was a not-for-profit structure that was kind of common back in the 1920s when it was built,” he said.

Breen said soldiers in the First World War took up golf while deployed in England and Europe and returned after the war

with an appetite for the game.

“You guys were part of the biggest golf boom ever,” Breen told the audience. “A lot of towns built golf courses in the 1920s when they (soldiers) came back from the war. But, almost none made it because many were built with good intentions but not with a good business plan.”

The first Ridgetown Golf Course course had 15 members when it opened on a farm field owned and donated by Neil Campbell on Erie Street on the south side of the 12th Concession.

A new site was needed when negotiations for a long-term lease on the Campbell property fell through.

Golf North purchased Ridgetown G&CC in 2016.

Cora selection

Cora’s Chatham is introducing five new choices of dishes for lunch.

The dishes are available from 11 a.m.

The restaurant is located at 595 St. Clair St.

UPS opens new location There is a new location for the UPS Store.

It’s now located inside the Chatham Walmart on St.Clair Street. Services include passport photos, mailbox

rentals, as well as full shipping and packaging services, plus printing, binding and shredding and more.

• Business Voice is a

bi-monthly column in The Chatham Voice that highlights some of the achievements made and efforts underway in Chatham-Kent’s business community.

Image courtesy The Ridgetown Independent

More than 80 golfers played in the 100th anniversary tourney recently at the Ridgetown Golf and Country Club.

Community Events

Thursday, August 17, 2023:

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

• The Chatham-Kent Quilters’ Guild meets 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 11:00 a.m.– 9:30 p.m. The kitchen is open to serve lunch from 11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Supper will be served from 4:00 –6:00. No orders after 5:30 p.m. 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.

• Friday night supper at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St is a meat loaf dinner with potatoes, vegetables, salad and a bun.Dine ins $12 and pickups $13. Please call daily at 519-3528291 from 1 to 4 PM to place your order. Everyone welcome.

Saturday, August 19, 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.

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

Entertainment by the Good Old Boys from 4:30-9:30. Come check out our menu. Everyone Welcome.

• Paws On My Heart: Check out the many vendors, dog parade at noon - prize for best costume.

CK Animal Rescue Charity Photo Booth & Groomers on site. Canine massage demonstrations through out the day. Clown, balloons & face painting. BBQ, refreshments & baked good. Grassroots Cat Rescue all at the Chatham-Kent Dog Park, 59 Water St., Chatham. 10:00am-2:00pm. Free admission. Rain date is Aug. 20th. Please contact Connie at 519-359-8455 for more information.

Sunday, August 20, 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.

• Faith Baptist Wallaceburg Worship Team 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.

Tuesday, August 22, 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 11:00 a.m.– 9:30 p.m. The kitchen is open to serve lunch from 11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Today’s special is Spaghetti with meat sauce. Come play Euchre at 1:00 or spend the evening playing Shuffleboard starting at 7:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome.

Wednesday, August 23, 2023:

• Come join us at The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham from 11:00 a.m.– 9:30 p.m. The kitchen is open to serve lunch from 11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. 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, August 24, 2023:

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

LOVE TO SING? Consider joining the Jubilee Chorus. We perform music in diverse genres that seeks to glorify God and draw others to Him. This fall, we are preparing A Festival of Lessons and Carols to be presented Saturday, December 2 at 7:00 p.m. Only 12 rehearsals – a short commitment – so come, sing new and favourite carols with us. We are looking for new, eager singers age 14 and up, no audition necessary! Come find community and experience all the benefits of joy-filled singing! Rehearsals are on Tuesday nights starting September 12 at Chatham Christian School from 6:52-9:03 pm. Call Cynthia at 226-229-1533 for more information and to register.

The CK Singers community choir will start practice once again at First Presbyterian Church 60 Fifth St in Chatham on Tuesday, September 5th at 7 pm. New members are most welcome. Each practice lasts for 2 hours with a break in between for refreshments. No auditions are required. We sing a variety of music which is provided and our aim is to have fun and entertain in fund-raising concerts and for long term care residents. For more information please contact, Director Nancy Tapley at 519-354-0463 or email nancytapley2@gmail.com or President Bob Mann at 519-397-2942 or email rmann482@hotmail.com

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

Fun Stuff

CLUES DOWN

1. Defunct US energy company

2. Fellow

3. It’s issued from volcanoes

4. Type of acid

5. Winged nut

6. Arouses

7. Things are served on it

8. San Diego ballplayer

9. Currency and a Chinese dynasty

10. __ mater, one’s school

12. Exclamation that denotes disgust

14. Hairstyle

CLUES ACROSS

1. Civil rights organization

5. Calendar month (abbr.)

8. Monetary unit of Burma

11. Twyla __, US dancer

13. Everything included

14. “Antman” actor Rudd

15. Italian city

16. Nowhere to be found

17. Mild yellow Dutch cheese made in balls

18. Turkish officer

20. Perform on stage

21. Ribosomal ribonucleic acid

22. Canadian coastal provinces

25. Furnishes anew

30. Edible mollusk

31. No seats available

32. Garden figurine

33. Two-legged support

38. Rest here please (abbr.)

41. In a silly way

43. One from the Golden State

45. Photographers

48. Native religionn in parts of China

49. Dickens character

50. Brodway actress Daisy

55. Ancient Greek sophist

56. Undivided

57. Daniel __, French composer

59. Nocturnal S. American rodent

60. Rusty

61. Jewish spiritual leader

62. Patti Hearst’s captors

63. Popular global holiday (abbr.)

64. Tall, slender plant

19. Supreme ancient Egyptian god

23. They __

24. Connecting line on a map

25. Mock

26. One point north of due east

27. Chinese philosophical principle

28. Type of tree

29. Persuade to do something

34. A place for travelers to rest

35. National Gallery of Art designer

36. Panamaniaan province

37. Field force unit (abbr.)

39. Whalers’ tool

40. Simply

41. Nigerian City

42. Not one

44. Obstruct

45. Political plot

46. Manila hemp plant

47. Dough made from corn flour

48. Fishes by letting the bob fly

51. Swiss river

52. Plant that makes gum

53. A French abbot

54. One point east of northeast

58. Get free of

This Weeks Puzzle answers.

Dianna

Classifieds

Wanted

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

CARRIERS

The Chatham Voice is looking for carriers in the following areas:

1 - Alexander, McGuigan, McFadden

2 - Baldoon, Finch

3 - Dunvegan, Jasper, Jupiter, Renfrew, Homestead

4 - Oxley, Willowdale, Spring

5 - Rossini, Michener, Webb

Missed

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 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.

For more info email Michelle at michelle@chathamvoice.com or call her at 519-397-2020.

OBITUARIES

Della Warren (Haskell)

72, Friday, August 4, 2023

Life Transitions

Sheila McNulty “Jan”

62, Sunday, August 6, 2023

Life Transitions

Dale Groombridge

77, Wednesday, August 9, 2023

Life Transitions

Wanda Crago

Wednesday, August 2, 2023

Alexander & Houle Funeral Home

John Riepert 67, Wednesday, August 9, 2023 Alexander & Houle Funeral Home

For Sale

Silk Cemetery

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

Kenneth Peter Havens

82, Thursday, August 3, 2023 McKinlay Funeral Home

Francois Gérard Marentette 55, Thursday, August 3, 2023

McKinlay Funeral Home

Jose Angel Grande Garcia 57, Thursday, August 3, 2023 McKinlay Funeral Home

Ingrid Carney

79, Friday, August 4, 2023

McKinlay Funeral Home

Brian Charles Crow

69, Saturday, August 5, 2023

McKinlay Funeral Home

Sylvia “Susie” Smith

74, Tuesday, August 1, 2023

Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home

Eugene “Biff” Gallagher

Monday, August 7, 2023

Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home

“Harvey” William Harvey Wise

76, Frida y, August 4, 2023

Nicholls Funeral Home

See full obituaries at chathamvoice.com/obituaries