MY Thorold | March 2019 by Paul Carfagnini

MY Thorold M O N T H LY N E W S M A G A Z I N E | M A R C H 2 0 1 9

Dancing through the Decades with the Ice Show by the Thorold Figure Skating Club. Turn to page 3.

Should Thorold Amalgamate with St. Catharines?

PROPOSED AMALGAMATIONS

TIPS ON NEW CRACKER JACKS If you want smart tips on dining out in Thorold, check out the review on the new Cracker Jacks by Brock University student Jon-Paul Carfagnini. Turn to page 2.

How do you feel about a proposed amalgamation of Thorold with St. Catharines? Read more about the conversation we have engaged on this issue. Turn to page 3 ....

18 YEARS FOR SOLACE Solace Hair & Esthetics is celebrating 18 years in businss. See ad on page 4.

PAGE 2

MY Thoro l d . c o m

MARCH 2019

SIGN OF THE TIMES IS UP AT NEW CRACKER JACKS By Jon-Paul Carfagnini

Brock University, Media Communications

As a trademark in Thorold for many years, the green sign above Cracker Jacks Bar and Grill was a local icon in the West Confederation subdivision.

not always be their best probably because the eatery can be super packed at peak times, which puts pressures on the operations. On our recent visits, however, the servers were friendlier than in the past, creating more comfort within the restaurant which is a necessity for strong customer relationships at local eateries.

When ownership changed in 2018, the old REVIEW sign was replaced with lights, showing a Jon-Paul enters Cracker Jacks to see what’s new It feels like there are more servers working new look for the local bar and grill. The at the local eatery in Thorold. at the restaurant opening up more room illuminated sign represents a new, vibrant for customer interactions. This appears to look for Cracker Jacks presenting a more comfortable vibe for visitors. create for more efficient service. Since the owners of Johnny Rocco acquired Cracker Jacks in 2018, When our group was dining out recently at CJ’s, the food was served the restaurateurs made some noticeable changes. hot, and our glasses did not stay empty for long when patrons wanted NEW DECOR: Dining at Cracker Jacks today, we can see changes in to quench their thirst. the interior design. The new owners of Cracker Jacks have presented PRICES: Although prices have slightly increased, it is worth it for a new look that appeals to their target demographics. As a result, the an eventful experience. Under the new ownership Cracker Jacks eatery is a comfortable place for families to enjoy lunch or dinner. has maintained their weekly traditions. On Wednesday nights the NEW MENU: A new menu has been created for Cracker Jacks restaurant encourages their customers to participate in music trivia customers to enjoy numerous additions while finding some of the from 9.30 pm to 1.30 pm. On occasion, Cracker Jacks features a favourite foods from the previous line-up. For starters, appetizers musician on Friday nights. On Saturdays, Cracker Jacks holds Karaoke include Ravioli Bites, Calamari, Meatball Pops, and Quesadillas among Night giving everyone an opportunity to have fun on the mic. other options to create a higher culinary vibe to the bar. Cracker Jacks Cracker Jacks has certainly stepped up the competition among local also serves Perogies as a main dish. As a Canadian bar offering Poutine, restaurants in Thorold, setting a new bar for the standards of dining Greek Wraps, Nachos, Spaghetti, and much more it is important that out in the area. Furthermore the restaurant has been able to do so Cracker Jacks represents our nation’s mosaic culture. while maintaining the inclusive aspect of the restaurant that so many We were told that a new pizza oven was recently installed, which might appreciate. be a reason the hand stretched and freshly baked pies taste different WRAP UP: In conclusion, the remodelling of Cracker Jacks is these days. The pizza doesn’t come out as well done / over-cooked as certainly an enhancement to raise pride in our community. If the loyal before. This change could be why their pizza now tastes less crunchy customers of Cracker Jacks can just park all the sentimental traditions and not as greasy as in the past. they enjoyed in the past, and shift forward with the changes, they Although Cracker Jacks has changed their menu, they still have their should realize that this restaurant has been revitalized for a fabulous famous Buffalo Chicken Wing Pizza which is a local favourite. future. Cracker Jacks offers the option of “Build Your Own Pizza” which is There is more food to choose from, and it tastes better. The bar looks definitely tempting, but a hard option to choose opposed to their better than before. So, you can go there on a dinner date, partying with classics. friends, or meeting business clients without worrying about bringing We hear that there were some changes to the chicken wings recipe after the ownership change at Cracker Jacks. However, on a recent tasting, it sure seemed like the cook used the classic Cracker Jacks sauce from the past. Perhaps the news owners have listened to their customers and CJ’s classic wings have made a comeback for us to enjoy. CUSTOMER SERVICE: From my personal experience, the customer service has improved under the new management. The service might

them to a dive bar. Although prices have been slightly increased, it is all about getting good value for spending a few extra few dollars on a delicious meal to enjoy.

Yes, Cracker Jacks is showing us a bright sign of the times by offering customers a beautiful décor, delicious foods, and friendly service to retain its reputation as Thorold’s pride and joy for many years to come.

MARCH 2019

PAGE 3

MY Thoro l d . c o m

DANCING THROUGH THE DECADES AT ICE SHOW By Paul Carfagnini

performances by soloists in the spotlight:

Dancing through the decades was the theme of the Thorold Figure Skating Club’s Ice Show with performances on February 23 and 24.

• Sophie Bubish “Material Girl” • Corine Joline Proud Mary • Megan Vogt “Sweet Caroline”

The 68th annual production dazzled the audience with 26 segments choreographed with musical hits of the 50’s 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s.

• Sydney Fisher “Do You Love Me” Step-out segments featured • Megan Bussi “We Like To Party”

Songs such as Blue Suede Shoes, Locomotion, Footloose, and Celebration played as the skaters danced on the creatively painted ice. The show at the Thorold Arena featured special guest skater Kaetlyn Osmond, the 2018 World Champion. Several segments in the show featured

• Susie Tiner “Hey Ya” • Sammy Smith “Just Dance” To wrap up the fun show, the audience joined in chanting YMCA as the finale. See more Ice Show photos by Paul Carfaginin in Snapd

In addition to the Ice Show, the club offers an array of skating programs. Go to thoroldskatingclub.com

CONVERSATION ON PROPOSED AMALGAMATIONS

Marilyn Fraser St. Catharines has wanted to take over Thorold for years. Thorold has building room whereas St. Catharines is just doing infilling. The taxes in Thorold are lower than St. Catharines so you can be sure that will change quickly and not in favour of Thorold.

How do you feel about the news on the rumoured regionalization of Niagara municipalities including the amalgamation of Thorold with St. Catharines?

This is the question we posed on our Facebook page on February 17. The conversation engaged our FB Fans sharing their perspectives on the topic. Evidently, the province’s review of regional governments could lead into forced municipal amalgamations to possibly create only four cities in Niagara. It sure has people talking! Here are a few comments in the conversation. Nancy Beauregard LEAVE THINGS ALONE!

To change & to improve are two different things

Eric D. Scott If you have to merge, then merge into one mega city or nothing at all. Pat Berti Under the Harris PC government, amalgamation was forced in some regions. I ask, was bigger better? Were there any savings, or benefits that have occurred? I ask, because I do not know and I would like to see data that supports these decisions.

M Greg Lidstone Will Thorold South be standing alone as always since Thorold has long forgotten the huge tax revenue Thorold South factories gave to Thorold for so many years? Maybe the city of St. Catharines would make an investment in Thorold South and do an environmental clean up. Lisa Huhse No way. Thorold is Thorold.

Dan Kurchak This is so wrong. Imperial St. Catharines wants its way again. Billie Martin NO Way ,........ Mark Chrisp Everyone does not like change, change will come sadly. Let’s all realize to change, and to improve; are two different things. Have your say. Join the conversation on Facebook.com/InThorold

MARCH 2019

PAGE 4

MY Thoro l d . co m

W h a t ’ s H appen i n g DINNER TRIVIA NIGHT MARCH 9, 5 PM

THOROLD LEGION, BR. 17 LIVE MUSIC The Stickman Band March 8, 8:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m. St Patties Day Shenanigans | The Figure Four & Pubjugs March 15, 9:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.

A Dinner and Trivia Night will be held on March 9th at the Living Water Community Church, 42 Ormond St. S, Thorold. Doors open at 5 pm, dinner at 5:30 pm and the event including a silent auction runs until 9 pm.

NEMS Rock and Roll Night March 16, 8:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. The Legion is located at 3 Ormond St S, Thorold. Additional Parking at the Thorold Library after 8:00 p.m.

PANCAKE SUPPER MARCH 5, 5-7 PM The annual Pancake Supper will be held at St. John’s Church, 12 Carleton St. S, Thorold. The supper includes Pancakes, Sausages, Jello, Coffee/Tea/Juice Adults $8.00 / Children $3.00 (8 yrs. old and under), Activities for Children offered.

Proceeds from the event will support a local group going to the Dominican Republic through Living Water Community Church. Tickets cost $20 per person. Child care will be offered at a cost of $10 per child and that will include supper. Tickets must be purchased in advance. RSVP by calling 905-2271922, or on their Facebook page. Contact DJ Ryen at 905-4146685. In partnership with International Teams Canada, a registered Canadian charitable organization, the team from Thorold will be bringing help, healing and hope to children living in poverty. The group will be travelling from May 17-25 2019. The team will be engaged in a hands-on construction project connected with the Lighthouse School in Los Alcarrizos (near Santo Domingo). The group will also reach out and interact directly with the children in local villages. Everyone on the team is required to raise enough funds to pay for their own airfare, accommodation, transportation, food and a portion of the cost of materials and supplies.

HOLY ROSARY PASTA SUPPER MARCH 7, 3:30 PM – 7:00 PM Skip the dishes and the cooking when you come to the Holy Rosary Pasta Supper. Eat-in or Take-out, Adults $12.00. Children (10 years and younger) $8.00. Holy Rosary Church Hall, Queen St. S. (first Thursday of every month except June and August),

THOROLD VENDOR SHOW FOR CHARITY SATURDAY, MARCH 30 See what’s happening on Saturday, March 30, from 10am-4pm for a fundraiser to support the Distress Centre of Niagara. There will be over 20 local vendors and a raffle table with prizes. Club Belvedere 57 John Street, Thorold, Go to www.mythorold.com for more community events. Submit your event online. www.mythorold.com/events-listing-form/