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Good vibes from trip to China

By Jim Blake jim@chathamvoice.com

Although he’s not coming home with a contract in his pocket, Chatham-Kent Mayor Randy Hope said the latest trade mission to China has him feeling as optimistic as he’s ever been.

Speaking from Shanghai’s State Residence at 8 a.m. Saturday, the mayor said he’s more committed than ever that a deal will be reached.

“They know us by name, they know we’re serious and they know we have the community to have agriculture and green field investment here,” he said. “We’re past the formalities and were into due diligence.”

Hope said the creation of a $50 million Chinese-Canadian agricultural innovation fund first discussed last fall is attracting much interest.

The idea involves $25 million from Canadian investors and the same amount from private investors in China, backed by the government. The purpose of the fund will be to aid leading-edge agricultural technology.

“Michael has been doing tremendous work in this area.” Hope said of

Michel Burton, director of economic development for the municipality.

Burton and Hope visited five cities in the nine days they were in China, some involving ongoing projects and some new ventures.

Hope said his goal is to have Chinese officials think of Chatham-Kent when they think of Canada.

“There is a mutual trust developing. We know each other’s families, we share photos of our grandchildren. They realize the time and energy both the Chinese and Canadians are putting into this.”

The mayor is aware he will face some criticism that no deal has been signed, but he’s ready for it.

“We’re not about to abandon projects such as the fertilizer plant which could be the largest of its kind in Canada. We’re not about to give up on joint economic projects that will bring jobs to Chatham-Kent because of a few naysayers.

“It takes a lot of work before you ever get a harvest off of a field. We have good ground in Chatham-Kent and we’re going to keep farming it.”

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Bruce Corcoran/The Chatham Voice

Ernie McKaig, right, scoops up the Kub Kars after they cross the finish line Saturday, as competing Cubs, including Landyn Johnson, centre, look on. Cubs and Scouts from seven C-K groups converged on the WISH Centre Saturday to take part in the annual Thamesville Sertoma Kub Kar Rally.

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY,FEBRUARY 5, 2015

PAGE 2

News

Public budget input goes into OT The third and final public input session for the 2015 municipal budget went 2.5 hours, an hour longer than scheduled, as concerned citizens fired questions

and comments at municipal hikes. “I don’t really think 0% staff and budget chair Derek is achievable. A modest tax inRobertson. crease is necessary if you want More than 50 people turned out to keep the community viable.”

Council asked for it, and Chato the meeting, held late in the Several people commented that tham delivered last Thursday. afternoon at the Active while workers in the private secLifestyle Centre. tor have dealt with wage freezes, Would you recognize Questions ranged from job losses, and benefit package the warning signs of a heart attack? infrastructure to wag- reductions, it seemed the munices, to services, with the ipal staff was well insulated. underlying theme being Those in attendance learned that of fiscal prudence.

2,200 people work for the muMichael Murphy at- nicipality, though many are part tended out of sheer cu- time. CAO Don Shropshire said riosity. their combined hours work out “I am a taxpayer. Tax- to 1,400 full-time equivalent poes keep going up and I sitions. That includes 400 people want to know why,” he who work at municipal longsaid, adding he was also term care facilities, jobs that are realistic in terms of tax mandated by the province.

Although chest pain is the most common symptom, the warning signs of a heart Shropshire added attack vary from person to person, and some people don’t feel this pain at all.

31 people were laid Similarly, it’s possible to feel only one symptom or a combination of the following off last year. symptoms: • chest pain or discomfort He said the popula(tightness, sharp pain, burning, or heaviness in the chest) tion decline in C-K in • discomfort in the neck, jaw, shoulder, arms, or back recent years doesn’t • sweating • nausea • dizziness necessarily translate www customwindow on ca • shortness of breath to a requirement that

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

.

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should call 911 then stop all activity and sit or lie down. Take a dose of nitroglycerin, if you take it on a regular basis, and follow the Dave Van Kesteren recommendations of the emergency Member of Parliament operator until help arrives.

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To learn more about heart attacks or the warning signs of other heart diseases and strokes, visit the Heart and Stroke Foundation’s website at www.heartandstroke.com.

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municipal staff be reduced as well.

“The majority of the services we provide don’t change if there’s a drop in the number of people.

We still have roads

to plow, we still have to test the quality of our drinking water,” Shropshire said.

Larry Vellinga, who ran for council last fall, said tax increases, compounded since 2006, amount to a 32% increase over that time.

“The No. 1 issue during the campaign was taxes. And 0%, that was the mandate. That should have been presented,” he said of Coun. Doug Sulman’s request to administration to bring back options for council for a 0% tax increase this year.

Council got a look at those options Jan. 20 and did not like what it saw in a host of areas.

“There was an awfully ugly list attached to it,” Robertson said, referring to three pages of proposed service review cuts council had already discarded two years ago. Those included the closure of libraries, volunteer fire stations and the Sydenham Pool.

Robertson and staff also addressed concerns of the rising cost of salaries in emergency services, especially policing. Robertson said Thursday’s public meeting was “the most vibrant session I’ve been involved with” in his time on council.

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2015

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Returning to guide her children’s home

By Jim Blake jim@chathamvoice.com

One of the first things you learn when you’re interviewing Emily Hime, is not to ask her an open-ended question about her commitment to the 16 Haitian orphans who live at her Maison Ke Kontan (Happy Heart House) children’s home in Port Au Prince.

A simple “tell me about five years ago and what it meant” question to Emily resulted in an 11-minute Facebook message response in which she spoke of her fear, dedication, refusal to quit and most of all her unbowed enthusiasm and love for the children she cares about.

A devastating 7.0 magnitude earthquake killed 220,000 and left 300,000 injured just over five years ago. It is estimated 250,000 residences and 30,000 commercial buildings collapsed or were severely damaged in the impoverished island nation.

“Every single person who has stepped foot in Haiti has been impacted by this tragedy in one way or another,” she said. “Many people were living in tents. Medical care was scarce. There was no support from local government. International aid start-

“I will one day find myself reflecting on these days as a hazy memory.

And when I am an old woman with silver hair and deep-rooted wrinkles filled with knowledge and experience, I will look back and say, ‘damn, that was the best time of my life.’”

- An excerpt from Emily Hime, on her Hime for Help Blog

ed pouring in, but unfortunately a lot of it was misused or went unaccounted for.

This is what happens in a country that is in constant political turmoil. Corruption is vast. And most of the larger organizations aren’t as honest as we would like to believe.”

Hime left for Haiti the following May when she turned 18, founded Maison Ke Kontan and has divided her time between Haiti and Canada ever since, raising funds for the orphanage and pursing a BA Honours degree in Criminology and Sociology at the University of Windsor.

She’s heading back to Haiti and plans to finish her fourth year online.

She took a momentary break in November to trav-

el to Alabama where she is working with a writer to complete a book detailing her experience as a humanitarian worker.

She said she’s excited about the work and is hoping to have the volume published by the end of this year.

Hime doesn’t mince words when expressing her anger about the ineffectiveness of international aid.

“USAID has spent about $1.5 billion since the earthquake, but less than a penny of every dollar goes directly to a Haitian organization.

“It is definitely hard to keep going at times, “ she said.

“I strive to be as brave and courageous as they (the Haitians) are. Each day I continue to be inspired whether it is by my kids or my staff – the people who I now call family, my friends – or locals that have crossed my path. I am proud to call Haiti home.

I am proud of the Haitian people. I am proud of this country.”

Her charity Hime for Help is holding an online auction in February and is now accepting donations of items which can be sold to raise funds for Happy Heart House.

Information on donating or helping in other ways can be found at himeforhelp.org.

Contributed image

Emily Hime and three-year-old Jodnise, one of the children at her Maison Ke Kontan (Happy Heart House) children’s home in Port Au Prince.

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY,FEBRUARY 5, 2015

PAGE 4

News Shooting the breeze at C-K Farm Show

Donation bin issue returning to council

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

Bruce Corcoran/The Chatham Voice

Laurent Letzter of Lemken Canada speaks with Pat Wilder of Advantage Farm Equipment at the Chatham-Kent Farm Show Thursday in Chatham. The show enjoyed a bustling Wednesday, with reports numbers were up as much as 30%, with the second day a little quieter, but still busier than last year.

Run Date: Jan 28, Feb 4, 2015 Chatham Voice (4.5" x 7.714") Full Colour EOR#6921

The used clothing market is big business, one a Chatham councillor is hoping remains largely with local charities.

Clothing donation bins bring in more than $100 million a year in Ontario.

Chatham Coun. Michael Bondy asked municipal administration to develop a bylaw that would monitor where donation bins were placed in the municipality.

He made that request nearly a year ago.

Administration is bringing its response to the Feb. 9 council meeting. Bondy said it’s his understanding administration will not recommend Chatham-Kent proceed with such a bylaw. That doesn’t sit well with the councillor.

“These bins are showing up all over town and they’re from companies that are making tremendous profits,” he said. “They’re dumping them on private property and not asking permission from the landowner.”

Bondy said he has had two placed on his property on Richmond Street. He called

the companies and the bins were “eventually” removed, he said.

“They’re hurting small business. They’re being dropped all over the place,” he said.

“And they’re hurting local charities because they’re pulling donations from St. Vincent De Paul, the Salvation Army, Goodwill, etc.”

Bondy wants to see the municipality enact a bylaw that would force the bin owners to register their bins with the municipality so Chatham-Kent could monitor their location as well as numbers. He thinks such a bylaw would solve the problem without creating more work for bylaw officers.

“I’ve heard from Goodwill and Bibles for Missions. They say if they’re monitored, these things will disappear and we’ll get back to giving to local charities,” he said. “Other communities have passed these bylaws and these for-profit bins disappeared.”

Bondy said the companies don’t want the bother of having to register the bins and simply move elsewhere.

Kevin Smith, Goodwill Industries’ CEO for Essex, Kent

and Lambton, said Sarnia’s donation bin woes vanished when council approved a bylaw there.

“Once they put the bylaw in place in Sarnia, they’ve never been back. Not one bin has arrived. That doesn’t mean they won’t, but it is more of a deterrent,” he said.

Pat Alton, a board member with Bibles for Missions, also wants to see a bylaw passed.

“It’s cutting into our business,” she said of the outof-town bins. “Truckers are hired to go around and empty them and haul them to Toronto to sell it.”

She and Smith said the losses to local charities are tangible.

“I know how much money we get from salvaging clothing. If they have 75-80 bins out in Chatham-Kent, they’re getting an awful lot of salvage.”

“We create jobs. From an expansion and service point of view, this is very serious,” Smith said. “We are seriously looking at opening operations in Wallaceburg. If this (the out-of-town bins) doesn’t go away, we will not expand into the very place where jobs are required.”

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PAGE 5

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2015

News

Fire service’s website gets a boost Ken Stuebing, chief of the Chatham-Kent Fire and Emergency Services, said the site needed an overhaul and will now be used to share information for the public, as well as staff.

The site has public-service sections on emergency preparedness, fire prevention and general public education.

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

Chatham-Kent’s fire and emergency services’ website upgrade effort received a big boost Thursday, thanks to Union Gas. The company donated $5,000 to help fund the upgrade of ckfire.com.

Just as importantly in Stuebing’s eyes is the fact the site will serve as a linking portal for all C-K firefighters.

“This will fill a huge need for our operation,” he said. “Some of our fire halls are literally situated in farmers’ fields. There is no municipal Intranet capability there. We

have to rely on the Internet to get the information there.”

Stuebing said staff will be able to log in from anywhere and get access to policy changes, schedules, as well as information about training and professional development.

Diane Pisani handed over the funds on behalf of Union Gas. “Union Gas has a strong commitment to our communities,” she said. “And our core commitment is safety. We like to focus on community involvement.”

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Jenni Matthys, left, and Carter, along with Megan Tricker and Landen Deschene enjoy time sharing books as part of the Ontario Early Years Centre Reading Party Tuesday afternoon at Queen Elizabeth School. The event was part of Family Literacy Day.

Sharing a literary bond The Chatham Voice

The Baby Plan and Learn group of the Ontario Early Years Centre (OEYC) took part in Family Literacy Day Jan. 27.

Mothers and their infants gathered on the reading rug in the OEYC rooms at Queen Elizabeth school in Chatham to enjoy books and cuddle time together.

“It really supports the love of reading,” Carrie Myers, early literacy speciallist at C-K OEYC, said of the event.

“Literacy begins at birth.

We’re not teaching babies how to read, we’re just highlighting the importance of family literacy.”

According to ABC Family Literacy, simple things such as reading and telling stories to a young child can stimulate brain development, and reading to children more than once a day “can have a positive impact on their future academic skills.”

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PAGE 6

Budget chatter Chatham-Kent council members strapped themselves in for a rollercoaster ride this week as they attempted to come to grips with the 2015 municipal budget.

Fiscal responsibility was a key issue in last October’s municipal election, and with six rookie councillors on board, the pressure will be on for new ideas to work their way to the forefront.

Derek Robertson is chairing the process, which long-time former budget chair Art Stirling described as “broken” only three years ago.

It has long been perceived that council members talk tough on fiscal responsibility but back off when confronted with frugality measures, such as closing arenas and libraries.

The great Canadian concept of compromise has pleased no one. Council has attempted to be everything to everyone. In trying to please all, few are happy.

In our Voice questionnaire during last year’s campaign, 10 of the 17 councillors said they would support a tax freeze or rollback if it meant reduced staff or services. Three said they wouldn’t and five (including the mayor) wouldn’t answer the question.

On the subject of investigating amalgamating fire, police and EMS services, 15 were in favour, (including the mayor), one was not and three refused to answer.

On the subject of benchmarking use of municipal facilities and closing or reducing hours of those which weren’t being used, only five voted in favour, 10 were against, and three didn’t want to tell us what they thought (including the mayor).

It would seem to indicate that council would like to support a tax freeze or rollback if it means reduced staff or services, but not if it actually means reducing staff or services. Got that?

Council is in favour of dealing with the high price of emergency services so we could expect some type of motion but that certainly won’t affect this year’s budget.

Unless someone has a change of mind, or is listening to the taxpayers who kept a public input meeting going on long past its allotted time last week, expect much anger and gnashing of teeth, but not much in the way of tax relief.

Letters to the editor policy 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 send letters by fax, 519-397-1177, or drop them off or mail them to us at The Chatham Voice, 84 Dover St., Unit 2, Chatham, Ont, N7L 1T1.

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

All letters need to be signed.

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The publisher of this newspaper, CK Media Inc., reserves the right to clarify or refuse any advertisement based on its sole discretion. The publisher reserves the right to reject, discontinue or omit any advertisement without notice or penalty to either party.

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

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2015

Opinion

ARTSpace merits funding: reader Sir: ARTSpace is a portal to arts and culture in Chatham-Kent.

Enduring utilities replacement, sidewalk and road re-construction, and with half the storefronts vacant, this little island of activity has given other businesses the courage to re-locate next to us ... downtown.

Twice a year, a themed family Art Crawl takes place in the evening, with an opening reception at 6 p.m. in ARTSpace. This is followed by a procession down King Street led by an ARTSpace volunteer.

Stops have included Eve Chocolatier, Retro Suites, William St. Café, Left Wing Tattoo Gallery, Thames Art Gallery, and ending in Studio One. Refreshments and music are provided by participating venues. We have averaged more than 125 people per event, no

matter how nasty the weather.

Artist development, resume building, portfolio reviews, studio visits and critiques can be arranged. These functions assist artists, new or established, to reach their potential.

We presently have five artists who remain in Chatham-Kent but are represented by larger galleries out of town.

As a volunteer, I have worked with co-op students as they have gained experience learning about the necessary steps to run ARTSpace.

Keeping inventory sheets up to date, stocking shelves, making sales, assisting at openings, and meeting with the artists are a few of the daily duties at ARTSpace. They are given an overview of what it takes to run

a gallery or small business.

Pages 74-80 in the Chatham-Kent Cultural Plan Implementation Document Project 2014 gives an overview of ARTSpace activities to demonstrate our importance to Chatham-Kent.

Partnerships with BIA, Tastefest, Harvestfest, Retrofest, CK on the Edge, Children’s Treatment Centre, CK Mental Health, Chatham Photography Club (75th Anniversary Celebration), Buxton Museum (Quilt and Doll Show), CK Pride, Chatham Public Library, and Breaking Barriers are just some of the organizations for which ARTSpace provided display space, meeting room, artist teachers, products, classes and participatory support at no cost.

Community Arts Initiatives International open calls, ie. ARTSpace Original Print Exchange, received 80 submissions from eight countries, many .U.S states and provinces across Canada, plus our local entrants.

This success story has become a bi-annual event.

The third Print Exchange is in the prep stage now.

Open calls, exhibiting member openings, fundraisers, art camps, crit nights, DIY (Do It Yourself) Fridays – all these initiatives are drawing international, national and local participation on $1,000 per year advertising budget. I call this bang for your buck.

Keep ARTSpace alive.

The benefits to Chatham-Kent far outweigh its cost.

Sharlene Day Chatham

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 7

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2015

News

Local kids get a lesson in Ubuntu

By Mary Beth Corcoran mary@chathamvoice.com

Using African drum rhythms, singing and dance, Babarinde Williams introduced the students at King George Public School in Chatham to a different approach to teamwork and a sense of community.

A full-day workshop featuring Williams’ drums, music and story-telling kicked off Black History month at King George, according to music teacher Cristina Perini. Students from

grades 1 to 7 were encouraged to drum, sing and make noise in different rhythms with traditional African drums and percussion tools.

“He uses music, dance and story-telling and it brings everyone together, with the message we are one regardless of race or colour,” Perini said.

“The method is very organized and focused.”

The Nigerian-born musician and motivational speaker, based in Durham Region, travels all over the world perform-

ing and facilitating seminars and workshops for schools, at-risk youths and community groups and leaders.

One of the messages he brought to King George this week was the African philosophy of Ubuntu.

“Ubuntu means humanity – being concerned about our neighbour,” Williams told the students. “We can’t be human on our own; we need other people to make us human because we are all connected.”

He told a story about African v i l lage children to narr a t e h i s point.

O n e child w a s asked w h y, when play-

Mary Beth Corcoran/The Chatham Voice

African-born Babarinde Williams, of Drums et al, taught kids at King George Public School the unifying effect of drumming in rhythm with each other at a full-day workshop recently to kick off Black History month in the school.

ing a game where the goal was when another student interto collect as much candy as pos- venes, bullying stops within 10 sible, he didn’t collect it all be- seconds, and when a bully has cause he was the quickest. The no peer support, he or she stops child’s answer was, “How can the behaviour.

I be happy when the others are sad?”

“Percussion and rhythm – we use music as a metaphor for unity. No matter where you come from, only one thing makes us one – our Special humanity,” the drummer Grand First Batch for all said. “In South Africa, they Opening new customers! greet each other with the Offer phrase ‘sawa bona,’ which means ‘I see you,’ and the response is ‘sikohna,’ meaning ‘I am here.’”

That greeting, Williams said, is a sign of respect for a fellow human being and acknowledges that you see the humanity in them.

The drummer linked the idea of respect for each other to the issue of bullying – that 350 Lacroix St., Chatham when hurting others you (Near Park Ave on the South Side) are also hurting yourself, as 519-351-3985 • we are all linked. Statistics facebook.com/carafechatham Williams used showed that

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY,FEBRUARY 5, 2015

PAGE 8

News

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Thursday, February 5, 2015 • Ridgetown OEYC presents: Let’s Get Moving! Join a physiotherapist from CTC for some fun activities that will get you up and moving.

10:00am-11:00am. Register at 519-358-1451 x.0 • Preschool Family Storytime at the Chatham branch of the CKPL at 10:00am. Children ages 3-4 and parents/caregivers are invited to join us each week for stories, rhymes, rhythm instruments and movements. Registration is not required.

Please call 519-354-2940 ext. 246 for more info.

• The Children’s Room of the CKPL, Chatham location, presents a Pajama Storytime at 6:00pm.

Jump into your jammies for stories and super sleepy stuff! Registration is not required. Please call the Children’s Room at 519-354-2940 for further information.

Saturday, February 7, 2015 • Social Media for Beginners being held at the Chatham branch of the CKPL from 9:30am11:30am. Space is limited, please register by calling your local branch or cktechtrain@chatham-kent.ca.

• CKPL & CKRecreation presents “Story & Play!’ A fun-filled storytime is followed by free play with CKRec’s games, toys, equipment and activities. 10:00am & 1:00pm.

Children of all ages welcome.

FREE! • Meat draw and dance at the Chatham Legion, William & Colborne St., Chatham. Draws from 4:00pm-6:00pm, dance from 4:00pm-10:00pm featuring Man Power.

Monday, February 9, 2015 • Tales for 2’s. Children ages 24-35mths and parents/caregivers are invited to join us for an hour program of rhymes, rhythm instruments, songs and stories at the Chatham branch of the CKPL at 10:00am. A simple snack of juice and cookies will be served at the end. Registration not required.

• Chatham OEYC presents: Nobody’s Perfect.

79 Eugenie St. A 6-week class for parents of children. 0-6 years old. We focus on health, safety, development and behaviour. 1:00-3:00pm.

Register at 519-358-1451.

• Chatham OEYC presents: Music and Movement. 79 Eugenie St. Come join us for some fun activities that will get you up and moving!

10:30am-11:00am. Register at 519-358-1451.

Tuesday, February 10, 2015 • Movies at your Library held at the Chatham branch of the CKPL. When the Game Stands Tall starring Jim Caviezel, Alexander Ludwig will be played at 2:00pm.

• Mother Goose held at the Chatham Branch of the CKPL at 10:00am. Children ages 0-24mths and parents/caregivers are invited to join us for an hour program of rhymes, rhythm instruments and lullabies. Registration is not required. Please bring a blanket.

• Blenheim Blood Doner Clinic at St. Mary’s Hall.

95 Marlborough St., Blenheim. 2:30pm-7:30pm.

• Shuffleboard, pool and euchre at the Chatham Legion, William & Colborne St., Chatham starting at 7:00pm. Everyone welcome.

Wednesday, February 11, 2015 • Thamesville OEYC presents: Learning and Language Activities from A-Z. Learning can happen anywhere! Free book, activities and more to take home and put into practice. 1:15am-3:15am.

Register at 519-358-1451.

• Chatham Blood Donor Clinic at The Spirit & Life Centre - St. Joe’s Site. 184 Wellington St. W., Chatham. 12:30pm-7:30pm.

• Fun darts at the Chatham Legion, William & Colborne St., Chatham, starting at 7:30pm.

Thursday, February 12, 2015 • Soup and Sandwich Luncheon from 11:30am1:30pm at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Alice St., Thamesville. $8.00 includes soup & sandwich plus pie and tea or coffee (take outs available) • The Canadian Cancer Society Wallaceburg Prostate Cancer Support Group presents a free public forum on prostate cancer, presented by Dr. Joseph Chin. 7:00pm at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 800 Murray St., Wallaceburg. For more info or to reserve your seat contact 519-352-3960 or jlowe@ontario.cancer.ca. Seating is ltd.

• First Link Learning Series: Options for Care is being held at the Alzheimer Society of CK, 36 Memory Lane. 6:00pm-8:30pm. This series is to help family member and friends caring for people with Alzheimer’s disease. Free but please register by calling Tara Seney at 519-352-1043.

• Preschool Family Storytime held at the Chatham Branch of the CKPL at 10:00am.

• Tilbury OEYC presents: Rub-a-Dub-Dub, Language and Learning in the Tub! Get a free book and learn songs to use during bath time.

10:00am-11:00am. Register at 519-358-1451.

CHAP Volunteer DRIVERS Needed for Chatham-Kent. CHAP helps Seniors live independently at home! Drive seniors to appointments, groceries, banking, etc. in Chatham-Kent. Contact Marjorie for further info CHAP 519-354-6221 ext. 241.

Chatham-Kent Metal Detecting Club Meetings - Last Thursday of the Month, 7:00pm at Evangel Community Church, 76 Sandy St., enter at the back door. Guests Welcome.

VON Volunteer Visiting opportunities available call Jan 519-352-4462 ext. 5227 Toastmasters is a place where you develop and grow - both personally and professionally. Meetings are a learn-by-doing workshop in which participants hone their speaking and leadership skills in a no-pressure atmosphere. Guests are always welcome. Join the Chatham-Kent Toastmasters at GreenField Ethanol, 275 Bloomfield Road on Mondays from 6:30 – 8:00pm.

Royal Canadian Air Cadets 294 (Kinsmen) Squadron is looking for new members. If you are between 12 and 18 years of age and have an interest in aviation, camping or just meeting new friends we invite you to visit us any Monday at 6:30 pm at the Chatham Armoury 280 Bloomfield Rd in Chatham. You can also contact us at 519-352-7090.

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

Bruce Corcoran/The Chatham Voice

St. Clair College representatives Jeff Burrows, left, and Lynn McGeachy Schultz, right, donate $15,000 to Brenda LeClair of Chatham Outreach for Hunger Thursday.

Food bank benefits to the tune of $15K The Chatham Voice

The giving came from all angles Thursday, as a college, a casino and an all-star band donated a combined $15,000 to Chatham’s Outreach for Hunger.

Musician Jeff Burrows, a member of The S’Aint’s, said the funds come from the Sleighing Hunger campaign, with involvement from St. Clair College, Caesar’s Windsor, and proceeds from the sales of the band’s Sleighing Hunger CD. “We’re pretty hooked on helping food banks,” Burrows, well known as the drummer for the Tea Party, said. “We helped a couple of places

in Windsor as well.”

The Unemployed Help Centre and the Downtown Mission received cheques for $15,000 a day earlier.

“I Love the grassroots, street-level good that they do here,” he said of Outreach for Hunger.

The funds were raised through the 2014 Community Christmas Concert held at Caesar’s Windsor, as well as the aforementioned CD sales.

Burrows said people can still donate to the campaign by visiting sleighinghunger.com.

Jody Raffoul and Big Sugar’s Kelly “Mr. Chill” Hoppe are just two of the other members of The S’Aint’s.

Simply Red returns The Chatham Voice

Organizers of this year’s Simply Red fundraiser for the Chatham Heart and Stroke Association are hoping to draw a crowd to the seventh annual event with its theme of “Hearts on Fire.”

Event chair Linda Corrente said the theme draws on six of the main passions in life: romance, children, arts and culture, homes, beauty/

fashion and sports.

The event’s popular silent auction will feature items from each of those categories, including sports tickets and memorabilia, children’s clothing, unique home furnishings and more.

Tickets remain at $100 each for the seventh year in a row and can be obtained from the Heart and Stroke office (519-354-6232) or online at www.heartandstroke.ca/simplyred.

NOTICE OF NOISE BY-LAW EXEMPTION REQUEST

The Municipality of Chatham-Kent has received a request on behalf of the Ministry of Transportation, from Stantec Consulting Ltd. for an exemption under Schedule 2, Clause 5 of the Chatham-Kent Noise By-law 41-2004.

The request is to allow the contractor 24 hour continuous construction from May 1, 2015 –December 31, 2015. The construction will take place from Essex Road 42 easterly for approximately 13.3 km to Merlin Road and will consist of reconstruction of Highway 401 westbound lanes, drainage improvements, and replacement/rehabilitation of bridges and culverts, where required.

Citizens wishing for more information, or wishing to file an objection to the exemption are asked to call Paul Lacina, C.B.O., Director, Building & Enforcement Services at 519-360-1998 ext 3242.

THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 9

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2015

The Arts

Memphis memories Schatte revels in blues competition experience

By Jim Blake jim@chathamvoice.com

Standing before a packed crowd of 2,500 at the legendary Orpheum Theatre in Memphis, Chatham’s Michael Schatte took a breath and looked around.

And then he played.

“It’s remarkable. When you get on stage and play that first note, it tends to disappear,” he said of any jitters. “You are just interested in producing good music live. I was pleased the band seemed to be able to focus and just enjoy playing the music.”

When he was done the 20-minute set in the heart of blues country, applause rocked the venerable 87-year-old hall and created an indelible memory for Schatte and band mates Riley O’Connor and Randy Cassidy.

The power trio was playing in the finals of the International Blues Challenge, a culmination of four days of performing on the edge.

To become one of eight bands to play that Saturday night (Jan. 24, the band had to win competitions Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

“We learned at 2:30 Saturday morning, and we had been celebrating a bit, that we had been picked for the finals and had to perform that night,” said drummer O’Connor.

“Michael still found time for us to have a Saturday morning rehearsal.”

There were 117 entrants in the International Blues Challenge, culled from an estimated 1,500 who tried to qualify for the 31st annual event held which is held at 11 venues across the city.

“We didn’t know what to expect heading down to Memphis,” said Schatte, whose band was representing the Great Lakes Blues Society by virtue of winning a competition in London late last year.

The contest draws not only some of the top blues talent but also plenty of

fans and music industry notables.

“When producers like Mike Vernon (Eric Clapton, David Bowie) and (noted acoustic guitarist) Colin Linden are around, it’s impressive.”

O’Connor said one memory he won’t forget was right after the show.

“We on the way up the hotel elevator after the finals and one of the IBC judges recognized us,” he said. “She told us, ‘Pistol on Her Pillow is a f---ing great song,’ and we were all a little taken aback.”

Michael asked if she had heard the new album, she answered, “No, but I’d love to.”

“I happened to be carrying a box of CDs and I gave one to her on the spot. Networking at its finest!”

The strictly timed competition was judged according to rigorous standards of musicianship, crowd response, blues genre and originality. Many of the songs played (including

Pistol on her Pillow) are original compositions.

In an interview with The Chatham Voice last year, Schatte said he was uncertain about even entering the qualifying contest.

I grew up with the blues, but we don’t have a purely blues focus,” Schatte said.

“I was hesitant to make that claim and I wasn’t sure how we would be received.”

Schatte’s approach has never been to label music, a practice he calls limiting.

“Let’s just call it ‘music’ and see if we enjoy it.”

He said the band’s success reaffirms how much blues has played a role in his musical development.

“I enjoy rock, folks, Celtic, a variety of music,” he said. “But there’s no denying what people heard and that we’ve got some strong blues roots.”

Although the competition was won by Eddie Cotton of the Vicksburg Blues Society, Schatte said he’s taking a lot back with him from Memphis.

A Dickens of a night on Feb. 20 The Chatham Voice

Club Lentinas will play host to the annual Dickens’ Gala Birthday Celebration Feb. 20.

The event marks the birthday of

ROB

SCHNEIDER

Charles Dickens, and will feature a Victorian-era meal and a night of theatre.

“Thomas Talbot: Upper Canadian Scrooge,” an original play by Jason Rip, performed by London’s The-

atre Nemesis.

Tickets are $50 a person and available at Community Futures in Blenheim, from Fellowship Board Members, or by calling 519-354-9786.

The event begins at 6 p.m.

Contributed image

Michael Schatte and his band made it all the way to the finals in the International Blues Challenge, held recently in Memphis, Tenn.

Ask the Experts!

Dr. A Raza DVM Dr. I. Samad DVM, MSc. (Hons.)

What is periodontal disease?

This is inflammation and infection of the tissues surrounding the teeth. Accumulation of tartar on the teeth contributes to gum recession around the base of the tooth. Infection soon follows and the gums recede. Untreated infection then spreads into the tooth socket and ultimately the tooth loosens and is lost if the oral infection increases tonsillitis and pharyngitis can also occur. In addition, the bacteria travel the blood stream and can be carried to other organs.

Heart valve infections, kidney and liver problems are frequently due to bad teeth.

I was totally unaware that dogs have dental problems.

Is it common?

JON

LOVITZ

Veterans of SNL

Dental disease is the most common disease in dogs and cats. Over 68% of all pets over the age of three have some form of periodontal or dental disease. Most pets will show few signs of dental disease. It is up to the pet’s family and veterinarian to uncover this hidden and often painful condition.

What are my Options for my pets preventative oral care? and “...flair, fluency devilish command mouth of the diatonic chrome harp from the instrument, prince of the ian Cuban-Canad Carlos del Junco”

what he “...if you think studio can do in the you is jaw-dropping, live have to see him of to get the gist his uncanny ability.”

– Jeffery Morgan,

– Brad Wheeler,& Mail Toronto Globe

Creem Magazine

“Really outstanding. is happening” Carlos del Junco Musselwhite – Charlie

&the

Blues Mongrels CARLOS PHOTO

BY KEVIN KELLY PHOTOGRAPHY / DESIGN & LAYOUT

BY A MAN CALLED

BIGREED® RECORDS

WRYCRAFT WWW.WRYCRAFT.COM

eljunco.com

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Plaque is mineralized in some breeds much quicker than others. Special toys as well as feeding the newer dental diets help reduce tartar build up, as does regular home care. Today there are many products designed to reduce tartar in our dogs, for example T/D or Royal Canin Dental Food, enzymatic dental chews, and frequent teeth brushing with a special animal grade enzymatic toothpast’s can help minimize your pet’s risk of developing plaque. Once plaque has formed it will need to be removed with a professional scaling and polishing under anesthesia.

Dr. A Raza, DVM Dr. I. Samad,

DVM, MSc. (Hons.)

222 Grand Ave. West Chatham (519) 354-0222 grandwestvet@gmail.com www.grandwestvet.com

THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY,FEBRUARY 5, 2015

Fun Stuff 31 Bullring bravo 32 Rock 34 Beer’s cousin 35 Snapshots 37 Inept ones 39 Knock 41 Frog’s kin 42 Church key, e.g.

45 Steering gadget 49 Dressy clothing 51 Tittle 52 Misplace 53 Compete 54 Applaud 55 Basin accessory 56 Conclusion 57 Examination

ACROSS 1 Cheek by (adjoining) 5 Woman 8 Two-timers 12 Geometry find 13 Singer Sumac 14 Leave out 15 Dissolve 16 Contingency funds

18 One of Henry VIII’s Annes 20 Strike from the text 21 The Red and the Black 23 “- the season to be jolly” 24 Post-tragedy joking, e.g.

28 Layer

DOWN 1 Door-frame piece 2 Sandwich cookie 3 Water source 4 Most up-to-date 5 Acrobats 6 “I - Camera” 7 Actress Cheryl 8 “Stop!”

9 One with no memories 10 Regimen 11 Eyelid problem 17 Encountered 19 Favorable votes 22 Brown ermine 24 Jazzy style 25 Muhammad or Laila 26 Lessen 27 Backed 29 Wapiti 30 In medias 33 Jacob’s brother 36 Wood-smoothing machine 38 User 40 Apiece 42 Look lecherously 43 Turn the soil 44 Carry on 46 Ration (out) 47 Greek vowels 48 Engrossed 50 Martini ingredient

Feel like your message is getting lost?

Call us for solutions to your insert overload.

Reach 20,000 customers each week with Chatham’s favourite community newspaper 84 Dover St., #2 519-397-2020

PAGE 10

THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 11

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2015

CLASSIFIEDS In Memoriam

Scrap

Auctions

A N K LAVER EN VK V A U C T I O N S I N C.

Sandra (Bilton) Price

Clearing an Estate, Downsizing, Liquidating Inventory or Decluttering?

July 13, 1940 - February 6, 2014

Remembering Sandra Price, a loving wife, mother & grandmother and now great grandmother.

We thought of you with love today But that is nothing new.

We thought about you yesterday And the days before that too.

We think of you in silence, we often speak your name especially sitting on your bench on hole 11, as we play your favourite game.

In July we found out a baby was on its way, the due date being the day before the one year anniversary of the day you passed away.

This news it made us over joyed and happy as could be as we knew this was a gift from you to our whole family.

Your memory is our keepsake with which we will never part God has you in his keeping; we have you in our hearts.

Tom Sr., Tom Jr., Lori & John, Christina, Jaclyn, Danielle & Maha and your great grandson, Enike.

Book Club Book Club Meetings! The first and third Tuesday and second and fourth Monday of every month starting at 3:00pm. Hosted by Tea Connection, call for more information 226-671-0081

Announcements Tea Connection is hosting events and we would love to host yours! Book Clubs, Poetry Reading, Craft Circles, Game Night and Life After Grief Meetings. All are open forum and everyone is welcome. All we ask to attend is the cost of a cup of tea, your choice of over 100 flavours. That is only $2.20 for an afternoon or evening out. Call us to book your group or for more information on any of the above events 226-671-0081.

Medical condition?

Get up to $40,000 from the Canadian government.

Do You or Someone You Know Have any of These Conditions? Mental illness, difficulty walking, trouble dressing,irritable bowel, speech impediments...ALL conditions qualify.

Call Ontario Benefits 1-888-588-2937 ext.101

WANTED SCRAP CARS WILL PAY UP TO $300 519-350-1454 Rentals 2 bedrooms fully renovated apartment. On-site laundry, school bus pick-up on corner. Security camera and entry system. $800/mth all utilities included. Call Cheryl 519-351-5775.

We can help. Call to sell your items for cash or by consignment Call John @ 519-845-3663

519-845-3663 • Wyoming, Ontario • www.vkauctions.ca •

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Tea Leaf Readings! Every Saturday at Tea Connection starting at noon. Please call to book an appointment to avoid being disappointed. 226-671-0081.

Carpet Cleaning Chatham-Kent Maintenance Carpet Cleaning! $25 a room!

Excellent Service!. 519-358-7633.

OBITUARIES Scarlett Rose Shaw Friday, January 23, 2015 Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home

Dorothy Janet Hoy 80, Tuesday, January 27, 2015 McKinlay Funeral Home

Elva Mae Robertson 97, Saturday, January 24, 2015 Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home

William Samuel ‘Bill’ Haley 40, Thursday, January 29, 2015 McKinlay Funeral Home

Shirley Johns 81, Saturday, January 24, 2015 McKinlay Funeral Home

Kurt Michels Thursday, January 29, 2015 McKinlay Funeral Home

Carol Tuck 73, Sunday, January 25, 2015 Blenheim Community Funeral Home

David Alan Smith 35, Thursday, January 29, 2015 McKinlay Funeral Home

Shirley Sanford 96, Monday, January 26, 2015 McKinlay Funeral Home

Ann Vince 74, Friday, January 30, 2015 McKinlay Funeral Home

Millard Eugene Waterbury 90, Monday, January 26, 2015 McKinlay Funeral Home

Bill Van Breda 92, Friday, January 30, 2015 Blenheim Community Funeral Home

Anastazja Bojko (Boyko) 95, Tuesday, January 27, 2015 Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home

Madelene Sarson 76, Saturday, January 31, 2015 Blenheim Community Funeral Home

HOW TO PLACE YOUR AD IN PERSON: 84 DOVER ST. #2 CALL: 519-397-2020 EMAIL: FATIMA @CHATHAMVOICE.COM

Fun Stuff Answers Puzzles found on page 10

Pick us up!

Wallaceburg Shoppers Drug Mart, 99.1 CKXS, Taylor’s Variety, No Frills, CK Library Dresden JMHI Insurance, CK Library Bothwell JMHI Insurance, CK Library Thamesville Mac’s Milk Ridgetown CK Library Blenheim Community Futures, The Service Centre, CK Library Erieau Eau Buoy Pain Court Pain Court Market Mitchell’s Bay Mitchell’s Bay Variety, Dover Duds Merlin Erie Cafe Variety, CK LIbrary Tilbury CK LIbrary Wheatley CK LIbrary

Routes available in the following areas: Maryknoll Rd/Lancefield Pl.

Campus Pkwy/University Dr. Oxley Dr./Willowdale Pl.

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Call Fatima today 519-397-2020 ext.223 or email fatima@chathamvoice.com

THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY,FEBRUARY 5, 2015

PAGE 12

Life

Tilbury teen earns shot at beauty title

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

It started with one casual click of a computer mouse, but in August, it could end with a national title for West Kent’s Jessica Killoran.

The teen, who is a Grade 10 student at Tilbury District High School, is now a finalist for the Miss Teenage Canada pageant.

Killoran recently competed in the provincial competition, being named one of 17 Ontario finalists from a list of 40 who will compete at the national event in August. She holds the title of Miss Teenage Chatham-Kent Essex.

For the 15 year old, who is more at home with a paintbrush in her hand

than high heels on her feet, it’s been a whirlwind experience, one that began with that fateful click.

“It was really spontaneous. I was on Facebook and saw an advertisement.

I ended up submitting an application and I got a call back,” she said. “I was just looking through the website and thought it would be really fun. It all happened very fast. I was not expecting this at all. It wasn’t a dream I’ve had for a while.”

Killoran said while she has interests in fashion, she’s more into painting and drawing, and hopes to pursue such passions at the post-secondary level.

She interviewed for a spot in the Miss Teenage Canada competition in

November and was accepted in December.

And in late January, she competed.

“We left for Toronto on Friday (Jan. 23). Saturday morning we had training from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

On Sunday, we had more training and more makeup.”

The pageant took place 7 p.m. Sunday.

“It was a lot of work. I think the worst part was the heels. We practised walking in them over and over again,” she said. “I wasn’t too thrilled about putting the heels on the next day; the second day was probably the worst.”

Yet she did, ultimately earning a trip to the nationals, which will take place Aug. 2-10 in a still-

to-be-determined location.

Killoran stressed there is much more to the pageant than beauty and fashion.

“It’s fun getting all dressed up and your makeup done, but that

definitely isn’t all there is to it. To become Miss Teenage Canada, it takes more than looks. It takes self-confidence. You need to be a good role model,” she said. “I find myself

very positive. I try to create a good mindset wherever I go.”

Her goal now is to get out there and get noticed in Chatham-Kent, Essex and Windsor.

Contributed image

Jessica Killoran, 15, entered the Miss Teenage Canada competition on the spur of the moment, but she will compete for the title in August.

WINTER BIRTHDAY PARTIES planner

A birthday is one of the most special days of the year for children. On their birthdays, kids get to be the center of attention and the recipient of well-wishes, gifts and praise.

Parents work hard to create memorable birthday party experiences for their children. But faced with the planning process year after year, throwing a memorable birthday bash can be challenging. This year, take much of the work out of the party process by following these tips for success.

gymnastics birthday

Change the menu. What is the food staple at kids’ birthday parties? You guessed it: pizza.

Even though children may have less sophisticated palates than adults, that doesn’t mean they will be content to settle with pizza at each and every party. To make your child’s party even more memorable, serve equally portable but different foods, like chicken nuggets, mozzarella sticks, corn dogs, pigs in a blanket, chicken wings and drumsticks, or even hamburgers. If you will be sticking to a theme, give the meal a fun name, such as “dinosaur burgers” or “neanderthal nuggets.”

Save money on accessories. Licensed television characters and toys are all the rage, and many children request their birthday party theme fit with a certain interest. Once you find a party store that carries the dishes and cups that match your theme, you may discover that these items can be quite expensive. To save money, purchase a tablecloth or a wall decoration in the particular licensed theme pattern, then coordinate plates,

Birthdays include: Trampolines, gymnastics circuits and age appropiate games & fun - Goodie Bags for each child - Complimentary Invitations - Private Party Room with service for food, gifts & goodies - Set up & Clean up - A Gift Bag for the Birthday Child with T-shirt, medal and gymnastics/super hero goodies Starting at only $140 (for 10 children and the birthday child) Call today for booking availability

Home

napkins, cups and even goodie bags with solidcolored, generic alternatives that are less expensive. You will still have the feel of the theme without breaking the bank. Plus, the kids probably will not notice the difference.

Keep kids occupied. Age-appropriate activities will help focus kids’ attention and reduce the chances for mayhem.

A scavenger hunt might work well for an outdoor party, keeping children entertained as they seek out each clue. Hands-on parties, where children get to make their own crafts or food, also focus energy on a specific task. Make sure to supervise children so they don’t get into trouble. Simple activities with moments for downtime will be the most successful.

Birthdays are a big day in many a child’s life.

Parents can make their children’s parties special by keeping things simple and following a few guidelines.

Birthday Parties • Graduations • Special Celebrations Kindermusik Classes • Dinosaur Dig & Discovery Special Events • Other Party themes Available • & More!

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837Gregory Gregory 837 Gregory 837 Drive,Chatham Chatham Drive, Chatham Drive,

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20 Currie St beside Sun Rays Pool Chatham 519-354-9722

• HANDS-ON • NO-MESS FUN • AGES 5-12!

character appearances henna tattooing glitter tattoos face painting balloon t wisting games, and more!

226-881-2909 • cami.e.moore@gmail.com www.camimooreevents.wix.com/camimoore www.facebook.com/camimoore2013

We’ll make your next celebration the best one ever!

We provide 2 fun-filled hours with hands-on activities, music & Dino Dig experience!

BOOK EARLY TO SECURE YOUR DATE! 100 King Street West, Chatham Inside Downtown Chatham Centre musiconthemove.ca 519-437-8064 kim@musiconthemove.ca

519-256-6094 www.madscienceofwindsor.com

Mad Science Offers Exciting: After-School Programs • Assemblies • Workshops Birthday Parties • Pre-School Programs

Special Events • Vacation & Summer Programs