The Chatham Voice, March 31, 2016

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By Jim Blake jim@chathamvoice.com

Chatham-Kent Mayor Randy Hope has blasted the provincial government’s planned increase in gasoline and natural gas taxes as a kick in the teeth to rural Ontario.

“This is typical Queen’s Park thinking,” he said.

“They see a problem and knee jerk a solution without taking the time to understand the consequences of their actions.”

Premier Kathleen Wynne recently announced the cap-and-trade measures as a way to deal with greenhouse gas emissions (GHG).

It aims to raise $1.3 billion through a four cent per litre tax on gasoline and a $5 to $6 monthly increase in natural gas cost for the average home.

The measures are expected to become law next January.

Hope said instead of going after rural Ontario, the province should be looking at the issue from a different angle.

Continued on back page

Bruce Corcoran/The Chatham Voice

Clara Wieringa, 3, was one of the hundreds of kids who flocked to Erickson Arena on Good Friday to take part in the Maple City Citizens on Patrol Easter Egg Hunt. The event featured more than just the egg hunt. There was face painting, temporary tattooing, egg decorating, and more.

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 2

THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2016

News

Health care up in the air

Future services offered at SDH unknown for now

By Jim Blake jim@chathamvoice.com

Jim Blake/The Chatham Voice

Officials of the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance are working on a proposal for a $10 million facility to replace the Sydenham District Hospital campus in Wallaceburg. The Margaret Avenue facility was opened in 1957 and doubled in size a decade later. At one time, it had a 124bed capacity.

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A proposal to chart the future of the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance services in Wallaceburg will be unveiled April 19 but at this point it’s anyone’s guess what that will contain.

A crowd of 100 people attended the monthly meeting of the Sydenham District Hospital Board at the UAW hall in Wallaceburg after a rumour swept the community that the hospital’s emergency department would be closing shortly.

Conrad Noel, SDH board vice-chair, said the emergency department is not closing, with the number one reason being the Chatham campus can’t handle the volume.

Alliance CAO Colin Patey said the administration is preparing a proposal for a $10 million investment to replace Sydenham Hospital but its contents haven’t been finalized.

Wallaceburg councillor and former SDH board chair Jeff Wesley asked if the proposal would contain an emergency department.

Fatima Pisquem Distro/Class - Ext.223 fatima@chathamvoice.com

“In the proposal that goes to the minister of health for funding, will it have an emergency department in it?” he asked Patey.

Despite repeated requests for a “yes or no” answer, Patey refused to be pinned down, referring to questions asked of Health Minister Eric Hoskins by Lambton Kent Middlesex MPP Monte McNaughton.

“Who am I to offer guarantees ….when the minister himself yesterday front of the entire house wouldn’t offer that guarantee or make it any clearer. I’m just Colin Patey,” he said.

He said, for the past five years, despite concerns to the contrary, “at no place at no time at anywhere was there any discussion about closure of the emergency department in Wallaceburg.”

He said, however, those comments reflected the time when the Alliance had a balanced budget.

Patey said a $1.8 million deficit facing the Alliance is a direct result of a $2.5 million shortfall in provincial funding.

Michelle Owchar Graphics - Ext.226 michelle@chathamvoice.com

Continued on page 3

Nadine Bax Feature Sales nadine@chathamvoice.com

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

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No coin for two ERs Continued from page 2

He said there is a “30 per cent variance in their (the province’s) funding approach to the way in which we deliver emergency health care services. It is not funding us to operate two emergency departments this year.”

He said the funding shortfall means “all things have to be on the table.”

There were 61,074 visits to the Alliance’s emergency department in fiscal 2014/15 but figures don’t break out the number by campus.

Despite not offering assurances on the future of the SDH emergency room, Patey said he would continue to advocate for proper health care.

“One of the things I’ll be advocating for, in every corner that I find myself in, is that you do not make an agreement, you do not make a decision to close the emergency department in Wallaceburg until there is something else in place that is going to look after safety, access, and if we can, improving the quality of care. The board knows that; they trust me to be advocating for that. I’ll make that statement to the LHIN.” Patey said the Alliance is working with other health-care partners such as the Canadian Mental Health Association and the Chatham-Kent Community Health Centres to broaden the usage of a new centre and access other funding if possible.

Noel said it’s important for community members to come together and let Queen’s Park know there is a strong backing for emergency services.

That sentiment was echoed by board member Kris Lee, who said she’d like to see hundreds of people turn out for the April 19 meeting.

“I want to get 1,000 members in this community. I think the government checks to see which way the

Jim Blake/The Chatham Voice

More than 100 people turned out for the March meeting of the Sydenham District Hospital Board after a rumour swept the community that the hospital’s emergency department was in imminent danger of closing.

wind is blowing. And if the wind is blowing where there is a lot of people that are commanding something for their community… we’re not going to get a mega-hospital… but we are going to get something that we want. I want to know what you want to hear, I don’t want someone in Toronto saying you

need this facility and you need that.

This community should be telling the board how that facility should look, including the ER. If you don’t ask, you don’t get.”

Noel said the number of hospital members has dropped to 164 from 300. He urged people to pay the $10 fee for a three-year membership.

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PAGE 4

News

Past, present meet at Mighty Jim’s

By Jim Blake jim@chathamvoice.com

It’s not easy interviewing Joannie Wannacott.

It isn’t that the diminutive brunette is difficult to talk to, in fact, that’s the problem.

It seems everybody in the vicinity of Mighty Jim’s Variety on Grand Avenue East knows her, and Joannie always has a few minutes to talk.

From the man – who wants a pound of corned beef “you want that sliced thin, right?” – to a young girl “you didn’t ride your bike in the snow today did you?” – Joannie knows something about everyone.

As the operator of arguably Chatham’ s oldest variety store (114 years and counting) she’s part grocer, part friend and all-neighbour to those who frequent the business at the corner of Grand and Van Allen Avenue.

“The best part is the people,” she said. “You get to know about them and their family and they learn about you,” she said. “If somebody’s missing for a few days and they’re usually in every day, (and) if they’re older we might ask their neighbour about them. We’ll learn that someone went by the door and they’re ok.”

Joannie and her husband Jim bought the store in 2000.

When he died three and a half years ago, she kept the business open.

The interview is stopped again when a customer enters to check his lottery tickets.

“Did your numbers come in last night?” he’s asked. Shortly after he departs with fresh tickets and a wish that he wins, telling Joannie “I’ll put that big number on your window yet.”

She said watching customers who were once children come

THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2016

Jim Blake/The Chatham Voice

Joannie Wannacott holds a display featuring her husband Jim as she stands behind the counter at Mighty Jim’s Variety on Grand Avenue.

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A montage of former storefronts where Mighty Jim’s sits today.

in now with children of their own is fun but “it makes you feel kind of old.”

She said the store was

making memories long before she and Jim owned it.

“There are great memories here,” she said looking at some old photos of the build-

Contributed image

ing. “There used to be a step here where the front door was.

When we first opened the store people thought (the building) was about 100 years old.”

“At the opening this guy showed up; he looked about 80 years old and he told us the store is a lot older than that,” she recalled. “He told us his grandfather owned it. It was a dry goods store and livery stable. I believe it because we found a lot of horseshoes when we renovated.”

“He told me, ‘I’m going to get a box of crackerjacks and sit outside on the step and eat them.

Please don’t come outside and bother me. This is my memory.’”

Continued on page 5

THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2016

PAGE 5

News

We’re Same location, 9 owners Almost We’re Almost Full!

Mighty Jim’s Variety, home of extremely friendly owner Joannie Wannacott.

Jim Blake/The Chatham Voice

Contributed image

The Grand Avenue East location where MIghty Jim’s stands today has been home to a variety store for many a decade.

ter, we can do that,” she said. “We even give She’s the ninth owner of the store that change for people to do laundry.” was opened by the Stein family. It was later She said government paperwork and what owned by J.J. Mackness, Lillian Gale, Cecil she calls the “tobacco police” are aspects of and Morley Phillips, the Martin and Lachine the business that can be exasperating. families, and Khanh and Sinh Pham.

“When you have three cops in full body arShe said she’s proud of how Jim led a peti- mor combing through you entire store, any tion to get a traffic light at the corner. crawl space or attic, it can be frustrating,” “It was so dangerous because the traffic just she said. “It’s government, so everything has flies along Grand,” she said. “There were a to be done their way.”

Less than Eight Spacious lot of people hurt trying to cross the street.”

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“It’s gone to the black market, I don’t care what anyone says,” she said. “I can’t blame my customers because they’re so expensive.”

Tobacco was responsible for one of ALL REGULAR PRICED ITEMS two robberies the store has had over the years.

“We were robbed once for cash and once for some cigarettes we had out on the counter,” she said.

The loss of tobacco sales has forced the store to look for other revenue.

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 6

Health-care cash exists Following the news that provincial funding cuts to the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance may lead to closure of the emergency department at Sydenham District Hospital, residents in Wallaceburg vowed to do what many people believe they do best - put up a fight.

More than 100 residents attended a monthly meeting of the Sydenham District Hospital Board after a rumour spread through the community that one of the last real services offered at the hospital was about to be chopped. Members of the hospital board urged residents to mobilize, contact provincial officials and express their displeasure that the future of emergency care is perilous at best.

To be successful, they will need to fill meetings, hold protests and rallies and appeal to everyone they believe has any influence. Given their history, we don’t doubt they will. Perhaps the larger question is, why should they have to?

There is something fundamentally wrong when residents have to go cap in hand (or protest signs in hand for that matter) to keep a fundamental level of health care they’ve had for decades.

Basic human decency should allow every Ontarian the right to health care in a timely manner. If anything, the province should be extending care to communities that don’t have it instead of taking it from those who need it.

Residents of Wallaceburg, Dresden, Walpole Island First Nations and St. Clair Township have all contributed to what was once a first-class rural hospital.

Time and neglect combined to make the structure obsolete. That doesn’t mean a level of health care isn’t needed.

Many among the crowd at the SDH meeting expressed the frustration of being middle-aged or older and living in a rural area.

Add the fact that they chose to elect provincial members from the “wrong” party, and they could be poster children for the disenfranchised. They don’t fit in Kathleen Wynne’s Ontario.

This needs to go beyond politics although it needs to start there.

It’s well past the time for the province to stop wasting billions of dollars on inefficient and costly health delivery systems.

The soon-to-be disbanded Community Care Access Centre ($2.5 billion annually) is having its duties given to the Local Health Integration Network ($68 billion each year).

Some of that savings needs to be invested in actual health care instead of paying high priced bureaucrats to tell us what we can’t have.

Changes in health care don’t mean you abandon the population while you “figure out” which direction you’re going next.

Competent managers keep existing structures in place while migrating service. They don’t knee-jerk from one crisis to the next.

Advertising policy

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, MARCH 31, 2016

Opinion

The Voice earns reader’s respect Sir: My heartiest congratulations to The Chatham Voice. You have done something I never thought you could do.

You started a newspaper in the 21st century!

And you competed with the “big boys” in the newspaper world.

Because that’s all there is nowadays.

I used to enjoy working for a small family-owned company years ago. Then it sold out to Southam Newspapers, and then Conrad Black’s Hollinger swept in, and I believe it is now part of the Metroland nest, which owns three daily and 113 weekly community newspapers in Southern Ontario.

My little newspaper is in a group officially known as Hamilton Community News.

It’s getting so confusing

I’m not even sure who owns what or what owns whom!

Not long ago, Quebecor, which used to own Sun Media, sold its 175 Sun Media newspapers to Postmedia Network for $316-million. Postmedia recently announced major operational changes, cutting 90 jobs across the country and merging newsrooms from multiple newspapers into one each in Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton and Ottawa. Postmedia boss is Paul Godfrey, once president of The Toronto Sun and CEO of the Toronto Blue Jays.

Quebecor had started in 1950 with a small neighbourhood newspaper and has now become the vast communications empire we all know.

When Metroland’s Guelph Mercury ceased publishing on Jan. 26, putting 26 people out of work, publisher Donna Luelo said ending the newspaper was “the only viable option” given changes to the media landscape.

“The decision was not made lightly, but the decline of classified and national advertising in recent years has made it impossible for the printed copy of the daily newspaper to remain profitable,” she said.

That’s why I think it’s so wonderful that The Chatham Voice is still publishing. I’m sure it operates on a bare-bones budget but it is still publishing.

That doesn’t mean I dislike the Postmedia

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

newspapers in this area.

I love all newspapers.

I love the feel of newsprint. I love the smell of a newspaper just off the presses. I have no use for digital newspapers or e-books.

But I admire The Chatham Voice because it has probably got more challenges than the Guelph Mercury but it takes them on and solves them.

I have always admired the late Maggie Thatcher of the United Kingdom.

Speaking of success, she said, “It is a mixture of having a flair for the thing you are doing.

Knowing it isn’t enough, that you have got to have hard work and a certain sense of purpose.”

Stephen J. Beecroft Chatham

right to edit letters to the editor for brevity and clarity.

All letters need to be signed and must have a phone number where we can reach you for verification.

The Chatham Voice is printed by:

84 Dover St., Chatham, ON, N7L 1T1 Tel: 519-397-2020 Fax: 519-397-1177 A division of CK Media Inc.

The contents of this newspaper are protected by copyright.

No material from this edition may be reproduced without expressed written consent of CK Media Inc. A member of:

THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2016

PAGE 7

Opinion

Turbines spin; C-K council does too Sir: One evening recently, I had occasion to drive from Ridgetown to Blenheim along the Ridge Road on a crystal clear night. As I stared into the blackness ahead of me, I was struck with the flashing red lights of the outrageous number of turbines in that part of Chatham-Kent.

I had read that we had hundreds of turbines in the municipality, but not until I saw all of those lights at once, did I finally grasp the enormity of the waste that is the Ontario Liberal Party’s green energy fiasco.

Chatham-Kent has all of those turbines, in part, because we have self-identified as a “willing host,” accepting all of the turbines that anyone wants to place here. I am sure that the community grants from turbine manufacturers and generating companies had no influence on the decision process.

Well, folks, as you drive along that stretch of road some

night, let all those red lights remind you of something else. With Chatham-Kent’s willing acceptance of all those turbines, encouraging the buffoons in Queens Park to continue on their hare-brained path to provincial bankruptcy, recognize that Chatham-Kent has also been a willing participant in the back-pocket assault of Ontario taxpayers. When seniors on fixed incomes open their hydro bills and gasp at the ludicrous jumps in billing amounts, they can remind themselves that communities like Chatham-Kent have been willing assistants to this Liberal boondoggle.

We have just witnessed the annual little theatre production of The Municipal Budget, the yearly farce that determines how much more money is going to be gouged from local taxpayers. By definition, budgeting is determining how

to best spend the financial sultants to tell us what most resources that one has. people in the area already In our municipality, know, that we have a rich herithe “budget” process tage of Black, First Nation and consists of administraagricultural history. We needed tion putting together its a “brain trust” to tell us that demands for the next year, because of the region’s setting followed by several sessions for significant battles in the war of melodrama where council of 1812-14 we have a tourism painfully cuts what is preopportunity? sumed non-essential. Just once, Why do we own a defunct I would like to see council start railroad that was shut down with a clean piece of paper, because of lack of use 10 years a budget of zero and then let ago? administration justify each and When I was a school board every expenditure that gets trustee, five trustees were an added to the total. adequate number to repreJust because we did somesent all of the people of Chathing last year, or had a person tham-Kent. Why do we need occupying a position last year a council of more than three does not automatically mean times that number? that those costs are required for We are blessed to have a few the coming year.

Why do we need an Grass Cutting office in China when we cannot afford a tourism Trimming office in Chatham?

Why did we need to Landscaping spend $50K for con-

Reports lack all details Sir: I have encountered a longstanding issue of incomplete and subjective reports to council unnecessarily contributing to costing Chatham-Kent millions of dollars in failed capital projects, while creating unnecessary tax hikes to an already fragile municipal economy.

The Bradley Centre report to council described only a $91,000 annual loss, so let’s build it. We now find a $1.4 million to $1.5 million annual gross cost with at least $1 million in annual losses.

Our company spent a number of hours attempting to show city hall the Bradley project would lose at least 10 times the amount suggested in the report. Like many recommendations from the private sector to not proceed with some capital projects, our municipal team forged ahead wearing the proverbial blinders.

Similar to a number of incomplete and subject reports to council over the years, do you think council would have voted to build the Bradley centre if the report responsibly and accurately showed a $1 million to $1.7 million annual costing?

The Kinsmen Auditorium proved to only lose $83,000 annually.

A more recent issue is in regard to the fire department and the hiring of a new fire inspector. A budget presentation showed that the added hire would cost $121,554, while generating

nearly $50,000 annually in revenue, having a one-time cost of $6,000 for PPE (personal protective equipment).

Information I obtained from city hall confirmed the new hire wage was based on a 2012 and not a 2016 negotiated salary, which significantly increases the annual base salary. When adding a 29 per cent employee burden, tax-dollar funded, plus associated costs, raises the presented wage of $121,000 to $161,000.

Additionally, the revenues generated in the report of about $50,000 annually, was not only based on speculation but will be an added charge to taxpayers for Fire Department services.

These are the actions causing increased taxes with fewer services, making Chatham-Kent a less attractive place to invest and live.

It appears the information provided council and the public was not based on facts but hype, colour and “feel good.” The comparator figures in the report to Windsor’s balance of fire inspectors to Chatham-Kent was not mentioned in relationship to population, housing and business density. In comparison, Chatham-Kent already had many more inspec-

tors per square kilometre in this regard than Windsor.

The fire department earlier hired five additional part-time people to reduce overtime costs. Additional fire inspector workload could easily be covered with existing fire personnel. We once again add unnecessary costs to an already fragile Chatham-Kent economy.

John Cryderman Chatham

clear-thinking members of municipal council. However, we have an abundance of deadwood amongst our elected officials, who are mentally stuck in the 20th century, convinced that given a sufficient number of trips to China, jobs will pop up like mushrooms after a spring rain for people with limited education to be rewarded with generous salaries and benefits, just like the automotive branch plant heydays of the 1960s.

Those days are over, and it is not a minute too soon to begin thinking of how we will remove those fossilized members of council in the next election.

H. David Goldsmith Chatham

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2016

THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2016

PAGE 9

News

Welcome to Lake Corcoran Wet enough for you?

Every spring, downpour leaves me cringing, as each time it rains, we get a lake in front of our house.

We have one of just four storm sewer drains on our street.

It sits right at the end of our driveway.

I am forever clearing leaves off of it to help the street drain.

That’s not a big deal. What is a big deal is the fact the drain in our bathroom sink would work faster than the storm drain does these days.

I’ve brought the problem up to the municipality. Repeatedly.

The public works guys have been out to look at it. Repeatedly. They’ve tried vacuuming it out to clear out the gunk, but it has reached the point where there’s a serious blockage.

My latest call to city hall put me in touch with a gentleman who said it appeared there was something like cement obstructing the drain and they may very well have to excavate to fix the problem. But that can’t take place until the frost is out of the ground and spring is upon us.

Um, did the frost ever really go into the ground this year?

And spring is indeed upon us.

I realize this time of the year annually delivers a host of issues throughout Chatham-Kent for our Public Works guys.

Potholes always have them out and about patching hither and yon in the spring, and that’s just for starters.

For me, it’s the fact there are just four drains on our long street and one quarter of them of them are clogged that is a concern. Last week, water was flowing over the middle of the road to escape down the storm drain on the other side of the street. Sunday night’s storm left a large lake in front of our property Monday morning, even when the driveway and much of the road nearby was dry. I shudder to think what it was like at its high-water mark.

We also happen to have an interlock brick driveway.

Standing water and the sand/ fine gravel filler and base don’t get along. The interlock at the end of our driveway is below the curb cement now and is only getting worse with each rainfall.

RIP, Mike

There’s an empty chair at Mike & Ted’s Barber Shop in Cha-

Bruce Corcoran tham.

Mike McGuire, who co-owned the shop with Ted Ritchie, is now cutting hair inside the pearly gates, perhaps giving St. Peter himself a little trim. Mike passed away in his sleep earlier this month at the age of 74.

I first met Mike when he and Ted called up last fall to talk about advertising. The duo was a treat to deal with: two good, old-fashioned nice guys.

I found them so intriguing that I did a feature article on the two 70-somethings who kept cutting hair and telling stories long after many folks in their line of work would have dunked their scissors in Barbasol for the last time and called it a career.

Mike began cutting hair in Chatham in 1961. He, like Ted, is an old-school barber, not a stylist.

Being a barber, it seems, is a lot like being a bartender. You hear

Bruce Corcoran/The Chatham Voice

Storm sewer issues on Maryknoll Road are on the municipality’s list of things to do.

and tell a great deal of stories.

At Mike & Ted’s, there was always a steady stream of folks, some in to get their haircut, others just to stop and swap tales.

Although I’d only known Mike a short time, I got the feeling he spent most of his life with a smile on his face.

He always had a very positive demeanor; warm, welcoming.

Mike, you will be missed.

tomorrow. Eventually, he was right.

Few people I’ve met over the years were as funny or friendly as Glenn. Or as musically talented. A campfire, Glenn Kyle and an acoustic guitar meant hours of fun and entertainment.

The next time I hear The Band, I’ll think of Glenn. Ditto for

the next time I’m munching on chicken wings, his family’s food of choice.

I might have to track down Tommy Boy or Multiplicity on Netflix to watch them again as well. Of course, I’ll have to have a beer and some wings close by.

Farewell, my friend.

RIP, Glenn

A buddy of mine from my days in Lindsay, Glenn Kyle, passed away recently. We received word on the weekend.

News of his passing left me stunned. Glenn was my age. We had a great deal in common.

The guy always lived life like there was no

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 10

THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2016

News

Sun shines on public salaries

By Jim Blake jim@chathamvoice.com

More than 450 local residents made the province’s annual Sunshine List of employees who earned more than $100,000 in 2015.

Topping the local list were a two local health care officials and an educator.

The two local health care officials are Gary Switzer, Chief Executive Officer of the Erie St. Clair Local Health Integration Network (LHIN), who

received $308,346 and Colin Patey President and Chief Executive Officer of the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance who pulled in $285,000. (All figures exclude taxable benefits).

The LHIN oversees the Community Care Access Centre system that had 27 on the list, led by CEO Lori Marshall at $223,768, followed by senior leads Patricia Khan ($144,325) and Kelly Robertson ($144,012).

The CKHA had 45 members on the list with Chief Operating Officer Sarah

Padfield ($187,613), Vice President Willi Kirenko ($164,237) and nurse Annette O’Neill ($156,464) topping the $150,000 mark.

The Canadian Mental Health Association had 19 members on the list, topped by CEO Alan Stevenson at $158,004 followed by senior service director Bonnie Wrightman ($148,855) and Linda Swain, director of corporate services at $129,807.

More than 115,000 provincial employees across Ontario made the list in

2015.

Former Ontario Premier Mike Harris started the Public Sector Salary Disclosure Act in 1996.

It was led by Thomas Mitchell, CEO of Ontario Power Generation who made $1,528,933 last year.

St. Clair College president Patti France made $339,419 last year. There were 210 college employees on the list, the majority of them at the Windsor campus. The outgoing Thames Campus Principal made $103,846.

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Judge Stephen Feurth made $291,751 while fellow judges Lucy Glenn and William Wolski each made $284,276. Justices of the Peace Calvin Hurst and Marsha Miskokomon each made $127,223.

There were 165 Chatham-Kent municipal employees who topped the $100,000 mark. The majority are police with 82 members and firefighters with 51.

Former police chief Dennis Poole who retired last year made $205,154.

Current police chief Gary Conn ($183,467) and deputy chief Jeff Littlewood were next at $162,645.

Fire/Paramedic Chief Ken Stuebing made $145,474. Assistant chiefs Rick Scarf ($119,501) and Bob Davidson ($118,476) were next while Deputy Chief Alan Devillaer made $116,807.

The Lambton Kent District School Board had 142 employees who topped $100,000 led by Director of Education Jim Costello at $205,075.

Next are superintendents of education Joy Badder ($159,969), Daphne Lounsbury ($155,636) and Phillip Warner ($159,617).

The St. Clair Catholic School Board has 100 members on the list with Superintendent Dan Parr leading at $213,923. Associate Director and treasurer James McKenzie is next at $210,343 while Deb Crawford tops the superintendents at $182,097.

Other notables include Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority General Manger Don Pearson at $116,125, and St. Clair Region Conservation Authority General Manager Brian McDougall at $109,143.

By Jim Blake jim@chathamvoice.com

whole other level. The fact that it all started here in Chatham-Kent; something he hasn’t forgotten, adds to the atmosphere the Jeanne Gordon Theatre creates.”

Canada’s hidden treasure, according to the Stratford Bluesfest, Schatte has developed the habit of leaving audience jaws agape. The winner of the 2015 Toronto Blues Society Talent Search, Schatte is in the midst of a cross-Ontario tour.

The show starts at 8 p.m.

Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. They can be purchased from The Wallaceburg Museum, James Street Eatery, McKellar’s Flowers in Dresden, and Custom Window in Chatham.

Schatte coming to Wallaceburg

The Wallaceburg & District Council for the Arts presents Chatham native and Canadian roots rock guitarist Michael Schatte live on stage at the Jeanne Gordon Theatre April 9.

The concert is guaranteed to be an unforgettable evening of original rock, blues and Celtic from the virtuoso guitarist, songwriter, and 2015 Memphis International Blues Challenge Finalist. Schatte has developed the habit of leaving audience jaws agape.

“We’ve been anticipating this show for quite some time,” said Jay Smith, a member of the Arts Council’s board of directors.

“Michael’s talent is on a

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THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2016

PAGE 11

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2016

Come to the Feast of Divine Mercy!

Come to the Feast of Divine Mercy!

Calling Catholics the of Feast onafter theEaster, Sunday Calling allallCatholics to thetoFeast MercyofonMercy the Sunday April after 3rd Easter, April 3rd Did you know thethat Lord saidwould that would one day be the “last hope of salvation”?

Did you know that thethat Lord said this feast onethis day befeast the “last hope of salvation”?

Have you considered what would happenwould to you ifhappen you suddenly in the mortal sin? died in the state of mortal sin?

Have you considered what todied you if state youofsuddenly

Did you know that in the 1930’s Our Lord Jesus, Himself Did youthrough know St. thatFaustina in thethat 1930’s Our Lord Jesus, requested a very special Feast of Himself requested through St. Faustina that a very Divine in His Church and solemnly specialMercy Feastbeofestablished Divine Mercy be established in His Church and solemnly celebrated on the First celebrated on the First Sunday after Easter every year?

Sunday after Easter every year?

Inthe theJubilee Jubilee Year 2000, study, Saint Pope John Paul II fulfilled the will of In Year 2000, after after many many years ofyears study,of Saint Pope John II fulfilled the will of Christ by establishing Christ byPaul establishing this special Feast of Divine Mercy in the Catholic Church and gave it the this special Feast of Mercy Divine Mercy in theBy Catholic name of Divine Sunday!

God’sChurch Providence, Saint John Paul II died on this feast in 2005. and gave it the name of Divine Mercy Sunday! By God’s What is so special about this new Feast of Divine Mercy you might be asking yourself? It is the Providence, Saint John Paul II died on this feast in 2005. promise of the total forgiveness of all sins and punishment for any soul that would go to ConfesWhat is so then specialreceive about this newinFeast Divine Mercy on that very special Feast of Divine Mercy! sion and Jesus HolyofCommunion you might be asking yourself? It is the promise of the total Why would Jesus offer us something so great at this time? Jesus told St. Faustina that she was to forgiveness of all sins and punishment for any soul that prepare the world for Coming and that He would be pouring out His Mercy in very would go to Confession andHis thenSecond receive Jesus in Holy Communion on that very special of Divine great abundance before HeFeast comes againMercy! as the Just Judge and as the very last hope of salvation.

If you have been away from the practice of your Catholic faith, and if you would like to come back Why would Jesus offer us something so great at this time? into told the St. one, true Catholic Church, then this isforthe most perfect opportunity for you, if you are Jesus Faustina that she was to prepare the world prepared repent from His Second to Coming andand that turn He would be sin. pouring out His Mercy very great abundance before He comes as advantage of this great Feast of Mercy to get a brand Manyinformer fallen-away Catholics haveagain taken the Just Judge and as the very last hope of salvation. new start in life and to be totally prepared to stand before the Lord. Don’t miss out on this incredible gift ofbeen mercy that is the available every Catholic Church on Sunday, April 3rd of this year!

If you have away from practice in of your Catholic faith, and if you would like to come back into the, one, true Catholic Church, then this is the most perfect opportunity for you,the if you are prepared repent and turn from from Catholic faithtoand if you have anysin. questions about coming back home, then come in and

If you have been away

talk to a priest at any Catholic Church. The beauty of the Catholic Church is that its teachings and

Many former fallen-away Catholics have taken advantage practices the all athe parishes. of this greatare Feast of same Mercy at to get brand new start in life Youtomay haveprepared concerns, such as: marriage outside of the Church; un-confessed abortions; or other and be totally to stand before the Lord. Don’t miss outthat on this incredible gift of mercyyou thatfrom is available in issues could be preventing receiving Holy Communion or you may have questions every Catholic Church on Sunday, April 3rd of this year!

about the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Don’t remain in doubt. Call your local parish office to find out the necessary steps to come back to the Catholic faith.

If you haveyourself beenasaway Don’t consider without hope. Our Lord Jesus wants to pardon completely even the from the Catholic faith and if you have any questions about worst sinners possible. come for sinners, not the righteous. Jesus said that coming back home, then comeRemember, in and talk toJesus a priesthas at any even if Church. our sinsThe were as numerous as Church the grains Catholic beauty of the Catholic is thatof sand, they would be lost in His Ocean of Mercy. its teachings and practices are the all the parishes.

If you are truly repentant ofsame youratsins and are well prepared to confess your sins in the Sacrament of Confession, you’ll experience a tremendous peace. You’ll experience a great weight lifted from You may have concerns, such as: marriage outside of the you and get a brand new start in life!

Church; un-confessed abortions; or other issues that could be preventing you from receiving Holysins Communion or you Once you have confessed your in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, then you must continue may have questions of Reconciliat to practice your about faith the as aSacrament good Catholic.

Thision. involves attending Mass every Sunday and on Holy Don’t remain in doubt. Call your local parish office to find Days Obligation, local parish, out the of necessary steps tosupporting come back toyour the Catholic faith. and confessing your serious sins at least once a year. In Confession, you must be truly sorry for your sins and you must intend to continue to Don’t consider practice youryourself faith. as without hope. Our Lord Jesus

wants to pardon completely even the worst sinners possible.

Remember, Jesus has come for sinners, not the righteous.

Jesus said that even if our sins were as numerous as the One of the most reassuring things Our Lord Jesus revealed to us through Saint Faustina includes grains of sand, they would be lost in His Ocean of Mercy.

Jesus is in the Confessional

the several times when He indicated to her that He is really there in the Confessional when we are

If you are truly repentant of your sins and aretowell making our individual Confessions theprepared priests. Jesus said that every time we enter the Confesto confess your sins in the Sacrament of Confession, sional, that He Himself is there waiting for you’ll us, and that He is only hidden by the priest. Jesus said experience a tremendous peace. You’ll experience a great never to analyze what sort of a priest that He weight lifted from you and get a brand new start in life! is making use of, but for us to reveal our souls to Him

and that He will fill us with His peace and light.

Once you have confessed your in the Sacrament thensins you must to practice your faith as the a good Catholic.

Some have wondered whysins Jesus would wantofusReconciliation, to confess our to a continue priest, but the answer is in very first instruction that Jesus gave to His Apostles directly This involves attending Mass every Sunday and on Holy Days of Obligation, supporting your local parish, and confessing your serious after His Resurrection from the dead. On the evening of the Resurrection, Jesus walked through the door of the Upper Room where the Apostles were hiding sins at least once a year. In Confession, you must be truly sorry for your sins and you must intend to continue to practice your faith. and said to them “Receive the Holy Spirit, what sins you forgive are forgiven them, what sins you retain are retained”. This was the start of Confessions. For sure, that was not only for the Apostles to be able to forgive sins, and then to be forgotten, but for that power to be passed on to all the ordained priests Jesus iscommand in the Confessional of today thereassuring Catholicthings Church.

One of thein most Our Lord Jesus revealed to us through Saint Faustina includes the several times when He indicated to her thatsaid He is really in thethe Confessional when we are making ourthey individual to the priests.

Jesus said that every time Jesus that thethere greater sinner, the greater the right haveConfessions to His mercy!

Don’t continue to carry your sins, Jesus forgives! we enter the Confessional, that He Himself is there waiting for us, and that He is only hidden by the priest. Jesus said never to analyze

what sort of a priest that He is making usethe of, butFeast for us to reveal our souls to Mercy Him and that He will fill us with His peace and light.

To properly celebrate of Divine

and to receive the forgiveness of all sins and punishment, you must go to Confession to a Catholic priest within 20 days before or after Divine Mercy Sunday. Or Some have wondered why Jesus would want us to confess our sins to a priest, but the answer is in the very first instruction that Jesus ifgave youtoare the state of very serious or mortal you must them before Jesusthe in door Holy Communion, or you will also commit a sacrilege, His in Apostles directly after His Resurrection fromsin, the dead.

On thealways eveningconfess of the Resurrection, Jesusreceiving walked through which is also a very serious sin. If youhiding haven’t been to Sunday Mass without anyyou good reason, you may be in a state of serious sin and you must confess of the Upper Room where the Apostles were and said to going them “Receive the Holy Spirit, what sins forgive are forgiven them, what sins you retainJesus are retained”. was the start of Confessions. For sure, that command was not only for the Apostles to be able before receiving in HolyThis Communion. to forgive sins, and then to be forgotten, but for that power to be passed on to all the ordained priests of today in the Catholic Church.

For more information about the Feast of Divine Mercy and a Confession Guide, go to: www.DivineMercySunday.com or call 772-873-4581

Confession Times: Blessed Saturdays 11:00AM St. Joseph: Fridays 11:30-11:50am To properly celebrate theSacrament: Feast of Divine Mercy and to receive the forgiveness of all sins and punishment, you must go to Confession to a Catholic priest within 20 days before or after St. Ursula: Saturdays 4:00-4:45pm Divine Mercy Sunday. Or if you are in the state of very serious or mortal sin, you must always confess them before receiving Jesus in Jesus said that the greater the sinner, the greater the right they have to His mercy! Don’t continue to carry your sins, Jesus forgives!

Holy Communion, or you will also commit a sacrilege, which is also a very serious sin. If you haven’t been going to Sunday Mass without any good reason, you may be in a state of serious sin and you must confess before receiving Jesus in Holy Communion.

For more information about the Feast of Divine Mercy and a Confession Guide, go to: www.DivineMercySunday.com or call 772-873-4581

THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2016

THE CHATHAM VOICE

Life

PAGE 13

People, birds bond together at Parrot Club

By Jim Blake jim@chathamvoice.com

They come in one or two at a time, children, adults, men and women.

They have one thing in common; they’re carrying cages with blankets over them as they enter the room.

It’s only when they remove the coverings that the room comes alive with the sounds of chirps, squawks, shrieks and whistles.

The monthly meeting of the Chatham-Kent Parrot Club has come to life.

Vickie Brundritt, president of the 30 member group, says she club is always looking for members but freely admits “owning a parrot isn’t for everyone.”

“It’s a huge commitment,” she

said. “Some species can live into their 80’s so when you get one it’s for life.”

Brundritt said the birds are highly intelligent and very social.

“They really need to interact with their owners. They have to be included. Some birds who are ignored actually begin to pluck their feathers.”

Almost all of the club members have at least one “rescue parrot” because owners didn’t know what they were getting into.

“We call it re-homing.” she said.

“It takes the bird a while before it will bond with someone new.”

Kelly Rodie and her husband Jason of Windsor have three birds, two Congo African Grays and one Orange Winged Amazon.

Retiring in the next five years Continued on page 16

Retiring in the next five years?

As a School Board employee (administrator, admin. assistant, custodian, child and y worker, counsellor, educational assistant, or teacher) or University/College emplo you deserve the best in retirement.

As a School Board employee (administrator, admin.

A choir of working and retired Come to our Workshop Jim Blake/The child and youth worker, coal miners from the island of Chatham Voice and let assistant, RTO/ERO custodian, help you start Kelly Rodie of Windsor shares a smile while her African Gray, Rosie, enjoys a snack during a recent planning your retirement.

Cape Breton counsellor, educational assistant, or teacher) or meeting of the Chatham-Kent Parrot Club.

Rosie is 21 and could live for another 40 years or more.

Learn more about: University/College employee  OTPP and OMERS pension information.  Planning.your future. . . financial you deserve the best in retirement.  Insurance options and the RTO/ERO Group Insurance Plans.  RTO/ERO and insights into retirement from and your peers. let RTO/ERO help you start planningFranyour Marjorie Blake Wren

Come to our Workshop

Edward Yama member since

Workshop organized by: retirement.

Learn more about: District 33 – Chatham-Kent Draw for an iPad Mini at th • OTPP and OMERS pension information.

Workshop, plus every attend When: • Planning your financialreceives future. a Tim Hortons gif Wednesday, April 27, 2016 card!

Registration - 4:30 - 5:00 pm member since 2001

member since 2001

• Insurance options and the RTO/ERO Group Insurance Plans.before April 17: Register online Where: http://rto-ero.hs-sites.com/rpw-33-2016 • RTO/ERO andWest, insights into retirement Aristo's (Smitty's), 307 Grand Avenue Questions Chatham, ON N7L 1C3 from your peers.

Joanne Murphy 519.352.4860 Workshop - 5:00 - 8:00 pm

WIN TICKETS!

MEN OFareTHE DEEPS coming to The St. Clair College Capitol Theatre April 14 at 8:00pm Visit our website, www.chathamvoice.com, to enter for a chance to win tickets to the show!

Deadline to enter is April 11

Cost / Cheque:

Cost - $15.00 (includes

light dinner, workbook and refreshments).

Cheques madeDraw payablefor to RTO/ERO an iPadDistrict Mini 33 at and mailed to Joanne Murphy, 602-89 every attendee receives a Riverview Drive, Chatham ON N7M 6A4

jsmurphy@bell.net Joan Fitzpatrick, 519.436.1179 this Workshop, plus jdurdan1@cogeco.ca Brown, 519.674.0758 TimPaul Hortons gift card! pabrown@southkent.net

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yourfuture When: Wednesday, April 27, 2016 YOURTO/ERO Registration: 4:30 - 5:00pm www.rto-ero.org Workshop - 5:00 - 8:00pm

Where: Aristo’s (Smitty’s), 307 Grand Ave. West Chatham, ON N7L 1C3 Cost: $15.00 (includes light dinner, workbook and refreshments)

We value your privacy. Your information will remain within RTO/ERO and will never be sold. iPad Mini and Tim Hortons gift card courtesy of RTO/ERO. At ea workshops, every attendee will receive a Tim Hortons gift card (value $5.00), and one attendee will be selected by random draw to win one (1) Apple iPad Mini value $329.00). Correct answer to skill testing-question required. No purchase necessary. Chances of winning iPad Mini will depend on the number of attende specific workshop. iPad Mini is a registered trademark of Apple Inc. Apple is not a sponsor of, nor a participant in this promotion.

Register online before April 17: http://rto-ero.hs-sites.com/rpw-33-2016

THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 14

THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2016

Business

A golf course on a mission

Blenheim course wants to make visit an experience

By Jim Blake jim@chathamvoice.com

About the only mission statement most golfers have when arriving at a course is not to chunk their opening drive.

Golfers at the new Willow Ridge Golf Course in Blenheim, however, are greeted with a plaque with a mission statement aimed at making them realize they’re in for a different experience.

The 18-hole course was purchased by local businessmen Fred Naclerio and Daryl Clarke last October from the non-profit board which has operated it since its founding in 1967.

“We wanted to make sure golfers realize we’re here for them,” Naclerio said. “The

Jim Blake/The Chatham Voice

Fred Naclerio, right, one of the owners of Willow Ridge Golf Course, and club pro Troy Kirkwood stand by the club’s mission statement.

will be passionate, personal and professional. It’s not about the product but more about the experience. It’s not about us; it’s all about You. We will deliver.’”

Naclerio said he and Clarke bought the property because they didn’t want it to leave town or disappear as a golf course as happened to Baldoon in Wallaceburg two years ago.

“Daryl and I make our home in the area and this is an amenity the town needs,” he said.

“It has such potential not only as a golf course but as a restaurant and an event venue.”

The pair spent the winter overseeing largeSave instantly on energy-efficient products including scale renovations to the ® upstairs banquet facility ENERGY STAR qualified LED light bulbs that will help you that overlooks the golf save energy throughout the year. course, pub and restaurant downstairs.

THE SPRING COUPON EVENT RUNS FROM “We’ve brought in a mission statement reads ‘We

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For complete details, including the list of participating retailers and to download coupons, visit saveonenergy.ca/ couponevent Subject to additional terms and conditions found at saveonenergy.ca. Funded by the Independent Electricity System Operator and offered by Entegrus Powerlines Inc. OMOfficial Mark adopted and used by the Independent Electricity System Operator. Used under licence.

kitchen downstairs, added a that the facility is members’ new menu, expanded our beer only. selection and upgraded the “We have a course that’s as décor,” Naclerio good as any said. “We have “It has such potencourse in the an updated atmoarea but it’s fulsphere and atti- tial not only as a golf ly public,” he course but as a restau- said. “We want tude.”

Part of that was rant and an event people to be able hiring chef Angie venue. We’ve brought to come out for a Moore to operate in a kitchen downstairs, round of golf or the dining room a meal, whatevadded a new menu, and kitchen. er they choose.

“Angie has an expanded our beer We have open excellent repu- selection and upgraded arms and open tation,” he said. the décor. We have an doors.”

“Her food is updated atmosphere He said memamazing and she bership at the knows about ser- and attitude.” club is in the 240 - Co-owner Fred Naclerio vice.” to 260 range.

Naclerio said the “We’d like to club’s name was taken from keep it at the level,” he said.

Willow Creek that winds its “Golf courses are facing some way through the course. challenging times right now “The name Willow Creek was but we have a healthy junior taken but we were looking program and a great course so over the course from the club we’re optimistic.” house which sits on a ridge so Both men said there has been it just made sense,” he said. a positive feeling in the BlenClub pro Troy Kirkwood said heim area since the sale took his goal is to dispel the belief place.

“Our grand opening has sold out.” Kirkwood said. “There is a buzz in town. People will be amazed when they see what we’ve done.”

As for golf, last weekend’s downpour and this week’s continued showers have pushed back the opening day of play.

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 15

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Come in and browse our cozy country decor!

151 King St E., Chatham 519-354-4652

Gryphon’s Den

154 King St. W. 519-365-0285

(wine bottles, bar coded etc.)

-rhinestones

(every woman needs a little bling)

-various unique sublimated (baked-in) gift items such as mugs, puzzles & more!

Bringing Beauty into an Industrial World Unique Gifts for all!

Gift & Bridal Registry

$8 or $9 WHITE

COLOUR

SCREEN PRINTING NO SET UP FEE

MINIMUM 24 TSHIRTS One location, one colour, unisex shirts only

205 King St. W., Chatham 519-358-1455

For all your dance, gymnastics needs Downtown Chatham Centre 519-355-1999

THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 16

THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2016

News

www.victorylincoln.com Your Local Community Lincoln Dealer

Thursday, March 31, 2016 • “Introduction to Social Media” Workshop at the Chatham branch of the CKPL. 9:30am-11:30am. Workshop space is limited, so please sign up today to reserve your spot. Register online at search.ckpl.ca or by calling or visiting your local branch.

• The Chatham-Kent Film Group presents the award-winning film “Trumbo”, starring Bryan Cranston. There will be shows at 4:00pm and 7:00pm at Galaxy Cinema, Chatham. $10 cash admission, no advance tickets.

• Open Euchre at The Chatham Legion, William & Colborne St., Chatham at 1:00pm.

Tuesday, April 5, 2016 • Mike and Melody will be taking requests in the West lounge at 6:00pm at Meadow Park, 110 Sandy St., Chatham.

Friday, April 1, 2016 • Randy Grey will perform at 10:30am in the West Lounge at Meadow Park, 110 Sandy St., Chatham.

• No Fooling - It’s Another Quarter Auction, WISH Centre, 177 King St. E., Chatham.

Doors open at 6:00pm. Join us for soup, roll and dessert, $5. Auction starts at 7:00pm.

Admission $5.00. Proceeds to Guatemala Hope.

• Meals and fun darts at The Chatham Legion, William & Colborne St., Chatham.

Dinner from 5:30pm-7:00pm with choice of Cornish hens, roast beef or fish and chips for $9.00. One meat draw.

Saturday, April 2, 2016 • Generations Ladies and Youth Conference with Pastor Tonya Roberson and Esohe Osai sharing with us regarding the synergy of the Generations coming together. Zion Christian Church, 820 Park Ave. W., Chatham. 9:00am-12:00pm. Full breakfast. $25.00. 16 and under April 3 10:00am Free.

Please book your seat early as seating is limited. Email: jleveille1@cogeco.ca.

• Bowl for Kids’ Sake. Have fun and raise money for Big Brothers Big Sisters. Chance at great prizes! Sign up today bigbrothersbigsistersofchatham-kent.com or call 519351-1582 for more info • The Active Lifestyle Centre is having a Yard and Craft Sale from 8:00am-12:00pm. come and find your treasure! 20 Merritt Ave., Chatham.

• 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 Odyssey.

• The Kent Federation of Agriculture is offering an Emergency First Aid/CPR course for our local farming and rural community.

Full day course with light lunch. The cost of the course is only $65 and space is limited.

To register please call 519-674-1500 ext.63595 or email kfa@uoguelph.ca.

• 2 Person Euchre tournament at the Merlin Legion, 2 Stanley St., Merlin. $20 per team of 2. In Memory of Oliver Jones.

Registration at 12:15pm. Play at 1:00pm sharp. Food sales at 12 noon.

Monday, April 4, 2016 • Senior Euchre at The Chatham Legion, William & Colborne St., Chatham. 1:00pm.

• Shuffleboard, open euchre and 2 person team euchre at the Chatham Legion, William & Colborne St., Chatham. Shuffleboard at 7:00pm, open euchre at 1:00pm and 2 person team euchre registration at 6:30pm, starts at 7:00pm.

Wednesday, April 6, 2016 • Jeremy Smith will entertain in the West lounge at 2:00pm at Meadow Park, 110 Sandy St., Chatham.

• Pepper and fun darts at The Chatham Legion, William & Colborne St., Chatham. Pepper at 1:00pm and darts at 7:30pm.

Thursday, April 7, 2016 • 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.

Friday, April 8, 2016 • Join Karaoke Kate for an evening of food, fun and song at the Active Lifestyle Centre, 20 Merritt Ave., Chatham. $2 cover charge and everyone welcome!

•Welcome Cam Denomy performing in the West lounge at 2:00pm at Meadow Park, 110 Sandy St., Chatham.

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

Jim Blake/The Chatham Voice

Gracie Harris, 7, gives her cockatiel Lily a ride on her shoulder during a recent meeting of the Chatham-Kent Parrot Club.

Parrot Club meets monthly

Continued from page 13

“The birds all have different personalities,” Kelly said.

“Jason has had Kongo for 13 years now. He’s about 20 and he’s Jason’s bird. He tolerates me, though,” she said with a laugh.

Rodie said parrot owners “can forget about being a neat freak.

They’re birds,” she said. “They can make a mess.”

Brundritt said since the birds aren’t spayed or neutered, they “occasionally get hormonal” and can be squawky at times.

“They’re like people,” she said.

“They have moods. They have the emotional age of a two-year-old child but the intelligence of a four to five year old child.”

Jason says Kongo does much more than just “parrot” sounds.

“I can’t even count the number of words he knows,” he said. “Every once in a while he just comes out with something that amazes me.”

Tammy Harris said she was moving once only to hear her bird calling, “Tasha – help, from another room.

“I’d never heard that before,” she

said. “I think the bird thought he was being left behind.”

Her seven year old daughter Gracie has a cockatiel named Lily.

“Lily absolutely loves Gracie,” she said.

Brundritt, who has several birds, brought her 16 year old Blue Headed Pionus Charlie to the meeting.

After some initial noise, Charlie settled on a perch, contentedly eating grapes and other snacks.

When asked why they own birds, members responded with a oneword answer - “love.”

“The birds grow to love you,” Brundritt said. “Any one who has a parrot will tell you the same thing.”

The club was founded 11 years ago as a way of helping parrot owners learn about their pets and help the birds in general.

“We take our birds to different places, including seniors’ homes and meetings to spread the word,” she said. “Having a parrot is like having a companion.”

Anyone interested in parrot ownership can contact the club at ckparrotclub@hotmail.com.

LOSE WEIGHT Forever!

‘My $69 professional group hypnosis: a jump-start and a long-term solution.’

A ttend this two-hour hypnosis seminar and start losing weight—for good this time.

Charles and Gail Borden (siblings) are world-renowned. They’ve helped over 650,000 in their U.S. clinics and seminars. This program was inspired by research at University of California.

During your seminar Borden’s powerful hypnosis will be like “flipping a switch in your mind” to turn off food cravings. It will cause you to eat healthy foods, so you will begin losing weight immediately.

The focus: increasing your desire for natural exercise, eliminating desire for large portions, sugar, night snacking, salty snacks, emotional eating … and more!

Charles Borden

Doctor recommended, safe and proven effective.

Register at the door for this life-changing seminar.

Gail Borden Founder, Borden Award-winning, Method, 33 yrs. leading professional Hypnotherapist, 22 yrs. U.S. practice

©2016 Charles Borden, Carlsbad, California. Presented by Middle Way Ltd. dba The Borden Method. www.bordenmethod.com FAQ, testimonials, more …

Register at door 20 min early. Fee only $69 – cash or credit card – $ 10 discount per person for groups of 3 or more. Free Parking.

CHATHAM • MON, APRIL 11 1Pm TO 3Pm or 7Pm TO 9Pm Chatham-Kent Convention Centre, 565 Richmond St (use front entrance) Bring ad for Charles’ Free e-book, 7 Ingredients to Make You Thin

CV

THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2016

PAGE 17

r e v e F o c s i D NEW THIS YEAR!

THE CHILDREN’S TREATMENT CENTRE FOUNDATION

BRINGS DISCO TO CHATHAM-KENT! All of this year’s bidding for FOG’s silent auction will be done online- so everyone in Chatham-Kent can take part in bidding on FOG’s hip auction items...from wherever you are!

BIDDING DETAILS:

! e t i m o n Dy

• Ticketholders and the general public interested in bidding must register to bid at:

www.BiddingForGood.com/FOG2016 • On April 11, ticketholders and the general public can view and bid on select FOG items,

and the remaining auction items will be released online the night of the event.

• Participants are notified through their bidding devices (smartphone, tablet, laptop) when

they’ve been outbid, so they can easily keep track of their favourite items.

• When the auction closes, winning bidders are instantly notified that they’ve won, and will

enjoy a quicker check-out process.

For Express Admission to the Event, ticketholders are invited to pre-register before April 16, 2016.

To register to bid, go to: www.BiddingForGood.com/FOG2016

THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 18

Fun Stuff 35 Protuberance 36 Alabama city 38 Apiece 40 Literary collection 41 Sweet potatoes 43 Chaste 45 Archaeologist’s relic 47 Greek H 48 Clay, today 49 Broadway heroine who debuted in 1964 54 Poorly lit 55 Precipitous 56 Basketball’s Jeremy 57 “Help!”

58 Yonder 59 Enthusiast

ACROSS 1 Binge 4 San --, Calif.

9 Write in the margins 12 Time of your life?

13 -- -Saxon 14 Raw rock 15 India’s movie industry 17 Meadow

18 “The -- Daba Honeymoon” 19 Zigzag on skis 21 Agile 24 Alluring 25 Commotion 26 Banned bug spray 28 Not intoxicated 31 -- podrida 33 Knight’s address

DOWN 1 Poke 2 Past 3 Toothpaste type 4 Convertible couch 5 To the center 6 Id counterpart 7 Lip cosmetic 8 A bunch 9 Dinghy’s cousin 10 Cream-filled treat

Pick us up!

Wallaceburg Shoppers Drug Mart - 30 McNaughton 99.1CKXS - 520 James St. Taylor’s Variety - 1644 Dufferin Black Goose - 525 James St. No Frills - 2 Warwick Dr. C-K Library - 209 James St. Hometown Deli - 1542 Dufferin Ave Oaks Retirement - 80 McNaughton Curling Club - 7379 N. River Line Dresden C-K Library - 187 Brown St. MacTavish Pharmacy - 480 St George

Bothwell C-K Library - 320 Main St. Parks Blueberries Thamesville Mary’s Restaurant - 28 Victoria Country Cuts - Victoria Rd. Joe Mama’s - 73 London Rd. Movie Den - 74 London rd.

Ridgetown C-K Library - 54 Main St. Blenheim C-K Library - 16 George St. McIntyre I.D.A. Pharm. - 49 Talbot W.

THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2016

11 Squad 16 Science workshop 20 Nerve cell process 21 Neighbor of Cambodia 22 Not working 23 Model who co-starred in “Las Vegas” 27 Gratuity 29 Writer Ferber 30 Authentic 32 You love (Lat.) 34 Party animal 37 In the thick of 39 Confirm a password, perhaps 42 Laziness 44 Bando of baseball 45 Crazes 46 Hodgepodge 50 Shelter 51 Sprite 52 By way of 53 Hostel

Gord’s Barber Shop - 36 Talbot St. W. Service Centre - 35 Talbot St. W. Seniors Centre - 90 Catherine St.

Erieau Eau Buoy - 1005 Vidler Ave. Pain Court Pain Court Market - 24129 Winter Line Central Tavern - 24121 Winterline Mitchell’s Bay Mitchell’s Bay Variety - 6 Main St. Dover Duds - 26662 Bear Line Rd. Bob N Buoys - 20 Main Merlin C-K Library - 13 Aberdeen St.

Erie Café and Variety - 6 Erie St. S Tilbury C-K Library - 2 Queen St. Hudson Manor - 36 Lawson St. Remax - 20 Queen St. S. Highgate C-K Library - 291 King St. Wheatley C-K Library - 35 Talbot Rd. W. Chatham Anne’s Smoke Shop - 861 Queen St. C-K Library - 120 Queen St. Downtown Chatham Centre - 100 King W Legion Branch 628 - 39 William St. N

Maple City Bakery - 361 Grand Ave. W Young’s Variety - 9397 Longwoods Rd. Active Lifestyle Centre - 20 Merritt Ave. Riverview Bingo Palace - 497 Riverview Dr. Remax - St. Clair St. Wednesday Market - 9877 Longwoods Rd. Chatham Cultural Centre - 75 William St. N. Community Futures - Thames St. Charing Cross 4 Corner’s Restaurant - 21006 Charing Cross Post Office/Bert’s Plumbing - 21007 Charing Cross Rd. Kent Bridge General Store - 12002 Longwoods Rd.

THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2016

PAGE 19

CLASSIFIEDS Tree Service

Garage Sale

A Job for Professionals

Join the “Early Birds” at the Active Lifestyle Centre for their

YARD, CRAFT and BAKE Sale Saturday April 2nd • 8am to 1pm 20 Merritt Ave. Lunch available on site …come and find your treasure!

House For Sale

• Trimming & Pruning • Complete Removal • Crane Service 30+ Years Seniors Experience

Discount

519-359-9876

www.customtreeservice.ca

Tanning

Auctions

Flo DeVogelaere

Tanning Boutique

519-351-9620

Buy 2 months for $100 (including tax)

A N K LAVER EN VK V A U C T I O N S I N C. Clearing an Estate, Downsizing, Liquidating Inventory or Decluttering?

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 •

Mon&Fri 9-6, Wed 9-5 Tues & Thurs 2-7, Sat 9-12 Closed Sunday & Holidays

Chimney Mason

W.E.T.T. Certified

Repairs, Installs, Inspections, Sweeps.

Wood stoves, fireplaces and chimneys.

Help Wanted

Painting

Colins Painting. $299 - 3 room Spring Special! Call 519-917-6902.

519-351-1990

IN PERSON: 84 DOVER ST. #2, CALL: 519-397-2020, EMAIL: FATIMA @CHATHAMVOICE.COM

OBITUARIES

Kenneth Ongena 62, McKinlay Funeral Home

Robert John “Bob” Jackson 75, Wednesday, March 23, 2016 McKinlay Funeral Home

Catherine Mugridge 57, Thursday, March 17, 2016 Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home

Rosie Emrich 87, Wednesday, March 23, 2016 McKinlay Funeral Home

Detha Burey 80, Saturday, March 19, 2016 McKinlay Funeral Home

Peter Luyt 82, Wednesday, March 23, 2016 Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home

Gilles “Gill” Verbeem 98, Wednesday, March 23, 2016 McKinlay Funeral Home

James “Legen” Woudenberg 42, Thursday, March 24, 2016 Blenheim Community Funeral Home

Grass Cutting Grass Cutting.

Reasonable rates. Please call 519-3655777.

Lawn Care

Masonry the

Look Good Feel Great

2 bedroom bungalow, p/f basement, garage, front porch, storage, central, quiet area. $79,000.

P/fin available.

519-354-3911.

HOW TO PLACE YOUR AD

Lawn cutting and fertilizing.

Shrub and hedge trimming. Trimmings trucked to compost pile. Call Dave 519-354-8646.

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

245 Wellington St. W., Chatham 519-352-2710

alexanderfuneralhome.ca

Hinnegan-Peseski

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

Fun Stuff Answers Puzzles found on page 18

Routes available in the following areas:

St Clair Estates Balmoral Rd, Argyle Cres Doverdoon Dr, Glengarry Cres McNaughton Ave E, Cedarwoods Cres Gray St, Raleigh St Queen St, Lacroix St. Kendall, Houstan, O’Neil Tweedsmuir West Faubert, Cecile Parkwood, Parkview Allen, Tissiman Shawnee Trail, Indian Creek Rd. W. Charing Cross Rd. Briarhill Rd., DevonDr. Legacy Lane Birmingham Lane, Manchester Place

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

Take a closer look at YOUR community

519 397-2020

OUR READERS ARE

YOUR CUSTOMERS

Quality Counts!

84 Dover St., #2, Chatham 519-397-2020 chathamvoice.com

PAGE 20

THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2016

News

Power of change Contributed image

The Chatham Central Neighbourhood Association organized a Neighbourhood Information Day Extravaganza Saturday at the Chatham-Kent Public Library to provide residents in the area with a chance to exchange information and learn about services available, such as offered by the Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit, Community Health Centres and landlord and tenant information. Pictured, association members Jyl Panjer and Amy Finn talk with neighbour Krystle Gummow. The association, similar to East Side Pride, is a community mobilization project that is helping neighbours take control of positive changes.

Focus on areas where pollution occurs, Hope says

short sighted thinking.”

Why not examine it from Hope said there are rethe perspective of where strictions and taxes in citthe pollution is taking ies around the world for place? personal automobiles.

“You have thousands and “Look at Beijing where thousands of cars sitting you can only drive on idle in Toronto every day certain days depending because of on your litraffic con- “Urban residents have cense plate gestion,” he number or said. “That’s all kinds of options for Shanghai where the mass transportation where they CO2 prob- such as the GO trains, have restriclems exist.” subways, streetcars tions to cut He said and buses. Residents down trafthe correct fic. It’s doa p p r o a c h should be using those able if you would be to more.” have the raise license - Mayor Randy Hope will.” plate fees He said for those in the GTA. much like provincial plans “Urban residents have all to require an environmenkinds of options for mass tal assessment for at-risk transportation such as species every time work the GO trains, subways, was done on drain ditches, streetcars and buses,” he Queen’s Park has no idea said. “Residents should be about the world outside of using those more. Here in the GTA. Chatham and other rural “We have thousands of areas, we don’t have that kilometres of drains and option. We have to drive it would have cost us longer distances, not by hundreds of thousands of choice, but by necessity dollars for something that and we get penalized.” wasn’t necessary,” he said.

Hope said the charge on “It may look great in text natural gas could hamper book theory, but in practiinvestment and expansion cal experience it makes no of the service. sense.”

“Natural gas availabiliUnder the draft regulaty is an economic driver tions, the province’s top in rural areas. We have 100 industrial greenhouse enough economic issues in gas emitters won’t face reOntario without the prov- strictions until 2018. Some ince adding on taxes for sectors will have to reduce resources we need to grow emissions by four per cent our economy. It’s very until 2020.

Continued from page 1