The Chatham Voice, Dec. 15, 2022

Smiling Street Sales

Pro ball coming to Chatham

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

Since 2007, Dom Dinelle has wanted to found a professional baseball team.

Now, with the official kickoff of Chatham-Kent’s yet-to-be named Intercounty Baseball League team, his 15-year vision is coming true.

“Baseball has been a passion for all my life,” a beaming Dinelle told a crowd gathered at the Ewald Homes Field House at Fergie Jenkins Field Friday to mark the announcement. “This has been my dream for a

very, very long time.”

The new addition is the ninth team in the IBL, with the first pitch expected to be thrown in 2024.

Between 20 to 25 home games will take place in Chatham.

Next year will be a busy one for the management team. Renovations at the field will continue, player recruitment will take place, and a roster of community helpers will be built.

When it comes to supporters, Dinelle has some big-league help. Two of Chatham’s most famous sons are stepping up in support.

Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice

The Chatham Goodfellows Street Sales campaign was in full swing last week at various locations, collecting donations for the Christmas hamper program. Here, Colleen Tracy of Chatham offers a donation to Goodfellows volunteers Spencer, Brianna and Kelly Ladd.

“Baseball has been a passion for all my life. This has been my dream for a very, very long time.”

- Owner Dom Dinelle

Sweet $100M expansion for Chatham facility

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

The Barry Callebaut Group has a sweet spot for Chatham-Kent. So much so, the global chocolate maker has committed a $100-million investment into its Chatham production facility. The multi-year funding will go towards updating liquid and molding lines, as well as enhancing the plant’s dairy-free manufacturing capabilities.

According to the company’s vice-president of

operations and supply chain for the Americas, the investment means the company can grow.

“This new capacity will satisfy growing demand from both food manufacturer and gourmet customers for our compound solutions in this dynamic consumer market,” said Balaji Padmanabhan in a media release.

Chatham-Kent’s director of economic development said the expansion is a show of faith in the municipality.

“Barry Callebaut has been a fantastic corporate citizen in C-K for over a decade and we’re thrilled to both see, and help support, their continued growth in our community,” Stuart McFadden said. “We’re seeing more and more companies investing and reinvesting in Chatham-Kent and this speaks volumes about our community, our workforce and our available support systems.”

Headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, Barry Callebaut has 13,000 employees worldwide. Currently, there are 135 workers in Chatham.

Barry Callebaut media relations spokesperson Martha Dittmar Carlos said the investment began in 2018 when additional liquid storage space was added. Upgrades will continue through 2023 by developing a non-dairy line to satisfy consumer demand for healthier options.

Dittmar Carlos said production in Chatham includes a broad range of products, from liquid milk and dark compound to molded products.

Magnum ice cream bars are one of many popular treats eventually produced.

Barry Callebaut currently has 15 factories in the Americas with three in Canada. In addition to Chatham, a new plant is being built in Brantford, with the largest facility located in St. Hyacinthe, Que.

News

Jenkins on board with ball team

Continued from page 1 Baseball Hall of Famer Fergie Jenkins has agreed to serve as the team’s honourary president, and former Montreal Expo Bill Atkinson has been named team ambassador.

Dinelle was effusive in his praise of Mayor Darrin Canniff’s leadership, the support from Chatham-Kent council and staff, Chatham-Kent Minor Baseball, and the backing of IBL administrators and other team owners.

With the cost of operating the team running at about $400,000 annually, the team is also on the hunt for corporate sponsorships. The team hopes to attract between 15,000 to 20,000 fans in the first season.

A contest to name the team was also announced Friday and the public is invited to participate. Entries will be received until Jan. 20, with the winner taking home a family season pass.

The team’s general manager will be named in the spring, Dinelle said, and player recruitment will follow. Local players will get a chance to try out, but management will be looking for talent around the globe.

Dinelle, a resident of Trois Rivieres, Que., has deep roots in the game. He played professionally for 12 years, coached professionally and was an amateur scout for the Expos

and the Miami Marlins. Mark Jackson, executive assistant to the president, said the team’s mission is to provide Chatham-Kent with “high-level” baseball, building a long-lasting legacy the entire com-

munity can be proud of. Dinelle said he “fell in love” with Chatham-Kent right away when he visited in 2020, adding he was impressed with the facilities at Fergie Jenkins Field and the minor baseball

program. He said he didn’t understand why “nobody had showed up” yet to start a professional team.

“It’s a baseball place. We have legends and a nice facility,” Dinelle said, not-

ing the field is “as good” as any minor league team.

“Even today in December, it’s like a pool table,” he said of the diamond, joking, “we don’t see that in Quebec.”

Dinelle said the games

will be a family-centred experience and will include a host of fun activities, including live entertainment.

“We have many other surprises in store,” he added.

Come to the Armoury in Lights for a spectacular immersive theatrical show, tree decorating, ornament making, food trucks, and even meet Santa!

CHATHAM ARMOURY December 15th - 18th Get your tickets today! www.armouryinlights.com

Help solve the mystery so Christmas won’t be late!

The Armoury In Lights is in collaboration with the Merry Magic Fundraiser to support CK Children’s Services.

Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice Friday marked the official kickoff of Chatham-Kent’s new Intercounty Baseball League team, and its supporters were out in full force. Applauding superstar Fergie Jenkin’s role as honourary team president are, from left, team ambassador and former major leaguer Bill Atkinson; Mayor Darrin Canniff; Baseball Hall of Famer Jenkins; team owner, president and CEO Dom Dinelle; executive assistant to the president Mark Jackson; and Ron Lecuyer, vice-president of business development.

How to combat porch pirates

• Request a signature on delivery;

• Ship the package to a trusted neighbour or relative who will be home;

• Arrange to have packages delivered to your workplace if your employer allows it;

• Track your delivery online so you know when it is slated to arrive and plan to be home when the package is delivered;

• Install video cameras and post signage to indicate surveillance is in effect;

• Request the package be left out of sight at a rear or side door; and

• Choose in-store or curbside pickup.

Police say if packages are stolen from your home, report the incident to police and the company that

delivered your purchase. Reporting the incident gives police valuable information about potential theft trends in your neighbourhood and investigators can dedicate resources to problem areas.

Santa for Seniors returns for 2022

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

In Chatham-Kent, Santa doesn’t forget our seniors.

For the third straight year, Santa for Seniors is off and running, with the goal of delivering a little something to all the good older girls and boys.

Co-organizer Dava Robichaud said the program started up due to COVID-19.

“When COVID hit, there were no programs for seniors to take care of them,” she said. “There are lots of food drives and lots of Christmas toy programs for kids, but there was nothing to bring joy to the seniors who were isolated due to COVID.”

Enter Santa for Seniors. The group of volunteers managed to gather donations and support to be able to deliver gifts to about 800 Chatham-Kent seniors, along with 5,800 Christmas cards. Last year, the gift total rose to 1,300, and the cards dipped to 3,500.

And this year, Robichaud and company hope to reach 2,000 gifts.

Even though we seem to be crawling out from under the pandemic, Robicaud said Santa for Seniors is not going away.

“The reactions that I received – I saw some videos of seniors reacting as they opened their gifts – made me vow that I would never not do it,”

she said. “Some have no family, and even if they do, what the heck is wrong with a little extra cheer? It’s a little gesture, but it means so much. It’s a simple act of kindness.”

So, Santa will be back in action, delivering to seniors this year. But he, well, they – as in Santa for Seniors – need your help.

If you can take part, grab a gift box and fill it for a senior. Robichaud said some items that can go in the boxes are: toiletries, cookies, tea, puzzles, hats, gloves, stationery, and other small gifts. If you don’t have an empty box, you can pick one up at the TekSavvy Security Kiosk at 800 Richmond St., or at the Chatham-Kent

Non-Profit Centre at 425 McNaughton Ave W. in Chatham.

“Boxes can be returned unwrapped, to either location,” co-organizer Emily Longbottom said.

Organizers and volunteers will be sanitizing all gifts before boxes are wrapped.

Boxes and cards will be distributed to all retirement and nursing homes,

and included in all Meals on Wheels deliveries in Chatham-Kent.

Boxes and cards will be accepted until Dec. 16. To learn more, visit santaforseniors.ca.

Chatham-Kent council discusses beach safety in Erieau

It’s cold outside but municipal staff will be

digging into a warm weather topic following a motion put forward by South Kent Coun. Trevor

Thompson Dec. 5, to investigate beach safety at Erieau.

Thompson’s request

asks administration to look into options to make the beach safer for everyone, including swimmers

and operators of marine vessels such as seadoos.

Administration will look at installing buoys and

other safety devices at the beach and will consult with the community of Erieau as well.

can help kids in your community like Marco, who need support with therapy.

gift can help kids in your community like Marco, who need support with therapy.

gift can help kids in your community like Marco, who need support with therapy.

Adam

Contributed image

Volunteers are continuing with Santa for Seniors, which started up during the COVID-19 pandemic as a way to reach out and share the love for some of our senior citizens.

The Chatham Voice

Opinion

At a glance, one wonders why a man from Trois Rivieres, Que. wants to run a baseball team in Chatham.

Chatham is nearly 1,000 kilometres away from Dom Dinelle’s hometown, yet the man has commit ted to bring an Intercounty Baseball League team here.

Again, at a glance, it’s a head scratcher.

But then you hear Dinelle speak. He is incredibly passionate about the sport and has fallen in love with Chatham.

For 15 years, Dinelle has looked for ways to found a professional ball team. This after a dozen years playing the game at a professional level himself, followed by time as a major league scout, and a coach in pro ball. He lives baseball, pure and simple. “Baseball has been a passion for all my life,” he told a gathering of media and supporters Friday in Chatham at a team kickoff event.

In terms of baseball, he can certainly pick many places with a lesser pedigree as Chatham. Ferguson Jenkins, Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher. Doug Melvin, longtime front-office executive in Major League Baseball and former pro ball player. Bill Atkinson, former Major Leaguer with

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The Chatham Voice welcomes letters to the editor. Our preferred method to receive letters is via e-mail to bruce@ chathamvoice.com (use “Letter” in the subject line).

You can also drop them off or mail them to us at The Chatham Voice, 71 Sass Rd., Unit 4, Chatham, Ont, N7M 5J4.

The Chatham Voice reserves the right to edit letters to the editor for brevity.

the Montreal Expos.

All from Chatham.

And two of the three, Jenkins and Atkinson, are on board with Dinelle with the new club. Melvin is still in the Major Leagues, involved in the front office of the Milwaukee Brewers.

Dinelle has passion and experience, while Jenkins and Atkinson lend their pedigree. The still-to-be-named team (you can have a say in that) will play its home games at Fergie Jenkins Field, adding another level of activity for the community.

They expect to play upwards of 25 home games a season, bringing in additional tourism, and providing people with another entertainment option in Chatham-Kent.

Professional and passionate Housing development raises traffic concerns

The team will not take to the field until 2024, but next year will prove to be a very busy one for Dinelle and company. The anticipated expense of running an Intercounty club is about $400,000 a year, so they’ll be on the hunt for corporate sponsors.

On top of that, the team has to establish a roster. It’s starting from scratch, so that is a daunting task.

There is a long way to go, but if Friday’s passionate kickoff was any indicator, things are well on their way.

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Liability for errors or non-insertion is limited to the amount paid for the cost of space occupied by the error. Claims must be made prior to next publication.

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A member of:

Editor: With respect to your story, “”Housing projects approved,” of Dec. 8, the 20-acre parcel of land that you are referring to is actually zoned for low-density single family residential homes, not zoned agricultural.

In 1996, this farmland was approved for future development for low-density residential/ single family homes. Now, the developers and municipality want to change this so they can build 108 single-family homes and 50 rentable townhouses (row houses). By building more then 50 rentable units, the developers receive assistance (tax break) of some sort from the government.

The developers from the Mississauga area have also purchased another 80 acres of land (next to the 20 acres) to

be developed down the road into who knows what type of dwellings and how much green space or parkland they will have. So they own 100 acres in total. They are required by law to designate five per cent to green space or parkland, which we can’t see happening.

Also in 1996 when this subdivision was approved for future development, Delaware Avenue was to be the access point from the south, Idlewild Drive was to be the access point from the east and Henry O’Way was the access point from the west. All of a sudden Henry O’Way was removed from the official approved plan. Why?

Henry O’Way is needed as a third entrance and exit to help with the increase of traffic that

this subdivision will have. It would also help EMS, Fire and police should an emergency arise.

The traffic is bad now on Delaware Avenue from the school, football field and arena, let alone when the subdivision is done. And the municipality doesn’t see the need for a traffic light at the corner of McNaughton and Delaware, which should be done when they start the construction, and paid by the developers, not us taxpayers.

We have lived on Delaware for 40 years. We always knew that there would be a subdivision built there, but were always told it would be single-family homes, like Taylor Trail area.

I spoke at the council meeting on Nov. 28.

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

Centre now addresses more than COVID

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

The bad news is that respiratory illnesses are back with a vengeance. The good news is, there’s more help available.

The mandate of the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance COVID-19 clinic and assessment centre has been expanded and will

now treat colds and other respiratory flu-like illnesses.

In keeping with an Ontario health directive, the centre has been renamed the Chatham-Kent COVID, Cold and Flu Care Clinic.

The goal is to serve Chatham-Kent residents who don’t have a primary care physician – about 20 per cent of the local popula-

155 Aberdeen St., Merlin

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tion – and to ease pressure on emergency departments.

According to clinic director Dr. Briana Providence, there’s been a significant uptick in respiratory illness this fall, not only in Chatham-Kent, but across North America.

Youngsters are being especially hard hit, Providence added.

“We’re seeing this in chil-

dren,” she said, noting many youngsters were not exposed to respiratory illness during pandemic isolation, as everyone was practicing safety protocols.

“Now that we’re kind of back to pre-COVID times, children are being exposed to viruses they haven’t seen before,” Providence explained. “They are sometimes being hit with more than one illness at a time.”

Influenza, RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) and COVID-19 pose a triple threat which can be un-

derestimated.

Although it doesn’t affect everyone to the same degree, respiratory illness can be life-threatening for some.

“There is a small number of individuals that can have severe outcomes,” Providence said, noting immunization can play a role in lessening the impact of respiratory illness.

“We recommend getting vaccinations,” Providence stressed, noting both COVID-19 and influenza shots are available for everyone, including children under five years of age.

“The vaccines are safe,” she said.

However, people who are unsure about the shot are advised to connect with a health-care provider to discuss concerns.

The clinic is located at 10 Grand Ave. W. in Chatham (in the 7-Eleven plaza). It’s open Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. An appointment is required and can be made online at www.assessmentbooking.ca or by calling 519-436-2556.

COVID-19 PCR tests are available at the centre.

Do it right, the first time

Continued from page 6 Many of my neighbours sent e-mails that were read, but we all felt like the councillors and mayor already had their minds made up. If they didn’t, municipal planning director Ryan

Jacques sure tried to convince them, and not in favour of our concerns. We, the residents on Delaware Avenue, love our community and we just want this development to be done right the first time, and so that it

stays as a neighbourhood where families want to raise their children and feel safe and people like my husband and I can enjoy our retirement.

Terri Warren Chatham

Get ready for a tax increase

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

at tax hikes of five to seven per cent for the foreseeable future.

No matter how

slice it, property taxes will be going up in 2023. That’s the word from Chatham-Kent’s chief financial officer Gord Quinton who laid out a 2023 budget primer for council recently.

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year when we get to talk about budgets,” Quinton quipped as he kicked off his power point presentation.

According to Quinton, next year’s tax hike hinges on several factors, including a red-hot economy, eightper-cent inflation, higher costs associated with maintaining the municipality’s asset management plan and new property assessment rates from the province.

Inflation rates peaked in June at eight per cent but have since fallen to six per cent in October.

It may lead to council having to make hard choices.

But Chatham-Kent isn’t alone, Quinton told council, as communities across the province are looking

“It’s not just us,” Quinton explained, adding most cities are looking at similar increases for the next decade.

Chatham-Kent is facing another hit as its share of the Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund is dropping by nearly $900,000.

Ironically, it’s happening because Chatham-Kent has grown.

“The main reason we’re getting this reduction is we’ve done really well,” Quinton told council. “Our growth plan is working. The evidence is in our assessment growth.”

According to the recent Statistics Canada data, Chatham-Kent’s unemployment rate at 5.3 per cent is lower than the Ontario average at 5.8 per cent.

“Our economic conditions across Canada are doing quite well,” he said, adding current unemployment rates are “great” numbers.

Quinton said economic conditions in the last two years are better in Chatham-Kent than they have been in the 10 years previous.

Events still below pre-COVID levels

After being on hold or restricted because of the pandemic, the number of special events in Chatham-Kent is again on the rise.

However, there’s still a ways to go to get back to the pre-pandemic average of 220 events per year.

According to Genevieve

Champagne, active transportation and special events co-ordinator for the municipality, around 140 special events were staged by various organizations in 2022. In a presentation made to Chatham-Kent council Dec. 5, Champagne said 65 of those were annual events.

A total of 71 of the events required road closures

and assistance with barricades which involved various municipal departments.

In order to help groups and non-profit organizations navigate the application process, the municipality is hosting a series of workshops to help facilitate a process newcomers may find daunting.

Meetings, beginning

at 7 p.m., will be held in the new year, including Jan. 18 at the Ridgetown Arena Boardroom; Feb. 8 at the Chatham Thames Campus Red Line Room and Mar. 22 in the Dresden Arena conference room.

The Special Events application form can be found online on the municipality’s webpage.

The Chatham Voice

C-K seeks to be part of golf cart project

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

Chatham-Kent is reaching out to the province to see if the municipality can be part of a Ministry of Transportation golf cart pilot project.

The decision was made by Chatham-Kent coun-

cil Dec. 5, following a motion put forward by South Kent Coun. Trevor Thompson. It asks that communities such as Erieau and Mitchell’s Bay – where golf carts are already popular – be included in a 10-year pilot project being carried out by the Ministry of Transportation on Pelee

Island and the district of Huron-Kinloss.

The aim of the project is to assess the feasibility of integrating golf carts - or golf cars as they are referred to in the study - into the transportation system and to determine if current ministry rules of the road are adequate.

“This is a first step and

there are still a lot of questions, policies and details that would need to be worked out before anything else came back, before we begin to implement it,” Thompson told council.

He said he hoped Chatham-Kent–Leamington MPP Trevor Jones will help further the cause.

In speaking to the motion, South Kent Coun. Anthony Ceccacci said he wanted to ensure the public understood this was not a full-on approval of the project.

“This is just a starting ground,” Ceccacci said, noting the hard questions will be asked down the road if Chatham-Kent

gets the opportunity to participate.

East Kent Coun. Steve Pinsonneault said he visited a tourist town in Ohio while travelling on a boat trip to Cedar Point where golf carts are widely used.

Pinsonneault said it would be a great “economic driver,” for the municipality.

Council dumps its own vax policy

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

Thanks to a motion brought for-

ward by rookie politician Conor Allin, members of Chatham-Kent council and its committees are no longer bound by COVID-19 vaccination and testing policies.

After lengthy discussion that saw many councillors chime in, the motion to suspend the policy passed 9 to 7. Allin didn’t have much to say about the motion, stating the recommendation was “self-explanatory.”

“I think it’s time to move on from this,” he told council, noting many larger municipalities with higher population densities have already dropped their mandates.

The policy put in place by council last year required all councillors and members of committees of council to be double vaccinated, or to show a negative COVID-19 test prior to carrying out official business on municipal property.

Several deputations –including former Chatham-Kent–Leamington MPP Rick Nicholls, a longtime pharmacist, and a medical researcher – were emphatic in their support of the Allin’s motion.

Calling it a “good motion,” Nicholls said he was not a vaccine denier, but is supportive of “the right to choose.”

Originally, Allin put the motion forward Nov. 21 and he tried to push the matter through by attempting to waive the waiting period.

However, that action requires a two-thirds vote and it was defeated.

However, some councillors were less enthusiastic about suspending the policy. Wallaceburg Coun. Carmen McGregor put forward an amendment to postpone taking action on the COVID-19 policy until January when administration is expected to review it.

But that amendment drew an 8-8 tie. A tie always falls to a no vote.

Those who supported suspending COVID-19 safety protocols for council and committee members were vocal.

Fully vaccinated East Kent Coun. Steve Pinsonneault, said he believes “the vulnerable have to be protected,” but people should have the right to choose the vaccine.

“I do believe this is our job, we can make this decision,” Pinsonneault said. “At some point, I think it should filter to the employees as well.”

South Kent Coun. Ryan Doyle, another new councillor, said he was “pro-choice” on masking and vaccines.

He encouraged everyone to look around the council chambers where only a few councillors were wearing masks as is recommended by Ontario’s top doctor.

“You can see people’s views,” Doyle said.

North Kent Coun. Rhonda Jubenville, another firsttime councillor, didn’t mince words when speaking to the motion.

“This policy is flawed and outdated and, in my opinion, needs to be terminated,” Jubenville said, adding the policy is discriminatory against at least two councillors required to submit a COVID-19 test to enter council chambers. She did not identify the councillors.

“They are the only two people in council chambers in council today who definitely don’t have COVID-19,” she said, adding guests and media are not required to adhere to protocols.

Those voting in favour of suspending COVID-19 mandates for council included Allin, Doyle, Pinsonneault, Lauren Anderson, Michael Bondy, Amy Finn, Jubenville, Jamie McGrail, and Mayor Darrin Canniff.

Those voting against were Carmen McGregor, Brock McGregor, Anthony Ceccacci, Aaron Hall, Alysson Storey, Trevor Thompson and John Wright. Marjorie Crew and Melissa Harrigan were both absent from the Dec. 5 meeting.

Following the vote, Jubenville entered a notice of motion to end vaccine verification and testing for all new Chatham-Kent hires. The issue will come back before council Dec. 12.

Zap ’er up!

Centre hires architect

The Chatham Voice

The Children’s Treatment Centre of Chatham-Kent (CTC-CK) has signed an architect to work with them to develop their new building.

Montgomery Sisam Architects has accepted the role of lead architect for the new CTC-CK Redevelopment Project.

According to CTC-CK officials, Sisam has been designing family-centred, community-based facilities for more than 40 years.

Donna Litwin-Makey, executive director of the CTC-CK, realizes some in the community are frustrated at the time it has taken for ground to break on the project, but she said reaching this stage is “really encouraging.”

Sisam and CTC-CK are now involved in concept design. Once that’s done, the effort shifts to schematic design, likely in January.

“That should take to about the end of March. We’ll be back and forth with the ministry (of children, community and social services) during that time. It’s good to have something more tangible,” Litwin-Makey said.

The CTC began its fundraising effort for a new home back in 2017. The CTC-CK Foundation raised its portion to help build the 55,000-sq.-ft. new facility, but waited on the government to firm up its funding commitment.

The government eventually did so, but delays have slowed the process.

Construction costs have swelled in the meantime. What was once estimated

as a $28.5-million build is now about a $48-million project.

Litwin-Makey has heard from donors and family members of clients.

“I would say the most common question I get is about timing,” she said. “We are really looking forward to having this progress to relay to people. We all share in wishing we didn’t have to be so patient.”

Bev Boyes plugs her Honda Clarity in for a quick charge at the EV charging station at the Civic Centre in Chatham. According to the municipality’s Madison Mantha, funding from Natural Resources Canada, as well as from the municipality, paid for the installation of the charging stations. The municipality’s portion was nearly $170,000. Initial estimates for annual use are low, potentially a few hours per week, but officials will monitor the use of the stations, and they anticipate it to grow as more people switch to electric vehicles. There will be a charge for users at some point, as officials are evaluating what the cost and payment structure will be.

Community Events

Thursday, December 15, 2022:

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

• Festive Christmas Music - Pipe Organ Music of the Season. 12:15 and will be approximately 45 minutes. Very informal “come and go” format. Everyone is welcome. Thurs. Dec. 15 - Dr. Carroll with the Carroll String Ensemble, an 8-member chamber orchestra. The audience will be invited to sing Christmas carols. Holy Trinity-St. Paul’s Anglican Church, 81 Selkirk St., at the corner of Victoria Avenue, Chatham. Lots of parking. Free. Donations gratefully accepted 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. Senior Euchre at 1:00pm. Everyone is welcome.

• Holiday Cocktail & Cookie Bake Challenge at the Chatham Retirement Resort at 2:00pm. 25 Keil Dr. North, Chatham. Revera Retirement homes will compete against one another. Active Living will prepare the festive beverage. Marion our chef will be in the kitchen to make the special treat. We will submit pictures for the challenge and you enjoy eating them.

• Make beautiful 3-D paper stars at C-K Public Library. Choose from a variety of papers to match your mood or decor. This free program will be held at 6:00 pm in the Chatham Branch Meeting Room. All materials are supplied. Please register as space is limited. To register call 519-354-2940 or visit your local CKPL branch.

Friday, December 16, 2022:

• 5pc Perch or Combo (3pc perch & 2pc chicken) $17.50 taxes included. 3 Merlickin Chicken $12.50 taxes included 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. Supper served from 4:00–6:00. No orders after 5:30pm. Tonight’s specials are salisbury steak w/onions or fish & chips. Take out is also available by calling 519-351-8733 or 519-3515639. Fun Darts start at 7:00pm. Everyone Welcome.

Saturday, December 17, 2022:

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

• Limited 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. Entertainment by the Good Company from 4:30-9:30. Everyone Welcome.

Monday, December 19, 2022:

• Artful Workshop & Wine “Snowman Painting” at the Chatham Retirement Resort at 2:00pm. 25 Keil Dr. North, Chatham. Enjoy some wine and try your hand at painting. Please RSVP to reserve a canvas, 519-351-7777 ext.526.

Tuesday, December 20, 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 and 7:00pm. Shuffleboard starting at 7:00pm. Everyone is welcome.

Wednesday, December 21, 2022:

• Kent Coin Club meeting at the Active Lifestyle Center (7pm – 8pm), 20 Merritt Ave, Chatham. New Members and guests welcomed. Come see what we’re about. Gain knowledge and trends of the hobby. For info contact President Paul Robb (probb1@ cogeco.ca) (289-228-2817).

• 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. Come check out our other daily specials. Fun Darts at 7:00pm. Everyone is welcome.

Thursday, December 22, 2022:

• 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. Come check out our daily specials. Senior Euchre at 1:00pm. Everyone is welcome.

Friday, December 23, 2022:

• 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. Kitchen open for lunch from 11:30am–1:30pm.Supper will be served from 4:00-6:00. No orders after 5:30pm. Tonight’s specials are ham & scalloped or fish & chips. Take out is also available by calling 519-351-8733 or 519-351-5639.

Fun Darts start at 7:00pm. Everyone Welcome.

Saturday, December 24, 2022:

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

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

• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham from 11:00am–5:30pm. We will be closing early so that our staff can spend Christmas Eve with their families. Merry Christmas to All.

Tuesday, December 27, 2022:

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

Are you affected by someone else’s drinking? Al-anon can help! Call - leave message519-350-3462

Alcoholics Anonymous, we can help! Information Line 519-360-5246.

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

In

Classifieds

Memoriam

Marylou

Peacefully at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on Wednesday November 30, 2022, Marylou Wellington, age 72, of Chatham. Born in Chatham in 1950, daughter of the late Florence (Fields) and Richard Wellington. Loving mother of Chris Wellington and Rachel Wellington. Dearest grandmother of Christopher, Kara-Lynne, Kenneth, Brandon, Kyla, Kasendra, Taliyah, Ronan, Franklin, Ariya and great grandmother of Athena Allen. Dear sister of Clara Walker and William Wellington. She will be sadly missed by her sister-in-law Glenna Wellington and several nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her sisters; Lillian, Cathy and Mildred and her brothers; Donald, Edward, Roy and Richard. Friends and relatives visited at Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home, 156 William St. S. Chatham (519-352-5120) on Wednesday December 7, 2022. Cremation will follow and burial of ashes will take place in Maple Leaf Cemetery, Tilbury at a later date. Donations to the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated. Online condolences welcomed at www. peseski.com

We’ve Moved!

Miller Christmas Trees! Now located on Hwy#2 at Travellers Motel (7715 Queens Line). 500’ West

BUYING

Retirement Living Sales

Imagine the Possibilities Sales Consultant

You will manage relationships with our clients, which means you are a proactive self-starter that is able to multi-task in a fast-paced environment. You are always focused on working to creatively expand Revera’s reach in the local community and building prospective client relationships. Together, we build a Person-Centered lifestyle for each and every resident to help them live each and every day to the fullest.

In this role you will be focused on:

• Creatively identifying potential sales leads

• Building and maintaining a well-developed lead base

• Meeting and exceeding occupancy sales targets

• Standing out as a resident focused leader in the local community

• Contributing to a high level of Resident Satisfaction

• Living our values and ensuring others on your team do too What You Bring:

• Business Degree with a major in Sales, Marketing, Communications and or Public Relations, or a background in a service industry-related position

• Two (2) + years of experience and proven success in direct sales

• Customer and relationship building focused sales experience

• Experience and ability in common business applications, including a CRM system

• Must have reliable transportation and be able to travel within the

local community

of Respect,

Support from your Regional and National Team

Technology to help you do your job better

Benefits and Pension Package

Better work-life balance To apply, please forward your resume to: jasleen.nagra@reveraliving.com

Paul 289-228-2817. Coins

Revera: Canadian owned for 50 years with over 250 locations.

Personals - Meet & Greet

Kevin Tye 60, Thursday, December 1, 2022

Blenheim Community Funeral Home

Steven Barton 37, Friday, December 2, 2022 Blenheim Community Funeral Home

Betty Ann Howe 78, Saturday, December 3, 2022 Blenheim Community Funeral Home

Mary Anne Stonehouse 63, Sunday, December 4, 2022 Blenheim Community Funeral Home

Marv Rooke 94, Tuesday, December 6, 2022 Blenheim Community Funeral Home

Barbara Doll 51, Friday, December 2, 2022 Kendrick Funeral Home

Stanley Johnson 93, Monday, December 5, 2022 Kendrick Funeral Home

John Balun 87, Thursday, December 1, 2022 Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home

Marylou Wellington 72, Wednesday, November 30, 2022 Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home

John Martin Koppes 90, Wednesday, November 30, 2022 Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home

Rosalie Regts Sunday, November 27, 2022 Life Transitions

Serge Sauve

Tuesday, December 6, 2022

Life Transitions

Wayne Glassford

76, Wednesday, December 7, 2022

McKinlay Funeral Home

Diana Stone 61, Thursday, December 1, 2022

McKinlay Funeral Home

Catherine Shirley Hartford 86, Sunday, December 4, 2022

McKinlay Funeral Home

John Malott 96, Wednesday, December 7, 2022

McKinlay Funeral Home

Daryl Logan 77, Sunday, December 4, 2022

Alexander & Houle Funeral Home

David Whitehead 93, Monday, December 5, 2022

Alexander & Houle Funeral Home

Ruth Rivers 75, Wednesday, December 7, 2022

Alexander & Houle Funeral Home

Paul Carroll 56, Sunday, December 4, 2022

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 There will be no Chatham Voice printed on December 29, 2022

Wanted Ministry

For Sale

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.

Wellington

Leon’s support for Scouts continues

Ken and Sean Edwards, owners of Leon’s, are once again donating Christmas trees to families in need from the Chatham area at the Scouts’ Tree lot on St Clair Street.

“We are always happy to be a part of this fundraiser, it is a win-win for us. We can support youth in the community and help families that need assistance have a happy Christmas by donating these great trees,” said Ken Edwards.

The Chatham 19th Scouts have for years sold Christmas trees at their location on St. Clair Street just north of Oxley Drive.

Scout leaders and their charges also volunteer with seniors, picking up

litter along the riverbank and planting trees every spring.

Tea Time

Mrs. Bell’s Tea Room held its grand opening recently.

Located at 11 Third St., across from the police station, the shop opened in late September.

Its owner, Wanda Bell, said she’s experienced a steady increase in customers at the unique and charming tea room.

She explained that she has several mentors in business and was advised to work out the kinks before holding the grand opening.

“The time is right and I hope many new people will learn about this gem for slowing down, relaxing and connecting with

their friends and family,” she said.

The Tea Room is open Wednesday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and features several blends of tea, as well as other hot beverages, scones, and the experience of afternoon tea, which consists of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and tasty desserts, all served on vintage china.

It takes two to save TekSavvy is offering a buddy program just in

time for Christmas.

If you’re a TekSavvy Internet customer and sign up a friend or family member, you and the pal will get $10 off your bills for the next 12 months. That’s a $120 savings each.

“Every day, TekSavvy continues to push for fair prices and better Internet, taking on the big guys so our customers don’t have to,” said Pierre Aube, TekSavvy’s chief operating officer.

TekSavvy’s holiday cam-

paign runs until Jan. 31.

AgMedica

growing its market

AgMedica Bioscience Inc. has been granted EU GMP certification (European Union Good Manufacturing Practices) for cannabis extracts, produced in its pharma-grade indoor grow facility located in Chatham.

EU GMP certification is the highest recognition available to companies in the pharmaceutical business.

This certification is an

essential piece needed to export EU GMP certificated pharmaceutical grade medical cannabis to importers and distributors in international markets that require EU GMP certification, allowing for global expansion.

• Business Voice is a bi-monthly column in The Chatham Voice that highlights achievements made and efforts underway in Chatham-Kent’s business community. Send your information to bruce@chathamvoice.com.

The Chatham Voice

Contributed image

Scouts, leaders and Kenny Edwards of Leon’s stand proud of helping the community. Each year, Edwards buys up unsold Christmas trees from the Scouts to donate to families in need in the community.