This blog is a difficult one for me, as I am writing it I am living it, Christmas is a hard time of year. For many people Christmas can be hard, financially, emotionally, relationally. A regular Christmas can add stress, friction and sadness; add loss to the mix and it can be unbearable. Two weeks ago we lost a family member unexpectedly, I was already feeling overwhelmed by school, a strained ligament in my ankle and fatigue Christmas was not on my mind.

Wednesday November 11, 2015 the University of Windsor honoured our fallen soldiers and our veterans in a brief but heartfelt ceremony outside Memorial Hall. Participants were ushered into the moment by a bagpiper, a choir, and the reading of letters from the war era. During the tribute we were reminded of the loss of a local soldier who was killed fighting alongside Kurdish forces in Syria. John Robert Gallagher, 32 years old, was living in Calgary but was from Wheatley and considered himself a

It was the coldest night of the season thus far but that was not putting a damper on a Chatham-Kent event to draw awareness to the issue of homelessness and a fundraiser to draw support to a shelter for homeless men. There had been stories in the local papers about it to draw attention to the Boxes and Blankets event but something was missing, this reporter decided to understand it she had to experience it. And experience it I did and I learned the truth that homelessness is a very complex issue

With one week left before Election Day it was time to sit down and figure out who to vote for. This year I decided it was time for change, the change needed to come through both the politicians and the voters. I asked questions of three of the Chatham-Kent-Leamington Candidates (Katie Omstead -Liberal, Dave Vankesteren – Conservative incumbent, Tony Walsh –NDP) and attended one debate. I must make it abundantly clear, I did attempt to sit down with Mr. Vankesteren and he was graciously willing

It was crisp, it was cold, and wet but that only describes the weather in Rondeau Park Sunday October 4, 2015, the team spirit and excitement made up for the weather’s lack luster appearance. The third annual Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Foundation’s Pumpkin Run was a success. Individual and Team runners are what help make it an exciting and fun event. Dr. Kate Bailey and her team from the Thamesview Family Health Team lead by example by using the Pumpkin Run to get staff and patients alike

My name is Barbara Hutchins. I was born in London, Ont. and moved to Chatham-Kent when I was 13. I am a Chatham-Kent Secondary School grad (Go Hawks!) and I graduated from the early childhood education program at St. Clair College Thames Campus. I am married to the love of my life (Larry) for 22 years! I have been involved in our community through church and volunteer opportunities. I am currently taking a sabbatical from my volunteering with VON, as I am going through breast cancer treatment. I