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THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 2014

Vol. 2 Edition 17

Hydro bill?

What bill?

FREE!

Sap season wraps up

Hydro One snafu has couple wondering what they’ll eventually face much concern.

“I just figured they billed every two months, ” Mary For six months, Mary said.

When no bill came in Thompson has been ready, willing and able to pay her January, she became conelectricity bill – she just cerned.

“I spoke with the former can’t get anyone to take owner, but he didn’t know her money.

Thompson, her husband any more than I did,” she Justin and their three chil- said. “He’s getting bills for dren purchased a Brook a corn dryer on the propLine home and moved in erty but doesn’t know if he’s paying for last Nov. 1, our service.” but have yet “It’s difficult to Calls to Hyto receive a believe something dro One have bill from Hyso simple could be been met with dro One. a bewildering “If it weren’t so complicated.” series of theoso frustrating, - Mary Thompson ries as to why it would be funny,” she said. “It’s dif- she hasn’t received a bill.

“I’ve been told they havficult to believe something so simple could be so com- en’t been able to get anyone out to read the meter, plicated.”

Mary said she contacted then I was told that the the utility as soon as she account was cancelled, knew her family would then I found out that my be moving. “I hadn’t had account number was the an account before and I same as that of the previexpected to pay a depos- ous owner,” she said.

Thompson even had an it or something but I was told that wouldn’t be nec- electrician to her home. essary and there wouldn’t He determined there was nothing wrong with the be any set up fee at all.”

The couple waited until service and was assured the end of November for during the visit that a bill a bill and then through the would be arriving shortly.

Continued on page 3 end of the year without

By Jim Blake jim@chathamvoice.com

Jim Blake/The Chatham Voice

As mute testimony to the changing of the seasons, these sap-collecting buckets remain on a row of maple trees along Bay Line in the former Dover Township much later than usual this year. The recent warm temperatures have brought tree buds out in full force.

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 2

THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 2014

News

Random acts of kindness quickly spread

come up with a way to turn the money, God’s money, into something more that benefits others.

There have been many creative ways If you were given $25 and told to use it to make life better for your community, students have come up with, but Jake Hooker and Brendan Bondy decided what would you do?

Grade 8 students across the St. Clair to look at it another way. The Grade 8 Catholic District School board have students at St. Vincent School in Chabeen given that challenge as part of the tham bought $2 Tim Horton gift cards season of Lent. They had 40 days to with the $25 they each received. The gift cards came with a message asking recipients to choose a random act of Like us on kindness and help somefacebook one else.

Heating & Cooling Heating Tony S egeren “We picked important or Since 1947 Ltd. & Joe Lopes respected people in our Service - Maintenance - Installation lives and gave them the Is Your Water Heater Old Enough? cards, and then those peoTo a Hot Water Heater, ple were asked to pay it Installed! forward,” Hooker said.

The students handed out “To show our appreciation to our Customers after our First Year of New Ownership, the cards and have been Gillanders Heating Ltd. is having an amazed at how far the “Oldest Water Heater Contest” pay-it-forward message To Enter, Call or Send us a picture by Email or gillandersheating.ca Mail: has gone already. New York, Texas, Winnipeg, Thank You Chatham-Kent! For our First Year, 5 1 9 - 3 5 4 - 3 3 8 0 Looking Forward to Many More! info@gillandersheating.ca Manitoba, Vancouver and

By Mary Beth Corcoran mary@chathamvoice.com

Gillanders

31 Leeson Dr, Chatham, ON N7M 5T9 Contest Ends: April 30, 2014

Mary Beth Corcoran/The Chatham Voice

Grade 8 students Jake Hooker, left, and Brendan Bondy, right, asked family relative Michael Bondy of Bondy’s Cleaners to take part in their Kingdom assignment. He was given a $2 Tim’s card and asked to pay it forward. Bondy picked a day and paid for each customer’s bill.

even France have people paying it forward from just a $2 Tim’s card.

“It has spread out in the world, not just the community, to make it better for people,” Bondy said.

The boys also created a Facebook page asking people to report back on how they paid it forward and the stories show how far some people went, from local vet Dr. Michael Fife paying for a medical procedure a family couldn’t

afford, to Dr. Terilyn McHugh sending English books to her stepsister in France to help her teach her kids English, to a local police constable who gave her gift card to victims’ services to help comfort someone who has been through a traumatic experience.

Other folks reporting in have done kind things for neighbours and loved ones or bought a meal for a homeless person.

‘Buy Local!

Buy Fresh!’ maps ready The Chatham Voice

The new Buy Local! Buy Fresh!

Chatham-Kent maps are available.

This is the fourth edition, and the maps are free. They’re available at local libraries, municipal service centres, and at a variety of local businesses.

You can also download the map from the Buy Local! Buy Fresh! website at www.buylocalbuyfreshchathamkent.com.

The first map was printed in 2007, but consumers and producers have grown and evolved since then. The demand for farm-fresh and locally grown products continues to increase.

This year, there are 41 sites listed on the map.

84 Dover St. Unit#2 519-397-2020

Fax: 519-397-1177

Jim Blake Publisher - Ext.222 jim@chathamvoice.com

Bruce Corcoran Editor - Ext.227 bruce@chathamvoice.com

Mary Beth Corcoran Office Manager - Ext.221 mary@chathamvoice.com

Tracey Weaver-Curran Sales - Ext.225 tracey@chathamvoice.com

Tricia Weese Sales - Ext.224 tricia@chathamvoice.com

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

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

THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 2014

Left in limbo over bill

Continued from page 1

That was several weeks ago.

She calls every week or so and speaks to a different customer service representative.

“I’ve also been told that the bill is in processing and then I was told that there are internal issues.

That much I do believe.”

Thompson said she’s asked several times to speak to a supervisor, but has always been told the person she’s talking to has the authority to get things done.

“I figure I’ve been talking to more than a few sunshine club people but the result is always the same.”

Justin said his prefer-

PAGE 3

News

ence is to budget every expense, and has been putting money aside but isn’t comfortable with not knowing how much he owes.

“With three young children, I need to know where our money’s going,” he said. “I don’t want to get some big surprise just because Hydro One can’t seem to get its act together.”

Mary said she’s heard billing horror stories that make her wonder.

“I was told by the former owner he received an $18,000 bill one month for a few properties he owns,” she said. “It turned out to be a lot less but it seems like anything’s possible with these folks.”

Mary and Justin Thompson would love to pay their hydro bill after nearly six months. The problem is they have yet to receive one, despite repeated calls to Hydro One.

One’s billing problems.

“I’ve been contacted by a number of constituents who have ongoing problems. I’m sorry to say this story isn’t unique,” he

said.

Nicholls said he’s discussed the issue with Hydro One CEO Carmine Marcello who admitted the problem is the billing

Jim Blake/The Chatham Voice

Hydro billing system still a mess, Nicholls says

By Jim Blake jim@chathamvoice.com

Chatham-Kent-Essex MPP Rick Nicholls said he’s well aware of Hydro

system the utility introduced last May. “They’ve finally accepted responsibility but it could be nine more months before they have

things straightened out,” he said. “That’s not acceptable to me. These are real people with real problems. They’ve been worried about the size of

the bills.”

Nicholls said Ontario Ombudsman Andre Marin is investigating the widespread problems.

Continued on page 5

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 2014

News

Shooting for a cure Event raises money to aid local cancer patients

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

Bruce Corcoran/The Chatham Voice

Michelle and Terry French are again organizing Archers Against Cancer, which takes place June 7 and 8 near Dresden. The family event has raised more than $11,000 in three years for the Canadian Cancer Society, and will now support the Gene Goodreau Patient Assistance fund.

For the fourth straight year, archers are taking aim to hit the fundraising bull’s-eye to help local cancer patients.

Terry and Michelle French, the brains behind Archers Against Cancer, are gearing up for the June family friendly event.

The concept evolved out of a fundraising effort by Michelle when she was on a Relay For Life team five years ago. She raised $500 by having folks come out to shoot targets in a one-day event with Lambton-Kent Archers.

“I thought that if I could raise $500 in one day, shooting on a crappy day, we could do so much more,” Michelle said. “I started to think that if we did a whole weekend shoot and invited families, I wondered how much money we’d be able to raise.”

Their first Archers Against Cancer event raised $1,700.

But it has steamrolled since then, as the three-year total to date is more than $11,000.

In 2013, the Frenchs estimate about 100 people took part each day.

“Last year, we had a lot of people who had never shot a

bow before,” Terry said. “We supplied the equipment and gave them training. They shot as much as they wanted on the practice range.”

For more experienced archers, there is a course set out through the property, with about 40 targets. Terry, president of the 3D target course at the Lambton-Kent Archers club, said it takes a person at least two hours to do the entire range.

But the course loops back to the public area at its halfway point, if participants want to take a break or stop to get something to eat.

There is also on-site “primitive” camping available.

Michelle said tent camping, without hydro or running water, is an option for participants.

Terry said the weekend event wouldn’t be possible without the help of a large group of volunteers. Some come from the Windsor Sportsmen Club and Kingsville Wild Goose to help on the weekend, and to bring additional targets for the course.

The Frenchs would like to see the event grow this year to about 150 people per day.

Michelle encourages par-

ents to bring their kids out, as “they just love it.”

Archers Against Cancer takes place June 7 and 8 near Dresden, on the property of Lee Johnson at 4688 Kent Line.

Admission to the event is $15 for anyone aged 12 and up, $6 for kids aged seven to 11, and free to anyone under age 7.

Anyone who brings $50 or more in pledges can shoot for free. Pledge sheets are available online at www.archersagainstcancer.ca. Anyone wishing to donate can do so right on the website as well.

Michelle said for the first three years, they turned over all funds raised to the Canadian Cancer Society, but that is changing this year after they learned about the Gene Goodreau Patient Assistance Fund, named in honour of the late Gene Goodreau of Chatham-Kent, who lost his battle to lung cancer seven years ago.

The fund helps families offset the costs associated with fighting cancer.

“We thought it was amazing. That’s where we want to place our support,” Michelle said.

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 2014

PAGE 5

News

1% of Hydro One customers impacted

Celebrating life

Continued from page 3

“We’ve kept the heat on at Queen’s Park,” he said.

Nicholls urged anyone having problems to contact his office at 519-351-0510 as well as the ombudsman’s office at 1-800-263-1830.

“Although Hydro One has admitted it’s their problem, we still haven’t gotten any assurance that they’re going to refund overpayments people may have made out of fear they would be cut off.”

Nancy Shaddick, a Hydro One Communications Officer, said 1% of the utility’s more than one million customers have experienced problems with the billing system.

“We’re putting measures in place to ensure our customers concerns are addressed and they are treated with respect,” she said.

Shaddick said Hydro One employees have manually read more than 11,000 smart meters and the utility has sent letters to customers apologizing for the problems.

She said anyone who hasn’t received a bill for more than 30 days will receive a service credit and won’t be required to pay interest.

When the issue is resolved customers will receive all of the bills at once but will only be required to pay the most recent amount.

The rest can be paid on a no-interest basis with arrangements through the utility.

“We would ask anyone with a problem to call our toll-free number (1-888-664-9376),” she said. “We may not be able to correct the issue immediately but we want to offer assurance that we are working on it.”

Macko to seek re-election The Chatham Voice

Sarah Schofield/Special to The Chatham Voice

Stacy Arnold, left, Dennis Poole, centre, and Karen Bondy take a walk on the runway as proud cancer survivors at the Celebrate Life Fashion Show held at Club Lentinas April 16. Seventeen survivors were honoured during the evening, joined by family, friends and supporters.

Dave Macko is seeking re-election to the Lambton-Kent District School Board.

Macko filed his nomination papers Thursday to seek another term representing Ward 6, Chatham.

He’s the first person to step forward to run for trustee for the board in Chatham.

There are two spots from that ward on the board.

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 6

The mayor stays home Even though the municipal election is still six months away and mayor Randy Hope hasn’t filed his official papers, he’s already on the campaign trail.

More than a few eyebrows have been raised at the fact that he won’t be taking part in the next economic development trip to China.

It will be the first time we haven’t heard the “the mayor has to be at all discussions” speech in the eight years he’s been in office.

It’s being speculated that he doesn’t like the optics of the controversial trips a few months before the election.

Rather than try to get to the bottom of that well, we’d prefer to believe that we’re getting close to some deals after years of trying, and our political interest is already cemented.

••• When you’re a politician, there’s a line between being visible and openly taking advantage of public events for your own benefit.

It was refreshing to see more politicians at the recent Festival of Giving than prior years and even nicer that there weren’t any speeches.

We’re still hearing the odd angry comment about the mayor’s speech at the Clara Hughes Let’s Talk event last month.

MPP Rick Nicholls and MP Dave Van Kesteren kept their comments at the one-minute mark requested by organizers but the mayor went on and on when no one was there specifically to listen to him.

It hasn’t been easy being the mayor in the last couple of weeks, from being the front man (or lightning rod) for public comments about the Not Toronto campaign to being taken in by the Mitchell’s Bay Mariners hockey team April Fool’s joke published by the Chatham Kent Sports Network and our website.

••• Speaking for April’s Fools Day, we’d be in favour of moving all elections to that date so we no longer have to believe the campaign pandering that passes for public policy.

Continued on page 7

Letters to the editor policy The Chatham Voice welcomes letters to the editor.

Our preferred methods to receive letters are either via e-mail to bruce@chathamvoice.com (use “Letter” in the subject line) or by going through our website at www.chathamvoice.com (click on “Submit a letter”).

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

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

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

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, APRIL 24, 2014

Opinion

The truth can really hurt Sir: Mr. Sigurjonsson’s recent letter, “It’s time to stop C-K’s decline,” accurately describes the real state of Chatham-Kent.

In the 30 years I have resided in C-K, there has been a steady downturn.

Aggressive tree removal

with no replacement has turned once stately streets to barren ugliness and compromised our air quality.

Nothing has been done to provide enough walking paths or bicycle lanes.

It is no surprise that we are an unhealthy, obese community.

If strategic plan recommendations had been implemented, C-Kwould not be in such a deplorable state.

Improve conditions and

our city’s value will be self-evident. It is time council and administration face reality, take action and consider the health and needs of those who pay the taxes.

Catherine Campbell Chatham

Will they come to Chatham-Kent?

Sir: In response to your April 10 editorial, “Take That Toronto,” tearing down residents of Toronto will not make them come to Chatham. To this group wanting to blast Toronto, this is certainly not the way to go.

I was born and raised in Toronto and in no way did I live a dreary existence. In fact, I had a wonderful life there.

If this group and Mayor Hope want to draw attention to Chatham, why not invite Rob Ford and Justin Bieber to Chatham, then the whole world will know that there is a Chatham, Ont. Why not give some positive examples: • Invite the young: oh no, there are no jobs.

SIR: Criticism of Mr. Trudeau for his youth as a possibility of being our next prime minister is particularly stupid.

He has more qualifications to be prime minister than Mr. Harper had.

Being the son of a

• Invite the seniors: but all senior residences are full.

• Take a picnic down to the lovely brown Thames River.

• Wait more than 15 hours in the emergency room if you are ill.

• Visit the downtown mall; “where did all the stores go?”

• Visit the Walmart pla-

za, all of five stores.

• Take a beautiful drive around this flat countryside.

• Visit the overcrowding of wind turbines.

Oh, by the way, Justin Bieber was born in London, Ont., not Toronto.

Come on Torontonians, move to Chatham.

former prime minister qualifies him with knowledge of the job. My two sons took over my

business when I retired and are doing a successful job.

Joseph Johns Chatham

S.M. McGregor Chatham

Criticism of Trudeau heir unwarranted

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, APRIL 24, 2014

News

Dinner raises $1K for Sophia

By Mary Beth Corcoran mary@chathamvoice.com

Support and love for Chatham Pines student Sophia Vlasman, who is battling a stage four cancerous tumour in her sinuses, continues to roll in from all areas of the community.

Meadow Park Long Term Care Home in Chatham recently held a Spaghetti for Sophia fundraising dinner, with all proceeds going to Ronald McDonald House –Southwestern Ontario, the place the Vlasman family stays when Sophia is in the hospital.

The dinner raised more than $1,000 and a silent auction was still under-

way into this week, organizers said.

Lydia Swant, resident and family services co-ordinator at Meadow Park, is also the volunteer co-ordinator, and said giving back to the community is part of what the long-term-care home team loves to do.

“Part of our mandate is to be community-minded and one of our co-op students is good friends with Sophia, so we chose Ronald McDonald House in honour of and in support of Sophia Vlasman,” Swant said. “The Pines is also our neighbour, and many of our co-op students are from the high school. Something like this benefits our whole

PAGE 7

Mary Beth Corcoran/The Chatham Voice

Doug Swant, left, is served a full course spaghetti dinner by Meadow Park Long Term Care Home staff Lydia Swant, co-director of care Michelle Johnson and director of care Susan Vanek.

community.”

Meadow Park staff put together a spaghetti din-

ner, silent auction, 50/50 draw and slide show of Sophia’s cancer journey

for the event, with the help of Sophia’s friends at the Pines.

Teachers and students from the Pines attended the dinner.

Hospital issue worthy of Wesley’s focus

Continued from page 6

Finally this week, under the Where’s Wesley file, the oft-absent Wallaceburg councillor (he missed the April 14 council planning meeting) has turned his talents toward organizing a membership drive for the Sydenham Campus of the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance.

The Save Our Sydenham

WE TELL YOUR STORIES!!!!

group has endorsed a slate of candidates for the hospital board (including Jeff), to ensure as many services as possible remain in Wallaceburg.

Protecting the hospital is Jeff’s passion, and he’s good at it. We wish him well, and hope if he’s elected his group reforms the “you have to buy a membership to vote” concept for boards.

The system is a relic of times gone by when nurses wore starched white uniforms and doctors were never wrong. Hospital board officials should be elected by the public, as councillors are now.

That way Jeff can serve the public and free up a council seat for a candidate with a broader perspective on municipal issues.

What is a hospice?

A hospice cares for patients with a terminal illness and their loved ones, providing compassionate, end-of-life care and support in a home-like setting.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE (EDAC) The Municipality of Chatham-Kent is seeking a volunteer to fill a vacancy on the Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDAC) for a two-year term.

The Committee is seeking a representative in the retail sector.

Applicants must complete a Volunteer Profile Application Form and may submit a brief bio and/or resume highlighting relevant experience and qualifications.

Care is provided by highly-specialized staff and volunteers who offer a range of medical and support services around the clock in a way that affirms life and views death as a natural process.

The application form is available on the municipal website at www.chatham-kent.ca or by emailing darlened@chatham-kent.ca

Call us with all your stories and events!

Application forms must be received by the end of business day April 30, 2014 at any Municipal Centre or Municipal Information Desk, by fax to 519-351-7852 or by mail to the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, 445 Grand Avenue West, P.O. Box 944, Chatham, ON N7M 5L3, Attention: Michael Burton, Director.

Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Requests for further information must be directed to: darlened@chatham-kent.ca

Help us bring a residential hospice to Chatham-Kent!

Visit www.chathamkenthospice.com or call 519-354-3113 for more information

THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 8

THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 2014

Life

Sometimes it pays to stay put It was one of the best weekends of the year so far.

Did I mention I don’t think I left our property except to back the truck out of the driveway?

It was that kind of homebased weekend at the Corcorans. Just what the doctor ordered: relaxation and quality family time.

Our daughter is in the middle of dance season.

She’s three competitions down and had two more to go, including this coming weekend here in Chatham.

But it’s been go, go, go for weeks now, and it was nice to slow things down.

My wife does the vast majority of the heavy lifting in terms of organizing our daughter for dance, taking her to competitions, preparing her hair, makeup, etc. It’s a good thing, too. I shudder to think of how our girl would look if I were in charge.

But this past weekend, dance was an afterthought and we focused on relaxing and doing stuff around the house.

I have an arthritic hip now, so manual labour can be particularly taxing (not that I was ever really in love with it in the first

Bruce Corcoran place, mind you). But I like to putter in the yard.

And that’s what I did Friday, cleaning up around the stream of our pond, coaxing the three frogs that took up residence in our pond skimmer to find a new home (yes, they all peed on me as I had to pull them out by hand) and firing up the pump, much to our fishes’ delight.

The ladies had a chill day.

But Saturday delivered us all into the front yard, for a time. Again, we were relaxing and puttering, so there was no overdoing it on the weekend.

We cleaned up the yard, waved and chatted with the neighbours and just enjoyed the fact it wasn’t snowing and wasn’t cold.

I know I wasn’t the only Chathamite to fire up the barbecue for dinner that night. As I was turning the sausages, I came to the

realization of how much I love to barbecue. Heck, I could willingly barbecue from March through to the end of November (and guys like Mike Bennett might say I’m a wimp and I should grill all year long).

Nothing makes you want to cook on the backyard grill more than a clean, ready-to-rock barbecue, and a fridge full of raw meat (and some veggies).

Sunday delivered probably the best day of the weekend, from a weather and a family standpoint.

We hit the backyard for some light-duty yard work, for starters. Our daughter is already a whiz with the lawn vac (think a vacuum that looks like a lawn mower).

I introduced her to the over-the-shoulder leaf vac. She’s a natural.

She’s also a natural with the weed torch. What’s more, the girl takes more precautions with it, does a better job burning weeds and being aware not to accidentally torch other items, such as her feet or lawn furniture, than I do.

There are few things as therapeutic as napalming weeds. OK, no napalm,

but it does use propane.

And you watch the annoying little sprouts shrivel and whither.

The kid was so good with the weed torch that we sent her next door to take care of the weeds that had grown up between our neighbour’s patio stones.

An afternoon outdoors puttering and listening to music merits a reward – more meat on the grill.

My sister-in-law and her son joined us for shrimp skewers, grilled zucchini and cauliflower, chicken and sausage. Yeah, it was as good as it sounds.

It was a fitting end to a great, relaxing weekend hanging out with family.

Bunny apprentice

My wife did an awesome job filling in for the Easter Bunny Sunday. Kids, as you approach adolescence, the Easter Bunny often relies on parents to step up and help out.

He focuses on bringing chocolate and joy to the youngsters.

Our daughter loves searching for stuff, so she needed an egg hunt.

Maybe she’ll be a detective when she’s older, a chocolate detective.

But I digress. My wife

Bruce Corcoran/The Chatham Voice

Brenna Corcoran relaxes in the backyard after a weekend of outdoor puttering and clean up.

wanted to give her a worthy hunt, so she popped out of bed about 7 a.m.

Sunday and started filling plastic eggs with goodies.

And then she spread them around the house.

But that wasn’t good enough. She went outside

and put the eggs in the front and backyard. If I had stayed awake, I might have looked out to see if the neighbours got a good giggle over that.

But our girl certainly did.

• Bruce Corcoran is the editor of The Chatham Voice.

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If you’re a boater, fisherman or just enjoy the most amazing sunsets then this home is for you!! This three bedroom rancher is situated on a large (105’x225’) lot. Double attached garage with double drive. This well maintained home features newer roof, windows, eaves and steel sea walls in 94/96. The large eat-in kitchen boasts oak cabinetry. The living-room with gas fireplace opens to a three season room from where you can view beautiful sunsets. Last but not least is the backyard with boathouse and canal. Sprinkler system also included. Call today to arrange your personal viewing.

Rosaire A. Cartier, sales representative cartierr@mnsi.net • www.rosairecartier.com Office: 519-436-6161 • Cell: 519-436-4723

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JOHN VAN DYK, Sales Representative 519.358.3157 455 Grand Ave. East, Unit 3, Chatham

New Listing - $184,900

Looking for retirement or professional single family living!!! This home is priced to sell. Three bedrooms, two baths, fireplace, double car garage and double drive. Appliances are included. Just move-in.

Rosaire A. Cartier, sales representative cartierr@mnsi.net • www.rosairecartier.com Office: 519-436-6161 • Cell: 519-436-4723

If you are a Realtor® with a house to list, give us a call 519-397-2020 to book your spot on next weeks page . . . if you are a home owner with a house for sale, contact your Realtor® to ask them to place it!

Something for everyone - Outstanding one floor ranch • 2+3 bedrooms in quiet neighbourhood • Two fireplaces • Open concept kitchen • Oversized heated garage • Fully finished basement JOLENE VAN DYK, Sales Representative 519.809.1146 455 Grand Ave. East, Unit 3, Chatham

John and Jolene Van Dyk

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455 Grand Ave. East, Unit 3, Chatham

THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 2014

PAGE 9

Life

UCC kids experience history

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

A group of 60 Ursuline College Chatham students escaped the cold spring of Chatham-Kent for a trip of a lifetime, as they recently visited Italy and Greece.

The 16-18 year olds travelled to such places as Florence, Rome, the Vatican City, Pompeii, and Athens, seeing such historic sites as the Coliseum, the Acropolis and the Sistine Chapel.

Teacher Cheryl Doer, one of the chaperones, said the trip took place over the March Break, and packed in a great deal of history.

It was open to all students at UCC who are aged 16-18. The trip sold out in three days, Doer said.

Student Sophia MacLean said it was a cultural awakening, and not just for the historical landmarks.

“How people interact with one another in Europe is very different,” she said. “They are a lot more open with their emotions.”

And then there is the haggling. The price on an item is generally not the final price to be paid.

Even the food was surprising.

“They always feed you the pasta first,” Jocelyn Smit said.

“Food and food and food,” Jacelle Morrison said. “It never stopped coming.”

Contributed image

Seeing the rich history of Italy and Greece had these Ursuline College Chatham students jumping for joy recently. They were part of a group of 60 UCC kids who spent their March Break in the two Mediterranean countries.

Communication was rarely an issue, as the students said most of the people they encountered knew several languages. It didn’t hurt that several of the students were French Immersion kids too.

“We’re in French Immersion. It helped to understand Italian better,” Smit said.

In terms of stepping back in time and visiting various places of historical significance, the trip’s participants were humbled.

Smit said the Coliseum is a site to behold in person, and is much larger than she expected.

MacLean said it seems typical, however.

“Everything is stunning.

And the detail – if they

did something, it was that was buried under 110%,” she said. ash after Mount VesuviThe students even found us erupted in 79 AD, as the old streets a treat to very pretty. The city was behold. Different kinds lost for more than 1,500 and colours of marble re- years before being redisally made covered. The things stand “I’d go back right thick ash out, Miran- now. I’d love to live preserved da Nooyen there and learn a new much of the said. city as it was V a r i o u s language.” at the time of paintings at - UCC’s Jacelle Morrison the tragedy. the Vatican Nooyen caught their eyes, as the said she’d seen a docustudents were amazed mentary on Pompeii, but how stories were told in to see the site firsthand such vivid detail. was incredible.

MacLean said you could Morrison described Pompeii, a Roman city feel the sad history there.

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“I’d go back right now.

I’d love to live there and learn a new language,” Morrison said.

Doer said the excursion has left a number of students thinking they might spend a summer in Europe.

She added plans are in the works for a trip to Europe next year as well, but Spain is the targeted destination. Any students interested should e-mail teacher Joseph Vasko at room501guy@hotmail. com.

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“How much tragedy to have a whole city destroyed?”

Doer said the tour participants also saw bodies that had been entombed by ash.

But not all the trip was as sombre as Pompeii. The students enjoyed such things as a chairlift to the top of a mountain in Capri, revealing a stunning view of the neighbouring land and sea.

The trip to Italy and Greece exposed the students to different cultures and ancient history. But it also exposed them to their

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 10

THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 2014

Business Simulator prepares students for the road

By Jim Blake jim@chathamvoice.com

It’s not often you hear a software-driven machine referred to as a “Godsend” and a “blessing,” but to the instructors at DriveWise, their state-of-the-art driving simulator is just that.

“I can’t imagine teaching someone to drive without it,” said instructor Dan Giroux.

“The first time I saw what the simulator could do, I got goosebumps.”

The device consists of a driver’s seat, controls for steering, acceleration and braking and three screens. The screens simulate a driver’s view of the road and provide a moving image through which the student guides the “vehicle.”

The simulator is part of a fourday session in which prospective drivers learn in a classroom setting and then have the lessons reinforced through the simulator.

“The real goal of the simula-

Jim Blake/The Chatham Voice

Julie Saunders tries out the driving simulator at DriveWise in Chatham. She will be taking a test for her G1 license later this year.

tor is to teach students proper techniques needed for defensive and co-operative It sounds funny, but driving,” said instructor the truth is, you need Gary Rose. “When the students get into the car “good” bacteria down for road lessons, they there. respond so much better because of the experience in the simulator.

Normally, “bad” bacteria in your stomach and vagina are kept in check by your They’re more prepared immune system and “good” bacteria. As with the rest of your body, sometimes it and relaxed.”

Rose said not every doesn’t take much for finely-tuned systems to get a little bit out of balance. student likes the simulaHormonal levels can change the pH of the vagina causing “bad” bacteria to tor at first. multiply thereby wiping out the “good” bacteria and resulting in an infection.

“We have some students who are apprehenDo you suffer from any of the following symptoms?

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• Vaginal discharge • Odour • Burning • Dryness

sive, but after going through the course, they find out that they are a lot more focused because of the experience.”

Giroux said although the simulator has been used by DriveWise for a number of years, the programming keeps it fresh.

“Whenever there is any change in traffic laws, that information is fed through the system so everything is up to date.”

Giroux said a larger simulator is brought in and used for professional drivers of larger vehicles.

“We’ve trained firefighters,

dump truck and snow plow operators,” he said.

Soon-to-be 16-year-old Julie Saunders, a DriveWise student, said the simulator gives her a feeling for street driving.

“I get an idea of speed, braking and where to look,” she said.

Although she doesn’t have her license yet, Saunders has been driving in the bomber class at South Buxton Speed Raceway for two years, finishing ninth last season. Julie is the daughter of longtime local Buxton racer Wayne Saunders.

• Itching • Redness • Painful intercourse

These are signs that you may have a vaginal infection.

Municipality of Chatham-Kent Planning Services c/o Storey Samways Planning Ltd. 330 Richmond St., Suite 204, Chatham, ON N7M 1P7 Tel: (519) 354-4351 Fax: (519) 354-4298

Notice of Planning Act Approval

What is a vaginal infection?

A vaginal infection is a very common infection caused by an overgrowth of “bad” bacteria.

In fact, 3 out of 4 women get an infection at some point in their lives, and 5-10% of women will experience chronic episodes.

Prevention and Treatment Vaginal infections can be prevented and treated the natural way, without any harmful ingredients. Since it is the most sensitive and delicate part of your body it is important to get a treatment that is safe and effective. VagiCare is a probiotic that treats and prevents vaginal infections naturally. The probiotics in VagiCare include lactobacilli, the “good” bacteria that prevent “bad” bacteria from proliferating, and help in maintaining a healthy pH for your vagina.

VagiCare prevents symptoms of vaginal discharge, odour, burning, dryness and itching.

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Take Notice that the Council of the Corporation of the Municipality of Chatham-Kent passed the following By-law on: April 14, 2014 By- law 69-2014 (File D-14 C/04/14/C – Municipality of Chatham-Kent) As part of the amalgamation process, the Municipality was tasked with the consolidation of all of the former zoning by-laws from the various towns, cities and townships into what is now Chatham-Kent Zoning By-law 216-2009. This consolidation was a significant undertaking and while every effort was made to review and update terminology, definitions and regulations, it was also understood that future housekeeping amendments may be required. The purpose of this amendment is to provide clarity and consistency regarding the definition of school, including public, private, secondary, adult secondary, post-secondary, and commercial schools. In addition, the amendment will also address where each type of school should be permitted and the regulations associated with it.

Any person or public body who, before the by-law was passed, made oral submissions at a public meeting or written submissions to Council may appeal to the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) in respect of these By-laws by filing with the Municipal Clerk of the Municipality of Chatham-Kent not later than 5:00 pm, EST, on May 14, 2014, a notice of appeal setting out the objection to the By-law(s), and the reasons in support of the objection. Such notice must be accompanied by the filing fee of $125.00 for each application appealed, made payable to the Minister of Finance by certified cheque or money order only, as required by the OMB. For additional OMB fees please see the OMB Fee Schedule.

Only individuals, corporations and public bodies may appeal a by-law or a decision of the Municipality to the Ontario Municipal Board. A notice of appeal may not be filed by an unincorporated association or group. However, a notice of appeal may be filed in the name of an individual who is a member of the association or the group on its behalf.

No person or public body shall be added as a party to the hearing of the appeal unless, before the by-law is passed, the person or public body made oral submissions at a public meeting or written submission to the Council of the Municipality of Chatham-Kent or, in the opinion of the Ontario Municipal Board, there are reasonable grounds to add the person or public body as a party.

A full copy of the above-noted By-law is available for inspection in the Planning Department at the Civic Centre, 2nd floor, 315 King Street West, Chatham or at any of the Municipal Service Centres in Dresden, Blenheim, Ridgetown, Tilbury and Wallaceburg.

Dated at the Municipality of Chatham-Kent this 24th day of April, 2014.

THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 2014

PAGE 11

The Arts Blues society hosts show May 10 music in southwestern Ontario,” he said.

Working in concert with This isn’t the Mississippi their Windsor pals, the Delta, or St. Louis, or Chi- local chapter will often cago, but Chatham-Kent bring in a performer the still has its share of peo- night after he or she plays ple who appreciate blues in Windsor.

“We’ve had some real music.

The Canada South Blues good success, with a Society (CSBS) is full of bunch of sold-out shows, them, in fact, and the or- bringing in some really ganization is bringing in interesting acts,” Rowlands said. a blues muAnd now sician next “It’s not for profit, but month – is solely to promote live Murray is bringing veteran guimusic in southwestern in his sevtarist Bobby Ontario.” en–piece Murray. band for a Murray is - Dave Rowlands CD release to play at the Kent Belgian Dutch party. Over the years, he’s played on three Club May 10. reDave Rowlands, of the Grammy-winning local chapter of the CSBS, cords, including two for said the society is head- Etta James and another quartered out of Windsor, with B.B. King. In fact, but he and a group of oth- he played with James for er blues fans started the more than two decades.

“We’ve been having fun local branch about three with it,” Rowlands said years ago.

“It’s not for profit, but of bringing in folks such is solely to promote live as Murray for local resiBy Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

Contributed image

Veteran blues guitarist Bobby Murray brings his seven-piece band to Chatham May 10, thanks to the local chapter of the Canada South Blues Society.

dents to enjoy. town aren’t restricted to He said DJs and techno members. music have taken away “Anybody can come out from live performanc- to the shows. We’re tryes. He recalls years ago ing to get more people where there were at least out to see live music,” five places in Chatham to he said. “We’re trying to see live bands on any giv- keep things fresh.” en weekend. Now, on a To that extent, the socigood weekend, there may ety will host the Ghost be two or three.

Town Blues Band, out of “Personally, I don’t Memphis, Tenn., Oct. 12, think there is any sub- and Stacy Mitchhart Dec. stitute for 12.

Mitchlive music, “Personally, I don’t hart has perjust like formed here think there is any sub- in the past. live thestitute for live music, “It’s his atre.” third visit Rowlands just like live theatre.” here.

He’s b e c a m e - Dave Rowlands a crowd fahooked on blues music at a young vourite who sells out here age. The culprit? B.B. every time,” Rowlands said.

King.

Murray’s show is $20 for “I’ve been listening to blues my whole life. I saw CSBS members and $25 B.B. King play when I was for non-members. Tick17. I’m in my 60s now. It’s ets are available at Aug’s Video in Chatham and always been a passion.”

There are more than 150 Blenheim, Kakoon Spa in members in the Chatham Ridgetown and the Kent chapter of the CSBS. But Belgian Dutch Club in the acts they bring to Chatham.

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Today’s cars and trucks have much quieter engines than those of a few years ago. One consequence of this is that motorists are now compelled to depend more on dashboard displays for signs of problems.

Unfortunately, many drivers tend to ignore these lights and dials. Because modern vehicles are tougher and better built than ever, the car might continue to work for a while, even if something is wrong or if a part is worn out. Ignoring these warning signs, though, might cause an accident, putting your life or someone else’s in jeopardy.

So, when starting up and driving your car or truck, pay good attention to the sounds coming from the engine room and from the whole car itself. Abnormal sounds could be an indication of trouble in your engine, transmission, brakes, steering, or exhaust system. You might even hear some parts of the body telling you something is going wrong.

If your knowledge of all things mechanical is limited, the next time you start your car, concentrate on what it sounds like as it runs normally, in good condition. Then, if you later hear something abnormal, try your best to describe the sound and where it is coming from. Get your car to your local dealership or private garage as soon as possible and describe what you noticed to your mechanic.

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 12

THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 2014

Sports

Thursday, April 24, 2014 • Peter McGarvey will talk about plotting, character development, locale research, and the process of writing, re-writing and re-re-writing that is involved in creating mystery novels.

He’ll read excerpts from his books, including selections before and after editing. Peter will also discuss the challenges and benefits of the modern publishing business. Chatham Branch, Chatham-Kent Public Library, 7:00pm-8:00pm. Peter’s books will be available for purchase.

• Chatham Retirement Resort will be holding their 24th Annual Cooking for Cancer Luncheon from 11:00am-2:00pm. The menu will consist of beef barley or cream of broccoli soup, a charbroiled hamburger, dessert and a beverage all for the cost of $6.00. All proceeds will go directly to the Cancer Society. Take-outs are available by calling Barb at 519-351-0318 ext. 526.

Saturday, April 26, 2014 • Meat draw at Branch 628 Royal Canadian Legion, William & Colborne St., Chatham from 4:30pm-6:00pm followed by a dance at 7:00pm-11:00pm featuring Man Power. Everyone welcome.

• 11th annual Furball Fete at Countryview Golf Course. Doors open at 5:30pm, dinner at 6:30pm. The evening will feature dinner, a silent auction, and much more! Tickets are $40 and can be purchased at the Kent Branch shelter, 405 Park Avenue East. Cash only, please.

• The Marquis will be entertaining guests and members in the Branch 28 Legion Clubroom at 304 St. Clair St., Chatham from 4:00pm-8:00pm. There will be a meat draw and a BBQ hosted by the Ladies Auxiliary.

• Spring Fling Card Party sponsored by Fairport Rebekah Lodge, Dresden at Christ Church Anglican Hall, Dresden. 1:00pm. Prizes, draws, 50/50 & special lunch. $5.00 • Habitat for Humanity’s future ReStore is having a donation drop off day from 9:00am12:00pm at 566 Riverview Dr. For more information visit www.habitatchatham-kent.ca • Spring Clean Out from 9:00am-4:00pm. Drop off your old electronics at 571 Grand Ave. E., Chatham. Call to arrange free pick up of unwanted electronic items, contact Lori Meredith at meredith@ciaccess.com or 519-436-3930. If it plugs in . . . it’s electronics! Fundraiser sponsored by HVP Services on behalf of KAVCO. Kent Association of Volunteer Coordinators.

• Community Event Fundraiser at Good Shepherd Catholic School, 4 Edith St., Thamesville.

Over 30 vendors and crafters, face painter, balloon artist, silent auction and much much more!

Monday, April 28, 2014 • Wallaceburg OEYC presents: 1-2-3-4 Parents. Learn about development, behaviour, discipline, and parenting skills to help raise your child 1-4 years. Monday, April 28, May 5, 12.

1:30pm-3:30pm. 150 University Ave. • Euchre Card Party sponsored by Fairport Rebekah Lodge, Dresden at Christ Church Anglican Hall, Dresden. 7:30pm. Prizes, Dutch auction & lunch. $3.00.

• Habitat for Humanity presents The Dofasco Male Chorus. 7:30pm at St. Andrew’s United Church, 85 William St. S. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at St. Andrew’s United Church or The Gospel Text Bookstore.

Tuesday, April 29, 2014 • Super Hero Academy at the Chatham-Kent Public Library Children’s Room. Create a super hero name, mask and bracelet of power. Upon completion all prospective super heroes will receive their own OFFICIAL certificate welcoming them into the CKPL Justice League. Costumes welcome! 6:00pm. For more info: 519-354-2940 x247.

• Wallaceburg OEYC presents: Learning and Language Activities from A-Z. Learning can happen anywhere! Free book, activities and more to take home and put into practice. 1:15pm3:15pm. 150 University Ave. • Shuffleboard, pool and darts at Branch 628 Royal Canadian Legion, William & Colborne St., Chatham at 6:30pm. Everyone welcome!

• It’s Movie Time at the Chatham branch of the Chatham-Kent Public Library. Austenland starring Keri Russell at 2:00pm.

Saturday, May 3, 2014 • Merlin Legion Branch 465 Open Golf Tournament. Deer Run Golf Course, 9:30am shotgun start, $300 per foursome, dinner to follow at Merlin Legion. Call 519-689-4020.

• Indoor Yard Sale at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Victoria Ave. & Selkirk St., Chatham.

9:30am-11:30am.

• Free Comic Book Day, Chatham Kent Public Library. Please call the Children’s Room at 519354-2940 ext. 247 for further information.

• Get ‘APPy’ - iPad Apps Workshop. Come learn how to download Apps onto your iPad. The Chatham-Kent Public Library, in partnership with Ontario Works, will be offering a FREE workshop at the Chatham Branch of the Chatham-Kent Public Library. Please register to join us on Saturday, May 3 from 2:00-4:00pm. Space is limited, so sign up today! Please register by calling your local branch or emailing chtechtrain@chatham-kent.ca.

Sunday, May 4, 2014 • Come to see the very talented Black Family in Concert at 3:00pm. The Black Family of 10 ranging in age from 6 to 22 years provide a program of fun and toe taping music for all ages.

Music selections include folk, contemporary, gospel and traditional numbers. Tickets are $20 or $12 for under 12 - available from any Kiwanis member or contact Mary Alice 519-354-0962, or George 519-354-4825. Tickets can also be picked up at Maddocks-Myers Jewellers, 240 Grand Ave. E., Chatham. Sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Chatham-Kent as a fundraiser for their global project to eliminate maternal and neonatal tetanus.

Toastmasters meetings held Mondays at Green Field Ethanol, 275 Bloomfield Road, Chatham. Open to guests. 6:30pm-8:00pm. cktoastmasters@gmail.com Chatham-Kent Metal Detecting Club Meetings Last Thursday of the Month at Evangel Community Church, 76 Sandy St., enter at the back door.

Guests Welcome.

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

VON Volunteer Visiting opportunities Available call Jan 519-352-4462 ext. 5227 Submit your coming events to bruce@chathamvoice.com or michelle@chathamvoice.com

Competition spans the rink and track

By Ian Kennedy cksn.ca

Some athletes love to go fast. Whether it’s on the track, field, ice, or slopes, athletes have been trying to quench their need for speed for more than a century, and it’s what keeps four local athletes in competition all year.

Blenheim’s Hope brothers – Kyle, Brett, and Shawn – and fellow Blenheim resident Dylan Bonner have been satisfying their need for speed on the dirt and ice in recent years, all playing various levels of competitive hockey, and racing in the offseason at South Buxton Raceway.

“The thing I love about both sports is that there is unpredictability in both and that anything can happen,” said Brett Hope, who drives in the Mini-Mods division at South Buxton, and plays NCAA hockey for the Buffalo State Bengals. “As well, the adrenaline and excitement you get when you make a big pass or score a big goal is like nothing else.”

“I think both sports have a

lot of thrill and excitement and they are high speed and quick-reacting sports,” added Kyle Hope, who also drives Mini-Mods, and recently finished his final OHL season with the Owen Sound Attack before signing a professional hockey contract with the Lake Erie Monsters of the American Hockey League.

Although you wouldn’t immediately think being good at driving a race car would benefit hockey skills, or vice versa, there are more similarities than one might think.

“Quick thinking is huge in both sports,” explains Brett Hope. “In hockey, you have to make a play in a split second or else it isn’t there anymore, just like racing – if you see a hole you have to go because a second later it will be gone.”

“I think timing and not being afraid are both big parts of both sports,” added Bonner, who drives in the Bombers division, and just completed his final season of Junior hockey with the Blenheim Blades. “Going into the

corner to get the puck against a bigger opponent and going sideways through the corner are both ways to learn not to be afraid, and timing a pass in both sports is a challenge.”

“They benefit each other with co-ordination, as well as helping you time going into a corner high on the track or low, or when you’re going into a corner against a defender,” says Shawn Hope, who played last season with the Wheatley Sharks of the Great Lakes Junior C hockey league.

According to Kyle Hope, the most accomplished hockey player of the group, it’s not just the on-ice, and ontrack timing and skills that transfer; it’s also the preparation, confidence, and mental side of the sports that draw comparisons.

“I think from the preparation side, they are similar, and handling your nerves and being confident in yourself and your decisions,” said Kyle Hope, who is known for playing a fearless style of hockey.

Continued on page 13

Municipality of Chatham-Kent Planning Services

Notice of Planning Act Approval Take Notice that the Council of the Corporation of the Municipality of Chatham-Kent passed the following by-laws on: April 14, 2014 By-law 70-2014 and 71-2014 (OPA #26 and Zoning By-law Amendment) The Chatham Western Transportation Link, Environmental Study Report, January 2014 (CWTL ESR), which identified the Preferred Route (2A Modified) for the CWTL Corridor, was formally submitted with a Notice of Completion to the Ministry of the Environment (MOE) and placed on the public record for the mandatory 30 day review period. The Notice was published in the local newspapers on January 11, 2014 and January 18, 2014. It was also mailed to all local landowners and stakeholders within the study area and/or those stakeholders that requested notice throughout the process. The CWTL ESR was available for the required 30-day review period from January 13, 2014 to February 11, 2014. Since no “Part II Order” requests were submitted to the MOE during the 30-day review, the CWTL Class EA is considered “approved” under the Class EA and Ontario’s Environmental Assessment Act. The approved ESR will be used to guide the future design and construction phases. The purpose and effect of the proposed Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendments is to introduce the Recommended CWTL Preferred Route into these planning documents in order to guide future land use decisions and to protect the corridor from development. Specifically, the Official Plan Amendment would introduce the CWTL into Section 2.4.2, Road Network policies of the Official Plan and adds it to the Land Use and Road Network Schedules. The Zoning Amendment adds the CWTL Preferred Route to Schedule D, Road Network and amends Subsection 4.33.2, Setbacks from Major Roads.

Any person or public body who, before the by-law was passed, made oral submissions at a public meeting or written submissions to Council may appeal to the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) in respect of these By-laws by filing with the Municipal Clerk of the Municipality of Chatham-Kent not later than 5:00 pm, EST, on May 14, 2014 a notice of appeal setting out the objection to the Official Plan Amendment or By-laws, and the reasons in support of the objection. Such notice must be accompanied by the filing fee of $125.00 for each application appealed, made payable to the Minister of Finance by certified cheque or money order only, as required by the OMB. For additional OMB fees please see the OMB Fee Schedule.

Only individuals, corporations and public bodies may appeal a by-law or a decision of the Municipality to the Ontario Municipal Board. A notice of appeal may not be filed by an unincorporated association or group. However, a notice of appeal may be filed in the name of an individual who is a member of the association or the group on its behalf.

No person or public body shall be added as a party to the hearing of the appeal unless, before the by-law is passed, the person or public body made oral submissions at a public meeting or written submission to the Council of the Municipality of Chatham-Kent or, in the opinion of the Ontario Municipal Board, there are reasonable grounds to add the person or public body as a party.

A full copy of the above-noted By-laws are available for inspection in the Planning Department at the Civic Centre, 2nd floor, 315 King Street West, Chatham or at any of the Municipal Service Centres in Dresden, Blenheim, Ridgetown, Tilbury and Wallaceburg.

Dated at the Municipality of Chatham-Kent this 24th day of April, 2014.

THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 2014

PAGE 13

Sports

Photo courtesy James MacDonald/Apex One Photo

Brett Hope races at South Buxton Raceway. He, along with his brothers Shawn and Kyle, as well as buddy Dylan Bonner, trade their skates and sticks for skids and stick shifts in the summer, going from hockey to car racing. They say there are plenty of similarities.

Speed and competition drive these guys

Continued from page 12

For each athlete, they chose racing because their family members had raced at South Buxton and Delaware raceways in the past, and of course, because they had a desire to go fast.

“I always had a need for speed,” said Brett Hope, who was named an assistant captain of his Buffalo State team this season.

Whether they’re looking across the face-off circle at an opponent, or through their car window at another driver, the

four Blenheim racers, and hockey players, think it’s exciting to have other athletes in the same position, competing in multiple sports throughout the year.

“I think it is awesome having fellow hockey players and race car drivers,” said Shawn Hope.

“Dylan Bonner and I played on the same hockey team for several years with the Blenheim Blades.”

“It’s cool to see that many other people with the same interests,” said Bonner, who was the Bombers’ division points champion at South Buxton in

2013. “It shows how alike the two sports really are.”

Just because the four multisport athletes are friends off the ice, and away from the track, it doesn’t mean they aren’t there to compete, drive fast, and win, as Bonner and Shawn Hope race in the same division, as do Brett and Kyle Hope.

“We all have the same background and live within a few kilometres of each other and it makes it a lot of fun having people you know out

there to race against and help,” said Brett Hope of his brothers and Bonner. “I love racing door to door with these guys because you know it will be clean racing, but they aren’t going to let you go by because, of course,

we all want bragging rights.”

• Ian Kennedy is the owner/editor of the Chatham-Kent Sports Network. For more on the local sports scene, please check out his website at www.cksn.ca.

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 14

THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 2014

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

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