Turtle preservation part of Water Fest
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com
“Thanks for saving a turtle.”
Those are the words John Everett has uttered hundreds of times at the Chatham-Kent and Lambton Children’s Water Festival. He and
his wife Jan have volunteered at the eco-awareness event six times – raising awareness about keeping turtles safe.
For the London couple, both retired civil servants, saving turtles is a passion project. Jan is the author/ illustrator of “Never Give Up.” Inspired by her husband’s determi-
nation, it’s the story of a boy named Johnny who helps “Snapper,” a snapping turtle, to safety. The youngster uses a skateboard and wagon to give the reptile a lift across a busy road, but decides he needs to help in a bigger way by building a turtle crossing.
The book, which has text in both English and Ojibwe, has sold 6,000 copies worldwide.
A French version is also available.
“It’s all about never giving up,” John said of the book, noting it’s also a metaphor of life for young students.
“Whether it’s going to a new school or dealing with bullying, kids get the message not to give up.”
Citing the fact that turtles help cleanse the water by eating dead plant and animal matter, John said the reptiles have an important role to fill as millions rely on Lake Erie for drinking water.
“If you save one turtle, you’ve done a real favour for the environment,” he said. “This is paying it forward.”
According to Jan, spreading the message to youth is rewarding.
“We go to schools all over the place,” she said. “Kids love saving the environment.
It’s excellent.”
The pair, who owns a cottage at Long Point, remain devoted to turtle safety. They’re affiliated with the Long Point Causeway Improvement Project, which raised $2.7 million to build fencing and 12 culverts or turtle tunnels.
Installed beneath the road, the infrastructure helps lower the mortality rate of turtles, snakes and frogs trying to get to the Lake Erie shore within the Long Point Biosphere Region around Long Point Provincial Park. Continuted on page 4
Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice Indian Creek Road Public School student Joanna Wiebe learns about helping keep turtles safe on busy roads from volunteer John Everett.
Former YMCA open for students
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com
After being repurposed into housing for international students, Chatham’s former YMCA has a fresh start. Leased by St. Clair College from the Everlast Group, run by developer Victor Boutin, La Residence Chatham is now home to 160 students from around the world. Completed in August, the
building opened in September, according to Lynn O’Brien, property manager for Boutin Management.
O’Brien, who is responsible for assigning rooms, has nothing but praise for the new tenants.
“They’re wonderful young people,” said O’Brien. “Very gracious, very polite. The cultural diversity is amazing and it’s wonderful to see.”
Most of the apartments are two levels, with a kitchen
and living area on the main floor. Stairs lead to an upper loft which includes two bedrooms, each with a window, as well as a shower room and a bathroom. The building is co-ed but roommates must be of the same gender. All told, there’s space for 200 students.
Ron Sequin, a senior advisor to St. Clair College president Michael Silvaggi, said La Residence Chatham is a great location for student
Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice Mahik Uppal and Lynn O’Brien are seen in front of one of La Residence Chatham’s student lounges. The former YMCA on King Street in Chatham is home to 160 international students studying at St. Clair College.
Location, location, location
Continuted from page 3
According to Sequin, the new residence is safe, stylish and clean, with its close proximity to the police station, shops and restaurants in the core.
“Students love being downtown,” he said. “They prefer to be near stores and restaurants and it’s turned into a wonderful, vibrant location. Their parents feel good about it when their kids come to Chatham.”
All told, St. Clair College has 16,700 students enrolled at its Chatham, Toronto and Windsor campuses. That includes 4,400 international students altogether, with 500 among the 1,300 students attend-
ing the Chatham site. Boutin purchased the old YMCA eight years ago with plans to develop it. However, the project, completed in three phases, was sidelined by the pandemic and took longer
HEALTH & WELLNESS FAIR
OCTOBER 17 2-7PM
20 Merritt Ave., Chatham
519.352.5633 • www.alc-ck.com • office@alcchatham.ca
• FREE Admission & Parking
• FREE Food (browse the booths to find your meal ticket)
• FREE Blood Pressure Clinic
• FREE Hearing Screening
• 45+ Health and Wellness Booths
• ALC Bake Sale (while supplies last)
• Visit from MP Dave Epp
• OACAO
• Connect my Health
• Rule Hearing Health
• Chatham-Kent Ontario Health Team
• Alzheimer’s Society
• PT Health
Health Service Presentations
2:00-6:45pm ALC Welcome Table Sign in and fill out a survey to receive ALC swag bag
2:00-4:00pm Blood Pressure Clinic with RPN
2:00-4:00pm Hearing Screening with True Health Hearing
3:00-4:00pm ALC Welcomes Dave Epp, MP
Check out our ALC prorgram & info booths! Adult Health &
• Red Cross
• CK Public Health
• Dalios Denture and Hearing
• Intervention Pain Clinic
• NeighbourLink CK
• VON
• CK Boomers
• CMHA Mobile Care
• Lifeline
• St. Andrews Residence/ Meals on Wheels
• CKHA Diabetes Team
• Chatham-Kent Hospice
• St. Angela’s Meadow
• CK Zumba Crew
• Arthritis Society
• The Meno Change
• Life Transitions
• Natural Products by Nicole
• Family Service Kent
• O-Wellness
• Journey Recovery House
• The Maples
• Chatham Acoustic Hearing
• Chatham-Kent Community Health Care
3:00-3:30pm Neighbourly Care Presentation
3:00-6:00pm FOOD is being served Common Grounds Café Optimist Club Food Truck
Wellness
• Ridgetown Adult Centre
•Motions Chatham
• Neighbourly Care
than expected.
The all-white interior is built with cement blocks and features an epoxy floor. The revamped structure also includes two study rooms, a laundry room, two meeting rooms and a space that may eventually become a cafeteria or coffee shop.
One of the unique features of La Residence Chatham is a flood-protection wall on three sides of the building.
La Residence Chatham
is the second student residence operated by Boutin Management. The company owns La Residence Ridgetown and leases it to the University of Guelph/ Ridgetown Campus to house students.
The company operates five properties in Chatham-Kent including the Boardwalk on King Street in Chatham.
The developer said he’s pleased with the project.
“I’m very happy with it,” Boutin said.
Conservation, preservation
Continued from page 2 The tunnels – both wet and dry – mean the turtles can help themselves, walking or swimming to the lake.
Last week’s water festival marked the 13th year for the three-day event that saw more than 2,100 Grade 4 and 5 students attend. Held at the Lower
Thames Valley Conservation Authority’s C.M. Wilson Conservation Area, the interactive programs cover five themes relating to the conservation and preservation of water. Since 2007, close to 25,000 students have attended the festival with more than 1,000 volunteers helping out.
Fair October 17, 2024 2pm-7pm Everyone is Welcome!
• Ridge & Blenheim Community Village Retirement Residence
• Serenity Wellness Centre
• MedicAlert Foundation
• CK Historic Society
3:45-4:15pm CK Hospice Presentation
4:30-5:00pm Serenity Wellness Presentation
ALC Bake Sale (while supplies last)
Visit from MP Dave Epp
Visit from MP Dave Epp
• Parkinson’s Society
• OPH Beekeeping Supplies
• Maple City Mini Storage
20 Merritt Ave, Chatham 519-352-5633 www.alc-ck.com office@alcchatham.ca 2:00-6:45pm
20 Merritt Ave, Chatham 519-352-5633 www.alc-ck.com office@alcchatham.ca
• Chatham Resort
• InspiAIR Windsor
CPAP & Home
Oxygen
2:00-6:45pm
5:15-5:45pm Connect my Health Presentation
20 Merritt Ave, Chatham 519-352-5633 www.alc-ck.com office@alcchatham.ca
Cemetery strolls, stories loom
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative
pamwrightlji@gmail.com
Designed to enlighten – not frighten – the Kent Historical Society has an expanded list of activities on tap for the spooky season.
Cemetery Strolls, which include a visit to the old mausoleum for the first time, are back for the 13th year. An indoor event focused on spine-tingling
ghost stories is planned as well.
Long-time volunteer Sheila Gibbs, one of the organizers of the society’s popular ghost walks, said visiting the Old Mausoleum at Maple Leaf Cemetery/St. Anthony Cemetery is something the organization has wanted to do for years.
Completed in 1914, the ornate marble-infused structure is not normally open to the public, mak-
ing its addition to the cemetery stroll a special treat, Gibbs said.
According to Gibbs, a “who’s who of Chatham” rests there, and participants attending the cemetery stroll learn about the history of those who helped build Kent County. Within its walls, 160 of the area’s prominent citizens are interred.
“There are some significant moments from the past that we are really
excited about sharing,” Gibbs said, adding volunteer actors or “spirits” will serve as guides, allowing participants to “meet” those who came before.
An unlikely cowboy, a Second World War hero and Henry Ford’s righthand man are among the cast of characters whom strollers will meet along the way.
For those who can’t navigate the cemetery in the dark, another event has been added. A “Spooktacular Soiree – A Night of Ghosts and Goodies” will take place at Smitty’s Family Restaurant in Chatham Oct. 26 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Guests will be treated to a beverage and dessert while listening to spooky stories from Chatham’s past.
The evening also features guests who have experienced paranormal events themselves.
“This is an event for those who may not be able to access the cemetery,” Gibbs said.
Cemetery strolls (three per night) will take place Oct. 11, 12, 18 and 19 at 7 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Cost is $23 for adults and $12 for kids 12 and under.
Cost for the Spooktacular Soiree is $35 and pre-reg-
istration is required. Only 60 seats are available.
Participants can register at eventbrite/ghost walks of Chatham-Kent or by emailing ckghostgirl@ gmail.com or jgilbert@ciaccess.com.
Dr. Constance M. Nasello, MD,FRCSC
Nasello Medicine Professional Corporation Obstetrics & Gynecology
211 St. Clair, St., Chatham, ON N7L 3J4 Office: 519-351-0626 Fax 519-351-6064 dr.c.nasella@outlook.com
September 27, 2024
Dear Colleagues, After 28 years in practice as an OB-GYN, I have decided to retire most of my GYN practice effective November 30, 2024. It has been a privilege working with you to provide care to your patients.
Please advise patients, that they may obtain an electronic copy of their records at the OMA rate of $30 by contacting us at 519-351-0626, or by email at drnasello@ outlook.com. Paper copies will be charged at a rate of $30 for the first 20 Pages and $0.25 per page thereafter. If a physician’s review of these records is requested the charge will be $45 for every 15 minutes of review after the first fifteen minutes, as per the OMA.
Thank you for your continued support,
Constance Nasello, MD, FRCSC
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Contributed image
The interior of the Old Mausoleum at Maple Leaf Cemetery will be featured during the upcoming Cemetery Strolls planned for Chatham.
Opinion
Teamwork makes the dream work
We live in a very unique part of Ontario and Canada, if not the world. And we must preserve what we have.
In this week’s Chatham Voice, you’ll find stories on water and wildlife conservation, as well as our special section saluting our local agricultural community.
The paper is a great blend of stories, just as C-K is an amazing blend of humans, wildlife and agriculture. They are all truly connected, and it is something we too often take for granted. Keeping a proper balance is the challenge.
We are an agricultural hotbed. We literally do, as the economic development saying goes, “grow for the world.” We produce a diverse selection of grains, soybeans and vegetables. We have some dairy, beef, pig and chicken operations as well.
And with that, we have limited forest coverage, limited pollinator havens in terms of plants that help bees and other insects – a necessary part of agriculture – survive.
We also have limited forest coverage. Check us out from the air and we look like one big garden, with Rondeau Park serving as a bush lot, supported with smaller clumps of forestation
here and there.
Wildlife corridors are needed to allow all forms of creatures native to our area to traverse safely. Roads criss-cross our municipality. There are too few safe corridors for various species to travel without worry of being hit by passing vehicles.
At the recent Chatham-Kent and Lambton Water Festival, officials educated visiting students on water conservation and preservation, as well as overall eco-awareness.
We must all be eco-aware; aware of what is needed for our local flora and fauna to thrive.
Be it turtle tunnels to help the various species go under, rather than over, roadways, or more forestation along municipal drains and creeks, allowing all sizes of creature to travel in safety, or just planting more pollinator plants in ditches and yards, we can all do better.
Every little bit helps and even a small step is a start.
It’s not all up to rural land owners. We urbanites can help as well. Plant more native species on your property, in terms of trees and flowers.
We cherish what we have; but we can work harder to preserve it.
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.
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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.
It’s not enough
Editor: Kudos to councillors Ryan Doyle, Michael Bondy and Rhonda Jubenville for proposing a five-per-cent voluntary reduction in their salary of $36,900 per year.
That amounts to a whopping $1845 cut. Are you sure you can survive that much of a cut? That means your salary would only be $35,055.
Plus catered meals, security guards et al.
And, you (councillors)
still have the “right” to vote for your own salary increases?
Who’s bright idea was that? Oink, oink.
Before you implement such a drastic change, please be sure it won’t make you homeless and on the streets, like so many of your constituents increasingly are.
The preliminary view of the tax increase for
2025 could be more than nine per cent. Colour me cynical but to me and everyone I talk to, such an increase is criminal.
I repeat my offer to serve as councillor for $10,000 annual salary. And in good faith, let’s reduce that by ten per cent, down to $9,000 per year.
Bryan Marino Chatham
Take control of budget
Editor: When we amalgamated in 1998, we had a full population of about 113,000 people, just under $15 million in industrial tax income and healthy commercial and residential income.
The budget then was only $138 million.
Today our budget is over $400 million, having significant revenue loss from industry and other
areas, although I see some recovery in industry and other tax income.
Chatham-Kent has positioned itself for another hefty tax hike this year and a multi-year tax hike of about 21.2 per cent.
When MPAC assessment cycle is ready for renewal plus the tax hike forecast, we are in for financial tsunami all the while government personnel remain financially unscarred at the taxpayer expense.
The 2024 assessment year the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) based our assessments on 2016 values.
Continued on page 7
Council must keep spending in check: reader
Continued from page 6
(Editor’s note: Changes in MPAC assessment values on property does not lead to a corresponding change in one’s tax rate.)
No matter how you cut it, 100 per cent of government actions ultimately come from tax dollars.
It’s abundantly obvious and has been shown C-K government is NOT open and transparent. The Merlin roundabout was initially to cost about $2.1 million. It will now cost us $6.5 million.
Considering safety and efficiency, there are a number of alternatives costing significantly less than a roundabout.
The municipality seems to be determined to build a new municipal hall from a box store absent of providing council or taxpayers with up-front comprehensive, accurate and scrupulously fair costing for
both the Sears building and Civic Centre so the public can compare and be the judge rather than a system controlled by its administration.
Several freedom of information requests have been filed in an attempt to obtain costing on the Sears building, and dozens of other issues, that ultimately would allow C-K to come in each year with a zero-per-cent tax hike, not counting inflation.
A number of C-K’s responses not only exceeds the provincial 30-day standard for local governments to respond, but C-K requests additional time to provide financial figures. An open and transparent government, with some exceptions for expected privacy, would not be so secretive, and if proper taxpayer-invested care was taken, such wouldn’t require months to respond to someone
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requesting financial records to how tax dollars are used.
Non transparency is a reality in C-K. One can wonder if it is intentional to prohibit council and the taxpayers to NOT know what is going on.
Council members have said that administration should show where cuts can be made. I doubt administration will say anything in fear of cutting costs and not being able to go back to the province each year for
more money. Qualified council members should know where cuts can be made in a fair and equitable manner. I believe municipal spending should be on line in an enhanced PDF format so any
taxpayer can review any department, any division of any department, to be able to responsibly scrutinize how money is being allocated.
John Cryderman Chatham
You’re invited to an afternoon at Chatham Resort Retirement Residence with Bridget Blonde from Nest Realty. She’ll share downsizing and moving tips from her Happy Home System that will make your next move easy! Learn about:
in senior
Topp likes what he sees at CKHA
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com
Adam Topp sees a lot of similarities between Chatham-Kent and the Niag-
ara Region where he was born.
That’s what attracted him to leading the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance as president and chief executive officer.
“They’re both agricultural and both rural,” Topp said in an interview just three days into his new role. “I grew up working on a peach farm so it’s nice to come back to a rural community. It does actually feel like coming home because the community very much feels like Grimsby felt when I grew up.”
An added bonus, he said, is that it brings the health-care veteran close to family in Ontario. Topp has four grown children, one of whom is attending post-secondary education in Toronto.
“The short story is I left when I was 18,” Topp said. “I worked across the
country, in the U.S, overseas in the U.K. and Australia, and it was time to come back home to southern Ontario where I’m from.”
Topp, who is stepping into the spot following Lori Marshall’s retirement, brings a wealth of high-level health-care management experience to the job. After graduating from McMaster University with a Bachelor of Science and a MBA in health services management, he embarked on a career that’s taken him across the globe for 30 plus years.
Benchmark Intelligence Group (BIG Healthcare) – a management consulting service tailored for the health-care industry. He still owns the company but leaves the business of consulting to others.
His work with BIG and other consulting roles informs the CEO on the importance of health-care delivery in rural and underserviced areas, as well as funding challenges the system faces.
Streamlining services is key, he said.
Topp points out that Ontario is a “guinea pig” of sorts as it is the only province that doesn’t have a provincial health-care authority in place and he wants to ensure different agencies work together.
“Here (Ontario) they are all separate, so how do we collaborate as best we can so that the patient flows through those systems without silos?” he asked. “So that’s Ontario’s unique challenge in Canada.”
Topp, who attended the CKHA Foundation’s Parade of Chefs fundraiser, was impressed with the $265,000 raised.
Anderson Law Group is pleased to announce that Katherine Denkers, B.A., M.A., LL.B., OAFM(AccFM) has joined the firm.
Born and raised in Charing Cross, Katherine completed her law degree at the University of Sussex (U.K.) and was called to the Ontario Bar in 2018.
Katherine is a Certified Family Mediator and practices in the areas of family law, family mediation, collaborative family law and real estate law.
He spent the last 15 years in Manitoba, serving as the president and CEO of the Shared Health-Soins Communs, the province’s provincial health authority. Prior to that he was director of health transformation for the Manitoba government’s Priorities and Planning Committee Secretariat.
In addition, Topp is a founding partner of
“By nature, a single-payer system can be very efficient, so it’s part of our accountability and responsibility to address, live up to, and be accountable to the taxpayer by creating an efficient hospital,” Topp explained. “We can make a sustainable system by using resources as wisely as we can. That’s our obligation.”
Overseeing the redevelopment of the hospital’s Wallaceburg site, ensuring CKHA’s infrastructure and equipment is up to date and supporting staff are also on the agenda.
“That kind of thing is wonderful because we need that kind of support from the community in order to keep our capital structure in place,” he noted. “And so that was great to see and a great way to start.”
Going forward, Topp will be diving into numbers.
“I’ll be very interested in our capital plan and our capital redevelopment plan for Wallaceburg site and this (Chatham) site, but also to maintain our equipment because we don’t always get funded for that,” he said.
Katherine will be working from both our Chatham and Wallaceburg locations, and is available for appointments in-person or virtually.
619 James St. P.O. Box 409 Wallaceburg, ON 519-627-2261 44 William St. N., P.O. Box 7 Chatham, ON 519-397-2889
Adam Topp
Marco Acampora* 519-784-4348
Ashley Amato* 519-365-5677
Dane Appleton* 519-436-7195
Kelly-Anne Appleton* 519-365-7155
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226-340-1163*
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Anna-Marie Clark* 519-354-7890
Ron Collins* 519-401-8464
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Eric Fitzgerald* 519-436-4865
Michael Gibbons* 519-365-5634
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Deborah Rhodes* 519-401-5470 David Smith* 519-350-1615
Immaculate bungalow. 2br, 2 bath, main floor laundry, garage, unfinished basement. Call Krista Mall.
Enrolment up at Thames Campus
The Chatham Voice
It’s been a good fall so far at St. Clair College’s Thames Campus, as en-
rolment numbers are up. Overall, the college is holding fairly steady with fall enrolment numbers, but officials said there
were “significant” increases in Chatham, along with an influx of domestic students.
The largest enrolment
spikes are in nursing, personal support, early childhood education, HVAC and electrical techniques and robotics sectors, according to school officials.
Chatham has seen an enrolment jump of 29 per cent, with 1,382 full-time students studying at that campus. The big increase is being driven by strong
uptake in PSW, practical nursing, powerline technician, police foundations, and developmental service worker programs.
“Despite the recent announcements of federal restrictions on immigration, our international student enrolment remained very stable. Thanks to having many service sup-
ports in place for these global visitors, our visa allocations were largely untouched. We’re also very excited by the large increase in enrolment at our Chatham campus, made up of both domestic and international students,” college president Michael Silvaggi said in a media release.
End of the season
Thank You, Farmers
In a world that’s always on the move, it’s easy to forget the steadfast heroes who keep us grounded and well-fed. To the dedicated men and women who toil under the sun and nurture our land, we want to say a heartfelt “Thank You!”
It’s more than a job; it’s a calling. You rise before the dawn, tend to your crops, and cultivate the land with care. You weather the storms and cherish the sunshine because you know that a bountiful harvest means a bountiful life for all of us.
As we sit down to our meals, let’s remember the hands that planted, nurtured, and harvested the food on our plates. Let’s be grateful for the tireless dedication of our farmers, whose efforts nourish not just our bodies, but our communities and our world.
So, here’s to the farmers—the unsung heroes of our everyday lives. Thank you for feeding our families, fueling our dreams, and growing a brighter future for us all. Your hard work and dedication are truly appreciated.
Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice
A farmer finishes off combining a field of soybeans near Wallaceburg.
We must not take farmers for granted
How do we talk about agriculture without talking about farmers?
We often forget the faces of farm families, who are responsible for where our food comes from.
It is interesting to look back on your life and observe some of the perceptions you had when you were younger. I grew up in the city, and even though my mother grew up on a farm in Tilbury East, which I visited many times, I still had no idea what farming was all about.
I knew my grandfather and uncle grew corn,
soybeans, wheat, tomatoes, cucumbers and other crops. However, I never really thought about the amount of work that went into growing any of those crops, and didn’t really think about where all those crops ended up. During my childhood, I thought the meat on our
supper table came from Martin’s Butcher Shop around the corner from our house; the milk on our breakfast table came from a glass bottle delivered by our Silverwood’s Dairy milkman; the bread for our sandwiches came from the Jackson Bakery bread man with the horse. To me, food was something that just ended up on our supper table. I had no concept how the farming world operated or anything about where my food came from. I found out later, and am still learning, that agriculture is massive, intrigu-
ing, personal, and very complex.
Many people who were raised in Chatham-Kent and have lived a good number of years grew up on farms. That was the way it was. Today, most Chatham-Kent citizens, especially younger ones, have no rural background.
With so many people born and raised in the city, including myself, this leaves little opportunity to see, explore or understand how the world of agriculture affects our daily lives.
Continued on page 13
Michigan Sugar Company would like to for their outstanding contributions; and also area residents for their patience and understanding during this year’s sugarbeet harvest season.
Kim Cooper
Chatham-Kent farmers are world class
business travel, I visited more than 30 countries and had the privilege of meeting many hard-working and dedicated farmers in those countries. I believe our local growers are the best anywhere in the world in terms of knowledge, expertise, experience, and care for the land they are stewards of, as well as the many crops they grow and the animals they raise.
We have some of the best soil in Canada, capable of growing anything from soybeans to sour cherries, corn to cucumbers, turnips to tomatoes, or raising anything from cattle to chickens, or pigs to quail.
Surrounding all the communities within Chatham-Kent is farmland. In fact, more than 90 per cent of
the entire land base is for various farming purposes. Wherever you live, you just need to drive a few minutes into the countryside to see first-hand our agricultural sector in action. Unfortunately, this is as close to agriculture as many get, so most of us never fully appreciate what farmers accomplish for our economy and for the world.
There is an endless amount to learn about agriculture. I have been involved in this fascinating sector for more than 45 years and still have so much to learn. My hope is that you will take time to explore and understand how our local agriculture impacts your life.
Continued on page 18
Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice
A field of tomatoes on Centre Line near Dresden days before harvest.
ABUNDANT THANKS TO OUR LOCAL FARMERS
Grows over 70 different crops
Today we recognize the incredible contributions our local farmers make to our lives and economy. From food to fiber, the efforts of today’s agricultural industry are essential to the products we count on to feed, clothe and protect ourselves and our families each and every day. Thanks to all those whose hard work, dedication and innovation in the field enrich our lives and keep our country growing!
Did you know . . . Chatham-Kent
Has the largest fresh water commercial fishing port in the world Is the #1 producer of tomatoes in all of Canada Is the #1 producer of seed corn in all of Canada
Is the #1 producer of black tobacco in all of Canada
Is the #1 producer of pumpkins in all of Canada
Is the #1 producer of cucumbers in all of Canada
SAFETY ESSENTIAL WHEN VISITING A FARM
Farmers perform a critical service, providing food and other products that consumers commonly take for granted. The inner workings of a farm are something to treat with respect. Most of the families who live and work on a farm understand the potential hazards of such an environment. However, individuals visiting a farm may be unaware of these dangers. Understanding farm safety helps keep everyone safe. According to the organization Kids Health, the age groups at greatest risk for injury on farms are children ages 3 to 4, and teenagers ages 13 to 14. Most injuries can be prevented, though, with a little education and precautionary measures.
Machinery - There are many different forms of machinery on a farm to help keep it working efficiently. These items can pose serious safety risks. Although tractors are the type of farm equipment that cause the most injuries, some adults still think it is safe to allow children to ride along.
Injuries that may result from farm machinery include pinching of clothing or parts of the body, where a person may become trapped in the gears or components of equipment; cuts from equipment that shears crops; bruising or cuts from projectiles thrown by mowers or other field equipment; and crushing or trapping injuries from machinery that falls or tips over.
Animals - Part of the excitement of visiting a farm is seeing and petting the animals. Although many animals may be docile and domesticated, they can still be unpredictable. Animals that are startled by yelling or loud noises also may become restless and dangerous.
Children should understand that animals may unintentionally cause injuries. It may be in a horse’s defense mechanism to kick when it is scared. To avoid such injuries, never approach animals from behind. Also, when baby animals are present, a female may be protective of her brood and go on the defensive.
Another inadvertent injury that may occur is from bacteria or viruses from the animals. Animal feces may contain bacteria, and there may be other microorganisms on the animals themselves.
It is a smart idea to always wash your hands after handling a farm animal to prevent the spread of disease.
Here are some other precautions that can be taken when visiting a farm
• Don’t allow children to wander around unsupervised.
• Rides on farm equipment should be discouraged.
• Before starting machinery, operators should locate children and other guests and clear them from the work area.
• Don’t allow children near machinery.
• Children under the age of 16 should not be allowed to operate any farm vehicles.
• Watch for hand tools or other equipment, and keep children away from them.
• Do not touch animals unless a farm worker allows it, then follow his or her instructions.
• Don’t provoke farm animals or attempt to startle them.
• Supervise children around ponds, feeding troughs or manure lagoons. It only takes a few inches of water to pose a drowning risk.
LOCAL FARMERS Abundant Thanks to
‘Good growing season’ across C-K
By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com
Like most local farmers, the president of the Kent County Federation of Agriculture is spending much of this month atop a tractor.
Brad Snobelen, one of more than 1,850 local farmers represented by the KFA, works the fields on his property near McKay’s Corners north of Ridgetown. He said 2024 has been a solid year for crops.
ing season for the most part. There has been water at times and that can make things a little challenging,” he said. “But the season has been good. There’s moisture in the soil. If we were to plant something again, there is enough moisture to handle it.”
“It seems like the weather patterns have changed. When we get rain, we tend to get a lot of it.”
- KFA’s Brad Snobelin
“It’s been a good grow-
“We had some serious flooding last year,” Snobelen said. Farmers have to deal with greater weather swings these days, he said. And the field tiles aren’t equipped to deal with heavy rain events of today.
That’s much different than what transpired in 2023 When weather events soaked the land.
handle rain to the extent of about an inch over a 24-hour period. More than that and the system becomes overloaded.
“All the ditches…they just don’t take it away fast enough,” Snobelen said.
“If we can get a stretch of good weather, a lot of farming is going to happen in a short period of time.”
I’d say 98 per cent – are spraying their corn for it. The winds of the hurricanes bring it up from the U.S.,” he said. Otherwise, it’s been a typical crop cycle here in Chatham-Kent.
“It seems like the weather patterns have changed. When we get rain, we tend to get a lot of it,” Snobelen said. “When I was a kid, I feel we got a lot of quarter inch, half inch of rain. Now I feel we get a lot of inch-plus rain in one big go.”
Most tiled fields can
This year, with the weather unrest that has seen several hurricanes hit the U.S., Snobelen said farmers here have felt an impact, but not really in terms of precipitation, but rather in the form of a leaf disease that affects corn.
- KFA’s Brad Snobelin
Snobelen did say soybeans matured about a week earlier than normal, however. All that makes for what will be a busy harvest season.
“Most of the guys –
“If we can get a stretch of good weather, a lot of farming is going to happen in a short period of time,” Snobelen said.
Expect to see farm machinery working from dawn past dusk during that time. And watch out for slow-moving vehicles on urban roads.
Once the crops are harvested, Snobelen said local farmers have to contend with depressed commodity prices.
“Corn and beans are down considerably from the last five or six years. It’s not at the point guys are losing money, but it’s certainly taking some of the fun out of it,” he said. As it stands, corn was selling for $4.18 US per bushel in late September, while soybeans were going for $10.57 US.
Brad Snobelen
Continued from page 17
Hopefully, you will be able to come away with more of an awareness, insight and appreciation into what it takes to grow, raise and produce the food that comes from the farm to your plate. I want to extend a huge thank you to all our farmers and their families in Chatham-Kent. We are so thankful for your dedication and your love for what you do for us every day. Here in Chatham-Kent, our farmers really do grow for the world! • Kim Cooper has been involved in the agribusiness sector for more than 45 years. He can be reached at kim.e.cooper@ gmail.com.
Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice A heritage apple tree at sunset.
LOCAL
Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show wows again
By Lee Griffi
Local Journalism Initiative The Woodstock Ingersoll Echo
Nearly 40,000 visitors attended Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show this fall near Woodstock.
People attending saw the latest agriculture innovations and equipment technology at Ontario’s largest outdoor farm event.
The show draws interest from across Canada and around the world for those wanting an upclose experience of agricultural livestock, equipment, crops and technology. Dozens of onsite events gave visitors many ways to connect and share their interest in Ontario agriculture.
“I’ve been in the business for 25 years now and this was the best show I’ve ever seen,” said show director Rob O’Connor.
He added every part of the show ran smoothly over the three days.
“From behind the scenes when we started the show when the exhibitors were moving in, the team did a great job and that set the stage. Our exhibitors do a great job presenting themselves and the new technologies. We had 18 companies that participated in the innovation award program and we had 15 busloads of young people coming to the career call event.”
The weather couldn’t have been better as daytime highs reached the high 20s with no rain over the three days.
“The site looked great. The site looked great as we had lots of moisture before the event so everything was green and lush. It just added to the overall great feeling from the show.”
O’Connor proudly explained the largest number of agricultural companies coming together at one event is at the Woodstock show, the largest of its kind in Canada.
“Because of that, it drives a lot of attendees from outside Southwestern Ontario, along with Quebec, British Columbia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and the eastern United States, but also a lot of visitors from outside of Canada.”
Those groups included folks from the Czech Republic, Italy, Holland, and just a large number of people interested in the business of agriculture. O’Connor said they come
because it offers an opportunity to connect with other people in the business and a chance to see the newest technology.
He added groups come to Canada to explore new connections and business opportunities, thanks in part to politics and turmoil.
“We have seen so much turmoil in Eastern Europe, and the Ukraine/ Russia war has changed how countries work together. They want to source our technology or perhaps sell some of their equipment and technology to Canada and North America using our show as a gateway to that market.”
It may be early in the planning process for next year but O’Connor did quip they have their eyes on some new parts of the world to target.
“What we will definitely look at is the international market. I was pleasantly surprised by the number of international delegations this year. We will continue exploring those new markets to provide that gateway for Canadian manufacturers. We tend to forget in Canada how much more advanced we are in our technology than other parts of the world.”
He added farmers from other countries want to learn how we farm so they can advance their own industries including South America, Australia and New Zealand.
“Depending on what types of crops they are growing, it can be those countries you listed but it could also be France, Italy, and a lot of African countries are growing quickly and are using agriculture to improve their economic structures.”
O’Connor explained he has seen a lot of interest from countries such as Ethiopia and Uganda.
“We will see how those develop but right now there is more of an opportunity to grow the international space than there has been in the last two decades.”
The show hosted 657 exhibitor booths with companies participating in everything from new product launches, field demonstrations, cutting-edge research, special events and autonomous equipment demonstrations.
Other features included the latest technology in the field including
robotic equipment, drones and autonomous machinery.
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L.F. Mattice Farms Elevator
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Lindsay, Ontario 905-985-7007
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Charing Cross, Ontario 519-676-2753
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Port Colborne, Ontario 800-265-1885
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Lansdowne, Ontario 613-659-4747
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Grain Farmers show support
Ag awards fast approaching
The Chatham Voice
Some of the finest in C-K’s farming sector are about to the inducted into the Kent Agricultural Hall of Fame. The event, to be held Nov. 19 at Hidden Hills Golf and Country Club north of Chatham, begins with a meet and greet at 11 a.m. followed by the ceremony at 11:30.
Inductees entering the Hall of Fame this year include Stephen Denys of the former Township of Chatham. Denys is described as a passionate agriculturist deeply involved in crop production, protection, marketing and seed devel-
opment for over 35 years.
Two other well-known names are being inducted posthumously.
The late Harry Lawson of the former Zone Township is being recognized for his tireless efforts in working to change bylaws and regulations to benefit the agricultural community.
He also advocated for fair settlements for farmers regarding gas and hydro corridors and helped land owners avoid land expropriation whenever possible.
The late Keith McLean, formerly of Morpeth, will be acknowledged for his role as an advocate of sustainable farming techniques.
He stressed the importance of balancing agricultural land and natural cover, with a focus on using windbreaks and cover crops to reduce wind erosion.
Since its inception in 1989, the Kent Agricultural Hall of Fame has inducted 208 members and supported another 17 agriculturists entering the Ontario Agricultural Hall of Fame.
Tickets are $45 each and can be purchased by contacting Kathy Vanek at 519683-2929. Doors open at 10:15 a.m.
The list of inductees can currently be viewed in the lobby of the Chatham-Kent Civic Centre in Chatham.
Contributed image
The Grain Farmers of Chatham-Kent recently donated $750 to each of Outreach for Hunger and the Salvation Army food banks. Here, Stan Brien, treasurer of the GFCK hands over a cheque to Paul Stratton of the Salvation Army.
Backdrop unveiled
The Chatham Voice
Need an interesting backdrop for a photo? The Municipality of Chatham-Kent has you covered.
Municipal officials recently unveiled its first public photo installation downtown Wallaceburg. This structure, a statue of two hands making a heart, is intended to be used as a photo backdrop for residents and visitors who are taking in the
sights of Wallaceburg. Located at the L.O. Stonehouse Bridge, the public is invited to visit the new installation, take photos, and tag the Municipality of Chatham-Kent on social media when posting the photos using the tag @municck.
“Public spaces are the heart of our community,” said Mayor Darrin Canniff in a media release. “By incorporating unique installations like this one, we not only beautify our commu-
nity but also create interesting locations that bring people together. We are excited to unveil more of these throughout Chatham-Kent over the next year.”
Canadian newspapers are powered by journalists, not AI. They check the facts so you can trust what you’re reading. That’s why 4 in 5 people in Canada come back each week for more. Thanks for keeping it real with us. Visit nationalnewspaperweek.ca to learn more.
Paid for using councillor ward funds, sponsored by Hydro One, this initiative is part of a larger effort to “rein-
vigorate the local landscape, creating spaces that beautify the community where residents can enjoy unique installations and take photos,” officials said in the media release.
The councillor ward funding program provides each councillor with $25,000 annually, and the mayor with $125,000, to apply to projects the councillor
or mayor believes are priorities within their ward, or – in the case of the mayor – throughout Chatham-Kent. The community benefit contribution of $1 million annually for ten years from Hydro One is to be solely used for capital projects for recreation purposes, as well as art and cultural purposes within Chatham-Kent.
Contributed image
Chatham-Kent Mayor Darrin Canniff and Wallaceburg Coun. Carmen McGregor are seen in front of the municipality’s first photo backdrop installation, located in Wallaceburg.
Hot rods raise $30K for hospice
By Michael Bennett Local Journalism Initiative
The
Ridgetown Independent
The East Kent Hot Rods for Hospice’s move to the University of Guelph Ridgetown Campus proved a wise choice. The feedback has been very positive after the second annual fundraiser for the Chatham-Kent Hospice, held in late September.
“It seems that the planning committee made a good decision,” event
organizer Emily Vollans said. “The comments have been really, really positive.”
The Ridge Runners East Kent Car Club, hosts of the Hot Rods for Hospice, moved the event from the fairgrounds to the college campus this year for safety reasons and to facilitate mobility for participants and visitors on the paved parking lots.
“People said it was a lot easier to get around on the even ground, especially if they were on mobility de-
vices or our older guests with walkers and canes,” said Vollans.
More than 300 vehicles were on display in the car and truck show, and vendors inside the Rudy Brown building reported good sales days. On a hot day, patrons and visitors welcomed the air conditioning.
Guests enjoyed entertainment by the Southwind Buoys and the GTOs, several hands-on activities, food and beverages, and the return of the Soap Box Derby to Ridgetown. The event’s primary purpose was to raise funds for the Chatham-Kent Hospice. This year, $29,229.69 was collected – a little less
than last year’s tally – raising the two-year total to $61,779.56.
Entry to the Hot Rods for Hospice was by donation for visitors, while vendors, car and truck show participants paid entry fees.
A portion of the Soap Box Derby entry fee also went to the hospice, along with
proceeds from a 50/50, quilt and guitar sales, and portions of sales by the food vendors.
The Highgate Lions Club donated 100 percent of the proceeds – $3,001.53 –from its food truck sales. Donna and Garth Vollans of Pain Court won the 50/50 draw, as their winner’s share was $9,062.50.
Image courtesy The Ridgetown Independent News
Members of the Ridge Runners East Kent group are shown with their $29,229.69 cheque for Chatham-Kent Hospice following the recent East Kent Hot Rods for Hospice event.
Passport clinics fast approaching
The Chatham Voice
Local MPP Dave Epp is hosting a pair of community round table events, as well as two passport clinics in the area this month.
In terms of the round tables, the first takes place Oct. 15 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. in Leamington at the Leamington Half Century House on Talbot Street East.
The second is a bit closer to home,
It’s coffee time in C-K
The Chatham Voice
Chatham Coun. Alysson Storey is hosting a couple of informal events in the coming days.
Councillor Coffee Chats will take place Oct. 9 and Oct. 16. Both events will be held at Turns & Tales on Kings Street West in Chatham.
The Oct. 9 chat takes place between 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., while the Oct. 16 gathering will occur between 10 a.m. and noon.
taking place at the Chatham Memorial Arena on Tweedsmuir Avenue in Chatham on Oct. 17 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
As for the passport clinics, Epp’s team is running a clinic out of the Mainstreet Lounge in the Chatham Capitol Theatre from 10 a.m. to noon on Oct. 16, and in Leamington at the Nature Fresh Recreation Centre in the Locker Room Lounge from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. the same day.
Returning to his roots
Titan Forklifts recently bid farewell to is managing director, as he is headed home.
Rotimi Osuntola, who has been with Titan since 2018, is a native of Lagos, Nigeria.
Osuntola is pursuing a career as a consultant to the government there, hoping to develop future trade deals between Lagos and Chatham-Kent.
Maples focuses on memory care
Cognitive Impairment affects one out of every nine people in the world. There are various diagnoses that make up the
cognitive impairment statistics. Dementia in all its forms is part of this data.
Here in Chatham, The Maples Retirement Living Home is opening its new Memory Care Neighbourhood on Oct. 15. It’s an effort to provide a safe place for people with cognitive impairment.
“Right now, there are very few options for secure memory care and a tremendous wait list for the few spaces available,” Maples officials said in a
Business
media release. “People often don’t have a choice as to where their loved ones are placed. With the first 14 beds opening in October and an additional 16 following soon, The Maples hope to alleviate some of the wait for the community.”
My Life Retirement Living is the parent company of The Maples, and the company already operates a state-of-the-art Memory Care Neighbourhood in Penetanguishene. The Maples Retirement Living Home doesn’t require placement from
HCCSS, so families don’t have to wait until crisis happens.
Bingo & Brews Nest Realty and CKXS have teamed up to offer a unique fundraising experience this month across Chatham-Kent.
Bingo & Brews takes place Oct. 23, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at all four local craft breweries in Chatham-Kent. Participants can dab and dine at Bayside, Red Barn, Sons of Kent and Glasstown.
Continued on page 27
The Chatham Voice
Regina Stockus/Special to The Chatham Voice
Rotomi Osuintola, centre, is between Titan Forklifts CEO Don Tetrault Sr., left, and Don Tetrault Jr. on his last day on the job with Titan Forklifts.
Business
Brews & Bingo to aid Alzheimer’s Society
Continued from page 26
Nine rounds of bingo will be played over the course of the evening where participants can win a total prize value of $1,000 and door prizes. Proceeds go to the Alzheimer Society of Chatham-Kent (ASCK).
A small supply of bingo dabbers and luck-bringing troll dolls will be available for purchase by cash donation at each brewery. Registration is $30 per participant and all proceeds will benefit ASCK’s programs and services.
This is Nest Realty’s fourth fundraising event in partnership with ASCK and they have helped raise over $20,000 since 2020.
You can help them raise even more money for those affected by dementia in C-K by registering online at www.bingoandbrews.ca.
For more information, contact ASCK’s Joel Emery, at 519-352-1043.
Goodies time
A new store catering to Caribbean tastebuds is slated to open in Cha-
tham sometime this fall.
Title the “Goodies Box,” the shop will be located on Grand Avenue in the former Service Ontario building.
Owner Pamella Wright is aiming for an Oct. 7 start date when she’ll begin offering ready-made food, along with a wide assortment of speciality groceries.
Wright, a Jamaican native who moved to Chatham in the past year, originally settled in the GTA where she worked in newcomer services and as an HR recruiter. How-
ever, she said setting up a store has “always been a dream” of hers.
“Having my own shop has always been on my mind,” Wright said, noting that when she saw the Service Ontario location opening up, she knew “it was for her.”
Stay tuned for the grand opening of the Goodies Box.
New Strength Lab
A new part of Performance 360 was officially unveiled recently with a ribbon cutting.
Owner Warren Potter
said the strength lab will help advance strength and conditioning for local residents.
“This is a major new addition to our health facility,” Potter said in a media relase. “Currently there is nothing like this in the area, and we are excited to have completed the work on our new strength lab.”
To bring the idea to fruition, more than 5,000 square feet of the existing area has been renovated and equipped with modern exercise equipment, and new fitness trainers
have been hired.
The focus of the strength lab is on group classes designed for the average participant to build muscle, increase endurance, and achieve personal fitness goals while working out in a fun environment with others who share the same fitness goals.
• Business Voice is a bi-monthly column in The Chatham Voice that highlights some of the achievements made and efforts underway in Chatham-Kent’s business community.
Community Events
Thursday, October 10, 2024:
• Retired Workers Chapter Meetings are the perfect opportunity to keep up to date with the community, pensions, benefits and info provided from informed leadership and guest speakers. Spouses are welcome. 10:00am, Unifor Local 127, 405 Riverview Dr., Chatham.
• Bill’s Place Community Space Drop-In. 3:30-6:30pm. Come spend some time in a 2SLGBTQIA+ safe space, 48 Centre St., Chatham. Hang out, do your homework, or chat about life or what we’ve been working on. Get some clothes from our Out of the Closet program! No RSVP needed! 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.
• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St., Chatham open 11:00am-9:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch 11:00am-1:30pm. Come check out our daily specials. Senior Euchre starts at 1:00pm. Everyone welcome.
Friday, October 11, 2024:
• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St., Chatham open 11:00am-9:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch 11:00am-1:30pm. Supper served 4:00–6:00pm. No orders after 5:30pm. Tonight’s specials are Octoberfest Sausage or Fish & Chips, $13.00. Take out also available by calling 519-351-8733 or 519-351-5639. Fun Darts start at 7:00pm. Everyone Welcome.
• Meet people from Chatham and area’s past during Cemetery Strolls. There are three strolls per night each approx. an hour and a half long. Adult $23, Children (12 & under) $12. Available at www. eventbrite.com Visit our Facebook page Ghost Walks of Chatham-Kent or email ckghostgirl@gmail.com or jgilbert@ciaccess.com. We aim to enlighten, not frighten!
• Friday night supper at the Chatham Moose Lode, 850 Richmond St, is a Lasagna dinner with Caesar salad and garlic toast. Dine ins $13, pickup $14. All meals are served at 6pm. Please call 519-352-8291 to reserve. Everyone welcome.
• Merlin Legion – Delicious Merlickin Pork Chops with all the fixings including dessert $16.50 all in. Call 519-689-4884 to book your meal. Take outs also available.
• Register to make a Zombie costume at the Wallaceburg & District Museum from 1:00pm-3:00pm.
Saturday, October 12, 2024:
• 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 open for lunch 3:00pm5:30pm. Entertainment by Back-toBack from 4:30-9:30. Come check out our menu. Everyone Welcome.
• Cemetery Strolls in the oldest part of Maple Leaf Cemetery. There are 3 strolls/ night each approx. an hour & a half long. Adults $23, Children (12 & under) $12. Available at eventbrite.com. Visit our Facebook page Ghost Walks of Chatham-Kent or email ckghostgirl@gmail.com or jgilbert@ciaccess.com We aim to enlighten, not frighten!
Sunday, October 13, 2024:
• St. Thomas Anglican Church Thanksgiving service S at 11:15 with Reverend Jim Miller.
Monday, October 14, 2024:
• Enjoy a friendly game of Euchre, 1pm, St. Clair Estates, 15 Dunkirk Chatham. $3.00 per person. Everyone Welcome.
Tuesday, October 15, 2024:
• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St., Chatham open 11:00am-9:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch 11:00am-1:30pm. Today’s special is Spaghetti with meat sauce. Euchre at 1:00 or Shuffleboard or Euchre starting at 7:00 pm. Everyone is welcome.
• Ghost talks and stories in the Common Grounds Café every Tuesday in October. Join Ben at 10am to learn about spooky things that have happened in Chatham-Kent as well Ghost encounters and mysterious events. Located in Active Lifestyle Centre, 20 Merritt Ave, Chatham.
Wednesday, October 16 2024:
• Games Night at Bill’s Place, 48 Centre Street with CK Pride at 630pm. You are welcome to bring a game to see if others want to play it or play what we have. Light refreshments / snacks potluck.
• Chatham-Kent Coin Club meeting at the Active Lifestyle Center (7pm
– 8pm), 20 Merritt Ave, Chatham. New Members & guests welcomed. We have members that collect Canadian, USA, and World coins and paper money. For more info contact President Paul Robb (probb1@ cogeco.ca) (289-228-2817).
• 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, chat about life or what we’ve been working on. 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 open for lunch 11:00am-1:30pm. Daily special is Meat loaf dinner. Come check out our other daily specials. We have Fun Darts at 7:00pm. Everyone is welcome.
• The Common Grounds Café is open to the public! Monday –Friday from 11am-2pm. 20 Merritt Ave, in the Active Lifestyle Centre. Ask about Chef Cam’s delicious weekly specials. Stop by and check out our menu!
Thursday, October 17, 2024:
• Afternoon Jamboree at the Merlin Legion from 1-4pm. Bring your singing voice/instruments and join us for a great afternoon. Donation welcome.
• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St., Chatham open 11:00am-9:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch 11:00am-1:30pm. Come check out our daily specials. Senior Euchre starts at 1:00pm. Everyone is welcome.
• The Chatham-Kent Quilters’ Guild meeting at St. Paul’s Congregational Church, 450 Park Ave W, Chatham. Doors open at 6:00. Meeting at 7:00pm. Everyone welcome, but the fee for non-members will be $10. Come and enjoy our presentations, guest speakers and all of the other fun at our meeting. You are welcome to contact us through our Facebook page or our website at www.ckquiltguild.com for info.
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
4. Eat greedily
5. She didn’t make it through the Fr. Revolution
6. Beat
7. Bloodsucker
8. From a place already noted
9. Counted on
10. Alberta Assn. of Baccalaureate World Schools
11. Something one can make
13. One who abstains
CLUES ACROSS
1. Unsheared sheep
5. Rock TV channel
8. Streetcar
12. Concerning
14. Exclamation
15. Greek goddess of youth
16. Popular type of device
18. Alcoholic beverage
19. Ancient Olympic Site
20. Sharpshoots
21. Tyrion Lannister was characterized as one
22. Pointed ends of pens
23. Measuring instruments
26. Midsection body part
30. Made a mistake
31. Adjusted
32. “Partridge” actress Susan
33. Yell
34. Civil rights city in Alabama
39. Young boy
42. Type of sea bass
44. To call (archaic)
46. Unfortunate
47. Separate oneself from others
49. Hero sandwiches
50. Spy group
51. Florida is famous for them
56. Irritating individuals
57. Luck
58. Hunting expedition
59. WWII diarist Frank
60. Peyton’s younger brother
61. Type of wrap
62. Type of overseas tax or levy
63. Soviet Socialist Republic
64. Wake up
CLUES DOWN
1. Works of body art
2. Israeli politician Abba
3. Renowned desert
17. Wild ox
24. Type of student
25. Bacterial infection of the skin
26. Expresses surprise
27. What engaged couples ultimately say
28. Crony
29. Where one begins (abbr.)
35. Architectural designation
36. “Matt Houston” actor Horsley
37. More (Spanish)
38. Autonomic nervous system
40. Indigenous peoples
41. Deflections
42. Circulating life force
43. Executes with a rope
44. Natives of an island nation
45. Girls
47. Logician and philosopher
48. Nocturnal hoofed animal
49. Relaxing spaces
52. From a distance
53. Form of Persian language
54. Amounts of time
55. Mathematical designation
Parade of Chefs raises $265K
The Chatham Voice
The final tally is in and officials at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Foundation (CKHAF) said the 2024 Parade of Chefs raised $265,000.
The event took place Sept. 21 at the Bradley Centre. More than 225 people attended to enjoy an evening of gourmet dining, live entertainment, and charitable giving.
“The generosity and commitment of our sponsors, donors and supporters has once again surpassed our wildest expectations,” said Christine Mitchell,
president and CEO of CKHAF, in a media release. “This gala was about enjoying exceptional food, great company, and coming together as a community to support our hospital. Thanks to the overwhelming support of so many of our partners and friends, the success of the event will have a lasting impact on local health care here in Chatham-Kent.”
Guests were transported into a magical Secret Garden as the venue was transformed into an enchanting space filled with lush greenery, twinkling lights, and elegant floral displays.
The culinary experience featured unique food stations offering dishes crafted by a variety of local chefs and restaurants. The $265,000 in net funds raised will directly benefit both CKHA sites in Chatham and Wallaceburg, helping to fund health-care initiatives and equipment purchases.
“Our Foundation relies on the ongoing commitment of our sponsors, generous donors and hard-working volunteers to invest in crucial
Public Utilities Commission for the Municipality of Chatham-Kent Southeast Chatham-Kent Water Distribution System Municipal Class Environmental Assessment Notice of Study Commencement and Public Information Centre
The Study
The Public Utilities Commission for the Municipality of Chatham-Kent (CK PUC) has initiated a Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (MCEA) study for the Southeast Chatham-Kent Water Distribution System. This MCEA Study will assess capacity requirements and provide recommendations on the existing South Chatham-Kent water treatment plant and water distribution system to accommodate increasing water demand and supply to the Ridgetown-Highgate Communities. The study will be completed in accordance with the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act and will follow the Schedule ‘B’ planning process of the Municipal Engineers Association MCEA document as amended in March 2023. A Project File Report documenting the MCEA process will be available for review at the end of the study.
How to get involved
The CK PUC invites anyone with an interest in the study to have an opportunity to provide feedback and help inform the decision-making process. Two Public Information Centres (PIC) will be held over the course of the study. The first PIC will be to introduce the study and present the alternative servicing strategies and evaluation criteria. The second PIC will present the recommended servicing strategy including the associated watermain routes and infrastructure locations.
Public Information Centre #1
Public Information Centre #1 will be presented online as a video recording. This recording will be available starting on October 14th, 2024 and can be accessed for the duration of the study. To access the PIC materials and video please visit the Lets Talk Chatham-Kent webpage at the following address: https://www.letstalkchatham-kent.ca
Comments are encouraged now and throughout the study. If you have comments or questions, require further information or would like to be added to the study mailing list to receive future notifications, please contact:
Ali Akl, M.Eng., P.Eng., PMP Manager, Engineering
Chatham-Kent PUC
Tel: 226-312-2023 ext 4347
Email : alia@chatham-kent.ca
Paul Adams, CPT.
Environmental Planner
AECOM Canada LTD.
Tel: 519-636-6448
Email: paul.adams2@aecom.com
With the exception of personal information, all comments will become part of the public record of the Study. This Notice was Issued on October 01, 2024.
equipment and resources for CKHA,” Hockney said. “This gala was yet another example of the spirit of generosity that
exists in our community, and the number of local businesses and individuals who are dedicated to our cause.”
OBITUARIES
Irene Hall
102, Friday, September 27, 2024 Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Bradley Gibson
67, Saturday, September 28, 2024 Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home
Jack Brodie
82, Saturday, September 28, 2024 Alexander & Houle Funeral Home
Herbert John Vankoughnett 76, Tuesday, October 1, 2024 Badder Funeral Home
Jack Macklin 80, Thursday, September 26, 2024 McKinlay Funeral Home
Kathy Stimpson 76, Thursday, September 26, 2024 McKinlay Funeral Home
Betty McBrayne 93, Sunday, September 29, 2024 McKinlay Funeral Home
Jean Haggitt 89, Tuesday, October 1, 2024 McKinlay Funeral Home
Gillian Maureen Neill 89, Wednesday, October 2, 2024 McKinlay Funeral Home
Dennis Lionel Joseph Rochon 71, Wednesday, October 2, 2024 McKinlay Funeral Home
Carolyn Smyth 75, Saturday, September 28, 2024 McKinlay Funeral Home
Leonard Caron 69, Wednesday, September 25, 2024 Life Transitions
Lori Kennedy (Shaddock) Wednesday, September 25, 2024 Life Transitions
See full obituaries at chathamvoice.com/obituaries
Classifieds
Obituaries
McBrayne: Betty Jane (Phair) Betty McBrayne passed away peacefully September 29, 2024 at the age of 93 with her family by her side. Survived by her husband James McBrayne 8 days short of 70 years of marriage. Loving mother to Randy (Claudette) McBrayne, James Jr (Gail) McBrayne, Brent (Lou Anne) McBrayne. Seven grandchildren Shelly Baker, Kelly Thompson, Dean (Lauren) McBrayne, Donald ( Ashley) McBrayne, Mitchell (Aya) McBrayne, Dylan (Paulina) McBrayne and Tyler (Ming) McBrayne. Ten great grandchildren, one great great granddaughter and one on the way. Betty worked for 60 years, driving a school bus for Badder Bus for 26 years safely, when she finished her bus route she proudly delivered the mail as a rural delivery person for over 50 years. Longstanding member of the Rebekah Lodge in Thamesville, and an active member in the Thamesville United Church. Jim and Betty travelled extensively with Jim and Doris Houston. Betty and Jim loved to camp as well and travelled all over North America in their camper, and always with one of their beloved Labs by their side. Betty was raised on a farm in Dawn township with eleven siblings, and was the last surviving member of her family. She was also an exceptional fastball player, but her main love was always her family, she was an extraordinary mother and loving wife. she will be sadly missed by all. Betty will be cremated and interned at a later date with a private family function. The family will receive friends at the Thamesville Royal Canadian Legion Branch 367, 32 Victoria St, Thamesville, ON for a Celebration of Life to honor Betty on Saturday October 26, 2024 from 1:00pm - 5:00pm. Special thanks to the staff at Riverview Gardens 2nd floor east. They always provided compassionate and loving care, always going the extra mile, we can never repay their kindness. Donations made in memory of Betty to the Royal Canadian Legion - Thamesville Branch 367, The Heart and Stroke Foundation or The Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation would be appreciated. Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com. McKinlay Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham. 519-351-2040.
moorgray@hotmail.com
Leonard Gerard Caron, of Chatham, passed away peacefully at Chatham Kent Hospice with his family by his side on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at the age of 69. Len was predeceased by his parents Louis Philippe Caron and Margaret Ellen Caron-Richer (nee Sherwood) and siblings Dan, Alex and Francine Ann. Beloved husband of 43 years of Cheryl Caron (nee Renaud) and loving father of Matthew Caron (Lauren). Len was the middle of twelve children. He is survived by his brothers and sisters Alma-Gay, Georgette, Ron, Marc, Fern, Philip, Raymond, and Paul. He was a loving uncle to many nieces and nephews. A cousin to many and dear friend to so many people. Len was in the automotive parts and paint sales business for many years at McKirlie Millen, and Carquest in Chatham, as well NAPA in Leamington. Len also sold vehicles at Sabeti Auto and worked at Performance Gym. Len had many hobbies including fishing, duck hunting, golfing, woodworking, investment planning, playing squash and racquetball, and landscaping around his home. In the last months of his life, Len enjoyed feeding and showing off his chipmunk “Chippy” to all of his visitors. Len was a pure example of how to live one’s life; he lived life to its fullest potential. He always went out of his way to put a smile on someone’s face and was always there for anyone that needed advice or just an ear to listen. Len’s final request in life was to have a party to celebrate his life. Family and Friends had a Celebration of Life at the Hidden Hills Golf and Country Club on Sunday, October 6, 2024 from 1pm to 4pm. They enjoyed staying for few drinks and sharing many laughs and memories of Len. Online condolences and cherished memories may be shared at www.lifetransitions.ca. All services entrusted to Life Transitions Burial and Cremation Inc.
For Sale
Obituary of Len & Mary Vermey In loving memory of Mary and Leonard Vermey: Mary Vermey (nee Schuurman), born in the Netherlands in 1929, passed away peacefully on June 15, 2024, surrounded by her family. She was a talented seamstress, later dedicating her skills to creating beautiful garments and knitting items to donate to health care. Leonard “Len” Vermey, born in the Netherlands in 1931, a loving husband, father and skilled carpenter, passed away on May 5, 2018, surrounded by his family. He was known for his kindness, humour, and strong work ethic, leaving a lasting impact on all who knew him. They were married in the Netherlands in 1953, and together immigrated to Canada. Together, Mary and Leonard raised nine children, they cherished their grandchildren and great-grand children, and shared a bond that will endure beyond their time with us. Their legacy of love, generosity, and family values will be remembered by all who were fortunate to have known them in Canada, the Netherlands, and Australia. A Celebration of Life honouring both Mary and Len will be held on Saturday, October 19th from 1:00 pm until 3:00 pm at McKinlay Reception Centre, 463 St Clair Street, Chatham. There will be a time of remembrance at 2:00 pm. Please dress comfortably. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Chatham-Kent Hospice, Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, or Victoria Order of Nurses - Chatham Branch. Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome. com. McKinlay Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham. 519 351 2040
Elvis movies. Will pay cash, 519-917-2339.
Silk Cemetery Saddle Arrangements. Everyday/ Holidays. Ready-to-go. Many colours available. $40. 519-354-3411
Handicap Equipment. Super-Pole for bedside bed, toilet, chair. $170 or bet offer. 519436-8821.
Help Wanted
Wanted: Scrap air conditioners, dehumidifiers. Phone 226-229-2614.
wage set at initial level of competency from $20/hour to $26/hour. 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
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.
Wanted to Buy: Antiques, costume jewellery, gold, silver, coins, military, furniture, tools. We Buy All - Paid Cash. 519-727-8894.
Week of October 13 - 19, 2024
ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20
Aries, you might find it challenging to assess a situation this week. Always stick to what your instincts are telling you as they are rarely wrong. Try not to get sidetracked by small details.
TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21
You may find a need to be more assertive at work, Taurus. Your ideas are sound, so don’t hesitate to share them with colleagues. Others will appreciate your insight.
GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21
Communication may be the key for you this week, Gemini. It is an excellent time to network and share your ideas. Be concise in your interactions to avoid misunderstandings.
CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22
Cancer, consider new habits that promote well-being and balance. It is important to focus on your health and tailor routines to that end. Find time to reflect on your goals and ambitions.
LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23
It’s a great time to express yourself through art, hobbies, or social activities, Leo. Romance also could be in the cards, so make space for some fun and connection in your personal life.
VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22
This week could be focused on family matters and your home life, Virgo. It’s an excellent time to organize your space and strengthen family bonds. You also can work on personal goals.
LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23
Social interactions this week are bound to be lively and stimulating, Libra. It can be easy to get carried away, so balance your social life with some quiet time to recharge.
SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22
Financial matters might be in focus this week, Scorpio. Make a plan to review your budget and figure out how to save more. You may want to consider new investments.
SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21
You might experience a boost in energy and optimism this week, Sagittarius. It’s always a good idea to focus on personal goals and any ambitions that you might have.
CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20
Capricorn, an exercise in reflection and introspection might be a good idea this week. It is time for some personal growth, including figuring out ways to be more receptive to feedback.
AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18
Aquarius, your innovative ideas may receive some positive attention, so don’t be afraid to share with others. Social interactions rev up, but be sure to balance social life with downtime.
PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20
This is a good week to reassess your professional aspirations and take practical steps toward achieving them, Pisces. Put out some
to your employment network.
#FortheKids