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she is an inspiration for side. all of our young students. She now uses a walker We know she will do us or cane to get around. When Patricia Wright proud at the national lev- During karate training she wears a brace on her heads to Vancouver this el.” Whittal, a fourth degree arm and ankle, which week for the Nationblack belt assist in steadying her al Karate in Legacy while she executes her Champion- “I want to bring home Shorin Ryu techniques. ships, she the gold. I’ve worked karate and She also has a seizure will have very hard and I think I certified ka- response dog, Georgia, already derate coach who is her constant comfeated her can do it.” under the panion. “I live alone so if t o u g h e s t - Patricia Wright N a t i o n a l I were to fall due to a seiopponent. Certification zure, Georgia would bark The 39-year-old Cha- Coaching tham resident has fought Program, will be accom- like heck for as long as it a lifelong battle against panying Patricia to the took for help to arrive.” Since she epilepsy and the effects Championisn’t ofof a severe car accident ship in B.C. “We see Patricia’s six years ago, to compete which takes dedication and training, f i c i a l l y cleared for place Janu- and she is an inspiraat the national level. sparring, “I want to bring home ary 29-31. P a t r i c i a tion for all of our young Patricia will the gold,” she said last be judged suf- students.” week as she completed has on how training at the Zanshin fered from - Instructor Daniel Whittal well she seizures Dojo Karate Club. “I’ve worked very hard since before she was two executes her Kata, a seyears old, but wasn’t of- ries of detailed patterns and I think I can do it.” Patricia qualified as a ficially diagnosed as epi- of movements she uses member of Team On- leptic until she was in an to demonstrate her techniques and knowledge. tario through the Ath- accident in 2010. “I was in karate train“I was riding my bicyletes With a Disability cle on the sidewalk on St. ing for a long time when (AWAD) program. Daniel Whittal, the chief Clair Street when I was I lived in Hamilton,” she instructor at the club is hit by a car,” she said. said. “I quit for a while Patricia’s sensei (kara- “My doctor had cleared but I’m so glad to be able te instructor) and coach. me for riding on the side- to get back into training. He said her story has in- walk since it was safer Karate isn’t a sport to me, than being on the road if it’s a way of life.” spired others. She said the physical de“This is a great opportu- I had a seizure.” The accident caused a mands of executing her nity not only for Patricia, but for our whole karate traumatic brain injury, a moves have helped her club. We are all thrilled. stroke, and other injuries balance and strength. We see Patricia’s dedi- that have resulted in limContinued on page 2 cation and training, and ited mobility on her right By Jim Blake jim@chathamvoice.com
Mary Beth Corcoran/The Chatham Voice
Showcasing gorgeous wedding gowns in the Patricia M. Productions fashion show, Enchantment Bridal and Formal Gowns in Chatham was a headliner at the Wedding Show at the John D. Bradley Centre in Chatham on Saturday. Staff member Samantha Rivard, left, stands with a gown from the Sophia Tolli Collection with help from Melissa Rivard. See story on page 5.
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THE CHATHAM VOICE
PAGE 2
Staff cuts part of municipal reorganization
By Jim Blake jim@chathamvoice.com
A departmental reorganization last week means the municipality should be in a better position to meet its goals in tourism, resident attraction and retention, according to Chief Administrative Officer Don Shropshire. “We’ve been working on how we best streamline and align responsibilities so there’s a direct line in terms of who does what and who reports to whom,” he said. “Over time, we had a blending and overlap in certain areas and this corrects that issue.” Positions were merged and eliminated with the current result that six staff members were no longer needed. “There were no performance issues whatsoever,” he said. “It’s simply a matter of us finding the
THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 2016
News
Wright off to nationals Continued from page 1
most efficient way of getting where we need to be.” Shropshire said there will be some new positions posted as the process moves forward. What was formerly known as community services will now be known as the community attraction and leisure services division. It will be responsible for tourism, culture, resident retention and attraction, branding, recreation facilities, and programs, parks, cemeteries, horticulture, J.D. Bradley Centre, and Capitol Theatre operations. Director Evelyn Bish said the move is part of ongoing efforts to meet the community’s strategic goals. “I think we will be more efficient and effective,” she said. “There will be synergies within what we’ve done that will help in the growth of Chatham-Kent.”
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Patricia Wright strikes a pose during training as she prepares for the National Karate Championships this week in Vancouver.
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“I feel very lucky because I’m doing something I love and it’s helping me.” She said being part of the Dojo helps her set goals and interact with others. “I’m expected to train hard, just like everyone else. I’m not treated any differently because I have epilepsy.” Since qualifying for Team Ontario, Patricia has intensified her training in her home club and also at the official Team Ontario practices in Mississauga, which take place weekly. Patricia is currently a brown belt but is unsure if she will pursue the goal of becoming a black belt. “The last time I tried to become a black belt, I couldn’t complete it because the stress was too much and triggered seizures,” she said. “As long as I’m learning and having a good time I’m not sure I need to have a black belt.” Whittal said the club members have been involved in fundraising for Patricia who has to pay for her own airfare to Vancouver, her accommodations while there, and her Team Ontario uniform. Whittal expects that Patricia’s total cost will be in the range of $3,675. Fundraising efforts have accounted for a portion of that amount but anyone interested in contributing can contact Whittal at info@zanshindojo.ca.
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Track your pets
United Way pulls up short
By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com
By Jim Blake jim@chathamvoice.com
Thanks to modern technology, if your dog goes missing these days, you may not have to go out and staple posters to telephone poles in your neighbourhood. And we’re not talking about social media, where lost pet notifications are fairly regular. It’s microchip technology, and the Chatham-Kent Veterinary Hospital hosted a chip clinic on the weekend. With the help of 24PetWatch, the local branch of the OSPCA put on the clinic. For $25, pet owners could bring their animals in to get chipped. It involved vet staff injecting a microchip under the skin between the pet’s shoulder blades, and provides peace of mind for owners. Robyn Brady of the OSPCA said the chips are about the size of a grain of rice. She could not stress
“It’s disappointing, but we’re not disappointed.” So said Chatham-Kent United Way co-chair Kelly Bayda during the announcement that the charity had finished $162,000 short of its $2,015,000 campaign goal. More than 50 supporters packed a room at Rossini’s Restaurant for the event, a crowd which Executive Director Karen Kirkwood-Whyte said bodes well for the organization’s future. Co-chair Aimee June said “there are so many individuals to thank for agreeing to support us in this campaign, it would be impossible to list everyone by name. We would like to thank the members of our campaign cabinet who devoted their time to calling on past donors and generating new leads.”
Bruce Corcoran/The Chatham Voice
From left, Amanda Estabrooks, Pia Madsen and Charlotte Hogan give Emma, a one-year-old Sheepadoodle, her digital tag Saturday at the Chatham-Kent Veterinary Hospital, as owner Deb Densmore keeps Emma calm.
strongly enough how helpful they are should a pet go missing. “This is extra important. I can’t tell you the number of times we have an
animal brought into the shelter without a chip,” she said. “It’s pure luck posting to social media if the owners are found.” And with a chip, things
are quite simple. “If an animal has a microchip, it’s just the matter of a phone call,” she said. The chips aren’t just for canines.
“Cats, dogs rabbits, any pet, really,” Brady said. The clinic ran for four hours on Saturday and 59 pet owners took advantage of it.
Continued on page 5
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THE CHATHAM VOICE
PAGE 4
THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 2016
News
Re-building a career
By Jim Blake jim@chathamvoice.com
A group of ten Ontario Works recipients are building a lot more than a washroom and lunchroom at the Goodwill Industries Recycling Centre; they’re in the process of building new careers. The project is a joint effort with the Employment and Social Services program of Chatham-Kent, Ontario Works and Goodwill Industries of Lambton-Kent-Essex. Ken Hyra, a Chatham-Kent employment resource worker who’s overseeing the project, said it’s about providing
people who want to work with the skills, equipment and training to take that step back into the workforce. “We’ve provided a three week program that brings workers up to date on hazardous materials training, health and safety responsibility, resume writing and help overcoming issues that may hold them back,” he said. Fifteen applicants were interviewed, ten were accepted and after completing their training, they were hired by Goodwill for the six-week project. “This provides more than just an opportunity to fill in a gap in a resume,”
said program manager Polly Smith. “The aim is that when this project is over there are 10 people capable of working in the construction field because they have the skills and knowledge.” Michelle Repuski, director of Workforce Development at the Goodwill Career Centre, said her group has been happy with the partnership. “Providing jobs is extremely important for us and being able to join forces to help these workers is exactly what we are all about,” she said. Smith said her department is always looking to partner with both pri-
Services program of Chatham Kent and Ontario Works, a team of ten workers has been hired to construct and upgrade washroom and lunchroom facilities at the centre. “We have good stories to tell and we’re determined to move forward and continue to help our clients and our community,”
said Kevin Smith, CEO of Goodwill Industries in Essex, Kent and Lambton. Smith said he is concerned that fallout from decisions made by Goodwill Industries of Toronto, Eastern, Central and Northern Ontario to close its 16 stores may impact local operations. “I want to assure people that every Goodwill is
Jim Blake/The Chatham Voice
Michelle Repuski of Goodwill Industries and Ken Hyra, an employment resource worker with Chatham-Kent, check out one of the beams being used to build a lunchroom and washroom facility at Goodwill’s Recycling Centre in Chatham.
vate business and notfor-profit groups who can benefit.
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autonomous and is governed by its own board of directors,” he said. Smith said Goodwill relies heavily on donations and needs to ensure goods keep coming in so that the organization can maintain its operations. “Our corporate vision is that You Donate – Someone Works,” he said. “If someone is concerned
about our Goodwill because of something that happened elsewhere, it could cause difficulties and effect the jobs we supply in this region so I can’t stress enough that we are separate organizations and we aren’t in any way tied to what happened in the Toronto area.” He said during the most recent fiscal year, the or-
ganization provided services to 5,444 individuals through counseling, training, placement and post-placement services. That resulted in 1,656 people in Essex Kent Lambton being placed into work. Goodwill’s workforce grew by nine per cent and donations were up by 14 per cent.
Local Goodwill still investing in area
By Jim Blake jim@chathamvoice.com
It’s more than business as usual for Goodwill Industries in Essex, Kent and Lambton – in fact, the organization is proceeding with a $50,000 upgrading of its Chatham recycling centre on National Road. In a joint effort with the Employment and Social
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THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 2016
PAGE 5
News
Wedding Show a huge draw
By Mary Beth Corcoran mary@chathamvoice.com
A record crowd took the time this weekend, under sunny skies, to check out the Chatham-Kent Wedding Show at the John Bradley Centre in Chatham, while raising money for Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Chatham-Kent. Brides-to-be and more than 300 kids in the programs offered by BBBS
were both winners as approximately 700 people attended the one-day event and raised in excess of $20,000. According to BBBS staffer Toni Martin, the weekend crowd was the largest so far in the event’s history. “I’m told over 700 people went through, which is the most from past years,” Martin said. “It was a fantastic day, no storms and beautiful
weather.” She said BBBS executive director Nan Stuckey starts working on the event in August, and the agency as whole pulls it all together. Besides area vendor booths specializing in all things wedding related, the event featured two fashion shows by Patricia M.
Productions showcasing fashions for the bride and groom, bridesmaids, groomsmen and honeymoon wear. The fashions were highlighted by beautiful stage décor
from To Suit Your Fancy in Chatham. With no government funding, BBBS is funded 30 per cent by the United Way and relies on a few big fundraisers through-
out the year to bankroll the other 70 per cent. Martin said the money raised goes to maintain the programs the agency offers to children; over 300 in 2015.
$162,000 short
Continued from page 3
“A special thank you to Steve Baker and Wes Thompson for each hosting a ‘Seeing is Believing’ luncheon to share the stories of those whose lives have been improved by United Way. ‘Seeing’ is absolutely critical for those individuals who are considering a gift to United Way and these luncheons resulted in new employee campaigns and gifts from new donors.” “We would also like to thank corporate and community leaders who established in-house employee campaign committees, invited United Way speakers in to tell their stories and - in several cases - matched employee dollars. To all the individual donors across Chatham-Kent – thank you. Please know that your contribution, large or small, is making a difference in someone’s life,” Bayda said. Bayda said the shortfall hasn’t deterred the group from belief that it
will reach its five-year target of $2.5 million. Tom Slager, director of resource development for United Way Chatham-Kent, said the work of the organizations funded by United Way is “vital to the community” since it “provides freedom” to those who are facing barriers in their lives. He said although the charity “isn’t entitled to a single dollar - it’s worth it.” Chatham lawyer Brad Langford, who was active in the United Way campaign aimed at professionals, said although the goal wasn’t met, there is reason for optimism. “There was a lot of turnover in staff and volunteers and we have some very strong people who are committed and are just coming into their own,” he said. “Considering all of the circumstances, including the economy, I think those involved in the campaign did a tremendous job.”
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PAGE 6
How have we changed? The public reaction to the proposed Bothwell Arena closing leaves us wondering if there is a better way to handle hot button issues or if we’ve just grown too big to handle things any other way. After two sparsely attended and uneventful public input budget sessions, last week’s Chatham session became a de-facto referendum on the closure. East Kent residents flooded the meeting and discussion on the arena dominated the session. To its credit, the group’s action will likely save the arena, for at least this year. Instead of just hammering municipal officials with the idea that the arena shouldn’t close because it’s part of the community, the delegation came forth with ideas and a willingness to use their strength to make it viable. Arenas aren’t designed to make money any more than libraries or parks. They are part of the fabric that keeps us connected. That argument loses steam, however, when faced with the stark reality that if an arena (or any taxpayer funded facility) isn’t being used, it can’t be kept open for nostalgic reasons alone. If it’s important, we need to use it. An idle facility seals its own fate. With that in mind, council needs to provide the East Kent residents with a chance to make their idea work and to eliminate any bureaucratic hurdles or impediments. East Kent councillors need to be hands on because they have an opportunity to establish a model or partnership system that can be used elsewhere. Even more than that, however, we need to find a way to tap into that community spirit before a crisis exists. At the risk of sounding too nostalgic, if this problem had arisen before amalgamation, word would have leaked out at Bothwell town council, people would have gotten involved at a grass roots level right away and the issue would have been discussed before it became within a budget line erasure of actually happening. We’re geographically the same, our population is relatively the same and our people are the same community-minded caring individuals we had before amalgamation, so what’s the difference? If it’s attitude, we can change that easily enough. And it won’t cost a dime.
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THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 2016
Opinion
Thanks the memories, Alf Sir: It was an afternoon of surprises for Mr. Alf Kemsley. Four of his staff members, Debbie Brooks, Tom Kemsley, Maggie McGregor and Gayle Cumming surprised Mr. Kemsley at the St. Andrews Residence in Chatham recently. Mr. K (as he was lovingly called) hadn’t seen some of his old staff for more than 30 years, and on this day it was a beautiful reunion. They all reminisced about the great times they had, including all the water fights and all the practical jokes that were played on each other, what one forgot the other remembered; but we all remembered when Mr. K put an artificial spider on Nancy’s desk and she was screaming but she soon retaliated by cutting off his tie. Alf and his brother Syd fought in England during the Second World War
and that is where Alf met and married Joan, the love of his life. After five years, he brought his war bride home to Chatham, and Alf and Syd took over their parents’ flower shop The Rosery Florist at 201 King St. W. In 1956, Alf and Syd divided the business as the business grew and Syd moved to Grand Avenue West. Joan and Alf ran the flower shop from 1956 to 1981 when his son Tom and wife Nancy took over the family tradition and later Tom returned to being an aircraft engineer. Alf’s other son Rodger and his wife Jane were the owners of the Gift Cabin in Chatham. “Working for Joan and Alf has had a big impact of my life,” Debbie said. She is now a Floral Artist and Master Designer at
Syd Kemsley Florist in Chatham. And a Master Designer for Ontario. Debbie also works at The Birdies Nest in Chatham and her designs are exquisite. Maggie McGregor said it was her very first job working at The Rosery. Maggie said that she went up and down King Street applying for job right out of high school and Mrs. Kemsley hired her on the spot. Maggie had opened up two flower shops – one in Ridgetown and later on one in Ingersoll. Maggie now owns Fine Line Painting in Ingersoll. As for myself (Gayle), Mr. and Mrs. K hired me in the late 1970s and it was a joy to go into work each day. The laughter was infectious. I remember Mrs. Kemsley gave me one of her coats since I didn’t have a nice one,
and gave my girls stuffed animals, plus so much more. My girls still talk about The Rosery Florist and the beautiful aroma that came from the huge fridge. I eventually opened my own business in London, a beautiful angel store and I still make arrangements out of my home. Mr. and Mrs. Kemsley treated us all like family, which is unheard of nowadays. Well, Mr. K, you can now see what we all accomplished because we worked with you. You had such a great influence on all of us and the world is a much better place because Mr. and Mrs. Kemsley were in it. You are our version of “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Thanks for the memories. Gayle Cumming London
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THE CHATHAM VOICE
THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 2016
PAGE 7
News
Arena supporters dominate budget meeting By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com
Power to the people who use the Bothwell Arena. They dominated Thursday’s public meeting to discuss the proposed municipal budget, as one of the ideas put forward by municipal staff this year was to close that East Kent arena. With no meeting on the budget scheduled a n y w h e re n e a r
Bothwell, supporters of the arena flooded the Chatham meeting and sent a loud, clear and proactive message to councillors and staff in attendance. About 100 people attended the Chatham meeting, and the majority were on hand to defend the arena. Jamie Beatty, 33, a Bothwell resident and Ridgetown teacher, led the charge. He said the arena is “the heartbeat” of the East Kent community. “The Bothwell Arena is truly the hub of our community. When it’s gone, there is truly nowhere left to build community spirit.” Beatty said with Chatham-Kent consistently receiving poor physical fitness and health grades, closing a facility that encourages physical activity is not a
Bruce Corcoran/The Chatham Voice
Municipal CAO Don Shropshire answers a question from one of the estimated 100 people who attended a public open house on the proposed 2016 municipal budget Thursday night, while chief financial officer Mike Turner looks on.
smart decision. Rather than attend in force and simply gripe about the notion of the closing of their arena, the Bothwell contingent wants to work with municipal staff to seek solutions. “Instead of cutting services, we should find ways to enhance and improve facilities,” Beatty said. “Allow the community to develop a focus group to ensure the long-term sustainability of the arena.” Beatty said there are times when users are denied ice time at the arena. “There are user groups actively looking for additional ice time and are getting turned away. Groups are turned away because it’s not fiscally worth opening the rink for one or two hours on specific days,” he said. The message to keep the arena open was received, as there were several councillors present, as well as the mayor, and about two dozen municipal staff. “I think they got the message loud and clear,” Mayor Randy Hope told the gathering. “I can’t predict how people will vote,
but I can imagine they will pull it off the table on the first night (of budget deliberations). Put it maybe in a holding pattern for a year.” Beatty left the meeting cautiously optimistic. “Council has a tough decision, but it (the arena) is too important to our community to have it on the chopping block,” he said. “We do want to be involved. We have many ideas. We can help make it viable. We are not asking someone to do it for us.” Also discussed at the meeting were items such as the cost of street cleaning, whether declining gas prices were factored into the proposed budget in regards to the municipal vehicle fleet, the WDC Rail line, giving money to the Ridgetown campus of the University of Guelph, a possible interchange at Charing Cross Road and Highway 401, consultant fees, and the downtown streetscape plan for Chatham. Paul Shettell, representing the Historic Downtown Chatham BIA, stressed to council the need to k e e p
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an engineering study on the project in the 2016 budget. If senior levels of government were to offer funding for infrastructure
projects, “without an engineering study, that (the streetscape plan) is not a shovel-ready project,” he said.
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THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 2016
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Friday, January 29, 2016 • Meal and fun darts at The Chatham Legion, William & Colborne St., Chatham. Dinner from 5:30pm-7:00pm with the choice of liver & onions, roast beef or fish & chips for $9.00. One meat draw. Open darts at 7:30pm. Saturday, January 30, 2016 • Meat draw and dance at The Chatham Legion, William & Colborne St., Chatham. Meat draw from 4:00pm-6:00pm. Dance from 4:30pm-9:30pm featuring Ridge Road. Sunday, January 31, 2016 • Zion Christian Church, 820 Park Ave., Chatham, presents War Room. Prayer is a powerful weapon. 7:00pm. Donations for Out Reach For Hunger Chatham-Kent appreciated. Monday, February 1, 2016 • The Chatham-Kent Film Group presents the acclaimed film “Room” at the Galaxy Cineplex Theatre. 4:00pm and 7:00pm showing. No advance tickets. $10 cash. 519-359-8455. • Senior Euchre at The Chatham Legion, William & Colborne St., Chatham at 1:00pm. Tuesday, February 2, 2016 • Slow Cooker Recipe Exchange Night in Tilbury. Join us at the Tilbury branch of the CKPL at 6:00pm. Ages 13 and up. Register for this free event by calling 519-682-0100 or visiting search.ckpl.ca and searching “Slow Cooker Recipe”. • Shuffleboard, open euchre and 2 person team at The Chatham Legion, William & Colborne St., Chatham. Shuffleboard starts at 7:00pm. Afternoon open euchre is at 1:00pm and evening 2 person team euchre registration is at 6:30pm. Starts at 7:00pm. Wednesday, February 3, 2016 • Gluten Sensitivity Information Sessions at the Chatham-Kent Public Library from 7:00pm-8:00pm. • Habitat for Humanity Chatham-Kent will be hosting a Quarter Auction at the Salvation Army Church, 46 Orangewood Blvd., Chatham. Doors open at 6:00pm. Tickets are $5.00 and can be purchased at the ReStore located at 566 Riverview Drive or at the door. Additional paddles will also be available for sale at $2.00. • Patricia M. Productions luncheon fashion show at Casa Bella on the Thames. 425 Riverview Dr., 519-354-5270. Call restaurant for reservations. Fashions by Goldcoast Fashions. Supporting CK Women’s Centre.
• Richard St. Denis will be performing in the West Lounge at Meadow Park Nursing Home, 110 Sandy St., Chatham. •Pepper and Fun Darts at The Chatham Legion, William & Colborne St., Chatham. Pepper at 1:00pm and open darts starts at 7:30pm. Thursday, February 4, 2016 • Free PA Day program at First Reformed Church, corner of Lacroix and Indian Creek Rd., Chatham. 8:30am-3:30pm. Ages 4-10. Zoo to you, followed by crafts, music, stories, exercises and sports. Lunch and snacks are all provided at no cost. Please call 519351-0046 for early registration. • Thames Christian Fellowship is sponsoring a Children’s Play Day from 9:00am4:00pm for children ages Senior Kindergaten through Grade 8. 400 Park Ave. East, Chatham. Sports, crafts, videos, character building Bible stories, lunch and snacks. This event is FREE and limited to 40 registrations. To register call Nancy at 519-3609576 or email philgor48@gmail. com. • Take A Bow Productions FullDay PA Day Fun for children at the Chatham Cultural Centre - Studio 1. 9:00am-4:00pm. Early drop off and late pick up available. Please bring lunch and snacks! $44.00. To register go to www.cktickets.com or phone 519-354-8338 or visit 75 William St. N., Chatham. • Open euchre and bingo at The Chatham Legion, William & Colborne St., Chatham. Open euchre at 1:00pm. Bingo doors open at 6:00pm and starts at 7:00pm. CK Metal Detecting Club Meetings - Last Thursday of the Month, 7:00pm in the Kinsman Room, Erikson Arena, 341 Delaware Ave., Chatham. Guests Welcome. 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 Green Field Ethanol, 275 Bloomfield Road on Mondays from 6:30pm – 8:00pm. Free tea, coffee & fellowship. Sundays from 2:30pm-4:00pm. 146 Lacroix St., Chatham. Submit your coming events to bruce@chathamvoice.com or michelle@chathamvoice.com
The Corcoran resher and her cabin idence is full once mates for dinner again, and separation Sunday night back anxiety is over. in Chatham that For nine days, our we weren’t eager teenaged daughter to see her. I didn’t left us for sunnier even have the car in climates. “Park” as we pulled Mary’s brother and into our parking spot Bruce Corcoran his wife scored a great when Mary had her cruise package back in seatbelt off and one the fall – buy two adult tickets and food out of the door. She was a get two kids’ tickets free. The only good 30 feet ahead of me heading problem was they have two grown into the restaurant. kids and just one teenager. No, Brenna didn’t grow two Enter Brenna. Same age as her inches during her time away, but cousin Matt, and both about as she did grow inside, in terms of easy going as they come. independence. So for a week, our kid essentially And she bonded with family. I’m became their extra kid. surprised she and her nephew And our house went very quiet. Matt didn’t giggle themselves We were worried how she would hoarse during the trip. It could do away for such a long period. have occurred after they were Well, we weren’t all that conaccidentally served booze in one cerned, but Brenna likes to keep restaurant. They ordered virgin in touch, even if it’s just to text drinks and could taste the alcohol goodnight. in them. But she wasn’t just out of the More giggles took place when country, but rather at sea and visher uncle enjoyed the rum punch iting numerous ports of call in the at a spot in St. Thomas in the U.S. Caribbean. Cell phone packages Virgin Islands. It seems the drinks just weren’t feasible, and the Inpack quite the punch, so after a ternet Cafe on board the ship was couple of glasses, the normally rea steep $35US a day, a steep price served Tom became quite animatjust to say goodnight. ed with directions for a time, much So off she went. The last time we to the joy of the kids. heard from her was the morning Or when Matt accidentally karate before they boarded the ship. For a chopped a water glass, or when full week, we didn’t hear anything the ship was in heavier waves and from our only kid. they were getting rocked about It’s very safe to say that while in one of the swimming pools on she may have missed being able to board. reach out to us now and again, we And then there was Aunt Dewere the ones who had the bigger lynne’s uncanny knack to capture separation issues. part of a finger in photographs on Then again, we weren’t climbing her iPad (tablet photo taking isn’t on ropes high above a massive as easy as it seems). cruise ship, or enjoying trip after The stories we heard were hilartrip down waterslides atop the ious; Brenna’s memories from the vessel. trip, priceless. Nor were we eating huge steaks, But on Sunday, it was back to remassive burgers, rich salmon ality. When she left the restaurant dishes and everything in between, and got into our vehicle, her teeth while enjoying the hot sun of the were chattering. Caribbean. “I missed you guys. But I didn’t Nope, we just huddled down miss the cold.” during a cold week and knew she No kidding. was enjoying herself. We missed her too, and didn’t That didn’t mean when we met escape the winter’s chill.
The Kent to kick off concert series Saturday The Chatham Voice
As promised, the operators of The Kent 1874 in Chatham are running a concert series. The first of the shows takes place Jan. 30, and features the local band Superfly. “Showcasing live music has always been an integral part of our vision,” Stephen Keating, owner of The Kent 1874, said. “Being a former house of worship, music and celebration was an important part of its history. We’re thrilled to continue that tradition moving
forward. It’s also an ideal venue for performing live concerts, shooting music videos and live sound recordings. Music can really shine here.” The Kent 1874 Ballroom features a 50-foot vaulted wood ceiling, stained glass windows, a massive pipe organ and a multi-tiered performance stage. Proceeds from the event will help support the United Way of Chatham-Kent. Tickets are $10 in advance, and $15 at the door. Doors open at 7 p.m., show starts at 8 p.m. For tickets, visit thekent1874.com.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 2016
THE CHATHAM VOICE
News
Cookie power
A Dickens of an event
By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com
Talk about a popular fundraising program. Local Tim Hortons owners joined forces back in the fall to sell cookies, with the proceeds going to the Children’s Treatment Centre of Chatham-Kent. On Jan. 20, the owners revealed their donation total to the centre. In about a week’s time, the Smile Cookie Program – at Tim’s locations in and around Chatham owned by Guy Pritchard and Mike and Paula Grail – resulted in more than $11,000 raised. “We started it back up in Chatham,” Paula Grail said of the program. “It’s a great program. We’re happy to be able to offer it to the community.” Paula said it’s a national Tim Horton’s program. “Each location gets to
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The Chatham Voice
Contribrued image
Donna Litwin-Makey, executive director of the Children’s Treatment Centre of Chatham-Kent, accepts a cheque for more than $11,000 from local Tim Hortons owners Mike and Paula Grail. The Grails teamed up with fellow Tim Hortons owner Guy Pritchard to run the Smile Cookie Program last fall, where all proceeds went to the treatment centre.
pick a charity to support,” she said. As for selling cookies to raise money, the treats tend to sell themselves, she added. “It’s a great product,” she said of the smiles cookies. “It does put a smile on your face.”
Donna Litwin-Makey, executive director of the Children’s Treatment Centre, said staff were hands on in helping the fundraising reach its full potential. “We had a steady supply of cookies here. It seemed whenever some-
one went out, they came back with cookies,” she said. Litwin-Makey said the money will be put towards purchasing a new piano for the centre’s music therapy program, as well as expanding the social work program.
A unique examination of slavery and abolition through the eyes and work of Charles Dickens and Harriet Beecher-Stowe will be the centrepiece of this year’s annual Dickens’ Gala Birthday Celebration on Feb. 19. Bryan and Shannon Prince developed the presentation, which features dramatic readings by the couple and other notables. Beecher-Stowe is primarily known for her work “Uncle Tom’s Cabin.” The 1852 novel, written from her viewpoint as an American abolitionist, was inspired by Rev. Josiah Henson’s autobiography three years earlier. The book was influential in America and Great Brit-
ain, and is credited with awakening social forces that led to the American Civil War a decade later. The English-born Dickens visited America twice and described the effects of slavery in the Publication, “American Notes.” Stowe and Dickens communicated in writing and met in England. Over time, they moved from mutual respect and admiration through significant differences of opinion. The Chatham-Kent Dickens Fellowship is hosting the Feb. 19 event at Club Lentinas. Tickets are $50 each and available from Fellowship board members or by calling 519-354-9786 (pickup at 551 Victoria Ave., Chatham). For further information, contact Tom McCarthy at 519354-9786.
COLD WEATHER SAFETY TIPS The cold weather is officially here and with this change in temperature comes the responsibility of keeping our pets toasty warm. Below are some useful cold weather safety tips. 1. Never leave your pet alone in a cold car. Cars hold in the cold, acting like refrigerators, which can cause your pet to freeze to death. 2. Keep your pets warm. If it’s too cold for you to stay outside, it’s too cold for your pet. Although some breeds can withstand colder temperatures, it is important to supply adequate housing. 3. Keep animals away from puddles. They may contain ethylene glycol found in antifreeze which can be fatal if ingested. 4. Keep your pets away from bodies of water. With melting ice and rising water levels, lakes can be extremely dangerous for you and your pet. 5. Wipe your pet’s paws and underside after being outside. Salt and ice melt can irritate and burn, and also be fatal in ingested. 6. Be aware of cats seeking warmth under vehicle hoods. Try knocking on the hood of your car to scare them away before starting the engine. 7. Don’t let your dog off leash especially during a snowstorm. They can easily lose their scent and get lost. 8. A warm place to sleep. Ensure your pet has a thick, cozy bed or blanket away from any drafts and off the cold floors. 9. Dress for the weather. Use booties and winter sweaters to help keep your pets warm during outdoor excursions. 10. Prepare an emergency pet survival kit. You never know when a storm might keep you from being able to leave the house for extended periods.
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THE CHATHAM VOICE
PAGE 10
THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 2016
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ACROSS 1 Hairstyle 5 Fond du --, Wisc. 8 Wan 12 Pitch 13 Bachelor’s last words 14 Old portico 15 Largest continent 16 - - canto 17 Get ready, for short
What is missing on this puzzle page. . . . ?
18 Catch sight of 20 Eye layer 22 West Virginia industry 26 -- nerve 29 Japanese sash 30 Sticky stuff 31 Frog’s cousin 32 Pair 33 Timely question?
DOWN 1 N’Djamena’s country 2 Northamptonshire river 3 Rainbow 4 Limp 5 Egypt’s neighbor 6 Citric quaff 7 Rumpled sleuth of TV 8 Colorado ski mecca 9 Poker-winning hand 10 Weeding tool
11 Shrill bark 19 Sinbad’s flier 21 Half of XIV 23 Depress 24 Yule refrain 25 Missing 26 Ear-related 27 Horse-play? 28 Yarn 32 Strip of icons 33 Bug 35 Sgt.’s subordinate 36 Coffee break time 38 Duck down 39 Shroud city 42 Jason’s ship 43 Any day now 44 Nervous 45 PC’s brain 46 Fleur-de- -48 “Born in the --”
YOU!
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THE CHATHAM VOICE
THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 2016
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HOW TO PLACE YOUR AD
CLASSIFIEDS Obituaries
Ronald Mathew Wilson
passed away peacefully, after a lengthy illness at the age of 50 at Toronto General Hospital on January 19, 2016 with his mother by his side. He will be greatly missed by his beloved partner, Doug Smith of Toronto. Survived by his mother Diane Wilson and partner (David McNeill). Brothers Daniel James Wilson (Patricia), Toronto and Thomas John Wilson,(deceased 2009). He is also survived by his father, John Thomas Wilson, (Shirley) half brothers, Ryan and Eric, step sister Jennifer, all of Chatham. Survived by many aunts, uncles and cousins. He is better known and loved, as Mathew to his many friends in Toronto. Mathew loved gardening, music, travel (Paris, France was a favorite) and cooking. He had a true love of nature and the wild forests and beaches on Canada’s west coast. My words to Ronny: “You were a unique creation...able to achieve your goals that you set your mind and heart on. When the outside world seemed difficult to take, and the stress in your life seemed overwhelming, you looked inside yourself for strength. Moments of unrest comes to everyone, but peace comes after the storm and then you will begin to see with fresh eyes all that you have been given. You listened to your Angel! Your storm is over my son.” Rest in Peace with your beloved cats, Raffy and Chika Kitty. Our Ronny suffers no more and is peacefully home in heaven with his beloved cats, Raffy and Chika and all his family members before him.
Auctions
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Tanning Flo DeVogelaere
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519-351-9620
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House for Sale
Inshes Ave. 2 + 1 bedrooms, detached garage, small fenced backyard. $79,900. 519-354-3911.
Coming Events
Tea Leaf Reading Blitz. Saturday, January 30, 10am-3pm. Walk ins only, $20. Tea Connection, 15b King St. East.
IN PERSON: 84 DOVER ST. #2, CALL: 519-397-2020, EMAIL: FATIMA @CHATHAMVOICE.COM
OBITUARIES
Kathleen “Kaye” Willis 95, Friday, December 25, 2015 McKinlay Funeral Home
Stanley Gore St. 85, Thursday, January 21, 2016 Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home
Adela Vanbiesbrouck 89, Tuesday, January 19, 2016 McKinlay Funeral Home
Riziero Orecchio 83,Friday, January 22, 2016 Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home
Maurice Normandin 85, Friday, January 22, 2016 McKinlay Funeral Home
Mr. William Montgomery 92, Monday, January 18, 2016 Alexander & Houle Funeral Home
Donald Williston 58, Wednesday, January 13, 2016 McKinlay Funeral Home
Mrs. Maria Goretta Jefferson 58, Tuesday, January 19, 2016 Alexander & Houle Funeral Home
Thomas Sullivan 87, Wednesday, January 20, 2016 Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home
Mrs. Carol Lewis 70, Thursday, January 21, 2016 Alexander & Houle Funeral Home
Teas
Caramel Oolong and Ginger/Lemon Oolong. Tea Connection, 15b King St. E. 226-671-0081.
Services Offered
Linda’s Flower Arranging by appointment. Already made to view or take orders. Call 519-3513580 between 9-4pm. Mon.Sat.
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
Hinnegan-Peseski
245 Wellington St. W., Chatham 519-352-2710
alexanderfuneralhome.ca
FUNERAL HOME
156 William St., Chatham 519.352.5120 www.peseski.com
A FAMILY BUSINESS THAT CARES
60 Stanley Street, Blenheim (519) 676 – 9200 blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com
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THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 2016
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