The Chatham Voice, Dec. 1, 2022

On display

More well testing needed: Benn

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

A local geologist who sat on an expert panel advis ing the province on its re cent all-hazard water well study in North Kent says the parameters of the in vestigation fell short.

According to Dr. Keith Benn, the Ministry of Health probe failed to ex amine the ultra-fine sedi ment of the 61 wells sam pled in the study.

In fact, no sediment sam ples were taken at all.

“If there was somewhere where somebody serious ly dropped the ball in the whole investigation, this is where it was dropped,” Benn said.

The independent consul tant’s comments came at a public meeting.

Continued on page 2

Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice

store in Wallaceburg recently. Along with a number of students, Selena Finley helped decorate the shop’s windows with all things Christmas. The non-profit store raises funds for Wallaceburg Christian School. Finley has four children who attend the school.

‘Somebody seriously dropped the ball’

Continued from page 1 Held at the Grace Chris tian Church Hall in the former Dover Township Nov. 20, the meeting was a review of the all-haz ard study released earlier this year.

Around 40 people gath ered to hear Benn’s anal ysis and to discuss next steps in North Kent’s on going water well saga.

Benn told the group that because the sediment was not examined, it remains unknown if carcinogenic heavy metals that exist are bio-accessible – harm ful – to humans who con

sume the water.

“The smaller the parti cle the more there is po tential for toxicity,” he explained.

Benn said the expert panel learned there was no collection of sediment after the fact. The pan el also had no input on what wells were stud ied which only included wells in the vicinity of the North Kent 1 wind project.

The province contracted Englobe to carry out the investigation, which con cluded “there were no wide-spread health risks”

identified even though there was a 300-per-cent increase in turbidity from baseline testing taken in 2017. But it also recom mended further study should be done.

The North Kent 1 wind farm consists of 34 wind turbines in an agricultur al area that is underlain by an interface aquifer providing water in do mestic wells. The aquifer is composed primarily of sands and gravels, as well as glacial till derived from the underlying bedrock geological for mation known as Kettle Point black shale.

Area residents have long complained their water was negatively impacted following the construc tion and operation of the

wind farm. Dover area wells were excluded from the all-hazard study, even though there are many wells with severe turbidi ty problems.

The first five turbines were built around Dover Centre in 2007, followed by construction of the East St. Clair Wind Farm in the former Dover Township in 2012-2013.

Meeting organizer Christine Burke, who lives in Dover with a well that produces black water, denounced all lev els of government, not ing Premier Doug Ford in 2018 had promised a health hazard study of the wells.

Photocopies of the let ter from Ford, dated May

5, 2018, committing to a health-hazard study, were distributed at the meeting. Burke said she feels abandoned by all lev els of government and said that people are still drinking water that could be toxic.

“I feel for people who may be drinking water that is harmful to them,” Burke said.

However, Burke and her husband Terry decided to take further action. They had their well water test ed by an accredited lab in Michigan that included the health hazard param eters.

When the sediment was analyzed, it showed that potentially toxic metals, including antimony, ar senic, barium, cadmium, lead and nickel were present in what Benn calls “rather high” con centrations, noting fur ther sampling of the well water and sediment is warranted to determine if these metals are bio ac cessible.

The Burkes, along with

Benn, encourage affect ed residents to get their wells tested so they can present the collective re sults to the government.

Burke said she would help other property own ers pay for the testing, which costs around $600 US, by crowdfunding through Go Fund Me or Give Send Go.

“If you know anybody who wants to do this, we can work together,” Burke said. “We can get this done.”

Benn said there is strength in numbers, adding the tests will pro vide proof.

“Somebody’s going to have to take responsibil ity,” Benn stated. “We’re getting to the point where it’s becoming more and more difficult for government to shrug their shoulders and turn away.”

Benn is hopeful he can speak with municipal government on the issue, noting he hopes the mu nicipality will reach out to the province for addi tional help.

It’s a giving season in C-K

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

Even after three itera tions of The Gift, organiz er Brent Wilken continues to be amazed at the giv ing nature of the people of Chatham-Kent.

“It was amazing. I was just blown away by the community,” he said of the Nov. 19 event where volunteers went down streets across the munic ipality, gathering dona tions of toys and food left on front porches by local residents.

“This was a whole new level of working togeth er,” Wilken added. He estimated upwards of 2,000 volunteers took part in the gathering of items.

There were depots set up in communities across the municipality, making quantifying exactly what

was donated difficult, Wilken said, The laid back approach also made it hard to pin point how many volun teers were part of the day.

“At least half of the vol unteers didn’t sign up. For example in Erieau, two volunteers signed up and they had 40 turn out.”

Volunteers come from all walks of life, Wilken said, including those in need.

“We had a homeless individual who volun teered on Saturday. She worked her butt off,” he said.

Wilken said of the goods donated, it appears there is a decent blend of need ed items.

“It was a good mix. We were short on items for teens, but otherwise it was great,” he said. “It seems like a healthy mix between toys, food and

hygiene stuff, good for a complete Christmas.”

There are gaps, however, but the sharing nature of The Gift helps minimize them.

“It’s hard to quantify with so many drop lo cations, and many com munities self manage. Blenheim managers Blen heim, for example,” he said. “We try to commu nicate and work together as much as possible. If one area is short on some thing and another has a surplus, there is sharing. We just communicate the need and it ends up hap pening.”

Being on hand during the drop offs was hum bling, Wilken said, “There were hundreds of cars with trunks jammed full. Each bag – someone clearly thought of an in dividual,” he said. “One might be for a 90-year-old

woman, for example.”

The Gift set up shop inside the former Sears building. Wilken said the allotted floor space went from empty to full in about two hours, as up wards of 100 volunteers helped empty the arriv ing vehicles.

In the coming days, the process shifts from gathering to delivering. Wilken said the focus is on identifying who can benefit and helping them access needed items.

“Who do you know that is in need that is not go ing to get help otherwise?

You can come here and get it for them, or you can get them here and they can choose,” he said. “It’s all about getting the job done.”

Wilken discounts critics who say The Gift is open to abuse.

Contributed image

The Gift volunteer Jamar Bonnell is all smiles as he and other volunteers were inundated with donations during the annual gathering effort of the organization Nov. 19. Behind him are some of the items collected by volunteers and donated by residents of Chatham.

Council approves new ball team

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

The Municipality of Chatham-Kent has agreed to play ball with a new Intercounty Baseball League team.

On Nov. 21, council ap proved the signing of a five-year deal with a pro

fessional team that will call Chatham’s Fergie Jenkins Field home.

The team is starting off strong with baseball leg end Jenkins agreeing to act as the club’s honorary president.

Council’s vote was unanimous but came af ter a lengthy discussion mainly involving base

ball outreach possibilities and how increased costs will be covered.

Annual operating costs for the team are in the neighbourhood of around $82,000 minus $9,000 for revenues to be paid by the team. The team will pay $9,000 per year for the duration of the agree ment and will charge ad mission for games.

The venture will see capital costs of $195,500, including the purchase of equipment that needs to be installed prior to the 2024 season. That in cludes new bleachers at a cost of $120,000.

The team will utilize the facilities at Memorial Arena as part of the deal.

The initial capital fund ing will come from the Hydro One Communi ty Benefit Contribution Reserve; however, the agreement means annual funding from the munici pality is pre-approved for the duration of the con tract.

C-K Parks, Recreation and Cemeteries director Rob Pollock told council the new team will gener ate more upkeep for all of Chatham’s baseball facil ities.

“This is increasing our capacity so much that we have to increase our equipment,” Pollock said, noting a new seasonal full-time employee will be hired to handle the

grooming and mainte nance of Fergie Jenkins Park. Other baseball di amonds will also require increased maintenance as teams that had previously used Fergie Jenkins Field will need to relocate when the IBL team is playing or practising.

In February 2020, team owner Dom Dinelle ap proached Chatham-Kent administration about establishing an IBL fran chise in the municipality. However, the idea was put on the back burner due to COVID-19, but re surfaced earlier this year.

Established in 1919, the current league operates under similar rules as Ma jor League Baseball and

has eight teams. Many professional players, in cluding Chatham’s own Fergie Jenkins, played in the league before going on to the majors.

Mayor Darrin Canniff said the team’s owner is committed to outreach across the municipality, whether it be going into schools, or other pro grams.

The new team will play 40-plus games during the regular season with 20 taking place in Chatham.

The move has been en dorsed by Chatham Mi nor Baseball Association. A deputation from pres ident Jason Chickowski supporting the team was read out at the meeting.

Team effort leads to success of The Gift

Continued from page 3

“It’s just not the environment to abuse. It’s an environment to work

together,” he said, adding each per son comes in and has, in essence, a personal shopper with them.

“Does abuse still happen? I guess it’s possible, but each person gets that individual attention.”

Wilken said he’s seen people search out the perfect gift for their child, sometimes perusing items for up to two hours to select items.

“It’s for a loved one. They’ll spend a ton of time doing it. You just know

when they leave here, the item is likely to be cherished,” he said.

At the end of the day, Wilken said The Gift is an extension of what C-K is all about.

“I think we are all realizing that it’s pretty amazing what Cha tham-Kent residents can accom plish. And that is pretty darned wicked,” he said with a laugh. “We are so blessed to live in such an amazing community.”

$100-M lawsuit over Wheatley

Six plaintiffs sue municipality, HSE Integrated over explosion, gas leaks

A $100-million class action lawsuit has been filed against the Munic ipality of Chatham-Kent and HSE Integrated Ltd. relating to the Wheatley explosion that occurred Aug. 26, 2021.

Filed in the Superior Court of Justice in Cha tham on Nov. 18, the ac tion claims the blast was “caused by the negli gence” of the named de fendants.

Windsor law firm Stros berg Sasso Sutts filed the suit on behalf of six Wheatley plaintiffs. A breakdown of the dam ages sought in the 29page suit include $60 million for general damages, $20 million for special dam ages; $10 million in ag gravated damages and $10 million in punitive damages.

Two buildings were heavily damaged in the 2021 blast on Erie Street and 20 people were in jured, ac cording to previously published reports. A gas de tection alarm had gone off at 4:30 p.m. the day of the explosion, and first re sponders were in the process of extending the evacuation area when the

blast rocked the town at around 6 p.m. A state of emergency had been declared by Mayor Darrin Canniff in June 2021, after hy drogen sulfide gas was detected in Wheatley’s downtown. Some homes and businesses were then evacuated.

In September 2021, Pre mier Doug Ford and then Natural Resources Minis ter Greg Rickford visited the blast area and met with municipal officials.

In a joint statement to media, the pair stated the province had the backs of the families and busi nesses affected in the in cident.

An intensive investiga tion was launched after the explosion. That probe discovered three wells in the vicinity of the blast. Complex mitigation work began to plug the wells in order to prevent further disaster.

The work was complet ed earlier this year, how

ever, an evacuation zone remains in place with some families and busi nesses still unable to ac cess their properties.

The municipality was served with the suit Nov. 22.

“We received it and it will now go before the courts,” Mayor Canniff stated.

None of the allegations put forward in the suit have been proven or test ed in court.

“We received it and it will now go before the courts.”

- Mayor Darrin Canniff

Opinion

More must be done

“Somebody seriously dropped the ball.”

When a member of the ex pert panel that advised the Ford government on its recent all-hazard water well study in North Kent makes that statement, something is certainly amiss.

Dr. Keith Benn, a local geologist who was a member of the panel, spoke at a Nov. 20 gathering in North Kent to review the all-hazard study. He’s also written letters to the editor to this newspaper voicing concerns that more investigation is warranted in the well water quality in North Kent, and the potential impact the construction and operation of wind turbines in the area has had on the local aquifer that feeds those well.

Benn, respected by the province to the extent officials gave him a seat on the panel, said the Ministry of Health probe failed to examine the ultra-fine sediment of the 61 wells sampled in the study.

“If there was somewhere where somebody seriously dropped the ball in the whole investigation, this is where it was dropped,” Benn said at the Nov. 20 public meeting.

This is quite telling, as the Ford government has failed to live up to its promise. In 2018, while stumping for office, Doug Ford pledged to have a

health-hazard investigation done into the well water situation in North Kent.

Well, he was elected, and then dragged his feet for a couple of years. When the province finally took action, it was more of a broad-brush approach, and employed companies who do a great deal of work for the wind farm corporations to gather information.

And it appears that information was gathered selectively. Why else were there no sediment samples taken?

Anyone viewing the water coming out of these wells – which owners stress were just fine prior to the pile-driving and operation of the wind turbines in the area, can tell there is a great deal of particulate suspended in the water.

Is some of that made up of carcino genic heavy metals, known to exist in Kettle Point black shale, on which the aquifer exists? If so, are the metals transferring to those who drink the water?

Too few answers were provided and too few questions asked during the all-hazard investigation.

When you have a panel member, and even the Ministry called for further studies, the government must take notice. And it must do so in a timely manner.

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A member of:

Pleasant payment surprise

Editor: About three weeks ago, Loretta and I were in Maple City Bak ery having lunch, and an other couple were having lunch also. We got into a conversation with them. Now, we didn’t know these people and had never seen them before. These folks left before we did, and when we left, I went to pay our bill and one of the waitresses told us the other couple had paid our bill.

We were surprised. I told Joe, the owner, and he too

was surprised. He has good customers and fan tastic people who work for him.

The same experi ence happened to Loretta at Food Basics a few days before. A lady paid for the few groceries she had bought because her bank card wouldn’t work. This store has some good customers and employees also.

Since COVID started, the world has been turned upside down and every

one has been hit with high prices for food and gasoline. This needs to stop.

Once again thanks to you good people who paid us a good gesture of human kindness. We need more deeds of kindness and love for our fellow human beings. Right now the whole world needs it.

David Hamilton & Loretta Hope Chatham-Kent

Better enforcement or speed bumps?

Editor: We have become accustomed to roaring, noisy vehicle engines and their speeding drivers on Chatham’s streets, activity which is apparently ignored entirely by local and provincial police alike.

Only once have I seen police stopping traffic on southbound St. Clair Street, near Paxton Drive, where there are easy pickings as the speed limit drops from 60 to 50 km/h. They spent all of

an afternoon at it, as far as I’m aware.

The lack of enforcement seems to encourage this kind of behaviour on our own residential street – and for all I know, many others –where we endure noise and speeding on a daily basis. Neighbours have complained before, to which police allegedly respond “We’re too busy.”

Perhaps.

But I was deeply dis-

turbed to see the same concrete cowboys speeding up and down this street repeatedly on Halloween as I sat on my front porch shelling out for dozens of children making their way from house to house.

If police are too busy to deal with this sort of thing, perhaps more speed bumps on residential streets are in order?

Marcel Gautreau Chatham

Sylvia Moffat** 519-355-8189

Ghassan Najjar** 519-355-8668

Heather Najjar** 519-355-8666

Cass Opiela* 519-355-7804

Chris Papple* 519-350-1402

Brian Peifer** 519-436-2669

Elizabeth Peifer* 519-436-8959

Patrick Pinsonneault** 519-360-0141

Chris Polley* 905-903-0505

Katherine Rankin* 226-542-2964

Deborah Rhodes* 519-401-5470

Brandice Smith* 226-626-4838

David Smith* 519-350-1615

Ron Smith* 519-360-7729

Michael Smyth* 519-784-5470

Chris Spafford* 519-917-2635

Kate Stenton* 519-436-8377

Carson Warrener* 519-809-2856

Cindy Weaver** 519-360-0628

Ashley Wilton* 519-437-7564

Elliot Wilton* 519-358-8755

Penny Wilton** 519-360-0315

Lisa Zimmer* 519-365-7325

Body identified

The Chatham Voice

The OPP have identified the body found at the side of Highway 40 back in mid-September.

The deceased is identi fied as Matthew Hewer, 41, of Chatham.

The OPP continue to in vestigate the events that led to the discovery of the deceased on Hwy. 40

between Pine Line and Eberts Line in the predawn hours of Sept. 19. Investigators are look ing to speak with any member of the public who may have observed a northbound white hatch back passenger vehicle or an individual walking in the area on Sept. 19 be tween 5:30 a.m. and 6:30 a.m.

Veteran aid

Feedback sought

displays.

The Municipality of Chatham-Kent is asking residents what recreation al and cultural projects they would like to see de veloped throughout the community.

Ideas can range from more sports fields, skate parks and splash pads to sculptures and public art

To share your ideas and vote, visit letstalkcha tham-kent.ca/recreationand-art-wish-list.

Use the map on the site to identify the communi ty and ward in which you live.

Results will be shared with the public in the coming weeks. Voting will be open until Dec. 9.

The Chatham Voice

Agriculturalists honoured in C-K

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

Mitchell and Morgan Ander son aren’t certain what the fu ture holds, but they know they will both be choosing a career in agriculture.

The siblings, who are both studying the subject at the Uni versity of Guelph, said they were inspired by positive role models they had growing up on a 200-acre farm near Ridge town.

It all began with them riding

in the fields with their grandpa, helping grandma in the garden and playing with toy tractors their parents’ brought home. Their ongoing passion for all things agriculture was rec ognized Nov. 23 at the Cha tham-Kent Chamber of Com merce Rural Urban Awards. Held at the John D. Bradley Centre in Chatham, the event saw five people receive awards, one posthumously.

Mitchell, 18, was named Youth Agriculturist of the Year for 2022, while his older sis ter Morgan, 20, received the

same award in 2021. However, she was unable to receive the award last year, as the ceremo nies weren’t held because of pandemic restrictions.

The sister and brother have always been closely associated with the agriculture business. Their parents work in the sec tor, they both belonged to 4-H and they each help on their un cle’s dairy farm.

Both recently attended the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto, where they showed cattle and where Mitchell also groomed cattle.

Morgan, now in her third year at Guelph, said attending universi ty with others interested in agriculture has been a great experience.

“You find your people there,” she added. “It’s a lot of fun to be part of a group where everyone has the same passion.”

Three other awards were also presented.

Wallaceburg’s Dennis DeBot was named Agri culture Innovator of the Year for building a stateof-the-art grain-drying system that has made

got the nod for the same award for 2022. Sue Boyle accepted the Agri culturist of the Year award for fiancée Danny Ellis posthumously. Dennis DeBot was named Agriculture Innovator of the Year and Ken McEwan received the Friend of Agriculture award.

his 6,000-plus-acre farm 70 per cent more efficient.

Another Wallaceburg area resident was recognized post humously. Crop fertility expert Danny Ellis, who passed away in March, was named Agricul turist of the Year. The award was accepted by his fiancée Sue Boyle.

The 2022 Friend of Agriculture

Award went to Ken McEwan. A professor at the University of Guelph Ridgetown Cam pus and formerly the campus director, McEwan has taught thousands of students over the course of his career. An econo mist by trade, McEwan said it’s important for urban dwellers to support farmers and agricul ture.

Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice There were smiles all around at the Chatham-Kent Chamber of Com merce’s 76th Annual Rural Urban Awards held last week at the John D. Bradley Centre. From left, accepting the award for Youth Agriculturist of the Year, 2021, is Morgan Anderson; while her brother Mitchell Anderson

Arts policy approved

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

Whether it’s to invoke beauty or provoke thought, more public art is in the works for Chatham-Kent.

At its Nov. 21 meeting, council ap proved the creation of the munici pality’s first ever public art policy.

The decision was reached follow ing a presentation by Heather Slater, manager of arts and culture for Cha tham-Kent.

Input from the public will be crit ical to the process, Slater said, as “consultation is absolutely key to a successful public art program.

“Public art is for – and often about – the community in which it lives, and to be impactful, it relies on the input of individuals from those communities,” she said, noting the feedback gathered thus far has been “extremely supportive” of public art.

“Internal and external consulta tion will continue to guide us as we build a public art program for Cha

tham-Kent,” Slater added, stressing that this will be a key component of each new public art call.

A survey on public art is now avail able on the municipality’s webpage Let’s Talk CK. Officials are encour aging feedback so the policy can bet ter address the new policy.

“We’re looking for input on how to create a public art program unique to Chatham-Kent,” Slater added.

Council also approved the creation of a public art reserve. Funds of $33,826 from the divestment of the Blenheim Heritage House are to go to the reserve, along with an annual allocation of $40,000 from the Tek Savvy bridge sponsorship fund for public art programming in 2024 and 2025.

Next steps for the policy include the creation and initial meetings of core committees; the creation of a manual and guidelines for public art in private development; launch of the initial public art call for com pletion in 2023-24; development of a public art master plan and ongoing public consultation.

Four inducted into Kent Ag Hall of Fame

The past week saw the induction of four well-known names into the Kent Agricultural Hall of Fame. The four, who have worked tire lessly as innovators and promoters of agriculture, were recognized at a ceremony at Hidden Hills Golf Club Nov.22.

Chatham-Kent’s famed Kim Coo per, the “AgGuy” columnist who worked for more than 40 years as a tireless promoter of Chatham-Kent agriculture, was welcomed to the hall of fame. Cooper worked as an advisor to the municipality for many years and helped develop the “We Grow for the World” campaign.

Former Raleigh Township Reeve George Denys was recognized by the hall of fame for his many roles in agriculture, including helping to create crop insurance for farmers.

Always advocating for agricul ture, the vegetable farmer was in strumental in establishing a labour force for vegetable and fruit grow ers. He was also an early supporter of the Corn Producer’s Association.

Dresden-area innovator Dennis Jackson was also inducted. He’s the founder of Jackson Seed Service and a pioneer in the field of food-grade soybeans, shipping to 10 countries around the world. Jackson is a sup porter of many community projects and a humorous promoter of local agriculture through his “Soybean Man” YouTube channel.

The name of the late Dr. Ron Pit blado, who passed away in 2009, was also added to the hall of fame.

Pitblado was known as a pest man agement specialist who shared his knowledge with thousands of stu dents at the University of Guelph Ridgetown campus.

The Chatham Voice

Chatham-Kent council against Bill 23

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

The municipality has added its voice to the chorus concerned about sweeping governance changes to Ontario’s 36 conservation authorities

as proposed in a new piece of legislation called Bill 23. At its Nov. 21 meet ing, council endorsed a recommendation from South Kent Coun. Trev or Thompson to send a formal letter supporting the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority’s

concerns relating to the bill.

As chair of the authority, Thompson said there are several key issues loom ing within Bill 23, includ ing downloading liability and cost onto municipali ties in dealing with issues such as flooding and plan

ning. He said it will also add more responsibility to each municipality and weakens the ability of con servation authorities to protect people.

Thompson said it would also prohibit the LTVCA from providing input on decisions and could ne

cessitate the municipality to farm out the services the conservation authority currently provides.

“I’m not opposed to de velopment, but this is something that has broad ramifications,” Thompson said.

LTVCA chief administra

tive officer Mark Peacock is also very concerned about the changes the leg islation may bring.

“This is a nightmare for everybody involved,” Pea cock explained. “There’s a lot to Bill 23...it gives the province huge powers to do the wrong things.”

Greenfield celebrates 25 years in

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

Twenty-five years down and at least another 25 to go.

That’s the mindset of Greenfield Global’s Ve selin Nikolov. He’s the plant manager for Green field’s Chatham opera tion, which just celebrat ed its 25th anniversary.

For two and a half de cades, the plant has pro duced ethyl alcohol from corn.

“We have a good pro gram in place here. The plan is to continue to in vest and grow the plant,” he said. “I am very proud of the place I work. It’s a great environment for nurturing people. And safety is the most import ant component.”

Greenfield employs more than 80 people at its Chatham plant. Each received a custom-made gift last week from lo cal wood artisan Devin Schaffner to commemo rate the 25th anniversary. These days, the focus is on high-grade alcohol, suitable for beverages and pharmaceuticals, Ni kolov said.

Their alcohol has been used in Crystal Skull vod ka, for example. In fact, Greenfield works with more than 700 distillers and bottlers around the world.

Nikolov said in recent years, the output is about 70 per cent earmarked for the beverage and phar maceutical industries and the other 30 per cent goes into ethanol for fuel. He’d like to see the ratio reach 90-10 in the future.

As well, the focus is on high-quality output with a reduced carbon foot print. Since 2017, Green field has teamed up with Truly Green greenhous es on the other side of Bloomfield Road to ex change heat and carbon dioxide.

“We try to be a good cor porate citizen and sup port the local community. We work to have less im pact on the environment,” he said.

Greenfield and Truly

Green are still perfecting the process.

“It’s really challenging. Being innovative and hav ing something absolutely unique,” Nikolov said. “It works, but we’ve had to shut it down to make improvements. Hopefully 2023 will be the year ev erything will run well.”

Excess heat and carbon dioxide head to Truly Green from Greenfield. Nikolov said what heads to Truly Green is lowgrade heat, a byproduct of the fermentation pro cess.

“Normally, it’s vented through the stack. There’s nothing we can do with it, but it’s perfect for Truly Green and growing toma toes,” he said.

Truly Green sends cold wa ter to Greenfield, which in turn heats the wa ter and sends it back.

“The water har vests the heat and it goes back to Truly Green. It’s an uninter rupted loop,” Nikolov said.

Dover Duds moves Dover Duds, carriers of out door workwear clothing, boots and shoes, has changed loca tions.

For years, the shop had been on Bear Line Road. It is now on Highway 40, or rather St. Clair Road, with a street address of 25442 St. Clair Rd.

But the easi est way to mark where they’re lo cated is the store is across the road from Hid den Hills Golf &

Country Club (formerly Countryview). Hours are Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Bond with a steed TJ Stables has a special offer for a Christmas giv ing idea for the horse lov er, the Two-Hour Horse Connection.

Get to know a horse by grooming, preparing for a lesson/assessment and follow that up with a onehour trail ride or arena ride (on site) weather per mitting.

TJ Stables is open year round.

This offer is regularly valued at $130, but for the Christmas gifting, TJ’s is

offering it at $50 off, for $80.

TJ Stables is located at 837 Gregory Dr. E. in Cha tham.

• Business Voice is a bi-monthly column in

The Chatham Voice that highlights some of the achievements made and efforts underway in Cha tham-Kent’s business community. Send your in formation to bruce@chathamvoice.com.

Memorials

Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice

Dover Duds and Lucier Glove and Safety Products have set up shop at a new location at the intersection of Highway 40 and Countryview Line north of Chatham. Dover Duds man ager Dyana Charlton said business has been brisk since the store’s recent opening.

Community Events

Thursday, December 1, 2022:

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

• Festive Christmas Music - Pipe Organ Music of the Season, a 3-week Advent pipe organ series at the church. All recitals begin at 12:15 and are approximately 45min. Very informal “come and go” format. Everyone is welcome. Thurs. Dec. 1 - Dr. Wayne Carroll. Thurs. Dec. 8 - Dr. Carroll with Kathleen Gahagan, harpist. Thurs. Dec. 15 - Dr. Carroll with the Car roll String Ensemble, an 8-member chamber orchestra. Holy Trini ty-St. Paul’s Anglican Church, 81 Selkirk St., at the corner of Victoria Avenue, Chatham. Lots of parking. Free. Donations gratefully accept ed to cover expenses. Masks are optional. For further information, contact: ian.chathamcentrercco@ gmail.com Chatham Centre, Royal Canadian College of Organists. https://www.facebook.com/ groups/2154088471326478.

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

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. 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.

• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open from 11:00am–9:30pm. Kitchen is open for lunch from 11:30am–1:30pm. Supper will be served from 4:00–6:00. No orders after 5:30pm. Tonight’s specials are meat loaf or fish & chips. Take out is also available by calling 519-351-8733 or 519-351-5639.

Fun Darts at 7:00 p.m. Everyone Welcome.

• Community Living Chatham-Kent’s Community Christmas Concert at St. Paul’s Congregational Church, 450 Park Ave. W., Chatham. 7:00pm9:00pm. Doors open at 6:15pm. Admission: cash donation.

Proceeds stay in Chatham-Kent. Performers include: Cornell School of Irish Dance, Pine Street Performers, Bailey Baggio, Camryn Dudley, The Ginty Family.

Saturday, December 3, 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.

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

• 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 3:00pm–5:30pm. Entertain ment by Unity Station from 4:309:30. Everyone Welcome.

• Christmas House Tour – Catherine McVean IODE. Saturday, Dec 3rd 6–9pm and Sunday, Dec 4th 1–4 pm. Tickets $20. Pick up tick ets and map the day of at Union Block Bakery, Dresden.

Sunday, December 4, 2022:

• Classic Country Jamboree at the Merlin Legion. 3pm-7pm. Perch dinner with potato, beans, coleslaw and dessert. $20 for 3 pc and $24 for 5 pc. Both include $7 entry. Pickup dinners $13 and $17 respectively and Jam only $7. Kids meals available too. Call Lori at 519 476 5870 to book your spot.

• The CK Singers present A Christmas Spectacular. 2:00 pm matinee at First Presbyterian Church. 60 Fifth St at Wellington. Freewill donation for Outreach for Hunger. Featuring soloists: Andrew Derynck, Aimee Clifford and Holly McCubbin on flute. Masks are required.

• Perch Dinner @ 5pm at the Merlin Legion Br. 465, 2 Stanley Street Merlin, RSVP with Lori @ 519-476-5870.

Tuesday, December 6, 2022:

• Join us and learn how to take control of your health! Diabetes, Healthy Feet & You, 9:30am12:00pm. FREE Registration at: https://dhfy_dec6.eventbrite.ca. Access virtual programs using any computer, tablet or smartphone. All workshop materials are provid ed free of charge.

• Come in for a cozy craft night at the Chatham Branch of the Chatham-Kent Public Library! We will be making sock gnomes! All supplies are provided, so just bring yourself and get ready for a jolly good time! 6:30 pm in the Meeting Room. Program open for teens 13–18 years of age. Registration required. Register by contacting staff 519-354-2940. By text 519401-7174. By email – cklibrary@ chatham-kent.ca. By Facebook chat - @ckplibrary.

• 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 and 7:00. Shuf fleboard starting at 7:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome.

Wednesday, December 7, 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. Daily special is meat loaf dinner. Fun darts start at 7:00.m. Everyone is welcome.

Thursday, December 8, 2022:

• Unifor Local 127 Retirees Meet ing at 10:00am. 405 Riverview Dr., Chatham.

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

• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open from 11:00am-9:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch from 11:30am-1:30pm. Senior euchre at 1:00pm. Everyone is welcome.

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

CLUES ACROSS

Chop up

Ones who utilize

Sings with closed lips

South American hummingbird

Serves as a coxswain

A mark left behind

Archaic form of have

Popular Hyundai sedan

Making over

Midway between south and southeast

Type of acid

Popular 1980s Cher film

Outdoor enthusiasts’ tools

Chinese city 23. “Star Wars” character Solo 25. The bill in a restaurant 26. Old, ugly witch

Burn with a hot liquid 28. To claim or demand 29. “A Doll’s House” playwright 32. Involuntary muscular contraction 33. Pea stems (British) 34. Double or multiple fold 36. No longer is

Lakers’ crosstown rivals (abbr.)

S. American plant cultivated in Peru 40. Cloth or fabric 41. Flanks

Disfigure 44. Angry 46. Baltic coast peninsula

Large, flightless birds 49. Plants of the lily family 50. Medieval Norwegian language

Polio vaccine developer 52. Not soft

Exchange rate 54. Voice (Italian)

Baseball’s Ruth

Famed guitarist Clapton

Classifieds

GAMMAGE, Robert Keith April 7, 1945

- Olds, Alberta

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Robert “Keith” Gammage of Olds, AB, on Thursday, November 17, 2022, at the age of 77 years. Keith came into this world on April 7, 1945, in Dodsland, SK. Boy, the world would never be the same! Keith cherished his childhood in the prairies. He was presented with physical challenges from a young age, but that NEVER held him back. His determination allowed him to obtain degrees from Lakehead, Western, and a Masters of Education from the University of Windsor. In 1969, Keith married Carole Heise and they had two strapping lads, then Daddy’s little girl came along. Keith was very proud of the people his kids became. While inspiring his students, he honed his chalk-throwing skills, being employed by the Kent County Board of Education for twenty-eight years, specializing in math and science. During this time, Keith coached basketball and soccer and was well known for taking his students to various sporting events, Pistons games mostly, leaving a lasting impression on his students’ lives. Keith was a social butterfly and storyteller extraordinaire! Someone once said, “if you give the man a minute he would take your life away” (in a memorable way). “Chief” was a devoted sports fan, Flames, Wolverines, and Rough Riders were his passion. For the last twenty-five years of Keith’s life, he could be found traveling the world with his second wife Jodi. Committing felonies and making memories, Keith was larger than life. There are no words that describe how much “Chief” will be missed. Besides his partner in crime Jodi, Keith is survived by his three brats, Calvin (Terri), Bryant (Tina), and Marla; grandchildren, Ashleigh, Zakkaree, Madison, Makenna, Kolton, and Emma; great-grandchildren, Everett, Smith, and Emilia; and stepchildren Erin (Jem) and his two sisters, three grandchildren Kieran, Kylie and Brae-lyn. Keith is also survived by his two sisters, Marion and Heather; and various nieces, nephews, and cousins. Keith was predeceased by his parents, Bob and Ruth Gammage. Run free Chief, your tee time awaits! If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Canadian Spinal Research Organization, 2, 120 Newkirk Rd., Richmond Hill ON L4C 9S7 Telephone 1 (800) 361-4004, www.csro. com/donate. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed at www.McInnisandHolloway.com. In living memory of Robert Keith Gammage, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Airdrie, 300 Towerlane Drive, Airdrie, AB T4B 3L8, Telephone: 403-948-1100.

Welcome to the world

Addison Ivy Balogh

You are so loved by your whole family, especially your mom and dad

For Sale

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

Coins

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

Edward Blondeel

81, Saturday, November 19, 2022

Life Transitions

Helen Hoffman 72, Saturday, November 19, 2022 Life Transitions

Martyn “Bert” Stephens Sunday, November 20, 2022 Life Transitions

Patricia Apthorp Thursday, November 17, 2022 Life Transitions

Matthew Hewer Monday, September 19, 2022 Life Transitions

John Edward Cook

81, Tuesday, November 22, 2022

McKinlay Funeral Home

Margery Ann Roe 90, Wednesday, November 23, 2022

McKinlay Funeral Home

Bruno Hochheimer 83, Saturday, November 19, 2022 Nicholls Funeral Home

Rhonda Deming 43, Friday, November 18, 2022

Blenheim Community Funeral Home

Ed Randall 47, Monday, November 21, 2022 Blenheim Community Funeral Home

Christmas Trees

We’ve Moved!

Borrow $5,000 for $24.79/mth $10,000 for $49.58/mth $25,000 for $123.96/mth

Sample of payments if you qualify

Miller Christmas Trees! Now located on Hwy#2 at Travellers Motel (7715 Queens Line). 500’ West of Bloomfield Rd. 11:00am-7:00pm. Call 519-437-1008 for more info.

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.

Unattached, RETIRED FEMALE seeking a nice retired or semi-retired UNATTACHED MALE companion for FUN and TRAVEL. Must own a car or truck, speak French, love cats and boating. Let’s talk. Call 226-229-2751

Ministry

Wanted WE ALSO ARRANGE UNSECURED LINES OF CREDIT/LOANS with INTEREST ONLY payments at 5.95% (P+1.25%) Borrow $50,000 for $283.50/mth $100,000 for $567.00/mth $150,000 for $850.50/mth $200,000 for $1134.00/mth $250,000 for $1417.50/mth Call John at 519-252-6953 - 24 hours or email john@unimorcapital.com UNIMOR CAPITAL CORPORATION Brokerage Lic.#10675

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.

Robert & Richard Tanha Thursday, November 17, 2022 McKinlay Funeral Home

Jessica Linda Alain 38, Wednesday, November 16, 2022 McKinlay Funeral Home

Obituary Birth Announcement Obituaries Obituaries For qualified borrowers. First mortgage based on 4.74%/yr fixed rate, 5 yr term, 25 yr amortization. On approved credit, & subject to borrower qualification. Rates & terms subject to change without notice.

William Angus Johnson 86, Thursday, November 24, 2022 Blenheim Community Funeral Home

Stacy Bowls 49, Monday, November 21, 2022 McKinlay Funeral Home

459 St.Clair St., Chatham • 519-351-2040 76 Main St. E., Ridgetown • 519-674-3141 141 Park St., Blenheim • 519-676-3451 www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com 156 William St., Chatham | www.peseski.com | 519.352.5120 Generations of Families Continue To Place Their Trust With Us Funerals and Cremations 245 Wellington St. W., Chatham 519-352-2710 alexanderfuneralhome.ca ericnichollsfuneralhome.com 519.627.2861 A Part of Wallaceburg since 1943. 60 Stanley Street, Blenheim (519) 676 – 9200 blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com OBITUARIES lifetransitions.ca • 519-351-4444 4 Victoria Ave, Chatham (519) 352-2390 Serving Kingsville, Wheatley & Chatham kendrickfuneralhome.com

This weeks puzzles answers. Puzzle on page 14

3 ways alcohol impacts your ability to drive

1. Inhibitions are lowered, affecting judgment and coordination, even after one drink.

2. Reaction times are slowed, even after two beers.

3. Vision, balance, speech and movement are adversely affected.

The ratio of alcohol to blood in the body is called the Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC). Two people drinking the same amount of alcohol can have drastically different BACs. Body weight, drink strength, amount of food in the stomach, time between drinks and even gender can all affect a person’s BAC and level of impairment.

While a BAC of .08 is typically the legal limit, any level of impairment significantly increases the likelihood of a traffic crash, putting your life and the lives of others in danger. The bottom line? If you plan on drinking, getting behind the wheel is always a bad idea.

If you see a driver you suspect is impared, pull over and call 911.

You are not safer when you are high Cannabis affects your judgment, coordination and reaction time, and increases your chances of being in a collision. In 2016, 74 people were killed in collisions involving a driver under the influence of drugs in Ontario according to police reports.

When hosting this season host thoughtfully:

• Offer a mocktail, alcohol-free beer or other nonalcoholic beverage for guests choosing not to drink.

• Ask guests who are drinking if they have a designated driver or transportation plans.

• If someone has been drinking and might drive, offer your couch as a place to sleep.

• Help guests who have been drinking arrange transportation through a ride-share app or taxi service.

Celebrate Responsibly

• Agree on a designated driver before you go out for the evening.

• Save the number for several local cab companies in your phone if you plan to drink, or make sure you have a ride-share app downloaded to your phone.

• Ask a friend if you can crash on his or her couch for the night if you’ve had too much to drink.

• If you’re attending a party and are concerned you may drink too much, give your keys to the host at the start of the evening, so he or she can hold on to them unless you are sober.

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time. www.howardmutual.com | 1-866-931-2809 | Ridgetown | Blenheim

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Personal service, every time.

Personal service, every time. www.howardmutual.com | 1-866-931-2809 | Ridgetown | Blenheim

Community is our focus, shop local! 20 Sandy St., Chatham 519-354-6360 • 1-800-265-0598

Goodfellows’ Code: The best of life and the worth of it Is not how much can I get for me But what I have done to be neighbourly. 519-354-1146