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Vol. 4 Edition 34
Artist, church team up to fight injustice
By Mary Beth Corcoran mary@chathamvoice.com
Editor’s note: This is the final story in a three-part series on human trafficking in The Chatham Voice. After many years of imploring the Canadian government to investigate the murder and disappearance of Indigenous women across the country, there will finally be a National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. The announcement, made earlier this month, is an issue followed closely by David Maris, an artist and activist originally from the Blenheim area. Through his art, which he calls neo-political expressionism, Maris created a series of paintings on canvas that he calls flags, which depict his anger with the violence against
Indigenous women and the injustice of a government that has been called out internationally for its poor record on addressing human rights violations. His flags are currently on display in the Blenheim United Church as part of an exhibit that will eventually make its way to Switzerland. Two years ago, Maris said he was part of an international group of artists, Global Discomfort, producing activist art. When the United Church, nationally, put forward a resolution calling for a public inquiry into the murdered and missing Indigenous women, he called them. “I contacted them about working with them and having shows that could highlight the issues,” Maris said while in Blenheim to visit his sister.
Continued on page 4
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Members of the Chatham Central Neighbourhood Association including co-chair Karen Bondy, front and Jyl Panjer get help from Chatham-Kent Police Service Sgt. Jim Lynds taking on the neighbourhood kids at Wonderwood Park’s new basketball nets recently. See story on page 5.
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THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2016
News
Administrator recommended for CKHA
By Jim Blake jim@chathamvoice.com
Control of the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance is expected to be turned over to a provincial administrator this week following a report that found widespread deficiencies in the organization. In a report submitted to Health Minister Eric Hoskins earlier this month, Bonnie Adamson said she found issues with
financial management, use of medical resources, planning and governance. She described the working atmosphere for employees as poor. “The CKHA organizational culture has been frequently described by both hospital staff and medical staff to be one of fear, intimidation, distrust and an unsafe environment in which to voice their opinions without retaliation,” she wrote. In a letter to the Cha-
tham boards and that of Sydenham District Hospital, Hoskins wrote, “ In my view, the delivery of hospital services are now in jeopardy and I believe it is in the best interest of the patients and the people who depend on your hospitals to act now before the situation further deteriorates.” The province appointed Adamson in June after the relationship between the Wallaceburg and Chatham boards and staff
broke down over the issue of emergency services to North Kent. Adamson’s team interviewed more than 66 individuals, some more than once. “For the most part, the current alliance directors’ differences seem irreconcilable and so deeply entrenched that the investigator does not believe they are capable of objectively assessing any options for reconciliation,” Adamson wrote. “In fact, the investigator has for the most part, concluded that the current alliance directors are barriers to any such solutions.” The report
found no instances of sub-standard care at either the SDH or Chatham campus emergency departments, refuting allegations by CKHA administration that it was “unsafe.” SDH board chair Sheldon Parsons said the report touched on a number of issues his board had been trying to resolve. “Vindication is a harsh term but accurate in this case,” he said. Parsons said he believes the ministry recognized the importance of small rural hospitals in serving the needs of North Kent, south Lambton and Walpole Island residents. Health Alliance President and CEO Colin Patey released a statement say-
ing in part, “Over a very short period of time, the investigator attempted to examine some of our organization’s processes and practices. Like any institution, we expect we have room for improvement. We are committed to making improvements. The brief report did contain inaccurate information and statements, which on their own misrepresents the character of our organization. I believe that the appointment of a supervisor is necessary and will help bring stability to our governance situation. As with the investigator, the supervisor will have our full cooperation and support in completing their work.”
Key points in the report The Chatham Voice
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What the report said about: Rationale for appointment of a supervisor: “The PGH/SJH Boards and the Alliance officers are not acting in good faith nor using best efforts to explore all possible avenues for reconciliation. “The position taken by the PGH/ SJH Boards and the Alliance officers… puts the SDH’s governance, operations and patients in an unprecedented and unacceptable position of risk. Workplace culture and personnel:
The CKHA organizational culture has been frequently described by both hospital staff and medical staff to be one of fear, intimidation, distrust and an unsafe environment in which to voice their opinions without retaliation. The Chief of Emergency Medicine was appointed after being interviewed by a committee with no physician from the Emergency Department. This has been a contentious appointment. His schedule consists of physically being present at CKHA 4 days per month for 44 weeks per year for administrative duties.”
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THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2016
PAGE 3
ROSS
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The provincial ministry of health appointed Adamson in June after the As they await the ap- relationship between the pointment of a provin- Wallaceburg and Chacial supervisor, members tham boards and staff of the Sydenham Dis- broke down over the trict Hospital Board ex- issue of emergency serpressed both vindication vices to North Kent. In a letand optiter to the mism about “It took courage. I boards, the future thought the ministry Health Minof health Eric care in their would massage it but it ister Hoskins c o m m u n i - was presented verbaties. tim and shows (Health wrote, “In my view, The board Minister Eric Hoskins) the delivery met for perof hospihaps the is serious about mistal services final time management.” are now in last week to - SDH board’s Kris Lee jeopardy accept the and I befindings of a provincial investigator lieve it is in the best inthat they said support- terest of the patients and ed their concerns about the people who depend fiscal and operational on your hospitals to act mismanagement at the now before the situation Chatham Kent Health Al- further deteriorates.” The six SDH board liance. In her report, Bonnie members weighed in on Adamson was critical of the report. Kris Lee praised the reCKHA officers and Chatham hospital boards as port, saying Adamson not acting in good faith did a very honest and regarding Sydenham candid job. “It took courage. I District Hospital. She also pointed out nu- thought the ministry merous cultural, financial would massage it but it and organizational issues was presented verbatim and recommended that and shows (Health Minthe province appoint a ister Eric Hoskins) is sesupervisor with broad rious about mismanagepowers to operate the ment.” George Lung said he CKHA, a move backed was pleased to note the by the province. By Jim Blake jim@chathamvoice.com
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various references to Alliance administration and the Public General and St. Joseph’s boards not acing in good faith with their best efforts. “We were getting the shaft,” he said. Rex Issac said the report recognized the importance of small rural hospitals, something the Alliance and Chatham boards refused to do. The loss of the small rural hospital designation cost Wallaceburg $1 million in funding and has never been explained by administration. “I feel confident moving forward (in what we do) and the strength of our communities,” he said. Conrad Noel, the longest serving board member, said he is concerned about a section in the report which favours a “closed membership” board model. He said the 539 members who elected the Wallaceburg board and supported it in the community are “a lifesaver.” Herb John said Adamson’s report echoes “what we’ve been saying for years” regarding administration expense and called concerns about the work culture at the Alliance “very serious”. Parsons said he agrees with most points in the
Jim Blake/The Chatham Voice
Members of the SDH board meet to discuss the Adamson report into operations of the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance. Front row left to right Kris Lee, chair Sheldon Parsons, George Lung. Second row left to right Rex Issac, vice chair Herb John and Conrad Noel.
report and is looking forward to a “fair, fresh and equal” approach instead of the Chatham boards that he called “obstructionist from the get-go”. He said the SDH board had done its level best to bring financial and operational issues to light and called attacks on board members, the public and media for raising those issues “unfair and unfounded”. “We were dismissed at every turn,” he said. “We were put down by staff for not trusting them and we were ignored when we raised issues about the growing deficit. We conducted ourselves in the best interests of health care and the community and we need to apologize to no one.” Parsons said he believes the power of the open structure of the SDH board is important, say-
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ing the closed model favoured by Chatham “is exactly the reason that got us into trouble”. St. Clair Twp. Councillor Darrell Randell praised the board for a staying focused on health care and called its efforts “a job well done”. Chatham-Kent councillor Jeff Wesley, a former long-time board member said, “I knew we were
doing the right thing then and now. You all deserve thanks.” Wesley said with 17,000 emergency room visits, SDH has higher volume than 29 other rural hospitals, something the alliance staff refused to acknowledge, preferring to attack the emergency department staff that he said provides “exceptional care.”
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PAGE 4
News
Paintings as dark as the subject matter
an spoke up that lost a member “I give a nod to the United of her family and said that pasChurch that they have taken sive has gotten them nowhere, such a bold and progressive and if it takes something as step.” aggressive as this to be heard, Although he spends most the then she was OK with that,” year in Switzerland with his Maris said. wife and family, The flags, with the 60-year-old “My work is outspodark red and artists travels exblack streaks, ken. I’m not passive tensively for exnumbers, and hibits, and makes and my work is very the word “no” on no apologies for aggressive and violent them, along with the dark and vio- (with the flags) and the small crosses, lent nature of his Indigenous community hold the names of painting. victims and some “My work is is onside with that.” of the words from - David Maris outspoken. I’m their families. not passive and “The pieces my work is very aggressive themselves are raw in content; and violent (with the flags) they are not delicate, produced and the Indigenous communi- in a manner that is indeed as ty is onside with that. A wom- raw and violent as the subject
THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2016
Continued from page 1
itself. I read or listen to the personal stories, and my emotions and anger come out on canvas,” Maris said in his explanation of his work on the flags. “I use a lot of Saturday, August 27, 2016 • 9:00am - 1:00pm numerical representaTuesday, August 30, 2016 • 6:30pm - 8:30pm tions, some factual and others not, as we reWed., September 7, 2016 • 6:30pm - 8:30pm duce beautiful people to numbers, to statistics; not to the life they reps ip of ch g 5 a P b in resented.” E E R F drink L ll e a a Maris believes that if m g s u d e s start an 2nd we as individuals speak S at 1st and tes e pt. 9-10-1 on da 1 out against the issue of registrati 2016 violence and demand only action from the government, that society can begin to heal and truly be free. Seniors - not 20 yrs at Dec. 31/16 Since 1980, official Smurfs - 3&4 yrs old Sunday 6:15pm RCMP statistics show Born in 2012/2013 1,200 missing or murSupervisor: Rick Maynard Supervisor: Rick Maynard dered women and children, but the Native NOTE: Friday Night Groups are PeeWees - not 8yrs at Dec.31/16 Women’s Association restricted as to numbers (5-pin) of Canada puts that Supervisor: Rick Maynard number closer to 4,000. 5-Pin Program Director In 2015, Maris said the Bantams - not 11 yrs at Dec.31/16
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Mary Beth Corcoran/The Chatham Voice
David Maris, artist and activist, stands with his art on canvas that he calls flags, and represents his anger over the governement’s inaction on investigating the murdered and missing Indigenous women and girls in Canada, who he said are the most vulnerable. Maris is cautiously optimistic about the August announcement about launching a national inquiry into the issue.
Jim Maynard
United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women ruled that the Canadian government had committed “grave violations” of the human rights of Indigenous women by not doing more to address the epidemic violence against them. With the exhibit of his flags, Maris puts the victims and their families in the forefront, referencing Mary Ann’s Flag, a victim of domestic violence and murder from the Zhiibaahaasing First Nation of Manitoulin Island, Claudette’s Flag that quotes the frustration of her father still searching for his missing daughter, and Cindy Gladue’s Flag, in memory of the Edmonton woman who bled to death and whose accused was acquitted after a court trial that re-victimized her and her family. In Ontario, the government has finally introduced an anti-trafficking strategy that acknowledges that violence affects Indigenous women more
than any other group in our society and includes Indigenous-led approaches specific to victims’ services and supports. The three year roll-out of the $72 million in promised funding attached to that strategy has yet to be announced. The Ontario Native Women’s Association, in a report on sex-trafficking released earlier this year, stated that while there is a scarcity of accurate information regarding the trafficking of Indigenous women and children, “at the same time we know that Indigenous women and girls are vastly and disturbingly over-represented in all human trafficking. “The root causes of violence against Indigenous women are systemic, rooted in structural and social inequalities and the ongoing and historical processes of colonization,” the report said. “Ending trafficking is essential to the overall eradication of violence against Indigenous women and girls.”
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THE CHATHAM VOICE
THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2016
PAGE 5
News
Neighbourhood park brings back its hoop-la
By Mary Beth Corcoran mary@chathamvoice.com
A dozen kids raced up and down the pavement playing basketball while more kids looked on thanks to two new nets put up in Wonderwoods Park in Chatham. For Karen Bondy, co-chair of the Chatham Central Neighbourhood Association, there really isn’t a better sight. The CCNA raised the funds for the nets courtesy of a quarter auction and the municipality installed them, all part of the group’s mandate to revitalize and beautify the area where they live. In its second year of operation, the CCNA is a group of local citizens in central Chatham – Cross Street to Edgar Street and Queen Street to Inshes Avenue – who have been hard at work making their neighbourhood great again, one project at a time. Wednesday afternoon, the group help a BBQ and infor-
mation night to dedicate the newly installed hoops, which had been absent from the park for decades. “We are thrilled to return the basketball nets to our park, because it gives the youth and adults of our area something more to do,” Bondy said. “A lot of kids were playing on the streets and now they’re here, meeting their friends and socializing.” Bondy said the municipality has been great and the project wouldn’t have been possible without the C-K recreation department. “We have a lot of great community leaders and if we need anything, they are right there to help out,” Bondy added. For the fall, the CCNA is gearing up for a fun neighbourhood scavenger hunt, and are working on plans for community urban garden at Francis Moore Park with raised beds. Bondy said they hope to have the beds in
place this fall and ready for planting in the spring. “We also have plans to beautify the front of the park with planting. We want to make it an aesthetically pleasing park,” she noted. The membership currently is 15 people with plenty of residents in the area stepping up to volunteer when needed, Bondy said. With more information being shared on social media and the group continuing to gather e-mail addresses, she said interest in helping the community be great again is growing. Jyl Panjer, a group member and organizer of the Little Free Library at 195 West St., had a display of excess books for taking or exchange at the dedication. The library is free to anyone who would like to take a book and leave a book, and she said she has had people drop off boxes of books. The library is for all ages and Panjer said everyone is welcome.
One Hip park
Hope named to AMO committee
By Jim Blake jim@chathamvoice.com
Mayor Randy Hope praised the recent Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) conference in Windsor as a key opportunity for peer-to-peer discussion. Hope, who was named to the AMO County Caucus Board of Directors, said discussions among staff members and politicians are key in understanding provincial and federal relations. “A lot of municipalities face similar issues with senior levels of government from cap and trade to blue box programs to what have you,” he said. “By sharing their experiences, we get that knowledge and can apply it here.” Chief Administrative Officer Don Shropshire and other staff joined council members Trevor Thompson, Brock McGregor, Carmen McGregor, Joe Faas, Jeff Wesley and Darrin Canniff at the event Aug 14-17. More than 1,700 staff and politicians from 440 municipalities across the province attended the event that fea-
Facebook/Ryan Doyle photo
Hundreds of local citizens ignored the rain, waited until it let up, to visit Tecumseh Park Saturday night to take in The Tragically Hip’s final concert performance, shown live on a big screen via the CBC.
tured presentations from dens’ Caucus (WOWC) has Premier Kathleen Wynne, been key. Conservative leader Patrick Brown, NDP Andrea Horwath and a host of ministers and deputy ministers. “Having face time with ministers is also important because you can make that connection that isn’t possible through the phone or email,” Hope said. Every donation helps us Hope praised the AMO for its help two change lives, one person, months ago raising the issue of the importance one job at a time. of natural gas to the province’s rural municipalities, especially Union Gas that has its headquarters here. “We were able to get a successful outcome on the future of natural gas because we presented a united front from a variety of sources,” he said. He said AMO’s support for the Southwestern Integrated Fibre Technology (SWIFT) Charitable Registration # 119139426RR0001 project, created by Western Ontario War-
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THE CHATHAM VOICE
PAGE 6
What’s next for CKHA? By now, the results of provincial investigator Bonnie Adamson’s report on the state of the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance are well known. It is one of the most damning of its kind we’ve ever seen. Adamson spared no words in describing the CKHA management as inadequate across the board – financially, operationally, and in terms of workplace culture. In deciding what happens next, the provincial supervisor to be appointed shortly has full authority. There is little doubt senior management will be replaced and medical service will be provided on the basis of what’s best for the community, not personal agendas. We would request that due consideration be given to acknowledging the role played by the Sydenham District Hospital board in bringing the matter to the province’s attention. Were it not for that board’s diligence in meeting the financial and moral obligations to its membership, the mismanagement of the CKHA would still be taking place. Health care would be jeopardized, untold millions would be squandered and staff would be working in an atmosphere of defeat and intimidation. The board members undertook this responsibility despite the hostility of those interested in maintaining the status quo. Members of the community who spoke out, including this newspaper, were publicly castigated. At a time when delivery of health care has never been more difficult, the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care took the right step forward. As the CKHA (or whatever the new entity is called), attempts to rebuild its image and regain the confidence of the community, it would be wise to use goodwill and capital, as evidenced by the 539 members of the Sydenham District Hospital board who have a personal stake in health care. We implore the supervisor to use the same courage as the ministry and foster the public’s belief that real people can make a change and help take local health care to a new level. Make the new board public and open. The passion is real, the cost is virtually negligible and the potential benefits immense.
Letters to the editor policy The Chatham Voice welcomes letters to the editor. Our preferred method to receive letters is via e-mail to bruce@chathamvoice.com (use “Letter” in the subject line). You can also drop them off or mail them to us at The Chatham Voice, 84 Dover St., Unit 2, Chatham, Ont, N7L 1T1. The Chatham Voice reserves the right to edit letters to the editor for brevity and clarity. All letters need to be signed.
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THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2016
Opinion
Major donor says change needed Editor’s note: The Faas Foundation has donated more than $1 million to the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance. Author of The Bully’s Trap on workplace culture, Andrew Faas has provided this take on the situation at the CKHA. Sir: An investigation was commissioned by Ontario’s Minister of Health and Long Term Care “to examine and report on issues related to the governance and management” of the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (CKHA). The investigator’s report exposed a top-heavy management governed by a negligent and neutered board of directors and a rats’ nest of toxicity. As the Faas Foundation is one of CKHA’s top donors, we are very concerned on how this disturbing report will negatively affect CKHA’s ability to attract and retain health-care professionals and donors. This report could also affect the community in terms of attracting employers and jobs to the
area because health care is a major factor in decisions to locate. Over the last decade, I have met many CKHA employees and must emphasize that were it not for their passion, dedication and professionalism; patient care would have been severely compromised. These people worked under horrible conditions – “The CKHA organizational culture has been frequently described by both hospital and medical staff to be one of fear, intimidation, distrust and an unsafe environment in which to voice their opinions without retaliation. A hierarchical and centralized decision-making management style that also lacked in transparency was also frequently described.” My intelligence is that that the CEO and his cronies on management and the board are feverishly working on a public response to discredit the report.
The public and the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care should not get sucked in by this. I can attest to the investigator’s findings as having witnessed the CEO in action and speaking with many employees. Also, I was interviewed by a consultant commissioned by the CEO were I clearly voiced my concerns about the climate, which were consistent with the investigator’s findings. The report by the consultant made zero mention of the critical comments expressed by me and others he interviewed, and based on my experience his report was typical of “snake oil salesmen” who tell the CEOs what they want to hear to gain additional assignments. Based on my extensive research and as an expert in organizational culture and dynamics, the situation at CKHA is unfortunately more common than not. Thankfully, a minis-
try-appointed supervisor will be appointed “to restore robust governance and administrative/clinical leadership to ensure sustainable and appropriate oversight of patient care and financial management.” To the citizens of Chatham-Kent – do not lose faith in what I consider to be a wonderful institution with incredible people who have managed to provide superior patient care under very trying circumstances. Please embrace them and continue to support them – with new management and governance, your investment will pay huge dividends. To employees everywhere, if you are working in an environment similar to that of CKHA, make your voice heard in a safe way – citing this case study. Andrew Faas Thornbury, Ont. Faas’ full blog can be seen at andrewfaas.com/ blog/
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THE CHATHAM VOICE
THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2016
PAGE 7
News
Hard work pays off for SDH supporters Sir: Thank you SDH volunteers, staff, nurses and doctors! While the two Chatham-based hospital boards and the executive leadership at the CKHA should be profoundly ashamed and held accountable for the contents of the investigator’s report, this letter is really to thank everyone who did or currently has a direct role in our
hospital. Over the past years, the leadership at the CKHA has not treated you well and your important role in our communities was always diminished and dismissed. Your achievements went unheralded. So for your benefit here is what the investigator’s report said about all of you: • SDH’s emergency volume is about 17,000
Quite a musical weekend in Chatham Sir. First I just want to say that when I went to the Lockwood-Schatte concert on Friday night, I did not intend to write anything about it after the fact. I went there to hopefully enjoy the performance. After seeing that performance, I had to express somewhere how good a show that was, especially considering that the final performance of The Tragically Hip was on across the nation the following night. Schatte made reference to The Tragically Hip show during his performance. Yes, I did watch The Tragically Hip performance from Kingston, on the CBC on Saturday night. I have heard them over the years on radio, but had never seen them in concert, so when I heard CBC was carrying the performance live, I decided to tune in to the show. I was not disappointed, as it was a wonderful performance, especially by their lead singer, Gord Downie. Having gone through brain tumor surgery myself many years ago, and having survived it while seeing many other
people die, it was hard not to shed a tear for Downie, who I think, gave as courageous and strong a performance as anyone can, considering what he is going through, and will probably ultimately lead to the end of his life here on earth. At the same time, I’m sorry to hear that the rebroadcast of the show at Tecumseh Park did not draw as many people as the promoters had hoped. Rainy weather did not help their cause. The fact that we do not have nighttime bus service in this city for such an event probably discouraged a lot of people who take public transit, like me, who might have gone downtown otherwise to take in this event. All the same, I’m glad I was able to see this event, which was pretty big a deal to bump Summer Olympics off The CBC for a few hours. For Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to also be in attendance for this event was also a huge sign of The Tragically Hip’s popularity here in Canada! Frank Doyle Chatham
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visits per year which is greater than 29 other rural hospitals in Ontario – you all do a great job with this high volume! • The Investigator found no evidence to support any concerns regarding quality and safety of care at SDH. • In all cases reviewed, the care at SDH met the
standard of care required in a hospital in Ontario. • The two Chatham based hospital boards and the CKHA leadership failed to recognize the vital role that the SDH’s Emergency Department and the physicians provide to Wallaceburg and Walpole Island First Nation.
• The Investigator even said that increased testing and equipment should be available at SDH to enhance the care. None of the above is a surprise to anyone who supports SDH but it is nice to see outside, independent experts validate what we all said time and time again. To the volunteers, staff, nurses and doctors at SDH and
in our local community clinics, I say thank you. We are happy you are here and we thank you for your dedication to our communities. If you see a health care worker in our communities, please thank them for being here! Jeff Wesley Councillor – Wallaceburg Past Chair – SDH
THE CHATHAM VOICE
PAGE 8
THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2016
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THE CHATHAM VOICE
THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2016
News
PAGE 9
Girl, 12 wins Musical Ride Contest
Emma Van Kesteren wows judges The Chatham Voice
Editor’s note: This is the winning submission for the contest to be the honoured guest for the RCMP’s Musical Ride in Dresden. I love Canada because of all of our history and all the people from all over the world. I love the Great Lakes so we can swim and fish in Canada and hike. I love our health care so I can live long and strong. I love the seasons – spring when the birds sing, summer with the flowers, fall when the leaves come Mary Beth Corcoran/The Chatham Voice
A 12-year-old Chatham student submitted the winning essay for the Musical Ride Honoured Guest contest, winning tickets to the RCMP Musical Ride performance Aug. 24 at the Dresden Fairgrounds. The event, a fundraiser for C-K Racing Against Drugs, featured a ride-by with salute from the RCMP officers to the honoured guest, a privilege won by Emma Van Kesteren. Citing her love for all things Canadian and hand-drawn images, Van Kesteren’s submission caught the eye of the organizers. Van Kesteren, pictured, made a hand-made thank you card for the organizers.
Public support continues to grow for Wells’ fundraising
By Jim Blake jim@chathamvoice.com
Don Wells’ 2016 Journey of Hope was his most successful ever – and he didn’t have to leave the area. Wells, who turned 67 last month, raised more than $16,000 by canvassing local stores, holding barbeques and other events.
The funds raised will be donated to the Children’s Health Foundation of Victoria Hospital in London and the Children’s Make a With Foundation in Ottawa. Wells has held a number of walks and rides across southwestern Ontario during the past few years but leg issues and his ongoing battle against prostate cancer
means he couldn’t do so this year. “I need to get my knee replaced,” he said. He said public support continues to grow. “I’d love to get huge donations but it’s amazing to me how much those quarters, dimes, nickels and loonies add up.”
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Continued on page 10
TRIAL STAYS
down and winter when we skate. I love the police that keep us safe every day. I love that we can vote for the right prime minister. I love our laws that keep our country in order. I love that so many people came to live in Canada to have a better life. I love our national sport – hockey! I love our freedom. Canada is for me!
Drop in and talk to any of our staff! Deadline for entries is Sept. 2. Dave Rikley
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THE CHATHAM VOICE
PAGE 10
THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2016
News
Are you CK’s best handyman? 12 for the teams entered, she said they will know what the project is and Back for a second year, “we give them a tote and the Chatham-Kent Habi- they have to bring all the tat Handyman Challenge materials they need in has organizers excited that tote.” They will also with a new task for en- give them ideas to help trants and lots of great with their fundraising. During the day, Mcprizes. Dowell said The fullthere will be day event “Last year, each mini-chaltakes place team had to make a lenges that Oct. 31 at doghouse. This year, can give the Downthe wintown Cha- we are giving them a ning team tham Cen- project. We give them advantagtre, with the materials and they registration have to make the proj- es over the others, like up until Sept. 12, the ect using pallet wood.” a time advantage. day of team - Nancy McDowell “For inorientation. The entry fee is $50 and stance, last year we had a each two-person team whole bunch of nuts and is expected to do a min- bolts and the teams had imum of $500 worth of to find matching ones and assemble them,” Mcfundraising. According to Habitat Dowell explained. Team members will be for Humanity C-K executive director Nancy served lunch, and when McDowell, this year’s time has expired, three project must be complet- judges will grade the ed using wooden pallets. projects on creativity, She’s looking forward to craftsmanship and funcseeing the creativity the tionality. The top winteams will bring to the ning team will win one of the prize packages, such event. “Last year, each team as VIA Rail package valhad to make a doghouse. ued at $1,300 and a Home This year, we are giving Hardware gift card. “The finished projects them a project,” McDowell said. “We give them are displayed in the mall the materials and they for a two-week period have to make the project and then they will be auctioned off, with part using pallet wood.” At orientation on Sept. of the proceeds going to By Mary Beth Corcoran mary@chathamvoice.com
Mary Beth Corcoran/The Chatham Voice
The team from Home Depot was at the Habitat for Humanity build in Charing Cross during the recent scorching heat to put primer on the walls on a home the organization has for a lucky family. The home is expected to be finished and ready to hand over to the family in September. Volunteering, from left, is Carmen Mohr, Gary Risdale, Dan Dymock, Marnie McKean from Home Depot, with Habitat executive director Nancy McDowell.
Big Brothers Big Sisters,” McDowell noted. With seven teams last year and a successful event for both the teams
and Habitat, the executive director said she is looking forward to this year. “We had a blast. Some
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of the teams didn’t want to stop for lunch,” McDowell noted with a grin. “There was a lot of energy, and a lot of competi-
tive spirit.” For information on how to register for this year’s event, go to HabitatHandyman.com.
Wells now has big plans for E-bike ride
The route is 2,553 miles Wells’ success and sur- or 4,108 kilometres,” he gery have prompted him said. “If you drove straight to plan his largest E-bike through it would take 43 ride ever, from Wallace- hours and 55 minutes.” burg to Golden, B.C. His Journeys of Hope “I have people on board have raised funds for already breast and helping me “I know how hard it is prostate with the to go through cancer cancer rebikes, the as an adult. Seeing search but c h a r g e r s kids go through it he is now and the deconcentrattails of do- makes me have to do ing on raising some- something.” ing funds thing this - Don Wells to help chilbig,” dren. He plans to leave Walla“I know how hard it is to ceburg at the end of Au- go through cancer as an gust and is already pour- adult,” he said. “Seeing ing over maps donated by kids go through it makes the Canadian Automobile me have to do someAssociation. thing.” Continued from page 9
THE CHATHAM VOICE
THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2016
PAGE 11
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THE CHATHAM VOICE
THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2016
Economic Development Services Chatham-Kent Small Business Centre 445 Grand Ave. W Chatham, ON cksbc@chatham-kent.ca
519.351.7700
Successful summer for young entrepreneurs A handful of local students are heading back to their studies with a summer’s worth of business experience, thanks to a program administered by Chatham-Kent Economic Development. The provincially funded Summer Company program provides students with seed money for a business, mentoring help and a grant upon successful completion. For Dylan Johnson, that meant taking his grass cutting service to another level, so he formed DJ’s Reliable Yard Service. “I had a few customers before but I thought it would be a good idea to see how many more I could get,” he said. “It went really well but it became kind of tough when we didn’t get any rain for a long time.” “I realized there’s a lot of work to do in addition to just cutting grass. I had to keep a daily log, do the book work and make sure people were paying.” The JMSS graduate will be entering a co-op placement in the fall and intends to continue to as much as he can. “It really taught me a lot about being organized,” he said. “I’m glad I did it.” Small business consultant Gary Schatz said students were required to submit business plans and, once approved, they were given a $1,500 grant to help launch the company. “Once the businesses are operating we meet regularly with the students and make sure they’re staying on course,” he said. “At the end of the program, the students get an additional $1,500 and keep their profits.” Ursuline College graduate Julia Hanley’s idea for a business came from her personal experience. The 17-year-old founded the Arooma Company, which makes hand-pulled and dye-free candles. “I love candles but I got headaches any time I burned them,” she said. “I discovered it was from the paraffin wax so my candles are paraffin free.”
“I just wanted to find candles I liked and that others would like too.” She started with 150 candles with 16 different scents but has sold out nearly half the variety. “It was a lot of work, but I was ready for whatever came at me. I learned that if you put your mind to something anything is possible. I surprised myself and I’m grateful to the William Street Café for allowing me to sell them there.” “Besides the hard work and determination I anticipated was required of me to run a small business, I learned quickly the necessity and importance of networking.” Julia will be heading to Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia in the fall to study political science. Nicholas Paraskevopoulos took his automotive interest and turned it into Para’s Powder Coating, a finish Julia Hanley displays some of the candles she made for parts. as part of her Summer Company project. “It goes on as a powder and it’s Julia will be studying political science at baked on,” he said. “I’m into show Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia this fall. trucks and the coating is good for things you want to show off and “In high school, you don’t have too deal with protect.” too many real world situations so it was a He said the powder is applied in a device “like a paint gun” through an electric charge. huge learning experience.” “Once I found a new supplier things went a He’s going into Grade 12 at Ecole lot smoother. It was fun for me to talk to so Secondaire in Pain Court. many people.” “I’ve got some work in the winter with some She said, “I loved the social aspect” and met rims,” he said. “It’s something that I can do lots of new people. year-round.” “I really liked it when my repeat customers He said the experience has helped him started.” source material on the Internet. The 18-year-old is off to Redeemer University Katelyn Taylor, a graduate of Chatham in the fall to study social work and English. Christian School, started Taylor’s Roadside Schatz said the Summer Company program Produce in Wallaceburg. has been popular for several years. “I learned a lot,” she said. “At times, it was “Students interested in applying can start really stressful but looking back and seeing getting their information together in Januhow far the business had come was great.” ary,” he said. “By the time things get rolling Problems with her initial supplier taught her later in the year, they can have half their about perseverance and dealing with application work done.” obstacles.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2016
THE CHATHAM VOICE
PAGE 13
Life
Pen and paper equals long friendship 65 years and counting for local woman and English penpal
ley laughed.” The Perritt’s third child, daughter Tracy, fell in love In this electronic age, put- with Charlie when the Morting pen to paper may seem ton’s first visited Canada in quaint, but to Shirley Perritt 1981. “Tracy latched onto Charand Kathleen Morton, it’s lie and they been a bond would swim that has kept “The minute we met the length of their friendwe just hit it off. We the pool toship alive for both like a laugh and gether,” Kath65 years. leen said. It was in we really understand were 1951 that Shir- what’s on each other’s “They ley, a student minds, even if she says great buddies.” “The minute at D.A. GorI mumble, and I don’t we met we don School in Wallaceburg, always get her accent.” just hit it off,” Shirley said. was asked by - Shirley Perritt on her “We both like her teacher to relationship with penpal a laugh and write to Kath- Kathleen Morton we really unleen, who lived in Egremont, in the Lakes derstand what’s on each other’s minds, even if she says I District of England. “I believe my teacher knew mumble and I don’t always Kath’s teacher in England,” get her accent,” she laughed. In the beginning, the girls Shirley said. “The government was involved in help- wrote about the things ing these pen pal exchange in their lives such as school, roller skating, programs.” Kathleen spent the better bike riding and boys part of the last two weeks they met. As they grew older, with Shirley and her husband Jim at their Thames- the women wrote about families and friends. ville home. “I feel like I know It was Kathleen’s seventh visit to Canada while Shirley Kath’s friends,” Shirley said. has been to England twice. “If she writes me “We just hit it off right away,” Kathleen said. “We something about sohad so much in common. We and-so I can relate to it.” could talk about anything.” Visiting each other Asked what they share, both answered simultane- has meant going places ously “shopping” and burst and meeting people the couples wouldn’t have into laughter. The similarities in their otherwise seen. “We’ve taken Charlie lives extended to their families as Shirley’s husband and Kath to all kinds of Jim and Kathleen’s husband places throughout OnCharlie (who passed away tario and when we’ve last year) were both quiet been able to tour Enmen who enjoyed hobbies gland and Scotland,” Shirley said. such as fishing. The couples have also The two couples had sons the same age, (Steve and shared vacations in the Antony, respectively) and United States. Both said they daughters (Karie and Carole) wouldn’t trade the pathe same age. “We seemed to be just in per letters they right sync in a lot of ways,” Shir- for e-mails or texting. By Jim Blake jim@chathamvoice.com
“There is something so personal about knowing the person who sent you the letter sat down, took the time and wrote it by hand,” Shirley said. “I know her handwriting just as I do my own,” Kathleen said. Although the women would like to visit each other again, both acknowledge the cost of travel insurance for seniors is an issue. “We’ll take things as they come,” Kathleen said. The pair estimate they’ve sent hundreds of letters to each other over the years. “Jim teases me about my “journal” because I write such long letters to Kath,” Shirley said. “We’ve been lucky,” Kathleen said. “It has been a great friendship and I treasure it.”
Jim Blake/The Chatham Voice
Shirley and Kathleen look at some of the hundreds of letters they have exchanged.
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THE CHATHAM VOICE
PAGE 14
No place like home
THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2016
Business
Cutting edge tech firm sets up shop in C-K
“The pace is faster and it’s not as personal. I like the fact that I know people here and they know me.” Intellitix, founded in Montreal six years ago, is led by Serge Grimaux, whose official title on the company website is Chief Executive Officer and Head Pilot. “Serge is a visionary,” Fantuz said. “He was a festival promoter who saw the potential in RIFD.” The technology uses radio frequency identification that is installed in a wristband or lanyard, to allow the wearer the opportunity for a cash-free experience as well as increased security for event organizers. Instead of a traditional ticket, purchasers receive a wristband or lanyard with the information loaded. The wristband is then tapped upon entry. Although Intellitix doesn’t manufacture the wristbands, it provides the technology and installs the point of sale devices and equipment.
By Jim Blake jim@chathamvoice.com
Montreal, Toronto, Budapest and Chatham. If you asked most people which of these cities isn’t like the other, Chatham is the obvious answer – but for Peter Fantuz that’s a good thing. Fantuz is the chief operating officer of Intellitix, one of the world’s foremost providers of RIFD event technology and he’s happy to list Chatham as one of the company’s main locations. “It’s good to be in Chatham, it’s a great place to live and to do business,” he said. “We could go anywhere but we have everything we need here.” Fantuz can be forgiven for being somewhat prejudiced since he was born and raised here, but says the time away only increased his appreciation for his community. “I had been living in Calgary and you just don’t get the same sense that you do here,” he said.
Jim Blake /The Chatham Voice
Intellitix Chief Operating Officer Peter Fantuz shows one of the RIFD wristbands used by his firm create a “cashless experience” for events from concerts to food festivals.
With a presence in 18 countries, the firm has served more than 20 million guests and $325 million in cashless spending. Included in its more than
200 festivals and events are the Coachella Music Festival, Boots and Hearts and the Ryder Cup. The technology took off exponentially when it
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said. “It makes things so much simpler than pulling out a wallet or card. The convenience is a major factor.”
Continued on page 15
Testimonial
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was expanded to allow purchases such as refreshments or souvenirs. “We really have the ability to create a cashless mini-city of sorts,” he
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THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2016
THE CHATHAM VOICE
PAGE 15
Business
The Herald marks a new beginning By Jim Blake jim@chathamvoice.com
The first issue in the next chapter of the Thamesville newspaper began officially last Tuesday as the new Herald rolled off the presses. Publisher Heather Wright purchased the paper last month from Allison Humphries who owned the paper for the past 16 years. She plans to expand the paper’s distribution throughout Dresden, Bothwell and Thamesville free of charge for the next month before launching a subscription drive. Wright, who also publishes the Petrolia Independent, said she’s proud of the way Thamesville residents have supported the Herald in the past and believes there is a strong market in the future. She said there is a critical gap in Internet news reporting.
“You can find out anything you want to know on the Internet except what happens next door,” she said. “We will reflect the community in a way that only a local newspaper can.” Lambton-Kent-Middlesex MP Bev Shipley said local newspapers are an essential part of keeping the community informed. “Without local newspapers we lose a sense of community,” he said. “When papers are owned by large companies there is a danger that they lose their local connection.” East Kent Councillor Steve Pinsonneault said he’s excited not just for Thamesville but for Bothwell which has been without a newspaper since Post Media closed outlets in Dresden and Bothwell several years ago. “I like it for the people of Bothwell because there is lots going on that isn’t getting covered,” he said.
Intellitix doubling each year
Continued from page 14
The advantage for the promoter is that they have a much more accurate and timely record of purchases. “There’s no need to reconcile cash and wait for that process,” he said. “We offer real time reporting which is a tremendous leap forward in reporting and accuracy.” Fantuz said Intellitix has doubled its business each year of its operation and things show no sign of slowing down. It currently has nine employees in Chatham in operations, logistics and human resources and is adding more on a regular basis. “One of the reasons we located here was that there is such a great depth of talent locally,” he said. “We’re within 90 minutes
of Western and the University of Windsor and we have strong colleges in St. Clair, Lambton and Fanshawe.” Fantuz said the firm has “bank grade security” and huge pride in making sure transactions are secure. “A thief would have a much easier time stealing your wallet than getting a wristband off,” which he demonstrated by having to cut off the band he wore for a demonstration. Proof of the firm’s success was its award as “Best Technology Provider” at the 2016 Event Production Awards in London, England. It was and was also ranked by Fast Company as one of “The World’s Top 10 Most Innovative Companies” in Live Events.
Former owner Allison Humphries said Wright is the “perfect person” to have purchased the Herald. “She does a great job in Petrolia because she understands what small towns are all about,” she said. “I’m really excited about the new chapter for the paper.” Chatham-Kent Town Crier George Sims was on hand for the ceremony and noted how his grandfather owned the Herald as well as papers in Rodney and West Lorne. “My dad was a printer for Planet Printing in Chatham and that’s how my family came from Thamesville to Chatham,” he said. Wright noted that as of October, Thamesville will have had a newspaper presence for 130 years.
Jim Blake/The Chatham Voice
The communities of Thamesville, Bothwell and Dresden have a new newspaper as of last week as the Herald published its first issue. Here, staff members Heather Wright, Barry Wright and Connie McFadden are seen at the paper’s official opening.
WOULD YOU
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Tractors aren’t any safer than a car. No seatbelt? No extra passengers!
Livestock can become pets, but remember that they are still animals with instincts.
A child dies in a farm accident every three days. Over 35 children are injured on a farm every day.
A child dies in a farm accident every three days. Over 35 children are injured on a farm every day.
Farm Safety For Just Kids is a non-profit devoted to promoting a safe farm
Farm Safety For Just Kids is a non-profit devoted to promoting a safe farm
environment to prevent health hazards, injuries, and fatalities to children and youth.
environment to prevent health hazards, injuries, and fatalities to children and youth.
For more information or to see how you can help, visit FarmSafetyForJustKids.org.
For more information or to see how you can help, visit FarmSafetyForJustKids.org.
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THE CHATHAM VOICE
PAGE 16
THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2016
Life
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Thursday, August 25, 2016 •George Wilson will entertain in the West Lounge at 2:00pm at Meadow Park, 110 Sandy St., Chatham. • Open Euchre at The Chatham Legion, William & Colborne St., Chatham at 1:00pm. Friday, August 26, 2016 • Meal and darts at The Chatham Legion, William & Colborne St., Chatham. Dinner from 5:30pm-7:00pm with choice of Liver and onions, roast beef or fish and chips for $9.00. One meat draw. Open darts stats at 7:30pm. Saturday, August 27, 2016 • Meat draw and dance at The Chatham Legion, William & Colborne St., Chatham. Meat draw from 4:00pm-6:00pm. Dance from 4:30pm-9:30pm featuring The Roses. Sunday, August 28, 2016 • The Jay Allan Band will perform your favourite old and new country songs with laughter at Two Creeks Conservation Area, just north of Wheatley at 6:30pm. Monday, August 29, 2016 • Ryan St. Denis will perform in the West Lounge at 2:00pm at Meadow Park, 110 Sandy St., Chatham. • Senior Euchre at The Chatham Legion, William & Colborne St., Chatham at 1:00pm. Tuesday, August 30, 2016 • Open Euchre at The Chatham Legion, William & Colborne St., Chatham at 1:00pm. Wednesday, August 31, 2016 • Pepper at The Chatham Legion, William & Colborne St., Chatham at 1:00pm. Thursday, September 1, 2016 • Open Euchre and Bingo at The Chatham Legion, William & Colborne St., Chatham. Open euchre at 1:00pm. Bingo starts at 7:00pm. Friday, September 2, 2016 • Soup and Sandwich Lunch at BR. 243 Royal Canadian Legion, Ridgetown. Sponsored by the Legion Ladies Auxiliary from 11:00-2:00pm. $7.00. • Meal and darts at The Chatham Legion, William & Colborne St., Chatham. Dinner from 5:30pm-7:00pm with choice of pork, roast beef or fish and chips for $9.00. One meat draw. Open darts stats at 7:30pm.
Saturday, September 3, 2016 • Meat draw and dance at The Chatham Legion, William & Colborne St., Chatham. Meat draw from 4:00pm-6:00pm. Dance from 4:30pm-9:30pm featuring Don & Bonnie. Sunday, September 4, 2016 • Martha Renaud & Friends will perform at Two Creeks Conservation Area, just north of Wheatley at 6:30pm. Martha brings great passion to songs old and new. An amazing new voice in our area. Tuesday, September 6, 2016 • Open Euchre at The Chatham Legion, William & Colborne St., Chatham at 1:00pm. Wednesday, September 7, 2016 • Pepper at The Chatham Legion, William & Colborne St., Chatham at 1:00pm. • Patricia M. Productions Monthly Luncheon Fashion Show at Rossini’s Restaurant, 634 Grand Ave. E., 519-3522920. Call for reservations. Fashions by: Nina Marie’s Boutique & Cleo/Ricki’s. Show time 12:15pm-12:50pm. Supporting Salvation Army Chatham-Kent. Thursday, September 8, 2016 • Open Euchre at The Chatham Legion, William & Colborne St., Chatham at 1:00pm. Are you Chatham-Kent’s best handyman? Teams of 2 can now register for the C-K Habitat Handyman Challenge. Saturday, October 1. Registration closes September 12, 2016. Space is limited. Lots of great prizes! www.habitathandyman.com for more info! CK Metal Detecting Club Meetings - Last Thursday of the Month, 7:00pm in the Kinsman Room, Erikson Arena, 341 Delaware Ave., Chatham. Guests Welcome. Chatham Lawn Bowling Club invites everyone to try Lawn Bowling, every Mon., Wed, & Thurs at 6:35pm in Tecumseh Park. Newcomers welcome. 3 free lessons and games. Ages 10 and up. Toastmasters is a place where you develop and grow - both personally and professionally. Guests are always welcome. Join us at Green Field Ethanol, 275 Bloomfield Road on Mondays from 6:30pm – 8:00pm. Submit your coming events to bruce@chathamvoice.com or michelle@chathamvoice.com
14-year-old tech support I recently spoke to the local Rotary Club, discussing The Chatham Voice’s three years in business. What a warm, welcoming crowd. It was a fun, rewarding time. During my short speech, I ran a slideshow that featured a number of front pages of our paper over our time in business. Simple stuff. So simple, in fact, that the person who helped me put together the PowerPoint was disappointed. That person was none other than my 14-year-old daughter. Yes, she’s much more versed in PowerPoint than I am, so I sought out her advice, explaining what I wanted to do. She tried to get me to go with a theme. No, thanks. Introductory slide? Nah. How about running some of the speech in point form beside the images? No, thanks. Brenna remained helpful through it all, despite her failed efforts to jazz things up. The presentation went well, and people seemed to enjoy the trip down front-page memory lane. But maybe next time, I can jazz things up slightly, with the help of my young assistant. Speaking of Brenna, I cannot stress to parents enough to try to make time to spend with your kids. Most of you do, I’m sure, but I at times take our relationship for granted. My wife and daughter are quite close, and I’ll often retreat into the basement while they are reading or on their laptops. I miss out on their conversations, not that I necessarily want to or should hear everything they say. I took a half day off last week and did nothing other than some housework, with her help. And we had a really fun time doing it. Of course, the burger and fries at Simon’s afterwards were nice bonuses too! More time off at the end of this week for me, all to be spent with the young lady, except when she has to go off to work herself.
Bruce Corcoran With the humidity gone, maybe we’ll spend more time outdoors in the backyard. I really do need her help with a special project. I need to purchase a two-litre bottle of pop and we need to drink about three quarters of it. Yep, it’s wasp season again – that time of late summer and early fall where the wasps suddenly don’t have as many flowers to enjoy, so they instead come hunting for food and drink. Oh, I’ll let them drink to their heart’s content, all right, inside the homemade wasp trap. I credit my friend Chad with showing me a few years ago the simple trick of turning a big pop bottle into a very effective wasp trap. Drink most of the pop, then pour out the rest and set it aside. Cut the top off the bottle just below where it reaches the full circumference of the bottle. Flip the top over so it looks like a funnel that pours into the bottle. Tape the top to the rest of the bottle. Pour in the leftover pop. Set in a place outdoors near, but not too close to, where you like to hang out. Those yellow jackets will fly up to it, crawl in and buzz around inside, but they will not fly out, as they can’t seem to fly straight up. Yes, the odd one may crawl out, but the vast majority attracted by the sweet drink, will be trapped in there and die. With fewer wasps around our backyard, and cooler weather, that means more enjoyable barbecuing for us.
The Wright stuff
By Jim Blake jim@chathamvoice.com
Since winning her division at the Karate Canada championships in Vancouver in January, a whole new world has opened up to Patricia Wright. “I’ve done things I never thought I could and I’m going places I’ve never gone to before,” she said before departing on a two week trip to Romania and Ireland where she’s
competing in integrated karate for persons with disabilities. Patricia is epileptic and suffered severe injuries in a car accident six years ago. As a result, she can’t take part in the contact aspect of her sport but earns marks through the technical completion of a Kata, a series of detailed patterns of movements. “It doesn’t mean I don’t have to train as hard as everyone else,” she said. Continued on page 17
THE CHATHAM VOICE
THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2016
PAGE 17
Life
C-K’s Wright to compete in events in Austria and Spain
Continued from page 16
“I don’t get any special treatment because of my epilepsy.” As a member of the Zanshin Dojo Karate Club under sensei Daniel Whittal, she qualified as a member of Team Ontario through the Athletes With a Disability (AWAD) program. Patricia has suffered from seizures since before she was two years old,
but wasn’t officially diagnosed as epileptic until her car accident. She now uses a walker or cane to get around. During karate training she wears a brace on her arm and ankle, which assist in steadying her while she executes her techniques. She also has a seizure response dog, Georgia, who is her constant compan-
ion. Thanks to her title as a Canadian champion, Patricia will be competing in the Karate Association Championships in Austria and the World Martial Arts championships in Spain. Her experiences are so much sweeter due to the obstacles she has had to overcome. “I remember that I used
to get so nervous that it was difficult to control,” she said. “I still get nervous but I understand that it’s just part of competing.” She credits her experience in Karate with helping her become more outgoing. She and Steve Pratt are co-chairs of the 2017 Chatham-Kent United Way campaign.
Contributed image
Patricia Wright proudly holds the gold medal she won at the Karate Canada championships in British Columbia.
Professionals you can rely on to get the job done Have you been dreaming of building a new house or making major renovations to your existing home? But are you worried about all the time and problems involved in taking on this type of project? Worried that the results won’t turn out as you hoped? It’s time to stop worrying and find yourself a reputable general contractor who can turn your dreams into reality-without the headaches. These professionals are qualified to take on residential, commercial and industrial projects. General contractors know how to turn their client’s ideas into quality results. They’ll oversee the coordination of your project and closely follows its various stages of work, relieving you of a lot of responsibility and stress. They will take care of purchasing and delivering the necessary materials, hire a qualified team to do the work and handle the cost estimates provided by specialized subcontractors. They’ll supervise the construction site to ensure the quality of the work being done and guarantee that everything conforms to all the applicable building norms. In short, general contractors are competent and reliable intermediaries who will make sure you get the best possible results for the best possible price. Working with a general contractor also gives you the added peace of mind of knowing that the work has been done professionally. Only work with contractors who have the necessary permits and do not hesitate to ask for references. You can also check the contractor’s credit rating and whether or not he has been sued by past clients. This will reassure you that you are dealing with a reputable professional who can get the job done with minimal worries.
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THE CHATHAM VOICE
PAGE 18
Fun Stuff 34 Moray, e.g. 36 Vagrant 37 Aligned oneself (with) 39 Cosmetics mogul Mary -- Ash 41 Caviar base 42 Type measures 44 Fifth and Main, e.g. 46 Take away (from) 50 Dict. information 51 Jai follower 52 Out of jeopardy 56 Uninteresting 57 Sweater material 58 Chow down 59 Partner 60 Swiss range 61 Mound stat
ACROSS 1 Vacationing 4 Rotating parts 8 Grouch 12 Melody 13 Garfield’s pal 14 Golf target 15 Not restricted by convention
17 Facility 18 Sprite 19 Wing part 21 Strolled 24 Perched 25 Yoko of music 26 Storm center 28 Skewered entree 32 And others (Lat.)
This week’s answers
DOWN 1 Lummox 2 Evergreen type 3 Mooch 4 Java 5 Fuss 6 Actress Sorvino 7 Big rigs 8 Fast cat
9 Bellow 10 As well 11 Existed 16 Wapiti 20 “Mighty -- a Rose” 21 Troubles 22 Opposed 23 Color 27 “A mouse!” 29 Elsa’s story 30 Reed instrument 31 Transvaal trekker 33 With a suspicious eye 35 Fond du -38 “CSI” evidence 40 Sings in 60-Across? 43 Unstressed vowel 45 Ump 46 Arp’s genre 47 Hebrew month 48 Lofty 49 Implement 53 Swab the deck 54 Corn spike 55 Greek H
THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2016
THE CHATHAM VOICE
THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2016
PAGE 19
CLASSIFIEDS In Memoriam
In Memoriam
For Sale
In loving memory of a dear wife, mother and grandmother who left us 1 year ago,
Marian Spears, Feb.15, 1942 - Aug. 31, 2015 Remembering you is easy, We do it every day. Missing you is the hard part, It never goes away. To hear your voice, to see your smile, To sit with you and talk awhile, Would be our greatest wish Today, tomorrow, our whole life through, We will always love and remember you.
Remembered by husband John, daughters Michaelanne and Shandra and granddaughter Ashley Tree Service
In Memoriam - McCormick In loving memory of my husband, Gary, who died 6 years ago on August 28, 2010. Hugs to our dearest son, Lance-Jeff, (July 31, 2013).
A Job for Professionals
Memories remain forever as keepsakes in the heart. A special person remembered and a beautiful life honoured.
• Removal & Pruning • Stump Removal • Crane Service 30+ Years Seniors Experience
Forever loved and missed. Linda
Rental 76 Mary St. Chatham
Renovated 1 & 2 Bedrooms
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519-359-9876
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Variety & Deli MIGHTY JIM’S
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Auctions
519-350-8276 | TerraCorp.ca
A N K LAVER EN VK V A U C T I O N S I N C.
Wanted Female dance partner for ballroom dance classes in Chatham. Registration fees paid by me. Must be physically fit (have muscular body features), be able to attend every weeks’ classes also, from 30 to 55 years of age, be supportive of male dance partner, have a level head, & love lots of fun. So write with phone # & explanation of yourself to: PO Box #534, Chatham Post Office, Stn: Main, Chatham, Ontario, N7M5K6 Wanted to buy - Investment property, residential or commercial. Cash offers. Call 519-4367229.
Clearing an Estate, Downsizing, Liquidating Inventory or Decluttering?
We can help. Call to sell your items for cash or by consignment Call John @ 519-845-3663
519-845-3663 • Wyoming, Ontario • www.vkauctions.ca •
Painting
A Splash of Colour Painting & Decorating Professional Painters • Interiors • Exteriors
2016 Summer Special
No Tax on Labour
519-436-7033
2011 5th Wheel. Silverback by Cedar Creek. 34ft Aluminum structure, 3 slides. Free standing dinette. Separate bathroom with shower. Pull-out airbed sofa. Asking $29,900. Call 519-352-0339 or 519-7859961.
Notice
Please be advised that St. Thomas Anglican Church Cemetery is starting with necessary repair work.
Mortgages Need Mortgage Money? Offering private first mortgages, res. or com., reasonable rate. More info 519-436-7229 or email tiki@ sympatico.ca
Construction
DR Construction Residential, Commercial, Fully Licensed and Insured. Dylan Reed (519) 3505678. Chatham-Kent.
Garage Sales
HOW TO PLACE YOUR AD IN PERSON: 84 DOVER ST. #2, CALL: 519-397-2020, EMAIL: FATIMA @CHATHAMVOICE.COM
Garage Sales
Garage Sale - 10 Detroit Dr. Saturday, August 27th. 8:00am12:00pm. Kids clothing & toys, plus size and extra large clothing, kitchenware, Tupperware, 16mm Eiki Slim Line Projector with cover, reel and all manuals, household items, book and much more.
Yard Sale - 2 families - 61 Devon Drive (off Churchill St.) Saturday, August 27, 8:00am-?. Yard Sale 17 Stanley Ave., Chatham Friday & Saturday, Aug. 26 & 27 from 9:00am-noon. Antiques, kitchenware, furniture.
Yard Sale - 65 Bruinsma Ave.., Chatham Saturday, Aug. 27 from 7:30am-1:00pm. Skylanders, transformers, stamping/ scrapbooking supplies, teen boys, ladies, mens clothing, books, camping supplies Priced to go!
Life Insurance
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OBITUARIES Allen “Buck” Fournier 70, Thursday, August 18, 2016 Denning’s Ltd.
Norma Jean Zurfluh 72, Thursday, August 18, 2016 McKinlay Funeral Home
Marcel Desjardins 93, Tuesday, August 16, 2016 Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home
Jean Bickford Welton 92, Tuesday, August 9, 2016 McKinlay Funeral Home
Shirley Pilon 71, Tuesday, August 16, 2016 Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home Frank deJong 90, Thursday, August 18, 2016 Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home Clara Keenan 96, Thursday, August 18, 2016 Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home Madelene Rose Verbruggen 78, Sunday, August 14, 2016 McKinlay Funeral Home James ‘Jim’ Laevens 85, Tuesday, August 16, 2016 McKinlay Funeral Home Gerald Frederick ‘Gerry’ Makey 74, Wednesday, August 17, 2016 McKinlay Funeral Home Patrick ‘Pat’ McIlhargey 76, Thursday, August 18, 2016 McKinlay Funeral Home
Services Offered
Carpenter with all the tools. Will do any jobs around your home. Honest & dependable. Call 519-8092134.
Garage Sales
60 Stanley Street, Blenheim (519) 676 – 9200 blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com
Hinnegan-Peseski
Christopher Matthew Kubica 60, Saturday, August 20, 2016 McKinlay Funeral Home Kazimir Slyzys 91, Tuesday, August 16, 2016 McKinlay Funeral Home Roger Patry 65, Wednesday, August 17, 2016 McKinlay Funeral Home Anne Goens 79, Thursday, August 18, 2016 McKinlay Funeral Home Mrs. Madeline Curoe 79, Monday, August 15, 2016 Alexander & Houle Funeral Home See full obituaries at www.chathamvoice.com
4 Victoria Avenue, Chatham 519-352-2390 • denning.ca
245 Wellington St. W., Chatham 519-352-2710
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FUNERAL HOME
156 William St., Chatham 519.352.5120 www.peseski.com
A FAMILY BUSINESS THAT CARES
459 St.Clair St., Chatham • 519-351-2040 76 Main St. E., Ridgetown • 519-674-3141 141 Park St., Blenheim • 519-676-3451
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THE CHATHAM VOICE
PAGE 20
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