Sydenham Current Sessions

Chatham-Kent Hospice is celebrating a decade of providing end-of-life care while launching a capital campaign to upgrade its kitchen facilities.

The organization, which opened in 2016, says it has supported more than 1,761 individuals and their families through palliative and end-of-life care over the past 10 years.

“Celebrating ten years of service is a profound milestone for our Hospice,” said Keith Graham, Chair of the Chatham-Kent Hospice Board of Directors. “This anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on the incredible impact our staff, volunteers, and community have made together. We are deeply proud of the compassionate care that has defined our first decade, and we look forward to continuing this legacy of support and comfort.”

Anniversary celebrations will take place throughout the year, including a memorial at the Hike for Hospice, a memorial fence for community ribbons outside the Adelaide Street entrance, a commissioned mural and open house tours for the public.

As part of the milestone, the hospice also announced a $286,000 capital campaign to renovate and modernize its kitchen. The organization says the upgrades will improve accessibility, safety and workflow for volunteers while creating a more functional, homelike environment for residents and their families.

“We are launching this $286,000 campaign with an ask to the community for help. Our Hospice has always been strengthened by the generosity of those who believe in the care we provide. With your support, we can create a modernized, functional kitchen that feeds the needs of our residents and nourishes their loved ones,” said Marian Redford, Chair of the Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation Board of Directors.

Skilled Trades Ontario (STO) is expanding on-site certification exam delivery to all Training Delivery Agents (TDAs) that offer a final level of in-class apprenticeship training, effective immediately.

The announcement was made on Oct. 17, 2025 by STO Chief Executive Officer Candice White during remarks at the Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council of Ontario’s 68th Annual Convention in Windsor.

“This expansion marks another important milestone in our work to modernize and improve Ontario’s apprenticeship system,” said White. “By bringing exams directly to where apprentices train, we’re removing barriers, reducing wait times, and helping more skilled trades professionals get certified and into the workforce faster.”

The Sydenham Current caught up with White for an interview.

The expansion follows a successful pilot launched under the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD), which began with 31 TDA locations across the province.

Since taking over exam administration on April 2, 2025, STO has grown on-site delivery to 54 TDA locations.

The program is being made permanent and will be available to all TDAs authorized to provide final-level training—more than 100 locations across Ontario—allowing eligible apprentices to write their final certification exams directly at their training site.

“Skilled trades workers are essential to building Ontario’s future. We’re helping apprentices reach certification faster and with fewer barriers,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “This investment gives apprentices more flexibility to get the training they need and delivers more certified workers ready to take on the jobs that keep our economy growing.”

Skilled Trades Ontario is an agency of the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development responsible for apprenticeship and skilled trades certification across the province. The agency works to simplify access to services, promote the trades as a career of choice and address ongoing labour shortages in collaboration with government and industry partners.

More details at https://www.skilledtradesontario.ca/.

In recognition of National Orthodontic Health Month, Dr. Maxwell Abraham and his team at Abraham Orthodontics are offering free orthodontic exams for families at their Chatham and Leamington offices.

The Canadian Association of Orthodontists recommends that children receive their first orthodontic screening by age seven to help prevent the need for more complex or surgical treatments later on.

“If your child is approaching the age of seven, it's time to make an appointment for an initial exam with your orthodontist,” the practice said.

Dr. Abraham emphasized the importance of early detection and ongoing monitoring. “Most often, the orthodontist will identify a potential problem but recommend monitoring the child's growth and development. He or she can spot subtle problems with jaw growth and emerging teeth while baby teeth are present and recommend starting treatment at the best possible time to minimize treatment duration, cost and complexity,” said Dr. Abraham of Abraham Orthodontics in Leamington and Chatham.

The practice offers free exams for all children, with no referral required. Those who are not ready for treatment are enrolled in the Growing Smiles Program, where they receive annual checkups at no cost — regardless of insurance coverage — to monitor growth and dental development. Abraham Orthodontics recently expanded with a new Chatham location at 729 St. Clair Street.

“Because every patient presents with unique orthodontic problems and growth considerations, the ‘best age’ to start treatment is different for every patient. Therefore, the best time for a consultation with your orthodontist is as soon as a possible problem is noticed,” Dr. Abraham said.

Families can schedule a free orthodontic exam by calling 519-398-8101 or visiting www.AbrahamOrthodontics.com.

Dr. Abraham, who founded Abraham Orthodontics in 2016, is a Leamington native and regionally recognized orthodontist known for his commitment to accessibility and community service. His Growing Smiles Program has provided more than $1 million in free orthodontic exams to families across Windsor-Essex, along with school-based initiatives promoting oral health.

Follow the team online using the hashtag #AOmazing.

Oaks Retirement Village is inviting the community to celebrate Halloween in a warm and welcoming way.

Located at 80 McNaughton Avenue in Wallaceburg, the residence has transformed one of its hallways into a festive space for trick-or-treaters.

Starting at 4 p.m. on Halloween, children are welcome to come in out of the cold and enjoy a safe and cheerful trick-or-treat experience with the residents.

In addition to the seasonal fun, Oaks Retirement Village is currently offering move-in incentives across its range of services, including respite stays, Acorn Lane - Memory Care, retirement living, and assisted living.

Sales and marketing manager Brandy Verbeem says those interested in exploring the residence and learning more about its offerings can book a tour by calling 519-627-9292 or visiting oaksretirementvillage.ca.

A free community event titled From Loss to Living: After the Good-Bye will take place October 22, 2025, at 7 p.m. at the Sydenham Community Curling Club.

The evening will feature three speakers offering perspectives on funeral care, aftercare, and therapy for those coping with loss.

Kevin Cavanagh, owner and operator of the Haycock-Cavanagh Funeral Home, will speak about the changing face of funeral service post-pandemic, legal challenges families face when there is no will, and the benefits of pre-planning a funeral. A licensed funeral director for 34 years, Cavanagh serves on the boards of Southwest Crematoriums and Community Living Wallaceburg.

The Sydenham Current caught up with Cavanagh to discuss the event.

Cathy Lalonde, an Aftercare Specialist at Haycock Cavanagh Funeral Home and lifelong Wallaceburg resident, will discuss her role supporting families through the emotional and practical challenges that follow a loss. She also assists with essential tasks such as pension applications, document cancellations, and repatriation services through partnerships with MacKinnon and Bowes.

Allison Boulanger, a therapist, will speak about professional counseling and therapy strategies for those dealing with grief and emotional challenges. Her presentation will focus on resilience, emotional well-being, and the benefits of guided support.

Registration is free but space is limited. Those interested are encouraged to sign up early at sydenhamcurlingclub.com.

For more information, contact [email protected].