The Chatham Alzheimer Society is rolling out a new initiative throughout Chatham-Kent. The program is called “dementia friendly communities” and the goal of the program is to give Chatham Kent businesses the skills and knowledge to better serve our dementia community. After a 1-hour education session with our education manager, your business can become certified as a dementia friendly supporter. With this designation you will receive a special decal for your display and advertising on the Alzheimer Society of Chatham-Kent’s website and socials. You can learn more about the program here: Dementia Friendly Communities Ontario | Alzheimer Society of Ontario

To receive the designation, 75% of frontline staff must complete either the in person education course (1 hour) or an online e-module course (1 hour) (if you cannot get all employees to attend the in-person course).

If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact the Alzheimer Society of Chatham-Kent directly at 519-352-1043 ext. 221 or email info@justasck.ca

What's Brewing Chatham-Kent? Newcomer Network

New to Chatham-Kent? Look no further! There are numerous organizations and individuals ready to help newcomers adjust to the community. Whether you are a newcomer to Chatham-Kent, Ontario, or Canada, we are here to welcome you!

Come join us at our monthly events to connect, make new acquaintances, and discover all that Chatham-Kent has in store for you!

One free non-alcoholic beverage included. Sponsored by United Way. Opportunities to win fun prizes!

At Turns & Tales, 213 King Street, Chatham.

Wednesday, May 22nd from 6:00PM - 8:00PM. Sponsored by United Way of Chatham-Kent, Ska:Na Family Learning Centre, Thamesview Family Health Team, Living CK, and CK Public Health.

Contact info@uwock.ca for more information.

March is Nutrition Month and we can't talk about that without also talking about Food Insecurity.

1 in 5 households in Chatham-Kent do not have enough money to buy food. That's 20% of the community who must decide between paying their bills or buying food.

The 2023 Cost of Eating Infographic shows the monthly cost of eating in CK and the numbers show that current social assistance programs are not enough.

View the entire infographic at: www.ckpublichealth.com/foodinsecurity

Armoury Special Events, Zonta Club of Chatham-Kent, and She Leads are partnering to offer events in honour of International Women's Day on March 8th.

For more information and to learn about how to support the events whatever your gender, visit the She Leads website.

Friday, March 8th, 4:30 PM

"I Am Woman" March

Meet at the clock downtown (at King & 5th St.). Walk to Sweet C's to enjoy a treat, cross at 3rd St. and return to the Cenotaph. Cross the bridge to the Chatham Armoury.

Open to anyone (Women and their supporters), no cost.

Bring a friend. Wear purple. Make some noise. Shake pom poms.

A celebration of all Women.

Friday, March 8th, 5:00 PM

"I Am Woman" Celebration

Chatham Armoury

Open to anyone who identifies as a Woman.

Enteractive booths/vendors. Taste by Tiff will be providing food options for sale. Cash bar with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

6pm: Welcome & inspirational message. Dance class led by Lisa Lester.

Party, Lip Sync Battle and networking to follow!

Wear comfortable clothing and footwear that allows you to move & dance

$5 minimum donation at the door. Proceeds benefit Chatham-Kent Women's Centre.

Saturday, March 9th, 10:00AM - 2:00PM

She Leads Vendor Expo

Chatham Armoury

Open to anyone who identifies as a Woman.

Support women-led businesses, local charities and organizations.

Taste by Tiff will have nutritional food options & drinks for sale

$5 minimum donation at the door. Proceeds benefit Chatham-Kent Women's Centre.

Most vendors accept debit, cash and/or e-transfer.

The Chatham-Kent Local Immigration Partnership and Municipality of Chatham-Kent Community Attraction & Promotion team invite leaders and members of local cultural community groups to meet, network, and explore possible connections.

Tuesday, March 5, 5:00 - 7:00 PM

Chatham Granite Club, 41 William Street North, Chatham.

Light refreshments will be provided.

Registration required.

Contact cklip@chatham-kent.ca to register or for more information.

Note: This event is intended specifically for leaders and members of local cultural community groups, and is not an education session open to the public.

As Muslim communities prepare for Ramadan, the Ahlan Bazaar is happening at The Chatham Islamic Centre, 310 McNaughton Ave West, from 2:00PM - 6:00PM on March 1st and 2nd.

Free entry, cash only for payments.

Find jewelry, halal foods, desserts, clothing, eyebrow threading, and henna.

Everyone welcome.

If you have question, please contact Maha Muhareb 519.359.4024 or mamuhareb@hotmail.com.

How well do you know local history?

Test your knowledge about Black History in Chatham-Kent and enter to win tickets to a screening of The Color Purple on February 28th!

Take the quiz here: https://take.quiz-maker.com/QEKTHXGBV

Thanks to our friends at Buxton Museum, Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society & Black Mecca Museum, Ontario Heritage Trust (Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History), Buxton's Next Generation, Chatham Capitol Theatre for this partnership!

The Chatham-Kent Chapter of the Canadian Council of the Blind is holding events in honour of White Cane Week.

The group will have events at the Downtown Chatham Centre on February 5^th from 10:00 to 11:00 A.M. and 2:00 to 3:00 P.M. and on February 10^th starting at 1:00 P.M. During these times they will have an obstacle course set up to help people experience what it might be like to navigate spaces with visual loss.

They will also be out on February 7^th to raise awareness starting at Walmart at 10:00 A.M., PetSmart at 11:30 A.M., and Superstore at 1:00 P.M.

The goal of the events is to raise awareness about vision loss, demonstrate the abilities of people with vision loss, and let people know that support is available for people.

CCB-CK is an official chapter of the CANADIAN COUNCIL OF THE BLIND (www.ccbnational.net). Based in Chatham-Kent Ontario, Canada, it is a group of blind and visually impaired persons, who look to gather in a POSITIVE, SAFE, WELCOMING, JUDGEMENT FREE, FORWARD THINKING environment, in order to enhance each and every participants life. How do we do this you may ask? Simple, by looking at each individual as a PERSON first and foremost, before we label their visual impairment, allows us to see the possibilities i n life through the perspective of everyday public figures. By focusing on positive, practive knowledge sharing, judgment free sharing spaces and a general "Can Do" attitude, the CCB-CK group looks to eliminate the stigma and accompanying social, mental burdons that go along with being a blind or visually impaired person. The group comes together to share ideas around accessible sports and recreation (the Trust Your Buddy Program), accessible technology (Getting together with Technology) as we as removing common barriers, social stigmas, and perceptions that blind people "can't" do things. CCB-CK is a group of positive, intelligent, talented, kind persons, who just happen to not see the world (literally) as well as others. Beyond that, anything is truly possible. Our Mission Statement Providing support, information and social activities for all our members CCB Chatham Kent CCB.ckchapter@gmail.com

February is Black History Month, a month dedicated to honouring and celebrating the accomplishments of Canadians of African descent.

This month and all year long, we encourage you to learn about Black communities and community members who have helped shape what Chatham-Kent is today.

See below for some of the events taking place across Chatham-Kent throughout the month. Feel free to share with colleagues and community.

We would like to thank the Buxton National Historic Site & Museum, Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society and Black Mecca Museum, Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History, and our colleagues across the Municipality of Chatham-Kent for their partnerships and continued work to preserve and share our local and national history.

Why do we Honour Black History Month?

Black History has largely been excluded from mainstream recounting of Canadian history. That means the contributions of Black community members have often been excluded, even though they are important parts of our shared history. For example, many people don't know that soldiers of African descent made sacrifices in wartimes and actually had to advocate to be able to fight for their Country. Or, that African people were enslaved in Canada, in addition to the United States of America. Because of this exclusion of Black stories and contributions, having a dedicated month helps ensure that these stories are told. And, it helps to highlight the continued struggles for liberation, equity, and justice.

How was Black History Month Established?

In Canada, Black History Month was first proclaimed in 1978 by the City of Toronto as a result of advocacy by the Ontario Black History Society (OBHS), including Dr. Daniel G. Hill and Wilson O. Brooks.

In 1993, the OBHS successfully filed a petition in Ontario to proclaim February as Black History Month. Following that success, Rosemary Sadlier, president of the OBHS, introduced the idea of having Black History Month recognized across Canada to the Honourable Jean Augustine, the first Black Canadian woman elected to Parliament.

In December 1995, the House of Commons officially recognized February as Black History Month in Canada following a motion introduced by Dr. Augustine. The House of Commons carried the motion unanimously.

In February 2008, Senator Donald Oliver, the first Black man appointed to the Senate, introduced the Motion to Recognize Contributions of Black Canadians and February as Black History Month. It received unanimous approval and was adopted on March 4, 2008. The adoption of this motion completed Canada’s parliamentary position on Black History Month.

What is Happening to Honour Black History Month in Chatham-Kent?

Thursday, February 1, 12:00PM

Black History Month Flag Raising, 315 King St W, Chatham (Civic Centre)

Bundle up and show your support for the kick-off of Black History Month in Chatham-Kent!

Join the Buxton National Historic Site & Museum, the Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society & Black Mecca Museum, and the Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History to honour the start of Black History Month and learn about what is happening in Chatham-Kent throughout the month.

Thursday, February 8, 10:00AM – 11:00AM

Buxton Museum Storytime, Chatham-Kent Public Library, Chatham Branch

Join us for a special story time celebrating Black History Month with special guests from the Buxton National Historic Site & Museum. Best suited for children 5 and younger. Drop-in.

Saturday, February 10, 6:00PM – 1:00AM (cost to attend)

Chatham-Kent Black Excellence Awards, Retro Suites Hotel

This inaugural event to recognize the outstanding accomplishment of local Black community members and celebrate Black cultures, and community advocates. Attendees from all cultures are welcome.

Learn more and purchase tickets through EventBrite.

Thursday, February 22, 6:30PM – 7:15PM

Twilight Tails, Chatham-Kent Public Library, Dresden Branch

February is Black History Month, and we have all kinds of treasures to help celebrate. Play the jumbo Match-Up of famous athletes, entertainers, and inventors. Registration is not necessary.

Tuesday, February 27, 6:00PM

Trivia Night, Red Barn Brewing Co.

Join Red Barn Brewing and Buxton's Next Generation (BNG) for a fun night of trivia, including Black History Month questions. A portion of proceeds go to BNG.

Buy tickets from Red Barn Brewing company.

Wednesday, February 28, 2:00PM and 7:00PM

Screening of The Color Purple, Chatham Capitol Theatre

A story of love and resilience bast on the novel and Broadway musical. Rated PG-13. Admission $7 at the door. No registration required.

All Month-Long

Black History Month Quiz

Test your knowledge about Black History in Chatham-Kent and enter to win tickets to a screening of The Color Purple on February 28th!

Take the quiz here: https://take.quiz-maker.com/QEKTHXGBV

Thanks to our friends at Buxton National History Site & Museum, Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society & Black Mecca Museum, Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History, Buxton's Next Generation, Chatham Capitol Theatre, and Living CK for this partnership!

Buxton National Historic Site & Museum

Visit Ontario’s second largest national historic site, a tribute to the Elgin settlement virtually or in-person.

Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society and Black Mecca Museum

Learn about the Black community that settles along McGregor’s Creek in Chatham at the end of the 18^th century to present day. Self-guided tours available.

Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History

Site of the Dawn Settlement, built by Rev. Josiah Henson in 1841. In-person tours available for groups of 15 or more. Virtual tours also available.

Chatham-Kent Municipal Museums

Let Us March on till Victory is Won: The Struggle for Racial Equity in CK and Ontario

The exhibit traces the National Unity Association’s crusade for justice and determination to end practices of segregation in Chatham-Kent and Ontario. Visit the virtual exhibit or book the travelling exhibit to see it in-person.

Chatham-Kent Public Library

Read Black Voices, All Branches

Celebrate the diversity of Black experiences by reading books by Black authors and illustrators. Participants will earn a ballot when they borrow a book with the Black Voices bookmarks for a chance to win a prize pack.

Black History Month Quizzes, Tilbury Branch

Drop-in to the Tilbury Branch each week in February for a new quiz about notable Black figures and historic events.

Living CK

Stay tuned to the Living CK Facebook or Instagram channels for information about Black History Month in Chatham-Kent.

Thames Art Gallery

Visit their Facebook and Instagram pages to learn about Black artists with local ties throughout the month.

Thursday, February 1st, 12:00 - 12:30, 315 King Street West, Chatham (Chatham Civic Centre)

Join the Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History, the Buxton National Historic Site & Museum, and the Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society & Black Mecca Museum to honour the start of Black History Month and learn about what is happening in Chatham-Kent throughout the month.

Stay tuned to the DEIJ website for details about events happening throughout February to honour Black History Month.