Chatham Voice, July 17

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Mock accident

Man believes accident prevented a tragedy

By Jim Blake jim@chathamvoice.com

“I think I saved those guys’ lives.” It’s not something you would expect to hear from someone who’s car had just been demolished by a drunk driver, but that was one of the first things Chris Keskeny said to his wife shortly after the collision that almost cost him his life. It was Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2011 and Chris was travelling north on Furnival Road shortly before 6 p.m. when a supercharged Pontiac Grand Prix GTP ran a stop sign at Marsh Line and slammed into the passenger side of his car, sending it rolling into a cornfield. The driver, a 25-yearold St. Thomas man, was later convicted of a variety of charges, including impaired driving. It was discovered his driver’s license was under suspension for a previous impaired conviction. He has since been banned for driving for life. The driver was injured but attempted to flee the scene. “One of my friends who arrived on scene brought

him back after he tried to get away through a corn field even though he was covered in blood,” Chris said. Chris came to his senses in the midst of the field, his driver’s side door jammed into the dirt. He initially tried to refuse medical attention. “I just wanted to go home to supper,” he said. “I didn’t realize how badly I was hurt.” He was taken by ambulance to Four Counties Hospital in Newberry and later transferred to London where an examination showed three cracked ribs and three broken vertebrae in his lower back. “I had blood in my urine and a bruised liver,” he said. He shared his ambulance ride with the passenger of the vehicle that hit him. “He told me he was really sorry and that the driver was just giving him a lift. He said he was terrified at the speed they were going. He said he had leaned over and looked at the speedometer that showed 140 kilometers per hour. Then they hit me.”

Continued on page 2

Bruce Corcoran/The Chatham Voice

Declan Cook of Tilbury gets some fake blood poured into his equally fake leg wound at a mock accident July 10 at Percy Park in Chatham by Assistant Fire Chief Ric Scharf. Cook took part in a week-long summer camp that exposes local high school students to various health-care and emergency services professions. The 10 local kids played victims at the mock accident, where a car was to have run into the bleachers at a ball field, as well as members of the emergency services called in to aid the injured. See story on page 5.

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 2

News

Long recovery vere headaches. Chris’ wife met him at the hosBy the following February, it pital where he was conscious was confirmed he had suffered and speaking about the incident. a brain injury caused by the im“When I told her I’d saved their pact of his brain slamming into lives, she gave me a look, but it’s his skull. true,” he said. “Their car was “I was referred to the Brain going nearly 90 miles per hour Injury Clinic at Parkwood (hosand just past where they hit me pital) in London but they’re so the road turned to gravel with a backed up it took 10 months to deep drop. There is no way an get in,” he said. impaired driver can hit gravel at In June and October of last year, that speed and not crash.” he received Botox injections into Although the crash was over, his head that finally resulted in a its effects were decrease in severjust beginning for “Their car was going ity and frequency the sales consul- nearly 90 miles per of headaches. tant at Blenheim “I still need a lot hour and just past Chevrolet Buick more sleep than where they hit me the GMC. I used to. I tire “I was due to road turned to gravmore easily and I take the following el with a deep drop. can only sleep on week off on vaca- There is no way an my left side. Some tion and I rememof that was due to impaired driver can hit ber telling work my body being in that I’d be back af- gravel at that speed repair but some ter that,” he said. and not crash.” effects will always “I also told them - Chris Keskeny be with me,” he that we didn’t said. have to worry about selling the Chris returned to work this car I was driving.” spring and came back full time It would be nearly three years in June. He sold the most cars before he would return full time. at the dealership his first month Even as his physical injuries be- back, but modestly said, “It was gan to heal, Chris found himself only by one car. exhausted and dealing with se“Even though I missed work,

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Chris Keskeny is back at work, selling cars for Blenheim Chevrolet Buick GMC after being off for more than two years recovering injuries sustained in a terrible car accident.

what I really missed was the people,” he said. “Everyone has been so good to me, asking me how I’m doing and how glad they are to see me.” He had praise for Jason Heuvelmans, dealer principal of the operation. “Not everyone would do what he did,” he said. “My job was waiting for me when I got back. It meant so much that I would be able to get back to doing what I loved.” Although always a positive person, Chris said the accident changed his outlook. Although a past gold sales marketing guild member (signifying he is among

the top three per cent of GM’s sales force), he knows there’s more to life. “I understand how life can change in an instant and I take the time to enjoy it. My priorities have changed,” he said. Even though life presented him with challenges, Chris is taking some positive things from it. The vehicle he was in, a 2009 Pontiac Vibe, had been taken in by the dealership on a trade shortly before. “I usually take the trades home for a drive to get a feel for them and make sure everything’s OK. That’s what I was doing.” Fortunately, the previous owner’s OnStar emergency system

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was still functioning. “The car had barely finished rolling over before OnStar came on reporting that the system had noted a rollover and asking if there was anyone inside.” Chris said only about one third of OnStar systems are retained by their owners after the initial period. He said he believes the system should remain active for the duration of the initial purchasers’ ownership and has contacted General Motors about it. “If this had happened late at night or in a more remote area, who knows how long I might have been there.” He’s also grateful for some unexplained things around the time of his accident. “The day of the accident was beautiful and I asked my wife if she wanted to go with me for a quick drive along the lake while I delivered some parts. She said no that she had just started dinner,” Chris said. “For some reason when I left home, the thought jumped into my head that ‘why would I want to hurt her?’ It made no sense until after the accident. The other car hit me right where she would have been sitting. She wouldn’t have lived.” He said he had also been preoccupied in the days leading up to his accident with thoughts of a fatality that had happened in close proximity a year before. “I think in some way there was a message in my thoughts” he said. “I know that I certainly trust my gut more than I ever have.”

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2014

News

Tribunal supports Navistar employees

By Jim Blake jim@chathamvoice.com

Although Navistar can appeal a recent ruling that frees as much as $28 million in pension benefits to its former employees, union officials are confident victory is in sight. The Ontario Financial Services Tribunal upheld an earlier ruling by the deputy superintendent of pensions that workers who left the company between 2009 and the plant’s closure in 2011 were eligible for a special early retirement on an “actuarially unreduced” basis. The company appealed that decision, claiming the superintendent didn’t have jurisdiction to rule. Unifor national representative Jim Mitchell said Navistar has up to 30 days to file an appeal with the Ontario Divisional Court, but he believes the chances of a reversal are fairly slim. “The company isn’t allowed to appeal the ruling but can appeal that the tribunal acted in a reasonable manner,” he said. “The ruling is extremely detailed and very solid. I’m confident we’re going to get there now.” Mitchell said he expects Navistar will appeal, “given their track record. This is a company which has tried to avoid its responsibility to its former employees for almost five years, but it’s running out of ways to delay things,”

he said. Steve Schrier of Navistar’s media relations department issued the following statement on behalf of the company. “We are aware of the ruling by the Ontario Financial Services Tribunal. Navistar is currently evaluating the ruling and we will determine in the days ahead whether to appeal or abide by the order.” If an appeal is launched, there is a 60-day period in which affected parties can make submissions. “Once the appeal is concluded, it could take another 10 months for the actuarial work on the pensions to be completed, so we’re looking at sometime next year for a wrap up on it,” Mitchell said. He said the tribunal decision may relieve the logjam that has prevented workers from receiving severance pay. “One of the company’s tactics has been to claim it wants the pension issue settled before severance. We don’t agree with that approach and we’ve asked the Ontario Labour Relations Board to force binding arbitration on the matter since the company won’t deal with it. We’re waiting on that ruling as well.” Steve Kubica, former accounting co-ordinator at Navistar Chatham and Unifor financial secretary, said workers have suffered greatly.

Mary Beth Corcoran/The Chatham Voice

Delhaven Orchards’ Kim Watt showcases some of the sweet cherries that are ready for Blenheim Cherry Fest, which starts Thursday.

Bayside unveils new cherry lager The Chatham Voice

With Blenheim’s Cherry Fest rapidly approaching, Erieau’s Bayside Brewing Co. is set to release its first seasonal beer – Wild Cherry Lager. According to Bayside staff, the brew has been in the works for more than six weeks. It started with a traditional Canadian lager recipe then got sweetened with the cherries of Delhaven Orchards. “We let the brew mature and age in cold temperatures, and we’re happy with the result. This beer is an exceptionally refreshing lager with a subtle hint of cherries,” according to a press release. “We think it’s the perfect beer to toast to Cherry Fest, or just to enjoy in the sunshine.” Bayside has produced more than 150,000 litres of beer in its two years of operation, and thanks its customers for their support. Wild Cherry Lager will come out July 17, coinciding with the open-

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

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THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2014

News Mayoral race heating up The Chatham Voice

The mayoral race in Chatham-Kent heated up Monday, when two men filed their nomination papers. John Willatt and Reno Lachapelle of Chatham gave notice they will seek the top municipal political

seat in the Oct. 27 election. The two join Chatham Coun. Marjorie Crew as the people who have so far filed their paperwork to run for mayor. Incumbent Randy Hope has said he will run again, while Ian McLarty, who ran in 2010, said he intends to file his papers as early as this week.

Warbirds returning to airport The Chatham Voice

The Chatham Aeronauts will host their annual Warbirds and Classics over Chatham event July 19 and 20. The radio-controlled model aircraft display takes place at the Chatham-Kent Municipal Airport, with flying underway from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Organizer Eric Larson said more than 60 R/C pilots will be on hand, coming from across Ontario, Michigan and the U.S. Midwest to take part. Gates open each day at 10 a.m., and the cost of admission is $5 for

adults. Children under 12 and veterans get in for free. On Saturday, there will be an airshow that features scale military aircraft – from the First World War to present day – as well as scale civilian planes, including jets. A special feature this year is a giant scale Sikorsky S-43 flying boat that weighs more than 110 pounds and has a wingspan of nearly 17 feet. It’s owner Carl Bachhuber requires special permits from Transport Canada in order for it to be flown. There will be food concessions, vendors and full-scale aircraft on display.

Council OKs strategy, shoots down bylaw

By Aaron Hall Contributing Writer

A three-year pilot project for a natural heritage implementation strategy was approved by council Monday. However, a motion by Chatham Coun. Derek Robertson to include the woodlot conservation bylaw along with the strategy died on the floor. “No issue during this time on council has consumed more time,” he said. “The strategy needs to go hand-inhand with the bylaw.” The motion did not receive two-thirds vote to suspend the rules to vote on the bylaw without giving notice. Jennifer Lawrence, a consultant hired by the municipality, provided a presentation to council outlining the strategy she helped develop. “Woodlots are in decline, as are wetlands and grasslands,” Lawerence said. To maintain the health of the natural heritage in Cha-

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tham-Kent, “it will require everyone’s involvement.” The project will be managed through the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority. East Kent Coun. Steve Pinsonneault said he views this strategy as a “compromise. “Not everyone will be happy, but I see this as somewhere in the middle,” he said. South Kent Coun. Art Stirling said the report is a huge step forward. “You have been working under a microscope,” he said. “This has never been an attack on agriculture. It has been an attack on the 1% of farm operators who disregarded the natural heritage (on their properties).” Stirling added he feels this strategy does not fully fix the problem. Wallaceburg Coun. Sheldon Parsons said he believes the strategy does not provide “proper controls” to stop the “1% that caused the problem

in the first place. “I think we need a bylaw. It is unfortunate that wasn’t a part of the package,” he said. The strategy will start on Sept. 1 at a one-time cost of $47,000. Future funding would have to be requested in future budget years. Pot planning change

The zoning by-law amendment for the proposed medical marijuana production facility in Wallaceburg was unanimously approved by council Monday. The amendment allows the land located at 6850 Base Line in Wallaceburg to include a marijuana production facility for medical purposes as an additional permitted use. Kim Cooper, the agricultural specialist for Chatham-Kent’s economic development department, said the Wallaceburg proposal is a new one. He is already working with two companies interested in starting facilities in Chatham.

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2014

News

Mock accident gives students grim exposure By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

Participants in a mock accident Thursday in Chatham received a first-hand experience of a serious accident, minus the pain. For Blenheim’s Erin McEachran, it was actually a no-hand experience; she played a victim who lost her hand as a result of the crash at Chatham’s Percy Park in Chatham. McEachran was a member of the MedLINCS summer camp program run through the University of Western Ontario. Two Western med students, Wallaceburg’s Alex Leonard and Arnprior’s Kaitlyn Boese, operated the camp. McEachran and four other local high school students were mock crash victims, while other camp members were firefighters and paramedics. They worked sideby-side with actual firefighters and EMS staff. For everyone, it was a powerful experience. McEachran said being strapped to a board and put on a stretcher was downright chilling. “Being put on that board is very restrictive. It’s almost claustrophobic. You can’t really tell what they (emergency personnel) are doing to help you,” she said. Tilbury’s Sarina LeBlanc, a “victim” who suffered a compound fracture in her forearm and was knocked unconscious, received oxygen. She was surprised the paramedics used the real thing. “I was supposed to be unconscious, but I was listening to them,” she said of the EMS staff and firefighters. “It is cool how well they work with each other and could treat multiple people at the same time. It makes you appreciate their job.”

Throughout the week, Boese and Leonard exposed their campers to various health-care professionals, and the kids did some job shadowing, as well as the mock disaster. Leonard said the mock accident helped open some eyes of the campers. “This was really realistic and gave the kids a good sense of what is actually involved,” he said of the duties of paramedics and firefighters. Fannie Vavoulis, medical recruiter with the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, said the MedLINCS program has existed in Chatham-Kent for about nine years now. Western holds similar programs in other southwestern Ontario communities. Here, two first-year med students take part in the six-week program, job shadowing various local physicians, and to prepare and lead the one-week camp for the high school kids. Boese said the program has been a boon for her. “I really enjoy being able to follow local physicians and also to pass on knowledge to students,” she said. “There are so many opportunities in health care, this helps with their decision making.” Leonard feels fortunate to be part of MedLINCS in his own municipality. “Western offers clinical electives, but this is clinical and teaching,” he said. “On the Monday, these students showed up not knowing what they’d like to do. We had various medical professionals come in and talk about their professions.” For some campers, the oneweek exposure to a variety of medical professions has helped them select their future career paths.

Bruce Corcoran/The Chatham Voice

A paramedic and students working alongside emergency personnel tend to Sarina LeBlanc, a mock accident victim of was to have suffered a compound fracture of her forearm and was knocked unconscious. The scenario involved a car running into the bleachers at a ball field.

McEachran said she now wants to be a family physician, ultimately coming home to practice medicine here in Chatham-Kent. As for LeBlanc, she is interested in becoming a paramedic or perhaps a nurse. Ric Scharf, assistant fire chief, had the special task of applying the fake wounds, make up and blood to the victims for the mock accident. He also realizes the importance of conducting such mock emergencies, from all sides. “Training for our people is always beneficial. But the public education is important. For every teenager here we talk to, they realize this can happen,” he said of such an accident. “And if some of these folks pursue some form of medical career and come back here, we are lucky too.” We may already be lucky. Leonard, while

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 6

Do what’s right Given Navistar’s latest defeat in its attempt to delay paying pensions to workers at its former truck assembly plant in Chatham, it’s time for the company to finally get serious about paying its pension and severance obligations. The Ontario Financial Services Tribunal last week dismissed the truck maker’s assertion that last year’s ruling by the province’s superintendent of financial services had no jurisdiction to make a ruling. In a strongly worded 40-page decision, the tribunal not only disagreed with Navistar but increased the firm’s liability and patently dismissed its position on restructuring and the ultimate closure of the plant. It was the equivalent of an old-fashioned over-theknee spanking of the billion-dollar, multi-national corporation. Navistar should take its punishment and move on. The company can (and many expect it to) appeal, although with every loss it becomes more likely the firm will ultimately have to pay. It is hoped the tribunal’s decision will also move the firm toward finally paying severances to those workers it has held financially hostage for nearly five years. The millions coming to Chatham workers may represent a victory, but it’s hardly justice. Despite their relatively high position on the pay scale of organized labour, more than a few Navistar workers were living without a large financial net, something that also applies to plenty of professionals and business owners. When they were denied benefits to which they were legally entitled in Ontario, savings disappeared and in more than a few instances, homes were foreclosed, marriages dissolved and families torn apart. It doesn’t have to be this way. Heinz, which was to Leamington what Navistar was to Chatham, negotiated what even union officials admitted was a “fair” severance package six months before it closed its plant there. Union officials in Leamington called Heinz owner Warren Buffet “a man of his word.” If Navistar CEO Troy Clarke has aspirations of being held in similar regard, leaving the community by fulfilling his responsibility would be a good start.

Letters to the editor policy The Chatham Voice welcomes letters to the editor. Our preferred method to receive letters is via e-mail to bruce@chathamvoice.com (use “Letter” in the subject line). You can also send letters by fax, 519-397-1177, or drop them off or mail them to us at The Chatham Voice, 84 Dover St., Unit 2, Chatham, Ont, N7L 1T1. The Chatham Voice reserves the right to edit letters to the editor for brevity and clarity. All letters need to be signed.

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THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2014

Opinion

C-K carrying too much debt Sir: From time to time I submit letters to the editor applauding groups and organizations for their local efforts. Most of my letters focus on the actuals of our community, what really is going on to the public’s detriment; focusing on what’s going wrong is crucial over what’s going right. Some public comments suggest I offer solutions to my “what’s going wrong” letters – I agree and thanks for your constructive input. I level some praise to council and administration, however, Business Investment 101 is significantly lacking. Chatham-Kent’s current general debt is closer to $200M when our base debt, loans and debenture costs, funded and unfunded wage and pension liabilities are con-

sidered. Be mindful “unfunded” and “funded liabilities” both have to be paid for by the taxpayer. C-K industrial park: It was demonstrated to our municipality before this project began to not proceed, due to slow and stagnant industrial park growth in other municipalities and industry decline. Industrial park growth was strong from the late 1960’s until the late ’80’s. C-K built after a market was exhausted. We have no properly zoned businesses in the park, costing taxpayers about $20 million. Capitol Theatre: Our municipality was provided documentation showing a 20-year market decline and significant operating costs to On-

tario and Michigan theatres. The fact Stratford has a $60-million endowment fund, laid off $1 million in employee costs, receives $3 million from Ottawa and $300,000 from the province and has nearly 100 years of recognition and experience and is struggling. Anyone with moderate business investment experience would not have proceeded. The Capitol Theatre project costs local and provincial taxpayers about $25M. Bradley Centre: Our municipality was provided, yet again, critical information to not build this centre due to an exhausted market, high operating costs from an overbuilt facility and strong competition. It was shown, before the fa-

cility was built, an annual operating and investment cost of $1.2 million to $1.5 million would be realized, with an annual net loss of about $0.5 million – that’s what happened. Economic benefit was originally engineered at $4 million, now its estimated at $1.65 million, having little or no means to determine the latter figure. The mayor states the Bradley Centre is cheaper to operate than the former kinsmen auditorium. The latter lost $83,000 each year, the Bradley Centre loses $500,000 each year. Our company has provided a re-structure proposal for the convention centre to guide it toward profit. But will they listen. John Cryderman Chatham

The Chatham Voice is printed by:

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2014

PAGE 7

Journey raises awareness, $5K Final long-distance fundraising trek for Stage 4 cancer victim Don Wells

By Jim Blake jim@chathamvoice.com

Don Wells 2014 Journey of Hope rolled into Wallaceburg shortly before 5 p.m. Saturday, concluding a nearly 2,500-kilometre trip around Ontario. Three e-bikes that departed from Wallaceburg on June 28 completed the trip that went east to Kingston, on to Owen Sound and back along the Lake Huron shoreline to Walpole Island and Wallaceburg. The effort raised $5,000 for breast and prostate cancer research, but more importantly, Wells said, was the awareness it raised. “I met with mayors, deputy

mayors, MPPs, and all kinds of officials,” he said. “It’s all about spreading the word.” Wells, who turned 65 the day after the journey began, joked that “two senior citizens and a teenager” finished the grueling trip. Don’s friend Mary Lou Eheler and London teenager Dakota Gardner were invaluable as companions on the journey. “I’m so proud of Dakota,” he said. “By the end of the trip he was able to do anything I could and more in setting up the camp. Lou (Mary Lou) has been rock solid.” The journey wasn’t without its challenges for Wells who has Stage 4 prostate cancer. He ended the trip with an ear infection,

Chatham Voice file photo

Don Wells reflects on his many fundraising travels. He recently returned from a 2,500 e-bike trek around southwestern and central Ontario, raising $5,000 for breast and prostate cancer research, and raising awareness in the process, something he said outweighs the monetary gains.

R

and a possible cracked kneecap. “My knee looks like a football,” he said. “I’ve got to get it checked out.” Joking that he has enough municipal hats, t-shirts and jackets to start his own clothing store, Wells said the journey wouldn’t have been possible without Robert Browning of E-Plus who supplied the bikes, local Wallaceburg businesses such as No Frills and Canadian Tire, and sponsors in Owen Sound where Wells used to live. He was also happy with the news coverage the trip received. “The media was great,” he said. “Everywhere I went I was interviewed. It really helps get the word out.” Although Wells said the e-bike trip is his last – “I just can’t do it anymore” – he’s not done contributing to his community. “Once I rest up a bit, I want to start work on a homeless shelter in Wallaceburg,” he said. “We shouldn’t have people without someplace they can sleep.” Wells has had experience establishing shelters in Sarnia and Owen Sound. “There are too many people who don’t have

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 8

THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2014

Business

BDM moving to Chatham

Blenheim business remaining in C-K By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

Blenheim’s loss is Chatham’s gain, as BDM Millwrights Inc. is shifting operations to Chatham later this summer. Jim Waters, president of BDM, said the company closes its deal to take over the former site of Aboutown Transit on Grand Avenue East at the end of August. He’d like to see them there sooner, however. “We’re trying to work with the vendor on getting in before the closing date, to rent it to shift some of our production over,” he said. BDM has been serving the agri-business and food packaging sectors since 1991. The company employs more than 50 full-time millwrights, fabricators, engineers and administrative staff. Waters said BDM began looking for a new home about four years ago, put

it on the back burner for a bit, and then saw this opportunity drop into its lap. “We were working with the municipality to build something in the business park in Blenheim. We couldn’t get a deal together,” he said. “In 2012, a couple of projects went sideways and we put expansion plans on hold.” But then their banker called to notify them of the 545 Grand Ave. W. building. “We went, looked at it, made it work financially and we are making the move,” Waters said. The Aboutown property once housed Chapman’s Grain Equipment, so the facility “was designed for a business like ours,” Walter said. BDM deals heavily with agri-businesses in four areas, commodities such as grain and seed processing, animal feed, human foodstuffs, and service. Its customers range

Bruce Corcoran/The Chatham Voice

BDM Millwrights Inc., of Blenheim, is purchasing the former Aboutown Transit building on Grand Avenue East, and shifting operations this summer.

from ADM, Cargill and Thompsons to food processing companies that supply direct to local store shelves.

“Everyone eats and it’s everywhere in the world,” Waters said. BDM does a fair bit of business in Latin Amer-

ica, he added, where much of that is in construction. “The majority of work here in Canada is not

new construction. It’s upgrades, renovation, maintenance, and remodeling of existing plants,” he said.

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2014

PAGE 9

Business

Downtown condo project progressing

ing surface rather than on the roadway. It’s impacted parking on both sides of the street Construction of the King for more than a year. Chatham Coun. Michael Street condo project has Bondy said he’s heard from picked up of late. Workers have been seen ratepayers about the matter. “I’ve had complaints from scrambling all over the future site of The Boardwalk build- downtown merchants about the endless diversion of King ing in recent weeks. Yet Victor Boutin of Ever- Street and I did question administration last Group, the and engineercompany be- “I still don’t know why ing. I still don’t hind the 12-sto- they can’t keep the know why rey, 113-condo- road open. Even the they can’t keep minium project, sidewalks are kept the road open. remains tight Even the sidelipped about open in Toronto. They walks are kept progress. Re- put up plywood.” open in Toronpeated calls to - Coun. Michael Bondy to. They put up Everlast only resulted in a brief voicemail plywood,” he said. “Here, it’s reply to The Voice on a Sat- taking up parking, it’s confusurday afternoon that there is ing and it’s hurting the road.” The pace of the building pronothing new to report. Meanwhile, construction cess hasn’t helped. “It’s going slow,” Bondy has been underway since the spring of 2013. Since that said of construction. “I’ve time, part of one lane of King seen condos go up all around Street West has been blocked Toronto pretty fast relative to off, forcing eastbound traffic this one. But is there a specifto drive on the concrete park- ic time for them to complete

this? No.” Bondy said while it was slow for a while, he believes it was due to how far into the ground construction had to go to pour the footings for the building so close to the river. Now that the footings are complete, the project seems to be moving along at a much improved pace. Mark Ceppi, an engineering technologist with the municipality, said the concrete barriers will likely remain in place until the project is nearly complete. “It’s going to be towards the end of the main construction of the building. I don’t see them coming off the road until most of the concrete is poured,” he said. When that is seems to be almost anyone’s guess. “I know they’ve given us a rough timeline to complete the project. The encroachment permit they have is likely to give them access to the road until the project is completed,” he said.

this situation.” Jerry Dias, Unifor national president sees the tribunal’s decision as a big win for the union, but especially for the Chatham Navistar workers. “We not only won the appeal, but expanded the original superintendent of pension’s ruling.” Dias said in a press release. “This is a solid victory for the workers at Navistar, who have been through a long and hard

fight to defend their rights. This decision shows that companies cannot just arbitrarily take away people’s hard-earned pensions.” Navistar once employed about 1,000 workers and office staff in in Chatham. Production at the plant stopped in June 2009, with the company announcing the plant’s permanent disclosure in July 2011, leading to a partial windup of the pension plan.

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

Bruce Corcoran/The Chatham Voice

Constructions workers climb all over the ongoing construction of The Boardwalk, a King Street condominium project that began in the spring of last year. No word on when it will be complete.

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“Members just can’t say we won’t pay our bills the way the company has,” he said. “It’s been incredibly difficult for many.” Mitchell agreed, saying he’s aware of “40 or 50” employees who have had their homes foreclosed. “We have had marriage breakdowns, bankruptcies and plenty of hardships. There’s nothing fair about

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PAGE 10

THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2014

The Arts Kinstock rocks

Da blues!

Event raises $7,000 for Kinsmen Club

By Jim Blake jim@chathamvoice.com

Jim Blake/The Chatham Voice

More than 100 people turned out Saturday for a blues and corn fest held at McB’s restaurant in Oungah, between Wallaceburg and Chatham. Here the Sterling Blues Band performs one of its original songs. Organizer Mike Andrews of McB’s said the event was a fundraiser for the Canadian Arthritis Society.

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Peace, love, music and fundraising combined to make the first ever Dresden Kinstock a success on Saturday night. Featuring music from the legendary Woodstock era, more than 700 people attended the Kinsmen Park event, which featured a combination of local and regional musical talent. Chair Darren Wills said the event raised some $7,000, a portion of which will go toward the club’s commitment of $50,000 to the Dresden Health Complex, while the rest will be used for various club projects. Wills said club members put a lot of work into the event but it was well worth it. “We have great members who are always there when we have a project,” he said. Kinsmen partnered with Branch 113 of the Royal Canadian Legion to supply food for the concertgoers. “Volunteers from the Legion were outstanding,” Wills said. The event had the support of a number of local sponsors including McKellar’s Flowers, Tates Welding, Badder Funeral Homes, Hughson Automotive and Home Building Centre. Wills said next year’s event is in the planning stages with a July 11 date already set aside. “Our Facebook page has been filled with comments about what a good time everyone had,” Wills said. Julie Shaw posted, “It was a lot of fun. Loved the music and visits with so many people we haven’t seen for a while. Great night.” Marilyn Whitson posted, “Fun night. Cannot wait till next year.”

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THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2014

THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 11

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 12

THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2014

Life Professional effort pays dividends

I couldn’t help but notice when covering the mock accident/disaster last week at Percy Park in Chatham how professionally the paramedics and firefighters were. They treated it like the real thing, which was a boon to the 10 MedLINCS summer camp teenagers on hand.

Bruce Corcoran These teens took part in the annual MedLINCS

program, where high school students get an up close view of what is involved in the jobs of various professionals in health-related fields. Had the firefighters or EMS people treated the mock event as a joke, the kids would not have received the vivid experience they did.

From the application of the fake injuries, makeup and blood by assistant fire chief Ric Scharf to the injury assessment, reassuring talk to victims while they awaited treatment, to strapping the victims onto a back board and transferring them to a stretcher, it was very well done. And it was an eye

opener to the students in regards to the professions and the seriousness of such an accident. In the mock scenario, a car ran into the bleachers at a baseball diamond, injuring five people. As for Scharf, he could have a career in Hollywood special effects makeup when he retires. The man is pretty darned good at making the injuries look gruesome and quite real.

Of steaks and pulled pork

We had family in from the West Coast for the weekend to attend a family reunion. It was a great get together, but unfortunately for them, they had to put up with my rather opinionated self for the weekend. I tried to placate them with food. I showcased the new barbecue, cooking some succulent steaks Friday night, and then got bold, putting on a pork shoulder for 17 hours to take to the reunion. They key is to cook it low and slow. So in it went on new charcoal at 250 F. Sensei Jeff (the buddy who coerced me with juicy, tasty meat to purchase my Big Green Egg barbecue) has a device called a guru that measures the temperature inside the egg and controls the airflow via a small electric fan. But I’d heard the Big Green Eggs were great for holding temperature for long cookings, so I politely declined his offer of his guru. I wound up checking it every hour or so as I dozed in a chair in the living room. I’d pop outside, see the temperature was a bit off, and adjust, adjust, adjust. Finally, at about 3:30 a.m., it looked set to rock the night away at 350. Off to bed I went. And I must point out, I really didn’t mind stepping outdoors, as the moon was so bright on the weekend, it felt more like twilight than the wee hours of the morning. But once my head hit the pillow, I didn’t get back to the barbecue for four hours. Upon my morning check, the temperature read less than 100 F. Something had gone awry. I pulled off the 17-pound

chunk of meat, yanked off the indirect plate, stirred the coals, and pulled out the weed torch. Some coals were still burning, but over the course of the evening, much of the coal bed had died out. A blast with the torch quickly changed all that. We were back up to temperature in no time. It added about 45 minutes to the cooking time, but in the end we had incredibly succulent pork. Thanks to my wife, it went from tasting darned good to downright awesome, as Mary pulled apart the pork and added her own sauce, which was a mix of ketchup, balsamic vinegar, ketchup, barbecue sauce, garlic, onion and only she knows what else. It was beyond delicious. When it comes to sauces, I defer to her expertise. She is truly gifted. The pork got attacked at the reunion, which made me quite happy. Politics and geography

A great thing about a family reunion is it can bring people together from all parts of the country. We had West Coasters and Manitobans mingling with Ontarians. A fun time. On Sunday, we enjoyed a follow-up afternoon sitting in the shade in a backyard. An item that was largely off limits Saturday was politics. Up it rose on Sunday, as two of the westerners engaged with the host. Let’s just say their political beliefs were out of alignment. Was it entertaining. Single-malt Scotch, however, crosses all political barriers and cures what ails a person. Sharing and remembering

Speaking of single malt, two flasks of it made its way to Maple Leaf Cemetery Sunday, as a gathering of the clan went from gravesite to gravesite, remembering loved ones. At several spots we’d share a nip, and pour a little on the grave to honour our kin. It is an odd tradition, but very appropriate for this family. Normally, for my late father-in-law, we’d pour a little rum for the former navy man. But he’d have understood the use of Scotch, and appreciated the quality of it.


THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2014

Sports

PAGE 13

Athletes share their skills By Ian Kennedy cksn.ca

Athletics teach a number of values; fair play and sportsmanship; determination through adversity. Playing sports at a high level also gives young athletes an opportunity to travel. When these instilled values and the opportunity to travel collide, we find athletes taking the opportunity to go abroad and give back through mission trips and humanitarian efforts. Chatham’s Sydnee Nolan, an Ontario University Athletics rugby champion with the Queen’s University Gaels last season, recently returned from such a trip to Columbia with the Dog River Howlers rugby team. “I wanted to travel with the Dog River Howlers to Colombia because I wanted to travel the world and experience the rugby culture internationally as well as influence the poorer areas of Medellin (Columbia) by coaching rugby and sharing my love of the game,” said Nolan, who ran rugby workshops for roughly 200 kids, and donated equipment to the youth of the community she visited. For Nolan, the experience of reaching an impoverished community, and seeing the positive impact sport, and the efforts of volunteers can have is one she’ll never forget. “My trip was one that I will never forget,” said Nolan. “The people that I had met were living in a poor area and did not have much, but their passionate love for the game and for their community inspired me.” In particular, Nolan feels the tools she gained through athletics assisted her on the trip, and opened the door for her to give back to others. “Athletes are viewed as leaders within a community, and they have the opportunity to extend that leadership internationally. Sport connects everyone regardless of language, race, gender, sexual orientation,

or socioeconomic status. Nothing is greater than seeing how your small action of reaching out to someone can influence their life give them something to aspire to be.” Another local rugby star, Tegan Williams of Blenheim, who played for the Western University Mustangs last year, recently returned from a trip to Uganda, where she taught rugby as a healthy outlet for youth. Nolan and Williams aren’t the only local athletes heading abroad this year either, as Wallaceburg’s Deanna Kerkhof, a forRene Tobon/Special to The Chatham Voice mer star for the NCAA’s Northeastern University Huskies, and Chatham’s Sydnee Nolan heads upfield with the Dog River Howlers in Columbia. “Athletics has always been they are in a safe place and to lete exposed her to community Chatham Eagles soccer player Christina Zruna, will be travel- a big part of my life and has belong to something as great as service. Despite the efforts these local ling to Lima, Peru in September shaped who I am as a person,” a team.” Kerkhof, who has volunteered athletes have made, they undersaid Zruna. on a mission trip. “In Lima, I hope to be able to at a pair of homeless shelters in stand there is more to be done, The duo, which recently held a basketball camp, called Makes share my passion for athletics Boston over the past two years, not only in Chatham-Kent, but for a Mission, in Chatham to and demonstrate how much said her time as a student-ath- also globally. raise funds for their trip, hope just picking up a ball they can have a lasting impact can change your day. in Peru, in particular at the or- Providing that positive phanage where they’ll be work- environment for these children gives them the ing. “I hope to have a lasting im- opportunity to express pact on the orphanage in Lima,” themselves and build said Kerkhof. “I want to raise confidence. These chilenough money to purchase dren need to be given equipment and supplies for the a chance to experience children to learn and play, and what it feels like to know to make necessary structural improveONLINE ONLY AUCTION ments around orphanage.” .CA “I wanted to make a difference and create Tuesday, July 29 • 8am-8pm a change elsewhere in the world,” said MAJOR ANTIQUE AUCTION Zruna of her reason 4625 Richardson Sideroad, Tilbury for taking the trip To view or bid go with Kerkhof, who to our website: are both UCC gradwww.youcanbid.ca uates. Athletics has NO on-site preview played a large role Beautiful Oak in the development Cabinets of each of these Antique Dressers, women, and they’re Royal Doultons hoping they can use the sports they love in Peru to bring joy to the children they meet.

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PAGE 14

Fun Stuff 33 Used a stopwatch on 35 Chirping sound 36 Whammy 37 Inmate 38 Devoutness 41 Supporting 42 Clear the tables 45 Vortex 46 Sad 48 Show sadness 49 Anger 50 Do as you’re told 51 Logical 52 Apiece 53 Test the waters

ACROSS 1 Taj Mahal city 5 Lunch order, for short 8 “Bye” 12 Bellow 13 Kanga’s kid 14 Change for a five 15 Always playing the same role 17 Beehive State

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HOW TO PLACE YOUR AD IN PERSON: 84 DOVER ST. #2 CALL: 519-397-2020 FAX: 519-397-1177 EMAIL: FATIMA @CHATHAMVOICE.COM

OBITUARIES

Karen Bolton-Stefik 46, Tuesday, July 8, 2014 McKinlay Funeral Home Dr. Lois Pearce 94, Tuesday, July 8, 2014 McKinlay Funeral Home Bonnie Ann Stanbury 66, Thursday, July 10, 2014 McKinlay Funeral Home Una May Miklos 92, Saturday, July 12, 2014 McKinlay Funeral Home Yula Hough 92, Sunday, July 13, 2014 McKinlay Funeral Home Marjorie Dauphin 85, Wednesday, July 9, 2014 Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home Geraldine “Gerry” Whittington 95, Friday, July 11, 2014 Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home Loretta Trudell 95, Thursday, July 10, 2014 Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home Patrick List 65, Sunday, July 13, 2014 Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home Elsie Couture-Duphette 94, Sunday, July 13, 2014 Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home Sandra Smith 67, Friday, July 4, 2014 Alexander & Houle Funeral Home

Read the full at 245 listings Wellington St. W., Chatham

519-352-2710 www.chathamvoice.com

alexanderfuneralhome.ca

459 St.Clair St., Chatham • 519-351-2040 76 Main St. E., Ridgetown • 519-674-3141 141 Park St., Blenheim • 519-676-3451

www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com

Hinnegan-Peseski

FUNERAL HOME

156 William St., Chatham 519.352.5120 www.peseski.com

A FAMILY BUSINESS THAT CARES

PAGE 15

Thursday, July 17, 2014 • Eureka! TD Summer Reading Club 2014 presents Crafternoons. Thursdays, July 17, 24, 31 and Aug. 7 at 2:00pm. Join us for books, activities and ‘Eurekart’. Suitable for but not limited to ages 9-12. Registration required. • Shuffleboard, pool and darts at Branch 628 Royal Canadian Legion, William & Colborne St., Chatham starting at 6:30pm. Everyone Welcome. • Social Media for Beginners. Join us for a free workshop at the Wallaceburg Branch of the Chatham-Kent Public Library from 2:00pm-4:00pm. Please register by calling your local branch or emailing cktechtrain@ chatham-kent.ca. Space is limited. Friday, July 18, 2014 • Friday Night Dance in the clubroom of Branch 28 Legion, 304 St. Clair St. starting at 7:00pm featuring Allen James. Saturday, July 19, 2014 • 5th Annual St. Clair River Run. Register at www.stclairriverrun.ca for this scenic, family friendly, 5km walk/run and 10km run along the St. Clair Parkway. All participants receive a New Balance T-shirt and a finishers medal. $40 for 5km and $45 for 10km. All proceeds to trail construction and maintenance. • Blood Donors Needed! Chatham Polish Canadian Club, 281 Inshes Ave., Chatham. 9:00am-12:00noon. Call 1 888 2 donate to schedule your life-saving appointment today or walk in. • Meat draw at Branch 628 Royal Canadian Legion, William & Colborne St., Chatham from 4:30pm to 6:00pm, followed by a dance from 7:00pm to 11:00pm with Tim McLean. Everyone Welcome. • The Blenheim-Harwich Horticultural Society is hosting a Garden Container Contest during the Cherry Festival in Blenheim. Show your creative side of planting with containers whether dramatic or whimsical, festive or chic. All ages are welcome to participate. Ribbons and monetary prizes awarded. Being held at the park behind the library on Ellen St. For more info call 519-676-4541 or 519354-8320. Sunday, July 20, 2014 • Two Creeks Concert Series featuring Whoa Nellie Bluegrass Band. Vera Colley and her band will show you a real good time. Infectious energy. 6:30pm. 21638 1 Kent Road, one kilometre north of the village of Wheatley, Ontario. www.twocreeks.ca. • Campbell African Methodist Episcopal Church presents its 6th Annual Community Picnic. All are welcome. Games, food, swimming, fellowship, tug-o-war, music, food for everyone. 20 Prince St. S., Chatham. • Merlin Legion, Summer Breakfast from 10:00am-1:00pm. Bacon, sausage, ham, French toast, pancakes, scrambled eggs, homefries, coffee, tea, juice and dessert. $10 adults and $5 kids 10 and under. Tuesday, July 22, 2014 • Eureka! TD Summer Reading Club 2014 presents Art of the Fart. It’s time to discover the fun facts of flatulence Ages 9-12. Registration required. Thursday, July 24, 2014 • Blood Donors Needed! Wallaceburg UAW Hall, 88 Elm Drive South, Wallaceburg. 2:30pm-7:30pm. Call 1 888 2 donate to schedule your life-saving appointment today or walk in.

WANTED CARRIERS

Routes available in the following areas:

• Shuffleboard, pool and darts at Branch 628 Royal Canadian Legion, William & Colborne St., Chatham starting at 6:30pm. Everyone Welcome. Friday, July 25, 2014 • Dresden Exhibition - 6pm parade, opening ceremonies, 7pm grandstand show is Mini Rod Pullers, Family night $5.00 per person. Please check out dresdenex.com for all events. • NEW Trivia Night sponsored by Branch 28 Legion, 304 St. Clair St., Chatham. Looking for trivia buffs to enter into competition. Costs $5 per person. 10 Rounds of play with 10 questions each. Prize determined by number of participants. Games starting at 7:00pm. Saturday, July 26, 2014 • Get ‘Appy’ - iPad Apps Workshop. The Chatham Kent Public Library with Ontario Works will be offering this FREE workshop at the Chatham Branch from 9:30am11:30am. Please register to join by calling your local branch or emailing cktechtrain@ chatham-kent.ca. • iPad - iOS7 Tips and Tricks Workshop. The Chatham Kent Public Library with Ontario Works will be offering this FREE workshop at the Chatham Branch from 2:00pm4:00pm. Please register to join by calling your local branch or emailing cktechtrain@ chatham-kent.ca. • Meat draw at Branch 628 Royal Canadian Legion, William & Colborne St., Chatham from 4:30pm to 6:00pm, followed by a dance from 7:00pm to 11:00pm with Allen James. Everyone Welcome. • Chatham Kent Public Library Spring Used Book Sale. All are welcome to visit the Ridgetown branch, 54 Main St. W. from 10:00am2:00pm. Come and find some great bargains while supporting your library. • Dresden Exhibition horse & cattle shows, teddy bear & baby competitions, lots to see & do. 7:00pm grandstand show Demo derby. $10.00 adults, $5.00 youth. Please check out dresdenex.com for all events. Sunday, July 27, 2014 • Two Creeks Concert Series featuring Kool Kats. Their classic rock will get you moving . 6:30pm. 21638 1 Kent Road, one kilometre north of the village of Wheatley, Ontario. www.twocreeks.ca. • Dresden Exhibition sheep show, horse racing. Please check out dresdenex.com for all events. Chatham-Kent Metal Detecting Club Meetings - Last Thursday of the Month, 7:00pm at Evangel Community Church, 76 Sandy St., enter at the back door. Guests Welcome. 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

McNaughton Ave W. Devon Rd Churchill Ave. Crerar Dr. Woods St. Victoria Ave Semenyn Ave. Tissiman Ave Canterbury St. Allen St. Call or email Fatima today 519-397-2020 ext.223 fatima@chathamvoice.com


PAY FOR NOTHING EXTRA EXPECT YOUR LICENCE PLATES THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 16

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NEW 2014 JEEP COMPASS

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Chatham Chrysler Is Your Source For Quality Pre-Owned Cars, Trucks, Vans and SUV's. Our Dedicated Finance Experts & Top Trained Approvers Are Here to Make Your Shopping Experience Fun & Easy. Bad Credit? No Credit? Let Us Help! 2012 RAM 1500 CREW CAB $86 Weekly for 84 months @5.99% +HST 5.7L V8, automatic Only 51,616km

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