A rally at Queen’s Park is expected to start this afternoon at 1:30 p.m.

Brian Tropea, general manager of the Ontario Harness Horse Association says they are expecting a great turn-out.

“We’ll be there on the front lawn,” he said. “We’re expecting upwards to 500 people. Earlier this morning we held a press conference… a number of MPPs were there showing their support.”

Tropea said he wasn’t impressed with the comments made recently by Finance Minister, Dwight Duncan.

“As far as I’m concerned Dwight Duncan deliberately used the word subsidy to get people’s opinion formed that somehow the tax payers of Ontario were giving money to the horse racing industry,” he said. “Unless people have made a conscious decision to go a race track to either gamble on horse racing or put money in the slot machines, they haven’t contributed one cent to the horse industry.”

Check out another story featuring more comments from Ontario’s horsemen regarding this issue.

People will be gathering at Bob ‘N Buoys in Mitchell’s Bay this Saturday (Feb. 25) for their annual chili cook-off.

Jill Roe, owner of the restaurant, says supporting the food bank is essential especially this year.

“We’ve done it for the past 12 years probably,” Roe said. “I just think the food bank needs a lot more this year compared to previous years.”

Roe added that anyone that wants to enter a chili in the contest have to enter by 1 p.m., with a price tag of $5 per entry.

“People have to being their own crock pot and ladel,” she said. “After the judging, the rest of the chili will be sold for one dollar a bowl, with all those proceeds going to Outreach as well.”

Let Roe and her crew know if you want to attend, by visiting their Facebook group for the event.

You can head to the event which is located at 18 Main Street, in Mitchells Bay.
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RCMP Inspector Alex Mills presents Chatham-Kent Police Service Chief Dennis Poole with a Commissioner’s Certificate of Appreciation.

RCMP Inspector Alex Mills presents Chatham-Kent Police Service Chief Dennis Poole with a Commissioner’s Certificate of Appreciation.

This certificate was presented at this morning’s Police Services Board meeting to officially acknowledge the support provided by CKPS to help secure the Vancouver 2010 Olympics and Paralympic Winter Games.

The effectiveness of this endeavour contributed not only to a highly successful Winter Games experience for all participants but also to the great credit afforded to Canada as the host nation.

By providing security personnel, the Chatham-Kent Police Service assisted in ensuring a safe and successful Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

This partnership is in keeping with the highest tradition of the Canadian law enforcement community.

Bus loads of members from the Ontario Harness Horse Association are heading to Queen’s Park today (Feb. 22) to protest recent statements from Finance Minister Dwight Duncan.

Bus trips are set to depart from communities all across Ontario, with one trip leaving from Windsor at 8 a.m.

“We are an industry that has always survived on its own and never received a penny from the government,” OHHA officials stated. “We breed and race horses we raised or bought at auctions. We get our income from pari-mutuel wagering. Many of us are self-employed and therefore cannot collect unemployment benefits. The only option is welfare. If the Minister of Finance, Dwight Duncan, thinks taxpayers are subsidizing us now, wait until thousands of us are unemployed. Given the present state of the economy, the last thing the people of Ontario need is a greater burden on their already stretched tax dollars. We believe this proposal is short sighted, destructive, and vindictive and will destroy rural Ontario and its precious agricultural industry.”

The OHHA stated in 1998 the horse racing industry negotiated an agreement charging the Ontario government a fee which allows them to locate and operate slot machines within Ontario horse racing facilities, in direct competition with our industry.

The OHHA provided some background facts according to the Ontario Racing Commission:

• Horse racing employs over 65,000 people, directly or indirectly, in Ontario.
• The province’s 17 supervised racetracks generate 67% of all wagering in Canada.
• The racing and breeding industries in Ontario generate $2.6 billion of income annually into the provincial economy, making it the third largest agricultural industry in Canada.

OHHA official said just last year, racetrack slots generated approximately $1.7 billion.

“From that revenue the Ontario government paid roughly $355 million in operating costs,” officials said. “It also paid approximately $345 million to the horse racing industry to cover its negotiated fee. That means that last year alone, the government of Ontario cleared over $1 billion from revenue generated at racetracks across the province, without investing a penny in the industry.”

The OHHA said according to recent statements by Minister of Finance, Dwight Duncan, “the government plans to renege on the signed agreement with the horse racing industry which will have a devastating impact on those who rely on horse racing for their livelihood.

“We are at risk of losing our industry, our jobs and our sole source of income if the McGuinty Liberal Government follows through on this threat. Many of us will have to either leave the province or end up on social assistance. It happened in Quebec four years ago and it is about to happen here in Ontario,” OHHA officials said.

The Liberal party of Ontario received the much-anticipated Drummond Report last week. Here’s is the information from the Provincial government.

The McGuinty government received the report of the Commission on the Reform of Ontario’s Public Services last week.

As part of its commitment to eliminate the deficit by 2017-18 while protecting education and health care, the McGuinty government lowered growth in program spending to about four per cent from about seven per cent last year.

“The McGuinty government remains committed to putting Ontario’s finances on a long-term, sustainable path,” stated Dwight Duncan, Minister of Finance I thank the commission for the hard work it has done to provide advice on how to help us achieve our goal of a balanced budget by 2017-18.”

This was accomplished through modernizing the delivery of public services and creating administrative efficiencies to achieve better value for money for Ontario taxpayers.

Recognizing that this new era of slower global economic growth requires lowering program spending growth further, in March 2011 the government established the commission to provide additional advice on how to make long-term, fundamental changes to the way government delivers services.

The report will inform the 2012 Budget.

The McGuinty government will decide how to move forward.

Facts from the Ontario Liberals:

• The Commission on the Reform of Ontario’s Public Services was formed to examine the way government delivers services to people, including:
• programs that are no longer serving their intended purpose and could be eliminated or redesigned;
• areas of overlap and duplication that could be eliminated to save taxpayer dollars; and
• areas of value in the public sector that could provide a greater return on the investment made by taxpayers.
• As part of its mandate, the commission was not allowed to make recommendations that would increase taxes or lead to the privatization of health care or education.
• Reforming public service delivery is part of the plan laid out in Ontario’s 2011 Budget – Turning the Corner – and reflects the government’s continued commitment to attack waste, find savings and ensure the best value for public money.
• This year’s pre-budget consultations – in person and virtually – have already reached more than 100,000 Ontarians, who have had an opportunity to provide input into the forming of the 2012 Budget.

Read the full report here.

The expected splash in the free agent market came one day late, but it brought Chatham’s Andy Fantuz a lot closer to home.

Fantuz, who had been with the Saskatchewan Roughriders since entering the CFL, signed a contract with the Hamilton Tiger Cats to return to Ontario.

Although terms of the deal were not immediately disclosed, it is rumoured that Fantuz will earn close to $200,000 per season with the Tiger Cats.

For complete details on the signing of Andy Fantuz, please visit the original article on the Chatham-Kent Sports Network.

On Saturday, April 14 at 8pm, Just For Laughs brings more of its funniest alumni to the Chatham Capitol Theatre with the Just For Laughs Road Show! Now in its 8th year touring across Ontario every spring, the Road Show features four of the best stand-ups straight from the world’s largest and most prestigious comedy event. The Chatham Capitol Theatre is proud to present comedians Godfrey, Bret Ernst, Paula Bel, and host Pete Zedlacher.

In the 13 years that Canadian comedian Pete Zedlacher has been performing as a stand-up, his career has taken him around the world. Pete is most proud of his “tour of duty” entertaining the Canadian Forces serving in Afghanistan in April of 2002, making him the first stand-up comedian to perform in the war-torn country. He currently works as a writer and performer on Canada’s late night talk show “The Hour” With George Stroumboulopoulos.

Godfrey has appeared on BET, VH1, Comedy Central, and feature films such as “Soul Plane”, “Original Gangstas”, “Zoolander”, and “Johnson Family Vacation”. Currently, he is a regular performer at the comedy club Comedy Cellar in New York City. His first one-hour special, “Godfrey: Black by Accident” was shot for Comedy Central on January 22, 2011 at the Gramercy Theatre in New York City to a standing room only audience.

Bret Ernst was a recurring character on the hit Showtime series “Weeds”, and has guest starred on “CSI: NY”. His stand up has been featured on “The Late Late Show” on CBS, & on Comedy Central’s “Premium Blend”. He has made celebrity appearances on “The Chelsea Lately Show” on E!, “Comics Unleashed” on ABC, and E!s “Top Ten”.

Paula Bel is a true original, headlining in clubs across the country, performing in Europe and having toured with the USO. Only six years into her stand-up career, she performed on “The Tonight Show.” Paula’s numerous television appearances and writing style make her one of the most unique and funniest female comics performing today.

Tickets for the Just for Laughs Road Show are $25 – $40 plus HST and facility fees. To order, call 519-354-8338 or 1-866-807-7770, drop in to the box office at 75 William Street North, Chatham or log on to www.cktickets.com. The Chatham Capitol Theatre is located at 238 King Street West in Chatham.

The YMCA will open their doors to the public for lots of family activities this Family Day, Monday February 20.

Join us for free family activities from 9:00am-3:00pm. Activities for all family members include family volleyball, basketball, Energy Zone family competitions, family swimming, family zumba and indoor playground for all!

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Chatham, February 17, 2012 – 88% of Cogeco subscribers in Chatham say that TVCOGECO provides a valuable service to the community.

This was one of the findings in a November 2011 telephone survey by Environics Research Group, a leading public opinion and international market research firm.

Environics also reports that an overwhelming number of respondents (96%) are satisfied with Chatham Maroons Hockey coverage which is the most watched program on TVCOGECO in Chatham and that seven in ten viewers (73%) are aware of local volunteers’ involvement in the creation of many of the programs.

TVCOGECO Manager, Peter Martin, is pleased with the results. “The survey results show that Chatham-Kent viewers are interested in what’s going on close to home. Of course we couldn’t do local programming without the support and participation of our many volunteer community producers and crew and this is a strong indication that their contributions are appreciated by the community.”

ABOUT COGECO CABLE
TVCOGECO is a community service provided by Cogeco Cable. Our personnel and Volunteer Community Partners utilize our production resources to produce the local and regional television content only available on our TVCOGECO cable channel.

Cogeco Cable (www.cogeco.ca) is a telecommunications corporation and is the second largest hybrid fibre coaxial cable operator in Ontario, Quebec and Portugal. Through its two-way broadband cable networks, Cogeco Cable provides its residential customers with Audio, Analogue and Digital Television, as well as HSI and Telephony services. Cogeco Cable also provides, to its commercial customers, through its subsidiary Cogeco Data Services, data networking, e-business applications, video conferencing, hosting services, Ethernet, private line, VoIP, HSI access, data storage, data security, co-location services, managed IT services, cloud services and other advanced communication solutions. Cogeco Cable’s subordinate voting shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX:CCA).

It’s official. Ontario 211, the phone line that has helped well over 4 million callers find help in the social and human services sectors since it launched a decade ago, is now province-wide. And Ontario is the first province in Canada to be able to make that claim.

The journey, which began in Toronto in 2002, culminated in a series of launches in smaller communities this past December. From major urban centres to the tiniest of towns, now every resident of Ontario can pick up the phone, dial the easy-to-remember 2-1-1 number and, with the help of the real live person who answers, find their way to the services and programs that specifically meet their needs.

The United Way of Chatham-Kent joined other United Way organisations, the Province of Ontario, individual municipalities, the Ontario Trillium Foundation, and Citizenship and Immigration Canada in supporting Ontario 211 Services Corporation – a non-profit designed to create the greatest impact with the dollars it receives.

In 2011, Ontario 211 received nearly 575,000 calls most often related to health issues, income and financial assistance, housing, food and meals, and legal and public safety. Visits to its website, www.211ontario.ca increased 40 per cent and the service won the Highest Customer Satisfaction Award from SQM, which benchmarks more than 450 call centres in North America.

“Ontario 211’s expansion across the province will give all Ontarians instant telephone access to local social services information. Whether it is a family in crisis, a young person just starting out, a new Canadian family or a parent searching for local children’s services, the 211 service will make it easier and quicker to find the right services and supports,” said Bas Balkissoon, Parliamentary Assistant to Minister of Community and Social Services John Milloy.

“We’re about efficiency, making sure every dollar from every source goes its furthest, serving Ontarians in the most effective way,” says Bill Morris, Executive Director. “The use of cutting edge technology helps to achieve this. In addition, service record data and referral data gleaned from such technologies is helping to map needs and gaps in human services across the province.”

Here’s how the help-line works. When a caller dials 211, an Information and Referral Specialist listens to the person’s plight and probes further until he or she fully understands the situation. Then, applying years of social services experience and specialized information and referral training, the I&R Specialist navigates through 211’s vast database and provides contact and background information on the services and programs most likely to give the caller the help they need.

“In this information age, the problem is sorting through reams of information with no way of knowing what is reliable,” says Morris. “And usually, a person has to take on this task when they’re in the throes of a crisis. Lots of people don’t expect something will go wrong, so when it does, they’re confused and have no idea where to turn. We’re here to point them in the right direction.”

Morris points out too that often people in crisis just want to deal with that crisis – they don’t realize there’s usually more. For example, someone who has been out of work for a long time, may wake up one day and realize he has to use a food bank. While 211 will certainly find him one best suited to his needs, they’ll go further than that. “Based on our experience and expertise, we know the caller will likely require additional support. We might recommend a housing agency or an organization that can help him with depression. Unfortunately, in the human services world everything is piece by piece; rarely can a single resource meet all of your needs.”

In addition to assisting individuals, Ontario 211 lends a hand to communities in need. Last summer, after a powerful tornado ripped through Goderich, the service helped to coordinate public donations. People could call 211 to make contributions and 211 in turn contacted Red Cross, Salvation Army and other such agencies.

“After getting the word out via our website and social media, we were getting a good response,” says Morris. “But things really picked up when Margaret Atwood tweeted to her vast following ‘If you wanted to donate to Goderich, call 211.’”

211 helps people find the right community and social services. 211 provides free, confidential access to information about the social, community, health and government services. 211 is available 24/7, 365 days a year. 211 can provide information in over 150 languages. The website www.211ontario.ca is available to everyone with Internet access and includes more than 56,000 programs and service.

On Tuesday, March 20, 2012 at 12:30pm, the Kiwanis Theatre begins a new movie series called “Rattle ‘n Roll: Movies for Mommies with Babies”. These films are geared to new mommies looking for an afternoon out with other moms and their babies.

The series will begin with the film, “P.S. I Love You” (2007), starring Hilary Swank, Gerard Butler, Harry Connick Jr., and Lisa Kudrow.

Holly Kennedy (Hilary Swank) is beautiful, smart, and married to the love of her life—a passionate, funny and impetuous Irishman named Gerry (Gerard Butler). So when Gerry’s life is taken by an illness, it takes the life out of Holly. The only one who can help her is the person who is no longer there. Nobody knows Holly better than Gerry. So it’s a good thing he planned ahead. Before he died, Gerry wrote Holly a series of letters that will guide her, not only through her grief but in rediscovering herself. The first message arrives on Holly’s 30th birthday in the form of a cake and, to her utter shock, a tape recording from Gerry, who proceeds to order her to get out and “celebrate herself.” In the weeks and months that follow, more letters from Gerry are delivered in surprising ways, each sending her on a new adventure and each signing off in the same way: P.S. I Love You. Holly’s mother (Kathy Bates) and best friends, Sharon (Gina Gershon) and Denise (Lisa Kudrow), begin to worry that Gerry’s letters are keeping Holly tied to the past, but, in fact, each letter is pushing her further into a new future. With Gerry’s words as her guide, Holly embarks on a touching, exciting and often hilarious journey of rediscovery in a story about marriage, friendship and how a love so strong can turn the finality of death into new beginning for life.

Tickets for “P.S. I Love You” are $5 at the door. No advance ticket sales are available. The movie begins at 12:30pm. Rattle ‘n Roll is a movie series that is baby-friendly, nursing-friendly, and stroller-friendly. Mother, Fathers, grandparents, and caregivers with babies are welcome. The Kiwanis Theatre is located at 75 William Street North in Chatham. For more information, check www.theculturalcentre.com.

Olympian swimmers to headline Speedo Eastern Championships in Gatineau along with Local Blenheim Blast Swimmers Justine and Shania Van Herk.

Justine Van Herk

Shania Van Herk

Here is our follow-up article with the interview we did with Sheri Derbyshire-Franklin, of the Chatham-Kent Multiple Births Association. Our questions are bolded with Derbyshire-Franklin’s responses below each question.

Giving that parenting is a challenge for anyone, how much more of a challenge is it for parents with multiple births?

As infants, multiple birth children are more likely to be born prematurely and/or with a low birth weight, in our area, it is not uncommon for new parents of multiples to have to face having one baby in the Chatham hospital, while the other one is in London.

Thus the parents are having to try and separate their time, or themselves to be with each baby, there is always the feeling that as the parent you are not giving enough one-on-one time to each child, the financial burden of having an instant family, lack of sleep, marital troubles (divorce rates are higher in multiple birth families), the “two against one” once they are toddlers – one going in each direction, tag teaming parents/caregivers, school placement – together or separate?, Teens – who gets the car?

Multiple birth children are more likely to suffer from a disability (due to low birth weight/premature birth), College – both or all going off to college at the same time

What’s your best advice for parents expecting multiple births?

Get connected with your local multiple birth chapter. These are families, who have or are experiencing the same things you are. They’ve “been there, done that”, and can relate to your life.

You will make life long friendships not only for yourself but for your children.

Also, eat and drink!

Nutrition and hydration should be at the top of your list throughout your pregnancy. Listen to your body – if something doesn’t feel right, go and get it checked out.

How important do you feel it is to have the Multiple Birth group in Chatham-Kent? What positives does it bring to these families?

At one time I was told there was only 18 multiple births per year in Chatham-Kent, I am betting this number has increased within the last 5-6 years.

We’ve welcomed two new sets of twins, and are looking forward to meeting four more sets, and a set of triplets due to arrive later this year.

Those are just the families we know about, but we know there are others in our community who either haven’t heard of us, or who don’t feel they need the support at this time.

Families are welcome to join us at any time – either while expecting, or after.

My own twins are 13, and I enjoy meeting and hearing stories of all multiple birth families. Having somewhere where you can go and listen and ask questions and get honest answers, not “I can’t imagine”, or “my children are 13 months apart, I know what you are going through.”

Because, really – it’s not the same.

As a group, our main goal is seeing healthy birth outcomes for mom and babes, and we help that along by being an ear to listen, a nudge toward medical care if we hear something that doesn’t sound right, and of course by providing information that is specific to the multiple birth experience, from prenatal on.

We are the voice of experience!

A talented woodwind quintet from the Windsor Symphony Orchestra (WSO) will perform at the Mary Webb Centre, 87 Main Street West in Highgate on Friday 24th February at 7.00pm.

The varied programme moves from the Danish chill of Carl Nielsen’s Quintet to the warm climes of French composer Jacques Ibert’s colourful Trois Pièces Brêves (Three Short Pieces). Enjoy the blues of the Suite by the originator of the jazz-classical movement Gunther Schuller, Tchaikovsky’s lyrical Small Swan’s Dance and Farkas spicy Early Hungarian Dances. Delight in the mischief of a Strauss Pizzicato Polka and Mozart’s Overture to the Marriage of Figaro – then contemplate Modest Mussorgsky’s Pictures of an Exhibition, inspired by a show of his own art collection.

Performing these offerings will be WSO principal oboist Graham Mackenzie and principal bassoon player Eric Varner with devoted chamber musician Denise Root-Pierce on French horn, University of Windsor’s Concert Producer Trevor Pittman on clarinet and nimble-fingered flutist Liesel Deppe. Both Pittman and Root-Pierce also perform with “The Essex Winds” woodwind quintet currently completing a new album.

Doors at the Mary Webb Centre will open at 6.30pm to give the opportunity for visitors to visit the sale show of artwork on the lower level. A feature of the Centre’s concerts is the opportunity to mingle with and meet the performers so plan to stay for free coffee, tea and light refreshments after the show.

Tickets for this one-hour programme are $25.00 or $10.00 for students, available through www.cktickets.com or in person at Mitton’s Jewellers in Ridgetown, Downie Photo in Blenheim, B’s Hive in Thamesville, CKXS Radio in Wallaceburg or Grave Diggerz Variety in Highgate.

Further information on events at the Mary Webb Centre is available at www.marywebbcentre.ca. Visit www.windsorsymphony.com for additional information on their concerts and programmes.

The next Windsor Symphony Orchestra concert at the Mary Webb Centre takes place on Friday 27th April when their 14-piece string orchestra performs classical favourites and pops standards.

Regular Mary Webb Centre concertgoers, please note the earlier start time of 7.00pm for these concerts.

After a successful year in 2011, where 19 new Doctors were brought into the community, physician recruitment is an on-going priority in Chatham-Kent.

Along with various groups, and a dedicated physician recruitment committee featuring numerous stakeholders from across C-K, Chatham resident Fannie Vavoulis is tasked with the job of bringing even more Doctors into the community.

As Chatham-Kent’s Medical Recruiter, Fannie Vavoulis said they are looking for both family physicians and health care specialists.

She added many of the health care professionals are looking to work in a team environment.

“They are not looking to start up an independent practice,” Vavoulis said. “They want the team environment.”

Vavoulis said many of the new recruits slide in perfectly with the various offices of the Chatham-Kent Community Health Centre.

“It cuts down on administration costs,” Vavoulis said, adding that the various specialists and physicians at these centres compliment each other, resulting in an increased level of health care service.

In order to spark the interest of physicians looking to practice, Vavoulis said has numerous job postings oh doctor recruitment websites, she will attend various recruitment fairs – and then have continuous follow up communication with potential candidates.

She said many of the recruits are impressed with the “safe, warm atmosphere” in Chatham-Kent, the good schools, low crime rate, the close proximity to water and the geographic location being close to major cites in Canada and the United States.

Vavoulis added site visits by the recruits are excellent ways to showcase the community to not only the physician, but their entire family.

Watch for more stories stemming from our sit down conversation with Vavoulis on the CKDP.

Someone said they saw a robin last week. Valentine’s Day has come and gone. The temperatures are pushing a bit higher. It is time to update your cultural calendar.

Films, concerts (including two Windsor Symphony Orchestra offerings at the Mary Webb Centre), art exhibitions, a Titanic Dinner and a professionally-led writing workshop are just some of the events set to entertain and challenge you.

This is a partial list. Check various cultural calendars including www.cktimes.ca, www.cogeco.com, www.chatham-kent.ca – and if you know of other events please add them in the comments section here. Enjoy!

February 15th – Art & Wine series by the Thames Art Gallery in Studio One at the Chatham Cultural Centre at 6.30pm. Film on Franz Kline in the 1930s and 40s. Tickets $12.00 include gourmet snacks and one beer or glass of wine. Tickets at Thames Art Gallery or www.cktickets.com

February 16th – Romeo and Juliet at the Chatham Capitol Theatre at 7.30pm. The State Ballet Theatre of Russia – tickets and information at www.cktickets.com

February 17th – opening at 7.00pm of “A Bit of Luck” exhibition of work by Toronto-based artist Mitch Robertson at Thames Art Gallery, 75 William Street North. Artist will be present – live music, free snacks, cash bar. Exhibition continues to 25th March. Gallery open daily from 1.00pm to 5.00pm. Entrance free. Further information from Sonya Blazek at 519 354 8346 ext. 41

February 17th – opening at 7.00pm of “A Show” exhibition of work by local artist Mark Reinhart in mezzanine at Thames Art Gallery, 75 William Street North. Artist will be present – live music, free snacks, cash bar. Exhibition continues to 25th March. Gallery open daily from 1.00pm to 5.00pm. Entrance free. Further information from Sonya Blazek at 519 354 8346 ext. 41

February 24th – Windsor Symphony Orchestra woodwind quintet at The Mary Webb Centre, 87 Main Street, Highgate – 7.00pm – tickets $25.00 – second in a series of 3 WSO concerts – details at www.marywebbcentre.ca

February 24th and 25th – “Phamtom of the Opera” at the Chatham Capitol Theatre at 2.00pm and 8.00pm presented by the Chatham-Kent Secondary Schools. Tickets at www.cktickets.com.

February 24th, 25th, 26th and March 2nd, 3rd and 4th – “Brigadoon” at Ridgetown District High School, Ridgetown. Broadway style musical by Ridge Players – tickets $15.00 for theatre only. $30.00 for theatre and dinner. Box office opens 13th February. Ridge Players 40th anniversary production. Details at www.ridgeplayers.ca.

March 2nd – “Drum” at the Chatham Capitol Theatre at 7.00pm –Nova Scotia’s spectacular new musical production featuring 20 musicians, dancers, drummers and singers from four principle cultures – black, Acadian, aboriginal and celtlic. Tickets and information at www.cktickets.com

March 7th – “Medicine Bear” at the Capitol Theatre at 10.00am – Kaha:Wi Dance Theatre presents two traditional Iroquois stories about the gift and knowledge of natural medicine. Tickets $5.00 through www.cktickets.com

March 8th – opening of “The Process of Spontaneity” exhibition by local artists Karen Bourassa at ARTspace, 165 ½ King Street West, Chatham at 7.00pm. Artist will be present. Exhibition runs from 7th March to 14th April. Gallery open every Tuesday to Saturday from 12.00noon to 5.00pm. Further information from Vanessa Cornell at 519 352 1064

March 12th – ARTcamp on landscape drawing with local artist Scott Livingstone at ARTspace, 165 ½ King Street West, Chatham from 10.00am to 3.00pm. Registration $75 + HST or $60/00 + HST for members includes all supplies plus lunch at Satellite Restaurant. For further information contact Vanessa Cornell, 519 352 1064

March 19th – Driving Miss Daisy (1989) starring Jessica Tandy and Morgan Freeman as part of Cake & Classics Series at the Kiwanis Theatre. Come at 1.00pm or 6.00pm for decadent cakes and beverages in Studio One for $11.00. Movie-only tickets are $5.00 – screenings at 2.00pm and 7.00pm – tickets at www.cktickets.com. Details at 519 354 8338.

March 20th – “Men of the Deeps” coal miners choir at the Chatham Capitol Theatre at 8.00pm – tickets at www.cktickets.com

March 20th – “P.S. I Love You” (2007) film starring Hilary Swant, Gerard Butler, Harry Connick Jr. and Lisa Kudrow – first film in new series in Kiwanis Theatre called “Rattle n’ Roll: Movies for Mommies with Babies” – afternoons geared for mothers with their babies – nursing friendly / stroller friendly. Films begin at 12.30pm. Tickets $5.00 at the door only. For further information contact Laurie Langford at 519 354 8346 ext 40

March 21st – Art & Wine series by the Thames Art Gallery in Studio One at the Chatham Cultural Centre at 6.30pm. Film “Jack the Dripper” on Jackson Pollock. Tickets $12.00 include gourmet snacks and one beer or glass of wine. Tickets at Thames Art Gallery or www.cktickets.com

March 23rd – J.P. Cormier at the Mary Webb Centre, 87 Main Street, Highgate – 8.00pm – tickets $25.00 at www.cktickets.com and selected retailers – details at www.marywebbcentre.ca

March 23rd to 29th – Fanshawe College photography exhibition at the Mary Webb Centre, 87 Main Street, Highgate. Entry free. Times to be confirmed. www.marywebbcentre.ca

April 9th – Rebel Without a Cause (1955) starring James Dean and Natalie Wood as part of Cake & Classics Series at the Kiwanis Theatre. Come at 1.00pm or 6.00pm for decadent cakes and beverages in Studio One for $11.00. Movie-only tickets are $5.00 – screenings at 2.00pm and 7.00pm – tickets at www.cktickets.com. Details at 519 354 8338.

April 14th – Titanic: The Dinner – commemorate the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic at The Armoury, Chatham. Menu will be partially based on a third class menu card in the collection of the Chatham-Kent Museum. For further information and booking contact Deanna Bullard at deannab@chatham-kent.ca

April 14th – “Just for the Laughs Road Show” at the Chatham Capitol Theatre at 8.00pm. Touring stand-up comedy – tickets from www.cktickets.com

April 18th – Art & Wine series by the Thames Art Gallery in Studio One at the Chatham Cultural Centre at 6.30pm. Film on Willem de Kooning. Tickets $12.00 include gourmet snacks and one beer or glass of wine. Tickets at Thames Art Gallery or www.cktickets.com

April 21st – “Tall Tales & Memory Making”- a practical day-long workshop for writers, wannabe writers and readers of memories and memoirs led by award-winning authors Marty Gervais and John B. Lee. Workshop takes place at Smith & Wilson Estate Wines near Cedar Springs. Organised by the Ridgetown Rejuvenation Association in partnership with the Erie Ridge Cultural Action Team, Buxton Museum and Ridge House Museum. Details from Marlee Robinson at 519 784 2548 or marleelrobinson@gmail.com

April 22nd – first annual “Grounded in the Arts” art exhibition and sale at the new Bradley Convention Centre organised by the Thames St. Clair Cultural Action Team featuring artists from the Chatham-Kent area. For further information including arranging to participate contact Kathryn Parent at Kathryn@phos3.com or visit their facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/CKGroundedInTheArts

April 27th – Windsor Symphony Orchestra 14 member string ensemble at The Mary Webb Centre, 87 Main Street, Highgate – 7.00pm – tickets $25.00 – third in a series of 3 WSO concerts – details at www.marywebbcentre.ca

May 16th – “IZM” at the Chatham Capitol Theatre at 7.00pm – the Boyism street dance company – tickets $10.00 available at www.cktickets.com

May 23rd – Art & Wine series by the Thames Art Gallery in Studio One at the Chatham Cultural Centre at 6.30pm. Film on the New York School of Art in the 1840s and 50s. Tickets $12.00 include gourmet snacks and one beer or glass of wine. Tickets at Thames Art Gallery or www.cktickets.com

June 22nd – GORDON LIGHTFOOT at the Chatham Capitol Theatre at 8.00pm – tickets and information at www.cktickets.com Pre-show party with entertainment by CK artist Sarah Hiltz.

Who? The Community Trees Initiative is a free program offered to elementary schools, secondary schools, and community groups located along the Lower Thames Valley watershed.

What? It is a multi-faceted program that occurs year-round and engages students and the community in many aspects of the seed to tree process. The events support the development of stewardship ethics by teaching the proper techniques used to collect, stratify (mimic nature’s dormancy process), and propagate seeds from tree and tallgrass prairie species.

How? The program follows the Ontario Science Curriculum and serves to educate students in the field and in the classroom. The type of event offered is dependent on the time of year and can range from seeding, planting, and seed collection events. The program allows students to observe germination and tend to their growing plants during the spring season in school greenhouses, if available. Near the end of the school year, the students will learn about hardening-off plants outdoors and participate in community planting projects. Seed collection events are held in the fall to collect native tree seeds and complete the students’ overall understanding of the seed to tree process. These events are also accompanied by in-class lessons to introduce and develop the students’ knowledge of environmental issues. The duration of each event is approximately 1.25 hours in length.

Where? The event takes place at your school or in the Chatham-Kent Municipal greenhouse facilities located on Grand Avenue in Chatham Ontario.

Why? The program is designed to emphasize forest and prairie restoration, highlight the importance of green space, identify factors affecting source water quality and wildlife habitats, demonstrate how water quality relates directly to vegetation near water, and link trees to ecosystem biodiversity.

You can view previous year events by visiting http://forestsforourfuture.blogspot.com/.

Contact us today for more details or to book your event by calling (519)354-7310 Ext. 228 or by e-mail at amanda.griffore@ltvca.ca.

518-mile Detroit Alternate guides touring cyclists through communities and landmarks in Underground Railroad’s history from Oberlin, Ohio, to Owen Sound, Ontario

Missoula, Montana — Five years to the day after the unveiling of its 2,000-mile Underground Railroad Bicycle Route (UGRR), Adventure Cycling Association today announced the release of the final map section for the route’s new Detroit Alternate.

The 518-mile Detroit Alternate provides alternate routing, and a host of new historic sites, for cyclists traveling between Oberlin, Ohio, and Owen Sound, Ontario. Departing from the main Underground Railroad route in Oberlin, the Detroit Alternate guides cyclists through Toledo, Ohio, and Detroit, Michigan, around Lake St. Clair, tracing the shoreline of Lake Huron before heading to Owen Sound. The maps also provide a ferry option across Lake Erie from Sandusky, Ohio, through Windsor, Ontario. Maps are now available from Cyclosource, Adventure Cycling’s online store and catalog.

“We’re thrilled to offer this new alternate route between Oberlin and Owen Sound. Cyclists can now experience even more landmarks and historically important communities along the Underground Railroad,” said Carla Majernik, Adventure Cycling’s routes and mapping director. “The route also follows the Lake Huron shoreline to Owen Sound, which is an incredibly scenic ride.”

“Detroit is an important highlight on the new route for its historic relevance and its contemporary efforts to improve conditions for cyclists,” said Ginny Sullivan, special projects director and lead staff on the UGRR project. “Increasingly the city has invested in bike lanes, greenways, urban agriculture, and natural parks, making it an even more attractive stopover for touring cyclists on the new route.”

Running through many smaller communities in northwestern Ohio, southern Michigan, and southern Ontario, the Detroit Alternate creates a cultural heritage corridor that not only offers education and recreational opportunities for people of all ages, but also promises increased tourism to the communities along this iconic corridor.

According to Jenn Milyko, cartographer, the Detroit Alternate links to other Adventure Cycling routes such as the Lake Erie Connector and the Northern Tier, “These new connections create numerous options for wonderful one and two week loop rides.”

Adventure Cycling provides a list of key historic and cultural landmarks on each map section of the Detroit Alternate; a more extensive listing of historic sites can be found in the organization’s online route highlights: AdventureCycling.org/ugrr.

Important stops on the Section 1 map include:

• The Oberlin downtown historic district, Oberlin College, and the Oberlin Heritage Center, which showcases the abolitionist and UGRR history of the community.
• In Adrian, Michigan, visit the Lenawee County Historical Museum, which houses thousands of documents relating to the UGRR, and the Laura Haviland Statue (100 E. Church St.).
• In Detroit, cyclists can explore the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, the largest museum in the world dedicated to the struggles and perseverance of African Americans, the Historical First Congregational Church, also known as The Living Museum, which offers the Underground Railroad Flight to Freedom Program Tours, a “storytelling” simulation of a slave’s journey to freedom, and the Gateway to Freedom Monument at Hart Plaza on the Detroit Riverfront, which marks the crossing of thousands of freedom seekers into Canada.
• A partner monument in Windsor, Ontario, is visible across the river. Known as the Tower of Freedom Underground Railroad Monument, this sculpture depicts the refugee’s arrival into Canada and their overwhelming emotion upon encountering freedom.

The Buxton National Historic Site and Museum in North Buxton is an absolute must-see for those traveling on the Detroit Alternate’s Windsor Option on the Section 2 map.

“We’re so excited to welcome cyclists to the Buxton Settlement, which was the largest and most successful planned settlement for fugitive slaves and free blacks in Canada,” said Shannon Prince, curator for the Buxton National Historic Site and Museum and 6th generation settlement descendant. “When you arrive, you will be able to visit the oldest home, built in 1850, and feel the original hand-hewn logs. You can enter the school built in 1861 or wander the 1866 cemetery to view the weathered headstones of some of the early settlers, or handle the original adult and children’s ankle shackles. The experience will be memorable!”

More highlights on Section 2:

• In Chatham, Ontario, visit the First Baptist Church Chatham where American abolitionist John Brown held the last in a series of clandestine meetings to plan his “slave rebellion. At the Chatham Kent Black Historical Society you can experience a self-guided exhibit containing numerous artifacts, an audio-visual presentation, and an interactive display honoring black residents.
• Cycling on to Dresden, Ontario, you can visit the Uncle Tom’s Cabin Historic Site/Josiah Henson House, which was the home of Rev. Josiah Henson and houses exhibits, period buildings, and an interpretive center. Rev. Henson, a fugitive slave who found freedom in Ontario in 1830 via the Underground Railroad, established the Dawn Settlement. Henson’s experiences were the reference for the title character in Harriet Beecher Stowe’s novel, Uncle Tom’s Cabin.
• Between Sombra and Owen Sound, there are only a few historic landmarks, however cyclists can enjoy the beautiful Lake Huron waterfront for many of these miles. The historic highlights along this stretch include the Wilberforce Settlement Plaque found at the Lucan post office, which commemorates the establishment of the settlement in 1830 by a group of fugitive slaves with the assistance of Quakers from Oberlin, Ohio.
• In Owen Sound, be sure to visit the Grey Roots Museum and Archives, and its exhibit, From Slavery to Freedom, African Canadians in Grey County. Established in 1856, the BME Church (241 11 St. W.) served the needs of former slaves arriving on the Underground Railroad and parishioners are considered the founders of the Annual Emancipation Day Celebration www.emancipation.ca, which is held the first weekend in August each year. In August 2012, the celebration marks its 150th Anniversary, making an attractive end-date for cyclists touring the new alternate or the main Underground Railroad route, which also terminates in Owen Sound.

Adventure Cycling began working on the Underground Railroad Bicycle Route in 2004. After the main 2,000-mile route was established between Mobile, AL and Owen Sound, ON, Adventure Cycling committed to developing more UGRR routes, both alternates and spurs, in order to involve more communities and historic sites. The first Underground Railroad spur route was developed in 2007, and runs from Pittsburgh to Erie, Pennsylvania. This route highlights an important UGRR corridor while also honoring Adventure Cycling’s partnership with the Center for Minority Health at the University of Pittsburgh.

Adventure Cycling’s members and donors supported the creation of the Detroit Alternate, as did a generous $20,000 grant from REI (Recreational Equipment, Inc.), a retail co-op providing quality outdoor gear and clothing.

From February 22-28, Executive Director Jim Sayer will visit Detroit, Toledo, Oberlin, Cleveland, Columbus, and Pittsburgh to promote the new route.

More information about the Detroit Alternate and the Underground Railroad Bicycle Route can be found at AdventureCycling.org/ugrr.

For anyone in the community who is expecting to have twins, or triplets or even more – there is a group for you.

The Chatham-Kent Multiple Births Association has been providing support, information and fellowship to families of and expecting multiples in Chatham-Kent for 15 years. The group is a peer run organization that follows the direction of the National Organization Multiple Births Canada.

“We generally have a membership of 20 families in the Chatham-Kent area,” said Sheri Derbyshire-Franklin.

The group meets the first Thursday of each month at Blessed Sacrament Church with business discussion at 6:30 p.m. and fellowship starting at 7 p.m. They also have bi-monthly play dates at the Ontario Early Years Center on Murray St. in Chatham in the gym starting around 9:30 a.m.

“This is a great opportunity for parents with little ones to meet other parents and get out of the house,” said Derbyshire-Franklin.

Membership for the group is $30 annually.

The group groups hold various social events throughout the year, including:

• Couple’s night out
• Mom’s pamper night
• Dad’s night out
• Family skate
• Multiple birth parents hockey game
• Summer picnic
• And Christmas Party

In 2006, the group hosted the Multiple Births Canada’s National Conference in Chatham.

Derbyshire-Franklin said they are currently working on putting together a multiple birth specific prenatal session for the area that will be run twice per year or as needed, for all parents expecting two, three or more babies.

“Traditional prenatal classes in our area generally don`t touch on the subjects that are specific multiple birth expectant parents, such as twin to twin transfusion syndrome, the additional nutritional needs of an expectant mom, the additional prenatal care that is required,” she said. “Many times in these traditional prenatal classes the instructors will say something, and then turn to the expectant multiple birth couples and say ‘but this doesn’t apply to you’.”

Watch for a follow-up story, with more details from out conversation with Sheri.

The Thames Art Gallery is pleased to announce that a $1000 scholarship has been secured for the 2011 High Class Art exhibit. Thank you to sponsors Cathy and Rob Myers who made this opportunity possible for students in Chatham-Kent.

Candidates for this award should be in their graduating year of High School, and will be pursuing higher education in the Arts at the College or University level. Application forms can be picked up at the Thames Art Gallery, Monday – Sunday, 1pm -5pm; The Cultural Centre Box Office, Monday – Friday, 10 am – 6pm; or ARTspace at 165 ½ King St. West, from Tuesday to Saturday, 12pm-5pm.

The Thames Art Gallery is please to offer another exciting opportunity for local high school students to showcase their work through High Class Art. For more information, students are asked to talk to their high school art teacher or to contact the Thames Art Gallery at 519-354-8346 ex.41. All submissions are due March 30, 2011 @ 5pm.

The Thames Art Gallery High Class Art Exhibition will run from May 10 – June 10, 2012.

The Thames Art Gallery is located in the Cultural Centre at 75 William Street North in Chatham, Ontario.