Hub opponents rally in park
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com
A group of citizens are worried the Chatham-Kent Community Hub, proposed for downtown Chatham, will negatively impact taxpayers.
That was the gist of concerns expressed by folks who gathered in Tecumseh Park Oct. 29.
Around 50 residents, lawn chairs in tow, attended the “Save Our City Hall,” meeting organized by Chatham resident Liz Vallee.
At the meeting’s outset, Vallee said the outdoor event was being held to address two main concerns, including municipal spending on the hub and Chatham-Kent’s upcoming budget.
“These are two things that are affecting us really, really huge in the next little bit,” Vallee explained. She said she believes the municipality overpaid for the Sears building, and claimed that Chatham-Kent continues to overpay for what it
buys.
She also said “everybody” is feeling the pressures of a tough economy, noting C-K taxpayers can’t handle increased taxes.
“There are some of you here tonight and people you know personally that are on the brink of either losing their homes or becoming homeless,” Vallee said to applause.
“It’s gotten out of hand and something has to give. Everything that’s not an emergency right now needs to be put on the back burner.”
On Oct. 21, C-K council approved the next phase of the community hub project that will see the Civic Centre operations, the library and the museum amalgamate into a new public space in the former Sears building. The next stage will see the completion of the detailed design.
Six C-K councillors were present, including Michael Bondy, Ryan Doyle, Brock McGregor, Trevor Thompson, Alysson Storey and Rhonda Jubenville.
Continued on page 5
Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice
Residents gathered to discuss the Community Hub proposal which some say will negatively impact taxpayers. The hub would put operations from the Civic Centre, museum and library under one roof.
Next steps in hub project
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com
Refining the design.
That’s what architects and planners are doing as part of the next step in creating the Chatham-Kent Community Hub in downtown Chatham.
On Oct. 21, council voted to move forward into the next phase of the project by approving a $2.1-million contract with Architecttura Inc. to complete detailed design drawings to repurpose the former Sears building into a shared public space. It would amalgamate the C-K Civic Centre, the Chatham-Kent Public Library’s Chatham branch and the C-K Museum.
In a presentation to council, Architecttura architect Dan Amicone described plans for the development, noting the project’s aim is to “maximize the potential use of all space.
“In our opinion, the Sears building is very well suited for the museum and library because of its high base and high ceilings,” Amicone explained. “It’s a good building for these kinds of uses. The design for the civic centre should stand the test of time.”
Additions are planned for both the municipal operations centre’s King Street entrance and the Wellington Street entrance,
with Service Ontario and council chambers located on the first floor.
Library space flows along Fifth Street on the hub’s west side, with large windows to allow plenty of natural light.
Because light can be damaging for museum exhibits and collections, the new museum will be housed inside the building’s interior, Amicone said, limiting access to daylight. The museum and library will share a loading dock on the south side.
Amicone described the design as “simple and modern” with the exterior incorporating glass, stone with faux wood accents. A new courtyard will be constructed on the north side, complete with landscaping and vegetation. Flexible meeting spaces will be shared throughout, and energy efficiency and water conservation are top of mind.
“It will set the stage as a landmark that people will be proud of,” the architect said. “Civic buildings must have a form of art to ensure they are a fun type of buildings,” noting the structure will be well lit and possess a soft, curbside appeal.
Adjacent to the entrance is the security counter with state-ofthe-art equipment designed to keep the public and staff safe.
At the centre of the building is a hub that includes washrooms,
a nursing room, elevators and stairs to be shared by all. The second storey includes municipal office space and the library’s top floor. Only the library section is open to the public.
Special attention is being paid to accessibility, Amicone explained, noting the hub will exceed current standards.
“The one thing to keep in mind is that customer service greets about 85,000 customers a year,” he added, noting between 700 to 800 people are expected to access the hub each business day.
The new museum is a major upgrade for Chatham-Kent, as the hub will allow the museum to increase its size by 150 per cent to a total of 29,300 sq. ft.
Capacity at the library will increase by 90 per cent over its current Queen Street location to 43,569 sq. ft.
Space in the new civic centre will only rise seven per cent to 46,385 sq. ft.
The cost of the project continues to be controversial. A vocal segment of the public is strongly opposed to creating the hub, worried it will end up costing far more than the $53-million price
tag. Opponents want to see the existing C-K Civic Centre repaired and are calling for a referendum on the matter.
However, Amicone said the firm reached out to a third-party firm to do a costing check and they’ve been able to “validate” the $53-million proposal.
“I know there’s been a lot of concern and discussion about this,” he said. “We’re very serious that the $53 million is on budget. We’re so serious about
that, that we went out to get our own third-party consultant for cost consulting to ensure that we’re on track, and we are on track. When you’re doing public work, you have a certain responsibility. We have no time to redesign...we have to be as right as right can be from the outset. This is why we turned to a cost consultant to ensure we’re on track with the current design.” Continued
National Senior Safety Week
The role of a home health aide
Caregivers come from all walks of life. Doctors and nurses may be the frontline medical providers people encounter most frequently, but there are plenty of others who do their part to maintain the well-being of individuals, including personal support workers.
Personal support workers (PSW) are brought in to assist a person with activities of daily life. A PSW typically helps a person who may need some assistance with tasks they cannot perform due to illness or disability. PSWs may work in a person’s home, in a group home or in another care facility.
PSWs may perform various duties, including: • assistance with personal care, such as dressing,
Ontario Health at Home
If you feel that you or someone you know would benefit from health care support at home or in the community, Ontario Health at Home can open the door to a world of options and opportunities.
They provide a wide range of health care services and resources that are covered through the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP), and can be provided in a patient’s home or at a nursing clinic. Based on your assessment, they may provide you with the following services: Nursing, Personal support (bathing, dressing, etc.) , Physiotherapy, Occupational therapy,
advice.
toileting, feeding, and moving from bed to chair, etc.
• checking vital signs • monitoring a client
• light housekeeping
• meal planning and cooking
• picking up prescriptions • companionship
PSWs typically will not provide skilled nursing care and may not be able to offer recommendations on treatment or medications.
It can be useful to interview several potential PSWs to find one who will fit with the needs and personality of the person requiring assistance. A good PSW will be compassionate, patient and flexible. As illness or injury also can affect a person’s mood, PSWs must be able to adjust if a client is reluctant to receive help or is depressed or anxious from his or her limitations.
Speech-language therapy, Medical supplies and equipment (some fees may apply), Long-term care placement, Social work, Nutrition counselling, etc.
A care coordinator can provide more information and answer any questions you may have about our services. Who is eligible? - Ontario residents with a valid OHIP card are eligible to receive an assessment completed by a care coordinator to further determine eligibility and access a wide-range of home and community care supports.
Anyone can make a referral to them on your behalf a with your consent – a family doctor, friend, family member, caregiver, neighbour and even you, yourself.
live independently.
Simply give Ontario Health at Home a call at 310-2222 (no area code required).
Home health aides serve vital roles in the health care community by providing care and companionship to those who can no longer
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com
Vaccines are the best weapons to fight illness in the winter when respiratory illness hits its peak.
That’s the advice of Dr. Shanker Nesathurai, acting medical officer of health for Chatham-Kent Public Health.
“Vaccines are a modern-day
Costing validated: architect Vaccines roll out across C-K
Continued from page 3
The planning includes divesting the current Civic Centre and library, bringing the overall cost of the new hub to an estimated $6 million.
Amicone said the budget includes furniture, museum and library shelving, audio visual
miracle of scientific medicine,” the physician explained. His remarks coincided with the Oct. 30 rollout of influenza and COVID-19 vaccines to the general public.
At last week’s C-K board of health meeting, it was reported that Public Health distributed more than 20,000 vaccines last season and is on track for the same number this year.
The number includes 30 dif-
equipment, display screens, communication equipment, some limited demolition work, healthy contingency allowances and funds for relocation and moving.
Architecttura is not new to municipal projects. In business for 31 years, the firm has
ferent vaccines, he added, an impressive feat for an agency serving a population of 100,000.
“Almost all of us have gone to the doctor and got a vaccine,” he said, including the prevention of tetanus (lockjaw); mumps, and hepatitis B.
“Under these circumstances, the goal is to prevent someone from getting sick before they are exposed to a virus or
bacteria,” the doctor said, adding vaccines can help you even after you’ve been exposed, citing rabies as a case in point.
Staying current with vaccinations is the best way to prevent illness, officials said, noting the severity of illness is lessened in those that are vaccinated. In addition to getting the shot, individuals are advised to be proactive by practising good hygiene, covering coughs and sneezes, wearing a mask and disinfecting high touch surfaces.
been building public projects for more than 20 years and is currently working with Essex County to construct a new addition to their civic headquarters.
When completed, the detailed design must come back to council for final approval.
Questions raised over funding
Continued from page 2
Jubenville took to the microphone to answer questions from the crowd.
The North Kent councillor was another who expressed concerns about the hub and attempted to answer questions about municipal spending.
Jubenville has brought forward a notice of motion to hold a referendum on whether Chatham-Kent should proceed with the project. A request to council asking the clerk to report on how a referendum, including costs, could be conducted was expected to go before council at the Nov. 4 meeting.
Based on the feedback she’s received, Jubenville said there are “thousands,” including herself, that are opposed to the hub project.
“I just feel we need to go ahead with this in order to provide a platform to the taxpayers of Chatham-Kent to have their say,” she said, adding councillors are the “stewards” of the public purse and must listen to their constituents’ concerns.
Chatham Coun. Alysson Storey spoke to the crowd to help clear up confusion as to how the hub will be funded. While some has been set aside to pay for the $53-million development, Storey
said that $16.5 million of that will need to be debentured. She advised people to go to the municipality’s online webpage where all of the documentation about the hub is posted.
SANTA CLAUS PARADE
Canned Food & Toy Drive
Bring a lawn chair to watch curbside! Treats sold from Tasty Treats
Opinion
Time to rebuild
It’s over.
Hopefully, at least.
Cautious optimism surrounds the declaration by municipal officials that the Wheatley emergency is indeed done.
On the evening of Aug. 21, 2021, an explosion ripped through Wheatley’s downtown. It heavily damaged two buildings in the community’s core.
About 20 people were hurt in the blast. It could have been much worse had gas alarms not sounded 90 minutes earlier and allowed first responders to evacuate most of the immediate area.
The lingering damage from the gas leak is still being felt. Nearly a dozen buildings are gone and part of the area resembled an archaeological dig site at one point.
But, officials proudly state, it is over. It took 38 months to reach this point. Finding the leaking well at 17 Talbot St. E. was a huge issue. However, since the encasement and capping of that well, gas monitoring equipment has not detected any hydrogen sulphide coming from the area.
That’s huge, as it had been continuously emitting the hydrogen sulphide and methane gas since monitoring first began in 2021.
Wheatley has suffered for more than three years in the wake of the blast. Businesses were shuttered for
months. People were not allowed back into their homes.
To them, this was a massive disaster.
The municipality has spent millions dealing with this issue.
Good.
The provincial government stepped up big time in providing offsetting funding.
Better.
Helping the people of Wheatley to rebuild is not over, however. The municipality and the province must continue to assist.
The residents are an incredibly resilient bunch. Help is still needed for redevelopment. But let the people of Wheatley have a huge input on that redevelopment. It’s their community; they suffered through this.
The Wheatley tragedy should serve as a warning to other communities across the province. There are an estimated 20,000 known gas wells in Ontario. God only knows how many others aren’t on record.
What Wheatley and its people endured should serve as a warning. It could happen again.
Municipalities and the province have to learn from what happened in Wheatley. Failing to do so could cost and/or devastate lives elsewhere in the future.
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What is happening in council chambers?
Editor: Councillor Alysson Storey is upset because one of the hired security guards physically manhandled and shouted obscenities to her father during a council meeting (“Councillor’s dad escorted out” in the Oct. 31 Chatham Voice). Is council so fearful of its citizens that they need goons for security?
Surely her father has grounds to press assault charges? I would. I find this behaviour unconscionable in a civilized society. She also says she “felt unsafe” multiple times at council, including meeting a balaclava-clad man in a hallway. This opens the door for per-
sonal bodyguards for councillors, I’m thinking. Or perhaps a bulletproof plexiglass wall? Does she feel the same way encountering people wearing masks while shopping (there are quite a few)?
Editor: I would like you to see how wonderful Chatham Retirement Resort is. There are 15 fire victims from 99 McNaughton Ave. staying there.
The retirement home opened its doors for us so we could have a roof over our heads. There are beautiful people out there. From all 15 of us from 99 McNaughton, I say thank you.
Diane Bolton Chatham
Bryan Marino Chatham
Opinion
The results of poor procrastination
I can but wonder if some of those in opposition to the concept of shifting municipal operations, the Chatham library branch and the museum all under one roof are akin to a record stuck in a groove. In short, some folks are just skipping, saying “no…no…no.”
The first no came in 2017 when Chatham-Kent administration came to council on Jan. 16 of that year, detailing how the Civic Centre had deteriorated.
“After significant evaluation of the current building, it has been determined that a number of core systems will have to be re-designed and replaced within a few years. While these core systems are often not clearly visible, their effectiveness and efficiency are crucial to the optimum delivery of mechanical and electrical services to the building,” the report to council stated.
It was estimated repairs would cost about $14.4 million.
Bruce Corcoran
mie McGraill, Carmen McGregor, Pinsonneault, Sulman, Thompson and John Wright – voted against the improvements/repairs.
As you can see, certain elected naysayers kept
right on fiddling as the conditions at the Civic Centre continued to deteriorate, and, more importantly, repair costs spiralled upward.
We say “spiral,” because costs are now pegged
at about $37 million to perform the work.
In 2022, the Community Hub proposal came forward. A municipal election followed a few months later.
Fast forward to today.
Council on Oct. 21 voted in favour of continuing to investigate the idea of shifting operations, the library and the museum into the former Sears building.
Continued on page 8
Three years later, with a new council in place, but with many familiar faces still on hand, on Jan. 13, 2020, council again received a report by administration with a proposal for upgrades at the Civic Centre. This time, the repairs had reached $18.1 million.
“The (then) 43 year old Civic Centre is in need of major structural, electrical, lighting, window, flooring and plumbing repair, in addition to the duct work alterations required to the HVAC system,” the report to council stated.
However, councillors argued it was “completely unnecessary,” and to make the improvements would be akin to providing a “Taj Mahal for staff.”
A total of 11 councillors – Authier, Bondy, Anthony Ceccacci, Amy Finn, Aaron Hall, Ja-
However, 12 members of council – Mark Authier, Michael Bondy, Bryon Fluker, Leon LeClair, Carmen McGregor, Steve Pinsonneault, Doug Sulman, Trevor Thompson, David Van Damme, Frank Vercouteren, Jeff Wesley, and Mayor Randy Hope – voted against it.
Tilbury couple wins $225,000
lottery together.
Two Tilbury residents took a big spin down to Toronto recently to collect a $225,000 lottery win.
Donna and Michael Jones won the money playing The Big Spin instant lottery game.
The Joneses, retirees, have been playing the lottery for decades.
Over the years, they’ve enjoyed playing with their colleagues from work.
Since entering into retirement, the couple has continued to play the
Winning big caught the couple by surprise.
“I was sitting in the car thinking,
‘It would be nice if it was more than $20,’” Donna said in a media release. “That’s when Michael came out of the store and said, ‘Get in here! I think we won big!’ I bolted out of the car.”
It took a moment for victory to sink in with Michael.
“It didn’t click for me right away,” he said. “I thought to myself, ‘Until I see it, I won’t believe it.’”
Misplaced outrage over hub
Continued from page 7
Those opposed were Rhonda Jubenville, Morena McDonald, Alysson Storey, Thompson and Wright.
serving on council. Fiscal responsibility is something we all too often see lacking in government. After all, it’s not their money, right?
The overlap of Thompson and Wright causes me some confusion. They were against renovating the Civic Centre four years ago (and Thompson was also against seven years ago), when it was going to be only $18 million. After letting repair/renovation costs balloon to around $37 million – on their watch – they are against leaving the Civic Centre, a building that continues to be allowed to fall apart around staff.
Saving taxpayer dollars is an important element of
But what’s the message you send to the people who work for you when for years you let the workplace deteriorate around them?
Massive leaks, heating and cooling issues galore – more than five dozen issues in one year alone – damaged windows, etc., etc.
Council, in repeatedly ignoring needed maintenance, behaved more like a slumlord than a responsible boss. They pushed it off and pushed it off, dithering rather than making a decision, and
now it has come to this. Had council in 2017 or even 2020 opted to make the repairs to the Civic Centre, the Community Hub likely would not have been put on the table. People are pointing fingers at the development team that purchased the Downtown Chatham Centre and came up with the idea to sell the Sears building to the municipality to be morphed into the Community Hub. They’re making some wild accusations over property exchanges, plans, profits and the like. But why aren’t these folks taking councillors, who ignored the Civic Centre issues for the better part of a decade, to task?
Contributed image
Donna and Michael Jones of Tilbury celebrate a recent $225,000 lottery win.
The Chatham Voice
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Sharing is caring
The Make Children Better Now Association (MCBN) recently donated $10,000 to the Children’s Treatment Centre’s Build for the Kids campaign. The donation was made at MCBN’s annual general meeting Oct. 26. From left, treatment centre staffer Melissa Gillett; MCBN board member Tony Drouillard; MCBN founder Mike Neuts; treatment centre foundation president Mike Genge; and MCBN board member Julie Kendall.
Chamber awards
The Chatham Voice
Four individuals are set to be recognized by the Chatham-Kent Chamber of Commerce for leadership in agriculture later this month.
As part of the organization’s 78th Rural Urban Awards, recipients will be honoured Nov. 27 at a celebration at the John D. Bradley Centre.
Meredith Anderson is receiving the Future Leader of the Year award; Louis
Roesch is being named as Friend of Agriculture; Emma Butler is getting the nod for Agriculture Innovator of the Year (individual); and Farm Lending Canada has been named Agriculture Innovator of the Year (business).
Awards night will kick off at 6 p.m. with a reception, followed by the dinner and program at 7 p.m. Tickets are $65 (plus HST) and available online at chatham-kentchamber.ca.
Firefighters give back
Two local charities recently benefitted from matching $10,000 donations from the Chatham-Kent Professional Firefighters Association (CKPFFA).
The funds were raised during the CKPFFA’s charitable golf fundraiser earlier this year. The association handed over cheques to the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Canada and Chatham-Kent Hospice.
Chatham Voice photo
The Chatham Voice
38 months
Wheatley’s emergency declared over
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com
On Aug. 26, 2021, a devastating gas explosion rocked the town of Wheatley.
Now, 38 months later, officials say the turbulent chapter in the Lake Erie community’s history has come to an end.
Emergency personnel, Mayor Darrin Canniff, and West Kent councillors Lauren Anderson and Melissa Harrigan marked the occasion Oct. 31, with the mayor signing a document officially terminating the emergency order.
resident, commended the collaborative efforts by the people in her community.
“This was definitely a group effort and this was definitely accomplished by a lot of people coming together and supporting a community to get back on their feet,” a beaming Anderson said.
“This was definitely a group effort and this was definitely accomplished by a lot of people coming together and supporting a community to
get back on their feet.”
- Coun. Lauren Anderson
“This is the best signature I’ve ever made,” the mayor said. “We can now look forward to a much brighter future and looking foward to how we redevelop Wheatley.” Anderson, a Wheatley
“We can see the end and we can start developing the land how the community wants it.”
Anderson had special words of praise for C-K Public Works director Ryan Brown and Chatham-Kent Fire & Rescue Chief Chris Case.
“Chief Case is definitely the hero of our town and will always be,” the councillor said to applause.
In her comments, Harrigan said she wanted to thank the people of Wheatley for their “patience, passion and willingness to continue to share” with municipal
workers to find a solution and be “forward thinking.”
She also commended Anderson for being a leader in the community.
The Wheatley explosion, caused by hydrogen sulfide leaking from an old well, damaged several buildings in the downtown core and injured 20 people. It led to the lengthy evacuation of more than two dozen homes and the eventual demolition of buildings affected by the blast.
Over the course of the emergency, the Ontario government stepped up
CKPH is thinking BIG
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative
pamwrightlji@gmail.com
Chatham-Kent’s Food Policy Council is lobbying for a Basic Income Guarantee (BIG) for all Ontarians.
Following a report to the C-K Board of Health at its meeting last week, the board voted to ask for Chatham-Kent council’s support to push the province to make the funding available across the board.
The board recommendation came after a report from public health nutritionist Sharmini Balakrishnan, who explained that in the communities where basic income funding was piloted, physical and mental wellness improved.
“We’ve had great discussion on this at our food policy council,” said Wallaceburg Coun. Carmen McGregor. “Any lobbying, interest or direction we can get from our council to go through with this
and support the resolution (received from our council) will be greatly received by the province.”
McGregor said she hoped other municipalities, organizations and other levels of government would get on board.
According to the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) website, the Ontario government conducted a basic income trial between 2017 and 2019.
to assist providing funding and aid through the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry. Following an exhaustive investigation, the well was successfully plugged.
The fire chief said he is optimistic about the situation, noting gas monitoring will continue at the site for another six months.
“Whilst the danger is reduced and the risk has passed, we’re still going to wait for six months and monitor the situation to make sure that it is stable before we absolutely finish things off,” Case add-
ed.
He said he won’t forget getting the call from Wheatley operations assistant fire chief Neil Woods that the gas had “just stopped.
“That was quite an emotional moment,” said the chief. “There may have been a few tears shed when that happened.”
According to Case, lessons were learned all around and the Wheatley experience will be used as a roadmap, including predicting similar events.
“There is definitely a lot of work going on right now to see what we can
learn from this to make sure we can deal with future events,” Case said, noting there are more than 20,000 known gas wells in Ontario.
“There’s no need for alarm, but people should be aware this is happening,” he said. “If you smell gas, even if you’ve smelled it for many years, call 911. People need to be aware the risk is there, but I’m hoping we never see it again.”
Case had kudos for the firefighters and Windsor hazmat team that spent “days, month and years” on the site.
Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice Officials came together at the Chatham-Kent Civic Centre Oct. 31 to mark the official termination of the Wheatley emergency.
Women’s
Hospice gala raises $133,000
ence at Chatham-Kent Hospice.
The giving continues this fall in Chatham-Kent. Most recently, the Chatham-Kent Hospice benefit gala enjoyed a full house of patrons and saw more than $133,000 raised to support end-of-life hospice care in Chatham-Kent.
ALC Footcare Clinic Monday-Friday 9am-1pm Certified, experienced registered nurses! By Appointment ONLY Call 519-352-5633 to book per appointment $25 $5 OFF for the month of November!!
The sold-out event provided guests with an elegant evening of fine dining, the opportunity to bid on auction experiences and hear from a local family about its experi-
Ask about our Diabetic Program!
“Our sincere thanks to all guests who attended and our kind sponsors for their support, especially our Title Sponsor, Victory Lincoln,” said Ginny Hawken, special events chair for the hospice, in a media release. “Because of your generosity and kindness, local families will continue to have access to residential hospice care as well as grief and bereavement support at no cost to them.
20 Merritt Ave, Chatham 519-352-5633 office@alcchatham.ca www.alc-ck.com Active Lifestyle Centre on Facebook/Instagram
Hello
Adding to the excitement of the evening was the Golden Ticket raffle where one hundred guests had the chance to snag an experience from the silent auction and two tickets to next year’s gala. The lucky winner was Anne English who selected the Toronto Maple Leaf package donated by Enbridge Gas.
November
Diabetes Information Seminar
Diabetes
with Dietician Taylor from the CKHA
Information
Seminar with Dietician Taylor from the CKHA
A returning feature, the Mittons Jewellers Diamond Draw, featuring a beautiful diamond bracelet, was won by Dawn Campbell.
Let’s Talk Menopause and Women’s Health! Michaela Cummings, author of the book The Meno Change Diary, will be holding a seminar on Menopause and Women’s Health.
November
20 Merritt Ave, Chatham 519-352-5633 office@alcchatham.ca www.alc-ck.com
ALC now offers GIFT CARDS!!
Buy ALC gift cards for your friends and family this holiday season!
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Wednesday, November 6, 2024 9:30am-10:30am
Wednesday, November 6, 2024 9:30am-10:30am Call or visit us to sign up!
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Active Lifestyle Centre on Facebook/Instagram
Diabetes Information Seminar with Dietician Taylor from the CKHA
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20 Merritt Ave, Chatham 519-352-5633 office@alcchatham.ca www.alc-ck.com
Menopause and Women’s Health! Michaela Cummings, of the book The Meno Change Diary, will be holding a seminar on Menopause and Women’s Health. Call or visit to sign up!
Diabetes Information Seminar
Wednesday, November 6, 2024 9:30am-10:30am Call or visit us to sign up!
Let’s Talk Menopause and Women’s Health! Michaela Cummings, author of the book The Meno Change Diary, will be holding a seminar on Menopause and Women’s Health.
with Dietician Taylor from the CKHA
Time slots limited! By appointment ONLY! Call or visit to sign up!
Diabetes
Wednesday, November 6, 2024 9:30am-10:30am
Active Lifestyle Centre’s
Wednesday, November 20, 2024
Wednesday, November 20, 2024 10am-11am
November2024
Let’s Talk Menopause and Women’s Health!
Wednesday, November 20, 2024 10am-11am
Active Lifestyle Centre on Facebook/Instagram
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CHRISTMAS MARKET
10am-11am
November 30, 2024 9am-2pm OVER 40+ VENDORS! FOOD!
November is Fall Prevention Month!
RAFFLE PRIZES! SANTA! & MORE!
HelloNovember
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Seminar with Dietician Taylor from the CKHA
SEMINAR
Join the VON for a Fall Prevention Workshop
Call or visit to sign up! Diabetes Information Seminar with Dietician Taylor from the CKHA Wednesday, November 6, 2024 9:30am-10:30am Call or visit to sign up!
Wednesday, November 6, 2024 9:30am-10:30am Call or visit us to sign up!
Admission: donation of a non-perishable food item, toy, book, etc. We have partnered with The Gift CK and Chatham Goodfellows, all donations will go back to our Community!
BRAIN HEALTH PRESENTATION
Thursday, November 28, 2024 10AM-11:30AM
with Tara from the Alzheimer Society
November is Fall Prevention Month!
Tuesday, December 17, 2024 9:30-10:30am
BRAIN HEALTH PRESENTATION
December 10, 2024 10am-11am SIGN UP TODAY!
November is Fall Prevention Month!
Learn what to do if you or a love one falls, tips on how to get up from a fall, fall prevention tips, and the main causes of falls.
Call or visit us to sign up!
Are you interested in games like darts, corn hole, ladder ball and board games? Stop by the ALC to sign up! Start Date: TBD Have a game suggestion? Let us know!
Join the VON for a Fall Prevention Workshop Thursday, November 28, 2024 10am - 11:30am
Join the VON for a Fall Prevention Workshop Thursday, November 28, 2024 10AM-11:30AM
Monday-Friday 11am-2pm
December 10, 2024 10am-11am TODAY!
The ALC is looking to start game days!!
BRAIN HEALTH PRESENTATION
The Common Grounds Café is open and thriving! Try one of Chef Cam’s weekly specials.
Learn what to do if you or a loved one falls, tips on how to get up from a fall, fall prevention tips, and the main causes of falls. Call or visit to sign up!
Learn what to do if you or a love one falls, tips on how to get up from a fall, fall prevention tips, and the main causes of falls.
Call or visit us to sign up!
Tuesday, December 17, 2024 9:30-10:30am
FREE HEARING SCREENING
SIGN
Wednesday, November 20, 2024 10am-11am
$30
Ask about our Diabetic Program!
Call or visit to sign up!
Michaela Cummings, author of the book The Meno Change Diary, will be holding a seminar on Menopause and Women’s Health.
ELDER ABUSE AWARENESS SEMINAR December
with Tara from the Alzheimer Society
Ask about our Diabetic Program! ALC Footcare Clinic Monday-Friday 9am-1pm Certified, experienced registered nurses! By Appointment ONLY Call 519-352-5633 to book per appointment $5 OFF for the month of November!!
BRAIN HEALTH PRESENTATION
Monday, November 18, 2024 9:20am-11:40am
Tuesday, December 17, 2024 9:30-10:30am
ELDER ABUSE AWARENESS
with Tara from the Alzheimer Society
Tuesday, December 17, 2024 9:30-10:30am
Let’s Talk Menopause and Women’s Health! Michaela Cummings, author of the book The Meno Change Diary, will be holding a seminar on Menopause and Women’s Health. Call or visit to sign up!
SEMINAR
SIGN UP TODAY!
The Common Grounds Café is open and thriving! Try one of Chef Cam’s weekly specials. Monday-Friday 11am-2pm
December 10, 2024 10am-11am
with Tara from the Alzheimer Society
9:30-10:30am ALC now offers GIFT CARDS!! Buy ALC gift cards for your friends and family this holiday season! Use them anywhere throughout the ALC! (foot care, café, user fees, memberships, etc.)
Wednesday, November 20, 2024 10am-11am
ELDER ABUSE AWARENESS
ALC Christmas Celebration!
ALC Footcare Clinic Monday-Friday 9am-1pm Certified, experienced registered nurses! By Appointment ONLY Call 519-352-5633 to book per appointment $25 $5 OFF for the month of November!! The ALC is looking to start game days!!
ALC Footcare Clinic
CHRISTMAS MARKET
ALC now offers GIFT CARDS!!
Monday-Friday 9am-1pm
Buy ALC gift cards for your friends and family this holiday season!
Time slots limited! By appointment ONLY! Call or visit to sign up!
Certified, experienced registered By Appointment ONLY Call 519-352-5633 to book
30,
Use them anywhere throughout the ALC! (footcare, café, user fees, memberships, etc.)
Ask about our Diabetic Program!
Monday, November 18, 2024 9:20am-11:40am FREE HEARING SCREENING
ALC now offers GIFT CARDS!!
Buy ALC gift cards for your friends and family this holiday season!
Use them anywhere throughout the ALC! (footcare, café, user fees, memberships, etc.)
Time slots limited! By appointment ONLY! Call or visit to sign up!
Active Lifestyle Centre’s
your tickets at the front desk!
The ALC is looking to start game days!! Are you interested in games like darts, corn hole, ladder ball and board games? Stop by the ALC to sign up! Start Date: TBD Have a game suggestion? Let us know!
10, 2024
Are you interested in games like darts, corn hole, ladder ball and board games? Stop by the ALC to sign up! Start Date: TBD Have a
CHRISTMAS MARKET
Time slots limited! By appointment ONLY! Call or visit to sign up!
Friday, December 20 from 12pm-6pm per ticket Traditional Turkey Meal with dessert Included! $40
Monday, November 18, 2024 9:20am-11:40am FREE HEARING SCREENING
November 30, 2024 9am-2pm OVER 40+ VENDORS!
Time slots limited! By appointment ONLY! Call or visit to sign up!
Admission: donation of a non-perishable
Active Lifestyle Centre’s
CHRISTMAS
CHRISTMAS MARKET
The Chatham Voice
Contributed image
Bill Rhodes, chair of the Kent & Essex Mutual board of directors, pulls the winning Golden Ticket at the seventh annual Chatham-Kent Hospice benefit gala.
In Flanders Fields by John McCrae
On Remembrance Day, we’d like to share our admiration and appreciation for the dedicated men and women in uniform whose service and actions have protected our freedom and our way of life through the generations.
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved, and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields.
Gestures anyone can embrace in support of Veterans
Community-wide events tend to be held on November 11, but any day of the year is a good time to pay respect to veterans. On a local level, people can do much to thank veterans for their service and sacrifice.
• Provide a free restaurant meal. Offer to take out a veteran for breakfast, lunch or dinner. If you see a
veteran eating in a restaurant, anonymously pay the bill for that person.
• Send care packages. Communities can gather resources and chip in to make care packages for veterans who live in town, and even to send to troops stationed elsewhere. Include foods and comforts from home.
• Buy from veterans. Seek out veteran-owned businesses in the area, and then make purchases from their retail stores or utilize their services.
• Volunteer at a VA hospital. Spend time with veterans where they receive care for current health needs or past injuries suffered in combat.
• Decorate cemeteries. Honour fallen veterans by placing flowers or flags by their gravesites.
As we gather this Remembrance Day, I invite you to reflect on the profound significance of this solemn occasion. Each year, we pause to honour the brave men and women who served our country, defending the freedoms we cherish today.
This year, as we attend ceremonies at our local cenotaph—laying wreaths, sharing stories, and coming together in a moment of silence—let us remember the sacrifices made and the resilience that defines our collective spirit. The cenotaph stands as a powerful symbol of our gratitude, connecting us with our history and acknowledging the courage of those who served. I want to highlight the vital role our local legions play in preserving the memory of our veterans and supporting their families. As a proud member of the Royal Canadian Legion for over 35 years, I know firsthand the impact these organizations make. The annual Poppy Campaign is crucial; every dollar raised goes directly to veterans and their families in need, funding essential programs and uniting our community in support of those who have sacrificed so much.
Remember, the legions’ impact extends beyond Remembrance Day. I encourage everyone to support them year-round, ensuring they can continue their invaluable work. Together, let us honour those who served and keep their legacy alive. Lest we forget.
• Participate in a parade. If your town hosts a Remembrance Day parade, find out how you can volunteer or be a part of it. Oftentimes parade officials enable youth groups, such as high school marching bands or scouting troops, to participate in the parade.
• Write to the newspaper. Write an op-ed or highlight piece to submit to the newspaper about veterans in the community. Mention local veterans who have unique stories, or speak about the importance of veterans to the community.
• Ask a veteran to speak. If you work in a school or a community center, ask veterans to share their experiences with area youth.
• Visit local memorials. Spend time visiting memorials nearby and paying homage to the veterans who devoted their time, or even their lives, to service.
Interesting facts about Remembrance Day
Millions will observe Remembrance Day this November, and the following facts can help them gain a greater understanding of the holiday.
• Remembrance Day has a lengthy history in Canada. Armistice Day was first commemorated in Canada in 1919, when King George V urged all countries in the British Commonwealth, including Canada, to observe the day.
• The name of the holiday was changed from Armistice Day to Remembrance Day in 1931.
• The choice to commemorate the holiday that eventually became Remembrance Day on November 11 has symbolic meaning. According to the Government of Canada, the choice reflects the signing of the armistice agreement on November 11, 1918, which called for an end to hostilities at 11 a.m. - which happens to be the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. The armistice ended World War I, though fighting continued for hours after the agreement was reached and the Treaty of Versailles, which was the formal peace treaty that ended the war, was not signed until 1919.
• The poppy symbolizes Remembrance Day. The poppy is worn in Canada on Remembrance Day to honor fallen service members.
• The poppy has Canadian roots, as a 1915 poem referred to the fields of poppies growing around the graves of World War I soldiers in Flanders. That poem was written by a Canadian Lieutenant Colonel named John McCrae.
• A national ceremony is held each year at the National War Memorial in Ottawa.
The Governor General of Canada, who presides over the ceremony, and the Prime Minister are among the notable officials to attend each year.
• A column of veterans, members of the Canadian Armed forces, officers of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, cadets march to the memorial.
• France, Belgium, Poland, and the United Kingdom also observe Remembrance Day on November 11.
Rabies fatality has health units on alert
By Pam Wright
Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com
Ontario’s first confirmed case of human rabies since 1967 has pushed the issue to the forefront for public health units around the province.
Reported in early September by the Brant County Health Unit, a child was reportedly bitten by a bat near Temiskaming in Northern Ontario. The youngster did not receive the vaccine,
leading to their hospitalization and death. Limited information about the case has been released in order to protect the family’s privacy.
Dr. Shanker Nesathurai, Chatham-Kent’s acting medical officer of health, said immediate treatment of suspected contact with an infected animal – particularly bats – is critical.
“While rabies can be contracted from other mammals, bats are the most common carriers of this fatal virus in our re-
gion,” the doctor said. “If you are bitten by a bat, or have had any direct contact with one, it is essential to see your family physician or visit the emergency room and contact public health without delay. Timely intervention is crucial, as rabies is preventable when appropriate post-exposure prophylaxis is administered properly.”
According to Nesathurai, CK Public Health deals with about 350 animal bites per year – ap-
proximately one per day –making exposure to rabies an ongoing concern.
Thanks to a vaccine developed by Louis Pasteur more than 100 years ago, Nesathurai said death from rabies is rare in North America, but the disease kills more than 60,000 people per year around the world. More than half of those are under age 50.
However, the vaccine can save people from certain death, he said, because of the mechanism of post-ex-
posure prophylaxis halting the virus from making its way to the brain.
519-354-7977 scottstanley.ca
“Today no one has to die of rabies,” Nesathurai stressed. “Rabies exposures are entirely manageable.”
The doctor wants the public to call the health service if they have concerns about rabies.
Image courtesy Metro Creative Graphics Getting vaccinated after being afflicted by rabies can still defeat the disease.
by Charles Dickens adapted by Liz Gilroy
Burned bridge sits in limbo
The Chatham Voice
The fate of a railway bridge over Running Creek at the northwestern edge of Wallaceburg remains unclear a month after two fires of unknown origin destroyed much of the structure.
Ken Labonte, assistant chief of Chatham-Kent Fire & Rescue, said firefighters were called out to the structure Oct. 2 and 5.
On the second occasion, when firefighters from Wallaceburg and Chatham arrived, the flames were five feet high, and thick, black smoke poured from the blaze.
Fire officials called in a tanker team from Tupperville to help establish a tanker shuttle system to provide
sufficient water on site to combat the fire.
Due to the toxins produced from the burning ties, fire officials notified the Ministry of Environment and advised neighbouring residents on the matter.
The structure is part of a rail line running from Sarnia through Wallaceburg, Dresden and into Chatham.
The line hasn’t been used in some 20 years and has gone through several ownership changes including a period of municipal ownership which ended in 2019.
Fire officials have recommended removal of the bride. Dave Taylor, Chatham-Kent director of legal services, said the municipality is in the process of contacting the owner of the property.
Jim Blake/The Chatham Voice
The future of this railway bridge over Running Creek in Wallaceburg is in limbo after fires in October badly damaged the structure.
Reviewing a soldier’s life in WWI
SHOP Local
Chatham Rotarians will step back in time at their banquet Friday, hearing from two accomplished historians.
Dr. Graham Broad and Jess Hungate will discuss Broad’s book, “Part of Life Itself.” It is written about a war diary kept by a Canadian soldier during the First World War, Leslie Miller.
Broad is a Canadian professor and scholar in the field of war and society studies at King’s College at Western University, studying culture in times of conflict, and author of several books on the subject.
Hungate is a Princeton and Harvard Law School grad, lawyer and avid historian.
Miller’s war diary was kept by his family for over a century, and covers all of the First World War, as well as the first few months of peace after the conflict. It offers
insight into a soldier’s day-today life on the Western Front.
The Rotary Club of Chatham recently celebrated 103 years of operation.
“Chatham Rotary has always been fortunate to host topnotch, internationally-known keynote speakers for our annual banquet,” said Tania Sharpe, president of the Rotary Club of Chatham. “To have speakers of Graham and Jess’ calibre join us for our banquet is an honour, especially considering the important role Chatham-Kent residents played in enlisting in World War One. I know they are going to give an interesting and timely talk leading into Remembrance Day commemorations.”
The Rotary Club of Chatham’s 81st annual banquet takes place on Friday, at 5.30 p.m. at the Everest Convention Centre, 250 National Rd. in Chatham. Tickets are $69.50 and all are welcome.
Contributed image
Dr. Graham Broad will be one of the keynote speakers at this Friday’s Rotary Club of Chatham banquet.
Take part in Holiday Shop Hop
A group of Chatham female business owners is looking to start a new holiday shopping tradition.
Dubbed the Holiday Shop Hop, the event runs Nov. 14, 15 and 16, and prizes will be handed out to those who attend.
According to Wanda Bell of Mrs. Bell’s Tea Room and Treasures, the idea is a collaboration between seven businesses, including the Tea Room, Rubies Inc., the Encore
Shop, Pizazz, KM Greetings, Lavender and Honey, and Porchlight.
In a media release, Bell said the idea builds on a Christmas in July event held this past summer.
“The comment we received in July was that it was too much to do in just one day, so this time, folks will have three days
to shop, so it won’t seem so much like a race,” Bell explained.
Holiday Shop Hop features a passport system.
Shoppers will be able to pick up a passport at any of the participating businesses and those who visit the businesses over the three days can get stamps from each shop, making them eligible for seven different prizes. Every store is donating a prize, Bell said, with winners chosen randomly and posted on social media. The draw will be held Nov. 18 live on Rubies’ Facebook page.
SHOPLocal
A group of female local business owners, including, from left, Kylee McCutcheon, Corrinne Kennedy, Andrea Palmer, Darlene Lauzon, Wanda Bell and Chantal Hitchcock hope to initiate a new local holiday shopping tradition, Holiday Shop Hop.
Passports can be picked up prior to Holiday Shop Hop. No purchase is necessary. Contributed image
The Chatham Voice
Community Events
Thursday, November 7, 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. Senior Euchre starts at 1:00pm. The Popular L.A. Bingo starts at 7pm. Everyone is welcome.
Friday, November 8, 2024:
• Kent Branch of The Ontario Genealogical Society & Kent Historical Society November Webinar at 7:00pm. Speaker: Kae Elgie. Topic: This Land: The Story of Two Hundred Acres in Kent County. Kae Elgie, will discuss her experience while researching the stories of all the people who lived on the same two hundred acres of land where she grew up. It is free and open for anyone to attend at the McKinlay Funeral Home’s Reception Centre at 463 St. Clair St., Chatham. To attend online register at https://us02web. zoom.us/j/87883343837 or visit https:// kent.ogs.on.ca/.
• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am–9:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch 11:00am–1:30pm. Supper will be served 4:00–6:00. No orders after 5:30 pm. Tonight’s specials are Cabbage Rolls or Fish & Chips, $13.00. Take out is also available by call ing 519-351-8733 or 519-351-5639. Fun Darts start at 7:00 pm. Everyone Welcome.
• 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.
• Friday night supper at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St is a Meat Loaf dinner with potatoes, vegetables coleslaw and a bun. Dine ins $13 and pickup $14. All meals are served at 6pm. Please call 519-352-8291 to order. Everyone welcome.
Saturday, November 9, 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.
• Links of Kent Holiday Market. Enjoy shopping the crafts of 45 Vendors. Free entry with a canned good or boxed item for Outreach for Hunger. Links of Kent Events Centre, 120 Indian Creek Road Chatham.
• Puzzle Swap – Chatham Branch. 10:00am-11:00 am. Puzzles must be dropped off to the Chatham Branch during library hours the week of November 4 to November 8. Staff will present
you a voucher to return between 10:00am-11:00am, to swap for new-topuzzles.
• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am–9:30pm. Line Dancing lessons 10:00am12 noon. Meat draws at 3:30, 4:30 and 5:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch 3:00pm –5:30pm. Entertainment by Allen James 4:30-9:30. Come check out our menu. Everyone Welcome.
Sunday, November 10, 2024:
• Remembrance Day Vigil @ Chatham Cenotaph. 9am-7pm. Christ Church Chatham is organizing a vigil to show respect for those who served Canada. Hall will be opened as a warming station, providing warm drinks and food. Are you/your family/organization/business interested in standing on guard for up to one hour? Please contact Christ Church 519-3521640 to register.
• Windsor Coin Club presents Canada’s best one day Coin Show. 9am-3pm at the Caboto Club, 2175 Parent Ave., Windsor. Canadian & World coins, paper money, tokens, gold, silver & more! Free hourly door prizes. Contact Cathy Schmidt for info. 519-915-4693.
• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham will be hosting a Buddy Check for all Veterans 10:00am–12:00pm. Come enjoy a coffee and talk to other Veterans. This venue is for Veterans Only.
• Breakfast at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St from 9am to Noon. All meals are cooked to order. Everyone welcome.
Monday, November 11, 2024:
• Remembrance Day Vigil @ Chatham Cenotaph. 7-10 am. Christ Church Chatham is organizing a vigil to show respect for those who served Canada. Hall will be opened as a warming station, providing warm drinks and food. Are you/your family/organization/business interested in standing on guard for up to one hour? Contact Christ Church 519-352-1640 to register.
• Remembrance Day Service at the Cenotaph on King Street. Parade will start at 10:30am from Legion Branch 642, 39 William St. N. The service to honour our fallen will start at 10:40am. Everyone Welcome.
• Join the Active Lifestyle Centre for a variety of classes! Circuit Training, Chair Exercise and Latin Dance programs on Monday mornings! $3 for members, $6 for non-members. Stop by for a tour!! 20 Merritt Ave, Chatham 519-352-5633
Tuesday, November 12, 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 and Shuffleboard or Euchre starting at 7:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome.
• The Active Lifestyle Centre has Carpet Bowling on Tuesdays at 12pm, no experience necessary! $3 for members, $6 for non-members. Stop by for a tour! 20 Merritt Ave, Chatham 519-352-5633
Wednesday, November 13, 2024:
• Ostomy Support Group: support group for anyone who is or may be facing live living with an ostomy. 7pm. Located at Wellwise By Shoppers on the corner of Mc.Naughton Ave. and St. Clair St., Chatham. We are in Facebook (by invitation, just request) and we can also be reached at ostomychatham@gmail.com.
• Merry Magic – A CK Holiday Event –November 13 – 24. Christmas Around the World 2024. Event partner & beneficiary LINCK and Santa for Seniors. Experience the joy giving . . . Christmas Activities, Giving Tree(s), Holiday Entertainment, Vendors, Food for purchase. 250 National Rd., Chatham. Visit merrymagicevent.com for more info!
• 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 7:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome.
• Want to play cards?! The Active Lifestyle Centre has many different Playing Card programs! Play Euchre on Wednesdays from 12-3pm! No sign up required! 20 Merritt Ave, Chatham 519-352-5633
Thursday, November 14, 2024:
• Retired Workers Chapter Meeting are the perfect opportunity to enjoy coffee and visit with friends and former fellow workers. Keep up to date with the community, pensions, benefits and info provided from informed leadership and guest speakers. Spouses are welcome. 10:00am at the Unifor Local 127, 405 Riverview Dr., Chatham.
• 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 1:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome.
• Stop by the Common Grounds Café today for a delicious lunch! OPEN TO THE PUBLIC! Monday – Friday from 11am2pm. Located in the heart of the Active Lifestyle Centre. 20 Merritt Ave, Chatham 519-352-5633
Fun Stuff
CLUES DOWN 1. Body part 2. Mimics
3. Expel large quantities rapidly
4. Sea eagle
5. A type of subdivision 6. Variety of Chinese 7. Mr. T’s name on “The A-Team”
8. Consumed 9. Chinese dynast 10. NFL great Randy
12. Ireland
CLUES ACROSS
1. Absence of effort 5. Preserve a dead body 11. Gratitude 14. The act of coming together again 15. Simpler 18. Visionaries 19. Large, fisheating bird 21. Indicates near 23. Former CIA agent and critic 24. Icelandic poems 28. Pop 29. “Hammer” is one
30. Senses of self-importance
32. Thyrotrophic hormone
33. Not around
35. Electronic data processing
36. Licenses and passports are two types
39. Snakelike fish
41. Air Force
42. Popular computers
44. Of a withered nature
46. Wings
47. Used in combination
49. Laid back
52. Jeweled headdress
56. In slow tempo
58. __ Falls
60. Assertions made again
62. Periods of history
63. Hyphen
13. Palm trees with creeping roots
16. Fungal disease
17. Impressionable persons
20. Affirmative! (slang)
22. Instinctive part of the mind
25. “The First State”
26. A way to develop
27. Fraternities
29. Woman (French)
31. Sunscreen rating
34. Beer
36. Spiritual leader
37. Indigo bush
38. Burn with a hot liquid
40. Junior’s father
43. Ray-finned fishes
45. Morning
48. Line passing side to side through the center (abbr.)
50. Double curve
51. A small bundle of straw or hay
53. Got older
54. Crater on Mars
55. Humanities
57. Relating to the ears
58. “To the __ degree…”
59. Residue of a burned product
61. It cools a home
Business
Decibel purchases AgMedica
Decibel Cannabis Company Inc. is in the process of acquiring AgMedica Bioscience Ltd.
AgMedica, a leader in international medical cannabis exports, has various operation locations in Chatham-Kent.
The deal is contingent on approval by the TSX Venture Exchange, and, if applicable, the approval of the disinterested shareholders of the Company. It is hoped to be wrapped up by early December.
“I am excited to announce the acquisition of AgMedica. The AgMedica facility becomes the cornerstone of our international strategy as it allows us to extend our products and brand to the rest of the world,” said Benjamin Sze, Decibel
CEO, in a media release.
Holiday Market Nov. 9
Links of Kent is hosting a Holiday Market on Saturday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
There will be crafts on display from 45 different vendors.
Entry is a non-perishable food item. These items will be donated to Outreach for Hunger food bank.
A decade of partnership CF Industries and Wallaceburg District Secondary School (WDSS) recently celebrated a decade-long partnership. This collaboration demonstrates how shared resources can enhance learning for both students and the community.
Over the years, CF In-
dustries has contributed financial support for a variety of WDSS initiatives, including the school-wide holiday dinner, hospitality program, welding program, and the installation of water bottle filling stations.
This year, funds will be directed toward enhancing the school’s science and horticulture programs.
Additionally, CF Industries organized summer staff barbeques to raise funds, resulting in more than $2,000 to address local student needs for food and hygiene items. The company also awards two annual scholarships of $1,000 each to assist students in their pursuit of post-secondary education.
The partnership has fostered unique learning experiences for WDSS students. Notable activities include Earth Day tree planting events and hands-on projects in construction classes, where students built purple martin bird houses, bat houses, duck house boxes, and a barn swallow shelter to support local wetlands.
Co-operative education students have benefited from career panels featuring local industry experts, gaining insights into various career paths.
“We at WDSS are happy that our partnership with CF Industries has continued over the past few years. CF has remained a true community partner, helping our students
by making yearly donations to the school. We appreciate how they have given back to their local community, and we look forward to continuing to work with them in the future,” Jeremy Gower, WDSS principal, said in a media release.
• 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. Send your information to bruce@chathamvoice.com.
Joyce DeLaurier
90, Sunday, October 27, 2024
Alexander & Houle Funeral Home
Donat Chretien
92, Monday, October 28, 2024
Alexander & Houle Funeral Home
Tim McGuire
59, Wednesday, October 30, 2024
Badder Funeral Home
Jerry Wilfred Travis
81, Thursday, October 31, 2024
Badder Funeral Home
Jarod Beecroft
56, Wednesday, October 23, 2024
McKinlay Funeral Home
Mary Devereux
66, Friday, October 25, 2024
McKinlay Funeral Home
John Irwin
Wednesday, October 23, 2024
McKinlay Funeral Home
Ruth Agatha Gray
88, Tuesday, October 29, 2024
McKinlay Funeral Home
Cathie Marie Doher-Bradley
73, Friday, October 25, 2024
McKinlay Funeral Home
Ruth Ann Oxley
75, Friday, October 25, 2024
McKinlay Funeral Home
Reg MacDonald
76, Sunday, October 27, 2024
McKinlay Funeral Home
Lisa Ann Nisbet
47, Thursday, October 24, 2024
McKinlay Funeral Home
Larry Clifford Moore
80, Thursday, October 31, 2024
McKinlay Funeral Home
Mona Sanchuk (St. PIerre)
84, Wednesday, October 23, 2024
Life Transitions
Thomas Justin Gall
57, Thursday, October 24, 2024
Life Transitions
Shannon Williston
61, Thursday, October 24, 2024
Life Transitions
William “Bill” Conlon
94, Saturday, October 26, 2024
Life Transitions
Claudine Charette (Martin)
Saturday, October 26, 2024
Life Transitions
Terry Smoke
62, Sunday, October 27, 2024
Life Transitions
Bruce Bourdeau
71, Monday, October 28, 2024
Life Transitions
Terry McLeod
Tuesday, October 29, 2024
Life Transitions
Renskje “Irene” Wolting (Vandersluis)
91, Tuesday, October 29, 2024
Life Transitions
Betty Solomon
71, Tuesday, October 29, 2024
Life Transitions
Reg Walter
87, Monday, October 28, 2024
Nicholls Funeral Home
Tiona Pels-Bradley
31, Monday, October 28, 2024
Nicholls Funeral Home
Lorrie Little
66, Sunday, October 27, 2024
Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Bonnie Dysarz
68, Monday, October 28, 2024
Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Ron Robinson
66, Tuesday, October 29, 2024
Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Debby Shewburg
69, Wednesday, October 30, 2024
Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Anna Stone
91, Monday, October 28, 2024
Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home
Richard Pike
33, Wednesday, October 23, 2024
Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home
Eugenie “Jenny” Gaiswinkler
96, Tuesday, October 29, 2024
Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home
Maurice Dozois
97, Saturday, October 26, 2024
Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home
Charles Ducharme
82, Monday, March 16, 2024
Kendrick Funeral Home
Wanted
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.
For Sale
Silk Cemetery Saddle Arrangements. Everyday/ Holidays. Ready-to-go. Many colours available. $40. 519-354-3411 Services
Man available to do minor body work. Reasonable prices! Call 226627-9010.
Guitar Lessons. 519917-2339 Lessons
Classifieds
Announcement
Announcement
Sunday, December 8th, 10:00am - 2:00pm Brunch Buffet Age 3 & under FREE
Photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus!
Bring your camera!
Call 519-351-3672 ext. 2 to book a table!
YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE HISTORIC DOWNTOWN CHATHAM BIA ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Tuesday, November 19, 2024 8:00am at the Satellite Restaurant 145 King Street W. Chatham, ON
RSVP by November 12th, 2024 via email: downtownchathambia@gmail.com
Are you a woman of good character?
Are you related to a Shriner, Master Mason, or Daughter of the Nile?
Are you a former patient of the Shriners Hospital in Canada or the USA?
COME JOIN US! Help the Children... In YOUR Community Across Canada and Around the World Daughters of the Nile… It’s Worth Your While!
Local Contact Judy Woodrow, 519-365-1939
Place your ad in the classifieds! 519-397-2020
Each weekend in Wallaceburg at the Old Train Station building, 105 Arnold St., Wallaceburg. Friday - Sunday, November 1, 2, 3 until December 6,7,8. 9:00am-4:00pm.
Christmas Craft Sale All weekends beginning Nov. 2nd until Dec. 8th. Saturday / Sunday 10:00am-4:00pm. 6599 Talbot Trail (Hwy#3) (5m west of Bloomfield Rd.) Christmas decor for inside & out, crafts, gift ideas, fresh evergreen planters & wreaths, home canning & much more. Great Prices!
Craft Sale November 30th, 9am until 1pm at Avalon apartment building, 175 Churchill Park Rd., Chatham.
REMINDER: Holiday Market. 45+ Vendors. Saturday, November 9th. Free entry with a canned good or boxed item for Outreach for Hunger. Held at Links of Kent Event Centre, 120 Indian Creek. Rd., Chatham
Maurice Dozois
Peacefully at Meadow Park Nursing Home, Chatham on Saturday October 26, 2024, Maurice Jean Dozois, at the age of 97 years.
Classifieds
In Memoriam
Memoriam
Rose Johnston
Born October 19th 1952 and passed away Oct 31, 2023
November 10, 2004
Beloved husband of late Joan (Charlebois) Dozois (2019). Born in Tilbury in 1927, son of the late Adele (Montminy) and Oscar Dozois. Loving father of Louise (Garry) Muckle, Charles (Susan) Dozois, Yvette (Reid) Hosie and Pat (Dawn Allott) Dozois. Cherished grandfather of Trevor (Stephanie), Liza (Sean), Megan (Matt), Sam (Carissa), Tyler, Dylan, Abbey and Lauren (Jake). Dearest great grandfather of Cole, Clark, Hailey and Audrey. Dear brother of Margarite Laroque, Gerald, Lawrence, late Louis and late Vincent Dozois. He will also be sadly remembered by many nieces and nephews. Maurice was a valued member of St Agnes parish for many years as well as a member of the 3rd degree Knights of Columbus. Friends and relative visited at the Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home, 156 William St. S. Chatham (519-352-5120) on Monday November 4, 2024 from 11 am until 12 noon. A Funeral Service was then conducted in the Chapel with Deacon Morgan Treacy officiating. Interment will follow in St. Anthony’s Cemetery. Donations to the Chatham Outreach For Hunger or the Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation would be appreciated. Online condolences welcomed at www.peseski.com
One year since I lost you my lovely wife I thought of you today, But that is nothing new, I thought about you yesterday, And the days before that too. I think of you in silence, And I often speak your name, All I have now are my memories, And your picture in a frame. Your memory is a keepsake From which I’ll never part, God had you in his arms And I have you in my heart.
Love John & sons: Byron & Brandon, Daughters-in-law: Lisa & Amy, Granddaughters: Nevia & Mia and Grandsons: Logan, Riley & Jayden.
Thank You
It is with great sadness we announce that Mona Mary Marlene Sanchuk (nee St. Pierre) passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on Wednesday, October 23rd, 2024 at the age of 84 at the Chatham-Kent Hospice. She will be forever missed by her children Deb of Victoria B.C., Mike (Tammy Marlyn) of Oshawa, Tim, Karen, son-in-law Ed Rusal, and Ken Charron (Kim), all of Chatham, Ontario. “Meme” was beloved by her grandchildren William Sanchuk, Byron Sanchuk, Shelby Buis (Zack), Jackson Myers (Audrey Bai), Rachel Myers (Danny Kim) and step grandson Damien Johnston. She cherished each of them and they cherished her in return. She expressed her love in countless ways, most consistently by filling bellies while explaining that “Being full is no reason to stop eating”. Mona is survived by her sister Betty Walden (Garry) and in-laws Frank Baute and Lena St. Pierre, as well as many nieces, and nephews. She is predeceased by William (Bill) her loving husband of 63 years, as well as her son-in-law Jeffry Myers. Also predeceased by her parents Abraham and Mary (Bray) St. Pierre and sisters Laura Charron (Oscar), Marie Barnier (Joe), Velma Baute, and brother Sherley (Theresa). Mona tended carefully to her family, her home, and her garden, always ensuring each was brimming with life, light and beauty. Her gardens were so elaborate and lovely that even strangers would ask to have their wedding photos taken in her yard. Her passion and skills led to the Chatham Gardener of the Year award in 1997. An inspired and creative cook, Mona often and generously entertained family and friends for special occasions or for no occasion at all. She dedicated herself to perfecting Eastern European recipes for her Ukrainian husband and family. Mona was a force of nature with an adventurous spirit, fulfilling her dreams of going on an African safari for her 79th birthday and SKYDIVING for her 80th. She and Bill traveled the world extensively, visiting all 10 provinces, 50 states and too many countries to list. They especially enjoyed road trips and cruises. For many years, Mona spent much of her free time at golf courses in Canada and the U.S. She was a formidable player winning many championships over her decades of enjoying the game. She won community service awards for the dedication and effort she put into leading the Blessed Sacrament Cub Scouts. She fundraised for and organized very elaborate Jaycee Parade floats and exciting trips for the pack. To this day, she is still fondly remembered as Akela by many of the cubs she guided in the 1960s. Her family would like to express their sincere thanks to the many doctors, nurses, and caregivers throughout Mom’s journey, especially Dr. MacLean, the nurses and staff at Chatham Retirement Resort, Bayshore and the local LHIN. A special note of thanks to Roxanne, Natalie and Krista for consistently providing exceptional care. Much heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff at CK Hospice who provided comfort and care in her final weeks. Cremation has taken place. There will be a private memorial held at a future date. If you’d like to honour Mona’s memory, please do so by donating to the Chatham-Kent Hospice. All services entrusted to Life Transitions Burial and Cremation Inc. Online condolences may be left at www.lifetransitions.ca
Celebrating 5 Generations
Great-Great Grandma, Marion Griffin; Daughter, Julie Smith; Grand-Daughter, Melinda Jee; Great Grand-Daughter, Krystal Hember; Great-Great Grandsons, Kove, Kyree, Kingsley and Kehzlin
NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND OTHERS
In the Estate of Patrick Thomas Langan, Deceased
NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND OTHERS
In the Estate of Patrick Thomas Langan, Deceased
All claims against the Estate of PATRICK THOMAS LANGAN, late of the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, who died on or about August 19, 2024, must be filed with the solicitor for the Estate Trustee named below on or before November 15, 2024; thereafter, the Estate Trustee will distribute the assets of the said Estate having regard only to the claims then filed.
All claims against the Estate of PATRICK THOMAS LANGAN, late of the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, who died on or about August 19, 2024, must be filed with the solicitor for the Estate Trustee named below on or before November 15, 2024; thereafter, the Estate Trustee will distribute the assets of the said Estate having regard only to the claims then filed.
DATED at Chatham, this 16th day of October, 2024
DOUGLAS A. SULMAN, KC.
870 Park Avenue West, Chatham, Ontario N7M 6M1
Solicitor for the Estate Trustee
at Chatham, this 16th day of October, 2024
Thanks to my family & friends that made my 89th birthday a surprise party. The gifts and cards that I received will be cherished forever. The cake was awesome and all the food was delicious. Special thanks to my family who travelled from Vancouver & Holden to celebrate with me. Florence Cole
MORTGAGES / LOANS
In memory of Raymond Rose
Miss you Love Pat, and all your family
John Vanderheide
Love You, xoxoxo
Notice of Proposed Transition
Highway 401 and Bloomfield Road Interchange Improvements (GWP 3117-18-00)
Detail Design and Class Environmental Assessment Study
THE STUDY
The Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) has retained Stantec Consulting Ltd. to complete the Detail Design and Class Environmental Assessment (Class EA) Study for improvements to the Highway 401 and Bloomfield Road Interchange (GWP 3117-18-00). THE PROCESS
This project is being undertaken as a Group ‘B’ project under the Class EA for Provincial Transportation Facilities (2000) and includes the following proposed improvements:
• Reconfiguration of the Highway 401 and Bloomfield Road Interchange to a Parclo A2 interchange configuration
• Replacement of Bloomfield Road Underpass and Jeanettes Creek Bridge on Bloomfield Road
Construction of a new bridge over Flook and Hinton Drain at the Highway 401 eastbound off-ramp
Realignment of Seventh Line West, including removal of the Flook and Hinton Drain Bridge on Seventh Line West, construction of a new carpool lot, and a new connection to Bloomfield Road
PROPOSED TRANSITION
This notice is being issued to inform interested stakeholders, members of the public, and Indigenous communities of the intent to transition this project to the Class Environmental Assessment for Provincial Transportation Facilities and Municipal Expressways (2024). Transitioning to the new Class EA process will improve the planning process of projects beyond the preliminary design stage, bringing MTO into alignment with best practices observed in other Class EA frameworks. Transitioning from the requirements of the 2000 Class EA to the 2024 Class EA reflects a commitment to optimizing the assessment process by removing redundancies and expediting project planning to facilitate a more streamlined implementation process. Commitments made during the preliminary design phase will be addressed as the project progresses through the design process. Project information will continue to be posted on the project website and opportunities for public consultation will continue through Detail Design.
Information on the project, such as study notices, background information, and additional design-related information, including the 2024 Class EA process, can be found at www.hwy401bloomfield.ca
The public comment period associated with the proposed transition is available between Thursday, November 7, 2024, and Saturday, December 7, 2024
COMMENTS
If you have any comments or questions about this notice, or have questions about the study, please contact one of the following project team members:
Mr. Adam Barg, P.Eng.
Consultant Project Manager
Stantec Consulting Ltd.
tel: 289-439-0481
e-mail: comments@hwy401bloomfield.ca
Sinisa Sakic, P.Eng.
Project Engineer
Ministry of Transportation
tel: 519-854-9586
e-mail: comments@hwy401bloomfield.ca
All media inquiries shall be directed to MTO’s Communications Branch at 416-327-1158 or mto.media@ontario.ca.
If you have any accessibility requirements in order to participate in this project, please contact one of the project team members listed above. Comments and information are being collected to assist the MTO in meeting the requirements of the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act. Information will be collected in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. All comments will be maintained on file for use during the study and, with the exception of personal information, may be included in study documentation and become part of the public record.
REQUESTS TO THE MINISTER OF THE ENVIRONMENT, CONSERVATION AND PARKS
In addition, a request may be made to the Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks for an order requiring a higher level of study (i.e., requiring an individual/comprehensive EA approval before being able to proceed), or that conditions be imposed (e.g., require further studies), only on the grounds that the requested order may prevent, mitigate, or remedy adverse impacts on constitutionally protected Aboriginal and treaty rights. Requests on other grounds will not be considered. Requests should include the requester’s contact information and full name.
Requests should specify what kind of order is being requested (request for additional conditions or a request for an individual/comprehensive environmental assessment), how an order may prevent, mitigate or remedy potential adverse impacts on Aboriginal and treaty rights, and any information in support of the statements in the request. This will ensure that the ministry is able to efficiently begin reviewing the request.
The request should be sent in writing or by email to the following as well as to the project contacts above:
Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks
777 Bay Street, 5th Floor Toronto, ON M7A 2J3
e-mail: Minister.mecp@ontario.ca
Director, Environmental Assessment Branch Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks
135 St. Clair Ave. W, 1st Floor Toronto, ON M4V 1P5
e-mail: EABDirector@ontario.ca