Chatham Retrofest 2016 This Weekend May 27/28   Chatham's 16th Annual Retrofest This Weekend May 27/28 This weekend in Chatham-Kent will be jam packed with family fun. It is our annual Retrofest Weekend starting with the famous Classic Car OLG Parade on Friday Evening at 6 P.M. The Vintage Cars, Trucks and even some Motorcycles will meet on Friday night at 4 P.M. at the Bradley Convention Centre on Richmond St.. They will leave the parking lot at 6 P.M. where they will proceed down Richmond St. to the Bloomfield, down the Bloomfield to Riverview Line, out along the Thames River to the Prairie Siding Bridge, over the bridge and back to Historic Downtown Chatham via the River Road on the Dover side. Spectators line the parade route to enjoy the show of approximately 700 vehicles. You can... 05/25/2016

Chatham`s Historic Downtown King St. Retro Suites to Finish Latest Expansion June1/ 2016   The Chatham Retro Suites opened approximately a decade ago and has continued to expand and built their reputation for being one of the finest hotels of its kind. They were awarded the TripAdvisors Travelers`Choice Award 2015 and awarded Top Honors in the Best Hotels Section for all of Canada. This elite honor is awarded to the top 1% of all hotels on Trip Advisor, based on reviews and opinions from millions of travelers.The Retro Suites Hotel has preserved the Historical elements of the King St. William Block while providing the best modern amenities an upscale hotel can offer. The block now completely housing the Retro Suites through many renovations has retained its original architecture and cha... 03/02/2016

January is Alzheimer Awareness Month   If you or a loved one are experiencing signs of dementia or other symptoms be sure to consult  a professional. Alzheimer``s is the leading cause of dementia and is not a disease of only elderly patients. It worsens with age. The Alzheimer Society has developed 10 warning signs. Be aware and do not fight Alzheimers alone. Help is available. The Chatham-Kent Chapter has professionals who can assess, educate and counsel you and your family. Warning Signs: 1) Memory Loss that affects day to day function 2) Difficulty performing familiar tasks 3) Problems with Language 4) Disorientation of time and place 5) Poor or decreased judgement 6) Problems with abstract thinking 7) Misplacing things 8) Changes in mood and behaviour 9) Changes is personality 10) ... 01/18/2016

Snow Angel Program In Chatham-Kent We haven't needed the Snow Angel Program as yet this winter but do not count your blessings too soon. Winter is not done with us yet. There are many senior citizens in our community who don't have the financial resources to hire someone to shovel their walks or a friend or relative who is able and willing to assist. This can be a very big problem for some senior citizens, shut-ins or disabled individuals who live alone and need help, especially after a major snow fall. It can be the major reason that relatives resist the idea of independence for their loved ones.The occupant of the home cannot shovel themselves and some are very afraid of falling if the snow is not cleared. Tom Curtin, co-ordinator for the program said that those benefiting from the pr... 01/05/2016

'Christmas In Muskoka' Annual Event in Chatham-Kent Chatham-Kent's 'Christmas In Muskoka' is in its 5th year. Nearly 40 designer decorated Christmas trees were donated last year to be raffled off. The event was a huge success, raising approximately $80,000.00. As a result over 300 grade 7 students in the St. Clair Catholic District School Board and over 120 student leaders from Ursuline College attended the Muskoka Woods leadership Camp in May 2015. The event is sponsored by the St. Clair Catholic School Board and the proceeds go to support students who attend the Muskoka Wood Leadership Camp, held in May each year. 1300 kids, including Grade 7 students and High School leaders from Ursuline College Chatham have been able to take part in this Premier Outdoor Adventure Camp, thanks to  '... 11/30/2015

 OPEN HOUSE SUNDAYNovember 22/2015 1-3 p.m. Feature Home of the Week6419 Riverview Line 3 Bedroom Waterfront Rancher$549,900.00Description: This home is a show stopper, quality throughout! Rear of home is glass overlooking the river and the spectacular sunsets. Home is situated on a picturesque bend in the river giving unobstructed views both ways. Covered back porch with colored stamped concrete is the ideal location to watch the sun rise and set. Perfectly manicured lawns and gardens with large stamped cement patio in rear, walkways and oversized driveway in front. 2 car heated attached garage. Home has been completely remodelled with newer roof, furnace, air conditioner, windows and 4 sets of patio doors leading to rear decks. Beautiful hardwood floors throughout. Bathrooms are ceram... 11/19/2015

Chatham-Kent Rises to The Challenge Once AgainTecumseh Park on the banks of the Thames River in Chatham was the perfect setting for last Saturday's Beach Boys Concert. The Rotary Club of Chatham organized the fund raising event to meet their promise of $100,000 for the new Chatham-Kent 10 Bed Hospice currently under construction. Making the concert a reality was possible through Chatham resident and Rotarian, Rob Bloomfield, who has a personal friendship with Mike Love, one of the founder of the Beach Boys. Rob first asked Mike Love if the Beach Boys would do  a charitable concert back in 1999. It was so successful that the group did 11 shows in nine days across Canada. When interviewed last Saturday before the show, Mike Love said  "when you come to  a place  that has feeling and a sen... 08/11/2015

 Chatham's 13th Annual RetrofestMay 22-23/2015 This year the 13th Annual Retrofest 2015 began with  the OLG Classic Car Cruise on Friday evening May 22. Over 600 Classic Cars assembled at the John D. Bradley Convention Centre on Richmond St. where they proceeded to make their way down Richmond St. to the Bloomfield Rd and then to Riverview Line where they cruised along the Thames River to the Prairie Siding Bridge, over the river and back along Grand River Line on the Dover side of the Thames, ending in Downtown Chatham. My wife and I,our daughter, son-in law and their 2 small children watched from our front yard. Our 2 small grandsons particularly enjoyed waving at all the occupants of the cars, many of whom tooted their horns at them and made a big hit with the little boys. It is such... 05/26/2015

  Chatham-Kent Waterfront Homes Along The Thames River As late as the 1950's and the early 1960's Keil Dr. was considered the edge of the city of Chatham. There were farms and farm houses along Grande River Line ( North side)and others along Riverview Line ( South Side) on the shores of the Thames. Crops of corn, wheat or beans, vegetable such as tomatoes,beans and potatoes could be seen on both sides of the road heading west out of the city toward the mouth of the Thames River and Lighthouse Cove. Today it is a very different landscape.Some time in 60's and early 70's farmers began to severe land along the River front for Building Lots. This began on the river side of the respective roads but eventually continued on the opposite side as well. New waterfront homes began to appear spora... 04/15/2015

My Big Fat Italian Christmas Dinner Show Afternoon Performances Nov 26-28 Dec 1-3 One Evening Performance Nov 29 Ready for an evening of fun. This new Holiday Comedy Dinner Theatre by Kevin Riordan is just the thing for you. Taking place this week at the Kiwanis Theatre in Chatham starting Wednesday November 26. There will be 6 afternoon performances with the meal at 12:30 and the show at 2:15 or one Evening  Performance  Saturday Nov. 29th with the meal at 6:30 and the show at 8 P.M.The show is presented by the Thames Theatre Co. Tickets are available by calling 519-354-8338 or visit the CK Ticket website. Dinner Theatre catered by the Black Goose. The story takes place in Windsor's Erie St. Neighborhood, one of Canada's biggest Italian communities and restaurant owner Dominic Mastron... 11/23/2014

Second Season For St. Andrew's Concert Series ' Saturday's at 7" begins October 25/2014   St.Andrew's United Church Concert Series under the musical direction of Devon Hansen will  begin October 25/2014 in Chatham, featuring six programs of varying themes and music styles. The Series is called ''Saturday's at 7' Hansen, an accomplished pianist, organist and music director will perform in most of the programs as well as the Chancel Choir of St.Andrews United Church. There will be guest choirs as well as other guest performers.. The first in the series will take place on October 25/2014 and will help mark the  180th anniversary celebration weekend of the church. The program will feature a 180 voice choir directed by Hansen. Members of 4 choirs including 2 guest choirs from Michigan as we... 10/14/2014

 Theatre-Kent Announces New Series for 2014-2015  Chatham-Kent Ontario Canada If you have never attended one of Theatre Kent’s Performances, this would be a good time to purchase Season Tickets for 2014-2015. Visit their website or call 519-354-8338. All 3 productions are held at the Kiwanis Theatre in Chatham. I am always bragging about Chatham-Kent being the Affordable Lifestyle Community and this is a perfect example of just that. If season tickets are purchased before November 6, 2014, all 3 performances are only $39.00.  Add another $10.00 and the price  includes the Christmas Show. Theatre Kent has been presenting wonderful performances since 1970 and its members work very hard to give top notch shows to their audiences. I wrote an article last year about their presentation of the... 10/01/2014

CHATHAM-KENT`S  NEWEST EVENT: ANNUAL FIREFEST SEPT 20/2014 If you are a antique vehicle enthusiast Chatham-Kent is the place for you. It is the home of RM Restoration which is world renown for their work in restoring Classic Cars. Chatham-Kent is known as The Classic Car Capital of the World and each year in May, Classic Car owners descend on the city for the Retrofest Festival. More than 600 Classic and Vintage cars, motorcycles and trucks attended last year. The event begins with a Parade along the shores of the Thames River on Friday night. Saturday from 10-4 PM the vehicles line the streets of Historic Downtown Chatham for visitors and car buffs to enjoy, ask questions of the owners and have a great time. It is a family affairand just one of the many draws this great community of Ch... 09/15/2014

Bass Fishermen Arrive From All over Canada and U.S. for the Mitchell's Bay Bass Tournament Aug 15-16/2014 I always refer toMitchell's Bay on the shores of Lake St. Clair as ' The Best Kept Secret in Southwestern Ontario' I cannot tell you how many clients I have taken to this wonderful little Lake Side Village who commented `I did not know this existed' This tells me there are  not enough people reading my blogs about resort locations in Chatham-Kent. I better do some more work! The Sunsets over the Lake are amazing! There is a beach for swimming with a playground and a Splash Pad. This was well used this past weekend with the beautiful summer weather.. There is also a Picnic Grounds for Family gatherings and it looked like someone was having their family reunion yesterday under the woo... 08/11/2014

Chatham's 12th Annual Retrofest May 23-24/2014 Chatham's 12th Annual Retrofest 2014 began with  the OLG Classic Car Cruise on Friday evening May 23. They assembled at the John D. Bradley Convention Centre on Richmond St. where they proceeded at 7 P.M. to make their way down Richmond St. to the Bloomfield Rd and then to Riverview Line where they cruised along the Thames River to the Prairie Siding Bridge,over the river and back along Grand River Line on the Dover side of the Thames, ending in Downtown Chatham. My wife and I, family and friends   watched from our front yard.Our 2 small grandsons particularly enjoyed waving at all the occupants of the cars, many of whom tooted their horns at them. I am told the Cruise Route was lined with people from start to finish. I do not know the exa... 05/29/2014

Chatham's 'Fashion and the City' Event  Held Sept 5/2013 a Huge Success I am a little tardy writing a followup to last Thursday's second 'Chatham Fashion and The City' Event. This in no way a reflection on all the hard work and success of the evening, thanks to the Downtown Participating Merchants as well as the Community Partnership Fund and the generous sponsorship of the BIA and Victory Ford Lincoln.   Sunday Sept 8 was the 'Walk A Mile In her Shoes' Charity Event and I wanted to let everyone know about this very important fund raiser that supports our Chatham Women's Centre so everyone could turn out, walk or support the walkers. I did that, so here is the followup to last Thursdays 'Fashion In The City' held in beautiful Historic Downtown Chatham. Now it is time to give credit whe... 09/09/2013

Chatham's Annual Retrofest Festival May 24-25/2013 Chatham is 'The Classic Car Capital of Canada' and Chatham-Kent hosts a series of Summer Events that are a must if you are a Car Enthusiast. Be sure to visit the Chatham-Kent website for dates and details. The summer season of 2013 will kick off with the 11th ANNUAL RETROFEST FESTIVAL which runs the weekend of May 24-25. It is a nostalgic celebration of years gone by, featuring over 1000 vintage vehicles. The event starts on Friday night May 24 at 7 P.M. when the cars and owners meet at the John D. Bradley Convention Centre on Richmond St. at 7 P.M. The Parade of Cars will proceed down Richmond St. to Bloomfield Rd, turn right to Riverview Line and continue to the Prairie Siding Bridge about 5 miles out of the city along the Thames Rive... 05/22/2013

St. Clair College Chatham Capitol Theatre Presents Country Music Star Terri Clark Wed. Apr. 17/2013 St. Clair College has done it again! They have brought some top notch entertainment to our city of Chatham in Chatham-Kent since taking over the Capitol Theatre and this week is no exception. Wednesday April 17 at 7:30 the celebrated Canadian Country Music Star, Terri Clark will take the stage at our beautiful Capitol Theatre in Historic Downtown Chatham. The multiple Juno award winner and eight time fan-voted Canadian Country Music Association Entertainer of the year has sold over four million albums and has over twelve Top 10 hits to her name. Terri was born in Alberta Canada and first appeared on the Country Music scene in the 1990's when she soared to great heights as fans around the ... 04/15/2013

Chatham-Kent ' Habitat For Humanity" Prepares to Build 1st Home of 2013   The family has been chosen and the final plans are being made for gound breaking this Spring of the 1st Home for 'Habitat For Humanity' in Chatham-Kent. Completion is planeed for Fall.   Habitat for Humanity is an organization directed to working people on a modest income who although they do not qualify for Government assistance have little or no hope of ever owning a home of their own. The homes build by Habitat for Humanity are not given away but the recipients of the homes are given interest free mortgages which are held by the organization with payments geared to their individual incomes. Those chosen have to apply,qualify and a requriement of the interest free mortgage is that the new homeowner must perform ... 03/30/2013

                                          Chatham-Kent's               ' Christmas In Muskoka' raised $40,0000                                                   Chatham-Kent's 'Christmas In Muskoka' looks like it is going to be a yearly holiday event. Last year was the first year and it was a successful beginning. This year nearly 40 decorated Christmas tress were donated to be raffled off.The event is sponsored by the St. Clair Catholic School Board and the proceeds go to support students who attend the Muskoka Wood Leadership Camp held in May. Last year according to Shawn Moynihan, committee chair, 300 Grade 7 students and 120 Secondary school students were able to take part in this Premier Outdoor Adventure Camp, thanks to the 2011 'Christmas in Muskoka ' This year, thanks to the su... 12/27/2012