The Chatham Voice, Nov. 24, 2022

Sarah Schofield/Special to The Chatham Voice

The Santa Claus Parade returned to the downtown Chatham this year much to the delight of three-year-old Tessa Bachewsky and her mom Patricia who arrived early to get a prime spot along King Street West. Hosted by the Historic Downtown Chatham BIA, Friday night’s parade, which had a variety of colourful, festive floats from local businesses and organizations, returned after a hiatus due to the pandemic.

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

The Chatham Goodfel lows’ annual Porchlight Campaign takes place Nov. 28 in Chatham. Hun dreds of volunteers will go door to door, seeking donations to ensure their slogan stays true, “No Child Without a Christ mas.”

Tim Haskell, past presi dent of the Goodfellows, said Porchlight is an in

trinsic part of the charity organization’s annual ef forts. It is usually a strong indicator on how their year will proceed. “You see how much you start getting in for that night,” he said. “It’s a big kick off. If you can make $50,000 in one night, that’s a pretty good kick off.”

The organization spends $200,000-plus annually to ensure families in need in

Chatham and Merlin have toys under the tree for the kids and a Christmas din ner for the family. It’s a daunting effort, with thousands of volun teers help ing out, in cluding at Porchlight, doing Street Sales where citizens are again ap proached for donations, packing toys or food, and delivering it all to the hundreds of families the Goodfellows serve.

It is early in the fundrais ing process, but Haskell is cautiously optimistic.

“I think things are going pretty well. We haven’t had any major fundrais ing going on yet, but the funds are coming in,” he said. “We’re getting sup port from all over the place. I think it will be a good year, but Porchlight kind of tells us how we’ll be doing financially.”

As for Nov. 28, Haskell said volunteers will wear their red Goodfellows aprons, and expect to see them knocking on your door anytime after 5:30

p.m. “Turn your light on if you want to support us. It’s a great way to show us to come to your door,” he said.

This is the Goodfellows 68th year in Chatham helping families with the holidays.

Client applications opened on Nov. 7 and will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday to Friday by call ing 519-354-1146.

Questions can also be di rected to info@chatham goodfellows.ca.

The toy packing commit tee is holding its toy pack

ing dates and welcome volunteer help. These will take place Dec. 12-15 at Monsignor Uyen Catholic School on Lark Street in Chatham.

Food packing and de livery will be located at the Spirit and Life Centre Dec. 20.

No Child Without a Christmas donations are welcome and can be made by mailing a cheque to P.O. Box 114 Chatham, ON, N7M 5K1 or by e-transfer at donate@cha thamgoodfellows.ca to receive an automatic re ceipt.

“Turn your light on if you want to support us. It’s a great way to show us to come to your door.”

- Tim Haskell

Help needed to stock food bank shelves

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

Unprecedented demand. That’s what local food banks are faced with head ing into the dark days of winter.

According to Outreach for Hunger executive di rector Brenda LeClair, requests for assistance are the highest she’s wit nessed in her more than three decades with the agency.

Outreach is now serving between 500 to 700 fam ilies per month, LeClair said, noting that prior to 2022, 400 families in a month would be consid ered busy.

“We are really climbing in numbers,” LeClair said.

“The situation is the worst that I have seen it in 33 years.”

According to Statistics Canada, food prices have climbed 11.4 per cent in the past year, making for the fastest annual increase since 1981.

LeClair said that many of the food bank’s clients are unsheltered, making it difficult for them to ac cess a meal. To help with that population, Outreach hands out bagged lunches every week day.

Runaway inflation and a chronic lack of afford able housing are the main culprits behind the spike, she added, noting a dollar doesn’t stretch as far at the grocery store.

“It has definitely affected our buying power,” Le

Clair added, with simple staples such as 99-cent margarine now costing $3.99.

“We are switching prod ucts and really watching the flyers,” she added.

“We are being really selec tive in our purchases and doing our best to keep the money we spend local.”

Responding to the need is a community effort, she said, with food drives such as UCC’s recent Scare Away Hunger being part of the solution.

“We’re still sorting the food,” LeClair said.

It’s a similar story at the Salvation Army which op erates food banks in Cha tham, Wallaceburg, Blen heim and Ridgetown.

Salvation Army commu nity and family services

manager Nicole Shaw said there’s been a definite up tick due to inflation.

“Because of rising food costs, our budget has to go higher,” Shaw explained, adding the organiza tion does do food drives but sometimes that’s not enough and the Salvation

Army has to buy food. “We want to make sure we don’t have to turn any one away,” she said.

Shaw said there’s been a changing trend in clien tele, with working people who can’t make ends meet accessing the service. Those wishing to donate

can access information on line or call the Salvation Army at 519-354-1430, and Outreach for Hunger at 519-351-8381.

While all donations are welcome, both agencies are requesting protein foods, and personal care items.

Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice Outreach for Hunger volunteer Teena Duquette packs a grocery bag with food staples for those in need.

Job fair well attended in Chatham

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

If they were available, Lauree Prangley-Roubos said she could hire five people right on the spot.

“We’re always looking for work ers,” said the administrator of Cha tham’s Windmill Cabinet Shop. “We’re willing to teach people and our training is extremely thorough.

“We’re looking for people with

honesty, integrity and willingness.”

Last week, Prangley-Roubos was among those representing 48 Cha tham-Kent employers currently on the hunt for workers. Held at the Chatham Armoury, the communi ty career fair was put on by Cha tham-Kent Economic Development and the Goodwill Career Centre.

It’s the first job fair to be held in Chatham in three years.

When it comes to finding workers, the struggle is real and it’s an em

ployee’s market. The most recent data available dating back to August put the region’s unemployment rate at 5.1 per cent, however, there are many positions available with de cent starting wages.

Prangley-Roubos said Windmill Cabinet Shop, established in 1976, currently has 71 employees with three separate buildings. Some of the positions, such as that of a de signer, require post-secondary train ing, but the manufacturing side has openings for new employees start ing at $18 an hour.

The job also includes benefits, Prangley-Roubos said, and employ ees who show initiative are listened to and rewarded.

“This is a good place to work,” she added. “We’re like a family at Wind mill.”

The career fair saw a steady stream of job seekers of all ages. Harley O’Hara was one those eager to find work.

“I want to get my foot in the door somewhere,” the Chatham resident said. “I want to show what I can do for an employer.”

Shari McCutcheon and Evona

Dorozynska, who were helping man the booth for the Municipality of Cha tham-Kent, said there are plenty of jobs available. The health-care sector is hot.

“We are looking for any one in health care,” Mc Cutcheon said, adding RNs, RPNs and PSWs are in high demand.

Dorozynska, who works as a talent and acquisition

officer for Chatham-Kent, said the time was ripe for a career fair.

“It’s a really good idea and great for the commu nity,” she added.

According to economic development officer Rose marie Montgomery, the event was a big success with 538 jobseekers at tending.

“We are happy with the results,” she said.

Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice

Windmill Cabinet Shop administrator Lauree Prangley-Roubos looks over Harley O’Hara’s resume at last week’s job fair.

Opinion

Giving feels good

Mother Teresa once coined the phrase, “Give until it hurts.”

Well, perhaps we should all give until it feels good.

The need is strong across Chatham-Kent, and you can pick your charities of choice, as many are in need.

At this time of the year, local food banks seek donations to help fill their shelves with non-perishables and per sonal hygiene items, other operations are moving full-support-steam ahead to deliver assistance to others, and homelessness is a growing concern.

Everywhere you turn, you can see an organization that could benefit from your assistance in helping others in our community.

Analysis paralysis is a real possibility for people wondering where they can donate.

We’re here to say there is no bad option.

The Gift rolled through the munici pality, picking up donations of food and toys for those in need. This group is not affiliated with other organiza tions, but distributes food and toys for the holiday season where they see a perceived need.

The Chatham Goodfellows ramp up their fundraising efforts Nov. 28 with the annual Porchlight Campaign.

Leave your light on to ask a volunteer to stop by and accept your donation. Or visit cha thamgoodfellows.ca to donate online.

The Salvation Army and Out reach for Hunger are two of the local food bank organizations in our munic ipality. They are always in need of assistance, be it monetary or in actual food and supply donations. Foods rich in protein are always desired.

As for monetary donations, these folks peruse the grocery store flyers in an effort to stretch every dollar they receive.

Local churches have breakfast, lunch or dinner programs. They too can benefit from your donations.

Area service clubs have many pro grams in place to help in many ways, including in assisting women and children.

R.O.C.K. Missions volunteers deliver food and check on the wellbeing of our homeless on a regular basis.

These are but a few of the worthy organizations that could benefit from your support. The question, if you have the means, is not “Should you give,” but rather “To whom?” Do your homework and see what group best fits your ideals. You won’t be disappointed.

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A member of:

Where was the respect?

Editor: Bah, humbug!

We were barely past Halloween and people were already talking about Christmas!

Many people were eager to think of the festive season, but they have lost sight of a very important segment of our population. They forgot about all the Canadian soldiers who fought, suffered and died for their very freedom in the wars Canada participated in over the last century and a quarter.

They forgot who should be recognized for their freedom in the quest and haste to see colourful lights and hear the Christmas music.

To all those individuals who were forgetful and cannot wait for all I have mentioned above, I say, “Bah, humbug!”

Those forgetful people would not be able to have such a wonderful, happy time if our soldiers had not bravely endured all

the horrors war can be.

I say have a Christmas season but remember those who made it possible. I prepare for Christmas on Dec. 20 and everything is ready for Christmas Eve at that time.

Enjoy Christmas, but remember those who made it possible with their pain and sacrifice.

Wilber Smithson Chatham-Kent

What about seniors’ rights?

Editor: After so many meetings about turning the school on Murray Street here in Chatham into a homeless shelter, it should allow some people to get the help they need. However, behold the love ly brand new bridge on Third Street, which now has a homeless person camped underneath it. Plus a bike and goodness

knows what else.

It seems the police cannot move them on, or place them in this homeless shelter. They say it is against their rights.

Then I read all about the way seniors in hospi tals have been left with choices, either move to long-term care or be charged to stay in the

hospital. Where are their rights?

There’s some thing very wrong with our system today. Maybe all able-bodied seniors should go on a big protest like others have done. Maybe it might change.

Ruth Draper Chatham

Hit-and-run crumbles local family’s world

By Bird Bouchard Local Journalism Initiative

The Ridgetown Independent

A local family coping with the loss of their loved one is asking drivers use caution on the road.

Last month, Wendy Clark of Howard Township was hit by a passing vehicle as she was get ting out of her vehicle on Main Street in Ridgetown. Clark was seriously injured in an alleged hit-and-run and succumbed to her injuries in hospital two days later.

Rachel Mattsson, Clark’s daughter, said her mother’s common-law partner and her two-year-old nephew were in the car at the time of the colli sion.

The vehicle that hit Clark fled

the scene before authorities ar rived. However, witness state ments and surveillance video helped police locate the driver.

Mattsson got emotional speak ing at an event held by Cha tham-Kent police on the Na tional Day of Remembrance for Road Crash Victims on Nov. 16. The day is set aside annually to remember those killed or seri ously injured on Canada’s road ways.

Mattsson said the passing of her mother has left her entire family reeling. She said her mother was known as a kind and compas sionate person, willing to help anyone in need.

“Her sudden death has crum bled our family’s world. I think we’re just starting to feel this

now. It’s very tough, very tough. My mom was a super-talented lady, and we’re missing that now. She would do anything for anyone — the shirt off her back,” said Mattsson.

Continued on page 8

Bird Bouchard/Local Journalism Initiative/Ridgetown Independent News A National Day of Remembrance for Road Crash Victims was held Nov. 16, to remember the many people killed and seriously injured on the world’s roads and to acknowledge the suffering of all affected victims, families and communities. This year, Rachel Mattsson, the daughter of Wendy Clark, who died recently in Ridgetown due to a hit-and-run, spoke about her family’s experience. Pictured above, from left, are Const. Jason Herder, Rachel Mattsson, and Const. Josh Flikweert.

Crash victims, families remembered

Continued from page 7

She said it would have made a big difference if the driver had stayed at the scene after her moth er was hit.

“It would have made it feel like an accident, not

a crime,” she said. Mattsson praised police for making a quick arrest following the collision, adding it made a big dif ference to her and her family.

“Them making an arrest

as quickly as they did also changed our journey. I could get to the hospital and sit beside my mother and be positive because I knew that I didn’t have to worry about that. So I’m very, very grateful for

that,” she said. However, according to Const. Jason Herder, during some crash inves tigations, police officers don’t always have all the answers right away.

“There are times when a

collision is not so straight forward that we have maybe a video camera or a great eye witness,” he said. “The hardest part of the job is going to the fam ilies and breaking that news of what’s happened when you don’t have the answers just yet.”

“Our goal is to reduce that number (fatalities) to zero. That’s the goal. We don’t want to lose any lives on the roadways.”

- Const. Jason Herder

A 38-year-old Ridge town man was arrested and charged with failing to remain at a collision resulting in bodily harm, dangerous driving caus ing bodily harm and two related Highway Traffic Act offences in connec tion with the incident.

It’s anticipated that new charges will be laid against the accused fol lowing Clark’s death.

“There are still aspects of that investigation that are still ongoing,” Herder said at the Nov. 16 event. “The matter is before the courts.”

In addition to police

enforcement, Herder said public education and compliance are key. He noted that tragic in cidents also take a toll on officers and other emergency responders. He said of ficers often share the pain with the families of victims. According to Const. Josh Flikweert, driving is a privilege, not a right. He said decisions drivers make could have major impacts.

“Think about that before you step into your vehi cles,” he said.

According to C-K police, there have been 12 fatal ities on municipal roads in C-K this year, and 20 people have suffered se rious life-threatening in juries.

“Our goal is to reduce that number to zero. That’s the goal,” said Herder. “We don’t want to lose any lives on the roadways.”

CKCares to combat homelessness

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

The road to ending home lessness in Chatham-Kent begins with awareness. That’s the goal behind a new multi-media cam paign called CKCares. Its partners hope to build community support to end homelessness by de bunking myths, sharing resources and challenging stereotypes with accurate information.

“Our shared goal is to end homelessness in Cha tham-Kent,” said Polly Smith, director of employ ment and social services for the municipality. “We don’t want to have a need

for emergency shelters... we want Chatham-Kent to get to a place where every one who wants housing will get housing. We have a lot of work to get there and part of that work is building on the support in the community.”

The municipality pro vides emergency services and housing supports lo cally, including the oper ation of the Victoria Park Place shelter founded on Chatham’s east side earli er this year.

CKCares is part of the municipality’s strategy towards solving the prob lem.

“We want people to un derstand homelessness so they are more open to

understand the work we are doing to end it,” Smith said.

Homelessness isn’t going away and isn’t unique to Chatham-Kent. The hous ing crisis is Ontario wide as rents in the province have doubled in the last four years. The cost of everyday essentials such as gas and groceries have also risen dramatically, putting low-income peo ple in peril of losing their home.

According to Smith, in 2021 some 500 residents in Chatham-Kent experi enced homelessness. The rental vacancy rate sits at around one per cent local ly.

Continued on page 13

PEIFER REALTY INC. BROKERAGE

Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice Mayor Darrin Canniff, Chatham Coun. Marjorie Crew, Chatham-Kent’s director of employment and social services Polly Smith, R.O.C.K. Missions operations manager Renee Geniole and Hope Haven general manager Loree Bailey at the launch of CKCares recently. The multi-me dia campaign is designed to bring awareness to homelessness as a step towards ensuring everyone has a home in Chatham-Kent.

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

A new era of municipal gov ernment was ushered in Nov. 15 following the inauguration of the 2023-2026 Chatham-Kent council.

Held at the Capitol Theatre, the ceremony saw five new councillors take the official oath, along with 13 others who were returned to office.

Mayor Darrin Canniff, at the helm for his second term, said there’s plenty to look forward to in the next four years. “I want to start with how thrilled I am to be working with these 17 people,” Canniff said in his inaugural address. “They love the community. We are set up for success.”

Conor Allin, Lauren Anderson, Ryan Doyle, Rhonda Jubenville and Alysson Storey are the new faces joining veteran councillors

Michael Bondy, Anthony Cec cacci, Marjorie Crew, Amy Finn, Aaron Hall, Melissa Harrigan, Jamie McGrail, Brock McGre gor, Carmen McGregor, Steve Pinsonneault, Trevor Thomp son and John Wright. It won’t take long for the work to begin. Council was expected to meet face to face at the Cha tham Civic Centre Monday for the first in-person meeting since March 2020.

First up on the agenda are

the consideration of a five-year agreement to bring an inter county professional baseball team here and the establish ment of a public art policy.

Canniff told the gathering that growth is on the hori zon for Chatham-Kent, with many companies choosing to set up shop in the munic ipality and more looking to do so.

A vibrant agri-business community, good weather and great people are among the reasons people are drawn to Chatham-Kent, he explained.

Canniff said people who move here are “blown away” by the people of Cha tham-Kent.

“That is our biggest asset,” he stressed. “We celebrate di versity here. I want a culture here, that we accept people for whoever they are. That’s what we’re striving for. If we move together, we can make a fantastic community.”

Adding amenities, increas ing the number of public and private partnerships and addressing the need for affordable housing are other issues high on council’s todo list.

“There are huge opportuni ties to create an environment where people want to move here and stay here, Canniff noted, adding he wants his children and grandchildren to choose Chatham-Kent. However, he said munic ipal government needs the

public’s help.

Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice Chatham-Kent Mayor Darrin Canniff addresses the audience Nov. 15 at the swearing-in ceremony for the new municipal council.

Many factors impact homelessness

Continued from page 10

Four per cent is considered healthy for a community.

But the municipality’s efforts to support the homeless are producing results.

Last month, Smith said 21 people were housed with the municipality’s help, however, another 17 people fell into homelessness for the first time.

Officials say three new people in Chatham-Kent, or families, find themselves homeless for the first time every week.

The “common denominator” with residents becoming homeless, said Smith, is poverty and the lack of af fordable

The stereotype of the homeless is changing as well, she added, as more seniors and working people find themselves without shelter.

One story illustrating the impor tance of providing housing supports was discussed at the meeting. It in volved a man in his 60s who was employed as a machinist for most of his life. However, when his relation ship broke down, he found himself on the streets and unemployed be cause he couldn’t maintain his job while homeless.

He found a job and an apartment, but substance abuse reared its head and he found himself homeless again after being evicted. He then accessed services at the Victoria Park

Place shelter. The man was connect ed to a housing specialist and af ter several unsuccessful housing attempts due to substance use, he was connected to a substance abuse specialist and subsequently stopped using. He was successfully housed in September 2022 after months of uncertainty.

“He’s told us he’s very grateful for the services,” Smith noted, “but the real hero of the story is Jimmy (a pseudonym.) He did the hard work and heavy lifting,” staying the course.

Renee Geniole, operations co-or dinator of R.O.C.K. Missions, said changing misconceptions around the homeless is key.

“We are the boots on the ground going out and looking for people that for some reason are disconnect ed from social services, “ said Geni ole. “The overarching idea of what we do is build relationships.”

Many who find themselves home less have trauma, substance use and mental health issues, said Geniole, as well as “abject poverty.

“So, we want to find them and build relationships. We help them survive another day until they are ready to get back on that road to connecting again.

“What we do is hard, but we can’t do it without community,” Geniole said.

Windsor Symphony returns to Chatham

ences.

St. Andrew’s United Church is welcoming the Windsor Symphony Or chestra (WSO) back to Chatham after a two-year COVID hiatus.

The orchestra will pres ent its Musical Pictures concert in St. Andrew’s historic sanctuary on Nov. 25 at 7 p.m. The pro gram will be conducted by WSO’s Music Director Robert Franz who is pop ular with Chatham audi

The orchestra will per form Telemann’s Alster Echo Overture that refers to a lake outside Ham burg where Telemann lived and worked. In this overture, Telemann, who was a contemporary and friend of Johann Sebas tian Bach, paints a lake side picture for all to en joy.

Also on the program is Bach’s Ricercar a 6, more commonly known as Bach’s Musical Offering.

Tickets for the Chatham performance are avail able at St. Andrew’s Unit ed Church, 85 William St. S. inChatham, Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are $30 in ad vance and $35 at the door. Students are free.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. WSO will return on April 14 to perform its Serenading Strings con cert.

For info, contact 519-3520010 or standrewscha tham.org.

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The Chatham Voice

Contributed image

The Windsor Symphony Orchestra is set to play St. Andrew’s Church on Nov. 25.

Top marks Youth organizations team up for draw

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

All for one and one for all –that’s the mantra of a cluster of local groups that support Chatham-Kent youth.

Big Brothers Big Sisters Cha tham-Kent and three youth centres in the municipality have teamed up to offer a 5050 draw.

The draw, which takes place Dec. 1, benefits Big Broth ers Big Sisters, the Blenheim Youth Centre, the Dresden Sidestreets Youth Centre and Tilbury Solid Rock Café Youth Centre.

Amanda Clark, executive di rector of Big Brothers Big Sis ters C-K (BBBS), said it was past the time for the groups to work together.

“We (BBBS) have done 5050s in the past. We’ve been successful. We have just start ed to reach a point where collaboration makes more sense,” she said. “It makes sense on so many levels. It’s good for the agency, and so we can all work together rath er than against each other.”

All four organizations serve youth across the municipality by providing programming

to help youth succeed. These programs help build relation ships, life skills, and indepen dence.

Clark said the pandemic cre ated several challenges for youth, particularly separation from friends and mentors, so cial isolation, and impacts on mental health. While restric tions on schools and indoor gatherings are largely gone, the impacts from the past few years will be felt into the fu ture.

“We saw a huge need for additional youth program ming,” she said. “Kids are still struggling and we’re doing what we can to help bridge some of those gaps. In 2020, we started partnering with youth centres across Cha tham-Kent to deliver activity boxes to keep kids engaged while at home.”

Those partnerships remain in 2022 as all four organiza tions struggle to find funding to provide additional pro gramming.

“We’re all doing the same work, so there’s no sense competing for the same dol lars,” Clark said. “We can work together to raise the money. Pool resources, pool

our knowledge. We’re serv ing the same kids.”

The team effort has been ap preciated.

“Working with Big Brothers Big Sisters showed us how many more youth we can reach when we work togeth er and share resources,” Em ily Robert, executive director of the Blenheim Youth Cen tre, said in a media release. “Our organizations are expe riencing similar changes and challenges, so it makes sense for us to tackle some of these problems together.”

Response to the draw has been C-K typical – a slow start, but momentum is build ing.

“Much like any 50-50 draw, people tend to do things at the last minute,” Clark said. “We’re still getting out there and doing the best we can. We’ll grow.”

She expects to have great success selling tickets at the Dresden Night Market. Tickets can be purchased online at big5050foryouth.ca or in person at the Blenheim Youth Centre, the Dresden Sidestreets Youth Centre, and the Tilbury Solid Rock Café Youth Centre.

SWOSSA champs No masking mandate in C-K

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

The province is encouraging – but not mandating – indoor masking, and Chatham-Kent is following suit.

Medical officer of health Dr. David Colby announced last week he has no plans of bringing a mandate back and will instead heed the advice of Ontario’s chief medical of ficer of health who is “strong ly recommending” Ontario residents wear masks in all indoor settings.

Dr. Kieran Moore made the comments at a media con ference Nov. 14, saying the health system is facing “ex traordinary pressures” as COVID-19 continues to cir culate and the earlier than normal rise of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and in fluenza.

Moore called the trio of ill nesses a “triple threat” to the population, noting “collec tive action” is needed to pro tect the most vulnerable.

Colby said that wearing a mask works better at contain ing disease than they do pro tecting the wearer.

“That means masking works best when everyone is wear ing them,” Colby said.

Noting that there is a “very high burden of respirato ry diseases” locally and throughout the province, Chatham-Kent Public Health is keeping a close eye on mortality data and hospital crowding. As well, Colby said other health-care protections need to be at the forefront.

“We must not forget the other public health mea sures such as vaccination (COVID-19 and influenza,)” he said.

Avoiding indoor crowding,

social distancing in indoor public areas, proper and frequent hygiene and dai ly screening for respiratory symptoms are tools to stop the spread. Individuals that are not feeling well are ad vised to stay home.

But even though Ontar io hasn’t imposed a prov ince-wide mandate, one neighbouring municipality has put a mandate in place. Essex County is now requir ing masks to be worn indoors at all of its facilities.

The province’s lack of en forcement on masking has been soundly criticized by many leading physicians in Ontario as respiratory disease is clogging pediatric hospi tals, delaying critical surger ies and treatments.

COVID-19 claimed another life in Chatham-Kent in the past week, bringing the total number of deaths to 91.

All in the family for Andersons

son getting the nod for 2022.

A brother and sister from the Ridgetown area are mak ing history, winning back-toback Youth Agriculturist of the Year awards for 2021 and 2022.

Morgan Anderson was cho sen to receive the award for 2021, with Mitchell Ander

The awards recognizing the siblings’ contribution to ag riculture will be part of the Chatham-Kent Chamber of Commerce’s 76th annual Ru ral Urban Awards to be held at the John D. Bradley Con vention Centre Nov. 23.

Other agriculture leaders on the award list are Walla

ceburg’s Dennis DeBot, who is being recognized as Agri culture Innovator of the Year, and Ken McEwan of Cha tham will receive the Friend of Agriculture award.

The Agriculturist of the Year award goes to Danny Ellis of Wallaceburg posthumously. The ceremony will begin with a reception at 6 p.m.

PORCHLIGHT CAMPAIGN

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2022

Please leave your porchlight on to donate. Donate toys, food, cash or e-transfer to: donate@chathamgoodfellows.ca

Contributed image The Chatham Christian School Flames show off their hardware after sweep ing Lajeunesse Nov. 14 to win SWOSSA. They are, from left, assistant coach Mark Wiersma, Brian Klassen, Calvin VanKesteren, Nicola Tamma, JT Scott, Dylan Kloostra, Braden Luth, Caleb Sloan, Zach Hoogstad, Josh Douma, Jerry Zomerman, Oliver Shepherd, and coach Richard Koomans.

The Chatham Voice

Community Events

Thursday, November 24, 2022:

• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open from 11:00am-9:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch 11:30am–1:30pm. Check out our daily specials. Senior Euchre starts at 1:00pm. Everyone is welcome.

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

• Downtown Chatham’s Home 4 The Holidays - Christmas Open House. Businesses will be open from 10am-8pm and offer their own activities and specials.

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

• Panzerotti Special at the Merlin Legion Br. 465, 2 Stanley Street Merlin.

Friday, November 25, 2022:

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

• Windsor Symphony Orchestra presents “Musical Pictures” at St. Andrew’s United Church, Chatham at 7pm. WSO returns to perform Telemann’s Alster Echo Overture. Advance tickets $30 available at the church office or $35 at the door. Students free. For further information call 519-352-0010 or www.standrewschatham.org.

• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open from 11:00am-9:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch from 11:30am-1:30pm. Supper served 4:00–6:00pm. 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 7:00 p.m. Everyone Welcome.

• Lasagna with Caesar salad and garlic bread at the Merlin Legion Br. 465, 2 Stanley Street Merlin.

Saturday, November 26, 2022:

• Morning Breakfast Program at First Presbyterian Church (corner of Fifth St. and Wellington). A delicious and nutritious break fast served free of charge from 9:30am-10:30am. Take out only.

• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open from 11:00am-9:30pm. Meat draw at 3:30, 4:30 and 5:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch from 3:005:30pm. Entertainment by Allan James from 4:30-9:30. Come check out our menu. Everyone Welcome.

• Kitchen menu at the Merlin Legion Br. 465, 2 Stanley Street Merlin.

• It’s back, that great brunch at the Chatham Granite Curling Club, 41 William St. N. from 10:30am12:30pm. All you can eat for only $15 for adults, $6 for kids ages 4-12 and free for under 4 years.

Monday, November 28, 2022:

• The Ontario Bar Association marks November as “Make a Will Month” each year. Join us at Chatham-Kent Public Library for a free virtual legal information session presented by lawyer Doug Ferguson in partnership with the Ontario Bar Association. This virtual presentation will be offered at 6:30pm. Registration and an email address are required. Please register to attend this free online information session through Ask CKPL: By phone – 519-354-2940. By text – 519-401-7174. By email – cklibrary@chatham-kent.ca. By Facebook chat - @ckplibrary. To find out more about programs and events at Chatham-Kent Public Library, visit www.ckpl.ca.

Tuesday, November 29, 2022:

• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open from 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. Euchre or Shuf fleboard at 7:00pm. Everyone is welcome.

• Join Randa Speller for a Medita tion Circle at 7:30pm on Tuesdays. Drop in, beginners welcome. Suggested $10 donation benefits the maintenance and upkeep of Sati Hall. 530 Victoria Ave.

Wednesday, November 30, 2022:

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

Thursday, December 1, 2022:

• Panzerotti Special at the Merlin Legion Br. 465, 2 Stanley Street Merlin.

Friday, December 2, 2022:

• Merlickin’ pork chops with scalloped potatoes, vegetable, bun and dessert at the Merlin Legion Br. 465, 2 Stanley Street Merlin.

• Join Wallaceburg writer John Gardiner and Chatham singer/ songwriter Julie Ross for an evening of words and music at the Turns and Tales Board Game Café at 7:30 p.m. It promises to be a warm, intimate event where Gardiner will read from his original writings and Ross will present a wonderful collection of tunes woven through the author’s stories. This is a free event, but the hat will be passed and there will be merchandise for sale just in time for the Christmas season.

Are you affected by someone else’s drinking? Al-anon can help! Callleave message - 519-350-3462

The Sale Continues . . . It’s going to look a lot like Christmas. We have many wonderful Christmas items just in time for your decorating fun and holiday celebrations! St Vincent de Paul Thrift Store. 80 King St. East. Chatham. Monday to Saturday. Open 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 519-354-0410.

Submit your coming events to bruce@chathamvoice.com or michelle@chathamvoice.com

CLUES ACROSS

Greek mountain

Fun Stuff

One dependent on something

Glazed ceramic ware

Paddling

Step

More greasy

Upper-class young woman

Light beige

Belief in a supreme being

Indigenous people of Scandinavia

A beloved princess

“This Is Us” star Fitch

Battery cell with a nickel alode

Remains of an old building

Exist

It gets you into places

Witness

The spreading of a disease to another part of the body

Lute used in N. Indian music

Mirabel shouldn’t talk about him

Angelo Tourlas, DD

Classifieds

Love

Danny McGaffey Nov. 23, 2018 - Nov. 23, 2022

Robyn Trudell

For Sale

Elizabeth Marchand

60, Thursday, November 17 2022

Life Transitions

Shane Parker 38, Monday, November 14, 2022

Alexander & Houle Funeral Home

Four years ago you left us. Remembering you is easy, we do it everyday. Missing you is the hard part, it never goes away. There will always be a heartache and many silent tears.

But always precious memories, that will last throughout the years.

Lovingly remembered by Mary Jane, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

At the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on Sunday November 13th, 2022, Robyn Trudell of Chatham passed away in her 59th year. Cherished daughter of Jim and Betty Trudell. Loving sister of Jamie Trudell of Chatham and Elizabeth Raymond of Paisley. Special aunt of Ethan Raymond, Samantha Trudell, Elijah Raymond and Daylene Trudell. She will be missed by several aunts, uncles, and cousins. Predeceased by her brother-in-law Al Raymond.

Wanted

Wanted to Buy: Antiques, costume jewellery, gold, silver, coins, military, furniture, tools. We Buy All - Paid Cash. 519-727-8894.

ANTIQUE, COLLECTIBLE AND TOOL AUCTION

Saturday, December 3rd, 2022

Harrow Portuguese Club, 398 Sinasac Street West, Harrow Ontario

Preview: 8:00am, Auction Starts: 9:00am Luncheon Counter No Buyer’s Premium!!!

Pedal Car, Pedal Tractor, Royal Doulton Collection, Hummels, Large amount of power and hand tools, stacking bookcase, crystal, roosters, small table, bar fridge, lamps, stained glass windows, large amount of vintage stereo equipment, vintage G.I. Joe’s with accessories & outfits, Star Wars figure & vehicles, curio cabinet, large amount of costume jewelry, dish set, video games & systems, mannequin, large rooster, beer signs, records, die-cast cars & trucks, arrow heads, Featherweight sewing machine, penny collection. WITH MANY MORE CHRISTMAS GIFTS TO BE DISCOVERED. COLLECTOR’S DREAM AUCTION! Complete listing with pictures go to: www.murrayknappauctions.com

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

BUYING coin collections and silver coins. Any questions call Paul 289-228-2817.

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday Kwalin!

Rosa Mae Mills 71, Monday, November 14, 2022 McKinlay Funeral Home

Rose Campbell 85, Thursday, November 10, 2022 McKinlay Funeral Home

Darlene Libert 78, Friday, November 11, 2022 McKinlay Funeral Home

Lilian Davey 82, Tuesday, November 15, 2022

Alexander & Houle Funeral Home

Lillian Buckley 100, Tuesday, November 15, 2022

Alexander & Houle Funeral Home

Nancy Swatkow

Wednesday, November 16, 2022

November 22 Love your family!

Christmas Trees

We’ve Moved!

Miller Christmas Trees! Now located on Hwy#2 at Travellers Motel (7715 Queens Line). 500’ West of Bloomfield Rd. 10:00am-7:00pm. $35 and up. Call 519-437-1008 for more info.

Seeking Companion

Divorced 78 year old non-smoking gentleman seeking local non-smoking lady in 70’s for companionship & friendship for local social activities including walks, card playing, conversation & other fun activities. Please answer to PO Box 513, Chatham, ON N7M 5K6.

Ministry

Healing Love Ministry is an all night prayer line with counsellors available from 12:00am-7:00am. Also, a male support group for those struggling with sexual addiction. A home based ministry, private and confidential. 519-354-3532.

Clara Watson 91, Saturday, November 12, 2022 McKinlay Funeral Home

Joyce Elizabeth Hall 79, Wednesday, November 17, 2022 McKinlay Funeral Home

Eileen Sheppy 93, Thursday, November 17, 2022 McKinlay Funeral Home

David Hills 77, Saturday, November 12, 2022 Alexander & Houle Funeral Home

Robyn Trudell 59, Sunday, November 13, 2022 Alexander & Houle Funeral Home

Patrica Bishop 77, Sunday, November 13, 2022 Alexander & Houle Funeral Home

Alexander & Houle Funeral Home

Daryl Ayers

44, Wednesday, November 16, 2022

Nicholls Funeral Home

Betty Falconer 76, Tuesday, November 1, 2022

Blenheim Community Funeral Home

Ruth McDougall 83, Tuesday, November 1, 2022

Blenheim Community Funeral Home

William “Willy” Wauthier

Coins This weeks puzzles answers. Puzzle on page 18

Wednesday, November 16, 2022 Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home