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Vol. 2 Edition 18

YOUR Independent Community Newspaper THURSDAY, MAY 1, 2014

Belting it out at music festival

Sarah Schofield/Special to The Chatham Voice

Vocalist Maria Whittal, daughter of Kiwanis Music Festival alumni Rachel Schwarz, rehearses a musical theatre solo for the 69th Grand Concert at the Kiwanis Theatre on April 22. The event showcased the best talent of this year’s Chatham Kiwanis Music Festival. See story page 15.

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Don Wells raises cash, awareness “Hey Lou, can you find my awards? Jim wants to see them.”

Thus begins an interview with Don Wells, a Wallaceburg native and lifelong social activist who’s lived life on both sides of the tracks – and sometimes right in the middle.

Talking with Don can be a verbal sparring match, reflecting the fact that as a former boxer and tough man contestant, he was constantly on the move, throwing punches and ducking knockouts. It’s difficult to keep him on one topic when he sees so many issues that need attention.

Right now, his focus is on raising donations to embark on Don’s Journey of Hope for Cancer, an e-bike ride from Wallaceburg to Owen Sound that will begin June 28 and end 12 days later.

He had wanted to go across Canada, but his own stage-four prostate cancer has changed his plans.

“I get so tired these days and I have to be in London (hospital) regularly so I just can’t do it,” he said. “I think this is my last trip. I can’t seem to fight the infections any

Jim Blake more.”

Last year, he raised several thousand dollars for an Owen Sound soup kitchen and homeless shelter as he took an electric scooter from that city to Ottawa in time for Canada Day. Presently, his partner Mary Lou Eheler returns with a stack of awards, certificates and plaques almost as tall as she is.

“He won’t let me put them up,” she said.

“They’re either in a closet or in a spare room.”

“It’s not about me,” Wells said. “I’m glad that the cause is recognized, but there are people who do a lot more than I do.”

Nevertheless, a quick look through the pile shows a letter from Canada’s Governor General David Johnston and a photo of Wells being congratulated by astronaut Chris Hadfield after last year’s journey.

Continued on page 2

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 2

THURSDAY, MAY 1, 2014

News

Wells has fought his share of demons

Continued from page 1

There are also scores of citations from mayors and MPPs across southwestern Ontario recognizing Wells for some 50 years of community service.

Despite his current cancer, a previous bout with colon cancer, a knee replacement and the aches and pains of his athletic career, Wells isn’t done

giving as he approaches his 65th birthday.

His first experience was with his father Don Sr. (a longtime Wallaceburg town councillor) when his dad helped found the Wallaceburg Minor Lacrosse Association.

“My dad’s philosophy was that you should be doing something to help others,” he said.

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The highlight of his tough man career was a bout at the Pontiac Silverdome when he won an international match representing Canada.

“Leon Spinks and Tommy Hearns were in my corner as celebrity trainers,” he said. “They wanted me to fight in Europe but I’d had enough.

“I wasn’t a nice person in a lot of ways back then,” he said. “I should have been a better father and husband. My heart was in the right place but I had issues with drugs and alcohol.

“I finally figured it out that my problems weren’t everybody else’s fault.

They were mine and I had to find a way to deal with them.”

After decades away from substance abuse, Wells has perspective and strong opinons on social

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“People think that if they don’t see the homeless, they don’t exist. Let me tell you something, if you live in Wallaceburg, Chatham or Sarnia, you see homeless people every day,” he said. “I’ve been where they are. Most are good people who just need a hand.”

One of four founders of the Inn of the Good Shepard in Sarnia more than 30 years ago, as well as the River City Vineyard homeless shelter in that city, Wells is frustrated by the lack of understanding of the problem.

“The City of Sarnia has just spent tens of thousands of dollars fighting a zoning battle regarding River City,” he said.

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Don Wells examines a book of souvenirs from last year’s Don’s Journey of Hope. The 2013 event featured a scooter ride from Own Sound to Ottawa. This year Don is riding an e-bike from Wallaceburg to Owen Sound.

“Imagine how many people they could have helped with that money.”

He said politics often get in the way when the focus should be human dignity.

“How can we turn our backs on people or ignore problems because they don’t fit into the right categories? What about the basic human need for food and shelter?”

Wells said its clear Wallaceburg needs a homeless shelter. Chatham does too.

“It’s an open secret that the fire at the (former) Hillerich and Bradbsy building was caused when people living there accidently knocked over a barrel they were us-

ing to heat the place,” he said. “The problem is that if the authorities admit to homelessness and the need for a shelter, they have to try and find money to help them. It’s becoming a very hard world for people who really aren’t any different than you or I am.”

Wells said he’s replaced the word “me” with the word “joy,” when describing his life.

“Joy for me stands for Jesus, Others and Yourself, in that order,” he said.

“When you get closer to the end of your journey on this Earth, what’s important becomes more clear all the time.”

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, MAY 1, 2014

PAGE 3

News

How badly will Blenheim bleed?

Sweet way of saying thanks

A 10-month closure of Hwy. 40 bridge has Blenheim BIA members worried

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

through Blenheim.

“The detour routes will be set out, but the MTO can’t actually police that,” he said. “If I were the operator of a garbage truck, I’d follow the shortest route, and the GPS shows the shortest route is to get off at Kent Bridge Road and come right through Blenheim.”

A possible solution would be for the MTO to pave Burk Line from Kent Bridge Road to Hwy. 40/Communication Road.

Maximizing access between Chatham and Blenheim, as well as between Blenheim and the 401, while the overpass is rebuilt is crucial to helping businesses to survive, Vandermey said.

“We have the concern a small shop that is heavily dependent on Chatham business could be in trouble. Many of the businesses in the BIA don’t operate on massive margins.

Even to take a 30-40% dip in business for 10 months could be catastrophic.”

By airing their concerns to MTO personnel before any construction begins, BIA members are hopeful a compromise can be worked out.

Vandermey said by reaching out to the MTO in the planning stages of the project, the MTO can react to potential problems.

“Over the next 10 months, we’ll put our heads together and come up with potential challengers and work on solutions to them, and see what flies,” Vandermey said.

Christine Costa, a project engineer with the MTO, said the meeting with the Blenheim BIA went well, and the MTO looks forward to working with the group to look for “ways to minimize potential disruption to their business.”

A group of Blenheim area business owners and local politicians met with provincial staff recently to discuss plans to rebuild the Highway 40 overpass at the 401.

Adam Vandermey, chair of the Blenheim BIA, said the locals met with Ministry of Transportation personnel at the Blenheim Golf Club, with about 35 people in attendance.

“The folks from the MTO went through the whole plan as to the research they’ve done,” he said.

The MTO plans to rebuild the overpass in the next couple of years, with land acquisition possibly beginning in 2015 and reconstruction a year later.

Vandermey said Blenheim businesses have huge worries, considering Hwy. 40 will be closed at the 401 for nearly a year.

“The biggest concern from the BIA is that’s an artery that’s going to be cut off. The potential loss of business to small businesses is significant,” he said. “We have to figure out how to improve other infrastructure or prepare a proper marketing plan to let the rest of Chatham-Kent know Blenheim isn’t closed for 10 months.”

He added the provincial personnel have open ears.

“They’re prepared to listen to our concerns and to our dreamed-up solutions,” Vandermey said.

One of those ideas is to have the MTO pave Horton Line from Hwy. 40/Communication Road to Charing Cross Road, providing easy access to Duke’s Harley Join us every Davidson and RM Classic Cars.

Another issue that will require a solution is the path of trash haulers that come from Toronto daily to dump garbage at the Ridge Landfill.

Vandermey thinks the shortest route including could send the heavy trucks right

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PAGE 4

THURSDAY, MAY 1, 2014

News

Premier stays the course on green energy Premier Kathleen Wynne is sticking to the plan for a greener economy in Ontar-

By Blair Andrews Contributing Writer

io as concerns rise over high electricity costs.

The premier, who is also the Minister of Agriculture and Food, was in Chatham-Kent on April 23 to celebrate renewable energy production in the area.

Speaking at the annual meeting of the AGRIS Solar Co-operative at the John D. Bradley Convention Centre, Wynne reaffirmed her government’s support of green energy.

“We’re working with you to make sure it evolves in the best way possible, but we are very committed to making sure this part of the economy grows and the energy supply includes clean, renewable energy into the future,” she said.

As for the higher electricity costs, Wynne said there are more factors at play than the Green Energy Act. According to Wynne, Ontario’s electricity system was in bad shape 10 years ago and needed to be transformed.

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needed to renew and upgrade our entire electricity system infrastructure, and that’s where the costs are,” said Wynne.

As an example, she noted that more than 10,000 kilometres of transmission lines have been rebuilt.

Wynne also noted the province will remove the debt retirement charge from electricity bills at the end of 2015 when the Green Energy Benefit expires.

Before she spoke at the AGRIS Solar Co-operative’s annual meeting, Wynne toured the farm of Jim and Janet Nauta near Blenheim to see one of the many solar power units managed by the farmer-owned energy company.

The co-op has received approval to finish the construction of more than 1,000 units in the province.

“We’ve got all our contracts, we’ve got all our connection agreements, we’ve got our notice to proceed with construction so we can put our shovels in the ground,” said Andrew Clark, general manager of the co-op.

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THURSDAY, MAY 1, 2014

PAGE 5

News

Dinner support spills way over

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

Brent and Tammy Ripley are known for their generosity around the Christmas season, as they organize the annual Community Cares Christmas dinner. But they gave and gave and gave this past weekend, donating hoards of non-perishable food items to various soup kitchens in the municipality.

It’s all because people gave to them, in large quantities, after someone did just the opposite.

Thieves broke into the Ripley’s home last December. It shook the couple’s belief in their fellow humans.

Mere days later, that belief was renewed, and then some.

Their home was pilfered just days before their charity dinner. All the funds raised to fund the dinner – about $4,500 – were stolen from them. They also lost family jewelry and other possessions.

The Ripleys planned to proceed with the dinner, with the intent on using their own money to fund the meal that ultimately fed about 600 people.

But they weren’t alone. People and businesses came forward. Citizens started popping into their Betty Brite cleaning business on Keil Drive the very next day, donating to the dinner The money poured in.

“The theft was devastating. It put a lot of negativity in our heads,” Brent said.

“But the next day, that’s when it started.

A lot of people would walk in the door and hand us $50, $20, or $100. It brought us to tears.”

The Ripleys said the number of businesses who came forward to assist are too

many to mention, but they did single out Campbell Toyota for donating $1,000 and for Food 4 Less for matching.

“Other businesses would pass the hat around,” Brent said. “So many people showed how much they care. We also had twice as many volunteers last year.”

The giving kept coming, and quickly exceeded what was originally raised. So the Ripleys wanted to give back. They planned to help eight soup kitchens in the area, but wanted to do so at a time where they think there’s a lull in the giving process. They know many people give during Christmas, but thought a spring donation could fill a void.

“We just wanted to turn a negative into a positive,” Brent said. “The donations went way beyond the initial costs.”

As for their charities of choice, the Ripleys said that any uncooked or non-perishable leftovers from past dinners have gone to local soup kitchens. This time around, they just hope to fill everyone’s shelves.

The Ripleys purchased the food at local stores who have in the past helped make the Christmas dinner a success, they said.

For Tammy, who arrived home the night of the robbery mere minutes after it had occurred, the giving is part of her healing process.

“We can’t let those guys bring us down; can’t let it defeat us,” she said. “The public support – the generosity – is amazing.

We were helped through a very rough time and we get to keep giving back.”

Blair Andrews/Special to The Chatham Voice

Tammy and Brent Ripley, far right, were on hand to give eight local soup kitchens food donations for their programs. The Ripleys, who organize the annual Community Cares Christmas dinner, invited representatives of the soup kitchens to pick up their food boxes Saturday at St. Andrew’s United Church. Also pictured are Sam Ripley; Scott O’Brien, general manager of Food For Less; and Anne Gibson, soup kitchen co-ordinator for the St. Andrew’s and Victoria Avenue United Churches.

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PAGE 6

Blenheim’s got it right At a time when it seems people will complain about anything (short of taking meaningful action), the Blenheim BIA and some local politicians are going about things the right way.

Blenheim businesses, understandably concerned about the possibility of a 10-month closure of the Highway 40 overpass at the 401, met last week to outline their concerns with the Ministry of Transportation.

The multi-million dollar project may not take place until 2016 but rather than wait, the businesses are being proactive and engaging the MTO in dialogue now. According to ministry officials, it’s a welcome change from after-the-fact conflicts that are more the norm.

By taking concerns to the province now, the MTO has an opportunity to develop plans to re-route traffic (thereby allowing transports and garbage haulers to go around the downtown) and explore other infrastructure options.

For its part, the BIA isn’t just counting on the province to solve all issues. It’s preparing marketing plans to ensure Chatham-Kent knows the community is open and eager for business.

We still believe the 10-month closure is excessive, but given the spirit of co-operation that exists, we wouldn’t be surprised to see the MTO build on that goodwill in any way possible.

••• It was good to see downtown Chatham busy on the weekend as the Capitol Theatre hosted the Luv 2 Dance competition which brought in dance clubs from across this part of Ontario.

It wasn’t so good to see vehicles being towed as some local business lots were taken over by the hundreds of dancers and their supporters.

A key factor is the temporary unavailability of the annex parking lot and its dozens of spots. A speedy completion of annex renovations and development of a parking strategy with the venue and users should help the situation.

••• Best sign of the week came from Parks Blueberries near Thamesville.

“You can’t buy happiness, but you can buy local and that’s the same kind of thing.”

Now if only more businesses and residents took that to heart.

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).

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

All letters need to be signed.

Advertising policy

The publisher of this newspaper, CK Media Inc., reserves the right to clarify or refuse any advertisement based on its sole discretion. The publisher reserves the right to reject, discontinue or omit any advertisement without notice or penalty to either party.

Liability for errors or non-insertion is limited to the amount paid for the cost of space occupied by the error. Claims of errors must be made prior to the next publication date.

THURSDAY, MAY 1, 2014

Opinion

We’re not that stupid, are we?

Looking around recently, its obvious people seeking to influence public opinion seem to think we’re not all that bright and we’ll believe whatever falls out of their open mouths.

In no particular order: • The advertising campaign by The Beer Store to convince us that if their product is sold anywhere other than the brewery-controlled monopoly, our youth will be swilling beer on every street corner.

The heavy-handed television ads, which portray convenience store

Sir: In response to S.M. McGregor’s letter, “Will they come to Chatham-Kent?” in the April 24 Chatham Voice, Chatham-Kent is in such a mess because of Toronto.

We have been forced to amalgamate our communities to save money. Did not work.

We have been forced to amalgamate our hospitals

employees as idiots, is so over the top that it makes it clear the effort is more about protecting the $700 million Beer Store annual profit than it is public safety.

Being foreign-owned, the big three brewers who control The Beer Store know full well gov-

ernment-only beer sales is the exception in most of the world.

At some point a politician will do what the public wants other than during an election (see Hudak, Tim) and The Beer Store gravy train will be over.

• The provincial government is trying to convince us that after an exhaustive search, the best candidate to head up eHealth (the organization that has wasted billions trying to digitize health records) is premier Kathleen Wynne’s brother-in-law.

His qualification would seem to be that he’s been with the agency for years and presumably has knowledge of how it wasted $1 billion in trying to digitize the province’s health-care system.

Shouldn’t that make him exactly the kind of person we don’t want in that job?

Just call it what it is, patronage, pure and simple.

• A study from Luxembourg claims Canada has the world’s richest middle class, taking top spot from the United States.

to save money. Did not work.

Now we are seeing turbines erected for green energy to supply the biggest consumer in Ontario, Toronto.

We pay to export the excess electricity, yet we use less. We mothballed a modern coal-burning plant in Sarnia just to

see the aging plants across the river still running.

It is easy to sit in Toronto without piles of garbage to look at and thousands of turbines on the countyside and think all is well while in reality all the rest of Ontario is in misery.

This is the underlying feeling that most of us are

experiencing towards Toronto. We have been told what to do for the benefit of Toronto.

FYI, Justin Bieber is from Stratford, Ont., the river bottom of the Thames is mud (brown color) and the flat countryside is fertile farmland cleared and drained from marshland.

J.P. Pepper Chatham-Kent

Jim Blake

Continued on page 7

Blame Toronto on many levels

The Chatham Voice is printed by:

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The contents of this newspaper are protected by copyright.

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, MAY 1, 2014

News Earth Day serenade for the mayor

PAGE 7

MS Walk May 4 The Chatham Voice

Bruce Corcoran/The Chatham Voice

Chatham-Kent Mayor Randy Hope and a selection of municipal staff were serenaded on Earth Day as about 100 students from grades 1 to 3 at King George VI School in Chatham sang about the environment.

Taking credit where none is due Continued from page 6

We took top spot from the United States in the Luxembourg study.

Never one to miss an opportunity, the Conservative Party of Canada has put its hand out for donations, warning us that “Only Canada’s Conservatives will stand up for the middle class – can we count on you to stand with us?”

Lost in the money grab was the backstory that America’s decline was mostly responsible for the change and that many European nations. Britain, the Netherlands and Sweden Norway, Finland, etc., have gained on the U.S. without Canada’s Conservatives “standing up” for them.

If you ask the middle class (instead of telling them how good they have it) you’ll find they don’t feel all that rich or secure.

A contented middle class, however, is much better for milking donations.

The campaign might be somewhat more palatable if the government pretended we mattered and gave the middle class (if you can find them) a

little bit of credit for Canada’s standing.

• The “you’ll believe anything I tell you” mindset isn’t limited to politicians. After one of his officers was arrested for trying to smuggle crack cocaine into the U.S.,

Windsor Police Chief Al Frederick said last week his challenge is to train officers so they don’t end up in trouble.

Once upon a time, that “training” the chief speaks of was called the law. Police are supposed

to enforce it, not break it.

If they don’t know the difference, they don’t belong on the force.

• Jim Blake is the general manager of The Chatham Voice. Contact the writer at jim@chathamvoice.com.

The biggest fundraising event for the Chatham-Kent Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society is set for May 4 in Chatham.

The Mandarin MS Walk will get underway at 10 a.m. at John McGregor Secondary School.

Multiple sclerosis is an unpredictable neurological disease that affects vision, balance, memory and mobility.

The cause is unknown

and a cure for the disease has not been found.

The MS society estimates that at least 100,000 people across Canada are affected with the illness, with three more Canadians diagnosed every day.

In Chatham-Kent, at least 200 people have been diagnosed with the disease.

Multiple sclerosis is also the most common neurological disease in people between 15 and 40.

• Read the full story on our website, chathamvoice.com.

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 8

THURSDAY, MAY 1, 2014

Chatham-Kent was HOT HOT HOT!

FESTIVAL OF GIVING 2014 CELEBRATES BRAZILIAN CARNIVAL.

$307,500

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On April 12, 2014, a sold-out crowd of 1,100 people witnessed the tastes, sights and sounds of “Blame It On Rio!”, a Brazilian carnival, at the John D. Bradley Convention Centre. They experienced the food, the music, the dancing, the aerial acrobatics, the beads and feathers, the pageantry and the marketplace of an authentic Rio de Janeiro carnival celebration. After the spectacle concluded, $307,500 was raised for Chatham-Kent food banks and children’s charities.

PROCEEDS FROM THIS YEAR’S EVENT WILL BE GOING TO:

On these two pages, we wish to thank our many sponsors, donors and volunteers who made all of this possible. We also want to highlight the wonderful causes the proceeds from this event will assist.

Sincerely, Festival of Giving Steering Committee Greg & Kelly Hetherington (co-chairs) Gord Purchase and Patty Taylor (co-chairs) Marnie Ball George Bossy Darrin Canniff Cindy Gillett Jason Gillett Candice Jeffrey Donna Litwin-Makey Dave & Donna Polowick Brett Sansom Art Stirling Don Turner Ryan Willmore

CHATHAM-KENT

THAMESVILLE

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR ARMY OF VOLUNTEERS, MANY WHO REPRESENT THE BENEFITING CHARITIES: Chris McLeod Katy Smith Jay Poole Tomo Matesic Melissa Gillett Lauren Ball Sarah Regnier Jocelyn Stirling Kylie Grocott Carol Summers Scott Makey Francis Jeffrey Trevor Terfloth Chris Tuckwell Amy Tuckwell Lisa Lester-Harris Barb Butler Lisa Nicholson Matt Nicholson Craig Shreve Pat Arthur Chauntelle Dziver Nicole McEachran Quinn Taylor Natalie Pinsonneault Alexandra Perez Emily Marchand Peter Ryan Kenzie Spence

Megan Horas Morgan Benoit Kassidy Myers Jodi Ritzer Chelsey Preston Cheri Arnew Wendy Brown Michelle Teichroeb Janet VanSickle Jeff Van Sickle Anita Brown Jennifer Hillman Matt Vaessen Doug Vaessen Natasha Vaessen Michelle Vaessen Jeff Mifflin Ryan Caron Aaron Berry Clint Benoot Jeff Benoot Yuriy Korshunoff Drew Everett Matt Bailey Brad West Amelia Morrison Alvilda Douglas Sandra DeKok Ann McKenzie

Diane Fahey Elita Tavares Gauri Sood Nitin Sood Joe Silveira Judith Brisbin Lindsay Knight Lorne Haskell Sarah Reed Michael Wright Art Kemp Jonathan Stone Dennis Smith Mark Liberty Gwen Liberty Ruth Campbell Tracey Moulton Tom Hodgson Trudy VanEsse Martha Wright Chris Hogg Jodie Hogg Ken Stone Melissa James Joe Presutto Nick Presutto Thomas Presutto Henry Smeenk Marg Dixon

Faye Smith Ron Vanrabaeys Bonnie Vanrabaeys Ryan Urquhart Eoin de Forno Eldon Austin Kathy Austin Mikyla Austin Alex Mungar Amy Adams Andrew Phibbs Ann Martens Athena Leroux Bernie Huff Beth Reeve Betty Horvath Brent Badder Brett Wolfe Brian Stewart Carmen Titus Cathryn Dick Cheryl Carson Chris Lassaline Chris Russell Clarence Reimer Colleen Gillett Craig McAlorum Craig Walker Crystal Martens

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Kim Bailey Kristen Nead Kurt Makey Laura Gillett Linda Clendenning Linda Miller Lonnie Gillett Lucy Oliveria Madison Hetherington Marcello Robolledo Martha Gillier Meaghan VanHooren-Wright Melanie Austin Mike Bruette Nancy Duchene Nathan Pittman Nevin Wiebenga Nick Caron Nicole Shaw Patricia Riberdy Paul Martens Payton McWilliams Pete Dejonge Peter Hamm Pete Moir Quinn Fahey Randall Van Wagner Richard Drouillard Ryan Little

Our sincere apologies to any overlooked.

INDIVIDUAL DONORS Stephen and Karen Andari Judith and Don Brisbin George and Sharon Bossy TJ Brodie Jim Brownlee Darrin and Christine Canniff John Cacciavillani

Dave Crocker Beth and Doug Cummings Andy Fantuz Janos Gardonyi Brian Glover Greg and Kelly Hetherington Steve and Nancy Kay

Mike Kilby Joy Kilby Don “Sparky” Leonard Mike and Trinette Lindley Megan Little Donna Litwin-Makey Jessica Martens

Wendie and Duane Lumley Margaret Maxwell Amelia Morrison Kyle and Jennifer Muise Jim and Marion Redford Pamela Ross Chris and Kim Shaw

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, MAY 1, 2014

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Kumon Learning Centre Rubies Inc. 3M Canada Oticon Canada OutLoud Speech and Language Services Harvey’s Chatham Pie Zano’s Rubies Inc. Chatham Commercial Cleaners Little Caesars Wallaceburg St. Clair College Chatham Capitol Theatre Galaxy Cinema Chatham Wine Kitz Kokomo’s Chatham Screen Art Wallaceburg Blenheim Community Golf Course Ridgetown Golf & Curling Club Maple City Country Club Mainstreet Credit Union

THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 10

THURSDAY, MAY 1, 2014

The Arts CALDWELL PSYCHOLOGY

Luv 2 Dance draws a crowd

professional corporation

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Maya Hammer

M.A., Counselling Psychology

Maya provides therapy to adolescents, adults, couples, and families who are facing a range of issues including depression, trauma, stress, life transitions, grief and loss.

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Bruce Corcoran/The Chatham Voice

The Strictly Rhythm Dance Academy performs a musical theatre number called “Bend & Snap!” at the three-day Luv 2 Dance competition held at the St. Clair College Capitol Theatre over the weekend. Eleven clubs, including five local studios, took part.

‘Next Step’ workshop coming here The Chatham Voice

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Anyone with a girl in dance will want to take note of this opportunity to make your child squeal in excitement.

Dance Attack is bringing cast members of The Next Step to Chatham’s John

D. Bradley Centre for a one-day dance workshop on June 22.

The Next Step is the hit TV show on the Family Channel featuring the A-Troupe dancers as they prepare for the regional dance competition with relationships and loyal-

ties that are put to the test at their studio.

Coming to Chatham are cast members “Riley,” “James,” “West,” “Stephanie” and “Beth.” This one-day workshop will feature five classes for age groups 6-11 and 12plus.

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

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, MAY 1, 2014

Life

Strong Kids gets a boost

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

Ian Rutherford celebrated his 70th birthday Thursday by taking the plunge – swimming 102 lengths at the YMCA pool and raising more than $1,200 in the process.

The money will go to the YMCA’s Strong Kids program, which helps enable people of all income brackets to make use of the YMCA’s programs and facility.

Rutherford, a former local newspaper publisher, approached friends and family members, as well as fellow Kiwanis Club members, for pledges for his memorable birthday celebration.

He said he did it because of his many hours spent at the Y as a child.

“When I think back to my experiences as a kid, I think of how important the Y was for me. I learned to swim there, played basketball, and attended a leadership program as a teenager,” Rutherford said. “This (Strong Kids) campaign supports all kids in the community. It’s what’s important to me.”

Chris Prince, community en-

gagement co-ordinator for the Chatham Y, said the organization was floored when Rutherford came forward with the idea.

“We rarely get someone who volunteers like this. It’s exciting for us,” he said.

Prince added he’s impressed with Rutherford’s physical condition too.

“He’s turning 70. I don’t think I could do it at my age.”

The target was 100 laps, which translate to a swim of 2.5 kilometres.

Rutherford is still a YMCA regular, swimming laps several times a week. It certainly helped prepare him for the swim.

“I usually swim about half that distance,” he said, adding he wanted to challenge himself in the water and in the fundraising element. “I set a goal of $1,000.

It’s been super to get that kind of support for such an important program.”

Rutherford said he spent much of his adult life active with the YMCA and marvels at what Chatham now has with the new facility.

“This new Y is a tremendous asset. This was the dream,” he said, recalling his time working with the YMCA in the ear-

Bruce Corcoran/The Chatham Voice

Ian Rutherford hit the pool recently to mark his 70th birthday, swim more than 100 laps and raise in excess of $1,200 for the Chatham YMCA in the process.

ly 2000s before he and his wife moved away for a decade.

They moved back from Port Elgin about 1.5 years ago and were greeted by the new building.

The Strong Kids campaign helps make the Y accessible to more people.

“It allows everyone to use the facility regardless of family income,” Chris Prince said.

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More than one in five of the YMCA’s 5,000 members benefit from Strong Kids, he added.

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 12

THURSDAY, MAY 1, 2014

Life

What? Huh? Pardon?

Thursday, May 1, 2014 • Shuffleboard, pool and darts at Branch 628 Royal Canadian Legion, William & Colborne St., Chatham starting at 6:30pm. Everyone Welcome.

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

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

9:30am-11:30am.

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

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

• Meat draw at Branch 628 Canadian Legion, William & Colborne St., Chatham at 4:30pm6:00pm, followed by a dance from 7:00pm-11:00pm with Luey. Everyone Welcome.

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

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

• Spring Dinner presented by Trinity United Church, 750 Wellington St., Wallaceburg. Starts at 5:30pm. Entertainment from “Guys Who Like To Sing”. Adults $10.00, children 6-12 $5.00, 5 and under FREE. Family ticket $25.00. For information call 519-627-1472.

Tuesday, May 6, 2014 • Movies @ Your Library. 2:30pm at the Chatham branch of the Chatham-Kent Public Library.

Mandela, 14A, starring Idris Elba. Donation at the door. search.ckpl.ca Wednesday, May 7, 2014 • Patricia M. Productions Luncheon Fashion Show at the Satellite Restaurant, 145 King St., 519-352-5281. Call for reservations. Showtime 12:15 till 12:50. Supporting Meals on Wheels.

Thursday, May 8, 2014 • Shuffleboard, pool and darts at Branch 628 Royal Canadian Legion, William & Colborne St., Chatham starting at 6:30pm. Everyone Welcome.

Friday, May 9, 2014 • Kent County Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society presents: Collecting, organizing & publishing your family history. St. Andrew’s Residence, 99 Park St., Chatham at 7:00pm. Everyone is welcome! For more information visit www.ogs.on.ca/kent.

• How Sweet the Sound - A Celebration of Hymns Old and New. 7:00pm at St. Andrew’s United Church, Chatham. A piano concert performed by Devon Hansen, St. Andrew’s talented Director of Music. Tickets $10 at the church office (519-352-0100) or at the door. All are welcome.

Saturday, May 10, 2014 • Windows 8 Workshop. A FREE workshop at the Chatham branch of the Chatham-Kent Public Library. This workshop will show you how to navigate new features in Windows 8, personalize your workspace and make using Windows 8 computer much more enjoyable. Please register to attend from 9:30am-11:30am. space is limited. Call or email cktechtrain@chatham-kent.ca.

• Meat draw at Branch 628 Canadian Legion, William & Colborne St., Chatham at 4:30pm6:00pm, followed by a dance from 7:00pm-11:00pm with Tim McLean. Everyone Welcome.

Sunday, May 11, 2014 • Jamboree at Branch 628 Royal Canadian Legion, William & Colborne St., Chatham. Admission $2.00 from 2:00pm-6:00pm with Just Country Boys. Everyone Welcome.

Monday, May 12, 2014 • Card Party at Christ Church Anglican Hall, Dresden. 7:30pm. Prizes, Dutch auction & lunch. $3.00. Sponsored by Fairport Rebekah Lodge, Dresden.

Tuesday, May 13, 2014 • Movies @ Your Library. 2:30pm at the Chatham branch of the Chatham-Kent Public Library.

Philomena, PG, starring Judi Dench and Steve Coogan.

My ears are mouldy. but at a significantly reduced Or were moulded, anyway. volume. There was no backI slipped down to the Canadiground noise in the office, so I an Hearing Society’s offices on can only imagine how that will Thames Street April 24 to get make it much harder to hear fitted for earpieces. I’m taking conversations. part in the “Hard of Hearing I will post to Facebook and for a Day” event May 15 where Twitter during that day, and a number of us will wear fitted write a column detailing my earpieces that seriously cut experiences for the following back our hearing. week’s paper.

Julia Lozon, a hearing care I wonder how long I can last Bruce Corcoran counselor with the CHS, said with the earpieces in place. Will the earplugs will let particitheir foreign feel drive me to pants see what it’s like for folks who have yank them out? Will it be due to the inability experienced hearing loss to go through a to hear other people? Or will the frustration typical day. of the people I encounter ultimately lead to But first, the CHS needed to have them me pulling them out? Stay tuned.

A performance to remember made. Shelly Simmerson, audiologist at the I took our daughter to a dance performance CHS, gently pushed a sponge into each ear last week because my wife had other comand then injected quick-drying putty. mitments. Yeah, it was a heck of a tough deal It drastically reduced my hearing, and gave for me, as I enjoyed one of the best shows I’ve me a taste of what it will be like May 15. I could still hear Julia and Shelly as we chatted, ever seen in all my years in Chatham.

The cirque-theatre troupe 7 Fingers put on its “Traces” show at the St. Clair College Capitol Theatre. It was a mix of dance, gymnastics, acrobatics, music and comedy, and was There’s something truly the perfect blend. for everyone on The reason I even got to see the Mother’s Day, show in the first place is that my from fluffy omelettes wife and her sister hosted a skin-care and eggs to products all-female gathering at our house that night. golden pancakes As most people reading this know, and waffles. our daughter is a dancer, so she was really looking forward to the show, 9:30am • 11am while I’m a dance dad – a guy who 1pm • Seatings goes to support the girl, but someone who is often unable to pick out Call for reservations 519-351-7246 what form of dance is on display. I really didn’t know what to expect from the 7 Fingers. But I certainly was impressed and entertained.. lauriescatering.net My daughter and I, and I imagine everyone else who took in that show, -- Lawson Hall • 304 St.Clair St., Chatham -talked about the performance long after it was over. As for my wife, Lawn mower I felt guilty, as I got to see Traces, while she was stuck at home, eating batteries shrimp and sushi, drinking wine, Motorcycle chatting with friends and family, batteries and being pampered. Poor her.

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Thursday, May 15, 2014 • Shuffleboard, pool and darts at Branch 628 Royal Canadian Legion, William & Colborne St., Chatham starting at 6:30pm. Everyone Welcome.

Friday, May 16, 2014 • Deadline to register for the 2nd Women’s Outdoor Workshop at the Rondeau Rod and Gun Club in Blenheim being held June 21, 2014. Introducing women to the outdoors and the hunting and conservation traditions. The cost is $80 and includes program material, personal instruction, equipment use, lunch & refreshments throughout the day & a pig roast for supper.

Some courses include archery, compass orienteering, fishing tactics, handgun target shooting, self defense, taxidermy, trap shooting, understanding the outdoors & wilderness first aid. A P.A.L. is not required. For more info email: womensoutdoorworkshop@gmail.com.

Toastmasters meetings held Mondays at Green Field Ethanol, 275 Bloomfield Road, Chatham. Open to guests. 6:30pm-8:00pm. cktoastmasters@gmail.com

• Lawn & Garden • Farm • ATV • Marine • Mobility

a

Chatham-Kent Metal Detecting Club Meetings Last Thursday of the Month at Evangel Community Church, 76 Sandy St., enter at the back door.

Guests Welcome.

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

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

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, MAY 1, 2014

PAGE 13

News

Erieau brings out the Worsts

By Ian Kennedy cksn.ca

Through the majority of the year, Ben and Madi Worst live and compete in the mountains of Montana. During the summer months, however, these two NCAA athletes, who represent the University of Montana Grizzlies, call the Erieau home.

Madi, a track star, and Ben, a kicker for Montana’s football team, both spend their summers in Erieau, working at the Erieau Yacht Club, and visiting their family, who is originally from the area.

“I love Erieau more than anything,” said Madi, the daughter of Kari Worst (Phair), and granddaughter of Don Phair, who are both from Blenheim.

“Because Division I track is one of the longest seasons in NCAA sports, I don’t get any vacations during the year, so I end up thinking about coming here (Erieau) all year long.”

Ben and Madi’s father, Tug, met his future wife Kari of Blenheim in Erieau, as Tug’s family originally bought a cottage in Erieau in the 1920s. Now the family, who permanently resides in Twin Falls, Idaho, spends its summers in Erieau, resting before the long competition season of NCAA Division I athletics begins again.

For the Worsts, competing at the same school, for the Montana Grizzlies, is something they both cherish.

“It’s a great experience; we both get to play and compete at the Division I level together,” said Ben of the opportunity to simultaneously represent the University of Montana Grizzlies with his sister. “Not many siblings can say that. We are very blessed to get to do that”

“I love having my brother competing with me at a Division I university,” said Madi Worst, a health and human performance major. “It’s exciting to see him in the paper every week in the fall and having professors asking about him in my classes. It’s a big school so we don’t cross each others’ paths much, but it’s a nice reminder that we’ve both made it this far when we do get to see each other in the varsity athletic facilities every once and a while.”

From their family and friends in Chatham-Kent, to their parents in Idaho, and Montana teammates, the Worsts are surrounded by support. When it comes to choosing a number one fan, however, the siblings both look up to each other for their successes.

“My sister is one of the best athletes I have ever met,” said Ben about his sister, who was a member of the Big Sky Conference championship 4x400m team that broke both the Big Sky record and the University of Montana record last spring.

“Her work ethic is unlike any other. She is the most caring and inspiring person I know.”

“Ben’s best characteristic as a college athlete and student is his ability to stay relaxed when anyone else would become overwhelmed with stress,” said Madi of her brother Ben, who holds one of the most stressful positions in sports, as the Grizzlies kicker, regularly playing in front of more than 20,000 fans at Washington-Grizzly Stadium.

“During his games, you can see that he doesn’t let things get to him and it’s really worked well for him as a student as well. Staying relaxed

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is something I really struggle with so it’s definitely a trait that I envy.”

Whether it’s a workout in the summer, or an NCAA competition they’re preparing for, Ben and Madi both support, and push each other to be the best athletes, both on and off the field and track.

“We both hate losing, so we would always lift and run together,” says Ben. “She never let me skip a rep and now I see why. It has helped me tremendously to be able to be the best I can be. “ “Other than doing our best to see each others’ performances, I think the time when we really push each other is during our off-time,” added Madi. “Over summer and Christmas break, we do our best to hold each other accountable for workouts and time in the gym. We make sure that if we’re doing a workout, we’re not doing it alone.”

Now, with another summer in Erieau approaching, the Worst’s will be bringing their talent to the beach, and the community of Erieau.

And they’ll be pushing each other, so that when they return to Montana for another season of NCAA competition, the Worsts will be bringing their best.

• Ian Kennedy is the owner/editor of the Chatham-Kent Sports Network.

Please check out his website at www.cksn.ca.

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Madi Worst sprints through practice, left, while brother Ben boots a field goal attempt. Both are in school and play sports for the University of Montana, but treasure their summers at Erieau

THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 14

THURSDAY, MAY 1, 2014

Fun Stuff 41 Pulsate 43 Reveille’s opposite 44 In favor of 46 Emanate 50 Island sold in 1626 55 Conclude 56 Entreaty 57 Piquancy 58 Toss in 59 Heart of the matter 60 Theater award 61 Plaything

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17 Chic no longer 19 Submachine gun 22 Tress 23 WWII vessel

25 Show ennui 26 Large amount 27 Via, briefly 28 Lion’s share 29 Egyptian cross 30 Bleak film style 31 Utah ski resort 35 Have an effect (on) 38 Tails accessory 40 Fool 42 Support of a sort 45 “Beetle Bailey” dog 47 Membership 48 Loosen 49 Vortex 50 Fuel economy meas.

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

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PAGE 15

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Music Festival recognizes local talent

By Sarah Schofield Contributing Writer

As this year’s 69th Chatham Kiwanis Music Festival drew to a close, students and their music teachers likely breathed a small sigh of relief.

The annual competition recognized the hard work and talent from locals who participated, at the Grand Concert held at the Kiwanis Theatre recently.

There were approximately 900 competitors, down slightly from last year, with the most popular disciplines represented being piano, vocal and musical theatre.

This year, more than 70 awards and trophies, as well as prestigious provincial recommendations, were handed out to deserving students of various musical disciplines including strings, band, choirs and more.

A change in this year’s event was having past festival alumni, Megan Nuttall and Rachel Schwarz, as the concert’s masters of “Our intent is to ceremonies, each year bring as well as back two or three written biographies of former folks who three more have continued alumni in- in the music field cluded in the in one fashion or concert pro- another and ask gram, giving students a where they are glimpse into now.” the lives of - Chuck Scott those who have continued their musical skills.

“Our intent is to each year bring back two or three former folks who have continued in the music field in one fashion or another and ask where they are now,” said musical festival committee chair Chuck Scott.

Scott says students receive more than just awards by competing year after year – they learn some valuable skills they carry on in their lives.

“It’s an opportunity for a young person and a reason to focus, practice and be involved,” said Scott.

“Over the years, you see some tremendous growth in confidence and in ability as well,” he added.

Through weekly lessons and commitment, Scott said competing in the festival requires a level of dedication from parents who pay and drive their children to lesson, teachers who go above and beyond to teach and prepare their students for competition, and the participants themselves who put in hours of practice.

“When you stop and think about it, for music, it’s daily for most students,” said Ian Rutherford, who handles the festival’s public relations.

It is such discipline that Scott says translates into other academic fields besides music.

“I think it really gets them to coordinate their lives to be successful,” said Scott.

THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 16

THURSDAY, MAY 1, 2014

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