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Things To Do


Things to do in and around Chatham-Kent!

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

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.

Monday to Saturday, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Research your Family Tree with the help of the Kent Branch Ontario Genealogical Society. Visit their Family History Library in an upstairs room at the main brnch of the Chatham Public Library. They have transcribed copies of census, tombstones, family histories, local histories, etc. for Kent County and surrounding counties. No charge, donations welcome. Contact info@ogskent.on.ca.

Monday mornings, 9:30 a.m.
PINOCHLE will be played at the Wallaceburg Community Centre. All welcome, beginners and experienced.

Last Monday of the month, January to December
Join Dresden's "LET'S COOK" cooking classes. Students ages 7 to 17 are invited to join the classes at the Dresden Christian Reformed Church, 956 Mooney St., Dresden, The FREE classes are held the last Monday of each month from January to December. Students will learn hands on food preparation and cooking skills in a fun environment while focusing on nutrition and safety. After school snacks and dinner are provided for the students. To register contact Wendy Goodreau at 519-683-2825. Spaces are limited but students may join at any time provided there is a space available.

Tuesdays, 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
The Thames Art Gallery provides FREE GUIDED TOURS FOR SENIORS. Featuring local, national and international art. Call 354-8338 for more information..

Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m., all year round
Every Tuesday night is TRIVIA NIGHT at the Moose Lodge, 110 Duke St., Wallaceburg. Cost is $2 to play and there are 40 questions plus a bonus wager question. New players can build their own team of four or just join a team that has less than four players. The team that ends up with the most points at the end wins the money. The more players there are, the more money you can win. Every two months there is also a pot-luck dinner. Call Evan Lumley at 519-627-0405 for more information.

First Wednesday of each month, 7:30 p.m.
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.

First Wednesday of each month, 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Join the CHATHAM-KENT THINK TANK for discussions about issues concerning our community, province, country and the world. Location: Chatham Capitol Theatre, East Lounge, 238 King St. W., Chatham.

Wednesday evenings, September - June, 7:45 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
THE BALDOON SQUARES, a square dance and round Dance group, meet at Wallaceburg District Secondary School cafeteria. Usually a light lunch follows the dance. Membership is free for the first three weeks of attendance. Call George Lung at 683-2889 for information.

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.

Last Wednesday of each month, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m
The Maple City Centre for Older Adults runs a FLEA MARKET. Call Sue Hawkins for more information at 352-5633.

Every Wednesday, 9:30 a.m.
Wallaceburg Community Centre hosts Pepper. Everyone welcome. User fees/prizes.

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. Call 354-1985 for more information.

Every Thursday, 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
HOBBIES AND LAUGHS Social time at the Wallaceburg Community Centre. Cost is $1. Bring your knitting, cross-stitch, etc. Share ideas, patterns. All adults welcome.

Every Thursday, 1:00 p.m.
Wallaceburg Community Centre hosts Euchre. Everyone welcome. User fee/prizes.

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.

May 1-25
Registration for the 7th Annual Sydenham Challenge Dragon Boat Festival. Teams are being accepted on a first come, first served basis. No experience necessare and all equipment will be provided. A qualified steersperson will be placed in each boat and practice sessions are available for each team if desired. Registration fee is $500 per team and only $100 due upon application. Teams can be sponsored corporately or raise money through individual donations. Proceeds to benefit United Way of Chatham-Kent and Breast Buddies (Breast Cancer Survivors).

Wednesday, May 21
Patirica M. Productions presents Modeling Marathon and Spring Fashion Tour to support the MRI Campaign. Join us in Your Town. Breakfast & Fashions in Wallaceburg at the Black Sheep Pub & Grill at 10 a.m., Lunch and Fashion Show in Tilbury at Osso Buco Italian Restaurant at 1:00 p.m.; Dinner and Fashion show in Chatham at Tru's Grill House at 6:00 p.m. Call the restaurant for reservations. Fashions by Audrey's Fashions, cleo/Ricki's, Enchantment Bridal, Cotton Ginny, Goldcoast Fashions, Jackie's Bridal, Janie's Fashions, Lara's Ladies Wear, Nina Marie's Boutique, Rachel's Room, Serena's Ladies Wear, Tropical Paradise, Bud Gowan Formal Wear.

Friday, May 23, 8:00 p.m.
Everyone is invited to join Sheila Gibbs, author or The Ghosts of Chatham-Kent, and local hisotiran Jim Gilbert, on a lantern-lit trip into some of the city's most haunted areas. Hear real stories about real people who have frequented areas near Tecumseh Park, and learn more about unexplained and unexpected events that haunt those who experienced them. Meet for the one hour walk in the lobby of the Retro Suites Hotel, 2 King St. W., rain or shine. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. Reservations are preferred and can be made by calling the hotel at 1-866-617-3876.

Saturday, May 24 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
The May Court Club of Chatham hosts its 6th Annual Charity Garage Sale & Farmers' Market at 955 McNaughton Ave. E., Chatham (corner of Prince Albert Side Rd. and McNaughton Ave. E.). Tim Horton's coffee, Hotdog stand, cold drinks, wraps are available. Vendors include Prodenchuk's Produce, Sparta Candles, Magnetic Jewelery, Connie's Country Cookin'. Sale items include Fresh fruit and vegetables, preserves, desserts, jewelery, candles, gift ware, small appliances, housewares, furniture, antiques, linens, bedding, toys, retro and more. Proceeds support Children's Programs in Chatham-Kent.

Wednesday, May 28
Bobby Dee's Golf Tournament at Deer Run. Proceeds to Big Brothers and Sisters of Chatham-Kent. Cost is $75 per golfer (not including cart). Call 519-351-1582 for more details.

May 29 to June 1
Million Dollar Swing event. Proceeds to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Chatham-Kent. Chance to win a Toyota Corolla and a Million Dollars. For further details please call 519-351-1582.

Saturday, May 31, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Chatham Lions Club is having a Food Drive and Barbeque for Outreach for Hunger at the Food Basics, St. Clair St., in Chatham. Help fill the School Bus with food for Chatham's Outreach for Hunger. A free ticket will be given to anyone donating a bag or box of food. Tickets will be drawn for prizes during the event.

Sunday, June 1, 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Monday, June 2, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Thursday, June 5, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Auditions for Theatre Kent's upcoming productin of Disney's Beauty and the Beast will be held in Studio One at the Chatham Cultural Centre. Men and women age 14 and up are needed for lead and chorus roles, and youths ate 8 to 14 are needed for lead and chorus roles. Dancers age 13 and up are also needed. Please come prepared with a song (approximately 1 minute in length). Accompaniment provided. You may also be asked to read from a script (provided). Performance dates are Nov. 6, 7, 8, 14, 15, 2008.

Wednesday, June 4, 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
The Dresden Horticultural Society invites you to enjoy a local garden during their "Lunch Garden" event. Bring your lunch to Kentwood Gardens and enjoy sitting in Evelyn's Garden or in the flowering greenhouse - whichever the weather permits.

Wednesday, June 4, 5:30 p.m.
Join the members of the Alzheimer Society for their 22nd Annual General Meeting, Dinner and Special Guest Presentation at Aristo's Banquet Room in Smitty's Restaurant, 307 Grand Ave. W., Chatham. Reception is at 5:30, Dinner at 6:00, Guest speaker at 6:45 and Annual General Meeting at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 per person and are available from the Alzheimer Society, 519-352-1043 (order by May 30).

Saturday, June 7
Come out to the Grand New Opry at the Park Street Centre, 12 Dufferin Ave., Chatham. Tonight's show features Pamela Brooks and Lonesome Wind.

Saturday, June 7
The 7th Annual Sydenham Challenge Dragon Boat Festival to benefit the United Way of Chatham-Kent and Breast Buddies (Breast Cancer Survivors) takes place at the Royal Canadian Legion Br.18, Wallaceburg. Pre-registration a must for teams, but onlookers are welcome to come out and cheer on your favourite team.

Sunday, June 8
Join the Sydenham Field Naturalists for a St. Clair River Cruise for 3 hours on the Hammond Bay with Blake Mann. Cost is $20 per person. Fruit punch will be provided; no alcohol allowed. Participants provide own snacks. Open to SFN members and friends. Great family outing.

Sunday, June 8, 1:00 to 6:00 p.m.
House Concert at the Ridge at 47 Marsh St., Ridgetown (Dempsters). Rain or shine (there is a tent) Bring a lawn chair. Cash bar. Featuring the Southwest Blues Review and Tom Lockwood Blues Band. $20 per person. Limited number of tickets. Call ahead to reserve your place 519-674-5196 or 519-358-3492.

Friday, June 13, 8:00 p.m.
Everyone is invited to join Sheila Gibbs, author or The Ghosts of Chatham-Kent, and local hisotiran Jim Gilbert, on a lantern-lit trip into some of the city's most haunted areas. Hear real stories about real people who have frequented areas near Tecumseh Park, and learn more about unexplained and unexpected events that haunt those who experienced them. Meet for the one hour walk in the lobby of the Retro Suites Hotel, 2 King St. W., rain or shine. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. Reservations are preferred and can be made by calling the hotel at 1-866-617-3876.

Friday, June 20
Saturday, June 21
The Canadian Cancer Society Chatham-Kent Unit will hold the sixth annual Relay For Life community event in Chatham at the Chatham-Kent Community Athletic Complex. This is an overnight, non-competitive relay that honours and celebrates cancer surviviors and has become the signature fundraising event of the Canadian Cancer Society.

Saturdays, June 28 - August 30, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Handmade Market will run alongside the Farmers Market at 100 King St. W. (at Fifth St.), Downtown Chatham (on Sears Patio). ARTISANS WANTED. Rates $30 per week per vendor (includes 10'x10' space, canopy or umbrella, 6' or 8' table.) Sign up for 5 weeks at $20 per week. Artisans my display and sell ONLY their own, original, handcrafted work. This is a juried Artisan Market open to residents of Chatham-Kent. For an entry form or more info email CKHandmadeMarket@hotmail.com.

June 30 to July 25
Theatre Kent presents Performer's Training Camp for ages 8-15. Boost your performance skills while rehearsing for a full-length show (this camp's show is The Secret Garden). Whether it's your first show or your fiftieth, you'll get experience in acting, voice, movement, character development, audition skills, and much more. There are exciting roles in the show for everyone, plus some prfessional-style perks including head-shots, workshops and t-shirts. Cost is $400 for 4 full weeks of fun, $300 for additional child or camp. Register by contacting the Chatham Cultural Centre at 519-354-8338 or go to cktickets.com. For more info call Gina at 519-354-6388.

July 7-25
St. Clair College, Thames Campus is hosting its fifth season of the Thames Institute of the Arts. Participants can reconnect with their creativity and explore their imagination through a wide variety of mediums including paints, stained glass, cameras, fabrics, paper, pen and more. For additional information regarding the Thames Institute of the Arts 2008 Summer Adult Art Retreat contact John Lawrence at 519-354-9100, ext. 3312 or visit www.stclaircollege.ca/TIA.

July 8, 2:00 p.m.
Wallaceburg & District Museum River Crab Dinner Boat Cruise takes place aboard the Huron Lady II. Bus departs Wallaceburg at 2:00 p.m. to Port Huron, Michigan where we will stop for a couple of hours. At 5:30 we will board the Huron Lady II and cruise to the River Crab Restaurant for dinner. Fee is $75 per person due by May 31. For more information call the Museum at 519-627-8962 or e-mail dbogaert@kent.net.

Saturday, July 19, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 P.M.
Dresden Horticultural Society presents its Annual Garden Tour. There will be displays at the Czech Hall during the noon luncheon. Tickets are $8 for non-members, $5 for members.

July 19 and 20
The Chatham Aeronauts present the 2008 R/C Airshow at Chatham-Kent Municipal Airport featuring Airshows, Car Shows, Full Sixe Aircraft Display, Concession Booths, Special Childrens Events. Gates open at 10:00 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, Airshows at 12:30 p.m. both days. For more information call 519-351-0197 or visit www.chathamaeronauts.com.

July 27 to September 3
The Thames Art Gallery is pleased to present The Ridgeway Windows by talented London stained glass artist Ted Goodden. The artist will be in attendance at the Opening Reception, Friday, July 27 at 7 p.m. Admission is free.

July 28 to August 22
June 30 to July 25
Theatre Kent presents Performer's Training Camp for ages 8-15. Boost your performance skills while rehearsing for a full-length show (this camp's show is Jungle Book - the Musical). Whether it's your first show or your fiftieth, you'll get experience in acting, voice, movement, character development, audition skills, and much more. There are exciting roles in the show for everyone, plus some prfessional-style perks including head-shots, workshops and t-shirts. Cost is $400 for 4 full weeks of fun, $300 for additional child or camp. Register by contacting the Chatham Cultural Centre at 519-354-8338 or go to cktickets.com. For more info call Gina at 519-354-6388.

Sunday, August 3, 1:00 p.m. (12 noon sign-in for pre-registered contestants)
Wheatley Optimist Club presents the 5th Annual Wheatley Idol Talent Competition at Two Creeks Conservation Area (1 km north of Wheatley 4 corners). The contest is open to all ages. There is no entry fee. Cash prizes and gift certificates will be awarded and there will be door prizes for onlookers. Early bird pre-registration opens May 1. Fill out the on-line form at www.jimaging.net/wheatleyidol. For more information call Darla Janzen 519-825-9897. Or just come on out and enjoy the show. Food available.

Saturday, August 16, 10:00 a.m.
Join the Sydenham Field Naturalists for a tour of the Walpole Island Prairie Grasslands with Clint Jacobs. To enjoy this rare opportunity, meet at Walpole Island Arena carpark at 10 a.m. Great family outing.

Saturday, September 20, 10:30 a.m.
Join the Sydenham Field Naturalists for the Hawks and Migrant Birds Watch at Holiday Beach Conservation Area with Brett Groves. Meet at Holiday Beach at 10:30 a.m. and bring a lunch. Entrance fee applies. Great family outing.