Chatham-Kent marked Franco-Ontarian Day Sept. 25 with a flag-raising and celebration at the Chatham-Kent Civic Centre. Some 300 students, from five local French schools, came together, proudly displaying the green and white to recognize the culture and contributions of the province’s Francophone community. The festivities included a “Retrouver” dance performance by Grade 9 and 10 students from Ecole secondaire de Pain Court. Leading the crowd are Sasha Chemali, Liliana King, Mea Aitken, Taigan Devlamink, Jenna McKaeil, Natalie Gallant, Leah Cromwell and Kenah Vitek. The first Franco-Ontarian flag was unveiled in 1975.
Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice
C-K councillor proposes cuts
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com
When it comes to lowering the tax burden on local ratepayers, some Chatham-Kent councillors say they will lead by example. Both South Kent Coun.
Ryan Doyle and Chatham Coun. Michael Bondy said they’re willing to take a five-per-cent cut in the $36,900 annual wage they earn for representing constituents in C-K. The comments come following a notice of motion brought forward by Doyle at a recent coun-
cil meeting. The motion, to be voted on Oct. 7, proposes that all municipal departments look for savings and reduce spending by 7.5 per cent, while ensuring front line services to the public are cut by no more than 2.5 per cent.
Doyle said he brought
the motion forward in light of the projected 9.4-per-cent budget increase currently facing Chatham-Kent taxpayers.
“I believe something needs to be done in order to bring our tax increases down,” he told The Voice following the meeting,
Fall Home Make-Overs Time
noting he’s open to a pay cut. “We need to be more fiscally responsible. We have an obligation to our constituents to get this down.”
Doyle said he hears “regularly” from constituents concerned about the impending tax increase.
cillors a raise, meaning the annual honorarium for serving on council is $36,900.
North Kent Coun. Rhonda Jubenville said she’s also on board with the motion and is willing to take a pay cut as well.
Bondy, who collaborated with Doyle on the matter, said the “spirit” of the motion aims to reduce municipal wages and salaries to ease the load for local residents.
“I believe something needs to be done in order to bring our tax increases down. We need to be more fiscally responsible. We have an obligation to our constituents to get this down.”
- Coun. Ryan Doyle
“The task is for departments is to look at themselves,” he added, noting administrative leaders are best equipped to know where cuts can be made.
“We’ll leave it up to the people who best understand,” Bondy explained, if the motion passes. “I don’t really think it’s a big ask, as everybody is facing inflationary and economic pressures. We’re all taking a hit.”
According to Statistics Canada 2020 numbers, the average C-K household earns $88,000 a year.
Municipal officials said the average salary for Chatham-Kent municipal workers is $55,286 per year.
In March 2022, council voted to give all 17 coun-
“I believe with the impending potential tax increase, we all have to make some sacrifices or else there are going to be people who can’t afford mortgage payments, groceries, and day-to-day expenses,” Jubenville said.
“Something has to give.”
Aside from the looming budget meetings this fall, C-K council has much to consider when it comes to future spending. According to chief financial officer Gord Quinton, the municipality is looking at an estimated $2 billion in capital costs over the next decade.
In response to a question from Chatham Coun. Alysson Storey about capital spending, Quinton said there are a number of big-ticket infrastructure items on the municipality’s agenda.
This includes a new water treatment plant in Wallaceburg, which could cost upwards of $150 million.
New friendship saves a life
By Pam Wright
Local Journalism Initiative
pamwrightlji@gmail.com
A random friendship between an out-of-town pipeliner and a woman displaced by the McNaughton Avenue fire led to a real-life miracle. And it took place at Chatham’s Miracle Motel no less.
That’s where Gordon McLean saved Bonnie Gore’s life by calling 911 Sept. 2, when
she began having difficulty breathing.
“When I couldn’t think, he did,” said an emotional Gore of her helper. “Gord saved my life and I love him dearly. I am so grateful.”
Because of McLean’s quick thinking, his new-found friend was whisked away by ambulance to the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance where she was treated for smoke inhalation related
to the August fire at 99 McNaughton Ave. Gore has underlying health problems, making her condition all the more serious. The Chatham native then spent five days in hospital receiving treatment in the pulmonary care unit.
Gore says she doesn’t remember a lot from that day and just knows she woke up in hospital.
“All I knew is that I had a fever and a severe respiratory
came friends, with McLean saving Gore’s life by calling 911 for an ambulance.
Planned outage
Tilbury will power down for seven hours in early October.
Entegrus officials said it is a planned outage, courtesy of Hydro One.
The community will be without power from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 6. There is an alternate date – Oct. 20 – with the same time frame.
Officials said the outage is needed to perform system upgrades.
infection,” she said, adding she was aware she’d been exposed to smoke at the fire but wasn’t treated at the time. “I’m just really thankful Gord was there. Gord is my angel. “
The pair got to know each other after the 68-year-old Gore was temporarily housed by Chatham-Kent municipal staff at the Miracle Motel on Longwoods Road after being evacuated from 99 McNaughton. Their rooms were beside each other and the two struck up a conversation while sitting outside in the evening.
Their friendship evolved with McLean, 52, an operator who is working on the Panhandle Regional Expansion pipeline project, keeping an eye on Gore. The two strangers enjoyed the late summer weather, drinking coffee and chatting.
“We just became after-work buddies,” Gore joked. All was well until the Monday of the Labour Day weekend, when McLean realized something was wrong with his friend.
Continued on page 5
Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice
Buddies Gord McLean and Bonnie Gore are seen at the Miracle Motel in Chatham. The two recently be-
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Woman thankful for quick-thinking pal
Continued from page 3
“I could see she was scared and she was having a hard time breathing,” said McLean who had given Gore some Tylenol earlier in the day. “She was confused and couldn’t use her phone. At that point, she wasn’t really talking.”
McLean, a member of International Union of Operating Engineers Local 793 who lives near Tweed, Ont., ended up making the call about 8 p.m. “They were here in three or four minutes,” he said. “It was fairly quick that they got here. I just told her: ‘be safe.’”
Because they didn’t even know each other’s last names or phone numbers, it took a few days for McLean to track Gore down to find out her condition. He got a helping hand from Rajesh Rai, manager at the Miracle Motel, who relayed the message.
“It’s not like I could phone the hospital and say, ‘This lady named Bonnie came in and could I find out something,’” McLean added.
After leaving CKHA, Gore kept coming back to the motel to try and find McLean. They ended up connecting via text and Gore took McLean out for dinner to thank him.
The humble and calm McLean
shrugs off his good deed.
“It just part of the human experience,” he said. “When you see that someone needs help, that’s what you do.”
Gore, a former registered nurse’s aide, has lived at 99 McNaughton for 12 years. After leaving the hospital, she’s been moved on from the Mira-
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Villa
Sarah Schofield/Special to The Chatham Voice
The Chatham-Kent Sexual Assault Crisis Centre’s annual march to Take Back The Night returned in numbers to the streets of downtown Chatham recently, as participants shattered the silence to take a stand against sexual violence.
Opinion
Thank you, sir
Gord McLean, you’re welcome in Chatham-Kent anytime.
The pipeline worker from Tweed, Ont. simply did what he thought was right; help out a neighbour in need.
So what if the neighbour technically does not currently have a home in a community more than 500 kilometres away from McLean’s own home?
Some at the time of the fire were treated on scene for smoke inhalation, but Gore thought she was OK.
It turns out she was wrong. As she suddenly had trouble breathing, McLean, who was speaking with her, took action. It likely saved her life.
They became neighbours by circumstance, but that didn’t prevent McLean from acting.
Recognizing his new neighbour, Bonnie Gore, was in medical distress, he dialed those three important digits, 911, and got paramedics rolling to the Miracle.
Gore and McLean were temporary residents of the Miracle Motel, one by choice and one by virtue of what police are calling arson.
McLean is in the area working on Enbridge’s Panhandle Regional Expansion pipeline project and, following long days on the job, rests his head on a pillow at the Miracle Motel. Meanwhile, Gore came to live there as a result of the late-August fire at 99 McNaughton Ave., her place of residence for years.
But the fire forced her out, along with every other resident of the apartment building.
McLean thinks nothing of his quick reactions. But Gore is forever thankful.
Strange circumstances brought the two together. Some might think it was for a reason.
Tilbury will play host to a new power storage facility, and that’s great news. First off, it means about 150 jobs. Secondly, the facility will be able to store enough power to serve about 80,000 homes, according to provincial officials.
That stored power will come from solar and wind projects. We have all seen days where turbine farms are idle, despite a breeze blowing, as the power grid doesn’t need to be fed the additional energy. However, once complete, the facility will be able to suck up that juice and save it for when needed.
That’s how to optimally utilize renewable energy.
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 subject line).
You can also drop them off or mail them to us at The Chatham Voice, 71 Sass Rd., Unit 4, Chatham, Ont, N7M 5J4.
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.
Great site, poor plans for community hub
Editor: I think the municipality should send the architectural plans for the new municipal hub back to the drawing board. I, however, very much support the idea of the hub at the former site of the Sears store attached to the Downtown Chatham Centre. It will transform our downtown and get rid of a dead zone instead of leaving it to the next generation.
It seems to me the plans make it clear there are great restrictions for the municipality because of the site.
The former Sears building will be built out to the sidewalk of King Street. It can’t be pushed back because of the former Sears loading dock.
This addition will accommodate new council chambers, comprising of a room with chairs and tables. Nothing special here.
We could also lose the present civic plaza/patio with the clock. The clock could be moved.
If we’re building a new municipal hub, why not
have beautiful council chambers like we have?
This addition also requires most of the landscaping to be eliminated. There is also less greenery at the front of the new building. The new museum will be double the size of our present one but we are still are left with a small museum.
I’m left wondering if the museum would be better off in the Chatham library site.
Diane Gilhula Chatham
Editor: My family and I attended Crowfest for the first time this year. What an amazing variety of entertainment and artistic talent occurring in every direction.
The event was well put together, full of pos itive energy that engaged people.
As we made our exit, we were drawn into various performances transfixed with each busker we came across. Well done; very well done.
Thank you, Chatham-Kent for a great event. Christopher Poirier Chatham
Local man wins $1million
The Chatham Voice
After more than four decades of playing the lottery, a Chatham man has one million reasons to smile following a recent MaxMillions win.
Retiree Clifford Manley won the cash through a $1 million MaxMillions prize in the Aug. 16 Lotto Max draw.
Manley has been play-
ing the lottery for more than 40 years, playing Lotto Max, Lotto 6/49 and Lottario weekly, using numbers he chose years ago.
“I took my ticket to the store to have it validated, and when it was scanned, the lottery terminal froze. I thought I had broken it,” Manley said in a media release. “I stood in the store saying,
‘Oh no!’ and gave my heart a pep talk: ‘Don’t you give up on me just yet!’ I shared the news with my wife, and she was just as shocked as I was.”
Manley has yet to decide what he will do with his winnings.
The winning ticket was purchased at Charlie’s Variety on Keil Drive South in Chatham.
Bruce Corcoran/The Chatham Voice
Chatham’s Clifford Manley soaks in the reality that he won $1 million from a recent Lotto Max draw.
Club seeks to help fire victims Board hopes to replace UCC
The Chatham Lions Club continues to raise money for the displaced residents from the 99 McNaughton Ave. fire.
Lions officials said the community has been very giving to date. The club’s initial goal was to raise $10,000 in support. They’ve surpassed that and are hoping to raise $10,000 more.
“I know the community can do it,” said club president Cynthia Hyatt.
The Chatham branch of the Royal Canadian Legion recently contributed
$5,000 towards the effort. Other Lions clubs and other service organizations have stepped up as well in the cash-raising effort.
The St. Catholic District School Board has set its sights on a new high school to replace Ursuline College Chatham.
As part of its long-term capital plan, the board has created a business case and is seeking capital funding from the province to build a new school. With an estimated price tag of more than $71 million, it’s an ambitious ask and marks the fifth time the English Catholic board has petitioned the government for funding.
Earlier submissions made in 2019, 2021, 2022 and 2023 were turned down.
Current enrolment at UCC is 1,297 students,
with an on-the-ground capacity of 1,781. According to enrolment projections, the board expects numbers to climb over the next 19 years to 1,512 pupils, still below school capacity. The bid to replace the school is part of the board’s long-term capital plan which provides a framework for decision making by outlining key activities occurring over the course of the school year.
Amy Janssens, associate director corporate service and treasurer, said the long-range plan is “an essential roadmap for ensuring that our school facilities remain safe, sustainable, and capable of supporting the needs of our students and staff.”
The Chatham Voice
The Chatham Voice
Contributed image
Len Maynard of the Chatham branch of the Royal Canadian Legion, left, presents Chatham Lions Elda and Jim Faubert with a check for $5,000 to help the victims of the fire at 99 McNaughton Ave.
Marco Acampora* 519-784-4348
Ashley Amato* 519-365-5677
Dane Appleton* 519-436-7195
Kelly-Anne Appleton* 519-365-7155
Austin Bentley 226-340-1163*
Sarah Callow* 509-809-5446
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Stephen Carroll* 519-355-9774
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Cass Opiela* 519-355-7804
Meg Palin* 226-627-2078
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Deborah Rhodes* 519-401-5470 David Smith* 519-350-1615
Hazmat scare
The discharge of an oillike substance in Tilbury Sept. 25 caused a brief scare.
Initially, Chatham-Kent firefighters were dispatched to 67 Queen St. S. just after 1 p.m. after a contractor had dug up ground, revealing the oozing discharge.
Top C-K fire officials attended the scene and opted to enact the mutual aid agreement with Windsor Fire and Rescue, officials said, and hazardous materials support was requested.
The Windsor hazmat
team determined through testing that the substance was low hazard, allowing the homeowner and contractor to begin clean up.
“The scene was handed back to the homeowner and we appreciate the support of the local community with the required road closure during the afternoon,” Fire Chief Chris Case said in a media release. “Thank you to the Windsor team, as we were once again able to benefit from their expertise to reassure the community.”
Residents in the arena received visits from firefighters to reassure them that there was no risk.
The Chatham Voice
Contributed image
Firefighters work cautiously near the site of a strange discharge coming out of the ground at a property on Queen Street in Tilbury recently. It turned out to be nothing serious, officials said.
Ridgetown landmark to be levelled
By Michael Bennett Local Journalism Initiative
The
Ridgetown Independent
It’s last call for the Arlington Hotel.
The 129-year-old landmark will be demolished by the end of the year after the building’s owner failed to respond to communications from the Municipality of Chatham-Kent about their intentions to renovate or tear down the compromised structure.
lot” of asbestos as well as lead and mercury, which came as no surprise, Lacina said.
“Typical of what you would find in a building of that age,” he said.
“Whoever bids on the tender will need that information.”
“Typical of what you would find in a building of that age. Whoever bids on the tender will need that information.”
- C-K’s Paul Lacina on the presence of asbestos
Paul Lacina, director of building development services, said there had been no communication with the owners – a numbered company from Windsor – since late April.
The municipality sent a registered letter in July informing the owners that demolition procedures would begin unless they declared their intentions.
They waited about six weeks, but a response was never received.
“We said, ‘That’s enough, we’re going ahead with the demolition,’” Lacina said.
The paperwork to begin the demolition procedure began in August but Lacina said he had to wait until engineers’ reports were completed before going public with the demolition announcement.
One of the reports confirmed the presence of “a
Lacina said when the final engineer’s report on best practices for demolition is complete, the municipality will begin the tender process.
He expects tenders will go out in October for a three-week period to allow potential contractors the opportunity to go through the building to determine their demolition plans, and believes demolition to begin in late November or early December.
ed for the time being, we can remove the blocks so pedestrians can still walk in front,” Lacina said.
The municipality installed the barriers in February due to safety concerns for pedestrians and motorists from the potential of falling bricks.
The blocks will be put back in place for the demolition.
The Victorian-era building, which opened in 1885, has been vacant since the former Arlington Hotel owners closed the establishment in 2019. The future of the building has created a split among local residents – some happy to see the dilapidated, eyesore finally come down and others upset to see another historical building be torn down.
“We’ve had a lot of complaints about pedestrian traffic, so we had another look at the facade on Main St. and it was decided for the time being, we can remove the blocks so pedestrians can still walk in front.”
There was activity at the site in mid-September as the cement barricades were removed along the Main St. side of the building while Entegrus cut off the electricity.
- C-K’s Paul Lacina
Local historian Marlee Robinson was “saddened” to hear the demolition order has been issued for the Arlington, especially with Ridgetown’s 150th anniversary being celebrated in 2025.
“We’ve had a lot of complaints about pedestrian traffic, so we had another look at the facade on Main St. and it was decid-
“To have a lead-in to 150 years with some terrific architecture of what was the cornerstone of the life of Ridgetown for decades and decades, its demolition is obviously very sad,” Robinson said of the Arlington’s demise.
Image courtesy The Ridgetown Independent News
The Arlington Hotel will be coming to the ground, as Chatham-Kent officials have confirmed the Ridgetown landmark will be down by the end of the year.
Sydenham River Slope Stabilization
Margaret Avenue at Dora Street
The Municipality of Chatham-Kent has initiated a Municipal Class Environmental Assessment Schedule ‘B’ to determine appropriate mitigation strategies to address erosion and slope stability issues along the Sydenham River. Water’s Edge Environmental Solutions Team Ltd. has been retained by the Municipality of Chatham-Kent to complete the study in compliance with the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act. The study area along the Sydenham River in Wallaceburg is subject to on-going bank erosion and slope instability. The conditions of the slopes pose risks to road users, private property and infrastructure along Margaret Avenue.
Public Info Centre
Thursday, October 10th
5:00-7:00pm Wallaceburg
A Public Information Centre (PIC) will be held in Wallaceburg with a drop-in open house format (no formal presentation) to provide an opportunity for residents and interested members of the public to review and comment on the proposed recommendations, including the preferred alternatives, the evaluation process, and the next steps in the study process.
Project information, including display slides and concept figures, will also be available to the public at www.letstalkchatham-kent.ca/margaret-ave to allow stakeholders and interested members of the public to review project material at their own pace and submit comments for the project team which will be captured in the project record. Please provide your comments by November 15, 2024.
To submit a comment or question, or receive additional information, contact: Matthew Link, A.Sc.T.
Project Manager, Engineering Municipality of Chatham-Kent
519-360-1998 | ckinfo@chatham-kent.ca
Ed Gazendam, Ph.D., P.Eng.
President, Sr. Geomorphologist
Water’s Edge E.S.T. Ltd.
519-651-2390 | ed@watersedge-est.ca
Tilbury to host battery storage facility
The Chatham Voice
A new battery storage plant that will support 150 jobs is coming to Tilbury.
A joint project between Quebec-based Boralex and Walpole Island First Nation, the plant will eventually store 80 mega-
watts of power – equivalent to powering 80,000 homes.
Ontario Minister of Energy and Electrification Stephen Lecce travelled to Chatham-Kent to make the announcement Friday.
“Battery storage is a critical component to support
the responsible expansion of Ontario’s clean and reliable grid that will provide affordable energy to Ontario families and businesses,” Lecce said in his comments.
“I want to congratulate Boralex and the Walpole Island First Nation community in reaching this
milestone achievement which, once connected to the grid, will attract new investments and reduce energy costs for Ontario’s ratepayers.”
Chatham-Kent–Leamington MPP Trevor Jones echoed Lecce in his statement.
“Our government is
Storey wants deputations
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com
Chatham Coun. Alysson Storey wants to make sure the public has another chance to provide input about the Community Hub project proposed for downtown Chatham. At the Sept. 23 council meeting, Storey brought forward a motion to be voted on Oct. 7 that would allow deputations at the Oct. 21 meeting prior to council’s vote.
The vote will follow a report from administration on the proposal to shift municipal operations to the former Sears building from the Civic Centre, Chatham library and museum.
As it stands, the municipality is not allowing any deputations on the night of the vote and that’s not sitting well with Storey. Instead, the public is being asked to email letters to council@chatham-kent.ca.
“People come and tell you things you don’t want to hear,” Storey said of the motion. “The citizens have a right to respectfully engage with their elected officials. That’s democracy. This is shaping up to be one of the most expensive proposals in our community’s history. Our fellow citizens should be able to speak directly to their elected officials about it.”
Earlier this year, council approved the purchase of the old Sears building for just under $3 million. Under what was dubbed the Imagine Chatham-Kent project, the building is to be revamped into a public space that will house the Chatham-Kent Civic Centre, the Chatham-Kent Public Library and the Chatham-Kent Museum/Cultural Centre.
When it comes to what it will cost, officials are factoring in selling Chatham-Kent’s King Street head-
As it stands, deputations won’t be allowed Oct. 21 when council votes on the next stage of the community hub concept. Coun. Allyson Storey hopes to change that.
quarters and the centennial library building on Queen Street.
The Civic Centre is badly in need of fixing. Previous C-K councils didn’t spend the money to maintain the building and the structure is in need of $37 million in upgrades, which include a new HVAC system.
Since the inception of the hub project, three public information meetings have been held, which were attended by more than 300 people.
Two online Let’s Talk CK surveys were also conducted, eliciting more than 1,000 responses.
The municipality has also held three meetings with stakeholder groups, including officials from the
working hard to ensure communities have reliable, affordable, clean power to support families and our critical farming, food processing and manufacturing sectors here in Chatham-Kent–Leamington,” Jones said.
“I want to congratulate Boralex and the Walpole Island First Nation community in reaching this milestone achievement which, once connected to the grid, will attract new investments and reduce energy costs for Ontario’s ratepayers..”
- MInister Stephen Lecce
library board, as well as other committees, including accessibility, museums and the Thames Art Gallery.
The full report, with links to all related materials, will appear on the Let’s Talk CK page Oct 7.
The page can be found at letstalkchatham-kent.ca/community-hub.
The Independent Elec-
tricity System Operator (IESO) has indicated that the province will need at least 60 per cent more energy in the next 25 years. To support the demand for more power, battery storage facilities will enable generated clean power to be stored and deployed when needed.
Chatham Voice file photo
The most successful health care regimens incorporate a number of variables to help individuals achieve optimal health. Physical health garners considerable attention when developing a health care regimen, but it’s equally important that individuals prioritize mental health as well. Mental health has garnered considerable attention in recent years, and that’s not solely a byproduct of the pandemic. Prior
Tips to boost mental wellness Mental Illness Awareness Week October 6th -
to the onset of the pandemic, in 2019 the World Health Organization launched the WHO Special Initiative for Mental Health (2019-2023). That’s an effort to ensure access to quality and affordable care for mental health conditions in 12 priority countries. The WHO initiative reflects the growing recognition of the importance of mental wellness and its role in overall health.
Protecting mental health and boosting mental wellness can have a profound impact on individuals who are struggling with stress, anxiety and depression. The National Council for Mental Well-Being recommends these strategies to boost mental wellness and protect mental health.
• Express your feelings. Individuals should not feel the need to keep their problems to themselves.
Speak with someone you trust about your feelings and share details of any problems you may be
having. Keeping feelings bottled up inside can compound issues that are already adversely affecting your mental health.
• Establish boundaries. Individuals should not feel compelled to engage in activities they don’t enjoy or no longer want to do. It’s everyone’s right to say “no,” and exercising that right can improve mental health for individuals who routinely find themselves saying “yes” to activities they no longer enjoy. For example, many working professionals may feel compelled to respond to work emails long after quitting time. That can have an adverse effect on mental health by making individuals feel as though they’re constantly working. Answering emails only during working hours can provide the mental break individuals need to unwind and relax.
• Recognize the role that physical health can play in protecting mental health.
The National Council for Mental WellBeing notes that physical self-care helps individuals manage symptoms associated with mental health challenges. Eating
right, exercising regularly and getting enough sleep can help individuals overcome mental health challenges and reduce risk for conditions such as anxiety and depression.
• Find a healthy hobby. A healthy hobby can quell boredom and serve as a coping mechanism when issues like stress and anxiety begin to feel a little overwhelming. A healthy hobby can serve as a distraction and provide a getaway when individuals feel as though their mental health is suffering.
• Don’t hesitate to seek help. Individuals have no issue visiting their physicians when they experience physical symptoms of illness or injury. That same lack of hesitation should be present when mental health issues arise. Mental health professionals can provide the same valuable services for mental health that physicians do for physical health. Strategies to protect mental health is are important components of health care regimens. Individuals can learn more at mentalhealthfirstaid.org.
Mental Illness Awareness Week October 6th - 12th
Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW) is an annual national public education campaign designed to help open the eyes of Canadians to the reality of mental illness. The week was established by the Canadian Psychiatric Association, and is now coordinated by the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health (CAMIMH) in cooperation with all its member organizations and many other supporters across Canada
What are the signs/ symptoms of Mental Illness?
Symptoms of mental illness can range from loss of motivation and energy, changed sleep patterns, extreme mood swings, disturbances in thought or perception, or overwhelming obsessions or fears. Mental illness interferes with relationships and affects a person’s ability to function on a day-to-day basis, often leading to social isolation. (https://toronto.cmha.ca/ understanding-mental-illness/)
Fast Facts about Mental Illness
• Everyone has mental health and will experience challenges regarding their mental well-being, but not everyone will experience a mental illness.
• In any given year, 1 in 5 people in Canada will personally experience a mental illness
• Approximately 20% of Canadian youth are affected by a mental illness or disorder
• Mental illness affects people of all ages, education levels, income levels, and cultures
• Stigma and discrimination attached to mental illnesses present a serious barrier not only to diagnosis and treatment but also access to employment, housing, and other basic necessities.
About CMHA Lambton Kent
CMHA Lambton Kent provides services and facilitates access to the resources people require to maintain and improve mental health. Our efforts promote community integration, build resilience, and support recovery from mental illness and addictions.
Contact CMHA: Canadian Mental Health Association 519-436-6100
Website: www.lambtonkent.cmha.ca • Crisis Line Chatham – 1-866-299-7447
Anxiety Disorders – are all related to anxiety. They may include uncontrollable worry, strong fears around everyday things or situations, unwanted thoughts, panic attacks, etc. Anxiety, panic disorder and phobias are examples.
Mood Disorders – affect the way a person feels. When a person experiences a mood disorder, they may feel sad, hopeless, tired or numb for long periods of time. At times, some people experience an unusually “high’ mood and feel powerful and energetic, but this can also create problems. Depression and bipolar disorder are examples of mood disorders.
Eating Disorders – are complicated illnesses that are often a way to cope with difficult problems or regain a sense of control. These may include restricting how much food a person eats, bingeing, or purging food. Anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are examples of eating disorders.
Psychotic Disorders – is a health problem that affects how people understand what is real and what is not real. People may sense things that are not real or strongly believe things that cannot be real. Schizophrenia is one example of a psychotic disorder.
Personality Disorders – are patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviours that may last for a long time and create challenges in a person’s life. Personality disorders can affect the way people understand and view themselves and others and cope with problems. Borderline personality disorder is one example of a personality disorder.
RUN BUSINESS FOR OVER
Thamesville Crossroads show draws large crowd
By Michael Bennett Local Journalism Initiative
The Ridgetown Independent
The Thamesville Crossroads Car Show keeps getting bigger and bigger in the number of vehicles and spectators.
An estimated 4,000 people strolled the streets of Thamesville on Sept. 14, to view a record 270 vehicles at the fourth annual show.
“It’s the most we’ve ever had; we had 245 last year,” said Susan Smith, co-chair of the show with her husband, Brad. “And we noticed a lot more people; the streets were busy,” Smith added, as vehicles were parked on London Road, Lemuel and Ann Streets. The car show is hosted by the Thamesville Improvement Association and Thamesville Sertoma
R.O.C.K. holding 50/50 draw
the ongoing operating costs of R.O.C.K.
R.O.C.K. has a new mission in Chatham-Kent, selling 50/50 tickets.
The non-profit organization that helps the municipality’s most vulnerable citizens, has launched its Fall 50/50 Raffle. It will give community members an opportunity to win a cash prize and a chance to contribute to
Half of the total jackpot will go to the winner and the remaining 50 per cent will directly supporting R.O.C.K.’s outreach programs, drop in centres and more.
The raffle will take place Nov. 1 at 8 p.m.
Tickets can be purchased online only, atrafflebox. ca/raffle/rockmissions.
Thamesville streets were lined with 270 participants this year, the most the show has ever seen. The event’s organizers were extremely pleased with the turnout.
Club.
The co-chairs credit getting the word out more to the public for the continued increase in participants and visitors.
The weather also helped attract the large crowd, taking advantage of a beautiful, sunny September day.
For the first time, the Home Built Soap Box Racing Association participated in the car show, which also brought many
people to town.
Chris and Jed Collins of Wallaceburg were presented with the Art Kemp Memorial Trophy for the car of the show, their 1968 AMC AMX. The award is in honour of the late Art Kemp, a long-time community supporter and organizer of the Thamesville Car Show & Shine that used to be held at Ferguson Park in conjunction with the Threshing Festival.
This show was the precursor of the Thamesville Crossroads Car Show, as Kemp’s family is still involved.
“We choose the car we think Art would have said was the best in the show,” Smith said of the memorial award in his honour.
Terri Lariviere, of Bothwell, won the early bird entry award for her 1967 Chevrolet Camaro convertible. Judy and Bert Vanderheide of Thames-
FALL OPEN HOUSE
OCTOBER 7TH - 11:00AM
ville Home Hardware donated the trophy.
The car show chairs and organizers thank the local merchants and individuals who donated prizes.
“The response of the community and businesses was very much appreciated; they really jumped in and helped us out,” Smith said.
The organizers also thanked the many volunteers who made the show successful.
Image courtesy The Ridgetown Independent News
The Chatham Voice
Author puts his anxiety on paper
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative
pamwrightlji@gmail.com
Emerging author Joel Emery isn’t shy about sharing his journey with anxiety. Now the Chatham resident has written a book to inspire others and let them know they’re not alone.
Titled “In My Write Mind: Musings on Mental Health, Self-Growth, Relationships, Everything in Between,” the non-fiction work invites readers to explore Emery’s life journey thus far.
“We are all connected by the human experience,” said the 38-year-old. “Our stories have the power to create
connection, community and compassion. I hope that through my own experiences, someone will feel comforted, inspired or heard.”
Emery said he disclosed his challenges with anxiety in 2018 and this became the catalyst for the book.
However, he also looks to the example of his mother Deb Emery, who self-published a successful children’s book in the 1990s.
“My mom was such an advocate for reading, especially at an early age,” he said.
“That’s how I perfected my writing skills.
According to Emery he’s been writing stories “ever since he can remember,” beginning by putting pencil to blue-lined paper.
“I always knew I wanted to write a book,” he added.
Emery, who also works in communications with the Alzheimer Society of Chatham-Kent, will be available
for a book signing at Turns & Tales in downtown Chatham Oct. 5 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
The book is illustrated by Dresden artist Sarah Steele.
For more information and to find out when the book is available online visit www.thewritejoel.com. In My Write Mind is self-published through Tellwell Publishing.
C-K budget survey available online
The first phase of Chatham-Kent’s 2025 municipal budget is underway with the launch of a public survey.
Designed to allow residents to express their thoughts on spending decreases and increases, the online survey will be available until Oct. 14. Information from this public consultation tool will be forwarded to C-K council prior to the decision-making process.
The second phase will see the presentation of the budget to council
on Nov. 13. This will be aired live on YourTV and shared on Facebook and YouTube. Citizens will also be able to see the draft budget document online after that date. Community open houses will take place with live question and answer sessions on Facebook Nov. 20 at noon and Nov. 21 at 7 p.m.
The third phase of the budget will see council deliberations take place on Nov. 26 and 27 at 6 p.m.
The public survey can be found at www.letstalkchatham-kent.ca/ budget-2025-annual-update.
Contributed image
Author Joel Emery poses with his book, “In My Write Mind.”
The Chatham Voice
Couple opens a new church
By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com
At a time where most churches are experiencing declining congregations, with some facing closure, two new Chatham residents have opted to open a new church.
Pastor Mike and Bernadette Grady have recently opened the Chatham Baptist Chapel on Richmond Street.
It’s big enough to hold services for more than 40 people, but not too big so overhead expenses are overpowering.
After the couple first moved here in early 2023, they attended Ridgetown Baptist Church. The
people there ultimately gave their blessing for the Gradys to branch out and open a church in Chatham.
Located at 330 Richmond St., Unit 105, Chatham Baptist Chapel offers services six days a week, including 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Sundays, and perform an evangelism outreach on Saturday afternoons.
Mike said the services are relatively informal.
“We want to give people a time for fellowship. Come in, have a coffee and a donut and talk, have a prayer,” he said.
In terms of outreach, Mike said they’ve been in touch with other outreach groups who provide
aid to the homeless.
“We’re going to network with those people for the sharing of resources,” he said.
The Gradys plan on starting by making up “survival” kits, which would include a sleeping bag, some clothing and hygiene products. Mike said sponsors make such efforts possible.
Eventually, they’d like to have a trailer they could set up in the parking lot beside Rotary Park where a homeless encampment exists and hand out food.
The Gradys are no strangers to running outreach churches.
In fact, for 24 years, they ran St. Jamestown Community Church in the rough Regent Park section
of Toronto.
In Toronto, while running the church, Mike sold real estate in his day job.
“We took no salary or funds from the church. I sold real estate. That helped us to survive and it helped keep the church doors open,” he said.
Selling real estate ultimately helped him find god.
“We were changed by God when we heard the gospel. Jesus saves sinners. I was one big time,” he said.
Bernadette said it has left them with a place in their hearts for “the lost. “We know God can change them.”
Grady said they heard from
God, and opted to rent space and open the doors of their Toronto outreach church.
And for two dozen years, they served the community, delivering sermons, Sunday school and food for those in need.
They also worked with people dealing with addiction to get into rehab programs across the province.
Why open a new church in Chatham? The Gradys said they moved here to downsize their lives, but saw the need to help others was present here too.
“We knew we were coming to the age of retirement. We wanted to secure a house for ourselves,” Mike said.
Contributed image
Mike and Bernadette Grady are bucking a trend. While churches are seeing shrinking congregations, they have opted to open a new place of worship in Chatham.
Community Events
Thursday, October 3, 2024:
• Afternoon Jamboree at the Merlin Legion from 1-4pm, Bring your singing voice/instruments and join us for a great afternoon. Donations welcome.
• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St., Chatham open 11:00am–9:30pm. Kitchen is open for lunch 11:00am–1:30pm. Come check out our daily specials. Senior Euchre starts at 1:00pm. The Popular L.A. Bingo starts at 7pm. Everyone is welcome.
• Chatham-Kent Public Library’s Ridgetown Branch is proud to announce a hometown local author visit from Julie J.B. Robinson at 6:30pm. Julie is the author of “In Walk the Witches“. Drop by at 6:30 pm and enjoy listening to an excerpt from Robinson’s new book! Copies will be available for sale. For more information call 519-674-3121 or contact your local library branch.
Friday, October 4, 2024:
• Bill’s Place Community Space Drop-In. Come spend some time in a 2SLGBTQIA+ safe space 48 Centre St., Chatham. Hang out, have a coffee, do your homework, ask a question, read a book, or chat about life or what we’ve been working on. Get some clothes from our Out of the Closet program, use the Community cupboard & more! No RSVP needed! Come & go as you please. All ages & allies welcome.
• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am–9:30pm. Kitchen is open for lunch 11:00am–1:30pm. Supper served 4:00–6:00pm. No orders after 5:30pm. Tonight’s specials are Meat Loaf or Fish & Chips, $13.00. Take out is also available by calling 519-351-8733 or 519351-5639. Fun Darts start at 7:00pm. You will be entertained by Terry Barker, 7pm-10pm. Everyone Welcome.
• Merlin Legion – Yummy Haddock Fish & Chips, choice of baked potato or fries with coleslaw. Served from 4:30 to 7:00 pm only $12.50 !! Call 519-689-4884 Take outs available.
• Friday night supper at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St, is a Honey Garlic Chicken dinner with potatoes, vegetables, coleslaw and a bun. Dine ins $13 and pickups $14. All meals are served at 6pm. Everyone welcome. Please call 519-352-8291 to order.
Saturday, October 5, 2024:
• Boys and Girls Club of Chatham Clown around for Charity Golf Tournament & Drop. Chance to win $3000. Register at www.bgcck.com/golf.
• Morning Breakfast Program at First Presbyterian Church (corner of Fifth St. and Wellington). A delicious and nutritious breakfast served free of charge from 9:30am-11:00am, serving indoors, no take out. Wheelchair accessible.
• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St., Chatham open 11:00am–9:30pm. Line Dancing lessons 10:00am-12 noon. Meat draws at 3:30, 4:30 and 5:30pm. Kitchen is open for lunch 3:00pm–5:30pm. Entertainment by Exit 31 from 4:30-9:30. Come check out our menu. Everyone Welcome.
Sunday, October 6, 2024:
• Calling all Veterans. The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham will be hosting a Buddy Check for all Veterans 10:00am–12:00pm. Come enjoy a coffee and talk to other Veterans. This venue is for Veterans Only.
• Breakfast at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St, from 9am to Noon. All meals are cooked to order.
• Jamboree at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St. from 1pm to 5pm, $5. Come and enjoy the music of Hired Hand and others. Everyone welcome.
Monday, October 7, 2024:
• Enjoy a friendly game of Euchre, 1 P.M. St. Clair Estates, 15 Dunkirk Chatham. $3.00 per person. Everyone Welcome.
Tuesday, October 8, 2024:
• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St., Chatham open 11:00am–9:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch 1:00am–1:30pm. Today’s special is Spaghetti with meat sauce. Come play Euchre at 1:00 or spend the evening playing Shuffleboard or Euchre starting at 7:00pm. Everyone is welcome.
Wednesday, October 9, 2024:
• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St., Chatham open 11:00am–9:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch 11:00am–1:30pm. Our daily spe-
cial is meat loaf Dinner. Come check out our other daily specials. We have Fun Darts at 7:00pm. Everyone is welcome.
• Ostomy Support Group: We are a support group for anyone who is or may be facing living with an ostomy. Starting at 7pm. We are located at Wellwise By Shoppers on the corner of Mc.Naughton Ave. and St. Clair St., right here in Chatham. We can be reached at ostomychatham@gmail.com.
Thursday, October 10, 2024:
• Retired Workers Chapter Meetings are the perfect opportunity to enjoy coffee and baked goods and visit with friends and former fellow workers. Keep up to date with the community, pensions, benefits and info provided from informed leadership and guest speakers. Spouses are welcome. 10:00am at the Unifor Local 127, 405 Riverview Dr., Chatham.
• Bill’s Place Community Space Drop-In. 330-630pm. Come spend some time in a 2SLGBTQIA+ safe space 48 Centre St., Chatham. Hang out, have a coffee, do your homework, ask a question, read a book, or chat about life or what we’ve been working on. Get some clothes from our Out of the Closet program, use the Community cupboard & more! No RSVP needed! Come & go as you please. All ages & allies welcome.
• Afternoon Jamboree at the Merlin Legion from 1-4pm, Bring your singing voice/instruments and join us for a great afternoon. Donation welcome.
• Come join us at The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St., Chatham from 11:00am–9:30pm. The kitchen is open to serve lunch from 11:00am–1:30pm. Come check out our daily specials. Senior Euchre starts at 1:00pm. Everyone welcome.
Are you affected by someone else’s drinking? Al-anon can help! Call – leave message – 519-350-3462
Alcoholics Anonymous, we can help! Information Line 519-360-5246.
Submit your coming events to bruce@ chathamvoice.com or michelle@chathamvoice.com
Fun Stuff
68. Gradually disappeared
69. Able to think clearly
CLUES DOWN
1. Brushed
2. Water sprite
3. Ones to look up to
4. Monetary units
5. We all have one
6. Marine invertebrate
7. One who institutes a legal proceeding
8. Outer
9. Parallelograms
10. Uncomfortable feelings
11. Cross to form an X
12. Remove
CLUES ACROSS
1. Separate with an instrument 5. State clearly 11. One-time MLB speedster Gordon 14. Broad in scope 15. Lacking social polish 16. Amount of time 17. Frame 19. Automobile 20. Caps 21. High school dances 22. Utilize 23. Checked 25. One-sided 27. Having an extreme greed for wealth 31. Potted plants 34. We all have one 35. Lake north of the Kalahari
38. Unidentified flying object
39. Aging persons
41. Small amount
42. Mother of Perseus
44. Ornamental waist box
45. Officials
46. Uncertain
49. A cotton fabric with a satiny finish
51. Extensive, treeless plains
55. Your consciousness of your own identity
56. Consumer advocate Ralph
60. Notable Spanish sports club
61. Body part
62. One’s responsiveness
64. Woman (French)
65. Ready and willing to be taught
66. Muslim ruler title
67. Unhappy
13. Some pages are dog-__
18. Capital of Ukraine
24. A citizen of Denmark
26. Eighth month (abbr.)
28. Hindu queens
29. Acids structurally related to amino acids
30. Rider of Rohan in Tolkien
31. Wet dirt
32. Russian city
33. Observed
36. Irate
37. Travelers need them
39. Musical composition
40. Auction
43. Form of “to be”
45. Women
47. Inspire with love
48. Think Japanese ankle sock
49. Appears
50. Old World lizard
52. The lead dancer: __ ballerina
53. Protein involved in motion
54. Rosalind Franklin biographer
57. Popular 1920s style art __
58. __ Blyton, children’s author
59. Abnormal breathing
63. A place to rest
Donations sought for Highgate historical plaque
By Michael Bennett
A local group is seeking donations from residents in the Highgate and East Kent area to cover the additional cost of erecting a historical plaque by the Chatham-Kent Heritage Network.
The unveiling of a plaque commemorating the Highgate Mastodon is tentatively scheduled for Oct. 5 at the farm east of the village where a skeleton was unearthed close to 140 years ago.
The Highgate Mastodon plaque will be the ninth historical marker installed by the Chatham-Kent Heritage Network.
Two plaques were dedicated in the local area in the spring.
Ceremonies were held in Thamesville for a plaque commemorating the Ferguson Opera House and in Rondeau to highlight the Craford Settlement, established in 1811 by Margaret and John Craford, the first European settlers along the Lake Erie shoreline in Chatham-Kent.
The Heritage Network’s first plaque was placed at Stirling Park in Chatham last November to honour the 1934 Coloured All-Stars, the first all-black baseball team to win an Ontario senior men’s championship.
Other plaques installed this year were in Erieau (Revellers and the Railroad: Erieau’s Beginnings), Jeannette’s Creek (the 1854 train disaster that killed 50 people), Mitchell’s Bay (the com-
mercial fishing industry), Wallaceburg (the glass factory), and Merlin (the village’s founding families).
The last plaque for 2024 will be in Blenheim, with the location and date to be announced.
The Heritage Network expects to place a historical plaque in Ridgetown in 2026 to avoid conflicting with the community’s 150-year celebration in 2025.
Local historians Lisa and Jim Gilbert founded the CKHN to connect with organizations in communities across Chatham-Kent for input to determine a significant historical period to be recognized with a plaque.
The Heritage Network’s plaque project is mainly financed through the Hydro One Community Fund, which Mayor Darrin
Canniff and councillors administer for projects in their wards.
Each community, however, must come up with additional money to help cover expenses.
Jean Gillard and Marg Eberle are conducting the fundraising for the Highgate Mastodon plaque.
Some of the communities where plaques have already been placed were able to secure one or two major donors to cover the additional cost.
Gillard and Eberle, however, would prefer to see several local residents make smaller donations rather than seek one or two major donors.
“We’d like to get as many people as possible to make a donation, anywhere from $25 to $100, whatever they can afford,” Gillard said.
Continued on page 22
Local Journalism Initiative The Ridgetown Independent
Jeanine Foulon/The Chatham Voice Debris – including such things as a tire and a box fan – builds up behind the Fifth Street Bridge on the Thames River in Chatham.
OBITUARIES
Marvin Ellwood Nichols Handsor
80, Wednesday, September 25, 2024
Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Tom Molyneaux
77, Wednesday, September 25, 2024
Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Baby Silas Brent Primeau
Saturday, September 14, 2024
Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home
Paul Paquette
74, Friday, September 20, 2024
Alexander & Houle Funeral Home
Donald Oliphant
78, Sunday, September 22, 2024
Alexander & Houle Funeral Home
William Blackburn
93, Wednesday, September 25, 2024
Alexander & Houle Funeral Home
Tommy “Tom” Henry Blommaert
68, Thursday, September 19, 2024
Badder Funeral Home
Doreen Stinson
95, Monday, September 23, 2024
Badder Funeral Home
Isabel Warwick
96, Wednesday, September 18, 2024
McKinlay Funeral Home
Jim Jenkins
49, Sunday, September 22, 2024 McKinlay Funeral Home
George Arthur Wonnacott
76, Wednesday, September 18, 2024
McKinlay Funeral Home
Cathy Konecny
78, Friday, September 20, 2024
McKinlay Funeral Home
Zachary Cooper Leuthel
32, Saturday, September 21, 2024
McKinlay Funeral Home
Dianne Peltier
Tuesday, September 24, 2024
McKinlay Funeral Home
Susan Pehlan (Duquette)
Tuesday, September 24, 2024 Life Transitions
Charlotte Anne Johnston
Wednesday, September 25, 2024 Life Transitions
Brian “Chopper” Abrams
79, Friday, September 20, 2024 Nicholls Funeral Home
Verna Coleman
96, Sunday, September 22, 2024 Nicholls Funeral Home
Mrs. Reta (Jill) Schram
72, Monday, September 23, 2024 Nicholls Funeral Home
See full obituaries at chathamvoice.com/obituaries
Mastadon’s history
Continued from page 21
“By getting smaller donations from a lot of people, they will feel like they have more ownership in the project.”
Lisa Gilbert said the plaque is almost complete and ready for installation.
The plaque would tell the story of the Highgate Mastodon, complete with text and photos to inform local people and tourists about an event in local history.
The ceremony will take place at the site just out of Highgate on Goodbrand Line, where, in the spring of 1886, William Reycraft uncovered some odd, large bones while digging a drainage ditch on his uncle’s farm.
“It created a minor, local sensation that they found these bones,” Gilbert said.
The bones sat in a barn on the farm until 1890 when John Jelly and William Hillhouse, from the Orangeville area, heard about the discovery.
“They were promoting a mastodon that was found in their area when they heard about the one in Highgate,” Gilbert said.
Jelly and Willhouse paid $25 for the excavation rights, and in one day, they filled two wagon loads with large bones.
It was estimated that 95 per cent of the skeleton was intact, making it the largest and most complete fossilized skeleton of an extinct animal ever found in North America at that time.
Gilbert said that when Reycraft saw what was unearthed, he offered to repurchase the bones, but Jelly and Willhouse said they wouldn’t sell the bones, “not even for $3,000!”
Jelly and Hillhouse displayed the bones across Ontario from 1890-92 before hiring Robert Essery to take the bones on a tour across Western Canada for $50 a month. While on tour, Essery died of typhoid fever in Edmonton, and the Highgate Mastodon bones were mysteriously lost.
The bones ended up in storage at the Bibb Corn Broom Company in Minneapolis around 1893. There, they were eventually sold to Harry Dickinson, who exhibited them throughout Minnesota,
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South Dakota, and North Dakota from 1895 to 1898. Meanwhile, Hillhouse received a poster from his niece in Neche, N.D., promoting a travelling exhibit that matched the description of the Highgate Mastodon.
“Jelly and Willhouse were still trying to find the bones since they belonged to them, but they weren’t successful,” Gilbert said.
James Grassick bought the skeleton from the Dickinson Family for $10 in 1898 and loaned the bones to the University of North Dakota in 1902 to go on display.
The bones, however, were stored until 1947, when they were shipped to Bismark, N.D., and soon forgotten until 1974, when they were rediscovered in a University of North Dakota storage facility.
In 1991, the North Dakota Heritage Center was making plans for a permanent exhibit called The First People: North Dakota Prehistory as committee members expressed interest in having a reconstructed megafauna, such as an ancient bison or mammoth, for the display.
Mark Halvorson, a curator, told the committee about the bones in storage.
About 80-85 per cent of the skeleton remained, and it took just over a year for Hoganson, with the assistance of paleontologist George Lammers of Winnipeg, to reconstruct the nearly 10-foottall mastodon.
The Highgate Mastodon still stands today in the main hall of the North Dakota Heritage Center.
“It’s still known as the Highgate Mastodon,” Gilbert said. “People in Chatham-Kent have tried to get them back, but they’re not interested in sending them back here.”
If anyone is interested in making a donation to the Highgate Mastodon Plaque, they can contact Jean at 519674-3546 or Marg Eberle at 519-678-3289.
Jeanne Nussey (mom) September 28, 2023
Collecting Elvis movies. Will pay cash, 519-9172339.
Ronald Nussey (dad) September 19, 2005
Brooke Pietras Born in Chatham, Brooke Pietras, passed away August 21st, 2024 at Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital at the age of 45 years. Brooke was the cherished daughter of George and Shirley (Henderson) Pietras of Chatham. Loving sister to Jamie Pietras, and beloved aunt to Callie Pietras. She will be missed by her much loved cats, Ozzie and Banksy. Brooke will be fondly remembered by aunts and uncles, Dick Crago (late Wanda); Irene Cooke and Rob Willard; late Ray Pietras; Kathy and Al Beswick; Bob and Chris Henderson; and many cousins. Brooke was a dedicated teacher for the York Region District School Board for over 20 years. She will be remembered for her love of learning and the countless lives she touched with her passion and dedication to teaching. Her warmth, kindness and unwavering spirit will be dearly missed by all who knew her. In keeping with Brooke’s wishes, cremation has taken place privately with her family. For those who wish to make a donation in Brooke’s memory, please consider a charity of your choice or to the Chatham- Kent Health Alliance Foundation. Arrangements entrusted to the Alexander & Houle Funeral Home, 245 Wellington St. West, Chatham, 519-352-2710. On-line condolences may be shared at www.alexanderandhoulefuneralhome.ca
Wayne George Lachine
Missing you, this, our first Wedding Anniversary, October 4, as we are apart
Handicap Equipment. Super-Pole for bedside bed, toilet, chair. $170 or bet offer. 519-436-8821.
Mom it’s been 1 year already, we can’t believe it. We were not expecting this. Our hearts still cry for you & Dad. If tears could build a stairway to heaven, we would go right up and bring you’s home. Missing you both immensely. Love Janice, Jeff, John, Ronnalee, Don.
As you celebrate in Heaven, I will reminisce here on Earth. Much loved and missed Love Beth, xoxo
Wanted to rent or buy 1 or 4 acres of land in Chatham-Kent area. No buildings or utilities needed. Rural area preferred. 519-3525414 or 226-6275414.
$130 includes 18 holes of golf, cart, lunch on the turn, roast beef dinner, chance at prizes and so much more! Space is limited
Craven Financial Planning is seeking applicants for the position of Licensed Mutual Fund Assistant
Full Time 40 Hours per week
Hourly wage set at initial level of competency from
Work Location after training can be work from home or work in office or hybrid. Business serves clients across Ontario but is based in Chatham.
For the entire job posting including the details of how to apply please email bill@cravenfp.com
