Luncheon today, management shuffle, Kiwanis donates to CKHA

Morning Coffee – By Aaron Hall

Weather forecast for Tuesday, December 19, 2017

Today – Cloudy. Becoming a mix of sun and cloud this morning. Wind west 30 km/h gusting to 50. Temperature steady near plus 5.

Tonight – A few clouds. Wind southwest 30 km/h gusting to 50 becoming light after midnight. Low minus 6.

Salvation Army Luncheon today

The 43rd annual Salvation Army Luncheon, organized by the Childs family, is taking place today (Tuesday, December 19) at the UAW Hall in Wallaceburg.

Cost for the lunch is a donation, with all of the proceeds going towards the Salvation Army.

It will run from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Last year, a total of $6,586.45 was raised, bringing their total up to $303,086.45 raised since its inception.

If you can’t make it and want to donate, call Mark Childs at at 519-784-3341.

The meal will be a traditional poor boy menu including: chicken stew, beans and wieners, mac and cheese, scalloped potatoes, baby carrots, salad, rolls, desserts and coffee or tea.

Municipal service management realignment announced

Chatham-Kent Chief Administrative Officer Don Shropshire announced on Monday a realignment of several municipal departments and responsibilities of the municipality’s executive management team.

Former Chief legal Officer John Norton has been named general manager of the newly- formed Community Development Department. His responsibilities are:

– Planning Services

– Building Development Services

– Legal Services

– Fire and EMS

– Clerk, Governance and Licensing

April Rietdyk, General Manager of Health and Family Services, will lead the new Community Human Services Department. The department will be delivering a variety of services and programs to residents, it will contain the following directorates:

– Employment Social Services

– Housing Services

– Child Care and Early Years Services

– Public Health

– Riverview Gardens (RVG) Long Term Care Facility

– Seniors Services

– Community Attraction and Leisure Services

– CK Public Library

The Infrastructure and Engineering Services Department will be led by General Manager, Thomas Kelly. The department currently includes:

– Engineering Services

– Public Works

– CK Municipal Airport

– Drainage, Waste, Fleet, Facilities

– Capital and Lifecycle budgets

– Asset Management Plan

Finance Budget and IT Services will be led by General Manager and Chief Financial Officer, Mike Turner and includes:

– Finance / Treasurer

– Property disposition and acquisition

– Budget

– Performance management – business plans and service reviews

– Asset Management Plan (Shared with IES, FBIS provides the financial analysis of the AMP)

– Information Technology Services, including projects related to the expansion of high speed fibre infrastructure in CK

– Oversight of the Compass contract for the operation of the John D. Bradley Centre

Corporate Services will be led by General Manager, Cathy Hoffman and it includes:

– Human Resources and Organizational Development

– Customer Services

– Co-chair administration’s support to the International Plowing Match

The CAO’s Office will continue to provide leadership in the following areas:

– Support to Mayor and Council

– Accountability and monitoring for strategic priorities

– Corporate communications

– Project Management Office

– Partnership Development

– Strategic planning

– External and government relations

– Economic Development

Shropshire said earlier this year, council approved the community’s new strategic plan, CK Plan 2035, the Plan maps council’s priorities for developing Chatham-Kent https://www.chatham-kent.ca/local-government/ck-plan-2035

“Following council’s approval, I initiated discussions with members of EMT regarding the implementation of our strategic plan. EMT considered how we should best align our work units to achieve synergies and move forward implementing council’s priorities,” Shropshire said in a press release.

Kiwanis Club of Ridgetown donates to Foundation of CKHA

Dr. John Button (left), President, Kiwanis of Ridgetown; and Allen Ure (right), President Elect, Kiwanis of Ridgetown; presents Greg Hetherington (middle), Co-Chair, Foundation of CKHA’s Diagnostic Imaging Equipment Renewal Campaign; and Candice Jeffrey (middle), Communications and Marketing Coordinator, Foundation of CKHA, with a $25,000 donation towards their fundraising campaign **(Submitted photo)**

The Foundation of Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (CKHA) announced that the Kiwanis Club of Ridgetown has donated $25,000 to the $6.9 million CKHA Diagnostic Imaging Equipment Renewal Campaign.

The cheque presentation was held at the Club’s Annual Christmas Meeting last week.

“We believe that the impact of this donation will touch every household in Chatham-Kent,” stated Dr. John Button, President, Kiwanis Club of Ridgetown, in a press release.

“We know if you want to attract the best and brightest health care professionals, you have to offer them the best facilities and tools to work with – and this equipment will do just that.”

“We are absolutely humbled to receive this substantial donation from the hardworking Kiwanis Club of Ridgetown volunteers,” added Mary Lou Crowley, Executive Director, Foundation of CKHA.

“It is amazing what a group of passionate volunteers can accomplish and the lasting impact of their dedication will live on in the equipment we will be providing to the community.”

This donation marks the largest gift the Kiwanis Club of Ridgetown has provided to the local community.

$10,000 donation to CTCF music therapy program

The Children’s Treatment Centre Foundation is excited to announce Lundy Insurance’s generous $10,000 donation in support of the Centre’s Music Therapy Program.

The Centre’s Music Therapy program provides children and youth with special needs access to quality music programming, while developing their attention span, communication, motor and social skills through singing, playing instruments, song writing, listening and expressive movements. Music Therapy is part of the CTC’s Enhanced Programs, along with Adapted Recreation and Social Work, which are covered under core government funding.

Enhanced Programs, like Music Therapy, are essential in order for CTC clients to build their communication, motor and social skills and reach their full potential.

“When Lundy Insurance learned about the Butterfly Building Campaign, it was a unanimous decision in our office to donate to such a wonderful cause,” stated Dan Lundy, Lundy Insurance Inc.

“Our daughter Sydney has been a client of the CTC for the last six years. Sydney’s favourite program, Music Therapy, has made huge progress in her development… including communication skills, choice making, taking turns and acting as a form of expression for her. Lundy Insurance Inc. is extremely excited to help the CTC Foundation’s Butterfly Building Campaign reach their $6 million goal, just as the CTC has helped Sydney reach hers.”

The Children’s Treatment Centre and Foundation are extremely appreciative of Lundy Insurance Inc’s. continued support of the CTC’s Enhanced Programs and commitment to helping children and youth in Chatham-Kent reach their full potential.

Bev Shipley Christmas open house in Wallaceburg

Lambton-Kent-Middlesex MP Bev Shipley is holding a Christmas open house in Wallaceburg today.

It will take place at the Clubhouse at Baldoon today (Tuesday, December 19) from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Shipley is inviting people to join him, his wife Barb and his staff for an afternoon of socializing and treats.

Magical story time at the Wallaceburg Library

Magical Storytime, Abracadabra! is taking place at the Wallaceburg Library today (December 19) at 6 p.m. It is recommended for children ages 2 to 6. Children can enjoy stories, songs, fingerplays and magic tricks.

Drop in and have some fun.