Update from the wilderness

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Retro magic

Thousand turn out for downtown nostalgia

By Lynn Nagle Special/Chatham This Week

Published here:

The light misting rain didn't dampen the spirits of car enthusiasts wanting to see the ninth annual OLG Classic Car Cruise on May 27.

Thousands huddled under umbrellas and wrapped themselves in rain gear and blankets to line the parade route last Friday evening.

Many sat inside their vehicles to watch the procession as it passed city streets, weaving along King Street.

And these car and motorcycle fans weren't disappointed. Many of the convertible-styled cars even left their tops down as they drove through the gentle rain.

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Rare Luxury Automobile makes appearance in Chatham Kent Retrofest

Tom Nagle
Special to Chatham Kent Blogspot

World recognized auto expert and local resident Rob Myers drove one of the worlds most unusual automobiles into the heart of downtown Chatham during Retrofest yesterday, drawing an instant crowd of auto enthusiasts, who marvelled at the magnificent 1949 Delahaye 175 that he parked in front of the Retrosuite Hotel.

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Festival looks at Chatham-Kent’s role in civil rights movement

By Lynn Nagle
Chatham This Week


For decades, African Canadians as well as other minorities have been trying to blend into the 'Canadian Melting Pot' while maintaining their own values and traditions.

The 12th annual John Brown Festival, held May 6 and 7 at the WISH Centre provided an opportunity to pay tribute to the heritage and legacy of some of those who fought against racism, including Rev. James Brown for whom the festival was named.

Guest speaker Tamio Wakayama was born in Japan just months before the Pearl Harbour attack which precipitated the American entry into World War II.

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Active Lifestyles Centre marks 40th anniversary

LYNN NAGLE

For Chatham This Week

In 1970 when the Maple City Seniors Centre started it had 20 members and they used the facilities of a small restaurant across the street from the library.

On Oct. 23, the centre celebrated its 40th anniversary at the Active Lifestyle Centre (ALC). Its membership has grown to 1,011 people and continues to grow yearly.

Pete Deveau, current president of the board of directors says that 185 members use the ALC per day.

Catherine Flanagan-Gregorio, who is the former executive director still has visions for the ALC. She would like to see a fully functioning exercise room, as well as a retired nurse on hand to monitor blood pressure if needed.

Flannagan reminded everyone that the centre was made possible by the generous donations of various clubs, church groups and the Catholic Women's League.

The late mayor Bill Erickson wanted to make sure that the centre was affordable to all the members.

Sue Williams, executive director for the ALC says that there are approximately 200 volunteer members who put in over 1,000 hours behind the scenes monthly to keep the facility running smoothly and to help organize the many events that the centre hosts.

The land that the ALC was built on was originally donated by John Bradley who had been an active supporter of the centre over the years. His son, Dean Bradley spoke about how proud his father was of the facility and how his father believed that Chatham deserved the best facility possible. He wanted to make sure that they could have it.

Mayor Randy Hope presented a Certificate of Recognition to the board.

Among the others on hand for the anniversary event were president Rick Schroeder, and treasurer Mary McDonnell Brown.

Article ID# 2829108

Chatham This Week

Mini Union Gas unveiled at Safety Village

Lynn Nagle

For Chatham This Week

Union Gas unveiled a miniature replica of the company's head office at the Chatham-Kent Safety Village on Aug. 21.

Built with a donation from Union Gas, the Union Gas building is part of a kid-sized interactive village that provides children with a fun, hands-on way to practice real life skills to reduce the risk of injury due to a preventable incident. More than 6,000 children use the facility each year.

Mayor Randy Hope, Union Gas President Julie Dill, Chatham-Kent Children's Safety Village Executive Director Barb Lovell and Gary Patterson Board President of the Safety Village cut the ribbon at the official opening.

Also on hand were representatives from CK Police Service, Fire Department and EMS services. Sparky the safety dog mingled with the kids and the "Safety Squad" painted faces and performed safety skits to entertain everyone.

"Most accidents are preventable" said Dill. "That's why adopting a safety mindset is essential to accident prevention."

Union Gas leads by example and is a great community partner, said Lovell. She said when kids learn things they become safety ambassadors.

Including this contribution, Union Gas has committed over $600,000 to help safety villages across Ontario.

Patterson, who will be walking across the region at the end of the month to raise awareness and support for the Safety Village, reminded everyone that the facility needs support all year long and that every accident that is prevented will be worth the investment in the safety village.

For more information about the Safety Village visit www.cksafetyvillage.org or call 519-360-1270.

Article ID# 2737026

If you’re happy, wag your tail

LYNN NAGLE

For Chatham This Week

There was a lot of dog wagging going on at John Waddel Park on Water Street Aug. 7.

The DOLRA (Dog Off-Leash Recreation Area) committee organized a fundraiser for the park.

There were dog races, sit bingo, Frisbee throwing, face painting, a barbecue, silent auction, as well as many other activities to entertain the dogs and their human friends.

Dogs gave puzzled looks to their owners who were asking them to sit on the painted grass at the Bingo course. Everyone laughed as someone else's dog joined the crowd and promptly heeded the command, sitting on the targeted centre.

The obstacle course may have been designed for the dogs, but kids and adults ended up peeking and calling down the tunnel trying to encourage their pets to try it. A few dogs were willing to jump the hurdles and raced through the tunnel without encouragement, and were watched with awe by the spectators. The other dogs did not seem concerned or impressed with their trained counterparts.

The day could not have been made possible without the support of numerous public and private sponsors.

Many of the dogs are regulars to the park and promptly set about mingling with their dog friends.

Some dogs arrived looking forward to playtime with their owners, or whomever they could find to throw the ball, stick or Frisbee.

Other dogs came to mingle with the people and were looking for a pat, scratch, or a belly rub.

Article ID# 2716455

New grandstand at Fergie Jenkins Field

August 21, 2010

LYNN NAGLE

Chatham This Week

Baseball players, fans and local politicians were on hand to celebrate the grand opening of the newly renovated Rotary Park and Grandstand at Fergie Jenkins Field on Aug. 21.

Jason Chickowski, Project Coordinator for Chatham Minor Baseball Association proudly told the crowd the new grandstand was constructed by Westhoek Construction and Fab Tech Welding, using products supplied within Chatham-Kent where possible.

The grandstand is now fully accessible and capable of supporting regional and provincial sporting events. Upgrades were also made to the lighting, dugouts and fencing.

Rick Bedard, Chairman for CMBA thanked the three levels of government that approved and helped fund the $425,880 project.

Many other organizations stepped forward with financial support to help enhance the facilities. They include the Rotary Club, the Ontario Trillium Foundation, McGeachy Charitable Foundation, CMBA, Chatham-Kent Community Foundation and the Enabling Accessibility Fund.

"Investment in recreational amenities is a high priority with Chatham-Kent Council," said Mayor Randy Hope. "Sports facilities improve our health and our quality of life. They engage citizens in community-building activities and they attract visitors, helping us to reach out to other communities. This is a great investment."

Former players, Mike Murphy and Ed Robbins, passed baseballs to new generation players Alex and Luke Chickowski for the ceremonial first pitch. The balls were caught by past generation players Ed Myers and Chuck Rylett and then returned to the new players Alex and Luke as keepsakes.

Doc Miller, Bill Atkinson and Fergie Jenkins, former baseball players from Chatham, were remembered at the ceremony.

This article also appeared in the Wallaceburg Courier Press


About Lynn Nagle
Ms. Nagle has been a prolific freelance writer for major publication across Ontario, and also writes for Corporations, Associations and Magazines.

Farmer’s market in full swing

LYNN NAGLE

For Chatham This Week

Making healthier food choices is much easier for people visiting the new Farmer's Market located across from the Chatham Kent Civic Centre on Saturdays.

The market is open from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. each Saturday until Sept. 4. The new location has lots of free parking and is convenient for stocking up on family favourites especially now as they are brought in fresh right from the field.

The public health unit also has a booth where they offer free recipes and a $5 food voucher for filling out a short survey. These recipes give residents a chance to see how to cook and mix some of the produce they've been meaning to try but aren't sure how to prepare.

Emily Meko, who studies nutrition at the University of Guelph has a booth with healthy alternatives made without preservatives and added fat. She uses some of those ancient grains which add fibre and sweetens with maple syrup which is considered a healthier alternative to sugar.

Fresh blueberries and strawberries from Jennen's farm and Blueberry Heaven are ripened naturally and picked just before coming to the market, not several days ago. They are perfect with cereal, to eat naturally or even served with ice cream and cake.

Parry Furlan has fresh vegetables such as corn, green beans, leeks, peppers, melons and tomatoes.

Anyone interested in more information or would like a vendor application can call Teresa Fysh at 519-355-7200 or email ckfarmmarket@hotmail.com.

Article ID# 2686960

World premiere of radio show held

LYNN NAGLE

For Chatham This Week

Saturday, July 17 was the world remiere of a radio broadcast play – Running To Detroit at William Street Café.

David Carley wrote the play in response to a request by CK on The Edge Summer Arts Festival for a portrait of an old fashioned radio program about rum running.

Back in 1920, when radio first hit the airwaves, Canadians were able to manufacture liquor but could not drink it in public. Across the border, Prohibition meant that the U.S. wasn't even able to produce liquor let alone drink it. Smuggling rum and other liquors became a lucrative business for many Canadians.

Running To Detroit, became Carley's play. It was produced by David Farquhar from Voices In The Wind Audio Theatre.

A modern day mother (Michelle Mainwaring) and her daughter (Rachel Muharrem) decide to take the ferry across the river to Detroit. A mishap on the ride takes the two back through time to 1920. The shopping trip and the opportunity to see a Tigers baseball game takes a sudden turn into time travel, rum smuggling and a near-drowning experience. They also meet live gangsters and see the bribery of customs officers while on the river, and even encounter the legendary baseball hero Ty Cobb while back in 1920.

A CFCO simulcast from their website also took the play out to the radio audience at the same time.

The actors, actresses and various crew members were gathered at the café to experience live the final production. A little bit of old and new blended together to form art not totally forgotten.

This article also appeared in the Wallaceburg Courier Press


About Lynn Nagle
Ms. Nagle has been a prolific freelance writer for major publication across Ontario, and also writes for Corporations, Associations and Magazines.

Student’s Slime Principal to Aid Block Parent Program

In one of her last acts as principal at St. Michael School, Mrs. Beatty sat timidly on a throne waiting for a dunking of a slime mixture of eggs, pistachio pudding mixture, apple sauce and green food colouring which was targeted to hit her head as soon of one of her grade 8 students made contact with the release button. Even covered in slime she was still smiling. It was for a good cause.

Mrs. Beatty gets slimed with eggs/pudding/ applesauce and green food colouring

Mrs. Burfield looks calm as chocolate syrup and chocolate pudding drips off her face

The grade 8 students used their usual Play Day as an opportunity to give back to the community as part of their Leadership Project. They decided to raise money for the Block Parent Program. Tanya Nooyen, from the Chatham-Kent Block Parent Program gave them a hand planning the event.

Water events are a must at this time of year so there was a Fireman Relay, Shoe Kick/Toe Jam, Sponge Relay, Water Balloons – Splish, Splish & Splash, and the Water Balloon Egg toss.

In the gym, a Block Parent film on strange behaviour “Be Smart, Be Safe, Be Cool” was being shown. It gave students the opportunity to learn how to answer the door for instance when home alone without revealing it, and how to handle situations that seem strange and make them feel uncomfortable.

The key event of the day was the grand finale where 4 teachers were to be Splurshed and one staff member was to be slimed. Grade eight students raffled off tickets to determine which of the 5 staff members were selected.

Mr. Vandenberg ended up with a splursh made of water, coffee grinds and Oreo cookie mix.

Mrs. Sinasac had a mixture of beans, and bread dropped on her head. Mrs. Ennett the flour and water combination. Mrs. Burfield ended up smelling like a chocolate factory after being coated with a chocolate pudding and chocolate syrup mixture.

The grade eight class who ran the event took their turns while teachers and a few parents lined up to take aim. The students were shocked that some of their favourite teachers were so willing to step up and take aim at a chance to soak them with water.

The last soaking of the day went to Block Parent Tanya Nooyen. Teachers arranged to fill a balloon with a special mixture of ginger and teriyaki. She game fully took her turn and waited for the bean bag to connect. It wasn’t long until it did.

Students and staff wore virtue T-shirts which reflect some of the virtues they studied throughout the year. Faith, Conscience, Hope, Love, Acceptance, Self-Control, Kindness, Respect and Empathy. Some virtues that were missing were happiness, sharing and giving. Their Play Day was a hugh success…in all of these areas.


Mr. Vandenberg is coated with coffee grinds, Oreo cookie mixture and water.


Tanya Nooyen from CK Block Parent Program takes her turn. She is coated with a ginger/teriyaki mixture

The event raised $285 for the Block Parent Program and will be used to help educate other parents on the needs of block parents in the community. There is still a need for Block Parents in the Dresden area. If you would like to become one or need more information you can check out www.blockparent.on.ca or call Tanya Nooyen at 519-354-0430 x235.

Retrofest – Great Family Entertainment

Lynn Nagle

Special/Chatham This Week

There is something fascinating about antique cars. Crowds came with lawn chairs, strollers, blankets and cameras to watch and wave as the Antique Car Parade past them by on Friday night. Both sides of the street were lined the entire route and throughout the downtown core as people tried to catch a glimpse of history driving past.

An old ambulance was on hand for the parade. Glad to see that their services weren't needed.

Whether it was your first or your eighth Retrofest, thousands turned out to stroll down memory lane, shop, mingle and learn a little bit about these cars at Saturday's Car Show. Drivers proudly talked shop about their car which only added to the intrigue of these vehicles. All the cars had a story in the history or in the restoration.

For many visitors it was an opportunity to dream. One driver standing beside a Shelby Cobra replica said; "This is my dream car…a seat for me and one for my dog." His golden retriever would not only look good in the passenger seat, but she wouldn't complain about the wind messing up her hair.

Mark Dimario came with his uncle Mark. "Trucks, did you say? He loves them all." His uncle explained. "But we really came to see everything."

For the Mailloux family this really is a family event. Ken and Shirley rode the parade in their 1956 Thunderbird. Their daughter Jacqueline Dick and her husband and two children were right behind them in another Thunderbird. Mr. Dick's father, Peter also entered an 1954 Ford pickup in the parade.

Zachery Dick was 8 on Friday looks forward to the day he too can drive in the parade. His Uncle Gord from Gord's Towing in Tilbury also had his car "High Roller" an 1959 Edsel in the parade. He is Shirley's sister and he brought two of his grandchildren with him too.

Three generations, Birthday boy Zachery Dick with Grandpa Ken Mailloux,and Grandma Shirley, sister Andrea and mom Jacqueline getting ready to ride in the parade.

Landon Copeland who was one day short of his third birthday sat inside a racing car. He felt an immediate connection and would gladly have driven it home.

A late arrival, but a fan favourite is this antique fire truck which took up the rear of the parade. It was off loaded just as the parade began.

The food is always an attraction in itself. Do you start with Kettle Popcorn, funnel cakes, Frito Pies or stick with the standard fresh hot dog or hamburger right from the grill? Top that with a little ice cream for dessert and everyone walked away with smiles.

At Tecumseh Park the Disney movie "Cars" was shown Friday night on a 20'x30' screen. Many families found that this was a great movie and a great way to wrap up Friday night.

On Saturday, families came back to the park to see the replica of Bella's truck from the first Twilight movie, or walk by the Duke's of Hazard car which nicknamed "General Lee". The Police car from Mayberry RFD and the Mad Max car seemed liked they were ready to step back unto the live screen.

Here, in Tecumseh Park families tried to find the best free seats in the house for the movie Cars.

At RM Classic Cars and Duke's Harley Davidson's people got to see an exciting cross section of old cars and motorcycles. Many families took pictures beside Fred Flintstone's car from the dinosaur age.

Overall many felt that Retrofest gets better every year. People will be carrying the memories, the photos and the antique car stories with them and will be dreaming about owning one too.

Article ID# 2603382

Costly Driving Distractions

Most of us tend to feel that we are pretty safe drivers, when in fact we are just one distraction away from a car accident. An accident which would in fact be our own fault.

At the Insurance Bureau of Canada Exhibit at Retrofest people got a chance to drive the (Distractions Undermining Motorist Behaviour) D.U.M.B. car which uses a simulator to test motor vehicle drivers reactions to everyday distractions. Things that we don’t even think about but DO while driving.

The test has drivers merge onto a major highway then the Student Ambassadors with the Insurance Bureau ask questions and provide the various distractions such as opening a water bottle, counting change, reading road maps and glancing at other literature while driving and talking. A cell phone was also in the car so that an ambassador could call the driver.

At highway speeds the simulator is unforgiving as it catches one after another of your driving mistakes and in most cases the accident you just created.

Dave Palmer and Cheryl Johnstone, the morning team from 92.9 Country Music were willing to take on the challenge. Dave’s test ended after he rear ended another driver. Cheryl spun out and clipped the guard rail after she hit someone and then was hit by someone else.

Both are on well deserved holidays this week so it may have been the preparation thoughts that were the first distractions they had. Pets, packing, and reservations – “Are they all in place and taken care of?”

Cheryl wouldn’t think of talking on her cell phone while driving in her own car, but did answer the call in the DUMB car cell phone.

Since most of us will be hitting the road as we go on holidays here are a few tips to make your driving a little safer this summer.

1. Read and understand the directions before getting in your car.

2. Pull over to the side of the road if you need to make a call or check a message, deal with another passenger eat or drink.

3. Make sure that everyone knows that for safety reasons you will no longer answer calls and will not respond to text messages while you are driving. In fact, it is best turn these devices off when you get into a car. For other safe driving tips visit www.ibc.ca

Shhhhh! – They’re Trying to Make A Point

Lynn Nagle

Special/Chatham This Week

Sometimes silence can be more powerful than anything that can be put into words.

Hopefully this 1^st annual Ride of Silence in Chatham gets the awareness that the organizers want. These bicycle riders want motorists to “Share the Road.”

The Ride of Silence was originally organized in Dallas in 2003 in memory of Larry Schwartz who was killed by a bus. Cyclists all over the world use this same night to ride in honour those killed or have been injured in an accident. Final results aren’t in but International figures expect more than 300 communities in 18 different countries were expected to participate.

Jennifer Laevens, organizer of the Chatham-Kent event got choked up as she discussed the six training for a Triathlon near Montreal just last weekend. Three of these died and the other three were injured in an accident involving one truck. Less than two days later another motorist took the life of another cyclist near Montreal. Many CK riders wore armbands to honour these cyclists.

Two of Roger's Angels - Walle Schaffner pins a key message on the back of Josie Evers.

Some riders came on unique bicycles. There were two different bicycles made for two. Some riders came out as a family. Most of the cyclists came from the Chatham-Kent Cycle Club. Some of these members have been riding together for years, while others were relatively new members. Whether they ride for speed, training or just for leisure they have one thing in common - they all love to ride.

Roger Carron, an avid cyclist says he has been riding for MS for 12 years. Roger’s Angels (a group that often ride with Roger) were also there.

When asked, Rob Peck who has been riding for three years explained that gear is important. The bike cleats help those in training keep their feet on the special racing pedals. Gloves help to soften the vibrations. On long rides this can be extremely helpful. Everyone wore the mandatory bike helmets.

Seven year old Mathew Dubeau and his five and half year old brother Ryan were two of the youngest riders who came out. They were there under dad’s watchful eye.

Matthew and Ryan Dubeau wait patiently for the ride to begin.

Dan Brousseau, from Chatham-Kent Cycle lead the procession from the Union Gas parking lot as they silently worked their way through most of the downtown core with a police escort.

Pinned onto their backs many had the words they wanted those watching them pass to hear if they could have spoken. SAME ROADS SAME RIGHTS SAME RULES. They aren’t asking for special privileges….just space and the same respect you’d give any other motorist on the road.

Cyclists gather in the Union Gas parking lot prior to the Ride of Silence

History of Chatham Kent

Copied From Wikipedia:

The former city of Chatham began as a naval dockyard in the 1790s, as it straddles the Thames River. The town was named after Chatham, Kent, England, which was also developed around a naval dockyard. In England, the name Chatham came from the British root ceto and the Old English ham thus meaning a forest settlement.[2] Following the American Revolution and the Gnadenhutten Massacre, a group of Christian Munsee Indians settled in what is now Moraviantown.

In the War of 1812, the Battle of the Thames took place between Moraviantown and Thamesville on October 5, 1813.

During the 19th century, the area was part of the Underground Railroad. As a result, Chatham-Kent is now part of the African-Canadian Heritage Tour. Uncle Tom's Cabin Historic Site is a museum of the Dawn Settlement, established in 1841 by Josiah Henson near Dresden as refuge for the many slaves who escaped to Canada from the United States.[3] The Rev. John Brown, the abolitionist, planned his raid on the Harpers Ferry Virginia Arsenal in Chatham and recruited local men to participate in the raid. The small village of North Buxton, part of the African Canadian Heritage Tour, also played an important role in the Underground Railroad.

Kent County consisted of the townships of Camden, Chatham, Dover, Harwich, Howard, Orford, Raleigh, Romney, Tilbury East and Zone. In some of Canada's earliest post-Confederation censuses, some residences in Kent County were incorrectly reported as being in Bothwell "County", which was a separate electoral district comprising parts of Kent and Lambton counties but not a distinct county in its own right.

In 1998 the County of Kent and the city of Chatham were amalgamated to form the Municipality of Chatham-Kent.

Much paranormal activity has been reported in and around Chatham-Kent, mainly due to its rich and often turbulent history. The downtown area, following the Thames River, is rife with ghost stories, both past and present. The most famous case in the area is the Baldoon Mystery-which actually took place just outside Wallaceburg. In 2004, local author/historian Sheila Gibbs wrote a book titled The Ghosts of Chatham-Kent, which quickly became a best-seller among the locals. A sequel was released in October 2007.