The Chatham Voice, Oct. 27, 2022

Scary stuff, kiddies

Zoo under fire

By Bird Bouchard Local Journalism Initiative The Ridgetown Independent

After being listed in the World Animal Protec tion’s new report into roadside zoos in Ontario, local zoo owners are striv ing to make Greenview Aviaries a safe, up-to-date home for animals and guests.

In its “Nothing New at the Zoo” report, World Animal Protection is rais ing concerns about 11 zoos across the province, including Greenview Aviaries in Morpeth. The report states the 11 facili ties were selected based on their accessibility, the size and variety of their animal collection and the absence of an official affil iation or recognition from a professional industry association.

Jeanine Foulon/The Chatham Voice

Tampon Tues. donations down

Chatham-Kent residents, businesses and groups have been donating women’s hygiene prod ucts

October for six years at United Way Chatham-Kent (UWOCK) and the Tilbury Informa tion and Help Centre.

This year, on Oct 18, 81 vehicles went through the drop-off zones and made donations of 1,800 women products, which is significantly different from last year’s donations of 2,532.

“Donations were down from last year, but we think it’s important to note that the cost of prod ucts has gone up approxi

mately nine per cent since last year, which could ac count for the drop,” Kar en Green, marketing and communications manager at UWOCK, said.

Nevertheless, the Wom en United branch of UWOCK was able to give these donations to 23 dif ferent local organizations and agencies, including the Chatham-Kent Wom en’s Centre and local schools.

Volunteers met very gen erous and positive peo ple all day, including the League of Extraordinary Gentlemen who donate the most feminine prod ucts every year.

At the head of volun teers were Green and Tek Savvy’s Dava Robichaud.

Michelle

Contributed image

Volunteers with the United Way of Chatham-Kent showcase some of the donations for the organization’s annual Tampon Tuesday, which took place Oct. 18 this year. It was the event’s sixth year.

Greenview owners say changes coming

Continued from page 1 Greenview Aviaries, which is home to around 450 animals, including several big cats, was vis ited on June 29, just 28 days after a change in ownership. Zoo owners and staff were not noti fied about visits.

As a result of the visit, a complaint was submitted to the Provincial Animal

Welfare Services (PAWS) Inspectorate raising con cerns over standards of care for captive wildlife and basic standards of care for a variety of an imals at the Greenview Aviaries.

The 50-acre property at Greenview Aviaries, which was under differ ent ownership for many years, was recently pur

chased by the Patten fam ily in Ridgetown.

According to owner Ali cia Patten, the family took over the property on June 1. Although the family had some past experience with running their hobby farm, Patten said they are still working on learning the ropes when it comes to caring for exotic ani mals at the zoo. In a previ

ous interview, Patten said making improvements, and upgrades to the an imals’ enclosures were of major importance to the family and one of the main priorities.

Since taking over as new owners, Patten said the biggest change she and her husband have worked hard to make is the positive change in the

animals’ welfare and be haviour.

“The animals have a more healthy and bal anced diet. We are already getting compliments, and you can physically see the animals are more calm,” she said.

The accusations from World Animal Protection include fencing of both the lion and tiger enclo sures not meeting basic safety standards includ ing, but not limited to:

• Unsafe interactions between the public and primates (ring-tailed le murs);

• The keeping of pri mates in undersized en closures, inhibiting the

animals from engaging in their full range of natural behaviour; and

• Standards of care for captive wildlife concerns for ring-tailed lemur, ti gers, lions, monkey-en closures and flamingos.

According to a release from World Animal Pro tection, the investigation was done to highlight a string of perceived exist ing violations as well as the organization’s work to push the provincial government to develop a mandatory licensing program for all facilities, businesses and institu tions housing native and exotic animals.

Ridgetown Independent file photo

Pictured above are the new family who have taken over Greenview Aviaries – Alicia , Robert, Elliana and Adelyn Patten, along with Nala (the lion).

Report calls for changes at Greenview

Continued from page 3

“Observations were documented of factors critical for meeting animal health and welfare and visitor health and safety standards as set out in the Ontario Regulation 444/19 Stan dards of Care and Administrative Requirements,” the report stated. The report referred to the monkey enclosures as being “grossly under sized, dark, minimalistic enclosures housing crab-eating macaques, black-and-brown lemurs, and ringtailed lemurs.”

World Animal Protection staff also criticized the flamingo enclosures at the facility.

According to World Animal Pro tection, Ontario is the last major jurisdiction in Canada that has not licensed or restricted the keeping or use of exotic wild animals in cap tivity. Instead, the responsibility continues to be on individual mu nicipalities, resulting in a variety of different bylaws across the province.

“The lack of enforcement of what little regulation exists for these fa cilities is deeply concerning,” said World Animal Protection Campaign Manager Michèle Hamers.

Patten said many positive changes were happening, and many positive changes would continue to happen in the future. She said there were also plans to change the enclosure for the big cats.

“It’s bugged me since I was a kid. It’s too small,” she said. “It’s going to look like Pride Rock from Lion King eventually.”

Regarding the report from World Animal Protection, Patten reminds readers of the lengthy to-do list that came with the purchase of the zoo.

“We recently had two animal wel fare officers, a zoo inspector and an accredited zoo vet do a very lengthy inspection and assess the property and animals with us,” she said. “At that time, we had drawings/plans, a quote, and a contractor booked to construct new large up-to-date big cat enclosures. We were discouraged at this time to make these enclosures

and asked to refocus our time and money where it is needed more; for winter housing.”

Regarding the accusations of not meeting basic safety standards for the big cat enclosures, Patten said the current big cat enclosures had housed these animals for 39 years without issues.

“There are tall fences strung with electric fence and perimeter fenc ing around that. The issue with the ‘guidelines’ for fencing and struc tures is the requirements are very vague,” said Patten. “I was unable to get answers on specific guide lines and rules for the size, height, gauge of wire, depth underground, etc. There have been suggestions in place for a few years now for height and overhang, which is what our new structures were going to fol low.”

Patten said she was told by inspec tors the standards are currently be ing discussed and will be changed based on the most recent AZA stan dards in the near future.

“We were advised to await these new guidelines before building, in order to build with the most up-todate recommendations and stan dards. And not have to make chang es to brand new enclosures if we built them now and requirements change,” she said.

Patten is asking the public to keep in mind they are new zoo owners, and the costs for many changes are not publicly funded.

“Every dollar we have drawn in has been given back to the zoo and will continue to be the case for many years to come,” said Patten.

Patten wishes for everyone to know they are here for the animals’ best interest and will continue to make changes to enclosures on a pri ority-based agenda when funding is available.

“We will continue to work day and night to make Greenview a safe, upto-date, beautiful home for the ani mals we care for and the guests who visit us,” she said.

Goodfellows find ’22 toy-packing home

zation’s toy barn for its 2022 Christmas campaign.

The St. Clair Catholic Dis trict School Board will pro vide space in the former Monsignor Uyen Catholic School building on Lark Street to the Chatham Good fellows, for use as the organi

This will be the Chatham Goodfellows’ 68th year of ensuring there is “‘no child without a Christmas.”

“St. Clair Catholic is pleased to make this vacant school space available for such a

worthy organization in our community,” Scott Johnson, Director of Education, said in a media release. “We sup port the great work of the Goodfellows on behalf of the children and families in Cha tham-Kent.”

“Each year it is the goal of

the Goodfellows to provide Christ mas dinner and toys to families who need help, to ensure a happy Christmas for all,” Tim Haskell, past president of the Chatham Goodfellows, said. “We thank the St. Clair Catholic District School Board for helping us to make this happen again this year by making this space available to us.”

The school closed in 2021, when the Monsignor Uyen Catholic School community moved to the newly refurbished site on Baldoon Road. The board is now in the process of offering the Lark Street property for sale. In the meantime, this temporary use of the building supports the mission of Catholic

education and the Board’s priori ties and values.

Donations to the Chatham Good fellows are accepted by cheques mailed to P.O. Box 114, Chatham, ON N7M 5K1; or by e-transfer to donate@chathamgoodfellows.ca

Applications will be accepted on line on Nov. 1 for anyone who has applied in previous years. All oth ers please call 519-354-1146 begin ning Nov. 7 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. on weekdays. Applications close Dec. 2.

Toy packing will take place at the former Monsignor Uyen Catholic School, 255 Lark St. in Chatham on Dec. 12, 13, 14 and 15. Volunteers are welcome.

PUBLIC NOTICE OF TWO REMEMBRANCE DAY SERVICES

November 11, 2022

Downtown Cenotaph March Off Branch 642 at 10:45 a.m. Form up in front of the Legion on William Street. Service at 10:55 a.m. Dismissal at 11:25 a.m.

The Remembrance Day Service will be held on Wednesday, November 9, 2022 at The John D. Bradley Convention Centre 565 Richmond Street, Chatham Attendees Seated by: 1:45pm

Services start at 2:00pm SHARP

Anyone wishing to purchase a wreath for either venue please contact us at 519-351-5639 or Sandy Watier for WREATH ONLY at 519-351-0905 by November 8th, 2022. Your call will be returned as soon as possible.

The Chatham Voice

Contributed image

From left, Scott Johnson, director of education for the St. Clair Catholic District School Board, with Chatham Goodfellows volunteers Barb Smith, Tim Haskell, Kevin Shaw and Craig Williston celebrate working together this year. The board has donated space in the former Monsignor Uyen building on Lark Street for use as the organization’s toy barn for its 2022 Christmas campaign.

Give them time

Folks at the World Animal Protection report were hitting below the belt this summer when they conducted their sneak inspection of Greenview Aviaries and published their list of concerns in their “Nothing New at the Zoo” report recently.

The report targeted 11 roadside zoos across Ontario, including Greenview, and was highly critical of conditions at these facilities.

For starters, it is glaringly obvious that nothing would make the World Animal Protection people happier than seeing all 11 sites shuttered for good. The report takes the direction that there is little oversight for roadside zoos in the province and lobbies for increased provincial involvement.

But in reality, that doesn’t seem like it would appease this organization. It wants them closed for good.

Secondly, less than a month prior to the sneak visit, the Patten family took over Greenview. They wanted to make improvements and knew there were issues that needed addressing.

However, 28 days later, in slinks World Animal Protection. The Pattens barely had time to see where all the feed and equipment at Greenview was kept before they were undergo-

ing a sneaky audit.

The new owners deserve a grace period. And kudos to them for acknowledging there need to be changes at their facility, and pledging to make them.

The family stated that when they were interviewed after taking over the zoo.

The new owners aren’t a prof it-churning corporation. This is a family of animal lovers who sound like they want to put the care and treatment of the animals first.

They have plans to improve enclo sures, especially for the big cats.

“It’s bugged me since I was a kid. It’s too small,” owner Alicia Patten said in the story in this week’s Voice.

“It’s going to look like Pride Rock from Lion King eventually.”

Patten said they also had two ani mal welfare officers, a zoo inspector and an accredited zoo veterinarian conduct a detailed inspection, assess ing the property and the animals.

They’ve booked a contractor to build new and improved big-cat enclosures.

The Pattens seem to be moving in the right direction. They deserve time, and the benefit of the doubt, here.

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OpinionNot the time to retreat

Editor: We should all be inspired by the words of Volodymyr Zelensky spo ken soon after the start of the Russian invasion of his country, Ukraine. When asked by the West if he personally wished to escape the hostilities, he is quoted as saying, “The fight is here. I need ammunition – not a ride.”

The

While our troubles here in Chatham-Kent pale by comparison, if only our municipal leaders could muster a similar resolve to recognize the source of the problem affecting Tal bot Trail and organize the resources to fix it rather than retreating from it. To be sure, they must recog nize the need to stabilize our lakeshore in order to retain the existing Talbot Trail. But the question is whether there will be enough like-minded lead ers to carry the day in the wake of the election.

The Zuzek Shoreline Study dated April 23, 2020 provided two op tions to the mayor and

council in order to address what it predicted would be the deterio ration of Cha tham-Kent’s Talbot Trail due to shoreline erosion. It recommended building a billion-dol lar revetment wall, or in the alternative, that we should retreat and relocate the highway far to the north of its existing location.

Much could be said about the study’s exag geration of the future rate of shoreline erosion and its failure to inquire into the success of existing shoreline protection mea sures. But it was shocking to see how quickly the municipality turned its mind towards the option of retreating to an en croachment on farmland without so much as con sulting with the agricul tural community.

Their logic appeared to be that there was no pub lic money for shoreline remediation and that any

land that would be come paved over or that might fall into Lake Erie was not of much value in any case.

They were misguided on both fronts.

First of all, it was strik ing to witness the munic ipality’s failure to ap preciate that this part of Chatham-Kent is the envy of the world because of its temperate climate, high-quality agricultural land and access to an almost limitless supply of fresh water. Think of the countries that are now, or that will become, desper ate for just that combina tion of resources, espe cially with the progress of climate change!

The thought that we would retreat from the lake and unnecessarily pave valuable agricultur al land while allowing other residential and agricultural land to fall into the lake is unconscio nable.

Talbot Trail route worth preserving: reader

from page 6

Chatham-Kent is blessed with having an established route –the Tal bot Trail – which connects Rondeau Park to Wheat ley. There is no reason

why it could not someday promise the cachet of a drive around the Cabot Trail or along the Niagara Parkway.

Talbot Trail connects us with fishing businesses,

marinas, unique agricul tural production areas,

markets, walking trails, camp sites, recre ational parks and magnif icent views of Lake Erie.

is the lake that sustains

these endeavors and thinking of it as a foe from which one must retreat demonstrates an appall ing lack of vision. Our leaders need to take the opportunity to develop this area as a recreational destination that is based on its natural beauty and good design planning. This would benefit all of Chatham-Kent, although it will likely require the creative assistance of some skilled people.

While there may be no public money right now to assist with lakeshore stabilization, that does not mean there is nothing that can be done. Our newly elected municipal lead ers should recognize the unique opportunity that exists right now and seize the momentum created by the controversy over

the relocation of Talbot Trail in order to obtain a positive outcome.

To begin with, it will take courage to start a public discussion about an otherwise taboo topic in Chatham-Kent. The authors of both the Zuzek and the subsequent En vironmental Assessment Studies certainly did not have the fortitude to do so, even though this topic should have been highly relevant to both studies.

They all refused to examine the success of what local residents have been doing for gener ations to stabilize their own shorelines. There is a treasure trove of historical knowledge that is too pre cious to lose regarding the materials and techniques that work best.

Further, there are

creative and economical solutions to explore from many sources.

But the first thing that Chatham-Kent needs be fore tackling the problem of shoreline stabilization is knowledge, not mon ey. And that knowledge needs to be freely shared with all.

All of this should engage the imagination and co-operation of our lakeshore community and would likely also require the re-evaluation of some of the regulations that im pact our ability to main tain lakeshore integrity.

Retreat from the lake should not be an option since that has zero chance of addressing the real issue, which is lakeshore stabilization.

Lucy Glenn Blenheim

’Burg housing effort proceeding

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

subdivision on a long-vacant parcel of land in Wallaceburg is in the works.

Builders, a pri vate development compa ny, is proposing a multiunit residential build on the site of the former W.T. Laing Public School.

Located close to down town and to Wallace burg’s high school, pool and arena, the site will eventually include 56 in dividual units if approv als move forward.

According to David French, a planner with Storey Samways Planning – the firm representing Trident – the developer hopes to start the proj ect by constructing four townhouse dwellings on the north side of property on Elgin Street. The initial build will contain 24 rent al units.

Originally, the company planned to begin by build ing 16 semi-detached

units with 32 dwelling units and with 11 dwell ings, with 22 fronting on Elizabeth Street, and five other structures, with 10 units fronting on Lisgar Street.

However, French said the plan has been altered as infrastructure up grades, including sanitary sewers and water lines, need to be completed in order to proceed with the Elizabeth Street portion.

“The order of the de velopment is up to the developer and to be con firmed,” French said recently. “But it’s antic ipated the townhouse de velopment on Elgin will go first as there are no infrastructure upgrades required to service that portion.”

Wallaceburg Coun. Aar on Hall said a new sub division for Wallaceburg is “incredibly exciting news” and will provide some badly needed hous ing inventory for the town.

“It doesn’t solve the whole problem, but it’s

a great start,” Hall said, adding it’s a chance for Wallaceburg to catch some of the wave of growth that’s swept across Chatham-Kent.

“It’s great news and it bodes well for the future,”

he said.

Around 30 residents attended a public infor mation session put on by Trident last week regard ing the proposed devel opment, which will see a mix of rental units and

sole home ownership. The matter is expected to go before a Chatham-Kent council planning session for approval regarding necessary zoning and draft plan changes in late November.

The required infrastruc ture work that’s needed likely won’t be completed until 2024 and will de pend on municipal bud gets and allocations, with a shared cost to the devel oper.

Old

is not a crime.

Yet far too often in Canada,

are made to feel like they’re

inconvenience, and a

This needs to stop.

According to the most recent statistics available from Statistics Canada, there were 12,202 elder victims of police-reported violence in 2018. One-third of these seniors were victimized by a family member. Further, of these victims of family-related violence, 63 percent had physical force used against them. Elder abuse can take many forms, but typically falls into one of the following categories: Physical — deliberate use of force resulting in pain or injury, Emotional — humiliation, intimidation or blame, for instance, causing psychological pain or distress, Sexual — contact without consent, Neglect — abdication of caretaking obligations, whether intentional or not, and Financial — unauthorized use or control of an elder’s finances.

Signs of Abuse

Keep a watchful eye for any signs of abuse. These can include, but are not limited to: depression, isolation, unexplained injuries or bruises, broken or damaged personal effects, unusual weight loss, unkempt appearance, lack of season-appropriate wear, sudden changes in spending habits. If you are concerned and believe you are spotting any of these signs, call and visit as often as you can. Being present for the potentially abused senior can help you gain their trust and see their living conditions firsthand. If the elder does not want your help, accept their boundary but continue checking in with them. It can help to know they aren’t going through the situation alone and that they have allies and people who care about their well-being. Report any witnessed or confided abuse to one of the resources to the right or, in an emergency, the police. Do not confront the abuser directly — this could lead to the unintended side effect of putting the abused senior in more danger.

Old age is not a crime. We have a responsibility to take care of our senior citizens.

Ways to Report:

• Elder Abuse Ontario- For public education, training and service coordination for the prevention of elder abuse. - 416-916-6728.

• Chatham-Kent Elder Abuse Awareness Network - Chairperson: Family Service Kent, Client Intervention & Assistance. 519.354.6221

• Ontario 211 - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, over 150 languages. Information on and referral to community services, including crisis services.

• Victim support line – Information and referrals for crime victims. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, over 150 languages. Toll-free: 1-888-579-2888

• Seniors Safety Line – Information and referrals for abused and at-risk seniors. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, over 150 languages. Toll-free: 1-866-299-1011

• Long-Term Care ACTION Line - For concerns and complaints from persons receiving service from Long-Term Care Homes and Community Care Access Centres. 7 days a week from 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., English and French. Toll-free: 1-866-434-0144

• Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee - To access protections for mentally in capable adults who have no one else to act on their behalf, including conducting investigations, managing finances, reviewing accounts. Anyone may contact the Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee to express concerns about a person who may be incapable and at serious risk. Toll-free: 1-800-366-0335

• Assaulted women’s help line - Access to crisis counselling, safety planning, emotional support, information and referrals to help women who have experienced any form of abuse. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, over 150 languages. Toll-free: 1-866-863-0511.

Safety upgrades for seniors’ homes

Many seniors want to spend as long as possible residing in the comfort of their own homes but getting older often comes with certain deficits that may not make current living

the safest for seniors. Retirement Living reports that an older person is treated in an emergency room for a fall-related injury nearly once every 10 seconds. Seniors may be affected

low vision, mobility limitations, cognitive decline, balance issues, and loss of muscle strength.

adaptations may be necessary if seniors want to stay in their homes, particularly in older homes that have not recently been renovated.

Change knobs to levers

This is an easy modification. Levers are much easier for individuals with arthritis or persons who lack dexterity in their hands. Everything from doorknobs to faucet knobs can be replaced with levers.

Create zero-threshold entryways

Zero-threshold entryways, also known as flush entries, do not require crossing a lip or any raised barrier. They can appear on doorways and showers and make it easy for people who have mobility issues, as well as those using scooters, walkers and wheelchairs, to move about unencumbered.

Clear clutter/move obstructions

One inexpensive modification is to remove extraneous furniture and accessories. Such a change widens walking spaces in a room and accommodates walkers and wheelchairs. In addition,

furniture can be pushed to the room’s perimeter to make moving around easier. It’s also important to remove area rugs, as they’re often tripping hazards. Install grab rails and supports

Minimizing falls could come down to providing support in key rooms of a home. Adding grab rails in the bathroom near the toilet and in the shower can help a person use those facilities without assistance. Install a grab rail close to seating in the kitchen to add support.

Consider smart lighting

Motion-activated or darkness-activated lighting switches and fixtures can automatically turn on lights, thereby improving visibility. Also, rocker light switches are easier to manoeuver than standard toggles.

Invest in a stairlift

Single-story homes are preferable for growing older gracefully, but many seniors live in multi-story homes. A stairlift makes a multi-floor home more accessible, according to Elder, an eldercare service provider. Stairlifts make it easier to traverse staircases and reduce the risk for falls.

These suggestions are just a few of the many home modifications that can help seniors safely age in place.

Please Join Us

St. Clair Transmission Line Community Open Houses

October 2022

Hydro One is committed to supporting growth in southwestern Ontario by building the St. Clair Transmission Line between St. Clair and Chatham-Kent. Once built, the new line will add about 400 megawatts of power to the region – enough to power a city the size of Waterloo!

We’re pleased to invite you to our upcoming in-person and virtual community open houses for an update on Hydro One’s St. Clair Transmission Line project.

In February, our team initiated a Class Environmental Assessment to build a new double-circuit 230-kilovolt transmission line between Lambton Transformer Station to Chatham Switching Station. Since our Notice of Commencement and Open House in March, our team has conducted technical studies and received a variety of feedback, all leading to a more in-depth understanding of the study area for each of the alternative routes. Based on what we have learned, we have made three refinements to our routes and have identified the need to expand Chatham Switching Station, Lambton Transformer Station and a potential for Wallaceburg Transformer Station. Further details can be found on the map below and on our interactive map at the link below.

We

that electricity

sharing and gathering

from the community. We look forward to having you visit our upcoming virtual events to learn more about the class environmental assessment process, route refinements, and next steps.

November

November

November 10,

8:00 p.m.

20 Merritt Ave, Chatham

*Any

us virtually

7:00 p.m.

8:00 p.m.

How to join:

1.Visit

2.Dial

at the time of the

3.Submit a

in

by contacting Community

You can also take a virtual tour of

open house at your convenience by visiting our project website.

All personal information included in your request – such as name, address, telephone number and property location –is collected, under the authority of section 30 of the Environmental Assessment Act and is collected and maintained for the purpose of creating a record that is available to the general public. As this information is collected for the purpose of a public record, the protection of personal information provided in the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) does not apply (s.37). Personal information you submit will become part of the available public record unless you request that your personal information remain confidential.

If you have any accessibility requirements in order to participate in this Study, please contact Community Relations listed above.

Business awards turn 134

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

The Chatham-Kent Chamber of Commerce held its 134th Business Excellence Awards Oct. 19,

recipients were

praises of the event.

Anne Coulter earned Citizen of the Year, while Four Diamond Events was named Corporate Citizen of the Year.

Maple City Homes was Business of the Year (Me

dium), and co-owner Robb Nelson also earned Entrepreneur of the Year. Mallory Law picked up Business of the Year (Small), and Curtis Le mieux of Willy’s 420 Sup plies was named Young Entrepreneur of the Year, Prem’s Tiffany Cunning ham was tabbed as Young Business Individual of the Year, and Maria Whittal, who runs Ohana Ice, took Youth Entrepreneur of the Year.

Coulter said learning she was named C-K’s top citi

zen caught her off guard.

“I was humbled and sur prised. I think there are plenty of people who de serve it more,” she said.

Coulter has worked to improve life in Cha tham-Kent since 1983, when she first moved here.

“It started back when I started volunteering in Chatham-Kent in 1983,” she said, when she moved here with her husband, the late Walter Coulter.

“Since that time, I’ve been involved in numerous or

ganizations and council. And when Walter died, I established the Walter Coulter Memorial Gar den.”

That garden, located in Maple Leaf Cemetery, has grown and become a place of peace in the community.

“It’s now not just a little garden. It encompasses a large area of that flood plain. The Theresa Vince monument and other im portant memorial stones are there now,” Coulter said.

Contributed image Anne Coulter is all smiles as she accepts the Citizen of the Year award from BMO’s Paul McHenry at the Chamber of Commerce’s Business Excellence Awards.

Chamber hands out the hardware

grown to this amaz ing memorial garden. People come and have wedding pictures taken, or they bring their kids just to come and play. It’s a beautiful place now.”

Coulter has had her help

ful hands in many a C-K cookie jar. She’s on the Ac tive Lifestyle Centre board currently, has worked with numerous non-profit groups, helped establish Transition House (a ha ven for homeless teens),

served on council for two terms, and lent a hand wherever it was needed.

“This is a wonderful community. People can be as active or inactive as they want to be,” Coulter said, encouraging every one to get involved in their community as much as they can. “It doesn’t matter if you are deliver ing a meal to a senior, or planting trees or organiz ing an event like Crowfest, everyone is able to give something to this commu nity. Look around and see where you fit.”

It just so happens Coulter fits in all over the place.

“Just do something. Make this community a better place,” she suggest ed.

A simple single kind act

a day is a great starting point, Coulter said. Even saying hello to a passerby.

“If we could all just think of one kind thing to do ev ery day. Every person we meet when we go for our walks, I have made a habit to acknowledge them. At times, it is amazing the re action you get,” she said.

Lisa Lester, who runs Four Diamond Events, called earning the corpo rate citizen award “inspi rational.

“It’s great to be recog nized. I was very sur prised when they called me and told me we got it,” she said. “We’ve done a lot of work, even though the weather didn’t always agree with us and all our activities. It was worth it just to bring the communi ty together.”

Lester has worked dili gently to expose the Chatham Armoury to the public. It’s a building she first set foot in de cades ago when Chatham still hosted the Festi val of Nations. From outdoor events that have

used the historic landmark a an animated backdrop – for past Christmas and Halloween celebrations –to the plethora of indoor gatherings and galas, the Armoury has become an attractive venue for small and large events.

Lester said the communi ty events have been done to add smiles to faces, pro vide a spark in people’s lives. She’d love to see more people embrace the positives in the commu nity.

“It doesn’t matter if you’re the person serving Timmy’s downtown, or the doctor on the emer gency department floor,

we all have a crucial role to make Chatham-Kent the best it can be,” she said. “Community is all about bringing people together so we can adopt the same mindset basical ly. We work together on something bigger than our own lives. We’re creat ing a more vivacious Cha tham-Kent.”

Lester said it takes a team to make things happen at the Armoury, inside and out.

“I just want to thank the people of Chatham-Kent for the support. Our staff is amazing at the Cha tham Armoury,” she said.

Contributed image Lisa Lester, who runs Four Diamond Events, accepts the award for Corporate Citizen of the year from Kevin Steenber gen of Gateway Casinos.

to The Chatham Voice, 4-71 Sass Rd, Chatham, ON N7M 5J4 before Friday, Nov. 3 at 3:00pm for the chance to win a

card from Giant Tiger. The winner will be notified and announced in a future issue.

Thursday, October 27, 2022:

• Chatham-Kent Metal Detecting Club. Meetings held the last Thurs day of each month at Erickson Arena, side door. 7:00pm. All Welcome.

• Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. open from 11:00am9:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch 11:30am-1:30pm. Check out our daily specials. Everyone is welcome.

• Come in and learn about what Naloxone is, how to recognize a drug poisoning, how Naloxone can save someone’s life and where to pick up a free kit in Chatham-Kent. CK Public Health will be holding an Informa tion session at the Chatham-Kent Public Library: Wallaceburg Branch, 209 James St., 6:30 pm. All sessions are free to the public, no registration required. Free Naloxone kits will be distributed at each session.

• Mindful Drum Circle at 7:30pm. No experience necessary, donation based event. Bring your own drum or borrow an instrument from Sati Hall, Studio Q, 530 Victoria Ave. Let Shirley know you are planning to attend at catnurse69@hotmail.com

Friday, October 28, 2022:

• Chatham-Kent Public Library, Tilbury Branch is offering Preschool story times at 10:00am. Join us for songs, rhymes, and stories! Best suited for ages 2-5. For information about other programs or library services, please visit www.ckpl.ca.

• Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. open 11:00am9:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch 11:30am-1:30pm. Supper served from 4:00-6:00. No orders after 5:30pm. Tonight’s specials are liver & onions or fish & chips. Take out is also available by calling 519-3518733 or 519-351-5639. Fun darts start at 7:00pm. Everyone Welcome.

Saturday, October 29, 2022:

• 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-11:30am. Take out only.

• Aaron and Aimee Halloween Party, Branch 18 Legion Wallaceburg $20.00 tickets with meal. 6:00 p.m. 627-6663 to reserve your tickets. Please pay by October 22.

• Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am-9:30pm. Meat draws at 3:30, 4:30 and 5:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch from 3:00pm-5:30pm. Entertainment by the Allan James from 4:30-9:30. Come check out our menu. Everyone Welcome.

• MURDER AT THE TOADWARTS INN - Halloween Event - 7pm to 11pm - Sati Hall - 530 Victoria Ave - Wear your costume and get ready for the magical challenges of a murder mystery. Food and fun included - $35/per person or $65 per couple - Tickets and more info www. satihallmindfulness.ca.

• Big Meat Draw with extra meat and prizes to be won, starting at 2:00 p.m. Hosted by Br. 642 Ladies Auxiliary, 39 William St. N., Chatham. We look forward to seeing you there. For more information, call 519-351-8733.

Sunday, October 30, 2022:

• Classic Country Jamboree 3-7pm at the Merlin Legion. Halloween dinner of spooky spaghetti, spider salad, garlic fingers and graveyard cake. $20 includes entry. Dinner alone (pick up available) $13 and Jam only $7. Please call Lori at 519 476 5870 to book your spot. Dust off your dancing and tune up your guitar and voice to join us!!!

• Laughter Yoga - Join Claudia Ross at 11:11am at Sati Hall, Studio Q, 530 Victoria Ave for a combina tion of eye contact, playfulness and laughter exercises. Proven to make you feel much better and less stressed. $10 suggested donation.

Tuesday, November 1, 2022:

• St Vincent de Paul Thrift Store open at 9:00am sharp. We have many wonderful Christmas items for your decorating fun and holiday cel ebrations! 80 King St. East. Chatham. Monday to Saturay. Open 9:00am to 4:00pm. 519-354-0410.

• Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. open 11:00am–9:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch from 11:30am-1:30pm. Today’s special is spaghetti with meat sauce. Euchre at 1:00. Shuffleboard or Euchre at 7:00pm. Everyone is welcome.

Wednesday, November 2, 2022:

• C-K Public Library, Chatham Branch Fall Used Book Sale: Wednesday,

Nov. 2 - 9:30am-8:30pm, Thursday, Nov. 3 - 9:30am-8:30pm. Friday, Nov. 4 - 9:30am-6:00pm. Saturday, Nov. 5 - 9:30am-5:00pm. We encourage all shoppers to bring their own shop ping bag. All proceeds from the Chatham Branch Book Sale goes towards library programs and services.

• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. open 11:00am-9:30pm. Kitchen is open for lunch from 11:30am-1:30pm. Daily special is meat loaf dinner. Check out our other daily specials. Fun darts at 7:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome.

Thursday, November 3, 2022:

• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. open 11:00am-9:30pm. Kitchen is open for lunch from 11:30am-1:30pm. Come check out our daily specials and stay and play Euchre at 1:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome.

Friday, November 4, 2022:

• Chatham-Kent Public Library, Tilbury Branch is offering Mother Goose storytime at 10:00am. Join us for songs, rhymes, and stories! Best suited for 0 to 18 months. Participants will receive a free board book donated by Ahcom Shriners.

• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. open 11:00am9:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch from 11:30am–1:30pm. Supper will be served from 4:00–6:00. No orders after 5:30pm. Tonight’s specials are chicken parmesan or fish & chips. Take out also available by calling 519-351-8733 or 519-351-5639. Fun Darts at 7:00pm. Everyone Welcome.

• Kent Branch OGS (Family History) 6:30pm-8pm. History of Chatham Legion Pipes & Drums Band. Join us in person at the McKinlay Funeral Home Reception Centre. Pipe Major and Band Historian, Walter Tomaszewski, will not only share the band’s history, the people and the role the band has had over the years within the community, but he will treat us to some piping. 365 St. Clair Street

in the plaza parking lot) There

no longer any Covid restrictions in place at the center, however, the area is large to accommodate

seating, sanitizer will be

and masks are optional.

Angelo Tourlas, DD

Businesses, owners honoured

Lester hinted there

with the Chilled Cork and Sons of Kent in the future.

“We’re looking at doing some things together to really boost the down town,” she said. “We want to make everyone feel part of something again.”

Nelson said Maple City Homes (MCH) earning a Business of the Year award goes back years and beyond just MCH staff.

“To see a plan come to gether of a community of people, to have more than

50 community trades and about 20 full-time staff, and take all our partners and the vision we’ve put forward – everyone be lieved in it and everyone executed it in an unbe lievable fashion,” he said. “That’s how big plans can be executed – a collabora tive effort by a lot of real ly good people.”

MCH arrived on the scene in 2017 and deliv ered its plan on largescale subdivision builds in Chatham-Kent.

The building contin ued, and expanded, even through the COVID-19 pandemic, delivering

new homes in large num bers during high demand.

Nelson said the support of local trades, and local suppliers, made a huge difference.

In terms of winning as top entrepreneur, Nelson said it’s been a long road.

“I’ve been self-em ployed on and off for 44 years. You learn at a very young age what it is to be an entrepreneur, to go through a lot of economic changes,” he said, adding the payoff is incredible.

“It’s humbling to see peo ple believe in our ideas.”

Nelson, along with his wife Kim O’Rourke Nel

son, started Family Lend ing, a mortgage company, and built up from there. They’re partners in MCH and have added Agri Roots – a lending agency specializing in support ing the agricultural sector – to their portfolio.

“Family Lending is a community of our family helping your family get a home,” Nelson said. “We operate in nine provinces. AgriRoots helps a com munity of farmers, and MCH brings tradespeo ple and suppliers togeth er to build Chatham-Kent into a bigger and better community.”

Volunteer forum set for Nov. 1

A host of local agencies are putting out the call for new volunteers.

The public is being in vited to explore the many possibilities to give back at the upcoming Volun teer Showcase to be held at Hidden Hills Golf and Country Club Nov. 1.

The event will highlight the wide range of volun teer opportunities avail able in Chatham-Kent, and it may be of partic ular interest to students, retirees, and others who want to offer the gift of time.

Many non-profit agen cies are in need of vol unteers after a couple of tough pandemic years impacted how volunteers served the community.

Some of the volunteer experiences available in

clude driving, serving with the vulnerable and working with youth and seniors.

Representatives from lo cal organizations will be on hand to answer ques tions about recruitment and how people can best use their skills to help others.

Organizations that are interested in participating are asked to pre-register with Family Service Kent. Deadline for registration is Oct. 26.

Classifieds

Services

House cleaning services available. Call 519-401-0495.

Farm for Sale by Tender

Farm For Sale by Tender

Stanley Keith (Wally) Galbraith is accepting tenders for the purchase of Part Lot 7, and Part Lot 8, Concession 4, being Part 1 on Registered Plan 24R6042, Scane Road, Geographic Township of Howard, Municipality of Chatham-Kent, 87 more or less, workable acres. Random Tile. The purchasers are responsible to confirm area of farm and workable area. Enquires are to be directed to Thomas G. Chalmers, Barrister & Solicitor (519-692-3842). Tender forms are available at his office, 12 Victoria Street, Thamesville, Ontario, N0P 2K0.

Tenders are to be submitted in a sealed envelope to the office of Thomas G. Chalmers. Tenders are to be accompanied by a certified cheque in the amount of $50,000.00 payable to Thomas G. Chalmers, In Trust. Cheques will be returned if the tender is not accepted.

Tenders will be accepted until 4:30p.m. on November 30, 2022.

No tender may be accepted. The successful bidder, if any, will be notified on or before December 7, 2022.

Closing date of the sale will be January 19, 2023.

The Vendor makes no representations about the state of the land or its fitness for any particular purpose. Inspections of the farm can be arranged by calling Wally Galbraith at 519-674-0565 or cell: 519-359-4528.

THOMAS G. CHALMERS, Barrister & Solicitor 12 Victoria Street, Box 190, Thamesville, Ontario N0P 2K0 Tel: 519-692-3842 Fax: 519-692-5455

The Chatham Voice

Classifieds

Roger Martin 89, Friday, October 14, 2022 Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home

Mary Zimmer (Howard) 71, Tuesday, October 11, 2022 Life Transitions

Gerald Verkaik 66, Tuesday, October 11, 2022 Life Transitions

Lisa Alain (Lafond) 66, Sunday, October 16, 2022 Life Transitions

Larry Campbell 87, Wednesday, October 19, 2022 Life Transitions

Irene Ward Monday, October 17, 2022 McKinlay Funeral Home

For Sale For Sale

Dehumidifier. $40.00.

Silk Cemetery Saddle Arrangements. Everyday/ Holidays. Ready-to-go. Many colours available. $35. 519-354-3411

Ministry

Love Ministry is an all night prayer line with counsellors available from 12:00am7:00am. Also, a male support group for those struggling with sexual addiction. A home based ministry, private and confidential. 519-354-3532.

Wanted

to

gold,

Ken Hall 92, Saturday, October 15, 2022 McKinlay Funeral Home

Gordon Asquith Brooks 86, Tuesday, October 18, 2022 McKinlay Funeral Home

Donald Earl Welch 92, Tuesday, October 18, 2022 McKinlay Funeral Home

Donna Lynn Robertson 62, Thursday, October 13, 2022 McKinlay Funeral Home

Ruth Tetrault 59, Friday, October 14, 2022 McKinlay Funeral Home

Tom Maynard 84, Friday, October 14, 2022 McKinlay Funeral Home

Betty Jean Horton Saturday, October 15, 2022 McKinlay Funeral Home

Jim Shelton

Friday, October 7, 2022

Alexander & Houle Funeral Home

Dave Hunter 69, Saturday, October 8, 2022

Alexander & Houle Funeral Home

Michael Currie 62, Thursday, October 13, 2022

Alexander & Houle Funeral Home

Julie Montpetit 60, Friday, October 14, 2022

Alexander & Houle Funeral Home

Rita Mulders 95, Monday, October 10, 2022 Nicholls Funeral Home

Buy AllPaid Cash. 519-727-8894.

scrap air conditioners and elecric motors. Phone 226-229-2614.

CALL: