The Chatham Voice, Oct. 8, 2015 by Chatham Voice

YOUR Independent Community Newspaper THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2015

Vol. 3 Edition 38

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Dude, where’s your vest? Dude, where are your arms?

Cash quest almost done Hospice closing in on hope chest’s $200K mark

By Jim Blake jim@chathamvoice.com

Bruce Corcoran/The Chatham Voice

Two Grade 7 competitors in the St. Clair Catholic District School Board’s annual elementary school cross country meet aren’t overjoyed with the brisk morning breeze as they try to stay warm prior to their race Saturday morning at Thamesgrove Conservation Area in Chatham. Our Lady of Fatima and St. Anne schools enjoyed the day, as each school captured pennants in four different grade and gender groupings. Fatima took pennants for Grade 8 boys, Grade 7 girls, Grade 7 boys, and Grade 5 boys. St. Anne captured pennants for Grade 8 girls, Grade 6 boys, Grade 5 girls, and Grade 4 girls.

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With construction well underway and 80 per cent of its Hope Chest campaign reached, the Chatham-Kent Hospice is ready to begin hiring staff. Hospice Director of Development Jodi Maroney said applications would be accepted for registered nurses, registered practical nurses and personal support workers between Oct. 13 and Oct. 30. Application and posting information will be available on the hospice website at chathamkenthospice.com. A total of 19 staff members will be needed for the facility that is set to open in early March. “We had hoped to open at the end of this year but some initial site issues and theft of materials have slowed us down a bit,” she said.

Continued on page 2

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2015

News

Zach Moore/Special to The Chatham Voice

Construction continues at the Chatham-Kent Hospice on the property of the St. Andrew’s community in Chatham. Hospice officials announced this week they are close to filling their $200,000 hope chest. Those donated funds will help turn a building into a home.

Delays push back opening date to 2016

Continued from page 1

“Due to the nature of the hospice, we need to have everything completely finished before we move in. We’re expecting construction to be done in February after which we will begin furnishing the rooms and setting up.”

The 10-bed facility, located adjacent to St. Andrews Residence on Williams Street is being built by Westhoek Construction of Chatham. Construction began in April so the project will still be completed in under a year. Maroney said the Hope Chest

NOTICE OF NOISE BY-LAW EXEMPTION REQUEST

campaign has raised approximately $160,000 of its $200,000 goal. The funds are being used to purchase items such as bedding, wheelchairs, towel and linen warming cupboards, and kitchen accessories. The campaign will continue through the end of 2015 and a complete list of items needed is available on the hospice website.

Maroney said the hospice is working on a “virtual hard hat tour” video which will be placed on the website in November, allowing the community to follow progress on the project. “It is very important to our loved ones that we take the necessary time and care to complete the training and the construction perfectly. Like end of life, we have one opportunity to do

this right,” said Jennifer Wilson, Chair of the Chatham-Kent Hospice Board of Directors. The hospice is still seeking volunteers for a variety of roles and has scheduled a volunteer information session Tuesday Oct. 27 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. For more information, contact Melanie Watson, mwatson@ chathamkenthospice.com or telephone 519-354-3113.

The Municipality of Chatham-Kent has received a request by the Ministry of Transportation for three exemptions under Schedule 2, Clause 5 of the Chatham-Kent Noise By-law 41-2004. The request is to allow for operation of construction equipment Monday-Saturday between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., Sunday and Statutory Holidays – at all times: 1. 2. 3.

April 1, 2016 to August 31, 2016 April 1, 2017 to September 30, 2017 April 1, 2018 to July 31, 2018

Overnight construction will take place over three years (20162018) at the Highway 401/Highway 40 interchange including the adjacent Highway 40 bridge over McGregor Creek. This work is being completed as part of the Detail Design and Class Environmental Assessment for MTO project reference GWP 3093-09-00. Citizens wishing for more information, or wishing to file an objection to the exemption are asked to call Paul Lacina, C.B.O., Director, Building, Enforcement & Licensing Services at 519-360-1998 ext 3240.

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

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2015

Wealth Management Andrew Pereira, Consultant 245 St. Clair St., Chatham Call or text: 519-365-4721 email: andrew.pereira@investorsgroup.com

THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 3

News

JOHN MACDONALD PAINTING Free Estimates 519-436-9835

One big happy fashion ‘family’ Regular C-K fashion events raise money and awareness than $50,000 but the awareness of the charities is immeasurable. “We’ve helped people In the 16 years she’s been staging fashion shows for of all ages; young, old, charity, Pat Robbins has in between and we’ve learned that it’s about had great co-operation more than style, it’s about from local restaurants and clothing stores across family. Robbins, the 2012 Cha- Chatham-Kent,” she said. Under the t h a m Chamber of “We’ve helped people auspices of her compaCommerce of all ages; young, old, ny, Patricia Citizen of M. Producthe Year, in between and we’ve says she had great co-operation tions, she also holds loves what from local restaurants more elabshe’s doing and clothing stores orate eveand loves the people across Chatham-Kent.” ning shows and special she’s doing - Pat Robbins events. it with. “We do any and all types “We have about 40 people who rotate in and out of fashion events and of shows depending on shows, and for all ages. their availability,” she Plus we have supported said. “We don’t see each numerous causes such as other all of the time but ”International Women’s when we do it gets pret- Day Walk” and an event ty huggy. I call them my called “Sassy” that supported women battling fashion family.” She said the shows allow cancer, women’s expo, her to meet and interact and wedding fashion with people she might not shows for many years,” she said. otherwise get to know. Since 2009, she has held “There’s a lot of networking, we support the Teen Model of the each other and share a Year competition, an event that is close to her common bond.” Her most recent event heart. “I’m really proud of was held at T-Bones Grill House and featured fash- Teen Model because I’ve ions by Betula Boutique. seen it help young people The event was in sup- really gain confidence in port of the Chatham-Kent who they are,” she said. The event is like the Children’s Safety Village. She estimated her top model television monthly fashion shows programs but “without alone have raised more the drama and with old By Jim Blake jim@chathamvoice.com

school manners,” she said. The event is geared toward young girls 14-19 and involves a 14-week experience in which participants receive weekly modeling assignments and challenges. The next session will begin later this month. “We had one girl who was shy, didn’t know how to apply mascara and couldn’t look you in the eye when she spoke,” she said. “Within a few weeks of competition, she discovered her inner voice and developed to the point where she was comfortable. I’ve had mothers call and thank me for what we’ve been Contributed image able to do. It’s great to see the contestants caring for Two of Patricia M. Productions’ “family members,” each other and bonding.” ham it up at a recent fashion show in Chatham. Robbins, the manager of Through the years, the shows have raised more Bud Gowan Formal Wear, than $50,000 for local charities. Just as importantly, said fashion has been a they have raised community awareness for those way for her to give back charities. to the community. “The money raised at the shows stays in Chatham-Kent, we get to watch our models, RELOCATION SPECIALISTS some of whom We Can . . . Sort • Pack • Unpack are second-gen• Co-ordinate Move and Notifications eration, take part in something • Decorate and Stage to Sell they love and we • Handle Estate Moves get to be around For a FREE Consultation cool people,” We Go The Extra Call Jan & Danny Bateman she said. “What could be better 1-519-326-6554•1-519-903-6554 than that?”

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 4

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2015

News Students meet with local manfacturers The Chatham Voice

High school students from across the municipality visited a selection of local manufacturers Friday, as part of the international Manufacturing Day. In all, more than 150 Chatham-Kent students visited eight different manufacturers over the course of the morning and early afternoon. The groups also gathered at the John D. Bradley Convention Centre between morning and early afternoon visits for a presentation and lunch. The idea behind the day is to introduce high school students to the careers and career pathway available to them.

Mark Benoit/Special to The Chatham Voice

Stephanie Cooper, a volunteer from St Clair College, and Nour Hachem, who works at the college, volunteer during Manufacturing Day activities at the John D. Bradley Centre Friday.

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2015

PAGE 5

News

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Pilot project combines food, community and fun for locals

By Jim Blake jim@chathamvoice.com A little bit of hard work on a 30 by 50 foot plot of land is paying off in a big way for members of the Cultivating Community vegetable garden on Grand Avenue East. The project was started by Dean Hale as a way of providing a better diet and a sense of community for local residents. In the two months since cultivation began, the plot has already provided a harvest for members and a surplus that has been donated to the Outreach for Hunger food bank. “I reached out to some people I know and created a Facebook page and got a good response,” he said. “About 25 people were interested and about half that number are actively helping.” The garden, located on the Chatham Waterworks property, began to take shape in late July and the first crops were planted August 21. A variety of veggies have been planted including peas, cabbage, lettuce, broccoli, spinach, carrots, radishes, beets, onions, spinach and kale. “We’ve already harvest-

ed 122 heads of lettuce and lots of other vegetables,” he said. “When it’s ripe, members take what they need and we donate the rest.” By transplanting instead of using seeds on site, the turnaround to harvest is accelerated. “If we start in April next year we could have up to six harvests of some crops.” Carol Williams, one of those helping, said providing a local, organic and fresh form of vegetables is important. “There are some people who don’t have access to the kind of food that’s best for them,” she said. Hale said some of those who have joined the group had tried home gardens but couldn’t make them work. “We have a lot of knowledge among the members and we help each other. It’s a way of meeting new people, sharing an interest and ending up with some great local food.” Hale said similar gardens could be established right across the community. “The entire cost of everything this year has been about $500 to $700,” he said. “For the amount of food we’re generating,

it’s extremely affordable.” He’s hoping a mild fall and some inexpensive covering to protect plants from frost could see the garden still producing until the beginning of December. “It’s sustainable, it empowers people to grow their own food and it’s a great community experience,” he said. For more information visit the group’s Facebook page at https:// w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / ChathamGardenWorkShare?fref=ts or email Jim Blake/The Chatham Voice them at Dean Hale and Carol Williams pick some of the peas that are being grown in a community mailto:ChathamGarde n Wo r k s h a re @ g m a i l . garden on Grand Ave. E. The pilot project is providing food for its members as well as local food banks. com.

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 6

We’re number one! There’s an old saying about not being able to see the forest for the trees. In Chatham-Kent’s case, the phrase might be amended to say that we can’t see the field for the crops. While self-assessments can be notoriously inaccurate, the news that came from Chatham-Kent’s economic development department’s agriculture specialist Kim Cooper should give us cause to cheer. Cooper’s market research showed that Chatham-Kent is the top producer in Canada of seed corn, tomatoes and carrots, cucumbers, black tobacco, pumpkins and quail. We’re number two nationally in production of sugar beets and Brussels sprouts. Provincially, we’re the number one producer of green peas in Ontario and number two in production of field peppers and asparagus. To top it off, we have the number one fresh-water commercial fishing port in the world. If you were reading this about a community not named Chatham-Kent, you would be amazed and consider that location a little bit of heaven. Here, it’s just home. Home, luckily enough for us, is an amazing place. We have a multi-billion dollar agriculture sector with some of the nation’s leading innovation and educational efforts being undertaken. Agriculture helps define who we are; it’s a rite of passage for many children through summer jobs and it’s a backbone of the community that may bend from time to time, but never breaks. We have thriving businesses which serve agriculture and a community that compliments its many aspects from locally grown food at restaurants to hundreds of roadside stands which dot the area throughout the harvest season. In agriculture, we’re kind of a big deal. Let’s celebrate that.

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.

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The publisher of this newspaper, CK Media Inc., reserves the right to clarify or refuse any advertisement based on its sole discretion. The publisher reserves the right to reject, discontinue or omit any advertisement without notice or penalty to either party. Liability for errors or non-insertion is limited to the amount paid for the cost of space occupied by the error. Claims of errors must be made prior to the next publication date.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2015

Opinion

Ironic election sign placement Sir: It would be a fair assessment to suggest that there is not a single person in this city that has not had a family member, a neighbour or a friend employed by Navistar in Chatham at some point over the years. For over a hundred years, International Harvester, in one form or another, was one of the best paying, secure and largest employer in our political riding. That is why the irony of a large, single Conservative re-election sign is so rich. As voters drive down Richmond Street by the vast industrial wasteland of what was once Navistar, they can’t help but see only a Tory sign asking for their vote.

This is the same government and local Member of Parliament that did so little to save some of the best-paying middle-class jobs the municipality has ever known. There is an arrogance on the part of the Harper Conservatives to think that their indifference has been forgotten locally. Especially when you consider the large number of former Navistar employees that waited so long for their settlements or worse yet, are still waiting for their rightful compensation from a corporation that was allowed by our federal government to “skip town.” It is no secret that when oil was riding high and

our dollar was purposely tied to it, Harper (and Van Kesteren by extension) did not see the loss of manufacturing jobs as a concern to the bigger picture. Now, in the middle of an election campaign, they are both pandering for votes from the same people and families they abandoned when they might have helped. The Conservatives must believe that the thousands of people that made their living at the “Harvester” and those from local spinoff industries have short memories. Truly, with Harper’s Pacific (free?) Trade deal on the Asian horizon and with his own admission

that it has the potential to negatively impact the car and truck industry in southwestern Ontario, why would anyone believe that the Tories genuinely support the people that work in Canadian manufacturing? The sight of this one, big, blue Conservative sign in the middle of a vast empty field on Richmond Street speaks volumes. In closing, as a one time Harvester employee and member of an extended family tied to Navistar for generations, I can’t help but look down the road and wonder if the people in Leamington feel the same way about the Heinz closing?

Sir: In passing along certain vacant sites in the city of Chatham and surrounding areas, there seems to be a lot of weeds growing up in vacant lots, some where businesses once thrived and have since been closed and demolished

with only the vacant lot present. Also, I have noted this past couple of summers a lot of the same sort of weeds and other plants taking over our former empty rail lines,I am sure there are

some efforts made to control some of these weed fields. I have heard that a portion of the former CN track is being used for a hydro line. In terms of the former CSX rail line, if the

proposed new rail carrier for that does not happen, then perhaps it could be converted into a walking and bicycle path, or perhaps an ATV and snow mobile run area?

Dan Kelly Chatham

Weeds now rule railroad track

Frank Doyle Chatham

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2015

Splash pad gets closer to reality The Chatham Voice

Fundraising for the splash pad project in Thamesville’s Ferguson Park is getting close to its goal, according to Thamesville Improvement Area (TIA) member Brian Carther. And to help get there, the TIA is planning another bottle drive for Oct. 17 and will be accepting donations between the Bank of Montreal and Town Hall in Thamesville. Carther said they will accept beer cans, liquor bottles and “even milk bottles” for the drive, two of which already have been very successful. With an outpouring of donations of materials and labour, Carther said about $68,000 of the $168,000 project total is covered by generous area businesses and groups. With

If you’re between the ages of 10 and 18 and have a goal to help eliminate bullying, the Chatham-Kent Police Service wants to hear from you. The CKPS is sponsoring an anti-bullying video contest aimed an encouraging safe schools and community through the eyes of children. Students are being asked to create a video three minutes or less in length that addresses the theme “stand up to bullying.” According to a police release on the contest the video “must not contain, depict or refer to anything crude, vulgar, obscene, sexually explicit,

The Mary Webb Centre welcomes back The Good Lovelies Oct. 17 at 8 p.m. The group returns for its fourth show in Highgate, armed with a new album of music to play for you. Consisting of Caroline Brooks, Kerri Ough and Sue Passmore, The Good Lovelies are a Canadian folk/ country harmony trio. Funny and upbeat, with just a pinch of sass,

Addition to our cenotaph

Jim Blake/The Chatham Voice

Those attending this year’s Remembrance Day Services will notice that for the first time the sacrifices of the 158 Canadian soldiers who died while on the Afghanistan mission between 2001 and 2014. Chatham-Kent council member Michael Bondy, shown here, made the motion to include that conflict on the monument in 2013.

discriminatory, offensive or illegal. The video cannot contain, depict or refer to any irresponsible behaviour, risk to personal safety or damage to property.” Entries will be accepted from both groups and individuals. Videos can be uploaded to YouTube and the link emailed to Const. Renee Cowell reneec@chatham-kent. ca along with your name, school and grade. Deadline for submission will be Monday, Nov. 9 at 9 a.m. The top three videos will be awarded prizes. The winning video will be showcased during Bullying Awareness Week that is November 15-21, 2015.

The Good Lovelies returning to Highgate The Chatham Voice

News

the total raised to date at about $75,000 and $10,000 more expected in the next couple of weeks, Carther said they are getting close to completion. “It’s been a big challenge and we knew that, but we’re going to get ‘er done and have had so much support from area groups and business, and lots of student volunteers getting their community hours,” Carther said. The splash pad will be going in Ferguson Park where there was previously a wading pool and will be accessible for young children, the disabled and the elderly. Anyone who would like more information on the bottle drive, or to donate to the project can contact Carther at 519-692-5097 or 519-9173779.

Anti-bullying video contest The Chatham Voice

PAGE 7

the Good Lovelies’ textbook threepart harmonies, constant instrument swapping and witty on-stage banter have enlivened the folk music landscape since the three joined forces in 2006. Tickets are $35 in advance, $40 at the door can be purchased on line at www.cktickets.com, by phoning 519-358-6455 or from retail ticket vendor partners in Ridgetown, Blenheim, Chatham, Thamesville, Bothwell and Highgate.

How much does a funeral cost?

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This is a common question we are asked regularly. The questioner needs to make some decisions before a realistic answer can be determined. Asking, “How much does a funeral cost?” is like asking, “How much does it cost to go to the grocery store?” Are you going to the grocery store for a few items such as milk and eggs or are you wanting to do a larger job that includes steak and lobster? The personal funeral selections of an individual are what determine the cost of your funeral. This is why we encourage everyone to make informed decisions and selection ahead of time. Of course a conversation is the best way to begin your understanding of the relevant issues and the benefits of pre-planning. A conversation with us can provide you with the details of how to ensure your family can take advantage of the best protection, the real savings, and the peace of mind they deserve.

THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 8

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2015

You, Him, Her & Me October 21-22nd, 2015

John D. Bradley Centre

M.C.B.N. Children’s Association Is pleased to present

2015 Children’s Mental Health Affects Everyone Summit The Summit was developed in partnership with Chatham-Kent Children Services, Child Development Institute of Toronto and Ontario Job Creation Program. It aims to bring together service providers, policy makers, mental health professionals, educators, clinicians, and researchers, with youth and family care givers to share experiences and ideas on how best to shift knowledge into practice.

Speakers and Topics

Dr. Gili Adler Anxiety and Therapy Dr. Leena Augimeri Disruptive Behaviour and Self-Control Dr. Jean Clinton The Developing Brain and Children’s Mental Health Anne-Marie Hourigan Retired Judge, Ontario Court of Justice From Justice to Education Perry Mason From Policing to Restorative Justice Dr. Karen Minden, C.M. Addictions Mike Neuts Myles and Mental Health: A Parent’s Perspective Donald Nicholls Aboriginal Children’s Mental Health Ms. Leah Parsons & Ms. Carol Todd The Story of Our Daughters’s Rehteah & Amanda Cyber Bullying and Suicide Dr. Debra Pepler Bullying & Healthy Relationships Dr. Marjorie Phillips Learning Disabilities and Mental Health (LDMH) Paula Reaume-Zimmer Access Canada in Chatham-Kent Youth Panel

John D. Bradley Centre 565 Richmond St, Chatham, Ontario $195 per person 2 Day Inclusive: Conference & Key Note dinner $150 per person: 2 Day Conference $50 per person: Key Note Dinner with Chair person of MCBN ~ Mike Neuts For more information please contact

Marg Beintema: 519-358-1451 X 2240 marg@makechildrenbetternow.org Kassya Kevany: 519-358-1451 X 2247 kassya@makechildrenbetternow.org To register: Cash, Cheque or Money Order Payable to : Make Children Better Now

In partnership with

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2015

THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 9

News

Business toolkit has the answers for startups CFDC develops helpful kit By Jim Blake jim@chathamvoice.com

Almost three years in the making, the Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC) of Chatham-Kent has developed a small business toolkit designed to answer many of the questions facing budding entrepreneurs. The electronic, decision-based guide was unveiled at the CFDC annual meeting and is the work of staff members Monica Bacic and Tanya Houston. Houston, who has been supervisor of the CFDC’s local Ontario Self-Employment Benefit program for several years, said many of the same questions keep popping up during interviews

with those considering starting a business. “We realized that if we could develop something to guide people along we could smooth the process and help them make better decisions,” she said. Bacic said the idea of the guide is to give you “what you need, when you need it.” “There are three main areas - the idea, the numbers and what it takes to make it work,” she said. “We have 18 different tabs on the Excel sheet.” Houston said the process begins with a prospective business owner performing a self-assessment to determine if they are prepared to operate their own business. “Not everybody is comfortable with being the one to make all the de-

cisions and carry the responsibility,” she said. “It’s better to find out at the beginning than later on.” The tabs encompass what it takes to start a business, from market research, competition, demand for the service or product and carries through to the practical aspects such as payroll and complying with government regulations. “When people ask me what it takes to start a business I ask them if they have time for an eight-hour answer,” she said. “It’s quite involved but there is a tremendous sense of satisfaction once you see things coming together.” Outgoing CFDC chairman Pat Weaver said he is pleased with the organi-

ed to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southwestern Ontario. Dumoulin-Jerome said many families in Chatham-Kent have used Ronald McDonald House in London while their children have been receiving treatment. “We’re limiting the registration to eight persons per morning and afternoon session so those attending can receive the finest quality cards,” she said. To get more information about the day, visit the group’s Cards for Kids Facebook page or contact

Amy at adumoulinjeromel@gmail.com or Jackie Bultjie at jbultjie@ciaccess.

Jim Blake/The Chatham Voice

The Community Futures Development Corporation of Chatham-Kent held its annual meeting last week. The federally funded organization has loaned nearly $700,000 and helped attract and retain more than 150 jobs. Here, outgoing chair Pat Weaver, Executive Director Carol Emery and incoming chair Shawn Bustin are seen after the meeting.

zation’s results during the last 18 months. The group loaned $695,000 to 11 businesses during that time, creating and securing 85 jobs. It also provided business assistance to 31 firms with an estimated job growth of 75 positions.

Shawn Bustin, an executive with Mainstreet Credit Union, will serve as chairman for the coming year. During the meeting, the CFDC provided grants to three community groups through its Special Project Funding Competition.

The Wallaceburg and District Arts Council finished first in the online voting for the honour, earning $2,500. The Canadian Mental Health Association was awarded $1,500 and the Blenheim Youth Centre was given $1,000.

com. Participating demonstrators, in addition to Amy

and Jackie are Krystal Knight, Alison Reid, Megan Lemak, Sandi Bell-

inger, Yvonne Macfadyen, Carolyn Henderson and Kim Cadotte.

Stampin’ for charity event set for Oct. 19

By Jim Blake jim@chathamvoice.com

Local residents will have the opportunity to help sick children and purchase some unique, personalized cards and crafts during the Cards for Kids event Saturday Oct. 19. Amy Dumoulin-Jerome, one of nine members of the Stampin Up’ locally, said the event will be held at the Chatham Granite Club on William Street. The club has donated its rental fee for the day and local businesses have donated refreshments. All proceeds will be donat-

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 10

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2015

News

C-K honoured for its bee friendliness

By Jim Blake jim@chathamvoice.com

When it comes to the birds and the bees, Chatham-Kent is number one - with the bees at least. Chatham-Kent has been named the most pollinator-friendly community in Canada by the international Communities in Bloom judges who were here for four days in July. CiB co-ordinator Monica Robertson said the municipality earned the award, sponsored by Bees Matter, due to “its great number of pollinator-friendly gardens, tall grass prairie plantings, and extensive naturalized areas established throughout the municipality.” “It was such a pleasure to witness the true appreciation the judges had for what we’ve been able to accomplish throughout Chatham-Kent,” said Robertson. “If everyone would take the time to see our quaint downtowns, awesome parks and landscapes, environmental initiatives, and heritage

assets through the fresh eyes of an outsider CK’s community pride would be through the roof.” International CiB judges Alain Cappelle and Richard Daigneault were impressed overall during their July visit to Chatham-Kent awarding the Municipality with a five bloom rating, the highest number of blooms possible for the 3rd year in a row. As they made their way across the community, Cappelle from Belgium, who had judged CK in 2013, regularly remarked on the substantial improvements that have been made. Both gentlemen were particularly impressed “with the natural restoration of wetlands and tall grass prairie, and new projects for windbreaks, buffer strips and tree plantings.” They gave CK a special mention for Return The Landscape - Prairie Restoration Project. Chatham-Kent’s year round accomplishments are annually recorded in a CK CiB Community

Profile Book. This document assists the judges with their evaluation of a community on items that they may not have had opportunity to see during their visit. Robertson said a core of 35 individuals are closely associated with Communities in Bloom locally but several hundred are involved with greenage and gardening projects. “I would imagine there are between four and five thousand hours of volunteer time donated by these people each year.” she said. Communities in Bloom is a Canadian non-profit organization committed to fostering civic pride, environmental responsibility and beautification through community involvement and the challenge of a national program, with focus on the enhancement of green spaces. The pride, sense of community and feeling of accomplishment generated through participation are visible in communities across Canada.

RecycleDrive October 14 - 30, 2015

Help keep batteries, oil and tires out of landfills. Bring them to your RecycleDrive location and we’ll recycle them responsibly.

1 donation = 1 tree planted in Ontario!1 The RecycleDrive location that collects the most tires wins a $20,000 revitalization package for a local play space!2

Recycle today! caasco.com/recycle Armstrong-Macko Autopro 77 Leeson Dr. 519-354-3070

1 The CAA Autogreen program will plant one (1) tree in the province of Ontario for every qualifying item donated to the RecycleDrive campaign during the Event Period, to a maximum of 6,000 trees. 2 The CAA RecycleDrive event begins at 12:00 a.m. October 14, 2015 and ends at 11:59 p.m. on October 30, 2015 (“Event Period”). Visit www.caasco.com/recycle for RecycleDrive location hours of operation. CAA South Central Ontario reserves the right to refuse oil deemed unacceptable. Oil that is potentially contaminated, mixed or used in farm equipment will not be accepted. CAA operates RecycleDrive as a non-profit public service. Ontario residents can recycle up to four (4) used tires for free any time outside of the Event Period, with no maximum during the Event Period. A nominal fee may apply to recycle oil and batteries outside of RecycleDrive Event Period. Only participating CAA Approved Automotive Repair Service facilities are eligible to win the chance to donate the revitalization package consisting of recycled rubber products valued at $10,000.00 CAD and assorted greenery valued at $10,000.00 CAD. ®CAA and CAA logo trademarks owned by, and use is authorized by, the Canadian Automobile Association. (1204-09/15)

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International CiB judges, Richard Daigneault (left) and Alain Cappelle (right) are captivated by Sydenham Field Naturalist Larry Cornelis as he describes some of the tall grass prairie species that have been reintroduced at Peers Wetland outside Wallaceburg. It was a perfect example of one of CK’s many pollinator-friendly initiatives and most certainly contributed to being named Canada’s “Most Pollinator-Friendly Community” at the National CiB Ceremonies held in Kamloops, BC on Oct. 3.

2015-09-30 9:07 AM

Canned content

By Bryan Jessop/ South Point Sun Special to The Chatham Voice

Highbury Canco offered Chatham-Kent-Essex MPP Rick Nicholls a tour of its Leamington facility recently. The exclusive tour took place roughly 13 months after Highbury assumed control of the community’s 2.1-million-square-foot factory from Heinz Canada. Highbury’s full-time, permanent employment stood at 250 when it took over July 2 of last year to begin shipping products on behalf of the factory’s former owner. Since then, its workforce has expanded to 325 — an increase of about 23%, now at half of Heinz’s employment total upon its closure in late June of 2014. The company is currently utilizing about half of its total floor space, although plans are in the works to put another 100,000 square feet to use within the next 12 months. Increased production will ultimately lead to more new jobs, although

company executives noted that it is currently difficult to estimate how many. “We expect some steady growth over the next couple years, but it’s hard to put a number on that right now,” explained Highbury Canco president and CEO Sam Diab. Diab, who worked for Heinz for its final 10 years in Leamington, is credited as a driving force in paving the way for Highbury Canco’s arrangement to keep the factory running. Along with vice president of supply chain John Krueger, Diab led the early afternoon tour earlier this month. The site’s warehouse continues to be used fully, as Highbury is the receiving destination for many exported products making their way into Canada. The plant’s shipping facilities are also busy, as an average of 50 to 60 53-foot trailers are filled and sent out daily. Products are loaded onto intermodal trailers, sent Canada-wide by railway and delivered to specific destinations by truck.

THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2015

PAGE 11

Chatham-Kent Votes

The Independence You Value.

The Peace of Mind You’ve Been Missing OUR DEDICATED & CARING TEAM

Candidates discuss the public’s trust of government

minister admits he’s not perfect.” Mark Vercouteren, Green Dave Van Kesteren, Restoring faith in governConservative ment will take a two-prong The worst thing about the approach, according to Cha- various scandals which t h a m - K e n t - L e a m i n g t o n plague senior governments Green candidate Mark Ver- is that it overshadows the couteren. hard work and honesty of “We have institutional prob- the vast majority of govlems in that ernment officials, says Chawe need tham-Kent-Leamington MP to fix our Dave Van Kesteren. first past “If someone makes a misthe post take or goes over the line, they Rose Colleen Andrea Barb King system and need to be Dining Services Peseski McDonald Sullivan Manager/Bookeeper Resident Services Manager Recreation Coordinator General Manager implement held acproportioncountable,” al reprehe said. AMENITIES AND SERVICES sentation “I have a Private/semi-private suites so voters problem, Mark Vercouteren know that Freshly prepared meals daily though, their vote when other Lovely amenities including outdoor counts even if their first choice parties use patios, hair salon, lounges, activity doesn’t get elected,” he said. it for their room and more... “Once that’s done we need own politiHealthcare supervision greater transparency for in- Dave Van Kesteren cal purpos24 hrs. each day dividuals and more impores. (Ontario tantly parties,” he said. “If the Premier) Kathleen Wynn has Small pets welcome federal government can im- practically declared war on us plement a Transparency Act and she has enough issues of ur MOUSE-FREE UNDERCOATING for First Nations, why doesn’t her own to deal with.” it put the same thing in place Van Kesteren said, “when CALL FOR YOUR PERSONAL TOUR! for parties? I look across the floor of the 97 MCFARLANE AVE., CHATHAM ON www.maplecityretirement.ca We all have a past, I must say House I see trustworthy, hard Ask about our MOUSE-FREE UNDERCOATING but people will understand working people there. I may CALL 519-354-7111 FOR YOUR PERSONAL TOUR mistakes. They won’t forgive not agree with their political 97 MCFARLANE AVE., CHATHAM ON • www.maplecityretirement.ca cover-ups. Even the prime views on things but I don’t think they’re crooks.” Y OF MICE, ANTS AND OTHER UNWANTED CRITTERS The MP said one of the first things he was D.I.Y. told by the Prime MinPREVENTS ENTRY OF MICE, ANTS AND OTHER UNWANTED CRITTERS ister after being elected Sprayer Kit in 2006 was “don’t do Available D.I.Y. anything you wouldn’t want to see on the front Sprayer Kit for Easy-to-Do page of the Globe and Available Applications Mail. I think we all try to live up to the stanfor Easy-to-Do dard of having a public DO IT YOURSELF MOUSE-FREE Applications OR CALL TO SCHEDULE E trust.” UNDERCOATING KITS AVAILABLE Katie Omstead, AN APPOINTMENT Liberal OR CALL TO SCHEDULE E A widespread sense AN APPOINTMENT be stress-free and of course... of entitlement and an atmosphere of fear are RVing should be stress-free and of course... Present this ad to receive two of the major issues FALL blocking government reform at the federal level, according to Chatham-Kent-Leamington SALE Liberal candidate Katie Offer expires November 1, 2015. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Omstead. “When someone steps over the line, the first reaction is denial and then suppression,” she said. “A true leader would want the matter handled quickly and publicly.” She said she’s hearThe Chatham Voice

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ing constituents’ say they are aware that government MPs are largely muzzled and can’t stand up for what they believe in. “It’s called Katie Omstead the Harper government for a reason,” she said. “This is not a Conservative government, it’s a one man operation. The consolidation of power in the prime minister’s office is unprecedented.” She said a Liberal government would allow more free votes and reduce the omnibus bills (where different topics of legislation are lumped together in one document.) Tony Walsh, NDP A decade after Prime Minister Stephen Harper came to power promising to end government corruption, Canada is in worse shape than ever, said Chatham-Kent-Leamington NDP candidate Tony Walsh. “Stephen Harper was going to reform the Senate, restore government transparency and accountability,” he said. “What we have is the politics of corruption, fear and division. That’s not the kind of government we’re used to.” Walsh said greed is the motivating cause behind much of what happens in the government. “We have a government w h i c h Tony Walsh places the needs of corporations above those of people. Corporations exist to make money and left totally to their own devices, they can influence government policy to aid them instead of acting in the needs of Canadians.” he said. “We need to remember that government should take care of people first and create the kind of society where the needs of the many aren’t outweighed by the wants of a few.”

THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 12

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Across 4. Sauce that is served alongside turkey and fixings 6. What American holiday coincides with Canadian Thanksgiving ever year? (2 Words) 9. Horn of plenty 10. Side dish that is cooked inside the turkey 11. A large meal celebration Down 1. What part of the turkey is saved and snapped as a superstituous good luck customer? 2. The month of Thanksgiving 3. A festival with bands, people wearing costumes, and floats marching down the street 5. Classic Thanksgiving dessert (2 Words) 7. A synonym for the word thankful 8. A nut of an oak tree 9. This fruit is used to make a red jellied side dish 10. An odd shaped vegetable that resembles a pumpkin

ACROSS: 4. GRAVY 6. COLUMBUS DAY 9. CORNUCOPIA 10. STUFFING 11. FEAST DOWN: 1. WISHBONE 2. OCTOBER 3. PARADE 5. PUMPKIN PIE 7. GRATEFUL 8. ACORN 9. CRANBERRY 10. SQUASH

Home Comfort Advisor Tony Coppola

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2015

PAGE 13

Chatham-Kent Votes

Of governnance and abuse of power The Chatham Voice

Jim Johnston, Green Party The role of Canadians in the governing process needs to change, according to Lambton-Kent-Middlesex Green Party candidate Jim Johnston. “We’re operating in the dark ages where we cast a vote and then ignore the system until the next election. We have the ability to get Jim Johnston public opinion, real public opinion, on almost any issue rather quickly. We can hold referendums, binding or not and take a more active role in government.” Johnston said technology has reduced political interest to the level of a “sound bite.” If that’s all you get out of a campaign, it has the impact of reducing the substance of our political involvement and lowering our expectations. We need more logic and less emotion. We can’t continue to vote for some party because our grandfathers did. It’s far too important for that.” Johnston said his party believes in proportional repre-

sentation. “We have a system now where if your candidate doesn’t win, you feel your vote was wasted. With a weighted ballot system, you have more of a chance to elect someone who shares the majority of views as opposed to someone who just got the biggest slice of a minority.”

Bev Shipley, Conservative Issues of trust in politics lie with individuals, not the system, said Lambton Kent Middlesex incumbent Bev Shipley. “The very first piece of information we study is the Accountability Act,” he said. “It’s important that we live up to it and when someBev Shipley one doesn’t they need to pay the consequences.” Shipley said the fact that anyone in elected office faces constant scrutiny is a difficult part of the job. “Everything we do is in the public eye,” he said. “Unfortunately, when someone makes a mistake it’s played out publicly and we can get lumped together in the public’s mind.” While “I’m not defending any-

one’s wrong actions” Shipley said there is very little room for errors. “Without being specific, people do make mistakes but there seems to be a rush to judgment that there must be something sinister going on,” he said. “If anything, I wish we could wait until all information is available and then form our opinions.”

Rex Isaac, NDP Senior governments lack the courage to reign in those who abuse their power, says Lambton-Kent Middlesex NDP candidate Rex Isaac. “We have scandals where people in the federal government have misused public funds and yet the first reaction is to try and hide it from the public,” he said. “There is no Rex Isaac reason for the Senate scandal to have gone on so long.” Isaac said those in power forget their allegiance is to the public and not their political masters. “Each person’s ethics are their own but when something isn’t right,

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those in power need to bring it to light and deal with it. Not doing so is as bad as the ethical issue that started the whole thing.” He said the public is left questioning the entire political system that leads to apathy and greater corruption. “Those responsible need to place the Canadian people ahead of their own power agendas,” he said.

Ken Filson, Liberal The Canadian people have become jaded with politics as usual and are expecting more from their leaders, says Lambton-Kent-Middlesex Liberal Candidate Ken Filson. “We’ve watched as the Harper government tries to cover up its many scandals but it’s clear that’s all they’re trying to do,” he said. “There’s no remorse for their actions, only concern because they’ve been caught.” He said the Senate scandal would help bring down the

government. “Remember, Richard Nixon wasn’t forced to resign because of the Watergate break-in but because of the cover Ken Filson up,” he said. “We’re seeing the same thing as Harper changes his story to fit whatever he thinks he needs politically.” From the treatment of veterans, to the reductions in environmental regulations to the muzzling of science, Filson said the Harper government has a shameful record of accountability. “Unlike Stephen Harper, we’re in favour of a Canada with traditional values of generosity, inclusiveness and care for each other regardless of their station in life. It’s time to take our country back.”

THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 14

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2015

Life

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Thursday, October 8 • Open Euchre at The Chatham Legion, William & Colborne St., Chatham. 1:00pm. • St. Paul’s United Church, 22125 Communication Road, is holding an Auction-Bazaar at 7:00pm. Doors open at 6:00pm. Admission $1 with lunch to follow. Friday, October 9 • A Stitch in Time! Ever wonder about those colourful barn quilt squares throughout Kent County? The CK Quilt Guild will tell us about the Thames River Barn Quilt Trail. 7:00pm at St. Andrew’s Residence, 99 Park St., Chatham. • Meal and Fun darts at The Chatham Legion, William & Colborne St., Chatham. Dinner from 5:30pm-7:00pm. Choice of turkey, roast beef or fish & chips for $8.00. One meat draw. Open darts at 7:30pm. • OEYC presents: Gym and Swim! Join us for an outing at the YMCA (101 Courthouse Lane) 9:0011:30am. Register at 519-3581451 x.0. Saturday, October 10 • Meat draw and dance at The Chatham Legion, William & Colborne St., Chatham. Meat draws from 4:00pm-6:00pm. Dance from 4:30pm-9:30pm featuring Blast from the Past.

• Windsor Symphony Orchestra Concert at St. Andrew’s United Church, Chatham. 7:30pm. Tickets $25 available from church office, cktickets.com or Cultural Centre box office. Doors open at 7:00pm. • Meal and darts at The Chatham Legion, William & Colborne St., Chatham. Dinner from 5:30pm-7:00pm. Choice of pork medallions, roast beef or fish & chips for $8.00. One meat draw. Open darts at 7:30pm. Saturday, October 17 • Wesley United Church Anniversary Beef Supper. 22108 Bloomfield Rd. 5:00pm6:30pm. Adults $18. Children 6-12 $6. Takeout available. Call Kim 519-351-5610. • Fall indoor yard sale at Holy Trinity Church, Selkirk St. at Victoria Ave., Chatham. 9:00am-11:30am. Sunday, October 18 • Harvest Harmonies. A concert of organ and piano duets at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Selkirk St. at Victoria Ave., Chatham. 3:00pm. Please bring donation of cash and/ or non-perishable food item. Reception and light refreshments to follow.

Tuesday, October 13 • Movie at your Library! Cinderella starring Cate Blanchett and Ricard Madden will be shown at the Chatham branch of the CKPL at 2:00pm.

• Bingo at Branch 243 Royal Canadian Legion, 75 Main St. E., Ridgetown. Sponsored by Ladies Auxiliary from 2:00pm-4:00pm. Entry fee is $10 includes 4 cards. Jackpot $200.

• Open Euchre at The Chatham Legion, William & Colborne St., Chatham. Afternoon 1:00pm. Evening (2 person). Registration at 6:30pm. Starts at 7:00pm.

• Meat draw and dance at The Chatham Legion, William & Colborne St., Chatham. Meat draw from 4:00pm-6:00pm. Dance from 4:30pm-9:30pm featuring Man Power.

Wednesday, October 14 • Fun darts and pepper at The Chatham Legion, William & Colborne St., Chatham. Pepper at 1:00pm. Darts starting at 7:30pm. Thursday, October 15 • Foster Care & Adoption Info Night at the Chatham-Kent Children’s Services, 495 Grand Ave. W., Chatham. Call 519-358-4694 to register. • Open euchre at The Chatham Legion, William & Colborne St., Chatham. 1:00pm. Friday, October 16 • Broasted Chicken Dinner by the Car Barn. Advance tickets only. 5:00pm-7:00pm. Contact First Presbyterian Church. 519-352-2313. Adults $17.00. Kids 6-12 $8.00. Children under 5 free. Take-out $17.00. 60 5th St., Chatham.

CK Metal Detecting Club Meetings Last Thursday of the Month, 7:00pm in the Kinsman Room, Erikson Arena, 341 Delaware Ave., Chatham. Guests Welcome. Toastmasters is a place where you develop and grow - both personally and professionally. Meetings are a learn-by-doing workshop in which participants hone their speaking and leadership skills in a no-pressure atmosphere. Guests are always welcome. Join the Chatham-Kent Toastmasters at Green Field Ethanol, 275 Bloomfield Road on Mondays from 6:30 – 8:00pm. Submit your coming events to bruce@chathamvoice.com or michelle@chathamvoice.com

Contributed image

Sunrise Rotary Club of Chatham President Mary-Frances Kluka presents a cheque for $15,000 to Jodi Maroney, director of development for the Chatham-Kent Hospice.

Funds rise from Sunrise The Chatham Voice

The Sunrise Rotary Club of Chatham recently presented the Chatham-Kent Hospice with $15,000. The donation is part of the club’s $40,000 commitment to the project. The funds were raised through the club’s annual Roses for Rotary fundraiser held in the spring. Suds support

Earlier this summer, Suds Car Wash in Chatham held an all-day car wash and barbecue event, and raised $2,000 for the Chatham-Kent Hospice Hope Chest Campaign. “Suds Car Wash and Jiffy Lube has been serving Chatham-Kent for over 35 years and we believe we should support those who support us by raising funds for local charities,” Michelle Morency, vice-president of operations for Jiffy Lube and Suds, said in a media release. “Chatham-Kent Hospice has the potential to touch everyone’s life.” “The car wash event was a lot of fun and the funds raised help us get that much closer to our goal of $200,000 for the Hope Chest Campaign,” Jodi Maroney, director of development for the hospice, said in a release. Tepperman’s supports hospice

As part of Tepperman’s 90th Anniversary celebration year, Andrew and Noah Tepperman and the team at Tepperman’s Chatham, led by

General Manager Louisa Valihora, have chosen to support Chatham-Kent Hospice with a $5,000 donation to the Hope Chest Campaign to purchase furniture and equipment for the new residential hospice. Tepperman’s community partnerships focus on three key areas: kids, health and education. “This partnership fits in perfectly with our community health focus,” Andrew Tepperman, company President, said in a media release. “Even though our head office is located in Windsor, we challenged each one of our stores in each market to choose an organization to partner with that best fit our charitable strategy of children, health and education.” The Tepperman’s Chatham team chose Chatham-Kent Hospice for a number of reasons. Here’s one key reason. A few months ago, Danielle Parker, Tepperman’s credit and office manager, won a company-wide award for a manager who best lives the company’s Mission, Vision and Values. She decided to donate her monetary award to Chatham-Kent Hospice.

THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2015

Life

Helping nature helps people too By Jim Blake jim@chathamvoice.com

Willy Curran and his wife Suzanne thought they were shaping a wetland when they turned over 25 acres of their Thamesville area farm to animal habitat, but in fact they were building a lot more. “It’s turned out to be quite an attraction for our daughter, her friends and a lot of kids from town who come out,” Suzanne said. “It’s so nice to see the Wi-Fi go off and hear the kids say “can we go to the pond now?” The couple said seeing the next generation embrace nature and develop a love for the outdoors means as much as providing a refuge for waterfowl and other animals. “It seems like it’s just a

Depuis 1968

Since 1968

field, but when you go back in there you realize just how much more it is,” Suzanne said. “The memories of going back and seeing how nature works is something the kids will carry with them all their lives,” said Willy. The couple, along with Willy’s brothers Bill and Bob and mother Iona, began investigating the idea of a wetland on a portion of their Longwoods Road land four years ago. Last fall everything came into place with partners Union Gas, Ducks Unlimited and the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority investing in the project which involved digging six ponds and planting native species on the site that had been used for a sand/gravel pit and pasture. Chatham-Kent

À votre service...pour le soin de votre avenir.

Here for you now ... Here for your future.

Above all, RTO/ERO encourages members and the general public to exercise their democratic right and VOTE!

For information about joining RTO/ERO, please visit www.rto-ero.org/join-us or call 416-962-9463 (Toronto area) 1-800-361-9888 Here for you Now... Here for your Future

PAGE 15

Jim Blake/The Chatham Voice

This pond is part of the 25 acres Willy Curran and his family has turned over for wetland conservation just outside of Thamesville. The site has become home to a wide variety of birds, turtles and insects.

also signed on through the Greening Partnership which also includes the St. Clair Region Conservation Authority. Bob Lauzon and Norm Lane of BF Environmental designed the project and dredged new ponds. The Curran’s site was one of seven stops on the Round the Country self guided farm tour organized Sunday by the Kent

Federation of Agriculture. The site encompasses four eco-systems, forest, water, marsh and prairie. After only six months of growing, it’s already beginning to look as it if was always there. “The prairie grasses are coming in a bit slower but it’s getting more and more difficult to tell the new part from the original,” he said.

The land is already home to ducks and geese, turtles, herons, deer, rabbits, foxes, butterflies and thousands of frogs. “Sometimes it’s just nice to sit out at night as listen to the frogs,” Suzanne said. “It’s about as peaceful as it gets.” Although the property is designated as the Curran Wetlands, Willy said it wouldn’t have happened

without the support of partners, including Darrel Randell of Ducks Unlimited and Randall Van Wagner of the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority. “We have a stand of ash that’s dying due to the emerald ash borer, but we’re re planting with a variety of trees according to advice from the authority,” he said.

Representing 72,000 retired public & private teachers, educational support staff, college & university faculty and support staff RTO/ERO is a non-partisan organization. RTO/ERO and its members believe that the two most important issues facing all Canadians, and especially seniors, are healthcare and pensions. Pensions

Healthcare RTO/ERO is seeking from the Federal Government and the provinces a commitment to a phased-in, managed approach to universal healthcare that combines prevention and remediation. This would include a campaign to encourage all Canadians to adopt healthier lifestyles, as well as a Pharmacare program that leaves the provinces responsible for the management of healthcare through an integrated, funded agreement between the provinces and the Federal Government.

RTO/ERO believes it is imperative that our political leaders address the absence of pension plans for 75% of private sector workers who constitute the majority of the workforce. The matter of assisting Canadians to plan for their retirement, and thus to be more self-reliant in their senior years, is an opportunity to raise the quality of life of Canadians.

RTO/ERO’s Recommendations

q That the Prime Minister con-

vene a meeting of Premiers and Provincial Finance Ministers to work out a time frame for a phasedin universal health care program, and that such a program include a cooperative Federal-Provincial Pharmacare Program. That the Federal Government undertake an expansion of the CPP in conjunction with the Provinces and Territories to ensure that Canadians can continue to maintain a reasonable standard of living in their retirement years.

THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 16

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2015

Life

Of wind, rain, ribs and October Yes, it is indeed fall in C-K OK, remember that warm September we had? Well, the first weekend in October wiped out all of those memories. Forget about getting much done around the yard. Talk about a fresh weekend. And it started Friday. Despite the sunshine, that wind was certainly bitter, especially when you’re searching for an angle into a cornfield where you might be able to capture a photo of a plane that crash landed. That was me on Friday,

Bruce Corcoran as the wind whipped in from the east. A fellow journalist had left his coat in his car. Yikes. Fortunately he was parked nearby. Saturday delivered a chilly dark morning. Not exactly great weather for the kids running around Thamesgrove Conserva-

Better-than-ever smoke detectors

During this year’s Fire Prevention Week, which takes place October 4-10, the Canada Safety Council and Fire Prevention Canada are reminding all Canadians of the importance of smoke alarms in preventing death and damage by fire. One of the best ways to be vigilant is to upgrade your smoke detector on a regular basis and for that, technology is ready and waiting. Chances are, the smoke detector in your home looks exactly like the one you had in your house growing up: a clunky white device that bleats an annoying racket every time you use the broiler in your oven or take a shower. But some companies in the U.S. are rejuvenating the smoke detector market with handy innovations that cut back on nuisance alarms. Most of these systems use state-of-the-art sensors and pre-recorded messages to announce alarms. The Nest Protect alarm, for example, reports to you “Smoke is clearing in the kitchen” or “There’s carbon monoxide in the den.” That’s the kind of alarm that doesn’t drive people to yank out the battery during the morning toast-making and then forget to put it back in. The Nest also monitors air quality in your house and sends alerts to your smartphone.

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tion Area. Or for a guy trying to photograph them. They were taking part in the annual cross-country meet for Chatham-Kent Catholic elementary school students. As for me, well, I was just trying to get some decent shots of them in action. But the bleak day really limited shooting. And the wind was pushing everyone around a little bit, also hindering my attempt at having a steady hand. The volunteers putting up fencing at the offleash dog park Saturday were at least moving a little more slowly. Don’t get me wrong. These guys were quickly putting up 660 feet of fence. But compared to energetic kids, they were methodical. And in focus. Speaking of focus, my Saturday afternoon attention was largely on our Big Green Egg, specifically for ribs. A friend was moving his personal office to his home on Sunday, and needed some food to fuel up his

Bruce Corcoran/The Chatham Voice

Gordon Wathy, left, holds a length of chain link fence in place while Ron Rush ties it in place Saturday morning at the off-leash dog park on Water Street in Chatham. Volunteers braved bitter fall winds to put up 660 feet of fencing along the north side of the park. The five-foot fence replaces a shorter, older fence along that side of the property.

volunteer movers. I grabbed eight racks of ribs, just seasoning four

of them, while marinating the other four in some White Lightning

barbecue sauce, as well as more seasoning.

Continued on page 17

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36 Lawson St., Tilbury, ON 519.682.3366

Continued from page 16

By 11 a.m. Saturday, four racks of ribs were in the Egg, while the other four continued to marinate. I’ve only cooked ribs a handful of times, and have had excellent success each of the previous times. We cook them over low indirect heat 2-2-1 – two hours in the rack, two hours individually wrapped in foil with a couple of ounces of apple juice in each foil pack, and one hour laid flat on the grill, but still on indirect heat. Through it all, I have a pan of water/apple juice sitting below the ribs keeping everything moist and catching most of the drippings. Since Pat needed the ribs late Sunday morning and this cook would entail 10 hours of smoking, I had to start Saturday and finish Sunday. Unfortunately, it started raining Saturday soon after I got cooking. Not a big deal for most of the cooking, but a pain when I switched the ribs from rack to foil. And talk about a way to kill outdoor yard work plans. At least the driveway weeds got scorched. Sunday morning arrived warmer and brighter. I finished the two batches of ribs, and sat outdoors. No music, just the sound of water gurgling down into our pond. Peaceful. I read and took in the tranquility, basting the ribs (one batch) every 15 minutes. I didn’t have so much as a taste of these ribs. Pat showed up to collect them, enjoying the fragrance in the backyard, and he had only a tiny sample before heading out. It turns out that is all the taste he got, as his volunteers finished off every last rib! I’m guessing that was a good sign. As for Pat, well, I’ve still got three racks of ribs in the freezer. I think

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2015 PAGE 17

Life

Low and slow key to cooking ribs coming weekend. I know a brisket is going on the Egg this coming Saturday, so maybe that will be the day to get some outdoor stuff accomplished. Mmm. Brisket.

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PAGE 18

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2015

Fun Stuff 32 Points of concentration 33 Spelldown 34 Cranberry territory 35 GPS offering 36 Total 37 Pair 38 Delusory happiness 45 M*A*S*H star 46 Bank transaction 47 Bear hair 48 Property claim 49 Oklahoma city 50 To and 51 Missing 52 TVs warrior princess 53 Absolutely

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PAGE 19

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