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Things To Do


Things to do in and around Chatham-Kent!

Tuesday, April 21, 2009


This column will list happenings within and around Chatham-Kent. If you or your group would like to have your event listed e-mail us at editor@cktimes.ca or phone 519-627-5978.

Daily March 21 to September 20: The Ridge House Museum is open daily from 1:00pm to 5:00pm. Appease your senses with a personally guided tour of this beautifully restored 1875 home. Large groups are welcome with advanced booking. General admission is by donation. For more information or to book a tour please contact the Ridge House Museum curator @ 519 674 2223 or email ckridgehouse@chatham-kent.ca

Daily till Mother’s Day: Just In Time For Mother's Day, May 10th - Order Early! "ANNUAL ROTARY ROSES FOR SALE @ $20. DOZEN". Ready for pick up on Friday afternoon or all day Saturday May 8 and 9 @ St. James Presbyterian Church in Thamesville. For details, please call Myles @ (519) 692-4733 or Jim @ (519) 692-4275.

First Wednesday of each month, 7:30 p.m., October thru March
Sydenham Field Naturalists meetings and Indoor Programs are held on the 2nd floor of the Wallaceburg Municipal Service Centre, Dufferin Ave., Wallaceburg. See individual dates for Program details.

4th Wednesday of every month, 8:00 p.m.
The KENT COUNTY STAMP CLUB meets in the library at John McGregor Secondary School, 300 Cecile Ave., Chatham every month except July, August and December.

Third Wednesday of the month, 7:00 p.m.
The CHATHAM KENT QUILTERS' GUILD meets at St. Paul's Congregational Church Hall, 450 Park Ave., W., Chatham. New members and guests welcome. Contact ltrinacty@hotmail.com for more information.

Wednesday evenings May 20, 27 and June 3 at 7 p.m.
This spring, spend your Wednesday evenings at the Chatham Cultural Centre learning about art masterpieces whilst sampling a beverage from the artist’s home country. We begin on May 20th with James McNeill Whistler’s Portrait of the Artist’s Mother. The actual title of this work is Arrangement in Grey and Black, but that wasn’t acceptable to the sensibilities at the time and the painting was re-titled in order to be accepted by the British Academy. On the second Wednesday we will discuss The Sunflowers painted by Vincent van Gogh. It is likely that van Gogh’s repeated use of the sunflower may have to do with the artist’s experimentation with newly available yellow pigments. The last work in this series will be The Kiss by Gustav Klimt. This work may have been influenced by the Byzantine murals he saw while visiting Italy, it utilizes gold leaf and is Klimt’s best known work of his ‘Golden Period’. Francoise Richard of the LCBO will be making the beverage selections for each evening, themed around the home country of the featured artist. This month will be the United States, the Netherlands and Austria. Please join us in Studio 1 at the Chatham Cultural Centre. Tickets are $10 per evening or $30 for all three evenings (with a membership discount available). Tickets can be purchased on line at cktickets.com, by calling 519-354-8338 or visiting the CCC box office. A limited number of tickets are available at the door.

Last Wednesday of every month
ARTspace is pleased to announce that we will be hosting networking events
for fibre artists! The cost is 25¢ payable at the door. What, you ask, is a fibre artist? A fibre artist works with natural or synthetic fibres; he may knit or crochet, she may work with collage, they may weave or dye material. At the Fibre Network night artisans will
bring their projects to work on, supplies to create artist trading cards will be available, ideas and techniques will be shared and artists will socialize while being productive. To attend a Fibre Network meeting just call ART space to RSVP at 519-352-1064, email artspace.tag@gmail.com, or show up Wednesday, April 29 @ 7pm with your quarter.
ARTspace is a gallery featuring artwork created by Chatham-Kent artists and
is located at 1651é2 King Street West in downtown Chatham, Ontario. ARTspace
is open 12-5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. ARTspace is a Thames Art
Gallery community arts initiative in partnership with the Community Futures
Development Corporation and Municipality of Chatham-Kent Community
Partnership Fund.

Every Thursday, Sept. 1 to June 30, 6:30 p.m.
The Kiwanis Club of Ridgetown meets weekly in the basement of the Mount Zion Presbyterian Church, 59 Main St. E., Ridgetown. Summer meetings are hosted by members at various local addresses.

Every Second and Fourth Friday of each month, 7:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
TEENS ROCK for teenagers in grades 7 - 10 meets at the Gym at Charlemont Free Methodist Church, 30127 Brigden Road, R.R.#5, Wallaceburg for basketball, volleyball, soccer, table games, outdoor games, campfires, cookouts, camping trips, community service projects and more. Call 627-8170 or 627-4965 for more details or e-mail janice_smith@cogeco.ca.

Fourth Wednesday of every Month
Located in the Region of Chatham-Kent, Tulip Tree Needlearts is a chapter of the
Embroiderersí Association of Canada www.eac.ca. The aim of the organization is to preserve traditional techniques and promote new challenges in the Art of Embroidery through education and networking. Meetings are the 4th Tuesday of every month. For information on meetings or classes please phone 519 674-5538 or 519 354-8590. Workshops are designed to offer members an opportunity to learn both new and advanced methods of needlework. Projects and Classes are ongoing throughout the year. Stitch-ins are held regularly in members homes throughout the region of Chatham-Kent. These offer an opportunity for members to share expertise and ideas. Tulip Tree Needlearts offers group and individual courses through the Embroiderersí Association of Canada. Membership is $50.00 and includes a subscription to the quarterly national magazine Embroidery Canada.

Wednesday, April 22, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
The Chatham-Kent Chapter of the Canadian Cancer Society presents Grand Dessert Night in Ridgetown at the University of Guelph, Ridgetown Campus. Tickets are $20. For tickets or information call Rachel at 519-352-3960.

Wednesday, April 22, 7:00
Business meeting of the Dresden Horticultural Society will take place at the Trinity Christian Centre in Dresden.

Wednesday, April 22
Chatham Kent Retired Women Teachers will host their spring meeting at Charing Cross United Church-Registration-11:30 a.m. RWTO Guests From St. Thomas Elgin & Ontario President, Carol Watson will attend. The prestigious Cora Bailey Award will be presented to two worthy recipients. Ladies cellebrating their 80th birthday will be honoured. Program: St. John Therapy Dogs

April 22
The Kings of Swing Salutes the Stars of the Big Band Era at the Kiwanis Theatre, April 22, 2009 takes us back to the glorious era of the Big Bands, those wonderful years from 1935 to 1945. GALAXY ALL-STAR ORCHESTRA have performed in theatres across Ontario as well as at ArtPark in Lewiston, New York. Tickets are $29 (member discounts are available) and can be purchased at the Box Office at 75 William Street North, by phone at 519-354-8338, or through www.cktickets.com <http://www.cktickets.com/>

Thursday, April 23, 7:00 p.m.
The Chatham-Kent Museum, Thames Art Gallery, and Kiwanis Theatre are happy to present Quiz Night in Studio 1 of the Chatham Cultural Centre. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. with the first round of trivia questions starting promptly at 7 p.m. This is a non-profit event designed to bring the community together for a fun evening of laughs, brain teasers, great food, and great company. Participants will enjoy delicious snacks catered by William Street Café, and a cash bar will be available for refreshments. Cash prizes will be awarded to 5 teams; 1st prize of up to $250 to the team who answers the greatest number of questions correctly, 2nd prize up to $100, and 3rd prize up to $50. There will also be cash prizes awarded to the “oldest” and “youngest” team participating. Participants must register in teams of 4 for a total of $40. Team registration will be made available at the CCC Box Office 75 William Street North, by phone at 519.354.8338 or online through www.cktickets.com.

April 23, 24, 25, Dinner 6:00 p.m., Show 7:30 p.m., April 26, Dinner 5:00, Show 6:30
The Thamesville United Church Drama group presents “Flaming Idiots”, a contemporary farce which takes place entirely in a restaurant kitchen. Dinner and show tickets are $30 each, Show only tickets are $15. Send your ticket order and cheque to Thamesville United Church Drama, c/o Caroline Osborne, 11683 Longwoods Road, Kent Bridge, ON N0P 1V0 or call Caroline at 519-352-8794 or Helen at 519-692-5032.

Friday, April 24, 8:00 p.m.
For the past four seasons, the Ken Crone Trio has been performing to sold-out crowds from the intimate stage in Studio One. The Ken Crone Trio is Ken Crone on piano, Pat Crone on drums and Ed Laporte on bass.  Ken is happy to announce another stellar cast will join him for this All Star Concert in the Kiwanis Theatre. Guests will include Denise Pelley who has been a past guest in our Friday Night Jazz series as well as starring in a one-woman show Jazzabel a year ago in the Kiwanis Theatre, Saxophonist, George Benson whose performance credits range from Louis Armstrong to Lena Horne, Stevie Wonder to Lionel Hampton and Ella Fitzgerald to Milton Berle, Trumpeter Johnny Trudell who, with his orchestra, has backed such greats as Bob Hope, Red Skelton, Tony Bennett, and Johnny Carson and Trombonist Joe Edmonds who has been busy over the last couple of years performing with Orchestra London, Natalie Cole and the Temptations. The Friday Night Jazz All Star Concert will be another fantastic evening at the Chatham Cultural Centre! Tickets are $22 and member discounts are available.  To purchase tickets or for additional information, contact the Chatham Cultural Centre Box Office at 519.354.8338, drop by 75 William Street North, Chatham, or visit www.cktickets.com.

Saturday, April 25, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Are you trained for emergency First Aid and CPR? Knowing what to do in anemergency can save lives! The Kent Federation of Agriculture and the Chatham Kent Farm SafetyAssociation are sponsoring an ≥Emergency First Aid / CPR≤ training coursefor Chatham-Kent Farmers and rural residents on Saturday, April 25th, 2009 at Trinity Christian Centre, 547 North St. Dresden. The cost is $65 per person, and discounted rates are available for registered farm businesses. Space is limited so reserve your spot early by calling the Kent Federation of Agriculture at 519-674-1595 or by email kent@ofa.on.ca.

April 25, May 2, 9 and 23.
The Big Draw – a drawing class for kids happens Saturday mornings 10 am – noon. To enrol your child call the Chatham Cultural Centre box office at 519-354-8338 or go online to www.cktickets.com. The cost is $55. Member discount available. Only 7 spots
left! Sign up today!

Sunday, April 26, 2:00 p.m.
For nearly 25 years, the Chatham Cultural Centre Chorale has been entertaining us with the beautiful, talented voices of this 65+ member choir. The Spring concert in the Kiwanis Theatre is no exception. Tickets are $16 with member discounts available. To purchase tickets visit the Box office at 75 William Street North, call the Box Office at 519-354-8338 or online at www.cktickets.com <http://www.cktickets.com/>

Sunday, April 26, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Enjoy an informative presentation on field guides and their proper use, followed by a 1 1/2 hour guided hike through the forest searching for early flowers, animal signs, and the trees and shrubs that enhance our existence presented to you by the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority. Topics covered during the hike will include common wildflower/tree/shrub/wildlife species of our area, how and why plants have adapted to flower so early, the roles early bloomers play in the forest ecosystem, and the interactions that occur within the forest ecosystem . Pre-registration for this event is necessary for all participants (children and adults) as there are a limited number of spaces. Cost is $15 for adults, $5 for children 6-17, children under 6 are free. To register call the Resource Centre at 519-264-2420 during regular business hours: Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.

Monday, April 27, 7:30 p.m.
Mount Zion Presbyterian Church, Ridgetown will be hosting Dofasco Male Chorus. This group of enthusiastic Dofasco employees is highly acclaimed as one of the finest male choruses throughout all of Canada. Freewill offering with the proceeds to the MRI Campaign. Tax receipts for donations of $10.00 or more. Refreshments and Fellowship. Everyone Welcome!

April 30 to May 2
In another first for Theatre Kent, the group is pairing up with Wallceburg Little Theatre to do a run of their new show, a comedy by local author Karen Robinet, in Wallaceburg before playing Chathamπs Kiwanis Theatre. Caught in the Acts will be at the Von Ayres Theatre in Wallaceburg from April 30 through May 2. Tickets are available by calling 519-627-8962 or 519-627-3630.

Saturday, May 2
The Kiwanis Theatre is pleased to present a night of Egyptian dance on Saturday, May 2, 2009. In partnership with local dancers, 1001 Nights "Alf Leyla Wa Leyla" will take you on a journey back in time along the banks of the Nile River to ancient Egypt where Pharaohs ruled the land. Megan Robbins and Susu Abdo invite you to explore this mystifying and exotic culture through the ancient art of Egyptian belly dance. Experience the many styles of belly dance from regional belly artists and students. A themed dinner catered by William Street Cafè will be presented prior to the performance. Cocktails are at 5:30pm, followed by dinner at 6:00pm. The show begins at 8:00pm. Tickets for the show are only $15 for adults and $10 for seniors and students. Tickets for the dinner and the performance are $35. All tickets at the door will be $20.00. Tickets are available now by calling the Chatham Cultural Centre Box Office at 519-354-8338 or online at _ HYPERLINK "http://www.cktickets.com" __

May 2 to September 20
The Chatham-Kent Museum at 75 William St. N., Chatham presents “A Stitch in Time”. Call 519-360-1998 or visit www,chatham-kent.ca/ckmuseum for details.

Saturday, May 2, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The Chatham-Kent Chapter of the Canadian Cancer Society presents Let’s Scrap Cancer, a scrap-booking and card-making event, at St. Clair College, Chatham. Cost is $30. For information call Rachel at 519-352-3960.

Saturday, May 2, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, May 3, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The Upper Thames Military Re-enactment Society presents the 20th Annual Longwoods Heritage Days. Step back in time to 1814 as British troops attack American invaders. Hear the crack of the musket and the roar of the cannon. Come and experience life in the early 19th century. See the colourful clothing, and smell the food prepared over open fires. Let us entertain your family for the day. Admission is $6 for adults, Elementary school children are free.

May 4
"The Necessities of Life", directed by Benoit Pilon is the next showing by the C-K Film Group. "Necessities" is an effective Canadian film that has been nominated for eight
Genie awards. Natar Ungalaaq is a subtle and persuasive actor (Jay Stone, movie critic). 6:45 P.M. at Chatham Cinema 6, $8.00 Members ~ $9.00 Non-members
Advance tickets available at William St. Café.

May 6, Lunch
A Luncheon Fashion Show takes place at the Saellite Restaurant, 145 King St., Chatham to benefit Chatham-Kent Big Sisters. Fashions from Serena’s Ladies Wear. Call the restaurant at 519-352-5281 to reserve a table.

May 7, 8, 9
Theatre Kent presents an original comedy by Chatham-Kent resident Karen Robinet entitled Caught in the Acts on at the Chatham Cultural Centre. For tickets or information call the CCC box office at 519-354-8338 or visit www.cktickets.com.

Saturday, May 9
The second annual Lambton-Kent Composite School Alumni and Friends Golf Tournament will be held at Country View Golf Course in Chatham. All former staff, students and administrators to participate! The tournament will consist of a four-person scramble. The $65 entry fee ($260 per foursome) includes 18 holes of golf, complete with a power cart and prizes. It also includes a post-tournament dinner and reception, to be held at the Lambton-Kent Memorial Arena. Non-golfers interested in attending only the dinner are welcome to do so at a cost of $20 per person. Registration information for the tournament or dinner can be obtained by contacting the school (519.683.4475).

Saturday, May 9
The Park Street Centre is giving you the opportunity to show and sell your work on Saturday, May 9th during Doors Open. Interested artists may choose their space on a first come first served basis. The space is free and can keep all proceeds made by the sale of your work. The Park Street Centre welcomes all media including installation work. For more information contact Brian Chute at 519-351-2480 or 519-358-6436 or
brian-chute@hotmail.com

Saturday, May 9
Doors Open Chatham-Kent.

Sunday, May 10
Just In Time For Mother's Day, May 10th - Order Early! "ANNUAL ROTARY ROSES FOR SALE @ $20. DOZEN". Ready for pick up on Friday afternoon or all day Saturday @ St. James Presbyterian Church in Thamesville. For details, please call Myles @ (519) 692-4733 or Jim @ (519) 692-4275.

May 15 to June 7, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily
The Thames Art Gallery presents High Class Art 2009, the 27th annual exhibition of art created by secondary school students of Chatham-Kent. The Gallery is pleased to host this exhibition, which represents some of the finest artwork produced this year by art students from secondary schools in the area. This display celebrates the achievements of many of Chatham-Kent’s young artists and the creative instruction and enthusiasm of our municipality’s art teachers. Featured in the exhibition are works representing a wide range of artistic media, including painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture and mixed media.  An opening reception will be held on Sunday, May 24 at 2 p.m.  For more information, please contact the Thames Art Gallery at 519.360.1998 or visit us at 75 William Street North in Chatham. 

Friday, May 22, 8:00 p.m.
The Kiwanis Theatre is pleased to present the third annual CK Guitar Summit, a performance by some of the best guitar players from Chatham-Kent.  The performance, led by veteran Chatham guitarist Tom Lockwood, will also feature the talents of Chris Rupert, Mike Schatte, Ray Whaling, Brian Allossery, Bob Hiltz, and Mark Wolfe. Returning from an extended Canadian tour with Sarnia harmonica player Mike Stevens, Lockwood says of the 2009 performance "I imagine this year’s event will "Rock Out" more in the second half than in past years". Tickets are only $25 with member discounts available and can be purchased by visiting the Cultural Centre Box Office at 75 William Street North in Chatham, or by calling the box office at 519.354.8338, toll-free at 1.866.807.7770.  Tickets can also be purchased online at www.CKtickets.com.   

May 24, 12:00 noon to 6:00 p.m.
The Fiddle and Sash Association, promoting Metis Culture, is sponsoring an Old Fashioned Rendezvous at the Knights of Columbus Hall, McNaughton Ave. (Hwy 40), Wallaceburg. They are looking for volunteers. If you play the fiddle, guitar or spoons, sing or jig, or are traders and/or crafters, please contact Claude or Marie Laprise at 519-627-4795. The event is free. Come Jam and sample traditional Metis cuisine and learn a little bit about Metis culture.

Wed. May 27th, 700 p.m.
Business Meeting of the Dresden Horticultural Society, Trinity Christian Centre, Dresden.

Wednesday, May 27
The Heart and Stroke Big Bike Event takes place in Wallaceburg at the Oaks Inn. For more information call Heather at 519-354-6232.

Thursday, May 28
The Heart and Stroke Big Bike Challenge takes place at Dresden Raceway. High School Challenge and Corporate Challenge start at 4:00 p.m. Sponsored by the OLG. Food available. For more information call Heather at 519-354-6232.

Saturday May 30,
The Chatham-Kent Crime Prevention and Safety Board is hosting a scramble shot gun start golf tournament at Country View Golf Course. Cost is $90 per person and the day includes: 18 Holes of Golf with Cart, Buffet Dinner, A FREE round of golf ($30 value), Tax receipt for $25. For further information or to pay by cash or cheque, call: Marjorie Crew -CPSBCK President: 519-351-1269 e-mail: mcrew@eastsidepride.ca or Vince Scott- Golf Tournament Coordinator: 519-358-7835 e-mail: vincescott@sympatico.ca

Saturday, May 30, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
The Optimist Club of Chatham and the Municipality of Chatham-Kent Recreation Programs are set to host the 2nd Annual CK Youth Festival at Tecumseh Park in Chatham featuring an inflatable playground, local performers on the Kiwanis Stage, and interactive exhibits from groups all across Chatham-Kent showcasing their summer programs and camps. A Tribute to Hannah Montana will top the Main Stage acts at the event this year with a portrayal of Miley Cyrus & Hanna Montana that is nothing less than incredible. Interactive workshops will take place at the Chatham Cultural Centre. Children can participate in Taekwondo hosted by Sun’s Taekwondo and Bling Fling jewelry-making. Spaces are limited for the workshops, so parents must register their children prior to the event. To register, call 519-360-1998 or visit www.chatham-kent.ca/recconnect. The Play Pit zone features a special guest this year as CN North American Railroad brings Little Obie, a scale model of a locomotive that children can ride and learn about railroad safety. Children will also have fun playing in large inflatable play pits, a 25-foot climbing wall, petting zoo, and pony rides. Admission is FREE for the entire event, and children of all ages are welcome. For more information on the Main Stage performances or C-K Youth Festival visit www.ckyouthfestival.ca or phone at 519.360.1998. 

Sunday, May 31, 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Monday, June 1, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Tuesday, June 2, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Theatre Kent is looking for men and women age 14 and up for its production of Evita by Andrew Lloyd Weber and Tim Rice. A small childrenπs choir is required for one scene in the production as well. Everyone is encouraged to audition and previous experience is not required. Childrenπs auditions will be held Sunday May 31st from 1:00-2:30pm. Callbacks will be held Sunday June 7th. All auditions are at Studio One at the Chatham Cultural Centre, 75 William Street North in Chatham. Everyone auditioning should prepare a contemporary theatre song approximately 1-2 minutes in length. Individuals wishing to be considered for the roles of “Eva” or “Che” should prepare 2 contrasting songs.

June 3, Lunch
A Luncheon Fashion Show takes place at Glitters Fun Eatery, 162 King St., Chatham to benefit the Kidney Foundation. Call 519-352-0820 to reserve a table.

Saturday, June 6
Please join us for our THAMESVILLE ROTARY ANNUAL TOWN-WIDE YARD SALE on June 6th from 7:00 am until ??. Drop by our ROTARY FOOD BOOTH on Jane Street for our EARLY BIRD SPECIAL & ALL DAY MENU. See ya' there and HAPPY SALE-ING.

June 12 to July 26
The non-juried Community Arts Initiative exhibition Call and Response at the Thames Art Gallery.

June 14, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The Maidstone Historical Society is hosting a Black Powder shoot at 970 Puce Road, Maidstone.

Thursday, June 18
The Opening of the non-juried Community Arts Initiative exhibition Call and Response at the Thames Art Gallery will be part of the First Annual Summer Art Crawl taking place tonight in downtown Chatham.

July 3, 4 and 5]
The Rotary Club of Chatham Sunrise will be hosting a Ribfest on July 3, 4 and 5, 2009. It will be held in Tecumseh park and will feature internationally renowned Ribbers, local vendors, entertainment in the bandshell, classic car display and other activites designed to create fun for the whole family For more information, please contact the Jim Nash, Event Chairperson at 519 380-9265   ext 221 or e-mail at jnash@enviroshake.com

July 8th 2009 to August 14, 2009
The Chatham-Kent Museum “Adventures under the Sea” summer camp is a great week long program to keep your kids active and occupied during those long summer months for children ranging from ages 5-9 (please see www.cktickets.com for dates and ages).  At camp kids will learn about underwater life, be introduced to new sea creatures each day as well as learn about rivers and oceans and where to locate them on a map.  Kids will have fun seeing and taking care of real live fish, and through arts and crafts, water activities, science experiments and games, they will be able to identify new things by the end of the week.  Kids will have a blast on Environment Day as they learn about environmental dangers in the oceans, and how we can each make a difference to keep the planet safe!  Early drop off is available in Studio One at 8:30am, and late pick up available until 4:30pm at Studio One for a small fee.  The 5 day program runs from 9am until 4pm, and children will need to bring their own peanut-free snacks and lunches. Please dress appropriate for the weather as we will be spending some time each day outside. This week long program is only $85.00 for Cultural Centre members or $95.00 for non-members.  To get your tickets, please contact or visit the Box Office at 519-354-8338 or at www.cktickets.com

Sat. July 11th,
The Dresden Horticultural Society Garden Tour takes place. Details to follow.